Local May / June 2016 by Local. Magazine

MAY / JUNE 2016

Float On Experiencing 100 Years of Adventure on the Buffalo

Local Favorites

skye's bistro

Local Warrior

LEGACY WINE AND SPIRITS 16 Beers on tap

jake dell certified cicerone®

OFFERING CLASSES IN:

Hydroponic Gardening Wine Making Cheese Making Beer Making How to Make Soda & Cider

thousands of items in store! Beer, Wine, Cider, & Mead Making Supplies. Cheese Making Supplies Pickling Supplies Hydroponic, Indoor, Organic, & Aquaponic Gardening Supplies

Classes are on Saturdays. Seating is limited. Call or follow us on Facebook for class schedules! Discount on class material after the class.

◦ Citrus Wine ◦ Tropical Fruit Wines ◦ Champagnes ◦ Specialty Wine ◦ Berry Wine

◦ Vegetable Wine ◦ Port ◦ Wine Pouches ◦ Wine Smoothie Mix ◦ Gifts & Accessories

501-725-5296 line! n O Shop uffalo.com

aterb thew

New & Used Items 106 Rodney Parham Rd. | Little Rock, AR 72205 2

“Taste the Sunshine in Every Sip!”

258 Central Ave ◦ Hot Springs, AR

501-617-6256

TABLE OF CONTENTS RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE 5

Buffalo River Outfitters has been making Ozark adventure vacations one-of-a-kind since 1986.

CATCHING UP WITH FLAVOURS 7 LOCAL FAVORITES 8-9

Discover some of your local restaurants, shops and services in Central Arkansas.

BE A LOCALIST: LOCAL FIRST AR 10

Pushing the Localist movement in Arkansas.

FEATURED ARTIST: BIG PIPH 13

From Standford University to hip-hop, learn more about the journey of artist, Big Piph.

LOCAL FEATURED FAVORITE 15

Bringing Europe into the River Market with the brand new, Skye's Little Bistro.

WHERE THE BUFFALO ROAM 16

Highlighting the Buffalo River National Park in celebration of the National Park Services 100 year anniversary.

PIANO KRAFT 21

Taking the variety of high quality products one step further.

WHY IS SHOPPING LOCAL IMPORTANT TO YOU? 25 Quotes from your community

SAVED BY THE BELL 26

Top spots while school is out.

FEATURED RECIPE 27

Try out this Strawberry cake! Perfect for summer time dessert.

THE LIFE OF A WARRIOR 28

“You never know how strong you are until something like this happens. When a six-yearold can teach you lessons, it is amazing."

CRAVING SOMETHING LOCAL? 30

Read about a few of our local Farmers Markets right here in central Arkansas.

Location

BUFFALO RIVER NATIONAL PARK

Photographer

JAMES R. SMITH

ON THE COVER

www.localmag411.com Local. Magazine Local_LittleRock

PUBLISHERS

Rich Niemeyer Kaitlin Schmidt

CREATIVE DIRECTOR Kaitlin Schmidt

COPY EDITOR Stacey Bowers

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Charlette Beasley Adam Cherepski April Lane Melanie Riedmueller Melissa Tucker

PHOTOGRAPHY

James R. Smith [cover photo]

ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES Susie Cowan Ron Johnson Rich Niemeyer

For advertising information, please call 501-554-1126 For Subscription services, please call 501-476-4200 Local. Magazine is published bimonthly by 411 Publications, Inc. P.O. Box 1835, N. Little Rock, AR 72115 411publications@gmail.com The contents of Local. are copyrighted and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written consent of the publisher. CONTRIBUTOR SPOTLIGHT ADAM CHEREPSKI Adam received his Master’s degree in Education from UALR. He enjoys everything there is to do with food, from cooking at home to dining at many of our locally-owned establishments. Writing is a passion of his. You can find his works on his blog, oneflewovermyhouse.tumblr. com and on Facebook at One Flew Over My House. APRIL LANE April Lane has a love for the natural state from its natural beauty to the lively culture found in the capital she now calls home. She is an alumni of UCA with a Bachelors in Public Relations and Speech Communication, and a graduate of the Faulkner County Leadership Institute.

Proud to protect Central Arkansas I’m proud to be a part of this community. I live and work here just like you. So I’m right around the corner when you need me. I can help protect the things you own and the people you love. Call or stop by today for a free quote. Betsy Boyette 501-227-5987

5110 Kavanaugh Blvd., Ste. 2 Little Rock

171833

N & R CONSTRUCTION Nathan Lindsey 501-691-6030 · Handyman Service · Major & Minor Home Repairs · Remodeling

Jayson Cain Interiors

501-691-6030

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Saturday, June 4, 2016 6 a.m. – 4 p.m. River Trail Station 140 Riverfront Drive North Little Rock carti.com 4

Interested in advertising? Call 501.554.1126 for more info! Keeping you connected to everything local.

RIGHT IN THE MIDDLE

Buffalo River Outfitters has been making Ozark adventure vacations one-of-a-kind since 1986 Adam Cherepski

n 1986, Buffalo River Outfitters (BRO) was opened in St. Joe, Arkansas. The goal was to make adventures in the Ozarks pleasant, easy and affordable. While BRO has eleven spacious and comfortable log cabins and 141 canoes, there is much more to this familyoriented business. They are about the complete experience.

Along the Buffalo River, there are approximately a dozen groups that provide services similar to that of BRO, but very few that have been taking care of people for as long as they have. At BRO, the owners and staff insist on providing something more than a canoe or a cabin; they strive to give their customers an experience. I spoke with Phylicia Daniel about what sets BRO apart from everyone else. She said that, while they do rent canoes, kayaks and rafts—in fact, they rent more canoes than any of the other similar business along the river— they also have 11 cabins for overnight stays. Further setting them apart, they are really in the business of adventures. They want to make sure that while you are there you have a great time and when you leave you have memories to last. At BRO, they ensure that they meet the needs of everyone who utilizes their services. Groups that float the Buffalo vary greatly: there are the adult crowds that are there to let loose and have a good time, families that want to connect with nature and with each other and church groups that take this opportunity for reflection and appreciation. The staff at BRO knows this and works tirelessly to make sure that no one leaves disappointed. When people venture to the Buffalo, they often head straight to the upper section of the river. They want the bluffs, the waterfalls and

the white water that comes with this section. Yes, these are desirable when heading to this area of the state, but Phylicia reminded me that these are also present in the middle section of the river. In fact, the middle section meets the needs of most groups, they just might not know it yet. In this section, there are bluffs, waterfalls, hiking areas and even a few rapids for the more adventurous paddlers. This mix makes the middle section and BRO a more than happy medium for a wide variety of visitors. Some outfitters in the upper portion of the river even send families with children down to the middle for a safer, more familyfriendly experience Imagine, if you will, gathering together a group of friends and family and heading to float the Buffalo. It is a beautiful summer day, and the river is calling to you. You load all of your supplies into your vehicle and hit the road. You get to BRO, you rent your canoe and you are shuttled to the start of your float. The waters, the bluffs and the serene surroundings are yours to experience. After a few hours, this is all over, but it doesn’t have to be – this could be just the beginning. At BRO, the possibilities are flowing. This is your opportunity to try something new, to experience much more, to have an adventure. After that day on the river, head for a cabin, relax and plan for the next day.

I can remember going to the Buffalo in my younger days. We showed up at the outfitter, unloaded the car, rented the canoes and spent most of the day on the water. Once we had completed our float, we hopped on the shuttle, headed back to the outfitter, loaded up the cars and headed home. The concept of a multiday float trip never even crossed our minds, but it should have. The staff at BRO offers this service. These trips can be anywhere from one night and two days to a 7-10 day full river

adventure excursion. The one-night trips can cover anywhere from 16 to 20 miles of the river, depending on your route. The full river excursion covers the entire 132 miles of the Buffalo River. These multi-day floats will take you to bluffs, hiking trails, waterfalls and even fishing. The crew at BRO will work with you to create the adventure you are looking for; your trip is what you make of it.

