21 Apr 2017 501 LIFE marks anniversary: ‘Loving LIFE – every minute of it!’

Posted at 8:54 AMh in Features by

With this edition, 501 LIFE begins its 10th year of publishing and celebrating the people, places and things that make Central Arkansas a great place.

To mark the occasion, members of the 501 LIFE editorial boards were invited to share their thoughts on “Loving LIFE – every minute of it!” to get a sense of those special things that make the 501 so great.

“Since the beginning, we have looked to our editorial board members to be our eyes and ears in the community,” said editor and co-publisher Sonja J. Keith. “They’ve also been our ambassadors as we have worked to share the ‘501 Love’ throughout Central Arkansas.”

“We are truly blessed and thankful for all of those who serve on our editorial boards,” said advertising manager and co-publisher Donna Spears. “We really appreciate their help.”

Among the responses received:

Spencer Hawks is “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” with Fellowship Bible Church.

Jan Spann is “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” at the playground at Gatling Park in Conway with grandkids Bella and Rocco from North Little Rock and Murrell from Conway. “Just beyond our back gate is the Tucker Creek Trail with a seven-minute walk to the playground. Whenever we go, there are just enough kids with whom they engage and play. They watch other kids to learn how to climb and swing as well as lessons in sharing and inclusiveness. I hope our city continues to build sidewalks and trails around town so all our citizens have access to healthy activities.”  

Margaret Smith is “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” at First Security Bank. “I can truly say, ‘I love what I do.’ Working for a company that is so involved in the community brings all the other great places around Conway and the 501 into my life daily. I love the way all areas of my life overlap – family, church family, school family (Conway Christian) and my co-workers. We share so many things in common and our paths are always crossing each other.

“It’s not how many years we live, it’s what we do with those years. How we spend our time with friends and family, how we give back to our communities and humanity. The 501 is so comfortable and family focused it makes being a part of it so rewarding.”

Monica Lieblong is “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” at US Pizza “as a local no matter which 501 location you visit”; and with her two girls. “Because even if you didn’t grow up in Conway, you feel like you belong.”

Grant and Brooke Pryor were “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” at Glo Run 2017 in Downtown Searcy with their daughters, 4-year-old Charlotte and 7-year-old Stella. The 5K which benefits the Child Safety Center in Searcy. 

Brooke Pryor is “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” in Searcy with family and friends. 

“My husband and I enjoy the small town atmosphere and the traditional values in which to raise our two daughters. 

“The schools are outstanding and there are countless opportunities for activities; for example, the farmers market on the downtown square and several festivals throughout the year. There is always a 5K or other activity to enjoy on the weekend, multiple parks and recreation areas. We have an active public library, there soon will be a municipal pool and community center. There are numerous sports leagues for our kids, a monthly kid’s night at the track, fine arts at Center on the Square, Harding University/Academy and Searcy High School Performing Arts Center, the historic Pioneer Village, and so many locally owned shops and restaurants/bakeries that are extremely enjoyable and unique.

“We have the privilege of living in a small town that has so much to offer – I have no need to travel elsewhere for activities or shopping. Although, I am a big fan of exploring and enjoying the WHOLE state of Arkansas on a regular basis!”  

 

“‘Loving LIFE – every minute of it’ would certainly be a theme due to all the amazing people I have lived and worked with! From the University of Central Arkansas to the Governor’s Mansion, with two governors and first ladies; to church at First Baptist Church Conway and Little Rock to Family Life Bible Church for 18 years; to the Renewal Ranch rehabilitation program. My life has been filled to overflowing with those who love life! 

“My family is a rich gift I never dreamed would be a reality – my precious wife, all five adult children and their dear spouses, and all 11 grandchildren! Conway and Little Rock have been our home for 45 years and the journey has taken many twists and turns, but all have presented us with the most gracious friends and co-workers possible. Talented – oh my! Gifted with abilities indescribable! Such as Georg Andersen, Tim Morris, Bill Probasco, Janis Banister, Wanda Daniels, Jim Brewer, Larry Pillow, Doris Dolan, Olive Ferguson, Kathy Linn, Carolyn Baker, Bertha Bell, Steve Griffith, Joe Ward, Marilyn Mathis, Ronnie Newton and the list could go on and on and on! 

“And up to the present, the hundreds of Renewal Ranch graduates who have taught me gratitude for the smallest of things, the overwhelming appreciation of family and all that God has done and is doing in all of our lives – the privilege of seeing restoration unfolding before my eyes – all this is part of the life I love in the 501!

“I’m continually learning to be gentle, quiet spirited, forgiving – learning from the lives of those around me! I still need mentoring in fasting from spending money, changing a flat tire and replacing the roll of toilet paper when it needs replenishing! Lots of room for growth – I’ll keep persevering and loving life in the 501!”

— Don Bingham

Alicia Hugen (right) is “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” with co-worker Shannon Autrey as they prepared to conduct Yoga for Kids classes at Morrilton Intermediate School. The Conway County office of the Cooperative Extension Service received a grant from Walmart and the Youth Voice Youth Choice program to purchase yoga mats for area schools. At the completion of the program, more than 500 students in Conway County will have been reached.

501 LIFE Editorial Board member Beth Franks was “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” with her family: Ridge (from left), Bret, Henry and Brody.

501 LIFE Editorial board member Roe Henderson (right) was “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” with co-workers at his Shelter Insurance office, which recently celebrated its first anniversary in Downtown Conway: Annetta Schultheis (from left), Shane Neighbors, JoJo and Alex Adlong. “We love being in downtown!” Roe said.

501 LIFE Editorial board members Stephanie Lipsmeyer, Alicia Hugen and Morgan Zimmerman were “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” at the recent Munchin’ on Main Street event in Downtown Morrilton. Munchin’ on Main Street Event Committee members include Brandon Zinser (from left), Courtney Stell, Brad Parks, Ray Moll, Susan Buser, Stephanie Lipsmeyer, Alicia Hugen, Gwen Massingil, Sharon Clarkson and Morgan Zimmerman.

Stewart Nelson is “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” in Morrilton. “I love my little town. A number of churches have weekly prayer breakfasts for the old retired men. When you don’t have a job to go to, they are great. I love retirement because when I was young, I made saving, investing and healthy living a priority in my life and I can do now whatever I want.”

Jack Bell is “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” in Downtown Conway with his wife, Ginny, and their grandkids, Savannah Bell (left) and Abby Duvall. “All the great restaurants, shops and activities in downtown make it special. We were able to come downtown at Christmas time and enjoy the big tree, the Ferris wheel and the little train. It was crowded with a great atmosphere.”

Mendy Dixon (from left), Shelli Crowell and Gracie Dixon were “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” next to Shelli’s vintage camper she is looking forward to using this summer. “I live in THE most special place on earth in Morrilton! Along with the beauty of our outdoors, living in the 501 area, I have the smaller town feel and know, engage and have/give support to all of those surrounding me on a familial level. I never take it for granted.”

Betsy Bailey is “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” at Searcy Public Schools, with Southwest Middle School fifth-graders in Terry Parrot’s class.

Margaret Smith was “Loving LIFE – every minute of it” with her co-workers at First Security Bank in Conway: Chelsea Todd (front, seated); Carol Harrison (middle, from left), Margaret Smith, Mike Milner; Stefanie Vann (back), Mitchell Elsinger and Dillon Richard.

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