Volume 10 - No. 14

LExcellence

Union County’s source for community news and more

South Arkansas

May 28, 2014

EADER

Outstanding Educators: The El Dorado Education Foundation awarded three El Dorado School District teachers as Outstanding Educators – (from left) Alissa Rynders,

To reward teaching in the El Dorado Public School District, the El Dorado Education Foundation selected the winners for the 17th Annual Teacher Excellence Awards program on Wednesday, May 28.

Sponsored by Murphy Oil Corporation, the program honored three teachers as Outstanding

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Washington Middle School; Kathy Sixbey, Hugh Goodwin Academy for the Arts; and Delaine Gates, El Dorado High School – on May 28. — Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

Education Foundation chooses winners for 17th Annual Teacher Awards Educators – Kathy Sixbey, Hugh Goodwin Academy for the Arts, third grade; Alissa Rynders, Washington Middle School, fifth grade pre-Advanced Placement math;

and Delaine Gates, El Dorado High School, ninth through 12th grade Drama I-IV and English Language

TEACHER continued on Page 5

U.S. Attorney General visits – p. 4

The Commons to hold reopening, announce new tenant in June The El Dorado Chamber of Commerce has announced that The Commons Shopping Center will host a grand reopening ceremony and sidewalk sale, as well as announcing a new tenant next week.

The event will take place on Thursday, June 5, beginning at 10 a.m. with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Chamber.

From 11 a.m. to noon, Four Brothers Seafood and Southern Eatery will serve hot dogs and beverages.

Built in the early 2000s, The Commons Shopping Center is located at 2600 North West Ave., and is currently home to RadioShack, GameStop, Hibbett Sports, Cato, Sally Beauty Supply, GNC, Four Brothers Seafood and Southern Eatery and more. Each tenant will participate in a sidewalk sale, scheduled to run from 10 a.m. to 4:30 Thursday afternoon.

For more information, contact the El Dorado Chamber of Commerce at 870.863.6113 or email chamber@goeldorado.com.

The El Dorado Chamber of Commerce works to provide leadership in economic and community development for El Dorado and Union County in order to improve the quality of life for all its citizens. For more information, visit goeldorado.com/chamber.

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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South Arkansas Leader

05•28•14

‘Days of Future Past’: Another fabulous trip down mutant lane

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Iron Temple Gym in El Dorado holds its grand opening ceremony

Cole Clay

Red Carpet Crash

Make sure you brush up on your “X-Men” film history before you sit down for “Days of Future Past.”

Director Bryan Singer and scriptwriter Simon Kinberg assume you are already familiar with the previous installments. This tricky globetrotting, time-traveling, blockbuster doesn’t apologize for the convoluted plot line, but makes up for it by handling the narrative with care.

Yet this film still doesn’t quite live up to Singer’s last trip down mutant lane, “X2” (2003), which still remains to be the franchise’s shining star. He keeps “Days of Future Past” moving at a quickened pace despite the lengthy bits of exposition throughout. At times you put aside that you are watching yet another superhero movie and focus on the socially relevant themes that prove to be the most interesting elements of the film.

We meet up with the X-Men crew, including Storm, (Halle Berry) Iceman, (Shawn Ashmore) Kitty Pryde (Ellen Page) and several other familiar faces. Even more mutants are added to the mix like an adolescent Quicksilver (Evan Peters), who graces the audience with a high-speed prank-a-thon that is one of the best sequences. To the film’s credit the action set pieces are small in scale, which gives the chance to hone in on character development despite the high-concept premise.

It comes as no surprise that the show-stopper is of course Michael Fassbender; his casting as Magneto comes as one of the best moves in comic book film history. He brings a sense of menace to the character that was never completely captured by the great Ian McKellen.

The true grandeur of this character never ceases to amaze physically and emotionally before coming to a head in the final act involving a sports stadium.

Additionally, this film shows that Jennifer Lawrence can bring an excellent presence to a role especially when the focus isn’t primarily

X-Men: Days of Future Past The X-Men send Wolverine to the past in a desperate effort to change history and prevent an event that results in doom for both humans and mutants. » Release date: May 23. » Run time: 131 min. » Rated: PG-13 for sequences of intense sci-fi violence and action, some suggestive material, nudity and language. » Director(s): Bryan Singer. » Stars: Patrick Stewart, Ian McKellen, Hugh Jackman, James McAvoy, Michael Fassbender, Jennifer Lawrence, Halle Berry, Nicholas Hoult, Anna Paquin, Ellen Page, Evan Peters, Peter Dinklage, Shawn Ashmore and Omar Sy.

on her.

While juggling drama, action and, at times, espionage, the film still manages to sneak a bevy of laughs throughout, with several tips of the hat to other entries in the franchise.

“Days of Future Past” doesn’t fully dive head first into the inherent cheesiness of the early 1970s quite like last year’s Oscar darling “American Hustle,” but that doesn’t stop Singer from having a little fun with the era.

There are plenty of crowdpleasing moments with plenty of time and space to do so, and this is undoubtedly the best installment since Singer left the chair. You will get pulled in a dozen different directions before you even notice a ripple, but with that being said, this is an incredibly satisfying experience that will be remembered for many summers to come.

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.

— Courtesy photo

The Iron Temple Gym celebrated its grand opening with an El Dorado Chamber of Commerce ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 16. The gym, located at 2886 North West Ave., is open from 5 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. For more information, call 870.639.3773.

Attending the ceremony are (from

left) Donna Bradshaw, Dana Bell Tucker, Chamber Board member Tom Burger, Beth Chadwick, Iron Temple partner Reko Robinson, Mary Taylor, owner Kyle Taylor, owner Charlie Miller, Diane Miller, Diane Hammond, Chamber Accounting and Events manager Veolette Pennington, Chamber administrative assistant Tiffany Olson and Donna Farish.

