Buddy Babcock, Vice President Adella Gray, Secretary
Marolyn Fields, Past President
Cathy Baird, Ned Irving, Steve Johnson, Rick Kirkpatrick, Ed Piper, Jerry Rose, Susan Rountree, Jane Shipley, Carol Spears, Sherry Young
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Chuck Nickle, President Will Clark, Vice President
LeRoy Duell, Treasurer Jack Mitchell, Secretary Chuck Culver, Tom Olmstead, Derrik Olsen, David Renfroe, Tim Stults, Beth Vaughan-Wrobel, Dave Williams, Jason Wilson, Marti Woodruff
I am filled with immense pride and gratitude for a major milestone Butterfield recently celebrated. The groundbreaking ceremony we held in April for our Assisted Living expansion project was more than just a formal start to construction – it was a powerful testament to the strength and vision of the Butterfield Trail Village community. The large gathering of Butterfield residents, employees, board members, community members and local media demonstrated just how significant and diverse the support is for our Village.
This achievement is the result of a remarkable collaborative effort. Our leadership staff and the Butterfield Trail Village Board of Directors have worked tirelessly to navigate the complexities of this project, including the critical effort of securing and funding a $30 million tax-exempt public bond. Additionally, the valuable input and feedback we have received from our residents have been instrumental in ensuring the architectural plans reflect the high standards and unique qualities that make Butterfield an outstanding place to call home.
While construction is now officially underway, our journey is far from over. Much work lies ahead for the Butterfield Trail Village Foundation Board as they begin the vital task of raising additional financial support for this expansion and other essential capital projects across our campus. Their energy and dedication will result in identifying resources that will be key to providing the excellence our residents expect and deserve.
This forward momentum is especially meaningful in our 40th year of serving seniors. It offers a solid indication of how Butterfield continues to evolve to meet the needs of today’s residents – while keeping a steady eye on what will be required of us in the future. We are not just building new walls; we are strengthening the foundation of our community for generations to come. Thank you for your continued trust and for being part of Butterfield’s legacy.
Warm regards,
Kevin Spears Chief Executive Officer
Butterfield Trail Village
Opened in 1986, Butterfield Trail Village is a locally governed 501(c)(3) non-profit retirement community. As Northwest Arkansas’ only comprehensive Life Plan Retirement Community, BTV offers active older adults worry-free living that is secure, independent and fulfilling –and the freedom to enjoy plentiful activities both inside and outside the Village.
“I don’t even like to call it ‘life insurance’—I think of it as a giftmultiplication tool. You start with an amount you’re comfortable giving, and suddenly it becomes a much larger legacy. In our case, an investment of under $50,000 will ultimately create a quarter-milliondollar scholarship endowment. That’s the kind of impact most of us dream about making.”
- Charles Zimmerman, B.S.C.E. ‘85
To learn more, contact the Office of Planned Giving
479-575-7271 | legacy@uark.edu
Footcare
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LeAnn Underwood met her late husband, Bill, when they were college students. Finding each other was an indirect path forged by fortuitous timing and oldfashioned persistence.
Many people may remember Bill Underwood’s distinctive voice from commercials for Underwoods Fine Jewelers, the business he founded while pursuing his business degree at the University of Arkansas. LeAnn typically operated behind the scenes in the business. Together, they built a supportive marriage, active family life and successful local business, sharing decades of love and adventures.
For LeAnn’s 40th birthday, Bill designed a diamond pendant that cleverly represents both her initials “LU” and 40. He called it her “signature piece,” and she’s worn it every day since.
While Bill was the outgoing one of the couple, LeAnn noted her strengths are her steadiness and the stability she’s provided her family over the years. Since Bill’s death in 2023, LeAnn has made her home at Butterfield Trail Village, in the company of many longtime friends and frequent visits with family.
A LIFE MºRE THANJEWELS PRECIOUS
FROM SMALL-TOWN BEGINNINGS
LeAnn and her older sister were born in the family farmhouse in Elm Springs — which they called “Elam” — which had no electricity or indoor plumbing. When she was 4, the family moved to a house on Shiloh Street in Springdale, then a town of around 5,000, and attended the Methodist church on Johnson Avenue. LeAnn and her two sisters, Kay and Ginny, stayed outside until dark, never locked their doors, caught crawdads and played in Spring Creek near Bluff Cemetery.
Their mother, Alberta, was a schoolteacher, and each Saturday they all helped her with chores. They often walked downtown to Emma Avenue and paid a dime or nickel to see the afternoon double feature at the Concord theater, typically a western in those days.
Their dad, Roy Ritter, raised broiler chickens and turkeys at his Arkansas Quality farm, and also had a vineyard and apple orchard. He paid the girls a penny per quart to pick strawberries. He founded AQ Chicken House in 1947 when LeAnn was 12. At 16, she began waitressing there. Roy later served as mayor of Springdale from 1975-1979 and on the
Words by Michelle Parks
Photos by Stephen Ironside
LeAnn Underwood
University of Arkansas System Board of Trustees from 1955-1974.
LeAnn’s smart and ambitious parents expected their daughters would go to college, which they did. LeAnn had played the snare drum in high school band. At the U of A, she was the sole female drummer, and the band director got her a red drum, while all the guys had white drums. At the U of A, she went through rush and pledged a sorority her sophomore year. She still talks regularly with three sorority sisters now living in Florida and Texas.
year, she moved into her sorority house, and they began dating. LeAnn took shorthand and several accounting classes her last semester to make herself more employable.
