PRS RT S TD U.S . PO S TA G E PA ID
Little Rock, AR 72202 Permit No. 471
Wednesday, July 27, 2016 Number 30, Volume 37
MID-WEEK
MARKETPLACE
Servin g th e H ot Sprin gs / G a rla n d C ou n ty a rea s in ce 19 77
Army pilot from HS featured in documentary STEVEN MROSS The Sentinel-Record
Submitted photo
LOCAL HERO: U.S. Army Capt. Dan Culbreth stands near his Boeing AH-64
Apache attack helicopter on the day he was promoted to captain. Culbreth, a 2001 graduate of Hot Springs High School, is featured in the Aug. 2 episode of “My Fighting Season,” a military docuseries executive produced by actor Ricky Schroder.
U.S. Army Capt. Dan Culbreth, a 2001 Hot Springs High School graduate, has flown his Apache helicopter through two tours of duty in Afghanistan, and will soon be flying into many living rooms as one of the soldiers featured in an upcoming episode of “My Fighting Season,” a war documentary series on AT&T’s Audience Network. Culbreth, who serves with the 82nd Combat Aviation Brigade, stationed at Fort Bragg, N.C., will be in the Aug. 2 episode of the six-part docuseries, executive produced by actor Ricky Schroder, which is a sequel to Schroder’s earlier “The Fighting Season,” and follows U.S. Army soldiers in Afghanistan from the unique perspective of their own cameras. “It was an interesting experience,” Culbreth, who was in Hot Springs for a week visiting his parents, Tim and Sally Culbreth, told The Sentinel-Record Tuesday. “I didn’t know what to think of it. I wasn’t too sure what they were looking for, but these are stories that are worth being told.” Culbreth noted that his interview for the episode was about six hours, but his sequence lasts about six minutes. He was able to watch the final cut Monday and said, “It’s good, but definitely edited. It’s very accurate, but very simplified.” He said he would never have agreed to the interview if it had not come through official channels and “had division’s blessing.” They asked him several questions which dealt with “rules of engagement,” a lot of which are classified, so “I was tense trying to describe what happened without divulging information that gives someone a tactical
advantage they could exploit.” He said about a week after his interview, Schroder called him. “I was quite surprised at who was at the other end of the phone. He had been editing my footage and could tell I was tense about what I was talking about. “He wholeheartedly wanted to make sure I understood what his intentions were and that he wasn’t going to twist the video or leave any question the guys we engaged that day were enemy combatants. That it was not going to be agenda driven, but soldier story driven.” The episode deals with a day of fighting by ground troops that occurred during Culbreth’s first tour between August 2011 and September 2012. He would later return for a second tour from August 2014 to May 2015, which was “almost exclusively special operations missions” involving specific Taliban targets, with hardly any ground patrol missions. In the episode, a ground patrol unit was “just off Route Georgia,” which led from Pul-i-Alam, the district capital of the Logar province, through the Wardak province. The route “went through what we called the wild west. We called it Indian country. It was a bad area where patrols got in fire fights every single day.” He said the Taliban were “experts at hiding heavy weapons. Hit-and-run tactics. There were a lot of hedge rows, deep green valleys. A billion ways to hide and move through that valley.” He said the patrol team “got into trouble” and was pinned down. “We got a call about some insurgents on a hilltop firing down and that was the only info we got. I had a grid of where they were, but I didn’t know what they
were shooting at. I didn’t know the team was out there at first.” He said he never talked to the team members, but was finally able to make contact with their commander and “provided air support once I figured out where they were. I don’t want to go into more detail because it will be covered in the episode. But basically they were in trouble and I came in to support.” Culbreth said he later took some of his footage from the video cameras in his Apache to show to the intelligence officer for the ground units “to show them what I see and how I see things. Aerial is not a better vantage point. It’s just different. So we could discuss how to improve my response time and how to handle situations better.” He stressed that “everything in the Apache is recorded. If the video isn’t working, my weapons may as well not be working. If I pull the trigger without the video running, I may as well sign my own tribunal.” Schroder’s first series involved footage shot by embedded cameramen, but the new one comes completely from helmet cams and digital cams worn by the soldiers. The footage Culbreth gave them was consolidated with other footage and eventually made it into the hands of the show’s producers, who were interested in the aerial footage and the “new perspective it offered,” so “the hunt was on” to find the source. He said the show’s associate producer, Jim Raybon, was a former 82nd Airborne Brigade commander, so “not only was he a fellow aviator, but 20 years ago he would have been my boss.” He said Raybon recognized some of the call signs Culbreth could
Tickets available for Oksana concert HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — Renowned violinist Oksana will present a concert of jazz music at 7 p.m. Aug. 9 in the Coronado Community Center, 150 Ponderosa Way. A member of the Fort Smith and Texarkana symphonies, Oksana has also performed with artists as diverse as Aretha Franklin and Stevie Wonder. She also performs regularly during World Music Night programs at the Clinton Presidential Center. Besides being an accomplished classical violinist, she is unique in that she can also play by ear. As a result, she has picked up folk music from places she has visited around the world. Upon coming to America, she became interested in jazz music, with its improvisational nature and unique rhythms. Following years of study, she is now ready to release her recently recorded album “Jazz Clouds,” and her Hot Springs Village performance will serve to celebrate that release. “Jazz Clouds” is a collection of several well-known songs that have come out of or were inspired by the jazz idiom. The focus is on music from the 1930s through the 1960s. “We feel that this music will appeal to a wide audience,” the artist said in a news release.
