AY About You October 2025

Your circle is your lifeline—your sisters, your mom, your coworkers, your BFFs. The ones who show up, cheer you on, and help carry the load. This is your reminder to take care of each other.

Breast cancer screenings save lives, especially when caught early. So Circle Up. Schedule your mammogram, and remind the important women in your life to schedule theirs. You’re there for them. Baptist Health is here for you, for life.

To schedule your mammogram, call (501) 202-1922 or visit BaptistHealthMammo.com

we beating cancer

Jennifer Freeman thought the email she received in late 2023 from the DNA testing firm 23 & Me alerting her that she has “a greatly increased risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer” was a mistake. It wasn’t. After confirming she had the BRCA1/BRCA2 gene, Freeman met with Dr. Daniela Ochoa, a surgical oncologist at the UAMS Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, and decided to have a preventive double mastectomy and hysterectomy. Following the double mastectomy by Dr. Ochoa, Dr. David Sterling at the UAMS Health Plastic Surgery Clinic performed several reconstructive surgeries. With a new golden retriever to help with the emotional roller coaster of recovery, she is looking forward to rebuilding her life without having to worry about cancer.

“One thought of my children growing up without me, and I immediately scheduled the consultation for my first surgery. While this may not be for everyone, for me it was about taking the reins and saying, ‘Not today, cancer!’ I had an opportunity to decrease my risk by 60%, and I took it.” – Jennifer Freeman, Greenbrier

IGNITE YOUR FAMILY’S FAITH

STEP INTO THE STORY

There is something incredibly powerful about experiencing the Bible as a family—not just reading the stories but stepping inside them together. At Sight & Sound®, every production is more than a performance. It is an invitation to gather with your loved ones, witness the Bible brought to life, and be inspired by stories of hope, redemption, and the unshakable power of the Gospel.

For nearly 50 years, millions of families from all backgrounds and beliefs have journeyed to Sight & Sound to experience stories like JESUS, MOSES, NOAH, and JONAH come to life on a 300-foot wrap around stage. What began as a simple multimedia show in 1976 has grown into one of the largest faithbased entertainment companies in the nation. With two world-class theaters, a streaming platform, and a film studio, Sight & Sound continues to expand their mission of telling His story through who they are and what they do, while creating space for families to have an encounter with Christ through story.

From peaceful pastures to epic battlefields, your family is invited to journey alongside a young shepherd who faced giants, led a nation, and was ultimately crowned king. Complete with live animals, towering sets, and stunning special effects, DAVID is an experience designed to spark conversation, strengthen faith, and create lasting memories for every generation. If you are ready to make this fall one to remember, join us at Sight & Sound Theatres and prepare to step into the story!

DAVID is live on stage in Branson, MO now through January 3rd. Book your tickets direct at sight-sound.com

Order online and we will deliver to your car.

There are many brands of beef, but only one Angus brand exceeds expectations. The Certified Angus Beef brand is a cut above USDA Prime, Choice and Select. Tend quality standards set the brand apart. It’s abundantly flavoreful, incredibly tender and naturally juicy.

15 store locations throughout Arkansas

PRESIDENT & PUBLISHER

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Joe David Rice, born in Paragould and reared in Jonesboro, probably knows Arkansas as well as anyone alive. The former owner of an outfitting business on the Buffalo National River and the state’s former tourism director, his Arkansas Backstories is published by the Butler Center.

Steve Lewis is a proud graduate of Little Rock Central High who moved away a long time ago. His accomplishments include jumping freight trains through the Canadian Rockies in the summer of ’97, finally getting a bachelor’s degree and surviving more than 10 years as a photojournalist before returning home to contribute to AY Media.

Margie Raimondo blends culinary skills with storytelling. She specializes in Mediterranean cooking classes that emphasize healthy eating and has authored two cookbooks: Mangiamo and Finding Your Path Additionally, she is a filmmaker. She produced the awardwinning documentary The Soul of Sicily

Lori Sparkman, owner of Lori Sparkman Photography, has traveled the globe to work extensively with beautiful brides and grooms, fierce fitness clients, and growing families, as well as high-profile and corporate clients. She prides herself in capturing their personalities with a sophisticated and lighthearted style.

Mary LeSieur is a student journalist at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. She is a student editor at her college newspaper, The Echo She has also served as a student advocate and as UCA Society of Professional Journalists chapter president. She is a member of Sigma Kappa.

Jamie Lee is a freelance photographer originally from southwest Louisiana who now resides in Little Rock. With a strong focus on portrait, branding and food photography, she loves capturing people’s stories and cultures through the lens, helping businesses build their brands visually, and showcasing the local food scene and small businesses.

Justina Parker has a bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies from Arkansas Tech University in Russellville and is the creator of We Belong, a blog that features women in leadership across Arkansas. She loves people’s stories of selfdiscovery and spending time with her two boys, and she has never met a dog or potato she did not like.

Jane Colclasure is a Little Rock native with more than 25 years of experience in product, architectural, and home and garden photography. She has a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Colorado and an associate’s degree from the Colorado Institute of Art.

Rock, AR 72201. Periodicals postage paid at Little Rock, AR and additional mailing offices. Postmaster: Send address changes to AY Magazine, 910 W. 2nd St., Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201. Subscription Inquiries: Subscription rate is $24 for one year (12 issues). Single issues are available upon request for $5. For subscriptions, inquiries or address changes, call 501-244-9700. The contents of AY are copyrighted ©2025, and material contained herein may not be copied or reproduced in any manner without the written permission of the publisher. Articles in AY should not be considered specific advice, as individual circumstances vary. Products and services advertised in the magazine are not necessarily endorsed by AY

Please recycle this magazine.

We all have big dreams for our children and we know they’ll have dreams of their own. No matter what type of education those dreams call for, I have a plan.

The Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan allows our education savings to grow tax-deferred.

And every little bit helps. Help their dreams become a reality whether they study in the U.S. or abroad.

Look into opening an Arkansas Brighter Future 529 Plan – their dreams deserve it.

Cool-Weather Favorites

For those who are fans of autumn, it is hard to beat October in Arkansas. From beautiful changing colors to football in full swing and from Halloween decorations to evenings around the fire pit, there is something wonderful around every corner this month.

Here at AY About You, we have been working away to bring you the best of this wonderful time of year. We start with a fantastic cover story featuring Arkansas’ own Jacob Lofland, who made a splash alongside fellow Arkie Billy Bob Thornton in the Paramount+ series Landman. As fans prepare for Season 2 of the terrific show next month, Lofland dishes to AY about his life in acting and his roots in the Natural State.

We also salute our “Intriguing Women” this issue, a list of achievers and inspirational women who improve our communities and push us to be our better selves. Congratulations to this year’s honorees!

Of course, Arkansans love a good party, and this month we bring you plenty with a look at the fall beers on tap at breweries around the state to celebrate Oktoberfest. We also provide a tantalizing look at some of the best fall cocktails to be had for those special evenings out.

There is plenty of additional entertainment, starting with the Arkansas State Fair which opens Oct. 10 and runs through Oct. 19 in Little Rock. For something a little wilder, we introduce readers to the monthly happenings at Ron Robinson Theater via the cult classic movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show. We also get ready for the annual Hillcrest HarvestFest in Little Rock by sampling some of the food and festivities to be had during the beloved event.

With so much going on — and the holidays right around the bend — it is easy to get swept up and not enjoy the wonderful things that surround us this month. Be sure to find time for yourself to take a quiet walk or make a date with a book, a blanket and a hot beverage. You will be glad you did.

As always, we appreciate you reading AY About You! Drop us a line anytime, and let us know what you are up to during this wonderful season.

Heather Baker, President & Publisher hbaker@aymag.com / heatherbaker_ar

CONNECT

READER FEEDBACK INSTAGRAM

WHEELIN’ & HEALIN’: JACKSONVILLE CAR SHOW ROLLS IN TO SUPPORT ANIMAL SHELTER

Heather and Ryan, thank you so much for helping promote the 26th Annual Big Car & Truck Show! It was the biggest ever. We had thousands of spectators and lots of amazing show cars and trucks. We raised some good $$ for the Jacksonville Animal Shelter too! Thanks again for the social media posts and the weekend email blast.

Mark Goodsell, Goodsell Truck Accessories

EUREKA SPRINGS: A WHIRLWIND OF WONDER IN THE OZARKS

So kind of you Heather!! This is so beautifully written, and I love that you gave a shout out to my Grandma’s lasagna recipe! Thanks again!

Anna, Ermilio’s

FINISHING TOUCHES: COMPANIES HELP PUT A BOW ON STATE’S MOST BEAUTIFUL HOMES

Enjoyed the article, thank you for the opportunity to put a little spotlight on residential solar in the Natural state.

Central Arkansas Solar Solutions

OPA! INTERNATIONAL GREEK FOOD FESTIVAL RETURNS TO LITTLE ROCK!

Thank you for sharing! We are so excited!

Arkansas Greek Food Festival

MITSY THARP AND HOLLY DRIVER: A WINNING PARTNERSHIP

Great article and well deserved. Way to go girls.

Susan Seeger Pack

52 THINGS TO DO IN EUREKA SPRINGS

Thank you for including Two Dumb Dames! Two Dumb Dames Fudge Factory

BECKY FINNEY: ONE TO COUNT ON

She’s amazing!!!

Cathy Tuggle A HOPPENING PLACE: EUREKA SPRINGS CHECKS BOXES FOR GOTAHOLD BREWERS

We love our friends at Gotahold Brewing!

Janie Jones

Top Weekend Events

Old faves, new touches: AY dives into reopened Town Pump

Arkansas’ Best Lawyers 2025

Holiday House no more, but Junior League looks ahead

The Attic Bar offers comfortable new venue in Little Rock

Heart

OCTOBER 17

5:00 - 10:00PM

OCTOBER 18 11:00am - 10:00PM

AGLOW With Their Eyes All

5Top

you just can't miss!

SIX BRIDGES BOOK FESTIVAL

Through Oct. 5 Little Rock

Six Bridges Book Festival in Little Rock is a dream for local book lovers, offering a week of events and celebrations. Most events are free, including more than 50 panel discussions, readings and book signings with authors from all over the country. The festival will culminate in a special fundraising event, An Evening with Shelby Van Pelt, at Ron Robinson Theater.

WOMEN’S HEALTH EXPO

Oct. 2

Hamp Williams Building — Hot Springs

Join the Hot Springs Women’s Leadership Alliance for a day dedicated to helping women stay healthy and become more educated about their personal wellness. The day will feature health talks with guests, on-site health screenings, demonstrations, and ways to connect with local experts, service providers and community organizations.

MENDING THE LINE

Oct. 9

Chenal Country Club — Little Rock

Join the Mayfly Project as it celebrates a decade of service. Guests will be able to enjoy food, auctions and special guest speakers. The annual fundraiser helps expand the project’s reach and launch new projects across the country, as well as supporting more than 450 children in foster care in the coming year.

ARKANSAS STATE FAIR

Oct. 10-19

Arkansas State Fairgrounds — Little Rock

Do not miss delicious food, thrilling rides and games, and an unforgettable concert series during the annual Arkansas State Fair. Tickets are on sale now for the concerts, which include Trey Songz, Lonestar, David Lee Murphy and 38 Special.

GOODWILL GALA FOR GOOD

Oct. 11

Statehouse Convention Center — Little Rock

Celebrate the spirit of Goodwill with a New Orleans-themed night featuring a performance from The Bayou Royals and showcasing the achievements of participants, graduates and community partners. There will also be a silent auction with all proceeds going to support Goodwill’s mission of providing individuals with the opportunity to lead independent, successful and productive lives.

For Jacob Lofland, acting is all about authenticity

By

Before he was aspiring landman Cooper Norris and before a drifter thwarted his plans of owning a boat in a tree as Neckbone, Jacob Lofland was an unknown youngster growing up in Briggsville.

Back then, Lofland said, he did not know anyone involved in filmmaking, and although he had been in a couple school plays, a professional acting career was not on the radar.

“I never thought it to be a career path or an idea,” he said. “I had no idea what it was, what it entailed or anyone that had ever done it.”

That all changed when Lofland was about 13. His mother happened to come across an open casting call for a character named Neckbone in a movie titled Mud. Not only did Lofland possess the requisite skills for the role — namely, being able to drive a boat and a motorcycle — but, in his mother’s mind, at least, he fit the hardscrabble character to a T.

“I had no idea what I was doing, and I was just the character,” Lofland said. “I was the kid that would do that — had never experienced exactly the same things, but I knew exactly where those kids were coming from.”

Set in DeWitt, the film follows teenagers Neckbone and Ellis, played by Tye Sheridan, as they meet and befriend Matthew McConaughey’s character, a vagrant named Mud. Neckbone is the more street smart and worldly of the two boys, while Ellis is more of a softhearted idealist.

After submitting a tape, Lofland was asked to come to an in-person audition. He said there were about 30 or 40 other teens waiting when he arrived.

“You could tell they were all trained actors, and I had no idea what I was doing,” he said. “Like, they had all wanted to be there, and we were somehow just there on a whim.”

Lofland was the last person to audition. After his turn, his mother was called in. Lofland thought he had done something wrong. As it turned out, he had done something right.

“That’s when they were like, ‘Hey, we would like you to meet the director and come back and do this again,’ ” he said. “We were like, ‘Oh, wow. OK, cool,’ ” and we left, going, ‘Oh, well, they tell everyone that,’ having no idea what we were doing. It was kind of a whirlwind when Mud happened.”

For the first time, Lofland saw acting as an artform he could turn into a career.

“Once I got my first job in Mud, it was like, oh, wow, this is something I actually enjoy and a fun thing to do with my time,” he said. “That’s kind of when it became somewhat of a passion.”

Stepping into Hollywood for the first time, Lofland said he was most surprised to learn just how many people it takes to make a movie.

“It’s not just what you see on screen,” he said. “There’s 200 people standing behind these cameras at all times, making that happen.”

“ I

like that realness because I feel like that’s what we have in Arkansas is that realness that no one really gets to see in the South. Even all the travels that I’ve done, the comprehension of the states are different, and until people get to experience it, they don’t see.

— Jacob Lofland

He also met a great mentor in McConaughey, who Lofland said took the time to make sure he and Sheridan were comfortable on screen.

“Going into that, being as nervous as you were in a world that you didn’t know, having Matthew McConaughey be the first person you meet was probably the best experience I could have had,” Lofland said. “He was the most laid back, easiest going, would give us any pointer and take the time out of his day to make sure that me and Tye were both comfortable and understood and were prepared.”

To this day, Lofland has no professional training besides working with more experienced actors on set.

“Honestly, some of the best training you can get is getting to watch and see people doing it professionally,” he said. “That’s the only training I’ve had.”

He added that the production left him hungry for more.

“[I] just wanted to keep going, see how far we could go, see what this world was like,” he said. “It was so intriguing to see then, at that age, and to have that understanding from where I come from. Now, being 29, I can’t explain how much life’s changed and the difference and where it’s led, but it’s been a roller coaster of great times.”

He followed that first film up with the 2014 indie flick Little Accidents and acted in TV series Justified and Texas Rising before landing a role as Aris Jones in the Maze Runner franchise.

“That was the first time I got to work with a cast all around the same age. We were all young and going out and having a great time, made a family out of it and had a great experience,” he said. “I’ve got friends from every job that I’ve had that I’ll have for the rest of my life, which is really, to me, the greatest part of this whole thing.”

Acting kept him busy through his teenage years, and Lofland said he did not come back home for any significant period of time until he was about 18.

“It was definitely different,” he said. “I mean, no one understood what the experience was like or what was going on, so it was different to come back into that with your friends and be like, ‘Oh, this is our lives now.’”

“So running an oil company, that’s your plan?”

“That’s the dream. I don’t have a plan yet.”

— Tommy and Cooper Norris, Landman

However, Lofland said he cannot imagine living anywhere else.

“I’ll definitely always have my roots in Arkansas,” he said. “Yeah, I don’t think I’ll ever leave. I might have somewhere else to go every now and then, but I don’t think I’ll ever leave it. It’s home.”

Being from the South and from Arkansas specifically has given Lofland an understanding of the gritty, down-to-earth personas that have defined his roles from Mud to Landman

“I like that realness because I feel like that’s what we have in Arkansas is that realness that no one really gets to see in the South,” he said. “Even all the travels that I’ve done, the comprehension of the states are different, and until people get to experience it, they don’t see. I kind of love being able to bring that out, no matter what state it is, just bring that authenticity out of television into, like, this is actually the world that we come from.”

In Landman, set in Texas, Lofland plays attitude-heavy greenhorn Cooper Norris, son of petroleum landman Tommy Norris, played by fellow Arkansan Billy Bob Thornton. With a second season set to premier in November, Lofland said he knew the show was going to be successful, but he did not anticipate just how popular it would be.

“I knew just from the success of [co-creator] Taylor Sheridan and the people attached that it was going to be a big show,” he said. “I don’t think any of us had any idea how big it was actually going to be, which has been a godsend for all of us, and we’re incredibly grateful and so excited that people like it as much as they do and hope they keep liking it.”

As he approaches his 30s, Lofland said he is growing more than ever before. He advised up-and-coming actors to be ready to hear a lot of nos before they hear a yes. As for why he has heard so many yeses, Lofland chalked it up to “the good Lord and luck.”

“That’s the only two things I can figure out,” he said.

He added that he hopes to provide audiences with an authentic portrayal of every character he plays.

“All I hope they take away is that they’re living it, that they’re actually getting to watch someone experience what’s being told,” he said. “I think as an actor, that’s all you can hope for.”

TIMELESS CRAFTSMANSHIP

Banana Hammocks Pool and Spa brings luxury, enjoyment to Arkansas backyards

ustin Mullins has been around the construction business for as long as he can remember. The son of a custom homebuilder, he learned early how important customer satisfaction is over the long haul and how a reputation for overdelivering on one’s promises was the best and most lasting brand marketing there is.

Along the way, he became fascinated with the art and construction science of building swimming pools, and by 2019, he was convinced he could improve on some of the design, quality and customer service of some other companies. He made the decision to launch his own pool and spa construction firm, one that would redefine customer service and craftsmanship in the industry.

Since then, Banana Hammocks Pool and Spa has become one of the fastest-growing builders of backyard fun in the business, serving both individual homeowners and custom homebuilders alike. The company builds quality gunite pools, as well

as performing facelift and remodel work on existing pools.

“We can do any design element, any feature. Anything the client can imagine, we have the capability and experience to handle it,” Mullins said. “Our mission is to redefine luxury through the artistry of aquatic design with a commitment to timeless elegance, impeccable craftsmanship and seamless integration with our clients’ lifestyles.

“We strive to create sophisticated swimming pools that transcend mere water features, becoming exquisite focal points that elevate the aesthetic and ambiance of any and every outdoor space.”

Mullins accentuates that philosophy with the kind of practical production aspects that make him an ideal provider of pools for any sized building project.

“I want [the client] to know who they’re dealing with and to really get a chance to get to know them, as well, which is why I’m the person that they are dealing with from start to finish, whether that’s the homeowner or the homebuilder,” Mullins said. “I don’t have managers to hand things off to like some of

“

I’ve always cared more about the quality of pools that we are building over the quantity of pools that we are building.

— Justin Mullins, owner

my competitors. When the phone rings, I’m the one answering it. I’m the one the customer deals with for any design work, ideas and details, and I’m the one on-site when we break ground and throughout the building process who sees to it the quality is there.”

That strategy has proven to be very effective and has allowed Banana Hammocks to keep multiple homeowner projects running simultaneously with no letdown in respon-

siveness, service or quality. Coincidentally, those same traits are prized by high-end homebuilders and are what they look for in their vendors.

“Being a licensed contractor myself, I understand what luxury homebuilders are going through and the challenges they have keeping all the moving pieces of a project moving as one,” Mullins said. “I run a tight ship with my crews because I understand how important timing is on any jobsite. I’m very systematic in my approach to this business to help ensure we complete projects in a very efficient manner without any drop off in quality of the finished product. I’ve always cared more about the quality of pools that we are building over the quantity of pools that we are building.”

All of that being said, there are decided differences dealing with homeowners than in dealing with homebuilders, Mullins said. One thing he enjoys doing in serving homeowners directly is the extensive level of one-onone education he gets to impart to them about their new backyard amenities.

“I really enjoy sitting down with homeowners, especially those who have never had a pool before, and walking them through how their pool works,” he said. “I enjoy educating them on that as one more element of delivering the ultimate in customer service when dealing directly with a homeowner.”

Mullins brings other things to the table that make him a valuable partner in assembling the dream backyard. With a degree in drafting, he can bring any design to life, and due to his varied background in construction, he can also build other backyard structures, including travertine and stone patios, outdoor

“

Our mission is to redefine luxury through the artistry of aquatic design with a commitment to timeless elegance, impeccable craftsmanship and seamless integration with our clients’ lifestyles.

— Justin Mullins, owner

kitchens, outdoor fireplaces, pool houses, and outdoor relaxation spaces to accentuate the elegant pools and spas themselves. He can visualize the project upon the first look of the backyard or site visit.

He said his multifaceted skill set helps further set him apart and brings an unparalleled level of expertise to each and every project, something that has helped him grow the homebuilder side of his clientele.

“When we’re working with a homebuilder, we always understand that we are just one part of the equation, and when they call us, our job is to get in, do our work and get out as efficiently as we can,” he said. “We’ve actually had homebuilders tell us to slow down because we worked so efficiently, they’d allotted a lot more time for us, thinking it would take longer than it did, especially for the high degree of quality we were delivering.”

Mullins’ energy, conscientiousness and

expertise have helped Banana Hammocks Pool and Spa grow into a recognized name in the industry over the past six years, and the talented entrepreneur sees nothing but good things on the company’s horizon.

“It doesn’t matter if I am building for an individual homeowner or if I’m building for a homebuilder; our company brings the same level of excellence and craftsmanship to every single project,” he said. “We are a quality over quantity builder that offers meticulous design and premium finishes. We pride ourselves in providing an unparalleled customer experience that inspires joy and enriches clients’ lives for generations to come.”

Banana Hammocks Pools and Spa

501-251-1001

bhpoolservice.com

BANANA HAMMOCKS

Banana Hammocks Pool and Spa

At Banana Hammocks Pool & Spa, our mission is to redefine luxury through the artistry of aquatic design. With a commitment to timeless elegance, impeccable craftsmanship and seamless integration with our clients’ lifestyles, we strive to create sophisticated swimming pools that transcend mere water features, becoming exquisite focal points that elevate the aesthetic and ambiance of every space they grace.

1 (501) 251-1001 info@bhpoolservice.com

Haunting Homes Haunting Homes

Did you know Halloween is now the second-most decorated holiday behind Christmas? With decorators starting as early as mid-September, the tradition has really taken on a life of its own. When I was a child, our Halloween decorations consisted of a single jack-o’-lantern carved just in time for the holiday. Now there is no shortage of animatronics, blow-up decorations and yard accents to thrill trick-or-treaters.

There are many different directions Halloween decor can take. One is a super scary vibe with lots of blood and guts and skeletons. Others prefer a more whimsical, kid-friendly approach. The whimsical theme incorporates glitter and bright colors such as purple, hot pink and lime green.

Of course, the traditional black-and-orange color scheme with witches and ghosts remains popular.

It is common for people to have different themes in different areas of the home. One might choose to keep the spooky stuff outside, where a graveyard and towering skeletons delight passers-by. Indoor spaces might be more playful, incorporating bright, lighthearted decorations in the foyer, dining room and kitchen.

Of course, traditionalists are always going to want orange jack-o’lanterns going down their front steps. Again, the pumpkins can either be made frightening with frowns and fangs or whimsical with silly smiles and goofy expressions.

These days, more growers are producing squatty Cinderella pumpkins or pumpkins in unusual shapes to add a fantasy element. There are even pumpkins that come in white tinged with pink for a feminine look. Add a bit of glitter, and it is off to the ball.

Two-toned roses provide an enchanting touch to seasonal arrangements. There are even some roses in Europe that are black and orange. (Photo courtesy of Norwood-Day Floral Co.)

Halloween offers many ways for decorators to make it their own

By CHRIS NORWOOD, AIFD, PFCI, AAF

Bright orange carnations with black accents also provide a great option for Halloween centerpieces. I tend to make arrangements with an orange, purple and chartreuse color palette for Halloween parties.

Halloween is great because people can decorate as much or as little as they want to. People with small children may include a lot of ghosts and other fun accents, while others might simply add a scarecrow or raven for a spooky touch.

My philosophy is to layer Halloween decorations on top of other fall decor so that when the holiday is over, decorators can simply strip the spooky stuff off and roll right into Thanksgiving.

Brides tend to go all out for Halloween weddings, decorating with tons of purples and deep reds and incorporating lots of candlelight. Crimson roses and darker varieties such as the Rosa Black Magic can be paired with black candles for an elegant look.

Although roses can be dyed black, I do not advise black flowers for bouquets and other arrangements. The color is so dark that all the definition of the beautiful flowers is lost in photos, leaving a black hole. I recommend clutches of deep red roses with black ribbon, instead.

It seems mass market decorations are everywhere these days, available at big-box retailers and Halloween pop-up shops. However, heirloom pieces can be found at small, locally owned gift shops. At Norwood-Day, folks can purchase James Hayes glass

pumpkins and other goodies for the Halloween lovers in their lives.

Do not forget the candles. From tapers to pillars and all things in between, there are no shortage of themed candles this time of year. Skeletons and jack-o’-lanters offer a quirky touch, while candlesticks shaped like twigs or cornstalks are also popular.

By the way, carving pumpkins is a fun tradition, but painting pumpkins is better for longevity. Piercing the skin of the pumpkin causes it to decay, so consider a painted face this year instead. After the holiday is over, simply turn the jack-o’-lantern around, and transition back into regular fall decor.

Chris Norwood and Christina Day-Essary are co-owners of Norwood-Day Floral Co. in Little Rock. For more information, visit norwood-day.com.

Sponsored Content

Something for Hillcrest HarvestFest serves up good food & good times EVERYONE

By DOUG CRISE

Arkansas does not get near enough credit for the show it puts on every fall.

Late arriving though it seems, the shift to cooler temperatures energizes Arkansans who have slogged through more than four months of blast-furnace heat. Stepping outdoors and feeling the first cool breeze of the season is a feeling without parallel, and the state’s trees dutifully put on a fireworks show as autumn creeps toward winter.

Those looking for the authentic fall experience could do worse than Hillcrest HarvestFest, slated for Oct. 4. One of Little Rock’s most walkable areas, the stretch of homes and storefronts on Kavanaugh Boulevard has long been a spot where restaurants, shops and nature coexist in harmony.

That cozy neighborhood feeling gets a boost each year thanks to HarvestFest, which adds live music, food trucks, a dog show and a beer garden to one of Little Rock’s most beloved neighborhoods.

Whether people come to eat, shop or both, their participation leads to a worthy cause. As in years past, proceeds from HarvestFest go to The Allen School, a Little Rock nonprofit organization that provides intervention and instruction for children with special needs.

HarvestFest has become a cannot-miss event — and not just for those looking to

have a good time. For the restaurants and businesses dotting the Hillcrest area, it is an opportunity to tout themselves and rope in new customers.

“I certainly open a little earlier to accommodate,” said Daniel Bryant, owner of the popular restaurant and bar Hill Station. “It’s probably — no, not probably — it’s easily the busiest day in Hillcrest every year.”

With its large patio, dog-friendly atmosphere, and artful but accessible menu items, Hill Station is a bona fide neighborhood hangout throughout the year, but interest and foot traffic ramp up for HarvestFest. For those in Bryant’s position, the event represents an opportunity to bring in repeat customers from outside the neighborhood.

Those new to the area might be drawn in by the atmosphere at Hill Station, which offers a cheerful mishmash of regulars, families with children and dog lovers. The restaurant itself extends into HAM Market, an on-site artisan butcher shop. As to be expected from such a setup, the food is not to be missed, whether that be a pimento cheese burger, a hot honey pear and chicken salad, or all points in between.

“Everyone looks forward to it,” Bryant said of the festival. “They get out and walk around, get their dogs out and their kids out.

We enjoy all the people coming in from different neighborhoods. The Heights, downtown, south Little Rock — they just come in and check Hillcrest out.”

Bryant will be pulling double duty in a way because he and his wife, Sara, also own The Fountain, a neighborhood watering hole loved by many for its easygoing atmosphere, drink selection, bar games and 2 a.m. closing time.

Because HarvestFest patrons tend to be on the move, the Bryants will be tweaking their menu offerings for those who opt to wander about the neighborhood.

“The Fountain usually does some specialbatch stuff that they don’t normally do,” Daniel Bryant said. “Hill Station will, as well. We’ll bring on some extra appetizers and will probably cut back on the entrees during the day. At night, things tend to go back to normal, but during the day, it’s definitely a lot more quicker-type stuff.

Outdoor fun is the rule of the day for HarvestFest, and that fits nicely with Hill Station and other restaurants that offer extensive outdoor seating.

“Being out in the elements, we like to kind of incorporate some of our more typical outside cuisine,” said Jeremy Bettinardi, general manager at Japanese restaurant Kemuri.

The weather and the setting will be ide-

al for robatayaki, a Japanese style of slowly grilling meats over hot coals and a specialty at Kemuri.

“We really try to showcase our robata menu,” Bettinardi said. “We bring our grill out to our front porch to serve from an over-thecounter setup.”

Bettinardi’s focus is twofold. Like other restaurants participating in HarvestFest, he wants to make sure his food is accessible for those traveling from spot to spot on foot, but he also knows that, for many, the event will be their first introduction to high-end Japanese cooking.

“We do offer some of our sushi that everyone knows and loves,” Bettinardi said, “all the traditional rolls, just something easy that people can snack on.”

Bettinardi said he hopes he can reel festival-goers in with something familiar before opening their eyes to sake. The traditional rice-fermented Japanese beverage is catching fire throughout the state thanks both to increased availability and the emergence of the Hot Springs-based sake brewery Origami Sake

Sake is the ideal fit for the change of seasons, since it can be enjoyed chilled or warm and rubs along well with just about any entree.

“We’re kind of trying to educate people

that are interested in some of the sake that we sell,” Bettinardi said. “Not a lot of people in Arkansas know too much about sake, and of course, being a Japanese place, that’s what we specialize in.”

Because the October climate in Arkansas tends to do its own thing — warm, cool and everything else — Bettinardi’s menu at Kemuri has all the bases covered. Sushi fits in with anything at any time — and do not let anybody say different — but cool weather favorites will be on hand in the event of autumnal chill.

Folks looking for a warm-up can tuck into Kemuri’s tonkotsu ramen, a cozy concoction with veggies, marinated egg, and add-ons that include chashu pork belly, duck tenderloin and special-made meatballs.

If some of the offerings feel a little bit unfamiliar, HarvestFest provides the ideal jumping-on point for exploring new cuisines.

“We really just try to showcase anything and everything that we have that’s Japanese or Asian,” Bettinardi said. “We really just love to educate our guests and everyone that wants to come by. Our ramen bowl or even our curry is something that is nice, hearty and filling, and we even see a major uptick in our steaks — especially since we’ve brought on Japanese wagyu beef.”

Being home to some of the city’s best restaurants is a plus, but food alone is not what makes Hillcrest so vibrant. Other businesses fit nicely within the neighborhood’s confines and have become just as much a part of Hillcrest’s fabric as the dining options.

Count Matt and Ashley Huneycutt as two entrepreneurs who have bought into Hillcrest hook, line and sinker. As owners of Beyond Wellness, they have been riding a wave of success as a provider of holistic therapies. Already running one clinic in west Little Rock and another in Hot Springs, the couple recently opened the Hillcrest location to better serve the downtown Little Rock area.

Nurse practitioner Christa Jackson said the new location has been a boon for patients.

“A lot of our patients really are dispersed all over the state,” Jackson said. “We kept hearing, ‘We wish you had something closer to downtown.’ We thought, well, let’s take Beyond Wellness to them and get in this neighborhood of Hillcrest.”

The move was made in early summer, with Beyond Wellness acquiring a property just off Hillcrest’s main drag of Kavanaugh on Beechwood Street. The transition was so seamless that the new clinic, tucked in next to a string of small

businesses and homes, feels like it has been there all along. Sydney Bennett, a registered nurse and aesthetic injection specialist, helps run the clinic, which has drawn raves for its comfortable, homey atmosphere.

“When they walk in, they feel warm and welcome,” Jackson said.

Beyond Wellness offers a full slate of health and well-being treatments such as hormone therapies, weight management and a full slate of aesthetic injections. HarvestFest may primarily be about food and fun, but being active in the neighborhood is paramount for the business.

“We can grow and incorporate and bring this to the Hillcrest area,” Jackson said. “We can help patients get this kind of care in their neighborhood.”

Whether checking out food, vendors, music or some combination of all three, HarvestFest will quickly change newcomers into regulars. It is no small wonder that even those who live elsewhere embrace the neighborly vibes of Hillcrest. There is truly something for everyone, which, in turn, keeps everyone coming back.

“There are a lot of people in Hillcrest we can lean on,” Bryant said. “Everybody pitches in, and it’s just interwoven with a sense of community.”

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The Future of Health & Beauty is Local - Beyond Wellness isn’t just another clinic—it’s a movement toward a new era of health and beauty in Arkansas. Rooted in the belief that true wellness begins from the inside out, our team takes the time to listen, educate, and empower every patient. Unlike the “one-size-fits-all” approach, we uncover the root cause of concerns and design treatment strategies that are as unique as the individuals we serve. What sets us apart is the caliber of care we bring to our state—wellness solutions once reserved for major cities like New York or Los Angeles are now accessible right here at home. From advanced aesthetics to innovative health and longevity services, our patients experience the sophistication of metropolitan wellness with the heart and care of a local team.

As a proud Arkansas business, Beyond Wellness is committed to enhancing lives one patient at a time. With plans to expand our reach, we’re leading the way in personalized healthcare, redefining what it means to look and feel your very best.

food Harvest Gem

Greek stuffed tomatoes with roasted potatoes makes for a stunning meal

By MARGIE RAIMONDO // Photos by MARGIE RAIMONDO

Enjoy a taste of the Greek countryside with these juicy tomatoes stuffed with a savory mix of rice, zucchini, red peppers and fresh herbs. This dish is baked alongside golden potatoes, transforming simple vegetables into a delightful Mediterranean experience. Gemista (or yemista), which means “stuffed” in Greek, is a beloved summer dish that can be enjoyed any time of year. Plump tomatoes are filled with a fragrant blend of rice, chopped zucchini, sweet red pepper and herbs and then roasted until tender. The potatoes are seasoned with lemon, oregano, dried basil and a warm hint of allspice, making this a truly flavorful meal.

INGREDIENTS

For the stuffed tomatoes (gemista):

• 6 large ripe tomatoes

• 1 small zucchini, finely diced

• 1 red bell pepper, finely diced

• 1 cup uncooked rice (short or medium grain)

• 1 onion, finely chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley

• 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint or dill

• 1/2 cup olive oil (divided)

• 1/2 cup water

• salt and pepper

For the roasted potatoes:

• 4 medium potatoes, cut into wedges

• juice of 1 lemon

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1/2 teaspoon allspice

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• salt and pepper

• extra olive oil

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Prepare the tomatoes: Slice off the tops of the tomatoes (keep as lids). Carefully scoop out the pulp into a bowl, leaving shells intact. Chop the pulp, discarding any tough cores.

2. Make the filling: In a large bowl, combine the rice, onion, garlic, chopped tomato pulp, diced zucchini, diced red pepper, parsley, mint (or dill), half of the olive oil, salt and pepper. Mix well and let sit for 10 minutes to allow the rice to absorb flavors.

3. Stuff the tomatoes: Fill each tomato about 3/4 full with the rice mixture. (It will expand.) Place the stuffed tomatoes in a lightly oiled baking dish and top with their reserved lids.

4. Prepare the potatoes: In a separate bowl, toss the potato wedges with lemon juice, oregano, dried basil, allspice, salt, pepper and a generous drizzle of olive oil. Arrange the potatoes around the stuffed tomatoes in the baking dish.

5. Bake: Pour about 1/2 cup of water into the bottom of the pan. Drizzle everything with the remaining olive oil. Bake at 375 F for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the rice is cooked through, tomatoes are tender and potatoes are golden, basting occasionally with pan juices. Add a splash of water if the pan gets dry.

6. Serve: Let cool slightly. This dish is often served warm or at room temperature, which causes the flavors to meld even more beautifully.

CHEF’S TIP

If you end up with extra filling (which often happens), do not waste it. Spoon it into a small oiled baking dish, drizzle with a little water and olive oil, and bake it alongside the gemista until the rice is tender. The next day, any leftovers make a wonderful warm or cold pilaf — just perk it up with a squeeze of lemon and a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

WINNERS

Arkansas Food Hall of Fame

By DOUG CRISE

This fall, Arkansas Heritage announced the latest inductees into the Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.

The program was launched in 2016 to recognize legendary restaurants, proprietors and food-themed events across the state. These kings and queens of the state’s culinary scene may be new to the hall but not to the hearts and taste buds of foodies across the Natural State.

Each entry represents so much of what makes the fabric of Arkansas’ food landscape special. The Arkansas Food Hall of Fame categories are: Gone but Not Forgotten, Food-Themed Event, Proprietor of the Year, People’s Choice and Arkansas Food Hall of Fame.

Winners will be selected from a group of finalists announced in January, which were derived from nominations that flooded in from all 75 counties. This year’s inductees were chosen by a committee of Arkansans who are historians, chefs, foodies and food authors. The People’s Choice category is the only exception, since it is decided by votes from the community.

PROPRIETOR OF THE YEAR

“This award honors a chef, cook and/or restaurant owner in Arkansas who has made significant achievements in the food industry.”

WI N NER

Jim Keet

JTJ Restaurants

Little Rock

Jim Keet has spent his entire adult life making the impossible look easy.

The Arkansas Food Hall of Fame Proprietor of the Year has been immersed in the restaurant industry ever since taking a job at Kentucky Fried Chicken as a 15-year-old. With more than 150 restaurants under his belt ranging from Wendy’s to upscale central Arkansas favorites Petit & Keet in Little Rock and Cypress Social in North Little Rock, Keet feels at home in the toughest of businesses.

“It’s all about making sure that our mission is clear and not accepting any excuses,” Keet said. “We spend a lot of money on recruiting the right talent and retaining them. We’re very blessed to have staff members that have been with us for years.”

When Keet talks about the people who work for him, the theme of trust emerges. With so many people working at so many restaurants, Keet cannot be everywhere at all times, and so having the right people is not a luxury for an organization as vast as Keet’s — it is absolutely vital.

Keet is quick to acknowledge the contributions of his sons, Tommy and Jake, as well as his daughter-in-law, Stephanie, all three of whom are active in the family business JTJ Restaurants.

“They’re the backbone of what we do,” Keet said. “They share my passion for this industry and for treating every guest specially.”