With no previous foreign language education, LeAnn had decided to major in Spanish. Then, the only professor who taught Spanish got another job in South America. The U of A president suggested to her dad that LeAnn attend the National Autonomous University of Mexico and then another American university that offered Spanish. Her dad insisted she stay within the Southwestern Conference, so she picked the University of Texas.
Her summer trip to Mexico City was her first time on a plane. There, she stayed with a host family alongside students from Texas, Colorado and Kansas. Unable to reach her daughter by phone, her mother got on a plane to visit and make sure she was safe. LeAnn attended UT Austin her junior year.
MEETING HER LIFE PARTNER
LeAnn worked at AQ Chicken in the summers throughout college, and she met Bill the summer after her junior year. A 24-year-old freshman from Oklahoma, Bill was attending a rush party with several fraternity brothers she knew from her early college years. He had gone to horology school for two years to learn watchmaking, before serving four years in the Navy. He’d started college at the University of Oklahoma and also worked for the John Roberts Company there. They said he could manage their Fayetteville store if he moved here.
Once when LeAnn was on a date at the Bubble Club, Bill cut in to dance. When he gave her his card, “I thought, ‘Who is this?’” Bill started calling her for dates, but she always had to work. When they finally set a date, he broke it because his family visited unexpectedly. Bill wasn’t discouraged though. When she decided to return to the U of A for her senior
LeAnn had a job interview set with Pan American Airlines, but canceled it after Bill proposed. They married the summer after she graduated in 1958. A photo of them, her at 22 and him at 26, is among a collection of family photos in her office.
The John Roberts Company offered to sell their store to Bill for $1,000. When he couldn’t get a bank loan, he borrowed the money from his parents, who operated a gas station in Mountain View, Oklahoma. At first, he mainly sold collegiate jewelry and trophies. But early on, a steadfast guide that led to enduring success was to never compromise on quality. Bill became the first Certified Gemologist in Arkansas, and he focused on creating pieces that would last for generations.
“What intrigued me about him, he was a hard worker, ambitious, and very kind,” LeAnn said.
GROWING A LOVING FAMILY
In their first year of marriage, they welcomed their oldest daughter, Michelle. When LeAnn had to quit her job at Arkansas Western Gas because she was pregnant, her dad offered her an office job at his restaurant. She took the bus to and from work in Springdale each day until Michelle was born.
Bill was taking business classes at the U of A in the mornings and opening the store at 10 a.m. His professors liked that he was directly, immediately using what he was learning in school. He often came home for dinner, then returned to the store for a few more hours.
Craig was born three years after Michelle, and then Vicki arrived 10 years later. With only one car, LeAnn stayed home to raise the kids and save on childcare. They outgrew houses on Treadwell and Broadview, eventually settling into their home on Rockwood Trail, where they spent 37 years.
Through the jewelry business, LeAnn and Bill traveled around the world – sourcing pearls in Japan and other gems at fairs in Italy. Bill, who’d once
considered Navy flight school, was an instrumenttrained pilot and often flew the family to ski trips to Colorado and beach vacations in Florida. He was in a flying club and had started with a small plane, then bought a twin-engine when their family grew to five.
BUILDING AN ENDURING FAMILY BUSINESS
Bill rented a store space from Emil Sonneman, whose father had built the UARK Theater, among other buildings on Dickson Street. Bill soon met the local architect Fay Jones, who was interested in opening his own office. Fay and Bill worked through the design of their new building located right next door, built in 1966, which houses the jewelry store on the ground level and the architecture firm on the second floor. Bill insisted on an interior with clean, elegant spaces for displaying jewelry and providing customer service – so the jewelry wasn’t overshadowed by the store design.
With their youngest in kindergarten, LeAnn went to work at the store, handling the merchandise and doing paperwork in the back office. She preferred to stay out of the spotlight. “When they called me to come up front, I knew they were desperate for help because that was not my thing,” she said. Craig’s wife, Laura, later started managing the office once their youngest was in school.
Craig, now president, had joined the store in 1987; in 1991, it was named the Best Single-Store Jeweler in America and inducted into the National Jeweler Hall of Fame in New York. Craig’s middle son, Troy, is now vice president and the third generation in the family business.
LeAnn became good friends with the former Diane Kincaid, and their daughters were in school together. The women regularly took a midday break to play a few sets of tennis. Diane also introduced
LeAnn to the Modern Literature Club, in which she’s read many great books she probably wouldn’t have chosen herself.
MAKING A HOME AT BTV
Bill and LeAnn were familiar with BTV for years – his mom, her aunt and sister, their friends’ parents had all lived there. After several good friends also moved in, Bill and LeAnn accepted an offer of a groundfloor apartment in 2018. Daughter Vicki decorated it with new furniture, several large prints of nature photographs by Craig, a simple watercolor of the Underwood Building and many family photos.
Bill and LeAnn still lived in their house for a few more years. During the COVID pandemic, the jewelry store stayed open, and Bill continued to work there. After dealing with memory problems for a while and a brief illness, Bill died in April 2023. LeAnn moved to BTV full time that summer.
