Volume 9 - No. 45

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Jan. 1, 2014 Volume 9 – No. 45 WANT MORE?

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Time to set those resolutions p. 3

Question of the Week

What is your New Year’s resolution?

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« Lane Alderson “To study more.”

» Candace Ederington see more inside

“To work out more.”

« Dwight Phillips “To get healthier.”

» Calab Scott “To get stronger in football.”

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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‘Walking with Dinosaurs’ is great fun for the whole family James McDonald Red Carpet Crash

See and feel what it was like when dinosaurs ruled the Earth, in a story where an underdog dino triumphs to become a hero for the ages.

“Walking with Dinosaurs” is the kid-friendly version of “Jurassic Park.” Unlike that movie, of course, there are no humans to interact with as the story takes place during the Cretaceous period, long before humans existed. But these dinosaurs walk and talk and let us know how they feel.

The story follows young Patchi (Justin Long), a Pachyrhinosaurus who, along with his family, is forced to migrate south as the approaching winter threatens survival. Along the way, he meets a girl dinosaur, Juniper (Tiya Sircar), and they are immediately smitten with each other.

Patchi’s airborne friend Alex (John Leguizamo), is an Alexornis bird and is able to fly high above the valleys and mountains and warn them of any imminent dangers.

Along the way, a Gorgosaurus

hunting was how they survived.

Thankfully, there is never any sort Walking with Dinosaurs of bloodshed and the film never panders to the younger audience, » Release date: Dec. 20. instead, treating them like children » Run time: 87 min. who are capable of understanding exactly what they’re seeing and » Rated: PG for creature action and peril, and mild rude humor. hearing without having to resort to Leguizamo, Sklyer Stone, Charlie infantile humor or talk. » Director(s): Barry Cook and Neil Rowe, Karl Urban and Angourie Rice.

Nightingale.

The movie brings to life freshly identified dinosaurs in an unortho» Stars: Justin Long, Tiya Sircar, John » RCC Rating: 4 out of 5 stars. dox and profoundly convincing way, and audiences will experience what pack attacks the herd, forcing Pat- real-life Alaskan settings and loca- it was like when dinosaurs ruled the chi, Juniper and Alex away from tions, while utilizing CGI dinosaurs. Earth. It is the ultimate big-screen their families and friends. This mo- Cinematographer John Brooks adventure that will appeal not only tivates Patchi to step up and become (“Aliens of the Deep”, 2005; “Cirque to the kids but to adults, too.

The characters are appealingly retheir leader until they finally make du Soleil: Worlds Away,” 2012) it back to the herd. Scowler (Skyler shoots some absolutely breathtaking alized and likable and there is always Stone), Patchi’s brother, challenges footage of the Alaskan wilderness, enough action on screen to hold the herd’s leader for alpha-male thankfully never having to resort even the youngest child’s attention.

Altogether, the movie is very enterdominance and wins. to animation.

This in turn, forces Patchi to fight The press screening I attended was taining and, at times, an emotionally Scowler, not because he wants to literally packed with parents and rich one. Highly recommended. be the herd’s leader but because their kids and it was wonderful lisRed Carpet Crash provides review writrules dictate that the alpha male can tening to the children interact with ing on films, DVDs and television; news choose any mate he wants. Since the action on screen. There is some and updates on all things entertainment; Scowler chooses Juniper, Patchi mild violence when the herd is atand the occasional free stuff. must fight him to win her back. tacked, but it’s explained that this Find RCC at www.redcarpetcrash.com The film is produced using was the way of the wild and that or facebook.com/RedCarpetCrash.

SAAC seeks director for summer production The Theatre Committee of the South Arkansas Arts Center is now accepting director applications for its 2014 summer production of “9 to 5: The Musical.”

Auditions dates are set for May 5-7, with performances running July 10-20. The awardwinning musical, based on the book by Patricia Resnick and featuring music and lyrics from Dolly Parton, is part of SAAC’s 50th Anniversary Celebration.

Qualified applicants should submit a letter of introduction, brief production plan and a short resume.

SAAC’s salary schedule is competitive and will be set according to experience. Lodging will also be provided if necessary. As well, the director will have the opportunity to teach workshops and classes.

Qualifications include some directing experience and knowledge of community theater.

