Volume 10 - No. 9

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Union County’s source for community news and more

South Arkansas

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April 23, 2014 Volume 10 – No. 9 WANT MORE?

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Boy’s birthday wish ends in huge donation

Brooke Burger Editor

Just three months after its inception, one little boy is making a big impact on the volunteer effort The HOPE Box, which benefits HOPE Landing by collecting donations of goods and supplies typically used by the nonprofit.

Devin Osgood, of Huttig,

turned 9 years old on his birthday April 19 and instead of asking for the typical fare of toys and games a 9-year-old boy might pine for, Osgood asked his friends and family for paper towels, hand sanitizer, cleaning supplies and other standard household goods.

After following the development and growth

HOPE continued on Page 5

Folk festival coming soon – p. 6

Mayhaw Festival lineup announced The South Arkansas Historical Foundation has announced the lineup for its 22nd annual Mayhaw Festival, sponsored by First Financial Bank and El Dorado Chemical.

The festivities will kick-off with a free concert Friday night, May 2, courtesy of El Dorado Festival and Events. Hailing from Northwest Arkansas, Farmer & the Markets will open the festival at 5:30 p.m. on Union Square in downtown El Dorado.

Not only will Farmer & the Markets be playing Friday evening, but beginning at 4 p.m. the El Dorado Farmer’s Market will be open for business on location with locally grown vegetables and locally made breads, soaps and artisan crafts.

The festival will continue early Saturday morning, May 3, with live music featured throughout the day. Great Lakes Solutions, KIX 103 and Marmik Oil will sponsor the bandstand, with bands scheduled from 7:30 a.m. to 3 Saturday afternoon.

In addition to Farmer & the Markets, the 2014 Mayhaw Festival lineup includes: Clancey Ferguson and the Ragtags, a group of young bluegrass performers out of Mountain View; the Haley Creek Boys, a bluegrass gospel group primarily from Hamburg; and local guitarist Andy Reed of three-piece acoustic

MUSIC continued on Page 9

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‘Transcendence’ is the first major disappointment of 2014 Nathan Ligon

Red Carpet Crash

Transcendence

If I told you that I expected anything less than a really good movie out of “Transcendence,” I would be lying.

I know that this is only the first film for director Wally Pfister, but this is the guy who worked with Christopher Nolan for the last decade and won the Oscar for cinematography with ”Inception.” Surely, he learned how to make great movies from working on one great one after another, right?

Apparently not.

He seems to have gotten the hang of the whole casting, atmosphere and cinematography, but the pacing part that makes Nolan’s movies so great is sorely missing. Not to mention the fact that some of the characters’ decisions seem a bit ridiculous when we are given forever to think about why they are happening. That’s the thing about pacing that most people don’t understand.

If you utilize editing and music in the right way you can make an audience overlook the fact that a main character just became a terrorist with the same group that murdered all his friends.

Hell, I could have overlooked a

number of implausibilities in this film if the thing would have moved with some purpose in the last act.

A lot of the script is actually quite well written and a number of very interesting concepts are tackled within the confines of rather intelligent dialogue. However, when a person magically becomes a billionaire over night, buys an entire town, adds more dishes than are known to man, and you don’t see them for years, then you would think her closest friends would visit before two years. Instead, they wait until they see a crazy video on YouTube.

There are all kinds of little things like that in the second half of this film, and it really is a disappointment

El Dorado Crime Stoppers will hold its annual Fish Fry Fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on May 2 at Memorial Stadium in the Boys and Girls Club parking lot.

Plates cost $10 each and will include fish, fries, slaw, hot-water cornbread and a pickle. Advance orders will be accepted through Monday, April 28. Call 870.866.8982 for more information.

El Dorado Crime Stoppers raises funds to offer rewards for information leading to the arrest or indictment of those individuals responsible for a crime.

Since 2008, El Dorado Crime

Stoppers has paid out more than $15,000 in rewards for tips that led to more than 50 arrests for crimes including murder, robbery, theft, forgery and battery.

For more information about El Dorado Crime Stoppers, visit facebook/ElDoradoCrimeStoppers.

As Dr. Will Caster works toward his goal of creating an omniscient, sentient machine, a radical anti-technology group fights to prevent him from establishing a world where computers can transcend the abilities of humans. » Release date: April 18. » Run time: 119 min. » Rated: PG-13 for sci-fi action and

Crime Stoppers to hold annual Fish Fry Fundraiser on May 2

violence, some bloody images, brief strong language and sensuality. » Director(s): Wally Pfister. » Stars: Johnny Depp, Rebecca Hall, Morgan Freeman, Paul Bettany, Cillian Murphy, Kate Mara, Cole Hauser, Clifton Collins Jr. and Josh Stewart.

because the first half is so interesting. The movie opens by basically showing us the aftermath of what happens in the movie. This is the first ill-conceived concept of the film, which leaves little wonder as to how things are going to eventually turn out.

We quickly jump back several years in time to Will and Evelyn Caster (Johnny Depp and Rebecca Hall). These two doctors are on the brink of a breakthrough in technology that will allow computers to become self-aware.

