Patrons preview folk art

Drink the Garden pitted area bartenders and mixologists against each other to create a unique cocktail concoction June 25 at the Peel Mansion and Heritage Gardens in Bentonville. The annual cocktail competition benefits the Peel Compton Foundation.

This year's top shelf honors went to Emily Lawson of Foxhole Public House & Pink House Alchemy, People's Choice Award (for the second year) and Best Rum Recipe for "Floating Garden"; and Daniel Swisher and Matt Center of Eleven at Crystal Bridges, Best Bourbon Recipe for "RYEpartisan Elixer."

Those enjoying the estate's gardens with spirit included Rhonda and Harrison French, Nancy Martin and Alan Lewis, Rod Bigelow, Janet Hendren, Celia Boon, M.J. and Craig Rivaldo and Sam Dean.

Arkansas Support Network recognized clients, advocates, volunteers and staff members at its annual honors luncheon June 29 at Mermaids Seafood Restaurant in Fayetteville. The group serves individuals with disabilities with offerings that include the Community Parent Resource Center, community living services and vocational foundations such as supported employment, social and work skills development as well as enrichment opportunities in creativity, recreation and literacy.

Keith Vire, ASN chief executive officer, told luncheon guests, "We believe that everyone has the right to live in a loving home in a caring community. When you take people out of the community and put them behind a fence somewhere, we miss out on the benefit of them being with us."

The group's 2016 community awards went to:

•Missy Joyce -- Service Recognition;

•Stephanie Hinsey, Erin Tremain and Cheryl Boudreaux -- Reagan Excellence in Education;

• Marge Zinke and Sandy Hanline-Williams -- Community Distinction;

• Sheridan Pense -- Volunteer Appreciation;

• Byron Morgan -- Linda Andrews Above and Beyond;

• Mary Jo Elliott -- Jeff Nolte Outstanding Parent Advocate;

• Stephanie Marks -- Ryan Sutton/Martin Lovelace-Chandler Outstanding Self-Advocate;

• Toys 'R' Us -- Employer Recognition; and

• Wallanna Haber and Maggie McGeady -- Pam Biesiot Memorial Scholarships.

The group also presented awards to staff members marking milestones in their tenure. Those included Trina Lee and Deborah Vaillancourt, 15 years; Donald Hopgood Jr., Linda Michaels and Terri Pegue, 20 years; and Lynn Paskiewicz, HOW MANY YEARS. Forty employees also received awards for five or 10 years with the group.

Vire said that while those working in administration of the nonprofit organization certainly play an important role, "These are the people who do the real work. If I don't show up in the morning, nobody notices. If the person who helps you get out of bed, go to the bathroom, get dressed -- you notice."

Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art patrons were treated to a VIP preview on June 30 of the museum's latest temporary exhibition, "American Made: Treasures from the American Folk Art Museum." The exhibition is sponsored by George's and Becky and Bob Alexander and will run through Sept. 19.

Those getting a preview included the Alexanders, Robin and Gary George, Matt and Mary Kathryn Brown, Carl and Anna George and Sheila and Devin Cole.

For more event photos -- nwadg.com/photos/society.

Columnist Carin Schoppmeyer can be reached by email at [email protected].

NAN Profiles on 07/17/2016