June 2026

The Moments That Stand Out. The Dads Who Show Up.

As soon as Dad parked his Chevy Silverado, my brother and I bolted! He was taking us on a picnic on Hickory Hill Mountain, and we couldn’t contain our excitement about exploring and eating fried chicken. With KFC in hand, we skipped through the woods, searching for an opening for the picnic.

I consider it a perfect day, and not because of the sunny weather, the beautiful location or because the chicken was finger-lickin’ good; it was because we had all of Dad’s time and attention for a few hours. I still have vivid memories, like Polaroids that my brain saved decades ago and filed under “best day ever!”

Reflecting on those special moments with my dad, I realize they meant more than just a fun outing — they helped me appreciate the importance of being present. While I don’t know what it’s like to be a dad, I recognize they carry a different set of burdens than moms do, which I’m sure can feel overwhelming. Yet, I once heard an older man tell a young dad that so much of being a good dad is about showing up for the special moments.

This edition of 501 LIFE is devoted to recognizing “Men of the Moment” from Central Arkansas who show up every day and make a difference. We’re proud to share stories featuring dynamic entrepreneurs, innovative community builders, committed volunteers and bold leaders, offering readers a look at their achievements and impact.

Our cover story is about Jaison Sterling, who founded Sterling Imageworks and Rock Town Media with his wife, Callie. His innovative approach to sports photography has caught the attention of ESPN and photographers worldwide who seek his training — and he generously shares his knowledge. But there is one asset you cannot share … passion. Learn how the North Little Rock couple’s passion and tenacity resulted in 1 million followers on social media.

I invite you to spend time with our “Men of the Moment” who are elevating the communities they call home and creating legacies rooted in authenticity and impact.

Happy Father’s Day from the 501 LIFE Team!

Arkansas Farm Bureau, 71

Arkansas MLK Commission, 58

Arkansas REALTORS® Association, 69

Arkansas Scholarship Lottery, 19

Arvest Bank, 73

Barksdale Federal Credit Union, 8

Capitol Glass Company, 46

Chris Crain Hyundai, 61

City of Morrilton, 52, 53

Conway Corp, 79

Conway Regional Health System, 91

Conway Regional Home Health, 33

Conway Regional Rehab, 85

First Arkansas Bank & Trust (FAB&T), 59

First Community Bank, 63

First Security Bank, 34, 92

First Service Bank, 68

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Greenbrier Public Schools, 55

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Hartman Animal Hospital, 80

Harwood, Ott & Fisher, 51

Heritage Living Center, 5

Jacob Flores, 54

Julie’s Sweet Shoppe, 87

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Karen Ferguson, 21

Kilwins Little Rock, 83

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Methodist Family Health, 57

MSC Eye Associates, 67

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Oaklawn Racing, 30

Ott Insurance, 27

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PCSSD, 47

Professional Computer Services Inc. (PCSI), 35

Renewal Ranch, 65

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Salem Place, 15

Seven Lakes Ranch, 23

Shelter Insurance, 83

South Conway County School District, 32 Spark Community, 39

Superior Health & Rehab, 2

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The Plant Outlet, 66

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UACCM, 41

UCA, 45

Unity Health, 3

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Velda Lueders, 76

Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, 13

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Y107.1, BIG 92.7 & Kat Country, 15

Mike Kemp is a freelance photographer and writer from Conway. Specializing in commercial and portrait photography, he spends his spare time trying to cure his wanderlust on his motorcycle or on road trips with his wife Crystal. When not chasing down a road, he enjoys patio time with his tripod dog Dolly.

David Grimes is a native of Conway and a graduate of UCA. He and his wife, Laura, both work in accounting and love to stay active in their community. They are parents to three children. He also serves on the Conway City Council, is a board member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame and is a big Conway Wampus Cat fan.

Mark Oliver is an award-winning sports broadcaster and sportswriter from Garland County. A UCA graduate, he has announced play-by-play for Fountain Lake High School football since 2010 and serves as the Sports Information Director and playby-play announcer for National Park College. Mark lives in Hot Springs with his wife, Hanna, and their three boys.

WATER SAFETY SATURDAY

JUNE 6 • CONWAY

Make a splash safely at this free family event featuring water rescue demonstrations, life-jacket giveaways, food and hands-on lessons for getting in and out of boats. Bass Pro Shops and the Conway Fire Department Water Rescue Team will be on hand.

“WEIRD AL” YANKOVIC

JUNE 20 • NORTH LITTLE ROCK

Get ready for accordion-fueled laughs, clever parodies and singalong favorites from “Eat It” to “Like a Surgeon” as Grammy winner and skilled accordion player “Weird Al” takes the stage.

CENTRAL AR CORVETTE CLUB WEEKEND

JUNE 11-13 • HOT SPRINGS

Corvette lovers can cruise into Hot Springs for a weekend of horsepower, chrome and curves, including a scenic drive, downtown parade, indoor judged show and plenty of street-side shine.

ARKANSAS FOLKLIFE FESTIVAL

JUNE 26-28 • NORTH LITTLE ROCK

Music, food, crafts and Arkansas stories come together at this free, three-day inaugural celebration at Riverfront Park with regional traditions, family activities and headliners Bobby Rush and Lucinda Williams.

AIN’T MISBEHAVIN’

JUNE 16-28 • LITTLE ROCK

Step into a Harlem nightclub as the music of Fats Waller takes over The Rep. This Tony Award-winning revue is a musical party that serves up jazz, swing, sass and toe-tapping fun for all.

FAMILY FEST AMERICAN SUMMER

JUNE 27 • LITTLE ROCK

Start the Independence Day fun early with the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts at MacArthur Park with art, music, lawn games, a mini parade, outdoor activities, hands-on summer fun and festive bites from Park Grill.

A HEART FOR SERVICE

Natural State Council Scouting America honors Mayor Bart Castleberry and raises funds for District Scouts.

The Natural State Council Scouting America celebrated scouting in Central Arkansas on May 14 at the annual Heart of the Eagle Banquet that was held at the St. Joseph Spiritan Center. The annual gathering recognizes leadership, service and character while supporting the future of Scouting in the six counties that make up the Foothills District.

The council serves 8,500 youth and adult members, and they provided 96,000 hours of community service last year. During the annual Scouting for Food promotion, scouts gathered 40,600 pounds of food that was donated to regional food pantries. As an indicator of the health of the council, 123 young men and women earned Eagle Scout, the organization’s highest rank, in 2025..

At the banquet, one citizen is recognized for their contributions to the community. Conway Mayor Bart Castleberry was named the Heart of the Eagle Honoree for 2026. In addition to his role as mayor since 2017, Castleberry has served his community through the fire department and his church. He was honored for his decades of leadership in business, public service and community engagement. His commitment to making a lasting difference reflects the values Scouting seeks to instill in young people, according to Scout Executive and CEO Shanna Richardson.

Troop 534 and Jamie Gates acted as master of ceremonies for the banquet. Troop members took turns recognizing famous Eagle Scouts, including former President Gerald Ford. The event raised $37,580 that will benefit Scouts in the Foothills District, which comprises Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Perry, Van Buren and Stone counties.

CENTER RIGHT: School of Nursing Director and Professor Susan Gatto, PhD, RN (from left), and College of Health and Behavioral Sciences Dean Nancy Berryman Reese.

BOTTOM RIGHT: Patient Simulator

PRACTICE MAKES PREPARED

UCA’s Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation becomes the first collegiate simulation center in Arkansas to earn full accreditation

Before nursing students ever step into certain high-pressure clinical situations, many first meet those moments inside UCA’s Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation — a place where lifelike technology, trained faculty and carefully built scenarios help future healthcare professionals practice safely, think critically and gain confidence.

That work received historic recognition April 28 when the University of Central Arkansas School of Nursing’s Nabholz Center for Healthcare Simulation earned full accreditation from the Society for Simulation in Healthcare, becoming the first collegiate simulation center in Arkansas to receive the designation.

“This is a landmark achievement for the University of Central Arkansas and a tremendous win for the future of healthcare in Arkansas,” said Dr. Susan Gatto, director of the UCA School of Nursing. She said the recognition validates the work taking place in the simulation center and confirms that UCA is providing students with a world-class learning environment where they can build confidence, sharpen skills and improve patient outcomes.

Located in UCA’s Integrated Health Sciences building, the Nabholz Center gives students a realistic, hands-on environment where they can build confidence before entering clinical settings. Using advanced technology, lifelike mannequins and carefully designed patient-care scenarios, students practice communication, critical thinking, teamwork and clinical decision-making in a safe learning environment.

The center can simulate a wide range of healthcare situations, from medical complications and trauma to labor and delivery, hospice care and emergency response. During the past academic year, the center facilitated more than 15,500 student learning hours for students in nursing and other health-related disciplines.

The Nabholz Center also supports students across the College of Health and Behavioral Sciences through interprofessional education experiences designed to mirror the collaborative nature of healthcare delivery. Its mission is to help students apply knowledge, skills and abilities in providing safe, effective and holistic care for diverse populations.

To earn accreditation, a simulation program must demonstrate at least two years of successful operations and outcomes in areas such as teaching, assessment, research and systems integration. The accreditation is valid for five years and requires annual reporting to ensure continued excellence and improvement.

The center was named in recognition of support from the Nabholz family and serves as a hub for innovative teaching, workforce preparation and research in healthcare education.

Among those recognized during the celebration at UCA Integrated Health Sciences were honored guest Charles Nabholz (founder of Nabholz Construction), simulation co-coordinator and certified simulation operations specialist Sarah Luyet, simulation technicians Tiffany Hall and Diana Burks, and members of the Arkansas State Board of Nursing and Arkansas Center for Nursing.

CareLink’s Cupcakes for Goodness Sake brings sweet competition, circus fun and community support to Argenta Plaza.

Cupcakes took center ring May 2 as CareLink’s Cupcakes for Goodness Sake returned to Argenta Plaza in North Little Rock with a Big-Top Circus theme, local bakers and plenty of family-friendly fun.

Billed by CareLink as “The Sweetest Street Fest in Arkansas,” the annual fundraiser brought the community together for an afternoon of flavor, creativity and support for Central Arkansas seniors. Guests sampled miniature cupcakes from local bakers and voted for their favorites in professional and amateur categories, with circus-inspired creations featuring flavors such as funnel cake and caramel popcorn.

The theme carried beyond the cupcake tables. Arkansas Circus Arts added big-top energy with live performances, while food trucks, vendors, children’s activities and music from a DJ helped turn the plaza into a lively street festival. CareLink promoted the event as a celebration of “cupcakes, creativity and community,” with whimsical treats inspired by the circus theme.

Beyond the fun, the event supported CareLink’s mission to serve older adults and their families across Central Arkansas. The nonprofit provides essential services including Meals on Wheels, transportation, HomeCare, caregiver support, information and assistance, and other programs designed to help seniors remain connected, supported and independent.

By the end of the afternoon, Cupcakes for Goodness Sake had delivered more than sweet treats. It gave families, bakers, businesses and community members a chance to step right up for a cause that helps older neighbors throughout the region.

FMardi Gras in May brought New Orleans flair to Central Arkansas while helping outfit children’s spaces inside Arkansas’ first Family Peace Center.

estive shades of purple, green and gold filled the home of Cathy Browne on May 8 as guests gathered for Mardi Gras in May: Carnivale of Toys & Triumphs, a spring fundraiser benefiting Women & Children First: The Center Against Family Violence.

Hosted by the Peacekeepers, a volunteer group supporting Women & Children First, the masquerade-style celebration brought a taste of New Orleans to Central Arkansas. Each area of the event was inspired by a different part of the city, including Bourbon Street, the Garden District, Jackson Square and Lafayette Cemetery. The Brass Biscuits provided live jazz, while jugglers entertained guests throughout the evening. Attendees also enjoyed a silent auction and wine and bourbon pull.

Beyond the festive atmosphere, the evening carried a deeply meaningful purpose. Proceeds from the event helped outfit the children’s spaces inside the newly opened Forest of Hope Family Peace Center, Arkansas’ first center of its kind. The almost $50,000 that was raised will support toys, therapeutic play materials and comfort items designed to help young survivors feel safe, supported and cared for as they begin the healing process.

Women & Children First held the official ribbon cutting for the Forest of Hope Family Peace Center on May 28 in Little Rock, marking a historic milestone for survivors of domestic violence across Arkansas. The center brings multiple critical services together under one roof, creating a coordinated, survivorcentered approach to safety, healing and long-term stability.

For many survivors, seeking help can require as many as 22 different stops to access the services they need. The Family Peace Center model is designed to reduce those barriers by offering advocacy, counseling, legal support, children’s services and other resources in one centralized location. The goal is to allow survivors to share their story once while receiving comprehensive, compassionate care from a coordinated team.

Founded in 2008 by shelter volunteers and board members, the Peacekeepers have continued to support Women & Children First through fundraising, service projects and special events. Through Mardi Gras in May, their work helped ensure that the Forest of Hope Family Peace Center opened not only as a place of safety, but also as a place where children can find comfort, play and hope.

BOUND FOR BROADWAY!

Broadway Bound Awards winners Collin Carlton and Annie Zimmerman are headed to the Jimmy Awards at the Minskoff Theatre.

Celebrity Attractions, in local partnership with Stage 13, is excited to announce the winners of the second annual The Broadway Bound Awards of Central Arkansas.

Collin Carlton, a senior at Pulaski Academy, and Annie Zimmerman, a senior at Episcopal Collegiate School, were awarded the coveted spots of representing Central Arkansas in New York City at The National High School Musical Theatre Awards®, otherwise known as the Jimmy Awards®, at the Minskoff Theatre on June 22.

Annie plans to attend Amherst College in the fall. She represented her school in the awards last year and received the Director’s Award for Vocal Excellence. She is an active member of her school’s theater program and a member of Stage 13’s Pre-Professional Company. Her recent credits include “Mean Girls” (Janis) at Stage 13, “Shrek” (Fiona) at Episcopal Collegiate School, and “Bright Star” (Alice Murphy) at Episcopal Collegiate School.

