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Jane Colclasure is a Little Rock native with more than 25 years of experience in product, architectural, and home and garden photography. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado and an associate’s degree from the Colorado Institute of Art.
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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
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Chris Davis was born and raised in Sherwood but now resides in North Little Rock with his wife and son. When his son was born, his wife asked for a new camera to take pictures of their little one. From there, his love of photography grew, and he is proud to be one of the contributing photographers at AY About You magazine.
AY About You Magazine is published monthly, Volume XXXIX, Issue 3 AY Magazine (ISSN 2162-7754) by AY Media Group, 910 W. 2nd St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Periodicals postage paid at Little Rock, AR and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to AY Magazine, 910 W. 2nd St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Subscription Inquiries: Subscription rate is $24 for one year (12 issues). Single issues are available upon request for $5. For subscriptions, inquiries or address changes, call 501-244-9700. The contents of AY are copyrighted ©2025, and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Articles in AY should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised in the magazine are not necessarily endorsed by AY
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For every true American, the Fourth of July is about more than cookouts and sparklers. It is a time to reflect on the many freedoms we enjoy in the U.S. that are merely a dream for people in other countries around the world.
This year, of course, there is an extra zing to Independence Day as the country reaches a milestone 250th birthday. What a privilege it is to be able to experience this once-in-a-lifetime moment and take the time to think about all that our nation has stood for and accomplished during the past 250 years.
This issue of AY About You pays homage to the occasion by providing a look at Arkansas250 activities happening around the state. We also bring you a list of 190 great things to experience in Arkansas in honor of the 190th anniversary of Arkansas statehood. From food and festivals to communities and the great outdoors, our list will give you ample adventures to last the rest of the year and then some.
Other patriotic articles this month include a reminder of flag etiquette, a look at Civil War reenactments in the state, a roundup of Arkansas’ national cemeteries, and a visit to a local VFW post to learn how the Veterans of Foreign Wars continues to provide community and fellowship to our nation’s heroes.
This month, we also salute the guys in our lives with our annual Men’s Issue, which includes information about staying healthy and vital at any age. That is not to mention our annual Men of Distinction, dedicated to outstanding men doing their part to uplift their communities. This one is for the fellas (and those who love them).
As you gather with family and friends, remember July 4 is more than a day off of work. It is a time to truly appreciate the honor and responsibility of what it is to be American in 2026. No matter how difficult life may seem today, it is nothing compared to the hardships and challenges of the people who came before us. May their pioneering spirit, grit and gumption inspire us today to make the next chapter of our beloved nation its greatest and most glorious.
Happy Birthday, America!
Heather Baker, President & Publisher hbaker@aymag.com / heatherbaker_ar
NATIONAL HAMBURGER DAY: WHERE’S YOUR FAVORITE BURGER IN ARKANSAS?
Cypress Social with a side of cheese curds.
Shana Chaplin
ART MEETS NATURE: GARVAN WOODLAND GARDENS GEARS UP FOR A UNIQUE LIMITED-TIME INSTALLATION
It is amazing in person!
Debra Wood
U.S. PIZZA IS OPENING IN HOT SPRINGS — AND WE’RE HERE FOR IT
I love U.S. Pizza Company!!! All their food is really good!!!
Nanette Staggs Strickland
GLAZED & CONFUSED? LET THESE ARKANSAS DONUT SHOPS LEAD THE WAY!
Love the donut list, it’s making me hungry!
Sheila Woodall
CONWAY TO WELCOME FIRST BRAUM’S IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS
Braum’s has the BEST milk!
Judy Raber
THE WEEKENDER BY HEATHER BAKER: MOUNTAIN HARBOR RESORT & SPA — A MAGICAL ESCAPE AT LAKE OUACHITA
Oh I LOVE Mountain Harbor Resort and Spa!!!!!! Need to get back there! Thank you for sharing Heather Baker and AY Magazine!
Shea Bryant
AY’S BEST OF 2026 PERSON OF THE YEAR: SHANNON (BEDORE) VELEZ NEVER MET A MOUNTAIN SHE COULDN’T CLIMB
Congratulations on all the hard work and well deserved success! That’s great!!
Dan Sanker
TRENDING ON AYMAG.COM
AY’s Best of 2026
Garth Brooks shocks guests at Arkansas Country Music Awards
Count Porkula to close, more may be in store for location
Arkansas farmers markets offer fresh produce and local goods
Huey Magoo’s plans Arkansas debut with first location in Conway
Actor Matthew McConaughey will be honored with Variety ’s Legend & Groundbreaker Award during the Filmland Film Festival in Little Rock.
We are excited to announce that AY has won Best Publication/Blog/Podcast of the Year at the 2026 Arkansas Country Music Awards.
Woof Gang Bakery & Grooming has announced the opening of its first Arkansas location in Rogers.
After years of allergies, sinus infections, and migraine headaches, Keena Williams suddenly lost vision in one eye in 2024 and was referred to Dr. Tyler Merrill at UAMS Health for emergency surgery. A fellowship-trained rhinologist who specializes in advanced sinus surgery, Dr. Merrill performed surgery the following day to treat a fungal sinus infection that was pressing on her optic nerve, restoring her sight without making an incision in her skull. Now under the care of UAMS allergist Dr. Sevdenur Keskin, Williams’ life-long allergies and overall health have improved dramatically.
“I was scared and had no idea what was going on for months. I prayed about it, and when I met Dr. Merrill, I knew immediately that everything was going to be okay. I can’t say enough about him and the entire team at UAMS. Life is good.” – Keena Williams, Little Rock
you just can't miss!
July 4
Searcy Soccer Complex — Searcy
Join in the fun of one of Arkansas’ largest Independence Day blowouts 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.
July 4
First Security Amphitheater — Little Rock
Get in the patriotic spirit at this annual free family event at First Security Amphitheater in downtown Little Rock. Kick off the night with performances by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, The Rodney Block Collective and Kemistri featuring Nikki Parrish. Enjoy food trucks and alcoholic beverages for sale while waiting for the main event — a giant fireworks display over the Arkansas River.
July 11
Simmons Bank Arena — North Little Rock
Founded in Arkansas, Evanescence made waves around the world during the early 2000s. Led by frontwoman Amy Lee, the group’s blend of metal and piano-driven melodies defined a generation. Its debut album, Fallen, won multiple Grammys. Since then, the band has released four more studio albums. Now, more than 20 years later, the group is on tour again, and its homecoming show is sure to rock Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock.
July 18
Statehouse Convention Center — Little Rock
Teaming up with local radio stations 103.7 The Buzz and Alice 107.7, The Great Arkansas Beer Festival and Rock City Margarita Festival are throwing a big summer party. With the price of admission, people can sample as many margaritas, beers, wines and seltzers as they want. Food will also be available for purchase, and there will be games, music, dancing, giveaways and more.
July 30
Walmart AMP — Rogers
Enjoy summer at the Walmart AMP during Darius Rucker’s Songs of the Summer Tour. Rucker, the Grammy-award winning artist, is known for his chart-topping country hits “Wagon Wheel” and “Beers and Sunshine.” His brand-new album, Carolyn’s Boy, brings everything fans want to hear. This concert is sure to rock harder than a wagon wheel.
“All eyes are opened, or opening, to the rights of man. The general spread of the light of science has already laid open to every view the palpable truth, that the mass of mankind has not been born with saddles on their backs, nor a favored few booted and spurred, ready to ride them legitimately, by the grace of God. These are grounds of hope for others. For ourselves, let the annual return of this day forever refresh our recollections of these rights, and an undiminished devotion to them.”
Letter from Thomas Jefferson to Roger C. Weightman
June 24, 1826
An ailing Jefferson sent these words in response to an invitation to Washington, D.C., to celebrate 50 years since the signing of the Declaration of Independence. As fate would have it, the founding father died just days later — on July 4. No doubt if he had been in attendance, he would have seen fireworks as part of all the pomp and circumstance, which had become custom since the first U.S. birthday party, thrown in 1777.
While the idea of a “fireworks show” had been coming along for about a thousand years at that point, it would take until the 1830s for inventors to start producing the kind of multicolored spectacles one would recognize today — a different take on the “light of science” Jefferson had in mind, to be sure, but one that has made for even bigger, brighter and bolder shows on the country’s 250th anniversary.
As Arkansas families flock to their favorite fairgrounds, campsites, lakes, parks and other gathering spots to celebrate a milestone Independence Day, AY About You has curated a list of places across the Natural State to catch a few patriotic pyrotechnics over the Fourth of July weekend.
July 3
Benton
Benton’s Red, White & Boom is bringing food, fun and family-friendly entertainment to the River Center on Citizens Drive from 7 to 9:45 p.m. July 3. Free hot dogs are back this year, along with an expanded kids zone, musical acts, a tribute to American heroes, and “the largest and longest fire works show [Saline] County has ever seen.”
July 3
July 4
Bentonville
Conway Lights Over the Lake returns to Beaverfork Lake Park for an evening of games, prizes and more than a dozen food trucks — all capped with a spectacular fireworks show — from 3:30 to 9:30 p.m. Bringing his own mix of country, rock and Americana to the stage for this year’s event is American Idol Season 23 contestant and Dardanelle native, Sam Sparks.
July 3
Jonesboro
Organizers from Nettleton Baptist Church expect the biggest turnout yet for their annual Food Trucks & Fireworks celebration. The event will be at the Northeast Arkansas District Fairgrounds July 3 and typically hosts more than 30 food vendors alongside a variety of attractions and entertainment, all leading up to a thrilling First Community Bank Grand Slam fireworks show.
July 3
Magnolia Sparks will fly at the 12th iteration of Magnolia’s Sparks in the Park celebration, set for 7 p.m. July 3 at Eastside Park. On tap for the evening are food trucks, a foam party, a splash pad, games and more. Bring a chair and settle in after dark for a fireworks spectacular to wrap up one of Magnolia’s most anticipated summer traditions.
July 3
Mountain Home
Year 250 for the United States is year 41 for the Lake Norfork Independence Eve Fireworks Show, which takes place after dark July 3. Enjoyable from car, campsite or boat, fireworks will be shot from the “Twin Bridges” area of the lake and accompanied by music on KPFM Country 105.5. Stick around the next day for the John G. Eastwold Memorial 4th of July Fireworks Show at nearby Bull Shoals-White River State Park.
Ohana Celebration Park
Independence Day Celebration
July 3
Vilonia
Ohana Celebration Park is gearing up to say “Happy Birthday, USA” in its signature family style. Running from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. July 3, the day promises food, ice cream, games, fishing, swimming, kayaking and good, clean fun. The fire department will also be out with a truck, doubling as a learning opportunity for the kids, and the night will finish with a bang, of course.
Marybeth Byrd and The Arkansas Winds will headline Bentonville’s annual Evening at Orchards Park 4th of July Celebration this year. Food trucks will open and live music will start at 7 p.m., and the fireworks show will begin at 9:30 p.m. While in town, be sure to pencil in a trip to the newly expanded Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art and catch the aptly-themed exhibition America 250: Common Threads.
July 4
Cherokee Village
Make a day of it between the sister cities of Cherokee Village and Hardy. Cherokee Village’s annual Thunder on Thunderbird festivities will kick off with a firefighter’s pancake breakfast and the Spring River Farmers Market, while nearby Hardy will dedicate its new King Family Pocket Park with plenty of Independence Day entertainment on deck. The evening is set for a patriotic boat parade on Lake Thunderbird and fireworks at the dam starting at 9 p.m.
July 4
El Dorado
“Arkansas’ Original Boomtown,” will have the chance to put a different spin on that moniker as the sky above the Union County Fairgrounds lights up at 9 p.m. Food, fun and a live DJ will be on offer leading up to the show. Earlier in the day, the South Arkansas Historic Preservation Society will host the 2nd Annual Great American Ice Cream Social, while the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources is set for a public reading of the Declaration of Independence.
July 4
Eureka Springs
Jamboreeka always promises to be a good time, not least because Eureka Springs celebrates its own birthday alongside that of the nation July 4. Taking place at the Lake Leatherwood Ballfields, the event starts at 5 p.m. and offers live music, local food, beer and merchandise vendors, water games, and a showstopping fireworks display.
July 4
Fayetteville
Fayetteville is making a full weekend of America’s 250th. The inaugural Fayetteville Sound Bites featuring Bite Northwest Arkansas takes place on Friday evening. In an exciting return, July 4 will see the first large public fireworks celebration in Fayetteville since 2015, slated for the Northwest Arkansas Mall. The show starts at 9 p.m., and guests can tune into KRMW-FM 94.9 for synchronized music during the display.
July 4
Fort Smith
Mayor George McGill is once again inviting everyone out to Harry E. Kelley River Park for an evening of patriotism and community in down town Fort Smith. With all the live music, local vendors, food trucks and family-friendly activities one could ask for and capped with a must-see riv erfront fireworks show at 9:30 p.m., it is no wonder the event is one of Fort Smith’s favorite summer hangs.
July 4
Heber Springs
Heber Springs has quite the lineup set for July, starting with a flyover from the Arkansas Air National Guard Blackhawk helicopters July 1. Freedom Fest on the Lake starts bright and early on July 4 with the Freedom Fest 5K. After getting those miles logged, head to Sandy Beach for a day of fun with entertainment provided by Cliff & Susan, and then end the night with a fireworks extravaganza at 9:30 p.m. set to tunes by 101.9 The Lake-KSUG.
July 4
Hot Springs
Thanks to a launch location set on barges in the middle of Lake Hamilton on the east side of Arkansas 7, Hot Springs’ annual Fourth of July fireworks are easy to see from plenty of vantage points surrounding the bridge. The sensational Spa City display will be synced to music on radio station 97.5 FM US97 and starts just after dark.
July 4
Jacksonville
The Big BANG is back on Jacksonville’s Municipal Drive, featuring concessions, live music, family-friendly activities aplenty and, best of all, a “banging, booming, rockets-red-glaring fireworks show over the wideopen sky” once the sun goes down. The festivities begin at 5 p.m., so grab a blanket or chair and set out for an evening of all-ages fun.
July 4
Little Rock
The 42nd annual Pops on the River is set to be a hit once again as the capital city gathers to celebrate 250 years of the USA. Featuring entertainment, food and fun, the event starts at 5 p.m. and will include a free patriotic concert by the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra plus performances from the Rodney Block Collective and Kemistri featuring Nicky Parrish. Fireworks start at 9:30 p.m.
July 4
Mount Ida
4th of July
July 4
Pangburn
Those looking for an especially unique way to start their Independence Day itinerary can head to Pangburn for the town’s annual outhouse races, followed — not too closely behind, one hopes — by a downtown parade and opening ceremony. Also in the day’s plans are a car show, horseshoe tournament, live music and barbecue dinner, all leading up to the fireworks show at 9:20 p.m.
July 4
Pine Bluff
Catch southeast Arkansas’ largest display of fireworks, hosted by the Pine Bluff Festival Association and taking place at the softball fields at Pine Bluff/Jefferson County Regional Park. The drive-up event can be enjoyed from one’s car with musical accompaniment from 99.3 The Beat.
July 4
Rogers
Under the musical direction of guest conductor Shih-Hung Young, SoNA will put on a patriotic performance that promises to “celebrate the beauty and grandeur of America” and honor the nation’s veterans. Gates open at 7 p.m., and music starts at 8 p.m., capped off at the end of the night by a fireworks show.
July 4
Russellville
Head over to Pope County to enjoy Independence Day in downtown Russellville with live music all afternoon, great food trucks and family fun. Festivities kick off at 5 p.m. and finish off with a showstopping fireworks display worthy of celebrating 250 years of the red, white and blue.
July 4
Searcy
There are few better ways to enjoy the Fourth of July than from Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa, home to the biggest fireworks show at Lake Ouachita. The day kicks off with Jeeps, horses, golf carts and all manner of other transportation in the Fourth of July Four Wheeler Parade, followed in the evening by a pyrotechnic display set to music.
As usual, Searcy Beats and Eats is going all out for its annual Fourth of July celebration, billed as the largest in central Arkansas. This year’s “United We Stand” is headlined by Eagles tribute band The Handsome Devils with supporting acts that include the White County Community Band and American Idol standout Makiyah Mustiful. Enjoy a petting zoo, bounce houses, yard games, food, vendors and more starting at 6 p.m. The night concludes with a drone show and one of the biggest fireworks displays to be found anywhere in the state.
By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos by JANE COLCLASURE
Couple behind Songbyrd Development succeeds with integrity
Just a few minutes into any conversation with Gerald and Veronica Gregory, owners of Songbyrd Development in Little Rock, yields a clear look at what has made them successful in life and in business: a skillful melding of two very different mindsets.
In word and action, Gerald lets off a palpable intensity for what he does, something born not of ambition but of purpose. For her part, Veronica is the salve that soothes his competitive burn, offering alternative ideas and perspective to ensure all plans are thought through. They are an uncommon combination and yet incredibly effective as they work to build a company and advance their real estate ventures.
“What I value most about her is her patience. She’s a lot slower to move on things than I am,” Gerald said. “I mean, that’s hard to take sometimes, but she’s able to see the project from a different lens than I do, and I think that slower, methodical pace has been helpful.
“I can make a decision right now and live with it, and I’ll be right 80 or 90 percent of the time. By her slowing me down, I’ve found that I go from the 90th percentile to the 95th percentile.”
“My husband is very driven. He’s a great teacher and a great leader,” Veronica said. “I’ve learned a lot about the construction industry by watching him and learning about what he’s doing every day.
“It really inspires me because he’s right —
I’m a little bit more relaxed in my personality or whatever. I’ve learned to have that drive and be a little more aware of deadlines and schedules and things like that.”
The duo have known each other since they were children. Veronica’s family lived just a few doors down from Gerald’s relatives, who he would come to visit in the South End neighborhood of Little Rock. They attended McClellan High School and UA Little Rock together. Gerald earned a degree in construction management, and Veronica earned a degree in liberal arts studies.
“Honestly, my mother knew I had a gift
to draw, but I wasn’t really an artist. I was a sketcher, and I also used to build stuff with popsicle sticks,” Gerald said. “Later on in life, I’m getting ready to go to college, and [Mom] was like, ‘You ought to study architecture,’ which is what I started out in in college.
“That got me close enough to the construction industry to let me know that I wasn’t a designer. I found construction at that point, and that’s what I wanted to do because it was so structured. It was still artistic and still focused on mathematics. I was always great mathematically, so it just made sense.”
Gerald continued to broaden his knowl-
“As I started sharpening my skill set and becoming better at my craft, I noticed pretty quickly that I had a really good talent for this.”
– Gerald Gregory Owner, Songbyrd Enterprises
edge through his first couple of jobs after graduation, having already set some goals for himself and his career, specifically to be a boss and to do work that gives back. No matter how much he succeeded in working for others, including rising to the level of chief operating officer at one firm, he was resolute about one day reaching those two objectives.
“As I started sharpening my skill set and becoming better at my craft, I noticed pretty quickly that I had a really good talent for this. I could project and forecast and move a project along, maintain budget. I could be very pushy, which plays well in construction,” he said. “Once I got to the level of COO, I realized that, hey, I’m doing almost everything other than cashing the check and putting the deal together, and that’s what I wanted to do. I really wanted to be a player. I wanted to be an executive.
“The most difficult thing about getting into that was I didn’t have any exposure to construction growing up, at least at the level that I want to do construction. Yes, I knew concrete guys. Yes, I knew framers. Yes, I knew steel guys, but that’s not the path I wanted to go down. I wanted to run the project, and that exposure wasn’t at my fingertips. I really lacked a mentor and had to learn most of what I know as I went along, on my own.”
When Gerald finally decided to take the leap into entrepreneurship, satisfying his first
goal, his initial projects were of the kind that fed into his purpose-driven second goal.
“I noticed the area that we grew up in was diminishing, and I had the skill set to do something about it, but I was spending my time and my talent basically across the bridge,” Gerald said. “That really hit a nerve with me, and so I came back across the bridge, and we basically started out doing affordable homes, rebuilding the neighborhood.
“It also helped to get our name out there, to show our product. We took on a couple of tough remodels on abandoned properties where we went back in and redesigned those to get the concept for our design-builds that came later.”
The next logical step — from refurbishments to new construction — came from a chance meeting with a former college acquaintance at the takeout counter of a local restaurant.
“This classmate of mine was in front of me in line, and he recognized me, and we caught up. He asked me what I did for a living, and I told him I was in construction,” Gerald said. “He was like, ‘Oh, we’re looking to build a house. Can you build a house?’ I’m like, ‘Well, yeah, yeah I can.’
“I’d never built a house before, but I’d built a whole lot of other stuff. I’d done every part of construction, built hotels and schools. Surely I could build a house.”
In fact, the client was so happy with
Through their business ventures, the Gregorys balance profitability with purpose.
the finished project that he and his wife became the Gregorys’ best form of advertising. Over the decade since that project, one client followed another to the tune of about one per year, the original one popping up from time to time for additions and improvements.
“That first customer, we came back to do a major remodel to the home last December, and we’re building a garage for them right now,” Gerald said. “That customer has been a repeat customer since that day, you could say, and they’re one of our biggest fans. They’re always communicating with us, sending contacts, sending us leads.”
Three years ago, the couple decided it was time to move into yet another phase of their professional life, real estate development. Gerald’s experience in construction, Veronica’s own 10-year career in real estate sales and the reputation they’d built for quality work through their luxury home builds all combined seamlessly, and the company is about to break ground on its first housing development.
“I didn’t grow up doing construction or knowing anything much about construction, but I did have an eye for design, and I love to create and put things together,” Veronica said. “My background in real estate really merged into what we’re doing now, which is to apply my creative aspect as far as design and getting the houses sold and doing acquisitions for our company and those things. We definitely
merged our talents together.”
Now as then, the couple measures their success in more than monetary terms, with a desire to serve areas that have been overlooked. The ability to bring new investment and new opportunity to such places is every bit as motivating as the desire to make money, if not more so, just as it was with the neighborhood the couple came from.
“From the time we started, we probably rehabbed 20 structures in South End, and that has really changed the landscape of that area, and then we started seeing other builders come in,” Gerald said. “If you don’t count the rebuilds from the tornado that hit back in ‘96 or ’97, there had only been two new houses built in that area in 25 years: my mother’s and a neighbor across the street.
“Ever since we started, we have personally invested over $4 million in that area, and as I’m looking around, there’s probably another $4 million that’s been invested by other builders. That’s $8 million spent in a little corridor south of Roosevelt to Martin Luther King to Arch Street to 33rd Street. To see a neighborhood that had gone downhill come back up to become a really prospering community and to know we were able to have a hand in that, it’s very gratifying.”
One of the things I like most about the expanded storefront at Norwood-Day Floral Co. in Little Rock is I finally have the chance to offer design classes at the shop. We host an open class for the community each month, as well as private classes by appointment, ideal for birthday parties, corporate team building and other occasions.
I also appreciate the ability to share my design expertise with readers of AY About You. In honor of Independence Day, here are some simple steps to making a patriotic bow. An over-the-top bow can be used to decorate in all kinds of ways, including the three door decorations shown here: a wreath, a swag and a door hanger.
This same technique can be used for any season — just swap out the ribbon for colors that reflect Christmas, Easter or any other holiday. Do not worry about being too matchy-matchy. A hodgepodge of different colors, patterns and textures is all the rage these days.
How to Make a Patriotic Bow
1. Gather your materials: For this bow, I used five different ribbons of various widths, but it is possible to use even more. Beginners may find that wired ribbons are easier to work with because they hold their form. I recommend using double-sided ribbon for a more dynamic look. Those who want to use fewer spools of ribbon can use two lengths of double-sided ribbon folded on opposite sides.
4. Tie the center: Using the extra yard of ribbon, tie a simple knot at the central point. The tails of the knot can be used to fasten the ribbon to your chosen decoration.
2: Cut the ribbon: Cut about 2 yards of each ribbon. I use two arm lengths as a measurement. Then cut an additional yard of one ribbon to use as the center of the bow.
3. Make the loops: Take about a foot of ribbon and fold it over to a few inches from the end of the ribbon, which will become the center of the bow. Then, going the opposite direction, fold the ribbon over another foot to the same point, creating two 6-inch loops. Feel free to make some loops bigger or smaller. The ribbon should have one long tail and one short tail. Repeat this process with the other four ribbons, grasping the center point with the thumb and forefinger.
5. Clip the tails: Fold the ends of the tails in half, and cut diagonally from the center toward the ends to create a dove tail. There are many other ways to finish the ends, including diagonal and center points, but the dove tail is my favorite.
6. Fluff the bow: Here comes the fun part. Twist the loops so that they fill the bow in all directions, and push down on the loops to give them more volume. Gently crimp the tails by folding them back and forth like an accordion to finish the look.
7. Attach the ribbon: Tie the bow to the wreath, hanger or swag as directed below. The bow may need a few final adjustments after it is attached.
For wreath or door hanger: Simply tie the bow onto a boxwood wreath or a seasonal door hanger. More ribbons and embellishments can be added to the wreath, if desired.
Attach the bow to an arrangment of silk flowers to create a swag.
For swag: The swag requires a little more work, but the result is worth it. Gather an assortment of silk blooms. I used blue and white hydrangea, red ranunculus, Queen Anne’s lace and blue scabiosa. Clip the flowers at the base of the stem, and remove the lower foliage.
Then layer the blooms. I used the blue hydrangea as my base. Then I added dimension by layering the white hydrangea and red ranunculus on top. I then added the Queen Anne’s lace and scabiosa, arranging the stems so that the flowers stuck out at an angle. Be sure to add darker colors toward the end so that they do not get lost by being buried too deep in the arrangement.
Bind the flowers together an inch or so below the lowest blossom using Oasis tape or another floral tape. Then turn the arrangement upside down and affix the bow, weaving the tails between the stems so they stream down for an elegant look. Clip the stems as needed.
Attach a hanger to the back of the swag. One can easily be made by cutting a silk flower stem and folding it in half like a hairpin. Tuck the two ends into the tie ribbon toward the stem side of the swag, and then bend the clip up toward the stems and back down to create a hanger.
I hope these arrangements help set the scene for America’s 250th birthday. Visit norwood-day.com to sign up for one of our classes, or call 501-255-8883 to schedule a private lesson.
Chris Norwood and Christina Day-Essary are co-owners of Norwood-Day Floral Co. in Little Rock. For more information, visit norwood-day. com.
By MAK MILLARD
According to numbers from the Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association — one of the more niche special interest groups to find oneself among, surely — that other great American pastime, grilling, is in something of a renaissance. The association’s 2023 State of the Barbecue Industry report notes that 38 percent of all grill owners had purchased new hardware since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Firing up the grill throughout fall and winter has grown in popularity, as well, though nothing has yet come close to standard-bearer dates such as the Fourth of July, Labor Day and Memorial Day.
Several factors look primed to make this summer’s grilling season a particularly strong one. Coming off a yearslong home improvement boom, families who splurged on a new pool or updated patio will be looking for any excuse to be out-of-doors. At the same time, the ‘staycation’ has become more popular than ever, especially for households hoping to make their budgets stretch as far as possible. To top it all off, a certain country’s 250th birthday has already had folks celebrating all season long. There are few better ways to combine all those interests than with a good old-fashioned backyard barbecue, but even bigger things might be at stake: Could the answer to intergenerational discord be found between two buns? Perhaps most encouraging for the nation’s grill manufacturers — and anyone else who appreciates a good char on their brats — is the next generation’s interest in the charcoal and propane arts.
A recent Talker Research poll conducted on behalf of Tyson Foods found a majority of Americans consider cooking outside one of the joys of the summer season, “with Gen Z being particularly stoked about backyard cookouts compared to other generations’ at 59 percent. Two out of three respondents said they planned to grill at least once a week throughout the summer. While classic, easily scaled entrees such as hamburgers and hot dogs are sure to dominate shoppers’ lists, one of the great things about planning a summer cookout is the endless amount of variety when it comes to menu curation.
“Our favorite family cookout foods are ribeyes and our jalapeno cheddar bratwurst, best served with creamy mac and cheese and a grilled Caesar salad,” said Tyler Beaudreau, owner of Double B Farm and Ranch in Bigelow.
Raising cattle, chickens and hogs on their 125-acre Wye Mountain farm, Beaudreau and his wife, Laura, know a thing or two when it comes to quality ingredients, grilling or otherwise. Double B uses rotational grazing for its cattle, and the swine and chicken are free range. Growing demand for organic meat and eggs moved the couple to open the Double B Ranch Farm Market earlier this year.
“You can absolutely tell the difference in the quality of the meat,” Beaudreau said. “I have heard multiple times that people remember the taste of the meat from their childhood. Our beef also has nothing added, so the weight you buy is the weight you eat.”
Steak is likewise at the top of the list for Steve Edwards Jr., special projects manager at GES and part of the family behind the Edwards Food Giant and Edwards Cash Saver
brands. Proudly billed as “The Meat People” thanks to the company’s embrace of in-house meat cutting and processing, Edwards stores pioneered the “Pick 5” deal now emulated by other independent grocers. Certain Edwards Food Giant locations, including Cantrell and Lakewood, offer dry-aged beef, as well. For a Friday evening or Saturday meal prepared on the grill, Edwards said he often reaches for a rib-eye or filet.
“My personal favorite thing to do, especially with a rib-eye, is to do a reverse sear so I can get it just short of being up to temp,” he said. “I’m on indirect heat, and it gets that whole thick cut all kind of to temp. Then you take it off, and you do a really high sear for those last few minutes to get that crust.”
Unfortunately, many families have been feeling extra heat from their wallets, rather than their favorite grilled fare. Inflation has been an ongoing concern for what feels like ages, while more recent and acute price spikes have shoppers looking even harder for cost-effective solutions visa-vis summer cookout plans. Meat remains virtually nonnegotiable, however. As Edwards noted, “you’re not going to see a whole lot of customers that are just going to pull meat out of their grocery budget.”
“What we’re seeing a lot more of is customers that are shifting the way that they shop for meat,” he said. “Someone else might say, ‘Hey, listen, I’m struggling for cash, and where I might used to go and get a [Certified Angus Beef] rib-eye, I might be getting a choice rib-eye,’ which might not have as much marbling, or they sit there and say, ‘Hey, I might opt for a top sirloin steak instead of a rib-eye.’”
Deals like the “Pick 5” at Edwards Food Giant are one way to get more meat for one’s bread, but there are others. Double B Farm and Ranch also sells beef by the whole or half cow, options that are more economical per pound, Beaudreau said. Those without the freezer space or appetite for making use of such a large haul, though, might consider one of the farm’s bundle boxes for a balance of variety and sav ings in a more manageable package.
“You will want to look for what you cook most,” Beaudreau said. “If you mainly cook ground beef, maybe take advantage of our 10-pound ground beef box for $8.50 a pound. If you are a big steak eater, you can purchase a whole loin from us on special order and cut your own steaks. This will save you money, and you can get the exact thickness of steak you would like cutting it yourself.”
Would-be cookout chefs should not over look their nonbeef options, either, such as chicken and pork. One of Edwards’ favorite weeknight grilling meals was picked up from social media, he said, and makes convenient use of an oft-ignored part of the bird.
“Take some chicken thighs, and you mari nate them in with a whole jar of canned jala penos. Let them marinate overnight. Season your chicken thighs with some taco season ing,” he said. “The next day, you throw them on the grill — and it’s really hard to burn those thighs — and you throw them on a sandwich. That is one of my family’s favorite grilling weeknight go-tos because you can marinate it the night before, and you can come home, and you can have dinner ready in 30 minutes.”
can be more easily portioned out to feed a crowd. Beaudreau, meanwhile, recommended using Double B’s stew meat for kebabs as another smart swap.
“Our stew meat is cut from the sirloin roast, so [it] is still tender and has a great beef flavor,” Beaudreau said.
The Meat People have a panoply of other items with which to bolster one’s summer meals,
coleslaw, mac and cheese, fruit salad, and broccoli salad. That is to say nothing of the seasonings, rubs, condiments, toppings and other ingredients needed to round things out whether one is fine-tuning the sear on their steaks or simply slinging burgers on a sunny afternoon.
With the grill as one’s canvas and a bit of creativity, there are plenty of ways to keep the summer sizzle going for a bargain. Edwards also mentioned the possibility of marinating flank steaks for easy fajitas or picking up a two-pack of Boston butts for pulled pork that
all the time.”
Still, there is more to an ideal summer plate than the meat in the middle. Talker Research’s polling found potato salad, chips and baked beans taking the top spots when it came to party planners’ must-have sides, and plenty of family-functiongoers also opt for deviled eggs,
“We have all the perfect cookout essential ingredients at our farm market, from seasonings and sauces to fresh vegetables and lettuce.” Beaudreau said. “We, of course, have all the meats and are always here to help with any questions, from preparation to presentation.”
Edwards mentioned baked potatoes and fresh ears of corn as two of his family’s favorite staple sides, not least because of how easy they are to incorporate into one’s food prep alongside the stars of the show.
“My big thing is if I’m grilling, I like to keep everything that I’m doing kind of in the zone that I’m working,” Edwards said. “I don’t want to have to run from the kitchen to the grill and back and forth, so if I can do it all out on the grill, that’s really what I’m trying to do. Same thing with baked beans. You can stick a little cast iron pot of baked beans on your grill with the rest of the stuff.”
People less inclined to whip up homemade sides — not to mention anyone looking for last-minute ideas on their way to the pool party — will find the Edwards Food Giant deli stocked with plenty of ready-made options primed for the occasion.
“Check out our smokehouse because we have the items that we smoke ahead of time, as well. Sometimes customers like to grab those just for a quick and easy meal,” Edwards said. “I’ll tell people, too, if you’re going to grill out and you don’t want to deal with making the potato salad, go over to the deli, and get you a big container of that, put it into a bowl, and no one has any idea whether you made it or whether it came from the store.”
By ALEX HARDGRAVE
While a warm cup of joe is a great way to kickstart a day, throughout a hot Arkansas summer, those imbibing in coffee may prefer something colder during their local cafe visits. However, a trip to the coffee shop does not always yield simple options. Choosing between the various iced selections can be daunting, and a lot goes into making delicious iced coffee drinks, including lattes, cold brew and pour-overs, than simply pouring brewed coffee over ice.
A variety of brewing techniques are employed by Arkansas coffee shops to get the best flavors out of the coffee beans depending on the type of iced drink.
“Everything from grind temperature to extraction method — it all plays a part in what your finished product is,” said Kevin Rogers, co-owner of Kollective Coffee + Tea in Hot Springs.
Here is a look at some of Arkansas’ favorite java joints and some sound advice from experts about what to order for refreshment on long summer days.
Guillermo’s Gourmet Coffee in Little Rock was established in 2008 and purchased by the Alley family in 2016. Since then, it has grown to be a destination for an extensive selection of coffee beans roasted right in the store.
Guillermo’s offers iced coffee drinks in three different iterations — iced coffee, cold brew and iced lattes.
Its iced coffee is made by taking a cup of fresh-brewed drip coffee and icing it down. Customers can choose between a dark- or light-roast coffee. A light-roasted coffee has spent less time in the roaster and therefore has more caffeine content still in it, while a darker roast has been roasted longer, which brings out rich flavors.
After the coffee is poured over ice, customers can choose to add a type of milk or halfand-half. The coffee Guillermo’s uses is never bitter and creates a smooth iced coffee, owner James Alley said.
“You want it to be cold, especially in an Arkansas summer,” Alley said.
The shop’s iced lattes are made with hot espresso shots that are then poured over ice, to which baristas add the customer’s choice of milk. The baristas brew the shop’s cold brew without using hot water. Instead, they soak coarsely ground beans in water overnight to create the elixir.
Guillermo’s also offers a collection of flavors guests can add to the lattes, iced coffee or cold brews. The flavors are whisked in so that the flavor is mixed throughout the drink. The most popular flavor at the shop is a mix of honey, cinnamon and vanilla, Alley said, but for his money, “you can’t beat an iced caramel.”
Guillermo's Gourmet Coffee
10700 N. Rodney Parham Road Little Rock 501-228-4448
guillermoscoffee.com
For 11 years, Rogers and his wife, Agnes, have prioritized artisan coffee made using organic and local goods. Kollective Coffee + Tea’s team prides itself on running a third-wave coffee shop, but what does that mean for a customer’s cup of iced coffee?
(Photos courtesy of Kollective Coffee + Tea)
“Third-wave coffee shops are focused more on seed to cup, knowing where the coffee originates from, how it was grown, the varietals, and then that goes into the various brew methods that you use to extract the best out of what the bean has to offer,” Kevin Rogers said.
Kollective Coffee buys its beans from another Arkansas-based brand, Onyx Coffee Lab. Rogers takes those beans and blends science with quality ingredients to create a great brew.
One option for an iced coffee drink at Kollective is coffee over ice. Rogers said he prefers to use a lighter brew when making an iced coffee to avoid stringency and bring out citrusy notes in the coffee. The team uses a high-tech machine to make iced coffee with phased extractions.
“It puts measured amounts of water in and then pulls everything through a vacuum and mixes it all together so we can really hit on each one of those notes without getting the stringency that heat provides in a traditional brewing method,” he said.
For the iced lattes at Kollective, baristas use another piece of equipment, which pulls an espresso concentrate
Kollective Coffee + Tea Co.
110 Central Ave., Hot Springs 501-701-4000 kollectivecoffeetea.com
that is as strong as a shot of espresso but comes out cold. That means when it is poured over ice, it does not melt the ice and dilute the drink.
Another way the shop offers iced coffee is as a pour-over. A pour-over done over ice is sometimes called Japanese iced coffee. Kollective’s baristas make a pour-over by hand-pouring hot water through a filter with grounds. This version is Rogers’ favorite way to drink iced coffee, he said.
“It gives you a really clean, crisp cup,” he said. “It’s a real artisan process.”
Flavors can be added to any of these versions of iced drinks to add a touch of sweetness, and various types of milk can be poured in, as well. The shop offers more than 25 different flavors, among which Rogers said he has seen floral flavorings gaining popularity at his location and in general.
“Every generation and every season brings new top sellers in that regard,” he said. “Classics like caramel and vanilla are always big crowd favorites too.”
A short drive down the road from the Pinnacle Mountain State Park Visitors Center sits a large gray building: Leiva’s Coffee. Every sip of coffee there not only tastes good; it does good by supporting the local company and helping villages in coffee-producing areas and the farmers escape poverty and gain education.
The mission is personal for Leiva’s CEO and founder, Geovanni
(Photos courtesy of Leiva’s)
Leiva, who grew up on his family’s coffee farm in Guatemala. Despite having loved coffee since he was very young, once he left Guatemala to go to school in the U.S., he never planned to return to his family’s business.
However, after time in the technology industry, he pivoted back into coffee to make a difference in the world. What started as a business out of his garage and a coffee truck has grown into a large roasting facility and cafe. Leiva’s is creating a sustainable coffee market by paying farmers twice as much as the country’s minimum wage and directing proceeds to
Leiva’s Coffee 13201 Arkansas 300, Roland 501-830-8457 leivascoffee.com
Mylo Coffee Co. in Little Rock prides itself on being community oriented, sourcing its beans locally from Leiva’s Coffee.
“We see a lot of the same faces every day,” said Lindsey Kendrick, general manager. “We’re just looking at providing a good, quality experience every time you come in the door.”
At Mylo, any hot latte on the menu can also be served iced. Each flavored latte gets its taste from housemade flavors.
Mylo also offers cold brew made from a concentrate, which is premixed so it is ready quickly. Then customers can have flavors or various milk options added to the cold brew if they like.
“I always suggest that if somebody is looking for a higher-caffeine drink, cold brew is probably the direction they want to go,” she said. “If you’re looking for something a little sweeter and creamier, I would go with an iced latte.”
Customers can top off any of the lattes or cold brews with housemade cold foam in a variety of dif-
ferent flavors.
nonprofit education work.
“Education is how we eradicate poverty,” he said.
At Levia’s, guests get a drink not only made with beans roasted on-site but a drink made with the best water and best equipment around, Leiva said.
For iced drinks, Levia’s offers cold brew, iced lattes and nitro cold brew with a variety of flavors to choose from. Baristas make an iced latte by pulling an espresso shot and immediately pouring it over ice to flash cool it, which helps preserve the beans’ flavors.
He said coffee is one of the most complicated things when it comes to flavor, and most beans contain more than 400 flavors within them.
“Coffee is like a chemistry project,” Leiva said.
However, Leiva said if someone is looking for a super sugary coffee drink, his cafe is not the place for that. Flavors added to the drinks complement the beans’ natural flavor notes, rather than cover up a lower-quality, bitter coffee that some larger chains may have, Leiva said.
