Mature Arkansas by Arkansas Times

Mature Arkansas DECEMBER 1, 2011

Two Jewish Guys Chanukah Special A fundraiser for public radio Page 8

ALSO in this issue

Good Neighbor Shiloh Page 4

Countdown to Christmas Page 6

Cold Season Advice Page 14

MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 1, 2011

to th e editor

guest c ommentar y

Keep seniors in touch Dear Editor:

By Jeff Prail

The approach we take in solving our nation’s economic crisis must be as balanced as the budget we seek. As Congress looks to trim $1 billion from our nation’s debt, tough decisions and sacrifices will have to be made. But one fact should remain: Our nation’s seniors and most vulnerable populations should not disproportionately carry the burden. One example of an ill-conceived cost-cutting measure is the Universal Service Fund (USF). It funds important programs that provide basic telephone and wireless service to low-income families, seniors, rural communities and rural healthcare centers. The High Cost program ensures that individuals in rural communities have service and rates comparable to those in urban areas. The Lifeline Assistance program offers discounts and subsidies to companies that offer phone service to low-income Americans. For those who reside in long-term care facilities, having access to a phone is particularly important. These programs help ensure access to a phone to report emergencies, make doctor appointments, stay in contact with family and generally be independent and productive. Rural healthcare centers also benefit by linking eligible providers in rural areas to urban medical centers. This gives rural patients the same access to advanced diagnostic and other services available in large cities. Without these programs, many seniors and individuals with disability would not have the resources they need to live on their own. In the rush to fix our nation’s financial situation, we must be careful to not exacerbate the problem by eliminating support services like Lifeline and the High Cost Rural Assistance program that enable people to remain safe, enabled and productive. Martha Deaver, President Advocates for Nursing Home Residents, Conway

We Want To Hear From YOU MATURE ARKANSAS welcomes letters or emails from readers on any subject of interest to older Arkansans. Letters to columnists are also welcome. Email your letters to annewasson@arktimes.com and include “letter” on the subject line.

phone 501-375-2985

Mature Arkansas Publisher Jim Gray Editor Anne Wasson Art Director Mike Spain Assistant to the Editor Paige Parham Account Executive Erin Holland Production Manager Weldon Wilson Production Assistant Tracy Whitaker ad Coordinators Roland Gladden, Kelly Schlachter

Close Caption the Razorbacks

Graphic Artists Bryan Moats, Katie Cook Photographer Brian Chilson Controller Weldon Wilson Office Manager Angie Fambrough IT Director Robert Curfman Billing and Collections Linda Phillips Circulation Director Anitra Hickman

Mature Arkansas is published each week by Arkansas Times Limited Partnership, 201 East Markham Street, 200 Heritage Center West, P.O. Box 34010, Little Rock, Arkansas 72203, phone (501) 375-2985. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents without the written consent of the publishers is prohibited. Manuscripts and artwork will not be returned or acknowledged unless sufficient return postage and a self-addressed stamped envelope are included. All materials are handled with due care, however, the publisher assumes no responsibility for care and safe return of unsolicited materials. All letters sent to Mature Arkansas will be treated as intended for publication and are subject to Mature Arkansas’ unrestricted right to edit or to comment editorially.

2 decemBER 1, 2011 MATURE ARKANSAS

he Arkansas Association of the Deaf, Inc. is a statewide organization established to promote the interests of Arkansans with hearing loss, particularly those who are deaf, hard of hearing, or deaf blind. Our mission statement is, “Helping pave the way for all individuals to achieve full participation into the mainstream of life and community.” Recently we contacted the University of Arkansas Department of Athletics on behalf of Ms. Allison Thompson of Fayetteville, a season ticket holder. Ms. Thompson had previously contacted the athletics office to express interest in the availability of live captioning during Razorback football games at Donald W. Reynolds Stadium. In large, loud venues such as Reynolds Stadium, fans with a hearing loss are at a disadvantage when it comes to any type of announcement made during a live game. Providing live captioning during a live game resolves this problem. This should not only be provided during game times, but also available for pre-ceremony announcements, anthems, play actions on the field, half-time activities and any special and emergency announcements. This will allow all Razorback fans the ability

Grandparents Can Be Guardians G

randparents now have a new financial benefit, making it easier for them to become the permanent guardian of their grandchildren. The Arkansas Department of Human Services, Division of Children and Family Services (DCFS) has created a Subsidized Guardianship Program that will pay monthly support to relatives who are serving as legal guardians to children who have been removed from their parental home. Permanent guardianship must be the goal of caring for the child or children. These relative guardians can receive payments similar to payments received by foster parents, ranging from $410 to $500 per month, depending on the age and needs of the child. Payments to guardians can continue until the child is 18 or 21 years old, depending on the child’s needs and age. Until now, relatives who served as foster parents received a board payment, but once they assumed legal guardianship for children, there was no way for them to continue receiving payments. A relative is defined by law as a person within the fifth degree of kinship by virtue of blood or adoption. This degree is calculated according to the child. To qualify for payments, the relative guardians must meet foster care home licensing requirements

to follow, enjoy, understand and be equal. The Washington Post printed an article on September 20, 2006 titled “Hearing-Impaired Fans Sue for Access to Closed-Captioning.” According to Joseph B. Espo, a professor at the University of Maryland Law School who is also involved in the case, a growing number of universities are captioning games on their stadium JumboTrons. Since Reynolds Stadium has a JumboTron, the Arkansas Association of the Deaf is joining with Ms. Thompson to encourage the provision of live captioning during Razorback football games. This would allow all fans, including those with hearing loss, to enjoy Razorback football games. Mr. Prail is a system change advocate with the Arkansas Association of the Deaf.