FOOD HALL OF FAME

“This award recognizes those long-standing restaurants that have become legendary attractions in Arkansas.”

Do not let the surroundings fool you — folks who are going to visit Taylor’s Steakhouse had better have a reservation.

Nestled on the outskirts of Dumas, Taylor’s certainly looks unpretentious, but the restaurant’s dry-aged steaks would wow diners in any big city, and that is why visitors by the thousands make the trek to the Arkansas Delta in the southeastern corner of the state.

While also serving outstanding fish, shrimp and a locally famous dry-aged pork chop, it is the steaks that have people coming back for more. Be prepared to spend some time pursuing the menu because Taylor’s offers everything from bone-in ribeye and a giant porterhouse all the way to premium filet mignon.

FOOD HALL OF FAME

“This award recognizes those long-standing restaurants that have become legendary attractions in Arkansas.”

K. Hall & Sons Produce

Practically a Little Rock landmark, K. Hall & Sons Produce has evolved from a produce store to a full-fledged restaurant and food distributor. Visitors to the Wright Street location in Little Rock will find rib-sticking food from morning to evening plus a selection of rich desserts, the famous sweet Stella sauce and quite likely the best lemonade to be had.

A premier Black-owned business for more than 50 years, K. Hall & Sons has become part of the fabric of Little Rock. Founders Knoxie Hall Sr. and Estella Marie Crenshaw Hall were inducted into the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame in 2016.

FOOD HALL OF FAME

“This award recognizes those long-standing restaurants that have become legendary attractions in Arkansas.”

The Ohio Club

Established in 1905, The Ohio Club is a longstanding Hot Springs landmark that started off as a bar and gambling club frequented by Al Capone and his partners in crime. Today, The Ohio Club welcomes tourists, locals and foodies in equal measure.

Saddiq Mir purchased the longstanding Hot Springs bar with his wife, Jeannie, as part of their company J&S Hospitality and immediately went to work. Today, patrons peruse an expanded bar menu highlighted by one of the state’s best burgers, live music and cocktails that hearken back to the bar’s speakeasy past.

That all comes with a second-to-none atmosphere one might expect from the oldest bar in Arkansas.

“It’s a labor of love,” Saddiq said. “As soon as I read about the history and saw the history, my antennae went up immediately. We’ve called it an upscale historic bar. Food and service have been the top quality that we’ve focused on.”

FOOD-THEMED EVENT

“This award honors a community food-themed event or festival that makes our state a great place to live and visit.”

Arkansas Pie Festival

Cherokee Village

The Rhodes family is Cherokee Village through and through.

Ron Rhodes has run real estate firm King Rhodes & Associates for decades, helping clients find residential and commercial properties in the picturesque north Arkansas town. His passion for the community extended to sons Jonathan and Jason, who entered the family business after graduating from Hendrix College in Conway.

Wanting to both celebrate and attract new visitors to his hometown, Jonathan started the Arkansas Pie Festival with a simple concept.

“The idea was celebrating pie, and we wanted to do something that would be a signature festival for the community,” Jonathan said. “It’s growing every year and bringing in people from all over the state. We’re kind of developing ourselves as the pie capital of Arkansas.”

Since the inception, his vision has blossomed into a cannot-miss event that includes live music, bake-offs, pie eating contests and a 5K run to justify the pie consumption later. All the proceeds from the festival support science, technology, engineering, art and mathematics programming and education through the community’s Spring River Innovation Hub.

GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN

“This award remembers the collective culinary legacy of a once-and-always influential Arkansas restaurant that has since ceased operations.”

Cajun’s Wharf

Little Rock

For 44 years, Cajun’s Wharf in Little Rock delivered arguably the best food-and-view combination in central Arkansas.

The 20,000-square-foot restaurant off Cantrell Road served up the freshest seafood in town and an outdoor view of the Arkansas River. Just about every sort of live music could be found, although there was just something about the sounds of jazz wafting over the open back deck that fit the menu, the view of the river and the overall vibe.

The food was every bit on par with the ambiance, specializing in fresh seafood creations that were without peer in central Arkansas. It is no surprise those in the know usually took visiting family and friends to Cajun’s Wharf.

Over the years since its 2019 closing, chef and proprietor Mary Beth Ringgold has remained a crusader for fine dining in Little Rock, having founded the acclaimed Copper Grill nearby in downtown and the neighborhood favorite Capers in west Little Rock.

PEOPLE’S CHOICE

“This award recognizes those long-standing restaurants that have become legendary attractions in Arkansas.”

Meme’s Burgery

630 Harrison St., Batesville

Manuel and Paola Ramirez probably were not expecting their food truck venture to succeed overnight, but that is basically what happened with their Batesville-based business.

The Ramirezes, who have been making burgers since 2020, have been riding a hot streak that began in 2023, when they were honored with the People’s Choice Award from the Miracle League Burger Competition. The same award came in 2024, along with a spot in Arkansas’ top10 burger list in 2024.

While Meme’s offers a classic cheeseburger, it is the craft burgers that make Meme’s Burgery a must-stop. Angus beef patties are grilled over an open flame, served on a brioche bun, and come with a quality-sourced list of ingredients that includes a variety of cheeses, chorizo, fried plantains and house-made pickles.

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Arkansas bars, breweries

By ALEX HARDGRAVE

zapft is,” which translates to, “It is tapped,” is what the mayor of Munich says as he taps a barrel of beer, officially kicking off Oktoberfest. The annual festival is a favorite of beer lovers worldwide.

Oktoberfest was born in 1810 with the marriage celebration of Prince Ludwig of Bavaria and Princess Therese Charlotte Luise of Saxony-Hildburghausen. More than 200 years later, the revelry still takes place annually in Munich from mid-September through the first Sunday in October. The modern festival, marked with boisterous beer tents and beer gardens, has made its way into many corners of the world, including more than 5,000 miles away in Arkansas.

This year, the event officially commenced Sept. 20 in Little Rock as Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, Fassler Hall and Moody Brews all hosted Oktoberfest events complete with bratwursts and stein-hoisting competitions. Beer fans should not put away their lederhosen just yet, however, because the party continues at those locations and elsewhere.

Flying Saucer Draught Emporium, which features German cuisine on its menu all year, will double down for the duration of the Oktoberfest season with menu specials that include beer cheese soup, schnitzel and pizza with bratwurst bacon, general manager Olivia Klak said.

Throughout the season, the restaurant will

tap 15 different Oktoberfest-style beers, in addition to having bottles and cans of other selections available. Klak said there should be about 25 different Oktoberfests to try in total throughout the fall. Oktoberfest beers that patrons may find on Flying Saucer’s menu come from far and wide, including marzens from Coop Ale Works in Oklahoma City and Mother’s Brewing Co. in Springfield, Missouri.

“We have just a little bit of everything,” Klak said. “It’s a good time to try different beers.”

Fassler Hall, a German-themed beer hall and eatery, has offered a few Oktoberfest beers on its menu since late August, including the German-made Spaten Oktoberfest UrMärzen, which is kept on the list all year long. The restaurant will keep about 15 additional Oktoberfest beers on its menu until the kegs run out, said Jordan Baker, general manager.

“During this season, we like to grab as many as we can and rotate them out for as long as we can,” Baker said.

Fassler Hall will also have local selections from Arkansas breweries Lost Forty Brewing in Little Rock and Flyway Brewing Co. in North Little Rock.

“We encourage people to come out,” Baker said. “Come drink and party with us for Oktoberfest.”

This year marked Moody Brews’ first Oktoberfest festivities. The Pettaway neighborhood brewery celebrated the occasion by grilling bratwurst and releasing its

(Photos

Chris Smith, owner of Rogue Roundabout in Conway, described the Roguetoberfest beer as a traditional, “roasty, toasty bready amber international lager.” There are also notes of caramel and honey in it.

Oktoberfest brew for the season.

“Ours is a little bit different,” owner Josiah Moody said, noting most Oktoberfest beers are brewed purely with barley, hops, water and yeast, while he adds local rice to his mix. That makes the Moody Brews Oktoberfest a bit lighter than others, he said.

Moody Brews is a small batch, casual microbrewery that opened its doors in early 2024.

“We’re a come-as-you-are joint,” he said.

Along with rotating seasonal beers, the place also offers sandwiches, salads and charcuterie.

Another brewery is celebrating later in the year with its own twist on the holiday. The Rogue Roundabout in Conway will host “Roguetoberfest” Oct. 24 to 26.

The Rogue Roundabout, established in 2023 thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign, is Faulkner County’s first microbrewery. Along with beers brewed in-house, it offers a full bar, full coffee bar and full menu.

Owner Chris Smith said he designed the place without booths, opting instead for the traditional long communal tables as a way to build a community in the establishment.

“I built the restaurant with no booths, no barriers, no segmentation so [it’s easier] to talk with other people and see what they’re drinking,” he said.

Thanks to an amendment in state law, a measure Smith helped get passed that went into effect Aug. 5, the brewery is now legally allowed to host an Oktoberfest event. Prior to that, The Rogue Roundabout could not do so because the brewery is in a dry county.

One can expect many options of fall brews at the establishment, including the Roguetoberfest and a lighter iteration called The Fest, as well as a German bock and a Belgian tripel, Smith said.

He described the Roguetoberfest beer as a traditional, “roasty, toasty bready amber international lager.” There are also notes of caramel and honey in it. The Fest is made from washing the grains used to make Roguetoberfest a second time to get a beer with a lower alcohol by volume, close to 4 percent, and create a really crisp lager.

The German bock uses a honey malt that is a collaboration with a nearby bakery, hence the name BMB Honeybock. The Belgian tripel is a higher-alcohol beer made with Belgian yeast and boasts fruity, malty notes.

Roguetoberfest will happen both in the brewery and on neighboring streets. By designating the area an entertainment district for the festival weekend, people will be allowed to take beer with them from the brewery into the streets. The celebration will also incorporate many traditional German events and live music, as well as traditional German fare, Smith said.

By ALEX HARDGRAVE // Photos provided

For fall, local breweries have brought back some fan favorites. Brewed to pair with a day of festive fun or a chilly night, these beers are kegged, canned and ready to be imbibed.

Diamond Bear Brewing Co.

Diamond Bear Brewing Co. in North Little Rock has been making beer since 2000 and has perfected its festive, Märzen-style lager recipe based on traditional Oktoberfest Märzens found in Germany.

This beer, named Fest, is brewed in the classic Märzen style, meaning it is brewed in March and cellared, or lagered, throughout the summer to be enjoyed during the fall Oktoberfest celebration, owner Russ Melton said. Traditionally, an Oktoberfest Märzen is called fest beer in German, which is why Diamond Bear named its version that way.

“An Oktoberfest Märzen is an amber-colored, malty German lager known for its rich, toasty and bready malt flavor balanced by a clean hop profile and well-attenuated, crisp finish,” Melton said.

Attenuation refers to sugar being converted into alcohol and carbon dioxide during the fermentation process. A well-attenuated beer has a dryer finish that does not have much sugar sweetness.

At Diamond Bear, the brewers age Fest cold for flavor and smoothness, which gives the drink a malty sweetness and smooth finish. Fest’s alcohol by volume sits at 6.1 percent.

Flyway Brewing Co.

Flyway Brewing Co., nestled in the Argenta area of North Little Rock, brews two fall beer options. One is a classic Oktoberfest, and the other is a lager named Thrasher Black.

The Oktoberfest is a classic Märzen with middle-ground flavor and a 5.6 percent ABV.

“The caramel notes match really well with the

season,” said Kaitlynn McKenzie, team manager. McKenzie said the brewery gets a lot of compliments on the beer, and people wait excitedly for it to come on draft every year.

“It stands out because it has a crisp and clean finish while still being a traditional beer,” she said.

If customers are looking for something a bit more intense, they should reach for the Thrasher Black Lager. McKenzie said it tastes like “if a lager and a stout had a baby.” It has a 5.8 percent ABV.

“It marks the beginning of fall,” she said. “It’s nice and warm on your tummy.”

Lost Forty Brewing

The Hunter Oktoberfest is Lost Forty Brewing in Little Rock’s take on a traditional Märzen. Brand manager Cassie Millington described it as having mild and warm spice notes with a rich malt character and subtle hint of citrus.

“It’s a medium-bodied, smooth and easydrinking lager perfect for drinking around the campfire, tailgating before a football game, carving pumpkins and making chili with our favorite autumn beer,” she said.

The beer has been available on draft at the tap room since July and will stay there through October. It can also be purchased in six-packs or 12-packs. The Hunter’s ABV is 6.1 percent.

Also, from October through November, the brewery will offer its Puffy Jacket Baltic Porter.

At a high-ABV, 9 percent, it is a dark, robust Baltic porter with rich flavors, Millington said.

“Our Baltic porter exudes intoxicating aromas of roasted coffee, coating the palate first in malty dark chocolate, coffee and cherry flavors with a smooth, dry finish.”

Puffy Jacket was awarded a bronze medal at the World Beer Cup in 2022.

New Province Brewing Co.

The Rogers-based brewery New Province Brewing Co. has been crafting beer since 2016. Its Oktoberfest lager has notes of toasted bread, caramel and a smooth finish, said Meagan Fee, taproom and events manager. The beer is described on its label as “amber-hued and maltforward.” It’s a 5.3 percent ABV beer.

“As the air turns crisp and the days grow shorter, it’s made to welcome the season with bold flavor and timeless tradition,” the label states.

New Province also releases a 6.3 percent ABV Earl Grey India Pale Ale for the season as a collaboration with the Spice & Tea Exchange of Bentonville.

“Blending their unique ingredients with our brewing craft, together, we’re uncovering new horizons of flavor and creativity,” the label reads.

Another fall offering is Mindful Hive, a crisp and subtly sweet honey rye golden ale with a 6 percent ABV.

“Each sip buzzes with crisp fall flavor,” its label says. “It’s a golden ale that keeps the good times humming all season long.”

Fall COCKTAILS

Rocky Mountain Smash

2 ounces Warfield Organic Whiskey 3/4 ounce simple syrup Half a lemon cut into wedges 3-4 mint leaves

Muddled, shaken and strained over ice. Garnished with mint sprigs.

Goat Trail Rambler

Shaken and poured over ice Garnished with a lemon wheel.

garden

Enjoy a fun-filled day with the family at BoBrook Farms

By AY STAFF // Photos courtesy of BOBROOK FARMS

sk many Generation X’ers about their favorite Halloween traditions, and alongside plastic full-face characters masks and bobbing for apples, many will likely list It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown, the classic cartoon chronicling the adventures of the Peanuts gang on Halloween night.

It has been nearly six decades since Linus and Sally camped out in the most sincere pumpkin patch they could find in anticipation of the Great Pumpkin’s arrival, and much about Halloween has changed. The holiday is bigger than ever — Americans spent $11.6 billion on all things spooky last year, the National Retail Federation states — but not all traditions have survived intact.

A good chunk of that spend was on costumes for adults, suitable for grown-up gatherings and posting on social media. Door-to-door trick or treating has all but vanished in many neighborhoods, replaced by church-, municipality- or nonprofit-hosted “truck or treats” that many parents view as safer and more efficient.

Such trends are what makes the pumpkin patch experience at BoBrook Farms such a refreshing dose of nostalgia. Starting in late September and running through October, the attraction tucked into the countryside outside of Roland provides kids of all ages a fun and safe activity and the chance for families to create one-of-a-kind memories.

“I remember one year, we had a man visit us who was 94 years old and had never ridden on a hayride,” said Karen Bradford, who owns and operates BoBrook Farms with her husband, Bobby. “The look on his face was priceless. Seeing that kind of joy is a great reward for all our hard work.”

Like everything else about the farm — the very name of the place is a mashup of the Bradfords’ kids names — the pumpkin patch is an intensely personal attraction, and it shows. The farm creates an entire experience and has multiple games and attractions scattered throughout the property, all of which share an agricultural theme.

“We try to keep things as educational as possible,” Karen said. “A lot of pumpkin patches have things that have nothing to do with farming, like bounce houses. Every single attraction at BoBrook is farm related.”

A short list of attractions besides riding on an actual hayrack behind a tractor include mazes, pig races, hay pyramid, lawn games and picking out a special pumpkin.

“One of the biggest attractions we’ve ever had for the little ones is our corn pit,” Karen said. “We put well over 10,000 pounds of corn in the pit. It is like a giant sandbox, but it is corn. They love it. After the season is over, we grind it up and feed it to the animals and the wildlife.”

This is the 17th year for the attraction, and over time, the pumpkin patch has grown from a neighborhood curiosity to a must-have item on many families’ fall calendars. Thousands of people experience the pumpkin patch every year, Karen said, and that is with the farm just operating Friday, Saturday and Sunday hours for the general public.

The bulk of the visitors are families, although the Bradfords also have a field trip program for schools and other groups. The relaxing surroundings and beautiful setting provide ample photo ops around every corner.

“We have several mazes,” Karen said. “The one that draws the most people is the sunflower field. It is also beautiful for photos.”

Grown-up guests can also enjoy another unique attraction, the on-premises River Bottom Winery, which offers a variety of traditional and multiple fruit-based wines created and bottled on-site. A large deck provides a

“One of the things we’ve always wanted to encourage with our farm is for people to reconnect, whether that’s a family enjoying the pumpkin patch or a group of friends sharing a bottle of wine.”

— Karen

popular retreat for guests following an afternoon’s pumpkin picking.

“One of the things we’ve always wanted to encourage with our farm is for people to reconnect, whether that’s a family enjoying the pumpkin patch or a group of friends sharing a bottle of wine,” Karen said. “Life just moves too fast these days, and everyone is so stressed out and distracted by technology. We provide a place for people to put all that away for a bit and just enjoy being outdoors with people they love.”

Karen said the pumpkin patch attraction takes a lot of hard work, but the effort is rewarded from the very first guest.

“Our favorite part is seeing those kids’ faces light up and watching them experience everything we have on the farm. A lot of them are seeing farm animals for the very first time, and that’s a really cool thing to provide for them,”

she said. “We are thoroughly worn out by the time it’s all over, but it is so worth it”

BoBrook Farms is about about 5 miles past Pinnacle Mountain State Park on Arkansas 300.

The pumpkin patch is open to the public 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday Sept. 27 to Oct. 31.

Admission is $10 per person for ages 2 and older.

Private groups and field trips must make reservations in advance. No pets or outside beverages allowed. For full details, visit the farm’s website.

BoBrook Farms

13810 Combee Lane, Roland 501-519-5666 bobrookfarms.com

Patchwork

Pumpkin patches, corn mazes and fall fun on deck for October

By MAK MILLARD

Though pumpkins are used more often as decor than diet staple these days, the fall icon is thousands of years in the making — some estimates pin the earliest versions of the plant as far back as 7,500 B.C. Now available by the patch full, they are some of the undisputed celebrities of the autumn season, pumpkin-picking sharing the honors with other quintessential fall traditions such as corn mazes, hayrides and haunted houses.

Arkansas is lucky to be abundant with places to gather gourds while enjoying a host of family-friendly activities. From simple hayrides and pickyour-own patches to more extravagant operations with zip lines, corn pits and mazes of all shapes and sizes, there is a little something for everyone in the Natural State this fall.

BoBrook Farms

13810 Combee Lane, Roland

Through Oct. 31

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Tuesday through Thursday reserved for private groups, appointment only

BoBrook Farms is a popular spot throughout the year, and pumpkinpicking time is no different. From the corn pit, mazes and hayrides to weekend food trucks, sunflowers and the pumpkin patch itself, the farm draws thousands of visitors each season. BoBrook also caters to the competitive at heart with lawn games, pig races and rubber duck races, while adults can even take a trip to the River Bottom Winery.

Motley’s Pumpkin Patch

13724 Sandy Ann Drive, Little Rock

Through Nov. 2

1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday

Motley’s Pumpkin Patch promises festival-level fun and delivers in spades. New to the entertainment lineup for this year — already filled with pig races, slides, weekend magic shows and more — is a cow train ride for the kids. Motley’s is also a decorator’s dream thanks to an assortment of gourds, corn stalks, flowers and hay bales for all manner of fall fashionings.

Roseberry Farms

12223 Arkansas 9, Benton

Through Nov. 2

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, Monday through Thursday by reservation

The idyllic 56-acre setting of Roseberry Farms transforms to celebrate the season with hayrides and barrel rides, super slides, swings and fun with farm animals. Kick back with refreshments from the concession stand, or scope out the ideal fall photoshoot spot before exploring the pick-your-own patch for a pumpkin to take home.

Circle D Funny Farm Petting Zoo & Pumpkin Patch

11384 Arkansas 222, Malvern Through Nov. 2

10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays

Put an exotic twist on the fall festivities at Circle D Funny Farm. The farm’s unique safari hayride offers an up-close-and-personal visit with some of the most popular inhabitants under the guidance of trained staff. A petting zoo, zip lines, a corn pit, a pumpkin putt-putt course and, of course, the patch itself all round out the experience for a cannot-miss family outing.

Schaefers & Collins Pumpkin Patch & Farm

864 Lollie Road, Mayflower Through Nov. 1

9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Sundays; scheduled groups until noon weekdays, walk-ins accepted after

A new corn maze joins the lineup at Schaefers & Collins, which includes everything from hayrides to pony rides, along with vendors, face painting, a corn pit and more. In addition to pumpkins of all sizes and colors, the farm has other harvest-themed decor and carving kits. The picture props and sunflower field are also just what family photographers need to craft their next social posts.

Fall Festival at Mountain Home Berry Farm

693 County Road 57, Mountain Home

Through Nov. 2

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; private groups by appointment only 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday and 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Friday

Mountain Home Berry Farm is known for pick-your-own blueberries and blackberries, but the pumpkin pickin’ is just as good once fall rolls around. Pick up a festival activity pass, and enjoy a hayride, petting zoo, Mulch Mountain, mazes and a farm tour, as well as photo ops aplenty. In addition to pumpkins, the farm store has all manner of other homemade goodies.

Peebles Farm, Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze

County Road 249, Augusta

Through Nov. 1

2 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturday, noon to 7 p.m. Sunday

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Oct. 13

One of the most popular patches around, Peebles Farm has been welcoming visitors since 2004. Word on the Sesame Street is that this year’s 20-acre corn maze design is a real showstopper — not to mention 60 acres of pumpkins and more than 30 other activities to explore, such as pumpkin cannons, zip lines, horse and wagon rides, sunflowers and zinnias, pig races and more.

Pumpkin Hollow 671 County Road 336, Piggott

Through Nov. 1

9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday After-dark activities Fridays and Saturdays in October

Pumpkin Hollow claims to be both Arkansas’ longest-running pumpkin farm and most terrifying haunted attraction. By day, families can enjoy the corn maze, country bumpkin playground, Pumpkin Hollow Express Train, farm animals and more. By night, visit Horror in the Hollow for stops at the Amity Asylum, Bubba’s Butcher Barn and Forest of Fright, plus a flashlight maze, zombie paintball and miniature golf, just to name a few.

Farmland Adventures

5355 Parsons Road, Springdale Through Nov. 1

3 p.m. to 9 p.m. Thursday (October only); 3 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Saturday

Farmland Adventures celebrates 15 years of fall fun in northwest Arkansas this season with a classic collection of activities to ring in autumn in the Ozarks. From giant corn maze to hay pyramids, from pedal karts and wagon rides to pig races and from pumpkin picking to pick-your-own sunflowers, Farmland is one adventure worth putting on the family calendar.

Fall Festival at Rivercrest Orchard

2991 Dead Horse Mountain Road, Fayetteville Through Nov. 1

Noon to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday; noon to 6 p.m. Oct. 13 to 16 and Oct. 20; noon to 7 p.m. Oct. 23 and 30

McGarrah Farms has been serving northwest Arkansas since 1824, so it is safe to assume the operation knows how to celebrate the season right. In addition to the pumpkin patch, sunflower fields and pick-yourown zinnias, festivalgoers can enjoy bumper cars, pork chop derby rides, a corn maze, the Rivercrest Express Train and several new attractions for this year, not to mention specialty treats and drinks.

Old Milo Tree Farms & Pumpkin Patch

Hamburg Through Oct. 31

10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; school tours by appointment Tuesday, Thursday and Friday

No need to wait until Christmas tree season to visit Old Milo Farms. Enjoy a trip to the farm, and take a tractor-drawn hayride to pick pumpkins right off the vine, and try out a zip line and a horse ride. Old Milo also offers an assortment of gourds, mums, cornstalks and hay bales to complete one’s harvest haul of home decor.

A

few more statewide stops for pumpkin pickin’, maze moseying and more:

NORTHWEST

In the Pines Pumpkin Patch

Hindsville

The Father’s Field Pumpkin Patch & Market Place Plainview

Blackjack Blooms & Berries Pumpkin Patch

Mansfield

Middleton Family Farm

Pottsville

NORTHEAST

Jackson Farm Fall Festival

Black Rock

NORTH CENTRAL

CFC Farms Pumpkin Patch

Clinton

CENTRAL

Berkeley Farm Greenbrier

Hicks Family Farms

Lonoke

SOUTHWEST

Family Farm

Malvern

Shady Acres Farm Amity

The Dancing Ranch Farm Fall Festival Fouke

Miracle Farms Market Bodcaw

Fordyce Field Pickin’s Pumpkin Patch

Fordyce

SOUTHEAST

Southern Outdoors

Lexa

ARKANSAS STATE FAIR offers the BIGGEST party of the year

After 84 years, the Arkansas State Fair has seen a little bit of everything, yet the event continues to redefine itself as one of the preeminent state fairs in the country. The annual event continues to attract big crowds — half a million guests are the norm annually, and last year, 550,000 attended just off of a record year.

“This year’s fair will be one for the ages,”said Tiffany Wilkerson, state fair president and general manager. “The youth curfew implemented in recent years will continue in 2025 to increase the customer experience for all fairgoers. The Arkansas State Fair concert lineup is returning and bigger than ever, bringing even more excitement to this year’s fair.”

Last year was bolstered by perfect weather and heavy use of iconic Barton Coliseum. The main stage musical acts and headliner Miss Arkansas State Fair and Junior Miss Arkansas State Fair pageants all appeared in Barton for the first time in recent memory and will return there in 2025.

As with last year, the concerts inside Barton are separately ticketed events. Tickets for this year’s musical acts can be purchased at concerts. arkansasstatefair.com.

“I think everybody loved it,” Wilkerson said of utilizing the venue. “It was a little confusing last year for some people because it was the first year doing it, but this year, I think people have caught on. They’re buying tickets earlier compared to this same time last year for the concert series shows.

“As far as pageant contestants, the girls are really excited to be in the coliseum, back on the big stage. It was just a whole big production, and I think the things they saw on social media made more contestants want to participate.”

In addition to the regular pageants, the Rodeo Queen competitions will also have a more visible presence in the 2025 event.

“That’s new this year. We are going to host our Rodeo Queen competition, along with our regular fair pageant, on the weekend of Oct. 3,” Wilkerson said. “It won’t be in the coliseum. It will be in the Arkansas Building and the equestrian center, so fans can go to that during the day and then, that night, go to the fair pageants.”

Wilkerson said the surging popularity of the Arkansas State Fair has created some logistical challenges, which has pushed the boundaries of the event beyond its official 10-day window. Not only are pageant contestants turning out in record numbers — Wilkerson predicts 63 of the state’s 75 counties will be represented at this year’s competitions — but the number of livestock competitors is also mushrooming beyond the fairgrounds’ capacity.

“Last year, we had more exhibitors than we had the previous year to where we’re running out of barn space to accommodate the [livestock] shows,” she said. “The last few years, we’ve been showing the Wednesday prior, so just a couple days early, but this year, we’ll start a whole week earlier, showing on Oct. 2.”

Another change for the 2025 fair is the cost. On-site gate admission will increase to $15 for adults and $7 for children, but advance ticket prices and parking will remain at 2024 levels, Wilkerson said.

“Plus, we always have our free attractions,” she said. “This year, we have the Sea Lion Splash, GASCAR animal races and contortionist Sara Twister, and to that, we’ve added back the petting zoo, and we’ve added camel rides and pony rides. There truly is something for everyone at this year’s Arkansas State Fair.”

2025 Arkansas State Fair at a Glance The following information is complete and accurate as of publication date. For full up-to-the-minute information and details, consult arkansasstatefair.com.

ADMISSION & PARKING PRICES

Adults: Advance Price $10 / Gate Price $15

Seniors (Age 60-plus): Advance Price $6 / Gate Price $10

Children (Age 6-12): Advance Price $6 / Gate Price $10

Ride Bands: Advance Price $30 / Gate Price $37

Parking: $10

PAGEANTS AND TALENT

Attend the Arkansas State Fair talent and pageant events to see the best Arkansas has to offer in beauty, ability, talent and community service. The Arkansas State Fair pageants are beloved events that have been around for more than 100 years.

After qualifying at the county level Miss Arkansas State Fair and Jr. Miss Arkansas State Fair contestants represent their hometowns with pride at the state fair competitions. Elite Ms. Arkansas State Fair, Ms. Arkansas State Fair and Sr. Ms. Arkansas State Fair, competing by age, do not have a regional step and advance directly to the finals of their respective divisions. In addition, a number of youth pageants and talent competitions are held for younger competitors, giving them their start on stage and a moment in the spotlight.

2025 Pageants & Talent Competitions

Jr. Miss Pageant — 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 3 — Barton Coliseum

Miss Pageant — 6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 4— Barton Coliseum

Rodeo Queen Competition — Oct. 4-5 —Arkansas Building

Talent Showdown — Friday, Oct. 10 — Arkansas Building

Youth & Kids Talent — Saturday, Oct. 11 — Arkansas Building

Elite Ms., Ms., and Sr. Ms. Pageants — Sunday, Oct. 12 — Arkansas Building

2025 CONCERT SERIES (TICKETED)

Barton Coliseum Trey Songz — 7 p.m. Friday, Oct. 10

R&B sensation Trey Songz is bringing his signature smooth vocals and soulful energy to Barton. With more than a dozen Top 10 hits and a devoted global fanbase, he is sure to bring the heat as he performs favorites like “Say Aah,” “Bottoms Up,” and “Can’t Help but Wait.”

Sponsored by Top Choice Auto Group

Lonestar & David Lee Murphy — 7 p.m. Saturday, Oct.11

Saturday is a two-for-one night of feel-good country. David Lee Murphy, the voice behind timeless hits like “Dust on the Bottle” and “Party Crowd,” brings his unmistakable Southern swagger. Kicking off the night is Lonestar, one of the most beloved country groups of the late ‘90s and early 2000s, best known for romantic power ballads such as “Amazed” and upbeat anthems such as “No News.”

Sponsored by Smirnoff and Don Julio

38 Special — 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12

Fans of Southern rock are in for a legendary night with 38 Special. Known for their explosive live shows and classics such as “Hold on Loosely,” “Caught up in You,” and “Rockin’ Into the Night,” the band will bring a high-octane close to a weekend full of music, rides and fair food favorites.

Sponsored by Smirnoff and Don Julio

2025 SPECIALTY CONTESTS CREATIVE

ARTS

See the very best Arkansas has to offer across a wide range of hobby and homemaking categories, including cooking and baking competitions, art and photography, needlework, and more.

Some of the daily activities are drop-in and require no advance entry or qualification. Guests who participate might walk away with a prize.

Creative Arts Building

LIVESTOCK

Exhibitors from across Arkansas will bring their prize animals to compete in the hopes of winning the coveted blue ribbon and grand champion rosette. Youth work all year to raise and groom their animals. Competition this year will be held for cattle, sheep, swine, goats, rabbits and poultry. The full schedule of judging by category is available at the fair website. On Oct. 17, the annual Sale of Champions will start at noon at Barton Coliseum. The event raises money in a mock auction for the top competitors across various species.

HIGHLAND DAIRY FUN ZONE

Free with gate admission. All showtimes are daily, unless otherwise indicated.

Contortionist/archer Sara Twister: 12:30 p.m., 3 p.m., 5:30 p.m.

GASCAR Crazy Animal Races: 11:30 a.m., 2 p.m., 4 p.m., 6 p.m. Sea Lion Splash: noon; 2:30 p.m. (Saturday, Sunday and Monday only), 6:30 pm

Saturday, Oct. 11 — Adult Open Bake

Monday, Oct. 13 — Petit Jean Meats Cooking Contest, Tim Clement Memorial Pound Cake

Tuesday, Oct. 14 — Hiland Dairy Cooking Contest, Matthew’s Sweet Potato Cooking Contest

Wednesday, Oct. 15 — Arkansas State Fair Cherry Pie Contest, Skippy Peanut Butter Cooking

Thursday, Oct. 16 — Arkansas Cattlemen’s Steak Competition, Arkansas Cattlewomen’s Chili Cook-Off

Friday, Oct. 17 — People’s Choice Chili Contest

Saturday, Oct. 18 — Youth Baking Competition

2025 FOOD VENDORS

What would the Arkansas State Fair be without food? This year’s event offers a robust lineup of old favorites and new flavors to fuel the state fair experience. Food items listed are only a sample of what is available.

1. The Party Deck — Beer, soda, bottled water

2. Miss Ann’s Kitchen — Burgers*

3. Center Stage Grill — Hamburgers, nachos, polish sausage

4. Pepsi Express — Beer, soda, bottled water

5. Gold’s Boss Hogg — Turkey legs, ribs, chicken

6. L&M Concessions — Grilled chicken sandwich, hamburgers

7. Ozark Candies & Nuts — Roasted pecans, roasted almonds

8. Dragon’s Breath — Liquid nitrogen ice cream*

9. Michener Kettle Corn — Pig skins, kettle corn

10. Eggroll Love — Gourmet egg rolls

11. Haack’s Concession — Blooming onion, onion rings, loaded tater tots

12. Fried What?! — Deep-fried Oreos, key lime pie, cheesecake, Twinkies, etc.

13. WonderStick — Ice cream

14. McKinney Corn Dogs — Regular and Flaming Hot Cheetos varieties

15. Bennett Concessions — Pork tenderloin, cowboy burger, krazy frys

16. Gold’s Skillet — Reuben sandwiches

17. Swain’s Pizza — Pizza on a stick, spicy pickle pizza

18. Corky Westmoreland’s Concessions — Funnel cakes, lemonade, nachos

19. WonderStick Ice Cream — Ice cream nachos

20. Linda’s Lemonade SW — Lemonade shakeup

21. Ormics Dippin’ Dots — Dippin’ Dots, ice cream, yogurt

22. Ormics Mickey’s Grill — Beef/chicken kabobs, turkey legs

23. Roger Westmoreland Concessions — Funnel cakes, lemonade, nachos

24. H2Q BBQ — Big Poppa Tot, fried ribs and fish

25. Swain’s Pizza on a Stick — Pizza on a stick, spicy pickle pizza

26. Ormics Taco Kings — Tacos, quesadillas, burritos

27. SW Chris Corn Dogs — Dipped corn dogs

28. Larry’s Gator House — Gator bites, boudin eggs, red beans and rice

29. White Cloud Shaved Ice — Flavored finely shaved ice*

30. Brandon Concessions — All Things Grilled Cheese*

31. L&M Concessions — Cheeseburger waffle

32. L&M Concessions — Roasted corn

33. Ice Tea Box — Iced tea, fruit punch

34. Paizi’s Greek Foods — Gyros, pitas, Greek salad

35. Sue Sue’s Kitchen — Deep-fried bacon-wrapped chicken on a stick*

36. Eggroll Love — Sweet eggrolls, peach and cherry eggrolls*

37. Linda Chan’s Concession — Fried rice, wings, eggrolls

38. Alan McKinney Corn Dogs — Footlong corn dog, lemonade*

39. SW Two Brothers — Ice cream, pineapple whip

40. Haack’s Concession — Churros, cheese curds, cheese sticks*

41. Don Elote — Tacos, Flamin’ Hot Cheetos walking taco

42. H2QUE BBQ — Barbecue sandwiches, barbecue nachos, smoked stuffed turkey legs

43. Bennett Concessions — Street tacos

44. Gold’s Concessions — Turkey legs, pork chops

45. Midway Café — Nachos, burgers, chicken tenders*

46. Alan McKinney Corn Dogs — Corn dogs, nachos, fries

47. Ice Tea Box — Iced tea, fruit punch

48. SW Candyman — Cotton candy, candy apples

49. State Fair Funnel Cakes — Funnel cakes, shaved ice

50. SW Two Brothers— Ice cream, pineapple whip

51. Busch Light Cooking Shack — Hamburgers, grilled chicken sandwich, fries

*New for 2025

DAILY PROMOTIONS

Smaller price, same big fun — take advantage of these promotions, and save.

Friday, Oct. 10

KARK-4 AND FOX 16 RIDE DAY — 11:00 a.m. to close — Buy an armband at a midway ticket booth for $35, and get unlimited rides this day.*

Saturday, Oct. 11

POWER 92.3/102.1 KOKY/PRAISE 102.5 RIDE DAY — 11 a.m. to close — Buy a $35 armband at a midway ticket booth, and get unlimited rides this day.*

AMBETTER DAY — All Ambetter members who present a valid Ambetter insurance card will receive $2 off gate admission. Discount valid for four persons per party.

POWER 92 POWER PACK — 92 minutes of free gate admission for children 12 and younger from 11 a.m. to 12:32 p.m.

Sunday, Oct. 12

THE POINT 94.1, AY & AMP MAGAZINE RIDE DAY — 11 a.m. to close — Buy an armband at a midway ticket booth for $35, and get unlimited rides this day.*

BANK OZK DAY AT THE FAIR — All Bank OZK employees who present a valid Bank OZK employee ID or any Bank OZK customer who presents a Bank OZK debit/credit card will receive $2 off gate admission. Discount valid for four persons per party.

Monday, Oct. 13 KIDDIE DAY — Children ages 6 and younger can ride the kiddie rides free from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Free gate admission 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. for adults bringing children. Parking included.

THE POINT 94.1 TWO DOLLAR DAY — Gate admission, parking and rides are $2 each all day.

THV 11 MISSION HOME DAY — Visit the THV 11/Triple-S Alarm tent at the main gate for child safety wristbands, and meet THV personalities.

Tuesday, Oct. 14

HOT 94.9 TUESDAY — Buy a special $35 armband, and get unlimited rides from 11 a.m. to close.

ARKANSAS SCHOLARSHIP LOTTERY DAY — All lottery scholarship winners will receive half price gate admission by presenting proof of scholarship.

Wednesday, Oct. 15

100.3 THE EDGE RIDE DAY — Buy a $35 armband, and get unlimited rides from 11 a.m. to close.*

KSSN 96 LADIES NIGHT OUT — Free gate admission for women 21 and older from 6 p.m. to close.

