Mature Arkansas

Mature Arkansas DECEMBER 22, 2011

Mayor Pat Hays Enjoys His Job

Enjoys making things happen for the region Page 8

ALSO in this issue

Diabetes Linked to Dementia, Depression page 4

The Gift of Giving page 6

Cheering Up the Smallest Patients page 13

MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 22, 2011

1

from the editor

guest commentar y

Our Healthy, Happy and Safe Holiday Wish to You

T

his is our last issue before Christmas and the staff of Mature Arkansas wishes you the very best for the holidays. We hope you enjoy this, our sixth issue. We’re having a great time bringing you the best in senior news and views and great things to do. We hope you’re enjoying it too. If there’s something you’d like to see in Mature Arkansas, please let us know—call me at 501-375-2985 or email at annewasson@arktimes.com Be sure to read about the epidemic of diabetes and how you can prevent it on page 4. If you already have diabetes, Dr. Wei explains why your memory depends on keeping your blood sugar under control. There’s new research showing diabetics are at higher risk for Alzheimer’s disease. That takes care of your head; Dr. Buk will take care of your toes. Read her advice on the top three toenail problems and how to treat them on page 12.

If you’ve enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan that’s not working out for you, you have from January 1 to February 14 to switch back to Original Medicare, read the details on page 11.

If it’s just your prescriptions you need to save money on, Sally Johnson tells you about some extra help for which you may be eligible, see page 11.

Gary Garrison provides good advice on page 14 if you’re thinking about making charitable donations at year end.

And finally, don’t miss Rev. Rebecca Schubert’s story about learning the true meaning of giving and how love it really all any of us need this joyful season--see page 6.

We look forward to bringing you lots of interesting information in 2012. See you next week and from Erin, Paige, Jim and Anne, Happy Holidays!

CORRECTION We regret the error made in the name of the Elks Lodge #1004, on page 12 of the Dec. 15, 2011 issue of Mature Arkansas. The correct name is the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks.

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

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 22, 2011 MATURE ARKANSAS

Prostate Screening Is Individual Decision M

ore than 200,000 men in the United States are annually diagnosed with prostate cancer, and approximately 30,000 die of the disease--nearly 300 annually in Arkansas.

Prostate cancer is the second leading cancer death of men.

Screening can detect prostate cancer in its early stages. We recommend a combination of two tests – the digital rectal exam (DRE) and a blood test to detect prostatespecific antigen (PSA).

Since prostate cancer s c re e n i n g b e c a m e widespread 20 years ago, deaths from prostate cancer dropped over 40%, compared to men who did not undergo screening.

Without prostate cancer screening, more than 30% of men were diagnosed when the cancer was outside the prostate, and many of these men died.

Recently, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) made the recommendation to discontinue PSA screening. This decision was made by a panel that did not include urologists or oncologists. Furthermore, no new research has been cited that would call for this drastic change since the USPSTF considered this issue in 2009. The recommendation by the USPSTF to discontinue PSA screening will undoubtedly cause many cases of prostate cancer to go undiagnosed and, ultimately, untreated.

I will be the first to admit that many cases of prostate cancer are not life-threatening, and in fact, do not have to be treated.

Urologists are on the cusp of having available tests to determine which prostate cancers are aggressive and need to be treated.

Modern treatment for prostate cancer is generally safe with a low risk of mortality. Though it is true that side effects of surgery and

Implementation of the

USPSTF recommendation will

undo 20 years of progress, and could result

in the needless deaths of thousands of men...

C O N SUM E R TIPS

E

lderCare Locator is a free service that helps older adults and their families or caregivers find local resources. Call toll free 800-677-1116 to speak with a trained person who can give you a list of community resources to meet your specific needs. Or, go to eldercare.gov and search for resources by entering either the Zip Code or city and state of the person who needs help. A second

radiation can be unpleasant, these problems are often transient and treatable. Prostate cancer is still a formidable foe, and if it spreads beyond the prostate it can be difficult to control and is often lethal.

Implementation of the USPSTF recommendation will undo 20 years of progress, and could result in the needless deaths of thousands of men. This recommendation needlessly puts into harm’s way all the men who are most at risk: the uninsured, men with a family history of prostate cancer, and particularly AfricanAmerican men. Generalizations are expected and unavoidable from health policy makers such as the USPSTF. However, they don’t necessarily speak to what is right for you. The best way to make a highly personal determination is through a careful, reasoned discussion with a physician who fully understands your particular situation and has knowledge of this complex disease. I would

...This recommendation

needlessly puts into harm’s way all the men who are most at risk. urge you to make sure you are fully informed before deciding to forgo screening for prostate cancer screening. Blinders are a poor defense against a potentially lethal disease.

Dr. Tim Langford Arkansas Urology, Little Rock

You have some very good Choices in Living. u Do you need help for aging parents? u Are you looking for alternatives to living in a nursing home? u Do you need assistance for yourself, a family member or friend?

If so, the Choices in Living Resource Center may be able to help you.

option is to search by topics, such as transportation, caregiving or elder abuse. A third web site option is an online chat with an information specialist, available from 8:00 AM-7:00 PM on weekdays.

CALL toll-free: 1-866-801-3435

8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. / Monday through Friday.

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MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 22, 2011

3

h ealt h n reynolds i nst i tute on a gi n g

Diabetes Linked to Alzheimer’s Disease

By Jeanne Y. Wei, MD, PhD

I

f you have been diagnosed with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), you may be at high risk for memory problems, even Alzheimer’s disease.

While cardiovascular disease is the most common and often serious complication of diabetes, new research shows that mature adults with diabetes have an increased risk of developing memory impairment and Alzheimer’s disease.

Damaged nervous system About 60-70% of diabetics have mild to severe nervous system damage. This includes impaired sensation in feet or hands and other peripheral nerve problems (diabetic neuropathy). It also includes central nervous system complications such as memory loss due to stroke, vascular dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.

Diabetes can significantly damage arteries that supply blood to the brain and peripheral nerves. This damage makes it easier for fatty deposits (plaques) to form in the arteries. The build-up of these plaques (called atherosclerosis), can choke off blood supply and drive up blood pressure. High blood pressure is a risk factor for stroke, vascular dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

Diabetics with diabetic neuropathy may miss the important clues of insufficient blood supply. Diabetics can have a “silent” stroke or heart attack more often than non-diabetics.

