Volume 9 - No. 39

L

FREE • TAKE ONE • FREE • TAKE ONE

South Arkansas

EADER

Nov. 20, 2013 Volume 9 – No. 39 WANT MORE?

facebook.com/saleader

Moving mountains

Parmalee to play downtown p. 12

Question of the Week

What is something on your bedside table? « Ashlee Black “A lamp.”

» Angela Harper “Cookies.”

« Shakela Mitchell “Books.”

Teamwork: Executive director of the South Arkansas Developmental Center for Children and Families, Rita Taunton (right) presents an award to longtime SADCCF

board member Helen Landes during the SADCCF’s 40th anniversary last Friday. Taunton thanked the community for its longtime support. — Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

Brooke Burger

One dream. One community. 40 years later.

Four decades ago the South Arkansas Developmental Center for Children and Families was in a bit of a quagmire, literally and figuratively. According to executive

director Rita Taunton, who’s been At the SADCCF’s 40th anniverwith the nonprofit since its in- sary celebration Friday, Nov. 15, ception, the center was sitting in Taunton joked that she, like many a loblolly of mud, in an empty people, came out of her master’s building with no more funds and a SADCCF continued on Page 5 staff of one.

Editor

» Regina Baker “Kindle.”

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

|

2

South Arkansas Leader

11•20•13

Log on to www.eldoark.com ...

‘The Power of Words’

South Arkansas African American Historical Society to host speaker from Wiley College

Back In Time: The South Arkansas Arts Center invites the audience to step back in time during its winter production of “A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol,” with cast members (seated, from left) Sherry Bradfute, Mary Egerer, Margaret Gray; (standing, from left) Mike Means, Thomas Brewster, Joy Senn, Roland Bradfute, Dennis Keeton, Hali Sweeney, Brian Points, Susan Tolin and Ronnie Clay. The play is set to open Friday, Nov. 29 and runs through Dec. 8. — Courtesy photo

Holiday production to take audience back to yesteryear This winter the South Arkansas Arts Center will invite the crowd to become “part of the show” as it brings the golden age of radio to a modern audience with Walton Jones’ “A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol” in the Callaway Theatre Nov. 29 through Dec. 8.

Sponsored by Simmons First Bank of El Dorado, the production recreates the mayhem and magic of an authentic World War II live radio broadcast on Christmas Eve of 1943 in a comedy peppered with music.

The cast includes familiar and new faces to the SAAC stage, including: Ronnie Clay will lead the ensemble as station owner and the “voice” of WOV, Clifton Feddington. Margaret Gray portrays the station’s leading lady, Judith Davenport. Roland Bradfute will tackle the character of William St. Claire, a veteran stage and screen actor. Hali Sweeney will take on the role of rising star Margie O’Brien; while Joy Senn plays rambunctious riveter Sally Simpson.

Brian Points will play leading lothario Fritz Canigliaro. Susan Tolin will portray the station ingénue Jackie Sparks, and WOV’s stage

‘A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol’ opens on Nov. 29 manager Esther Lewis Pirinie will be played by Mary Egerer. Bringing in the sound will be Mike Means, playing WOV’s sound effectician Isadore “Buzz” Crenshaw, and Thomas Brewster, playing sound operator and local wiseguy Charles “Cholly” Butts.

Rounding out the comedic cast are Dennis Keeton as hotel concierge Harold Mullins; Sherry Bradfute as music director Toots Navarre; and Karen Watson as Faith Navarre, the station’s narcoleptic piano player.

The holiday production of “A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol” is being produced as a part of SAAC’s education mission through a directing workshop. Under the guidance of SAAC’s executive director Jack Wilson and drama instructor Darrin Riley, four local actors (Mark Barton, Thomas Brewster, Brian Points

RADIO continued on Page 4

The South Arkansas African Productions. The film starred American Historical Society will Academy Award-winners Washinghost its 2013 Marzell W. Smith ton and Forrest Whittaker.

Recognition Annual Dinner at Founded in 1873, Wiley College 7 p.m. on Saturday, is a primarily libNov. 23 at Washingeral arts institution ton Middle School, Annual affiliated with the located at 601 MarR e c o g n i t i o n United Methodist tin Luther King Church. The 2007 Dinner Drive in El Dorado. film chronicled the The event will host true story of pro» What: Marzell W. Smith Richard Johnson, of fessor Melvin TolRecognition Annual Dinner the historical Wiley son, a controversial College, as the key- » When: Saturday, Nov. 23 debate team coach, note speaker. Johnat 7 p.m. who used the power son serves as direcof words to shape tor of the Academy » Where: Washington Middle a group of underSchool, 601 Martin Luther for Student Success dog students from King Drive, El Dorado at Wiley College. the small AfricanLocated in MarAmerican college in » Contact: For tickets or shall, Texas, Wiley the deep south into a more information, call College is one of historically elite de870.814.1349. the oldest historibate team, leading cally black colleges them on a 10-year west of the Mississippi River. The winning streak in the 1930s. four-year, private institution gained Following Wiley College’s inspinational notoriety in 2007 with the rational debate coach, Johnson will film, “The Great Debaters,” di- speak on “The Power of Words” at rected by Denzel Washington and the annual dinner Saturday night. produced by Oprah Winfrey and WORDS continued on Page 8 her production company, Harpo

11•20•13

... for hundreds of FREE classifieds!

