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WOMEN’S INC.By Women, For Women, About Women of Central Arkansas

GivingBack&making a difference

Women’s Inc. works very hard each month to highlight non-profits and individuals in our community who are making a difference. Want to give back in a big way this holiday season? Make a donation of your time or resources to your local church, neighbor in need, or to one of United Way’s local partner agencies:

American Red Cross -- Faulkner County Chapter813 Parkway Ave., Conway, AR 72032 Executive Director: Wayne Denson Website: www.redcrosslittlerock.org(501) 329-3571Bethlehem House930 Faulkner St., Conway, AR 72032 Executive Director: Judi Lively Website: www.bethlehemhouse.net (501) 329-4862 Big Brothers Big Sisters of North Central ArkansasP.O. Box 153, Conway, AR 72033 CEO: Melody Myers Website: www.bbbsnca.com (501) 336-9505Boys and Girls Club of Faulkner County1313 Deer St. , Conway, AR 720324 Grove St., Mayflower, AR 72106 Executive Director: Robert Wright (501) 329-8849 Children’s Advocacy Alliance (CASA 20th Judicial District)P.O. Box 1202, Conway, AR 72033Executive Director: Tess Fletcher Website: www.casa20th.org (501) 328-3347 City of Hope OutreachP.O. Box 11474, Conway, AR 72034Executive Director: Phillip Fletcher Website: www.cityhopeoutreach.com (501) 499-1042 Community Action Program for Central Arkansas (CAPCA)707 Robins St., Suite 118, Conway, AR 72034 Executive Director: Archie Musselman Website: www.capcainc.org (501) 329-3891 Community Connections2740 College Ave., Conway, AR 72034 Executive Director: Courtney Leach Website: www.communityconnectionsar.org (501) 329-5459 Community Service Inc.818 N. Creek Dr. , Conway, AR 72032 Director: Joyce Watson Website: www.communityserviceinc.com (501) 327-9788 Conway Cradle Care2400 Prince St., Conway, AR 72034 Executive Director: Diana Byrd Website: www.cradlecare.org (501) 730-0017 Conway Interfaith Clinic1301 N. Museum Rd., Conway, AR 72032 Executive Director: Kittie Aaron Website: www.conwayinterfaithclinic.org (501) 932-0559 Faulkner County Council on Aging (Senior Citizens Center)P.O. Box 1429, Conway, AR 72033 Executive Director: Diane Robinson (501) 327-2895Faulkner County Day SchoolP.O. Box 219, Conway, AR 72033 Executive Director: Ruth Castleberry Website: www.fcds-conway.org (501) 329-2164 Faulkner County Council on Developmental Disabilities1301 N. Museum Rd., P.O. Box 2407, Conway, AR 72033 Executive Director: Rennia Johnston (501) 327-3037 Girl Scouts Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma & Texas615 W. 29th St., North Little Rock, AR 72114 Website: www.girlscoutsdiamonds.org (501) 758-1020HAVEN House (Help for Abuse Victims in Emergency Need)Conway, AR 72032Executive Director: Jenny Morse Website: www.caiinc.org (501) 327-1701Step by Step, Center for Exceptional Children -- Perry County3345 Main St., Perry, AR 72125 Executive Director: Randy Ohlde (501) 662-4804 Women’s Shelter of Central ArkansasP.O. Box 2557, Conway, AR 72033 Executive Director: Beth Goodrich Website: www.conwaywomensshelter.com (501) 329-7405

WOMEN’S INC.EditorLori Quinn

Creative DirectorStewart Cole

Contributing WritersRachel Parker DickersonAngie HowardDr. Patricia KnottAndrea LennonJill McCollumSusan O’KeefeJennifer Stanley

Chief PhotographerBrandy Strain

Contributing PhotographersSara BlackLaura DerdenCourtney SpradlinGerald WashingtonLindsey Faith Watson

Retail Advertising Sales ManagerRhonda Overbey

Advertising CoordinatorsJackie BlackLeah Brown

Advertising SalesSarah AllenTara MallettJesica TalbertBetsey Willbanks

Advertising ArtistsJay PrinceKellie McAnulty

Editorial Advisory BoardNicolle FletcherHaley Crafton FowlerBeverly FreileyMary HarlanBecky HarrisNancy JacksonHelen LockhartVelda LuedersCandace MeeksMisty MorseCarol PattyLori RossMary Margaret SatterfieldTraci Kennedy SmithKatherine ThomasonStefanie Holt VannJessica Zimmerman

Women’s Inc. is published by the Log Cabin Democrat.

Questions or Comments?Call (501) 327-6621, e-mail: [email protected] or write to P.O. Box 969, Conway, AR, 72033

www.womensinc.net

Giving back

4 WOMEN’S INC. / NOVEMBER 2012 WWW.WOMENSINC.NET 5

contents

features columns

events

6 Cover storyDazzle Daze kicks off Nov. 15.

9 Q&AUnited Way’s Maret Cahill.

10 Big donationA gift to last a lifetime.

14 Helping othersJennifer Glover follows calling to Zambia.

16 DowntownStudio Skin’s open house benefits charity.

19 In the news

22 FoodComfort food: Beans and greens, golden sweet

cornbread and smooth sweat tea.

26 Homes: Gilbert Porch

28 Homes: Campbell Outdoor Space

31 ShoppingHome décor.

38 Community94 holiday merchants expected at Dazzle Daze.

11 SpiritualityGiving back by finding your identity in Christby Andrea Lennon

12 HealthLaughter might be the best medicineby Dr. Patricia Knott

20 BeautyOuch-less filler injection with microcannulaby Susan Isom

30 DesignDesigning for a causeby Helen Lockhart

32 GreenHalf-empty and half-full outlooksby Angie Howard

35 BeautyTis the season for leg vein treatmentby Annie Worley

36 LifeVote your conscienceby Fran Scroggins

37 Book Review“Ten Thousand Saints” by Eleanor Hendersonreview by Susan O’Keefe

33 Conway Symphony Designer House Bare Bones Party33 United Way Kick Off34 CASA Festival of Chairs

14



By Jennifer StanleyPhotos by Brandy Strain

Ladies, get in shopping mode! The 11th annual Dazzle Daze will be held Nov. 15-17 at the Conway Expo Center, which is located at 2505 East Oak (Highway 64). This year’s event, presented by The Conway Regional Women’s Council, promises to provide an amazing retail experience with 94 holiday merchants expected.

As in years past, the event merchants will offer jewelry, gourmet food, décor, clothing, toys, artwork and a number of additional items for purchase. Following are some of the highlights of this year’s event, which promises to be the largest yet:

Girls Nite OutDazzle Daze will begin with Girls’ Nite Out, Thursday, Nov. 15 at 6 p.m. Girls’ Nite Out will

feature live jazz music by Rodney Block and the Real Music Lovers, photo sessions by Chicks Who Click and early shopping. Women’s, Inc.’s Chef Jill McCollum, CC will serve up a variety of appetizers. The first 50 women to spend $100 at the event will be entered in a drawing for jewelry from Fletcher Smith Jewelers and a $1,000 gift certificate for laser and spa services from Cosmetic Laser Solutions. Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door. The Dazzle Daze event also includes a raffle for a 2013 Ford Mustang convertible and other great prizes. Tickets are $100 each and limited to 500 sold.

Pajama PartyDazzle Daze will host a pajama party with Santa at 9:30 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 16. Kids are invited

to wear their pajamas and listen to stories read by Santa, visit with the elves and have a special photo. A $15 ticket includes one adult general admission good for event entrance all day Friday, free admission for children with an accompanying adult, story time with Santa, one photo per ticket and a treat. The party is limited to 100 tickets.

In its 10 years, Dazzle Daze has raised more than $300,000 in support of health care at Conway Regional Health System. Monies raised benefit the neonatal intensive care nursery, the cardiology program, scholarships for area health students, programs for senior citizens and many other facets of the hospital. For more information on raffle tickets or to purchase event tickets, please visit www.DazzleDaze.com.

Annual event kicks off Nov. 15

C O V E R S T O R Y


Jennifer Hill and Debbie Clark serve as co-chairs for this year’s event. Jennifer’s involvement began as a Dazzle Daze shopper. “I’ve been a shop-per at Dazzle Daze for the last six years. Four years ago, it occurred to me while shopping that this was an event that required the hands of many to be successful. I wasn’t familiar and didn’t have relationships with the women who were part of the Women’s Council, but I found an opportu-nity to serve and was able to form new friendships,” Jennifer said.

The wife of Darren and mom to Emma, 8, and Lily Beth, 4, Jennifer began by researching the Conway Regional website, where she learned about a quarterly luncheon. “I attended the luncheon, and it happened that the Dazzle Daze proceeds check was presented to the hospital. See-ing that presentation confirmed my desire to be a part of the group that was responsible! I joined the Women’s Council and volunteered to be part of the Dazzle Daze Committee. Little did I know I would co-chair the decorating committee in 2011 and then serve as event co-chair in 2012,” she said.

