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Saturday, April 30, 2011

Faith Lutheran Church will have service at 10 a.m. tomorrow with a picnic lunch to follow, come as you are










Send your storm pictures to insidehotspringsvillage@yahoo.com










There are no words










If you need an escape today

The Metropolitan Opera high definition broadcast of Il Trovatore by Giuseppe Verdi at noon at Tinseltown in Benton. Expected run time of three hours and 15 minutes.
Hairspray at The Rep in Little Rock, 601 Main Street. Show time 8 p.m. Tickets top out at $25 depending on seating. Advance tickets bought before opening night are $10 off A seats and $5 off B seats.
Neil Simon’s Chapter Two at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock, 6323 Col. Glenn Road. Dinner 6 to 7:35 p.m. Curtain 7:45 p.m. Ticket $32. Show only $27. Children under 15 $22. Call 501-562-3131 for more information.

Saline County Judge Fite working to make Saline whole

Judge Lanny Fite of Saline County said the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management began evaluation of damage levels in the Saline County portion of the Village on Friday, April 29.
To report damage to your primary residence in Saline County contact the office of emergency management at 102 South Main St., Level B, Benton, AR 72015. The phone is (501) 303-5649.

Message from Rick Davis

Garland County Judge Rick Davis released the following statement:

“We are aware of the extreme damages throughout Garland County and have been working with State officials to determine the most direct approach and properly disposing of all vegetative waste from recent tornadoes. I ask for your patience as we execute proper plans to ensure the overall safety of response personnel, work crews and residents.

I am involved in ongoing meetings with my department heads, Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, ADEQ, and Arkansas Department of Emergency Management, ADEM, to provide proper documentation, seek permits and approval for sites and methods to properly manage storm related debris. While this takes time, it is imperative that these tasks be completed correctly and in accordance with state and federal laws.

I will be announcing the schedule for curbside pickup shortly. This information will be released to our local media for public dissemination so that you will have advanced notice of when we will be in your area. In these passes we will be concentrating on trees, limbs and other vegetative debris located on private property and brought to the street side for removal. Keep in mind we will be picking up only vegetative storm debris. More information regarding debris from structures and other white metals resulting from recent tornadoes will be attended to after additional permitting is completed.”

ADEM is operating a Call Center for anyone with damages to their primary residence. This number is staffed from 7 a.m. through 7 p.m. Residents are encouraged to call the following number to get in the loop for FEMA or state resources. Reporting damages is one of the most important steps toward disaster recovery. Call 1-888-683-2336.

Emergency Management needs information from Garland County residents

Shortly before leaving work Friday I heard from the head of Garland County's Emergency Management, Joy Sanders.
Sanders is trying to get in touch with all Village residents in Garland County that sustained damage to their primary residence in Garland County. She needs to have your damage evaluated. There is assistance available and the assistance level is impacted by the number of residences affected by the storms. She needs help helping you.
Sanders asked for Village residents meeting the above criteria to call Emergency Management from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday at (501) 622-3785.

Glazier Peau back open

Garland County has completed work on Warren Watson Road and the Glazier Peau gate has been reopened.

For those worried about Tom Hightower

Here is an update from Pat, Tom's wife.
The latest from Lake Woebegone: Tom has two broken vertebrae in his neck with bits of bone floating around. He is still in a lot of pain, but seems to be getting better. For swelling in his brain, they gave him steroids, which caused his blood pressure to spike very high. All of that is under control for now. The neurologist, Dr. DeCastro, said that he would NOT do surgery now because of all of Tom's other problems. His spine is also out of alignment. So, as of now, another MRI is scheduled, he will probably go to Good Sam's to begin rehab on Monday. He's basically a good patient if you turn a deaf ear to his feelings about wearing the large neck brace.
Tom is in room 360 at St. Joe's if you want to visit him.

Beware of lane closure

The inside lanes of Central Avenue from the 100 to the 300 block will be temporarily closed from 3 a.m. until 6 a.m. on Thursday, May 5 for the hanging of downtown flower baskets by the parks and recreation department. Traffic cones and safety lighting will be used, and motorists are asked to use caution when traveling near the project area.

Come to the Capitol in Little Rock

Sunday, May 1
2 p.m., Freedom Ride, the Arkansas Bikers Aiming Toward Education, ABATE, 200 motorcycles park on Woodlane, weather permitting.

Monday, May 2
8 a.m., Art display, all week in the rotunda.
noon, the Heart Association survivor boards are on display in the rotunda.

Thursday , May 5
noon, National Day of Prayer Rally on the front steps.

Friday, May 8
noon, Mothers in Prison Choir in the rotunda.

Saturday, May 7
noon, an Equal Rights Amendment Rally on the front steps.

Do you recognize any of these cats?




These cats may have been lost or abandoned, please contact the Animal Shelter if you belong to one of the cats currently staying at the Shelter.
Pearl was rescued from Playa Place.
Tippon was rescued at Maderas Gardens.
Mandy was found on Mandarina.
All three cats are spayed/neutered, vet checked and current on shots. All three are friendly, wonderful cats. The Shelter is looking for previous owners or a new forever home for each.
The Animal Shelter is on Cloaca Lane before the recycling center.

Friday, April 29, 2011

Wedding press almost over

Oh, in case you forgot, after today we don't have to hear about the Royal wedding non-stop.

If you are ready to get out tonight

Hairspray at The Rep in Little Rock, 601 Main Street. Show time 8 p.m. Tickets top out at $25 depending on seating. Advance tickets bought before opening night are $10 off A seats and $5 off B seats.
Neil Simon’s Chapter Two at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock, 6323 Col. Glenn Road. Dinner 6 to 7:35 p.m. Curtain 7:45 p.m. Ticket $32. Show only $27. Children under 15 $22. Call 501-562-3131 for more information.

Arbor Day

Today is National Arbor Day. Enough said.

Electrical outages growing smaller

This morning most Villagers with Entergy service have power restored. There are only 44 homes around the Village with no electricity from Entergy.
First Electric Coop still has 707 outages in Saline County and most of them are in the Village.
All along First Electric has been more confident power would be on sooner than Entergy's more conservative guesstimates. Funny how things turned out.

