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Feb. 5, 2014
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Life Bridge Camp
Question of the Week
What was the last movie you watched? Thumbs up or down? « Cassidy Sullivan “‘Grown Ups 2.’ Thumbs down.”
Life Touch Hospice to hold bereavement camp for children this spring Brooke Burger Editor
This spring Life Touch Hospice’s bereavement program will help area youth bridge the gap between grief and healing with the Life Bridge Camp, to be held at Beech Springs Camp in Smackover on March 15. According to Life Touch counseling services coordinator Stephen Attebery, the day-long camp is geared towards providing a low-pressure, supportive atmosphere for youth ages 6 to
Feeling froggy? Jump to p. 3
» Hunter Sullivan “‘Hitman.’ Thumbs up.”
17 to express their grief, develop coping mechanisms and share with others their age who have experienced loss. Attebery, who is a licensed counselor, said he hopes the camp will give youth ideas and tools that they can use so that they can realize how to work with their grief as they grow. “I believe it’s helpful for you to feel like you’re doing something with your grief,” he said. “So a lot of the focus [of the camp] is to
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« Shannon Stivison “‘Stardust.’ Two thumbs up.”
» Brittney Thurmon “‘Frozen.’ Thumbs up.”
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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Can’t fall in love with ‘That Awkward Moment’ Nathan Ligon
Red Carpet Crash
I am almost tempted to give this movie a passing grade just for the simple fact that I enjoyed myself for a bit of it. You know you are in a horrid time for movies when the simple concept of a few smiles during a comedy is almost enough for me to recommend that you spend $20 to see something. Yet, movies have just been so terrible this year that any semblance of enjoyment seems like a gift from a deity. The concept for this movie is at least attempting to be a little different in some ways. You see, writer/ director Tom Gormican has clearly seen a lot of romantic comedies and is not detested enough with the genre’s clichés to get rid of them, but he does want to throw them for a bit of a loop. He attempts to do this by giving us leads that are stereotypical womanizers just waiting for their hearts of gold to come out. They just need the right woman. So, essentially it is like a really dirty Judd Apatow comedy, but with the conventions of just about every other rom-com you have ever seen in your life … which makes it kind of just like a bad Apatow movie. Whatever. One of the major things the movie has going for it is that the three lead characters (named Jason, Mikey and Daniel) are acted by a trio of very likable actors. Zac Efron plays Jason as a bit of a philanderer who you imagine most girls wouldn’t mind being wooed by. He has a charm that makes him likable even when he is being a pompous twit. Miles Teller is on autopilot here as Daniel, but luckily his autopilot is that of an entertaining jerk no matter what part he plays. The only completely decent guy of the bunch is Mikey (played by “Fruitvale Station’s” Michael B. Jordan). Mikey is in the middle of a divorce with his wife and just wants to get her back. They are all clearly falling for their own girls within the first several minutes of the film, but because the movie needs its setup for a thirdact cliché, they make a bet. That bet is to stay single together and create a roster of women to sleep with.
That Awkward Moment » Release date: Jan. 31.
» Rated: R for sexual content and language throughout.
» Stars: Zac Efron, Michael B. Jordan, Miles Teller, Imogen Poots, Mackenzie Davis, Jessica Lucas, Addison Timlin, Josh Pais, Evelina Turen, Karen Ludwig and Tina Benko.
» Director(s): Tom Gormican.
» RCC Rating: 2.5 out of 5 stars.
» Run time: 94 min.
Oddly enough, this bet feels like it only lasts for a few minutes before they are all falling in love with their chosen women. Jason falls for a writer named Ellie (played by the enjoyable Imogen Poots). Daniel falls for his hookup helper named Chelsea (played by Mackenzie Davis). Then there is Mikey’s wife, Vera (played by Jessica Lucas). She is the only real wildcard in the bunch. She and her husband have been together a while, and Mikey is trying to spice things up. Everything in the middle (just like most romantic comedies) is gettingto-know-you chit chat and fallingfor-you sex. It is fun; it is occasionally funny (although a lot of jokes fall flat), and it is mostly harmless. The problems really begin to rear themselves in the third act. As we all know, the movie has to have its sequences where the guys screw up and lose the girl. How else could they get back together for the feelgood ending? The big problem is that it all boils down to the stupid bet that they made in the beginning, but nobody ever seemed to be taking this bet seriously to begin with. It just felt like a stupid device put in for the sake of having a reason for them all to break up later. Then there is the reason for the breakup and the ridiculous amount of time that Jason takes to get his act together. I mean, what this guy does to lose his girl his pretty god-awful, and I’m supposed to buy that he just Facebook stalks her for a couple of months before (out of the blue) getting his act together? I won’t tell you what he does, but it’s pretty bad and it’s quite a stretch to believe she would forgive him, especially when he had no good excuse for doing it other than betting his buds he
wouldn’t date. Still, many of you won’t really care about any of the inconsistencies, ridiculous situations or clichés that you have seen a million times in better and worse movies. You will just turn your brain off and have a couple of laughs with your girlfriend or boyfriend (wife or husband). I can’t say that I see much harm in it, but I certainly can’t recommend it. Valentine’s Day is right around the corner and there has got to be better love stories coming out ... Right? Red Carpet Crash provides review writing on films, DVDs and television; news and updates on all things entertainment; and the occasional free stuff. Find RCC at www.redcarpetcrash.com or facebook.com/RedCarpetCrash.