Thursday, Oct. 16

iHEART RADIO THRILL THURSDAY SPONSORED BY 100.3 THE EDGE, KSSN 96, 105.1 THE WOLF AND HOT 94.9 — Buy a $35 armband at a midway ticket booth, and get unlimited rides this day.*

100.3 THE EDGE COLLEGE NIGHT — 6 p.m. to close — Free gate admission for college students with valid school ID.

Friday, Oct. 17

103.7 THE BUZZ/106.7 THE BUZ2 AND ARKANSAS CANCER COALITION RIDE DAY — 11 a.m. to close — Buy an armband at a midway ticket booth for $35, and get unlimited rides.*

SCHOOL DAY AT THE FAIR — $3 Fair admission sold at gates from 1 p.m. to close for all school children through 12th grade.

Saturday, Oct. 18

KSSN 96 RIDE DAY — Buy a $35 armband at a midway ticket booth, and get unlimited rides this day.*

ENTERGY DAY AT THE FAIR — All Entergy employees who present a valid Entergy employee ID receive $2 off gate admission. Discount valid for four persons per party.

Sunday, Oct. 19

LEGENDS RESORT & CASINO and 105.1 THE WOLF RIDE DAY — 11 a.m. to close — Buy an armband at a midway ticket booth for $35, and get unlimited rides.*

*Gate admission and parking are not included.

Back Where They BELONG

38 Special ready to rock the Arkansas State Fair

By

One of the most iconic and longest-lived bands of the Southern rock era, 38 Special is headed back to the Natural State for a much-anticipated show during the Arkansas State Fair. The ticketed concert is slated for 6 p.m. Oct. 12 at historic Barton Coliseum on the state fairgrounds.

Formed in 1974 in Jacksonville, Florida, by pals-to-this-day Donnie Van Zant and Don Barnes, the band would be an especially fruitful sprig on the genre’s family tree. The group had an impressive pedigree in Donnie, the brother of Ronnie Van Zant, founder and lead singer of Lynyrd Skynyrd and one of the patron saints of Southern rock.

Elbowing for space in a field that included future heavyweights The Marshall Tucker Band, The Outlaws, Blackfoot and Molly Hatchet, 38 Special would, by their third album, develop their own sound, one that was more melodic and more polished than what their contemporaries were doing.

The formula worked. Starting with 1979’s Rockin’ Into the Night, which gave them their first charted single by the same name, the band reeled off a string of hits, starting with the monster “Hold on Loosely” off the platinum 1981 album WildEyed Southern Boys and continuing through Special Forces in 1982, which spawned the group’s first No. 1 single “Caught Up in You.” In 1983, Tour de Force kept the party rolling with the chart-topping “If I’d Been the One,” as well as “You Keep Runnin’ Away,” and “Back Where You Belong.”

The decade came to a close on the strength of movie soundtracks “Teacher, Teacher” from Teachers (1984), “Back to Paradise” from Revenge of the Nerds II (1987) and the ballad “Second Chance” off the 1988 album Rock and Roll Strategy

The band continued to put out original music and live albums through 2004 while keeping up a steady diet of touring. In 2025, the group released its first album of new material, Milestone, in more than two decades as a testament to the enduring power of its music. Through changing lineups due to deaths, retirements and defections, the band’s appeal has remained strong as 38 Special continues to outlive and outperform many of their contemporaries.

AY About You sat down with founding member, guitarist and vocalist Don Barnes to talk about the long road traveled by the quintessential American rock and roll band.

AY About You: Can I tell you I listened the grooves off of Special Forces back in high school? I would’ve have started with Wild-Eyed Southern Boys, but I never would have got that album cover past my mother. Don Barnes: You know, the funny thing about that cover, it was the artist’s daughter that modeled for it. She was, I guess, 16 or something. He needed a model in those hot pink shorts, and I guess he took a picture of her on a step or something. It’s kind of weird when you think about it.

AY: The thing about Special Forces, the cover was pretty tame, but when I pulled that inner sleeve out, this little Midwestern kid thought, man, these guys look dangerous. That’s cool. These guys look rough, but it was pure rock ‘n’ roll to me.

Barnes: The first day of MTV, we were the 13th video played, and we weren’t quite ready for prime time. Like I tell people, we didn’t look like bridge trolls or anything, but we were different from all the New Wave and European bands and everything. I guess it was something different there.

AY: Going back to the formation of the band and figuring out who you were going to be musically, you come from the Southern rock tradition, but you didn’t sound like any of them.

Barnes: We also didn’t know what we wanted to be when we first started. We were, at the time, playing and trying to write songs that had already kind of happened already with Lynyrd Skynyrd and The Outlaws and Marshall Tucker Band, and we just kind of looked inward and started realizing we are more British invasion, you know, the Animals and Searchers and Beatles. I’d always liked the big choruses, something that you could really hang your hat on that had hooks to ‘em. Our songs were more relationship oriented, where all these other bands, Molly Hatchet and Skynyrd and Blackfoot, were all more blues-and-bad-whiskey kind of stuff. We never really had songs like that.

AY: Did audiences know what to make of you early on? I have a tough time envisioning what that big sound must have been like in some dive bar in Arkansas, or was it an immediate connection?

Barnes: No, they didn’t know what to make of us. We were rolling in with 6-foot amps with two drummers, and we were dead set and determined to make it work. There was a lot of frustration. I tell these young guys, man, the first thing you’ve got to understand — you’ve got to get used to failure because it’s probably inevitable that you’re going to fail at some point because nobody knows who you are.

Iconic Southern rock group 38 Special is headed to Barton Coliseum in Little Rock Oct. 12.

AY: What keeps things together at times like that?

Barnes: You’ve got to believe in yourself and keep your confidence up, and that’s a hard thing to do, you know, because a lot of people turn their back and say, “I can’t do this. It’s not going to work. I’ve got to go back and get a regular job.” There were times when one of the guys would say, “Man, my family, I just don’t have any money coming in,” and we were like, “Oh, man, come on, stay in here. We feel like it’s right around the corner. We know we’re getting close.” A band is kind of a support group, but a band is also a marriage where you’re married to five other guys. Honestly, we were too stubborn to quit.

Ronnie [Van Zant of Lynyrd Skynyrd] had an old, brokendown agent out of Macon, Georgia, and he said we needed an agent, somebody to book us around the South and everything. He told the guy, “Just don’t be easy on them. Make sure that they suffer a lot,” so we’re going from, like, Charleston, South Carolina, all the way to Chanute, Kansas, just to play a dirty old club. I remember thinking back then, “Why did [Van Zant] do that to us?” and, of course, in hindsight, you realize that when you suffer together, it builds character, and you have to hang on. You have to support each other.

AY: That toughness is a byproduct of where this band was birthed, right? Jacksonville, Florida, which doesn’t mean a lot to today’s audiences, is really one of those American spots where so much great music came out of and, with it, that, “Come hell or high water, we’re going to ride this thing till the wheels fall off,” attitude.

Barnes: That’s right, and it was the west side of Jacksonville mainly. I’ve told people this: It’s like the Liverpool of the South because it was a port town, a Navy town. There was four naval bases, and just like The Beatles and all those Liverpool bands, they had venues to play to sailors, enlisted men. We would be underage, playing these cover songs — Duane Allman, Gregg Allman [of The Allman Brothers Band], the Molly Hatchet guys, The Outlaws, all the Blackfoot guys. We all played sailors clubs at a young age. You make 100 bucks a week, that’s big money for a kid, but more importantly, you learn the structure of songs. You learn the pattern of songwriting. You learn the basics of songwriting because you’re practicing all these songs to present at four sets a night.

AY: What was the turning point?

Barnes: People think when you get a record deal, oh, they’ve made it. No, you just get a chance to play in the big leagues. You haven’t made anything, and if you don’t deliver for the company, they’ll drop your contract, and you’re back to the old, dirty clubs.

Our first three albums basically went over the cliff, and we were pretty much desperate. It just wasn’t working; we were putting everything with the kitchen sink in there, and it was just too much. That’s why we changed the formula. We stripped everything way down to what we call muscle and melody, and we got that genial snarl of those guitars and a good melody, a good story over the top, and it started to work. We started to have some success with that.

We had finished about nine months of hard touring, torture tour stuff, and once you get through with the tour, you’re contractually obligated to have an album out six months from then. Well, nobody had one idea of one note for that, and it was due in six months. It’s pretty scary when you don’t have any idea at all. I remember I was dating this woman at the time and was consumed with her. I told her, “Yeah, I just can’t seem to get any work done. I’m just so caught up in you all the time.” A light bulb went on, “That’s a pretty good song title,” so I wrote it down in this notebook.

Jeff Carlisi, our original guitar player, and I met with Jim Peterik from Survivor, who had done “Rockin’ Into the Night,” and we went to his house, and I had the notebook open, and I said, “What do you think about this title? ‘Hold on Loosely,’” and he went, “Oh, yeah, but don’t let go.” It was like the perfect bookend, and we were off for the races. We wrote that in about an hour and a half, and all these years later, that’s been the iconic anthemic song for 38 Special.

AY: Hard to believe your biggest hit could have been that random. Barnes: The inceptions of those songs, it’s strange how they actually come about, but then you learn how to put truth into them, something that’s real, something that happened to you, because then somebody will relate to it and make that connection — something happy like “Caught Up in You,” where I feel just like that guy who’s in love.

After a few years of that, you get a little cocky, and you start thinking, “Well, I can write my own songs,” and that’s when you go starve for the next 10 years, but we did learn the fundamentals at a young age.

“If I’d Been the One” — there was a woman I had a long-distance relationship with, and we were crazy about each other. One day, she called, and said that she wanted my blessing because she was going to get married, so again, you put what happens in your life into the song.

Elbowing for space in a field that included future heavyweights The Marshall Tucker Band, The Outlaws, Blackfoot and Molly Hatchet, 38 Special would, by their third album, develop their own sound, one that was more melodic and more polished than what their contemporaries were doing.

What if I had said that to you? Put yourself in my place. How would that feel? To this day, she knows that song is about her, but you know what? Truth can’t be denied. People know that guy’s talking about the real thing, you know?

AY : Now you’re back, and not only are you playing to packed houses; you’re supporting a new album of original music, Milestone . Was it tough to find a balance between what people have always known about you as a group and where you might be now?

Barnes: There are songs on there that are a bit of a throwback. They do have that reflective sound, just updated. It’s tricky because if you come out with something that sounds like 1983, then people are going to go, “Well, big deal. It sounds exactly like what they used to do.” If you come out with something that’s pretty different, they’re scratching their head going, “Huh? This is 38

Special?” You have to kind of dismiss all those opinions and just do what you like to do, so there’s a song called “Looking for My Life” that’s one of several that really do have that kind of throwback sound. Then there are other ones that are a surprise, so I think we’ve done a good job there.

AY: What can audiences expect from your Arkansas State Fair appearance?

Barnes: Oh, man, it’s everything you want to hear from the history, so many songs from movies we’ve had. We’ve had to put together several medleys through the show because if we played everything full length, we’d be there for four hours. We’ve got some of this new material and different surprises. It’s been a great ride, and we’ve made our live show something to take you on that ride. We always have some manic fans around Arkansas, and it should be packed, so we’re looking forward to it.

With more than 20 singles charted and 10 No. 1s to their credit, Lonestar defined country music in the 1990s and early aughts. With three original members still in the lineup — guitarist Michael Britt, drummer Randy “Keech” Rainwater and keyboardist/rhythm guitarist Dean Sams — the band has logged more than three decades in the studio and on the road.

Praised by critics as offering a refreshing neotraditionalist vibe, Lonestar enjoyed success from their very first single, “Tequila Talkin’,” which peaked at No. 8 on the Billboard Hot Country Singles & Tracks, now Hot Country Songs chart. In 1996, Lonestar won the Academy of Country Music award for Top New Vocal Group/Duet.

The band originally featured John Rich of Big & Rich fame, parting ways with the singer in 1998 but never missing a beat. On the heels of Rich’s firing, the band released its signature single “Amazed” in 1999. The song spent eight weeks at No. 1 on the country charts and would later reach No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, as well. What is more, the band’s single “Smile” achieved its No. 1 peak on Hot Country Songs the same week “Amazed” topped the Hot 100, the first time in Billboard chart history that an act had the No. 1 position on two different charts with two different songs.

Another hallmark of their career, 2001’s “I’m Already There” was originally written as a love letter from the road, but after 9/11, it became the unofficial anthem for members of the U.S. military and their families. From the album of the same name, “I’m Already There” spent six weeks at No. 1 on the country charts that summer, in addition to reaching No. 24 on the Hot 100 and No. 2 on the Adult Contemporary charts. The same year, the band won the Country Music Association’s award for Vocal Group of the Year.

Lonestar’s streak of No. 1 hits extended through 2004’s “Mr. Mom,” and all 10 were rerecorded for 2023’s TEN to 1. The subsequent tour was reported to set records for the band, a testament to the staying power of its music. The dynamic band will play the Arkansas State Fair with fellow country singer David Lee Murphy 7 p.m. Oct. 11. Tickets are available at concerts.arkansasstatefair.com.

AY About You caught up with Britt to talk about the hits, the hurricane of fame and what has bound the group for more than three decades.

AY: What were your personal musical influences growing up?

Britt: I grew up listening to rock music. In sixth grade, I was the biggest Kiss fan; I wanted to be Ace Frehley, and I would practice with my tennis racket in front of a mirror, just playing along to the Kiss records. Then Van Halen came along, and of course, that just blew every guitar player’s mind. Then I got into more esoteric art: Mark Knopfler [of Dire Straits] became a huge influence. Stevie Ray Vaughan, when he came out, he brought this whole blues influence. Then when I got into a country band, I had to learn all these country guitar players.

The way our music is, I can incorporate almost all that rock stuff — maybe not the Van Halen tapping stuff, but I can put bluesy solos on it. I can put country chicken picking like Albert Lee and Vince Gill stuff on it. There’s this whole bag of tricks that I can come up with as a guitar player that all started with basic three-chord rock and then just kind of embellished from there. It all comes out sounding like me now.

AY: When you got into Lonestar, was it a similar story with their musical backgrounds?

Britt: The way we play just works really well together. We’ve been doing it for so long, I’ll look over sometimes and we’re, like, playing almost the same little things, or Dean will play something, and I’ll kind of answer it. We just have a chemistry that’s been there since day one.

AY: You’ve toured behind new music, and more recently, you’ve toured behind the album TEN to 1, which set attendance records for you. What surprised you the most about the staying power of those songs and the audience behind them?

AY About You: Talk a little bit about your origins, how you discovered each other before the world discovered you as a group.

Michael Britt: Dean Sams, our keyboard player, is the one that was kind of the center, the hub of the wheel. He knew each one of us from different areas. He had met [original lead singer] Richie McDonald when they were auditioning for a show at Opryland [in Nashville]. They talked about maybe putting a band together, and Dean called all of the people he knew that played instruments, and that’s how it kind of got together. Three out of the four are still together. It’s kind of crazy.

AY: In your own musical history, did you always gravitate to the guitar? Did you play other instruments?

Britt: I got my first guitar when I was in sixth or seventh grade, and that was just always the thing I liked to do. I played a little bit in the school band in elementary and middle school, which I quit in high school, but being a guitar player, that was just one of these things I was drawn to.

Britt: You know, I wish I knew. That seems like something you could bottle and sell for a lot of money. I don’t know how that happened. All I know, from my perspective, is we were a young band that was trying to make it, putting out great songs that we all believed in. I think just having songs like “Amazed” and “I’m Already There,” they’re more than songs. They become part of people’s lives. They become who they are, in a way, so every time you hear that song, you kind of relive the good things or remember people you’ve missed. There’s an emotional connection to a lot of our music, and I think that’s probably our biggest thing. I think if they were just songs about partying and drinking, I don’t think they would’ve lasted this long.

AY: Your first No. 1 was “No News,” your first taste of breathing that rarefied air. What did that song teach you as musicians or as songwriters that came out in the other nine No. 1s that you had after that?

Britt: “No News” was a quirky song when it came out. It was kind of weird, you know? It had these quirky references talking about Pearl Jam and The Grateful Dead. That was what drew us to the song. I think when you’re an artist trying to create music, you want to kind of try to step outside the box or think outside the box just a little bit. You’re always walking that tightrope, you know, between pushing the envelope and being a little creative or giving people what they want. Sometimes what they think they want isn’t what they want.

After our first record, I was at a songwriter’s house, and there was a poster on the wall that said, “The Best Ways to Lose Your Audience.” No. 1 was do everything they expect. No. 2 is do nothing they expect.

I remember thinking that was just fantastic, so every album we’ve ever had, we always try to throw something kind of quirky or different on it.

AY: Tell me the story of “Amazed.”

Britt: Well, that song was definitely the sledgehammer through the wall that got us in our career. At the time, we already had had a couple of No. 1 songs with “Come Cryin’ to Me” and “No News.” We had kind of come to a crossroads where John Rich ended up leaving the band. We were entering unknown territory, so when we were looking for songs for our third album, we were trying to do things just a little differently while literally hoping we were still going to have a career. We got a new producer named Dann Huff, and we were getting pitched all these songs, and one of them we heard at a song meeting. The guy that sang the demo sounded a lot like Rod Stewart. He had kind of that raspy voice, and so that demo always just stuck out because the voice on it was so interesting.

AY: What did it feel like to go from successful to that turning-it-up-to-11 type of successful with a crossover hit?

Britt: Honestly, it took us by surprise. We were just happy to have another hit after losing a lead singer, but then it just kept rising. It was No. 1 for three weeks and four weeks and five weeks and six weeks and just kept going. That’s when we realized we were experiencing something out of the ordinary. Even to this day, people love hearing that song, and we’re just so fortunate that we were the one that said, yeah, I think that’s a great song. We should cut it.

AY: Were you able to enjoy and absorb that moment, or do things speed up too much with the demands coming hot and heavy, and the arenas are bigger, and there is all this excitement?

Britt: Honestly, we felt like a mouse on the little treadmill, you know, because once that started, everything became nonstop. We started that album promotion with a six-week radio tour out in California, gone for six weeks straight, literally three or four stations a day, working to promote it. Then it started working, and we had to have a follow-up thing going, so we had “Smile,” which was No. 1 on the country chart at the same time “Amazed” was No. 1 on the pop chart. It was like something just rolling downhill and picking up steam.

I don’t remember anything about that time really. It was such a blur. I wish I could have stopped and kind of absorbed it a little bit more, but honestly, I don’t think any of us really absorbed it. It was just, “You’ve got to top it. You’ve got to top it.” It was never, “Sit back and enjoy it.” The treadmill we were on kept speeding up.

AY: The other one that really jumps out is “I’m Already There.” Did that one surprise you the way “Amazed” did, or did you kind of know that you had captured that magic when you cut it?

Britt: Well, even though we’d released a few songs after “Amazed,” we were still worried about putting too many ballads out. That was our only possible negative about “I’m Already There,” but Richie wrote the song when we were on our radio tour. I think the best songs always have a kernel of truth in them. That song just was about our minds being on the road, like Journey’s “Faithfully,” you know?

Songs like that have a truth to them that you think only pertains to you, but it turns out to be universal. We’re musicians, but there’s truck drivers. There’s soldiers. There’s all these different people that are dealing with that same stuff. We didn’t really think about that at the time, but that’s what kind of made that song. It’s just the fact that everybody can relate to being away from someone they loved.

AY: Let’s talk a little bit about the upcoming Arkansas show. What can fans look forward to?

Britt: We just like to have fun. I feel like people should leave laughing and smiling because they’ve heard a bunch of hits and they’ve heard some funny stories. We like to rock out, so all the guys that got dragged there by their girls just to hear “Amazed,” you know, we throw some rock stuff in for those guys, too, so they leave happy.

We’ve been doing this a long time, and honestly, we do it because we love it, and our biggest joy is being up on stage and just having fun with people. Plus, we’re able to enjoy it right with them, you know, absorb it more now than we did before. Honestly, I don’t know what would be better than that.

When you walk into the Robinson Nursing & Rehabilitation Center you will feel a comfortable atmosphere different from any other facility you have visited. We feature tall ceilings and an open floor plan. We have a lovely dining room and a covered outdoor patio area.

When you walk into the Robinson Nursing & Rehabilitation Center you will feel a comfortable atmosphere different from any other facility you have visited. We feature tall ceilings and an open floor plan. We have a lovely dining room and a covered outdoor patio area.

We specialize in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. The short-term rehabilitation area has its own dining area and day room. From the moment you enter our facility, we want you to experience the difference our facility has to offer. From our light-filled day areas to our beautiful outdoor areas, we want you and your loved one to feel comfortable and safe when staying with us. You will also notice the pride we take in our facility by keeping our building sparkling clean from the inside out.

We specialize in short-term rehabilitation and long-term care services. The short-term rehabilitation area has its own dining area and day room. From the moment you enter our facility, we want you to experience the difference our facility has to offer. From our light-filled day areas to our beautiful outdoor areas, we want you and your loved one to feel comfortable and safe when staying with us. You will also notice the pride we take in our facility by keeping our building sparkling clean from the inside out.

Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment. Robinson Nursing and Rehab offers modern conveniences in a gracious setting. We provide daily planned activities led by certified activity directors, like social events and outings and pastoral services with spiritual care for all religions. We strongly encourage family participation in group activities, meals and celebrating family birthdays and special days.

Our team is dedicated to providing a safe and comfortable environment. Robinson Nursing and Rehab offers modern conveniences in a gracious setting. We provide daily planned activities led by Certified Activity Directors, like social events and outings and pastoral services with spiritual care for all religions. We strongly encourage family participation in group activities, meals and celebrating family birthdays and special days.

To help you plan your visits, we provide a monthly event calendar and a monthly meal planner. Robinson Nursing and Rehab does not have set visiting hours. We view this facility as the “home” of each resident.

To help you plan your visits, we provide a monthly event calendar and a monthly meal planner. Robinson Nursing and Rehab does not have set visiting hours. We view this facility as the “home” of each resident.

We try our best to communicate with patients and families to help alleviate the anxiety that accompanies this journey. Our team of nurses, therapists and support staff work closely together to develop a plan based on the individual needs of each person. We recognize that rehabilitation involves not only the patient but the entire family.

We try our best to communicate with patients and families to help alleviate the anxiety that accompanies this journey. Our team of nurses, therapists and support staff work closely together to develop a plan based on the individual needs of each person. We recognize that rehabilitation involves not only the patient, but the entire family.

Working for a

Copper Flats on the verge of the big time

arts&culture Living

By MARY LESIEUR // Photos courtesy of MISTY C. PHOTOS

On any given night, the edgy-twang sounds and chords of Copper Flats spill out of dimly lit venues and stages around Arkansas or Tennessee. With songs that blend life lessons,familial values and a touch of faith,Copper Flats brings a new identity to country music.

Debuting in 2025, the trio — Brandon Kelly, Drew Smith and Jeremy Castaldo — formed their ensemble after a group hangout playing various Morgan Wallen songs.

“Drew gets me into all sorts of pickles, all sorts of projects and bands, so he told me about Brandon,” Castaldo said. “I’ve been in music my whole adult life … and Brandon was the real deal.”

A high school basketball coach by trade and reformed choir singer, Kelly said the band has been a learning experience, and without the talent and genuine care of his bandmates, Copper Flats would never have come to fruition. What began as a backyard run-through quickly became a producer’s call, a string of studio sessions and a sixmonth adventure in Nashville, where

the band wrote a year’s worth of original melodies and songs.

“We’ve all had success in the music industry and whatnot and other projects, and I made it pretty far in a previous project, but with this band, for me, our streams on Spotify are absolutely insane for an independent artist. That’s something I’ve never experienced.”

— Jeremy Castaldo

Jeremy Castaldo, Brandon Kelly and Drew Smith are the trio behind Copper Flats.

“We did a lot of back-and-forth travel,” Castaldo said. “I think the most we did at one time was three songs. It’s all a big blur because it went so fast. … My expectation for this project was to release one song. Let’s have fun on social media, and let’s play a show.”

Over six months shuttling between Arkansas and Nashville, the band found a sound: harmonies soaked in small-town sun, lyrics that tip a hat to the working class, and a momentum that turned bar sets into Spotify playlists across the country.

After recording a few songs, the trio were promptly signed by Rock Ridge Music in Nashville. Between them, the three members of Copper Flats have shared the stage with some of country music’s biggest names, from legends Kenny Chesney, Randy Houser and Lonestar to rising stars Parker McCollum, Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith and Tanner Usrey.

Their resume also includes performances alongside Justin Moore, Dylan Scott, Flatland Cavalry, Tracy Byrd, Aaron Tippin, Collin Raye, Sammy Kershaw, Tyler Farr, Corey Kent,

Jon Langston, Sister Hazel and Easton Corbin.

“We blew up out of nowhere, and now we have 50,000 listeners,” Castaldo said. “It’s been a great time.”

Instead of relying on a marketing budget, flashy campaigns or label backing, Copper Flats gained traction the old-fashioned way, through word of mouth and fan-driven discovery. Within months, those small ripples turned into steady streams, pushing the band to nearly 50,000 monthly listeners without paid promotion.

“We’ve all had success in the music industry and whatnot and other projects, and I made it pretty far in a previous project, but with this band, for me, our streams on Spotify are absolutely insane for an independent artist. That’s something I’ve never experienced,” Castaldo said. “I’ve experienced playing in front of big shows, 30,000 people, festivals and all this stuff, and this band’s got to play some awesome shows, some super cool theaters and stages, but for me, ‘Golden’, our latest release, is about to surpass 70,000 streams. That’s insane.”

The group’s songs become a soundtrack for people who want their lives and struggles reflected back at them in music — honest, unpolished and deeply human.

“When you think about 70,000 people are listening to our tune, 50,000 monthly listeners,

that’s crazy for a local artist now,” Castaldo said. “A lot of country bands in Arkansas tend to buy stuff, buy social media followers, buy streams  — and to each his own — but we haven’t done that. All of our numbers on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, all the stuff that agents look at are all organic.”

For a group balancing day jobs, family and late-night gigs, the momentum felt less manufactured and more like proof that their sound connected directly with people. Now, with growing momentum and a calendar filling up with shows, Copper Flats is not chasing fame so much as chasing connection.

One vastly differentiating characteristic of Copper Flats is their pull to be the best husbands, fathers and musicians they can be, a drive ingrained in each member, given the band’s chemistry and culture.

“We want our shows to be an environment where our kids can be there,” Smith said. “You just have to be strategic and make sure you communicate. My wife, Brooke, is super supportive. The kiddos, they love coming out to the shows.”

“I’m trying to become a better father because I’m around really good guys,” Kelly said. “I want to be a better husband because I’m around really good guys that are great to their wives.

One rewarding thing about it is just getting to be around like-minded men that just have a great time together. We can hold each other accountable. We can talk about the hard things.”

One track that captures that spirit is the working-man anthem “Blue Collar Man,” a song that tips its hat to the people who lace up boots before sunrise and do not stop until the job’s done. It is a song less about chasing fame and more about honoring the grit it takes to provide, show up and keep going.

With driving guitar and raw, gospeltinged vocals part of the reason the song resonates is because it is authentic, coming from the same calloused hands and late nights their listeners know too well.

“Growing up in northeast Arkansas, I grew up in a farm town,” Kelly said. “My dad was a truck driver. All of my family has been in the blue-collar industry, whether it be heat, air, electricity, plumbing or working in the steel mill. The words of the song, to me, were what stuck out first. The sound was great. It’s a different sound, but the words of it just connected with me so, so much.

“It’s just kind of an homage to the workingclass people that are really making the world go round behind the scenes. They get undernoticed but are the most pivotal points or occupations in

What started as a group hangout playing covers quickly morphed into a record deal and a growing fandom.

society. It was just one of those songs that, man, when I heard it, I immediately wanted to track it, no matter what it was going to sound like, even if we never released it. I wanted to be able to just sing that song because it just touched me in a lot of ways.

The blue-collar theme is not just a songwriting angle; it is who Copper Flats is, and that authenticity rings true when they sing about sacrifice, responsibility or pride in where they came from.

For Copper Flats, the next step in their journey is taking the music beyond Arkansas. After months of balancing studio sessions and streaming success, the band is gearing up for a run of live shows that will stretch across the region and beyond.

Copper Flats is hitting the road with a string of regional tour dates, bringing their blue-collar, small-town anthems and Arkansas-rooted sound to stages across the South and Midwest.

Copper Flats’ story is about more than streaming numbers or a growing list of tour dates: it is about a brotherhood shaped by faith, family and the grit of small-town America. As they step beyond Arkansas, the trio stays true to the same belief that sparked their beginning: Country music shines brightest when it is raw, real and rooted in everyday life.

“Anytime you surround yourself with guys that are as talented as Jeremy and Drew and then the rest of our band, it makes it really easy,” Kelly said. “Being in this band, with the culture … has changed me to become a better individual.”

As they gear up on a tour across the South and Midwest, Copper Flats stays grounded in the experiences that have allowed them to resonate among working-class listeners in Arkansas and beyond.

The blue-collar theme is not just a songwriting angle; it is who Copper Flats is, and that authenticity rings true when they sing about sacrifice, responsibility or pride in where they came from.

Lost Forty’s Festival of Darkness once again set to transform East Village

Visitors to Little Rock’s East Village the night of Oct. 25 would be well advised to be on the lookout for cowboy zombies.

Lost Forty Brewing’s annual Festival of Darkness — billed as the most epic zombie-apocalypse-themed party around — rolls that night from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. The event always carries a zombie apocalypse theme, but this year’s iteration is subthemed “Rodeo of No Return.” Admission gets one an event cup for unlimited samples.

Around 1,600 folks are expected to descend on Lost Forty for a celebration of dark beer, live music and, essentially, a Halloween carnival. Plus, the brewery’s limited-edition, barrel-aged Nighty Night imperial stout will make its debut at the event.

More than 30 local and regional breweries, distilleries and wineries will be pouring from the beer garden; food trucks will be dispensing; live music will be playing courtesy of DJ AJ, Bad Habit and Rhinestone Revival; stilt walkers and fire-breathing circus artists will be making the rounds; and cash prizes will be awarded for the best costumes. Part of all event proceeds go to local nonprofits.

The Festival of Darkness has grown from an isolated walker to fullblown Zombieland, but that is not how it started.

“The Festival of Darkness started as a zombie lumberjack-themed bike ride in 2016 to celebrate the release of our limited-edition barrelaged Nighty Night imperial stout,” said Cassie Millington, brand manager. “By 2017, it had grown into a true festival with live music and a beer garden of ten breweries, still tied to cycling but shifting toward beer. Over 10 years, as the event continued to grow, we transitioned away from being bike focused to beer focused, adding more and more breweries to our beer garden.”

“We’re turning the brewery into an old Western ghost town — tumbleweeds, skeletal horses, giant saloon and all.”

–Cassie Millington, brand manager

Millington said the event evolved into something uniquely special — “an epic experience and a celebration of art, from craft beverages to circus arts to live music to the mind-blowing creativity attendees pour into their costumes. The festival is also a fundraiser for local nonprofit organizations.”

She said she has yet to see anything quite like the Festival of Darkness.

“Don’t get me wrong,” she said. “I’ve been to some pretty fun beer festivals, but the Festival of Darkness is uniquely special.”

The festival draws an eclectic crowd — theme-party enthusiasts, live music fans and, as Millington described, “folks who just plain like to party.”

She said attendees will show for the highly anticipated release of Nighty Night, but the main draw just might be the costume party.

“If you’re not dressed up, you’re in the minority,” Millington said. “People go all out — some even start working on their costumes in January. We give awards for first, second, third and best group costume. Aside from cash prizes and gift cards, we also build 3-foot trophies that light up and fit the theme. The festival theme has always been zombie apocalypse, but each year, we have a subtheme. This year’s

—

There Be Zombies Cowboy Zombies

By MARK CARTER

Photos courtesy of LOST FORTY BREWING

is ‘Rodeo of No Return.’ Think Wild West, zombie cowboys. We’re turning the brewery into an old Western ghost town — tumbleweeds, skeletal horses, giant saloon and all.”

The festival has become an integral part of the Lost Forty brand.

“It may have started as a fun way to celebrate the release of our darkest, booziest beer around Halloween, but it has grown into a community event that everyone at Lost Forty works together to plan all year long,” Millington said. “It’s also created a really collaborative space for our brewers to work with other breweries and distilleries from California to Florida to our local Arkansas neighbors. It’s an event that not only beer lovers but the brewers who create the beer worth celebrating look forward to every year, and we love being able to host everyone at Lost Forty.”

Lost Forty knew it had something potentially special on its hands from the start. Millington said when you combine up to 40 breweries, distilleries and wineries from across the country, what would one expect?

“With our own brewers making incredible beer, local artists and creatives adding to the festival magic, and endless entertainment, it just feels like a recipe for something special,” she said. “The best part is always seeing our community show up and make it their own.”

cowboy flare.

Millington said it was impossible for her to pick a favorite costume from the event over the years.

“I’m stunned every year by the creativity and dedication,” she said. “We have folks gluing fake nails to their face and drinking through straws all night to commit to the bit. Some highlights for me personally have been zombie versions of the MTV Moonman for last year’s space theme, Dr. Clara Mandrake from Schitt’s Creek for our bird subtheme, and one year, the Rock Town Distillery crew dressed up as plague doctors, each with a different color of glowing eyes, and they stayed in character all night.”

Millington said those planning to attend should consider buying tickets in advance. An early-entry pass gets one into the festival at 4 p.m. with a special VIP cup to sample VIP pours. Early-entry is $87.20, including tax and fees. General admission passes are $64.48, including tax and fees, and a designated-driver pass — no sampling — is $53.11. Tickets can be purchased at thefestivalofdarkness.com.

Breweries, distilleries and wineries at Festival of Darkness 2025

405 Brewing Co. | Norman, Oklahoma

Alpha Brewing Co. | St. Louis

Avery Brewing Co. | Boulder, Colorado

Bentonville Brewing Co. | Bentonville

Bike Rack Brewing Co. | Bentonville

Black Apple Hard Cider | Springdale

Bloody Darn Good | Little Rock

Boulevard Brewing Co. | Kansas City, Missoui

Central Arkansas Fermenters | Little Rock

Flyway Brewing Co. | North Little Rock

Fossil Cove Brewing Co. | Fayetteville

Founders Brewing Co. | Grand Rapids, Michigan

Fox Trail Distillery | Rogers

Gravity BrewWorks | Big Flat

Greenhouse Aleworks | Rogers

Hawk Moth Brewing | Bentonville

High Cotton Brewing Co. | Memphis

Lazy Circles Brewing | Norman, Oklahoma

Memphis Made Brewing Co. | Memphis

Moody Brews | Little Rock

Mother’s Brewing Co. | Springfield, Missouri

Narrow Gauge Brewing Co. | St. Louis

Native Brew Works | Jonesboro

New Province Brewing Co. | Rogers

Nothing’s Left Brewing Co. | Tulsa, Oklahoma

OK Cider Co. | Oklahoma City

Origami Sake | Hot Springs

Point Remove Brewing Co. | Morrilton

Rapp’s Barren Brewing Co. | Mountain Home

Rendezvous Junction Brewing Co. | Rogers

Rock Town Distillery | Little Rock

Rusty Tractor Vineyards | Little Rock

The Seventh Tap Brewing Project | Shreveport, Louisiana

Social Project Brewing Co. | Bentonville

Soul & Spirits Brewery | Memphis

Stoic Brews Alternative | Bentonville

Urban South Brewery | New Orleans

Vino’s Brew Pub | Little Rock

Wander Folk Spirits | Guthrie, Oklahoma

Don’t Dream DreamDon’tit, it,

Monthly Rocky

Picture Show in Little Rock creates community for everyone

On a Saturday night in August, Steve Singleton, 55, stands in front of his bathroom mirror, drawing on dark black eyebrows with eyeliner. He moves back, raising and lowering his brow, taking in the entire makeup look as it comes together. He is in the process of transforming himself into Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a main character in the 1975 cult classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show

“This would have been easier when I was younger, before the wrinkles,” he said.

Singleton has been going to showings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show since first seeing it as a teenager on a school trip in 1988. Throughout the years, he has grown from a casual fan into the host of the monthly showing of the film at the Central Arkansas Library System’s’ Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock.

The Rocky Horror Show began as a stage musical in 1973 written by Richard O’Brien. After having a successful run in both London and Los Angeles, it was adapted into a movie, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, and premiered in London in August 1975 before coming to the U.S. that September.

The movie follows a newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet, as they embark on a journey to meet with an old professor. Their car breaks down, and they enter a creepy castle full of some odd characters to ask for help. They find out they have come on a night when Dr. FrankN-Furter is revealing his latest experiment, a creature named Rocky. Brad and Janet’s worldviews are tested as they are brought farther into the decadent life of the Transylvanians.

“The movie in and of itself is a celebration of the B movie in the most delightful way,” said Joseph Cole, Ron Robinson theater manager. “It still stays fun, fresh and relevant after all this time because of the references and the allusions that the film has.”

While the movie was originally met with negative reviews and box office numbers to match, midnight showings took on a life of their own and started creating a cult following complete with costumes, props and a whole script of lines that die-hard audience members yell at the screen.

Many Rocky Horror screenings have games and preshow entertainment to get the audience excited and initiate the “virgins,” which is what fans call people seeing the movie for the

Screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show are a monthly occurrence at the Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock.

(Photo by Chris Davis)

Preshow games and audience participation make the screenings an engaging event.

(Photos by Chris Davis)

first time. Once the lights go down, people sing along, yell funny — and sometimes off-color — comments at the screen and use a variety of props such as rice, which is thrown during a wedding scene in the movie.

The showings and the accompanying shenanigans have kept people coming back over and over again to watch the movie, now for more than 50 years.

“Every time I go to the show, I’m a part of history,” Singleton said. “Everyone who goes is.”

Late-night screenings made the way to Little Rock in the ’80s with showings at McCain Mall in North Little Rock, Cole said. Those ended, but the movie would still come and go at nearby theaters year after year.

When Cole took up the mantle as Ron Robinson theater manager in 2018, it was obvious to him that Rocky Horror screenings needed to be part of the programming, and the film was shown during the Halloween season that year.

Cole is also a long-time Rocky fan, saying he “couldn’t get enough” of it after seeing it for the first time in a theater in Conway.

“It’s one of those experiences you just can’t believe is happening while it’s happening,” he said. “It was the greatest thing.”

In 2019, the theater showed it every weekend in October to solid attendance which got Cole thinking there could be a showing once a month. The COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in the plan, but once the theater reopened in July 2022, showings were met with a large, enthusiastic crowd.

Meanwhile Singleton and his wife, Andrea, moved to Little Rock from Oregon in 2021. When Andrea saw there was a showing in town, she suggested they go.

“It hadn’t crossed my mind for so long,” Singleton said.

He had loved the film while at college in western Oregon and started dressing up to attend the shows. After graduation, his participation took a back seat, but he still continued to love the movie through the years.

To prepare for the showing in Little Rock, the couple gathered materials for costumes, and Singleton studied scripts. At the show, he yelled out a lot of the callbacks, and the audience loved it.

“People were just roaring,” he said. “I was getting high-fives.”

