ONE FAMILY’S JOURNEY TO SAFETY—FINDING COMMUNITY ALONG THE WAY
INSIDE ROGERS’ EXPANDING NETWORK OF GATHERING PLACES SHAPING COMMUNITY LIFE
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Home is Where the Mess Is
When my wife and I first met, I was living in a two-bedroom apartment by myself. It was always immaculately clean. Having no pets, no kids, and being a single guy who barely cooked and worked more than I was home, it wasn’t exactly a tall order to keep a place clean. I loved it. Clean lines, simple and timeless furniture, a handful of meaningful pieces of art and maps on the wall, and never any clutter in sight.
But life changes and so does your home. The first change was my wife, Kayla. She’s a tidy person, but she brought with her a pair of dogs. Large dogs. Shedding dogs. A beautiful Red Golden named Holly and a big Yellow Lab named Andy. And that was my first experience with dog hair in my home. I bought a Dyson Animal vacuum cleaner immediately. Little did I know that my war against pet hair was just beginning. I was fighting a full-blown occupation with a resistance of one.
By the time we moved into our home in NWA, we had another dog named Huck and would soon have a pup named Hattie. They also shed. Oh, and a cat. I was still fighting the good fight, armed with my trusty Dyson and, by this point, an upgrade in artillery in the form of a Bissell Pet Pro shampooer. (I’m realizing at this point in the letter that it sounds like my wife never cleans—for the record, she does. A lot.)
Enter the superior force, the juggernaut: a toddler named Beckett. We’ve dubbed him “Wreck-It Beckett.” Toys litter the battlefield. Wooden blocks have infiltrated the furthest corners of our home. The bombardment of laundry is never ending. We spent most of last night working to convert our sunroom into a playroom. We plan, in vain I’m sure, to contain the destruction to one room of the house.
I’ll keep fighting the good fight, but if the mess is the cost of this life, I’ll take it. Looking back, that apartment was so clean, but feels so empty to me now. No dogs on the couch for coffee in the morning, no giggling toddler leaving a mess of toys in his wake. My perspective of “home” has changed a lot over the last several years, but it’s always been for the better.
1: George & Susan Knight with their daughter during Downtown Rogers Restaurant Week. 2: Rogers Heritage High School students volunteer with NWA Food Bank. 3: NWA Corvette Club met at Lasang Pinoy for the restaurant's largest "boodle fight" to date. 4: Dr. Vanessa Branch and Dr. Drake Branch, founders of Veralux in Rogers. 5: Myriam with Animal Medical Center in Rogers. 6: Ribbon-cutting ceremony at Veralux Health, Arkansas’ first dedicated whole-body MRI screening center. 7: Celebrating at Lasang Pinoy.
Premier Dermatology | Aesthetics & Wellness is proud to open our newest location at the Walmart Campus on March 2nd. Welcoming both Walmart associates and the community, this beautiful new space is designed to elevate your experience in skin health, aesthetics, and whole-body wellness.
Join us as we celebrate our Grand Opening on March 5th and discover a new era of personalized wellness.
Photo Credit: Brisa Castaneda Cobble
business monthly
Lasang Pinoy Launches Lunch & Learn Series
Lasang Pinoy restaurant has launched a bi-weekly Lunch & Learn series, held Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to noon. Each session features a local expert leading a focused discussion on a single, highly-specific topic. The format is designed to keep learning practical and accessible, breaking down ideas into small, actionable takeaways that participants can absorb in about 45 minutes over lunch. This month's events are on March 4 & 18. Learn more: facebook.com/LasangPinoyofNWA
Tax Efficient Strategies for High-Net-Worth Families
Join Mach 1 Financial Group at the Harding University Rogers Campus on Wednesday, April 8, at noon. This will be an exclusive, in-depth discussion focused on tax-smart strategies for high-net-worth families. Mach 1 representatives will demonstrate powerful planning techniques, reveal ways you may be able to maximize your deductions, and outline key tax law changes that could impact your financial future. Lunch will be provided. Registration is required. RSVP at https:// www.tickettailor.com/events/mach1financialgroup/1990612
Next Gen Golf Classic Presented by Mach 1 Financial Group
Looking to "drive change" in the next generation? The Next Gen Charity Golf Classic presented by Mach 1 Financial Group benefits five local charities focused on helping children in Northwest Arkansas. These nonprofits include: Loving Choices Pregnancy Resource Center, Northwest Arkansas Children's Shelter, Children & Family Advocacy Center, The CALL in NWA, and Fellowship of Christian Athletes. Create a team and enjoy a round of golf for a good cause. Call (479) 876-2100.