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Inscribed bricks available for Heritage Plaza The South Arkansas Community College Foundation has launched the “Buy a Brick … Leave a Legacy” campaign for William R. and Cacilia Howard Heritage Plaza. Inscribed with the name of your choice, each brick is available for a $100 tax-deductible contribution, and will be laid in the plaza on the college’s West Campus. The plaza will be a green space that reflects on the historical significance of the block between West and Summit avenues and Block and Wesson streets. The site has been used for educational purposes dating back to prior to the Civil War, and once was the home of El Dorado High School, among other institutions. For more information on Heritage Plaza or how to make a contribution, contact the foundation office at 870.864.7106. More information about the plaza can also be found online at southark.edu/heritage-plaza.
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Avoid giving debt collectors direct access to your checking accounts Dear Dave, I’ve heard you say to never give collectors access to your checking account. Does that include payments with a debit card, too? — Susan
Frogs and Toads: A local training seminar will provide area citizens with the skills and knowledge necessary to help monitor the state’s frogs and toads and submit that data to a national monitoring agency. — Courtesy image
Local training readies citizen scientists to help national agency monitor state’s frogs Arkansas Frogs and Toads is a free two-part session offered by the South Arkansas Community College community education department from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. on Feb. 11 and 18. Instructor Tom Krohn, the Arkansas regional coordinator for FrogWatch U.S.A., will help students identify and mimic all frogs and toads in the area by their calls and provide training for monitoring them long-term. The program will allow students to learn why the calls are important, as well as why the frogs may be in trouble and what can be done to
help. Students will also receive frog monitoring training for the FrogWatch U.S.A. national network. FrogWatch U.S.A. is a national database administered by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums to which trained observers submit reports of their monitoring. Sessions will be held at the Center for Workforce Development on the college’s East Campus, located at 3696 East Main St. in El Dorado. Session one is a prerequisite for the second session. Registration is required; call 870.864.7192 or email ce@southark.edu to reserve a spot.
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Dear Susan, Absolutely! If you’re doing something like scheduling utility payments to come through your debit card or out of your personal checking account, that’s perfectly fine. But collectors are looking to get as much as they can on a bad, late debt. Never, under any circumstances, give them electronic access to your account. I’ve been doing financial counseling for a long time now, and I’ve seen numerous situations where collectors have taken more than the agreed-upon amount from someone’s account once they gained access. This sleazy move left people without the money to pay their rent or electric bill, or even to buy groceries. In fairness, the collection business does have a few good people in it, but it also has a high percentage of people who are scum – especially on the credit card side of collections. Some of them will lie and even make threats. It’s a huge problem. There are other, much safer ways to handle these kinds of situations. Send a money order overnight or wire the cash to them. You can also send a cashier’s check. Some folks have even used a pre-paid debit card that isn’t attached to any of your accounts. This isn’t my favorite way to handle things, but it’s better than giving them the opportunity to clean you out and mess you over! — Dave Dear Dave, I’m a little worried about investing in the market due to volatility.
DAVE Says
Are there safer investments? — Matt
Dear Matt, You’re right; the market is volatile. It’s not a volatile as some things, but you have to remember that anywhere there’s money to be made – including long-term investing – there are ups and downs. For instance, I like real estate. It’s not as volatile as the stock market, but there are no guarantees. We experienced that big dip over the last few years, and it was probably one of largest dips ever in the real estate market, except for the Great Depression. Aside from real estate, I also like mutual funds. When it comes to these, one way to smooth out the volatility of the market is through diversification. That means you spread your money around instead of investing in one or two things. That’s how I handle my mutual funds, and I recommend others do the same. Spread your investments across these four types of mutual funds: growth, growth and income, aggressive growth, and international. I can’t say it enough, Matt: There are no guarantees when it comes to long-term investing. But diversification can help make the ride a little bit smoother! — Dave Dave Ramsey has authored four New York Times best-selling books: “Financial Peace,” “More Than Enough,” “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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Ready ... Set ... Scribble!
Museum’s ‘Scribbling Machine’ workshop to feature machine race SMACKOVER — The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources is expanding its educational reach with a tinkering studio designed to foster imagination and invention among visitors of all ages. The tinkering program series will kick off this Saturday, Feb. 8. The two-hour tinkering program will begin at 1 p.m. and will allow children and adults to make and race their own motorized Scribbling Machine. A Scribbling Machine is a motorized contraption that moves in unusual ways and leaves a mark to trace its path. Participants will make their machines from simple materials, based on the idea of motion created by an offset motor. At the conclusion of the program, the museum will hold a Scribbling Machine race and participants can observe the paths left by their unique contraptions. A “Tinkering Studio” is a place where visitors can spend time working with a variety of tools and materials. According to museum superintendent Pam Beasley, tinkering is free-form experimentation with screwdrivers, motors, wires, glue and more that allows people to spend hours creating and building. She
g n i l b b Scri e n i h c Ma
Date: Saturday, Feb. 8 Time: 1 to 3 p.m. where: AMNR in Smackover contact: 870.725.2877 . . . a tinkering studio workshop
added that the studio allows visitors to slow down and immerse themselves in a workshop environment where they can become intensely engaged in combining science, art, technology and ideas.