Jennifer says her main responsibilities are to make contacts and partner with the community. “Debbie and I assist the foundation in reviewing merchant applications, facilitating Dazzle Daze committee meetings, pro-viding support to the subcommittees and promoting the event.”

Jennifer and Debbie chose to divide the myriad subcommittees, which means Jennifer is responsible for decorations, promotions, merchant support, event tickets, volunteers, raffle and North Pole. She is the main contact for each of these committees if a specific need arises, as each has its own leader.

As for the significant number of volunteers needed to produce an event such as Dazzle Daze, Jennifer said, “Many of our volunteers are Women’s Council members. However, our members recruit friends and coworkers to assist. We have a phenomenal volunteer committee! Sheryl Sample and Mary Ward have utilized their professional skills to create a website that outlines volunteer needs by committee and offers a place to register as a volunteer,” she said.

Debbie Clark, Jennifer Hill, Dot Welch, Marla Hambuchen

2012 Dazzle Daze co-chairs: Jennifer Hill and Debbie Clark


As for her own favorite event at Dazzle Daze, Jennifer said, “I love Girls’ Nite Out! Shoppers for this event have first choice from the mer-chants’ products. There is great fellowship, tasty food, music and a unique shopping experience.”

Debbie’s first involvement in Dazzle Daze was in 2002. Married to Dr. Ray Clark and mother to Sean, who lives in Texas; Nathan, a freshman at the University of Arkansas; and David, a 7th grader; working with the event was a logical step. “Since my husband is on staff at Conway Regional, it seemed natural to be a part of the Women’s Council. Shortly after the council was formed, Dazzle Daze was created as a way to raise funds for different needs of the hospital, which is a vital part of our community,” Debbie said.

Debbie is responsible for the Dazzle Deli, entertainment, Girls’ Nite Out, site planning, merchant lounge, door prizes and sponsorship. “We work closely with the Conway Regional Health Foundation office to maintain communi-

cation with subcommittees, facilitate meetings, promote through marketing events, and serve as a liaison to the community,” Debbie said. She cited her favorite aspect of being co-chair as “working with the Dazzle Daze Committee, which consists of a group of amazing women. They are dedi-cated, creative and spirited about the event,” and stated the most rewarding part as, “witnessing all the plans discussed over the year’s time develop into a fun-filled, three-day shopping event that, in the end, contributes funds that benefit our community.

“Because of the efforts of so many people, Dazzle Daze continues to be successful and therefore increases the amount of money raised for Conway Regional Health System,” she said. Debbie echoes Jennifer in praising the volunteer chairs, Sheryl Sample and Mary Ward. “They reach out to organizations that may require their members to obtain a certain number of volunteer hours. They also reach out to schools, colleges

and past volunteers. They have developed a vol-unteer sign-up website that manages volunteers for the event.” (http://conwayregional.volunteer-hub.com/EventRegistration). Anyone interested in becoming a Dazzle Daze volunteer can visit the website.

Of her personal favorite event, Debbie said, “Our kick-off event, Girls’ Nite Out. I love the enthusiasm of the Dazzle Daze committee, the anticipation of the shoppers and the atmosphere leading into the holiday season.”

Jennifer and Debbie also stated, “An incredible amount of work and assistance comes from the Conway Regional Health Foundation office. We have a talented Women’s Council and numerous volunteers, but we cannot present Dazzle Daze without the foundation staff. They are creative, resourceful and committed!”

It truly takes a village to produce this chari-table shopping extravaganza — come out and enjoy doing your holiday shopping in one place!


By Jennifer StanleyPhoto by Brandy Strain

Maret Cahill is the new Resource and Develop-ment Director at United Way of Central Arkansas, located in Conway. In addition to her job duties, she is mother to Andrew, 25, a UCA student; Ethan, 22, a Navy Reservist who works at Centennial Valley Country Club; and Grace, 14, a 9th grader at Conway Junior High. A Conway resident for eight years, Maret took the time to talk with Women’s Inc. about her new role.

Can you tell our readers what United Way does? United Way partners with the community in

which it serves because we believe that everyone de-serves the opportunity to have a good life. We believe this includes a quality education that leads to a stable job, enough income to support a family through retirement and good health. That’s why United Way’s work is focused on the building blocks for a high-quality life: education, income and health.

We fund programs within agencies that support these goals, including but not limited to Big Broth-ers and Big Sisters, Boys and Girls Club, Faulkner County Day School, Bethlehem House, CASA, Conway Interfaith Clinic, Haven House and Women’s Shelter. We fund 18 agencies here in Faulkner and Perry Counties. However, we aren’t just about money; we support our agencies through volunteer support and by promoting our agencies to the community at large.

What does your position at United Way entail?The Resource and Development Director is

responsible for running campaigns within existing and new business contacts. I am currently rebuilding the Pillar Society. The pillar program involves pillars of the community who are willing to give back to their community to help others succeed. I develop relationships within the public to further our mission of investing in education, income and health in our community.

Talk about the “thermometers.” What do they represent?

I think here in Conway the United Way thermom-eters represent United Way branding, fundraising and nostalgia. At their most fundamental mean-ing, the thermometers represent fundraising goals, but they represent so much more. They represent a monetary goal that will help us achieve community impact.

What community impact do you hope to achieve through the return of this campaign?

At United Way, we understand that we are operat-ing in a tough economy. We live and serve in our community, and because of this every day we talk to people in need — very basic need. People in need of food, housing and utilities are some of our most com-mon encounters. In a way, the thermometers measure our progress as a community to aid our fellow com-

munity members. I have learned that we may all need help at one time or another, because need does not know economic, social or racial barriers. Some ex-amples are a woman needing shelter from a battering spouse, a child needing a voice in court and a family needing help after a disaster. We are here to make an impact on our community by helping, funding and volunteering in programs that impact our members who have the greatest need. At one time or another, one in three people will use United Way services, but only one in 10 people donate to United Way. In other words, the members of our community who need our services could easily be you or me.

How can people give to United Way?There are several ways to give to United Way of

Central Arkansas. One important thing is that if you give to United Way of Central Arkansas the money stays here and helps here in Faulkner and Perry Counties. You can give in many ways. You can give at your place of employment through payroll deduction, you can do an automatic bank draft withdrawal or we can charge your credit card with a one-time gift

or a continuing gift. We encourage you to give and, though every little bit helps, the big donations don’t hurt either.

Describe any additional projects/campaigns. We are in the middle of our campaign of giving, so

please call the office for more details. You can reach me at 501-327-5087 ext 1. We would love to hear from you, whether you want to start a workplace campaign, volunteer, provide a one-time individual gift or become a pillar. I can help you with any of these goals! We always need volunteers. If we don’t need them in our office, we need them for our agen-cies. Some additional, upcoming events are as follow:

• Week of Awareness — Oct. 22-26 • Color Run — In Little Rock on Nov. 10 at 9

a.m. We are organizing a United Way of Central Arkansas team to heighten awareness.

• Chili Cook Off — Nov. 17 at Centennial Valley Country Club. We will have a United Way of Central Arkansas team.

• Jeans & Bling — More information coming soon!

F E AT U R E S T O R Y

Q&A with United Way’s Maret Cahill


By Jennifer StanleyPhoto by Brandy Strain

Natasha Bentley is a remarkable woman who, by donating a kidney to save her father, Jimmy Leach’s life, represents the epitome of giving back.

Married to Ken and mother to Hunter, 13, and Paige, 11, Natasha has worked at Conway’s Acxiom Corpora-tion for 14 years. Eight years ago her family’s lives were changed when her father was diagnosed with complete renal failure. At that time, he would require dialysis for the remainder of his life.

“After finding out about my dad having to solely rely on dialysis, we all thought it would be a good idea to go and sit with him, just to see what he was going through, and to support and encourage him to keep moving on. When times are tough, family members can make all the difference in the world with their love. After sitting there and watching my dad being hooked up to all the machines to clean his blood, I thought to myself, ‘My dad isn’t going to do this long.’ I decided right then that I would get tested to possibly be a kidney donor for him,” Natasha said.

At that point, she went to the doctor with her father and began the process of testing to determine if she would be a viable match. “The first day, they took 16 vials of blood. I thought to myself, ‘Exactly how much blood can one person have in their body?’ They took 20 vials from my dad that day also,” she said. Soon after, Natasha learned that she was, in fact, a donor match for her father.

Upon learning that Natasha was a match, Jimmy said, “I was full of ma-jor mixed feelings. One was being so happy to not have dialysis again. I was also excited to know that I was a can-didate for a transplant, and I was very, very scared for Natasha and how giving me a kidney would effect her health in years to come. Since diabetes is such a strong heredity factor in my family, I knew the males were supposed to be at the highest risk, but that did not stop my son, Heath, from strongly insisting he would be tested second.