South Arkansas Leader

3

As the season of giving approaches, teach kids about giving with action Dear Dave, What are some good ways to teach a 13-year-old kid about giving versus getting during the holiday season?

— Phillip

Cattle Call: Beef producers in Arkansas and surrounding states have not been exempt from the woes of a struggling economy, in addition to facing their own unique challenges. The Four State Cattle Conference will take place Dec. 3 in Texarkana to help cattle farmers address these issues. — Courtesy image

Cattle conference to address needs of beef producers in Arkansas, surrounding states Kelli Reep

Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture

TEXARKANA — Beef producers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas in particular have weathered some difficult economic issues in the past few years.

To learn how to deal with some of the most persistent problems, beef producers can attend the Four States Cattle Conference from 8 a.m. to 4:15 p.m. at the Four States Fairground in Texarkana on Tuesday, Dec. 3.

“The past few years have taken a toll on beef producers, and it has made some significant changes to how ranches operate in these four states,” said Paul Beck, associate professor for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “Chronic drought, high feed prices and low cattle numbers have dealt a hard blow to beef operations, and we want our producers to come out of this program with tools they can use now to remain in business.”

The conference agenda includes general and breakout sessions on weather trends, economic forecasts

and herd health. Among these session topics are: » What Does Mother Nature Have in Store? Gary McManus of the Oklahoma Climatological Service, will provide a long-range look at the weather. » Cattle Market Outlook. Extension livestock marketing specialist

CATTLE continued on Page 4

DAVE Says

Dear Dave, Do employer contributions count toward the 15 percent you recomDear Phillip, mend putting into retirement?

One of the best things you can — Brian do is simply talk about it – a lot.

Kids are bombarded with messages Dear Brian, about how important they are, and Employer contributions do not how they should always have what they want. It’s okay to have some count toward the 15 percent I recstuff, but advertising and other mar- ommend setting aside for retireketing messages in today’s culture ment. It’s nice if you work for a can make them think it’s all about company that offers perks like that, them. It can lead kids to believe the but I want you putting 15 percent of axis of the world runs through the your money into retirement.

Baby Step 4 of my plan says to tops of their little heads. put 15 percent of your income Think about this: In 1971, the avinto retirement accounts. The first erage person saw 564 advertising thing you should put money into is impressions a day. Now, that numa matching retirement account. If ber is about 4,000. The purpose of you’ve got a 401(k), a Roth 401(k) advertising is to disturb and influor a 403(b) and your employer ofence you to the point that you’ll buy fers a match, you should do that up something. Advertisers want you to to the match before anything else. believe that you’re not complete Let’s say your employer will without their product, or that you’ll match 3 percent.

Since the goal is be a happier, cooler, better person 15 percent, you’ve still got some with their product. And in most work to do.

You’ve got 3 percent cases, advertisers are more aggresof your own money already tied up sive in their teaching than parents for retirement, so then you could are in theirs. look at a Roth IRA. If the Roth plus My suggestion is to find some what you invested previously to get giving exercises in which you can the match doesn’t equal 15 percent, all participate. You could adopt a you could then look at a 403(b) or single mom at your church. Make go back to your 401(k) to hit the it a family outing, and go buy gro- 15 percent mark. ceries, gifts for her kids or even a Whatever your company matchChristmas tree. Make sure your es, whatever its pension may be kids are involved physically, men- or even military retirement, does tally and emotionally in the entire not enter into the equation. I want giving process. Let them experi- your money in your name. If your ence the grateful, and sometimes company goes broke and you have ungrateful, responses that go along a company pension, you get nothwith giving. And make sure you ing. But if you have a 401(k) and do some things that don’t involve your company dies, it’s in your money. You could take the entire name and you don’t lose it. You family to help cook and serve din- put it there; you own it. And that ner at a homeless shelter. includes the match.

One of the best things we ever Are you getting the picture, did as parents with our teenagers Brian? I want you to control was to send them on mission trips. your destiny!

It truly changed their lives. When — Dave you see real poverty close up, when you live and walk and sleep in it Dave Ramsey has authored four New day after day – I’m talking about York Times best-selling books, including “The Total Money Makeover.” death-and-disease poverty, not the The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by American version – it changes your more than 5,000,000 listeners each heart. And when you’re 13, it will week on more than 500 radio stations. change your life forever.

Follow Dave on Twitter at @Dave Ramsey and at daveramsey.com.

— Dave

4

South Arkansas Leader

11•20•13

Log on to www.eldoark.com ...

Curbing childhood obesity still an urgent matter South Arkansas Pediatric Associates

Whether your child or teen eats in the school cafeteria or packs lunch from home, establishing and maintaining healthy eating habits is more than just a matter of good nutrition – it is critically important to lifelong health and avoiding chronic disease. Childhood obesity is creating a nation of overweight youth, and a generation battling chronic weight-related diseases traditionally seen only in older adults.

Since 1980, the prevalence of obesity among children and adolescents has almost tripled, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Today, approximately 17 percent, or 12.5 million, of youth ages 2 to 19 years old are obese – triple the rate from just one generation ago.