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When one has more than the other, sometimes prenup is the way to go Dear Dave, My husband died several years ago. He always worked very hard, and we did very well financially. I am now 48 and have $3.8 million in assets. I’ve found a wonderful man who is very stable and loving with a good job, and we’re considering getting married.

Do you think I need a prenuptial agreement?

— Heather

Celebration: Youth dance with members of the African dance troupe Love Child from Tennessee at a previous Juneteenth Festival in El Dorado. The

theme for this year’s Juneteenth celebration is “Saving Our Children.” The 2014 festival will take place on June 14 at Mattocks Park. — File photo

Juneteenth coming up Fourth annual festival scheduled for Saturday, June 14 in El Dorado

The Fourth Annual Juneteenth Festival will take place Saturday, June 14 at Mattocks Park in El Dorado, presented by Benito Glosson and 2nd Chance @ Life.

The day-long festival will kick off at noon and continue until 10 that night, with live performances by El Dorado’s own “American Idol” contestant LeBryant Crew, Grammy Award winner Rodnae da Boss and B.E.T.’s “Sunday Best” finalist pastor John “JJ” Jackson. Other performances will include R&B singer Michelangelo Watkins, Benito Glosson featuring S.M.L., Lil Robb, The Pastors Choir of El Dorado, and a children’s performance from Lil’ Monchie.

The festival will feature a barbecue cook-off, prize giveaways, free food

and a variety of vendors. Festival organizers have also teamed up with Camden’s DJ J Rock to bring in the Mega Xtreme Car Show this year.

As well, there will be plenty of activities for youth, including games, face painting, carnival rides, jump houses and more.

This year’s theme is “Saving Our Children.” The community-oriented event invites churches, community action and nonprofit groups and other volunteers to lend a hand with the event. Glosson said he and 2nd Chance @ Life are believers in making a difference and giving back to the community.

“Remember, it takes a whole village to raise a child,” Glosson said. “Let us do our part in

JUNETEENTH continued on Page 7

Dear Heather, For years I told people never to do prenuptial agreements. I always said if you love your money more than you love your spouse, then you’re too immature and selfish to be married.

However, Ramsey I’ve changed my tune on this subject a little bit recently. When one or two wealthy people get married, the problems that can arise usually have nothing to do with those two people.

The problem is that it can invite a lot of crazy into your lives from the outside. Whether it’s a parent, cousin or child, sometimes people start feeling a sense of entitlement when wealth is suddenly thrust into the picture.

You both sound like mature, functional people with good values. In most cases, that’s a pretty good indication that crazy isn’t in the immediate vicinity. Still, there’s a lot on the line. So while I would advise a prenup, you might keep an open mind to revisions somewhere down the road. Make it pretty solid and protective for the first five or 10 years. But then, after you guys have built a life together, you’ll hopefully reach a point where you’ll feel safe looking at it as all “ours.”

So, the only reason I’d ever

DAVE Says

suggest a prenup is when two parties are bringing really unequal amounts to the table. Yours is an extreme situation, Heather, so I’d give it some serious thought. Let him know you want to do this to protect the relationship, so that there’s never any hint that the money is a problem or will create problems.

If he’s as kind and thoughtful as you say, I think he’ll understand.

— Dave Dear Dave, What do you think about auto club memberships like AAA? — Jeremy

Dear Jeremy, I’ve got nothing against AAA. But honestly, I tend to self-insure through savings for these kinds of things. I’ve probably used, or had need of, a tow truck twice in the last 20 years. When it comes to this kind of product, I always look at it from the perspective of, “Where does it leave me if I don’t sign up for their service?”

Again, I don’t think AAA is a big rip-off or anything like that.

It’s just a type of insurance, if you will, for which I have no need.

I guess it could be a handy thing to have if you were in a situation where you were using their services a lot. But if their average customer were like that, they’d probably end up losing money on you.

— 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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South Arkansas Leader

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Former U.S. Attorney General visits city

Alberto Gonzales speaks at Bar Association’s Law Day luncheon Brooke Burger Editor

Earlier this week, the Union County Bar Association hosted Alberto R. Gonzales, 80th Attorney General of the United States, as the keynote speaker of the organization’s annual Law Day luncheon.

Among other culture wars embroiling the nation in debate, Gonzales discussed the issue of race relations, an apropos topic as the country celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Civil Rights Act and looks ahead to the approaching half-century anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. Nearly four decades after the Civil Rights and Voting Rights acts were enacted, Gonzales became the highest-ranking Hispanic in executive government, appointed in 2005 by George W. Bush as the

LAW continued on Page 12

Honorable: El Dorado residents (from left) Greg Williams of Murphy Oil and Jamar Cunningham of Murphy USA shake

hands with former U.S. Attorney General Alberto Gonzales on Tuesday, May 27. — Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

Desegregation: Remembering the civil rights movement in Arkansas 60 years later Ken Bridges

South Arkansas Historical Foundation

The decision had been 60 years in the making, but when it came it was like an earthquake across the South.

The Supreme Court handed down the Brown vs. Board of Education decision on May 4, 1954, declaring that the “separate but equal” doctrine that upheld segregation was inherently unequal and unconstitutional. That summer, communities across Arkansas were faced with the question of how to face the new reality for public education in America.

Segregated schools had weighed heavily on southern communities for many years, forcing small communities to shoulder the costs of two separate school districts

H

South Arkansas Historical Foundation presents

ist o ry minute

simultaneously while angry divisions simmered. Left behind were children simply trying to get an education and learn in peace in the schools provided by their parents’ tax dollars.

Civil rights activists had worked through the courts for years, and small signs of progress had emerged.