Collin plans to attend Oklahoma City University in the fall. He is a member of Stage 13’s Pre-Professional Company and was a Jimmy Award nominee in 2025. Favorite roles include “Hadestown” (Orpheus) at Pulaski Academy, “Alice” by Heart (Alfred) at Pulaski Academy, “Willy Wonka, JR.” (Charlie) at The Arkansas Repertory Theatre, “Newsies” (Crutchie) at Wildwood Park for the Arts, “13: The Musical” (Evan) at The Studio Theatre and “A Christmas Story” (Ralphie/ensemble) with the Broadway National Tour.

The Broadway Bound Awards of Central Arkansas highlighted and awarded excellence in regional high school musical theater and concluded with a one-night-only special showcase event on May 11. Thirty participants represented 16 area schools. Besides Annie and Collin, other finalists were John Sullivan (Hot Springs World Class High School), Mallory Lafferty (Pulaski Academy), Blakely White (Little Rock Christian Academy) and Evan Hauser (Parkview Arts & Science Magnet High School).

COUPLE OF THE MONTH

KEITH & CHEESA WILLIAMS

JACKSONVILLE

Photo by Makenzie Evans

HIS STORY:

I would describe myself as self-motivated, a lifelong learner and someone who enjoys troubleshooting and solving problems. I tend to have a direct approach, but I’m also a genuine and caring person.

NATIVE OF: Grady (Lincoln County).

EDUCATION: I received training from ITT Technical Institute and Metropolitan Vo-Tech. I have spent nearly 30 years working in the television news industry as a master control operator, broadcast news engineer and in IT.

WORK: Chief Engineer/operator for KLRT FOX 16 News in Little Rock.

AWARDS: Throughout my nearly 30 years in television news, I have been honored to receive several Employee of the Month awards and other special recognitions for my work.

HOBBIES: In my free time, I enjoy gaming, working with electronics, riding motorcycles, tackling yard projects and making memories with my family.

CHURCH ACTIVITIES: I enjoy giving back by donating computers to churches and volunteering to help my mother’s church with its audio and sound system. I also participate each year in Nexstar Broadcasting’s annual Founder’s Day of Caring, which allows employees to give back through volunteer service.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS? What I love most about living in Central Arkansas is the people, the food and the convenience. We’re not battling crazy traffic and long commutes like in other cities and states, which gives us more time to enjoy life and family.

HER STORY:

I am driven, compassionate, community-minded and deeply family-centered. I care deeply about people and try to lead with heart and vision in everything I do.

NATIVE OF: Fordyce (Dallas County).

CHILDREN: Keith and I are proud parents of two sons, Kyree and Cruz Williams, ages 32 and 12.

PETS: I wouldn’t exactly call her a pet. Coco Bear is our daughter (ha-ha). Our sweet, 2-year-old Shih Tzu holds a special place in our hearts.

EDUCATION: I hold a bachelor’s degree in radio-television broadcasting from Arkansas State University. I worked in the television news industry as a reporter, producer and anchor for nearly 20 years before transitioning into public education, where I now work in school communications and marketing.

WORK: Director of Communications and Marketing for the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: I enjoy giving back through community service with Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., where I have been a member for nearly 27 years. I also serve as a board member of the Jacksonville Education Foundation and am a graduate of the Jacksonville Leadership Academy, as well as Emerge Arkansas, an organization that trains and recruits women to run for political office.

AWARDS: I am especially proud of receiving an Emmy Award in 2018 for producing breaking weather coverage at KARK News in Little Rock. I was also honored to receive the Jacksonville North Pulaski School District Classified Employee of the Year award in 2023 for my work in communications and marketing.

HOBBIES: I love music, gardening, event planning, video creation and anything that allows me to be creative.

WHAT ARE YOUR FAVORITE FAMILY ACTIVITIES? On the weekends, you can usually find my husband and me working in the yard together. We recently started a garden filled with flowers and vegetable plants, and my husband has been so supportive of all my crazy ideas. Our son occasionally helps, but as a tween, he’s usually more interested in video games. As a family, we love spending time together doing fun activities like go-karts, bowling and games.

their story

Keith and I met at work, and honestly, neither of us could have predicted where life would take us. He was an engineer at FOX 16, and I was a newly hired producer trying to learn the ropes. From the very beginning, Keith stood out to me. He was always kind, thoughtful and willing to help. He had a calm spirit and a genuine heart that made people naturally feel comfortable around him.

At first, we were simply friends, sharing laughs, joking around at work and getting to know one another. Over time, that friendship turned into something much deeper, and we began dating. Not long after, we welcomed our greatest blessing — our son, Cruz. Becoming parents together strengthened our bond and taught us what partnership truly looked like.

When Cruz was not quite 2 years old, we got married. Our wedding was beautiful — small, intimate and surrounded by our closest family and friends. One of our favorite memories is how our little boy somehow managed to walk me down the aisle, completely unintentionally, making the day even more special and unforgettable.

For the most part, Keith and I are homebodies. We genuinely enjoy each other’s company and believe love is often found in simple moments. We don’t need fancy restaurants or extravagant dates to feel connected. Some of our favorite nights involve staying home, watching pay-per-view boxing with snacks, laughing and simply enjoying time together.

As a family, we love making memories through vacations, go-kart rides and fun adventures. Add our energetic Shih Tzu, Coco, to the mix, and life feels full in the best way.

Each wedding anniversary is special, but we believe love should be celebrated year-round. Marriage keeps getting better as we continue to grow, support one another’s dreams, and build a life together. We feel incredibly blessed and are grateful for the life we’ve built together.

Secure your dream homesite and discover refined ranch living in the heart of Faulkner County at Seven Lakes Ranch Estates, a private gated horse-themed community thoughtfully designed for those who value privacy, security and the beauty of the outdoors.

Escape traffic, crowded neighborhoods and the noise of everyday life. Families, children and grandchildren thrive in an environment where horseback riding, outdoor adventure and peaceful living come together just minutes from shopping, dining and top-rated schools and colleges. Seven Lakes Ranch Estates is located in the Vilonia School District and has Conway addresses.

Seven Lakes Ranch Estates offers not only scenic beauty, privacy and convenience, but also the rare opportunity for gated ranch living with an equestrian theme. Residents enjoy access to more than 1,000 acres of wooded horseback riding and hiking trails, tranquil lakes and breathtaking natural scenery, creating an ideal retreat for those who appreciate country living.

Conveniently located only 8 minutes from Interstate 40 at the Mayflower exit, Seven Lakes Ranch Estates is approximately 15 minutes from Downtown Conway and only 25 minutes from West Little Rock or Cabot

Situated among some of Faulkner County’s highest elevations, homesites offer stunning views of rolling hills, private lakes and surrounding mountain scenery, including views toward

Lake Conway, Pinnacle Mountain and Petit Jean Mountain

Imagine relaxing on your porch after a trail ride, enjoying Arkansas sunsets and the quiet beauty of a place that feels miles away from the ordinary.

This sought-after ranch community features 66 spacious, threeto four-acre homesites. With eight homesites already sold and three custom homes currently under construction, excitement is growing as families begin bringing their visions to life at Seven Lakes Ranch Estates.

Architectural standards and deed protections help maintain property values and ensure a refined, cohesive atmosphere while still allowing homeowners to build custom homes tailored to their lifestyle.

Infrastructure is already in place, including city water, electricity, and high-speed fiber internet. Paved roads are coming this summer and fall, blending the peace of country living with modern convenience.

Developers Todd Ashley and TJ Ashley created Seven Lakes Ranch Estates with a vision for private wooded living, outdoor adventure and a true ranch lifestyle, where families can build lasting memories surrounded by nature, horses and scenic beauty.

Whether relaxing with family, entertaining friends or exploring miles of scenic trails, the home you build at Seven Lakes Ranch Estates will make a lasting impression.

Opportunities to own in a private gated equestrian community of this caliber are rare in Central Arkansas. Lots are $135,000 - $165,000

Schedule your private tour today. TJ Ashley: 501-319-5890 Todd Ashley: 501-680-6045

GRILLING IS SPECIAL TO ME BECAUSE IT IS ALWAYS TIED TO SOME OF THE HAPPIEST SEASONS OF MY LIFE.

When my kids were young, grilling out was never just about the food, it was about the neighborhood. On summer holidays, the smell of charcoal and smoke drifted through the air as families gathered in driveways and the cul-de-sac. Kids ran barefoot from yard to yard, laughing and chasing one another until the sun dipped low. Parents and neighbors filled the street with friendly competition, playing baggo, basketball and badminton as if time had slowed down just for us. Some holidays we went all out, even renting inflatable water slides so the kids could splash and scream with joy while the adults stood nearby, plates in hand, soaking in the moment and, when feeling brave, going down the water slides themselves! Those scenes are etched into my memory, and every time I fire up a grill, I’m transported right back there.

Grilling has always been one of my favorite ways to bring people together, regardless of what’s on the menu. Sometimes, it’s as simple as hamburgers and hot dogs sizzling over open flame. Other times, it’s steaks paired with grilled asparagus, or a full-on oyster grill where everyone crowds around, waiting for that perfect pop of a shell opening. No matter the menu, the grill becomes the centerpiece — the place people naturally gather, talk, laugh and reconnect. I love food because it has the power to erase divides and distractions. It invites people to slow down, share stories and enjoy one another’s company. Food truly is a universal language, one that everyone understands and appreciates, and it has a way of pulling us closer together without ever needing to try.

One of my favorite examples of how food connects us comes from my own career and a seasoning blend that has taken on a life of its own. Years ago, during my time as the chef at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, I learned a rib rub recipe from Sgt. Brad Bennet of the Arkansas State Police. He leaned in when he shared it and told me it was top secret, and when a state trooper tells you something like that, you listen. I took that recipe seriously, guarding it like a prized possession. Yet over the years, I’ve shared it with hundreds of people. I can’t help but laugh at that now. Brad and I have run into each other around town and joked about it, and each time we do, it’s a reminder that food has a way of breaking down barriers and creating bonds that last far longer than recipes themselves.

At its core, grilling represents community, tradition and connection for me. It reminds me of my kids growing up, neighbors becoming friends, and strangers becoming family over a shared meal. It ties together memories, laughter and the simple joy of being present. No matter the occasion or the menu, the grill has the magic to put a smokescreen around life for a brief minute to enjoy the moment.

Continued on page 26

I’m sharing some special recipes on page 29 because they represent what I love most about grilling — food that brings everyone to the table. The beef sliders keep the classic cookout tradition alive, while the chicken koftas offer a fresh, flavorful option for those who want something different or may not eat beef. Paired with whipped feta and grilled bread panzanella salad, the meal feels fun, satisfying and easy to share. At the end of the day, that’s what grilling is all about: cooking something people enjoy and creating a reason to gather.

Easy Grilled Chicken KOFTA KEBABS

Serves: 4–6

Prep time: 15 minutes

Cook time: 10–12 minutes

1½ lbs. ground chicken

1 small onion, finely grated or minced

3 cloves garlic, minced

¼ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

1½ tsp. ground cumin

1½ tsp. paprika

1 tsp. ground coriander

½ tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. salt

½ tsp. black pepper

2 Tbsp. olive oil

Juice of ½ lemon

Optional for serving:

Pita bread

Tzatziki or yogurt sauce

Sliced cucumbers

Tomatoes

Fresh herbs

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for at least 20 minutes.

In a large bowl, combine ground chicken, onion, garlic, parsley, cumin, paprika, coriander, cinnamon, salt and pepper. Add olive oil and lemon juice. Mix gently until just combined. Divide the mixture into equal portions. Press each portion firmly onto a skewer, shaping it into a long, slightly flattened sausage.

Lightly oil the grill grates. Grill the skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning every few minutes, until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from the grill and rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve hot with warm pita, tzatziki or yogurt sauce and fresh vegetables. These kebabs work well for casual grilling or family meals.

WHIPPED FETA with Fresh Herbs & Lemon

Yields: 1½–2 cups

Prep time: 10 minutes

8 oz. feta cheese, crumbled (block feta works best)

½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt

3 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more as needed

2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice

1 tsp. lemon zest

1 small garlic clove, minced (optional)

2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped

1 Tbsp. fresh dill, finely chopped

1 Tbsp. fresh chives, finely chopped

¼ tsp. black pepper

Note: Additional salt is usually unnecessary due to the saltiness of the feta.

Add feta, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest and garlic (if using) to a food processor. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed. Adjust texture by adding additional olive oil or a small amount of yogurt until the mixture is light and whipped. Transfer whipped feta to a bowl and gently fold in parsley, dill, chives and black pepper. Cover and refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving.

Serving Suggestions:

Serve as a spread for flatbread or crostini, a dip with warm pita, or as a topping for grilled meats, vegetables or burgers.

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Stir before serving.

Grilled Bread PANZANELLA

SALAD

(Italian Bread Salad)

4 cups bread (ciabatta or sourdough) grilled until crusty, torn into chunks

3 cups ripe tomatoes, cut into chunks 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil

2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste Optional to mellow the flavor:

Soak sliced onion in cold water for 5 minutes, then drain.

If the bread is not already stale, toast it in an oven at 375°F (190°C) for 8–10 minutes until dry but not hard. In a large bowl, combine the bread, tomatoes, onion and basil. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt and pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss well. Let the salad rest for 10–15 minutes before serving so the bread absorbs the juices. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Serving Suggestion: Serve at room temperature.

CLASSIC BEEF CHUCK SLIDERS with Thousand Island Dressing

Serves 6 people (2 sliders each)

Patty size: 2.5 oz each. Dressing: 2 Cups

DRESSING

1½ cups mayonnaise

¼ cup ketchup

¼ cup sweet pickle relish

2 Tbsp. finely minced, or grated, onion

2 Tbsp. white vinegar or lemon juice

1 Tbsp. sugar

1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

½ tsp. paprika

2 Tbsp. capers, finely chopped

¼ tsp. salt

¼ tsp. black pepper

Combine all ingredients in a medium mixing bowl. Whisk until smooth and fully combined. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more sugar for sweetness or vinegar for tang. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 5–7 days. Stir before using.

