Volume 10 - No. 2

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South Arkansas

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March 5, 2014 Volume 10 – No. 2 WANT MORE?

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Out of this world

Passerby: This afternoon a 100-foot-wide asteroid called DX110 is scheduled to pass within about 217,000 miles of Earth, a little closer than the distance from here to the moon, according to the National Aeronautics and Space

From the expansiveness of space to the intricacies of the beehive, South Arkansas Community College’s Noon Symposium series will take the community on a journey of the natural world this month.

All symposia are free and run from 12:15 p.m. to 1 p.m. on Wednesdays at the Center for Workforce Development on SouthArk’s East

Administration. Pictured is an artist’s impression of NEO (or near-Earth object) asteroids passing Earth. South Arkansas Community College will host a symposium on asteroids on March 19. — P. Carril / European Space Agency

SouthArk’s first March symposium to feature asteroids, followed by bees Campus, located at 3698 East Main Society, will present “Asteroids St., in El Dorado. and Comets: Ancient Relics of the Solar System” on Wednesday, Asteroids and comets March 19. Heath will speak about Darrell Heath, president of the SYMPOSIA continued on Page 5 Central Arkansas Astronomical

Artist champions trees p. 6

Tinkerers to learn about electricity in latest Tinkering Studio workshop SMACKOVER — This Saturday, the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources invites the public to come out and experiment with electrical circuits in its Tinkering Studio.

The free Tinkering workshop will run from 1 to 3 Saturday afternoon, March 8, at the museum, located at 3853 Smackover Highway.

Participants will learn how to build a circuit with a variety of components. The basic circuit will include a battery, wires and a light bulb or a small motor. As well, participants will discover how to add additional varying types of switches to a simple circuit in order to make a more complex design.

For many, completion of this simple circuit is the first time they can tangibly see a concept they may have only read about in a book or studied in a science class, said museum superintendent Pam Beasley.

As a tinkerer, participants will be encouraged to create their circuits independently. If the circuit does not work as intended, the participant is guided in how to resolve the problem on their own. Beasley noted that the activities are designed to help participants gain an understanding of electricity and electrical circuits.

Tinker continued on Page 9

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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Liam Neeson can’t save ‘Non-Stop’ from explosive mediocrity Derek DiCiccio Red Carpet Crash

Way back in 2008, Liam Neeson starred in “Taken.” It was an unexpected smash hit, earning $145 million and suddenly making Neeson an action star. He has since abandoned roles like he had in “Kinsey” (2004) and is straight up snapping necks and cashing checks. Sometimes, it works and works pretty great, like in “The Grey” (2011).

Then, there are times when it doesn’t work so great, which is the case with “Non-Stop.”

This movie is just a hair better than straight-to-DVD type stuff.

The story itself is fairly clever, which frames Neeson’s U.S. federal air marshal Bill Marks as a hijacker, and the dialogue is pretty snappy. However, “Non-Stop” falls prey to what most action movies that are set in one cramped location do: Each act that pushes the story forward is more preposterous than the previous one.

Everything you need to know about Bill Marks is seen in the first three minutes of the movie. Bill sits alone in his car, whiskey bottle in hand, eyeing up a tattered picture of a little girl tucked into his visor.

This type of exposition is as subtle

Non-Stop » Release date: Feb. 28. » Run time: 106 min. » Rated: PG-13 for intense sequences of action and violence, some language, sensuality and drug references.

» Stars: Liam Neeson, Julianne Moore, Lupita Nyong’o, Scoot McNairy, Michelle Dockery, Nate Parker, Corey Stoll, Omar Metwally, Jason Butler Harner and Linus Roache.

» Director(s): Jaume Collet-Serra.

» RCC Rating: 2 out of 5 stars.

as a jackhammer, with the script shouting out: “Look how tortured this man is; sympathize with him now!”

Shortly after Bill gets on the nonstop flight (ha, get it?) to London, he starts receiving cryptic text messages on his secure cellphone that deliver an ultimatum: Deliver $150 million to a bank account or a passenger will die every 20 minutes. This anonymous hijacker also knows several personal details about Bill, from his alcoholism to how he likes to sneak into the lavatory for a quick smoke break.

The whodunit gets going and there are plenty of suspects onboard, including Bill’s seat neighbor, Jen (Julianne Moore). Bill enlists her and a flight attendant,

Restricted-use pesticide training offered March 10 The Union County Cooperative Extension Service will offer the final installment of its pesticide applicator trainings this year on Monday, March 10.

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 System Division of Agriculture Extension Service.

The PAT certification course will run from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Union County Fairgrounds 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 session is 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.

Union County residents requiring certification for the use of restricted pesticides can contact the county Extension Service at 870.864.1916 for more information.

Nancy (Michelle Dockery), to help him try to ensnare his mystery text buddy to no avail. There’s even a moment when another air marshal on the flight may or may not be involved.

Need some clichéd suspects?

“Non-Stop” has them. There is the Muslim guy (Omar Metwally), the mouthy New Yorker (Corey Stoll), and the sheepish nerd (Scoot McNairy). Even the men up in the cockpit are potential threats. If there is one thing that this screenplay actually does well, it’s that it keeps you guessing on who’s pulling Bill’s strings.

