Volume 9 - No. 44 by South Arkansas Leader

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Military program gives books p. 6

Question of the Week What do you want for Christmas? « Martha Barrios “I would like for my family to be healthy.”

» Kyle Kennerly “Peace and quiet.”

« Mike Means “Peace on earth, goodwill to men.”

Brooke Burger Editor

Perhaps no other time of year triggers such a deep emotional response to those in need than the holiday season. From shipping shoeboxes of goodies halfway around the world to dropping some

Area citizens work to remember ‘the true meaning of Christmas’ this holiday change in one of those iconic red making it possible to reach out and kettles, the charities abound in the help make a fellow citizen’s holiweeks leading up to Christmas. day a little brighter. But Christmas In Union County, it’s no differHELP continued on Page 12 ent with any number of programs

» Claudia Prather “I want everybody to be more like Jesus, myself included.”

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

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‘Anchorman 2′ reaches for the absurd and it actually works Derek DiCiccio Red Carpet Crash

The beauty of “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” is the subtlety with which it moves. The characters move in and out of this complex plot like a Terrence Malick film. There are many times when a character simply sits and ponders his life choices, with no orchestral score at all, just the wind blowing through the trees… Just kidding. “Anchorman 2: The Legend Continues” is two hours of insanity. It is an exercise of throwing jokes against the wall and seeing what sticks. Some of them do not. But for every one that doesn’t, there is a handful that does. Yeah, there’s a half-cooked satirical shot at the 24-hour news cycle of CNN, MSNBC and Fox News, but by the time that shot rolls around, your brain is fried and anything remotely approaching an actual point is meaningless. From the second that Christopher Cross’ “Ride like the Wind” kicks up in the opening credits, it’s difficult to hate what you’re watching. It’s the perfect song to put you in the right frame of mind for unfiltered early-1980s stupidity.

That is the main issue with “Anchorman 2.” There are moments ‘Anchorman 2: that are so forced, especially with the assembled news team, that they The Legend Continues’ just feel cheap. There are a few moments with just the four of them that » Release date: Dec. 18. show the biggest fear for a movie » Run time: 119 min. like this: Are they making it just to » Rated: PG-13 for crude and sexual make it and have a good time, or do content, drug use, language and they really have something to say? comic violence. Marsden, Meagan Goode, Kristen Thankfully, most of the movie Wiig, Vince Vaughn, Jim Carrey, Liam » Director(s): Adam McKay. doesn’t try too hard. It lets the abNeeson, Kirsten Dunst, Sacha Baron surdity happen. There are some » Stars: Will Ferrell, Christina Cohen, Tina Fey and Amy Poehler. Applegate, Harrison Ford, Paul Rudd, funny confrontations between the David Koechner, Steve Carell, James » RCC Rating: 3.5 out of 5 stars. overly handsome and cocky Jack Lime (James Marsden) and Ron, Ron is then recruited to host the but the real gold is when Ron There’s a shark. There’s psychiatrist/psychic confusion. There are graveyard shift for a brand new meets the family of his new girlfalsified deaths of characters. There enterprise called GNN, which will friend and boss, Linda Jackson is cursing in front of an 8-year-old be the first 24-hour news channel. (Meagan Goode). You see … Linda is black. Not Since Ron needs a news team to kid. It’s a hodgepodge of crazy. only does her role as Ron’s boss The story picks up with Ron Bur- work with him, he of course recruits confuse him and the news team, gundy (Will Ferrell) and his wife, Brian Fantana (Paul Rudd), Champ Ron goes into full brain lock durVeronica Corningstone (Chris- Kind (David Koechner), and, of ing the family dinner. It is not only tina Applegate), as co-anchors of a course, the buffoon Brick Tamland brilliantly funny, it’s actually quite weekend news program for a nation- (Steve Carell). brave for Ferrell and co-writer and Oddly enough, the first scene with director Adam McKay to actuwide television station based in New York. When the main anchor, Mack the four of them all back together af- ally approach racial humor in such Harken (Harrison Ford, in unseen- ter all these years, is a complete let a way. Sure, Ron is the real bufbefore wheels-off fashion), retires, down. It’s easily the most ham-fisted foon here, but there hasn’t been choosing Veronica as his replace- and flat part of the movie. Intention- such riotous, bitingly funny things ment and firing Ron, Ron leaves his al? Maybe. An example of “Anchor- said by a white person about black wife and son and heads back to San man 2” bombing due to forcing its ANCHOR continued on Page 8 hand too much? Definitely. Diego a beaten man.