In 1948, the University of Arkansas allowed African-American students to begin attending the law school and the medical school after federal courts had ordered an end to

the whites-only admissions policy.

Six African-American students would begin attending the University of Arkansas School of Law in fall 1948, while Edith Irby Jones became the first African-American to attend the medical school, in a time when it was rare for women of any race to be admitted to medical school. In 1952, courts had ordered the Little Rock school district to end the unequal pay rates of white and African-American school teachers.

Dale Bumpers, a future Arkansas governor and U.S. Senator, was a young lawyer in Charleston, S.C., at the time and recounted the story in his autobiography, “The Best Lawyer in a One-Lawyer Town,” years later. Bumpers noted that the school board approached him

RIGHTS continued on Page 9

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JIMMY’S CYCLE, TRACTOR & MARINE, INC.

2045A California St. • Camden • 870.836.2502 WE HAVE A FULL SERVICE DEPARTMENT Open Tues.-Fri. 8am-5pm Sat. 8am-2:30pm

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TEACHER

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Arts Drama.

Retiring superintendent Bob Watson, who holds the second-longest tenure with 29 years as superintendent of the El Dorado School District, said he knows he leaves the district in good hands.

“I’ve had the opportunity to hear students speak of their teachers and it was heartwarming and touching,” he said. “We have the makings of a great school district and we have the opportunity to be better than we’ve ever been.”

Each of the three winning teachers received trophies and cumulative cash awards totaling $1,350. Selected by a judging panel by the Southern Arkansas University’s School of Education in Magnolia, educators were chosen from nine finalists, who each received $250.

Elementary For the elementary level, judges stated that Kathy Sixbey and her students all work together – through nods, smiles and polite words.

“A structured environment, her classroom is blended with firmness, warmth and respect,” judges said. “She implements researchbased instructional strategies to engage students in meaningful and significant work.”

Sixbey keeps families informed by providing newsletters and other updates about the instructional program, saying that she believes it is important to success.

One parent wrote: “She has a heart of gold. She not only excels as an excellent teacher, but she also cares for each student as an individual and it shows every day when my child comes home. I trust her with all that is in me.”

Sixbey participates in numerous extracurricular activities by

———————————————

“We have the makings of a great school district and we have the opportunity to be better than we’ve ever been.”

Bob Watson • Retiring Superintendent, El Dorado School District

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tutoring, coaching and serving in leadership capacities in such organizations as Odyssey of the Mind, the Boys and Girls Club and Camp Fire of El Dorado. She also attends student performances, stating that she believes that it is her responsibility to assist each student to their full potential.

The third-grade teacher’s relationships with her colleagues and community stakeholders can be summed up as consisting of mutual backing, collaboration and admiration, judges noted.

“She is greatly respected by faculty, staff and parents,” a Hugh Goodwin staff member said of Sixbey.

“When I think of a deserving teacher and the qualifications of teacher excellence, she is a true winner.”

Sixbey has stated that it is her dream that no child be left behind.

sure each and every one of her students learn. Her encouragement has made fifth grade wonderful.”

Rynders offers tutoring before and after school, saying that she knows that some students need extra one-on-one help to grasp difficult concepts. A coworker noted that “she goes out of her way to help any child. Her love for teaching is contagious.”

The pre-AP math teacher makes her subject matter come alive while helping pupils feel accepted and valued, judges said.

Another parent wrote: “She meets students where they are, teaching them with kindness, while maintaining classroom control. I never thought my son would enjoy studying math, but with Mrs. Rynders, he does, and does it well. She is hands down the best.”

Junior High

High School

At the junior high level, Alissa Rynders is a skilled, energetic and compassionate educator, according to the judges.

“She makes math meaningful by engaging students with real-life connections,” judges said. “This teacher recognizes the importance of establishing a caring environment where students feel free to express opinions and ask questions.”

Rynders passion for math shows through her work and connection with her students.

A parent wrote: “She has made a huge impression on me. Her techniques and love for the subject really push students to do their best.

She goes above and beyond to make

At the high school level, Delaine Gates’ entire career has been devoted to El Dorado. In 1988, she started out in English. For the past 22 years, she has been the EHS drama teacher, and since 2004, she has served as district Fine Arts coordinator.

She has participated in 51 different activities, which include SHARE Foundation and EDEF grants, Reading Council programs, and projects with the South Arkansas Arts Council.

Judges noted that this year, Gates completed her largest scale collaboration ever, and to wide acclaim – a community-wide production of “Les Misérables,” jointly-produced and performed by

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

South Arkansas Leader

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the South Arkansas Arts Center, the South Arkansas Symphony Orchestra and EHS. Her students have won many theater competitions, performing in such places as New York City and Edinburgh, Scotland (an unprecedented four times). All theater activities, competitions, travel and community service are extracurricular. Each year, Gates facilitates two major productions, and as many as 11 one-act plays, equaling 32 weeks of nights in play production.

Additionally, she is active as a leader in local, state and national organizations, and has presented at conferences throughout the nation.

The EHS Thespian Troupe 42 is one of the oldest active troupes in the world, and as such, Gates’ students learn all aspects of theater production.

One of her students writes: “She has made an impact on me, and truly wants to see students succeed in everything they do.”

During the program, winners, finalists, plus 17 semifinalists (each of whom were selected by their teacher peers and received $100), and nominees also were publicly honored.

In this year’s group, the SAU judging panel stated that it was difficult to choose from such excellent educators, and that it was rewarding to see, in action, the results of superior achievement in the El Dorado Public Schools.

Watson, who will be replaced by former EHS principal Jim Tucker, encouraged the teachers present to remember that at all times somebody’s eyes are on them and that they should always strive to be all the role model they can be.