The night proved to be the beginning of something special. When Singleton’s wife accidentally left her glasses at the theater, he went back the next day to pick them up. There he met Cole, and the two got to

talking. By the end of the conversation, Singleton decided he would volunteer and help to do preshow activities at the theater.

The first six months were “rough,” Singleton said, as they figured out which games worked best. Slowly, other people joined in helping with the show. It started with a couple, Caleb and Sarah Cooley, who are still a part of the group, and the number of volunteers has grown steadily from there.

Audiences have grown, too, attracted by the film’s reputation for acceptance and inclusivity of anyone who feels misunderstood or out of place. While Rocky Horror showings are meant to be a comfortable place, there is also another side to it, Singleton said.

“Even if it’s meant to be a safe space for people to express themselves, it is also, at its core, a directive to get out of your comfort zone,” he said.

Mother-daughter duo Rosemarie Leonard and Sarah Hylton joined the group last fall.

“All we are is a family,” Leonard said. “Once you’re in here, you’re in here.”

Other audience members, pals Ken Bane and Max Forness, chose to dress up, respectively, as Dr. Frank-n-Furter and Eddie, a biker character played by Meat Loaf who plays saxophone in the film.

“[My favorite part] has been the teamwork and meeting new people,” Forness said. “It’s a really comfortable space to be in. There is no judgement.”

“You don’t have to fit social cues,” Bane said. “Be who you want to be. That’s what the whole movie stands for.”

The movie celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and holds the record as the longest running theatrical release in history thanks to the community that has formed around it.

“There is a spirit about the movie, about community and connectedness and people that may not fit in other places,” Cole said.

“I wouldn’t say I was weird growing up, but more of an outsider. I didn’t really associate in any one group,” Singleton said. “Anybody’s welcome [at Rocky Horror]. We have some trans kids. We have somebody who is studying to become a minister. We have a whole lot of different lives and ages, and that’s great. We’re all here for the same thing — to have fun and entertain people.”

The movie celebrated its 50th anniversary this year and holds the

record as the longest running theatrical release in history thanks to the community that has formed around it.

“The movie talks about, ‘Don’t dream it. Be it,” Singleton said, quoting a line from a song near the movie’s finale. “If you want to try something, you can do it without being judged. We don’t care how rich you are. We don’t care where you live, what color you are, what church you go to, if you like boys or girls or anything. We want [the show] to be known as a safe space. I think it’s more important than ever right now to have a safe space to go and just be yourself, even if it’s only for a couple of hours.”

After the movie, attendees filed out of the theater into the lobby, some visiting the merch table of buttons and T-shirts, while others formed a line to take pictures with Singleton before they left. As people posed with him, he asked if they had a fun time.

“They walk out feeling better because they had a good time, because they had a fun time,” he said. “Maybe for some of them, it opens up their mind to things. We just want people to come and experience it with us, have a good time and come back.”

The next screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Ron Robinson will take place at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 11, followed by the sequel, Shock Treatment at 9 p.m. On Oct. 25, Rocky will be shown twice, at 6:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.

“Intriguing” can be a hard concept to define. Luckily, AY About You has the honor of presenting a cross section of the state’s inspiring, enterprising — and decidedly intriguing — women by way of example. From sales professionals to stay-at-home moms, executive directors to entertainers, physicians to founders, retirees to Realtors, and a host of leaders in law, beauty, tourism, the arts and more, AY’s 2025 class of “Intriguing Women” is a diverse lineup. Their variety of backgrounds, callings and talents is part of what allows these women to make a lasting impact on their families, workplaces, communities and state in ways big and small.

AY About You is also proud to have the support of 2025 sponsor Sissy’s Log Cabin in recognizing this year’s group. The story of founder Sissy Jones is itself a testament to the legacy of hardworking Arkansan women, since Jones turned a humble Pine Bluff cabin into the Mid-South’s largest family-owned and -operated jeweler with locations in Pine Bluff, Conway, Fort Smith, Jonesboro, the Heights and the Promenade in Little Rock, and Memphis. The operation continues to benefit from strong female leadership, as well, including Sharri Jones, herself a 2023 “Intriguing Women” honoree.

“To me, an intriguing woman lives with confidence, curiosity and grace,” she said. “She uses her God-given gifts to pursue her purpose and inspire those around her through kindness and authenticity. At Sissy’s Log Cabin, we chose to join AY in celebrating this accomplished group because their stories illuminate what’s possible for women across Arkansas and beyond.

“To this year’s class of Intriguing Women, I encourage you to lean on your faith, cherish this honor and use it as fuel to keep opening doors for others. You are not only shaping your own path; you are paving the way for countless others to follow.”

Without further ado, congratulations to AY About You’s 2025 “Intriguing Women.”

LAURA ABBOTT

HOMETOWN: Cabot

OCCUPATION: Educator; Founder, Victims’ Rights Arkansas

EDUCATION: University of Central Arkansas

It takes extraordinary strength to turn tragedy to triumph. Leaning on her faith following a near-fatal incident of domestic violence, Laura Abbott saw her experience as a Godgiven opportunity to help others. She has since become a fierce advocate for the victims’ rights movement, urging policy changes and working to consolidate resources for survivors and their loved ones. In addition to the website victimsrightsar.com, Abbott’s work with the state legislature has resulted in the creation of Laura’s Card to inform domestic violence survivors of their rights and available resources. Laura’s Card can be found at laurascard.ar.gov. “Victims’ Rights Arkansas is an act of love honoring the victims and survivors of crime,” Abbott said. “We do this because we believe in the power and purpose of victims’ rights, turning pain into purpose. Healing is a lifelong journey, and we want people to know they are not alone at any stage of the process.”

How did you get to where you are now? Prayer, purpose, perspiration, preparation, persistence and people who were gracious enough to give me a chance.

If money were no object, what would you be doing? Traveling around the state, educating people on victims’ rights or being a health educator in junior and senior high again.

What was your “dream job” as a child? I wanted to be the first female jockey to win the Triple Crown.

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought? “Get a college degree so you will always be able to take care of yourself.”

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

I would have accepted Dr. Arvil Burks' offer of a graduate assistant position in the UCA Health Education Department.

What is your proudest accomplishment thus far? As the impetus of Laura’s Card, Victims’ Rights Arkansas being founded. The DOJ honored legislative grassroots efforts with the National Crime Victim Service Volunteer for Victims Award. We continue educating Arkansans on enforceable victims’ rights and what that could mean through a constitutional amendment.

Who was your childhood hero, and why?

My mother. She was a role model of a Godly woman with a gentle nature and raised us to help people.

If you could meet one historical figure for dinner, who would it be?

Corrie ten Boom. We would go to one of my family members’ homes to have a small get-together with friends. She was an amazing woman who saved the lives of others and forgave the person who took the life of her sister.

What would you like to accomplish before the year is over?

I would like to have shared in every city of Arkansas the significance of victims’ rights and a trauma-informed approach to implementing victims’ rights.

What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

Finding the place the Lord wants you to do His kingdom work and listening.

What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?

Serving others, counting your blessings, enjoying friends and laughter.

What is a lesson from previous generations you think people could use today?

A person’s word is their bond.

Sweet

SUZANNA CHATTERJEE, MD

HOMETOWN: Russellville; moved to Arkansas from Nashville in 2015

OCCUPATION: OB-GYN; Founder, River Valley Obstetrics and Gynecology

Dr. Suzanna Chatterjee credits her professional success to hard work and following her dreams no matter the hurdles — and she knows a thing or two about hurdles. Double board certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as obesity medicine, Chatterjee has cared for thousands of women through pregnancies, births and other health needs. To say nothing of the rigors of completing medical school, Chatterjee was also faced with challenges as a patient herself after being diagnosed with multiple sclerosis early in her career. Rather than let that slow her down, Chatterjee doubled down on her commitment to serving others. She opened her own practice, River Valley Obstetrics and Gynecology in Russellville, in 2021. “I never give up, and I work hard and never stop until I reach my goals,” she said.

FAVORITES:

Lychee martini

Sushi

Reality television

Lamborghini Huracan

The Maldives

If money were no object, what would you be doing? Traveling and working part time.

What expensive thing is absolutely worth the money?

First class.

What causes are closest to your heart?

Women’s health and battered women’s shelters.

Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

Mindy Kaling.

If you could meet one historical figure for dinner, who would it be, and where would you go?

Mother Teresa at an Indian restaurant.

What is your catchphrase or something you find yourself saying often?

“Everything happens for a reason.”

What is your hidden talent?

Decorating and crafting. I make elaborate diaper cakes for baby showers.

What qualities do you admire most in other women?

The ability to juggle many roles at once.

What is a profession you admire but could never be a part of?

End-of-life hospice.

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought?

“Blood is thicker than water.” Family is everything.

How did you pick up your favorite hobby?

My big sister loved to craft as a child.

What advice do you wish you had received earlier? Ignore naysayers and bad online reviews because you can’t do anything about them.

What always makes you nostalgic? Music.

What would you like to accomplish before the year is over?

Taking more time for myself and my family.

What was the hardest time of your life, and how did you make it through?

Losing my parents — one during COVID-19. I leaned on my husband, my sister and friends.

Who was your childhood hero?

My dad. He taught me so many life lessons before passing away.

What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself?

Patience and the ability to say “no.”

What is your proudest accomplishment thus far? Becoming a doctor.

What advice would you give someone who had to walk in your shoes for a day?

Give and do for others without expecting anything in return.

What is something you wish people cared less about?

What people think about them.

What immediately makes you think more highly of someone?

When they are selfless.

When do you feel like the best version of yourself? When I am busy and multitasking or when under pressure.

What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self?

Life will be full of obstacles, but don’t give up.

What is one thing you would ask your future self?

Do I end up having a child?

What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?

Be yourself, prioritize yourself and prioritize your health.

CARLA FAULKNER COVINGTON

HOMETOWN: North Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Office and Property Management

EDUCATION: University of Central Arkansas

Carla Faulkner Covington’s mother always told her to travel the world while she could because one day she would not be able to anymore. Covington has taken that advice to heart and makes it a point to seek out new adventures whenever she can. Being able to see the world will forever be worth the money it takes to get there, she said. No amount of globetrotting can compare to Covington’s most cherished accomplishments, however — her children and grandchildren. “They bring a beautiful light into this world, and I will always be very proud of them,” she said.

FAVORITES:

What is a profession you admire but could never be a part of?

I’ve always admired architecture. I worked at AMR Architects as a young woman and took note of how interesting the designers’ thought processes were.

What was your “dream job” as a child?

I always wanted to be a singer. Growing up, I took private vocal lessons and participated in choir. I am a second soprano and sing in my chest voice.

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

Getting baptized outside of my church and coming out of the water to look at the beautiful sky. Knowing I was reborn in that moment and strengthening my walk with Christ was such a memorable moment.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day? I like to sit on my back porch to watch the waterfall in my pool and listen to nature’s call.

What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?

I was introduced to the “symbol” — formerly known as Prince! During our interaction, I believe I spoke to him for about 30 minutes, and all he did in response was listen, hum and write music lyrics. He did, however, give me a note before I left that read, “Love God – PR.”

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again? “Kashmir” by Led Zeppelin.

Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

Grace Kelly. She was a very famous actress, and at the height of her acting career, she married Prince Rainier III of Monaco.

If you could meet one historical figure for dinner, who would it be?

Eli Whitney Jr. He was an American inventor widely known for inventing the cotton gin in 1793. He is in my family’s ancestral line on my father’s side, and I’ve always thought it would be awesome to have met him.

What is something you hate that most people love? Sushi. I cannot stand the taste or texture of it.

What qualities do you admire most in other women? Their confidence, strength and ability to treat others with compassion, those of great faith and who share their light with the world.

What always makes you nostalgic?

Watching movies from the 1930s to 1950s, back when movies were wholesome.

What is something you wish people cared more about?

Being more inclusive of all kinds of people. One of my grandsons is autistic, and it is my hope and prayer that people will be accepting of him and others like him throughout his lifetime.

DAWN EICK

HOMETOWN: Mount Ida

OCCUPATION: Owner, Copper Well Retreat; Master Medical Massage Therapist, Neuromuscular Therapist; Yoga,Breath & Meditation Teacher; Ayurveda Specialist; Lifestyle & Wellness Coach

EDUCATION: Florida State University, Humanities School of Massage, Cortiva Institute of Massage & Bodywork, National Certification Board of Therapeutic Massage & Bodywork, Arkansas Yoga Collective, Harvard Medical Lifestyle Medicine

Dawn Eick sees personalized, holistic wellness and lifestyle medicine as the future of health care — a movement that begins with personal transformation and ripples out to strengthen entire communities. Eick founded Copper Well Retreat in Little Rock in order to offer something new to the world of wellness spas and clinics. Every detail, from organic materials and carefully curated aromas and sounds to the semisecluded location itself, was designed with intention. Eick and her team pioneer experiences that blend lifestyle medicine, holistic therapies and mindful living to elevate well-being on every level. “My hope is to inspire others to slow down, reconnect and embrace their health with intention because when we thrive individually, we thrive collectively,” she said.

FAVORITES:

Quality tea brewed with love and care, then slowly sipped in peaceful silence preferably while gazing out a lovely view (or while secretly scrolling through vegan baking recipes)

What is something everyone gets wrong about your work?

People assume the word holistic means organic or just healthy. This word has a much deeper and significant meaning. It is a concept that means “pertaining to the whole or entire organism, person or situation.” When I use this word, I am conveying that all aspects are being considered: mindset, diet, environment, life stage, home, work, play, community, faith, history, medicines, vitality — all of the things that make that person “them.”

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?

Caring for my father as he was dying of Stage 4 throat cancer. My husband was deployed, and I had a 9-month-old infant and only $9 in my bank account. I was broke, scared and terrified. People came to help me. I learned a tremendous amount about our health care system, and I saw that I can do very hard things as long as I look around and remember there is a whole community of people and resources all around us.

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought?

“Assume good intentions.” There are way more people trying to do good out there than bad. Don’t get stuck on the bad.

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

The moment my son was born and he was brought to my arms. I teared up just answering that.

to take a watercolor class by the ocean. I found myself feeling peaceful for the first time in a long time. Since then, I have been using watercoloring for personal healing and even started teaching watercolor meditation and breathwork to others.

Who was your childhood hero?

My parents. They were the most creative and coolest adults I knew. They were amazing to talk to, with knowledge on all kinds of topics. My mother has a keen eye for design, a beautiful singing voice, gorgeous handwriting and the strongest, most intelligent mind in any room. My father was strong and brilliant. He didn’t spend time at night watching TV. He was always crafting something curious and new. They both loved to learn, loved books, loved nature and the seasons. My childhood was filled with wondrous and unusual experiences.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

I am utterly convinced that a hot magnesium bath with candlelight, music and a book can cure — or almost cure — pretty much anything you can throw at me. I may still have the same problems getting out of the tub as I did going into the tub, but you can sure bet I have a better attitude about them.

Do you collect anything?

Mentors and recipes I plan to make but probably never will.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions? Mac and cheese is overrated.

Anything by Sarah J. Maas

What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself?

Time management. I will certainly be late for my own funeral.

How did you pick up your favorite hobby?

I was on a solo retreat in Tulum, Mexico, during a very hard personal time. I was struggling to escape the turmoil of my own mind. I decided

What expensive thing is absolutely worth the money? Adjustable beds.

What is a profession you admire but could never be a part of?

Space exploration. It is fascinating but terrifying to me. I get terribly claustrophobic even imagining being in a spacecraft. Also, my math is rubbish, and I require sunshine to recharge.

STACEY REYNOLDS

OCCUPATION: Owner, Blue Yoga Nyla

Stacey Reynolds understands the power yogic practice can have on one’s physical, mental and emotional health — and she has experience in each of those areas to prove it. Already suffering from paralyzing anxiety since childhood, chronic health issues in her early 20s led Reynolds to try yoga, and, she said, “It was revolutionary.” She began teaching in 2001 and opened her studio in 2010. Now committed to facilitating that kind of healing in others, Reynolds specializes in helping those with trauma, addiction and grief, in addition to being a registered children’s and prenatal yoga teacher and certified yoga therapist. “My mission at Blue Yoga Nyla is that everyone feels included and a part of our community,” she said.

FAVORITES:

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?

About eight or nine years ago, I suffered a head injury that led to postconcussive syndrome, which quite literally changed my personality. I still deal with lingering effects and occasional flare-ups. Then, just two years ago, came Stage 3 breast cancer and a radical double mastectomy. It has taken me until now to even speak about it because the experience was so deep, so personal. I know now I cannot take a single moment or breath for granted.

Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

I’d want someone funny like Sandra Bullock. She nails comedy, has that perfect touch of self-deprecating humor, is fiercely private and still manages to be completely “girl next door” relatable.

Who was your childhood hero?

Wonder Woman. I always saw my mom as WW too. I liked the idea of having the intuitiveness to handle things that came up. Apparently, to do hard things, you just have to have a cape, bustier and some boots.

What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?

Raising kids and building a blended family. Getting to love someone else’s kids like my own has been one of the greatest gifts of my life. Professionally, I started a business on a shoestring budget in a space about the size of an old-school pack of gum. More than 15 years later, I’ve moved three times for more room, and honestly, I’m about ready to move again.

What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

Willingness to scrub the toilet. Humility. At the end of the day, it all must be done, and the world does not revolve around us, no matter how successful we are. I have unclogged tissue from a toilet with salad tongs more times that I care to recount.

What is something you hate that most people love? Condiments. I have never wanted anything on sandwiches or salads or any foods held together with condiments. My entire childhood was spent waiting on my dry cheeseburger at McDonald’s.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

Sit on my back porch with my husband, Joe, watching the river roll by, three big poodles piled in our lap. There are usually snacks involved. I’m a snacker!

What is something everyone gets wrong about your work?

People often think it’s all somehow glamorous, fun or easy. They have no idea how I sometimes crawl through the door at the end of the day. The yoga studio, that’s the fun part. The seniors, the kids, the sense of community, that’s priceless — but what actually pays the bills is yoga therapy. I work deeply in trauma, grief and addiction. I sit with people carrying pain so heavy, so raw, it’s often beyond words.

What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self?

Do not take one moment or breath for granted. What takes you to your knees is going to be the very thing that carves your path and gives you purpose. Do not let fear make your decisions.

If you could meet one historical figure for dinner, who would it be?

Mary Oliver, my favorite poet. I count her as one of my sacred Marys. She was brilliant, quirky, probably a little different and allowed herself to be a conduit. A friend of mine was on vacation recently and stumbled onto the little bookstore Mary visited every day for 50 years. I was captivated. No cellphones allowed. The breezeway was so beautiful it looked like something out of a fairytale. I would ask Mary to meet me at the bookstore and show me all her favorites.

SAMMIE CRIBBS ROBERSON

HOMETOWN: Burlington, Colorado; Cherokee Village from 1990 to 1999, Harrison since 2007

OCCUPATION: President, CEO, North Arkansas Regional Medical Center

EDUCATION: Louisiana Tech University, Northwestern State University, Arkansas State University

Sammie Cribbs Roberson does well to keep a piece of wisdom from her mother front of mind: “You can do anything you want to if you want to do it badly enough.” That advice has followed Roberson as she pursued her associate’s, bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing and as she worked her way up at North Arkansas Regional Medical Center in Harrison from director of nursing to vice president of clinical services and chief operating officer. Since being named president and CEO in 2022, Roberson has helped strengthen NARMC, its quality of care and its place in the community. She relishes the opportunity to support others as they achieve their goals and feels like the best version of herself when she is giving back or doing something for others.

FAVORITES:

Anything sweet but especially fresh key lime pie

Anything that goes fast and has a manual transmission

“All Star” by Smash Mouth

How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie

If money were no object, what would you be doing? Traveling across the world to see all the mountains, rivers, lakes, streams and beaches while finding areas to help people along the way and make their lives better.

What is a profession you admire but could never be a part of?

Architecture and interior design. I love to see the final project, but I don’t think I could ever get all of the angles, measurements and designs the way I dreamed it to be.

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?

The loss of my dad at the age of 5.

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

The day I married my husband or go back and spend one more day with my dad, my grandma or my grandpa.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

A long walk, snuggles with the house manager — i.e. Oakley the blue heeler — some good music and time with family.

What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself?

Mechanical ability. I have absolutely none.

What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?

Oh my — I have so many, I am not sure I can limit it to just one. Those who know me are laughing already. I certainly like to laugh about the time a friend and I decided to go for a hike after it had rained. Apparently, there was some quicksand that I sailed across and looked back to find my friend shoeless in the mud. As everyone passed us by, we continued to dig for the missing shoe. We found it, along with several other shoes that had apparently also been lost in the same place. How do you go hiking and lose a shoe?

What song makes you feel 21 again? “Real World” by Matchbox Twenty.

Who was your childhood hero?

My grandmother. She had all the answers, never seemed to worry and was always a constant. Even when she was diagnosed with cancer, we got up, drove an hour, got treatment and drove home. I would then go to school, and she would have something for dinner by the time I made it home. She never quit.

What is your favorite thing about Arkansas? There is always something to do outside and a place to enjoy nature.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions? I do not like seafood or any kind of fish. I also am an absolute wimp when it comes to spicy stuff.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list?

Since I have already been skydiving a couple of times, I would say staying in an overwater bungalow where you can see the fish swimming below a glass floor.

What qualities do you admire most in other women?

intelligence, kindness, a sense of humor and humility, ingenuity, and grit.

What is the best decision you have ever made? To accept Jesus as my lord and savior.

What advice would you give someone who had to walk in your shoes for a day?

Be curious, and wear your running shoes. I like to explore!

What immediately makes you think more highly of someone?

The way they treat someone who can do absolutely nothing for them.

What advice do you wish you had received earlier? Slow down. The little things matter.

What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?

Always stay curious, learn new things, be kind, explore new opportunities, and meet new people.

VANESSA CASH ADAMS

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Attorney, Law Office of Vanessa Cash Adams

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law

Most folks hope to never need the services of someone like Vanessa Cash Adams. When it comes to the reality of bankruptcy, however, countless Arkansas families and small businesses have relied on her expertise and compassion in navigating what can be a complex journey even in the best of cases. Recognized as a leader both in her practice area and the Arkansas legal community at large, Adams is as impactful outside of the courtroom as within it. She is active in supporting a number of causes and organizations, inspired by the wisdom of other women in her life to not just say the right thing but do it. “What you focus on grows,” Adams said.

How did you get to where you are now?

Professionally, I learned by doing — by getting into the courtroom — and listening to my mentors that taught me so much about how to be an effective lawyer.

What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?

My kids and my work.

What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?

I accidentally caught my hair on fire at a formal event while a family member was giving a speech.

What causes are closest to your heart, and why?

Providing help to those in financial distress due to cancer through the 20th Century Club’s Hope Away from Home in Little Rock. Cancer affects so many lives in Arkansas, which already struggles with rising medical and living costs. Volunteering with the 20th Century Club is one way I try to help others in Arkansas who are not only fighting cancer but are also in financial need.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

Pineapple on pizza is the best!

What expensive thing is absolutely worth the money?

Your home.

What is your catchphrase or something you find yourself saying often?

“It’s fine.”

What is something you love that most people hate?

Summer weather.

What qualities do you admire most in other women?

Patience.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I want to learn to quilt.

What advice would you give someone who had to walk in your shoes for a day?

Be ready to multitask all day long.

What immediately makes you think more highly of someone?

When they are self-aware and empathetic.

If money were no object, what would you be doing?

Working in the garden, volunteering at my kids’ schools and traveling

What is a profession you admire but could never be a part of? Teacher.

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?

Having kids and being a lawyer.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

By being outdoors.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

Another language.

What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self?

Don’t underestimate yourself.

What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?

Staying connected.

BETTY BRINKLEY-HARRISON

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Owner, Retired, Faux Pas Jewelry and Accessories; Dancer; Actress; Radio Show Host; TV Show Hostess; “Daisy Mae”

Plenty of people have interesting career paths or adventurous personal lives. Few have a combination of the two quite like Betty BrinkleyHarrison. A dancer from the age of 2, Brinkley-Harrison later turned to acting. She performed in movies and dinner theaters, became a daytime TV hostess, and promoted the Dogpatch USA theme park as “Daisy Mae.” After a stint as a radio host, she started in a new direction — retail. Brinkley-Harison purchased Faux Pas in the Little Rock Heights neighborhood in 1993, growing it into multiple locations and franchises in Texas and Florida. If the professional journey were not a thrill in itself, Brinkley-Harrison and her husband, Bob, are also avid travelers and culture explorers, from riding elephants in Thailand to eating dried shark in Iceland and a world of excursions in between.

What was your “dream job” as a child?

As a young dancer, I dreamed of performing on Broadway. When I was 12, I appeared on the Ted Mack’s The Original Amateur Hour in New York.

What is something everyone gets wrong about you?

There were doubts about my succeeding in retail, since I had no experience or background in it — but I worked hard and did it.

How did you pick up your favorite hobby?

I was encouraged by my friends recently to start playing pickleball.

Do you collect anything?

My husband and I collect wines from around the world when we visit. When we open them, it is reminiscent of our time there.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

I will mix mustard and ketchup on fries.

What causes are closest to your heart? Any that have to do with animal cruelty or neglect. If we had the room, we would have dozens of abandoned dogs. I am also very supportive of the dance arts, especially Ballet Arkansas.

If you could meet one historical figure for dinner, who would it be, and where would you go?

Elvis Presley, Central BBQ in Memphis.

What is your catchphrase or something you find yourself saying often? “Holy smoke!”

What is No. 1 on your bucket list?

Visiting New Zealand and Australia.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

Living a drama-free life by trying to associate with only kind and positive people.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I was a go-go dancer in high school for the local rock band called The Coachmen, and we represented Arkansas at the 1965 New York World’s Fair.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

I wish I could play the piano well. It is such a beautiful and versatile instrument.

What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?

Stay active. Stay engaged. Stay healthy.

Propel

Central and northwest Arkansas

Mercedes-Benz once the grandchildren are grown

“Stayin’ Alive” by the Bee Gees

Around-the-world cruise

JODIE CLEMENTSON, D.O.

HOMETOWN: Steamboat Springs, Colorado; moved to Arkansas summer of 2023

OCCUPATION: Breast Surgical Oncologist, Baptist Health Surgical Clinic of Central Arkansas

The path to a medical career is never an easy one, but after much hard work and sacrifice, Dr. Jodie Clementson said she is grateful to be where she is now. Clementson has wanted to be a doctor for as long as she can remember thanks in some part to the time she spent in hospitals with her grandmother as a child. The pair were close, and Clementson was deeply appreciative of the care the doctors provided and the extra years it gave them together. Now Clementson gets to return the favor to women with breast cancer. “I continue to be amazed at how my patients navigate their journeys with cancer with such strength and grace,” she said.

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought?

My mom always told me, “Worrying is like a rocking chair. It gives you something to do but it doesn’t get you anywhere.” I have to remind myself to recognize what things are out of my control and let those things go.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

I firmly believe pineapple does not belong on pizza.

Who was your childhood hero, and why?

As a child, my hero was the pink power ranger, but really, my mom is my hero. She has experienced some tragic hardships in her life but continues to demonstrate strength and resilience and always puts others first.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

Definitely singing. I can’t carry a tune to save my life.

What causes are closest to your heart?

Breast cancer research. It greatly affects my patients and improves the treatment options available to them.

What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself?

I love people who have “magnetic personalities,” people that when you meet them, you just want to spend time around them.

What experience had the biggest impact on the way you see the world? I’ve had the opportunity to work in hospitals in multiple foreign countries, primarily third-world countries, and it made me realize how much I have and how easy it can be to take that for granted.

Do you collect anything?

I have a Beanie Baby collection that would make any millennial jealous. I’m still holding out hope that they’ll be worth millions some day.

What advice do you wish you had received earlier?

Any kind of financial advice. I really wish I had learned more about finances and investing earlier in life.

What is a lesson from previous generations you think people could use today?

Patience. In today’s world, it’s easy to chase quick wins or instant gratification.

FAVORITES:

STEPHENIE A. COOKE

HOMETOWN: Barton

OCCUPATION: Executive Director, Alzheimer’s Arkansas; Owner, Stephenie A. Cooke Inc.

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Little Rock; Nationally Board-Certified Reflexologist; Massage Therapy Instructor

Manhattan

Veggies and hummus

Our family farm in Phillips County

Mercedes-Benz convertible

Ristorante Capeo

Greek Isles

Stephenie A. Cooke became executive director of Alzheimer’s Arkansas after 12 years on the organization’s board of directors and five as chairwoman. Her professional journey has included marketing, culture and human resources roles at Partners Bank, as well as work with AT&T. Cooke also provides business consulting and is a licensed massage therapy instructor and nationally board-certified reflexologist. Her success at every stage of her career, regardless of industry or setting, has come down to a dedication to the cause and serving others, as well as “not being afraid of hard work and not asking others to do something I have not or would not be willing to do myself,” Cooke said.

If you could meet one historical figure for dinner, who would it be, and what would you have?

Tea with Maya Angelou or a glass of wine with Gloria Steinem.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

Making stained glass. I love looking at it and think it is very fascinating.

What is something you wish people cared less about?

Politics.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

Enjoy fresh air and listen to some good jazz music.

Do you collect anything?

Tea pots, and I had a sticker and patch collection as a child.

How did you pick up your favorite hobby?

It’s always been working outside in the yard. My granddaddy taught me how to mow grass, and he and my grandmother, Ninnie, emphasized working hard to then play.

What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?

Being a very proud and active aunt to two awesome nieces.

Who was your childhood hero? My mother's mother, Ninnie.

What is something you wish people cared more about?

Vibrational energy.

When do you feel like the best version of yourself?

When I am outside mowing and working in the flower beds.

Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

Well, some say I used to look like Doris Day.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again?

Almost anything from the early 1980s — music by Genesis, Prince, U2, The Police, The Cars.

If money were no object, what would you be doing?

Reflexology practice, continuing education and traveling more.

What is something you hate that most people love? Sitting around.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you? I can install light fixtures.

What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age? Gratitude.

What was your “dream job” as a child?

To be an entrepreneur.

JACKIE DUNKLEY

HOMETOWN: New Orleans, Louisiana; moved to Arkansas in 2003

OCCUPATION: Director of Sales, Sissy’s Log Cabin EDUCATION: Louisiana State University

Jackie Dunkley’s childhood dream job was that of a jewelry buyer — and there is hardly a better place to have fulfilled those ambitions than at Sissy’s Log Cabin, where she now serves as director of sales. Getting this far has taken a lot of hard work and consistency, Dunkley said, and while she has faced loss along the way the experience has taught her to “toughen up, learn from it and keep moving forward.” She understands that nothing worthwhile in life comes easy and that dedication and discipline often make all the difference when it comes to success. Still, one must find a balance. “Take your work seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously,” Dunkley said. “Life’s too short.”

If money were no object, what would you be doing?

Selling jewelry but on a beach.

What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?

My children are definitely my proudest accomplishment.

Who was your childhood hero, and why?

Madonna. I’ve always loved how she embraces her edginess.

What causes are closest to your heart?

I care deeply about supporting the underprivileged because I believe none of us are truly free when others are oppressed. A cause very close to my heart and Sissy’s Log Cabin’s is Women & Children First in Little Rock.

What is your hidden talent? I’m great at reading the room.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I went to middle school with Lil Wayne.

What advice would you give someone who had to walk in your shoes for a day?

Make a decision, and move on. Overthinking wastes time, but decisiveness keeps you moving forward.

What is something that is easy for you but difficult for most other people?

I’m an extrovert, so I genuinely enjoy engaging with others in conversation.

What is your favorite thing about where you live?

The natural beauty. I love being above sea level and seeing Pinnacle Mountain on my drive home each day.

What immediately makes you think more highly of someone? Honesty.

What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?

Authentic engagement. Stay curious, stay present, and genuinely connect with people. It never goes out of style.

MAEGAN DYSON

HOMETOWN: Conway

OCCUPATION: Chief Development Officer, Conway Regional Health System

While Maegan Dyson did not know exactly where her career might lead, she knew early on that she wanted to do something meaningful. Her professional path began as a cheer coach at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, where she pursued graduate school and became a development associate in the athletic department. In the university’s advancement division, Dyson discovered her love for building donor relationships and a natural drive for leadership — a combination that ultimately led her to the Conway Regional Health Foundation. “Through this work, I’m able to make a lasting impact on my community by raising funds that support life-changing health care initiatives and services and help provide access to excellent care for all,” Dyson said.

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought?

When I was 7, getting my first perm, my grandmother told me, “Sometimes you have to suffer for beauty.” At the time, I thought she was just talking about the perm solution burning my scalp and making my eyes water — but as I got older, she applied that wisdom to fashion too. Now, as a shoe addict who’s on her feet a lot at work, I can confirm she was absolutely right.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

Throw my headphones in and go for a run.

What causes are closest to your heart?

I believe deeply in the power of opportunity, whether that’s through higher education or access to health care. Education can open doors that once felt permanently shut, and health care can mean the difference between surviving and truly living. These aren’t luxuries. They’re basic rights that every person deserves, and I’ll always stand behind efforts to make them more accessible to everyone.

What is something you hate that most people love?

Reality TV shows.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list?

Completing the Abbott World Marathon Majors Six Star Medal — three down (Boston, Chicago, Berlin) and three to go (New York City, London and Tokyo).

Who was your childhood hero?

My grandmother, Peg, because she made everything fun. She was honest but kind, loving but direct, and a fashion icon.

Do you collect anything?

Christmas ornaments from new places and shoes.

What immediately makes you think more highly of someone?

When someone stands up for others even when they’re not around to hear it. That kind of quiet loyalty and integrity says everything about a person’s character.

What is one thing you would ask your future self?

“Did we have fun doing it?” At the end of the day, I hope I didn’t just chase goals. I hope I did it in a way that brought me joy.

Allsopp & Chapple

Pizza or peanut butter

Greers Ferry Lake

Mercedes-Benz G 550

“High Hopes” by Panic! at the Disco

One month exploring Europe

SHANEIL EALY, ED.D.

HOMETOWN: Conway

OCCUPATION: Executive Director, Women’s Leadership Network

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas

Shaneil Ealy likes to say higher education found her. A temporary position at the division of outreach and community engagement at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway turned out to be her true calling, and Ealy spent two decades connecting UCA to the broader community through programs, partnerships and opportunities. The Women’s Leadership Network, which Ealy co-founded in 2017, grew out of her passion for that community-building work. She left the university to lead WLN full time in 2024. “It was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating, but it has proven to be the most rewarding decision of my life,” Ealy said. “Once I said yes, God’s hand has guided every step, confirming this is exactly where I am meant to be.”

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought?

When I was promoted to associate vice president at UCA, a friend told me, “It’s not hard, Shaneil. It’s just new. You got this.” It turned out to be so true. Often, challenges aren’t about our ability; they’re just about stepping into something unfamiliar with confidence.

Do you collect anything?

I love a cute mug that inspires me. My favorite is a rainbow unicorn that says, “Don’t let anyone dim your sparkle.”

What causes are closest to your heart?

The Women’s Leadership Network, of course. It’s all about impact for me, creating spaces where women can find their tribe, challenge one another, share resources and thrive. When I get messages from women saying, “I’m running for senate because WLN empowered me to believe I’m capable,” it reminds me why this work matters so much.

What is something that is easy for you but difficult for most other people?

I love being creative in the kitchen. I had the opportunity

to create a culinary program at UCA, and it quickly became a community favorite. We offered kids’ classes, adult classes, date nights and even a culinary challenge where teams had to craft taco-themed dishes using ingredients “outside the shell.” It was a blast seeing the creativity and competitiveness across teams.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list?

At the top of my bucket list was taking my kids to Disney and seeing Tom Brady play before he retired — and I’m so grateful I got to check both off.

What qualities do you admire most in other women?

I admire women who are comfortable and confident in being themselves.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I love to laugh and line dance. If “Wobble” comes on, watch out!

When do you feel like the best version of yourself?

I feel like the best version of myself after a slow morning centering myself with God, followed by a really good, challenging workout. It’s when my mind, body and spirit are all aligned.

ANNIE FITZGERALD

HOMETOWN: Grand Rapids, Michigan; moved to Arkansas in 2013

OCCUPATION: Pilot

EDUCATION: Michigan State University

“I’m in Trouble”

Annie Fitzgerald’s first encounter with a sky-based profession was as a flight attendant. She had her true sights set on the pilot’s seat, however, and in 1992, she became the first female captain for United Express — an airline that had balked at the idea and turned her down a few years earlier. She later flew for Spirit Airlines and Southwest Airlines over the span of a 28-year career. Fitzgerald now serves as a recruiter for the aviation academy at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. A testament to her legacy and her work to inspire the next generation of pilots, UCA awarded the Annie Fitzgerald Award scholarship to the first female student in the aviation program.

What is something everyone gets wrong about your work?

How people think how difficult flying is, and it’s not.

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought? Never give up.

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

Marrying my husband, John.

Who was your childhood hero?

Paul Seibold, my swimming coach. He taught me discipline and strength to get through anything.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

A glass of fine wine.

What was the hardest time of your life?

Starting out flying in the Caribbean and making no money.

What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?

Trying to save a chipmunk that was stuck in sticky trap paper, even taking it to a vet. The vet said we couldn’t save it, so my bestie and I put yellow tape like a crime scene in front of the garage. Her husband came home while we were burying it and thought we were crazy.

Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? Angelina Jolie.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list? African safari.

What would you like to accomplish before the year is over?

Fly-fishing lessons.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you? My age.

What expensive thing is absolutely worth the money?

Our 2004 Mercedes-Benz SL 500.

What cause is closest to your heart? Mentoring new pilots to live their dream.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again?

“It’s Too Late” by Carole King.

What immediately makes you think more highly of someone? How they pay it forward.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

To be a doctor because I come from three generations of doctors.

What is one thing you would ask your future self?

Did I talk the talk and walk the walk?

What advice do you wish you had received earlier?

Taking better care of my health. Flying is hard on your body.

What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?

Continuing education.

CATHERINE FOTHERGILL

HOMETOWN: Mobile, Alabama; grew up in Birmingham; moved to Arkansas in 2017

OCCUPATION: Former Professional Ballerina; Associate Artistic Director, Ballet Arkansas

EDUCATION: University of Alabama at Birmingham

An elegant SUV — I’ll let you know once I’ve found time for a test drive

“La Vie en Rose”

As the associate artistic director of Ballet Arkansas in Little Rock, Catherine Fothergill’s career is still marked by the passion, dedication and discipline that defined her days as a professional ballerina. Perhaps one of the greatest lessons the performing arts can teach is the ability to do what one does best, even — and especially — in the face of adversity. Fothergill discovered that firsthand during her first professional performance of the “Sugarplum Fairy” — the same day she graduated from college — when the music cut out midway through. “I danced the end of the variation in silence, and the audience loved it,” she said. “It’s now one of my favorite onstage memories and a reminder to ride the waves of life.”

