Volume 10 - No. 20

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Union County’s source for community news and more

South Arkansas

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Sesame Street songwriter puts on show at Barton Library With just a little more than a week left in its summer program “Fizz, Boom, Read!,” Barton Public Library hosted a live children’s concert from The Non-Toxic Band, featuring former Sesame Street songwriter Joe Romano and award-winning singer Susan Elliott on July 9.

Based in Houston and creative partners since 1984, Romano and Elliott have more than 50 years experience collectively writing and performing for children. As music director for the Texas Theatre Foundation, Romano wrote three original musicals, which toured Texas and Louisiana; he has been a contributing songwriter for Sesame Street since 1978. Elliott is an award-winning studio singer whose recordings

BAND continued on Page 6 Jam Session: Joe Romano and Susan Elliott of The Non-Toxic Band put on a free concert for area youth at the Barton Public Library on Wednesday.

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Booth space now available for September’s Outdoor Expo Booth space is available for the Sept. 13 SouthArk Outdoor Expo, presented by the South Arkansas Community College Foundation at the El Dorado Conference Center on the college’s campus.

The full-day event has activities for all ages, entertainment, and competitions for cash and prizes.

Admission is free, but donations of cans and packaged food items will be accepted at all entrances.

Interested vendors and exhibitors can find information and forms at www.southarkexpo.com.

Entries for the Herring FurnitureHolland Grill Rib Cook-Off, the Outdoor Photography Contest, the Nexans-Amercable 5K Run and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission Duck-Calling Contest also are being accepted at the site.

The top prize for the rib cookoff, a staple of the Outdoor Expo since its inception, is being raised to $2,000 this year.

— Brooke Burger / South Arkansas Leader

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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‘Deliver Us from Evil’ delivers on terrifying account of exorcisms Monique Thompson Red Carpet Crash

FINALLY, a film about exorcism accounts that is actually good!

It seems like the world of horror movies has lately been saturated with paranormal experiences or exorcism accounts that are, well, quite lame to say the least. One major let down was this year’s “The Quiet Ones;” so, naturally, I couldn’t help but utter about “Deliver Us from Evil”: “Please let this be nothing like that!”

Based on chilling accounts from real-life police sergeant-turned demonologist Ralph Sarchie’s book, “Beware the Night,” this exorcism film serves up horror, crime, humor and suspense, all while documenting demonic forces. Ralph (Eric Bana), a veteran sergeant who left his religious beliefs in the past, and his partner Butler (Joel McHale) get involved in a case that leaves them both believing the suspect is nothing short of a psychopathic lunatic.

However, things take a turn when a Castilian priest, Mendoza (Edgar Ramirez), shows up and informs Ralph that the only clear explanation for the suspect’s actions is a demonic possession.

While still upholding his duty as a New York Police Department officer and trying to balance a relationship with his wife (Olivia Munn) and daughter, now Ralph must also fight these demonic forces and discover the reason why they have arrived.

Interestingly, Mark Wahlberg was cast as Ralph Sarchie, but it was later announced that Bana took the job. Bana flawlessly plays this tough, no-nonsense cop who’s committed to taking down New York City’s most notorious criminals, at all costs.

With many movies documenting exorcisms and demonic possessions, there are usually a lot of them with tons of downtime and

Deliver Us from Evil New York police officer Ralph Sarchie investigates a series of crimes. He joins forces with an unconventional priest, schooled in the rituals of exorcism, to combat the possessions that are terrorizing their city. » Release date: July 2. » Run time: 118 min. » Rated: R for bloody violence, grisly images, terror throughout and language. » Director(s): Scott Derrickson. » Stars: Eric Bana, Édgar Ramírez, Joel McHale, Olivia Munn, Chris Coy, Dorian Missick, Sean Harris, Mike Houston and Lulu Wilson.

what seems to be nothing but fillerscenes, leaving the viewer restless with not much of anything happening. Yet “Deliver Us from Evil” manages to start with an action scene during a war and continue to build from that moment on. Aside from the fact that the film is actually really scary during parts, there’s no escaping the horror of the serious makeup effects that assist with the real-factor of the demonically possessed.

Directed by Scott Derrickson (“Sinister,” 2012; “Hellraiser: Inferno,” 2000), “Deliver Us from Evil” is definitely one of those movies that will having you scratching your head, wondering just what would you do if you were in the same situation as Ralph Sarchie.