History of Fort Natchez

The Preservation Society of the South Arkansas Historical Foundation will host Jack Elliott, retired archaeologist with the state of Mississippi’s Department of Archives and History, at its next meeting on Monday, Jan. 13, 2014. Elliot’s presentation, “Colonial Natchez,” will focus on the fort of Natchez – known successively as Fort Rosalie, Fort Panmure and Fort Sargent. Fort Natchez was established in 1716 and abandoned around 1800. During this period it was garrisoned by French, British, Spanish and American troops. Established as a center for defense and trade on a frontier it became the center of a growing settlement area when around 1790 the city of Natchez was surveyed adjacent to the fort with the city serving as the first capital of the Spanish Natchez District, as well as the

Preservation Society announces its first meeting of new year

territory of Mississippi and the state of Mississippi. The fort of Natchez epitomizes the colonial history of Mississippi, in which the core of what would become the state evolved around a frontier outpost. The process is comparable to that seen at Jamestown, Va. and Arkansas Post. Elliott received both of his degrees in anthropology and geography from Mississippi State University and worked for state government for 25 years prior to retiring in 2010. He is the co-author of “Cotton Gin Port: A Frontier Settlement on the

NATCHEZ continued on Page 8

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Husband and wife need to be on the same page when getting out of debt Dear Dave, My wife and I have $15,000 in debt left to pay off. We bring home around $32,000 a year, and we usually spend $250 to $300 on Christmas. I started talking to her about your plan earlier this year, and she finally agreed and got on board a couple of months ago. How should we handle Christmas budgeting in the middle of working our debt snowball? — Scott

Holiday Safety: As the Christmas holiday comes to a close and the New Year approaches, remember to practice safe driving habits when out celebrating. The Arkansas State Highway Department cautions drivers to ‘drive sober or get pulled over’ this holiday season. — Courtesy image

‘Drive sober or get pulled over’ Highway safety officials launch holiday law enforcement campaign

LITTLE ROCK — Officials of the Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration continue the statewide public safety campaign intended to make Arkansas highways and roads safer during the holiday season leading up to the New Year holiday. “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” is a nationwide initiative involving state, county and city law enforcement officers. “Arkansas motorists can expect an increase in saturation patrols and sobriety checkpoints, anytime, anywhere,” said Col. Stan Witt,

director of the Arkansas State Police and Governor’s Highway Safety representative. “Drunk driving is a crime that will not be tolerated. State Troopers and other law enforcement officers will not be looking for excuses. If you’re caught driving impaired by alcohol or drugs, you will be arrested and taken to jail.” A comparison of national crash data limited to the month of December in years spanning 2007 to 2011 indicates that 4,169 people were killed in crashes that involved a driver or motorcycle operator with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC)

SOBER continued on Page 9

Dear Scott, The first thing I’d suggest is to not mention my name for a while. If she’s agreed to start working the plan and help you guys get control of your money, that’s enough for now. We don’t want to cause a rift during the holidays. Just sit down together and ask her what she thinks is a reasonable amount to spend for Christmas while you’re trying to get out of debt. If it’s a reasonable figure, smile and tell her you agree. You might even ask if she’s okay with your old Christmas budget. If she is, then pencil it in and move on to other things. The big thing is to make sure you listen to her opinion and work on this together. On the off chance that she gives some crazy dollar amount, just nod and ask how she came to that figure. Then, talk things out. Don’t bring up my name or go crazy about things. It sounds like you two are on the right track! — Dave

DAVE Says

until you’re in your 60s, the vast majority of the money in the account will be growth. Ten percent or less will be the money you actually put into the account. This taxfree growth is what makes the Roth TSP an excellent choice. In other words, if you’ve got $1 million in your current investment, and $900,000 is growth, you’ll get taxed on that portion. That would amount to around $300,000. If your money is in a Roth, there are no taxes. You just saved $300,000 out of every $1 million. Not a bad deal, is it? — Dave Dear Dave, What do you think about using an online bank for my emergency fund? — Raphael

Dear Raphael, It’s not a bad idea at all, as long as you can easily check out the institution’s reputation and stability. There are lots of financial scams online, so you want to do some research and make sure they’re a reputable and trustworthy organization. Due diligence is the key, Raphael. There are reliable household names that are online banks, but you can’t just assume the group you’re dealing with online is made up of honest, stand-up folks any more than you can with a traditional brickand-mortar bank. Make sure you Dear Dave, Do you think I should consider take your time and know exactly switching from my traditional what you’re getting into before goTSP (Thrift Savings Plan) to a ing into business with them. Remember, it’s not as simple with Roth TSP? an online bank as just walking in — Jeremy the door to get your money back if something goes wrong! Dear Jeremy, — Dave If I’ve got a choice, I’m going with the Roth TSP. Now, if you’re Dave Ramsey has authored four New starting out really late with your York Times best-selling books: saving and investing, the math “Financial Peace,” “More Than might work out either way. But in Enough,” “The Total Money Makeover” and “EntreLeadership.” most cases, when you’ve got severThe Dave Ramsey Show is heard by al years ahead of you, a Roth TSP, more than 5,000,000 listeners each or even a Roth IRA or Roth 401(k) week on more than 500 radio stations. where your money grows tax free, Follow Dave on Twitter at is a much better choice. @DaveRamsey and on the Remember, unless you’ve waited Web at daveramsey.com.