Other links between diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease in mature adults include the altered processing of insulin signals in the brain. They can directly affect learning and memory. Some scientists have even suggested that Alzheimer’s disease in seniors with insulin resistance might be thought of as “Type 3 diabetes.” common features Diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease share a number of features in common.

First, the low insulin levels in the brain of 4 decemBER 22, 2011 MATURE ARKANSAS

risk factors for the development of both diabetes and Alzheimer’s disease in seniors.

Recent clinical trials have used antidiabetic drugs in non-diabetic seniors with either mild memory loss or Alzheimer’s disease. A reported improvement in memory tends to occur after treatment with anti-diabetic pills or with intranasal insulin (which gets inside the brain easier than insulin administered under the skin).

Higher risk for memory losses If you have diabetes, you may be up to two times more likely to develop memory impairment; and up to four times more likely to have a stroke or heart attack than a non-diabetic. However, you are not necessarily destined to face dementia or stroke simply because you have diabetes. With the help of your doctor and health care team, you can markedly lower your risk of developing memory loss. Remember that what’s good for your heart is also good for your brain.

You are not necessarily

destined to face dementia or stroke simply because you have diabetes.

T2DM patients and the insulin resistance in seniors may result in memory impairment, also a common feature of Alzheimer’s disease.

Second, brain deposits of toxic proteins are increased in diabetes and in Alzheimer’s disease.

Third, chronic inflammation and the associated injury in the brain is increased in both T2DM and Alzheimer’s disease.

Finally, obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and high blood pressure are important

Prevention tips • Manage your blood sugar and keep it within your target range. This can prevent or delay memory loss and blood vessel damage. In addition to daily blood sugar monitoring, your doctor may recommend regular testing of glycated hemoglobin (HgbA1C) to gauge your average blood sugar control for the past two or three months. Your goal should be an HgbA1C level of 7 to 7.5%.

• Keep your blood pressure in check because hypertension can lead to loss of brain cells and cardiovascular complications. When you have diabetes, high blood pressure can increase the development and severity of complications.

Your blood pressure range should be around 125-135 over 70- 80.

• Control your cholesterol and triglycerides. High levels of these blood fats can cause memory loss and cardiovascular disease in

Does chronic constipation worry you?

Diabetes and your feet D

iabetes can damage the nerves in your feet and you may eventually lose feeling in your feet. You could have a cut, blister or other minor foot injury and not even know it. Diabetes can also damage your blood vessels, leading to poor circulation throughout your body, including in your feet. This lack of blood flow may hinder your body’s ability to heal foot sores or other injuries If left untreated, a minor foot injury could become a serious infection, sometimes leading to tissue death (gangrene). Severe damage might require toe or foot amputation.

Practice these simple foot-care tips: • Wash your feet thoroughly and inspect them every day.

• Keep your toenails trimmed straight across.

• Do not go barefoot to avoid foot injuries.

• Don’t smoke or use tobacco.

• Schedule regular foot checkups.

• Take foot injuries seriously and seek treatment promptly.

anyone. However, just like high blood pressure, the damage is usually worse and more rapid when you have diabetes. Your goal is to keep lowdensity lipoprotein (LDL or “bad” cholesterol) below 100. If you have other heart disease risk factors or take cholesterol-lowering medication, the high-density lipoprotein (HDL or “good” cholesterol) should be at least 40, preferably up to 60 or higher; triglycerides should be below 150.

• Make healthy lifestyle changes such as eating healthier foods and getting regular physical exercise. Lose any extra weight. If you smoke, quit. If you choose to drink alcohol, do so only in very modest amounts.

• Consider medication. If you have difficulty making healthy lifestyle changes or reaching your desired goals, you may need medication or other changes in your treatment plan.

• Talk to your doctor and healthcare team about your risk factors and how you can improve them. Schedule regular checkups to make sure you are meeting your goals and any potential problems can be detected and treated early.

Dr. Wei is executive director, Reynolds Institute on Aging and professor and chairman, Reynolds Department of Geriatrics, UAMS.

Diabetes and Depression I

n a related study, researchers at the University of Washington’s School of Public Health say people with diabetes who also have depression are twice as likely to develop dementia within three to five years after a depression diagnosis.

Researchers say depression and diabetes are two of the most prevalent health problems seniors face. About 20% of diabetics have depression.

Each of these conditions independently increases the risk of developing the other. Being depressed doubles the risk of diabetes; diabetes doubles the risk of developing depression.

Arkansas Gastroenterology is conducting a research study of an investigational medication for chronic constipation.

Potential study candidates: • Are at least 18 years old • Have been diagnosed with chronic constipation • Have fewer than 3 bowel movements a week (without the help of laxatives) • Are willing to take study medication or a placebo

You Could Earn up to $200.00 over 5 visits to our facility For more information or to schedule a screening, contact us at:

Arkansas Gastroenterology 3401 Springhill Dr, Suite 400 North Little Rock, AR 72117 501-945-9300

Apartment Homes for Seniors Secure • Affordable • Efficient Convenient Starting At $320 A Month

For A Tour Call 501-372-3610 Applications For Residency Available During Office Hours

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Mature Arkansas for advertising information call Jim Gray or Erin Holland

at 375-2985 today!

MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 22, 2011

5

entertai ed itor i al nment

Countdown to Christmas

By Paige Parham

December 22 Holiday movies for the week are sure to include some family favorites.

Dec. 22 – “White Christmas,” 1:45 PM, AMC; “Since You Went Away,” 4:00 PM, TCM; “A Christmas Carol,” 4:30 PM, AMC. Dec. 23 – “A Town Without Christmas,” 3:00 PM, Inspirational Channel; “A Christmas Proposal,” 5:00 PM, Lifetime Movie Network; “Scrooge,” 5:00 PM, Turner Classic Movies; “Moonlight and Mistletoe,” 9:00, Hallmark.