Over the past few years in her new home at BTV, LeAnn has enjoyed the fitness activities, talks on various subjects, and classes for nearly any interest. Most days, she walks 6,000 steps or more around the campus and eats meals in the dining room.
“You can go and you can always find somebody to eat with. You can always find something to do. But if you don’t want to be with people, you can come in and close your door,” she said.
LeAnn starts each morning with a cup of coffee from her automatic coffee machine. She reads The Wall Street Journal that’s delivered to her door, as well as the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette online. She has also learned to play Mahjong, which she plays with others on Thursdays.
She is an avid reader, mostly consuming books on her Kindle and iPad. She likes all of Louise Penny’s books, and she tries to read the books that win the Pulitzer Prize and the Booker Prize. Vicki recommended a favorite recent read, The Correspondent.
LeAnn treasures her family above all and is incredibly proud of her eight grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Once the grandchildren came along, the entire family started vacationing together at a beach house every other year. A wall of family photos reminds her of their times together on the beach, on a cruise and in many other adventures and special moments.
Susan Lancaster Anniversaries
When did you move to Butterfield?
I moved to Butterfield in January 2026, and feel like I’m still in the process of moving! I’m fortunate to have great neighbors and friends who have helped and encouraged me along the way.
Where are you from?
I grew up on a family farm in Malvern, Arkansas and attended Malvern Public Schools. I graduated from the University of Arkansas in 1967 with a BSBA in Marketing. I fell in love with Fayetteville and always wanted to return, so here I am!
What did you do before retirement?
For several years after graduation, I worked in retail store management in Dallas. In the mid-1970’s I accepted a Congressional staff role in Washington, D.C. The position brought me back to Arkansas to work for Congressman Ray Thornton. After a few years as a full-time wife and mother, I worked in several state agencies managing grant programs. I retired in 2012 from Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts in Hot Springs as the Director of Institutional Advancement.
Do you have children and grandchildren?
My daughter, Leslie Lancaster Smith and her husband, Patrick, live in Springdale and have three wonderful kids. Twins, Geneva and Lexa, are almost 17 and honor students at Springdale High. Evan is 12 and attends Hellstern Middle School; he enjoys soccer and is so much fun to be with.
Why did you choose to come to Butterfield?
I learned about BTV from my daughter when she took an Intro to Social Work class at the U of A. One of the class requirements was to do 25 hours of community service. Since Leslie wanted to work in geriatrics, she was drawn to Butterfield and had a wonderful semester volunteering here. She often spoke about the beautiful campus and how happy the residents were. When I began thinking about retirement communities, BTV was at the top of our list. Leslie and I love the peace of mind BTV provides – it’s a perfect combination of allowing me to be social while remaining independent and having time to myself.
May Anniversaries
Ray and Brenda Boudreaux 1st
Jim Bowles and Louise Painter 12th
Craig Brown and Laurel Ward 16th
Ken and Jan Hargis 17th
Brooks Garner and Linda Leavell 21st
Peter and Susan Vanneman 24th
Cary Haramoto and Marlene Samuel 26th
Bobby and Doris Marks 27th
David and Ruth Rodgers 28th
Lanny and Bonnie Ashlock 31st
James and Mary Ellen Moore 31st
June Anniversaries
Leland and Betty Tollett 2nd
Bill and Georgia Ross 2nd
Roy and Annette Penney 3rd
AJ and Florence Anglin 5th
Ed and Jane Piper 7th
Bill and Barbara McIver 7th
Al and Lenora Metz 9th
Tom and Jill King 10th
Buddy and Grace Babcock 11th
Bill and Sabra Martin 12th
Jan and Mary Gosnell 14th
Denny Nelson and Elizabeth Houle 14th
Lyle and Sue Gohn 15th
Randall and Rhoda Woods 18th
Dick and Anne Booth 19th
Jim and Ann Newman 19th
Ron and Alice Talbert 19th
Rick and Jo McClarrinon 22nd
Jeff and Sara Koenig 22nd
Paul and Maxine LeBlanc 24th
Bob and Sherri Lewis 25th
Steve and Sandy Johnson 29th
Jim and Andrea Romine 29th
Charles and Barbara Stills 30th
New Neighbors
Ray & Brenda Boudreaux
Peter & Margo Heinzelmann
Betty Massanelli
Jim & Mary Katherine Williams
Heather Edge A
Heart and Humor for Helping Navigate Life’s Ups and Downs
For Heather Edge, the road to becoming Butterfield’s transition social worker wasn’t a straight line – it was a journey through different states, career changes and a desire to serve something greater than herself. Whether she’s donning a blow-up bunny costume to make residents smile or navigating a family through the complexities of a difficult health diagnosis, Heather brings her own special blend of thick skin and a massive heart to every interaction.
“To witness the caring and the love and the kindness residents show each other... it's absolutely amazing.”
–Heather Edge
After the national trauma of 9/11, Heather felt a strong pull to serve her country and joined the National Guard’s 142nd Field Artillery Brigade while continuing her education as a single parent. Heather holds a bachelor's degree in social work from the University of Arkansas and a Master of Social Work from Fordham University. Before finding her "meant to be" home at Butterfield nearly three years ago, she spent five years in the high-octane environment of the Washington Regional ER. "I loved the fast pace. No two patients were the same," Heather recalls. And while she occasionally misses the 120-mile-an-hour energy, she doesn’t miss being "screamed at or having water thrown on her" by ER patients who were clearly “having one of the very worst days of their life.”