There is some clever banter between Neeson and Moore, who are so much better than this kind of material, but they make the most

of it. Moore’s Jen is loaded with snark, even when essentially being interrogated. She has a few insulting zingers that she throws Bill’s way that are actually laugh-outloud funny.

The action mostly consists of Neeson smacking people around and shouting questions at them, such as “How did you get this number?” or “Why did you lie about your final destination?” It gets a bit tedious. There is a fantastic fight scene that takes place in the most cramped location one could imagine on an airplane and it is exceptionally shot and edited, and extremely nerve-wracking.

The movie really falls to pieces, though, when the baddie is revealed and it’s revealed that the reason for this entire harebrained scheme is completely ridiculous. It’s almost as if screenwriters John Richardson, Christopher Roach and Ryan Engle thought up all these cool things to have Neeson do on a plane but then when it came time to actually have a reason for it, they came up completely blank. Honestly, good old-fashioned greed would have worked way, way better.

Neeson is on screen for virtually

NONSTOP continued on Page 4

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Children need opportunities early on to make mistakes with money Dear Dave, My 6-year-old son has saved up $400. He said he wants to buy a motorcycle with it someday, but he recently changed his mind and wants to buy a computer tablet.

Is it okay for him to change his mind like this, and how should I handle things?

— Christina

Saving Time and Energy: Though rued by many, daylight saving time can provide an opportunity to implement several energy-saving methods throughout the home, such as turning the thermostat off when no one’s home. — Courtesy image

Daylight saving time can increase energy savings As another winter storm brought more cold weather to the state earlier this week, it may seem too soon that the nation will be springing ahead for daylight saving time this Sunday, March 9.

Yet by the time the weekend rolls around, temperatures should be on the rise, giving way to more springlike days as clocks roll forward to provide slightly longer days thanks to a centuries-old idea first introduced by Benjamin Franklin.

When daylight saving time, or DST, was first introduced, much of what people did in their daily lives was governed by sunlight, as it was difficult to do anything once the sun set and night could only be illuminated by fire and candles. Franklin felt the country could be more productive if everyone rose earlier to maximize daytime. In the summer, pushing the clocks ahead allowed people to work longer into the evening.

But Franklin’s idea was not officially implemented until much later, when it was instituted during World War I to save money on electricity and devote more money to coal during the time of war. DST was repealed during peacetime, but

implemented again during World War II and once again during the 1973 oil embargo. Today, more than 70 countries participate in DST, many of which do so because they believe it helps to save money on electricity. In the United States, Arizona and Hawaii do not participate.

Despite all of the hype surrounding DST and its financial impact, a 1975 U.S. Department of Transportation Study indicated that DST has a relatively insignificant impact on electricity usage. A 2008 study conducted in the state of Indiana compared electricity use before and after the state adopted DST. The results indicated a 1 percent increase in residential electricity use after DST was implemented.

Various governments and scientists continue to look at the practice of DST to see if it has any measurable benefits. Some medical studies indicate that DST can disrupt sleeping patterns, leading to added stress on the body and an increased risk of heart attack.

But daylight saving time has its supporters as well, and individuals can take their own steps to curb electricity usage throughout the year.

SAVING continued on Page 8

Dear Christina, I’m not really concerned whether it’s a motorcycle or a tablet, especially if he’s saved his own money. I think the big thing we’re looking for in all this is a teachable moment.

Certainly regret is a concern, especially with a kid so young.

But the reality is that neither the decision nor the possible regret afterward will ruin his life. If you talk to him and try to advise him beforehand, and he gets upset later because he feels like he made the wrong choice, it gives you the opportunity to step in and gently say: “I’m sorry you think you made a bad choice, but that’s why I wanted you to really think about it first. You had a chance to listen to mom’s wisdom and didn’t.

I’m sorry you feel sad now, but I want you to remember it and learn something from this bad decision.”

It’s a process of controlled pain and natural consequences.

One of my daughters did something similar years ago when we went to an amusement park.

All the kids had a set amount of money for the day, and we warned them not to spend it too soon. She turned around and blew all her money on carnival games, then she spent the rest of the day whining while her brother and sister rode the rides and had lots of fun.

We didn’t give her any more money, but a controlled amount of pain taught her some valuable lessons that day. She learned to listen to her mom and dad, she learned that carnival games are a rip-off, and she learned to control herself a little bit and think things through.

Allowing kids the emotional dignity of making some decisions for themselves is vitally important.

You just have to make sure this

DAVE Says

liberty is supervised and comes with parental warnings and protections. Just because they saved the money doesn’t mean they can do whatever they want.

It still has to be used in a way that you, as a parent, are comfortable with and deem appropriate.

There will be some natural tension in the process, but it’s a great way to teach kids about money, decision making, maturity and life choices.

— Dave Dear Dave, I know you hate payday-loan companies. Do you feel the same way about check-cashing companies?

— Brian

Dear Brian, Check-cashing companies are not a good deal, but they’re nowhere near as bad as payday lenders. All check-cashing businesses do is charge a fee to cash a check.