SLIDER PATTIES

2 lb. ground chuck (80/20)

1½ tsp. kosher salt

1 tsp. black pepper

1 tsp. garlic powder

1 tsp. onion powder

Divide the ground chuck into 12 portions, each 2.5 oz. Gently form into patties slightly wider than the buns and press a small dimple in the center. Season both sides evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Preheat grill, griddle, or cast-iron skillet to medium-high heat. Cook patties for 2–3 minutes per side, flipping once, until cooked through (internal temperature of 160°F).

BUNS & TOPPINGS:

12 slider buns • Leaf lettuce

Shaved onion • Dill pickle slices • Tomato slices

Lightly toast slider buns, cut side down, until golden. Assemble sliders: bottom bun, Thousand Island dressing, patty, tomato, pickle, shaved onion, leaf lettuce and top bun. Serve immediately.

Across Central Arkansas, some men do more than reach goals — they create movement. They build businesses, lead classrooms, shape creative spaces, strengthen families and serve communities with purpose. They are entrepreneurs, educators, artists, mentors and difference-makers who understand that success rarely happens by accident. It is built through discipline, long hours, resilience and the willingness to keep showing up when the path is difficult.

This year’s Men of the Moment represent more than personal achievement. Their stories reflect the kind of momentum that spreads — through families, workplaces, neighborhoods and the communities they call home. They remind us that leadership is not measured only by titles or awards, but by the impact left behind and the people lifted along the way.

In this issue, we celebrate men whose work, character and commitment continue to move Central Arkansas forward.

“Emotions are powerful, and emotions are real. However, emotions don’t always lead us to the truth.”

— Pastor Scott Warren

Craig Pinion believes education is about far more than academics. As principal of Morrilton High School, he is passionate about helping students grow into confident, capable adults while creating opportunities that positively affect families for generations.

One of the most rewarding parts of his career has been watching students mature between their freshman and senior years, Pinion said. Seeing that transformation academically, emotionally and socially reminds him why he chose to dedicate his life to education.

“We have the opportunity to help change lives and families for generations to come,” he said.

Under Pinion’s leadership, Morrilton High School has experienced significant achievements. The school transitioned to a standardsbased grading system and earned statewide recognition for academic growth. In 2025, U.S. News & World Report ranked Morrilton High School at No. 38 in Arkansas, a major jump from No. 79 the previous year.

The Arkansas Department of Education also recognized the school as one of the top 10 percent of public schools in the state for outstanding growth and graduation rates. “I have an

outstanding staff who are the backbone of the school and our success,” Pinion bragged.

The principal believes strong leadership begins with consistency, transparency and listening. He also believes the strength of a school district comes from the relationships built between educators, students and families. Morrilton schools strive to create an environment in which every student feels supported, challenged and valued, he said.

Having moved his own children to Morrilton during their middle school years, Pinion has experienced firsthand the opportunities the district provides. He credits several people for helping shape his career, including former Morrilton administrators Danny Ketcherside and Superintendent Shawn Halbrook, along with the South Conway County School District Board of Education.

But the person who inspires him most is his wife. After being diagnosed with Stage IV lung cancer in 2023, she has continued working and maintaining a positive outlook throughout treatment. “We are very blessed,” Pinion said.

Contact the Morrilton principal at craig.pinion@sccsd.org or 501.354.9430.

“The strength of the wolf is the pack, and the strength of the pack is the wolf. The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team.”

— Phil Jackson

Michael Pate believes healthcare is far more than treatment plans and procedures. It is about relationships, compassion and serving others during life’s most difficult moments.

As director of home health for Conway Regional Health System, Pate has dedicated his career to helping patients maintain dignity, independence and quality of life in the comfort of their own homes.

A physical therapist by trade, he knew from an early age that he wanted a profession that would allow him to make a meaningful impact. His first job in home health immediately revealed the unique connections that form when caring for patients in their home environment.

“Home health became a mission field for me,” Pate said. “It is where compassion, relationship-building and quality care come together to create lasting impact.”

He has served in long-term care and healthcare leadership roles across several states, but home health continually drew him back because of its deeply personal nature. Today, he leads a

nationally recognized home health team recently honored by Newsweek as one of the top agencies in the country.

Yet, Pate says the greatest rewards are not awards, but the stories of patients regaining strength, confidence and hope. He credits much of his leadership philosophy to his years serving as an elder at Fellowship Bible Church. He believes servant leadership, humility and genuine care for others are essential in both ministry and healthcare.

Pate is deeply inspired by his wife, Brandy, who earned her doctorate while raising their children, Carly and Jordan. “She challenges me to never become complacent and to always keep learning and growing,” he said.

Outside of work, he enjoys golf, running, Razorback sports and playing guitar with his band. He remains committed to serving patients and making a lasting difference in his community.

For more information about Conway Regional Home Health, call 501.329.9377.

“If you don’t like the hand fate has dealt you, fight for a new one.”

— Masashi Kishimoto

For Connor Flagg, working at First Security Bank is more than a career; it’s the fulfillment of a long-held goal. As a loan officer at the bank’s Greenbrier branch, he is grateful to be part of a team that shares his commitment to helping customers build stronger financial futures.

“Working for First Security has been a dream come true,” he said. “Our bank is filled with amazing people who want the best for our customers and for me.”

Flagg takes pride in guiding clients through meaningful financial moments, whether it’s helping a business owner reach a milestone or watching someone drive away in their dream truck.

“Financial success has always been important to me,” he said. “Being able to help others achieve their goals is a great feeling.”

As a young professional in the industry, he believes that character is the foundation of long-term success.

“Reputation is built in drops and lost in buckets,” Flagg said, quoting Under Armour CEO Kevin Plank. “Always uphold your character and reputation.”

He credits his success to the countless people who have encouraged him along the way. “My family, coaches and mentors have all pushed, challenged and supported me,” he said. “My wife, Kyndal, my parents, and mentors Joe Fitts and Tye Glover have been the most prominent, and I wouldn’t be who I am today without them.”

A former collegiate baseball player, Flagg stays active through basketball, slow-pitch softball, working out and cooking. When he’s not competing, he enjoys time with his wife and their dogs and cheering on their favorite NBA player, Anthony Edwards. Looking ahead, Flagg plans to build his entire career at the bank.

“I plan to stay at First Security until I retire,” he said. “I want to continue serving Greenbrier and Conway while developing longterm connections with my customers. My goal is to help them create strong financial outcomes while setting them up for longterm wealth.”

“Lead with gratitude, work with purpose and leave people better than you found them.”

Beau Odom has spent the past two decades building more than a successful IT company. He has built relationships, created opportunities for others and developed a business culture rooted in trust, gratitude and service. As owner and CEO of Professional Computer Services Inc., Odom combines his passion for solving problems with a genuine desire to help people succeed.

“I’ve always been drawn to solving problems and helping people,” he said. “Owning an IT company gives me an opportunity to do both every single day.” That mindset has guided Professional Computer Services through 20 years of growth and constant technological change while continuing to serve businesses across Central Arkansas.

For Odom, the most rewarding part of the business is not just the technology. It is the people. He enjoys helping clients overcome challenges and providing peace of mind, while also creating a workplace where employees feel valued and supported.

“No two days are ever the same, and I still enjoy learning something new every day,” he said.

One of Odom’s proudest accomplishments is sustaining and growing the business through economic shifts and rapid

advancements in technology. Yet he says his greatest success is building a company that supports his family and allows him to work alongside people he cares about. Watching employees grow personally and professionally has become one of the most fulfilling parts of his journey.

Outside of work, Odom enjoys collecting watches and studying the craftsmanship and history behind timepieces. He appreciates the precision, engineering and stories that are passed down through generations.

He credits much of his success to his wife, Hollie, and his family for their unwavering support throughout the years. Above all, he said he is proudest of his marriage, his children and the life they have built together.

REDEFINING THE GAME

By Mark Oliver • Photo by Callie Sterling

When Jaison Sterling steps behind the camera, something electric happens.

Smoke swirls. Gels ignite the air with color.

Athletes leap, sprint or shatter breakaway glass in a burst of motion that feels more like a movie scene than a photo shoot. For Sterling, co-founder of Rock Town Media and Sterling Imageworks Photography, the goal is never just to take a picture. It’s to create a moment that athletes and their families will treasure long after the season ends.

That philosophy has made him one of the most innovative sports photographers in Arkansas and beyond. It has also earned him a national spotlight, a thriving educational platform and a devoted following of athletes, families and fellow creatives.

Sterling’s journey to this moment began in a much simpler place: a college yearbook office at the University of Central Arkansas. He was a digital film major at UCA when he met his future wife, Callie, a broadcast journalism student. The yearbook staff was short-handed and needed photographers, so she asked him to help. What began as campus event coverage quickly grew into something bigger.

“We ended up making Sterling Imageworks LLC while still in college,” he said. “We photographed events on campus, then family pictures, then weddings.”

Sports photography entered the picture soon after, when a friend who coached at North Little Rock High

School gave him a chance to experiment with their team’s media day. Sterling pitched ideas that were, at the time, far outside the norms of high school athletics photography.

“One of the first shoots we did, we threw baby powder behind the athlete instead of smoke,” he recalls. “We used speed lights I normally used for weddings. We shot at an elementary school while the high school was being renovated. That started everything.”

From the moment Sterling’s photos hit the scene, coaches noticed. Players noticed. Families noticed. What they saw was a style unlike anything else in Arkansas: dramatic lighting, bold color, dynamic movement and practical effects that felt more cinematic than traditional.

Shaped by his filmmaking background and a commitment to capturing as much as possible in camera, not in post-production, Sterling’s work quickly became the standard.

“The reactions are awesome and genuine,” he said. “I show the athletes the back of the camera, and they get so excited. Every smile and jaw-dropping expression reminds me why I picked up a camera to begin with.”

To Sterling, innovation isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about access.

“I wanted to give high school, middle school and Little League athletes the kind of media-day experience that big Division I schools get,” he explained. “They deserve images they wouldn’t have gotten otherwise.”

Continued on page 38

Jaison and Callie’s creative paths intersected at the University of Central Arkansas, where he studied digital filmmaking and she pursued broadcast journalism. TOP LEFT: Callie reports on UCA’s new purple and gray turf in 2011. TOP RIGHT: Jaison films a Bears football game in 2012. BOTTOM: Jaison, back row left, and Callie, front row center, pose with the 2012 yearbook staff.

Years after meeting at the University of Central

opening of Rock Town Media’s sports photo

has grown into a

through

last

“It has been an unbelievable journey watching our company evolve the way it has. It’s really all-consuming — and that’s the part people don’t always see. They see the success online, but they don’t see where we started or what it took to get here. We are so grateful for every client, coach, parent, bride, groom, senior, athlete and family who has supported us through Sterling Imageworks and Rock Town Media. It took years of practice, determination and persistence to build this dream, and some days the success still feels like a dream to us.

Jaison is an incredibly talented photographer with a vision I truly believe has changed the game of sports photography. But he’s an even better human.

He truly cares about the kids and teams he works with and wants every media day experience to be fun and memorable. We focus on providing everything they need — from the props to the studio experience — so they have a great time, and the forever photos are the bonus.”

— Callie Sterling

In 2021, Callie suggested he start a TikTok account to show the behind-the-scenes footage of his photo shoots. He resisted at first, but when the third video he posted hit more than 300,000 views, he knew she was on to something.

“It hooked me on social media content,” he said. “Now I record everything I do during shoots. The reactions are part of the experience.”

The viral momentum led to something unexpected: hundreds of photographers messaging him with questions. Why this light? Why this angle? What settings? While other photographers may be reluctant to share industry secrets, Sterling realized he had the potential to become not just a creator, but an educator. Once he embraced that role, the next step came naturally. He launched online tutorials, posing guides, presets and eventually a Patreon [photography class] with tiered learning options. Workshops followed, with photographers traveling from across the United States and as far as Canada, Mexico and Germany to learn from him.

“It didn’t matter where I was doing the workshops,” he said. “People would come to me.”

That demand led to the creation of Rock Town Studio in North Little Rock, a dedicated space designed for teaching and creative experimentation.

Continued on page 44

Baby powder and speed lighting were among the early experimental techniques Sterling used to create motion, atmosphere and drama during one of his first sports photography shoots for the North Little Rock football team in 2014.

As a high school kicker, Jaison Sterling played for North Little Rock head football coach Brad Bolding, beginning a friendship that has continued for years. In 2013, Sterling filmed a hype video for the team, and in 2014 he photographed the Charging Wildcats in what became some of his early signature sports images. One photo was later selected as a weekly cover for the North Little Rock Times. In 2025, Bolding and the Charging Wildcats became the first team photographed in Rock Town Media’s new studio. During that shoot, Sterling and Bolding celebrated the moment (pictured on page 41).

“Jaison was my kicker my first year at NLR, and the one thing that stood out about him was his work ethic. He truly worked to be the best he could possibly be. I have been fortunate to know him and his wife, Callie, since 2007, and I can tell you without a shadow of a doubt that his work ethic, along with the support of Callie and his incredible mom and dad, have all been huge factors in his success. I could not be more proud of one of my players and a North Little Rock alumnus.

Jaison is a great example to all of my players now and in the future — and I love him like one of my own.”

— Coach Brad Bolding

See some of Rock Town Media’s favorite images on pages 42-43

“I remember where I started and all the learning curves that came along with the process,” Sterling said. “From teaching other photographers where to place their lights or how to position their athletes and seeing that lightbulb turn on for them, I have really enjoyed helping other photographers make their businesses more successful.”

Then came the message that changed everything.

“I got a message on Instagram from ESPN,” Sterling said. “I thought it was spam. My hand was shaking.”

It wasn’t spam; it was real. ESPN wanted him to photograph the Women’s Final Four media day, bringing his signature smoke, gels and off-camera lighting to the biggest stage in college basketball, where he photographed superstars like Iowa’s Caitlin Clark.

Following a 13-hour drive to Cleveland, Ohio, and the opportunity of a lifetime, ESPN hired him again the next year.

The second Final Four shoot came together at lightning speed. The Sterlings packed their truck and drove through the night to Tampa, Fla. After the shoot, they had to turn around immediately to make it back to Arkansas for another job.

“Callie drove until around midnight so I could edit and get the images to ESPN,” he said. “She was the real MVP that trip.”