Photography by Meredith Mashburn Photography
S P R I N G C L E A N I N G Y O U R H O M E ?
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disclosures.mach1fg.com
W H A T I S N E W S P R I N G ' 2 6 i n
- D ss e sA ss ori G i f t B stek
A PLACE TO CALL HOME
AFTER FLEEING VIOLENCE IN EL SALVADOR, THE MARTINEZ FAMILY HAS REBUILT A LIFE OF SAFETY, COMMUNITY, AND TOGETHERNESS IN ROGERS
ARTICLE BY HEATHER JARVIS
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEREDITH MASHBURN
Gatherings at the Martinez household are raucous, laughter-filled affairs, with more than 50 relatives filling the home of family anchors Miguel and Rosa. Three generations crowd the kitchen and living room— cooking, trading good-natured ribbing over plates of food, or breaking into games like Jenga or “balloon stomp,” a frenetic contest that ends only when one person is left standing with an intact balloon tied to their ankle. With 13 adult children between them, Miguel and Rosa are also grandparents to 31 grandchildren, ranging in age from 5 months to 25 years old. One of their seven sons, William, lives with them, while the
“The violence at that time (in El Salvador), we were really scared that anything would happen to any of us.”
Rosita and William Martinez.
rest of their children and grandchildren reside near their home in East Rogers, turning frequent get-togethers into a rhythm of everyday life.
The liveliness of these gatherings belies a far more difficult past. Originally from Metapán, a city in northwestern El Salvador near the Guatemalan border, the family fled their homeland in two waves—Rosa and four of her children arriving in Arkansas in 2017, followed by another 15 family members in 2018. In a Central American country shaped by decades of civil war and gang violence, daily life in El Salvador was marked not only by deep poverty, but intense fear.
“The violence at that time, we were really scared that anything would happen to any of us,” says Rosita Martinez, 24, the youngest of Miguel and Rosa’s children.
In El Salvador, the Martinez family worked in agriculture, but job opportunities were scarce, and people in their city who found work were often robbed. In the early 2000s, one of Rosita’s brothers and her father went to the United States to work, to help provide for their family back home. But because of this, people in El Salvador assumed the family had money and targeted them for extortion, despite the fact that the Martinezes barely had enough to survive themselves.
Rosita hesitates when talking about the past—she doesn’t feel comfortable revealing all of the painful circumstances that led to their departure from their home country. With the fear and insecurity becoming unbearable, the family applied for refugee status in the United States. Rosita says it was a comprehensive process involving interviews and medical examinations that took a year and a half to complete. To their family’s immense relief, they were able to join the rest of their family living in the U.S., leaving behind the life they had known for the prospect of safety—and opportunity.
“Everything is beautiful here, the people have made us feel welcome. And the people at Canopy have made us feel like part of their family.”
FINDING COMMUNITY
Rosita was 15 when her family arrived in Northwest Arkansas—not only did she have to adjust to living in a new country and learning a new language, she also had to adjust to public high school.
The family was assisted by Canopy NWA, a nonprofit organization based in Fayetteville that provides resettlement services to refugees. Canopy NWA helped the Martinez family find jobs, enroll in school, and find housing and furnishings.
“They really help a lot with everything, and they are still there for us at any time,” Rosita says.
While it was difficult at first for her family to adjust, she emphasizes the sense of relief and excitement they felt.
“We really felt different, because it’s a different country, a different culture, a different language, but we really felt safe here—like, a lot,” she says.
Rosita, who is now married with a 1-yearold daughter, works at a Head Start program. Her brother William works for a concrete supplier a few miles away from his house. Their siblings’ children attend Rogers public schools and are thriving. They can work and live without the constant fear for their own lives and the safety of their children.