Sadly, on the day that it seems they may have broken through the final barrier, many of their researchers are killed in a massive terrorist attack. The attack comes

from an anti-technology group known as RIFT. These people have some decent points about the dangers of what the Casters are doing, but they are only smart enough to kill people in order to make their point. In the chaos of the day, there are only a few survivors. Those people are the Casters, Max Waters (Paul Bettany), and Joseph Tagger (Morgan Freeman).

At least we think they are the only ones killed in the attack. It turns out that the bullet Will got shot with wasn’t a fatal shot, but it had enough poison in it to take him out over time. So, knowing that she cannot live without him, Evelyn takes the technology out of the super computer they have been working on and mixes it with the data of Will’s brain. Luckily, one of their fellow doctors figured out this was the key to their research just before he died. Anyway, everything up to this point is actually kind of interesting.

It is at this point in the film where things seem to be picking up and it feels for a few minutes like the movie is going to become exciting.

Then it just falls off the edge of a cliff and never returns.

TRANSCEND continued on Page 8

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No debt, no credit is always better than credit score with pile of debt Dear Dave, I’m 20 years old, and I’m trying to get out of debt. However, I’m concerned about what might happen when I’m older and don’t have a credit score. My girlfriend says I won’t be able to get a job or rent an apartment without a good one. Is this true?

— Ian

Summer Safety: One way to help ensure summer fun is had by all is to make sure you prevent injury through taking appropriate safety precautions,

like applying bug spray and sunscreen, drinking plenty of water and wearing a helmet for appropriate activities like riding a bike or scooter. — Courtesy images

Stay safe this summer Safety precautions for summertime activities can ensure fun for all

Fireworks, swimming and fun in the sun are all great parts of summer vacation. However, many of these activities also have the potential for mishaps.

Learn how to prevent danger with these five steps: 1. Beat back bugs. Avoid the diseases caused by ticks, mosquitoes and other insects by wearing bug spray. Dress in protective clothing, and always check for ticks after spending time outside.

2. Protect the head. Whether your family likes to rollerblade, bicycle or ride scooters, helmets are vital. Make sure helmets fit properly and are designed for the activity.

3. Monitor the water. Never leave children unsupervised near water for any amount of time.

Teach kids to behave safely around the pool, with rules such as no roughhousing or running, and enroll them in swim classes if they do not know how to swim.

4. Poison prevention. Wear long sleeves and pants if you are in a woody area to avoid the rash caused

by poison ivy, oak or sumac. Teach children to recognize the leaves of these plants if they spend time in the woods.

5. Beat the heat. By the time you feel thirsty, you may already be dehydrated. Drink water throughout the day, particularly before, during and after physical activity.

As children and families spend more time outside during the summer months, perhaps one of the most important safety precautions is sun protection.

SUMMER continued on Page 9

Dear Ian, No, it’s not true. I’m sure your girlfriend is a sweet person, but she has no clue what she’s talking about in this Ramsey situation.

In either case you can simply explain that the reason you don’t have a credit score is because you have no debt. Since you don’t have any debt, you have something known as money. That makes you very stable, and it makes you a fantastic candidate as an employee or tenant.

Listen to me, Ian. I’m a landlord, and if I had my choice between a tenant with no debt and no credit score and someone with a high credit score but lots of debt, I’d take the one who has no debt in a heartbeat.

Why? Because that’s the one who is most likely to pay.

Besides, you already have a good credit history if you’ve paid your bills on time. Show them proof of that, if necessary. But taking on a pile of debt to have a high credit score or increase your current score is just plain stupid!

— Dave

DAVE Says

Dear Dave, Would it be a good idea to open CD accounts for my two small children?

— Abe Dear Abe, No. A CD is a Certificate of Deposit. Basically, they’re not much more than savings accounts that carry early withdrawal penalties. They earn about the same as a regular savings account, too, which at the moment is next to nothing. There’s no reason to open them for your kids.

Now, is it a good idea to save money on behalf of your children?

Of course, it is. But if the idea is simply to teach and help them save money, I’d recommend simple savings accounts. If you’re talking about wanting to save money for them – like for a college fund – I’d suggest an Educational Savings Account (ESA) with good, growth stock mutual funds inside.

Even if you want to put aside college savings, I’d urge you to go ahead and open regular savings accounts for each of them. We did that for our kids, and I can tell you from experience, you’ll find tons of teachable moments about saving, giving and life in general!

— 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.

TinkerFest 4

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Museum event to showcase local makers, inventors this Saturday

SMACKOVER — The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources will host a TinkerFest, an Arkansas Discovery Network event, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 26.

As a member of the six-museum statewide consortium, AMNR will showcase local makers and inventors and allow the public to create unique things made from ordinary objects. The event will take place at the museum, located at 3853 Smackover Highway.

Tinkering is free-form experimentation with use of screwdrivers, motors, wires, glue and more, allowing people to spend hours creating and building, said Sherry Franques, AMNR’s director of education.

“Tinkering allows them to slow down and immerse themselves in a workshop environment,” she said.