BRO has 10 comfortable cabins and a brand new Ranch House. The family cabins can accommodate 6 people, the Ranch House sleeps 8 and the largest of the cabins has room for 10. All of the cabins are located at the top of Silver Hill overlooking the Tyler Bend area of the river. They are fully equipped with kitchens and grills; all you have to do is bring the groceries. The Ranch House is new for the 2016 season, and one of the family cabins has been completely remodeled. This just goes to show that this group refuses to stand still when it comes to meeting the needs of their guests. No matter how you want to float, BRO has got you covered. They have an inventory that includes canoes, kayaks, rafts and tubes. A shuttle will take you and your supplies to your launch point and pick you up at your destination. The staff is friendly, helpful and knowledgeable, and they are there to make your experience something to remember. So, if you are looking for a one-day float, an overnight stay or a multi-day adventure, BRO has everything you need. If your ideal Buffalo River adventure includes floating, hiking, bluffs, waterfalls and caves, you will find it all right in the middle. Buffalo River Outfitters is open from March 1 to October 31 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Give them a call at 1 (800) 582-2244, or find them online at www.buffaloriveroutfitters.com. You can also track them down on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest. 5

Entertaining ALL of Arkansas!

TIMBO

PROMOTIONS

W ed di ng s Bi rt hd ay s C or po ra te C la Ev ss en Re ts un io ns

MOBILE DJ SERVICE

Mark Timmons (Owner)

501.993.6264

www.timbopromotions.com (Online Booking Available)

Professional building maintenance and heating and air conditioning services for:

Spectacularly innovative and contemporary. Cilantro’s cuisine is inspired by authentic central Mexican flavors and ingredients with a unique twist. Come experience the hospitable staff in a cozy, intimate atmosphere. Entrees include a variety of specialties that you can not find at an average Mexican restaurant.

Residential ClientsHomes & Rental Properties Commercial ClientsOffices, Restaurants, etc New Home Construction HVAC installation Replacement HVAC Systems Interior and Exterior Lighting Maintenance Family Owned & Operated

501-960-8971

2629 Lakewood Village Dr. N. Little Rock, AR

25914 Hwy 10 Ste. A Roland, AR 72135 www.yatesmaintenance.com

(501) 812-0040

Personal Local Service... It’s what I do.

(501) 907-5747 April Pollard 6

april.pollard@edwardjones.com 11601 Pleasant Ridge Rd. Ste 303 Little Rock, AR 72212

coming soon! Nacho’s Grill in Cabot

Catching Up With Flavours

At Flavours catering and restaurant, compassion is the key ingredient. Melanie Riedmueller

Since our last meeting with Fred Norman, there have been some exciting advances with the goals that he had set out when starting Flavours and the impact it will have on the central Arkansas area. He has hit the ground running doing promotions, including being featured on KATV Channel 7, KARK Channel 4, in the Arkansas Down Syndrome Association newsletter, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and the Maumelle Monitor. He explains that the media has been very kind and instrumental in showcasing what Flavours and S.W. Chance are all about. There is new décor and some additional offerings on the Flavors menu, as well as a meatloaf panini and smoked brisket special that will soon be a permanent fixture, either as a barbeque sandwich or panini. They are served with caper mayonnaise and provolone cheese. Another notable new item is the smoked piggie sandwich with spinach and provolone that has ham and bacon on it. Due to the demand, Norman will be looking into getting additional seating in the restaurant soon. We saw the large menu board and brand new Coke machine behind the counter that had been installed since the last time we were there. We also noticed the sign near the register that said “Bring us your skillet, Flavours will fill it.” Fred told us that he has started having customers come in with their

skillet or casserole dishes and he fills them up with the skillet apple pie, peach pie or bread pudding. There are now five people in the restaurant prepping and cooking; three are interns from Pulaski Tech’s 3D program, and one is an Arkansas Rehab Services client that contacted Norman about going to work. Flavours now has a business within a business called Cakes by Elizabeth, started by Elizabeth McGowan, who is currently in the 3D program at Pulaski Tech. She bakes custom cakes and cupcakes and makes the skillet apple pie at Flavours. Most recently, S.W. Chance has reached an agreement with Arkansas Rehab Services to offer job training for people with abilities who are enrolled in their program. This fits right in with the objective of training 30 people a year at the restaurant, and getting the go ahead from Arkansas Rehab Services is such an exciting development. In addition, four of the large service providers in Arkansas that help people with disabilities have expressed interest in opening a Flavours restaurant in their facilities. This will be an ongoing collaboration and will have a far-reaching impact in creating jobs, and Norman is optimistic that these possible ventures will bring to fruition his vision of putting people with disabilities to work all over central Arkansas for years to come.

Fred told us that within the next two months he will adjust the hours to accommodate people who want to pick up dinner. The new hours will be from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and will give more customers the chance to order in. There will be new to-go menus and flyers, and he says it will be advertised as “You don’t really want to cook tonight, do you?” You can place your order by 1 p.m. and it will be ready between 5 and 7, just in time to pick up on the commute home. Further in the future, Norman envisions a bread pudding factory employing around 150 people to mass produce this delicious dessert. Lots of big things are in store for Flavours, and we are all so excited to see what is to come for this distinctive local restaurant.

Flavours Directions

Coming from 430, go down Maumelle Blvd. and pass McDonalds and IHOP on the right. Turn right at the driveway beside the Sherwin Williams Paint store located at 11825 Maumelle Blvd. Dead ahead is Flavours sign.

eat

A.W. Lin’s Asian Cuisine offers a variety of dishes from traditional Chinese and Japanese dishes to sushi and Thai curries. You are sure to find a new favorite dish. Located at 17711 Chenal Parkway (in The Promenade at Chenal) in Little Rock. 501-821-5398

Roots Juices are 100% natural fresh-pressed fruits and vegetables. It takes an estimated 3 pounds of fruits and vegetables to create one refreshing 16-ounce juice. The juices are cold pressed, and there of plenty of tasty options. 5501 Kavanaugh Blvd. in Little Rock. 501-313-5028

The Pantry Crest gives you the opportunity to enjoy the best of Germany right here in Little Rock. They specialize in European comfort food and an unique, comfortable and consistent dining experience. Don't forget to try the dessert! 722 N Palm St. in Little Rock. 501-725-4945

The Pantry is the perfect spot for rustic, made from scratch European food, a great craft beer & specialty cocktail selection and an inviting atmosphere. Lunch Mon-Fri 11-4 and Dinner is Mon-Sat. from 4-12. 11401 N. Rodney Parham Rd. in Little Rock. 501-353-1875

Shucked Surf & Turf Shack is a new Restaurant & Bar with signature cocktails, fresh seafood (including oysters) fresh from the Gulf and Maine, and prime cuts of meat. With 16 TVs and an outdoor patio make Shucked your party night out. 2480 Sanders Rd. in Conway. 501-358-6767

@ The Corner focuses on “finer diner” foods. Gourmet breakfast, burgers, hotdogs, sandwiches, salads & soups will all get unique flavor twists by using as many local ingredients as possible. Great daily specials and homemade desserts. 201 E. Markham in Little Rock. 501-400-8458

The Garden Bistro is a locally owned bistro by Little Rock native Eric Greer, a Vegas Chef for over a decade, serving fresh, gourmet specials w/ $4 house wines day & night. FB/TheGardenBistroNLR or Intagram/LifeChef. 4801 N. Hills Blvd. in N. Little Rock. 501-758-4299

SO Restaurant & Bar offers the best in fresh seafood and rustic meats, complimented by an extensive and diverse wine list. Contemporary urban bistro meets Southern charm. 3610 Kavanaugh Blvd inLittle Rock. 501-663-1464

Mexico Chiquito is locally owned and been serving the best cheese dip in central Arkansas since 1935. All food made from scratch all throughout the day. 4 locations: Little Rock on Cantrell Rd., Little Rock on Markham St., N. Little Rock on Camp Robinson and in Conway on Skyline Drive.