Honestly, it’s kind of silly to me that places like this can make money when all you have to do is walk into a bank and open an account. But there’s a percentage of our population that people in financial circles call “unbanked.”

This means they avoid banks for whatever reason, but in the process they leave themselves susceptible to bad deals like this.

So I don’t feel the same way about check-cashing companies as I do about payday lenders. It’s still not a financially smart move to pay a storefront operation a fee just to cash a check, but these businesses aren’t nearly as abusive as payday lenders.

— 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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Easier to find: County Extension office receives new signage The office of the Union County Cooperative Extension Service recently received and mounted new large signs at their location in the Roberds Building next to the County Health Unit at 307 American Road in El Dorado.

Though many Union County residents utilize the services provided by the Extension office for agriculture producers, family-and-consumer science and 4-H youth development, Extension employee Glenda Sutherlin said many have complained of difficulty in locating the office.

“This new signage will be quite visible and make it easier for clientele to find and receive the services provided,” she said.

The Union County Extension office represents the University of Arkansas Division of Agriculture Research and Extension program for the people of Union County.

According to Sutherlin, the local Extension office receives support from not only the community, but from their representatives in Quorum Court and county judge

Mike Loftin.

“We greatly appreciate the support of the people we serve and their representatives,” she said.

The Extension Service strives to provide unbiased research-based information to improve the quality of life for the citizens of Union County. From helping with gardening or tree problems to providing information on healthy living to enhancing youth through its 4-H Youth Development program, the Union County Extension Service provides a number of services to all citizens of Union County.

For more information, visit the Union County Extension office between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. any day of the week, or call 870.864.1916.

Learn more about the county Extension office online at www.uaex.edu/ counties/union.

The Cooperative Extension Service is part of the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. For more information, visit www.uaex.edu.

NONSTOP

with the summer blockbuster, but there’s little doubt it won’t turn a profit. Sadly, that is what the movie world is like this time of year. It’s loaded with mediocre, smallish budget movies dumped on the public in hopes of earning a dime.

There’s nothing to really actively dislike about “Non-Stop.” And, that can be countered with there being nothing to really like either. It’s just an average to below-average movie that happens to star Liam Neeson and his exceptional beard stubble.

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every second of “Non-Stop,” which is smart of director Jaume ColletSerra. The movie would be unbearable if not for his innate coolness.

Neeson is essentially playing the same character in all these recent action flicks. He’s just a guy with nothing to lose who is forced to be a reluctant hero. It would be weak stuff if the guy wasn’t so fantastic at it.

“Non-Stop” is the typical February action movie. It’s brain dead and requires little to no thought.

With its fairly modest $50 million budget, it doesn’t expect to compete

More Visible: Larry Darsick (left) and Johnny Swilley of the Union County Highway Department recently mounted a new, larger sign for the Union County Cooperative Extension Service, located at 307 American Road in El Dorado.

Representatives from the organization said they hope the larger sign will help the community more easily locate their offices. — Courtesy photo

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

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

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.

This young Collie Mix is about 3 months old and is waiting for a family of his very own to walk through the door.

These little Pups are approximately 8 weeks old. Their mother, an abandoned black Lab mix, has since been adopted.

OPT TO ADOPT! Allow a shelter pet to complete your family! Visit UCAPS from noon to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and let them choose YOU!

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Noted Arkansas movie star finds success despite personal woes Ken Bridges

South Arkansas Historical Foundation

“I’ve always had a lot of respect for the picture business.

It’s been good to me.”

That modest quote was spoken by one of the most recognizable movie stars of the late 1940s and into the 1950s: Arkansas native Alan Ladd, who led one of the most tortured paths to Hollywood fame, a story worthy of a film itself.

Ladd was born in Hot Springs in 1913 to an accountant father and an aspiring actress mother from England. His childhood, however, would be a nightmare.

At the age of 4, his father died suddenly, leaving the family penniless. His mother was able to find only meager work. One day, the still 4-year-old Ladd accidentally burned his home down after playing with matches. His mother moved to Oklahoma to try to find work but still had no luck.

SYMPOSIa continued from Page 1

the nature of such celestial bodies, including what they are and where they come from, as well as how disaster might be averted if one was headed for collision with Earth.

Heath works in the biology department at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. His academic training is primarily in the field of zoology, specifically in areas relating to the study of amphibians and reptiles, as well as small mammals. He has authored and co-authored papers dealing with the biology and ecology of bats and salamanders within the state of Arkansas.

Though his work focuses on the biological world, Heath said he has a strong passion for the astronomical world. Currently he is serving as the president for the Central Arkansas Astronomical Society and is a volunteer within the NASA/Jet Propulsion Laboratory’s Solar System Ambassador program. He appears occasionally on KARK and various radio shows for astronomy interviews and is also the host of the UALRTV series “The Night Sky.”

In 1920, he, his mother and her new and unemployed husband traveled to California to find work. Along the way, their car broke down constantly and they almost never had food to eat. Ladd later recalled that throughout the four-month trek that he remembered always being hungry. He would suffer several illnesses in his life related to years of malnutrition as a youth.

The chronic hunger he faced may well have stunted his growth.