“Tinkering is a great family activity where all can experiment and learn things together. It’s all about exploring to discover how and why things work, and often learning why they don’t.”

TinkerFest will feature inventors and artisans from South Arkansas.

Nearly 15 work stations will be set up inside the museum. Visitors will

» When: Saturday, April 26

11 a.m. to 3 p.m. » Where: Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, Smackover » Cost: $5 per person have the opportunity to make jewelry; weave hemp bracelets; paint with items provided by Mother Nature; make accessories, caps, purses and wallets with duct tape; build rockets and launch them complements of Lockheed Martin; and more.

“Some of the best inventions have started as tinkering projects. Humans have been tinkering since the dawn of time,” said Pam Beasley, museum superintendent. “For example, when the United States battled the Soviet Union for space exploration supremacy during the great ‘space race,’ people literally went into their garages and warehouses and started tinkering and creating.

“Innovation was the end result,” Beasley continued. “It was during this time that people invented thermal gear, freeze-dried food, microwave ovens, hair dryers and the list goes on. It’s how the National Aeronautics and Space Administration got its beginning.”

One can build just about anything from materials lying around the house, Beasley added, from flying objects to intricate circuit boards.

Even movie-making can be considered tinkering – it is the use of imagination, ingenuity and handson creativity, she said.

Since the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources installed its

3 locations

items accepted

» El Dorado Police Department » Smackover Police Department » Union County Sheriff’s Office

prescription medications, patches and ointments; over-the-counter medications; vitamins; samples and pet medications

Tinkering Studio two years ago, it has become one of the most popular exhibits and most attended workshops, Franques said. Tinkering programs are offered each month with a different theme.

“It’s interesting to see family groups working together,” she added. “Often grandparents know tools and tinkering where the grandchildren understand computers and electronics. Everyone learning independently as well as collectively.”

Admission to TinkerFest costs $5.

For more information, call the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources at 870.725.2877.

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SouthArk to host Evening with the Stars on May 2 Event to honor college luminaries, feature dance, dinner and auction

A dance, dinner and auction will be among the festivities as the South Arkansas Community College Foundation hosts An Evening with the Stars, honoring Friends of the College and Distinguished Alumni on Friday, May 2. The event starts at 6:30 p.m. at the El Dorado Conference Center.

“The SouthArk Foundation Board of Directors is honored once again to celebrate the support and accomplishments of our ‘Stars’ – important figures who have helped make this educational institution vibrant and solid,” Foundation president Greg Withrow said.

Friend of the College William R. Howard and Outstanding Alumni Greg Taylor and Melissa Jerry will be recognized.

“We look forward to acknowledging the philanthropic work of William R. Howard and celebrating the achievements of our Outstanding Alumni,” college president Dr. Barbara Jones said. “These individuals will be written into the college’s history.”

Caribbean Sea. A major contributor to the efforts of the SouthArk Foundation, Heritage Plaza on SouthArk’s West Campus will be named in honor of Howard and his late wife.

Jerry is the chief financial officer at First Financial Bank in El Dorado, a position that she has held since 1999.

Prior to that she was the internal auditor at National Bank of Commerce in 1988-’92, vice president and controller in ’92-’95, senior vice president and controller in ’95-’98 and senior vice president and chief Howard Jerry Taylor financial officer in ’98-’99.

She was nominated for ArkanHoward is retired from Lion Oil. with bachelor’s and master’s degree sas Business’ 2012 Chief Financial A Hampton native, he was stationed in accounting. He and his wife reloOfficer of the Year in the Large at the U.S. 3rd Army Headquarters cated to El Dorado after he graduatBank category. in England under Gen. George Pat- ed college and both worked at Lion.

A Huttig native, Jerry is a 1988 An accomplished scuba diver, ton during World War II. Shortly afgraduate of Southern Arkansas Uniter the war he met the woman who Howard and his wife appeared in versity in Magnolia with a bachwould become his wife, the late Ca- a diving film, “Five Fathoms to a elor’s degree in accounting, a 1985 cilia Howard, in Germany, where he Ship’s Grave.” He recently donated graduate of SAU-El Dorado with a coral collection to South Arkan- an associate’s degree in liberal lived for three years.

Howard is a graduate of the Uni- sas Community College, which STARS continued on Page 7 versity of Arkansas in Fayetteville he retrieved while diving in the

HOPE

County, collecting a range of basic cleaning products and office supplies, with two HOPE Boxes dedicated specifically to barn supplies.

“Devin’s generous and caring heart is something to be admired,” said Stevens. “We’re so thankful for [his endeavor] and hope it will be a springboard for others to do the same.”

According to Stevens, Osgood’s inspiration is already spreading, and at least one other person has requested a box for their own HOPE Party.

For more information on how to get The Hope Box at a local business, make a donation or host a HOPE Party, find The Hope Box on Facebook at http://on.fb.me/1f7ol to or contact HOPE Landing at 870.862.0500.