Dec. 24 – “Meet Me in St. Louis,” 5:00 PM, TCM; “Santa Claus is Comin’ to Town,” 6:00 PM, ABC Family; “A Christmas Story,” 24-hour marathon starts at 7:00 PM, TBS; “Miracle on 34th Street,” 7:00 PM, TCM. Dec. 25 – “King of Kings,” 4:00 PM, TCM; “The Polar Express,” 7:00 PM, ABC Family; “Elf,” 7:00 PM, USA. December 23 Enjoy reading even with vision loss. The perfect holiday gift for a friend who is blind or visually impaired is the gift of reading and it lasts all year. And, it’s completely free. Choice Magazine Listening (CML), produces two four-track cassette tapes, six times a year, containing unabridged works from the best of current magazine writing. Quality publications such as National Geographic, Smithsonian, Sports Illustrated and the New Yorker are

Enjoy reading even with vision loss: Choice Magazine Listening. included. The articles, short stories, poetry and interviews are selected from more than 100 magazines and other periodicals. CML is available only to people who are blind, experiencing vision loss or have other disabilities that limit or prevent reading standard print.

Information on subscribing and obtaining a free tape player is available on the CML website, www.choicemagazinelistening.org or by calling toll free 888-724-6423.

December 24 Christmas Eve is a night for celebrating the season with family. A sampling of local churches’ Christmas Eve services are listed below.

Fellowship Bible Church, all locations – Services at 3:00 PM, 4:30 PM, and 6 PM in all venues. Sign language interpretation is offered at 4:30 PM in the Chapel.

First Baptist Church, Little Rock – Family Christmas Eve Service, 5:00 PM. Lakewood United Methodist Church, North Little Rock – Services at 6:00 PM, 10:00 PM, and 11:30 PM. Park Hill Baptist Church, North Little Rock – Family service at 4:00 PM in the Fellowship Hall; Candlelight Lord’s Supper at 5:00 PM in the Worship Center.

Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church, Little Rock – Christmas Eve Candlelight Communion, 12:00 PM, 6:00 PM, 8:00 PM, 11:00 PM in the Sanctuary; Organ and Brass Recital, 7:30 PM, and 10:30 PM in the Sanctuary; Children and Family Service, 4:00 PM in the Great Hall.

Second Presbyterian Church, Little Rock – Services in the Sanctuary at 5:00 PM, 7:30 PM, and 11:00 PM. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Little Rock – Holy Eucharist and Children’s Pageant, 5:00 PM; 10:00 PM, Choral Music; 10:30 PM, Festal Choral Eucharist.

GUEST EDIT OR I AL n By T he R e v erend Rebecca M . Sc h ubert , MA , BCC

The Gift of Giving I

n one of my first visits as a chaplain, I experienced a life lesson about giving and receiving that will be with me forever. While I was in a long-term care facility dining room I saw a tray with cookies for residents to take back to their rooms for afternoon snacks. In the first room I visited, the resident, a poorly kept gentleman, offered me his cookie. My immediate reaction was, “Thank you, but no thanks.”

In my mind, I thought several things quickly: I can’t take his snack. How sweet he is to offer his snack but he needs to eat, he is so thin. My thoughts were much more self-serving. He knew at some level what I was thinking because he never offered the cookie again. In my embarrassment I immediately moved to another topic. We had a pleasant but shallow visit and I left with the subject of the cookie never coming up again.

As I left his room the aide stopped me in the hall, “Did you take the cookie?”I was so surprised by her question. I had to admit quietly,“No.”The aide shared how every day this gentleman took a cookie so he would have something to offer a guest. She said the top drawer of his dresser was full of

6 decemBER 22, 2011 MATURE ARKANSAS

unaccepted cookies. “No one ever takes his cookie.” She continued, “I think he just enjoys being a gracious host and, as you can see by how his room is furnished, he has little to give.” In an instant I had a deep realization, how I had just brushed off a precious gift because of my own internal judgments.

The next week I intentionally visited this gentleman’s room again. He truly was a gracious host because he gave me a second chance at being a courteous guest. Thus began our friendship that lasted several years and many cookies later. Over our many hours together, my new friend shared a little more of his life story each week.

We only spoke of the first visit once, toward the end of our time together.

He asked me how long I had been a chaplain when I first visited his room.

I shared he had been one of my first visits. He was far too kind to point out what he had taught me, but we both knew I had learned and grown from the lesson of giving and receiving.

Love makes a nice center for giving. It is not the size or the cost of the gift…it is the love with which it is given and the love with which it is received.

CALENDAR PICKS

By Paige Parham

December 25 A choice of Christmas Day feasts

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Brunch at the Peabody Hotel, 10:30 AM – 2:30 PM, The Peabody Hotel, 3 Statehouse Plaza, Little Rock. Christmas Day Brunch in Capriccio Grill Italian Steakhouse includes a wide selection of dishes from prime rib of beef to honeyglazed ham and roasted pork loin.

Breakfast items, seafood and desserts also available. Brunch is $39.95 for adults; $14.95 for children ages 6 to 11; children 5 and under eat free. Complimentary valet parking will be provided. Call 501-399-8062 for reservations or visit www.peabodylittlerock.com

now through December 31 (closed dec. 23-26)-All Aboard: Lionels at Laman! The Arkansas Chapter of the Lionel Collectors Club of America presents a hands-on model train display that is fun for all ages. In Laman Library Exhibit Hall, Main Library’s 2nd floor, 2801 Orange Street, North Little Rock, 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM.; 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Fri. and Sat.; 1:00 – 5:00 PM. Sun. Contact Debra Wood at 501-771-1995, extension 105. Free Admission.

December 22 – A Special Christmas Show featuring Ken Goodman and the entire family, 7:30 PM, The Vienna Theatre, 424 Central Avenue, Hot Springs, 501-463-2799 for reservations.

The Goodman family will sweep you away with their musical stylings of your holiday favorites like “The Christmas Song,” “White Christmas,” “Have a Holly, Jolly Christmas,” and more. Don’t miss the holiday game with prizes.

Christmas Day Feast at the Arlington Hotel, 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM, The Venetian Dining Room at the Arlington Hotel in Hot Springs, includes a festive buffet of gourmet and traditional favorites, set amidst beautiful holiday decorations. Cost is $33 for adults; $15 for ages 6-12; children 5 and under eat free. 501-609-2575 for reservations.