‘9 to 5: The Musical’ slated for July

“9 to 5: The Musical” is a highenergy show, ideal for a large, mostly female cast. Pushed to the boiling point by their boss, three female coworkers concoct a plan to get even with the sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot they call their boss. They conspire to take control of their company and learn there’s nothing they can’t do – even in a man’s world. Set in the late 1970s, “9 to 5: The Musical” is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. Outrageous, thought-provoking and even a little romantic, the musical is

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Teenage model still needs to make real-world plans, save for the future Dear Dave, I live in Los Angeles, and my daughter makes $3,000 to $5,000 a month modeling. I don’t want her to become spoiled by this job and the income, and I need advice on what to do with the money.

Should it be put aside for a car, and do you think she should have to pay for something like that herself?

— Lisa

Making New Year’s resolutions stick isn’t always an easy feat A new year often begins with good intentions, as thousands resolve to make positive changes in their lives.

Those resolutions may be a bit easier to make when toasting a glass at midnight, but resolutions can be harder to keep as the days turn into weeks and weeks become months.

Researchers at the University of Minnesota found that 80 percent of resolution-makers have given up by Valentine’s Day. A January 2012 poll conducted in England found that, of the 3,000 respondents, roughly three-quarters of them admitted they were no longer confident they would stick to their resolutions for the rest of the month.

There are several different reasons why resolutions fail, and recognizing potential pitfalls can help people stick with their positive changes throughout the New Year. The following are a few ways to ensure your resolutions last the year.

» Don’t make an unrealistic resolution. Losing weight is a popular resolution. Some resolve to drop dozens of pounds in an effort to completely transform their bodies.

However, when the weight doesn’t magically come off, it can be easy to grow discouraged.

Weight loss is not instantaneous, and healthy weight-loss plans advocate gradual weight loss, such as 1 to 2 pounds per week. It can take several months to see a considerable difference if you’re aiming to lose 50 pounds. Instead of setting such a lofty weight-loss goal, establish incremental milestones with tangible dates. For example, your resolution may be to lose 10 pounds by March 1. That is an attainable goal. » Don’t go it alone. You’re more likely to have success with keeping a resolution if you have outside

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Dear Lisa, So how do we keep a highincome, high-profile job from ruining this little girl? I think a lot of it has to do with her interaction with you, and how you gently mold her work ethic and attitude.

Don’t let her become a diva.

She’s not there to be fawned over or placed on a pedestal. She’s there to serve. That means working hard and doing the best she can. That’s her job whether she’s flipping burgers or making $5,000 a month modeling. The money’s nice, but what we’re really doing is making sure she learns some important life lessons. And you’re still being a parent, not a friend or peer, through every moment.

When it comes to the money, you guys should sit down and discuss some goals for the future. I think it’s important that any car purchase be reasonable, because the best thing a kid this age could do with that kind of money is save up for college. Even if she goes to school on a full scholarship, she should be driving something low-key.

Just because she gets a free ride in college doesn’t mean she gets to cruise the streets in a Lamborghini.

Set the rest of it aside for when life really begins – after college.

As her mom, it’s very important that you teach her these lessons now. It’s essential, too, that you don’t surrender the position of parent, teacher and leader. Chances are when this young lady is 34, no one will give a flip that she modeled for a while as a teenager.

The most important things here are the lessons taught and learned, not the money.

— Dave

DAVE Says

Dear Dave, My husband and I have about $60,000 in federally insured student loans. Can our wages be garnished if we’re paying less than the actual payment amount? If so, how far behind do we have to be for that to happen?

— Jennifer Dear Jennifer, To the best of my knowledge there’s no set formula for making this determination. In counseling people, we find some folks who are two years behind making payments before anything is done, while others are flagged at just a couple of months.

In reality, they can garnish you immediately if you’re paying less than the agreed-upon amount. But in most cases they won’t mess with you as long as there’s reasonable activity on the account.

The thing most people don’t realize about student loans is that a lawyer doesn’t have to be involved for them to garnish your wages. It’s a lot like the IRS in that they don’t have to sue you in order to take your wages. Congress gave them that power because it’s a federally insured loan. And in my mind, that’s way too much power.

If you’re having trouble making your payments, don’t just throw up your hands and default.

Talk to them about a deferral, and keep sending them whatever you can. It’s always better to be proactive than reactive in situations like these. Let them know you want to make good on your obligation, and ask what you can do to make this happen under terms you can afford.

Good luck, Jennifer!