A star of the show on the iced coffee menu is the tres leche nitro. It starts with a base of the shop’s small-batch nitrogen-infused cold brew. Being infused with nitrogen gives it a smooth, creamy finish. The cold brew is mixed with vanilla and three types of milk and topped off with sea salt.
Not only does the company use its ethically sourced beans in its own coffee creations, but it also sells coffee wholesale to many companies in the state and beyond.
Leiva said his goal for the company is to sell 1 million pounds of coffee beans.
“If you shoot for the stars and you land on the moon, you are still pretty far from Earth,” he said.
For customers who want an iced drink but do not want the coffee kick, Kendrick pointed to a collection of teas that can be made iced, as well as the shop’s homemade lemonade. One of the latest trends in the world of coffee houses is matcha. At Mylo, guests are served a traditional, ceremonial-grade matcha from Arkansasbased brand Savoy Tea Co.
“We do it traditionally, with a whisk and a bowl, and then it can be served hot or iced,” Kendrick said.
Mylo prides itself on a creative seasonal menu. This summer, seasonal offerings include a honey-and-rose-flavored latte topped with raspberry cold foam, a honey-and-brown-sugar cold brew topped with vanilla-cinnamon cold foam, and a classic cherry limeade.
Kendrick said the shop has seen a rise in the popularity of fruit flavors used in
iced drinks, such as strawberry cold foam or blueberry matcha.
He said he knows all the options can feel a bit daunting or complex.
“I always tell people, ‘Don’t be afraid to ask questions,’” Kendrick said. “We want to serve you exactly what you want to drink. You’re the one drinking it. We want to make it right.”
Shadrachs Coffee Roasting Co.’s mission goes further than a coffee reset, to “refreshing souls.”
“Refreshing souls starts with serving a great product, but it goes beyond what’s in the cup,” owner Larry Billing said. “We believe people are often looking for more than caffeine — they’re looking for encouragement, connection and a positive start to their day.”
Shadrachs’ first location opened in Jonesboro in 2004. Since then, the company has expanded to 15 locations across Arkansas, Mississippi and Tennessee.
The company has roasted its own beans in-house since the beginning to better control quality, freshness and consistency across all its locations, Billing said. The coffee beans come from several regions around the world, including Central America, South America and Africa.
“We work with trusted importers who help us source high-quality beans and create blends that fit the flavor profile our customers enjoy,” he said.
If one gets an iced latte, it comes with a darker roast espresso to create a rich cup with chocolate and caramel notes. A lighter roast, called Cali Roast, is also available. Billing said it is “brighter, sweeter and allows for more of the bean’s natural fruit and floral characteristics to shine through.”
For traditional coffee drinks, he recommended the Colombian medium roast, which is balanced and smooth.
“No matter the roast, our goal is the same — a clean, flavorful cup that people look forward to drinking every day,” he said.
Shadrachs coffee shops also offer cold brew.
“The biggest difference between a cold brew and an iced latte is that a cold brew is brewed coffee steeped in cold water over time, while a latte is made from espresso and milk served over ice,” he said.
For an iced latte, that looks like pulling a fresh espresso shot and adding flavors upon request. Then baristas combine the espresso with milk and pour it over ice. The goal is a balanced drink in which the espresso flavor still
comes through while complementing the sweetness and creaminess of the milk.
The iced Mad Shad is one of the most popular iced drinks, Billing said. It is a combination of white chocolate, vanilla, caramel and hazelnut.
Other popular drinks are the iced Kahula Kicker, the iced white mocha and the Starry Night. Recently, Shadrachs started offering new flavors that include cookie butter and banana creme brulee, which he said have been popular.
The Shadrachs team listens closely to flavor suggestions from baristas and customers alike to choose what to add to their already large selection of flavors.
While the team members at Shadrachs always work to make delicious drinks for their customers, it is about more than that for them.
“Shadrachs has never been just about coffee,” Billings said. “We’ve tried to build a company that serves people well — customers, employees, franchisees and the communities we’re a part of. At the end of the day, we’re in the people business. We just happen to serve coffee.”
Tuscan bread salad a delicious way to celebrate the flavors of the season Tuscan bread salad a delicious way to celebrate
By MARGIE RAIMONDO // Photos by MARGIE RAIMONDO
July does not ease into anything. It arrives all at once, heat rising off the pavement before 8 in the morning, cicadas already at full volume, farmers market tables piled high with everything that spent the past six weeks quietly becoming itself.
This is peak harvest in Arkansas. The heat-lovers have arrived. Tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers and herbs are everywhere.
July is not subtle, and the cooking should not be, either, but nor should it be complicated. When the produce is this good, the best thing a cook can do is stay out of its way.
Panzanella is the Tuscan bread salad that has fed Italian farmers through summers far hotter than those in Arkansas. As such, panzanella understands this moment completely.
It is a dish built on restraint and good ingredients: day-old bread, ripe tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar, salt and time. The bread soaks up the tomato juices and dressing until every cube is saturated with summer, and the whole thing becomes richer than the sum of its parts.
This version leans fully into the Arkansas July market: heirloom tomatoes, cucumbers, radishes, sweet peppers and fresh basil. It begins with sourdough — day-old loaves, test loaves and even the heels saved up in the pantry.
Panzanella was invented for exactly that kind of bread. A well-fermented sourdough with structure and chew holds up to the tomato juices in a way ordinary bread simply cannot. Capers add a little briny punch, and shaved Parmesan brings a salty finish.
Dress it with good extra-virgin olive oil, a splash of red wine vinegar, and a pinch of garlic, salt and black pepper. Finish with fresh basil, torn over the top just before serving.
Make it once, and it becomes a July ritual.
For the salad:
• 2 pounds mixed heirloom or cherry tomatoes
• 1 to 2 sweet peppers, sliced
• 1 English cucumber or 2 Persian cucumbers, sliced
• 3 to 4 radishes, very thinly sliced
(Note: Radishes provide a crisp, milder alternative to red onion. As an option, substitute or add 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced)
• A large handful of fresh basil (and mint, if desired)
• 4 to 5 cups day-old sourdough bread, cut into rustic cubes
• Olive oil and salt, for toasting
For the dressing:
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or white balsamic vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and plenty of freshly cracked black pepper
July is when the Arkansas Farm Trail earns its miles. Pick up a 2026 Arkansas Farm Trail Passport at any participating farm or your county Arkansas Farm Bureau office, collect a stamp with each purchase, and earn prizes along the way. Participants can explore the full list of farms, plan a route and learn more at arfarmtrail.com.
1. Toss the sourdough cubes with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Toast in a pan or in the oven until crisp on the outside but still slightly chewy inside.
2. Cut the tomatoes into generous, uneven chunks. This keeps the salad visually beautiful and varied. Season them generously with salt, and let them rest for about 10 minutes. They will release their juices, creating the base of the dressing.
3. Add the cucumbers, radishes and sweet peppers to the tomatoes.
4. Whisk together the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt and black pepper. Do not be shy here — this dish depends on good olive oil and enough acid to balance the sweetness of the tomatoes.
5. Pour the dressing over the vegetables and toss gently.
6. Add the toasted bread and fold everything together. Let the salad rest for 15 to 20 minutes so the bread absorbs the juices without losing its structure.
7. Just before serving, tear the basil (and mint, if using) over the top.
8. Taste and adjust. This is where it comes alive. Add more salt, a splash of vinegar or another drizzle of olive oil if needed.
9. Serve at room temperature.
The overlay of the World Cup and the United States’ birthday celebration has yielded more than a little cultural cross-pollination. Soccer fans from all over the globe descending on the U.S. have had their eyes opened wide to life in the States. Many of them marvel at the size of America, meaning primarily food portions and capitalism a la Bucee’s and Bass Pro Shops.
More than a few of them are seeing with their own eyes what they only imagined about America back home and comparing how those long-held visions square with reality. Most seem impressed not only by the size of our burgers but the warmth of our welcome — all this, mind you, while only experiencing metropolitan areas not always known for their friendliness. Let some of them drift into the Southern heartland and watch them find out what hospitality is really all about.
The United States of America is still something of a whippersnapper. WorldAtlas, among others, listed the oldest nations on earth and the top 10’s lineage dates back before the birth of Christ, most of them by more than 1,000 years. In Europe, the four oldest nations appeared in years with only three digits, and the 10 oldest came into existence by 1500. Compared to that, the USA is a veritable toddler.
Yet as the saying goes, it is not the length of your lineage that counts. It is how you use it, and on that measure, no nation has done more to advance humanity than America. From throwing off global oppressors to lifting people up through commerce to the right to think, speak and worship as we choose, the American way of life we have borne and paid for dearly.
It is easy to forget how special America is on this planet; in fact, it is almost fashionable to deride the USA from within for any number of reasons. Ironically, it is this criticism that is the strongest endorsement of the country itself. Few places on the globe allow such freedom of speech or expression today, and at the time of America’s founding, there were virtually none. The very fact that one can publicly badmouth the U.S. — or engage in peaceful protest, write a magazine article or pray as thou will — and not disappear or languish in prison is proof enough of her enduring greatness among nations.
This July, may we exercise our right to party as only we can. The following pages illustrate some of the things going on in Arkansas and beyond to help fuel the revelry.
Let’s get loud, Arkansas.
By DWAIN HEBDA
America is in the grips of 250 fever, the semiquincentennial anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, that formally marked the beginning of the American Experiment. The historic event will be marked by celebrations and events from Maine to Maui to the National Mall as Americans take time to reflect on the history of the Republic and all that has transpired under her comparatively short lifespan.
The excitement trickles down to Main Street as communities and neighborhoods gear up for a blowout 2 1/2 centuries in the making. In Arkansas, the effort is aided by the work of the Arkansas250 Commission, an adjunct of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism's Division of Arkansas Heritage.
Established by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in July 2024, the 15-member commission has worked both internally and externally with local community leaders to provide direction and assistance in creating their own community celebrations, as well as launching programs that leverage the occasion to educate and inspire the citizenry.
“I’m one of these types of people that loves historical moments, whether that’s experiencing a historic site across our state or a state park or a natural area that is unique to our state,” said Shea Lewis, Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism secretary and commission chair. “This is just one of those opportunities for us to highlight who we are as the Natural State and Arkansas’ role in the creation of the country that we know as America. We’ve had pivotal moments in that, and we’re really trying to highlight those moments and help remind Arkansans of those moments and help them understand how relevant Arkansas is in our country’s history.”
communicate the significance of the state’s heritage and accomplishments within the wider context of the nation’s history. It sought to personalize the semiquincentennial experience not by supplanting local celebrations and festivals but to augment them from a broader perspective, said the commission’s vice chair, Marty Ryall, director of the Division of Arkansas Heritage.
“One of the first things that we recognized was so many communities around the state already have existing Fourth of July celebrations, and these celebrations are really important to these communities,” he said. “In a lot of cases, this is the one big community celebration every year. Some of them, you even have several counties coming together for a regional event, so the first decision we made was we don’t want to step on what they’re doing or have a big event in Little Rock on the Fourth of July or something like that that’s going to take away from community celebrations. That was our underlying premise.
“From there, we started looking at things that we could do to celebrate Arkansas’s history and recognize some of the things that make Arkansas unique in America and the contributions we’ve made and continue to make. America’s 250 years old, but Arkansas is also 190 years old this year, so there’s 60 years there that predate our statehood, but we still wanted to recognize what would become Arkansas throughout that entire period. America has a great story to tell, but it wouldn’t be complete without Arkansas and our story.”
The commission worked to establish various platforms by which to
One of the most conspicuous initiatives of the commission has been the marker program, which has erected several historical markers throughout Arkansas. Adorned with the Arkansas250 logo, the specialedition red-white-and-blue markers were produced by Sewah Studios, a
foundry in Ohio owned by native Arkansans, and indicate locations of national, if not global, significance.
The marker idea may have been straightforward — the state has a long tradition of erecting such markers, some dating back to Arkansas’ statehood centennial in 1936 — but as Ryall pointed out, the selection process was anything but.
“I think we had, probably, 30 [nominations] total, and when we started out, we determined we were going to have 10 sites. We ended up with 11 because when we got down to it, there was a tie at the end, and so we did 11,” he said. “We could have easily gone well past that number, but financial resources and time were the two factors that really limited us to 11. Unfortunately, that means there’s some great things that were left out; Hot Springs has a lot of history over there, and there’s so much history in Fort Smith.
“In some communities, there are already museums and markers and sites, so adding another marker wouldn’t really provide more information to the public. We wanted these markers to be in areas that maybe don’t kind of get the recognition they need but are significant in our state’s history.”
Another conspicuous initiative of the commission was to produce and distribute commemorative Arkansas250 flags statewide. Made possible by funding from Walmart and produced in partnership with FlagandBanner. com in Little Rock, the commission secured a stockpile of about 1,500 flags and went to work blanketing the state.
“We came up with the idea of making sure every municipality, the county courthouse, the city hall, had Arkansas250 flags,” said Commissioner Jan Zimmerman, who spearheaded the effort. “We have one flying at Dickey-Stephens Park with the Arkansas Travelers right in downtown North Little Rock. We were able to provide flags for the colleges and universities and the museums in Arkansas, state agencies, anyplace that we could pretty much tack a flag.”
The effort was kicked off in a big way with a flag raised at Oaklawn Hot Springs in January. Arkansas Secretary of State Cole Jester was joined by Oaklawn President Louis Cella, Oaklawn General Manager Wayne Smith, Miss Arkansas Kennedy Holland, and several Hot Springs and Garland County officials for the occasion.
“We look around, and we see this country, the freedom we have, the prosperity we have, the ability — whether it be to vote or to get redress from our government or to be free from those who would oppress us from around the world — to get something beautiful and incredibly meaningful,” Jester said during the event. “As we know, that was not free. Instead, it was paid for in blood and sacrifice and hardship, whether that be at Lexington, Concord, Yorktown, Gettysburg, on the beaches of D-Day. We’ve seen generation after generation of Americans pass the baton forward in our 250-year history of freedom, and we are proud of every single one of those years.”
“Now it’s been 250 years of, year by year, people pressing forward so that we can enjoy the rights and the freedoms we have today in this country. This is taking a minute to say we are thankful. We acknowledge that 250 years, and for the first time, we’re raising that flag in Arkansas.”
Arkansas’ military traditions have also been represented through the commission’s work, specifically through coordination of a special flyover for Independence Day celebrations.
“We’ve always done flyovers for various events, football games and that kind of stuff. In fact, we did one for the Travelers opening night, which was an Arkansas250 night,” said Col. Joel Lynch, Arkansas National Guard public affairs officer. “What we’re doing is putting together Fly Over Arkansas, where we’re working with the Arkansas Air National Guard and the Army National Guard.”
The coordinated flyovers included C-130 Hercules cargo aircraft from the Arkansas Air National Guard’s 189th Airlift Wing and UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters from the 77th Expeditionary Combat Aviation Brigade. The aircraft followed six different corridors across the state from June 29 through July 2 to ensure as many communities as possible would be included and get the chance to view the spectacle.
Military personnel and hardware are also expected to be part of individual community celebrations on a city-by-city basis, Lynch said.
“There are so many events, and we can’t [fly over] all of them, but we
do have almost 9,000 guardsmen in units in communities around the state,” he said. “We try to connect these units in particular areas with the celebration that’s going on and maybe have some soldiers or airmen there, maybe some of their equipment there. We’ve got a few of those that we’ve been doing, as well.”
Lynch said while the demand for flyovers always far outstrips the military’s ability to meet them, Fly Over Arkansas was an attempt at reaching as many people as possible in honor of the semiquincentennial and Arkansas’ 190th anniversary.
“It’s a real honor to do it,” he said. “I’m really happy that this kind of fell our way just because I like to talk about what we do and then share the stories of the Arkansas Guard and the things that we’ve done over the last couple hundred years. If you trace our roots, we’re militia, and the founding of the country began with the militia, so really, our state’s history has a lot of military aspects to it. I’m really honored to be able to share that and expose people to the things that we’ve done that they may not have realized.”
Another initiative of the commission aimed at a wider impact than just July 4 are educational efforts designed to help students gain a better understanding of Arkansas history and its role in shaping the nation.
“As a commission, I knew that we would want to do something to engage our children,” said Ken Warden, commissioner of the Arkansas Division of Higher Education. “I’m old enough to remember the bicentennial in 1976. I remember the bicentennial quarter and a lot of those activities, and it stuck with me. I thought this is a really neat opportunity for us to figure out an ageappropriate way to engage Arkansas schoolchildren.”
That engagement takes the form of a specially designed curriculum developed in cooperation with the Arkansas Department of Education. The materials were made available to educators statewide to allow them to include Arkansas-centric history content in their lesson plans.
“We wanted to make sure that we hit every single student,” said Isaac Cross, humanities specialist at the Arkansas Department of Education, who headed the project. “We didn’t just think K-12 public schools; we thought about private schools, homeschools, charter schools, all the different methods. We knew every student’s a little different, so we created lots of different opportunities for teachers and students to engage from curriculum that was designed for them. It was standards aligned. It was virtual and flexible, all the way up to projects that engaged districts in partnerships with the Department of Education.”
The digital dashboard, america250.ade.arkansas.gov, provides more than just dry historical facts and dates, including various expeditions that virtually transport students across the state or help them connect with historical figures and events. Cross said the effort was widely utilized, and many schools were so immersed in the program that it resulted in some remarkable projects.
“We wanted all of our kids to celebrate our history, connect to our Arkansas story, and contribute to the future success of our state and our country for the next 250 years,” he said. “We’re happy to say we hit every district in the state, and every district has engaged in some type of America250 work. We’ve been blessed to go to some schools this month to see the projects they created.
“We’ve really been focusing on legacy. We don’t want this to end on July 4, so we’ve created projects and extended some of these projects to the beginning of next school year to continue to engage our students in this work. The biggest thing is we wanted our kids to be proud not only to be Americans but proud to be Arkansans.”
The Arkansas250 commission has also taken the lead in various public events and exhibits. In May, commissioned artwork was unveiled by Arkansan Barry Thomas, who topped a field of 33 other artists with his painting created especially for the occasion. The piece is included in an exhibit entitled Before Us, Beyond Us at the Old Statehouse Museum in Little Rock. Another exhibit of antique documents was put together for display at the state capitol.
Ryall and team were also tasked with ensuring the Natural State was duly represented in national exhibits, as well.
“There’s an America250 time capsule that’s being put together that is going to be buried in Philadelphia,” he said. “They asked every state to send an item to go into the time capsule that best represents their state. We felt a diamond from Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro would last another 250 years, considering it’s been around for a billion years or so already. We sent that with a letter from the governor on archival paper, signed with special archival ink. That also goes in there.”
Arkansas was also represented at the America’s State Fair national exposition in Washington, D.C., starting June 25 and running through July 10. Organized by the White House’s Freedom 250 initiative, the fair celebrates all 50 states and six U.S. territories, each hosting an enclosed exhibit space around the National Mall to showcase their heritage, culture and innovations.
“Arkansas is participating under the leadership of Arkansas Director of Tourism Dalaney Thomas for Arkansas250,” Ryall said. “Our
Secretary Shea Lewis, chair
Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage & Tourism
Marty Ryall, vice chair
Division of Arkansas
Heritage Director
Col. Travis Gordon
Beeson (ret.)
Christina Berner
Cathy Boozman
Judge Dale James
Sharri Jones
Valorie Larson
Col. Joel Lynch
Clinton Mayor
Richard McCormac
Tanya Mims
Ebony Mitchell
Ken Warden
David Ware
Jan Zimmerman
exhibit highlights Arkansas trailblazers — individuals, companies, natural wonders and cultural contributions that helped shape America. The goals are to elevate awareness of Arkansas, inspire visitation, and showcase the state’s innovation, heritage and outdoor experiences.”
As commission chair, Lewis said he was pleased with the work the group had done and was equally gratified to see the buy-in from communities and other partners across the state.
“We were so fortunate we have such a great group of people who brought different perspectives to the commission. The governor appointed a tremendous team,” he said. “The other thing that really happened was that we immediately started hearing from key partners and communities across the state with ideas or things they were doing already, which allowed us to partner with others for overall success. We saw all of this come together in a very natural way, and we’ve seen an overwhelmingly positive response as a result.”
Finally, Shea said he hopes that in divisive times, a celebration like America250 and the efforts of the Arkansas250 Commission can be rallying points to bring people together.
“A large part of what we do at the Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism is really try to elevate the image of Arkansas to create awareness as to who we are and what we offer,” he said. “I hope, when people look back a few years from now and remember Arkansas250 and America250, that they felt they were a part of a special moment in time.
“We’re proud of our state, we’re proud of our country, and we’re fortunate to live in this time and place, but if you don’t take a moment from time to time to stop and celebrate that, the world just keeps going. I hope people see this as an opportunity to pause and reflect on Arkansas and the great country that we live in.”
The life of a state, like that of a family or a community, is one made up of landmarks sewn together with a thousand small moments of discovery, sorrow, triumph and perseverance. Arkansas’ rich history reaches the 190-year mark in 2026 with much to show for her being here. From the Civil War to civil rights, from diamond mines to Delta ducks and from the Grand Prairie to the White House, Arkansas has a thrilling tale to be told. The landmarks that follow are but a few of the many ways Arkansas has shaped itself and, in so doing, become embedded into the mosaic of America. May the next 190 years hold as much promise, perseverance and prosperity. 1 4 3 2 6 5 9 10 11 7 8
1. Walmart
Walmart began in Rogers in 1962, growing from Sam Walton’s earlier stores into a global retail leader. Walton’s innovations — from centralized distribution to employee profit sharing — fueled rapid expansion. By 2001, Walmart was the world’s largest retailer, later extending its reach through supercenters and online commerce.
2. Buffalo National River
Flowing through Newton, Searcy, Marion and Baxter counties in Arkansas, the Buffalo River became America’s first national river and has been protected as one of the country’s few remaining free-flowing streams.
3. Hattie Wyatt Caraway
Jonesboro resident Hattie Caraway became the first woman elected to the U.S. Senate in 1932, winning two full terms and supporting major initiatives such as defense projects in Arkansas and the Equal Rights Amendment.
4. Petit Jean State Park
Petit Jean State Park in Conway County was created in 1923 as Arkansas’ first state park and, over the years, has grown from 80 to 3,400 acres. It launched the state park system, and its trails, lakes and historic structures have inspired generations of outdoor enthusiasts while protecting some of the Natural State’s most iconic landscapes.
5. Crater of Diamonds
Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro is unique in the world as the only place where the public can dig for diamonds at their source.
6. Bauxite
The ore that gave the Saline County community of Bauxite its name was mined there in large quantities. It produced the vast majority of aluminum needed for the American military aircraft that helped win World War II.
7. Old State House
The Old State House was Arkansas’ first state capitol and, in later years as the home of the state Board of Health and University of Arkansas Medical Department, was associated with nationally significant breakthroughs in the control of malaria and hookworm.
8.
The Daisy Bates House National Historic Place was the house from which the Little Rock Nine were picked up and dropped off before heading to school at Little Rock Central High each day. L.C. and Daisy Bates lived at the house during Central High School’s desegregation crisis.
In 1818 and 1824, Quapaw leaders signed treaties ceding their Arkansas lands after decades of population loss and pressure from American settlement. Forced from their Delta homelands, the Quapaw ultimately relocated to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma.
10.
Arkansas Post was the earliest European settlement in what is now Arkansas and was the site of a Revolutionary War battle. Established in 1686, the Arkansas County site is now a designated national memorial.
11.
Most of the Louisiana Purchase territory, including several state and county boundary lines — was surveyed using an initial point in Arkansas, commencing in 1815. The state park and national historic landmark sits at the tripoint junction of Lee, Monroe and Phillips counties.
Source: Arkansas250 Commission
By AY STAFF
By now, most people are aware that 2026 marks the nation’s 250th birthday, but did you know it is also the 190th anniversary of Arkansas achieving statehood in 1836? This alignment makes for the prime opportunity to get out and visit the many things the Natural State has to offer by way of food, sights, attractions and festivals.
What follows, in no particular order, are 190 of the coolest things to see, do and experience in Arkansas. Some you may know and need to experience again, but we bet there are a few here you might never have seen or tried. Let us also say, with everything going on in this beautiful state, we have undoubtedly missed some attractions, so nose around and see what might be going on in your area.
1. Browse Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, where one of the most extensive collections of American artwork meets the beauty of nature. Take a photo under the big spider sculpture; everybody else does. crystalbridges.org
2. Spend an afternoon at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museum in Little Rock. Get up close to a presidential limo, among hundreds of other mementos from Arkansas-born Bill Clinton’s terms in office. clintonlibrary.gov
3. Cheer the Bears! Spend a fall Saturday at Estes Stadium in Conway as the University of Central Arkansas Bears take down another opponent on the iconic purple-and-gray-striped field. uca.edu
4. Get your cowboy on at the Old Fort Days Rodeo in Fort Smith. Held around Memorial Day, this family-friendly event first came out of the chute in 1933. oldfortdaysrodeo.com
5. Attend the Cave City Watermelon Festival in July and the Hope Watermelon Festival in August. Then decide for yourself who grows the best Arkansas watermelons. cavecitywatermelonfestival.com, hopewatermelonfest.com
6. Eat a smoky cheddar burger at Hugo’s in Fayetteville, one of the most iconic spots in northwest Arkansas. hugosfayetteville.com
7. Hike Petit Jean Mountain State Park, Arkansas’ original state park. Visit in spring, when Cedar Falls is at its roaring best. arkansas.com
8. Visit the Arkansas Inland Maritime Museum in North Little Rock because admit it: The last thing you thought you would find in Arkansas was a living, breathing World War II submarine. nlr.ar.gov
9. If your childhood life goal was to enjoy chocolate for breakfast — and honestly, whose wasn’t — do not miss the World Championship Chocolate Gravy Cookoff in Searcy in May. experiencesearcy.com
10. Go diving at White Water Tavern, one of the state’s most beloved music venues and watering holes. Keep your drink order simple and your mind open. whitewatertavern.com
(Photo
11. Watch a double feature from the front seat of your car at Kenda Drive-In Theatre in Marshall, now in its 60th season. kendadrivein.com
12. Up your sandwich game with wood-fired, brick-oven “Old-World Sourdough” from Serenity Farm Bread in Leslie. serenityfarmbread.com
13. Take a selfie with America’s favorite sailor at the Popeye Statue in Alma. almachamber.com
14. Make the short trek to Lincoln this fall, and take a bite out of the Arkansas Apple Festival. arkansasapplefestival.com
15. Watch Pops on the River, Little Rock’s annual city fireworks display. Those who know take it in from Knoop Park in Hillcrest. littlerock. com/events
16. Go duck hunting in Stuttgart — or visit Mack’s Prairie Wings there for some sweet merch and say you did. stores.mackspw.com
17. Head south to visit Fouke in Miller County for all your Boggy Creek Monster lore needs. Extra credit for visiting during the springtime Boggy Creek Festival. experiencetexarkana.com
18. Come for the grace, stay for the rodeo at one of Arkansas’ unique cowboy churches. We recommend the friendly folks at CrossRoads Cowboy Church in El Paso. crossroadscowboychurchar.com
19. Pay your respects to the nation’s fallen heroes at national cemeteries in Fort Smith, Little Rock and Fayetteville. cem.va.gov
20. Cruise downtown Helena and visit Delta Dirt Distillery to get a taste of their signature sweet potato vodka. deltadirtdistillery.com
21. Party till the ducks come home at the Mallard Masters Championship tournament in Augusta. mallardmasterschampionship.com
22. Take a break from the Razorback Greenway to enjoy a handcrafted American pale ale at Ozark Beer Co. in Rogers. ozarkbeercompany.com
23. Have a sweet-smelling time at the Magnolia Blossom Festival in Magnolia, fortified by a steak from the World Championship Steak Cook-off blossomfestival.org
24. Experience a bit of “Yesterday” with a visit to Beatles Park in Walnut Ridge, commemorating the Fab Four’s brief visit there in 1964. downtownwalnutridge.org
25. Drive the challenging Pig Trail in April once the dogwoods bloom for some twisty-turny springtime fun. ozarkrides.com
26. Hike the Ouachita National Recreation Trail — well, some of it. The full trail runs from Oklahoma to Pinnacle Mountain outside Little Rock. friendsoftheouachita.org
27. See where the famed Bowie knife was born at Historic Washington State Park in Washington — and then see the genuine article, the “Arkansas Toothpick” at the Historic Arkansas Museum in Little Rock. arkansas.com, arkansasheritage.com
28. Take in the biggest spectacle in Division II college football at the Battle of the Ravine in Arkadelphia between Henderson State University and Ouachita Baptist University, which sit across the street from each other. hsu.edu, obu.edu
29. Take in the food, carnival and entertainment in honor of the mudbug at the Crawdad Daze Festival in Harrison in May. crawdaddays.net
30. Float the Buffalo River, the pride of the state and the nation’s first federally protected wild waterway. nps.gov/buff
31. Bring your appetite to Doe’s Eat Place in Little Rock for all the family-style steak, tamales and atmosphere you can handle. doeseatplacelr.com
32. Enjoy the haunting beauty of Blanchard Springs Cavern near Mountain View, an ancient formation that is Arkansas’ newest state park. blanchardsprings.org
33. Get some good, clean fun with the one and only Stueart Pennington’s World Championship Running of the Tubs in Hot Springs. runningofthetubs.org
34. Enjoy a butter pecan ice cream treat just like Walmart founder Sam Walton did back in the day at The Spark Café at the The Walmart Museum in downtown Bentonville. corporate.walmart.com/about/walmart-museum
35. Lords and ladies, gather thee to the Arkansas Renaissance Festival in Mt. Vernon to raise a tankard at the jousts. arrenfest.com
36. Visit the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith for a fascinating multimedia look at the federal police force that dates back to the Revolutionary War. marshalsmuseum.org
37. Book a room at the iconic 1886 Crescent Hotel & Spa in Eureka Springs. Do not miss the ghost tour for some spooky facts about what has been called America’s Most Haunted Hotel. crescent-hotel.com
38. Sip some Arkansas tradition in the cool of autumn at the Ozark Moonshine & Music Festival in Clinton. ozarkmoonshinefest.org
39. Book a room at Mount Magazine Lodge, and watch the raptors soar by your window atop Arkansas’ tallest mountain. arkansas.com
40. Spend far too much time — and a reasonable amount of money, all things considered — at Dickson Street Bookshop in Fayetteville. dicksonstreetbooks.com
41. Turn it up to 11 at the Klipsch Museum of Audio History in Hope. klipschmuseum.org
42. Learn about Arkansas’ first residents and the lives they lived at the Museum of Native American History in Bentonville. monah.org
43. Usher in springtime the Arkansas way with a trip to the Wye Mountain Daffodil Festival in Bigelow. arkansas.com
44. Drive beautiful Arkansas Scenic 7 Byway from Russellville to Harrison the second week of November to enjoy fall colors at their peak. arkansas.com
Can’t afford a ring? Dig for that diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murphreesboro, the only place on the planet where the public can search for natural diamonds at their original volcanic source. arkansas.com
46. Get a real deal barbecue sandwich at Jones Bar-BQ Diner in Marianna. The no-frills joint won a James Beard Award in 2012 and is thought to be the oldest continuously operating Black-owned business in the country. somewhereinarkansas.com/jones-bar-b-q-diner
47. Walk or ride the Big Dam Bridge — the longest pedestrian and cycling bridge in the world — which connects Little Rock to North Little Rock as part of the Arkansas River Trail. thebigdambridge100.com
Bookworms unite at the autumnal Six Bridges Book Festival hosted by Central Arkansas Library System in sixbridgesbookfestival.org
49. Sidle up to a towering slice of homemade pie at Charlotte’s Eats & Sweets in Keo. keoar.com
50. Throw the switch on one of the biggest and grandest Christmas lights shows in the South at the town square in Bentonville. visitbentonville.com
51. Be moved by the greatest story ever told at The Great Passion Play in Eureka Springs. greatpassionplay.org
52. Cuddle a live alligator at one of Hot Springs’ most iconic attractions, the Arkansas Alligator Farm & Petting Zoo. alligatorfarmzoo.com
53. White knuckle it down a mountain bike trail at Mount Nebo State Park in Dardenelle, which has a collection of the most underrated rides in the Natural State. arkansas.com
54. Tour the spectacular Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts at MacArthur Park in Little Rock, nestled into a tree-lined downtown neighborhood. arkmfa.org
55. Come experience the thrill of the National Championship Chuckwagon Races in Clinton, featuring the races, a rodeo, entertainment and all things Western. chuckwagonraces.com
56. Visit Deluca’s Pizza in Hot Springs or Little Rock to enjoy one of the best pizza pies in America as deemed by national magazines. Do not forget to try the cheeseburger. originaldelucas.com
57. Arkansas invented cheese dip, so you know the fare at the annual World Cheese Dip Championships is best of the best. Check it out in Little Rock. littlerock.com
58. View the majestic elk herds in the meadows of Boxley Valley near Ponca. buffaloriver.com/best-places-to-see-elk-in-ponca
59. Among Arkansas’ many festivals, only one can claim GOAT status: the Arkansas Goat Festival taking place the first Saturday in October in Perryville. arkansasgoatfestival.com
60. Get to know one of Arkansas’ most legendary native sons at the Johnny Cash Boyhood Home at Dyess. Bonus points for visiting during the spring Arkansas Roots Music Festival. astate.edu/outreach/history-and-heritage
61. Catch all the great musical acts and performances at the annual Musicfest in El Dorado. musicfesteldorado.com
62. Live like a gangster at the Ohio Club in downtown Hot Springs with a drink at the bar that once hosted Al Capone and Lucky Lu ciano. theohioclub.com
63. Celebrate Independence Day with a bang at Ventris Trail’s End Resort’s fireworks display at Beaver Lake in northwest Arkansas, one of the state’s largest. Pros know to view it from a boat for the best experience. beaverlak eresorts.com
64. Straddle the state line in front of the federal court house and post office in Texarkana, one of the most pho tographed spots in America. experiencetexarkana.com
65. Enjoy a burger at Oark General Store. Opened in 1890, it is the oldest continually operated general store in the Natural State. oarkgeneralstore.com
66. Learn the crafts, culture, music and lifestyle of Arkansas days gone by at Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View. arkansas.com
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67. Visit a real working Benedictine monastery at Subiaco Abbey. While there, pick up some of the monks’ famous hot sauce and peanut brittle. abbey.subi.org
68. Visit the John H. Johnson Museum to discover the humble origins of the man who founded Ebony and Jet magazines. deltabyways.com
69. Enjoy Christmas afternoon tea during December at the regal Marlsgate Plantation in Scott. marlsgate.com
70. Take a class in rustic-yet-refined Italian cooking from the incomparable Margie Raimondo of Urbana Farmstead in Little Rock. urbanafarmstead.net
71. Sleep in the treetops during your next visit to Spa City with luxury treehouse accommodations at In The Trees in Hot Springs. inthetrees.com
72. Enjoy the best classic diner food in the state any time of day at the throwback Benson’s Grill in downtown Fort Smith. bensonsgrill.org
73. Tour two very different but equally spectacular churches in downtown Little Rock: Cathedral of St. Andrew, built by Irish congregants, sits mere blocks from St. Edward Catholic Church, built by the city’s German faithful. dolr.org
74. Learn about the hardships of war at the Rohwer Heritage Site, a 500acre camp that interred more than 8,000 Japanese Americans during World War II. astate.edu/outreach/history-and-heritage
75. Hop the train in Van Buren for an unforgettable scenic ride aboard the Arkansas Missouri Railroad’s excursion route through the Boston Mountains. vanburen.org/ride-the-train
76. See the birthplace of Arkansas with a visit to Arkansas Post National Memorial. The outpost operated from 1686 to 1821 as the local governmental, military and trade headquarters for the French, Spanish and, finally, the United States. arkansas.com
77. “Little Rock” is not just a random name; it is an actual thing people can see and touch. Visit La Petite Roche Landing at Sturgis Plaza in Little Rock to see the famous rock outcropping explorers referenced that became the capital city’s name. littlerock.com
78. Take yourself out to the ball game, Razorbacks baseball and softball to be precise. The Diamond Hogs, which play at BaumWalker Stadium in Fayetteville, are perennial powers, and the softball team, which plays at Bogle Park, has also risen to elite status. arkansasrazorbacks.com
79. Experience judicial and military history at the Fort Smith National Historic Site. In addition to the former fort grounds, visit nearby museums and preserved historic buildings, including the courtroom where famed Isaac “Hanging Judge” Parker presided. nps.gov/fosm
80. One of the largest and most anticipated festivals of the year, Toad Suck Daze turns downtown Conway into one big party. National musical acts, toad races and plenty of good food mark this family-friendly annual event. toadsuck.org
81. Experience Searcy Holiday of Lights, including a live nativity set in a recreation of Bethlehem, millions of twinkling lights and lots of holiday programming. See why Searcy was named one of the Top 10 Best Christmas Towns in the South and endorsed by AY About You cityofsearcy.org
82. Claim your official Arkansan status with a hike up Pinnacle Mountain. The view from the top is breathtaking and a required achievement of anyone claiming to be a true Arkie. arkansas.com
83. For the ultimate thrill on two wheels, experience the brand-new OZ Trails Bike Park in Bella Vista, offering 20 miles of gravity trails complete with lift service. oztrails.com/oz-trails-bike-park
84. Try your hand at trout fishing in Arkansas. The state offers several world-class locations, including the White, Norfork, Little Red and Spring rivers, plus various tailwaters below major dams. agfc.com/fishing/trout
85. Discover what gave Spa City its nickname with a visit to a bathhouse on Bathhouse Row in Hot Springs. Afterward, drop into Superior Bathhouse Brewery for a sip of the only suds brewed inside of a national park and using natural thermal water. hotsprings.org, superiorbathhouse.com
86. Enjoy holiday cheer and stunning lighted structures at GloWILD, hosted by the Little Rock Zoo. littlerockzoo.com/visit/glowild
87. Get an eerie and up-close look at the various backwater ecosystems by kayaking the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge and Bayou DeView Water Trail. fws.gov/refuge/cache-river, arkansaswatertrails.com
88. See big cats, bears and myriad other rescued exotic animals at Turpentine Creek Wildlife Refuge in Eureka Springs. Guests can even stay on the grounds for a truly wild experience. turpentinecreek.org
89. Nobody grows tomatoes better than Arkansas, a fact the Bradley County Pink Tomato Festival celebrates every year. Check out this charming event celebrating the state’s official fruit. pinktomatofestival.com
90. One of the more unusual museums around, a trip to the Esse Purse Museum in Little Rock is something no fashionista should miss. Find it in the city’s South Main neighborhood. essepursemuseum.com
91. Experience a different kind of cycling via the Arkansas Graveler, offering cycling adventure-seekers a scenic ride through the farm-rich flatlands of the Arkansas Delta. arkansasgraveler.com
92. Stand in the footprints of Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto at a monument in Helena-West Helena commemorating a Christian service the expedition conducted there in June 1541, the first west of the Mississippi River. De Soto died near Lake Village 11 months later and was buried in the Mississippi River. deltabyways.com
93. Stomp grapes at the annual Altus Grape Festival, celebrating the craft of the Wine Capital of Arkansas. altusgrapefest.com
94. Attend the wildest festival of the year at the annual Bean Fest and Championship Outhouse Races in Mountain View. mountainviewarkansas.com/beanfest
95. Attend the Arkansas State Fair, one of the longest-running and most successful state fairs in the country, held every October at the State Fairgrounds in Little Rock. arkansasstatefair.com
96. Take in top thoroughbred racing at the premier racing and gaming center of the South, Oaklawn Hot Springs. Catch the Rebel Stakes or, for the ultimate experience, plan early and attend Arkansas Derby Day. oaklawn.com
97. Book a stay at The Graduate hotel in Fayetteville and keep the room key — designed to look like the student ID of a famous alumnus — as a souvenir. hilton.com
98. Dive into a heaping plate of fried chicken and spaghetti at the massive 127th Tontitown Grape Festival. The event benefits St. Joseph Catholic Church there and celebrates the city’s Italian founding fathers. tontitowngrapefestival.com
99. Back the quack by attending Wings Over the Prairie Festival in Stuttgart. Held over Thanksgiving weekend the event includes the annual World Championship Duck Calling Contest, Queen Mallard Pageants and Duck Gumbo Cook-Off. stuttgartduckfest.com
100. Experience the stunning flora and fauna of Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs, the botanical garden of the University of Arkansas. garvangardens.org
101. Have a sweet time at the Festival, complete with pie baking contest and a dress-your-pet contest. downtownfay.org/ strawberryfestival
102. Climb Sugar Loaf Mountain which combines the attributes of an island and alpine adventure, rising out of the waters of Greers Ferry Lake. visitgreersferrylake.com
103. Alternatively, climb Sug arloaf Mountain, the landlocked terrestrial cousin to the island ver sion, in Heber Springs. visitgreers ferrylake.com
104. Catch a Double-A baseball game with the Northwest Arkansas Naturals at Arvest Ballpark in Spring dale. Better yet, attend the rivalry game against cross-state rival Arkansas Travelers milb.com.
