FEATURES
Profile: Alexus Main and Lauren Elsie
Two friends inspire hope and promote healing
April is Child Abuse Awareness Month, and child abuse is not an easy subject to discuss. Those who have endured it often want just to move past it and never look back. It takes an immense amount of courage to tell the story of one’s abuse. We were lucky enough to have two brave women share their stories with us this month in the hopes that their experiences will help others who are struggling
Community: Introducing the American Heart Association’s Women of Impact
Five local women nominated to participate in the inaugural program include: Dr. Maria Baldasare, interventional cardiologist at Northwest Health; Gena Johnson Bumgarner, vice president of sales and distribution K-12 at Tyson Foods Inc.; Stephanie Martinez, sales and replenishment analyst at PPI Beauty; Tina Winham, Walmart outdoor lead at Spin Master; and Kristine Joji-Wood, senior merchandise director for fresh bakery at Walmart.
Arts & Culture: Arkansas Public Theatre
New season marks the return of live theater to Downtown Rogers
Arkansas Public Theatre’s 2021 season is here! The performance lineup features everything from a small Texas town with a big vice to an alternate political universe to heartfelt stories of family, truth and identity, and more. Seating will be socially distanced and face masks are required, so come and enjoy a live performance at Arkansas Public Theatre in Downtown Rogers.
Health: Vaccinate the Natural State
Working together to improve the health of all Arkansans
Vaccinate the Natural State is a new statewide initiative, led by Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, that aims to educate Arkansans about the benefits of the COVID-19 vaccine and encourage individuals to get vaccinated.
“The health of our communities relies on every eligible Arkansan getting the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as it becomes available to them,” says Curtis Barnett, president and chief executive officer of Arkansas Blue Cross. “Vaccinations offer our best path for eliminating the virus, ending the suffering and starting the process of returning back to some sense of normal. The organizations that have come together to fuel this movement represent best-of-class knowledge coupled with connected networks that can ensure the word gets out that Vaccinate the Natural State can be life-changing for all of us.”
Living Spaces: A Legacy of Quality
Third generation homebuilder creates a modern oasis for his family
Oliver Kiesel grew up cleaning job sites and working for a homebuilding company that his father and grandfather had established. “I can remember as a young kid walking through Bella Vista trying to find pins and laying out lots before GPS was even a thought,” says Oliver. “That’s my earliest memory of working with my dad and granddad, when I was 6 or 7.”
Eats & Drinks: Ozark Natural Foods
380 N. College Ave., Fayetteville | (479) 521-7558 |
I am embarrassed to admit how long it took me to become a member of the Ozark Natural Foods Co-op in Fayetteville. I have been a customer for years, and I support and champion everything the community-owned grocery store stands for – especially its mantra of supporting “fresh, responsibly grown food along with local farmers, growers and makers… and bringing together our community through a love of food that’s good for us and our planet.”
Nonprofit: Children’s Safety Center
Offering hope and healing for victims of child abuse
For some, the darkest hours of their lives happen when they are much too young. But for the victims of child abuse and neglect in Washington County, there is a safe haven at the Children’s Safety Center – a place where they can find support and begin to heal.
As thousands of survivors can confirm, the CSC is a place where victims of child abuse can find the support they so desperately need. When a child visits the CSC, they leave an indelible handprint on the wall representing an emotional story of recovery.
Sports: Arkansas Razorback Baseball Preview
COVID-Canceled Season Sparks Intense Fall as Razorback Baseball Preps For 2021
Maybe the only thing keeping Arkansas baseball from a 17thNCAA Tournament appearance in 18 years was last year’s COVID-19 pandemic, which forced a season shutdown after an 11-5 start.
The shortened season contributed to a more intense fall and Fall Series, which the Red Team won over the Black, 4-2.
“The fall was very competitive,” said head coach Dave Van Horn. “We could put two pretty good teams out there that competed hard. It was a challenge every day. I feel like it was one of the best falls we’ve ever had.”