HOPE Landing is a nonprofit organization in El Dorado providing services to children with disabilities and their families. It provides occupational, physical, and speech and language therapies; equine assisted therapy, therapeutic riding and horseback riding lessons; pet assisted therapy; aquatic therapy; and inclusion programs such as summer camps, performing arts and familyfocused events. For more information, visit to hopelanding.com

continued from Page 1

of the HOPE Box (now up to 26 boxes across the county) on Facebook, Osgood decided that he would rather put the wellspring of birthday generosity to good use by having a HOPE Box birthday party to collect donations for HOPE Landing.

One HOPE Box in particular, at the FlowerSmith in Smackover, dedicated all its collected donations to the third-grader’s cause.

After collecting donations for a month, Osgood delivered his birthday loot, consisting of a total of 512 items, to HOPE Landing on Tuesday, April 22.

“You don’t find many young gentlemen his age that are so selfless and will give of themselves to help others,” said Kristi Lowery, president of HOPE Landing. “He’s just a very special young man.”

The HOPE Box is the brainchild of HOPE Landing parent Randa Stevens, who started the donation box earlier this year. The first location was set up in January at Poppy’s Pizza in Parkers Chapel to collect paper towels and has since spread to over 20 locations throughout Union

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Southern Folk Festival debuts in May The Cadillac Three to open festival on May 9

Main Street El Dorado’s inaugural Southern Folk Festival will run May 9 and 10 on Union Square in downtown El Dorado. Presented by Coca-Cola and Murphy USA, the free Southern Folk Festival will feature southern music, food, arts and crafts, and more.

The weekend will kick off on Friday, May 9 with a free, outdoor concert featuring rising country music stars The Cadillac Three, a Big Machine Records artist. The Nashville band’s debut single, “The South,” is currently climbing the country charts, as they tour with Jake Owen’s Days of Gold Tour. Taking the stage prior to The Cadillac Three is legendary roots-rockers, Dash Rip Rock. The New Orleans trio was recently inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

Live music and crawfish prepared

by Johnny B’s will begin at 5 p.m., with The Cadillac Three taking the stage at 9 Friday night.

The festivities will continue on Saturday, May 10 with an all-day event including a variety of entertainment and attractions for all ages, beginning at 11 that morning.

Saturday’s events will include the Main Street Poker Run, a

The Cadillac Three

FOLK continued on Page 12

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Mayhaw berry seeing resurgence after centuries of popularity Ken Bridges

South Arkansas Historical Foundation

One of the most celebrated delicacies of the South was found almost by accident in the remote wetlands and marshes across the region. For generations, the mayhaw berry has been one of the most popular foods in the South.

The mayhaw, sometimes called the hawthorn, grows in wet soil and is found mostly along the edges of swamps, marshes and bayous from East Texas to South Arkansas and Louisiana to Georgia. As these areas are not easily accessible, settlers entering South Arkansas in the early 1800s typically overlooked it at first. But by the mid-1800s, this had completely changed.

Mayhaws are related to the apple and crabapple. The berry itself is small, round, usually no more than an inch wide, and usually ripens in late April and early May, giving it the name “mayhaw.” Its earlier ripening time compared to other local fruits added to its

STARS

continued from Page 5

arts and a 1974 graduate of Strong High School.

She also is a certified public accountant, having been licensed in 1990, and a 1990 graduate of the Bank Administration Institute in Madison, Wis. Jerry is the chair of the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and previously was on the boards of the Union County Community Foundation Board and El Dorado Habitat for Humanity.

She also is a former commissioner of El Dorado Water Utilities.

She is the treasurer and Finance Committee chair of the SouthArk Foundation Board.

Taylor is the corporate environmental, health and safety director of training at Martin Resource

value to locals.

Because the mayhaw typically grows so close to bodies of water, thousands of the berries could be found in spring floating along and easy for anyone passing by in a small boat or raft to gather. As a result, early pioneer families would often head out to the waterways to collect as many mayhaws as possible to make into preserves and jellies.

In an era long before mass marketing and mass production of popular foodstuffs, making jellies and preserves at home became a favorite way for farm families to extend their food supplies, which were limited by the available growing season and the remote locations of their homesteads. Over time, many would experiment with different ways of making preserves and jellies. With the different fruits and berries available, literally hundreds of variations emerged. Some of these became popular recipes while others remained jealously guarded family secrets.

H

South Arkansas Historical Foundation presents

ist o ry minute

By the early 1900s, the reputation of the mayhaw had spread outside the South, and many restaurants and chefs noted their frustration at the often limited availability of the jelly. As the South steadily grew more urban after World War II, refrigeration and the rise of supermarkets started a change in eating habits and cooking traditions. By the later decades of the 20th century, homemade jellies and preserves became more a product of budgetconscious families and hobbyists.

The natural habitat of the mayhaw has shrunk as housing and farming has claimed the flora along lakes and bayous. However, growers have discovered that the berry can grow well outside its soggy natural home, encouraging

producers to expand cultivation efforts. In recent years, mayhaw enthusiasts have been finding new uses for the berry. The mayhaw can be used in butters, wine, syrups, brandy, sauces and ice cream.