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.

Union County Single Parent Scholarship Fund deadline nears The deadline for applications for the Union County Single Parent Scholarship is Sept. 1.

Scholarship eligibility requires that applicants live in Union County, be enrolled in any college or university, and be a single parent providing support of a dependent child or children under the age of 18 in the household.

In order to apply for the Single Parent Scholarship, students can go to www.aspsf.org and click on “Apply Now.” On the map, the student should click on Union County, and then click on the link to the scholarship application to complete the process.

Applications are also available at the South Arkansas Community College financial aid office, located in the El Dorado Conference Center. Scholarship applicants do not have to be students of South Arkansas Community

College to qualify.

For more information about donating to the scholarship fund or applying for a scholarship, contact 870.864.7150.

More information on the scholarship can be found at the Arkansas Single Parent Scholarship Fund website at aspsf.org.

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Contentment has to do with state of being, not zeroes in bank account Dear Dave, My husband has a great job, and I love my work and schedule as a substitute teacher. However, he wants me to take a full-time position so we can build more wealth. The only debt we have is our house, and we’ve already saved and invested a lot of money.

What’s your suggestion for this situation?

— Marie

Remembrance: A monument stands outside of the Union County Courthouse in honor of local soldiers who

gave their lives during three separate conflicts. World War I marks its centennial anniversary this year. — Courtesy photo

History lecture to mark World War I centennial The South Arkansas Historical Foundation and South Arkansas Community College will continue a partnership effort to bring special history lectures to the area with “The Origins of World War I” on Aug. 5.

The event is free and open to the Robison public.

Author and historian Dr. William Robison, a professor at Southeastern Louisiana University, will

present the lecture as a part of an ongoing series of history lectures co-sponsored by the SAHF and SouthArk. The lecture will begin at 6:30 p.m. in the SouthArk Library auditorium, located on the college’s West Campus.

The year 2014 marks the centennial anniversary of World War I. This conflict claimed the lives of more than 8.5 million soldiers and sailors. The devastating impact of the war would redraw the map of Europe and destroy the ruling dynasties of Austria-Hungary, Russia,

WAR continued on Page 6

Dear Marie, First and foremost, you two have a responsibility to take care of each other and your own household. It sounds like you’re doing that pretty well. So, if he wants you to take a full-time job only to build more wealth, I think that’s a bad idea.

Wealth is for quality of life, and quality of life includes giving. It also includes a safe and stable future. But if you have to surrender the joy in life to do that – to build extra wealth or build at a different pace – well, to me that’s just wrong. Contentment has nothing to do with how many hours you work or how many zeroes are in your bank account. Contentment has to do with your state of being. It’s connected to your sense of gratitude, happiness and your priorities. The idea that contentment is on the same spectrum as ambition? No, it’s not.

I don’t think you should take on a job or a schedule you hate just to pay off your house a couple of years earlier. I wouldn’t do that, and I don’t recommend you do it either. People should do something with their lives they find enjoyable and they’re called to do. Now, if your kids are going hungry and your bills aren’t getting paid, then you do whatever it takes. But in this case, Marie, you’re happy and

DAVE Says

you guys are in a great place. I’m sure your husband is a great guy, but I think he’s wrong on this one.

— Dave

Dear Dave, My credit union offers free accidental death and dismemberment insurance. Should I take it?

— Alaina Dear Alaina, That’s fine if it’s free. However, I wouldn’t rely on it as an integral part of my overall financial plan.

In most cases, accidental death and dismemberment policies are just a gimmick. You’re not double dead if you die by accident, and your spouse or family doesn’t need the money if you die by accident rather than a heart attack. They need the same coverage and the same protection regardless. When it comes to life insurance, I recommend a good level term policy that’s 10 to 12 times your annual income. That means if you make $50,000 a year, you need $500,000 to $600,000 in coverage.

Still, if it’s really free I’ve got no problem with the policy. Just make sure you’re not paying some other big fee to join a club so you can get “free” stuff. When that happens, it’s not really free after all!