In high school, he participated in track and even considered trying out for the Olympics before an injury derailed the dream. He graduated high school at the age of 20 and started a malt shop that quickly folded.

By this time, he had started acting, gaining an interest from an appearance in a high school play.

In 1932, he had a small role in “Tom Brown of Culver,” a quickly forgotten drama. He would appear in 85 films in his career, including some of the most iconic movies of

Beekeeping symposium

Later in the month, SouthArk will host a Noon Symposium on the history of beekeeping, with James and Rita Lamb of Southwest Arkansas Beekeeping Supplies on March 26.

The Lambs will cover the induction of the honey bees into the United States, offering participants the chance to learn about the art and craft of beekeeping spanning the early settlers to modern times. Attendees will also learn about the two main types of beehives used in the country, as well as the by-products of beekeeping and the importance of having bees for the food chain.

The Lambs operate Southwest Arkansas Beekeeping Supplies in Fulton. Limited goods, including honey, will be available at the symposium for purchase.

Refreshments will be available for both events, but attendees may bring lunches with them.

The Noon Symposia are free and open to the public, though registration is requested. Those interested in attending either event can register by calling 870.864.7192 or emailing ce@southark.edu.

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South Arkansas Historical Foundation presents

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all time. In 1941, he had a small role in Orson Welles’s “Citizen Kane,” followed by “The Great Gatsby” in 1949.

Ladd attempted to enlist in the Army Air Force during World War II but was discharged because of continuing stomach problems. In 1948, he starred in the radio mystery series “Box 13.”

His most famous role would be the 1953 film “Shane,” the story of a gunfighter determined to defend an innocent frontier family. “Shane” would be nominated for six Academy Awards, including Best Picture, winning for Best Color Cinematography. Many fans consider the movie to be one of the best westerns ever made.

Ladd would be known for being a devoted father, co-starring with two of his three children in his movies. In later years, his film roles decreased, but he still offered memorable performances, such as with Sidney Poitier in “All the Young Men” (1960) and George Peppard in “The Carpetbaggers” (1964).

After years of suffering chronic health problems and relentless insomnia, Ladd was found dead at his California home in 1964 of an apparent overdose of alcohol and sleeping pills. The death was ruled accidental. Years later, he was praised for his acting and in 1996 became part of the first group inducted into the Arkansas Entertainers Hall of Fame in Pine Bluff.

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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Champion Trees travels to El Dorado South Arkansas Arts Center opens traveling exhibition for March

Beginning this week, the South Arkansas Arts Center will be showing the traveling exhibition “Arkansas Champion Trees: an Artist’s Journey,” showcasing references to history and science, as well as Hot Springs artist Linda W. Palmer’s appreciation for natural resources.

The Arts Center will host an artist reception for Palmer from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, with the exhibition available for viewing in the Merkle and Price galleries through March 28.

The exhibit includes 18 large colored-pencil drawings of champion trees accompanied by detailed drawings of foliage; documentary photographs of depicted trees; and informative text panels that share the artist’s perspective and help connect viewers to the information related to the champion tree topic. The Arkansas Forestry Commission defines a champion tree as those trees, planted by nature or individuals, that are the largest of each species.

According to the project website championtreesexhibit.org, the colored-pencil drawings demonstrate the best of the medium, one that is in widespread use in Arkansas schools, with the large-scale interpretations giving evidence of a nuance and sophistication that can be appreciated, aspired to and achieved.

At first glance, Palmer’s subtle yet complex depictions of Arkansas’ champion trees resemble oversized botanical drawings. While the artist is attentive to genus and species, the drawings exceed the demands of scientific illustration. Palmers said her ultimate goal was to interpret each champion according to the season of observation, location, historic context and human connection. She interprets each tree as a distinctive botanical example

and as a witness to the events that have surrounded it.

From this rich duality, Palmer said she has drawn inspiration to imbue each drawing with singular specificity that implies much more than a identifiable tree, albeit a champion.

Palmer developed this new series of work over a period of five years, driving approximately 7,000 miles to document and artistically interpret selected Arkansas champion trees. An experienced Arkansas artist, Palmer opened her first art studio and gallery in Fort Smith in 1985 and currently maintains her studio and gallery in Hot Springs: the Linda Palmer Gallery, located at 800 Central Ave., in Hot Springs National Park.

Awarded “Signature Status” in 2006 by the Colored Pencil Society of America, Palmer’s work has been selected for numerous juried exhibitions and collections across the country and in Europe.

The exhibit is organized for travel by the Arkansas Committee of the National Museum of Women in the Arts and is supported in part by the Arkansas Arts Council, an agency of the Department of Arkansas Heritage and by the National Endowment for the Arts.

For more information about the exhibit, sponsored locally by Deltic Timber, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474 or visit the Arts Center online at saac-arts.org.

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SAVING

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» Tailor your schedule.

With the change in time and as the amount of sunlight naturally increases each day, it can become more possible to tailor your schedule to the daylight hours. When possible, rise with the sun and go to bed when the sun sets to reduce your reliance on electricity throughout the day.

» Turn it off.

