501 LIFE Magazine

06/03/2026

Hey Central Arkansas, let’s start the weekend off with music!

Join us for a free Conway Community Band Concert at the beautiful Windgate Center for Fine and Performing Arts on the UCA campus.

Don’t miss your chance to experience the talent of their all-volunteer band, made up of local musicians who come together each summer to share music with the community.

This is a wonderful chance to enjoy live music, celebrate the 501 and experience one of our Conway’s most incredible venues.

Bring your family, invite your friends and make plans for a great night out!

Friday, June 5 | 7:30 p.m.
Free admission 🎵

06/01/2026

Mary Louise Jumper was a woman after my own heart, partly because of her great knowledge of Old Conway’s history and people. 👉 https://501lifemag.com/the-smile-at-the-front-door/

By Vivian Lawson Hogue Mary Louise Jumper was a woman after my own heart, partly because of her great knowledge of Old Conway’s history and people. From 1996 to 2021, I had an extensive personal project through the Log Cabin Democrat for which I toured and wrote about Conway’s historic ho

05/30/2026

Lanterns on the water lit up the evening recently at Wildwood Park for the Arts. The 2026 Lanterns! West Little Rock’s Festival of Lights and Cultures was held on April 18. 👉 http://501lifemag.com/lanterns-festival-at-wildwood-park-for-the-arts-lights-the-nights/

Lanterns on the water lit up the evening recently at Wildwood Park for the Arts. The 2026 Lanterns! West Little Rock’s Festival of Lights and Cultures was held on April 18. The annual festival celebrates cultural diversity with fun, family-friendly activities and food while bringing the comm

05/29/2026

Writers and readers came together on April 18 at the University of Central Arkansas’s Brewer-Hegerman Conference Center to talk about one of their favorite things — books. 👉 https://501lifemag.com/youth-advocate-resource-network-presents-second-annual-childrens-book-festival/

Writers and readers came together on April 18 at the University of Central Arkansas’s Brewer-Hegerman Conference Center to talk about one of their favorite things — books. Back row, A’miracle Cullins (from left) and Alexavier “AJ” Pickens. Front Row, Emiliano Herrera (from left), Nevaeh Ha...

05/29/2026

At just 19 years old, Anthony Joseph “Joe” Batchelor of Conway had already become someone others looked up to—known for his kindness, generosity and love for family.

After losing his father to cancer at age 7, Joe was raised by a close-knit group of family and friends who helped shape the man he would become. When Joe died in a 2014 automobile accident, that same community came together once again—this time to honor his life by carrying forward his giving spirit. 💕

Keep reading 👉 https://501lifemag.com/wearing-their-hearts-on-their-sleeves/

By Phyllis Ormsby At just 19 years old, Anthony Joseph “Joe” Batchelor of Conway had already become someone others looked up to—known for his kindness, generosity and love for family. After losing his father to cancer at age 7, Joe was raised by a close-knit group of family and friends who hel

05/28/2026

Some friendships start in childhood, or develop in college, but some of the best bonds begin at work. Somewhere between the copier jamming, coffee brewing, and coordinating projects to meet deadlines, friendships are formed. For two pairs of women in the 501, their bond didn’t just make work a little better. It made life a little brighter.

Full story 👉 https://501lifemag.com/working-9-to-5-what-a-way-to-make-a-friendship/

By Rita Halter Thomas Some friendships start in childhood, or develop in college, but some of the best bonds begin at work. Somewhere between the copier jamming, coffee brewing, and coordinating projects to meet deadlines, friendships are formed. For two pairs of women in the 501, their bond didn

05/28/2026

"Getting older comes with perks … right? But do I really qualify?" ... https://501lifemag.com/do-i-want-the-senior-discount/

By Lori Case Melton Getting older comes with perks … right? But do I really qualify? Recently, as I drove up to a fast-food window, a young man asked if I wanted the senior discount. This was my first time being asked that. Now I will admit my husband and I high-fived each other when we qualified

05/28/2026

Summer is almost here, and temperatures are already on the rise. Balancing comfort and cost can be challenging, but keeping your home cool on the hottest days without sending energy bills soaring is possible. 🌡

learn more 👉 https://501lifemag.com/tune-up-your-air-conditioner-before-that-summer-heat-arrives/

Conway Corporation

By Beth Jimmerson Summer is almost here, and temperatures are already on the rise. Balancing comfort and cost can be challenging, but keeping your home cool on the hottest days without sending energy bills soaring is possible. One of the easiest ways to stay comfortable this summer is to

05/28/2026

As a young girl growing up on a cattle farm in Little Arkansaw Community in Northwest Arkansas, Amanda Mathis could not have predicted the life she would lead. What she did know from early on was that she loved being around animals, farming and water of any kind, especially creeks.

Get to know Amanda 👉 https://501lifemag.com/amanda-mathis-the-path-to-impact/

By Judy Riley As a young girl growing up on a cattle farm in Little Arkansaw Community in Northwest Arkansas, Amanda Mathis could not have predicted the life she would lead. What she did know from early on was that she loved being around animals, farming and water of any kind, especially creeks.

05/27/2026

Nancy Turner Williams grew up like a lot of kids in Arkansas, shooting BB guns, but she ended up becoming a world champion trap shooter.

Get to know Nancy 👉 https://501lifemag.com/501-hometown-hall-of-famers-nancy-williams/

By David Grimes Nancy Turner Williams grew up like a lot of kids in Arkansas, shooting BB guns, but she ended up becoming a world champion trap shooter. Williams competing in the Southwestern Grand trapshoots in San Antonio, Texas She was inducted into the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame (ASHO