and the child must have been living in their fully approved foster home for six consecutive months before the relative becomes the legal guardian. Once this legal guardianship is established, the child leaves foster care and has a legal, permanent connection to the family member that would not exist if the relatives continued to serve as foster parents. The relatives would then be responsible for major decisions regarding the child. Had relatives remained foster parents, major decisions on behalf of the child would be left up to the state, with input from biological parents. “Relatives often want to help out when children face going into the foster care system,” says Cecile Blucker, director of DCFS. “But until now, we did not have an option to provide the financial support they need to take on the extra responsibility and expense of providing for their children.”

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MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 1, 2011

c elebrates tor ial

Good Neighbor Shiloh By Cal Wasson

aving a pound or so of the Hot Springs Sentinel-Record laying about every day wasn’t part of my plan. During my decades in newsrooms I’ve handled tens-of-thousands of papers while stealing ideas, clipping, pasting, filing, germs, ink smudged everything and ecology issues. All that made me an early and eager adopter of digital newspapers. This also makes me a bit of a digital snob. The Sentinel is a good paper but has a lame website. I had to get the paper copy. My complaints went away on the first delivery. Instead of pulling it out of the bushes, off the roof, or up from a storm sewer, I just opened the front door and there it was, neatly tucked under the mailbox. Never, never have I had such a paper delivery service. I thought, whatever the Sentinel lacks electronically it sure makes up for at the stoop. After months of this near impeccable treatment I left a hefty Christmas tip in a card by the mailbox. It wasn’t picked up. I added a ribbon and big letters. Nothing. This is getting interesting. Not only do I have the world’s best paper deliverer but I have the world’s best paper deliverer who won’t take a tip. Turns out, I did. I planned to intercept them at the door the next morning, say thanks and pass the card. What I saw was a yellow Labrador retrieve my paper from the lawn, bring it to a spry, fit, older gentleman who brought it to my door. That’s how I met neighbors Miss Shiloh and Buddy Midkiff. For the past 11 years, since Shiloh was a pup, the team has walked the neighborhood early. Shiloh sets the schedule and is usually ready to go around 7:00 AM. Few see them. Some mornings she’ll hold back so she can say hi to the kids waiting for the school bus. The paper delivery service was Shiloh’s idea. The walks started just as walks but over the years they’ve taken on a sense of mission and direction. They’re unpaid, unsung and few neighbors even know what they do. Yet, in their way, they’re showing us what community means. Shiloh started picking up Buddy’s paper at home and, as is her breed’s nature, bringing it to him. Shortly after, at the house where I now live, she decided to fetch the paper for Buddy. He finished the chore. The routine was set then. Shiloh and her teammate have missed few papers since.

You can tell Buddy understands Shiloh. He knows that like people, dogs with a job are happier. This shows when Shiloh lights up and goes from old dog walking to eager working Labrador as she tugs Buddy toward a rolled newspaper. She may walk with a bit of arthritic limp but that goes away on the job. In her prime she was picking up 25 to 30 papers a day on eight to 10 of Hot Springs’ long blocks. That’s down to just a few papers and a block or two as her days grow short and her legs grow weak. All dog stories end the same. She has some pain but gives all of us with aging legs a mustfollow lesson: Sometimes, you just got to work through it and keep moving. It’s worth it. It was also Shiloh’s decision to expand her job description to include road trash. She spots the litter, brings it to Buddy who bags it, Some days the trash hauls are hefty. Their blocks stay neater. Most dogs make messes. Shiloh removes them. As you’d expect, Buddy has a couple of other dogs, both hardship cases he saved. He says there probably won’t be another Shiloh though. She just has the knack and the commitment. Hot Springs born and reared, Buddy seems like the type of Arkie that makes us all proud: Straight talking, modest with an unquestionable, unwavering and unmentioned commitment to helping his neighbor. On weekends he sings gospel with his church group “All God’s Singers,” a name taken from a hymn. You get the feeling he is really listening to the words. Buddy has been married for 55 years and you can understand that too. Times are hard. Europe’s set to crumble, the recession goes on and on, our political system is gasping and we are in a cultural war. But knowing there are Shilohs and Buddys out there makes you think it’s going to be okay. It’s going to be okay. The Sentinel will come up with a good web site someday and I’ll be rid of the paper version. But if that happens before Shiloh’s last run, I’ll keep taking the hard copy. After all, a good dog needs her job and a good man to help.

...like people, dogs with a job are happier.

4 decemBER 1, 2011 MATURE ARKANSAS

Mr. Wasson is a retired, mostly, journalist.

