Heather BakerSpring is finally here. And for me, that means cruising around with the windows down and soaking up the sunshine – my favorite pastime.
I love April because of the longer days, the blooming flowers and the warmer weather. But around here, April is the beginning of the busy season, with a ton of exciting events to look forward to. Henry Award-winning AY is lucky to have partnered with several wonderful activities this month, alone!
We’re thrilled to serve as a media sponsor for this year’s Diamond Chef competition, which will feature some of the state’s most beloved chefs. Seven passionate men and women will go head-to-head, at the culinary facilities of University of Arkansas – Pulaski Technical College to see who will take home the coveted title of Diamond Chef.
We asked these acclaimed chefs to tell us their favorite dishes to cook, their go-to ingredients and even their guilty food pleasures. I think you’ll be surprised by some of their answers!
This month, we’ll also celebrate the 50th anniversary of Charles Portis’ book True Grit, alongside our friends at Oxford American. Portis is a legend, not just in his home state of Arkansas but around the world. And it was the success of True Grit that brought him so much acclaim.
We celebrate the legacy of this man and his book with the rest of Arkansas’ literary community, and I can’t wait. After all, Portis got John Wayne his only Oscar. That’s saying something.
Inside this month’s edition, you’ll also find a special section devoted entirely to Arkansas entrepreneurs in honor of the Arkansas Governor’s Cup. Young innovators, like the college students who will compete in this year’s event, are critical to helping our state grow and preparing our economy for the future.
We’re excited to partner with Arkansas Capital Corporation in putting together this special section dedicated to all of the young men and women who have the drive, determination and creativity to chase after their dreams.
We also have the pleasure of locking arms with a pair of charitable events that are near to my heart … the American Heart Association’s Central Arkansas Heart Walk and the Baptist Health Foundation’s annual BOLO Bash Luncheon.
It is so important that all Arkansans recognize the need to live a heart-healthy life. And that’s why we have dedicated several pages to doing so. You’re never too young or old to embrace heart health, as you’ll read in these powerful stories. I hope they would inspire you to join in on this year’s Heart Walk.
It’s just as important to promote healthy and active lifestyles in children. And that’s exactly what the selfless men and women of the Baptist Health Foundation are striving to do at this year’s Bolo Bash Luncheon. Those who attend will have the pleasure of knowing they are supporting a great cause, while also getting the opportunity to hear the most famous woman in daytime television, Mrs. Susan Lucci.
It’s April, and there’s no shortage of things to be a part of. Join us!
Heather Baker signature
Heather Baker
Stories in our April issue include a home in Eureka Springs, National Pecan Month and Bolo Bash