Volume 9 - No. 38

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Nov. 13, 2013

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Festival of Trees upcoming p. 2

Question of the Week

What Thanksgiving dessert are you most looking forward to?

Honoring All

« LaBaron Moore

Community comes together to honor three fallen soldiers on Veterans’ Day

“Sweet potato pie.”

Brooke Burger Editor

On the morning of Veterans’ Day, members of the community gathered on the lawn of the El Dorado Conference Center to remember the nation’s veterans, and specifically three of Union County’s own fallen soldiers.

The program, presented by the American Legion Roy V. Kinard Post 10 in collaboration with South Arkansas Community College, marked the dedication of three granite memorial benches for the local military servicemen killed during the War on Terror: brothers Jeremy and Benjamin Wise, both killed in action in

VET continued on Page 6 Veterans’ Day Address: Steve Gray, Military and Veterans Liaison for Sen. John Boozman, offered the Veterans’ Day address at Monday’s program.

» Jessica Medlin “Pecan pie.”

« Jonathan Grayson Sr. “The Dallas Cowboys’ Thanksgiving game – that’s my favorite team.”

» Jennifer Medlin “Oreo pie.”

— Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

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SAAC now reserving trees for The Festival of Trees Partnering for the 13th year, SAAC and Salvation Army to donate trees to families in the community

Taking a cue from the holiday production of “A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol,” the South Arkansas Arts Center will celebrate “A Vintage Christmas” with the 13th annual celebration of The Festival of Trees, sponsored by Deltic Timber.

“Let your memories take you back to a simpler time when the world wasn’t in such a rush and family and friends gathered to share the spirit of the season by giving unto others,” said Darrin Riley, media relations for SAAC. “Open your hearts and let this year’s theme spark the imagination as SAAC prepares for their 13th celebration of generosity, friendship and community, just like the days of yore.”

SAAC is now reserving trees, which can be adopted and decorated by individuals, businesses,

Friday, Nov. 29 at 7 p.m. at the Arts Center, located at 110 East Fifth St., in El Dorado. » Decorating: Nov. 25-26 from Once again, SAAC will work 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. hand in hand with the Salvation » Exhibition: Nov. 29 – Dec. 8 Army as Capt. Bobby Carr helps ensure that the decorated trees » Awards Reception: Friday, are given to less fortunate famiNov. 29 at 7 p.m. lies throughout the community » Where: South Arkansas Arts at the conclusion of the festival.

Center, 110 East Fifth St. Tree decorating participants may » Contact: For more informachoose to donate their tree and tion, call 870.862.5474 or go decorations to a family in need to www.saac-arts.org. as chosen by the Salvation Army, or the decorators may opt to deliver the tree to the charitable and civic and social groups.

Once reserved, the trees will destination of their choice.

To reserve a tree, contact Kelly be available for decorating from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday and Campbell at the Arts Center by Tuesday, Nov. 25-26. The fes- calling 870.862.5474. More intival exhibition will run from formation about The Festival Nov. 29 through Dec. 8, with of Trees can be found online at an awards reception hosted on www.saac-arts.org.

F e s t i v a l o f Tr e e s

‘Thor: The Dark World’ goes big for a laugh-filled superhero epic Nathan Ligon

Red Carpet Crash

At this point, Thor may be a household name (being part of the biggest superhero franchise ever and all), but it’s easy to forget that just a few short years ago most were unaware of his Marvel roots.

In addition, there were those, like myself, who were aware of the character but really did not like him or found him to be cheesy. So, because of this uncertainty, Marvel had to be very careful with the amount of money they through at the original Thor movie.

The result was a film that had a lot of surprisingly fun characters, an entertaining story and a lot of potential, but the epic nature of what was possible in such an expansive universe was lost. Then came Marvel’s “The Avengers” and all that completely changed. I mean, the movie only made $1.5 billion worldwide and ushered in one of the largest franchises in history, which is why it should come as little surprise that the new Thor movie is considerably more action-packed.

Thor: The Dark World » Release date: Nov. 8.

» Rated: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi action and violence, and some suggestive content.

» Stars: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Tom Hiddleston, Anthony Hopkins, Christopher Eccleston, Jaimie Alexander, Zachary Levi, Ray Stevenson, Rene Russo, Kat Dennings and Stellan Skarsgård.

» Director: Alan Taylor.

» RCC Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

» Run time: 112 min.

As a matter of fact, I watched the previous film just a few days ago and I would argue that there is twice the action in “Thor: The Dark World” – so much so, that I am sure you will read a handful of people who say the movie sacrifices character or leaves a few unanswered questions (like who rebuilt the Bifröst exactly?).

They have a point, but when you are having this much fun it is hard to care. I’m pretty sure most of you will be perfectly willing to overlook those things, sit back and enjoy this epic ride.

Now, many of you will not care less about seeing more stuff

blowing up or watching Thor wield his hammer a bit more. Luckily, it’s not just the action that has improved with more money being thrown at this film. It is just about everything. The film is funnier, the story is more interesting, the characters are more likable, and the scenery is downright breathtaking at times.

In the first film we got a few brief spells in Asgard and Yodenheim, but 90 percent of the time we were stuck in middle-of-nowhere New Mexico – not exactly a huge canvas for a superhero spectacle.