“Between my two children, their spouses and my wife, Karon, they decided that Natasha would be tested first with Heath to follow, then Karon. At that time, Heath was active Na-

tional Guard and going to be daddy to twins in four months. We all knew that my wife needed and wanted to work as much as possible during this process and the procedures. Still, my mind kept returning to my little brown-eyed girl sitting on my shoul-ders, combing my hair and giving me butterfly kisses. I kept thinking that her mom and I gave her life, and now she was willing to give her daddy’s life back to him for however many years the Lord saw fit. What an act of unselfish love for both of my children,” he said.

Of learning that she was a donor match, Natasha said, “I remember I was at Walmart grocery shopping

when my dad called and told me that everything was looking good, and the doctors said we were a match. It was like something took over my body at that moment, and I just stopped where I was and praised God. I was overwhelmed with excitement, know-ing that if everything worked out and his body accepted my kidney, my dad would be with us longer and would live a healthier life. I was thrilled that I could give my dad back something in life, since he had always given everything to me and my brother. He is an amazing and strong-hearted man, and I’m thankful that God gave me the chance to save someone’s life, the strength for a healthy recovery and the

courage to do it all over again,” she said.

A myriad of tests and about four months later, the surgery was sched-uled and was an overwhelming success. “Since his kidney transplant, all of his blood work has been perfect and noth-ing has gone wrong,” said Natasha. She is particularly appreciative of the love and support of her mom, her brother, her husband and his parents, Paul and Donna Bentley.

“Kind of funny, but, before my or-gan donation, I drank Mountain Dew all the time. Once the surgery was over, we decided to name the kidney ‘Dew.’ To say the least, I can’t drink Mountain Dew like I used too, but it was completely worth giving up. Every year we get together, eat and exchange gifts on the anniversary of our dona-tion, and I usually get an extra gift at Christmas just from Dew. My family has always been really close, but this has brought all of us closer than we were before. I do believe my dad and I are closer, as we both share a bond, a family tie and, well, a kidney!” said Natasha.

Added Jimmy, “Natasha is definitely my angel, but my love is just as strong for my son, because that is the way God meant for it to be, and that is just the way I am. During the long journey through 29 years of diabetes, my love for my family has grown stronger, my love for life is greater and my faith in God is also stronger. God is good all the time, and as a song says, ‘When you think you can’t, God can.’ I encourage organ donation 100 percent, of course, and would donate if I could. I am happy and thankful to say that on Sept. 22, 2012, we celebrated our 8th kidney anniversary!”

When asked her feelings about organ donation in general, Natasha said, “Thinking about organ donation can be very scary, but after you see what it can do for others who are out there in life, struggling each day to do the little things we might take for granted, you know there are people out there praying for miracles. Being an organ donor has changed my life, and I would encourage everyone to step up and donate. Everyone has a purpose in life, and I feel like mine was to save my dad, and that is what I feel like I did.”

For more information about organ dona-tion visit www.organdonor.gov.

A gift to last a lifetimeF E AT U R E S T O R Y

Natasha Bentley donated a kidney to her father Jimmy Leach. They recently cel-ebrated the eight year anniversary of the transplant.


Giving back by finding your identity in Christ

By Andrea Lennon

If I asked you the question, “What is going on in your life?” You could probably provide lots of details. More specifically, what

if I asked you, “What is the best thing going on in your life?” or “What is the hardest thing going on in your life?” I imagine you could come up with im-mediate answers. However, if I asked you the question, “Are you allowing the best thing in your life or the hard-est thing in your life to determine your identity and purpose?” The answer to this question might be more difficult to express. The reason why is simple. Often we do not think about the effect that the best thing and the hardest thing has on our lives. Instead we al-low the best thing or the hardest thing to provide our purpose, direction and identity, because so much of our time and energy is wrapped up in dealing with the best thing and hardest thing.

One of the best things going on in my life is that I have the honor of be-ing married to my husband, Jay, and I have the privilege of being a mother to Jake and Andrew. I love being there for my guys. I am the type of person who thrives on taking care of others. In fact, my friends lovingly make fun of this character quality. Each day I make sure that Jay, Jake and Andrew have what they need in order to be successful. I love supporting my three guys, and I would not have it any other way!

With that said, one of the hardest things in my life is learning how to balance my best things. My schedule is probably a lot like yours. I work hard to accomplish everything that I need to accomplish in order to be the kind of wife, mother, friend and ministry leader that I long to be. From carpool, to household duties, to sports, to church activities, to traveling with my ministry, my calendar is full from the moment I wake up to the moment I go to sleep.

As a result, it is hard for me to stay balanced by giving the right amount of time and attention to all the different

aspects of my life. The effect that my best thing and

my hardest thing has on my life is simple. I can easily fall into the trap of allowing my best thing or my hardest thing to be the driving force in my life.

In a sense, I can find myself in a place where I allow my family, my ca-reer or my friends to provide the reason why I get out of bed each morning. When this happens, I wrongly find my purpose and identity in earthly things and relationships. The danger of this tendency is significant. This tendency places people and things in a higher place of value than my relationship with Jesus. Ultimately, this tendency makes me vulnerable to defeat because earthly things and relationships can change in a matter of seconds.

My friend, you too have a best thing and a hardest thing. Your best thing and hardest thing may be the same as mine, or it may be different. Like me, you will have to fight the tendency of finding your identity and purpose in your best thing and hardest thing.

The bottom line is this: If we want to be the type of Christ-follower, wife, mother, friend, leader, etc, that God is calling us to be, we will have to find our identity and purpose in our relationship with Jesus Christ. This means that Christ is the reason why we get out of bed each morning. We are able to give those around us what they need when we daily find our identity in Christ not because we have it all together but because we are connected to the One who does!

Right now I want to challenge you to identify your best thing and your hardest thing. Examine your life and see if you are finding your identity and purpose in these two things. If so, make the choice to reposition your heart and focus on Jesus Christ.

As you do, you will find your pur-pose and identity in your relationship with Jesus.

You will also find the ability you need to enjoy and celebrate the best things as well as the strength and en-ergy to tackle the hardest things.

Andrea Lennon lives in Conway, Arkansas, with her husband, Jay, and sons, Jake and Andrew. Andrea ministers to the

women of Arkansas through a speaking and writing ministry called True Vine Ministry. To learn more about this ministry,

access Andrea’s website at www.andrealennon.net.

S P I R I T U A L I T Y


By Dr. Patricia Knott

The holidays are upon us. Time for Thanksgiving, worship, gift-giving, church productions, parties and yes,

laughter. Laughter just may be one of the most important activities during these days of celebration when it comes to your health.

More and more research is being done to discover the potential benefits of letting loose a deep attention-grabbing belly laugh, a chuckle, a quiet tear-wip-ing, shoulder-jerking moment of pure mirth or a loud snort. Brings a smile to your face just thinking about it doesn’t it? That smile can bring about benefits to the body that researchers are becom-ing more and more convinced exist.

Did you know that chimps and rats laugh? Studies in rats have shown that laughter produces an insulin-like growth factor chemical that serves as an antidepressant, and it reduces anxiety. It may very well be possible that we will come to learn that laughter is a built-in medicine, all natural and fun to use. Indeed, some proponents of good health through laughter recommend 15 minutes of it a day.

Some of the healthy benefits of laugh-ter are thought to include the following:

• Relieves pain and increases pain tolerance

• Releases endorphins, the feel good hormone, which helps to relieve stress

• Causes muscle relaxation for up to 45 minutes afterwards

• Aids in sleep• Boosts the body’s immune system• Increases heart rate and blood flow• Expands the inner walls of your

arteries, which aids in the prevention of heart disease

• Helps to oxygenate the blood• Improves brain function, aiding in

creativity• Exercises your facial, chest and

abdominal musclesThough there is some disagreement

among scientists about the health benefits of laughter, no one can deny that it makes you feel better. Laughter is thought to be a social response, occur-ring more often when there are people interacting, than in response to a joke. It can diffuse a tense situation among friends. It can cause you to have a better outlook in a tough spot when things aren’t going your way. A bit of humor can bring about energy and cohesive-

ness on a team charged with obtaining a specific goal. Laughter works wonders for married couples, who seem to be happier and have a longer-lasting rela-tionship when they can laugh together.

The more you are able to design fun, interactive events, the more popular you may seem to be, because laughter is contagious and can spread quicker than the flu — but with good benefits rather than the devastation of disease.