A Personal Connection to Care
Heather readily shares her deep, personal empathy with the individuals and families she supports. Having walked difficult journeys of Alzheimer’s, dementia and prostate cancer with three grandparents and her mother-in-law, she understands the fear and sadness that comes with watching a loved one change. “I can say, ‘I get it,’ because I’ve been there,” she says. Heather often tells those who have taken on the role of supporting a husband or wife, "I want you to be able to be a spouse and not just a caregiver." She describes her role as one of anticipating crisis and
helping families figure out their own ‘crisis point’… that moment when they must have more support. When that crisis point arrives, her problem-solving skills kick in to find the right resources and help.
Finding Joy (or Creating it Yourself)
Despite the weight of her work, Heather has an infectious sense of humor. "I’m the biggest airhead I know," she laughs, admitting she’s just as likely to break into an interpretive dance or sing a show tune in the hallway as she is to provide a critical resource to someone in need. “Airhead” or not, Heather has found a formula for turning serious business into serious fun. Between 2023 and 2025, she has led the charge to help Butterfield raise money for the Arkansas Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association through social events like the annual “Sock it to Alzheimer’s” Dinner and Sock Hop – resulting in nearly $40,000 in donations going toward resources and research to fight dementia throughout the state.
Heather finds daily joy in what she calls the “everyday higher standard" of the Butterfield community. She appreciates the history — sometimes lifelong relationships — many residents have with their neighbors. "To witness the caring and the love and the kindness residents show each other... it's absolutely amazing," she says. And she is thankful to be part of a community where she doesn’t have to give up who she is to give 100% of herself to the people she serves.
Outside of work, Heather and her husband, Brad, have a blended family with four children and eightand-a-half grandchildren (one is still on the way). And while she loves her life in Fayetteville, Heather says her bucket list is topped by a fervent wish to travel one day to the warm shores of Greece and Italy.
Featured Village Events
COMING IN MAY
MONDAY, MAY 4 | 2:30 PM
PERFORMANCE HALL
Igniting a Lifelong Love for Fresh Food
Kate MacNaughton, Development Officer at AppleSeeds Teaching Farm in Fayetteville, will share a special presentation about AppleSeeds Teaching Farm and its special mission to educate, excite and inspire young students to learn about healthy food – and help them to gain access to those healthy foods. This talk will prepare everyone for the next day’s Be Inspired NWA Outing
WEDNESDAY, MAY 6 | 2:30 PM PERFORMANCE HALL
Butterfield BioBlitz! with Urban Forester John Scott and Entomologist Ashley Dowling
TUESDAY, MAY 5 | DEPARTURE 9:30 AM Be Inspired NWA Outing: AppleSeeds Teaching Farm
Regarded for its hands-on, farm-totable education programs for kids, AppleSeeds Teaching Farm offers immersive culinary classes and gardening experiences that impact over 20,000 students annually –as well as donates thousands of pounds of fresh produce to local schools. We’ll visit the nearby urban farm to learn firsthand about this remarkable organization, and how our neighbor just to the south on Old Wire Road will soon be expanding its reach.
A “bioBlitz” is a communitydriven event where volunteers and scientists work together to identify species by photographing plants, animals, bugs and fungi to map local biodiversity and aid scientific research. Butterfield residents will visit nearby areas and collect photographs of nature using their phones and iNaturalist, a free app. Our presenters will introduce us to our area’s biodiversity and accompany us on photography trips later in May to Mud Creek Trail and the Botanical Gardens of the Ozarks.
COMING IN JUNE
THURSDAY, JUNE 4 | 7 PM | PERFORMANCE HALL
Shiloh Museum Presents Louise Thaden: The Aviatrix and Her Flying Boudoir
THURSDAY, MAY 14 | 5:30 PM PERFORMANCE HALL Dîner en Blanc, A Village Soirée
Dîner en Blanc is a CanadianFrench-inspired soirée that takes place around the world, spanning six continents. Envision a sea of white with a hint of fun and bedazzle – with a delectable meal, paired wines and live music with a French flair, performed by The Mischievous Swing Band. The evening — a ten-year BTV tradition — will evoke the grace and warmth of classic Parisian Café culture. Residents are invited to decorate their reserved tables with personal white décor for a chance to be entered into a drawing for “Best Dressed Table.”
Rachel Whitaker, Historian for Shiloh Museum of Ozark History, will present a soaring presentation on Louise Thaden, a notable aviator born in Bentonville. Many recall the Wright brothers and Amelia Earhart as early aviators, but Ms. Thaden was also setting altitude and endurance records in the late 1920s. Over the next decade, she set additional records for endurance and speed – and in 1936 Louise participated in the Bendix Transcontinental Speed Dash. This presentation will prepare us for our Be Inspired NWA Outing to the Louise Café and tour of the Thaden Field House at Bentonville Municipal Airport later in June.
Cookie Decorating for Special Delivery to Healthcare Residents
Five Festivities
St. Patrick's Day - Take
Easter
Assisted Living Expansion Groundbreaking Ceremony
LeAnn Underwood’s Apartment
The Two-Bedroom Deluxe floor plan offers a roomy open concept that combines the kitchen and living area into one generously-sized room. Large enough to accommodate seating to stretch out and visit with friends and family, the room is enhanced by abundant natural light. LeAnn's walls are adorned with stunning, carefully selected large prints of nature photos taken by her son, Craig Underwood. The kitchen offers plenty of storage and counter space, plus a spot for a small dining table for two.
