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LIFESTYLE LETTER
As I was sitting down to write this month’s letter, my son climbed up on the couch with me and pecked away at my keyboard, declaring, “My Turn!” Seeing as it’s our Kids and Pets issue (and that it was his turn) I thought I would include his contribution to the letter:
“‘;=][=o,lp[ijn’j;nmk,’”
I think the prose needs some work, but he’s not looking for notes at this time. You better believe he’d demand a co-author credit if he knew what it were, though. Two year olds are confident like that.
As if they sensed the theme of the letter was lacking, my two dogs are now clobbering me as well. There’s also a cat around here somewhere that can’t be bothered. We certainly put the ampersand in “Kids & Pets.”
The ampersand is the best part, though. The only thing more fun than playing with my kiddo or pups is watching them play together. Our little Lab, Hattie, has filled out the protector role and can usually be found wherever our boy happens to be. Our Pudelpointer, Huck, spends most of his time trying to get the little guy to throw a ball for him. Or a training bumper. Or anything, really. I think he’d settle for fetching a diaper at this point if it were thrown far enough.
Since the first time our son did tummy time in the floor, the three of them have been thick as thieves. If we’re chasing one of them, we’re usually chasing all three. I’m sure it will just keep getting better and, Lord willing, for many years to come. Oh, and the cat is usually also there.
From our kids and pets to yours, I’m wishing you all the best about having both.
WYATT LAYMAN, PUBLISHER @ROGERSCITYLIFESTYLE
August 2026
PUBLISHER
Wyatt Layman | wyatt.layman@citylifestyle.com
MANAGING EDITOR
Michelle Bazis | michelle.bazis@citylifestyle.com
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Alexis Roach | alexis.roach@citylifestyle.com
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Jennifer Purifoy | jennifer.purifoy@citylifestyle.com
SOCIAL MEDIA COORDINATOR
Claire McFarland | claire.mcfarland@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bo Simpson, Claire McFarland, Stephanie Hasbrouck
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Miles Witt Boyer, Claire McFarland
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
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Conceptualized by independent curator, photographer, and visual artist Chuck Davis, the Chat Heap Fence Wall Display elevates "chat"— gravel-like mining tailings—into a tactile monument that bridges chic community spaces with one of the most sobering environmental chapters in American history.
CACHE announced the launch of Take Action, a capacity-building initiative designed to support working artists and arts organizations across Northwest Arkansas by strengthening the systems behind their creative practice. The program will invest $130,000 by the end of 2026, supporting long-term sustainability across the region’s creative ecosystem. Working artists in Washington and Benton Counties may apply for $1,000 support, and arts nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups may apply for $5,000 to hire professional consultants who support business and operational development. Eligible services include marketing and branding strategy, financial planning and accounting, legal support, fundraising strategy, tax preparation, and organizational systems development.
MEET THE FAMILY MINDFULLY RAISING THE PREMIUM WAGYU BEEF ENJOYED AT NWA'S MOST CELEBRATED RESTAURANTS
ARTICLE BY CLAIRE MCFARLAND & MICHELLE BAZIS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CLAIRE MCFARLAND
There’s something special about knowing the story behind the food on your table. The Rogers City Lifestyle team recently had the pleasure of spending time with the Smith family at Ozark Natural State Co., seeing firsthand the care, dedication, and heart that go into raising their premium American Wagyu cattle. From the pastures to the final product, every step reflects a commitment to quality, stewardship, and doing things the right way.
Founded by the Smith family—Dustin, his wife Denise, and their children, Sawyer and Kenley—Ozark Natural Steak Co. represents a fusion of heritage and agricultural integrity. The premium American Wagyu cattle they raise is a breed celebrated globally for its beautiful marbling and buttery texture. But for the Smiths, the quality of
“EACH ANIMAL RECEIVES INDIVIDUAL CARE AND ATTENTION–WE KNOW OUR CATTLE BY NAME.”
the USDA Certified beef that hits your plate is only the final chapter for their stock. Their story begins in the nutrient-rich pastures of the Ozark Mountains.
Operating with a philosophy rooted in faith, family, and respect for the land, Ozark Natural Steak Co. prioritizes a patient process, rejecting an industrial status quo in favor of animal welfare. Their cattle graze on native grasses with access to Ozark Mountain spring water and are supplemented with organic grain. They are born and raised in a calm environment free from growth hormones and routine antibiotics.
“Each animal receives individual care and attention. We know our cattle by name and monitor their health, temperament, and development throughout their lives,” they share. “We never use growth hormones or routine antibiotics. Our cattle are raised naturally, with medical intervention only when absolutely necessary for the animal’s welfare.”
The result is a product worthy of Northwest Arkansas’ most celebrated fine dining establishments. You can savor these exceptional cuts at restaurants in Bentonville, Rogers, and
Springdale, including Conifer, The Preacher’s Son, Ryn, Tusk and Trotter, Hail Fellow Well Met, and Oak Steakhouse.
