Publisher

Letter from the owners Since early 2008, a special group of men and women have shared our dream to produce and distribute an upscale publication that celebrates the quality of life that so many enjoy throughout Central Arkansas. Many hours, ideas and prayers are represented in each issue. The editorial boards have contributed ideas and suggestions from what the magazine should and shouldn’t look like, story and photo suggestions, as well as the publication name. Their excitement has been contagious and their commitment admirable. We thank them for their work. Their energy and enthusiasm have spread to others, creating a “buzz” in the area about this new publication. As we have visited with advertisers, contributors, local officials and others, they too have shared our vision and have become a part of this vibrant, new magazine. It has been humbling. We have assembled a talented group of contributors – writers, designers and photographers. We recognize and thank them for their hard work on this project. Our goal is to provide a professional, quality publication that those living in the 501 area code can take pride in as well as rely on for interesting, informative and accurate stories and features. In similar fashion, our website – 501lifemag.com – is a vital source of information on what is going on in the area. You will want to make it one of your “favorites” and refer back to it often as the content will be updated regularly. We have referred to 501 LIFE as “the people’s magazine,” because we have listened and responded to many suggestions from everyone we have encountered. This current issue only represents the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the ideas we hope to pursue in the months and years ahead, and we’re hoping that those suggestions and feedback will continue. We hope you enjoy 501 LIFE and become one of our charter subscribers. It’s the only way to ensure that you’ll receive the next copy. Here’s to loving LIFE in the 501. Donna J. Spears and Sonja J. Keith The new kid in the neighborhood A special group of men and women – from bankers and business owners to marketing executives and community leaders/volunteers – was enlisted to help craft a magazine that is interesting and informative. LIFE is designed with individuals in the 501 area code in mind – from Van Buren and Cleburne counties in the north to Garland and Hot Spring counties to the south. A quality publication in content and appearance, 501 LIFE is unique in Central Arkansas and meets an unmet need. If you live in one of the counties with a 501 area code, then this magazine was created with you in mind. Central Arkansas is rich in history, full of culture, and brimming with stories to be told. With accurate and interesting features and a strong visual component in print and on our website, the magazine has widespread appeal and draws readers from throughout the state. Welcome to a new way to look at and celebrate LIFE in the 501. Counties Contributors Faulkner County Cleburne Don Bingham Editorial Board Conway Anthony Byrnes Johnny Adams Faulkner RaeLynn Callaway Jack Bell Garland Tanner Cangelosi Rob Bell Hot Spring Maggie Chandler RaeLynn Callaway Lonoke Kellie Dye Lori Case Perry April Fortner Glenn Crockett Pulaski Mathilda Hatfield Hulett Kay Dalton Saline Carla Hendricks David Hambuchen Van Buren Vivian Hogue Roe Henderson White Renee Hunter Jerry Hiegel Heather Kendrick Mathilda H. Hulett Owners Karl Lenser Mike Kemp Donna Spears Peggy Kemp Julie LaRue Sonja Keith Marilyn Mathis Karl Lenser Mark Oliver Monica Lieblong Todd Owens Beth Longing Editor Bill Patterson Jay Myers Sonja J. Keith Jan Spann Deanna Ott Donna Lampkin Stephens Pat Otto Associate Editor Jim Taylor Jon Patrom Levi Gilbert Janna Virden Lori Ross Margaret Smith Art Director Conway County Jan Spann A.J. Carol Editorial Board Beth Tyler Brandon Baker Jeff Whitehead Photo Director Mary Clark Jennifer Whitehead Mike Kemp Kathy Edgerton Nancy Williams Alisha Koonce Distribution Manager Stephanie Lipsmeyer Tom Keith Stewart Nelson Jim Taylor Business Manager Brenda Tyler Tracey Lynn Wilkinson Kristi Strain