“The Tinkering Studio is a platform where one can work independently or with others, experimenting along the way,” Beasley said. “The ample supply of varied materials, many of which are recycled,
New tax forms available at Barton Library Due to the 16-day federal government shutdown in October last year, some tax publications have been released late. The 2014 filing season opened on Jan. 31, and forms are still coming in. According to Nancy Arn at the Barton Public Library, recent arrivals include the 1040, 1040A and 1040 EZ forms; 1040A instructions; and schedules for the 1040: B, C, C-EZ, D, E, EIC, F, R, SE and V. Also available are the Pub. 17 Tax Guide 2013, Arkansas state forms and various other forms and publications. Barton Public Library will furnish individual tax forms for 2013 during its regular business hours. As well, the IRS website has forms and publications to download, including tax forms for prior years, online at
tax tables for free, not the entire instruction booklet. The Internal Revenue Service encourages taxpayers to use e-file or Free File as the fastest way to receive refunds. More information can be found at irs.gov/Filing. The library will make all forms available as it receives them. Barton Public Library is located at 200 East Fifth St., in El Dorado. Regular hours New Arrivals: Several new tax forms, of operation are Monday, Wednesinstruction booklets and other tax-reday and Friday from 9:30 a.m. to lated publications are now available at 5:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday the Barton Public Library in El Dorado. The library makes tax forms available from 1 to 8 p.m.; and Saturday from as it receives them. — Courtesy image 1 to 5 p.m. The library is closed www.irs.gov. Arn said the library on Sundays. For more information or questions can help individuals navigate the website. She added that although or to check on recent arrivals, conthe library can provide free tax tact the Barton Public Library at forms, library staff can only copy 870.863.5447.
means people can create, test and try again. With no right or wrong answers, it is a place of making, learning and sharing.” The Scribbling Machine tinkering workshop is free and open to the public but space is limited. To reserve a spot, call the museum at 870.725.2877. The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources is located at 3853 Smackover Highway in Smackover. One of 52 Arkansas State Parks, the museum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. Admission to the museum is free. The mission of the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources is to collect, preserve and interpret Arkansas’ natural resources with particular emphasis on petroleum and brine used for bromine extraction. Exhibits throughout the museum demonstrate the discovery and uses of petroleum and brine. Temporary exhibits change every six months and focus on various topics. For more information, go online to www.amnr.org.
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Keep Arkansas Beautiful invites elementary students statewide to submit artwork for poster contest LITTLE ROCK — As communities around the state begin planning for the 2014 Great American Cleanup in Arkansas, the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Commission invites students in kindergarten through fifth grades to submit art entries in its annual youth poster contest. “Every year, Keep Arkansas Beautiful receives artwork from all over the state reflecting how Arkansas students perceive the cleanliness and beauty of their state and hometowns,” said Elizabeth Philpott, KAB volunteer services coordinator. “If they recognize the importance of a clean and green community at this age, imagine what an impact they’ll have on the future of our state.” KAB coordinates the poster contest to involve students, to increase awareness of the Great American Cleanup in Arkansas, and to educate the public about the importance of a clean and beautiful community in promoting economic development, civic pride and environmental quality of life. Teachers and youth leaders across Artwork: Mackenzie Loudermilk, of Eureka Springs, won last year’s People’s the state are encouraged to involve all Choice Award in Keep Arkansas Beautiful’s poster contest. — Courtesy photo
students in grades K-5 in this educational art contest. Home-schooled students, 4-H clubs, scouts and other youth organizations are also invited to submit entries in the competition. Posters entered in the contest should depict an Arkansas that is clean and green with flowers and trees planted, parks and public areas cleaned up, trails built, downtowns improved, and litter picked up. The artwork should be two-dimensional and can be in any medium (pen and ink, watercolor, crayon, marker, pencil, or other mediums). Entries must be submitted on standard 8.5 x 11-inch paper. Prizes for the contest will be awarded in two divisions: Grades K-2 and Grades 3-5. The Keep Arkansas Beautiful Foundation will recognize three winners in each division with Walmart gift cards. Teachers are asked to select one poster per class to be submitted for statewide judging. Winners will be recognized in their local communities by
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Natural State skyline dominated by more than towering pines Ken Bridges
South Arkansas Historical Foundation
Most people know Arkansas for its natural beauty: The towering forests and rocky hills and mountains have drawn tourists for many years. Central Arkansas has some of the tallest natural landforms in the state. While the beauty is breathtaking, man has sought to rival these with his own towers reaching to the sky. Arkansas boasts many architectural treasures, but one of the most notable is the Metropolitan National Bank Tower in Little Rock, the tallest building in Arkansas. Arkansas, like most of the nation, enjoyed a real estate boom in the late 1970s and into the 1980s. For decades, the State Capitol and its familiar dome dominated the Little Rock skyline. The Capitol, at 231 feet in height, was the tallest in the city until the 1960s. In 1975, the First National Bank
Building was completed in downtown. The $23 million high-rise stood at 454 feet, with 30 stories. With a later bank merger in the 1990s, it became known as the Regions Bank Tower. For nearly a decade, it would be the tallest in Little Rock, and the entire state. In an ambitious collaboration in the early 1980s between Little Rock real estate developer John Flake and Arkansas Power and Light president Jerry Maulden, the dream behind the new skyscraper was born. Together, the plan for the state’s tallest skyscraper, initially to be called Capitol Tower, was announced and ground was broken in 1984. The new building rose steadily on its lot on Capitol Avenue. The First National Bank Tower was directly across the street and soon found itself overshadowed by its upstart neighbor. In 1986, construction was completed, and
H
South Arkansas Historical Foundation presents
ist o ry minute
Capitol Tower was formally introduced to Arkansas. The building stood at 40 stories, just over 547 feet above the ground. It boasted 625,000 square feet of space. The façade was made of aluminum, attached in a curtain wall façade system. The tower had a slight staircase pattern to the exterior, making the upper floors slightly smaller than the lower floors. Flake’s real estate firm would oversee management and leasing of the building, all designed for office and retail use. While the bank would enjoy its location in the tower, it would not always be its most notable tenant. In 1991, the Little Rock-based
yogurt chain TCBY would buy Capitol Tower’s naming rights, rebranding it as the TCBY Tower. The name would be short-lived as TCBY was bought out by the Mrs. Fields Corp. in 2000. Though it had a presence already at the site, in August 2003, Metropolitan National Bank would buy the naming rights itself, and move all of its administration into the building. Today, the Metropolitan Bank Tower can be seen miles from downtown, often the first landmark people see coming into the state capital, the tallest skyscraper in the Natural State. Organized in the 1970s, the South Arkansas Historical Foundation has been dedicated to educating the public about Arkansas’s rich history for over 30 years. The SAHF offices are located at 422 North Jackson in El Dorado. For more information, about SAHF call 870.862.9890.
