by Sonja J. Keith

Whether you were born in the 501, came to school here or located in the area for work, most would agree that the quality of life that is enjoyed in Central Arkansas is near the top of why we live where we live.

Responding to an informal survey, the 501 Team shared their personal experiences on why Central Arkansas is home and what they enjoy the most about it. Some come from a family that has called the area home for years. Some were born in the 501, but school or job took them elsewhere, but given an opportunity to return, they came home. 

We know that some of our neighbors sought an education at one of the fine institutions of higher learning that the 501 is known for and decided to make the move permanent.

No matter when or how they arrived, the 501 is home.

Deep roots in the 501

Lori Ross – “I grew up in Center Ridge in Conway County, which was Dad’s childhood home, where his parents and grandparents had immigrated to from Italy. I went to the University of Central Arkansas and fell in love with Conway. Growing up in a tiny community, I used to think Conway was too large of a city to live, but I quickly found that it was the perfect size and location for me and my family. I love the progressive leadership here and the way so many come together to create positive change and support for those around us.”

What I enjoy most – “I live where I live because I enjoy most the community spirit and the focus on education and healthy living. I love seeing people of all ages and skin colors enjoying the walking trails throughout the city. Now that I’ve moved downtown, I feel even more a part of the historic fabric that makes Conway so special and unique.”

Jim Taylor – “I live in the 501 area because of the peace and quiet. I live on land that has been in the family for many, many years.”

Lori Melton – “I have never lived outside of Faulkner County. Why should I leave, I have a cousin for everything! I live in Faulkner County because my roots run deep, and I love to continue the stories of my ancestry.

“Both sides of my family are true locals. My father, Carroll Hawkins, was the fourth generation to own part of the farm that was homesteaded by my great-great-grandfather, William Brehnon Hawkins, in the 1850s. He migrated here from North Carolina. I currently own this property, making me the fifth generation here. 

“My great-grandfather, Madison Coleman “Crow” Hawkins, was born on this property in 1868 and died here in 1956. My mom, the former Berniece Leach, was raised nearby, and her grandfather, Ross Beckett, is the gentleman the community of ‘Beckett Mountain’ was named for in northeastern Faulkner County. My brother, Eddie Hawkins, owns the birthplace of my maternal grandmother, Jewell Beckett Leach, on Beckett Mountain.”

What I enjoy most – “I live where I live because I’ve traveled across the U.S. and have found nowhere else that feels like home. Everything just works in Conway. It’s the perfect balance of a bigger town that still feels small. I love the fact that I know so many folks both personally and in business.”

Family

Stephanie Lipsmeyer – “I was born and raised in Morrilton, and my parents still live here, as well as one of my brothers. I have lived in Conway and Russellville and always seem to find my way back home. My new job has brought me home to stay. I am the director of events and memberships at the Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce.”

What I enjoy most – “I love everything about this community and the people here. Great things are happening in Morrilton, and I’m so blessed to live here and be a part of it.”

Megan Ledbetter Stroud – “I was born in the 501. I was born in Greenbrier and moved to Conway at a very young age. I have stayed in the 501 to attend school at Harding.”

What I enjoy most – “I love the 501 because of the community. Living here my whole life has impacted that a lot because most of the people I have grown up knowing are all here, but that is what I love. I can go anywhere and know somebody most of the time. Conway is also just one of my favorite towns. It has just about everything without having the hectic interstate driving mazes that Little Rock has.”

The Patrom Family: Jon and Katie with their son, Duncan. (Kevin Thomas photo)

Jon Patrom – “I was born here. My mother was from Greenbrier and my father was from El Paso (White County). I graduated from Greenbrier High School and UCA.”

What I enjoy most – “I live where I live because I enjoy most that it is home. We enjoy traveling, but 501 is home, and we love the small town feel.”

Katelin Whiddon – “I’m here because I was born here and family is here. I can’t imagine wanting to live anywhere else.”