If money were no object, what would you be doing?

I would still be working in the performing arts. There’s nothing else that combines creativity, leadership and community connection the way this does. I’d just take a few extra days to rest and reflect along the way.

What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?

Helping lead significant growth and change at Ballet Arkansas and seeing the resulting impact on our local arts community has been incredibly fulfilling. It’s rewarding to witness the community embrace the arts.

What is your hidden talent?

I can quack like Donald Duck — thank you, Dad! It’s a silly skill,

but it never fails to make my son laugh.

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought?

The guidance I’ve received about balancing dedication and self-care resonates daily. Most importantly, the wisdom from other mothers — that being a parent is both the most rewarding and the most challenging role — has been profoundly true.

What is something you love that most people hate?

For the dancers reading this: gargouillade, a complex ballet jump where the dancer’s legs and feet work like an eggbeater in the air.

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

Performing one of my favorite ballets alongside my husband remains unforgettable.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

A quiet drive over the Arkansas River with classical music, time with my husband and son, and a hot shower is my perfect reset.

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?

Becoming a mom has shifted everything. Balancing parenthood with running a nonprofit arts organization has taught me empathy, patience and the importance of community support.

EDEN GARRETT

HOMETOWN: Newport Beach, California; moved to Fayetteville in 2019

OCCUPATION: Owner, Florist, Eden’s Botanicals

EDUCATION: Drury University

Eden Garrett has dreamed of owning her own business since age 10. With a flower truck popping up all over northwest Arkansas and an unmissable storefront blooming in uptown Fayetteville, suffice it to say Garrett has made good on that promise. Eden’s Botanicals is far from traditional, bringing bouquets to parties and hosting workshops on top of its everyday deliveries and selection of gifts and plants. The secret to Garrett’s success is “creating an experience rather than just selling a product,” she said. “The magic of Eden’s is that you get to escape to either the flower truck or to our storefront for a day to see how flowers really create happiness.”

How did you get to where you are now?

A professor ended up investing in my school project, a flower truck. I was able to pay him off a year later and started a storefront on my own only two weeks before the COVID-19 pandemic. After endless hours poured into my business, I have overcome huge obstacles that would make most businesses crumble.

What causes are closest to your heart?

Junior League of Northwest Arkansas has become a huge passion of mine not only for its mission but from seeing the real impact that makes all the volunteering worthwhile. It really boils down to helping others. I’ve rescued four dogs, six birds and adopted two children. I have a big heart for those who are helpless and simply have to help out where I can.

What is your hidden talent?

No matter where I go or time of day, I always find a great parking spot. Not sure if it’s a hidden talent or just my super power.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list?

Visiting 100 countries before I die. Twelve down, only 88 more to go!

What always makes you nostalgic?

I am a sucker for a good photo album. I’m a very visual person, and I love to reminisce over old photos.

What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

Consistency — showing up every day, putting in the hard work and trying your best. Once you fall out of the habit of consistently showing up, it’s extremely hard to find the drive to get back into it. While burnout is possible, don’t let it deter you from getting back to doing what you love.

Is there anything else AY readers should know?

I adopted two children, and they are the light of my life. Going from no children to two and becoming a single mom was one of the hardest but most rewarding things I have done so far.

EVE GEIGGAR

HOMETOWN: Bearden; lives in North Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Women’s Empowerment Life Coach

Eve Geiggar has found purpose in empowerment. She founded Made to Manifest in 2021 to provide the guidance, tools and inspiration needed to help individuals realize their full potential and develop into their authentic selves, whether through motivational speaking, events and retreats, staff development or one-on-one coaching. Geiggar has also worked hard to hone the skills that complement her passion. She is a certified drug and alcohol counselor through the Arkansas Substance Abuse Certification Board and a life coach through the Life School of Arkansas. She is currently working toward a doctorate in change leadership at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. “I love people, motivating and encouraging women to be their best selves,” she said.

How did you get to where you are now?

By putting God first, moving when he said to move, connecting with the right people, serving and being confident in the ability that God placed within me.

If money were no object, what would you be doing?

Traveling the world, motivating and empowering women through motivational speaking.

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

My wedding day or the day I got accepted into my doctoral program.

What is a profession you admire but could never be a part of? A surgeon.

What was your “dream job” as a child?

To help people navigate life’s transitions as a counselor.

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?

When my husband and I both had COVID-19 and he was hospitalized, my life changed for the better.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list? Travel to Dubai.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

Spending time with God in devotion and prayer.

What is your proudest accomplishment thus far? Accepting Christ.

Do you collect anything?

I love collecting different journals.

What is your favorite thing about where you live?

North Little Rock is so welcoming and family oriented.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

I don’t like shellfish because I’m allergic.

What qualities do you admire most in other women?

Courage, strength, resilience, motivation, compassion and confidence, to name a few.

What do you believe distinguishes you from others?

My authenticity.

When do you feel like the best version of yourself?

After spending time in devotion and prayer with God.

CHRISTIE GRAHAM

HOMETOWN: Russellville

OCCUPATION: Executive Director of Tourism, City of Russellville

EDUCATION: Arkansas Tech University

As a first-generation college graduate, Christie Graham knows about forging new paths. As executive director of tourism, Graham is putting her hometown of Russellville on the maps of visitors from every corner, welcoming new faces to the gem of the Arkansas River Valley and showcasing everything the city has to offer. An accomplished and confident leader, some might misconstrue her as bossy, but “I am just efficient and a little OCD,” Graham said. Hard work, relationship building and a winning mindset have prepared her to take on new challenges and make the most of every new adventure. For those looking to follow in her footsteps, Graham has a succinct piece of advice: “Wear good shoes, and keep up.”

If money were no object, what would you be doing?

Traveling full time.

What was your “dream job” as a child?

CEO or politician.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

Cooking dinner and being home with my people.

How did you pick up your favorite hobby?

I don’t feel like I have found my favorite hobby yet, unless that is raising my two children, I look forward to finding it soon — maybe traveling.

What expensive thing is absolutely worth the money?

A good purse.

What is something you find yourself saying often?

“Not my circus, not my monkey!”

What is No. 1 on your bucket list?

A trip to Greece and Italy.

What is something that is easy for you but difficult for most other people?

Public speaking.

What qualities do you admire most in other women?

Confidence and humility.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

Salvation. I am thankful for my relationship with Jesus Christ and the 20 years my husband and I were in youth and college ministry. Those are some of my favorite memories.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My children.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

Playing the piano.

What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

Selflessness.

Do you collect anything? Purses — can’t have too many.

LEAH HARDING

HOMETOWN: Southern Illinois; moved to Arkansas in 2009

OCCUPATION: Owner, Stylist, Salon Cirae

EDUCATION: Lee’s School of Cosmetology, North Little Rock

From catering weddings at 15 years old to working as a bartender and server before starting beauty school, Leah Harding has built a career serving others. A perfectionist and creative, Harding is keen to take on tasks headfirst. She bought Salon Cirae from her sister in 2018 and, while moving the operation a few doors down in midtown Little Rock, was there for every nail hammered and item placed, serving as her own project manager, designer and general contractor. She can paint, she can sew, she can build — and, given the time, she might even add woodworking to her repertoire. “I’d be the only licensed stylist who could also whip up a dining table for your home,” she said.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

I come home to a daughter who loves my attention while my husband is at work as the chef at Cache Restaurant. We love to do crafts together. When she goes to bed, I like a good streaming series or a good mystery thriller book.

What is your favorite thing about Arkansas?

I was raised in Illinois and Pennsylvania but came to Arkansas in my early 20s. I love that Little Rock is close enough to places where my entire family can play. We are an hour away from either a casino or our lake house, where friends and family can join us. It’s the perfect location for gatherings.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

It’s crazy that I’m married to the top chef in the state — Payne Harding, who has a great reputation with his shrimp scampi and sauteed crab claws — but I don’t like seafood. I have tried to like seafood; I just don’t.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m an HTMA practitioner. That stands for “hair tissue mineral analysis.” I have been studying on nights and weekends while juggling my salon, its new location, my busy family, etc.

What was the hardest time of your life?

It was definitely my parents’ divorce when I was a preteen. Hard decisions had to be made by everyone — who to live with, what school to go to, etc. — but I made the choices I could to assert myself and develop autonomy. I have been very independent ever since.

What is your hidden talent?

I play a mix of music at the salon, and my clients laugh because I know the words to every song from every genre no matter the year it was popular.

What makes you nostalgic? Smells. I remember the smells of an Arkansas rain that bring back wonderful memories of my early days in the state.

CRYSTAL HENDERSON

HOMETOWN: Benton

OCCUPATION: Senior Risk Analyst, FIS; Founder, Henderson Home Animal Rescue

“Just a Girl” by No Doubt

Whatever holds the most dogs

Animal welfare has been close to Crystal Henderson’s heart for as long as she can remember. She is extremely proud to have founded a nonprofit, Henderson Home Animal Rescue in North Little Rock, dedicated to rescuing senior dogs. Henderson’s goal above all else is to make a difference in the world however she can — one adoption at a time — and every forever home found is another life changed. While most anyone involved in nonprofit spaces knows the steep demands of keeping an operation up and running, Henderson has never been one to shy away from hard work. “Nothing was handed to me,” she said. “I came from nothing and worked my ass off to get where I am today.”

If money were no object, what would you be doing?

Running a dog sanctuary.

What was your “dream job” as a child?

Cashier at Kroger.

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?

Seeing the world through my children’s eyes.

How did you pick up your favorite hobby?

As a young girl, I started catching feral cats and domesticating them.

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

A summer at my grandparents’ house as a kid.

What advice would you give someone who had to “walk in your shoes” for a day?

You should buy running shoes — I don’t slow down.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

A glass of bourbon and coke and murder shows.

What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself? I admire a woman with patience.

Who was your childhood hero?

My stepdad, Revy Rickard. He stepped up and raised a child that wasn’t his.

Do you collect anything?

Magnets and snowglobes from places I have traveled to.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

I cannot eat cooked fish with skin.

What is something you would never spend money on?

Designer clothing.

Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

Tina Fey.

Is there anything else we should know about you?

I married the love of my life, David Henderson, in September 2019.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

Starting over in my 40s.

If you could meet one historical figure for dinner, who would it be?

Ruth Bader Ginsburg. It doesn’t matter where we go.

What is your catchphrase, or something you find yourself saying often?

“I’m good.”

What is something you love that most people hate?

Driving in complete silence, no radio.

What is something you wish people cared less about?

The status quo.

What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self?

It’s not going to be easy, but it’ll be worth it.

What’s the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?

Put yourself out there, and never stop learning.

KANDI CHITMAN HUGHES

HOMETOWN:

Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Managing Senior Corporate Counsel, MISO

EDUCATION: Duke University, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

William H. Bowen School of Law, University of Central Arkansas

Kandi Chitman Hughes described her professional path as “a very scenic route,” but there is no doubting it has been worth every step. After taking the bar exam twice, cutting her teeth in city traffic court and becoming the youngest assistant general counsel at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway, Hughes found her niche in the energy sector at MISO, an organization that keeps the lights on for 45 million people across 15 states and Manitoba, Canada. In addition to leading a sharp team of attorneys, law clerks, legal externs and interns, Hughes shapes future attorneys as an adjunct professor at her former law school. She is also deeply involved as a leader in both the legal field and the wider community. “I’m driven by the daily challenge of solving complex problems and knowing that my work powers communities and fuels progress,” she said.

What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself?

Creativity! My brother, Leon Chills, co-wrote an entire film — Shadow Force, streaming now — that was released earlier this year. He’s also co-written a comic book series, written for multiple Netflix shows, and now he’s stepping into the director’s chair. I’m in awe of how he brings stories to life and sees the world through such a creative lens.

What do you believe distinguishes you from others?

My relentless drive for excellence. Whether it’s making sure my two amazingly brilliant and headstrong kids have the best of everything; navigating sleepless nights juggling agendas, reports and meeting minutes for the leadership roles I’ve committed to; or focusing on building intentional relationships within my industry and across the profession, I don’t do shit halfway. It might take me a bit longer to get to the goal line, but when I do, you better believe the unapologetic excellence speaks for itself.

What was your “dream job” as a child? Pediatrician. Then Chem 21 at Duke said, “Not with those lab skills, ma’am.” Law school started looking really good after that.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

I’m not here for food that looks like the animal it once was — no tails or shells on my prawns, no bones poking out of my steak, and absolutely no fish staring back at me. I came to eat, not trace the food chain. Fillet me all day. Sorry not sorry.

When do you feel like the best version of yourself?

When I’m in my “mom mode.” With a 15-year-old daughter who’s fully stepped into her independence with big opinions and a 12-year-old son who’s quietly powerful and loyal to his core, I’ve “become all the things.” I’m part strategist, part counselor, part Lyft driver but full-time role model — all while handling everything else life throws at me. It’s not always seamless, but it’s always authentic and where I’m my best me.

KIM HURST

HOMETOWN: Hot Springs

OCCUPATION: Marketing and Recruitment Manager, Superior Senior Care

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas

Kim Hurst is dedicated to helping the aging population in Arkansas live longer, healthier lives while remaining in the comfort of their own homes. Everyone deserves to enjoy their golden years in the place they are most at ease, and for many, that means the familiar surroundings they have spent decades making their own. Another important component of living and aging well is relationships — something Hurst has only come to appreciate more deeply through the years. She is keen to surround herself with people and experiences that bring her genuine happiness. “Over time, I’ve learned that life becomes so much more meaningful when you’re connected to the right people who allow you to be your true authentic self,” Hurst said.

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought?

Always trust your intuition. It’s usually right. I used to second guess it, but now I know intuition is wisdom in disguise.

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

My husband and I had a destination wedding in Jamaica, and I would love to relive that day all over again. We were fortunate to have our closest family and friends by our side, celebrating in such a beautiful place. It was an unforgettable experience, and the fact that everyone was able to be there to witness this special moment meant so much to us.

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?

Traveling, experiencing new places and meeting people from different backgrounds has profoundly shaped the way I see the world and perceive others.

Who was your childhood hero, and why?

My childhood hero was my sister. She’s three years older than me, and I’ve always looked up to her. While I was more introverted, she was outgoing and never afraid to be the center of attention. Watching her confidence inspired me to step out of my shell and say yes to experiences I might’ve shied away from. I am very grateful she was there to lead the way.

How did you pick up your favorite hobby?

I love to fish and have enjoyed going with my dad ever since I was a kid. It’s a bond we share together and something I’ve passed down to my own kids.

What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself?

People who can tell you how it is straight up. I like to sugarcoat things a bit.

Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

Natalie Portman.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

Never been a fan of olives or capers.

What was your “dream job” as a child?

I always dreamed of becoming a teacher. My mom was a teacher, so I grew up surrounded by the

school environment and saw firsthand how inspiring and rewarding that career can be.

What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?

Becoming a mom and raising my two boys is the greatest joy of my life.

FAVORITES:

CHRISTA JACKSON, APRN

HOMETOWN: Bryant

OCCUPATION: Nurse Practitioner, Beyond Wellness

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Little Rock, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences

Christa Jackson grew up in a doctor’s office thanks to her mother’s work as the assistant office manager for an OB-GYN. Those years sparked a love for the science and heart behind medicine, Jackson said, but watching her single mother work hard to give her a good life was just as inspirational. That example lit a fire in Jackson to not only build a career she loves but one that provides for her family without costing her precious time with them. “I wanted to be able to show up for my kids and for my patients,” Jackson said. “More than anything, I wanted to be in a position to care for my mom the way she always cared for me.”

What was your “dream job” as a child?

To be an OB-GYN — so practicing gynecology for 10 years as a nurse practitioner was my way of living out that dream. It was every bit as fulfilling as I hoped it would be.

What causes are closest to your heart?

One cause that’s closest to my heart is The Mayfly Project, started by our best friends. They take foster kids fly-fishing, and it’s one of the most inspiring things I’ve ever seen. Watching these kids connect with nature, find peace on the river and experience the healing power of the outdoors is truly something special.

What is your catchphrase or something you find yourself saying often?

“There’s no such thing as bad days.” I started saying it when I worked in hematology/oncology at Arkansas Children's Hospital, where I saw kids fighting for their lives with more joy and gratitude than most adults. Every day truly is a gift, and I try to live like it.

What is your hidden talent? I can spot adrenal fatigue, hormone imbalance or a gut issue before you even finish telling me you’re “just tired.” It’s a gift.

How did you pick up your favorite hobby?

Wakesurfing had me hooked from the first ride. It’s equal parts workout and therapy, with Forrest Frank blaring and the boat full of laughs. We surf for hours, and I swear it never gets old.

What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself?

The ability to live in a messy house every once in a while and not be bothered. I wish I could just walk past the laundry or leave dishes in the sink without feeling the need to fix it all, but nope. For whatever reason, clean counters equal a calm mind over here.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list? Swimming with dolphins in the wild.

What always makes you nostalgic?

Watching my kids do the things I used to love as a kid — riding bikes, fishing, playing ball barefoot in the yard, catching lightning bugs. It gets me every time.

What would you like to accomplish before the year is over?

Before the year wraps up, I want to learn how to two-step with my husband — nothing fancy, just some boots, a beat and our back porch.

HEATHER KOUNS

HOMETOWN: Wauchula, Florida; moved to Arkansas in 2019

OCCUPATION: Vice President, Strategic Sales, North Little Rock Tourism

EDUCATION: Florida State University

All vacations are dream vacations,

My home in Park Hill, North Little Rock

High school jobs at the community pool, the Y and summer camps taught Heather Kouns the power of creating memorable moments through service, fun and connection. She built on that foundation with international hospitality roles in the Pacific Islands and south Florida. In 2019, she moved into operations management in northwest Arkansas. Still, she felt called to work more directly on community development and destination storytelling. That pull led Kouns to North Little Rock Tourism in 2021, and she now leads efforts to position the city as a premier destination for meetings, sports, group travel and leisure. “From a young age, I found joy in helping people feel welcome, engaged and inspired — an ethos that continues to guide my work today,” she said.

What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?

While backpacking through southeast Asia, I found myself on a 24-hour bus ride crossing the border between Laos and Thailand with the wrong currency in hand. There were no ATMs anywhere and I was completely stuck. I ended up having to bum a few U.S. dollars from another backpacker just to make it through the checkpoint. It was one of those chaotic, humbling travel moments that reminds you how quickly plans can unravel and how generous strangers can be.

What immediately makes you think more highly of someone?

How they treat those who serve them, whether it’s a server, a janitor or a front-desk clerk.

What causes are closest to your heart?

Women’s right to health care access. As someone who lives with endometriosis, I know firsthand how important it is to be supported and have access to the care you need. Every woman deserves the freedom to make informed choices about her body and well-being.

What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self?

Treat your time like money — stop funding people who aren’t giving you any return.

What is your favorite thing about where you live?

North Little Rock hits the sweet spot for me. It’s where Southern hospitality meets urban amenities, outdoor adventure is right outside your door, and the cost of living stays low while the quality of life stays high.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be and why?

Spanish, hands down. It’s such a beautiful language spoken by beautiful people and wrapped in a culture full of vibrant music, rich traditions and soul. I’d love to be able to connect more deeply with Spanish-speaking communities and experience the world through their stories.

Who was your childhood hero?

Clara Barton. I read a book about her in first grade and thought she was absolutely iconic. Her bravery, compassion and determination to help others stuck with me.

What is something you wish people cared more about?

Human rights — the fundamental right to simply exist in any space on earth. We all deserve to live and move freely with equal dignity regardless of the borders drawn by a few men.

What is your catchphrase or something you find yourself saying often?

“Two tears in the bucket.” It’s my way of saying: Let it go. Move on. Don’t dwell. It’s not worth your energy.

ANDREA LAWSON

HOMETOWN: Born in Arlington, Texas; moved to Fayetteville for college in 2002; moved to Conway in 2006; has lived in Greenbrier since 2012

OCCUPATION: General Manager, Luxury Pool & Spa

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas

Andrea Lawson loves spending time outside, whether that be cheering on her sons at the baseball field, cheering on the Hogs at her alma mater or simply enjoying the family’s backyard pool. Keenly aware of the wealth of natural beauty Arkansas has to offer, Lawson and her husband, Jeremy, have also made exploring the outdoors into a bonding activity for the whole family. The pair picked up hiking on their honeymoon and now they take their sons Parker and Peyton on their adventures, which so far have included several national parks in addition to locations all over the Natural State. “The state has so many beautiful parks and hiking trails, and I absolutely love seeing the leaves change in the fall,” Lawson said.

How did you get to where you are now?

I worked in banking, marketing and the natural gas field. As Luxury continued to grow, my husband and brother-in-law needed more help at the office, so they asked me to join the crew. I am so thankful they did.

What was your “dream job” as a child? Professional soccer player.

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?

Having children — I always want to look out for them and their best interests when I make decisions.

What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?

Personally — watching my children grow and succeed in school and sports. Professionally — opening the second standalone Luxury Pool & Spa store in Conway.

If you could meet one historical figure for dinner, who would it be? I would want to go somewhere quiet where I could just listen to Jesus.

Who was your childhood hero?

My mom. She could do anything and everything. She worked full time, cooked dinner every night, kept a clean house, had laundry done, supported my brother and me in everything we did, and always seemed to do it with a smile. I always wanted to be like her.

What was the hardest time of your life, and how did you make it through?

When our oldest son was hospitalized with salmonella sepsis when he was 6 years old. The only way we made it through was prayer and an amazing outpouring of love and support from our friends and family.

What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?

I was hit by a foul ball at my son’s tournament in between his games, and it gave me a concussion.

What qualities do you admire most in other women?

Honesty, patience and a strong will.

What is something you find yourself saying often?

I always try to remember and tell my boys when something bad happens that “somebody out there has it worse than you.” I want them to grow up strong minded and to know they will face adversity in life, but they will have to overcome it.

What always makes you nostalgic? Classic rock always brings me back to my childhood and listening to it with my dad.

Do you collect anything?

I collect Christmas ornaments from places I visit.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

Marrying Jeremy.

TYLER LENNERS

HOMETOWN: Little Rock, moved to Arkansas in 1995

OCCUPATION: Partner, Catering and Special Events Director, JTJ Restaurants

EDUCATION: Savannah College of Art and Design

A background in performing arts has served Tyler Lenners well in the restaurant business. As a partner and the catering and special events director for Little Rock-based JTJ Restaurants, Lenners has worked with the group on such successful concepts as Petit & Keet and Cypress Social. Her proudest accomplishment thus far, she said, is her current place in her career. With no signs of slowing down any time soon, Lenners has to stay light on her feet in an industry where entertainment is key and no two days are the same. Perhaps that is why her advice to anyone walking in her shoes for the day is, “Enjoy every minute — but bring an extra pair of flats.”

If money were no object, what would you be doing?

Running an animal rescue and sanctuary.

When do you feel like the best version of yourself?

At the successful conclusion of a challenging event.

Do you collect anything?

We travel when we can and always get something for the house wherever we go. Art, a clock, knives — things we use every day that remind us of our adventures together.

What is your favorite thing about where you live?

The beautiful drive home over the river bridge.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

“Fancy” is not better.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

Electrical or plumbing knowledge for instant hero status.

What is something you love that most people hate?

My taste in movies.

What is something that is easy for you but difficult for most other people?

Public speaking.

What expensive thing is absolutely worth the money?

Skincare and home improvement.

What is something you wish people cared more about?

Public education.

What causes are closest to your heart?

Women’s rights because as far as we’ve come, there’s still so much more work to do. Everyone deserves to live in safety with freedom and the opportunity for happiness.

What is your catchphrase or something you find yourself saying often?

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

What qualities do you admire most in other women?

Confidence, intelligence and independence.

What immediately makes you think more highly of someone?

Admitting fault and asking for help.

What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success? Expect the unexpected.

What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self? It’s not that serious.

sometimes with single-malt scotch

Anything Asian

My backyard

WHITNEY MCLELLAN

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Realtor, McLellan & Associates Real Estate Group

“Signed, Sealed, Delivered” by

Whitney McLellan’s introduction to real estate came early thanks to her father. Watching him not only invest in properties, grow relationships and build a company from the ground up but have a meaningful impact on his community inspired her to pursue the profession herself. Her mother later got her own real estate license, turning real estate into a true family business. For the up-and-coming Realtor,, though, it was always more than a line of work — it became a legacy she said she is proud to be a part of. “Following in their footsteps, I’ve combined what I learned from them with my own passion for helping people find not just a house but a place to truly call home,” she said. With years of experience serving clients throughout central Arkansas, she has built a reputation for her market knowledge, attention to detail and commitment to delivering exceptional service. She has served on the Little Rock Realtors Association board for four years and next year will serve as president elect.

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?

Becoming a mother to my son completely transformed the way I see the world and is my greatest joy. If I could relive one moment, it would be the first time I held my son in my arms — pure, overwhelming joy. I’d relive all of his ‘firsts’ if I could.

What advice do you wish you had received earlier?

Peace is a success metric. If it costs you your peace, it’s too expensive. I have a tattoo that I got at the age of 30 of an olive branch to remind me to choose peace.

What should AY readers know?

Serving in my community is very important to me. I have chaired the Run the Park 5K & Fun Run with the Little Rock Realtors Association for the past two years and will be doing it again this fall. All proceeds go to Special Olympics Arkansas. The kids from Special Olympics Arkansas hand out medals at the finish line. It’s truly a special event and will be Nov. 15 at Two Rivers Park.

What is your hidden talent? I can slalom ski and not get my hair wet.

What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

Discipline — showing up when the motivation isn’t there.

What would you like to accomplish before the year is over?

Run the Chicago Marathon in October.

What is something you love that most people hate?

Waking up far before the sun to run double-digit miles.

What qualities do you admire most in other women?

Women who support, empower and share in other women’s successes.

HAYDEN MEDLOCK

HOMETOWN: Sherwood

OCCUPATION: Founder, Owner, Synergetic Social EDUCATION: University of Central Arkansas

Young, determined and passionate about helping others grow, Hayden Medlock built Synergetic Social from the ground up and proved that age is no barrier to building something impactful. Growing up around her family’s manufacturing company, Medlock learned to navigate the digital world early on and utilized her creative talents to amplify the business’ online presence. In discovering the power of social media, Medlock also found a passion for putting those skills to use to help other companies succeed. Enter Synergetic Social, a digital marketing agency helping clients realize their brand’s full online potential. “I launched Synergetic Social when I was just 22 years old and jumped in headfirst to pursue something I was extremely passionate about,” Medlock said. “It’s been an incredible ride ever since.”

What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work?

A common misconception with social media is that “anybody can post online,” which is absolutely true — but will a random post here and there grow their business and help them reach the goals they have set? No, it won’t. At Synergetic Social, we focus heavily on strategy, speaking to their target audience, and as a result, we increase our clients’ return on investment.

What is your favorite thing about Arkansas?

My favorite thing about Arkansas is hands down the nature. I love being outside, going to the lake and catching a good sunset. Arkansas has so much to offer when it comes to beautiful trees changing colors, lakes, waterfalls — you name it.

What qualities do you admire most in other women?

I admire business women who wear all the hats and still manage to have a life and get it all done with grace, the ones who juggle

careers, relationships, families and personal growth and still show up for themselves and others. I’m inspired by their strength, resilience and ability to lead with both confidence and compassion. It’s not easy, but they make it look effortless.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I absolutely love doing things outside and spending time on our farm. Going out to the farm after a long day, enjoying the fresh air, feeding the cows and just relaxing is so much fun to me. It’s one of my favorite ways to unwind and reset and something most people wouldn’t expect from me when they see me on my computer 24/7.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be, and why? I would 1,000 percent want to know all the features in Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator and Premiere Pro. They’re such incredible tools for my business, and if I could snap my fingers and instantly know all the fun things, it would be chef’s kiss.

What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?

I think it’s so important to set goals and consistently work toward them. As a business owner, that mindset keeps me motivated and excited. It pushes me to keep growing and do better every single day.

FAVORITES:

Cypress Social Greers Ferry Lake

“9 to 5” by Dolly Parton

SCARLETT MELIKIAN

HOMETOWN: Cabot

OCCUPATION: Attorney; Real Estate Investor

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas at Little Rock William H. Bowen School of Law

“All

Scarlett Melikian’s father was instrumental in shaping her core beliefs. A kind man, he was also a perfectionist, Melikian said, who instilled in her the imperative to do things right the first time, give it her all and ultimately get the win. Those traits have served Melikian well over the course of 21 years practicing law. While she is always pushing herself to perform at the highest level professionally, Melikian also knows the importance of separating work and play. “My job requires a certain level of intensity that is not sustainable all day and night,” she said. “You have to be able to leave your work at the office to a large degree. Work-life balance is a must for me.”

What was your “dream job” as a child?

A race car driver. I have a love for fast cars.

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

The last time I saw my brother. He died unexpectedly at the age of 18, and had I known that would be the last time I saw him, I would have hugged his neck, told him I loved him and that I will see him again one day.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

With laughter.

What is your catchphrase, or something you find yourself saying often?

“Use your God-given brain.”

What is something you hate that most people love?

Camping or even “glamping.” If you ever see me in the woods, please call for help because I’ve clearly been kidnapped.

What would you like to accomplish before the year is over?

Launching a new business, Love Postmarked, with my husband.

What do you believe distinguishes you from others?

I’m completely self-made. I put myself through college and law school and opened my own law firm in my early 20s.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

Counting cards. Who wouldn’t want to be skilled like Rain Man or Alan from The Hangover?

Is there anything else AY readers should know about you?

I believe in thriving and not surviving my life. As I’ve gotten older, I realize that if I am on a course that I do not like, I have to change direction. Change can be uncomfortable but is necessary for growth, and if you are discontent with your life, nothing good can grow in a negative state of mind.

KALI MEYER

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Stay-at-Home Momma

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas

Postpartum mental health is a journey all its own — and one Kali Meyer has learned to navigate through its ups as well as its downs. Meyer fell into a depression after the birth of her oldest son. It was a dark, lonely state, she said, unlike anything she had ever experienced. Therapy, medication and a strong network of people who lift her up have been vital for Meyer throughout what has since become a 20-year mental health journey. Now a stay-athome mother equipped with the tools and relationships she needs, Meyer passed along this advice to others struggling: “It’s OK and completely normal to not be OK,” she said. “Validate, explore and truly feel every single feeling and emotion you experience.”

FAVORITES:

Anywhere on or near water

Anything suspenseful

“Save me” by Jelly Roll

What immediately makes you think more highly of someone?

The way they treat others.

What is a profession you admire but could never be a part of?

Anything in the medical field, especially pediatrics.

What was your “dream job” as a child?

Own a dance studio.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

Long, hot bath with pinot noir.

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought?

No one has it all together all the time, even if it appears that way. Also, being a parent is really freaking hard, but it’s the most important job I have.

What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself? Patience and having a filter.

What is something you hate that most people love? Crocs.

If money were no object, what would you be doing?

Living on a yacht in the Mediterranean.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I’ve never owned a credit card — on purpose.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list?

Seeing the northern lights.

What is something you wish people cared less about?

Money and power.

STEPHANIE NEWCOMB

HOMETOWN:

Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Personal Trainer, Pain-free Performance Certified, Health Coach, Unleashed Health and Fitness

Born in San Diego and raised in Arkansas, personal trainer Stephanie Newcomb is a unique blend of West Coast spirit and Southern charm. As the founder of Unleashed Health and Fitness in Little Rock, her passion is helping others unlock their full potential through movement, mindset and sustainable habits. Whether she is leading a group workout or coaching one on one, she brings a no-excuses, all-heart approach rooted in real-life experience. She believes transformation starts with showing up inside and out, and she pushes her clients to train their bodies, sharpen their minds and reconnect with their purpose. “You have to put in the work if you want to become who you were meant to be,” she said.

What was your “dream job” as a child?

I wanted to be a marine biologist. I grew up going to SeaWorld and was obsessed with Shamu.

What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work?

There’s a misconception that working out at UHF is intimidating. I’ve heard people say it’s scary. Yes, I push people, but never beyond what they’re ready for, especially not new clients. Growth requires pressure.

Do you collect anything?

I don’t collect anything. I actually hate clutter. The fewer things, the better!

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

Going to our first music festival with my husband. It was something I had always wanted to do, and we had the best time, just the two of us.

What immediately makes you think more highly of someone?

The first thing I notice about someone is whether they work out. It tells me a lot.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

I turn on my sound machine and take three deep breaths in through my nose and out through my mouth.

What is your proudest accomplishment?

My proudest accomplishment is building UHF into what it is today and raising my boys with that same heart and discipline.

What was the hardest time of your life, and how did you make it through?

My parents’ divorce had a major impact on me. I was young, and it took years to realize it wasn’t my fault.

What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you wouldn’t have believed it if you weren’t there?

A deer hitting my husband while he was on his motorcycle. The antler of the deer went through his hand — absolutely insane.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

Our food supply is filled with chemicals like red dyes, hidden sugars and more. Some people don’t understand or believe that, but I’m grateful for the growing awareness and push for change.

What is something you love that most people hate? Sauerkraut. Don’t knock it.

What would you like to accomplish before the year is over?

Professionally, my next goal is to help my two trainers grow and to start working on my next recipe book.

JAMIE R. NEWTON

HOMETOWN: Sheridan

OCCUPATION: K-12 Senior Commodity Director, Pilgrim’s Pride; Infantry Officer, Company Commander, Bravo Company 2-153rd Battalion 39th Infantry Brigade, Arkansas Army National Guard

EDUCATION: Arkansas State University, University of Central Arkansas

The path to becoming the state’s first female infantry officer was far from easy, but Jamie R. Newton wanted to challenge herself and show her children that they could be strong in the face of any hardship. “When things do get hard, you put your head down and drive on,” she said. “You cannot focus on the negative comments, rumors and naysayers that don’t want you to succeed.” While she has become a trailblazer and example in her own right, she added that success looks different for everyone. For her, that looks like taking things one day at a time — “My focus is to be the best mom, leader and friend I can be to those around me,” Newton said.

How did you get to where you are now?

Dedication and support. I have great mentors and leaders that believed in me. I stayed true to who I was and what I believed in.

If money were no object, what would you be doing?

Trail running professionally around the world.

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

The last time I hugged my dad or the first time I met my babies.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

Running. Lots of running.

What is your catchphrase or something you find yourself saying often?

“It will buff.”

How did you pick up your favorite hobby?

I was bullied for being fat in junior high and high school as a cheerleader, so I started running. It became less about losing weight and more about what my body could do and how resilient I became.

Who was your childhood hero?

Kerri Strug. I love how she kept showing up for her team over and over again during the Olympics

— resilient and showed bravery during adversity.

Do you collect anything?

Some may say souls because of me being a redhead, but it is really Goodr sunglasses and Nike running shoes.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list? Going to Ireland.

What do you believe distinguishes you from others?

Red hair and blue eyes.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

You don’t have to have meat to live. Being a vegetarian and a runner is not a popular opinion at all.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again?

“Bleeding Love” by Leona Lewis.

If you could meet one historical figure for dinner, who would it be?

Gen. George S. Patton, and we would go to a brewery somewhere for a beer.

What would you like to accomplish before the year is over?

Run a 100 miler, have a successful company command, inspire soldiers, and have happy and loving kiddos.

LAUREN NORRIS

HOMETOWN: Cordova, Tennessee; moved to Arkansas in 2011

OCCUPATION: Director of Marketing, Conway Regional Health System

EDUCATION: Arkansas Tech University, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

If anyone was under the impression that marketing roles were all about party planning, social posts and picking out fonts, think again — strategy is at the heart of everything Lauren Norris and her team at Conway Regional Health System do. As director of marketing, Norris knows there is nothing accidental about successful branding, especially when it comes to a health system with a footprint as wide and deep as Conway Regional’s. Norris said she is most proud of the talented team she has built, as well as the fact that the six-strong group has had zero turnover over two years. “Watching them thrive and collaborate is extremely rewarding,” she said.

What experience had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?

After finishing my master’s, I spent five months traveling through Europe and north Africa. I noticed how the same history can look very different depending on where you encounter it. In London, I saw the Rosetta Stone and the Elgin Marbles and, later, a replica of the Rosetta Stone in Egypt and the places in Athens where the marbles had been removed. Seeing history from different viewpoints made me think more about how perspective shapes what we take away.

What expensive thing is absolutely worth the money?

Anything that saves me time. Time is the real luxury.

Do you collect anything?

Books, especially special editions, autographed copies, out-of-print covers and country-specific designs of my favorite books or series.

What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?

I was once robbed while traveling in Turkey. Burglars broke into our Airbnb in the middle of the night. My dad, who was traveling with me, literally chased them out of the apartment. They took all our cash and my laptop.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you? I work in marketing, but I’m an introvert.

If you could meet one historical figure for dinner, who would it be?

Taylor Swift. Yes, she is a historical figure — record breaking, culture shaping, wildly strategic. I’d ask her to take me to an Eagles vs. Cowboys game at Lincoln Financial Field and get me into the Kelce family box. In this dream, Travis, Jason and Kylie would be there, too, and we’d all become best friends, naturally.

What is a profession you admire but could never be a part of?

I have so much respect for the emotional resilience oncologists have to have. On any given day, they might deliver lifealtering news both good and bad. That emotional range, the compartmentalization required and the ability to show up for others in so many different ways — it’s something I deeply admire.

HOLLIE ODOM

HOMETOWN: Peach County, Georgia; moved to Arkansas in 2013

OCCUPATION: Co-owner, Chief Operating Officer, Professional Computer Services, Inc.

Hollie Odom comes from a long line of strong women. Her mother, grandmothers and aunts are all deeply committed to their family, never allowing outside circumstances to interfere with their ability to look after the people they love. “I always try to keep that mindset — to take care of the ones around me,” she said. “It definitely makes life worthwhile.” Their example has instilled in Odom the importance of being there for others — a responsibility she and her husband, Beau, take seriously both at home and in their Conway community. The pair support a variety of local causes, such as the domestic violence shelter Rise House. “Great communities emerge when people take care of one another,” Odom said.

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?

Becoming a mother.

What qualities do you admire most in other women?

Authenticity and leadership.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

Marrying my husband, Beau.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

To play the piano. I took lessons as a child but didn’t stick with it. I’ve always wished that I had.

What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self?

To trust my instincts. Don’t be afraid to speak up for yourself and pursue what genuinely makes you happy.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

Cooking dinner. I love to put on some music, pour a glass of wine and cook a really nice meal.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

Avocado toast is overrated.

What expensive thing is absolutely worth the money?

Traveling.

What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

Teamwork. Having a group of people around you that you can count on both in your personal life and at work makes all the difference.

What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?

Staying true to yourself.