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County offers certification training for pesticide-use
The Union County Cooperative Extension Service will be offering two pesticide applicator trainings this year, with the first one scheduled for next Monday. Union County agriculture producers who utilize chemicals to control pests on crops or livestock are required to complete applicator training every three years. The use of restricted-use pesticides requires training in safe handling and environmental stewardship. The licensing and enforcement of agriculture pesticides is supervised by the Arkansas Plant Board. Training for all producers who utilize agriculture chemicals is provided by the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Extension Service. Both PAT certification courses will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Union County Fairgrounds on Monday, Feb. 10 and again on Monday, March 10. A producer need only attend one training session. The cost for training is $10. Checks should be made payable to: Cooperative Extension Service. The sessions are open to all Union County residents needing training. Anyone requiring alternative means for communication of program information, including large print, audiotapes or other aids, should notify the Extension office as soon as possible prior to the activity. Anyone in Union County requiring certification for the use of restricted pesticides can contact the Union County Cooperative Extension Service office at 870.864.1916 for more information on certification training. The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. For more information, go to uaex.edu.
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Chamber Board names new president, CEO With a crowd of over 90 in attendance at the South Arkansas Networking Luncheon last week, El Dorado Chamber of Commerce Executive Committee announced the recent hire of new Chamber President and CEO Jeremy Stratton. Stratton officially begins work at the Chamber on March 1. “Our selection committee looked for talent, integrity and someone with a passion for community and experience in economic development,” said Bill Luther, Chamber Board chair and leader of the search committee. “Union County industries have over a billion dollars of projects underway today. We have an award-winning downtown about to undergo another renaissance on the heels of CNN proclaiming us one of America’s best small-town comebacks. We now have three companies that are traded on the [New York Stock Exchange] and headquartered in El Dorado. We need someone who can take all of this to the next level. We are confident we have found that person in Jeremy.” Stratton is as a certified economic developer through the International Economic Development Council. He holds a bachelor’s degree in economics and has a Master of
——————————————— “As long as we continue to attract young professionals like Jeremy Stratton, I have the greatest confidence that El Dorado and Union County are destined for great accomplishments.” Bill Luther El Dorado Chamber of Commerce
——————————————— Science in planning with a specialty in estate site consultants,” Stratton economic development from the said. “This will take time, but is the most important aspect of being sucUniversity of Tennessee. Admittedly, Stratton wasn’t fa- cessful down the road. Also, I need to get a good handle on miliar with El Dorado what the Chamber Board before researching and wants to accomplish and visiting the area, but he help on economic desaid he was immediately velopment projects that impressed with the area may need a gentle push. I – the El Dorado Promise have some ideas on some program, the leaders he programs and projects met and what he learned that may help El Dorado, about future regional but want to work in conprojects. Stratton said his cert with the Board and first rule of business is to the community for good get to know the people alignment.” and the area. Stratton Stratton has a proven “Since I am moving from Virginia and a different part track record in economic developof the country, it will be incumbent ment, most recently as the director on me to develop good working re- of the City of Danville Office of lationships with community lead- Economic Development in Danville, ers, elected officials, state econom- Va. Since 2007, he recruited 16 new ic development officials and real companies and nine expansions,
which resulted in the commitment of 2,500 new jobs and $310 million in new capital investment. Additionally, he helped a Polish company locate a sofa and mattress manufacturing facility in Danville, a project that created 813 jobs and was a $36.3 million investment. He also worked with developers on the purchase and redevelopment of warehouse building into a $14 million project with 120 apartments and office space for a pharmaceutical company, which resulted in a $7.5 million investment and 150 jobs. “He has traveled the globe to attract new investment in his community and has developed extensive relationships with overseas companies and investors,” Luther said. “I spoke with a CEO who stated Jeremy is famous in China and that investors love him.” Prior to working for the City of Danville, Stratton spent seven years as the vice president of the Carolinas Gateway Partnership in Rocky Mount, N.C. There, he recruited 22 new companies and nine expansions, which resulted in the commitment of 4,247 new jobs and $243 million in new capital investment. He also partnered with North
CEO continued on Page 9
United Way of Union County accepting mini-grant applications
Making an Impact: Representatives from organizations across Union County gather last year to receive Community Impact Grants from the United Way of Union County. United Way awarded more than $35,500 to 13 local organizations last year, and is now accepting applications for 2014 grants. — File photo
The United Way of Union County is accepting applications for Community Impact Mini Grants, according to executive director Alexis Alexander. “Community Impact grants are designed to reach further in the community to meet additional needs that will impact even more lives than our annual campaign allows,” Alexander said. These funding requests ($500 or less) should present innovative approaches to meeting the health and human services needs of our community, she added. Priority will be given to projects that address UWUC priority issues – education, health services, culture or recreation, safety and violence, and healthy behaviors. Applicants must operate as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization in Union County and demonstrate the
ability to meet a need in the community. Deadline for application is noon on Thursday, Feb. 27. To request a grant application or for more information, call Alexander at 870.862.4903 or email alexis @unitedwayunioncounty.com. United Way is a national network of locally governed organizations that work to create lasting positive changes in communities and in people’s lives. United Way’s mission is to improve lives by mobilizing the caring power of communities. United Way of Union County is governed by a board of local community leaders and makes decisions based on local needs and values. Last year alone, the United Way helped over 22,000 citizens in Union County. For more information on the United Way of Union County, visit www.uwucar.org.
