Mature Arkansas

Mature Arkansas September, 2012

Can God Be Bought in Arkansas?

PageS 12-15

ALSO in this issue

Back to School pages 16-17

Road Trip Ideas pages 6-11 and 18-21

Saving for College page 22

MATURE ARKANSAS

september, 2012

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2 september, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

GUEST EDI T OR I AL

What's Your Bright Spot?

By Carolyn Drane

E

very Wednesday morning I lead a class at the Maumelle Senior Wellness Center called Memory Jogging. It’s exercise for your brain but you won’t break a sweat and it’s the lowestimpact jogging you’ll ever do. We discuss history, geography and art; enjoy challenges like verbal crosswords, timed quizzes, quotations and a variety of other topics. It also, quite happily, morphs into wonderful interactions as we weave our experiences into the lesson of the day. I absolutely revel in many of the things I have learned from these sessions and they have greatly enriched my life.

A couple of weeks ago, our discussion turned to the things that enrich our lives and keep us going and growing mentally, physically and spiritually. We decided two of the most important components are: Never stop learning; and realizing we are never too old to play. Class members observed that there are many ways to adapt activities to accommodate our limitations, but we should absolutely continue our favorite learning activities.

As we shared more and more ideas, I told them that what I look for, at the end of a day that has been particularly satisfying, is a component I call the “bright spot.” My bright spots rise to the surface of what might have been just another ordinary day.

Looking back on my waking hours, I try to think of one new thing I learned, one “ah-ha!” moment that clarifies a former cloudy speculation, one heart and soul warming experience, possibly from nature, but often from human interaction. That’s my bright spot; that take-away thing from today that I’d have been so sorry to have missed.

Take advantage of every chance you have to learn, re-learn, re-experience, connect and re-connect. You’ll wind down your day thinking, “I wouldn’t have missed this day for the world and I’m looking forward to tomorrow.”

• Active lifestyle

Mrs. Drane, of Maumelle, is a recreational aide and volunteer at Maumelle’s Wellness Center.

Mature Arkansas Publisher Alan Leveritt Editor Anne Wasson Art Director Mike Spain Photographer Brian Chilson Graphic Artist Bryan Moats Director of sales Katherine Daniels Circulation Director Anitra Hickman

ad Coordinators Roland Gladden Kelly Schlachter Production Manager Weldon Wilson Production Assistant Tracy Whitaker Office Manager Angie Fambrough Billing and Collections Linda Phillips

Mature Arkansas is published monthly by Arkansas Times Limited Partnership, 201 E. Markham St., 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 publisher is prohibited. Manuscripts and artwork will not be returned unless sufficient return postage and a self-addressed stamped envelope are included. The publisher assumes no responsibility for care or safe return of unsolicited materials. All letters will be treated as intended for publication and are subject to Mature Arkansas’ unrestricted right to edit or to comment editorially. All contents copyrighted 2012 Mature Arkansas.

Mature Arkansas

We are adding to our stellar sales team A Sales Consultant position is now open and we would like to hear from those that would be interested in working with us. Established account and prospect list; uncapped income potential. Sales experience required with desire to grow with our company and publication.

If you enjoy networking and being rewarded by your hard work and dedication, please send your resume to Katherine Daniels at Katherine@arktimes.com.

MATURE ARKANSAS

september, 2012

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advocacy n By Anne H . W asson

Silver Legislators Set Agenda S

enior advocates’ top priorities for Arkansas lawmakers are rescuing the state’s over 200 senior wellness centers and guaranteeing equal access to long-term care services. The Silver Haired Legislative Session (SHLS) passed 10 bills and five resolutions that will help set the “aging agenda” for the Arkansas General Assembly’s January session.

Prior to meeting in their 18th biennial session, delegates researched and wrote 19 bills and five resolutions. On the session’s first day, these bills were debated, amended and voted on in four committees: Revenue and tax, aging services, long-term care and senior centers. After the committees voted, only 13 bills remained to be debated on day two of the session.

Arkansas is one of 28 such mock senior legislatures in the country that provide opportunities to learn about the legislative process, set senior priorities and learn practical advocacy techniques.

There are 99 delegates, representing each of Arkansas’ 75 counties plus 24 at-large delegates. They must be 60 or older and stand for an election by their peers, in their resident county. Once elected, they receive two days of training and learn how to turn ideas into legislation.

sponsor Betty Alspaugh. “Malnourished older people are at risk for unnecessary hospitalizations and premature nursing home placement.”

Sponsors say direct meal costs have increased about 14%, chiefly in food and gasoline needed to deliver the meals to home-bound seniors.

Bill #7’s lead sponsor, Gerald Andrews of Pine Bluff, says denial of HDM “raises the risk of additional health concerns which could lead to more hospitalizations and nursing home placements.” He says because of inflation, “fewer meals are provided at the same time demand is increasing.”

Resolution #1 seeks to “claw back” $70,342 in cigarette tax funds from the Department of Finance and Administration (DFA). These monies were for senior centers but recently real-

homes, when they prefer to live and receive care at home.” She says “it costs 40% more for Medicaid to pay for nursing home care than for home care.” Alspaugh says it takes longer to get approved for Medicaid-paid HCBS than to get into a nursing home.” Medicaid is the largest payer of nursing home costs and 69% of Medicaid LTC spending goes to nursing facilities.

Bill #10 asks Medicaid to pay for Care Transitions and Medication Management programs as a way to reduce Medicaid’s LTC costs. Sponsors say reducing the number of re-hospitalizations saves money, adding that 75% of all hospitalizations are avoidable and directly related to inadequate discharge planning, inadequate post-discharge follow-up or

More money for centers Additional funding to sustain the services offered at the state’s over 200 Delegates to the 2012 Silver Haired Legislative Session gather in the Capitol Rotunda following their senior activity or wellness centers is a successful session in August. Photo courtesy Secretary of State long-running request. This year, three bills and one resolution seek funding to literally keep the centers’ doors open and located to DFA’s administrative costs. Sponsors poor communication. About 20% of persons meals and transportation services functioning. say those monies would buy 15,000 meals. discharged from a hospital are readmitted Centers have had no funding increase since within 30 days.

1994, despite two minimum wage increases Long-term care should be equal Resolution # 05 was passed urging Medicaid and increased costs for food and gasoline, Two bills and one resolution address long-term to pay for an annual dental check-up for all according to sponsors. care. Sponsors say a rebalancing of Medicaid’s nursing home residents. A related bill (#13) Bill #1 asks that 8.75% of the state’s general long-term care (LTC) system would save would allocate a 50-cent increase in a six-pack revenue surplus go to center services. Bill #11 money. By making both the assessment and of beer to pay for dental, vision and hearing asks for $2.5 million in state general revenues eligibility process uniform for both nursing services for those who are Medicaid eligible. to fund home-delivered meals (HDM), citing home and home care, bill #9 would also reduce potential reduced costs for Medicaid. One half the time it takes to establish eligibility for home Consumer protections of 1% of gross revenues from games of skill in and community-based services (HCBS). Lead Protecting the elderly from consumer fraud and Arkansas is requested by sponsors of bill #7. sponsor Betty Alspaugh says these two changes scams was the subject of bill #17.

It would generate about $500,000 for HDM. would provide “equal access to less expensive Raymond Phillips told his fellow delegates Arkansas “has the third highest rate of and less restrictive long-term care in the home.” of a scam where he lost money because he senior hunger in the nation,” with 20% of She also says the current delays in approval thought he was helping a grandchild in trouble. seniors at risk for hunger, according to bill of home care “can force people into nursing “You are all intelligent people,” Phillips told 4 september, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

ArkAnsAs AdvocAtes for nursing Home residents P.O. Box 165641 • Little Rock, AR 72216 • (501) 450-9619 • www.aanhr.org

the assemblage, “But any one of you could be scammed in the right circumstances.” The bill passed 95-1 and would impose a $10,000 fine and one to five years in jail for scam convictions.

