AY About You October 2021

Congratulations

Cindy Costa & Dr. Almas Chughtai on being named to AY’s 2021 Intriguing Women!

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WHAT’S INSIDE

10 Publisher’s Letter 12 Connect 14 Top Events 158 Murder Mystery 160 Arkansas Backstories

HOME&GARDEN

Cutting Edge Pumpkin to Talk About

16 24

FOOD&DRINK

A Little Bit of Chicken Fried FJacob ace Behind the Place: Chi 38 The Place to Be 42 Outdoor Patio Dining 44 Halloween Recipes 26 32

ARTS&CULTURE

Lights, Corn Dogs, Action Movies in Spa City The Science of the Scare Something Strange in the

102 112 116 122

Neighborhood

HEALTH 128 Need a Lift?

136 To Save a Child 146 The Pink Pandemic

Fried Chicken Bucket List, page 30

Photo by Bob Coleman

ABOUT YOU 47 AY’s 2021 Intriguing Women 142 Hitting the Right Notes

ON THE COVER The Arkansas State Fair is back and might just be better than ever. “See Y’all There!”

Read more: page 102.

Photo courtesy Arkansas State Fair.

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ENHANCING FINE ARTS IN PCSSD PCSSD OFFERS A WIDE VARIETY OF PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS COURSES FOR OUR STUDENTS. The District is annually represented in AllRegion Bands, Choirs, and Orchestras as well as participation in the All-State Music Conference, which includes Bands, Orchestras, and Choirs.

Our Performing Arts ensembles also compete in Region Concert Performance Assessments and State Concert Performance Assessments, Region and State Marching Band Assessments, Forensic and Competitive Speech tournaments.

Our Visual Arts students are represented in Young Artist Competitions and service projects in the surrounding communities.

DECEMBER 2019

The students’ success is leading to an increased interest in all of the fine arts programs across the District.

“The program has grown from about 30 kids in choir when I started, to now 65,” said Joe T. Robinson High School Choir Director Mr. Edmond Hampton. “We have had students get statewide accolades and Superior ratings during assessments. We face some challenges but are still finding ways to be successful and give encouraging experiences to our students.”

In addition to band, choir, and orchestra, theatre programs are always popular among students.

About PCSSD

501.234.2000

pcssd.org

“Enrollment and participation in theater is the highest it has been in years,” said Mills University Studies High Theater Director Patrick Laxson. “The energy and enthusiasm of our students will be evident for all to see on the stage in our productions this year!”

PCSSD also offers a number of visual arts programs, including drawing, pottery, painting, printmaking, and art history.

Pulaski County Special School District spans more than 600 square miles in central Arkansas and requires highly skilled and passionate personnel to adapt educational policies and personalization to 25 schools. Every school is accredited by the Arkansas State Board of Education. PCSSD has served schools across Pulaski County since July 1927.

PCSSD is committed to creating a nationally recognized school district that assures that all students achieve at their maximum potential through collaborative, supportive and continuous efforts of all stakeholders.

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

Heather Baker hbaker@aymag.com EDITOR

Dustin Jayroe djayroe@aymag.com

CONTRIBUTING EDITOR

Mark Carter mcarter@aymag.com

STAFF WRITER

Emily Beirne ebeirne@aymag.com

FOOD EDITOR

Kevin Shalin kshalin@aymag.com

EDITOR-AT-LARGE

Lisa Fischer lfischer@aymag.com

ART DIRECTOR

Jamison Mosley jmosley@aymag.com

PRODUCTION MANAGER Rebecca Robertson rrobertson@aymag.com

DIGITAL MEDIA DIRECTOR

Kellie McAnulty kmcanulty@aymag.com

GRAPHIC DESIGNER

Lora Puls lpuls@aymag.com

Dwain Hebda is president of Ya!Mule Wordsmiths in Little Rock. A writer, editor and journalist of some 30 years, his work appears in more than 30 publications in four states. Nebraskan by birth, Southern by the grace of God, he and his wife, Darlene, have four grown children and two lovely dogs.

Janie Jones began her journalism career by writing features for the River Valley & Ozark Edition. After finding her niche as a true crime writer for AY About You, she acted as a consultant for Investigation Discovery. With her husband, she coauthored two books: Hiking Arkansas and Arkansas Curiosities.

Julie Craig began her magazine career while living in New York City as an intern at Seventeen. With fashion and home design as her forte for the past 15 years, Julie is a blogger, writer and editor who has reported stories for Us Weekly and written about and photographed New York Fashion Week.

Ebony Blevins After obtaining her bachelor’s degree in photojournalism from Arkansas State University, Ebony Blevins has worked for and with numerous publications and marketing companies around Arkansas.

Along with freelancing, she is currently developing her fine art photography body of work.

Angela Forsyth lives in Northwest Arkansas.

Her articles have been published in AY About You, Arkansas Money and Politics, Food & Drink, Modern Home Builder, Manufacturing Today, Inside Healthcare, Retail Merchandiser and many more magazines.

She’s a happy wife and mom to four kids and a dog.

Jason Pederson spent 20 years as KATV’s “Seven On Your Side” reporter. He now heads up the Office of the Ombudsman for the Arkansas Department of Human Services. Jason and his wife, Mary Carol, have two biological children and one bonus son, all now adults. They are long-time members of Fellowship Bible Church in Little Rock.

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES

Stephanie Wallace swallace@aymag.com Linda Burlingame lindaaymag@aol.com Tonya Higginbotham thigginbotham@aymag.com Mary Funderburg mary@aymag.com Tonya Mead tmead@aymag.com Shasta Ballard sballard@aymag.com Amanda Moore amoore@aymag.com

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

Jessica Everson jeverson@aymag.com

ADVERTISING COORDINATOR Jacob Carpenter ads@aymag.com

ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT Ginger Roell groell@aymag.com

CONTRIBUTORS

Kaitlin Barger, Ken Heard, Meredith Mashburn, Tony Milligan, Sarah Russell, Jared Sorrells

ADMINISTRATION Casandra Moore admin@aymag.com Vicki Vowell, CEO

TO ADVERTISE:

501-244-9700 or hbaker@aymag.com

TO SUBSCRIBE:

501-244-9700 or aymag.com

Nic Williams, an Arkansas native, is a practicing lawyer and contributor to AY About You. He has developed original recipes for more than half a decade and considers Ina Garten as his inspiration.

Most importantly, he’s a proud doggy dad and is grateful for his supportive friends and family.

AY Magazine is published monthly, Volume XXXIV, Issue 6 AY Magazine (ISSN 2162-7754) is published monthly 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 $20 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 ©2020, 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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SIX BRIDGES BOOK FESTIVAL OCTOBER 21-31 | SixBridgesBookFestival.org

Register for book discussions with more than 70 award-winning authors from Arkansas and around the world.

Karla Cornejo Villavicencio Charles Yu October 23, 6:30 p.m.

October 23, 8 p.m.

CALS Speaker Series: J. N. Heiskell program; Session will be available in English and Spanish

CALS Speaker Series: Fred K. Darragh program; Co-sponsored by the Arkansas Humanities Council

The Six Bridges Book Festival, a program of the Central Arkansas Library System, is supported in part by the Arkansas Humanities Council and made possible in part by the Arkansas State Library and the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The Junior League of Little Rock/Little Readers Rock is a partner for the Festival’s family events.

Jacqueline Woodson October 30, 2:30 p.m.

Fest’s Book Club Campaign Selection

publisher's letter

‘Fair’ Thee Well!

How am I doing these days? I guess I’d have to say I’m “fair” to middling. Better than that, actually. You see, the Arkansas State Fair is officially back, and we’re all so excited we just had to slap a Ferris wheel on the cover to make sure no one forgets. See you there!

By now, we all know what to expect as soon as the calendar strikes October: cool air, pumpkin spice, sweaters and a litany of festivals. But around here at AY About You, this month is even more special because it means we get to unveil another class of Intriguing Women. Each lady featured in this issue has a unique story to tell, and we are honored for the ability to share this special listing with our readers each and every year.

AY Media Group is a woman-led organization, and as such, we know how important it is for women in the workplace to build each other up.

Did I say “About You?” I meant to say “About Boo.” Don’t worry, we didn’t change our name, but we did lean into the Halloween spirit. Like with our monthly recipes, both of which are spook-tacular. Then we broke down some of the science behind why we as humans (some of us, anyway) like to be scared — whether that’s a night at the movies or at a haunted house. We also talked to a local enthusiast in the wide world of the paranormal and supernatural, so much so that she started her own organization: Arkansas X Files. Check out all that, and more — if you dare.

And speaking of incredible women, this month also features a spotlight on the Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas in the lead-up to its Woman of Inspiration event. This year, Arkansas native Gene Jones (wife of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones) is being honored as the Woman of Inspiration on Oct. 6 at the Statehouse Convention Center in Little Rock.

As always, there are so many more exciting and inspiring things in this issue of AY, so now I’ll leave you to it.

Enjoy!

Heather Baker, President & Publisher hbaker@aymag.com

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WWW.CABOTFORD.COM

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TRENDING ON AYMAG.COM Top 10 Cheeseburgers in Little Rock Fixer to Fabulous Season Three, Spinoff Series Coming Soon Top 20 Restaurant-Bars in the Little Rock Area Recipe: Creamy Beef Taco Soup Valhalla Restaurant & Axe Throwing Sold to Familiar Faces

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READER FEEDBACK ARKANSAS BACKSTORIES: SNOWBALL “These stories are very interesting. Please keep them coming.”

Scott Wheeler FOOD BITES: LR ROOFTOP BAR REOPENING, OKTOBERFEST SEASON, AND MORE “Thank you for sharing our event! We cannot wait to taste all the food from our amazing food truck friends!”

Boys & Girls Clubs of Saline County HOMETOWN HEROES: JAJUAN ARCHER OF WOMEN’S OWN WORTH “Honored to be featured by AY Magazine.”

Women’s Own Worth EXCLUSIVE: ACS UNVEILS LINEUP FOR FILMLAND: ARKANSAS 2021 “Thank you for your collaboration and support, AY Magazine!”

Arkansas Cinema Society

INSTAGRAM

CONTESTS

Time to decorate for Halloween!

For a recent Woman Wednesday feature, AY sat down with attorney Sydney Rasch.

Arkansas’ Ashley McBryde receives three nominations for 55th CMA Awards.

Contest deadline is October 14! Go to aymag.com and click on the “Contests” tab.

1. ROCK N ROLL SUSHI Little Rock has two locations where you can rock (to the jukebox) and roll (with some sushi). Try out some of Rock N Roll Sushi’s flare and flavor on the house with this gift card to either of its capital city locations.

CODE: SUSHI

2. LOBLOLLY

There’s nothing like a scoop of delicious ice cream, no matter the season. When it comes to ice cream, you can’t beat Loblolly Creamery. This Little Rock favorite serves up mouthwatering small-batch ice cream, using fresh ingredients and unique flavors. Come and get your favorite flavor, on us.

CODE: LOBLOLLY

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3. TURPENTINE CREEK

Take a walk on the wild side at Turpentine Creek.

This Eureka Springs refuge provides a home for abandoned and neglected big cats, from tigers to lions to leopards. Win two tickets to tour the refuge and see all the amazing animals!

CODE: CATS

The weather is perfect for some farmers market hopping!

!

September WINNERS Rock Town Distillery: DIANE MCDANIEL Loblolly: JOANNE FORSE Turpenting Creek: AMY HUGHES

the Great Outdoors are calling RESERVE ONLINE AT bigcedar.com

agenda

5

Top

you just can't miss!

HOWL-O-WEEN PARTIES IN THE PLAZA Oct. 2, 9, 16, 30 Little Rock Zoo It’s equal parts fright and delight on four special Saturdays at the Little Rock Zoo this month. Bring your costumes and walking shoes for this “wild” way to celebrate Howl-o-Ween.

LITTLE ROCK TOUCHDOWN CLUB Oct. 4, 11, 18, 25

Doubletree Hotel — Little Rock The Little Rock Touchdown Club is back, and the stellar lineup of guest speakers has been turning heads since things kicked off with Head Hog Sam Pittman in August. This month’s speaker calendar includes Eli Manning, Matt Jones, Butch Jones, Austin Allen, Cliff Harris and Drew Pearson.

HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL Oct. 8-16

Hot Springs/Virtual The Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year and is offering a hybrid schedule so guests may either attend in person or tune in online. (Read more: page 112)

ARKANSAS STATE FAIR Oct. 15-24

State Fairgrounds — Little Rock We’ll call last year a mulligan; the Arkansas State Fair has a full docket planned for this year’s iteration of the historic event. There will be concerts, rides and, of course, more fried food than you ever thought you needed. (Read more: page 102)

THE SIMON & GARFUNKEL STORY Oct. 29-31

Robinson Performance Hall — Little Rock It won’t take you “four days to hitchhike from Saginaw” for this one. The Simon & Garfunkel Story, a concert-style theater show celebrating the music icons, is coming to Robinson Performance Hall this month.

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events

Halloween Oct. 31

Top 3 events to do at home Editor’s Note: Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the events and information listed are subject to change.

When attending events this month, please remember to be safe and abide by the most current guidelines set forth by Gov. Asa Hutchinson and the Arkansas Department of Health.

PRESCHOOL STORY TIME (VIRTUAL) Oct. 5, 12, 19, 26 www.faylib.org

ARKANSAS GHOST STORIES (VIRTUAL) Oct. 22; 4 p.m. www.cals.org

AGFC VIRTUAL NATURE CENTER www.agfcnaturecenter.com

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aymag.com

home

Cedge

UTTING

By JULIE CRAIG

Photos courtesy COUNTERTOP WORLD

When building a home, precision is key.

all is here, and for many, entertaining is beginning to make a comeback. Amid a pandemic, homeowners and businesses alike are rethinking both design and function for the purpose of bettering aesthetics as well as customer and family needs. Remodeling is trending more than ever.

David McDougall, owner and operator of Countertop World, realizes the ever-changing world of home building must require certain components for true success. That’s why his

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stone fabrication and installation company in Central Arkansas, a 5,000-square-foot-showroom off Interstate 30 in Bryant, is the fastestgrowing countertop company in Arkansas. The company stocks the largest selection of stone slabs around, for a fabricator, with 500 plus slabs on hand in every type of material a customer could hope for. If they don’t have just what you are looking for on-site, they will help you find it. The team consults with customers to figure out what to keep in stock, keeping differ-

Endless color tones available for the highest design aesthetics.

ent lifestyles that require different maintenance levels in mind as well as current trends, such as whites and grays and darker tones with more prominent veins.

“We prioritize the service of our customers when we first meet a client and show everything we have to offer for timely and professional installation, as well as service after the sale,” McDougall says. “That, paired with the highest quality of stone and machinery available, fills our other top priority — quality.”

Locally owned with a combined experience of 60-plus years in the front office alone, Countertop World offers its high quality as a result of experience and some of the best technology around. The company continues to invest in the latest and greatest, from digital templating, where customers can get the most accurate measurements of a new countertop, to a full line of CNC manufacturing equipment for perfect precision combined with speed that provides that smooth and seamless edging. The process takes a countertop from a mere cook-

ing surface to a complete design staple. Adding to the highest quality possible, eco-conscious methods are put into place to reduce the environmental footprint and costs. Because Countertop World uses the HydroClear System from Park Industries water recycling system, the company uses 70 percent less water than local competitors. In other words, you won’t find any of their methods at most local shops or your chain home improvement store.

Of course, when building a home, precision is key. Homeowners and commercial businesses often bring specific ideas to the table when searching for the perfect new piece, whether it’s remodeling a salon sink area, designing a new pool area or building a new kitchen island. The LT-2D3D Laser Templator captures dimensions without error so that everything fits in the home or business “like a glove,” and the hightech machines make the entire process easier and faster than traditional methods.

Slabsmith technology, provided at Countertop World, allows photos of the slabs you

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choose to be overlaid with the digital templates made. This allows customers to rest easy knowing the very best vein match possible has been produced.

Combined, these state-of-the-art pieces of equipment keep the process flowing as smoothly and quickly as possible.

“High-end products like ours can’t be rushed, and production takes time no matter what,” McDougall says. “What keeps our jobs turning around quickly is the tight communication we have with each client from beginning to end.”

Countertop World offers more than just countertops. Beyond countertops, imagine beautiful free-standing bathtubs, stunning sinks in numerous materials, breathtaking backsplashes and the most striking options for grout-free porcelain slab showers. They can even help you source options for faucets and cabinet hardware.

“Every job is unique, and every job gets the same attention and excitement,” McDougall says. aymag.com

State-of-the-art equipment is used from start to finish.

All projects are cut on the Park Industries Saberjet CNC Sawjet for the most updated fabrication completely finished dust-free, allowing employees to complete projects without sacrificing their health and safety.

Once the slabs are cut, the edging brings on the beauty. Pretty and polished, all stone — from quartz (the most popular for countertops) to granite, marble and quartzite (known for its water-color designs) and porcelain (which does not ever stain, etch or crack and is also the most hygienic surface because germs can simply be wiped away with a disinfectant) — are finished with all of the top-rated machines on the market.

Advancements in quartz and porcelain technology allow designs to be mimicked much more easily, too. From modern concrete looks to veined marble classics, customers get the exact design they’re looking for without a doubt.

With such a huge selection, high quality and a quick turnaround, Countertop World can make your dreams come true, and that’s what makes this company a cut above the rest.

“Seeing customers love our work is what keeps us going,” McDougall says.

Countertop World is a cut above the rest.

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Prepare for Fall • Heat-rated vented logs • Sizes 21” to 36” • Natural or LP gas • Installation available

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CONGRATULATIONS

SPENCER HAWKS REALTOR® OF THE YEAR

Client Focused. Goal Oriented.

I look forward to an opportunity to work with you. I am a multi-million-dollar sales producer & broker ready to support you as a buyer or listing client.

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aymag.com

garden

Pumpkin to

Talk About

By EMILY BEIRNE // Photos By JAMISON MOSLEY

t’s the most wonderful time of the year again. No, not Christmas.

It’s fall. Or autumn, depending on which side of the pond you’re from. The air is finally crisp rather than thick, and the leaves are starting to look like little puzzle pieces of art. The Christmas holiday season gains a lot of popularity for its traditions of gift-giving, waiting on Jolly Ol’ Saint Nicolas and, of course, the Christmas tree. In the build-up to Christmas, the fall months are often “breezed” through with little to no appreciation for the traditions society has created around the season. Apple cider, Halloween decorations, thoughts of Thanksgiving, and the big orange cherry on top — pumpkin patches.

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Randy Motley.

Randy Motley of Motley’s Tree Farm and Motley’s Pumpkin Patch is no stranger to the festivities of both the fall and winter months; he is prepared for both. Motley opened his Christmas tree farm in 1982, and when the pumpkin patch boom came years later, he was ready to adapt.

“We added the pumpkin patch around 2004, and the pumpkins tied in real well with the Christmas trees because it just went from one season to the next,” Motley says. “We have three full-time employees, but with the rush of fall and winter we have to hire around 75 seasonal employees to keep everything running.”

Motley’s Pumpkin Patch has all the classic activities like hayrides,

petting zoos and “gourd”-geous photo-ops, but with a special Motley twist to make this pumpkin patch the best pick from the vine.

“We learned long ago that moms and young people need plenty of opportunities for amazing photos,” he says. “Memories are always made at the pumpkin patch, and pictures are something that families will look back on and share, so we’ve set up the perfect places for photos all over the farm. Moms always get so excited setting their kids up for photos.”

The memories only grow with each activity at the patch. One of Motley’s newest additions in recent years is the jump pillows set into the ground. The pillows are akin to bounce houses, but bigger. Measuring at a whopping 32 feet by 75 feet, the pillows are a few levels above jumping off of a bed into a mound of pillows. Another signature attraction is Motley’s pirate ship waiting for this season’s crew of young pirates — the Motley Crew, if you will.

New and familiar faces are waiting to be pet at the classic petting zoo. Two special four-legged friends, Maggie the donkey and Daisy the pig, are especially excited for another season of smiling faces. New to the little zoo are some goats and a few baby pigs getting ready for the annual pig races.

“We bring in new pigs every year for the pig race,” Motley says.

“We’re about to start them on two-a-day training with no pads.”

Getting to the main event, the pumpkins, Motley and his team have created a pumpkin paradise for guests. Not wanting his patch to blur with others around the country, Motley designed an intricate setting for his pumpkins to stand out.

“This is not just a 50-acre field of pumpkins out in farming country; these are polished pumpkins with rows of flowers surrounding them and a photo-op in the middle. This is the prettiest pumpkin patch. We load up all the pumpkins we need, set them up to look beautiful, and the whole scene looks as though pumpkin fairies came in and fixed everything,” Motley says with a laugh. “We keep plenty of pumpkins around, and specialty pumpkins are taken to a tent, like the flat white and new moon pumpkins that you see in Cinderella.”

The king of the pumpkin patch has probably seen every shape, size and color of pumpkin, so it’s only natural to wonder what his pick of the patch is.

“I like a regular jack-o’-lantern type that’s kind of tall because I can see a Frankenstein head come to life,” Motley says. “We’ve learned over the years that if a pumpkin is a little bit different, has a bit of a different shape, it will be one of the first ones to go. Everybody wants the unusual.”

After a long day of jumping on giant pillows and finding the perfect pumpkin, Motley’s Pumpkin Patch also sells homemade goods to

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browse and enjoy.

“On a busy weekend, we make and sell around 200 pounds of fudge,” Motley says.

Jumping on the term “agritourism,” Motley wants his pumpkin patch to be an experience for the whole family. Pumpkin patches can also be a dime a dozen in originality, but Motley has spent the last few decades guaranteeing that his pumpkin patch is unlike any other.

“Some pumpkin patches think the idea is to have a huge deal of pumpkins and that’s it. We have a beautiful farm and all the pumpkins we need. What we’re doing out here is a family experience,” Motley says. “We’ve been doing this so long, I have people come to me all the time to tell me that they used to come to the farm when they were kids, and now they bring their own kids out here. That’s what I like to hear. To know that generations are coming back to the farm because of the memories they’ve made is so nice. This is why I tell parents to take a lot of photos because this is what they’ll never forget. These moments are so special.”

aymag.com

food

e l t t i L A

d e i r F n e k c i h C f o Bi t

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f o t i B e l A Li t t

n e k c i h C Frie d

By SARAH RUSSELL Photography by JAMISON MOSLEY and BOB COLEMAN

C

Lisa Zhang is a Little Rock restaurateur willing to put her money where your mouth is. Seven years ago, with no prior experience in food service, she opened Three Fold Noodles + Dumpling Co. on her savings and the firm belief that Arkansans were missing out on something special: authentic Asian cuisine.

“When I immigrated here, I always saw there is a part missing, not only in Little Rock but in general, how the Chinese cuisine has been altered too much in a way to please American taste buds,” she says. “It lost the authentic goodness of authentic cooking. However, Chinese cuisine is a really big range. There is what I call unlimited variety or flavor. It’s much, much more than current American society has it from the to-go or buffet.

“I just wanted to do something to introduce from the very local small scale the authentic Chinese cuisine than what was currently in Arkansas. I want to give people at least a window to explore the Cache variety of authentic Chinese cuisine.”

Restaurant.

Ever since humanity first began to travel over long distances, they’ve brought their food traditions with them. Invariably, this caused ethnic cuisine to change with the address. Imagine immigrating from coastal Japan or Vietnam to say, Kansas, and the effect it would have on your Nana’s traditional dishes.

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hurch, politics and fried chicken — so intertwined are they in the South, you might say they are children of the same Father. Rare would be the absence of fried chicken from any church’s communal table — about as rare as a preacher playing hooky. Much is at stake for a wayward preacher, namely the forfeiture of the reverentially dubbed “preacher’s parts” — the best pieces of the bird that has come to be known as the “Sunday Cluck” or the “Gospel Bird.”

Getting a spot at the table of the Monte Ne Inn Chicken restaurant in Rogers is a divine experience too. Ironically from the ruins of Coin Harvey’s vision has arisen not a phoenix, but, well, a flock of chickens. Twice a presidential candidate himself, Harvey came to Arkansas while working on the campaign of the future presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan.

It would be his last stint in politics. Harvey quite successfully turned his Rogers land purchase into the health resort Monte Ne, meaning “mountain water.” Although it was long a mecca for the rich and powerful, the Great Depression set it on a downward spiral, leaving behind not much more than history to mark its existence.

About 50 years ago — not far from its ruins — its namesake opened. The Monte Ne Inn Chicken restaurant is a humble place, as is its current owner, David Myers, who for his share of decades now has kept the place and its fried chicken recipe true to its roots. This “little chicken house,” as Myers calls it, has become quite a mecca in its own right, drawing families, church folks, celebrities, politicians and foodies from around the world — the wisest of whom make reservations days in advance. “Family-style,” everyone passes around serving dishes of “all the fixins,” the star of which is that fried chicken — 90 thousand pounds of it yearly.

The only thing piled higher than the plates is the number of awards and recognition that Monte Ne Inn has received.