Selections include “It’s a Good Day,” “How High the Moon” and “Music, Music, Music.” Oksana will also perform “Swing 42,” which will feature her singing in French. Accompanying her will be Brian Hamby, playing both Hammond Organ and piano. Inspired by the legendary Jimmy Smith, Hamby has made his own mark on jazz organ, having performed with Christian contemporary artists and jazz musicians in Arkansas and Texas. He is the organist at Scope Ministries, and has published articles of analysis and instruction for the online magazine B3Player. Hamby has been teaching at Ovation and at Piano Kraft in Little Rock since 2012. He is also a student of worldclass jazz organist Tony Monaco. One of central Arkansas’ busiest drummers, Slavek Bolubah, will be on percussion for the concert. He has played with many of the top jazz musicians in the area, including guitarist Ted Ludwig. Bolubah is the drummer for the popular group Dizzy Seven, and he assists in recording the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra any time they perform. He was also the engineer for the record-
PILOT, PAGE 3
The Sentinel-Record/Colbie McCloud
NEW LOCATION: A vendor sets up items in her booth on June 30
at the recently opened Central Avenue Market Place, 4330 Central Ave., located in the Temperance Hill shopping center.
Market Place sales up at new location COLBIE MCCLOUD The Sentinel-Record
Submitted photo
TREASURED MUSICIAN: Classical and jazz violinist Oksana
will offer a concert in the Coronado Community Center on Aug. 9. She will play several selections from her recently released album “Jazz Clouds.” ing of Oksana’s new CD. Tickets are $15, and can be purchased online at http:// www.havpoa.org.
Call Ovation Music Academy at 870-405-6856 for more information about the concert or its artists.
In their fourth week in operation as Central Avenue Market Place, 4330 Central Ave., in the Temperance Hill Shopping Center, dealers say the new move has increased business and items are flying out of the booths. “Everyone comes in and says it’s the talk of the town,” said Reagen Megee, co-owner. “We have only heard wonderful comments.”
Albanese Cormier Holdings of Beaumont, Texas, said in late April that four “strong national tenants” will be operating by early next year in the space formerly occupied by Central Station Market Place at Central City Shopping Center. The company gave Megee and her mother, Shelley, a 30day notice at the end of April to vacate the space more than 200 vendors rely on to sell a
MARKET, PAGE 4
Jessieville High’s Benson, de Haas represent USA Rugby at tourney JAY BELL
The Sentinel-Record
The Arkansas All-Stars impressed at the USA Rugby South Regional Cup Tournament last month in North Carolina and the stage proved to be especially beneficial for two members of the team who were called up to the national team. Ruben de Haas was selected as captain for the USA Rugby Boys High School All-American team and Steven Benson became the second player from Arkansas ever to be called up. Both are rising seniors at Jessieville High School. De Haas became the first player from Arkansas called up in 2014. Pieter de Haas, Ruben’s father, played professionally in South Africa before he and his wife, Lorrain, moved to Arkansas with Ruben more than a decade ago. He helped found the Little Rock Junior Stormers and continues to coach the club team and the state all-star team. The Junior Stormers are the state’s high school-level competitive team. They operate under the banner of the Stormers, the senior competitive team of the Little Rock Rugby Club, which was founded in 1974. USA Rugby hosts five regional tournaments each year to scout and recruit the best players from across the country for the national boys’ and girls’ All-American teams. BHSAA head coach Salty Thompson selected 26 players for an “east” team to
take part in a weeklong camp and two games against the Ontario Blues under-19 development team at Appleby College in Canada. “Ruben is currently the most experienced high school player in the country, as he already represented the USA at U20 level at the World Trophy in Africa earlier this year,” de Haas said. “So we were hopeful for another call up for him to the national High School All-Americans. “I knew Steven was on their radar after a scout saw him at an earlier tournament in St. Louis this year, but what a nice surprise when he was selected to join Ruben for the two-match tour to Canada.” The Arkansas team went 2-2 at the South Regional in Charlotte, finishing with an exhaustive 18-15 loss to South Carolina. The tournament was held June 18-19. Players were notified of the national team selections on June 20. Benson said he did not expect the call. “It kicked in when the announcement was made,” Benson said. “I work hard. My teammates work hard also. We just work hard together and finally the announcement came. I was pretty happy about that. I never really thought about it. I try to stay humble and then when it happened, I was obviously very happy.” Benson will finish his football career this fall
RUGBY, PAGE 5
Submitted photo
CAPTAIN AMERICA: Ruben De Haas dives for a score for the USA Rugby Boys High School
All-Americans during a match against the Ontario Blues under-19 development team at Appleby College in Ontario, Canada. De Haas captained the team in two wins over the Blues.
• 300 Spring St. Hot Springs, AR 71901 • To subscribe or place an advertisement, call 501-623-7711 or 922-0979 in Hot Springs Village •
2 The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Buildings considered for historic register FROM STAFF REPORTS
LITTLE ROCK — The former Hill Wheatley Downtowner Motor Inn and the Army and Navy Memorial Lodge near Royal are among 14 properties in Arkansas being considered by the State Review Board of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The board will meet at 10 a.m. on Aug. 3 on the sixth floor of the Arkansas State University Offices, 501 Woodlane, in Little Rock, AHPP Director Frances McSwain stated in a Wednesday release. The Army and Navy Memorial Lodge, located at the Ouachita Job Corps on Job Corps Road, is a rustic-style building constructed 194950. “The 1949-1950 Army and Navy Memorial Lodge is a well-preserved example of a movement in the United States Military to provide locations for active military members with a place of rest and relaxation,” the National Register nomination says. “Yet, the Lodge was built to also be part of a wider military hospitalization movement to provide for a “reconditioning pro-
Bands
gram” for those that have been physically or mentally affected by war.” The former Hill Wheatley Downtowner Motor Inn, now called the Springs Hotel & Spa, located at 135 Central Ave., is a mid-century modern-style building constructed 1963-65. “The Hill Wheatley Downtowner Motor Inn is one of only a few multi-story buildings built in the mid-century modern style in Hot Springs and one of only three in the Central Avenue Historic District,” according to the nomination. “It is also unusual for its full-service bathhouse located on the second floor with thermal water being pumped from the hot springs of the adjacent National Park,” it states. “The hotel continues to be in daily use and a plan is being developed by new investors for a restoration of the property.” Other properties being considered for nomination are McNair House at Fayetteville in Washington County, Mount Nebo State Park Cabins 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65 and Mount Nebo State Park Cabins Historic District near Dardanelle in Yell County, Green Cemetery near Stephens in Ouachita
of respect
County, Stebbins & Roberts Office Building and Factory at Little Rock in Pulaski County and Wilson Commercial Historic District and Wilson Residential Commercial District at Wilson in Mississippi County. The board will also consider the Seminary Cemetery near Stephens in Ouachita County, Southwestern Proving Ground Telephone Exchange Building near Hope in Hempstead County, Wilson Hartsfield House near Magnolia in Columbia County and Bethel Methodist Episcopal Church at Crawfordsville in Crittenden County for listing on the Arkansas Register of Historic Places. The Arkansas Register recognizes historically noteworthy places that are not eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. For more information on the National Register of Historic Places program, write the AHPP at 1500 Tower Building, 323 Center St., Little Rock, AR 72201, call the agency at (501) 3249880 [TDD 501-324-9811], send e-mail to info@arkansaspreservation.org or visit www.arkansaspreservation.org.