Another way to reduce your electricity use is to use lights only in the room you are occupying. Make it a habit to turn off all electrical appliances and fixtures when you leave the room.

» Go outside.

The first day of spring is still two weeks away, but as winter begins to loosen its grip and the days become more pleasant, try to spend more time outdoors. Pick a couple of nights out of the week to grill outside and dine on the patio, or maybe meet a friend at the park for lunch.

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» Avoid peak hours.

Homeowners can save money on energy costs by using major appliances, like dishwashers and clothes dryers, during off-peak hours. The on-peak hours vary, but generally are between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. from April to October and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. November through March.

Moving energy-intensive activities from on-peak to off-peak hours can help reduce energy costs.

Entergy Arkansas defines peak usage hours from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. June through September during weekdays, and from 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.

June through September during weekends, holidays and three-day holiday weekends.

sun starts to set.

» Adjust the thermostat.

As the temperature rises, be sure to adjust the thermostat on HVAC (heating, ventilation, and air conditioning) systems appropriately.

Keeping the system turned off when you’re not home can help save on energy costs, as well.

» Unplug.

Have a family game night, read a book, go to the park – reduce reliance on electrical forms of entertainment, such as televisions, computers, tablets and gaming systems as much as possible.

Additionally, utilizing power strips for these items can help reduce costs » Open the windows. by preventing energy drain. AppliTurning off the air conditioner and ances like television sets continue opening the windows on cooler days to draw energy even when they are can help keep interior spaces at a turned off, but cutting off the power comfortable temperature while sav- source through a power strip can help prevent that waste. ing on energy costs.

Despite many people’s dislike for » Rely on sunlight. the practice, daylight saving time As the days get longer, rely on can at least serve as a reminder to sunlight as much as possible. Open implement energy saving praccurtains and blinds to let more light tices, as well as to check the batinto your home and refrain from teries in smoke alarms and carbon turning on overhead lights until the monoxide detectors.

Students to receive help with FAFSA at Scholars Day South Arkansas Community College will hold a Dollars for Scholars Day on March 9 to assist students in completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and the Arkansas Universal Scholarship Application.

The event will run from 2 to 4 on Sunday afternoon in the Whitfield Building Atrium, located on SouthArk’s West Campus at 311 South West Ave. in El Dorado.

Students should bring the personal identification number for both themselves and a parent assigned online at www.pin.ed.gov and received at least one week prior to the event; 2013 tax returns for both themselves and a parent; 2013 W-2 forms; and Social Security numbers.

the

HOPE

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nation box benefiting HOPE Landing

Donate rolls of Paper Towels at any HOPE Box to help HOPE Landing, a nonprofit serving kids in Union County with disabilities! » Poppy’s Pizza » Regions Bank » South Arkansas Collision & Repair » Gallery of Shops » Yocum Primary School » North College Salon

box

BARTON PUBLIC LIBRARY » Brookshire’s (South) » Teague Auto Group » Timmins Hardware » First Financial Bank » Laney’s Collision Center » BancorpSouth (all 4 locations)

Get updates on new locations and donation drives @ facebook/The HOPE Box!

» 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 19 - 26 noon to 6 p.m.

TAC House

1101 North West Ave. El Dorado

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Turning Point helps turn around lives of those facing abuse In the time it takes to read this article, 40 women will be beaten, but help is available.

Turning Point of South Arkansas provides a safe place of refuge to women, men and children from violent family situations.

Turning Point, formerly known as the Union County Rape and Family Violence Center, is a nonprofit organization for domestic violence and sexual assault victims.

The agency seeks and enlists members and support of individuals, churches, civic and social clubs, chambers of commerce, local governments, state agencies and other organizations in Union County, as well as victims or former victims of family violence. Turning Point receives state and local funding from agencies such as the United Way of Union County, SHARE Foundation, Department of Finance and Administration, Mary Kay Foundation and other donations and grants.

Turning Point also seeks to provide education to the public on the issue of spouse battering, child abuse, sexual assault, rape and family violence in general.

Additionally, the agency serves as a means for the improvement of family violence through the provision of shelter, counseling, education and advocating.

The mission of Turning Point is to provide emotional support, information and assistance to survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault; to work toward solving and alleviating family violence; and to help abused persons and children to cope with fears and anxieties, find refuge and learn to grow and make positive decisions for their future welfare.

Turning Point offers:

» Emergency shelter: safe, confidential refuge; case management; advocacy and referrals; support groups. » Telephone hotline: 24 hours a day, seven days a week; crisis intervention; support and referrals. » Emergency response team: on-call advocates available to hospitals and police to assist victims. » Community education: speaker’s bureau for clubs and organizations; professional training for law enforcement and workplace violence training.

According to the Bureau of Justice statistics: » 1 in 4 women will experience domestic abuse in their lives. » 1 in 3 teens will experience dating abuse before the age of 20. » Each day, four women die as a result of abuse. » Each day, three children die as a result of abuse. » Historically, Arkansas has ranked ninth nationally for domestic homicides per capita.

Turning Point offers 30-day program that, at no charge, provides a safe home when home isn’t safe. The agency is a member of the Arkansas Coalition Against Domestic Violence, which certifies Turning Point employees once a year.