Tacos 4 Life and their customers have the exciting opportunity to help end childhood hunger around the world by donating a meal for every meal sold. 2 locations at: 716 Oak Street (501-358-6005) and 2235 Dave Ward Drive, Suite 101 (501-205-1380) in Conway

shop

Crystal Vision Optical is your locally owned eyeglass shop with state of the art lens technology and brand name frame styles. We specialize in custom prescriptions & down home service. 2935 Lakewood Drive in N. Little Rock. 501-771-2020

West End Cigars is a premium shop that showcases a comfortable lounge with leather chairs, flat screen TVs and free wifi. Check out www.westendcigar.com for more info. 10720 N Rodney Parham Rd, # A-7 in Little Rock. 501-425-1186

Galaxy Office Furniture is not your ordinary furniture store. It is one of the most eclectic stores in town. Specializing in office furniture, retro, vintage and one-of-a-kind art...you never know what you will find at The Galaxy! 304 Main St. in North Little Rock, 501-375-3375

Homayd Natural Care Products specializes in healthy, natural soap & body products. Made with only the best ingredients, Homayd (pronounced “homemade”) will keep your skin, hair, & body feeling its best. www.homayd.com / 501-749-8826.

The Humble Thread supports local crafters, locally made items and provides a fun atmosphere where you can purchase trendy clothing, shoes, jewelry, gifts and children's items. Feel good about where you shop! 621 W. Main St. in Cabot. 501-422-0811

Angry Dave’s Bicycles caters to all cyclists whether you ride road, mountain or BMX. With more than twenty years of experience, they will build the bicycle or custom wheel sets of your dreams to a standard few can match. 3515 JFK Blvd. in N. Little Rock. 501-753-4990

Argenta Bead Company is a full service bead shop. Make your own jewelry to adorn yourself with a one-of-a-kind creation or have them make it for you. They also do repairs, classes & host parties. We have fun here – you should, too! 703 Main St., Argenta, NLR, 501.537.0928 argentabead.com

Ozark Outdoor Supply is an outdoor specialty retailer. We’ve been providing Arkansans with high quality outdoor clothing & equipment for over 40 years. Get the most out of all your outdoor adventures! 5514 Kavanaugh Blvd. in Little Rock. 501-664-4832 & ozarkoutdoor.com

Cynthia East Fabrics has been Little Rock’s “go-to” fabric store for over 38 years. Designs and materials for every look are always in stock, plus imaginative gifts and home accessories. 1523 Rebsamen Park Rd. Little Rock 501-663-0460 CynthiaEastFabrics.com

Jones Mobile Auto Service, Inc. is an on-site professional Auto Maintenance and repair for Commercial and Residential.. ASE Certified, Licensed, and Insured. Over 20 years experience. 501-954-0911 Like us on Facebook and check out: www.JonesMobileAuto.com

BE A LOCALIST. By Kaitlin Schmidt

Local First Arkansas

After more than two years of ongoing conversations about how a group of local business owners and supporters could push forward the local movement here in Arkansas, the time has come to announce Local First Arkansas. The 501(c)3 nonprofit organization has the mission to support and promote locally owned, independent (non-franchise), businesses in Arkansas through technology, creative marketing, education and community events. The Local First Arkansas conversation started after a passionate group of 12 Little Rock community and local business leaders, organized by the Arkansas Community Foundation, returned from a BALLE (Business Alliance For Local Living Alliance) conference in Oakland, California. The excitement and initiative behind the local conversation took off at Little Rock's own weekly local entrepreneurial event 1 Million Cups (a Kauffman Foundation program), sponsored locally by the Little Rock Chamber and the Venture Center.

promote independent businesses in Arkansas through technology, creative marketing, education and community events.

For the past two years, Local First was an official “Meet-Up” that met periodically in local businesses such as the back room at Dugan’s Pub and Kent Walker Cheese. What started as a networking group for local business owners turned more into education for local business owners. Every meeting ended with the lingering question, “What can we do as a group to impact local businesses?” After two years of asking local business owners that question, Local First Arkansas is striving to provide those solutions.

Why Would Someone Be a Member of Local First Arkansas? Well, because of the local benefits, of course. Business Members: • Optimized business listing in the LFAR Directory on our website and in Local. Magazine for 12 months • In rotation for Featured Business on the website • Special deals with our local media partners for marketing and advertising • Participation in special Local events • Access to educational programming • Connection to locally minded business owners

What is Local First Arkansas? Local First Arkansas is a nonprofit organization with the mission to support and 10

Who Is Local First Arkansas? Local First Arkansas is a member-based organization of local business owners and individual members called “Localists.” The program is being run by director Susie Cowan, who is governed by a fantastically awesome Board of Directors and an equally passionate and dedicated advisory board. The Where, When, and How… www.LocalFirstAR.com will be launching during May, and you will be able to sign up there to be a business member or a localist. On the website, you will also be able to learn more about our educational series, upcoming events, various sponsorship opportunities and connections to other locally owned businesses and resources.

• • • • • •

Monthly newsletters Localist: Participation in special Local events Connection to fellow localists Monthly newsletters Showing your support for your local community Locally owned, small businesses need our support because they face unprecedented competition from large chains, internet merchants and franchises that rely on national or international branding while enjoying major economies of scale. By banding together for marketing and educational purposes, local businesses CAN compete and even outshine chain and franchise businesses. Collectively, Local First Arkansas believes that connecting local business owners, educating them on best practices and giving them a level playing field online will ultimately strengthen our economy and create more local jobs, while also educating consumers and local government on the impact of buying and procuring locally and how it always pays to reinvest in your own community.

Coming soon:

www.LocalFirstAR.com

824 W. 7th St. DOWNTOWN LITTLE ROCK

#suite102salon

} } Best stylist (Alli summers) and nominated best hair salon of 2015

PROVISIONS FOR THE CULTURED GENTLEMAN

11220 N. RODNEY PARHAM RD. SUITE 3 LITTLE ROCK 72212 5 0 1 . 2 4 6 . 5 4 6 6

Where every day is Earth Day! 1423 Main St. Little Rock, AR • 374-1111 • thegreencornerstore.com 11

FEATURED ARTIST Epiphany “Big Piph” Morrow has always been about the experience. Ever since he was a child, he pushed the limits to insure his “audience” was pleased beyond their expectations (even when they didn’t know they were his audience). So when he decided to pursue rap after graduating from Stanford University with a M.E. Degree, they should have known that more was in store. Over the next decade and a half, socially conscious hip-hop artist, Big Piph would work with major artists such as TI, Snoop and Ludacris. He also began promoting his own shows and licensing work. He eventually

formed a 7-piece band entitled “Big Piph & Tomorrow Maybe” that embodies influences of jazz, funk and rock added to their hip-hop foundation. In 2012 while traveling to Africa for a tour, he began realizing the next phase of his career. As his success within certain communities grew, a commitment to community building and philanthropy resulted. He now regularly hosts workshops for local youth and is lead coordinator of Global Kids Arkansas which sends high school students with an interest in leadership to under served communities abroad for social service projects. He has also served as a cultural ambassador for the US Embassy traveling to Morocco, Algeria, Thailand and more. While there, he not only performs, but conducts workshops in underdeveloped areas and create music with the native artists. Piph’s latest project, I AM NOT THEM: The Legacy Project, will be an interactive and innovative album delivered straight to your mobile phone via the app. Each song will have a corresponding “episode” that takes the form of either a visual narrative or engagement piece. Over 2-3 months these scheduled episodes will weave together a narrative resulting in a unique outcome. “The goal for this project is to set a new and innovative standard for albums. One that will increase the user’s enjoyment and as inspiration for others to share their ambitious ideas.” 10% of the music and merchandise sales

will be going to Global Kids Arkansas. Piph counts the greatest part of his journey being the countless number of positive relationships he’s formed during his career. He creates for people like himself who understand and exercise the power to better themselves and their world. As a result, his new “app based album” will engage, highlight and connect users through storytelling. “I AM NOT THEM: The Legacy Project” is stated to come out this summer. Stay tuned!

Follow Big Piph on Facebook or check out www.bigpiph.com for more information and release dates.