“Thor: The Dark World” completely fixes this problem. The

movie honestly takes place in so many places that I can’t really remember all of them. It opens in a place known as the Dark World, moves to a big battle on Anaheim (I think), then catches up with Jane Foster (a typically charming Natalie Portman) in London, takes a detour in some lost realm, spends a lot of time on Asgard, and at some point even briefly returns to the land of the Frost Giants for a bit of fun. In other words, the whole thing is on a significantly more epic scale than anything we have seen yet in the Marvel universe.

All these locations, special effects and scenery make for quite the spectacle. In fact, there is one scene in which the Asgardians send their dead, in boats set aflame, off the edge of a waterfall into the universe that will give anything you’ve seen in “Star Wars” or “Avatar” a run for its money.

Yet all of this money can never make up for the real secret weapon of the Marvel universe – humor.

This movie is absolutely hilarious. I

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Managing finances when single can be easier with accountability Dear Dave, Do you have any tips for how a single person can stay on track with their finances?

— Debbie

Donation: Union County Animal Protection Society Board president Sandra Maguire (center, left) accepts a check from Clean Harbors site manager Dan Roblee. Clean Harbors recently supplied UCAPS with a month’s supply of pet food and other provisions. Also in attendance were (from left) UCAPS

shelter manager Tanya Jackson with Sam, UCAPS Board member Jennifer Davis with Teddy Bear, UCAPS Board vice president Dean Storey, Clean Harbors public relations officer Christy Gunter, Clean Harbors employees Jan Black, Roderick Greene and Barbara Pitre. — Courtesy photo

A month’s worth of help Clean Harbors provides UCAPS with month’s supply of provisions

Clean Harbors recently presented the Union County Animal Protection Society animal shelter with a month’s supply of pet foods and other pet provisions, including cleaning supplies.

“We feel there is a strong connection between Clean Harbors and UCAPS. Clean Harbors is all about providing a cleaner and safer environment and we believe UCAPS strives to provide a better environment for the animals and pet owners in our community,” said Christy Gunter, Clean Harbors public relations officer.

According to Gunter, the company decided to pitch in and help when they realized the delicate balance between operating costs and the

contributions the animal shelter relies on to stay in operation.

“Many of our employees support the services provided by the UCAPS effort. When we became aware of just how much it takes to operate their facility, we decided to step in and see what we could do to help,” Gunter said. “The biggest difference is that so much of what UCAPS does relies solely on the contribution of others. This is Clean Harbors’ way of saying thank you, and we hope that our contribution might encourage others to contribute as well.”

More information can be found online for UCAPS at www.ucaps shelter.org and for Clean Harbors at www.cleanharbors.com.

DAVE Says

college she also took on $20,000 in student loan debt. Since that time she experienced a serious illness.

Dear Debbie, She’s recovering now, and it has It’s really pretty simple. The really changed her behavior and first thing is the same advice I her outlook on life, spiritual matgive to married couples, and that is to live on a monthly budget. Sit ters and money for the better. I down at the end of each month could pay off the loans for her, but and write down – on paper – all I’m wondering if there’s a better your expenses and income for the way to help.

— Eddie following month.

When you think about it, budgetDear Eddie, ing really isn’t that difficult. Some If I were in your shoes, and I had of your expenses, like your rent or mortgage payment, will be the the means to pay off her student same. If you have a car payment loan debt without putting myself (which I really hope you don’t), at risk financially, that’s exactly it will remain constant, as well. what I’d do.

Sometimes the best gift you can Things like groceries and utilities may fluctuate based on the time give a person is to let them walof year, but you can make a pret- low around for a while in the mess ty accurate estimate by looking they made. Being forced to work your way out of bad decisions and at past months.

The second thing I’d recommend irresponsible behaviors is a great is that you find someone to be your remedy in lots of cases. But in this accountability partner. It should situation, with what you’ve told be someone who is wise and good me about her previous health issue, with money and a person who loves and the fact that she’s now being you enough to call your bluff or responsible with money, behaving hurt your feelings a little when nec- and making better life choices, I’d essary. They can be a close friend, want her to be as free as possible as parent or even your pastor. Just sit she takes up this new walk. down together over a cup of coffee My advice is to try and be a huge once a month and talk about your blessing to your daughter. Right finances. You could even go over now, she’s a lot like the prodiyour budget together line by line. gal son. She’s come around in her Ideally an accountability partner thinking and realizes what’s right is someone who’s ahead of you on a and what really matters. Give her particular journey and can help di- the biggest hug she’s ever had, rect you along the path to wisdom. Eddie. Then, throw a party and It’s their job to hold you account- write a check to knock out that able for what you’re doing and student loan debt! the decisions you’re making, for — Dave your own good!

Dave Ramsey has authored four New — Dave Dear Dave, My daughter used to live an irresponsible lifestyle and was bad with money, too. While she was in

York Times best-selling books.

The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 5,000,000 listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations.

Dave is on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and online at daveramsey.com.

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Homemakers Club to ‘let the good times roll’ 40th annual Holiday Foods to celebrate a Cajun Christmas

Celebrating four decades of culinary adventure, this year the Union County Extension Homemakers Club plans to “Let the Good Times Roll” at its 40th annual Holiday Foods event on Saturday, Nov. 16.