For more information on Turning Point of South Arkansas, call 870.862.3672, or for the 24-hour crisis hotline, call 870.862-0929 or 800.980.0929.

Union United showcases United Way of Union County’s 14 nonprofit partner agencies. Learn more at uwucar.org.

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TINKER

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“By approaching circuit-building with familiar components and direct connections, the barrier to trying things is lowered, and surprising moments of insight are discovered,” she said. “Participants can then learn how electricity powers the machines that we use in our everyday lives.”

This program is part of the museum’s Tinkering Studio. This studio is a unique space in that it combines both art and science. Participants are free to create, explore and experiment with a variety of tools, materials and scientific concepts.

Reservations are required for this program; call 870.725.2877 to reserve a spot.

One of 52 Arkansas State Parks, the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources focuses on exhibits that

Electrical Circuits Tinkering Studio Saturday, March 8 at 1 p.m. demonstrate the discovery and uses of petroleum and brine. Temporary exhibits change every six months and focus on various topics. Admission is free to the museum, which is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, go online to www.amnr.org.

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South Arkansas Leader

03•05•14

COMMUNITY calendar

» MOUNT HOLLY PUBLIC HISTORY FORUM — The South Arkansas Historical Foundation and Barton Public Library will host a public history forum for the communities of Mount Holly, Lisbon, Marysville and their environs. The public is encouraged to bring photos, documents, artifacts and personal accounts of the communities. The forum is free and open to the public.

When: Thursday, March 6 at 6 p.m.

Where: Burks Life Center, Mount Holly Community Church, 2935 Stephens Highway, Union County Contact: For more information, contact the SAHF office at 870.862.9892 or email info@soarkhistory.com.

» CAMDEN’s ANNUAL DAFFODIL FESTIVAL — The City of Camden will host the 21st annual Daffodil Festival, featuring guided history tours, competitions, food and arts-and-crafts vendors, live music, children entertainment and more, all in addition to tours of its famed daffodil gardens. The festival is free and open to the public.

Tickets for tours of the daffodil gardens can be purchased at the Daffodil Festival booth during the festival.

When: Friday and Saturday, March 7-8 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Downtown Camden Contact: For more information, call 870.836.0023 or visit the website at www.camdendaffodilfestival.com. » DIRT FRIENDS FESTIVAL — The Union County Master Gardeners invites the public to attend its Dirt Friends Festival, featuring two speakers, regional experts, a mini trade show, door prizes and more. The festival is intended to provide a morning

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

full of garden education for seasoned and aspiring gardeners alike. Cost is $10 per person and includes refreshments and a goody bag. Registration begins at 9 a.m. the day of the event.

When: Saturday, March 8 from 9:30 a.m. to noon Where: College Avenue Church of Christ, 1817 North College Ave., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact Charlotte Abbott at 870.862.1099.

» HUNGRYTOWN FOLK MUSIC CONCERT — Barton Public Library will host modern folk duo, Hungrytown, for a fifth time in El Dorado.

Hungrytown is the musical and married duo of Rebecca Hall and Ken Anderson of New Hampshire. For more information on the folk-singing duo, visit Hungrytown’s website at www.hungrytown.net. The live concert is free and open to the public.

When: Saturday, March 8 at 7 p.m.

Where: Barton Public Library, 200 East Fifth St., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact the Barton Library at 870.863.5447. » NATURE NIGHTS — On the second Thursday of each month, the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and South Arkansas Community College’s Corporate and Community Education will team up to offer Nature Nights, a series for the entire family. The program is free and open to the public. Space is limited, so registration is requested.

Program: What Have We Here? Participants will learn about plants, animals and conservation as they embark on a scavenger hunt.

When: Thursday, March 13 at 6 p.m.

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 by noon Monday the week of publication. For more information, contact the Leader staff at 870.863.6126 or by email.

Where: South Arkansas Arboretum, adjacent to the old El Dorado High School on Timberlane in 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. » DWIGHT YOAKAM IN CONCERT — Main Street El Dorado will present Dwight Yoakam live in concert. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are reserved-seating and are on sale now. Ticket prices are: Golden Circle $100, Orchestra $60, Parquet $50, Loge $40 and Balcony $30.

When: Friday, March 14 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: Municipal Auditorium, 100 West Eighth St., El Dorado Contact: For more information or tickets, contact Main Street El Dorado at 870.862.4747, email mainstreet eldorado@suddenlink.com or go online to mainstreeteldorado.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 at uniongirlscouts @yahoo.com, or go to facebook.com/ Troop2322.

» SOUTH ARKANSAS HISTORY SPEAKER SERIES — South Arkansas Community College and South Arkansas Historical Foundation will present the sixth installment of the partnership’s history speakers series.

The spring 2014 series will begin with the lecture “Changing Historical Perspectives on Slavery in the American South” from Dr. John B. Boles. The lecture is free and open to the public.