For the many locals who have experienced their premium beef, the Smith family wants you to know that you can also enjoy their meats in your own home. From as little as $7.50/ lb, Ozark Natural Steak Co.’s wagyu products are available to purchase directly through their online store with free delivery on orders of $100 or more.
Choosing local goes beyond camaraderie and local pride. When NWA buys from NWA farms, we’re making a difference that has nutritional, environmental, and generational impacts. Ozark Natural Steak Co. is local, sustainable, and grown with heart. What better way to celebrate and support this backyard bounty than by enjoying home-grown meals with the ones you love?
CONTACT: OzarkNaturalSteak.com ozarknaturalsteak@gmail.com IG: @OzarkNaturalSteakCo
Amy Eichler's Fast-Paced, Intuitive Approach Transforms Movement and Emotion into Vivid Works of Art
ARTICLE BY STEPHANIE HASBROUCK
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MILES WITT BOYER, CONTRIBUTED
From the canvas to the stage, Rogers local Amy Eichler has always been drawn to the arts. Originally from Fayetteville, she grew up painting with her mother and taking dance lessons, developing a love for both visual and performing arts at an early age.
“I’m thankful to have been able to turn both my passions into careers,” she says. When she’s not painting, Amy is choreographing for school dance teams like Bentonville High School, who have earned 11 Arkansas State Dance Championships, as well as a couple of national titles. But it’s her compositions on canvas that have earned a devoted following, with her work appearing in homes and collections across the country and beyond.
“The process of painting is like a dance to me. I love the technique, energy and emotion that comes out in the performance,” Amy says. “While I mostly paint alone in my studio, I thrive in social painting sessions with other artists or live painting sessions in the community.”
Unlike her work in dance, which is contemplative and orchestrated, Amy’s paintings are created through the swift alla prima process. Also known as “weton-wet” or “direct painting,” alla prima painting requires completing a piece in a single session before the layers dry.
“I love painting fast – faster than my mind can judge my work,” she says, adding that she mostly uses three primary colors and white, which are mixed on the canvas through color layering. “This creates so many interesting new colors and could not be achieved if I painted slowly and let layers dry.”
Amy is perhaps best known for her paintings of animals and pets. “I love highlighting the beauty in the animal. I’m drawn to their eyes, their patterns, their expressions. My favorite composition is the front-facing portrait, placing the animal’s eyes in the direct gaze of the viewer,” she says.
“I always hope my work makes people smile, reminds them of something or someone special, and brings a little extra color into their spaces.”
To view more of Amy’s works, visit: amyeichlerart.com
“I love highlighting the beauty in the animal. I’m drawn to their eyes, their patterns, their expressions.”
INSIDE THE ARKANSAS CRISIS CENTER’S PEER-TO-PEER TEXT LINE FOR TEENS AND THE YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN BEHIND IT.
ARTICLE BY BO SIMPSON PHOTOGRAPHY BY MICHELLE BAZIS
When a crisis hits close to home, knowing exactly where to turn can save a life.
That is why the nationwide 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline was created. It replaced a long, hard-to-remember 1-800 number with a simple three-digit code that is just as easy to call as 911.
This change helps reduce the stigma surrounding mental health. Instead of sending police, 988 focuses on health and compassion, giving anyone a free, private, and fast way to connect with a real person when they need it most. While 988 is a national hotline, it relies on local organizations to answer the call.
“When a crisis hits close to home, knowing exactly where to turn can save a life.”
That is where the Arkansas Crisis Center comes in. Based in Bentonville, this nonprofit answers calls and texts for all 75 counties in Arkansas. When a neighbor reaches out, they are connected to local counselors who understand our community. By partnering with 988, the Arkansas Crisis Center helps ensure no Arkansan has to face their darkest moments alone. The center is led by Executive Director Luke See, Director of Advancement and Strategy Debra Capps, and Director of Operations Kelli Murray.
Now, that lifesaving care is expanding to focus on our kids.
This August, the Arkansas Crisis Center is launching AR Teen Connect, the state’s first peer-to-peer text line. Designed specifically for teenagers, it offers a safe, private way to text with other trained teens about loneliness, stress, school, family, dating, and everyday anxiety, before those feelings become a major crisis. If a conversation develops into a mental health emergency, it is immediately transferred to a professional counselor.
More than 30 young men and women across Arkansas are training this summer to become the program’s first volunteers. The goal is simple: meet young people where they already are, with someone who understands the world they’re living in.
Most of the volunteers are still in high school themselves. After an interview process, those selected complete 50 hours of training and apprenticeship to prepare for the conversations ahead.
In Northwest Arkansas, four of those volunteers are Bella Fish, a high school
“As wonderful as life can be, our lows can get pretty low. It's important to remember there is always time, and you never know what waits on the other side.”
junior; Amaya Lowe, a high school sophomore; Max Delgado, a junior at the University of Arkansas; and Caroline Kenney, a high school senior.
“We’ve seen some barriers to service with young people with 988,” said Kelli Murray, Director of Operations. “That’s not for a lack of our counselors, who are amazing, but because they are not the same age as our young people reaching out.”