“As I leave, I thank you,” Watson said. “It’s been hard. It’s been good.

It’s been worth it.”

The El Dorado Education Foundation is a nonprofit organization that recognizes and promotes excellence in public school education.

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South Arkansas Leader

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SAAC to offer summer ballet workshops

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Ballet instructor Marilyn Russell to return for week in June

The South Arkansas Arts Center will welcome back ballet instructor Marilyn Russell for three summer workshops the week of June 2–6. The workshops are sponsored by Southern Bancorp and Teague Auto Group.

In 1994, Russell’s first ballet class shared the “studio” with theater props, Rob Bosanko’s children’s theater classes, and Stage 2 productions. By the time she retired 11 years later, her classes had grown from five students to nearly 50. The rehearsal hall was named the Russell Studio in her honor on April 19, 2005.

Russell said she is happy to return to El Dorado.

“I’m looking forward to being at SAAC again, seeing old and new friends,” she said.

Russell is a veteran of the Washington, D. C. Civic Ballet and former SAAC ballet instructor who was instrumental in bringing the

Summer Ballet Workshops June 2 – 6

» 2-hour class for ages 11+ 10 am – noon • Monday through Friday • $100 / $120

» 1-hour class for ages 7-11 1 p.m. – 2 p.m. • Monday through Friday • $50 / $70

» 2-night classes for adults 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. • Tuesday and Thursday • $20 / $45

artistry of ballet back to El Dorado. Since leaving El Dorado, she has been active at the Rogers Adult Wellness Center with yoga lessons and teaching ballet. Her students are called the RAWC “Corps de Ballet” and perform at the RAWC, Bentonville Art on the Creeks and the American Legion United Service Organization Show.

Three workshops are available throughout the week that will focus

on classical ballet technique for ages 7 to adult. Offered are a one-hour class for ages 7 through 11, a twohour class for ages 11 and up, and two night classes for adults.

To register for the workshops, contact the SAAC office at 870.862.5474 for space availability and costs.

The South Arkansas Arts Center is located at 110 East Fifth St. For more information, go online to www.saac-arts.org.

Do you know someone ...  who needs their GED?  who needs to update their computer skills?  who needs help with reading, writing, math or driver’s education?  who would like to volunteer?

Training and tutoring materials will be provided. Just a couple of hours per week can make all the difference in someone’s life.

El Dorado Connections Volunteer Center 824 Camp St., El Dorado, AR 71730

870.864.7080 eldoradoconnections.com

USDA Summer Food Service Program Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado

EL DORADO » Boys and Girls Club North West Unit, 1201 North West Ave. May 28 – Aug. 1 Breakfast from 9 to 9:30 a.m. » TAC House, 1101 North West Ave. May 28 – Aug. 1 Lunch from 12:30 to 1 p.m.

» West Grove Academy, 710 West Grove June 2 – Aug. 1 Breakfast from 8:30 to 9 a.m.

Lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m. » Character First, 1901 Detroit June 2 – July 31 Breakfast from 8:30 to 9 a.m.

Lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m.

» Boys and Girls Club David A. Wetherington Unit, 1401 East Cedar St. May 28 – Aug. 1 Snack from 2:30 to 3 p.m.

Dinner from 7 to 7:30 p.m.

SMACKOVER

» St. John’s Missionary Baptist Church, 1016 East Wilson St. June 2 – July 31 Breakfast from 8:30 to 9 a.m.

Lunch from noon to 12:30 p.m.

STRONG

» Day Springs, 412 North Washington St. June 2 – Aug. 1 (Monday – Thursday) Lunch only from noon to 12:30 p.m.

» Kennedy Park, 713 Broadway May 29 – Aug. 1 Lunch only from noon to 12:30 p.m.

» Strong High School, 635 South Concord June 9 – Aug. 1 Lunch only from noon to 12:30 p.m.

All sites will be closed for Independence Day on Friday, July 4.

Meals will be provided at the listed sites Monday through Friday from May 28 to Aug. 1.

For more information, call 870.863.8753.

Free meals will be made available to all children (under age 18). There are no income requirements or registration.

In accordance with federal law and U.S. Department of Agriculture policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability. To file a complaint of discrimination, write to: USDA, Director, Office of Adjudication, 1400 Independence Ave., SW, Washington D.C. 2050-9410; or call toll free 866.632.9992, TTY/TTD 800.877.8339 or Spanish 800.845.6136.

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School’s out, camp’s in: Summer camps open in area

For more information on the “Laugh, Learn, Play” camp, registration or membership, call 870.863.8753 or go online to www.eldoradokids.org.

As the month of May comes to a close, so does the school year for students across Union County. Several youth and community organizations across the area have announced various summer camp opportunities appealing to many different age groups.

Some of those camps include:

Boys and Girls Club to offer ‘Laugh, Learn, Play’

Immanuel Baptist to hold Vacation Bible School

The Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado has announced its summer program, “Laugh, Learn, Play,” scheduled for May 28 through Aug. 1.

The summer program consists of 10 weeks of games, creative activities, field trips, active learning and more, providing youth with an entertaining, safe and educational array of activities. “Laugh, Learn, Play” is open to youth ages 6 to 18, with ages 6 to 12 at the Northwest Unit and teen programming at the David A. Wetherington Unit.

The Northwest Summer Camp will operate from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. daily, and will provide breakfast and

lunch to all campers.

The David A. Wetherington Unit teen program will operate from 1 to 8 p.m. daily, with snack and dinner provided to campers.

The summer program costs $20 per child, with additional costs for field trips.

Registration, including membership and program forms, is available online at eldoradokids.org.