SCHEDULE MAR 13 6:00 PM

@UCA Bill Stephens Complex Free Scrimmage

MAY 06 7:00 PM

FC Wichita War Memorial Stadium NPSL Conf. Match

JUN 03 7:00 PM

JUN 26 6:30 PM

APR 22 7:00 PM

MAY 11 7:30 PM

JUN 10 7:00 PM

JUL 6 - 10

APR 24 6:00 PM

Memphis City FC War Memorial Stadium Friendly/I-40 Cup

Tulsa Athletics @Tulsa Athletics Fiel d NPSL Conf. Match

Joplin Demize War Memorial Stadium NPSL Conf. Match Shreveport Rafters FC War Memorial Stadium NPSL Conf. Match

@Liverpool USA Liverpool Field NPSL Conf. Match

South Central Playoffs Location TBD NPSL Conf. Finals

@Memphis City FC Mike Rose Soccer Complex Friendly/I-40 Cup

MAY 15 6:00 PM

Houston Regals War Memorial Stadium NPSL Conf. Match

JUN 12 6:00 PM

JUL 17 & 24

APR 30 7:30 PM

JUL 31 & AUG 7

Tulsa Athletics War Memorial Stadium NPSL Conf. Match

@Dallas City FC Dallas City Field NPSL Conf. Match

MAY 21 7:15 PM

@Joplin Demize Joplin Demize Field NPSL Conf. Match

JUN 22 7:30 PM

MAY 01 2:00 PM

MAY 28 7:00 PM

JUN 24 7:30 PM

@Shreveport Rafters FC Shreveport Field Friendly

Dutch Lions War Memorial Stadium NPSL Conf. Match

@Corinthians FC Corinthians FC Field NPSL Conf. Match

NPSL Regional Playoffs Location TBD NPSL Regional Finals NPSL Regional Playoffs Location TBD NPSL Championship

@Fort Worth Vaqueros Fort Worth Field NPSL Conf. Match

LITTLEROCKRANGERS.COM |

Attention members & guests

FOURQUARTER

BA R

Open daily at 3pm until 2am. Kitchen is open until 1:30am

Live Music, Billiards, Food, & Fun on Tap. Open Daily 11am-2am

MAY 6th

Funk Yeah

7th 13th

Third Degree Lypstick Hand Grenade Stephen Neeper and the Wildhearts

14th 20th 21st

Nerd Eye Blind

27th

TBA

28th

Bombay Black

High N Dry

JUNE

2nd 3rd

Flaming the Red

Southbound 420

11th

Sloppy Kiss

24th

Lypstick Hand Grenade

25th

Big Shane Thornton

Plus MUCH more! Check out the website for the full band schedule. Home of the 1/2 lb Midtown Burger!

For the complete schedule, check out:

TCSMIDTOWN.COM

1611 EAST OAK ST. Conway , AR 72032

Live music Friday & Saturday nights

MAY 6th

13th 14th 20th

DeFrance Legends after party w/ Mike Dillon and Freeverse Cadillac Jackson Opal Agafia and the Sweet Nothings

27th

The Smoking Flowers

28th

Arkansauce

JUNE

11th 17th 24th

CLUB

EVERY FRIDAY 9PM - 2AM

Electric Rag Band

21st

3rd 4th 10th

2 7

Big Still River Joey Farr Trio

Stephen Neeper and the Wildhearts Penny Arcade

Hoodoo Blues Revue DeFrance

For the updated schedule: www.fourquarterbar.com

415 Main St. N. Little Rock, AR

10800 Colonel Glenn Rd. Little Rock, AR 72204 Night starts with a basic Salsa lesson at 9PM No Experience Required. No Partner Required. Dancing to the best Tropical Music! SALSA / BACHATA / MERENGUE CUMBIA / REGGAETON LATIN TOP 40

More info at: Facebook/littlerocksalsa

www.littlerocksalsa.com

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Featured

Where Food & Wine Intersect... Come Have A Taste!

When Europe Comes to the Rock. Charlette Beasley These days, local Arkansans don’t have to travel far to enjoy a dish of European cuisine. With husband and wife Don Dugan and Tasha Stratton’s Irish Pub (Dugan’s Pub) and European Country Market (Stratton’s Market) within feet of one another in downtown Little Rock, it only made sense for daughter Skye Ward to add her own personal taste of Europe between the two. Skye’s Little Bistro, the newest French Bistro to hit the River Market, offers several European charcuterie boards that include ingredients made in-house. To make things even better, the eatery offers a unique Arkansas charcuterie board that you’ll have trouble finding anywhere else in the area: pork Torchon, pepper jelly, fried catfish, white BBQ , sweet cornbread, Kent Walker Roccina, habanero cheddar, and house-made bread and butter pickles. After talking with Amanda Ivy, sous chef of the 1836 Club, she shared with us that Ward brought her in to consult with the Bistro’s team. In addition, the team brought in a French consultant to help with the styling of everything. A large amount of time and dedication went into building the menu and structure that provide customers with the most authentic and unique southern European experience possible. The French Board consists of duck prosciutto, cured entirely in-house. It takes careful planning and patience as it is a weeklong process, but from the feedback they’ve received, the outcome is definitely worth it. Cheeses on the French Board come from France, sausage on the Italian Board is sourced directly from Italy, and everything on the Arkansas Board is from Arkansas. Every food is sourced with consideration to where it naturally comes from. The beauty behind that is that every taste offered is truly authentic. And while authenticity matters at Skye’s

Little Bistro, so does local business. Skye purchases her produce from neighbor Stratton’s Market, which carries products from Arkansas Tanner farms and other locals. Tasha Stratton’s produce is always fresh and changes depending on the season. In addition, the Bistro uses three cheeses from Kent Walker Artisan Cheese, and that number is projected to grow in the near future. Dempsey Bakery provides the cracker bread offered with the boards and sandwich bread with sandwiches so they can all be gluten-free. And last, but definitely not least, Old Meal Bakery has committed to preparing their baguettes. We asked Ivy to name one item on the menu that always gets good feedback and received an unexpected answer—lasagna. She described it as a “people-pleaser.” Its creaminess is on another level as the chef deviates from the oldschool method of using ricotta and creates a creamy cheese mixture, somewhat of a cheese sauce. To top it off, he makes his own marinara and does his best to keep it as genuine as possible. First opened in April 2016, Skye’s Little Bistro is still brand new. And while everyone has always loved Dugan’s Pub and Stratton’s Market, this new addition makes the entire European concept in the River Market even more exciting and inviting.

LOCALLY GROWN

SPECIALTY/ GOURMET

Meats

Fine Wines & Spirits

Vegetables & Fruit Honey Ice Cream & Coffee Flowers

Cheese Artisan Products Imported Foods

405 E 3rd St. Little Rock, AR (501) 791-6700

www.strattonsmarketlr.com

Where the Buffalo Roam A national treasure and a cash cow in the Ozarks Melissa Tucker / Photos by James Smith

he Buffalo River has a way of bringing people together — Arkansans and international tourists, kayakers and stargazers, and Richard Nixon and Orval Faubus. That last pair has been credited for saving the river from becoming just another dam in history when they helped it receive the U.S.’s first-ever National River designation on March 1, 1972. “Orval Faubus told the Corps of Engineers we had enough dams and enough reservoirs, and we needed to protect this river. And then Richard Nixon signed it into law. The two heroes of this story are Nixon and Faubus,” said documentarian and University of Arkansas journalism chair Larry Foley with a laugh. “That was 100 years to the day after Yellowstone became a national park.”

