Stories by Cary Jenkins

WEDDING: Corinne Carter Menz and Samuel Guthridge Peterson Corinne Carter Menz and Samuel Guthridge Peterson were united in marriage at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, April 2, in the courtyard of The Ballroom at I Street in Bentonville. Michael Bickley of Journey Bible ... April 10, 2022

Heart Ball presents 55 heart-educated students Fifty-five Sweethearts were presented April 2 at the the American Heart Association of Central Arkansas' Heart Ball.The Sweethearts learn about heart-healthy lifestyles and the prevention of heart... April 10, 2022

Tools & Toys: Swiff and O-Yaki Non-Stick Grill Mat SwiffWhat’s to love: Protects sweaty gym clothes or dog beds from odors.What does it do: Swiff uses a two-part spray system to keep odors away. On clean clothes or fabric, first spray on the sil... April 9, 2022

Arts in Arkansas: 7 contribution awards presented in Governor’s Mansion’s Great Hall Seven Governor's Arts Awards were presented at a luncheon on March 16 in the Great Hall of the Governor's Mansion.The annual event, presented by the Arkansas Arts Council, recognizes individua... April 3, 2022

WEDDING: Deanna Jones and Bart Barlogie Deanna Jones became the bride of Bart Barlogie at 4:30 p.m. Saturday, March 26, at Harvest Inn, St. Helena, Calif. Justin Acri officiated.The bride is the daughter of the late Demaris Jones of Little ... April 3, 2022

Ready to serve: Annual Chef Ball celebrates food and the people who prepare it Chef Ball, the annual event celebrating Central Arkansas chefs and future chefs at the top of their game, was March 15.Hosted by the Central Arkansas Cooks chapter of the American Culinary Federation,... March 27, 2022

St. Patrick’s Day parade names Shamrock royals HOT SPRINGS -- Celebrities Cheech Marin and Danny Trejo were on hand to crown Tim Culbreth and Cindy Baswell as Shamrock King and Queen of the First Ever 19th Annual World's Shortest St. Patrick&#... March 27, 2022

Tools & Toys: WORX Nitro 20V Drain Auger and TidyBoard WORX Nitro 20V Power Share 25 ft. Drain AugerWhat’s to love: No harsh chemicals needed to clear clogged drains.What does it do: Powered by a WORX 20V 2.0Ah MAX lithium battery, this tool is desi... March 26, 2022

On pointe: Wildwood Park holds Ballet Arkansas’ 10th Turning Pointe Gala Ballet Arkansas held its 10th Turning Pointe Gala -- Confetti -- on March 5 at Wildwood Park for the Arts.The evening began with music by JAZZ R US, cocktails and a silent auction in the North Lobby o... March 20, 2022

Tools & Toys: Cromify Vacuum Sealer and Wildwood Grilling Planks Cromify Vacuum SealerWhat’s to love: Saving money. With the price of food going up, buying in bulk or buying items on sale can help lower one’s food bill. The Cromify Vacuum Sealer can hel... March 19, 2022

Thirty Angels of Hope named at black-tie gala Thirty Angels of Hope were introduced March 12 at a black-tie gala at the Statehouse Convention Center benefiting the 20th Century Club's Lodge.The young women are high school juniors who are resp... March 13, 2022

Tools & Toys: Spleash and TRIPWARE TRIPWAREWhat’s to love: Who knew you could recycle ceramics? Apparently you can and they’ve been turned into beautiful yet simple plates and bowls by TRIPWARE.What does it do: Broken and u... March 12, 2022

Cocktails for charity: Rock Town Distillery hosts cocktail fundraiser for No Kid Hungry The Barrel Room at Rock Town Distillery was the setting Feb. 24 for Cocktails for a Cause, a fundraiser for No Kid Hungry.Guests enjoyed music by Samuel Ellis and David Bise of the local band Cons For... March 6, 2022

Tools & Toys: Gel Cool Bento Box and SoDo Vanity By Strasser Gel Cool Bento BoxWhat’s to love: Keeps food cold for up to four hours whether taking a lunch to work or school or for a picnic.What does it do: The Gel Cool Bento Box Dome L is the largest in t... March 5, 2022

WEDDING: Lauren Elizabeth Morgan and William Allen Cooper St. James United Methodist Church was the setting at 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 19, for the marriage of Lauren Elizabeth Morgan and William Allen Cooper. The Rev. Ben Crismon officiated.Parents of the brid... February 27, 2022

Tools & Toys: The Couchmaster CYCON2 and Plant Traps The Couchmaster CYCON2What’s to love: Made for gaming in comfort on the couch or from the bed, but also can be used for working from home with a laptop or notebook.What does it do: The molded ha... February 26, 2022

