ARKANSAS’ LIFESTYLE MAGAZINE | NOVEMBER 2026 | AYMAG.COM
THE THRILL OF TRADITION HOT SPRINGS
Oaklawn ushers in a new racing season
Faces of Arkansas | All Things Holiday | GloWild $5.00 U.S.
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Join us for
Wildwood’s Toast & Taste Friday, Nov. 6 | 7:00 – 9:30 pm Tickets $100 | VIP Tickets $150 Indulge with delicious wines and bites from outstanding eateries in the Little Rock area VIP Experience includes early entry and exclusive tasting samples
Featuring Live Jazz Music by
Pat Becker and the Rex Bell Trio
Tickets and Information: wildwoodtoastandtaste.org
Opus Ball XLII
The Symphony Grand Ball November 7, 2026 | 6 PM The Capital Hotel BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE NOW arkansassymphony.org
contents WHAT’S INSIDE 10 Publisher’s Letter 12 Connect 16 Top Events 180 Murder Mystery 184 Arkansas Diamonds
COVER 20
More of What You Love
HOLIDAY GUIDE 24 AY’s Guide to the
2026 Holiday Season
38 Advent Season in Arkansas 48 This Little Shopper Went to Market
HOME 52 58
The Ultimate in Relaxation Gather Here
HOT SPRINGS 60 Who’s Hungry? 66 Spa City Suds
FOOD
70 Tired of Turkey? 76 Recipe: Winter Squash Pasta
ARTS & CULTURE
136 Keeping the Tradition Glowing
PEOPLE
141 A Life in Television 144 Strong Enough 148 A Natural 150 Keep the Home Fires Burning 154 Freedom Riders
HEALTH
No More Turkey! Page 70
NONPROFIT
ON THE COVER
160 Massive Gains in Weight Loss 166 Enjoy the Holidays 174 Season of Giving
ABOUT YOU 79
AY’s 2026 Faces Of
The ponies will be running again at Oaklawn (and sooner than you think)! Read all about it on page 20. Photo courtesy of Oaklawn
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PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER
Heather Baker hbaker@aymag.com EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Dwain Hebda dwain@aymag.com
ASSOCIATE EDITOR
Mak Millard mmillard@aymag.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Darlene Hebda darlene@aymag.com
COPY EDITOR
Sarah DeClerk sdeclerk@aymag.com
STAFF WRITER
Doug Crise dcrise@aymag.com
MANAGING DIGITAL EDITOR
Kellie McAnulty kmcanulty@aymag.com
ONLINE WRITER
Kilee Hall khall@aymag.com
WEB & SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT COORDINATOR
Katie Beth Smith ksmith@aymag.com
PRODUCTION MANAGER
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.
Mark Carter currently serves as senior editor for Arkansas Money & Politics and contributes to AY Media Group’s other publications, AY About You and the Arkansas Mental Health Guide.
Ryan Parker is a contributor at AY Media Group, driving ad sales, partnerships and content strategy alongside his wife, President and Publisher Heather Baker. A seasoned executive and fitness guru, Parker has scaled global medical device and software-as-aservice companies to the tune of more than 200-percent revenue growth, $3 billion-plus deals and major contracts. He is passionate about Arkansas storytelling, family, faith and creative media production.
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.
Kate Cousins is one half of the creative team behind Kate Cousins Photography. She and her husband, Jamie, work as a team to ensure clients’ creative vision comes to life. Passionate about quality photography, the duo brings a unique artistic perspective to any project, focusing on authenticity, connection and emotion.
Lizzy Yates is a family photographer with more than 15 years experience. Yates was named AY About You’s Best Photographer of 2025. She also serves as a volunteer photographer and the area coordinator for Now I Lay Me Down To Sleep.
Mike Bedgood mbedgood@aymag.com
GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Jerry Cordova jcordova@aymag.com Lora Puls lpuls@aymag.com Lee Smith lsmith@aymag.com
SENIOR ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Linda Burlingame lindaaymag@aol.com Michelle Daugherty michelle@aymag.com Mary Funderburg mary@aymag.com Karen Holderfield kholderfield@aymag.com Carrie Sublett carrie@aymag.com
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
Jessica Everson jeverson@aymag.com
ADVERTISING ASSISTANT
Claire Oden coden@aymag.com
ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Maggie Holloway ads@aymag.com
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officeassistant@aymag.com Vicki Vowell, CEO
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AY About You Magazine is published monthly, Volume XXXIX, Issue 7 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 ©2026, 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. Please recycle this magazine.
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publisher’s letter
Blessings to Spare As we turn the corner into the 2026 holidays, we enter what is, without question, my favorite time of year. The family gatherings, the weather, the landscape and reflecting on one’s blessings are always a welcome exercise. This issue, we take the reader to the appropriately named Feast Month, Hot Springs’ ingenious monthlong promotion of its dining scene. If you have not been to Spa City lately, November is the ideal time, and I cannot urge you hard enough to do so. Speaking of Hot Springs, we also give you a preview of what is new at Oaklawn this racing season. Again, do not walk — run over there this season. For something completely different this Thanksgiving, we give a look at some of the state’s best restaurants, the kind of place you can take that special someone or the whole family when you grow tired of turkey. November is also the month of Veterans Day, and this issue, we bring you two inspirational stories of veterans — a duo who set out on an adventure halfway around the world and one who simply came home at last. Last — and, in my book, absolutely not least — we give a preview of Christmas doings around the state. It is well known that my love for Christmas knows no bounds, and so if you are like me, you are really ready for the lights, music and community (Photo by DeWaine Duncan) celebrations to begin. These stories are for you. As we pull into a month dedicated to counting our blessings, it is hard to put into words the gratitude I feel for my life and all the things in it. I have the marriage I have always dreamed of, a job that I cannot wait to go to every day, and a savior who continues to show up in ways large and small just when I need him most. I have been honored with one amazing experience after another this year, upon which I reflect regularly. My wish for each of you this month is to slow down, take the time to focus on your own good fortune and maybe even give back on that by helping someone else. Thank you for making AY About You what it is. On behalf of the whole team at AY Media Group, Happy Thanksgiving!
Heather Baker, President & Publisher hbaker@aymag.com / heatherbaker_ar
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BEHOLD THE GREATEST GIFT: MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS Travel back in time this holiday season to witness one of the most beloved Bible stories ever told live on stage. MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS is an original stage production by Sight & Sound Theatres® that follows Mary and Joseph, and their faithful journey to Bethlehem. From the angels sharing the good news with the lowly shepherds, to the wise men following a star to see the Messiah—you too will want to make the journey to Sight & Sound Theatres for this ultimate celebration.
with a relatable message of hope for every guest, regardless of background or familiarity with the Bible. This miraculous story is a shared reminder of the greatest gift given to us all. Celebrate Ozark Mount ain Christma s w ith Sight & Sound Theatres in Branson, MO, and reserve your seat for this unforgettable show November 3rd–December 31st!
Experience this timeless story as it unfolds all around you. With a 300-foot wraparound stage, a cast of 50 performers, and dozens of live animals, every moment is brought to life in an unforgettable way. From your seat, you will feel like a fellow traveler alongside Mary and Joseph as camels, donkeys, horses, and sheep make their way down the aisles. Don’t miss your chance to gather the family together to experience the wonder of the season. MIRACLE OF CHRISTMAS is a spectacular production
BOOK EARLY. BOOK DIRECT. SIGHT-SOUND.COM
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PRESIDENT BILL CLINTON, DALLAS COWBOYS OWNER JERRY JONES TO SHARE STAGE AT LITTLE ROCK TOUCHDOWN CLUB Two WORLD CLASS LEADERS STILL SERVING ARKANSAS. I love it. Bob J. Nash AY’S INTRIGUING WOMEN 2026: ALISON NATION 100%. Alison Nation, TMP leads with empathy and creativity while somehow managing so many moving parts at once. Obsessed with her. Josie George AY’S INTRIGUING WOMEN 2026: PATRICIA ROSE CARLTON What a beautiful legacy she has built! “Even in the face of tragedy and grief, Carlton has turned her pain into a conduit through which to help others.” I admire her resiliency after experiencing such a profound personal loss. And I love the inspirational ending to this article, “Joy does not simply happen to us. We have to choose joy and keep choosing it every day.” Victory Plumbing LOCAL LUMINARY: THE ARTIST BEHIND THE CONWAY ROUNDABOUT SCULPTURES Nice article on Hunter Brown, the artist and team. I pass them every day and appreciate their addition to Conway’s landscape. Randy Prince
Carissa Callicott crowned Miss Arkansas State Fair 2026
SHINE BRIGHT LIKE A DIAMOND: STACI MEDLOCK IS AT THE TOP OF HER GAME — AND SHE HAS NO PLANS OF SLOWING DOWN So well deserved. Staci Medlock works harder than anyone I know. Congrats Girl. Proud for you. Christy Shearer THE BEAT GOES ON: NORTH LITTLE ROCK’S ATG PAVILION TO HONOR STATE’S MUSICAL GIANTS I was shocked when I saw this last weekend. Argenta is glowing up!! Jonathan Kazemi
Matchbox Twenty to celebrate 30 years with an Arkansas concert ONE GENERATION MAKING SPACE FOR THE NEXT AT ARGENTA (Photo by Jen Rosenstein) CONTEMPORARY THEATRE Thank you, AY Magazine! So many exciting things going on at Argenta Contemporary Theatre and in the Benson/McAdams Academy! Christen Burke Pitts
TRENDING ON AYMAG.COM The Cat(fish) Is Out of the Bag: Catfish Hole is coming to Bentonville! Fairs, Festivals & Fun Frights For ALL! Arkansas Weekend Events Oct. 15-18 Branson Aquarium goes big for Christmas with world record attempt Carissa Callicott crowned Miss Arkansas State Fair 2026 AY’s Intriguing Women 2026: Rhonda Sylvester
Pat Becker and the Rex Bell Trio to perform at Wildwood Park for the Arts this November
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NORTH LITTLE ROCK Northern Lights Festival Northern Lights Festival North Little Rock will come alive with holiday glow this month as the Northern Lights Festival returns to the Argenta Arts District Nov. 21. The free, family-friendly event is a central Arkansas favorite and a tradition for many families to kick off the holiday season, bringing the community together in the spirit of the holidays by creating a warm and joyful atmosphere that enchants residents and visitors alike. “The Northern Lights Holiday Festival is an opportunity for the community to get together, spend time with one another, make memories and create connections,” said Bri Vongvilay, communications coordinator at North Little Rock Tourism, which is hosting the event. “It’s something the whole family can attend and enjoy.” Billed as “a magical winter celebration that transforms the Argenta Arts District into a festive wonderland,” the annual event features stunning light displays, live entertainment, holiday markets and activities. Visitors can enjoy the dazzling lights, listen to carolers and share Christmas wishes with Santa. Vongvilay also encouraged attendees to stick around to the end for “a special surprise.” “People love this event because it gives them the opportunity to make memories with their families,” Vongvilay said. “There’s a free kid zone. There will be pictures with Santa. There will be live music. There will be food trucks available, as well as other seasonal treats from local vendors.”
Now in its 11th year, the event will also introduce many attendees to the new atg Pavilion that, along with Argenta Plaza, creates the Argenta Music Complex, North Little Rock’s destination for live music, festivals, community events, arts, culture and entertainment in the heart of the Argenta Arts District. Vongvilay said that provides even more options for people besides the Northern Lights Festival. “There are a number of things to do in Argenta,” she said. “For example, you can get local food at Blackberry Market. You can enjoy a drink at Brood & Barley. If you’re looking for more of an upscale dinner, you can enjoy Ristorante Capeo or Draft + Table. There’s a number of restaurants and things to do in the Argenta Arts District.” The Northern Lights Festival will take place 3 to 7 p.m. Those interested in attending can stay up to date by following the event page on Facebook. “We’re excited to once again bring the Northern Lights Festival to our community and create a place where families and friends can come together and celebrate the holiday season,” said Karen Trevino, CEO of North Little Rock Tourism. “Being able to offer this experience free to the public is especially important to us. It’s our way of giving back and creating special memories right here in North Little Rock.”
Stay tuned for North Little Rock Restaurant Month 2027!
NORTH LITTLE ROCK Northern Lights Festival Northern Lights Festival
Saturday, November 21
3:00PM - 7:00PM 501 Main Street North Little Rock, AR 72114
Holiday Market Free Pictures with Santa Live Music & & Entertainment
agenda
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Top
you just can't miss!
ASO PRESENTS: BEETHOVEN AND BLUE JEANS Nov. 2-3 Robinson Center — Little Rock
Leave the formal attire at home, and come enjoy classical music while wearing casual blue jeans. The program will feature classical masterworks, including Gioachino Rossini’s William Tell Overture and Beethoven’s Symphony No. 7.
HOT WHEELS MONSTER TRUCK LIVE: GLOW-N-FIRE 2026 TOUR Nov. 7-8 Simmons Bank Arena — North Little Rock
Watch Mega Wrex, Tiger Shark, 5-Alarm, Bone Shaker and other famous Hot Wheel Monster Trucks perform jaw-dropping stunts during the Glow-N-Fire Tour. Plus, see the all-new truck, Rhinomite, and the fanfavorite, fire-breathing, car-crushing robot dinosaur. This high-energy show is a can’t-miss for any truck enthusiast, young or old.
BOWLING FOR SOUP Nov. 18 Ozark Music Hall — Fayetteville
Rock out with Bowling for Soup as they bring their signature blend of pop-punk and alternative rock to the natural state. This American rock band, which formed in 1994, is known for their catchy songs, such as “1985” and “Stacy’s Mom.”
WORLD’S CHAMPIONSHIP DUCK CALLING CONTEST & WINGS OVER THE PRAIRIE FESTIVAL Nov. 27-28 Downtown Stuttgart
This annual outdoor expo spans six blocks of downtown Stuttgart and features shopping, food, children’s activities, a carnival and midway, a beer garden, duck-calling contests, and more. It is sure to be a quacking good time.
THE NUTCRACKER SUITE Nov. 28-29 Oaklawn Casino — Hot Springs
Kick off the Christmas season by experiencing the wonder and magic of The Nutcracker. Ballet Arkansas presents this holiday classic, which features beautiful ballet dances and tells the timeless holiday story.
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The Brook & The Bluff: The Werewolf Tour The Hall Little Rock
Jim Henson’s Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock LIVE Walton Arts Center Fayetteville
Nurse Blake: But Did You Die? Comedy Tour Walton Arts Center Fayetteville
NWA Fiber Fest Washington County Fairground Little Rock
Wildwood’s Toast & Taste Wildwood Park for the Arts Little Rock
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Chencho Corleone Ozark Music Hall Fayetteville
Reed Turchi White Water Tavern Little Rock
The Hangout Grand Opening Scott Family Amazeum Bentonville
Turkey Trails Riverfront Park Little Rock
The Red Clay Strays First National Bank Arena Jonesboro
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GWAR The Hall Little Rock
Spark! Gala 2026 Museum of Discovery Little Rock
Paul Oakenfold x The Crystal Method Ozark Music Hall Fayetteville
Mountain View Bluegrass Festival Ozark Highlands Theater Mountain View
Shrek the Musical Wildwood Park for the Arts Little Rock
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Clownvis Presley White Water Tavern Little Rock
Best Friends Animal Society Super Adoption Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Bentonville
Bark ‘N Paws Rescue Pet Fair Arkansas State Fairgrounds Little Rock
Tab Benoit The Hall Little Rock
The Surfrajettes White Water Tavern Little Rock
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Building Bridges: A Conversation with Norah O’Donnell Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Bentonville
Beatles vs. Stones: A Musical Showdown Robinson Center Little Rock
Mystery at the Museum Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art Bentonville
Victor Wooten & The Wooten Brothers Walton Arts Center Fayetteville
Alok: Eat Pray Leave Ozark Music Hall Fayetteville
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Zoso – The Ultimate Led Zeppelin Experience The Hall Little Rock
Third Day, Chris Tomlin & TobyMac Simmons Bank Arena North Little Rock
Rodney Block Thanksgiving Eve Blowout White Water Tavern Little Rock
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12th Annual Turkey Trot 5K & Gobble Wobble UCA Estes Stadium Conway
Pre-Black Friday Pajama Party Downtown El Dorado El Dorado
Winter Market of NWA Benton County Fairgrounds Bentonville
Mojo Brookzz: Outta Pocket Tour Robinson Center Little Rock
WWE Monday Night Raw Simmons Bank Arena North Little Rock
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On a roll
Dat Pooch brings mobile grooming to northwest Arkansas Founded in 2019 by David Ausbrooks and Dr. Toni Beavers, Dat Pooch has made waves throughout central Arkansas with its fleet of convenient mobile grooming salons. In what is sure to be welcome news for dog lovers and their furry friends in Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale and Fayetteville, the Dat Pooch team is now officially expanding into northwest Arkansas, as well. The move will not only bring the company’s fully equipped, climate-controlled vans to the front doors of more clients – it will also give the region a chance to experience Dat Pooch’s “TeamCare” philosophy firsthand. “At the appointment, the experience is one on one: a groomer caring for a dog in a fully equipped mobile salon,” Ausbrooks said. “Behind that appointment is a team supporting scheduling, communication, service standards, equipment and follow-through.” The company’s unique TeamCare method allows Dat Pooch to offer a comprehensive approach to grooming standards and customer satisfaction in a way that serves the interests of employees and pet owners alike. TeamCare gives groomers the independence of working from a mobile salon and ensures pet owners still receive the personalized attention and
service they deserve, all while reducing dependence on any one person or vehicle. “We want our groomers to do excellent work because they care about the pet and take pride in their profession, not because they feel pressure to prove they are better than the person who groomed that dog last time,” Ausbrooks said. “The aim is to be excellent together.” When a groomer is unavailable or a van needs repairs, the Dat Pooch team works behind the scenes to help keep each dog’s care on track. “TeamCare is not only a promise to customers,” Ausbrooks said. “It reflects our commitment to giving our groomers room to take pride in their craft, build meaningful relationships and exercise professional judgment, with shared standards and practical support behind them.” Dat Pooch’s expansion into the northwest corner of the state represents an exciting chapter in the company’s history. Having already won awards from AY About You and been featured in publications such as AY and Arkansas Money & Politics, Ausbrooks, Beavers and the entire Dat Pooch team are eager to bring their services to even more customers
in the Natural State. TeamCare — with its reassurance of continuity for customers and opportunities for collaboration, professional respect and practical support for groomers — is a natural extension of the company’s commitment to both the people it employs and the people it serves. “Our customers trust the groomer caring for their dog — and the Dat Pooch team standing behind that care,” Ausbrooks said. “We work every day to earn that trust.”
Life brings changes. TeamCare brings peace of mind. Experienced groomers:
explore a career with Dat Pooch.
Scan for appointments or careers NOW BOOKING FOR
NORTHWEST AND CENTRAL ARKANSAS
datpooch.com
cover
MORE of what YOU
LOVE
Oaklawn Hot Springs raises the stakes, opening new racing season Friday, November 27
By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos courtesy of OAKLAWN
a
s one of the oldest and best-loved entertainment options in the state, Oaklawn Hot Springs, Arkansas, has cracked the code on knowing what its customers want, often before they know they want it, and delivering it to them in first-class style. For the majority of its 122 years in existence, that meant providing a thoroughbred race day like no other. The track mastered that experience and now, more than a century in, Oaklawn is the gold standard by which racetracks are measured across the nation and around the world. However, ownership was not satisfied with merely being the best racing venue on the planet and thus steadily added features such as simulcast racing, games of skill and, once state law caught up with the times, Arkansas’ first casino gaming. That would have been satisfactory to most, but it was not long before ownership thought big again, this time erecting a luxury hotel and performance venue with two acclaimed finedining restaurants, all Forbes Travel Guide Recommended. It topped all that with the knockout Astral Spa, a Forbes Four-Star gem that blows the doors off anything to be had for 1,000 miles. Given all of that, you say, surely the family-owned racing and gaming resort is content to manage what it has got, tapping out of finding new ways to show guests a good time. However, on the way to becoming the biggest draw in the state’s unquestioned tourism capital, Oaklawn developed a core belief that in
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cover Oaklawn’s opening race day is earlier than ever this year, and that is not the only way the facility is staying in the lead among racetracks.
Our goal is to take a 120-year-old Arkansas tradition and find new ways to make it exciting for today’s guests. — Chris Ho
vice president of marketing
this business, one is either innovating or dying. Under the astute fourth-generation leadership of President Louis A. Cella, the resort has never looked or felt better. “Innovation plays a major role in Oaklawn’s success,” said Chris Ho, vice president of marketing. “Our industry and our guests are constantly changing, so we have to continually look for ways to improve the experience and give people new reasons to visit. “At the same time, innovation for us doesn’t mean changing simply for the sake of change. Our goal is to take a 120-year-old Arkansas tradition and find new ways to make it exciting for today’s guests. That balance, respecting history while embracing new ideas, is what has made us who we are.” Take the impending racing season, for example. For the first time ever, thoroughbred racing will commence over Thanksgiving weekend as the racetrack brings back its dual season format. Oaklawn’s holiday season opens Nov. 27, Black Friday, the first time in the facility’s history that racing will happen in November, and runs through Jan. 10.
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cover The track then opens its classic season on Jan. 22 and runs through May 1, offering some of the richest purses and top promotions anywhere in the horse racing world. “When you look at other tracks, we’re offering the richest racing calendar in North America during the winter racing season,” Ho said. “We really take pride in how much we offer our horsemen.” A quick look at the 2026-2027 stakes season schedule plainly bears that out. Of the 61 slated stakes races, 17 offer a purse of at least $250,000; including one at $300,000; five at $500,000 and two, the Southwest Stakes on Feb. 6 and Honeybee Stakes on Feb. 20, putting up $750,000 each. In fact, the top five stakes races of the season alone, each worth $1 million or more, equal a hefty $6.7 million in prize money. Those mega purses come courtesy of the $1.25 million Rebel Stakes on March 13; the $1 million Fantasy Stakes on March 27; the Arkansas Derby on April 10; and Apple Blossom Handicap and Oaklawn Handicap, both on April 17, all three of which put up a purse of $1.5 million each. As if all that were not enough, Oaklawn is investing another almost $250,000 in promotions to enhance racing fans’ experience during the season. They include giveaways and special events held monthly, as well as new amenities that include a children’s area open every Saturday during racing season. The area features magicians, face painting and other activities geared just for children. Oaklawn will also expand its popular barn tours, conducted on Saturdays and Sundays in November and December. Other promotions are designed to lend a festive air to the racetrack environment, including an appearance by Santa Claus Dec. 5 and a special five-piece plastic collector cup series marking last year’s million-dollar race series. Other days are more participatory or honor heroes within the community, Ho said.
Oaklawn’s holiday season runs from Nov. 27 to Jan. 10, while its classic season runs from Jan. 22 to May 1.
“We’ll also have a new Armed Forces Day on Feb. 5 where we’ll recognize veterans, and then we’ll have a First Responders Day on March 11.” Of course, racing is only part of Oaklawn’s overall picture, as the resort’s many amenities offer entertainment options to be enjoyed along with the action on the track. Fans can rejuvenate after a day at the races or casino by visiting the spectacular Astral Spa. Arkansas’ only Forbes FourStar rated spa, listed in Spas of America’s “Top 100 Spas 2025,” it is the first fullservice spa built in Hot Springs in over a century. Astral offers treatments, water features and saunas worthy of the name “the ultimate wellness retreat.” Alternatively, guests can celebrate hitting the long shot with a sumptuous dinner before heading to the events center for an exciting lineup of entertainment and special events. Either of the property’s fine-dining establishments, The Bugler and The OAK room & bar, of-
“We’re going to have dress-up days; we’ll encourage people to dress like it’s the turn of the century for the opening of the Classic Season on Jan. 22,” he said. “We’re also going to encourage people to wear pink on Apple Blossom Day, and then we’re going to have a new Ladies Day promotion on March 6 where we’re asking fans to wear purple, green or white to celebrate International Women’s Day.
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cover fer an outstanding culinary experience. While each has its own distinctive atmosphere and cuisine focus, both are Forbes Travel Guide Recommended, Open Table Diner’s Choice (2025) and received the 2026 Award of Excellence from Wine Spectator. Ho said giving guests options beyond the track or gaming floor is a hallmark of the elite racing and gaming resort and one of the reasons why Oaklawn continues to attract guests from across the country and beyond. “Offering a combination of world-class entertainment, hospitality, racing, gaming and leisure experiences in one destination is what sets Oaklawn apart,” he said. “Whether someone enjoys the races, takes in a
concert or spa experience, or enjoys a great meal and an evening of gaming, we want them to leave with a memorable experience. “We have been part of the Hot Springs community for almost 125 years, and we are a major contributor to the state’s tourism industry and economic growth. We want to continue to attract visitors to our state and to our community by looking for ways to elevate the guest experience, giving visitors more reasons to return to us year after year while staying true to the traditions that make Oaklawn special. We take a lot of pride in that, and we want to continue being a source of pride for Hot Springs and Arkansas.”
2025-2026 SEASON HIGHLIGHTS $54,477,160
627
races over 62 race days, an increase from 621 races the previous year
Daily average purse of
$878,663, among the strongest in the country
in prizes purses distributed
Average daily handle was $6.9 MILLION, an increase over last year’s $6,7 million, generating a total meet handle of $430.8 million compared to $417.7 the previous year.
On-track handle reached $27.7 million; average handle per race climbed to $686,000. 1,968 individual horses made at least one start, contributing to 5,527 total starts.
18 jockeys exceeded the $1 million mark, up from 16 the previous year, earning a combined $44.7 million.
12 trainers
surpassed $1 million in purse earnings, combining for $25,431,520.
85 jockeys and 196 trainers competed during the meet. Three riders recorded milestone career Oaklawn wins, including Ricardo Santana Jr. (800), Ramon Vazquez (500) and Ron Moquett (400).
522
individual horses recorded at least one victory.
John Oxley topped all owners in purse earnings at $1.2 million. Steve Asmussen reached 1,000 career Oaklawn victories; he won 62 races as a trainer last season, earning $5.3 in purse earnings, including 24 wins as an owner. 23
aymag.com
holiday guide
AY’S
GUIDE TO THE
2026
Holiday Season
there is certainly no shortage of things to take care of in the meantime. Whether walking or driving through twinkling lights, ushering family members into photo ops, stopping by museums, venues and community hubs for holiday entertainment, or checking off one’s list of ingredients, decor, gifts and more — AY About You has gathered a handy list of ideas to help navigate all the hustle and bustle. Details current as of presstime and are subject to change; please check with organizers for the latest updates before heading out on any holiday adventures.
It seems like only yesterday folks were dusting off the grill and trying to beat the heat — and with weather like Arkansas’, maybe they were — but with somewhat cooler temperatures come the familiar buzz and glow of the holiday season. Communities across the Natural State are preparing for downtown parades, Turkey Trots, light displays and other festive fun to finish out the year. Meanwhile, heads of household batten down the hatches and get ready to welcome gaggles of loved ones for all the chaos and coziness of annual family gatherings. November and December will be gone in a flash, but
Lights All Lit Up! Holiday Lights Jacksonville Starts Nov. 19
Christmas at the Park Jonesboro Thanksgiving to Christmas
“An Old Time Christmas” at Silver Dollar City Branson, Missouri Nov. 7 to Jan. 2
Creekmore Park Holiday Express Fort Smith Nov. 30 to Dec. 31
Arkansas State Capitol Little Rock Starts Dec. 5 Bathhouse Row Hot Springs The bright lights of Spa City get even brighter from late November to early January, when more than 1 million holiday lights blanket downtown Hot Springs. Visitors can stroll all along Bathhouse Row, enjoying festive displays, decorated shop windows, and the decked-out lawn and lobby at Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa. Warm up afterward by soaking up the holiday cheer at a spot such as The Ohio Club or Superior Bathhouse Brewery.
Downtown Eureka Springs Eureka Springs Starts Nov. 28 Many holiday celebrations hearken back to the past, but rarely do they transport visitors through time like this Victorian town nestled in the Ozark Mountains. Tour historic homes and duck into decked-out shops while basking in the glow of countless lights around every corner. Head uphill toward Christ of the Ozarks, and catch even more light displays on the grounds of The Great Passion Play.
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holiday guide Downtown Searcy: Holiday of Lights Searcy There is a lot to love about Searcy during the holidays, but perhaps one of the best ways to soak up the season in between Characters, Cocoa & Cookies, the Living Nativity, and all the other festive goings-on is to simply stroll through downtown. Throughout late November and into December, the city’s buildings and trees are all lined with dazzling lights, and the historic courthouse square is a particular sight to behold. They call it the “Holiday of Lights” for a reason, and AY About You is proud to serve as 2026 media sponsor.
Garvan Woodland Gardens Holiday Lights Hot Springs Nov. 21 to Dec. 31 Explore an outdoor winter garden experience like no other at Garvan Woodland Gardens. This 210-acre gem nestled in the Ouachitas is a celebration of the natural Arkansas landscape treasured both for its botanical beauty and its stunning chapel, and more than 8 million twinkling lights bring the towering pines, woodland trails, gardens, bridges and architectural landmarks to life in a new way each holiday season. “Let There Be Lights!” by Branson’s Promised Land Zoo Branson, Missouri Nov. 1 to Jan. 4 Lights of Joy Christmas Drive-Thru Branson, Missouri Nov. 1 to Jan. 3
Drive-Thru Christmas Lights Tour at Big Cedar Lodge Ridgedale, Missouri Nov. 7 to Dec. 30 Nothing gets the family into the Christmas spirit quite like a drive through the Christmas lights display at Big Cedar Lodge near Branson, Missouri. Dazzling displays bring the story of Christmas to life and feature more lights than ever before. Reservations are strongly recommended. Enchanted Forest Trail of Lights Sherwood Nov. 27 to Dec. 30 Enchanted Land of Lights & Legends Pine Bluff Mid-Nov. to Dec. 31 Finney’s Christmas Light Wonderland Crossett Starts Thanksgiving night
Lights of the Delta Blytheville Nov. 23 to Dec. 27 Lights of the Ozarks Fayetteville Nov. 20 to Jan. 1 GloWild at the Little Rock Zoo Little Rock Select nights through Jan. 3, 2027 Suffice it to say, GloWild at the Little Rock Zoo has become one of central Arkansas’ most cherished holiday season outings. As the capital city’s premier light festival and one of the largest immersive light festivals in the nation, GloWild brings exciting new displays each year with themes ranging from larger-thanlife animals and botanical scenes to mythical and imaginary worlds. Holiday Lights Extravaganza at Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources Smackover Fridays and Saturdays Nov. 20 to Dec. 19 Holiday Tram Rides at Big Cedar Lodge Ridgedale, Missouri Nov. 14 to Dec. 30 Create Christmas memories with a tram ride through the beautiful Big Cedar property. Sit back while enjoying the views all around, and elevate the experience with a private tour on Santa’s sleigh.
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Lighting of the Square Bentonville Nov. 21
Lost Canyon “Nature at Night” Christmas Cart Tour at Top of the Rock Ridgedale, Missouri Nov. 1 to Jan. 3 Top of the Rock Ozarks Heritage Preserve turns into a winter wonderland after dark this holiday season. Thousands of twinkling lights adorn the landscape, while elaborate light displays line the 2.5 miles of paved paths that wind through the property. A cozy golf cart ride offers guests a relaxed way to enjoy this unique blend of natural history and festive decor. aymag.com
holiday guide Park Plaza Mall Little Rock Pleasant Ridge Town Center Little Rock Small Town Christmas Downtown Benton Starts Dec. 6 The Light Show NWA Fayetteville Nov. 20 to Jan. 2 The Trail of Lights at Shepherd of the Hills Branson, Missouri Nov. 6 to Jan. 2 Whimsical Light Shows Barling 2026 dates TBA White River Wonderland Batesville Nov. 25 to Jan. 3 Centennial Valley (Neighborhood) Conway Edgewater (Neighborhood) Maumelle North Hills (Neighborhood) North Little Rock Pleasant Valley (Neighborhood) Little Rock The Heights and Hillcrest (Neighborhood) Little Rock Woodland Springs (Neighborhood) Conway
EVENTS Piccolo Zoppé Winter Circus Nov. 1 to 7: Harrison Nov. 12 to 21: North Little Rock Nov. 24 to Dec. 5: Hot Springs Dec. 9 to 14: Russellville Dec. 18 to Jan. 3: Greenbrier Straight No Chaser: Making Spirits Bright Tour Nov. 4 Reynolds Performance Hall, University of Central Arkansas, Conway Bright Nights Series Nov. 4, 11, 18, 25; Dec. 2, 9, 16, 23, 30 Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock
Christmas Under the Sea: An Underwater Holiday Shell-E-Bration Nov. 6 to Jan. 3 Aquarium at the Boardwalk, Branson, Missouri Branson’s Aquarium at the Boardwalk is aiming for a truly larger-than-life holiday celebration this year. An official Guinness World Records adjudicator will be on-site at 10 a.m. on Nov. 6 to determine whether the aquarium has set a new record for the largest Santa hat sculpture. Check out the festive cephalopod out front, then head inside to see a Christmas tale woven through exhibits of tropical fish, sharks, rays, jellyfish, seahorses and thousands of other sea animals.
An Old Time Christmas Nov. 7 to Jan. 2 Silver Dollar City, Branson, Missouri An eight-time winner of “America’s Best Holiday Event,” Silver Dollar City’s yuletide celebrations this year include the debut of the “Stars, Lights & Christmas Nights Parade.” The immersive, interactive production is twice the length of the park’s previous holiday parade. The city itself will be adorned with more than 6.5 million lights and filled to the brim with holiday cheer and familyfriendly entertainment all around.
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Candlelight Gala Nov. 7 Historic Arkansas Museum, Little Rock Pumpkins & Peppermints Craft Fair Nov. 7 Carmichael Community Center, Searcy Santa’s Wonderland at the Pyramid Starts Nov. 7 Big Cypress Lodge/Bass Pro Shops at the Pyramid, Memphis, Tennessee Christmas Open House Nov. 8 Downtown Conway Holiday Open House Nov. 8 Searcy CARTI Festival of Trees: Celebrating 50 years Nov. 12 to 14 Statehouse Convention Center, Little Rock Holiday Open Market Nov. 13 and 14 Historic Main Street, Van Buren 2026 Festival of Trees (Multiple Events) Nov. 14 to Dec. 11 Mount Sequoyah Center, Fayetteville Holiday Art Market Nov. 15 Puritan Coffee & Beer, Fayetteville
holiday guide “Say It Ain’t Say’s” Sweet Potato Pie Contest Nov. 15 Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, Little Rock Harding University Lighting Ceremony Nov. 16 Harding University, Searcy Holiday of Lights Lighting Ceremony Nov. 17 Berryhill Park, Searcy It is only the most wonderful time of the year in one of the South’s top Christmas towns — talk about a no-brainer addition to the family’s holiday itinerary. Head to Searcy’s Berryhill Park on Tuesday, Nov. 17 to meet Santa, see a live reindeer, sip hot chocolate and coffee — oh, and have your breath absolutely taken away when the town officially flips on its Christmas lights. AY About You is proud to sponsor this year’s Holiday of Lights as the community puts on a glittering start to the season. Mayor’s Tree Lighting Nov. 17 Argenta Plaza, North Little Rock 25th Annual Taste of the Holidays Nov. 19 Mid-America Science Museum, Hot Springs All Lit Up! Holiday Lighting Ceremony Nov. 19 Jacksonville Jacksonville’s annual Christmas tree lighting takes place on Municipal Drive by the Jacksonville Community Center and City Hall. The all-ages event is open to the public, and the trail of holiday lights will be on display through the New Year to allow plenty of time for enjoying the scenery.
Christmas with C.S. Lewis Nov. 20 to 22 Starr Theater, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville 11th Annual Northern Lights Festival Nov. 21 Argenta Plaza, North Little Rock Get down to Dogtown for North Little Rock’s cannot-miss holiday celebration, which sees the popular Argenta Arts District transformed into an all-out festive destination with vendors, seasonal treats, live entertainment, photos with Santa, seasonal light displays and loads of family-friendly fun. Stick around and explore the rest of the Argenta Arts District, as well — there is always something new to discover. A Celtic Christmas Nov. 21 Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
49th Annual Holiday Craft & Gift Sale Nov. 20 and 21 Jacksonville Community Center 40th Annual Lit’l Bita Christmas Arts & Crafts Show Nov. 20 to 22 First National Bank Arena, Arkansas State University, Jonesboro
A Celtic Christmas by A Taste of Ireland Nov. 22 Robinson Center, Little Rock Making Together: Felted Ornaments Nov. 22 Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock
Country Christmas Market at the Ranch Nov. 21 Arkansas Sheriffs’ Youth Ranches, Batesville Gobble Til You Wobble Throwdown Nov. 21 Terry Sims Sports Complex, Batesville Holiday Markets Nov. 21; Dec. 5, 12, 19 Downtown Fayetteville
Tom Daniel Holiday Chili Cook Off & Holiday Lights Kick Off Nov. 23 Downtown Hot Springs In Hot Springs, chilly weather equals chili cookoffs. Sample the variety of entries vying for this year’s title of best chili in town — Spa City businesses will bring the heat while the city switches on its iconic downtown array of holiday lights. Ken Freeman Huff, Puff, Then Stuff 5K Nov. 26 Hot Springs National Park
Searcy-ville Lighting Ceremony Nov. 19 Spring Park, Searcy Lights of the Ozarks 33rd Annual Lighting Ceremony Nov. 20 Downtown Fayetteville Square
Pocket Singers Present: Pocket Carols Nov. 21 The Pocket Community Theatre, Hot Springs
Lighting of the Square Nov. 21 Downtown Bentonville Bentonville’s annual holiday kickoff celebration will feature thousands of lights, live music and plenty of community cheer. One thing is for certain — the lights will be turned on at 6 p.m. sharp, so do not be late.