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Arts Center looks back with ‘Arts in the Hearts’ South Arkansas Arts Center begins 50th Anniversary celebration with showcase

The South Arkansas Arts Center begins its 50th Anniversary celebration with a retrospective showcase entitled “Arts in the Hearts for Decades” in the Merkle, Price and Lobby galleries, scheduled to run from Jan. 6 to Feb. 7, 2014. The showcase spans 32 years of Artists In Education projects by El Dorado AIE artists and local schools. The exhibition is sponsored by Ann Pruet Calhoon and Paula Pruet James. SAAC implemented the AIE program into Union County schools in 1982. Jorge Villegas created the first of many murals with students from Retta Brown Academy of Communication and Technology elementary school. The showcase will highlight

Sewing Club sews Christmas gifts for area nursing home residents The Union County Cooperative Extension Service Sewing Club stitched Christmas gifts for the residents of Hillsboro Manor Nursing Home in El Dorado. Members of the club sewed lap robes (a thick blanket used for warming the lap and legs while sitting) and comfort pillows. According to Glenda Sutherlin, with the Cooperative Extension Service, the ladies put their hearts and souls into

ARTS continued on Page 8

every stitch, spending hours each year applying their sewing skills to turning pieces of fabric into beautiful gifts of love for others. Members of the Club include (pictured above, from left) Sarah Cameron, Julia Murray, Terry Simpson, Pat Wilson and Janice Tucker. For more information on the Sewing Club, contact the Union County Cooperative Extension Service at 870.864.1916.

Renowned writer’s difficult journey ultimately inspires millions Ken Bridges

South Arkansas Historical Foundation

Maya Angelou’s first years after leaving Stamps would not be easy. The long, difficult journey she faced, however, would inspire millions. By 1942, at the age of 14, she was a dropout. She worked as a streetcar conductor in San Francisco, becoming the first AfricanAmerican woman to hold the position. Angelou returned to school and graduated but found herself as an unwed, teenaged mother at 17. She struggled to support herself and her son as a cook and waitress. In the 1950s, she turned to music and dance, performing in clubs in San Francisco and New York. Her talent was impressive, and she toured Europe in the mid1950s in a production of “Porgy and Bess,” and in 1957, recorded an album of calypso music called “Miss Calypso.” Her hard work

on the stage earned her a reputation in the African-American artistic community. In the 1960s, Angelou went to Africa. Here, she worked with many revolutionary leaders across the continent and worked closely with the community of African-American intellectuals and activists who had come to Africa. In 1962, she worked as the editor of an English-language weekly newspaper in Egypt, The Arab Observer. Later, she and her son moved to Ghana, where she would work in the administration at the national university while also working as a writer for The African Review, The Ghanian Times and Radio Ghana. She would return to the United States in 1965 and continue to work with civil rights. In 1968, Martin Luther King had asked Angelou to become the northern coordinator for the Southern

South Arkansas Historical Foundation presents

ist o ry minute

Christian Leadership Conference, but King was killed before Angelou was able, dying on her birthday. Knowing her level of sadness, her friends urged her to pursue a writing career. Angelou threw herself into her work, quickly writing and developing a documentary on the history of blues and blues artists. Her first of seven autobiographies would appear in 1969, followed by her first of 17 books of poetry in 1971. Angelou once explained that her love of poetry came from her years spent with her grandmother in Stamps. “Still I Rise,” one of her most famous, first appeared

in 1978. The poem became famous for its declarations that race and femininity would not hold her back, “You may tread me in the very dirt / But still, like dust, I’ll rise.” In 1981, Angelou became a professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University in North Carolina. In the 1990s, she would write a series of seven children’s books. She has now written more than 30 books altogether and regularly gives speeches around the world. Angelou won two Grammy awards for readings of her works and was given the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2011. She continues to write and give lectures around the country today. 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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Dear Santa, I would like pink presents! I love you — Olivia Barrow (age 2) Deer Santa Clause, I want the Imaginex Batman batcave, Joker, the Penguin, Robin. The Diory of a Wimpy Kid Do It Yourself series, a nintendo wiiu, nintendo 3DS, skylanders swop forse. A real turtle and a turrarium. I believe in you Santa Clause. — Christian Cotton (age 9) Dear Santa, I dont even remember half of what I want, so Im just gonna go with the basics. An AirHog, a Nerf gun, a Rubik’s cube, a phone, Transformers the game Autobots for DS, a gas mask, ear plugs, a padlock for my bedroom door (I have a little brother, you know) a phone, a computer, Skylanders Spyro’s Adventure for DS, and clothes. Sincerely Honor — Honor Cotton (age 10) Dear Santa, I would like you to take care of all of the disabled veterans, especially those who are homeless. I would like you to bring home all our troops and help them find jobs that prove the asset to society that I know they are. I would like my kids to not have to worry about all the school violence and be able to just go to school to concentrate on learning. I would like people to remember the reason we even have Christmas. It is the season of giving and it all started with Gods Awesome Gift of His One and Only Son, Jesus to save us from our sins and to allow us the choice of a right, reconcilled, relationship with God. Thanks! — Jedidiah Cotton (age 30)

a new bike.