Hightower break

Tom Hightower has a broken neck and is in St. Joe's room 360. Earlier this year he broke his hip and was feeling a bit cocky at this stage of his recovery and fell again. Pat is going back and forth from the Village to the hospital. Tom can't take any phone calls but visits would be nice. I'm sure Pat will appreciate any support at this time.

Fallen Heroes Memorial comes to Village

The Arkansas Fallen Heroes Memorial will be in Hot Springs Village May 14 through 20 next to El Padrino Restaurant on Hwy 7. The breathtaking, heart-wrenching field of flags will be on display to honor the 115 Arkansas soldiers that have given the ultimate sacrifice to protect our freedoms and rights.
Each fallen hero in the Global War on Terror is represented by a post with the Soldier’s photo, name and a short story in front of the American flag. The memorial flag field has traveled to many cities and towns so that people can learn about Arkansas’ Fallen Heroes. The goal of the traveling memorial is to raise funds to build a permanent memorial flag field at the Military History Museum in Jacksonville.
Motorcycle Parade Saturday May 14 at 11 a.m. The parade route will be the length of Desoto Blvd. from East to West. Please bring your flag to Desoto Blvd. to honor our heroes.
Parade staging at Mountainside Methodist at 10 a.m. Briefing at 10:30 a.m. All riders welcome.
The Memorial will open at noon on the May 14.
BBQ sandwiches, chips, and soft drink combo is available for $7.00. All profits go to the Memorial Fund.

Big day for blog

For you faithful readers, today is the day we reach over 30,000 hits. Thanks.

Democrats meet today

The Democratic Club meets today at 2:30 p.m. at the Coronado Center.

Services back on line

Trash service resumed Thursday. The POA will maintain regular schedules. Those that missed service last Tuesday will be picked up next Tuesday. There are no large roll-off containers available for trash at the Recycling Center.

A yard waste disposal site opened yesterday at the gravel pit near Desoto Boulevard and Terlingua. Village residents are encouraged to dispose of their tree debris here. The site is not be available for commercial operators.

While Granada and Isabella golf courses have remained open, Cortez, Desoto and Magellan courses re-opened yesterday. The POA anticipates Ponce de Leon will be open tomorrow; and Balboa golf course will reopen on Saturday. The POA does not know how long Coronado golf course will be closed.

POA assessed property damage

The Village did sustain major property damage during the recent spate of stroms and tornadoes:
•More than 120 houses had major damage; mostly roofs; and I anticipate that number to rise
•Thousands of trees were lost - both on common and private property
•On Monday night, 75%, or more than 6,000 households, were without power
•A cellular phone tower, north of Ponce golf course, was destroyed; temporary service is in place; and we expect a new tower to be built within the next 60-90 days
While POA property sustained significant damage, few buildings were impacted:
•Roof damage to one of our water towers near Ponce de Leon
•A communications tower was lost at Cortez Golf Course
•Significant damage to all of our golf courses – notably Balboa, Coronado and Ponce de Leon
•Literally hundreds, if not thousands, of trees
•Already engaged a private contractor to remove 7,000 tons from common property
•Comparable losses at golf course; John Paul advises that more than 100 trees were lost on one hole at Balboa; and that Balboa and Coronado lost 40-50 trees per hole

Glazier Peau gate closed until further notice

Garland County has closed Warren Watson Road to make repairs and has asked the Hot Springs Village Police Department to close the Glazier Peau gate until further notice. Please use alternate routes.

POA annual meeting

The Hot Springs Village Property Owners' Association Annual Meeting will be held on Monday, May 2 at 3 p.m. at the Ponce de Leon Center.

Golf courses in the Village

As of this yesterday, five of Hot Springs Village's golf courses have reopened: Cortez, DeSoto, Granada, Isabella, and Magellan. Please note that these courses are still being cleared of debris and downed trees. Please be patient as crews work to bring these courses back to their usual pristine condition.

At this time, Ponce de Leon golf course is scheduled to reopen on today, Balboa golf course is set to open Saturday morning, and Coronado golf course will continue to be closed until further notice.

Coronado Community Center continues to act as a comfort station for those in need and shower facilities are available at the Coronado Fitness Center.

Sanitation crews will be picking up their normal schedule today. Individual property owners with storm debris may take it to the gravel pit area for disposal. The gravel pit is located off of DeSoto Boulevard. Turn onto Terlingua near the Faith Lutheran Church, then onto Deposito Paseo. Go past the businesses, when the street turns to dirt; follow through the opened gates into the disposal area. Contractors and commercial ventures MAY NOT use this area to dispose of their debris.

Beginning next week, Public Works crews will begin clearing storm debris from neighborhood streets. Property owners needing Public Works crews to haul their storm debris must have it neatly stacked at the street when crews come through.

Entergy and First Electric crews are still on site and continue to restore power to various sections of Hot Springs Village.

POA statement regarding trees

Hot Springs Village residents that have trees that have fallen on their homes or property, from golf courses, common property or other private lots need to contact their homeowners insurance to make arrangements to have the trees removed.

Yard of the month nominations

"A garden is a friend you can visit any time."

During this season of the year the Village neighborhoods are full of blooms and plants showing new life. Is there a yard that is particularly appealing to you? Have you visited a garden that you feel deserves special recognition?

All Villagers are encouraged to look around and nominate that special garden to be considered the the May Yard of the Month.

Judging for the May award will take place on May 12. Please send nominations to Linda Hermani 922-2112 or Madalyn Harris 915-0787, mbharris1965@suddenlink.net by Friday May 6.

After selecting the Yard of the Month, the Hot Springs Village Master Gardeners will place a large sign in the homeowners' yard stating their selections as Yard of the Month, present a certificate proclaiming the accomplishments, and a gift membership to Garvan Woodland Gardens.

The Garland County Beautification Commission sponsors the Yard of the Month committees.

Tree-related storm debris pick-up in Hot Springs

The Hot Springs Sanitation Department is offering city residents free curbside pickup by appointment only for storm-related tree limbs and brush from now until Friday, May 13. Only storm-related tree limbs and brush are eligible for this program, with no limit on the number of pickups per city household. To schedule a pickup, call 321-6921.

City residents are asked not to bring storm-related debris to Sanitation’s annual Spring Fling citywide cleanup scheduled for this weekend, Saturday, April 30 and Sunday, May 1, but to use the amnesty program instead.