— Dave Dave Ramsey is America’s trusted voice on money and business. He has authored five New York Times bestselling books: “Financial Peace,” “More Than Enough,” “The Total Money Makeover,” “EntreLeadership” and “Smart Money Smart Kids.” The Dave Ramsey Show is heard by more than 8 million listeners each week on more than 500 radio stations. Follow Dave on Twitter at @DaveRamsey and at daveramsey.com.

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

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Tinker Time offers chance to make a writing robot

SMACKOVER — The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources is challenging tinkerers to design and build a scribblebot this Saturday in the museum’s Tinkering Studio.

On Saturday, July 12 from 1 to 3 p.m., participants will use strawberry baskets or cups, markers, a battery, electrical tape, a small motor and glue to construct a moving machine that can draw.

Working independently through a trial-and-error process, attendees will learn how to construct an electrical circuit. They will be challenged to make the machine move in a certain way in order for it to draw a particular design. While constructing their scribblebots, inventors will experiment with a variety of variables, including: different types of materials for the base; changing the speed of the motor; different ways to attach the markers; an assortment of colors; and creating a diversity of drawing designs.

Once each participant has constructed a scribblebot, they can then explore their creative side by

tinker Time

decorating their invention with a variety of collage materials.

“For many visitors, the artistic component of the activity is just as important as the electrical and kinetic aspects,” said museum — Courtesy photo

Rotary Club funds scholarships for Boy Scouts El Dorado Rotary Club President Donna Bradshaw presents Rob Lavoie, Boy Scouts De Soto Area Council director, a check to fund scholarships for the Boy Scouts summer camp.

More than 100 campers – record

Participants take part in numerous craft activities that integrate science and art in an interactive, hands-on learning environment.

Tinker Time will take place in the Tinkering Studio at the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, located at 3853 Smackover Highway. Reservations are required for this Tinkering workshop; call 870.725.2877 to register.

The mission of the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources is to collect, preserve and interpret Arkansas’s natural resources with parMake your very own ticular emphasis on petroleum and brine used for bromine extraction.

SCRIBBLEBOT! Exhibits throughout the museum July 12 • 1 p.m. demonstrate the discovery and uses of petroleum and brine. Temporary AR Museum Natural Resources exhibits change every six months and focus on various topics.

One of 52 Arkansas State Parks, superintendent Pamela Beasley. the museum is open from 8 a.m. to The scribblebot activity is part of 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday the museum’s Tinkering Studio. In and from 1 to 5 p.m. on Sundays. the studio, participants are encour- Admission is free. aged to explore, design and build, For more information, go online to and engage their imaginations. www.amnr.org.

attendance – participated in Day Camp at Camp De Soto last month.

For more information about the De Soto Area Council, visit desoto areacouncil.org. More information about the El Dorado Rotary can be found at eldorado.rotary-clubs.org.

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SAAC’s ‘9 to 5’ opens tomorrow, July 10 The South Arkansas Arts Center’s summer production of Dolly Parton’s “9 to 5: The Musical” opens tomorrow, July 10.

Performance dates are Thursday, July 10 through Tuesday, July 15 and Thursday, July 17 to Sunday, July 20. The two Sunday matinees begin at 2:30 p.m.; all other performances begin at 7:30 p.m. in the SAAC Calloway Theatre, located at 110 East Fifth St. in El Dorado.

Tickets cost $20, and SAAC members receive a $5 discount. Students, including college students of any age, receive a $10 discount. Call the

SAAC box office at 870.862.5474 to reserve tickets.

Dolly Parton, the stage show’s composer and lyricist, based the musical on the 1980’s hit film. Like the original movie, “9 to 5: The Musical” is a comedic romp that tackles real issues – like women in the workplace and male and female relationships –while it is busy tickling funny bones.

Fans of the film will recognize more than a few lines and gags from the original, but critics note that the The local production is directed Broadway version easily stands on its own two feet. and choreographed by Paul B. Crook

and wife Mary Fran, who previously staged SAAC’s production of Mel Brooks’ “The Producers.”

The show stars Emily Cole as Doralee Rhodes; Jessie Nash as Judy Bernly; Adria Norton as Violet Newstead; Steve Harrell as Franklin Hart Jr., and Shelby Gage as Roz Keith.

“9 to 5: The Musical” premiered in Los Angeles in September 2008 and opened on Broadway in April 2009.

It received 15 Drama Desk Award nominations as well as four Tony Award nominations. For more information, visit www.saac-arts.org.