Recognition has come from publications and organizations such as The Daily Meal, Insider, Only in Your State, CitiScapes, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and most notably the Arkansas aymag.com

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Monte Ne Inn Chicken.

Food Hall of Fame. While the chicken recipe is iconic, you won’t find it published anywhere. The only obtainable information is this: Fresh chicken, the largest pieces of which are skinned, floured, seasoned and cooked in vegetable oil. Notably, it is nine pieces with the breasts being done in the famous “KFC cut.” The keel — the center of the breast — is cut separately.

The founder of KFC was another man who took the fifth on his ingredients.

Harland Sanders knew his legal rights. Having practiced law in Little Rock for three years, Sanders took a swing at his own client, effectively terminating his livelihood. His career redemption came with KFC, even earning him his infamous title “Colonel,” bestowed upon him by a politician, the Kentucky governor.

But what really is the “traditional” Southern fried chicken recipe? The first fried chicken recipe published stateside was in Mary Randolph’s 1824 cookbook The Virginia House-Wife. A Virginian, true, a housewife, not by a long shot, Randolph was very politically connected, not only through her own families’ efforts but through those of the Jeffersons. Raised by her cousins, the parents of future president Thomas, Randolph was a bit of a precursor to Martha Stewart, although Stewart would no doubt wince at Randolph’s recipe, which instructed cooks to take the cut pieces of chicken, “… dredge them well with flour, sprinkle them with salt, immerse in boiling lard and fry them until they reach a light brown.”

A later New York Times article stated that Randolph’s recipe “has never been substantially improved upon.” Then and now, that remark — at least below the Mason-Dixon line — tends to provoke the kind of furor generally reserved for presidential primaries. Any number of Southern cooks worth their salt shakers will beg to differ, waving their own recipes in protest. Her recipe might long ago have been buried, but Randolph interestingly did become the first “resident” at Arlington Cemetery. Randolph’s later culinary redemption came when famed chef James Beard lauded her as “a far-seeing culinary genius.” Admittedly, it was her tomato recipes that he loved.

Randolph’s chicken recipe was essentially that of the immigrant Scots. An independent bunch, the Scots broke from the rest of the United Kingdom and Europe by frying in lard instead of baking or boiling. Feisty as they may have been, their seasoning was not. That came with the West Africans. Despite the fact that the chicken was considered sacred in their homeland, they proved they had mad skills at seasoning and frying it. The culinary imprint of immigrants from multiple countries is reflected in this and many other iconic dishes of the South, making Southern food a true fusion of cultures.

“In a way that somebody else converts to Judaism or becomes a Hare Krishna, I belong to the church of fried chicken,” says Top Chef co-host and Indian cookbook author Padma Lakshmi.

Shane Henderson might just say, “Amen” to that. The son of a preacher man, Henderson found his calling in the kitchen and his match in wife and business partner, Kim. Owners of Heritage Catering in Little Rock, the Hendersons’ success continues to reflect their own mad skills, including Shane’s training at the culinary institute of Johnson & Wales University. Graduates of the renowned school include Graham Elliot, Emeril Lagasse, Tyler Florence and yes, Blac Chyna, too.

And like those chefs, the Hendersons are part of a new breed unafraid to put their own riff on this icon of the South.

“We noticed pickle-brined fried chicken on several menus a few years ago, and now it’s everywhere,” Kim says. “This was unusual, and inspired us to start thinking outside the box on new ways to fry chicken at Heritage.”

So, yes, you can find traditional fried chicken on their menu, as well as divine temptations such as their original Sweet Tea Marinated Fried Chicken or their Coca-Cola Fried Chicken topped with spiced honey. Nope, we’re not getting specifics here either, but Kim advises about “… always starting with a great brine — it adds flavor and keeps the meat tender and juicy.” Different breading choices of seasoning, flour, cornflakes or potato chips follow. At home, the Hendersons prefer to pan fry in a cast-iron skillet. For 200 guests? Well, the frying takes place in their Cajun fryers, using vegetable oil as a safeguard for those with allergies.

When asked what her favorite recipe is, Kim says, “Any fried chicken on the buffet in a small church anywhere in Arkansas.”

We may take different paths to our churches, we may vigorously debate our politics, but one thing is certain in the South — there are always warm smiles and hot fried chicken waiting at the table for you. Hallelujah.

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AY’s ARKANSAS

d Chicken FrieBucket List

l Aisha’s Fish and Chicken Pine Bluff

l AQ Chicken House

l Ocean’s Fish & Chicken Pine Bluff

Presented by

l Old South Restaurant Russellville

Springdale

t the Corner l A

Little Rock

obby’s Country Cookin’ l B

Little Rock

ache Restaurant l C

Little Rock

alico County l C

Fort Smith

l Cathy’s Corner Siloam Springs

hick-A-Dilly l C

El Dorado

hicken Country l C

Jacksonville

otham’s in the City l C

Little Rock

l David Family Kitchen Little Rock

l Dew-Baby’s Stuttgart

ot’s Nashville Hot Chicken l D

Fayetteville

l DownHome Restaurant & Catering Little Rock

l Fat City Grill

l Grider Field Restaurant Pine Bluff

l Heritage Catering Little Rock

l Holly’s Country Cooking Conway

l Skinny J’s

Conway, Jonesboro, North Little Rock, Paragould

lim Chickens l S

Various Locations

outh on Main l S

Little Rock

l Homer’s

Little Rock

l Southern Food Company Fayetteville

l JJ’s Grill

Various Locations

l Kelley’s Kickin Chicken West Memphis

l Kitchen Express Little Rock

l Stickyz Rock ‘n’ Roll Chicken Shack Little Rock

l Stoby’s Restaurant

Conway, Russellville

l Lost Forty Brewing Co.

aylor’s Made Cafe l T

l Maddie’s Place

l The Hive

l Monte Ne Inn Chicken

l The Skillet Restaurant

l Myrtie Mae’s

usk & Trotter American l T

Little Rock

Little Rock

Rogers

Eureka Springs

l Neal’s Cafe Springdale

l Nick’s Bar-B-Q & Catfish Carlisle

Conway

Bentonville

Mountain View Brasserie Bentonville

enesian Inn l V

Springdale

GFBFKitchen l Y

Conway

Jonesboro

3C heck off the Fried Chicken Bucket List as you visit a small sample of our favorite places.

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om c . g ma

Arkansas at your door.

HOME & GARDEN • FOOD & DRINK • ARTS & CULTURE • TRAVEL

ay

Our readers are hungry.

84% of AY readers are looking for dining and entertainment ideas according to Circulation Verification Council.

That is 152,775 readers per month.

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food

Jacob Chi.

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Face Behind the Place:

f o JACOB CHI

CHI RESTAURANT GROUP

By KEVIN SHALIN // Photos By JAMISON MOSLEY

I

f you have lived in Central Arkansas for any amount of time, then you know the Chi name is synonymous with restaurant royalty in these parts. Now run by managing members Dr. Jasen Chi and his brother, Jacob Chi, the Chi Restaurant Group has six restaurants under its umbrella — Chi’s Chinese Cuisine, Chi’s Asian Cafe, Sushi Cafe, Sushi Cafe West, Prospect Bar & Grill, and Lulu’s Seafood Kitchen. The journey started more than three decades ago for the family, and while it’s never been easy, the Chis continue to battle through an often unmerciful industry.

“Our family moved to Little Rock when I was about 4 years old. We’ve been in Little Rock for nearly 38 years,” Jacob Chi says. “My mother worked three jobs while my father worked the import/ export trade. Like most first-generation immigrants in the United States, putting food on the table was the most important job.”

Two years later, his parents put together enough money to open the family’s first restaurant on Geyer Springs Road called Cuisine of China.

“Like many Asian families in the United States, one of the only options available in owning a small business was to start a restaurant,” Chi says.

And his parents did everything, from formulating recipes to constructing booths by hand to hiring the first team members. Even Jacob and Jasen had a role in the new business.

“My first job was being the dishwasher,” Chi says. “I would stand on an empty 5-gallon soy sauce bucket to do my work. My brother served tables and helped every way he could.”

Being part of the restaurant industry is all Chi has ever known.

“It’s part of our DNA,” he says. “We will likely always be involved in the restaurant business. My brother and I are simply stewards of our family’s place in the Central Arkansas restaurant industry.”

That responsibility has weighed heavily on Chi over the past six years, a period filled with heartache, due to the loss of his wife, Valerie, and his mother, Lulu, the matriarch of the family.

“My mother was always the glue that kept our family together. She was our foundation and the hub that kept the wheels turning,” he says. “Similarly, my wife was the controller for our organization. So many things were cross-checked and monitored through our system by my wife. We lost them both to separate bouts of cancer.”

The values his late wife and mother instilled in him continue to guide him to this day.

“My mother taught me how to work and keep moving forward,” Chi says. “My wife taught me

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how to love and emphasized the importance of being present in times of life that matter the most. Losing the two most important women in my life taught me more than a few lessons. That experience has not been easy by any stretch of the imagination. Both women would often tell me that it’s not about how many times you get knocked down but rather that you get back up to keep moving forward. God has given me the great gift of getting remarried and for our family to continue to grow. It has been a very hard-fought six-year period for our family. But we honor my mother and my late wife by continuing their work and their legacy through our efforts. That will never change.”

And neither will Chi’s ability to navigate the business through the most challenging of times, like what he’s faced over the past two years.

“Our primary focus throughout the pandemic has been to keep our workforce employed,” he says. “Most of our team members have been with us for many years. They and their families depend on our businesses to put food on the table. One of our main functions throughout the pandemic has been to adapt and make swift decisions in order to keep our team in place. Doing so while maintaining high standards and consistency in product and service to our customers has been the biggest

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Chi’s been determined to keep his workforce employed during the pandemic. challenge.”

As with most good leaders, Chi also does not shy away from voicing his opinion on matters, both related to his business and society as a whole.

“I think, over time, I’ve chosen to speak up about certain issues in an effort to bring unity and solidarity,” he says. “I feel that it’s very easy for the average person to have an opinion about a certain issue. But to do so without being educated on that issue is certainly a trap that many of us fall into. My family has always been passionate about doing things together. I often feel disheartened as I see people aggressively divided on specific issues.

Being in the restaurant business is about bringing people together. It’s about managing a team that serves others in an effort to celebrate and enjoy experiences together.

So, when I see division, oftentimes I have a real passion to speak up in order to bring people together on some common ground.”

There’s a respect for the past, his family’s values, and the determination it took to build a successful group of restaurants, but, as with any business, an eye is always towards the future. But what exactly does that mean for the Chi Restaurant Group?

“With the unprecedented environment that most restaurants are facing, you’ll see our restaurant footprints get smaller in future locations,” Chi says. “We’re also making many changes in product delivery methods to our customers. Our team has spent the last two years going digital

BEING IN THE RESTAURANT “ BUSINESS IS ABOUT BRINGING PEOPLE TOGETHER.” with online ordering for all off-premise orders, including takeout and delivery. We’re also making more investments in digital and social media marketing. As our customers become more tech-savvy, our business model and value proposition to our guests has to adapt as well.

“Our team is also developing a new brand that will feature a menu that fuses Asian flavors and family recipes with textures and profiles that we’ve historically not ventured into. The new brand will also include multiple locations. We’ll be making announcements about this soon.

Our family and team are very excited about the future.”

As are we. And even after all these years, Chi and his family are still driven to serve our Central Arkansas community.

“The way we see it is that asking customers to come to our restaurants is like asking our guests to come into our house to socialize, celebrate and enjoy the experience of breaking bread together,” Chi says.

“Our family has spent the past 36 years getting to know our guests and their families. So, for me, the most exciting part of my job is watching our guests spend time interacting with each other and our crew. We get the opportunity to be responsible for serving the food our guests feed their families and friends. Having the privilege to take part in that and delighting our guests is the best part of being a restaurateur.”

Here’s to another 36 years.

Quick bites with Jacob!

What are a few of your favorite musical groups?

I am a product of the ’90s, so alternative music and the occasional popular hip-hop song from the era are often on my playlist. My ears are also very fond of Van Halen, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughn.

Are you “forced” to listen to the music your kids love, or do you take a stand?

Do you personally enjoy cooking? And if so, what’s your favorite thing to make at home?

I enjoy cooking when I have the time for proper preparation. Steaks, burgers, fried catfish and some Italian dishes are mostly what I’ve had the most success in not messing up. I’ll also cook the occasional family recipe, but my family members are often much better at this.

What are two binge-worthy television shows that you’d recommend?

My children’s musical tastes generally line up with my own. However, I draw the line at listening to mumble rap.

Also, if Green Day is playing and my radio is touched, my children and I tend to disagree. If my younger children are in the car, Paw Patrol and Disney songs usually rule the realm.

What is one thing about yourself that most people do not know?

Where did you travel on your last vacation?

Cycling is one of the things I enjoy that I wish I had more time to do.

I was fortunate enough to take my family to central Florida for a theme park trip.

The Sopranos and Game of Thrones.

Kasper’s: Come in and stay awhile.

Chicken Fried Steak

Butternut Squash Soup

kasper’s // 501 N. Johnson, Clarksville // Tuesday - Saturday 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., 5-9 p.m. kaspersclarksville.com // (479) 647-4332

Honey

Topping

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup butter or margarine • ¼ cup sugar • ¼ cup sifted flour • ¼ cup honey • ¼ cup chopped nuts Directions:

Cream butter or margarine. Add sugar, flour and honey and mix thoroughly.

Sprinkle with nuts.

2001 N Poplar Street • North Little Rock, AR 72114 501-758-1123 • fischerhoney.com 36

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food

the place to be The Rail Yard in Little Rock combines fun, food and drink in an outdoor setting that’s perfect in October.

By KEVIN SHALIN // Photos by IAN LYLE

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“The setting is totally chill, complete with an outdoor beer garden filled with tables, lounge chairs and fire pits for the cooler days and evenings.”

t

hose familiar with The Rail Yard, the predominantly outdoor venue in Little Rock’s up-and-coming East Village, will tell you that it has quickly become one of the city’s top hangout spots. Opened in 2018 at 1212 East 6th St., the venture was the brainchild of family members Linda Newbern, Murry Newbern and Virginia Young.

“We were all at a point in our lives where we were looking for something to get involved in,” Linda Newbern says. “At different times we had been to Dallas and went to a business named Truck Yard Dallas. It is an outdoor restaurant and bar with food trucks similar to The Rail Yard. What we really loved about it was that there were people of all ages, children and dogs. Everyone was talking to each other, and no one was on their cellphones. With the food truck industry on the rise in Little Rock, we thought this concept would work here.”

And right they were. In fact, it was love at first sight.

“We began looking around Little Rock for a spot,” she says. “Virginia went to high school with Jimmy Moses (of Newmark Moses Tucker Partners), so we decided to ask his advice. He said, ‘I think I have the perfect spot,’ and took us to East Village. I think we all knew immediately that this was what we wanted. We loved the big outdoor area that also seems private.”

Almost three years after opening, both The Rail Yard and the neighborhood itself have seen a rise in popularity. In terms of the former, the setting is totally chill, complete with an outdoor beer garden filled with tables,

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lounge chairs and fire pits for the cooler days and evenings. Food trucks, a huge draw for customers, line the side areas. Various mobile eateries, including Low Ivy Catering, rotate in-and-out throughout the week.

“I love The Rail Yard,” says owner of Low Ivy Catering, Amanda Ivy. “In January, we will have been setting up there for three years.

They offer a fun hangout spot for the guests with awesome bar options, which is great for us. We find that people show up earlier, but hang out most of the night, so they eventually get hungry and come over to the truck.

We also get the benefit of live music most of the time, so we get to jam out, too. You can catch us there almost every Friday night. We love that because it gives our regulars a place to know where they can find us almost every week.”

Other regulars include A Little Crêpesy, Delta Biscuit Company, La Casa de Mi Abuelita Mawmaw’s House, The Magic Food Bus and Nach’yo Nachos, just to name a few.

Ownership views the eclectic mix of cuisine as a definite plus for diners.

“It is nice to be able to offer a variety of foods,” Newbern says.

The Rail Yard also maintains a fun, informative social media presence, complete with schedules for attending trucks and performing acts posted at the beginning of each week.

Those familiar with The Rail Yard also know about their permanent resident, Count Porkula, the ever-popular barbeque joint, which offers outdoor ordering along with an indoor dining option for folks who prefer the benefits of air conditioning. The partnership has benefitted both businesses and customers alike, aymag.com

with a marriage that made sense right from the very beginning.

“In order to have a mixed drink license in Little Rock, you must serve a full plate of food,” Newburn says. “We did not want to be in the food business and wanted to have various food trucks in the yard to serve. The ABC was not comfortable with the food truck idea because they were not permanent. A friend of ours told us that Count Porkula, who had had a food truck for three years, was looking to expand.

“It has been the perfect match. Count Porkula rents our kitchen, and they are able to smoke their meats and cook for catering events, as well as serve food at The Rail Yard.”

Serve food, they do. And if you find yourself at The Rail Yard on a Friday afternoon, be sure to get an order of Count Porkula’s burnt ends with seasoned french fries. An order of smoked wings dipped in ranch should also be high up on your list, as should a rack of baby back ribs. Consider playing hooky from work for the rest of the day, and set up shop in the beer garden until the evening hours when a food truck or two arrives. There is even live music on most Friday and Saturday nights.

The best part is that the setting is just as ideal for a date night as it is for hanging with friends and family while watching a Hogs game. In fact, the open-air conditions have allowed The Rail Yard to thrive during a time when many people are looking to socialize in a safe environment.

“We are really grateful that we have such a big outdoor space,” Newburn says. “I think people do feel safer outdoors these days. We were also lucky in that just before the pandemic we bought a trailer and modified it to be an outdoor bar. The timing was perfect.

People could get food and drink without going indoors.”

When it comes to Little Rock — or Arkansas as a whole, for that matter — there is not a better month than October to get outside and enjoy this great weather.

Newburn says, “We are looking forward to a busy fall with lots of music, food trucks and special events.”

If you have never been, make it your business to go check out The Rail Yard. Just be prepared to relax, maybe crush a few ribs, birria tacos, or even a crepe, and wash it all down with a beer or two.

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The open-air

conditions have

allowed The Rail Yard

to thrive during a time

when many people are looking to socialize in a safe environment.

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PATIOS

UTDOO

Photo by Ian Lyle.

BAJA GRILL

Baja Grill is a vibrant, MexiCali eatery and margarita bar with locations in the Heights and in Benton. The restaurant’s array of carnivorous, as well as vegetarian and vegan options, are bound to make everyone’s mouth water.

The restaurant’s colorful twist on Mexican food can be observed from anywhere in the restaurant, and even from the shaded patio.

The fun and lively environment can be enjoyed from the patio, while breathing in cool air and watching the bustle of Little Rock’s Heights neighborhood go by.

(501) 722-8920 eatbajagrill.com

Photo by Ian Lyle.

THE ROOFTOP BAR AT THE WATERS HOTEL

ROCK N ROLL SUSHI

You’d be hard-pressed to find a better place to drink with a view than the Rooftop Bar in Hot Springs. The venue sits atop the Waters Hotel, providing patrons with a bird’s-eye view of the historic downtown Hot Springs and the famed Bathhouse Row. While the landscape and scenery are what folks write home about, the Rooftop Bar also serves light food — such as the Watermelon Peach Salad, Shrimp Cocktail and a charcuterie spread. Then put the cherry on top of your nightcap with one of the delectable desserts.

One of the capital city’s favorite unique eateries has a brand-new patio for you to rock your roll — sushi rolls, that is.

But there’s plenty of opportunity to rock, just as well. Rock N Roll Sushi is a music-themed restaurant, and that mission is fulfilled through both its decor and menu items. At the hip eatery, appetizers are Opening Acts, favorites are Headliners, and so on. Specific dishes keep up the puns, like the Headbanger Shrimp, Axl Roll, Sharp Dressed Roll and Good Times Roll. Now, “groupies” of the popular spot can enjoy all of this from the comfort of the patio.

(501) 321-0001 thewatershs.com/amenities/the-rooftop-bar/

(501) 313-4241 rocknrollsushi.com

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s Caramel Apple t a E •

aymag.com

CAKE POPS

By Jacob Carpenter

S • R ECIPE

INGREDIENTS 1 16.25-ounce box white cake mix (plus eggs, oil to prepare to box instructions) 1 box green apple Jell-O ½ can white icing 1 package Jolly Rancher Green Apple Drink Mix 1 package white melting chocolate 6 pirouline wafer sticks Green food coloring Sprinkles 2 cups dipping caramel INSTRUCTIONS 1. Prepare cake according to package directions, stirring in green apple Jell-O mix. Bake as directed, then allow to cool to room temperature.

2. While cake is cooling, mix icing with Jolly Rancher Green Apple Drink Mix. 3. Once cake is cooled, crumble it up into a bowl with your fingers.

4. Add icing mixture to crumbled cake, and stir together until you have a very thick, batter-like consistency.

5. Roll batter into six golf-ball-size spheres, and set onto parchment paper.

6. Once you have all six balls rolled, stick a pirouline stick into top of each ball.

7. Freeze for two hours.

8. Once balls have chilled, melt white chocolate, and add 1-3 drops of green food coloring until you have reached your desired color of green.

9. Dip each ball into green chocolate, and sit it onto parchment paper.

10. Dust sprinkles onto freshly dipped cake balls before chocolate hardens.

11. Place balls into refrigerator for about an hour.

12. Dip cake pops into caramel before biting into them, and enjoy all the flavors of a caramel apple.

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SPIDERWEB CLUSTER

Cakes

INSTRUCTIONS Cake Directions

By Nic Williams

If you’re looking for a spooky treat, you won’t believe how easy it is to make these spiderweb cluster cakes! This recipe makes two cakes — enough for a party — but it can be halved to make just one. But, honestly, who wants one chocolate cake when you could have two?

INGREDIENTS Nonstick baking spray 1 16.25-ounce box good chocolate cake mix, such as Ghirardelli 1 5.9-ounce box instant chocolate pudding ½ cup warm coffee (or hot water) 2 teaspoons vanilla extract 4 eggs, beaten 1 cup sour cream ¾ cup vegetable oil 1 pound chocolate chips 1 cup heavy cream 2/3 cup white chocolate chips Candy spider (optional)

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees. Spray two 9-inch, round cake pans with nonstick baking spray.

2. Using a stand mixer, beat dry cake mix and pudding together on slow for about 3 minutes.

Ensure mixture is well-combined.

3. Add coffee, vanilla extract, eggs, sour cream and vegetable oil, and mix until thoroughly combined.

4. Split batter between two pans, and bake for 25-30 minutes or until a cake tester comes out clean.

5. Remove pans from oven and allow cakes to cool to room temperature, about one hour.

6. If a dome has formed on top of cakes, cut them off. Flip cakes onto a cooling rack so that the flattest part of the cake (the bottom) now faces up. This will give you a flat surface to work with.

Icing Directions 1. In a glass bowl set over a pot of simmering water, stir chocolate chips and heavy cream together until a smooth, shiny ganache forms. Turn off heat, and let ganache cool for a minute to thicken. Divide ganache evenly over both cakes, using an offset spatula to smooth out top.

2. Microwave white chocolate chips in 15-second intervals, using a spoon to stir between heatings.

When melted and smooth, pour into a pastry bag fitted with a small, round tip (using whichever size you want your web strings to be).

3. Carefully dispense white chocolate over cakes, making a spiral from the center to the edge. Drag the blunt end of a skewer or the back of a butter knife blade from the center of the cake to the edge. Do this multiple times to complete web. Top with a candy spider.

Fiduciary Wealth Management

F

ounded in 2016, Fiduciary Wealth Management (FWM) is a fee-only registered investment advisory firm based in Little Rock. Founders Rocklin Senavinin, CFP®, and Edward P. Mahaffy, MBA, CFP®, ChFC®, who have a combined 50 years of industry experience, started the firm with a shared vision and goal of always putting the client’s needs first.

FWM provides comprehensive investment management and financial planning services, as well as hourly consulting services for those who want to stay with existing providers. Its streamlined results are easy to interpret and give careful consideration to tax-related and estate planning concerns.

At FWM, there are no sales quotas to meet, which eliminates many conflicts of interest. The firm works with the client’s needs in mind and seeks investments that are appropriate for them and their families. Clients’ goals are at the forefront of FWM’s practice, and its team does not take their fiduciary responsibility lightly.

Rocklin Senavinin, CFP®

ROCKLIN SENAVININ, CFP® 1501 N. University Ave., Ste. 714, Little Rock, AR 72207 501-673-3092 / FIDWM.com

hope Is The Foundation. recovery Is The Journey.

Quality Care Rooted in Arkansas

The pandemic has caused people to consume alcohol at unprecedented levels. The BridgeWay offers hope and recovery for adults struggling with alcohol or other substances. Led by Dr. Schay, a board-certified psychiatrist and addiction specialist, our continuum of care includes: • Medical detoxification • Partial hospitalization • Intensive outpatient program To learn more about our continuum of care for substance use disorders, call us at 1-800-245-0011.