Just smiling at someone draws a response. I was at a recent seminar, listening to a very interesting and im-portant discussion, when I noticed that the presenters in the other room (who I knew were speaking on a very impor-tant topic as well) were drawing gales of laughter from their audience time after time. I saw others around the room I was in looking wistfully toward the one from which the laughter came. Others, though they were strangers, looked at one another and smiled. I wondered if they would let me in next door if I just happened to walk over to join the party.

Some ways to increase your chances of laughter are:

• Plan a gathering to play games.• Listen to a comedian.• Rent a movie that is a comedy.• When you hear other people laugh-

ing, just ask, “What’s so funny?”• Don’t take yourself so seriously.

Laugh at yourself sometimes.• Just laugh (You might want to do

this when no one else is around so no one thinks you’ve lost it).

One word of caution is needed regarding laughter. Though it has its advantages, laughter can also be used to cover some hidden issues. This is not good if the laughter is used as a constant cover-up and the issue itself is never resolved. Laughter should never permanently replace seeking good, sound counsel from a trusted friend or professional counselor when needed.

Laughter is not good when it is used to bully or belittle someone, but good uplifting laughter can be healing for anyone. So, go ahead. Laugh like you mean it!

Laughter might be the best medicine

H E A LT H

Patricia Knott is a graduate of LSU Medical School in New

Orleans and is board certified in Physical Medicine and

Rehabilitation. She serves as the Medical Director for

Conway Regional Rehabilitation Hospital.



By Rachel Parker Dickerson

Helping orphans in Africa has given Jennifer Glover of Conway a way to move out of her comfort zone and put her faith into action.

Originally from Atlanta, Ga., with a background in social work, Glover’s passion for mission work stemmed not from church but from her job. Five years ago she became a representative for Arbonne, a company specializing in personal care and wellness products. The culture of the company introduced her to women who were doing amazing works of charity, she said.

“I’ve never done missions in my life. I’ve never had the desire to. But as I was building my business, I was around a lot of women who were stellar think-ers — whether they were starting a horse camp for autistic kids or an orphanage in India. God was kind of working on my heart. I felt like God was saying, ‘I want you to go to Africa.’”

That was in 2010. In 2011, Glover went with a group of Arbonne leaders to the country of Zambia in southern Africa. She volunteered with a faith-based group, Family Legacy of Dallas. The organization has schools and group homes for orphans in Zambia, which has the highest orphan rate in the world per capita, Glover said. The life expectancy in the country is 38 years, according to the organization’s website.

Glover said Family Legacy’s goal is not to adopt orphans out to the United States but to raise up a generation out of extreme poverty that can go on to be the future leaders of their own country. She spent a week working with Camp Life, an event in which hundreds of volunteers from the United States, over the course of several weeks, get to know small groups of children and teach them they are valuable to God. For children who have been neglected, abandoned and abused, it is a radical and life-changing notion, Glover said.

She said, “Most of (the girls) had been prostituted out by a family member for food at a very young age. They’ve been beaten down so much they won’t even look at you.

“You hear their dreams. They want to be educated more than they want to eat; because to them that means they can get out of the severity of poverty they’re in. You talk to them about Christ and that you can have hope in him, and by Friday, many of them have a different look. They have joy.”

After her first trip to Zambia, Glover’s goal was to raise sponsorships for each of the 10 girls in her group

at Camp Life. The sponsorship program through Family Legacy, for $40 per month, provides food and private education through Lifeway Christian Acad-emy, started by Family Legacy, she said.

Through getting to know the children, Glover was also able to make recommendations about which ones should be removed from their homes and placed in the Tree of Life orphanage operated by Family Legacy.

“By U.S. standards, every one of these kids would already be taken from the home, but Zambia stan-dards are different,” she said. “You kind of have to walk through the Zambian red tape.”

Glover returned to Camp Life in 2011 and got to know 10 boys. She and her family decided to sponsor two children. The following summer, in 2012, she stayed two weeks, and she was able to visit her spon-

sored children and see them healthy and glowing. She hopes to return in 2014 with her family, but the price per person is very expensive.

She noted, “Some people ask me, ‘Why can’t you just help kids locally? There are kids locally who need help.’ That’s true, but that’s why we have government and organizations and charity. Over there, there is no government help. There are Christians. If believers don’t do something, whose responsibility is it?

“I believe God has called everyone to a particular purpose in their life. Not everyone is called to Zam-bia. Everyone is called to serve and figure out why they’re put here on this earth. My prayer when I share about Africa is that it will cause others to get out of complacent living and do something that, when you’re gone, will have a lasting mark.”

F E AT U R E S T O R Y

Jennifer Glover follows calling to Zambia

Conway’s Jennifer Glover is making a difference with children she and her family are spon-soring in Africa.



D O W N T O W N

The staff at Studio Skin in Downtown Conway are ready to help clients with everything from skin care needs to hair treatments.


By Rachel Parker DickersonPhotos by Brandy Strain

Studio Skin in downtown Conway has made great strides in its two years of operation, adding laser treatments to its already hefty menu of skin cor-rection options. A Holiday Open House on Nov. 7 promises a fun evening with benefits for charity.

Angela Jackson, owner of Studio Skin, has ex-panded the business by moving to 1016 Oak St. and adding four hair stylists and physician-run laser treat-ments. Dr. Georges Nawar performs the laser services, which include hair removal and spider vein removal, Jackson said.

The day spa’s top seller, however, is the 3D facial, performed by Jackson herself. It includes a micro-dermabrasion, corrective chemical peel and an LED light treatment for $95.

“It is a fabulous facial, and everybody looks amaz-ing,” Jackson said. “We’re doing a peel without all the redness, burning and down time, but getting all the regeneration and antioxidants we’re looking for.”

Studio Skin also offers a full line of injectables administered by Annie Worley, RN/injectable spe-cialist.

Studio Skin’s open house benefits charityAngela Jackson, owner of Studio Skin.


“She does all of our Botox, injectable fillers, any specialty lips,” Jackson said. “This is the one-stop shop for everything from spa, salon, medical spa. We have all three angles going on.”

The spa’s stylists are all licensed and certified in keratin blowout, a hair smoothing treatment for silky, frizz-free tresses.

“They all do and are fabulous at it, and of course they are all experts at cuts, colors, as well as corrective color specialists,” Jackson said.

Studio Skin will hold its Holiday Open House and Second Annual Beauty Ball from 4-8 p.m., Nov. 7 at the day spa.

Jackson said, “During this we will have some huge raffle packages, and proceeds of all raffle tickets sold will go to Soaring Wings Ranch. Last year we raised a lot, and this year we are hoping to raise even more. The package we’ll be raffling off is worth about $1,500 and includes spa, hair treatments, Botox and cosmeceutical products.”

Also, French Lily boutique will hold a fashion show at the event and will raffle off a prize of one outfit per month for a year, Jackson said. To enter the raffle, participants need only bring a pair of jeans to benefit Jeans for Teens, an organization that collects and distributes jeans to teenagers who need them.

In addition to the raffles and fashion show, the evening will include free services, discounts, skin analysis, food and drinks, Jackson said.Several licensed and certified stylists are available for all your hair care needs.

LED light treatment is one of the treatments available at Studio Skin.


I N T H E N E W SEmpty Bowls raises money for Bethlehem House

“Talking about hunger in our community is easy. But try looking a person in the eye and say you can’t help their family with food because the shel-ter pantry is empty,” says Bethlehem House volunteer Lesley Turner.

Dinnertime is approaching, and Bethlehem House, Conway’s home-less shelter, stands in the gap, helping struggling families with a hot meal and a box of food.

Bethlehem House will host “Empty Bowls” to raise both money and aware-ness in the fight to end hunger on Nov. 11 from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. at oneChurch’s Youth and Children’s building at 1058 Front St., former location of the Log Cabin Democrat.

Empty Bowls has two parts. First, guests are invited to a simple meal of soup and bread. Second, guests are invited to shop at the Empty Bowls Market Place where local artisans and vendors will offer a wide variety of fabulous jewelry, pottery and gifts. And, of course, guests are invited to shop for one of the limited number of beautiful Empty Bowls that have been donated.

“The money raised will be used to help build Bethlehem House’s new facility, working to end hunger in Conway,” said Jill Imboden, Shelter Development Coordinator.

Participants will enjoy delicious soup and breads donated by local res-taurateurs and volunteers. Cost is $10 per person for an all-you-can-eat soup, bread and a dessert. Children 10 years and younger eat free.

Empty Bowls coincides with Conway’s Downtown Christmas Open House and provides for dining at your convenience. The shelter serves a nightly soup kitchen and distributes food boxes to those in need. For more

details or to donate, visit www.bethle-hemhouse.net or contact Jill Imboden, shelter development coordinator, at 501-336-4961.

Hendrix Village to host Holiday Tour of Homes

The Village at Hendrix will host the 2012 Bethlehem House Holiday Tour of Homes Nov. 30-Dec. 2.