Cleaning up Heifer Ranch today

Heifer Project International headquarters support is needed today at Heifer Ranch in Perryville to move tree limbs and brush. Morning and afternoon shifts are available. Interested employees should meet at the Visitor Center parking lot at 9 a.m. for the morning shift. The Ranch will serve sandwiches and drinks at noon, and a second shift of work will begin at 1 p.m. Please bring work gloves and a rake.

To volunteer, please contact Amy Nash at (501) 907-2699 or amy.nash@heifer.org. Additional Ranch work days will be scheduled as clean up continues.

Thursday, April 28, 2011

Hot Springs community development advisory committee meets today

The Community Development Advisory Committee will meet at 1:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 5 in the Board Chambers at City Hall, 133 Convention Boulevard. An agenda follows:
CITY OF HOT SPRINGS, ARKANSAS
HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC)

A G E N D A
Meeting Date/Time: May 5, 2011, 1:00 – 2:30pm, CDAC meeting
Meeting Location: Municipal Building, Board Chambers
133 Convention Blvd. Hot Springs Ark. 71901
Call to Order (1:00PM.)
Order of Business
Roll Call of Members – CDAC Co-Chairperson
approval of minutes from March 3, 2011
FY2012 sub-recipient applicants
Adjournment

Dealing with the aftermath of the tornado

With an EF1 tornado in my Village I am like everyone else, freaked out. Unlike two thirds of the Village I have electrical power. After two nights of sleeping on the floor of my pantry I slept in my own bed last night. I slept 12 hours with memories of living through Hurricane Katrina dancing through my dreams.
For those of you without power but with wonderful hand held devices keeping you in touch with the world, the Coronado Center is serving Red Cross meals. Mountainside Methodist is open for you to take a cool break and have a cup of coffee. The Coronado Fitness Center has free showers but you must bring your own linens and toiletries.
Each morning the POA decides whether there will be garbage pick up or not. The decision won't come down until later in the morning. Listen to KVRE for information about closures, garbage pick-up and available help. KVRE is at 92.9 FM. If you need to report a closure call 922-5678 and I will get it on the air.
FEMA entered the picture in Garland County late yesterday. I will find out how much help FEMA will be to our gated community as soon as possible. According to the Garland County ordinance passed after Hurricanes Ike and Gustave FEMA will help in the clean up of the Village. We will see.
The Arkansas National Guard is helping out outside the gates.
Listen to KVRE for the latest information.
Yesterday First Electric Cooperative was cautiously optimistic it could have Village power back on by lake last night. Late yesterday afternoon First Electric issued a statement, because of the extensive damage in the Village it will take until today to get power back on. Entergy is still saying it will take days to get the power on.
In my personal experience as a Katrina survivor I will tell you now, empty out your freezer and refrigerator. Rotting contents will ruin your appliance. Take everything to the Recycle Center on Cloaca as soon as possible to keep the stench out of your house and neighborhood.
Finally, if FEMA offers free counseling to victims of the storm, take it. You have been through a disaster and it is not something to take lightly. Talk it out and sometimes medication is required to cope. Take it. Life is too short to live in trauma.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

EF1 hits Hot Springs Village

It's official, last night the National Weather Service teams found evidence of four tornadoes touching down in Arkansas during the Monday weather event. An EF1 tore through Hot Springs Village and an EF3 devastated the area north of Fountain Lake, Walnut Valley.
There were also two EF2s in the state, one in Vilonia in Faulkner County and one in Sunshine in Garland County.
FEMA is meeting with Garland County officials this afternoon to discuss the agency's involvement in recovery efforts.

Court closure

The Garland County District Court in Hot Springs will be closed on Thursday and Friday, April 28 and 29, for the annual Judges/Clerks Conference in Rogers. The court will re-open on Monday, May 2.

Hot Springs spring fling

Hot Springs residents can clean out the garage, spruce up the yard, ditch the debris and bring it into the nearest roll off container during the Hot Springs Sanitation Department's annual "Spring Fling" citywide cleanup this weekend on Saturday and Sunday, April 30 and May 1. The event will take place, rain or shine.

City residents are encouraged to clean their neighborhoods, including nearby vacant lots, and discard items free of charge into the roll off containers. The containers will be placed in all six city districts during the cleanup (see location list below). Large or bulky items can be placed next to the container if they are too heavy to lift. Brush will not be accepted. Hazardous waste such as paint, cleaning fluids or batteries are also not accepted; however, Sanitation will hold a free collection event for these materials in the fall.

Residents are asked not to place electronic items in the roll offs during the Spring Fling. Instead, items such as computer components, radios, smaller televisions and microwaves can be brought to the recycling center at the Sanitation Department, 218 Runyon Street, weekdays from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

With the CAPS rate structure now allowing two free pickups per year, this event provides additional free disposal service to city residents. Like the city's CAPS (Clean, Attractive Property Service) Program, the Spring Fling offers an alternative to illegal dumping.

Garland County Environmental Services is also participating in the cleanup weekend, with three drop-off locations available on Saturday only until 1 p.m. as detailed below.

It's the perfect time to coordinate a neighborhood cleanup or club service project, or to earn student volunteer service hours. The cleanup is just for residents, and no commercial disposal is allowed. It is sponsored by the Hot Springs Sanitation Department, Hot Springs/Garland County Beautification Commission, Southwest Central Regional Solid Waste Management District and Garland County Environmental Services. For more information, call Sanitation at 321-6911.

"SPRING FLING" ROLLOFF CONTAINER LOCATIONS

District 1
GB Services, 808 East Grand Avenue
Dell Street and Park Avenue

District 2
Valley and Sanford streets
Chattanooga Park, 530 Chattanooga Street

District 3
Hot Springs School District administrative offices, 400 Linwood Street
Quapaw Community Center, 500 Quapaw Avenue

District 4
Hot Springs Memorial Field, 525 Airport Road
Hot Springs Middle School, 700 Main Street

District 5
Hot Springs High School, 701 Emory Street
Oaklawn Magnet School, 301 Oaklawn Street (Clark Street side)

District 6
Shady Grove and Carpenter Dam Roads
Lakeside Intermediate School, 2871 Malvern Avenue

GARLAND COUNTY DROPOFF LOCATIONS - Saturday only until 1 p.m. (Sunday closed)
Hwy. 70 West and Hwy. 7 North Transfer Stations
Garland County Landfill, Cedar Glades Road

The following events are scheduled for today, call first to see if there is power

The personal enrichment class on Chinese brush is at 9 a.m. this morning at the Coronado Center.