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105. Feel history come alive at the prehistoric formations of Plum Bayou Mounds Archaeological State Park in Scott. arkansas.com
106. Ride the only fully operational Over-The-Jumps Carousel in the world at Little Rock Zoo. littlerockzoo.com
107. Get your motor running at the Steel Horse Rally motorcycle event in Fort Smith. thesteelhorserally.com
108. Treat the family to a fun and educational visit to the Scott Family Amazeum in Bentonville. amazeum.org
109. Show your mettle at the 24 Hours of Horseshoe Hell climbing event at Horseshoe Canyon Ranch in Jasper. twofourhell.com
110. Knock down the gargantuan Hubcap Burger at Cotham’s in the City in Little Rock. cothams.com
111. Get your sweet fix at the annual Arkansas Pie Festival in Cherokee Village. arkansaspiefestival.com
112. Take a luxurious houseboat cruise or rent a cozy cottage at Mountain Harbor Resort & Spa in Mt. Ida. mountainharborresort.com
113. Catch some great live music at the legendary George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville. georgesmajesticlounge.com
114. Bend the ear of local politicians seeking election at the Slovak Oyster Supper (provided you can get a ticket). rexnelsonsouthernfried.com/post/the-slovak-oyster-supper
115. Take in the panoramic view from the lodge atop Queen Wilhelmina State Park. arkansas.com
116. Sample a slice of “Company’s Comin’” pie, supposedly the state pie of Arkansas, at the iconic Cliff House Inn outside Jasper. cliffhouseinnar.com
117. Enjoy food and drink at the award-winning speakeasy Lefty’s on the Square in Magnolia. leftysonthesquare.com
118. Feed Tusk VI some grapes before kickoff at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium in Fayetteville. arkansasrazorbacks.com/tusk
119. Experience Black Arkansas history at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock. arkansasheritage.com
120. Catch a show from your favor ite musical artist or other entertainment at Simmons Bank Arena in North Little Rock. simmonsbankarena.com
121. Act Irish! Kiss the Blarney Stone, raise a pint, and take in the World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Hot Springs. shorteststpats.com
122. Drive the Arkansas portion of the Great River Road, Blytheville to Eudora. experiencemississip piriver.com
125. Get your chow on in the massive Downtown Food Truck Festival, which takes place every fall in Little Rock. littlerock.com/events
126. De-stress in the natural beauty of northeast Arkansas with a hike or bike excursion to Craighead Forest Park in Jonesboro, which offers nearly 20 miles of paved and unpaved trails. jonesboroar.gov
127. Choose your next dulcimer — or your first — from the seasoned artisans at McSpadden Mountain Dulcimers in Mountain View. mcspaddendulcimers.com
123. Get your caffeine fix at Onyx Coffee Lab in northwest Arkansas. onyxcoffeelab.com
124. Claim your fame at the PurpleHull Pea Festival and World Championship Rotary Tiller Races in Emerson. facebook.com/purplehull
128. Check off another item from your Arkansas Cheese Dip list with a visit Stoby’s in Conway or Russellville. stobys.com
129. Leadfoots of the world gather at the Four States Auto Museum in Texarkana, which showcases auto specimens from the Civil War through today. fourstatesautomuseum.org
130. Get away from it all at Airship Coffee at Coler, a stylish coffee shop in the woods of Coler Mountain Bike Preserve in Bentonville. airshipcoffee.com/locations/coler
131. Go mural hunting throughout downtown in Fort Smith, where a public art project by The Unexpected touched off similar projects statewide. mainstreetfs.org
132. Hike to Whitaker Point — very carefully — better known as the Hawksbill Crag in the Upper Buffalo Wilderness Area of the Ozark National Forest. buffaloriver.com/hiking/whitakerpoint-hawksbill-crag
133. Visit the Capital Bar & Grill inside Little Rock’s Capital Hotel and ask the bartender to make what President Ulysses S. Grant would’ve ordered. Then ride the elevator that (debunked) legend has it the former Union general rode his horse onto. capitalbarandgrill.com
134. Enjoy some of the best stick-to-your-ribs Arkansas vittles at Holly’s Country Cookin’ in Conway. hollyscountrycookin.com
135. Experience Arkansas’ myriad avian life at the Birding Festival of the South in Hot Springs. hotsprings.org/events/birding-festival-of-thesouth
136. Have a hella good time in Devil’s Den State Park, a natural wonder waiting to be explored a short drive from Fayetteville. arkansas.com
137. Join lovers from around the world in getting your Valentine’s Day greetings canceled and custom hand-stamped at the U.S. Post Office in Romance. somewhereinarkansas.com/romance-arkansas
138. Experience Arkie island life with a trip to Electric Island Wildlife Management Area, one of many islands dotting mammoth Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs. agfc.com/wma/electric-island-wma
139. Grab a passport for the Fayetteville Ale Trail and experience Arkansas’ original craft beer tour, encompassing nine local micro- and nanobrewery operations. experiencefayetteville.com/eat/fayetteville-ale-trail
140. Take a seat on the berm and enjoy touring musical acts performing riverside at the First Security Amphitheater in Little Rock’s River Market. littlerock.com/river-market
141. Join the good folks of the Gillett Farmers and Businessmen’s Club for their annual Coon Supper, a tradition stretching back to the 1930s and a magnet for aspiring elected officials. gillettcoonsupper.org
142. Celebrate the Delta blues at the longstanding King Biscuit Blues Festival in Helena. kingbiscuitfestival.com
143. Enjoy Arkansas’ best whitewater run at the Cossatot River State Park Natural Area. Translated as “Skull Crusher” Cossatot is a particularly gnarly Class IV after rainfall, Class II-III in drier weather. arkansas.com
144. Visit Dickson Street in Fayetteville on a Saturday afternoon before a home night game, or better yet, check it out on Saturday night after a big Hogs win. experiencefayetteville.com
145. Pop the question at the Old Mill in North Little Rock. Not getting hitched? It is a prime selfie spot, as well. nlr.ar.gov
146. Put some meat on your buns at Fat Daddy’s Bar-B-Que in London and Russellville. fatdaddysbarbque.com
147. Visit the gravesite atop Petit Jean Mountain, the final resting place of the woman for whom the mountain is named. arkansas.com
148. Continue a generations-long Arkansas tradition with dinner at the Wiederkehr Wine Cellar and Weinkeller Restaurant in Altus. Dating back to 1880, the restaurant offers a unique dining experience in a candlelit wine cellar. wiederkehrwines.com
149. Make new friends at Stone’s Throw, Little Rock’s only true neighborhood brewery and taproom, across the street from MacArthur Park. stones-throw-brewing.square.site
150. If you are MAD about first-class concerts and comedy shows, Murphy Arts District in El Dorado is the place to be. eldomad.com
151. Belly up to a plate of authentic Cajun seafood favorites at Who Dat’s in Bald Knob. facebook.com/whodatscajunrestaurant
152. Join the fun of the Ozark Trail Festival in Heber Springs, which offers a dog show, 5K run, poker run and more. facebook.com/ ozarktrailfestival
153. Enjoy two varieties of hog — the Harley kind and the slowsmoked kind — at Bikes, Blues & BBQ in Rogers, one of the largest motorcycle rallies in Arkansas. bikesbluesandbbq.org
154. If you like big bucks and you cannot lie, find your way to the annual Big Buck Classic in Little Rock for all things deer hunting. bigbuckclassic.com
155. Experience the ultimate in pampering at the Forbes four-star-rated Astral Spa, only at Oaklawn Hot Springs. oaklawn.com
156. Find family-friendly entertainment in abundance at the Johnson County Peach Festival in Clarksville. jocopeachfest.com
157. Hurry to Wild Sweet William’s Bakery in Searcy for fresh-baked pastries and great coffee — it sells out fast every day. wildsweetwilliams.com
158. Enjoy great music on the banks of the Arkansas River during the Peacemaker music festival in Fort Smith. peacemakerfest.com
159. Watch PGA TOUR Champions tame the course at Pleasant Valley Country Club during the Simmons Bank Championships in Little Rock. simmonsbankchampionship.com
160. Visit the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden in Bentonville for a peek at the city’s history in lush, living surroundings. peelcompton.org
161. Call the Hogs at historic Bud Walton Arena in Fayetteville as the Arkansas Razorbacks men’s and women’s basketball teams chase an NCAA championship. arkansasrazorbacks.com
162. Lace ‘em up for Little Rock’s Firecracker 5K. A 50-year Fourth of July tradition, it is one of the few road races that runs almost entirely downhill. firecrackerfast5k.raceroster.com
163. Hit the beach Arkansas style at Woolly Hollow State Park in Greenbrier, which offers a lifeguarded swimming area, as well as kayaking, fishing and campgrounds. arkansas.com
164. Enjoy a world-class, harvest-driven dinner experience at Ryn restaurant and farm in Bentonville. The hyperlocal farm-to-kitchen operation was opened by James Beard Award semifinalist Chef Matt Cooper. rynbentonville. com
165. Bring the kids and learn something new together at the Museum of Discovery in Little Rock. museumofdiscovery.org
166. Catch a show at the Walton Arts Center in Fayetteville, choosing from national touring acts in music, Broadway, dance, comedy and more. waltonartscenter.org
167. Cheer on the regatta at the World Champion Cardboard Boat Race in Heber Springs. visithebersprings.com
168. Find out how delicious bar food can really be at Four Quarter Bar in North Little Rock’s Argenta Arts District. fourquarterbar.com
169. Fly through the air above the treetops on an Ozark Mountain Ziplines canopy adventure in Eureka Springs. ziplineeurekasprings.com
170. Grab 14 of your friends — or more — and schedule a tour of Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville. littlerock.af.mil
View the historic Civilian Conservation Corps-built dam and stone bridges at Shady Lake near Mena. arkansas.com
172. Spend an afternoon testing your skills at Persimmon Ridge Resort in Greenbrier, ranked one of the best disc golf courses in the country, if not the world. persimmonridgeresort.com
173. Catch an award-winning performance at the Arkansas Reper tory Theatre in downtown Little Rock. therep.org
174. Water ski Bull Shoals Lake, one of the largest and deepest lakes in Arkansas, and enjoy the other outdoor amenities at Bull Shoals-White River State Park. arkansas.com
Catch a summer music concert at Walmart Arkansas Music Pavilion, aka Walmart AMP, in Rogers. walmartamp.com
176. See Arkansas from an entirely new angle via Central Arkansas Skydiving in Morrilton. centralarkansasskydiving.com
177. Enjoy one of the most scenic 18-hole championship golf courses in the state at DeGray Lake Resort State Park in Bismarck. arkansas.com
178. Experience the flashpoint for the nation’s civil rights movement with a visit to the Central High School National Historic Site in Little Rock. nps.gov/chsc/index.htm
179. Football fan? Do not miss a minute of the Little Rock Touchdown Club’s slate of national luminaries featured weekly throughout the season. lrtouchdown.com
180. Think pink: Since 1944, Neal’s Cafe in Springdale has had the cure for what ails you in its legendary fried chicken and other home-cooked grub. Find this Arkan sas Food Hall of Fame winner on Facebook
181. Splash down in summertime at King’s River Falls’ natural swimming hole near Red Fern Campground near Clarksville. arkansas.com
182. Enjoy the state’s best weekly trivia contests at Boudreux’s Grill & Bar in Maumelle and Oaklawn Hot Springs’ Mainline Sports Bar. Both are hosted by Roger Scott, king of trivia as voted on by AY About You readers. boudreauxs.biz, oaklawn.com
183. Taste some legendary yardbird at the Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry at Mount Nebo State Park near Dardanelle — a true Arkansas tradition. dardanellechamber.com
184. Check out the Fayetteville Farmers Market in what has become one of the premier offerings in the state. From greens to grits to other groceries, you will find it here. fayettevillefarmersmarket.org
185. Tour the Arkansas State Capitol building in Little Rock, designed by architects George Mann and Cass Gilbert and built between 1899 and 1915. While there, take time to visit Testament, a sculpture monument honoring the Little Rock Nine , which resides on the grounds. sos.arkansas.gov
186. Take a tour of yesteryear at the Arkansas Railroad Museum in Pine Bluff. arkansasrailroadmuseum.org
187. Discover a new taste sensation with a visit to the internationally awarded Origami Sake in Hot Springs, which uses local thermal water and rice grown in the Arkansas Delta for its line of craft sake. drinkorigami.com
188. Take in a whole new environment — an oxbow lake — at Lake Chicot State Park. The largest natural lake in Arkansas and the largest oxbow lake in the world, Lake Chicot features a stunning display of lowland Arkansas. arkansas.com
189. Get your favorite drive-in bites with a retro vibe at Barnett’s Dairyette in Siloam Springs, home to classic cheeseburgers, hand-cut fries and real milkshakes since 1957. barnetts.com
190. Visit the Eiffel Tower without leaving the state at Eiffel Tower Park in Paris, Arkansas, which boasts a 25-foot-tall version. arkansas.com
By SARAH DECLERK // Photo courtesy of FLAGANDBANNER.COM
It is no secret that Americans are flag crazy. Just take a drive through any suburb in the USA, and there are sure to be American flags flying from numerous porches. That enthusiasm ramps up during the summer, when Memorial Day, Independence Day and Labor Day signal the season of flags.
According to the 2024 SSRS opinion panel omnibus poll The Public and Patriotism, about 4 in 10 U.S. adults believe it is extremely or very important for people who live in the U.S. to fly an American flag. While 27 percent of respondents said they display the U.S. flag at their homes daily or throughout most of the year, an additional 28 percent said that they fly the flag around patriotic holidays.
However, it is important that those who display an American flag know how to do so respectfully. The U.S. Flag Code, first published in 1923 and adopted by Congress in 1942, is a set of rules designed to keep Old Glory flying in good taste. According to the Smithsonian Institution, Union Civil War veterans helped champion flag etiquette, primarily seeking to limit the use of the flag for commercial and political purposes, and the movement gained even more traction during World War II.
FlagandBanner.com in Little Rock knows a thing or two about the U.S. Flag Code. As an expert source for all things flags — and the supplier of flags for the Arkansas250 Commission — the business provides information about flag etiquette and often fields calls from citizens concerned about the presentation of flags in their communities.
Although the U.S. Flag Code is a part of law, there is no penalty for displaying the flag incorrectly. That is why FlagandBanner.com created the tongue-in-cheek Flag Police to warn the public about potential infractions.
“Abiding the U.S. Flag Code not only shows respect to the most emblematic symbol of our great nation, but it is perhaps the oldest guide to proper flag care that we can offer Old Glory,” said salesperson Gray McCoy. “Bringing her in at night and keeping her out of the rain and snow ensures she’ll be flying well through our nation’s 250th anniversary and, hopefully, for years to come.”
Co-owner Grady McCoy raises the flag at FlagandBanner.com in Little Rock.
FLAG ETIQUETTE TIPS courtesy of FlagandBanner.com:
• The flag should never be displayed with the union (blue field of white stars) down except to signal dire distress in instances of extreme danger to life or property.
• The flag should never touch anything beneath it, including the ground, the floor, water or merchandise in a store.
• Although it is customary to display the flag only between sunrise and sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs, the flag may be displayed around the clock if it is properly illuminated. The flag should not be flown during inclement weather unless it is an all-weather flag.
• No other flag should be displayed above or, if at the same level, to the right of the U.S. flag except during church services conducted by naval chaplains at sea. When part of a group with state, city and locality flags on staffs, the U.S. flag should be at the center and highest point of the group.
• Flags of different countries, including the U.S. flag, should be flown at the same height on separate staffs.
• When displayed horizontally or vertically on a wall, the union should be at the top and to the flag’s own right.
• A flag displayed in the middle of the street should be suspended vertically with the union to the north on an east-west street or to the east on a north-south street.
• The flag should not be used as clothing, bedding or drapery. It should not be festooned or drawn back or up in folds but allowed to fall free. Bunting of blue, white and red (with the blue at the top) can be used for such decoration.
• The flag should not have placed upon it any mark, insignia, letter, word, figure, design, picture or drawing of any nature.
• The flag should never be used for advertising purposes in any manner whatsoever.
• No part of the flag should be used as a costume or athletic uniform. A flag patch may be affixed to uniforms of military personnel, firefighters, police officers and members of patriotic organizations.
• The flag represents a living country and is considered a living thing. Therefore, the lapel flag pin should always be worn on the left lapel near the heart.
• When the flag is in such condition that it is no longer a fitting emblem for display, it should be destroyed in a dignified way, preferably by burning.
17 Wilson Farm Road Greenbrier (501) 679-4700
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By SARAH DECLERK // Photos by
Don Croswhite stood beside a table at the Veterans of Foreign Wars W. Carl Reed Post 9095 in Little Rock and explained its meaning in a voice halting but earnest. Flanked by a chair that will never be filled and set for a meal in symbol only — a candle, a rose, a Bible, a lemon, salt — the display honors prisoners of war and those missing in action, soldiers who never made it home.
“The seat is empty because he isn’t here anymore,” Croswhite said. “The salt represents the tears of those who are here. The glass is upside down because they can’t use it anymore. The rose is for hope that they will come back, and the light is there for when they do.”
The POW/MIA flag is stamped with the phrase, “You are not forgotten.” However, forgotten is exactly how many veterans feel when they do return home, alive and accounted for.
A study by the National Library of Medicine of veterans who, like Croswhite, served the nation after 9/11 found that while most veterans successfully reintegrate into postmilitary life, a “substantial portion” experience mental health issues, substance abuse problems and involvement in the criminal justice system due to challenges associated with transitioning into a civilian role.
For those veterans, the VFW can be an important lifeline.
“It’s a safe spot,” said Croswhite, adjutant general at the post. “We say things at this bar that you can’t say anywhere else. We know
The POW/MIA table is a solemn reminder of those who never returned from war.
who’s here. If you go to any other bar, you don’t know who’s in there. We don’t know if they like us. If you come here, you don’t have to stress those things, you know? You’re free to speak certain things.
“It’s not the unknown, so this is one of the only spots I [go to]. I stay at home a lot, but here, it’s safe.”
“You go to a bar in public, and you’re a combat vet, and let’s say you wear your hat. It never fails — there’s going to be some drunk that walks up and says something dumb like, ‘How many people did you kill?’” said Mark Mellot, post commander-in-chief. “We hate that, literally hate it. We don’t even do that in here.”
Carl Reed founded VFW Post 9095 in 1973. Shortly after, the post moved to its current home off Kanis Road in a former church building that has since been expanded to include meeting spaces, event rooms and more. Outside is a Vietnam-era helicopter, Mother Goose, which the post refurbished about five years ago.
At the national level, the organization traces its history back to 1899, when it was founded by SpanishAmerican War veterans.
“I think there were 12 of them that came home and said, ‘Look, the government sent us over there. They ought to do something to take care of us when we come back,’” said Terry Callahan, quartermaster general and unofficial post historian. “That was in 1899. Along about 1936 or so, we got incorporated as the VFW, and it’s just progressed on from that ever since.”
Prominent members of the post have their pictures included on the wall of fame.
“They’ve all been there. They’ve all been to war. They have so much in common that if they have something on their mind or whatever, they can sit back with the guy next to them and talk about it.”
Callahan was quick to note the voting power of the VFW, which he said has 1.5 million members between the VFW itself and the VFW Auxiliary, composed of family members who support the organization. The VFW was instrumental in getting the Post-9/11 GI Bill passed, along with a slew of other benefits, he said.
At the local level, the post awards scholarships to youth who participate in Junior ROTC, raises money for causes that support veterans, organizes days of service, and connects veterans to benefits and other resources.
That work is amplified by the auxiliary, which organizes its own community service activities and supports the VFW’s fundraisers and events by cooking, decorating and helping with anything else the VFW needs.
“The auxiliary provides members an opportunity to honor and give back to all who have served — and who are serving — this great nation,” said Heather Buffington, auxiliary president. “It’s our chance to say thank you to them for their sacrifice.”
Mellot’s wife, Nicole Mellot, serves as auxiliary junior vice president.
“It’s really nice that, as husband and wife, we can do this together,” she said. “I have seen him grow and blossom. It’s his passion, so it’s kind of been my passion, as well. It’s just so wonderful to support the veterans, family, community and see that you can make such an impact in their lives, as well as their families and communities.”
While Mark stressed that the VFW is more than just a bar, the canteen is an important part of the post’s operations, providing an informal space where veterans can receive support without having to go to a veterans center.
“They can talk to each other about their problems,” Buffington said.
Nicole added that members of both the VFW and the auxiliary have taken veterans who are struggling under their wings, giving them rides to doctor’s appointments, surprising them with makeovers and just letting them know someone cares.
“We’ve had a couple people come in, like, it’s either here or they’re talking about ending their life, and so it’s nice that this is a safe haven for them, that they feel like they’re supported and somebody will actually listen to them,” she said. “There’s been many times Mark will come on his day off, and he’ll just come in and sit with a veteran and just talk things out because they’re in a very dark place, and it’s really nice to have a place where they can feel safe and they can talk that through.”
Mark Mellot agreed that the post provides veterans with
“Along about 1936 or so, we got incorporated as the VFW, and it’s just progressed on from that ever since.”
—Terry Callahan, quartermaster general
a place they can discuss complex feelings they might not feel comfortable expressing elsewhere.
“There’s a lot of these guys that won’t even share with their wives,” he said. “They won’t even share with their families what they’ve been through and how they’re feeling on a daily basis, but they’ll come in here, and they’ll sit down next to somebody, and they’re willing to share with somebody that served, that’s likeminded with them. That’s huge.”
He added that he grew up going to his local VFW post with his father, shaking hands with older veterans over spaghetti dinners, but was hesitant to join after his own service.
“It wasn’t for me because I thought, ‘Well,
Many members have donated memorabilia from their time in the military to the post museum.
that’s where everybody goes to die. They’re all gray haired,’” he said, “but then a few years go by, and you start coming to that point, like, I have PTSD, some issues, and then you start realizing, ‘Man, I need someone that I can hang out with that understands me.”
He named post-traumatic stress disorder as the greatest challenge veterans face today.
“It’s becoming more and more aware as the Afghan vets are home now,” he said. “They didn’t call it PTSD years ago. Now they do, so for many years, it went undiagnosed, untreated, but that’s probably the No. 1 thing. People will sit in here, and little things can set them off, and it’s our job as officers to recognize that and comfort these guys, make them feel like they’re at home.”
For that reason, the VFW keeps its membership exclusive to those who have served abroad in war. Auxiliary memberships are available to family members of those who served in combat overseas going back to great-grandparents.
Within the past 10 years, the post also began offering “patriot memberships” for those who did not serve in a foreign war but want to spend time at the VFW. Mellot said those memberships are carefully vetted.
“Every post doesn’t have them, but it’s a way to help us make money to afford our scholarships and things, and it gives people in the community someplace to come and associate with us and play in the golf tournaments and come and eat and just the fellowship,” Callahan said. “Some of them are even veterans, but they didn’t serve in a foreign war, so it’s win-win.”
Callahan joined the VFW in 1979 and became an officer during the ‘90s. As a Vietnam veteran, he said he encountered prejudice from VFW members who fought in other wars.
“When I walked into a VFW, I wasn’t very well respected. In fact, I was actually told that it wasn’t a war, so I turned around and walked out,” he said. “That’s one reason it took me so long to get involved. When I started going to VFW meetings and moving up in the chairs, so to speak, as post commander and all that, I made a vow to myself that nobody was going to feel like I did when I walked through the doors. I’d
respect everybody that comes in.”
Callahan has been to every VFW post in Arkansas and served as commander at Post 2256 in Benton and Post 9095, as well as state commander. He said he has noticed a decline in membership over the years.
“When I was state commander, we actually had 102 posts,” he said. “Now, unfortunately, we’re down to 72, 73, something like that, which is really unfortunate because my last count was we had 250,000 veterans in the state of Arkansas. That’s all vets that served anywhere, and if you go by the national average of 10 percent of them being eligible for a VFW, that would be 25,000. Our posts in Arkansas, I doubt that they’ve got a total of 25,000, all told.”
For that reason, attracting new members remains a key focus for the post, which has twice been rated the friendliest veterans organization in Arkansas and is consistently recognized by the national organization for its excellence. Aside from the camaraderie, the officers praised the on-site restaurant, The Original America’s Street Foods, owned by Chef Robert Scott, as one reason for the post’s popularity.
Mellot said he is working to bring in more newcomers by continuing to improve the building, introducing more activities that appeal to younger veterans and making the post more family friendly.
“One of my biggest goals is we’ve got to figure out how to reach these Afghan vets, the younger vets,” he said. “From Desert Storm
Left: Croswhite and Esseny show off the post flag. Below: The outside of the post is adorned with flags of the different military branches.
and back, we’re all dying off, and if we can’t figure out how to duplicate ourselves and get these guys interested in our cause, then the cause goes away.”
The most effective form of recruitment, he added, is simply one veteran reaching out to another.
“You go somewhere, you see a ball cap. You see something that signifies they’ve served, whether it be a bumper sticker,” he said. “I’ll usually go up and say hi and shake their hand and get to know them and let them know about us. Usually, I’ll just approach them for their benefits. ‘Have you got your benefits done? If not, come see us.’”
For Mellot, the VFW provides him not just with a place where he feels understood but with a new mission, one that gives him a sense of purpose even after the war.
“It was a need for me, just a need to be able to call someplace home,” he said. “I’ve always had something in my life that’s a reason for fighting and dying for, if you know what that means, so this, for me, is that.”
Nonmembers are welcome to attend community events at the VFW. The Fourth of July celebration starting at 2 p.m. July 4 will offer live music, family fun and a chance to honor those who served the nation.
For aging males, there is no magic formula for staying fit.
A pill that turns couch-cushion abs into a six pack does not exist, nor is there an injection that will grow muscle mass. The so-called “magic formula” is really quite simple and old school — consistency and commitment.
“If you want the short version: Eat mostly whole foods, keep protein up, lift weights, walk often, do some cardio, and don’t wait for motivation to magically show up wearing a cape,”
Local experts dish on the right approach to staying fit for aging males
said Jean-Paul Francoeur, certified personal trainer and owner of JP Fitness + Recovery in Little Rock. “Consistency beats intensity for most older men, and it usually beats age too.”
AY About You caught up with Francoeur and a couple central Arkansas experts to visit about the subject: Mitchell Kirby, a registered dietician at Baptist Health Weight and Nutrition Center in Little Rock, and Marina Ivanovsky, family nurse practitioner and co-owner of Marina Lifestyle Medicine in Little Rock.
By MARKCARTER
AY About You: What do “older” men need to watch for most or simply avoid?
Jean-Paul Francoeur: For most older men, the big dietary watchouts are too much ultraprocessed food, added sugar, excess salt and alcohol while not getting enough protein, fiber, calcium, vitamin D and hydration. A practical rule: build meals around vegetables, fruit, whole grains, lean proteins, fish, nuts and low-fat dairy, and treat “sometimes foods” like they’re on probation. The main things to limit are processed meats, fried foods, sweets, sugary drinks, and heavy drinking, since they can push up the risk of heart disease, diabetes, weight gain and other annoyances that arrive uninvited with age. Keeping sodium in check also matters more as blood pressure starts acting like it owns the place.
Mitchell Kirby: Men face many challenges regarding health and aging, and the mass amount of contradictory information regarding health and nutrition doesn’t make navigating lifestyle and nutritional changes to improve our health span any easier, so for aging and older men, what do we need to pay attention to regarding our diets? Fiber is one nutrient that the vast majority of people in general do not consume enough of. While protein is extremely important, men do not tend to struggle nearly as much with eating enough protein as they do with their fruits and vegetables. Getting enough fiber helps with your bowel movements, helps manage cholesterol and blood sugars, reduces your risk of bowel cancers, and keeps you full. While increasing fiber is almost always a great thing to do, some foods should be consumed less frequently. Saturated fats like butter, coconut oil and the solid fats on meats, as well as deep-fried foods, can increase your risk of heart disease, so reducing the frequency of these foods or using alternatives like olive or avocado oil to cook, leaner cuts of beef and pork, and air-frying foods instead of deep frying can be great ways to improve your health span.
Marina Ivanovsky: From a nutrition standpoint, the focus should be on preserving muscle mass, bone health, energy, cardiovascular health and metabolic function. One of the most important dietary priorities is adequate protein intake. Most mature men should aim for approximately 1.2 to 1.6 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight per day. Excellent protein sources include fish and seafood, chicken, turkey, lean beef, eggs, Greek yogurt, cottage cheese, beans, lentils, tofu and tempeh. In addition, men should limit highly processed foods, excess sugar and excessive alcohol consumption.
AY: What are the most effective exercises for older men?
Ivanovsky: The most effective exercise is the one a person enjoys and will do consistently. That said, a well-rounded fitness program for mature men should include four key components: strength training, cardiovascular fitness, balance and mobility. Resistance training is particularly important because it helps preserve muscle mass, maintain bone density, improve metabolic health and support independence as we age. As one longevity physician likes to say, we should all be training for the “Centenarian Olympics” — developing the strength, balance and endurance needed to remain active and capable throughout life.
Kirby: Exercising is one of the most important aspects of our lives that gets neglected as we age. Walking and low-intensity cardio can be great for when we are fatigued and to maintain some mobility and function, but those exercises really lack the ability to help us maintain, let alone gain, muscle as we get older. The most neglected exercise and, I would argue, the most effective exercise we can do as we age is strength training. Strength training is much more efficient at holding onto muscle than any other form of exercise, and that muscle maintenance is crucial for aging gracefully and maintaining our mobility and independence.
Francoeur: The most effective exercises for older men are the boring-but-brilliant ones: walking, cycling, swimming, resistance training and mobility work. Strength training is especially
important because it helps preserve muscle, balance and independence, while cardio supports heart health and stamina. Squat is king, followed by deadlifts and lunges.
AY: How many hours a week does a man older than 50 need to devote to exercise?
Kirby: How much exercise do you actually need? The American Heart Association recommends 150 minutes per week of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise, like walking at a brisk pace or biking, or 75 minutes if it is high-intensity aerobic exercise, like running or swimming laps. If you struggle to understand what intensity your exercise is, think of it like this: if you can carry on a conversation without too much trouble, it is light to moderate intensity, but if you cannot hold a conversation because of how hard you are breathing, it is more likely that it is closer to high intensity. Just because you may do 150 minutes of exercise a week does not mean the benefits end there. You receive benefits from exercising well above 300 minutes per week, so do more if you are able. Cardio is a great way to get your activity in, but it’s recommended to practice weight training or strength training a minimum of twice per week, making sure to work all muscle groups, especially your legs.
Francoeur: A good target for men over 50 is at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week, or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise, plus strength work at least twice weekly. In plain English, that’s about 30 minutes a day, five days a week, with two days where you tell your muscles they still have a job.
Ivanovsky: For most men over 50, the greatest return on investment comes from a combination of:
· Strength training: two to four sessions per week.
· Walking: 45 to 60 minutes daily.
· Cardiovascular exercise: 150 to 300 minutes per week of moderate-intensity activity.
Balance training: one or two sessions per week.
· Mobility and flexibility training: one or two sessions per week.
The goal is not perfection but consistency. Small, sustainable habits practiced over time produce the greatest long-term results.
AY: Is there a natural age where men’s bodies start to break down?
Francoeur: There isn’t one magic age when men’s bodies suddenly “retire.” Aging is more of a slow fade than a dramatic curtain drop. If men are not physically active, they can see the decline start in the late 30s to early 40s. For men who have stayed disciplined with their resistance training, there can sometimes be little difference between a man of 70 and a man of 30. Muscle strength, recovery speed, vision, hearing and hormone levels can change gradually over time, so the real issue is how well someone maintains health habits and gets regular checkups. Lifestyle choices stave off atrophy and do a decent job of keeping hormones operating properly, but even with that, sometimes it is necessary to supplement the hormone testosterone. We simply produce less of it in our 50s than we did in our 20s. By keeping our levels up and at an even keel, the effect on quality of life can be a total game changer.
Ivanovsky: Unlike women, who experience a relatively abrupt hormonal transition during menopause, men undergo a much more gradual aging process. There is no specific age at which a man’s body begins to break down. Aging occurs gradually and varies significantly from one individual to another. Testosterone levels generally decline by approximately 1 percent per year after age 30. By age 70, average testosterone levels may be 30 to 50 percent lower than they were in early adulthood. In addition to hormonal changes, aging is associated with gradual losses in muscle mass and strength, slower recovery, and an increase in body fat. At our clinic, we offer hormone replacement therapy for both men and women. Appropriate hormone replacement therapy when indicated, regular exercise, quality sleep and good nutrition can help men remain healthy, strong and vibrant well into their 70s and beyond.
Kirby: We men reach our physical “peaks” around the age of 30, and tend to start experiencing the effects of aging more rapidly when we pass the age of 50, but that does not mean we have to be accepting of that. Many of the effects of aging are made worse by our lifestyle choices. Growing more tired, comfortable lives indoors, the ease of convenience, and growing more sedentary as our lives require less physical exertion all contribute to a decline in mobility, function and our health. This is all preventable or can be delayed by maintaining a consistent exercise routine, especially strength training, consuming plenty of protein and fiber, and maintaining a healthy body composition.
AY: What is your one piece of advice for “fighting off Father Time”? Davis: We men reach our physical “peaks” around the age of 30, and tend to start experiencing the effects of aging more rapidly when we pass the age of 50, but that does not mean we have to be accepting of that. Many of the effects of aging are made worse by our lifestyle choices. Growing more tired, comfortable lives indoors, the ease of convenience, and growing more sedentary as our lives require less physical exertion all contribute to a decline in mobility, function and our health.
Kirby: If you want to fight off Father Time, the best thing you can do is to get active. Doing exercises and strength training above what your work requires will make a massive difference in your long-term mobility and health span. People in general when retiring begin using that time to “rest,” but that rest allows for activities of daily living to become more and more difficult to do as we lose that muscle mass from nonuse. Muscle is a “use it or lose it” part of your body regardless of your protein intake. Protein might slow down the loss, but the exercise is what will help you hold onto or even gain muscle as you age.
Ivanovksy: The advice is simple but not easy: Improve your lifestyle. By that, I mean committing to regular resistance training, consuming adequate protein, prioritizing quality sleep, managing stress, limiting alcohol and addressing underlying medical conditions. These habits may not stop aging, but they can dramatically improve both lifespan and, more importantly, health span — the number of years spent living well.
Francoeur: If I had to give an older man just one piece of advice for fighting off Father Time, it would be this: Keep moving, and keep lifting something. Muscle is not just for looking good in a T-shirt or tight jeans; it’s one of the best defenses against frailty, falls and the general nonsense of getting older.
AY: For older men, is staying in shape more of a physical challenge or a mental one?
Ivanovsky: In my opinion, it is primarily a mental challenge — and not just for mature men. Most people are physically capable of improving their health through regular movement and exercise. The real challenge is making the decision to start and maintaining the discipline to continue. Knowledge is important, but consistency is what produces results. The men who age the best are not necessarily those with perfect genetics — they are the ones who continue showing up for themselves day after day.
Francoeur: Staying in shape is both, but for many men, the mental part is the bigger battle. Movement is the ultimate antidepressant. Try this if you’re feeling really down and out: Take a sledgehammer to a tractor tire for about 60 seconds as hard as you can, and then stop and see how you feel. Don’t have a tractor tire? Try jump rope, sprint drills in a park, jumping jacks, pushups — something vigorous. It will literally reverse your mood instantly. The body usually responds if the routine is consistent; the trick is defeating the couch, the excuses and the highly persuasive voice that says, “Tomorrow is also a day.”
Kirby: It is much more difficult to start developing these things into habits than it is to never stop them. It is never too late to start, but the longer you wait to develop these habits, the harder it will be to create them.
“In my opinion, it is primarily a mental challenge — and not just for mature men. Most people are physically capable of improving their health through regular movement and exercise. The real challenge is making the decision to start and maintaining the discipline to continue.”
— Marina Ivanovsky
Patience and practice make perfect for the at-home pitmaster
By MAK MILLARD
In the long and storied line of world-altering human accomplishments, harnessing fire to cook food is arguably among the most consequential. Some evidence suggests early hominins started roasting meat as far back as 1.5 million years ago, and the combination of flesh and flame made for more palatable, digestible diets. Certain anthropologists even credit the advent of cooking for the growth of the human brain, which needed as many calories as it could get to keep the gears turning and develop the likes of science, math, art, music and, well, the entire modern world.
Technology and techniques might have been refined in the interim, but one need only bite into a beautifully smoked rib or succulent mouthful of pulled pork to understand what a revelation barbecuing was and still is. These days, pitmasters come from all walks of life and range from backyard hobbyists to professional competitiongoers and restaurateurs.
“My deal was I just bought a bunch of books and did a bunch of reading and trial and error, having a bunch of cookouts and a bunch of people over,” said Thurman McCroskey, the titular ‘guy’ behind This Guy’s Smoke N Grill in Searcy. “I tried something new. I tried a new sauce. I tried a new rub. I’ve been doing it for a lot of years professionally and on my own, and I’m always playing and trying something new.”
For Keith McGeorge, one-fifth of the central Arkansas-based competition team Black Mamba BBQ, an influx of pandemic-era free time gave him and his friends an opportunity to dive into the world of smoked meats, and the results have included an impressive run of awards and more than 1,500 pounds of food served.
“Our team consists of myself, Richard Moore, Dick McKay, Bill Puckett and Michael Seaman,” McGeorge said. “COVID-19 had just begun, everyone was stuck at home, and I decided, on a whim, to go purchase a lightly used, black, 250-gallon smoker on a trailer from an older gentleman in Maumelle. Just months before buying the smoker, one of our favorite NBA players had tragically passed, Kobe ‘Black Mamba’ Bryant. It just seemed fitting to name the smoker and team Black Mamba BBQ.”
A longtime preeminent name in Arkansas ‘cue, Whole Hog Cafe got its start on the competition circuit before venturing into brick and mortar. Founders Mike “Sarge” Davis, Ron Blasingame and Steve Lucchi entered the 2000 Memphis in May World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest with a rib recipe that captured second place. The team later returned and became world champions with a first place win in the whole hog division. The Whole Hog trio took a chance on opening their own restaurant afterwards, and the rest, as scores of diners since can attest, is history.
“Competition-quality barbecue hits on all the key elements of appearance, taste and texture, and hopefully those match the judge’s palate on that particular day,” Lucchi said. “The great thing about backyard barbecue is that you’re the judge, so you can cook to your own taste. You can control your choice of meat, seasoning and wood, and each of these can affect the final product.”
At Whole Hog, pecan wood provides a nice, mellow smoke flavor without being too overpowering, Lucchi said, though apple and oak are also “nice and flavorful.” Hickory or mesquite might be a good choice for those looking for a stronger smoke flavor. One should be wary of going overboard in any case.
“The easiest thing to mess up is probably the most common we see, and that is too much smoke,” McGeorge said. “You don’t want your smoker looking like the chimney from the Sistine Chapel after a new pope is elected. White smoke is never good, and it usually results from too much wood, wet wood or not enough oxygen in the firebox. The smoke coming from the smokestack should be a faint, bluish smoke, which means you have a nice, clean fire going.”
“When you’re doing all wood smoke, you just have to make sure you’ve got plenty of time and not rush it,” McCroskey added. “You’ve got to do your study and your research.”
As with a preferred wood flavor, experimentation is key to finding one’s own seasoning and dry rub blends. Be careful not to overdo it on smaller
pieces of meat such as ribs and chicken, which can be overpowered by too much rub, Lucchi said. Regardless of how one incorporates seasonings into their ribs — from rubs to brines to injections — McGeorge said the goal is for that bite to “explode with flavor.”
“We always start with removing the membrane off the back of the rib (optional), apply a light coat of mustard as a binder, and we will use two to three different rub combinations to season both sides of the rib,” he said.
McGeorge’s first rule of ribs is one he said applies to any meat a wouldbe barbecuer intends to smoke, grill or otherwise serve — “you truly get what you pay for.” McCroskey similarly stressed product quality as fundamental to a tasty end result.
“You’ve got to get a quality product. Try to stay away from any frozen meats,” McCroskey said. “A lot of times, my vendors, they’ll have frozen pork butts on sale or frozen chicken on sale or, you know, frozen wings, and I stay away from all that. Try to go with quality products and quality ingredients because I think it makes a difference.”