Sponsored by the EHC and the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Services in Union County, the Holiday Foods Cajun Christmas will begin at 11 a.m. in the Ministry Center of College Avenue Church of Christ, located at 1817 North College Ave., in El Dorado. Seating is limited and guests must prepay. For information about ticket availability, contact the Union County Cooperative Extension Service at 870.864.1916.

This year’s theme, “Let the Good Times Roll,” will highlight the recipes and holiday traditions from Louisiana’s Cajun culture, according to Liz McKay, County Extension agent for Family and Consumer Sciences.

EHC members and friends will prepare the recipes to be tasted during a tasting party following the program.

Guests will receive a book of recipes for the holiday season, and extra books can be purchased for $5.

The educational program, “The Differences in the Culture and Recipes of the Cajun and Creoles,” will focus on the relocation of the Canadian French in the United States.

“It is a tragic story, but one we celebrate for their perseverance, love of cooking and traditions,” McKay said.

She added that while all dishes prepared will be Cajun dishes, not all will be “too spicy, hot or include seafood” for those with seafood allergies or an aversion to spicy foods.

The Cajun feel will carry throughout the event with jazz music from the El Dorado High School jazz band under the direction of conductor Alex Michaels. As well, Michael Odom will play Zydeco to heighten

Let the Good Times Roll A Cajun Christmas the Cajun atmosphere. Guests will also receive Mardi Gras beads at the door and the venue will include themed-decorations throughout to help guests get into the Cajun spirit.

Last year, the EHC adopted a Christmas tradition from the featured area, the Mediterranean, by putting small gifts and candy in shoes. Through the program, the EHC collected 140 pairs of shoes and donated them to the Boys and Girls Club David A. Wetherington Unit. This year, McKay said the group wants to continue the tradition of collecting shoes for children, which they are calling The Festival Shoes, as a community service project of Holiday Foods.

Individuals can donate shoes (no sandals) prior to the event at the Union County Cooperative Extension Services office, located at 307 American Road in El Dorado, or can bring them the night of the event. The EHC will donate all shoes collected to children in the local community.

Table decorations, which will be offered as door prizes, will be provided by Aydani Gardens, All About Flowers, Becca’s Florist, Burbank Furniture, Dwayne Smith Florist, El Dorado Florist and Junction City

Florist. Other door prizes will be provided by: Blackmon’s Furniture, Brookshire’s, Choices, Sherian’s Inspirational Florist, Herring’s Furniture, Lewis Upholstery, McDonad’s Grocery of Junction City, Olde Towne Store, Park’s Country Store, Wreaths and More, Charlie’s Corner, Elm Street Bakery, Especially for You, Larry’s Rexall Pharmacy, La Bella Gourmet Gifts and Delicatessen, Jefferson Street Books, Kai Sra, Magic Moments, Maggie’s Collectibles, Melvin’s Discount Pharmacy, Murphy Long Design,

Murphy-Pitard Jewelers, Seasons Home Accents, PJ’s Coffee, Spa on Main, Walmart, Union Kennel and Farm Supply and EHC members.

This year’s Holiday Foods is also supported by Smackover State Bank.

The EHC will offer a holiday special on its cookbook, “A Taste of Union County,” which will be for sale at the Holiday Foods event and the Extension office for $10, $5 off the original price. The sale will run from Nov. 16 through Jan. 3.

The cookbook is also available at Melvin’s Pharmacy and the Medical Center of South Arkansas gift shop. In addition, EHC members will be sponsoring a candy sale as a fundraiser to help defray the costs of the program.

For more information on the EHC Holiday Foods Cajun Christmas, contact the Union County Cooperative Extension Service at 870.864.1916.

The Cooperative Extension Service is a part of the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture.

For more information, go online to www.uaex.edu.

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Museum invites community to make holiday ‘Turkeybots’ SMACKOVER — The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources will hold a Thanksgiving-themed tinkering event entitled “Turkeybots” this Saturday, Nov. 16.

From 1 to 3 Saturday afternoon, the museum invites youth to experiment with electricity as they discover how to design and build an electrical circuit. Participants will first decorate a plastic cup like a turkey, after which, they will be given a motor, battery, glue stick and some electrical tape.

The challenge will be how to connect the circuit and mount it on the turkey to get the turkey to move.

Through this tinkering activity, participants will explore the basic concepts of how an electrical circuit functions and gain an understanding of how electricity powers different everyday machines. The “Turkeybot” program is a part of the museum’s Tinkering Studio, which is a part of the museum’s education outreach programming to the community. In the Tinkering Studio, participants of all ages use recycled items and artistic projects to experiment with various concepts in geometry, physics and mechanics.

The activities are designed to help participants link science and the creative process by allowing them to explore, experiment and create in a

Tinker Time with Turkeybots hands-on environment.

Participation in the program is free; however, participants will be charged a $2 fee to keep their “Turkeybot” creation. The tinkering program will take place at the museum, located at 3853 Smackover Highway in Smackover. Reservations are required due to space limitations.

For more information or to reserve a spot, contact the museum at 870.725.2877.

One of 52 Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, go online to www.amnr.org.

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mean, I have seen big-budget comedies this year that were not nearly as funny as this movie.