The National Park Community College personal enrichment class on watercolors meets this morning at 9 a.m. at the Coronado Center.

There is a pickling, jam-making class in Hot Springs at the EHC building at the Garland County Fairgrounds this morning at 9 a.m. The food preservation workshop focuses on the water-bath method of canning. There will be hands on activities. The $10 fee covers all supplies and materials.

The Henderson State University Orchestra in Arkadelphia is performing a concert for children and their families at 5 p.m. today at the Russell Fine Arts Recital Hall. The hour long concert is free. The concert, An Introduction to the Orchestra, will demonstrate instrument sounds.

Electronics savvy Fountain Lake EastLAB students will guest lecture members of the Computer Club at the monthly meeting tonight at 6 p.m. at the Coronado Center. (CANCELED)

Congressman Tim Griffin will be at the Balboa Pavilion at 5 p.m. today. Roland’s Barbeque will be available for $8.50.

No Strong Women today

Strong Women at Mountainside United Methodist Church has been cancelled for today.

Call first before heading out to these entertainment venues

Hairspray at The Rep in Little Rock, 601 Main Street. Show time 7 p.m. Tickets top out at $25 depending on seating. Advance tickets bought before opening night are $10 off A seats and $5 off B seats.
Neil Simon’s Chapter Two at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock, 6323 Col. Glenn Road. Dinner 6 to 7:35 p.m. Curtain 7:45 p.m. Ticket $28. Show only $23. Children under 15 $22. Call 501-562-3131 for more information.

A cause for celebration

Today is Administrative Professionals Day. Secretaries unite.

Belew at Wildwood



Don't miss Cody Belew & the Mercers -"Never Can Say Goodbye"
Live at Wildwood Park!

May 7th, 2011
7 pm / Doors open at 6:30 pm

With special guests: Rodney Block & the Real Music Lovers!

Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door and $50 for VIP seating with a cocktail reception and post concert party with the band!

Wildwood Park for the Arts welcomes Beebe native, Cody Belew and his band the Mercers on May 7, for the first concert in its Emerging Artists Series. Opening act Rodney Block & the Real Music Lovers take stage at 7 pm, in the Lucy Lockett Cabe Festival Theatre. Belew’s “Never Can Say Goodbye” concert is the eletric singer / songwriter's final stop in Little Rock before moving to Nashville, Tenn. to continue his musical journey.

What fans are saying about Cody Belew & the Mercers:
"His shows exhibit the perfect fusion of southern rock, R&B, Americana, soul, gospel and country. Whether belting out a ballad on top of cocktail tables or commanding a crowd's full attention flanked by his band, Cody puts on a show unlike any other." - Devoted Fan

Purchase tickets while they last! VIP seating is limited.

Sponsored by:
Chip & Cindy Murphy

Wildwood Park for the Arts * 20919 Denny Road, Little Rock, AR 72223
(501)821-7275 * http://www.wildwoodpark.org/

In addition to the chaos ensuing now, the Federal government is holding an earthquake preparedness day tomorrow

ADVISORY FOR THURSDAY: ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS TO PARTICIPATE IN PUBLIC EARTHQUAKE DRILL IN STATES ACROSS THE CENTRAL U.S.

Officials Joining State and Local Partners and Millions of Americans for Great Central U.S. ShakeOut on Thursday

WASHINGTON - On Thursday, April 28, officials from across the Obama administration, including cabinet secretaries, and leaders of the Federal Emergency Management Agency, will join state and local officials, the private sector and millions of Americans to participate in the first-ever multistate public earthquake drill in the United States.

Ten states are participating in Thursday's drill, called the "Great Central U.S. Shakeout," including Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Mississippi, Missouri, Oklahoma, South Carolina, and Texas; Indiana conducted their drill last Tuesday, April 19, 2011.

On Thursday, Secretary of Homeland Security Janet Napolitano and Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will travel to St. Louis to join Missouri Governor Jay Nixon, school officials and students at a drill at a high school. FEMA Deputy Administrators Rich Serino and Tim Manning will participate in drills at elementary schools near Atlanta and Oklahoma City.

To date, over 2.7 million Americans have signed up to participate in the ShakeOut, including 2016 schools, 82 colleges and universities, and 268 businesses, among many others. To learn more about the ShakeOut, visit: http://www.shakeout.org/centralus/.
Currently, 142,395 in Arkansas have signed up to participate in the drill.

Additional officials from FEMA and other federal agencies will be participating in ShakeOut drills in other participating states. More details on all events, including additional attendees, will be released once they are finalized.

Village still struggling with power outages

Entergy and First Electric still have large number of outages in the Village early Wednesday morning.
First Electric Cooperative has 17,000 outages across Arkansas, 21 are in Garland County and 5,772 are in Saline County. A good number of that total is in Hot Springs Village surrounding Lake Balboa. First Electric officials expect to restore power today.
Entergy has 45,000 out with a combined outage of 17,000 in Garland and Hot Spring counties. Thousands of Entergy households in the Village still do not have power. There is spotty outage on the South Pego Way area and near the DeSoto Golf Course. The extensive outages are above Lake Cortez and around Lake Balboa. Entergy officials said it may take days to restore the power.
Luckily last nights intense storms and tornadoes only lasted about five hours. At one point 2/3 of the state was under a tornado watch.
Today Mountainside United Methodist Church is open to assist victims of the storm still without power. The church is offering a safe haven to cool off and have a cup of coffee. The church is also offering disaster assistance to those in need.
The Coronado Center is being used as a Red Cross shelter with meals and comfort available to those in need.
Teams from Balboa Baptist and Sacred Heart of Jesus have mobilized to offer help in the field removing trees and giving assistance.
Call the churches if you need help.
Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church is a victim of the storm and is still without power. The Red Cross will not be using it as a shelter according to church officials.

Tuesday, April 26, 2011

On a non-weather related note

The Village Writers’ Club: C’est Si Bon!

