20 Mar 2017 Editor’s Note April ’17: The 501 welcomes spring

While Mother Nature has reminded us that she’s not quite finished with winter, the season of beautiful colors and warmer temperatures seemed to make an early appearance this year.

This month, 501 LIFE is all about “Home and garden” as we celebrate the beauty of Central Arkansas as winter’s gray gives way to the bright and beautiful colors of spring. Daffodils, tulips and crocus have made their appearance, with trees and shrubs beginning their transition with bud and bloom. Many more flowers will follow suit.

It appears to be time to put away the coat and gloves and get ready for shorts and flip-flops, unless Mother Nature has something else up her sleeve.

Our talented team has put together a great issue with a variety of stories in celebration of home and garden as well as the people and places that make the 501 a great place to live:

Conway Corporation’s Richie Arnold (Pages 26-28) will soon retire after nearly 40 years of service at the city’s utility company. We applaud his service and wish him well in retirement!

The Greenbrier Chamber of Commerce recently held its annual banquet (Pages 19 and 63), presenting awards to individuals and businesses. 501 LIFE was proud to serve as a sponsor for this great event that we look forward to every year. We would like to congratulate Citizen of the Year Treva Branscum, Volunteer of the Year Jerry Boyer and Student of the Year Miles Johnson (Pages 24-25) on their well deserved recognition.

501 LIFE contributor Linda Henderson shares some thoughts and wonderful photos as we say, “Goodbye winter, hello spring.” (Pages 70-73).

This is an exciting time of year with a variety of special events and activities. Just check out all the calendar items on Pages 8-9. Wow!

501 LIFE is proud to serve as a sponsor again this year for the University of Central Arkansas Night of Distinction, planned Saturday, April 29, at McCastlain Ballroom on campus. (Learn more about this year’s distinguished honorees and this incredible gala by checking out the insert in this month’s edition.)

What a blessing to live in the 501 with beautiful surroundings and wonderful people who do so much to help others.

Until next month, here’s to “Celebrating spring” and “Loving LIFE” in the 501!