Kiera Oluokun – “I live in the Maumelle area of the 501. I was born and raised in Conway. Mom is originally from Conway, and Dad is from Menifee. My husband and I moved to Maumelle when we were both working in Little Rock. We decided that Maumelle was the most convenient for travel between work and family. Currently, I work in Conway, and my husband still works in Little Rock, so Maumelle is absolutely perfect! We also attend church in Conway.” 

What I enjoy most – “What I enjoy most about living in Maumelle is the convenience of travel to Conway and Little Rock. It is the perfect middle point for my job as well as my husband’s. I also enjoy the peacefulness that Maumelle offers. We live in an older neighborhood, and it is very quiet and peaceful. We live in close proximity to grocery stores and restaurants — which I love. I spent most of my life in Conway, and I absolutely love working in this city and being able to spend time with my family here. Conway is growing rapidly yet still possesses its quaintness. There are plenty of things to do for all age groups. I think that I have the best of both worlds!”

Jack Bell – “I was born here.”

What I enjoy most – “The people here are the best. Conway still has a small town feel but has pretty much anything you need.”

Mathilda Hatfield – “I was born here.”

What I enjoy most – “I live where I live because I enjoy most the accessibility to things I enjoy most: outdoor activities, shopping, restaurants, live theatre and performances and the airport to go on new adventures!”

Job

Dr. Larry Davis – “A job brought me to the city where I live (Morrilton). I became chancellor at the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton in 2010. I got to know Judge Roger Hooper of Van Buren County and his wife, and they introduced me to my wife, Carlene, three years ago this August. We just celebrated our second wedding anniversary this past June.”

Carlene and Dr. Larry Davis on the campus of the University of Arkansas Community College at Morrilton. (Mike Kemp photo)

What I enjoy most – “The people and the renewed spirit of cooperation in Morrilton and Conway County. When you have your city and county officials and all the schools (public and private) plus the college (UACCM) all working together, plus the expansion of local business and industry, coupled with the building growth (county businesses, local schools and the college all building new facilities or revamping existing ones), it creates an incredibly positive environment in which to live, work and play. It is a great time to live in the 501 area.”

Alicia Hugen – “My job as county extension agent – staff chair brought me to the 501 area in 2009. My husband and I married in 2011, and he then took a job in the 501 area as well.”

What I enjoy most – “I live where I live because I enjoy the people. Our parents do not live in the 501, but the community and church here have taken us in as family. We are also an outdoor family who loves camping, hiking, kayaking, etc., and the 501 has countless opportunities to enjoy our hobbies in beautiful settings. The 501 is our home, our children were born in the 501 and will be raised in the 501. The 501 is truly a great place to live, work, raise a family and play!”

Margaret Smith – “Although I was not born in Conway, I am an Arkansan. I came to Conway over 40 years ago after living out of state for a while. Once we were relocated to Conway, I knew I was not leaving. Conway and Faulkner County look a lot different today than when I first moved here. I love that Conway is in the center of Arkansas, and you can be at any corner of the state within a short time. We live just outside the city limits, so I get the feel of being close to town, but we also have the feel of country.” 

What I enjoy most – “I love the opportunities we have in Conway: education, recreation, arts, shopping, dining, and the people have such servant hearts.” 

Karl Lenser – “We moved to Conway in 1994 from Wisconsin because I accepted a position at Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center as a fitness manager.”

What I enjoy most – “Life is good in the 501 because (or we don’t want to leave the 501 because) employment, friends, social factor through church friends, Conway Regional Health & Fitness Center members, great neighbors, recreational opportunities and the school system is good, as is the crime rate (fairly low).”

Stewart Nelson – “I was moved here by Levi Strauss to be an assistant manager in 1972. My wife, who was born in Nashville, Tenn., announced that I had three years to get out of this town. She went to work as an RN at our hospital and then went for her master’s at UCA. I quit Levi’s and went and got my MBA at UCA and then went to work back in Memphis, where I was raised, but didn’t really like my boss. I called home from Memphis to Morrilton one Sunday, and Martha said I had until Friday to come home or not to come back. I came back to Morrilton and never ever expected to end up enjoying some place as small town Arkansas. 

