19 May 2016 Couples: Amy and Todd Hoyt; Jon and Sonya Chadek
HER Amy Drilling Hoyt
Native of: Morrilton.
Education: 1983 graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic School in Morrilton; bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1987 from the University of Central Arkansas.
Job: Bookkeeper at Drilling Enterprises and Hoyt Stone.
Parents: Denis and Dixie Drilling of Morrilton.
Community activities: Actively involved in Sacred Heart School functions and fundraisers.
Church activities: Past Sacred Heart Church Parish Council member and officer.
Hobbies/special interests: Gardening and cooking.
How would you describe yourself: Someone who strives each day to be a good Christian, wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend and neighbor.
Favorite restaurant in the 501: Mike’s Place.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: When all the kids are “home” and the revolving door of their coming and going.
Favorite quote: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.” — Maya Angelou
What do you love about living in the 501: Morrilton and Conway County are a well-kept secret. The area is beautiful and it is where my family and friends live. It is a wonderful place to live and raise a family. It is my home!
HIM Todd Hoyt
Native of: St. Elizabeth community at Oppelo.
Education: 1981 graduate of Sacred Heart Catholic School in Morrilton; Associates of Distributive Education (1984) and bachelor’s degree in business administration (1986), the University of Central Arkansas.
Job: Owner/operator of Hoyt Stone Inc.
Parents: Hubert and Marjorie Hoyt of Oppelo.
Community activities: Actively involved in the organizing and overseeing of the Sacred Heart Annual Bazaar and other Sacred Heart School functions and fundraisers.
Church activities: Church usher and Third Degree member of Knights of Columbus Council 5209.
Hobbies/special interests: I love all outdoor activities but especially deer and turkey hunting.
How would you describe yourself: Honest and someone who tries to be considerate of others.
Favorite restaurant in the 501: “Denis and Dixie Drilling bar and grill” — whatever and wherever my mother-in-law and father-in-law are cooking.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Hunting with my family.
Favorite quote: “There but for the grace of God, go I.” — John Bradford. God has blessed me in so many ways and I try to thank Him whenever I see someone is going through a tough time.
What do you love about living in the 501: I love the laid back environment and the beautiful area. There is always a friend close by.
THEM
City: Morrilton.
How we met: We grew up together in the hallways of Sacred Heart School, but finally noticed each other in high school. Todd was a senior and Amy was a sophomore in high school when they began dating.
The proposal: Christmas Eve. The engagement ring was the gift.
Wedding bells: May 30, 1987, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Morrilton.
Children: Lindsey (age 27), Taylor (age 23) and Adam (age 21).
Pets: Abby Grace (schnauzer) and M.J. (cat).
Family activities enjoyed together: We enjoy spending time together at the Drilling family “Farm” in Hattieville. It is a place where the entire family comes together to either host a fundraiser, work on the land, cook or just play. It is the time together that means the most.
HIM Jon Chadek
Where did you grow up: Spirit Lake, Iowa, until I was 12. I moved to Morrilton in the seventh grade.
Education: Morrilton High School and the University of Central Arkansas.
Job: Owner/operator of Chadek Power Wash.
Parents: Mike and Judy Chadek of Higden (Cleburne County).
Community activities: Founding member of the Great Arkansas Pig Out Committee,
Hobbies/special interests: Fishing, golfing and boating but not necessarily in that order.
Favorite restaurant in the 501: Jon’s Backyard Grill and of course Yesterday’s.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Fishing, golfing and spending time at the lake.
Favorite quote: “Life is good always!”
What do you love about living in the 501: The outdoor activities that we have in this area and how beautiful our lakes are compared to other areas. I’m not sure most people realize what we have that others drive for hours to enjoy.
HER Sonya Gunderman Chadek
Native of: Morrilton.
Education: Sacred Heart High School; bachelor of science degree in psychology, University of Central Arkansas.
Job: Administrative assistant, Morrilton Packing Company – Petit Jean Meats.
Parents: Shirley Bennett Gunderman of Morrilton and the late Paul Gunderman.
Community activities: Sustaining member of GFWC Century League of Morrilton, co-chair of the Sacred Heart School Bazaar and a Sacred Heart Alumni Ambassador.
Church activities: Altar Society.
Hobbies/special interests: Boating, reading and cooking.
How would you describe yourself: I am very family-oriented. I am at my best when my family is together enjoying life.
Favorite restaurant in the 501: Jon’s Patio Grill and our favorite for years, Yesterday’s.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Spending time with my kids, their friends and my husband, whether we are on the lake or finding something to do around our neighborhood.
Favorite quote: “Joy is not in what we own . . . it’s in what we are.”
What do you love about living in the 501: The people. We are so lucky to be surrounded by people who genuinely care about others and who will drop what they are doing to help others.
THEM
How we met: We were really good friends for six years before we started dating, so we actually met when we were 16 at the Sonic in Morrilton.
The proposal: At the beach in Panama City Beach, Fla.
Wedding bells: June 25, 1988, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Morrilton.
Children: Jon Adam (born Nov. 14, 1990) and Jenna Marie (born June 29, 2001).
Pets: Zoey, a 4-year-old Yorkie.