— Peyton Hicks (age 6)

Dear Santa, My name is Lily and you’re Santa. I’ve been good this year. I would like Legos and Cowboy girl boots. — Lily Langston (age 5) Dear Santa, For Christmas I want football pads, football pants, and a goal post for my yard please! I also want Disney Infinity and some characters. New clothes & a cell phone with my favorite games would be nice too. I will have cookies and chocolate milk waiting for you! Thank you, Santa! Merry Christmas! — Asher Rice (age 5) Dear Santa, I have been good. For Christmas I would like a banana gun, a fake pistol, and $50.00. You’re cool Santa. — Owen Shaffer (age 5) Dear Santa, I’ve tried to be a good boy this year because I really want you to bring me a pair of binoculars a drill and a jeep. — Ashton Sullivan (age 4) Dear Santa, i’ve been a very good boy! For Christmas I really want a choo choo train, toy cars and a four-wheeler. — Myles Sullivan (age 2)

Dear Santa I want PlayStation and Spiderman toy. — Mason Hicks (age 3)

Dear Santa, Will you please bring me Storm Pegasus beyblade? And I also would like my own tablet. I’m Trying really hard to behave this year and have been working very hard in school. Thank you and Merry Christmas! Love, — Harrison Wilson (age 9)

Dear Santa I would like a PlayStation or Wii and

Dear Santa, I want a tablet, a Monster High blanket

South Arkansas Leader

and pillow case for my bed, and a guitar so I can sing songs to my mom that I write for her. I have been very good this year. Because I have been sharing alot with my friends and family and I never get my color changed at school. Love,

— Julie Wilson (age 6)

Dear Santa, I want an Elephant. I want Scooby, scooby doo and “Manny” the elephant on the Ice Age movie. I lost my “Manny” toy and can’t find him. I have been a good boy. Love, — Rylan Wilson (age 3)

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Innovative program donates books to area libraries Brooke Burger Editor

A local military support organization has implemented an innovative program in Union County that is set to be mimicked in five other states starting next year. Military Matters is a library program implemented by Project SOUTH (Serving Our Units aT Home) that is designed to supply area school libraries with a variety of books associated with the military in order to raise awareness and promote understanding and education. “Military Matters library program is our brainchild of getting the military culture into the lives and the mentality of the children and families that El Dorado and Union County serves,” said Project SOUTH team leader Sterling Claypoole at the presentation on Dec. 17. Claypoole said at first the idea was limited to military children and looking at ways the organization could best provide resources for them to help them learn more about the military and cope with growing up in a military family. That idea grew into a program that provided more than 300 books to 12 area schools from elementary to junior high. Of the 300-plus books distributed last week, 228 of those will qualify for Accelerated Reader, a reading comprehension program at schools throughout the county. As well, the Military Matters program made sure to provide a variety of books from fiction and nonfiction stories to educational and informative texts. “We want to get them books that they’re interested in, that’s informative for them, that can assist them not only in academics but also in the understanding of what military and veterans go through and how we can help them,” Claypoole said. Strong’s librarian said that while she has only been in the position for a year, she knows that the Military Matters program will be a great resource for the school. “It will help my collection a lot because we don’t have a lot of patriotic or military books,” Julie Vaden said. “I can see a need for it because I have kids asking for military books.” Smackover School’s dean of students echoed Vaden’s sentiments: “This, to me, is amazing. I know our librarian is going to be thrilled and

Military Matters: Sonya Hall, project coordinator of Project SOUTH, gives military books to Vicki Arnold, librarian at Washington Middle School, while Project SOUTH team leader Gary Glasgow looks on at the event Dec. 17. — Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

grateful and our students are really going to benefit,” Clarice Long said. “[This donation] is going to be a gift that gives all year.” The majority of the books were purchased through a portion of a SHARE Foundation grant, while others were donated from a variety of individuals, Claypoole said. He added that Project SOUTH hopes to continue and expand the program in 2014 to every level from kindergarten to 12th grade in every school in Union County. But not only will the program expand in Union County next year, it will expand to other parts of the nation as well. Steve Sullivan is the liaison for Project SOUTH and the Partnership for Rural Veterans out of Little Rock. He is tasked with spreading the Military Matters program to other parts of the nation, and he noted El Dorado’s achievement in developing the idea. “I’m proud as punch of El Dorado,” Sullivan said. “Y’all are the very first, and now they’ve asked us to take this concept to five other states next year.”