Physicians are on the medical staff of The BridgeWay Hospital but, with limited exceptions, are independent practitioners who are not employees or agents of The BridgeWay Hospital. The facility shall not be liable for actions or treatments provided by physicians. Source: Journal of the American Medical Association.

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Dr. Schay

Medical Director of Substance Use Disorders

AY About You is proud to present the list of 2021 Intriguing Women, which features some of Arkansas’ brightest minds, boldest visionaries and most passionate leaders from all four corners of the Natural State.

Every year, our Intriguing Women section serves as a celebration of all things women. As a woman-led organization, we understand and appreciate firsthand the value of women in and out of the workplace. This list is a compilation of what intriguing women exhibit: brains, brawn, tenacity and tenderness. From physicians to philanthropists and bankers to wildlife experts, this diverse landscape of glass-ceiling-shattering ladies is proof that women can do anything they set their minds to.

Here is your 2021 Class of Intriguing Women.

Some Q&As have been edited for length and clarity.

Edit by EMILY BEIRNE • DUSTIN JAYROE Photos by EBONY BLEVINS • BOB COLEMAN • JAMISON MOSLEY • DAVID YERBY Makeup and Hair by KAKKI JONES Special thanks to the Capital Hotel and Petit & Keet for their hospitality and accommodation in providing picture-perfect photoshoot venues.

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JENNIFER GABBARD Registered Nurse, The Skin Retreat BENTON An experienced and skilled surgery nurse, Jennifer Gabbard has a few tricks up her sleeve. She has been a surgery nurse for almost 30 years, with 20 of those being in plastic surgery and aesthetics with injections. One of Gabbard’s greatest career experiences was traveling to Honduras for mission work and doing reconstructive surgery on children and adults. Whether practicing at home or abroad, Gabbard is proud to say that she’s chosen a career she loves.

Proudest Accomplishment

Starting our MedSpa in 2013 with my medical director and business partner, Dr. Kris Shewmake. Having an accomplished plastic surgeon as a partner and resource guarantees our patients an exceptionally high level of care and above average results.

What Can Patients Expect When They Walk Through Your Door?

Patients can expect to be greeted with a smile and a warm welcome. At The Skin Retreat everything we do is focused on the patient, and we ensure their experience is the very best MedSpa experience available.

Best Part of Your Job

I genuinely love helping others look and feel their best. A positive self-image is one of the most powerful tools a person can take out into the world each day, and it is an honor to be a partner in our patient’s success.

Remember Me For

I hope to be remembered for empowering and helping others achieve their potential in life. Whether it is a valued patient or a young person I am mentoring, I strive to be of service in a way that contributes to their success in life.

Attraction to Career

I have been a nurse for 29 years, a career I have enjoyed immensely. That background has given me a passion for helping surgical patients live healthier, better lives. This has encouraged me to provide those same benefits to our patients at The Skin Retreat through our attention to the highest standards of care, safety and service.

Surprising Fact

I am a buyer for South & Coco (SOCO), a full-service boutique located in historic downtown Benton. I love helping people look their best, and I have been doing this for seven years in my leisure time.

Personal Motto

Work Hard, Play Hard. I have always believed in working hard to achieve your goals in life. I also believe that taking time to enjoy family, hobbies and outside activities helps keep us balanced and productive.

KIM FOWLER

Philanthropist; Partner, KFC/Taco Bell, Fab’rik Boutiques and Local Tire and Wheel; Arkansas Children’s Foundation Board of Directors; Arkansas Children’s Circle of Care Committee Member; University of Arkansas Campaign Arkansas Committee for the University Libraries; University of Arkansas Campaign Arkansas Steering Committee; University of Arkansas University Libraries’ Dean’s Advisory Council LEPANTO

“

SANTIAGO’S BODEGA (KEY WEST) IN A WORLD WHERE YOU CAN BE ANYTHING, BE KIND.”

Kim Fowler’s list of involvement is almost as long as the distance from Arkansas to her property in Key West, Florida, and it shows how passionate she is about serving the Natural State. Fowler was raised in a small town where she believes her hard work ethic and values were firmly instilled. She is grateful for her upbringing and the lessons she learned that brought her to where she is today. A young girl strengthened by her parents, two older sisters, family and church has grown into a woman ready to take on any new venture.

First Big Break

The trust and belief that Chloetta Craven had in me at the age of 13 to work in her store. Her belief in me helped cultivate a strong desire to be the best I could be, to work hard, experience life to the fullest and appreciate beauty in all things.

Best Part of Your Day

Enjoying my coffee while catching up on the morning news and snuggling with Clementine, our Frenchie.

Proudest Accomplishment

Raising two wonderful children and being the stepmother to four is a very fulfilling and great accomplishment which ranks alongside being asked to serve on the Arkansas Children’s Foundation Board of Directors, which helps to secure the health and well-being across not only the state but the region.

Surprising Fact

My childhood nickname was Charlie. Being the youngest of three girls, my dad was hoping for a boy and was going to name me Charles after his father. To this day, some people from my hometown still call me Charlie.

Remember Me For

Being able to balance our hectic, fun life which is full of family, friends, work and travel. Always being “me” without any pretenses or judgment while being gracious.

Person You Admire Most

Diane Brown. She began her career at 18 as an intern for Tiffany and Co. and went on to become one of five VP’s in the United States.

She was successful in balancing her career and home life, which included a special needs child. She did all this with courage, grace, humility and discipline. Sadly, we lost her to breast cancer in 2020.

Advice to Others

First and foremost, be true to yourself. Use your time and talents to give back. The rewards are far beyond what you could ever imagine.

STACEY PIERCE

Co-founder, Executive Director, Our Promise Cancer Resources HOT SPRINGS TACO MAMA YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Stacey Pierce isn’t known for leaving a stone unturned — just look at her ever-growing list of endeavors. Pierce is the co-founder and executive director of Our Promise Cancer Resources, co-owner of Diagnosis Outfitters, a creator of the Young Men of Distinction volunteer program, a creator of Rising Ram Volleyball Association and a creator and director of the Diamond Volley competitive volleyball club. Through it all, Pierce still finds time to enjoy local life and spend time with her three daughters.

Attraction to Career

I grew up working for my father, Dr. Tim Webb, an oncologist at Genesis Cancer Center. Seeing the need each day for financial assistance outside of medical treatment and the emotional hardship attached with a cancer diagnosis made me want to do whatever I could to help alleviate those stresses.

Best Part of Your Day

Winding down at the end of the day with my three daughters.

Proudest Accomplishment

Creating the Young Men of Distinction volunteer program for Garland County high school students. The program provides training in leadership skills, community service, cancer education and awareness, as well as fundraising. This is the 10th year for the program, and 150 young men have participated with several receiving college scholarships for their service in the program.

Surprising Fact

I like to write music. But the music means even more when I get to write it and perform it with my sister.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

When the greater needs arise, people in the community rise, too. If I ever asked for extra donations — funding, gasoline cards, groceries, gift cards, etc. — for the patients, the community has given wholeheartedly.

Remember Me For

The opportunity for local cancer patients to have a refuge like the Our Promise House. Fighting cancer is hard work, and having to travel far from home can make it even harder. Added to that was the worry of finding a place to stay and how to pay for it. Our Promise started thinking of a way to take that stress off of patients and offer them a respite from worry — a place to call home when they needed it.

Favorite Hobbies

I love to play competitive tennis and learn new recipes.

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JORDON ADDISON Director of Marketing

THREE FOLD NOODLES + DUMPLING CO.

“

CHRISTMAS VACATION BUT STILL, LIKE AIR, I’LL RISE.” — MAYA ANGELOU

From her first gig as a graphic design intern in Jonesboro to where she is now, Jordon Addison knows that the journey was a required part of her success. She’s had plenty of ups and downs, wins and losses along the way, but without it all, she wouldn’t be who she is today — tough, proud and thankful.

Attraction to Career

The opportunity for creative freedom. To be able to put together an effective go-to-market strategy or a creative campaign and see it play out in the real world with real results. Seeing my work on a billboard or TV is just really cool.

Best Part of Your Day

Morning kisses from my German shepherd, Dallas, and drinking coffee on the front porch with my husband. Mornings are my favorite time of the day.

Proudest Accomplishment

Persevering during the pandemic. Like so many others, the pandemic has thrown some curveballs at my career. But nevertheless, I’ve persisted. There have been many days where I have felt down on my luck, but I’ve worked hard to get to where I am today.

Surprising Fact

Both of my parents have a twin sibling.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

Take nothing for granted. I think the pandemic has taught us a lot, but one thing we have seen for sure is that tomorrow isn’t promised. Make the most of today. I have loved seeing people open their eyes and realize there is more to life than just working. Spending more time at home with those you love and doing simple things like going for an afternoon walk. It is so refreshing.

SARAH BAILEY Principal Broker, Owner, Realtor, Pixel Properties Realty BENTON CAPEO STEP BROTHERS As someone who “cannot take no for an answer,” Sarah Bailey didn’t make it to where she is today by luck. After graduating from the University of Central Arkansas in 2002, Bailey worked her way up in a few real estate companies before starting her own firms in 2013 and 2018. She now has 20 years of experience in real estate, and plenty more to come.

As many houses as she’s sold, her favorite home is the “madhouse” she lives in with her four children and husband.

Surprising Fact

I play the piano, and I love to sing in my free time. I’m not very good, but I still enjoy it.

Favorite Hobbies

Tennis, travel and fashion.

Personal Motto

In order to be irreplaceable, one must always be different.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

When women compliment other women and are genuine, that amazes me. Those women are just another breed.

Talent You Wish You Had That I could fake a smile.

ROBIN BOWEN, EDD President, Arkansas Tech University THE FOLD: BOTANAS & BAR

“

TO KILL A MOCKINGBIRD

DO WHAT YOU FEEL IN YOUR HEART TO BE RIGHT — FOR YOU’LL BE CRITICIZED ANYWAY. YOU’LL BE DAMNED IF YOU DO, AND DAMNED IF YOU DON’T.” — ELEANOR ROOSEVELT Dr. Robin Bowen learned from experience — like warming her bathwater by the fireplace in her youth — that a woman must be able to provide for her family. That’s what her mom did when her father became ill, therefore that’s what she’s always been determined to do. She feels blessed for all of her accomplishments and is proud to now help others find their paths and passions as president of Arkansas Tech.

First Big Break

Dr. Reed Greenwood gave me the opportunity to teach as an adjunct instructor at the University of Arkansas. That helped me get my first full-time faculty position, which set me on my path in higher education.

Best Part of Your Day

Driving into work each morning, I name 10 things I am grateful for, and that helps set the mood for the day. It’s also knowing I can predict a few things on my agenda, but also knowing issues will arise that I could never predict. That keeps it interesting.

Proudest Accomplishment

We had a record fundraising year this past year at ATU, and most of the funds raised were for student scholarships. Scholarships truly change the trajectory of student’s lives and the lives of their families for generations to come. That thought makes my soul happy.

Surprising Fact

My original profession was as an occupational therapist. I worked primarily with people who had neurological injuries. My research was in the area of traumatic brain injuries.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

The selfless perseverance that women display every day, repeatedly. They get up in the morning, get everyone out the door, go to work, then do a second shift of domestic work in the evening and weekend. Things need to be done, and they get them done — out of unconditional love.

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SHEA BRYANT DAVIS

Restaurateur and Entrepreneur, Gadwall’s Grill, Town Pump, Labs United EL PASO, TEXAS; MOVED TO ARKANSAS IN KINDERGARTEN GADWALL’S GRILL AND TOWN PUMP

“

THE WIZ YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE.”

It’s safe to say that Shea Bryant Davis is a woman of many passions, and she feels blessed to have the means to pursue them. The gal behind the historic eateries Gadwall’s Grill and Town Pump is equally involved in rescuing dogs, and in the world of health care with Labs United. She hopes to one day install COVID-19, influenza and strep throat testing in every school district, and may well find herself in the political arena one day to instill change from the top.

Proudest Accomplishment

My daughter, Emerson, of course. I have been an advocate for her with her dyslexia, and am committed to providing the best education for her. I moved her to The Hannah School in kindergarten and she now can read. Emerson and I share a love for rescuing and fostering dogs. Being part of a dog rescue is rewarding and teaches compassion and life lessons for both of us.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

The pandemic hit the restaurant business with an immediate call to modify, adapt and rescale.

What I learned was the importance of being resilient.

Favorite Part of Your Job

Gadwall’s Grill and the Town Pump have been serving families for generations in Little Rock and North Little Rock. These relationships are priceless; I love my customers. So many have come and gone, and their faces and memories still live on in my heart.

Remember Me For

My devotion to bringing awareness to the overwhelming dog population in our state. I hope that one day I can make a difference in the laws.

Most Admirable Quality in Women Strength, loyalty and authenticity.

LISA BUEHLER Owner, Allegra Print & Imaging of Arkansas, Inc., Image360

“

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI; MOVED TO ARKANSAS IN 1990.

WELL BEHAVED WOMEN SELDOM MAKE HISTORY.” — LAUREL THATCHER ULRICH

As any business owner can attest, time is not easy to come by and is not to be taken for granted. But despite the amount of time required of her at Allegra & Image360, Lisa Buehler still dedicates plenty of what she has leftover to her community, serving as board chair for the Arkansas Zoological Foundation and as a board member of Women & Children First.

At home, she is a wife of more than 30 years, a mother and a grandmother.

First Big Break

It’s been more of a series of chain reactions, not so much a big break. I was taught the value of education, hard work and a good work ethic by my parents.

Surprising Fact

I have volunteered at the Little Rock Zoo in different capacities since 1997.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

Being nimble and pivoting quickly to keep moving forward was critical during the pandemic.

Favorite Part of Your Job

Creative projects. I’ve always told anyone who asks: When it stops being fun, it’s time to find something else to do. Thirty years later, it’s still fun!

Most Admirable Quality in Women

I admire authentic, tenacious women who are willing to take a stand for their passions.

MARY BURGESS, MD Infectious Disease Specialist, Conway Regional Health System CEDARBURG, WISCONSIN; MOVED TO ARKANSAS IN 2001 BRAVE NEW RESTAURANT GRUMPY OLD MEN Dr. Mary Burgess has been practicing as an infectious disease physician in the Little Rock area for more than seven years. She currently practices in the Conway Regional Infectious Disease Clinic and serves as associate program director of the Internal Medicine Residency Program.

Attraction to Career

Infectious disease physicians study and treat every system of the body. It’s like being a detective and solving a mystery every day.

Best Part of Your Day

I love being able to end the day enjoying time with my family, simply watching TV with them, or relaxing on the back porch, watching the sunset.

Proudest Accomplishment

I am most proud of overcoming the fear and putting in the extra effort to complete additional undergraduate studies that I needed to apply for medical school while also having two young children. Then, I went on to complete medical school while also being involved in a variety of family activities.

Surprising Fact

I started medical school when I was 35 years old and had 4-year-old and 6-year-old daughters at the time.

Lessons Learned From the Pandemic

I have reinforced discussions with my patients that primary prevention of any illness is the most effective way of keeping us healthy in an effort to overcome vaccine hesitation. An important lesson for all frontline health care workers is taking time to decompress every day.

ALMAS CHUGHTAI, MD Hospitalist, Internal Medicine, Baxter Regional Medical Center WHITE HALL LOCAL LIME Dr. Almas Chughtai knew from a young age that she would one day be a physician, but she didn’t know just how much she would enjoy her profession.

Completing all of her studies in Arkansas, Chughtai was drawn to the mystery of the sciences and the minds she met along the way. Empowered by her parents and family, Chughtai lives her life through the values of humility and always being ready to learn.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

It’s been enlightening and so gratifying to see the extent to which people can be pulled together in incredibly challenging times. Not only in health care, but all around people stretch themselves to their limits earnestly trying to be of whatever support they can.

Favorite Part of Your Job

Though health care is fraught with limitations and inadequacies, being a physician is a unique position to offer so much to a fellow human being. Not only am I privileged with the opportunity to improve the health and well being of my patients, but I can attempt to educate them on different ways to evaluate, appreciate and understand their individual health care.

Remember Me For

I hope I’m remembered as someone who is caring and compassionate, as one who tries to put others before me. I hope I’m remembered as someone who encouraged inclusivity and to avoid intolerances by not succumbing to the fears fostered by ignorance.

Proudest Accomplishment

I’m most proud of my respect for how I’ve gotten to where I am in life — and that is from the magnanimous support of every single person along the way. Most importantly, I’m proud and grateful for my parents for their never-ending and still-continued support. I’m proud of myself for staying grounded and having the humility to know we all have our limitations but that with hard work, we might exceed our wildest dreams.

Personal Motto

Just keep swimming.

TERESA CLOW Owner, Advanced Advertising & Production of Arkansas, LLC LITTLE ROCK OCEANS AT ARTHUR’S After about two decades in marketing, Teresa Clow founded Advanced Advertising & Production of Arkansas eight years ago to fulfill her passion to make a difference for businesses — both large and small, local and national. In just this short amount of time, she has grown the business to serve clients in 18 states. Outside of work, Clow is an active volunteer for organizations like the 20th Century Club of Little Rock and Hearts & Hooves.

First Big Break

In 1991, I met Cal Dring, who was the manager at Signal Media Radio, while I was working in the cellular industry. We struck up a conversation at a business after hours, and he tried to recruit me for radio sales. I was intrigued, and later decided it would be a much-needed change. Cal became my mentor and taught me all about media sales. I loved the media business so much I eventually moved from radio to broadcast television sales, which was my career before starting my own advertising agency.

Favorite Part of Your Job

The opportunity to support a variety of businesses across so many sectors, both locally and nationally. Every project is a new adventure filled with potential, and I feel extremely fortunate and honored my customers allow me to play a role in their success.

Most Admirable Quality in Women Tenacity.

Remember Me For

Making a difference in the lives of others.

Advice to Others

Be prepared for long hours and lots of listening. Go into each partnership with openness and know there is never a bad or wrong idea.

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SHANNON COLLIERTENISON, PHD Associate Dean of the College of Business, Health and Human Services, University of Arkansas at Little Rock LITTLE ROCK

“

THE ROOT CAFÉ

NEVER DOUBT THAT A SMALL GROUP OF THOUGHTFUL, COMMITTED CITIZENS CAN CHANGE THE WORLD; INDEED, IT’S THE ONLY THING THAT EVER HAS.” — MARGARET MEAD Dr. Shannon Collier-Tenison has served in higher education for nearly two decades, occupying a wide range of roles during this time, from faculty to program coordinator to administrator. Outside of her day job, she volunteers her time on the board of Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families.

Collier-Tenison has been married for 30 years, and is mom to twin boys.

Attraction to Career

A social work degree provides so many opportunities to serve, from work with individuals to entire communities. I’ve used my degree in some nontraditional settings, but social work knowledge and skills translate across settings.

Best Part of Your Day

That small window of the evening when the entire family is home, and we have a few minutes to catch up on the day (even if it is just a quick “goodnight, love you” before everyone heads to bed).

Proudest Accomplishment

My role as a mentor for faculty new to academia and for faculty making the transition to administration. Both are much more difficult than they look from the outside. I have had amazing mentors, and it is important to me to give back.

Surprising Fact

I’m not always as calm as I look.

Remember Me For

Being kind, living with integrity, being true to my own values and advocating for social justice.

CINDY COSTA Director of Development, Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation WHISPERING WOODS

“

THE PROPOSAL IF IT DOESN’T CHALLENGE YOU, IT WON’T CHANGE YOU.” — FRED DEVITO

Cindy Costa just surpassed the 20-year milestone at the Baxter Regional Hospital Foundation and is one of only 23 women in health care in the state to earn a CFRE (Certified Fundraising Executive.) Outside of her full-time gig, Costa serves as president of the Mountain Home Lions Club, vice president of Women Investing Now and recently became a member of the Women Leaders Association’s Arkansas Chapter.

Proudest Accomplishment

My family — a long, loving marriage, a son and daughter that I could not be more proud of and three of the most precious grandchildren ever, and friends that are like family. I am truly blessed.

Favorite Part of Your Job

Making a difference in the lives of others and working with incredible and gifted people.

Remember Me For

I recently read a book given to me by a coworker — What I Learned From a 3rd Grade Dropout. The lessons were: Be kind, have a servant’s heart, have common sense, live a life of excellence and keep standing — never quit.

I hope to achieve all of these and would be remembered for them.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

I love to see women lifting up other women, encouraging them to reach for their goals and giving them a helping hand when needed.

Talent You Wish You Had

Being an artist. My mom was an amazing artist, and I always admired her talent. Although the talent skipped me, it, fortunately, went to my children.

ADORA CURRY Director of Institutional Advancement, Thaden School CAPERS

“

STEPMOM

IN LIFE, YOU WILL REALIZE THERE IS A ROLE FOR EVERYONE YOU MEET. SOME WILL TEST YOU, SOME WILL USE YOU, SOME WILL LOVE YOU, AND SOME WILL TEACH YOU. BUT THE ONES WHO ARE TRULY IMPORTANT ARE THE ONES WHO BRING OUT THE BEST IN YOU.” Adora Curry is a woman of many hats. Prior to joining the Thaden School, she was well-known around Central Arkansas for both her work at the University of Arkansas at Pulaski Technical College and her community involvement. This “super single mom” is committed to promoting diversity, equity and inclusion, recently co-founding Women Gather to create safe spaces for women from diverse backgrounds to connect, engage and find common ground.

Attraction to Career

I feel deep satisfaction in making people smile and helping them live out their purpose. As a fundraiser, it’s not about the money as much as it is about making sure people know they are adding value to someone’s life.

Best Part of Your Day

The ride to school and work in the morning with my sons. We pray together. We sing songs. I want them to be assured of how much they are loved before we part ways for the day.

Proudest Accomplishment

Surviving breast cancer during a pandemic, as a single mom of two boys in virtual school, while working full time through two surgeries, chemotherapy and radiation. I survived and thrived because of the constant support of my amazing friends and family.

Surprising Fact

I haven’t missed an episode of General Hospital since 1992!

Remember Me For

I hope to be remembered for being kind and empowering people to assert themselves and never doubt their self-worth. Everyone has a purpose. It is up to us to discover it, nurture it and live it.

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DEBI DAVIS

Interior Designer, Furniture Designer and Manufacturer, Debi Davis Interior Design NEW ALBANY, MISSISSIPPI; MOVED TO ARKANSAS IN 1960.

CACHE RESTAURANT Debi Davis didn’t find herself in the interior design world until later on in her life. Broadcast journalism was Davis’ first gig, but she soon took a different path into the fashion industry, opening a boutique in Little Rock. Her time in the fashion world prepared her for what would be her true calling as founder and lead designer of Debi Davis Interior Design.

First Big Break

I went to work for an interior designer friend, Randall Byars, that was very well-known in Arkansas. The very first day of work, I went in and was putting my purse down when I heard the bells on the front store jingle. A gentleman had followed me in, so I went to greet him and he said, “I just saw you come in here, and I am in need of an interior designer. Would that be you?” Well, the rest is history; 27 years later I have built my own design firm and manufacturing company, and love what I do.

Best Part of Your Day The early morning — 5 a.m.

Proudest Accomplishment

In 2007, Southern Living went to three states — Texas, Arkansas and Florida — and picked three designers from each state. We all then flew to Birmingham, Alabama, to be interviewed. Our firm was chosen from Arkansas, and we designed, built and furnished the largest Southern Living tour home that had ever been done. It was a big turning point for me as a designer.

Surprising Fact

I went on a two-week construction mission trip to Honduras in the isolated mountains with 12 men and two women, and we had 30 minutes of electricity a day and five minutes of running water. We went most places by foot. It was one of the most rewarding things I have done.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

Do not take ANYTHING for granted. Life can change in a second!

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ASHLEY O’BRIEN EAST Realtor, The Janet Jones Company; Co-Owner, LePops Gourmet Iced Lollies

“

LITTLE ROCK

TIS BETTER TO HAVE LOVED AND LOST, THAN NEVER TO HAVE LOVED AT ALL.” — ALFRED LORD TENNYSON

Ashley O’Brien East is a top Realtor with The Janet Jones Company and co-owner of LePops. She performs all of her successful endeavors with the same authenticity, heart and love for people. She truly lives her mantra: A life without regrets.

Best Part of Your Day

The morning! I walk, run or practice yoga before anyone in my home gets up, and then I get to wake up our daughters. My husband and I spend the morning with them visiting, being silly, making breakfast and lunches and getting ready for school. It’s the best.

Surprising Fact

I’m not as laid-back as some think. I would venture to say that my style leads people to believe I am super chill, when really I am a ball of energy and crazy bouncing around a small space. (Maybe think Monica from Friends.)

Favorite Part of Your Job

My people. I strive to work with people who know me, love me and trust me. There has to be trust when you are buying and selling homes. This process is usually triggered by a life change, good or bad; I want my people to know I am here with them. As far as LePops: our employees, our patrons, the kiddos — all of it! I mean, it’s a pop shop. So much to love!