Four cities across the South celebrate the mayhaw with annual festivals. Since 1992, El Dorado has had its own popular Mayhaw Festival, a free event of music and mayhaw jelly held the first weekend of each May, sponsored by the South Arkansas Historical Foundation.

The foundation has announced that it will again sponsor the Mayhaw Festival scheduled for May 2-3 at the Newton House Museum site, just north of downtown El Dorado. For more information, visit mayhawfestival.com.

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.

Manufacturing Partnership grant of the South West Arkansas Community College Consortium.

The event will feature a live auction with auctioneer Bruce Maloch, and local band Sonic Groove will perform for the dance. Dr. John and Julie Spencer will provide smooth jazz during dinner.

“The foundation supports a broad number of teaching and learning initiatives. This event will give the community a chance to learn more about the foundation, the good work Management. In his career in train- specialist in the U.S. Air Force dur- it has done, and its plans for the fuing, spanning more than 25 years, ing the first Gulf War in 1990. He he previously was the environmen- is a 1989 graduate of Spearsville ture,” foundation event chair Robin tal health and safety training man- High School and a 2013 summa Carroll said.

Tickets are $125 for the blackager at Great Lakes Solutions South cum laude graduate of Southtie-optional affair, and may be purArkansas Operations, an operations Ark with an associate’s degree in chased at 870.864.7130 or online at trainer at Lion Oil and the lead train- process technology. er for the Century Telephone-Alltel He is the chair of the process www.southark.edu/foundation. Proacquisition. technology advisory commit- ceeds benefit the Foundation, which A native of Spearsville, La., Tay- tee at SouthArk and the industry supports college goals and projects, lor was a satellite communications chair of the Regional Advanced and provides scholarships.

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Seminar to help small businesses navigate ACA Area small-business owners and employees can learn about new health insurance options and requirements for small businesses on Friday, May 9 in El Dorado at “Informed Businesses: Navigating the Affordable Care Act.” The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will present the training at the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, located at 111 West Main St., in partnership with the Arkansas Insurance Department. The seminar is free to attend.

“We want to help Arkansas smallbusiness owners understand the laws and make informed choices about health insurance coverage for themselves and their employees,” said Janet Roderick, ASBTDC state director.

The session, set for 11 a.m., will discuss key provisions of the federal health care law – the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of 2010 – and the new Health Insurance Marketplace, which opened in October last year.

The training will highlight: » The Arkansas Health Connector website; » SHOP, the Small Business Health Options Program; » Compliance and notification requirements that began Oct. 1, 2013 for employers; » New tax reporting requirements for employers;

» Available tax credits, potential rebates and premium reduction programs; and » Potential financial penalties for non-compliance.

Pre-registration is required. Lunch will be provided. To register or for more information, contact Julia Nipper at 870.235.5033 or go online to asbtdc.org/aca.

Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.

Contact Nipper at SAU ASBTDC, P.O. Box 9192, Magnolia, AR 71754, or call 870.235.5033.

The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center at Southern Arkansas University is a partnership of the U.S. Small Business Administration, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock College of Business, and Southern Arkansas University. ASBTDC assists startups, existing businesses and technology businesses with core services, including free consulting and market research, plus low- and nocost training. For more information, visit asbtdc.org.

The Arkansas Insurance Department established the Arkansas Health Connector to manage and implement the new Health Insurance Marketplace in Arkansas in accordance with the Affordable Care Act. As a state partnership marketplace, AHC is federally funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.

TRANSCEND

actually make this thing fly or move with some purpose. It would have helped to have a score that made the thing feel like it was moving, as well.

All these little things might have added up to a better film, but as it is, the film feels rushed. It feels thrown together much too haphazardly and the audience pays the price for the filmmakers’ cutting corners … which really stinks.

There was a lot here to explore.

continued from Page 2

We fast forward two years in time, and the movie turns in to a slow ride to grandma’s tech conference.

I won’t tell you anything because I know that a lot of you will still want to see the film, but it really feels like the movie is a computer that’s been booted up and then freezes. All the supposed climatic moments move in fits and never seem to pay off the way they should.

The whole thing could have been so much better with a few little script corrections (it’s a fairly smart script) and an editor who could

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.

— Heath Waldrop / South Arkansas Community College

Respiratory therapy holds open house South Arkansas Community College respiratory therapy student Tammy Keith (pictured far right) demonstrates a procedure to Pam (far left) and Curtis Boykin of Huttig at an open house for the respiratory therapy program last week.

Free Checking

SouthArk offers an Associate Applied of Science in respiratory therapy. For more information about the program, contact health and natural sciences dean Art Brown at 870.864.7102. More information can also be found online at www.southark.edu.

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April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month

Join 13th South CASA in making sure all children feel safe and loved

Anytime a child is abused or neglected, it’s a tragedy – one that all too often scars victims for a lifetime.

The latest statistics from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services are sobering: » Child Protective Services agencies across the United States received some 3.4 million referrals of abuse or neglect involving 6.3 million children in 2012. » An estimated 1,640 children died from child abuse or neglect in 2012, nearly three-quarters of them younger than age 3. » According to the 2013 DHS Statistical Report there were 140 children in foster care in Union County, up from 84 in 2012.