“I feel like it’s just a safe country, and we have jobs … we have money to eat every day, and to have a home,” Rosita says.
While the hardest part of being away from their home country has been missing the culture, childhood friends, food, and the family they left behind, Rosita says the community of friends and neighbors they’ve found in Rogers has helped make the area feel like home.
“Everything is beautiful here, the people have made us feel welcome,” Rosita says. “And the people at Canopy have made us feel like part of their family.”
Three generations of the Martinez family.
BUILT FOR COMMUNITY
As Rogers continues to grow, investments in arts, recreation, and gathering spaces are strengthening connection
ARTICLE BY KARA ISHAM
When many of us think of “home,” we not only think of the walls in which we reside, but also the greater community that we call our own. The City of Rogers, which incorporated in
Photo by Kara Isham
“The city is committed to providing community spaces that are available to all.”
1881, has experienced the same explosive growth in population as the rest of Northwest Arkansas, meaning city officials have had to work to provide amenities and services that help everyone in the community feel like Rogers is “home.”
Kinya Christian, arts and cultural manager for the City of Rogers, says the number one factor city officials consider when planning community spaces is accessibility.
“Our spaces are community driven in the respect that they are reflective of the community,” she says. “The city is committed to providing community spaces that are available to all.”
She says this accessibility includes keeping activities open for people of all socio economic backgrounds, offering many free community
events, and attempting to keep the paid attractions at affordable rates.
One of the main areas that the city has supported the community, Kinya says, is through its arts and culture offerings. The city has curated several spaces to enjoy the visual and performing arts, including the Railyard Park outdoor performance space in downtown that is home to the popular Railyard Live series held in the summer.
The city also operates The Victory Theater, a nearly 100-year-old space that is currently undergoing renovations because of damage incurred in the May 2024 tornado. Scheduled to be reopened this May, the space has been redesigned so it can once again be a home to music, culture, and theater.
The Victory is home to Arkansas Public Theatre, a community group that has been bringing live theater to
Photo courtesy
City of Rogers
the area for nearly 40 years. Arkansas Public Theatre is planning to return to the stage within a few months of The Victory’s opening, and is planning a six-show season for the upcoming year.
Along with live theater, The Victory will also host as many as five film festivals this upcoming year, including the Rogers Short Film Festival.
The venue is also looking to bring regional, national, and touring music acts to the stage.
Along with The Victory, the city also uses the Events Prairie View Center at Mt. Hebron Park for cultural events.
The city also has a vibrant visual arts scene, being home to many public murals, galleries, and art installations. Downtown Rogers also hosts the monthly Art on the Bricks, highlighting the work of local artists.
“These spaces embrace the artistic expression of local artists through multidisciplinary means such as film, music, visual arts, and performing arts,” Kinya says. “And the city is intentional about how we tie these into all the experiences we offer.”
Along with arts and cultural spaces, the city has developed outdoor recreation areas for all ages to enjoy.
The Parks and Recreation Department oversees more than 660 acres of land, containing 20 parks and over 70 miles of trail systems, including connections to the Razorback Greenway.
Many of the parks offer not only a place for kids to play and adults to enjoy recreation, but also a place for outdoor fairs, community events, and other public gatherings.
Popular outdoor spaces include Railyard Plaza, The Railyard Bike Park, Lake Atalanta, the Rogers Aquatic Center, and the Rogers Skate and Splash Park. One of the largest and oldest parks
Photo by Kinya Christian
“These spaces embrace the artistic expression of local artists through multidisciplinary means ... and the city is intentional about how we tie these into all the experiences we offer.”
in Rogers is Northwest Park. The park had just completed major renovations before being damaged by the 2024 tornado. Scheduled to reopen in May, the park will once again serve as a key community hub for youth sports. Featuring eight renovated fields, new turf, lighting, concessions, and a playground, the park will also have amenities like pavilions, walking trails, and restrooms.
Other popular community spaces that help Rogers feel like home are the farmer’s markets held spring through fall downtown on Saturdays and Mount Hebron on Wednesdays.