LeAnn Underwood's apartment is a perfect marriage of impeccable, uncluttered spaces enhanced by comfortable, inviting furnishings. Each piece of furniture and decor is intentional, reflecting tasteful simplicity. LeAnn enjoys her surroundings and is quick to credit every facet of the apartment's interior design to her daughter, Vicki Nelson, whose meticulous work brought it all together.
The secondary bedroom has proven to be perfect for creating a comfortable, well-appointed office. Additional images of nature displayed against the clean off-white walls and thriving plants in the window bring valuable serenity into the work space.
A large primary bedroom to the left of the living area is decorated simply, with attention to comfort. Spacious enough for a king-sized bed, a large television cabinet and a reading spot in the corner, the room invites relaxation.
Located on the ground floor, the apartment's patio is a wonderful place to birdwatch and tend to a few flowers. Large enough to hold an outdoor table for four, morning coffee al fresco is a perfect way to take in some fresh air and enjoy the view of the courtyard.
The office gallery wall of photos spanning decades tells the story of an active, growing family that loves spending time together. LeAnn cherishes recalling the many memories the collection provides.
The apartment design features two en suite bedrooms, both offering the privacy and convenience of full baths.
“Hey, Cuz! ”
Unexpected Family Ties
Discovered at Butterfield
When Mary Hardy knocked on Inza Fort’s apartment door, she was dropping by because she’d heard there was a wonderful painting she needed to see. On one wall hung the art, lovely as described. And on another wall was an intricate framed family tree tracing Inza’s mother’s Lee family line all the way back through American colonial history. Looking over the many hand-illustrated branches and twigs, her eyes landed on a name near the bottom of the tree: Hancock Lee. “That’s one of my relatives,” she told Inza. And just like that – fascinating family connections began to unfold.
A TREE WITH MANY BRANCHES
Hancock Lee was no ordinary figure. Born in the 1650s to Colonel Richard Lee — one of the earliest English settlers in America — Hancock Lee is a 7th or 8th great-grandfather shared by Mary Hardy, Inza Fort and Inza’s sister Susie Dawson. All reside at Butterfield, and longer threads of commonality continued to unwind.
As Mary and Inza started talking, the connections multiplied. Mary’s family line traces through Hancock Lee’s wife, Sarah Allerton, whose father Isaac Allerton sailed to America on the Mayflower in 1620. Through that connection, Mary is linked to the Brewster family through William Brewster, the Pilgrims’ senior Elder and spiritual leader.
“We’re more alike than we are different in many ways. You never know who you’re connected to.”
– Susan Riggs
One evening at dinner, Mary spoke of her interest in genealogy to fellow resident Joan Johnson, mentioning she was related to William Brewster. “So am I!” Joan said. Then Susan Lancaster, a Butterfield newcomer, added to the mix by revealing she shares Lee family roots that found their way to Alabama.
Sue Cullum, another neighbor, shared that her own Mayflower line traces through Susan Soule,
Sisters Inza Fort and Susie Dawson study the remarkable framed work depicting their Lee family tree.
connecting her lineage to Joan’s and to the same web of colonial ancestry – a discovery that has earned her treasured membership in the Mayflower Society.
Six women, one retirement community, all cousins — some separated by ten generations, some a bit closer — all of whom had no idea.
HISTORY GETS PERSONAL
For this group, genealogy is far more than a matter of names and dates. Susan Riggs has taught beginning genealogy for years, and she tells her students that each clue can lead somewhere unexpected. She laughs, “There’s nothing else in life you feel like you really need to be doing once you find that great clue!”
A Mayflower passenger, John Howland, famously fell overboard during the voyage and managed to save himself by catching a rope that allowed him to be pulled to safety. Because he survived, an estimated two million descendants can trace their lineage through the Howland family tree. One of those descendants is Sue Cullum, whose research path began after her mother-in-law disclosed in confidence that her own father murdered his second wife and then took his own life. After her motherin-law died and she brought it up to other family, nobody knew the name of the murder victim. This bothered Sue enough to start digging for answers. As she researched to find the woman’s name, she was bitten hard by the genealogy bug. She
discovered details about her husband’s Colonialist line that first landed near Jamestown in the 1600s and eventually moved southward to Arkansas and Oklahoma – and then began uncovering her own northern Colonial Loyalist line that moved into Canada after the Revolutionary War.
Susan Lancaster found a strong sense of connection to her ancestors through something very personal – a set of handwritten journals kept by her greatgrandmother before, during and after the Civil War. “Reading her journals,” Susan says, “You just feel like you knew her, and how she was having some of the same issues as women still do today.” Her greatgrandmother wrote about the beauty of her newborn baby, about fleeing Arkansas on a wagon to live in Texas for two years during the war – and about a husband she sometimes suspected loved money more than her. The family recorded the priceless journals before contributing them to the Arkansas Historical Museum’s collection.
my ancestors came from passengers Stephen Hopkins and William Brewster. It was my maternal greatgrandmother who brought the two family lines together.”