Forms may be completed and returned to the Club via fax at 870.863.5461; mailed or dropped off to the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado, 1201 North West Ave.,

JUNETEENTH

The festival is free and open to the public. It will take place at Mattocks Park, located on Detroit and Sharp streets in El Dorado. Festivalgoers are invited to bring their own lawn chairs.

For more information, contact Benito Glosson at 870.866.7763, Domanique Roberson at 205.227.9126 or Jessie Frazier at 870.918.6911. More information about the Fourth Annual Juneteenth Festival is also available on the Facebook event page at http://on.fb.me/1kLAV6X.

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making our future greater. Come on out and enjoy a day of fun with family and friends.”

A nonprofit, holistic service organization in El Dorado, 2nd Chance @ Life provides support to at-risk youth in the community through education, mentoring, counseling and other avenues. Learn more about 2nd Chance @ Life online at 2ndchanceatlife.com.

HELP WANTED Tractor Lawn Mower Mechanic Jimmy’s Cycle, Tractor and Marine, Inc. of Camden is now accepting applications and resumes for a Tractor Lawn Mower Mechanic.

Applicants must have diesel and hydraulic experience.

Call (870) 836.2502 for more information.

JIMMY’S

CYCLE, TRACTOR & MARINE, INC.

2045A California St. • Camden • Open Tues.-Fri. 8am-5pm Sat. 8am-2:30pm WE HAVE A FULL SERVICE DEPARTMENT

El Dorado, AR 71730; or can be sent via email to bgceldorado@yahoo.com.

Each child must have a current membership to the Boys and Girls Club of El Dorado to participate in programs. Memberships cost $5 per child and can be purchased with the summer program enrollment. Club membership includes an after-school snack and dinner; assistance with homework; art, sports and technology activities; a designated teen area; and a full afternoon of games and play with peers and adult role models.

Immanuel Baptist Church has announced its upcoming Vacation Bible School program, “Promiseland Park” for June 1-5.

Youth entering kindergarten through sixth grade can join Immanuel Baptist Church for five nights of learning about Jesus in an outdoor environment. The program will feature Bible stories, crafts, games, worship, hands-on serving projects and snacks.

The program will run from 5:45 to 8:15 p.m. nightly, at 3209 West Hillsboro, past Stars Cinema. Children are welcome to attend just one night or all five, and should wear closedtoe shoes each night.

The “Promiseland Park” Vacation Bible School is sponsored by Son

CAMPS continued on Page 8

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

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

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

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1334 West Hillsboro. For more information or for an application, call 870.639.1739 or 870.814.8484, or connect on Facebook at facebook. com/showtime.rollerrink.

Country, the Childhood Ministries of Immanuel Baptist Church.

For more information, call the Nonprofit to offer academicchurch at 870.862.4264 or go online to ibceldorado.com/ministries- based summer camp children.html.

Local youth organization, 2nd Chance @ Life will hold its sumShowtime Roller Rink to mer academic camp from June 2 offer a summer camp through July 31. Students are invitThe Showtime Roller Rink is of- ed to jumpstart the school year with fering the Showtime Summer Camp the camp, which will offer math, from June 2 through Aug. 1. Open science and literacy activities, field to youth ages 7 to 15, the camp trips and other enrichment activities.

The camp will from 7 a.m. to will provide games and activities, 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with including educational activities in breakfast and lunch served daily. math, English and art. Campers can The cost is $10 per camper. The also partake in basketball, dance camp will take place on the grounds and skating. of 2nd Chance @ Life’s El DoShowtime Summer Camp will rado site, located at 1514 Junction run from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from City Road.

For more information or to reg8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Fridays, with breakfast and lunch provided daily. ister, contact 2nd Chance @ Life The fee costs $50 per child and in- at 870.639.3935 or email second cludes a summer pass to the Roller chance1514@hotmail.com.

A nonprofit, holistic service Rink on Friday nights and Saturdays organization, 2nd Chance @ and Sundays.

The camp will take place at the Life provides support to at-risk Showtime Roller Rink, located at youth in the community through

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education, mentoring, counseling and other avenues. The nonprofit offers a feeding program, serving nutritious meals and nutrition education throughout the year; a homework help program, providing a time, place and assistance for youth to complete their homework; an activities program, providing a variety of age-appropriate activities to assist in the development of cognitive, social, physical and artistic skills; and a mentoring program, assigning the proper support system for at-risk youth to help build relationships and become well-rounded individuals who give back and sustain their communities.

Learn more about 2nd Chance @ Life online at 2ndchanceatlife.com.

Local Girl Scouts troop announces camp registration The Union Service Unit of Girl Scouts – Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas has opened registration for its many camp sessions.

Camps will take place at either Camp Cahinnio, nestled on nearly 400 acres of woodlands near Booneville in West Central Arkansas, or

Camp Crossed Arrows, hidden away in the Ozark Hills near Floral.

Every girl entering first through 12th grades, whether a registered Girl Scout or not, may attend Diamonds – Resident Camp based on their grade. Youth are welcome to invite a friend or attend more than one camp session.

The Girl Scouts summer camps are designed to help girls learn teamwork and real life skills; develop self-esteem; and gain a sense of independence. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/10LeQbM. Specific prerequisites are required for certain sessions; those interested are asked to look at the session descriptions for specific requirements.

Online registration is available with a valid email address and credit card to complete the registration.

Females 18 years and older seeking summer employment can apply to be a summer camp counselor.

For more information go online to http://bit.ly/1oygtq6.

For more information, contact Union County service unit director Elizabeth Pratt through email at uniongirlscouts@yahoo.com or call 870.875.2692.

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Food donations needed Salvation Army serves more than 5,000 meals a month, relies on donations

The food pantry shelves at the Salvation Army in El Dorado are getting bare and that means there is no food to give to those who need it.