The Sentinel-Record/Richard Rasmussen
HISTORIC HOTEL: Pedestrians walk past the former Hill Wheatley Downtowner Motor Inn, now
called the Springs Hotel & Spa, located at 135 Central Ave., which is being considered for possible placement on the National Register of Historic Places.
Submitted photo
MEMORIAL LODGE: The exterior of the Army and Navy Memorial Lodge, located on Job Corps Road
near Royal. The lodge is being considered for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Photo courtesy of Arkansas Historic Preservation Program.
Students make blankets for shelter animals COLBIE MCCLOUD The Sentinel-Record
The Sentinel-Record/Richard Rasmussen
Garland County Sheriff’s Department Records employees Christi Lane, left, and Peggy Wehunt display some of the black bands they made for law enforcement badges. The bands were made in support of fallen law enforcement officers after the recent shootings in Dallas and Baton Rouge, La.
Children with YMCA-sponsored enrichment classes recently gave a “homey touch” to cat and dog kennels at the Garland County Humane Society by donating 20 blankets they created. “Little things like this make them feel a little loved,” said Ivey Woods, Garland County Humane Society president. The class at Park Magnet School was part of a partnership between the YMCA and the Hot Springs School District Trojan camp, a summer school program. Service Learning/Community Mapping Club students were given two fleece squares that they tied together to form a small blanket the size of an animal crate. “My favorite part about it was tying it for the dogs and cats. It feels great to help them,” said Jessika McCoy, 10. With 55 dogs and 35 cats currently housed at the shelter, not every animal will get to wrap up and snooze with one of the homemade blankets. Woods said the blankets will be placed in the smaller dogs’ crates and in the rooms for the cats. “Our big dogs that are in the kennels probably won’t get the blankets due to the possibility that they would tear them up,” Woods said. “Cats will sleep together and will pile up on the blankets, playing musical beds. Some kittens will get them in their cages so they’ll have something soft.” Some animals at the Humane Society were surrendered to the shelter when their owners died or moved. Woods
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The Sentinel-Record/Colbie McCloud
HANDMADE: Jessika McCoy, 10, gives handmade blankets to Ivey Woods, president of
the Garland County Humane Society, for cats and dogs at the shelter. said the blankets can bring comfort to the animals and make their crates and kennels more “homey.” “If a dog or cat gets attached to the blanket and then gets adopted, we will send the blanket with them,” Woods said. At the beginning of the class, students were provided with a list of suggested community service projects and
were also asked to provide their own suggestions. “The students picked which projects they wished to complete during the program,” Terri Knapick, YMCA enrichment camp assistant, said. “We have different service projects each week.” The club will be making care packages for officers and kindness plates of cookies to community members.
Local artist awarded first place at invitational
FORT SMITH — Hot Springs artist Barbara Cade won first place in the Fort Smith Regional Art Museum Annual Invitational. This year’s theme for the invitational is “The Art of Transcendence.” Cade’s fiber art has always been influenced by nature and natural materials, according to a press release. Her pieces in the show resulted from “a transcendent moment watching the Animas River Spill in Colorado last August.” She started a “Crime and Punishment” series of hair hats to be worn by people who commit crimes against the environment. In addition to a cash prize, Cade was awarded a solo show at the Regional Art Museum in 2017, the date of which will be announced later. Jurors for the show were Dayton Castleman, museum manager in Bentonville, Manuela Well-Off-Man, curator from Crystal Bridges, and Marc Ethan Mitchell, curator and director of Exhibitions at the UA. The Invitational runs through Oct. 16. The Fort Smith RAM is open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday.
Submitted photo
WINNING PIECE: Barbara Cade won first place at the Fort Smith
Regional Art Museum Annual Invitational with her piece “Hair Hat number 2.”