— Dave Dave Ramsey has authored four New York Times best-selling books: “Financial Peace,” “The Total Money Makeover” and “EntreLeadership.”

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

Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and on the Web at daveramsey.com.

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RESOLUTIONS continued from Page 3

support. Enlist a buddy to go to the gym with you or provide support as you attempt to quit smoking. Having a support system in place can motivate and inspire, and knowing someone will be keeping tabs on you may instill enough anxiety to propel you through your resolutions. » Make resolutions for the right reasons. Making resolutions for the wrong reasons can be counterproductive. If you want to lose weight for cosmetic reasons and not to improve your overall health, you may find your motivation waning as the weeks wear on. Making resolutions for the right reasons often provides ample motivation. » Avoid boring resolutions. Many people make boring resolutions that often focus on the mundane instead of more positive things. Resolutions need not be changes that profoundly alter your mental or physical wellbeing. Making fun resolutions will probably help you stick to them.

Perhaps you will resolve to spend more time with the kids or promise to try more adventurous activities.

Maybe you decide it’s time pursue a hidden passion, such as music or art. Enjoyable resolutions are much

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Some New Year’s resolutions continue to show up year after year As the calendar rolls over into another a year at the stroke of midnight, people embrace, glasses are hoisted and New Year’s resolutions are made. Many people make the same resolutions year after year, largely because resolutions are not always easy to keep.

The following are the 10 most common New Year’s resolutions year after year. easier to keep. » Avoid expensive resolutions.

Before making a resolution, research how much a specific goal might cost. Gym memberships or new hobbies may stretch your budget, and if you cannot afford a resolution, how can you keep it? If money is a concern, choose resolutions that are fiscally possible. » Keep resolutions private if you so prefer. Many people are compelled to share their resolutions with friends and family. However, that can lead to feelings of competition or animosity if someone is realizing

10. Improve fitness.

9. Get organized.

8. Spend more time with family.

7. Volunteer to help others.

6. Save money.

5. Find a better job.

4. Get out of debt.

3. Quit smoking.

2. Manage stress.

1. Lose weight. goals before you. Feel free to keep your resolution private as you go through the process. Once you have met your goal, then you can share your success with others. » Don’t give up too easily. Some people are up for a challenge and others are not. Resolutions typically require a little extra effort, especially in the early stages.

Resolutions will not necessarily be easy to keep, but the longer you stick to a resolution the easier it becomes to make it a reality, so resist the temptation to throw in the towel too early.

Start saving by setting these New Year goals Though many embrace New Year’s resolutions, few stick with as the year progresses. The most successful resolutions are often those that make the most positive impacts on peoples’ lives, such as improving overall health or altering career paths. Resolutions that save money also are likely to prove successful.

Though saving money might not be the primary goal of many resolutions, savings can be an added benefit for those who resolve to make the following changes. » Quit smoking. Many people resolve to quit smoking to improve their health. But quitting smoking also benefits your bottom line.

Smokers who smoke a pack of cigarettes each day can expect to spend several thousand dollars a year on their habits. Quitting smoking can put that money back in your pocket and potentially lower your insurance costs. » Eat right and exercise. Making

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Community members work to get Air Force base in Pulaski County Ken Bridges

South Arkansas Historical Foundation

Little Rock Air Force Base in Jacksonville in northeast Pulaski County today is a key part of the defense of the United States and home to thousands of service members. But it emerged mostly as a local effort.

During World War II, much of the site had been used as an ordnance plant, making detonators and fuses for explosives as part of the war effort. The Arkansas Ordnance Plant, as it had been called, was one of six sites used for producing weapons in the state. The plant was built quickly in 1942, employed hundreds of civilians and produced millions of components for explosives until it was shut down in August 1945.

After the war ended, most of the plant was dismantled and much of the land sold back to the original

property owners, but with the stipulation that the government could buy it back if needed again for defense purposes.

In 1947, fearful of the ominous intentions of the Soviet Union, the federal government began rebuilding the military.

As part of a massive defense reorganization, the U.S. Air Force was created out of the U.S. Army Air Force. The Air Force began looking for strategic base locations in the central United States.

By the early 1950s, a group of Pulaski County businessmen began lobbying Congress to bring a base to the Little Rock area. The government, however, was not interested in buying land for new bases, but area leaders pledged to raise money for the project and to bring the base to the old ordnance plant site.

