02 Sep 2021 Person of the Month: Karen Aufdenberg Reynolds

Posted at 5:55 PMh in Neighbors by
Photo by Mike Kemp

CITY WHERE YOU LIVE: 

Conway

FAMILY: 

I have been married for 30 years to Mike Reynolds. We have a beautiful blended family with four adorable granddaughters and their parents, Mary Kathryn and Scott, and Michael and Brooke. Our daughter, Emily, is getting married this month, so we are excited to gain a new son-in-law, Chris.

EDUCATION: 

Bachelor of Arts degree in advertising from the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa (during Bear Bryant’s final years.)

WORK: 

I have worked for the Arkansas Department of Agriculture for the past two years after several years in agri-marketing for John Deere dealers across the country. I support our local farmers, producers, and farmer veterans through the Arkansas Grown, Arkansas Made, and Homegrown By Heroes programs. These are the people who grow and produce our food for farm-to-table.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO GO INTO YOUR FIELD: 

Although I grew up in a farm family, I was away from agriculture when I lived in New York City, Chicago and Atlanta. I was still connected to agriculture while managing family farming operations, but from a distance both geographically and culturally. When I returned to the 501 and started working with farmers again, I was struck by how dedicated, unselfish, hardworking, and innovative our farmers are. They are mission-driven; they are not working a 9 to 5 job. As a former farmer, I am compelled to help them build their business if I can. Many resources are available to our farmers, but they are too busy farming to look for them. Helping our farmers can also have a positive impact on other social issues, such as food insecurity and nutritional needs.

CHURCH: 

New Life Church

MOST CHERISHED POSSESSION: 

My family, pictures of my family, letters from my family … notice a pattern here?

MOST ENJOYED WEEKEND ACTIVITY: 

Exploring our beautiful state, traveling backroads, visiting local farmers markets and state parks.

WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT LIVING IN THE 501:  

There are many reasons to love the 501, but my No.1 reason is the people. Family, friends, acquaintances, and total strangers – the people in Arkansas are special. I have lived in 10 states, and by comparison, I find most of the people in Arkansas are friendly, caring, and helpful. I lived in the 501 in the 1980s and moved away in the early 1990s. In 2014, we were at a place where we could live anywhere, and we chose to move back to the 501. We are so happy we did!