It’s a story that captures not just Sterling’s dedication, but the partnership at the core of his success. Never satisfied with the status quo, Sterling’s creativity is relentless. He’s used everything from lasers and sparks to Hollywood-grade breakaway glass, an idea he got from watching a Western.

“I saw someone break a glass over someone’s head and started researching what Hollywood uses,” he said. “I bought a couple hundred dollars’ worth just to try to get a cool photo.”

While Sterling’s work is visually explosive, the heart of his mission is deeply personal.

“I remember my own school photos,” he said. “Stand here, look at the camera, smile, next. Today’s athletes deserve more and I love creating genuine reactions from clients. Knowing they love the image and get to see the process in real time makes the entire experience really special for them.”

Today, Sterling balances two businesses, a booming social media presence and a growing educational platform. He and Callie are even considering starting a podcast and franchising Rock Town Media. The couple recently hired a part-time employee to help with editing and content, which he describes as a full-time job in itself.

Whatever comes next, one thing is clear: Sterling isn’t done innovating.

In a field where repetition is easy and tradition runs deep, he has carved out something entirely his own. From creating unforgettable images to teaching others and pushing the boundaries of what sports photography can be and who it can be for, he has built a community of learners, inspired thousands and given young athletes the chance to feel like stars.

Most importantly, he has captured moments that matter. And that is what makes him a true Man of the Moment.

“Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do.”

— Mark Twain

Aaron Grimes knows what it means to carry on a family legacy while embracing the future. As president and co-owner of Capitol Glass Company and a pharmacist at CHI St. Vincent, he balances two demanding careers with a commitment to excellence, innovation and family.

Founded by his grandfather, Jack Grimes, in 1950, Capitol Glass has been a fixture in Central Arkansas for generations. His father, Glenn Grimes, dedicated 50 years to the business and led the company for more than three decades before Grimes stepped into operations in 2022.

He grew up around the shop, working summers during high school and learning firsthand the value of hard work and customer care.

Today, he is helping lead the company into a new era. As vehicles have evolved with advanced driver-assistance systems, the auto glass industry has changed dramatically. Grimes invested heavily in new tools, software and technology to ensure Capitol Glass remains at the forefront of safety and innovation.

“We take great pride in doing our part to keep the drivers of Central Arkansas and their families safe on the road,” he said.

One of his proudest accomplishments was stepping away from the family business at age 30 to attend pharmacy school. After working five years as a pharmacist, he returned with fresh ideas and organizational strategies that have strengthened Capitol Glass in a rapidly changing industry.

Outside of work, he enjoys an active outdoor lifestyle with his family. From wakeboarding and snowboarding to dirt bikes and hiking, adventure has always been part of the Grimes family culture. But more than anything else, Grimes’ greatest pride is his children, Mackenzie, Ryder and Aspen. He also remains deeply committed to supporting local organizations and mentoring the next generation through community involvement and leadership.

Contact Aaron Grimes at capitolglasscompany@ yahoo.com, call 501.374.6422 or follow him on Facebook and Instagram.

“If every decision you make has the best interests of the students in mind, you can never make the wrong decision. Never.”

Jeff Senn has spent more than 35 years investing in students, educators and communities across Arkansas. As superintendent of the Pulaski County Special School District, he believes education is about creating opportunities and helping young people discover paths to success.

His journey into education began through athletics. Growing up, Senn spent many years playing baseball, even briefly considering a professional career before deciding his true calling was in education, coaching and mentorship.

Senn’s career began teaching PE and coaching baseball and football in Crossett. Over the years, he served as an elementary, middle school and high school principal before eventually becoming a superintendent. Each role strengthened his passion for helping students succeed both inside and outside the classroom.

One of the most rewarding moments for the leader is graduation day. “Knowing that you have helped students achieve one of their first life goals by graduating high school is incredibly powerful,” he said.

Throughout his career, Senn has worked to create workforce and career opportunities for students by building partnerships within local communities. During his time at Lonoke School District,

he helped establish a Leadership Academy partnership with John Deere and Greenway that prepared students for careers immediately after graduation.

He believes that one of the greatest responsibilities educators have is ensuring every student has access to opportunities, whether through college, career training or military service. He also believes leadership begins with listening.

“Listen twice as much as you speak,” he advises. “People want to be heard.”

The superintendent credits several mentors for helping shape his career, including Dr. Janice Warren, Dr. John Tackett and Dr. Jerry Guess. He also says his father’s work ethic and Christian faith continue to inspire him. Above all, Senn is grateful for the support of his wife, Michelle, and their children, Dalton and Maggie, Abby, Noah, Chris, Laura Beth, and Lacey Claire Rogers, and grandchild Millie.

Outside of work, he enjoys fishing, golfing and hunting throughout Arkansas.

Contact Jeff Senn through the Pulaski County Special School District at 501.234.2000.

A ride with the right partner can turn close calls, trail mistakes and roadside surprises into memories worth retelling.

By

The cackling through the helmet headsets signaled both amusement and relief.

Just a few seconds prior, it was Richie telling me a story about work, home life, I can’t really remember. But it was broken by some colorful language and his heavy braking ahead of me. Our serene dirt road and moderate pace were suddenly blocked by a huge mud hole, the kind that swallows front tires and leads to a wet, muddy rider pulling themselves out of the muck.

Heavy braking followed, along with motorcycles that waggled their way through the obstacle. And then, hysterical laughter at what we had just encountered.

These kinds of events are just part of having the right riding partner. Most of the time that I’m riding, I’m by myself. And not for the stoic, modern-day cowboy crap that some riding mythology wants to sell you. Often, it’s scheduling and my inability to make a good plan that bites me. I’m too spontaneous, and my friends have jobs and stupid adult responsibilities. Additionally, I’m selective about who I want to ride with. No squids need apply. For many years now, Richie Ryerson has made the cut.

He got into the sport after I did and says seeing how much I enjoyed it encouraged him to make the jump. And to that end, we’ve been influential on each other; after seeing how much he was enjoying his dual sport a few years back, I took the plunge as well.

It’s been an interesting evolution. When we first began riding together, he joined my cousin and me for some rides. He said he could barely keep pace with us. But then, Richie discovered track days.

To the uninitiated, a track day is an open day on a race track that anyone with a credit card and the desire to pin it can enjoy. It’s not a race, but rather a chance to safely test your limits with runoff areas and emergency personnel nearby. With a few track days under his belt, Richie took the lead on our rides. It also meant that when we approached a curve, and he shifted his weight off the seat, I was not going to see him for a while.

That was okay. He always waited for me a little bit down the road.

He’s generous like that. Continued on page 51

“Sometimes, the re-telling of the event is more legendary than the ride itself.”

— Mike Kemp

1. Mike and Richie took a break at Car Wash Falls, which wasn’t running very much that day.

2. Great rides should also include great food. A romp through the Ouachita National Forest to visit a record shop near Hot Springs also meant stopping at Bailey’s for a cheeseburger.

3. Water crossings are fun, but sometimes they also make for great photo opportunities.

4. During one of their first trips into the Ouachita National Forest, Mike found a great selfie spot with a view of Forked Mountain in the background.

‘All I saw was you

disappear into a

bush!’

— Richie Ryerson

His generosity doesn’t stop there. For reasons that escape me, he sometimes likes wrenching as much as riding. Not content to wait on a shop’s schedule for mounting tires on wheels, he purchased a tire changer for his garage and shares his time and expertise with his friends. That has worked out well for me, especially in one period when I ended up with several punctures on rides with him.

His desire to purchase tools — he once wisely told me you never regret a tool purchase — has also worked in my favor. I had forgotten to return tools for extended periods and ended up owning those tools because he had doubled up on that particular tool and didn’t need two anyway.

We’ve also spent plenty of time in his garage due to his love of the mechanics of just about anything. Whenever I had a project that needed tackling but was intimidated by it, he shrugged it off by saying, “It’s just parts.”

The helmet communicators just add to the experience. When I first purchased mine, I wasn’t sure if having a voice in my helmet would add or detract from the experience. We had worked out hand signals for obstacles in the road, but now we could just tell each other what was ahead. Or what we saw in the rear views that might lead to more hysterics.

Like the time we crossed a dried creek bed in the Ozark National Forest. Despite my pointing out the perfectly good bridge we could cross, he insisted we go into the creek for some photos. It’s all for the ’Grams, right?

It was all fine until we were ready to leave. The exit was a pretty steep bank, which required commitment and a handful of throttle. Richie got it right. Me, not so much.

I launched up the bank in a manner that would make Evel Knievel proud and proceeded to land on another mound perfectly situated to launch me again — especially since I forgot to let off the throttle.

Another landing, another mound, another launch. This time, my trajectory shot me to the left between some concrete curbs and back onto the road. “Are you okay?” Richie’s voice sounded concerned, but when I confirmed that I indeed had survived, my headset erupted in laughter.

“All I saw was you disappear into a bush!” he mustered when he finally caught his breath. I’ll admit I laughed along as well.

The conversations via headsets ranged from shock when we both rode past a defensive rattlesnake on Highway 123 to fooling him into thinking I had spotted a bear. He called me some unfair names after that.

There are numerous other conversations, laughs and good meals that I could add. Despite spending a lot of time by myself on rides, it’s priceless having someone to share this sport with. It definitely adds richness and depth to the times shared.

“A great leader’s courage to fulfill his vision comes from passion, not position.”

— John C. Maxwell

Allen Lipsmeyer has spent more than a decade focused on one mission: making Morrilton an even better place to live, work and raise a family. As mayor of Morrilton in Conway County, he believes leadership is about service, vision and creating opportunities that improve the quality of life for residents.

“I chose to be mayor to make a difference,” he said. That desire to serve has shaped both his professional career and his approach to public leadership. Before becoming mayor, Lipsmeyer worked as a banker for 20 years, including two years as president of a local bank. He has also been a licensed contractor for 30 years and used that experience to help revitalize parts of Morrilton through commercial renovation projects and community improvements.

One of the greatest challenges Lipsmeyer has faced was helping shift Morrilton toward a more positive outlook while finding ways to fund meaningful projects without increasing the city’s tax burden.

Since he was elected mayor in 2014, Morrilton has experienced significant growth and investment without raising taxes. He said the city has invested approximately $20 million in improvements while also attracting more than $2 billion in private-sector

investment. He is especially proud of creating the state’s only city-owned bowling alley and skating rink, projects that help provide recreation and family activities for the community.

Lipsmeyer is also deeply involved in civic and volunteer organizations throughout Conway County. A Rotarian for more than 30 years, he serves on Community Hearts in Action, Chamber and CCEDC boards. He believes those organizations are important because they create opportunities to give back and strengthen the community.

Outside of public service, Lipsmeyer said one of his proudest accomplishments is adopting five grandchildren with his wife, Stephanie, seven years ago.

Looking ahead, he remains committed to improving the lives of his constituents.

“The future is bright in Morrilton,” he said. “I hope to be re-elected to continue moving this great community forward.”

To contact Mayor Lipsmeyer, email allenlipsmeyer@yahoo.com or call 501.354.1556.

“Dream big. Work hard. Be you.”

Jacob Flores has built a career around music, connection and authenticity. Through live looping, musicianship and technology, he creates the energy of a full band as a solo performer while entertaining audiences across Arkansas.

Music has been part of his life from the beginning. Raised in the Flores family music tradition, he grew up understanding the impact of live entertainment and the emotional connection music creates between performers and audiences.

“I believe God blessed me with a gift, and my responsibility is to use that gift to make a positive difference in the world,” he said. Flores first gained recognition after winning the Henderson Idol singing competition while attending Henderson State University. He later auditioned for “The Voice” and appeared on Season 14 of “American Idol.” What began with asking a local restaurant whether they needed live music eventually led to 13 years of steady performances and statewide recognition.

Today, Flores is an eight-time consecutive Hot Springs SentinelRecord Reader’s Choice Best Local Performer. He was featured on a cover of 501 LIFE Magazine in 2022 and has also been recognized by AY Magazine as one of Arkansas’s Best Local Musicians and named AY’s Best Local Artist in 2026. He regularly

appears on THV11’s “The Vine” morning show and continues expanding his one-man band performances.

Despite the awards, his greatest accomplishment is earning the trust of audiences and becoming part of people’s most meaningful moments, from weddings and celebrations to school performances and community events. One of the greatest challenges of being a solo performer is creating an experience that connects with audiences of all ages and backgrounds — a challenge Flores embraces as an opportunity with every performance.

Beyond entertainment, he is passionate about speaking at schools, performing at nursing homes and participating in community events where his music and message can provide encouragement, connection and joy. Looking ahead, he hopes to continue growing as an artist, releasing new music and using his platform to inspire others.

Contact Jacob Flores at jacobfloresentertainment@gmail.com, on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok (@Jacob Flores Music) or jacobfloresmusic.com.

“At the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly.”

— Theodore Roosevelt

Taylor Stone believes leadership is built through service, perseverance and investing in others. As Dean of Students at Greenbrier Middle School and Defensive Coordinator for Greenbrier High School Football, Stone is passionate about helping students and athletes develop confidence, resilience and a growth mindset.

He chose education and coaching because of the impact former teachers and coaches had on his own life. Today, he works to provide that same encouragement and accountability to the next generation.

“I love my job because it is a platform to lead and build those around me,” he said. “I believe leadership is about building people first, because strong people build strong teams, schools and communities.”

Stone wants students to understand their worth and recognize the effect their choices have on their futures. Whether in the classroom, on the practice field or during everyday conversations, he strives to lead by example and encourage students to pursue excellence.

The dean also believes challenges often create opportunities for growth and resilience. Through his leadership roles within

Greenbrier Schools, he hopes to continue to build success through consistency, discipline, trust and servant leadership. He strives to create environments in which students and athletes are challenged to grow both on and off the field.

Stone believes real growth often comes through adversity and challenges. Some of the hardest moments in his career have included losing former players to suicide. Those tragedies deepened his commitment to reminding young people of their purpose, value and potential. He credits his faith and his wife, Lauren, and their children, Easton and Charli, for inspiring him daily.

Outside of work, Stone enjoys trail running, hunting, fishing and outdoor adventures with his family. One of his favorite experiences was completing the Sylamore 50K trail race with his wife on Valentine’s Day.