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2013 State Champs

Congratulations

El Dorado Wildcats! Photos courtesy of Jay Burroff

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ANCHOR

spouts out complete nonsense, but they smartly don’t overdo it. continued from Page 2 Will Ferrell is on screen for pretty much the entirety and this is a great people in a movie since “Blazing thing. This is Ferrell’s “Raging Saddles” (1974). Bull.” It’s a comedic tour de force, Each character gets some highly which is surprising, as Ron Burquotable moments and scenes, ingundy is nothing more than Ferrell’s cluding a brilliant riff with Brick in front of a green screen and a throw- Robert Goulet impersonation but as back to Brian’s collection of men’s a newsman. He is obnoxious and colognes. It would be wrong to loud, yet hilariously funny as mospoil what Brian has hiding in the ments of actual humanity show up. There is a moment towards the end office wall this time, but let’s just that is completely out of character say that it pushes the boundaries of for Ferrell’s Burgundy: He does a that PG-13 rating. few things that show actual intelThere are some twists and turns ligence. It essentially only happens that enable Ron and the news team because Ferrell and McKay want to to be on top of the world once again. skewer cable news, but it doesn’t As with every silly comedy like this, make any sense since there is no the main character must go crashing way that Ron Burgundy, a classic back to Earth and, man, “Anchorman 2” comes through with this one moron, would ever have the insight that he shows in those scenes. This in a big, bigYour way.El It’sDorado, about as ridicuArkansas Community Guide lous as you can possibly get. Then, it may be nitpicking, but if you’re gogets more ridiculous – to levels that ing to try satire, maybe do it with a that isn’t an idiot. become so bizarre that A the10-Million+ sanity of character Eldoark.com: Hits agoing Month There are to beWebsite plenty of film Ferrell and McKay should come into critics that thrash “Anchorman 2.” question. These are clearly some Eldoark.com helps If you are a fan of the first movie, crazy human beings. But no matter how dumb it gets, then there is no need to pay attention keep you andWhile your not reviews. most of it works. It all culminates to any of those the comic with an homage to the original even close to family up tobrilliance date on of movie, but everything is so crazed the original, this movie is easily one the year. at this point, the only way to make of the funniest allof things in “Anchorman 2: The Legend Conan impression is to go for maximum Dorado feels like and one of those absurdity. It’s side-splittingly funny, tinues” even El off-the-wall and loaded with cam- comedies that needs repeat viewSouth canArkansas. really let those eos. The finale alone is worth the ings just so you easily quotable moments price of admission. Log on today! sink in. The true stroke of genius in “An- That’s the sign of a good comedy chorman 2” is the short and sweet and this one has a lot to memorize. love story between Brick and Chani Visit Wiig). Eldoark.com be part a community website that receives 12 writRed Carpet Crash provides review (Kristen Not toonly are of they ing on films, DVDs and television; news uncomfortably funny together, million hits per month. Stay upittoaldate onand El Dorado community updates with on allthe things entertainment; lows Carell to not be too annoying, and the occasional free stuff. calendar, Sandy’s and more! enter ouratweekly nibbler trivia as his character hasBlog potential an- Also,Find RCC www.redcarpetcrash.com or noyance written all over it. Sure, he facebook.com/RedCarpetCrash.

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works created by students, under the guidance of artists working within the classroom, from then until today. The projects represented in the showcase were created over the 32-year span with the assistance of artists including: Robin Bosanko, Lisa Burton Tarver, Haley Nixx Phillips, Darrin Riley, Clayton Scott, Don Shaw, Maria Botti Villegas and Jorge Villegas. Exhibition coordinator Mary Pat Anthony is currently collecting “your stories” by asking the question: “What influence did the arts in your school have on you, then and now?” Students, parents and educators are invited to write in and share how the arts have influenced their lives by emailing their stories to info@saac-arts.org. Since 1971, the Artists In Education Program has placed professional artists in Arkansas schools and communities to work, demonstrate their art forms, and share their ideas, creativity and talents.

Administered by the Arkansas Arts Council with support from the Arkansas Legislature and the National Endowment for the Arts, the AIE program is designed to strengthen the role of the arts in education with the understanding that the development of awareness and participation in the arts should be an integral part of the basic education process. For more information about the showcase or the AIE program, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474. SAAC is a complete visual and performing arts center that includes three gallery spaces, a ballet studio, a 206-seat theater, a scene and costume shop, classrooms, a photography studio, and offices – all of which provide Arts In Education residencies; monthly gallery exhibits; community theatre productions; and classes in visual arts, ballet, photography, drama and music for people of all ages and those with special needs. For more information about South Arkansas Arts Center, go online to the website at www.sacc-arts.org.

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

contests for a chance to win every week!

El Dorado. For more information, NATCHEZ contact EL the DORADO! SAHF at 870.862.9890 Your One Stop For Everything continued from Page 2

or email info@soarkhistory.com. The For: Preservation Society is the Eldoark.com Upper Tombigbee,” and Visit a four-time support organization for the SAHF recipient of the Halsell Award for and Society membership forms are Classifieds, Business News, Real Estate articles published in theCalendar, Journal of Directory, available at the SAHF offices. For Mississippi History. News Video On Demand, Employment, Movies, Contests, Pets: Lost & Found more information about the South The meeting, which is free and open to the public, will begin at Arkansas Historical Foundation or The South Arkansas Leaderthe OnlinePreservation & Much More! Society, visit the 5:15 p.m. at the Newton House Museum, located at 510 Jackson St. in website at www.soarkhistory.com.