MORE ALIKE THAN DIFFERENT
Mary Hardy, who turned 95 this spring and shows no signs of slowing down, enjoyed introducing family members who traveled to Arkansas to their newly-found “cousins” Susie, Inza and Joan. Her enthusiasm for discovery is contagious. She revels in finding the pathways and intersections, like she did with her Mayflower connection.
“It’s certainly the case that there were people who came over on the Mayflower who ended up together and shared their genes.” Joan Johnson agrees. “That was true with me,” she says. “I found out one of
“It’s a small world.”
– Mary Hardy
Susan Riggs is cheerfully unapologetic about her favorite part of genealogy work: the skeletons in the closet. Her own research revealed a bigamist great-grandfather. “My mother, I’m sure, is rolling in her grave every time I share that,” she laughs. She doesn’t hide from learning she has ancestors who owned enslaved people, a reckoning she takes seriously and approaches with honesty and humility. “We’re more alike than we are different in many ways. You never know who you’re connected to.”
A spirit of openness runs through this group. Joan Johnson arrived at Butterfield knowing no one in Arkansas – no relatives or friends here, and had barely passed through. Yet, she found herself sharing Mayflower ancestry with neighbors and feeling genuinely at home. “Butterfield encourages lifelong learning,” Joan says. “There are so many people here engaged in new ideas and who have so much history themselves. We’re always learning, we learn from each other. Sometimes we even learn we’re family.”
Mary Hardy agrees. “It’s a small world,” she says simply — and then smiles at her cousins gathered around the table.
(Right to Left) Susie Dawson, Inza Fort, Susan Riggs, Joan Johnson and Sue Cullum discuss their interesting family connections.
Mary Hardy and Susan Lancaster look through a compilation of family history.
Putting Down Roots
Butterfield’s Campus Tree Donation
There’s something especially momentous about planting a tree. It’s an act of hope – a gift to the future, a living tribute to a loved one, or a way to make a beautiful place even more so. That spirit is at the heart of the Butterfield Trail Village Foundation’s new Campus Tree Donation Program, which invites residents and others to build upon the verdant beauty of the BTV campus by funding the planting of a tree.
Top & Bottom of page: Some of the varieties available for donation. Top: (L to R) Redbud, Dogwood, Tulip Tree, Fringe Tree, Red Buckeye, Serviceberry.
Bottom: (L to R) White Oak, Red Maple, Sugar Maple, Pawpaw, Black Gum, Mulberry.
The idea took root with Jerilyn Nicholson, chairwoman of the residentrun Landscape and Grounds Committee. Through close collaboration between the committee, Grounds Manager Adam Fuller and other staff members, a true community effort emerged. Since the program launch in February 2026, 13 trees have been requested and approved, with many dedicated in honor or in memory of someone special. That personal aspect of the program is part of what makes it so meaningful: a tree planted on the Butterfield campus becomes a living, growing reminder of a person, a relationship and a life well lived.
Adam Fuller carefully selected 17 approved tree varieties after much discussion with the Landscape and Grounds Committee. Every option is native to Northwest Arkansas, suited to the campus environment, and chosen for the seasonal beauty it brings – from the celebrated spring blooms of Redbuds and Dogwoods, to the fiery fall color of Red and Sugar Maples, to the stately evergreen
Program
presence of the Eastern Red-Cedar and American Holly. Each variety is uniquely beautiful.
Donors may choose from three categories — Flowering/Ornamental, Hardwood/Deciduous and Softwood/Conifer — or opt to leave the choice to BTV’s grounds team. A preferred planting location may be suggested, though all locations are subject to approval based on the campus landscape plan and horticultural considerations. A donation of $550 per tree covers the purchase price of an averagesized balled and burlapped tree, delivery, watering bags and professional installation. Applications are available at Butterfield’s front reception desk, and payment is made only after the grounds manager approves the request.
For a place built around community, continuity and care, the Campus Tree Donation Program provides a beautiful way to leave a lasting mark on a place so many call home.
Inaugural donors to BTV’s Campus Tree Donation Program are (back row, left to right) Christine Klinger, Nancy Blair, Eric Wailes, John Gilmour and Tamara Gilmour, and (front row, left to right) Sara Brown, Linda Hayes, Doris Schuldt, Jill King, Sandra Brooks and Karen Anderson. Not pictured: Tom King, Ned and Cathy Irving, Jim and Judy Cole, and Vernon Collins.
Music in the Mountains: A Summer Tradition Returns to Inspiration Point
High above Beaver Lake, where the Ozark Mountains stretch into soft blue horizons, a storied tradition continues to unfold each summer.
Opera in the Ozarks returns for its 2026 Summer Season from June 26 through July 24, inviting audiences to experience world-class performances in one of the region’s most breathtaking settings. Now in its second full season within a new state-of-the-art theater at Inspiration Point, the organization continues to blend exceptional artistry with the natural beauty that has defined its legacy for more than 70 years.
This year’s season brings together 41 rising vocalists and professional instrumentalists from across the country – an ensemble of emerging talent performing alongside a full orchestra in a setting designed for both acoustic excellence and audience comfort.
“This summer’s company is filled with extraordinary young artists whose talent, dedication and artistry continue to raise the bar for Opera in the Ozarks,” says General Director Nancy Preis. “With a full orchestra and an inspiring repertoire, audiences can expect remarkable depth, energy and musical excellence across all 22 MainStage performances.”