When it comes to slab selection, McGeorge recommended finding ribs with “nice fat marbling” — but not too much, since some of it will need to be trimmed off. Look for a rack of ribs uniform in shape to avoid one side cooking faster than the other. Fundamentally, the question is, “Would I want to bite into that?” McGeorge said.
Depending on size, ribs or skin-on chicken thighs can be smoked in two to five hours compared to the 15 or so needed for pork butt. For those with the time to cook it, however, Lucchi called pulled pork a great entry point for several reasons. It is a large piece of
meat and cooks slowly, so the window between “cooked” and “overcooked” is larger and more forgiving. It is also a more affordable option compared to brisket and ribs, which can be helpful for feeding a crowd.
“For any piece of meat, though,
just make sure you’re giving yourself enough time to cook it — 1.5 hours per pound of meat at 250 degrees is a good rule of thumb,” Lucchi said.
One can go heavier on the rub for a larger piece such as butt or brisket, Lucchi said, letting the meat marinate anywhere from an hour to even overnight in the fridge. The time and effort it takes to narrow down that just-right combination suited to one’s tastes is often its own sweet reward to boot.
“My dad, he kind of tinkered with it a little bit here and there, and he came up with a barbecue sauce that was pretty decent,” McCroskey said. “I [would ask him], ‘How’d you make that? How’re you doing that?’ and he
never would tell me — but he bought me my first barbecue book for Christmas that year, and he goes, ‘You can learn it like I did.’ That was kind of how it went.”
Given enough time, one might even discover a hidden talent or favorite item to make outside of the usual suspects. Black Mamba BBQ “excels at all things pig,” McGeorge said, but the group is best known for its raspberry chipotle pork belly burnt ends. That dish has earned the “People’s Choice” award for five years and counting at 103.7 The Buzz’s annual Doublebee’s Buzz B-Q competition. McGeorge’s No. 1 piece of advice for the at-home smoker was to “cook to temp, not to time.”
“Always have a meat thermometer or thermapen on you,” he said. “You can find them easily at box stores or on Amazon. After spending so much time and money for a barbecue, the last thing you want is overcooked [or] undercooked meat. Invest in a good instant-read thermometer. Additionally, YouTube has so many great videos for a novice to learn and build confidence when [barbecuing].”
One should also resist the urge to keep opening the smoker to check on the meat, since consistent temperature is crucial to the final result. In addition to letting out heat, constantly opening the smoker can introduce additional oxygen and lead to flareups in the firebox — or, as Lucchi summarized, “If you’re lookin’, then you ain’t cookin’.”
“Sometimes the meat temperature just stalls for a while, which could set you back an hour or two unexpectedly,” he said. “It’s OK to finish cooking early and take the meat off the smoker
Perfecting the art of barbecue is a process of trial and error. (Photos courtesy of Whole Hog)
“You don’t want your smoker looking like the chimney from the Sistine Chapel after a new pope
is elected.”
–Keith McGeorge, Black Mamba BBq
and let it rest. You can wrap it in foil, place it in an insulated cooler to keep it warm, and enjoy a refreshment or two with your guests until you’re ready to serve.”
Lucchi advised aiming for a temperature of about 200 to 205 F for butts and brisket and 175 F for chicken. For ribs, by contrast, the “pull test” might be a better indicator.
“When the rib meat just starts to pull from the bone with a gentle tug, then it’s ready,” he said. “I know there’s a common phrase that ribs are great when they ‘fall off the bone,’ but you actually want to stop cooking slightly before that point. That’s when they’ll be at the optimal balance between tenderness and juiciness.”
Newcomers might find themselves overwhelmed by the seemingly endless choice of cuts, seasonings, rubs and woods, not to mention any number of high-tech tools promising to make the difference between a superb and so-so final product. Keeping in mind the ancient origins of roasted meat, however, can be a useful reminder not to overcomplicate things.
“You don’t need a high-dollar smoker to make great barbecue,” Lucchi said. “A simple offset smoker from the local hardware store or home supply store is all you need to get started. Start simple, give yourself plenty of time, and enjoy the process.”
“I don’t know that there’s really a secret to it other than just having pride in what you’re doing and taking time, low and slow, and just having a love for what you do,” McCroskey said. “You just have to have the passion [and] the patience and not be scared to make a mistake and keep on rolling.”
If a being from outer space were to land in 2026 America and start to nose around about the sexes, it would likely return to its home planet more confused than it landed on the subject of the male species.
Times have arguably never been more difficult for a typical male as headline after contradictory headline screams louder than the last about what a man looks like, acts like and should be in American society.
Take the results of a recent Pew Research survey, for example, which found less than 50 percent of Americans view “manly or masculine” traits positively, while 56 percent found such traits either negative or neither positive nor negative.
The same poll queried opinions on such traits individually and found an average of 33 percent of respondents said American society places too much emphasis on traditional masculine qualities of confidence, assertiveness, risk-taking and physical strength. Meanwhile, 60 percent of respondents said not enough emphasis rested on emotions, soft-spokenness and affection among men.
In the wake of this back and forth, males from boyhood through adulthood are often left confused and adrift as to how to assume the roles they were created to play, that society needs them to play, and that they should play to ensure a healthy, successful and balanced life.
Part of the problem in men realizing and ultimately attaining their true potential lies in accountability issues — or a lack thereof — in the form of missing or substandard fathers, lack of positive male role models, and a dearth of mentors in every aspect of life.
That is what has elevated Arkansas-based School of Man, a sophisticated program for bringing men into communion with their purpose and capacity.
“Our ethos at the core is to build a more healthy, resilient man and eradicate generational weakness,” said Cole Rodgers, CEO and founder. “The way we do that is unique and starts with men buying into our process of being their future selves now. The one thing I love about School of Man is that it’s full of men who are constantly refining themselves as men of depth, reinventing themselves constantly.”
Launched in 2016, the SoM program is a Christian-based 18-month curriculum referred to as “The Path,” broken into three six-month segments. Progressing through these segments, men are taught how to develop attributes the organization sees as essential for men to possess, such as courage, adaptability, resilience and perseverance.
Rodgers said the transformation of participants who faithfully follow and work at the program, which combines physical and spiritual work, as well as discussing concepts and learning life
strategies, is nothing short of astonishing to watch.
“This organization does not simply show up and drink coffee and read a textbook,” Rodgers said. “It is unique by design in that it demands something of the participants. Not every guy wants to do the work to go through the process, which requires sacrifice and desire, but that’s what makes us different in our approach to building healthier, more resilient men.”
If the heart of the School of Man program is individual drive, then the hands and feet of the program are accountability, which takes the form of teams that go through various developmental experiences together. Rodgers said men crave such interaction within a team setting, since access to such tribes is sorely lacking in today’s society.
“Men long to reject passivity, they long to lead courageously, and they long to have responsibility,” he said. “They also thrive in real brotherhood, that old team camaraderie that we’ve all experienced, maybe in the locker rooms or in different aspects of life.
“The one thing men lose along the way is a mission; a mission to reverse engineer backwards from, to help them be their future self. We provide that and do it in a setting that gets men centered on the things that matter most, with their instructors guiding them through that process.”
Time and again, alumni come back to the idea of brotherhood as an essential component, both in their successfully completing the program and in sustaining what they learned through SoM for years to come.
“Before School of Man, I was completely alone. I didn’t have a core group of men I could rely on,” alum Paul Kroger said. “Once I took that step, everything changed.
The brotherhood here is like nothing I’ve ever experienced. For the first time, I had men checking in on me, pushing me to be better and holding me accountable.
Now I show up not just for me but for them too.”
At the end of each six-month section, teams go through a crucible escalating in duration and intensity from 12 hours to 24 hours to 55 hours, further soldering the bonds of brotherhood. Along the way, the men earn tokens of their achievement, including different-colored shirts and specially minted coins as outward reminders of the road they have traveled and their capacity to meet the challenges that lie ahead.
“I had been stuck in a rut for years, going through the motions, feeling like I was missing something,” alum Louis Petit said. “My health was suffering, my relationships felt shallow, and I was losing my drive. SoM challenged the way I saw myself. The moment I embraced the discomfort, I started to grow. Now I’m in the best shape of my life not just physically but mentally and emotionally. I take responsibility for my actions, lead with purpose and have a renewed sense of drive that I didn’t think was possible.”
Very often, when talk turns to the subject of “toughness,” the context is of brute strength; mention “resiliency,” and one thinks of who can endure the most pain. School of Man’s approach does not seek to teach men how to merely bulldoze through life’s obstacles but to develop the strength to properly and effectively cope and overcome, the kind of strength that knows when it is time to buck up and when it is time to ask for help.
“On one hand, you have passive men who avoid responsibility, who avoid conflict, who avoid discipline and leadership. Those are the facts,” Rodgers said. “On the other end of the spectrum, there are the aggressive men who confuse dominance, arrogance, anger and selfishness with strength. Those are the two most common role models that many young men have been exposed to.
“What we strive to create is what I call a healthy alpha. That’s someone who leads his family, takes responsibility, someone who is physically capable, someone who shows his strength through his actions, keeps his word and controls his emotions without suppressing them.”
Rodgers said the last point is perhaps the most distinguishing element developed through the School of Man program.
“One thing we do really, really well is develop men’s emotional strength,” he said. “It’s not how big of a badass you can be in the gym or on the gun range; it’s the emotional strength side. That doesn’t mean suppressing emotions or suffocating them. That means you understand how to utilize them, control them and process them.”
“I used to believe that being a man meant handling everything on my own. I avoided deep conversations, bottled up my stress and convinced myself that asking for help was weakness,” alum Jon Viguerie said. “SoM shattered that illusion. Here, I learned that true strength comes from being vulnerable, from stepping into discomfort and from letting other men sharpen me. Now I’m a better husband, father and leader not because I have all the answers but because I have the courage to seek them.”
A major underpinning of the SoM program is its firm roots in Jesus Christ, Rodgers said.
“One of the biggest things we stress is health is wealth. The most valuable thing that a man possesses that God has gifted all of us with, is his spiritual energy, especially when it is used to pour into those around you.”
Rodgers said this spiritual component is often misunderstood as some magical, supernatural formula when, in fact, it is an allconsuming force that steadies a man in times of trial, a life force so powerful it not only improves the man himself but compels him to improve the lives of others through service.
“I call it being spiritually grounded, believing in something bigger than yourself,” he said. “The healthy alpha doesn’t need everybody to know that he’s the strongest man in the room but
shows up for his son’s baseball game. As a husband, he remains faithful when temptation for porn or whatever else is present, and it’s ever present. It’s everywhere.
“That’s the challenge that men face today and what we’ve built this movement around, where we really focus on virtue. The man who admits when he is wrong, a man who’s willing to protect the weak, that’s masculinity at the core.”
The program also develops in men the belief that living up to one’s intended purpose and future greatness comes with constant self-examination and self-improvement, since the journey to one’s full potential is lifelong.
“The way SoM affected me is going through the unknown, doing the unthinkable. It prepared me for the unknowns in the future,” alum Bobby Baldwin said. “That allowed me to break down barriers in my mind telling me I was undeserving or I couldn’t do something or I wouldn’t stand a chance in that arena. The possibilities now are really endless — I was a 9-to-5 Tyson Foods employee, and now I own two businesses with over 12 employees. Before School of Man, I never would have thought that was a possibility.”
Men from all walks of life across a broad swath of ages and experiences have discovered the rejuvenating power that comes with understanding how to unlock their full potential and live fearless, achievement-oriented lives of purpose. In the process, they are improving their families, their neighborhoods and their communities, maximizing their God-given gifts with intention.
“There’s a real problem out there for men called social media, and what makes this so counterproductive is that it rewards extremes,” Rodgers said. “The loud, the angry, the attention-seeking personalities get the views, the passive personalities avoid criticism, and the healthy middle doesn’t go viral. Well, we’re not training influencers, OK?
“The reason why SoM resonates is because it isn’t about teaching men how to become tougher. There are already plenty of tough guys out there. It’s teaching them how to become integrated: strong, compassionate, confident, humble, controlled, ambitious, grateful men. We inspire each man to strive to be the man his wife dreams of waking up to in the morning and the father his children need. Are they perfect? No, but they are committed to doing the work to improve just 1 percent every day.”
by Jean Paul “JP” Francoeur
There’s a version of you that’s pissed off.
He shows up when your back locks up tying your shoes. When your shoulder barks reaching overhead. When you pretend you’re “just tired” instead of admitting something feels “off.” You used to be strong. Capable. Dangerous, even.
Now?
You’re negotiating with your own body. That’s not aging. That’s dysfunction — and it’s fixable.
I work with men who are done accepting the slow slide. Guys in their 40s, 50s and beyond who refuse to become spectators in their own lives. Using Neubie technology, I don’t manage pain; I shut it down at the source. We rewire the body. Muscles fire again. Movement comes back online. Strength returns — fast. Here’s the part nobody talks about.
Sometimes it’s not just your joints failing you. It’s your hormones. Your recovery. Your drive.
That’s why I guide my clients through real solutions, whether that’s optimizing hormones or using peptides to accelerate results. No judgment, no fluff, just what works.
This isn’t about feeling a little better. It’s about getting you back to a version of yourself you thought was gone. Stronger. Sharper. In control again.
Or you can keep stretching, icing and hoping for a miracle. Your call.
By DWAIN HEBDA
Every industry is subject to trends and fads, some more rapidly turning over than others. When it comes to fitness trends, the workout du jour can change at lightning speed.
Currently, the hot workouts are boxing, martial arts and mixed martial arts training both with and without actually squaring off against an opponent. Specialized gyms, studios and training schools are popping up all over the place, offering a genuine workout that defies the word “ordinary.”
“For a lot of people going to the gym, lifting isn’t a passion to them,” said Nathan Kirby, owner of Rock City MMA in Little Rock. “Ever since I discovered martial arts, it’s been a passion to me. I love it, I don’t miss the gym.”
Considering how unusual the circumstances were that first exposed Kirby to martial arts, the passion for the discipline must run very deep indeed. A roughneck with a taste for street brawling that ran him afoul of the law as a youth, he eventually gravitated to martial arts, working his way through the ranks and opening his own teaching school. That is when he had a humbling first MMA bout.
“I lost to a guy with no legs. He had 4-inch stumps coming out of
his hips,” he said. “He was all over me like Miley Cyrus on a wrecking ball. I couldn’t do anything; he had me on my back, choking me out, and I was helpless, a grown man who was absolutely helpless. All I could do is just tap and gasp for air.
“I thought, ‘I’m doing martial arts. I’m teaching people self-defense, and I can’t even defend myself. What is this?’ It was my red-pill-blue-pill Matrix moment.”
Despite the introduction, Kirby was hooked, and while MMA is everywhere these days — from local gyms to the White House lawn — getting Rock City off the ground 13 years ago was not without its challenges. Where other martial arts were well established for their fitness properties, MMA was seen by many people strictly through the lens of competition, which kept away many people not wanting to grapple.
“A lot of people are so intimidated to start MMA because there’s something in them that understands that this is real. This isn’t karate,” he said. “They’re intimidated to get on the floor because it’s so hard, especially for adult males, to humble themselves to do something that they don’t know.
“How we’ve grown is even though men like to stick to what they
know and what they can do confidently, eventually, they’re not satisfied. They come to us because it’s something innate in us, something we’ve always done. Once they start moving and engage and have that one bit of competition, they find they love being pushed, and they love learning. Lifting weights doesn’t challenge them other than their muscle.”
Rock City MMA offers mixed martial arts training, Brazilian jiu-jitsu training and martial arts for youth. While many of the drills are executed with a partner, actual MMA fighting against another person is not a standard part of the training but is reserved for a class of those seeking that level of competition. Kirby
said his clientele splits half and half between people with some kind of boxing or martial arts background and those completely new to the activity.
He said most MMA students trend young due to the physicality and impact of the training, while jiu jitsu is suitable even for older adults. He said it is amazing to watch students who started so far outside their comfort zone advance in their fitness level and skill.
“Every day, they come in, and they learn something new,” he said, “just a little bit better, a little bit faster, a little bit stronger. It’s a game of chess that they’ve put together.”
As national statistics show, Kirby’s success is not an anomaly. Traditionally dedicated to just one or two types of martial arts, gyms today are increasingly likely to offer more than one of the ancient fighting forms as a hybrid workout. As American Martial Arts Supply reported, many gyms now blend popular martial arts disciplines such as muay thai, Brazilian jiu-jitsu, and Krav Maga.
“Every day, they come in, and they learn something new. Just a little bit better, a little bit faster, a little bit stronger. It’s a game of chess that they’ve put together.”
Nathan Kirby, owner of Rock City MMA
The approach is paying off in students developing a more well-rounded skill set, be it for competition, fitness or enhancing self-defense capabilities, as well as being an extremely effective business model. According to figures released by Wellyx, the martial arts industry in the U.S. is expected to reach $21.2 billion in 2026, at more than 72,000 studios and an estimated 18 million participants.
The site went on to break down the popularity of the activity, reporting that between 2012 and 2019, the U.S. martial arts industry had about 4.2 percent annual growth only to give it all back in 2020, when COVID-19 decimated such businesses and numbers dropped to about 35,000 schools nationwide. Over the six-plus years since, however, the martial arts industry has rebounded faster than expected, doubling the number of businesses and boasting an annual rate of growth of more than 6 percent.
As impressive as those numbers are, boxing’s numbers are equally so. According to Dataintelo, the global boxing gym market was valued at $12.4 billion last year and is expected to nearly double by 2034. Spurred by the fitness aspects of the sport, North America dominates the global market at 37 percent revenue share. Unlike MMA, the boxing trend is accelerated by women’s participation, representing nearly half of all boxing gym memberships.
That newfound popularity is bringing new clients to the door of even old-school boxing programs like Central Arkansas Boxing Club in Little Rock. There, they come under the watchful and experienced eye of Ozell Nelson, who has been there for all of his 35 years as a trainer. During that time, he has produced national Silver Gloves, Golden Gloves and Police Athletic League champions, as well as Olympic medalists and professional world champions. He now brings the same expertise to the new generation of enthusiasts more interested in getting lean than getting hit.
“What attracted me to boxing was it was a sport that was one on one,” Nelson said. “I started playing basketball and stuff like that back in school, and you needed a team, and if the coach doesn’t like you, he isn’t going to put you in the game. I was getting picked over, so I started boxing in school. That’s why I love boxing — it’s just you and another person, and you will get your shot.”
Nelson said the gym caters to everyone, from youngsters getting started to those with dad bods looking to shed some pounds to one gentleman still swinging at 69 years of age. He said the older crowd generally is looking for the workout and not to climb into the ring against an opponent.
“I think it’s got a lot to do with the cardio that we do, like moving around the ring, hitting the bag,” he said. “I try to make it fun for people.”
One of the newer gyms in the market, Major Moves Boxing & Fitness in Sherwood, is taking what longstanding gyms such as Central Arkansas Boxing Club have been doing and modernizing it. The result has been full classes and high demand for the 7-year-old business.
“I started my business in May of 2019, and honestly, I really did it from a place of wanting to have someplace to train my son,” said Glenn Hudson, owner. “Man, we are now a staple in the community with 200-plus members.
“We have boxing and fitness for the average joes. We have a boxing academy for kids. We have a competitive traveling boxing team for amateurs. We also have a professional fighting side, as well. We run the entire gamut from beginners to professionals.”
Hudson, who has 50 amateur fights under his belt, said he sits down with every new face wishing to join the gym to discuss goals. In doing so, he has found most people come in for the training aspects first and the hand-to-hand stuff second, if at all. Even among men, who make up about 40 percent of his clientele, there are very few Rocky Balboa hopefuls.
“The majority of people, 90 percent of our members, are people that are just normal individuals who work 9-to-5 jobs. They have careers or have trades, and they want to utilize boxing and fitness from a training perspective,” he said. “They have no desire to get in the ring; in fact, most don’t, and that is probably the case with any of the boxing, MMA, kickboxing gyms.
Ozell
Nelson, trainer at Central Arkansas Boxing Club in Little Rock, said boxing is a sport that offers something for everyone.
“They do want to go through the grueling workouts. They want to do the heavy bag workouts, the pad work drills, the partner drills. They want that kind of training without competing. That’s the bulk of the business.”
For those clients, Hudson has developed a system of modified workouts that help each member reach their fitness goals. He said the class setting gives people a taste of the workouts and the environment, to great success.
“That resonates with people,” he said. “They’re like, OK, I’m doing the same workouts, modified to fit where I am. I’m not going to get the ring and get hit, but I’m still getting the benefits from that kind of training. I think that that translates very well. When people come into the gym and experience the first class and how it all works, most of the time, they end up joining.”
Even as new as Major Moves is, Hudson said the workouts have evolved considerably to meet the demands of the clientele.
“It’s a total-body experience. Most people have weight to lose and want to put on some muscle. That has really changed a lot over the years,” he said. “Even when we first opened up, a lot of people were not
“I started my business in May of 2019, and honestly, I really did it from a place of wanting to have someplace to train my son.”
— Glenn Hudson, owner, Major Moves Boxing & Fitness
doing strength and conditioning training with boxing workouts. It was mostly calisthenics, jumping jacks, pushups, body weight stuff. That has changed; in our gym now, part of the work is going to be strength training with weights targeting key body parts.
“We also incorporate circuit training into that program. You come in today, and we may box the entire hour. You come in tomorrow, we may box for 30 minutes and do 30 minutes on weight training. It’s really a total-body experience.”
Hudson said the biggest selling point for the program, besides the results, is an ingredient not always associated with the gym: fun.
“Showing up, walking through the door, is 99 percent of it. We can put people in any of our classes, and we modify everything to meet them right where they are. That makes people feel very comfortable,” he said. “You have role models around you everywhere you look, and everybody’s helping you get better, and nobody’s judging you. It’s really good energy — the vibe, the sweat, the music, the people. It’s just a really good environment.”
By SARAH DECLERK
J.D. Skelton, director of strategic initiatives at Natural State Recovery Centers, knows all too well the relationship between substance use and state of mind, how a child who did not get enough love from his parents later finds solace at the bottom of a bottle, how the roller coaster of uppers and downers creates the illusion of stability for a man whose life is going off the rails.
“It’s got a lot to do with how you were raised, basically,” he said “Were you raised in a family that doesn’t show love, care and compassion? … A lot of your people that have inferiority complexes and things of that nature, they are from childhood, from the way you were raised — never good enough, work harder, nobody cares.”
A recovering addict and former dealer, Skelton said his first drug was attention, something he received in abundance when he became the go-to guy for his fellow users.
“People turn to drugs and alcohol because they weren’t given [love], and then they find it in acceptance from their friends,” he said. “Sometimes they’re not always good friends. The excitement of doing things draws people, especially the excitement of doing things that we know are not right. We see and read all the things about drugs, but it is peer pressure in the fact that they feel like they’re in the in-crowd when they’re doing them.”
These days, Skelton is the go-to guy for those looking to get sober instead. Now eight years clean, he said recovery has given him something he could have never found with all the drugs, money and women in the world — peace.
“The identity that I have now is somebody that cares about humanity, that cares about people,” he said. “My identity in the drug world was that of a thug, and I liked that identity at that time, and that’s not normal. It’s not normal to want to sell drugs and be a thug. Is it a way of life? It is, but it is not a productive way of life, so I absolutely love the identity that I have today.”
He encouraged men struggling with addiction or those watching a loved one struggle to reach out to a recovery program such as Natural State.
“You can actually have a good life with peace, make good, confident decisions for yourself, for your family if you come and get recovery,” he said. “Come and get you some treatment. Learn how to live a new way.”
Garrick Conner, a licensed professional counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist who practices in Bryant, agreed that substance abuse and other maladaptive behaviors frequently stem from childhood trauma.
“Attachment wounds often are rooted in family-of-origin dynamics,” he said. “When we don’t get the necessary nurturing in childhood due to some kind of trauma, abuse, neglect or abandonment, whether real or perceived, people tend to self-medicate with things like alcohol, drugs, food or pornography. These maladaptive ways of coping with feelings of being ‘less than’ or ‘not good enough’ can result in the latent anxiety and fear of having a secret behavior discovered.”
In particular, he said, he has seen a lot of men develop an addiction to sports betting.
“The truth about gambling is that it can get out of control so quickly,” he said. “For many wives and partners, their first clue comes when a mortgage payment gets missed or a new credit card is discovered, often already maxed out. As you might imagine, the consequences of that are life changing, leading to a loss of trust and a loss of emotional and financial security for the family.”
Kellee McCoy, founder and CEO at Argenta
Counseling + Wellness in North Little Rock, another licensed professional counselor and licensed marriage and family therapist, said recovery centers often refer clients to his practice to help men address underlying mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety that may be triggering substance abuse.
“Substances are easy,” he said. “It’s easy medication to numb yourself, to deal with anxiety, to feel better.”
Emotions that are suppressed can manifest not only as substance abuse but anger, he said, adding that many men come to him after they have done or said something regrettable because their tempers got out of control. Much like a jack-in-the-box, feelings that are pushed down have a tendency to pop up again, often at unexpected times.
“Emotional pain, rejection, loss, difficulty feeling confident and competent, when those aren’t addressed, they can turn into issues in life, like anxiety disorders, depressive disorders, personality disorders — all kinds of things,” McCoy said. “When someone experiences trauma, when that’s not dealt with, it can create symptoms of [post-traumatic stress disorder], where there’s triggering moments, and you don’t know why you’re triggered.”
As stigmas surrounding mental healthcare dissolve, he added, more men of all ages are visiting his office to better navigate life changes and relationship troubles.
“We hear that kids spell ‘love’ T-I-M-E,” he said. “Dads that are constantly chasing the next big thing, looking for the next deal to close or whatever are often putting themselves in a position of missing out on that quality time with their kids. You can’t get that back.”
Also important is developing deep connections with romantic partners, as well as being able to understand and meet the other person’s needs without being asked, particularly for couples who may be caring for both young children and aging parents while juggling multiple income streams.
“Once the kids are gone, the parents are there as empty nesters, and if they’ve lost that connection, oftentimes that’s when we see the divorce rates spike,” he said. “It’s important to cultivate that relationship through date nights, through shared activities, and just taking time to bring listening and empathy to the table on a regular basis.”
McCoy said he has seen an increase in men seeking therapy because of a phenomenon known as “gray divorce,” in which more couples older than 50 are breaking up.
“In generations before, once you hit a certain point, you were just together, maybe because back then, there were pensions, and it was more of a financial decision, maybe,” he said. “Now most people, individuals have their own 401(k), or things are just different in this world where people over 50 and even into retirement can split up and be provided for. So yeah, I think that’s driving a lot of older men to therapy.”
Add to that the fact that many men shy away from talking about their feelings with other men, and male loneliness can become a real issue.
“It’s across the lifespan,” he said. “I’ve had very young men that are not adjusting well in college or in the workplace. They’re not adjusting to stepping into adulthood with autonomy and agency, and then I have older men who come in that are not adjusting to retirement very well. They’ve lost their sense of identity. Identity is a big part of it.”
There is security in identity, he said, and losing a job, a relationship or a loved one creates a great deal of insecurity. Ditto with any sort of life change. Forging a new identity takes time, and that transition period can last anywhere from weeks to months.
“Counselors and therapists are trained to help people walk through those transitions,” he said. “A transition is also a great time to do your work, to identify negative, irrational and unhelpful cognitions and behaviors that you’ve had in your life. Sometimes those come to the surface when our world gets shaken.”
For Conner, one of the biggest challenges facing his male clients is burnout.
“We live in a culture where chasing the next big thing is viewed by many as not only normal but necessary, and men are not immune to the comparison trap,” he said. “I think our culture constantly pushes the message that happiness is always one promotion, relationship, purchase, achievement or breakthrough away.”
Letting go of the pressure to constantly achieve can help men develop better family relationships, he said, especially with children.
“A lot of guys just don’t have other men they talk to about things that matter,” Conner said. “They may discuss weather and sports while playing a round of golf, but many simply feel isolated and alone, which can easily lead to depression.”
Conner, who has also served at various churches in addition to his counseling career, said joining a faith community can help alleviate loneliness.
“I think men do superficial really well, and most of that is unintentional,” he said. “We don’t talk about feelings. We don’t even label feelings, a lot of times, but being in community groups and especially in churches where pastors or priests are not afraid to address hard issues like depression and anxiety and relationship struggles, I think those men have a significant advantage.”
McCoy said that while there is a misconception that men are not emotional, that is simply not the case. Nor is getting help a sign of weakness.
“Asking for help is not a sign that something is wrong with you; it’s a sign that you’re paying attention,” he said. “It’s actually strength.”
Conner encouraged men to nurture their mental well-being by maintaining self-care, focusing on the quality of relationships and prioritizing self-awareness.
“You are the only one who can take care of you, and you deserve to have health and healing, no matter what you’ve been through or what you’re going through,” he said. “There are so many resources available for men.”
Reaching out for help does not have to be scary, he added. Therapists are not there to judge but to help people get better, he said, and most offer a free consultation to ensure a good fit.
“When you are looking for a counselor, you’re looking for somebody you believe to be caring and compassionate, somebody who is competent to help you with your issues, and somebody that you feel a genuine connection with because if the connection’s missing, then [men] are not going to be motivated to show up,” he said. “You don’t want to show up on a weekly or biweekly basis to meet with somebody that you don’t particularly like, so that connection can’t be overstated, in my opinion.”
McCoy also stressed the importance of finding a counselor with whom clients feel comfortable and who uses a research-backed method such as cognitive behavioral therapy, person-centered therapy or solutions-focused therapy.
He said he has seen remarkable success from eye movement desensitization and reprocessing, brainspotting, and psychedelic-assisted therapy when it comes to addressing trauma.
Getting curious is key, he said, adding that once men discover or rediscover who they are through therapy, they may come to understand that they are strong and good, even if they have been told the opposite.
“The light at the end of the tunnel is knowing yourself, knowing what you are capable of and seeing relationships improve, being able to maintain a loving relationship with a partner, a spouse, children, co-workers without the junk getting between it, without anger issues, without withdrawal,” he said. “The light at the end of the tunnel is peace with yourself, peace with others and a more flourishing life.”
Whether they are kicking back with a game of kickball, honing their physique with CrossFit or simply racking up the reps at a gym, sports and fitness are a way of life for many men. Unfortunately, injuries are a common occurrence for those who give it their all on the court or on the job.
“Upper extremity injuries are common in active men,” said Dr. Bryan Head, orthopedic surgeon Conway Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center. “Working or playing, injuries like biceps ruptures, rotator cuff tears and tennis elbow are common issues in our patients.”
Staying active is probably one of the most important things men can do for their health, he added. However, when men suddenly decide to start hitting the gym, that is when orthopedic injuries frequently occur. That is why it is important for men who are starting a new fitness regiment to take it slowly and gradually increase the intensity.
“Slowly increase your activity level, especially after long periods of inactivity,” he said. “If you were only watching baseball yesterday, it may be best to slowly play catch in the back yard for a while before you join an adult softball team.”
Conservative home measures such as rest, ice and medications that reduce inflammation are the first line of defense for men who push themselves too hard, but when those fail to provide relief, it is time to contact an orthopedist.
“Depending on the injury, simple treatments like bracing, anti-inflammatories, and steroid and platelet-rich plasma injections are helpful for many orthopedic injuries,” Head said. “Some require surgery like distal biceps rupture repair. We offer complete upper extremity care at Conway Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center.”
Head earned his medical degree at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock before completing his orthopedic residency at Baylor Scott & White Health and a hand and upper extremity fellowship at Baylor College of Medicine, both in Texas.
He offers minimally invasive wrist and small-joint arthroscopy, endoscopic carpal tunnel release, and patient-specific upper extremity joint
replacement surgery at Conway Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center.
The orthopedic field has grown by leaps and bounds in recent years, and Head said he expects orthopedic care to continue offering more minimally invasive options with quicker rehabilitation times for patients.
“This is already starting to happen as we get patients moving more quickly in their postoperative rehabs every day,” he said. “We also provide and will continue to provide advanced joint replacement options. Newer implants and technologies require less bony resection in things like total shoulder arthroplasty, and newer technologies allow for increased longevity of implants and replacements.”
Men have more workplace injuries and more high-risk hobbies than women, leading to more orthopedic issues, he said. He added that men also tend to minimize the severity of their injuries, leading to delayed presentation of significant orthopedic conditions.
Fortunately for working-class heroes and weekend warriors across central Arkansas, Conway Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center is there to help. The center was this year voted Best Orthopedic Group and Best Sports Medicine Clinic in AY About You’s “AY’s Best of 2026.”
Head praised the center’s staff members, who endeavor to have every patient seen in a timely manner and often come to work early and stay late to make sure patients’ surgeries are approved and their insurance requirements are met.
“We have highly trained and specialized orthopedic surgeons that are also active in the community,” he added. “At COSMC, you are more than another patient but often a friend and neighbor. That drives us to give the best care possible.”
The Conway Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center has provided comprehensive orthopedic care since 1988. COSMC has been voted among AY About You’s best orthopedic groups and best sports medicine clinics for several years in a row.
Conway Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center
550 Club Lane, Conway 501-506-1510
Conway Regional Health System conwayregional.org 501-506-2747
Conway Orthopedic & Sports Medicine Center
On a bright October morning in 1963, President John F. Kennedy stood before a crowd in the Arkansas foothills and dedicated Greers Ferry Dam in what was to be one of his final major public appearances. It was a moment that marked not just a chapter in American history but the birth of one of the most beloved lakes in the state, soon to become one of the nation’s premier recreation destinations.
More than six decades later, Greers Ferry Lake remains high on the list of the Natural State’s crown jewels. Stretching across more than 40,000 acres of north-central Arkansas and fed by the cool waters of the Little Red River, the lake is renowned for its startling clarity, emerald coves and an unspoiled natural beauty that makes it easy to leave the world behind. Nestled away in the Ozarks, Greers Ferry welcomes millions of visitors annually and has long been the destination of choice for families, surfers, wake-boarders and anyone who simply needs to remember what a summer escape is supposed to feel like.
At the heart of it all is Lacey’s Narrows Marina and Boating Center, the lake’s original, one-of-a-kind hub for everything that floats, speeds and glides. Established in 1978, Lacey’s Narrows has been serving Greers Ferry Lake for nearly half a century, making it as much a part of the landscape as the limestone bluffs and the bald eagles overhead. As the only full-service five-star marina on the lake, Lacey’s is sought after as a home base for seasoned boaters and first-time visitors alike.
Lacey’s has built its reputation as a trusted dealer of premium quality boats, offering a carefully curated selection for buyers who are ready to take “Lake Living” to the next level. The knowledgeable staff have spent years on the water, so they know what performs, what lasts and what will make the difference for that “perfect” summer family vacation.
Not ready to buy? Lacey’s robust rental fleet means the lake is always within reach. From pontoon boats ideal for lazy afternoon cruising to jet skis for high-adrenaline adventure, Lacey’s has the vessel to match any mood and crew, plus a variety of accessories and last-minute items in the ship’s store to keep one’s lake vacation running smoothly from start to finish.
Lake lovers looking to try something truly different can enjoy the best of Greers Ferry Lake round-the-clock with an elevated houseboat experience like no other. The marina’s 75-foot Stardust Cruisers are the ultimate lakeside getaway. Freshly remodeled and fully equipped, these floating retreats are ideal for family gatherings, bachelorette parties, team-building trips or even a couple’s holiday. Wake up to sunrise over the coves, cruise the lake and swim off the deck as you spend days and nights surrounded by water, sky and the freedom of having absolutely nowhere to be. In the evenings, take to the top deck and hold your breath for a golden-hour scene straight out of Hollywood — shimmering water below, beautiful sunset sky above, the smell of steaks on the grill and a cool drink in hand — all while making memories that will last a lifetime.
Arkansas’s Award-Winning Leader in New Boat Sales, Boat Rentals, Houseboat Rentals and Greers Ferry Lake Adventures
2026
Arkansas has no shortage of big-boy toys for the guys
By DOUG CRISE
Not all good times are created equal.
That goes double for men. While there are few things better than settling into a favorite chair with a favorite beverage, maybe with a buddy or two, passive entertainment only takes a guy so far. Men like to fiddle with things, and they like to goof around with new gadgets. Those things never go out of style.
Neither do toys. While many men have — mostly — grown out of pushing around yellow Tonka trucks, the concept of playtime never really leaves us. It just takes on new forms. Fortunately, there is no shortage of spots to act like a kid or just feel like one.
Mark Goodsell has watched people walk into his business and react as if it is Christmas Day for over 30 years. Located in Jacksonville, Goodsell Truck Accessories is a welcoming spot made by truck lovers for truck owners. Goodsell himself, though semiretired, still seems a long way from putting his feet up and pursuing other interests. He is on the sales floor, darting between rows of truck add-ons. There is not a single item he does not know, and just about every part of the inventory is manufactured by companies that lead their respective fields.
On this particular afternoon, Goodsell took a visitor by a display of trailer hitches manufactured by B&W, an industry leader based in Kansas with distribution throughout the country. There is enough variety available to ensure each and every customer looking for a sturdy and eye-catching chrome hitch walks away happy.
“Here’s something that nobody exactly has to have,” Goodsell said, “but they want it because it’s just the Mercedes or the Cadillac of trailer hitches. Everybody loves them to be on the back of their truck.”
Therein lies the secret behind maintaining a reputable business for more than three decades: Whether equipment is for a day at the lake or a week at a worksite, almost everything in Goodsell’s inventory is American made and comes with the top materials available. Goodsell
“The quality is extremely important to us but, also, the design of being something that is rugged and dependable and really strong and does the task that is intended. It’s ready to take abuse.”
— Russell Roberson, founder of Alpha Innovations
readily said his inventory is not the cheapest, but it is quite likely the most durable.
“Some guys don’t even tow anything,” Goodsell said. “They just want this thing because it’s the best brand to have. It really is. Some guys, they may be hauling a bigger trailer. They may have a utility trailer, a golf cart trailer, or they may haul a horse trailer or a ski boat, so they need two sizes. Some need three sizes. Some buy three just because they like the look of it.”
If it ends up as the last hitch a customer will ever need or buy, that is still a win in Goodsell’s book.
“It’s a good, made-in-the-USA hitch,” Goodsell said. “With one of these, you’ve got the prestige of this. You’ve got a hugely strong product that you can carry major loads with. This is one of those products that we sell, and it never comes back for warranty. It just goes out and stays out.”
Toughness is also the trademark for the many accessories that enhance a truck bed. Chief among those are drawer systems that can slide into any sized bed and be pulled out to store just about anything. Goodsell relies on Decked for his drawer inventory, another leading America-based brand that uses highimpact polymer resin co-molded into a steel subframe to ensure maximum durability and protection.
“To me, this is a great Father’s Day present,” Goodsell said. “This is a good birthday present, Christmas present, anniversary present — whatever.”
Guys who look to the outdoors for work or for fun should plan to take a look at Alpha Innovations, as well. Based in Russellville, Alpha Innovations was founded by Russell Roberson, who grew tired of watching cheaply made additions to his side-by-side fail in adverse conditions.
Like Goodsell, Roberson does not promise discount equipment — he promises sturdy, built-to-last products made in the USA.
“The quality is extremely important to us,” Roberson said, “but, also, the design of being something that is rugged and dependable and really strong and does the task that is intended. It’s ready to take abuse. A lot of the other products we compete against, yeah, they’re a lot cheaper, and they look pretty, but they don’t hold up.”
One of the more popular items among Alpha Innovations customers are Turtlebox mounts that can prop up outdoor speaker systems for a boat or side-by-side.
“It’s just a simple accessory,” Roberson said, “but we’re shipping those every single day all across America.”
Alpha Innovations is not a company content to rest on its laurels. Instead, it makes appearances at clay-shooting events and anywhere else outdoor enthusiasts may gather. It is little surprise, then, that several of Roberson’s customers come from the hunting community and rely on Alpha’s accessories to help them get from Point A to Point B.
‘We’ve been going to events for about three years,” Roberson said. “That’s your golf cart at a sport-shooting place, a side-by-side.”
Not every guy is looking for heavy-duty equipment to tackle the outdoors, however. There is no shortage of men who, after years of hemming and hawing, opt to take the plunge and try their hand at learning the guitar. Whether the plan is to while away the hours strumming solo or perform for friends and loved ones, it all starts with having the right teacher.
“I keep a full-time roster, a full-time teaching load, with a little bit of a waiting list,” said Little Rock-based guitar teacher David Dunavant. “I see about 81 people a week.”