One of the biggest reasons for this is the inclusion of Loki (a deliciously diabolical Tom Hiddleston) in Thor’s plan to save the cosmos. Hiddleston is so good in this film that you could honestly say that Loki steals the show right out from under his brother for a while. One scene in particular, that includes one of the best cameos in recent memory, is so hilarious that I felt like I was laughing every 5 to 10 seconds. I’m sure that’s an exaggeration, but, boy, was it funny and it just got funnier as it went along.

Returning as Jane’s intern, Darcy, Kat Dennings also shines here getting loads of little laughs.

Still, even with all the humor (plus Loki almost stealing the show), this is Thor’s movie and Chris Hemsworth absolutely owns this role.

It’s amazing to think that just a few years ago he was a relatively unknown character actor, and now he is one of the biggest stars on the planet, but he certainly deserves it.

Thor is funny, compassionate, wise and fierce, all of which are traits that Mr. Hemsworth brings out with ease. It will be hard to ever imagine another actor filling these gigantic shoes.

Sadly, despite being a blast, the

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movie is not without its flaws. None of them are enough to dismiss the film in any real way, but they are noticeable. The first happens very early on with an extensive voice over by Anthony Hopkins. Then we get the same explanation in a regular scene about 40 minutes later, which makes the whole opening seem a bit pointless. There is also the way that the Bifröst has been magically repaired with no explanation as to how. Also, do not pay for the 3D on this film. It’s terrible, dark and quite fuzzy at times.

However, the biggest flaw is the villain. The bad guy here is a personality-free drone of an elf named Malekith (Christopher Eccleston), who has absolutely zero memorable traits. He mostly just stands around barking at people in the new form of Elvish that has been created for him. He is plenty evil and I enjoyed watching Thor finally beat him, but I could have done with a bit more performance out of him.

Still, these are minor quibbles about a movie that I can’t wait to go out and see again. So, whether you like superheroes or just want to have a good time at the movies, I would highly recommend you see this movie and stick around through the credits for an ending that will put a smile on your face.

Good things come to Marvel fans who wait.

Find RCC at www.redcarpetcrash.com or facebook.com/RedCarpetCrash.

One man’s legacy reflected in how much he gave back to others Ken Bridges

South Arkansas Historical Foundation

One of the most commonly seen names in science and education efforts in Arkansas belongs to a man who actually spent very little time in the state. Donald W. Reynolds built a newspaper and media empire but turned to charity in his later years, building a foundation that would last well after his passing.

Reynolds was born in Oklahoma to a salesman in 1906 and raised in Oklahoma City. His first job was selling newspapers at the railroad station. He would later enroll in the journalism program at the University of Missouri. After graduation, he eventually came to

own the Okmulgee Daily Times.

In 1940, he bought the Fort Smith Times Record, and formed the Donrey Media Group. He eventually acquired more than 100 different media outlets, including newspapers, radio and television.

As his media empire grew, he became determined to give back to the communities who had made him so successful. In 1954, he established the Donald W. Reynolds Foundation to give to local charities in Arkansas, Nevada and Oklahoma. Reynolds died in 1993, and Donrey Media was sold to benefit his foundation. The Reynolds Foundation would sup-

H

South Arkansas Historical Foundation presents

ist o ry minute

port homeless shelters, battered women’s shelters, food banks, medical research and education.

Just a handful of the foundation’s efforts in Arkansas include: Reynolds Institute on Aging at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock, libraries and community centers, numerous buildings at colleges across Arkansas, and as part of a 1999-2001 renovation, the Donald W. Reynolds Razorback

Stadium at the University of Arkansas. The Children’s Discovery Institute allows museums to bring science exhibits to children in rural communities.

Foundation directors expect the funds should be exhausted by 2022, leaving a powerful impact on dozens of communities. As Reynolds showed, the measure of a man, and his legacy, is often what he gives rather than what he acquires.

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.

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Unveiling: Family members of fallen soldier Maj. Ronald Wayne Culver watch as his memorial bench is unveiled at the Veterans’ Day program at the Arkansas 9.11 Memorial site, located on the grounds of the El Dorado Conference Center,

on Monday, Nov. 11. Two other benches were also dedicated to local military servicemen and brothers Jeremy and Benjamin Wise who also lost their lives while serving during the War on Terror. — Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

VET

the U.S. Army’s 1st Special Forces Group, 3rd Battalion, was killed in combat during his fourth deployment overseas. Benjamin Wise received posthumous awards of the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart and the Meritorious Service Medal.

An accounting supervisor at AmerCable in El Dorado, as well as a volunteer with Camp Fire, 4-H and the Boy Scouts of America, Maj. Ronald Wayne Culver died on May 24, 2010 in Iraq when his vehicle was struck by a roadside bomb. Culver was second in command of the Shreveport, La.-based 2nd Squadron on the 108th Cavalry Regiment of the U.S. Army National Guard. Serving in the military for 22 years, Culver had completed

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Afghanistan in 2009 and 2012, respectively; and Ronald Wayne Culver, killed in action in 2010 in Iraq. The benches are located at the Arkansas 9.11 Memorial site on the grounds of the El Dorado Conference Center.

Sterling Claypoole, a professor at SouthArk and an organizer for the memorial benches, noted that placing the benches on the site of the Arkansas 9.11 Memorial made sense and gave the memorial a sense of closure.

“These men were in the War on Terror because of that piece of steel, and it just kind of culminates

that memorial,” Claypoole said.