When: Thursday, March 20 beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Where: SouthArk Library auditorium, SouthArk West Campus, at 311 South West Ave., El Dorado Contact: For more information, contact the South Arkansas Historical Foundation at 870.862.9890. » CHILDREN’S SPRING BREAK GOLF CAMP — South Arkansas Community College will offer a Spring Break Golf Camp with Art Noyes of KidsNGolf. Noyes will provide an introduction to the game, skills, equipment, field of play, values, strategies and traditions with classroom instruction and hands-on training. The camp is open to youth ages 8 to 18, and costs $59 per person. Registration is required.

When: Monday through Friday, March 24-28 from 9 a.m. to noon Where: Center for Workforce Development, SouthArk East Campus, 3698 East Main St., El Dorado Contact: For more information or to register, call 870.864.8456 or email ce @southark.edu.

Have an event to announce?

Submit your event or announcement to the South Arkansas Leader at leader@noalmark.com.

Crossword and Sudoku Answer Keys

Feb. 26

03•05•14

... for hundreds of FREE classifieds!

L

SUDOKU

EADER

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

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

Union County's free source for community news and more

Noalmark Broadcasting

General Manager Jay Helm jay_helm@noalmark.com

Editor Brooke Burger brooke.burger@noalmark.com Advertising Harry Dyer harry@noalmark.com Stacey Turner stacey.turner@noalmark.com

WEEKLY RECIPE Vegetarian seafood medley perfect for Lent or any time During Lenten season (a time devoted to fasting and penitence), many Christians abstain from eating meat, typically on Fridays during Lent, indirectly providing an opportunity to experiment in the kitchen.

Whether you’re abstaining for Lent or simply want to try your hand at vegetarian fare, consider the following for “Seafood Medley with Bell Pepper” from Suneeta Vaswani’s “Easy Indian Cooking.”

Seafood Medley with Bell Pepper Ingredients:

Serves 8 » 8 ounces sea scallops, halved » 8 ounces medium shrimp » 8 ounces squid, cut into rings » 8 ounces skinless fish fillets, such as snapper, cod, catfish, or any other firm white fish, cut into 2-inch pieces » 1 1/2 teaspoons salt or to taste, divided » 1 1/2 teaspoons cayenne pepper, divided » 1 teaspoon turmeric, divided » 2 tablespoons oil » 1 1/2 cups chopped onions

Directions: 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 Monday the week of publication. For more information on submitting news releases, photos, event announcements, story ideas or photo opportunities, please contact the editor.

The South Arkansas Leader is a weekly communityinterest newspaper serving Union County, Arkansas.

CROSSWORD How It Works

South Arkansas

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

South Arkansas Leader

» 3 tablespoons chopped garlic » 1 cup chopped tomato » 1 1/2 teaspoons chopped, peeled ginger root » 1 1/2 teaspoons minced green chiles » 1/2 teaspoon cumin powder » 2 cups chopped bell pepper, green or mix of any colors » 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lime or lemon juice » 1/2 teaspoon garam masala » 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds, powdered » 2 tablespoons slivered, peeled ginger root » 3 tablespoons cilantro, coarsely chopped

In a bowl, combine scallops, shrimp, squid and fish fillets.

Sprinkle 3/4 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon cayenne and 1/2 teaspoon turmeric on top. Toss to coat seafood.

In a wide saucepan, heat oil over medium heat. Add onions and saute until golden, 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and saute for 2 minutes. Add tomatoes, chopped ginger root, chiles, cumin, and remaining salt, cayenne and turmeric. Mix well.

Cook, stirring once, until slightly soft, 3 to 4 minutes.

Add seafood and bell pepper. Mix gently.

Cover saucepan and when mixture comes to a boil, uncover and reduce heat to medium. Cook for 5 minutes until scallops and squid are opaque, shrimp are pink and opaque, and fish flakes easily with a fork.

Remove from heat and stir in lime juice. Sprinkle with garam masala and fenugreek powder. Mix gently. Sprinkle with slivered ginger root on top. Cover and allow flavors to blend for 5 minutes.

Sprinkle cilantro on top and serve hot over rice.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Plural of eyrir 6. Concord 12. Photographer 16. Atomic No. 18 17. Tobacco cylinder 18. Of I 19. 1/10 meter (abbr.)

20. In the year of Our Lord 21. Belittle 22. 1/2 of an em 23. Equally 24. Cornmeal mush (British) 26. Desires 28. Of sound mind 30. First moon man’s initials 31. Public broadcasting 32. Bodily cavity 34. Insecticide 35. County in China 37. Platforms 39. Frost

40. Crucifix 41. Bodily faculties 43. Seladang 44. Denotes three 45. Imbibe slowly 47. What’s left 48. Liberal degree 50. Competition 52. Confederate 54. 7th Hindu month 56. Senator Frankin 57. “Crying” singer’s initials 59. Taro root dish 60. Bahrain dinar 61. Sun god 62. 39th state 63. In a harmful way 66. Immunoglobulin (abbr.)