Ah, Paree. Visualize yourself there on a warm spring day. You are spending the afternoon with friends, sipping wine and nibbling cheese while enjoying some fine entertainment. Sound good? Then the Village Writers’ Club has some exciting news for you. You can enjoy this ambience and experience without ever leaving the Village—ooh lah lah!
On Monday, May 9, The Village Writers Club will host their 14th annual L’Audible Art. This popular event will be held from 2:00 – 4:00 pm at the Ouachita Room in the Woodlands Auditorium. This year, 20 talented Village Writers’ Club members will read their favorite original stories, essays or poems as you enjoy wine, cheese and soft drinks in an atmosphere reminiscent of a French café.
There is no charge for L’Audible Art and reservations are not required but plan on arriving early—seats always fill up quickly. Circle the date on your calendar and bring your friends!
For more information, check the website at www.villagewritersclub.com or call President, Joyce Anderson, at 922-9077.

More bad weather heading for the Village

Looks like the rain will start again in the five o'clock hour today. Make all preparations and get back to your homes before then.

Special weather statement from the National Weather Service in Little Rock

SPECIAL WEATHER STATEMENT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR
900 AM CDT TUE APR 26 2011

ARZ003>007-012>016-021>025-030>034-037>047-052>057-062>069-270200-
ARKANSAS-BAXTER-BOONE-BRADLEY-CALHOUN-CLARK-CLEBURNE-CLEVELAND-
CONWAY-DALLAS-DESHA-DREW-FAULKNER-FULTON-GARLAND-GRANT-HOT SPRING-
INDEPENDENCE-IZARD-JACKSON-JEFFERSON-JOHNSON-LINCOLN-LOGAN-LONOKE-
MARION-MONROE-MONTGOMERY-NEWTON-OUACHITA-PERRY-PIKE-POLK-POPE-
PRAIRIE-PULASKI-SALINE-SCOTT-SEARCY-SHARP-STONE-VAN BUREN-WHITE-
WOODRUFF-YELL-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ALTHEIMER...AMITY...ARKADELPHIA...
ARKANSAS CITY...ASH FLAT...AUGUSTA...AVILLA...BATESVILLE...
BAUXITE...BEARDEN...BEE BRANCH...BEEBE...BENTON...BISMARCK...
BONNERDALE...BOONEVILLE...BRINKLEY...BRYANT...BULL SHOALS...
CABOT...CALICO ROCK...CAMDEN...CAVE CITY...CENTER RIDGE...
CHIDESTER...CLARENDON...CLARKSVILLE...CLINTON...CONWAY...
COTTON PLANT...DANVILLE...DARDANELLE...DE VALLS BLUFF...DE WITT...
DEER...DES ARC...DONALDSON...DRASCO...DUMAS...EL PASO...ENGLAND...
FAIRFIELD BAY...FLIPPIN...FORDYCE...FOURCHE JUNCTION...
GASSVILLE...GEORGETOWN...GILLETT...GLENWOOD...GOULD...GRADY...
GRAVELLY...GREENBRIER...GREERS FERRY...GURDON...HAMPTON...HARDY...
HARRISON...HASKELL...HAZEN...HEBER SPRINGS...HECTOR...HERMITAGE...
HORSESHOE BEND...HOT SPRINGS...HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE...HOUSTON...
HUMNOKE...HUMPHREY...JACKSONVILLE...JASPER...JESSIEVILLE...
KINGSLAND...LACEY...LEAD HILL...LEOLA...LESLIE...LITTLE ROCK...
LONOKE...MALVERN...MAMMOTH SPRING...MARSHALL...MAUMELLE...
MAYFLOWER...MCCRORY...MCGEHEE...MELBOURNE...MENA...MONTICELLO...
MORO BAY...MORRILTON...MOUNT IDA...MOUNT MAGAZINE...
MOUNTAIN HOME...MOUNTAIN VIEW...MURFREESBORO...NEWPORT...
NORFORK...NORMAN...NORTH LITTLE ROCK...OIL TROUGH...OKOLONA...
OLA...OMAHA...OXFORD...OZONE...PARIS...PARON...PELSOR...
PERRYVILLE...PINE BLUFF...PINE RIDGE...PLEASANT PLAINS...POYEN...
PRATTSVILLE...REDFIELD...RISON...ROHWER...ROSE BUD...
RUSSELLVILLE...SALEM...SEARCY...SHERIDAN...SHERWOOD...STAR CITY...
STEPHENS...STUTTGART...SUMMIT...SWIFTON...THORNTON...TUCKERMAN...
VILONIA...VIOLA...WALDRON...WARREN...WESTERN GROVE...WICKES...
WRIGHTSVILLE...Y CITY...YELLVILLE
900 AM CDT TUE APR 26 2011

...A MODERATE TO HIGH RISK FOR SEVERE WEATHER THIS AFTERNOON TO
TONIGHT OVER MUCH OF ARKANSAS...

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE STORM PREDICTION CENTER IN NORMAN
OKLAHOMA HAS PLACED MUCH OF SOUTHERN AND PARTS OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS
UNDER A HIGH RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS THIS AFTERNOON AND
TONIGHT. A MODERATE TO SLIGHT RISK COVERS THE REMAINDER OF THE
STATE.

A STRONG STORM SYSTEM WILL DEVELOP OVER THE SOUTHERN PLAINS...AND
THEN MOVE ALONG A NEARLY STATIONARY FRONT OVER CENTRAL AND SOUTHERN
ARKANSAS LATER TODAY AND GRADUALLY MOVE THROUGH THE STATE TONIGHT.
STRONG TO SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ARE EXPECTED TO DEVELOP INITIALLY
OVER SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS...THEN PUSH ACROSS THE STATE IN THE
EVENING AND INTO THE OVERNIGHT. ISOLATED SUPER CELL THUNDERSTORMS
WILL INITIAL DEVELOP...THEN A LINE OF STRONG TO SEVERE
STORMS...WITH VERY STRONG WIND BOWING SEGMENTS...WILL BE
POSSIBLE AHEAD OF AND WITH THE FRONT AS IT MOVES THROUGH THE
STATE. WIDESPREAD DAMAGE WILL BE POSSIBLE.