In the years since that monumental decision was made, the Buffalo River has become a vital part of the state’s economy, steadily bringing in tourists and tax revenues year after year. And it’s more than a source of income; some might call the river a lifeline — the veins coursing around and through the beating heart of the Ozarks. In this way, the Buffalo makes a lasting impression on both Arkansans and visitors. In his documentary “The Buffalo Flows,” which premiered in 2008 at the Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, Foley tells the story of the river’s past and present. When it opened to the public, the reaction was overwhelming. Organizers had to turn people away and schedule additional screenings. He wanted the film to focus on what protecting the Buffalo did for history and modern outdoor-lovers. “The film tells the stories of the Buffalo — from floating to hiking to camping on the gravel bars to people that still live in the valley, the 16

old state park that became part of the national park,” he said. “It just exploded. I told some stories, but everybody, after they saw it, would come up and tell me their stories, and it had an emotional connection with people like nothing I had ever done.” He attributes that connection to the accessibility, the natural beauty and the relative seclusion of the area. “Once you go there, it becomes your place. And that’s certainly for Arkansas people, but I think it’s also for people who come from other areas,” he said. “You can hike the river any number of places. … but to really see the river you have to get in a canoe. It’s very floatable. And the last time my wife and I stayed in the cabins, we didn’t have cell service, and there was no light pollution. We could sit on the front porch and look up at the stars like you don’t see when you’re in your town. It’s breathtakingly beautiful.” For those unfamiliar with the area, the Buffalo River is 135 miles long with rock bluffs up to 440 feet tall. It flows from west to east before it connects with the White River. The park houses at least a dozen campgrounds, and many are directly adjacent to the water. The executive director for Ozark Mountain Region Tourism, Casey Cesare, lists the park’s other assets: campers are permitted to set up tents and camp on gravel bars, little islands that are completely surrounded by water. The area has natural wilderness, scenic hiking trails and numerous waterfalls to discover, with the most well-known in Lost Valley. On the water, kayaking and canoeing are available, and standup paddleboarding has become an emerging trend on both the upper and lower ends of the river. The area has caverns to explore and caves for spelunking. It shelters abundant wildlife for birding, hunting and fishing. The climate is moderate, and the weather is often agreeable. RISE IN TOURISM Visits to the area are steadily increasing each year, and tourism contributes mightily to the state’s economy. According to a National Park Service press release, nearly 1.5 million people visited the Buffalo National River area in 2015 and spent more than $62 million in communities near the park. They supported 969 jobs in the area and

cumulatively benefitted the economy to the tune of $72 million dollars. The park’s tourism has been on an upward trajectory for years, said Teri Gage, the chief of business services for the Buffalo National River. “A really good portion of our visitation comes from Arkansas and the adjacent states,” she said. “But we are seeing more traffic from farther away, and increased international visitation. You drive through the parking lot on the weekends, and you’ll see license plates from Canada, Washington state and New York,” she said. “We really are drawing people from a long ways away.” Kelley Linck, outgoing executive director of Ozark Mountain Region Tourism Association, said over the past decade, tourism in the area has been mostly recession proof. “The tourism industry was the one thing during the recession that still showed growth. It’s the second-largest industry for the state, and even with the world seemingly falling apart, tourism in Arkansas still had some growth,” he said. “Our area didn’t realize the recession as badly as other parts of the state perhaps did.”

Linck, who has seen the area’s tourism in the Ozark Mountain region fluctuate, said the vacation style seemed to change after Sept. 11, 2001.

“When 9/11 happened, it changed tourism, not just in our area but nationally,” Linck said. “We were seeing the trend of people coming to the area for less time. You used to see people come for a week at a time, then we would see 2 or 3 days. That’s particularly important on the lakes. Families don’t stay in the same place for a week, and that has made a difference in not only the statistics of the area but also how we promote and what we promote,” he said. “That’s probably been one of the biggest changes in my time.” Despite those shifts, tourism continues to climb, and Gage expects more growth in the coming years. She attributes that, in part, to photo sharing on social media platforms.

“Buffalo National River was really an unknown entity for a long time, but in the last five years we’ve become more well known. National Geographic and the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism have done a great job of promoting the national river, but social media has also played a part in that. You’ll see pictures of people floating the river or the beautiful rock formations or the green water, and people think, ‘Oh, I want to go there and I want to see that,’” she said. “A picture is definitely worth a thousand words.” The upper part of the river, with its faster rapids and dramatic rock formations is the busiest in terms of commercial activity and is the most popular place to float in the spring when water levels are high, she said. “Serious kayakers and canoers like to go to that section of the river. The lower river is less well known, but it’s floatable year round,” she said. “The upper portion is only floatable in the spring and early summer, sometimes in the fall. The lower river is flatter water, more suitable for families with young children who want to spend a lazy day on the river.” ON THE RIVER At Ponca, a popular access point on the upper section of the river, you’ll find the Buffalo Outdoor Center, operated by Mike Mills and his family. He’s been in the Buffalo National River business for more than four decades.

“We started off as a small canoe rental business, and in the mid-80s, we expanded into the lodging business and continued to expand through present date.” His business has changed and adapted through the decades. “We did horseback riding for 15 years. We quit that. We did four-wheeler tours. We quit that. Then we tried zipline canopy tours. And those did well for us and have great customer satisfaction ratings,” he said. “We still do canoe, kayak and raft rental during the season, which is spring, April, May, and the first weekend of June.” Though his family’s mainstay is lodging, they have recently expanded into retail, opening a deli and gas station which operate year-round. The area has developed from dirt roads, to paved, to now anticipating a bypass that will cut down travel time from the north. “There’s three roads leading to Ponca. They paved one in 1968, one in 1977, and one in 1979, and those changes alone made business a lot better,” he said. “If you drop back 15 years, there weren’t nearly as many motorcycles, Corvette clubs, Mustang clubs, and driving through the Ozarks was not an activity, but in the last 15 years, the Baby Boomers are retiring … and the traffic going through the river area has increased because of the Boxley Valley and the elk. It’s a destination for someone out for a Sunday drive, even if it’s on a Tuesday.” He predicts that future developments like a Springdale bypass will decrease the travel time to the area by eliminating the drive through a city and its many red lights. “As soon as that bypass comes in — it may be 10 to 12 to 15 more years — the travel time drops again,” like when the paved roads were added to Ponca, he said. He says the expansion into retail has helped his business and the city of Ponca, which has a tiny population. “Ponca’s population is 11 people, and it’s surrounded on three sides by the boundary in the National Park Service,” he said. “We tore down our 11,000-square-foot store and built a 500,000-square-foot store that had more retail and services we did not have before, and the Buffalo Outdoor Center became more of a destination stop. He also thinks adding Class A campsites on his area of the river will make it more appealing to tourists. “There are no Class A campsites anywhere close to Ponca or the upper Buffalo River. The National Park Service has Class A sites on the middle and lower river, but none on the upper river,” he said. “We’re beginning to address that need.” Linck says the growth of business has also

ON THE

been fueled by retirement C OV E R and relocation. “After people visit an area three to five times, they are highly likely to retire there. When it comes to business opportunities, people look for a lifestyle and they will oftentimes consider where they move or what job they take based on the lifestyle, not just the job,” he said. “We offer a wonderful lifestyle for people who are interested in the outdoors but not as interested in the cultural lifestyle in larger cities. So, we have seen an increase in businesses and industries willing to relocate in our area and attract employees to that lifestyle.” THE FUTURE Cesare says her organization is promoting the area on a state and national level, but also hoping to draw more international tourists. “We feel the natural treasures we have are comparable to Costa Rica, Argentina, France, and you can find it in your own backyard,” she said. “It’s a place of adventure that begs to be experienced.” Mike Mills agrees the Buffalo River has the potential for international appeal. “It’s America’s first national river and that in and of itself is legendary,” he said. “That aspect alone is worth the visit. If you had a bucket list of rivers to do all over the world, the Buffalo would be in the top five.” However, keeping the river protected for future visitors is always a challenge. It’s a delicate balancing act between public and private interests. “The tributaries that flow into the Buffalo are unprotected,” said Foley. “When you talk with the folks who live over there, they’re not exactly enthralled with the idea of the federal government messing with them. They’ve lived over there for 150 years. But when you’re talking about a natural resource, the place will always have its challenges. And it’ll always probably take a balance in how to accommodate people who want to use the river and to live with the people who live adjacent to the river and to make sure they protect the resource and make it accessible to people who want to take advantage of what we’ve got.”

LO RIVER ASS FFA O BU

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experience the outdoors this summer Explore the lower Buffalo River:

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Elva’s Cedar Cottage Located near the Buffalo National River Yellville, AR.

Elva Pera Kelly, Owner 870.449.4298 www.elvascedarcottage.info elvascedarcottage@hotmail.com The Lower Buffalo River area is the best place to vacation in the Ozarks. We offer affordable cabins and services like floating and fishing guiding to make your vacation memorable. Let us be your guide to the area. We will help you make your visit a success.