“Overweight” is defined as having a body mass index (BMI) at or above the 85th percentile through the 95th percentile, and “obese” is defined as having a BMI at or above the 95th percentile. Being overweight has detrimental effects on a child’s self esteem, leading to a poor self-image, depression, social discrimination, unhealthy eating habits and, possibly, eating disorders. In addition to the social stigma of being overweight, the health risks for children are significant.

Numerous industry studies have shown that overweight or obese children will battle this condition for life, and those who have weight

RADIO

continued from Page 2

and Susan Tolin) will learn the nuts and bolts of directing a play from auditions to opening night. The workshop provides a way to develop new directors for the area and gives the participants a hands-on approach to creating a show from the ground up.

According to Riley, the cast and crew met a few challenges head on to make sure they brought the interactive show to the local audience on time.

“Through some very unexpected circumstances, three of our directors have had to step into the picture and play roles, proving the old adage that ‘the show must go on,’” Riley said.

Too many calories, not enough exercise are putting children at a disadvantage problem as children will be more severely overweight or obese as adults. Being overweight or obese also puts children at risk for a variety of harmful and detrimental health conditions. Many children and youth are being diagnosed as early as their teen years with these chronic conditions: high blood pressure; high cholesterol; Type 2 diabetes; breathing problems such as sleep apnea and asthma; joint problems; gallstones; heartburn and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD); and kidney disease Studies show that nearly 70 percent of obese children between ages 5 and 10 have at least one risk factor for heart disease, and nearly 30 percent had two or more heart disease risk factors.

Currently, 23.6 million children and adults in the United States – or nearly 8 percent of the population – have diabetes, and it is one of the leading causes of death by disease in the nation. Since 1987, the death rate among adults due to diabetes has increased by 45 percent.

Sadly, according to the American Diabetes Association, one in three children born in 2000 will develop diabetes at some point in his or her life. Statistics are more bleak for ethnic minorities, particularly African American and Hispanic children. The National Health and “During ‘A 1940s Radio Christmas Carol’ the audience is more than just casual observers, they are indeed part of the show, as they experience what it was like to attend a live broadcast. Prepare yourself for an unpredictable evening of laughter, snappy tunes and sending one out ‘for the boys.’”

Tickets are available now and cost $5 for students, $10 for SAAC members and $15 for the general public. To purchase tickets, contact the SAAC box office at 870.862.5474 or visit the Arts Center, located at 110 East Fifth St. in El Dorado, between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.

For more information about the production, visit www.saac-arts.org.

Nutrition Examination Survey, which tracks obesity rates, notes that obesity rates among ethnic minority children are at least 10 to 12 percent higher than obesity among Caucasian children.

The causes of childhood obesity are very basic: children eating too many calories and not getting sufficient exercise. The prevalence of sugary soft drinks, fast food and high-fat processed foods in the American diet, larger portion sizes, and increasingly sedentary lifestyles – including excessive television and video time – are primary factors. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ “Physical Activity Guidelines for

OBESITY continued on Page 9

CATTLE

Strategies for good health A nutritious diet and regular physical activity are keys to curbing childhood obesity.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, less than 25 percent of adolescents eat the recommended five or more servings of fruits and vegetables each day. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has identified five target areas to focus on for preventing and reducing obesity: » Increase consumption of fruits and vegetables. To calculate the appropriate amount of fruits and vegetables to eat per day, visit www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov for an online calculator by age, gender and physical activity. » Increase physical activity.

The CDC recommends at least one hour of physical activity per day for youth ages 6 to 17. Reduce screen time (TV, computer and video games) to one to two hours per day to curb snacking and encourage outdoor physical activity. Studies have shown that for each additional hour children spend watching TV a day, there is a 2 percent increase in the chance that they will be overweight. The American Academy of Pediatrics also recommends removing TVs from the bedroom, as children

Health continued on Page 9

» Today’s Look at Cow Size and Efficiency. Ryon Walker, of the continued from Page 3 LSU AgCenter, will provide insight into the current trends of cow size from Oklahoma State University, Derrell Peel will look at the trends and what’s efficient. » Cattle Handling. Ron Gill, in the cattle market. professor and Extension livestock » Current Tendencies in Parasite Control. Jeremy Powell, specialist for Texas A&M, will a professor and veterinarian for the demonstrate cattle handling.

For more information about the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture, will look at event, contact Beck at 870.777.9702 or pbeck@uaex.edu. ways to address parasites.

The Cooperative Extension Ser» Utilizing Baleage in the vice is part of the University of Beef Herd. Mike McCormick, of the Louisiana State University Arkansas System Division of AgAgCenter will look at the efficiency riculture. For more information, of forage harvesting and storage pos- visit www.uaex.edu or contact the sibilities provided by baled silage, Union County Cooperative Extension Service at 870.864.1916. or “baleage.”

11•20•13

... for hundreds of FREE classifieds!

SADCCF

continued from Page 1

degree program thinking she could move mountains and change the world. Instead, she said, she walked into a facility with a myriad of challenges, in addition to being at the forefront of the nation’s recognition of the growing need for services for adults and children with special needs. But, according to those in attendance Friday afternoon, Rita Taunton did move mountains and change the world, at least in Union County.

“We can’t say enough about what Rita has done,” said Mike Dumas, El Dorado Civitan Club member.

“Rita has meant so much for this city and this county and certainly for the children, young and old, that have come up through her program.”