A bill (#12) to require an annual reporting, by the Department of Human Services (DHS) to the Legislature, that includes both total expenditures and number of seniors receiving services passed narrowly.

Sponsors of bill # 18 want to increase income eligibility for older workers. Many staff senior centers and transportation programs.

Bill # 19, which passed narrowly, would permit seniors who work or who cannot attend a senior center to pick up a meal and take it back to work, currently

mission stAtement: “To protect and improve the quality of care and life for residents in Arkansas nursing homes.”

MOnThLy MeeTing 2nd Monday of each Month • 10 am to 12 pm • (no Aug. or Dec. Meeting) First Assembly of god Church • 4501 Burrow Road • north Little Rock ninTh AnnuAL ResiDenTs’ RighTs RALLy Monday, October 8 - 11-12 • AR state Capitol steps Keynote speaker: Attorney general Dustin McDaniel (inclement Weather: Rotunda) Join us for education and free information on protecting the rights of nursing home residents.

Call 501-450-9619 for more information.

“speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Proverbs 31:8 niV

Eating Healthy HealtHy Fall Recipes With the fast approaching Fall and dropping temperatures, also comes an increase in cravings of comfort food so here are a few recipes to enjoy it without letting your caloric intake go off the charts.

FRencH countRy BeeF stew Servings: 6 Prep Time: 20 Min. Cook Time: 1 Hr. 50 Min.

a violation of state and federal policy. Sponsors say the current regulation denies them access to the free or low-cost meals.

Delegates also approved two resolutions aimed at improving health. Resolution #2 would ask the state to “provide focus and broad based marketing in basic health programs to benefit seniors/disabled, specifically, nutrition, exercise, dental care, avoiding tobacco and limiting use of alcohol.”

Resolutions #3 urges the state to establish rules and regulations for a law passed in 2011 that would allow dental hygienists to work without the supervision of a dentist on the premises.

What you need: 2-1/2 lb. beef for stew, cut into 1-in. pieces 2 c. water 1 pkg. (.9 to 1.68 oz.) dry vegetable soup mix 1 lb. asparagus, cut into 2-in. pieces 8 oz. mushrooms, cut in half 2 Tbsp. cornstarch dissolved in 1/4 c. water salt and pepper

easy pot Roast Servings: 8 Prep Time: 5 Min. Cook Time: 2 Hrs. 45 Min. What you need: 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil 3 lb. boneless beef chuck pot roast or beef bottom round roast 2 cans (10-1/2 oz. ea.) Campbell’s® Brown Gravy with Onions 2 Tbsp. barbecue sauce 1 lb. whole baby carrots, green tops removed, cut into 2-in. pieces

1701 Main Street 501-376-3473

What to do: 1. Combine beef, water and soup mix in stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover tightly and simmer 1-3/4 to 2-1/4 hrs. or until beef is fork-tender.

2. Add asparagus and mushrooms to stockpot; bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium and cook, uncovered, 4 to 5 min. or until asparagus is crisp-tender, stirring occasionally. Stir in cornstarch mixture; bring to a boil. Cook 1 min. stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.

What to do:

1. Heat the oil in a 6-qt. saucepot over medium-high heat. Add the beef and cook until well browned on all sides. Pour off any fat.

2. Stir the gravy and barbecue sauce, if desired, in the saucepot and heat to a boil.

Reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 1-1/2 hrs.

3. Add the carrots to the saucepot. Cover and cook for 1 hr. or until the beef is forktender. Serve the beef with the gravy.

Recipe Courtesy of The Beef Checkoff Nutritional information: Calories: 242; Total Fat: 9g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 76mg; Total Carbs: 11g; Fiber: 2g; Sodium: 177mg;

Nutritional information: Calories: 261; Total Fat: 11g; Saturated Fat: 3g; Cholesterol: 88mg; Total Carbs: 10g; Fiber: 2g; Protein: 29g; Sodium: 502mg; nnn For more delicious recipe ideas go to www. edwardsfoodgiant.com/recipeweb/ recipes.jsp and create a grocery list of everything you need using the shopping tool on the website. If you have any questions, just ask friendly and helpful Food Giant staff who are there to make your shopping experience a pleasant one.

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MATURE ARKANSAS

september, 2012

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CALEN D AR P I C KS

Road Trip Calendar

By A.H. Wasson

☛ Truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it. — Flannery O’Connor ☛

➥

The following events are just a sampling of the many fun and interesting things to do in September and into mid-October, as you plan your Arkansas road trip. Combine several of your favorite destinations and create your own road trip. Drive safely!

Sept. 1 through every Sat. this fall— Guided Tours of Garvan Woodland Garden, 550 Arkridge Rd., Hot Springs; 10:00 AM. Specially trained docents will lead groups through the Gardens’ most beautiful landscapes and areas of peak beauty. Included in general admission: $10 adults, $9 seniors, $5 ages 6-12, free for members.

Sept. 8—Ark. State Championship Hillbilly Chili Cook-Off, Bull Shoals-White River State Park Day Use Area; $3 to taste all the chili you want. And, Lake Cruise, Bull Shoals Marina Boat Dock; limited seating, call 870-445-3629 to reserve; $9 adults, $5 children 6-12.

Sept. 8— Big Maumelle Canoe Float, Big Maumelle Boat Launch, Pinnacle Mt. State Park, Pinnacle Valley Rd., no canoe experience required. Enjoy the majestic lowland river while viewing huge cypress trees and wildlife. Advance payment required, $35 per kayak; 501-868-5806.

Sept. 8—43rd Annual Greers Ferry Lake/Little Red River Cleanup, Narrows Park in Higden, near Fairfield Bay. Following cleanup, workers will be treated to a picnic lunch and entertainment; FREE; 501-745-6101.

Sept. 8 & 22—Friends of Hobbs Speaker Series, Hobbs State Park’s Visitor Center, 12 miles east of Rogers. “Tarantulas and Spiders,” with Austin Jones on Sept. 8 and“Seasonal Wildflowers,”with Sharon Haley on Sept. 22. Both lectures at 2:00 PM and are FREE; 479-789-5000.

Sept. 8—35th Annual Ozark Quilt Fair and Sale,

Sept. 7-8—42nd Annual Eureka Springs Antique Auto Festival includes 100s of classics cars competing for prizes; parade through historic downtown. FREE; 479-2538737.

Sept. 7-8—Heavenly Highway Yard Sale, Calico Rock, starts at Wiseman Rodeo Arena behind Fire Station; 150 miles of yard sales; FREE; 870-297-4129.

Sept. 7-8—5th Annual Rock and Roll Hwy 67 Music Festival, Pocahontas Court House Square; features 1950s and '60s music, historic tours, period dress, crafts, contests, food. FREE; 870-892-0254.

Sept. 7-8—24th Annual Mountainfest, Mena, CMA Campground Hwy 71 at Iron Mountain. Arts and crafts vendors from several states display handmade creations; live music; FREE; 479-234-1715.

Sept. 7-8—Discover Rowing, a 10-hour course with the Arkansas Boathouse Club, 50 Riverfront Dr., Little Rock; $125; 501-758-1424.

Sept.7-9—17th Annual Hot Air Balloon Festival, Harrison, 621 E. Rush St; balloon races, tethered balloons glow in evening and tethered rides available; FREE; 870-741-2659.

Sept. 7-9—Folk Dance Days, Mountain View, Ozarks Folk Center; 3 days of workshops for all ages focusing on traditional dancing—clogging, jig, contra dances and more; 870-269-3851.

6 september, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

Sept. 22--Fall Equinox Celebration, Scott, Toltec Mounds Archeological Park, 490 Toltec Mounds Rd.. Learn about Native American culture, tools and games; the alignment of the mounds with solar events, and tour the mounds as the sun sets over the tallest mound in Ark.; 3:00-7:00 PM; $4 adults, $3 ages 6-12; 501-961-9442.

Sept. 8-Oct 31—The Great Arkansas Cleanup, statewide effort to remove litter from parks, roadways and shorelines. Join thousands of volunteers who will improve the appearance and environmental quality of their communities.