Buffalo Point Concession Restaurant & Cabins Guided fishing trips and scenic river tours are available at request.

2261 Highway 268 E. Yellville, AR 72687

www.buffalopoint.net

870-449-6206 18

From half day to 14 day trips, we offer canoe, kayak, raft, and tube rentals with shuttle services available on the Buffalo National River and Crooked Creek.

870-449-2042

11637 Suite 1 Hwy. 14 South, Yellville, AR 72687 buffaloriverfloatservice@gmail.com

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with some of these local businesses 299 Hwy 268 E Yellville, AR 72687

870-404-4987

One of the best fishing spots on Bull Shoals!

870-430-5217 Home of the White River Record Trout

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• Riverside Lodging • Guided Trout Fishing • Boat & Canoe Rentals • Beautiful, Quiet & Family Friendly www.rainbowdriveresort.com

669 Rainbow Landing Dr. µ Cotter, AR 72626

582 MC 3025 Yellville, AR 72687

870.427.4277

The modern-rustic getaway you wont forget This unique guest retreat features spectacular views of Ozark sunrises, sunsets, & a 30 mile view in three directions. Stay in an authentic and luxurious Ozark dwelling which lies in the colorful, forested foothills of the Ozark Mountains just 8 miles west of Yellville, AR.

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Buffalo National River Great Escapes Cabins With Fireplaces & Jacuzzis · General Store · Lodge · Motel Camping · Hiking · Scenic Ozark Mountains · Canoes, Kayaks, Rafts & Johnboats · Guided Trips For Smallmouth Bass & Trout · Packages & Gift Certificates Available · Fun · Adventure · Romance Authorized Canoe Concessioner of the National Park Service, Department of the Interior

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Oscar Schmidt Comes to Piano Kraft April Lane

Richard Deutsch and his wife Donna Reville have been supplying the city with quality, handselected pianos since 2006. They left Dallas to settle into the beautiful South Main (SoMa) community in downtown Little Rock. With a floor full of grand pianos and uprights, there is no doubt that Deutsch knows his pianos, and he has taken great care in putting together a very large selection.

Richard gives customers a place to enjoy a wide selection of quality products, and recently he and Donna decided to take that one step further; they’ll soon unveil a new line of guitars. Oscar Schmidt, made by Washburn, is a line of higher-end guitars and amplifiers that provide musicians with a quality instrument at a reasonable price.

Oscar Schmidt uses premium woods, quality hardware and boasts that its modest prices create an ideal instrument for customers. Each guitar is inspected and adjusted in the U.S. by a skilled technician, assuring smooth fret ends, precision low action and resonant sound quality. Unequalled standards in easy playing comfort and tone response creates the perfect value. Oscar Schmidt is one of the most popular brands in the world and has a wide range of guitars, including acoustic, classical, classical acoustic, bluegrass and even harps. In fact, Oscar Schmidt is the originator of the auto harp. Richard said, “The bindings and workmanship are something you don’t normally see at this price point.” He decided to launch this new selection after requests from his customer base poured in. “The fretted division of music seems to be the biggest growing area of the industry. More and more people are beginning to learn about guitars,” he elaborated. “The latest trend in interest has led to a request for more highquality, budget-friendly options.” Piano Kraft has granted that request by providing Oscar Schmidt guitars. Richard makes sure to provide a great product, and his commitment shows. He also offers services like repairs and products including strings and accessories. The level of quality of pianos, and now guitars, makes Piano Kraft a treasure that many Little Rock residents hold close.

Alongside quality pianos and guitars, Piano Kraft offers lessons for those instruments, employing two skilled musicians. They supply a studio that piano teacher Matthew Stone and guitar instructor Brian Hamby use to give students the time and space they need to hone their craft. Piano Kraft is more than a music store. It is a staple in the community and a jewel to musicians.

Your

MOST TRUSTED

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The largest selection of grand, vertical & digital pianos in Arkansas. NEW: Yamaha · Kawai · Young Chang USED: Steinway · Baldwin & More! Offering Service, Tuning, Repair, Moving, & Complete Restoration Guitars & Guitar Assessories now available!

1222 South Main Street · Little Rock , AR · 501-372-1446 · www.pianokraft.com 21

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Kevin Livengood, Optometric Physician

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Max Property Management Cleaning Residential & Commercial

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Since 1870 Bennett’s Military Supplies has been Arkansas’ oldest and largest store of its kind.

We specialize in: · Genuine Military Items · Boots Clothing · Packs & Gear & Airsoft Products

608 Main Street · Little Rock

501-372-2944

Arkansas' premier diver training facility since 1978

As we continue to follow The Clean Eatery on their journey of making central Arkansas healthy, we see that they take great pride in offering only the freshest organic food to their customers. With a rapidly growing client list, they have now relocated to the former Damgoode Pies location on Rodney Parham and cater to everyone regardless of what their personal goals may be. There are options for weight loss, weight gain, athletics, etc. Ryan told us, “The meals are new every week. Everything from vegetarian, to paleo to vegan to pescetarian (vegetarian with fish), and even the occasional ‘pegan’ which is the paleo/vegan combo. Every client’s needs are different, so we make sure that each individual meal is tailored to their specific needs and tastes.” The food itself in this program is based on helping a person achieve his goals, not just for subsistence. With so many diet fads and questionable diet supplements on the market, sometimes "the right thing to do" can become ambiguous and you can feel lost and alienated. The Clean Eatery is here to help you create positive habits for life and put you right on track to achieving your fitness and weight loss goals. Here are a few tips to help you achieve your Summer fitness goals:

boost your metabolism and your body will burn stored fat. 3. Portion Control! It sounds so simple: Don't eat or drink too much. Looks can be deceiving. It's easy to eat or drink more than you planned to, but this is important for controlling your metabolism. 4. Drink water like it’s going out of style. Doctors recommend that you take in seven to eight glasses every day, to help flush out toxins and other wastes. 5. What NOT to eat. You've heard it before but I will say it again - if want to change the way you look and feel, stay away from fatty or overly processed foods. Remember: "If it isn't on the Food Pyramid then it ain't food."

Those with a nutrient poor diet or who consume a lot of alcohol or caffeine have more toxin accumulation than those who don't thus causing their body to hoard onto fat and appear bloated. Clean Eatery can help a person at any level. Whether it be at the gym, body building, training for a marathon or just losing 20 pounds, The Clean Eatery has options. If you feel like getting healthy is going to be difficult or that food is just not going to taste as good as what you’re used to, give Clean Eatery a call and chat about your options. Go by The Clean Eatery today to find out how they can lead you down the road a new view of eating clean and living well.

501-259-5491

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Complete Plan - 20 Meals+5 Snacks - $165 Basic Plan - 15 Meals - $125

• Scuba Classes • Diving Trips • Service Center • Scuba Equipment

753-6004 www.ricksdivecenter.com 2323 N. Poplar ∙ N. Little Rock, AR

1. Know your daily caloric intake. While you don't need to be neurotic about every bite you take throughout the day, it's always in your favor to have a ballpark figure of what you need to consume to maintain and/or lose weight. 2. Eat more often. Don’t starve yourself! Your body will go out of whack and go into survival mode by going after your muscle tone (not the fat) and will only leave you feeling weak and "skinny fat." Eating more often maintains a normal level of blood glucose, which promotes steady energy levels throughout the day. Steady energy comes from a steady intake of foods. By eating 3 meals and 2 snacks per day you will

Plan Add Ons Add a Spouse - $65 Add a Child - $25 Bulking Option - $30 Meals are prepared fresh daily and delivered immediately. Our food is not meant to be sustainable beyond 72 hours. It is meant to be eaten. Meals are typically 50% veggies, 30% meat & 20% grains and nuts. Male: 40g protein, 8-10oz veggies, 18-22% fat Female: 30g protein, 8-10oz veggies, 18-20% fat 23

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Why is

Local

Shopping

Important to You

In the realm of agriculture, shopping local gets you the best quality and price. Consider how local fruit ripens properly on a plant, tree or vine unlike produce picked early for national markets. Paying the farmer directly creates good cash flow for the farmer and keeps delicious food and produce coming to the markets!