Looking ahead, Stone remains committed to building meaningful impact through leadership, mentorship and service within the Greenbrier community.

Contact Taylor Stone at stonet@greenbrierschools.org or 501.679.2113.

AUTHOR OF THE MONTH

BRANDON D. CAMPBELL

By Susan L. Peterson • Photo by Makenzie Evans

Nothing matters more to Brandon D. Campbell than being a dad. But somewhere along the way, he realized that being the best father he could be meant that he first needed to take a hard look at himself.

That realization eventually led the Little Rock native to write and publish his first children’s book, “Oh Brother, My Brother.” Released in February, the book is aimed at children ages 6–11 and is designed to help families talk more openly — especially in blended families, where questions can sometimes go unasked or unanswered.

Told through alternating voices, “Oh Brother, My Brother” gives readers a front-row seat to sibling life — the playful teasing, moments of jealousy, the desire to belong and the comfort of feeling understood. The story is deeply personal. Campbell drew from his own childhood growing up in a blended family and the confusion he remembers feeling as a young boy. One of the book’s most distinctive features comes at the end of each chapter, where discussion questions invite kids and parents (or their caregivers) to talk through emotions together.

Campbell had always dreamed of writing a book, but it wasn’t until the COVID-19 pandemic, when families were experiencing mental challenges, that he had time to think about it. After a career disruption in 2023, he began writing, starting with reflections on his childhood and the memories that shaped him. Wanting the story to reflect more than just his own perspective, he reached out to family members to hear their experiences and insights on family dynamics.

He completed the manuscript in 2024 and began pitching it to agents and publishers. After more than 100 rejections, he finally found the right match with Holm Press. Even then, the work wasn’t finished. Campbell revised the book, hired an editor and illustrator, and waited patiently until the printed copies arrived in February.

He believes the discussion questions are the heart of the book.

“When kids don’t get answers, they fill in the gaps themselves, and sometimes the narratives they create to fill the gaps can be psychologically damaging,” he said. “Those perceptions can lead to maladaptive behaviors that don’t serve them well later on.” Writing the book helped him in his own healing journey.

Campbell holds a Bachelor of Arts in journalism and mass communications from the University of Iowa. His career has taken him from Hollywood, where he produced shows for E! and later worked as a writer and producer for World Wrestling Entertainment, to entrepreneurship and economic development. He is also well-known in Arkansas as the founder of Little Rock Fashion Week, as well as in Plano, Texas, and Baton Rouge, La., helping launch careers in the fashion industry through initiatives across the South.

In 2025, Campbell and his family returned to Arkansas. He now lives in Bryant with his wife, Connie, and their three daughters. He’s intentional about sharing his personal and professional growth practices with his daughters to bond with them. The family enjoys traveling and makes it a point to visit as many aquariums as they can.

Today, Campbell realizes that his true mission in life is to help others. He now works in economic development and is also the creator of Publessed, an apparel line and mindset movement celebrating Black creators who value faith, family and purpose. Through his book, he hopes to foster understanding within families and help break cycles of trauma.

Response to “Oh Brother, My Brother” has been overwhelmingly positive. One therapist told him the book is “a perfect resource for bringing families together.” It is available online, but Campbell encourages readers to support local bookstores. “Even if they don’t have it in stock, they’ll order it,” he said.

Campbell enjoys sharing his story and is available to speak with schools, churches and community groups. To learn more, visit brandondcampbell.com or find his podcasts on YouTube.

“Treat others better than you’ve been treated.”

— John C. Maxwell

From the moment he took the reins at the Arkansas Department of Education, Secretary Jacob Oliva hit the ground running with a goal of making Arkansas a winner in the classroom.

A lifelong educator, he was appointed by Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders in 2023 and quickly became a driving force behind the passage of the Arkansas LEARNS Act, the most comprehensive restructuring of the state’s education system in decades. Since its implementation, Arkansas has become a national leader in starting teacher salaries, parental empowerment and support for struggling learners.

“To be a part of Arkansas LEARNS means I get a front-row seat to the improvements in student learning that Arkansas once viewed as impossible,” Oliva said. “By empowering families to make the educational decisions that best suit their students, everyone wins.”

Despite early successes, his work is just getting started.

“I envision a future where Arkansas ranks first in education,” he said. “One where 100% of our third-graders are reading at or above grade level and all graduating seniors are ready to be

enlisted, enrolled or employed. I want a world where teachers have the tools they need to shape our future leaders on day one in the classroom and families are empowered to make the best educational decisions for their children.”

Of all his accomplishments, Oliva is most proud of his family.

“My wife is incredibly supportive and is the glue that holds us all together,” he said. “My children have grown up to be wonderful, disciplined young adults and rock-star bowlers. Without them, there would be a noticeable void in my life.”

Fueled by his family’s support, Oliva remains committed to the students and teachers he serves.

“Education matters,” he said. “Every day, I wake up and get to be an agent of change. It’s important work that supports students and shapes pathways of success and I get to do it with great people.”

“Golf is the closest game to the game we call life. You get bad breaks from good shots; you get good breaks from bad shots, but you have to play the ball where it lies.”

— Bobby Jones

Keith Collard believes banking is about far more than numbers and transactions. For the president and CEO of First Arkansas Bank & Trust (FAB&T), the industry is built on trust, responsibility and service to others. Throughout his career, Collard has focused on helping people achieve their goals while strengthening the communities the bank serves across Arkansas.

His background in audit, compliance and risk management gave him an early understanding of the importance of integrity and sound decision-making. Over time, he discovered the unique impact community banking can have on local families, businesses and economic growth. “That combination of problem-solving, leadership and serving communities is what made this industry the right fit for me,” Collard said.

As CEO, he especially enjoys the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on both customers and employees. He values the relationships formed through banking and takes pride in helping clients plan for the future, purchase homes and grow businesses. He also enjoys fostering a strong team culture that encourages professional growth and shared success.

Collard has been part of numerous accomplishments during his career, including FAB&T being recognized multiple times as a Best Place to Work, a Best Bank in Arkansas and Military Bank of the Year. However, he says those honors are never about one person. Instead, they reflect teams working together with a shared purpose and commitment to excellence.

Outside the office, Collard enjoys golf and appreciates both the personal challenge and character the game requires. “Golf is a game of character and integrity, and I find those qualities carry over into the workplace and my relationships,” he said.

He is most proud of the people he works with. He credits their dedication, talent and work ethic for the bank’s continued growth and success while helping strengthen relationships with customers and communities throughout the state.

To contact Keith Collard, email kcollard@fabandt.bank. To reach the bank, call 800.982.4511 or send a message through the contact page at fabandt.bank.

What began as a Toad Suck Daze endurance contest became a powerful story of recovery, faith and one man’s decision that inspired a community.

FOR TWO MEN WHO HAD ALREADY SURVIVED ADDICTION, FACED DARKNESS

AND TRAVELED THE LONG ROAD OF RECOVERY, A CONWAY FESTIVAL COMPETITION BECAME MORE THAN A TEST OF ENDURANCE. IT BECAME A TESTIMONY.

By Rita Halter Thomas • Photo by Makenzie Evans

More than 70 hours into the Hands on a Hyundai competition at the 45th annual Toad Suck Daze festival, what started with 22 contestants had dwindled to four by Sunday evening, May 3. A few hours later, just two men remained: Jacob Smith of Conway and Jason Beck of Maumelle.

Festival noise had quieted. Vendors had packed up and cleared out. About 25 men from Renewal Ranch, who had been assisting with clean-up, thundered down Oak Street. They crossed the railroad tracks and ran in a group toward the only remaining tent.

There, former contestants, family and friends gathered to support the two finalists, now standing side by side for the first time. Their gloved hands rested carefully on the hood of the grand prize, a 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz, which they each hoped to win by being the last man standing.

The group from Renewal Ranch, a Christ-centered residential addiction recovery facility for men, chanted for Smith, “Jacob! Ja-cob! Ja-cob!” When the group bowed their heads and prayed for both men, something shifted. Something significant. Something unseen but felt. Emotions ran high. Tears fell, not from pain, but thankfulness.

Only moments before, the two finalists, strangers before the competition, realized the other had walked his own hard road of recovery: Smith at Renewal Ranch and Beck at Natural State Recovery. A connection was made. They began sharing about their recovery journey. They learned their stories were similar in many ways, different in others, but both with one common, powerful thread: Jesus.

After the men of Renewal Ranch prayed, Beck asked for the mic and addressed the crowd. He directed his comments to anyone struggling with addiction, drawing attention to the number of people under the tent who could help.

Then came the moment no one saw coming. After lasting 79.5 hours, Beck lifted his hands off the Hyundai, voluntarily conceding the contest. He walked to his wife, Sarah, gave her a hug, and told the sponsors, “I just wanted it to end happy.”

Having once lasted 93 hours and among the last standing without winning, Beck knew that heartbreak well. “At 80 hours, you’re not fully with it, but I know I was looking around and deciding how many people were going to be disappointed if he [Smith] didn’t win,” he said. He even encouraged his wife and their supporters to leave, but they didn’t. “I really wanted his people to have the moment,” he said.

Continued on page 64

After nearly 80 hours, contestants, families, sponsors and supporters witnessed a powerful moment of faith, recovery and generosity as Jason Beck stepped away so Jacob Smith could win the 2026 Hyundai Santa Cruz. What began with hands on a vehicle ended with hearts moved across the community.

The two companies created a triumphant return for one of Toad Suck Daze’s most popular attractions.

Before the event, Beck had expressed his hope to use his time in the competition to spread the word of Jesus and recovery. He confessed that, toward the end, he’d begun to feel bad that he’d not done that like he’d hoped, unaware of what would transpire.

What happened next reflects how deeply the moment moved those who witnessed it. Fellow contestant Tom Brawley, who had stood next to Beck for 43 hours before his departure, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise money so Beck could buy a car, if that’s what he wanted or needed. “I knew what he did. It was a decision on his part to basically say, ‘It’s not worth it. I want him to have it,’” he said.

Brawley immediately felt the need to act, not for acknowledgment, but to do something because of what one man was willing to do for another. He launched the fundraising campaign, giving the community a tangible opportunity to respond to what they had witnessed (or would hear about) and to honor what he had seen unfold between two Christian men. Word spread quickly, and donations reached $11,000 within a week. The platform’s listed goal automatically increases incrementally until the final goal of $35,000 is reached.

Beck and his wife, Sarah, have been overwhelmed by the community’s response. “I’m blown away and grateful. It will definitely help my family,” Beck said, who isn’t used to the spotlight. He offered his congratulations to Smith and said he never wanted to draw attention to himself, stating that Smith earned the Hyundai. “Even if I could have stood there another 50 hours, he still may have beat me, so he earned it.”

When the prizes were awarded on the Tuesday following the event, Brett Berry, general manager of Chris Crain Hyundai, said most don’t realize the bonds that are built and the connections

made among the contestants. “In the end, if you don’t believe you can have church on a Sunday night underneath a tent at the end of Toad Suck Daze, then you weren’t there. It was a powerful moment and a powerful ending.”

“It’s been a recovery story we didn’t see coming,” said Lori Melton, senior vice president for First Community Bank, which partnered with Chris Crain Hyundai to bring this beloved event back to Toad Suck Daze. Recalling from her previous experience with a similar event, Melton explained that the outcome is never certain, regardless of what one observes about each remaining contestant. Crazy things can happen in those final hours when exhaustion and sleep deprivation take their toll. The one thing they always hope, as sponsors of the event, is that the competition is fun, friendly, about family and community, and is about doing for others.

It was, and more. This year’s outcome is having a ripple effect that no one could have anticipated. More than 200 people have donated to the GoFundMe campaign. Melton said an 85-year-old retired businessman from Fort Smith was so moved that he wanted to pay the sales tax on Smith’s vehicle. Beck’s gesture fulfills Step 12 of recovery (paying it forward) and has led to invitations to speak at several upcoming Natural State Recovery events.

A reflection of his humble and quiet personality, Smith declined to be interviewed, wishing to keep the spotlight on the redemptive power of Jesus Christ, emphasizing that without a relationship with Jesus, nothing else matters.

Indeed. The full power of a prayer and the testimonies of two men under a tent may never be known. But one common thread ties it all together. Jesus seems to have used Hands on a Hyundai as a mechanism to move hearts.

It’s amazing how a hand movement can change a life. Tom Brawley (center) was inspired by the decision made by Jason Beck (far right) to forfeit his chance to win a new truck. He watched Jason take his hands off the Hyundai so Jacob Smith (left) would win. Tom knew how badly both men needed a vehicle, so he started a GoFundMe to help Jason buy one.

How to make the neighborhood

Bermuda Green with envy

Choosing the right grass and caring for it properly can help homeowners create a lawn made for Southern summers.

By Brett Battle

The South is known for green lawns spreading from one yard to the next, colorful flowers that enhance a home’s curb appeal and front porches made for enjoying the view. But how do you achieve the lush, manicured look of a golf course at home?

The typical Southern lawn is Bermuda (hot sunny grass), zoysia (more shade-tolerant) and, on occasion, St. Augustine and centipede. Choosing the right grass is imperative, and there are five key techniques to ensure success.

In our area of Arkansas, we are about 75% Bermuda grass, 20% zoysia grass, and 5% each of St. Augustine and centipede. Choosing the right grass depends a lot on how much sun or shade you have, as well as your ability to care for it. Further, cost is a factor, as zoysia is about twice that of Bermuda. Why the cost factor? Because Bermuda fields can be cut every six months, while zoysia can only be cut every 18 months.

Bermuda is a low-maintenance grass that thrives in full sun and requires minimal water. Zoysia is a much better choice for shade, even though it will grow well in the sun. But keep in mind that when choosing zoysia, it is a slower grower with a much higher need for water.

The

techniques for success boil down to these five areas: irrigation, fertilization, weed prevention, lawn maintenance and pest awareness.

Irrigation: In the case of both types of grass, it is better to water once or twice a week, depending on the season, and water longer and deeper. This is far better than watering more often and shallower. When the season gets very hot, Bermuda will survive much better in drought conditions than zoysia, which requires more water to thrive.