Medicare

If you have Alzheimer’s

Man

Help With Drug Costs Q. What can I do if I can’t afford my medications or my Medicare premiums? A. Two programs help pay Medicare costs: Medicare Savings Programs (MSP) and Extra Help. MSP pays the cost of Medicare Parts A and B such as the Part B premium ($99.90 in 2012), deductibles and copayments. Arkansas determines eligibility for MSP and will let you know if you are eligible within six weeks. Both applications are available online and take less than 30 minutes to complete once all information is gathered. Extra Help pays the cost of Part D plans such as premiums, deductibles (maximum $320) and copays. Social Security determines eligibility for Extra Help and will let you know if you qualify within two weeks. You may qualify if you are single and have a gross monthly income below $1,361.25 and assets below $12,640 (married couples’ income must be below $1,838.75 and assets below $25,260). Assets include retirement accounts, savings or checking accounts, etc. Your primary residence and one vehicle do not count as assets. If your income is too high to qualify, there are Patient Assistance Programs (PAP) available through many prescription drug manufacturers. They help pay for brand-name and generic prescription medications. Most PAPs have income and asset restrictions. Some are only for uninsured people while others help only those with Medicare Part D. Often there is a requirement to spend a certain dollar amount out-of-pocket before PAP provides payment assistance. Most PAPs have online applications. Fill out the patient portion of the application and submit it to your doctor’s office for completion and faxing to the PAP. Reliable Internet sites for information regarding PAPs include www.rxassist.org, www.needymeds.org or www.pparx.org Send questions to insurance.shiip@arkansas.gov or call 800-224-6330.

MEDIC ARE MAT T ER S

By Sally Johnson

Coverage Gap Explained

f you have Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, you’ve heard of the “donut hole.” It is the period in most Part D plans where beneficiaries get no coverage for prescription drug costs. Those in this coverage gap have to pay all drug costs out of their own pocket. It works like this: The Part D plan is in effect until the plan and the beneficiary together spend $4,550 on prescription drugs. Before the Affordable Care Act went into effect, Medicare beneficiaries had to pay all prescription drug costs until their total out-of-pocket spending reached $4,550. After that, “catastrophic” coverage kicks in, and you pay only 5% of drug costs for the rest of the year. Some Part D plans offer coverage for part or all of the coverage gap but those plans have much higher monthly premiums. The Affordable Care Act is closing the donut hole. In 2011, beneficiaries who hit the coverage gap must pay only half of the cost of covered brand-name medications; only 93% for generic medications. The entire undiscounted cost of the medication, however, counts toward the $4,550 threshold for reaching catastrophic coverage. In 2012, beneficiaries will still pay half of brand-name costs but only 86% of generic drugs. The amount beneficiaries pay will continue to decrease through 2020, when it will be 25% for both generic and brand-name medications.

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7th Ever Nog-Off A Friendly Competition for the Best Eggnog in Town

Friday, December 9, 5–8 pm Start the season with th Start the season 7th Ever the 7with Everthe Nog-off, Nog-off, a culinary celebration of a a culinary celebration of a favorite holiday favorite holiday drink. drink. Taste them all and help determine winner of the Tastethe them all and help determine the People’s Choice award. winner of the People’s Choice award.

A museum of the Department of Arkansas Heritage

200 E. Third Street Little Rock, AR 72201 www.HistoricArkansas.org

MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 1, 2011

entertai ed itor i al nment

Countdown to Christmas By Paige Parham

here are many ways to celebrate the holiday season,

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon whether at home or with family. Mature Arkansas has Preheat oven to compiled a list to help you countdown each day in a festive and 325 F. Lightly butter a 9-inch diammeaningful way. Each week, leading up to Christmas day, we eter pan. Using an will give you seven fresh ideas to keep the holiday spirit alive. electric mixer, beat butter in a large bowl December 1 until light and fluffy. Add brown sugar There’s nothing like a good Christmas movie and beat well. Mix in flour and salt to bring the holiday cheer. Thursday, Dec. 1, with rubber spatula. Press dough ABC Family is showing Tim Allen’s “The Santa into prepared pan. Combine sugar Clause” at 6:00 and 8:00 PM. and cinnamon in a small bowl and sprinkle Dec. 2 brings Jim Carrey’s Dr. Seuss classic mixture over dough. Cut into 12 wedges, using “How the Grinch Stole Christmas” at 7:00 PM. a ruler as a guide and cutting through dough. Dec. 5, ABC Family has the classic claymation Pierce each wedge with a toothpick. Bake until special “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer and shortbread is brown, firm at edges and slightly the Island of Misfit Toys at 6:00 PM and “The soft in the center. Cool completely in pan on Polar Express” at 7:30. rack. Store cookies in airtight container at room Dec. 5 TCM will show the 1938 masterpiece temperature. “A Christmas Carol” at 8:45 PM. Recipe from www.epicurious.com Dec. 7, “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation” on ABC Family at 8:00 PM. December 4 Before the rush of holiday shopping begins, December 2 take inventory of your wrapping supplies The Arkansas Craft Guild’s 33rd Annual before you go spend a bundle on new paper Christmas Showcase and ribbons. A wide will be held December variety of plastic storage 2-4 at the Statehouse units are available, some Convention Center in designed for wrapping downtown Little Rock. paper and related accouOn Friday, 10:00 trements. It only takes a AM – 8:00 PM; small chunk of time to Saturday, 8:00 AM get your gear in order – 8:00 PM; Sunday, and it will save you 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM. hours of headaches later. Find unique and handmade gift items for December 5 everyone on your list. Admission is $5; children Health experts report that even a two-degree under 12 free. drop in body temperature can result in reduced heart rate, loss of coordinaDecember 3 tion and confusion. For most, a warm If you’re handy in the kitchen, try these delicoat solves the problem. Many Arkansas cious yet simple shortbread cookies. communities are hosting coat drives, asking for donations of new or gently Brown Sugar Shortbread Cookies used coats. Why not give your closet 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temp. a once-over and see if you’ve got a 1 cup packed brown sugar spare to donate? Currently, any Old 2 cups all-purpose flour Navy store will accept coats of all ¼ teaspoon salt sizes, as will the Little Rock Zoo 1 tablespoon sugar and the Salvation Army. 6 decemBER 1, 2011 MATURE ARKANSAS