The Rogers Public Library, which is scheduled to complete tornado renovations and re-open this spring, is another vital community space offering classes and meeting spaces. The Rogers Activity Center and the Rogers Wellness Center for seniors also play a major role in the health and vitality of the community.
With so many new residents joining those who have lived in the community for years or even decades, the city is always open to suggestions about what other amenities and spaces could make Rogers feel like “home.”
Photo courtesy City of Rogers
Photo by Kinya Christian
Totally Unique Airbnbs
From modern A-frames to a treehouse, these unique stays offer design-forward retreats rooted in nature
ARTICLE BY HEATHER JARVIS
WALNUT HIDEAWAY
Set along the shoreline of Beaver Lake, Walnut Hideaway offers a distinctive stay designed for travelers seeking both outdoor adventure and quiet retreat. This custom-built shipping container cabin is tucked among the trees, blending modern design with its natural surroundings.
“I’ve always been drawn to unique spaces and getaways,” says owner Haven Nutt. “I liked the idea of a shipping container cabin for its durability, simplicity, and uniqueness, and thought it would be perfect on our wooded property on the lake. I had the most fun designing it.”
The 280-square-foot interior is a compact yet thoughtfully designed space, perfect for couples or a solo traveler. A 400-squarefoot covered patio area offers a gas grill and pizza oven combo, and the rooftop deck is complete with a private hot tub.
The cabin is located within Heart Haven, a lakefront retreat and event space nestled within a private peninsula on the lake. Guests have access to on-site hiking trails, stand-up paddleboards and canoes for lake exploration, as well as communal pickleball courts and swimming dock. Optional upgrades range from boat rentals and garden-to-table meals to paddleboard yoga, cooking classes, dockside Pilates, and massage services.
On the Heart Haven property there are several other cabins to choose from if traveling with family or friends. Adding to the remote retreat feel, a pig, goat, dogs, ducks, and chickens can all be found on the property, and guests are encouraged to wander to the chicken coop in the mornings to grab fresh, organic freerange eggs. Learn more: hearthaven.us
Photos courtesy Haven Nutt
MODERN A-FRAME RETREAT
This fully renovated A-frame near Beaver Lake preserves its cozy, cottage-like character while introducing modern furnishings and updated décor throughout. After purchasing the property in 2025, owners Stephen Smith and Chadwick Turner undertook a comprehensive renovation—from the roof and exterior to the interior finishes and landscaping—reimagining the cabin from the ground up.
“We wanted the renovation to feel warm and inviting while staying true to the A-frame’s mid-century charm,” Stephen says.
Inside, large windows flood the interior with natural light, while a floorto-ceiling fireplace anchors the living space. Outside, guests can unwind in the hot tub, sauna, or cold plunge pool, or gather around the fire pit area after a day of exploring the lake. A fenced-in yard completes the functionality of this pet-friendly property.
“Between the architecture and the outdoor sauna, hot tub, and cold plunge, the home naturally lends itself to the kind of retreat-like escape we set out to create,” Stephen adds. Learn more: modernaframecottage.com
“We wanted the renovation to feel warm and inviting while staying true to the A-frame’s mid-century charm.”
Photos by Chadwick Turner Photography
REMOTELY ROGERS
Set on a sprawling 70-acre property, Remotely Rogers is a small A-frame cabin community that offers flexibility for both solo escapes and group getaways, with the option to book a single cabin or reserve multiple stays at once.
Each of the six modern A-frames are highlighted by floorto-ceiling windows that frame the surrounding forest and fill the space with natural light. Inside, two sleeping areas include an open loft where guests wake up immersed in treetop views. Outside, the property invites exploration with creeks, ponds, and walking paths winding through the wooded landscape.
“The most unique aspect of the property, in my opinion, is its remote feel without being far from anything, hence the name Remotely Rogers,” says owner Jeff Wolfe. Learn more: remotelyrogers.com
Photo by Darol Colvin, DC Photography
Photo by Darol Colvin, DC Photography
Photo courtesy Jeff Wolfe
THE TREEHOUSE
Nestled within the woods, the Treehouse offers a serene escape that feels both modern and thoughtfully connected to nature. The newly built, two-story home near Beaver Lake was intentionally designed to blend into its forested setting rather than simply sit within it.