Call 888-742-8701 or visit KeepArkansasBeautiful. com for a clean-up project near you.

Sept. 8—The Great Crater Cleanup, Crater of Diamonds State Park, Murfreesboro; starting at 1:00 PM in the search area. Door prizes, refreshments and prizes for the most trash picked up; FREE.

Springdale, Shiloh Museum of Ozark History; FREE for public, $10 for exhibitors; 10:00 AM-2:00 PM; 479-750-8165.

Sept. 8—69th AnnualWhite RiverWater Carnival, Batesville, Riverside Park, 1850 Chaney Dr.; hot wing eating contest, cook-off, races, talent contest and live music; FREE; 870-793-2378.

Sept. 8—Native American Day and Reliving Calico Rock History, Calico Rock, Hwy 5 at White River Bridge; includes native dancers, opening of Native American artifacts collection, Walk of

Remembrance and Mountain Man Rendezvous. FREE; 870-297-4129.

Sept. 8—Guided Canoe Tour of Mound Pond, Scott, Toltec Mounds State Park, 490 Toltec Mounds Rd; Park Interpreter will lead tour of pond and explain how Native Americans used plants and animals. Reservations required; no canoe experience necessary; $7.50 adults, $5 ages 6-12; 501-961-9442.

Sept. 8-9—35th Annual Stamp, Postcard and Sports Card Show and Swap, Mountain Home, Ramada Inn Convention Center; 9:00 AM-5:00 PM; FREE. Sept. 8-9—Little Rock Air Force Base Air Show and Open House, Jacksonville; includes The Blue Angels air show and C-130 Combat Airlift mission; FREE, 501-987-3601.

Sept. 9-14—Road Scholars: An Ozark Experience, Mountain View, Ozark Folk Center State Park. Formerly known as Elderhostel, participants will float the White River, hike the Ozark National Forest, tour Blanchard Caverns, learn traditional dance, hear lots of music and visit the craft village artisans. To register call 800-454-5768; $490 plus registration fee.

Sept. 10-14—25th Annual Jammers Jamboree, Vilonia, Lester Flatt Memorial Park; family jam week and singing, everyone welcome; FREE; 501-835-2451.

Sept. 10-16—21st Annual Hot Springs JazzFest, entertainment district and Arlington Hotel; FREE and ticketed events; 501-627-2425.

Sept. 12—(and every 2nd Wed.) Rock Town Slam poetry competition, Arkansas Arts Center, 9th & Commerce St., Little Rock. $10 for poets; $5 public; judging on performance and quality; 501-541-0681.

Sept. 14—15th Annual Wine & Food Festival, Wildwood Park for the Arts, 20919 Denny Rd., Little Rock; enjoy wines and artful edibles created by area chefs; $75; 501-821-7275.

Sept. 14-15—Ark. State Fiddle Championship, Mountain View, Ozark Folk Center Music Auditorium. Open to all fiddlers; competition in junior, senior and open div. Fiddle judges will provide evening entertainment; $10 adults, $6 ages 6-12.

Sept. 14-17—US Tennis Association Adult Mixed League & Over 40 Championship Tournament, North Little Rock, Burns Park Tennis Center, 4000 Poch Dr.; 501-791-8585.

Games for serious senior athletes over age 50. Athletes compete in 5-year age brackets in every sport from swimming to golf, tennis, track & field and even some fun events. Go to www.srsports.org for details and registration form.

You can also download the records book from this site. FREE for spectators.

Sept. 20-22—12th Annual Petit Jean Military Vehicle Rally and Antique Auto Show, Morrilton, Petit Jean Mountain, Museum of Autos. Vehicles from all wars; entertainment, trail rides, military displays and swap meet; FREE; 501-727-5530.

Sept. 20-23—Jazz Eureka 2012, Eureka Springs, Basin Spring Park. Jazz by local and regional musicians; for full line-up go to eurekasprings.org; FREE; 479-253-7333.

Sept. 21-22—5th Annual Legends Balloon Rally, Hot Springs Airport. See

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Sept. 14 (and every Fri. night until Nov. 30)—The Haunted Evening Tour, MacArthur Museum of Ark. Military History, Little Rock, 502 E. 9th St., 7:00 PM. Starting at the museum, one of the most haunted places in the South, tour will include other Little Rock and North Little Rock sites; $40; 501-681-3857.

Sept. 15—Natural Wreath Workshop, Des Arc, Lower White River Museum State Park; $10 per wreath; registration required. Learn to use natural materials to decorate wreaths and take home what you make; 870-256-3711.

Sept. 15-16—Gaston’s Fly Fishing School, Lakeview, Gaston’s White River Resort; beginners will learn basics of fly casting, knot typing and fishing techniques; $225; 870-431-5202.

Sept. 16—Geology of the Crater and Surrounding Area, a workshop by Crater of Diamonds Geologists Margi Jenks and Doug Hanson; 1:00-4:00 PM in park’s Diamond Discovery Center classroom, Murfreesboro; $10; includes tour of diamond field and other geologic sites.

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Sept. 16—Opera Classics, by The Opera Gala performers, Hot Springs, Garvan Woodland Garden’s Anthony Chapel; 3:00 PM; $25; part of the Muses Creative Artistry Project concert series. Reservations advised; 501-463-4515.

Sept. 19-23—Arkansas Senior Olympic Games, at various venues in Hot Springs. These are Ark.’s qualifying games for the National Senior Olympic

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september, 2012

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☛ The worst sin toward our fellow creatures is not to hate them, but to be indifferent to them; that‘s the essence of inhumanity. — George Bernard Shaw ☛

CALEN DAR P I C KS balloons launch, evening glow, concerts and car show; FREE; 501-321-2277.

Sept. 22—64th Annual Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry, Dardanelle; come for the fried chicken; stay for games and entertainment; 479-229-3328.

Sept. 22— Free-form Wire Wrap Jewelry Workshop, Murfreesboro, Crater of Diamonds State Park; $30; 2:00-4:00 PM; reservations required by 9-17-12; 870-285-3116.

Little Rock, Governor’s Mansion Grand Hall.

Enjoy 5-course meal with wine and live music; benefits Wildwood Part for the Arts’educational programming; 501-821-7275.

Oct. 4—A Fair to Remember, benefits Arkansas Hospice, Little Rock, Metroplex/Team Summit; 6:30 PM; food, fun, games, live music and auction; $50; 501-748-3306.

Sept. 29—Historic Encampment, Paris, Mount Magazine State Park, Brown Springs Picnic Area.

Living historians demonstrate firearms, cooking, camping equipment and survival skills from preCivil War times. FREE; 479-963-8502.

Oct. 4-6—42nd Annual Federation of Fly Fishers, Southern Council Fly Fishing Show, Mountain Home, Baxter County Fairgrounds. Largest fly fishing exposition in Ark.; demonstrations and 50 programs covering everything from tying flies to casting; raffles and auction; $10 for 3 days, $15 for families; 870-499-3056.

Sept. 22-23— Kayak Campout, an overnight kayaking adventure at Lake Ouachita State Park, Marina Boat Ramp, Mountain Pine; $85 includes meals, evening program and information about the history, geology and wildlife at Lake Ouachita. Bring your own kayak and supplies or rent from the park.

Reservations required; 501-767-9366.

Sept. 26-29— Bikes, Blues & BBQ Motorcycle Rally, Fayetteville. BBB is the largest nonprofit, family-friendly, motorc ycle rally in Arkansas. Enjoy the best in motorc ycle riding in the beautiful Ozarks Mountains (new ride maps will include favorite routes and local attractions), blues music and BBQ while helping those in need. Contact 479-527-9993 or www. bikesbluesandbbq.org

Oct. 4-6—27th Annual King Biscuit Blues Festival, Helena-West Helena’s Downtown Historic District; $40.