“There are other people in Morrilton who have the same story of saying they weren’t going to stay here and could have moved but didn’t. Morrilton is big enough to say you live in a city, but you don’t have to wait around in traffic to get somewhere. 

“As mayor, I told a doctor considering moving here one time that we have everything that a big town has except traffic problems, but if he would call me I would see if I could set up a traffic jam for him. 

“My father who was raised on a farm but lived in the city always dreamed of living in a place like Morrilton, but my mother would never move. I tell people I am lucky enough to live my father’s dream. I LOVE ARKANSAS.” 

Deanna Ott – “A job opportunity for my husband, Tray, brought us to Conway. We have enjoyed the many opportunities Conway has provided for our kids to participate in all kinds of activities.” 

What I enjoy most – “From the churches, the schools, the restaurants and more, Conway has been a great place to raise our kids.”

Dr. Robert Reising – “I was born in New Haven, Conn. I retired in 2005 from the University of North Carolina System after 34 years in a variety of teaching and administrative posts. I came to UCA from the University of the Cumberlands in Williamsburg, Ky., where for five years, I directed the (largely) online graduate program in literacy and literature education. I live at my present address in Conway because of the UCA job I held from August 2010 until my retirement in December 2013.”

What I enjoy most – “I enjoy my present Conway residence because of its proximity to UCA and Downtown Conway.”

Back in the 501

Kristi Strain – “After college, I was required to live in several different places because of my job. When my husband and I got the opportunity to move back to this area, we did! I was born in Morrilton, and I love Morrilton and Conway County, mostly for the people that live here. We live in a very loving, generous community. We have so many people that work tirelessly to improve our community. Not to mention we are minutes away from the best lakes, hunting, fishing, camping and shopping. This is why I live where I live!”

What I enjoy most – “We don’t have annoying heavy traffic, and we live in a beautiful area. In our area, you can get on a high spot and see the beauty for miles. Finally, I am near my family, and I love getting to hang with them, especially under the Friday Night Lights! GO DOGS! #73.”

Monica Lieblong – “I was born and raised in the 501 and left for college and life adventures and then came back to raise my own family in the 501.”

Laurie Green – “I live in Greenbrier because it’s where my family raised me. I really remember thinking I couldn’t wait to move away when I graduated high school, but as soon as I had kids it was exactly where I wanted to go back to.” 

What I enjoy most – “There is something wonderful about everyone knowing everyone. Even as the town has grown bigger, it still has that small town feel. You can go in the Wagon Wheel and they greet you by your name, and nine out of 10 times, they even know what you want to drink! It’s honestly one of the best places to live!”

Jan Spann – “I was born and raised in Conway and left for college in 1965 when the city’s population was around 10,000. My husband, Randy, and I moved to Conway in 1992 for his job and have watched the city grow to nearly 60,000.”

What I enjoy most – “I live where I live because most of our family lives in the 501, giving us the opportunity to hang with our nine grandchildren, ages 4 to 20. Conway’s two private colleges and one university provide the community with wonderful opportunities like the Arkansas Shakespeare Theatre, farmers markets, independent restaurants and shops, city parks and continuing education classes. We enjoy visiting big cities and foreign countries, but it’s back home in Conway where we rest the best.”

501 is home

Roe and Missy Henderson. (Donna Evans photo)

Robin Richards – “We bought our Greenbrier home in 2006. We love the Greenbrier community because one can feel the beauty of having good Christian neighbors who live ‘love thy neighbor.’ When we need anything that the Greenbrier area cannot provide, we are approximately 10 miles away from Conway.”

What I enjoy most – “The peace and quiet, plus the privacy. We live on a large acreage, and a good portion of it is still in timber. We keep it that way as part of an Arkansas wildlife refuge for all the local deer, rabbits, squirrels, etc. Also, we have a pond approximately 300 feet away from the house, which I believe houses two very large snapping turtles. The local wildlife always keeps us entertained. We never know what kind of wild animal will cross our paths on any particular day.”

Roe Henderson – “I was born here and most of my family is here.”

What I enjoy most – “It is a great place to live, things to do, easy to get to other places, great people. We are blessed to be here!”