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do something with your grief.” Campers will participate in a number of activities, some of which are geared towards dealing with grief, and others that are just about being at camp and having some fun, Attebery said. The camp is structured so that campers will go through the activities with peers in their age group. As Attebery said, throughout the camp, whether the activity is specifically grief-related or not, the campers will be learning healthy ways that they can process and work with their grief. Small group sessions will allow campers to share with youth their age who have also experienced loss, while arts-and-crafts segments will give them an opportunity to create ways to remember their loved ones, such as memory boxes. As the camp will take place at Beech Springs, campers will also be able to participate in the low-ropes course, which is designed to provide challenging, but achievable, personal development and team building tasks. Ropes courses come in low and high, with low offering obstacles that are all ground level. Monitored and operated by certified trainers, the ropes course will help build confidence and boost self-esteem, while also encouraging support and comradery among campers, Attebery said. Youth will also be able to unwind on a half-hour trail ride with Beech Springs’ horses. Attebery emphasized that all camp activities will take place in a lowpressure and supportive atmosphere and no child will be required to participate in any activity they do not feel comfortable with. The camp will culminate in a
cathartic closing ritual. “It’s a way to recognize that you’ve lost the person, but yet they still play an important part in your life as you move forward,” Attebery said, “that you don’t have to forget them, but that you put their memory in a good place where you can cherish it.” The closing ceremony will follow a 40-minute adult session, which Life Touch encourages all parents and guardians of campers to attend. According to Attebery, the session will provide caregivers with practical ways to help children as they grieve. Caregivers are invited to join the campers afterwards to participate in the closing ceremony. Attebery said the camp is not to serve as a cure-all but as a supplement to other help children may already be receiving. “We want to take kids where they are and with who they are and help them have the best experience they can,” he said. “We look at grief not as something to be ‘fixed’ but as a normal part of what you go through when you lose somebody. It’s normal to grieve and we just want to help them in that process.” Life Touch offers bereavement services for its patients’ families, as well as a community bereavement program to its five-county service area. Through that, Attebery said that he began to see a need for something like Life Bridge. So in 2012, he took it a step further, sending out surveys to school counselors throughout Union, Bradley, Calhoun, Columbia and Ouachita counties. The results showed that the interest level for a bereavement program for children was incredibly high, Attebery said, with counselors across some 25 schools reporting “that they thought this really could be
Made with Love: Local Campfire Group makes Valentine’s for Vets Last Wednesday, local military support organization Project S.O.U.T.H. invited an El Dorado Camp Fire club to show some love to Arkansas veterans for Valentine’s Day. The Camp Fire Club No. 27 got together to make Valentine’s cards to send to Arkansas Veterans in the Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System
hospital in Little Rock. Participating members included Presley Givens, Addison Lange, Jadon Web, Miranda Risinger, Mason Halstead, Kendall Ricker, Maddy Nolan, Lily Thomas, Kasynn Neely and Hyleigh Webb. For more information on these local programs, go to facebook.com/eldorado.campfire or projectsouthus.com.
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Life Bridge Camp saturday, march 15 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. beech springs camp Camp is open to all youth ages 6 to 17. Registration is required and costs $15 per child. Cost includes T-shirt, lunch and snacks. Scholarships are available.
Apply online at lifetouchhospice.org by Friday, Feb. 28. something that could make a difference in the community and be something that could help some kids.” The goal of Life Bridge Camp is to provide a caring, safe, lowpressure environment to help youth through their journey with grief, Attebery said. As a counselor, Attebery said he has seen that when people are grieving they often want to do something with their grief, and Life Bridge Camp is one way for youth to not only do something with their grief, but to learn healthy ways to continue to manage their grief as they develop. “Grief is not something that you go through in a month or two and it’s done. It’s something that continues to go and if you don’t go through your grief in a healthy way then it can lead to more problems later in your life,” Attebery said. — Courtesy photo
The camp will run from 8:30 a.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Saturday, March 15 at Beech Springs Camp in Smackover. Registration is required and costs $15 per child, which includes a T-shirt, lunch and snacks throughout the day. Scholarships are available to cover the registration fee. Registration is due by Feb. 28. The camp will be operated by trained staff, Attebery said, including himself, and Life Touch social workers, chaplains and trained volunteers, as well as some volunteers in the community who have experience working with children. All camp staff will undergo additional training prior to the camp. For more information or to register, contact Life Touch Hospice at 866.378.0388 or go online to lifetouchhospice.org.
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‘Exceptional youth’
Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado to name Youth of the Year at banquet
The Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado will host a competition in which one teen club member will be named the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado Youth of the Year at the third annual Joseph H. Hickman Youth of the Year Banquet on Monday, Feb. 10.