Helping folks learn the guitar is not just some side gig for Dunavant; it is what he does. Dunavant graduated from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock with a bachelor’s degree in music and later obtained a master’s degree in jazz guitar. He has taught at UA Little Rock, Arkansas State University-Beebe and the University of Arkansas-Pulaski Technical College in North Little Rock. He has also published a series of instructional guitar books.
“A typical client is just a doctor, a lawyer — people like that,” Dunavant said. “I’ve written my own curriculum called ‘Street Guitar.’ I’ve written two books, and that’s what I use, and it seems to go over pretty well.”
Dunavant starts off new clients with a personalized consultation to determine their specific guitar goals and can even offer advice about where to go and what to buy when it comes time for that first-ever guitar purchase.
“There’s a place in North Little Rock called Renown Music, and that’s a great example, to me, of what Little Rock used to be before big corporations moved in,” Dunavant said. “It’s a local mom-and-pop, and they’ve got great used gear and new gear. They’re honest people.”
Dunavant’s work is more than just teaching what chords to play. Part of his job is to work with clients to make sure they find the guitar that is right for their aspirations and budgets before going into the exact sort of music they wish to play.
That little bit of extra effort is why Dunavant is the choice for anyone, whether they are looking to plug in or stay acoustic.
“I would ask you, ‘Hey, what kind of music do you see yourself playing?’” Dunavant said. “Is it mostly acoustic or electric? Then you could say, ‘Dave, I love Led Zeppelin.’ Then I would go through a couple of different types of guitars. I would guide you there, and then you would walk into the music store pretty much knowing what to get.”
2026 marks seven years since Joe Miller opened Cigar Republic with a vision to create the top “’Cigar & Whiskey” destination in Arkansas. Seven years on, that’s exactly what you’ll discover — comfort, relaxed ambiance, huge selection and great prices — making Cigar Republic one of the best cigar experiences anywhere. They are open seven days week with 16 TVs, three pool tables and an amazing fresh air system so you can catch every game in style.
AY About You caught up with Miller to learn more about what makes them truly unique and special.
AY: Congratulations on seven years. For those unfamiliar, can you describe what makes Cigar Republic special?
Miller: Even if you don’t smoke cigars, I think we have one of the nicest, most comfortable bar-lounges in the state. If you do enjoy a smoke with your whiskey or cocktail, our leather chairs, fresh air system, 16 TVs and billiards room will make your hot summer patio much less attractive.
AY: What does it mean when you say Cigar Republic is a private club?
Miller: Any bar you go into in Arkansas that doesn’t serve food has to have a private club liquor license. Our membership is just $25 every six months, and we give everyone five free day passes to get to know us before asking you to join. If you don’t want to join after that, it’s just $5 per visit if you drink. Anyone can purchase cigars and smoke here anytime without a membership.
AY: Do you consider yourself a retail cigar business?
Miller: I’m proud to say 65 percent of our sales are retail cigars. Most nice lounges around the country are 65 percent bar. What that means to the consumer is the best selection and the best prices are more important to us than getting you to drink some rare whiskey. We are more of a community bar, which means our drinks are more affordable because our average customer we see three or four days a week.
AY: Has the redevelopment at Breckenridge Village across the street helped your business?
Miller: It’s definitely convenient for my customers to have so many good food options nearby. We are a great stop before or after dinner, and this area has truly become a dining and entertainment destination.
AY: If someone comes in for the first time, what would you recommend?
Miller: Definitely buy five cigars and get your sixth free; we offer that deal every day and have since we opened. I love to assist with selections, and I can show any customer some great affordable cigars — including some hidden gems you probably have never tried. Next, try our old-fashioned. It’s the best in town!
THE CIGAR REPUBLIC DIFFERENCE:
☞ 5,600 square feet of space and 60 private parking spaces
☞ More than 450 boxes on display — “Buy Five Get Sixth Free” every day
☞ Wall featuring more than 150 bottles of whiskey and 100 other spirits
☞ Separate billiards room with professional tables, great for small groups
☞ Most comfortable lounge seating in town
By RYAN PARKER
As the husband of Heather Baker, president and publisher at AY Media Group, and a man who has always believed that how we present ourselves is a direct reflection of respect — for ourselves, for others and for the opportunities before us — I have watched Arkansas grow with pride.
We are a state of builders, innovators, farmers, leaders and dreamers, yet in too many rooms where decisions are made, I see men showing up in ways that suggest they have already checked out before the conversation even begins.
Hoodies. Wrinkled polos. Athletic shoes that belong on a trail, not in a boardroom. Sweatpants in meetings meant to shape our future.
Gentlemen, it is time to step it up.
I have spent years refining not just how I dress but why it matters. This is not about vanity. This is about representation. When you walk into a room, your appearance speaks before you do. It tells people whether you value the moment, the people in it and the potential it holds. In Arkansas, where relationships and reputation still drive business, that first impression carries weight across generations.
We do not need to chase coastal trends or New York flash. We need to embody Southern excellence with modern polish — confidence rooted in preparation, respect shown through effort and a look that says, “I’m ready for whatever comes next.”
Let’s start with a fundamental truth: The way you dress is a form of communication. Studies about first impressions consistently show people form opinions within seconds, heavily influenced by appearance. In business, politics, community leadership, or even a simple client lunch in Little Rock, Bentonville or Hot Springs, your outfit can either open doors or quietly close them.
I remember learning this lesson early in my journey. I once attended a meeting dressed casually, thinking the content of my character would carry the day. It did, eventually — but I had to work harder to overcome that initial perception of being unprepared. Contrast that with the times I have shown up sharp: tailored jacket, pressed shirt and proper shoes. Conversations flow differently. Respect is immediate. Opportunities expand.
Arkansas men have a proud heritage. We value hard work, humility and practicality, but humility should not mean neglect. Dressing well is not arrogant; it is considerate. It shows you took the time to prepare, just as you would for any important task.
Every Arkansas man should have a core wardrobe that serves him from the Delta to the Ozarks, from casual Fridays to capital meetings. Here are the essentials:
• The suit: Invest in at least one excellent suit in navy or charcoal gray. These colors are versatile, professional and flattering on almost every skin tone and build. Go for wool or a wool blend that breathes during our humid summers. A well-fitted suit changes your posture — shoulders back, chin up.
Get it tailored. Off-the-rack rarely fits perfectly, and a good tailor is your best investment. In Arkansas, we have skilled craftsmen who can adjust for our active lifestyles — whether you are coming from a site visit or heading to the State Capitol.
Pair it with crisp dress shirts in white or light blue — French cuffs if you want to elevate, but solid button cuffs work beautifully too. Ties? Choose quality silk in patterns or
solids that complement your complexion. Avoid anything too loud unless you are in a creative field. A subtle power tie in deep red or burgundy commands attention without shouting.
• Shoes: This is where many men lose the battle. Scuffed dress shoes or dirty sneakers immediately undermine your effort. Invest in a pair of classic oxfords or derbies in brown or black leather. Keep them polished. Rotate pairs so they last. In Arkansas heat, consider loafers for slightly more relaxed professional settings, but never wear flipflops except at the lake.
• Casual elevation: Business casual does not mean “I just rolled out of bed.” A sport coat with chinos or dark jeans (no rips, no fading) elevates everything. Opt for quality polo shirts that fit properly — tucked in, please — and leather belts that match your shoes. A blazer in a textured fabric such as herringbone or tweed can nod to our Southern roots while looking contemporary. For more relaxed days — perhaps meeting constituents in Jonesboro or networking in Hot Springs — a collared shirt with well-fitted trousers shows you still care. Sweatpants and graphic T-shirts belong at home or the gym, not where Arkansas’ future is being discussed.
• Grooming: Clothes only do half the job. Grooming completes the picture.
Get a proper haircut regularly. In Arkansas, we have excellent barbers who understand classic styles — clean fades, side parts or shorter cuts that stay neat through long days. Do not let your locks get shaggy. Your hair should look intentional.
Facial hair? Keep it trimmed and maintained. A full beard can look distinguished if shaped well; stubble often just looks lazy. Mustaches should be neat. Eyebrows, nails and overall hygiene matter more than most realize. A fresh shave or well-kept beard signals discipline.
Skincare is not just for women. A simple routine — cleanser, moisturizer with SPF — protects your skin from the strong Southern sun and keeps you looking comely. Cologne should be subtle. You want people to remember your ideas, not be overpowered by your scent.
Fitness ties in here too. Taking care of your body shows the same respect as dressing it well. You do not need to be a bodybuilder, but carrying yourself with strength and energy matches the ambition we want for our state.
Dressing well is not about spending excessively. It is about intentionality. You can build a sharp wardrobe over time. Start with quality basics. Shop sales, visit local tailors, and support Arkansas businesses where possible. Brands like those found in Little Rock’s finer shops or even thoughtful online selections can serve you well.
The real shift is internal. When you dress well, you carry yourself differently. You speak with more authority. You listen more intently because you feel you belong in the room. Young men at our colleges — whether a four-year university or a two-year trade school — should learn to dress early. Professionals climbing the ladder in manufacturing, agriculture, tech or healthcare will find doors open wider.
I have seen it in my own life alongside Heather. When we show up as our best selves, we represent not just our family but the potential of our state. Arkansas is attracting attention as the home of Walmart, Tyson Foods, J.B. Hunt and a growing tech corridor in northwest Arkansas. We’re no longer “flyover country.” We’re a destination. Let’s look the part.
Our state’s climate demands smart choices: breathable fabrics for summer, layers for unpredictable springs and falls, and wool overcoats or sport coats for winter meetings in the capital. Boots can work in rural or outdoor professional contexts, but ensure they are clean and polished. Cultural sensitivity matters too. In more traditional Arkansas communities, classic looks earn trust faster. In innovative hubs like Bentonville, you can experiment with modern cuts while staying polished. The key is consistency and appropriateness. Know your audience. Overdressed is almost always better than underdressed.
When men dress like they believe in that future, we project confidence outward.
Fathers, teach your sons these habits. Mentors, share this wisdom with young professionals. Community leaders, model it in your chambers and boardrooms.
We owe it to the next generation to raise the standard. Arkansas has incredible natural beauty, resilient people and untapped potential. When men dress like they believe in that future, we project confidence outward. Investors notice. Partners engage more deeply. Young talent stays home instead of leaving for coasts that promise more “style.”
It is not about perfection; it is about effort. Get up earlier. Iron your shirt. Shine your shoes. Comb your hair. These small acts of discipline compound into greater self-respect and external success.
Heather and I believe deeply in Arkansas. We see the talent,
the heart and the drive here. My advice comes from love for this state and the men shaping it. Step it up, gentlemen. Dress like the leaders you are. Show up ready. Your appearance is not everything — but it opens the door to everything else.
Let’s make Arkansas not just known for what we produce, but for the caliber of men who produce it.
Ryan Parker is a dedicated advocate for personal excellence and professional presence. He is a contributor to AY Media Group and resides in Arkansas.
By RYAN PARKER
Curious about which products can help keep men stronger for longer? Here are a handful of gadgets and supplements that can enhance men’s health, as recommended by fitness enthusiast and AY About You contributor Ryan Parker. Be sure to consult a doctor before starting any new health regimen.
Invest in your health today to live stronger for tomorrow.
Scientists may have found proof that hydrogen water reverses what doctors call “inevitable” cellular aging. A six-month study published by the National Library of Medicine found that telomeres — the biological clock inside every cell — actually grew among adults older than 70 who consumed hydrogen water.
The people who drank regular tap or bottled water? Theirs shrank.
Here is the breakdown: Every strand of DNA ends with a protective cap called a telomere. Think of it like the plastic tip on a shoelace. Every time cells divide, that tip gets shorter. When telomeres get too short, cells can no longer replicate. They become “senescent” — alive but unable to do their jobs.
Every major age-related disease is linked to telomere shortening. In short, shorter telomeres equal faster aging. During the study, in which researchers measured telomere length, brain metabolism, cognition,
sleep and physical function, the hydrogen group showed improved brain metabolite levels in the frontal gray matter, the region most associated with memory and executive function. Physical performance improved significantly too.
To understand why, it is important to know about the hydroxyl free radical. The body produces several types of free radicals. Most serve a purpose — immune defense, cell signaling, healing — but one has zero known benefits: the hydroxyl free radical.
The hydroxyl free radical damages cell membranes, corrupts DNA and accelerates aging, and the body has no natural enzyme to neutralize it. Hydrogen is the only molecule known to specifically target and neutralize it.
The idea that older adults should simply “take more antioxidants” is wrong. During the 1980s, researchers found that high-dose antioxidant therapy in cancer patients accelerated the growth of some tumor types.
Since too little oxidation can be just as damaging as too much, the goal is balance, or what scientists call “redox homeostasis.” Hydrogen achieves this through a pathway called NRF2, which signals the DNA directly, brings oxidative stress to the optimal level, and then stops.
It cannot overshoot in either direction.
That is why I started drinking hydrogen water a few years ago, but there is no need for a hydrogen water bottle. Enagic’s Kangen 8 transforms tap water into living water, allowing users to produce five types of water, including hydrogenated varieties, in the convenience of their homes.
Email Ryan Parker at ryancparker@live.com for more details.
Almost 20 years ago, while running my Anytime Fitness clubs in Arkansas, I worked with Jay Cardiello — the trainer who helped 50 Cent recover and sculpt his physique after he was shot. Jay wrote a national piece ranking the top 100 trainers in the country, and I was honored to be ranked number 46.
That experience made me even more determined to offer my members products I truly believed in and used myself. That is when Blake Sawyer, CEO and founder of The Healthy Protocol, introduced me to Royal Velvet. He and I spoke at length about the product and our shared mission — helping people improve their quality of life. I started using Royal Velvet and have stayed with it consistently ever since.
A few years later, I had a bad training accident. I was stepping up and down on a riser with three plates on the bar when my leg gave out from low glycogen. I fell backwards off the riser, landing hard on my tailbone with the bar still across my shoulders. That impact fractured my L2 vertebra.
The orthopedic surgeon told me I needed immediate surgery, but I chose a different path. I wore a brace, went through physical therapy, drank my alkaline ionized water from my Enagic machine and stayed on Royal Velvet.
Eight months later, a follow-up MRI showed that my vertebra had healed remarkably well on its own. I never had the surgery. That result sealed my belief in the product.
I have continued using Royal Velvet daily for nearly two decades now. I take three or four sprays a few times a day. Because it is a whole-food nutrient harvested from New Zealand red stag deer, you really cannot take too much. It is packed with growth factors and minerals that support recovery, energy and overall vitality.
This is one of the few supplements I recommend without hesitation in this column. It is not hype — it is a product I have lived the results with for almost 20 years. I believe Royal Velvet can quietly improve your quality of life the same way it has for me.
Curious? Visit royalvelvetnow.com and enter the code RYAN20 to save 20 percent at checkout.
MetaCure’s proprietary BIO-111 nano-bioactive technology is designed to enhance ingredient stability, absorption, bioavailability, cellular uptake and sustained bioactivity. BIO-111 helps deliver key nutrients to targeted cellular pathways involved in energy production, inflammation regulation, metabolism, detoxification, mitochondrial function and healthy aging. Together, the MetaCure BIO-111 wellness platform provides complementary support for mitochondrial health, NAD+ metabolism, AMPK activation, healthy inflammatory balance, antioxidant protection, gut health, neuroplasticity, endothelial function, metabolic wellness and healthy longevity.
Benefits:
• Healthy aging and cellular energy: MetaCure’s BIO-111 nano-encapsulation technology enhances absorption and stability of key bioactives. NAD+ MAX supports cellular energy production, mitochon-
drial function, vascular health and cognitive performance through NAD+ replenishment. Combined with ReVive LC, liposomal glutathione, and a vitamins and minerals complex, MetaCure provides comprehensive support for healthy aging, resilience, vitality and metabolic wellness.
• Metabolic health, insulin resistance and weight management: ReVive LC combines alpha lipoic acid and curcumin to support mitochondrial efficiency, glucose metabolism, inflammatory balance and liver health. Diaberine adds berberine-based support for healthy blood sugar and lipid metabolism. Together with NAD+ MAX and GutBiome, this combination supports metabolic flexibility, body composition, insulin sensitivity and long-term wellness.
• Liver health and inflammatory balance: Curcumin and alpha lipoic acid in ReVive LC support antioxidant defenses, healthy inflammatory responses and liver function. GutBiome contributes microbiome support through amla, ajwain, licorice and asafoetida extracts. Combined with NAD+ MAX and liposomal glutathione, the protocol supports detoxification pathways, metabolic health and overall physiological resilience.
• Cardiovascular and endothelial support: NAD+ MAX supports mitochondrial energy production essential for endothelial and cardiovascular function. ReVive LC contributes antioxidant and inflammatory balance support, while Diaberine promotes healthy lipid and glucose metabolism.
Featuring NAD+ and supporting nutrients, NAD+ MAX supports NAD+/SIRT1 pathways, mitochondrial ATP production, cellular repair, endothelial function, cardiovascular health, brain energy metabolism and healthy aging. NAD+/SIRT1 pathways are central to energy generation, vascular function, cognitive performance and cellular resilience.
Featuring berberine and berberis aristata extracts, Diaberine supports healthy glucose metabolism, insulin sensitivity, cholesterol balance and metabolic flexibility. It primarily influences AMPK activation, insulin signaling, lipid metabolism, and glucose transport pathways associated with metabolic wellness and healthy aging.
Featuring amla, ajwain, asafoetida and licorice extracts, GutBiome supports digestive comfort, microbiome balance, nutrient utilization and immune health. It targets gut-barrier integrity, microbial diversity, digestive enzyme activity, and gut-immune communication pathways that influence whole-body wellness and inflammation.
This comprehensive blend of essential vitamins, minerals and trace nutrients supports cellular metabolism, enzyme function, energy production, hormonal balance, immune function, bone health and nutrient-dependent biochemical pathways required for optimal physiological performance.
Combining alpha lipoic acid, curcuminoids and turmerones, ReVive LC supports mitochondrial function, antioxidant defenses, liver wellness and healthy inflammatory balance. It targets AMPK, NF-KB, glutathione recycling, nitric oxide and mitochondrial pathways involved in metabolic health, circulation, liver function and nerve support.
Combining bacopa monnieri and gotu kola extracts, CogniClear supports memory, focus, learning, mood and mental clarity. It helps support neurotransmitter balance, neuroplasticity, cerebral circulation and cognitive signaling pathways important for brain performance, emotional wellness and mental resilience.
Providing advanced glutathione delivery, this formula supports antioxidant protection, detoxification, liver function and immune resilience. It supports glutathione-dependent detoxification pathways, cellular antioxidant systems, mitochondrial protection, oxidative stress management and healthy cellular recovery.
Featuring ashwagandha, shilajit, moringa, safed musli and shatavari, Mendurance supports stress resilience, vitality, endurance, recovery and hormonal wellness. It helps support HPA-axis regulation, mitochondrial energy production, endocrine balance, recovery pathways and healthy aging mechanisms.
FOR HIGH SCHOOL AND COLLEGE ATHLETES
Every athlete pushes the limits of body and mind. SprintGuard was created to help support that journey with BIO-111 Nano BioActive technology, NMN, Alpha GPC, curcumin, alpha lipoic acid, adaptogenic botanicals and essential minerals. Together, they help fuel energy, focus, recovery, resilience and peak performance when it matters most. SprintGuard is made to support rapid recovery from accidents and injuries, especially when the sports involve concussions and accidents.
Ryan Parker is a dedicated advocate for personal excellence and professional presence. He is a contributor to AY Media Group and resides in Arkansas.
Hometown Nashville
Occupation CFO of the Law Offices of Katherine Blackmon
As chief financial officer at the Law Offices of Katherine Blackmon, Jamie Carroll brings decades of executive leadership, operational expertise and strategic vision to one of Arkansas’s most respected family law firms. His distinguished career spans the hospitality, gaming and business sectors, including senior leadership roles with major casino properties in Las Vegas, New Orleans and New Zealand. Today, he applies that same level of precision, innovation and financial acumen to overseeing the firm’s operations, human resources and longterm growth. Known for his steady leadership style, quick wit and unwavering commitment to excellence, Carroll has become an integral part of the firm’s success. His unique ability to blend big-picture strategy with hands-on problem solving continues to shape both the culture and future of the organization.
BEVERAGE Coke Zero
RESTAURANT
Michael’s in Las Vegas
FOOD
Tootsie Rolls and chicken and dumplings (but not at the same time)
BOOK
Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
MOVIE
Arthur (the one with Dudley Moore)
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Anywhere my wife is
SPORT
Track and field
DREAM CAR Ferrari 328
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life?
Moving to Las Vegas. I arrived with a car, my dog Enzo, a stack of resumes and a strong work ethic. I started at the bottom of the casino industry and, at one point, literally searched for spare change in parking lots to buy dog food. Those early experiences taught me resilience, humility and the value of perseverance. How did you get to where you are now?
I paid attention. Early in my career, I watched my bosses closely — what frustrated them, what took up too much of their time and where things could run more efficiently. Then I would go home and create a solution to the problem. I’ve always believed that if you can solve problems and make someone else’s job easier, you become valuable. Today, I bring that same mindset to the firm, working behind the scenes to remove obstacles so our team can focus on serving clients.
What is the most useful skill you have ever learned?
Surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. I am not the smartest person in this firm. I am not an attorney. I did not create this business. My wife, Katherine, is the smartest person in the firm and an exceptional attorney and business woman. I am surrounded by a team of brilliant, talented people who are passionate about what they do. My role is to keep the business running smoothly behind the scenes so they can focus on the important work of serving our clients.
What is your greatest accomplishment?
My Mensa cufflinks. I like wearing cufflinks. I saw somebody in the casino wearing a pair, and I had to have them. Unfortunately, the only way I could get them was to be a member of Mensa, so I took the Mensa IQ test and scored in the top 2 percent. Now I own a pair of Mensa cufflinks.
What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” for success?
Listen to people. You never know where the next great idea is going to come from, and more often than not, it comes from the people on the front lines doing the day-to-day work, not the executive boardroom. Great ideas can come from anyone if you’re willing to listen.
What is one thing you would tell your 18-year old self?
Invest until it hurts. There is nothing more powerful than compounding interest.
If you could meet one person from history over drinks, who would it be? Nikola Tesla. I would like to sit and listen to what a true genius actually thinks about.
What is your super power?
In the casino industry, I learned to watch people and figure out who was cheating. Serves me well in the legal industry.
Hometown Paris, Arkansas
Occupation Artist; Owner, George Dombek Studio & Gallery
George Dombek discovered watercolor in an art class at 16 years old and never looked back, even as his classmates moved on to other mediums. Every step since then, it seems, has been a return to the work he loves best. Dombek earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture and a Master of Fine Arts in painting, and he worked briefly with Gensler & Associates, one of the largest architecture firms in the world. Dombek then pursued an academic career that allowed him to devote more time to painting while teaching art and architecture across universities in Arkansas, Ohio, Florida, Italy and Saudi Arabia. In 1994, he resigned from a tenured university position to dedicate himself full time to his craft. “There is nothing else I would rather do than paint,” Dombek said.
BOOKS
Art books and biographies
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
My property in Fayetteville SPORT Basketball
Why did you choose to be an artist?
There was never a question in my mind. I have never been comfortable expressing myself verbally. I noticed while teaching art that many of the students have a similar experience. If you become a painter or any other type of artist, you can express yourself visually.
What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work?
People often tell me my paintings look like photographs. They mean it as a compliment, and I take it as one, but I sometimes think they are not looking closely. If you were to compare an actual photograph with the painting, I think you’d often lose interest in the photo first. A painting can offer something beyond realism and invites a different kind of engagement.
What is your favorite thing about where you live?
I live in Goshen, about 10 miles east of Fayetteville. One of the things I enjoy most is the landscape I have created around my home over the past 40 years. When I bought the original 8 acres in 1984, it was a hay field. Soon afterward, I began planting trees and shrubs and was inspired by landscape architect James Rose, who viewed outdoor spaces as a series of interconnected rooms. I planted every tree and placed every rock, though nature has been a collaborator in the process, often editing the landscape in ways I never would have imagined. Over the years, I expanded the property on all four sides and now own about 40 acres. When I am not painting, I am usually working outside. Landscaping is one of my few hobbies.
What is the coolest project you have ever worked on?
I have painted barns during three distinct periods of my life. The first series focused on Arkansas hay barn interiors and was created during my graduate studies. The second came while I was teaching in Tallahassee, Florida, where I painted the interior spaces of tobacco barns. The third began just before 2010, when I focused on capturing barns from the exterior framing landscapes, trees and farm equipment through the barn openings. During this last exploration, I set out and completed painting one barn from every county in Arkansas: 75 counties, 75 barns.
What is something that you find hard to believe?
People seeing my artwork at The Preacher’s Son restaurant in Bentonville often leads to more visitors to my studio and gallery than seeing my artwork at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art. In a museum, people typically spend only a few minutes, at most, looking at pieces as they move through the space.
At The Preacher’s Son, however, visitors experience 11 art glass windows over the course of a 45-minute meal, allowing a true experience of the work.
What was the best opportunity you ever received?
Marrying my wife, Sandy Twiggs.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Helping raise my great-grandson, Locklyn.
What would the name of your memoir/biopic be?
George Dombek by art historian and curator Henry Adams is currently in the works.
Is there anything else readers should know?
For more than 30 years, I have opened my studio and gallery to the public through Open Studio events in Fayetteville. These events now happen twice a year and give visitors an opportunity to see new works, explore the grounds and experience the place where the paintings are made. We are pleased to announce our Fall 2026 Open Studio dates: Oct. 10 and 11, 17 and 18, and 24 and 25 from 2 to 6 p.m. each day.
Hometown Crossett
Occupation Director of Communications and Marketing, Goodwill Industries of Arkansas
After graduating from the University of Louisiana Monroe, Lane Gammel earned an internship with the Seattle Seahawks that ultimately turned into a 24-season career, including 14 years as director of communications. Moving back to Arkansas after the COVID-19-impacted 2020 season to be closer to family, Gammel worked at Harding University in Searcy before another stint in the NFL with the Carolina Panthers. Now back home again, Gammel has the chance to make a big impact in a very different arena with Goodwill Industries of Arkansas. “One of the biggest lessons I’ve learned is the importance of setting goals, staying focused and being intentional about building relationships along the way,” Gammel said. “Talent and hard work matter, but so do treating people well and continuing to learn throughout every stage of your career.”
RESTAURANT
Wright’s Barbecue SNACK
Sam’s Club samples
PODCAST
Men in the Arena
TV SHOW
The Andy Griffith Show
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Any golf course in Hot Springs Village SPORT
Watching: football; playing: golf
SONG
“Lovely Day” by Bill Withers
What should readers know about the Goodwill Gala for Good?
Goodwill Arkansas’s Gala for Good is much more than a fundraiser; it’s a celebration of transformed lives and the mission behind Goodwill’s work across the state. The event helps support education, job training, reentry services, career development and programs that empower individuals and families to build brighter futures. It’s an incredibly fun night filled with inspiring stories and people who genuinely care about making a difference. Learn more at thegalaforgood.org.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?
I remember my dad waking me up early on hot, humid Saturday mornings as a kid to go pick purple hull peas. We’d spend hours picking them in the heat, then come home to shell them, clean them and bag them up. At the time, I honestly couldn’t understand why we spent an entire day doing all that work only to give almost every bag away to other people. I was perfectly fine with giving them away because I definitely didn’t want to eat them myself, but the lesson behind it didn’t fully hit me until much later in life. What my father was teaching me was generosity, service and the importance of caring for others without expecting anything in return. The older I get, the more I appreciate the wisdom in those long Saturdays and how much those quiet lessons shaped who I am today.
What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?
While in Dallas for a game against the Cowboys, I borrowed our head coach’s rental car to try and impress a girl on a blind date. In the early morning hours, I got rear-ended, and the other car kept going. For about 10 seconds, I made the incredibly smart decision to speed onto the freeway to chase the person down before common sense finally kicked in. After all that, while waiting for police to come and give me a report, I had a gun pulled on me. As for the date? She turned out to be my future wife.
What is something you would never spend money on? Never say never.
What makes a good man, in your opinion?
There is a Hebrew word, “shamar,” that means to keep, guard, watch over, protect or preserve. When I think about what makes a good man, that word comes to mind because it reflects the intentionality to care for and steward the people, relationships and responsibilities that matter most.
What would the name of your memoir/biopic be? Stay in Your Lane
What is your proudest accomplishment? My family.
What is something you wish people cared less about? Being emphatically right.
Hometown Hot Springs
Occupation CEO, Garrett Excavating
Education University of Arkansas
Even after three generations of Garrett Excavating, Grant Garrett finds people who assume excavating is a simple line of work or one populated with mere ditch diggers. The reality is much deeper — literally. As CEO of what has become one of the largest, most experienced and most technologically advanced site-development companies anywhere in the heartland, Garrett knows firsthand just how much science, precision and technical expertise is involved in laying a lasting foundation. Foundational to both his personal and professional life, meanwhile, have been the relationships and people he has surrounded himself with over the years. “I had a lot of great people around me that supported me when I wanted to quit and they encouraged me,” Garrett said. “They gave me the inspiration to keep going.”
BEVERAGE Moscow mule
RESTAURANT
Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse
FOOD
Ice cream
MOVIE
Rocky PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Legacy Ranch at Dry Creek
SPORT
Football
DREAM CAR
Porsche 911 GT3 RS
SONG
“Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue” by Toby Keith
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 being recruited for college football, Coach Danny Ford came and watched me practice, and he was trying to decide whether to offer me a scholarship or not, and he liked everything he saw in me, except that I didn’t weigh enough, so when we went inside my high school field house with my high school coach to weigh me, my high school coach shoved two 10-pound weights in my football pants, and I was 20 pounds heavier than what I really was. Despite Coach Ford’s disbelief, he offered me a scholarship on the spot.
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life? Marrying Betsy.
If you could go pro at any sport, what would it be?
Formula 1 driver.
What is something you wish people cared less about?
Trying to prove their worth. Everybody is already worthy just the way God made them.
What was your “dream job” as a kid?
I wanted to play football for the Dallas Cowboys.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all? My grandfather used to say, “There’s lots of people that think they have all of the answers, but they haven’t even heard all of the questions yet.”
Who would play you in a movie about your life? It’s a tie between Channing Tatum or Chris Farley. What is your favorite thing about Arkansas? The people.
What is something you would never spend money on? Hair dye.
What is something that is actually worth the money? Family vacations are worth the money.
What is your favorite ‘unpopular opinion’?
Work-life balance is a myth. To be good at anything, you’re going to be out of balance for a period of time.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? To fly.
If you could meet one person from history over drinks, who would it be and what would you have?
George Washington and I would share a cold beer. What historical event would you most like to have experienced? The formation of the Declaration of Independence.
Hometown Ferriday, Louisiana; moved to Arkansas in 2024
Occupation President, CEO, Philander Smith University
Education Louisiana State University; Southern University Law Center; Missouri State University; University of Mississippi; Harvard University
For Maurice D. Gipson, nothing has been so rewarding as the choice to pursue higher education as his life’s work. He has relished the opportunity throughout his career to help transform universities, watching institutions evolve while opening doors for countless students to change the trajectory of their lives. Appointed as the 15th president and CEO of Philander Smith University in Little Rock in 2025 after a stint as interim president and four years on the board of trustees, Gipson said he aims to continue positioning the university for long-term success by strengthening enrollment, expanding partnerships and ensuring students have every opportunity to thrive. His proudest accomplishments are a result of that work and a clear reminder of why it is so important: “seeing students cross the graduation stage who once doubted whether college was possible. Everything else is secondary.”
BEVERAGE
Cherry Coke Zero SNACK
Skinnypop BOOK
The Autobiography of Malcolm X PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Philander Smith University’s campus
SPORT
College football
DREAM CAR
Aston Martin DB11 SONG
“Ain’t No Stoppin’ Us Now” by McFadden & Whitehead
If you could have any other profession (realistic or not), what would it be?
I’d probably be an architect. Architecture is about designing spaces that improve people’s lives. Higher education isn’t very different. We build environments where students discover who they are and who they’re capable of becoming.
What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work?
People often mistake calmness for comfort. Leadership can be incredibly demanding, but I’ve learned that teams don’t need a leader who panics. They need someone who remains steady, especially during uncertainty.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?
They taught me that your name is your first resume. Your reputation is built one decision at a time. Long before social media or personal branding, they understood that integrity would open doors money never could.
What is something that is actually worth the money?
Education — not just earning degrees but investing in learning throughout your life.
What is your favorite “unpopular opinion”?
Kindness isn’t weakness. The strongest leaders I’ve known lead with compassion, not intimidation.
Do you collect anything?
Books. Every book represents another opportunity to learn.
How did you pick up your favorite hobby?
Reading became a habit early in life because history made me curious. The more I learned, the more I realized how much I still didn’t know.
If you could go pro at any sport, what would it be?
Golf. It’s one of the few sports where patience often matters more than power.
If you could meet one person from history over drinks, who would it be and what would you have?
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I’d probably order sweet tea, and we’d spend hours discussing unfinished work — education, justice, leadership and hope.
What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself? The ability to completely disconnect from work. I’m still working on that one.
What is your most prized possession, and what makes it special to you? My faith. It’s been my foundation through every success and every challenge.
What always makes you nostalgic?
Walking across a college campus just before students arrive for the semester. It’s full of possibility.
Hometown Greeley, Colorado; moved to North Little Rock in 2024
Occupation Owner, Birdies Cabaret Theater and Lounge; Professional Magician, The Mystery Collection
Paul Noffsinger walked away from nearly 20 years of success in finance to pursue his childhood dream of being a professional magician. He has since consulted for television, movies and some of the world’s most famous magicians. His show, The Mystery Collection, has traveled the world and been shared with crowds as small as nine — on a train in Peru, no less — to theaters of more than 2,000. A featured speaker at numerous conventions on the topics of ghosts, spiritualism, the paranormal and all things haunted, he was also “murdered” in the upcoming independent horror movie My Blade is Your Salvation. After owning an award-winning brewery in Colorado and a vampire-themed restaurant in New Orleans’ French Quarter, Noffsinger has recently made his mark in North Little Rock’s Argenta neighborhood with Birdies Cabaret Theater and Lounge.
BEVERAGE
Saison Trystero from Our Mutual Friend Brewery in Denver
RESTAURANT
Fonta’s Pizza in Greeley, Colorado
SNACK
Movie theater popcorn
PODCAST
Welcome to Night Vale
DREAM CAR
Land Rover
SONG
“Lust for Life” by Iggy Pop
If you could meet one person from history over drinks, who would it be and what would you have?
Hunter S. Thompson, Wild Turkey.
What is your most prized possession, and what makes it special to you?
My Submariner watch. It was a gift from my dad and launched my fascination with watches.
What would you like to accomplish before the year is over?
I would like to lose 30 pounds. You can’t be fat AND old.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My kids. It sounds very cliche, but they are both amazing adults that understand why the “pleases” and, especially, the “thank yous” are important.
What was the hardest time of your life, and how did you make it through?
My ex-wife and I had a very difficult pregnancy with my youngest. We were an amazing team and counted on each other’s strengths and supported the other’s weaknesses. We trusted each other and got through a very emotionally and financially difficult time. Our marriage ended, but she is an amazing woman and a fantastic mother.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done, and why did you do it?
Walking away from a cushy career in finance. I did it because of the Ernest Hemingway quote, “Every man dies two deaths: when he is buried in the ground and the last time someone says his name. In some ways, men can be immortal.” I didn’t want to be remembered as really good at Excel spreadsheets or the team leader in performance in the finance department. I want to be remembered for the stories and experiences I share with my people.
What would the name of your memoir/biopic be?
Dude, You F’n Kidding Me?
What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?
I got to spend 20 days trekking through the jungles of Peru and Bolivia with the guys from the History Channel show Ancient Aliens
How did you pick up your favorite hobby?
I saw how people reacted to magic, and I was hooked. The ability to help people forget about the stresses and pressures of life and remind them of a time they believed in magic is pretty awesome.
What was your “dream job” as a kid?
I wanted to be Indiana Jones. Do you collect anything?
Oh man, yes — books, oddities, Ouija boards and watches.
Hometown Benton
Occupation Residential Home Builder, Homes by Jerrod
Not everyone has what it takes to put their name on the line in business, but for residential home builder Jerrod Phillips, there was never another option. Homes by Jerrod in Benton was founded in 2020 on core values of faith, integrity and hard work at every step, from laying the foundation to putting the keys in the front door. A portfolio of stunning results has made Homes by Jerrod a sought-after name, indeed, with as many as 10 projects underway at any given time. Phillips understands that a reputation, like a business or home, is built brick by brick. “Most people can work hard for a day,” he said. “Very few can stay committed year after year when nobody is cheering, nobody is recognizing them and progress feels slow.”
BEVERAGE
Monster Energy
RESTAURANT
Sonny Williams’ Steak Room
SNACK
Nutty Buddy
MOVIE
Top Gun
SPORT
Baseball
DREAM CAR
Corvette
SONG
“Hall of Fame” by The Script
What always makes you nostalgic?
Remembering the people, values, faith and hard work that carried me to building homes and opportunities for others.
What was your “dream job” as a kid?
Professional baseball player.
What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work?
People see the success, but they don’t see the struggle that built it.
What is your favorite ‘unpopular opinion’?
The hardest decision you’ll ever make is doing what’s right.
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life?
Meeting my high school sweetheart and marrying her.
If you could go pro at any sport, what would it be?
Baseball.
What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself?
Patience.
What is your most prized possession, and what makes it special to you? Our dog, Jeter. He’s our third child.
What do you believe distinguishes you from others?
My authenticity and remembering where I came from.
What makes a “good man,” in your opinion?
A good man, to me, is someone whose character can be trusted when his reputation isn’t being watched.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Most definitely my family.
Who would play you in a movie about your life? Mark Wahlberg.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done, and why did you do it?
I was a lineman for Entergy Arkansas. I loved the trade and the reward of turning lights back on during storm outages.
What is No. 1 on your bucket list?
Tour the SEC in an RV, going to watch the Hogs in baseball, football, basketball and volleyball as one of the “Roadhogs.”
In what way(s) could young men of today take a lesson from previous generations?
Young men today could learn that responsibility comes before recognition. Previous generations often understood that providing for their family, keeping their word, showing up to work and doing the right thing weren’t optional but expectations. They took pride in being dependable.
Hometown Benin City, Nigeria
Occupation President, Adebayo Cleaning Services
Sunday Adebayo has understood the importance of teamwork from his earliest days as an athlete, but it was not until embarking on the professional path as a business owner that he realized how vital it could be in life’s other arenas, as well. Wrapping up his collegiate basketball career with the Arkansas Razorbacks, Adebayo later opened his eponymous commercial cleaning service in Maumelle. Over a little more than two decades, Adebayo Cleaning Services in Maumelle has grown to provide comprehensive service with a high value placed on building client relationships. The most pivotal moment for him along the way, Adebayo said, came when he realized how much success depended on leading others rather than simply managing tasks. “It taught me that investing in people is what truly grows a company,” he said.
How did you get to where you are now?
Someone took a chance on me, and I worked hard to honor that opportunity. I never imagined it would lead me to where I am today.
What was your “dream job” as a kid?
Professional soccer player.
What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work? In commercial cleaning, turnover of both clients and employees can happen. I’ve learned that you can’t get stuck in the moment. Instead, you stay resilient, understand the ‘why,’ make any improvements needed and keep going. The key is staying proactive, not reactive.
What advice would you give someone who had to “walk in your shoes” for a day?
FAVORITES
BEVERAGE Water
RESTAURANT
The Oyster Bar
FOOD
Pounded yam and egusi soup
DREAM CAR
Audi RS e-tron GT Performance
SONG
“Natural Mystic” by Bob Marley & The Wailers
I would tell them to be ready to multitask, pay attention to details and stay flexible. Things can change quickly — client needs, schedules or priorities. Walking in my shoes means staying calm, staying organized and understanding that the work you do truly affects people’s day-to-day environment. If you stay focused and take pride in the small things, the big things fall into place.
What do you believe distinguishes you from others?
I may have managers, but my clients know I’m always reachable. I remain hands-on and fully present to support them, and they can speak to that commitment.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?
My parents taught me that perseverance and hard work always pays off.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Starting my own business and being able to provide a good life for my family.
Hometown Redlands, California; moved to Maumelle in 2022
Occupation Director of Communications, Central Arkansas Christian Schools
As Jeremy Beauchamp sees it, “all good that has happened to me or through me is by the provision of God.” The SoCal native has spent most of his professional career in Christian education, whether teaching, coaching or administering, and now serves as the director of communications at Central Arkansas Christian Schools. Beauchamp is motivated by a belief in the goodness and potential of children, who he said deserve to be supported and encouraged as they pursue the difficult and important work of identity formation. “I believe they need to see the world as the beautiful and wondrous home that it is and that the dream of what we could be is worth sacrificing for,” he said.