“These three men paid the ultimate price as heroes of our nation and our community.”

Growing up in El Dorado, the Wise brothers were both graduates of West Side Christian High School. Jeremy Jason Wise died on Dec. 30, 2009 in a suicide bombing near the Afghan city of Khost. A former Navy SEAL with eight years of service, Jeremy Wise had been working as a part of the CIA’s security detail in support of Operation Enduring Freedom when he died.

Two years later, Jeremy Wise’s younger brother was killed in action on Jan. 15, 2012 in Balkh Province in Afghanistan. Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Wise, a Green Beret with

three separate tours of duty in Iraq dating back to Desert Storm.

The Guardsman received the Combat in Action Badge, Purple Heart, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Armed Forces Reserve Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon and many others.

For Claypoole, there was no better time to dedicate the three memorial benches to El Dorado’s local heroes than as a part of the American Legion’s annual community-wide

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Fall into these new reads at the SouthArk Library this fall Lauri Wilson

dead serious about their blood ties, whisky making and revenge.

Check out “Feud: The Hatfields and McCoys, the True Story” by Dean King. Your obnoxious brother-in-law won’t be so bad once you read this in-depth story of a legendary dispute that eventually reached the U.S. Supreme Court.

South Arkansas Community College

Autumn is here and the long nights might give you time for a new book! Here are some suggestions for those times when the football game isn’t going your way or all the leaves are raked up.

» Fun with Philosophy

Speaking about piles of leaves, there are almost as many books about philosophy on our shelves.

Not happy with one? Choose another – even the names are fun.

Start off with “Star Wars and Philosophy: More Powerful than You Can Possibly Imagine,” or “The Hobbit and Philosophy: For When You’ve Lost Your Dwarves, Your Wizard and Your Way.” But if those don’t work for you, you can always try “The Big Lebowski and

» A Ride with Fiction Philosophy: Keeping Your Mind Limber with Abiding Wisdom.”

» Family Feuding

Along with fall comes Thanksgiving – time for family! If your family gathering is stressful, it may seem like it’s a gathering of the Hatfields and McCoys; but actually, those feuding families were

Hays Rental to raise funds for employee at fundraiser Friday Raffle tickets and lunch plates will be available for $5 each

This Friday Hays Rental will host a fundraiser to benefit employee Chris Sideroff.

The fundraiser will include lunch, giveaways and musical entertainment from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15. Mack Ballard and John Ingram Co. will provide lunch, which will include a pulled pork sandwich, chips and a cookie.

Guests are invited to stay and eat lunch at the event or purchase it to go. Large to-go orders should be preordered no later than 10 a.m. the day of the event.

Mike Nutter of Milam Construction and Dusty Burroughs of Hays Rental will provide live music entertainment while guests stay for lunch and a chance to win several prizes. Raffle items include a deer

stand re-purposed from a Port-aPotty, a $200 rental certificate and $100 rental certificate from Hays Rental, Yeti coolers, a Bayou Classic deep fryer and more.

Lunch plates cost $5 per plate and raffle tickets cost $5 per ticket, but donations of any amount are welcome and appreciated, said owner John Hays. All money raised will go directly to Sideroff to help with medical costs, he added.

“Our ‘Little Boss’ has always been there for us and we want to return the favor,” Hays said.

The fundraiser will take place at Hays Rental, located at 525 West Hillsboro St., in El Dorado. For more information, call 870.862.4935 or visit Hays Rental on Facebook at facebook.com/HaysRental.

Did you know the South Arkansas Community College library has a selection of young adult books?

Marketed for teens, they’re increasingly read by adults – for example, the “Harry Potter” series and the “Twilight” series are both YA. The newest series we’ve added is the “Maximum Ride” series by James Patterson. These books follow the adventures of a group of unusual kids with a very special

genetic mutation: the ability to fly.

» Tech for the Non-techie iPad make you mad? “iPad: The Missing Manual” by J.D. Biersdorfer is the owner’s manual that should have been in the box but wasn’t. Now you can finally figure out how to take media with you, use email, get online, post to social media, share photos, use maps and all the other great features that you’ve heard about but just didn’t know how to use.

Remember to bring your photo ID if you want to get a library book.

Lauri Wilson is a library technician at South Arkansas Community College. All of the books mentioned in Shelf Life are available at the SouthArk Library, located at 300 Summit Ave. in El Dorado. The library is open to the public. For more information, call 870.864.7115.

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.

UCAPS recently welcomed eight little Alley Cats born to Mama Alley Cat. Eventually these kittens (and their mother) will be available for adoption.

Until then, help out by sponsoring to spay a stray!

Let’s alter this community one feline at a time! For more information on sponsorships, call UCAPS.

Want To Help?

Find the Union County Animal Protection Society on Facebook for more information on supply and monetary donations and volunteer opportunities.

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Scouting stays active Boy Scouts wraps up the year, prepares for coming events

The Scouting program in lower Arkansas continues to prepare young people to make ethical choices over their lifetime.

This is what Boy Scouts is committed to – although some might think it is all about camping, hiking and canoeing; indeed, Scouting is a lot more than that.

Scouting for Food

There are many ways to show community spirit and involvement. One of the best ways for Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts to show their involvement is through the Scouting for Food campaign.