December 6 Christmas means family togetherness. When everyone gathers this holiday, share your life experiences with younger generations. Before they arrive, jot down a few treasured stories from your past. Kids and adults alike love to hear tales about the family. Surefire hits are the stories of how grandma and grandpa met, scandalous events from mom and dad’s childhoods, and don’t forget those embarrassing baby photos. December 7 While browsing in a thrift store recently, I chanced upon It’s a Wonderful Christmas: The Best of the Holidays 1940-1968 by Susan Waggoner, a gorgeously illustrated and informative history of holiday paraphernalia from the mid-century. From the history of fake Christmas trees to full-color photos of vintage cards, this book will bring back a flood of happy memories and inspire you to give your current holiday décor a classic feel. Wordsworth Book Company or Barnes and Noble can order this for you, also available online at www.amazon. com

c onsumer t ips

Plan Holiday Shopping By Laura Connerly, PhD

ecember brings memories of celebrating the holiday season with family, the smell of turkey cooking and the background sound of the parade on television. But it may also bring memories of parking lots or fighting the crowds. The holiday shopping season has started and Arkansas seniors are already making plans. Mona Norris of Benton says, “I love to shop and find bargains. I try to consider the likes and dislikes of the person for which I'm buying and find something that's practical, to be enjoyed and used for more than one season. I shop for bargains all year and keep holiday purchases in my spare room and ‘go shopping’ there about three weeks before Christmas to take inventory.” Start planning now to save money and time and reduce stress. Make a list and check it twice. List names, jot down gift ideas and set a spending limit. Use your talents and imagination to create less expensive gifts. Are you handy with needle work? Knit a pair of mittens. Share your time and talent by giving a coupon for babysitting, photographs or tennis lessons. Katie Holland of Little Rock says, “I try to convince people we don't have to buy each other gifts. I prefer to make cookies for everyone and skip the shopping.” Be realistic about expectations. Most of us can’t remember what we got for Christmas last year. That’s because stuff doesn’t matter that much.” It doesn’t leave those warm, lasting holiday memories. Make your holiday Limit your budget to what you can realshopping plans now. istically afford right now. Buy only one present per person and buy only for those people you really care about. Talk to family members about setting a dollar limit on gifts. Suggest drawing names this year to make holiday spending and shopping easier for everyone. Ask your grandchildren to prioritize their lists and you set limits. Look for sales or coupons. Grandparents and parents can give jointly on big ticket items. Look for small gifts and stocking stuffers at discount and dollar stores. “I make a list ahead of time of exactly what I'm shopping for and I stay away from big promotional sales so I don't get drawn into buying something not on my list,” said Glen Rose resident, Jessica Vincent. Start early. Shop wisely. Avoid impulse buys. Compare prices. Watch for sales and stick to your shopping list. For more information about money management, visit the Arkansas Saves website at www.arfamilies.org/arkansassaves. For weekly money management tips, like the Arkansas Saves Facebook page at www.facebook.com/arkansassaves Dr. Connerly is an instructor with the U. of A. Div. of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service in Little Rock.

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Choose What’s Right for You Premium, drug and deductible costs change annually. Comparison is free and there is no pressure to do anything. Arkansas Insurance Department Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIIP) does not sell insurance. SHIIP is a program of the Arkansas Insurance Department funded by the federal agency Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Share the Road

For Cyclists Share the road Tips for SAFE cycling on the road.

• Bicycles are vehicles on the road, just like cars and motorcycles. Cyclists must obey all traffic laws. Arkansas Uniform Vehicle Code #27-49-111 • Cyclists must signal, ride on the right side of the road and yield to traffic normally. Bicycles are vehicles on the road, Code #27-51-301/403 just like must cars have andamotorcycles. • Bicycles white headlight and a red tail light visible fromall 500traffic feet and have a Cyclist should obey laws. bell or warning device for pedestrians. Arkansas Uniform Vehicle Code #27Code #27-36-220 49-111 • Make eye contact with motorists. Be visible. Be predictable. Head up, think ahead. Cyclists should signal, ride on the • On the Big Dam Bridge... go slow. right side Represent! of the road, and yield to traffic other • As younormally pass, say “Onlike yourany left... thankroad you.” • On the River vehicle. CodeTrail... #27-51-301/403 use a safe speed, don’t Share the Road intimidate or scare others. Watch for dogs Give 3 feet ofCyclists clear space when and For leashes.

Tips for PREVENTING injury or death.