The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 27, 2016 3
Village’s impact, gate security discussed by board Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
LORIEN E. DAHL The Sentinel-Record
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — All members of the Hot Springs Village Property Owners Association’s board of directors were present July 20 for a lengthy meeting that included in-depth discussion on both the recently completed 2016 Social and Economic Impact Study for the Village, and security at the community’s gates. The study was done through work by members of the POA’s Governmental Affairs Committee, along with Wayne Miller, the extension economist for Economic and Community Development at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service. GAC representative Lu Otto opened discussion, and highlighted the major and increasing positive impact of HSV on neighboring areas and the entire state. He said the Village’s defining characteristic is its residents’ propensity for giving back. Miller said HSV is in Phase 3 of its development, being that monies are contributed through resident and visitor spending. Phase 1 was planning and infrastructure construction, with Phase 2 being growth. The report notes that the impact on Arkansas during 2015, mostly in Saline and Garland counties, was valued at $371 million, with $258 million of that attributed to consumer spending. Miller said that $4 million went to Garland and Saline counties in taxes, and $2 million came back to Village residents in services. He also noted the support of both Fountain Lake and Jessieville school districts from HSV dollars. Additionally discussed was the fact that only 4 percent of those who reside in HSV are below the poverty level, as opposed to 23 percent in Arkansas, and 18 percent nationwide. The complete report is available for viewing online at http:// www.hsvgac.com /2016-impactstudy.html. The other big topic, gate security, had discussion led by HSV Police Chief Ricky Middleton. He reviewed recent changes in gate policies, and pointed out that most issues have been arising at the West Gate since those were implemented. Middleton, directors and POA staff all encouraged property owners to assist in these gate matters, mainly in two ways. The first sug-
GREAT IMPACT: President of Hot Springs Village’s Property Owners Association’s board of directors, Mike Medica, left, shakes hands with Wayne Miller, the
extension economist for Economic and Community Development at the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service during last weeks regular board meeting. Miller was presented a certificate of appreciation for all his work on the recently completed 2016 Social and Economic Impact Study for the Village. gestion is to use the POA website, http://www.hsvpoa.org, for logging in any anticipated guests. The second request is for all members to display the provided windshield decals in their personal vehicles, which would eliminate the need for property owners to either go through the left lane when entering, or to be stopped by gate personnel for identification when using the right lane. It was made clear that the perception of a security lapse is inaccurate, since crime incident numbers by non-residents have not increased. The chief said there has been additional training of Allied Barton gate employees, so they can better serve Village needs, but noted that there has been fairly heavy turnover of that staff, partly due to poor treatment of gate
workers by members and guests. Tom Arwood discussed the passing of Pave it Forward for extending the King Expressway and thanked Miller for his work on the 2010 impact study, as Arwood said he feels the numbers reflected in the report regarding disposable income of Village residents greatly contributed to the proposal passing at the polls in June. He also expressed gratitude for the volunteers, campaign contributors, media and the board for their help in the effort. There was only one item of current business up for vote — the use of the POA-owned Fuel Stop building for a Police Department Training and Event Facility. Director Bob Cunningham abstained from the vote and left the room, since he has been working directly on the proposal, but even
in his absence, it passed unanimously. Jason Temple, the director of public utilities, presented the first of three items of new business. He explained that the process of obtaining rights to access water from Lake Ouachita is in its final stages of approval. Temple proposed that instead of the original idea of HSV allocating one-half million gallons per day, the board approve allocation of 2 mgd. He called this an option and insurance policy, to ensure residents can meet water needs, even when facing any potential catastrophic occurrence. He asked, “Who can forecast what the value of water will be years from now?” Director George Parker presented on the remaining two items — an increase of annual assess-
be heard using in the footage and tracked it to him and “within 48 hours I was in Los Angeles” to film the episode. Asked about how he ended up an Apache pilot, Culbreth said, “I had always wanted to join the military. It was family influence, mostly my grandfather, with his stories and memorabilia. It was always something that fascinated me, particularly to be able to fly. What kid doesn’t want to be a pilot? I just never lost that desire.” He was a freshman at the University of Central Arkansas when 9/11 happened and “I knew a lot of guys who enlisted,” but he was recovering from the third of four knee surgeries so “I figured my military dream was over.” He “dabbled in different stuff” and worked for more than a year as a real estate agent in Hot Springs. “I was 21 years old and it was not what I wanted to do. The military bug was still itching on me. Wars were raging in Iraq and Afghanistan. I just felt stuck and didn’t want to be there anymore.” He said he started mountain biking, running and working out and “got in pretty decent shape. I felt good.” He enrolled at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville in 2006 and enlisted in the Reserves, making the leap to active duty in the infantry after about a year. “Afghanistan was becoming more and more unstable and the Army across the whole surged,” he said, so there was a shortage of officers. Some of his NCOs recommended him for Officer Candidate School, which normally would take 12 to 18 months to get into, but within four months he was on the list in an aviation slot, and two months later was going to OCS. “I went from enlisted soldier to officer in 10 months.” There were other options as a pilot, but “I really wanted the Apache. It’s got so many capabilities. The support you can provide to the soldiers on the ground is just phenomenal.” “My Fighting Season,” which premiered July 5, is available on DirecTV and AT&T U-Verse and Culbreth’s episode airs at 7 p.m. Aug. 2.
ments based on the Consumer Price Index South Region, and the topic of residential boat parking. One proposal for the increases in 2017 would be an additional 50 cents for improved properties, and 30 cents more for unimproved properties. He said an alternative is to increase both by 30 cents. Regarding boat parking, Parker said the Architectural Control Committee reviewed the subject, and suggest that the protective covenant not be revised to loosen current rules. All three items will be voted on at the August board meeting. Also of interest, during his president’s report, Medica announced that the POA Business Development Manager Nicole Good will be leaving her position within the month to take the reins of her father’s business.
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The Sentinel-Record/Richard Rasmussen
FROM WAR TO TV: U.S. Army Capt. Dan Culbreth, formerly of Hot Springs, talks to The Senti-
nel-Record on July 19 about his experiences as an Apache helicopter pilot during two tours of duty in Afghanistan, including one encounter which is being featured on an upcoming episode of the military docuseries “My Fighting Season.”