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Turkey Day 5K Nov. 26 Batesville
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holiday guide Turkey Trot 5K and Gobble Wobble Kids Mile Nov. 26 Conway
Oaklawn Racing Season Opening Day Nov. 27 Oaklawn Hot Springs A turkey trot this is not — Oaklawn is set to open its 2026-2027 racing season Nov. 27, the earliest starting date in track history. Live horseracing is especially sweet during the holidays, and festively named races throughout December will help ring in the season before all eyes turn to the $250,000 Smarty Jones Stakes on Jan. 2. The Nutcracker Ballet by the Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre Co. Nov. 27 to 29; Dec. 18 Historic Malco Theatre, Hot Springs White River Christmas Market Nov. 27 to 29 James C. Becknell Gymnasium, Lyon College, Batesville Gingerbread Man: The Untold Story Nov. 27 to 29; Dec. 3, 5, 6, 12, 13 Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock Baptist Health Illuminate: A Conway Christmas Tradition Nov. 28 Rogers Plaza, Conway Rodeo of the Ozarks Christmas Parade: “Christmas Chaos” Nov. 28 Springdale
Ballet Arkansas Presents The Nutcracker Suite at Oaklawn Hot Springs Nov. 28 and 29 Oaklawn Event Center, Hot Springs What better place to enjoy sugar plum fairies and a classic Christmas tale than Spa City? Ballet Arkansas is bringing its beloved annual holiday performance of The Nutcracker Suite to the Oaklawn Event Center this year, and Sunday’s performance will also include Storytime with Sugar Plum & Friends, during which guests can enjoy a storybook reading and photo opportunities with cast members.
Tree Lighting Ceremony at Basin Spring Park Nov. 28 Basin Spring Park, Eureka Springs Historic Downtown Eureka Springs welcomes the holidays with open arms at the annual Basin Park tree lighting ceremony. Free and family friendly, the lighting ceremony kicks off a full season of dazzling displays and holiday cheer that touches every corner of this unique Ozarks destination. 10th Annual Brunch with Santa presented by the RE501 Partners Foundation Nov. 29 Rusty Tractor Vineyards, Little Rock
P. Allen Smith Guided Holiday Tours & Lunch Dec. 3 to 5; 10 to 12 Moss Mountain Farm, Roland
A Christmas Carol Dec. 1 to 19 Argenta Contemporary Theatre, North Little Rock
A Storybook Christmas Weekend Dec. 3 to 6 Eureka Springs
Leslie Odom Jr.’s The Christmas Tour Dec. 1 Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville Ice on Ice Dec. 3 Oaklawn Hot Springs Lights of the Ozarks Parade Dec. 3 Downtown Fayetteville Mariachi Herencia de México: A Mariachi Christmas Dec. 3 Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville Russellville Christmas Parade Dec. 3 Downtown Russellville
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Frozen: the Broadway Musical Dec. 3 to 13 The Royal Theatre, Benton CARTI Luminary Project Dec. 4 to 12 White County Courthouse Square, Searcy Christmas Parade of Lights: “Christmas Songs” Dec. 4 Eureka Springs Santa will land in Eureka Springs for the annual Christmas Parade of Lights just as the decorated downtown streets fill up with festive faces, floats, bands and holiday cheer. Guess the holiday tune each float represents with this year’s theme, “Christmas Songs.” 48th Annual Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase Dec. 4 to 6 Arkansas State Fairgrounds Hall of Industry, Little Rock
holiday guide Cirque Dreams Holidaze Dec. 4 to 6 Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville Scrooge the Musical Dec. 4 to 6; 11 to 13 The Pocket Community Theatre, Hot Springs The Living Nativity Dec. 4 to 6, 9, 11 to 13 Searcy First Assembly, Searcy Christmas Brunch Dec. 5, 19 Marlsgate, Scott 69th Annual Jacksonville Christmas Parade Dec. 5 Downtown Jacksonville Jacksonville Parks & Recreation has been hard at work to make this year’s Christmas parade a day to remember. Santa will be joined by decorated floats, marching bands, dance groups and the fire department.
Little Rock Holiday Parade: “Candy Cane Lane” Dec. 5 Downtown Little Rock This year’s parade in the capitol city will forge a peppermint path through downtown Little Rock, promising festive floats, live performances and seasonal traditions. Stop by the Statehouse Convention Center beforehand for a photo with Santa, and head to the Arkansas State Capitol afterward for the annual lighting ceremony and official tree lighting.
Freedom Frosty 5K Dec. 5 Bentonville
Jingle & Mingle Dec. 5 Historic Main Street, Van Buren Old-Fashioned Christmas at Pioneer Village Dec. 5 Pioneer Village, Searcy Polar Express PJ Party Dec. 5 Historic Rialto Theater, Searcy Santa Drop Dec. 5 Arkansas Air & Military Museum, Fayetteville Searcy Christmas Parade Dec. 5 Downtown Searcy
Christmas in the Park Dec. 7 Stuttgart Oaklawn Rotary Presents the 2026 Hot Springs Christmas Parade: “Stars & Stripes” Dec. 7 Downtown Hot Springs Saline County Christmas Parade: “A Fairytale Christmas” Dec. 7 Benton A Christmas Story The Musical Dec. 8 Reynolds Performance Hall, University of Central Arkansas, Conway
Hand-Printed Holiday Cards Workshop Dec. 5 Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock Hope for the Holiday Half Marathon and 5K Dec. 5 Batesville
Small Town Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Dec. 6 Downtown Benton
Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony Dec. 5 Little Rock Holiday spirit meets civic pride with this tradition dating back to the late 1930s. The annual Christmas lighting ceremony at the Arkansas State Capitol has brought generations of spectators out to enjoy community and spread festive cheer — after 88 years and counting, this is one must-see gathering for every Arkansan.
Kiwanis Christmas Parade: “Christmas Through the Years” Dec. 5 Downtown Batesville Holiday Open House & Black Crafted Christmas Market Dec. 6 Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, Little Rock
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Dolly Parton’s Smoky Mountain Christmas Carol Dec. 8 Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville Little Rock Winds: Happy Holidays! Dec. 10 UA-Pulaski Tech CHARTS Theater, North Little Rock Every Christmas Story Ever Told (and then some!) Dec. 10 to 24 TheatreSquared, Fayetteville Art for Two: Votive Candle Holders Dec. 11 Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock Celtic Angels Christmas Dec. 11 Reynolds Performance Hall, University of Central Arkansas, Conway
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holiday guide Christmas Candlelight Dinner Dec. 11 Marlsgate, Scott Home for the Holidays Showcase Dec. 11 Eureka Springs The sounds of the Ozarks are a delight any time of year, but there is something extra special when holiday tunes can be heard among the hills. Local singers and groups will perform a selection of seasonal songs in The Auditorium on Main Street during the annual Home for the Holidays Concert.
Holiday Sip & Shop Dec. 12 Rusty Tractor Vineyards, Little Rock Co-owners Doug and Sheree Meyer turned an overgrown 80 acres of land on the outskirts of Little Rock into one of central Arkansas’ marquee venues in Rusty Tractor Vineyards. Rusty Tractor’s annual Holiday Sip & Shop is a great way to enjoy the beautiful space, support local vendors, and stock up on wine gifts for family, friends and even one’s own cellar.
Afternoon Tea in the Ballroom Dec. 12 Marlsgate, Scott Hot Cocoa & Cookie Crawl Dec. 11 Eureka Springs Take a tasty trip through the historic downtown shops while sampling various cocoas and delicious holiday treats. Along with free cookies and cocoa, attendees can expect holiday shopping, giveaways, music, photo ops and more. Ballet Arkansas’ Nutcracker Spectacular with Arkansas Symphony Orchestra Dec. 11 to 13 Robinson Center, Little Rock A Very SoNA Christmas Dec. 12 Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
Batesville Christmas Parade Dec. 12 Main Street, Batesville Bentonville Christmas Parade: “Lights, Camera, Christmas” Dec. 12 Downtown Bentonville Characters, Cocoa & Cookies Dec. 12 Searcy Lion Arena, Searcy
Searcy Kiwanis Club Pancakes with Santa Dec. 12 First Baptist Church, Searcy White Elephant 5K & 1 Mile Dec. 12 Downtown Fayetteville Making Together: Winter Weaving Dec. 13 Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock North Little Rock Elks Christmas Parade: “Christmas Morning” Dec. 13 North Little Rock
Living Windows Christmas Displays Dec. 12 Historic Main Street, Calico Rock
The Snowman: A Family Concert Dec. 13 Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
Mistletoe Madness Dec. 12 Downtown Conway
Christmas Afternoon Tea Dec. 16, Scott
Pentatonix: Christmas in the City Tour Dec. 12 Simmons Bank Arena, North Little Rock The award-winning vocal quintet Pentatonix — featuring Scott Hoying, Mitch Grassi, Kirstin Maldonado, Kevin Olusola and Matt Sallee — will bring its beloved a cappella stylings to Simmons Bank Arena for what is sure to be a sensational seasonal show. This year’s tour also marks the deluxe edition release of the group’s acclaimed 2025 album Christmas in the City, which includes 10 new songs, two covers, seven live recordings and a new single, “Get Happy/Happy Days Are Here Again.”
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holiday guide
The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra presents: Home for the Holidays Dec. 18 to 20 Robinson Center, Little Rock
GloWild New Year’s Eve Party Dec. 31 Little Rock Zoo Thanks to the clever folks at the Little Rock Zoo, parents of little ones — and, hey, even those grownups who just appreciate a full night’s sleep — do not have to stay up all night to celebrate the New Year in style. GloWild’s family-friendly New Year’s Eve party is included with the regular GloWild admission price and features a live DJ, fun and games, all during regular hours so guests can wake up refreshed heading into 2027.
Ozark Ballet Theater’s The Nutcracker Dec. 18 to 20 Pat Walker Theater, Springdale High School
Kwanzaa Celebration and Karamu Dec. 31 Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, Little Rock
Jinglin’ Jeep Parade and Ugly Sweater Contest Dec. 19 Eureka Springs Who knew Santa’s other ride was a Jeep? Probably the folks at the annual Jinglin’ Jeep Parade and Ugly Sweater Contest. Downtown Eureka Springs will be packed to the gills with the festive vehicles, and everyone is encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy or canned goods to benefit Peterson Outdoor Ministries.
Sounds of the Season 2026 Schedule to be announced Arkansas State Capitol, Little Rock
Improv Little Rock Presents: A Very Improvised Christmas Dec. 17 Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock Winter Landscape Painting Workshop Dec. 18 Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock
Hendrix College Candlelight Carol Services Schedule to be announced Greene Chapel at Hendrix College, Conway
Boulevard Bread Co. Little Rock Brave New Restaurant Little Rock Capitol Smokehouse & Grill Little Rock Catering Arkansas Little Rock
FOOD/CATERERS Big Bad Breakfast Little Rock, Conway Big Orange Little Rock
Teen Studio: Felted Ornaments Dec. 19 Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts, Little Rock Ugly Sweater Race 5K Dec. 19 Two Rivers Park, Little Rock 41st Annual The Nutcracker presented by Western Arkansas Ballet Dec. 19 and 20 ArcBest Performing Arts Center, Fort Smith $5 (Christmas) Movies at the Opera House Dec. 21, 23 King Opera House, Van Buren The Unauthorized Hallmark(ish) Parody Musical Dec. 22 Baum Walker Hall, Walton Arts Center, Fayetteville
Blue Cake Co. and Honey Pies Little Rock
Community Bakery Little Rock
Bobbie D’s Southern Cuisine Little Rock
Crave Catering Co. Little Rock
Burge’s Hickory Smoked Turkeys & Hams Little Rock, Lewisville With a reputation decades in the making, Burge’s is renowned from coast to coast for fall-apart-tender smoked turkeys and hams during the holidays. Visitors can dine in or carry out at either location, in addition to perusing a well-stocked refrigerated section. On top of those mouthwatering smoked meats, customers at the Little Rock location can pick up all or parts of their holiday shopping lists, such as cornbread dressing, giblet gravy, turnip greens, green beans and more.
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holiday guide Cypress Social North Little Rock DownHome Catering Benton Gina’s Catering Benton Heritage Catering Little Rock
Taziki’s Mediterranean Cafe Bentonville, Conway, Fayetteville, Little Rock, Rogers Three Sam’s BBQ Joint Mabelvale Trio’s Restaurant Little Rock
Myrtie Mae’s Cafe Eureka Springs Homer’s Kitchen Table Little Rock The Honey Baked Ham Co. Bentonville, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, Jonesboro, Little Rock, North Little Rock Seasonal stores: Conway, Bryant Lindsey’s BBQ & Hospitality House North Little Rock Loca Luna Little Rock
Nexus Coffee & Creative Little Rock Pasta Grill Conway, Russellville, Van Buren Over the course of more than three decades, Pasta Grill has become a Natural State dining sensation, scooping up accolades such as Best Pasta in AY About You’s “Readers’ Restaurant Poll.” The restaurant’s catering is a lifesaver for busy event planners, as well, offering an extensive menu and end-to-end service covering everything from delivery and drop-off to expert and friendly servers.
Petit & Keet Little Rock
Two Sisters Catering Sherwood
Petit Jean Meats Morrilton
Vibrant Occasions Catering Benton
Postmasters Grill Camden Rabbit Ridge Farms Bee Branch Southern Food Co. Fayetteville Local Lime Little Rock, Rogers
Waldo’s Chicken & Beer Conway, Little Rock, North Little Rock, Bentonville
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holiday guide DECORATORS/DECOR Alber’s Christmas Decor Fort Smith Amy Baker Designs Hot Springs Bethany Finch Interiors Cabot Camden Flower Shop Camden Christina Gore Design Studio Little Rock
Motley’s Tree Farm Little Rock
Christmas Decor of Northwest Arkansas Lowell Curly Willow Designs Cabot
Evergreen Designs Little Rock Four Seasons Landscaping Springdale Ground Crew Jonesboro Guess and Co. Des Arc Handsome Holiday Heroes Northwest Arkansas High Cotton Decor Bryant Ho Ho Ho Lights Northwest Arkansas Lights by Sparky Benton
Norwood-Day Floral Co. Little Rock For the ideal festive florals this holiday season, look no further than NorwoodDay Floral Co. in Little Rock. Co-owners Chris Norwood and Christina DayEssary have built their boutique into a go-to throughout central Arkansas, making it easy to send thoughtful gifts and impressive arrangements without breaking one’s budget.
Party Time Rental and Events Little Rock Make any celebration complete with Party Time Rental and Events, where hosts can find a vast array of furnishings, linens and more. With fast, friendly service, the company provides everything needed to add panache to any gathering.
Tipton & Hurst Conway, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Rogers
SheFlair Searcy Shelby Electrical Service Bryant Silks A Bloom Little Rock Tanarah Luxe Floral Little Rock The Details Fayetteville The Lighting Master Fayetteville
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holiday guide GIFTS A.G. Russell Knives Rogers
Sissy’s Log Cabin Conway; Fort Smith; Jonesboro; Little Rock; Memphis, Tennessee; Pine Bluff Few things shine brighter than Arkansas at the holidays, but the beautiful selections at Sissy’s Log Cabin is at the top of that list. Natural diamonds make an unforgettable, one-of-a-kind gift, and with a wide variety of designer jewelry, watches and more, there is sure to be something to make everyone’s holiday wishes come true.
Aromatique Heber Springs Art Group Gallery Little Rock Black Ribbon Books Hot Springs City Supply Fayetteville
Flowers & Home Benton, Hot Springs
Ozark Outdoor Supply Little Rock
Curly Willow Designs Cabot
Fort Thompson Sporting Goods Sherwood
Red Door Gallery & Framing Studio North Little Rock
Gearhead Outfitters Bentonville, Fayetteville, Jonesboro, Little Rock, Rogers
Riffraff Fayetteville
Gifts of Arkansas Little Rock
Rock City Outfitters Online only at rockcityoutfitters.com
Guess and Co. Des Arc
Eggshells Kitchen Co. Little Rock Fischer’s Honey North Little Rock
High Cotton Decor Bryant House of Webster Rogers The Kitchen Store & More Conway Laura Stanley Personal Jeweler Little Rock LIVSN Designs Bentonville Midtown Vintage Market Little Rock Norwood-Day Floral Co. Little Rock
Tipton & Hurst Conway, Little Rock, Pine Bluff, Rogers Townsend Spice & Supply Melbourne Whimsy Whoo Boutique Fayetteville
Photos sourced from communities, merchants, events and archives.
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Restaurants Holiday Party Three Little Rock
to Book Now for Your
From elegant dinners to daytime celebrations, these local favorites set the scene for the season. The holidays bring plenty of reasons to gather, from corporate parties and client dinners to festive luncheons and nights out with friends.
Whatever the occasion, the setting makes the memory. For hosts in Central Arkansas, three restaurants each bring their own style to holiday entertaining: Sonny Williams, Petit & Keet and Cypress Social.
Petit & Keet Contemporary Holiday Entertaining Known for sophisticated surroundings, creative cuisine and a curated wine and cocktail program, Petit & Keet is made for special occasions. Its private dining spaces suit intimate dinners, company celebrations and cocktail receptions. Personalized menus and attentive service make every gathering feel elevated and welcoming.
Plan Your Event
1620 Market Street | Little Rock | 501.319.7675 reservations@petitandkeet.com | petitandkeet.com
Cypress Social
Sonny Williams
A Fresh Take on the Holiday Party
A Little Rock Tradition
With lush landscaping, water features and striking architecture, Cypress Social offers a setting unlike any other in Central Arkansas.
Few Little Rock restaurants have a history like Sonny Williams. For more than 25 years, the downtown landmark has been the place for great steaks, fine wine and nights worth celebrating.
The restaurant hosts holiday events of every kind, from seated dinners to cocktail parties. This season, consider a daytime celebration. A luncheon or afternoon reception is easier on guests’ calendars, leaves evenings free for family and shows off the grounds in natural light. Flexible spaces, Southern-inspired cuisine and custom menus suit everything from corporate parties to employee appreciation events. Off-site catering brings Cypress Social to celebrations elsewhere.
Plan Your Event
7103 Cock of the Walk Lane | North Little Rock 501.916.2670 | reservations@cypresssocial.com | cypresssocial.com
A Season Worth Celebrating Three award-winning destinations. One memorable holiday season. Holiday dates fill quickly. Plan your celebration today.
Now in its next chapter under local ownership, Sonny Williams honors its legacy while bringing fresh energy to the dining room and the bar. Private event spaces host corporate dinners, client entertaining and family celebrations. Custom menus, an extensive wine list and complimentary valet complete the evening.
Plan Your Event
500 President Clinton Avenue, Suite 100 | Little Rock 501.324.2999 | sonny@sonnywilliamssteakroom.com sonnywilliamssteakroom.com
Advent Season in Arkansas
holiday guide
I
Communities statewide get ready to ring in the holidays By MAK MILLARD
t is true: Every city, town and village across the country probably thinks it has the best holiday celebrations come November and December. In Arkansas, at least, many of them are right. Call it a mix of Southern charm, Arkansawyer hospitality, Natural State beauty or just good luck, but the state is practically full to bursting with all the light displays, parades, family activities, shows, festivals and other yuletide gaieties a happy holiday traveler could ever need. A Turkey Trot here, a Nutcracker Suite there, a little gift shopping and cocoa-sipping throughout — whether one spends time in the Ozarks or the Delta, strolling through downtowns or snapping pictures of the kids with Santa, gathering with friends and family, or simply enjoying the feeling of another cozy Arkansas Christmas season, there really is no place like home for the holidays. Use this collection of tinsel-topped itineraries as a starting point. As is the case with so much of Arkansas year-round, there is more to discover for yourself around every corner.
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holiday guide
What is there to do in Searcy during Christmastime? The better question might be, “What isn’t there to do?” Searcy’s annual Holiday of Lights celebration is one of the biggest outpourings of Christmas spirit to be found anywhere — so much has the community set the standard, in fact, it was named among Southern Living’s “Cutest Christmas Towns in the South” and “Top Ten Best Christmas Small Towns in the South” back to back years. The first taste of holiday excitement comes in early November with the Pumpkins & Peppermints Craft Fair and Shop Small Searcy holiday open house. With AY About You serving as proud media sponsor of this year’s festivities, the season-long party will officially get started with a flip of the switch at the Holiday of Lights Lighting Ceremony, taking place at Berryhill Park Nov. 17. The city will also debut a whimsical new “Searcy-ville” display in Spring Park a couple of days later, offering pictures with the Grinch and rides on the Experience Searcy Express. As the name “Holiday of Lights” might suggest, places to enjoy beautiful wintertime illumination abound in Searcy, the White County Courthouse and square being a must-see for any visitor. Downtown likewise dazzles with light, as do the local parks and the historic Black House. Nearby, Harding University puts on another of the state’s cannot-miss lighting ceremonies, and the much-loved, homemade Hales Light Show proves community members are equally apt to bring that “merry and bright” feeling right to their front yards. Elsewhere around town, visitors can get a vision of Christmas from days past at the Pioneer Village’s Old-Fashioned Christmas Dec. 5, while the extremely popular Characters, Cocoa & Cookies brings a colorful cast of favorite faces sure to delight the kid and kids at heart Dec. 12 — word on the street is the Grinch will be making an appearance. Perhaps drawing the most out-of-town travelers, however, is a long-running, heartfelt homage to the very first Christmas. Searcy First Assembly’s Living Nativity in early December is a step back — way back — in time to the streets of Bethlehem to see Mary, Joseph and the baby Jesus, with live animals, handmade costumes and volunteer actors bringing the Christmas story to life for scores of visitors every year.
SEARCY
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BENTONVILLE There is plenty to fill up a family outing itinerary in Bentonville pretty much any time of year. The city’s downtown square shines as a beacon to all things festive from late November through the New Year, though, making it a particularly worthwhile trip to round out 2026. This year’s “Lighting of the Square” ceremony takes place Nov. 21. Performers, vendors and more will be on hand to help make spirits bright. Opening the same day will be The Rink at Lawrence Plaza, a 7,000-square-foot outdoor ice skating rink that turns into a winter wonderland throughout the chilly season. Also Nov. 21, Santa Chris — the state’s only Santa certified by the New England Santa School — will pay a visit to the newly expanded Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, where families can grab photos and enjoy festive art-themed activities. The Ledger building will also hold its third annual Merry & Bright market that weekend, and the Winter Market of NWA will open for Black Friday and Small Business Saturday.
In early December, the Peel Compton Foundation celebrates 35 years of its annual Christmas at Peel Museum event at the Peel Museum & Botanical Garden, which itself makes a great stop on one’s holiday travels thanks to the beautifully decorated historic building and grounds. Downtown Bentonville will also host a European-style holiday market Dec. 4 as local makers and small businesses fill the square with all manner of treats and gifts. Runners can likewise get their fill at the Freedom Frosty 5K benefiting Camp Alliance Dec. 5. Bentonville’s Christmas parade then hits the streets Dec. 12 with a theme fit for the silver screen — “Lights, Camera, Christmas.” Those who find themselves in town on the final day of 2026 can take the family to the Scott Family Amazeum for its annual “Zing in the New Year,” complete with hands-on activities and an afternoon confetti drop. The party does not stop after the kids are put to bed, however — the Ledger building will play host to Downtown Bentonville’s Ultimate House Party on New Year’s Eve and go until 1 a.m.
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Christmas in Hot Springs is always a spectacular time of year. One local shop even stays ready for the festivities yearround: Kringles in the Park, which is a must-visit for all things collectible and giftable during a Hot Springs holiday outing. Enjoy the sparkles and dazzling colors of nearly 1 million lights illuminating the downtown streets, and take in the view via carriage ride for a truly elevated experience. See even more lights at the decked-out Garland County Courthouse, and carve out time between Nov. 21 and the end of the year to explore the illuminated natural wonderland at Garvan Woodland Gardens’ winter festival. Elsewhere around Spa City, the Mid-America Science Museum will host its 25th annual Taste of the Holidays Nov. 19. It also would not be Christmastime without a classic tale such as The Nutcracker, and luckily, Hot Springs is offering up several ways to experience a bit of sugar-plum-themed magic this season. The Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre Company will be putting on its traditional Nutcracker production at the Malco Theatre Nov. 27 to 29 and again Dec. 18. In an exciting first, Ballet Arkansas will bring its beloved rendition of The Nutcracker Suite to the Oaklawn Event Center Nov. 28 and 29. The latter performance will also include a special Storytime with Sugar Plum & Friends storybook reading and cast member photo ops.
HOT SPRINGS
Oaklawn Hot Springs is getting in on the holiday magic a little sooner, as well — the 2026-2027 racing season gets its earliest start ever Nov. 27, and aptly named races such as Poinsettia, Advent, Year’s End and Tinsel fill the calendar through December. On Dec. 7, the Oaklawn Rotary Club is taking the country’s milestone birthday as inspiration for the 2026 Hot Springs Christmas Parade. The “Stars and Stripes” theme is a patriotic play on the season sure to produce interesting float themes, from the star of Bethlehem to candy cane stripes.
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holiday guide Runners can lace up for the holidays in Benton at the Saline County Striders Turkey Trot 5K Nov. 21 and, just a few weeks later, get into the spirit with the Run, Run Rudolph 5K and Fun Run on Dec. 5. Whether setting a personal record or happily spectating, warm up with a hot chocolate afterward and pay a visit to the River Center for pictures with Santa at the 11th Annual Santa in the Park — and do not miss the chance to shop from local vendors in the heart of Benton at the adjoining Mistletoe Market. Head downtown Dec. 6 for Benton’s Small Town Christmas and annual tree lighting ceremony, where the family can also fill up on holiday treats, hit the outdoor ice rink or cozy up on a horse-drawn carriage ride throughout the season. Stick around the next day to check out the everpopular Saline County Christmas Parade Dec. 7, and find a happily ever after with this year’s “Fairytale Christmas” theme. Be on the lookout for another opportunity to meet Santa at the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library during the season, and do not miss Frozen the Broadway Musical at the historic Royal Theatre Dec. 3 to 13.
BENTON
Benton
El Dorado starts the countdown to Christmas when it lights up the downtown square at its Holiday Kickoff Celebration at the Union County Courthouse Nov. 19. Just over in Smackover, meanwhile, the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources sparkles on Friday and Saturday nights throughout the season with various holiday-inspired light scenes. El Dorado touts its annual Christmas parade as the largest in the state — a good reason to visit and find out for oneself what all the excitement is about. This year’s iteration on Dec. 3 sees the North Pole hit North West Avenue with the theme of “Santa’s Workshop.” Get ready to shop one-of-a-kind gifts later in the week, as the South Arkansas Arts Center and Boys & Girls Clubs of Union County are teaming up for a special holiday art market featuring original works from local young artists. The South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra — the longest running symphony orchestra in Arkansas, to hang another superlative on El Dorado’s belt — will bring the magical sounds of the holidays to life with its performance of Noel at Nightfall: A Duet Dec. 11. The next day, bring the family out for a photo op at Santa on the Square before taking a free ride on the holiday train or a horse-drawn carriage.
EL DORADO
Fayetteville
FAYETTEVILLE
There is also plenty of entertainment for the whole family at the Walton Arts Center this season. Leslie Odom Jr. will bring The Christmas Tour to town Dec.1, and the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas continues its traditional screening of The Snowman set to a live score the following week. Just down the road at TheatreSquared, it would hardly be Christmas in Fayetteville without hot cocoa and a Santa photo op — featuring reindeer games and holiday storytime to top it all off. SoNA will then be back with A Very SoNA Christmas Dec. 12. Last minute gift-seekers can rejoice, as well: The Christmas cheer heads indoors Dec. 19 for the FayetteVINTAGE Holiday Market at the Fayetteville Town Center, offering visitors a variety of opportunities to enjoy handmade goods and treats from Arkansas vendors and artisans.
The spirit of the holidays brightens Fayetteville during the Lights of the Ozarks at the city’s Historic Downtown Square. Visitors can experience more than 500,000 sparking lights starting with the 33rd annual kickoff celebration Nov. 20 and running all the way through New Years. Bring the family back out to the Lights of the Ozarks Parade Dec. 3 to experience even more the dazzling displays, floats and all-around Christmas spirit downtown.
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One would be hard-pressed to find anywhere else — Arkansas or otherwise — boasting the World’s Largest Christmas Pickle, which is evidently based on a quirky German tradition. The yuletide cuke can be spotted outside the Christmas Winter Wonderland, an immersive walk-through attraction opening Nov. 29 at Chaffee Crossing with holiday lights, music and other seasonal displays. Meet characters from The Nutcracker and enjoy sweet treats Nov. 22 at Western Arkansas Ballet’s Sugar Plum Fairy Tea event, and make plans to head to the ArcBest Performing Arts Center Dec. 19 and 20 for the ballet’s 41st production of the timeless tale. Before November is over, though, those looking to earn an extra slice of pie or three can join Mercy Fitness Center for the 22nd annual Turkey Day Run, with prizes handed out for best individual and group costumes. In another bit of European-inspired holiday happening, the St. Boniface German Christkindl Market will feature vendors and a meal of traditional German fare Dec. 5. Throughout the month, visitors can catch a ride on the Creekmore Holiday Express for a colorful journey through all of the park’s animated holiday lights. Fort Smith’s annual Christmas parade is scheduled for Dec. 12, though this year’s theme is under wraps for now. Earlier that day, however, as well as that Sunday evening, traditional Christmas music will be on offer as Oak Cliff Baptist Church presents Keyboards at Christmas with no fewer than four grand pianos, 20 pianists and a 60-voice choir.
FORT SMITH
Fort Smith
JONESBORO Fort Smith The spirit of Christmas returns to northeast Arkansas with another holiday favorite; The Night Before Christmas will take over Main Street as the theme of the 79th Annual Jonesboro Christmas Parade Dec. 4. Holiday cheer continues in full force the following day at the Downtown Jonesboro JoyFest, where visitors can celebrate with family friendly activities, live performances and the annual Christmas tree lighting. On Dec. 13, celebrate with the Delta Symphony Orchestra at its Sounds of Christmas concert, including performances by vocal soloists and a large youth choir. Jonesboro’s Foundation of Arts, meanwhile, will put on a classic adaptation of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol with Scrooge the Musical Dec. 18 to 21. Another much-loved holiday season tradition is Jonesboro’s Winter Wonderland, a free-to-visit, walk-through holiday museum with animated displays, festive lights and several opportunities to meet Santa. After exploring the wonderland, take to the ice for open skate at First Community Bank’s Wonderland Rink. Hop back into the car and get down to Joe Mack Campbell Park for one of northeast Arkansas’ most celebrated illuminated experiences. Open from Thanksgiving to Christmas Eve, Christmas at the Park dazzles with more than 400,000 twinkling lights, 65 themed collections and nearly 450 individual pieces of glittering holiday magic. The 300-foot lighted tunnel is one of the longest of its kind anywhere in the country.
Jonesboro
Jonesboro
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holiday guide One of the capital city’s favorite traditions ushers in its 88th holiday season with the annual Arkansas State Capitol Lighting Ceremony. Dating back to the 1930s, the strands of lights adorning the State Capitol cupola soon became a cherished yearly undertaking, growing in scale and luminosity through the years into a seasonal celebration now attended by generations of families. Guests can step inside after the ceremony and attendant fireworks show to enjoy the festively decorated Capitol interior, as well as picking up a commemorative ornament. Before the evening’s celebrations on Dec. 5, however, the streets of downtown will turn into Candy Cane Lane during the 2026 Little Rock Holiday Parade. Santa will also be stopping by the Statehouse Convention Center that afternoon. Dec. 11 will have history buffs and their supporters all saying one thing: “Got nog?” At Historic Arkansas Museum’s 22nd Ever Nog-Off, local restaurants and organizations will offer tasty samples of their carefully crafted eggnog recipes as they vie for such coveted titles as Taster’s Choice, People’s Choice, Not Your Great, Great, Great Grandfather’s Eggnog and the nonalcoholic award category, Egg, No Nog. Also that weekend, Ballet Arkansas will put on the state’s largest holiday production alongside the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra as The Nutcracker Spectacular returns to the Robinson Center. ASO will be back the following week with its annual Home for the Holidays concert. In addition to a nearly endless list of holiday goings-on, Little Rock boasts an equally impressive array of places to snap the family photo of one’s Christmas-card and scrapbook dreams. Take, on the one hand, the city’s so-called “front porch” downtown. Described by Garden & Gun last year as “the city’s grandest fir,” the towering Christmas tree in the atrium of the Capital Hotel is a breathtaking sight for visitors and locals alike — not to mention making a show stopping backdrop. Over at the Little Rock Zoo, GloWild is a great place to capture lasting memories as both the little ones and adults find themselves thrilled by the enchanting display of handmade lanterns.
LITTLE ROCK
Little Rock
Little Rock
There will be two kinds of magic swirling around Mountain Home come Dec. 4, as holiday meets Hollywood for Christmas at the Movies. Iconic scenes and characters will adorn floats all along the parade route during the Mountain Home-Town Christmas Festival & Parade. The town will also host its annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony earlier in the day, along with an array of vendors and other family-friendly festivities around the Historic Mountain Home Square. On Dec. 13, the Vada Sheid Community Development Center at Arkansas State University at Mountain Home will host Christmas With the Nelsons starring twin multiplatinum recording artists Matthew and Gunnar Nelson. Glowing displays dot the region from Mountain Home to Batesville to Blytheville, making northeast Arkansas a worthwhile destination for visitors in search of fluorescent holiday fun this season. Kicking off the week of Thanksgiving and running through Christmas, the Coulter Celebration of Lights is a drive-thru delight for a good cause. Put on through a collaboration of the city and ASU Mountain Home, lights will be displayed throughout the university’s campus every night, with one weekend, yet to be announced, also featuring a visit from Santa and other fun activities. Donations support both the growing display and student scholarships.
Little Rock
MOUNTAIN HOME
Mountain Home
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It seems as though there is always something new to explore around North Little Rock, and this year’s holiday celebrations prove the point further. The Northern Lights Holiday Festival comes to the Argenta Arts District Nov. 21 with all the glittering lights, live entertainment, caroling, vendors and seasonal treats one could ask for — and, of course, those oh-so important photo ops with the man in red. Earlier in the week, the Mayor’s Tree Lighting will help usher in the season at the Argenta Plaza. Visitors are encouraged to help make spirits brighter by bringing canned goods for their unsheltered neighbors or items for the North Little Rock Animal Shelter to the event. Piccolo Zoppé’s much-acclaimed Winter Circus will also be in town as the group makes its traditional rounds bringing holiday cheer to communities throughout the Natural State. Just up the road, Sherwood’s Trail of Lights will open the Friday after Thanksgiving and run until Dec. 30. Over at Simmons Bank Arena, renowned a capella group Pentatonix is bringing its cannot-miss Christmas in the City tour to town on Dec. 12. Do not wander too far after that, though — the North Little Rock Elks Christmas Parade will see floats, vehicles, bands and more take to the streets the following day, all wide-eyed and eager with excitement at this year’s theme of “Christmas Morning.”
NORTH LITTLE ROCK
North Little Rock
No need to wait until December to celebrate Christmas in Paris and see the Eiffel Tower all lit up — and no passports or baggage claims to worry about either, for that matter. Nestled in the River Valley below the highest point in Arkansas, Mount Magazine, the storied small-town community of Paris embraces the holidays by gathering with neighbors and shopping local. On Nov. 22, the annual Christmas Open House helps kick off the season on the downtown square with tasty treats, a visit from Santa and unique gifts to explore. Paris does not waste much time moving into full-on Christmas cheermode after Thanksgiving, either, with all eyes turning to the lighting ceremony and Christmas parade just as soon as the leftovers have a chance to get cold Nov. 28. This year’s theme is “White Christmas,” and despite a lack of snowflakes to help set the scene, the city will nonetheless be aglow with more than 100,000 sparkling lights and beautifully decorated trees donated by local groups. Already awash with natural beauty, Paris boasts what it believes to be the most beautiful Christmas courthouse in the state — having been previously featured as a stop on the official Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights, there are few who would disagree.
Paris
PARIS
Texarkana
Nothing brings a community together like the holidays, and that must go doubly down in the southwest corner of the state. After all, there is only one place to see a Christmas tree all prettied up while sitting directly atop the Texas-Arkansas state line. That is just one of many downtown photo ops available, with windows, shops and local galleries decked out in a feast for the eyes and Instagram feeds. Helping get everyone into the spirit is Texarkana’s window decorating contest, with winners announced the night of the Christmas parade. Speaking of — the 42nd Annual Main Street Texarkana Christmas Parade will put a festive bow on America’s 250th birthday and celebrate timeless Christmas traditions with a “Home for the Holidays” theme Dec. 7.
Texarkana
TEXARKANA
Santa’s helpers might want to head down a little earlier, however, as the Junior League of Texarkana kicks off the season Nov. 20 to 22 with its 2026 Mistletoe Market at the Texarkana Convention Center. Early VIP access — along with all manner of fun, music and auction items — is also up for grabs Nov. 19. On Dec.13, step over the state line and visit the Perot Theatre for the Texarkana Symphony Orchestra’s annual Christmas at the Perot family spectacular, with singalongs, Santa, the youth orchestra, TSO Chamber Singers and much more musical fun. The Perot also typically hosts an annual Christmas on Main event with movie screenings and outdoor festivities for the whole family.
Photos sourced from communities, events and archives.
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holiday guide
This Little Shopper Went to Market By AY STAFF
as Christm markets offer a ay unique w fy to satis e everyon st i on the l
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he weather has turned cooler for good, colors are starting to appear in the trees, and sweaters and boots have come out of storage. Curled up in a blanket on the couch, watching football or Hallmark Channel fare, you sip your warm beverage and let out a contented sigh. Then you sit bolt upright as the icy grip of realization squeezes your heart. It is November, and the sands of the holiday hourglass have already started to run. In the blink of an eye, Christmas will be here. Sure, there is Thanksgiving to think about, but remember last year? You waited too long, and the hustle and bustle turned into pressure and stress, what with the decorating, school pageants and programs, amped-up work deadlines, and late nights getting the house ready. Remember how tired you were? Then there is that gift list: How did it get so long and complicated? Yes, you have online shopping at your fingertips, but wasn’t something lost in the process last year? Remember how sterile the purchase felt, buying a gift for someone special that felt more like ordering potato chips?