Remember Me For

Being genuine and authentic. A wonderful friend once told me that I was the most genuine person she had ever met. This stuck with me. I try my hardest to keep this at the forefront of all that I do.

Advice to Others

Just be yourself! You are wonderful just as you are.

PAMELA A. EPPERSON, JD Attorney at Law, Epperson Panasiuk Law CLARKSVILLE, TEXAS BRUNO’S LITTLE ITALY THE LINCOLN LAWYER There isn’t much that Pamela Epperson isn’t ready to tackle head-on for her clients. Epperson practices state and federal defense work, along with personal injury and Social Security Disability cases. Currently the owner and sole practicer of her firm, Epperson has worked alongside some of the state’s best lawyers where she developed strong approaches for the courtroom. Guiding her clients through their rights every step of the way and representing them with a firm presence is all part of Epperson’s mission to go the extra mile.

Proudest Accomplishment

Having fulfilled my dream of becoming a lawyer and opening my own law firm.

Favorite Part of Your Job

Making a difference in countless lives. I love helping people who are facing difficult and stressful situations in their lives.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

I admire women who can balance both a personal and professional life. Maintaining a healthy work/life balance is not an easy task.

Both are full-time jobs.

Advice To Others

Follow your dreams. Do not listen to people who tell you that you can’t do something, that you are not smart enough or that you are not good enough. You can do anything you want if you want it bad enough. I truly believe this.

And no matter how tough it gets, never give up. Stay strong and keep going. I’ve proved people wrong, and so can you.

Favorite Hobbies

Traveling, reading, volunteering and spending time with friends and my dog, Romeo.

ARI MITCHELL FASON Project Manager and Special Events Coordinator, L West Jr Designs

“

HOT SPRINGS NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE. THE WORD ITSELF SAYS ‘I’M POSSIBLE!’” — AUDREY HEPBURN

Ever since she was a little girl, Ari Fason has vibrated with energy and life. She’s used these traits to build relationships, find success and overcome the many obstacles of life. Fason is a perpetual optimist with a servant’s heart, always looking at a glass as half full and eager to go above and beyond for others.

First Big Break

It had to be when I was invited to plan “Tabriz” for the Arkansas Arts Center in 2015-17, along with the amazing Sheila Vaught.

Attraction to Career

I was working in the corporate world and on maternity leave when I took my first ever floral class. I fell in love with floral design and everything about it, especially combining weddings and events. The rest is history.

Surprising Fact

While most imagine me decorating or working on events, I have learned something new that even surprises me. I love hunting with my fiancé, Ben, and the kids at our farm in Stuttgart and ranch in West Texas.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

We discovered all the things we could do within our home to bring us closer, having a “we’re-a-team” attitude. We purposefully ate dinner at the table every night and still do it to this day.

Favorite Part of Your Job

No matter if it is a wedding, special event or a home remodel, I love taking others’ dreams and making them a reality.

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BAILEY FAULKNER Executive Director, Ozark Mission Project LITTLE ROCK CATERING TO YOU After graduating from Arkansas State with a double major, Bailey Faulkner spent six years working for the state government. She joined Ozark Mission Project in 2013, and is only the second executive director in the organization’s 35-year history. Faulkner also has a certificate in Nonprofit Management from Duke University and is a 2019 graduate of Leadership Arkansas.

Attraction to Career

My husband grew up going to Ozark Mission Project (OMP), and I grew up watching my mom, Nancy Newcomb, serve as a nonprofit executive director. Working for a nonprofit isn’t just a career, it’s a calling. Working with others on a mission allows for a far greater impact than anything we could do alone; it is lifechanging.

Best Part of Your Day

Other than dinner with my husband and daughter, it’s our team meeting that we have every morning. The team at OMP is the most compassionate, hardworking group of people I’ve ever had the privilege of working with.

It’s nice to be in an environment where we all work together to provide the best mission opportunity in the country.

Surprising Fact

I have dyslexia. As a child, I was picked on for not fitting into the mold. My experience helps remind me to have empathy for those who must forge a different path. Everyone has trials to overcome and burdens to carry. Now as a parent, we always tell our daughter that our words matter. Each day, we need to work hard and be kind.

Favorite Part of Your Job

Being able to be the hands and feet of Christ, right here in my home state. At OMP, we learn how to work with others and serve our neighbors in Arkansas, providing an experience of character-building, love and acceptance.

It’s one of the most rewarding experiences to work alongside other volunteers to help make someone’s house accessible so they can safely get in and out. It gives them security and hope.

Personal Motto

Do the next right thing, believe the best in others and forgive the rest.

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JENNIFER C. FLOYD, CPA Chief Accounting Officer, Centennial Bank & Home BancShares, Inc.

SEARCY ZAZA

“

ANY HALLMARK MOVIE

IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERY DIFFICULTY LIES OPPORTUNITY.” — ALBERT EINSTEIN

After spending 18 years with Deloitte & Touche, LLP, Jennnifer Floyd became the Chief Accounting Officer at Centennial Bank & Home BancShares, Inc. in 2015. She’s been married to her husband, Chad, for 16 years, with whom she has three children. The Floyd family are active members of Highway Church of Christ and are avid Arkansas Razorback fans.

Attraction to Career

Math was always my best subject. Thinking about careers in seventh grade, I knew I wanted to work in a business setting. My dad suggested accounting since it was both math and business. It’s the only occupation I ever considered.

Best Part of Your Day

My commute between Searcy and Conway allows me time to prepare and plan my day, while my commute home allows me time to unwind and reflect on the workday before getting home to focus on my family.

Proudest Accomplishment

Being a recipient of the Home BancShares, Inc.’s 2016 Chairman’s Award

Surprising Fact

I’ve seen New Kids on the Block in concert 18 times and am looking forward to adding to that number.

Lessons Learned From the Pandemic

That spending quality time with those you love is more important than the busyness of life, and that no matter the circumstances, we are resilient and can all adapt to any challenge.

SHANNON GIGER Emergency Medicine Administrator, UAMS LITTLE ROCK SONNY WILLIAMS’ STEAK ROOM CRASH Shannon Giger has served in the health field for nearly two decades, first at the American Red Cross and for the past 15 years at UAMS. Outside of work, she and her husband, Steve, have a 10-year-old son. Giger has an immense amount of admiration for her father, David Hughen, who has grown a very successful business from the ground up and has kept working well into his 70s despite the physical challenges that cause him chronic pain each day.

First Big Break

Being hired into my current role more than three years ago. I am still very appreciative, blessed and humbled that Dr. Tony Seupaul took a chance on me and gave me this opportunity in the Department of Emergency Medicine.

Attraction to Career

My mother worked as a controller for years in different hospital and behavioral health settings, and I always admired her.

Unfortunately, I lost my mom to her addiction, which inspired me to give back in some way in this field.

Best Part of Your Day

Mornings. I am an early bird and start my mornings with a daily devotional, prayer, an hour of physical wellness that is usually combined with a podcast, Netflix show or some favorite music.

Proudest Accomplishment

I’m most proud of my son, but, to be honest, I feel incredibly lucky for him. I just do my best to be a good role model and disciple to him. I am also grateful for all the opportunities I have had in my career.

Lessons Learned From the Pandemic

Working alongside UAMS Emergency Medicine doctors and nurses, I have learned that masks are useful, community is essential, vaccines are important, telehealth rapidly developed, wellness is needed, we need to take mental health seriously, and don’t take one day for granted.

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LORRE GOOKIN Vice President/Senior Trust Officer, Centennial Bank PIGGOTT STEEL MAGNOLIAS Ever since her small-town upbringing, Lorre Gookin has lived her life by the fundamentals of faith, hard work and family. She and her husband have been together since high school and are coming up on 37 years of marriage together, and she is still friends with people she’s known since kindergarten. Now, she’s passing this way of living a life of integrity to her three children and five grandchildren.

First Big Break

I worked as a bank teller while finishing college.

Shortly after graduation, there was an opening in the trust department. I had no idea what they did, but I applied, loved it and have spent my whole career doing trust work.

Advice to Others

Work hard and never stop learning. Always be willing to go the extra mile. Remember to maintain balance in your life. A career you enjoy is very fulfilling, but your faith and your family are the true legacies in life.

Proudest Accomplishment

Personally, my family. A successful marriage requires lots of commitment, compromise and perseverance, and raising children is the hardest job you will ever do, but also the most rewarding. Professionally, flourishing in a field dominated by men through hard work.

Lessons Learned From the Pandemic

We never know what tomorrow holds, so make the most of every moment. Tell your family and friends that you love them often. It’s OK to just “be” sometimes — we don’t have to be busy or productive every minute.

Best Part of Your Day

I am not a morning person, but I love staying up late reading a good book or just puttering around the house after everyone else is asleep, cleaning, organizing or redecorating.

SARAH HEER

Travel Vlogger, Arkie Travels; Founder, COO, Arkansas Alley BENTON DIZZY’S GIPSY BISTRO Sarah Heer believes Arkansas is the best-kept secret in the South and has made it her mission to show off everything the Natural State has to offer through travel documenting at Arkie Travels. With Arkansas Alley, she provides an online marketplace showcasing makers from all over the state.

First Big Break

2020 was a really big year for us. Pre-pandemic, we had already made the decision to highlight all 52 Arkansas State Parks, doing one a week.

Lucky for us, the parks never closed, and we were able to complete videos showing off all our awesome parks. Our photos and videos caught the eye of Arkansas State Parks and have now been viewed and shared thousands of times, and have brought visitors to our state from all over the world.

Attraction to Career

Arkie Travels was created as a way to share everything we love about Arkansas. The creation of Arkansas Alley was a natural extension of that.

As we were traveling in 2020, we saw makers all over the state struggling to find ways to sell their products after all the events were cancelled. Our goal was to give Arkansas Artisans a community and a place to sell their products online while maintaining the local feel.

Proudest Accomplishment

My husband, Paul, was on the cover of Arkansas Wild magazine in the spring, and it was a photo that I took. That felt pretty darn good!

Favorite Part of Your Job

Our surprise drop-ins! We eat, shop and stay at locally owned places, and we love to drop by, NOT introduce ourselves, and then splash them all over our social media. It’s always a huge surprise to the business and shows support to our locally owned companies.

Surprising Fact

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In September 2016, my ex-husband shot me.

The bullet entered 2 inches above my knee cap, embedding in my femur and breaking the bone. The process of re-learning how to walk led me to the woods and waterfalls of Arkansas, which brought me to the creation of Arkie Travels and where I am today. It’s so important for me to share that side of my story because it shows other women out there in similar situations that they’re not alone; there is hope, and that the comeback is going to be so much more powerful than the setback. aymag.com

MELISSA LEFLER HENSHAW SVP, Commercial Loan Officer, Arvest Bank CLINTON

“

SAVING PRIVATE RYAN

SUCCESS IS NOT FINAL; FAILURE IS NOT FATAL: IT IS THE COURAGE TO CONTINUE THAT COUNTS.” — WINSTON CHURCHILL

Melissa Lefler Henshaw may have gone from smalltown girl to big-city banker, but plenty of the former still resides in her heart. Her mother taught her how to be a strong, independent woman, and now she’s passing that same wisdom to her twin daughters, Madison and McKenlly.

Attraction to Career

The opportunity to deliver meaningful and tailored financial solutions to customers for their business and personal banking needs. I enjoy working closely with my customers, and as a benefit, my clients feel more like family.

Proudest Accomplishment

I started running in my early 40s and have since completed an Ultra Marathon, five marathons and too many half marathons to count. Six years ago, I attempted the Pikes Peak Marathon and Ascent. It took me three fails before I finally made it to the top of the mountain within the cutoff period. That was four hot, long summers of training to finally make it to the top.

Surprising Fact

I love adventure and exploring historic places.

Growing up, we were not able to take many vacations, so I try to pack in as many trips as possible. I have been to Armenia; Georgia; Berlin, Germany; and Prague, Czech Republic, in the past few years.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

Women of integrity who truly support each other. I surround myself with strong, independent women who are diverse, talented and emotionally supportive for me.

Personal Motto

Not really a personal motto, but I practice a lot of self-care and make sure that I’m challenged physically and professionally.

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ANNA KAY HILBURN Associate Director of Development, Razorback Foundation KENNETT, MISSOURI; MOVED TO ARKANSAS IN AUGUST 2013 TO ATTEND THE UNIVERSITY OF ARKANSAS. MAMA Z’S CAFE

“

STEEL MAGNOLIAS IN A WORLD THAT YOU CAN BE ANYTHING, BE KIND.”

Anna Kay Hilburn might have been born in Missouri, but she’s a Razorback through and through. Her heart for the Hogs grew exponentially during college and graduate school. The opportunity to develop her professional skills in an environment she truly loves with the Razorback Foundation is a dream come true.

First Big Break

By far getting hired in 2018 by the Razorback Foundation. I am extraordinarily blessed that Scott Varady took a chance on me and saw my potential. I feel lucky to work for such an incredible organization.

Attraction to Career

The people. I love getting to work with student-athletes, coaches, supporters of the Arkansas Razorbacks, and those who love all things college sports. I am a sports fanatic, so I am fortunate to have the position that I do.

Best Part of Your Day

Unwinding after a productive day at work with an exceptional book that I (hopefully) can’t put down!

Surprising Fact

I am a published author. In first grade, my class wrote a book, September the 12th We Knew Everything Would Be All Right. It was picked by Scholastic; we were able to be on the Today Show in New York — a truly amazing experience!

Remember Me For

Only that I was a good person, and I did good for others. When people look back and think of me, I want them to have wonderful memories, experiences and encounters. It doesn’t have to be revolutionary, it just needs to be all things good.

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MICHELLE HILL President/CEO/Caterer, Good Eatin’ Arkansas RAISED IN RICHLAND, MISSISSIPPI; MOVED TO MAUMELLE IN 2012.

CYPRESS SOCIAL SHAWSHANK REDEMPTION Michelle Hill may owe her roots to Mississippi, but the Maumelle resident is all about Arkansas these days. She has a track record of more than 25 years of corporate leadership experience, including in sales, advertising, marketing and fundraising. This year, she decided to take a leap of faith and pursue her lifelong love of cooking by founding Good Eatin’ Arkansas, a catering company that specializes in charcuterie creations and Southern dishes.

Attraction to Career

I’ve been in the kitchen from a young age and have always enjoyed cooking for and serving others. And then, I fell in love with charcuterie.

I love that I get to create delightful culinary experiences for others.

Proudest Accomplishment

My children. They are beautiful, healthy, thriving adults, and I am blessed to be their mom. My life is greatly enriched by the gift of my son and daughter.

Favorite Part of Your Job

Hearing the stories behind the orders. From birthdays and anniversaries to baby showers, wedding receptions and more, I LOVE to hear the stories (reasons) for their orders. They always warm my heart.

Remember Me For

As a woman of faith who lived to be an inspiration and encouragement to others.

Personal Motto

My attitude determines my altitude, and I believe in an attitude of gratitude. 1 Thessalonians 5:18 says it best: “In everything give thanks, for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.”

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JENNIFER HOLLAND Chief Nursing Officer, The BridgeWay

BENTON SQZBX BREWERY & PIZZA JOINT THE WIZARD OF OZ Jennifer Holland proudly wears the titles of RN, BSN and MHSA, but mother and wife might be her favorites. Her role as Chief Nursing Officer of The BridgeWay has allowed her to come as close to a work-life balance as anyone could hope for, and she’s thankful to always have her family there to support her during the difficult times.

Best Part of Your Day

“Coffee Talk.” I keep coffee in my office and never know who’s going to drop in for a cup. I have ‘the regulars’ that come by every morning, but my door is always open and all are welcomed.

Proudest Accomplishment

Building a meaningful career that allowed me to be a mother and wife first. There’s a balance that I don’t always get right. My family has always been supportive and shown grace when the scales have tipped the wrong way.

Surprising Fact

I have chickens, a small flock of about 10. If you’ll just take the time to sit and watch, their behaviors are lessons that can be applied to our daily lives. Sharing fresh eggs is one way I spread goodness.

Remember Me For

Being a person of integrity. Someone who chose to do the right thing, even when it wasn’t easy. Someone who demonstrated integrity by being trustworthy, dependable and accountable.

Advice to Others

Be courageous enough to be vulnerable (professionally and personally). It’s OK to admit you care, say ‘I don’t know,’ own your mistakes, take a chance and be willing to fail. Those are the places where real growth happens.

TAMIKA E. JENKINS

Vice President, Mississippi County, AR Economic Development MARLO’S SOUL FOOD RESTAURANT THE BRAVE LITTLE TOASTER

“

LEAD WITH LOVE.”

In college, Tamika Jenkins studied materials engineering. While that specific career path isn’t where she ended up, she likes to think it prepared her to be the “economic engineer” for Mississippi County that she is today. Jenkins grew up in a U.S. Army family, which molded her into a woman who values diversity, community servanthood and love of country.

Proudest Accomplishment

I’m most proud of being part of the team to attract thousands of jobs to Mississippi County.

A good job is the start of a great opportunity for someone. Bringing jobs is synonymous with bringing hope to the area.

Surprising Fact

People are surprised to know that I can speak German. As a child of the Army, I spent many years living in Germany. I studied German at Iowa State University and completed an internship where I spoke German every day.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

The main lesson I learned from the pandemic is to value time with friends and family. I enjoyed playing with my son, but got tired of play fighting, and sports where my son likes to make up rules and change them for his benefit.

Remember Me For

My community service, which comes from a place of love for my community. I will do whatever it takes, including late nights and early mornings, to help improve the area where I live and love.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

I admire women that can operate in their feminine energy while in the workplace.

It doesn’t come natural to be a boss accomplishing tasks while embodying femininity — because being feminine is sometimes associated with weakness.

Femineity is powerful!

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LEE ANN JOLLY, PHD Owner, Jolly Bodies Fitness LITTLE ROCK

“

BLUE CAKE COMPANY IF NOT YOU, THEN WHO?” — HILLEL

Lee Ann Jolly began teaching group exercise classes while pursuing an undergraduate degree in biology, and she hasn’t looked back. Since then, she’s earned her doctorate in molecular physiology, NASM certification and become an entrepreneur as the cofounder and owner of Jolly Bodies.

Proudest Accomplishment

Hands down, obtaining my doctoral degree. To thrive in the realm of scientific research, I had to become comfortable with the uncomfortable and always have faith in my ability to work and solve the problem. Plus, being a scientist is rad.

Surprising Fact

I’m “shy-loud,” which is a fun way of saying I’m an introvert who loves to throw big group exercise parties.

Remember Me For

I hope I am remembered for making people feel happy and valued.

Do you have a personal motto?

“What would Ted Lasso do?”

Advice to Others

Choose to believe in yourself enough to jump. Being courageous requires vulnerability, so I knew that when I chose to lead a courageous life, I had to be comfortable with the discomfort that comes with vulnerability.

Standing on the sidelines and criticizing other players, especially when you aren’t brave enough to try out for the team or have never played the game, isn’t courageous. It’s easy.

Choose to be brave, put on your blinders, and don’t listen to those who are sitting in the stands.

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STEPHANIE KEET

President of Marketing, JTJ Restaurants, LLC., Keet Advertising Group LITTLE ROCK VIN’TIJ FOOD & WINE (MIRAMAR BEACH, FLORIDA)

“

LIFE IS HAPPENING FOR YOU, NOT TO YOU.” — ROBIN ARZÓN

You’ve probably heard about the Keet men of the family’s growing empire, but they’d be the first to admit that the Keet women are just as vital to the family business. Stephanie Keet handles the marketing and advertising for the family’s restaurants, including all Taziki’s locations, Petit & Keet, and Cypress Social, with more restaurants coming in 2022. She is equally involved in the local community, volunteering for organizations like the Children’s Tumor Foundation, ACCESS and the Children’s Advocacy Center.

Attraction to Career

My boyfriend at the time (now husband) was short-staffed at Taziki’s and needed me to work as a server. The rest is history!

Lessons Learned From the Pandemic

Flexibility would be the biggest lesson I learned from the roller-coaster ride of 2020. Once you stop resisting unexpected disruptions, you become a lot happier in your day-to-day life

Favorite Part of Your Job

I love working in a family business. I enjoy working with my husband, and we have a lot of fun “talking shop” and coming up with new ideas.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

I admire women who have passion and perseverance, women who possess true grit and work hard to complete their goals despite the obstacles that arise.

Hobbies

Barre, yoga and spin are my favorite fitness activities. In addition to that, I’m in a book club and recently took up golf.

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SARAH KEITHBOLDEN

Attorney, Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull PLLC LITTLE ROCK THREE FOLD NOODLES + DUMPLING CO.

“

DO NOT REPAY ANYONE EVIL FOR EVIL, BUT TAKE THOUGHT FOR WHAT IS NOBLE IN THE SIGHT OF ALL.” — ROMANS 12:17 Sarah Keith-Bolden is a firm believer in our justice system as a means for resolving disputes. After obtaining her law degree from Emory University, she clerked for the Arkansas Supreme Court before joining Quattlebaum, Grooms & Tull, where her practice focuses on litigation, appeals and employment matters. She and her husband have two children in elementary school and are proud supporters of the Little Rock School District and Pulaski Heights Elementary School.

Attraction to Career

Our legal system aims to balance competing interests fairly and give people a venue to settle disputes where the truth matters. It is far from perfect, but I am proud to be part of it.

Best Part of Your Day

My favorite part of any day is getting home in the evening and having my children run to greet me. They are at an age now where I can’t take that for granted, so it is special every time.

Favorite Part of Your Job

I love turning a client’s complicated situation into a concrete plan of action or compelling argument. This year, some of my most satisfying work has been helping employers face the many new challenges posed by the pandemic.

Lessons Learned From the Pandemic

I learned to value unstructured time that isn’t spent rushing from activity to activity, and the importance of being thoughtful about the number of commitments we take on as a family.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

I admire people who are willing to take risks, make mistakes and move beyond failure.

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KRISTEN KENNON Owner, Realtor, iRealty Arkansas NORTH LITTLE ROCK BUENOS AIRES GRILL & CAFE

“

THE NOTEBOOK

WE DO NOT GO TO WORK ONLY TO GET AN INCOME, BUT TO FIND MEANING IN OUR LIVES. WHAT WE DO IS A LARGE PART OF WHAT WE ARE.” Kristen Kennon is the owner of iRealty Arkansas, the largest independently owned real estate company in Central Arkansas. From humble beginnings to the success that she’s found today, Kennon has made sure to always keep her clients’ best interests at heart, which has been the fuel to the fire that is iRealty Arkansas’ growth.

Attraction to Career

After we had our first son, I really wanted control of my time. I have found that in real estate, I may work seven days a week, but it is my choice to do it — not dictated by someone else.

Best Part of Your Day

I love getting up early, having coffee and knocking out a lot of work before anyone else gets up. My absolute favorite thing in the world to do is watching my boys play soccer.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

I spent a lot of time practicing gratitude and working on new projects. I learned (and continue to work) to make sure I dedicate time to do things I enjoy.

Person You Admire Most

My dad taught me to give back to the community I live in. He served on numerous boards, coached every sport, and was always a huge advocate for Jacksonville. He showed me that ONE person can make a BIG difference.

Personal Motto

Add value to those around you, and through reciprocity it will come back.

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EBONY D. KIMBROUGH

Permanent Cosmetics & Tattoo Instructor, EK Professionals Permanent Cosmetics and Tattoo Institute; Founder, Arkansas Juneteenth Unity WRIGHTSVILLE KOOL’S BBQ & CATERING

“

LEAN ON ME

‘FOR I KNOW THE PLANS I HAVE FOR YOU,’ DECLARES THE LORD, ‘PLANS TO PROSPER YOU AND NOT TO HARM YOU, PLANS TO GIVE YOU HOPE AND A FUTURE.’” — JEREMIAH 29:11 Ebony Kimbrough is among exclusive company. For one, her company is the only accredited permanent cosmetics school in the country. On top of that, she is the first Black female tattoo artist in the state of Arkansas. Kimbrough is the founder of the Arkansas Juneteenth Unity Foundation, is a servant at heart, and unabashedly loves Jesus, her family, shoes and cake.

Attraction to Career

The love of providing service to others; making them feel beautiful and knowing I had a part of that.

Proudest Accomplishment My family.

Surprising Fact

Prior to opening EK, I never considered tattooing as a career. Never even crossed my mind!

Lessons Learned From the Pandemic

Life is precious. Spend it performing your divine purpose and loving on your family and friends while doing it.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

I absolutely love when women walk in their power unapologetically.

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TABBI KINION Education Division Chief, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission MASONVILLE, COLORADO; MOVED TO LITTLE ROCK IN JUNE 2018 THE PRINCESS BRIDE Tabbi Kinion is well aware that she occupies a vocation traditionally dominated by men. But she’s proud of the unique perspective that she brings to the outdoors and wildlife table and is even more proud to be doing that in Arkansas. The Colorado transplant has been impressed with “The Natural State” since day one, and it’s her mission to keep it that way.