NICKY PARRISH

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Music Coordinator, GiGi’s Lounge; Professional Recording Artist

To see her command the stage, it is hard to imagine Nicky Parrish anywhere else. As a child, however, her aspirations were on the field. An all-around athlete, Parrish initially dreamed of pursuing professional sports and only started singing full time after a basketball injury cut short her prospective career. Focus, dedication and teamwork are all skills she carried with her as she embarked on the path to becoming a celebrated vocalist, entertainer and songwriter. Now a multigenre, multiawardwinning artist, Parrish’s talents have taken her across the country and seen her share the stage with the likes of Michael Bublé, CeCe Winans and many more. “This journey isn’t just about accomplishments but about becoming whole — embodying the strengths, choices and integrity that define my best self,” she said.

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought?

One of my mom’s favorite verses is Romans 8:28. I picture her soft smile and the way she reminds me that, “For those who love God, all things work together for good.” It makes difficult days feel lighter and keeps me aiming for trust over panic.

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

Spending time with my inner circle, family and friends, boxing and self-care.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

Playing multiple musical instruments. It would give me versatility, improve my understanding of arrangement and composition and serve as a reliable backup for any vocalrelated challenges.

Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

Angela Bassett.

What would you like to accomplish before the year is over?

I want to fully bring my dad’s legacy to life through a heartfelt tribute performance around his birthday in October and lay the foundation for my art to keep growing. My concrete goals are to finalize and stage the tribute show, complete and release my first EP with accompanying videos, and debut new music from my next EP across multiple genres.

When do you feel like the best version of yourself?

When I step out on stage and give my all by letting go of anxieties and life’s challenges. The stage becomes my refuge, where I can connect with listeners who might need a lift, and I don’t take my gift for granted. I firmly acknowledge it as a blessing from God — the same truth that Gladys Knight reminded me of during my BET Apollo Live performance with Doug E. Fresh, Gladys Knight and Michael Bivins of Bell Biv DeVoe.

KATHY HARTMAN PRIMM

HOMETOWN: Morrilton; has lived in North Little Rock since 1996

OCCUPATION: Professional Travel Consultant; Certified Travel Associate; Office Manager, Sue Smith Vacations

EDUCATION: Arkansas Tech University

When first starting out as a receptionist at Sue Smith Vacations in North Little Rock, Kathy Hartman Primm said she never expected she would spend her career there. Working under the travel agency’s eponymous founder, however, Primm grew alongside the company, eventually moving into management and becoming the face of the business. Helping clients create memories through travel over the past 33 years has been a joy and a privilege, Primm said, and has also had the biggest impact on her worldview. “I’ve been fortunate to see so many incredible places, meet the people who call them home and immerse myself in different cultures,” she said. “Those experiences have opened my eyes and heart in ways I’ll always carry with me.”

What is something everyone gets wrong about your work?

While anyone can take an order and sell a trip, a true professional travel advisor does so much more. We curate personal experiences, share knowledge about destinations and stand ready to problem-solve if something goes wrong. It’s not just, “Book a trip, get a paycheck, and done.” It’s building relationships and creating journeys that truly matter.

What was the hardest time of your life, and how did you make it through?

Watching my sweet husband, James, battle appendiceal cancer for 43 months. I leaned on my faith and on my unwavering love for him. James smiled and never complained one single day. He told me several times a day that he loved me. He always wanted to be the last one to say it. May 1, 2023, was the only time I said it last. My beautiful children, parents, siblings and close friends have carried me through in ways I’ll never forget.

What is your catchphrase or something you find yourself saying often?

“Not today, Satan.”

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

I recharge by spending time with my three children. We often end up laughing over memories and pictures of things that happened during their childhood, and that joy is the best kind of reset.

Do you collect anything?

I collect crosses and rosaries from my travels. Each one tells a story and reminds me of the places I’ve been and the faith that guides me.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

The best decision I ever made was saying yes to a date with the cute guy I met while driving my Mustang at Arkansas Tech. That one decision led to a 26-year marriage filled with love, and together we raised three beautiful, amazing children who are now responsible, thriving adults.

What causes are closest to your heart?

The cause closest to my heart is appendiceal cancer awareness, in memory of my husband James. Too many people face rare cancers with little knowledge, support or research behind them. That’s why I am passionate about raising funds for cancer research and prevention — so that more resources, treatments and hope will be available for families in the future.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list?

Walking the whole Camino de Santiago, 500 miles.

If you could meet one historical figure for dinner, who would it be, and where would you go?

Anne Frank at a cafe in Amsterdam.

When do you feel like the best version of yourself?

Talking about travel and my family.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

All foreign languages.

What advice do you wish you had received earlier?

Don’t put off things for when you get older.

KATHRYN ROGERS

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Chief Financial Officer, Splash Car Wash & 10-Minute Oil Change

EDUCATION: University of Arkansas

Becoming a certified public accountant opened a lot of doors for Kathryn Rogers, including ones she never expected to see behind. As chief financial officer at Splash Car Wash & 10-Minute Oil Change, Rogers oversees the financial side of the house, but she also leads the company’s human resources and administrative functions. Not limiting herself to what she learned in school and public accounting practice has allowed Rogers to take on new roles, develop different skill sets and propel herself further professionally than she originally thought possible. “I have always had a personal drive to achieve and grow in my career, and it has continued to push me into the next phase of life,” she said.

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought?

My grandmother told me once, when I complained to her about never being able to cook a baked potato quite right, that, “Sometimes it’s not you — it’s the potato.” I think about that a lot and how it can be applied to a slew of life scenarios.

What causes are closest to your heart?

I worked in the developmental and intellectual disabilities field for nearly a decade and have a strong sense of pride in that work and organizations that support that cause.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I’m a black belt in tae kwon do.

What is something everyone gets wrong about you?

People assume since I’m a CPA that I know how to file taxes. I get asked a lot about tax deductions — which I know very little about!

What always makes you nostalgic? Arkansas Razorback games. I cry every time I walk into the stadium. I danced on the U of A Pom Squad for four years, and

it was some of the best years of my life. The fight song plays, and I immediately get goosebumps and a lump in my throat, even 15 years later.

What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?

I’m proud that I have achieved balance between working at an executive level but also being very present in my boys’ lives. I have worked very hard in my career to ensure they always come first. I have never missed a school play, class party, baseball game, etc., and plan to keep it that way.

What was the hardest time of your life, and how did you make it through?

My dad battled cancer when I was in my mid-20s. He didn’t get to see all the amazing things that were to come, like my wedding, the birth of my kids, my career, etc. My boyfriend at the time, now my husband, was my absolute rock, and without him by my side to keep my spirits up, I don’t think I would have come out on the other side as well as I did.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

Embroidery. I hate how much it costs to put a monogram or a name on things.

ZARA SCHMIDT

HOMETOWN: Hot Springs

OCCUPATION: Manager, Hillcrest Little Bakery

EDUCATION: Henderson State University

: Coke Zero

Cypress Social

DeGray Lake Jeep Grand Cherokee

“Tongue Tied” by Grouplove

Loblolly Double Vanilla Ice Cream

Hillcrest Little Bakery in Little Rock is a testament both to the talents of Zara Schmidt and her father, Scott Loye, and to the fact that with enough dedication, there is no such thing as the “wrong time” to start. Launched in late 2019, the first few years were indeed a challenge, Schmidt said, but with the support of family, loyal patrons — and a bit of therapy — she has since built HLB into a neighborhood staple. Schmidt’s perspective has also grown alongside the business. “I have met and worked with so many different kinds of people,” she said. “It has done nothing but grow my understanding and compassion for people because we all live different lives but still deserve love and respect.”

What is a profession you admire but could never be a part of?

Teaching. I’ve coached volleyball before, and that is the closest I will ever go to teaching. Education is so important, and I admire those who put up with parents, administrations, crazy kids and ever-changing rules to help raise the next generation.

How did you pick up your favorite hobby?

My husband’s family owns a golf equipment store, so when we started dating in college, we started golfing together. After I was done with college volleyball, golf became my main hobby. I’ve even won a club championship.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

I would love to learn American Sign Language. Being as accessible as possible for more people is one of my goals at HLB.

Do you collect anything?

I’ve recently started collecting crystals. My favorite so far is wavellite, which is local to my hometown.

What was your “dream job” as a child?

I never really had a dream job, but I do remember my Fisher-Price kitchen being my favorite item for probably longer than socially acceptable.

What causes are closest to your heart? Women’s rights and reproductive freedoms.

What would you like to accomplish before the year is over?

Hosting Christmas dinner at my home for the first time.

What always makes you nostalgic? Anytime my young employee reminds me that she was born the same year High School Musical was released.

What expensive thing is absolutely worth the money? Extra ranch.

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought?

It’s better to be overdressed than underdressed for an occasion.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you? I’m left-handed, but I play golf right-handed.

If you could meet one historical figure for dinner, who would it be and where would you go?

Taylor Swift, anywhere she’d go.

MEGAN SELMAN, PH.D.

HOMETOWN: Russellville

OCCUPATION: CEO, Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce, Russellville Regional Alliance for Economic Development

EDUCATION: Arkansas Tech University, University of Central Arkansas

Megan Selman loves a good autobiography. “People’s stories are so interesting, especially told in their own voice,” she said. Selman’s own story might best be summed up as a tale of the hometown hero. Born and raised in Russellville, her ardor for the city and its people is evident in everything she does. As the CEO of the chamber of commerce and the first female CEO of the Russellville Regional Alliance for Economic Development to boot, Selman coordinates with all manner of organizations, businesses and community leaders to bring economic stability, jobs and progress to Russellville. She is as talented as she is dedicated to her craft — efforts spearheaded by Selman have brought more than $230 million in investment to the community, and she has been recognized as an industry star by publications such as Southern Business and Development magazine.

What is your proudest accomplishment thus far?

My proudest accomplishment isn’t just one thing; it’s the life I’ve been blessed to build right here in Russellville. I’ve called this place home for over 30 years. I graduated from Russellville High School, played softball at Arkansas Tech and earned my doctorate down the road at UCA. Education, hustle and a little grit shaped my journey, but what I’m most proud of is the life my husband, Chad, and I have built. He grew up here, too, on Selman Farms, served in the military and also graduated from ATU. Now we’re raising four amazing kids — Kate, Hank, Ty and Cole — and doing our best to invest in the same community that’s poured so much into us.

What causes are closest to your heart?

I believe there’s something so valuable in hard work — after all, work existed in the Garden before the fall. Work is a good thing! That belief fuels a big part of my passion for creating more and better jobs right here

in Russellville. A strong local economy isn’t just about numbers. It’s about opportunity. It’s about giving people a chance to build something lasting for themselves and their families. Good jobs can change the trajectory of a life and a generation. That’s the kind of impact I want to be part of every single day.

What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

Two things — having a heart for excellence in all I do and valuing the connections I share with others. I love bringing people together. It’s at the heart of my home and it’s the heart of a strong community. Even today, I gather around the dinner table with lifelong friends, and our kids are growing up together here in our hometown. I care deeply about this place and its people. I try to show up, work hard, stay grounded in my faith, and approach everything with excellence because excellence honors God and inspires others. And yes, maybe it sounds simple to say, but I truly love Russellville.

STEPHANIE SHINE

HOMETOWN: Oak Harbor, Washington; moved to Arkansas in 2010

OCCUPATION: Business Owner, Entrepreneur, Arkansas Talent Group

EDUCATION: Southern Illinois University, Carbondale; Southwest Missouri State University

If fortune favors the bold, Stephanie Shine might be on fortune’s VIP list. While working at a large recruiting firm, Shine and business partner Chris Chunn hatched a plan to blaze their own path. Standing in the way, however, was a 12-month noncompete agreement. Betting a year’s worth of lost income on a successful launch, Shine and Chunn spent that time preparing to hit the ground running — since opening in 2024, Arkansas Talent Group has made its name on providing services tailored to the needs of the Natural State. Suffice it to say the bet has paid off. “I have more time to spend with my family, less stress and am doing business the right way, where you focus on relationships over transactions,” Shine said.

FAVORITES:

If you could meet one historical figure for dinner, who would it be?

I would want to meet my great-great-great-grandfather, James Naismith, the inventor of basketball. We have memorabilia and passed-down memories, but I would love to actually meet him for dinner and tell him about how the game has evolved.

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world? Being a military dependent. While I say my “hometown” is Washington state, I have moved just about every four years of my adolescent life. I’ve lived in Japan, Washington, Illinois, California, Missouri and now Arkansas. I’ve also been to many foreign countries when I was a kid meeting my dad at port, and this has taught me to be openminded and resilient. It’s not easy to pick up your life and start over

every time, but it’s an experience I wouldn’t change, and I am grateful for that.

How did you pick up your favorite hobby?

My husband and I got on mountain and road bikes when we first moved to Arkansas and absolutely love it. We don’t get to attend all the races as much now, but we try to get out as much as possible. We have a great cycling community in the state.

What always makes you nostalgic? Whenever I get the chance to go skiing. I spent most of my high school years on the mountains in Washington state, and it was some of the best years of my life. We had a “ski bus” that took us up every weekend, and we’d spend all day and night with our friends.

What causes are closest to your heart? Definitely kids. Over the last decade, I have found ways to help and donate at the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Arkansas & North Louisiana. This is an incredible charity that is doing real good in our state and beyond.

What is something that is easy for you but difficult for most other people? Writing resumes. If you have ever worked with me, I have probably helped you rewrite your resume. I love helping people with a task that so many find hard and complicated. It makes all the difference in showcasing your skills and getting the interview.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you? That I’m actually quite shy and reserved, especially meeting new people.

ANGIE STEED

HOMETOWN: Houston, Arkansas

OCCUPATION: Director of Customer Service, Crain Automotive

EDUCATION: University of Central Arkansas, University of Arkansas at Little Rock

1968 Camaro SS convertible

“There’s Only One Way to Rock” by Van Halen

If having children changes one’s entire outlook on life, the next generation only makes the picture that much sweeter. Angie Steed is as glad a mother and grandmother as they come. She is endlessly proud of her “amazing” sons and daughters-in-law, she said, and granddaughters Reese, Elsie and Tinsley are her whole world. Steed said her favorite childhood memories are of time spent at Papa and Nanny’s house, and she feels like her best self when creating new memories with her own grandchildren. When it comes to those core moments, there is no holding back either. “I can still do cartwheels with my granddaughters,” Steed said. “I shouldn’t, but I do.”

What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

That’s easy: Consistency is the key. My favorite compliment in the restaurant industry was, “The food and service here is always consistent.” People want to know what they are getting when they choose to do business with you. Providing excellent services consistently is the key to success.

What expensive thing is absolutely worth the money?

Lake toys. We spend as much time as possible at the lake, and all the kids enjoy it as well. Boats, jet skis and a camper are a must in the Steed household.

What is your catchphrase or something you find yourself saying often?

“You need to cowboy up,” which means, “Stop whining, and let’s make it happen.”

What is your favorite thing about where you live?

Arkansas is beautiful. I live in a small, country town and wouldn’t have it any other way.

How did you pick up your favorite hobby?

Fishing is my favorite hobby. My daddy and papa started taking me when I was little, and I have loved it my whole life.

What is something you love that most people hate? Arkansas summers.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

Marrying my husband.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

I love fried bologna sandwiches.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you?

My cousin and I hauled hay in the summer with my daddy. Talk about building a foundation for a strong work ethic!

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be?

I would want to be a pilot. I have always wanted to fly an airplane.

DAWN STOKES

HOMETOWN: Crown Point, Indiana; moved to Little Rock in June

OCCUPATION: Director of Entertainment, Saracen Casino Resort

EDUCATION: Purdue University

Dawn Stokes got her start in entertainment in 1989 as a college intern at a 3,400-seat Chicagoland concert venue. It was there she learned the concert business inside and out, from talent buying to production, and she spent the next 15 years there learning under some incredible mentors. One of the most important decisions of her career, however — and the best one she ever made, she said — was leaving for a decade to focus on raising her kids. “Motherhood is the hardest job on earth but also the most rewarding,” Stokes said. She added that she would not trade her professional path for anything, and she now strives to be a mentor to other women coming into the industry.

What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?

Counting $100,000 cash into Aretha Franklin’s bra that was sitting “cups up” on a dressing room countertop while she looked on.

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world?

Having two children, Ben and Chloe, and looking at my life and the world through their eyes.

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought?

Do you want to be right, or do you want to be happy? Let it go.

How did you pick up your favorite hobby?

My favorite hobby is horseback riding. I started riding when I was a young girl when my parents rented a pony for the summer.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions? What are they?

Condiments are overrated! I have never eaten ketchup, mustard or mayonnaise.

What is something you hate that most people love?

Coffee. I once took a sip of coffee as a child and have never tried it again.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list? Unfortunately, for years No. 1 on my bucket list was to meet Prince. I never had the opportunity. Now I would say No. 1 would be to help my daughter, Chloe, meet her No. 1, which is Billie Eilish.

What always makes you nostalgic?

Music. There are songs that can immediately make me cry, laugh or get angry. Particular songs can take me back to times with my parents in the ʼ 70s, high school in the ʼ 80s or driving my kids on vacation in the 2010s.

If you could learn any skill instantly, what would it be, and why?

How to sing. I would immediately front my own band. We would be called Indigo Dawn. I have always wished I could carry a tune.

What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

I truly believe it is doing something you love and putting everything you have into it.

What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self?

Seek therapy.

What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?

Doing something you love, hormone replacement therapy, good sleep, great music and true friends.

SANDRA JOY STORMENT

HOMETOWN: Iuka, Mississippi; moved to Arkansas in 1969

OCCUPATION: President, Storment Consulting; Senior Vice President, Regional Human Resources Director, Regions Financial Corp. (retired); Board Member, Women & Children First

EDUCATION: Webster University

Sandra Storment has served in many capacities over the years in support of Women & Children First: The Center Against Family Violence in Little Rock. Now as a board member and member of the capital campaign committee, she is excited about what the future has in store for the organization.

“I like to make a difference in whatever I am involved in,” she said. “My philosophy is that you work just as hard whether you are getting paid or not, and your payback is the joy it brings to help others have better lives.”

In October 2024, WCF broke ground on the Forest of Hope Family Peace Center in Little Rock, a first-of-its-kind shelter in the state that will serve as a hub for victims of domestic violence. WCF has already raised a little over $18 million in federal, state, county and other funds on the way to its $24 million campaign goal. Led by campaign chair Cathy Browne, the Campaign of Courage is now turning to its generous donors to help raise the rest of the money as the nonprofit works to complete the new facility, which is set to open in early 2026.

“Cathy has worked on this since 2015 and deserves the credit,” Storment said. “She has been the driving force.”

What is the idea behind the Family Peace Center?

The Forest of Hope Family Peace Center is based on a nationally proven model developed in 2002. With multiple agencies providing coordinated legal, social and health services in one location, victims only need to tell their story once. There are more than 300 successful centers using this model across the country and around the world.

Why does WCF need a new facility?

WCF has outgrown its 116-yearold current facility, and the new, expanded Family Peace Center will expand our capacity from 54 to 132 beds. It will also unite more than a dozen agencies under one roof.

What kind of impact has WCF had?

As one of the largest continually operating domestic violence emergency shelters in the state, WCF has helped more than 18,000 women and children find independence and safety. The shelter is located in Little Rock, but victims from every county in Arkansas have sought help through WCF and its programs.

What impact will the new Family Peace Center have?

Only 3 percent of women suffering from domestic abuse come to a shelter, and we’re hoping to change that. The shelter will be highly secured, but the facility won’t be confidential, so more people will be able to seek help for themselves, their children and their pets.

How did you first get involved with WCF?

After I retired from banking, I continued my work as a volunteer in several organizations. I have always believed that we should give back to our community. We asked the officers at the bank to volunteer for two organizations. I did that and my favorite, which turned into a lifelong passion for approximately 37 years, has been Women & Children First.

FAVORITES:

PRESLEY TURNER

HOMETOWN: Richardson, Texas; moved to Arkansas at 18

OCCUPATION: Attorney, Turner & Rasch

Presley Turner has dedicated herself to making a difference not only for clients but among peers, as well. An attorney and licensed social worker, Turner founded the Center for Advocacy and Awareness to educate lawyers and other professionals about the effects of trauma in public health and social justice. Becoming a mother has been her proudest accomplishment, she said, and while she may claim that bravery does not come naturally, raising children has given Turner the opportunity to summon the kind of courage only a mother can have in the face of fear. “Having kids in general has changed the way I see the world,” she said. “I worry a lot more, but I also see the magic in life.”

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

I would relive my wedding day — specifically, when we said our vows. That was the best moment of my life.

What was the hardest time of your life?

The hardest time of my life was when we found out about my son’s medical condition. He was 6 weeks old. Nothing can prepare you for a doctor to tell you that your 6-week-old needs to see a neurosurgeon. After this, he went through a series of tests and appointments and ultimately did end up having multiple surgeries.

How did you pick up your favorite hobby?

I like to write and design children’s books. My son was starting a new preschool class, so I wrote a book to explain what to expect the first day, and I loved it.

Who was your childhood hero?

My mom is my hero. I am not sure that there was any single reason why I looked up to her. She was just always there and present. She

was — and still is — my biggest cheerleader and just generally makes everything better. She sees the silver lining in everything, and as long as she is by my side, I know everything will be OK.

Do you collect anything?

I collect magnets. My husband saw that my grandparents fridge was covered in magnets from the places they had traveled to, and he wanted to do the same. Every time I see my fridge, I think of my grandparents and smile.

What is your catchphrase or something you find yourself saying often?

“You got this.”

What is your hidden talent? I can make balloon animals.

What always makes you nostalgic?

Making brownies. My mom used to cook brownies every Sunday, and now whenever I make them, it brings me back to Sunday nights with my mom and brothers.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

Marrying my husband.

FAVORITES:

Restaurant506 Crepes A Man For All Seasons

“All The Small Things” by Blink-182

TERRI WELLS, APRN

HOMETOWN: El Dorado

OCCUPATION: Owner, Nurse Practitioner, Infinity Signature Aesthetics

With a career in aesthetics, Terri Wells gets to combine her interests in the art and science of health and beauty, serve as both nurse and educator to her clients, and create meaningful transformations in the lives of others every day. Infinity Signature Aesthetics in Hot Springs is a practice built on integrity and more than two decades of health care experience. Wells’ vision is a simple one: When people feel good in their own skin, they shine in every part of their lives. An avid learner, Wells is always honing her knowledge to better serve her clientele. “I am constantly striving to be a better version of myself daily,” she said. “My competition is me.”

How did you get to where you are now?

Dedication, hard work, perseverance and support from my husband.

If money were no object, what would you be doing?

Exactly what I am doing now. The amazing thing about owning your own business is that you can create a balance between work and personal life.

What experience has had the biggest impact on the way you see the world? My daughter. She is teaching me new things daily. She makes me want to strive to be better and to show her the way.

What expensive thing is absolutely worth the money?

Botox, filler, biostimulants and medical-grade skincare.

What causes are closest to your heart?

Junior Auxiliary of Hot Springs, an organization that gives back to the children in need in our community.

What is your catchphrase or something you find yourself saying often?

“That’s a lotta colada!”

How do you recharge at the end of a long day?

I love to work out and lift weights. It relieves stress and helps me feel good mentally and physically.

Do you collect anything?

Memories with my little family. We love to travel.

What is your favorite thing about where you live?

Lake days on Lake Hamilton.

What do you believe distinguishes you from others?

Determination. Once my mind is set on something, I lock in and make it happen.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I am more of an introvert. It is interesting that I chose the medical field as my job.

What immediately makes you think more highly of someone?

Trustworthiness — when they do what they say they will do.

When do you feel like the best version of yourself?

Morning time after a good night’s rest, when I am ready to take it all on.

What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

Hard work. Don’t quit when it gets hard. Problem-solve and execute.

What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self?

Be more confident in yourself. You will do great things for others working in the medical field. It is very rewarding to give.

MAEGAN WHITEHEAD

HOMETOWN: Hot Springs

OCCUPATION: Esthetician, Wright Plastic Surgery

EDUCATION: Arkansas State University, Hot Springs Beauty College, Texas Laser Institute

Sauvignon blanc

FAVORITES:

I love a great charcuterie board

Hamilton

Wagoneer

Maegan Whitehead is a big believer in natural beauty, whether it be the scenic views of her home state or the results her clients achieve at Wright Plastic Surgery in Little Rock. Whitehead has always been captivated by aesthetics and takes great joy in helping women feel beautiful and confident in their own skin. While expert aesthetic treatments and skin care go a long way, Whitehead also appreciates the beauty that comes from inside — the traits she most admires in other women, she said, are “showing kindness and generosity towards others without expecting anything in return, being honest and true to one’s word, and being authentic and true to oneself.”

What is something everyone gets wrong about you or your work?

A common misconception about my profession and plastic surgery is that aesthetic treatments will result in an overly enhanced or artificial look. However, with the expertise of skilled practitioners, it is possible to achieve naturallooking results that subtly enhance one’s features rather than produce a dramatic or unnatural appearance.

What advice from the women in your life has turned out to be truer than you first thought?

“Love what is.” Embrace and appreciate the present moment and the current reality rather than constantly wishing for something different or dwelling on the past.

What was your “dream job” as a child?

As a child, my dream job was to be a zookeeper. My love for animals has always been profound, and the idea of interacting with them every day while providing them with care and enrichment is incredibly appealing to me.

What expensive thing is absolutely worth the money?

Medical-grade skincare.

Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life?

Rachel McAdams.

What is something you hate that most people love? Onions.

What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self?

Don’t sweat the small stuff.

What is a lesson from previous generations you think people could use today?

Appreciate simplicity and the value of experiences and relationships over material possessions.

What else should we know about you?

One of my favorite pastimes is enjoying quality time with my grandparents, Nana and Pappaw. Additionally, I have two beloved dogs — a black Labrador named Jersey and a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel named Winston.

What always makes you nostalgic? Sunsets on Lake Hamilton.

JILLIAN HERRICK WILSON

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Co-Managing Partner, Wilson & Associates

EDUCATION: George Washington University, University of Arkansas School of Law, University of Arkansas Sam M. Walton College of Business

Named partner in 2019 and co-managing partner in 2022, Jillian Herrick Wilson has committed herself to the continuous improvement of Wilson & Associates, from spearheading the firm’s Mississippi default practice to establishing its continuing legal education program and supporting the community outreach and involvement committees. Professional achievements aside, however, the trait Wilson admires most in other women is one that is not always easy to find, especially in the legal field. “It’s easy in a career to take ourselves too seriously and focus on capability and effectiveness, but sometimes we overlook the importance of being friendly and respectful,” Wilson said. “It’s so refreshing to meet a confident, accomplished, intelligent woman who is genuinely nice and fun.”

If money were no object, what would you be doing?

If I didn’t have a job to go to, I’d get so bored I couldn’t contain myself — so probably the same thing, but I’d play a lot more tennis and maybe some mahjong.

What was your “dream job” as a child?

A marine biologist or an ice skater. I loved dolphins and Nancy Kerrigan.

What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

As my dad always told me, “At the end of the day, when you’re getting ready to pack up and go home, sit back down, and do one more thing.”

What was the hardest time of your life, and how did you make it through?

In 2012, I lost my dad and my grandfather in the span of a little over a month. I had just finished my first year of law school and had literally just transferred to Fayetteville for my second year, so naturally, I was feeling very alone. Fortunately, my big brother was also at Fayetteville, and my mom

and friends were so good about visiting and calling me. All of them helped me move forward.

What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?

In 2014, while making my World Cup bracket, I submitted my email for an ESPN sweepstakes for a weeklong all-expenses paid trip to a luxury golf trip to the Dominican Republic — and I won. I was so skeptical of the phone call, I made my friend go meet the contact person in New York to verify I wasn’t getting scammed.

Who was your childhood hero?

My mom. She worked a demanding job but was still able to provide me and my brother with all the love and opportunities in the world. She was and is Superwoman.

What is No. 1 on your bucket list?

Go to all four tennis grand slams.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you? I have no sense of direction.

Do you collect anything?

Points — specifically American Airlines and Marriott points. Also, I have a whole drawer full of the little bottles of shampoo and conditioner from hotel rooms.

What is your catchphrase or something you find yourself saying often? “Shouldn’t have panicked.”

What immediately makes you think more highly of someone?

When I see someone put the shopping cart back in the corral in the parking lot.

What is something you wish people cared more about?

RSVPs.

FAVORITES: Pantry Crest Popcorn The Capital Hotel at Christmastime

AMBER WOOD

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Realtor; Owner, Mid South Realty

“All

There is a common perception that real estate agents only care about making a commission — and frankly, Amber Wood said, most do. For the owner of Mid South Realty, however, everything is done out of love for the art of putting together a great deal. Wood has built her reputation not just on successful transactions but through her quality of service and savvy market insights. She credited her professional success to hard work and her commitment to doing anything she can to help sellers, buyers and investors reach their goals. Wood’s success outside the office, meanwhile, has a different origin. “Personally, I made a really good decision when I married Bryan Wood,” she said.

If money were no object, what would you be doing?

Traveling, volunteering and spending time with my family.

What was your “dream job” as a child? Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader.

If you could relive one moment in your life, what would it be?

I just don’t know how I could pick one. There are so many wonderful moments that I would gladly live over and over.

What trait do you admire in others but do not possess yourself?

I actually admire people that can step away from work. I tend to obsess a little and have a hard time putting it down.

What qualities do you admire most in other women?

I like women that believe in themselves and do not buy into the idea that they are held back by their gender.

What is your favorite thing about where you live?

Being able to live among my family. We have all stayed pretty close to home.

Hearing what song makes you feel 21 again?

“Fancy” by Reba.

What is your catchphrase or something you find yourself saying often?

“Don’t try — do!”

What is your hidden talent?

I love to cook. My friends know this, but I doubt my colleagues know.

What is something you love that most people hate? A challenge.

What is something that is easy for you but difficult for most other people?

I can talk to anyone anywhere about most anything.

What would you like to accomplish before the year is over?

I would like to add five more properties to my personal portfolio.

What is a lesson from previous generations you think people could use today?

Be more thrifty. Don’t waste things. Learn to be content.

What is one thing you would tell your 18-year-old self?

Don’t sell yourself short.

What immediately makes you think more highly of someone?

When they admit a mistake, own it and pivot.

What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?

Continue to add value to your profession. Learn new trends, and be willing to change the way you think. Don’t become stale.

What is one thing you would ask your future self?

When is enough…enough?

KARA WRIGHT

HOMETOWN: Little Rock

OCCUPATION: Sales Director, Simpli.fi

As sales director for media-buying and workflow solutions firm Simpli.fi, most people assume Kara Wright’s job is only about selling ads. Far from it — what Wright actually does, she said, is solve business problems. Every campaign she touches is designed to help clients reach real, measurable goals, whether that means selling more cars, growing enrollment, driving walk-ins or winning elections. Her secret to success in this line of work is not so secret but definitely an underappreciated skill. “I am an old-school sales rep,” she said. “I would rather pick up the phone to call a client instead of send emails. I think so many people get used to sending emails and not being more personal.”

How did you get to where you are now?

Thanks to my mom and my dad, Gary, who taught me how to work hard. My grandfather, who was an orthopedic surgeon, passed away in his 60s, but in the short time he was here, he did so much for the medical profession. He became a doctor because he truly wanted to help his patients, not to make money.

What advice from the women in your life turned out to be truer than you first thought?

My grandmother always told me never leave dishes in the sink because you never know when someone will stop by.

What is your favorite hobby?

I love to cook, and I cook when I get stressed. I love to create different dishes from scratch just from ingredients I have in the kitchen.

What is your hidden talent?

I have started my own Italian shoe line.

What is the best decision you have ever made?

Getting rebaptized at Windsong Church of Christ [in North Little Rock] over a year ago. It is something that has truly changed my life.

What is your proudest accomplishment thus far? Starting my shot clinic from the ground up.

What is something that happened to you that is so ridiculous you would not have believed it if you were not there?

I got held up at a men’s clothing store on a sales call and asked for my keys — and got them back with an apology.

Who was your childhood hero?

People don’t know a lot about my mother except that she is the nicest person ever. What they don’t know is that my mom was a survivor of domestic violence when I was growing up, and she did not let that define who she is today. She is the strongest person I know, and I am proud she is my mom. She is my hero.

What is your favorite thing about Arkansas?

It is like a big small town.

Who would you want to play you in a movie about your life? Kate Hudson.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you? I recently learned to hunt and am loving it.

When do you feel like the best version of yourself? At church.

LIZZY YATES

HOMETOWN: Denver, moved to Little Rock in 2009

OCCUPATION: Photographer

EDUCATION: University of Denver

As a professional photographer and the central Arkansas coordinator for the nonprofit Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, Lizzy Yates knows the power of images. Through NILMDTS, professional-level photographers volunteer to conduct intimate portrait sessions for families experiencing the loss of a baby. Capturing the “firsts,” “lasts” and “onlys” for parents is hard, Yates said, but through her work and that of others, the organization offers healing, hope and honor to grieving families. “I have cried, but I have also smiled,” Yates said. “The images we capture are of strength and love and family. I have been witness to stunning loss and staggering strength, and I am grateful.”

What was your “dream job” as a child?

When I was in fifth or sixth grade, I turned my closet into a “photography studio” and my mom and sister were my half-willing models. In high school, my camera came with me everywhere. Then I would get two copies of every print and pass them out to my friends. I’m doing my dream job.

Do you have any unpopular food opinions?

Although I can’t believe this would be unpopular, food items served with eyes should be illegal.

What is your catchphrase or something you find yourself saying often?

Anyone who knows me knows the answer to this question — but they are also aware that it cannot be printed. If it is sarcastic or would get bleeped on television, I will likely say it.

What is the secret to staying vital and relevant at any age?

Learn from those who are willing to teach and teach those who are willing to learn.

What qualities do you admire most in other women?

I love to see women who are unapologetic in their success. They acknowledge challenges, but do not shy away from embracing the recognition of their hard work, intelligence, ingenuity and character that propel them upward and forward.

What was the hardest time of your life, and how did you make it through?

In 2024, my dearest friend of over 30 years died unexpectedly. I can’t say how I made it through because I’m still in it. Here’s what I know: Those who loved her have created opportunities to talk about her, to share memories, to grieve, to be angry. She gifted us a group of friends from the different parts of her life that didn’t exist before. We met when we lost her. It is by sharing stories, allowing room for tears, laughing a lot and my insistence that she remain a part of my life that I continue to walk through her loss. Her name was Katie Livingston, and she was a truly intriguing woman.

What is the most underrated “secret ingredient” to success?

Collaboration over competition. I swear by it. It’s how you learn. It’s how you grow. It’s how you meet people who love the things that you love.

What is something others would be surprised to learn about you?

I was an intern at the White House and I also worked on Capitol Hill.

What is your hidden talent?

I grew up in theater, performing as part of a choir and in every school production, from Wendy in Peter Pan to Reno in Anything Goes. I loved to sing and perform in front of an audience. I can juggle — not really hidden, just kind of useless.

Insurance, Explained

By AY STAFF

Insurance can be a mystery. It can be a legal necessity. In times of crisis, it can be a godsend. From home and auto insurance to health, disability and life insurance, protecting one’s assets is vital to ensuring peace of mind should the worst happen.

According to the Library of Congress, insurance came about during the reign of King Hammurabi, the sixth king of Babylon, in about 1750 B.C. The seminal Code of Hammurabi included one of the earliest forms of insurance, a bottomry contract, in which loans are issued for maritime trading ventures with repayment contingent upon the success of the voyage.

Other kinds of insurance came about as the need arose — for example, fire insurance developed after the Great Fire of London in 1666 — and the industry made its way to the U.S. by the late 1600s. Benjamin Franklin co-founded the Philadelphia Contributionship offering fire insurance in 1752, and the African Insurance Co., thought to be the country’s first African American insurance company, began in Philadelphia in 1810.

Today, insurance provides for needs great and small, sped along by such technological advancements as electronic document signing and artificial intelligence. From health, dental, vision, life and supplementary insurance offered as part of employee benefits packages to the auto insurance required to drive a car and the title and home insurance that helps facilitate the American Dream, insurance is a part of everyday life — and not a small part.

Despite that, it is not unusual for consumers to be clueless about insurance and, therefore, unprepared when disaster strikes. A 2024 survey from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners found more than half of Gen Z adults aged 18 to 27 felt “overwhelmed or anxious” about insurance.

About a third of those surveyed said they were “going to try to wait as long as possible” to get their own life insurance, while 28 percent said they would do the same for health insurance. Even more concerning was the percentage of respondents who could correctly identify the common insurance terms “deductible” (27 percent), “copay” (29 percent), “out of pocket” (36 percent) and “out of network” (19 percent).

The survey found 22 percent of respondents had little to no awareness of the importance of car insurance, while 14 percent had little to no awareness of the importance of health insurance.

We at AY About You are proud to help demystify the impactful but often confusing insurance industry while honoring those who work every day to keep people’s assets safe and educate consumers about the products that can protect them going forward. In the pages that follow, get to know some local insurance agents, get hip to the latest developments in the industry and see the impact women are having on the field.

To all those keeping us on the road, at the doctor’s office and out of the rain, we salute you!

insurance

Paying it FORWARD

Randy Allison has done enough in his professional life to fill multiple careers, not the least of which was as a successful insurance professional. Allison’s latest role finds him senior producer and consultant at Sunstar Insurance of Arkansas, a position that follows 40 years in the insurance field with other companies, none of which were on his radar starting out in his hometown of McGehee.

“I had worked in clothing stores from the age of 12 on up,” he said. “McGehee had a vibrant downtown community back in the 1960s, and I worked in every clothing store that was in that town. I got hooked on clothing. Even when I was going to college at the

Randy Allison Sunstar Insurance of Arkansas

By DWAIN HEBDA // Photo courtesy of SARAH ODOM

University of Arkansas at Monticello, where I majored in business administration, I was working in a clothing store there.”

Given that level of interest and passion, it would just be a matter of time before Allison would hang his own shingle.

“I decided to open my own clothing store, and I called it Randy Allison’s Fine Clothing for Men,” he said. “McGehee was a railroad hub. Everything came through there, and everybody’s parents worked on the railroad. I thought I had reached the pinnacle. For the first few years, I had just blown the doors off the business.”

“I was drying up on the vine. My personality is I’m very outgoing. We’d go out to dinner just because I wanted to see some people, so I thought, boy, this retirement, Randy, is not for you.”

Once the railroad took its hub elsewhere, McGehee began to suffer the same fate as many American small towns. Allison, with a growing family to feed, found himself at a career crossroads.

“A friend of mine had bought out a couple of local independent insurance agencies that had been around forever,” Allison said. “He and I got together in 1984, and I became his main guy.”

Allison found his considerable customer service skills to be as valuable in the world of insurance as they had been in the world of retail clothing. Not only did he earn a good living for himself and his family; he also paved the way for others’ success through his work as a volunteer continuing education instructor at Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas, colloquially known as Big I.

Looking back, he said his time as an industry educator, which totaled 3,000 hours worth

of classes in four states all told, was an activity that provided benefits in both directions.