Enjoy live Blues music featuring legendary performers from the Delta blues heyday, leading contemporary blues artists, and emerging blues practitioners; barbecue cookoff; 5-K run; food and arts and crafts market. Contact 870-572-5223 or www.kingbiscuitfestival.com

Sept. 29—Big Dam Bridge 100 Bike Race (starts in Little Rock’s River Market) and Finale Festival, North Little Rock. After the race, street festival celebrates the riders, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM in North Little Rock Main St. with live music, crafts, gallery walk and food; FREE; 501-993-1234.

Sept. 27 & 29—Birding by Boat (on 27th,10:0011:00 AM; FREE) and Full Moon Kayak Tour (on 29th, 9:00-10:00 PM; $15 includes kayak, paddle and life jacket). Both start at Lake Catherine Marina. Lead by experienced Park Interpreters.

Stable, flat-water kayaks are easy to navigate and relaxing. No prior experience required. Seating limited, make reservations at Visitor Center or call 501-844-4176. Pre-payment required for Full Moon tour.

Sept. 28—Full Moon Cruise, Bismarck Marina, DeGray Lake Resort State Park; seating limited, reservations 501-865-5840; $9 adults, $5 ages 6-12.

Sept. 28—15th Annual Wine Reserve Dinner,

8 september, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

Sept 29—15th Annual Depot Days Festival, Newport, Iron Mt. Depot, downtown; musical tribute to roadhouse rock and roll that sprang from the nightclubs lining Hwy 67 in Jackson County during the 1950s & ‘60s; BBQ contest, entertainment and auction; FREE; 870-523-3618.

Sept.29-30—Crater of Diamonds State Park’s Crater Gem and Mineral Show, Murfreesboro; 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM; cost is regular mine admission; 870-285-3116.

Oct. 1-31—21st Annual Eagle Watch and Fall Foliage Cruises, Eureka Springs, Starkey Park on Beaver Lake; daily departures 11:00 AM, 1:00 & 3:00 PM; $22 adults, $8.50 children under 12.

See and learn about eagles from expert guides; 479-253-6200.

Oct. 5-6—The Arkansas Times is chartering buses to two music festivals. On Oct. 5, at 3:00 PM, the bus will depart for Jonesboro and the 2nd Annual Johnny Cash Music Festival; 7:00 PM in Jonesboro. On Oct. 6, another bus will head to Helena for the King Biscuit Blues Festival. The bus trip will include festival, drinks on board and lunch at Craig’s BBQ in DeValls Bluff. Both buses will return after the concerts, both are $99 each and include tickets, food and drinks en route.

For tickets, call 501-375-2985.

Oct. 5-6—MusicFest in El Dorado, south Arkansas’ largest outdoor music event including over 30 acts on four stages; 870-862-4747 or www.musicfesteldorado.com Oct. 5-6—Herb Harvest Festival, Mountain View, Ozark Folk Center. Seminars on herb gardening and cultural traditions; 870-269-3851.

Oct. 5-7—44th Annual Hot Springs Arts & Crafts Fair, Garland County Fairgrounds; judged show with over 250 exhibitors; FREE; 501-623-9592.

Oct. 5-7—Adult Metro City Championship Tennis Tournament, North Little Rock, Burns Park Tennis Center; all welcome, deadline to enter 10-2-12; 501-791-8585.

Oct. 5-7—Annual Arkansas Apple Festival, Lincoln, will include apple core throwing, Apple Harvest Queen pageant, parade, square

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Oct. 6—Basics of Dutch Oven Outdoor Cooking Demonstration, Lake Catherine State Park, meet at fire ring near trailhead; 11:00 AM- 2:00 PM; $30 includes hands-on instruction, a fully cooked meal, a recipe and cooking manual and TION VACA E a Dutch oven to take home. Space is limited; call 501-844-4176 to register.

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o. for tw ketsLittle ic t Oct. 12-21—73rd Annual Arkansas State Fair and Livestock Show, Rock’ s e s lin ht rip air nd two nig o, n und t a e o s R R , y s a concerts, a carnival, State Fairgrounds, will include livestock shows,Texhibits, hree d ations. Veg o, FL od rlandcontests; O omm r o 10-acre midway with rides and games, arts, crafts, and talent accclowns A C ion or , t a im c e va Anah ruise c a y e 501-372-8341 or www.arkansasstatefair.com or receiv resort sta . y a 7 da

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september, 2012

9

road tri p n By Cal W asson

Buffalo River: The Flow of an Eternal Treasure Would it be saved by today’s Congress?

I

t's hard for me to really see the Buffalo River anymore. It’s now federally preserved magnificence is clouded by too many memories. Too many trips with now gone family, friends and lovers. Too many years of urban hustle and convincing myself I was too mature for such foolishness. You think about such things staring into the Buffalo, a river that gave me the best day of my life.

Heraclitus got it right when he said over 2,500 years ago that no man steps into the same river twice: Everything flows, everything changes; he called it the panta rhei. The Buffalo will still give you its all, but each trip will be different. You must be too.

My first step into the Buffalo River was 40 years ago as it was declared the U.S.’ first National River with the National Park Service managing its lower 135 miles. I return again, as a writer, to celebrate this anniversary.

There have been 25 or so trips to the Valley in between.

Then as now, former U.S. Congressman John Paul Hammerschmidt is the honored guest. He first floated the Buffalo, putting in at Ponca, in a homemade boat as a lad of 12.

He would grow into Arkansas’ first Republican congressman since Reconstruction and the man most responsible for keeping the Buffalo as one of the world’s top scenic spots and stopping it from becoming “Lake Who-Cares.”

Over 40 years ago, Hammerschmidt lead a bi-partisan effort backed by an otherwise all-Democratic Arkansas delegation. U. S. Congressman Wilbur Mills, the legendary powerhouse Ways and Means Committee Chairman from Kensett, was his mentor and helped push the really progressive National Rivers’ legislation.

In today’s political waters, a “Save the Buffalo” push in Arkansas likely would not even get the support of the state’s delegation, much less the whole Congress. The Buffalo may have been preserved; our ways of governing ourselves have not, according to Hammerschmidt.

“Government has become terribly polarized and it’s most unfortunate,” Hammerschmidt tells Mature Arkansas. “I don’t know how you unravel it; how you un-ring the bell.”

Recalling the fight to save the river, he says, “I got along great with my Democrat friends.

Wilbur Mills was my mentor. Senator John McClellan was most kind to me on the Buffalo

While he does take the Republican Party line in blaming entitlements for our present budget woes, he bucks it on the defense budget. “We can fund the needs of the Buffalo and other parks without beginning to hurt the defense budget,” he says, adding with a helpless look, “We’re talking about so little money.”

The political waters back then called

River bill and others helped the state. We all worked together.”

The National Park Service has already trimmed the Buffalo’s maintenance budget and bigger cuts may be on the way. Unlike about everyone in his party today, the 90-year-old, still sharp and alert lawmaker is adamantly opposed to this. “Congress should not cut the budgets to these types of programs, the ones that directly serve the people,” he says.

for such rationality, where society’s needs trumped vague idealism and corporate greed.

Those waters saw environmental preservation as a good thing. Now a dangerous faction in Congress sees it as somehow evil. The flow is turning ugly.

Talk of saving the river shows our arrogance. From its highest points in the Boston Mountains, to the White River 135 miles downstream, the water has been carving the rock

10 september, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

Improving Quality of Life for Seniors & their Families

for some billion and a half years. The work has left miles of rock bluffs with many topping 500 feet.

While “Save the Buffalo” efforts are noble, these walls have seen at least five mass extinctions. To look at them is to see how feeble and brief we are. The bluffs will be there long after our species is gone, much less our pitiful dams.

What Hammerschmidt, the Ozarks Society, other politicians and thousands of advocates and volunteers have given us is a federal guarantee At Conway Regional Senior Evaluation & Counseling the Buffalo River will stay accessible and pretty much the way it is. For Center we offer families with aging loved ones the us that means one of the world’s best, most beautiful and relatively resources they need. With a medical team of untamed recreation areas stays in our backyard. psychiatrists, a neuropsychologist, licensed social worker and case manager, we can offer you and your Many of us Arkies have a tale or two about a Buffalo River adventure. loved one the hope and support you desire.