Pine Bluff man held record as fastest man in the world Ken Bridges

South Arkansas Historical Foundation

Bill Carr was once the fastest man in the world. And it all started in Pine Bluff.

William Arthur Carr was born in Pine Bluff in 1909. His early life was not unusual. He, like so many boys, loved to run, and he could run faster than all the others.

His parents believed in the importance of education and encouraged him to finish high school where he also pursued athletics. Carr would graduate from Pine Bluff High School in 1927.

In 1929, he enrolled at the prestigious Wharton Business School at the University of Pennsylvania, where his academic abilities matched his gift for speed. He would rise to co-captain the varsity track team and would never lose a race while at Penn. His string of victories and good nature made him a popular figure on campus, leading him to become president of his sophomore class in 1930. In his senior year, he was elected to the honors society.

The year 1932 would be a year of wonder for Bill Carr. The Olympics were coming to Los Angeles that summer, the first time they had come to America since the 1904 Olympics in St. Louis, Mo. Carr For the Gold: Two-time gold medalist William Arthur “Bill” Carr of Pine Bluff runs in the 1600-meter relay at the 1932 Olympics in Los Angeles.

— Collections of the University of Pennsylvania Archives

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South Arkansas Historical Foundation presents

ist o ry minute

had steadily built a reputation and was the 1931 AAU indoor 300-meter winner, but he was facing the phenomenal runner Ben Eastman of Stanford University, who many sports writers predicted would take the gold medal that year and who had set a world record at another race in March.

That spring, in the IC4A intercollegiate championships, the best college runners in the nation gathered to compete. Carr and Eastman outpaced the rest of the field, and Carr edged out Eastman, winning the 400 meters in 47.0 seconds. Two weeks later, the two would face off once again at the Olympic trials.

Carr, in a blaze of speed, finished in 46.9 seconds in the 400 meters.

At the Olympics, the rivalry between Carr and Eastman took center stage. On Aug. 5, the 400-meter race was held. Eastman took an early lead, eventually getting a lead of almost three meters on Carr.

Bill Carr piled on an extra burst of speed, putting everything he had into the last stretch of the race. He caught Eastman, and as the finish line approached, pulled ahead, eventually winning by two meters

CARR continued on Page 7

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SouthArk Library receives a large shipment of new books Lauri Wilson

South Arkansas Community College

Please visit us! The construction zone is just temporary, and we have plenty of parking.

We also just received a large order of new books (too many to list here!), but they include some bestsellers and other new titles for you to discover.

Books such as:

‘Delicious!’

by Ruth Reichl.

What else would you title a book by the former editor of Gourmet magazine?

However, the story here isn’t about food prep, but a young woman who’s stuck with the care of the empty office of a former food magazine.

When she finds a hidden trove of old letters to a famous chef, the discovery opens the door to possibilities she never knew existed.

‘Flash Boys’

by Michael Lewis.

High-frequency stock traders take the stage in the non-fiction “Flash Boys: A Wall Street Revolt” by Michael Lewis.

The “flash boys” are a group of Wall Street traders who set out to reform the financial markets after they discover some companies using computers to trade at high speeds and, therefore, shut out human traders.

This fascinating true story is much more complex than a one-sentence summary, but it’s relevant to everyone who has any contact with the stock market, including a retirement account.

‘Why Soccer Matters’

by Pelé.

Like millions of fans across the globe, I’ve been captivated by the World Cup soccer matches, although I know many in the United States fail to understand “the beautiful game” and why it’s so important in other countries.

Now, the world-famous soccer star Pelé explains it all in “Why Soccer Matters.”

Spanish Titles We’ve added to our collection of Spanish-language titles to include “Crepúsculo: Un Amor Peligroso” (“Twilight”) and “Los Juegos del Hambre” (“The Hunger Games”); as well as self-help books, inspirational books and biographies in Spanish.

Kids’ Titles Kids will be happy to know that we have a lot of new easy-reader and picture books, including some favorites by Mo Willems (“Elephant & Piggie” books), Shel Silverstein (“A Giraffe and a Half”), Laura Numeroff (“If You Give a Mouse a Cookie”) and Anna Dewdney (“Llama Llama Time for Mama”).