67. Differences 70. Moves slowly 71. Snarl, growl (var. sp.)

CLUES DOWN 1. Aviator 2. Boutros’ group 3. Go over 4. Be among 5. Cloth scrap 6. Clerks 7. Vacuum tube 8. Actress Blanchett 9. Removes the lid 10. Atomic No. 45 11. Peremptorily 12. Dishonorable men 13. Spanish appetizers 14. Algerian gulf and port 15. Sets again 25. About Freemason 26. One point N of due W 27. Not happy 29. Accumulates on the surface 31. Peels an apple

33. Diamond weight unit 36. Possesses 38. Note 39. About heraldry 41. Hair filament 42. Title of respect 43. Hair product 46. Colas 47. Capital of Huila, Colombia 49. More diaphanous 51. Eliminate 53. Change to a vapor 54. Ancient temple sanctums 55. Pesters 58. Off-Broadway award 60. Light Russian pancake 64. Baseball official 65. Work unit 68. Jr.’s father 69. Atomic No. 77

Answer key on page 10.

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South Arkansas Leader

03•05•14

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A fat lot of good trans fats will do you Trans fats pack double whammy for bad cholesterol and poor heart health

FDA considers ban on trans fats in all foods

Cooperative Extension Service U of A System Division of Agriculture

TEXARKANA — Trans fats can make food taste better, increase their longevity on the grocery store shelf and improve food texture, but once consumed, they can raise levels of bad cholesterol and the risk of heart disease.

“You need to know that it raises low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, also known as LDL or bad cholesterol,” said Carla Haley-Hadley, Miller County extension agent for the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture. “An elevated LDL blood cholesterol level increases your risk of developing heart disease, which is the leading killer of both men and women in the U.S.” There are two sources of trans fat, also known as trans fatty acids, Haley-Hadley said.

“Trans fat can be formed naturally, produced in the gut of some grazing animals,” she said. “That’s why small quantities of trans fat can be found in animal products like milk, milk products and meat. It’s there naturally.”

The second type of trans fat is formed when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil, a process known as hydrogenation. This process makes the fat solid and these partially hydrogenated oils are used to improve shelf life, flavor stability and texture.

“About half of the trans fat Americans consume is formed during food processing and partially hydrogenated oils are the main source of this type of trans fat in the U.S.,” Haley-Hadley said.

She explained that when it comes to fats in a diet, limiting trans fats is one component of a healthful diet that also includes limiting saturated fat and dietary cholesterol.

Dietary fats are found in both plant and animal foods. Fat is a major source of energy for the body and aids in the absorption of vitamins

Chew the Fat: The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has been chewing the fat on trans fats and is looking at banning all trans fats from food due to the determination that consumption is not healthy in any amount. Trans fats show up in many junk foods, frozen foods and fast foods. — Courtesy photo

A, D, E and K. Fat is also important for proper growth, development and maintenance of good health.

The Dietary Guidelines for Americans notes that adults should consume no more than approximately one third of their calories from fat to reduce their risk of developing chronic diseases, such as heart disease, while providing for adequate intake of essential nutrients.

Fats are an important source of calories and nutrients for infants and toddlers up to two years of age. They have the highest energy needs per unit of body weight of any age group.

As a food ingredient, fat provides flavor, consistency and stability and helps with feeling full. Trans fats can be found in many of the same foods as saturated fat. These can include: crackers, cookies, cakes, frozen pies and other baked goods; snack foods, such as microwave popcorn; frozen pizza; fast food; vegetable shortenings and stick margarines; coffee creamer; refrigerated dough

products (such as biscuits and cinnamon rolls); and ready-touse frostings.

“Learn to choose your fats wisely,” Haley-Hadley said.

“Look at the Nutrition Facts label as your tool for reducing trans fat, saturated fat and cholesterol in your diet, which may also reduce your risk of developing heart disease.”

Trans fat has no percent daily value so when looking at the Nutrition Facts label, use the amounts of grams as a guide.

In addition, check the ingredient list on the food package for partially hydrogenated oils.

If a product contains partially hydrogenated oils, then it might contain small amounts of trans fat.

For more information about nutrition, visit www.uaex.edu.

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

At the end of last year, the Federal Food and Drug Administration announced a plan to ban all trans fats from food.

The plan had no firm deadline, but the agency said it would solicit advice from food manufacturers and restaurant chains for two months before officials determined how long the phase out will take.

Certain foods may have different timelines depending on the availability of trans fats substitutes.

This evolution began when FDA first proposed in 1999 that manufacturers be required to declare the amount of trans fat on Nutrition Facts labels because of public health concerns. That requirement became effective in 2006.

Trans fats, typically created via the process of adding hydrogen to vegetable oils to make them semi-solid, are frequently used to prolong the shelf life of processed foods. Many snack foods and packaged foods contain trans fats in the form of hydrogenated oils.

Trans fats occur naturally in some meat and dairy products, but in small amounts.

Research has shown that trans fats are more dangerous than other types of fats because they raise the level of LDL, or “bad cholesterol,” in the blood, while also lowering the level of HDL, or “good cholesterol.” The result can be clogged arteries and an elevated risk of heart disease.

The Institute of Medicine has said there is no safe level of trans fats and that people should consume as little as possible. Health officials estimate that a ban on trans fats could help prevent 20,000 heart attacks and 7,000 deaths from heart disease a year.

Consumers can learn more about the FDA’s proposed ban on trans fats through the FDA’s website at http://1.usa.gov/1fCsWSO.