Christmas shopping used to be a part of the joy of the holidays, a treasure hunt to discover something unique to light up their faces on Christmas morning. Sadly, for many people, it has turned into little more than an ordeal. Who has the time to run all over town, the money to burn that much gas, and the patience for crowds full of similarly stressed and surly shoppers? Look, just because Santa can get a world of gift work done in one night does not mean you have to. This year, why not take a different angle on Christmas shopping by visiting one of the many holiday markets dotting the calendar all over Arkansas? These fun and festive community events bring together multiple vendors under one roof to show their wares to the Christmas crowd. Shopping these markets offers a number of advantages that clicking boxes online just don’t deliver. One, the events preserve the holiday spirit better because many are sponsored by or benefit local charities. Two, unlike burned-out disinterested mall clerks, most markets are community events, staffed by volunteers who are happy to be there, and that attitude is infectious. Purchases also support local small-business owners and entrepreneurs, and the variety of their merchandise may surprise you. Vendors offer everything from food items, clothing, and home and holiday decor to jewelry, artwork, toys, fragrance, cookware and lots more. OK, you probably will not find a big-screen TV or the latest must-have toy of the season, but what you will find is something far more valuable — originality and uniqueness in gifts, making impossible family members easier to shop for and avoiding a Christmas morning of mass-produced stuff with no sentimental value or meaning. Maybe best of all, holiday markets are happenings the whole family can enjoy. It is not uncommon to see multiple generations browsing together, laughing, and enjoying a cup of cider or other treat, making the time spent together a gift of its own. The many “Merry Christmas” greetings you hear never sounded more genuine. The following is a sample of Arkansas holiday markets for 2026. Every effort has been made to provide current information, but details can and do change, and it is always a good idea to check out social media or the event’s webpage, when available, for latest updates. Everyone knows Christmas is not about the gifts, and yet everyone also knows you are going to buy some anyway. Why not put the fun back into the process? Visiting one or more of these holiday markets lets you build in some family or friend time, support the local economy and worthy causes, and rediscover the joy of finding something truly unique and personal, all in the same place.
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Arkansas holiday markets for 2026 BENTON Glitz & Garland
Nov. 5-7 — Benton Event Center glitzandgarland.com Put on by the Benton Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Everett Buick GMC, this event offers a private Girls Night Out Nov. 5 and private shopping Nov. 6 and 7 morning before general admission kicks in at 11 a.m.
BENTONVILLE Winter Market of NWA
FORT SMITH Arkansas River Holiday Market
Nov. 7 — Expo Center, Kay Rodgers Park arholidaymarket.com A one-day extravaganza promising more than 150 booths, food trucks, live music and Santa himself on-site. First 25 through the door get a free swag bag (one per family).
HARRISON Downtown Christmas Market
Nov. 27-28 — Benton County Fairgrounds liveloveeventsnwa.com Ditch the Black Friday crowds and head for Bentonville’s annual Winter Market, which offers unique gift items, friendly faces and family fun at a relaxed, leisurely pace.
Nov. 7 — Courthouse Square, Downtown Harrison centralozarksfarmersmarket.wordpress.com/downtownchristmas-market An extension of the local farmers market, this event offers a twist of being held outside. Enjoy free hot drinks as you browse makers and producers as part of the city’s broader “shop local” campaign.
CONWAY Bella Rustina Oh What Fun Christmas Market
HOT SPRINGS Mistletoe Kisses Market
Nov. 20-22 — Conway Expo & Event Center bellarustina.com/events One of the biggest markets in central Arkansas, if not the state, Oh What Fun promises 350 booths offering vintage, one-of-a-kind handmade and vintage-inspired decor, as well as trendy boutique clothing and accessories. Food trucks will be standing by, as will Santa and Mrs. Claus. One admission allows reentry all weekend.
Dec. 11-12 — Hot Springs Convention Center kissiememarkets.com/vendor-mistletoe-kisses Experience the magic of the holidays via more than 100 curated vendors, unique gifts, festive decor, delicious food and holiday cheer all in one unforgettable weekend. Special promotions include a Ladies Night on Friday and Saturday morning Muffins & Mimosas private shopping.
EL DORADO Mistletoe Market
Nov. 6-7 — Murphy Arts District Music Hall facebook.com/arkansas.mistletoe.market The much-anticipated return of a favorite holiday event, Mistletoe Market dazzles with vendors selling handmade goods, gourmet foods, clothing, jewelry and more. Be sure to explore other Main Street retailers downtown while you are there.
FAYETTEVILLE Winter Wonderland Arts Market
Nov. 28-29 — Mount Sequoyah mountsequoyah.org/festivaloftrees Part of Mount Sequoyah’s Festival of Trees, Winter Wonderland Arts Market is a two-day holiday event offering one-of-a-kind gifts from local makers and artisans. While there, do not miss the festival’s other activities, including Tree Topper Trail Run, Jazz Brunch and Sleigh the Competition: Trivia for a Cause.
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JACKSONVILLE Jacksonville Holiday Craft & Gift Sale
Nov. 20-21 — Jacksonville Community Center jacksonvillear.gov/613/holiday-craft-gift-sale A central Arkansas holiday tradition for nearly five decades, the event is hosted by the city’s parks and recreation department. The show features original artwork, handmade goods from Arkansas artists and much more. Free admission and parking lend an additional jingle.
JONESBORO Lit’l Bita Christmas
Nov. 20-22 — First National Bank Arena redwolvesfoundation.com Now in its 40th year, Lit’l Bita Christmas is another monster event attracting thousands of shoppers every year to what organizers call one of the largest arts and crafts shows in the mid-South. Proceeds go to support athletic scholarships at Arkansas State University.
LITTLE ROCK Arkansas Craft Guild Christmas Showcase
Dec. 4-6 — Arkansas State Fairgrounds arkansascraftguild.org/christmas-showcase Sponsored by the Arkansas Craft Guild, the juried Christmas Showcase offers the work of artists in pottery, wood, stained glass, jewelry, sculpture, garden, photography and more.
MOUNTAIN VIEW Mountains and Mistletoe
Nov. 21 — Stone County Fairgrounds facebook.com/mountainsandmistletoeevent Get in the Christmas spirit with unique gifts of all descriptions at this one-day event offering treasure, treats, and free admission and parking.
ROGERS Northwest Arkansas Boutique Show
Nov. 20-21 — Rogers Convention Center nwaboutiqueshow.com A blowout shopping event that promises more than 180 vendors, the 20th Northwest Arkansas Boutique Show is described by organizers as the area’s most popular shopping event, offering thousands of unique gifts all under one roof.
RUSSELLVILLE Mistletoe Market
Nov. 6-7 — 600 E. 16th St., Russellville facebook.com/mistletoemarket Benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley, this event offers a nice selection of gifts from a variety of vendors.
SPRINGDALE Northwest Arkansas Holiday Market
Nov. 6-7 — Northwest Arkansas Convention Center nwaholidaymarket.com Billed as a shopping wonderland full of the season’s best gifts, decor, clothing, jewelry, health and beauty, food, repurposed furniture, and much more. Admission goes directly to benefit the Children’s Safety Center.
TEXARKANA Mistletoe Market
Nov. 20-22 — Texarkana, Texas, Convention Center jltexarkana.org Celebrating 39 years as an event, Mistletoe Market is put on by the Junior League of Texarkana and is the largest annual fundraiser supporting the organization’s mission-based community work.
Ozark Holidays Craft Show
Nov. 28 — Ozark Folk Center State Park facebook.com/ozarkholidayscraftshow One of the more unique events on the calendar, the Ozark Holidays Craft Show offers handcrafted items made by resident and guest artisans throughout the state park’s Craft Village. If you are looking for something truly special that represents Arkansas’ Ozark craft tradition, this is your event.
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The Ultimate In Relaxation For five decades, Luxury Pool & Spa has built memories
By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos courtesy of LUXURY POOL & SPA
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or 50 years, Luxury Pool & Spa has stood for quality and expertise in the pool building industry. It is a reputation earned over three generations and polished with each job the family-owned and -operated company does today. As it prepares to enter its second halfcentury, Luxury Pool & Spa is busier than ever, creating the backyard amenities that bring families throughout the state hours of relaxation and a lifetime of memories. “Building swimming pools is different than any other kind of construction project, at least it is to us” said Jeremy Lawson, who co-owns the business with his brother, Shane. “Not only does a pool provide unique design and construction challenges at every single site, but it is something a lot of customers have been dreaming of for a long time. “This is where their family is going to gather and where they will watch their kids grow up. We never forget the responsibility we have to make those dreams come true.” For as well known as the company is for its award-winning gunite in-ground pools, it is equally regarded for its line of highquality standalone spas. Lawson said today’s spas offer exceptional quality, ergonomic design and lasting durability that far outstrip the clunky old hot tubs of the past. “The models that we carry today are totally self-contained, very energy-efficient tubs,” Lawson said. “With many of them, you can add salt to the water, which is very popular with customers. That option has
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home been around for a while, but the new salt systems have been perfected over the years to where they’re really much more user-friendly than they used to be.” Luxury Pool & Spa carries industry-leading brand Caldera Spas. Known for their quality construction and innovative design, Caldera Spas deliver years of hassle-free enjoyment. “Owning a spa is a lot different than it used to be; they are easier to maintain and easier to enjoy” Lawson said. “The models we carry are also more technologically advanced than in the past, with apps that let you control the various features.”
Another thing that has the company’s hot tubs in such high demand are the health benefits many customers receive through their use. Besides the superficial benefits of easing sore muscles and melting stress — Healthline recently reported research showing hot water combined with massage can raise levels of histamine and serotonin to improve sleep — hot tubs are also touted for delivering multiple other health benefits. One Japanese study of 30,000 participants showed hot tubs raise heart rate and lower blood pressure, while another showed hot water immersion may have a positive effect on
“This is where their family is going to gather and where they will watch their kids grow up. We never forget the responsibility we have to make those dreams come true.” – Jeremy Lawson Luxury Pool & Spa
In business more than 50 years, Luxury Pool & Spa pairs old-fashioned job experience and customer service with high-quality products and top-notch factory training.
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vascular function, contributing to better cardiovascular health. Add to that studies from 2018 and 2019 that showed regular thermal therapy, including hot baths or saunas, may also improve insulin sensitivity and glucose tolerance. For those desiring a more cohesive look, Luxury Pool & Spa can design and build a permanent hot tub designed to complement the rest of a pool project, as well as add other pool features such as waterfalls, slides, infinity edges and nearly endless lighting options. Lawson said today’s designs are a far cry from the pools installed by his grandfather and father during the company’s early years, which is why Luxury Pool & Spa invests so much time and money to keep its tenured staff trained on the latest products and techniques. “Our guys are factory trained, which sometimes involves going to the actual factory,” he said. “We have manufacturer’s representatives coming out to the stores fairly regularly, talking about the new products, how to troubleshoot and basically providing those remedial refresher courses. “Of course, nothing replaces experience. We have several employees who have been with us for at least a decade, and I can honestly say this is the best team we have ever had. Our two service managers, Daniel Jackson and Harvey Wilson, are the best at what they do, and we get a lot of positive comments
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Hot tubs can be designed to complement the rest of a poolscape, or homeowners can opt for energy efficient standalone models. from customers about the job they do keeping pools and spas in top form.” The company has grown into two retail locations over the years, each offering a full line of pool supplies and chemicals — Poolife and Baquacil for pools and Frog and Sirona for spas — as well as all the advice and expertise needed to keep customers’ water sparkling all year long. “New pool owners tend to have more problems and questions, people who might have bought a house with a pool or who have just had one built for the first time,” said Andrea Lawson, general manager and Jeremy’s wife. “We also get some people who have had a pool forever and who have never had an issue before who will come in with a problem. “We get a lot of training from our chemical manufacturers so that we can be a resource for people. We can test their water and tell them what they need to maintain it. Simply put, we get to solve their pool problems; that’s why people keep coming back and recommending us.” The company also recently added a line of stylish, long-lasting luxury outdoor furniture, POLYWOOD, to complete customers’ backyard oases.
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“This furniture is of extremely high quality,” Andrea Lawson said. “It is built from genuine HDPE lumber, a durable composite that resists fading, cracking, peeling and splintering. It truly is one of the best patio furniture brands on the market.” Jeremy Lawson said the company continues to keep its ear to the ground for new products that help customers enjoy their pools and hot tubs, as well as keeps up on the latest trends in pool design and features. Underneath all of that, however, the fundamental attention to detail and pride in craftsmanship that has brought the company through five decades of business is something that has remained a constant and will never change. “Pool styles come and go, and pool technology is certainly light-years ahead of where it used to be,” he said. “Things will continue to change in our industry and in what our customers can dream up. Where we have been most successful is being able to adapt to those changes without sacrificing the quality and customer service that we built our reputation on. That’s what has brought us this far, and we’re not about to change that going forward.”
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florals
Gather Here
Thanksgiving tablescapes an ideal backdrop for food, family By Chris Norwood, AIFD, PFCI, AAF / Photos by Chris Davis
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hanksgiving is one of those rare occasions when the entire family comes together across the generations to enjoy a meal. From grandparents and great-grandparents to aunts, uncles and cousins one might only see once a year, the holiday is one marked by the continuation of traditions, the celebration of milestones and, of course, the enjoyment of the customary feast. Whether using the china Grandma and Grandpa received at their wedding 50 years ago or a new set in the trembling hands of a couple hosting their first holiday, the tablescape plays a significant role. Of course, the foundation of a beautiful tablescape is the tablecloth. The tablecloth and other linens should complement the china. If the china is very simple, the tablecloth can have an elaborate pattern. For china with complex designs, choose a tablecloth in a solid color, perhaps with an interesting texture. In any case, keep all the elements within the same color palette for a cohesive look. Cloth napkins are a must for Thanksgiving. Be sure to
Velvet pumpkins with natural stems star in this beautiful Thanksgiving tablescape. choose a set that adds to the overall appearance of the tablescape without overwhelming it. For example, the beige napkins in the tablescape shown complement the tablecloth, which has shades of brown and orange accented by blue, and even pick up on the dynamic floral pattern with their wavy trim. A pumpkin runner accented with fall flowers and foliage provides a lovely table decoration for the holiday. First, start with a base of preserved fall leaves in orange and yellow. The variety shown is called Copper Beach. Then stack pumpkins along the center of the table, starting with one or two medium-sized pumpkins in the middle and continuing with smaller pumpkins going down the length of the table. Complete the look by placing very small pumpkins in the gaps between the larger ones. A tiny pumpkin on each place setting provides a playful touch. Hosts can use real pumpkins for the runner, or they can use velvet pumpkins with natural stems, which are available in an array of colors. Chocolate browns, creams and muted oranges provide a softer look, while copper, vibrant oranges and light green offer a bolder appearance. Depending on one’s personality and table settings, there are also pumpkins available in blue, pink, magenta, black and even leopard print. One could place a ceramic turkey or quail at the center of the table for Thanksgiving, or just let the pumpkins stand on their own. Vases placed at either end of the table provide a bit of symmetry. I chose a bronze vase that doubles as a candleholder. I filled the vases with some fall leaves as a base, then added berries, antique hydrangea and sedum. I then added a few barista roses — a wonderful complement to the tablecloth — and some orange tulips to jazz things up. Thanksgiving tablescapes do not have to be intimidating. Start with a color palette, inspiration for which can be taken from the tablecloth, china or even elements of the home. Next, balance busy prints with textures and solid colors. Finally, embrace your unique design style. After all, food may be the star of the show at Thanksgiving, but the best thing about the table is the people around it. Chris Norwood and Christina Day-Essary are co-owners of Norwood-Day Floral Co. in Little Rock. For more information, visit norwood-day.com.
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WHO’S HUNGRY? Feast Month is back, highlighting Spa City’s most delectable dining spots By DWAIN HEBDA
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ot Springs has long been Arkansas’ playground, be it for things salacious, such as famous gangsters looking for cocktails and casinos, or therapeutic, as in the park’s famous thermal waters, and everything in between. No matter what brought them to town, though, everyone from Al Capone to Babe Ruth to D. Wayne Lukas to Kevin Costner eventually indulge the same common desire: to eat and eat well. The culinary scene has willingly met these and other famous appetites through the years, not to mention millions more held by regular-folk visitors, high-rolling gamblers, lake lovers and generations of residents. Over time, the city became known less for dames and dice and more for food, broadening its reputation through the years with an impressive collection of fare. Just when diners think they have got the place pegged, such as its longstanding reputation for great barbecue and steaks, restaurateurs turn up the heat. Today, diners also laud Hot Springs for its pizza, tacos and everbroadening roster of ethnic food ranging from German to Italian to Asian fare. The scene is growing so fast, it can be a chore to stay up with all that is cooking in Spa City, even for locals and especially for guests. That is where Feast Month comes in. A promotion of Visit Hot Springs, Feast Month puts the city’s cuisine front and center in November during a monthlong showcase of the surprisingly diverse culinary delights to be had. Bill Solleder, director of marketing at Visit Hot Springs and an avowed adventuresome eater, said the popular promotion helps locals discover something new and visitors to plan their stay around what they eat.
“When the visitor is planning a trip to Hot Springs, they’re looking for three things: Where am I going to stay, what am I going to do, and where am I going to eat?” he said. “There’s so many dining options in Hot Springs that are so fantastic. We have visitors that plan their entire trip to Hot Springs just based around food.” Visit Hot Springs structured Feast Month to be participatory beyond the knife and fork, asking diners to snap a photo of their entrees and post the pics to social media tagged #FeastMonth and #VisitHotSprings for a chance to be featured. Diners also vote for their favorite Hot Springs restaurants in 12 different food categories to determine the annual Visitors Choice Award-winning establishments. It all culminates in an awards ceremony at the Hot Springs Convention Center December 7. AY Media Group is the media sponsor of the event, and Heather Baker, president and publisher, will serve as emcee. Foodies can visit the Feast Month Deals page during November to find deals and discounts at local restaurants. Topping everything off are Visit Hot Springs’ segments of Feast Mode, a short video series the organization commissioned to help pique diners’ interest in the city’s food scene. “Food is always about comfort, especially during November, when we’re all thinking about all those comfort food options,” Solleder said. “Feast Month has all of the things you’re used to no matter where you’re from, but I encourage everyone to dig further. Find restaurants that are unique not only to Arkansas but to Hot Springs, and try them. I think people will be surprised at how much we offer.”
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TACO MAMA When Diana Bratton launched her first restaurant venture in Hot Springs, it was a lonely outpost, since the local food scene had yet to grow into what it is today. “I opened up Cafe 1217 in 1997, and literally, the only restaurants down close to me were King Kong, a little cafe called the French Market, and honestly, that was it,” she said. “There wasn’t even a Sonic or a McDonald’s nearby. There really wasn’t anything.” When the time came to launch the acclaimed Taco Mama, therefore, she could have put anything on a plate and been considered innovative. Even back in the beginning 18 years ago, however, Bratton did not want her venture to be just another refried beans and food-service tortilla joint indistinguishable from a hundred other Mexican restaurants across Arkansas. Mission accomplished. A visit to Taco Mama is a culinary experience that defies what most people think of when dining Mexican, especially in non-U.S. border states. Inspired by the Oaxaca region of Mexico and refined by Bratton herself over nearly two decades, a meal there is a celebration of flavors that put most other offerings to shame. “Oaxaca is my inspiration. I just love everything about it, the colors, the spice, the flavors. They are all so vibrant,” she said. “The food there is simple, but it’s so complex. We went there for the first time at least 10 years ago, and we were like, ‘Oh my gosh. This is unbelievable, another level.’ I mean, I’m from south Texas, a border town, and they’re both good, but the styles are completely different.” Bratton pointed first-timers toward anything showcasing the headliner proteins, including shredded beef, carnitas and house-smoked brisket, the latter being a nod to her Texas roots more than her Mexican influences. “All the meats, we take our time to prepare those and layer them with all the flavors,” she said. “When I was a kid, we had barbacoa, which is the cow head, the cheeks and all the meat. On Sundays, that was the thing, so when my husband and I opened up Taco Mama, I’m like, ‘I’ve got to do barbacoa.’ It wasn’t the whole head, but we got pretty close.” Regulars, meanwhile, trend towards gorditas and Saturday brunch items as the menu sleepers and always save room for the chocolate lava cake. Everything is made fresh daily using the finest ingredients and reflects the love Bratton has for her craft and her clientele. “I’ve been in the industry for 38 years, 30 years as an owner, and I just love it,” she said. “I love the cooking end of it; I am back-of-the-house girl 100 percent, even though I can’t be behind the kitchen every day like I used to. I enjoy teaching my employees what I know, and I never stop learning myself. I enjoy working with fresh produce, seasonal things. I’m always just trying to figure out ways to stay ahead, you know? “I developed my style through that. I strive for authenticity, but I’ll play off of an idea, give it my spin, my little touch. People ask me, ‘Is it authentic Mexican food?’ and I tell them, ‘Yeah; it’s authentic to me.’ One of my managers called it Diana-Mex.” Taco Mama tacomama.net Malvern Avenue: 1209 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs 501-624-6262 Monday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday: Closed Side Town: 510 Ouachita Ave., Hot Springs 501-781-3102 Tuesday through Friday: 10 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Sunday and Monday: Closed
(Photos courtesy of Taco Mama)
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hot springs distraught family and friends — do not look for a signature deep dish variety on the menu. Rocky’s does not have one. Instead, the restaurant has always offered another Chicago staple: a thin-crust number sometimes called a tavern pie, as well as a hybrid version nicknamed by many “Arkansas style.” “Everybody thinks Chicago pizza is deep dish, but it’s not. It’s the thin crust, and we do the thin because we have a lot of Chicago people that want it like that,” she said. “Our regular crust is in the middle.”
ROCKY’S CORNER There is likely no place more authentic than Rocky’s Corner anywhere in Arkansas, if not the entire South. The cozy bar and restaurant across the street from Oaklawn Hot Springs, Arkansas racing and gaming resort screams its Chicago roots and the favorite-neighborhood-bar vibe upon which it was founded. Nancy Diorio has been there from the beginning, having purchased the place 43 years ago with family members, including her late husband, Joe. Since then, Rocky’s has grown into a Hot Springs landmark as much for the people as for the pizza that made it famous. “I’ve loved every minute. It’s a blast. I’ve met so many people. We’ve had celebrities come in, presidents come in,” she said. “We’ve had it all, and I’ve had the best time here.” The story is an unlikely one: Diorio’s father and brother came to Hot Springs on vacation and loved it. When Joe, a former undercover police officer in Chicago, joined his in-laws for a fishing trip, he was similarly inspired. “My husband said, ‘We’re moving. We’re leaving. We’re moving to Arkansas.’ I said, ‘Where the heck is that?’” she said. “I was just a city girl, you know?” After a couple of other ventures, including the original Rocky’s, a sandwich shop on Park Avenue, the family bought the famous corner location in the early 1980s, and history was made — although, at least originally, without the signature dish of the house, which was a few years off. “Pizza was not originally on the menu. That came maybe seven years later,” Diorio said. “We had a friend in Chicago that had a pizzeria, and he said, ‘Hey, if you want to put pizza in, I’ll come down and show you how I do it.’ That’s where we got our recipe, and then we tweaked it, you know, because it is different. The water here is so different from the water in Chicago, and that makes a big difference, even in pizza.” Despite Rocky’s Windy City bona fides — the day of this interview, the death of former Chicago Bears coach Mike Ditka, Diorio’s phone dinged steadily with texts of sympathy from
“I’ve loved every minute. It’s a blast. I’ve met so many people. We’ve had celebrities come in, presidents come in. We’ve had it all, and I’ve had the best time here.” — Nancy Diorio, co-founder and owner
(Photos courtesy of Rocky’s Corner)
Rocky’s Corner rockyscorner.com 2600 Central Ave., Hot Springs Kitchen: 501-624-0199 Bar: 501-624-5522 Sunday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. 11 p.m.
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The spot’s runaway best-seller is the Rocky’s Corner Champ, one of 15 specialty pizzas, although Diorio, 76, said her favorite is the vegetarian pie with jalapenos. She also recommended the sandwiches, something newbies often overlook, and takes personal pride in the salads, as well. “I still go in a minimum three or four days a week. I always run in to check things. I still make my salad dressing, the Italian dressing,” she said. “We also make our own ranch and all that, but I’m the only one that makes the Italian dressing. No one has my recipe, and I’ve been doing that for 40 years over there.”
THE PANCAKE SHOP It has long been said that breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and at The Pancake Shop, it is also the most historic. Revered by locals and celebrated by foodies around the world, the iconic downtown breakfast spot has had destination-worthy status for almost nine decades. It is the kind of notoriety that owner Keeley Ardman DeSalvo still finds amusing. “I grew up in that restaurant. My parents bought it when I was 6 years old,” she said. “Truthfully, we’ve worked very hard to keep it the same. It hasn’t changed much over the years. The premise of the restaurant means something to a lot of people. They know what to expect, and people just keep coming back. “Now technology has changed, with social media and everything, and we absolutely have experienced that. I have not seen a social media following that’s specific to pancakes, but certainly, there are many specific to breakfast, and consistently, The Pancake Shop has been named the best breakfast in the state over and over and over by various publications. We were on The Food Network. John Edge and his TrueSouth episode three years ago shined a big light not just on us but on Hot Springs in general. Those things matter.” If the media hoopla does not accurately convey the enduring appeal of the landmark restaurant, the daily lines of people snaking up the sidewalk waiting to get in surely will. The line is a fact of life for The Pancake Shop, a visible testament to its legacy and regarded by many as part and parcel of the experience. DeSalvo described it as a byproduct of the spot’s hospitality ethos. “You know, people will say ‘Come before 8; you’ll have no wait,’ and that’s sometimes true, sometimes not,” she said. “I like to preface that
wait with it’s a small dining room, and we certainly don’t want to rush anybody. It’s not necessarily a place to linger over the newspaper, but it’s a great atmosphere, and you’re going to be treated really well.” It does not take a lot of analysis to understand the restaurant’s hefty buckwheat pancakes are a must try. A top pick: blueberry, for which regulars know to form a hole in the middle as a syrup well rather than letting it dribble over the edges, paired with a savory sidecar of a center-cut ham steak or locally made sausage and washed down with freshsqueezed orange juice. DeSalvo said a lesser-known entree among visitors but equally good are The Pancake Shop’s omelets, her favorite being a veggie number decked out with spinach, mushrooms, onions and cheddar cheese. People watching is another house specialty, and one never knows when somebody notable will sidle in for cakes and eggs. The Pancake Shop has been celebrity central through the years, from Barney the dinosaur to Liberace, and a favorite hang for trainers and jockeys during racing season. Most have been captured on film and hung on the walls of the restaurant, but as DeSalvo said, equally important guests are the regulars and tourists, all of whom add another morsel to Hot Springs history. “My mother always said she wanted people to feel like they were guests in her own home,” she said. “We’ve really tried to keep it that way.”
hot springs
The Pancake Shop pancakeshop.com 216 Central Ave., Hot Springs 501-624-5720 Open daily: 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.
(Photos courtesy of The Pancake Shop)
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hot springs SMOKIN’ IN STYLE BBQ If one bite of the savory smoked fare at award-winning Smokin’ in Style BBQ gives diners a sense they can taste the love that went into it, that is not the imagination talking. Smokin’ in Style BBQ is more than just a great plate of food. Every rib, every pulled pork sandwich, and every crumb of juicy chicken and flavorful brisket is a tribute from one brother to the memory of another. “My older brother, or I should say my late brother, Daniel, and I opened up in October of ’04,” said owner Joe Johnson. “Daniel was the barbecue guy. He started doing competitions, and as we’ve kind of said in a lot of articles, it was kind of just a hobby gone wild. We were a traveling road show, I guess you’d say, for about 32 weekends a year. We hauled a 42-foot gooseneck trailer around with a smoker on the back of it and set up at different festivals and different things around the state. “He started winning competitions, and that turned into, ‘Man, you ought to sell this stuff,’ so it was probably fall of ’03, maybe spring of ‘04, he called me and he asked me if I wanted to open up a restaurant. I said, ‘Sure, why not?’ took a leap of faith, and here we are.”
Unlike today, when some restaurateurs ease into the business via a food truck on limited hours, the brothers went all in with the brick-and-mortar restaurant that is still home to Smokin’ in Style BBQ today. Johnson remembers the long hours of the early days working alongside his brother, who died suddenly in 2014, and today, those interactions are still at the core of a close-knit operation serving hordes of discriminating fans in a city known for its barbecue. “The response was immediate,” he said. “You know, we were new, but we never really had to spend a lot of money on advertising to get our name out there. At the time we opened, I was 24, he was 31, and we’d spent our whole life in Hot Springs. Our family was involved in public service and different things, and so we knew a lot of folks. Word of mouth was our best advertising.” David built his competitive reputation on ribs and pulled pork which brought home many a Grand Champion trophy, and those selections are at the heart of the restaurant’s menu today. Johnson said the restaurant smokes the meats Memphis-style, which employs dry rubs during the cooking process without sauce. Over time, Johnson also developed other
(Photos courtesy of Smoking in Style BBQ)
creative entrees, some of which rival the proteins in popularity. “Man, you’re going to think this is funny, but I’d have to say the sleeper is barbecue spaghetti,” he said. “It’s a Memphis/West Memphis thing that uses barbecue sauce. Well, I’m a spaghetti lover, and I didn’t want to do that, so I created our dish using our scratch-made pasta sauce, and we smoke it. “A lot of people hear barbecue spaghetti, and their ears perk up. I always tell them, ‘If you don’t like it, I’ll give you something else.’ I’ve probably had two out of hundreds that tried it who said they didn’t love it. If you’re a pasta fan, that’s probably your favorite plate right there.” Smokin’ in Style BBQ smokinnstyle.com 2278 Albert Pike, Hot Springs 501-767-9797 Tuesday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday: 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Closed Monday
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VIA ROMA Of all the food genres available in Hot Springs, one of the less conspicuous categories is Italian food, which has quietly developed a strong presence among a growing number of outstanding restaurants. According to 2025’s Feast Month diners, the reigning king of the pasta hill was the elegant Via Roma, recipient of the coveted Visitors Choice Award-Italian. “The award we got was really fantastic,” said Josh Sowerbutts, general manager. “Our owner, Adriano Pricop, is very humble and is not one who likes to brag; he really prefers to grow the business on word of mouth. The award came from diners, and so that really made it something we truly appreciate.” In addition to the inventive and satisfying food, the restaurant shows equal attention to its bar service, where guests can find premium spirits used to make cocktails with skill and a wine selection for which the word “extensive” feels a bit inadequate. “Last I heard, we have probably the biggest wine list in Arkansas, at the very least the biggest in Hot Springs,” Sowerbutts said. “It’s about 80 pages with six to seven bottles per page.” Several things set Via Roma apart from competitors, starting with the kitchen’s versatility. Diners can find more than just pasta on the menu, including, among Sowerbutts’ favorites dishes, the lamb chops and chicken piccata. “We would say our Italian influence is Sicilian, but we technically refer to ourselves as Italian-American with the steaks, pork chops, seafood,” he said. Armed with the freshest ingredients and unparalleled skill, Via Roma’s kitchen turns out one delicious dish after another, so many that even the staff cannot agree on a house favorite. A few of the recommended entrees include seafood siciliano allo scoglio, a symphony of fresh jumbo shrimp, lobster meat, calamari rings and black mussels seasoned with saffron and sauteed in a light champagne and cream sauce. Other staff favorites include the tortellini alla panna, a cheese-filled pasta in light cream sauce with pancetta and green peas; and cannelloni, pasta stuffed with a hearty meat filling and complemented with bechamel and marinara, all topped with mozzarella. Via Roma’s versatility is fed by the restaurant’s reach through its suppliers, which bring in ingredients other establishments cannot get or are not bold enough to try. That ranges from fresh seafood only available in season to elk and bison from New Zealand to recently offering the ultimate in exotic eating, camel. Landing such ingredients is not just done for shock value. Sowerbutts said they give the restaurant’s creative culinary minds the tools to create dishes that are unmatched in flavor and depth, elevating something as pedestrian as a red sauce into something sublime.
“When you talk about sauces, everybody has a red sauce, right? I think our red sauce trounces everyone in town,” he said. “I’d say our spaghetti and meatballs would trump anybody else’s spaghetti and meatballs just because of the quality ingredients we use. That’s not a jab at anybody. That’s what we hear from our customers. “A story that I like to tell is about one of our regulars who took a trip to Italy, and while he was there, he got an order of spaghetti. He ended up telling the waiter, ‘Yeah, it’s good, but there is this restaurant in Hot Springs, Arkansas, that would knock your socks off.’”
hot springs 2025 Visitors Choice Award Winners
Best Asian Cuisine The Pho House 608 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs 501-701-4007
Best BBQ Smokin’ In Style BBQ 2278 Albert Pike Road, Hot Springs 501-767-9797 Best Breakfast The Pancake Shop 216 Central Ave., Hot Springs 501-624-5720
Best Burger 501 Prime 215 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs 501-623-0202 Best Food Truck Rock ‘N’ Roll Hibachi 420 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs 501-766-6441
(Photos courtesy of Via Roma)
Best Italian Cuisine Via Roma 1521 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs 501-318-1516 Best Pizza Rocky’s Corner 2600 Central Ave., Hot Springs 501-624-0199 Best Southern-Style Food Phil’s Family Restaurant 2900 Central Ave., Hot Springs 501-623-8258
Best Steak 501 Prime 215 E. Grand Ave., Hot Springs 501-623-0202 Best Sweets Kilwins Hot Springs 264 Central Ave., Hot Springs 501-701-4464
Best Tacos Taco Mama 1209 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs 501-624-6262 510 Ouachita Ave., Hot Springs 501-781-3102
Via Roma theviaroma.com 1521 Malvern Ave., Hot Springs 501-318-1516 Tuesday through Thursday: 5 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday: 5 to 9 p.m. Closed Monday
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Best Vegetarian Cafe 1217 1217 Malvern Ave., Suite B, Hot Springs 501-318-1094
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s d u S y t i C a Sp efine d ie r e d a r a m a c , Diversity ries e w e r b s g in r p S t Ho By SARAH DECLERK
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s craft breweries pop up in all places across Arkansas, one would be remiss not to celebrate the brewing scene in Hot Springs. The city known for its tourist attractions, out-of-the-box events and growing foodie culture is home to three breweries, each offering a unique experience. From the world’s only beer brewed with thermal water to a phenomenal pizza and beer joint to an establishment that will soon see a restaurant, brewery, distillery, coffee roastery and gym all under one roof, Spa City offers some uncommon suds.
BUBBA’S BREWS Bubba’s Brews 1252 Airport Road, Hot Springs COMING SOON: 156 S. Moore Road, Suite D, Hot Springs 501-547-3186 // bubbabrews.org Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Closed Tuesday (Photos by Anthony Breitenberg)
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ayson “Bubba” Bass opened Bubba’s Brews in Bonnerdale with his father, Ned, and wife, Nancy, in 2015, hoping to bring more traffic to the area. With an original lineup that included Arkie Amber, 10-Point Bock and Skullcrusher, an India pale ale, the brewery has been quietly making a name for itself ever since. Its beers can now be found on tap at locations across central and southern Arkansas, as well as at the Bubba’s Brews location on Lake Hamilton. “I like the creativity side,” Bass said. “I like when somebody says they don’t like this kind of beer and then I figure out how to make something that they like or can adapt to. That’s what makes me happy.” Bass took over as brewmaster in 2022. Although he was already a homebrewer, the transition prompted him to earn a microbiology degree and complete a craft brewing program — to great effect. His first homebrew, Honey Wampus Cat, won a national gold medal in 2025, and the MVPumpkin Ale recently took home an international gold. “I do it with real Cinderella pumpkins versus doing purees or anything,” Bass said. “That way, you get the more authentic taste of a pumpkin beer. It’s amazing.” Bass is in the process of moving the brewery operation from Bonnerdale to a new facility on South Moore Road, but he said the Lake Hamilton location will remain open. While the lakeside restaurant serves sports bar fare such as barbecue, nachos and gator bites — try them with the
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hot springs Sandbar Pilsner, Bass said — the new location will have a farm-to-table menu featuring brick-oven pizza. Bass, the owner of Craft Fitness, said the facility will include a 24-hour gym, in addition to the brewery and restaurant. “Part of the menu will be Craft Fitness focus, so you can do all your macronutrients and calorie counting and all that kind of stuff,” he said. “We’ll do a lot of different kinds of fish, a lot of grilled stuff, a lot of smoked stuff — just very unique and different from the lake location so you can kind of have the experience of two different places that are only a few miles apart.” Bass said he hopes to have the new restaurant and brewery up and running by the end of the year. He also plans to move his coffee roasting operation to the facility and will have a distillery on-site run by none other than Big Chuk from the TV show Moonshiners. While Hot Springs may have fewer breweries than Little Rock or northwest Arkansas, Bass said it has a few key players that bring the community together. “I think it’s a different vibe for a brewery versus just a restaurant,” he added. “You’re going to try something that’s unique, that you can’t get everywhere, and the experience that goes with that and the friends you make, it’s really community driven, in my eyes.”
The brew team includes Dakota “Pirdie” Clark, from left, Jayson “Bubba” Bass and Addison Shelton.