Earlier this month, the Salvation Army received more than 4,500 pounds of food through the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger food drive.

“All of the food that is collected goes to support both the local food pantry, and also the seven satellite cities in Union County food pantries,” said El Dorado Salvation Army Capt. Bobby Carr. “Because of the enormous amount of people we serve, every non-perishable item from the NALC food drive is needed in our pantry.”

However, most food donations come during the winter holiday season, leading to a greater need during the spring months. Spring also sees a rise in need as school closes for the summer, leaving many youth in need without access to the school breakfast and lunch programs.

The Salvation Army serves meals everyday in the soup kitchen – more than 5,000 hot meals served to the hungry each month here in El Dorado. In addition to the hot meals, food bags are also provided for those in need due to emergency situations. That food comes primarily from the public food donations.

With rising food prices and unforeseen emergency situations, people find themselves in need of enough food to last them until their next paycheck and the Salvation Army meets that need through the food donated from caring people and local businesses.

The need for food donations is great. Currently, 49 million Americans – 1 in 6 – are unsure where their next meal is coming from. Sixteen million are children who feel hunger’s impact on their overall health and ability to perform in school. And nearly 5 million seniors over age 60 are food insecure, with many who live on fixed incomes are often too embarrassed to ask for help.

Those who need food assistance should call 870.863.4830 from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to noon. The Salvation Army office is located at 419 South Madison in El Dorado.

The soup kitchen serves two meals a day to the public, Monday through Saturday, with the lunch meal service starting at 11:30 a.m. and the evening meal starting at 4:45 p.m. One meal is served on Sunday at 12:45 p.m.

The soup kitchen also serves breakfast to those staying in the shelter seven days a week.

The Salvation Army is in need of non-perishable food products and donations to continue to meet the growing need in the community. Please consider making a donation when you can and help out your neighbors.

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.

Partner agencies include: American Red Cross, Boy Scouts of America, Boys and Girls Club, Camp Fire USA, CASA (Court-Appointed Special Advocates), Community Living Arrangements, Girl Scouts, Hope Landing, Literacy Council, Salvation Army, Single-Parent Scholarship Fund, South Arkansas Developmental Center for Children and Families, South Arkansas Fights AIDS, and Turning Point.

RIGHTS

continued from Page 4

shortly after the Brown decision was handed down, asking for legal advice.

“The day of reckoning would come,” he noted and advised the school board to desegregate. At the time, African-Americans in Charleston lived in a small settlement just outside of town. There, one teacher taught African-American students in grades first through eighth in a one-room school. Older students were sent to nearby Fort Smith.

Weighing the gravity of the court decision and the costs of paying an extra teacher and busing in a segregated system, Charleston quietly voted to integrate the schools, hoping to save thousands of dollars in expenses and possible legal fees.

That fall, 13 African-American students enrolled in Charleston schools.

Charleston became the first district in the South to desegregate its schools. Sheridan voted to desegregate its schools in summer 1954 but quickly abandoned the plan after a

South Arkansas Leader

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public outcry erupted. Fayetteville would vote to integrate its schools two weeks after Charleston, enrolling nine African-American students that fall.

It would be far from the end regarding civil rights law in Arkansas. Many in Arkansas reacted with rage to the decision by the Supreme Court. School districts across the state would spend years in courts over desegregation and integration orders. In summer 1954, Gov. Francis Cherry was thrust out of office in favor of Orval Faubus after Cherry stated that the Supreme Court must be obeyed. Faubus, ironically, had stayed quiet on the issue in the 1954 campaign.

For three years before the confrontation at Central High School in Little Rock, desegregation had been an accomplished fact in Arkansas, thanks in part to the courage to one small town in western Arkansas.

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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South Arkansas Leader

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COMMUNITY calendar

» KICKBALL TOURNAMENT DEADLINE — The registration deadline for the United Way of Union County’s community kickball tournament, “KICK UNITED” scheduled for June 14, is nearing. Registration costs $100 for the adult co-ed division and $50 for the youth (under 12) division. Teams must have a minimum of 10 players with a minimum of three women on the field. The tournament is double-elimination in the adult division and single-elimination in the youth division. Teams from area businesses, churches and schools are encouraged to participate.

When: Deadline to register is May 30.

Where: Registration forms are available at unitedwayunioncounty.com.

Contact: For more information, contact United Way of Union County executive director Alexis Alexander at 870.862.4903.

» Museum’s NATURAL STATE CHAUTAUQUA — The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources will host the 14th annual Natural State Chautauqua, “American Literature: A Travel Guide for the Mind,” featuring literary icons Jack London, Laura Ingalls Wilder and Emily Dickinson. The Chautauqua is a first-person interpretation of American history by those who shaped the nation. Dr. Carrol Peterson will portray Jack London on June 5; Karen Vuranch will portray Laura Ingalls Wilder on June 6; and Debra Connor will portray Emily Dickinson on June 7. The scholar presents the character, then takes questions as the character and finally steps out of character to answer questions as the scholar behind the character. The programs are free to attend, but donations will be

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

accepted.

When: June 5-7 at 7 p.m. nightly Where: Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, 3853 Smackover Highway, Smackover Contact: For more information, contact the museum at 870.725.2877.

» GLOW RUN — The Union County chapter of Arkansas Children’s Hospital Circle of Friends is hosting the Glow for Children Family Run 5K to raise funds for the hospital. The nighttime run will feature a party-like atmosphere with music, dancing, black lights and glow paint. Pre-registration costs $35 for ages 13 and older and $15 for children ages 6 to 12. Children under the age of 6 can enter for free.