BO BENNETT Forager at Little Rock Tomato

The entire reason I started a local business was to be able to get out of the corporate world and spend time with my new baby. As a mother of two now, I get excited about the fact that by shopping local, I may be helping another mom do the exact same thing. It's rewarding knowing that my money isn't going to some large corporation, but possibly to clothe the kids that my children will play with at the park next week.

AMANDA STEVENS

Every Day Is Wine Day!

Owner of Homayd Natural Care Products Buying local means putting a face to the name. Local merchants know their customers' needs and wants and can make sure they have it on hand. Shopping local puts money in THIS community, not somewhere else. Roads here get fixed, police get raises, firefighters get needed equipment, and customers have more unique and interesting places to find things. We help support the local BMX tracks so they can help kids use free time wisely and stay out of trouble. That helps everybody!

DAVID LARSON

Great craft beer

Owner of Angry Dave's Bicycles When you shop local, you build local. Shopping and eating local generates economic growth, creates jobs, and strengthens overall community culture. For example, when you support a local business like @ The Corner, you are also supporting local farms, local breweries, local artists and so much more. When we intentionally decide to support local, we recycle money back into our community, our home. For me, it's an opportunity to invest your money where your heart is.

selection and growler bar! 501.834.2134 Intersection of Kiehl Ave. & Hwy 107

HELEN GRACE KING Co-Owner of @ The Corner

1 0 7 l iqu o r . c om

Saved By the Bell Top Spots When School Is Out April Lane

The last bell of the school year is about to ring. The kids are about to be ready for some fun in the sun, and we want them to be entertained, learn, grow and experience all that they can this summer. With imaginative shows, natural scenic beauty and some of the most entertaining sporting events around, I know my son and I will not be bored as long as we get out and enjoy all that our city has to offer. Here are just a few of our top picks you should check out when your kids jump off the bus. 1: Arkansas Arts Center’s Children’s Theatre Recognized by The Drama League as one of the best regional theatre companies in America, Children's Theatre is the only professional company in Arkansas. Since 1979, Children's Theatre has been creating exceptional theatre for family audiences. Well-loved contemporary stories and classic tales come to life with fantastic characters, brilliant lighting, colorful costumes and a little magic in fully-staged productions. There is no sound that delights Children’s Theatre’s actors more than the gasps of excitement or the bursts of laughter when families enjoy the wonderful capers on stage. Located: Downtown at 501 E. 9th St., Little Rock, AR 72202 Contact: 501-372-4000 www.arkarts.com

about Heifer and its mission, and help to seek solutions in the worldwide effort to end hunger and poverty. In addition to permanent exhibit space, the Heifer Village provides a valuable educational resource for schools and a forum for individuals to come together to learn and discuss issues through ongoing daytime, evening and weekend programming. Location: In the River Market District at 1 World Ave., Little Rock, AR 72202 Contact: 501-907-8800 www.heifer.org

4. Peabody Splash Park - Riverfront Park Located west of the Junction Bridge in Riverfront Park, Peabody Park is a unique play environment, designed with help from children that encourages imagination, exploration and discovery. Some of its many wondrous features include several outdoor and underground rooms, large native stones for climbing, a spray pad and the Ozark Pavilion. Location: 202 La Harpe Blvd., Little Rock, AR 72201 Contact: 501-375-2552 www.rivermarket.info C

520 North Maple St. North Little Rock, AR 501.712.1214 www.argentaﬂats.com

CMY

2. Arkansas Travelers and Dickey-Stephens Park Dickey-Stephens Park has 5,800 fixed seats, but when you add in the 24 luxury suites, three private dining areas and the grass berms, there is room for more than 7,000. It was named Ballpark of the Year by Baseballparks.com in 2007 for its combination of superior design, desirable site selection and fan amenities. The Travelers have been the Class AA affiliate of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim since 2001. Located: Dickey-Stephens Park, 400 West Broadway St., North Little Rock, AR 72114 Contact: 501-664-7559 www.travs.com 3: Heifer Village Heifer Village is a place where visitors, staff, volunteers and the international development community can come together to learn more about world hunger, poverty, solutions currently being employed to combat those problems, 26

835 S. Donaghey Ave Conway, AR 72034 501.328.2179 www.centerstoneconway.com

5. Two Rivers Park Located at the confluence of the Arkansas and Little Maumelle Rivers, 1000-acre Two Rivers Park offers recreation including walking, biking, horseback riding and family activities. The park features an open space/ field, restrooms, pavilion, canoe launch, fishing stream, picnic tables, plenty of parking and paved, earthen, mountain bike and equestrian trails. A Community Garden, owned by Pulaski County, offers county residents garden tract rentals. Location: 6900 Two Rivers Park Road, Little Rock, AR 72223 Contact: (501) 371-4770

FEATURED RECIPE

FRESH STRAWBERRY

C AKE NEW LOCATION! 168 S Broadview Greenbrier, AR

CREAMING INGREDIENTS: Ω 6 oz. unsalted butter Ω 14 oz. sugar Ω 5 eggs

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All juices made in house Friendly staff Low Prices

DRY INGREDIENTS: Ω 8 oz. all purpose flour Ω 2 oz. potato starch Ω 1.5 teaspoons baking powder Ω 1 tsp. salt

LIQUID: Ω 1 C half & half Ω 1 C rough chopped fresh strawberries

Beginners & Advanced welcome!

www.drippersvapeshop.com DIRECTIONS: 1. Begin by placing creaming ingredients in a stand mixer and mixing at the lowest speed for 5 minutes. 2. In 2 separate bowls, mix dry ingredients in one and liquid in the other. After the 5 minutes, stop the mixer and scrape the bowl with a rubber spatula. Turn the mixer back on low and alternate adding wet and dry ingredients until everything is in. Stop the mixer, scrape one more time and mix one more minute. 3. Bake at 370 degrees for about 28 minutes for 2 9" round baking pans, or 22 minutes for 24 cupcakes. Note- everyone's oven is different. I baby my cakes. I typically put them in for 10 minutes and then check and turn then every 5 minutes after that. Make sure this cake is springy when you touch it before pulling it. Recipe brought to you by Amanda Ivy, SousChef at The 1836 Club. For catering information or custom cakes, call 662-297-4393 or email lowivy4foodies@gmail.com 27

THE LIFE OF A WARRIOR Battling Cancer Doesn’t Keep Keagan Provost from Being a Kid April Lane

When you hear the word “tumor” from a doctor’s mouth, your head and your world may start to spin. In 2011, Mike Provost, Robin Unwer and their two children, Keagan and Jaxon Provost, had their world flipped by a challenge that would lead them to Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Keagan was born a healthy 9 pounds and 8 ounces February 11, 2010. The first year of his life was smooth and easy, but at 13 months old he started getting very sick and was transferred to a children's hospital in Rochester, New York. After 24 hours at the hospital, they diagnosed him with a baseball-sized brain tumor that they removed with emergency surgery. Keagan’s parents were told by doctors that he would likely never walk, talk, eat or breathe on his own again. By 14 months old, he had 34 radiation treatments. For Keagan, now age 6, the word “warrior” definitely has meaning. On his Facebook page, “Keagan’s Krew The Warrior,” you can follow his journey and watch him fight a battle that would be taxing for even the strongest adult. Through it all, he has kept a smile on his face and looks forward to the many visitors he receives. After his first big round of treatment, he was in remission for about a year before the cancer came back. He received more radiation and surgeries and continued to come in and 28

out of remission. Keagan has had a total to 157 treatments of radiation since then. He has had eight tumor removal surgeries, 34 shunt malfunctions and four infections that required an external drain. Each of these procedures and treatments has taken a toll on Keagan’s body, and that has produced other problems for the doctors to address. Showing admirable perseverance, Keagan tries not to let any of this slow him down or get him discouraged. He still runs the floor at the hospital and plays hard like a boy his age should. Last September he even “got married” at about 2 a.m. to a 17-year-old girl; all the parents were proud participants, the nurses served as the bridesmaids and the doctor presided over and conducted the ceremony. His "bride" made her way towards him fitted with a veil Robin made out of toilet paper. "We don't sit in a room and be miserable. The kids get out and engage with each other." Robin describes Keagan’s outlook on treatment and recovery in a way that shows just how strong her son really is: “He has taken this all like a champ. He has a pain threshold unlike