If you don’t, take a journey down this always unique river. You can float, hike, fish, camp, ride horses, look for elk or wild turkey, swim or just loaf At the Senior Evaluation & Counseling Center we work with families on its banks. It all works. The place will grab you more than the activity. dealing with a loved one who is experiencing: The most important, the most rewarding thing you’ll do is just stare • Disorientation or confusion If you or a loved one are experiencing at the bluffs and try to see. For me, it’s best at twilight when the bluffs changes with age we offer evaluations • Difficulty recognizing familiar objects and resources to assist you. or people spin a constant kaleidoscope as the river turns the last shards of sun • Increased irritability or aggressiveness into gold pools and silver spears.

• Increased withdrawal from social contract This is the flow, panta rhei. All of human• Poor judgment with money or ity’s four million years happened in the bottom possessions 16 inches of that 500-foot bluff. Our lifetimes • Changes in self care or hygiene Senior Evaluation & • Problems with medication compliance are a few nanometers on a grain of riverbed Counseling Center sand.

Arkansas is deep in great rivers. The (501) 932-0480 • ConwayRegional.org/SeniorHealthServices Cossatot and Mulberry have more thrills while the Piney, Ouachita and Illinois are closer.

None come close to the Buffalo’s majesty,CRHS_mat_ark_secc_ad.indd 1 5/22/12 which is why I return.

You can’t plan best days. Mine came at the end of a short, flat, North Arkansas family vacation. One where it was always 10 degrees too hot and fun was tinged with edginess.

We decided to end our vacation by floating the Buffalo on a stretch only seen this time of year, when the water is lowest. I pictured ’S LKER A the lower Buffalo in August as a near-stagnant W RRY CAUSE swamp. It would be pushing 100 degrees. I saw SHEN EWPAGES 12-15 myself dragging a boat through scary muck like Humphrey Bogart in The African Queen.

IN ALSO UE ISS It was the children’s first float and by the THIS time we ended the shallow-water drills on what to do when the canoe dumps, we had been laughing for 20 minutes. After the first ripple we entered paradise.

CELEBRATES your achievements and inspirational stories We’d brought some cheap masks and snorADVOCATES for you and your concerns—social, financial, political kels and our realities shifted between the rocks ENTERTAINS by featuring the best in events, dining, culture, volunteering, so you can live life to the fullest and fishes of the river, the bluffs and buzzards of the skies. Each beach EDUCATES with health and consumer news to stay healthy, independent, was a new playground, each ripple and pool a new place to watch and ready to embrace new beginnings and opportunities fish. There were long silent drifts through pools staring at the timeless panorama of the bluffs. The children snorkeled along the sides of the Central Arkansas monthly distribution canoe, thoroughly in the moment’s discovery.

— Find us in Pulaski, Saline, Garland, For seven hours, until the last glimmer of light, with nothing but Lonoke and Faulkner counties. water, cello-wrapped snacks and a plastic boat, we were the happiest If you are interested in learning more about Mature Arkansas or how you family on earth. Panta rhei. The flow. That river is forever gone but could reach Arkansas’s active retirees, please contact Katherine Daniels at maturearkansas@arktimes.com; call 501-375-2985. an eternally new one is there for you. Step in it and make your own best day.

URE T A MKANSAS AR T, 2012 ST UGUS AU A

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september, 2012

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8:15 pm

Attorney Herb Rule’s record on jobs creation is daunting and he thinks we can grow our way out of the recession. (Photos by Brian Chilson)

Can God be Boug in Arkansas?

Two con

F

rom afar, the Democratic congressional candidates for South and Central Arkansas are as different as the districts.

Herb Rule, the 74-year old Second District contender is patrician, tall, tennis lean, and a newly retired senior partner at Little Rock's Rose Law, the oldest firm West of the Mississippi and among the most imposing.

Some considered him Rose's top negotiator and he looks the role.

Gene Jeffress, 63, is hardscrabble South Arkansas. The State Senator (Dist. 25) from Louann near Camden, is short, plump and a retired high school music teacher who had Republican elite howling over a cream-colored suit he wore. He grew up one of eight in a log cabin on the banks of the Ouachita River, built by his piano tuner father. He worked his way through the University of Arkansas at Monticello by playing gospel music.

But this is Arkansas where appearances often deceive. On such basics as duties of faith, responsibilities of government, and the sanctity of the individual, these seasoned warriors are one. Politically they carry the tradition that their fathers said got them out of the Depression.

As state legislators, community and church

leaders, they helped carry the tradition through the War on Poverty, improving healthcare, changing things that gave unfair advantages to white males, and launched an unprecedented environmental awareness. It was an era of record prosperity for the middle class and, after Vietnam, peace. At times, there was even hope.

Remember?

Now they are united in facing Karl Rove's super-PAC American Crossroads operation that churns out endless millions to candidates willing to destroy what Rule and Jeffress — and their fathers — have built. They face an apparently infinite wall of secret Roveorchestrated money. It is made possible by what Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid calls "17 angry old white men," the mostly secret group of super-rich that is funding about 60% of the entire conservative political push.

Both Rule and Jeffress are experienced and reasonable candidates who have been made longshots by a flood of out-of-state money.

Longshot candidates often come from the fringe but these are sincere, proven candidates; men with long histories in the Democratic Party and apparently nothing to prove. Neither has lost an election.

12 september, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

Arkansas' Fourth Congressional District covers nearly half the state, mostly the poorest half, mixed with super-rich oil and timber barons. It's an illogical, gerrymandered mess, running from Monticello to near Rogers. Campaigning here means buying media advertising from Memphis to Tulsa. At last report, Jeffress had only $61,000 to do this.

His Republican, Rove-supported opponent Tom Cotton has more than $1.5 million. Republicans

Politically they carry the trad fathers said got have already written off the race as a victory; some calling it a tune-up for Cotton's future U.S. Senate bid.

“I know I have an uphill battle, but I know the votes are there," says Jeffress. “I’ve been told Karl Rove has another $5 million for Cotton anytime he needs it.”

Jeffress beat a much better financed opponent with high name recognition in the primary, attorney Q. Byrum Hearst. He senses

ght

ngressional races may be the test n By Cal Wasson

the Rove strategy may be backfiring. "It's a political game they're playing and the people are seeing it," Jeffress says.

In an erudite analysis of the First Amendment, Rule calls the Supreme Court decision that made secret campaign contributions possible, the maximum expression of free speech. But, he too doesn't think buying an election will be easy in Arkansas. "I think a lot of that money is over-rated and misspent. We

dition that their t them out of the Depression. saw this work in 2010 but this year is different," Rule says.

Though neither candidate campaigns on it, both are staunch Christians: Rule is an old-line liberal protestant; Jeffress a mainstay Southern Baptist. The grandson of a Presbyterian minister from Pine Bluff, Rule has been a lay leader at Second Presbyterian Church in Little Rock for decades.

Probably 20% of all church choir members

within 100 miles of Camden can testify to Jeffress' church commitment. Along with teaching high school choir for 22 years, he's been a mainstay in regional gospel music.

The irony is, despite impeccable Christian credentials, both are under attack for somehow not being Christian enough, or Christian at all, or even leading a war against religion.

"It seems like it's been turned around somehow. I just don't know…," Jeffers said as I rode with him on his quest last month.

"I don't wear it (religion) on my sleeve but it makes me cringe on where we're going through this. It's almost like Christianity is being questioned.”

Issues that have been dormant for decades, such as abortion, women's and minority rights, and total non-issues such as a war on religion and evolution, have been resuscitated and used to pound all but the staunchest Rove minions.

Both Jeffress and Rule are staunch supporters of women's and minority rights, adhering to the same direction the country has taken, throughout their lives. They see using these pseudo wedge issues to attack their faith as cheap electioneering.