Studies have shown that children who have suffered abuse or neglect are more likely to struggle in school, have run-ins with law enforcement, experience homelessness or abuse drugs or alcohol. Research also shows that abused children are more apt to grow up to abuse their own kids.

At 13th South Judicial District CASA, we help abused and neglected children heal so they can live happier, safer lives.

Our CASA volunteers – court-appointed special advocates – make sure children don’t get lost in the overburdened legal and social service systems or languish in unsupportive foster homes. CASA volunteers stay with children until their court case is closed and the child is placed in a safe, permanent home.

During National Child Abuse Prevention Month, we invite our community to learn more about the work we do and consider

becoming a CASA volunteer.

Anyone interested can contact the office, 870.862.2272; visit our website at 13southcasa.com or follow on Facebook at facebook.com/13thSouthCasa.

Not everyone can be a CASA volunteer, but everyone can be an advocate by taking steps to make our community safer for our children: » Be mindful of the signs of abuse and neglect in children, such as a lack of adult supervision, extreme passivity or aggression or poor hygiene. » Be aware of warning signs in parents, such as showing indifference or rarely touching or looking at their child, constant verbal criticism, demands for perfection, blaming the child for family problems or other irrational behaviors. » If you think a child is in immediate danger, don’t hesitate.

Call 911. » If you believe a child is being abused or neglected, report your suspicions confidentially to our state’s toll-free child abuse hotline at 800.482.5964.

Working together, we can end abuse and neglect so that every child has a chance to thrive.

To find out more about 13th South CASA, visit us online at www.13southcasa.com.

Union United is a section showcasing the news and happenings of the United Way of Union County and its 14 nonprofit partner agencies.

For more information, call 870.862.4903, email liveunited@uwucar.org or visit unitedwayunioncounty.com.

SUMMER

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Sunburn can occur in 15 minutes or less, depending on skin tone and time of day. Even on cloudy days there is a risk for sunburn.

When you go out, stick to the shade and wear dark-colored clothing that doesn’t permit light to pass through. Wear a cap or a wide-brim hat and wraparound sunglasses.

Most importantly, don’t forget the sunscreen. The higher the sun protection factor, or SPF, the less UV light makes it through to the skin.

Apply sunscreen with an SPF of at

MUSIC

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band Goat Pilots.

Additional information, including promotional videos from the featured musical acts, can be found online at www.mayhawfestival.com and at facebook/mayhawfestival.

In addition to live entertainment, the festival will also feature several other events, activities and festival favorites, including the Wing

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9

least 15 to exposed skin at least 30 minutes before venturing out and every two hours when outdoors.

For extra piece of mind about summertime safety, consider taking a first-aid class or talk with your child’s doctor about safety steps you can take.

For more information on summer safety tips or to schedule an appointment, contact South Arkansas Pediatric Associates at 870.863.9520.

Located in El Dorado, Arkansas, the Medical Center of South Arkansas is general acute care hospital. For more information, visit www.themedcenter.net.

Ding Chicken Wing Cook-off, Mayhawlin’ 5K/10K Run, a Mayhaw biscuit breakfast and the antique car and motorcycle show. As well, the event will feature children’s activities, rock climbing, museum tours, craft vendors, lawn and garden vendors, and an art contest.

The street festival will take place on the grounds of the Newton House Museum and along Jackson Street between Faulkner and Sheppard streets from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, May 3.

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COMMUNITY calendar

» STUDENT ART EXHIBIT AND SALE — As a part of its Arts in April Celebration, South Arkansas Community College’s visual art students will hold an exhibit and sale. The event is free and open to the public.

When: April 24-29 Where: El Dorado Conference Center, 311 South West Ave. Contact: For more information about Arts in April, contact liberal arts dean Phil Ballard at 870.864.7156. » SOUTHARK SPRING STUDENT RECITAL — As a part of its annual Arts and April celebration, South Arkansas Community College will host a spring recital for its music students.

The event is free and open to the public.

When: April 24 at 12:15 p.m.

Where: El Dorado Conference Center, 311 South West Ave. Contact: For more information about Arts in April, contact Phil Ballard at 870.864.7156.

» URBAN TREE CARE FIELD DAY — The Southwest Research and Extension Center in Hope will host the 2014 Forestry Field Day, focusing on caring for trees in urban settings and the effects of severe weather on trees.

Early-bird registration costs $10 per person, is available through April 25 and includes lunch. Registration at the door costs $15.

When: Thursday, May 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Where: Southwest Research and Extension Center, 362 Arkansas 174, Hope Contact: For more information or to register, go online to swrec.uark.edu or call 870.777.9702 ext. 112.

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

» SPIRIT OF SOUTHARK AWARD NOMINATIONS — South Arkansas Community College is seeking nominations for its annual President’s Award, the Spirit of SouthArk. The award seeks to honor any individual, group or organization that has advanced the college’s efforts to deliver on its stated mission to provide educational opportunities and cultural enrichment to the region.

When: Nominations must be submitted by April 25.