Fertilization: This can be treated the same for both types of grass. The first step every year would be a soil sample to determine the soil and grass needs. Here in Arkansas, we are very lime-

deficient in our soil. However, before adding any fertilizer you should do a soil test. You can take a small amount of soil from two or three different locations, put it in a Ziploc bag and take it to the Faulkner County Extension Office, and they will do a soil test for you. It is not uncommon for average lawns to need 15 to 20 pounds of pelletized lime per 100 square feet. That can be as much as 300 to 500 pounds per front and back lawn. Once you have the test done and the lime added, you then add the fertilizer the test tells you is needed.

Most people just want to add bags of 13-13-13 because that is what their fathers always did. However, that may not be what your lawn needs. Triple 13 is also an instant all-in-one fertilizer, whereas you are better off with a coated timerelease. It is best to fertilize in May, July and September.

Weed Prevention: Prevention is the key factor here. Weeds are treated either preemergent or post-emergent. Pre-emergent you put out in spring for summer weeds and fall for winter weeds. Then, in late winter for spring weeds. If the weeds are already up and present, you will need to spray with a post-emergent liquid spray.

Lawn Maintenance: Before the grass has turned green in the spring, it is a good time to cut it short and low. You can then take a stiff lawn rake and rake all the thatch and undergrowth out of it. Then, as the season goes along, you need to ever so slowly raise the deck on your mower height. You do not want to be cutting low and scalping the lawn in the heat of summer.

Pest Awareness: We can have a number of pests and fungal issues in southern lawns. Too many to touch on here. But a common pest in the middle of summer is the armyworm. When you see them in your neighbor’s yard or yours, spray them with insecticide. They are easy to kill. Also, if you are too late and they have already scalped your lawn, don’t worry too much, as they eat the tops off and keep moving. They do not usually damage the roots. They are nature’s lawnmower.

If you follow these tips, your lawn will be the envy of the neighborhood and the perfect place for front-porch swinging with a view.

“My success is not about me. It’s about what God can do through me.”

Jon Patrom believes community banking is about far more than finances. It is about relationships, service and creating a lasting impact on the lives of others. As vice president of marketing for First Service Bank, he has spent more than two decades helping tell the stories of the people and communities that make local banking meaningful across Arkansas.

Patrom chose a career in banking because he enjoys helping people through every stage of life, whether it’s supporting local businesses, helping families purchase homes or simply offering guidance during difficult seasons. Over time, he discovered a passion for marketing because it gave him the opportunity to connect people and communities through storytelling and service.

Over the past 21 years with First Service Bank, Patrom has helped guide the organization through tremendous growth. When he joined the bank, assets totaled approximately $145 million. By the end of this year, the bank is expected to surpass the $1 billion mark. One of his proudest accomplishments has been helping lead the bank’s marketing efforts during that expansion while remaining focused on community impact.

He is also passionate about serving veterans and military families as a board member for the Operation Red, White and Brave Foundation. Supporting the organization and seeing communities rally together to honor veterans has been especially meaningful to him.

Faith and family remain at the center of Patrom’s life. He credits his wife, Katie, his son, Duncan, and the mentors and teammates who have supported him throughout his career. He is especially grateful for the leadership and encouragement he has received from those around him at First Service Bank.

“I’m blessed to be called a child of God,” Patrom said. “I have been blessed beyond measure by the relationships I’ve built over the years.”

To contact Jon, call 501.679.7200 or email

“Success is built through service, integrity and investing in your community.”

Phillip Jones has built his career around service, relationships and a deep commitment to helping others. As a REALTOR® and principal broker and owner of Arkansas Mountain Real Estate in Clinton, he understands that buying or selling a property is more than a single transaction. It is often one of the most important financial decisions a family will make.

“I wanted a career where I could serve others while making a positive impact on my local community,” Jones said. “For me, being a REALTOR® is about supporting families as they build their futures.”

That people-first approach has shaped Jones’ work throughout changing markets, economic uncertainty and an ever-evolving industry. Each day brings new challenges, but he remains focused on communication, professionalism and honesty. “I enjoy the relationships and learning opportunities that come with real estate,” he said.

Jones’ commitment to service extends far beyond his business. He is actively involved with the Arkansas REALTORS® Association and is currently serving as president of the more than 11,000-member organization. He works alongside other

REALTORS® to strengthen ethical business practices and improve communities as part of the association’s advocacy, leadership and professional development efforts. “One of my proudest accomplishments has been serving in leadership roles for the Arkansas REALTORS® Association and collaborating with fellow professionals to protect property rights,” he said.

His community involvement also includes serving as president of the Clinton Athletic Booster Club, as a board member of the Clinton School District and as a firefighter for the Clinton Fire Department. These volunteer roles reflect his belief that success is measured not only by professional achievement but by the impact a person has on others.

Jones credits his family, mentors and colleagues for helping shape his career and personal values. Despite a busy work and volunteer schedule, he said, “I never miss an opportunity to travel with my wife. I also enjoy being a part of community activities and building relationships, including with my fellow REALTORS®.”

FIELD S OF EXPERTISE

Dr. Deacue Fields leads the UA Division of Agriculture at a critical time for farmers, research and the future of Arkansas agriculture.

If your name is Fields, why wouldn’t you pursue

a career in agriculture?

By Judy Riley • Photo by Makenzie Evans

Dr. Deacue (Dee-que) Fields is the vice president for the Division of Agriculture for the University of Arkansas System (UA). In this role, Fields leads the Cooperative Extension Service and the Agricultural Experiment Stations, the two components of the UA Division of Agriculture (UADA). That includes 1,340 employees, with facilities located across the state, including a presence in all 75 counties.

Fields launched his first career venture at the tender age of 13. It was the 1980s. The highly transmissible brucellosis bacteria were infecting cattle, deer and other animals across the South. His dad was raising cattle specifically bred for competition at county fairs. The threat was so great that herds testing positive were destroyed.

The younger Fields was devastated. Caring for livestock was his 4-H Club project, and he planned to compete with his prized cattle.

While such an experience would end most budding cattle careers, not so for Fields. He secured a $3,000 youth loan from the local Farm Service Agency to purchase six bred heifers. While still in high school, he sold show cattle to his peers. One of his steers was named Grand Champion at the Southern University State Fair in Louisiana. His attention to keeping records of profits and losses began.

Getting an education was not an option in his family. Going to college, earning advanced degrees and helping others were in his DNA. His maternal grandfather raised nine children on a

300-acre cotton and soybean farm in Louisiana. All nine and their spouses earned college degrees, most in teaching professions. “I have 36 first cousins, all with at least one degree, many with two or three. When we all get together, there is at least one specialist in every field. It’s easy to get personal, yet well-researched advice from a trusted family member,” Fields said.

His degrees include a Bachelor of Science from Southern University in Baton Rouge, La., a Master of Science from the University of Missouri, and a PhD from Louisiana State University, all in agricultural economics.

That led to a faculty position at Auburn University from 2002-2018, where he served as professor and chair of the Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology. In 2018, he became dean and vice president of academics for the Dale Bumpers College of Food and Life Sciences at the University of Arkansas. These experiences uniquely qualify him to understand the needs of agriculture and equip his faculty to address them. Fields is a masterful recruiter. He admits to seeking highly qualified scientists like a coach recruiting a prized athlete.

“We’ve been able to staff our research and extension teams with some of the most soughtafter individuals in higher education. They are experts in data analysis, plant diseases, animal and human nutrition, not to mention their ability to relate to farmers in the field and industry leaders in the food and fiber industries,” he said.

All that knowledge and the disseminating processes have never been more important than today. Farmers are facing steep challenges. Fields compares the current farming situation with that of the early 1980s. “The current crisis is suggesting a structural change similar to the 1980s versus the cyclical changes we have seen since. Farmers are currently experiencing consecutive years of net income reduction due to high input and low commodity prices, tight liquidity, record Chapter 12 bankruptcies and uncertain export markets,” he said. “Producers are currently challenged to decide what crops to plant given limited profitability and unstable global markets. Some traditional trading partners are now buying from other countries, and it will take time to capitalize on new emerging markets.

“UADA is constantly working to take the guesswork out of farming decisions and educate producers on the best government safety net strategies and production practices to increase profit. The need for our non-biased, research-based information has never been greater,” Fields said.

“One thing I appreciate most about Deacue Fields is that he wants to accomplish big things and he is able to convince others that we can do big things,” said Dr. John Anderson, senior associate vice president for the Division of Agriculture-Extension. “That is really important now … with his problem-solving mindset and talent for motivating and aligning people to get hard things done, I don’t think we could ask for a better leader for this time.”

Fields’ family legacy included exposure to all aspects of agriculture, from participating in 4-H to raising cattle and horses to degrees in agriculture. Adding faculty positions in research, teaching and sharing the latest information with producers prepared him for this moment. Fields is not just the man for the moment, but the best person for this time.

“Continuous improvement is better than delayed perfection.”

— Mark Twain

Patrick Lewis has built his career on the belief that numbers tell a story and people bring those numbers to life. The community bank president for Arvest Bank blends financial expertise with a genuine commitment to helping others achieve stability and long-term success.

“Every day, I strive to build meaningful relationships that aren’t simply managing transactions but providing financial advice and tools to help our clients reach their short- and long-term goals for their business,” Lewis said. “That balance has kept me passionate about this industry for more than two decades.”

Driven by curiosity, he thrives on listening closely and asking thoughtful questions, uncovering the motivations behind each business and family he serves.

“This relationship-first approach aligns perfectly with Arvest Bank’s mission of ‘people helping people find financial solutions for life,’” he said.

Among his professional milestones, earning the Certified Lease and Finance Professional (CLFP) designation in 2022 serves as a defining moment. Still, Lewis emphasizes that his greatest

accomplishments are the long-term partnerships he has nurtured throughout his career. “Seeing our clients and our community thrive is the ultimate reward,” he said.

Lewis’ community service extends beyond the bank’s walls. A longtime member and past president of the Kiwanis Club of Conway, he takes pride in the club’s work supporting children’s charities through the annual Toad Suck 5K/10K race. He also serves on the board of Create Conway and is a frequent supporter of the monthly Art Walk.

“These organizations are vital because they weave the social fabric of our city, ensuring that Conway remains a vibrant, supportive place to live and work,” he said.

At the heart of everything Lewis does is gratitude. He credits his parents, Jim and Susanne, for instilling the values that guide him, and his wife, Kaylen, and their children, Darby, Dylan and Dean, as his greatest source of pride and motivation.

Contact Patrick at plewis1@arvest.com, 501.513.4555 or at 2590 Donaghey in Conway.

By

Phi Sigma Epsilon brothers return to Conway each summer to celebrate friendships that began at UCA and have lasted more than 50 years.

Some friendships fade with time. Others stay with you for life. For the men of Phi Sigma Epsilon at the University of Central Arkansas, the bond they formed together in the late 1960s has only grown stronger. And every last Saturday in July, they gather to pick up right where they left off.

The Phi Sig Summer Gathering began almost by accident. In 2009, fraternity brothers Jerry Webster and Robert Toney helped organize a small backyard cookout for a friend returning home for his 40th high school reunion. Ten or 12 men showed up and stayed until 3 a.m., laughing, telling stories and realizing that the years hadn’t changed a thing between them.

A few days later, Toney called Webster and said, “Let’s do it again.” They’ve done it every year since.

What began as a handful of men around a grill has become a tradition built on brotherhood, loyalty and the simple joy of being together. Today, the gathering draws more than 100 people, including fraternity brothers, their wives and their friends from

across Arkansas and as far away as Colorado, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Texas and California.

For Toney, who pledged in 1970 and hosted the event at his home for more than a decade, the magic is in the commitment everyone brings to keep the tradition alive. “We tell the same lies we’ve told for 50 years,” Toney said. “But the friendships are real. You can go years without seeing someone, and when they walk in, it’s like no time has passed.” As the gathering continued to expand, it eventually moved from the Toney home to the Centennial Valley Event Center. The new space made room not only for the crowd but for the wives and families who have become part of the extended Phi Sig family. “At my house, 75% of the group was outside in the hot summer heat and we were starting to run out of room,” Toney said. “The new place made it better for everyone.”

He and his wife, Cathy, still cook the meal each year: 10 pork shoulders, 10 racks of ribs, 25 pounds of sausage and all the sides. “It’s our way of serving our friends,” Toney said. “That’s what this whole thing is about. We’ve been cooking the same thing for 15 years. Everyone knows what they’re going to get.”

“You never know if the last time you see a buddy will be the last time you’ll see a buddy. That means something.”

— Jerry Webster

For Eddie Glover, who pledged in 1969, the event has taken on a deeper meaning with age. “At 76 years old, it means more now than it ever did,” he said. “The memories are sweeter, the stories are funnier and remembering the guys who aren’t here anymore brings you back to your roots.”

Glover leads the memorial service each year, reading the names of brothers who have passed. “You can feel the room change,” he said. “It’s a reminder of how short life is. One day, our names will be on that list too.”

Webster, the unofficial architect of the gathering, keeps the communication flowing year-round. Every spring, he begins sending emails and RSVP lists, and each update sparks new interest. “A guy will see the name of someone he hasn’t seen in 20 years on the list and say, ‘I want to go if he’s going,’” he said.

Webster met many of his closest friends, including Toney and Glover, in 1968. “We’ve been buddies for 60 years,” he said. “Back then, we all lived on the same dorm floor. We walked to class together, ate together and went to games together. You watched your friends live their lives every day and you helped each other when they needed help. That’s what brotherhood is.”

Now 75, Webster sees the gathering as a chance to say the things men often leave unsaid. “Brotherhood is telling people who meant something to you how important they are,” he said. “As you get older, you realize just how much these friendships mean.”

As the emcee of the event, Baylor House helps set the tone of the evening: laid-back, genuine and centered on conversation. “We have a rule: no music, no speeches and no solicitations,” he said. “We want people to talk to each other. The night is about them.”

He pledged in 1968 and remembers being taken under the wing of an older Phi Sig who had a car when he didn’t. “He big-brothered me,” House said. “Every one of those guys treated me like family. And they still do today.”

What strikes him most after all these years is the equality within the group. “Some of us have been very successful,” House said. “Others have lived a good, honest life without being in the upper echelon. When we get together, everyone treats everyone the same.”