“Getting involved with Big I and teaching insurance courses is where I started learning insurance,” he said. “When you’ve got to go stand before 50, 60, 100 people and teach them about general liability or business or auto or property, you have to be prepared. I would spend 20 hours preparing for a class, and as a result, I became very, very knowledgeable.”

Allison not only taught the courses insurance professionals needed; he also helped refine the education process and curriculum itself through various leadership roles with the organization.

“I chaired the young agents of Arkansas committee for five years, and that was a big deal, where I met the young agents who were up and coming,” he said. “Then I became chairman of the education committee for 10 years. We taught classes. We developed curriculum. We updated things when the courts or lawmakers would change this or change that.”

In time, Allison would find his way to Little Rock and McGhee Insurance, a company he ably served for nearly two decades building up the commercial department. In 2022, he retired, thus making arguably the only wrong move in his long professional career.

“I didn’t have the golf guys. I wasn’t a fisherman. I wasn’t a hunter. My wife would come home and say, ‘How was your day?’ Been sittin’ right here watching Judge Judy all day,” he said. “I was drying up on the vine. My personality is I’m very outgoing. We’d go out to dinner just because I wanted to see some people, so I thought, boy, this retirement, Randy, is not for you.”

An old acquaintance called him up to see if he would like to spend a little time in the office, which is how he came to join Sunstar. True to form, Allison has proven that even at age 77, he is built to compete.

“I’ve had a tremendously successful year. I’m actually in second place in the company,” he said. “Sunstar is in six states and has 800 employees, and I’m the No. 2 producer in the organization right now. It’s nice. I’m producing, and I’m enjoying it a lot. I’m back to where I should be.”

Andrew

“A.B.” Meadors Arkansas Regional Director abmeadors@sunstarins.com

Locations Across the Natural State

In challenging markets, your choice of insurance agent matters. Look to Sunstar’s complete team of insurance professionals for exceptional service, boundless knowledge, trusted advice, and a wide selection of competitively priced products to protect your greatest assets. As one of the fastest-growing insurance agencies in the region, that’s the power of local. That’s the power of Sunstar. Learn more at

More than Sales

Insurance leaders embrace the concept of helping others

By DOUG CRISE

When it comes to the insurance business, not every season can be a reaping season.

The path to owning an agency — or simply the path to profit, for that matter — can be an arduous and lengthy one. Clients do not grow on trees, and while some would argue to the contrary, there is no proven methodology for building a book of business. Instead, getting a foothold in the industry often involves diving into an already-crowded market, steeling oneself for rejection and working long after others have clocked out for the day.

Sitting in her well-maintained North Little Rock office on a mild, sunny day, Monica Treat considers all this. With a long client list and a reputation for decoding the jungle that is Medicare, it is safe to call Treat Insurance a success. That does not mean the road has not been a long one, even for someone who got her insurance license at the tender age of 18.

While insurance itself is made up of rules upon rules, turning it into a business remains an unquantifiable equation. The root of success lies in making clients feel heard and cared for, and while plenty of advice exists, there really is no playbook to making people feel valued.

“I try to keep it real,” Treat said. “I try to love on my clients and the people that are coming to us in a way that makes them feel like family, that they’re seen, that they’re heard. We’re going to be here for them long after the sale.”

Treat’s agency is a testament to customer comfort, whether it be the comfortable furniture and warm greetings in the reception area or the bright colors that make up her office. Then there is Treat herself, a bubbly and cheerful presence that immediately places clients at ease.

“We realize that insurance is so confusing,” Treat said, “so I really don’t see myself as being a salesperson. I think if I sell anything, it’s clarity. It’s

peace of mind. It’s clients walking out with an understanding on a very complicated subject.”

When Treat talks about insurance, it is hard to imagine she began her career with enthusiasm and support from her family but very few clients to speak of.

“It’s very hard to get going in our industry,” Treat said. “It really takes somebody who’s tenacious and somebody that’s willing to pretty much starve to death the first several years. There are plenty of other careers you can get out and make great money the first year. Insurance, not necessarily. It takes a while to build it.”

One thing that helps with that building is finding a few strengths to master, rather than trying to be all things to all consumers. For that, Treat has opted to specialize in Medicare, something that fits hand in glove with her empathetic personality.

“What I liked about it was that I didn’t feel like I was selling anything,” Treat said. “You don’t have to do a hard close. At the end of the day, people are coming to you because they’re confused. They need advice they can trust. They need somebody to consult them, and it doesn’t even feel like you’re making a sale.”

Consider Robin Oelsen one of the ones to climb that hill and now reap the benefits. Oelsen started at Globe Life’s Everett & Associates agency in 2020, and her tenacity has paid off in the form of a promotion to agency director. These days, Oelsen stays busy both serving her clients and mentoring and training new Globe Life agents. Like many insurance professionals, Oelsen believes fervently in the product she represents, which includes employee benefits, cancer and accident plans, and a $3,000 accidental death policy for every participating employee.

Plus, Globe Life’s benefits are permanent and portable, meaning they stay with enrolled clients even after a job change.

“One thing I like about us is that we’re not out there to throw everything at you,” Oelsen said. “We have a few policies that we specialize in, and I feel like there’s plenty of room for everybody because even though we have competitors that offer similar products, they don’t have products we have, and we don’t have products they have.”

Now that she is in position to have agents working under her, Oelsen also counsels against being all things to all people. It is important to know the product, Oelsen said, but it is much more important to have a good ear for each client’s concerns and questions.

“When I’m recruiting for agents, I tell them, ‘Listen, I want someone with ethics, morals and compassion for others,’” Oelsen said. “I can teach you anything else.”

Part of why Oelsen knows what to look for in agents is that she bought into Globe Life as a client first and foremost. Oelsen worked in the food industry until health problems and a series of surgeries set her back, at which point Globe Life became more than just a source for her supplemental insurance.

“My agent told me, ‘You need to do insurance,’ and I was like, ‘I don’t even like insurance,’” Oelsen said, “but I really love to learn, and I thought, ‘You know what? I want to try this and see what it’s like.’”

Oelsen learned quickly that there is more to the job than peddling products, yet with each and every day, she saw how being an agent played into her natural sense of empathy. A self-described “sympathy crier,” Oelsen found herself giving comfort and reassurance to those facing injury and illness.

Nobody calls their insurance agent because things are going peachy. For Oelsen, the magic comes from being present and attentive as her clients navigate life-altering situations.

“This business can just rip your heart out sometimes,” Oelsen said. “You get a phone call from someone you’ve sat down with two or three times, and they’ll say their husband just passed away or that they just got diagnosed with cancer. It’s not about selling the product. It’s about what you can do after the fact.”

It is usually a cop-out to say money does not matter, and indeed, insurance can be strikingly lucrative with a big enough client base, but other professions are lucrative, too, and without the added strain of working with people in a time of crisis.

Yet long after the bills are paid and the commission clears, people stay in insurance for the long haul. It is a business that lends itself to people who like to solve problems and get a competitive buzz from building an agency, but at the end of the day, it is a business grounded in helping people who need it, and the fulfillment from that can last for decades.

Count Andrew “A.B.” Meadors as one of those still fighting the good fight. Considerable time has passed since he was named Young Agent of the Year by Independent Insurance Agents of Arkansas in 1994. The industry has gotten harder and harder — and vastly more complex — since then. As CEO of Sunstar Insurance of Arkansas, Meadors still believes in the value of helping clients navigate troubled waters.

“I’ve seen a lot,” Meadors said. “This is the most

difficult environment to place insurance business that I’ve ever seen in my life. Our insurance companies are raising not just premiums but deductibles and everything that costs the consumer more out of pocket when tragedy does strike.”

It is, Meadors said, a daunting task for a client to make heads or tails of the new regulations and spiraling costs associated with insurance. That is why Meadors does what he does, even if it is for a sprawling agency with 14 locations across Arkansas alone.

“There can be some really bad surprises for those that either don’t take the time to do the math themselves or don’t have good insurance agents really pointing out to them that, transparently, on the front end, this is what you’re looking at,” Meadors said, “so these are difficult times.”

The rising cost of health care can put clients and agencies alike on the back foot as some parties look beyond commercial insurance for comprehensive and affordable coverage. That is known as “captive” insurance, in which a group spins off its own subsidiary to cover its own risks. Yet that does not solve everything, and it can leave everyday workers in a bind.

“You can save a lot of money over the years doing that,” Meadors said, “but that’s only relief for the financially well-heeled and very well-capitalized companies. That’s not for everybody. What I do often is I remind our folks around Arkansas that insurance is for the catastrophic loss. However, we all define that differently. Insurance is not a maintenance contract. It is truly for when something bad strikes and when something really bad happens.”

Meadors cites the EF3 grade tornado that whipped through central Arkansas in 2023 as an example, saying he was shocked at the way certain insurance companies were digging in their heels when it came to covering damage.

A good insurance agent is a guide and a listener but also a fighter, he said.

“This insurance company was acting so terrible, and I’ve been doing this 38 years,” Meadors said. “I wasn’t going to stand for it. I told them you’ve lost your minds here. I was out there taking photos, taking video — clearly damaged by the tornado, and they denied the last $20,000 or $30,000 of the claim. I told them I will put on a blue suit and a power tie, and I will go to a deposition and go to the Arkansas Insurance Department with my client.”

Greg Hatcher has been working in insurance since 1990, and the success and expansion of The Hatcher Agency in Little Rock has long since made him one of the top producers in Arkansas. Hatcher has plowed his success into other areas, whether it be coaching and training young athletes through his Mighty Bluebirds venture or, most recently, the growth of his wealth

management firm, Hatcher Capital Investments.

Yet Hatcher remains firmly in the pilot’s seat at The Hatcher Agency — and not for reasons of ego or money. Put simply, the explosion of costs and lack of regulations associated with insurance requires a steady hand and thorough knowledge of the industry.

That’s Hatcher.

“The biggest issue right now is that prescription drug claims are at an all-time high,” Hatcher said. “The prescription drug industry is not very regulated compared to health care reform. When health care reform came, it didn’t really address prescriptions.”

Hatcher said he is old enough to remember when prescription drugs were not advertised on television. Those advertisements are inescapable in 2025, leading more clients to demand certain medications. The catch, Hatcher said, is that the majority of those drugs come with a hefty price tag.

Hatcher’s staff roster is dotted with longtime professionals who have a background in the medical side of insurance. They face not only the rising costs of medications but also an aging populace that has a longer lifespan than any generation in history.

One of the biggest assets someone can have in the insurance industry is experience, which is a shortcut-proof trait. Yet the days of older agents simply reenrolling their respective client bases on an annual basis are over. Without constant professional development and feedback, an agent may as well be operating in the Wild West.

That is why agency directors such as Oelsen and agency owners such as Hatcher are constantly training new and veteran agents alike. A “shoeshine and a smile” approach can still reel in new business, but that would be missing the point altogether.

Insurance is a people business, but it is also a business grounded in the concept of duty — a duty to constantly evolve and educate oneself for the benefit of those who need help the most.

“We spend a lot more time being trained,” Hatcher said. “For two days a week for a couple of hours, I’m doing training with the staff on Mondays and Tuesdays. We’re always trying to get better.”

insurance

From Hire to Retire

John Starling, JTS

By ALEX HARDGRAVE // Photos courtesy of JTS

John Starling, owner and president of Little Rock-based JTS, has been leading the company for 27 years throughout the ever-changing world of insurance and employee benefits. Throughout, the company’s mission has always stayed the same — to be “intentionally different.”

“We are intentionally different from other firms in that our client’s best interest is first and foremost,” Starling said. “Our intentionally different efforts are creating innovative and comprehensive solutions for our employer groups.”

JTS offers many services beyond employee benefits, including onboarding, applicant tracking, background checks and payroll.

“Everything from hire to retire,” he said. “We do all that not because we make money — because we actually have a very expensive business model — but we do all that because it helps to provide a solution for all our employer groups. They do not leave us because nobody else can do what we do.

“No one has ever complained about too much good service. Providing solutions and solving problems is my currency. If we can solve your problems and you are happy with the service we provide, that’s really what we need, and the money just follows.”

Starling started his career at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville, where he went to undergrad and law school. After that, he practiced labor and employment law in Pine Bluff. As he was about to turn 30, he decided he wanted to leave the law field.

“It’s a very tough business,” he said. “It was weighing on me.”

His father, who also practiced law, died at 48, and Starling attributes it to the stress his father came under at work.

Starling entered the insurance world, to which he was introduced by David Dill. Dill owned a large life insurance practice, and Starling worked on the legal side of the company.

“Ultimately, this led me to my passion for employee benefits insurance,” he said.

Another mentor Starling points to is Allen J. McDowell, former CEO of Rebsamen Insurance in Little Rock. Starling said McDowell has been a sounding board for him throughout his career and company growth since they met shortly after Starling incorporated JTS in 2005.

“Of all the things, the thing I enjoy the most is taking in issues and problems that our clients have and getting to take time to solve those problems and creating new solutions.”

Starling started JTS with the goal of providing great service and building insurance and benefit solutions around the employees of the client companies they work with. Starling’s affinity for the work starts with the opportunity it gives him to be creative and innovative.

“Of all the things, the thing I enjoy the most is taking in issues and problems that our clients have and getting to take time to solve those problems and creating new solutions,” he said.

Starling said there have been multiple times where he has been faced with the tough decision of selling to a bigger firm in order to grow the business overnight or digging in and growing organically under the current ownership banner. Obviously, he chose the latter and said he has no regrets in having done so.

“What I realized was either I had to sell and just become another number and a producer or I needed to suck it up, take a pay cut, hire employees and grow the business,” he said. “I’m extremely happy that we made that decision to continue to grow.”

Today, the company numbers more than 200 employees and includes a family of affiliate companies operating in more than 13 states, making JTS one of the largest employee benefit brokerage firms in the region. Starling credits the company’s success to his dedicated team and the service they have provided throughout the years despite the myriad challenges to be faced in the insurance world.

“[Insurance is] rewarding,” he said. “It’s consuming, sometimes frustrating, but most of the time, it’s a blessing because we have such

Education First

Patrick

Eaton,

Eaton Agency

By SARAH DECLERK // Photo courtesy of EATON AGENCY insurance

Patrick Eaton, owner of Eaton Agency in North Little Rock, never set out to work in insurance. In fact, he was studying at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway to become a teacher when his father, attorney Jimmy Eaton, encouraged him to get his insurance license.

“He was getting into doing wills and trusts, and he thought, ‘Well, you go get your insurance license. Maybe somebody needs a life insurance policy or annuity, you can write that for me when that pops up,’” Patrick Eaton said. “I was like, ‘OK,’ you know? Going to school full time, I said, ‘Well, that doesn’t sound too bad.’ I ended up taking my insurance test at the same time I was doing semester tests. It was a tough one.”

By the time Eaton graduated, he was already selling insurance at Bankers Life and Casualty Co. He never went into teaching, but he has found a way to integrate education into his work.

“I always took my education into the sales side of it,” he said. “My main focus when I do sales is more of educating and then letting them decide.”

The summer after graduation, Eaton and his father began conducting seminars to teach attendees about wills and trusts along with planning for Medicaid, long-term care, home health care and annuities. That summer, Eaton decided being independent would be a better fit for his low-pressure sales approach. He and his father started Eaton Agency in 2002.

Like many in the insurance industry, he has worked for other companies while growing his firm. The business has had its ups and downs throughout the years, but Eaton said he is grateful for the success it has had. Developing a strong business plan and following through with it is essential for independent agents, he added.

“Learning to survive the lows with the highs and trust in the plan that you put out there is one of the biggest things that most people can accomplish when they go into the business,” he said.

With a focus on individual health, Eaton Agency specializes in Medicare and Medicaid while also providing for needs such as life, dental and vision. Eaton described Medicaid as something he has returned to multiple times throughout his career.

At Bankers, he said, the focus was on protecting one’s assets from Medicaid by having home health care and long-term care insurance. In 2006, he worked for Humana, helping people

sign up for Medicare Advantage and apply for low-income programs to help pay for their prescription drugs.

By the time the Affordable Care Act came about, Eaton had become an expert in Medicaid, which positioned him as a trusted resource for those eligible for the program.

“ACA fundamentally changed everything out there for us,” he said. “It changed who we could help and how fast we can help them. It opened doors for people who have never had the ability to find affordable coverage, especially through the Arkansas Medicaid private option, and it gave us new tools to guide families through complex choices without the fear of being declined due to past health insurance.”

That was something Eaton had experienced in his own household, his wife having been mistakenly diagnosed with glaucoma during college. She and others who had been denied insurance due to past health information were now able to get signed on, he said.

“Then, with the private option, we were helping people get insurance for the first time in their lives,” he added. “A lot of these people never had insurance on their own, and I had people come to me crying that they found out they were diabetic and this was changing their life. Those first few years, the number of people that discovered the use of insurance was amazing.”

Staying on the leading edge of the insurance business takes a lot of reading, Eaton said, and he has his news feeds set to send him the latest Medicaid and health insurance news so he can keep up with what is going on in Arkansas and other states.

He is also working

to streamline his processes by moving Eaton Agency into the digital age. The agency is working to deliver applications via text message, rather than sending applications by mail, and Eaton Agency is also working on an app that will allow people to complete applications, provide any needed documentation and update their information as needed.

Eaton said his clients are bombarded with so much information that it is easy for them to get overwhelmed and give up, but that is one of the worst things someone can do when it comes to Medicaid. He said he finds satisfaction in guiding them through the process.

“We help those people through some of the hoops that it takes to get on some of those plans and guide them through it so that they don’t just give up and not get signed up,” he said. “Helping people from confusion to clarity is one of the biggest rewards that we get.”

“Learning to survive the lows with the highs and trust in the plan that you put out there is one of the biggest things that most people can accomplish when they go into the business.”

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insurance Big Jason Everett Globe Life

R esponsibility

By ALEX HARDGRAVE // Photo courtesy of GLOBE LIFE

Jason Everett, a Globe Life agency owner, has found a lot of success in the insurance business since joining it more than two decades ago.

After graduating high school in Greenbrier, he moved to Springfield, Missouri, to attend Mission University. While there, he worked for phone company MCI. Someone he met at MCI started working at Globe Life and later invited Everett to come meet with his boss about joining also.

He was skeptical about joining the insurance field at first, but after meeting with company officials, he realized the career path would be a good opportunity.

“It gave me interest because all I’ve ever wanted to do with my life was help people,” he said. “It was never about making money.”

Everett earned his insurance license in Missouri in 2003. Then, in 2006, he was given the opportunity to move back to Arkansas and open his own agency in the northwest region. Three years later, he moved to Little Rock for another location.

“The greatest thing about this career is helping customers at one of their hardest times but also seeing people that never thought they could make it financially be able to start a career and see them absolutely change their destiny,” Everett said.

Today, the agency has grown to eight locations and has about 300 agents. He does not take his position in the company lightly.

“It’s rewarding and fulfilling, but at the same time, it’s a big responsibility because so many different families depend upon the guidance I give them,” he said.

“Be kind to those on your way up because you’ll want them to be kind to you on your way down”

When he is working, he focuses on three different areas: recruiting, training and leadership development.

“All three are like a stool,” Everett said. “For the operation to be successful, it has to have all three legs.”

Everett thanked the mentors he has had along the way, including his wife, Sarah, who he said has been his business partner since day one.

Outside of work, he has a very full family life. He and Sarah have been married for almost 24 years and have seven boys with ages ranging from 7 to 17. The family are all big Razorback fans and try to go to all the games they can, which keeps them busy.

Along with family, faith is a large part of Everett’s life.

“I have a desire to be a Godly example,” he said. “I’m thankful for my parents that raised me in church and gave me that foundation.”

Balancing everything is a challenge, and he leans on a saying he tries to live by, though he said it does not always happen.

“Wherever you are, be all there,” he said, “so when I’m at work, I try to be at work, and when I’m at home, I’m trying to be at home.”

He has other pieces of advice he tries to live by and offers to other professionals, as well: “We’re all one bad decision away from ruining our life,” he said, which he takes as a warning for people to not think that they are invincible.

Another saying he keeps in mind has a similar sentiment.

“Be kind to those on your way up because you’ll want them to be kind to you on your way down,” he added.

Everett is still on his way up, and his hard work continues to pay off with his agency having been named the top agency in Globe Life for three of the past five years. In the coming years, he plans to look for more partners to help open up more agencies.

“We have so many great people that work here, and I love seeing them and their families thrive and grow because of the opportunity that Globe Life gave them,” Everett said.

Arkansas’ insurance industry offers multiple opportunities for success

By MAK MILLARD

In March, the Insurance Information Institute in The Triple-I Blog broke down the makeup of the insurance industry in a few different ways. The group noted that the insurance sector provided about 3 million jobs in 2024 and that 1.7 million of those workers were women. In fact, women have made up about the same overall proportion of the industry’s workforce every year since 2012, roughly 59 percent. Women are especially well represented in entry-level positions, although the air usually thins out the closer one gets to the top.

“Only about 22 percent (less than 1 in 4) of workers in the C-suite are women, and only two women CEOs head up Fortune 500 insurance companies,” the report states. “Nonetheless, women continue to demonstrate their skills, willingness to grow and ability to influence the insurance industry in a positive and

forward-thinking way. According to McKinsey & Co., for every 100 men promoted to managerial positions, 104 women are promoted — much higher than the 87 women promoted across all industries.”

“Over my 20-plus year career, there has been a notable increase in the number of women as risk managers and brokers/account executives,” said Prentice McIntosh, senior vice president and commercial P&C account executive at Stephens Insurance in Little Rock. “I believe this has occurred for several reasons. There has been an increase in the number of women in the insurance industry, similar to other financial industries. This industry rewards hard work and desire for advancement, so with more women entering the field, we have seen more advance.”

Brooke Brolo, owner of Brolo Insurance Group in North Little Rock, added that for

women in the insurance field, “there are more opportunities now than ever before.”

“Women are not just part of the conversation. We’re leading it,” Brolo said. “More women are agency owners, coaches, leaders, and the industry is recognizing the value of diverse perspectives. The challenges haven’t disappeared, but there’s a stronger community of women who lift each other up.”

All the fuss about gender parity is not merely window dressing either. In a 2023 report spanning 1,265 companies, 23 countries, six global regions and multiple company interviews, McKinsey & Co. found that leadership diversity is also “convincingly associated with holistic growth ambitions, greater social impact and more satisfied workforces.” McKinsey saw what other studies have also shown — encouraging diversity is just good business.

“Women are not just part of the conversation. We’re leading it. More women are agency owners, coaches, leaders, and the industry is recognizing the value of diverse perspectives. The challenges haven’t disappeared, but there’s a stronger community of women who lift each other up.”

— Brooke Brolo Brolo Insurance Group

Building positive momentum for women in the insurance industry has been a long-term project, and the situation in years past was not always so encouraging. When she started in the industry 17 years ago, Brolo said, the insurance space was still dominated by men, and women were often found in service or support roles rather than leadership or even ownership. Things have come a long way, she said, as more female agency owners and women speak on panels and stages about business growth. “Early on, I often

had to ‘prove’ that I belonged in a room full of male agents or that I could scale and run a large book of business just as well, if not better,” Brolo said. “I was actually told by a male agent, someone I used to look up to, that I would fail as an owner, but I could come run his agency when I did. It was moments like these that pushed me to work harder and build my credibility through results.”

Insurance is a wide and deep industry encompassing many sectors and ranging from independent agencies to large corporate operations. That fact alone is bound to produce different experiences along the professional path.

No career is without its bumps, and McIntosh characterized the obstacles she has faced as par for the course for individuals coming up through the ranks.

“The challenges I have faced were typical growing pains when learning this business and where my expertise and skills were best suited,” she said. “As with any career spanning 20-plus years, there will be individuals that can be challenging to work with or work for as part of your daily job. The important thing to remember is that you can learn valuable lessons in challenging environments.”

McIntosh has been in insurance for most of her postcollegiate life, she said, but she did work in the retail industry just after college — an arena she found similar to her eventual career in some ways and notably different in others. Understanding customers’ wants and needs in a constantly changing marketplace is a fact of business familiar to players in both retail and insurance. Insurance, however, tends to see lower turnover than the retail space, lending itself to more long-term stability for building a career. Combined with increasing opportunities and entry points, difficulty getting along in the insurance industry now can often lie in simply finding a place to start among a wealth of options.

“There are multiple avenues to get into this industry, whether that is in claims, risk

management, or insurance brokering, sales [and] service,” McIntosh said. “More and more universities are now offering risk management classes and degrees, which help navigate the industry as a whole for those looking to get started. I believe this industry rewards those who are skilled and dedicated to their clients and firm.”

An interesting wrinkle for women in many professions is the tension between the “glass ceiling” and the so-called “broken rung.” The idea is that, while women have made gains in getting a foot in the door in certain maledominated spaces, there can still be a major disconnect between the ground floor and the C-suite or agency owner’s chair — as evidenced by Triple-I’s findings.

“For me, the foot in the door wasn’t as difficult. I was eager, motivated and willing to hustle,” Brolo said. “The real challenge has been advancing and scaling while balancing all the hats I wear — leader, mom, wife, entrepreneur and coach. Growth requires you to constantly reinvent yourself, evolve your systems and build strong teams so you’re not carrying it all alone.”

The impact of mentors and role models cannot be overstated either since, as the saying goes, “If you can see it, you can be it.” While women making strides in leadership roles set a powerful example for those early on in their careers, there is still something to be said for learning from a variety of different sources of wisdom, regardless of gender.

“I have had both male and female mentors throughout my career, each teaching me how to be successful in my career and in life,” McIntosh said. “I think the most important thing that they have collectively taught me was to be myself and don’t apologize for it.”

“Honestly, I didn’t have many female mentors when I began, but over time, I connected with strong women in the industry,” Brolo said. “The businesswomen I’ve surrounded

myself with have taught me the importance of collaboration over competition, [that] you can be both ambitious and authentic, and that your unique style is actually your greatest advantage in building relationships and growing your business.”

As in any field where women have made gains, progress is never promised, and maintaining it takes a determined and intentional effort. Collective success depends on individual accomplishment, as well, and the basic tenets there have not changed much, if at all. McIntosh’s advice to young women at the precipice of their careers is, “Work hard, be yourself, [and] be strong,” values Brolo echoed in her own advice.

“Be unapologetically yourself,” Brolo said. “Lean into what makes you unique because that’s what will attract clients and keep them. Build your business around relationships, not transactions. Surround yourself with mentors and peers who push you to grow — and most importantly, don’t let fear hold you back. [Trust] your gut and go for it because, I promise, once you overcome the fear, everything you want is on the other side of it.”

“There are multiple avenues to get into this industry, whether that is in claims, risk management, or insurance brokering, sales [and] service. More and more universities are now offering risk management classes and degrees, which helps navigate the industry as a whole for those looking to get started. I believe this industry rewards those who are skilled and dedicated to their clients and firm.”

— Prentice McIntosh Stephens Insurance

With the Industry

insurance Growing

ABy SARAH DECLERK // Photo courtesy of THE HATCHER AGENCY

Pocahontas native with an economics degree, Dottie Highfill joined The Hatcher Agency in Little Rock in 1997 after returning to Arkansas for her husband’s career. One of her friends served on a board with founder Greg Hatcher, and after meeting with him, Highfill accepted a position that led to a career of nearly 30 years and counting.

“Every day, I learn something,” she said. “It is a continual learning process, never a dull day, and the leadership has been phenomenal.”

She chose a prime time to join the company, being able to work directly with Hatcher on his accounts and shadow him while she learned the basics of the business. Over the years, she has watched the company grow from a small operation to one of the leading insurance agencies in Arkansas. She has also witnessed the impact technology has had on the industry.

with the support they need.

The insurance industry can provide an enjoyable career with lots of opportunities to learn, she added.

“When I first started, we had pagers, and we had PalmPilots, and we didn’t have Excel on the computers,” she said. “We didn’t even have email when I started.”

Organizational skills, attention to detail and a commitment to fostering good relationships with clients and partners are key to advancing in the industry, she said. As team lead, she and three others on her team work together closely to manage a group of accounts, providing them with insurance options, conducting employee meetings, coordinating with the call center and setting up electronics benefits enrollment websites.

“Having a good benefits package is one of the most important items to keep and retain your best workforce to make sure that they are protected and their families have the protection that they need so that they can come to work focused and do the best job that they can,” she said.

Highfill said she works to lead by example, making sure that she can do a task before asking someone else to step in while also recognizing that everyone has different strengths. She said The Hatcher Agency helps train agents to be well rounded and provides them

“I think it’s a great opportunity for people to learn about reallife needs and situations of all different types of people,” she said. “I think the insurance industry can help a lot of people, but you need to be willing to dig in, learn your information, keep learning and studying because it continually changes.”

As the largest producer for many leading insurance carriers, The Hatcher Agency is represented on the boards of many of the carriers’ task forces, which allows the agency to make changes and give recommendations. It also keeps the team abreast of changes in the industry.

“We work directly with them to be up to date and one of the first ones to know when changes are being made,” she said.

Relationships with clients are also important, she added. The Hatcher Agency works to show appreciation for its clients by inviting them to baseball games, organizing lunch-and-learn events, and hosting other outings.

“I enjoy my clients,” Highfill said. “I’ve built some very long-time relationships, being here for 27 years, and that is probably one of the most important aspects that I like about my job. We get to do some fun things with clients. We get to hold their hand through the hard times, so you really get to make lots of friends in the community.”

She added that The Hatcher Agency also works to give back to the community by supporting a variety of organizations, including being a long-time sponsor of the Little Rock Marathon.

Highfill said she is happy with her career and hopes to remain at The Hatcher Agency for another 10 or 15 years. In her free time, she enjoys traveling and playing tennis.

Dottie Highfill, The Hatcher Agency

“Having a good benefits package is one of the most important items to keep and retain your best workforce to make sure that they are protected and their families have the protection that they need so that they can come to work focused and do the best job that they can.”

Founded in 1990 by Greg Hatcher, The Hatcher Agency has been Arkansas’ leading employee benefits agency since its inception and has grown to become the largest organically developed agency in the nation. We offer group medical benefits to employers of all sizes, delivering what we call “Outrageous Service.” As the top producer for all major health carriers, we have the relationships to get the best deal for you.

Here to Serve

Jay Van Dover, Shelter Insurance

By DWAIN HEBDA // Photo courtesy of SHELTER INSURANCE

After graduating from Catholic High School for Boys in Little Rock, Jay Van Dover headed for the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and a degree in public administration, which he originally intended to use in the political arena.

However, he soon discovered the world of politics did not agree with him like he thought it would, and he found himself searching for a new game plan.

“I went to work for Jay Dickey when he was elected to Congress in 1992, and I think through that process of walking into the political arena, God showed me that politics was not what I was going to be doing,” he said. “I didn’t go to Washington, D.C., after he was elected and had no idea what I was going do.

“A friend offered to provide my resume to Shelter Insurance, and I interviewed and took a position there and have been there ever since. It’s crazy. I thought I was never going to be in the insurance business. I mean, God just said, ‘Hey, watch this.’”

So began a career in insurance that entered its 33rd year this spring, all of them at Shelter Insurance. Van Dover said he has never regretted a day of it as he steadily built his Little Rock practice to offer multiple types of coverage, including auto, home, life, renters, business, motorcycle, RV and farm coverages, among others.

He said while technology has changed some parts of the insurance industry, the fundamentals of the business remain the same.

“I do think the industry has changed, but the relationships part of it hasn’t, and the relationships I have in this business matter a lot to me,” he said. “It’s the people who have kept me in this line of work. That’s why I have stayed with Shelter all these years. I sleep fine at night knowing our claim

“The price-conscious buyer still needs to be guided in what he or she is buying so that they can be educated in what coverages mean versus just going by some price on the internet. Online tools allow people to shop more efficiently, but very often, it takes someone with experience to explain to them what they are actually buying.”

service does what it says it’s going to do and we show up when we’re supposed to show up.”

Van Dover said the strength of such relationships — solidified by promises made and kept — are what has allowed his agency to survive in an era of commoditized insurance products that have proliferated online. In fact, if anything, it has given him many opportunities to educate and inform clients about the differences in what they are actually buying when shopping strictly on price.

“The price-conscious buyer still needs to be guided in what he or she is buying so that they can be educated in what coverages mean versus just going by some price on the internet,” he said. “Online tools allow people to shop more efficiently, but very often, it takes someone with experience to explain to them what they are actually buying.”

“For me, from a business practice standpoint, it’s always been about looking at your coverage and making recommendations of things that would help you be better off than you are now. From a price standpoint or a coverage standpoint, if I think you’re better off where you are than you would be coming with me, I say so.”

Looking back, Van Dover said there is little that his brief time in politics shares with his successful career in insurance, save one — done right, it all comes down to serving people, particularly in their hour of need.

“Mainly what is similar about the two is it is helping people, providing solutions to problems, you know?” he said. “The heart of the matter is to help people. I don’t think it’s ever been about making a sale to me, but helping people, the integrity of this business, that is important to me. I’d rather send you down the road and you thinking, ‘Man, I appreciate what Jay did versus him just trying to sell me something.’”

Navigating the complex world of insurance is not easy, but some people make it seem so. Those people are called insurance agents, and here at AY About You, we have the honor of recognizing some of the state’s top insurance agents as nominated by you, our readers. These are agents who go to bat for their clients, who explain to them the ins and outs of coverage and help ensure people's most valuable assets are protected. Insurance agents help employers recruit job candidates by offering competitive benefits and walk alongside clients on some of the most trying days of their lives. It is a difficult job, but for those who are up to the task, the rewards are worth the effort. Without further ado, here are “AY’s Best Insurance Agents” for 2025.

RANDY ALLISON

Sunstar Insurance of Arkansas

DENNIA BEARD

State Farm

RUSS BERRYHILL

Berryhill Insurance Group

STUART BERRYHILL

Berryhill Insurance Group

MELANIE BOBO

Apex Insurance Consultants

DENNIS BOST

State Farm

BROOKE BROLO

Brolo Insurance Group, Allstate

CHRISTINE BROOKS

The Hatcher Agency

TAMMY BURKHART

Arkansas Best Insurance Agency

K.C. CAGLE

Allstate

FRED CHAMBERS

McGhee Insurance Agency

MARTY C. CLARK

BHC Insurance

SCOTT R. CLARK

BHC Insurance

DAN COOK Shelter Insurance

KAYLEE CREED Allstate

JASON CRIBB

Cribb Insurance Group

RICKY DAVIS Berryhill Insurance Group

KEVIN DUGAN Farmers Insurance

MATT EAGLE McGhee Insurance Agency

PATRICK EATON Eaton Agency

MIKE EBERLE Eberle Insurance Agency

RYAN EDWARDS Shelter Insurance

ERIC ELIZONDO

Arkansas Insurance Partners

MICHAEL ELROD Apex Insurance Consultants

STAN ELROD Apex Insurance Consultants

JASON EVERETT Globe Life — Liberty National Division

WILLIAM R. FLETCHER Williamson Insurance

TONI FRAZIER Frazier Insurance Agency

NATHAN HARPER Eberle Insurance Agency

GREG HATCHER The Hatcher Agency

DREW HIGGINBOTHOM Smith & Co. Insurance

DOTTIE HIGHFILL The Hatcher Agency

ERIC HODSON State Farm

FRED HUGHES Central Arkansas Insurance Agency

NANCY R. JACKSON Roberson & Associates Insurance

CHRIS JENKINS Arkansas Insurance Partners

MELANIE KELLEY Parrish-Kelley Hometown Insurance

JENNIFER KING Allstate

MICHELLE MALLETT Ott Insurance

ADAM MCGHEE Service Masters

PRENTICE MCINTOSH Stephens Insurance

COLE MCNAIR McNair and Associates

MARK MCNAIR McNair and Associates

ANDREW “A.B.” MEADORS Sunstar Insurance of Arkansas

SARA MILLER Allstate

ROBIN OELSEN Globe Life — Liberty National Division

WHITNEY OWENS State Farm

ERIC PARNELL McGhee Insurance Agency

MARCIA PARRISH Parrish-Kelley Hometown Insurance

CHRISTY PETTIT Shelter Insurance

ALISHA POLLOCK S&P Insurance Partners

CHARLOTTE POTTS State Farm

PEGGY ROBERSON Roberson & Associates Insurance

REX SADDLER Ott Insurance

COLE SCHANANDORE Ott Insurance

GRAVES SCHMIDLY BHC Insurance

MARK SMITH Smith & Co. Insurance

JAY SNIDER Shelter Insurance

JOHN STARLING JTS

JANET TAYLOR Arkansas Best Insurance Agency

MONICA TREAT Treat Insurance Agency

JAY VAN DOVER Shelter Insurance

KACI VANCE Roberson & Associates Insurance

MATT WARDEN Shelter Insurance

MIKE WATSON State Farm

TIM WHITE Brown & Brown

MARK V. WILLAMSON Williamson Insurance Agency

WHERE GREAT SMILES

Providing the Best in Dental Care for Families throughout Little Rock and Stuttgart

Since 2000, our team has been 100% focused on your oral health. We offer our patients the very best that dentistry has to offer through advanced technologies and procedures. We provide personalized dental care with compassion and skill in order to provide a great treatment experience.

• Teeth Cleanings • Oral Cancer Screenings • Tooth Fillings

A New Approach

Advancements in research and technology shape understanding of

breast cancer treatment

CANCER — it is a scary topic but one the medical community is becoming better at understanding. That understanding coupled with advancements in diagnostics and treatment has led to better outcomes for patients with breast cancer.

According to the Journal of the American Medical Association, breast cancer mortality dropped 58 percent between 1975 and 2019 thanks to improved screening and treatment. That represents a reduction in deaths from 48 in 100,000 women in 1975 to 27 in 100,000 women in 2019. When caught during the localized stage, before the cancer

By SARAH DECLERK

has spread beyond the breast, the five-year survival rate is 99 percent, the National Breast Cancer Foundation states. About 66 percent of breast cancer cases are diagnosed during the localized stage.

Knowledge about the role holistic wellness plays in cancer prevention and treatment has evolved over the years, and the advent of immunotherapy and artificial intelligence provide even more opportunities to detect cancer at its earliest stages and harness the body’s own systems for its eradication.

When it comes to winning the battle against breast cancer,

While CARTI has not adopted artificial intelligence to its fullest extent yet, AI holds promise for computer-aided detection of breast cancer. (Photo courtesy of CARTI)

“Know thy enemy,” is a powerful maxim and one local physicians employ every day while treating patients.

EXERCISE

An active lifestyle has long been recognized for its role in cancer prevention, but the medical community has only recently recognized the impact exercise can have during treatment, as well.

“The previous advice to cancer patients was to rest and conserve energy during the treatment,” said Dr. Diane Wilder, oncologist at CARTI. “It was really thought that physical activity would make cancer patients getting treatment have worse fatigue and would make their recovery more difficult, but what’s really wonderful is that research tells now a whole different story. Exercise not only manages the side effects of treatment, including psychological ones, but it improves the overall success.”