When: Saturday, June 7 Where: Union County Fairgrounds Contact: More information about the Glow for Children Family Run, including registration information and route map, can be found at glowfor childrens5k.com or at facebook.com/ glowforchildrens5k. » Arkansas RICE EXPO RECIPE CONTEST — The 2014 Arkansas Rice Expo Recipe Contest is now accepting entries for its third annual contest, scheduled for Aug. 1 in Stuttgart.

The top 10 entries will be selected for presentation on Aug. 1, and contestants will be notified by July 1.

When: Deadline to submit entries is June 10.

Where: Mail entry forms to: Keith A Cleek, AEA-EFNEP/FCS Phillips County, P O Box 684, Helena, AR, 72342.

Contact: For more information or a complete list of the rules, go online to http://bit.ly/1kGeopv.

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.

» ‘SCOOBY-DOO LIVE!: MUSICAL MYSTERIES TOUR’ — Main Street El Dorado, PJ’s Coffee and the El Dorado Creamery will present “Scooby-Doo Live!: Musical Mysteries Tour.” In traditional Scooby-Doo fashion, the live ensemble will attempt to solve a mystery of epic proportions, as a trouble-making ghost haunts a local theater. Tickets cost $75 for VIP – Golden Circle, $33 for Orchestra, $28 Parquet, $23 Loge and $18 Balcony.

When: Tuesday, June 10 at 7 p.m.

Where: Municipal Auditorium, 100 West Eighth St. Contact: For more information or tickets, go online to www.mainstreet eldorado.org or call the MSE office at 870.862.4747. » HOUSEHOLD HAZARDOUS WASTE COLLECTION — Clean Harbors will hold its Household Hazardous Waste Collection program on the third Saturday of each month from April through September. Appointments are required and can be scheduled for any time between 8 a.m. and noon the day of the event. The event is free and open to all households in Union County. Wastes such as paint, cleaning fluids, herbicides, pesticides, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, out-of-date non-prescription medicines, used oil and filters, propane and butane cylinders are accepted.

When: Saturday, June 21 from 8 a.m. to noon (by appointment only) Where: Drop-off location (next to Clean Harbors facility), 2300 Short Hillsboro St., El Dorado Contact: To schedule an appointment or for more information on what types of waste are accepted, call Clean Harbors at 870.863.7173.

» SPORTS HALL OF FAME BANQUET — Tickets are on sale now for the annual Union County Sports Hall of Fame Induction Banquet, scheduled for Aug. 2. The UCSHOF will induct six former Union County athletes into the Hall of Fame, spanning five different high schools and covering the 1930s to the 1960s.

Tickets cost $25 and must be purchased in advance. Tables are available for sponsors.

When: Now through Aug. 1 Where: Tickets are available at United Insurance Agency in El Dorado and any branch of Smackover State Bank, located in Smackover, El Dorado and Norphlet.

Contact: For more information, tickets or corporate sponsorships, contact Randy Ross at 870.546.2545 or Rod Mills at 870.866.7809, or email ucshof@yahoo.com. » SOUTHARK PBL CAREER CLOSET — The Sigma Epsilon Chapter of Phi Beta Lambda at South Arkansas Community College is seeking donations of clean, gently-used or new clothing and other professional accessories for male and female students preparing for interviews, starting a new job, or attending school conferences. Items needed include men’s and women’s suits and blazers, slacks, ties, polo shirts, blouses, jackets, shoes, belts and briefcases.

Where: 307 West Cedar, SouthArk West Campus Contact: To make a donation or for more information, contact Donna Hendricks at 870.864.7177 or email PBL at pbl@southark.edu.

Crossword and Sudoku Answer Keys

May 21

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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

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

South Arkansas Leader

WEEKLY RECIPE Spice up your scrambled eggs Conventional wisdom says breakfast is the most important meal of the day. But many people find breakfast is also the most bland meal of the day. Those who want to venture off the beaten breakfast path to enjoy something more flavorful than another bowl of cereal can spice things up with this recipe for “Akoori (Indian Scrambled Eggs),” a tasty if somewhat more fiery take on traditional scrambled eggs from Suneeta Vaswani’s “Easy Indian Cooking” (Robert Rose).

Akoori (Indian Scrambled Eggs) Ingredients: Serves 4 to 6

» 8 eggs » 1 teaspoon salt or to taste » 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper » 3 tablespoons oil » 1 teaspoon cumin seeds

Directions:

» 1 cup chopped onion » 2 teaspoons finely chopped green chile (see tip below) » 1 cup chopped tomato » 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper » 1/4 teaspoon turmeric » 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped » Tomato wedges and cilantro sprigs, for garnish

In a bowl, gently whisk eggs, salt and pepper. Do not beat.

In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat and add cumin seeds. Stir in onion and green chile and saute until golden, 3 to 4 minutes.

Add tomato and saute, stirring continuously, for 1 minute. Stir in cayenne, turmeric and cilantro. Cook for 1 minute longer. Reduce heat to medium-low and slowly add egg mixture. Cook, stirring gently, until eggs are soft and creamy, 3 to 4 minutes. Do not overcook.

Serve garnished with tomato wedges and cilantro sprigs.

Tip: The important thing in Indian cooking is to use a chile pepper with spirit. Fresh cayenne peppers, or any similar ones, would work very well. If using Thai peppers, now readily available in North America, use only half the amount called for in the recipe. In a pinch, jalapenos also can be used.

CLUES ACROSS 1. Extremely severe 6. Doctors’ group 9. Impetuous 13. Parks, Salazar and Blasi 14. Islamic leader 15. Shallowest great lake 16. A function to be performed 17. Bosnian border river 18. Boys 19. Midsummer derby 22. Rice wines (var. sp.)