“I think it’s a different vibe for a brewery versus just a restaurant. You’re going to try something that’s unique, that you can’t get everywhere.” — Jayson “Bubba” Bass
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SQZBX PIZZA JOINT & BREWERY SQZBX 236 Ouachita Ave. Hot Springs Coming soon: 362 Central Ave., Hot Springs 501-609-0609 // sqzbx.com
grains,” he said. “Whether they’re drinking it in a beer or they’re making it into a leavened loaf and eating it as fresh bread or as a pizza dough, I think there’s something really basic about how we quote-unquote settled down and became a society that truly does center around fermenting grain.” Smith began homebrewing in his backyard prior to opening SQZBX and said he was struck by not only how easy it was to brew beer but the difference that came from using top-notch ingredients in a controlled environment. He carries that philosophy forward at the brewery, where he focuses on quality and simplicity. “These are clean, simple beers,” he said, “but they have rich flavors because they’re made with whole malts and fresh hops.” His lightest beer, the Perfecta American Light Ale, is the most popular, he said, followed by the Marzen Schmarzen. Other popular brews include the Bachelor Party IPA, Miami Weiss and Breakfast Porter. “I try to keep my brewery focused on the fact that it is going to be an
Sunday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. (Photos by Bailey Anne Studios)
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erforming artists Cheryl Roorda and Zachary Smith opened the music-themed SQZBX Pizza Joint & Brewery in 2017. What is the perfect pairing at SQZBX? “Well, let’s see. With the light beer, I recommend you have it with the pizza,” said Smith, who is also the brewer. “With the Marzen, I would recommend pizza. With the wheat beer, I’d recommend pizza.” The beers go great with the restaurant’s salads, too, he added, but there might be a reason pizza and beer are such a classic combination. Smith noted that the yeast he uses for the brewery is supplied by the same company that provides the yeast for the restaurant’s fresh-baked pizza crusts, gluten-free pizza crusts and bread rolls. “Humanity has been drinking beer forever. I mean, the pyramids were literally paid for in beer, and they have the tablets to prove it. They can do the accounting, so humans have always been drawn to these fermented
“I try to keep my brewery focused on the fact that it is going to be an accompaniment to food.” — Zachary Smith 68
hot springs accompaniment to food,” he said. “The way people prefer a lighter beer, it often is because they are going to be eating, and you just can’t go out to a restaurant and consume 3,000 calories at a sitting, you know? You have to pace yourself a little bit.” He said SQZBX plans to open a second location in midNovember. The fast-casual taphouse will serve pizza by the slice, as well as SQZBX beers. When it comes to breweries, he said Hot Springs punches well above its weight. “Hot Springs has the tourist traffic that is bringing in people from not only all over Arkansas but the surrounding states and even nationally and internationally,” he said. “All of these people are bringing in their own preferences for the beer, the pizza and the food they’re used to, so I think that the brewers in Hot Springs have a wide diversity of flavors.”
SUPERIOR BATHHOUSE BREWERY Superior Bathhouse Brewery 329 Central Ave., Hot Springs 501-624-2337 superiorbathhouse.com
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Closed Tuesday (Photos by Jami Smith)
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oused in the historic Superior Bathhouse on Bathhouse Row, Superior Bathhouse Brewery stands out in many ways. Not only was it the first brewery in Hot Springs, having opened in 2013, but it is the only brewery in a national park and only brewery in the world to use thermal water for its brews. “It’s a very unique situation,” said Rose Schweikhart, owner. “I’m very proud to be able to make that claim.” A classical tubist, Schweikhart studied music in Manchester, England, to become a professional musician, and fell in love with the beers of Europe. She began homebrewing when she returned to the United States in 2006. When she was preparing to move to Hot
The musicalthemed SQZBX Pizza Joint & Brewery will soon expand into a second location.
Springs in 2011, she contacted the National Park Service about using the thermal waters for a brewery. “That seemed like a long shot at the time, just to reach out to the park and ask to open a brewery,” she said, “but they wrote me back within a couple hours and told me that the park had always thought that a brewery would be a great fit for the park and the Superior Bathhouse would be available for lease within a year.” Turning a bathhouse into a brewery was no mean feat. While the historic nature of the building necessitated Schweikhart preserve such features as the original windows, plaster and marble staircase, she also had to bring the building up to modern fire codes and accessibility standards, as well as reinforce the floor in the former men’s bathing hall to accommodate the heavy brewing equipment. However, the results speak for themselves. Schweikhart called the Hot Springs thermal water “a perfect blank slate for brewing.” “Mineral content-wise, it’s similar to water from the Cologne region of Germany, which is, of course, a famous beer-brewing area of the world, so our thermal spring water is chemically perfect for making beer,” she said. “We actually don’t alter the water at all for most of our beer styles.” She added that she works to stay true to the German and British brewing traditions that inspired her love of beer, offering a traditional Marzen, a German-style Plzen and a classic British oatmeal stout. With 18 beers on tap The brewery at Superior is at any given time, including a robust selection of housed in a former bathing hall. seasonals, there are plenty of other options, as well. “It’s really cool to see a brewery culture growing in this town,” Schweikhart said. “When we first opened, I felt like we were really having to do a lot of work to teach customers about craft beer. People were mostly familiar with the big domestic beers that you could get at the grocery store. They weren’t necessarily familiar with craft beer, but as the years have gone on and we have more of a beer culture, people are a lot more adventurous and interested in trying local beers.”
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food
Tired of Turkey? ALTERNATIVES FOR SPICING UP THE BEST FOOD WEEKEND OF THE YEAR
By DWAIN HEBDA
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mong the Big Three of American holidays, Christmas may arguably have better branding and Halloween the good fortune of happening first, but Thanksgiving still enjoys runaway popularity in the U.S. Estimates vary, but somewhere between 85 and 91 percent of Americans observe the holiday, report WalletHub and the Pew Research Center. A lot of the holiday’s appeal is wrapped up in food and family traditions. Turkey Day is the undisputed king of big meals — half of all the whole-bird turkeys consumed in the U.S., $1.2 billion worth, per WalletHub, go down the hatch on Thanksgiving. While the gobblers are arguably the healthiest thing on the table, depending on preparation method, that does not help much, since the average caloric intake during dinner is just shy of 2,100 calories. Like all things American and edible, Thanksgiving has ballooned well over what it used to be both in terms of portions and menu. In a fascinating article, “What Food Was Served at the First Thanksgiving in 1621?” Smithsonian magazine noted the spread was likely limited to wildfowl, venison and corn used in porridge or bread. Fish and seafood were almost undoubtedly served, as well, given what we know about the area and the diet of native tribes. Most of the other elements of the “traditional” Thanksgiving feast would have been conspicuously absent to a modern American. It is possible a wild turkey was served, but as Smithsonian magazine reported, more likely were goose, duck, swan or even passenger pigeon. Missing altogether were the mashed potatoes and a sweet potato side dish, since neither of the tubers had yet migrated to the New World from South America and the Caribbean, respectively. Pie for dessert? Not at Plymouth Colony in 1621, as the colonists had neither butter nor wheat flour to make pastry. The uninspiring menu might have contributed to the fact that both the natives and the Europeans apparently did not see the event as worth repeating. “A brunch in the forest” is how Paul Chaat Smith, curator for the National Museum of the American Indian, described it to the Smithsonian’s Sidedoor podcast in 2018. “It was a complete nonevent,” he said. “They didn’t repeat it the next year. It wasn’t special, and some people knew that it happened, but it was forgotten for hundreds of years until the 1800s.” The menu is not the only thing that has expanded greatly since then. Thanksgiving was proclaimed a national holiday in 1863 by President Abraham Lincoln, to reside on the last Thursday of November, and, in 1924, Friday started tagging along as the unofficial start to the holiday shopping season. Thanksgiving and Black Friday have coexisted to make the four-day weekend ever since, but in recent years, the holiday has been celebrated by some as a five-day event that includes Wednesday night.
As Lightspeed reported, early arriving company and kids home from college have made Thanksgiving Eve revelry a thing, and, as its alternative monikers Drinksgiving, Drunksgiving and Blackout Wednesday suggest, one to hit hard. Amid all talk of slumping alcohol use and sober-curious lifestyles, the sales numbers do not lie. “We crunched the numbers from thousands of businesses across North America powered by Lightspeed Restaurant,” wrote Catherine Schwartz. “We checked data from bars, as well as fast-casual, casual, upscale and fine-dining restaurants. We compared liquor sales and food sales on Thanksgiving Thursday with an average Thursday. We also compared sales made on Drinksgiving Wednesday to those from an ordinary Wednesday in November.” The result? It turns out Thanksgiving Eve is now one of the biggest nights of the year for bars, rivalling even St. Patrick’s Day, with liquor orders up 156 percent compared to the previous Wednesday. Such benders are fueled by rum, which boosted 192 percent, followed by vodka and tequila sales up 187 percent and 179 percent, respectively. Beer sales were up by a comparatively tame 85 percent, cocktail orders by 69 percent and wine at a modest 6 percent. What else is not-so-traditional about the holiday built around family recipes and heritage? Hold onto your cranberries, folks, but statistics show that more than half of Americans today enjoy their Thanksgiving meal with food ordered from a restaurant, and 5 percent, about 17 million people, plan to dine out altogether, a recent survey from Popmenu found. “More consumers are trading in their aprons for the convenience, taste and potential cost-savings of having restaurants cook Thanksgiving dinner for them,” said Brendan Sweeney, CEO and co-founder of Popmenu. The percentage of people heading out for their Thanksgiving feast might be even higher if more places were open, Lightspeed suggests. Only 23 percent of U.S. restaurants are open on Thanksgiving itself on average, but for those that are, it is well worth their while. The number of transactions on the holiday spiked 36 percent, and total sales were up 109 percent. That may sound like utter blasphemy in the South, where traditions die hard and family recipes are guarded like nuclear launch codes. (What’s next, no football?) Adherents to the new Thanksgiving trend stand firm, though, pointing to grocery prices, stressboosting schedule demands, and the often-overlooked hidden cost of prep and cleanup time as good reasons to leave the work to their favorite restaurants. Even if you are not quite ready to forfeit the big day itself, there is something to be said for getting out of the house and breathing some fresh air during Thanksgiving weekend. There is no better place to do so than at one of AY About You’s favorite restaurants, a few of which are listed on the following pages. As the Good Book says, “Man does not live on leftovers alone.”
There is something to be said for getting out of the house and breathing some fresh air during Thanksgiving weekend.
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food Cache Restaurant The fine folks at Cache, one of Little Rock’s best and most beloved sit down restaurants, describe themselves as “a one-of-a-kind fine-dining venue set in the heart of downtown Little Rock,” and we could not agree more. Chef Payne Harding and his seasoned crew at the River Market staple are without peer when it comes to delicious food, attentive, unfussy service and a relaxing, elegant atmosphere. Pack up the in-laws for a stroll through downtown, and then treat them to lunch — Cache is not open Thanksgiving Day, but lucky you, the regular Friday special is the out-of-this-world fried chicken. Alternatively, meet up for a late Friendsgiving dinner for something truly memorable. May we suggest the smoked pork belly and grits appetizer followed by the outstanding lobster thermidor? We thought so. Whatever you choose will be wonderful thanks to Harding, back-to-back winner of the prestigious Delta Diamond Chef competition and a magician in the kitchen. Had he catered the first Thanksgiving, they likely would not have called to cancel for the next 200 years.
(Photo by Jamison Mosley)
Cache Restaurant
cachelittlerock.com 425 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock 501-285-8381
(File photo)
Monday through Friday: Lunch: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner: 5 to 10 p.m. Saturday: 5 to 10 p.m. Sunday: Closed Thanksgiving Day: Closed
(File photo)
The Hive A unique dining option at Thanksgiving, or any other time of year, The Hive in Bentonville combines art, food and community into one memorable experience. The place has awards to spare thanks to a menu of elevated Southern-inspired favorites. Executive Chef Micah Klasky, it is said, favored cooking shows over cartoons as a kid and honed his skills in his granny’s kitchen. That explains how he can take grits, breakfast and even the humble burger to new heights. For Thanksgiving, Chef promises, “In addition to the family favorite turkey and all the fixin’s, you will tend to see plenty of alternatives, including pasta, our classic cornbread, as well as braised beef short ribs.” Arkansas does not always get its due for its food offerings, past or
(Photos courtesy of The Hive)
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food present, but thanks to places like The Hive, that is changing fast. Unfortunately, that also means we have to share our treasures with outsiders, so get your reservations, and get them early.
The Hive
thehivebentonville.com 200 NE A St., Bentonville Inside 21c Museum Hotel 479-286-6575
Breakfast: Daily, 7 to 10 a.m.w Lunch: Monday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 5:30 to 9 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. Brunch: Saturday and Sunday, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thanksgiving Day: Breakfast regular hours Table d’hote menu: Noon to 7 p.m.
Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse Let’s just say the quiet part out loud: You can’t cook, honey. OK, that was harsh, but Thanksgiving dinner can be a lot, what with the grocery shopping, the overloaded kitchen and that certain uncle who thinks he grows more hilarious with each Bud Light. Not to mention cleaning up the aftermath, which can resemble a crime scene. Why let that suck all the fun out of the holiday when there is Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse? The west Little Rock institution has been specializing in restoring the sanity to
dinner for years, and Thanksgiving weekend is no exception. Owner Jerry Barakat and crew are putting out a brunch buffet that offers all the Thanksgiving goodies. Or, if you just have to make your meemaw’s banana pudding on Thursday, reward yourself for the effort during the rest of the holiday weekend with one of Arthur’s incredible dryaged steaks or luscious seafood creations. Pair it with delectable sides, top off with the outstanding creme brulee, and your uncle will not know what hit him.
(File photo)
Arthur’s Prime Steakhouse
arthursprime.com 16100 Chenal Parkway, Little Rock 501-821-1838
Monday through Thursday: 5 to 9:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday: 5 to 10:30 p.m. Sunday Brunch 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday Dinner: 5 to 9 p.m. Thanksgiving Day: Brunch: 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Dinner: Regular hours
(Photos by Jamison Mosley)
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food Conifer & RYN Chef Matthew Cooper has always been at the forefront of the northwest Arkansas food scene. His skill with traditional Southern dishes is unmatched, meaning he takes a dish you have enjoyed forever and gives it flavors you did not know you were missing. Conifer, opened in 2022 as a dedicated gluten-free establishment, is the highest expression of what Cooper is trying to say through his cooking. The dinner menu changes on a dime, so making a specific recommendation is tricky, but the ethos remains the same: Keep it local, keep it fresh, and keep it interesting. The results are intensely satisfying dishes that make James Beard Award honchos swoon. As if that were not impressive enough, Cooper doubled down on his philosophy with RYN, his immersive “crop-to-kitchen” restaurant. Guided by what he grows on-site and a curated group of regional providers, RYN offers an 8- to 10-course tasting menu that evolves daily.
Conifer
coniferbentonville.com 321 SE Second St., Bentonville 479-203-5999
Monday through Sunday: 5 to 9 p.m. Reservations not required but recommended. Thanksgiving Day: Closed RYN
rynbentonville.com 9617 Price Coffee Road, Bentonville 479-203-0650
Wine Wednesday: 5 to 8 p.m. Thursday through Sunday: 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Dinner by reservation only. Thanksgiving Day: Closed (Photos courtesy of Conifer and RYN)
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food Sonny Williams One of the things people get wrong about holidays is overthinking them. Overthinking leads to obsessing, and obsessing to stress, and stress leads to a breaking of the spirit that leads to curling up in the fetal position drinking wine straight out of a box like a Capri Sun. A visit to Sonny Williams, one of the River Market’s most enduring spots, is just the ticket to reset your mind to simple. Newly under the astute direction of the Keets, the first family of Arkansas restaurants, Sonny Williams boils life down to what is truly important: thick, expertly prepared steaks, delectable en-
(Photo courtesy of Sonny Williams)
trees and the comfort in a glass that only an expertly made cocktail can deliver. Alas, a 30-day dry-aged ribeye, even when enjoyed with friends or that special someone, likely cannot solve all the problems of the holiday world — but it sure can’t hurt to try, either.
Sonny Williams
sonnywilliamssteakroom.com 500 President Clinton Ave., Little Rock 501-324-2999 Monday through Saturday: 5 p.m. to close Thanksgiving Day: Closed
(Photo courtesy of Sonny Williams)
(File photo)
CLOCK OUT. DRINK UP.
HAPPY HOUR TUESDAY-FRIDAY • 4PM-6PM AT T I C B A R
801 W MARKHAM ST. LITTLE ROCK, AR 72201 LOCATED UPSTAIRS FROM BACK HOME BARBECUE
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recipe
d breadcrumbs te as to d an on ffr sa th wi a st pa Winter squash straight from the hear t of Sicily
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by MARGIE RAIMONDO By MARGIE RAIMONDO // Photos n Sicily, zucca refers to several varieties of pumpkin and winter squash. Butternut squash is the easiest to find and develops a naturally sweet, velvety texture when roasted. If chefs can find kabocha or red kuri squash, both offer a richer flavor and are wonderful traditional alternatives. The toasted breadcrumbs, known as muddica atturrata, add a delicious crunch and are often called “the poor man’s Parmesan” in Sicilian cooking.
Winter Squash Pasta With Saffron and Toasted Breadcrumbs (Sicilian Pasta Con la Zucca Pumpkin) (Serves 4 to 6) INGREDIENTS Pasta • 1 1/2 pounds butternut squash, kabocha squash, red kuri squash or sugar pumpkin, peeled and cut into 3/4-inch cubes • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided • 1 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 teaspoon sea salt • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper • Pinch of ground cinnamon • Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes (optional) • 1 generous pinch saffron threads • 1/4 cup hot vegetable broth • 1 pound mezzi rigatoni, paccheri or rigatoni • 1/2 cup freshly grated Pecorino Romano, plus more for serving • 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley Toasted Breadcrumb Topping (Muddica Atturrata) • 1 cup fresh breadcrumbs • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil • 1 garlic clove, finely minced • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley • Pinch of sea salt
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INSTRUCTIONS 1. Roast the squash. Preheat the oven to 425 F. Toss the squash with 2 tablespoons olive oil, the salt and black pepper. Spread in a single layer on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast for 25 to 30 minutes, turning once, until tender and lightly caramelized. 2. Bloom the saffron. While the squash roasts, steep the saffron threads in the hot vegetable broth for about 10 minutes. 3. Build the sauce. Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large white enamel skillet or saute pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until soft and lightly golden, about 10 minutes. Stir in the garlic, cinnamon and optional crushed red pepper flakes, cooking for another minute until fragrant. 4. Create the creamy squash sauce. Add the roasted squash and the saffron broth. Using the back of a wooden spoon, gently mash about one-third of the squash while leaving the remaining cubes intact. This creates the classic creamy yet rustic Sicilian texture. 5. Cook the pasta. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until just al dente according to the package directions. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining. 6. Finish the pasta. Add the drained pasta directly to the skillet with the squash. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce becomes glossy and lightly coats every piece of pasta. Stir in the grated Pecorino Romano and chopped parsley. 7. Prepare the toasted breadcrumbs. While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Add the breadcrumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until golden brown. During the final minute, stir in the garlic. Remove from the heat and toss with the parsley and a pinch of sea salt. 8. Divide the pasta among warm bowls. Sprinkle generously with the toasted breadcrumbs and additional Pecorino Romano, if desired. Serve immediately. TIPS FROM MARGIE’S KITCHEN • Choose your squash. Butternut is the easiest to find, while kabocha and red kuri provide an even richer, sweeter flavor. • Do not skip the saffron. Even a small pinch adds the unmistakable aroma and golden color that make this dish special. • Reserve your pasta water. The starchy cooking water creates the silky, glossy sauce Italians call mantecatura. • Toast the breadcrumbs until deeply golden. They add a wonderful crunch and are an essential Sicilian finishing touch. • Freshly grate the Pecorino. It melts more smoothly and has a brighter flavor than pregrated cheese. • Make it vegetarian. Use vegetable broth as written. For additional richness, a splash of homemade vegetable stock works beautifully.
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FROM THANKSGIVING GATHERINGS TO FOOTBALL WATCH PARTIES, LET US HANDLE THE FOOD SO YOU CAN ENJOY EVERY MOMENT. GREAT BARBECUE, GOOD COMPANY, AND MORE TIME AROUND THE TABLE. CALL US TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR ORDER:
(501)819-4227
801 W MARKHAM ST. — LITTLE ROCK @BACKHOMEBBQLR — BHBBQ.COM
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Power that does more for Arkansas and more for YOU
The 2,800 men and women of Entergy Arkansas call this state home, and Next Generation Arkansas is our commitment to proving that a power company can do more than just keep the lights on. Arkansas has one of the fastest-growing economies in America, and Next Generation Arkansas is our plan to power Arkansas’ growth. Guided by customer input, this plan delivers real results: fewer outages, more power, more jobs and rates below the national average. Learn more at EntergyArkansas.com/NextGen.
A message from Entergy Arkansas, LLC ©2026 Entergy Services, LLC. All Rights Reserved.
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ith visibility comes responsibility. While it is certainly an accomplishment in its own right to reach the top of one’s field, there comes with it a sense of duty — to uplift one’s profession, colleagues, clients and community along the way. Setting the example for others can be seen as a burden, but more often, for those truly called to make a difference through their work, it is an opportunity like no other. Frontrunners lead the pack by definition, giving them the chance to embrace new technology or workflows and stay one step ahead of emerging trends. They can promote collaboration, as well, connecting industry players and other stakeholders to implement changes with everyone’s benefit in mind. They can even be a crucial voice for their peers in the halls of power, ensuring new policies and practices are informed by those who stand to bear the brunt of their impacts. Not every business is up to the task of raising the bar or welcoming the next generation, but the individuals and teams comprising AY About You’s 2026 “Faces of Arkansas” have proven more than capable of leading, shaping and defining their fields. What follows is a diverse collection of faces across law, business, medicine, real estate, hospitality, the arts and much more, each of whom has embraced the challenge of asking, “What’s next?” for themselves, for their people and for the Natural State.
Jeff Turnbow FACE OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE
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rkansas-based business growth strategist and artificial intelligence consultant Jeff Turnbow helps companies turn AI into measurable business results. As CEO of Winning Local and founder of JeffTurnbow.com, he works with business owners and executive leadership teams on AI transformation, revenue growth, customer acquisition and operational efficiency. Central to Turnbow’s business ethos is Zig Ziglar’s famous philosophy: “You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want.” “I believe we're living through the most transformative periods in business history,” he said. “Artificial intelligence is changing how companies grow, compete and connect with customers.” Turnbow’s track record spans two decades in digital business leadership, including executive responsibility for multimillion-dollar digital revenue operations — experience that gives him a further edge on the artificial intelligence front. Unlike many in the space, Turnbow approaches AI from the perspective of someone who has actually led businesses, managed significant revenue operations and understands the challenges executives face. “I've spent my career studying digital marketing, AI strategy, consumer behavior and business growth systems,” he said. “While many people focus on trends, I'm passionate about understanding the underlying principles that help organizations grow, adapt and win in rapidly changing markets.” Rather than beginning with AI tools, Turnbow starts with a company's business objectives, existing processes, customer data and opportunities for improvement. His approach focuses on integrating artificial intelligence into business operations to improve sales performance, streamline workflows, enhance customer experiences and produce measurable outcomes.
Also keeping him at the forefront of his industry is a steadfast commitment to mastering new skills. Turnbow has deepened his knowledge through certifications in advanced social strategy, social selling and artificial intelligence for business strategy from the likes of Harvard, Cornell and the MIT Sloan School of Management. “Whether it's digital marketing strategy, AI adoption, business transformation, customer acquisition or revenue growth, I've always been able to see patterns, connect ideas and create practical solutions that help organizations move forward,” he said. A widely respected marketing thought leader and bestselling author, Turnbow also recently presented at the North American Marketing Leadership Summit in Phoenix. In his keynote, “The AI Paradox: How Do Brands Differentiate When Everyone Has the Same Tools?” his central argument was that competitive advantage depends on how businesses apply their proprietary knowledge, customer insights and judgment through well-designed systems. “Great digital marketers are really business problemsolvers,” he said. “Most breakthroughs happen when you stop talking and start paying attention.” Turnbow’s AI transformation approach connects people, processes, technology, controls and measurable outcomes, and he has helped businesses and organizations in Arkansas and beyond develop practical strategies for stronger growth and accountable execution. He aims to continue launching innovative artificial intelligence solutions for businesses while always keeping the people and communities they are meant to serve front and center. After all, he said, “Technology should make us more human, not less human.” “My mission is to help organizations navigate that change while keeping people, relationships and purpose at the center,” Turnbow said. “Technology matters, but people and purpose matter more.”
Jeff Turnbow — 501.505.6278
jeffturnbow.com
CARTI THE FACE OF CANCER CARE
David Hays, M.D., FACR; FROM LEFT, Matthew Hardee, M.D., Ph.D.; Grace Raja, M.D.;
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uch has changed in the field of cancer care since CARTI first opened its doors in 1976, but the not-for-profit multidisciplinary cancer care provider’s promise to walk alongside patients and their families throughout their journeys has never wavered. Fifty years later, CARTI’s commitment to ensuring that no one must go without access to trusted care remains stronger than ever. Today, CARTI serves more than 60,000 patients annually at 18 locations across the state and Arkansas’ first cancer-focused surgery center. Each day, its expert care
team, featuring 60 board-certified, oncology-focused physicians, delivers leading-edge medical, radiation and surgical oncology, as well as interventional radiology, clinical research trials, advanced imaging, breast care and urology. CARTI also offers a wide range of specialty services, including audiology, cancer genetics and risk management, dental care, dietetics, and more. From prediagnosis through treatment and survivorship, CARTI meets patients where they are, ensuring coordinated, compassionate care is available close to home and as conveniently as possible.
CARTI — 501-906-3000 — CARTI.com
John Paul Brizzolara, M.D.; Sam Makhoul, M.D., FASCO; Yara Robertson, M.D., FACS; AND Jonathan Pagan, M.D., M.S. As patient demand for CARTI's innovative services has grown, so has its statewide network. Following the opening of the CARTI Surgery Center in Little Rock in 2023, the provider unveiled The Bridge, an on-site support services center. In late 2025, it completed the expansion of CARTI Cancer Center El Dorado, bringing radiation oncology, breast services and advanced imaging to south Arkansas. CARTI continues to transform how cancer care is delivered, most recently opening its seventh comprehensive cancer center in Heber Springs. Thanks to ongoing community support, CARTI is CARTIArkansas
also extending its clinical research program statewide to increase access to groundbreaking therapies and precision medicine to improve patients’ outcomes and enhance their quality of life. There is a reason patients and families have turned to CARTI during one of the most challenging times of their lives for the past five decades. With its mission of making trusted cancer care accessible to every patient it serves through compassion, innovation and purpose, Arkansans know they can count on CARTI to be by their sides every step of the way.
CARTIArkansas
CARTIArkansas
SKN at Franks Dermatology THE FACE OF AESTHETICS
Peyton Davis, APRN, FROM LEFT, Hayden H. Franks, M.D., Katie Worsham, RN, AND Barron Crank, LE Results That Fit Real Life Healthier, more radiant skin should not require hours in a treatment chair. At SKN at Franks Dermatology in Little Rock, Dr. Hayden Franks and his team believe patients deserve visible results that fit into their busy lives. That belief led the practice to invest in all-new lasers, bringing the full Sciton laser platform — Super MOXI, BBL HEROic, HALO TRIBRID and OMNI — to SKN. That gives patients at SKN access to the most advanced laser technology available in the state. The newest addition, Super MOXI, uses twin beams to treat the face and body up to twice as fast as the original MOXI. For patients, faster treatments mean less time away from work and family, and they make advanced laser care more cost-efficient. Patients can pursue the results they want without stretching their schedules or their budgets.
A Team That Keeps Learning Patients deserve providers who know how to get the most from every treatment. That is why the SKN team has attended several laser conferences to learn the latest techniques and settings designed to maximize results. Registered nurse Katie Worsham, nurse practitioner Peyton Davis and licensed aesthetician Barron Crank bring that knowledge to every appointment. They take time to understand what each patient hopes to achieve, then tailor every treatment to that patient’s skin and goals. At SKN, the latest technology is only the starting point. The real measure of success is a patient who leaves feeling heard, cared for and confident in their skin. Every journey at SKN begins with a conversation, and all consultations are always free.
SKN at Franks Dermatology — 501.859.8973 — sknatfranksderm.com SKN at Franks Dermatology
skn.atfranksderm
Franks Dermatology THE FACE OF DERMATOLOGY
Peyton Davis, APRN, FROM LEFT, Liz Turbeville, PA-C, Hayden H. Franks, M.D., AND Bailey Pollock, PA-C More Access for More Arkansans When a skin concern arises, patients want answers from someone they trust. At Franks Dermatology in Little Rock, Dr. Hayden Franks and his team believe every Arkansan deserves exceptional skin care, and the practice is growing to make it easier to access. After extensive training in medical and surgical dermatology, Davis will now see patients at both Franks Dermatology and SKN at Franks Dermatology. She joins Franks, board-certified physician assistant Bailey Pollock and board-certified physician assistant Liz Turbeville in providing excellent care for new and existing patients from across the state. Seamless Care, One Team Patients should not have to start over every time their needs change. Franks Dermatology and SKN at Franks Dermatology
work as one, sharing the same patient-first approach and coordinating every treatment plan. A patient at SKN can have a spot evaluated upstairs, often the same day, while a Franks Dermatology patient who wants results beyond medical or surgical treatments can be referred downstairs. New Answers for Stubborn Skin Concerns For patients living with acne, rosacea or melasma, medical treatments alone do not always deliver the results they hope for. With new laser technology and advanced training, the practice’s laser procedures have increased significantly. Lasers can now treat many concerns, including acne, acne scars, rosacea, brown spots, redness, melasma and unwanted hair, giving patients more options and a clearer path to healthy, confident skin.
Franks Dermatology — 501.246.1042 — franksdermatology.com Franks Dermatology
franksdermatology
Capitol Oral Surgery & Implant Center THE FACE OF DENTISTRY
Dr. John and Rachel Batson, CENTER
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r. John Batson is clear about what drives him: transforming lives. Oral and facial health can have a profound impact on a person’s confidence, comfort and overall well-being, making it all the more important to provide the most advanced, compassionate care possible. The founding vision behind his practices in Little Rock and El Dorado is to provide the highest level of oral and maxillofacial surgery services using state of the art technology — all with an unwavering commitment to both surgical excellence and community care. “I got into this line of work for three reasons: My love of surgery, the dream of one day being a small business owner, and my desire to be a community leader and role model,” Batson said.
After leaving the Army in 2017, Batson returned home to Arkansas and worked as an associate at a private dental practice in Russellville. That office eventually sold to a dental services organization, so Batson went in search of opportunities to open his own practice. Teaming up with a corporate group to open Capitol Oral Surgery & Implant Center in Little Rock in 2024, Batson was later able to secure sole ownership of the practice, in addition to opening a second office in south Arkansas. “As of July 6, I am happy to say that Capitol Oral Surgery, as well as South Arkansas Oral Surgery and Implant Center, are privately owned by myself and doing well,” Batson said. “I have a wonderful staff and the support of both communities.”
Capitol Oral Surgery & Implant Center — 501.904.8282 — capitolosi.com South Arkansas Oral Surgery & Implant Center
South Arkansas Oral Surgery & Implant Center
(Photo by Brandi L. Connor)
Dr. John and Rachel Batson, CENTER Community care is at the core of both practices, and Batson called the impact his teams have been able to make throughout Little Rock and El Dorado “tangible and heartfelt.” With fewer than 30 practicing oral surgeons in the state, many of those concentrated in north and central Arkansas, Batson also provides crucial access to oral surgical care in an underserved area. “The other hurdle for most patients is the cost of healthcare,” he said. “We have worked tirelessly with insurance companies for our patients. We offer third-party financing options and are always trying to help people get the care that they so desperately need.” Capitol Oral Surgery and South Arkansas Oral Surgery have opportunities every day to change the lives of
patients by relieving pain, correcting jaw deformities and giving people their smiles back after years of “dental embarrassment,” Batson said. His offices have also partnered with their local Veterans Affairs offices to help address the oral surgery needs of veterans. “When patients come to us, I want them to see compassion and excellence in the field of oral and maxillofacial surgery,” Batson said. “From the technology we utilize to the intangibles — like personally calling my patients on the nights of surgery and offering my personal cellphone if they have concerns — I want people to know that not only are we on the cutting edge of surgical specialties but that we deeply care about our patients and referrals.”
South Arkansas Oral Surgery and Implant Center — 870.390.4212 — southarkansasoralsurgery.com South Arkansas Oral Surgery & Implant Center
Garrett Excavating THE FACE OF EXCAVATION
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arrett Excavating is more than just a company; it is a team of passionate individuals dedicated to creating lasting, positive impacts on Arkansas communities. The third-generation earthmoving and construction company has been committed to improving the infrastructure that moves, houses and shapes the Natural State since 1950. With projects ranging from hospitals and roads to apartment complexes and subdivisions, Garrett Excavating lays claim to — and seeks to live up to — the title of “Best on Earth.” As much as the company invests in its equipment, tools and cutting-edge techniques, Garrett Excavating also pours
heavily into the people who make it great. The company strives to be a prime example that putting people first does not come at the expense of profitability but actually enhances it. A supportive culture that values both personal and professional development has made Garrett Excavating a destination workplace that attracts top talent from both inside and outside the industry, fueling the company’s intentional growth. Garrett Excavating’s mission is to build inspiring projects that create community value and social prosperity, and that means that every project is a chance to have a meaningful impact. Every interaction at the company, whether with
Garrett Excavating — Central Arkansas: 501.520.5200 — Northwest Arkansas: 479.636.5516
customers, vendors, industry professionals or employees, is another opportunity to impact the lives, hearts and minds of people. Every member of the Garrett Excavating team is unified in the pursuit of excellence — not simply exceeding expectations but setting entirely new standards for what a thriving, people-first company can be. The success of that approach depends on dynamic, mission-driven leadership. The Garrett Excavating leadership team embraces change, setting an industrywide tone and redefining what is possible in construction and excavation. While remaining uncompromising on expertise and execution, the company gains an edge by fostering a culture garrettx.com —
in which collaboration and problem-solving rule the day. Garrett Excavating is a growth-minded company, so the next few years promise even more investment into people, projects and communities. The company aims to continue expanding its footprint at a sustainable pace while consistently creating new opportunities for its team members to thrive. That formula for success has kept and is set to continue to keep Garrett Excavation ahead of an evolving industry and ever-changing markets. Better infrastructure starts with better people, and Garrett Excavating is committed to building better futures for clients, partners and employees. Garrett Excavating
Legacy Eyecare FACE OF EYECARE
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r. Sarah Lunsford comes from a long line of optometrists, her family history in eyewear going as far back as the late 1800s and her great-great-grandfather’s Stuttgart jewelry shop. After graduating from the Southern College of Optometry in Memphis in 2008, Lunsford cut her teeth at various clinics, but her long-held dream was to someday open her own practice. In 2025, she was finally able to realize that vision, opening the doors to the aptly named Legacy Eyecare in Hensley. “Legacy Eyecare is a nod to my family history, and my logo features a diamond as the pupil, representing the jewelry side, as well as [Arkansas] being the Diamond State,” she said. “In my clinic, I get to showcase my grandfather’s appointment book from 1959 in an antique cabinet from his practice. The appointment book is surrounded by antique glasses my great-great-uncle prescribed for his patients between 1916 and the 1940s.” Lunsford has “a God-given passion” for her work, she said, and hopes that comes through in every interaction with patients. While business ownership has its ups and downs, the act of helping someone see clearly and comfortably is deeply rewarding for an optometrist who has dreamed of entering the profession all her life — and that is to say nothing of the countless people who trust Lunsford with their eyecare year after year, which she called “humbling.” “The most rewarding part of my work is caring for my patients,” she said. “After 18
years, many of them feel more like family. Watching them go through the different seasons of life and hearing about the joys and the heartaches that come with it is an honor.” Lunsford is the first eye care provider to serve the community she has lived in for 15 years now, East End in Saline County. She was also the first optometrist to staff a schoolbased health clinic anywhere in the state, serving the Bryant School District and paving the way for other districts to offer similar programs. In addition to expanding access to quality eyecare, Lunsford said she hopes to help elevate the profession itself by mentoring the next generation of optometrists — and her future colleagues — serving Arkansas. That commitment to giving back manifests in other ways, as well. Lunsford is an active member of her local Lions Club and called participation in the group’s many service projects “one of the most rewarding things I do outside of the office.” Still, there is no substitute for making a career out of one’s calling, and Legacy Eyecare stands as a testament to Lunsford’s wholehearted pursuit of her purpose. “I think optometry is one of the most rewarding professions you can be in,” she said. “Like any healthcare field, you need to love what you do. The time and money and energy it takes to become a doctor is no small thing, but the time you will spend in your occupation is much greater. If it’s something you love or have a passion for, it will be worth it in the end.”
Legacy Eyecare — 501.588.2650
Dr. Sarah Lunsford, OWNER AND OPTOMETRIST
thelegacyeyecare.com
C&C Tree Services of Arkansas THE FACE OF TREE SERVICE
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&C Tree Services of Arkansas in Little Rock is a family-owned and -operated tree service business that has served homeowners around central Arkansas for more than 45 years. Much more than just removing unwanted limbs and trees — which they do efficiently and affordably — father-andson duo Chuck and Chase Shamlin specialize in providing a variety of top-notch services for outdoor spaces. “We can do anything tree related but also anything regarding property clearing, such as undermulching to open up a wooded space or overgrown area,” Chase said. “Undermulching can drastically change the look of a space.” Chuck and Chase have decades of combined experience in the timber industry. With expertise in tree removal, trimming and land management, Chuck has built a reputation for quality workmanship and dependable service. Following in his father’s footsteps, Chase brings skill, dedication and a fresh perspective to the C&C team. The pair is proud to serve their friends, neighbors and fellow Arkansans with unmatched skill and professionalism in every job. “I love getting to work outdoors, and my dad has taught me to always do what you say you are going to do,” Chase said. “If you make a mistake, own it, and then see what you can do to fix it. Hard work pays off.” Fully bonded and insured, C&C Tree Services can help homeowners enhance the safety and aesthetics of their properties with offerings such as poststorm clean up, limb removal, skid steer and driveway services. Brush hogging and skid steer mulching safely
and effectively clear away thick weeds, bushes and small trees for a clean, open space. The skilled C&C team can also create strong, long-lasting paths with its gravel driveway and spreading services. Whether picking up after storm damage, preparing for a new project, or simply maintaining the health and safety of one’s trees and home, C&C can trim branches;remove trees, brush and debris; and clear away hazards for a clean yard or the ideal lot for a new build. “We are more personable and care for our customers,” Chase said. “We make sure the job is done right and the customer is pleased. Our goal is to leave a space better than when we found it. I am on the job daily, making sure things are going right and running smoothly to ensure a happy customer.” Under the leadership of Chuck and Chase, every person at C&C Tree Services combines training and tenacity with a passion for customer service to ensure projects are completed with care, efficiency and attention to detail. Homeowners have trusted the company with their outdoor service needs for years because they know the C&C team treats every property like their own. The business also honors seniors and veterans with discounted services. C&C Tree Services of Arkansas takes pride in providing expert tree care with honesty, hard work and a deep commitment to the central Arkansas community. What is more, customers might also find they get a glimpse at the third generation of C&C in the making. “My 4-year-old boss, Stellan, helps her daddy look at jobs very often,” Chase said.