Book Sale Our book sale is a cheap place to stock up! Most books are priced at $2, $1, 50 cents or 25 cents. We have a selection of coffee-table books, hardcover bestsellers, paperbacks, romances, science fiction, self-help, videos, DVDs and even FREEBIES! The book sale is open during regular library hours from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays and from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Fridays.

Be sure to bring your library card with you.

Lauri Wilson is a library technician at South Arkansas Community College. All of the books mentioned in Shelf Life are available at the SouthArk Library, located at 300 Summit Ave. in El Dorado. The library is open to the public. For more information, call 870.864.7115.

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BAND

continued from Page 1

for Silver Burdett and Ginn have been used in public school systems throughout the world.

The Non-Toxic Band presents lively, original, musical concerts for young audiences. According to the duo, their music is upbeat, engaging and educational, is presented in a variety of styles; incorporates multicultural and environmental themes; and addresses questions about who we are, how we feel, where we live and how things work.

Released in November 2012, The

Non-Toxic Band’s second album, “It’s a Good Day” encourages children to think about ordinary subjects, such as science, language and math, in an extraordinary way.

The free concert was coordinated by Barton Public Library, and sponsored by the El Dorado Service League.

The library’s summer program will continue at 2 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday until its conclusion on July 18 with the Mad Science Barton Blow-Out Party. The “Fizz, Boom, Read!” program is free and open to children entering first through sixth grades.

For more information, contact Laura Cleveland at 870.863.5447.

WAR

Film & Television.” He is also the editor of Historical Dictionary of continued from Page 3 Stuart England (1995) and Historical Dictionary of Late Medieval Turkey (Ottoman Empire) and Ger- England, 1272-1485 (1998). many. The controversial peace proThe program is supported in part cess would lay the foundation for by a grant from the Union County an even more devastating conflict: Community Foundation.

World War II. For more information, contact the Dr. Robison is a professor of his- SAHF at 870.862.9890 or email tory and department chair at SELU. info@soarhistory.com. More inforAn expert on British history, Ro- mation can also be found online at bison is the author of “Tudors on www.soarkhistory.org.

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You can help!

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

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Follow The HOPE Box on Facebook!

• Find a location near you!

• Get details on donation drives!

• Be inspired by the kids of HOPE Landing!

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Keeping the Kettle full

Salvation Army needs help raising funds all year long

The Salvation Army red kettles are a familiar sight during the Christmas season, but for many in our community there is a pot that is just as important and needs your help keeping it full all year long.

The pots at the Salvation Army’s Bread of Life Soup Kitchen helped provide more than 13,000 meals last month alone.

There are many Union County residents who are in need and rely on the soup kitchen for three meals a day, while others stop by just when times are tough. That includes the elderly, families, children and those who may be in the prime of their life but have fallen on hard times or circumstances have left them unable to make ends meet.

Last month, the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen began serving a meal on Sunday evenings.

So now, a person can get three meals a day, seven days a week at the Salvation Army.

Also this summer, the Salvation Army has sent almost 200 children from Union and Ouachita counties to summer camp at Heart O’ Hills in Tahlequah, Okla. There they are learning about the Bible, swimming, learning character-building lessons and meeting friends they will remember for life. It may not be as important to the kids since they are too busy having fun, but to their parents and guardians it is important that they are also receiving three meals and a snack every day while at camp.

From the Bread of Life Soup Kitchen and kids’ camps, to the shelter (which provides emergency housing to an average of 20 people per night, seven days a week) and even an outdoor

CARR

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and a fraction of a second.

Bill Carr won the gold medal with a world-record time of 46.2 seconds. Two days later, the 1600-meter relay was held. He led the American team to the gold medal again with a world record 3 minute, 8.2 second race.

He was one of the most celebrated athletes in the world for his triumphs. But his glory would be cut short. In January 1933, a brutal car wreck left him with a broken pelvis and two broken ankles. He would never run again.

He would graduate in 1933 with an economics degree. He married and had one son. He would spend the next several years as an

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insurance executive and then served as an officer in naval intelligence during World War II. After the war, he would work as an executive with safety equipment manufacturing companies.

Arkansas would never forget his successes. His was the first, and to date only, two-time gold medalist from the state. In 1962, he was inducted into the Arkansas Athletic Hall of Fame in Little Rock just before his sudden death in Tokyo in 1966.

