22 Oct 2014 Couples: The Mehls
HIM Peter Mehl
Native of: Poughkeepsie, N.Y.
Where did you grow up: Frederick, Md.
Education: Bachelor’s and master’s of art degrees, Ohio University; Ph.D., University of Chicago.
Job: Professor of philosophy and religion and associate dean, College of Liberal Arts, University of Central Arkansas.
Parents: The late Paul and Barbara “BJ” Mehl.
Community activities: Founding member of Conway Advocates for Bicycling, member of the city’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Board and founding member of Habitat for Humanity of Faulkner County.
Church activities: Active member of the Forum class at First United Methodist Church.
Hobbies/special interests: Bicycling, gardening and home remodeling projects.
How would you describe yourself: Active, persistent, curious and thoughtful.
Favorite restaurant in the 501: Mike’s Place.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: When it is not too hot, a bicycle ride in the countryside with other cyclists.
Favorite quote: “The struggle itself toward the heights is enough to fill a man’s heart. One must imagine Sisyphus happy.” Albert Camus
What do you love about living in the 501: The beautiful fall and spring weather, the outdoor activities of the natural state and the progressive attitudes in Conway.
HER Shelley Mehl
Native of: Kassel, Germany.
Where did you grow up: Marion, Ohio.
Education: Bachelor’s and master’s of business administration degrees, Ohio University.
Job: Vice President for Advancement, University of Central Arkansas.
Parents: Anita Baker and stepfather, Bob Baker; and the late Theodore Francis Simmons, all from Marion, Ohio.
Community activities: Member of the Conway City Council since 2007, founding board member of the Conway Interfaith Clinic, past president and member of Conway Rotary Club, and founding board member of Habitat for Humanity of Faulkner County.
Church activities: Member of First United Methodist Church; finance committee chair.
Hobbies/special interests: Cooking, reading and playing with our granddaughter, Whitney.
How would you describe yourself: Calm, stubborn, kind.
Favorite restaurant in the 501: Mike’s Place.
Most enjoyed weekend activity: Cooking Sunday dinner for the family.
Favorite quote: “To whom much is given, much is required” Luke 12:48.
What do you love about living in the 501: Conway is a progressive, growing city where there is a strong sense of community.
THEM
City: Conway
How we met: In Shively Hall, one of the two international dorms on the campus of Ohio University. Shelley was an assistant resident director, inspecting the rooms. Peter’s room had a bicycle in it — no surprise now.
The proposal: “Will you live with me in Chicago?”
Wedding bells: June 13, 1982, Galbreath Chapel, campus of Ohio University at Athens.
Children: Two daughters – Rachel Mehl Weaver, 27, married to Brandon Weaver; granddaughter, Whitney Sue Weaver; Margaret “Maggie” Mehl, 21.
Pets: Cat, Ren.
Family activities enjoyed together: Visits to our Florida beach house in Santa Rosa Beach, Fla.