In December 1953, construction began on the new $50 million

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base, with $800,000 raised by the community. The LRAFB opened in October 1955, with a staff of 1,200 personnel and numerous civilian employees on 6,000 acres. The community, officers and airmen manning the facility worked hard to make a name for the base. An air wing of Boeing B-47 bomber jets was assigned to the base for several years. The Strategic Air Command was so impressed by the work of the service personnel and cooperation with the local community, that it named LRAFB “base of the year” in 1956.

Numerous changes would come

to the base over the years. In 1963, the first of a series of Titan II nuclear missile silos was established near the facility. In 1971, the 314th Airlift Wing was assigned to the base as the host unit (the main unit for the base). In 1997, the 314th was placed under the Air Education and Training Command, making it in charge of training pilots and crew with the Lockheed C-130 transport airplane.

Arkansas Air National Guard units also train at the base, and a college is available on base for degree seekers. Now 60 years after construction began, more than 8,000 work at the base.

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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» Out with the Old: (clockwise from left) Crew members work on taking up the old sidewalks on East Main in downtown El Dorado in July. In May, CNN’s Small Business & Development Magazine ranked El Dorado’s downtown area among the top 10 central business districts in the South. » Flipping Good Times: South Arkansas Community College’s Corporate and Community Education hosted a number of workshops throughout the year, including the LEGO Academy, offered in July. Evan Brooks (left) and Benjamin Murphy test out their flipper car during Vehicle Engineering. » Military Matters: In December, the local military support organization Project SOUTH implemented an innovative program in Union County set to be mimicked in five other states starting later this year. Military Matters is a library program 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 about the military among youth. » Missing Pieces: Strong native Carolyn Williams (right) shows Patrick Hotard, executive director of the South Arkansas Historical Foundation, an artifact from the 1940s Rufus Ely general store of Strong during a history forum in August. The history forum was the first of its kind in Union County, and Hotard said he eventually hoped to hold similar forums in other communities throughout the area.

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2013

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01•01•14 » Clowin’ Around: (clockwise from top, page 6) Costumed adults, children and dogs convened on downtown El Dorado in October for the Sixth Annual Mutt Strutt, hosted by Barkingham Acres. » Festival of the Year: In October, MusicFest XXVI drew several festival-goers, as well as the Union County Animal Protection Society dog, despite the threat of rain. Earlier in the year, MusicFest El Dorado took the 2012 Arkansas Festival of the Year award for the second year in a row, as well as the award for Grand Ole Classic Special Event for a celebration that has “stood the test of time.” » Packing with Alpacas: In the fall of this year, El Dorado became home to some unique new residents – a herd of Huacaya alpacas. Owner of Moondust Alpacas farm, Beth Titus recently moved to the area from Arizona.

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» Putt-Putter: (clockwise from left) Art Noyes assists Caden Hymes with his putt on the KidsNGolf putting green at the SouthArk Expo in September. Noyes and his wife launched the KidsNGolf organization earlier in the year, implementing programs throughout the county. » Doggone: The Union County Animal Protection Society was visible throughout the year, holding adoption days at several community events and receiving help from a number of area businesses, as well as two new state programs. Arkansas Paws In Prison and Last Chance Arkansas both joined forces with UCAPS to help get dogs like the scruffy fellow below adopted. » Breaking Ground: Murphy USA broke ground on its flagship station in El Dorado in September and officially opened its doors last month.

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» Showdown at Sunset: (clockwise from top) The centerpiece of Main Street El Dorado’s Summer Showtime Kickoff in June was the annual summer series, “Showdown at Sunset.” The series reenacts the infamous 1902 shootout on the courthouse steps that led to a long-standing feud between the Tuckers and the Parnells. Main Street El Dorado’s Showtime Series featured a number of concerts and attractions throughout the summer. » March On: The El Dorado High School Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps led the annual Martin Luther King Jr. Parade in January. The Self Culture Club held the 23rd annual parade to celebrate and remember the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The parade featured entries from the local community and throughout the state. » Unveiling: Family members of fallen solider Maj. Ronald Wayne Culver watch as his memorial bench is unveiled at the Veterans’ Day program

at the Arkansas 9.11 Memorial site, located on the grounds of the El Dorado Conference Center, in November. Two other benches were also dedicated to local military servicemen and brothers Jeremy and Benjamin Wise who also lost their lives while serving during the War on Terror. » Lending a Hand: (clockwise from page 1) Less than 72 hours after a massive EF-5 tornado tore through the town of Moore, Okla. in May, two trucks filled with donations raised by KIX 103 in El Dorado arrived at the drop point in the neighboring state.