23. College entrance exam 24. The first state 25. Payment (abbr.)

28. Fishing fabric 29. Short line after a character 31. Liquid dish 33. Evel Knievel 36. Progressive bodily wasting 38. Convert into leather

39. Gland secretion 41. Rundown apartments 44. A stratum of ore 45. Fathers 46. Goddess of the dawn 48. Feel regret 49. Bone component element 51. Steeped beverage 52. Set into a surface 54. 360 host 59. Southern annoyance!

60. Paths 61. Yemen monetary unit 63. Musician Clapton 64. Supplements with difficulty 65. Lofty nest of a bird of prey 66. Duct or masking 67. Used to be United ___ 68. 18th Hebrew letter (var. sp.)

CLUES DOWN 1. Honeymooners actor Carney 2. Outer covering 3. Former Soviet state 4. Bangladeshi currency 5. Spanish be 6. Out of order 7. Head of hair 8. Built up 9. Kins 10. Distilled Middle Eastern beverage 11. Took sides 12. Siddhartha author 14. Exasperates 17. Faked an opponent 20. Delivery vehicle 21. Counterbalances 25. CA local time 26. Trench 27. Toothpaste containers

29. Word strings 30. A cotton filament 32. Regret for wrongdoing 34. Functioned 35. Hawaiian Feast 37. More dried-up 40. Woman (French) 42. Childhood contagion 43. Individual performances 47. __ Paulo, city 49. Officer trainee 50. Frogs, toads, tree toads 52. Located further inside 53. Belgian city destroyed in WWI 55. Flow in drops 56. Acorn trees 57. Tayra genus 58. Surprise attack 62. So. General 65. Indicates position

Answer key on page 10.

11 13

South Arkansas Leader

05•28•14

Mrs. Arkansas-America 2007 to speak in Camden on May 31 CAMDEN — Former 2007 Mrs. Arkansas-America Karen Smith will speak in Camden this Saturday thanks to a joint partnership between the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s Sigma Beta Omega Graduate Chapter and Southern Arkansas University Tech.

Smith A native of El Dorado, Smith was crowned Mrs. Arkansas-America in 2007.

According to pageant director Lynn DeJarnette, Mrs. Arkansas-America contestants come from all walks of life and represent a broad spectrum of Arkansas’ married women.

As Mrs. Arkansas-America, Smith traveled the state as a spokesperson and ambassador for the married women of Arkansas, speaking to elementary, junior high and high school students, as well as representing the married women of Arkansas at the Mrs. America Pageant in Tucson, Ariz.

Smith also models and has appeared in several commercials. She is an avid volunteer and was selected to sing the National Anthem at the nation’s capitol in Washington D.C. for her services to MENC: The National Association for Music Education’s National Anthem Project.

An alumna of the University of Central Arkansas, Smith studied speech pathology. She has 17 years of law enforcement experience and

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is currently employed with the Hot Springs Police Department.

In 1992, Smith began her career in law enforcement as a police dispatcher and reserve officer with the El Dorado Police Department. In 1996, she accepted the position as the Emergency 911 Communications and Traffic Control supervisor officer, supervising 15 911 operators, controlling emergency services for both Union County and El Dorado, where she served until 1999.

Smith lives in Hot Springs with her husband Bryan Smith, a former professional baseball player for the Houston Astros and current chairman of the board for the Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce. The Smiths have one daughter, Kimberly, who resides in Bentonville and works for Wal-Mart’s corporate offices.

Smith said she loves to sing, model, volunteer, judge pageants, spend time with her Yorkie, “Yogi Bear,” and attend college and professional sporting events with her husband.

Smith will speak on the theme “Women of Strength” at the Sigma Beta Omega’s Phenomenal Women Luncheon at 2 p.m. on May 31 at the Charles O. Ross Center, located at 746 California St. in Camden.

Cost to attend the luncheon is $20 per person. Proceeds will benefit the SBO Scholarship Fund.

Tickets can be purchased at Bensberg Music in El Dorado, Diann Epps State Farm Office of Camden, or from any member of Sigma Beta Omega.

For more information, contact Bridgett Sanders at 870.833.3703.

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LAW

continued from Page 4

80th Attorney General of the United States and the first Hispanic to serve as White House Counsel.

“Do these laws make a difference?” Gonzales asked the crowd.

“They did for me. They opened the door of opportunity.”

Coming from humble beginnings, Gonzales was born in San Antonio, Texas in 1955. His father worked as a carpenter, while his mother stayed at home to raise him and his seven siblings. With the doors of opportunity open to him, Gonzales graduated from Rice University and Harvard Law School after attending the U.S. Air Force Academy.

In 1995, Gonzales took the position as General Counsel to the governor of Texas, and after three years he was appointed as Texas Secretary of State. In 1999, he was appointed to the Texas Supreme Court and elected by the citizens of Texas to serve a full six-year term in the November 2000 general election. Gonzales went on to serve in the White House as Counsel to the

President from 2001 to 2005, and then as the head of the Department of Justice as the 80th U.S. Attorney General from 2005 to 2007.

While the country has come a long way since the 1960s, Gonzales noted that the nation still is burdened by such issues as race relations.

“We continue to need laws,” he said. “Our laws alone cannot change hearts, but through enforcement they can change behaviors.”

Law Day is recognized annually in May as a time to reflect on the importance of law in American society, and Gonzales noted the value of lawyers in defending the liberties of all Americans. Before entering public service, Gonzales practiced business law for more than a decade in Houston.

“I am proud to be an attorney,” Gonzales said. “I’ve seen the very best of the profession. We are a force for good and this community, this state, this nation need our talents and our leadership.”

Currently residing in Nashville, Tenn., Gonzales accepted a position as dean of the Belmont University College of Law. He presently holds the Doyle Rogers Distinguished Chair of Law at Belmont.

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nation box benefiting HOPE Landing

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

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