Throughout the De Soto Area Council, we have collected over 15,000 pounds of food and conducted more than 400 volunteer service hours.

Fall Camporee

Through rain, sleet, snow or hail, you’ll find the scouts of De Soto Area Council camping in the unpredictable Arkansas climate. Hosted by the Three Rivers district, Oct. 11-13, Scouts and their families enjoyed the scenic views of Lake Chicot State Park at Fall Camporee. Changing the program up from years past, the event hosted not only Boy Scouts, but Cub Scouts too.

As the Boy Scouts engineered a home-made flagpole and competed in blindfold tent pitching, string burn and a dessert competition, the Cub Scouts honed their skills in BB shooting and archery, made bird feeders and played disc golf.

Thank you to Terry Crook, Michael Hollis, Mike and Teresa Morgan, and all other volunteers who made the Fall Camporee/ Cub Fun Day possible!

Cub Adventure Weekend

From Oct. 18-20, more than 300 participants flooded the banks of Camp De Soto’s ponds at this year’s Cub Scout Adventure Weekend – Fishing Derby.

Being the council’s first large event after fall recruitment, the staff came prepared and ready with a program the whole family could enjoy.

Friday night, attendees watched a movie in the dining hall complete with popcorn and refreshments before resting up for a long Saturday.

Throughout Saturday morning, Cub Scouts and their families made their way around camp participating in BB shooting, canoeing, crafts, archery and the Bobcat badge requirements for our new guys. After a hamburger lunch and a few hours of fishing, the camp gathered around the dining hall for awards, cooked in their campsites, and stayed entertained at closing campfire.

If you missed it this year, join us on Jan. 24-26, 2014 for the Cub Scout Klondike Derby Winter Camp.

Council Annual Meeting

On Dec. 10, the De Soto Area Council will convene its annual meeting at Simmons First Bank in El Dorado.

All members of the Council are strongly encouraged to attend along with Chartered Organization Representatives, Honorary Lifetime members, Advisory Council members and Executive Board members.

At this meeting, we will elect the 2014 Executive Board and

SCOUTS continued on Page 12

VET

continued from Page 6

Veterans’ Day program.

“This is the reason why we have veterans day – to honor the men and the women who have sacrificed, and at times have sacrificed everything – like Jeremy Wise and Ben Wise and Wayne Culver,” Claypoole said.

“Our hope is that there is a renewal of understanding, a renewal of honor and of respect for all of the sacrifices that our military, our veterans and their families have given for us. We don’t want them to be forgotten. We sure don’t want to forget that there were three men from El Dorado who, because of their selflessness and because of their desire to make this world better, they went to war and fought for freedom and they gave everything for all of us here in El Dorado and Union County and the world.”

Project leader for the memorial benches State Representative Matthew Shepherd also noted the significance of having the memorial benches located on the grounds of the El Dorado Conference Center, adjacent to the community college,

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9

on the busiest street in the city, and in view of downtown El Dorado, as well as symbols of commerce, industry and the justice system.

“Having this ceremony at this location and dedicating these benches at this location, we’re reminded of our freedoms that are preserved by each of these three men and all of you veterans who have time and time again answered the call,” Shepherd said.

Lead by Master of Ceremonies Jerry Earnest, American Legion Post 10 Commander, the Veterans’ Day program also included an address by Steve Gray, Military and Veterans Liaison for Sen. John Boozman.

Noting that less than 1 percent of all Americans are in uniform, Gray told the large crowd in attendance that freedom is a fragile thing. Quoting Ronald Reagan, he said, “Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction.”

“You have all these wonderful and coveted gifts that millions of veterans continue to fight to preserve,” Gray said. “If you take these freedoms for granted, then you are at risk of losing them.”

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South Arkansas Leader

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COMMUNITY calendar

» SEAPORT AIRLINES FOOD 4 FLIGHT — SeaPort Airlines in El Dorado will hold its Food 4 Flight food drive to collect non-perishable foods for the local Salvation Army.

Each person who donates at least four canned food items will receive a $25 travel voucher for use on SeaPort Airlines. Travel vouchers will be good for use from Dec. 1 through Feb. 28, 2014 (rules and restrictions apply).

When: Now through Friday, Nov. 15 Where: Ticket counter at the Southwest Arkansas Regional Airport, located at Goodwin field at 418 Airport Drive; or at the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, 111 West Main St., during regular business hours.

Contact: Reservations for SeaPort Airlines can be made by calling 888.573.2767 or at www.SeaPort Airlines.com.

» Basketball Registration NOW OPEN — Registration is now open for the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado’s basketball program. Youth ages 5 through 17 are eligible to play.

The registration fee costs $60 per child and includes the 2014 membership fee to the Boys and Girls Club. Parents and guardians may register their children during the club’s regular hours from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday.

When: Now through Nov. 27 Where: Boys and Girls Club, 1201 North West Ave., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact the club at 870.863.8753. » NATURE NIGHTS — On the second Thursday of each month, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and South Arkansas Community College’s

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Your guide to events happening in communities in and around Union County.

Corporate and Community Education will team up to offer Nature Nights, a series for the entire family. The program is free and open to the public.

Space is limited, so registration is requested.

Program: Tic-TRACK-Toe. Participants will learn to identify animal tracks and make a unique tic-TRACKtoe board game to keep.