What was your “dream job” as a kid?
I wanted to be a beat reporter for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Baseball, travel and my favorite team — what’s not to love?
What is something that is actually worth the money?
Supporting my children in their passions. We’ve thrown a good bit of cash at pole vault camps, musical instruments and gas to get all over central Arkansas to watch them play. These years pass so quickly, and I cherish watching them dive into something new.
What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?
Prayer. I don’t think of prayer as an incantation to get whatever you want. Rather, I think it’s a way of opening your heart to the will of God and learning to trust in his provision and believe that you can be an instrument of goodness in whatever situation you find yourself in. I think prayer sharpens us to opportunities that come before us. How did you pick up your favorite hobby?
I started playing the guitar in my teen years to do two things: learn Dave Matthews Band songs and woo women. I did learn some Dave, and I did procure a wife, though I do not believe the two are correlated. What is your most prized possession, and what makes it special to you?
My grandpa taught me how to play guitar, and before he passed, he gave me a lap steel he found at an estate sale that needed repairing. Per his wishes, I was able to sell it and use the money to purchase a Martin D-18, which I named Dwaine in honor of him.
What is something you wish people cared more about?
Living the examined life. I feel like few people are asking the big questions these days. I think our constant entertainments are dulling our ability to reason or call each other to a disciplined way of life.
What is something you love that most people hate?
I love to find myself in a new city without a detailed agenda or a guide. I enjoy trying to figure out new places and learning how different cultures operate firsthand. I relish the challenges of public transit or sprawling airports.
FAVORITES
BEVERAGE FOMO
Onyx Coffee Lab, Bentonville
RESTAURANT
Wright’s Barbecue
FOOD
Connecticut-style lobster roll
DREAM CAR
BMW M4
SONG
“Mind Mischief” by Tame Impala
Phillip Bridges took a winding path to real estate, making stops along the way in banking, marketing, communications and the corporate world. All of his experiences pointed him towards the work he does now with The Property Group, which he described as both meaningful and genuinely aligned with who he is. Clients can certainly sense Bridges’ passion, especially when his knack for relationship building and eye for that “perfect fit” brings them to a property they did not even know was an option. “Some of the most meaningful parts of my work have come from the people I’ve met along the way and the trust they’ve placed in me during important seasons of their lives,” he said.
BEVERAGE
Gin Martini with a twist
RESTAURANT
The Pizzeria SNACK
Little Debbie Oatmeal Creme Pie MOVIE
The Count of Monte Cristo
DREAM CAR
1999 Toyota 4Runner (my first car) SONG
“Cruel Summer” by Taylor Swift
Hometown Arkadelphia; Little Rock since 2011 Occupation Real Estate Agent, The Property Group
What was your “dream job” as a kid? An architect.
What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work?
That real estate agents just open doors. In reality, I’m helping people through major, emotionally charged moments in life. I’ve learned that staying calm, communicating clearly and treating people with kindness goes a long way in situations where emotions are already running high.
What is your favorite thing about where you live?
I love that Little Rock has such distinct pockets and neighborhoods, each with their own architecture, style and personality. There’s truly a place here for everyone, and I think that’s what makes the city feel so approachable.
Do you collect anything?
Not since my �90s Beanie Babies collection!
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life?
Leaving a stable, established career to pursue my passion and bet on myself in real estate. Walking away from a good title and a clear trajectory felt risky. It was also the best decision I’ve ever made.
What do you believe distinguishes you from others?
I try to make people feel comfortable and understood. Life already gives people enough stress, so whether it’s professionally or personally, I want people to feel like they’re dealing with someone steady, kind and capable.
How do you want to be remembered?
As someone people trusted and felt comfortable around. If people remember me as kind, steady and genuine, I’d feel pretty good about that.
What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?
You don’t have to become a different person to be successful. The best things in your life will come from becoming more yourself.
What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self?
Success feels a lot better when it’s built as the real version of yourself. I think my 18-year-old self would be proud of that.
What is something you hate that most people love?
Mayonnaise — or, really, any condiment.
What is your purpose?
To use what I’m good at to genuinely help people.
Hometown Hamburg
Occupation Vice President of Operations, James A. Rogers Excavating, McHenry & Meyer Cos., NOEC Construction
Alittle more than a decade ago, Dusty Burch entered the rental sales business with no prior experience — a leap of faith that would pay off in its own time. He made his way to Little Rock as a territory manager for Stribling Equipment and later pursued the opportunity to become an owner-partner at an equipment rental company. While that endeavour did not shake out as expected, seeing himself out of the business put Burch on the path to joining the James A. Rogers Excavating family. That decision, he said, has been one of the most impactful choices of his life both professionally and personally. “It’s given me the opportunity to grow, learn and be part of something built on decades of hard work and integrity,” Burch said.
How did you get to where you are now?
Consistency, learning from others who’ve been there before me, and taking responsibility for the people and opportunities placed in front of me. The people who succeed long-term are the ones who show up everyday, do the work and keep going when it’s boring, hard or unnoticed. Small efforts repeated over years become massive results.
If you could have any other profession, what would it be?
Farmer. I’ve always admired the dedication, resilience and stewardship that come with caring for the land and producing something that benefits others.
What is your favorite thing about where you live?
That living in central Arkansas, you can be anywhere you want within two hours — my duck camp south of Stuttgart, on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, or in northwest Arkansas, attending a Razorback event with family and friends.
What was the hardest time of your life, and how did you make it through?
The unexpected loss of my mom. I’m still navigating through the loss years later by knowing she’s now with me everyday and by praying to her and the Lord every night. I just wish she was still physically here for me to share accomplishments like this one with her and to hug her one more time.
What is the most useful skill you have ever learned?
I taught myself in my 20s the importance of being organized. Having things neat, clean and in their place can make all the difference in a hectic situation.
How did you pick up your favorite hobby?
At 12 years old I went on my first duck hunt with my cousin, Jason Burch. I froze to death and could not hit anything to save my life, but I was hooked.
FAVORITES
RESTAURANT
The Original Doe’s Eat Place
FOOD
Oysters
MOVIE
Top Gun
PODCAST Monday Beers
DREAM CAR
Eleanor from Gone in 60 Seconds, a 1967 Shelby GT500
Hometown Bryant
Occupation Co-CEO, Power Technology
Walter Burgess learned from a long line of men in his family that entrepreneurship is a powerful tool for impacting lives and improving communities. Burgess’ greatgrandfather owned and operated a general store in Dover, and his grandfather went on to open a store of his own a few streets over. His father, meanwhile, started laser designer and manufacturer Power Technology from his kitchen table in 1969. Burgess is now behind the wheel as co-CEO, and Power Technology continues to be a global leader in laser technology. As he builds on that legacy, Burgess has found one piece of advice to ring true both inside the business sphere and well beyond it: “Never say you are too old to solve the unique problems that you see.”
What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work?
We do not put lasers on sharks, despite what Austin Powers says.
What is your most prized possession?
My very first car was a British 1980 MGB convertible. I still have that car and dream of restoring it and driving it again.
What is the coolest project you have ever worked on?
Making lasers that detect anthrax spores on the battlefield stands out to me as one of my coolest projects. We probably didn’t make money on those projects, but we supported national defense and worked through design challenges until they were completely solved. It was rewarding.
What is your favorite “unpopular opinion”?
Citizens actually do join government to make things better. Not all politicians are evil narcissists.
What is the most useful skill you have ever learned?
RESTAURANT
Top of the Rock in Branson, Missouri
SNACK
Sour Patch Kids
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Speakeasy Cafe in Bryant
SPORT
Paintball
SONG
“I’m Good (Blue)”
by David Guetta and Bebe Rexha
I learned early on that almost anything can be made, whether it is a laser product or a do-it-yourself project. I was raised by a father who made his own tool, device or widget when he couldn’t find the item he wanted for sale.
Do you collect anything?
Pressed pennies.
How did you pick up your favorite hobby?
I was fascinated that honey, water and yeast could be made into mead, or honeywine. I started making wine about five years ago from fresh fruits, fruit juice and pumpkins. One of my best varieties was a mango habanero mead.
If you could meet one person from history over drinks, who would it be?
George Washington. He was a reluctant leader who served his country. It cost him financially to do so. I want to hear how he thrived during a very difficult time.
Hometown Little Rock Occupation CEO, COO, Flyway Brewing
Flyway Brewing has spent a little more than a decade becoming one of the Natural State’s marquee craft breweries, and Rob Byford joined the Flyway team at just the right time to help it soar even further. The brewery’s latest expansion into Little Rock’s revived Breckenridge Village has been a hit, following other successful moves into northwest Arkansas and Memphis. Byford described his own professional journey up until now as “a lot of hard work and a little bit of circumstance.” A University of Arkansas in Fayetteville alum, Byford sharpened his restaurant chops serving as chief operating officer at Slim Chickens and a managing member of the former Library Kitchen + Lounge. For anyone looking to break into the world of craft beer, he advised, “Be prepared for the unexpected everyday.”
If you could have any other profession, what would it be? Sports agent.
What was your “dream job” as a kid? Commercial pilot.
What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work? Profit margins.
What is your favorite thing about Arkansas? Four seasons.
What is something you would never spend money on? Pet snake.
What is something that is actually worth the money? Real estate.
What is a trait that you admire in others but do not possess yourself? Rhythm.
What would the name of your memoir/biopic be? Work Hard, Play Hard. If you could go pro at any sport, what would it be? Football.
What always makes you nostalgic? Row crops in harvest season.
What is your proudest accomplishment? My children.
What is something you wish people cared less about? Opinions.
What is something you wish people cared more about? Each other.
What is the most ‘useless’ talent or skill you possess? Touching my tongue to my nose.
What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success? Showing up every day.
What is something you love that most people hate? Early mornings.
FAVORITES
BEVERAGE
Bluewing
RESTAURANT
Sonny Williams’ Steak Room
SNACK Snickers
PLACE IN ARKANSAS Buffalo National River
SONG
“Comeback Story” by Kings of Leon
Hometown Conway
Occupation President, Little Rock Winwater
Michael K. Carter got his start as a truck driver for Little Rock Winwater before working his way up to the president’s chair at River Valley Winwater. After two decades of growth at River Valley, he was given the opportunity to return to Little Rock as president this year. Carter said he is blessed to get to work with “28 amazing people” and that his team is working to bring the company back to its glory days with a foundation of faith, family and good business. “It has been a full-circle moment to return to where I started and work toward making it one of the top Win companies in the country,” he said.
If you could have any other profession, what would it be?
I have the best one available.
What was your “dream job” as a kid?
Pro motocross rider.
What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work? It is a lot more complex than just selling culvert, water pipe and fittings.
What is something you would never spend money on?
Extended warranties.
What is something that is actually worth the money?
Shoes, boots, mattresses and sheets.
What is your favorite “unpopular opinion”?
I don’t like Disney World, brunch or blue jeans.
In what way(s) could young men of today take a lesson from previous generations?
BEVERAGE
Silver Oak Alexander Valley
RESTAURANT
Mike’s Place
FOOD
Meatloaf
TV SERIES
Landman
DREAM CAR
Porsche 911
SONG
“All I Do is Win” by DJ Khaled
You must put in the work before you get the job you want. Start from the bottom, be early, stay late, and do everything within reason to move up. Instead of complaining, come up with solutions.
Do you collect anything?
Cowboy boots, Japanese maples, conifers and golf clubs.
What is No. 1 on your bucket list?
Catch blue marlin in Madeira, Portugal.
How did you pick up your favorite hobby?
I planted a memorial tree. Now I’ve planted hundreds.
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life?
Being saved at 12 years old at Holland Baptist Church.
If you could go pro at any sport, what would it be?
Backup quarterback in the NFL.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation.
Hometown Hot Springs
Occupation Chiropractor, The Specific Chiropractic Centers; Author
There are many conceptions and misconceptions around the chiropractic field. For Grant Dennis, a doctor of chiropractic, much of it comes down to a lack of awareness around his particular specialty. Dennis focuses exclusively on the top two bones in the neck, known as the upper cervical spine. His niche, he said, includes headaches, migraines, dizziness, vertigo and other neurological disorders. Dennis is also the author of an Amazon best-selling book, A Life without Migraines: A Holistic and Little-Known Method for Living a Headache-Free Life. An active member of his profession, Dennis was awarded Sherman College of Chiropractic Chiropractor of the Year in 2022, and he is currently chairman of the board and past president of the International Federation of Chiropractors & Organizations.
What is the most useful skill you have ever learned?
Probably communication and building rapport with people. I developed this skill while waiting tables at night at Pappadeaux Seafood Kitchen while pursuing my doctorate. Serving taught me how to communicate with different types of people and create an experience that goes beyond just dining. I still remain close friends with many of those people I met along that journey.
If you could meet one person from history over drinks, who would it be and what would you have?
B.J. Palmer, the developer of chiropractic. I’d order two oldfashioned and two cigars, probably an Arturo Fuente Gran Reserva for us both. What most people don’t know is that he founded a research center employed by medical doctors and psychiatrists that was receiving referrals from the Mayo Clinic for the most complex cases in the realm of mental health. The guy was truly a man of distinction and would no doubt have been featured in this magazine.
What is the coolest project you have ever worked on?
It sounds cliche, but the coolest project I’ve ever worked on is myself. I went through a two-year process of refinement recently called The Path with The School of Man, and it changed my life. One of the hardest things as a man to do is walk into the flames of pain, suffering and adversity voluntarily as a means to become reborn and discover the man God truly designed you to be.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Writing an Amazon Best Selling book, no question about it. The only thing that got me through finishing it was imagining all those out there who continue to suffer if my message is not conveyed to the world. Who would play you in a movie about your life?
I think a safe play here would be Ethan Hawke.
BEVERAGE
Old-fashioned
RESTAURANT
Back Porch Grill
TV SERIES
Peaky Blinders
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Buffalo National River
SONG
“New Level” by A$AP Ferg
As a kid, Robert Eason’s dream job was farming. A life spent being outdoors, working for oneself and staying connected to the land “always sounded about as good as it gets,” he said. While he might not have ended up in the seat of a tractor career wise, his professional path keeps him close to the land as he helps others secure their own dream parcels of the Natural State. Rarely simple, every property transaction comes with a unique set of layers to consider, both literal and figurative. Arkansas land is much more than a business, Eason said, and is wrapped up in legacy, livelihood and lifestyle all at once. “My goal is to help people make decisions they’ll be proud of for generations,” he said.
BEVERAGE
Ice-cold sweet tea
TV SERIES
Yellowstone
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
My farm in Holly Grove
SPORT
Hunting and college football
DREAM CAR
1968 Dodge Charger
SONG
“Simple Man” by Lynyrd Skynyrd
How did you get to where you are now?
Hometown North Little Rock
Occupation Principal Broker, Land Specialist, Arkansas Land Co.
I got here with strong guidance from my dad and his longtime business partner. Arkansas Land Co. would not exist without them. From there, I built my career through hard work, integrity and learning the land business from the ground up. Relationships and consistency have been at the core of it all.
What is something that is actually worth the money?
Good land is always worth the money. It holds value in ways few things do. It can produce, appreciate and carry meaning for generations. To me, land is one of the few investments that offers both practical return and lasting legacy.
What is your favorite ‘unpopular opinion’?
Slow success is better than fast success every time. When something is built steadily with patience, discipline and the right foundation, it tends to last. Fast success may look impressive, but slow success usually comes with the experience and staying power to keep it.
If you could go pro at any sport, what would it be? Fishing.
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life?
The decision that most affected the rest of my life was creating my own branded real estate firm. It gave me the chance to build something on my own terms, focus fully on the land business and create a company that reflects the values I believe in.
If you could meet one person from history over drinks, who would it be?
Sam Walton. I’d enjoy hearing firsthand how he thought about vision, risk and building something that could last well beyond one generation.
What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself?
Storytelling – I’m envious of those who can tell an intriguing story about almost any subject. I have always been more of a listener.
What is your most prized possession?
Our family farm in Monroe County and the memories tied to it.
What would you like to accomplish before the year is over?
Before the year is over, I want to continue growing Arkansas Land Co.’s presence statewide and help even more families transition land successfully.
Hometown Benton
Occupation Marketing and Innovation, Sissy’s Log Cabin; COO, JewelLink Software Systems
Marketing is often viewed as a position where “they get to do all the fun stuff” — and, in many ways, that can be true, Zach East said. Still, there is a balance to be found, especially when blending one’s creative talents with the strategic, analytical and managerial know-how to support an organization with the kind of reputation and prestige Sissy’s Log Cabin has. East’s expertise lends itself especially well to jewelers both in his work in marketing and innovation for Sissy’s and as chief operating officer at JewelLink Software Systems. “You work a lot behind the scenes to support other areas of the business so that they have the best chance to succeed,” he said.
How did you get to where you are now?
My faith in Jesus Christ has molded me into who I am today, and without his guidance, I wouldn’t be anything. I’ve been blessed to meet likeminded business owners throughout my career that share those same values, and that’s what has allowed me to thrive professionally.
If you could have any other profession, what would it be?
Probably something in the medical field because that would mean I was a lot more disciplined in my college years.
What was your “dream job” as a kid?
I used to wake up early every Friday to watch the guys on the back of the garbage truck pick up the trash. I thought that was the coolest thing I’d ever seen, and I would ride on the back of my dad’s golf cart, playing garbage man.
What is something that is actually worth the money?
Extraordinary jewelry, of course. I say that jokingly, but there really aren’t many things you can buy to mark a special moment, occasion or accomplishment in your life and have that same item be cherished long after you’re gone, allowing that moment to last forever.
What is your favorite thing about Arkansas?
For me, it’s the diverse terrain. I can drive an hour or two in any direction, and the terrain is completely different but equally beautiful.
What is something you would never spend money on? A pedicure.
What is your favorite ‘unpopular opinion’?
Nickelback has some bangers.
What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there? I fell out of a tree and broke my leg on my son’s due date.
How did you pick up your favorite hobby?
My father in law introduced me to turkey hunting while I was dating my wife. It is my favorite thing to do, and I’m thankful for those trips with him.
FAVORITES
RESTAURANT
ROBER :: cocktails + culinary FOOD
New York strip
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Anywhere in the Delta
DREAM CAR
Basic pickup truck SONG
“Rockstar” by Nickelback
Jason Everett is motivated by a genuine love of people and helping them win. The chance to build his own business, in addition to being the best opportunity he ever received, has allowed Everett to change the lives and futures of hundreds of families through his agency. While his path has not been without its fair share of setbacks, Everett also knows the power of showing up, serving others and downright refusing to quit. On good days and bad, his mantra remains — get up, get dressed, and go to work. “Everything I have accomplished started with ordinary people believing in me,” he said. “If my story proves anything, it’s that your GPA does not determine your success. God is good all the time.”
BEVERAGE
Coca-Cola
RESTAURANT
Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse
FOOD
Ribeye
BOOK
Finish Empty by Jason Curry
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Family farm in Greenbrier
DREAM CAR
A red Hummer
What was your dream job as a kid?
Preacher or a politician.
Hometown Greenbrier
Occupation Agency Owner, Globe Life Liberty National Division
Education Mission University
What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work?
People often see the results but not the sacrifices. Nothing was ever given to me except grace from the good Lord and love from my family.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?
A good name is rather to be chosen than great riches. Your name and reputation are worth protecting.
If you could meet one person from history over drinks, who would it be, and what would you have?
Jesus with a cold Mountain Dew.
What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?
After six years of infertility, being told we had no chance to ever have children of our own, God blessed us with the birth of seven boys. God’s in control!
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life?
Marrying my wife, Sarah, and having a large family.
What is something that is actually worth the money?
Experiences and trips with my family. You can always make money, but you can’t make time.
What is your favorite unpopular opinion?
Most people do not have a motivation problem. They have a discipline problem. Two things to be successful — skill and will. I can help with skill, but I can’t create a will.
What is the most useful skill you have ever learned?
How to love people. People want to know they matter.
What is your most prized possession?
My faith and my family. Everything else can be replaced.
What historical event would you most like to have experienced?
The resurrection of Jesus Christ.
Hometown Jacksonville; originally from Chicago Occupation Executive Director, Retail Imaging, Baptist Health
Isaac Filat said his purpose is to take care of others, and his role as executive director of retail imaging at Baptist Health allows him to do just that. The Chicago native earned his bachelor’s degree in nuclear medicine technology from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock and a master’s degree in health service management from Webster University, later returning to UAMS in 2004 as the manager of nuclear medicine. Filat joined Baptist Health after a stint as the director of imaging services at CARTI and has been with the health system since 2020. At every stop in his career, the best opportunity Filat ever received, he said, has been “the ability to work with patients.”
How did you get to where you are now? Hard work and kindness to others.
If you could have any other profession, what would it be? Realistic: optometrist. Not: alligator hunter.
What was your “dream job” as a kid? Lawyer.
What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work?
My true age.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all? Perseverance will get you very far in life.
What is your favorite thing about Arkansas?
The people and family.
What is something you would never spend money on? Occasion cards.
What is something that is actually worth the money? Spending on my family.
What is your favorite “unpopular opinion”?
Gambling shouldn’t be in sports.
What is the most useful skill you have ever learned, and how did you learn it?
Customer service due to working at McDonald’s at a young age.
What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?
I got crushed between two cars. but I dented the other car and walked away without a scratch.
Do you collect anything? Coins.
How did you pick up your favorite hobby?
My next-door neighbor, when I had just gotten married, taught me how to do yardwork.
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life? College
Hometown Des Moines, Iowa;
moved to Arkansas from Birmingham, Alabama, in 2017
Occupation Executive and Artistic Director, Ballet Arkansas
Adecorated ballet career spanning nearly two decades saw Michael Fothergill command stages around the world before arriving in Little Rock to lead Ballet Arkansas. While the stage is often an unforgiving place, Fothergill said leadership in the arts can be equally demanding — a challenge he has risen to meet thanks to a combination of discipline, resilience, curiosity and the willingness to take risks. Ballet Arkansas has transformed under his direction into one of the country’s foremost regional ballet companies, and Fothergill said it is his goal to continue expanding its artistic and educational impact statewide. “I genuinely believe the arts make communities stronger, healthier and more connected, and I feel incredibly fortunate to do work that contributes to that every day,” he said.
What is something everyone gets wrong about your work?
People sometimes think ballet is elitist or inaccessible. In reality, our work is deeply community centered and reaches people from every background imaginable.
What would the name of your memoir/biopic be?
Center Stage Left
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right after all? They both believed consistency matters more than talent. The older I get, the more true that becomes.
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life?
Meeting my wife, Catherine.
What is your favorite thing about Arkansas?
FAVORITES
BEVERAGE
Black coffee, cold
RESTAURANT
Cypress Social
FOOD
Sushi
DREAM CAR
1965 Aston Martin DB5
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
The people. Arkansas has an incredible sense of community and generosity that’s often underestimated.
What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?
Producing large-scale performances during the [COVID-19] pandemic felt surreal. At times, it felt impossible that we actually pulled it off.
What always makes you nostalgic?
Walking into an old theater before a performance.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Probably Jon Hamm if I’m lucky.
What is the most “useless” talent or skill you possess?
I can identify most songs from the �60s within a few notes of the music.
What sporting event, team or stadium venue would you most like to experience in person?
I’d love to go to a summer Olympics someday.
What historical event would you most like to have experienced?
The cultural explosion of Paris in the 1920s.
Hometown Enola
Occupation President, CEO, Fureigh Electric & Fureigh Heavy Construction
Alittle more than two decades after walking into his garage with the dream of building his own company, Ben Fureigh has seen Fureigh Electric grow into a respected regional contractor that does much more than merely turn the lights on. The Fureigh family of companies has capabilities spanning commercial and industrial electrical work, heavy civil construction, and concrete services. It is a busy line of work — Fureigh’s advice to someone looking to walk in his shoes for a day was, “Try to keep up” — but well worth the effort. “Something about being on a project when the first piece of dirt moves up until the lights come on and you turn it over gives me extreme fulfillment and gratification,” he said.
What was your “dream job” as a kid? Fighter pilot.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all? “Don’t lift that, son. You’re gonna be broke down like me one of these days.”
What was the hardest time of your life, and how did you make it through?
The 2008 financial crisis. It was a tough time for a number of people in the construction industry. We just kept our heads down and didn’t give up.
What is your favorite thing about Arkansas? Sunset, crickets and frogs.
What historical event would you most like to have experienced?
Paul Revere’s midnight ride.
What was the best opportunity you ever received? Employment at Fleming Electric from Lorin Fleming. It all started there.
What is your favorite “unpopular opinion”? People don’t want advice; they want validation.
What is the most ‘useless’ talent or skill you possess? Music trivia. Listening to music has been a part of life from an early age. No matter if it is work or play I always have music playing.
Do you collect anything? Guns.
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life? MD5 men’s group at church.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Zapping people who drive in the lefthand lane with a laser that would send them 5 miles backward.
If you could meet one person from history over drinks, who would it be and what would you have?
Ulysses S. Grant — old-fashioned, of course. What do you believe distinguishes you from others? I do what I say. A man’s only as good as his word.
FAVORITES
RESTAURANT
JJ’s Grill
SNACK
Peanut butter and jelly in a tortilla
TV SERIES
Lonesome Dove
SPORT
Golf
DREAM CAR
1969 Chevy Malibu
For Joel Gill, being a Man of Distinction is a reflection of his privilege to serve an “organization of distinction.” Ferncliff is more than a Christian summer camp, he said; it is a center for mission and ministry doing amazing work in the lives of people and the wider community. Whether a child in the nature preschool, a family attending camp, individuals seeking spiritual renewal or volunteers serving through the disaster assistance center, there is truly a place for everyone to get involved. “I’d simply extend an open invitation: come see what’s happening at Ferncliff, just 10 miles west of Little Rock,” Gill said. “I think you’ll be surprised in the best possible way by the life, service and hope growing here.”
BEVERAGE
Sierra Nevada Pale Ale
RESTAURANT
Vino’s Brew Pub
FOOD Nachos
PODCAST Hidden Brain
PLACE IN ARKANSAS Forked Mountain
DREAM CAR Rivian R1T
How did you get to where you are now?
Hometown Perryville
Occupation Executive Director, Ferncliff
I started working at camps out of college. I ended up working for Heifer International at their ranch in Perryville and then, later, the Arkansas 4-H Center, doing environmental education. Then I started working with my dad at Ferncliff about 15 years ago. All wonderful experiences filled with wonderful people.
If you could have any other profession, what would it be?
A writer. I enjoy thinking about things deeply and trying to make sense of them.
What was your “dream job” as a kid?
As a kid I wanted to be Indiana Jones or a National Geographic photographer. I wanted to have adventures and see amazing things from around the world.
What is your most prized possession, and what makes it special to you?
I have a bell that was from the screen porch of my grandparents. The sound is so nostalgic and reminds me of them. I don’t even have it up — it’s sitting on a shelf right now — but every once in a while, I make it chime and it takes me back to summers at their home in Ohio.
What causes do you strongly support, and why?
I believe caring for creation and caring for people are deeply connected. We share a remarkable world that has been entrusted to us, and I feel a responsibility to protect and nurture it not only for ourselves but for future generations. I’m also passionate about helping children grow up knowing they are beloved children of God and that every person carries inherent dignity, value and worth because we are all made in the image of God. At the heart of both of these causes is a simple belief: Love your neighbor as yourself. Our “neighbors” include not only the people around us but also the broader creation we are called to steward with compassion, humility and care.
What is something you would never spend money on?
I hate subscription services like apps and such, but I have to admit that I’ve fallen prey to a few.
What is something that is actually worth the money?
Travel and experiences, for sure. Although I tend to be a frugal and reluctant traveler, my wife helps pull me out of my shell and is a great “city guide,” as she grew up in Chicago.
Hometown Vilonia Occupation System Vice President, Baptist Health Heart Institute
Matt Hardage has been in the business of cardiology for more than 20 years and considers himself blessed to have been surrounded by physician and executive leaders who have both poured into his professional development and trusted him. No one can grow personally or professionally in a vacuum, he said, and he “stands on the shoulders of giants” who have impacted countless lives across Arkansas.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?
We had the typical father-son disagreements on how to achieve small, work-related goals, but my father was amazing and honestly one of the best negotiators I have ever met. He would also constantly say to me, “Matt, your word is your bond.” It wasn’t until I was an adult that I truly understood. Honoring commitments matters when building trust.
What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?
Sales skills. Successful individuals, regardless of profession, have the ability to sell their talents, ideas and vision. It requires situational awareness and an ability to understand people.
What is your most prized possession, and what makes it special to you? I don’t know if it’s my most prized possession, but it is one of my favorites. I found an arrowhead in our yard that is now hanging in a picture box in my home. My family teases me about it because it prompted several educational trips and a brief period of obsession for all things Native American.
What is the coolest project you have ever worked on?
The one I am currently involved with at the Baptist Health Heart Institute. I work with the best and brightest cardiovascular physicians in Arkansas at the most comprehensive cardiovascular program line in the state. We are utilizing technology, partnerships and collaborations to fight coronary disease smarter and faster than ever before. We are also celebrating the 50th anniversary of Arkansas Cardiology this year, a key component of the Baptist Health Heart Institute — so exciting!
What was the hardest time of your life, and how did you make it through?
My middle child, Elijah, who graduated high school this year, was diagnosed with a rare condition when he was 2, and for three months, we thought we would lose him. Thanks to Arkansas Children’s, he was fully cured by surgery, but it taught my wife and I that we are not in control, that we must trust that God has a plan for everyone and he sustains us when we need him.
Anything out-of-the-ordinary occur over the last 12 months? I was ordained last year to officiate the marriage of my sister in law. It was such an honor to be part of their story.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My wife, Carissa. She is way out of my league. She is a therapist and life coach. She pushes me to constantly and constructively self-reflect to be the best version of myself.
FAVORITES BEVERAGE
Espresso after a good meal
RESTAURANT
Sonny Williams’ Steak Room BOOK
A Walk in the Woods by Bill Bryson PLACE IN ARKANSAS Eureka Springs
SONG
“Times like These” by Foo Fighters
FAVORITES
BEVERAGE
Frio Light
RESTAURANT
Cache Restaurant
BAR
Four Quarter Bar
SNACK
Jalapeno cheese crackers
SONG
“Dreams” by Van Halen
Hometown North Little Rock
Occupation Owner-operator, Arkansas Solar Solutions
Nothing about Jeff Hatfield’s life was by design, but that never stopped him from making the most of it. He met his future wife under less-than-ideal circumstances — introduced through mutual friends, they could not stand each other at first. Flash forward 13 years, and the couple are not only married but recently welcomed their first child. Hatfield’s professional path was not the likeliest one, either, moving from alcohol sales to the solar industry. Serving him well in every corner of his life has been perseverance and the drive to keep learning at every turn. “When someone who has done what you’re trying to do is speaking, close your mouth and open your ears,” he said. “Soak in as much knowledge as possible from people who have already ridden the bull and bought the shirt.”
What was your “dream job” as a kid?
To be a pro wrestler. I loved some WWF when I was growing up. Who wouldn’t love to get paid to drink beer and flip off the boss like Stone Cold Steve Austin?
What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work? Solar gets a really bad rap due to a bunch of shady characters that got into the field during COVID-19, took advantage and lied to homeowners, and now it’s generally a battle right off the bat to prove we’re not the bad guys in the solar field and that you can trust us.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all? Oh, in every way. They wanted me to be better than them without having to learn the hard way by walking through the lessons and taking all the licks.
What is the most useful skill you have ever learned, and how did you learn it?
The ability to carry a conversation with a complete stranger. I learned how to be a people person from my grandpa; he never met a stranger, and no matter where he went, he always knew somebody.
Do you collect anything?
Boxing memorabilia.
What is the coolest project you’ve ever worked on?
I was a technician in training with Mercury Marine at Full Throttle Marine in Spicewood, Texas, and I got to be a part of working some of the coolest high-end, high-performance boats in the world. Cigarette, Fountain, Eliminator, all the big names in performance boating — but the coolest was working on a boat called “PHAT CAT.” It was a Nor-tech 4300 Supercat with twin-Mercury racing 1100 SCI’S that had been rebuilt and tuned by the owner of Full Throttle Marine to make 1,300 hp each. The boat would run over 160 mph.
What historical event would you most like to have experienced? The rumble in the jungle, Ali vs. Foreman.
Hometown North Little Rock Occupation Attorney, Hilburn & Harper; Co-owner, Principal Broker, Alluvial Land Co.
How did you get to where you are now?
I would not be where I am today without my parents. They supported me in every way possible and provided me with opportunities that led to my professional success and set a standard that led to my success personally.
What was your “dream job” as a kid?
Being a farmer.
What is your favorite thing about Arkansas?
I love the diversity of the landscape in Arkansas, from the rolling hills and mountains to the flatlands of the Delta and all the rivers and lakes in between.
What is something you would never spend money on?
Anything on two wheels.
What is something that is actually worth the money?
Buying land and family vacations.
What is the most useful skill you have ever learned?
Hard work. A lack of talent can often be overcome with work ethic.
It may sound cliche to call one’s family their most prized possession, but as an attorney who has seen his fair share of divorces, Scott Hilburn understands just how precious his marriage and children are. Relationships can make or break one in business as in life, and Hilburn also knows the importance of strong professional connections. An offer to work in the recreational and agricultural real estate field from Joel Whicker, for example, later saw the pair team up to start their own brokerage, Alluvial Land Co. In both land real estate and law, Hilburn said, success does not come quickly. “It takes perseverance, hard work, dedication and some luck along the way to be successful,” he said. “Who you surround yourself with is vitally important.”
BEVERAGE
Busch Light
RESTAURANT
Ocean’s at Arthur’s SNACK
Beef jerky
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
The Delta SPORT
Football
DREAM CAR �70s Bronco
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life?
Marrying my wife, Laura. In my opinion, other than finding Jesus, who you marry will be the most important decision you ever make in your life.
If you could go pro at any sport, what would it be?
Football, no doubt.
What always makes you nostalgic?
Friday night lights at a high school football game.
What makes a good man, in your opinion?
Some traits would be God-fearing, hardworking, honest, loyal and humble, and a good man supports and protects his family.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Somehow tricking my wife into marrying me.
What is something you wish people cared less about?
Social media.
What is No. 1 on your bucket list? A trip in Montana.
Failing forward has been the name of the game for Ray Hill, who left the safety of a 9-to-5 to bet on himself and his vision for TruClean Arkansas. He has worked consistently and, he said, failed more times than he can count. Each lesson and redirection has become another building block for his company, and Hill can now proudly say that TruClean Arkansas is a top-recognized commercial cleaning company in the state. He plans to continue expanding the business and ensuring TruClean Arkansas sets the industry standard for commercial cleaning and facility management “TruClean Arkansas continues to evolve into something special daily,” he said. “I am grateful for every team member, every supporter and every client.”
RESTAURANT
Copper Grill BOOK
“The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari” by Robin Sharma
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Little Rock SONG
“Off The Wall” by Michael Jackson
Hometown Little Rock Occupation CEO, TruClean Arkansas
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life?
My mom’s passing in 2021. A version of me passed and never returned. I give all glory to God for my strength. He gives me the strength to keep going each day.
What was the best opportunity you ever received?
Being selected as a graduate of the second Arkansas cohort for the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program.
What causes do you strongly support?
Supporting the underprivileged by providing opportunities that improve quality of life. To be a blessing to others is to be blessed.
What do you believe distinguishes you from others?
My willingness to keep showing up through doubt and fear — the mindset of, “either it’s going to work, or it’s going to work.” Those are the only options.
What is something you wish people cared more about?
Time. We are here for a short period. Yesterday is the only day that’s guaranteed. Be well and do well with your time.
What advice would you give someone who had to “walk in your shoes” for a day?
All of the excuses are already taken. Be the answer.
What would the name of your memoir/biopic be?
Those Who Take the Stairs Instead
What is No. 1 on your bucket list?
Cruise the Nile River and tour Egypt.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter your industry?
Commercial cleaning is complaint driven. Consistency plus customer care equals quality assured.
How do you want to be remembered?
As a man who let God lead him to build his best self daily and do well with the time, blessings and wisdom he was given.
What is your purpose?
Be well and do well.
What is your favorite thing about Arkansas?
Enjoying nature and the uniqueness Arkansas has to offer.
Hometown Dover
Occupation Co-owner, Luxury Pool & Spa
Education Arkansas Tech University
Looking back, Shane Lawson said his father was right that Shane would be able to accomplish anything he put his mind to. Kenny Lawson had a good idea of what accomplishment might look like for his sons, as well, given his own place then as the second-generation owner of Luxury Pool & Spa. Now at the helm alongside his brother, Jeremy, Shane has overseen the 50-year-old outfit’s growth into the state’s preeminent pool and spa company with locations in Conway and Russellville. While the business’s reputation for quality is certainly important, there is one legacy that matters most to Shane. “I want to be remembered as a loving husband and a dedicated father,” he said.
How did you get to where you are now?
I got to where I am today from the love and care from my parents, Kenny and June Lawson.
What was your “dream job” as a kid?
I wanted to be a professional soccer player.
What is something everyone gets wrong about you?
That I’m not 6-4. Everyone that sees pictures of me and my family thinks I’m really tall because they’re all 5-5 and under, with three of them being 5-foot or under.
What is your favorite thing about Arkansas?
The natural beauty of the state. From the mountains to the lakes, rivers and waterfalls, just everything you can appreciate and explore.
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life?
Marrying my wife, Jennifer, who provided me with the perfect family — Tyler, Helton, Kiya, Eislie and Brage.
What is the most useful skill you ever learned?
Operating heavy machinery. I learned it from my dad telling me, “Just get in it and learn how to do it.”
What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?
I had a 13-hour layover in London and did a whirlwind sightseeing tour. I happened to be in the right place at the right time and saw the queen of England exiting a motorcade about 50 feet away.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Raising five children that are dependable, productive and kind. They’re just good people.
What is something you hate that most people love? Being in the spotlight.
What is No. 1 on your bucket list?
The top thing on my bucket list would be to take my family to Australia on vacation.
What is something that’s easy for you but difficult for most other people? Being able to visualize what a finished project would look like in a backyard before I even start.
FAVORITES
RESTAURANT
21 West End in Fort Smith
SNACK
Chips
MOVIES
Marvel
DREAM CAR
Mid-�70s Toyota Land Cruiser
SONG
“Thunderstruck” by AC/DC
FAVORITES
BEVERAGE
Tequila Ocho Reposado
BAR
WXYZ Bar
FOOD
Tacos
DREAM CAR
Porsche 911 GT3
SONG
“Cold Heart (PNAU Remix)” by Elton John and Dua Lipa
Hometown Malawi, Africa
Occupation Owner, Operator, Makan Hospitality Management
Education University of Nebraska
Kal Makan was introduced to the world of hospitality from a young age, spending his time before and after school working at the hotel his parents owned. Now owner and operator of his own hospitality management group, Makan said he learned some of his most valuable lessons during that time of his life. Still, it has not been all smooth sailing, and there was yet more to learn when he operated his first hotel in 1999. Hard work, determination and a drive to be better than the day before have shaped Makan’s personal and professional paths in the decades since — not to mention a sense of adventure, which came in handy as he trekked up Mount Everest with son, Ayden, after his high school graduation.
What was your “dream job” as a kid?
NBA basketball player.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?
Service with a smile will always pay dividends.
What is something you would never spend money on?
A second home.
What is something that is actually worth the money?
Vacationing with my family and making memories.
What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?
Meeting and hanging out with Scottie Pippen at the WXYZ Bar in Little Rock.
What do you believe distinguishes you from others?
Having a servant’s heart for helping others and challenging others to be the best version of themselves that they can be.
Do you collect anything?
Unique liquor bottles.
How did you pick up your favorite hobby?
Played basketball since I was a young kid.
If you could meet one person from history over drinks, who would it be and what would you have?
Michael Jordan, and I hope he likes tequila.
What is your most prized possession?
My wife and kids.
What is the coolest project you have ever worked on?
Tempo Hotel in the Argenta Arts District.
What historical event would you most like to have experienced?
Michael Jackson’s London concert.
What makes a “good man,” in your opinion?
Leading by example while maintaining a humble and caring heart.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Seeing our MHM company and team members grow.