Attraction to Career

Growing up in the Colorado foothills, I spent lots of time outside and lots of time playing school (my poor little sister). In a way, I simply figured out how to get paid for the things I loved the most as a kid. I spent time teaching school kids at Rocky Mountain National Park, at a nature center west of Denver, and spent 13 years training teachers and running school programs for Colorado Parks and Wildlife. In July 2018, I joined the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission.

Best Part of Your Day

I work with the most passionate, fun, humorous and professional team at AGFC. Getting to work alongside them on our mission to do what is best for conservation and to help others care about and be connected to wildlife and the outdoors is a joy and honor.

Proudest Accomplishment

Being part of the team that built and opened the new JB and Johnelle Hunt Family Ozark Highlands Nature Center in Springdale is a project I will always have near the top of my list.

Lessons Learned From the Pandemic

Leading a team of 60 full-time and 30 parttime staff who spend their days talking to and teaching the public was especially challenging.

My Education Division team was so creative and flexible through the closed months. They learned how to become digital educators, social media managers and video producers nearly overnight. When the drive to educate is there, the how becomes a formality. Check out what our team created at agfcnaturecenter. com.

Remember Me For

Inspiring others to believe in their own skills and talents.

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ALYSSA LAMBERT, DDS Cosmetic Dentist, Smile Arkansas

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE; MOVED TO LITTLE ROCK IN OCTOBER 2019.

OYSTER BAR

“

TOMBSTONE

IN THE MIDDLE OF EVERY DIFFICULTY LIES OPPORTUNITY.” — ALBERT EINSTEIN

A more recent resident of the Natural State, Alyssa Lambert received her bachelor of science in biology from the University of Memphis and a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry in Memphis. Since making Little Rock her home, Lambert has settled into living a double life — an Arkansas Razorbacks and a Memphis Tigers fan.

Attraction to Career

During college, I volunteered at a mobile dental clinic that provided dental care to people in the underserved areas of Memphis.

I enjoyed seeing the dentists interact with patients, take them out of pain, improve their quality of life and build trust.

Best Part of Your Day

Sitting outside at dusk, listening to the peepers or crickets with my dog, Ginger.

Surprising Fact

In high school, I was involved in the honors Army JROTC program where I competed on the armed drill team and served as a platoon leader. I’ve always admired and respected those who served our country.

Lessons Learned From the Pandemic

Given everything that has happened over the last two years, it’s easy to think there is no good news. I’ve learned that a conscious effort to focus on the positive things in life has helped me appreciate all the wonderful things I used to overlook.

Remember Me For

I hope to be remembered for being a kind, generous and loving person who is tough as nails.

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CARA LANK Senior Vice President, Chief Credit Officer, Stone Bank NEWPORT PETIT & KEET Cara Lank may have reached a point she never thought she would get to in her career, but she is far from finished. Lank learned early on what a strong work ethic and determination means, and she’s passing that knowledge on to the next generation of young women, starting with her 13-year-old daughter.

Best Part of Your Day

Sitting down and talking to my daughter about her day. She is 13, which can be a challenging time in life, but she is sweet and funny and has a lot of personality, so she is quite entertaining!

Proudest Accomplishment

I am proud of my position at Stone Bank and the work that I have put in to get here. Twenty years ago, when I started as a bank examiner, I never dreamed I would be in this type of position. I am proud to set an example for my daughter.

Remember Me For

Not only for working hard, but for being kind, having strong values, good character and doing the right thing. I want to be remembered as the person you could always turn to for help.

Person You Admire Most

My dad. He passed away more than 10 years ago, but I admire him for teaching me the values by which I live. He taught me to have a strong work ethic and to do the right thing. He taught me these things by being these things.

Advice to Others

Work hard, do more than what is asked or expected, and if you see something that needs to be done, do it. Never assume and never take anything for granted. Always be appreciative of what is given to you. I am reminded of Luke 12:48: “To whom much is given, much will be required.”

MONICA LO, MD Cardiologist, Cardiac Electrophysiologist, Arkansas Heart Hospital PORT LAVACA, TEXAS; MOVED TO ARKANSAS IN JULY 2013.

Monica Lo considers herself an “electrician of the heart,” and she’s in rare company. Fewer than 10 percent of board-certified cardiologists are also electrophysiologists, as she is, and fewer than 10 percent of all electrophysiologists are women. She ventured from the Lonestar State to the Natural State almost 10 years ago, and the hearts of Arkansas are in some of the most capable hands around with her.

First Big Break

I am not sure that there’s one specific incident/ moment. I moved to Little Rock to establish a complex cardiac electrophysiology ablation program at Arkansas Heart Hospital. The program grew quickly, and we became one of the top centers in the country for these procedures, in terms of efficiency, efficacy and great outcomes. We participate in clinical trials and bring new technology to Arkansans. Now, I give lectures globally, and people travel to Little Rock from all over the country (and even from Japan) to observe different aspects of what we do.

Attraction to Career

In medical school, often the career choice is either a surgical subspecialty or a nonsurgical field. You’re either a “doer” or a “thinker.”

Cardiology allows you to do procedures and fix problems structurally, but also to maintain a longitudinal relationship with patients.

Best Part of Your Day

Early mornings when everyone is still asleep. This is my “me” time when I read the Bible, exercise, plan my day and/or catch up on social media.

Proudest Accomplishment

To live the American Dream. I immigrated to the United States when I was 12 years old.

I had a wonderful childhood in Taiwan, but career options there were made based on one entrance exam. When I moved, I did not know any English. I had to adapt quickly, learn English, and was able to make straight As during the first six-weeks of school and maintained it through middle school and high school.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

Life is short, and we don’t have the ultimate control. It’s humbling not to be able to predict which patients will have mild symptoms, who will be long-haulers, who will end up losing their lives. Also, the social media algorithm is powerful. I think it really has divided our country more as a result.

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ANGIE LONGING, MHSM, BSN, RN, NE-BC Vice President of Patient Care and Chief Nursing Officer, Conway Regional Health System

“

BEEBE ATTITUDE IS A LITTLE THING THAT MAKES A BIG DIFFERENCE.” — WINSTON CHURCHILL.

Angie Longing has worked in health care for 27 years, during that time lending her services to many of Arkansas’ hospitals. Today, she feels blessed beyond measure to call Conway home, to work for Conway Regional, and for the health and happiness of her family.

Attraction to Career

My sweet Nanny (grandmother) volunteered at a local hospital, and she always said I had the compassionate heart of a nurse. I took her advice, and I knew from a young age I would be a nurse. I enrolled in UCA’s nursing program and had incredible teachers and mentors, many of whom I stay in close contact with even today.

Surprising Fact

Growing up, I was an athlete. I do not love the spotlight, but I am very competitive. I played basketball for the Beebe Badgers and was named All-State many years ago. I may be sore the next day, but I can still shoot the ball with my kids.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

Humans are resilient. I have watched my team and my kids adapt in amazing ways. At work, I witness a level of daily sacrifice, teamwork and compassion that seems incomprehensible. My kids have embraced changes in their schools with such maturity and poise.

Favorite Part of Your Job

I am driven each day by knowing my team will improve the lives of our patients. It is my duty to ensure those providing direct patient care have the support and resources needed to do their jobs to the best of their ability.

Remember Me For Kindness and positivity.

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PAULA ENDARA LOWE Chef/Owner, Roots Restaurant

“

QUITO, ECUADOR; MOVED TO ARKANSAS IN 2017.

STRIVE TO BE BETTER THAN YOU WERE THE DAY BEFORE.”

The chef and owner of Roots Restaurant in Jonesboro, Paula Endara Lowe is not unfamiliar with pushing through adversity. Lowe has worked in every position known in the restaurant industry, completed her culinary studies through financial struggles thrown her way, and fights every day to bring awareness to her son’s rare condition known as Moebius syndrome. Through it all, Lowe lives each day to the fullest and truly believes that anything is possible.

First Big Break

I am 28 years old and have achieved many things in my career. I don’t consider there is such a thing as a big break because there is always more to come. But something I am proud of is my family, Roots and my specialization in avant-garde cuisine at the Basque Culinary Center.

Attraction to Career

Food is an engine of change, this industry has the power of breaking barriers with sustainability, local sourcing, culture exchange and respect to product seasonality. But also the opportunity to make people happy or feel nostalgic through something so humble and simple as food.

Best Part of Your Day

Coming home to hold my two sons is a good way to settle down and unwind after a busy day.

Surprising Fact

When we started building Roots, I needed to work on something easy and mindless so I could focus on the project. I applied for a prep cook position in a local eatery, presenting not even an eighth of my full resume. The word was out that our restaurant was going to open downtown, and the owners of the eatery asked me if I was involved. I lied and said it was my husband’s restaurant, not mine, in order to keep working.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

The ability to adjust and evolve is very important. A business needs to be ready for change and impact.

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LAUREN McDONALD

Infection Preventionist, Briarwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center MAUMELLE KOSUKE JAPANESE STEAKHOUSE AND SUSHI

“

A WALK TO REMEMBER NO ONE IS YOU. THAT’S YOUR POWER.”

One would be hard-pressed to find someone with as much heart and ambition as Lauren McDonald.

Both qualities are invaluable every single day for her role as infection preventionist at Briarwood Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, especially at such a consequential time as this ongoing pandemic.

The people under her wing of care are among some of the most at-risk, and she does not take that responsibility lightly.

First Big Break

Joan Robbins, my administrator, gave me my first big break. She saw something in me early in my nursing career. When COVID-19 happened, she knew that my skills would benefit Briarwood.

Attraction to Career

I have always had this nurturing spirit. I knew from a very young age that I wanted to be a nurse.

Best Part of Your Day

The best part of my day is waking up. We’re never promised tomorrow. I try to make the most out of every day.

Lessons Learned From the Pandemic

Life is short. Never go to bed mad because you don’t know what can happen tomorrow.

Remember Me For

I hope to be remembered for being kind.

Everyone could use a little kindness in their life.

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JANE HARRY McLELLAN

Owner, Real Estate Agent, McLellan & Associates Real Estate Group FORT SMITH BRAVE NEW WHITE CHRISTMAS Ever since she was a little girl, Jane Harry McLellan has always been a fan of eye-catching homes.

As soon as her daughters moved off to college, McLellan jumped headfirst into working with her husband at their real estate business full time.

McLellan has a passion for finding individuals and families the perfect property for their lifestyle, and getting to work with the love of her life is an added bonus.

Attraction to Career

I have loved looking at homes since I was a very little girl. Early in our marriage, Stan and I decided we wanted to invest wisely, so we purchased 10 acres in NWA before looking for our first home here in Little Rock. It was not too long after settling into that home that we started our venture into investment properties.

Best Part of Your Day

I am a morning person, so I enjoy getting up and starting my morning with a personal quiet time and an early walk. I love to check things off my “to-do list” and then be available to work with my clients in afternoons and early evenings. The very best part of any day is if it involves one of my grandchildren — I have five, and they are the delights of my life.

Surprising Fact

I still water ski (although I did not this past summer after breaking my left foot) and enjoy snow skiing. My favorite place in the world is the beach or the lake, and we spend many days enjoying lazy lake days. Our families have also spent winters snow skiing with our children and now enjoy spending time on the slopes with our grandchildren.

Remember Me For

That I loved my Lord, my family and others, as well as a friend that could be counted on at all times. To balance life with truth and grace, knowing that life is short — so make a lot of great memories!

Most Admirable Quality in Women

The quality I most admire is integrity, that you do the right thing when no one is looking; one who values doing right over their own personal gain.

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CHRISTY LYNN OUEI Serial Entrepreneur

LAKE VILLAGE MULE KICK

“

THE SOUND OF MUSIC

NEVER BUSINESS AS USUAL.” — THE MULEKICK MOTTO

There’s not a lot in southern Arkansas that entrepreneur Christy Ouei doesn’t have her fingerprints on. From Mule Kick to Her Ouei to the Right Ouei (and more), she’s successfully built what most would call an empire from scratch — starting off as a company of one to now more than 100 employees. The “Ouei way” is that of passion, grit, resolve and determination. Oh, and her stapled attire of yoga pants and a T-shirt.

Best Part of Your Day

The best part is that it’s all worthy of that description.

Proudest Accomplishment

Raising a kiddo that, as a freshman in college 10 hours from home, still chooses to attend church on Sunday.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic If you can’t pivot, you close.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

Confidence in their intelligence — don’t be afraid to be smart.

Person You Admire Most

Queen Elizabeth I. She succeeded in a man’s world on her own terms.

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BROOKE PLACK Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner, Empire Cheerleading BRYANT

“

MEXICO CHIQUITO

YOU’RE ALWAYS IN ONE OF THREE PLACES IN LIFE: GOING INTO A STORM, COMING OUT OF A STORM, OR IN THE MIDDLE OF A STORM.”

Brooke Plack is as motivated an individual as you’ll find. The Bryant native completed her undergraduate degree at the University of Arkansas, master’s at Harding and also studied educational leadership at the University of Central Arkansas.

She devotes this knowledge and more to the next generation with Empire Cheerleading and is a cheerleader herself in the advocacy of mental health awareness.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

Giving up is not an option, meaning sometimes you have to jump before you’re ready. Four days after the ordered closing, we launched online programming — not just in hopes of saving our business but to remain a constant for our athletes.

Favorite Part of Your Job

The life of a child will be forever changed because someone on our team made all the difference

Remember Me For Making an impact.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

Vulnerability. This world can make you hard and guarded. But by talking more, telling our stories and sharing our truth — that’s a huge tool to help combat loneliness, depression and other mental health struggles.

Personal Motto

Be in pursuit of what sets your soul on fire.

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MICHELE RICE Director of Marketing, Saracen Casino Resort

GASPORT, NEW YORK; MOVED TO BEEBE IN JULY 2020.

RED OAK STEAKHOUSE REMEMBER THE TITANS Michele Rice is the definition of working up the ladder. She started in the casino business as a gift shop cashier and is now the director of marketing for Saracen Casino Resort in Pine Bluff. Rice is grateful for the patrons of Saracen, who she says are some of “the most friendly and loyal” people she’s ever met.

Attraction to Career

Coincidentally, I moved to the Memphis area at about the same time the Tunica casino market was just opening. Gaming jobs seemed interesting and fun, and I later learned they were. Casinos offer great benefits, and as a recently single mom, it made sense. Once I started working in the industry, I knew I had found my passion.

Proudest Accomplishment

I love my career and the opportunities it has given me — from being a single mom raising four kids to a time of unemployment to where I am today at Saracen. I enjoy hiring, training and helping people grow both professionally and personally.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

I learned to depend on my faith during adversity. I learned about my own resiliency and strength and how important it is to take one day at a time. Finally, I realized that necessity is truly the “mother of invention.”

Most Admirable Quality in Women

Honesty, integrity, empowerment and the ability to work hard and do your best to empower others. I admire women who help others realize and achieve their talents and find their inspirations.

Advice to Others

Always keep an open mind, be willing to learn and never shy away from asking questions.

Also, accept that mistakes and blunders will occur. Failures, both large and small, teach us the most valuable lessons.

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ANGELA FRIERSON SHIREY

Vice President, Community Development, Arkansas Capital Corporation HELENA-WEST HELENA

“

KEMURI

THERE IS NEVER A TIME IN THE FUTURE IN WHICH WE WILL WORK OUT OUR SALVATION. THE CHALLENGE IS IN THE MOMENT, THE TIME IS ALWAYS NOW.” — JAMES BALDWIN Angela Frierson Shirey prides herself on authenticity and delivering upon the phrase “What you see is what you get.” And that is a devout Christian mother, a woman who is filled with grace and loves to laugh — and loves jazz music just as much.

Surprising Fact

I think some might find it surprising that I am somewhat adventurous! I’ve enjoyed skydiving, have a strong desire to live in a foreign country (Italy perhaps?) and have two tattoos. And I really, really want a retro, moped/scooter.

Favorite Part of Your Job

My current organization, Arkansas Capital Corporation, is simply quite amazing. The organization’s legacy has stood strong for over 60 years for helping people, and we have the most dedicated, intelligent and caring group of professionals in Little Rock.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

I love to see older women who’ve aged well and who place careful attention into the way they present themselves and “show up.” A woman who has a strong presence, exudes confidence, maintains an active lifestyle and radiates that oh-so-lovely feminine glow.

Person You Admire

While this might sound cliché, I adore Oprah — no last name needed! She overcame unimaginable challenges during her childhood and into her adult life. Even still, she moved forward with fierce resilience, wrote lessons from misfortune, and is devoting her life to teaching others how to do the same. She is wise, and I aspire to operate in the same way.

Advice to Others

Pray and be still. Get quiet long enough to hear the whispering voice within you (the voice of God, intuition, gut feeling, etc.), and once the answer is known, you will know. But one must be still enough to hear and understand it.

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MORGAN SMITH Realtor, Rausch Coleman Homes AVILLA CHUY’S These days, a lot of Morgan Smith’s life has revolved around keys. As a Realtor, she works every day to help her clients close on the keys to the front door of their new home. Personally, she just gave the key to her heart away when she said “yes” to her fiancé, Hunter. But no matter if it’s at home or at work, she feels the key to happiness is finding peace in the simplest parts of life.

Best Part of Your Day

Coming home to my fiancé, puppies and two horses.

Remember Me For

Always being able to make people laugh. I always aspire to make other people’s day.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

That every woman is different in her own way.

Women find different things funny, beautiful, interesting. That is what makes us all unique in our own way.

Personal Motto

Always strive for excellence. Never think you are doing a good enough job because that is when you stop trying.

Favorite Hobbies

I always love loading up my horses in the trailer, hauling them someplace far away and riding all day, forgetting the stress of the world and just focusing on them.

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ALLISON J. H. THOMPSON, CECD, FM, EDFP President/CEO, Economic Development Alliance for Jefferson County, Arkansas WYCKOFF, NEW JERSEY; MOVED TO JEFFERSON COUNTY IN SEPTEMBER 2019.

“

THE BAD NEWS IS YOU’RE FALLING THROUGH THE AIR, NOTHING TO HANG ON TO, NO PARACHUTE. THE GOOD NEWS IS, THERE’S NO GROUND.” — CHÖGYAM TRUNGPA

Allison Thompson’s education and career have taken her from the East Coast shorelines of New Jersey to the plains of Texas, and now to the diverse landscape of Arkansas. Thompson has been pleasantly surprised at what she’s found and is happy to be using her skillset to better her new community — both for transplants like her as well as lifelong residents.

Attraction to Career

I was exposed to economic development while in graduate school and fell in love with the process of crafting and implementing a strategic plan that reflects the desires of the community.

Best Part of Your Day

The best part of my day is morning, from taking a walk in the yard with my dogs while sipping a cup of coffee, to arriving in the office with the expectation that no two days are alike.

Proudest Accomplishment

Professionally, it would be earning certifications, CEcD and EDFP, early in my career.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

An old lesson was reinforced; never make assumptions about, or judge, the actions of others — they will surprise and confound you because they are functioning with concerns and histories of which we are not privy.

Favorite Part of Your Job

I love working with an excellent team on initiatives that positively affect businesses and concomitantly the lives of others.

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BEKKA WILKERSON Director of Community Outreach, Civitan Services BRYANT STEEL MAGNOLIAS Bekka Wilkerson may not have predicted the trajectory her life took, but as she puts it, any other life would not have been as fulfilling. As director of community outreach for Civitan Services, Wilkerson is able to live out her call to serve the disability community. Along with her professional career, Wilkerson’s life is fulfilled by her husband, three bonus children, grandchild and her beloved fur baby.

Attraction to Career

I have always had a deep love for the disability community, and my passion paired up perfectly with the mission of Civitan Services. Not to mention this position has given me the opportunity to dive into our community and build incredible relationships and networks that bless me on a daily basis!

Proudest Accomplishment

I am the most proud of my beautiful family. I have been married to my husband, Speedy, for nine years and am a bonus mom to three amazing young adults — Austin, Bailey and Bryce.

Surprising Fact

I am an introverted extrovert. I love to be around people and thrive off of group energy, but it absolutely wears me out. When I have “super peopley” days, it is absolutely my norm to disappear for a day to rest and rejuvenate.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

Individuality and tenacity. I love a woman who is secure in her own skin and not afraid to carve her own path. My mom, Mary, has always instilled in me the values of paving your own path and unabashedly chasing your dreams.

Favorite Hobbies

I love to be outdoors and near any body of water — but especially the beach. I enjoy reading or listening to a great audiobook. I’m 100 percent addicted to crafting of all sorts, and I have what feels like a million Pinterest boards. However, in my spare time, I facilitate a small organization, Project Prom, that provides formal wear to young men and women for school functions and events at no charge.

JASMINE WILSON

Business Teacher/City Council Leader/Coach YGFBFKITCHEN

“

SISTER ACT 2

PEOPLE DON’T CARE HOW MUCH YOU KNOW UNTIL THEY KNOW HOW MUCH YOU CARE.” — THEODORE ROOSEVELT There isn’t a lot that Jasmine Wilson doesn’t do.

A business teacher, city council leader and coach, Wilson has found her passion in serving others and the community. With a bachelor’s in psychology and master’s in college student personnel, not to mention future K-12 principal, Wilson has set an incredible example for her students and her daughter to emulate.

Attraction to Career

I LOVED the idea of helping students get the most out of their college experience and felt blessed to provide support to so many. Now I get to do that for students at my high school alma mater. Definitely a full-circle moment.

Best Part of Your Day

Watching my child’s face light up when she sees me from her bus at the end of the day. To her, I’m pretty much a rockstar.

Proudest Accomplishment

The opportunity to serve. I have found my voice, and I’m proud to use it to drive positive change for my community and the causes for which I’m so passionate.

Surprising Fact

I used to be incredibly shy. Not many would believe that.

Lessons Learned During the Pandemic

So many things happened during the pandemic, some that challenged my mental and physical strength. I learned to say no when I need to and how important it is to savor precious moments with the ones you love.

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NICOLE WINTERS, JD

Senior Counsel, Windstream Holdings FLINT, MICHIGAN; MOVED TO LITTLE ROCK IN 2010.

“

BONE COLLECTOR

SERVICE IS THE RENT WE PAY FOR THE SPACE WE OCCUPY IN THIS WORLD.”

Nicole Winters’ education and career have taken her from Michigan to South Carolina to Arkansas.

No matter the setting, however, one common denominator has always been her lodestar: a philanthropic spirit. She is a self-proclaimed “serial volunteer” and currently serves on multiple local boards.

First Big Break

At 19, I was hired as a temp employee in the corporate legal department of a small telecom company to index the file room. From that start, I have worked my way up to my current position.

Surprising Fact

I spent most of my formative years practicing and teaching martial arts and am a three-time World Champion in the art of Tang Soo Do.

Remember Me For

Making my little circle of the world a better place. Whether its through the organizations I volunteer with or giving someone a reason to smile, I just want to leave a positive impact on my circle of influence.

Most Admirable Quality in Women

Authenticity. It is refreshing and inspiring to meet a woman confident enough in herself to be her true self. Knowing your truth as a woman is often a difficult journey, and I admire any woman who has figured it out.

Advice to Others

It’s cliché, but “Trust the process.” I knew from a young age I wanted to be a lawyer; my path wasn’t as direct as I would have liked, but I stuck it out and here I am, living my dream.

NOV 4 — JAN 15, 2022

GLOWILD! A LARGER THAN LIGHT EXPERIENCE

Learn more at LittleRockZoo.com Arts & Culture, Inc.

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arts&culture

, s g o d

n r o C Action

By DWAIN HEBDA// Photos courtesy ARKANSAS STATE FAIR

Arkansas State Fair

Returning at Full Speed in

2021

C

ue the funnel cakes — the 2021 Arkansas State Fair is returning this fall in all of its glory. After a pandemic installment that limited the event to just the livestock show and pageants last year, the fair’s governing board in July greenlighted the full format event, which can trace its origins to Reconstruction.

“The Arkansas State Fair, after one year in limited format, is back to its full capacity in 2021,” says Anne Marie Doramus, acting general manager and AGFC commissioner. “As fall approaches, the state fair is what’s on people’s minds. From concerts to food and carnival rides to livestock, the state fair holds a plethora of family fun with a little something for everybody.

“We’re so excited to be back, and we expect this year’s state fair to be bigger and better than ever.”

The news stands in stark contrast to the slimmed-down version of the event last year. Faced with uncertainty over pandemic conditions, the governing board made the agonizing decision to initially suspend the Arkansas State Fair, only to reconsider and move forward with a scaled-down version of only livestock shows and pageants. Doramus said that gesture paid out goodwill dividends last year.

“Dating all the way back to the beginning, the Arkansas State Fair is, first and foremost, a livestock show,” she says. “Our mission is to showcase the quality of livestock and poultry production throughout Arkansas. Last year, as we reconfigured to accommodate better social distancing, we appreciated how our livestock exhibitors, and pageant contestants for that matter, adapted right along with us.

