501 LIFE Magazine

01/07/2026

Hubert “Geese” Ausbie was one of the biggest stars on one of the most recognizable teams in the world, the Harlem Globetrotters.

Ausbie was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame (ASHOF) in 1990 as part of the 32nd class, along with Leota Barham, Bennie Ellender, Lowell “Hoss” Manning, Henry Moore and Bobby Tiner.

Keep reading 👉 https://501lifemag.com/501-hometown-hall-of-famers-hubert-geese-ausbie/

By David Grimes Hubert “Geese” Ausbie was one of the biggest stars on one of the most recognizable teams in the world, the Harlem Globetrotters. Ausbie was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame (ASHOF) in 1990 as part of the 32nd class, along with Leota Barham, Bennie Ellender, L

01/06/2026

At 501 LIFE Magazine we love stories, and we know that every story has a backstory. The backstory of our outstanding honorees is that some kind soul took the time to notice their efforts and to nominate them last fall.

As the magazine's editor, when I met the honorees at Mike Kemp Photography for their photo shoot, the common thread I picked up on was a passion for their cause. As you read their features, you’ll learn what each person is passionate about, and I hope you will find inspiration that fuels your own goals as we kick off a new year.

Our 2026 “five-oh Ones to Watch” are winners who are making a difference throughout central Arkansas. You can meet them now at https://501lifemag.com/

01/06/2026

In the heart of the 501, the Soul Food Café Mission in Conway is more than a place to find a hot meal or pick up a box of food. It’s a mission focused on ministering with “food for the body as well as food for the soul.” Co-founders and directors Rick and Traci Harvey of Bigelow, along with their all-volunteer staff, have been extending compassion, hope and love since 2001.

Find inspiration for your own life as you read how Rick and Traci put their talents and a love for people to work 25 years ago. The Soul Food Café Mission is a five-oh one to watch, serving thousands of people each year. Meet the Harveys here: https://501lifemag.com/five-oh-ones-to-watch-2026-rick-and-traci-harvey/

01/06/2026

Lily Kate Oaks discovered her love of fashion at a young age and has made her dream a reality at the young age of 20. As the owner and founder of the women’s clothing boutique Rebel & Bolt in Conway, she oversees a full-scale operation. This year, she will graduate from the University of Arkansas Walton College of Business with a degree in marketing and management.

A Greenbrier native, she encourages other young adults not to wait for the “perfect” time to follow their dream. “Start now and let your results speak for you,” she said.

Read about the start of Lily Kate's career and as a five-oh One to Watch in this month's issue! https://501lifemag.com/five-oh-ones-to-watch-2026-lily-kate-oaks/

01/05/2026

Apple Dennie of Sherwood said she loves having a role that doesn’t look the same every day. It’s a good thing, too, since this is one busy young woman. In addition to being Miss Greater Little Rock, Dennie received her Master of Strategic Communication from Arkansas State University in Jonesboro. Her main role is community outreach and engagement for the Arkansas chapter of AARP, where she said she loves “working with a team that appreciates and implements my ideas as we work towards making Arkansas more accessible as an aging community.”

Read all about this five-oh One To Watch who has become an apple of our eye!

https://501lifemag.com/five-oh-ones-to-watch-2026-apple-dennie/

01/05/2026

Hubert “Geese” Ausbie was one of the biggest stars on one of the most recognizable teams in the world - the Harlem Globetrotters.

Ausbie is still loving his 501 LIFE as a true Central Arkansan who was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.

Ausbie and the Globetrotters were turned into an animated Saturday morning cartoon including a crossover movie with the gang from Scooby Doo. They were regularly featured on ABC’s Wide World of Sports the made-for-TV-movie, “The Harlem Globetrotters on Gilligan’s Island,” in 1981.

Don't miss David Grimes' feature on this one-of-a-kind athlete and gentleman in this month's 501 LIFE!

https://501lifemag.com/501-hometown-hall-of-famers-hubert-geese-ausbie/

01/05/2026

What exciting news for the 501 and all of the Natural State!

The Arkansas Weather Network, a cutting-edge digital weather platform founded by Forecaster Zachary Hall and Meteorologist James Bryant along with Meteorologist Blaze Thomas launched last month. The Arkansas Weather Network offers Arkansans a new level of real-time, localized, life-saving weather coverage designed to meet viewers wherever they are.

“Our coverage to all corners, all counties, every community is important to us,” Hall said.

We know that you will agree with us - these weather watchers are sure to be Ones To Watch!

https://501lifemag.com/five-oh-ones-to-watch-2026-the-weather-watchers/

01/05/2026

"As a couple, we enjoy traveling and exploring new places together, trying new restaurants and finding fun excuses to get out of our routine. We also love spending time on the river with friends, enjoying good company, sunshine and a slower pace. All of those moments, the simple ones and the big ones, have shaped a life we’re grateful to be building together."

501 LIFE was honored to have Justin Evans and Summer Hoggard as our five-oh Ones to Watch couple of the month. We hope you will take a moment to read their love story written in their own words.

https://501lifemag.com/couple-of-the-month-justin-evans-and-summer-hoggard/

01/05/2026

Stories can be told in many ways and through countless forms of expression. Jeff Matthews, manager of video production and local programming at Conway Corp, feels fortunate he can create and share stories through video broadcasting for a living.

In 2026, he hopes to continue finding unique ways to tell stories and connect Conway Corp to the community. Especially since the company will soon reach a significant milestone. “Our 100th year is on the horizon, and we have a great story to tell."

Learn why we think Jeff is absolutely one to watch in this month's 501 LIFE.

https://501lifemag.com/five-oh-ones-to-watch-2026-jeff-matthews/

01/05/2026

Last fall, 501 LIFE Magazine asked readers to nominate outstanding people who inspire others, who make life better for many and who live in one of the 11 counties we serve. These Central Arkansas counties include Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Garland, Hot Spring, Lonoke, Perry, Pulaski, Saline, Van Buren and White.

There were hundreds of nominations, and it was a challenge to narrow the list! As you meet each honoree, please join us in applauding our 2026 “Five-Oh-Ones to Watch” selections, presented by Methodist Family Health.

See them all at 501lifemag.com/five-oh-ones-to-watch today!

01/05/2026

We can't believe it - we are so excited about the Third Annual five-oh Ones To Watch edition of 501 LIFE!!!

We’re kicking off 2026 by highlighting more than 50 incredible people from the 501 whom Central Arkansas has determined to be “five-oh-Ones to Watch.”

Don't wait another minute to meet the educators, entrepreneurs, Girl Scouts, caregivers, master communicators, pageant queen, farmer, scientist, musician and more who are celebrated this month.

Magazines are headed throughout Central Arkansas this week and you can read it online at 501lifemag.com/issues now!