Hometown Greenwood; moved to Little Rock in 2013
Occupation Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist; Senior Vice President, Staffing and Operations, CRNA Locum Jobs
Jason McDonald’s professional path, along with the rest of his world, was shaped early on by experiences on the receiving side of patient care. His father’s battle with cancer and death when McDonald was just 12 years old gave McDonald a perspective he carries with him today. “That is exactly why I became a healthcare professional — to care for patients like him and support families like mine,” he said. McDonald’s work in anesthesia taught him to stay calm under pressure, a skill that serves him now as senior vice president of staffing and operations for CRNA Locum Jobs. In addition to his wife and children, McDonald said his proudest accomplishment is “building a career that’s allowed me to make a difference in people’s lives both clinically and professionally.”
How did you get to where you are now?
Relationships combined with a lot of long days, good mentors and being willing to bet on myself a few times when it would’ve been easier not to.
What is your favorite thing about Arkansas?
Arkansas still feels grounded to me. People care more about who you are than what you drive, and I’ve always appreciated that.
How did you pick up your favorite hobby?
I got into golf because I wanted something competitive outside of work. I enjoy the grind and constant work in progress.
What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself? The ability to completely unplug. My brain tends to stay in motion.
What always makes you nostalgic?
I get nostalgic when I reflect on the personal and professional turning points in my life so far — the moment right before taking the uncertain leap.
What makes a good man, in your opinion?
Someone people can count on not just when things are easy but especially when they’re not.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to enter your industry?
Your reputation matters more than people realize, and opportunities tend to follow people who are dependable and consistent.
How do you want to be remembered?
As someone who made things a little bit brighter because I was a part of it, someone who fiercely loved his family and treated people well.
What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success? Consistency. Most people underestimate what happens when you keep showing up over a long period of time.
FAVORITES
BEVERAGE
Diet Coke
RESTAURANT
Heights Taco & Tamale Co.
FOOD
Anything grilled
PLACE IN ARKANSAS Lake Ouachita
SONG
“What You See Is What You Get” by Luke Combs
Joining the Air Force shaped Brad Meyer into the man he is today. It taught him what it means to be a true leader, he said, and how to carry himself both at work and at home. After leaving the service in 2016, the Sherwood native decided to give the family business a try and has been hooked since. Working his way up from field hand to general superintendent, Meyer is now senior estimator at the company his grandfather founded in 1962. Professional achievements pale in comparison, however, to his most cherished possession — family. “My daughters, Hadley, Kiersten and Laikyn are all my pride and joys, and I love having the opportunity to watch them grow up into strong women,” he said. “I just wish they would do it a lot slower.”
FOOD
Sushi
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Holly Grove
SPORT
Golf
Hometown Sherwood Occupation Senior Estimator, James A. Rogers Excavating
If you could have any other profession, what would it be?
Professional golfer, but I would have to be a lot better than I am now.
What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work?
That we just play around in the dirt. There is so much more to it than just moving dirt. It is an art form that you either have or you don’t. Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?
They were and still are extremely strong-minded men that helped shape me into the man I am today.
What causes do you strongly support?
Valor & Honor Outdoors. They allow veterans, active-duty service men and women, and first responders opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors that God has provided expense free.
How do you want to be remembered?
I first want to be remembered as a great dad to my three beautiful daughters — they got it all from their mom — and a great husband to my gorgeous wife, Stephanie.
What’s the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?
The willingness to never quit. There will be good and bad days. It says a lot about a person on how humble you are during the good ones and how driven you are to succeed after the bad ones.
What is something that is easy for you but difficult for most other people?
Being able to speak my mind regardless of how it makes others feel. Everyone always knows where they stand with me because I’m blunt and don’t hold anything in.
What was the hardest time of your life, and how did you make it through?
Our daughter Kiersten had to have open-heart surgery at 1 1/2 years old while we were still in the Air Force and away from family. The wife and I leaned on each other to make it through, and I’m thankful to still be on this journey with her.
What trait do you admire in others but don’t possess yourself?
Patience. I wasn’t born with much of it and am still learning today how to obtain more of it.
Hometown Sherwood
Occupation President, R&E Supply
Education Harding University
Cory Miller is the third generation at the helm of R&E Supply. He spent countless summers at R&E growing up and, as he tells it, “fell in love with the place.” He joined the company officially during breaks from college, working his way up from the warehouse to the sales counter and then, in 2025, the president’s office. Supported by coworkers and longtime customers alike, Miller said he aims to pass on that same kind of mentorship to others. “When I look in the mirror, I see all the people who’ve helped shape me into the man I am today. My hope is that when other people look in their own mirror, they catch a little of me in there too,” he said.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?
I was young when my grandfather passed, so most of what I learned came from watching my dad and uncle run the business. I’ve tried to follow their lead by seeing the best in someone and giving them a chance, even knowing the possible risks. It may not be a popular philosophy, but I sleep better at night by practicing it. More than a few customers and employees over the years have told me they wouldn’t be where they are today if they hadn’t been given that chance.
What was the best opportunity you ever received?
The best opportunity I ever had was the day I asked my wife, Rebecca, for a date — and she said yes.
What is the most useful skill you have ever learned?
Patience. It might sound simple, but it’s a skill that’s constantly being tested — spiritually, professionally, personally — and the more I refine it, the more helpful it becomes in just about every situation.
What is your most prized possession?
A watercolor painting. In the 1950s, my grandfather constructed the building our Little Rock location still occupies today. The architects produced a watercolor projection of what the building would become. I have it framed in my office, and it means the world to me. It’s a piece of the company’s history and one of my closest connections to a grandfather I was too young to really know.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Creating a little human. Our son is turning 2, and watching everything he’s learning and doing — so much of it just from watching my wife and me — is the most amazing thing I could ever imagine being part of. Nothing else comes close.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Teleportation. The last leg of getting home from vacation is always the worst part. You’re tired, you’re done, and all you want is to be there. No airports, no long drive at the end of a long trip — I’d take that over flying or anything flashier any day.
FAVORITES
BEVERAGE
Dr. Pepper
RESTAURANT
Gadwall’s Grill
FOOD
Sourdough bread I made myself or a good steak
SNACK
Sour Patch Kids
TV SERIES
Parks and Recreation
Hometown Conway
Occupation Gastroenterologist, Conway Regional Health System Education University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences
Self-reliance was a skill Dr. Martin Moix learned early on, renovating an old house his family owned during college. “That experience began what my daughter calls ‘Moixing,’ which is basically trying to learn as many life skills and applying them as possible,” he said. “I never call in professionals unless I absolutely have to.” As a gastroenterologist, Moix said he takes satisfaction in the number of people who have been spared the pain and mental anguish of cancer because of his preventative care. He credited his wife, Jennifer, as being a strong foundation for him as a young adult while he went through his medical training.
If you could have any other profession — realistic or not — what would it be?
Well, I play saxophone in a band, so I would have to say rock star.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right after all?
One of my dad’s favorite expressions is, “Son, it was a cheap lesson.” Looking back at the many times I thought I had made serious mistakes or failed, I realize that he was right. I learned something and grew from my setbacks.
What is something you would never spend money on?
Many things. I’m a certified miser!
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life?
Getting married, without doubt. I met my wife in college when I was 20 years old, and we were married a little less than three years later. I feel tremendously fortunate to have made such a great decision given my immaturity at that time.
FAVORITES
BEVERAGE Coffee
RESTAURANT
Patron Mexican Grill
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Greers Ferry Lake
DREAM CAR
1957 Cadillac Convertible
SONG
“Any Way You Want It” by Journey
What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there? I frequently get dressed up in costumes when I have to perform a colonoscopy for a friend or colleague. This usually includes walk-in music, disco lights and uncoordinated dancing.
What always makes you feel nostalgic?
Hearing old songs. I listen to music every day when I’m performing procedures. I particularly like to listen to ‘80s hair metal. I saw quite a few of those bands at Barton Coliseum [in Little Rock] when I was a teenager.
What was your dream job as a kid?
When I was in high school and early in college, I wanted to be a marine biologist. I loved going to the ocean as a child and had even become certified in scuba diving.
Do you collect anything?
I have a small collection of Star Wars toys, many of which are mine from when I was a child.
Hometown Conway
Occupation Principal, Meridian Investment Advisors
There is certainly a level of technical expertise involved in Marshall Moon’s work at Meridian Investment Advisors in Little Rock, but the truth is successful investing is much more accessible than most realize. More valuable than picking the “perfect” stock or timing the market just right is the human element of advising — namely, creating a buffer between people’s emotions and their money. The relationships one invests in define one’s career, Moon said, whether it be showing up for clients or connecting with industry peers. “The professionals who endure and thrive are almost always the ones who lead with integrity and genuine care for the people they serve,” he said. “Build that reputation early, and protect it always.”
How did you get to where you are now?
I owe most of it to my parents. They raised me in a way that I think gave me a real foundation, instilling values early on while also exposing me to enough variety in life so that I could discover my own interests and find my own path. That balance of guidance and freedom is something I appreciate more as I get older. My dad has played an enormous role in my professional life. He gave me my first opportunity in this industry right out of college, and today, he is my business partner. I’m where I am because people who loved me invested in me early.
What is something that is actually worth the money?
A DeWalt or Milwaukee impact driver. You’d have to try and break it, and even then, I think it would still work. Mine has gotten its fair share of abuse. I’d buy another one in a heartbeat, but I can’t get the one I have to stop working.
What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?
I almost drove my truck off the Interstate 430 bridge into the Arkansas River — not on purpose! Up until this point, I had never been in a car wreck in my life. A leisurely drive home after work one afternoon turned into a four-car fiasco that totaled my truck. Thankfully, no one involved was injured, and my truck stayed on the bridge.
How did you pick up your favorite hobby?
I picked up my favorite hobby, golf, from my dad when I was a kid. He wasn’t the biggest golfer, but it was a great excuse to get my brother and I out of the house and spend some quality time together. Although my dad doesn’t golf anymore, I’m grateful he introduced me to the game. I don’t get to play as much as I’d like to these days with three kids under 5 years old, but the day I introduce them to the game is coming soon, and it can’t get here fast enough.
FAVORITES
BEVERAGE
Coca-Cola
RESTAURANT
The Oyster Bar
SNACK
Reese’s Peanut Butter Egg
MOVIE
Home Alone
SONG
“White Horse” by Chris Stapleton
Legendary Little Rock trainer Ozell Nelson knows what it takes to build something that lasts. That goes for both history-making athletes and actual structures thanks to the family bricklaying business. Perhaps best known for discovering eventual Olympian and boxing champion Jermain Taylor, Nelson has introduced scores of youth to the sport and produced a number of national title winners over the course of 35 years at the helm of Central Arkansas Boxing Club. Setting him apart, he said, is that, “I don’t have to be out front to be a good coach. I can be behind the scenes.” Still, for all of the lessons he can teach an aspiring champ, there is one fundamental ingredient to anyone’s success that has not changed a bit: determination.
BEVERAGE
Coca-Cola
RESTAURANT
Texas Roadhouse
SNACK
Barbecue potato chips
TV SERIES
Game of Thrones
SPORT
Boxing
DREAM CAR
Corvette
SONG
“Troubadour” by George Strait
What was your “dream job” as a kid?
Being a police officer.
Hometown Little Rock
Occupation Owner, Trainer, Central Arkansas Boxing Club
What is your most prized possession, and what makes it special to you?
Home, because I built it.
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life?
Being picked over in basketball and knowing I was better than most of them.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Being able to train a kid from scratch, making it to the Olympics and becoming a world champion.
What was the best opportunity you ever received?
Meeting President Bill Clinton.
What causes do you strongly support?
Any program that gives the kids a fair chance in life because it’s needed.
What advice would you give someone who had to “walk in your shoes” for a day?
Be able to give and not expect to receive all of the time.
What is something you wish people cared more about?
Helping the ones that can’t help themselves.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Denzel Washington.
What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self?
Never let anyone tell you what you can’t do in life.
What is the most dangerous thing you have ever done?
Wild boar hunting with my brothers.
What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?
Being yourself.
What would the name of your memoir/biopic be?
Hell-Raising Time.
What would you like to accomplish before the year is over?
Coach another world boxing champion.
What is something you wish people cared less about?
Expensive tennis shoes.
Hometown Hot Springs
Occupation Physician, Founder, Embrace Eternal Beauty Aesthetics and Wellness; Scientist; Educator
For Dr. John Mark P. Pabona, coming to the United States after medical school was a defining moment. Leaving behind the familiar and stepping into uncertainty is never for the faint of heart, but the move opened doors to opportunity, growth and purpose the young physician could never have imagined, shaping the trajectory of his career. With expertise in internal medicine, hospital medicine and aesthetic medicine, his practice at Embrace Eternal Beauty Aesthetics and Wellness in Hot Springs is about helping people feel like the best versions of themselves inside and out. “Everything I do is rooted in purpose — not just to enhance beauty but to remind people to embrace life, be kind and love deeply,” he said.
If you could have any other profession, what would it be?
Astronaut.
What is your favorite thing about where you live?
Hot Springs is a hidden gem rich in natural beauty, from walking trails and lakes to the kind of fresh air that restores you. Having grown up in Manila in the Philippines and lived in Little Rock and New York City, I’ve experienced the intensity of city life. What makes Hot Springs so meaningful to me is its peace. It allows you to slow down, recharge, and live with clarity and purpose.
What is something you would never spend money on?
Cigarettes. As a physician, I see firsthand the impact they have. There’s no value in something that compromises your health.
What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?
Balancing hospital medicine, teaching young physicians, building a luxury clinic from the ground up and navigating personal challenges all at the same time. It sounds unreal, but it shaped me.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
Care Bears powers — the ability to spread love, healing and positivity. The world needs more of that.
What is your most prized possession, and what makes it special to you?
My relationships, especially my husband. They remind me what truly matters beyond success.
What is something you love that most people hate?
I actually enjoy eating crabs and shrimp with my hands, peeling the shells and taking my time with it. It reminds me of home and makes the meal more meaningful.
What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self? Trust the journey.
BEVERAGE
FOOD Seafood
MOVIE The Notebook
DREAM CAR
SONG
“My Life” by LuckyStar
FAVORITES
RESTAURANT
The Oyster Bar BOOK
“Theo of Golden” by Allen Levi
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
The Arkansas Delta in the fall and winter SPORT
Razorback baseball
Hometown Little Rock
Occupation General Contractor, Residential Custom Home Building, Parkinson Building Group
Education University of Arkansas
Bill Parkinson founded Parkinson Building Group in 1999 to raise the standard of central Arkansas homebuilding. Fast approaching three decades in business, suffice it to say the company has accomplished just that. Consistent, quality results across scores of high-end neighborhoods and an unbeatable industry reputation have made PBG the go-to for luxury custom homes, and Parkinson now has his sights set on training up the next generation of builders. His advice for those looking to enter the profession? “Do it for the love of the work and not for the money,” he said. “If you are not passionate about what you do, there is an easier way to make a living.”
What was your “dream job” as a kid?
Architect or builder. I loved Legos.
What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?
I am sure the list is long, but for me, it is having a purpose. That I do have, and it pulls me out of bed every day.
What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work? I think people assume working on the upper end of the housing market would have less issues due to the higher budgets and access to a higher subcontractor base. The truth is that we all face the same problems; they just come in different packages and at different levels.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?
My grandfather was a business owner in Dallas, and he taught me the owner’s responsibility in setting the standard for those who worked alongside him. He was always the first one to work and the last one to leave. My dad taught me the power of investing in people. He had a career dedicated to servant leadership, and it was through that I was drawn to serving others as a part of my day-to-day life.
What is your favorite thing about Arkansas?
It truly is the Natural State, and I love how “small” Arkansas is. We currently live outside the city, where we get to enjoy the incredible views of Lake Maumelle and the Ouachita National Forest and mountains. We also love how we are so connected to our community, always able to find that three degrees of separation from almost anyone you bump into.
What is something that is actually worth the money? Good food.
How did you pick up your favorite hobby?
My youngest son loves to hunt and fish, and so it was a natural place for me to lean into so we could have that time together.
What always makes you nostalgic? Time with my family.
Hometown Houston, Texas; Moved to Arkansas in 1993
Occupation CEO, Digestive Care, Arkansas Surgery & Endoscopy Center, Central Arkansas Surgical Center
It takes more than physician talent to grow a flourishing medical practice, but no matter one’s skill set, everyone involved must have a passion for the health of others. That is what Ahmed Samad brings to his father’s clinic, where he has learned every position from the inside out from age 9. He has a passion for the business side of healthcare, bringing the administrative and management expertise needed to ensure the three gastroenterology clinics spanning Pine Bluff, Little Rock and Russellville are all able to provide patients the highest quality of care available. To others eyeing a career in healthcare — from the front desk to the highest levels of leadership — his advice is simple: “Do it for the right reasons and to genuinely help people,” he said.
Do you collect anything?
Exotic cars.
How did you pick up your favorite hobby?
I was given the opportunity to take over the controls and fly a plane alongside the pilot. From then on, I was hooked and got my private pilot’s license over 20 years ago.
What single event or decision most affected the rest of your life? Choosing Faiza as my wife and life partner was my single best decision.
What do you believe distinguishes you from others? Work ethic, ambition and striving for greatness.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
Being a father to my 3 children: Aydin, Ayaan and Zara.
What is something that is easy for you but difficult for most other people?
Being a visionary — I can see the finished project before even beginning.
What is something you love that most people hate? A difficult challenge.
What is No. 1 on your bucket list? Learning to fly a helicopter.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? To fly and the ability to go back in time.
What is your most prized possession? My family. They are everything to me.
What was the best opportunity you ever received? To learn from my father and work alongside him. How did you get to where you are now? Hard work and perseverance.
What is your favorite thing about Arkansas? The community and the people.
RESTAURANT
Arthur’s
DREAM
Hometown Ferndale
Occupation Co-owner, C&C Tree Services of Arkansas
Joining his father at job sites during the summers from the time he was a teenager, fourth-generation timber industry pro Chase Shamlin has always had a love and passion for tree work — or, as he put it, “Trees are not just something I do. They are all I do.” Shamlin can often be found doing the physically demanding work right alongside his team. Even more than rolling up his sleeves for the fun of it, Shamlin understands the importance of leading from the front. “I also take great pride in the quality of service that we provide to each customer, so I want to be there for my seal of approval on each project,” he said.
If you could have any other profession, what would it be?
Professional football player.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all? Before owning my own business, I used to envy the owners and dream of being in their shoes instead of just being one of the workers. My dad always told me that being the owner comes with a level of stress and responsibility that never really goes away. The older I get, the more I realize he couldn’t have been more right
What is your favorite thing about Arkansas?
Hunting, fishing and Arkansas’ natural beauty.
What is something that is actually worth the money? If it brings you joy, then it’s worth it. Happiness and peace are priceless.
What is the most useful skill you have ever learned, and how did you learn it?
BEVERAGE
Sweet tea
RESTAURANT
Chuy’s
FOOD
Crawfish
SONG
“Another One Bites the Dust” by Queen
Tree knowledge from my dad and grandpa and how to use good communication skills, honesty and treat others like I’d want to be treated from my mom.
Do you collect anything?
I love to deer hunt and have a “game room” with all my mounted trophies I’m very proud of.
What is your most prized possession?
Family! Family is everything.
How do you want to be remembered?
Being a man of my word, taking care of my family and honoring God in all I do.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My baby girl, Stellan Chase, and one on the way due in August.
What advice would you give someone who had to “walk in your shoes” for a day?
Prepare to sweat a lot and burn a lot of calories from running a chainsaw.
What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself?
Being able to stand firm on things and not worry about others’ opinions or feelings as much.
Hometown Little Rock
Occupation Co-founder, President, CFO, First Orion
As president and chief financial officer, some might assume Jeff Stalnaker’s only concerns at First Orion are with reducing expenses. As co-founder and employee No. 1 of the Arkansas-based telecommunications leader, however, Stalnaker has a passion for growth and for investing in people and projects that truly make a difference. Stalnaker has been an integral part of the company’s upward trajectory since 2008, securing pivotal early partnerships that laid the foundation for First Orion to become a trusted partner to Fortune 500 companies and the largest U.S. mobile carriers. “Hard work has been the key for me,” he said. “My faith and family have been the cornerstone for me professionally and personally.”
If you could have any other profession, what would it be?
Musician — guitar or piano — even though I have no talent to do that.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right after all?
My grandfather, Papa, taught me to be respectful and a gentleman at all times and to have the discipline to do the job right the first time.
What is your favorite thing about Arkansas?
Arkansas hospitality and kindness.
What is something that is actually worth the money? Disney World with grandkids. Very expensive, but great memories.
What is the most useful skill you have ever learned, and how did you learn it?
Playing chess competitively. I learned from my fifth-grade math teacher, Mr. Leach.
If you could go pro at any sport, what would it be? Golf.
If you could meet one person from history over drinks, who would it be and what would you have?
All the founding fathers of this great country — how smart were those guys? — and a nice cigar.
What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself?
Organizational skills — this seems so natural for some people but not me.
What advice would you give someone who had to “walk in your shoes” for a day?
Always remember it’s never as bad as it seems, and it’s never as good as it seems.
What is something you wish people cared less about?
What other people think. Just be authentic.
What was the hardest time of your life, and how did you make it through?
The loss of our son in a tragic accident five years ago. My faith in God and my family support got me through it and still get me through it.
FAVORITES
BEVERAGE
Propel
FOOD
Shoestring fries
MOVIE
My Cousin Vinny
DREAM CAR
McLaren
SONG
“Footloose” by Kenny Loggins
At the center of everything Ryan Taneja does is faith, family and a desire to build something meaningful. To see the impact the young entrepreneur has made so far — with his foot still firmly on the gas, at that — meaningful might be an understatement. Already at the helm of a marketing firm, venture capital outfit and family foundation, Taneja is leveraging his talents to help people believe in the power of their own stories. As he understands well, sometimes all it takes is that first step. “Starting my own business changed everything,” Taneja said. “It forced me to grow up quickly, learn how to lead, understand people, manage pressure and bet on myself. A lot of the opportunities and relationships I have today came from that one decision.”
BEVERAGE
Arnold Palmer
RESTAURANT
Star of India
FOOD
Butter Chicken
TV SERIES
Stranger Things
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Conway; it feels like my second home
DREAM CAR
Rolls-Royce SONG
“All The Stars” Kendrick Lamar and SZA
Hometown Benton
Occupation Entrepreneur; CEO, Taneja Marketing Group; Founder, Taneja Legacy Ventures; Director, Taneja Family Foundation
Education University of Central Arkansas
If you could have any other profession, realistic or not, what would it be?
I would probably want to be the chief marketing officer of one of my dream companies, like Netflix. I already do marketing, but doing it on that scale, where you are helping shape culture, entertainment and how people connect with stories around the world, would be a dream.
What historical event would you most like to have experienced?
I would have loved to be in the recording studio while Michael Jackson was creating Off the Wall. To see the creativity, discipline and vision behind an album that helped shape pop culture would have been incredible.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
How did you pick up your favorite hobby?
I picked up coin collecting from my parents. They helped me start my own collection when I was younger, and my mom would bring me interesting or unique coins she found in the cash drawer at our hotel. I also loved getting pressed pennies on vacations, so over time, it became a hobby tied to family, memories and history.
What is the coolest project you have ever worked on?
The coolest project I have worked on is building Taneja Marketing Group and its marketing suite, LiftOff. TMG started as a way to help businesses tell their stories and grow, but it has become much bigger than that. Building LiftOff has been especially exciting because it brings together marketing, technology, automation, CRM tools and business support in a way that can help small businesses operate smarter and grow faster.
My proudest accomplishment is launching the Mini Taneja Purple Initiative’s first MTP Clinic, also known as the Mini Purple Clinic, in partnership with my alma mater. Creating a clinic that helps relieve the financial burden of seeking health care while also celebrating my mom and the lessons she has taught me has been one of the biggest highlights of my life. Seeing her name connected to a room dedicated to healing people meant the world to me, and I am excited to continue growing that work.
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Shah Rukh Khan. I feel like he could match my energy, especially the mix of ambition, emotion, humor and drama. He has that larger-thanlife presence, but he can also make a story feel personal and heartfelt, which I think would fit my life pretty well.
Hometown Conway
Occupation Founder, Winning Local, ZignalsAI; Business Strategist; AI Marketing Expert; Keynote Speaker
Jeff Turnbow has spent more than two decades enabling business growth through digital marketing, artificial intelligence adoption and strategic leadership. With certifications in advanced social strategy, social selling and AI for business strategy from the likes of Harvard, Cornell and the MIT Sloan School of Management, Turnbow has equipped himself with the tools and know-how to help clients grow, compete and connect with customers — his love for the work, meanwhile, was already there. “Strong businesses strengthen communities, and technology should serve people, not replace them,” he said.
How did you get to where you are now?
I’ve always believed in Zig Ziglar’s philosophy: “If you help enough other people get what they want, you can get what you want.” That mindset combined with faith, relentless learning and a willingness to outwork obstacles has shaped my career. Personally, my faith in Christ and commitment to family have been the foundation beneath everything I’ve accomplished.
Looking back, how was your father or grandfather right, after all?
My dad used to say, “Never walk past a water fountain without taking a drink.” I think about that almost every day. It’s a simple reminder that health matters and small disciplines compound over time.
What was your dream job as a kid?
Professional basketball player.
What is your purpose?
To help people and businesses reach their God-given potential through leadership, innovation and service.
What is the most useful skill you have ever learned?
Listening. The best marketers, leaders and strategists are great listeners. Most breakthroughs happen when you stop talking and start paying attention.
What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?
Becoming a bestselling author. If you had told younger me that people around the world would read something I wrote, I wouldn’t have believed you.
What is the coolest project you have ever worked on?
Delivering keynote presentations on digital marketing, AI strategy and business transformation at international conferences while helping organizations adapt to emerging technologies and drive measurable growth.
What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work?
Many people assume great marketing is expensive. In reality, ineffective marketing is expensive. The right strategist creates far more value than it costs.
FAVORITES
RESTAURANT
Umami Sushi Bar & Grill Fusion
TV SERIES
Anxiously awaiting the next episode of House of David
PLACE IN ARKANSAS
Greers Ferry Lake SONG
“Whatever It Takes” by Imagine Dragons
The Most Common Health Questions Men Are Asking About Their Health
Men are paying more attention to their health than ever before. From low energy and weight gain to hormone optimization and longevity, today's healthcare conversations are focused on helping men feel their best at every age.
Q: I'm only in my 40s, but my energy isn't what it used to be. Is that just aging?
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25255 AR-5 K Lonsdale, AR 72087
Little Rock (West) Hot Springs *outside of HSV east gate
Hillcrest
23816 Chenal Pkwy Little Rock, AR 72223
623 Beechwood Little Rock, AR 72205
Rogers
4100 W Oak St,. Rogers, AR 72758
By ALEX HARDGRAVE
National cemeteries attract many visitors each year, whether they are coming to find a family member’s grave or learn more about the country’s history. More than 1.7 million people visited national cemeteries in fiscal year 2022, the National Cemetery Administration website states.
The first national cemeteries were established in 1862 by a law signed by President Abraham Lincoln. In 1867, Congress passed a measure that established and protected national cemeteries, which formally funded the sites. Throughout the following year, the three national cemeteries in Arkansas were established.
All national cemeteries are maintained under the National Cemetery Administration. Throughout the country, the NCA maintains 4.35 million graves among 157 national cemeteries. According to the website, more than 23,000 acres from Hawaii to Maine are devoted to national cemeteries, of which only 86 are still open for interments.
The smallest of those cemeteries is in Hampton, Virginia, and covers only .03 acres of land. The newest cemetery was established only six years ago in Morovis, Puerto Rico.
National cemetery graves are marked with headstones made of either marble or granite that are of a standard size — 42 inches long, 13 inches wide and 4 inches thick. The gravestones weigh about 230 pounds each. The uniformity of the markers, laid out in strident, solemn formation, is a sight to behold.
The Natural State boasts three national cemeteries within its borders. Little Rock National Cemetery is located in Little Rock about 2 miles southeast of the state capitol building. Fayetteville National Cemetery is located on the south side of the city and Fort Smith National Cemetery is in west Fort Smith, not far from the Fort Smith Historic Site.
Each of the cemeteries is chock-full of rich history and interesting stories to tell. Here is a breakdown of events in the history of each Arkansas site with source information drawn from Discover Fort Smith, the National Cemetery Administration and the Encyclopedia of Arkansas:
FORT SMITH: In 1817, a fort was built in west Arkansas and named after Gen. Thomas Adams Smith. The first known burial on the land that would one day become the Fort Smith National Cemetery was the fort’s surgeon, Dr. Thomas Russell. In 1823, a major disease outbreak killed 25 percent of the troops stationed there. The next year, the remaining soldiers left, and the fort was abandoned until 1833. At that time, Capt. John Stuart used the fort as a home base for apprehending traders who were illegally selling whiskey to the local Native Americans.
After that, the fort sat empty again from 1834 until 1838, when the federal government purchased the land and reestablished the fort. From 1841 to 1845, Zachary Taylor, who would later become the 12th president of the United States, commanded Fort Smith.
FORT SMITH: During the Civil War, Union Army Capt. S.D. Sturgis commanded the post but withdrew his men when he heard of two approaching steamships of Confederate soldiers. The fort was then under the control of the confederacy until 1863, when Union soldiers recaptured it and held it for the rest of the war.
During the 1870s, a brick lodge and wall were constructed at the cemetery, and permanent marble headstones were placed on the existing graves.
FAYETTEVILLE: By the beginning of the Civil War, Fayetteville was a thriving community. One Union soldier described it as “a beautiful little hamlet nestling among the foothills of the Ozark range … the chief education center of the state, the home of culture, refinement and that inborn hospitality so characteristic of the South,” the National Cemetery Administration’s website states.
On April 18, 1863, the Battle of Fayetteville took place. Confederate Gen. William Cabell led 900 cavalry troops north from Ozark to attack federal forces in Fayetteville. While the initial attack surprised the Union soldiers, the bluecoats rallied and kept the Confederate charge at bay.
In 1867, the Fayetteville National Cemetery was established, and 5 acres were purchased by the federal government from local residents. The initial land plot offered space for 1,800 graves and made for the beginning of the cemetery. The first soldiers buried there were fallen soldiers who fought in nearby Civil War battles at Pea Ridge and Prairie Grove.
LITTLE ROCK: The cemetery’s storied history begins early in the Civil War, when the land was used for the Union encampments. In 1866, the government purchased areas of the Little Rock City Cemetery to be used for military burials.
At the time the Little Rock Cemetery was designated as a national cemetery, there were 5,425 people already buried there, of which 3,092 were known dead and 2,333 were unknown. About 1,480 remains removed from battlefield graves were reinterred there.
FAYETTEVILLE: By 1871, there were 1,210 people buried at the Fayetteville cemetery, most of whom were unidentified soldiers. Throughout the 1870s, the federal government started making improvements to the cemetery, adding permanent marble headstones and building a brick wall to delineate the area. A lodge was also built for the cemetery’s superintendent.
FAYETTEVILLE: In 1894, a brick-andiron stage area was completed for ceremonial events. However, today, many of the original features have been removed to make space for more graves, including parts of the original boundary wall and lodge and the stage.
FORT SMITH: In 1898, a large tornado came through Fort Smith and caused extensive damage to the cemetery. Over the following years, the cemetery’s wall was rebuilt, and the original superintendent’s lodge on the property was replaced with a building that still stands there today.
The first national cemeteries were established in 1862 by a law signed by President Abraham Lincoln.
FORT SMITH: In 1942, the old iron entrance gates were moved into the cemetery and a new entrance was created, as noted on the cemetery’s historical marker.
On Veteran’s Day 1986, a carillon donated by the American Veterans was dedicated at the cemetery. The Pearl Harbor Memorial was dedicated on Dec. 7, 1997. The following year, a memorial for Vietnam veterans was dedicated. On May 29,1999, the cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
FAYETTEVILLE: In 1984, the Regional National Cemetery Improvement Corp. was formed by local officials, veterans and citizens with the goal of raising money to buy more land for the cemetery. In 1990, the group accepted a donation of 3 acres.
In 1999, the Fayetteville National Cemetery was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2000, a carillon was donated by the Military Order of the Purple Heart Service Foundation. There is also a memorial stone on-site remembering those who served in the 1st Marine Division Fleet Marine Force who died in World War I, World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War, the Encyclopedia of Arkansas states.
LITTLE ROCK: In 1913, the Minnesota Monument Commission chose Little Rock as one of five cemeteries to receive a monument in honor of the fallen 36 Minnesota soldiers buried at the Little Rock cemetery. The monument was erected in 1916.
In 1990, 5 acres of land next to the cemetery were donated by the National Expansion Corp., which had purchased the land from the Oakland Fraternal Cemetery. The last acre of land was donated in 1999 by the city of Little Rock.
Capt. Maurice L. Britt, who was awarded the Medal of Honor, died in 1995 and is buried at the cemetery.
Fort Smith National Cemetery dates back to the founding of the fort in 1817.
FAYETTEVILLE: In 2002, Medal of Honor recipient Sgt. 1st Class Clarence B. Craft died and was buried at the cemetery. The cemetery was expanded again in 2013 and 2017 and is still open for burials today.
FORT SMITH: Over the years, the cemetery has grown to more than 32 acres. Today, the area features various monuments, including the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the Memorial to the Unknown Confederate Dead.
LITTLE ROCK: The cemetery is closed to new interments. The last active-duty burial was a man from Pine Bluff who was killed in the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001.
The cannon thunders, sending a plume of smoke into the air. The cavalry rushes forward, desperate to gain ground. Nearby, a group of soldiers rests at an encampment, dipping their hardtack into cups of coffee.
It is the Civil War, played out more than 150 years later at locations across northwest Arkansas.
“They walk through the park, and there’s multiple cannons all over the place,” said Travis Cott, chief of interpretation and education at Pea Ridge National Military Park. “When you hear [one] and you understand how loud just one is and then you try to put in your mind 20 cannons that are out there and how that is, I think that kind of shocks people.”
The Battle of Pea Ridge, the largest battle in Arkansas during the Civil War, took place in March 1862, followed that December by the second-largest battle, the Battle of Prairie Grove.
“Pea Ridge was a situation where a Union army was marching down from the north from Missouri and threatening Arkansas. At the same time, a Confederate army was marching toward Missouri and planning to go conquer St. Louis,” said Tom Wing, history professor at the University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. “The smaller Union army was victorious and won the battle, pretty hard defeat for the Confederacy, and a big part of the Confederate army fled.”
The state was more or less undefended, he said, until Confederate Gen. Thomas Hindman “pulled off a miracle” by rallying an army for Arkansas and marching back to threaten Missouri once again. The result was the Battle of Prairie Grove, another Union victory.
“If the Battle of Prairie Grove and the Battle of Pea Ridge had been successful for the Confederacy and Missouri and St. Louis fall in 1862, there’s probably enough antiwar sentiment that might have gotten Abraham Lincoln pulled from office in 1864, and the South might have survived,” Wing said. “At a minimum, U.S. Grant would have had to take care of Missouri before he went down the river to
take care of Vicksburg.”
Fort Smith served as a base of Confederate operations during both battles before being captured by the Union in 1863.
“It played a really important role for the Confederates early on, and I think it was really more important to the Union to deny its usage to the Confederates than it was to have a base of operations here, although it did prove very useful for the last half of the war, when it swapped hands,” said Cody Faber, park ranger at Fort Smith National Historic Site. “The Union had it for the rest of the war, but what that turned into was guerilla warfare in the surrounding region, and that caused a lot of issues not only for the troops, obviously, but for the locals and the civilians.”
As interesting as it can be to read about the Civil War and Arkansas’ place in it — Wing said the war west of the Mississippi River was especially compelling because of its viciousness, pitting brother against brother and neighbor against neighbor — seeing that history come to life lends another dimension to the narrative.
Every other year, reenactors from Arkansas and beyond gather at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park for the most prominent Civil War reenactment in the state. The two-day event draws visitors from near and far to watch the battle unfold and interact with soldiers at their encampments.
Wing said he and other organizers provide a visual representation of where the armies were on the field, including the infantry, cavalry and artillery, and what their goals were during the battle.
“You put that into an organized way for the public to be able to see kind of a visual of it,” he said. “They’re not going to see that whole battle. The distances and the ranges are off because of the weaponry that they used back then, and we’re obviously not shooting at each other. We’re giving them a picture, an image of what the battle looked like, to try and give them a feel for it and hear the noise and some of those things.”
Adding to the logistical challenges is the fact that the soldiers live as they would have during the Civil War — warmed by fires, sleeping on straw and dining on rations.
“You can touch the fabric on the uniform. You might even be able to sample a piece of hardtack or something that the soldiers ate,” Wing said. “You read about that in a book, but unless you take the time to make it, you don’t know what that tastes like or how difficult eating something like that would have been in the field, so I think it just provides a lot more opportunities to connect to that history.”
Uniforms are provided by the reenactors themselves, who strive to be as authentic as possible in compliance with standards set forth by the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, Wing said. Weapons, too, are provided by the reenactors. The firearms are working replicas; however, the reenactors do not use projectiles.
Procuring equipment has become less onerous over time thanks to the advent of online retail, he added.
“We had to sew a lot of our own uniforms and sew our own flags, and once in a while, you would know somebody that had expertise and had extra skill and talent in that,” he said, “but in recent years, there’s a lot of vendors and stuff online, and there’s a lot of places that are what I would call historically accurate.”
While visitors might expect to see lines of blue and gray making up the Union and Confederate sides of the battle, respectively, Wing said Confederates west of the Mississippi had to contend with irregular supply
such as the
Prairie
The Battle of
Pea Ridge,
the
largest battle in Arkansas during the Civil War, took place in March 1862, followed that December by the secondlargest battle, the Battle of Prairie Grove.
“There is something special about visiting a park or historic site to see history in action.”
—Cody Faber, park ranger, Fort Smith National Historic Site
shipments, so spectators will not see one standard Confederate uniform at the reenactment.
“In Arkansas, it’s kind of funny. On one hand, you have people who know they may only have Union ancestors, so they have a strong affinity to wear blue, or it may be the opposite because they may only have Confederate ancestors,” he added. “For me, I’m kind of willing to do whatever’s necessary because I’ve got people on both sides.”
However, most reenactors are willing to portray either side if there is a shortage, he said, and many reenactment groups keep both sets of uniforms on hand in case there is a need.
Taking casualties can be a point of dispute in the reenactment community, he added.
“In some people’s mind, the question of playing dead or falling down is kind of doing, maybe, a dishonor or disservice,” he said. “At the same time, though, you’ve got the public watching this, and if everybody just stands up and shoots at each other all day and it doesn’t appear that they’re doing any damage to the other side, then it is kind of unbelievable.”
While historic reenactments often take place at state parks and on private property, they are forbidden at sites owned by the National Park Service, including Pea Ridge National Military Park and Fort Smith National Historic Site. That is because of the safety concerns that arise when two opposing lines face off against each other, even if they are firing blanks.
“The Park Service is famous for their safety rules and regs,” Faber said, adding that being respectful of those who died in war is a concern, as well.
That is not to say that visitors cannot see history in action at national historic sites. Faber demonstrates cavalry skills on horseback both as a park ranger and privately at reenactments, and historic weapons demonstrations are a frequent occurrence at both Fort Smith National Historic Site and Pea Ridge National Military Park — with some safety regulations in place.
“There’s always a physical barrier, whether it be a rope or something like that, that can note to the visitor how far back to stand,” Faber said. “The safety also goes into the training
of the staff and the volunteers themselves.”
That includes two weeks’ worth of training, during which rangers learn to assemble, disassemble, load and fire their weapons, he said.
Through living history, visitors to historic attractions can also see what day-to-day life was like for both soldiers and civilians during the war. Visitors to Pea Ridge might encounter volunteers in period dress demonstrating sewing and cooking skills at the Elkhorn Tavern or interact with Confederate and Union soldiers camped at various parts of the park.
“It takes a lot of research and a lot of dedication for both our park staff and our volunteers that are involved in that,” Cott said. “Most of the folks that are here, they might have spent years and years looking at different documents, primary, secondary sources, being able to know what they wore, what they ate and how different events were going on.”
The park accepts applications for volunteers, he added, and can connect those interested in reenactments to private groups, as well. Wing said volunteering at a state or national park is the best way to get one’s feet wet as a historic reenactor.
“There’s so many different types of reenacting now,” Faber added. “There’s everything from [Revolutionary] War stuff in the Northeast to Civil War in many parts of mid-America and eastern America to the Mexican[-American] War and cowboy stuff. World War I and World War II have really picked up, so I would say reach out to local parks. That’s a good start. Even if they don’t have a program, they can probably put you in touch with someone who does.”
There is something special about visiting a park or historic site to see history in action, he said, something that, even when discussing a topic as contentious as the Civil War, removes people from the incendiary nature of online discourse and brings together folks of various backgrounds and beliefs to reflect on America’s history and the lessons therein.