Preview Night is Nov. 30 from 6-8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and will allow the participants to view the tour through-out the entire run. Regular hours are 1-5 p.m. Saturday and 1-4 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. Advance tickets are available at The Village Welcome Center, The Kitchen Store and Ye Olde Daisy Shoppe.

Proceeds will go toward the Bethle-hem House Building Fund’s $1.3 mil-lion goal and maintenance endowment.

The J.E. and L.E. Mabee Foundation of Tulsa, Okla., is offering a 2:1 match-ing grant, and Modern Woodmen of America will donate up to $2,500 for every dollar raised.

“The Village is very happy to partner with Bethlehem House on this year’s event,” said Ward David, CEO of The Village at Hendrix. “Our goal is to help this wonderful community organization reach its goal for a new home.”

The new building will accommodate 35 residents and 10 staff members in one facility, provide emergency shelter for up to eight people, offer a modern kitchen for efficient food preparation, dining space for residents and the hungry in the community, a spacious playroom for children and multipur-pose space for life skills training.

For more information, contact Beth Tyler, director of marketing and sales at The Village at Hendrix, at [email protected] or 501-730-5048.

Chugging along

ACE Hardware recently donated a Chuggington toy train table to the play center at Con-way Regional Health & Fitness Center. Annie Gates (front left) and Ainsley Fechtelkotter are two of the children who attend the play center each week. The play center has about 450 visits per week. Brian Porterfield, marketing director for ACE, is shown with Alisa Quinn, (right) play center supervisor at the fitness center. The train table is already one of the most popular features at the play center, according to Quinn. It is valued at $300.

Open house

Conway Cosmedic recently celebrated their open house. Pictured are Whitney Miller, Mariette Spidel, A. Sharon Meador, M.D., Anna Giles (Dr. Meador’s daughter), Mary Van, and Rachel Guinn.


By Susan Isom

Injectable fillers are right behind Botox injections as a leading non-surgical facial procedure. While both procedures require the use of sharp needles, dermal fillers are more painful. This is for two reasons a

much larger volume of filler is needed to cover larger areas such as cheeks, nasolabial folds, and even sensitive areas like the lips. The sharp bevel needle typically used while injecting creates discomfort because it is cutting through the tissue and could potentially cut through small blood vessels which can cause bruising.

It is hard to think that an “injectable” filler could be ouchless, but with the introduction of dermasculpt new microcannula it is possible to have a near painless proce-dure.

What is a microcannula?A microcannula is a very thin, flexible hollow tube –

like the cannulas they have been using for IVs for years since they are so much more comfortable than needles. Do not be fooled this is still a needle, but the big differ-ence between this needle and a regular bevel needle is the needle itself is more flexible, the tip is blunt, and it has ports on the side allowing the product to be dispensed more evenly.The revolutionary device was developed in France and is distributed by DermaSculpt. The original DermaSculpt Non-bruising Extra-Smooth microcannulas are the only ones approved by the FDA for injection – and the only ones we use in our clinic.

What are the benefits of a microcannula over a needle?Most obvious is the greatly reduced pain. A needle has

to be ultra-sharp to easily enter the skin. The same edge that breaks the skin also can nick tiny vessels and nerves as it moves through the tissue.

Repeated needle sticks cause pain, increase bruising po-tential and leave marks on the skin. With microcannulas only 2-4 entry points are needed for full facial correction.

The importance of the blunt tip and the longer flexible needle is it allows the needle to easily “worm” its way around blood vessels and tissue instead of cutting through them with traditional needles.

The longer needle also makes it easier to inject multiple areas through one entry point. This too will help to reduce bruising and further discomfort.

The sensations are basically that of slight pressure and movement as the cannula is moved from one area to another.

Other advantages for using microcannulaUsing what is called a Skin Sculpting Technique (SST),

the microcannula’s back-and-forth movement (mechani-cal stimulation) is purported to stimulate fibroblast and produce new collagen formation. This is also seen by can-nulas used during liposuction surgery. The skin begins to tighten by initiating growth factors within the skin.

Numerous strategies used to reduce injectable filler discomfort are ice skin cooling, topical numbing creams, to dental block injections.

While these are all helpful, none completely reduce the pain or potential bruising from the fine sharp needle used for the injection.

Overall, the introduction of the flexible cannula to our business is a great step forward allowing for much safer injections and detailed facial sculpting. One must keep in mind, however, that a cannula is a tool. Its proper use depends on meticulous knowledge of anatomy, art form, and the dexterity of the injector.

B E A U T Y

Susan Isom, Clinical Esthetician, is the owner of EL/Clinical Esthetics. Established in Conway for 21 years, Susan and her highly trained staff offer a full range of cosmetic procedures. She is certified to inject Botox

and cosmetic filler from the makers of Botox cosmet-ics, i.e. Allergen. Please call 501-329-SKIN or visit

elclinical.com

Ouch-less filler injection with microcannula



F O O D


By Chef Jill McCollum, CCPhotos by Lindsey Faith Watson

Southerners love their greens. Though they might try new recipes from time to time, nothing is more comforting than the traditional pork-seasoned dish of turnip greens, kale, collards or mustard greens serviced up with freshly baked corn bread.

The least enjoyable part of preparing fresh greens is getting all the grit off the leaves, and these days you might find pre-washed greens. The easiest way to clean them is in the sink or a very large pot filled with cold water. After cutting the stems and heavy ribs out, place the leaves in the cold water. Let them soak for a few minutes then swish around to loosen grit and sand; drain. Repeat the process two or three times, depending on how gritty the leaves are.

Beans and Greens

1 tablespoon olive oil1 medium onion, chopped5 strips bacon, cut into 1-inch pieces1 small head of garlic, peeled and minced1 (16 ounce) can navy beans, un-drained1 (6 ounce) package baby spinach leaves½ lemon

Heat the olive oil in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Cook and stir the on-ion in the hot oil until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the bacon to the onions; continue cooking and stirring until the ba-con fat begins to render, about 5 minutes more. Mix the garlic into the bacon and onion mixture, reduce heat to medium, and continue cooking until the garlic is fragrant, about 5 minutes.

Stir the un-drained navy beans into the mixture; bring to a simmer, stirring oc-casionally. Reduce heat to low. Fold the spinach into the mixture until the leaves are evenly coated. Place a cover on the saucepan; simmer to allow the flavors to blend, about 1 hour. Squeeze the half lemon over the dish and stir to serve.

Comfortfood

Chef Jill McCollum, CC is the Caterer and Food Service Director for Central Baptist College. Jill is the owner of Jill McCollum Catering in Conway. She can be reached at [email protected] or

(501) 730-4422


Golden Sweet Cornbread1 cup all-purpose flour1 cup yellow cornmeal2/3 cup white sugar1 teaspoon salt3 ½ teaspoons baking powder1 egg1 cup milk1/3 cup vegetable oilPreheat oven to 400 degrees. Grease 9 inch round cast iron pan, place in oven for about 12 minutes until oil is hot. In a large bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar, salt and baking powder. Stir in egg, milk and vegetable oil until well blended. Pour excess hot grease from cast iron skillet into batter and mix. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake in preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the center of the loaf comes out clean.

Smooth Sweet Tea1 pinch baking soda2 cups boiling water6 tea bags¾ cup white sugar6 cups cool waterSprinkle a pinch of baking into a 64-ounce, heat-proof, glass pitcher. Pour in boiling water, and add tea bags. Cover and allow to steep for 15 minutes. Remove tea bags, and discard; stir in sugar until dissolved. Pour in cool water.



The Gilbert’s Conway home has lots of charm and is dressed for every season.


By Rachel Parker DickersonPhotos by Courtney Spradlin

At 1903 Bruce Street, not far from the University of Central Arkansas, Con-way resident Kelly Gilbert has turned the front of her Old Conway home into a celebration of fall.

Gilbert is a graduate of The Univer-sity of Mississippi with a degree in fine art. She and her husband, Adam, have lived at the home on Bruce Street for three years. Gilbert taught art for six years in Morrilton, but for the past year has stayed home with the couple’s one-year-old daughter, Charlotte.

She said of Old Conway, “I really like this part of town. I like old houses. I like all the character and the unique things they have that new construction houses don’t have.”

For example, the keyhole doorway from the living to the dining area of the home, not to mention the graceful arches on the home’s front porch. She said she and her husband spent some time updating the older home when they moved in to make it everything they dreamed.

From the street, the painted white brick home with old-fashioned street-light in front is only made more charm-ing by Gilbert’s artistic touches on the front porch. Her flowerbeds include

yellow mums, which work perfectly with her fall décor.

On the front door is a wreath she made of two store-bought grapevine wreaths, layers of burlap and orange craft mesh, peacock ribbon, feather gar-land, leaf picks and a craft letter G cov-ered in orange twine. Over the French doors leading into the dining room is a grapevine swag with more autumn leaves. The French doors are accented by bundles of sunflowers tied with burlap.