When: Thursday, Nov. 14 at 6 p.m.

Where: Center for Workforce Development, SouthArk East Campus, 3696 East Main, El Dorado Contact: For more information or to register, contact CCE at 870.864.7192 or Laura Rogers with the AGFC at larogers@agfc.state.ar.us.

» GINGERBREAD HOUSE COMPETITION — Registration is now open for the first-ever Arkansas Gingerbread Competition. Sponsored

by Main Street El Dorado and Teague Auto Group, the competition invites participants to create and submit their original gingerbread houses for a chance to win cash prizes and be displayed in a downtown business.

Registration is available at Teague Auto Group, Main Street El Dorado, PJ’s Coffee, El Dorado Creamery and Elm Street Bakery, or online at teague autogroup.com. Assembly should be completed off-site and some rules and restrictions apply.

Registration: Registration is free and forms must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 15.

When: Entries are due by 5 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 18.

Where: The Spot, suite 102, 106 West Main St., El Dorado Contact: For more information on registration or guidelines, contact Brandy

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.

to www.SouthArkansasSymphony.org.

Givens at 870.862.2900 or brandy givens@teagueautogroup.com. » ‘Toast the Night Away’ fundraiser — The El Dorado Service League and Murphy-Pitard Jewelers will present Toast the Night Away with all proceeds going to benefit the children of Union County. Tickets cost $50 per person and include an open bar, heavy hors d’oeuvres, live/ silent auction, and music by 32 Strikes.

Guests should wear cocktail attire.

Event photography will be provided by Laird Photography and Joanna Benson of Fringe Photography. A $20 Champagne Toast could win one lucky guest a diamond donated by Murphy-Pitard.

When: Saturday, Nov. 16 from 7 p.m. to midnight Where: El Dorado Golf & Country Club, 101 Shady Side St., El Dorado Contact: For more information or to purchase tickets, contact any Service League Member; Kris Madison at 870.866.3590; or Christy Wheeler at 870.814.6535. » LIGHT, BRIGHT AND CLEAR Concert — The South Arkansas Symphony will present “Light, Bright and Clear,” featuring all-brass performances from the I-49 Brass Quintet and the principal brass players of the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra.

Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for college students and $5 for children in grades K-12.

When: Sunday, Nov. 17 at 3:30 p.m.

Where: First United Methodist Church, 121 Harrison Ave., Camden Contact: For more information or to purchase tickets, contact the South Arkansas Symphony office at 870.862.0521 or 800.792.0521; or go

» LIFE TOUCH’S ‘COPING WITH THE HOLIDAYS’ — Life Touch Hospice invites anyone who has suffered a loss to join them for a seminar on coping with the holidays. The program will offer encouragement on getting through this time of year, as well as offering insights on basic things individuals can do for themselves.

Guests will receive free handouts and booklets to take home. The event is free and open to the public.

When: Monday, Nov. 18 from 6 to 7 p.m.

Where: Conference Room, Life Touch Hospice, 2301 Champagnolle Road, El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact Life Touch toll free at 866.378.0388, or go to the website at www.lifetouchhospice.org. » LECTURE SERIES PRESENTS ‘THE BEAVER’ — Jerry Mathers of “Leave It to Beaver” fame will speak at South Arkansas Community College’s Lecture Series. “The Golden Age of Television and Media Trends Today” will include Mathers’ behindthe-scenes stories about “Leave It to Beaver” and other projects, as well as his thoughts on current trends in TV. Mathers’ talk will be followed by a question-and-answer session and a reception. The event is free and open to the public.

When: Thursday, Nov. 21 at 7 p.m.

Where: El Dorado Conference Center, 311 South West Ave., El Dorado Contact: For more information about the Lecture Series, call 870.864.7156.

Crossword and Sudoku Answer Key

Nov. 6

11•13•13

... for hundreds of FREE classifieds!

L

SUDOKU

EADER

To solve a sudoku, the numbers 1 through 9 must fill each row, column and box. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and box.

You can figure out the order in which the numbers will appear by using the numeric clues already provided in the boxes.

Union County's free source for community news and more

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General Manager Jay Helm jay_helm@noalmark.com

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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South Arkansas

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

South Arkansas Leader

WEEKLY RECIPE

Add some flavor and spice to a favorite holiday side dish While holiday dinners, especially Thanksgiving dinner, are a beloved tradition for many, that does not mean home cooks cannot experiment in the kitchen on the big day. Those looking to spice up a favorite side dish may consider “Jammin’ Roast Potatoes” from Helen Willinsky’s “Jerk From Jamaica” (Ten Speed Press).

