HRA Quarterly Newsletter Summer 2011

HILLCREST RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION P.O. Box 251121, Little Rock, AR 72225

SUMMER IN HILLCREST MEANS THE 4TH OF JULY ICE CREAM, a PARADE, and a BRASS BAND!!!

It doesn’t get more American than that!

Declaration of Ice Cream Bring the Family out on the First Thursday of July (July 7) to Crest Park (On Kavanaugh in front of Kroger).

Our Hillcrest Kroger is celebrating by sponsoring the Quapaw Brass Quintet in the “band shell” on Kavanaugh.

(Photo Slightly Dated)

5th Annual HMA Ice Cream Social July 7th (First Thursday)

Crest Park On Kavanaugh in Front of 6:30 to 7:30 pm Brass Band - Ice Cream Lemonade - Cookies Popcorn & More

The Band concert and free ice cream will be from 6:30-7:30 pm.

The Hillcrest Merchants Association will supply ice cream, lemonade, homemade cookies and other treats. Some seating will be available in the grove or you can stroll, shop, and enjoy.

Last year we had a record turn-out. Imagine how much fun our own Brass Band will be this year! After the concert other HMA members will be having special events at their shops and restaurants. So grab the kiddies and your friends, don your red, white and blue and celebrate the best neighborhood in Little Rock.

Thank you, Kroger for your generous gift!

35th Annual Midland Hills Parade - July 4th - See Details Page 13

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President’s Message I know that of all the neighborhood concerns we share here in Hillcrest, crime has been near the top of the list of late. In response to discussions with neighbors, on social media websites and email threads about several notable evening muggings along Kavanaugh Boulevard, the HRA extended an invitation to the Little Rock Police Department and city officials in general to come to our May meeting. I am happy to report that the response was reassuring, to say the least. City Director Stacy Hurst, Police Chief Stuart Thomas, and almost a halfdozen other officials spoke to us about these recent crimes, how the department is responding, and just as important, what we can do as Hillcrest residents to make the neighborhood, and ourselves as individuals, less of a target and more of a challenge to would-be thieves. We have all heard this advice before, but it never hurts to repeat good suggestions:

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If you have any questions about neighborhood security in general, and what you can do to help the neighborhood and to help yourself, please ask them! The LRPD is more than happy to give guidance where they can, especially in light of the fact that they just cannot be everywhere at once. And while Chief Thomas did not make his department’s funding level the main thrust of his presentation, he did describe the situation in general and I urge all Hillcrest residents to educate themselves as to the budget matters that our city is faced with currently. While it is possible, in situations of absolute necessity, to sometimes do MORE with LESS, I think that everyone will agree that at some point, tightening budgets will result in diminished services, no doubt about it. In the coming months, I’m sure we will be asked to consider a city-wide sales tax increase, and there is every reason to expect that if the electorate supports the measure, the city will do MORE with MORE.

If you see someone or something that looks suspicious, CALL 911. Do not call 311. 311 is suitable for reporting potholes, burnedout streetlights, and other non-urgent matters. If you see something that you believe warrants police attention, calling 911 is your best bet for getting a timely response.

Walk with awareness. If you are strolling home in the evening after dinner on Kavanaugh, or just out for an evening walk, PAY ATTENTION to your surroundings, and look alert. Consider leaving your purse at home, and don’t get distracted by your phone or your music.

Be safe out there!

Glenn Borkowski Glenn Borkowski - HRA President

HRA BOARD MEMBERS To contact any Board member, send email to their firstname@hillcrestresidents.org

PRESIDENT Glenn Borkowski

Caran Curry

VICE-PRESIDENT/ SCHOOLS CHAIR Steven Fussell

Steve Gardner

TREASURER/ PARKS CHAIR John Selva

Bill Fitzgerald Grafitti

SECRETARY/ HMA LIAISON Karen Konarski-Hart

Tim Eubanks Streets & Sidewalks

Stacy Johnson Membership

Mike Jackson Not Shown

Michael Keddie

Randy Martinsen Newsletter

Seth Ward

If you are concerned about a door-to-door salesperson, ASK TO SEE HIS OR HER PERMIT. The city issues permits to door-to-door salespeople, and permit-holders will at least have submitted to a criminal background check.

DO NOT LEAVE VALUABLE ITEMS IN YOUR VEHICLE. Criminals break into parked vehicles because experience has shown them that we tend to keep valuable items in our vehicles.

John Coulter

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Hillcrest Farmers Market GRAND Opening Hillcrest Farmers Market opened on Saturday, May 7 and the nine local vendors served over 500 shoppers from 7am to noon. The growers sold out of almost everything, and told the PH Baptist volunteers they had their best market day ever.

Everyone was so complimentary of the neighborhood, and how supportive the community was on opening day.

The market will continue to serve through September. We are planning to continue the market every year, and hope each year it will grow. We have space for about 10 more vendors, and are receiving calls each week from other interested vendors.

If any neighbors have a bumper crop in their home garden and would like to sell at the market, please let us know.

We are open to having a shared "complimentary" Hillcrest neighborhood table for growers who have limited produce and also will come to market on an irregular basis. Young folks could learn business skills and enjoy selling and learning about gardening as well.

Left to Right: Kelly Newberg - Market Manager & Hillcrest resident, Judy Moses, Market Task Force Chair

- Rev. Carolyn Staley - Assoc. Pastor - PH Baptist Church (501) 661-1129 cstaley@phbclr.com

Saturdays - 7am to Noon - Now Until September - Pulaski Heights Baptist Church

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Door-To-Door Sales -

Your HRA Board at Work

There has been considerable email conversation lately concerning the legitimacy and practices of a security alarm company going door-to-door in Hillcrest. This issue was discussed at the HRA Board meeting on May 9th with Little Rock Police Chief Stuart Thomas and several of his staff who were also present. While we ARE informed that this is a legitimate company, the usual caution should be taken concerning ANYONE that comes to your door, and/ or requests entry or information about your home.

It is also REQUIRED that anyone selling anything door-todoor obtain a permit to do so from the City of Little Rock.

In order to obtain this permit, they must have passed a criminal background check. If a particular company has several people working a neighborhood, EACH person is supposed to have a permit like the one pictured. You should also request to see a picture ID in order to validate the name on the permit with the information on the photo ID. Also remember that just because someone is selling a product or service, that does not necessarily mean that they must be licensed to install that product or perform the service. For instance, someone selling security alarms does not have to be licensed as a security alarm installer, so they would not be able to produce a license to that effect.

If the salesperson is abusive or will not leave, call 911, and by all means, call the company he or she represents and complain.

Thank you Hillcrest Residents!

F o r M a k i n g B o x Tu r t l e a S u c c e s s As a special thanks to all current and new customers, ENJOY 20% OFF ANY ONE ITEM WITH THIS AD (excludes sale items - expires 9/30/11)

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JUNE 2011

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HILLCREST COMMUNITY CALENDAR

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= Hillcrest Residents Association Meeting

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= “First Thursday” in Hillcrest

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JULY 4

Midland Hills 4th of July Parade - 9am Midland @ Lee

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HMA Ice Cream Social

AUGUST SEPTEMBER

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AUGUST 2011 Sun Mo Tue We Thu Fri Sat

Labor Day

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Arkansas vs New Mexico in LR

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911 10th Anniversary Observance - PH United Methodist Church - 664-3600 - Peace Awards presented to community members

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Center for Youth & Families Annual Fundraiser

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HMA HarvestFest & HRA Pancake Breakfast

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Halloween Carnival - PH United Methodist Church - 3 to 5:30 - 664-3600

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OCTOBER Blessing of the Animals - Peace Garden - PH United Methodist Church - 2pm - 664-3600

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HMA Holidays in Hillcrest

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Arkansas vs Mississippi State in LR

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Thanksgiving Day

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HMA Tree Lighting

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Who You Gonna Call?

Your Neighborhood Alert Center The Capitol View/Stiffts Station Alert Center also exists to assist the residents of Hillcrest. In many cases you could say it’s a Resource Center, totally committed to ensuring the health, safety and security of citizens in the neighborhood.

Normally, hours of operation are between 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday thru Friday, but the Center is also opened for after-hour City and neighborhood association meetings. It should be emphasized that the Alert Center belongs to the public and is therefore available for their authorized use.

Alert Center Facilitator The primary function of the Alert Center Facilitator is to, “Encourage collaboration and partnerships between residents, community organizations, and City Government by providing all the necessary resources and services needed to hopefully assist and empower individuals, as well as organizations, to enhance their own quality of life.”

The Facilitator is required to use their skills and ingenuity to assist citizens and neighborhood associations in planning and coordinating community projects. Often this will involve neighborhood clean-ups and clearing alleyways. The Facilitator will often be found surveying their service delivery areas in search of trouble spots such as blocked drainage ditches, excessive trash or discarded furniture in front yards, resulting in complaints coming from residents.

Facilitators assist residents in relocating their families in times of hardship such as after a house fire where everything is destroyed, or where severe code violationsmake the house uninhabitable.

Code Enforcement The Code Enforcement Officer’s primary responsibility is to address citizens’ complaints involving businesses and residential code violations within the City of Little Rock. In addition to ensuring that all citizens maintain their property at or above the City’s minimum code standards, the Code Enforcement Officers must also assist other City agencies in ensuring the health, safety, and welfare of all citizens. The Code Enforcement Officers investigates things such as abandoned autos, illegal utility connections, and overgrown weed lots.

Kathleen Countryman, CVSS Alert Center Facilitator 2715 W. 7th St., Little Rock, AR 72205 501-372-3856 501-372-3139 fax kcountryman@littlerock.org

Kroger Receives Historic Preservation Alliance Award

Photos by Johnny Ferrell Photography and courtesy of the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas.

PreserveArkansas.org

The Outstanding New Construction in an Historic Setting Award is given to the Hillcrest Kroger in Little Rock for excellent compatible design of a neighborhood store by the Historic Preservation Alliance of Arkansas. Pictured here (from left to right) are Frances Ross - HPAA President, Britt Talley - RPPY Architects, Dennis Cobb - Kroger, Lisa Yates - Beechwood Kroger Manager, Michael Cristal - Kroger, and David Perry - RPPY Architects.

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Historic Hillcrest DID YOU KNOW that the Prospect Theater (right) used to be located in Hillcrest on Beechwood (then called Beech). It was behind (South of) what is now Rhea Drug Store and faced East toward what are now the Afterthought and Hillcrest Junk.

Also...A new fire station (below), was a benefit of the consolidation with the City of Little Rock and was opened at the Northeast corner of Beech and Prospect (Beechwood and Kavanaugh) on Nov. 1, 1916, at a cost of $10,000. By Dec. 22 the station had already answered 10 calls.

Both of these pictures and the description of the fire station appear in Pulaski Heights: The Beginning, a publication produced by the Hillcrest Merchants Association in 2000 in cooperation and with the support of many other businesses and benefactors. The Editor of this newsletter is anxious to bring readers further insight into Hillcrest’s past. Stay tuned for future efforts to document the history of Hillcrest before it escapes us.

Continuing a tradition of listing and selling homes in Hillcrest…

More than 500 years of experience, and we are still trying to figure it out.

Just Kidding!

(BUT, WE ARE SERIOUS ABOUT REAL ESTATE!!! CALL US.)

Johnson Melhorn 960-1075 johnson@janetjones.com

The Janet Jones Company / REALTORS® 8

Katherine Melhorn 960-1063 katherine@janetjones.com

LEARN ‧ JOIN ‧ TAKE PART The Hillcrest Residents Association is your local neighborhood group that is committed to ensuring Hillcrest continues to meet the needs of our residents.

The HRA board holds an annual meeting every year on the second Monday of March and continues to meet monthly on the second Monday of every month at 6:00 PM at Our Lady Holy Souls Catholic church. Residents are encouraged to come to the annual meeting and are invited to attend all others.

You can join the HRA in a couple ways. First, this newsletter contains a section you can fill out and send in to us. Second, for your convenience we have added credit and debit card capabilities to our website.

Visit us at the Hillcrest Residents Association website, www.HillcrestResidents.org to join. The website also offers you the opportunity to update your contact information such as phone numbers and preferred email addresses.

Join Today to be active in your neighborhood!

JOIN THE HRA TODAY Check one: ___ General Membership - $20

___ Hillcrest Supporter - $50 ___

Hillcrest Booster - $100

NAME: _____________________________________________________________________________________________ JOINT MEMBER NAME: ______________________________________________________________________________ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________________________________________________ CITY: __________________________________________ STATE: ______________ ZIP: _________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________________________

Mail this form and your check to HRA, P.O. Box 251121, Little Rock, AR 72225 OR...Join and pay with a credit card On-Line at www.hillcrestresidents.org

ADVERTISING IN THIS NEWSLETTER If you own a business in Hillcrest and are a member of the Hillcrest Merchants Association, HRA will advertise your business to help support the cost of this newsletter. It is mailed to all 3400 households and businesses in Hillcrest on a quarterly basis, and will be included in the online HRA Newsletter for that quarter. Prices are as follow: Advertising space is limited to blank space available, and is therefore on a first-paid first-served basis.

Call Randy Martinsen at 244-2332 or email randym@mmiinc.net for availability, deadlines, or further details.

Full Color Page - (10”H x 7 1/2”W) - $ 500 One-Half Color Page - (5”H x 3 3/4”W) - $300 One-Quarter Color Page - (2.5”H x 1 7/8”W) $ 200

IF YOU LIKE THIS NEWSLETTER, Martinsen Management, Inc.

it is compiled and laid out by Martinsen Management, Inc. as a complimentary service to our neighbors in Hillcrest.

Let MMI promote your association, increase membership, and serve as its full-time business office. MMI has provided comprehensive administrative and managerial support to membership-based organizations and State boards since 2000. Relieve your volunteer board members of routine administrative tasks so they can move ahead with the real purpose of your group. Give your membership ONE point of contact.

No organization too small. WAY over 20 combined years of successful staff experience!

Call Nancy or Randy Martinsen at 244-2332 Financial Bookkeeping - Website Maintenance - Membership Processing - Event Planning & Mgmt. - Publications & Printing

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SAVE THE DATE SATURDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2011 Kavanaugh Blvd. from Monroe to Walnut

HRA Pancake Breakfast - Radio Disney 5K Race - Cheese Dip Contest Arts & Crafts Vendors - Bird Tour in Allsopp Park Food Vendors - Live Bands Fashion Show - Children's Activities AND MORE!!!!

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! BOOTHS AVAILABLE! FUN FOR ALL!!!!

CALL JESSICA DAVIS - 580-4123

FULL DETAILS AT

WWW.HILLCRESTHARVESTFEST.COM AND IN THE NEXT HRA NEWSLETTER

PROTECT YOUR STUFF We have been informed that there has been a rash of "patio" thefts in the area between Fletcher Library and University Ave. They appear to happen at night 3-5 am accompanied by a truck. Missing items are lawn furniture, grills, fire pits, etc...anything not fastened down. Many of the victims are single people or small families who can't easily afford to replace these things.

If you can't take your items into a locked garage or store room at night, at least put a bike chain attached to a solid object, so there is some detriment to easy removal from your yard or patio. Leave a yard light or motion sensor focused on the yard and keep shrubs cut back. Keep all lawn equipment locked up and keep your doors locked at all times.

ON A RELATED NOTE: There has been quite a bit of email traffic regarding a particular infamous and suspicious character in the neighborhood lately who has a previous record of petty theft and burglary. He has been strongly admonished by the authorities that the residents are specifically keeping an eye on him and will be calling the police if he exhibits any suspicious behavior. The police may not be able to arrest him, but they will know his whereabouts at that date and time in case someone calls-in a property theft or burglary later where he may be a suspect.

Otherwise, be alert for anyone lingering around in a vehicle or on foot. Also be alert for anyone asking to do yard work, where they could be casing your home or your neighbor’s home. You should ALWAYS keep a close eye on anyone doing yard work for you anyway to make sure they are not there under false pretenses OR also wasting your money by talking on their cell phone or getting into projects you did not ask them to do. If there is anything remotely suspicious call 911 and report suspicious activity.

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TIRED OF LAYING AROUND THE HOUSE?

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TELL YOUR FOLKS THAT YOU’RE READY TO GO CHECK OUT THE ‘HOOD - Your HRA Board at Work

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This map shows the locations of “Mutt Mitt” dispensers located throughout Hillcrest for the benefit of dog walkers to clean up after their pets. The HRA pays for these dispensers and the “mitts”, and coordinates the volunteers who keep them replenished.

Board Member Michael Keddie has located all existing dispensers and the Board has approved the funding for four new locations.

As usual, the HRA asks residents to PLEASE be considerate of others when walking your dog(s).

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EXISTING DISPENSERS 1 - Promenade - East End 2 - Promenade - West End 3 - Dog Haus - 2619 Kavanaugh 4 - Crest Park - In front of Kroger 5 - 600 block of N. Palm.

6 - Woodlawn - Behind Kroger 7 - Woodlawn @ Walnut 8 - Kavanaugh @ Oak 9 - Kavanaugh @ Valentine 10 - Fairfax Terrace 11 - Knoop Park - East End 12 - Knoop Park - West End 13 - Allsop Park - Middle Bridge 14 - Colonial opposite Crystal Ct. 15 - Allsop Park @ Beechwood & Lookout FUTURE DISPENSERS 16 - Kavanaugh opposite of Lee 17 - Hill Road @ Ridgeway 18 - Elm @ “B” Street 19 - Lee @ Cedar

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HILLCREST RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION SHIRTS BUY ONE AT THE HRA BOOTH ON JULY 7th At The ICE CREAM SOCIAL/”First Thursday” $10 Short Sleeve T-Shirt Available in all colors shown $15 Long Sleeve T-Shirt Available in all colors shown $25 Hoodie - Grey and Brown only They can also be purchased online www.HillcrestResidents.org, OR contact Stacy Johnson at Stacy@PulaskiHeightsRealty.com OR by phone @ (501) 786-0024

Neighbors Plant 15 New Trees to Improve Hillcrest “Streetscape” On Saturday, March 5, Hillcrest residents and merchants planted another 15 trees to replace those that died in the summer drought of 2010. Volunteers joined together at Damgoode Pies on Kavanaugh and planted near the Ice House, at Pine, and at Oak Street and Kavanaugh. Oaks and maples were also planted along Lee Street, and in addition on Woodlawn. In February, the HMA and HRA boards had allocated additional funds for landscaping use in Hillcrest. The groups are financially supporting the planting of trees and bushes by residents on quasi-public land adjacent to their property (e.g., median strips between streets and sidewalks, traffic islands).

These recent attempts to beautify the neighborhood are beginning to change the look of several busy Hillcrest areas.

All residents can help the project by watering the new trees during the summer months. “Adopt” a new tree in your area and provide two or three gallons of water twice each week during the dry periods – it will make all the difference during the first summer after planting. If you can help and have any questions, please contact one of the HRA board members.

At River Rock Realty our Clients are #1!

Joel Tvedten Broker/Owner Phone: (501) 612-8083 Email: joel@liveinlittlerock.com Joel Tvedten was born and raised in Little Rock and is an annual multi-million dollar producer.

River Rock Realty is in the heart of Hillcrest Come celebrate Shop N Sip with free live music on the front porch every First Thursday!

I have access to all of the homes listed with all the Realtors.

If you are looking to buy, my services won't cost you a thing, and I will save you time and money!

Find your Dream Home at www.LiveInLittleRock.com 12

35th Annual

Midland Hills 4 t h o f J u ly Pa r a d e never on time at 9:00! (a.m.)

PARADE ROUTE:

Begin at the corner of Lee and Midland, proceed down Midland, right on Alpine, right on Crystal Court, and ending at the east parking lot of Pulaski Heights Elementary School at Colonial Court.

To the young and young at heart - Come and celebrate our independence with bikes, trikes, wagons, scooters, baby joggers, or nearly any mode of transportation decorated and ready to go!

Pets are welcome . We will try to have a fire truck and/or a mounted Little Rock Policeman.

The parade will feature patriotic favors, and the traditional reading of the Declaration of Independence at Pulaski Heights Elementary School with refreshments.

All friends and relatives are invited to participate. If you don’t want to march, please cheer us on from your porch.

Patriotic music is welcomed and encouraged on the parade route!

Call John Selva at 993-5442 or email john@hillcrestresidents.org

if you don’t know the drill.

ALL the BIG WIGS will be there!!!

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Prospect Terrace Park Revitalization Plan The First Annual Party in the Park was held May 15th and included great music by Chris Michaels, free food from All Aboard, a bake sale, face painting and lawn games. An estimated 300 people turned out to celebrate the revitalization kick-off party!

The Prospect Terrace Park revitalization committee showcased conceptual artwork for the Phase One upgrades to the city park which will include a paved walking trail, water fountains, new landscaping, a new playground surface of pebbles (replacing sand), benches, picnic tables, new playground equipment and a new basketball court.

The revitalization effort is the work of neighborhood associations in the Heights, Hillcrest and Prospect Terrace. With the help of city director Stacy Hurst, the city of Little Rock already has allocated $130,000 for the improvements, which will be completed in two phases beginning this fall.

Prospect Terrace Park was created in 1928 when the family of Sidney Kahn donated 3.64 acres to develop a city park.

Between 2007-09, a handful of improvements including installing a wrought iron fence, adding a slide and two swings and irrigating the large field were made with donations from Prospect Terrace, Hillcrest and a small city grant. Once the upgrades from Phase One are completed we hope to have raised enough money to begin Phase Two! What Phase Two looks like depends on YOU!! Please get involved by participating in the Prospect Terrace Revitalization Committee. We need volunteers to help with planning, development and fundraising for the park. Or you can help by donating your money. Every donation makes a difference, no matter the size! A list of benches, picnic tables, water fountains and playground equipment are available to purchase and a large plaque with the donor’s name will be placed on all purchases. Donations, which are tax deductible, may be mailed to City Parks Conservancy at P.O. Box 7329, Little Rock, AR 72217.

More information is available by contacting Becky Spohn at graceworth@comcast.net or by calling Barbara Miles at 501.664.5818.

May 15th “Party in the Park”

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Carol has lived and sold homes in Hillcrest since 1977. Put more than 36 years of experience to work for you today.

www.caroljenkins.com 501.960.6040 carol@caroljenkins.com 15

HILLCREST RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

PRESORTED STANDARD U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT #271 LITTLE ROCK, AR

P.O. Box 251121, Little Rock, AR 72225

INDEPENDENCE DAY ISSUE

Hillcrest is Our Home We live it! We love it! We sell it!

AY M

E’S ZIN AGA

BES

T

Janet Flegal

Sherry Curry

(501) 307-6860 janet@charlottejohn.com

(501) 351-5646 sherry@charlottejohn.com

1205 Kavanaugh $389,500

Voted Best Real Estate Company in the State

by Arkansas Business

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4224 S. Lookout $859,900