Dec. 26-Beginner Kundalini Yoga, 5:30 - 6:30 PM, Elevate Arkansas, 323 S. Cross Street, Little Rock.

Join Caren Shantz in an introduction to one of the oldest and most powerful forms of yoga and one of the oldest spiritual practices on the planet. In Kundalini Yoga, taught by a master of kundalini Yogi Bhajan, you will learn powerful movement, breathing and more in this simple introductory course. $5 for members, $7 non-members; yogi tea and cookies after the lesson. A portion of the proceeds are donated to Ark. Coalition Against Domestic Violence. Call 888-749-6949 or visit www.elevatearkansas.org

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D ec. 26-Mon day Ni ght Ja z z at th e Afterthought, 8:00 PM, 2721 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, $5; includes Steve Struthers on guitar, Brian Wolverton on bass and Dave Rogers on drums.

December 24-Hike the West Summit Trail, 10:00 AM to noon, West Summit Trailhead, Pinnacle Mountain State Park, Little Rock. Release some holiday stress and enjoy an interpreter-guided hike up the west side of Pinnacle Mountain. This will be a moderately strenuous hike; sturdy shoes and water are required. Dress appropriately for colder weather and wind. Admission is free; call 501-868-5806 or visit www.arkansasstateparks.com/PinnacleMountain for more information.

MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 22, 2011

7

S S

ix-term North Little Rock

Mayor Patrick Henry Hays maintains the enthusiasm of a hometown boy. He began his 23-year tenure as mayor with a genuine interest in law and public service and a deep love for his hometown. But says he never expected to hold the same office for so many years.

“I’d never have told you I’d be here even 10 years later,” he says.

Earlier this month, rumors circulated that Hays may not run for re-election in 2012. He says he’s not officially decided whether or not he will run for his seventh term. Hays, who turns 65 in January, set a “nonbinding” timeframe for himself of early next year to decide about the 2012 election. He says he wants to think about it over the holidays and discuss it with his family, wife Linda and daughter Josie.

In 1988, Hays threw “his hat in the ring” in the North Little Rock mayoral race because he felt the city needed a long-serving mayor. In the 20 years preceding Hays’s election to the post, only one mayor, William F. Laman, had served more than two terms, Hays says. And, previous mayors had “made some mistakes” in office. Hays saw this as a political opportunity to serve his hometown, something that still makes him proud.

“The things I like about the job, I like more; the things I dislike, I dislike more,” he says. “The joys always outweigh the frowns.”

Politics has played a prominent role in Hays’s career even before being elected mayor.

His loyalty to the city of North Little Rock has been evident in his life and

8 decemBER 22, 2011 MATURE ARKANSAS

Mayor Hays

Loves His Hometown

Thinking About a Seventh Term By Erica P. Sweeney Photos by Brian Chilson career. The first time Hays ran for office (and the only time he’s lost an election) was for North Little Rock City Attorney. He was a delegate to the Arkansas Constitutional Convention and practiced law in the city from 1973 until he was elected mayor.

From 1987-1988, Hays served one term as a State Representative in the 76th Arkansas General Assembly. He says he felt some familyrelated motivation to run for the state legislature because his father had twice unsuccessfully run for the same office. The idea of working at the Capitol appealed to Hays and he thought he’d spend his political career there.

“I always thought local government was too close and you’d have to say ‘no’ a lot, and look people in the eye when you say it. All us politicians like to say, ‘yes,’” he says. “But, I like to captain my own ship. I didn’t want to work for someone else. I wanted to be the driver of the boat.”

Hays grew up in the Baring Cross and Park Hill neighborhoods of North Little Rock. Hays was actually born in Little Rock in 1947 and spent the first few days of his life there. There were no hospitals on the north side of the river at that time. Both Hays’s father and grandfather worked for the Missouri Pacific Railroad, what later became Union Pacific. He graduated from North Little Rock High School in 1965 with a class that called itself the “wildest cats alive,” after the school’s mascot.

Hays says he has spent all but about seven years of his life as a North Little Rock resident, only leaving to attend the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville and to work as an intern for U.S. Senator John McClellan in Washington, D.C. Hays was asked to join McClellan’s full-time staff but chose to return to Arkansas because he felt that if he got used to the Washington environment, he might not return home.

“I was always interested in politics and government,” he says. “I had a desire to be elected to office and wanted to return to Washington as an elected official. I never thought local office was on my radar screen.”

As North Little Rock Mayor, Hays is an advocate for the city and its residents. Even though the city’s population, currently about 62,000, has remained steady, Hays believes the city’s true growth is reflected in the improvement of residents’ quality of life, which is his biggest concern.

“Many mayors like to measure their egos based on population growth,” he says, adding that such growth is difficult for the city because it is surrounded by other communities, like Little Rock, Sherwood and Maumelle.

Hays says his biggest accomplishment in

W

office is working with other central Arkansas governments to bring improvements to the whole region, such as Verizon Arena in North Little Rock and the Clinton Presidential Center in Little Rock, and the several pedestrian bridges, River Rail trolley and bus system connecting the two cities.

“We accomplish a whole lot more by working together for the betterment of the region,” he says. Another achievement, combining the two cities’ water companies into Central Arkansas Water will be important for generations to come, he says. “Water is for the 21st Century what oil was for the 20th Century,” Hays says.

When you see kids running the bases at Dickey Stephens, it’s great to know you helped to make that happen.

Improvements to Burns Park, such as its new soccer field complex, the opening of Dickey Stephens Park in 2007 and the Hays Senior Citizens Center in 2003 top his list of accomplishments for his hometown. The 60,000-square-foot Senior Center, named for Hays, offers many fitness and recreational activities for people over 50. Hays says these facilities are some of the best in the country.

MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 22, 2011

9

Long-time Mayor Pat Hays ponders another term.

“When you see kids running the bases at Dickey Stephens or 1,800 people at Verizon (Arena) enjoying a show, it’s great to know you helped to make that happen,” he says. “I have the chance to make a lot of things happen and that’s fun.”

Hays also has a great interest in transportation and energy issues. Besides retail, he says, transportation, including “water, rail, road and air,” is the biggest collective economic industry in North Little Rock. Hays is President and Chairman of the Board for the U.S. branch of ICLEI – Local Governments for Sustainability and is a member and Past President of Metroplan. He is also active in the U.S. Conference of Mayors.