Cherry Parker, of Burton’s H & H Maintenance, helps unload several pallets of donated bottled water. » In the Game: Barton Junior High students advanced to the Odyssey of the Mind world competition in May. Clayton Bolding plays the wizard Wardilein in the original skit he and his peers created to solve the OM problem, “It’s How You Look At It.” The

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o n . f b. m e / 1 8 O I T Z u team of seventh-graders placed 14th out of 65 in their division. » Youth of the Year: Jonathon Modica congratulates the Boys and Girls Club 2013 Youth of the Year ShaCole Cooksey at the annual banquet in February. The former Razorback basketball player served as keynote speaker at the event. » Labradoodles of Fun: The area’s therapy dog population grew throughout the year, with Lucy going to work at HOPE Landing in January, Max moving into to Hudson Memorial

Nursing Home in July, and Wilson joining the community in December.

Wilson’s trainer, Julie Case of Indiana, introduces him to the children at the South Arkansas Developmental Center for Children and Families last month. » Piano Man: The South Arkansas Community College Outdoor Expo hosted local piano legend Jason D. Williams at the 15th annual event in September. Williams drew a large crowd to the festival, hosted on the grounds of the El Dorado Conference Center. » In Stock: El Dorado became part of a global movement in January last year, as the Barton Public Library partnered with the Union Square Improvement District to revamp the iconic red telephone booths downtown into book exchanges. Teresa Golliher (from left), Richard Mason and Nancy Arn work on stocking the exchanges with books.

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Wising up to health Camp Fire El Dorado partners with local schools for Wise Kids

Camp Fire El Dorado wants children to make wise, healthy choices when it comes to nutrition and exercise. As a result, Camp Fire is offering a new program to children in local after-school programs and to its Camp Fire members.

Wise Kids is a science-based wellness curriculum for elementary-aged youth, ages 6-11, created by the Sajai Foundation, a leader in Energy Balance curricula. At its core, the Wise Kids program is about teaching children how to live a wise and healthy life by making good choices in food and activity.

The central idea of each Wise Kids lesson is the concept of Energy Balance – the concept the “Calories In should equal Calories Out.” The program encourages youth to make wise nutrition and activity choices through wellness messages and practical, hands-on activities that get kids moving and learning about healthier living.

Today’s youth are vulnerable to obesity, diabetes and other serious and preventable diet-related diseases. Wise Kids educates youth in a fun way about the healthy choices they can make regarding food and activity.

There are nine lessons in the Wise Kids curriculum (Energy Balance, My Plate, Calories, Food Labels, The Heart, The Body, Activity, Graduation and Balance In Action). Each session follows a Learn-Do-Play format.

» Learn: Children receive a Wise Kids workbook for each lesson, which allows them to read about the wellness topic, and fun games or activities illustrate the concepts. » Do: Each session has three to five learning activity choices to help illustrate the concepts covered. » Play: Each session has three to five active activity choices that can be done as a whole group or in small teams.

In partnership with the El Dorado Schools After-School Program, Camp Fire El Dorado will implement the Wise Kids curriculum in the after-school programs at Hugh Goodwin Academy for the Arts, Northwest Environmental Studies Academy and Yocum Elementary Math and Sciences elementary schools beginning this month. This will be followed by a session offered to club program members at the Camp Fire Office. All classes are offered free of charge.

The SHARE Foundation provided funding for this 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.

United Way of Union County partner agencies include: American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado, Camp Fire USA, CASA (CourtAppointed Special Advocates), Community Living Arrangements, Girl Scouts, Hope Landing, Literacy Council, Salvation Army, SingleParent Scholarship Fund, South Arkansas Developmental Center for Children and Families, South Arkansas Fights AIDS, and Turning Point.

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DIRECTOR

is a complete visual and performing arts center that includes three gallery continued from Page 2 spaces, a ballet studio, a 206-seat theater, a scene and costume shop, about teaming up and taking care classrooms, a photography stuof business. dio, and offices – all of which proAll applications should be mailed vide Arts In Education residencies; to South Arkansas Arts Center, monthly gallery exhibits; commu110 East Fifth St., El Dorado, AR nity theatre productions; and classes 71730, ATTN: Executive Director. in visual arts, ballet, photography, Application deadline is Feb. 28. drama and music for people of all For more information, contact the ages and those with special needs.