Tripping the light fantastic: Dancing Into Dreamland fundraiser has contestants cutting a rug Fingers were snapping and toes were tapping as dancers once again tried to swing, tap and cha-cha their way into the hearts of the audience and judges at Dancing Into Dreamland on Feb. 12 at the histo... February 20, 2022

Tools & Toys: SkyPots and Sonett Laundry Liquid Sensitive SkyPotsWhat’s to love: It is an easy way to connect two or more of a gardener’s own clay pots to create a hanging garden.What does it do: SkyPots is a system that includes hanging rods and... February 19, 2022

Protection programs: Gary Clements among Arkansas Preservation Awards winners Preserve Arkansas honored Gary Clements with the Parker Westbrook Award for Lifetime Achievement on Jan. 28 at the Arkansas Preservation Awards. The dinner and program were held at the Governor's ... February 13, 2022

Banquet benefits waterfowl conservation group GREGORY -- The annual Black Swamp Ducks Unlimited Banquet was held Jan. 27 at the Tamale Factory.The evening began with a happy hour where guests could enjoy drinks, peruse the many auction items incl... February 13, 2022

Tools & Toys: FlexiSpot Bamboo Standing Desk and MAKERX Mini Heat Gun FlexiSpot Kana Bamboo Standing DeskWhat's to love: This is a good solution for those working from home who need a change from sitting at the desk all day. With a touch of a button, change this des... February 12, 2022

In the Heights: New CEO of BSR REIT honored at Little Rock Heights home reception Karen and John Flake opened their Heights home for a drop-in reception Jan. 13. Dan Oberste was the guest of honor.Guests were invited for drinks and hors d'oeuvres and to congratulate Oberste, th... February 6, 2022

Roaring good time: ’20s Prohibition sets tone for jazzy Junior Auxiliary fundraiser HOT SPRINGS -- The music of jazz singer Sylvia Stems set the mood as guests arrived to the Roaring '20s-theme Prohibition on Jan. 22. The event, a fundraiser for Hot Springs Junior Auxiliary, was ... February 6, 2022

Tools & Toys: Luna Bean Keepsake Hands Casting Kit and Proud Grill Connect it Luna Bean Keepsake Hands Casting KitWhat's to love: Perfect as a gift or to keep. This kit has everything needed to make a cast of a parent and child holding hands or couples handing hands creatin... February 5, 2022

Tools & Toys: PlexiDor Dog Door Inserts and Poke A Dot Organizer PlexiDor French Door Dog Door InsertsWhat's to love: The one-piece insert creates a way for those with a French door to have a door for their pets to come and go. The inserts come pre-fabricated a... January 29, 2022

Arkansas Short Films festival by Low Key Arts split into two days HOT SPRINGS -- Many more short films this year made for a long event, so the film festival was split into two days. Arkansas Short Films, The Extended Cut, was held Jan. 8 and 9 at Malco Theatre.Prese... January 23, 2022

Tools & Toys: Proud Grill BBQ Skewers and Verilux Happylight Luxe Verilux Happylight LuxeWhat’s to love: A sunlight substitute for short winter days that provides a full spectrum of UV-free light.What does it do: The company says: “Researchers at the Nat... January 22, 2022

Spectator sport: Outback Bowl’s New Year’s Eve Parade draws red and blue fans TAMPA, Fla. -- Seventh Street in Ybor City, a historic district once known as the Cigar Capital of the World, was the route for the Outback Bowl's New Year's Eve Parade.The cigar shops, restau... January 16, 2022

Making a splash: Hogs fans take to the sand for Outback Bowl’s Clearwater Beach Day TAMPA, Fla. -- Along a stretch of soft white sand behind the Hilton Clearwater Beach Hotel on Dec. 30, Arkansas Razorback fans enjoyed a day of sun and Hog fun at one of the Outback Bowl's activit... January 16, 2022

Tools & Toys: "A Loving Table" and "Home Sweet Houseplant" "A Loving Table: Creating Memorable Gatherings"What's to love: Something to look forward to this spring. This beautiful book with more than 300 color photographs tells of 34 women who sh... January 15, 2022

Fish in a Bowl: Sea creature costumes flood Outback Bowl’s Gridiron Gala event TAMPA, Fla. -- The Gridiron Gala, the most formal event surrounding the Outback Bowl, was held at Marriott Water Street Hotel on Dec. 31.The invitation-only event was hosted by the Outback Bowl and sp... January 9, 2022

Auxiliary to host '20s-theme drive HOT SPRINGS -- Partygoers will step back 100 years into a 1922 speakeasy Jan. 22 at Hot Springs Junior Auxiliary's fundraiser Prohibition where guys and dolls are invited to put on their glad rags... January 9, 2022

Razing the competition: Outback Bowl Pre Game Bash contains a sounder of Razorback fans TAMPA -- Arkansas Razorback fans celebrated before, during and after the big win over Penn State at the Jan. 1 Outback Bowl.On game day, Arkansas Foundation board members, alumni and other guests were... January 9, 2022