C&C Tree Services of Arkansas — 501.615.5770 — candctreear.com
Chase AND Sarah Shamlin WITH Stellan, 4, AND Summit, 7 WEEKS
C&C Tree Services of Arkansas, LLC
Galley Support Innovations
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THE FACE OF AEROSPACE
anufacturing sits at a unique intersection in the minds of most people — if it appears at all. As misunderstood as it is critical to get right, there is much more to creating oft-overlooked hardware than meets the eye. Take, for example, a piece of engineering that must be last on the average frequent-flyer’s mind. “Our product is one that most people don’t think of when they think of airplanes, but everyone is grateful when they can lock the bathroom door on a plane,” said Gina Radke, CEO of Galley Support Innovations in Sherwood. “I like to say we keep your privates private when you’re in the sky.” GSI exists to create products for aircraft unlike any other on the market, Radke said. She and her team take the pain points of engineers and designers and work to turn tricky problems into reliable solutions. Radke also understands that when it comes to putting out a successful product, the people must be as trustworthy as the latches. “GSI is focused on producing topquality interior hardware through constantly evolving our processes, improving quality and upholding our standards,” Radke said. “We don’t take shortcuts.” GSI is working with the world’s top aircraft manufacturers to produce the future of aircraft interiors. Even more than an exciting future, however, is the impact the company is able to have on lives and families right here at home in central Arkansas. “I can recount many stories of people completely changing their lives because they were given the opportunity to have a career rather than just a job,” Radke said. “The ultimate goal is for people to see that the GSI team cares about our customers and each other.” Galley Support Innovations — 501.833.3700 — galleysupport.com
Gina Radke, CEO
Norwood-Day Floral Co. THE FACE OF ALL THINGS FLORAL AND GIFTS
Chris Norwood AND Christina Day-Essary, OWNERS
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hris Norwood and Christina Day-Essary never set out to be the face of floral design in the state, but their work ethic and design excellence put them there. Norwood has been at the helm of floral design since his high school days in McCrory, where, as manager of the football team, he would run home after practice and whip up designs that wowed his community of nearly 2,000. Day-Essary was raised in Little Rock, where hard work was taught early on by her parents. Those lessons followed
her through her days at Little Rock Christian Academy to her time at Ole Miss, where she received a degree in hospitality management. Norwood and Day-Essary have worked together for eight years and developed a bond through taking care of customers. It is, in fact, priority No. 1 at Norwood-Day Floral Co. Nestled next to Edward's Food Giant in Little Rock's Tanglewood Shopping Center, Norwood-Day has a boutique full of gifts and, of course, live flowers that are impressive and budget friendly.
“I want to make sure we’re on the forefront of trends that are both affordable and appropriate for our customers,” Norwood said. “We are one of the few professions besides your medical doctor where we are with you from the beginning to the end.” From providing floral design for a client’s next big event to sending a dozen peonies on a whim, NorwoodDay Floral Co. is the face of all blooming, beautiful things for the Natural State.
Norwood Day Floral Co. — 501.255.8883 — norwood-day.com norwooddayfloralco
Hear Again America
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THE FACE OF AUDIOLOGY
ear Again America continues to serve a growing population of individuals experiencing hearing loss across central Arkansas. Recognized as Best Audiology Clinic in AY About You’s “AY's Best of 2026,” the practice has earned a reputation for combining compassionate patient care with evidence-based hearing healthcare and the latest advancements in hearing technology. Led by board-certified audiologist Jill Young, Hear Again America focuses on helping patients reconnect with the conversations, relationships and activities that matter most. By following evidence-based best-practice hearing care protocols and offering solutions from all major hearing aid manufacturers, the clinic provides personalized treatment plans designed to maximize hearing performance and long-term success. "Hearing loss is not just my professional focus; it is also my personal journey," Young said. "Having lived with hearing loss throughout my life, I truly understand the emotional and social challenges that accompany it. This firsthand experience allows me to connect with patients in a unique way and help guide them toward meaningful solutions." What sets Hear Again America apart is its commitment to patient-centered care. The clinic's comprehensive approach includes advanced diagnostic testing, personalized treatment recommendations, ongoing support and access to technology from industry-leading manufacturers. Rather than focusing solely on hearing aids, the practice emphasizes improving communication, confidence and overall quality of life. As Arkansas continues to experience increasing demand for hearing healthcare services, Hear Again America
JILL YOUNG, AU.D. remains committed to providing trusted local care while staying at the forefront of audiology best practices and hearing technology advancements. By combining clinical expertise with a personalized approach, the practice helps patients navigate hearing loss with confidence and achieve better outcomes in everyday life. "I am committed to meeting patients where they are and supporting them throughout their hearing journey," Young said. "My goal is to help every patient find effective, personalized solutions that allow them to live more confidently, communicate more clearly and stay connected to the people they love."
Hear Again America — 501.508.6268 — hearagainamerica.com Hear Again America (Little Rock, AR)
Capitol Glass Co. THE FACE OF AUTO GLASS AND CUSTOM GLASS WORK
(Photo by Chris Davis)
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Glenn Grimes, FROM LEFT, Jack Grimes, Austin Watters AND Aaron Grimes
apitol Glass Co. was established in 1950 — and has been at the corner of Eighth and South Broadway streets in downtown Little Rock since 1953 — making it the oldest locally owned and operated glass company in the Little Rock metropolitan area. Capitol Glass has been led by three generations of the Grimes family, including co-founder Jack Grimes and his son, Glenn, and grandson, Aaron. Also instrumental to the business has been Charlotte Grimes, Aaron’s mother, who spent many years developing the company’s marketing strategy from the 1990s up until 2020. Needless to say, the auto glass industry looks very different from 76 years ago. The Capitol Glass team has had to adapt to advances in technology that have made a simple windshield replacement much more complicated than meets the eye. When it comes to the business itself,
however, the secret to success is the same as it was in 1950. “Quality work and exceptional service,” Aaron said. “When you call our shop, you are going to talk to an actual person who is experienced and extremely knowledgeable about auto glass. We do all the auto glass work for most of the luxury car dealerships in Little Rock, and there is a reason for that.” While Capitol Glass plans to keep adapting to industry trends, customer feedback will continue to be the measure of the business’ success. With Aaron currently raising the fourth generation of ownership, Capitol Glass seems set to keep doing what it does best for a long while yet. “From the past to the present to the future, thank you central Arkansas for 76 years of business and counting,” Aaron said. “We look forward to serving you for many more years to come.”
Capitol Glass Co. — 501-374-6422 — capitolglassinc.com Capitol Glass Company, Inc.
First Arkansas Bank & Trust
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THE FACE OF BANKING
irst Arkansas Bank & Trust was founded in Jacksonville in 1949 as a community bank, and the vision behind it remains just as relevant today: serve people well, build relationships based on trust, and help communities grow and succeed. It is a worthwhile mission, to be sure — it is also what attracted President and CEO Keith Collard to the business of banking in the first place. “It's an industry built on trust, responsibility and service to others,” Collard said. “My background in audit, compliance and risk management allowed me to see firsthand the importance of operating with integrity and making sound decisions, but over time, I also came to appreciate the impact a community bank can have beyond the numbers. We can help someone buy a home, help a business grow, create opportunities for our employees, and invest in the communities where we live and work. That's a meaningful responsibility, and it's what continues to motivate me today.” Collard’s goal at the helm of the organization is making sure FAB&T employees have the tools, resources and support they need to take care of their customers, but he said he also wants everyone to understand the “why” behind it. When members of the FAB&T team understand their purpose and feel connected to it, Collard said, customers can see and feel the difference. “Our success comes from the people throughout our organization who take care of our customers every day,” he said. “Their talent, dedication and work ethic are what allow us to grow, innovate and continue improving. If people see me or our leadership team representing FAB&T, I hope they see an organization that values its people, takes its responsibilities seriously and genuinely cares about the communities it serves.”
Keith Collard, President and CeO
First Arkansas Bank & Trust — fabandt.bank fabandt
fabandt
Law Office of Vanessa Cash Adams
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THE FACE OF BANKRUPTCY LAW
s a bankruptcy lawyer, Vanessa Cash Adams may be the last person anyone wants to call — but once clients do, they can rest assured they are on the path to a brighter future. During her 19 years of practice, Adams has helped hundreds of farms, families and businesses navigate the tricky waters of financial hardship. Whether it be bankruptcy, divorce, the death of a loved one or property disputes, Adams gives clients the tools they need to escape the cycle of debt and better their situation. “I want my clients to feel that they are not alone and that I truly understand the stress and anxiety they are going through when having to meet with a bankruptcy lawyer,” Adams said. Sudden unemployment, economic downturn, and family or business changes are just a few of the myriad unexpected circumstances that can upend a family both emotionally and financially, so Adams’ role is just as much about education as it is about empathy. While her depth of experience allows her to provide the best solutions to her clients, it is Adams’ careful and caring approach that enables clients to take those tools and embark on a new chapter. “Bankruptcy helps rebuild credit once the case is successfully completed,” she said. “I have seen several of my clients purchase homes after filing bankruptcy and successfully completing their case. Also, in most bankruptcy cases, a person can keep their home and vehicle and still file bankruptcy.” Adams is likewise a leader in her profession and community. She has spoken at legal conferences across the state about nuances and evolving issues in bankruptcy law and has served as past president of the Arkansas Association of Women Lawyers and the debtor-creditor division of the Arkansas Bar Association. She is also a committee member and volunteer for the 20th Century Club’s Hope Away from Home Lodge in Little Rock, which provides no-cost housing to cancer patients in financial distress.
Vanessa Cash Adams, ATTORNEY
Law Office of Vanessa Cash Adams — 501-400-7395 — vanessacash.org Vanessa Cash Adams, Attorney
The Vogue Veil
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THE FACE OF BRIDAL
here are times when even an act as simple as shopping can take on a whole new significance — finding one’s dream wedding dress is one of them. A oncein-a-lifetime moment demands a oneof-a-kind shopping experience, and that is exactly the kind of environment Tiffanee Miller-Stroud set out to create with her bridal and wedding destination, The Vogue Veil in Cabot. “Brides have more options than ever before, but I believe genuine service will never go out of style,” Miller-Stroud said. “I want The Vogue Veil to be the place where a bride feels comfortable enough to tell us what she loves, what she doesn't, what she is insecure about and what she has always imagined, knowing we are going to advocate for her through the entire process.” At The Vogue Veil, Miller-Stroud said, a woman is not merely another appointment on the schedule or another client standing on a pedestal. She and her team constantly study gowns, designers, construction, fit and trends so that — whether a woman’s ideal dress is hanging on the rack or requires a custom touch — they can reach the magical moment where a woman finally sees herself as a bride. “We have had women come to us after shopping at multiple stores, feeling defeated or believing something was wrong with their body because they had not found a gown,” Miller-Stroud said. “We have brides who need a size that has historically been underrepresented in bridal, brides who know exactly what they want but cannot find it, and brides who have absolutely no idea where to begin. Being able to say, ‘OK, we can figure this out,’ and then actually do it, is incredibly rewarding.”
Tiffanee Miller-Stroud, OWNER
The Vogue Veil — thevogueveil.com The Vogue Veil
@the.vogueveil
Oaklawn Hot Springs
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FACE OF CASINOS
aklawn Hot Springs has been a part of the Hot Springs community since 1904 and has plenty of history to be proud of. Still, General Manager Wayne Smith knows one cannot spend too much time looking backward — especially when the future looks so bright. “Today, Oaklawn is a full resort destination with racing, gaming, hospitality, dining and entertainment,” Smith said. “No matter how much the property evolves, it still comes down to people. You can build great facilities, but it’s our team members who create the experience and give people a reason to return.” The experience in question is, by many accounts, second to none. The state’s only racing casino resort, Oaklawn has been showered with Forbes recommendations, including for its hotel, restaurants and the four-star-rated Astral Spa. Paired with a rich tradition of thoroughbred racing and a 65,000-square-foot smoke-free gaming floor, it is not hard to see what makes Oaklawn an unmatched all-around destination. “We are extremely proud of those distinctions because those ratings don’t happen easily,” Smith said. “They come from consistency, attention to detail and team members who take a lot of pride in what they do every single day.” Smith still sees plenty of opportunity ahead for both Oaklawn and the Hot Springs community. The growth of one is beneficial to the other, and Smith said he and the Oaklawn team take their responsibility to the people of Spa City seriously. Their goal is to keep building on what they have created, continue raising the bar for hospitality and introduce new generations to the Oaklawn Hot Springs experience. “At the end of the day, success is pretty simple to me,” Smith said. “If our team members are proud to work here, our guests have a great experience and people leave Hot Springs saying, ‘We’ll be back,’ then we’ve done our job.”
Wayne Smith, GENERAL MANAGER
Oaklawn Hot Springs — oaklawn.com Oaklawn Hot Springs
oaklawnhotsprings
Pasta Grill FACE OF CATERING
John Hall, FROM LEFT, Sydney Anderson, Lexi Sulieman, Brittany Paladino AND Cody Paladino
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uzanne and Wes Hall did not intend to get into the restaurant business. So far afield were their ambitions, in fact, that Wes obtained a degree in biology, and Suzanne picked up her own in criminal law. Their course was changed by friend and restaurateur David Bubbus Sr., and the Arkansas dining scene has been all the better for it. Pasta Grill opened in Russellville in 1994, later expanding into Conway and adding a franchise in Van Buren. “God has led us for the last 32 years, and he truly makes it work,” Suzanne said. “We’ve made a lot of messes and had a lot of successes, but we’re super thankful and hope for many more years to come for Pasta Grill. Every day that people walk through our doors, call us to cater one of the most special days of their lives or place an order to-go, it still amazes me. I’m so grateful for every single customer.”
The restaurant industry is a notoriously challenging one. If one can manage to keep quality personnel and come up with recipes that hook customers, a refrigeration hiccup or unpredictable winter weather might still bring the whole operation to a halt. The Halls have learned to expect difficulties, Suzanne said, and to trust they will get through “by God’s grace.” She also credited relationships — between staff, customers and otherwise — for turning Pasta Grill into what it is today. “It is our business, but really, in a way, it’s their business,” she said. “We want to do things in a way that people know integrity is important to us, and serving the best product for the best value matters. We want to make a difference when people in the community have needs, whether they are customers or not. I think that’s what community is.”
Pasta Grill — pastagrillrestaurant.com Conway: 501.205.8751 — Russellville: 479.967.1707 — Van Buren: 479.262.6225
Shadrachs Coffee FACE OF COFFEE
Angie Longing, President and CEO
Larry Billing, OWNER
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ince 2004, customers have come to Shadrachs Coffee for delicious drive-thru beverages served by friendly faces. For owner Larry Billing and his team, however, their purpose has always been much bigger than the product. Leading an operation rooted in faith, Billing said he wants customers, employees and anyone who comes in contact with Shadrachs to know the company genuinely cares for them. The coffee business provides ample opportunity to prove that every day. “Sometimes we may only have a few seconds with a customer, but that is still enough time to smile, look someone in the eye, remember a name or simply let them know we appreciate them,” he said. “We want to be fast and efficient but never so focused on moving the line that we forget there is a person on the other side of the window.” Billing has seen plenty of obstacles, setbacks and
challenging seasons over the course of more than 20 years spent building his business, but the results are clear to see. Shadrachs has gone from one of Jonesboro’s best-kept secrets to opening locations in other parts of the state and beyond. More important to Billing, though, is the impact Shadrachs has had on people, whether they are employees, clientele or neighbors. “We have watched teenagers come to Shadrachs for a first job and develop confidence, responsibility and leadership,” he said. “We have customers who started as regulars and became friends. We also get to support schools, teams, churches and organizations in the communities we serve. Impact is not always dramatic. Sometimes it's simply bringing a smile to someone's face or taking a moment to listen when a customer shares some of the challenges of their day.”
Shadrachs Coffee — shadrachscoffee.com Shadrachs Coffee
shadrachscoffee
CAM Pro Services FACE OF COMMERCIAL PRESSURE WASHING
Angie Longing, President and CEO
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Chris Apple, OWNER
AM Pro Services got its start in 2009 as Arkansas Pro Wash. The Bryant-based company has grown significantly in the interim, going from a local pressure-washing outfit into a comprehensive commercial property maintenance partner serving commercial real estate owners, property managers, banks, healthcare facilities, schools and other organizations across Arkansas. “A well-maintained property creates a strong first impression, supports health and safety, improves tenant satisfaction and retention, and delivers a greater return through proactive maintenance,” owner Chris Apple said. “Through our recurring programs, we serve as an extra set of eyes for our clients, identifying needs early and helping them plan proactively rather than reactively. Although our services have expanded, our commitment remains the same: take ownership, make our clients’ jobs easier and leave every property better than we found it.” Just as the CAM Pro team is dedicated to serving
commercial clients with excellence, Apple said the company is committed to helping its team members “win in life.” Where other organizations might struggle to build and retain a dependable workforce, CAM Pro stands apart by giving blue-collar professionals meaningful work, clear expectations and opportunities to grow their careers. The company’s “RISE UP” culture sets a high standard and empowers team members to find not only success but purpose. The impact of that internal culture can be seen both in the work CAM Pro does for clients and in its contributions to the wider community. “Our success has allowed us to partner with outstanding nonprofit organizations, including City Connections’ Hometown Hunger Relief, Second Chance Youth Ranch and Immerse Arkansas,” Apple said. “Whether we are supporting youth in foster care, helping feed local families, or serving alongside our clients and employees, we want to use what we have built to make a meaningful difference.”
CAM Pro Services — 501.588.8977 — camproservices.net
Bornhoft Law
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THE FACE OF CRIMINAL DEFENSE
ot Springs-based attorney James D. Bornhoft has always had a passion for representing victims of injustice. From misdemeanors to serious felonies, Bornhoft believes every client deserves a strong defense, a clear voice in court and an attorney who fights tirelessly for the client's future. When it comes to protecting the rights and freedoms of Arkansans when it matters most, he treats each case like it is the most important one — because to that client, it is. “I’m motivated by the real people behind every case,” Bornhoft said. “When someone comes to me, they’re often at the lowest point in their life — scared, overwhelmed and unsure what comes next. Helping clients navigate that moment and seeing them come out stronger on the other side is what drives me every single day.” Bornhoft and his team are dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality legal representation in key areas that have profound impacts on families and individuals, such as family law, criminal defense, personal injury and estate planning. Bornhoft strives to ensure clients never feel like just another case file and each receives a defense strategy tailored to their unique situation. A leader in his field, Bornhoft aims to set an example of what quality criminal defense can be. To him and his team, that means standing beside individuals when they feel the system is against them and ensuring they get the fair treatment promised in the Constitution. “At Bornhoft Law, we pride ourselves on being approachable, responsive and results driven," Bornhoft said. “We’re based in Hot Springs but serve clients all across Arkansas. When someone calls our office, they’re not just hiring an attorney; they're gaining an advocate who will fight for them and guide them every step of the way — when it matters most.”
James D. Bornhoft, ATTORNEY
Bornhoft Law — bornhoftlaw.com — 501.501.5297
Koning Canine Academy
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FACE OF DOG TRAINING
oning Canine Academy was founded to offer a new approach to canine education in central Arkansas, with one guiding tenet: Better communication changes everything. Developed by a husbandand-wife team, the Heathmans, out of a love for their own dogs — one, a Belgian Malinois named Koning, serving as the facility’s namesake — the idea behind the private academy is to provide more than traditional obedience training and to focus on real understanding between dogs and their owners. Leading the facility’s curriculum is internationally respected trainer, educator and author Michael Bishop. Learning is built into every facet of Koning Canine Academy, and that goes for both dogs and owners alike. In the signature Crown Residence boarding and training program, for example, as well as the private day school, dogs will progress through an intentionally structured curriculum rather than simply attending training sessions. Meanwhile, families will be equipped with the knowledge and understanding they need to confidently continue their dogs’ education at home. The Heathmans also hope Koning’s impact will reach beyond the facility to improve relationships between dogs and their owners outside of its programming. The academy’s complimentary educational series, Canine Perspective, will make valuable information for understanding one’s dog more accessible to local owners. As Koning prepares to welcome its first students, success will be measured not in commands learned but in lives changed — whether that is a family enjoying a peaceful walk together, homeowners welcoming guests without stress or owners realizing they are finally communicating with their dog in a way that makes sense. Through proven methods, education and outreach, the goal of Koning Canine Academy is to cultivate a community of dog owners who feel more connected to their pets and confident in their ability to guide them.
Michael Bishop, TRAINING DIRECTOR
Koning Canine Academy — 501.550.2620 — koningcanineacademy.com Koning Canine Academy
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Law Offices of Katherine Blackmon FACE OF FAMILY LAW
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here are great lawyers, and then there are great lawyers with compassionate hearts. At the Law Offices of Katherine Blackmon, the goal has always been to be both. Founded in 1997 by Katherine Blackmon Carroll, the Law Offices of Katherine Blackmon has evolved from a oneroom practice into a collaborative team of exceptional legal professionals. Nearly three decades later, Blackmon Carroll is as focused on the firm's future as she is proud of its history. What began as her personal commitment to excellence and compassionate advocacy has become a shared philosophy, embraced by a team determined to raise the standard for family law representation. This is not a firm where lawyers work in isolation. Attorneys and staff collaborate, challenge one another, share their knowledge and approach difficult cases with a collective commitment to excellence. Every team member understands that behind each case file is a person, a family and a future that may be forever changed.
As a trauma-informed family law practice, the firm recognizes that divorce and custody disputes involve far more than legal questions. Clients often arrive frightened, overwhelmed or uncertain about what comes next. They deserve fierce protection of their rights, thoughtful guidance, and the reassurance that they will be treated with dignity and compassion. Blackmon Carroll remains the tenacious courtroom advocate she has always been, but today, she is equally passionate about mentoring the next generation of attorneys and building a firm with values that will endure long into the future. The faces that make up her team represent more than a law firm. They represent a shared philosophy, an extraordinary work ethic, and a belief that excellence and empathy belong together — because when someone's world is falling apart, exceptional legal representation should do more than protect their interests. It should help them see that there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Law Offices of Katherine Blackmon — 501.372.7636 — blackmon-law.com Law Offices of Katherine Blackmon
Meridian Investment Advisors THE FACE OF FINANCIAL PLANNING
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nvesting for a rich life, realizing what you value” is the mantra at Meridian Investment Advisors in Little Rock, which offers a full suite of wealth management, financial planning and retirement plan services. Led by Managing Principal Pat Moon, the Meridian team understands financial planning is not simply a question of investments or managing numbers on a spreadsheet. At its core, its work is about helping people move with confidence during some of life’s most important moments. “We help families retire with confidence, business owners transition the companies they've spent years building and individuals make informed decisions,” Moon said. “Our role is to provide clarity amid complexity, helping clients align their financial resources with their goals, values and vision for the future. When clients tell us they feel more confident, less stressed and better prepared for what's ahead, we know we've made a difference.”
With more than $900 million in assets, Meridian has distinguished itself not only through financial savvy but by having a strong focus on education, providing resources to clients, and working to make complex topics and strategies more approachable. Long-tenured staff bring invaluable experience to the firm, while a commitment to embracing innovation ensures clients benefit from a combination of human expertise and technological efficiency. “Financial planning and wealth management are changing rapidly, but the need for trusted relationships and thoughtful guidance remains constant,” Moon said. “Our goal is to combine the efficiency of modern technology with the personalized service, accessibility and fiduciary care that clients deserve. As we look ahead, we’re excited about the next generation of leadership within our firm, the opportunities technology creates to better serve clients and our ability to help more people.”
Meridian Investment Advisors — 501.663.7055 — meridiania.com Meridian Investment Advisors
Arkansas Solar Solutions
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THE FACE OF GUTTERS
here is more than meets the eye at Arkansas Solar Solutions. Owner Jeff Hatfield and his licensed, bonded and insured team provide an array of other services and products — such as seamless gutters and gutter guards to keep Arkansas homeowners’ systems running smoothly all year long. With those and every other offering, Hatfield said the company’s mission is to provide quality work the team stands behind at an affordable price to homeowners and businesses throughout the state. “I've seen how people are taken advantage of in this industry, both on the home and business owner side and from the standpoint of the salesperson or installer not being compensated fairly for the work they've done — in some cases not being compensated at all,” Hatfield said. “My motivation is to make sure anyone that does business with us or works with us can never say they felt shortchanged in any way.” In addition to the technical capability required for a high-quality installation, Arkansas Solar Solutions stands apart for a customer-first approach and a commitment to staff members doing what they say they are going to do. Perseverance is key, and failure is not an option. As the team’s work continues to put it on the radar of more clientele, Hatfield said the company is all about organic growth. “We're not rushing a process here,” he said. “We’re not trying to be the biggest dog in the yard. We're just striving to be the best.”
Jeff Hatfield, OWNER
Arkansas Solar Solutions — 501.258.8479 Arkansas Solar Solutions - Solar, Siding, Roofing, and Gutters
CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute THE FACE OF HEART INSTITUTES
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HI St. Vincent's heart program is the largest heart program in Arkansas and boasts a patient satisfaction rating of more than 95 percent. In addition to ranking No. 1 in central Arkansas for heart care, CHI St. Vincent Infirmary in Little Rock was recognized by U.S. News & World Report as high-performing for pacemaker implantation, transcatheter aortic valve replacement, aortic valve surgery and heart bypass surgery. CHI St. Vincent is one of 80 hospitals nationwide to receive the American College of Cardiology’s 2025 NCDR Chest Pain — MI Registry Silver Performance Achievement Award. Patients at CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute have come to expect the best outcomes through the institute’s advanced, noninvasive diagnostic techniques and surgical expertise, as recognized by a three-star rating by the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, the highest that can be achieved. CHI St. Vincent is introducing a new standard for the diagnosis and treatment of heart-related conditions, creating The Anthony Center for Advanced Cardiac Care at the infirmary thanks to a $5 million gift from Isabel and
John Ed Anthony. The center will combine inpatient and outpatient services, including cardiac electrophysiology and cardiothoracic surgery programs at one location, and provide the following services: • Advanced heart failure treatment, including mechanical circulatory support and left ventricle assist device assessment, treatment, infusion and follow-up services • Cardiopulmonary testing and treatment • Transcatheter aortic valve replacement • Watchman procedures • Transcatheter mitral valve repair • Cardiogenic shock program • Cardio-oncology program • Cardiac ultrasound and stress testing • Electrocardiograms and electrophysiologic testing • Vein and vascular testing • Transesophageal echocardiogram procedures • HeartSmart screening and cardio metabolic evaluation and treatment
CHI St. Vincent Heart Institute — commonspirit.org/stvincent
Arkansas Hospitality Association
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FACE OF HOSPITALITY
ospitality is the second largest economic driver in Arkansas. In 2025 alone, the state welcomed a record 54.3 million visitors, generating $10.2 billion in visitor spending and supporting nearly 72,000 direct tourism jobs. That kind of impact requires a strong team of advocates working to ensure the industry has the resources, workforce and support it needs to succeed for generations to come — and that is exactly why the Arkansas Hospitality Association exists. Originally founded as a lobbying organization, the mission of the AHA has expanded to include advocacy, education, promotion and investment in the people who make Arkansas hospitality possible. “Our industry is constantly evolving, and I believe there is real potential to influence how it grows, how it is perceived and the opportunities available to the people who make it possible,” said CEO Alicia Payseno. “We want to be part of moving the industry forward, challenging outdated perceptions, bringing attention to issues that matter to our members and helping create opportunities that strengthen hospitality across the state.” The AHA’s work is often as multifaceted as the members it serves. Some days, that means working with legislators to shape pro-hospitality policies. Other days are spent investing in the next generation of hospitality professionals through scholarships and certification training. All the while, the group’s promotional efforts help AHA members and their businesses reach new audiences. The tasks might look different at every turn, but the purpose remains the same: helping Arkansas hospitality succeed. “Hospitality supports jobs, creates opportunities for local businesses, generates tax revenue and helps communities across Arkansas thrive,” Payseno said. “The people and businesses that make these experiences possible deserve to have their voices heard and their contributions recognized. We believe in the potential of this industry, and we're committed to helping it grow, adapt and remain a strong part of Arkansas's future.”
Alicia Payseno, CEO, center, with Shay Stout, COO, from left, Renee Smith, coordinator of education, Dylan Kinkade, chief marketing officer, and Lauren Anderson, chief revenue officer
Arkansas Hospitality Association — 501.376.2323 — arhospitality.org Arkansas Hospitality Association
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Conway Regional Health System THE FACE OF HOSPITALS
Angie Longing, President and CEO
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onway Regional Health System has served central Arkansas for more than 100 years, building lasting relationships with the people who call the communities home. Those relationships have shaped an approach to care that blends access and excellence with the familiarity and personal attention every patient deserves. Physicians, nurses, therapists and team members bring that approach to life through the expertise and compassion they contribute to each patient’s experience. They take time to listen, answer questions and understand what matters most to each person. Together, they help patients and families feel informed, supported and confident in their care. Understanding those needs is what guides Conway Regional's growth. Conway Regional continues to strengthen access to primary and specialty care, including investments
in maternal health, enhanced neonatal services, orthopedics, weight management, gastroenterology and memory care services that reflect the evolving needs of the communities it serves. Those efforts bring additional treatment options to patients that are supported by the trusted relationships and personal attention that define Conway Regional. As the health system looks ahead, its focus remains on the people who depend on it. Every investment, partnership and opportunity to improve is guided by a shared responsibility to provide high-quality care and a thoughtful patient experience. Building on a century of service, Conway Regional continues to connect its people, expertise and resources around that purpose. The goal is for every patient to experience care that reflects their individual needs and for every family to feel supported through the moments that matter most.
Conway Regional Health System — 501.506.2747 — conwayregional.org ConwayRegional
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Elder Independence Home Care THE FACE OF IN-HOME CARE
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or 26 years, Elder Independence Home Care has found strength and success in its intimate, personalized approach to in-home care. Elder Independence is not a franchise company, and that allows its caregivers to focus on what really matters: high quality, client-centered and affordable home care services that assist clients in leading dignified, independent lives in the comfort and safety of their own homes. Every caregiver at Elder Independence understands the importance of meeting clients and loving them where they are — literally. Being locally based in the community allows Elder Independence to assist clients more efficiently
in all facets related to their home health care, such as transportation to doctor’s visits or community programs. Staff members are selected for their quality, honesty and compassion. At the end of the day, keeping loved ones in their own homes for as long as possible is the mission, and caring is their calling. No matter where a client is located, Elder Independence wants to show them that “your family is our family.” Being trusted with in-home care is not something Elder Independence takes lightly, and its promise is to show a family’s loved ones the same level of quality care and compassion staff members provide for their own.
Elder Independence Home Care — 501.847.6102 — elderindependence.com ElderIndependenceHomeCare
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Frazier Insurance Agency
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THE FACE OF INDEPENDENT INSURANCE AGENTS
oni Frazier’s path to insurance began with an unexpected opportunity. While building a career in the medical field, her uncle, who owned a captive insurance agency at the time, approached her about joining his business and eventually becoming an owner herself. That opportunity ultimately led her to establish Frazier Insurance Agency as an independent agency in 2009. Her approach to insurance has earned her recognition as one of AY About You’s “Best Insurance Agents” for two consecutive years. “Good insurance starts with understanding what you’re protecting,” she said. “Every client has a different story, different priorities and different risks. My job is to look beyond what someone needs today and consider what they could face tomorrow. It’s not about selling a policy; it’s about making sure the coverage makes sense for the life, family or business behind it. “My experience as a captive agent helped shape the way I view insurance. I saw the value in having the flexibility to work with different carriers as the industry changes and clients’ needs evolve. Having more options allows us to find solutions that might not be available through a single company. To me, it’s about having the freedom to explore those options and do what’s right for the people we serve — because choice matters.” For Frazier, the goal is not simply to find a policy but to help clients make informed decisions about protecting what matters most. That commitment sometimes means recommending a change, but it also means recognizing when a client already has the right coverage or when another solution may serve them better. “Our responsibility is to put the client’s interests first, even when that means looking beyond the options we offer,” Frazier said. “Insurance is built on trust, and that trust comes from knowing the advice you receive is based on what’s best for you, not simply on making a sale.”
Toni Frazier, CERTIFIED INSURANCE COUNSELOR
Frazier Insurance Agency — 501.225.1818 — frazieragency.com Frazier Insurance Agency
Dennis Bost State Farm Insurance Agency
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THE FACE OF HOME AND CAR INSURANCE
f being a State Farm insurance agent runs in Dennis Bost’s family, so does stepping up when it matters most. In 1997, Bost was a senior in high school when an EF4 tornado hit his home town of Arkadelphia. His father, David, was a State Farm agent, and Bost said seeing how his father was able to help people piece their lives back together following such a devastating storm left an indelible impact. “At the time, I was headed to the University of Arkansas [in Fayetteville] to major in poultry science, but that event and the months following really got me thinking about insurance and the ability to truly help people,” he said. Bost has been in insurance since 2004, and almost two decades after entering the industry, he had the chance to make a difference in a strikingly similar way to what his father had done. The EF3 tornado that tore through Little Rock in March 2023 started right by Bost’s State Farm office on Chenal Parkway. Bost and his claims team jumped into action and, even as they worked without power, started writing checks to customers and getting people into temporary housing the same day. For Bost, it was a reminder of just how crucial insurance can be — and the critical role agents play in getting people the coverage they need. “I want people to know what insurance actually does and why people need certain coverage,” Bost said. “Insurance is not a one-size-fits-all product. I want to be known as the agent that actually takes the time to get to know my customers’ needs and make sure they are fully protected from the risks of everyday life. Whether it is helping someone after a car accident, home fire or delivering a life insurance check from the loss of a loved one, we fulfill that promise daily.”
Dennis Bost, OWNER
Dennis Bost State Farm Insurance Agency — 501.227.5100 — dennisbost.com Dennis Bost - State Farm Insurance Agent
Network Services Group
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FACE OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
rkansas organizations need dependable technology so they can focus on the people they serve. That idea has guided NSG since 1989, when it grew out of the telecommunications consulting firm cofounded by Gary Flynn. Current president Ryan Flynn, Gary’s son, got his start at the family business as a teenager, cleaning the office and installing phone systems after school. Now at the helm of the organization, Flynn is dedicated to upholding the high standard of customer satisfaction NSG has become known for over the years. “We start by understanding what the client needs to accomplish and where technology is getting in the way. Then we help them make a practical plan and provide the ongoing support to carry it out,” Flynn said. “The impact shows up in everyday work: a clinic focused on patients, a school able to teach or a nonprofit able to serve its community without fighting its systems.” The NSG footprint now includes a team of about 85 people across multiple locations. Just as important as monitoring systems, reducing cyberthreats, and keeping phones, networks and cloud services working, Flynn said, is the company’s availability. Clients know they can call Network Services Group for clear explanations of their options and answers tailored to their specific operational needs. “I want people to see an Arkansas team they can turn to for honest advice and dependable support,” Flynn said. “Technology decisions affect an entire organization, and the people making those decisions deserve a partner who understands their work and stays accountable. We measure our success by how well our clients’ people can do their jobs and serve the people counting on them.”
Network Services Group — 501.758.6058 — nsgdv.com
Ryan Flynn, PRESIDENT
Conway Regional Health System THE FACE OF MATERNAL HEALTH
Dr. Dawn Hughes, OB-GYN
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onway Regional Health System has served central Arkansas for more than 100 years, guided by a commitment to meet the health needs of its communities. Its approach to maternal wellness reflects that purpose: helping women feel informed, supported and confident. That work begins before family planning with women’s health and continues through prenatal care, childbirth and postpartum recovery. It begins with listening. A woman planning for pregnancy may need help understanding how her medical history, existing health conditions, medications and overall wellness could affect her fertility. Providers at Conway Regional offer preconception guidance and family planning tailored to her individual needs and goals, helping her feel informed and prepared for what comes next. That compassionate approach continues during pregnancy as Conway Regional provides routine prenatal
care, in addition to serving mothers with high-risk pregnancies through the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Center of Arkansas. During delivery, experienced doctors, nurses and other staff provide attentive care, supported by a laborist program that ensures an OB-GYN is physically at the hospital 24/7. After birth, neonatal nurse practitioners provide aroundthe-clock coverage Monday through Friday, bringing advanced expertise to the care of babies in the newborn nursery and neonatal intensive care unit. Support for mothers continues through lactation services, OB-GYN follow-up, core and pelvic therapy, and emotional wellness resources. Each interaction gives providers a chance to answer questions, address concerns and tailor care to the patients in front of them. At Conway Regional, the team believes all women deserve care shaped around their health, their goals and what matters most to them.