THE MAIN THREATS FROM THE SEVERE STORMS WILL BE DAMAGING WINDS IN
EXCESS OF 60 MPH AND ISOLATED TORNADOES. LARGE HAIL GREATER THAN ONE
INCH WILL ALSO BE POSSIBLE. IF CONDITIONS COME TOGETHER IT WILL BE
POSSIBLE THAT A VERY STRONG AND LONG TRACK DAMAGING TORNADO COULD
BE SEEN IN ARKANSAS. ALSO AREAS OF HEAVY RAIN WILL BE POSSIBLE...
WITH FROM 1 TO 3 INCHES EXPECTED...AND ISOLATED HIGHER AMOUNTS
POSSIBLE WHICH WILL CAUSE FLASH FLOODING. MANY AREAS ACROSS THE
STATE ARE CURRENTLY FLOODING OR THE GROUND IS SATURATED...AND THIS
WILL JUST MAKE CONDITIONS WORST.

PEOPLE SHOULD MONITOR THE LATEST STATEMENTS FROM THE NATIONAL
WEATHER SERVICE...AND BE PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION IF A WATCH OR
WARNING IS ISSUED FOR THEIR AREA.

Flash flood watch for this area

Flash Flood Watch
FLOOD WATCH
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE LITTLE ROCK AR
429 AM CDT TUE APR 26 2011

...VERY HEAVY RAINFALL TODAY AND TONIGHT WILL LIKELY LEAD TO
SIGNIFICANT...WIDESPREAD FLASH FLOODING...

...THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION...

.A STORM SYSTEM WILL TRACK FROM THE SOUTHERN PLAINS INTO CENTRAL
ARKANSAS TONIGHT. THE SYSTEM WILL INTERACT WITH A FRONTAL BOUNDARY
ACROSS THE STATE TO BRING ANOTHER ROUND OF SHOWERS AND
THUNDERSTORMS BY THIS AFTERNOON INTO THE NIGHTTIME HOURS.
AVAILABLE MOISTURE WILL BE SUBSTANTIAL...AND THIS WILL MAKE
THUNDERSTORMS MORE EFFICIENT RAIN PRODUCERS. SEVERAL INCHES OF
RAIN ARE EXPECTED...ESPECIALLY IN THE SOUTHEAST HALF OF THE STATE.
HIGH WATER PROBLEMS WILL LIKELY BECOME WIDESPREAD.

ARZ016-022>025-030>034-037>047-052>057-062>064-262130-
/O.EXT.KLZK.FF.A.0003.000000T0000Z-110427T1700Z/
/00000.0.ER.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.000000T0000Z.OO/
ARKANSAS-CLARK-CLEBURNE-CLEVELAND-CONWAY-DALLAS-FAULKNER-GARLAND-
GRANT-HOT SPRING-INDEPENDENCE-JACKSON-JEFFERSON-LINCOLN-LOGAN-
LONOKE-MONROE-MONTGOMERY-PERRY-PIKE-POLK-POPE-PRAIRIE-PULASKI-
SALINE-SCOTT-VAN BUREN-WHITE-WOODRUFF-YELL-
INCLUDING THE CITIES OF...ALTHEIMER...AMITY...ARKADELPHIA...
AUGUSTA...AVILLA...BATESVILLE...BAUXITE...BEE BRANCH...BEEBE...
BENTON...BISMARCK...BONNERDALE...BOONEVILLE...BRINKLEY...BRYANT...
CABOT...CENTER RIDGE...CLARENDON...CLINTON...CONWAY...
COTTON PLANT...DANVILLE...DARDANELLE...DE VALLS BLUFF...DE WITT...
DES ARC...DONALDSON...DRASCO...EL PASO...ENGLAND...
FAIRFIELD BAY...FORDYCE...FOURCHE JUNCTION...GEORGETOWN...
GILLETT...GLENWOOD...GOULD...GRADY...GRAVELLY...GREENBRIER...
GREERS FERRY...GURDON...HASKELL...HAZEN...HEBER SPRINGS...
HECTOR...HOT SPRINGS...HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE...HOUSTON...HUMNOKE...
HUMPHREY...JACKSONVILLE...JESSIEVILLE...KINGSLAND...LEOLA...
LITTLE ROCK...LONOKE...MALVERN...MAUMELLE...MAYFLOWER...MCCRORY...
MENA...MORRILTON...MOUNT IDA...MOUNT MAGAZINE...MURFREESBORO...
NEWPORT...NORMAN...NORTH LITTLE ROCK...OIL TROUGH...OKOLONA...
OLA...PARIS...PARON...PELSOR...PERRYVILLE...PINE BLUFF...
PINE RIDGE...PLEASANT PLAINS...POYEN...PRATTSVILLE...REDFIELD...
RISON...ROSE BUD...RUSSELLVILLE...SEARCY...SHERIDAN...SHERWOOD...
STAR CITY...STUTTGART...SWIFTON...TUCKERMAN...VILONIA...WALDRON...
WICKES...WRIGHTSVILLE...Y CITY
429 AM CDT TUE APR 26 2011

...FLASH FLOOD WATCH NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING...

THE FLASH FLOOD WATCH IS NOW IN EFFECT FOR

* PORTIONS OF CENTRAL ARKANSAS...EASTERN ARKANSAS...NORTH
CENTRAL ARKANSAS...SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS...SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS AND
WESTERN ARKANSAS...INCLUDING THE FOLLOWING AREAS...IN CENTRAL
ARKANSAS...CONWAY...FAULKNER...GARLAND...GRANT...LONOKE...
PERRY...POPE...PRAIRIE...PULASKI...SALINE...WHITE AND YELL. IN
EASTERN ARKANSAS...JACKSON...MONROE AND WOODRUFF. IN NORTH
CENTRAL ARKANSAS...CLEBURNE...INDEPENDENCE AND VAN BUREN. IN
SOUTHEAST ARKANSAS...ARKANSAS...CLEVELAND...JEFFERSON AND
LINCOLN. IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS...CLARK...DALLAS...HOT SPRING
AND PIKE. IN WESTERN ARKANSAS...LOGAN...MONTGOMERY...POLK AND
SCOTT.

* THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING

* THIS IS A PARTICULARLY DANGEROUS SITUATION. SERIOUS FLOOD
ISSUES MAY DEVELOP IN SOME AREAS...INCLUDING HIGH WATER
RESCUES AND ROAD CLOSURES.