Based on Leviticus, Rule argues that some of the points being thrown at them are based on 5,000-year-old rulings for special circumstances, such as how one divides property among 11 wives. He says some of these old customs haven't been practiced for thousands of years.

Jeffress seems to easily reconcile differences between being an evangelical Baptist and a progressive Democrat on issues such as homosexuality and abortion. "Look, there are things I don't like but I have to say, ‘This is God's business, not Gene Jeffress’ and not the state of Arkansas.’”

So far it's not an issue but the candidates are well aware the opposition questioning their Christianity is headed by what some evangelicals consider a heathen. Mormons do not recognize a triune God, a central tenet of Christianity. His vice presidential pick is a follower of atheist Ayn Rand. This dialectic will not go away.

Jeffress has been bashed in YouTube clips for calling healthcare a Christian issue. His certainty and passion are earned. "When I was three, my brother and I had spinal meningitis. I took 85 shots. My parents had no way of paying

MATURE ARKANSAS

september, 2012

13

some and deep piney woods on a sweltering afternoon, I hear longsilent Southern political thunder begin to rumble. Jeffress hardens. "It's the guy who's out there working hard and can't afford healthcare insurance. What happens to his family,” Jeffress asks? Bill Clinton, Huey Long and Orville Faubus

They face an apparently infinite wall of secret Rove-orchestrated money. it all off but we had a community to step in. But that was 60 years ago and what happens today? The community's not there," Jeffress says.

Driving through the lone-

have surely driven this road. Their spirits were with us. Jeffress made the thunder roar. "Am I talking Christianity now? Right is right!"

He pauses, calms and then the hook, "We can get it (healthcare reform) better but it's so much better than anything we've had."

Both candidates say we have to grow, not skimp, our way out of our economic doldrums.

Rule's record as a real job creator is daunting. As part of the Rose team, he has been involved in

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financings, public offerings, takeovers, start-ups for companies such as Wal-Mart and Tyson that brought tens of thousands of jobs to the state.

His was the day of Witt and Jack Stephens, Don Tyson, Sam Walton and other creators of real jobs and sustainable financial growth. He has a surprisingly bright assessment of what changed most during those years. "’The regulations are killing industry’ line is a bumper sticker point of view," Rules says. When he started in the 1960s, the first environmental regulations were hitting and companies were openly hostile. "Now the mindset has changed and while not for everybody, there is a real environmental concern and commitment.

We have a well-tested procedure and appeal process that keeps both sides honest," Rule concludes.

Business leaders used to be directly involved in the state's political process but Rule sees that changing. "I hear a lot of people say it would not have been this way if Whit or Jack (Stephens) were still around because they knew how politics worked. They're talking about personal relationships. Now so many people have gotten so rich so quick and they don't have

any idea of how it should work or how to run for office so they just throw money."

Not much money has been thrown the two Democrats’ way, so far.

An apparent fear of the state's anti-Obama pout is limiting donations and frightening off younger contenders. Rule's fundraising is hampered by recent D.W.I. charges, which he is fighting.

A Don Quixote analogy fails. These men are far from fools and their quest for honor is a real. They are defending their life-long values system from Harry Reid’s “17 angry old white men.” The part of the Quixote story that fits is jousting with Karl Rove’s windmill pumping endless buckets of cash to the opposition.

If money alone buys Arkansas elections, they’ve both lost. But it’s early and there’s a faint sniff of economic fairness, Social Security and Medicare, healthcare for all and women’s rights issues that have been getting stronger over the past few weeks.

The Southern Populist passion Jeffress stoked that day is potent.

He didn’t need saints or slogans. His fiery "Right is right!" made you afraid to be against him. It was perfect. Coupled with an emerging discontent, it could win an election.

This passion would play well against the cookiecutter campaigns by the cookie-cutter candidates of the 17 angry old white men. There could be a chance, it's only Labor Day and the world is volatile.

I understood Rule’s thoughts on how the new, big money really didn’t understand politics when Jeffress and I pulled into a McDonald’s in Arkadelphia. Before we stopped, three folks, a biker, a cattleman and a mom waived, calling him by name. Jeffress knew them all, reminiscent of Bill Clinton’s mastery of local politics. Maybe it’s a South Arkansas thing.

Or maybe that moment of brilliance I heard from Jeffress was the coda for the requiem of Southern Democratic politics, the New Deal and the unprecedented social gains made during our lifetimes. Voters: The choice is yours.

If money alone buys Arkansas elections, they’ve both lost.

State Senator Gene Jeffress talks to Hot Springs Village Democrats about why he wants to represent the 4th Congressional District.

(Photo by Julie Alexander)

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MATURE ARKANSAS september, 2012 15

conti nue learn in g

Back to School...

What’s in store for nontraditional college students

By Erica Sweeney n Photos by Brian Chilson

A

ugust is traditionally back-to-school time for students of all ages, even those over 50. Older students often choose to go back to school to change careers, improve employment prospects or just for the fun of learning, proving that it’s never too late to get an education.

After losing his job flying scientific research aircraft in 2008, Ron Davis says things “started going downhill.” He has a bachelor’s degree in aviation and says he thought about getting a master’s, but instead, decided to do something he’s always loved: repairing and rebuilding airplanes.

Davis, 66, enrolled in Pulaski Technical College (PTC) to pursue an associate degree in aircraft maintenance. He graduated in spring 2012, and, because of his nearly 50 years of experience with airplanes, was asked to teach avionics (the use of electronic devices in aviation) at PTC this fall.

“This is a second, related career,” he says, adding that when he saw the hangar at PTC’s Aerospace Technology Center, he thought, “Boy, this is the place for me!”

Going back to school was something Carla Smith, 54, always hoped to do. She says she initially enrolled right out of high school, but didn’t finish the first semester. After her husband died, she had to quit her job because it required

too much travel and she had three children at home. So, she started her own phone book business.

Once her business grew, Smith says she had to decide whether to expand or go in a different direction. Smith says she has always loved to write, so she sold her business and enrolled at PTC and earned an Associate of Arts with a concentration in English in spring 2012. This fall, she will attend UALR and plans to get her bachelor’s and master’s degrees, and hopes to teach at a community college one day, she says.

At PTC, where 30 is the average age of students, Public Relations and Marketing Director Tim Jones says many older students face “an initial fear of getting back to the classroom.”

“They think they’re too rusty and too set in their ways,” Jones says. “There tends to be a big emotional barrier, but you see that melt away really quickly. The ability to learn is not lost.”

Smith could not agree more. “When I walked into the first class, I was scared to death,” she says. “I thought, surely I was the only person there my age and it would be full of young kids.

But, I looked at the guy next to me and he was about my age.”

Jennifer Mandell, 52, says despite having

The ability to learn

is not lost.

a bachelor’s in technical film and experience working in public health, she cannot afford to retire, so she decided to change careers. She’s taking classes at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock (UALR) to become a physician’s assistant and plans to transfer to the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, she says.

“The economy has driven a lot of the 40 to 55-ish, that still have to work, back to school,” says Cynda Alexander, UALR’s Non-Traditional Student Programs coordinator.

Non-Traditional Student Programs “help acclimate students to UALR so they can obtain their goals,” by assisting with admission, finding needed resources and services, and providing support, including peer mentoring and a nontraditional student organization, Alexander says.

Mandell has a blood disorder and vision impairment and says the program helped her access on-campus services for her disability.

Once she got over the “initial hurdle” of going back to school, Mandell says she realized she actually fit right in and even had many advantages over her younger classmates, such as being more self-disciplined.

The Good Life Starts Here!

Crown Point Retirement is licensed by the state as an Assisted Living Level II facility. We can care for you or your loved one up to the level of care that forces many people into nursing homes.

Assisted Living facilities are designed to respect the individual needs of those who require some assistance in daily activities, but do not require 24-hour skilled medical care.

We have 5 different apartment options to choose from. Our caring staff is prepared to make you feel at home throughout changing health conditions.

We Accept Medicaid.

