It’s not quite in the rearview mirror, but at least the storm cloud of coronavirus is no longer overhead. Graduations were canceled (or in my son’s case, postponed); weddings were rescheduled, and we know what happened to businesses throughout the country. I said it two months ago, we are #bettertogether. We are all hoping we weathered the worst storm we’ve ever witnessed and praying the rest of the year will be quiet. 

 

Here at AY Media Group, we have had to adapt and adjust like the rest of the planet. That meant Zoom meetings and a socially distanced staff along with magazines going to press later. But one thing didn’t change — our commitment to our readers. Print journalism is important for any community; we cherish what we do and are glad we can still deliver to your door stories that warm your heart, inspire us to achieve lofty goals and turn our dreams into reality. These are the stories from this issue. You’ll love 22-year-old Kaden Peebles who has been battling cancer for several years now. Editor-at-large Lisa Fischer said it in the article that Kaden “has been social distancing long before it was cool.” In coronavirus food news, editor Dustin Jayroe spoke with some restaurateurs like Rush Harding, who has a hand in that line of work where his son is owner and executive chef at Cache Restaurant. Harding tells us that he knew Cache wouldn’t break even by reopening in May, but he did it for a number of reasons, and one is to teach young people about battling adversity. Safety is his biggest concern, not the bottom line. That is what we have seen with the close-knit restaurant community. 

 

Speaking of the food scene, we have a new food editor. We are pleased to have Kevin Shalin of The Mighty Rib on board with us. Shalin knows the restaurant owners and restaurants and is well acquainted with the foodies in the state. Drop him a line anytime you hear of a restaurant opening or closing or want his honest opinion on a place. Email: kshalin@aymag.com.

 

We are tending to the health of our readers by informing men what the top-10 killers are. I know it sounds gruesome, but it’s really quite informative. Women can keep an eye out for the screenings their men need and make appointments ASAP with our fine medical community. 

 

In fact, let’s hear it for the boys! We have an impressive array of men selected to be inaugural “Men of Distinction” for June 2020. We are so impressed with their endeavors and energy to their chosen careers and commitment to their families. 

 

Finally, as I write this, pools have the squeals of children, businesses have put the “OPEN” sign back in the windows, and the state is banding together to support one another. I think Arkansans are uniquely qualified to do that. Let’s show the nation we are #bettertogether. Drop me a line and tell me how things are BETTER for you. hbaker@aymag.com. 

 

Until next month,

Heather Baker,

Publisher

hbaker@aymag.com