Eldoark.com has something for

everyone.

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Callie is a recent rescue from the Champagnolle Road area. This sweet girl is currently under foster care and available for adoption at UCAPS.

Hooch is a really happy boy with good manners, and is a little on the chubby side. He is a French Mastiff / Boxer Cross and is available for adoption.

Want To Help? Find the Union County Animal Protection Society on Facebook for more information about supply or monetary donations or volunteer opportunities.

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Boys and Girls Club is in step with season of giving Club partners with Payless to provide free shoes to kids in need The Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado has once again been selected as an official partner of Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids, an annual giving program from the Payless ShoeSource. The local Boys and Girls Club is one of many charitable agencies representing all 50 states in the nation, as well as Canada, Puerto Rico and 11 Latin American countries, to be selected for the program. “This is a tremendous blessing and couldn’t come at a better time,” said Kathey Perry, resource development director for the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado. The local Boys and Girls Club will provide free shoes to 150 pre-selected club members in need through the program. According to the Club’s unit director Nesie Jamerson, this program is helping make Christmas possible. “We have one boy that I know wouldn’t receive anything at all this Christmas without the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program – right now the shoes he wears to school and the Club are literally falling apart at the seams,” Jamerson said. In 2008, Payless ShoeSource launched the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program in the

United States, giving away $1 million worth of free shoes. In 2009, Payless extended the program beyond the U.S. to reach families in need in Canada, Puerto Rico and 11 Latin American countries. Now in its sixth year, the program is going strong. Payless ShoeSource continues to partner with local nonprofits to help them identify children of needy families and provides more than $1.5 million in shoes. By helping families who struggle to provide their children with basic essentials on a daily basis, Perry said the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado hopes to relieve some of the stress parents feel during the holidays and bring joy to as many children as possible through the partnership with the Payless Gives Shoes 4 Kids program. 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.

100% of your contribution stays right here in Union County! United Way of Union County partner agencies include: » American Red Cross » Boy Scouts of America » Boys and Girls Club » Camp Fire USA » CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates) » Community Living Arrangements

» Girl Scouts » HOPE Landing » Literacy Council » Salvation Army » Single-Parent Scholarship Fund » South Arkansas Developmental Center for Children and Families » South Arkansas Fights AIDS » Turning Point

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of .08 or higher. “Impaired drivers make December one of the deadliest months to be on the road,” said Christopher Murphy, Regional Administrator of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Region 7. “Each December hundreds of people die on the nation’s roadways because of impaired drivers – senseless deaths that could be avoided by one simple action – by not being under the influence of alcohol and/or illegal drugs. This December, don’t deprive someone of their chance to be home for the holidays next year: Drive sober or get pulled over; it’s not worth the risk.” Arkansas has seen a 20 percent reduction in drunk driving deaths since 2010. Col. Witt attributed the decline to aggressive law enforcement activities along with safer vehicles and the actions of organizations like Mothers Against Drunk Driving. Arkansas recorded 143 alcoholrelated fatalities in 2012, down from 178 in 2010. The state is also below the national

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average in alcohol-related fatalities. The national average is 31 percent of all highway deaths. Arkansas ranks at 26 percent. “Although we have seen reductions in incidents of drunk driving, one death is too many,” Col. Witt said. “Countless numbers of people continue to suffer due to serious injuries or the emotional trauma associated with losing a friend or family member as a result of this serious crime.” The Arkansas State Police Highway Safety Office recommends: » Plan ahead. If you expect to consume alcohol, designate a sober driver before going out and give that person your keys. » Call a ride. If you have been drinking, call a taxi, take the bus or call a sober friend or family member to get you to your destination safely. » Report it. If you see a drunk driver on the roadway, promptly report it to local law enforcement. » Buckle up. Always wear your safety belt or use protective gear while on a motorcycle. For more information, go online to www.trafficsafetymarketing.gov or contact the Arkansas Highway Safety Office at 501.618.8136.

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COMMUNITY calendar

» COUNTY HOT CHECK OFFICE CLOSED — The offices of the Union County Hot Check Program will be closed to process the end of the year. The office will still accept payments through the mail or in the drop box located at the Hot Check Office. When: Closed through Jan. 2, 2014 Where: Room 113, 307 American Road, El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact program coordinator Debra Stevens at 870.864.1963.