The 2026 repertoire offers a vibrant mix of beloved classics and dynamic storytelling:
Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro — a masterful comedy of wit, romance and clever intrigue (June 26, July 1, 5, 8, 11, 17, 24)
Bernstein’s Candide — a fast-paced, satirical journey filled with humor and dazzling music (June 30, July 3, 7, 9*, 12, 15, 22)
Puccini’s Suor Angelica and Gianni Schicchi — a powerful double bill balancing poignant emotion with sharp comedic flair (June 27, July 2, 6, 10, 14, 16, 19, 23)
Together, these works span the emotional and stylistic range of opera — from brilliant ensemble comedy to profoundly moving drama — offering something for both longtime enthusiasts and first-time attendees.
“Our 2026 repertoire offers a compelling blend of comedy, drama and musical brilliance,” Preis adds. “From Mozart’s masterful ensemble writing and Bernstein’s sparkling wit to Puccini’s deeply moving and beautifully contrasting one-act operas, this season showcases the range and emotional power of opera at its finest –while providing our artists with rich opportunities to grow and shine.”
Beyond the MainStage performances, Opera in the Ozarks also extends its reach with special events designed to deepen the audience experience. A Chamber Music concert on July 21 offers an intimate evening of artistry at Inspiration Point, while two lively Broadway Cabarets — July 18 in Eureka Springs and July 20 at The Apollo in Springdale — bring beloved show tunes to life in a relaxed, festive atmosphere complete with buffet dinner and a cash bar.
A Setting Like No Other
Part of what makes Opera in the Ozarks so distinctive is its setting. Just five miles west of historic Eureka Springs, Inspiration Point pairs sweeping mountain views with a purpose-built theater that enhances every note and nuance. It’s an experience that feels both grand and deeply personal – where the scale of opera meets the intimacy of place.
Plan Your Visit
Evening performances begin at 7:30 p.m., with Sunday matinees (and Thursday, July 9) at 3 p.m. Tickets range from $30 to $50 depending on seating preference, with special pricing available for younger audience members.
For those seeking an unforgettable summer outing — whether a longtime opera lover or simply curious — Opera in the Ozarks offers a rare opportunity to experience exceptional music, rising stars and the quiet magic of the mountains, all in one evening.
Tickets and full schedule information are available at opera.org or by calling (479) 253-8595
Artosphere Returns!
By Grace Lindquist
Back and better than ever, the Artosphere Arts + Nature Festival celebrates art, music and nature with exciting performances, workshops and events. Presented by Walton Arts Center, each year Artosphere spotlights artists and performers from across the region who are inspired by nature and provides opportunities for the community to experience art and be creative.
This year, you can expect the return of fan-favorite events like Trail Mix and the Chapel Concert Series. From yoga to kids’ shows to workshops and classes on a variety of topics, Artosphere has something for everyone.
Live music returns to the Botanical Garden of the Ozarks on Tuesday, May 5 at 6 p.m. with Jazz in the Garden. Little Rock-based jazz band Langiappe takes the stage with singer Genine LaTrice Perez Lagniappe is a local musical family that has brought joy to crowds and special gatherings regionally and nationally for nearly 20 years. Led by Perez, a genreblending vocalist, this group brings heart, power, warmth and soulful storytelling to every performance. Bring your chairs or picnic blanket. Tickets are free with registration.
The Chapel Concert Series is set to bring music to two local architectural marvels this May, first at Hunt Chapel in Rogers on Wednesday, May 6 at 6 p.m. for an evening of inspiring classical music from talented University of Arkansas students, outstanding regional musicians and distinguished
Also Upcoming at Walton Arts Center
professional artists. And on Monday, May 11 at 6 p.m., enjoy Americana music with local band The Crumbs at the Mildred B. Cooper Memorial Chapel in Bella Vista. Tickets to both concerts are $10 each.
For 15 years, the Curtis Chamber Orchestra has maintained an unparalleled presence at top international concert halls, performing more than 450 concerts in over 120 cities, from New York to Berlin and Hong Kong to Santiago. Now, for one night only on Tuesday, May 19 at 7 p.m., you can see them at Walton Arts Center. The ensemble, composed of students, alumni and faculty of the prestigious Curtis School of Music, will perform an exquisite selection of Barber, Mozart and Beethoven. Tickets are $10.
Since Riverdance first emerged onto the world stage, its fusion of Irish and international dance and music has captured the hearts of millions worldwide. The Grammy Award®-winning music and infectiously energetic choreography established Riverdance as a global cultural sensation.
And all month long, you can enjoy the convergence of art, nature and movement with Tunes on the Trail. As you enjoy the local trails this May, you can enjoy a curated playlist featuring some of the Artosphere Festival Orchestra’s most beloved performances from past seasons. To start listening, scan the QR code on the signage placed along the Razorback Greenway and at the Wilson Springs Preserve, Lake Fayetteville, Mount Kessler, Mount Sequoyah, Cato Springs, Frisco and Lower Ramble and Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art trailheads.
See a full lineup of Artosphere events and learn more at waltonartscenter.org/Artosphere
Celebrating an incredible 30-year milestone, Riverdance embarks on a special anniversary tour coming to Fayetteville for three performances June 9-11. With new innovative choreography, costumes and state-of-the-art lighting, projections and graphics, this unique and memorable performance showcases the skill and passion of these world-class dancers, musicians and singers. Show dates and performance times: Tuesday, June 9 and Wednesday, June 10 at 7 p.m.; and Thursday, June 11 at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are available at waltonartscenter.org.