Gilbert painted several pumpkins with fall-themed designs, noting they stay fresh and can be used through Thanksgiving. Pansies, potted mums, gourds, cabbage, kale and gray-blue pumpkins also found their way into the display of fall bounty. Gilbert used raf-fia, a grass-like material, instead of hay or straw, because it has a softer texture and is not as messy as hay, she said.

An up-close examination of the front porch reveals a close attention to detail. A black lantern containing a candle shaped like a log. A wicker basket hold-ing pansies and ceramic birds. Mason jars tied with raffia holding small, pumpkin-colored candles.

Dark wicker chairs with thick cush-ions and plenty of throw pillows make the porch seem a comfortable retreat for the inhabitants of the home to enjoy the autumn weather.

CELEBRATIONOF FALL

DECOR EMPHASIZES FEATURESOF HOME WITH CHARACTER

G I L B E R T P O R C H

The Gilbert’s Conway home has lots of charm and is dressed for every season.


The Campbell’s Centennial Valley home boasts a relaxing backyard that includes a water feature, koi pond, pergola, large patio and a custom fireplace.


By Rachel Parker DickersonPhotos by Courtney Spradlin

Kara Campbell and family have a relaxing and spacious outdoor space for entertaining guests at their Centennial Valley home in Conway.

When she and husband Jim built the home two years ago, they knew they wanted a lot of outdoor seating to host gatherings with family and friends.

“We had a decent-sized porch at the other house, but it seemed like by the time you got six chairs out there, it was crowded,” she said. “We have one grandchild and hope to have a lot more. They’ll have a lot of room to run and play out here.

“Our family is growing. All my fam-ily is here in Conway. I have two sis-ters, and with nieces, nephews, parents and my bunko group, when everyone’s here, we fill it up. We just wanted a nice, casual outdoor environment to seat lots of people and hang out in.”

A 20 by 30 patio stretches out from the home’s back door toward an out-door fireplace built by Jerry Heffington and Son. The stone edifice is made of all natural stone from Arkansas.

“I just handed him a picture from a magazine and showed him what changes I wanted. We’ve been very

happy with it,” Campbell said.A dark wood pergola shelters two

sets of patio furniture. An oiled bronze fixture with seeded glass hangs from the center of the pergola. Behind the fireplace, a low rock wall with a flat stone top provides extra seating. Also on the patio area, leftover rock was used to make a counter-height table with a granite top. In the recessed patio area that adjoins the house is additional seating and a mounted television.

“Weather permitting, we do like to (entertain),” Campbell said. “Game days especially. They’re always out here watching the game.”

Campbell said she still plans to add a volleyball net to the backyard, which her teen daughter is quick to remind her.

Todd McWilliams of Conway built a koi pond in the corner of the yard. A stone path leads from the patio to the pond, which features a cascading fountain and is surrounded by willows, flowers and other plant life.

“We had a koi pond at our old house,” Campbell said. “I knew I didn’t want a swimming pool or the head-aches associated with it. We’re very pleased with what Todd did, because he had a challenge and he met the chal-lenge. My grandson and my dogs both love watching the fish.”

ThE gREATOuTdOORs

ENTERTAINMENT SPACE EXPANDEDTO ACCOMMODATE GROWING FAMILY

C A M P B E L L O U T D O O R S P A C E

The Campbell’s Centennial Valley home boasts a relaxing backyard that includes a water feature, koi pond, pergola, large patio and a custom fireplace.


Helen Lockhart is the owner of Red Chaise Designs, a full service interior design firm. Red

Chaise Designs is located in Conway, where she lives with her husband, Paul, and two children. You can reach her at: [email protected].

D E S I G N

DESIGNINGf o r a c a u s e

www.furnitureforthecure.orgThrough collaboration with other cancer related organi-zations, Furniture For The Cure helps to fund research to ultimately find a cure for breast cancer. What a fabulous piece for an even more fabulous cause!

www.pillowdreamsproject.comSpruce up your sofa with some new, colorful

throw pillows while helping children all over the world! 50% of the profits on the cases are

donated to specific nonprofit programs benefiting children in the continents where the

pillowcases are made!

www.madebysurvivors.comWith the cooler weather here, get warm both inside and out by purchasing one of these throws. MBS educates and trains survivors of poverty, abuse, human trafficking and slavery, with technical jewelry making, business and leader-ship skills.

www.mercyhousekenya.comThe Mercy House exists to provide alternative options for pregnant girls living in the streets of Kenya. And what great conversation pieces!

www.original-women.comNeed a new rug or some stones to fill that bowl on your coffee table? Look no more! Support CARE is a 65-year-old humanitarian organization fighting global poverty in 72 countries and reaches more than 59 million people.


S H O P P I N G

Available at A Very Merry Christmas Store: Fall wreath-$45, Wooden Pump-kins-$12, Beaded Pumpkin-$6.25, Orange Ribbon-$16, Pine Cone Pick-$5.50, Mesh-$12.

Available at Grand on Oak: Large velvet pumpkins-$94, Acorns-6 for $26, Wheat bundles-$47, Leaf plates-set of 3 for $40.50, Candle holder-$33.75

Available at The Kitchen Store: Wicker covered jug-$85.99, Small velvet pumpkins-$11.99-$25.99, Quail-$7.99, Pinecone pillow-$42.99, Oblong cutting board/pedestal-$109.99, Round cutting board/pedestal-$ 85.99, Pinecone bookends-$ 24.99, Reversible runners-$ 25.99, Decorative frame-$126.99


By Angie Howard

What is your glass level — half full or half empty? It’s interesting to me that my kids’ glass levels are so very differ-ent from each other. One of my boys

has a glass that is perpetually half full. No matter how bleak the circumstance or day, he wears a grin from ear to ear and has no trouble finding something of it to be thankful for and happy about.

I have another little guy who tends to be more of a “realist” and worries his half-empty glass is slowly leak-ing water on even the best of days. And the only girl of the bunch — if handed a glass of water — would not-so-accidentally drop it on the floor because she’d prefer it had been a glass of apple juice instead. And tearing up from the drama would likely get her sympathy and the result she wanted in the first place.

As I have seen them grow together and complement each other with their distinct personalities and outlook tendencies (i.e. glass levels) it has become very apparent to me that neither viewpoint is wrong or even necessar-ily any better than the other.

Sometimes different perspectives are necessary to evaluate and identify the best course of action to take as a response to a situation.

Take the example of what happened the night before our recent trip to the pumpkin patch: My glass-half-full smiley son heard the same 50% chance of thunder-showers forecast that my first born practical half-empty boy heard the night before.

Smiley half-full child pulls rain jackets and umbrel-las out of the closet to be prepared to pumpkin pick even if the weather decides not to cooperate, while practical half-empty son doesn’t even want to set his alarm clock for getting up the next morning to shower and dress for the trip because he thinks it will most definitely be rained out.

And don’t forget the girl of the bunch who, in all the sincerity of a 3½ year old, made very apparent her expectations of the next day’s pumpkin patch visit by her prayer that evening: “Dear God, thank-you for the punkins tomorrow, please let one be a carriage.”

I knew right then, the whole Cinderella’s Carriage not being at the patch was a very real potential for our “spilled-glass-of-water-that-should-have-been-apple-juice outlook...” and the tears that would likely ensue.

On a different but related note, the half-full/half-empty personality illustration can also be very literally applied to the level of remaining space we have in Conway’s Municipal Landfill.

Landfill half-full perspective is one that realizes the finite amount of space in our 19-cell landfill is surely and steadily filling up with refuse — lots of which could have been diverted from the trash can and into the recycling bin.

Whereas landfill half-empty outlook is a relaxed frame of mind that pushes conscience aside when it nags to rinse and separate recyclables, justifying that someone else down the street is surely a “hyper-recy-cler” therefore doing both their part and yours.

In all actuality, we can be a healthy mix of both perspectives and the corresponding behavior that results from each viewpoint. Our landfill, which opened in 1990, has filled up to a volume of 4,098,657 cubic yards. We have an estimate of 1,955,053 cubic yards remaining. When you do the math, it means we have about 32% of our current landfill’s volume to fill before it is maxed out. This 32% is estimated (taking into account best presumptions of population growth and recycling habits) to last us 14.7 years.

From landfill half-full (actually a bit over half full) outlook, our costly landfill’s lifespan could most definitely be extended via better recycling practices. A considerable amount of what ends up being buried in our landfill could have been recycled.

If looking at things from landfill-(not quite)-half empty, yes ... there are “hyper-recyclers” who do their share and more. But even those who are not exactly passionate about recycling can participate in our easy program, ensuring everyone can help do their part. Thankfully, we have space left in our landfill, but how long that space is left to use is up to us.