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HELIX wraps up at ASMSA
4 The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
JAY BELL
The Sentinel-Record
The Arkansas School for Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts will conclude its two-week residential camp for rising sophomores from across the state. The school was one of six out of more than 100 of the nation’s selective admissions public high schools selected for grant funds last year from the Jack Kent Cooke Foundation. Grants were awarded to increase access and success for low-income students at top high schools. ASMSA received $61,152 for both summers of the camp, Helping Elevate Low-Income students to Excellence, known as Project HELIX. More than 30 students attended the camp each year. The grant funds are used for teacher pay, student support, meals, instructional materials and free ACT tests for students in November. High school sophomores can begin the application process for ASMSA in the fall. Shaelyn Chestnut, of Western Yell County, said she is interested in the academic challenges ASMSA offers. “I found the program and I decided I needed to come and feel out if I really wanted to go to this school or not,” Chestnut said. The camp is meant to allow students from rural and underserved communities, specifically those who qualify for free and reduced lunches, to interact directly with the school campus and its faculty. Malik Barnes, of West Memphis, said he was most impressed by the faculty. “I was actually pretty amazed that everybody here has a master’s and a Ph.D., but they still have that teaching style like a regular teacher,” Barnes said. “It’s pretty cool.” Lakeside student Madelynn Hickey said she is interested in attending ASMSA. Barnes and Hickey
The Sentinel-Record/Richard Rasmussen
DESIGN THINKING: ASMSA art instructor Brad Wreyford, left, discusses an art project on July 21 with Shaelyn Chestnut, of Western Yell County, during
the penultimate day of the Project HELIX camp. The school hosted more than 30 prospective rising sophomores for two weeks on campus. also said they are drawn to ASMSA’s challenges. “Coming here, I have actually found more people that are like me,” Hickey said. About 34 percent of the incoming juniors at ASMSA qualify for free and reduced lunches. Corey Alderdice said the national average for students on free and reduced lunches at ASMSA’s peer institutions is about 15 percent. “It maintains our institutional commitment to
providing access for low income students,” Alderdice said. Eight participants from the inaugural Project HELIX camp last summer were accepted into ASMSA, in line with the school’s projections. About half of the original cohort were expected to apply and half of those who applied were accepted. The camp runs concurrently on campus with ASMSA’s College Algebra Readiness Camp for more
than 30 rising juniors who will begin at the school next month. Alderdice said the programs allow students to develop connections between their peer groups and learn about the school with each other. “So HELIX wasn’t just a clever acronym, but it was the idea of these two groups on campus interacting together” Alderdice said. “I have enjoyed interacting with different people
ASMSA, PAGE 5
‘Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street’ at The Pocket
“Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” the musical, is scheduled at The Pocket Community Theatre the first two weekends in August. This show, a dark, infamous tale about revenge, a barber shop and some tasty pies, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and written by Hugh Wheeler and adapted by Christopher Bond, has thrilled, delighted, shocked and awed audiences around the world, according to a press release. The play details the partnership between fellow tenants Benjamin Barker, alias Sweeney Todd, the demon barber of Fleet Street, and Mrs. Lovett, who operates a struggling pie shop. Sweeney Todd has been wrongfully sentenced to life imprisonment by a corrupt
judge and returns to get revenge only to find out his family has been torn apart. Their plans lead to some pretty deadly consequences. Directed by Taylor Oxley, Sweeney Todd will be at The Pocket at 7:30 p.m., on Aug. 5, 6, 12, and 13, with matinees at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug.7 and 14. Tickets are $15 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. The box office hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Monday through Saturday, beginning Aug. 1. Re s e r va t i o n s c a n b e made by calling 623-8585. The Hot Springs Community Theatre is located at Submitted photo 170 Ravine, just off Park Avenue, at the intersection of CLOSE SHAVE: The cast of “Sweeney Todd, The Demon Barber of Fleet Street,” including Bailey Perry, left, Adrian Hinojosa, Matthew Ramble and Ravine streets Pultz, Roxanna Collingwood, Kevin Day, Hayden Woods, Ryan Wyre, James Kendall, Christi Cranton, Tim Heron Jr. and Stephan Fryar, in downtown Hot Springs. will perform at the Pocket Community Theater the first two weekends in August.
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The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 27, 2016 5
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
Cultural Alliance discusses Arts & The Park, upcoming events ELISHA MORRISON The Sentinel-Record
Members of the local arts community met July 18 to discuss upcoming, ongoing and past events in the community in an attempt to share ideas and make improvements in what’s being offered. The Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance quarterly arts networking meeting was held at the Pocket Community Theatre and led by Mary Neilson, Cultural Affairs manager for Visit Hot Springs, and Kate Schaffer, board chair for the Cultural Alliance. They started off the meeting with a discussion about Arts & the Park and what improvements can be made to make next year’s event, scheduled for April 28-May 7, an even greater success. Specifically, they discussed ideas for the two day festival, Art Springs, which Neilson said attracted approximately 3,100 visitors and featured a variety of artists. The orga-
nizers hope to grow the festival to include more visiting artists while featuring local offerings. They also discussed the Cultural Alliance website, http:// hotspringsarts.org, which they hope to eventually make a community arts calendar for all arts events in the area. Neilson and Schaffer encouraged the artists to register with the site so they can create a directory of all artists in the Hot Springs area. Kai Coggin, a poet, author and teaching artist at Emergent Arts, told the group about two events: A Creative Writing Camp for children, ages 13 and up, that has started and will continue through Friday, and No Kids Allowed Adult Summer Camp, Summer Words & Wine, a poetry and wine event, being held from 7-9 p.m. on Tuesdays through the end of July at Emergent Arts, located at 341 Whittington Ave. Jerri Hillis, board president of Emergent Arts and a
ELISHA MORRISON The Sentinel-Record
The Sentinel-Record/Elisha Morrison
Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival, spoke to the members and guests of the National Park Rotary Club on July 20 at the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa about the 2016 Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival.
The Sentinel-Record/Elisha Morrison
ARTS COMMUNITY: Mary Neilson, Cultural Affairs manager for
Visit Hot Springs, led the July 18 Hot Springs Area Cultural Alliance meeting at the Pocket Theatre. provides a free art event for children the first Saturday of each month from 2-4 p.m. in the Maurice Bath House. The Pocket Community Theatre’s production of “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” will be at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 5, 6, 12 and 13, and 2:30 p.m. Aug. 7 and 14.