Youth of the Year
Being named Youth of the Year is the highest honor a Boys and Girls Club member can receive. As Boys and Girls Clubs of America’s premier youth recognition program, the Youth of the Year title recognizes outstanding contributions to a member’s family, school, community and Boys and Girls Club, as well as personal challenges and obstacles overcome. This year’s winner will receive five scholarships which include a $500 Knox White Scholarship from the Boys and Girls Club Foundation; a $500 Bubba Colvin Scholarship from the Boys and Girls Club Foundation; $500 from the Boys and Girls Club Alumni Association; $500 from the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado; and a $500 Allie Johnson Persistence of the Spirit award given through the Union County Community Foundation. The Joseph H. Hickman Youth of the Year Banquet will be held at 6:30 Monday night at the Boys and Girls Club Northwest Unit, located at 1201 Northwest Ave., in El Dorado. Joe Hickman will emcee the event with El Dorado’s own four-time Division 6A State football coach Scott Reed serving as the featured speaker. Ticket options to the event include: General Admission – $15, includes dinner; Upgraded Admission – $25, includes dinner and entrance to the
pre-banquet reception with Hickman, Reed and several current Wildcat football players; and VIP – $1,000, includes program and table sponsorship and eight tickets with dinner and reception privileges. Contact Kathey Perry at 870.863.8753 ext. 102 for ticket information.
Youths of the Month
During the banquet, Boys and Girls Club executive director David Lee also will present the 2013-2014 Youths of the Month. A staff member from each Club unit nominates a Club member as Youth of the Month to honor their behavior, grades, attitude, sportsmanship, volunteerism and commitment to the Club throughout the school year and summer months. The Youth of the Month recognition program is a mainstay of the Boys and Girls Club experience. It is a year-round program that helps Club members become knowledgeable future spokespersons for their Club and community. For more than 100 years, Boys and Girls Clubs of America (GreatFutures.org) has enabled young people most in need to achieve great futures as productive, caring, responsible citizens. Today, some 4,000 Boys and Girls Clubs serve nearly 4 million children and teens through Club membership and community outreach. Clubs are located in cities, towns, public housing and on Native American lands throughout the country, and serve military families
YOUTH continued on Page 12
CEO
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Carolina State University, East Carolina University, North Carolina Wesleyan College, City of Rocky Mount and Nash County on the construction of Gateway Technology Center; formed the GTC, Inc. Board; and helped establish onsite advanced engineering courses at the center. Additionally, Stratton spearheaded efforts to locate a bakery near Rocky Mount, resulting in $17 million and 700 jobs. He led efforts to locate West Corporation and their state-of-the-art customer service center in Rocky Mount that employs 900 people. He spent time as both the assistant director and research assistant at the Loudon County Economic Development in Loudon County, Tenn., and the development specialist at the Economic Development Partnership in Aiken, S.C. Stratton has served as secretary of the Dan River Business Development Center Board, chairman of the Southern Virginia Regional Alliance Board, secretary of the Danville Development Council and member of the Danville Community College
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Workforce Services Board. He is also a member of the Virginia Economic Development Association, the Southern Economic Development Council and the International Economic Development Council. For Luther, Stratton’s successful background is promising for El Dorado and the surrounding area. “As long as we continue to attract young professionals like Jeremy Stratton, I have the greatest confidence that El Dorado and Union County are destined for great accomplishment,” he said. Stratton said he anticipates quickly getting involved with and learning from the community. “I am looking forward to meeting all the good people of the region, working with the Chamber staff and learning from the community what needs to be done to move El Dorado to greater heights,” he said. “I am very impressed with how friendly and genuine the people in the community are, and I am coming to El Dorado to learn from everybody.” The Chamber provides leadership in economic and community development for El Dorado and Union County. For more information, visit goeldorado.com/chamber.
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COMMUNITY calendar
» HEALTH INSURANCE SIGNUP ASSISTANCE — The Medical Center of South Arkansas is providing sign-up assistance for health insurance, through the March 31 enrollment deadline. Based on household income and dependents, you may be eligible for health insurance coverage at no cost through Medicaid; or you may be eligible for new health insurance on the Health Insurance Marketplace. When: Now through March 31 Where: Medical Center of South Arkansas, 700 West Grove St., El Dorado Contact: For more information or to make an appointment for sign-up assistance, contact MCSA at 870.864.4185. » BACK TO BACH IN — The South Arkansas Symphony will host “Back to Bach”, a concert focusing on one of the greatest composers of all time who influenced the likes of Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Brahms, and set the stage for many future musical developments. The program will feature Wideman International Piano Competition winner Asiya Korepanova on piano, along with Roberto Gianola, guest conductor; Kermit Poling, violin; and Elizabeth O’Bannon, violin. Tickets: $20 for adults; $15 for seniors; $10 for college students; $5 for children in grades K-12 When: Saturday, Feb. 8 at 7:30 p.m. Where: First Methodist Church, 320 West Main, Magnolia Contact: For more information or to purchase tickets, go online to South ArkansasSymphony.org, or contact the ticket office at 800.792.0521. » COMMEMORATIVE CELEBRATION LUNCHEON — In honor of the legacy of the late bishop
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Your guide to events happening in communities in and around Union County.
Roy E. Matheney Sr. and appreciation for Madam Verleen Matheney, a commemorative celebration luncheon will be held to raise funds for the Roy E. and Verleen Matheney Scholarship Fund. A tax-deductible donation of $50 is requested to attend the luncheon, and all proceeds will go to fund the scholarship. When: Saturday, Feb. 8 at noon Where: Crossett Middle School Cafeteria, 100 Petersburg Road, Crossett Contact: For more information, contact Matheney & Associates Financial Services at 870.229.0729.