The South Arkansas Historical Foundation is dedicated to educating the public about the state’s rich history. The SAHF can be contacted at P.O. Box 144, El Dorado, AR, 71730, at 870.862.9890 or at soarkhistory.com.

Dr. Ken Bridges, a SouthArk history professor, can be reached by emailing kbridges@southark.edu.

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fellowship on Sunday nights – none of this would be possible without Union County businesses and individuals who take time to give of their time and money to show love to those who need it at the Salvation Army.

We hope you will continue to show that love all year long, not just during the kettle drive at Christmas. Need knows no season.

The local Salvation Army is located at 419 South Madison St. in El Dorado. For more information, call 870.863.4830 or go online to El Dorado’s page on the Salvation Army of Arkansas and Oklahoma website at salvationarmyaok.org/eldorado.

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.

100% of your contribution stays right here in Union County!

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COMMUNITY calendar

» SAAC 2014 JURIED ART COMPETITION — The South Arkansas Arts Center will host the 2014 Juried Art Competition, sponsored by Smackover State Bank. The exhibition features 39 works from 31 artists across the United States. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

When: now to July 31, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday Where: South Arkansas Arts Center, 110 East Fifth St. Contact: For more information, call 870.862.5474 or visit saac-arts.com.

» Museum’s FREE SUMMER PROGRAM — Every Thursday throughout June and July, the Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources will host a free, weekly summer program.

For one hour, visiting interpreters from surrounding state parks and other entities will bring a piece of their work the museum to share with attendees.

Participants get a glimpse into different state park jobs, as well as seeing different types of animals, such as alligators and snakes. The program is free and open to the public.

Visitor: Dr. Casey Mitchell, El Dorado Animal Hospital When: Thursday, July 10 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Where: Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources, 3853 Smackover Highway, Smackover Contact: For more information, call 870.725.2877 or visit www.amnr.org. » PEE-WEE FOOTBALL — Those interested in playing Pee-Wee Football are invited to attend a players’ meeting and sign-up in Strong. The team is open to those in kindergarten to sixth grade for the 2014-15 school year.

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

Participants are not required to play for a team in their school district, but may opt to play for any pee-wee football team they choose. Registration is $25.

When: Thursday, July 10 at 6 p.m.

Where: Strong football field Contact: For more information, call Chuck Johnston at 870.310.4626.

» SOUTHARK STUDY SKILLS CLASS — South Arkansas Community College will offer the non-credit course “Study Tips and Test Taking” with instructor Cathy Harrell. The course will cover note taking, time management and test taking. The cost is $35 per student.

When: July 10 and 17 from 6 to 8 p.m.

Where: Center for Workforce Development, SouthArk East Campus, 3698 East Main St. Contact: For more information or to register, call 870.864.7163. » CAMDEN MOVIES ON THE RIVER — The City of Camden presents its Movies on the River 2014 summer series. Families may bring lawn chairs, stadium seats, drinks and snacks to enjoy the outdoor movie with theater sound every Friday night through June and July. Glass is not allowed and bug spray is recommended.

Concessions, including drinks and popcorn, will be available (cash only).

In case of poor weather and holidays, the viewing will be moved to Saturday.

Movie: The Smurfs 2, PG (105 min.)

When: July 11 about 8:15 p.m.

Where: Riverwalk Amphitheater, 405 Washington St. SE, downtown Camden Contact: For more information, call the city at 870.837.5500 or visit the website at www.camden.ar.gov.

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.

» Girls’ / Adult SOFTBALL TOURNAMENTS — This month, a Girls’ Fast Pitch Softball Tournament; and an Adult ASA Men’s Church and Industrial, D, E and EE District Tournament will be played. The Girls’ Fast Pitch will take place on Friday and Saturday, July 11 and 12. The Adult District Tournament will take place the following weekend on July 18 and 19.

When: July 11-12 and July 18-19 Where: Union County Recreation Complex, 2409 Champagnolle Road Contact: For more information on either tournament, contact Jimmy Sullivan at 870.863.0123 or 870.310.1379. » GREAT PARADISE MINISTER APPRECIATION — The Rev. Michael C. Pierce and the Greater Paradise Missionary Baptist Church family invite the public to attend the 25th Appreciation Celebration for Minister of Music Bro. William Jerome Robinson.