One of the mayor’s few setbacks in office came last month when voters rejected a sales tax increase. Hays says it would have allowed the city to hire new police and firefighters, upgrade the emergency communications system, build a new fire station in the eastern part of the city and take on other projects, such as road improvements.

Hays says he was a little surprised and “profoundly saddened” by the tax failure, which failed to pass by “about a 140 vote swing,” he says. “It would have added to the positive long-traveled direction of the city.”

Effects of the sales tax failure on the city’s budget are varied. Hays says the public should not see any noticeable differences in services.

I

In some respects the police, fire and public safety budgets will not be cut, he says. The city already had 10 positions in this area not being funded; the sales tax failure has added one more to this list. Equipment for the city’s public works will be reduced, postponed or denied, Hays says. City employees will not receive pay raises, and will see a decrease in their benefits.

For example, Hays says, the city is raising the health insurance deductible for employees from $200 to $500; but, the city is helping employees

I feel like I’m never off duty. I wouldn’t trade the past 23 years for anything.

10 decemBER 22, 2011 MATURE ARKANSAS

with half of the extra deductible.

“We’ll just have to do more with less,” Hays says. “There’s a whole lot we’re not able to do and we can’t do anything new.”

Other challenges that Hays has faced are critics who have questioned his motives while in office, something he calls disappointing. “We don’t all sing ‘Kumbaya’ and go down the same road together,” he says. “Sometimes people dig potholes in your road.”

Hays says being mayor is on his mind 24/7 and he is always getting ideas and looking for

ways to make improvements. He often finds himself picking up trash while riding his bicycle on the River Trail or reporting traffic lights that are not working.

“I feel like I’m never off duty,” he says.

“There are times that I look forward to passing the responsibility on. I wouldn’t trade the past 23 years for anything.”

Hays says he often wishes he had more time to actually enjoy some of the activities he’s helped bring about in North Little Rock. He’d like more time for his hobbies: riding his bicycle and Harley motorcycle. He goes on a yearly summer Harley riding trip with his brother and cousins, but missed the ride this year for the first time in about 10 years.

He also wishes that he had more time to “fiddle around the house” and spend time with his three grandchildren Savannah, Isabella and Harper. Thinking of his grandchildren’s future is “sobering,” he says, “The future has become personal. I feel an incredible responsibility and opportunity to help give some direction to the city, state, country, globe on how their lives can be enhanced.”

Hays has always described himself as “determined” and says he remains as determined as he was 23 years ago. “I feel like I’m a lot wiser,” he says. “I’m confident and glad that the city is a lot wiser collectively. The lives of our citizens are a lot better and I claim credit for part of that.”

Medicare

Man

CON SUMER tip

How to Exit Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Man Answers Your Questions Q. What should I do if I think I’ve been a target of Medicare fraud?

A. Medicare fraud, waste and abuse cost Medicare, the federal government and your tax dollars, $1.6$2.6 million dollars per day. Contact the Arkansas Medicare Fraud Program to report suspicious activity toll free 866-726-2916.

Medicare fraud means intentionally falsifying information or deceiving Medicare, such as billing for equipment or healthcare services never received. Medicare waste or abuse is when healthcare providers or suppliers don’t follow good medical practices, resulting in unnecessary costs to Medicare.

Q. How can I help prevent Medicare fraud?

A. • Never carry your Medicare card in your purse or wallet because it contains your Social Security number. In the event of an emergency, the hospital will access its records to locate your number.

• Do not give out your Medicare number in exchange for free medical equipment (diabetic supplies, back braces, etc.). Medicare pays for these items but requires a doctor’s prescription. Talk with your doctor about a prescription.

• Use a calendar to record doctor appointments and services received and review your quarterly Medicare Summary Notice for accuracy.

• Sign up for a www.mymedicare.gov account to review Medicare claims in real-time, to track benefits, manage drug lists and more. Caregivers may use this account to assist loved ones.

• Exercise caution with persons claiming to be “from Medicare” or calling to be sure you have all the Medicare benefits available. Medicare does not make house calls or phone calls to verify benefits or try to sell you anything.

Submit questions to Medicare Man at insurance. shiip@arkansas.gov or call toll free 800-224-6330.

MEDI CAR E MAT T ERS

By Sally Johnson

Extra Help for Prescription Drugs I

t can be tough to make ends meet, especially if you have to spend a lot of money on prescription medications that you can’t stop or cut back on.

Medicare’s Extra Help program can ease that burden quite a bit for seniors who have limited financial resources and income.

Extra Help pays for some of the costs related to a Medicare Part D (prescription drug) plan, such as monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. It’s worth about $4,000 per year. To qualify, your resources (bank accounts, stocks and bonds, etc.) must not be more than $12,650 for a single person or $25,260 for a married couple living together. Your home, car and life insurance policies do not count as resources. Also, in most cases your yearly income also cannot be more than $16,335 for a single person or $22,065 for a married couple living together. You may still

qualify with a higher income if you support other family members who live with you or you have earnings from work.

Applying for Extra Help is easy. You apply through the Social Security Administration, not through Medicare, and you can do it in one of three ways: • Apply online at www.socialsecurity.gov/extrahelp • Call Social Security toll free 800-772-1213 (TTY 800-325-0778) to apply over the phone or to ask for a paper application to be mailed to you.

Q. I enrolled into a new Medicare Advantage plan during the fall open enrollment but I don’t like it. Can I switch out of this plan?

A.Yes, you can switch from your Medicare Advantage (MA) plan to Original Medicare during the Medicare Advantage Disenrollment Period (MADP).

You can only make this coverage change if you have a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan, and you can only switch into Original Medicare. You cannot switch from one MA plan to another. The MADP occurs every year from January 1 to February 14.

If you have a Medicare Advantage plan you will be able to switch to Original Medicare with or without a stand-alone prescription drug plan. Changes made during this period will become effective the first of the following month. If you switched from a Medicare Advantage plan to Original Medicare and a standalone prescription drug plan in February, your new coverage would begin March 1.