SAAC office at 870.862.5474.

For more information about SAAC, The South Arkansas Arts Center go online to www.sacc-arts.org.

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» Eliminate debt. Debt costs money, and research has shown that continued from Page 4 debt can negatively affect quality exercise a part of your weekly rou- of life. The longer men and women tine is another way to save money carry balances on their credit cards, over the long haul. According to the the more interest they’re paying on National Association of Health Un- those debts. » Start saving more money. Rederwriters, men and women who solving to set more money aside combine a healthy diet with exercise for savings can save people money three times per week can decrease over the long haul. When they have their prescription medications costs by 70 percent and their overall med- more money in savings accounts, ical costs by 30 percent. As well, many are more capable of handling exercise greatly reduces a person’s emergencies or other unforeseen exrisk of diabetes, high blood pressure, penses on their own rather than relyhigh cholesterol and heart disease, ing on credit cards or lenders to help them make it through rough patches. which can be costly.

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COMMUNITY calendar

» ‘ARTS IN THE HEARTS’ — The South Arkansas Arts Center will kick off its 50th Anniversary celebration with the retrospective showcase, “Arts In the Hearts for Decades” in all three galleries. The showcase spans 32 years of Artists In Education projects

by El Dorado AIE artists and local schools. Exhibition coordinator Mary Pat Anthony is collecting stories from students, parents and educators, asking “What influence did the arts in your school have on you, then and now?”

Those wishing to share their story can email how the arts influenced their lives to info@saac-arts.org.

When: Jan. 6 to Feb. 7 Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474 or visit the website at saac-arts.org. » ‘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. The concert will be hosted by El Dorado native Kenneth “Pop” Lowery, with guest Southern Arkansas University “Genesis Choir.”

When: Saturday, Jan. 4 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

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

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.

When: Thursday, Jan. 9 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.

» HISTORY OF NATCHEZ MEETING — The Preservation Society of the South Arkansas Historical Foundation will host retired Mississippi archaeologist Jack Elliot at its next meeting. Elliot’s presentation, “Colonial Natchez,” will focus on the fort of Natchez, established in 1716 and abandoned around 1800. 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.

When: Monday, Jan. 13 at 5:15 p.m.

Where: Newton House Museum, 510 Jackson St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, call the SAHF at 870.862.9890 or email info@soarkhistory.com. » U LEAD CLASS 3 OPEN ENROLLMENT — The El Dorado Chamber of Commerce is now accepting applications for Leadership

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.

Union County Class 3, sponsored by Great Lakes Solutions and NexansAmerCable. The 10-month program, which begins Feb. 26, is designed to strengthen the community by developing leadership through community interaction, teamwork, networking and hands-on experiences.

When: Deadline to apply is Jan. 17.

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 or email chamber@goeldorado.com. » 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 and assistance in properly using child restraints and seat belts.

Course: Jan. 22 from noon to 5 p.m.; Jan. 23-24 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Checkup: Saturday, Jan. 25 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 about CPS certification can be found at cert.safekids.org.

» SINGLE-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: Deadline to apply is Feb. 3.

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. » 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 provides only food donations during the week. Clothing donations can be placed 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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Union County's free source for community news and more

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South Arkansas

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

WEEKLY RECIPE Soup that satisfies on cold days Cold days require a hearty soup. When the temperatures dip, consider the following recipe for “Minestrone” from “The Culinary Institute of America Book of Soups.”

CLUES ACROSS

Minestrone with Pesto 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.

South Arkansas Leader

Ingredients:

Makes 8 servings » 2 tablespoons olive oil » 1 ounce pancetta, chopped (5-6 thin slices) » 1.5 cups chopped green cabbage » 1 cup chopped onions » 1 cup sliced carrots » 1/4 cup chopped celery » 2 garlic cloves, minced » 1 cup chopped, drained, canned plum tomatoes » 2 quarts chicken broth » 1/2 cup peeled, diced potato » 1 ounce Parmesan cheese rind » 3 ounces vermicelli or angel hair pasta, broken into 2-inch pieces (about 3/4 cup)

Directions:

» 1/4 cup drained, canned chickpeas » 1/3 cup drained, canned kidney beans » 1/3 cup Pesto » 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste » 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste » Freshly grated Parmesan cheese, as needed Pesto Makes about 3/4 cup » 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped » 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese » 2 tablespoons pinenuts, toasted » 2 garlic cloves, chopped » 1/3 cup olive oil

Heat the oil in a soup pot over medium heat. Add the pancetta and cook until the fat melts, 3 to 5 minutes. Do not brown. Add the cabbage, onions, carrots, celery and garlic.