For to moreacycling information... Tips for(up SAFE the road. passing $1000on fine!) Bicycle Advocacyonofthe Arkansas • Bicycles are vehicles road, just like Code #27-51-311 www.bacar.org

cars andLeague motorcycles. Cyclists must obey of American Bicyclists

allwww.bikeleague.org/programs/education trafficby laws. Uniform Code Cyclist lawArkansas can not rideVehicle on the #27-49-111 sidewalk in some areas, some bikes • Cyclists must signal, ride on the right side can roads of theonly roadhandle and yieldsmooth to traffic normally. Code cracks, #27-51-301/403 (no potholes, trolley tracks). • Bicycles must have a white headlight and a LR Ord.#32-494

red tail light visible from 500 feet and have a

bell or warning devicewith for pedestrians. Make eye contact cyclists. Code #27-36-220

Drive • Makepredictably. eye contact with motorists. Be vis-

ible. Be predictable. Head up, think ahead.

Please ghost bikes. • On the prevent Big Dam Bridge... go slow. www.ghostbikes.org Represent!

• As you pass, say “On your left... thank you.” For more information: • On the River Trail... use a safe speed, don’t Bicycle Arkansas intimidate orAdvocacy scare others.ofWatch for dogs and leashes.www.bacar.org For more information...

League American Bicyclists BicycleofAdvocacy of Arkansas www.bacar.org www.bikeleague.org/programs/ League of American Bicyclists www.bikeleague.org/programs/education education

MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 1, 2011

The Two Jewish Guys: Phil Kaplan (left) and Leslie Singer

“T

“Chanukah is ‘not the Jewish Christmas’ and is in fact a rather minor holiday in the Jewish faith.” — Phil Kaplan

Fundraising With 2 Jewish Guys:

wo Jewish Guys Chanukah Special-A

candles, the show is not religious and is pure comedic Little Rock Christmas Tradition,” Phil entertainment, Singer says. The duo reminisce about Kaplan and Leslie Singer’s public radio fundraising growing up Jewish and tell jokes and stories. There are show, continues to charm its listeners and bring a new also skits, interviews and music from the Meshugga cultural experience to Arkansas during the holidays. Klezmer Band and the Bauman Brothers. “It’s a fun show,” Fry Kaplan describes the show, in its 11th year, says. “It educates people about a culture not as a “radio version of the old television variety dominate in Arkansas.” shows, like the Bob Hope, Sid Caesar, Perry Each year, Kaplan, 73, and Singer, 68, Cuomo and Andy Williams shows.” add something new to the show. They have “None of whom are Jewish,” Singer adds; performed songs and even a 20-second “Sid Caesar is,” Kaplan responds. “Saturday Night Fever” dance number, which The show is recorded before a sold-out live brought about “significant artistic differences,” audience at the Clinton Presidential Center, and Kaplan says. “I was vehemently opposed to then broadcast on KUAR-FM 89, the University dancing, based on my lack of rhythmic ability.” of Arkansas at Little Rock’s (UALR) Public This year will feature special guest, Susan Radio station. This year’s live recording is McDougal, and a Jewish translation of “Tales December 5 at 7:00 PM and it will be broadcast from the South,” another KUAR show. And, on Dec. 21 at 7:00 PM and Dec. 25 at 1:00 PM. like previous years, the show will end with the KUAR General Manager Ben Fry describes song “Hanukkah in Santa Monica.” the show as the “celebration of Chanukah The show “brings Chanukah into the through music, stories and shtick.” Christmas season,” Singer says. “It offers Though the pair lights the Chanukah a change of pace in a humorous, pleasant 8 decemBER 1, 2011 MATURE ARKANSAS

manner,” says Kaplan, adding that Chanukah is “not the Jewish Christmas” and is in fact a rather minor holiday in the Jewish faith. Kaplan, an attorney at Williams and Anderson and chairman of the Arkansas Martin Luther King, Jr. Commission, and Singer, an advertising creative director and writer at his own agency, Singer Advertising, aren’t sure exactly when or how they met, but it was likely more than 20 years ago. They did not actually become friends until doing on-air KUAR fundraising drives together about 15 years ago. This is where Two Jewish Guys phenomenon began and it has become a “marriage made in heaven,” Kaplan smiles. “We decided that instead of begging for money, like everyone does, we would make believe it was a radio show and just talk about being Jewish and our Jewish backgrounds,” Singer explains. “We started to schmooze with each other,” Kaplan says, and on the spot, started referring to themselves as “Two Jewish Guys on National Public Radio.” People liked them and donations rolled in. The pair continues to participate in the semiannual on-air fund drives. One of the most memorable Two Jewish Guys moments occurred during a fund drive

Their two moms got into an argument live on air about the best way to make latkes. This event is referred to as the “Famous Bubbe Smackdown.”

A Christmas Novelty

By Erica Sweeney photography by Brian Chilson

when Kaplan and Singer’s mothers, in their late 80s and early 90s at the time, appeared on the show. The two moms got into an argument live on air about the best way to make latkes (potato pancakes traditionally eaten during Chanukah). After Singer’s mom described her recipe, the argument ended with Kaplan’s mother firmly saying, “never heard of it.” Singer says this event is referred to as the “Famous Bubbe Smackdown” (bubbe is Yiddish for grandmother). The guys had such a great time doing the short segments for the fund drives and received such a positive response from the public, they wanted more time.

