May 2012

Discover Conway

Conway is one of the state’s fastest growing and progressive cities. Join us as we tour colleges and businesses, and speak with some its residents in this special Excursion section.

Health: Battling ALS While Banking On A Cure

A diagnosis of an incurable, fatal disease has not stopped J. Thomas May, president and CEO of Simmons First National Bank.

By Sally Graham

Excursion: Conway Glory Daze

There is so much to do in this booming central Arkansas city. From shops and restaurants downtown to festivals and other community events, there is always something to fill your calendar.

By Amy Bowers

Easter Seals Enriches

For nearly 70 years, Easter Seals Arkansas has quietly worked, assisting Arkansans with disabilities as well as their families. While many are aware the organization serves children, the services they offer adults are less known.

By Angela E. Thomas

Excursion Spotlight: Gourmet & Antiques … A Perfect Union

Conway’s downtown district is in the midst of a vibrant renewal. Key to downtown revitalization is walkability as well as places to shop, dine and be entertained. You’ll find just the place at Cross Creek Sandwich Shop.

By Angela E. Thomas

My Opinion: You Are What You Think

What WOULD we think about if every single thought didn’t bring with it not only a realization of our current girth, but also delicious plans for further additions to it? Can’t even imagine it — ghosts of Twinkies past, present and future assail us at every turn. I suppose we might already have found cures for dreaded diseases and/or figured out the solution to world peace, had we not been so distracted by the anticipation of our next meal — and the tragic results of the last few on our dress size.

BY JILL CONNER BROWNE

North by Northwest: On a Mission

Founded in 2009 by Kent and Becky Shaffer, Saving Grace is a local mission that helps young women in transition, ages 17 to 24, aging out of foster care, group homes, homelessness, and/or dealing with life without a sustaining network of relationships. The mission of Saving Grace is to be a “Christ-centered, safe harbor offering acceptance, restoration and hope to young women of northwest Arkansas, preparing them for interdependent living.”

By Mille Alderman

Indulge: Get out and Party!

Spring has sprung, and it’s the perfect time to take the party outdoors. Whether you’re attending a formal fête or an impromptu get together, we’ve got just the look for you.

Art Scene: The Rockefeller Influence on Arkansas Art

The Walton family was not the first to fund a major arts center in Arkansas. Winthrop Rockefeller — one of the state’s most notable philanthropists — blazed that trail by fundraising for, planning and opening Arkansas’ first state-wide arts center.

By Amy Bowers

Murder Mystery: The Cane Hill Murders

Lying in stark white contrast to the gray ashes around them, the bones of two little girls were viewed in horror by their neighbors in the Washington County community of Cane Hill. The morning light did little to dispel the dark deed committed the previous night, June 15, 1839. The carnage claimed the lives of William Wright and four of his children. Left to mourn the dead were five other children and Mrs. Wright, who had fled and run about a mile to sound the alarm at a neighboring household.

By Janie Jones

Final Thoughts

I don’t know what I’ll get Mom this Mother’s Day. But I do know we will take a drive, as we usually do when I visit. We’ll stop at a country store for something to drink — she always wants a Dr Pepper. And then we’ll set out for whatever adventures we can find along southeast Arkansas’ back roads.

by Sonny Rhodes

Sports: Winning is a Family Tradition

Brothers, foes, friends, family, national champions and United States Golf Association (USGA) history makers … all adjectives describing the Lee brothers, Louis and Stanford, from Heber Springs, Arkansas.

By Ron Balicki

Green Living: How to Throw a Green Party

From graduation celebrations to Memorial Day parties to summer potlucks and cookouts, this beautiful time of year — when the days are longer, and the temperature is warm but not too hot — is ripe for entertaining. However, anyone who has tossed a day-after bag full of plastic cups, plates and forks into the garbage knows how much waste one can accumulate. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps you can take to “green” your gathering:

By Eliza Borné

What I did on Summer Vacation

Arkansans don’t have to travel far to make new summer vacation memories. The Mountain Home and Ozark Mountain Region offers a myriad of ways to spend a couple of days or a couple of weeks. Boating, fishing, hiking, camping, dining, wine tastings, cooking classes … everyone can discover much to enjoy.

By Linda Burlingame

North By Northwest: Cattle Baroness: Cynthia Coughlin

She was a New York City girl who had to look up Arkansas on the map. She only expected to stay in the rural town of Bentonville for two years, at most. Thirty-three years later she’s still here, managing a 2,000-acre ranch and working tirelessly to integrate non-profits into the community

By Millie Alderman

North by Northwest: Say Ciao! to Traditional Italian Food

Multi-colored light envelops the brick establishment and cascades onto Center Street in Fayetteville, Ark., so sumptuously inviting, like a drink during prohibition. The building and the authentic cuisine are both historic, but the decor of the Italian restaurant modernizes the scene.

By Mille Alderman

Dwell: Big Style, Small Footprint

The petite 1,358 square foot, two-bedroom, two-bath house boasts sustainability from every angle of design and materials used.

By Millie Alderman

Tales From the South: The Nesting Loon

I would describe myself as impatient under the best of circumstances, but my two-year wait for Mei Li made impatience one of my core competencies, along with anxiety, despair, agitation and paranoia. Not only was I a bit long in the tooth, but I convinced myself that even those who had neither the desire nor the paperwork would be blessed with a child — except me. I would be denied my heart because it had to be obvious to everyone that I wasn’t mother material. I wasn’t the kind of woman who stopped to coo at every baby, who loved all children and felt a rush of maternal tenderness at their appearance. I thought far too many of them were no-neck monsters who sucked up their parents’ time, energy and disposable income. In fact, I had never had any desire for children until I met John, who once told my mother that after our initial introduction, I basically said, “I’m Susan, and I want to have your children.”

By Susan Toone

New Name, Same Mission

For five years, a group of dedicated volunteers — including AY staff members — have worked to raise much needed funds to help men and women in Arkansas bring big change to the lives of little ones.

By Angela E. Thomas

AY's Best - 2012

Once again, AY’s readers weigh in on the best in goods, services, entertainment, restaurants and more. Check the listing to find out if your “fav” made the cut.

P Allen: Smother Your Mother With Love

Remember lovingly crafting gifts for Mom when you were a child? Whether it was a macaroni masterpiece or a bouquet of tissue-paper flowers, she displayed each handmade present with great pride. This Mother’s Day, surprise mom again with do-it-yourself flower arrangements that she’ll be delighted to show off. You’ll benefit too as you’ll have a skill you can master once I show you an easy "how-to" for making flower arrangements. I’ve also included a few of my favorite flower bouquets to share as inspirations.

By P. Allen Smith

All Through Your House with Tobi Fairley

Welcome to “All Through Your House” with Tobi Fairley, a yearlong design journey to help you make your home more beautiful … NEXT STOP — The Living Room.

BY TOBI FAIRLEY

Create: It's Greek To Me

Here’s a menu that is perfect in late spring and summer. The dolma and baklava can be made in advance. I suggest you create an appetizer tray to enjoy with a glass of wine while the chicken is baking. Sit back and let the flavors transport you to a faraway place.

BY FAITH ANAYA