SADCCF President Dr. Peter Carroll touted Taunton for her vision at a time when the nation was at the beginning of new trends in the area of special needs, when the life expectancy of those with special needs doubled or more, and when they were just discovering the importance of therapies for those with special needs.

“All of a sudden you had to expand your vision,” Carroll said. “There are dreamers, many of us are, but there are few who can take a dream and make it become true. [Taunton] took us as a community and helped us to become what we could be, and we are gaining on it all of the time.”

But as the first and only staff member of the SADCCF, Taunton walked into her empty facility and she said she quickly decided to call on help.

She sought out her close colleagues, civic organizations and even her sorority sisters to start building the bones of an institution that now staffs four locations serving families across eight counties.

“And then I got busy trying to figure out what to do with all these things that were not yet completed,” Taunton said.

Her first order of business was to call on the Civitan Club, an organization that had long been answering the call to help assist those with special needs. Then she set out talking to other civic clubs throughout the area, and she said everywhere she went, she got something.

Rotary Club passed a hat when she came in and pulled together $1,500 – a lot of money for 1973, Taunton said, but only a third of the cost of one van desperately needed for transportation.

“We didn’t have any transportation,” Taunton said. “A lot of these children that had been identified lived way out in the boonies on dirt roads, and we had to try to get out there and get them brought in.”

One by one, Taunton was using the brawn of a community known for its generosity to tackle the issues of the burgeoning program. Next on the agenda was to get therapy programs

SADCCF continued on Page 6

South Arkansas Leader

5

Newton House Museum to host Christmas Open House The South Arkansas Historical Foundation and the Preservation Society will host a Christmas Open House event from 1 to 4 p.m. this Saturday, Nov. 23 at the Newton House Museum, located at 510 North Jackson St., in El Dorado. The event is free and open to the public.

The Northwest Environmental Studies Academy Choir and the Washington Middle School Music Mix will entertain guests with a selection of holiday music. Trisha Vickers will lead the Northwest choir of first- through fourth-grade students; while Nancy Watson will lead Washington’s fifth and sixth graders.

The Open House will also feature a children’s craft table, which will allow young guests to create their own holiday craft. The Newton House gift shop will be open, featuring the Newton House’s own Mayhaw jelly. Period decorations, tours and refreshments will round out the afternoon’s activities.

The event will be held in conjunction with the Main Street El Dorado and Downtown Business Association’s Downtown Open House Weekend, scheduled from 1 to 6 p.m. on Saturday. The event will feature a variety of activities,

including a visit from Santa Claus from 1 to 4 p.m. The day will conclude with a free concert from Parmalee as a part of the Showtime Concert Series at 7 p.m. [Read more about the concert on page 12.]

For more information on the Newton House Museum’s Christmas Open House, contact the SAHF office by calling 870.862.9890 or by emailing info@soarkhistory.com.

The Preservation Society is the support organization for the South Arkansas Historical Foundation.

JFK predicts success of Greers Ferry during final visit to state Ken Bridges

South Arkansas Historical Foundation

It was a beautiful fall day in Arkansas. The date was Oct. 3, 1963.

It was the dedication of Greers Ferry Dam on the Little Red River near Heber Springs.

Greers Ferry was a hydroelectric dam project constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers beginning in 1957. President John F. Kennedy was invited to dedicate the dam. It would be one of his last major public appearances.

The bright day had attracted the political giants of the state, including Gov. Orval Faubus, U.S. senators John McClellan and

William Fulbright, and all four Arkansas congressmen.

Kennedy spoke to the crowd with his well-known charm and good humor. He praised the work of the dam and efforts to develop the resources of the nation for the prosperity of all.

He reminded critics of federal spending for the project saying, “Which is more wasteful: to let the land wash away, to let it lie arid, or to use it and use it wisely and to make those investments which will make this a richer state and country in the years to come?”

He added, “A rising tide lifts all the boats and as Arkansas

H

South Arkansas Historical Foundation presents

ist o ry minute

becomes more prosperous so does the United States.”

This would be the last time Kennedy would ever see Arkansas.

Six weeks later, he would travel to Dallas, as part of a three-day tour of Texas, as part of his work to shore up his support in a crucial state for his 1964 re-election.

In a span of seconds, the terrible shots would take the life of the

president and alter the course of American history.

Greers Ferry became the success that Kennedy predicted in his address, eventually boasting upward of 1 million visitors per year.

In the wake of his death, Arkansas would name one of the campgrounds at Greers Ferry, John F. Kennedy Campground, in his honor, in addition to a number of other landmarks across the state.

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.

6

11•20•13

South Arkansas Leader

SADCCF

continued from Page 5

into the facility. Taunton said at the time, speech, physical and occupational therapists were scarce, especially in rural areas of the state. But that didn’t change the facts – evidence overwhelming supported that what special needs children needed were therapies, Taunton said.

“We got the doors open and operated for a few years just on local charitable dollars but as more was learned in the field about the benefits of therapies – such as speech therapy, language development, occupational therapy, physical therapy – we tried to find ways to get it here,” Taunton said.

They worked out a deal with the adjacent hospital to use their therapist for a few hours a week, she said, saving many parents the drive to Little Rock or Louisiana to get those services. Now SADCCF offers speech, occupational and physical therapies, in addition to a day program for adults and an integrated preschool program for children, among other programs and services.