The men agree that younger generations could learn something from their example. “You can’t pick your family, but you can pick your friends,” House said. “And the ones who last a lifetime are greater than gold.”

“These are the guys who were there when life was happening,” Glover said. “You don’t make friends like this later in life.”

And every July, in a room filled with laughter, barbecue and the familiar faces of men who have walked through life together, the truth of that statement becomes unmistakable.

Phi Sigma Epsilon

By David Grimes

Buddy and Walt Coleman not only worked together at the family dairy business, but they also made history by becoming the first father and son to referee an NCAA football game together.

Three generations of Coleman officials have carried a Central Arkansas family name onto some of football’s biggest stages: Walter Carpenter “Buddy” Coleman Jr., Walter Carpenter “Walt” Coleman III and Walt Coleman IV.

Buddy Coleman was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame (ASHOF) in 1994 as part of the 36th class, along with Ike Poole, Joe Ferguson and Ron Brewer.

Walt Coleman was enshrined in 2009 as part of the 51st class, along with Martine Bercher, Lurlyne Greer, Bobby Richardson, Jerry Rook, Kenny Saylors, Charlie Spoonhour, R.C. Thielman, Jerrell Williams and Corliss Williamson.

Eleithet B. Coleman founded Coleman Dairy in Little Rock in 1862. Upon his passing, his son, Fred Coleman, took over and later passed it on to his son, Walter Carpenter Coleman. The family operated a 200-acre farm situated on Asher Avenue, just south of where the University of Arkansas at Little Rock is located. The operation became part of the Hiland Dairy brand in 2013.

Walter Carpenter “Buddy” Coleman Jr. was born in 1928. He graduated from Little Rock High School and then LSU before serving in the U.S. Air Force. He returned home in 1953 to join his father in the business. In addition to his duties at the dairy, Buddy was a referee in the Southwest Conference (SWC) for 26 years. Beginning in 1963, he worked more than 250 games, including numerous bowl games. Buddy died in 2011 at the age of 83.

Walter Carpenter Coleman III, or simply “Walt,” was born in 1952. As a youth, he did odd jobs around the farm and continued to work there throughout his high school years. In 1970, he graduated from Little Rock Central, where he excelled at football, basketball and baseball. He attended the University of Arkansas, where he played baseball for Coach Norm DeBriyn, a fellow ASHOF inductee. After graduating from college, Walt joined Coleman Dairy as office manager and was named president in 1985.

Like his father, Walt also became a referee, working his way up to the SWC as well. On Sept. 29, 1984, the Colemans made history by becoming the first father and son to referee in the same NCAA

Division I game when Arkansas took on Navy at War Memorial Stadium.

Buddy retired in 1988, and Walt began a 30-year NFL officiating career in 1989. He will live forever in NFL lore for his correct interpretation of a very obscure ruling during a 2002 AFC divisional playoff game.

During a heavy snowstorm on Jan. 19, 2002, the New England Patriots hosted the Oakland Raiders. With under two minutes remaining, Oakland held a slim 13-10 lead, but New England had the ball. Quarterback Tom Brady dropped back to pass but was hit and lost the football. The ruling on the field was a fumble recovered by Oakland, which would have basically ended the game with a Raider victory.

However, the play went to video review, where Walt reversed the original call of a fumble, instead ruling it an incomplete pass. Like virtually everyone watching the game, I had never heard of the “tuck rule,” and like most of the viewing audience, I thought the call overturning the fumble was outrageous. However, Walt did get the call correct.

New England kept possession of the ball and went on to win the game in overtime. A few weeks later, Brady and the Patriots went on to win the Super Bowl.

That game in 2002 was before the era of social media, but Walt said Raider fans still found a way to voice their displeasure. The week following the game, an Oakland radio station broadcast the phone number and fax number for Coleman Dairy. Walt said their office was inundated with irate Raider fans voicing their disapproval, often in very colorful terms.

He is a fantastic public speaker, and I have been fortunate to hear him on several occasions. He tells lots of stories about his career as a referee and, of course, talks about the tuck rule game.

Walt’s son, Walt Coleman IV, served as an NFL referee for eight seasons, from 2015 to 2022. Like the players, NFL referees have uniform numbers. Walt IV began his career wearing No. 87, but after Walt III retired, he changed to his father’s No. 65 in his honor.

LET’S TAKE A LOOK INSIDE

Why Does Your Utility Bill Change from Month to Month?

By Beth Jimmerson

Have you ever opened your utility bill and wondered why the amount was different from the previous month?

You’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we hear – especially in the summer.

The truth is, your utility bill isn’t random. It reflects a combination of factors that often have more to do with everyday habits and seasonal changes than anything else. Understanding what drives those changes can help you make sense of your bill and even find ways to manage it.

As higher temperatures settle into Arkansas, electric usage will increase, which can mean a higher utility bill. Your bill reflects how much energy your home uses — and during the summer, your air conditioner is doing a lot more work than usual when temperatures climb into the 90s and sometimes push past 100. But what else affects your utility statement? Let’s take a closer look at what’s really behind those fluctuations.

Hotter Days Mean Harder-Working Systems

In Arkansas, the weather plays a major role in how much energy your home uses. Your air conditioner’s job is to move heat out of your home and replace it with cooler air. The hotter it is outside, the harder your system has to work to keep your home comfortable.

Think about the difference between a mild 75-degree day and a 100-degree afternoon. On that cooler day, your system may cycle

on and off occasionally. But when temperatures soar, your air conditioner may run almost continuously just to keep up.

That extra runtime uses more energy — and that’s often the biggest reason you’ll see higher bills in the summer. Your energy usage will fluctuate even if you don’t change your thermostat based on the temperature outside.

It’s Not Just the Temperature — It’s the Duration

It’s not only how hot it gets, but how long those temperatures stick around.

A few warm days might not make much of a difference. But when high temperatures last for weeks at a time, your system doesn’t get much of a break. Day after day of extended use can significantly increase your total energy consumption by the end of the billing cycle.

Everyday Life Adds to the Load

Summer routines can also play a role. With kids home from school, vacations, guests or simply spending more time indoors to escape the heat, your home may be using more energy than usual. More cooking, laundry, showers and screen time all contribute to overall usage.

Even if it doesn’t feel like much has changed, these small shifts can add up over the course of a month.

Your Home’s Efficiency Matters

Not all homes use energy or respond to heat the same way. Things like insulation, air leaks, window quality and even the age of your HVAC system can affect how efficiently your home operates. If your home isn’t sealed well or your system is working harder than it should, it may take more energy to maintain the same level of comfort.

That doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong — just that your home may need a little extra effort to stay cool during peak summer heat.

Clearing Up a Common Misconception

When bills increase, it’s easy to assume something has changed behind the scenes.

In most cases, the rate itself hasn’t changed — your usage has. Think of it like your grocery bill. Prices might stay the same, but if you buy more items, your total goes up. Utility bills work the same way — the more energy or water you use, the higher your bill will be.

Understanding One Line on Your Bill

You may notice a line on your electric bill called a power cost adjustment. This is another factor that can cause your total bill to change from month to month.

The power cost adjustment reflects the actual cost of purchasing or generating electricity at a given time. Because those costs can rise or fall based on fuel prices, demand and market conditions, this adjustment helps keep base rates stable while accurately reflecting real-time power costs.

In simple terms, it’s not an extra fee — it’s a way to show the true cost of power during that period.

Planning Ahead to Keep Costs Stable

While some power costs are influenced by the broader energy market, Conway Corp is taking steps to reduce that impact over time.

By investing in local generation — including solar energy and natural gas resources — we can produce more of the power our community uses, rather than relying as heavily on purchasing it from the market, especially during peak demand. These investments help provide more stability, improve reliability and protect customers from some of the volatility that can occur when energy prices spike.

Just like the systems that deliver electricity to your home, these long-term investments are about planning ahead and serving Conway for years to come.

Make it Easy with Conway Corp

Higher energy use often comes with higher temperatures, and understanding what’s driving those changes can help you stay in control.

At Conway Corp, we’re here to provide reliable, affordable service — and to help you make sense of how your home uses energy. Through our Energy Smart program, we offer free residential energy audits, helpful tips and resources to make your home more efficient.

A home energy audit is the first step to assess how much energy your home consumes and to evaluate what measures you can take to make your home more energy efficient. The inspection will help you understand the efficiency level of your home’s heating and cooling systems, look at how your windows and doors seal, inspect insulation levels, show you ways to conserve electricity and help identify leaks in your home.

Visit ConwayCorp.com/EnergySmart to learn more or call 501.450.6000 to schedule a free energy audit from a Conway Corp certified energy professional.

Your home network should do more than keep you connected — it should help protect the people who matter most. Managed WiFi, powered by Plume, gives you greater control over your home internet with advanced parental controls, device management and always-on security tools designed to help keep your family safer online. Easily manage screen time, filter content and control internet access across multiple devices and users.

Learn more at ConwayCorp.com/ManagedWiFi.

by

by par her best friend

Theo the Aussiedoodle has been by Samantha Boyd’s side for life’s biggest moments, including her golf-course proposal at Chenal Country Club.

By Colleen Holt

The connection between best friends is a unique alliance, and for Samantha Boyd of Little Rock, it is with a fluffy, four-legged friend named Theo.

Theodore “Theo” Boyd is a 4-year-old Aussiedoodle who came to live with Samantha at the young age of 10 weeks. She and Theo have been constant companions for many important times in life — including her recent engagement.

Samantha and her fiancé, Stuart Berryhill of Little Rock, take a walk at Chenal Country Club every Monday. Through their walks, they have grown to know one another and have made memories. “A few months in, he told me he loved me on one of those walks with Theo there with me, so our Monday walks quickly became a special part of our relationship.”

Several months later, Samantha and Stuart were preparing for their usual walk, and Stuart asked her to bring a change of clothes to wear to dinner with his parents. Little did she know, but as they walked their families were setting up a surprise.

“His dad got into my car, got the change of clothes and hid them in the bathroom closest to our proposal spot. Once we got there, Stuart had Theo and me go into the bathroom, where I found my outfit and changed clothes. We came out and saw Stuart waiting in a suit.”

The trio walked up to a beautifully decorated Hole 16, where Stuart got down on one knee — with Theo right behind. “Theo quickly ran up to us, jumping, and was so excited, as if he knew what had just happened. Stuart knows Theo is a huge part of my life and my best friend, so I don’t think he even considered a proposal that didn’t include my dog.”

Continued on page

‘It’s Theo’s world and we’re all just living in it.’

— Samantha Boyd

Samantha and Stuart are very mindful about how Theo can be included in the wedding. “With his big personality and barking tendencies, we know it might be a little much to include him in any formalities, but we plan to have my dad bring him to us for pictures before the ceremony. I’ll probably have a little flower crown made to put around his neck or something,” she said.

At 10 weeks old, Theo was adopted from Blue Ribbon Kennels in Casa (Perry County). Samantha was out of town, and her parents went to choose a puppy for her. “They ended up having no service out there, so they went with their gut on the dog they thought had the best personality. They certainly did pick the dog with the most personality!”

Theo may be an only pet, but Samantha’s parents have two goldendoodles named Addy and Millie, whom Theo absolutely loves. “I’ve grown up with dogs, and they’ve always played a big role in my family. My parents have seen their dogs as their other kids, and I saw them as my siblings.”

The aforementioned big personality really comes to life when a walk is in the near future. “Ideally, we walk every night, but sometimes things get in the way, so it’s at least several nights a week. His excitement before we walk is honestly overwhelming, and we have to calm him down as soon as he sees us getting his leash out. Then it’s full-blown party time for Theo.”

Theo also loves going on car rides, or “bye-bye” as they say at home, and playing with his toy ball. “He’ll drop the ball by your feet, then stare at you and bark until you bend down and get it and throw it for him. It’s very annoying, but he’s too cute to ever truly be annoyed with!”

When it comes to Stuart, Theo was skeptical at first, but he has definitely welcomed him into the family. “Despite his huge personality, Theo is oddly shy around strangers. He warmed up to Stuart rather quickly, though, because we started walking once a week within a few days of our first date over a year ago. Stuart has always been the one to hold the leash and pick up poop, too. Now, I find that if Stuart comes over to my house, Theo will only get up on the couch to sit by Stuart. He clearly thinks Stuart is there for him, because it’s Theo’s world and we’re all just living in it.”

Knowing Stuart could become a “dog dad” for Theo was something Samantha said she took seriously. “I wanted to know that, if we got married, Theo would always be safe around Stuart and would feel just as loved with Stuart as he does with me. The ways Stuart has intentionally included Theo in our biggest moments and done so much for Theo in big and small ways, I know I’m not only gaining an incredible husband but the best dad to my best friend, Theo!”

THE UNIVERSITY OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS PUBLIC APPEARANCES HAS ANNOUNCED ITS ALL-NEW SEASON OF PERFORMANCES.

Ticketing and event details are available at uca.edu/pa or by contacting the box office at 501.450.3265.

BROADWAY SERIES

Clue • Friday, Oct. 23

Mrs. Doubtfire: The New Musical Comedy • Sunday, Nov. 15

A Christmas Story: The Musical • Tuesday, Dec. 8

Shucked • Friday, Jan. 29

NIGHT OUT SERIES

Celtic Angels Christmas • Friday, Dec. 11

Mark Twain Tonight starring Richard Thomas • Thursday, March 4

Cirque Kalabanté: WOW World of Words • Friday, March 12

Tales From the Field With Jeff Corwin • Thursday, April 8 POPS SERIES

Ann Wilson, The Voice of Heart & Tripsitter • Tuesday, Sept. 15

Mark Chesnutt • Friday, Nov. 13

The Fabulous Equinox: Spirit of New Orleans • Tuesday, Feb. 16

Frankie Moreno: Rock N’ Roll Remastered With Conway Symphony • Saturday, March 6 AN EVENING WITH

Dominate the Storm With Reed Timmer • Sunday, Jan. 31

Napoleon Dynamite Live: A Conversation With Jon Heder and Cast • Thursday, March 18

Straight No Chaser • Wednesday, Nov. 4

September 30, 1955 Film Screening featuring Richard Thomas • Friday, March 5

THE WINDGATE COLLECTION

Cantus: Land That I Love • Thursday, Feb. 4

Exile • Sunday, Feb. 28

Twitty and Lynn: A Salute to Conway and Loretta • Saturday, April 3

MAIN STAGE EDUCATION SERIES

Velveteen, A New Musical • Tuesday, Oct. 13

Curious George: The Golden Meatball • Monday, Nov. 9

Cat Kid Comic Club: The Musical • Wednesday, Dec. 16

Doktor Kaboom! Look Out! Science is Coming! • Tuesday, Feb. 2

The Pout Pout Fish • Friday, Feb. 19

Cirque Kalabanté: WOW World of Words • Friday, March 12

Fraggle Rock: Back To The Rock! • Monday, Nov. 2

The Pout Pout Fish • Friday, Feb. 19

THE COMEBACK COACH

Henry Hawk built a lifetime of athletic achievements, but his proudest victories came while helping others regain strength, movement and hope.