Crown Point Retirement Center and Assisted Living 501 South Rose • Sheridan, AR 72150 870-942-4623 www.crownpointretirement.com 16 september, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

Snell Prosthetic & Orthotic Laboratory

Carla Smith and Ron Davis are reaching their careerchange goals by going back to college

Davis says older students have life and work experiences that set them apart. “We work harder, study harder, prepare more,” he says, adding that the physical aspects of his field are a lot more challenging at his age.

“When we get older, we’re less flexible. Crawling under airplanes is more of a challenge when you’re older.”

Smith says having different generations in the same classroom is “awesome,” and the variety of perspectives enhances class discussions.

“Older students take grades more seriously and have higher expectations,” she says. “We’re not there because mom and dad told us we had to. It makes a difference in how you look at things.

The older people understand and support the younger ones. The younger ones build your spirit and are fun to be around. It keeps me in a young mindset.”

Nearly 800 students over age 50 attend PTC, that’s 6.4% of the total student population. Jones says these students “have a wide variety of life experiences and they bring those to the classroom. It adds to the educational experience.”

One potential challenge for older students is limited knowledge of technology, says Alexander. UALR’s computing services office provides oneon-one assistance with computer skills, she says. UALR has about 650 students over 50, about 5% of the student population.

No matter the challenges or obstacles they face to get back into the routine of school, older students say it creates many options for them.

Smith encourages anyone thinking about going back to school to “Just go.

You don’t have to go full time. You can just take a class that interests you.”

One incentive is the free tuition that state law allows for residents age 60 and older attending state schools, if space is available. But older students are responsible for paying for books and certain fees, says Alexander.

Smith says going back to school has made her take education more seriously, an attitude she tries to instill in her children. She says the experience has been very rewarding and has exposed her to new ways of thinking.

“It’s one of the best things I’ve done for myself,” Smith says. “It’s given me a new path and made me a more diverse person. I’ve learned things forgotten and new things. It’s the difference in doing what you have to do and what you want to do.”

No matter the

Business of the year

2 0 1 2

Growing Relationships

Whether our patients are playing with their grandchildren, running a 10K, volunteering at the local soup kitchen, or beautifying their corner of the world, we want them to always be able to perform at their best. That's why Snell Laboratory makes the commitment to build strong relationships with those we serve so that we can determine which of our lightweight materials, hi-tech components, or state of the art techniques will work best when fabricating their orthoses or prostheses.

(501) 664-2624 Statewide Toll-Free: 1-800-342-5541 625 North University Avenue • Little Rock, Arkansas • www.snellpando.com Offices located in Little Rock, Russellville, Fort Smith, Mountain Home, Fayetteville, Hot Springs, North Little Rock, Jonesboro, and El Dorado

Providing the Latest in Technology & the Best in Care for More Than a Century PROSTHETICS / ORTHOTICS / PEDORTHICS / POST-MASTECTOMY

Our North Little Rock office has moved to a new location at 4300 Landers Road.

challenges they face to get back into the

routine of school, older students say it creates

many options for them.

new exhibit At the DeltA culturAl center!

"Maude Schuyler Clay: Revisiting the Mississippi Delta" A photogrAphy exhibit feAturing scenes of the DeltA September 1 – December 8, 2012 • Free ADmiSSion!

Opening reception will be Saturday, September 8, from 5:30 – 7:00 p.m., in conjunction with Helena Second Saturday activities.

DCC Visitors Center, 141 Cherry St. • Downtown Helena – West Helena, Arkansas

CAll (800) 358-0972 for informAtion.

facebook.com/deltaculturalcenter THE DELTA CULTURAL CENTER IS A MUSEUM OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ARKANSAS HERITAGE

DeltaCulturalCenter.com MATURE ARKANSAS

september, 2012

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SPECIAL FEATURE: ROAD TRIPS

___Time_for_a_Road_Trip!

By Anne Howard Wasson

___O

ne of the Natural State’s most valuable resources is its system of state parks. Any Arkansas Road Trip should include several

Trip to see these parks and their lodges might look something like this: Starting in Little Rock, take I-40 west to Morrilton. Take Petit Jean State Park exit to Mather Lodge. This historic mountain lodge, on the bluff of Cedar Creek Canyon at Petit Jean State Park, is 21 miles southwest of Morrilton.

The 24-room lodge, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, mirrors Adirondack-style park architecture. The rustic warmth of the Mather Lodge, its westward view of rugged Cedar Creek Canyon is highlighted by a dramatic sunset each evening. The park encompasses 2,658 acres of woods, streams, springs, waterfalls (95-foot Cedar Falls) and spectacular views. There are also 31 private cabins and 125 campsites available.

Leaving Petit Jean, go south to 10, through Danville. At Havana take scenic highway 309, 16 miles south of Paris to Mt. Magazine State Park. The Lodge at Mount Magazine is a magnificent mountain lodge on the south bluff of Arkansas’ highest point: Mount Magazine, at 2,743-feet. This modern, rustic-style lodge offers breathtaking views of the Petit Jean River Valley and distant Blue Mountain Lake. The lodge’s Skycrest Restaurant features classic Southern cuisine. All 60 guest rooms feature the view from the bluff. There are also 13 cabins and 18 campsites available.

The route from Mt. Magazine to Mt. View will depend on whether you prefer a meandering scenic route or the quickest one. The most direct route takes you back to I-40 east to Conway, then take 65 north to Clinton. At Clinton, take 16 to Fairfield Bay and then 9 north to Mountain View.

While there is no lodge at the Ozark Folk Center State Park in Mountain View, they do offer 60 modern Cabins at Dry Creek. The studio cabins are nestled together arkansas dept. of parks and tourism

down into the state park, along the river. state parks. Try one of the following options or create your own.

For a unique overnight stay, worldThe Ozarks Tour class trout fishing or just a great meal, try From Little Rock, go west on I-40 to Conway.

Gaston’s Resort at Lakeview.

North on 65 to Greenbrier; a few miles north Back on 178, turn east into Mountain Home of Greenbrier, take 285 east 6 miles to Woolly and proceed to Norfork Lake. Take highway Hollow State Park. Woolly Hollow makes a nice 5 south to Salesville and turn left at the base stretch break or picnic lunch spot by the lake. of Norfork Dam to the Norfork National Fish Returning to 65, go north toward Leslie. Stop Hatchery—visitors are welcome. Go south at Serenity Farms Bread store for a snack. Still on 5 through Norfork, Calico Rock and on to on 65, head north toward Marshall. Turn north Mountain View. onto state highway 27; at Harriet take 14 north Highway 5/25 will take you to Heber Springs and cross the Buffalo River. Continue on 14 and Greers Ferry Lake. South on 5 will take you to Yellville, then turn right onto US highway to US highway 67/167 and back to Little Rock.

62/412 and head to Flippin.

Go north on 178 to Bull Shoals. Just before Lodge Tour the dam, there’s a Visitor’s Center for Bull If you prefer hotel-like accommodations, Shoals/White River State Park. Cross the top Arkansas operates four beautiful lodges, all in of the dam on 178 and immediately go right, natural settings with fabulous views. A Road

Aerial view of Bull Shoals/White River State Park.

18 september, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

The 96-room modern lodge offers sweeping views of 13,800-acre DeGray Lake from the shore of its own private island. DeGray Resort has numerous recreational offerings on land and water, including an 18-hole championship golf course and full-service marina with boat rentals.

arkansas dept. of parks and tourism

in a peaceful setting within easy access to the Folk Center and restaurant.

The Folk Center is the only park dedicated to the perpetuation and interpretation of the heritage of the Ozark region.

Enjoy live performances of traditional Southern mountain music by talented musicians—the pure, unplugged sounds of fiddle, banjo, mandolin, mountain dulcimer, autoharp and acoustic guitar. Tour the Craft Village and see artisans demonstrate over 20 pioneer skills and homestead crafts.

One of the most beautiful and best-preserved cave systems in the country is just 15 miles north of Mountain View on 14. Blanchard Springs Caverns has lighted walkways that lead to stunning formations and massive rooms. Nearby Blanchard Springs Recreational Area provides scenic campgrounds, swimming holes, hiking and fishing.

