FEATURES
Profile: Ashley Wheeler
Home is Where the Heart is
Ashley Wheeler’s journey to becoming CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Arkansas tells a story of resilience, community and the power of wanting a place to call home. She was born in Jackson, Mississippi, and lived there until 1992 when she moved with her parents and little brother to Northwest Arkansas. Ashley’s parents divorced when she was 10 years old, but she said even when her parents were still together, the family moved frequently, and she never truly felt she belonged anywhere.
Arts & Culture: Shucked Celebrates Community and Comedy This Month
Shucked is the new musical comedy coming to Walton Arts Center on Dec. 17-22 that is turning musical theater on its ear and offering a kernel of hope for our divided nation. Grab your friends and join in for a hilarious yet impactful story that proves sometimes tearing down a few walls, rather than growing them, is the only way to preserve our way of life.
Arts & Culture: A Very SoNA Christmas
Symphony of Northwest Arkansas celebrates the holidays at Walton Arts Center
Audiences are invited to celebrate the most magical time of the year as the Symphony of Northwest Arkansas continues its 2024-25 season with two holiday concert programs in December: its annual Christmas performances and the return of The Snowman, a well-loved classic for children and families.
Nonprofit: 25 Years of Women Building a Better Community
The Junior League of Northwest Arkansas’ Winter Dreams Tour of Homes makes a highly anticipated comeback this month. This event is one of the Junior League’s largest fundraisers and a cherished holiday tradition in our area. The money raised benefits several community programs and partners: Children’s Safety Center of Washington County, EOA Children’s House, Northwest Arkansas Women’s Shelter and Peace at Home Family Shelter.
Destination: Follow the Road to Holiday Cheer
‘Tis the season for some festive fun! Take a road trip to some nearby destinations to create lasting memories that will have you feeling all the love, joy and wonder of this season.
Eats & Drinks: A Taste of the Holidays
I recently enlisted the help of chef Jaime S. Landu Colin to add swagger and nuance to a holiday dinner party for friends and family. The outcome was delightfully fun and delicious, complete with roasted game hens, apple chutney, pumpkin dumplings simmered in brown butter, cranberry cornbread, and a surprisingly easy pâté using harvest from a recent duck hunt.
Living Spaces: Christmas and the Nutcracker
The timeless holiday classic is interwoven with the memories this family is creating for their three kids
Every year on Nov. 1, The Nutcracker ballet soundtrack resonates through Alex and Lauren Blass’ home as Lauren decorates for Christmas. The ballet holds special memories for her, as do the nutcrackers that fill her home during the holidays.