Calling it “one of the most iconic arts events of the southern and mid-america regions,” Courtney Pledger said the 25th annual Hot Springs Documentary Film Festival will have something for everyone this year. Pledger, executive director for the HSDFF, and Ray Dillon, president and CEO of Deltic Timber, the HSDFF’s Exclusive Presenting Sponsor, spoke about the festival, scheduled to run Oct. 7-16, to members and guests of the National Park Rotary Club during the club’s weekly meeting at the Arlington Resort Hotel & Spa. Dillon said the company is proud to be a part of Hot Springs, noting Deltic sponsors many events, but he has “never felt more welcomed and appreciated at any event,” which is part of the reason the company chose to sponsor the festival again this year. Deltic also wants to be associated with the film festival because of its stature as an Oscar qualifying event, Dillon said, noting, “It demonstrates everything we want to be a part of.” Pledger took the opportunity to thank Deltic for their support and thanked the Arlington for being the host sponsor, Bob Martorana, Don Gooch, board chair, and Dorothy Morris, for her dedication and
vision for the festival. Pledger gave a brief history of the event, describing how 25 years ago Sy Gomberg, head of the documentary branch of the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences, visited Hot Springs. While strolling down Central Avenue, looking at the bath houses on his way to the Malco Theatre, he said there should be an all-documentary film festival in Hot Springs. The Hot Springs arts community took up the idea and the HSDFF was born. It was the first all documentary festival in North America, according to Pledger. She said a year after the festival began, James Earl Jones predicted that as documentaries grew in popularity, the Hot Springs festival would remain “one of the genre’s most important venues.” In 2013, the HSDFF was designated by the Academy as an Oscar qualifying festival for documentary short subject, making the winner of the Spa City Best Documentary automatically eligible for the Oscar long list. She said HSDFF is one of only 38 festivals worldwide to get that honor. This years festival will include the Spa City Sports Series, Deltic Timber’s Environmental Series, The Academy sponsored sidebar “Women Behind the Lens,” AARP’s Movies for Grownups, HSDFF Family day and student friendly screening scheduled
MARKET
From Page One
international stage.” De Haas said he was humbled by the captaincy and wanted to lead by example. “As a parent and coach it is always a huge honor and makes me tremendously proud if our boys represent their country,” Pieter de Haas said. “That is the ultimate for every school athlete. There is nothing like it.” Benson said he was overjoyed to feel his work had paid off and be called up for his first trip outside of the U.S. He stayed with family for a week in North Carolina after the Regional Tournament before the camp in Canada. Players arrived in Oakville, Ontario, June 27. All games and practices were held at Appleby. The teams faced each other on June 30 and again on July 2. “It’s kind of hard, at first, taking a bunch of guys from a bunch of different states who don’t really know each other, but we did really well in our practices,” Benson said. The USA won both matches 27-14 and 38-5. Benson said the level of competition was marked-
ly better at the international level. “Everyone comes to play all the time,” Benson said. “So you have to be physically and mentally prepared also. The skill level is definitely much higher.” Benson said the position change was a significant adjustment, but said he enjoyed the opportunity to play for the national team. “It definitely made me feel humbled to be a part of something bigger and representing my country,” Benson said. “I definitely took a lot of pride in that and was very humbled by that. Overall, it was a really great experience. I hope I get to have something like it again.” Thompson’s coaching staff included former USA Eagle prop Scott Bracken and Eagle Impact Rugby Academy and Stars and Stripes Camp coach Brendan Keane. J.D. Stephenson, head coach of the Men’s Junior All-Americans, joined the staff when the “west” BHSAA team faced BC Rugby’s under-18 team at the University of British Co-
great school,” Barnes said. “The teachers are cool. The people here are cool. It’s just a fun and loving environment to be in.” Alderdice said the grant was always planned as a pilot stage grant with no expectation of continued funding. He said the school must now determine how the program fits into its portfolio of admissions activities to connect with prospective students. “We know that summer is an important piece,” Alderdice said. “We know that spending time and introducing sophomores to it is important. And again, the institution has a long-standing commitment to both access and success for low-income students. “Knowing those three factors, I feel good about us continuing HELIX. I think the question is, how does it fit into the portfolio and what is its evolution?” Alderdice said ASMSA’s usual practice is to test new programs in two-year cycles and determine if they are sustainable. He said most projects develop into long-term programs.
The school may look to align all of the summer programs into a shorter time frame. The residential Summer Arts Bridge camps were held on campus in June. Alderdice said a one-week camp will likely suffice for possible future Project HELIX camps. He said the summer programs
From Page 4
that I can relate to,” Hickey said. Courses were developed with broader concepts instead of specific content areas. Students were enrolled this week in Design Thinking, taught by Brad Wreyford, art instructor and Arts coordinator; Problem Solving, taught by math instructor Caleb Grisham; Problem Solving, taught by math instructor Denise Gregory; and Leadership Development, taught by Bob Gregory, dean of academic affairs. “I really do like the fact that I am learning in a different kind of way than I learn typically in schools,” Chestnut said. “For math, I am learning how to encrypt and decrypt codes and that’s typically not something you would do in math.” Two of the four 90-minute sessions each day are held in the morning and the other two take place in the afternoon after lunch. Extra activities and meals have been provided each evening. Barnes said he plans to share with others how much he has enjoyed the camp. “I’ll tell them ASMSA is a
lumbia in Vancouver, Canada, two weeks later. Stephenson called up de Haas to the MJAA team for the 2016 World Rugby Under 20 Trophy in Zimbabwe, Africa, earlier this year. De Haas toured Belgium and France with the BHSAA team last year. De Haas is currently in camp with the Cheetahs professional franchise in South Africa and will return to Arkansas in mid-August. His father and grandfather both played for the Cheetahs. Benson and de Haas will remain eligible for selection for the BHSAA team moving forward. Benson said he had considered playing football in college, but is now researching opportunities in rugby at the college level. Players can qualify to represent national teams through their birth, the birth of their parents or grandparents, or three successive years of residency. They cannot play for a second country after they represent one country at the senior international level.