Genine LaTrice Perez
Riverdance
(Left to Right) Inspyral, Trail Mix, Meadow Makers, Las Hermanitas
From Beverly Hills to Holiday Island: Donna Douglas’ Ozark Chapter
By Sandra Cox Birchfield, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History
She portrayed the tomboyish, yet gorgeous, Elly May Clampett on the 1960s sitcom The Beverly Hillbillies. Then, about 20 years after the show’s cancellation in 1971, Donna Douglas reprised her role at Holiday Island (Carroll County), where she started a craft fair.
Decked out in her familiar TV garb of blue jeans with a rope belt and ribbons in her hair, she stayed in character and posed with fans in a makeshift pink house, which stood among the 150 or so craft booths on the fairgrounds.
“It’s all part of making a living,” she told a Tulsa World reporter in 1994.
The small town near the Missouri border, just nine miles north of Eureka Springs, also served as base for the Donna Douglas International Fan Club.
Though the fictional Clampett TV family hailed from the Ozarks, Douglas herself lived just outside of Los Angeles. After the show’s cancellation,
Douglas worked for a while as a Beverly Hills real estate agent before focusing on a music career.
This poster advertised the first arts and crafts festival featuring Donna Douglas. The annual festival lasted only a few years.
Douglas just happened to know Tom Dees, who developed Holiday Island. He told Douglas about the popularity of craft fairs in the Ozarks. This inspired her to launch the Donna Douglas Arts and Crafts Festival in Holiday Island in 1991. Though close to 60 years of age, she recreated her Elly May persona down to the costume. She also spoke like her character, complete with a Southern twang throughout the event. She chatted with fans and posed for photos, even if people didn’t buy the ones she was selling. Deeply religious, she spent her off time singing at local churches and other area venues and typically included a Bible verse when she signed an autograph.
Her craft fair, however, was short lived. By 1995, it was a memory.
But she remained busy. She recorded country and gospel music albums and wrote a children’s book with a biblical theme.
“She was Elly May until the day she died,” said her costar, Max Baer Jr., who played her cousin on The Beverly Hillbillies
That day came on Jan. 1, 2015, when she succumbed to pancreatic cancer. She was 82.
Donna Douglas, who portrayed Elly May Clampett on the TV show, The Beverly Hillbillies, poses for a photo at the Holiday Island arts and crafts festival that bore her name.
Why Movement Matters More Than You Think The Brain-Body Connection
Leading researchers at the Mayo Clinic and Yale School of Medicine have reached a striking conclusion: exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have for influencing brain health — and even the progression of Parkinson's disease. It's a simple idea with profound implications: how we move can shape how we age.
Parkinson's affects movement, balance, coordination, mood and cognition. While there is no cure, consistent physical activity has been shown to meaningfully support quality of life for those living with the disease and for anyone invested in long-term brain health.
What Happens in the Brain When We Exercise
• Neuroplasticity — Consistent, varied or rhythmic movement helps the brain stay adaptable – essential to maintain mobility, improve balance and slow functional decline.
• Mood & Emotional Health — Exercise helps regulate the nervous system, reducing anxiety, depression and isolation, all of which are commonly associated with Parkinson's and aging.
Exercise is one of the most powerful tools we have for influencing brain health — and even the progression of Parkinson's disease.
Exercise doesn't just strengthen the body – it directly affects the brain. Here's what the research tells us:
• Increased Dopamine Efficiency — Parkinson's is characterized by a loss of dopamine-producing cells. Exercise helps the brain use dopamine more efficiently, improving movement and coordination.
• Boost in BDNF — Often called "fertilizer for the brain," Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor supports growth of new brain cells, stronger neural connections and improved memory. Cardiovascular exercise is one of the most effective ways to increase it.
• Improved Blood Flow & Oxygen — Exercise increases circulation, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to brain tissue. This supports clarity, focus and long-term resilience.
How We’re Putting Research into Reality
At Butterfield, we've been intentional about weaving these principles into our wellness programming. Wellness Director Jennifer Neill and Wellness Assistant Kaysha Thompson are both Parkinson Wellness Recovery (PRW) certified, and we've partnered with Encompass Health to expand support resources on our campus. We've also developed a Parkinson's Resource & Support Guide for residents, connecting them with classes, services and community resources.
Rather than creating entirely new programs, we’re enhancing what we already offer to address Parkinson’s and brain health. From strength training and functional fitness to water aerobics, Tai Chi, balance work and interval training, each class now has a clearer purpose – supporting not only muscles and joints, but the brain and nervous system as well.
Here’s the takeaway: movement is medicine. If you or someone you love is navigating Parkinson's, or if you want to do what you can to protect your brain as you age, the science is clear: consistent, intentional exercise is one of the best investments you can make.
The
Butterfield Trail Village Foundation is grateful for the gifts received between February 13, 2026 and April 9, 2026, from the following donors:
Unrestricted Fund
Scott & Pam Covington in memory of Sid Davis
Jerre Jouett in memory of Sid Davis & Richard Kuehl
Marlene Samuel & Cary Haramoto in memory of Richard Wharry and Richard Kuehl
Ann Henry in memory of Marian Catron and Donna Horne