Where: Submit nominations to President at P.O. Box 7010, El Dorado, AR 71731.

Contact: For more information, go online to www.southark.edu. » A SALUTE TO SINATRA CONCERT — The South Arkansas Symphony will host “A Salute to Sinatra,” featuring sell-out performer and Vegas star Steve Lippia singing Frank Sinatra favorites such as “Come Fly with Me,” “New York, New York” and “My Way.” Tickets cost $20 for adults, $15 for seniors, $10 for college students and $5 for children in grades K-12.

When: Saturday, April 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Where: El Dorado Municipal Auditorium, 100 West Eighth St. Contact: For more information or to purchase tickets, call the South Arkansas Symphony ticket office at 870.862.0521 or go to www.South ArkansasSymphony.org. » SAAC’S SOFT PASTELS ART CLASS — The South Arkansas Arts Center will offer a class on the basics of using soft pastels on sanded paper to create art with instructor Kelly Campbell. Students will learn about toning

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.

sanded paper for an underpainting, color and composition basics, transferring drawings to the pastel paper, and applying soft pastels. Cost for the one-day class is $45; sanded pastel paper for the class is available for an additional $6.50. Class is limited to eight students.

When: Saturday, April 26 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St. Contact: For more information or to register, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474. » UNION BAPTIST YOUTH MISSION AUCTION — Union Baptist Church will host an auction to help fund its youth mission trip this summer. A list of items up for auction is available via Facebook at http:// on.fb.me/1ttQVOH. Hot dogs, chips and desserts will also be available.

When: Saturday, April 26 at 7 p.m.

Where: Family Life Center, Union Baptist Church, 144 Crain City Road, Old Union Contact: For more information, contact Brian Williams at 870.862.2668. » WRITERS’ INK AWARDS CEREMONY — South Arkansas Community College will host the 17th annual Writers’ Ink awards ceremony to honor the Union County students whose works were selected for publication in the Writers’ Ink literary magazine, which is published by the college. A reception will follow the ceremony.

When: Sunday, April 27 at 2 p.m.

Where: Murphy Hall, El Dorado Conference Center, 311 South West Ave. Contact: For more information,

contact Phil Ballard at 870.864.7156. » ‘MAKING PROJECTS WORK’ SPEAKER — The El Dorado Chamber of Commerce will host South Carolina attorney J. Wesley Crum who will present “Leveraging Federal Programs to Stretch Local Resources and Make Projects Work,” discussing such federal programs as the New Markets Tax Credit and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Economic Development Loan and Grant, as well as Community Development Entities.

Crum, an attorney in Greenville, S.C., has worked on economic development, corporate financing and incentives with municipalities and companies for more than three decades. Reservations are required.

When: April 28 from 9 to 11 a.m.

Where: Charles H. Murphy Jr. Boardroom, El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, 111 West Main St. Contact: For more information or to register, contact the Chamber at chamber@goeldorado.com or call 870.863.6113. » CHANGE ARKANSAS COIN CHALLENGE — As a part of its Greeniversary event, Keep Arkansas Beautiful is asking elementary schools across the state to participate in the Change Arkansas coin-collection drive from May 5 through May 16. Classrooms will collect quarters in creative containers made from reused and recycled materials. Prizes will be awarded for first-, second- and third-places.

When: Deadline to sign up is April 28.

Where: Arkansas Contact: For more information or to register, contact Maria Matoska at Maria_Matoska@hotmail.com.

Crossword and Sudoku Answer Keys

April 16

04•23•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

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General Manager Jay Helm jay_helm@noalmark.com

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

The South Arkansas Leader is owned and operated by Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation. The views and opinions expressed in the South Arkansas Leader are those of the staff and contributing writers and do not represent the official views of Noalmark Broadcasting Corporation. All material published in this newspaper and on its website is copyrighted.

The South Arkansas Leader publishes every Wednesday.

All materials for publication must be received no later than noon 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.

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South Arkansas

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

South Arkansas Leader

WEEKLY RECIPE These healthy snacks pack an energetic punch A heavy lunch, a staid office atmosphere or a combination of the two can make professionals feel sleepy as the workday winds down. Oftentimes, the right midafternoon snack can provide the energy boosts needed to stay productive throughout the workday. » Greek yogurt Greek yogurt is rich in calcium, protein, phosphorous and zinc. Traditional yogurt tends to provide a quick energy boost, as it is generally easy to digest, before that boost quickly fades. Greek yogurt is thicker than traditional yogurt, so it does not digest so easily, producing more sustained energy levels as a result. However, Greek yogurt is also loaded with protein, helping men and women feel fuller longer. That can be beneficial for those who want to lose weight, too. » Whole grains Whole-grain snacks are loaded with energizing ingredients, including fiber, iron, magnesium and protein.

Whole-wheat snacks are also loaded with B vitamins, which help people fight fatigue and stabilize blood sugar levels.

In addition, the body takes longer to absorb the complex carbohydrates found in wholewheat snacks, which means the body can maintain stable blood sugar levels for extended periods of time, and that leads to a long-lasting energy boost.