Peer connection helps fill that gap.
“Talking to parents and older adults can be a hurdle,” Bella said. “Being able to talk to someone who is the same age—they know the world you’re living in.”
For today’s teenagers, that world includes social media, artificial intelligence, and a culture that often feels increasingly isolating despite being more connected than ever. Technology has made communication instantaneous, but being understood remains something altogether different.
“If you’re not in high school, you don’t know the kind of impact things like AI and social media are having on high school students,” Caroline said. “It’s completely changing things.”
For Bella, Amaya, Max, and Caroline, volunteering is a way of meeting those challenges with lived experience and empathy. Their goal is not to have every answer, but to make sure someone on the other end of the conversation feels heard.
“15 times two is 30,” Max said. “When I was 15, I thought my life was over, but somebody who’s 30 years old is still young, and 30 times two is 60.”
As wonderful as life can be, our lows can get pretty low. It’s important to remember there is always time, and you never know what waits on the other side.
“Yeah, it might suck right now,” Amaya said, “but what sucks for me right now could be part of what makes me an even better person in the future.”
Life has its ups and downs, but no one should have to navigate the low points alone. Thanks to the Arkansas Crisis Center and the brave kids behind AR Teen Connect, our youth finally have a safe place to turn. By lifting each other up, these teens are proving that even in the hardest moments, a little understanding can change everything. They are building a brighter, kinder future for Arkansas, one text at a time.
ARTICLE BY SYDNEY SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY BIG CEDAR LODGE
There is a particular kind of magic that happens when a family trades the everyday for the wide open Ozarks, and Big Cedar Lodge has built 4,600 acres around that feeling. Tucked into the hills above Table Rock Lake, just under three hours from Northwest Arkansas, this resort has quietly become one of the Midwest’s most beloved family escapes.
The drive alone sets the tone, and for NWA families, it could not be more convenient. There is no flight to book and no long itinerary to plan, just a straight shot north through the same rolling Ozark landscape we call home, which makes Big Cedar feel less like a far flung vacation and more like a natural extension of our own backyard. By the time you arrive, the pace has already slowed, and the lake stretching out below the lodges feels like an invitation rather than a view. Founded by Bass Pro Shops visionary Johnny Morris, the resort was built as a place for families to reconnect with nature, and that shows in every corner, from the cabin style architecture to the trails winding through the woods.
For families with kids in tow, Fun Mountain alone is worth the trip. This 50,000 square foot adventure center includes underwater themed bowling, a climbing wall, laser tag, and a multi story ropes course, plus go karts at Thunder Alley. Parents looking for a quiet evening can drop younger kids at the Nature Discovery Center, where supervised activities and a treehouse with a rope bridge keep the littlest guests entertained.
Outside, the options multiply. Table Rock Lake offers swimming, fishing, and complimentary kayaks and canoes, while nearby Dogwood Canyon Nature Park lets families spot bison and elk on a scenic tram tour. With five pools, a playground, mini golf, and paved trails on property, there is rarely a dull moment, and pet owners will appreciate that Camp Long Creek includes its own dog park.
I happened to visit while the resort was deep into its America250 celebration, and traces of that patriotic spirit still linger. Thousands of American flags lined the hills and lakeshore, and the resort’s commitment to honoring service members felt woven into the experience rather than tacked on for a holiday. Thunder Ridge Nature Arena’s twelve story Veteran’s Tower, dedicated to Johnny Morris’s father, a veteran of the Battle of the Bulge, stands as a powerful reminder of that mission. Families visiting this August can still book a sunset cruise aboard the Lady Liberty yacht or send the kids off on a guided fishing experience by the marina.
What makes Big Cedar Lodge special is not any single attraction but how it all fits together. One day blends into the next without much effort, a morning on the water, an afternoon on the trails, an evening that ends with everyone a little more relaxed than they started. That is really what a few days away with family should feel like. And for those of us in Northwest Arkansas, it does not take a flight, just a tank of gas and a little willingness to slow down.
Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.
Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.
Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”
Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.
After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”
The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.
FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY
Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.
Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.
AUGUST 1ST
Funk Fest at Rogers Live
101 E. Cherry Street Rogers, AR | 6:00 PM
This all-ages concert celebrates funk music with live performances running from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Doors open at 6:00 PM. General admission is free, with tables for up to four from $34, with limited availability.
AUGUST 8TH
Second Saturday Parking Lot Sale
Home Town Flea Market | 9:00 AM
Join treasure hunters and bargain pickers at Home Town Flea Market's Second Saturday parking lot sale. During this all-day shopping event, visitors will browse antique treasures, vintage collectibles, crafts, and more. 1140 W Walnut St. Rogers, AR
AUGUST 18TH
5 Seconds of Summer
Walmart AMP | 8:00 PM
Catch 5 Seconds of Summer’s "EVERYONE'S A STAR!" tour at Rogers’ Walmart AMP on August 18th. Doors open at 6:00 PM; show starts at 8:00 PM. Enhance your night with VIP packages, lawn chair rentals, or AMP Underground upgrades.