“It was a difficult decision to reconfigure the fair last year, but the right one, and so was the decision to go forward with the livestock show and pageants. We received many comments from families who participate in these events, some for multiple generations at the state fair, about how much they appreciated us doing what we did. And now, we’re eager to welcome everyone back.”

Doramus says the resumption of a full-format state fair, and the precursor retinue of county fairs leading up to it, has financial ramifications statewide, things the general public doesn’t always see.

“County fairs are the buildup to the state fair,” she says. “They are essential to the high participation we have enjoyed through the years and key to the quality of competitors we get year in and year out. At the same time, having a healthy and well-attended state fair trickles down to the county organizations, many of which rely on a successful county fair to fund operations for the entire year.”

The roots of the Arkansas State Fair go back to 1867. According to the Encyclopedia of Arkansas, the Arkansas State Agricultural and Mechanical Association was formed that November for, among

other things, establishing a state fair. The first Arkansas State Fair was held in Little Rock, Nov. 17 to 20, 1868. The event continued to play in downtown locations until World War I, incorporating along the way as the State Fair Association of Arkansas.

During the 1930s, Arkansas was reeling with the rest of country from the Great Depression, but toward the end of that decade, a group of community leaders came together to form what would later incorporate as the Arkansas Livestock Show Association.

That group decided to hold a livestock exposition to educate farmers and promote new industry.

The resulting Arkansas Livestock Show, later changed to the Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show, premiered in 1938, the first of the Arkansas State Fair’s modern incarnation. The debut event, held in North Little Rock, was a financial flop so organizers moved it from November to October for better weather. They also brought in a celebrity, a young Roy Rogers, who lured attendees and began a tradition of live fair entertainment that continues to this day.

The day after the 1942 state fair ended, a fire swept through

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“We’re so excited to be back with a full carnival and full format of events and attractions.”

the North Little Rock fairgrounds, destroying buildings and forcing the event to relocate. Pine Bluff hosted the 1943 event, then while the fair was suspended in 1944 and 1945 due to World War II, Little Rock moved aggressively to get the state fair back. After rejecting an offer for land in what is now War Memorial Park, the association accepted an offer from the Little Rock Chamber of Commerce of several acres on Roosevelt Road as its permanent home. Today, the State Fairgrounds Complex consists of 135 acres.

Continuing the fair’s legacy is important to the culture and heritage of the state, says Warren Carter, vice chairman of the Arkansas Livestock Show Association and executive vice president with Arkansas Farm Bureau, a stalwart corporate supporter of the state fair for decades.

“The state fair provides an opportunity, I think, to expose the general public, maybe folks that don’t know a lot about agriculture, to the state’s largest industry,” he says. “That is a big part of it, that ag promotion angle. But there’s certainly the participation of our members as well, from all across the state via those livestock shows and some other activities.

“Arkansas 4H and FFA attract participation of youth all across the state, which our folks tell us is extremely important. We understand that,

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so we support them not only via the money we spend at the fair, but to support both FFA and 4H in communities very significantly in order to provide and enhance youth education and youth leadership development opportunities.”

As for bringing back a full fair in the midst of a pandemic, Carter says it was a factor the board didn’t take lightly.

“We looked at it pretty hard, and obviously we’ve got some issues out there,” he says. “When you consider the concern with COVID-19 out there, obviously, we’re hoping we’re at a point when the fair opens where it may be reaching a little bit of a downturn. But the biggest part of the decision was simply the availability of the vaccine at this point that led us to move forward. People who want to be vaccinated and protect themselves can be, and I think that weighed heavily in our decision.”

To that point, officials say the 2021 event is observing current state guidance when it comes to COVID-19 protocols. Fair employees and concessionaires are all subject to strict standards above and beyond regular health codes. All paying customers are welcomed at the state fair, with the unvaccinated being asked to wear a mask. In addition, Vaccinate Arkansas will be sponsoring a free COVID-19 vaccination clinic in

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Arkansas State Fair Oct. 15-24 ARKANSAS STATE FAIRGROUNDS

Keep up with the latest news surrounding the 2021 Arkansas State Fair at arkansasstatefair.com.

Arkansas State Fair

the Hall of Industry on both Fridays and Saturdays during the fair’s run.

Like any live event, part of the state fair’s electricity lies in the unknown. Even before COVID cast its own challenges, issues surrounding weather and safety are as familiar here as the Hall of Industry or the sparkling carousel, making attendance predictions a dicey proposition. But as Doramus notes, events across North America have reported record attendance, and she believes the same can happen in Arkansas, especially given the quality of the Main Stage entertainment.

“The entertainment this year is absolutely top-notch and offers something to meet everyone’s musical taste,” she says. “Our team really concentrated on upgrading the musical acts this year, and I think they have done that and then some.”

Headliners Maddie and Tae, Bone Thugs-n-Harmony, Bell Biv DeVoe, Hell Camino, Better Than Ezra, Blackberry Smoke and Riley Green are joined by Arkansas-grown songsters Dazz & Brie and Zac Dunlap Band on the eclectic lineup. The concerts are free with paid admission, and there are a limited number of VIP deck seats for an upcharge. For full details and ticketing information, visit the fair’s website at arkansasstatefair.com.

Asked what overriding message she had for state fair fans across Arkansas, Doramus smiles broadly.

“The theme for this year’s Arkansas State Fair is, ‘See Y’all There,’ and I think that says it all,” she says. “To all of the people across Arkansas who love this event, know that we are working overtime to provide a safe and fun experience for everyone. We’re so excited to be back with a full carnival and full format of events and attractions. We’re looking forward to it and to seeing all y’all there.”

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THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING When you buy a hunting and

ARKANSAS GAME

AND

FISH COMMISSION

Licenses and Permits

fishing license, you are giving the gift of the great outdoors.

Hunting and fishing licenses fund conservation, so that wildlife and wild places are available for everyone to enjoy.

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BUY A GIFT CERTIFICATE FOR A HUNTING OR FISHING LICENSE AT AGFC.COM

Meet the Baron

After learning as a young child that he was not born from a noble family with a title, Davis Tillman made it his mission later on in life to find out how a person could earn one. There were two ways: a person could do something beneficial for a royal and be rewarded with a title, or a person could simply buy one. With this knowledge, Tillman treated himself for his 50th birthday with the most affordable title he could find — baron.

The unique twists of Tillman’s life do not stop at his title.

His career in the entertainment industry has taken him all over the world searching for art and talent. He was eventually led to Arkansas where he settled down in the culture hub of Hot Springs. Tillman started the Levi Hospital Baron’s Ball 18 years ago, and his list of favorite memories of the event is almost too many to count.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed the creative freedom Levi has given me to assemble some of, truly, the most talented performers and creative artists to produce what I consider to be an original signature event,” Tillman says. “Being able to work with incredible artists, both visual and performing, yeah, it’s been great.”

The upcoming event for 2021 will be Tillman’s last run as the Baron of the Ball. His words of wisdom for the upcoming barons are to make a positive change out of any problem.

“You’re only limited by your imagination and how hard you’re willing to work. An individual can make all the difference,” Tillman shares. “At a certain point, it’s time to let the younger generation come in and show what they can do.”

The Baron is back.

November 6, 2021

For the last time.

You’ll not want to miss his final curtain call.

6 pm Horner Hall Hot Springs Convention Center

The Baron’s Ball Presents

AN EGYPTIAN FANTASY

Tickets and Sponsorships available www.levihospitalbaronsball.org 501-624-1281

Benefit for Levi Hospital

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Hot Springs Happenings 30TH ANNUAL HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL Oct. 8-16 Hybrid (in-person/virtual)

PHOENIX BASS FISHING LEAGUE 2021 REGIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP Oct. 21-23 Lake Ouachita

BROOKHILL MARKET Oct. 22, 23 Brookhill Market

VALLEY OF THE VAPORS INDEPENDENT MUSIC FESTIVAL

SARA EVANS

Oct. 1, 2 Cedar Glades Park

Oct. 23 Oaklawn Event Center

HOT SPRINGS BIG BAND CONCERT SERIES

Oct. 9 Hot Springs Convention Center

MURDER AND MACABRE MYSTERY DINNER THEATER Oct. 29, 30 The Porterhouse Restaurant

THE STARDUST BIG BAND HALLOWEEN COSTUME BASH Oct. 31 Arlington Resort Hotel

HOT SPRINGS ARTS & CRAFTS FAIR

Oct. 1-3 Garland County Fairgrounds

14TH ANNUAL TIKES, TRIKES AND TRAILS Oct. 2 Entergy Park

FAMILY FUN DAY AT RON COLEMAN MINING Oct. 9 Ron Coleman Mining

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GLOW ON THE ROW

Oct. 31 Downtown Hot Springs

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arts&culture

MOVIES IN SPA CITY:

HOT SPRINGS Documentary Film Festival

H

osted by Arkansas’ beloved Spa City and “America’s First Resort,” where it has thrived since day one in 1991, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival will celebrate its 30th anniversary this month with a nine-day multicultural and intergenerational event. Oct. 8-16, the streets of downtown Hot Springs will be filled with thousands of visitors of all ages for a return to in-person celebrations.

The oldest all-documentary festival in North America and one of the longest-running nonfiction festivals in the world, the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival is put on by a small staff and more than 100 dedicated volunteers.

Attendees will go on a cinematic adventure, where they’ll be exposed to 35 feature films and a similar number of short films, both domestic and international, in documentary screenings that are scheduled from morning to evening. “[Films] will be available both in theaters and on our virtual platform so people can watch in either setting, wherever they are most comfortable,” says Executive Director Jennifer Gerber.

Filmmakers began submitting films in January through an online platform, and from there went through multiple screenings until being viewed by the programming team, who makes the final decisions. This year, 1,100 films were submitted, of which only a few dozen will appear on screen at the festival.

“It’s so hard to narrow those films down; there are so many films we love that just don’t make the cut just because we don’t have the space,” Gerber says.

The festival will also feature films that are announced, after Hot Springs’ submissions have closed, at larger festivals such as Toronto International Film Festival, Venice International Film Festival and Telluride Film Festival.

“We tend to look at their programs and say, ‘Is there anything there that would be a good fit for us?’ And then we go through the process of confirming it,” Gerber says. “Those tend to be the films that are big centerpieces — like opening and closing night.”

This year’s opening night festivities will take place in Horner Hall in the Hot Springs Convention Center to allow for more “ca-

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pacity and social distancing, and really create a safe environment to kick off our 30th year,” Gerber says.

Following the ceremony, a block party will be held on Bridge Street — right in the heart of downtown — which will offer music, food and drinks for attendees.

“I think the energy from that night will carry on through the next eight days of the festival,” Gerber says.

While holding some events outdoors exposes the festivalgoers to the history and charm of Hot Springs, it is also one of many steps the organizers have taken to ensure that, when possible, spaces allow for social distancing and have maximum ventilation. Additionally, to attend any part of the festival, guests will be required to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination or a negative lab test taken within the last 48 hours. Masks are also required and will be available for free on-site.

New restrictions and limitations aren’t the festival’s only new implementation since the pandemic, however. Its presence has also inspired organizers to create a new program focused on mental health.

“We felt personally within our community and the world that there is a strain [on] the mental health of every single person struggling through this pandemic,” Gerber says. “All the challenges that arise from employment, personal health, emotional health — we’re all struggling with the things that COVID-19 has brought into our lives. So, this last year, we started a new program focusing on mental health and wellness.”

In 2020, when the festival was held completely online, attendees were able to join a free two-part virtual workshop led by Beth Pickens, the author of Your Art Will Save Your Life, who guided participants to reflect on the emotional challenges of 2020 while providing coping mechanisms for the obstacles still ahead. The event received such positive feedback that the focus on mental health has become a permanent part of the festival. This year, that focus is threaded into three events — a bicycle parade, an outdoor yoga class and an inspiration hike, during which a guide will lead attendees to Hot Springs Mountain Tower where they will participate in a guided meditation at the top.

Laur en McL emor e

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Another group of people who found inspiration within the grief and suffering of the pandemic is the filmmakers themselves. Gerber says that of the thousand-plus film submissions, many took on the theme of pandemic life.

“We saw a whole lot of films about the pandemic, which I totally understand because we’re living in a historic moment in human history right now; I understand why our storytellers would want to explore this experience we’re all having,” Gerber says. “I feel like you can also see it in the way that filmmakers had to be creative about making their films in a pandemic — like you see more interviews over Zoom than we would’ve normally in the past or more creative ways of getting content when you maybe couldn’t travel to capture it yourself. So, occasionally, we’ll see that in a story.

Whether the storyteller specifically addresses COVID-19 or not, you can see they had to bring in some creative work-around to still produce their story in the middle of the pandemic.”

Last year’s mostly virtual festival also had some other positive effects that Gerber and others hope will carry into this year’s hybrid event.

“I think we reached a different audience last year,” Gerber says. “Our virtual platform was available in all 50 states, and we noticed, when looking at the analytics at the end of the festival, that we had viewers in 47 states.

That was really unique. Most people have to come all the way to Hot Springs to enjoy our festival, and last year, we were able to bring it to them.

That will be the same this year.”

Though there is an undeniable thread of COVID-19 in both the policy and the art featured in this year’s festival, many of the traditional logistics of the beloved event — such as film panels, tributes to industry greats, and local access to a host of celebrity guests and visiting professionals — will stay the same. In fact, much of it has been improved for the viewers.

While the festival recently hosted all screenings at the Arlington Hotel, this year’s screenings will be featured in theaters, where Gerber believes “movies belong.”

The festival still has a close partnership with the Arlington and will still be using the space for several special events and guest lodging, but this year, the films will be shown at The Malco Theater and Hot Springs Central Theater. Both are former movie theaters that are mostly used for live performances but still have the bones of a traditional movie theater.

“We’ll be bringing in our own screen and equipment to put on the screenings; it’ll be the experience of returning to a traditional theater,” Gerber says.

Classes offered throughout the festival provide an educational component for viewers of all ages and experience levels. The festival’s mission to benefit the region by providing an affordable arts festival means offering the best educational panels and workshops, as well as exposure to internationally acclaimed filmmakers.

One major goal of the festival is to support regional filmmakers by creating events to network and giving them the tools to create high-quality films.

“One thing we are working on will be exploring how filmmak-

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ers in Arkansas can build an industry without moving to LA or New York,” Gerber says. “I think a lot of our storytellers are experiencing that; they want to tell stories, they want to be relevant in the film industry, but they don’t necessarily want to leave their home here in Arkansas.”

For student filmmakers, screenings are offered specifically for them with workshops to follow.

“If they’re in a film class or AV (audio/video) program, this is a chance for them to attend the festival, see a film, meet working filmmakers and get some hands-on training while they’re with us,” Gerber says.

The events leading up to the festival have also provided a place for those new to the world of documentaries, whether it be to gain a new skill set, pursue a passion or add a skill set to their existing job.

“This year we hosted our first-ever documentary boot camp, where we had 10 students take a 12-week class where they each directed, produced and edited their own short documentary. … Those films will premiere at the festival this year,” Gerber says. “What’s been really special about that is most of those students in that class [range from] college all the way through retirement.”

According to Gerber, the boot camp’s first year was incredibly successful and wildly popular, and she says they hope to make it a permanent addition to the festival.

“The pandemic has really shifted a lot of work environments, so having some hands-on training with some technical skills can be really beneficial in any workplace,” Gerber says.

The remaining parts of the festival are filled with award ceremonies, parties and other events that simply provide exciting opportunities for the community to come together and celebrate the magic of filmmaking.

“Our town is very involved in this festival — the Arkansas community really rallies around it, because they know that it’s special,” Gerber says. “I think what really draws people are the films themselves. They know that they’re going to walk into a theater on any given day and be transported through a story to any part of the world that the story is set, and get the chance to have eye-opening experiences, to be challenged, to be inspired, to be moved by personal stories of triumph and overcoming obstacles and all types of stories that can speak to any film audience member.”

In a normal year, around 10,000 attendees visit the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, where everything they see is the result of a committee that is dedicated to discovering, supporting and inspiring diverse documentary filmmakers and “champion a southern film community that reflects the full breadth of experience and story in the American South.”

In addition to its national and state accolades, the festival is an Oscar® qualifying festival for ‘Documentary Short Subject’ by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, and MovieMaker Magazine has added the event to its annual list of “Top 50 Festivals Worth the Entry Fee” from a field of close to 7,000 festivals.

To buy tickets, view this year’s schedule and see the lineup of films, visit www.hsdfi.org.

THE HOT SPRINGS DOCUMENTARY FILM FESTIVAL, LIVE Oct. 8-16

Starring

THE GAL A FILM SELECTIONS

Citizen Ashe (Opening Night)

Julia (Closing Night)

The Rescue (International Centerpiece)

The Neutral Ground (U.S. Centerpiece)

Featuring

HSDFF HONOREES

• The First Wave • Socks on Fire • The 8th • Forever Majestic

Samuel D. POLLARD

Dawn HUDSON

Garrett BRADLEY

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And much, much more… aymag.com

arts&culture

s

scare the science of the

Amid the Terrors of the Pandemic, the Frights of the Night Return

By KENNETH HEARD

n the frightening time when the COVID-19 pandemic runs rampant, U.S. Capitol protestors run amok and politicians run their mouths, the owners of haunted houses and terror parks want to scare us even more this Halloween season.

But it’s a healthy type of created fear, psychologists say. It’s a fear that replicates the hormones that people eons ago needed to survive in a world that wasn’t as safe.

“It’s a primal thing,” says Dewayne Lawrence, the owner of the Terror Ridge Scream Park on U.S. 63 between Jonesboro and Bono. “You can’t drive by a wreck without rubbernecking to see what happened. You don’t want to see it, but you have to do it.

“It’s probably some psychological control.”

Spooky specialists agree. Fear is a mechanism evolved to protect people from danger and harm from predators. If someone hears a rustling noise while walking through the woods alone at night, he or she will respond with heightened levels of arousal and attention.

If the noise is just a cat or a gust of wind, it’s no big deal. But if the person fails to activate that alarm response in the dark woods and there is a real threat, the cost could be detrimental.

The chemicals released by the body’s sympathetic nervous system when scared are like the endorphins emitted when people are happy and laughing, scientists have found.

“Those chemical signatures look similar to when we’re scared,” Margee Kerr, a sociologist and author of Scream: Chilling Adventures in the Science of Fear, said in an interview with Healthline, an online health website. “If we’re in a situation where we know we’re safe like a haunted

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house, scary movie or roller coaster, think of it as hijacking the flight response and enjoying it.”

Psychologists call the haunted houses and movie theaters that show horror movies as “the safety net.” When people get scared, their bodies go into the fight, flight or freeze mode. Because they are in a controlled element, their brains will evaluate the situation and tell the person he or she is safe from risk. The body calms, and the person enjoys the adrenaline rush because they know they are safe. The rush, physicians have said, is equal to an opioid-like sense of euphoria.

“It’s like your brain is at the edge of danger, but it knows it’s not actually at risk,” Katherine Brownlowe, a psychiatrist at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, told Healthline.

Because of the need for survival, the brain doesn’t have a lot of time to consider a frightening experience. When exposed to fear, it reacts immediately and then assesses the situation, hence the quick rush and then realization that the danger is not actually real.

Lawrence has seen varied responses to his frightening scenes in Craighead County.

He’s been doing some type of haunting for the past 30 years. People either laugh, run or strike out after the initial scare.

“Lots of adults miss being kids,” Lawrence says. “The world seems so much more serious now. They’ve seen the reality of life, the hospitals, the funerals. We crave to be kids again. Here [at Terror Ridge], we can see things we’re not used to seeing.”

A walk through Lawrence’s park takes about 25 minutes. Most is outside, and visitors follow a path through a darkened lot. His scenes aymag.com

are more family-friendly, he says. There’s no machete-wielding, hockeymask wearing Jasons or crazed Freddy Kruegers in dire need of manicures. Instead, Lawrence says, his creations are his own.

One of the heart-stopping scares is an 11-foot monster that pops out of a cave.

“I want to tell our story,” Lawrence says. “We want to make our own monsters.”

John Veasman, owner of the Fear Factory 501 in Jacksonville, also employs the psychology of fear in his haunts. There are monsters that leap out and tight, enclosed hallways that creep out those with claustrophobia.

He says each person has his or her own fears. His daughter is afraid of clowns, perhaps, he says, because she can’t see their real faces. Veasman is frightened of spiders and snakes.

He also sees the differing reactions to the scares.

“Some lash out,” he says. “They want to use our actors as punching bags when they get scared.”

Veasman, who is retired from the U.S. Air Force and also produces pyrotechnic shows, uses 50 actors in his Fear Factory, training them in a choreography of chaos.

“If I can’t scare you, at least I’ll entertain you,” he says.

Canadian psychologist Margo Watt found that the haunted houses activate a “hypervigilance” for any supernatural or malevolent forces. Visitors already know they are going to something scary, so their senses are heightened. Research, Watt reports, showed that people are uncomfortable when their physical space is violated; the narrow hallways of

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Veasman’s Fear Factory and the thin paths at Lawrence’s Terror Ridge attest to that.

It, along with darkness, limits a person’s ability to flee should it become necessary, and the brain is placed on a higher level of alert.

“I study hard to make a good show,” Lawrence says. “We try to control the scare. I may play quiet music to calm people and then have something jump out.”

He spends much of the year trying out new mayhem. He shakes bolts in an empty gas can, called his “thunder jug,” and creates a haunting noise. He also uses a palm sander on a wooden barrel that makes an eerie vibrating sound.

He also employs a fog machine and low-voltage audio akin to sound from a car stereo.

“It’s an amazing scare,” he says.

While the pandemic may be the scariest event in years, both managers of mayhem say it has actually increased their business.

Both plan to open this month, maintaining safety standards such as social distancing and mask-wearing if they can.

“We had one of the biggest years ever,” Veasman says of last year’s activity at his Fear Factory 501. “There was no other entertainment. There wasn’t anything else to do.”

Lawrence says he will also encourage visitors to wear masks, but he can’t force them. The pathway lets him separate families to maintain distancing.

“It’s a difficult thing to control COVID,” he says. “If we can’t control it, we may have to shut it down.

“We want people to experience this, but with the virus going on, we don’t want to scare them with that.”

top 10 scariest movies Study performed by Broadband Choices, which tracked participants’ heart rates while watching some of the most iconic scary movies of all time. Rankings identified by highest average heart rate.

ultimate horror movie

Sinister

Release Date: 2012

Director: Scott Derrickson

Starring Ethan Hawke, from horror powerhouse Blumhouse Productions, Sinister follows the truecrime writer Elliot Oswalt, as his obsession with reviving his career leads to an investigation into a series of family murders and child kidnapping. After unearthing an archive of grizzly 8mm films, seemingly showing the murders, including one in his own home, his obsession risks putting him and his family in danger.

“One of the great modern horrors, Sinister is packed with scares, twists, jumps, creeepy kids and bad decisions, which kept our test subjects’ hearts pounding throughout the whole movie.”

ovie average heart rate across m

65 86 32 131 Resting BPM (average)

Best of the Rest

2. Insidious 3. The Conjuring 4. Hereditary 5. Paranormal Activity 6. It Follows 7. The Conjuring 2 8. The Babadook 9. The Descent 10. The Visit

Movie BPM

Difference

(average)

(%)

Average Heart Rate

Difference

Hights Spike

85 BPM 84 BPM 83 BPM 82 BPM 81 BPM 80 BPM 80 BPM 79 BPM 79 BPM

20 BPM 19 BPM 18 BPM 17 BPM 16 BPM 15 BPM 15 BPM 14 BPM 14 BPM 119

133 BPM 129 BPM 109 BPM 127 BPM 93 BPM 120 BPM 116 BPM 122 BPM 100 BPM

Highest Spike

(Biggest Jump Scare) (BPM)

“Watching each movie in 5.1 surround sound, the panel of 50 people consumed more than 120 hours of the best horror movies, each fitted with a heart rate monitor to measure which movies got their blood pumping the most to find the ultimate horror movie and crown the king of fright night.” aymag.com

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MENTAL we are HEALTH aymag.com

aymag.com/mental-health-guide

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arts&culture

By DUSTIN JAYROE // Photos courtesy ARKANSAS X FILES

Beebe resident Tyra Clark is a believer. In a place like Arkansas, a state within the Bible Belt, half of that means exactly what one might expect: She is a woman of faith who follows the fundamentals of Christianity and the teachings of Jesus Christ. But her proud status as a believer isn’t synonymous to only the realm of theology. Clark is also a subscriber to theories — which, for her, are realities — of the paranormal nature, namely: ghosts, cryptids, extraterrestrials, and other mysterious things that might only inhabit the nightmares or television screens of most. But for Clark, finding the truth is her foremost passion. It’s why she founded the organization aptly named Arkansas X Files last year, to investigate such phenomena.

It all started in February 2020. Clark’s curiosity pushed her to attend an event called Haunted Hearts at The Fee House in Little Rock, a venue well-known for stories of

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spiritual dwellers. She had no formal equipment, simply utilizing a voice recording app on her phone as she traversed the shadows of the house with the other attendees.