For parents like Sonya Eads, who is

Feel

Log on to www.eldoark.com ...

“If you were to go see my son right also the SADCCF administrator for programs and services, those very now, you would never know there programs she now oversees were was ever anything wrong,” Eads said. “So that’s an exciting thing we a godsend.

“I had a child in 2006 that was pre- get to do for a lot of our families. mature and he became one of our That’s our goal here, to put ourmost critical children; he was very selves out of business.”

As they increased their services medically compromised,” she said. and therapy pro“For me, [SADC————————— grams, Taunton CF] was a respite, began to reach a relief, so that “We really started out both my husband with very little, but with even further, combining forces with and I could work. a whole lot of caring the other 29 comHere you had the and the community munities with linursing staff on censed programs site that could working together, we throughout the tube feed him, admade it all happen.” state in 1973, to minister medicaput pressure on the tions, monitor his Rita Taunton state government oxygen levels and Executive Director, SADCCF for help. Through all of that.”

————————— their efforts, they Eads said that the services she received through got into the Medicaid reimburseSADCCF alleviated the pressure ment system, which Taunton said alfor her to be a nurse to her son 24/7 lowed them to extend their services so that when she came home from to more people with special needs.

The program has expanded from a work, she could just be a mom. And for a lot of the SADCCF’s parents, staff of one and just 24 children and that’s what the institution is – a re- 12 adults in 1973 to one of the larglief, Eads said. Not only that, but est employers in El Dorado servthrough the SADCCF’s programs, ing 230 children across eight counEads’ son is now 4 years old, healthy ties with four different facilities in El Dorado. The programs and serand on par with his peers.

the

Po wer

South Arkansas Leader’s

PLAYERS WEEK

king of Free Chec with

vices include a number of medical and therapeutic services, care programs, and partnerships with other area agencies (including Champagnolle Landing and Community Living Arrangements) as well as Arkansas Children’s Hospital.

“It’s a wonderful feeling to know that we’ve been able to make it through all of these changes that we’ve encountered in our system and yet continue to meet the needs of the people in our community and the surrounding area,” Taunton said.

“It’s really heartwarming when you see the individuals and the families who benefit from these services, and you know that you’ve touched some lives and that all of the frustration and difficult moments have resulted in someone having a better life.”

Yet Taunton was quick to note that she did not move those mountains alone.

“None of this would have become a reality without the support of the people in this community. This has truly been a community project from the very beginning,” Taunton said. “We really started out with very little, but with a whole lot of caring and the community working together, we made it all happen.”

OF THE

High Rates

Plus, Link With

kasasa saver To Earn & Automatically Save

Refunds On ATM Fees Nationwide* DO YOU KASASA?

Open now at kasasa.com/firstfinancialbank

Plu s Free debit card • Free online banking • No minimum balance requirements to earn rewards *Qualifications, limits, and other requirements apply. If qualifications are met, domestic ATM fees incurred during qualification cycle will be reimbursed and credited to account on the last day of monthly statement cycle. Limit one account per SSN. ATM receipt must be presented for reimbursement of ATM fees of $5.00 or higher.

W I L D C A T S

BIJHON JACKSON sponsored by

Michelle Balstad State Farm

WILLIE MANNING sponsored by

Smackover Motors

B U C K A R O O S

... for hundreds of FREE classifieds!

11•20•13

South Arkansas Leader

7

8

South Arkansas Leader

11•20•13

Audiences can catch up with the cast of ‘The Best Man’ in this excellent holiday sequel Monique Thompson Red Carpet Crash

The characters we fell in love with in the late ’90s in “The Best Man” are all back in the long-awaited follow-up, “The Best Man Holiday.”

After nearly 15 years apart, Harper (Taye Diggs), Robyn (Sanaa Latha), Jordan (Nia Long), Lance (Morris Chestnut), Mia (Monica Calhoun), Julian (Harold Perrineau), Candy (Regina Hall), Quentin (Terrence Howard) and Shelby (Melissa De Sousa) will all reunite during the Christmas season to catch up with each other just like old times.

When it comes to making a sequel, especially when following up on a classic such as “The Best Man” and doing it a decade and a half after first, there’s always that risk of the audience not being satisfied. But what Malcolm D. Lee has done with “The Best Man Holiday” proves that a classic can indeed have a successful follow-up 15 years later. The lapse in time has allowed the characters time to actually “live,” so to speak, adding to the audience’s curiosity as to what has been happening in the lives of their favorite characters.

With plenty of twists, turns and laughter, the cast of “The Best Man Holiday” exhibits some of their best work to date, specifically Morris Chestnut as Lance and Terrence Howard as Quentin. Without a doubt, “The Best Man Holiday” is exactly what a romantic comedy should be. There are plenty of sentimental scenes infused with laughout-loud comedic moments that keep the momentum going all the way through.

The Best Man Holiday » Release date: Nov. 15. » Run time: 129 min. » Rated: R for language, sexual content and brief nudity. » Director: Malcolm D. Lee.

Log on to www.eldoark.com ...

WORDS

High School; and Yasmyne Jones, a senior at El Dorado High School. continued from Page 2 For ticket information, contact Janice Zarebski at 870.814.1349.