The final announcement was for the Local Show, a variety show held at Whittington Place from 7-9 p.m. the fourth Friday of each month. The next three networking meetings are scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Oct. 24, Jan. 23 and April 3. The Cultural Alliance is still looking for a location to host the meetings.
throughout the festival. “If you have an area of interest, you will find a film that speaks to you,” Pledger said. Throughout the festival there will be events and parties at locations around Hot Springs including The Mountain Valley Spring Water Co., Superior Bathhouse Brewery and Distillery, Vina Morita, The Gangster Museum of America, Rolando’s, Deluca’s Pizza, Maxine’s Live, the new Hot Springs Village Downtown Space in the Wade Building, Low Key Arts, Kollective Coffee + Tea and Quapaw Bath House. Pledger also talked about things that have happened at previous festivals she will never forget, including seeing Glen Campbell’s family sing “Amazing Grace,” Muhammad Ali’s daughter and grandson telling stories about him and seeing the grin on Star Trek star George Takei’s face when he accepted an Arkansas Traveler Award. After showing a short video of previous festivals, Pledger opened up for questions from the audience. In response to one question, she said they do not know which film will be featured on the opening night, but they will be locking in the schedule over the next several weeks. Pledger said to watch for the announcements of special guests and films. From Page One
wide variety of wares. The Megees had to vacate the property by May 22. They soon broke the news to the vendors, and the rush to find a new location began. Since their opening day, July 1, business has been booming and the vendors are constantly adding to their booth. Megee says they are seeing the vendors come in more frequently as compared to only seeing them restocking their booths once a month. “The vendors are excited to come put more stuff in their booths. Everything is selling really well and everyone is so thankful,” Megee said. Prior to its opening, the market was at 80 percent occupancy, but now with the doors open they are at 100 percent. Seven to 10 vendors are currently on a waiting list to get inside. The newer and cleaner space has also drawn in a customer base that otherwise would have not shopped at the older location, causing sales to increase 20 to 25 percent for several vendors. “It’s clean. No negativity. help students learn about the I couldn’t be any happier. We school and adjust to the campus. are getting newer people who “What we certainly know is wouldn’t have shopped at the that an immersive, summer experience targeted at sophomores is a great first step to getting students excited about enrolling at ASMSA and well-informed about what life and learning is like here,” Alderdice said. 196585
with Jessieville, where he plays linebacker on defense and receiver on offense. He is the son of Chris and Gary Benson. “I think they encourage football because it helps with your physicality and contact,” Benson said of rugby coaches. Benson began to play rugby after the Junior Stormers were founded. He lines up as a lock, one of the forward positions, for the Arkansas teams. The national team moved him to the number eight position. Benson and de Haas started both games in Canada. De Haas is a scrum half for both club and country. The scrum half removes the ball from the back of the scrum and passes it to other backs in a role similar to that of a quarterback in football. Teams field 15 players at a time and play is continuous for two 40-minute halves. Players do not wear protective gear. Ruben de Haas said “it is and always will be a great honor and huge responsibility to be selected to represent your country on the
ASMSA
the upcoming Spa Con, Sept. 23-25. Edmond Cooper, artistic director and president of the Hot Springs Children’s Dance Theatre, said this year’s production of the Nutcracker is scheduled for Nov. 25-27, and Dec. 2-4. Ernie Hinz, president and executive director of the Faces Foundation, said they are looking for organizations and businesses to take part in Oktoberfest, scheduled for Oct. 14-15. The event serves as the major fundraiser for the foundation, which provides facial surgery and reconstruction to those in need of them who may not be able to pay. They require the recipients to “pay it forward” by putting in volunteer hours. Neilson announced the Cutwell 4 Kids upcoming fundraiser, “The Birth of an Artist” Art Sale and Reception, which will be from 7-10 p.m. Aug. 13, in the Hot Springs Convention Center Grand Lobby. Cutwell 4 Kids
Dillon, Pledger discuss Film Festival at Rotary
OSCAR-WORTHY: Courtney Pledger, executive director of the
RUGBY
teaching artist, spoke about other events at Emergent Arts, including Happy Hour Hafla, Drink-N-Draw Figure Drawing and Plein Air Painting, held from 6-8 p.m. on Thursdays; and two Saturday workshops a Plein Aire painting event on Aug. 6, and a Block Printing on Fabrics event on Aug. 13, both from 1-4 p.m. An ice cream social, the organizations annual fundraiser, is scheduled for 3 p.m. Aug. 23. Ceramic bowls created and painted by students will be on sale. Emergent Arts will also have classes in fall for both youth and adults. Bill Sollender, founder and former executive director of Low Key Arts, announced his transition from Low Key to his new role as special events manager at Visit Hot Springs. He introduced Bobby Missile, the new artistic program director for Low Key Arts, and David Hill, the new executive director. Sollender also spoke about
old place,” said Jim Irwin, dealer of Jim’s Toys, Records and Comics. “I was apprehensive at first, but sales are doing better and this a great place. It’s attracting a different clientele and I can do better things as far as clientele,” said Maregall Yaakov, of Maregaal’s Art Studio. Yaakov, a stone carver and dealer with the market since 2013, said the location of his booth makes it feel more like a store now and his art work is able to reach lower and higher income consumers. The “blessing in disguise,” that so many vendors called the notice to vacate and the relocation, continues to be an improvement. “I had one vendor tell me that he’s having to buy more stuff because he can’t keep it stocked,” Irwin said. The only hiccup the new location has had was their card reader not operating occasionally due to internet connection. Otherwise, Megee said it has been smooth sailing. Store hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday and noon to 6 p.m. Sunday.
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6 The Sentinel-Record Mid-Week Extra, Wednesday, July 27, 2016
Hot Springs National Park, Arkansas
The Sentinel-Record/Corbet Deary
LOWER LAKE: Located just below the Degray Lake Dam, the Lower Lake provides both an interesting and bountiful environment.
Testing the waters at Degray Lower Lake Outdoor writer and photographer Corbet Deary is featured regularly in The Sentinel-Record. Today, Deary writes about the Degray lower lake.