Currently, 68% of Conway households have a recy-cling cart. If we could get the other 32% of residents to participate in our easy co-mingled (no sorting neces-sary) weekly curbside program, just think of how much more space would be saved in our landfill!

An eternal optimist needs a realist to ground them. If it had been raining that morning, we really did not need to make that the day to visit the pumpkin patch, umbrellas or not. And, though our landfill still has a good number of years left in it, we do not need to take that fact for granted.

Just as important, a pessimist needs someone encour-aging them to look on the bright side of life and focus on the positive outcomes that could happen. Since it ended up not raining, it was a good thing we set our alarm to get up and dress to go to the pumpkin pick-ing field trip. And, we can be thankful our landfill’s capacity is still in good shape due to the efforts of our community to responsibly manage their waste.

And, as far as my little girl’s outlook, I’ve got to say she’s right. Sometimes it’s OK to wish the impossible to happen. You never know what may result in not settling for water when you wanted apple juice. Tons of garbage filling a landfill that could have been recycled, or even a field of plain orange pumpkins when you wanted tangible evidence that princesses are real...

That is after all what you have Fairy Godmothers for (as well as your local hard-working Sanitation Depart-ment recycling collectors!)

Angie Howard is a wife and mother of three. She is recycling coordinator for the city of Conway and the Faulkner County Solid Waste District.

Angie can be reached at [email protected].

Half-empty and half-full outlooksG R E E N

D I R E C T O R Y O F S E R V I C E S


CONWAY SYMPHONY DESIGNER HOUSE BARE BONES PARTY

UNITED WAY KICK OFF

Allison Vetter, Kevin Watson, Katherine Thomason David Cleary, Ben Tiner, Adam Waldron, Derrek Thomason Vicki Crockett, Izzy Getzov, Clayton Crockett

Lori Quinn, Sherry Smith, Cindy Windle, Traci Smith Laura King, Autumn Jacobs Jack Bell, Lauralee McCool, R. L. Jackson

Dr. Keisha Garland, Assistant Principal at Jim Stone Elementary

Bradley Phillips, Maret Cahill, Jon Ross Henderson, Dot Welch

Maret Moore, Candace Meeks, Ben Tiner, Bradley Phillips, Rep. Linda Tyler, Dot Welch, Lauralee McCool, Jon Ross Henderson

Andy Moore, Maret CahillDerrek Thomason, Candace Meeks, Dot Welch, Traci Smith, Ben Tiner, Jon Ross Henderson

Mary Kordsmeier, Pam Hueston, Melissa HeardNancy Williams, Traci Smith Kim Williams, Charlotte Nabholz


CASA FESTIVAL OF CHAIRS

Karrie and Don Henderson won the diamond ring do-nated by Fletcher Smith’s Stephanie Smith, Kelli Wells, Annabeth Jackson Cathy Potter, Don Potter

Brandy Willis, Michelle McDowell Sherry Smith, Teresa Thompson, Cindy Windle Carla Brockman, Steve Brockman, Sara Goodman

Crystal Strickland, Sterling Strickland Stacy Hefner, Laura Simpson Amy Armistead, Joni Clark, Allison Greenwood

Jeremy Gardner, Ashley Gardner R.L. Jackson, Ashley Jackson Kelli Wells, Fletcher Smith, Annabeth Jackson

Live painting by Steve GriffithHonorary chairs Tonya Coats, Mike Coats Teresa Thompson, Carol Patty, David Patty, Pam Hueston


By Annie Worley, RN/Injectable specialist

Now that we have all put the shorts away for the season, many of us forget about our unsightly spider veins. We think we don’t have to worry about those until next spring. Now is the time to treat these so that they will be gone by the time we pull our shorts out next spring.

What causes spider veins?Spider veins can be caused by many factors. Heredity. Having a family member with prominent

veins may increase the risk of you developing them. Approximately half of the people who get varicose or spider veins have a family history of them.

Age. The normal wear and tear of aging may cause valves in the veins to weaken and not work as well.

Gender. Women are two to three times more likely to develop varicose and spider veins than men. Up to half of American women have varicose or spider veins. Changes in hormones due to puberty, pregnancy, menopause, or taking birth control pills may increase a woman’s risk of developing varicose or spider veins.

Pregnancy. During pregnancy, the growth of the fetus increases the pressure on the veins in the legs. Varicose or spider veins that occur during pregnancy usually improve within 3 to 12 months following delivery.

Prolonged standing or sitting. This is particularly true with legs bent or crossed. When standing or sit-ting with legs bent or crossed, the veins have to work harder to pump the blood up to the heart.

In May, 2010 the FDA approved Asclera for treat-ment of spider veins.

What Is Asclera® (pronounced a skler ah)?Asclera (polidocanol) Injection is a prescription

medicine that is used in a procedure called sclero-therapy.

How Does Asclera® Work?Asclera® is a sclerosing agent that is injected into

the vein. It works by damaging the endothelium, the cells lining the inside of blood vessels. This causes blood platelets to attach to the lining of the vessels; eventually, cellular debris and platelets cause the blood vessel to clot. Over time, the clotted vein will be replaced with tissue.

The procedure takes 15-30 minutes and is done with very little discomfort. Compression hose are worn for 2-3 days after the procedure. Sunbathing, long plane rides, and vigorous exercise are to be avoided for 2-3 days after the procedure.

After the procedure is complete the vein will become red, swollen, and irritated, some complain of itching as well. This may take 2-4 weeks to completely resolve. Many times a touch up treatment is needed 4-6 weeks after the initial treatment is performed.

Don’t wait until spring to think about your spider veins. Winter is the ideal time to treat them, it is cer-tainly more comfortable to wear the support hose and keep them covered when it is 50 degrees outside rather

than 90 degrees in the summer.For any questions or for a free consultation please

contact Annie Worley, RN at Studio Skin and Com-pany at (501) 358-4653.

As with any cosmetic procedure it is vitally impor-tant to make sure the injector is a phsician, a licensed registered nurse, or registered nurse practitioner, who attends regular continuing eduction classes about cosmetic procedures.

Tis the season for leg vein treatment

B E A U T Y

Uncomplicated spider vein treatmentsBefore After

Annie Worley, RN graduated from Baptist School of Nursing in 1997. She worked for a plastic surgeon for 5 years in which time she gained

extensive experience in injectables including Botox, Juvederm, Radiesse, and spider vein injections.

She has been injecting for 6 years in which time she has attended numerous trainings on injection techniques. In the fall of 2010 she attended the

advanced palate training which is the highest level of training that is available to nurse injectors. Please contact Annie Worley, RN at Sudio Skin in

Conway (501)358-4653


Vote your conscienceBy Fran Scroggins

By the time you are reading this article, many of you may have taken advantage of the opportunity afforded here now to vote early. Many others of you may be waiting to go to your regular polling place

and cast your votes on Nov. 6. Sadly, however, if history of past elections is a predictor of the turnout this year, more than half of us will be apathetic and fail to go and vote. This, in spite of the ultimate sacrifice made by many, so that we can have the right to vote and determine our electors.

In the early years of this country, only free, white men were allowed the right to vote. Later, freed slaves and other men were given the right to vote. Immigrants from all over Europe came to this country to have the right to own land and have the rights afforded by this new democracy and to live in a free society. Later, in the early 1900s after the suffrage movement, women were also given the right to vote.

I believe it is a sad commentary on our society that the apa-thy of many voters keep them from caring enough to make the effort to learn the candidates and to get out and vote. Many likely feel that others will vote so their vote does not make any difference. Others are caught up in the hectic lifestyle of many of us and simply cannot spend the time necessary to get in line and vote. Others, who do get out and vote have no idea who the candidates are or what each candidate believes or plans to do.

The phrase “vote your conscience” was a phrase I heard growing up. To me, your conscience was Jiminy Cricket on Disney’s “Pinnochio” whispering into Pinnochio’s ear he had done the wrong thing or told a lie. I could not envision how that fit into the polling booth but placed the phrase in the back of my mind.

When I first registered and had the chance to go and vote, I tried to make certain that I went to the polls and voted. I do not have specific memories but imagine I was swayed more by the opinions of others in making my decisions instead of doing the necessary research to seek out the positions of the various candidates and become familiar with their beliefs and their positions.

Now that I see the country and the local governments as one of the “Baby Boomers” looking at retirement, I envision

what the country and what our local governments will be like when my grandchildren reach the ages they can vote. What type of legacy will we be leaving them and how will they be able to live in this country given the choices that we have made?

I urge each of you to become involved in the political arena — not as an activist or active candidate — but as a person of knowledge with the willingness to seek out the best for all of us. I certainly do not personally like politics and am not active in the political scene. However, I do hope that I can do what is right to try to preserve our heritage and protect our right of self government and democracy.