» TWENTIETH ANNIVERSARY SERVICE — A 20th Anniversary Service will be held for bishop Dr. George Calloway Jr. and first lady Alice Calloway. Guest church will be Shady Grove Baptist Church, under the direction of the Rev. Jimmy Miller. The theme will be “And he gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers” (Ephesians 4:11). When: Sunday, Feb. 9 at 3 p.m. Where: St. James Missionary Baptist Church, 608 Martin Luther King Ave., El Dorado » ADULT CLASSES FOR BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS — Connect Arkansas will bring its mobile lab to El Dorado for three basic computer literacy classes for adults. Each of the sessions will last one hour. Computer and Internet FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) classes will take place at 11 a.m., noon and 1 p.m. There is a limit of five students for each class, and each student will be provided with a computer. Registration is required through Barton Public Library.
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.
When: Wednesday, Feb. 12 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Where: Barton Public Library, 200 East Fifth St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact Nancy Arn at 870.863.5447, or go online to youseemore.com/barton. » SAAC 2014 STUDENT ART SHOW — The visual arts committee will host an artist reception for its 2014 Student Art Show and Competition, which opens in the Merkle, Price and Lobby galleries on Feb. 11 and continues through Feb. 28. The contest was open to all students grades K-12, for two-dimensional, 3-D and multi-media fine arts. Some works will be for sale during the exhibition, and cash prizes will be awarded to Best of Show. First, second and third places will be awarded to each of the grade divisions, K-4, 5-8 and 9-12. When: Tuesday, Feb. 18 from 4 to 6 p.m. Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact the SACC office at 870.862.5474 or go online to saac-arts.org. » GIRL SCOUT COOKIES — Area Girl Scouts will be selling cookies for the Girl Scout Cookie Program at local booths beginning Feb. 21. There are eight flavors available at $3.50 per box, and all cookies are trans-fat free. All proceeds support local Girl Scout troops and programs. The Gift of Caring Program also allows consumers to purchase and donate cookies to U.S. military members through the Girl Scouts – Diamonds Council bakers, Little Brownie Bakers. When: Feb. 21 – March 16
Where: Union County Contact: For more information, contact local Girl Scout Troop 2322 at 870.875.2692 or email union girlscouts@yahoo.com, or go online to facebook.com/Troop2322. » CLASSICAL GUITARist in CONCERT — Barton Public Library will host classical guitarist Peter Fletcher in concert for the ninth year. Fletcher will perform his Carnegie Hall repertoire. For more information about Fletcher, go online to peter fletcher.com. The concert is free and open to the public. When: Thursday, Feb. 27 at 7 p.m. Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact the Barton Public Library at 870.863.5447, or go online to yousee more.com/barton. » SAAC SEEKS DIRECTOR — The South Arkansas Arts Center is accepting director applications for its 2014 summer production of “9 to 5: The Musical.” Audition dates are set for May 5-7, with performances running July 10-20. Qualified applicants should submit a letter of introduction, brief production plan and a short resume. Salary schedule is competitive and will be set according to experience. Qualifications include some directing experience and knowledge of community theater. When: Deadline to apply is Feb. 28. Where: All applications should be mailed to South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St., El Dorado, AR 71730, ATTN: Executive Director. Contact: For more information, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474.
Crossword and Sudoku Answer Keys
Jan. 29
02•05•14
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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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The South Arkansas Leader is owned and operated by Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation. The views and opinions expressed in the South Arkansas Leader are those of the staff and contributing writers and do not represent the official views of Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation. All material published in this newspaper and on its website is copyrighted. The South Arkansas Leader publishes every Wednesday. All materials for publication must be received no later than noon the Friday before publication. For more information on submitting news releases, photos, event announcements, story ideas or photo opportunities, please contact the editor. The South Arkansas Leader is a weekly communityinterest newspaper serving Union County, Arkansas.
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2525 North West Ave. El Dorado, AR 71730 Office: 870.863.6126 Fax: 870.863.4555 leader@noalmark.com
South Arkansas Leader
WEEKLY RECIPE Maximize flavor with slow cook Slow roasting chicken is a foolproof method to avoid overcooking, as the process cooks the bird for hours but ensures a juicy and flavorful final product. Try “Slow Roasted Chicken with Potatoes and Herbs” from Andrew Schloss’ “Cooking Slow.”
CLUES ACROSS
Slow Roasted Chicken, Potatoes & Herbs Ingredients:
Serves 4 » 1 chicken, about 4 lbs. » 1/4 cup chopped fresh herbs, such as flat-leaf parsley, rosemary or thyme, or a combination thereof » 2 garlic cloves, minced
Directions:
» 2 tablespoons olive oil » 2 lbs. russet potatoes, scrubbed but not peeled, cut into slices 1/2-inch thick » 1 medium yellow onion, halved lengthwise and cut into slices 1/4-inch thick » Coarse sea salt » Freshly ground black pepper
Remove the giblets from the chicken (discard or save for another use). Rinse the chicken inside and out and pat dry with paper towels. At least 1 hour before you plan to start roasting the chicken or up to the night before, season the chicken inside and out with 2 teaspoons of salt and 1 teaspoon of pepper. If starting more than 1 hour ahead, refrigerate the chicken, uncovered, up to 12 hours; remove from the refrigerator 1 hour before you plan to start roasting, to take the chill off. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. In a small bowl, stir together the herbs and garlic. Set aside. Heat the oil in a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot. Working in batches to cook in a single layer without the slices overlapping, cook the potatoes until nicely browned on both sides in batches. When browned, remove and brown the rest. Lower the heat to medium, add the onion and saute until tender and lightly browned. Return the potatoes to the pan, season with salt and pepper and one-third of the herb mixture, and toss to coat. Rub the remaining herb mixture all over the chicken. Place breast-side down on the potatoes and roast in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce the oven temperature to 175 degrees, turn the chicken breastside up, return to the oven and roast until a thermometer inserted into a thigh registers 170 degrees, 4 to 6 hours. To finish, raise the oven temperature to 500 degrees and roast until the skin of the chicken is brown and crisp, about 10 minutes. Carve the chicken into serving pieces and serve with the potatoes.