Named for Marzell W. Smith The South Arkansas African for her civic contributions, the American Historical Society is a South Arkansas African American support organization for the South Historical Society sponsors the an- Arkansas African American Histonual dinner to recognize and honor ry Museum, which was founded in those in the community who have 2003 and is now located in the old also made significant contributions Carver School building at 700 Coto society. This year’s honorees in- lumbia St., in El Dorado. Formed clude: Vicky Dobson, El Dorado in 1999, the South Arkansas AfriSchool Board; Nancy Arn, Barton can American Historical Society, Public Library; Willie McGhee, located in the Gertie Bryant GoodEl Dorado City Council; Tony Hen- win home at 423 West Fifth St. in ry, El Dorado City Council; and El Dorado, aims to discover, preKensal Spivey, Arkansas Rehabili- serve and disseminate as much histation Services. The event will also tory as possible while also focusing recognize outstanding area youth, on education, living conditions, including: Philip Myles Hay, vale- churches, civic organizations, dictorian of Parkers Chapel High businesses, employment and civil School; Victoria Davis and Cordell rights. For more information on Griffin, valedictorian and saluta- either the museum or the historical torian, respectively, of El Dorado society, call 870.864.9885.

» Stars: Monica Calhoun, Morris Chestnut, Melissa De Sousa, Taye Diggs, Regina Hall, Terrence Howard, Sanaa Latha, Nia Long, Harold Perrineau and Eddie Cibrian. » RCC Rating: 4 out of 5 stars.

***SPOILER ALERT*** Although we’re speaking in terms of a romantic comedy, tragedy will strike, and it will be up to the longterm friendships that have been established over the years to get the close friends through.

Without a doubt, “The Best Man Holiday” is a definite must-see and will answer the questions that many of us wanted answers to after “The Best Man” ended. We loved the characters then and chances are you will love them even more after watching “The Best Man Holiday.”

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.

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.

Think Twice. Before you give a pet as a gift, consider buying everything a person would need to adopt a shelter pet. If you want to help a loved one get a pet, buy a gift certificate to use at a shelter when the time is right. Pair the certificate with a gift basket filled with things a new pet might need: toys, collar, leash, treats, food and bedding, to name a few. UCAPS has cats and dogs of all ages, sizes, colors and dispositions. Contact UCAPS to learn more about how to adopt, foster or sponsor a pet in need.

11•20•13

... for hundreds of FREE classifieds!

Prepare to Turkey Trot Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado to host first-ever Thanksgiving 5K

There’s still time to register for the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado’s first-ever Turkey Trot 5K run/walk, which will begin at 8:30 a.m. this Saturday, Nov. 23.

The race will begin and end at the Boys and Girls Club Northwest Unit, located at 1201 North West Ave., and will follow the route to Madison Street. The 5K will be followed by an awards ceremony at 9:45 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club. Awards will be given to first, second and third place in each age division and for overall male and female.

Divisions include: » Youth Division – ages 5-7, 8-10 and 11-15; » Adult Division – ages 16-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, and 61 and over; » Team Division – Teams must include at least three participants and run under a team name. Awards will be given for best time, best Boys and Girls Club theme and best costume.

Registration runs through race day and costs $30 per person. Registration is currently available online at http://bit. ly/17F3oBT or at the Boys and Girls Club during regular operating hours Monday through Friday. Race-day registration and packet pickup will be available from 7:15 to 8:15 a.m. at the Boys and Girls Club. All participants will receive a goody bag, T-shirt and a pumpkin pie.

However, T-shirts are not guaranteed for registrants not entered before Nov. 19.

For more information, call the Boys and Girls Club at 870.863.8753 or visit the website at www.eldoradokids.org.

Since 1939, the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado has provided engaging after-school and summer programs to thousands of the community’s most

Turkey Trot

» Race Day: Saturday Nov. 23 » Race Starts: 8:30 a.m. » Cost: $30 » Contact: To register, call 870.863.8753.

vulnerable youth. With facilities strategically located to serve the youth who need services the most, the Boys and Girls Club offers a unique array of services.

The low annual fee helps ensure that a membership is within reach of all youth who need a safe, positive place to go during non-school hours.

Over 2,000 El Dorado youth, ages 6 to 18, participate as members of the Club’s Northwest Unit and David A. Wetherington Unit. They benefit from trained, professional staff and volunteers who offer guidance, encouragement and tools needed to grow into responsible, productive and caring adults.

The Club offers access to a broad range of programs focused on: character and leadership development; education and career development; health and life skills; the arts; and sports, fitness and recreation.

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.

OBESITY

continued from Page 4

Americans” recommends at least 60 minutes of aerobic physical activity each day for children, yet only 18 percent of students in ninth through 12th grades meet this recommendation, according to the CDC. Health providers, nutritionists and educators are working together to reverse the trend. Start at home by modeling healthy eating habits, making good nutritional choices, and limiting television and video time. Instead, engage in physical activity as a family, such as walking together or going for a bike ride.

HEALTH

continued from Page 4

who watch TV in their rooms watch an average of 4.6 more hours a week and are more likely to be overweight. » Encourage breast feeding. Encouraging the duration and exclusivity of (i.e. using breast feeding as the primary source of nutrition, rather than supplementing with formula or introducing solid food early) is also beneficial.