Conway Regional Health System — 501.506.2747 — conwayregional.org ConwayRegional
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Conway Regional Health System THE FACE OF MEDICAL WEIGHT LOSS
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Doctors Anthony Manning, FROM LEFT, Josh Dickinson AND Brock King
he vision of Conway Regional Health System is rooted in a simple belief: Helping people achieve better health can transform not only their lives but also the health of an entire community. That vision is especially meaningful in weight management. “Obesity is complex and can affect diabetes, blood pressure, sleep apnea, mobility and overall quality of life,” Dr. Josh Dickinson said. “We believe patients deserve an approach that looks at the whole person. Our goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that helps patients make sustainable changes and improve their health for years to come.” That means listening first and treating every patient as an individual. No single approach to weight loss works for everyone, so the team’s role is to understand each patient before determining the approach that fits his or her needs. “We recognize that success looks different for every
patient,” Dr. Brock King said. “For some, success may mean improving medical conditions. For others, it may mean being able to move more comfortably, play with their children or grandchildren, or feel better in everyday life.” Depending on a patient’s needs, treatment could include lifestyle counseling, nutritional support, GLP-1s and other medications, or bariatric surgery. In some cases, a combination of approaches may provide the best long-term outcome. An interdisciplinary approach, including physicians, psychologists, dieticians and physical therapists, allows staff to support patients throughout the journey. “The most meaningful impact is seeing patients improve in ways that go far beyond weight loss,” Dr. Anthony Manning said. “We celebrate the number on the scale, but what is even more rewarding is seeing patients gain energy, confidence, mobility and a greater ability to participate in activities that matter to them.”
Conway Regional Health System — 501.506.2747 — conwayregional.org ConwayRegional
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CHI St. Vincent Arkansas Neuroscience Institute FACE OF NEUROSURGERY
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he team at the Arkansas Neuroscience Institute believes every patient deserves the opportunity to spend more quality years with their friends and loved ones. That belief is what inspires ANI to advance the field of neurosurgery from both a scientific and a personal perspective, combining innovative practices and a patient care experience that is sought by patients and surgeons the world over. The institute provides Arkansans with access to the best available care in their own backyard, and the comprehensive program incorporates all aspects of neurosurgery and the spectrum of neurological disorders. ANI is able to achieve
this through a team of talented surgeons who are equipped with state-of-the-art technology and backed by the highly skilled support staff at CHI St. Vincent North. Patients from all 75 Arkansas counties, all 50 states and many other countries come to Arkansas to seek treatment, and neurosurgeons come from universities across the country and around the world to train at the ANI. In many cases, patients come to the institute after being told elsewhere that their conditions are untreatable. At its core, the goal of the Arkansas Neuroscience Institute is to redefine what is “untreatable” and to improve outcomes for patients in every community.
CHI St. Vincent Arkansas Neuroscience Institute — 501.552.6400 — chistvincent.com/ani CHIStVincent
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North Little Rock Tourism
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THE FACE OF NORTH LITTLE ROCK
lready a popular spot thanks to ample amenities around outdoor recreation, arts, dining and entertainment, North Little Rock has been busily expanding the long list of reasons to stay a while. North Little Rock Tourism, meanwhile, has been just as eager to get the word out about all the goings-on. “Travelers have more choices than ever, so destinations cannot simply market what they already have,” said Karen Trevino, president and CEO. “We must continually create experiences that are authentic, distinctive and worth traveling for.” Projects such as the Argenta Music Complex, soon to include the atg Pavilion and Mashburn Gallery of Americana Music, are prime examples of that approach. Trevino said she is especially excited at the opportunity to establish North Little Rock as a destination for music, arts and culture, and as a hub for the Arkansas Music Trail, she and her team can see how their work locally uplifts the entire state. “We are creating an experience that is authentic to who we are,” Trevino said. “I believe we are just beginning to see what that can mean for North Little Rock and for Arkansas tourism.” Watching areas such as the Argenta Arts District grow into vibrant places that residents enjoy just as much as visitors is deeply rewarding, Trevino said. After all, when tourism is done well, the community itself becomes stronger. “When visitors stay in our hotels, eat in our restaurants, attend our events and explore our attractions, they support local businesses and jobs while generating revenue that benefits our entire community,” she said. “Our goal has always been to make North Little Rock a place people want to visit and a place our residents are proud to call home.”
Karen Trevino, PRESIDENT AND CEO
North Little Rock Tourism — 501.758.1424 — northlittlerock.org North Little Rock Tourism
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Lindsey & Associates
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FACE OF NWA REAL ESTATE
hird-generation real estate professional Kelsey Roemer grew up around the business of selling houses and understands there is much more to it than putting signs in yards. Named 2026 REALTOR® of the Year by the association’s northwest Arkansas board, Roemer has been a part of the Lindsey & Associates team since 2009. “I think one of the reasons I still love it today is because no two days are ever the same,” Roemer said. “I might be helping someone buy their very first home, sell a home they’ve lived in for years, build something brand new or make an investment. No matter what brings someone to me, I want them to know they have someone in their corner from beginning to end.” The real estate industry is always changing, and that goes doubly for a booming area such as northwest Arkansas. Roemer, who grew up in Springdale, said seeing all the growth has been “pretty incredible.” Unsurprisingly, new construction is a large part of Roemer’s business, and she relishes the opportunity to help welcome new faces to the region. “There’s something fun about seeing a neighborhood start as empty lots and plans on paper and eventually become a real community where people are living and raising their families,” she said. Though evolution is, in many ways, the name of the game, the fundamentals that keep Roemer in the real estate business — and make her so successful at it — have stayed the same. She has a love for northwest Arkansas, knows the market and genuinely cares about the people she works with. “Twenty years later, I still get excited about a new listing, a closing day and handing someone the keys to their new home,” Roemer said. “I think that probably says it all.”
Kelsey Roemer, REALTOR®
Lindsey & Associates — 479.313.4687 — lindsey.com Lindsey & Associates, Inc.
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Vondran Orthodontics FACE OF ORTHODONTICS
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Dr. Charles Andy Vondran Jr., ORTHODONTIST
orn and raised in McCrory, Dr. Charles Andy Vondran Jr. moved to Little Rock in 2001 to establish Vondran Orthodontics. His goal was simple: to help patients achieve healthy, confident smiles that last a lifetime. More than two decades later, that commitment continues to guide his practice. Over the years, Vondran has built lasting relationships with generations of families throughout Arkansas. Some patients who once sat in his orthodontic chair now bring their own children to the practice, a reflection of the trust and relationships that have become central to Vondran Orthodontics. With three locations in Little Rock, Russellville and Sheridan, Vondran Orthodontics combines the experience of a well-established practice with a team dedicated to making each patient feel welcome and cared for. The Vondran team brings more than 188 years of combined experience, with a shared commitment to
providing personalized care and helping every patient feel confident in their smile. Orthodontics is a constantly evolving field, and Vondran believes that exceptional patient care requires a commitment to continued learning, collaboration and innovation. Vondran Orthodontics prioritizes continuing education and modern treatment approaches to provide patients with thoughtful, individualized care tailored to their needs. Vondran also values collaboration with other dental professionals, recognizing that a patient’s best outcome often comes from a comprehensive approach to oral health. Ultimately, Vondran measures success by the relationships he builds with his patients and the confidence they gain throughout treatment. “I want people to see a practice that genuinely cares about their orthodontic goals,” Vondran said. “Our reach comes from relationships built over decades. To me, success means helping others succeed.”
Vondran Orthodontics — arkansasbraces.com Little Rock: 501.224.3421 — Russellville: 479.967.3421 — Sheridan: 870.942.2131
Arkansas Surgical Hospital THE FACE OF ORTHOPEDICS
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rkansas Surgical Hospital was established by surgeons who wanted to create a more personalized and fulfilling experience for their patients. Since 2005, ASH has been dedicated to safety, efficiency, affordable care and exceptional patient experiences. As a physician-owned hospital, ASH allows surgeons to make key decisions, giving them greater control over patient care and direct influence on treatment paths. The surgeons at Arkansas Surgical Hospital have extensive experience, and their specialties range from orthopedic and spine treatments to breast oncology and interventional pain management. Arkansas Surgical Hospital provides more total joint replacement procedures than any other facility in the state. No matter how involved a procedure is or what area of the body is affected, the goal of every surgeon is to help patients improve their quality of life so they can get back to doing the things they love.
Arkansas Surgical Hospital is one of the top-ranking hospitals in the state — and for good reason. In addition to the expertise of staff and surgeons, patients consistently rate the hospital highly for its overall care experience. That includes 41 inpatient suites, each with a separate room where family members can rest while patients recover, as well as an on-site chef and room service so patients can select meals prepared specifically for them. Arkansas Surgical Hospital is proud to receive continued recognition from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services and other national organizations for excellence in quality and patient experience. Every service offered at the hospital is designed to complement the exceptional surgical and nursing care provided in ASH’s state-of-theart operating rooms. Arkansas Surgical Hospital takes pride in its disciplined focus on safety and comfort, and every surgeon, nurse and staff member is committed to excellent outcomes for patients and their families.
Arkansas Surgical Hospital — 501.748.8000 — arksurgicalhospital.com ArkansasSurgicalHospital
Wright Plastic Surgery
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THE FACE OF PLASTIC SURGERY
he goal of Dr. Eric Wright and his team at Wright Plastic Surgery & Med Spa in Little Rock is to make the practice synonymous with compassion and expertise. Knowledgeable staff go above and beyond for every patient to deliver exceptional results at an incomparable value. Wright has worked hard to create a space where patients feel valued and heard and where each surgical or nonsurgical journey is tailored to patients’ unique needs and aesthetic goals. “The confidence and self-esteem our patients experience is not only a gift for them but for myself, as well,” Wright said. “Seeing the smiles and sometimes even life changes is the motivation. I strive to provide the latest technology and to set the standard for patient outcomes and care.” Wright Plastic Surgery’s collaborative approach allows for deeper, more trusting relationships between patients and providers. The practice is also growing in ways that enhance patient comfort and access to care. With the opening of The Plastic Surgery Suites of Arkansas, Wright Plastic Surgery has expanded its ability to provide stateof-the-art surgical experiences in a private, accredited facility. Whether they are seeking a surgical treatment or any of the medical spa’s full spectrum of nonsurgical services, patients feel comfortable from the very first phone call or consultation. “Looking ahead, our focus is on integrating the latest technologies, expanding our body contouring and nonsurgical treatment options, and continuing to educate patients about safe, effective aesthetic surgery choices right here in Arkansas,” Wright said.
Eric Wright, M.D.
Wright Plastic Surgery — 501.575.0088 — drwrightplasticsurgery.com Wright Plastic Surgery
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Luxury Pool & Spa FACE OF POOLS AND SPAS
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or third-generation owners and pool professionals Jeremy and Shane Lawson, the motivation that gets the Luxury Pool & Spa team out of bed every morning is still strikingly similar to the vision of founders Bob Parker and Kenny Lawson back in 1976. “Treat customers the way we want to be treated,” Shane said. “It’s amazing to see the difference we can make in the lives of our clients by bringing families together in their backyards.” Carrying forward the reputation for quality and service first enshrined by their father and grandfather, the brothers have also had the pleasure of welcoming the fourth generation of the family into the business, as well as celebrating 50 years in 2026. Whether related by name or by profession, each member of the Luxury Pool & Spa team is dedicated to serving customers at every stage of their pool journey — from the earliest phases of building a
new project to maintenance and service expertise in the years that follow. “We like to promote a family atmosphere where we all work together and help one another out,” Jeremy said. “We want all employees to take pride in their work and know they are an integral part of our business.” Having built its name on designing and building pools to fit any homeowner’s needs and aesthetic dreams, Luxury Pool & Spa is the state’s go-to for crafting the ultimate backyard oasis. From fire features and infinity pools to top-of-the-line hot tubs and other equipment, the company remains at the forefront of the industry in terms of innovation, customer service and quality. No matter the trends or advances, however, the goal remains constant. “To make pool ownership an easier experience, which allows our clients to have more family time in their pools,” Shane said.
Luxury Pool & Spa — Russellville: 479.968.7772 — Conway: 501.327.1772 — luxurypoolarkansas.com Luxury Pool & Spa of Arkansas
Southern Interiors FACE OF REMODELING
(Photo by DeWaine Duncan)
Founders Brian and Donna Hagewood, center, with daughter Alyssa and son Hunter
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eaps of faith are never guaranteed to succeed, but Brian and Donna Hagewood have proven that hard work and the right team can make all the difference. At just 24 years old, Brian made the decision to start his own business, joined by his wife, Donna, and bringing their young family along for the ride. With Southern Interiors fast approaching three decades — and the next generation having joined the team — the Hagewoods have turned the business into a destination for all one’s home improvement and renovation needs. Southern Interiors has garnered a reputation for exceptional quality, customer service and design expertise. Brian’s time in the industry goes all the way back to high school, when he worked in a flooring warehouse before moving to outside sales. That depth of experience allows
him to better understand the needs of his customers and what it takes to complete each project. The team at Southern Interiors relishes the opportunity to walk with clients through every step for renovations that meets their performance needs, design wishes and budget. The Hagewoods set a high standard of excellence for every part of their business, from the Sherwood showroom to each client’s home. Southern Interiors offers an unmatched variety of materials and a state-ofthe-art design process, while a team of licensed general contractors ensures that the installations exceed client expectations. Flooring, countertops, kitchen and bath — there is no corner of the home that Southern Interiors cannot redesign, remodel and refresh into a homeowner’s dream space.
Southern Interiors — 501.214.0268 — southerninteriorsfa.com Southern Interiors
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River Rock Realty Co. FACE OF RESIDENTIAL REAL ESTATE
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ittle Rock native Jamie Hoffman spent the first part of his career as a certified public accountant, but after flipping a couple of houses and managing a few investment properties, there was no denying his passion for the real estate business. Hoffman now leads a roster of talented professionals with more than 50 years of combined experience in residential and multifamily property management and sales. “Over the years, the vision has stayed pretty simple,” he said. “We want to do good work, take care of people and leave things better than we found them. Real estate is ultimately a people business, and that's what I've always enjoyed most about it.” No two days are the same for central Arkansas’ leading residential property management team. Over the years, he and his team have helped scores of families find homes they love, solved countless problems for property owners
and tenants, and renovated a number of properties. Behind every home sold, tenant helped and project tackled is the Hoffman Team’s belief in helping people and taking great care of the places entrusted to them. “It's rewarding to see what can happen when you invest time and effort into a property,” Hoffman said. “Knowing you've had a small part in improving a property and the neighborhood around it is pretty special.” Hoffman said he feels fortunate to do what he loves every day in a city and community that has given so much to his family. As the area continues to grow, he and his team look forward to finding new ways to serve clients, improve properties and invest in the communities they care about. “At the end of the day, I hope we're known for being dependable, easy to work with and always willing to go the extra mile,” Hoffman said.
River Rock Realty Co. — 501.232.8964 — hoffmanteamrealestate.com
Presbyterian Village FACE OF RETIREMENT LIVING
Chris Marsh, executive director, from left, Steve Lewellen, director of health care, and Dawn Yakoubian, director of housing
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ounded on Christian principles and sponsored by nine Presbyterian churches in the greater Little Rock area, Presbyterian Village was established in 1965 to provide a welcoming environment where seniors could live with dignity, security and purpose. Setting it apart from other retirement communities is not merely a high standard of service across a choice of living arrangements. Just as key are the opportunities for friendship, spiritual growth and engaging experiences that bring joy to everyday life. Located in the heart of Little Rock, the Presbyterian Village campus offers independent living cottages and the Lodge, as well as assisted living, skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation. Residents enjoy the convenience of an on-site chapel, dining options, engaging activities and programs, beautiful outdoor courtyards, and opportunities to stay active, connected and involved. A five-star rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, along with numerous
industry accolades, further reflects the Presbyterian Village team’s commitment to exceptional care. The impact of that dedication can be seen throughout the campus. Residents develop friendships, discover new interests and find a renewed sense of community belonging. Couples can continue sharing daily life at the Village, even as their individual needs change. Meanwhile, rehabilitation patients regain strength and return home, all while families experience peace of mind knowing their loved ones are in excellent hands. As a nonprofit organization, Presbyterian Village is uniquely positioned to prioritize residents over profits. In addition, partnerships with churches, volunteers, healthcare professionals and educational institutions create opportunities for enriching connections across generations. Proving that growing older does not mean leaving behind what makes life meaningful, Presbyterian Village celebrates the opportunities, friendships and experiences that make every season of life worth embracing.
Presbyterian Village — 501.225.1615 — presbyvillage.org Presbyterian Village Little Rock
Stage 13 Foundation for the Performing Arts FACE OF THEATER ARTS
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tage 13 began with 13 people who took a risk, deciding to walk away from their livelihoods rather than compromise their belief in what the performing arts could and should be. Led by co-executive directors Alyson Courtney and Warren McCullough, that ambitious group has built much more than a theater company — Stage 13 is a place where students have opportunities regardless of circumstance, artists can build successful careers, and a passionate team of board members, staff, teachers, actors and students help shape Arkansas’ identity and economic future. “From the beginning, we set out to invest in dreams, to change lives and put audiences at the center of unforgettable experiences,” McCullough said. “Our goal was not to just create another nonprofit arts organization but to be a catalyst for what the performing arts can mean to a community and its youth.” Thanks to the support of donors and other ardent believers in that vision, Stage 13 has grown impressively. The group
has three facilities, including The Stage 13 Academy, The Sheridan Posey Performance Center and a 5,000-squarefoot build shop. Over a little more than a year, Stage 13 has produced four musicals, organized 64 performances and showcases, and grown to reach more than 5,000 students annually across 73 schools in 10 Arkansas counties. The group has also awarded more than 200 scholarships, established 40 education programs, forged dozens of partnerships and created a preprofessional company unlike anything else in the region. “Stage 13 is gaining the attention of business leaders, lawmakers and arts organizations, and they’re taking notice of what we're building in Arkansas,” Courtney said. “On any given day, we're training young artists, producing professional-quality theater, creating jobs and developing opportunities that simply didn't exist before — and none of it happens without people who believe it's worth investing in.”
Stage 13 Foundation for the Performing Arts — 501.725.0113 — stage13.org Stage 13
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Smile Arkansas
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THE FACE OF VENEERS
eaded by Dr. Jahon Zehtaban, Smile Arkansas provides stateof-the-art, comprehensive dentistry services to patients in Little Rock and beyond. Zehtaban’s vision for the practice, he said, is to combine exceptional clinical training and the highest-quality materials to deliver a truly elevated dental experience. At Smile Arkansas, comfortable, personalized care and beautiful, natural-looking results go hand in hand so patients have the confidence to share their smiles with the world. “We believe excellence is found in the little things,” Zehtaban said. “Our team takes pride in never cutting corners and ensuring that every patient receives the same level of attention, precision and care that we would want for our own families.” In addition to general dental care, the practice specializes in cosmetic and restorative procedures designed to give patients their ideal healthy and beautiful smiles. One way the team accomplishes that is with innovative no-prep veneers, which can offer the aesthetic results a patient seeks in as little as two appointments while preserving the surface of one’s natural teeth. While the physical transformation of a patient’s smile is often remarkable, Zehtaban said the emotional impact is what means the most to him and his team. “We have patients who have spent years hiding their teeth in photographs, covering their mouths when they laugh or simply feeling self-conscious in social situations,” he said. “Knowing that our work can help someone feel more confident, comfortable and happy in their everyday life is what makes this profession so rewarding.”
Dr. Jahon Zehtaban with staff, clockwise, Becca Dycus, Miranda Motsinger, Yahaira Esquivel, Deanne Wallace and Erin Williams
Smile Arkansas — 501.821.4200 — smilearkansas.com Smile Arkansas
The Avenue Veterinary Co.
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FACE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
xceptional pet care starts with people. Dr. Julianne Fletcher Martin founded The Avenue Veterinary Co. in Sherwood with the belief that quality veterinary services should not come at the expense of the people providing it, nor should they be out of reach for everyday families. “My vision was to build a practice where patients receive extraordinary care, clients feel genuinely supported, veterinary professionals are valued, and collaboration, not competition, among our local veterinary community raises the standard of care for everyone,” Martin said. Martin and her team are redefining the culture of veterinary medicine to put relationships — between clients and providers, leadership and staff, and even among fellow practice owners — at the forefront. Martin said she has seen firsthand how that approach can change the way people feel about their work and the level of care they provide as a result. “Collaboration doesn’t diminish excellence; it elevates an entire profession,” Martin said. “My hope is that by leading with kindness and choosing collaboration over competition, we inspire others in our profession to do the same.” The decision of where to take one’s pet for veterinary care is not one to be taken lightly. Martin said she encourages owners to ask questions and choose a provider who communicates openly and is not afraid to admit when they do not have all the answers. For her part, Martin makes frequent use of a dry-erase board when explaining complicated medical conditions, though she added, “My artistic abilities are not why I went to veterinary school.” “Communication is everything,” Martin said. “I want clients to feel comfortable asking questions, advocating for their pets and discussing their circumstances without fear of judgment. My goal is for every client to leave feeling heard, informed and confident in the decisions we make together.”
Julianne Fletcher Martin, DVM, FOUNDER
The Avenue Veterinary Co. — 501.834.8387 — theavenueveterinaryco.com The Avenue Veterinary Co.
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Victims’ Rights Arkansas FACE OF VICTIMS’ RIGHTS
Laura Abbott, founder
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s recently as 2012, victims of crime in Arkansas would struggle to find one comprehensive guide to resources or an organization dedicated to helping them obtain support in the wake of their experiences. Victims’ Rights Arkansas was founded to fill that gap, offering survivors easy-to-understand information and connecting them to resources that support safety, stability and healing. “Our vision is to help survivors access their rights and resources as early as possible, supporting their journey toward becoming as whole as possible after victimization,” said founder Laura Abbott, who entered the victims’ rights space after her own experiences with the judicial system. “We want every survivor to know there is help, they have rights, and they are not alone.” The grassroots organization works to make a wealth of resources available, whether championing nonprofits that specialize in serving victims of a particular type of crime or serving as a liaison between victims and various government
agencies. Abbott is also active in advocating for enforceable victims’ rights policy and has collaborated on more than a dozen state and federal laws. “Those milestones matter, but so do the individual moments: someone finding a resource, a student recognizing an unhealthy relationship or a survivor feeling heard,” Abbott said. “For me, impact includes both reaching communities and helping one person take a next step.” One prime example of that impact is Laura’s Card, Arkansas’ victims’ rights card. More than 200,000 have been distributed since the card’s creation, putting crucial information and resources in the hands of people who need them most. “Being a face of this movement is an honor and a responsibility,” Abbott said. “With information, support and encouragement, survivors can take steps that make a difference in their own lives and the lives of others.”
Victims’ Rights Arkansas — 501.992.7171 — victimsrightsar.com
Plentywoods Venue
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FACE OF WEDDING VENUES
he Marley family has made a living off the land in northwest Arkansas for four generations, raising cattle and poultry. For owner Marsha Marley, Plentywoods Venue in Elkins is yet one more example of how the land provides — in this case providing breathtaking views and the ideal locale for one’s dream wedding. Even the inspiration for Plentywoods itself came from the family’s firsthand experience of the area’s natural beauty. “In 2020, our youngest daughter, Morgan [Boecker], got married in the field where the venue now stands,” Marley said. “While the idea of hosting weddings stayed in the back of our minds, another daughter’s engagement set the plans into motion. Concrete was poured in October 2022, and the first wedding was held for daughter Kara on May 6, 2023.” The venue has continued to grow since then, and Boecker recently joined the team full time. Maintaining the space and juggling business operations present a sizable workload, and that is on top of the pressures of pulling off once-in-a-lifetime celebrations for a different couple every weekend. While not everyone sees all the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into such an operation, the Plentywoods team works tirelessly to anticipate obstacles and smooth over any potential complications long before they reach the bride and groom. Whether through hands-on support, transparent pricing or amenities designed to make a couple’s day easier, every detail at Plentywoods points back to the venue’s founding vision: Family matters. “We love hosting couples on the day their family begins — their wedding day,” Marley said. “We never want to lose the magic of wedding day because marriage is sacred. Our property is our home, and each client and their guests are welcomed like family.”
Marsha Marley, left, and Morgan Boecker
Plentywoods Venue — 479.841.7770 — plentywoodsvenue.com Plentywoods Venue
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Beyond Wellness THE FACE OF WELLNESS
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any factors lie at the root of wellness, and it takes more than a passing glance at a single symptom or lab value to find it. Beyond Wellness owners Matt and Ashley Huneycutt saw the need for a more personalized approach where providers had the time and resources to explore the bigger picture of a patient’s health. Their holistic health clinics were founded out of a desire to create a different kind of experience — one where patients felt heard, cared for and empowered to take an active role in their health. “Our vision was to bring together traditional medicine, holistic and preventive care, wellness, and aesthetics under one roof while creating an experience that feels personal, welcoming and elevated,” Ashley said. “Ultimately, we wanted to build the kind of healthcare experience we would want for ourselves and our own families.”
The results of that transformative approach are hard to argue with. The Beyond Wellness team has seen patients throughout Arkansas regain energy, improve their health, feel more confident, better understand what is happening in their bodies and become more proactive about their longterm wellness. Beyond Wellness serves patients ranging from young adulthood well into their later years, and Ashley said the impacts of holistic, person-centered care are often emotional, as well as physical. “There is tremendous value in feeling heard and knowing that someone is willing to keep searching for answers with you,” she said. “More than anything, we hope Beyond Wellness represents possibility — the possibility of being proactive about your health, understanding your body better and feeling your best at every stage of life.”
Beyond Wellness — 501.476.7171 — beyondwellnessar.com beyondwellnessar
Caldwell Law Firm THE FACE OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION LAW
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Andy L. Caldwell, ATTORNEY
ndy L. Caldwell has been practicing law since 1999. After entering the field of workers’ compensation, Caldwell saw that many individuals were not getting the benefits to which they were entitled, and he set out to change that. Ever since, the goal of Caldwell Law Firm has been fighting for the benefits of injured workers, helping them return to work and provide for their families. “When an injured worker is wrongfully denied workers’ compensation benefits, they cannot work, they cannot get the necessary medical treatment and they are not receiving benefits, so they have no means by which to provide for their families. It is my mission to help the injured workers of
this state get the benefits to which they are entitled so they can return to work and provide for their families.” Workers’ compensation can be a confusing process, one made even more difficult when dealing with an injury and uncertain income. The Caldwell Law Firm team works to make the challenging time more manageable by providing clear communication and expert advice. A detail-oriented problem solver, Caldwell has become a leader in workers’ compensation law. He has lectured to Fortune 500 companies, insurance carriers and members of the bar about topics such as the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act and legal ethics.
Caldwell Law Firm — 501.500.5512 — caldwelllawfirm.org
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Keeping the Tradition GLOWING Little Rock Zoo’s holiday lantern festival returns with new displays By ALEX HARDGRAVE // Photos courtesy of LITTLE ROCK ZOO
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LIONS
and TIGERS and
LANTERNS
oh my!
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he Little Rock Zoo’s GloWild lantern festival is returning this fall, bringing a unique holiday light experience everyone can enjoy and supporting animal conservation in the process. “GloWild has quickly become an exciting holiday event for families in central Arkansas and has turned into the largest holiday event in the area,” said Susan Altrui, executive director of the zoo. “It has truly become a holiday tradition for families.” The lantern display is full of new pieces this year, so even if people have come in the past, they can expect something new. Also, the event is being offered earlier than ever in 2026; opening weekend takes place Oct. 29. Children are encouraged to come dressed in costumes and be on the lookout for special characters throughout the park that night. GloWild will run on select nights until Jan. 3. General admission for the event is separate from a daytime ticket to the zoo; for pricing visit littlerockzoo.com. Discount tickets are
available for those with a SNAP card. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, and there are also deals for group tickets. Last admission is 8:30 p.m. each evening during that run, and the park closes at 9 p.m., so visitors are encouraged to get there early in the evening to have plenty of time to walk through the displays. The lanterns are created in partnership with Tianyu Arts & Culture, a company that specializes in making Chinese lanterns lit up by LED lights and customized to showcase the zoo’s landscape and design. “We saw that there was a demand for some type of light event in central Arkansas — and especially in Little Rock — so we wanted to fill that demand,” Altrui said. “We wanted to do something unique and something that also celebrated the animal kingdom and conservation.” The display also features a holiday vignette sponsored by AY Media Group. Some of the displays move, others are interactive, and all are great opportunities for photos. Not only will
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guests get to walk through and experience the lanterns throughout the park, but there will also be glow swings, s’mores and pictures with Santa. Guests are encouraged to take their time walking the path, admiring the displays and enjoying the zoo in a whole new light. “We’re able to showcase animals in a beautiful and unique way, and I think that families have really come to enjoy that,” Altrui said. GloWild is one of the zoo’s largest annual fundraisers, bringing in more than 50,000 guests last year and netting $450,000 for the Arkansas Zoological Foundation. Proceeds go toward animal care, conservation programs, educational experiences and supporting the future of the zoo. “Every time you’re coming to GloWild, you’re contributing to helping grow and develop the zoo,” she said. The Zoological Foundation raises funds for the Little Rock Zoo, recently contributing $1.2 million, which will be spent on a revamp of the entrance. The new entrance will have
arts&culture
Each year, GloWild brings a new and even more dynamic set of displays to the Little Rock Zoo.
two water features, a sculpture and an updated design, the zoo’s website states. “When the guests enter, there will be a new experience for them,” Altrui said. “It’s a very ambitious project and will give a very nice facelift to the zoo.” That is just one part of the ongoing renovations that are part of the zoo’s Wildly Reimagined capital project, which will bring more than $12 million of improvements to the facilities, making a better experience for animals and guests alike. The zoo will unveil the changes in spring 2027. Other parts of the project include rebuilding the lemur habitat and building a new squirrel monkey exhibit, a new anteater habitat, a capybara exhibit and a tortoise habitat where guests will be able to feed the tortoises. “Most recently, [the foundation] helped us with the new colobus monkey exhibit and the capybara habitat,” Altrui said.
She also credited the foundation’s financial support with other large additions to the zoo over the past decade, including the cheetah habitat and penguin habitat. “They’re very active and engaged in making the zoo better,” she said. The work and money put into the zoo has allowed it to stay accredited by the Association of Zoos & Aquariums for 25 years. The credential shows the zoo’s commitment to sustainability and excellence, as well as the hard work of generations of volunteers, community partners and supporters who helped the zoo reach the AZA accreditation standards, the zoo’s website states. The Little Rock Zoo also plays an important role in teaching children about animals and encouraging communities to protect and conserve animal habitats. “There’s just something about seeing an animal up close and personal that you can’t get
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from a textbook or from a screen,” Altrui said. Not only does the zoo work to support animals, but it also supports the people living in the Little Rock community. “Zoos provide a tremendous economic impact from the communities they serve,” Altrui said. “We attract about 70 percent of our visitors from outside of the Little Rock area, so that creates a tremendous economic impact in our area.” GloWild is closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, but the zoo will have a big GloWild New Year’s Eve celebration that Altrui said guests will not want to miss. Check out the zoo’s social media and website for more information about the event and to buy tickets. “When you’re walking through the zoo, you get to experience all of these amazing, beautiful, magical things up close and personal,” she said. “It’s an amazing time for families to come and enjoy the holiday season.” aymag.com
GLOWILD! KEEP THE
TRADITION
GLOWING SELECT NIGHTS OCTOBER 29 JANUARY 3
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Get Tickets Here
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people
A Life in
Television
By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos courtesy of LANCE BARROW
For decades, Lance Barrow chronicled history through sports
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ardly anyone alive today personally remembers the Berlin Olympics of 1936, witnessed the Princeton Tigers-Columbia Lions baseball game three years later or, frankly, cares about a football game played between Waynesburg College and Fordham in 1939. In the annals of sports media history, however, the three events stand out as the big bang in the history of communications, the very first sports events to be broadcast over a promising new medium known as television. Relatively few people received those seminal broadcasts, but it did not take long to see that a revolution had been set in motion. By the 1950s, sports broadcasting would quicken its pace and lengthen its stride, and with the advent of instant replay in the 1960s, the die was cast for what is today a multibillion-dollar industry. Few individuals have had as great an impact on sports programming’s rise from mere distraction to an indispensable element of American life as Lance Barrow, who first began his full-time career at CBS Sports 50 years ago. During his career, he headed two of the network’s most prominent and lucrative franchises — professional golf and the National Football League — where he rode herd over broadcasts that captured some of the most memorable moments in sports history. Like many of his generation, Barrow grew up enamored with sports as diversion, tradition and avocation. Raised on a dairy farm in Colleyville, Texas, outside Fort Worth, he played sports, attended Texas Christian University football games with his family, and made a few bucks as a caddy at the local golf course. That triumvirate coalesced in high school when, on the promise he would keep his grades up, his parents allowed him to caddy the Colonial National Invitation Tournament in Fort Worth. His player missed the cut, leaving the weekend for Barrow to look around for something else to do, and that is where he and television met each other for the first time. “I said I’d worked for [ABC] before even though I hadn’t,” he said. “I got a job running lower-third graphics. That’s what started my career.” Following high school graduation, the pattern continued largely unabated as Barrow played football and baseball at the University of Wisconsin and, later, at Abilene Christian in Texas while working for ABC Sports whenever he could and spending summers caddying for Jim Simons on the PGA Tour. During his junior year of college, Barrow approached then-CBS Sports associate producer Chuck Will to ask for a job at the golf tournament that week and was put to work as a spotter for broadcast legend and notable Arkansan Pat Summerall. Graduating college in 1978, Barrow joined the CBS Broadcast Associates entry-level program in New York, and the rest is history. Today, his resume reads like a list of mandatory viewing for any serious sports fan. Five decades put his fingerprints all over monumental sporting events and programming, including The NFL on CBS pregame, Sunday NFL coverage, Thursday Night Football and multiple Super Bowls. He worked two Olympics, multiple Masters and other golf majors, with auto racing, U.S. Open tennis and NCAA Finals Fours and championship games thrown in for good measure. Mentored by titans of the business and working alongside a litany of hallof-fame talent in the booth, Barrow earned 13 Emmys plus industry awards and accolades enough to fill stadiums. Among them are Sports Broadcasting Hall of Fame (2023), Texas Golf Hall of Fame (2013), the first Gene Sarazen Spirit Award presented by the Professional Caddie Association (2007) and the Abilene Christian Sports Hall of Fame (2017). Now, in arguably the most historic year in Little Rock Touchdown Club history, he will take his place on the dais Nov. 16 to share what he has seen over decades as the central conduit for the athletes that made the moment, the legendary announcers who described it and the hundreds of television professionals that captured it for all time. Barrow sat down with AY About You to talk sports, the media and his place in history.
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AY ABOUT YOU: What role did sports play in your life growing up? LANCE BARROW: I love sports. Growing up, my ambition was to play college athletics. My older brother’s quite a bit older than I am, as are my boy cousins. I was a little kid, and I wanted a chance to be able to be with them and play athletics and stuff like that, so I learned to catch some of the hardest-thrown footballs and baseballs thrown at me because they were 16, 15, 14 years old, and they were going to make me tough. AY: It is hard to imagine today a kid as young as you were simply walking into a job with a network. How did that come about? BARROW: My parents had a rule: If I made good grades in school, I could miss a week and caddy at Colonial. I noticed all these young people running around at Colonial with ABC Sports badges on, and my senior year of high school, the guy I was caddying for missed a cut. I went there Saturday morning and talked my way into working. That was it. When I was in college, I worked for ABC Sports, and I caddied one or two summers on the PGA Tour for a golfer named Jim Simons, who played at Wake Forest with Lanny Wadkins and Jay Haas and Curtis Strange. He actually led the U.S. Open when he was an amateur going into the final round. Anyway, the Byron Nelson tournament in Dallas and the Colonial in Fort Worth were always the end of May. A friend of mine said CBS is looking for people to work at Colonial, so I went out to where CBS Sports still parks their
people work for you this week. Any advice you want to give me? Anything you want to tell me?” He looked at me, and he said, “Don’t get excited, don’t call me Mr. Summerall, and hand me a beer out of that cooler.” That started a six-year relationship where I went all over the country and the world with Pat Summerall. I learned later that Pat told Chuck, “Let’s get that kid out here as much as we can because I think he’s going to do something in our industry.” You know, I learned so much from Pat because he never made me feel like I was working for him. He always had me to dinner. He always had me involved in everything. It was amazing working for Pat Summerall and then, later, for Pat and John Madden. AY: You are distinguished in your career for being one of the very few who was over two sports simultaneously at CBS, football and golf, two very different sports. What made you equally good at producing both of those? BARROW: I never really thought of it that way. I just did it, you know? I never really thought how I was doing it. I had an unbelievable team around me — announcers, men and women in production, technical people who were the best that this business had ever seen.