Jammin’ Roast Potatoes

Ingredients:

Serves 4 to 6 » 3 pounds potatoes » 1 medium red onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices » 1 medium yellow onion, cut into 1/4-inch slices » 1 red bell pepper, seeded, deribbed, and cut into 1/4inch pieces » 5 cloves garlic, minced » 1 habanero or serrano chili, seeded and minced » 5 tablespoons vegetable oil » 3 tablespoons Dry Jerk Seasoning » 2 tablespoons hot sauce » 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions:

» 1 teaspoon salt Dry Jerk Seasoning Makes 5 tablespoons » 1 tablespoon onion flakes » 1 tablespoon onion powder » 2 teaspoons ground dried thyme » 2 teaspoons salt » 1 teaspoon ground Jamaican allspice » 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg » 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon » 2 teaspoons sugar » 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper » 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper » 2 teaspoons dried chives or green onions

Scrub the potatoes and dice into 1/2-inch cubes; place in a bowl, cover with cold water and soak for about 20 minutes. Drain the potatoes and spread them out on a towel to let them dry. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Place the potatoes in a bowl with the onions, bell pepper, garlic and chili, and toss them with the vegetable oil to coat. Mix the dry jerk seasoning, hot sauce, black pepper and salt with the potatoes. Pour the potato mixture onto a baking sheet and spread out evenly. Put in the oven and, after 20 minutes, turn. Continue baking for another 20 minutes, or until the potatoes are lightly browned and crisp (if needed, continue baking every 10 minutes until crisp). Remove from the oven, scrape into a serving bowl, and serve hot.

Dry Jerk Seasoning: Mix together all the ingredients.

Store leftover seasoning in a tightly closed glass jar. It will keep its pungency for more than a month.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Reverberation 5. Sonny’s ex wife 9. Drives elephant 11. High-spirited tomboy 13. Plans 15. Gather materials together 16. Brew 17. Discovery child star 19. Stalk of a moss capsule 21. Capital of Yemen 22. Local area network 23. Belgrade River 25. Straight or bobby 26. Tennis player rank 28. Helped (archaic) 30. Lounges 32. Dove sounds 34. Int’l relief organization

35. Planted crops 37. Gobblers 39. Animal companions 40. Firth of Clyde city and river 42. Korean writer Mogeum 44. 007’s creator Flemming 45. Ursine animal 47. Voyage 49. Pageant title 54. A woman’s undergarment 55. A treeless grassy plain 56. Anarchic 58. Gun dog 59. Coat of wool 60. These (old English) 61. Somalian shilling

CLUES DOWN 1. Birds of prey 2. Fastest land animal 3. Judge’s moniker (abbr.)

4. Part of Uttar Pradesh 5. Italian crooner Perry 6. Syringe 7. Articles fit to eat 8. Replace spent bullets 9. International metal polish 10. New Mexico artist town 11. Elf (Brit.)

12. Glowing gas element 14. Break suddenly 15. Blue colored 18. Br. children’s author Blyton 20. Limicoline bird 24. Burn plants 26. Gulf of, Aegean Sea inlet

27. Clysters 29. Leguminous fruit 31. Large tub 33. Member of U.S. Navy 35. Having physical sensation 36. Colors clothes 38. Plural of 33 down 39. Grouped by twos 41. Fence bar 43. Cherry brandy 44. Pixies 46. Canadian flyers 48. Emit coherent radiation 50. Lot 51. Area units 52. Russian space station 53. Tools for holes 57. Fifth sign of the zodiac

Answer key on page 10.

11

12

South Arkansas Leader

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SCOUTS

continued from Page 9

officers, and conduct a review of 2013.

Boy Scout Winter Camp

What better way to kick-off the 2014 camping season than by joining us Jan. 17-19 at Camp De Soto for the 2014 Winter Camp!

Will it be cold enough to earn your Polar Bear patch or will we have weather commonly called an “Indian Summer?” Be prepared for both. This year the Camp De Soto staff and volunteers would like to see the camp jumping with troop pride and spirit.

Patrols are extremely encouraged to make patrol flags and carry them to meals and campfires.

Cub Scout Winter Camp

This year’s Cub Scout winter camp is going to be full of excitement. The weekend for the camp out will be Jan. 24-25, 2014. The main event for the weekend will be a Klondike derby which will feature all kinds of fun competitions.

It was such a hit last year we are doing it again. Depending on the

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weather, you may get to earn the Polar Bear patch.

South Arkansas Leader’s

PLAYERS WEEK

Eagle Banquet

The 2014 Eagle Dinner celebrating the 2013 class of eagles has been scheduled for Feb. 8, and will be held at the College Avenue Church of Christ in El Dorado.

This is a great time to celebrate Scouting and honor the young men that have accomplished such high achievement. We hope each and every one of you will join us for this special celebration. As always, the night will end with Dr. Bob’s closing video.

To date, our 2013 Eagle Scouts are: Matthew Cater, Troop 67; Jonathan Polk, Troop 120; Joshua Calloway, Troop 96; Jeremy Weih, Troop 67; Bijan Dadgar, Troop 96; Joshua Zeigler, Troop 120; Eric Rogers, Troop 96; Eryk Villano, Troop 18; and Louis Hocking, Jr., Troop 42.

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.

OF THE

W I L D C A T S

CLAYTON BROWN sponsored by

Michelle Balstad State Farm

BUCKAROOS DEFENSE sponsored by

Smackover Motors

Help KIX Give on Nov. 23

Join forces with KIX 103 and the Salvation Army this holiday season with the KIXGIVING Care Drive and the Salvation Army Turkey Drop!

Care Drive! Donate non-perishable food items to restock the Salvation Army food pantry during KIX 103’s live broadcast from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Brookshire’s on North West.

Turkey Drop! Donate turkeys for the Salvation Army’s Thanksgiving meals and soup kitchen during the Turkey Drop from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at both Brookshire’s stores.

B U C K A R O O S