» ‘A PSALM OF LIFE’ MEMORIAL CONCERT — St. John Missionary Baptist Church, under the direction of the Rev. Barry Dobson, will host the “A Psalm of Life” Memorial Concert in memory of Kylaus Williams and Chesnie Hall. Rehearsals will take place at Beulah Grove Baptist Church, located at 3090 Parnell Road, at 6:30 nightly Jan. 2-4, 2014. Special guest will be Southern Arkansas University “Genesis Choir.” When: Jan. 4, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. Where: St. John Missionary Baptist Church, 1018 Wilson St., El Dorado Contact: More information can be found online on the Facebook event page at http://on.fb.me/1bOrsGq. » 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: Letterboxing. Participants will learn about this 1854 version of geocaching.

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When: Jan. 9, 2014 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 email Laura Rogers at the AGFC at larogers@agfc.state.ar.us.

» U LEAD CLASS 3 OPEN ENROLLMENT — The El Dorado Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for Leadership Union County Class 3, sponsored by Great Lakes Solutions and NexansAmerCable. The 10-month program, which begins Feb. 26, 2014, is designed to strengthen the community by developing leadership through community interaction, teamwork, networking and hands-on experiences. When: Deadline to apply is Friday, Jan. 17, 2014. Where: Applications are available online at goeldorado.com/leadership, or at the Chamber office, located at 111 West Main St. Contact: For more information, contact the Chamber at 870.863.6113. » CHILD SAFETY-SEAT TRAINING AND CHECKUP — The University of Arkansas Community College at Hope will host a Child Passenger Safety technician training and community checkup. Students must be at least 18 years of age to enroll in the free training, and must be able to attend every class. The course is limited to 15 students. In order to receive the two-year certification, students must attend all phases of the course and pass performance evaluations. The free checkup event will allow parents and guardians to come in for evaluation

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.

and assistance in properly using child restraints and seatbelts. Course: Jan. 22, 2014 noon to 5 p.m.; Jan. 23-24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Checkup: Saturday, Jan. 25, 2014 beginning at 10 a.m. Where: U of A Community College at Hope, 2500 South Main St., Hope Contact: For more information or to register, contact instructor Holly Terry at 501.364.2478 or email hmterry@ uams.edu. More information about CPS certification can be found online at cert.safekids.org. » SENIOR-PARENT SCHOLARSHIP DEADLINE — Applications are available for the Union County Single Parent Scholarship. To be eligible, one must live in Union County, be enrolled in any college or university, and be a single parent providing support of a dependent child or children under the age of 18 in the household. Deadline: The deadline to apply is Feb. 3, 2014. Where: Applications are available online at www.aspsf.org/students_sp scholarships.html and at the South Arkansas Community College financial aid office. Contact: For more information about donating to the scholarship fund or applying for a scholarship, call 870.864.7150. » SOUTHARK WRITERS’ INK CONTEST — South Arkansas Community College is seeking entries for the creative-writing contest that is the basis for the literary magazine, Writers’ Ink. The contest is open to all Union County high-school students, and 18 cash prizes will be awarded in three literary genres (poetry, essays

and short fiction), with first, second and third place winners in the junior (ninth and 10th grade) and senior (11th and 12th grade) divisions. Winning manuscripts will be published in the spring in the 17th volume of the magazine along with other entries selected by a panel of SouthArk judges. Submission Deadline: Feb. 21, 2014 Rules: A complete set of rules, requirements and guidelines are available at www.southark.edu/writersink. Contact: Students who wish to enter should contact their English teachers for more information. Home-schooled students can submit manuscripts by enlisting high-school English teachers in Union County to serve as a sponsor. » LIFESHARE REQUESTS BLOOD DONATIONS — Those interested in donating, are asked to contact LifeShare Blood Centers of El Dorado during business hours. Hours: Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Where: LifeShare Blood Centers, 443 West Oak St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact LifeShare at 870.862.2150. » FOOD AND CLOTHING DONATIONS — Saint James Village Outreach Facility provide only food donations during the week. Those who wish to donate clothing can place items in the blue containers in front of the building. Saint James does not accept furniture. When: Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Village Outreach Facility, 1108 East Hillsboro, El Dorado Contact: For more information, call George Calloway at 870.875.2621.

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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.

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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 Leader

WEEKLY RECIPE Ring in the new year with a toast New Year’s Eve is a festive occasion, full of lavish parties or more intimate gatherings at home where food and drink are important components of the celebration. Many people toast the new year with a glass of champagne, but those who would like to buck tradition can raise a glass of any cocktail, including martinis. Though martinis have many incarnations, traditional martinis are made with gin and vermouth and garnished with an olive or lemon twist. Because martinis can be an acquired taste, mixologists have breathed life into newer, flavored martinis that use vodka as a base instead of gin. These flavored cocktails have little to do with the traditional martinis but are served in martini glasses and have become quite popular. Serving a nontraditional martini at a party is quite easy to do. Hosts can create a signature flavor to go along with the theme of the event. This way only one selection of ingredients is needed, rather than assembling spirits for a multitude of different martini recipes.

White Chocolate Martini

» 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice » Lemon slice for garnish

Pour ingredients into a shaker and shake thoroughly. Strain into a chilled martini glass. Garnish with white chocolate shavings on top.