attending, and then at the Main Library in downtown Little Rock with about 150 attending. About five years ago, the show moved to the Clinton Center and the audience grew. “This is as close to stand-up as we’re going to get,” adds Singer. “We couldn’t imagine anyone wanting to see us.” “We are funny at times,” Kaplan says. “We think we’re hilarious and in our own minds, we’re legends.” While Kaplan and Singer are equally funny, their differences make them the perfect match. “Phil is more religiously Jewish. He brings a real educated view of Judaism,” Singer says,

and food, including latkes and rugelach (a Jewish pastry). Because of the show’s growing popularity, prepaid reservations are required for the live show. Admission is $4.99; call 501-569-8485 or www.kuar.org for reservations. They use a working outline to ensure the show fits into its allotted hour, but it is mostly unscripted. Songs are rehearsed but not dialogue, which Kaplan says comes naturally for them. “We keep up the banter,” Singer says. “Ad libs are encouraged.” Ideas for the Chanukah Special are gathered throughout the year, Singer says. They get together in late October to refine ideas and make decisions. Singer says getting ready for the show is a lot of work and can be a lot of pressure. “There’s a certain level of expectation and we’ve got to meet it,” Kaplan explains. “It’s a real adrenalin high, actually doing it. It’s pretty tough getting it ready.” “There’s a high level of semi-professionalism,” Singer adds. “It’s fun seeing what we can come up with.” Singer says he has a good vision of what their audience will like and “what might work and

“It’s a fun show. It educates people about a culture not dominate in Arkansas.” “They were always fussing about not having enough time,” says Fry, so, in 2001, he offered Kaplan and Singer a full hour show for Chanukah if they raised a certain amount during their fund drive. And, the rest is history. At first, the Chanukah show was recorded at the KUAR studio. Then, they began recording with a live audience, first at the Cooperative Extension at UALR with nearly 75 people

adding that they both went to Hebrew school. “But I’m more culturally Jewish. “I’m a little more experimental. I’d rather push it a little bit. Phil is a little more classic.” Both Kaplan and Singer say the show’s success would not be possible without the Clinton Center housing the show and KUAR recording and broadcasting it. The Clinton Center’s Museum Store, managed by Singer’s wife, donates wine

MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 1, 2011

exà|ÜxÅxÇà Uxáà exà|ÜxÅxÇà Living at its Independent Living Residential Care Skilled Nursing

what we can get away with,” because of his experience as a performer. He was a rock band drummer for “Unspoken Word” in the 1960s and 1970s, and Singer’s also done comedy dinner theater. He sometimes accompanies the Klezmer Band during the Chanukah show. “What’s always been great about [the show] is how the audience responds,” Fry says. “People really like these guys.” Singer categorizes the pair as “D-list celebrities,” and after much discussion, decides that, among well-known locals, they fit in a “notch below people who do their own commercials on television.” They are often recognized in public, especially by their voices. The pair made a guest appearance with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra during last year’s holiday show. “It’s been a surprise that this has been such an event,” Singer says. “Everyone is very complementary.” Singer says he is most surprised that about two-thirds of their audience is not Jewish. He says other Jewish people sometimes feel the pair stereotype their culture. “We milk the stereotypes, only because that’s the basis of Jewish humor,” Singer says. “Jewish humor is about making fun of other Jewish people.”

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There is an obvious chemistry between Phil Kaplan (left) and Leslie Singer based on friendship and shared values. Both agree, a show like this would never happen in areas with larger Jewish communities, like their east coast hometowns. Singer is from Long Island, New York; Kaplan is from Lynn, Massachusetts. Both have lived in Arkansas for more than 40 years. They say their friends and family still living on the east coast can’t believe they have a Chanukah radio show in a state with only about 2,000 Jewish people. “They don’t get it,” says Singer. “In New York, almost everyone is Jewish. Here, we’re a little bit of a novelty.” Kaplan once interviewed his Yiddish-speaking cousins on the show. They were amazed such a show existed in Little Rock and that it was so popular. Singer has sent CDs of the show to friends because they “cannot imagine what the show would be like or who would come.” Kaplan and Singer are appreciative of the people who come to see their show and it makes them happy to see the audience’s enjoyment. This goes for the regulars, including a couple that celebrates their wedding anniversary at the live recording each year, and all the new faces. While the pair put much time and work into keeping this Little Rock Christmas tradition alive, they say luck also plays an important role because people come to the show to laugh. “It’s always a good show,” Kaplan promises; “If you don’t expect too much,” Singer adds.

givi ng ba ck

Get Together for a Food Drive By Paige Parham

ommunity food drives are a great way to get involved with the Arkansas Food Bank. There are several ways to approach a food drive: Go door-to-door and ask your neighbors for donations; post flyers asking people to drop off items at a specified location; or recruit friends, family or a church or civic group to help out. To get started, decide what items you will be collecting. Generally, food banks do not accept perishable foods. Canned goods or boxed pasta meals like macaroni and cheese are always welcome. The following items are in greatest demand: Canned meats, fish and poultry, canned or packaged meals, peanut butter, cereal, soups, canned fruits and vegetables, 100% juices, pasta and pasta sauces and diapers. The Arkansas Health Department does not allow home-baked goods to be collected for donation. Plan the beginning and ending dates for your drive. Set a goal and consider some kind of visual representation of accomplishment to track what you’ve collected and how much you have left to go. Get the word out about your drive by using emails, telephone calls, fliers or Facebook. Designate specific locations for food drop offs. Make it easy on donors and don’t choose locations that are difficult to access or require a lot of legwork. Lobbies or porches make excellent places to leave collection bins. Once your drive ends, take it to the warehouse. Let them know you’re coming so they will be prepared. For more information about a food drive, call the Arkansas Food Bank 501-565-8121.