By Donna Lampkin Stephens • Photo by Makenzie Evans

The list of Henry Hawk’s athletic accomplishments is long and impressive, but his proudest accomplishment has been his work with quadriplegic patients.

The Conway man has been a personal trainer for five people over the years who surpassed their initial prognoses.

“They’re all walking now,” Hawk said. “They can do things they never thought they’d be able to do.

“It’s the most rewarding thing I’ve done.”

He grew up in Conway, where his love of athletics was sparked by iconic coach Raymond Bright. He played football and ran track at the University of Central Arkansas under Frank Koon, earned a degree in physical education and went on to coach for 19 years. He was an assistant on Ken Stephens’ 1965 state championship team at North Little Rock, and after a stint working under Bright at UCA, he succeeded Stephens at NLRHS and led the Wildcats to a state title in 1972.

Among his sports highlights are:

• All-State and All-America honors in football.

• Football state championships as a coach.

• 10 Boston Marathons with a best time of 2 hours, 42 minutes.

• State championships in road races from 5K to marathon.

• 36 national titles in masters track and field.

• World record in the mile (60-64 age division) of 5:13.27.

• Numerous Hall of Fame inductions.

In 1980, he left coaching to open businesses in Conway — a sporting goods store and a fitness center, where he embarked on his exercise class era. Over the years, he taught classes at Centennial Valley Country Club in Conway and Baptist Health in Little Rock, where he started a fitness program for seniors. He and his wife, Jane, also opened Henry Hawk Real Estate.

One of his fitness students at Centennial was Trisha Sossong, whose son, Robert Robinson, then 25, suffered a devastating four-wheeler accident. He became Hawk’s first and most serious rehabilitation client.

“He went through a single-bar gate and was internally decapitated,” Hawk said. “That breaks the C1 vertebra, and it normally breaks the spinal cord, which kills you. His stretched 8 inches and didn’t break. They recommended to let him die because they thought he would be able to move nothing but his eyelids.”

Sossong would have none of that.

“Henry reached out to me and said, ‘I’m not a physical therapist, but I know how the body works. If you want me to, I’ll be glad to come over and work out with Robert.’”

Hawk remembers the initial meeting.

“I walked in, and he’d just got his trach out,” he said. “He couldn’t swallow water; he could hardly speak; he had a feeding tube. I said,

Henry Hawk’s proudest accomplishment has been his work with quadriplegic patients. The Conway man has been a volunteer personal trainer for five people over the years, all of whom surpassed their initial prognoses. Hawk’s first and most serious client was 25 when he suffered a devastating accident, and it was recommended to let him die. He is now 42 and works at his family’s business.

With Hawk’s exercise program, meeting Robinson where he was, the spinal cord eventually recovered enough that he is able to walk slowly on a treadmill. Now 42, he works with the family business, Prime Auto Sales.

Sossong said that purpose gave her son a reason to want to live.

“I think Robert would be dead today if it wasn’t for Henry,” she said. “Most quadriplegics live an average of 10 years (following the accident) and have a horrible life. Henry built back a muscle structure and gave him hope and kept him in good enough shape that he has more hope.

“There’s no doubt — mentally, physically, all around, Henry gave him a life he would never have had otherwise.”

Over the years, Hawk has worked with four other accident victims, all of whom have shown remarkable improvement. He said he used only three pieces of equipment for his private clients as well as his classes — sets of 5- and 10-pound weights and a 6-foot rope. But he also focused on their internal motivation.

“It’s just like coaching football players,” he said. “I told them, ‘If I ever think you’ll be less than 80 percent, I’ll go home. You’re not getting any good out of it and I’m not getting any good out of it.’

“I gave each one a gold medal and told them first, ‘I want you to know how much work it takes. If you start feeling bad, you look at that medal.’”

He has also worked with clients with less serious but still incapacitating flexibility and mobility issues. “They’re doing it at their level, what they’re capable of doing, and then you progress,” Hawk said of his philosophy. “They do not have to have the big equipment. This guy goes from near death, and most of [the exercise program] was in a chair. People think they’ve got to have a lot of expensive equipment, but you don’t. You could take a Kroger bag, put two cans of food in there and do wonders with it.”

While he said he is no longer taking clients, Hawk continues to work out in his office (stretching, weights, etc.) daily, and he plays 18 holes of golf several days a week. “I figure if you can do that at 89, you ought to make it to 90,” he said, and grinned.

By Vivian Lawson Hogue

Defending Ourselves at the Gate

The nature of ideas is that they come and go. Some work; some don’t but still have value. While serving as managing editor of the Faulkner Facts and Fiddlings, the semiannual journal of the Faulkner County Historical Society, I had one of those ideas that worked in a special 2012 Veterans Day edition entitled “Time is of the Essence.” Assisted by Nancy Mitchell in obtaining and conducting interviews with veteran men and women of Faulkner County, we gained a trove of inspiring stories. My introduction to the journal explained its purpose. The personal experiences of these soldiers will demonstrate overwhelming public patriotism that we haven’t seen since. In this 501 LIFE issue, they easily represent that attribute.

My generation has now found its place in time where it can see the United States’ cultural differences between the World War II era and those of the present. Having been born in 1943 to parents older than those of my peers, I was privileged to have observed “hard times” and “heart times.”

During WWII, we learned patriotism in grade school and at home. We recited the Pledge of Allegiance to our fought-and-died-for flag, one of which hung in the classroom. We learned that not all countries had freedom or elected leaders and that rulers of some countries killed and enslaved their own people. We bought war bonds and war stamps. With reduced family incomes and perhaps husbands at war, women sewed and knitted for their families and for the troops. We were rationed sugar, milk, eggs, fabrics, gasoline and tires so they could be used to create items for soldiers to better defend themselves and us. At war’s end in 1945, even local women, usually widows, began renting rooms in their homes to returning soldiers until their finances improved. It was a time of sacrifices in small and great degrees.

Five years later, the Korean “conflict” brought us to war again. Then in 1961, high school seniors put down diplomas and picked up maps to locate the Bay of Pigs. The 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis followed, and the dogs of nuclear war growled and bared their teeth. On a November day in 1963, President [John F.] Kennedy was assassinated. We barely regained our bearings when Vietnam made us pick up maps again. World War I had not been the hopedfor “war to end all wars” after all.

The following excerpts from full articles in the journal cannot possibly tell the entire self-told stories, but they are significant in some or many ways.

Homer Hoffman. “In 1939, the Depression was still going strong with few jobs anywhere, so I thought about enlisting in the military. Papa tried to talk me out of it.” However, Homer was sworn in as a Marine and headed for San Diego, CA. He said, “About this time, Japan and the U.S. were having some small problems.” Homer’s 6th Division was sent to Midway Island, while others went to Wake Island. “The islands were all sand except for a few scrubby

ABOVE: Faulkner Facts and Fiddlings, the semiannual journal of the Faulkner County Historical Society, published a special 2012 Veterans Day edition titled “Time is of the Essence.” The photos were taken from the journal. RIGHT: The War Ration Book and Ration Stamps belonged to the writer’s father.

bushes. The gooney birds (albatrosses) were there by the millions. They would lay eggs in the sand and be in the way. They hindered aircraft from taking off. There was another kind of bird called a “moaning bird” that lived in holes in the ground.

We were there until early December 1941. On the morning of Dec. 7, the sergeant picked me up from guard duty, saying Japan had bombed Pearl Harbor. About sundown, they began shelling us with the big guns on warships. It was quite a while before we could get replacements from the States.”

Johnnie Walter. “I was at home on the farm and was getting the cows up to milk when I heard about Pearl Harbor. I wondered how many of us boys in the family would have to go into the service.” Eventually, Johnnie and brothers Diederich and Edward were drafted. Johnnie stated that on the farm it was rough without the older boys. His dad helped build the Army camps at Camp Robinson and in Missouri. The three boys were shipped to Camp Howze in Gainesville, Texas, then Johnnie went to Camp Claiborne in Louisiana. In August of 1944, his platoon landed on Normandy Beach, six months after the Normandy Invasion. He was wounded in battle, spending six months in hospitals for his leg wound and frostbite. After returning to Conway, he worked for Simon’s Bakery for 34 years.

Airmen from Tuskegee. The Tuskegee Airmen name refers to a select group of African Americans who were trained at the Division of Aeronautics of Tuskegee Institute in Tuskegee, Alabama. The pilots earned the nickname Red Tail Angels from other bomber pilots. In 2011, Airman Milton Pitts Crenshaw, one of the last five pilots and in his 90s, spoke at the University of Central Arkansas and surrounding schools.

Major William T. Mattison, a native of Conway, became a Tuskegee airman in 1942. He was the operations officer of the 100th Fighter Squadron, a leader of the 302nd Squadron and a member of the 332nd Fighter group. He reportedly shot down 28 enemy planes. After downing four Nazi planes, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Mattison became ROTC director at Howard University in Washington, D.C. He died in a plane crash in Ohio in 1951 while en route to an older brother’s funeral in Little Rock. He is buried at Arlington Cemetery.

These men were true Men of the Moment when their youth and inexperience seemed only a moment before. Jesus himself spoke of continual “wars and rumors of war” to come. The Bible’s Book of Revelation contains the horrendous last war. Civil War U.S. President Abraham Lincoln warned, “America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.” Lincoln, of all people, knew that truth.

PERSON OF THE MONTH

NATHAN BROWN

A 2026 ARKANSAS SPORTS HALL OF FAME INDUCTEE CONWAY

“On game day, find a way to win and do whatever it takes to play the game the right way. The hay is in the barn. It is now time to go perform.”

HOMETOWN: I was born in Hattiesburg, Miss., in 1986. My family moved to Russellville (Pope County) when I was in second grade, and that is where I grew up and graduated high school. My family now lives in Conway, and we love every minute of it.

FAMILY: I have been married for 16 years to my wife, Jessica. We are blessed to have two children. My daughter, Rylee, is 13 and will attend Conway Junior High this upcoming year, and my son, Luke, is 12 and will be going to middle school at Ruth Doyle this fall.

EDUCATION: I graduated from Russellville High School in 2004 and attended the University of Central Arkansas (UCA) from 2004 through 2008. I earned my business education degree from UCA in 2008.

COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES: We attend The Summit Church in Conway. We are actively involved in our church’s small group. Throughout the community, I have been involved with Deliver Hope, Woodrow Cummins 5K volunteering, Toad Suck Daze volunteering, Rotary youth football league, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, speaking at Kiwanis Club of Conway and Rotary Club of Conway, and am a Little Rock Touchdown Club member and UCA letterman club member.

WORK: Head football coach at UCA.

ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I was fortunate to be a part of the Jacksonville Jaguars and New Orleans Saints organizations after my playing career at UCA. Since I have been in coaching, I have had various honors and recognitions over the years. Since being at UCA as a player and coach, we have won seven conference championships and made five postseason appearances at the Division I level.

This year I was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. I received a call from my boss and UCA Athletic Director Matt Whiting giving me the news. A special thanks to a couple of Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame board

NATHAN BROWN

Playing Awards and Recognition:

10,558 Career Passing Yards

100 Career Passing Touchdowns

2005 Gulf South Conference Freshman of the Year

2005 D2 Freshman All-American

2007 Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year

2007 First Team All-Southland Conference selection

2007 All-American

2008 Southland Conference Player of the Year

2008 First Team All-Southland Conference selection

2008 All-American

2008 Walter Payton Award Finalist

Named to the 2000’s Southland Conference All-Decade Team

Coaching Awards and Recognition:

2017 Football Scoop National Coordinator of the Year

2019 Southland Conference Coach of the Year

2019 Eddie Robinson Coach of Year finalist

2020 Southland Conference Coach of the Year

2023 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year finalist

2024 AFCA Region 3 Coach of the Year

members, Greg Hatcher and Rush Harding, for their role in my receiving this honor.

FAVORITE INSPIRING QUOTE: There are three quotes that I try to live by as a man that is in the world of sports. The first is “Little moments create big moments.” The second is “Being ready is a myth. You start, you suck, you figure it out, and you get better.” The third is “When the road gets bumpy, you don’t leave the car, you put your seatbelt on.” These three quotes are simple but have so much meaning in dealing with adversity in life and sports.

WHO INSPIRED YOU TO BE A COACH? There were so many coaches in my life who influenced me throughout my youth and into my college days. I would say Jeff Holt, my high school coach, developed my love for football. Once I got into college, the coaches who really affected me were Clint Conque, Hud Jackson, Todd Cooley and Brooks Hollingsworth.

HOBBIES: My hobbies really consist of anything my family and kids are doing. Personally, I enjoy golf, hunting, fishing, yard work and sitting on my deck at my house.

FAVORITE 501 DESSERT: This is hard to narrow down, but I really enjoy the pies at Holly’s in Conway. I also love the dessert selection at Stoby’s.

FAVORITE FAMILY FUN: We are always at a sporting event. You can find us at Conway Station baseball park watching Luke, or you will find us at Don Owen watching Rylee play volleyball. We know every soccer complex in Arkansas by heart, chasing Rylee around playing soccer. When we aren’t watching and playing sports, we are usually doing something with friends and family or enjoying the outdoors of Central Arkansas. This is a special place with a lot of things for a family to do. We try to take advantage of our downtime when we get it.