Tools & Toys: ZVOX Noise Canceling Headphones and Foxgloves Grip ZVOX AV52 Noise Canceling HeadphonesWhat's to love: Headphones specifically designed for clarifying and boosting voices and filtering out background noises.What does it do: The company says it use... January 8, 2022

Christmas breakfast: Governor’s Mansion holds holiday-theme buffet with Santa It might have been a wet, dreary day on the outside, but inside the Governor's Mansion on Dec. 18 was bright, warm and cheery for the First Lady's Breakfast with Santa.Children were dressed in... January 2, 2022

Angels of Hope hail breast cancer survivor Cherry Goldsholl was surprised with a celebratory party Dec. 16 by the Angels of Hope at the Hope Lodge.Goldsholl, who is an Angel mentor and a member of the 20th Century Club of Little Rock, is a 20-... January 2, 2022

PHOTO GALLERIES: Razorback fans, players celebrate Outback Bowl victory The Arkansas Razorbacks took to the field Saturday in Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Fla., after winning the Outback Bowl on New Year's Day.It was the culmination of days of events that involved ... January 1, 2022

OPINION | TOOLS & TOYS: Cordless vac, tankless toilet Dustbuster AdvancedClean Slim Cordless Handheld VacuumWhat's to love: An extra wide nozzle allows for faster clean up.What does it do: The Black & Decker vacuum cleaner is designed with a... January 1, 2022

PHOTO GALLERY: Outback Bowl New Year's Eve parade Ybor City was the site of the Outback Bowl New Year's Eve Parade. The parade featured floats, local marching bands and the Razorback and Penn State Marching Bands. Gallery: Outback Bowl New Y... December 31, 2021

Festivities and finger food: Home for Healing hosts holiday open house, members honored Home for Healing hosted a Holiday Open House on Dec. 7 for its volunteers, donors and sponsors.Guests enjoyed a festive array of finger foods and drinks while mingling.Board member Laquita Whitfield w... December 26, 2021

Holiday party hosted at historic Trapnall Hall Trapnall Hall, a Greek Revival house built in downtown Little Rock in 1843, was the setting for a Holiday Shindig on Dec. 7. The merry event was the annual holiday party of the Arkansas State House So... December 26, 2021

WEDDING: McKenzie Nicole Phillips and Garrison Reed Marshall Wedding vows were exchanged by McKenzie Nicole Phillips and Garrison Reed Marshall at 6 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 18, in St. Edward Catholic Church. Officiating was the Rev. Joseph Friend, associate pastor ... December 26, 2021

OPINION | TOOLS & TOYS: Cork Genius Wine Opener, Stiles Wood Tile Board Cork Genius Wine Opener & Care SetWhat’s to love: A four piece set that’s handy for opening, pouring and resealing wine.What does it do: The set comes with the Cork Genius Wi... December 25, 2021

Holiday open house: Governor’s Mansion opens 5 decorated rooms for Christmas tour First lady Susan and Gov. Asa Hutchinson greeted guests at a Christmas Open House held at the Governor's Mansion on Dec. 5.Attendees were invited to tour the mansion which was decked out for Chris... December 19, 2021

Tools & Toys: BLACK+DECKER Wagon and FogBlocker Wet Wipes BLACK+DECKER WagonWhat's to love: The collapsible wagon is made with heavy-duty all-terrain wheels making it easy to maneuver.What does it do: The wagon made with a polyester canvas over a sturdy ... December 18, 2021

Return engagement: Clinton thanks volunteers at presidential library Volunteers with the William J. Clinton Presidential Center were celebrated at a Volunteer Appreciation Gala at the Center on Dec. 1.The former president was in attendance and addressed the crowd sayin... December 12, 2021

WEDDING: Christine Danielle Harpool and Matthew Joseph Quinn Christine Danielle Harpool and Matthew Joseph Quinn exchanged marriage vows at 5:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 4, at The Laurel in Grapevine, Texas. David Harpool, uncle of the bride, officiated.Barbara and ... December 12, 2021

Capitol Plaza ceremony lights up the night sky Bright the Night, the tree lighting at Capitol Plaza in downtown Little Rock, was held on Nov. 22.After the countdown to the tree lighting, through the magic of machines, a flurry of snow drifted over... December 12, 2021

Tools & Toys: Attitude Dish Soap and Verve Culture Moroccan Blankets Attitude Dish SoapWhat's to love: Available in refillable bottles and comes in a variety of scents such as coriander and olive, green apple and basil, wildflowers, citrus zest and pink grapefruit.... December 11, 2021

Give and let give: Individuals, groups honored at National Philanthropy Day event A luncheon to honor people and groups active in local philanthropy was held Nov. 18 on National Philanthropy Day. The event at Embassy Suites was hosted by the Arkansas Chapter of the Association of F... December 5, 2021