In greatest demand: Canned meats, fish and poultry, canned or packaged meals, peanut butter, cereal, soups, canned fruits and veggies.

Volunteer Opportunities

entral Arkansas food pantries and soup kitchens feed more than 166,200 hungry Arkansans each year. And they need volunteers year round, not just during the holidays. Arkansas Foodbank The Arkansas Foodbank Network, 8121 Distribution Drive in Little Rock, is responsible for the collection and distribution of more than 13 million pounds of food per year. Many food banks and soup kitchens are staffed almost entirely by volunteers--80% of food pantries and 34% of soup kitchens have no paid staff. The Arkansas Foodbank provides food for more than 300 food pantries, soup kitchens, emergency shelters and other agencies in central and southern Arkansas. On Saturday work days, up to 50 volunteers help sort, box and stack food for delivery. There is also a need for general office workers on a daily basis. To volunteer, contact Kathy Kaigler at 501- 569-4320. Stewpot at First Presbyterian Church The First Presbyterian Church, 800 Scott Street, Little Rock, hosts a free public lunch program on weekdays from noon -1:00 PM; a free clothing room is open on Thursdays, and a free health clinic sponsored by Baptist Health is open on Fridays. Stewpot provides 150 homeless, lowwage and transient people with hot meals daily. To volunteer, contact volunteer coordinator Jan Van Ness at 501-372-1804. Little Rock Compassion Center The Little Rock Compassion Center, 3618 W. Roosevelt Road, helps homeless, transient, displaced and disadvantaged people in the Little Rock area. They provide three meals daily and a safe sleeping place for 40 women and 200 men per night. A food pantry is open Thursdays from 1:005:00 PM. Volunteers are always needed and welcome to serve meals, sort clothing, food/toy/blanket and coat drives, devotion groups, bread route, prayer and teaching. To volunteer, contact Reverend William Holloway at 501-296-9114.

I Oak Forest United Methodist Church Pastor Russ Brashears runs a food pantry for his neighborhood.

f you need volunteers, please let us help you find them: contact me by email annewasson@arktimes or by mail: Mature Arkansas, 201 E. Markham Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201

MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 1, 2011

CALENDAR

Plan your Holidays... Tickets for Wildwood Park’s Holiday Tour of Homes are available now for both the Private Preview Party on December 10, 7:00-9:00 PM, and the Tour on Dec. 11, 10:00 AM-4:00 PM. Six homes will be featured, beautifully decorated for the holidays by area interior designers. Tickets are $25 in advance; $30 day of tour . Tickets are $65 for the Private Preview and includes a party, the full tour plus a seventh home only viewable on the Private Preview. Call 501-821-7275 for tickets or go to wildwoodpark.org The annual event benefits Wildwood Park for the Performing Arts’ educational programs.

➧

➧ CHristmas decorations from 1911 is the theme for this year’s holiday decorations at the State Capitol, 500 Woodlane Avenue, corner of 7th Street and Woodlane. The 1911 theme compliments the Capitol’s “Century of Service” anniversary this year. Free and open to the public, viewing hours are7:00 AM-9:00 PM weekdays and 10:00 AM-9:00 PM Sat. and Sun. through December 30. If you bring your grandchildren, don’t miss Little Rock’s Christmas Parade on December 3 that will end at the Capitol, followed by the Capitol Lighting Ceremony at dusk. Arkansas Thunder drum and bugle corps will open the ceremony. Two penguins from the Little Rock Zoo will also attend. After the ceremony, Santa Claus will visit with children in the Rotunda during performances of vocal groups. Holiday lights will shine nightly through December 31. School choirs from around the state will perform Christmas music in the State Capitol Rotunda from December 5-16. A schedule is available at www.sos.arkansas.gov, click on State Capitol Info and then on Holiday Choir Schedule.

12 decemBER 1, 2011 MATURE ARKANSAS

don’t mi ss ...

R estaurant gu i de

The Quintessential Catfish Hole

➧

By Bob Wood

Train buffs will want to tour Little Rock’s Union Station, 1400 W. Markham Street, on Friday, December 2, from noon to 1:00 PM. The free tour is part of The Sandwiching in History series, a program of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. Constructed in 1921, it replaced the previous train depot that burned in 1920. A railroad station has been located on or near this site since the 1870s. It was the point of departure for soldiers leaving Camp Robinson during World War II and a whistle stop for Harry Truman’s presidential campaign. Today it serves as the local Amtrak Station and office and event space. For more information call Rachel Silva at 501-324-9788. “Society of Illustrators Annual Exhibit: Illustrators 53” is an exhibition of 40 works from some of the nation’s finest illustrators/artists— Norman Rockwell, N.C. Wyeth, Howard Pyle, Frederic Remington and Charles Dana Gibson, who gave us the “Gibson Girl” illustrations. At the University of Arkansas at Little Rock’s Galleries in the Fine Arts Building, 2801 S. University Avenue in Little Rock, the show will run through December 9. Hours are 9:00 AM-5:00 PM weekdays, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM Saturdays, 2:00-5:00 PM Sundays. For more information call 501-569-8977. Alzheimer’s Arkansas Programs and Services will cut the ribbon to open their new office at 3:00 PM, followed by a Holiday Open House, until 7:00 PM on December 6, at 201 Markham Center Drive, Little Rock. For more information call 501-224-0021.