anything I have ever seen. If this were me, I would be in the fetal position.” Keagan keeps saying he is the king of the hospital, and the nurses and doctors who have grown to become family to him tell him when he goes home that he still will be the king of the hospital. Robin spoke about Arkansas Children’s Hospital and just how much the doctors and nurses there support her in this process: “That building is so much more than the big building you drive by on the interstate. When people drive by, sometimes they may not realize how important this place is, and I hope they never need this place, but when you do need it there is no denying what a special place it is.” Keagan is still fighting to maintain that quality of life for as long as possible. He has overcome many battles for such a young age, and more loom on the horizon. He had radiation at the end of April — an intense, onetime treatment. He also will have surgery soon to remove two tumors from his spine. If it goes as well as his last spinal surgery did, he will be playing video games by the end of the night. One surgery before Christmas left him and

his neurosurgeon, who is also his best friend, speaking after surgery about Keagan’s one major request: “Dr. Albert, I need a grilled cheese and my girls.” He of course was referring to his nurses that are all “his girls.” For Robin and Mike, the journey has been full of trials and a lot of bleak and hopeful moments. Robin was a hairdresser for years and is now Keagan’s fulltime caregiver. Mike works in the natural gas and oil field industry. He has had to travel a lot for work in Pennsylvania, Ohio and other states when there is not work to be found in Arkansas. Robin said that she and Mike do the best they can and have developed a system to handle the ups and downs: “If it is bad news, we have a routine. Our parents come up while we go and talk to the doctor, have a cry session, and then we put on a smile and try to be strong for him.” One of the things Robin started doing in the last year when Keagan lost his hair, making

him a little self-conscious, is offering to shave her head with him. He shot that down very quickly. “Bald heads are for boys,” he said. Robin asked him what he wanted her to do, and he said that he wanted her to dye it pink. Before dyeing it pink, Keagan and one of his friends decided that they wanted her to dye it gray. Robin said it gives her something to do. “It has nearly been every color there is, and this month I did blue and purple,” she said. She talks about valuable lessons about life she has learned throughout this process and said, “You never know how strong you are until something like this happens. When a six-yearold can teach you lessons, it is amazing. And you wonder how did you get so strong and brave?” While no one knows if Keagan will go back into remission, it does not change the overall goal of his treatment plan. Doctors said he has a good quality of life, and as long as he has that, the fight continues. He has bounced back so quickly from surgeries

and handled them so well that they will continue to fight for him. His neurosurgeon, Greg Albert, is one of his biggest advocates, rivaled in his devotion to Keagan only by his oncologist, Suzann Saccente. They are always in Keagan’s corner waiting to fight for him. To follow Keagan’s journey and share and support, visit facebook.com/keaganskrew. For information on how to help with financial support for Keagan and his family as they continue to watch over him and deliver the best care possible, visit gofundme.com/ keaganskrew.

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Craving Local? Look No Further

t is no secret that one of the best times of the year is when all the local farmer’s markets start sprouting up after April showers. You can easily find your way to some of the freshest produce in the city. The colorful array of booths and vendors are a divine treat that helps you step away from the corporate hustle and bustle of city life. Community is very important to all of the supporters of the local farmer’s markets. Chris Hiryak from Little Rock Urban Farming sums up perfectly why they enjoy delivering their products every week. “We have participated since the foundation of the Hillcrest Farmer’s Market. When you go there and you walk up to a stand, you are going to get a product that was produced by that farmer. People want to support the community, and that is what they are doing when they visit us in Hillcrest.” These sentiments are voiced by nearly everyone who has experienced a lovely morning or afternoon at one of the markets. When they’re in session, the whole city livens up and takes notice of all the wonderful things to experience at the markets. Every item purchased is made by someone who took time to work hard and craft together something that will make us feel the love they put into it and feel the community that we live in. When you want to support local businesses, that feeling is priceless. Patrons of the farmer’s market community are lucky to have a few different options. Here are our favorites we know that you will be excited to try: River Market Farmer’s Market The River Market Farmer’s Market opened in Downtown Little Rock in 1974. Just a hop and a skip away from the river, you will find the market filled with farm-fresh produce straight from the backs of the trucks. From May through October, you will find fresh Arkansas crops as well as a never-ending assortment of handmade arts and crafts. The market is open every Saturday starting May 7 and goes through September 24, 2016. It is also open every Tuesday starting May 3 through July 26, 2016. Hours are 7 AM - 3 PM, rain or shine! Location: 400 President Clinton Ave. Little Rock, AR 72201 For info: (501) 375-2552 A few of the vendors: Wye Mountain Flowers & Berries, Hardin Farms, The Farm Connection, Bamboo Connection and Tigre Mountain Soap are among the bunch. Argenta Certified Arkansas Farmer’s Market 30

April Lane / Photos by James Smith

This market is located in one of the hidden secrets of North Little Rock, a neighborhood that is renowned for having some of the best spots in the city to shop local and enjoy the entrepreneurial businesses that have been growing there. Located on Main Street in downtown North Little Rock, visitors can enjoy live music and an artisan market where vendors are required to grow 100 percent of the products sold. The market opens for the season April 2; hours are 7 a.m.-noon each Saturday. Location: 7th & Main St., North Little Rock. For info: (870) 283-9065 A few of the vendors: Twiggy's Treatery, Cabot Patch, Pup Eats Dog Treats, and Kitchen Witch are some of the visitor favorites.

Bernice Garden Farmer’s Market: Sounds like Sundays are going to be best spent touring the art, sculptures and surrounding beauty bestowing the Bernice Garden Farmer’s Market. Shoppers can enjoy the sustainably grown and harvested bounty that includes cheese, soap, nuts and salsa. Located in SoMa where you can also enjoy Tthe Green Corner Store, Moxy Modern Mercantile and The Root Café, just to name a few. You can also listen to live music and treat yourself to one of the local food trucks on the scene. Market hours are 10 a.m.-2 p.m. each Sunday. Location: 1401 S. Main St., Little Rock. For info: (501) 617-2511 A few of the vendors: Laughing Stock Farms, North Pulaski Farms, Stone’s Throw Brewing, Kent Walker Artisan Cheese and Sun Harvest Honey. Westover Hills Presbyterian Church Farmer’s Market: Looking for a market that you can stop by on the way home from work? This market has a growing list of vendors and is the perfect onestop shop for your needs on your way home for the evening, and it is open every week. The

options are plentiful, and patrons have enjoyed making it a part of their weekly routine. Market opens for the season May 3 through September; hours are 4-7 p.m. each Tuesday. Location: 6400 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock. For info: (501) 663-6383 A few of the vendors: Tasty Acres Farm, Maria’s Homemade Country Fare, Geek Eats, Randy’s Pens and Me & McGee. Dogtown Farmer’s Market: The Dogtown Farmers Market is the newest addition to our scene of markets. The downtown NLR market has a mission to create an atmosphere of kindness, cooperation and fun in order to connect Arkansas farmers and artisans to customers in order to build our local economy; provide a warm and inviting place that fosters learning, fellowship and connection; and attract new visitors to Argenta. Market opened for the season April 23; hours are 7 a.m.-noon each Saturday. Location: 410 Main St., North Little Rock. For info: (501) 993-1234 A few of the vendors: Barnhill Orchards, Crimmins Family Farm, Jelly Madness, Kornegay Berry Farm and Geek Eats. Hillcrest Farmer’s Market: Last, but certainly not least, on our list is our treasured Hillcrest Farmer’s Market, known throughout the area as the year-round market at the local Pulaski Heights Baptist Church in the heart of Hillcrest. Visitors are welcomed by local food trucks and can enjoy a short walk to area restaurants waiting to serve them some of the finest bites around. Market is open yearround; hours are currently 8 a.m.-noon every Saturday. Location: 2200 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock. For info: (501) 661-1129 A few of the vendors: Little Rock Urban Farming, Arkansas Fresh Bakery, Nelann Garden, Weal and Woe Farm and Farm Girl, among others.

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