The CDC and the AAP recommend

South Arkansas Leader

9

To learn more, visit www.the medcenter.net and click on “Health Resources” and “Interactive Tools” to test your knowledge with more than 25 quizzes and risk assessment tools and an online BMI calculator.

Or, call 870.864.3245 for information about a nutritional assessment appointment for your child.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor, but rather to increase awareness and help equip patients with information and facilitate conversations with physicians.

For more information, call the Medical Center of South Arkansas at 870.863.2000 or visit www.themedcenter.net.

breast feeding exclusively for at least the first six months of a baby’s life. » Decrease intake of sugar drinks.

Instead, choose water, low- or no-calorie drinks, or low-fat or fat-free milk. » Decrease intake of high-fat, high-calorie foods. Those foods include sweets, pre-packaged snack and processed foods. Instead, choose water-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables, reduced-fat dairy, nuts, and whole-grain breads or pastas.

For more information on healthy choices, visit choosemyplate.gov.

10

South Arkansas Leader

11•20•13

COMMUNITY calendar

» Basketball Registration 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 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.

Log on to www.eldoark.com ...

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

Deadline: Friday, Nov. 22 at 4 p.m.

Where: Entry forms are available online at goeldorado.com/parade and at the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, located at 111 West Main St. Contact: For more information on entering the parade or volunteering, contact Kay Smith at the Chamber by calling 870.863.6113.

» 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.

» THE FESTIVAL OF TREES — The South Arkansas Arts Center is now reserving trees for its 13th annual Festival of Trees, sponsored by Deltic Timber. Trees can be adopted and decorated by individuals, businesses, and civic and social groups. This year’s theme is “A Vintage Christmas.” The exhibition will run from Nov. 29 through Dec. 8 and an awards reception will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29. Following the end of the exhibition, trees will be donated to families in need through the Salvation Army, or decorators can opt to donate their tree to the charitable destination of their choice.

When: Reserved trees will be available for decorating from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Nov. 25-26.

Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St., El Dorado Contact: To reserve a tree, contact Kelly Campbell at 870.862.5474. For more information on The Festival of Trees, go online to www.saac-arts.org.

» EL DORADO CHRISTMAS PARADE — Registration is now open for the El Dorado Christmas Parade, presented by Entegra – Union Power Partners. This year’s theme is “Christmas in Candyland.” The parade is slated for Dec. 5. Cash prizes will be awarded in each division.

» FCA RUN TO THE MANGER CHRISTMAS FUN RUN — The El Dorado Christmas Parade will include a new feature this year – the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Run to the Manager Christmas Fun Run. The 1.5-mile run will go along the parade route immediately preceding the

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.

parade, which begins at 7 p.m.

When: Thursday, Dec. 5 Contact: For more information, contact Danny Rivers at 870.814.4064. » MEDICARE HOLDS 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. » NATURE NIGHTS — On the second Thursday of each month, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and South Arkansas Community College’s 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: Oh, Deer! Participants will learn a little about the white-tail deer and make something using its antlers.

When: Thursday, Dec. 12 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. » CAMDEN HOLIDAY MOVIES ON THE RIVER — The City of Camden presents Movies on the River Holiday Series on select Saturdays in November and December. The public

is invited to bring blankets, lawn chairs and stadium seats to watch holiday Hollywood blockbuster movies under the stars on a giant movie screen with theater-style sound. While guests are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks, concessions, including warm drinks, will be available for sale.

Admission is free.

Movie: “Arthur Christmas” (PG).

When: Saturday, Dec. 14 at 7 p.m., following the Christmas parade Where: Riverwalk Amphitheater, 405 Washington St. SE, downtown Camden Contact: For more information, call the city at 870.837.5500 or visit the website at www.camden.ar.gov. » 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: Christmas for the Birds.

Participants will make treats for birds that spend the winter months in Arkansas, and get a bird’s-eye view of visitors on the museum grounds.

When: Saturday, Dec. 14 at 10 a.m.

Where: Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, 3853 Smackover Highway, Smackover Contact: For more information or to register, contact the museum at 870.725.2877 or Laura Rogers with the AGFC at larogers@agfc.state.ar.us.

Crossword and Sudoku Answer Key

Nov. 13

11•20•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

Noalmark Broadcasting

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.

CROSSWORD How It Works

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

Holiday hosts should try tasty omelets for overnight guests

Holiday hosts who want their overnight guests to start their days off on the right foot should consider the following recipe for “Potato and Arugula Omelets” from Betty Rosbottom’s “Sunday Brunch” (Chronicle Books).

Potato and Arugula Omelets

Ingredients:

Serves 2 » 2.5 tablespoons unsalted butter » 1/2 tablespoon olive oil » 4 ounces red-skinned potatoes, scrubbed, not peeled, cut into 1/2-inch cubes » Kosher salt

Directions:

» Freshly ground black pepper » 4 eggs » 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper » 8 cups arugula, stems discarded and leaves cleaned, dried and coarsely chopped » 1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar » 6 tablespoons grated Gruyere cheese

Heat 1/2 tablespoon of the butter and the olive oil in a medium, heavy frying pan set over medium heat. When hot, add the potatoes and saute, stirring often, until light golden and tender, 8 minutes. Remove from the heat and season with salt and pepper. (Tip: The potatoes can be prepared 1 hour ahead; leave at room temperature. Reheat, stirring, over medium heat.)

