Arkansas has a special ability to bring people together. It draws folks here with its rustic charms, scenic beauty, warmhearted people and unique opportunities—and beckons you to return if you ever drift away.

Such is true for Nick Malinowski, a Wisconsin boy who found himself in The Natural State as a corps member of Teach for America in the Mississippi Delta region. His first taste of Arkansas came in Elaine, a city just south of Helena-West Helena, where he taught second graders.

And then, almost as quickly as he arrived, Nick was gone.

His corps stint was up.

He left Arkansas to try New York City on for size and earn his Masters of Music in voice at Mannes College.

Yet, Nick could never shake the hold Arkansas had on him. He felt compelled to return.

“I missed the small-town feel and the incredible people I had met in my first two years here,” he said.

So, shortly after graduation in 2010, Nick returned to Helena-West Helena and became the director of choral music at the Knowledge is Power Program (KIPP) Delta Schools, a growing network of charter schools offering a free, college-preparatory education to children in the Arkansas Delta.

Drawn Together

The story is similar for Nick’s wife, Julia.

While her origins are different than Nick’s—Julia grew up in Washington—she too worked with Teach for America. Oddly enough, her teaching stint took place in New York at the same time Nick was there pursuing his masters, although they never crossed paths.

Fate ultimately drew them together—drew them to Arkansas—when Julia pursued a job opportunity in Helena-West Helena.

Nick recalls that time well.

“Julia came for a job interview with Southern Bancorp Community Partners, and her prospective boss was a good friend of mine,” he said. “After the interview, he took Julia to have lunch at a local Mexican restaurant and I just happened to be there. My friend said, ‘Nick, come on over, meet this young lady and try to convince her why she should move to Helena.’”

And what do you know? She stayed.

Not only because of Nick, with whom she started a relationship soon after moving there and eventually married, but also because of Arkansas and all its allures.

“Before I moved to Arkansas, I knew almost nothing about the state,” Julia said. “I have been surprised by how much opportunity exists here. I’ve been able to participate in projects and conversations I wouldn’t have had access to in New York. Moving to Arkansas has been a great career move for me.”

Playing for Keeps

As their love continued to grow, their love for Helena-West Helena grew as well. A love of place so great it led Julia to switch roles and become the director of the Helena Advertising & Promotion Commission.

There, she is responsible for promoting the city and assisting with tourist-oriented and public recreation facilities, and luring folks to town for special events like the King Biscuit Blues Festival, one of the nation’s foremost showcases of blues music, held annually in October. For Julia, it’s an easy job boasting about her community’s wealth of amenities, incredible events and its small-town southern charm.

Meanwhile, Nick can still be found at KIPP, conducting choirs for the elementary, junior high and high schools and traveling to other parts of the state and country producing shows for the community—a great way to showcase all of the student’s top-notch skills, he said.

“I have loved putting on great shows here; staging performances that highlight the incredible musical talent we have in the Delta,” he said.

When they’re not working, the Malinowskis enjoy camping at Bear Creek Lake – which is located within Mississippi River State Park – cycling the Delta Heritage Trail, golfing, and taking in the sights and sounds along downtown’s Cherry Street.

Nick & Julia's Favorites

ACTIVITIES:
Nick and Julia recommend enjoying Battery C Park and exploring Fort Curtis.

TO EAT:
Nick loves to order the fish dinner at Kelly’s, while Julia enjoys the chicken soup at Rio Lindo and the buffet at Granny Dee’s, all located in Helena-West Helena.

LOCAL EVENTS:
The duo enjoys the Wild Hog Motorcycle Rally & Music Festival in April and the Reenactment of the Battle of Helena in May. Also, don’t miss the King Biscuit Blues Festival in October.

BEST DAY TRIP TO TAKE:
The Malinowskis like day-tripping to Mississippi River State Park in Marianna and biking the Delta Heritage Trail to Old Town Lake in Lakeview.

ADVICE FOR NEWCOMERS:
“Get involved! So many of our events are volunteer-driven; we’re always looking for extra hands,” Julia said. “Also, attend community functions to get to know the wonderful people in town.”