Far from increasing tiredness, exercise helps promote sleep, stimulates endorphins and gives people more energy, helping combat cancer-related fatigue, she said. Exercise also helps relieve depression and anxiety and improves blood flow to the brain, providing relief from the clouded thinking sometimes described as “chemo brain.”

Active pursuits also provide breast cancer patients with a lowpressure way to socialize during what can be an isolating time, Wilder said, in addition to helping patients regain a sense of control over their lives and bodies.

“It helps with the mind-body connection,” she said. “It helps to sort of make the environment be still and be quiet if there’s a mind-body connection and you just feel the body working or moving. There’s something about that that helps one feel back under control and helps one remember that the body still is really wonderful and can do wonderful things, even though it may have this cancer going on in there.”

Beyond helping patients overcome mental and physical side effects, however, activity actually makes it easier to fight cancer on a cellular level.

Exercise not only manages the side effects of treatment, including psychological ones, but it improves the overall success.”

— Dr. Diane Wilder, CARTI

breast cancer mortality dropped 58 percent between 1975 and 2019 thanks to improved screening and treatment.

Tumors are fed by blood vessels that tend to be structurally unsound, Wilder said. Exercising strengthens those blood vessels, allowing chemotherapy drugs administered orally or intravenously to better reach the tumor. Similarly, activity helps oxygenate the tumor tissue, increasing the effectiveness of radiation treatments.

Exercise can also help combat metastasis, in which tumor cells break away from the primary tumor and enter the bloodstream, allowing cancer to spread to other parts of the body.

“Those tumor cells are fragile,” she said. ”They’re not robust, you know, like the blood vessels aren’t robust, so when you exercise, you’re actually increasing the shear stress of the blood, and so that disrupts these cancer cells. They die. They don’t survive. They can’t make it to where they want to go.”

In addition, she said, exercising stimulates the immune system to attack cancer cells; helps regulate the high glucose availability that can cause rapid cancer growth; reduces chronic inflammation, a known driver of cancer progression; and helps balance the hormones linked to cancer risk.

Wilder was quick to point out that any level of activity can have positive results. Yoga, pilates or stretching can be great places to start for people who are new to exercise. Walking and resistance training can also have a positive impact, she added, along with vigorous intermittent lifestyle physical activity, or VILPA, and other “exercise snacks” to incorporate brief bursts of vigorous activity throughout the day.

“Just have the discipline to start,” she said. “Your body will pull you into wanting more and into different practices. The big thing is just to make the beginning, and for those that are already deeply into it, it’s the encouragement to continue or to modify things so that you’re getting the whole broad spectrum of activity that’s needed.”

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE

Artificial intelligence is expected to have a profound impact on cancer care, particularly in the realm of early detection. Inside Precision Medicine reported in June that the first AI platform for detecting breast cancer risk was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, and a new model developed in Berlin that can identify more than 170 types of tumors could one day become a routine part of planning precision cancer treatments.

whether or not a patient has dense breast tissue, Routon said.

“The old way of determining breast density was the radiologist just looking at the mammogram and categorizing women,” he added. “Now there are programs, which are called quantitative breast density, and so they just take all that data, and they can give a number or density measurement, and that helps us out some.”

Computer-aided detection, or CAD, has been in use for about 20 years and helps highlight suspicious findings on mammograms, he said. While original versions of CAD were not very effective, the programs have improved over time, and there is hope that AI may allow them to become even more precise.

“The latest version of this CAD does help us out a little bit,” he said, “but AI looks to be just a much better version of that, just a much better, quicker, more accurate one that’s going to help us, essentially, probably help function as a second reader or at least highlight things that are suspicious so we get those read faster.”

IMMUNOTHERAPY

The body has its own cancer defenses in the form of T cells, which recognize and attack tumors, and B cells, which produce antibodies that facilitate long-term immune surveillance against cancer. Immunotherapy helps enhance those natural defenses to treat certain kinds of cancer.

“The immune system acts as this natural defense to fight cancer, and one of the key players in this fight are the T cells,” Wilder said. “Normally, T cells detect that there’s a cancer cell in the body, they go out to fight that cancer cell, and then they have a brake that stops them from overreacting and attacking healthy cells by mistake.”

Dr. Stephen Routon

AI is in the early phases of implementation at CARTI, said Dr. Stephen Routon, a board-certified radiologist who specializes in breast imaging. He said AI is particularly promising when it comes to measuring breast density and increasing the efficacy of computer-aided detection.

Dense breast tissue makes it harder to spot breast cancer on a mammogram and also increases breast cancer risk, the American Cancer Society states. Therefore, patients are notified if they have dense breasts. Artificial intelligence can assist in determining

That “brake” is programmed cell death protein 1, or PD-1. Cancer cells mimic the process by producing a matching protein called programmed cell death ligand 1, or PDL-1, which latches on to T cells, causing them to stop attacking.

“The T cell thinks, ‘Woah, I need to stop. I need to not act anymore,’” Wilder said, “and so they don’t attack the cancer cell, and the cancer cell gets away from the immune system.”

Immunotherapy breaks the connection between the PDL-1 proteins and T cells, allowing them to continue doing their job, she said. Immunotherapy is more targeted than chemotherapy, which destroys rapidly dividing cells rather than seeking out cancer cells specifically, she added. That means immunotherapy often has fewer side effects and can be used in cases where other treatments do not work.

“This is especially helpful if cancers are hard to treat with surgery or radiation or chemo,” Wilder said. “Some do not respond to radiation, some don’t respond to chemotherapy, but they will respond to the immunotherapy, and that’s the beautiful thing.”

She added that immunotherapy is part of a new wave of precision cancer treatment.

“It’s part of our new focus on treating cancer which, again, is more personalized and more precise, so that we can identify the tumor type and maximize the treatment with minimal side effects,” she said.

Immunotherapy has made incredible progress in recent years but became better known among the general public this summer, when Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones announced immunotherapy helped him overcome Stage 4 melanoma.

Peptides, naturally occurring short chains of amino acids that perform a wide range of biological functions, from hormone regulation to immune function and tissue repair, hold promise for both immunotherapy and other forms of cancer prevention and treatment.

According to the 2023 study Peptide-Based Agents for Cancer

Treatment: Current Applications and Future Directions, peptide-based therapies could disrupt tumor growth not only through immunomodulation but by disrupting cell membranes and blood vessel production, and peptides are currently being studied for their potential use in a breast cancer vaccine.

Last month, functional medicine practitioner and peptide expert Regan Archibald, founder of Ageless Future, hosted a summit in Little Rock to help spread the word about the potential benefits of peptides.

“Peptides are how our cells communicate. It’s how genes are turned on and turned off and are one of the primary mechanisms of healthy body function,” he told AY About You. “The reason why peptides are important is because that’s where we found that you can have the highest level of return on your health and your health outcomes with the least amount of downside.”

COMPLEMENTARY MEDICINE

From acupressure and yoga to mindfulness meditation and medicinal marijuana, there seems to be no end to the number of complementary treatments purported to help relieve side effects of cancer treatment.

CARTI offers a range of complementary services to support patients’ physical and emotional health during treatment at The Bridge. In addition to support groups, counseling services, financial advocacy, and a salon and appearance center, a range of holistic wellness resources are available.

Some programs include virtual and in-person yoga classes, healing arts classes, and nutrition and cooking classes. Wilder said a healthy diet can be an important part of cancer care.

“The biggest challenge in our country are the ultraprocessed foods, the processed meats, not eating whole foods, so all that is huge,” she said. “We tend to want to take a pill or a tablet or something like that to take care of that, and those have a role, I think, but the big one is the diet, avoiding alcohol, minimizing tobacco.”

Dietary supplements can help improve overall health, but Wilder cautioned patients to discuss any supplements with a physician and check websites such as Labdoor or ConsumerLab. com to ensure supplements are safe and effective. Real-time blood glucose monitoring devices can also be helpful, she said.

Relationships are an important component of any workplace, but those connections are even more essential when the work is of the lifesaving kind. At The Breast Center at CARTI, a tight-knit team of experts comes together day in and day out to provide comprehensive, compassionate cancer care. Many of The Breast Center’s providers have known each other for years, whether through medical school, residencies or even family members — as is the case for doctors Jessica McElreath and Jerri Fant.

“We met when our sons were in kindergarten,” said McElreath, a fellowship-trained breast imaging specialist. “Now in eighth grade, they remain close friends, and so are we. Like them, we often say that our personalities are yin and yang. We balance and complement each other, including at The Breast Center at CARTI, where we’ve worked together since 2020.”

While the pair have different specialties, said Fant, who is a breast surgical oncologist, the two doctors are aligned around a common goal: offering the best possible care to their patients. Collaboration, not only between McElreath and Fant but among all the providers at The Breast Center, is vital to delivering the patient-centered care that continues to set CARTI apart.

“One of CARTI’s guiding values is ‘resolute teamwork,’ which is reflected in the trusted care we offer every day to our patients,” Fant said. “No single specialty or provider does it all. Together, we walk alongside patients for every step of their journeys, from screening and diagnosis through treatment and survivorship. Close communication among our specialists allows us to personalize each patient’s care with optimal scientific innovation and focus on overall well-being.”

A key component of The Breast Center’s work lies in early detection and treatment.

The American Cancer Society estimates 2,690 women in Arkansas will learn they have breast cancer in 2025, McElreath said, and contrary to popular belief, around 80 to 85 percent of diagnoses are in patients with no family history of the disease. That is why annual mammograms are so vital.

“The two biggest risk factors for developing breast cancer are being female and getting older — or, as our colleague at The Breast Center at CARTI says, having breasts and birthdays,” McElreath said. “With regular screenings, we can find the disease sooner and save more lives in our state.”

While McElreath emphasized that mammograms remain “the gold standard” for breast cancer screening, The Breast Center provides a range of tools to enable providers to find and treat breast cancer sooner, including leading-edge 3D screening mammograms, high-resolution breast MRIs and diagnostic breast ultrasounds. For those with

a team effort.

Photos By JASON MASTERS

a genetic predisposition to developing breast cancer, CARTI’s Cancer Genetics and Risk Management Clinic allows The Breast Center team to provide increased surveillance and risk reduction measures, as well.

The Breast Center team also understands the barriers many women face when it comes to receiving annual mammograms, especially in rural areas, Fant said. The providers at CARTI are dedicated to making trusted cancer care more accessible, and CARTI is the

first in Arkansas to offer contrast-enhanced mammography, a diagnostic screening tool, to qualifying patients at both its flagship Little Rock campus and El Dorado location.

“Equally important, we are committed to offering patient education,” Fant said. “By equipping and empowering women to take control of their breast health, we can enhance their long-term well-being and quality of life.”

The results of these efforts are invaluable — early detection makes for more effective and, often, less invasive treatment. The five-

year survival rate for breast cancer is nearly 100 percent when the disease is detected in earlier stages, McElreath said.

“The Breast Center at CARTI tirelessly advocates for women of average risk to begin receiving annual mammograms at age 40,” McElreath said. “We also encourage all women to talk to their health care providers by age 25 about their risk and whether earlier or more frequent screenings may be needed. There’s simply no doubt about it — early detection is lifesaving.”

Welcome

DR. VICTORIA HELTON

Dr. Victoria Helton is a native of Fredericksburg, Texas, and first moved to Arkansas to attend Hendrix College for her undergraduate studies. She completed her degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology while playing varsity softball for four years (Go Warriors!) She earned her medical degree from the University of Texas Health Sciences Center in San Antonio and completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) where she was recognized as the top resident in both Obstetrics and Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility.

Dr. Helton’s career in medicine was inspired by the legacy of her grandfather, who was a small-town physician caring for each patient like they were family. She is passionate about providing education to her patients and empowering them to be active participants in all aspects of their care.

Dr. Helton has a special interest in high risk obstetrics and minimally invasive gynecologic surgery, including robotic surgery. She enjoys caring for women during the joys and challenges that accompany each phase of life.

In her time away from work, Dr. Helton enjoys spending time with her husband, Baker, a Little Rock native and high-school baseball coach, and their son (born in 2024.) They are avid sports fans and spend many spring and summer nights at the baseball fields. She enjoys reading, cooking, being active outside, and spending time with family.

She is now accepting new patients!

9601 Baptist Health Drive | Suite 1200 Little Rock, AR 72205

arobgyn.com thewomanscliniclr

Phone: (501) 664-4131

Fax: (501) 664-9470

Rebuilding Confidence, Restoring Wholeness:

A Conversation with Dr. Zachary Young of Arkansas Plastic Surgery

For many women, a breast cancer diagnosis is more than a medical challenge — it is an emotional journey that can reshape one’s sense of self. Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a time to highlight not only the importance of prevention and early detection but also the options women have for reconstruction.

AY About You sat down with Dr. Zachary Young of Arkansas Plastic Surgery in Little Rock to discuss his passion for breast reconstruction and how he helps women move forward with strength and confidence.

AY: Why do you choose to perform breast reconstruction?

YOUNG: It’s incredibly rewarding to help restore a sense of wholeness for women who have gone through something as life-changing as breast cancer. Reconstruction isn’t just about rebuilding a breast. It’s about helping patients feel like themselves again.

AY: What do you want women to know about their options?

YOUNG: Every woman’s reconstruction journey is unique. Reconstruction can often be performed the day the breast is removed but not always. The important thing is there are almost always reconstruction options, even years after mastectomy.

AY: How does reconstruction impact recovery both physically and emotionally?

YOUNG: Physically, it allows patients to regain balance and symmetry, which often improves comfort and confidence in daily life. Emotionally, it can be transformative. Many patients tell me that reconstruction gives them closure on a difficult chapter and helps them move forward with the next chapter of life.

AY: What is most meaningful to you about your work?

YOUNG: It’s the relationships. These women are incredibly strong, and being part of their journey is humbling. Helping patients feel whole is an unmatched feeling as a physician.

Cancer rates rising in younger age groups

By MARK CARTER

Cancer survival rates in Arkansas and the U.S. are up, but so is the incidence rate for those younger than 50. Cancer is no longer something to consider only for aging parents or grandparents.

The latest data from the National Cancer Institute, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reveals U.S. cancer rates for men and women younger than 50 rising over the past two decades, drastically at first from 99 cases per 100,000 residents in 2002 to 105 cases in 2022. The numbers from Arkansas largely mirror the national data.

What gives?

For cancer researcher Dr. Michael Birrer, director of the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, that is the “million-dollar question.” Early detection through advancing technology is a factor but cannot account for the overall spike.

“There is a general observation of increases in breast, colorectal, uterine, kidney and digestive system cancers in young people over the country,” Birrer said. “The reason for this remains unknown and is likely multifactorial. Most of the focus is on colorectal cancer, which

is surging in young people, and we don’t fully understand why. Part of the reason is certainly increased early detection with colonoscopies for patients at 45 years of age, but the rest of the increase remains a mystery.”

In the same 20-year span and under the same parameters, incidence of colorectal cancer has risen from 6.4 cases per 100,000 residents to 9.1. In Arkansas, cases rose from 7.2 to 10.1.

Birrer said the rise in younger patients led to the recommended age for colorectal screening being lowered to 45. If the trend continues, it may need to be lowered again, he added.

“What we do know is that the microbiome — the bacteria in our bowel and intestines — looks different in patients with colorectal cancer compared to others,” he said. “The suspicion is that shifts in the microbiome may occur first in the body, and those changes increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer.”

Changes in body chemistry are one explanation. Another possible cause is the increasing consumption by U.S. consumers of unhealthy foods. Dr. Anne Trussell, physician-owner of Sei Bella Med Spa in Little Rock, believes the latter is a major factor in the rise of cancer rates among people younger than 50.

“At my med spa, I’ve seen an increase in

skin cancer over the last 15 years that I contribute to suntans, sunburns and tanning beds,” she said. “Otherwise, I think the rise in cancers like breast and colon cancer is directly related to what we eat — all the preservatives, chemicals, GMO modified foods, etc.”

Trussell said Arkansans can help themselves by eating organic foods and foods that have not been genetically modified and by not eating highly processed sugary foods. She said doing so is critical to decreasing cancer risk.

“Wearing sunscreen and avoiding the hours of 11 to 2, when the sun is at its worst, will decrease skin cancer rates, as well,” she said, “and of course, for those who smoke, they should stop because that decreases risk of all cancers.”

Registered dietitian Meg Green of Little Rock does not treat cancer but works with women to help reduce their cancer risks. She recommended women:

• Maintain a healthy weight: Excess body fat can drive chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, both of which are linked to higher cancer risk.

• Exercise regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes per week to regulate blood sugar, reduce inflammation and strengthen the immune system.

• Limit alcohol: Even small amounts raise breast cancer risk.

• Prioritize nutrition: A diet high in fiber, cruciferous vegetables, antioxidants and omega-3s supports cellular repair and healthy detoxification.

• Breastfeed if possible: Breastfeeding provides long-term protection for both mother and child.

• Avoid smoking, and reduce toxin exposure: Minimize contact with pesticides, plastics and endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

• Stay proactive with screenings: Seek out mammograms, ultrasounds or genetic testing when family history suggests higher risk.

Green said the claim that all hormones increase cancer risk is misleading. She noted the Women’s Health Initiative, a 15-year series of clinical studies from the U.S. National Institutes of Health launched in 1991 that tested synthetic hormones specifically conjugated equine estrogen, a synthetic estrogen made from horse urine, and medroxyprogesterone acetate, a synthetic progestin.

“The WHI showed that synthetic estrogen plus synthetic progestin increased breast cancer risk, while synthetic estrogen alone in women without a uterus did not increase risk and, in some cases, even lowered it,” Green said. “Today, many women are prescribed bioidentical estradiol and progesterone, which are structurally identical to the hormones naturally produced by the body. Early research suggests that bioidentical hormones do not carry the same risks as synthetic formulations.”

Green stressed that the WHI findings should not be applied to all forms of hormone therapy, especially bioidentical hormones. Regardless, more studies are needed in this area overall, she added.

“Cancer risk is complex and influenced by genetics, environment and lifestyle,” she said. “By combining individualized medical care, lifestyle strategies and modern hormone options when appropriate, women can take confident, proactive steps to protect their health.”

Christa Jackson, an advanced-practice registered nurse at Beyond Wellness in Little Rock, takes a holistic point of view, as well. She said the rise of cancer rates at an earlier age reflects how modern life is reshaping our collective biology.

“Today’s generation faces an unprecedented mix of environmental toxins, processed diets and chronic stress that strain the body’s natural defense systems,” she said. “Chemicals in plastics, pesticides and personal care products disrupt hormones and overwhelm detox pathways. Highly processed foods and excess sugar fuel inflammation and insulin resistance, while the gut microbiome, damaged by all of the above plus potential use of antibiotics, loses its ability to protect against carcinogens.”

The hormonal imbalances, sedentary routines, disrupted sleep and relentless stress experienced

by many young adults weaken immunity and accelerate cellular damage, she added.

“Add in low vitamin D from less sun exposure, and the soil becomes fertile for cancer to grow,” she said.

For Jackson, reducing the risk for cancer or any other disease boils down to what people ingest.

“When it comes to long-term health, few factors are as powerful as what’s on your plate,” she said. “A well-balanced diet is one of the most important tools we have for lowering cancer risk and staying healthy. Food is more than calories. It’s information. Every bite sends signals that can either promote inflammation and oxidative stress or, on the flip side, activate repair pathways and strengthen immunity. Diets dominated by processed foods, sugar and refined oils tend to drive insulin resistance, hormonal imbalances and chronic inflammation, all fertile ground for cancer to grow.”

Birrer agreed that diet plays a role in susceptibility to cancer, but the risk factors are complex, he said.

“Obesity is more strongly linked to endometrial and breast cancers, which are hormone driven and driven by increased estrogen levels, rather than colorectal cancer,” he said. “That said, there is growing interest in how diet and obesity interact with intestinal microbiomes and overall metabolism. For example, researchers are asking if excess fat sends signals in the body that may increase cancer risk. We don’t yet have definitive answers.”

Birrer said it is known that diets high in red meat have been associated with increased risk of colorectal cancer, but it remains unclear whether the risk comes directly from the meat — or from processed meat — or indirectly from the lack of protective nutrients such as those found in fruits and vegetables.

“Ongoing research is exploring whether dietary changes could eventually help us modify microbiomes in ways that reduce cancer risk,” he said.

The microbiome is the complex community of microorganisms — bacteria, viruses, fungi and protozoa — that exist in and on our bodies. It is believed that individuals’ levels of microbiome diversity can impact their cancer risk.

“It’s not just about diversity but about a shift in the microbiome’s composition in patients with colorectal cancer,” he said. “The microbiome appears altered in ways that promote both the development and the spread of cancer. We need more studies to fully understand these changes and how they contribute to risk.”

Birrer said continued research is needed to get definitive answers.

“At the Winthrop P. Rockefeller Cancer Institute, we recently reviewed an interesting research proposal looking at the microbiome in patients with endometrial cancer,” he said. “Studies like this are essential to uncovering how the microbiome interacts with diet, obesity and cancer development and, ultimately, how we might intervene.”

SHERWOOD

We are devoted to providing high quality care which celebrates the dignity and grace of every person who enters our facility.

At Sherwood Nursing and Rehab we are committed to providing the highest quality of patient care. Our qualified staff is here giving support for the tasks of day-to-day living, allowing for the enjoyment of more pleasant and carefree activities.

We specialize in Short-Term Rehabilitation and Long-Term Care services. 245 Indian Bay Drive Sherwood, AR

Phone: 501.834.9960 Fax: 501.834.5644

Mending the Line Mending the Line

MAYFLY PROJECT

FUNDRAISER BENEFITS FLY-FISHING PROGRAM FOR FOSTER YOUTH

By MARK CARTER

Fly-fishing dates back at least to the second century A.D., when the Roman author Claudius Aelianus recorded the technique as employed by Macedonian fishermen.

Almost ever since, fly-fishing has been considered as much therapeutic exercise as sporting endeavor. Dr. Herbert Benson, mind body medicine professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School in Boston and director emeritus of the Benson-Henry Institute for Mind Body Medicine at Massachusetts General Hospital, spoke this past summer about fly-fishing’s therapeutic properties.

“What better example of this than fly-fishing, with the repetitive back-and-forth motion of the rod and line and fly?” he said. “You’re focusing on where that fly is going to land on the water, and that breaks the train of everyday thought.”

The Mayfly Project, an Arkansas-based nonprofit that introduces foster children to fly-fishing, is celebrating its 10-year anniversary in 2025.

Its primary fundraiser, Mending the Line, is set to celebrate a successful first decade 6 to 9 p.m. Oct. 9 at Chenal Country Club in Little Rock. Doors open at 5 p.m. A limited number of tickets are available and can be purchased at themayflyproject.com. AY Media Group is the presenting media sponsor.

Mayfly co-founder Jess Westbrook said he expects a full house of 375 attendees. The event will include dinner and guest speakers sharing

project success stories, as well as live and silent auctions.

Live auction items include 3-carat lab-grown diamond earrings, a three-night stay for four adults at the Heber House at Primrose Creek by the Little Red River and a one-week stay for up to 14 at Fall River Lodge in Idaho that includes a 2/3 mile of private river access. All attendees will receive a complete fly-fishing gear set with rods, flies and accessories.

An avid outdoorsman and fly-fisherman, Westbrook founded the nonprofit with his wife, Laura, in 2015 and then partnered with Idaho mental health professional Kaitlin Barnhart to take the program national.

The Mayfly Project currently operates 65 individual “projects” in 32 states and two in the United Kingdom. Each project consists of a mentor and foster child connecting for five sessions of fly-fishing education. Foster parents, birth parents, caseworkers and group home workers are encouraged to participate to help ensure the children feel comfortable.

Five Arkansas projects are ongoing in Benton, Little Rock, Fayetteville, Texarkana and Paragould. The first four projects work with foster children from group homes, while the Paragould project works with children from individual foster families.

Though he had been a lifelong fly-fisher, Westbrook did not discover the healing properties of the sport until a period of severe anxiety following the birth of his son, Jase, in 2014. Through his church,

The Mayfly Project connects foster kids with fly-fishing mentors in 32 states and two countries. (Photos courtesy of the Mayfly Project)

Westbrook had also been introduced to mentoring youth in foster care, and a light bulb clicked.

Many of the foster kids he mentored had gone through some trauma, and Westbrook realized fly-fishing could afford these children the same sense of healing he had experienced.

“When we are fly-fishing, we’re so focused — casting, mending, watching for that perfect drift — that everything else fades away,” he said. “It gave me a mental break I couldn’t find anywhere else.”

Westbrook said the meditative rhythms of casting mixed with the calming effects of time in the water — and having a positive mentor available — are the ideal combination for a child in foster care. Flyfishing helps them reset their brains and find mental rest, improve selfesteem and self-confidence, create positive memories, manage stress and find “an anchor in the outdoors,” and learn about conservation, he added.

Once the idea was born, Westbrook commissioned local graphic artist Andrea Larko to design a logo, which found its way to Barnhart in northern Idaho. Barnhart, a lifelong fly-fisher herself, had been taking foster kids fly-fishing since 2006 as a way to help deal with the stress inherent to her work in child protective services and juvenile detention.

“Fly-fishing wasn’t just calming; it was empowering,” she said. “They were learning something new, challenging themselves and feeling

Casting Hope for Kids in Foster Care 10 Years

MENDING THE LINE FUNDRAISER

DATE: Thursday, Oct. 9, 2025

TIME: 6–9 p.m. (doors open at 5)

LOCATION: Chenal Country Club, Little Rock

TICKETS: Limited availability at themayflyproject.com

PRESENTED BY: AY Media Group

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

• Dinner and guest speakers sharing success stories

• Live and silent auction that will include:

- One-week stay for 14 at Fall River Lodge, Idaho (private river access)

- Three-night stay for four at the Heber House, Primrose Creek, Little Red River

- 3-carat lab-grown diamond earrings

Special gift: All attendees receive a complete fly-fishing gear set (rods, flies, accessories)

genuinely proud. That confidence is so important for kids who have been through so much.”

Barnhart found the Westbrooks through the Mayfly logo, and the trio built a national network of fly-fishing mentors, foster families and supporters. Projects entail one-on-one mentorship, group outings, conservation education and, as Westbrook noted, “unforgettable river adventures.”

“We help these remarkable kids build confidence, forge healthy connections and experience the joy of being in nature,” he said. “What started with two fly-fishing fanatics has blossomed into a large, growing nonprofit thanks to the amazing fly-fishing community and the mentees we love to serve.”

The Mayfly Project currently boasts a volunteer-mentor network of about 1,800 in the U.S. and U.K.

“It’s wild how fast it has grown,” Westbrook said. “I think it’s because fly-fishing people are really passionate. You connect them with the most vulnerable part of the population, and it really works. We’re just trying to create sustainable projects.”

That is where Mending the Line comes in.

Each project consists of a mentor and foster child connecting for five sessions of fly-fishing education. Foster parents, birth parents, caseworkers and group home workers are encouraged to participate to help ensure the kids feel comfortable.

“This is how we raise funds to cover our overhead and launch new projects,” he said, adding that the goal is to launch five new projects each year.

Mentors are volunteers from Mayfly communities who believe in the cause. Mentors do not have to be experienced fly-fishers, but it does not hurt. Either way, fly-fishing expertise is not necessarily the point.

“This is all about fly-fishing, but it has nothing to do with flyfishing,” he said.

Mayfly mentorship entails an application process, a reference check, a background check, an interview and training. The organization also has access to trauma-care videos and a handbook that teaches about the foster care system, trauma-informed care and inclusivity, communications and behavior-response guidelines, how to handle escalation and disruptive behaviors, conflict resolution and reporting, program rules, and tips about being an effective mentor and fly-fishing guide.

Feedback from caregivers and mentees has been overwhelmingly positive. Of participating foster children who responded to a Mayfly survey, 100 percent indicated they had fun; 85 percent were able to “leave behind at least some of their problems” while fishing; 100 percent indicated a desire to continue fishing after Mayfly; and 93 percent indicated a desire to spend more time in nature after Mayfly.

Of participating caregivers who responded, 97 percent believed their children had fun in Mayfly; 100 percent believed their children learned a lot about fly-fishing; 96 percent said their children were able to take a break from their troubles; and 100 percent said Mayfly created a safe project for the children.

“It’s been a cool ride, for sure,” Westbrook said. “We feel like the healing properties of fly-fishing and children in foster care is a perfect match.”

For more information on the Mayfly Project and the Mending the Line fundraiser, visit themayflyproject.com.

Briar wood Nursing and Rehab is a 120-bed skilled facility located in an urban setting within the heart of Little Rock, in the neighborhood of Briarwood. We are located just minutes from downtown Little Rock and are only one block off interstate 630.

We provide long-term care and short-term rehab care. All residents are monitored throughout the day with assistance in providing daily care as is needed: bathing, dressing, feeding and providing medications. Briarwood staff also work at ensuring the best care for residents through individual care plans of residents' needs, as well as daily activities, which allow for a variety of interests and abilities.

Nearly all - 98 percent - of our rehab residents return to the community as a result of positive, caring therapists. Briarwood's approach has provided healing to many people in the community.

At Briarwood Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, we are committed to ensuring that the best possible care is given to you or your loved one in an atmosphere that is calm, quiet and focused on healing. We endeavor to ensure that all aspects of your well-being — mental, physical and spiritual — are cared for in a peaceful and safe environment. Our staff strive to promote dignity, respect, and independence as much as possible, in a beautiful, soothing enviornment that was designed with our residents' comfort in mind. Briarwood's service-rich environment is made possible by its dedicated staff, from our nursing staff and therapists, to our operations and administrative employees. At Briarwood, our residents enjoy three generations of staff and families. That is over 30 years of service to the community!

murder mystery

By SARAH RUSSELL

HThat Laugh

er laugh was a thing of her own. It bounced off walls, landing in the hearts of all those around her where it remained.

Maybe, in the end, even he missed that laugh, but like her, he can no longer say.

It had been a sunny day, but it was night now, and in that house on Thornhill Drive, an ugly storm was brewing. A 911 call had come into dispatch from a frightened but still-coherent woman. In the background could be heard a mean, drunk husband and then a sudden terrified scream. A few moments of nothing and, from the background, a male voice: “You wanted it like this.”

Her cellphone was lying next to her lifeless body when officers of the Fayetteville Police Department got there, and from that phone, the voice of the dispatcher could still be heard. Response had been immediate but still too late. Dr. Amy Phelps, 39, was pronounced dead at the scene April 16, 2023.

Phelps was her birth name, but by her family’s request, she has, since her death, been referred to that way, since Marcus Joiner, her husband, was also her killer.

memorial services were held for her — in her Louisiana hometown, in her adopted home of Arkansas by her colleagues at Northwest Arkansas Pathology Associates and by the Nerdy Girls of Northwest Arkansas, who showed up in a palette of the bright, happy colors Phelps so often chose for herself.

Phelps had come to Arkansas to earn

a pathologist, medicine’s version of a detective, tracking down and analyzing diseases, a job that is weighty work in its level of responsibility.

The serious business of becoming a physician was held in interesting juxtaposition to her being a part of the Nerdy Girls. She was one of the several thousand women in the social group, their commonality of which is an anything-goes-type attitude as far as interests, activities and personalities. As Phelps once explained to a newcomer, Julie Storing, “everybody has something nerdy about them.” Storing left her first encounter with Phelps feeling what so many people did, that her new friend’s warmth was a longneeded hug.

A quiet tsunami of grief began that night, rippling quickly from that small cul-de-sac out to all whose lives she had impacted. Three

Arkansas for Medical Services in Little Rock. Becoming a pathologist is not a path for the quasicommitted, since years of study merely served as a gateway to more years in residency. No matter; Phelps was determined to become

Whatever was going on at the house on Thornhill, however, was carefully concealed. No one saw it coming, which made the unusual callousness of Joiner not only not running but reentering the house after killing her unnerving.

There were charges and then a string of frustrating delays in bringing the accused before a judge. At some point, it must have become all too apparent even to Joiner that given a trial, his side of the courtroom would be bare, both of supporters and reasonable doubt.

He agreed to a life sentence on a plea deal, saying in court, “I stabbed her until she died,” but it was an unusually short stretch. On Feb. 2, 2025, almost a year to the day of his plea, Joiner took his own life while incarcerated at the East Arkansas Regional Unit in Brickeys.

This particular stanza was completed, but the deadly beat goes on in Arkansas. In Hot Springs Village this June, Stephen Gantz was celebrating his 54th birthday, during which he allegedly unloaded his gun at Lourdes Núñez Burgos, firing until there were no bullets left. Then he got in his SUV and drove off.

A native of Paraguay, Burgos was a 42-year-old successful businessperson who spoke multiple languages. She had now, she thought, added the language of love to that list, having fallen hard for Gantz, who she initially met online. After a year of dating, Burgos became Mrs. Gantz in January. On June 12, she was pronounced dead. After the Arkansas State Crime Lab issued their report, Gantz’s murder charges were upgraded because Burgos was pregnant at the time of her death.

Phelps and Burgos were both the type of woman often assumed to be safe from domestic violence, but the truth runs counter to that perception. According to statistics posted by the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence, more than 40 percent of women and more than 34 percent of men are currently or have been victims of domestic violence. It is important to note

those numbers only represent the reported cases; the exact numbers of those suffering in silence, too afraid to call for help, remain their secret.

Domestic violence calls are also one of the most dangerous for first responders. Not only must they try to save a victim and subdue a perpetrator, but they must also protect the public while doing so — all at great personal risk. Gantz did not just drive off in his car after killing Burgos; he led the Hot Springs Village Police Department officers on a high-speed chase that risked their lives, as well as those of the general public.

October has been designated Domestic Violence Awareness Month, its symbol a purple ribbon. The month is meant to educate the public, particularly those most vulnerable, about sources of help available, many as close as a phone call or a keystroke.

Storing said she regards Phelps’ death as senseless, as are they all, but one thing that could not be eradicated was the power of Phelps’ laughter.

“I will never have that laugh, but I want to at least try to embody the spirit of her laughter and just keep it going,” Storing said. “That really is her legacy with us.”

Rehabilitative

Armadillos

By Joe David Rice

My first experience with a robust armadillo did not occur until I was in my mid-30s. All previous encounters had involved unfortunate armadillos of the twodimensional variety, sadly but thoroughly flattened by traffic on the highways.

On this memorable occasion, the creature was quite active, busily digging into the thin soil alongside a hiking trail in the Ozark National Forest. Oblivious to my presence, it vigorously scraped the dirt for a while with its front feet, nosed through the upturned earth, and then rooted around some more. When it finally noticed me, the armadillo turned and waddled into the brush, not at all concerned.

Since then, I have enjoyed several additional armadillo experiences. I am always fascinated by the strange little beast. Biologists have also found them interesting — and it is easy to understand why.

For one thing, the nine-banded armadillo is a relative newcomer to the Natural State, first migrating into Arkansas from Texas about a century ago. The armadillo — a word that means “little armored one” in Spanish — now lives in all 75 Arkansas counties, scouring the landscapes for beetles, ants, spiders, grubs, earthworms, maggots and crawfish. Its armor is a series of hard, bony plates covering the head, body and even the tail. Although their eyesight is poor, armadillos can hear well and have an excellent sense of smell, which helps in their search for food.

Armadillos mate in late summer, and the young are born the following spring in a nest deep within a burrow. Armadillos reach sexual maturity at age 1, and females reproduce once a year. Each litter is composed of a set of identical quadruplets.

With their long snouts and pointy ears, armadillos are, at least in my estimation, sort of cute, but like nearly all wild animals, they do not make good pets, and one reason in particular stands out. Armadillos can carry leprosy. Recent reports indicate that up to 20 percent of armadillos in some regions are infected with the dread disease.

The solitary, largely nocturnal mammals have a 12- to 15-year lifespan, providing they stay away from highways. When startled, their natural reaction is to leap straight up about 3 feet, a height approximately equal to the grill of an automobile — thus the numerous instances of armadillo roadkill.

Since all four young in every litter are genetically identical, the nine-banded armadillo has proven especially useful in biochemical and immunological studies. While two of the siblings can be used as “control” examples, the remaining two can be used to test the effectiveness of trial vaccines or other treatments for disease.

For decades, Frank Knight and his wife, Amanda Withnell, raised armadillos in what they call an “armadillarium” on their Johnson County farm. Most of the young were destined for use in research labs working on leprosy cures. According to Knight, a man who’s made a career of studying creatures, armadillos are “the most interesting and unusual animal in North America.” During his teaching tenure at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, he and his students researched armadillo growth, physiology and behavior. Knight even sampled armadillo milk, which, he noted, tastes like the milk from cows.

The southeast Arkansas community of Hamburg celebrates this unique mammal with its World Famous Armadillo Festival the first weekend of May. The longstanding family-oriented event offers entertainment, food and carnival rides for children and adults alike. Plus, visitors get a chance to see a small herd of living, three-dimensional armadillos up close at the annual armadillo race.

Joe David Rice, former tourism director at the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism, wrote Arkansas Backstories, a delightful book of short stories from A through Z that introduces readers to the state’s lesser-known aspects. Rice’s goal is to help readers acknowledge that Arkansas is a unique and fascinating combination of land and people — a story to be proud of and one certainly worth sharing.

Each month, AY About You will share one of the 165 distinctive essays. We hope these stories will give readers a new appreciation for this geographically compact but delightfully complex place we call home. These Arkansas Backstories columns appear courtesy of the Butler Center for Arkansas Studies at the Central Arkansas Library System. The essays have been collected and published by Butler Center Books in a two-volume set, both of which are now available to purchase on Amazon and at the University of Arkansas Press.

SIX BRIDGES BOOK FESTIVAL

September 28 – October 5 | Little Rock, Arkansas

Where Stories Connect Us

Join more than 40 writers, illustrators, and storytellers at the Six Bridges Book Festival. Experience conversations, readings, and events that celebrate the power of words.

Dr. Carly Anne York & Jasmin Graham

The Salmon Cannon and the Levitating Frog: And Other Serious Discoveries of Silly Science and Sharks Don’t Sink: Adventures of a Rogue Shark Scientist Wed., Oct. 1 | 6–7 PM | Ron Robinson Theater

Annabel Monaghan & Regina Black

It’s A Love Story and August Lane Sat., Oct. 4 | 1–2 PM | Ron Robinson Theater

Register and view the full list of authors at SixBridgesBookFestival.org

Trusted for s peci al del iver ies.

Named “Best Place to Have a Baby ” by

AY readers for six consecutive years

Nurser y alliance with Arkansas Children’s Hospital

Specialized team including a newborn speech pathologist and a neonatolog y APRN

Our Labor & Delivery team brings together innovative services and specialized care to welcome your baby into the world – with compassionate providers here for you both. This is not mass-produced health care This is your family’s health care.