When Lake Degray is mentioned, many of us automatically think about a beautiful reservoir abounding with opportunities to enjoy fishing and other water related activities. Well, we wouldn’t be wrong, as the reservoir sports an excess of 200 miles of shoreline containing 13,800 acres of surface water. At the projects completion, in 1972, the dam backed up the Caddo River in the neighborhood of 27 miles, producing a habitat for Arkansas’ native fish to thrive. And as for other recreations, the lake has so much to offer that the state saw fit to erect one of their more impressive state parks on her shoreline. Along with many U.S. Army Corps of Engineers recreation
Corbet Deary Outdoor writer and photographer areas, there are opportunities galore for folks to experience her waters. Although fairly familiar with the lake, I recently learned some interesting information about Degray. According to information posted on the U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s web site, “Degray Lake holds a distinction as the first “pump back capable” impoundment in the history of the Corps of Engineers.” Upon reading the aforementioned sentence, I had little understanding of what a
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pump-back impoundment was. But with further investigation, I learned of a lower body of water resting just below the dam. The water contained in this 400-acre reservoir, contained by yet another dam, can actually be reutilized for hydropower generation. And how might they do this? By reversing the generators and pumping the water back into the main lake, they have an option of using the same water again to make electricity. This option proves most handy during designated circumstances, such as droughts. Although the lower lake is designed with hydro-electric power in mind, that’s no indication she has no other values. In fact, she has plenty to offer to those with a passion for the wonderful outdoors. I had learned of the lower lake a few years back, as a friend shared tales of the fish he had managed to coax from these waters. Within the next year, I heard more stories, from fellow kayak anglers of fishing in the reservoir. However, each and every tale lent to a belief that these waters were bountiful with grass pike, to the point that a local kayak anger club even hosted a grass pike tourney on her waters. I, personally, found no glamour in catching this slimy species, that I considered a nuisance during my fishing excursions. But I was also aware that in spite of heavy grass pike populations, the small reservoir was also apt to hold her fair share of bass.
That in mind, my friend Kevin Thompson and I recently secured our kayaks to our rigs and embarked upon an early morning excursion to this particular body of water. Arriving shortly after daylight, the lake looked promising from the vehicle. But upon backing down the earthen ramp to the water’s edge, it quickly grew evident that success would depend upon overcoming one huge obstacle - the lake was inundated with Hydrilla. Having previously fished in waters where this aquatic vegetation abounded, I was aware that most lures would prove ineffective. But fortunately, there were a few that were designed for such conditions. With that in mind, we both tied on Horny Toads, soft plastics that could easily be rigged weedless, and could be fished by simply dragging them across the vegetation nearing, and sometimes protruding, from the water’s surface. Although the main channel obviously ran alongside the opposing shoreline, I opted to leave the steep rocky bank for later in the morning. Choosing a route along the right-hand shoreline, these waters appeared to be fairly shallow. But that was okay. With a little luck, a few bass would be feeding in this habitat during the early morning hours, before the sun climbed high in the sky. Besides, I was equally as interested in viewing the wildlife that might be taking advantage of this interesting environment.
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REELING IT IN: Bass are one of many foist species swimming
within the perimeters of the Lower Lake. That being said, an occasional bass would be more than enough to keep me occupied between critter spottings. Maneuvering the lure over and around the heavy vegetation, it didn’t take long to coax the first bass into attacking. It was certainly a small one, but more than adequate to entice me to continue casting. Paddling through a large flat, not exceeding three feet in depth, I listened to the shrill call of several distant wood ducks. One would occasionally fly overhead and quickly disappear in the cloud-laden horizon. Before long, I heard the eerie sound of a blue heron screeching prior to take off. Watching the long and lanky, prehistoric looking creature navigate the sky, I couldn’t help but admire this particular species’ patience and fishing skills. I noticed a splashing sound in the direction of what I thought was a small island. Of course my first thought was a large bass lurking just behind the thick cover. But upon reaching the structure it quickly grew evident that the sound was coming from inside the weed-laden hump. I had obviously happened upon a beavers den, And judging from the sounds of whimpering from inside the structure, the den was active. In fact, there was obviously a litter of juveniles taking refuge at this site. Eventually moseying toward deeper water I finally managed to coax something of significant size into biting.Having noticed a gar, probably 4 feet long feeding at the surface, I couldn’t resist. I cast the lure just beyond the fish and began retrieving it in the fish’s direction. I stopped winding immediately upon dragging the lure in front of the gar. A sudden change of speed was more than she could resist. Watching her bolt toward and grab the lure, I planted my feet and gave the rod a stiff jerk. Although she eventually shook
loose, I did enjoy the fight while it lasted. Nearing the deep bank that I had originally noticed upon arrival, it was with amazement as a mature bald eagle took flight from a nearby tree. I’m always awe inspired upon seeing one of these pristine raptors, in spite of how many times I have seen them before. The plumage on her head and tail was an unblemished white. And the vibrant yellow colors glistening from her feet and beak highlighted the razor sharp and powerful implements that deemed them hunters unsurpassed. Casting along the steep bank, I managed to coax a few more bass into biting, none of which gained me bragging rights. But I did have the opportunity to paddle within a few feet of a very large cottonmouth that was basking in the morning sun. Judging from scars near her anal plate, the reptile had obviously experienced recent trauma. She was still able to maintain a stance, however, and I felt a sense of relief when the large snake opted to slide from atop the rock and flee in the opposing direction. Paddling alongside the lower dam, I eventually returned to the takeout point. While loading my gear, I couldn’t help but feel at least a little disappointment at the small stature of the bass that attacked my presentation. I had, however, enjoyed an opportunity to get better acquainted with an abundance of critters calling the reservoir home. And with a little luck, the bigger fish would be biting during my next visit. To get to the Lower lake, from Hot Springs, travel south on Arkansas highway 7. Turn right onto Arkansas 390 at Caddo Valley, immediately before reaching the I-30 bridge. Follow 390 for a couple of miles to its end and the entrance of the recreation area.