I also urge you to forget about political parties when you walk into the voting booth. Do not vote by party affiliation — either party — but by the candidate. Too many times people cast their vote without any knowledge of the person for whom their vote was cast or what that person will do. Instead, they pull a lever and vote for a political party. The political party does not govern us and does not have the interests of the indi-vidual person. Keep in mind that persons are often affiliates of a party to garner votes without that person knowing or caring for the party position. At last, pray that your have the wisdom and knowledge to do the right thing. We must seek guidance to make our decisions what they should be.

I urge each of you also as we approach Veterans Day to salute all of the brave men and women who are making the ultimate sacrifice for each of us to protect our freedom. We have so many friends and neighbors, sons and daughters, mothers and fathers in this country and around the world now serving to protect our freedom and our rights — especially in Afghanistan. This is our opportunity to salute them.

November is also the month which we have set aside for Thanksgiving. This is our opportunity to thank God for the many blessings he as afforded each of us. Happy Thanksgiving and may you have a blessed and happy holiday.

L I F E

Fran Scroggins is a graduate of the Bowen School of Law at UALR. She has been practicing law in Conway since 1996.

Voted Best Attorney in Faulkner County by readers of the Log Cabin Democrat, Fran resides in Conway with her husband of

nearly 35 years.They have five children.


By Susan O’Keefe

It was exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time. At first glance, the parenting skills are atrocious. Upon deeper inspection, there was fear and ignorance and the residual mindset

from their hippie days. Surely each person can do as he pleases, they reasoned, regardless of age.

The products of relationships at war sprinkled with love and peace are the novel’s main characters: Jude, Eliza, Teddy and Johnny. Author Eleanor Henderson sets her story in Vermont and New York City. “Ten Thousand Saints” depicts two generations of families whose lives are interwoven through marriage, divorce, abduction, adoption, abortion, drugs and the punk rock music scene of the 1980s. To some, it was a disturbing read.

“Parts of the story scared me,” offered one mother of five. “Is this really what life was like for so many kids in the 1980s into the punk rock scene, especially those in New York?”

“The characters remind me of kids I counseled daily,” said a social worker on sabbatical.

With no rules to follow, Jude and his sidekick, Ted-dy, are constantly considering how to score their next high. Money is usually an obstacle. Stealing is always an option. In desperate times, they sniff turpentine or huff Freon. To those inexperienced to the ways of the druggie, it’s a crude awakening. One reader had to check her dictionary for the word “bong” which is used frequently.

Enter Eliza, the edgy girl from the Big Apple. She arrives on the train New Year’s Eve, and 24 hours later, her world is changed forever. Eager to escape her mother’s ever-watching eye, Eliza exhales in the crisp-ness of a slower clip in Vermont. Di, Eliza’s mother, is currently dating Les, Jude’s father. Les packed his hippie van several years ago and split when Jude was 9 years old. Over the years, there have been a few phone calls, a couple of post cards and an envelope of money when his dad’s illegal cash crop was at full production. But now, here’s a girl who knows Jude’s father better

than he does. Here’s a chance to connect with his father through his peer, a pret-ty young stranger.

“There’s an element of escapism throughout the story. Eliza wants to get away from her mother. Les left his

family. Jude and Teddy talk about getting high so they can’t feel anything. Teddy’s mother, Queen Bea, abandons her son. And we’re not sure where Teddy’s father is, until the end of the story. Even Johnny, Teddy’s brother, lives a lie in New York City as he plays the part of imposter,” summarized one reader.

Tragedy follows Eliza’s abrupt visit to Vermont. Jude battles depression after Teddy’s sudden death. He eventually moves to New York to live with Les in a shabby loft apartment, then connects with Teddy’s half-brother Johnny, who encourages Jude to quit drugs and dedicate himself to the purity of Hare Krishna. It seems Jude is trading one vice for another. He stays clean but is constantly planning to revenge Teddy’s death, filling his mind with violence.

Accepting Johnny’s invitation to play in his band, Jude finally has a place to belong. He hits the road and loses himself in the loud, apocalyptic music. Concerts are chaotic. It’s 1987 and he’s in the gritty centre of hardcore punk. Sweaty bodies pack concert halls. Vials and needles litter the floors. Amidst the

smothering audiences, Jude is alone.In his aloneness, he imagines his biological mother,

and then the day his adopted parents, Harriet and Les, come for him. He isn’t sure about his biological father. The author excels at piecing adoption together and beautifully handles the issue with characters other than Jude.

And then there’s Eliza. Jude meets her at the hospital. She’s in trouble. Johnny dons his Superman cape and skateboards through the tough boroughs he calls home. Neighbors know him as Mr. Clean. It’s the closest thing to stability Jude has ever witnessed. He calls himself straight edge. Eliza’s connection to Teddy is one way to keep alive the memory of the teen. Johnny and Jude jockey for position.

Throughout the novel Jude longs for love — the kind of love that makes one feel wanted, needed, the closeness that two people share that carry no words. More times than not, he acts as the parent rather than the child. Gradually, he matures and there are sweet moments of hope.

From the opening scene when Jude and Teddy debate “dreamed” or “dreamt,” to the closing curtain when Jude strolls the streets with his wife and baby, the pace is quick. The story is unsettling. The flawed characters reveal themselves realistically and each reader is forced to look inward. How do each of us judge others? And what would we do in another set of shoes?

The novel finds its title in the Biblical book of Jude. “Behold the Lord cometh with ten thousand of his saints, to execute judgment upon all.” Although exhausted at the end of the story, the effort was well worth it.

B O O K R E V I E W

‘Ten Thousand Saints’ by Eleanor Henderson

Susan O’Keefe is a wife to Jack, mother to four children, and eager to face the crazy, awesome,

fun things God delivers daily. She and her family recently moved to Oxford, Mississippi,

where Susan will continue to read and review, instruct fitness classes, and embark on this next

adventure in life.

38 WOMEN’S INC. / NOVEMBER 2012

As Conway’s holiday shopping extravaganza nears its 11th anniver-sary, supporters are expecting a larger show with new attractions.

The event will offer shoppers from throughout Central Arkansas a good opportunity to fulfill that resolution to get some holiday shopping out of the way early this year. More than 90 merchants are expected at the event, offering shoppers such merchandise as jewelry, gourmet food, décor, clothing, toys, artwork and numerous other holiday gift items. All Dazzle Daze events will be held at the Conway Expo Center, located at 2505 E. Oak St/Hwy 64E.

In the past 10 years, Dazzle Daze has raised more than $300,000 in support of health care at Conway Regional Health System, ben-efiting the neonatal intensive care nursery, the cardiology program, scholarships for area health students, programs for senior citizens and many others. For the third year, the Conway Regional Women’s Council will direct Dazzle Daze proceeds toward the ONE capital campaign for the expansion of the Women’s Center and surgical facilities, as well as fund a medical scholarship and scholarships to the Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center.

GIRLS’ NITE OUT

Dazzle Daze will begin with “Girls’ Nite Out,” Thursday, Nov. 15, 6-9 p.m. Girls’ Nite Out will feature the live jazz music by Rodney Block and the Real Music Lovers, Chicks Who Click photo sessions

and shopping at more than 90 merchants from around the region. Chef Jill McCollum will captivate the palate with a variety of ap-petizers.

The first 50 women to spend $100 that night will have their names entered into a drawing for jewelry from Fletcher-Smith Jewelers and a $1,000 gift certificate for laser and spa services from Cosmetic Laser Solutions.

Tickets are $25 in advance and $30 at the door for Girls’ Nite Out.

Purchase raffle tickets from Conway Regional Women’s Council members or in the following ways:

Visit the following locations through Nov. 9, 2012.Log Cabin Democrat501LifeCajun Brothers FurnitureThe Toad FlySmith FordHambuchen Home FurnishingsConway Regional Health & Fitness CenterConway Regional Gift ShopConway Regional Foundation Office

C O M M U N I T Y

94 holiday merchants expected at Dazzle DazeDazzle Daze raffle tickets are currently on sale for a new 2013 Ford Mustang convertible and several other prizes to be given away at Dazzle Daze 2012. Co-chairs Debbie Clark (left) and Jennifer Hill, along with a dedicated group of Conway women, are preparing to bring the holiday shopping event to life.

Tickets are $100.00 each and are limited to only 500 tickets sold. Grand Prize: 2013 Ford Mustang Convertible from Smith Ford 2nd Prize: $4,000 gift certificate for laser and spa treatment services donated by Cosmetic Laser Solutions 3rd Prize: $1,000 Fly Fishing Package including 2 rod/reel combos and a guided trip on the Little Red River donated by The Toad Fly4th Prize: $750 42” LCD 3D HDTV bundle 5th Prize: $500 Furniture Gift Certificate donated by Cajun Brothers Furniture

38 WOMEN’S INC. / NOVEMBER 2012

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