If you need matched tablecloths, stay away.

(Photo by Bob Wood)

an you really use the word, “quintessential,” in the same sentence with “The Catfish Hole”? That was my first hurdle in writing this review. Let me also offer a quick disclaimer in the interest of the “full disclosure” that is de rigueur these days: I love good fried catfish. I don’t care if the place consists of cobbled-together house trailers (the old Murray’s in De Vall’s Bluff) or rusty 55-gallon drums, if they have great catfish I’m OK with that. In fact, there seems to be an odd inverse relationship between the physical appearance of the place and the quality of the catfish served. The Catfish Hole in North Little Rock fits this theory nicely. What’s not to like about a place whose floor was ripped from some old school gymnasium and then reassembled with pieces of the original basketball court tape still attached? The fried catfish at The Catfish Hole is good. Mildly-seasoned, the batter allows the nutty, clean flavor of the farm-raised catfish to come through. In comparison, the batter at the recently-closed Grandpa’s Catfish House (a direct competitor one street south of The Catfish Hole on Osage Street before they moved to their ill-fated, new location) is spicier and uses much more garlic powder. For years, The Catfish Hole versus Grandpa’s issue divided many families in the area. At The Catfish Hole, a large serving of fillets is about $12 and comes with French fried potatoes (hand-cut, not frozen), excellent hushpuppies (onion-y and not a bit sweet -- one of the real failings of Grandpa’s) and a tart, vinegary coleslaw. Tea, soft drinks and beer are also available. Service was slow but it was a busy night and the customers seemed happy. And, speaking of the diners, this is about as pure an Arkansas cultural experience as you can get. I’ll simply note that catfish eaters are not a fancy bunch. But it makes them (and me) happy to be eating one of their favorite foods, and it shows — in their faces and waistlines. If you like fried catfish, you should try it. The Catfish Hole is at 603 Spriggs, North Little Rock — one street south of the North Little Rock Airport off Remount Road, which is off Camp Robinson Road. Open from 4:30 to 9:00 PM (until 9:30 Fri and Sat.), closed on Sundays and Mondays. Phone 758-3516. Mr. Wood, a writer and designer in Little Rock, is often hungry. MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 1, 2011

answers from t h e doc tor n B y D av i d S. B a c h man , MD

Cold Season Advice Q. Should I use antibacterial soap during cold healthcare settings, where patients are more season? vulnerable to germs. But hospital-strength A. The short answer is no. Antibacterial and soaps are up to 10 times the concentration of harsh cleansers are usually unnecessary. store-bought soaps. These products don’t work any better than Antibacterial ingredients have become so regular cleansers and they damage the envicommon they are literally in our blood. The ronment and potentially place your future CDC periodically monitors levels of lead, health at risk. In studies comparing people pesticides and triclosan—the most common who washed their hands with regular or antibacterial agent—in randomly selected antibacterial soap, there was no difference Americans. At last check in 2004, the CDC between the groups, either in bacteria on the found 75% of adults and children had detecthands or in rates of illness. able levels of triclosan in their blood. Triclosan Antibacterial soaps don’t kill viruses, can cause bacteria to become resistant to antiTimes Syndication Salesresearchers The New York Corporation believe resistant which cause the vast majority of major illness, biotics. Some 500 Seventh Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 including the common cold, flu andFor stomach bugs,” created by widespread antibacInformation“super Call: 1-800-972-3550 December 01, could “bugs.” Antibacterial soaps prevent terialNovember soap usage For illness ReleaseinThursday, 24, 2011 be a real possibility.

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14 decemBER 1, 2011 MATURE ARKANSAS

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Q. Is zinc effective as a cold remedy? A. The data from years of scientific studies are mixed. If there is any benefit in taking zinc or zinc lozenges, it is very minor. If you decide to use zinc, take 9-24 mg. of elemental zinc per dose, regularly, every two hours, at the first sign of a cold. Short-term (the recommended five days or less) use of zinc has not led to serious side effects but can cause stomach upset, mouth irritation and a metallic taste. Copper deficiency can result if taken more than six weeks. Zinc nasal sprays are not recommended because they can cause loss of the sense of smell.

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Kurt Mueller Puzzle by Patrick Berry

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For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554. Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sunday crosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS. AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visit nytimes.com/mobilexword for more information. Online subscriptions: Today‘s Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year). Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

Q. Why didn’t I get antibiotics for bronchitis? I’m not getting over it very quickly. A. Bronchitis is an acute inflammation of the air passages in the lungs. It occurs most often during cold and flu season, usually coupled with an upper respiratory infection. Because most cases are caused by a virus, antibiotics play a limited role in treating bronchitis. They are necessary only if your doctor suspects a bacterial infection. People with chronic lung problems, however, often get antibiotics. While you may have fever with chills, muscle aches, nasal congestion and sore throat, the most common symptom is a forceful cough. It can last over two weeks. Medications to help suppress the cough or loosen and clear secretions may be helpful. Bronchodilator inhalers will help open airways and decrease wheezing. Tylenol or aspirin helps with fever and muscle aches. Drinking fluids is very important because fever causes the body to lose fluid faster. Fluids will also thin lung secretions and make them easier to expel. Dr. Bachman is a retired surgeon and public health advocate living in Dardanelle.

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