Cook until the onions are translucent, 6 to 8 minutes. Add the tomatoes and saute another 2 to 3 minutes.

Add the broth, potato and Parmesan cheese rind. Bring to a simmer and cook until the vegetables are tender, about 30 minutes. Do not overcook. Meanwhile, cook the vermicelli according to package directions, until tender. Drain.

When the vegetables in the soup are tender, add the cooked vermicelli, chickpeas and kidney beans. Remove and discard the Parmesan rind. Season the soup to taste with the pesto, salt and pepper. Sprinkled with cheese.

For the Pesto: To toast the pinenuts, spread them in a single layer in a pie plate and roast in a 350 degrees oven until they are golden, 7 to minutes; stir the nuts frequently and watch carefully, as they can burn quickly. You also can toast the nuts in a heavy, dry skillet over medium-low heat.

Toss them often. Remove them from the skillet as they are golden or they will continue to brown.

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Check trees to prevent potential damage from falling limbs Cooperative Extension Service U of A Division System of Agriculture

LITTLE ROCK — Union County and many other parts of the state made it through the end of the year without any ice or snow, but the potential for wintry weather in the next couple of months is still a reality.

Associate director of the Arkansas Forest Research Center, Tamara Walkingstick suggested that homeowners examine their properties to help prevent damage from falling trees or limbs in the event of heavy ice or snowfall. Even if a tree does not looked damaged, hidden damage, such as bending or breaking of the wood fiber under the bark, can exist, Walkingstick said.

“The damage is still there and the extra weight of ice or snow can cause the total failure of the branch,” she said. “One way to tell is to see if the branch is bending more than it should, or if it appears to be pointing more toward the ground than other branches. If one of these branches is over someone’s home and it’s small enough for them to prune or remove

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storms the likelihood of tree failure is reduced.”

She also said certain fast-growing tree species are more vulnerable to tree damage during storms, including: Chinese elm, silver maple, sycamore, boxelder, Bradford pear, poplars and river birches.

“While homeowners should avoid planting such species close to buildings, utility lines, fences or anywhere potential damage could occur, if such trees are already growing in these locations, some preventive practices, such as pruning and bracing or cabling, may help reduce the potential of storm damage,” she said.

Danger: Trees can become weakened by the elements, from wind and rain to For more information on what ice and snow. The Cooperative Extension Service recommends homeowners to do after an ice storm, visit the perform routine checks of the trees around their homes to help prevent damage from falling trees or limbs, especially during the winter months. — Courtesy image online guide “Ice Storm Damage” at http://bit.ly/1db1WMU or safely, the homeowner might con- for wind and ice pressure to fell contact the Union County Coopsider doing so to halt the chance of trees,” Walkingstick said. “Sys- erative Extension Service office any damage.” tematically inspecting trees allows at 870.864.1916.

In addition, the danger for falling you to find damaged or defecThe Cooperative Extension Sertrees may be slightly increased by tive trees that could pose a threat vice is part of the University of Arthe ground-softening rains that have to people or property. Sound trees kansas Division of Agriculture. For fallen in the last few weeks. can withstand stronger winds more information, visit the website “Soft ground means it’s easier than defective trees, so during at www.uaex.edu.

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AdoptMe Pet adoptions are available at the Union County Animal Protection Society shelter, 1000 Sunset Road, El Dorado. UCAPS’s hours are noon to 5 p.m.

Wednesday through Saturday. For information about adopting or sponsoring a pet, call 870.862.0502.

UCAPS accepts donations including, but not limited to: » Dog and cat food » Dog houses » Cat litter » Play pens » Paper towels » Five-gallon buckets » Cleaning supplies » Large and small fans » Bleach and detergent » Plastic kiddie pools » Hand sanitizer » Dog and cat toys » Towels » Dog and cat treats » Blankets » Monetary donations » Sheets » Pet sponsorships » Pet taxis » Volunteer time Like UCAPS on Facebook for updates on new animals available for adoption and the shelter’s current donation needs, as well as hours of operation and more!