Spiced Cake Martini

» 2 ounces vanilla vodka » 1 ounce White Creme de Cocoa » 1 ounce white chocolate liqueur, like Godiva » 1 White chocolate bar

Pomegranate Martini

» 1 ounce citrus vodka » 1/2 ounce orange liqueur » 3 ounces pomegranate juice » Chopped ice

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker. Add ice so that the shaker is about onethird full. Shake for several seconds and strain into a cocktail glass. Garnish with the lemon slice.

» 2 ounces hazelnut flavor liqueur, like Baileys » 1/2 ounce cake flavored vodka » Sprinkle of nutmeg powder

Shake all ingredients together and strain into a martini glass. Sprinkle with nutmeg and serve.

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is really a holiday for the children, and that is evident in the number of charity programs directed at making a little Christmas magic possible for children in need. For two sisters, the holiday season is a time not only to help children in need but to teach their children the “true meaning” of Christmas. This year, Tanya Golden joined her sister Ashley Sinclair in helping buy presents for the Foster Children Fund. Sinclair, who began helping with the Department of Human Services program last year, said she was looking for an opportunity to instill in her young son the value of helping others. “I wanted Eli to know that Christmas wasn’t just about what he got for Christmas; it’s about giving to others,” Sinclair said. “The real reason for Christmas was Jesus’ birth and we’re blessed with what Jesus has given us, so I wanted him to know how important it was to give back to others.” Coincidentally, the fund came into existence in a similar manner. Janice Rice, chair of the DHS Foster Children Fund, said that the program began over a decade ago when her daughter, a former DHS social worker, called her up. “She had some children who weren’t going to get anything for Christmas,” Rice said. “She called me and said, ‘Mama, I’ve got these kids…’ They were about [my grandson’s] age, and we told Josh that what we would do is let him pick out the toys, and that’s where this originated and it just bloomed and blossomed to where it is now.” In the beginning, Rice said they bought gifts for just a handful of children, but now they buy for as many as 70 children in a year. This year the program will help provide Christmas for approximately 44 children in Union County. The DHS Foster Children Fund program works similarly to a number of organization charities aiming to provide Christmas for children who otherwise would not receive one: A wish list is provided, noting the child’s first name, age, gender, race and his or her wish list of gifts; as well, the program also accepts monetary and general toy donations to help put gifts under the tree for these children.

» Christmas Spirit: (above) Addie Kate Golden (from left), Eli Sinclair, Ashley Sinclair and Evan Golden work on wrapping their gifts for the Union County Foster Children Fund children they sponsored for Christmas.

» Family Affair: (photo from page 1) Tanya Golden helps her daughter wrap presents. Golden and her sister Ashley Sinclair said that they wanted their children to know the importance of helping others. — Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

“I don’t ever stop taking Operation Christmas Child program donations,” Rice said. “I send out at their family’s church, and both letters every year for donations to said they grew up participating in businesses … and I tell them they similar holiday charities. “It’s something that we’ve done can give toys, they can take a kid and sponsor him, or they can give our whole lives – give to others and not just do for money, whichourselves,” Sinever they want ————————— clair said. “Our to do.” “I just think as human mom started that Sinclair, who beings we should take when we were came to the procare of each other, and kids and we used gram through to buy for a [SalRice’s grandit’s important for me vation Army] daughter-in-law for my son to know that Angel kid, so and program co-chair Molly Christmas is not just about it’s always been the presents we get.” something that’s Rice, and her been a part of sister decided to Ashley Sinclair our lives.” sponsor specific El Dorado resident Sinclair and children. ————————— her 5-year-old “Every year son Eli, and we always do an Operation Christmas Child [shoe- Golden and her two children – box], but it was important for me 4-year-old Addie Kate and 8-yearto do something for kids that are lo- old Evan – each selected children close in age to their own children, cal,” Sinclair said. Though the sisters only recently in the hopes that they could not only have worked with the foster child pick gifts those children may like, program, Sinclair said helping oth- but also so they could better relate ers has been a long-standing Christ- to what a child their age who has mas tradition in her family. Sinclair very little may be going through, the and Golden’s mother heads the sisters said.

Both sisters also said they buy their children three gifts apiece – after the three gifts Jesus received in the story of the Nativity – in order to reinforce the lesson of gratefulness. “Now the kids, just kids in general, open up the gifts and then they’re on to the next one and the next one,” Golden said. “I don’t think that they’re taught gratefulness and they just have so many toys to play with, they get lost in their rooms.” Golden said she, along with her sister, both want their children to recognize what Christmas is about, be grateful for what they have and to understand that not everyone else has the same fortune. “It’s something that’s important to me because I’ve been blessed and there are a lot that are not blessed,” Sinclair said. “I just think as human beings we should take care of each other and help each other, and it’s important for me for my son to know that Christmas is not just about the presents we get.” For more information on the DHS Foster Children Fund, contact donation chair Janice Rice at 870.866.6552. Donations are accepted year-around.