Remember, if you are enrolled in a Private-Fee-ForService (PFFS) plan with a stand-alone drug plan, you must keep your stand-alone prescription drug plan if you switch to Original Medicare during the MADP. --Medicare Rights Center

•Apply in person at your local Social Security office.

After you apply, the Social Security Administration will send you a letter to let you know whether you qualify for Extra Help.

Sally Johnson is Benefit/Relations Director with the Arkansas Foundation for Medical Care.

For your amusement...

Marriage is like any other job—it's much easier when you like the boss.

MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 22, 2011

11

H EA L T H n B y A lexandra B uk , D P M

shop local

Support our community.

eat local

support your community

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

Avoid Toenail Trouble If you have toenail problems you know how annoying and persistent they can be.

Here’s how to help the three most common problems.

Thick toenails If your toenails are thick or brittle, do not ignore them. There are many possible reasons for thick toenails and most require medical attention. Some diseases, such as diabetes and psoriasis, can be the cause; a fungus infection or injury to the nail can also cause thick nails.

Fungus nail infection, or onychomycosis, usually starts under the tip of the nail and moves steadily toward the cuticle. The infection causes a buildup of keratin under the nail, raising it and causing discoloration. If left untreated, it can infect the whole nail and even move to other nails.

Treatment involves removal of the infected portions of nail, topical and sometimes oral medications. In severe cases it may be necessary to remove the entire nail and treat the underlying nailbed.

Black toenails This is usually the result of bruising beneath the nail bed. Bruising leads to bleeding under the nail which appears black or purple.

The initial injury may have caused a broken bone so it is a good idea to have an x-ray taken. If the toenail is very painful, or if there are signs of infection, the nail plate may need to be removed to release the bleeding and drain the fluid.

In the long run, an episode of this type of bruising may result in permanent discoloration of the nail, particularly if the toenail is no longer connected to

the underlying nail bed. A nail fungus infection may also occur. Using a topical antifungal or a doctorprescribed pill may lessen the chance of these types of infections.

Ingrown toenails Ingrown toenails happen when the corner or side of the toenail digs painfully into the skin, often leading to irritation, redness and swelling.

Ingrown nails can be the result of improperly trimming the nails, failing to trim the nails, or trimming them down too far. Tight shoes or injury can also be a factor in the development of ingrown toenails.

If you suspect an infection and if you do not have diabetes, immerse the foot in a warm salt water soak, dry, apply antiseptic and bandage the area.

People with diabetes, peripheral arterial disease or other circulatory disorders must avoid any form of self-treatment and seek podiatric care as soon as possible. Trying to remove a part of an ingrown toenail at home may cause worsening of the infection and increased pain and disability.

Chronic ingrown nails may be corrected with an in-office procedure that involves removing the ingrown nail border and narrowing the nail plate.

Dr. Buk practices at the Arkansas Foot and Ankle Clinic in Little Rock. Send your foot questions to her at arkfac@ sbcglobal.net

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

HEALTHY ADVICE: The health promotion information in MATURE ARKANSAS is intended to inform our readers.

Do not consider it as medical advice about your personal health. This should be obtained directly from your doctor. No medication or therapeutic device should be started or stopped without clearance from your doctor.

12 decemBER 22, 2011 MATURE ARKANSAS

givi ng back

Cheering Up the Smallest Patients

By Paige Parham

A

fter retirement, Bill Arthurs wanted to stay active and involved in the community. A resident of Little Rock for many years, Arthurs says, “I had been a user of the resources available in Little Rock and now that I had the time, I wanted to give something back.”

Although Arthurs and his wife have no children of their own, he had been driving past Arkansas Children’s Hospital on his daily commute and was familiar with all they do. He contacted the volunteer coordinator and has been giving freely of his time for the past 14 years. Arthurs brings a sense of normalcy to the lives of children who desperately need it.

Arthurs volunteers in the play room, where he and a handful of other volunteers are responsible for making sure the room is ready for use. But the best part, according to Arthurs, is they get to play with the kids. Some of the patients are unable to leave their hospital rooms, so the volunteers bring toys, games and puzzles to them. Arthurs says he has a great time with the children, who “never complain about how poorly they feel.”

In addition to his work with ACH, the 74-year-old Arthurs also serves as a reading tutor at Jefferson Elementary School in Little Rock.

He credits these hours he spends helping children with keeping him active. There is no doubt that the children benefit his life as much as he does theirs.

He has a great time

with the children,

who “never complain about

how poorly they feel.”

If your organization needs volunteers, let us help you find them. Send requests to annewasson@arktimes.com or by mail: Mature Arkansas, 201 E. Markham, Suite 200, Little Rock, AR 72201.

Volunteer Opportunities Arkansas Children's Hospital 800 Marshall Street, Little Rock; Volunteer Services, 501-364-1825.

Arkansas Children’s Hospital, one of the best children’s hospital in the country, depends on volunteers to provide assistance for patients, their families and hospital staff. If you want to give back to the community, there is a wide array of opportunities at Arkansas Children’s Hospital (ACH).

Volunteer may work directly with patients in areas such as the Art Cart, playroom, school program, teen room or animal-assisted therapy.

They may work in indirect patient care areas such as clerical work, gift shop, The Foundation

or waiting room.

The process for becoming an ACH volunteer takes time, but it is meant to ensure the safety of patients and families as well as a successful placement for the volunteer. ACH looks for volunteers who can work in an environment that can be constantly changing, and serving with people all over the state and of all ages.

There are also opportunities for senior volunteers to donate needlework items through the Knitting for Noggins campaign. The hats collected from this program are used by patients in the hospital. Guidelines for Knitting for Noggins are available online at archildrens. org under the “Supporters” category.

Volunteers are also needed to work with community groups doing donation drives.

Adult volunteers are asked to commit to one, three-hour shift per week, at the same day and time, for a minimum of three months.

Weekday, evening and weekend shifts are available in most direct patient care areas.

To Volunteer at ACH you must: • Be at least 14 years of age.

• Submit an online application.

• Provide proof of influenza vaccination and proof of a 2-step TB (tuberculosis) skin test.

• Undergo a criminal background check.

• Attend hospital orientation and adhere to all ACH policies and procedures.

MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 22, 2011

13

CON S U MER T IPS n B y Gar y Garr i son

Charitable Giving Guide N

o other holiday compares to Christmas group with which you are not familiar. Visit when it comes to gift giving. And we sites like charitynavigator.org to identify legitidon’t just give to our loved ones this time mate charities and get background information of year; we’re spreading holiday cheer to on the group’s mission and financial managethe charities we love as well. According to ment. When you give a donation make sure Charitynavigator.org, charities receive 41% of you are giving to the right groups. their annual contributions in the last few weeks • Keep records: The IRS requires you of the year. But unlike that holiday sweater for to file a Form 1040 to deduct charitable contriUncle Bob, charitable contributions offer some butions and you may have to itemize these financial perks for you. donations. The IRS will not allow a deduction Here are five things to consider when unless you have documentation for contrimaking charitable contributions at year end. butions exceeding $250. A legitimate charity The New York Times Syndication Sales • Avoid fraud: Unfortunately, scams can will provide youCorporation with a tax receipt with their 500 Seventh Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018 be as prevalent this time of year as mall Santas. federal tax identification number included or a For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550 For December 22,2011 2011 NEVER give your financial information to aThursday, letter acknowledging your contribution. Make ForRelease Release Friday, December 16,

Across Repulses, 1 ___ scan with “off” inits.

4 Media since 1927 6 Bruise preventers 7 Music genre of 10 the KindMighty of converter 14 Mighty Opinionated Dr. Bosstones ___ 10 rock 15 Solid Lie next to center?

16 Like a pro rata 13 It’s shown on a division, say topographical 17 map Roof detour 19 Without following 15 Disheveled up, saymembers 17 Family 20 Parents, Tea-grading 18 e.g.term 21 Gas up?

19 Prefix with 23 matic One mo 20 search 26 Google Duplex mail 28 object Game fish in 22 First name in northern lakes auto racing and streams 23 ___ 30 Cousin Co. follower, sometimes 24 “Well done!”

25 Merrill 31 Actress Girl’s name meaning “loved” 26 Bygone 32 espionage They’re notorg. as heavy asdiv. stones 28 Biology

33 Cry “___ofin good 30 health” repugnance 35 Morales “Strongeroftitle” 31 “Gun for this puzzle Hill Road” 40 Hot Rarity on the 32 spot other end of a 33 First name in help line, auto racing nowadays 35 Philadelphia 41 “See ___ Play,” landmark classic Pink Floyd song in 36 Denigrates, slang 43 British Pick, with “for” 46 Over Bee: Prefix 37 47 Reverse Spring opener 38 49 Rear garden 39 Things gotten 52 with D-Day refuges a credit for the wounded, card, often for short 40 beat 53 Get House of Tudor woman sch. with 41 Atlanta 54 30,000+ Watts of “21 Grams” students 56 Makes sorethat 42 Publication 57 clicks Mad manager with 62 readers?

Glare preventer 63 “Star Figures 43 Trek” extra: 64 Abbr.

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L S E A E S R H Y E D O S N L E O D S T R S ET E N

65 Carrie They have 22544 Chapman min. 34-Downs ___, founder of 66 the PartLeague of N.E.A.: of Abbr. Voters Women 67 Buttocks A Coen brother 45 46 1974 Down Gould/Sutherlan 1 d Rapper spoof ___ Rida 2 W.W. FrenchII word that 48 rationing sounds like a org. letter of the 49 Norse equivalent alphabet of Mars 3 Flake 50 on the 4 Death Painter’s Nile cause? appurtenance 51 charmer 5 Female Untouchable? myth in a 6 of Release, way 55 Montana 7 neighbor Egypt’s Gamal ___ Nasser 59 Rockefeller 8 Center Kind of is date builtforin ita woman 9 More Item that’s 60 rich, as mostly mesh soil 10 Ere 61 Meeting 11 Bilingual country 62 Breaks 12 Authoritative pronouncement Down 13 Halloween-ish 18 Year “I suppose” 1 the first Bowl was 22 Rose Gets going 23 played Parrot’s cry 2 24 1940 Yachting need Crosby/Lamour/ 25 Magazine that Hope comedy serialized 3 Irregularly Simone de 4 It might make Beauvoir’s 1967 you jump “La femme 5 Rotary rompue”Club 27 members Sendai 6 Outlawing seasoning 7 bigwigs 29 Medical Chesapeake Bay, e.g.

8 Place for a pad 33 Wanted Seal’s grp.

9 letters?

14 decemBER 22, 2011 MATURE ARKANSAS

Unlike that sweater for Uncle Bob, charitable contributions offer some

sure to provide this information to your tax preparer.

• Not everyt h i n g i s ta x d e duct i bl e : There are certain types of donations that can’t be filed on your Form 1040 for tax deduction or can’t be fully claimed. For example, if you donated money for disaster relief to an organization you can claim it; giving that same amount of money to an individual family for a disaster cannot be claimed. If you receive something for your donation the market-value of that item is not No. 1117 Edited by Will Shortz 1111 tax deductible. For example, if you bought a ticket to a gala for $100 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 7 8 9 10 11 12 and the market-value of that event 14 15 16 13 14 15 is $45, you can only claim $55 as a 17 18 19 18 donation on your taxes. The charitable organization can provide you 20 21 22 19 20 21 22 with market-value information.

23 24 25 26 27 24 25 • Money matters: The 28 29 30 31 26 27 28 29 30 IRS will not allow pledges to be 32 33 34 31 32 33 34 deducted. The money has to have 35 36 37 38 39 35 37 been given to the charity, not just 40 41 42 38 39 40 promised to it. If you made a pledge to a charity to give $20 a month for 43 44 45 46 47 48 41 42 43 a year, come tax time you can only 49 50 51 52 44 45 46 47 deduct what you have spent prior to 53 54 55 48 49 50 January 1. The rest of your contri56 57 58 59 60 61 51 52 53 54 55 56 57 58 bution will have to wait until the 62 63 64 59 60 following year.