To her surprise, when she listened to the recording the next day, she realized that she had recorded an electronic voice phenomenon (EVP) — or, as she succinctly summarizes: spirit voices.

“Sometimes we aren’t necessarily able to hear with our ears, but the frequency can be captured by the voice recorders,” Clark, who is also a military veteran, explains. She says that EVPs continue to be her most commonly captured evidence today.

That was all she wrote (or spoke), as it were. Clark was hooked, and spent the next few months fertilizing her enthusiasm with experience, meeting up with other locals with similar interests — her kindred spirits. By October

2020, she was ready to blossom, creating her own paranormal team: Arkansas X Files.

“From there, I embarked on my journey, not only for the curiosity of my own but also to help others better understand and validate any unexplained occurrences or phenomena,” she says.

The name itself came about just as (super)naturally as her interest. She says she spent plenty of time researching other organizations of that ilk deciding what she would call her own, determined to come up with something that was both catchy and original. “Arkansas X Files” was, somehow, unclaimed, and she has always been a big fan of the TV series The X-Files.

It is probably a near-perfect registration, for the parallels between the show and her work go much deeper than just the name.

Clark prefers to not be referred to as a “ghost hunter.” The reasoning behind this is twofold. For one, popular culture has, in some ways, adulterated the moniker. Second, that’s only part of what she does. Sure, she’s spent many a night back at The Fee House, saying that she regularly communicates with the dead that many believe inhabit the home. She’s investigated haunted hotels and the legends of old bridges.

But she’s just as determined to search for answers elsewhere, beyond only the ghost stories.

Tyra Clark.

“We search for answers not only in hauntings but also cryptid, UFO, extraterrestrial and urban legends,” Clark says, which she’s made a pivotal part of the official Arkansas X Files mission statement.

And she and her team aren’t picky. After acquiring more and more equipment for such haunt jaunts, her work has increased in lockstep. Some of these quests are self-indulgent, traveling to a location she’s heard stories about to investigate them for herself; others are call-ins from the community, such as a local homeowner with unexplained nightly syndromes deriving from the shadows.

But before one pegs her as a “thrill-seeker” or a “con artist” (two other bynames she rejects), it should be noted that she does not accept monetary compensation for her work.

She has a job, a family, as do the other members of her team.

Just as investigating all things paranormal has become her

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passion, so too is benevolence and care for thy neighbor — again speaking to her dual belief of both God and ghost. If a residence is believed to be “haunted,” she will provide her services pro bono and investigate the situation. If it is deemed to be so, she will also perform “cleansings” upon request, to provide peace to both the living and the dead.

More often than not, she says, the former simply misunderstand the latter. From her experiences, she’s found that the presence of the paranormal does not always equal peril.

Some, she believes, are just neutral occupants. Perhaps they are caught in between worlds, or have something rooting them here in ours. Most, in her mind, do not wish ill.

But there are those that do. Typically referred to as demonic, elemental, or simply “dark in nature,” these are the spirits that will get Clark’s heart rate up.

If she encounters any of these, she says she will typically bring in a shaman or priest to rid the place of its presence.

And she leans heavily upon her faith for courage in such instances.

She believes that she ran into a negative presence one night at The Fee House. Equipped with her cameras, equipment and recorders, she began to see and communicate with the spirits.

“That night, we had an SLS camera there, and we picked up a small figure over by the staircase,” Clark recalls. “And so I then started asking. … ‘Who is here with us?’ I got the feeling that Edward, one of the children of the Fee family, was with me. I said, ‘Edward, are you with us?’

And [I heard], in a male voice, ‘I’m behind you. I am behind you, Tyra. I am behind you.’”

Clark was there investigating a hunch, that something — or someone — was making the new owner of The Fee House sick. When she established communication with the Fees (former residents of the house who all died mysteriously in the early- to mid-1900s), she asked if such a negative presence was lurking, haunting. Their response was enough to chill even her bones.

“He’s in the attic, Tyra.”

“Help us. We are lost.” aymag.com

y a M e c n e s e r P a t a h Signs TDark or Demonic

Be

According to Arkansas X Files

ra in

came An SLS action.

- Hearing growling or hissing sounds.

- Having unexplained scratches, bruises or bite marks.

- Extreme sudden mood changes, such as fighting or arguing, a sudden change in character, or being withdrawn from others.

- Sudden infestation of insects, including flies or maggots.

- Reports of foul or repulsive smells.

- Seeing shadow figures or dark masses.

- Dead animals appearing, such as birds.

- Hearing knocks coming in a series of three, as to mock the Holy Trinity.

Clark says that negative entities feed off of fear, and routinely prays to herself when conducting investigations.

“You shall not fear them, for it is the Lord your God who fights for you.” — Deuteronomy 3:22 *** For as recently as the Arkansas X Files team has arrived on the scene, they’ve amassed quite a following and reputation. Its official Facebook page has more than 900 followers, and the group page by the same name has more than 1,100 members. Clark herself has made many connections in the paranormal world, both in Arkansas and beyond. She’s negotiated sponsorship and partnership deals, which she says has been instrumental in helping her not-forprofit cause — putting a dent in equipment costs, travel expenses and room and board. If you want to call it a hobby, that’s fine by her — but she’ll be quick to note that it’s an “expensive one.”

What began as a one-woman show now includes a team of around a half-dozen. And they’ve already made a mark on the Natural State’s unnatural side; unlike the many phenomena they examine, they are being seen.

This past year, Beebe’s B2 Internet Radio did a

half-hour community spotlight segment on these local ghostbusters, and Clark has also been a guest on several podcasts and digital shows, such as Grand Rapids Ghost Hunters, {shift}her and Arkie Travels. Paranormal Depot, a worldwide paranormal web directory, selected Arkansas X Files as the featured team for the state. Clark is also working toward creating more high-quality videos of her investigations, with a potential series in the works with PARAFlixx, a paranormal streaming service.

And while most of her nights to this point have been spent hunting down ghost stories, she has plenty of plans to fulfill the other parts of her mission. Like at Boggy Creek, home of the infamous Fouke Monster.

“Experiencing paranormal events throughout my life and extremely terrifying occurrences as a teenager have not only inspired my curiosity for a better understanding of the paranormal, but also my true passion to help others who are experiencing terrifying events themselves,” Clark says.

“As a Christian … I truly feel led by God to help others in these times.

“The truth is out there, and we are in search of those answers.”

Arkansas X Files’ Equipment List - Flashlights - Voice recorders - REM POD - Dowsing rods - Motion sensors - Spirit boxes - SLS camera

Famous Locations Investigated by Arkansas X Files - The Crescent Hotel - The Arlington Hotel - The Empress of Little Rock - MacArthur Museum of Arkansas Military History - The Fee House - Mama Lou’s Bridge - Four Quarter Bar - Woodson Lateral Road - Camp Nelson Confederate Cemetery - Arkansas Tuberculosis Sanitorium

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health

Need a Lift?

By ANGELA FORSYTH // Photos courtesy MCFARLAND EYE CARE

When it comes to aging, most people will agree gravity is not your friend. Over time, skin loses its elasticity and begins to sag — especially around the eye. That’s because the skin around the eye area is thinner than the skin on other parts of your body. This natural downward progression can often make people look prematurely older or tired and can restrict vision down the road. Hundreds of thousands of Americans undergo eyelid surgery — or blepharoplasty — each year as a way to give this area a lift.

If you’re thinking about undergoing blepharoplasty, there are a few things you might want to know first. AY About You consulted with McFarland Eye Care’s Byron Wilkes, MD, a board-certified ophthalmologist who is fellowship trained in oculofacial plastic surgery.

WHAT IS BLEPHAROPLASTY?

Blepharoplasty is a common surgery for repairing droopy or heavy eyelids, a condition that can impair vision and make you look older. The procedure often involves removing skin, muscle and fat from the upper and lower eye area. Some people seek out this procedure for cosmetic reasons; others need it for improving their field of vision. Another related condition is ptosis, a condition of a droopy eyelid that could be from a malpositioned muscle. This condition can occur in children or adults.

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CAN YOU BUNDLE IN AN EYELIFT WITH OTHER PROCEDURES? According to Dr. Wilkes, blepharoplasty cannot be performed together with other surgeries that have contact directly with the eye — such as cataract surgery or LASIK eye surgery — because those types of procedures have higher risks for infection. However, you can have blepharoplasty done on both eyes, lower and upper all at once, or even in conjunction with other facial procedures like face-tightening, forehead lifts and brow lifts.

A forehead lift might seem like an odd pairing to eyelid surgery, but Wilkes says forehead lifts are a large portion of his practice.

“People sometimes underestimate the role of the forehead in the eyelid droop because a lot of people, when they look in the mirror, see a full eyelid and that’s what they focus on,” he says. “But when I’m in the clinic, I point out the fact that the forehead and the brow come down with gravity over time and add weight on top of the upper eyelid.”

Patients are often surprised by the effect when he first demonstrates lifting the forehead in his office.

WHAT DOES THE SURGERY INVOLVE? From check-in to recovery time, the entire process can last anywhere from two-and-a-half to three hours. The patient is taken to a pre-op room where an IV is inserted.

After the IV is put in, the person is moved to the operating room where they are given sedation through the IV. Once sedated, local anesthetic is used to numb the upper lid, lower lid or entire eye area. The patient breathes on his or her own the whole time and is blissfully unaware under anesthesia. In some cases, a surgeon will make an opening in the upper eyelid to find the small muscle that raises the eyelid and tighten it with stitches. The incision in the eyelid is then closed with more stitches. Sometimes, the surgeon can perform the operation without making an incision. In those cases, the eyelid is flipped, and the muscle is tightened from underneath.

“It’s a good experience for patients,” Wilkes says. “They wake up in the postoperative area thinking they’ve been there maybe 15 minutes, but really they’ve been there about 30 minutes. The surgery doesn’t take that long, but that’s counting prep time and recovery.”

Patients are asked to not eat or drink after midnight prior to surgery.

WHO’S GETTING EYE LIFTS? According to Wilkes, about 20 percent of his patients come in for cosmetic reasons and 80 percent come for medical. Most of the people he treats are in their 60s and 70s. This age group is usually looking for functional blepharoplasty where the degree of fullness is affecting their vision. The other group of people, who are in their 40s and 50s, come in for cosmetic reasons. They’re wanting to look younger or prevent future issues with sagging skin that they might have seen in their parents and grandparents.

“They have a window to enjoy the cosmetic side of things instead of just waiting until later when it’s hurting their vision,” he notes.

WHAT’S RECOVERY LIKE? The good news is most people feel no pain, even after the anesthesia has worn off. Wilkes says he sends patients home with a “goodie bag” that contains care instructions, an ice pack, ointment and pain medication. About 90 percent of his patients tell him they didn’t need to take any pain medicine, and the other 10 percent usually only needed it on the first night.

Wilkes also says to expect functional recovery to last about a week. That means not doing anything strenuous, no heavy lifting and no lifting of anything above your waist. You might expect social recovery to last about 10 to 14 days. During that time, you’ll probably have significant bruising and may not want to attend any events.

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ARE YOU A GOOD CANDIDATE? According to Wilkes, doctors should ask if you have any underlying medical conditions that would prevent you from healing well. If you have significant heart disease and are taking blood thinners, you may not be a candidate for this surgery. You’ll be required to stop taking blood thinners beforehand. Someone with significant dry eye would also want to be very cautious about this surgery, as well as a person who has a history of developing aggressive scar tissue.

IS IT COVERED

BY INSURANCE? Yes and no. If a person has a mild or moderate case, the surgery is considered cosmetic, and insurance will not pay. If the person has a significant amount of skin that impairs vision — usually in cases of older people — then, insurance should cover at least a portion.

HOW COMMON IS EYELID SURGERY?

• •

3 25,112

eyelid surgeries performed in 2020.

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plastic surgery is performed, Mexico is the only one that doesn’t list blepharoplasty in the top five. ..............

Eyelid

Eyelid surgery has ranked in the

top five most popular plastic surgeries for the past decade.

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reshaping is widely performed in Korea where it’s commonly referred to as double eyelid surgery.

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Save a To

By DWAIN HEBDA

Child

A

disheveled 6-year-old, her hair tousled and falling in wisps around her pajama-clad shoulders, clutches a wellworn stuffed cat with both arms. She sits motionless in this very quiet room, her cornflower blue eyes darting jitterily this way and that.

She doesn’t understand what’s happening, why a lady she’d never seen before came to her house, scooped her up and carried her out to a waiting car. The seatbelt clicked, and the door closed before she awoke enough to even begin to process things.

On the way out, she saw Steve, her mom’s friend and the man who lives with them, being loaded into another car, the bright lights on top.

Seeing him, she reflexively clutched the lady carrying her and bathed in the feeling of being aloft, like her oft-dreamed-of flying away from her daily reality.

She hears only muffled sounds here. She thinks she hears again the raging of her mother, but realizes it’s just memory ringing in her ears. She didn’t tell anyone about Steve, but she wonders if she’s in trouble anyway.

A door opens.

“Hi, Jessica,” says another woman, gently. “My name is Marie.” *** According to statistics by Aspire Arkansas, a project of Arkansas Community Foundation, there were 12 Jessicas for every 1,000 Arkansas children in 2019, kids reported to be abused or neglected. While that’s down from 15 per 1,000 in 2012, it’s still above the national average and ranks the Natural State 34th in the country in this sad category.

Boone (16.1/1,000), Jackson (15.7/1,000) and Poinsett (15.3/1,000) counties ranked highest in incidence, but there’s little difference between them and the nine other Arkansas counties at 10 per 1,000 or higher. It’s just two or three more Jessicas, give or take; children and youth whose innocence has been taken and whose lives have been fractured by the people who they were supposed to trust most.

If ratios aren’t your strong suit, Elizabeth Pulley, executive director of Children’s Advocacy Centers of Arkansas (CACA) cuts to the chase.

“We served more than 10,000 children in 2020,” she says.

Not to put too fine a point on it, but put among the 540 towns and

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cities in Arkansas, the population of abused and neglected children ranks higher than all but 39 communities in the state. Which means every 12 months, CACA serves the equivalent of Monticello in bruised, battered and molested juveniles, abuse doled out by kinfolk and household hangers-on alike.

But once there, inside one of CACA’s 17 bright and inviting centers or 10 satellite offices operating statewide, the process for getting help is at the ready and greatly streamlined. Telling their story once triggers all needed touchpoints and services, reducing the stress and trauma of pulling back the curtain on their nightmare.

“We provide a safe, child-focused and nonthreatening environment that helps meet the immediate and long-term needs of child abuse victims utilizing a multidisciplinary approach,” Pulley says. “When a young victim who has been sexually abused, physically abused or neglected arrives at a CACA location, they tell their story to a trained interviewer. The information gathered is shared with law enforcement and other team members.

“A needs assessment is then conducted to determine the victim’s medical and mental health needs. A family advocate is assigned to the child to ensure proper services are rendered to advance physical and mental healing and to provide guidance through the investigative and legal process. All CACA services are free to victims and their nonoffending family members.” *** Jessica digs her chin into the top of her stuffed animal and fixes her gaze on her toes, poking out from the legs of her unicorn pajamas. She can still see a little of the purple glittery polish her older sister, Dana, painted on to match hers. That was before Dana left, before she ran away to escape from Steve. She misses her sister and wonders where she is right now.

Marie asks her questions about her family, asks her if she’s hurt, asks her about things Steve told her not to tell anyone or he’d kill them. She wishes her mom never met him, never let him live there. She wants it to be the way it was, the way it is for everyone at school. She’s sure if she just tried harder, picked up her toys faster, stayed quiet, her mom would love her more; more than she loves drugs anyway, or people like Steve.

“Jessica, honey, are you OK? Would you like a drink of water?” Marie asks. Her tone is so calm and gentle, Jessica raises her eyes and looks her in the face, as if she could see the sound of her voice like a sunset or Christmas lights. Jessica shakes her head. She’s ready to tell her story. *** Kerry Moody and Sarah Beth Lowe have both lived lives a world apart from the children who walk through CACA’s centers. Not because aymag.com

they came from neighborhoods and backgrounds immune to abuse because there are no such things, but because they know that but for the grace of God they could have been any one of these children. And that moves them to be involved to help stem the tide of Jessicas all over the state.

“We wish we didn’t have to have the centers, but we have to,” says Moody, Deputy Chief of Staff for Arkansas Attorney General Leslie Rutledge. “So, until there’s no reason to have any centers, we’re going to still keep trying to make sure we continue to do what we can to help break the cycle of abuse.”

For Moody and Lowe, this activism takes many forms, the most visible of which is as co-chairs for CACA’s annual Woman of Inspiration gala, the taproot fundraiser for the organization. Lowe says in addition to raising money to support current operations, there is always the desire to expand and bring services to as-yet underserved portions of the state.

“Obviously, we hope to have more centers available, particularly in rural areas of the state, so that children and their families can access those centers,” she says. “We encourage everyone, if they can, to support their local center. It’s amazing what the individuals that work there see and do on a day-to-day basis.”

Lowe, a REALTOR® with The Janet Jones Company, knows firsthand how important the Woman of Inspiration event is, not only for spotlighting the organization’s work but for educating people on the prevalence of child abuse in Arkansas in the first place.

“My husband’s firm was a sponsor of the first event, and I attended with him. I heard from the honorees that year which happened to be, I believe, Jonelle Hunt, and two brothers who were both survivors,” she says. “The boys had actually been sexually abused by the same individual, and their families did not know.

“That was a moment where you realize, ‘I’m the mother of three sons, and I trust people. I trust leaders and coaches with my children.’ Hearing their story, I just thought, ‘Oh my goodness, this is prevalent everywhere, more than we even can begin to comprehend.’ Thankfully, I’ve personally

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not been through that, but it did open my eyes and from then on, I wanted to be as supportive as I could be of the organization.”

Seemingly everyone who comes to know CACA in this manner is similarly moved. Last year, when COVID-19 pushed the Woman of Inspiration live event to the sidelines, supporters responded to a virtual event to the tune of $100,000, indicative of the worth the wider community places on CACA’s work.

Now back on the live event calendar for 2021, Moody and Lowe are expecting big things from the gala, which includes a fashion show and will honor Gene Jones, a longtime advocate for children and wife of Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, as its Woman of Inspiration; and the Wade Knox Children’s Advocacy Center in Lonoke with its Blue Ribbon Award.

“We have had huge success with our sponsorships this year,” Lowe says. “Our goal was to reach out to companies that maybe we haven’t tapped into before, but were interested in helping. We had a goal of raising $400,000, and I know that we are over our targeted goal.”

“Of course, we always want to raise more, so we’re shooting for the moon,” Moody chimes. “Our story is a story of hope and healing. ‘Hope and healing’ is kind of our mantra at Children’s Advocacy Centers, especially through our volunteers. Hope and healing are what we like to think we’re able to help provide.”

2021 Woman of Inspiration Gala Wednesday, Oct. 6 Statehouse Convention Center cacarkansas.org/woi

“Mrs. Jones has a long legacy of serving children in need through her philanthropic work. We are thrilled to recognize her commitment and support of our important mission to help our state’s children recover from abuse.”

— Elizabeth Pulley

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This side of

SEVEN – By Jason Pederson

Hitting the Right I

t was the spring of 1986, and there was an intense battle taking place inside New Richmond High School’s Little Theater. Director Mary Finley was agonizing over the casting of several key roles in her planned production of Fiddler on the Roof, including the male lead, Tevye.

Tevye the Dairyman is a hardworking, loving father trying to hold on to his Jewish roots and traditions in the face of a changing culture and three headstrong daughters. Set in 1905, the Broadway musical has themes that still resonate today, and casting a strong Tevye is key to connecting with audiences.

Finley knew that, so she kept the two young men (both sophomores) trying out for Tevye on stage until well after midnight. Back and forth, she directed the battle from her seat on the first row, each Tevye-hopeful spitting out lines and singing songs opposite other casting considerations. Finley’s decisions would be posted on the principal’s office window the next morning.

I hardly slept that night. Would I get the lead, or would my neighbor across the street, Nick Weiss, get that plum role? Nick was really good, so I was prepared for the possibility that he might win out. And the next morning, Nick’s name was listed next to the role of Tevye. What I hadn’t considered was while Nick and I were battling for the lead, other students were auditioning for all the other main parts. My finger traced down past the other male roles — Motel, Perchik, Fyedka, Lazar, Rabbi.

Holy cow, was I even cast at all? Then, there was my name, across from … Mordcha, the bartender.

The blow to my ego was immediate. My pride was wounded. I worked hard to stifle the swelling emotions inside me. After school,

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Notes

at the first rehearsal, I learned that Mordcha has no singing solos and no speaking lines. The bartender is onstage for a few scenes, including the lively bottle dance, and he sings as part of the chorus.

The only fiber in my being that didn’t want to quit was that fiber woven by my father, an edict he voiced over and over throughout my childhood: “Pedersons don’t quit.” So, I didn’t.

Shortly after the final show, I received a letter from Mrs. Finley.

“I will always treasure the maturity and class I saw in you when you weren’t cast at Tevye. You were so wonderful!

I’m so impressed that you could admit disappointment, accept the decision, and rally enough to dedicate early on to Fiddler. You are a very talented young man.”

I can share with you exactly what Finley wrote because I still have her letter. It is a prized possession. There is great power in a well-timed word of encouragement or praise, and the power is amplified when it can be read repeatedly.

Allison Bond has figured that out.

The day I visit with Bond via Zoom, she is a bit preoccupied.

The 24-year-old lives just southwest of Fayetteville, and a truly gruesome discovery had just been made in her little town of Lincoln. Police investigating a missing person report found the dead body of 73-year-old Gloria Pike on top of a bed in a living room, wrapped in newspaper and blankets. Police believe Pike had been dead for eight or nine months. Her death was not reported by her 54-year-old daughter, Geanee, who was now in jail and charged with abuse of a corpse and financial identity fraud.

After her mother’s death (believed to be by natural causes), the social security and disability checks kept coming, and police say Pike kept cashing them.

“I just found out about it,” Bond tells me. “And then I found out that, oh, I know who she is related to. So, I sent the sister-in-law of that person a sympathy card earlier today.”

You see, that is Bond’s thing, her purpose. Expressing sympathy, concern, love and kindness through cards, notes and letters. Lots and lots of them.

“I love sending cards to kids who are sick,” she says. “Or people who are sick, or old, or … senior citizens, or soldiers. … I just like trying to spread kindness to as many people as I can. I like sending cards more than anything, like birthday cards and greeting cards.

I’ve gotten cards donated from DaySpring in Siloam [Springs]. I’ve had donations of cards made to me by people through Amazon.”

Bond has a Facebook page, Kindness Through Letters, where she updates followers on her letter-writing exploits. She started her page in July with this message: “Hello, I am Allison and I love spreading kindness to others all around the world. I am disabled, 24, and from Arkansas. I love sending love to others even if I don’t know them. It’s a huge blessing being able to show God’s love, as well as my love, to all these people I send stuff to. I have pen pals from different places all over the world and I handwrite each letter and I spread kindness to each of them.”

Most pregnancies last 37 to 42 weeks. In 1996, Cathy and David Bond welcomed Allison into this world way ahead of schedule — at 25 weeks. She weighed barely over a pound. The premature delivery resulted in some permanent disabilities. Bond suffers from mild multiple sclerosis, and she is developmentally delayed.

“Everybody at LifeStyles (the human services agency where Allison spends her days) client-wise, which we are all basically students, is developmentally behind. Developmentally disabled.

Except for the teachers. It’s a nonprofit. I love it. That’s where I met all of my friends, including two ex-boyfriends.”

She says she belongs to several pen pal Facebook groups. She credits social media with helping her develop contacts all over the country. Her goal is to write 1,000 letters this year and to gain a pen pal in every country; she believes she already has a pen pal in every state. She knows she has Alaska and Hawaii checked off, at least. “I haven’t really sat down to figure out what states might be missing yet,” she says.

Her mission to connect was born out of the pandemic, saying, “During this whole pandemic thing, some people aren’t allowed to see their families.” And she couldn’t see her friends when LifeStyles closed for a while. But her focus remained on others — those in nursing homes who could no longer have visitors, those in prison who may not have been getting visitors anyway, and especially those separated by their families due to military service.

At the time of our interview, Bond counted 80 military members and six inmates among the growing list of people she is encouraging with her written communications, including one rather infamous inmate.

“I’ve even connected with people that I don’t know who are in jail,” she says. “I have a folder with prison letters, including Tiger King. When he was in jail, I wrote to him. He wrote me back, like, yesterday. He told me that he had won the appeal. I don’t even know what that means. And then he told me I was beautiful and that he loved me. And I was like, ‘Interesting.’”

143

Allison Bond.

That brings us to one of the things on Bond’s immediate to-do list: Get a post office box.

Another thing: get a passport. She wants to travel abroad, starting with Canada.