“What sets it apart is that it was built from the ground up specifically as a treehouse stay, not a converted structure or a standard short-term rental,” says owner Dustin Williams.
Vaulted pine ceilings, an open layout, and expansive windows bring the outdoors in, while a ladder-access loft and thoughtfully placed deck were designed to enhance the treehouse experience while still offering modern comfort. A hot tub, electric fireplace, fast Wi-Fi, and individual temperature controls ensure the seclusion doesn’t come at the expense of convenience.
Located in the Beaver Shores area, it feels tucked away—yet remains just minutes from Rogers, Bentonville, and Northwest Arkansas’s expansive outdoor recreation.
“The feedback guests mention most is how secluded and private the treehouse feels while still being close to town,” Dustin says.
Photos courtesy Offbeat Retreats
MID-CENTURY WARMTH, REIMAGINED
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY DAN JENKINS, AMANDA PROUDFIT
There’s a certain moment when a house stops feeling new and starts feeling like home. It isn’t marked by square footage or finishes alone. It is something quieter, more emotional. In this home, designer Kate Manz set out to do exactly that: give a newly built home a heartbeat and a soul.
Rather than treating the house as one sweeping statement, she approached each room as its own story, layered with meaning, memory, and texture. The result is a home that feels collected, personal, and deeply lived-in.
“Tackling each space and room as its own story and concept is how to make a new space feel personal,” Manz explains. “But bringing it all together cohesively is always the challenge.”
Her solution? Warmth, intention, and a strong belief in the power of people. In new builds it can take years for a home to shed its newness. For this project, the goal was to fast-track that sense of belonging by layering in pieces with history and heart. Vintage market finds, local artists, and meaningful objects play a starring role throughout the home.
“My love for design goes hand in hand with the people and stories that bring it to life,” she says. “I absolutely love seeing the evolution from concept to completion and all the elements and people that help bring those ideas to reality.”
That philosophy becomes especially important in the home’s expansive open-concept living area, where scale could easily overpower intimacy.
THE OPEN CONCEPT, REIMAGINED
The main living space is defined by bringing the outside in with sweeping outdoor views and generous proportions. Rather than fighting that openness, embrace it.
“The big open concept room really highlights the expansive outdoor views,” she says, “but making intimate spaces within that open room was really important.”
A layered niche wall, created in collaboration with the interior architect Nick Flower, brings both structure and softness to the room. It introduces texture, depth, and a place for unique objects and family heirlooms to live, turning negative space into a personal gallery.
MATERIALS:
Cole
DESIGN TAKEAWAY:
In large rooms, architectural details like niches, built-ins, or material changes can create visual rhythm while giving meaningful objects a true home.
ENTRYWAY: A WARM WELCOME
The entryway sets the tone with a simple but powerful goal: Welcome to my home.
Natural stone underfoot grounds the space, while a soft vintage rug and living greenery immediately soften the experience. Art with personal meaning invites guests to linger rather than rush through.
MATERIALS:
DESIGN TAKEAWAY:
An entryway doesn’t need to be loud to be memorable. Combine tactile materials with one or two meaningful elements to create an instant emotional connection.
Luca split stone pavers, Vintage Turkish rug, Plants, Virginia Sin Wall hook
POWDER BATH: SMALL ROOM, BOLD SPIRIT
If there’s one place Manz encourages clients to take risks, it’s the powder room. Here, she leaned into terracotta earth tones, layering textures and tile sizes for visual interest and warmth. Patterned and solid tiles work together, while textured wall coverings and a sculptural stone sink elevate the space from functional to delightful.
MATERIALS:
Particular Tile in Satin Terracotta and Vanilla Bean, Arté Wallcovering Shards in Brick Red, Red travertine sink, Rachel Donath chunky mirror, Playful art work by Olivia Fields
DESIGN TAKEAWAY:
Small spaces are ideal for experimentation. Mix patterns, finishes, and textures within a tight color family to create depth without overwhelm.