During the two-day event, reenactors live as soldiers would have during the Civil War, sleeping on straw and eating hardtack.
July 4: Thunder on the Ridge at Pea Ridge National Military Park
“The better that we are well informed on some of these things that are still so pertinent, I think, the better off we are for our future,” Faber said. “We often say that we study history because we don’t want to repeat it. Well, some things are worth repeating in history. There are many successes in the history of man. There are many failures, as well, and I would argue that we get to learn from both, to find the heroes, note the villains and better ourselves as people.”
Aug. 15: Thunder on the Ridge at Pea Ridge National Military Park
TBD: Fort Smith Fall Festival (includes programming at Fort Smith National Historic Site)
Dec. 5-6: Battle of Prairie Grove Reenactment at Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park
Garland County residents might have thought they were seeing things recently when the star-studded cast of Turnbuckle were in Arkansas, filming the movie and taking in the city’s sights and flavors, but if the producers of the new film, slated to be released this fall, are correct in their assessment of the Natural State, Arkansans should get comfortable rubbing elbows with movie stars.
Turnbuckle, which took nearly four years to complete and $9 million to make, is described as a darkly comic Southern story about redemption, survival and small-town chaos. Co-produced by Greg Carney (Material Girls) and Evan Ross (The Hunger Games) via Film Mafia Entertainment, a newly formed production house the two founded, the movie was filmed in and around Hot Springs.
“Filming in Arkansas was a great experience,” Ross said. “The locations gave the film a look and feel that would have been hard to recreate anywhere else, but what really stood out to me was the people. Everyone from the local communities and crew members to the businesses and state film representatives were supportive and invested in helping us make the best film possible. I also loved going out on Lake Ouachita and Lake Hamilton.”
“As an independent production company trying to compete with the major studios, we don’t have the resources that they have, and we don’t spend money like they do,” said Carney, who spent a portion of his growing up in Hot Springs and still resides in Arkansas. “Yet for some reason, once everybody started to understand they were part of an independent production, we started to get a lot of hands-on help to finish this thing.
“We ended up shooting a really good movie that, I believe, just from the conversations that I’m having, is probably the most prominent independent film currently available for major distributors and streamers.”
The dramedy stars Emile Hirsch (Into the Wild) as the title character, Trouble Turnbuckle, alongside Kate Beckinsale (Underworld) as Merle, Terrence Howard (Hustle & Flow) as Sheriff Grange and James Franco (Pineapple Express) as Meat Daddy.
Other well-known talent includes Cara Delevingne (Suicide Squad), Macy Gray (Training Day), Sam Strike (Nightflyers), Lily Mo Sheen (The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent), Randall J. Bacon (Hunting Season) and Tammin Sursok (Pretty Little Liars). Greg Carney
“At its heart, Turnbuckle is a story about people dealing with pressure, difficult choices and the consequences that come with them,” said Ross, who also stars in the film. “It’s character driven, emotional and engaging, but it also has crazy momentum that keeps the story moving. My hope is that audiences connect with the characters and stay invested from beginning to end.
“This is one of those rare films that feels both dangerous and elevated. The cast is electric, the tone is fresh, and we believe Turnbuckle will stand out as a prestige film with real cultural impact.”
Daemon Hillin (Into the Deep) of Hillin Entertainment and Mia Chang (Ick) of Tunnel Post, who collaborated on producing duties, praised Ross and Carney for the film, saying the decision to shoot in the Natural State gave Turnbuckle a backdrop of raw authenticity.
“Turnbuckle was built by artists and crew who led with heart, grit and vision,” Chang said. “Balancing different voices, cultural perspectives and execution made the process not only meaningful but personal. I’m deeply proud of what we accomplished together.”
“Greg Carney and Evan Ross are building Film Mafia Entertainment into the next great player in this business,” Hillin said. “They bring a fearless creative vision and the kind of cultural edge that makes every distributor lean forward. Film Mafia is absolutely the company to watch.”
If the movie lives up to its current buzz, it will be one of the most notable and commercially accessible films to be shot in Arkansas since 2012’s Mud and 1996’s Sling Blade. As Carney noted, however, getting it shot in the Natural State faced long odds and required more than a little bit of luck.
“I wanted to shoot it in Arkansas,” said Carney, “We had offers from Oklahoma to Louisiana to Georgia, all these states trying to use their incentives and different strategies to get the project and the production to their state. We came very close to shooting this in Valdosta, Georgia, but then the group there defaulted.
“I was boots on the ground here in Hot Springs because I had been scouting the state for a lot of the studio systems for reality TV because I
“
At its heart, Turnbuckle is a story about people dealing with pressure, difficult choices and the consequences that come with them. It’s character driven, emotional and engaging, but it also has crazy momentum that keeps the story moving. structure. — Evan Ross
grew up in that space. We ended up shooting the film here. The locals were great. The community was great.”
Carney and Ross are effusive in their praise of state and local officials, starting with the Arkansas Film Commission and trickling down to various local entities.
“None of this would have been possible without the Arkansas Film Commission and [Commissioner] Christopher Crane,” Ross said. “Arkansas, especially Hot Springs National Park, is a little paradise with its lakes, spas, restaurants, casino and the perfect vibe for making a movie.”
“The state was super helpful in working with us on coordinating the project, and the people have been, as well — the venues, the vendors, everybody,” Carney said. “Film and TV are a little bit different than everyday business. Some vendors have to wait a little bit longer to get paid than they’re normally getting paid from somebody who calls them and engages them. It’s just part of the process. There was a lot of understanding with that and a lot of locals working with us so that we could come in and get this done.”
That said, Arkansas remains in a pitched battle with other states for TV and film work that is all too willing to film elsewhere besides the coasts due to cost. Arkansas generally lags rival states such as Georgia and Louisiana in incentive programs, but Carney said there is still a lot to like about what the state offers for filmmakers.
“This is nothing to knock the film commission,
but you see a lot of bigger actors going to bigger states,” he said. “If those actors cost $3 million, you can get an incentive for that $3 million. In our state, you only get an incentive up to half a million, so you have to do a lot of workarounds and creative ways to structure a production to get those bigger names into our state.
“It’s difficult to shoot big movies here currently, but we figured out ways to make it happen. We had some big names attached to this, and we packaged it almost like a studio project, even though it was an independent project.”
Ross and Carney also chose Turnbuckle as the vehicle by which to debut a new way of marketing films, a system they believe will set the standard for the way publicity for movies and television is handled going forward. Called a multiformat content ecosystem, the approach leverages a vertically integrated strategy across feature films, vertical series and long-form streaming projects.
“At the core of the strategy is The Journal, an exclusive, behind-the-scenes series filmed over more than three years documenting the full lifecycle of Turnbuckle from development and casting through production and post,” Carney said. “The Journal will highlight the same star-driven production, offering a raw, inside look at the making of the film and its ensemble cast.”
For Turnbuckle, Film Mafia has constructed a three-tier ecosystem: the feature film itself, a long-form “making of” series, and vertical rollout designed to build audience engagement prior to release and sustain retention after distribution.
“The strategy reflects a shift in audience behavior where short-form con-
tent drives discovery and long-form storytelling captures deeper engagement,” Ross said. “Film Mafia’s model is designed to meet audiences where they are, then move them up the value chain. We’re building the audience before the release — attention first, then scale.”
Rather than operating as a volume-based production company, Film Mafia is focusing on a curated slate of projects developed and controlled internally, prioritizing cultural relevance, speed and precision execution. With Turnbuckle as its launchpad, the production company is positioning itself at the intersection of film, digital and streaming, building not just projects but scalable content ecosystems designed for long-term value.
The model is being deployed across the company’s slate, including American Junkie, based on the true story of Tom Hansen and his connection to Kurt Cobain, which is being developed with the same integrated framework: feature film, vertical series and long-form companion content designed to build audience before release.
Film Mafia is also advancing a project centered on the life and legacy of former Arkansas Razorbacks basketball coach Nolan Richardson, structured across a scripted series, vertical storytelling and behind-the-scenes documentation within the same ecosystem approach. More projects are also currently in the works.
“The old model was release and hope. This is build, engage and own,” Carney said. “We’re not chasing trends; we’re setting the structure.”
The excitement of the Turnbuckle project filming in his home state represents a full-circle landmark for Carney, whose beginnings were about as far placed from the bright lights of Hollywood as one could get.
“Basically, I grew up a missionary kid in Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic,” he said. “I was born in Columbus, Ohio, and my parents, who were ministers, went on a mission trip. When they came back, my dad decided that he was going to leave his job as an executive at a trucking company and follow his calling to become a missionary.”
Carney remembers how the stories he was told by his parents about the new adventure assuaged his sadness about leaving the States only to find out their words did not square up to reality very well.
“They were, like, giving us incentives — ‘Hey, this is going to be fun. You guys are going to move. There’s all this cool stuff to do.’ We went to Puerto Rico, and it was completely different than the mission trip that they went on to Guatemala," he said.
Over 3 1/2 years, the family lived a missionary life. Then Carney’s mother gave his father an ultimatum, and the family came home to America and First Church of the Nazarene on Central Avenue in Hot Springs. Though U.S. born, the time away made for an adjustment for Carney, albeit one he relished.
“I grew up as a minority where we were. I was moving around a lot as a kid, and I’d been to, like, 12 schools in, I don’t know, 13 years,” he said. “I fell in love with Arkansas. I just loved Hot Springs.”
After college, Carney followed two of his siblings to Hollywood. He first made his mark in nightclubs, where he showed a flair for promoting entertainment, drawing crowds and networking as he circulated among people in the business. Among his stack of contacts were then-girlfriend Haylie Duff, actress and sister of star Hilary Duff, and their mother, Susan, a mentor who knew the ropes of the entertainment world.
He served as an executive producer for the Duff sisters’ 2006 film Material Girls, in addition to successfully pitching and selling a reality show concept. Along the way, he also befriended Evan Ross, son of legendary singer Diana Ross, ultimately promoting art shows featuring Evan’s work
By late 2009, Carney had moved back home to Hot Springs, where he would meet and marry his wife, Sarah, and the couple started a family. He had already formulated plans to leave the entertainment world behind entirely when fate stepped in.
“I was approached by this director and writer friend of mine who basically said they had this movie called Turnbuckle that had a big actor attached,” he said. “The director grew up in Missouri, so he actually frequented Arkansas quite a bit as a kid, like, he would come to Oaklawn. He would come to different spots in Arkansas. He had a heart for Arkansas, and my
Turnbuckle's all-star cast and compelling storyline, set against a lush Arkansas backdrop, has Tinseltown buzzing.
goal was to bring that project here and produce that within my network.
“I called Evan, and I was like, “There’s this movie, it’s pretty cool, and it’s shot in a Southern state. I want to shoot it in Arkansas, but there are these other states bidding to shoot this project. Would you like to hop on with me and produce this?’ He read it and jumped on board, and when he said yes, that opened up a lot of doors to where we could actually package this thing.
“Evan and I packaged this project, like, probably three or four times over four years, and basically, from there, we went through the journey to get it made.”
Ross said as both a producer and an actor, he was immediately struck with Arkansas, saying the state provided a unique backdrop that was key to setting the mood and tone of the movie.
“At the end of the day, every decision comes back to what serves the story,” he said. “We looked at different options, but Arkansas checked a lot of boxes creatively and practically. The variety of locations, the talented crew base and the support for production made it the right fit. It wasn’t just a budget decision; it genuinely helped shape the world of the film.”
One thing both producers mentioned was the impact the location had on the film’s actors. Off set, Carney made sure the cast was exposed to the best Hot Springs had to offer, from lake life to local bars and restaurants. The producers also showed their appreciation to natives in other ways, such as purchasing extraction equipment for the Morning Star Fire Department, which provided emergency services on set. The equipment came into service almost immediately: A few days after presenting the gift, emergency responders extracted a motorist from a car wreck using the gear, saving his life.
I was boots on the ground here in Hot Springs because I had been scouting the state for a lot of the studio systems for reality TV because I grew up in that space. We ended up shooting the film here. The locals were great. The community was great.
— Greg Carney, Film Mafia Entertainment
“The people were so great the whole time we were here that we wanted to express our appreciation,” Carney said. “That emergency gear will help the department immensely, and we are happy to have provided that to them.”
Film Mafia has already returned to Arkansas and is hard at work on a streaming series, currently in filming. Ross said his first experience with the Natural State was so impactful and positive that he can see Arkansas as a location of choice for the film industry in the future. He said he hopes Turnbuckle and Film Mafia’s other projects help to underscore that fact.
“I was impressed by how much the state has to offer from a production standpoint,” he said. “The locations are incredibly diverse, the crews work hard, and there’s a real commitment to growing the film industry here.
“I think a lot of people would be surprised by the resources available and how welcoming the state is to filmmakers.”
Carney said his motivation when working in his home state now and in the future is to produce work that is not only compelling storytelling but casts Arkansas in a favorable light. In that way, he hopes he and his company are plowing ground for other projects to follow and take root.
“For our state right now, I feel like we’ve kind of hit our bandwidth, so now it’s more about trying to pick the movies and the TV shows that will benefit the state the most,” he said. “It’s like Dawson’s Creek; when they shot that TV show it changed that whole area where they shot for the better. Same thing with the TV series Nashville.
“A lot of times, shows come here and shoot super specific stuff that might not showcase the state and its grandiose beauty, might not show everything that Arkansas is and sometimes even shows Arkansas in a bad light. I feel like our work actually showcases the real Arkansas. We’re very excited about that.”
International distributors are reportedly circling Turnbuckle, and festival programmers are eyeing competition slots for its upcoming unveiling. Early footage has positioned the film as “one of the must-have titles of the next festival and market season.” The producers have turned their attention to the movie’s release, expected sometime this fall, to include premiere screenings that might include Arkansas. Whether that happens or not, Carney is proud of the project both for the film itself and for showcasing the place where it all came together.
“Turnbuckle was never just a movie production; it became a statewide collaboration between filmmakers, local businesses, artists, public servants, restaurant owners, hotel staff, law enforcement officers, property owners, crystal miners, actors, investors and everyday Arkansans who opened their doors to us,” Carney said. “Arkansas didn’t just host the production. Arkansas became part of the film.”
By ALEX HARDGRAVE
Photos by JANE COLCLASURE
Arkansas artist Barry Thomas’ piece, titled The Natural State in the American Tapestry, was unveiled to the public April 30 during a celebration at the Old State House Museum in Little Rock. Thomas was selected by the Arkansas250 Commission out of more than 30 artists to paint the piece in honor of America’s 250th anniversary.
“I’m really proud of the piece and really respect the commission who voted me in,” Thomas said.
Thomas has been making a living painting for more than 43 years and has had his work displayed in galleries across the country. Currently, he works from a personal studio and gallery in North Little Rock.
At age 63, he is hoping The Natural State in the American Tapestry will inspire the younger generation. He said he asks viewers a hard question through the piece: “Are you contributing to the culture, the food and the things that make our state unique and authentic?”
He said he sees his work on the piece as “passing the baton” to the younger generation, encouraging them to leave their mark on the state.
“I’ll paint this history,” he said, “but what are you going to create?”
Thomas did extensive research and consulted experts in various fields to settle on what to include in the artistic montage. An Arkansas man through and
I don’t feel like God gives you talent; he gives you opportunity.
— Barry Thomas, artist
through, even having played for the Razorbacks under Lou Holtz, he said his time in sports influences his artwork to this day.
“I have that defensive linebacker attitude, but I can still paint soft still lifes and beautiful weddings and churches,” he said. “It’s like I can play the cello, but I prefer to play country rock.”
Thomas works to create energy in his paintings by using bright colors and utilizing light and dark spaces throughout a piece.
“I love color, and I love light,” he said. “Lights and shadows have such a drama to them.”
For his Arkansas250 work, he also focused a lot on texture. That added literal dimension to the work, as well as a metaphorical dimension to the meaning of the piece.
“If you look at the texture of the piece, it has a wovenness to it, like fabric,” he said. “There is a paint stroke that goes through all of us. There’s a fabric. There’s a line that goes through history and ties us to the present and the present to the past.
“When you look at [the painting], you’ll see Bill Clinton and Johnny Cash and Sister Rosetta Tharpe, people of different races, musicians who play different genres of music and have different politics. We’re all tied together.”
The longer one views the painting, the more things emerge that were hidden among the strokes. In the work, there are more than 40 cultural, economic, recreational and political figures from Arkansas history represented.
In the northwest part of the state, three Arkansas economic powerhouses, Walmart, Tyson Foods and J.B. Hunt, are represented, as well as — of course — Arkansas Razorbacks fans, who can be seen with their hands over their heads, calling the Hogs.
In the middle of the painting, viewers can find a scene of Jean-Baptiste Bénard de La Harpe and Quapaw native people in what would become Little Rock. One can also see Little Rock’s present-day skyline and the Broadway Bridge.
In the southern part of the state are racehorses, including Sandman, the horse who won the 2025 Arkansas Derby and took third in the Preakness Stakes that same year.
Thomas said he felt that no depiction of Arkansas would be complete without representing the outdoor recreation of the Natural State, including duck hunting, fly-fishing and canoeing. Finally, there are multiple people represented in the picture who have influenced the state’s history, including the Little Rock Nine, Cash, Art Porter and Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders.
“I really want this piece to hook people in,” he said. “If they feel something, then they’ll remember it.”
While the painting represents Arkansas rather than Thomas’ own life, the work would not be what it is if it was not for the path that brought him to this point. After attending the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, he moved to California to attend the ArtCenter College of Design. When he arrived there, he did not feel he had the same level of talent as his classmates, but he knew through dedication and practice he would be able to hone his skills and find success in the art world.
“I don’t feel like God gives you talent. He gives you opportunity,” Thomas said. “There’s Michael Jordan and certain people that have incredible amounts of ability, but it still doesn’t stop a short person from playing pro basketball. They can still be great,” he said.
He added that the fact that he had to work harder than others to hone his skill has been an asset.
“The harder you work — say, the slower it takes you to get to the top of Pinnacle Mountain versus the fast athlete — the more you get to look around
left and right, and the more you discover,” he said. “I was that way in art school.”
After school, he worked as an illustrator in the film industry for a while before turning to his personal art ventures.
“I’ve made a living solely off my art,” he said. “I’ve provided for my family as an artist. I built this house and studio with a paintbrush and six colors.”
About 20 years into his art career, he bought a ranch in Colorado, where he rode his horse and fly-fished. He called the mountains “healing” and “a new adventure for me,” but as mountains obscured his views of sunsets, he began to miss the Arkansas sky.
“My heart was starting to get a little changed,” he said. “I missed the people. I missed the South. I missed the food.”
About eight years ago, he moved back to Arkansas, but his time in the American West still heavily influences a lot of what he paints, including cowboys, horses and mountains.
“Why do I like to paint horses? Texture,” he said. “The bridle. The leather. The silver. The horse’s mane. The saddles. The boots. The spurs. The hats.”
He added that he also enjoys capturing the beauty of the Natural State in his work. By leaving Arkansas for some time and then coming back, he said, he gained a unique perspective on what makes the state so great. That enabled him to be very intentional in the Arkansas250 piece’s design.
“I love this state, and I think that piece resonated with me on a deeper level after I left,” he said. “I’m never moving again. I remember lying in bed at night thinking, ‘I just want to go home.’”
By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos By JAMIE LEE
Brandy Williams leaned back on a leather couch to feel the warm early summer sunshine on her face. A few minutes earlier, she had given herself an impromptu tour of the Forest of Hope Family Peace Center, operated by the nonprofit Women & Children First in Little Rock.
She walked softly through the hallways, peeked into the sleeping rooms and ended up in the sprawling kitchen and dining area that would soon be filled with women and families looking for help escaping domestic abuse and getting on with their lives.
Williams, a Pine Bluff native, let each doorway, each brightly lit common room and each shiny new surface wash over her. It is a lot to take in, all $24 million worth of it, and though she was not there to move in, having got back on her feet previously with the help of Women & Children First, the anticipation of the battered and broken families who will soon call this place home hits hard.
“How can I put this?” she said in a soft, measured tone. “The violence or whatever, the abuse, I guess you can say, I had been going through that for years. I mean, I went through that growing up in my household. If you go through that growing up, sometimes children
need therapy. They need help to get over that, and a lot of people don’t get that. I think that’s the reason why I got into abuse as I got older. It was going on for some years.”
Like many people in her situation, Williams’ first attempt at breaking free of her abuser did not take. Despite arriving at Women & Children First shelter with three children in tow, she opted to return to the devil she knew rather than tackle life under the weighty fear of the unknown. He was waiting for her, and life resumed as before, abuse and all.
Then, one day, she had simply had enough.
“My kids, they never saw the physical. The verbal, sure, they saw a lot of that, and they heard a lot of that, but the physical, they never got to see that part,” she said. “I’ve got boys, OK, and with them being boys, I don’t want them ever, you know, treating any woman that way, any female, period. I don’t care who it is, and for my daughter, I don’t want her
“There’s real sunlight in those rooms that will bring excitement to those rooms. I think they’ll feel safe there.”
— Angela McGraw, CEO
to take anything like that from no man, no man whatsoever.
“So the second time, I was embarrassed. I was ashamed. I had lost everything. I didn’t have nothing — a vehicle, clothes, furniture. I ain’t got nothing, but my mindset was different. My mindset the second time was just like, ‘The hell with that.’”
Williams paused to draw a tissue out of its box. She dabbed her eyes.
“I just,” she said, “I just decided to come back because I knew that this was the only place I actually could go to feel safe for me and my babies, so that’s what I did. I went here, and they actually helped me out a lot, but you’ve got to want to help yourself, as well. This time around, it was a lot different, I guess because I wanted something different. I wanted better, and I didn’t want to go back to that. They helped me out because I helped myself.”
To anyone who never toured the old shelter, a converted mansion that is well over 100 years old and had the cracks and creaks to prove it, it is hard to appreciate just how stark the differences are between that building and the one that officially opened its doors in June. Built from the ground up, the new place offers nearly three times the guest rooms, as well as multiple office spaces for service partners and staff, all of it gleaming with fresh paint, new furniture, bright playground equipment outside and, down the hall, kitchen counters not even old enough to catch dust.
Programmatically, Forest of Hope expands on the organization’s
mission of helping victims reorder their lives — from counseling to job training to healthcare — while streamlining the way in which those services are delivered. So much is contained under one roof that a woman only needs to tell her story once and does not have to visit multiple social services departments downtown or languish in waiting rooms over the course of an entire day.
Services are open to anyone experiencing domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking or trafficking whether they live at the shelter or not, further expanding the reach of the organization to help more people. Doing so was only feasible by raising the profile of the facility, something now possible thanks to residing next door to a police substation, thus eliminating many of the security concerns inherent to the old place.
Seeing all of it together now makes so much sense it is easy to forget just how difficult it was to bring the facility and its programming from dream to reality. Few people know what more than Cathy Browne, a woman who has made the organization her life’s work and the new home a capstone achievement for Arkansas.
Alongside a dedicated board and resolute staff led by CEO and domestic violence survivor Angela McGraw, Browne has clawed the project forward for more than a decade, conquering hill after hill, celebrating small wins and cursing setbacks. The effort to build Forest of Hope took so much time and demanded so much energy that Browne still has moments of difficulty believing it is actually real.
“It’s very hard to believe sometimes,” she said as she took a second tissue from Williams, her voice quivering. “This has been such a long journey. I never was a joiner when it came to nonprofits, but when they asked me if I’d help with the organization and I walked in that old building, I was like, ‘Holy crap.’”
Behind Browne’s considerable will and McGraw’s management efficiency, Women & Children First managed to hold the old place together while pushing ahead on a new home. The effort, officially greenlighted by the organization’s board in 2013, wound through legislative hearing rooms filled with skeptical politicians and navigated multiple U-turns as COVID-19 washed many sources of federal funding programs upon the rocks.
For McGraw, who still relives a little of her own chapter of domestic violence through the endless brigade of scared and desperate survivors winding out the door, nothing was going to prevent this facility from happening. Yet even she cannot believe her eyes sometimes.
“I would have just fallen out to walk into a room that had my own bathroom and everything,” she said, comparing Forest of Hope to the out-of-state shelter she reported to with her daughters in tow. “I was in a room with a bunk bed, and I slept on the bottom, and I had my two girls with me really close. To be in a room like what we have here would’ve been, I don’t know, a unique game changer.”
McGraw said of all the amenities of the new place, including a kennel for housing guests’ pets, the designated playrooms are her favorite.
“There’s real sunlight in those rooms that will bring excitement to those rooms,” she said. “I think they’ll feel safe there.”
Women & Children First staffers are equally dumbstruck by their upgraded surroundings. Lekita Colclough serves as a navigator, someone who assesses incoming guests to determine their needed resources then helps make the necessary connections.
“I’m nervous but I’m super excited, especially having the partnerships and agencies being present here,” she said. “As advocates, we see firsthand how the victims come in, and they need birth certificates. They need IDs. They need housing. They need Social Security. They need the children to go to doctor’s appointments, and they don’t have any transportation. It’s hard to see them go through that, but it is empowering to us to want to help them too. We’re kind of like, ‘Hey, let’s go.’”
Colclough, who has worked with Women & Children First for nine years, said she did not have any direct knowledge or prior experience with domestic violence, but in the years since, she has become very protective of the women she works to help, even when the toughest hurdles are the survivors themselves — even someone like Williams.
“It took me a while. I struggled a lot, especially with boundaries,” said Williams, who now works a steady job while going to college. “It took years for me, with the help of Miss Angela and Miss Lekita, to understand self-awareness plays a very big part in the process. I was really neglective of that.
“I would tell anyone who comes in here, like I did, do what you need to do. Listen to your advocates. You got kids, your babies, so just come in, you know, with your head on straight. Go do what you need to do. Come in here, and just go through it so you can get back on your feet and take over your life.”
Given everything it has taken to get Forest of Hope open, one might think Browne and McGraw’s crusade to be over. In fact, they are already starting to foment ideas of expanding the family center concept elsewhere in the state.
“That’s the vision,” McGraw said. “This is really a whole different type of model where, within the shelter itself, our navigators, our advocates, everybody is there, helping. It’s no longer, ‘We’re a shelter, and that’s all we do is shelter stuff.’
“The guests will have a responsibility to do a lot of their own stuff. They’re not going to have anybody coming after them asking, ‘So what have you done today? What’s your goals?’ They have to set up appointments with the people that are in the Family Peace Center to make sure they are on track and hitting milestones.”
Everywhere one looks at Forest of Hope, there are living metaphors about leaving old lives to enter new ones. One is that just a couple weeks before moving in, a pipe burst at the old shelter, as if the ancient building was finally giving way, knowing the people it had protected for so long had somewhere safe to go.
Another involves a workman going home and telling his wife about the project and what it was for. She promptly sat down and wrote Bible verses on a stack of index cards for him to bring back to the jobsite, where sheet rock was just starting to go up.
“There is a Bible verse and a little baby Jesus in every wall in every room,” McGraw said, beaming.
Then there is what Browne considers the Family Peace Center’s true origins story, an encounter with a child staying at the old shelter who she met on one of her first visits to the organization.
“He asked me ‘Will you hold me?’ and I mean, those four words changed the trajectory of my life,” she said. “The fact that we can do something like this in Little Rock, Arkansas, to help turn around lives is extraordinary. This place is a big deal for the state of Arkansas. This is going to save a lot of lives.”
To get involved or to donate, visit wcfarkansas.org.
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
By MARY LESIEUR // Photos by CHRIS DAVIS
In the metro Little Rock area, anywhere from 700 to 1,000 individuals do not have a safe haven to go home to. Confronted with a city with a chronic homelessness population, Errin Stanger knew she had to do something.
Founder of the 50-acre Little Rock utopia Providence Park, Stanger’s mission was simple: to house and care for those facing homelessness in the community without question. What sparked her mission was an encounter in 2019 with a woman sitting across the street from her office. That quick conversation illuminated a harsh reality.
After driving the woman to a local shelter, Stanger saw more people in need of help and knew she could find a way to care for these unhomed individuals.
“I wanted to make sure I knew where to send or take someone and how I could make a better impact on those in need,” Stanger said. “This research led me to study how Arkansas is caring for their homeless.”
She traveled to all corners of the state and outside of it, but her search ended with Community First! Village in Austin, Texas, a tinyhome community counteracting the growing homeless population in the city.
“As soon as I stepped out of the car at Community First! The Village, I almost dropped my suitcase because I was in total joy-shock,” Stanger said. “I did a slow, 360 turn and almost started crying. I saw beautiful, healthy, happy people, a well-cared-for neighborhood, laughter and smiles, gorgeous tiny homes, a beautiful road with several pathways, and love. I walked around in awe as I saw how this incredible neighborhood was crafted, but the most important thing that struck me was the joy I saw and felt in the neighbors. They were laughing on their porches, happily waving to me and saying hello as we passed each other, working on tending the garden, and so much more.”
After her visit, Stanger returned home with her vision to create the exact same environment with some help from above.
“I said to myself, ‘I think we need this in central Arkansas,’” Stanger said. “I often wonder if God heard that and thought, ‘It’s nice of you to finally realize the plan, Errin.’ Ever since that first visit, this project has gone from a hope into a reality. It has not been on my timing, and that is perfectly OK. I am reminded daily to step out of the way and let God have it.”
Seven years later, Stanger opened her own utopia for the chronically unhoused, and the 50-acre plot will soon grow to more than 400 tiny homes with full medical, dental and mental care. The village will also have community gardens, walking trails and income opportunities for residents. Each home includes a kitchenette, living room and bedroom; a full kitchen, a laundry center and community bathrooms are within walking distance. The master plan also includes self-sufficient initiatives such as the community fruit orchard and farming operations that will grow the produce that fuels Providence Park neighbors.
“We are more than just a village,” Stanger said. “We are a place of hope, grace and empowerment. We are a place where individuals experiencing chronic homelessness can find support, resources and a community to help them get back on their feet. We believe that every person deserves a chance to live with dignity and respect regardless of their circumstances.”
Providence Park recently welcomed its first neighbors, and Stanger said her mission to serve has only deepened as the ground breaks for new homes.
“Our mission is to end chronic homelessness by providing a safe and supportive environment for those in need,” Stanger said. “We understand that homelessness is not just a lack of shelter but a complex issue that requires a holistic approach. That’s why we offer a range of services to help individuals overcome the challenges they face.”
Stanger has also created an initiative in which community partners will work with neighbors on job readiness, financial literacy and life skill courses. The goal is a long-term living environment that creates a new narrative for its residents.
“We believe in the power of empowerment,” Stanger said. “We help our residents build the skills they need to become self-sufficient, including job training, financial management and access to healthcare. We also provide a supportive community that fosters a sense of belonging and purpose. Through our programs, residents learn to rely on themselves and each other to create a brighter future.
“We believe that everyone deserves a second chance regardless of their past. We offer a nonjudgmental, compassionate environment where individuals can heal, grow and thrive.”
As houses are built, ground is broken and fruit trees blossom, Stanger said that her mission can be accomplished because of the community that surrounds her.
“This amazing village is more than a place to live,” Stanger said. “It’s a community of people working together to end chronic homelessness. With our innovative approach to empowerment and grace, we believe that we can make a real difference in the lives of those we serve.”
To learn more about the Providence Park mission, visit providenceparkhome.com.
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!
Rehabilitative
By SARAH RUSSELL
On a hot June day in 2019, legislators from across the state hurried back to Little Rock. This was not business as usual; their session had already ended. Among the dark-suited men at the solemn event were many women dressed in red. It was in tribute to their former colleague. Red was her color. Her death had been unexpected and the cause of her death, even more so. State Sen. Linda Collins had been murdered.
Her life had reflected her belief that poverty speaks to the circumstances, not the abilities, of the individual. First as a representative and then as a state senator, Collins brought to the Arkansas General Assembly the same determination that had led her from such a background to become a successful businesswoman. “The Linebacker” — that is what her colleagues nicknamed her, a tag that spoke to her mental tenacity, which belied her barely 5-foot frame.
Inevitably, as it does for everyone, life would unsheathe its scissors. Collins’ bid to retain her seat ended during the 2018 primary, her decades-old marriage dissolved into a brawl of divorce, and her kids, well, they were grown now, with families of their own. Still, this linebacker was not about to be carried off the field.
On May 27, her plane touched down in Little Rock after a few days spent in Washington D.C., talking to people there about a lobbying job. As the days that followed stacked up, she was uncharacteristically quiet. Collins was never one to ignore her children, so her son, who, like Collins, lived in Pocahontas, did his own welfare check.
Collins was renovating the home, and, as expected, the house was a mess inside, but a large dark stain on the kitchen floor caught his eye. Yes, she could have dropped her coffee pot, but it was unsettling to see nonetheless.
Outside, something else drew her son’s attention: In the driveway, underneath a tarp covering construction materials, the body of Collins was found.
Arriving at the crime scene, then-Randolph County Sheriff Kevin Bell immediately noted that the interior and exterior of the home had a number of camera mounts but not a single camera. During subsequent interviews, several people told law enforcement Collins had surveillance video installed due to her deep fear of her ex-husband.
Whether that was true or not, he immediately became a person of interest, a fact that, as a former judge, he understood all too well. For their part, members of law enforcement were not succumbing to tunnel vision but were determined to let the evidence lead them. In rapid succession, investigators conducted multiple interviews, and, quickly, a warrant was issued. That was not public knowledge.
The person who took down all those cameras need not have bothered. The cameras were still recording as they were being dismantled, and the warrant was to obtain the surveillance system’s backup footage. Through this, law enforcement soon had an image, clear as a selfie, of the killer holding the bloody knife used to stab Collins multiple times.
For law enforcement, it was go time — investigators knew exactly where the killer could be found. By this time, Collins’ memorial service was about to take place at her local church, and attendees had already begun to join the family. Less than a mile from the church, Bell and other officers intercepted a vehicle the killer was in, and there, on the side of the road, the handcuffs clicked on.
The cuffed woman, Rebecca O’Donnell, was well known to the legislators, having arrived in Little Rock as part of Collins’ staff. A Pocahontas native, O’Donnell came into Collins’ life about the same time politics did. Almost immediately, the two became self-proclaimed “sisters,” known to always be together. After Collins lost the primary, O’Donnell’s job expanded from personal assistant to manager of Collins’ business interests.
In jail, O’Donnell would point to the pictures of Collins she posted on the cell wall, telling other inmates she was being framed for killing her, the “sister” she loved. Despite the undeniable evidence against her, O’Donnell was quick to pivot to a deadly plan she hoped would change her circumstances.
Two soon-to-be-released inmates were solicited to kill Collins’ exhusband and his new wife. The inmates were given a suicide note to leave at the crime scene. The note would, literally and figuratively, leave the responsibility for Collins’ death at the feet of her ex.
O’Donnell miscalculated; the ex-cons, note in hand, instead hotfooted it to authorities. Those who had supported O’Donnell were blindsided by her latest actions. Others, not so much. In 2007, O’Donnell had been accused — but never charged — of plotting to kill her own soonto-be ex-husband.
She had not managed to dodge a previous charge for theft, though, something Collins was likely unaware of when she gave O’Donnell full access to her financial accounts. O’Donnell leveraged that trust to her own benefit, lifting more than $50,000 off her “sister,” authorities estimated. Then, during the days leading up to the murder, Collins’ father had discovered money missing from his bank account, co-signed with Collins. O’Donnell had become vulnerable.
The video footage showed O’Donnell coming to and leaving Collins’ house the day after she returned home. Audio recorded around 3 p.m. captured Collins’ screams, and that later image of O’Donnell with the knife made it impossible for her to dispute she had come back later that day. No other information gathered from the surveillance equipment was ever revealed by law enforcement, perhaps to be held back for trial, a trial preempted by O’Donnell’s plea deal.
“I went to Linda’s house, and I intentionally killed her and then hid the body,” O’Donnell said at her plea deal hearing.
She was then sentenced to 40 years for the murder, 14 years for the solicitation counts and three years for abuse of a corpse.
Although there is the possibility of parole in 2049, given O’Donnell’s age, it is most likely her life will end in the out-of-state jail where she is now housed. The latter arrangement is unusual, but there were other circumstances that no doubt led to that decision. After all, O’Donnell had plotted the murder of two other individuals — the judge and prosecuting attorney on her case — who, ironically, owe their lives to two inmates.
Red is a color symbolizing courage, leadership and strength. It was Collins’ color, something that served as a beacon to bring the legislators back to Little Rock that hot June day, regardless of their party or ideology.
“Even if you were on the other side, she cared about you. She’d listen to you,” staff member Ken Yang told Dateline.
Collins came to politics seeing it as an opportunity to give back, and, at the time she was killed, she was seeking another path in her desire to serve. All the good Collins might have accomplished going forward was stolen right along with her money by a creature of greed masquerading as a sister.
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.
uring his first year of college, Little Rock native Jason Curry put the call to ministry into action with a two-year commitment as a volunteer for KLIFE. He went on to serve churches in Memphis, Jackson, Mississippi, and Tuscaloosa, Alabama, before returning home in 2005 as student pastor at The Church at Rock Creek in Little Rock, voted Best Place to Worship in AY About You’s “AY’s Best of 2026” reader’s poll. A frequent speaker at student retreats, parent conferences and other events, he is married to his high school sweetheart, Courtney, and proud father to two girls, Carson and Cameron.
YOU ARE THE SON OF A PASTOR AND BROTHER TO CHRIS CURRY, COACH OF THE LITTLE ROCK TROJANS BASEBALL TEAM. WHAT LED YOU TO THE PULPIT AND NOT THE DIAMOND?
I think my talent made that decision for me. I love baseball and was blessed to play at Mississippi College [now Mississippi Christian University], but from an early age, I sensed God had called me to teach and encourage people. I never felt like I was choosing between baseball and ministry; I felt like I was saying yes to God’s purpose for my life. There is great joy and fulfillment in discovering why God made you and then spending your life pursuing it.
WHAT REMAINS FRESH IN YOUR MIND ABOUT YOUR PERSONAL ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS YOUR SAVIOR?
I accepted Christ as a young boy. Growing up in a pastor’s home, I was blessed to hear the gospel from an early age, but there came a moment when I realized that my faith could not simply be my parents’ faith. It had to become my own. What remains fresh in my mind is the peace that came from understanding God’s love and grace. As the years have passed, the wonder of God’s grace has never faded. I’m still amazed that the God of the universe would love me, forgive me and invite me into a relationship with him.
HOW DO YOU SEE AMERICA250 IN THEOLOGICAL TERMS? IN OTHER WORDS, HOW HAS GOD TRULY BLESSED THE USA?
As Christians, we recognize that every good gift comes from God. America is not perfect, but there is no question that God has uniquely blessed this nation. America250 should not simply be a celebration of our achievements; it should be an opportunity for gratitude and humility. We should thank God for his blessings, acknowledge our dependence upon him and recommit ourselves to stewarding those blessings well for future generations.
HOW ARE YOUNG PEOPLE FARING TODAY AMID THE CHALLENGES OF THE MODERN WORLD?
Young people today face enormous pressures. They are growing up in a world of constant comparison, endless information and digital noise. Many are searching for identity, purpose and truth in a culture that often offers confusion instead of clarity.
At the same time, I am incredibly hopeful about this generation. I have spent much of my ministry working with students, and I continue to see young people who genuinely want something real. They are looking for authenticity. They want adults who will listen, invest in them and lead by example. AMERICA IS ENJOYING A REVIVAL OF FAITH, ESPECIALLY AMONG YOUNG MEN. WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE TO MEN SPECIFICALLY ABOUT THEIR RESPONSIBILITIES TO GOD, COUNTRY AND FAMILY?
Our culture desperately needs men who are willing to embrace responsibility rather than run from it. A godly man understands leadership begins with surrender to God: Before he can lead anyone else, he must first be led by Christ. From that foundation, he is called to lead, love and serve his family, contribute to his community, and use his gifts to make a difference in the lives of others. Our nation does not need perfect men; it needs faithful men.
The monthly “Diamonds” feature shares the lives and views of a diverse roster of proud Arkansans who are doing amazing things and are outstanding representatives of the Natural State. To nominate someone, email dwain@aymag.com.
Named “Best Place to Have a Baby ” by
AY readers for seven consecutive years SEVEN YEARS IN A ROW!
Nurser y alliance with Arkansas Children’s Hospital
Specialized team including a newborn speech pathologist and a neonatolog y APRN
Our Labor & Delivery team brings together innovative services and specialized care to welcome your baby into the world – with compassionate providers here for you both. This is not mass-produced health care. This is your family’s health care
AY’s Best Place To Have A Baby Conway Regional Health System