CLUES ACROSS

» Edamame Edamame can be an energyboosting snack as well. Edamame are boiled soybeans that are rich in protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids and fiber.

Each of these things helps the body sustain energy levels.

In addition, edamame is also packed with a trace mineral known as molybdenum that helps cells function properly while enhancing alertness and improving concentration. » Almonds Almonds are loaded with ingredients that increase energy levels, including vitamin E, phosphorous, vitamin B2 and magnesium, which serves numerous beneficial functions, including aiding in the production of energy and relieving stress and anxiety. Because they are rich in protein and fiber, almonds take longer for the body to digest, which means energy levels will stay up for longer periods of time.

Almonds also contain healthy fats that curb appetite, making it less likely to overeat and find yourself fighting the fatigue that’s often a by-product of overeating.

1. Comic actor Wilson 5. Dermatitis 11. Agriculture 14. Flyer 15. Assent 18. S S S 19. Capital of Zimbabwe 21. Gas usage measurement 23. False god 24. About some Norse poems 28. Am. steam engineer James 29. “If” singer’s initials 30. Sound unit 32. Envisage 33. Help

35. Payment (abbr.)

36. Abbr. for British postal 39. Ring 41. NCIS star’s initials 42. Unstressed-stressed 44. A supporting stalk 46. Indigo plant 47. Not or 49. Genus syringa shrubs 52. 14th C. 78 card game 56. Classical music form 58. Language of Andorra 60. Seasonal planting changes 62. Hatched insect form 63. Sound unit

CLUES DOWN 1. Federal home mortgage dept.

2. Have great affection for 3. Goddess of the rainbow 4. Pesetas (abbr.)

5. Species of interbreeding eco-types 6. A base person 7. Polish monetary unit (abbr.)

8. Seventh Greek letter 9. A lot 10. Blood clam genus 12. A single article 13. Suggests the supernatural 16. Male parents 17. Fall into ruin 20. Other 22. “Beetlejuice” actress initials 25. Female NASCAR driver’s initials 26. Indicated horsepower (abbr.)

27. Describe a sporting event

29. Semi-liquid infant food 31. Last in an indefinite series 34. Former Cowboy __ Nguyen 36. Iranian monetary unit 37. A genus of edentates 38. Perennial mountain rice 40. Atomic No. 3 43. White (French) 45. Daddy 48. Organized information 50. Astronomer Sagan 51. Greek portico 53. Rodents 54. Beastie Boys EP “Aglio e __” 55. K particle 57. Fourth calendar month (abbr.)

58. Postal moving form (abbr.)

59. North northeast 61. Camper

Answer key on page 10.

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FOLK

continued from Page 6

Jacked-Up Truck Show and live music by American Idol alum LeBryant Crew and other local and regional acts.

The Main Street Poker Run will run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., with early registration going on now and regular registration on Saturday morning on the east side of the Union County Courthouse. Entry fee costs $25 and $15 for passengers playing a hand.

Cash prizes of $300 for first, $200 for second and $100 for third will be awarded for the Poker Run. Children’s attractions on Saturday will include special appearances by Woody and Jessie from “Toy Story” and the minions from “Despicable Me,” as well as inflatables. Hay rides and horse-and-carriage rides through historic downtown El Dorado will also be available during the festival.

Festival-goers also can enjoy crawfish from Johnny B’s, as well as southern arts-and-crafts vendors.

Downtown businesses and restaurants will provide southern hospitality, specials and promotions

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throughout the day.

The festival will come to a close Saturday evening with a special performance of Main Street El Dorado’s award-winning Showdown at Sunset re-enactment, followed by a free concert on the Showtime Stage with co-headliners are rising country stars JT Hodges and Dylan Scott.

Hodges’ first two singles, “Hunt You Down” and “Goodbyes Made You Mine,” were radio hits, and his latest release, “Lay It Down,” is currently climbing the charts. Hodges was a semi-finalist for the 2013 Academy of Country Music New Artist of the Year.

A Bastrop, La.-native, Dylan Scott is currently climbing the charts with his debut single, “Makin’ This Boy Go Crazy,” which has surpassed 70,000 downloads to date.

For more information on becoming a vendor, registering for the Main Street Poker Run or the JackedUp Truck Show, contact the Main Street El Dorado office at mainstreet eldorado@suddenlinkmail.com or call 870.862.4747.

More information can also be found online at www.mainstreet eldorado.org or through Facebook at facebook.com/mainstreeteldorado.

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.

Crawfish

Poker Run

HOPE

the

12

a do

nation box benefting HOPE Landing

You can help!

Donate cleaning supplies at any HOPE Box to help HOPE Landing, a nonprofit serving kids in Union County with disabilities!

box

Follow The HOPE Box on Facebook!

Once a shy girl, Anne enjoys long walks.

She’s an older dog who has been waiting a long time to find her forever home.

Mama Currbie’s best friend was adopted and she hasn’t been the same. She’s a beautiful girl with a loving personality.

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!

• Find a location near you!

• Get details on donation drives!

• Be inspired by the kids of HOPE Landing!

20 + Lo

n County! o i n U cations Across