LOUNGE: A STUDY IN CALM AND DEPTH
Designed as a counterpoint to the openness of the main living area, the lounge is a cocoon, both peaceful, layered, and deeply versatile. It’s a place for reading, movie nights and slow mornings. Rich tones and varied textures do the heavy lifting here, creating depth without heaviness. Soft lighting and custom upholstery make the room feel both intentional and effortless.
MATERIALS:
Virginia Sin pendant light, In Common With sconce, Arté Oblong wall covering in Ochre, Particular Tile in Vapor, Custom sage velvet sofa, Plush Vintage Moroccan rug
DESIGN TAKEAWAY:
When a room serves many purposes, let texture and tone create cohesion. A restrained palette with varied finishes keeps the space flexible and serene.
At its core, this home is a reminder that design isn’t about perfection, but rather it’s about feeling. By treating each room as its own narrative while weaving in warmth, history, and human connection, a space was created that already feels loved.
PROJECT CREDITS Builder - Buildwell Architect and
Designer - Kate Manz
Host Without the Hassle
With Personal Chef Services by House Cured Culinary
From elegant six-course tasting menus to relaxed, family-style meals, Executive Chef Kevin McCombs of House Cured Culinary will customize your dream menu and take your gathering to the next level. Every detail is handled — from shopping to cleanup — while the full menu is prepared fresh onsite, creating an experience to remember. Focus on your guests — we’ll take care of the rest. www.housecuredculinary.com 970-389-4782 | chefkevinmccombs@gmail.com @housecuredculinary
MARCH 2026
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING
LOCAL EVENTS
MARCH 6TH
Masquerade Ball
Dance With Me Studio by Aura | 7:00 PM
Step into an enchanting evening of elegance and mystery to celebrate the transition from winter into a season of romance, rhythm, and renewal. Arrive with a partner or come solo. Event highlights include: a 50-minute waltz dance class, social dancing, games and raffles, a photo booth, wine, and hors d’oeuvres. Tickets are $30 at dancewithmestudiobyaura.com.
MARCH 10TH
Wine, Women & Wealth
Baked by Kori | 6:30 PM
Wine, Women & Wealth is a relaxed evening where women come together to talk about money, mindset, and making meaningful progress—all over a glass of wine. The gathering follows a book club format, with discussion centered on “You Are a Badass at Making Money” by Jen Sincero. This is a supportive, no-judgment space to connect, learn, and grow.
MARCH 13TH – 15TH
NWA Home Show
Rogers Convention Center
Meet trusted builders, remodelers, designers, and home-improvement pros—all in one place. The original and largest Home Show in Northwest Arkansas returns with hands-on demos, show-only deals, and inspiration for every room.
CONTINUED >
$1,000 OFF WHOLE-HOME BACKUP THROUGH MARCH 31ST!
Whole-Home & Partial Generator Backup to meet any budget. With prices starting at $695, you can't afford not to be prepared for Arkansas weather.
Dependa crafts
CONTINUED
MARCH 14TH
St. Patrick’s Day Party
Rendezvous Junction Brewing Co. | 11:00 AM
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at Rendezvous Junction Brewing Co., featuring seasonal beer releases and Irish-inspired offerings. Food will be available from Delta Crawfish and Cachi Taqueria, along with themed décor and photo opportunities throughout the space.
MARCH 17TH
Red Bugs & Green
Beer: Natural State
St. Paddy’s Day
Natural State Beer Company | 12:00 PM
Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with Natural State Beer and Delta Crawfish for Red Bugs & Green Beer. Delta Crawfish will be parked out front serving up crawfish or gumbo platters with all the fixings. No tickets required.
MARCH 28TH
Rogers Time Travelers
Vintage Expo
Rogers Convention Center | 10:00 AM Time Travelers Vintage Expo is a traveling vintage market featuring vendors from across the country. The event includes a range of vintage clothing, home goods, and retro-inspired handmade items, with styles and price points to suit a variety of interests. The expo emphasizes small businesses, sustainability, and creative reuse, offering a broad look at contemporary vintage culture.