* THERE IS A POTENTIAL FOR AN ADDITIONAL TWO TO FOUR INCHES OF
RAIN AND LOCALLY MORE THROUGH WEDNESDAY MORNING IN THE WATCH
AREA. MUCH OF THE AREA HAS ALREADY RECEIVED HEAVY TO EXCESSIVE
RAINFALL. THE GROUND HAS BECOME SATURATED AND CANNOT HOLD MUCH
MORE WATER. THIS WILL INCREASE THE RUNOFF POTENTIAL...AND THE
CONCERN FOR FLASH FLOODING.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

A FLASH FLOOD WATCH MEANS THAT CONDITIONS MAY DEVELOP THAT LEAD
TO FLASH FLOODING. YOU SHOULD MONITOR LATER FORECASTS AND BE
PREPARED TO TAKE ACTION SHOULD FLASH FLOOD WARNINGS BE ISSUED.
REMEMBER THAT HALF OF ALL FLASH FLOOD DEATHS OCCUR IN
AUTOMOBILES. IF YOU ARE DRIVING AND ENCOUNTER A WATER COVERED
ROAD...STOP. TURN AROUND...DON`T DROWN.

This area is under tornado watch until 10 p.m.

Tornado Watch
TORNADO WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WT 215
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
145 PM CDT TUE APR 26 2011

TORNADO WATCH 215 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1000 PM CDT FOR THE
FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

ARKANSAS COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

BRADLEY CALHOUN CLARK
CLEVELAND COLUMBIA DALLAS
GARLAND GRANT HEMPSTEAD
HOT SPRING HOWARD LAFAYETTE
LITTLE RIVER MILLER MONTGOMERY
NEVADA OUACHITA PIKE
POLK SALINE SEVIER
UNION

Chad O'Kane message regarding Teen Challenge

I have been in correspondence with HSV Rotary Club member, Tim Culbreth of Teen Challenge. Their store and office (the new building) located on Hwy 7 N has been destroyed. There was some damage to the dorms. All are okay but we need to support them with our prayers and help as they work to recover from this terrible storm.

Yours In Rotary,

Chad O'Kane

National Guard helping

The Arkansas National Guard is helping local officials in Garland County in recovery effots today.

Red Cross shelters

According to Red Cross volunteer and chairman of the POA recreation committee, Jim Harlow, the Red Cross is mobilizing in the area and should formally open the Coronado Center as a Red Cross evacuation center later today. In the meantime, the POA has opened the Coronado Center as a care center for people to get meals, drinks and to sit a spell.
When the Coronado Center opens as a Red Cross center it allows kenneled pets. There is a designated area for pets.
Christ of the Hill United Methodist Church is a secondary Red Cross Shelter used for registration and administrative functions. It does not offer overnight lodging for people in need. Currently, Christ of the Hills is closed because there is no power.

No power at Ponce

The Ponce de Leon Center does not have power. The Village Card Club has canceled games this afternoon and tonight.

Electronic gates are working

All electronic gates in the Village are working at this time.

Teen Challenge on Highway 7 hit hard by weather

Teen Challenge's Vintage Mall was devastated by weather last night. I have had several calls from people passing by the area saying the building is just gone.

First Electric power outages

First Electric Cooperative is reporting power outages in the following areas, 7,400 in Saline County, 1,700 in Lonoke County, 1,200 in Perry County, 750 in Pulaski County, 1,000 in White County and 300 in Prairie County.
First Electric anticipates restoration of service to most members by late this evening. A representative added, "Predicted severe weather may hamper restoration efforts, but we are preparing for the worst and hoping for the best."

Parts of DeSoto Boulevard still closed

As of 9:50 a.m. DeSoto Boulevard from Andorra to the POA is closed. POA crews are out trying to clear the roadway. Balearic Road is open but many trees are being held off of the roadway by wire and it is precarious.

Mountainside Methodist open for coffee and comfort

The Mountainside United Methodist Church at the far east end of the Village is up and open for visitors to cool off and get some fresh coffee.

Coronado Center now open as comfort center

The Coronado Center is a Red Cross Emergency Shelter. It is open today with electricity, food and drinks for those needing help.

American Red Cross suggested emergency kit supplies

At a minimum, have the basic supplies listed below. Keep supplies in an easy¬to¬carry emergency preparedness kit that you can use at home or take with you in case you must evacuate.
• Water—one gallon per person, per day (3¬day supply for evacuation, 2¬week supply for home)
• Food—non¬perishable, easy¬to¬prepare items (3¬day supply for evacuation, 2¬week supply for home)
• Flashlight
• Battery¬powered or hand¬crank radio (NOAA Weather Radio, if possible)
• Extra batteries
• First aid kit
• Medications (7¬day supply) and medical items
• Multi¬purpose tool
• Sanitation and personal hygiene items
• Copies of personal documents (medication list and pertinent medical information, proof of address, deed/lease to home, passports, birth certificates, insurance policies)
• Cell phone with chargers
• Family and emergency contact information
• Extra cash
• Emergency blanket
• Map(s) of the area
Consider the needs of all family members and add supplies to your kit. Suggested items to help meet additional needs are:
• Medical supplies (hearing aids with extra batteries, glasses, contact lenses, syringes, cane)
• Baby supplies (bottles, formula, baby food, diapers)
• Games and activities for children
• Pet supplies (collar, leash, ID, food, carrier, bowl)
• Two¬way radios
• Extra set of car keys and house keys
• Manual can opener
Additional supplies to keep at home or in your kit based on the types of disasters common to your area:
• Whistle
• N95 or surgical masks
• Matches
• Rain gear
• Towels
• Work gloves
• Tools/supplies for securing your home
• Extra clothing, hat and sturdy shoes
• Plastic sheeting
• Duct tape
• Scissors
• Household liquid bleach
• Entertainment items
• Blankets or sleeping bags

Flooding a problem today

Flooding continues to be a danger today. Malvern and all of Hot Spring County is under a flood warning. The Ouachita River is perilously close to cutting off population in the flood plain. As the NOAA radio electronic voice says, "turn around, don't drown."