But until she can travel to distant lands herself, sending kindness through letters across the miles, mountains and seas will have to do.

She will mail a card to a friend whose failing kidneys put her in hospice care, or to someone who just lost a parent, sibling or child.

One man cried after hearing from Bond following his mother’s death.

“I sent him a sympathy card, and I knew him, but he was so happy about it,” she says. “He started tearing up. It was a great moment, and it has inspired me to do more.”

But her real inspiration, she says, comes from above.

“Probably because I’m a good Christian girl,” she says. “And when my grandma was alive, she told me to always be a good girl. So that is kind of what I stuck with.”

Her grandmother would be proud.

You can visit the Kindness Through Letters Facebook page if you would like to encourage Bond or support her mission of sharing kindness with the world via the written word.

For two decades, Jason Pederson served as KATVChannel 7’s Seven On Your Side reporter. Now on the other “side” of his award-winning time on the news, he now serves as Deputy Chief of Community Engagement for the Arkansas Department of Human Services. His perspectivefilled and thought-provoking column, “This Side of Seven,” publishes exclusively in AY About You magazine monthly.

JASON PEDERSON

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health

The

PINK PANDEMIC:

Breast Cancer Screenings Down Sharply During COVID-19 Era

By EMILY BEIRNE

I

n the year 2020, the year nobody will soon forget, “coronavirus,” “coronavirus update” and “coronavirus symptoms” were three of the most searched topics on Google. The pandemic, still to this day, has dominated almost every conversation and news headline and has lived at the forefront of the world’s mind. Along the way, basic routine checkups and procedures dwindled in numbers, and the repercussions could be cause for alarm.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a report in June 2021 stating that breast cancer screening sharply declined by 87 percent over the course of the pandemic. There is a 1 in 8 chance that a woman living in the United States will contract breast cancer in her lifetime. The chance of having breast cancer increases over the age of 40, and breast screenings and mammograms are recommended as part of an annual health examination to stay ahead of diagnoses and treatments. Putting off these exams could cause a chain reaction that patients and their families are not prepared for.

Stacy Smith-Foley, MD, a breast imaging specialist of The Breast Center at CARTI, urges patients to get back into the routine of breast exams.

“The thing that I know about breast cancer is that it’s out there just waiting to be diagnosed,

and we have our best chance for survival and the best chance to succeed when we diagnose it at an early stage,” Dr. Smith-Foley says. “A study was done out of the [United Kingdom] that said the number of patients we were going to find to have cancer in the next few years is going to be higher, and many of those patients will have a more advanced disease that may require more aggressive treatments that are more invasive, instead of somebody having their breast cancer diagnosed at a very early stage that will just have a lumpectomy and radiation therapy. If [a patient’s] disease is diagnosed at a later stage, it’s already evolved in the lymph nodes, and they’ll have to have chemotherapy and maybe a mastectomy.”

New cancers among women in Arkansas, 2013-17.

(ADH)

Percent survival by duration and cancer type among Arkansas women, 1997-2017. (ADH)

Statistics, graphs courtesy Arkansas Department of Health.

Agestandardized cancer incidents rates by site among Arkansas women, 19972017. (ADH)

In a similar position of waiting on patients to come back to the lab, Gwendolyn Bryant-Smith, MD, chief of breast imaging and the Breast Imaging Fellowship Director in the Department of Radiology at UAMS, understands why patients have stayed away during the pandemic.

“When we perform mammograms, we’re all over the patients,” Dr. Bryant-Smith says. “Social distancing is almost impossible because we have to be incredibly close to the patient to screen their breasts and check for early stages of cancer.

“We keep our labs and exam rooms sanitized, and we are taking every precaution necessary to keep our patients safe during this time. Coming to the hospital right now with numbers as high as they are sounds dangerous, but we are doing everything in our power to ensure patients can continue staying on top of their health.”

A key detail of the CDC report emphasizes that the greatest decline in screenings came from ethnic minority groups and lower socio-economic groups at the very start of the pandemic. The report suggests that when access to

148

medical services decreased at the beginning of the pandemic, the groups most affected were those in lower-income households.

“This situation also highlights that we have some disparities in our population,” Smith-Foley says. “There was a study in the summer released around the same time as the CDC report where they looked at a screening population in Washington state, and they found that patients that were not Caucasian and that came from lower socio-economic groups were less likely to have participated in screenings during the pandemic. If we really look at it, this decline wasn’t just breast cancer screenings, but also colonoscopies and annual visits to doctors. Pediatricians were not seeing very many patients at all because parents were not taking their kids to the doctor to get their vaccinations. Everybody was putting things off that they felt were not urgent, or things that didn’t have to immediately be attended to due to the circumstances.”

Coming out of the last few months with access to vaccinations, people have discovered during selfexaminations that an effect of the COVID-19 vaccines in

“Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate,” Smith-Foley says.

“IT DOESN’T CARE WHAT COLOR YOUR SKIN IS, it doesn’t care how much money you make. The two biggest risk factors are being a female and growing older. SO IF YOU HAVE BREASTS, THEN YOU’RE AT RISK.” some people is swelling of the lymph nodes. Many found this alarming, as they did not know what the swelling meant or how it affected their breast health.

“The lymph nodes can swell for a temporary period of time after receiving a COVID vaccination, but it is not dangerous nor does it affect the screening,” Bryant-Smith says. “Some patients think they should continue putting off their exam because they have received a COVID vaccine and don’t want the swelling to interfere with their results. [Breast imaging specialists] know the difference between swollen lymph nodes and cancerous lumps, so please still come in to receive your screening. It is much better to come in now rather than put off a screening any later.”

Both doctors say that continuing to delay a breast cancer screening, especially for those over 40 and patients with a family history of breast cancer, puts the body more at risk for advanced stages of cancer.

Smith-Foley says, “It’s incredibly important to get back on track if you’ve fallen off schedule this past year and a half.

There’s no time like the present to go ahead and schedule an appointment. Don’t wait like, ‘Oh, I used to get my mammograms in November.’ Just go ahead and schedule and get in. We have a lot of people that didn’t come in during the pandemic. We just want you to come in now so we can be safe. If there is something there, it’ll give us a better chance to find it now than in a few months. It’s safe to come in, especially to our Breast Center. We’re screened every day, we wear our masks, we’re socially distanced, we screen everyone coming into our facility, we’ve always had

149

National incidence and mortality data. (Susan G. Komen)

an extensive cleaning process, and we’ve always had private dressing rooms. Our center is designed for all of this.”

Bryant-Smith agrees, saying, “Don’t wait any longer — schedule your appointment now. The sooner you get in here and find out your results, the sooner we can move forward and continue keeping you safe and healthy. If some patients continue to push off their screening, the chances that we can catch cancer in an early stage and treat it quickly grows smaller. The pandemic has not been kind, but now is as good a time as any to make sure your breasts are in good health so that you have one less worry on your plate.”

Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in the country and the second-leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. On an average year in the United States, excluding 2020 and 2021, around 255,000 cases of breast cancer are diagnosed in women, and around 2,300 in men.

“Breast cancer doesn’t discriminate,” Smith-Foley says.

“It doesn’t care what color your skin is; it doesn’t care how much money you make. The two biggest risk factors are being a female and growing older. So if you have breasts, then you’re at risk.”

aymag.com

NAPBC: Highest National Accreditation for Breast Centers

I

n May 2020, the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) renewed the three-year accreditation to Arkansas Breast Cancer Specialists in Fayetteville. This is the highest national accreditation available for breast centers, and one of only two from the state of Arkansas.

Arkansas Breast Cancer Specialists is a group of physicians, nurses, support staff, and other professionals who care for breast cancer patients in Northwest Arkansas that includes The Breast Center, A MANA Clinic; Highlands Oncology; Northwest Arkansas Pathology; as well as surgeons from Breast Cancer Treatment Associates; Northwest Arkansas Breast Care Specialists; Fayetteville Surgical Associates; and the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Northwest Arkansas.

According to the American College of Surgeons, who are responsible for NAPBC accreditations, “Accreditation by the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers is granted only to those centers that are voluntarily committed to providing the best possible care to patients with diseases of the breast. Each breast center must undergo a rigorous evaluation and review of its performance and compliance with NAPBC Standards. To maintain accreditation, centers must monitor compliance with NAPBC Standards to ensure quality care, and undergo an onsite review every three years.”

In the eyes of the Arkansas Breast Cancer Specialists, women diagnosed with the disease in Northwest Arkansas can be reassured they are receiving the best care available.

TOP BREAST CANCER FACILITIES IN ARKANSAS Baptist Health Breast Center

Mercy Breast Center

Baxter Regional Medical Center

Northwest Arkansas Breast Care Specialists

Breast Cancer Treatment Associates

Northwest Arkansas Pathology

CARTI

St. Bernards Healthcare

CHI St. Vincent

The Breast Center, A MANA Clinic

Conway Regional Health System

Washington Regional Medical Center

Highlands Oncology

Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute

Sources: U.S. News and World Report; NAPBC

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Winner of the

GOVERNOR’S QUALITY AWARD FOR 2019

215 S. PORTLAND AVE. RUSSELLVILLE, AR

479-968-5256 • russellvillenr.com

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.

NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER at

GOOD SHEPHERD Bobby Lamb, Administrator 3001 Aldersgate Road, Little Rock AR 72205 • Phone 501-217-9774 • Fax 501-217-9781 www.goodshepherdnr.com

SHERWOOD

NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC

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.

SHERWOOD

NURSING & REHABILITATION CENTER, INC

245 Indian Bay Drive Sherwood, AR 72120 Phone: 501.834.9960 Fax: 501.834.5644

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

Hot Springs’ newest, premier skilled nursing and long term care facility.

eatures all private rooms for o well as, private short term reha creen televisions and telephon nvenience.

We have a dedicat Our facility features all private rooms for our long term residents, as well as, private short term rehab rooms with ivate rooms andandan enclosed 42-inch flat screen televisions telephones for family and friend convenience. We have a dedicated secure unit with 23 private rooms and an enclosed courtyard.

Park Ave | Hot Springs, ARAR 71901 |71901 501.321.4276 | ve |2600 Hot Springs,

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SPECIALISTS USE MULTI-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO EASING THEIR PATIENTS’ PAIN coordinate care with surgical services and get people locked in with counselors and therapists who can help them live with chronic pain.”

Part of developing a pain management plan is interviewing each patient to determine their medical history. Maranto says, “We want to know whether they have had injuries, surgery, and specifically look at x-rays, CT and MRI images. We need to know what has already been done before we make our plans.”

Seeing a pain management specialist requires a physician referral which can come from a family doctor, orthopedist or other specialist. Patients may not know when to ask their doctor for specialized pain management help.

Maranto explains, “It’s time to see us if you are having lasting pain for four to six weeks, and when conservative measures, such as over-the-counter pain relief, physical therapy or an exercise program, aren’t helping.”

Ranahan adds, “If the measures that your primary care doctor has recommended are not working, it would be reasonable to consider a referral to a pain management specialist.”

The clinic sees patients from 15 years of age and older, treating pain in the neck, lower back, migraines, extremities, nerves, joints, abdominal pain and other areas of the body.

Maranto says, “Relying on specialists and family doctors for a referral is most efficient for the patient. If there are some underlying health problems that need to be addressed, they can be treated by those specialists before we begin pain management.”

our long term abProoms with nes for family ted secure unit courtyard.

Chris Maranto, MD

ain Management is more than prescribing medicine. Once pain becomes a chronic condition, pain management experts advise there are no magic pills or guaranteed methods of making it go away.

Mikio Ranahan, MD, and Chris Maranto, MD, joined the Conway Regional Advanced Pain Management Center in September 2020. Ranahan and Maranto, alongside Heath McCarver, MD, form a strong team that deals with many misconceptions and challenges surrounding pain management. Pain management specialists use a multi-disciplinary method of treating all types of pain. They often team up with orthopedic surgeons, oncologists, neurologists and neurosurgeons, therapists, and counselors as part of an individual pain management plan.

“We take a multimodal approach to pain management; we focus on increasing activity.

Our end goal is improving your ability to do the things that you want to do to enjoy life,” Ranahan says.

He adds, “Medication management is actually a small portion of what we do. We coordinate care between physical and occupational therapy services as well as interventional procedures in the form of injections, nerve blocks, spinal cord stimulation, and lapiplasty. We also

BECOMING A PAIN MANAGEMENT SPECIALIST Ranahan was motivated to become a physician after seeing his grandfather lose his quality of life due to nerve pain resulting from shingles.

“Now there is technology that could have better treated his pain so he could leave the house for vacations and to play golf,” he says. “It’s very gratifying when you can take someone’s pain away and give them the chance to live their lives without suffering.”

Maranto shadowed a pain management specialist in medical school. “It combines the best of both worlds for me,” he says. “I can build relationships with patients while practicing anesthesia services. I decided to practice at Conway Regional because they treat you like family here.”

501.321.4276

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Q&A WITH DR. RANAHAN

Mikio Ranahan, MD The airways and social media are filled with “guaranteed” methods of eliminating pain. How can I tell if I am dealing with a legitimate pain specialist?

There is no magic pill. If they have one solution to all your problems, that is a red flag because pain is all-encompassing. It affects all aspects of your life. For most patients suffering from chronic pain, one pill or one procedure is not going to make everything better. It takes several routes to manage pain.

What can people do to reduce the risk of chronic pain as they begin to age?

Staying active is the most important thing to do, under the advice of your physician.

Low impact exercise and sports such as cycling, swimming, running and walking, are generally helpful. Smoking cessation is important if you have lower back pain. If you smoke, the discs in your back become dry and that increases the arthritis in your back.

Do you have any particular success stories that you would like to share?

I have had patients who could barely get out of bed prior to kyphoplasty spine procedures. By the next day, they could get up and walk around and spend time with family.

We have had patients with pain shooting down the nerves in their legs who could go back to work or spend time with their kids the next day after an epidural. aymag.com

MURDER MYSTERY: ARKANSAS AND THE DEATH PENALTY – By Janie Jones

W

hen Winthrop Rockefeller was defeated by Dale Bumpers in 1970, one of his last acts as governor of Arkansas was to commute the sentences of all 15 men on death row.

Rockefeller thought capital punishment was morally wrong. He said, “I cannot and will not turn my back on lifelong Christian teachings and beliefs, merely to let history run out its course on a fallible and failing theory of punitive justice.”

Many years later, Bumpers expressed relief that his predecessor had saved him from having to sign off on execution.

Thirty-three years later, Illinois Gov. George Ryan followed Rockefeller’s lead.

Before he left office, he granted clemency to all 167 inmates on Illinois’ death row.

In 1972, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled, in a 5-4 decision, that the death penalty violated the Eighth Amendment to the Constitution, which banned cruel and unusual punishment. Furthermore, the practice was carried out in an unfair, arbitrary and capricious manner. Those who received the death sentence were disproportionately people of color, the poor, the uneducated and the just plain unlucky, like having your number come up in a draft. The Court’s ruling, however, did not outlaw capital punishment specifically. It merely resulted in a moratorium on executions. Justice Harry Blackmun wrote in his dissenting opinion, “And were I the chief executive of a sovereign State, I would be sorely tempted to exercise executive clemency as Governor Rockefeller of Arkansas did recently just before he departed from office.”

Of the 40 states that had employed the death penalty before 1972, 35 of them, including Arkansas, revised

158

Ledell Lee after 24 years on death row. (KARK) their statutes to bring it back. But instead of addressing the problem of inequality and inconsistency, they focused on the methods of legalized killing. Beginning in 1608, the United States used the following means: bludgeoning, burning, gibbeting, breaking on the wheel, and pressing or crushing the condemned to death. The crimes committed ranged from murder and rape to piracy, witchcraft, treason and participation in slave revolts. Hanging was the predominant method until 1900 when electrocution gained acceptability. Nevada became the first state to implement lethal gas in 1924. Shooting was always a tried-and-true method of eliminating evildoers. To this country’s credit, it has not executed anyone by drawing and quartering.

England abolished that ritual in 1870.

The states that wanted to restart executions sought more civilized and less gruesome ways of killing people.

Utah was the first to resume executions in 1977 when a

firing squad ended Gary Gilmore’s life.

In addition to shooting, states brought back gas, electrocution and hanging.

Hanging, however, could be gruesome, at least in days gone by. When the trap door was sprung under the feet of Old West outlaw “Black Jack” Ketchum, he was decapitated. Crowds enjoyed such spectacles back then. They would even bring picnic lunches for the event.

Pennsylvania was the first state to end public executions.

Electrocutions have a long history of being botched, resulting in the burning of the person and leaving the odor of sizzling flesh in the air. Once during an execution by gas, the doomed was such a skinny little guy, he worked himself free from his restraints and ran around the death chamber in senseless desperation. Prison officials had to wear gas masks to go in and strap the man back in the chair. Even death by firing squad can have moments of horror and suspense. In Thailand, the 1979 execution of a woman went awry. After a volley of 10 shots, she was sent to the morgue. A short time later, she sat bolt upright and started screaming. She was taken back to face the firing squad again, and this time the shooters took better aim.

When Arkansas reinstated capital punishment, after only one electrocution in 1980, the state opted for lethal injection. The “needle,” as it turned out, presented a whole new set of problems. A number of pharmaceutical companies, for ethical reasons, prohibited the use of their drugs in executions. In 2017, Arkansas scheduled eight executions to be carried out in a period of 11 days, an almost unheard-of pace in modern history. The rush was due to the fact that the state’s supply of midazolam was running out, and midazolam was Arkansas’ drug of choice.

Among the men initially marked for death in that window of time was Ledell Lee. Lee was sentenced to death for the 1993 murder of Debra Reese, who had been beaten and strangled in her Jacksonville residence. Lee proclaimed his innocence from the beginning, and over the next 24 years, he gained a lot of support from people who believed him. The prosecution’s case was based on Lee’s neighbor’s testimony that he had seen Lee enter and leave Reese’s house on the day of the murder. The weapon was a wooden club with a white shirt wrapped around it. Blood was on the club, but authorities never tested it nor any other evidence from the crime scene.

Lee’s first trial ended in a hung jury after the jurors heard from alibi witnesses who said Lee could not have committed the crime because they saw him somewhere else at the time of the slaying. No alibi witnesses were called in

159

Ledell Lee in his youth. (ACLU) his second trial, essentially gutting his defense and sending him to death row. The Innocence Project and the American Civil Liberties Union pressed the court to perform DNA testing on blood and hair collected at the crime scene, but the majority of justices denied all appeals.

Because of litigation, Arkansas didn’t go through with the marathon of eight executions in April 2017, but the state did put four men to death within one week that month, before the supply of midazolam expired. Lee was among the unfortunate four. Of the other four, one was granted clemency, and three received stays.

Lee’s family and other supporters did not give up on clearing his name. Four years after his death, again with help from the Innocence Project, DNA testing revealed that genetic material on the murder weapon belonged to another man. That genetic profile is now in a national criminal database, so the unknown individual may yet be identified.

Did Arkansas kill an innocent man?

According to the Death Penalty Information Center, 185 prisoners (as of April 10, 2021) on death row have been exonerated since the 1970s. William Blackstone, an 18thcentury English judge, once stated that it “is better that 10 guilty persons escape than that one innocent suffer.” The principle is known in criminal law as “Blackstone’s ratio.”

By March 24, 2021, 23 states and Washington, D.C., had abolished the death penalty. The governors of California, Oregon and Pennsylvania have declared moratoriums in those states. Soon after taking office in 2015, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf announced the moratorium there, saying the procedure was “ineffective, unjust and expensive.” Six men on Pennsylvania’s death row have been exonerated.

As for those 15 men whose sentences Governor Winthrop Rockefeller commuted in 1970, according to a Texas newspaper article in 2003, two of the inmates died in prison, four continued serving their life sentences, and nine were paroled. Only one of the parolees committed another crime that sent him back to prison.

aymag.com

Bear

By Joe David Rice

M

ost serious football scholars — or is that an oxymoron? — are familiar with the legacy of Paul William “Bear” Bryant. The longtime and legendary coach of the Crimson Tide, Bryant led his Alabama teams to 13 Southeastern Conference championships and six national titles over a 25-year span. When he retired in 1982, Bryant was the winningest coach in college football history.

Bryant enrolled at the University of Alabama in 1931 courtesy of an athletic scholarship and played end on the Crimson Tide’s national championship team of 1934.

A gritty performer, Bryant earned either second- or third-team All-SEC honors in 1934, 1935 and 1936. That he played the 1935 game against the Tennessee Volunteers with a broken leg illustrates his toughness.

Upon graduation in 1936, Bryant accepted a coaching position with Union University ( Jackson, Tennessee) but soon returned to Tuscaloosa as an Alabama assistant coach for a four-year stint. Next was a year as a Vanderbilt assistant before Bryant joined the U.S. Navy at the onset of World War II. After the war, Bryant served one year as head football coach at the University of Maryland, where his team compiled a 6-2-1 record. That was followed by eight years at Kentucky (60-23-6) and then four years at Texas A&M (25-14-2).

In 1958, his alma mater called, and the Bear returned to Tuscaloosa. Over the next quarter of a century, his Alabama teams chalked up a history of 232 wins, 46 losses and 9 ties — and not one of them suffered through a losing season. In fact, over that 25year era, Bryant’s Crimson Tide lost only 27 conference games.

But, you may ask, what does all of this have to do with Arkansas? For one thing, Paul William Bryant was born in southern Arkansas in Moro Bottom, a community a few miles east

Paul William “Bear” Bryant of Fordyce. The 11th of 12 children produced

by Ida and William Bryant, the youngster got his notable nickname after wrestling a circus bear during a PR stunt hosted by a local theater. Not only did Bryant fail to collect on the promised dollar, he got bit on the ear by his ursine opponent. By the time his senior year at Fordyce High rolled around, Bryant was a 6-foot-1-inch stalwart on the Red Bugs’ state championship football team, playing on both sides of the ball and earning All-State honors.

In the fall of 2012, the town named the local stadium, the very same turf he had played on 80 years earlier, in Bryant’s honor.

There’s one more connection, though not so well-known, between Bear Bryant and Arkansas. At the conclusion of his 1941 season as an assistant coach at Vanderbilt, Bryant learned the University of Arkansas had fired head coach Fred Thompson, who had led the Razorbacks for 13 years. Bryant wanted the Arkansas job, and asked his friend Bill Dickey, the baseball great who’d

just returned to Little Rock from the World Series, for assistance. Dickey visited with Gov. Homer Adkins on behalf of Bryant, and shortly thereafter personally introduced him to the governor. Things went well, and Adkins and Bryant met two more times to hash out the details. “On my way back to Vanderbilt, I knew the job was mine,” Bryant wrote in his autobiography. As he drove to Nashville, Tennessee, on Dec. 7 following that final meeting with Gov. Adkins, Bryant heard news reports on the radio of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Rather than becoming the head Razorback, Bryant became a sailor.

Nevertheless, Bear Bryant eventually coached two games in Fayetteville after World War II, both times as head coach at Texas A&M University. His 1955 Aggies battled the Razorbacks to a tie and then won the contest in 1957.

BEAR BRYANT NEVER LOST IN RAZORBACK STADIUM.

Joe David Rice, former tourism director of Arkansas Parks and Tourism, has written Arkansas Backstories, a delightful book of short stories from A through Z that introduces readers to the state's lesser-known aspects. Rice's goal is to help readers acknowledge that Arkansas is a unique and fascinating combination of land and people – one to be proud of and one certainly worth sharing.

Each month, AY will share one of the 165 distinctive essays. We hope these stories will give you a new appreciation for this geographically compact but delightfully complex place we call home. These Arkansas Backstories columns appear courtesy of the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the Central Arkansas Library System. The essays have been collected and published by Butler Center Books in a two-volume set, both of which are now available to purchase at Amazon and the University of Arkansas Press.

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ECONOMIC IMPACT IN 10 YEARS

*$159 million in public funds generated $1 billion impact

3 MILLION

logins on public computers

TWENTY-FIVE MILLION

• Includes $486 million to Little Rock MSA GPA and $31 million state and local tax impact • 3,250 jobs CALS supported

EVENT ATTENDEES EDUCATIONAL

2,000,000 • From story time to Entrepreneurship 101

ITEMS LOANED F E S T I VA L

B Y

T H E

N U M B E R S

E C O M O N I C I M PA C T

For every $1 of public money, CALS returned more than $5 economic impact.*

215,000 1.3 MILLION

meeting facility users

• Six Bridges Book Festival • Ron Robinson Theater Events • Arkansas Sounds Concert Series • CALS Speaker Series

DID YOU KNOW? Funding for the Central Arkansas Library System

is on the ballot November 9, 2021. Find out more at www.cals.org/millage.

Data source: CALS Impact Evaluation & Analysis 2010-2019, Boyette Strategic Advisors

A Growing Health System for a Growing Community

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We’re not just growing—we’re growing together.

Pictured, Left to Right: Brandy Eason, APRN, Martin Moix, MD, Owen Maat, MD, Lindsey Sierra, APRN, and Sarah Atkins, APRN

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