1. Take by theft 7. Cash machine 10. Removed from attendance 12. Old World buffalo 13. Spread by dividing 14. Herd of unsheared sheep 15. Main arterial vessel 16. Carbamide 17. In the style of 18. Leafstalk angle 19. Physiques 21. Command right 22. Gratuitous 27. Printed display
CLUES DOWN
1. Russian Emperor (var. sp.) 2. Take hold of 3. South American Indian 4. Commune in northern France 5. “Run to Him” singer Bobby 6. Doctor of Education 7. Celestial intermediary 8. Roman garment 9. More (Spanish) 10. Ear shell 11. Diversify 12. A lofty nest 14. Dinner jackets 17. ___ Dhabi, U.A.E. capital 18. Small terrestrial lizard 20. Unhappy 23. Takes off
28. Dexter inspector 33. “Hammer Time’s” initials 34. Making one ashamed 36. Hill (Celtic) 37. Expletive 38. Surface 39. Atomic weight 40. Swiss river 41. Publicists 44. Hollow cylinders 45. Most hirsute 48. Wading bird 49. Not in residence 50. According to 51. Property injury
24. Mollusk shell lining 25. Socialist Debs’ initials 26. Arrived extinct 29. Atomic No. 37 30. 17th Greek letter 31. Blue eyed cat 32. Alliance between nations 35. Headquarters 36. Container weight adjustments 38. Chadic language Bura-_____ 40. Tributary of the Seine 41. Length x width 42. A small dent 43. Distribute 44. A gratuity 45. Possessed 46. Overgarment 47. A doctrine
Answer key on page 10.
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POSTER
continued from Page 5
KAB and Great American Cleanup in Arkansas representatives. The winning art will be displayed May 12-30 at the Thea Foundation art gallery in downtown North Little Rock. Posters will also be posted to the Keep Arkansas Beautiful Facebook page and may be used in other Great American Cleanup in Arkansas promotions. Posters sent in for judging will not be returned to students. Posters must be received no later than Saturday, March 1, and should be mailed or delivered to Elizabeth Philpott, Keep Arkansas Beautiful, One Capitol Mall, Suite 4A-007, Little Rock, AR 72201. For more information about the contest, call 501.682.3507 or email elizabeth.philpott@arkansas.gov.
Great American Cleanup
Last year’s Great American Cleanup in Arkansas involved more than 25,000 Arkansans at 149 events volunteering nearly 32,000 hours. Volunteers picked up 336,000 pounds of litter; improved
47 playgrounds; removed 4,700 tires; recycled 180,501 pounds of newspapers and 145,983 pounds of electronics; and collected 1,620 pounds of clothing for reuse. In addition to the many community improvement activities, volunteers picked up litter from 1,333 miles of roadway, trails and shoreline and 1,512 acres of parks and public areas, and closed 20 illegal dumping sites. The volunteer-driven Great American Cleanup in Arkansas also provided the state and participating communities a substantial cost savings, as the value of donated materials and volunteer labor exceeded $850,000. The national kickoff for Keep America Beautiful’s Great American Cleanup is March 1. Great American Cleanup events are organized in communities around the country in March, April and May. Nationally, this year’s Great American Cleanup is expected to involve an estimated 4 million people volunteering more than 5 million hours to clean, beautify and improve 16,500 communities during more than 30,000 events from coast to coast. Activities will include beautifying
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KAB Poster Contest Who: Arkansas youth in grades K-5. What: 8.5x11-inch artwork depicting a clean, green Arkansas. When: Deadline to submit March 1. Contact: Call 501.682.3507.
parks and recreation areas, collecting recyclables, picking up litter, planting trees and flowers, and conducting educational programs and litter-free events. As a certified state affiliate of Keep America Beautiful, Keep Arkansas Beautiful works to inspire and educate individuals to reduce litter, recycle and keep Arkansas beautiful. It operates as a division of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and is overseen by a ninemember commission appointed by the governor. KAB is funded by 1 percent of the eighth-cent conservation tax and, by utilizing volunteers, returns to the state a cost benefit of more than $6 in community service for each program dollar spent. For more information about KAB, visit KeepArkansasBeautiful.com.
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in BGCA-affiliated Youth Centers on U.S. military installations worldwide. Clubs provide a safe place, caring adult mentors, fun and friendship, and high-impact youth development programs on a daily basis during critical non-school hours. Priority programs emphasize academic success, good character and citizenship, and healthy lifestyles. In a Harris Survey of alumni, 57 percent said the Club saved their lives. Learn more about the Boys and Girls Clubs of America at bgca.org/face book and bgca.org/twitter. For more information on the local Club, go to eldoradokids.org or find the Club on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/1aWEdSF. 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 unitedwayunioncounty.com.
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.
BARTON PUBLIC LIBRARY » Adult Reference » Fiction and Nonfiction » Teen and Children Titles » Cookbooks and MORE! » $2 reference works » $1 hardbacks » 50¢ softbacks, CDS, etc. » 25¢ paperbacks » 10¢ magazines
Book Sale March 13 - 20 noon to 6 p.m.
TAC House
1101 North West Ave. El Dorado
Help UCAPS help them Donate Online » Go to the donation site on FundRazr at bit.ly/18nP6qv. » Select your donation amount. » Pay with your PayPal account or a credit or debit card.