65 66 67 61 62 • Give: The Giving USA Foundation reported that, in 2010, Patrick Merrell Puzzle by Alex Vratsanos individuals gave nearly $212 34 cut-off them 43 rings 52 Swarms Glamour of types, 10 Certain Carnegie Hall 27 Runs Recuse oneself 51 billion in donations to charities. are called clouds around? for short point from, say debut of 1928, Average Town, 55 Building plan 36 Savory turnover 44 with “An” 29 Some services That compares to just $15 billion 53 Gift on a string U.S.A. from south of the with many doors, 31 On-air Layer of green 11 border Building safety 45 from corporations. Hard-working, 54 say Prefix with car eggs personalities, in feature source 37 Puddle 56 “Illmatic” ___ cit. (footnote 58 rapper generous people gave 73% of the biz 34 the “Concentration” 12 Penpoints Befuddled 38 abbr.)

47 The 40th since 59 Dashboard fig. pronoun charitable contributions that year.

39 1789 14 Overfill Familia member 57 Cleanup Dickensian cry 60 org.

44 Flat ones are not Charities rely on you to continue 48 Something lost 42 of out these 16 Two Wipes good 61 Godfather” in the wash?

58 “The Record label make a fathom: their missions. Just be wise about title 47 Recesses Wrangles (with) inits.

21 Abbr.

It’s not a dream 50 your gifts and it will be a very Merry For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a credit card, 1-800-814-5554.

Christmas for all.

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 puzzle and more than 2,000 past puzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).

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financial perks for you.

Mr. Garrison is president of Asset Protection Wealth Management and specializes in assisting those approaching or now in retirement.

Restaurant g u ide

Grandkids Eat FREE S

neakers in the corners, sippy cups in the sink…it must mean a visit from the grandkids. If you’re thinking of a night out as a family, try one of these local restaurants that offer kids-eat-free options for kids under 12, with purchase of an adult entrée (unless otherwise specified.)

DAILY

CICI’S PIZZA Ages 3 and under eat free at buffet • Hot Springs: 3321 Central Avenue, 321-2400 • Jacksonville: 120 John Harden Dr, , 241-2224 • North Little Rock: 2815 Lakewood Village Dr, 753-1182

Senior Pets for Seniors

DENNY’S RESTAURANT 4:00-10:00 PM ages 10 and under • Benton: 16732 Interstate 30, 315-9367 • Little Rock: 4300 S University, 562-5651; 310 S Shackelford Rd., 224-8264 GOLDEN CORRAL Ages 3 and under eat free at buffet. Discounted prices for kids on Tuesday • North Little Rock: 5001 Warden Road, 771-4605 LARRY’S PIZZA Ages 4 and under • Bryant: 4500 Hwy. 5 North, 847-5003 • Little Rock: 12th & Center St., 372-6004; 12911 Cantrell Rd., 224-8804 SAN FRANCISCO BREAD COMPANY One FREE Kid’s Meal with the purchase of Adult Meal, after 5:00 PM • Hot Springs: 261 Cornerstone Blvd., 525-7322

“A Holiday Gift for Pets & People”

ZAXBY’S 5:00 PM-close, dine-in only • Jacksonville: 209 Marshall Rd., 241-0546 • Maumelle: 104 Carnahan Dr., 851-9777 • Sherwood: 208 Brookswood Rd., 833-9777

Aging Arkansas,Arkansas the award-winning statewide shelters senior newspaper, joins Central animal and with city animal services, shelters and rescue groups rescue groups unite toacross linkthe state to link

SATURDAY

Connectingseniors seniorswho whoneed need companionship companionship with pets Connecting withsenior a displaced whoneeds need aloving December 2011of December. senior pet who lovinghomes homeis isourourgoalgoalforfor the month

BOSTON’S GOURMET PIZZA RESTAURANT • Little Rock: 3201 Bankhead Dr., 235-2000

SATURDAY and SUNDAY

LUBY’S CAFETERIA • Little Rock: 12501 West Markham, 219-1567

SUNDAY

CORKY’S 4:00 PM-close • Little Rock: 12005 Westhaven Dr., 954-7427 EL PORTON • North Little Rock: 5021 Warden Rd., 753-4630 If you would like to add your Kids Eat Free information to this list, contact Paige Parham at MATURE ARKANSAS, 501-375-2985.

FREE Senior Pets to Senior People

If you are or know of a senior 62+ who wants to start 2012 with the perfect new furry friend, If you know a senior or are a senior 65+ who wants to call one ofTOthe numbers below now.

During December, this willwith waive adoption feesfriend, on call FIND A SENIOR PET startfacility the new year the perfect new furry senior pets for senior adopters. Consider receiving a gift love thisthis season. above.

Duringof December, facility will Inneutered __________________________ (TOWN)givingtheor number

waive adoption fees on neutered senior petsANIMALS for senior HOT SPRINGS/MALVERN MAUMELLE FRIENDS OF THE PAWS & CLAWS adopters. Consider giving a 501-517-7536 gift of love this season.

Call_______________________ (FACILITY) 501-525-6594 BRYANT ANIMAL CONTROL N. LITTLE ROCK ANIMAL SERV. JACKSONVILLE ANIMAL CONTROL 501-653-0765 501-791-8577 For contactOUT numbers in other Arkansas locations, 501-982-2916 CABOT ANIMAL SERVICES OF THE WOODS ANIMAL RESCUE At _________________________ (PHONE) LAST CHANCE ARKANSAS see the list of participants 501-843-2021 501-993-0440. in December’s 501-590-9785 PULASKI COUNTY HUMANE SOC. CONWAY ANIMAL CONTROL Aging Arkansas newspaper.

LITTLE ROCK ANIMAL VILLAGE 501-450-6160 501-227-6166 501-376-3067 FELINE RESCUE & REHAB (FURR) SHERWOOD ANIMAL SERV. MAUMELLE ANIMAL SERVICES 501-661-0956 501-834-2287 501-851-6219 HOT SPRINGS ANIMAL SERVICES SALINE COUNTY HUMANE SOC. BENTON ANIMAL CONTROL

501-776-5972

Not a subscriber? Call for a free trial subscription copy 501-262-2091 to be mailed to your home today.

501-376-6083 501-557-5518

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CALL SENIOR PETS FOR SENIORS 501-224-5383 MATURE ARKANSAS

decemBER 22, 2011

15

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16 decemBER 22, 2011 MATURE ARKANSAS