Special guests will be pastor Frank Martin and the Mount Gillard Baptist Church of Camden.

When: Sunday, July 13 at 3 p.m.

Where: Greater Paradise Missionary Baptist Church, 729 South Marsh Ave. Contact: For more information, contact Trena White at 870.866.9498. » LEGO SUMMER CAMP — South Arkansas Community College will host the Pullback Car Frenzy LEGO Camp for children ages 8 to 14.

The camp challenges participants to design new vehicles from supplied LEGO cars. Science and Engineering concepts, including universal physics laws, will be explored. Campers can keep all 10 cars that they build throughout the week.

When: July 14-18

Where: South Arkansas Community College, East Campus Contact: For more information, email ce@southark.edu or call 870.864.8456. » BLACK ROCKET SUMMER CAMPS — South Arkansas Community College has partnered with Black Rocket Productions of New Jersey to provide creative sciences, digital arts and leadership camps for children ages 7 to 14. All camps are hands-on and all students will be provided a student account on the Black Rocket website where they can access their apps and games after the camps have concluded.

Camps: Make Your First Video Game from July 14-18; Minecraft Designers from July 21-25; and Video Game Animation from July 28-Aug. 1 Where: South Arkansas Community College East Campus Contact: For more information, contact Tara Anglin at 870.864.8456 or ce@southark.edu. » FREE NOTARY CLASS IN EL DORADO— The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, Southern Arkansas University and the Arkansas Secretary of State will provide a free course in becoming a notary. The class will cover the application process, current notary issues and best practices.

When: Tuesday, July 15: morning session from 10 a.m. to noon; afternoon session 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Where: El Dorado Chamber of Commerce, 111 West Main St. Contact: For more information or to pre-register, contact Nipper at 870.235.5033 or email julianipper@ saumag.edu.

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

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

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Noalmark Broadcasting

General Manager Jay Helm jay_helm@noalmark.com

WEEKLY RECIPE A twist on a brunch staple When hosting your next brunch, go with an old favorite, such as the following recipe for “Golden Pecan Waffles with Warm Salted Caramel Sauce and Bananas” from Betty Rosbottom’s “Sunday Brunch.”

Brooke Burger brooke.burger@noalmark.com Advertising

Serves 4 to 6

Warm Salted Caramel Sauce » 1 1/2 cups sugar » 3/4 cup water » 2/3 cup half-and-half » 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced » 1/2 teaspoon fleur de sel » 3 ripe, but not soft, bananas, cut into 1/2-inch slices

Directions:

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.

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

CLUES ACROSS

Golden Pecan Waffles with Caramel Sauce, Bananas Ingredients:

Editor

CROSSWORD How It Works

South Arkansas

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

South Arkansas Leader

Golden Pecan Waffles » 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour » 4 teaspoons sugar » 2 teaspoons baking powder » 1/4 teaspoon baking soda » 1/4 teaspoon salt » 2 eggs » 2 cups buttermilk » 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled » 1 cup pecans, toasted and coarsely chopped (see tip)

Warm Salted Caramel Sauce: Combine the sugar and water in a heavy, medium saucepan set over low heat, swirling the pan occasionally until the sugar dissolves. Raise the heat and boil, without stirring, until the mixture is syrupy and turns a rich golden brown, 6 to 8 minutes. Remove the pan from the heat and slowly stir in the half-and-half. Be very careful because the mixture will bubble vigorously.

Whisk in the butter and then add the fleur de sel. Stir in the bananas. Cover and keep warm.

Golden Pecan Waffles: Preheat a waffle iron. In a large bowl, stir together the flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, whisk together the eggs and buttermilk. Make a well in the dry ingredients and pour in the egg mixture, blending gently only until the ingredients are combined. Add the butter in a slow stream, continuing to blend until the butter is incorporated. Fold in the pecans.

Pour 1/2 cup of the batter (or more, depending on the size of your waffle iron) onto the waffle iron and, using a metal spatula or table knife, spread the batter to within 1/2 inch of the edge. Close the cover and cook approximately 3 minutes, or until crisp and golden brown. (If your waffles aren’t crisp, even after a “ready signal” has sounded, continue to cook them, watching carefully, until crisp and golden.)

Serve waffles topped with several spoonfuls of the Warm Caramel Sauce and bananas.