Whisk the eggs in a mixing bowl and season with a good pinch of salt and the cayenne. Place the arugula in another mixing bowl and toss with the vinegar. Place the Gruyere and the potatoes each in separate bowls. Have ready a ladle for adding the egg mixture to the pan.

Add 1 tablespoon to a 9-inch frying pan, preferably nonstick or seasoned cast iron, set over medium heat. Swirl the butter so that it coats the bottom of the pan. When it is hot but not smoking, ladle half of the eggs into the pan and stir with the back of the fork until they start to set but are still quite liquid on the top, 30 to 40 seconds. With the fork or a nonstick spatula, lift an edge of the omelet and tilt the pan to let some of the uncooked egg mixture run underneath. Repeat this two or three more times, working your way around the pan until the eggs are cooked but remain moist on top.

Sprinkle half of the potatoes, then half of the cheese, and finally half of the arugula over the eggs. Let the mixture cook until the cheese begins to melt and the arugula wilts only slightly, 30 seconds. Using a nonstick or metal spatula, fold the omelet in half and slide it onto a plate.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Bawled out 10. Former “Today” host 12. Shape anew 13. Skulls 15. Renting dwellers 16. Choose to refrain 18. Anno Domini 19. Old French small coin 20. Carry out 21. Dashes 24. Expresses suspicion 27. Followed the trail of 30. The highest point of something 31. Geological times 33. Cartilaginous structure 34. Hill (Celtic) 35. Bura 37. Center of a wheel

39. __ de plume 41. String, lima or green 42. Greek goddess of discord 44. Move back and forth 47. Britain’s Sandhurst (abbr.)

48. Comedian Carvey 49. Public promotion 50. Federal residential mortgage insurer 52. Location of White House 53. Gives an answer 56. Populates 61. Fires a weapon 62. More tense 63. An outstanding achievement 65. Annotations

CLUES DOWN 1. Buddhist monk of Tibet 2. Egyptian sun god 3. Soft roe 4. Garden planting areas 5. Atomic No. 89 6. Soul and calypso songs 7. Large European flatfish 8. Expunction 9. Impression in a surface 10. PBS filmmaker Burns 11. Former OSS 12. Draft an edict 14. Assistant 15. Proclamation upon finishing 17. Slight head bend 22. Asian ethnic hill people 23. SE Asian goat antelope 24. Aware of the latest trends 25. Person of Arabia 26. Industrial process to produce ammonia

28. Expressed pleasure 29. The plural of crus 32. Old Thailand 36. Riboneucleic acid 38. One who assembles books 40. Cosa Nostra member 43. Pouch-like structures 44. Violent action 45. ___ of March 46. Slum area of a city 51. Valuable, useful possession 54. Philemon (Biblical abbr.)

55. Shaped bread 56. Fruits of the gourd family 57. Copyread 58. Double curve 59. Photographs (slang) 60. Side sheltered from the wind 64. Atomic No. 86

Answer key on page 10.

11

12

South Arkansas Leader

11•20•13

Log on to www.eldoark.com ...

Final show of Showtime Concert Series to feature Parmalee Free concert coincides with Downtown El Dorado Holiday Open House

Main Street El Dorado, KIX 103 and Murphy USA will sponsor the final installment of the 2013 Showtime Concert Series this Saturday night, Nov. 23, with Top 10 Country Artist Parmalee.

Following the success of their debut country hit, “Musta’ Had a Good Time,” Parmalee’s new hit single, “Carolina,” has raced to No. 7 on the country charts and continues to climb. The country rock band hails from Greenville, N.C., on the label for Stoney Creek Records, home to American Country Music’s Vocal Duo of the Year Thompson Square and chart-topper Randy Houser.

Parmalee consists of brothers Matt (lead singer, guitarist) and Scott (drummer) Thomas; their cousin Barry Knox (bassist, vocalist); and longtime friend Josh McSwain (lead guitar, vocals). The band’s countryrock sound has its roots in bluegrass, traditional country, southern rock and blues.

In addition to hitting the Top 40

by Billboard magazine.

The Showtime Concert Series will begin at 6 p.m. with pre-event music on the Showtime Stage in downtown El Dorado, with Parmalee taking the stage at 8 p.m. The event will coincide with the annual El Dorado Downtown Open House Weekend, provided by Main Street El Dorado and the Downtown Business Association. The Open House event will feature horse and carriage rides, the PJ’s Holiday Express train and horse-drawn hay rides and more from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday.

The Showtime Concert Series is free and open to the public. On selected Saturday nights through the year, the series features national Rising Stars: Parmalee will perform during the final installment of the Showtime music artists performing outside on Concert Series in a free show this Saturday night, Nov. 23 — Courtesy photo Union Square in the heart of historic on country radio, country fans with Top 10 hit with “Carolina,” downtown El Dorado.

For more information, contact have voted Parmalee’s debut sin- Parmalee has been highlighted in gle, “Musta’ Had a Good Time,” USA Today, AOL’s The Boot and the Main Street El Dorado offices No. 1 for four consecutive weeks on Country Aircheck, as well as being at 870.862.4747, or go online to siriusXM’s “The Highway.” Now named a “Bubbling Under Artist” www.mainstreeteldorado.org.

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.

Special thanks to title sponsor

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.