Adrian Alvarez legally immigrated to the United States in 1982, and although he came here in search of a better life for his family, he came here alone. His wife, Reyna, and two sons remained behind in Cuernavaca, Morelos, Mexico. They joined him three years later. It is a story played over and over in … Continue reading Culturally Connected
Category: Achievement
On the Mat
It turns out, mortuary schools don’t have cheerleading scholarships. So when Stacey Kohles had to choose between her two life ambitions — cheer and funeral science — the young adult landed on the mat. Although she dabbled in dermatology, psychology and dreamed of opening a flower shop, the Fort Smith native eventually started Arkansas Cheer … Continue reading On the Mat
Looking Like Spring
The winter of 1947-48 was long and miserable in Northwest Arkansas. It was the season the Razorbacks tied 0-0 with the LSU Tigers in what would later be dubbed the Ice Bowl. Temperatures dropped to 14 below in Gentry, and March brought over a foot of snow instead of spring rains and flowers. By the … Continue reading Looking Like Spring
Altitude Attitude
She described the moose as a "presence." She was approaching the saddle of San Luis, a 14,000-foot peak in the San Juan Mountains of Colorado. She was about 10 miles north of Creede and thoroughly enjoying the rare wilderness of this high trail. She was walking quietly, which was not uncommon. Being on the trails … Continue reading Altitude Attitude
Celebration of 125 years
There was something magical in the snow that night. It fell straight down and gently. Without so much as a breeze, the white flakes flurried from the late night sky and caught in his mother's lamplight. He sat snuggling in the night air atop his father's shoulders as they walked home across the field. It … Continue reading Celebration of 125 years
Color the World
Little Bread Company in Fayetteville is unusually crowded. Joelle Storet isn't going to get lunch, but she doesn't seem to mind. It's the first Sunday after the University of Arkansas has resumed classes, and it seems that the artisan bakery is feeling the sudden influx of students. No tables are available, so the artist arranges … Continue reading Color the World
Through Faith and Valor
When he entered the Centerton Community Center on June 14, Berryville resident Walter Noftsger had no idea what was in store for him. The 94-year-old World War II veteran was honored two weekends ago by becoming a recipient of a Quilt of Valor. The quilt was made by volunteers involved with Quilts of Valor, a … Continue reading Through Faith and Valor
Life of Service
She was born at home in the midst of a snowstorm almost 90 years ago. Her father, a wheat farmer, had rushed from the family home to fetch the doctor, who was stuck on the icy road halfway to the house. The men arrived by horse and wagon just in time to deliver a baby … Continue reading Life of Service
On a High Note
A weekend shopping trip to the Northwest Arkansas Mall would not be the same without the peaceful melodies coming from the food court. Smack dab in the middle of the atrium sits 31-year-old James Miller, a Bentonville resident who has been delighting shoppers for almost eight years. Sitting close by the Baldwin piano are three … Continue reading On a High Note
Family TEAM
As they celebrate the beginning of 2014, Fayetteville residents Kym and Kevin Hannah will no doubt be looking back at the years gone by with humble joy. This Dec. 31, the usually unassuming couple will grandly celebrate the New Year alongside two foundations they helped create. The event will benefit TEAMworks, a local and international … Continue reading Family TEAM
Allison Carter Fanney 