Tip: To toast pecans, spread on a rimmed baking sheet and place in a preheated 350 degrees oven until fragrant and lightly browned, 6 to 8 minutes. Watch carefully so the nuts do not burn. Remove and cool.

1. Iowa State town 5. Dip lightly into water 8. Doctors’ group 11. AKA red spinel 13. Actress Lupino 14. Camel or goat fabrics 15. TV delivery system 16. Chronicles (abbr.)

17. Bolivian river 18. Like a moss capsule stalk 20. Short first name for actor Bacon 21. Br. boarding school 22. Gorges 25. Guileless 30. More obstinate 31. Pair 32. Ablaze

33. Muffled 38. No seats available 41. More blackened 43. Proficiently skilled 45. Flat highlands 47. Hillside (Scot.)

49. Stricken 50. MN 55121 55. Sutter Cnty. City seat 56. In no way 57. V. Woolf playwright 59. Nev. Sen. Harry 60. Ingested 61. Nobel Prize winner Fritz 62. Make a mistake 63. Sirius Satellite Radio (abbr.)

64. Mama’s partner

CLUES DOWN 1. Disney network 2. Oldest river (alt. sp.)

3. Dresden River 4. Preservative 5. Bargain 6. Stuck fast 7. Nouveau-riche 8. Plural of 14 down 9. Hand (Spanish) 10. Seventh Hindu month 12. A large body of water 14. Assist in some wrongdoing 19. Run with a long stride 23. Volt-ampere 24. Oppenheimer’s bomb 25. Don’t know when yet 26. British Air Aces 27. C. Clay’s new surname 28. Norwegian monetary unit (abbr.)

29. Afternoon nap 34. Actress Thurman 35. ‘__ death do us part 36. Snakelike fish 37. Not wet 39. Eye membranes 40. Spotted wildcats 41. Wildebeest 42. Ascend 44. Headgear for a horse 45. Bura 46. Foremost position 47. Cowbarn (British) 48. One who feels regret 51. Express pleasure 52. Pleased 53. Swedish rock group 54. Requisite 58. Geological time

Answer key on page 10.

9

10

South Arkansas Leader

07•09•14

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Customer service training boon to economy Free local service training session to help boost economic return on tourism

Managers and front-line workers in the hospitality industry are invited to participate in a free guest service training class on Thursday, July 24 in El Dorado.

South Arkansas Community College’s Corporate and Community Education has partnered with the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and the Arkansas Hospitality Association to offer the training as a part of the Welcome to Arkansas initiative. The training will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the SouthArk Center for Workforce Development, located at 3698 East Main St. on the college’s East Campus.

Jessica Ledbetter, tourism development consultant, will lead the class in learning customer service techniques ranging from telephone and email etiquette to rectifying the experience of unsatisfied customers. The class is open to anyone interested in improving their customer service skills to increase revenue for their business and the state of Arkansas.

“We want to help facilitate the best possible experience for our visitors during their time here, and that, of course, means training them with excellent guest service,” said Joe David Rice, Arkansas tourism director.

The Welcome to Arkansas program began in 2009 in response to research showing that Arkansas’ front-line personnel were unable to provide activity recommendations to travelers passing through their areas. Subsequently, potential visitors would leave, resulting in fewer tourism expenditures supporting the local and state economies.

“The Natural State is fortunate to have extraordinary scenery and topnotch attractions, and we realize how important having a good product is to attracting vacationers,” Rice said.

“When it comes to keeping visitors here, we consider the friendly citizens of Arkansas another one of our resources, so we have chosen to invest in training and believe it will result in an economic return.”

Welcome to Arkansas is a state-

Welcome: The Arkansas Welcome Center in El Dorado offers visitors up-to-the minute information on attractions, regional events and weather conditions. Businesses that provide quality customer service to travelers can help boost the local economy. A free customer service training session will take place this month.

— Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

funded initiative to train front-line workers to host travelers in The Natural State.

Nearly 90 communities are currently participating in the program.

Hotels, restaurants, convenience stores and other Arkansas hospitality businesses in these locations have received resources designed to lengthen visitor stays and encourage repeat visits.

Tourism is one of Arkansas’s top industries, with nearly 23 million travelers spending $5.8 billion in Arkansas in 2012.

For more information on the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism, visit www.arkansas.com.