Over a 50-year career in sports broadcasting, Lance Barrow has covered everything from the Super Bowl to the Masters.
trucks at the Colonial on Mockingbird Lane right off the 15th fairway, and there was a gentleman named Chuck Will, a legendary guy in our industry. He was sunning himself. When I asked him if I could work for him, he never looked at me, never opened his eyes. He just said, “Come back on Thursday, and I’ll find you something to do.” AY: Little did you know that would land you with Pat Summerall. BARROW: Yeah, I came into the office on Thursday, and Chuck told me that, and then he said, “The reason I’m doing this is Pat’s a Southerner; you’re a Southerner. Pat played football; I hear you play football now in college. Plus you’re a big guy, and the wind blows hard here in Fort Worth, and you’ll keep the 18th tower from blowing away. I go, “OK, what am I going to do?” He said, “You’ll figure it out.” It was like, “Here, let me throw you in the deep end at the pool, and if you can come out of the pool, you’re fine.” I’ll never forget, on the way out of the trailer, he stopped me and said, “Hey, young man, I’m going to tell you this: You’re not going to meet a man like Pat Summerall in this business very often.” I can honestly say I have not met very many Pat Summeralls in this business. AY: What was meeting him for the first time like? BARROW: I’m walking over there the whole time thinking, “What in the world? Pat Summerall? What am I going to do?” I was just scared to death, and I get there, and all of a sudden, the tower starts shaking, and there’s Pat Summerall. For me, it was like what David must have felt like when he saw Goliath, only I didn’t have the six stones that David had brought in from the stream in a slingshot. Anyway, I said, “Mr. Summerall, I’m Lance Barrow, and I’m going to
AY: Did you ever get awestruck by any venue or any moment? BARROW: It’s hard to describe. We’re there trying to put on the best broadcast, the best event that we can. I always tried to be a great partner in that. When you’re doing the Super Bowl and people are telling you how big a deal it is to do the Super Bowl, you don’t have to be told that. You know what you’re doing. That said, I got to be involved with two Winter Olympics at CBS, and for the first one, I was involved with the opening and closing ceremonies. When they started that music in the opening ceremony, I’m thinking, “I grew up on a dairy farm right by the Dallas-Fort Worth airport. I never thought I would be sitting in a TV truck outside a stadium in Alberta, France, getting ready to do the Olympics.” There were a few moments like that where I got emotional, like when one of my closest friends, Davis Love III, won the 1997 PGA Championship, but you can’t get involved as a fan. If you get involved as a fan, you can’t do your job. A lot of times, I’d get on planes, and somebody would say, “Did you do the game today? Who won?” “Oh, Cowboys.” “What was the score?” “I have no idea.” It’s kind of like what Nick Saban always talked about, how each play is the most important play. AY: I saw your career described as covering golf ’s golden age. Do you agree? BARROW: Well, I don’t know if I’d make that statement. In the ‘50s, we had Arnold Palmer, and TV loved Arnold Palmer, and Arnold Palmer loved TV. Then, all of a sudden, here comes Jack Nicklaus, and then there’s Tom Watson and Lee Trevino and then Greg Norman and John Daly and on and on, people that actually made the needle move. In my time at CBS, I had a guy named Tiger Woods. People watched when Tiger Woods was playing. I used to say Tiger took golf from the third, fourth or fifth page of the sports page to the front of the newspaper. I was just fortunate to be the guy at CBS that had the opportunity to cover him. It was the same way with the NFL. I was fortunate enough to take over football when we had Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Ben Roethlisberger, Philip Rivers, Brett Favre. I could keep going on and on with great, great quarterbacks during that era. AY: Finally, your thoughts on appearing at the Little Rock Touchdown Club? BARROW: I love Little Rock. There’s two men from there that were and still are very influential in my life. One was the late Jack Stephens who, like I’ve said to many people, would be on my Mount Rushmore of individuals in my life. The other is Joe Ford, who was one of my greatest advisors. I’m thankful that Jack put Joe in my life when I took over at Augusta. All I wish is I wish Pat Summerall would know I was doing this. He would just shake his head and go, “I can’t believe it.”
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STRONG ENOUGH By MARK CARTER
ESPN broadcaster, set for LRTDC appearance, believes college football will endure ‘stupid’
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att Stinchcomb believes college football remains strong enough to withstand “a lot of stupid.” There has been much of it over the past several years; name, image and likeness, the transfer portal, and direct payments to players have changed the sport in a way that no one seems to like, aside from those making the money. Stinchcomb, an SEC college football analyst for ESPNU and the SEC Network, will be in Little Rock Nov. 23 to close out the Little Rock Touchdown Club’s 2026 fall speaker series. A former allAmerican offensive lineman for Georgia who played in the NFL for eight years with the Raiders and Buccaneers, he worked the Arkansas-Vanderbilt game in Nashville Oct. 17. Stinchcomb played for Georgia from 1995 to 1998, when the SEC schedule did not pair Georgia with Arkansas — he said LSU was the furthest west he got during his college playing days — but he does have a connection to the Natural State. He is a partner in Atlanta-based Sterling Seacrest Pritchard, a commercial insurance firm with an office in North Little Rock.
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people his rookie season with a shoulder injury and then started the first eight games of Year 2 in Oakland before more injuries led to a move inside at guard and center. Eventually traded to Tampa Bay, Stinchcomb started every game of the 2004 season, his only fully healthy season. Complications from shoulder surgery that led to blood clots and a heart condition forced his retirement following the 2006 season. The Lilburn, Georgia, native made the most of his collegiate opportunity, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration in finance summa cum laude from Georgia and graduating from the Harvard Business School Executive Education Business Management & Entrepreneurial Program in Boston. Since his playing days, Stinchcomb has also been highly active in local charities in and around the Atlanta metro. Football, however, runs in the Stinchcomb veins. Matt’s younger brother, Jon, was also an All-American tackle at UGA who spent eight seasons in the league with the Saints and was a starter on the squad that won the Super Bowl following the 2009 season. Despite a strong dislike of the media earlier in his life — bad apples and all — Stinchcomb has excelled in his broadcasting career. “It was never a dream, never a goal of mine,” he said, “but it is a ton of fun — getting to cover this conference, especially.” Stinchcomb’s broadcasting career began with calling high school games in his home state after he retired from the NFL following the 2006 season. That led to work with ESPN Radio out of Atlanta. He hopped on the ESPN broadcast wagon in 2009, when the SEC Network was in its infancy and existed as a syndicated network without its own dedicated channel. Stinchcomb said two games stand out in his broadcasting career for their wild finishes: the 2018 Texas A&M win over LSU in seven overtimes and the Vanderbilt-NC State game earlier this season in Nashville. He remembers the game in College Station because LSU players gave then-head coach Ed Orgeron a Gatorade bath following an interception — which was overturned on review — that had apparently won the game for the Tigers. The game ended up going seven extra periods. The Aggies prevailed 74-72, tying a record for longest college game played and setting a record for points scored in an SEC game. (Arkansas, of course, is the OG of seven-overtime games, if not college OT in general.) The Vandy-NC State game in September was notable for the Commodores’ fumble recovery in the Wolfpack end zone on the last play of the game. NC State was up 31-28 and faced a fourth and 7 from its own 4 with seven seconds left to play. Rather than risk a punt out of the back of its own end zone, NC State ‘s quarterback tried to burn a few seconds with the intention of taking a safety. The ball came out as he went down, however, and Vandy recovered for the winning score. Stinchcomb said that finish, played in Music City, was the wildest he had seen, period, until the NFL’s Commanders and Giants did the Wolfpack one better in a 27-27 tie Oct. 11. The Commanders were in field-goal position with about 50 seconds Matt Stinchcomb to play in overtime yet ended up letting the clock expire without One of his partners is former Georgia quarterback David even attempting a kick. Greene, who guided the Bulldogs to an NCAA record 42 wins in Even that wacky ending, though, is nothing compared to the current four seasons from 2001 to 2005. state of college football, where what rules remain are not enforced and At Georgia, Stinchcomb was a two-time All-American selecprograms literally bid on players. Stinchcomb said he is ready for some tion at offensive tackle and a Lombardi Award finalist. He was semblance of stability. inducted into the University of Georgia Circle of Honor and is a “The current system is not very efficient,” he said. “I’d even say it’s the member of the SEC Legends Class of 2009. most inefficient system there has ever been in sports.” He was also named to the SEC All-Decade team of the 1990s Federal legislation passed earlier this year by the Senate and now and made a permanent UGA team captain. awaiting action in the House would begin to put up guardrails such as Stinchcomb had an eight-year run in the NFL cut short by spending caps, modifying transfer rules, creating a five-year eligibility multiple injuries. He was a first-round pick of the then-Oakland window, adopting a federal NIL framework that would supersede wildly Raiders, the 18th pick overall of the 1999 NFL draft. He missed divergent state laws, capping agents’ fees and more.
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“Almost anything would be better than what we have now,” Stinchcomb said. “[The pending legislation] offers some level of consistency.” Stinchcomb had yet to see Arkansas play when he was interviewed by AY About You but said he was looking forward to what he believed would be a good, competitive game against the Commodores. His next stop following the interview was Nashville for that game, which Arkansas won, 31-21. Stinchcomb said Arkansas absolutely can turn things around, although he believes the “Indiana model” — the quick doormat-to-juggernaut transformation — held up these
Matt Stinchcomb is a former all-American offensive lineman for Georgia who played in the NFL for eight years with the Raiders and Buccaneers before becoming an SEC college football analyst for ESPNU and the SEC Network.
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days by fans of programs such as Arkansas is not realistic for the SEC. For Indiana, it was the coalescence of hiring the right coach at the right time and a Mark Cuban-infused round of capital. According to The Athletic, IU sits roughly at No. 12 among Power 4 schools with a football spending budget of just less than $40 million. Arkansas, as Hog fans know all too well, has a budget in the mid 20s, which puts it about in the top 30 but at the very bottom of the SEC. True to his SEC pedigree, Stinchcomb suggested that Indiana’s schedule helped make the Hoosier run possible. “I don’t know if that’s the model that would work in the SEC,” he said. “I think at least part of [Indiana’s] success was a function of scheduling.” Stinchcomb cited the resurgence of Tennessee football under current coach Josh Heupel and the Vanderbilt turnaround under Clark Lea. “I’ll say this — I didn’t think Tennessee was ever going to come back,” he said. “I was surprised at how quickly Heupel made them a playoff team. I didn’t think Kentucky was going to be as quickly competitive as they are. And Jeff Lebby — he’s got that thing going at Mississippi State.” Lea, a former Vandy player and fan favorite, endured two two-win
seasons at the Commodore helm before the turnaround in Nashville. The Commodores spiked occasionally over the years but were long considered SEC football’s bottom rung. “It can turn,” Stinchcomb said. Stinchcomb said he prefers the Nick Saban model of building up a program. “It’s not how much you spend; it’s who you spend it on,” he said. Georgia and Alabama currently represent the SEC’s two national title contenders — the league’s two most complete teams so far, he said, adding a caveat about a lot of games left to be played. College football’s Wild West days may be numbered, but Stinchcomb said he is having a blast week to week because no one knows what is going to happen — with NCAA legislation or the product on the field. All the changes can be hard to digest, he said, but ultimately, sports are “entertainment.” His transition to the studio and booth was a smooth one. He said calling games for television broadcasts is a study in embracing the unexpected and being able to shift on the fly. “It can be a lot like rodeo,” he said. “You don’t really know, once that chute opens, what you’re going to ride. You don’t really know who’s going to show up. This year has been a lot of fun week to week.”
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Natural A By DOUG CRISE // Photos courtesy of ARKANSAS ATHLETICS
Former Hog Frank Ragnow to discuss successful college and NFL career at LRTDC
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ying about 15 miles southwest of Minneapolis, Chanhassen, Minnesota, is quite a ways from Arkansas no matter how one draws it on a map. Befitting a town in the land of 10,000 lakes, a good 2 square miles in Chanhassen is covered by water, and with that comes five public beaches and innumerable spots to cast a fishing line. Though Southerners like to claim their region as tops for outdoor activities — not without some good reason — Minnesotans are dyed-inthe-wool hunting and fishing enthusiasts, cold winters be damned. What does all of that have to do with Frank Ragnow? Well, plenty. Though a lifelong Northerner, Ragnow — Chanhassen High School class of 2014 —fits hand in glove with the Natural State. As a center on the University of Arkansas football team from 2014 to 2017, he was a focal point for Hogs teams known for physical offensive lines that pried open gaps for a power-packed run game. For Ragnow, who will speak to the Little Rock Touchdown Club on Nov. 9, his time in Arkansas sometimes feels like a detour. After all, after having been born and raised in Minnesota, Ragnow would go on to a seven-year NFL career in nearby Michigan, making four Pro Bowls as a member of the Detroit Lions. Yet there is Ragnow, on his Instagram page, in photograph after photograph displaying the results of countless fishing and hunting trips. Some of Ragnow’s catches on the water are big enough to almost look unreal, and that is meant as a compliment. The same goes for some of the bucks he has felled as a bow-hunting enthusiast. The one constant in all the photos, fish or mammal, is the mile-wide grin on Ragnow’s face. Ragnow may have only spent a brief time in Arkansas, but the photos help explain why he made the choice to become a Razorback despite offers from his home state Minnesota Golden Gophers and regional powers Wisconsin and Ohio State. As a budding outdoorsman, Ragnow was a natural fit for the Natural State, even if the demands of football in Fayetteville limited just how much he could be out and about. That said, Ragnow was also pulled toward Arkansas because the Razorbacks played his game. His time with the Hogs came when the
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program was hanging its hat on then-coach Bret Bielema, himself an immigrant from Big Ten country, and his preference for an offense built around the power-run game. Bielema’s partner in crime for the start of that push was future Arkansas coach Sam Pittman, who handled the Razorbacks’ offensive line play. Befitting somebody with a long and proven track record of finding and developing offensive linemen, Pittman quickly found Ragnow a ready-made, plug-and-play addition to the offensive line room. At 6-5 and more than 300 pounds, Ragnow was a hair taller than the average height of a Southeastern Conference center. Yet he was also the rare sort of freshman big man who had grown into his size and moved with fluidity, displaying the feet of a veteran lineman. All of that led to Ragnow getting to see meaningful action in nine games as a true freshman. Not only were his physical gifts ahead of his age, but his mind was too. Offensive linemen are generally regarded as being near the top when it comes to football savvy, and that goes double for centers, who are often tasked with analyzing the defensive front and calling out any presnap adjustments — all that before the not-so-small matter of cleanly snapping the ball with an inside defender looming right across the line of scrimmage. Ragnow very quickly showed himself to be up to the task, playing his first college snaps during a 2014 season opener in which he registered five knockdown blocks in a home victory over Nicholls State. He ended his first season of college football having played more than 200 snaps with a very-acceptable two flags against him. It was a heady time for the Hogs’ front line; Ragnow helped blast open the holes Razorback running backs Alex Collins and Jonathan Williams would run through for more than 1,000 yards each, the only FBS teammates to hit such a mark. The Razorbacks’ offensive line also led the SEC with only 14 sacks allowed. That 2014 season made Ragnow’s name among the SEC’s coaches, who named him to the all-conference freshman team, and he was firmly entrenched as Arkansas’ center for the next three years. Moving toward the 2018 NFL draft, he offered pro scouts the same physical measurables that made him such an intriguing college prospect, a locked-in makeup of size, quickness and toughness. The Lions drafted Ragnow with the 20th pick in the draft, the first center taken. Yet even after being signed to a life-changing four-year contract worth more than $11 million, he had little time to relax. Then-Detroit coach Matt Patricia felt he already had a starter at center in Graham Glasgow and figured Ragnow’s physical tools would make him a viable guard. Once again, Ragnow’s No. 1 asset was his mind. Despite playing a new position in his rookie year at the highest level of football, he quickly absorbed the demands the change brought with it and, just like his freshman year in Fayetteville, joined the fold quickly, starting in his very first NFL game. Nothing lasts forever, of course, and that particularly goes for the game of football. The window is ever closing, especially for the sort of players absorbing contact on every play. Ragnow inked a four-year, $54 million extension in 2021, but he would only play for two of those years. After 96 games for the Lions, all starts, Ragnow’s body was giving out. He announced his retirement in June 2025 and then reconfirmed his retirement that November after briefly considering a return. “I’ve tried to convince myself that I’m feeling good, but I’m not,” Ragnow wrote on Instagram. “It’s time to prioritize my health and my family’s future.” Today, Ragnow remains every bit of the 6-5 he was in college, but he has shed most of his lineman weight. His days consist of time with his family, his longtime hobby of fishing and his more recently discovered hobby of bow hunting. It is hard to find somebody more deserving of the title of “honorary Arkansan” than he — and not just because of his outdoor pursuits. Ragnow’s impact on the Razorback program was immediate, but very little about his character changed because of it. His unwavering focus and steady personality remained for his entire football career, and he enters the next phase of life with the same approach and same humility. aymag.com
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KEEP THE HOME FIRES BURNING Arkansas sailor leaves home a boy and returns a hero — eight decades later By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos courtesy of NAVY PERSONNEL COMMAND
USS Arizona memorial in Pearl Harbor
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he young man in the photograph gazes softly back at the viewer through large, deep eyes amid his boyish features. Looking at the portrait, culled from a high school yearbook, one imagines the lad as a stockboy at the local general store, tagging along with his father on the farm or looking forward to a school dance the very next weekend. That is, perhaps, what should have been, but during World War II, life was changing not only in the far-off battlefields of Europe and in the skies over England but in cities, towns and hamlets throughout America. As bombs fell and tanks rolled and buildings collapsed, the reverberations could be felt throughout the United States, even in small-town Arkansas. The tremors would tap the shoulder of 17-yearold Royle Luker, the kid in the photo, beckoning him to his life’s first and last big adventure. Luker’s lost innocence would play out far from Arkansas, his homecoming delayed much longer than anyone could have imagined. Royle Bradford Luker was born March 15, 1924. His father, George F. Luker, served in World War I, and that no doubt played a role in his son champing at the bit to join the U.S. military in 1941. Due to his age, his mother, Nettie Estelle (David) Luker, had to grant her permission. Luker arrived at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, where he was assigned a Navy firefighter third class aboard the USS West Virginia. Not much is known about his feelings about being so far from home, save for one handed-down family story recently reprinted by Military.com in which
he wrote his parents for the funds to come home to Arkansas for Christmas. Couldn’t afford it was the reply, so Luker stayed put. A few days later came Sunday morning, Dec. 7, 1941. The Empire of Japan launched a surprise attack on the still-neutral United States, bombing the naval base with a ferocity that would destroy or damage 19 U.S. warships and 300 aircraft in less than 90 minutes, the National World War II Museum states. Historians widely regarded the attack as the worst naval disaster in U.S. history and generally place it in the nation’s top three military disasters overall in terms of damage, casualties and political significance. Pearl Harbor drew the United States into the war, launching the Greatest Generation and changing the course of human history forever. There is no way to know what Luker experienced during the chaotic events of that morning. Moored alongside the USS Tennessee in 40 feet of water at Ford Island, the battleship’s port side was an easy target. Two torpedoes, the first of seven total, slammed into her during the opening minutes of the attack, Royle Luker ripping her hull below the waterline. Bombs fell from enemy aircraft, one causing the sections of the superstructure to collapse, reports the National World War II Museum. If he survived the initial onslaught, Luker might have been alongside his firefighter shipmates, fighting a losing battle to extinguish the flames that engulfed parts of the ship. Perhaps he seized an opportunity to shoot back, just like Doris “Dorie” Miller, a sailor who gained fame for valor manning a machine gun despite being assigned as a cook, one of the few ranks open to Black service men.
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The USS West Virginia under attack
Inspection aboard Wee Vee
Doris “Dorie” Miller
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Or Luker might not have made it out of his bunk at all, killed by the initial torpedo blasts that gashed the ship and touched off raging oil fires that military reports later said “burned out the whole area and extended to the foremast structure up to and including the bridge.” However his final moment played out, Luker joined the roll of 2,400 military and civilian dead and 100 of his brethren onboard, the ship cradling his remains as it slowly sunk to the bottom of the harbor. Incredibly, the USS West Virginia, nicknamed Wee Vee, would be repaired and dispatched to fight again in October 1944. Raising the ship from the ocean floor in 1942 also allowed for recovery of her dead. Like many of the fallen, Luker’s unidentified remains were classified as unknown and buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific, also known as the Punchbowl, in Honolulu. Along with a bevy of posthumous military commendations, including Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, World War II Victory Medal, American Campaign Medal, Navy Presidential Unit Citation and others, Luker’s name was also recorded on the Courts of the Missing, denoting a service member who had not yet been returned to his or her family. Back home, life and time marched on. Lukaymag.com
people er’s parents did not talk about their fallen son much, remembered his nephew John Luker, 87, of Plainview and niece Becky Lensing, 75, who lives in Louisiana. “My mom was the baby of the family,” Lensing said. “Her brother, Doyle, used to tease her a lot and pick on her and that kind of thing, but Royle was always real sweet to her. She said he was a really small guy in stature and weight and everything. Other than that, there just wasn’t that much talk about him, really.” John Luker also did not get much information about his fallen uncle. Doyle Luker, his father, came home from the war and was killed in a construction accident when John was just 6 weeks old. “Growing up, I visited my grandparents as often as I could,” he said. “You know, they didn’t spend a lot of time talking about my uncle — or my dad, as far as that goes. I don’t know if it was a painful memory or they just kind of wanted to put it behind them or what. There wasn’t a regular discussion that went on. I knew that [Royle] had been killed during the war, and that’s about all.” Time eventually claimed all who had personally known Royle, and he was relegated to the ranks of a war hero not even his family knew much about. It stayed that way for decades until one day, in 2025, Lensing’s phone rang. The Navy had tried to get ahold of John and another cousin in California but failed, so they called her with news she could scarcely believe. “I got the call that his remains had been identified, and I was just blown away,” she said. “I really didn’t think that would happen because of the things I’d read about the ship.” Lensing connected with Luker, a retired career Army man, who was equally incredulous. “They gave us a very good explanation for how they got there,” he said. “It was really kind of mind-boggling to me that they would have the perseverance to do that for all those years.” According to a story about Royle Luker by Military.com, the effort to identify unknowns from the USS West Virginia began almost 10 years ago, after remains associated with the ship were disinterred for renewed analysis. In all, 35 caskets worth of unidentified remains were exhumed. Scientists at the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency used modern forensic tools to help identify servicemen who had been killed in the attack. That included DNA comparison with family reference samples, efforts that were impossible for decades until advancements in medical science came along. Lensing provided a DNA sample that solved an 85-year-old family mystery. The Navy and DPAA representatives also helped the family through each step of funeral planning and provided a detailed summary of Royle Luker’s service, death and identification. For the subsequent generations who never personally met Royle, the report provides a fascinating account of their long-lost uncle. “We had a meeting with the Navy, and they gave us a long report with all the information, a lot of personal things about him, a lot of stats about him that I didn’t know,” Lensing said. This spring, for the first time in 85 years, Royle Luker was back in the Natural State when the plane carrying his remains landed in Little Rock. John Luker said the fallen hero was met by the Patriot Guard Riders motorcycle club that provided an escort to the funeral home in Dardanelle, along with state patrol along the route. “Rolling thunder,” he said with a grin. The May 30 procession continued to New Bethel Cemetery in Plainview, where Royle was buried alongside his parents with full military honors. Everywhere in Arkansas that an American flag flew, it flew at half-mast by declaration of Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders. During the eulogy, Pastor Louis Anders of Ard The battleship USS West Virginia at sea Community Baptist Church said, “Only two defining forces have ever offered to die for you and I: Jesus, who died for your eternal soul and freeing it from the consequences of your sin, and the American soldier, such as Royle, who died for the freedom you enjoy today.” Dignitaries included the known, such as Sen. Tom Cotton’s father, who presented the family with a flag that had flown over the U.S. Capitol in Luker’s honor, as well as the anonymous and fellow comrades in arms, such as veteran Donald Gohman.
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Salvage operation from the damaged USS West Virginia
“There was something about his story because at the same time he was on the battleship, I was 5,000 feet up in the air,” Gohman, a 102 year-old former World War II pilot, told the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette. “There’s a saying to Navy men, to wish them a fair wind and gentle seas. That’s what I came out to do.” John Luker said of all that has happened with his uncle, he is perhaps most impressed with the way Arkansans turned out to honor a 17-year-old, fallen but never forgotten, who came home a hero. Strangers lined streets, stood along roadways and even showed up at the graveside ceremony. “It was a little bit surreal,” he said. “One of the things that surprised me a little bit was, I don’t want to say the popularity, but the attention that he got here in Arkansas. The escort from Little Rock I think was pretty impressive because it’s my understanding that the biggest town they had to go through was Russellville, but they didn’t really have to go through it.
“The Russellville City Council or the mayor requested that they do go through that city, and they had a big turnout there. The same as for the little town of Plainview, with the number of people that were actually at the ceremony at graveside. It was pretty moving, really.” For Lensing, who attended the service with her family, the chance to say goodbye to a person she had never met brought her a closure she did not know she needed. She said the most memorable moment of the experience came at the hands of the funeral director. “The funeral home director went to the high school and got a picture. I had never seen a picture of him before, and I was just blown away. He was so young. He was in high school,” she said. Then softer, like the mother and grandmother she is, she said, “He was very handsome, I thought. For the first time, I began to feel like I knew him.”
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Freedom Riders Arkansas veterans complete unique road trip with a purpose
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By DWAIN HEBDA // Photos by CHRIS HAUGEN and COLIN GORMAN
o meet them today, Colin Gorman and Chris Haugen come off like pretty ordinary guys. Gorman, a Little Rock native, graduated from Catholic High School for Boys, earned a degree in accounting from Hendrix College in Conway and is today managing partner at EGP, a North Little Rock-based accounting and business consulting firm. Searcy-born Haugen grew up in Conway and now lives the life of a selftaught software engineer in Little Rock. For all of their qualities, neither of them would be mistaken upon first meeting for Hollywood’s idea of action heroes, yet that is exactly where the intriguing story of the two men begins. They met in 1998 while in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and were deployed to Iraq as part of India Company in 2003. “Our unit got called up in early ‘03 and spent the summer on a government vacation to the desert,” Haugen said. “The Wasit Province was our area of operations, and we covered from basically just outside of Baghdad all the way over to the Iranian border.” “We did Albania, which was a very short mission, and then we did Iraq, where we were deployed for nine months,” Gorman said. “We were in-country for about seven.” One element of the two Arkansans’ experience was being relieved to go home by the Ukrainian military, a handoff that allowed both men to interact with their eastern European counterparts. “If you look up the 5th Mechanized Brigade, it tells you about the Ukrainian unit,” Gorman said. “It was part of a United Nations mission. I think they were probably there for six to eight months, and my understanding is they wanted to participate to support democracy. They’d only been a free country for, what, 12 years by that point? Anyway, they showed up, and they started going on patrol with us, and we were, you know, showing them our routes and our interpreters and all that kind of stuff.”
As often happens in war, the cultural and language differences melted away among the soldiers, a point driven home at one juncture in particular. “I remember we were on the Iranian border in this kind of bombedout old castle for Ukraine’s independence day,” Gorman said. “Somehow, they had these 11-ounce cans of vodka that had the old pop tops on them. We’re drinking those, and some Ukrainian guy got a saxophone, and he’s playing. I’m like, man, this set of circumstances is never going to happen again. This is once in a lifetime.” The two Americans came home and went on with their lives, building families and careers. Life was good, if a little dull, following their leaving the military, but patrols and maneuvers faded to memory soon enough anyway. That all changed when the Russians came to Crimea, the seminal event that led to a full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022. What followed — and what is still playing out — is the largest and deadliest war in Europe since World War II, states a June 2026 report by the House of Commons Library. As Stars and Stripes noted in June, combined casualties in the conflict have topped 2 million, the Ukrainians giving at least as good as they get against a much larger foe. Ukrainian casualties are estimated at about 600,000, while the Russians have incurred 1.4 million, the article states. What is more, the home team appears to be pressing the advantage, inflicting 30,000 casualties per month in 2026, exceeding Russia’s estimated recruitment rates of about 27,000 new troops per month. None of that is news to Gorman and Haugen, who have been glued to reporting on the conflict practically since the first shot was fired. “When the Russians did their full-scale invasion in 2022, it hit me pretty personally,” Gorman said. “I was looking for ways to support the effort. Back then, you couldn’t buy Ukrainian flags online, so my wife went to Michaels to get the material, the right colors, and had somebody sew it for us.
Chris Haugen, left and Colin Gorman
The Mitsubishi Barbarian
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War-damaged building in Ukraine
London, where the 1,200 mile journey began
“The lady checking her out at Michaels was like, ‘What are you doing?’ and she said, ‘Well, we’re making Ukrainian flags.’ The clerk was from Ukraine, so that kind of hit her. Anyway, I had that flag made by one of my wife’s friends, and I started flying it at my office downtown in North Little Rock in Argenta.” For the former Marine field officer, who had seriously considered joining the Foreign Legion to fight, merely flying a flag in Arkansas was not cutting it. Then his display caught the eye of a local television station, and a result of that piece was Gorman being introduced to 50 States for Ukraine. The organization raises money to provide vehicles for the Ukrainian military in partnership with the Car for Ukraine organization. At once, Gorman was all-in, and it did not take long for him to find a wingman either. “I’d been spending a lot of time paying attention to Ukraine just because our unit was relieved in ‘03, by the Ukraine 5th Mech,” Haugen said. “I felt a personal debt that I owed them for that. Colin called me, and as soon as he told me what he wanted to do, I was gung-ho.” The program provides a mechanism for fundraising and buying vehicles that are retrofitted with armor plating and sent to the Ukrainians for use in battle. The duo bought one, dubbed “Arkansas Razorback,” and sent it to its destination. That felt good but not great, and so the friends hatched a new plan for a second truck. “Raising the funds was kind of its own mission,” Gorman said. “Then Chris and I were like, ‘Man, we want to drive the next one over there. We’ve got to volunteer our time to do it.” So began one of the more unusual road trips two pals from central Arkansas could have taken. In August, the duo picked up the vehicle, a red Mitsubishi Barbarian purchased by a donor, in London and set out on a cross-continental delivery drive. “It was about a 12-year-old vehicle; it was a diesel, and you drove it on the right side, stick shift,” Gorman said. “We named it “The Barbarian.” It was quite the adventure.” For the next three days, the duo covered about 1,200 miles, which took them under the English Channel and through France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany and Poland before reaching their destination.
The Barbarian crossing the English Channel through the Chunnel
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people “I’ve been to Europe a few times now, so getting to drive across it was just cool,” Haugen said. “I love road trips. The highlights of the trip were getting to stop and see the different towns, you know? It wasn’t a rushed trip, so we got out and walked around old Europe. “Man, I would drive in Europe any day compared to American roads. We think we have the best interstate system, but the European road that we drove on was immaculate. I don’t think I hit a single pothole between France and the border of Ukraine. It was pretty impressive.” With the Cold War long gone, the route did not include any tense brushes with stonefaced Eastern Bloc checkpoints — save one. The Polish border patrol detained the pair for some time, apparently at a loss for what two Americans in a truck bought in England were doing halfway around the world from home. “I guess that would be the most harrowing part of the trip, being pulled over by Polish customs,” Haugen said. “That was kind of a moment where there was a language barrier, and it was a little tense.” “They got all our paperwork; we had like tax stamps and customs paperwork because basically we are delivering this vehicle through a nonprofit, so it’s considered humanitarian aid,” Gorman said. “They searched the vehicle, they searched our bags, and at one point, I messaged my wife on WhatsApp. I was like, ‘Hey, Polish police pulled us over. If you don’t hear from us in a couple of hours, find me.’ They were cool though.” Once in Ukraine, the pair turned over the keys to a local, one of a cadre of drivers who took the vehicle to the front. Spending time with the young woman and her comrades knowing every run put their lives at risk was admirable in the Americans’ eyes, but par for the course for the Ukrainian people. Gorman and Haugen said they were struck by the citizenry’s resolve even after living under the spectre of war for years. “Zhanya is this young lady’s name, and she takes these trucks to the front line herself, meets with soldiers coming from the front to pick up the truck from her and then goes to see her friends,” Gorman said. “She’s 24 years old, and this is her daily life. “Then, while we were there, we went to the Field of Mars, as in the god of war. It’s basically this above-ground graveyard; there’s memorials, tombs with flags and pictures of everybody from Lviv who had died in this war. There was this guy repainting one of them, and he was taking care of his brother’s gravesite. He talked with Chris, and he’s like, ‘Man, the Russian propaganda must be really good. If the whole world knew what was happening, they’d be here fighting.’” Haugen shared another daily happening, one so powerful that even now the memory catches in his throat. “Every day at 9 a.m., everything comes to a halt for one minute,” he said. “I mean,
Traffic at the Polish-Ukrainian border
Meeting with other drivers who have completed the journey
Haugen and Gorman with Zhanya, right, who drives vehicles to the front
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Mission accomplished people get out of their cars, stop on the highway, whatever, for one minute and stand there. It’s a moment of silence for the heroes. Everything comes to a stop. It’s eerie, and it’s moving, and it’s respectful. I mean, it still makes me choke up thinking about it. “Russia’s not going to win this war. They’d have to kill every single Ukrainian. Everyone I spoke to basically said that if they keep coming, even if the people have to pick up a rock to fight them, they’ll do it. They are that resolute which is why this is not a winnable war for [Russian President Vladimir] Putin, from my experience being there.” Ask the duo what is next, and both readily state they are looking to repeat the adventure. Fundraising for a third truck is underway; interested donors can visit 50statesforukraine.com and click on the Arkansas Battalion for full details. The pals are itching for another delivery trip, as both felt moved and changed by what they experienced and both see the volunteer program as a meaningful way to align with a just cause in the world. “At the [Ukrainian] body shop where they put on the armor, there’s these two British guys who were going to deliver trucks to the front line,” Gorman said. “This was their fifth trip there, and I asked them, ‘Hey, why do you keep coming?’ They’re like, ‘We’re fighting the Russian bear at the edge of Europe. If we don’t fight them now, we’re going to be fighting them in our country.’”
Returning to the Polish border
The Field of Mars, an above ground graveyard of Lviv’s war dead
The duo's first donated vehicle, dubbed Arkansas Razorback, armored and ready to go to the front lines
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Colin, we’re proud of you. Your devotion to your family, your care for our firm and clients, and your work with Car4Ukraine for the people of Ukraine show the kind of man you are every day. Colin Gorman
Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition.
— Your partners and team at EGP PLLC
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NURSING & REHABILITATION LIVING PROFILE
Briarwood 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!
501.224.9000 • 516 S. Rodney Parham Rd., Little Rock • briarwoodnursingandrehab.com
health
Massive Gains in Weight Loss GLP-1s improving all the time, may soon be approved to treat more conditions By SARAH DECLERK
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hile so many weight loss treatments have come and gone, it looks as though GLP-1s are here to stay. Originally approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat Type 2 diabetes in 2005, 12 percent of U.S. adults now use GLP-1s to treat weight loss, on top of the 26 percent of adults with diabetes who use the drugs. In fact, as many as 30 million Americans may be using GLP-1s by the end of the decade, Forbes reported. Almost everyone has heard of GLP-1s, and a growing number of people know someone who has lost weight using the drugs, but what exactly are they? Short for glucagon-like peptide-1, GLP-1 is a hormone produced in the gastrointestinal system. “When food hits the intestine, this hormone signals both the pancreas and the brain that it’s mealtime,” said Dr. Hooman Motahari, an endocrinologist at the Conway Regional Endocrinology and Diabetes
Center. “Normally, your body’s version of GLP-1 doesn’t stick around long; it breaks down in about two minutes. However, medications have been developed as modified versions of this hormone, and they last much longer, up to several days. This extended duration is why many of these medications come as weekly injections.” GLP-1s work to reduce weight in several ways, he added. The drugs help the pancreas release insulin when blood sugar rises and slow how quickly the stomach empties, helping users feel full longer after eating. They also act on areas of the brain involved in hunger and appetite, helping quell what some call “food noise.” “Food noise is the persistent mental chatter about food, thinking about your next meal while you’re still eating, feeling distracted by cravings or repeatedly thinking about a snack even when you’re full,” Motahari said. “Some people taking GLP-1 medications describe these
“Normally, your body’s version of GLP-1 doesn’t stick around long; it breaks down in about two minutes. However, medications have been developed as modified versions of this hormone, and they last much longer, up to several days. This extended duration is why many of these medications come as weekly injections.” — Dr. Hooman Motahari, Conway Regional
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Dr. Hooman Motahari thoughts becoming quieter, so they spend less time thinking about food and feel more at ease with their choices.” GLP-1s come in various forms. The drug that first captured headlines and brought GLP-1s into public consciousness, Ozempic, is known as a semaglutide, and so is Wegovy. That means they act on the GLP-1 receptor alone. A more recent GLP-1, tirzepatide, works not only on the GLP-1 receptor but on the receptor for GIP, another gut hormone, to better control appetite and blood sugar. Tirzepatides include Mounjaro and Zepbound. “It’s kind of like the new and improved version in the class that’s actually approved for use right now,” said Kayla Sanders, nurse practitioner and owner of Beauty Boss Co. “I would say that we’re probably using that more commonly in the wellness space than we are a semaglutide just because our patients are getting a little bit better result, and then less side effects is always a good thing.” Robert Maltby, owner of Marketplace Pharmacy in Little Rock, said he expects a new iteration of GLP-1s, retatrutide, to be available early next year. In addition to targeting GLP-1 and GIP receptors, retatrutide also targets the glucagon receptors to increase energy expenditure, helping patients burn more fat. Some brands, such as Wegovy, have developed oral versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide, but Maltby said they tend to be less effective than the injections. “The absorption from the injection is so much greater than the absorption from the tablet,” he said. “The tablets have some very strict requirements for it to work efficiently for the patient, but even if done perfectly fine, the patient is only absorbing a very small amount of that
Kayla Sanders tablet, which is why they’re having to take it every single day versus the injections being once a week.” There is a reason GLP-1s are such a revelation among patients. Maltby said most weight loss drugs, notably phentermine, the active ingredient in brands such as Adipex-P, curb appetite by stimulating the central nervous system, which can lead to uncomfortable and sometimes dangerous side effects. “It increases your heart rate, so you have this shakiness or jitteriness that goes along with it,” he said. “If a patient has cardiovascular issues or high blood pressure, then they’re not good candidates for Adipex or for phentermine.” Another option, Contrave, uses bupropion and naltrexone to suppress appetite and reduce the reward mechanism that comes from eating food, he said, adding that he has not found it to be as effective as GLP-1s. “The most success, I would say, that patients have had has been on the GLP-1s,” he said. Motahari cited studies that show people lost about 15 percent of their body weight on a semaglutide and about 20 percent on the highest dose of tirzepatide. He added that retatrutide has helped people lose nearly 30 percent of their weight at the highest dose. By contrast, he said diet and exercise can help people lose 5 to 10 percent of their body weight, while bariatric surgery, the most effective treatment for severe obesity, can help people lose 25 to 30 percent. “What really matters isn’t just the number on the scale,” he said. “Research involving over 17,000 heart disease patients with excess weight showed that semaglutide cut down the chance of heart attacks, strokes and death from heart issues by 20 percent. This medication also helps with sleep apnea, fatty liver, knee pain and kidney problems.”