The fourth lodge is DeGray Lake Resort State Park. From Mt. View, retrace your route south to Conway, exiting to I-40 south through Little Rock to I-30. Take I-30 south to seven miles north of Arkadelphia, turn on highway 7 to the park.

Fall color at Blanchard Springs near Mt. View.

Little Rock 1121 S. Bowman Road, Suite C-7 Little Rock, AR 72211 (501) 455-9999 Conway 1810 East Oak Street, Suite A Conway, AR 72032 (501) 328-0202

arkansas dept. of parks and tourism

Hot Springs 315 Section Line Road, Suites C-D Hot Springs, AR 71913 (501) 525-1188 See our website for more locations! www.birdandbearmedical.com

Bald eagle at DeGray Lake Resort MATURE ARKANSAS

september, 2012

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G

arvan Woodland Gardens, a welcome oasis from the heat plaguing Arkansas this summer, is located on Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs, about five miles from the city’s Historic District. The 210-acre gardens were a gift to the people of Arkansas from Verna Cook Garvan of Malvern.

Unlike many botanical gardens, visitors are not trapped in a series of glass houses. Instead, each unique garden and trail is nestled within a tall pine forest. A sprinkler system keeps the gardens green and cool, even during the hottest days.

At Garvan, the artistry of nature is carefully shaped, or allowed to run wild. Elegant bridges and wide paths wind through the forest canopy as the soft music of streams and waterfalls complete the hiking experience.

The Hixson Family Woodland Nature Preserve trail follows a spit of land surrounded on three sides by the placid blue of Lake Hamilton.

The Lowland Boardwalk leads you to the Song Bird Trail that loops approximately two miles through a pine forest along the lake’s edge. Home to heron, hawks, owls and song birds, it a wonderful place for bird lovers. Benches scattered along the trail offer hikers the opportunity to relax.

Located next to the nature preserve is the Evans Children’s Adventure Garden. You don’t have to be a child to enjoy this wonderfully-designed space that’s sure to entice children of all ages to the joy of nature. A 20-foot tall canopy bridge draws you into the circular design giving a spectacular view between the trees of the fun that waits below. The trail goes under a rock arch leading to a waterfall, man-made cave, pond and stone maze.

Central to the Garden of the Pine Wind are the multiple water and rock features. The elegant Sunrise and Full Moon bridges offer a glimpse of the serene half acre Koi Pond. Asian ornamental plants, colorful maples and dogwoods decorate the landscape. Streams and waterfalls cascade over rock boulders spilling into pools. The garden’s

Personal Care • Bathing Assistance • Housekeeping Medication Reminders • Meal Preparation Shopping Assistance • Transportation/Errands

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From the Millsap Canopy Bridge visitors can enjoy views of Singing Spring Gorge.

tors to Garvan Gardens

A waterfall in the Garden of the Pine Wind. huge collection of flowers, bulbs, bushes and trees can be viewed from the walkway or on the stone steps and paths that border the brooks, pools and pond.

A mix of forest and ornamental border plants line the edges of the Camellia Trail. A myriad of wonderful features include the 20-foot high Millsap Canopy Bridge where there is a spectacular view of the Singing Spring Gorge. Overlooks afford views of both Trap and Riante mountains.

Other trail features include the fern glade and Old Brick Hill, the steep brick driveway that would have led to the Garvan’s home on the estate.

This will become a favorite, year-around destination for people of all fitness levels. Each season reveals a variety of newly blooming plants, songbirds and butterflies. A breeze from Lake Hamilton keeps the temperatures cooler than other areas in Hot Springs.

This “paradise hideaway” is the perfect place to escape the heat for your next hike. Plan to spend half a day to see the entire garden. It is easy to lose track of time when surrounded by nature at its most beautiful in Garvan Woodland Gardens.

Level: Easy to moderate; many paths are hardsurfaced Duration: 1-3 hours Footwear: Sneakers Wheelchair Access: Yes, although Nature Preserve Trail might be too rough for most chairs.

Admission: $8 for 55+; $9 adults; Free-children 5 and under Parking: Free Hours: 9:00 AM-6:00 PM Location: 550 Arkridge Rd., Hot Springs Phone: 800-366-4664

Born at the close of World War I and on the cusp of the Roaring Twenties, Dorothy Howell Rodham and Virginia Clinton Kelley came of age in a changing America. The Great Depression and World War II defined their Generation, and both women overcame obstacles to provide nurturing homes filled with love and support. Their lives were an inspiration to their family, friends, and those who knew them.

June 11, 2012 – November 25, 2012

1200 President Clinton Avenue • 501-374-4242 • clintonpresidentialcenter.org

shop local support our community MATURE ARKANSAS

september, 2012

21

M O NEY n By Dale Ell is

Easier Ways to Save for College Many retirees finance grandchildren’s higher ed

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ave your children or grandchildren expethe same rules but differ in that the GIFT Plan rienced the sticker shock of paying for a may be accessed directly by the consumer and college education? The grim reality is, the cost the iShares 529 Plan requires the assistance of of college has for many years outdistanced the a financial advisor who represents the plan. rate of inflation and made financing college Prior to 1996, when 529 Plans were created, more difficult than ever. parents and grandparents had several options to One solution for many families has been save for future college costs. Custodial accounts the Qualified Tuition Savings Plans. These are such as UGMA (Uniform Gift to Minors Act) and federally tax-advantaged investment accounts UTMA (Uniform Transfer to Minors Act) allows authorized under Section 529 of the Internal money to be set aside in accounts for future Revenue Service tax code and popularly education expenses. These accounts have one referred as “529 Plans.” disadvantage over 529 plans: Funds become Two 529 Plans are sponsored by the state the property of Corporation the beneficiary (student) once The New York Times Syndication Sales 620 Eighth Avenue, New N.Y. 10018 of Arkansas: A direct-sold plan known The he or York, sheSales reaches 21. At that point, the beneThe New YorkasTimes Syndication Corporation For Information 1-800-972-3550 Eighth Avenue, New York, 10018 GIFT Plan, and an advisor-sold 620 plan known as Call: factor losesN.Y. control of the assets and there is no Thursday,Call: September 6, 2012 ForFor Information 1-800-972-3550 the iShares 529 Plan. Both plans operate under requirement For Friday, August 3, 2012that the beneficiary use the funds

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for the intended purpose.

In a 529 Plan account, the account owner retains ownership and control of the funds. If the beneficiary decides not to use the funds for education, the account owner can change the beneficiary.

Irrevocable trusts were often used prior to 529 plans. They have a number of disadvantages, when compared to 529 plans. These trusts are irrevocable and cannot be changed or revoked. Also, taxes paid on earnings are typically assessed at the highest tax rate, and, the beneficiary cannot be changed whether he or she chooses Edited by Will Shortz No. 0802 to use the funds as intended or not.

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made financing

college more

difficult than ever.

For more information, contact the Arkansas College Savings Plans at the office of Arkansas Treasurer Martha Shoffner at (toll-free) 855-686-2582 or go online to www. arkansas529.org Mr. Ellis is the 529 Plan project coordinator for the Arkansas College Savings Plans.

GET THE COLLEGE COLLEGE WILLSAVINGS BE HERE BEFORE YOU KNOW IT. PLAN START SAVING NOW WITH A 529 COLLEGE SAVINGS PLAN! It’s never too early to start saving for college. Why? Education costs are rising, and student loan debt can be a heavy burden. Investing even a modest monthly amount now can add up to substantial savings over time.With Arkansas celebrating College Savings Month in September, now is the perfect time to get started.Visit arkansas529.org for details on opening a 529 college savings plan through the Arkansas College Savings Plans. So when your little one is ready for college, you’ll be ready, too.

Federal tax advantages • State tax-deductible Matching funds available if you qualify • Use toward any eligible U.S. school

See arkansas529.org for details.

MATURE ARKANSAS

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24 september, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS