Volume 9 - No. 33 by South Arkansas Leader

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Question of the Week

Who is your favorite musical artist currently? « Kent Baker “Frank Foster.”

» Jessica Baker “Kacey Musgraves.”

« Jewel Tolin “One Direction.”

» Hillary Dickson Jammin’: Matthew Davidson (guitar) and Greg Walton (keyboard), of The Matthew Davidson Band, rock the Murphy USA stage at MusicFest on Saturday afternoon.

MusicFest XXVI featured rock legend Bret Michaels (top, from left) and country stars Frank Foster and Justin Moore. See More Inside. — Heath Waldrop / contributor

“Blake Shelton.”

All the bAnk you’ll ever need. w w w. f i r s t f i n a n c i a l b a n k . c o m

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‘Gravity’ is a ground-breaking revolution of modern cinema Nathan Ligon

Red Carpet Crash

It is often said that something is “ground-breaking” with little thought to how important that word really is. It is a word that implies strength and change of a kind that we have not bore witness to before. It is a word that makes you think that you are in for something unique and special. It is a word that implies greatness, and if it doesn’t deliver greatness, you are sure to be more disappointed than if someone had just told you it was “good.” In other words, it is not a word that should be thrown around lightly. It is with that in mind that I call Alfonso Cuaròn’s latest masterpiece of modern cinema, aptly titled “Gravity,” a ground-breaking revolution in special-effects movie making. A film that stands next to James Cameron’s “Avatar” and Christopher Nolan’s “Inception” as one of the greatest pieces of visual effects cinema ever put on screen, and the very first of a new type of film that we must prepare ourselves for. Personally, I’ve never been so happy to prepare myself for a new type of movie experience in my life and hope that other filmmakers can manage to imitate this going forward. Ironically, the funny thing about a movie like this is that its brilliance can never properly be put into words. I can tell you all day, in vivid detail, exactly what works so exquisitely in this film and you still wouldn’t understand. I know. I read several short reviews out of the recent string of film festivals and some were as vivid as can be – so much so that I began tuning them out to prevent

Gravity » Release date: Oct. 4. » Run time: 90 min. » Rated: PG-13 for intense perilous sequences, some disturbing images and brief strong language. » Director: Alfonso Cuaròn.

them from ruining the movie for me. Little did I know that this is a movie that no words could ruin. However, there was one statement I thought might trip me up a bit. A few weeks back James Cameron said that this was “the best film ever made in space” – a bold statement from a man who has revolutionized special- and visual-effects filmmaking himself. So, it was next to impossible not to walk into “Gravity” expecting something greater than greatness. I mean, some of the greatest films of all time are set in space (“2001: A Space Odyssey,” “Alien,” “Star Wars,” “Apollo 13” and many more). Now, it is obviously debatable as to whether “Gravity” is better than those films, but I can tell you that it meets Cameron’s statement and then some. It’s not that the story or characters are better than previous films, but that the actual process of watching the film is as close to the reality of space as we are ever likely to get. Even real images from space would feel less real. The reason for this is the masterwork that is the film, the camera. Cuaròn has long preferred long track shots with no edits, but here

completely glued to your seat. It’s as if your seat is a spacesuit and you are gliding along with the motions of the camera the same as the characters are on screen – which is breathtaking in its own right, but when debris starts smashing up » Stars: Sandra Bullock, George spaceships and sends them flying Clooney, Ed Harris, Orto Ignatiussen, into the void of space, it becomes Paul Sharma, Amy Warren and Basher almost visceral. Savage. There are several sequences that » RCC Rating: 5 out of 5 stars. are so brilliant in their construction that they may go down as some he has taken it to a new extreme. of the best in film history. One of The opening sequence of the film these masterful scenes is a sequence spans a full 13 minutes that starts where we follow Bullock into the on a beautiful shot of the earth and void as she is spinning through ends with a debris-filled space that space. The camera starts steady, Sandra Bullock’s Dr. Ryan Stone is then begins following her spin until it eventually finds itself (and we, in hurtling into. turn, find ourselves) inside her helYet it is what’s in between that remet. We then slowly find ourselves ally matters. It is the fluid motion inside the eyes of Dr. Ryan Stone, to which the camera flows through- looking out at the spinning world out the shot that gives it a sense of and quite possibly the last thing she weightlessness. This feeling car- will ever see. It is so real that it is ries over to the audience (espe- almost claustrophobic and pushes cially if you experience this in the the spin right to the brink of nausea intended 3D). Through the entire 90GRAVITY continued on Page 8 minute run time, you find yourself

AdoptMe Pet adoptions are available at the Union County Animal Protection Society shelter, 1000 Sunset Road, El Dorado. UCAPS’s hours are noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For information about adopting or sponsoring a pet, call 870.862.0502.

Felines of all shapes and sizes are available

for adoption at Union County Animal Protection Society. From the young and playful to the mature and demure, if you are a cat lover look no further than UCAPS for your next purrfect companion!

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Saving for child’s college fund should come before car savings Dear Dave, Our daughter is 11 years old, and we save $50 a month for her. Right now, we’ve accumulated $4,200 for college, a car or just savings in general. Should we be investing this money, instead of putting it in a savings account? — Jill

Stunt Motorcycle: Todd Bennick, a freestyle motocross rider and once top-10 Supercross racer, will be the main attraction at Bible Baptist Church’s “Candy Carnival for Christ” this Saturday, Oct. 12. Bennick will attempt to jump the church’s well-known blue-and-white buses at the event, as well as providing his own testimony to the youth. — Courtesy photo

Candy Carnival to feature a motorcycle show and more This Saturday Bible Baptist Church will host its annual “Candy Carnival for Christ,” with a free FMX motorcycle show as the main attraction. Todd Bennick, a freestyle motocross rider and once top-10 Supercross racer, will attempt to jump Bible Baptist’s easily recognized blue-and-white buses. Bennick travels the country entertaining crowds with his motorcycle stunt work as he shares his testimony. Last year, the carnival’s main attraction was a monster truck show which drew in a crowd of more than 1,000, and Bible Baptist pastor J.D. Weido said he expects another large turnout this year. “We’ve been doing this about 15 years,” he said, “and every year it gets bigger and bigger.” The church invites the public to attend the carnival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the Bible Baptist Church grounds, located at 2103 Smackover Highway in El Dorado. The program will include a free soda, hot dog and candy for every

child in attendance, and concessions will also be for sale. The Norphlet fire truck will be on hand, as well as a myriad of other attractions. The carnival will include a 28foot mega slide, moon-walk bounce house, horse rides, hay rides, inflatable obstacle course, a duck pond, dunk tank, face painting and cotton candy, all in addition to the midwaytype carnival booths where children can play for candy. Weido noted that Bible Baptist has a strong children’s ministry and that the goal of the “Candy Carnival for Christ” is to reach out to primaryand junior-aged children, while providing them with a well-supervised day of fun. “We try to provide a place where they can have fun in a good, clean, safe environment,” the pastor said. “We just take a day to give back to the community and show the kids that they are loved.” The event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact the church at 870.546.3577.

DAVE Says

commissions for chores, the biggest thing we’re trying to do is find teachable moments. We want the kids to learn that money is tied to work. Then, when they have some money, we want to teach them about the three uses for money – Dear Jill, If I’m in your shoes, I’d choose spending, saving and giving. Teaching them wise ways to do college as the focal point over the those three things while you’re other things you’ve mentioned. teaching them to work is the key. My advice would be to move that And you can do that for a small money into a 529 Plan with mutual amount of money. funds inside. That way, it will grow — Dave tax-free from this point forward. Then, if you continue to set $50 a Dear Dave, month aside for her for seven more How long should it take someyears – and the stock market averone to fully fund their emergency ages 11 to 12 percent – you’d have fund? about $16,000 sitting there when — Chris she turned 18. That wouldn’t fully pay for college, but it’d be a great Dear Chris, start. Plus, she can apply for scholOn average, building an emergenarships and grants and work and cy fund takes six months to a year. save to help make it happen. It takes about 18 to 24 months for As far as a car is concerned, I’d most people to pay off all of their set up a separate savings account debt, except for the house. That’s and agree to match whatever she if they’re gazelle intense, and have saves. That way, if she can put no life other than getting control of aside $3,000 to $4,000, with the their finances. match she’ll have a pretty nice car. Baby Step 1 is saving $1,000, and But in my mind, college is the most not paying extra on your debts until important thing here. If you guys you have that money in the bank. can afford these contributions, Once you’ve got a $1,000 starter and she wants to go to college and emergency fund, then your list will hold up her end of the deal, all of your debts except the house you can work together as a fam- from smallest to largest and attack ily and make the idea of a college them with a vengeance. All you education a reality! do is work and pay off debt until — Dave you clean up the mess. Once that’s done, you move on to the next Baby Dear Dave, Step, which is adding to your emerShould families struggling to pay gency fund until you have three to off debt still give their kids com- six months of expenses set aside. missions for doing chores? Most people can accomplish that in — Steve six months to a year. There are always various factors Dear Steve, involved because everyone’s situaYes, but it doesn’t have to be a tion is different. But in most cases, lot of money. Kids seldom get paid if you approach my plan with the an amount that is equal to what the kind of intensity I talk about, you chore is worth. To be honest, the can become debt-free except for chores most kids do – especially the your house and have a fully-loaded little ones – aren’t worth that much. emergency fund is place in just two I wouldn’t pay a kid $5 a day, or or three years! even per week, to feed the dog. I — Dave mean, it takes less than 30 seconds to scoop the food into the bowl! Follow Dave Ramsey on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and at daveramsey.com. When it comes to paying kids

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Symphony to haunt El Dorado with spooky music, costumes Saturday This Saturday may be the only time when it’s cool to “boo” the orchestra, as the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra musicians dress as ghosts, ghouls and goblins for the upcoming Symphonic Fright Night. And, audience beware, they just might peek out from behind their instruments to go “Boo!” back you. Adults and children of all ages are invited to an evening of scary music, with maestro Kermit Poling providing a “very spirited” performance. Music selections will include music from the movie “Psycho,” “Phantom of the Opera” and selections from Hector Berlioz’s “Symphonie Fantastique.” Participants are encouraged to join the orchestra in dressing up in their Halloween costumes for a costume contest for audience members. The South Arkansas Symphony Symphonic Fright Night will get underway at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 12 at the El Dorado Municipal Auditorium. Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for college students and $5 for children. For more information or to purchase tickets, call 870.862.0521 or visit

SOUTH ARKANSAS SYMPHONY

FRIGHT NIGHT Saturday, Oct. 12 at 7:30 p.m. El Dorado Municipal Auditorium www.SouthArkasasSymphony.org. The 2013-14 season is sponsored by First Financial Bank, the Share Foundation and Presqu’ile Winery. Symphonic Fright Night is sponsored by Murphy Oil Corporation. Founded in 1956 as one of the first orchestras in Arkansas, the South Arkansas Symphony is a 70-

Barton Library to host a story hour with renowned storyteller This Friday the Barton Public Li- Henry Faulk Award from the Tejas brary will come alive with imagina- Storytelling Association and the tion during an after-school special Circle of Excellence Award from story hour with renowned the National Storytelling storyteller Elizabeth Ellis. Association. A teller of Appalachian From her own local liand Texas tales and stobrary to locations as far ries of heroic American away as New Zealand, women, Ellis will share Ellis has captivated more her gift of imagination than 250,000 children with people of all ages at the Barton Library, loand countless adults at cated at 200 East Fifth in schools, universities, El Dorado, from 4 to festivals and libraries in 5 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 11. her 25-year career as a Ellis Hailing from Dallas, storyteller. To learn more Texas, Ellis has been about Ellis, visit her website at selected as “Listener’s Choice” at the 30th Anniversary Nation- www.elizabethellis.com. For more information on the story al Storytelling Festival and as a hour event, contact Laura Clevestoryteller-in-residence at the International Storytelling Center. She land of the Barton Public Library at was the first recipient of the John 870.863.5447.

member professional orchestra serving the South Arkansas region. Today, the orchestra is oldest, longest standing in the state. The orchestra presents a main series of seven to 12 events and performs throughout the South Arkansas region. In addition, all performances are broadcast on Red River Radio to four states.

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Medical Center to host upcoming March of Dimes, awareness walks This month, the Medical Center of South Arkansas will host the March of Dimes Walk, as well as the Walk to Remember for SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. The El Dorado March of Dimes Walk will take place this Saturday, Oct. 12 on the campus of the Medical Center of South Arkansas, located at 700 West Grove in El Dorado. Registration will begin at 8 a.m., with the walk beginning at 9 a.m. Strollers are invited and encouraged. Games will be provided for children and refreshments will be served. Donations to March of Dimes will be accepted at the event. In honor of SIDS, Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month, MCSA will host its 20th annual Walk to Remember, beginning at 2 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 20. The event will include a reception with refreshments. For more information, contact MCSA at 870.864.3262.

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Pick up a new hobby or visit a distant land with new arrivals Lauri Wilson

illustrations and instructions to help kids ages 9 through 16 with biology, chemistry and physics.

South Arkansas Community College

At the South Arkansas Community College Library, the staff can help you find books for fun reading, history, biographies and a multitude of other topics. Some of our new selections are: » “My Pinterest” by Michael Miller. Pinterest: the home of all things chocolate, crafty and worth a “Like.” If you don’t know about this “visually-oriented social network,” this book is an in-depth crash course. Pinterest is made up of personalized pinboards of your own, where you pin and share images you like, of whatever you like – recipes, crafts, party ideas, jokes. Sounds pretty vague, but the website has something going for it: It became the fastest site in history

to break the 10-million-user mark in 2011. » “Help Your Kids With Science: A Unique Step-by-Step Visual Guide” by DK Publishing. School time means homework time – and there’s no need to dread science. This engaging book combines colorful diagrams,

USDA plans to distribute commodities next week Union County distribution scheduled for next Thursday and Friday, Oct. 17-18

The Central Arkansas Development Council will distribute U.S. Department of Agriculture Commodities next Thursday and Friday, Oct. 17-18, in Union and Columbia counties. Calhoun, Dallas and Ouachita counties will receive commodities Oct. 15 and 16. The Union County distribution will begin at 9 a.m. adjacent to Victory Church in the old Sears building, located at 1430 North West Ave. in El Dorado. The food items to be distributed may include UHT milk, canned peaches, canned carrots, canned spaghetti sauce, vegetarian beans, rotini pasta and cooked turkey breast. All customers receiving commodities must present identification. In order to be eligible to receive USDA commodities, participants must meet income guidelines. The income guidelines for this program are based on 130 percent of the federal poverty guidelines. Based on these guidelines, a one-person

household must make less than $14,937 per year to qualify for the program; for each additional family member, add $5,226. This is an equal opportunity program. In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. Anyone who believes they have been discriminated against can write to USDA Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington D.C. 20250. CADC is a private, nonprofit community-action agency that was formed in 1965 to fight and win the “War on Poverty.” The mission of CADC is to improve the quality of life and build strong communities in Arkansas. For more information, contact Evelyn Reed at 501.778.1133.

daughter Emma seeks answers from her mother’s siblings and discovers the truth that her mother was trying to escape. Other memoirs like this are “The Glass Castle” by Jeanette Walls, “Dead End Gene Pool” by Wendy Burden and “Angela’s Ashes” by Frank McCourt.

» “Paris: The Novel” by Edward Rutherfurd. Fans of historical fiction will be familiar with Rutherfurd, who tells the story of a time and place like almost no one else. Now he introduces us to the City of Light, telling Now that the fall semester is here, its story through the lives of every- our library hours have changed. day Parisians, from the slums to the We’re now open Sundays from 1 noble houses of the wealthy. p.m. to 5 p.m., Mondays through Thursdays 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and » “She Left Me the Gun: My Fridays 7:30 a.m. to noon. ResiMother’s Life Before Me” by dents are welcome to come by and Emma Brockes. get their own library card. Photo There’s nothing like a tell-all identification is required. memoir to make you feel good about your own family, warts and Lauri Wilson is a library technician at all. The latest is a daughter’s quest South Arkansas Community College. All of to find out about her mother’s these books are available at the SouthArk secret life as a girl in South Africa, Library, 300 Summit Ave. in El Dorado. and later on, as a young woman The library is open to the public. For more information, call 870.864.7115. in 1960s London. After her death,

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10•09•13 » Despite the Rain: (opposite page, top) Several festival-goers, as well as the Union County Animal Protection Society dog, take a stroll through the food court on Main Street at MusicFest XXVI. A sizeable crowd began gathering Saturday afternoon, Oct. 5, despite the threat of rain.

— Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

» Local Jams: (opposite page, bottom left) Local musician Dave Almond plays at the Train Car at Corrine Court Saturday afternoon.

— Heath Waldrop / contributor

» Strummers: (opposite page, bottom right) The Neal Street Strummers perform on the PJs Coffee Stage as the clouds threaten rain on Saturday.

— Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

South Arkansas Leader

» High Flying: (left, top) A youngster takes his turn on the zip line.

— Heath Waldrop / contributor

» Introductions: (below) Before introducing performer Rachel Hale (left), gubernatorial candidate Mike Ross (center) stops for a photo with Hale and Main Street El Dorado executive director Mark Givens (right). Ross shares his hometown of Prescott with Hale, who recently made the Top 20 female singers on American Idol.

— Heath Waldrop / contributor

» Street Art: (bottom) Nadia (from left), Tony and Avo Vartenian create art in the street with sidewalk chalk. The portion of Main Street was covered in color before the rain came on Saturday. — Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

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Arts Center now accepting entries for members’ show The visual arts committee of the South Arkansas Arts Center is now accepting works for the 2013 Membership Show and Competition. Artwork must arrive at SAAC by Tuesday, Oct. 29 for inclusion. Sponsored by William P. Cook & Associates, the exhibition is open to all SAAC members. Dolores Ann Gard Justus will serve as judge for the exhibition, which will run from Nov. 1-22. Justus, who currently resides in Hot Springs, received her Bachelor’s in fine art from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock in 1988. Throughout the years, her work has been represented in solo and group exhibitions in Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Tennessee, Mississippi, Ohio, Washington D.C. and China. Justus is currently represented by Greg Thompson Fine Art in North Little Rock and at her own gallery, Justus Fine Art in Hot Springs. In addition to painting, Justus is also an accomplished designer, operating the Justus Design & Marketing firm. Her design and literary skills have been employed in a variety of advertising and commercial mediums. She is a member of the Arkansas Chapter of the National Museum of Women in the Arts, Board member 2006-2011, 2013, and the Arkansas Artists Registry. More than $2,000 will be awarded in prize monies, which include: Best of Show, first, second and third, and Honorable Mention. Five Purchase Awards will be selected by

GRAVITY

continued from Page 2

before pulling back to settle on Bullock’s frightened face. The other sequence is one inside a spaceship where Bullock is maneuvering weightlessly through the ship as a fire begins to engulf a compartment. The way this scene is shot would be impossible in reality; yet it looks completely real. It is one of the few scenes in movie history that I have no idea how it was done and I sat in awe of it. I really hope more filmmakers can emulate it because we might be in for one heck of an

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Young Confederate general leaves his mark on Arkansas during his brief stay in the state Ken Bridges

South Arkansas Historical Foundation

area businesses. The works selected for these awards will be displayed in public venues on display for the community. The competition is open to any SAAC member and all twodimensional and 3D fine arts media is accepted, including photography and computer-generated work. Pieces must be original and not previously shown at SAAC except in the Juried Art Competition. Artwork completed under classroom supervision or reproduced from published material or work by other artists is not accepted. A full prospectus, which gives all information about entry, is available at SAAC or is accessible through the website at www.saac-arts.org. For more information about the 2013 Membership Show and Competition, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474.

John Marmaduke spent only a short time in Arkansas, but it changed the history of the state. Gen. Marmaduke would serve in the Confederate Army during the Civil War in several engagements across the state. He was born in Missouri in 1833, one of 10 children. His father had once served as governor of the state. After a lackluster performance at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, he graduated in 1857 as a second lieutenant. He had served in the cavalry in the Utah and New Mexico territories until 1861 at the outbreak of the Civil War. Like many others, he expected Missouri to secede, and resigned from the U.S. Army to form a unit of secessionists determined to pull his state out of the Union. His troops were soundly defeated by Unionist forces. At this point, the Confederate government assigned him to organize troops in northeast Arkansas. Maramduke was made the colonel commanding the 3rd Confederate Infantry in 1862 and led his troops at the Battle of Shiloh. Marmaduke was wounded in the battle. Impressed by his service,

action sequence if they can. Speaking of Bullock, she deserves an Oscar nomination for this performance. She is almost the sole actor in this film and she has to act against an entire world that is not really there for 90 percent of the movie. This type of acting is always impressive to me, but it’s especially impressive in this case because Bullock is forced to do it in elongated cuts that go on for up to 13 minutes at a time – which means if she screws up they have to go all the way back to the beginning and get every motion of the camera right again. When dealing with reactions to things like space stations being torn to shreds,

that is pretty unbelievable. George Clooney is also really good in the role of Matt Kowalski. He is the voice in Dr. Stone’s ear that is keeping her alive through this exhilarating trip into what many refer to as an impossible place to survive. Clooney is cool and suave. He provides a sense of comfort and comedy in a situation that badly needs it. He also becomes a line to life for Dr. Stone and an opportunity to help Cuaròn’s narrative dig into the very fabric of life itself, which makes “Gravity” not only a visceral experience, but a very emotional one as well. Honestly, I could go on all day

SAAC Membership Show » Entry Deadline: Tuesday, Oct. 29 » Exhibition Dates: Nov. 1-22 » Judge: Dolores Ann Gard Justus » Guidelines: For a full prospectus and information on entry, contact SAAC at 870.862.5474 or visit the website at www.saac-arts.org.

South Arkansas Historical Foundation presents

ist o ry minute

Confederate officials promoted him to general at the age of 29 where he raised a cavalry unit in Arkansas. Marmaduke would join in three raids from Arkansas into Missouri to support secessionist forces. All three efforts failed. In 1863 and 1864, the war turned steadily against the South. Marmaduke found himself unable to defend Little Rock and Pine Bluff as they fell to Union troops, and was barely able to repel Union advances into South Arkansas in 1864. He was captured during his third raid into Missouri in late 1864. After the war, he returned home, briefly working as an editor and eventually winning election as governor of Missouri in 1884, dying in office in 1887. Organized in the 1970s, the South Arkansas Historical Foundation has been dedicated to educating the public about Arkansas’s rich history for over 30 years. The SAHF offices are located at 422 North Jackson in El Dorado. For more information, about SAHF call 870.862.9890.

about the brilliant sound work, the exciting score that pulsates throughout, the impeccable visual effects, or just spend an hour praising Emmanuel Lubezki’s award-worthy cinematography. Yet none of this would prepare you for the best movie-going experience you are likely to have all year and the only film I am gracing with a perfect grade. “Gravity” is, without any doubt, the best film of 2013! Red Carpet Crash provides review writing on films, DVDs and television; news and updates on all things entertainment; and the occasional free stuff. Find RCC at www.redcarpetcrash.com or facebook.com/RedCarpetCrash.

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Servicing thousands Why does the United Way of Union County need to raise $1 million? The United Way of Union County’s annual campaign is now underway to raise $1 million. So, why does the United Way of Union County need to raise $1 million this year? » The United Way of Union County cares about the needs of the community and wants to help find solutions to meet those needs by bringing neighbors and resources together to improve lives. » The number of Partner Agencies receiving funding from the United Way of Union County has grown to 14 in 2013. » The funded Partner Agencies provide service to approximately 30,000 Union County residents a year. » The United Way of Union County is a county-wide organization that deliberately looks at needs throughout the county and ways to help meet those needs. » The needs of the community are out-pacing the United Way’s current ability to meet those needs. In order to fully fund the Partner Agencies’ funding requests for 2013, the United Way would need to have raised $1,021,533 during last year’s campaign. Community members who donate to the United Way can be assured that 100 percent of their donation goes directly to programs and services in Union County. So what do your dollars go towards? $3 per week will provide … » Scholarship for two children to attend Camp Fire’s week-long summer camp; » Snacks and activity bags on court day for children in the CASA program; » Financial assistance for a new troop of 10 Girl Scouts; » A nutritious supper for 20 at-risk youth at the Boys and Girls Club every day during the school year;

» Membership and uniforms for two boys to join Cub Scouts; and » HIV prevention literature for 70 teens. $5 per week will provide … » One campership to any Girl Scout Diamond’s resident summer camp; » A hot, home-delivered meal to a senior citizen from Community Living Arrangements; » A Red Cross blanket for someone after a home fire; » Member scholarships for 52 youth at the Boys and Girls Club; and » Admission to the Boy Scout summer camp at Camp DeSoto for one youth. $7 per week will provide … » Oral HIV tests and counseling to 14 people from South Arkansas Fights AIDS; » Scholarships for a Cub Scout and Boy Scout to attend summer camp at Camp DeSoto; » Transportation to the preschool ECCEL programs from South Arkansas Developmental Center for Children and Families; and » Services for one child at Hope Landing for an entire month. To learn more about the United Way of Union County or how to donate, contact the local United Way office at 870.862.4903 or visit www.uwucar.org. Union United is a section showcasing the news and happenings of the 14 nonprofit partner agencies of the United Way of Union County. For more information, call 870.862.4903, email liveunited @uwucar.org or visit the website at www.uwucar.org.

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Golf tournament to benefit Union County Heat baseball The Union County Heat Two-Man Scramble will take place Saturday, Oct. 26 to benefit the Union County Heat baseball team. The Union County Heat is an AA baseball team for boys ages 10 and under. The team became the fall state champions in September. The tournament will begin with an 8 a.m. shotgun start at the El Dorado Lion’s Club Municipal Golf Course, located at 1420 East 19th St. in El Dorado. Entry fee costs $200 per team and includes: cart and golf, one mulligan per player, and one raffle ticket per player for putt. There are also several contests and prizes throughout the tournament. Three contestants will get a chance to drain a 50-foot putt for $5,000. Two of the contestants will be selected by the closest to the hole on No. 2 and No. 17. The closest-tothe-hole chances are $5 each and are

Registration for the tournament now open paid at the hole. The final contestant will come from the raffle drawing. Participants do not have to play in the tournament to putt from the raffle drawing. The raffle drawing costs $2 each. Other contests include longest drive on No. 1 for a $25 Expressway gas card and closest to the pin on No. 5 for a $25 credit to the Lion’s Club Pro-Shop. Sponsors include: Tournament Sponsor – Expressway Stores; $5,000 Putt Sponsor – Subway; and Gold Sponsors – KIX103 / Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation, Mid South Heating & AC, CP&P Contractors and South Arkansas Oil. For more information, contact the Lion’s Club Municipal Golf Course at 870.881.4180.

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COMMUNITY calendar

» FREE HAIRCUTS FOR OFFICERS — The Professional Cosmetology Education Center will offer free haircuts to El Dorado police officers, the Union County Sheriff’s officers and Arkansas State Troopers during the month of October. When: Throughout October Where: Professional Cosmetology Education Center, 460 North Washington, El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact the center at 870.881.0025.

» LI’L WILD ONES — On the second Saturday of each month, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources will team up to offer Li’l WILD Ones, a 90-minute program offering interactive, hands-on outdoor activities that will immerse participants in the environment of South Arkansas. The program is free and open to children in kindergarten through fifth grade. Space is limited, so registration is requested. Program: Where are the Night Animals? Participants will learn the difference between nocturnal and diurnal animals and why both are important to the environment. When: Saturday, Oct. 12 at 10 a.m. Where: Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, 3853 Smackover Highway, Smackover Contact: For more For more information or to register, contact CCE at 870.864.7192 or email Laura Rogers at the AGFC at larogers@agfc.state.ar.us. » SOUTHARK HOLDS HISPANIC HERITAGE EVENT — South Arkansas Community College will hold Vaya, Crezca y Lograra, a Hispanic Heritage Month event. The public is

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invited to attend this free event. When: Saturday, Oct. 12 from noon to 4 p.m. Where: El Dorado Conference Center, 311 South West Ave. Contact: For more information, visit SouthArk at facebook.com/southark.

» WOMEN IN THE WOODS — The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will host Women In the Woods with Phyllis Speer, cooking specialist on “Arkansas Outdoors,” Arkansas’s original BOW Coordinator and Arkansas Outdoor Hall of Fame inductee. The event will feature a camo fashion show, shopping, refreshments, door prizes and more. Admission is free. When: Saturday, Oct. 12 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St., El Dorado Contact: For more information call 870.818.6378 or email Laura Rogers at larogers@agfc.state.ar.us. » ANNUAL HARVEST DAY CELEBRATION — Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church of El Dorado, under the direction of the Rev. Felton Burgie, will hold its Annual Harvest Day Celebration, featuring guests Dr. George Calloway Jr. and the Saint James Baptist Church. The public is invited to attend. When: Sunday, Oct. 13 at 2:30 p.m. Where: Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 2506 North College Ave., El Dorado » ST. JAMES BUILDING BRIDGES WORKSHOP — Saint James Baptist Church will continue its “Building Bridges and Tearing Down Walls Workshop” with facilitators Dr. George and Alice Calloway and first lady

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Alice Calloway. The public is invited to attend. When: Sunday, Oct. 13 and 27 at 7 p.m. Where: Village Outreach Facility 144, 1304 Hillsboro St., El Dorado » ‘KEEPING HISTORY ALIVE’ BANQUET — The South Arkansas Historical Foundation will host guest speaker Theodore “Ted” Jones at its annual “Keeping History Alive Banquet.” Using music and humorous stories, Jones will take the attendees on a tour through mid-20th century Louisiana politics. All funds go to preserve the Newton House Museum and support the many educational programs sponsored by the SAHF. Cost: Tickets cost $100 per person. Ticket sales are limited. When: Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 6:30 p.m. Where: El Dorado Conference Center, 311 South West Ave. Contact: For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the SAHF by calling 870.862.9890 or via email at stef@soarkhistory.com » MEDICARE HOLDS OPEN ENROLLMENT — During Medicare Open Enrollment, recipients can review current Medicare choices and compare them to coverage that is available for next year to make sure they have the plan that is right for them. Many may be able to save money, get better coverage or both. Recipients can also take advantage of new benefits, including wellness visits, preventative care and lower prescription drug costs. When: Oct. 15 through Dec. 7 Contact: For more information, call toll free at 800.633.4227 or go online to medicare.gov.

» MURPHY USA BOOMTOWN CLASSIC — The Arkansas Tech University Wonder Boys will meet the Henderson State University Reddies in the annual Boomtown Classic. Sponsored by Murphy USA, the event will bring a full college-football experience to El Dorado, complete with food, games and tailgating. Ticket outlets will be announced at a later date. When: Saturday, Oct. 19 Where: El Dorado Memorial Stadium Contact: For more information, contact The Diamond Agency at tda @arkansas.net or 870.862.1010. » GOLF TOURNAMENT BENEFIT FOR HOPE LANDING — Registration for the Second Annual Tim Zimmerebner Pro-AM, a golf tournament benefitting HOPE Landing, is now open. Registration costs $150 per person. When: Monday, Oct. 21 at 8 a.m. Where: Mystic Creek Golf Club, 1000 North Wyatt Drive, El Dorado Contact: For more information or to register, contact Bryan LaRue at 870.312.0723, or Pete Parks at 870.862.3401 or pete@peteparks.com. » SAAC’s LOCAL ARTISTS EXHIBITS — The South Arkansas Arts Center will be showing two new exhibitions by local artists Julia Hardy Slaughter with “Restoration” and Tommy Griffin with “A Desire to Create” throughout the month. The exhibitions are free and open to the public. When: Now through Oct. 29, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474.

Tell Us Something Good! Submit your event, announcement or story idea to the South Arkansas Leader at leader@noalmark.com at least one week before the date of the event. All material must be received the Friday before publication on Wednesday. For more information, contact the Leader staff at 870.863.6126 or by email.

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WEEKLY RECIPE Try this minty Indian cuisine with a little less kick For those who want the flavor but not necessarily the kick of Indian cuisine, this mildly spicy recipe for “Vegetables With a Minty Lamb and Rice Stuffing” from Ruta Kahate’s “5 Spices, 50 Dishes” (Chronicle Books) is sure to please.

Veggies with Minty Lamb & Rice Stuffing Ingredients: Serves 4 to 6

Editor Brooke Burger brooke.burger@noalmark.com Advertising Harry Dyer harry@noalmark.com Stacey Turner stacey.turner@noalmark.com

The South Arkansas Leader is owned and operated by Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation. The views and opinions expressed in the South Arkansas Leader are those of the staff and contributing writers and do not represent the official views of Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation. All material published in this newspaper and on its website is copyrighted. The South Arkansas Leader publishes every Wednesday. All materials for publication must be received no later than noon the Friday before publication. For more information on submitting news releases, photos, event announcements, story ideas or photo opportunities, please contact the editor. The South Arkansas Leader is a weekly communityinterest newspaper serving Union County, Arkansas.

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2525 North West Ave. El Dorado, AR 71730 Office: 870.863.6126 Fax: 870.863.4555 leader@noalmark.com

South Arkansas Leader

Stuffing » 1/2 cup basmati rice, soaked in water for 1 hour » 8 ounces lean ground lamb » 2 tablespoons minced mint leaves » 1 tablespoon minced cilantro leaves » 1 tablespoon lime juice » 1 teaspoon finely grated garlic (about 2 large cloves) » 1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger (about 2-inch piece) » 1.5 teaspoons salt » 1 teaspoon canola oil

Directions:

» 1 teaspoon sugar » 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric » 1/2 teaspoon cumin seeds, finely ground Vegetables » 1 large green zucchini » 2 small, firm slightly unripe tomatoes » 2 small red bell peppers » 2 small Indian, Italian or Japanese eggplants Dressing » 1/2 cup water » 2 tablespoons canola oil » 2 tablespoons lime juice » 1 teaspoon sugar » 1/2 teaspoon salt

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. To make the stuffing, drain the rice and mix it with the lamb, mint, cilantro, lime juice, garlic, ginger, salt, oil, sugar, turmeric and cumin. Use your fingers to break up the lamb and thoroughly mix everything together. All the vegetables should be at room temperature. Slice off the ends of cut the zucchini horizontally into pieces about 3 inches long. With a thin, sharp paring knife, carefully core each piece all the way through, making a thin-walled, hollow pipe. Carefully take the tops off the tomatoes and bell peppers. Discard the seeds and pulp from the tomatoes. Cut out the seeds and white membrane from the peppers. Retain the stems of the eggplant and make an “X” on the bottom end without slicing all the way through to the stem end. To make the dressing, whisk together the water, oil, lime juice, sugar and salt. Carefully stuff each vegetable only 3/4 full with the stuffing. Place the vegetables in a single layer in a large, lightly oiled baking dish. Drizzle the dressing evenly over the vegetables. Cover the dish with a lid or foil and bake until the rice and vegetables are tender, about 1 hour. Uncover the dish and place it under the broiler for a few minutes to brown the edges of the vegetables.

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34. A group of statues 36. A single thing 37. Ireland 38. A raised speaking platform 39. Leavened bread 40. Farm animal shelter 41. Oral polio vaccine 44. Chinese fine silk silver 45. Chocolate-colored acidic pulp pod 48. ____ off 49. Hagiographa 50. Manuscripts, abbr. 51. Over the sea

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10•09•13

South Arkansas Leader

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Union County 4-Hers get to work on service project Last Saturday, the Union County 4-H groups joined forces as they took part in a statewide One Day of Service in which 4-H members across Arkansas collected food for pantries, raised funds for charity, beautified their communities and participated in other acts of service. The area 4-Hers met early Saturday morning, Oct. 5, to take part in a beautification project on the grounds of the John R. Williamson Hospice House of LifeTouch Hospice in El Dorado. According to Union county 4-H program assistant Cynthia Ford, members from all six groups joined the Union County Master Gardeners to plant pansies and spruce up the garden. The garden is encircled by concrete paths to accommodate the residents of the hospice house and allow them to fully view the flower garden. According to Noah Washburn, University of Arkansas 4-H youth development director, even just one day of service can have an impact on local communities. Washburn said that the projects

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Service: Members of Union County’s six 4-H groups pause for a photo during their beautification project at the John R. Williamson Hospice House of LifeTouch Hospice in El Dorado for the statewide One Day of Service project. — Courtesy photo

local 4-H groups choose are not random, and that the groups often work with other community groups to participate in projects that will

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impact the local community directly. Ford said that the 4-Hers chose to do their service project at the LifeTouch Hospice House

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because several members have had grandparents use the services offered by LifeTouch Hospice. “This is a wonderful facility and has everything that a family needs so they don’t have to leave their loved one,” Ford said. “I, too, saw firsthand the amenities that are offered to the families and it really makes you want to give back.” According to the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Union County 4-Hers represented just one of 53 counties and more than 2,500 members with registered projects for 4-H’s One Day of Service. “Community service is part of our 4-H curriculum and an essential part in achieving one of the 4-H goals of developing independent and responsible citizens,” Washburn said. There are six 4-H groups throughout Union County. For more information, contact Cynthia Ford at the Union County Cooperative Extension Service at 870.814.1916 or email ccford@uaex.edu.

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