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Robert Maltby
Dr. Lewis Porter
Not everyone is a good candidate for the drugs, however. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer should not use GLP-1s, and special care should be taken when prescribing GLP-1s to patients with a history of pancreatic inflammation or those with slow digestion. “They do not work for everybody,” said Dr. Lewis Porter, general and bariatric surgeon at Saline Health System. “GLP-1s are not magic. They are a very powerful tool, just like surgery, but just like any tool, if used inappropriately, you will not get the desired result.” Whether or not the drugs should be prescribed depends on patients’ individual circumstances and conditions they may have besides obesity, he added. The most common side effects include nausea and vomiting, side effects Porter said can be avoided by starting at the lowest dose of the drugs and maintaining a healthy diet. “A lot of the nausea and vomiting that’s brought on by GLP-1s is caused by eating the wrong foods, such as very fatty foods, or by overeating,” he said. “A patient has to learn not to overeat, not to eat the wrong foods, and again, like I said, a very graduated increase in dosage of the medication.” He added that he recommends a nutritional consultation for patients who start GLP-1s, which helps them reach their weight loss goals, in addition to avoiding side effects. Exercise is also important for those taking GLP-1s — and not just to help them lose weight. Motahari said nearly 40 percent of the weight lost on a semaglutide is not just fat but also muscle and other tissue. “If you’re taking these medications, focus more on maintaining muscle rather than just burning calories,” he said. “Include protein in every meal, and do strength training a couple times a week. Since your food intake decreases, every bite counts more.”
“They do not work for everybody. GLP-1s are not magic. They are a very powerful tool, just like surgery, but just like any tool, if used inappropriately, you will not get the desired result.” — Dr. Lewis Porter, Saline Health System
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Porter was quick to point out that losing weight with GLP-1s or surgery instead of diet and exercise alone is far from “the easy way out.” In fact, the medications are life-saving tools to help control something he views as a disease process just like high blood pressure or any other chronic condition. “There’s nothing about this weight loss journey in any of these patients that is easy,” he said. “Paying that amount of money and being monitored like that and having to give yourself shots, it’s definitely a misconception that that’s easy because there’s nothing easy about that.” It is often said that patients gain all the weight they lost back immediately after stopping GLP-1s, but Sanders said that is not the case when the drugs are used effectively. “We have had pretty great success with maintenance for our patients at our practice, and the steps that we’ve taken are making sure that our patients are not losing too much too fast, making sure that they understand how important it is to get appropriate nutrition while they are on the GLP-1s,” she said. “If we do those things, they have much better success at maintaining their weight.” The length of time patients are on GLP-1s varies widely from person to person, she said. While some might reach their goal weight relatively quickly and maintain the weight loss on their own, others may need maintenance doses to keep the weight off. Factors such as menopause and perimenopause also play a role, and she recommended patients have lab work done to check for any underlying issues affecting their weight. “The biggest misconception is that it’s a
health
magic bullet or cure-all and it’s going to be a very, very quick fix,” she said. “We try to make sure we do things the right way and keep everyone as healthy as possible in our office, so it doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes it is a long game. I think a lot of people come in thinking that they’re going to lose a massive amount of weight really quickly, and that’s just not always the best way to do that.” She added that she is optimistic about the drugs’ potential to treat inflammatory conditions and polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, or PMOS, formerly polycystic ovary syndrome, which may soon be added to the list of conditions GLP-1s are approved to treat. “You’re talking about a very large group of women that are affected by that diagnosis, and it affects their life greatly from the time that they’re really young throughout adulthood
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and even dealing with fertility concerns,” she said. “We have seen patients that have diagnoses of PCOS or PMOS that have had difficulty getting pregnant and fertility issues, but then they’re placed on something like Mounjaro and are able to have regular cycles and are able to get pregnant.” Porter noted that although weight loss tends to be one of the more faddish areas of wellness, GLP-1s are likely to remain a part of his toolbox for a long time. “I think they’re good medications,” he said. “Anytime we see something new for weight loss, it’s going to be a continuous cycle. I think that the popularity will slow down. It will drop off some, but I think there will always be a subset of patients that can benefit from being on a GLP-1, especially those patients who have other disease processes.”
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LIFE-SAVING
ADVANCES IN CANCER CARE
Crystal McCoy (right) and her husband JR
Hot Springs resident Crystal McCoy was diagnosed with colon cancer that had spread to her liver in January 2025. Her treatment journey started with chemotherapy before she underwent surgery to remove the cancer in her colon. Until recently, a liver transplant would not have been considered for a colon cancer patient like McCoy, but with eligibility criteria shifting in the last year, a new treatment option emerged. McCoy became a patient of Katie Rude, M.D., a transplant hepatologist with the UAMS Health Gastroenterology Clinic, and was added to the transplant waitlist in January 2026. Just one month later, she received a life-changing phone call — a donor liver was available. McCoy became the first patient in Arkansas to receive a liver transplant for colorectal cancer. Today, she is cancerfree and looking ahead to a life with her husband and three kids.
“It’s a miracle to me. These doctors and nurses have dedicated their lives to this work, and they’re so good at what they do.” – Crystal McCoy
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Enjoy the Holidays Presence is the best present all season long
E
njoying the holidays is easier said than done. The stress of shopping, traveling and socializing, not to mention colder weather and longer nights, can make anyone feel frazzled come Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year’s Eve. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to be present for loved ones during the special time of year. From taking time to relax and refocus to serving others and bonding with intention, here are a few things that can make for a truly happy holiday.
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A poll conducted by the American Psychological Association found that 8 in 10 Americans anticipate stress and anxiety during the holiday season. That fact is not lost on DeeDee Helbig, owner of Ava Bella Day Spa in Little Rock, who knows just how to help. “A spa day is perfect because when you get a spa day — a massage, a facial, the relaxation — and you’re getting away from all that holiday noise and road range and all that, you’re able to calm down,” she said. “When you calm down your nervous system, you think clearer, so you don’t make rash decisions or buy things you shouldn’t buy — stuff like that.” Newbies might opt for a relaxation or Swedish massage, she said, while more experienced spagoers might conquer stress with a deep-tissue massage. The Ava Bella Custom Facial is a popular treatment for the face, and with a full medical spa on deck, customers can also find microneedling, dermaplaning and more. “During the holidays, it’s about everybody else, and we forget to take care of ourselves,” Helbig said. “That is so important just to function. I mean, it’s such a busy, busy, busy time for so many people.” A visit to the spa is not just about escaping the holidays, however; it can also be a great opportunity to bond. Ava Bella hosts corporate parties and other gatherings for up to eight guests, who can spend time together in a relaxation room between spa services. “Being relaxed and out, away from the noises, is a whole different conversation than the party scene, and sometimes that’s just what people really need,” she said. “They just need the whole getaway to recollect their minds.” Spas are not just for women either; Helbig said she caters to a growing number of men who recognize their need for self-care also. Once a luxury, she added, spas are now becoming a necessity. “You’ll literally be a different person after a spa day,” she said. “We have people that come in for their first time, and their shoulders are up in their neck, and you can just tell life is just too heavy, and when they leave, they’re floating out of here. It’s wonderful.”
“During the holidays, it’s about everybody else, and we forget to take care of ourselves." — Dee Dee Helbig Ava Bella Day Spa
be splitting our mental energy from where we are and where we’d rather be because sometimes we have to suit up and show up in difficult situations.” Blue Yoga Nyla also has a children’s studio and offers a program called Soul Child which Reynolds plans to pilot at nearby Boone Park Elementary School. Reynolds said the program has a positive impact on children who may be dealing with behavioral and emotional health issues. “There’s a ton of evidence-based research in terms of behavioral problems and generalized anxiety,” she said. “The feedback from the parents that do the program has been just incredible.” The studio hosts an annual holiday fundraiser for Boone Park, this year taking place Dec. 4, that features an artisan craft market, raffles, an angel tree and opportunities to meet Santa. All are welcome at Blue Yoga Nyla, Reynolds said, adding that
RECHARGE
Stacey Reynolds, yoga therapist and owner of Blue Yoga Nyla in North Little Rock, said she has noticed people carrying more stress than ever this year, partly due to a difficult economy, and she does not expect any relief come holiday time. “The thought of going into the holidays, for me personally, in this dead run, I mean, it’s almost defeating. It’s overwhelming, and it’s collective,” she said. “I work with people all day long, doing a particular form of therapy, and people are so stressed out already and depleted. I’m like, ‘Where are we going to get this energy to have a major push through the holidays?’” The good news is yoga can help. Blue Yoga Nyla offers everything from restorative to high-level yoga classes that can address physical tension, help realign with the breath and provide a much-needed mental reset. “Yoga’s going to teach someone how to breathe through a stressful situation or to be able to access their breath,” she said. “Yoga is also going to remind us to be where our hands and feet are and not
Whether practicing with family or solo, yoga provides the reset needed to show up for the holidays as one's best self. (Photo by Clay Carson)
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health “Yoga’s going to teach someone how to breathe through a stressful situation or to be able to access their breath.”
once one family member experiences the benefits of yoga, others often join in the practice. With all the stress that comes with the holiday season, Reynolds said, yoga is an ideal way for people to feel present for the ones they love. “When we come in and Blue Yoga Nyla practice yoga, regardless of whatever class we come to, however hard or gentle it might be, we’re still going to leave different,” she said. ‘We have a choice to hang onto that and maybe take that into the next situation, especially if it’s family.”
— Stacey Reynolds (Photo by Clay Carson)
will go back to serving a restaurant-style sit-down meal for each holiday. “It’s awesome for them, as well as us, being able to serve them,” Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene in North Little Rock is he said. “We get a lot out of it.” known as a place where anybody who is hungry can find a free lunch The Friendly Chapel also puts together about 250 food boxes for and some fellowship, serving up to 350 people daily in the summer each holiday full of items that people can cook at home and hosts an and 150 to 250 per day in the winter. It all started in 1972, when annual Christmas store where children can pick out gifts for themPaul Holderfield wanted to ensure 12 local children had something selves, their parents and their siblings. to eat. With so much holiday cheer to spread, Holderfield said the “He always talked about how are they going to get anything church can never have enough help. It is a volunteer opportunity spiritually if they’re hungry?” said grandson Paul Holderfield III, that might just help families discover the gifts of the spirit. now lead pastor. “You’ve got to feed them and take care of them, and “Being involved in things like this, not only is it good for you they’ve got to know you love them. Then they’re all ears.” spiritually and it helps you in your life, but you’re setting an example The church works to feed and clothe people year-round but for the rest of your family and others around you that are watching ramps up its efforts come Thanksgiving and Christmas, each of you,” he said. “If people know who you are and they know you’re a which draws about 500 people. Holderfield said this year, the church Christian, they’re going to be watching you to see how you act, and you want to just set that good example.” Holderfield said that since he became lead pastor following the death of his father, he has had multiple parents from his children’s sports teams reach out, hoping to get their children involved. He encouraged those interested in volunteering to give the Friendly Chapel a call. “Twenty years ago, this was probably the norm,” he said. “People looked to do this, and nowadays, with all the distractions, social media, things like that, it’s easy for us to just sit at home, and so I think getting together, getting out as a family, just like the benefits of going Friendly Chapel Church of the Nazarene on a walk with your family, just being together and doing something for the greater good, I think it’s going to be beneficial for your whole family.”
REJOICE
“It’s awesome for them, as well as us, being able to serve them. We get a lot out of it.” — Paul Holderfield III
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ASK WHILE YOU CAN T
Conversation helps create memories with aging relatives
he holidays mean something different to everyone. For some, they bring joy, laughter and treasured traditions. For others, they carry grief, complicated relationships or the awkwardness of gathering with family after too much time apart. Around that table may be an opportunity we do not always recognize: the chance to truly know the people who came before us. I recently had the honor of sitting down with my parents and listening to their stories. It reminded me that our parents and grandparents hold pieces of our history that cannot be found in a photo album or an online search. Their memories tell us where we came from, what our family survived and how we became who we are. This holiday season, put down the phone for a little while. Ask a meaningful question — and then really listen. You may have many more holidays together, or this could be your final opportunity. Either way, you will never regret making someone feel that their life mattered, their experiences had value and their story deserves to be remembered. Here are five questions to begin, inspired What is a story from by the journals Dad, Share Your your childhood that Life With Me and you never want our Mom, Share Your family to forget? Life With Me:
By HEATHER BAKER
4.
What family tradition,
3.
hat was the hardW est season you ever experienced, and how did you find the strength to keep going?
value or lesson do you most hope future generations will carry forward?
5.
I f you could leave our family with one message to remember forever, what would it be?
2.
ho shaped you W most, and what did that person teach you about life?
1.
This holiday season, do more than exchange gifts. Exchange stories. They may become the most valuable inheritance your family ever receives.
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Revive Health and Wellness
t Revive Health & Wellness in Malvern, owner and nurse practitioner Courtney McKinney has spent the past three years empowering her community to take control of their health journeys by providing evidencebased care in a supportive, compassionate environment. Through her medium of care and healing, McKinney has built partnerships with her community to achieve optimal health and vitality. After working as a nurse in an emergency room and an intensive care unit, McKinney opened her first location in 2023 as a one-woman show. Initially working herself as the bookkeeper, provider and secretary, McKinney has since built a team that shares her same values.
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2026 • Primary care services include routine wellness exams for children and adults, annual physicals, preventive screenings, medication management, chronic condition care, injury and illness visits, lab testing, and mental health support. • Hormonal imbalances can lead to a range of symptoms that affect energy, mood and overall well-being. At Revive Health & Wellness, McKinney analyzes each individual’s needs to create a personalized hormone replacement therapy. • Vitamin replacement is designed to address energy and immunity deficiencies using a personalized regimen of vitamins and minerals for overall health. • Weight loss programs are constructed to individual needs and goals. Treatment plans may include oral and injectable options, along with guidance on nutrition, physical activity and behavior modification to support lasting results. • IV hydration therapy delivers fluids, vitamins and minerals directly into a patient’s bloodstream, bypassing the digestive system for rapid absorption. That allows for more efficient rehydration and nutrient replenishment than oral intake.
• Functional medicine is a holistic, systems-based approach focused on identifying and addressing underlying causes of disease. McKinney and her team recognize the interconnectedness of the bodily systems and consider lifestyle, genetics, environmental factors and nutritional factors to create personalized treatment plans. McKinney’s passion for holistic health stems from her own battle with hormone imbalances and fertility issues. After having a hysterectomy at the age of 29, McKinney wanted to change the narrative for women seeking help. “Even as a medical provider, I was thrown to the wayside,” she said. “No one listened to me, and no one wanted to believe that my symptoms were real. Now I refuse to let anybody ever live or feel that way.” McKinney also serves as the Malvern School District’s school-based health care provider, offering services to children enrolled in district schools at little to no cost through her nonprofit, Revive Community Outreach. Her clinic on the grounds of Malvern High School serves children from kindergarten through 12th grade. Her nonprofit also hosts weekly community meals, manages a food pantry, organizes a weekly backpack program in partnership with the Arkansas Foodbank and has recently introduced a hair-washing program. McKinney said her outreach caters to all corners of the county. “Everything I make goes right back into my nonprofit and my business,” McKinney said. “I am blessed with an education that allows me to help people, allows me to have ideas and create partnerships with people. I’m able to reach so many more people by using those gifts that God gave me, and it is truly a privilege. I feel privileged every day when I wake up that I can help someone else live a better, healthier life.”
Revive Health & Wellness • 1517 S. Main St., Malvern • health-revived.com • 501-382-1577
Colonel Glenn Health & Rehab is central Arkansas’ newest premier-skilled nursing and long-term care facility. Our skilled team is focused on serving you and your family with excellence.
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13700 David O Dodd Rd, Little Rock, AR 72210 501.907.8200 • colonelglennhr.com
Extraordinary Orthopedic Care The only nationally ranked pediatric orthopedic program in the state. When Aiden suffered a severe femur break at a skatepark in northwest Arkansas, his father, an X-ray technician, knew Arkansas Children’s was the best place to care for his son. Arkansas Children’s pediatric orthopedic program — ranked 28th in the nation by U.S. News and World Report — is the only program in the state with physicians trained in both sports medicine and pediatrics. Safety is our most deeply held value. When treating everything from broken bones to complex scoliosis, we prioritize: • minimally invasive surgeries, • robotics for increased accuracy, and • nerve-blocking techniques to reduce the need for sedation When kids imagine the places they’ll go, we imagine ways to help them get there.
“His recovery was better than we could have imagined.” - Aiden’s mother, Katie.
Learn more at archildrens.org/orthopedics
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Remember your blessings this holiday season by blessing someone else
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By AY STAFF
mericans are a people of compassion and character. According to Giving USA: The Annual Report on Philanthropy published by Giving USA Foundation, people in the U.S. surpassed $600 billion in charitable contributions for the first time last year. Giving grew almost 6 percent overall across all sources, and some charitable sectors saw as much as a 10-percent bump over the previous year. Yet for all that, the need in society is persistent and pervasive. Economic uncertainty and other factors have stretched nonprofits like never before. The Natural State is replete with good causes, and any gift of time, talent or treasure is critically important to their mission. At AY About You, we see the good work of myriad nonprofit organizations up close and have detailed a few of them below for those looking for a way to give back for their own blessings. Wherever you choose to volunteer or donate this holiday season, be it with one of these or another cause close to your heart, know that your support is needed now more than ever.
Hannah Cates
She said “yes” to the dress
R.I.S.E Initiative respectfullysocial.com
The group also has a focus on community service. R.I.S.E., which stands for respect, integrity, social Formed in 2024 with a comand equality, has partnered with mitment to fostering respect, integHannah’s Prom Closet participants (Photos provided) organizations that include Our rity, social engagement and equality House, the Alzheimer’s Association within the community, Little Rockand Arkansas Foodbank, among others, to offer their time and resources. based R.I.S.E. helps amplify the voices and influence of women of color. The organization also conducts Hannah’s Prom Closet, by which the The nonprofit grew out of Respectfully Social, a networking and social group based on mentorship and mutual support among members, said group collects prom gowns and formals and makes them available to local high school girls who otherwise would not be able to afford to atfounder and president Jacqueline Pendleton. “We were under a different umbrella where we were with other orga- tend prom. The initiative was created by local artist Theresa Cates in memory of nizations within other states,” she said. “I decided we needed a organization of our own, something centrally located here in Little Rock just for her daughter Hannah who died in an automobile accident on prom night. Cates said she hopes in partnering with R.I.S.E. that the effort grows to Arkansans.” In addition to social gatherings and networking events, the group serve as many high schoolers as possible. “I feel like [Hannah’s] in heaven looking down, saying, ‘Go, Mama. hosts an annual empowerment brunch, each with a different theme. “We just had our sixth one this past August, and the whole premise Go, Mama,’” she said. “It makes me feel good. I’m a seed sower, and most behind that was to get women together to discuss one central topic,” Pend- of the people in the organization are seed sowers. It makes me very happy, leton said. “This year the topic was our finances and how we can make sure and it gives her spirit a chance to be known, you know? Maybe one day, it’ll be worldwide.” that we have our finances together to make sure our families are OK.”
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Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana ronaldmcdonaldhousearnla.org One of the more well known nonprofits in Arkansas, Ronald McDonald House Arkansas & North Louisiana serves families whose critically ill children are receiving treatment at local hospitals. Headquartered in Little Rock, the group operates stand-alone houses and designated facilities within certain hospitals to provide accommodations, meals and comfort. “Thanks to generous donors and volunteers, Ronald McDonald House provided 19,131 nights of rest and more than 150,000 meals in 2025, along with laundry, daily essentials and activities that bring a sense of normalcy, all at no cost to families,” said Candice Hickman, chief communications officer. “Since 1981, our programs have supported more than 70,000 families and provided over $70 million in services at no cost to them.” The organization supports eight programs in its service areas, including freestanding Ronald McDonald Houses in Little Rock, Fort Smith and Bossier City, Louisiana, plus a Ronald McDonald House built into Washington Regional’s Women and Infants Center in Fayetteville. Another integrated house, to be located inside Baptist Health in Little Rock, is slated for completion in December. In addition, the group operates Ronald McDonald Family Rooms at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, Mercy Northwest in Rogers and St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, Louisiana. A mobile pediatric dentist office, Ronald McDonald House Care Mobile, also operates across the Natural State, bringing dental care to communities in partnership with Arkansas Childrens’ and Delta Dental. Hickman said the robust slate of programs and services represent a huge cost savings for families going through the most difficult challenge of their lives. “No family ever expects to need a Ronald McDonald House, but they’re grateful we’re here if they face the uncertainty of having a child in the hospital,” she said. “When a child needs medical care, families walk through our doors carrying the weight of some of life’s most difficult moments. At Ronald McDonald House, they find more than a place to stay. They find comfort, care and a community that understands what they’re going through.”
Ronald McDonald House in Little Rock
Shala and Brett Foster with babies Millie and Mazie (Photo by Chris Cranford)
Ronald McDonald House entrance (Photos provided)
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nonprofit
Arkansas Foodbank arkansasfoodbank.org Baptist Health Foundation baptisthealthfoundation.org The Baptist Health Foundation supports myriad healing and support ministries serving Baptist Health patients, families and employees. Established in 1963, the foundation supports the state’s largest and most comprehensive not-for-profit healthcare organization encompassing 14 hospitals, a nursing and allied health college, a graduate residency program, and numerous community outreach efforts. “What we do makes a difference in the lives of the citizens of Arkansas,” said Janet Marshall, chief development officer. “When someone makes a gift to the foundation, the bottom line is that’s what they’re doing.” Over its history, the foundation has helped make possible a number of resources that have enhanced care and advanced the mission and goals of the organization. A sample of those include Baptist Health’s heart transplant program, MedFlight, robotic da Vinci Xi Surgical System and digital mammography for breast cancer screening. The foundation has also established and enhanced several centers of care and education, including the Hickingbotham Outpatient Center, Ginny & Bob Shell Alzheimer Center, Baptist Health College Little Rock scholarships, and the Baptist Health Rehabilitation Institute renovation. The foundation also funds its own slate of programs that provide a variety of assistance. They include support of individuals needing behavioral health services, neonatal intensive care unit services, patients facing food uncertainty, heart failure or are in need of a transplant, and the PACE program, a care model aimed at allowing seniors to remain as independent as possible. Other programs help fund outreach to underinsured, uninsured and homeless individuals, as well as employees undergoing financial hardship. Much of the funding that supports the foundation’s important work comes through its annual Bolo Bash events, including a springtime luncheon and its fall golf tournament. In addition, the Baptist Health Foundation puts on a very successful benefit clay shoot, also in the fall. However private donations from individuals and corporations remain critical to the foundation’s ministry. “I think it just goes back to the culture that we have developed over many years,” Marshall said. “When we tell people, ‘This is why we need your money,’ they are willing and able and want to help.”
Baptist Health College students (Photos provided)
Baptist Health Mobile Unit
Volunteers like TJ and Cindy Boyle, pictured here, are essential. (Photos provided)
Arkansas Foodbank warehouse
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It may seem incredible that in an agriculture state like Arkansas — or in the United States, for that matter — anyone should have to go to bed with a gnaw in their belly or being unsure of where their next meal is coming from. Yet that is exactly the reality faced by millions of people and thousands of Arkansans every single day. According to information provided by the Arkansas Foodbank, 20 percent of Arkansans, or 1 in 5, struggle to provide enough food for their families. That fact contributes to an even sadder statistic, that 1 in 4 children, a full 25 percent, are at risk of going hungry on any given day. For 42 years, the Arkansas Foodbank has been battling to help provide food to the people and families who need it. Today, the organization attacks the problem on three fronts, providing food for families in cooperation with more than 400 partner agencies in central and southern Arkansas to strengthen local feeding programs. The group’s Food for Kids program provides food to children facing hunger through a network of school pantries, backpack programs and summer feeding initiatives. Third, the organization works to improve access to food for older Arkansans through monthly food boxes, home deliveries, SNAP outreach and extra financial support to partner agencies. The organization is exceptionally good at what it does. According to its 2025 impact report, Arkansas Foodbank distributed 40 million total pounds of food, including 11 million pounds of produce, through partners and pantries in the state, which represents more than 33 million meals for hungry Arkansans. Its annual cereal drive set a record last year at 577,000 breakfast items collected through 201 teams in 25 communities. Best of all, the group is extremely efficient and a good steward of donated dollars thanks, in part, to countless volunteers who contributed 55,000 hours of service last year, directly saving the group $1.6 million in staffing costs. For every dollar donated, Arkansas Foodbank can provide five meals, since a full 96 percent of money donated goes to feed people in need.
nonprofit
Best Friends Pet Resource Center bestfriends.org/northwest-arkansas Michelle Logan, executive director of Best Friends Pet Resource Center in Bentonville, said the organization is always looking for volunteers to help get animals out of shelters, whether that looks like taking a dog on a walk for an afternoon or adopting a new pet into one’s home. Best Friends is part of a national group that helps shelters around the country reach “no-kill” status, meaning they keep more than 90 percent of animals in a given facility without resorting to euthanization. About twothirds of Arkansas shelters have achieved nokill status, and data from Best Friends shows that if 1 in every 200 households in the state chose to adopt a pet next year from a shelter, the entire state would reach no-kill. Once a shelter or state reaches that status, an important part of Best Friends’ mission is to help sustain that, Logan said. That can be achieved several ways, the most conspicuous being adoption. The group’s annual Super Adoption event, slated this year for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Nov. 14 on the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art campus in Bentonville, will showcase about 250 shelter pets from across the state for adoption without fees. “[Super Adoption] is a great way for someone to really have the opportunity to just engage with a whole variety of adoptable pets without necessarily having to go to a whole bunch of different shelters,” Logan said. Best Friends also recently piloted a program called Best Friend for a Day, where local municipal shelters sign up to have one of its dogs spend a day with the Best Friends staff at its resource center. The program has already paid off. “We have seen a good number of those guys get adopted as a result of this program,” Logan said. “Regardless of how nice a shelter is, a shelter is not a home. Our goal is to really minimize pets having to be in shelters and fostering is a really great way to provide a dog or cat with a temporary home.”
Arkansas Community Foundation arcf.org
Newly adopted! (Photos provided)
Super Adoption event at Crystal Bridges
Reading program recipient (Photos provided)
Grant recipient Tenisha Gist
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A nonprofit organization that empowers people to make smart giving decisions, Arkansas Community Foundation has grown tremendously over the past 50 years. The group is the largest grantmaker in Arkansas by number of grants made, helping people give at the state and local levels. Even more important is the vision behind this organization. “You do not have to be extraordinarily wealthy to be a philanthropist,” said Jessica Hughes Ford, president and chief executive officer. “The people who created Arkansas Community Foundation did not want it to become an organization only for the wealthy or only for Little Rock, northwest Arkansas or our larger population centers. They envisioned a truly statewide community foundation led by people who know their communities deeply and make decisions based on firsthand knowledge of the needs and opportunities around them.” Hughes Ford said that original vision still guides the organization, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2026, a vision that has led the organization to some impressive accomplishments. “Last year, Arkansas Community Foundation granted approximately $79 million across the state. We also surpassed $1 billion in charitable assets and have 29 local affiliates across Arkansas,” she said. “Since our founding, the Community Foundation has granted more than $660 million to nonprofits and communities throughout Arkansas. Those numbers are significant, but what matters most is what they represent: thousands of nonprofits doing important work in communities large and small across our state.” Even with that level of success, the group does not rest on its laurels. An innovator in the philanthropic space, Arkansas Community Foundation plans to launch a unique statewide nonprofit capacity-building initiative next summer. “We want to serve nonprofits in every part of Arkansas and help strengthen the organizations that are already doing extraordinary work in their communities,” Hughes Ford said. “Right now, we are in the exploratory phase, listening, learning and inviting input from nonprofits and communities across the state. “Capacity building can take many forms, but we believe rising tides lift all ships. If Arkansas has stronger, healthier and more sustainable nonprofits, then our communities are stronger too.” aymag.com
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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.
2026
SHERWOOD
NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC
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murder mystery
The Mother-in-Law By SARAH RUSSELL
William Vick
“T
he mother-in-law did it.” At least that is what the note supposedly left behind said. To be clear, Martha McLean was never charged with murder; the victim’s cause of death was homicidal overdose, a dose of drugs potent enough to kill a very fit 53-year-old man. However, to fully understand how William Vick met his end, it is necessary to go back a bit. In 2011, Vick, a divorced father of two, connected with LaRenda Howe on an online dating site. Three months later, he was again a married man. The new Mrs. Vick took up residence on the Vick family land in Clarksville. She did not come alone: her mother, McLean, moved into a separate residence William Vick built for her. It was well known that despite that show of acceptance, the only thing either of them liked about the situation was proximity to LaRenda herself. Still, everyone was alive and healthy as 2023 rolled in. William had a new job that year as a courthouse bailiff, which would start soon after his scheduled tonsillectomy. It was unusual for a person that age to have such surgery, as was the trouble he had swallowing. Suspicious, he had even mentioned to his son at least once that the allergy shots LaRenda
LaRenda Howe
was giving him might have been the culprit, perhaps with an ulterior motive behind them. The surgery itself was routine, but a few days later, William sent his daughter a picture of a sink with blood in it, his blood. Something had gone wrong. LaRenda’s response to his daughter’s inquiry as to whether he should go back to the hospital went something along the lines of, “You know how stubborn he is.” The daughter, who had no reason to believe LaRenda, a nurse, would not be carefully monitoring his condition, dropped the subject. Shortly thereafter, a friend called the daughter to offer condolences, which is how she discovered that her father had, in fact, gone to the hospital several days prior — specifically, to the morgue. LaRenda’s explanation for not informing family members was that she did not know how to tell them, but it turned out she was equally tardy in notifying authorities. At about midnight Jan. 17, upon finding him dead, she called the coroner’s office, rather than 911. Whether or not she intended it as a move to circumvent police involvement, the coroner was still legally required to notify law enforcement of the death. The Johnson County Sheriff ’s Office was thus notified, but
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indict, was now permanently unavailable. Hope for justice for William because William had once served as one of their own, they passed the case Vick appeared lost; on April 1, 2025, the investigation was officially to the Arkansas State Police. closed due to lack of evidence. According to the coroner’s report, the deceased was found in full There are still a multitude of questions circling the case. Why would rigor mortis, a sign he had been dead for a while. Not only that, but the McLean, who had coexisted with William for years, suddenly decide to toxicology report classified the death as a homicidal overdose. William, kill him? She had nothing to gain but loss of freedom in what might a nonsmoker and nondrinker known to be so invested in fitness that he have been her final months. LaRenda, on the other hand, was a named had once been a personal trainer, had been injected with drugs. beneficiary of life insurance in the amount of $850,000, which was to be The questions came immediately. Where was Mrs. Vick on his last split with William’s children. day, and why did it take her so long to discover him dead? Believing she Even more shady, prior to his death, she had a fellow nurse — copossibly had COVID-19 and that he might, as well, LaRenda said, they incidentally, a notary — sign off on an important change that made had slept apart the previous night. She continued to distance herself LaRenda the sole beneficiary, the change being made without William from him during the day, she added, because she believed he was sleepbeing in the notary’s presence as is required by law. ing. Oddly enough, her COVID-19 concerns were not enough to stop Another question: How did McLean manage to enter and exit the her from taking her mother grocery shopping that day. Vick home, an open-concept floor plan with a loft, without being seen That is additionally notable because McLean was thought to be in or heard by LaRenda, who was home the rest of the day? Once inside, very poor health — in hospice, actually, per her daughter. Due to sealed how did the supposedly frail McLean manage to climb the stairs to the medical records the truth of that cannot be publicly verified; however, bedroom, subdue William and inject him twice? Larenda’s hospice claim would soon have a major impact on this case. The three overdoses were all from the same drugs — and not just On Jan. 23, LaRenda, along with a girlfriend who had come into any over-the-counter or street drugs but the town to support her, went to an attorney with kind sourced from a hospital. As a nurse, it is a shocking story to tell: McLean had conplausible that LaRenda illegally obtained the fessed to killing William. The attorney advised drugs from her workplace; however, she was them to go to the prosecutor’s office, which never charged with illegal possession of the the friend ended up doing by herself, LaRenda pharmaceuticals. having retreated to the hotel where the friend Then there was the confession. There were was staying. no witnesses to McLean writing it in note form, The prosecutor immediately reached out to and whether LaRenda’s friend actually heard LaRenda, who agreed to talk to him but only afMcLean say it or was going on LaRenda’s sayter authorities did a welfare check on her mothso is a matter of speculation. er. First responders did so and found McLean In a strange development, LaRenda was ultisuffering from a supposedly self-administered mately sentenced to six years in prison. Months overdose. Three rounds of Narcan and a search after William’s death, the home that was the warrant later, McLean was spirited off to a hosmurder scene burned to the ground. No one was pital, and police were in possession of a confesNarcan nasal spray charged with arson, but LaRenda was charged sion letter. with misrepresenting the value of the contents The prosecutor decided McLean would be lost to the insurance company, having emptied the place prior to the fire. charged with murder upon her release from the hospital, which was Another delicious twist of fate was LaRenda was not able to use the all set to happen two weeks later. Then the legal process got hijacked. life insurance money for her legal defense — or anything else, for that Due to LaRenda’s claim that McLean was in hospice, she had to be matter — because those funds have been tied up in legal limbo due to released to a facility that could provide such care. The problem was the circumstances of William’s death. there was not one in their jurisdiction. Family was the next option, So it was that LaRenda relocated to state facilities, leaving one and LaRenda was it. haunting question behind: Was the mother-in-law the villain, or was Five hours after her release from the hospital, McLean was dead she just a very convenient victim? by another overdose. The lead suspect, who prosecutors were ready to
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At Good Shepherd Nursing and Rehabilitation 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.
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Best of
2018
When you you walk walk into into the the Robinson Robinson Nursing Nursing && Rehabilitation Rehabilitation Center Center you you will will feel feel aa comfortable comfortable atmosphere atmosphere different different When from any any other other facility facility you you have have visited. visited. We We feature feature tall tall ceilings ceilings and and an an open open floor floor plan. plan. We We have have aa lovely lovely dining dining room room and and from a covered outdoor patio area. a covered outdoor patio area. We specialize specialize in in short-term short-term rehabilitation rehabilitation and and long-term long-term care care services. services. The The short-term short-term rehabilitation rehabilitation area area has has its its own own We dining area and day room. From the moment you enter our facility, we want you to experience the difference our facility has 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 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 safe when when staying staying with with us. us. You You will will also also notice notice the the pride pride we we take take in in our our facility facility by by keeping keeping our our building building sparkling sparkling clean clean and from the inside out. from the inside out. Our team team isis dedicated dedicated to to providing providing aa safe safe and and comfortable comfortable environment. environment. Robinson Robinson Nursing Nursing and and Rehab Rehab offers offers modern modern Our conveniencesin inaagracious gracioussetting. setting.We Weprovide providedaily dailyplanned plannedactivities activitiesled ledbybyCertified certifiedActivity activityDirectors, directors, like like social social events events conveniences and outings outings and and pastoral pastoral services services with with spiritual spiritual care care for for all all religions. religions. We We strongly strongly encourage encourage family family participation participation in in group group and activities, meals meals and and celebrating celebrating family family birthdays birthdays and and special special days. days. activities, To help help you you plan plan your your visits, visits, we we provide provide aa monthly monthly event event calendar calendar and and aa monthly monthly meal meal planner. planner. Robinson Robinson Nursing Nursing and and To Rehab does does not not have have set set visiting visiting hours. hours. We We view view this this facility facility as as the the “home” “home” of of each each resident. resident. Rehab We try try our our best best to to communicate communicate with with patients patients and and families families to to help help alleviate alleviate the the anxiety anxiety that that accompanies accompanies this this journey. journey. We Our team team of of nurses, nurses, therapists therapists and and support support staff staff work work closely closely together together to to develop develop aa plan plan based based on on the the individual individual needs needs of of Our each person. person. We We recognize recognize that that rehabilitation rehabilitation involves involves not not only only the the patient, patient but the entire family. each
501.753.9003 •• 519 519 Donovan Donovan Briley Briley Boulevard, Boulevard, NLR NLR •• www.robinsonnr.com www.robinsonnr.com 501.753.9003
diamonds
STAN JONES Conservationist/Entrepreneur
S
tan Jones answers to the titles of farmer, duck hunter, conservationist and entrepreneur. A 1973 graduate of Arkansas State University in Jonesboro, he played on the 1970 national championship football team, is a former commissioner of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and owns Stan Jones Mallard Lodge in Clover Bend, where he farms about 7,000 acres and hosts about 1,800 duck hunts a year.
HOW DID YOU FIRST GET INTERESTED IN HUNTING? My dad was a pretty big hunter; he took my brother and I duck and deer hunting a lot. When I transferred to Walnut Ridge in the ninth grade, I started taking the head football coach and the superintendent duck hunting every Tuesday morning. People knew I was missing class to go duck hunting, but fortunately, it didn’t make any difference, since I was taking the coach and the superintendent. WHAT HAS BEEN THE KEY TO YOUR SUCCESS THROUGH THE DUCK LODGE? I want my guests to experience hunting the way I did as a boy hunting with my dad, while providing the best in guides, accommodations, food and seamless organization. I am very blessed to have had my lodge selected among the top five hunting lodges in America by Fox Nation and top seven lodges in the U.S. by Federal Premium Select, which owns both Federal and Remington ammunitions.
WHAT DID YOU ACCOMPLISH DURING YOUR TIME AS AN AGFC COMMISSIONER — 2017 TO 2024? My top priority was to make Arkansas hunting and conservation better in every way for both hunters and wildlife. I always wanted all hunters to be able to harvest in a bountiful way but also be mindful and respectful of not overharvesting lest we become depleted. Very simply, it boils down to a balance of conservation between hunters and wildlife.
YOU HAVE WORN MANY HATS IN YOUR LIFE. WHAT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF? One of the greatest honors of my life has been being a farmer and owner of a world-class duck lodge. To be a good farmer carries a lot of responsibility; I have fed the world and the ducks with the crops I have grown. Never do I ever take my life for granted, as God is a very important part of my life’s journey and my success. I’m thankful for sunrises and sunsets. I am grateful beyond measure. 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.
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LIVE THE LIFE OF LUXURY
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