State of the Village this morning

This morning a large part of the Village is in the dark. Both Entergy and First Electric customers are affected.
KVRE radio, 92.9 FM is up and running this morning after being bumped off the air during a power outage a little before 5 last night. The radio station was working to announce the closure of the Coronado Fitness Center when the power went off. Although the POA website does not show the facility as closed this morning, the POA has asked Villagers to stay home today. POA crews are currently out removing trees from roadways.
There were no deaths attributed to the storm in the Village but five Arkansans lost their lives to the deadly storms and flooding. An elderly couple was washed away into War Eagle Creek in Madison County, another woman died in her car in Washington County and two were killed in Vilonia where a three mile wide tornado, 15 miles long destroyed 50 to 80 homes. There are 60 people still missing in the Vilonia area.
Vilonia is in Faulkner County where there has been numerous earthquakes this past year.
Governor Beebe declared a state of emergency last night. There are more storms coming with increased frequency this afternoon. Hundreds of thousands in the state are without power this morning.
Stay home if you don't have to be out. Tune in to KVRE at 92.9 FM for the latest alerts.

Monday, April 25, 2011

Tornado on east end of Village

Possible tornado near Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church about 6:15 p.m.

Severe weather in Hot Springs Village

Extremely sever weather is expected to move into the Hot Springs Village area at 4:15 p.m. You are advised to take cover.

Owensville homes are without electricity

Twenty-six homes in the Owensville area off Highway 5 are currently without electrical power. First Electric is the are electricity provider. The power went out at 12:41 p.m.

Most recent weather alert

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 199 REMAINS VALID UNTIL 11 AM CDT THIS MORNING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN ARKANSAS THIS WATCH INCLUDES 8 COUNTIES

IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS

GARLAND

IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS

CALHOUN CLARK DALLAS HOT SPRING OUACHITA PIKE

IN WESTERN ARKANSAS

MONTGOMERY

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF... ARKADELPHIA... CAMDEN... FORDYCE... GLENWOOD... HAMPTON... HOT SPRINGS... MALVERN... MOUNT IDA... MURFREESBORO... NORMAN AND THORNTON.

Writers meet today

The Village Writers Club meets today at noon at the Banana Leaf in the Balboa Clubhouse. Today writers will read selections for the upcoming L'Audible Arts program at the Ouachita Room.

Public works committee speed limit recommendations to the POA board

As one of his last acts as chairman of the public works committee Bill Monson sumitted the following recommendations to the POA board of directors.
2011 SPEED LIMIT CHANGES
The Public Works Committee was requested by board members specifically to review three areas of current speed limits and make recommendations for any changes. We reviewed both the 1997 and 2008 reports. A chart was completed compiling both of the report recommendations and the current postings of all major roads.
The 2008 study was previously reviewed by a subcommittee and a report was issued in August 2008. At that time, the subcommittee and PWC made a recommendation that no speed limits be changed on DeSoto Boulevard. The Public Works Department then took that recommendation to the Board at a work session. The only recommendation taken to the board was to change the speed limit on a portion of Ponce de Leon Drive.
At the regular meeting, the POA Board voted to change many speed limits to be "UNIFORM" without any further input from the Public Works Department or the PWC. I know of no entity that changes speed limits just to be "UNIFORM". States and cities change limits throughout their systems. The limits are normally started at the 85th percentile and then adjusted lower based on geometrics, sight distance, conflict points, and accident history. The final limits usually approach the 67th percentile which is the lowest limit advised. Yellow advisory signs are usually ignored except at curves. There is also no enforcement with an advisory sign.
The committee along with the PWD have therefore made three speed limit change recommendations at this time.
DeSoto Boulevard - The 2.5 mile section from Route 7 to Allicante has several hills, curves, intersections. It has the highest average daily traffic count in the village and is in a area with a high density of housing units. This section is used by many visitors to the village as the entrances to several time share units and condominiums. The section from West Villena to Calella represents only 0.5% of the village roads, but has 10% of the total accidents for the last two years and has been a high accident location for many years. The committee recommends the speed limit be lowered to 40 MPH in the section between the intersection of West Villena to 500 feet east of Alicante Road. This is still faster than the 35 MPH that was suggested in the 2008 study.
East Ponce de Leon Drive - This section was previously posted at 35 MPH but changed by the board to 40 MPH. The committee had a request from the Human Resource Safety Committee to review this section as it has two golf cart crossings and several intersections in the area between DeSoto and the golf course entrance. The PWC Safety Subcommittee reviewed this area. There is minimum sight distance at the crossings and that could be considered only minimally safe at the posted limit. However, the past study for this area recommended a 35 MPH limit. The PWC recommends this section be lowered to 35 MPH.
Balearic Road - The 1.5 mile section of Balearic Road from Fineza Way to the east intersection with Murillo Way in front of the fire station is one of the longest straight sections of roadway in the village. The PWC recommends to increase the limit in this location to 45 MPH which is consistent with the last study of this area.
The PWC would like to review other locations as well as locations that are not now posted and the 30 MPH limit does not seem to be appropriate.
The last full traffic study was completed in 1997. It is recommended that traffic studies should be done about every ten years. The PWC suggests that the POA consider funding a new study within the next two years. Stop sign warrants can also be reviewed at that time.
This board should only approve speed limits and stop sign locations based on an engineering study as outlined in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices and not determine them.

Commercial addition permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor/project
999-99 Commercial / 190 Carmona Road / CMS Wireless/slab, radio antenna

Landscape permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor
008-05 Valle / 15 Durango Way / Scott Archelaus
012-01 Estancia / 57 Soto Lane / Harpers Landscape
034-06 Ronquillo / 19 Romano Lane / Casa Verde
013-03 Baeza / 26 Baeza Way / Casa Verde
007-04 Ojos / 7 Ibi Lane / Village Landscape
014-02 Caribe / 24 Hanares Lane / Casa Verde
001-06 Salvatierra / 51 Salvatierra Way / Village Landscape
016-07 Salvatierra / 13 Salvatierra Way / Village Landscape
010-01 Talavan / 157 Cifuentes Way / Village Landscape
006-03 Hendaye / 19 Hendaye Way / Casa Verde
002-01 Vereda / 4 Elcano Drive / Village Landscape
004-18 Vereda / 7 Maravilla Way / Liberty Homes
009-08 Ladera / 8 Alteza Drive / Village Landscape
009-08 Maria / 63 Manzanares Drive / Country Gardens

Bad news/good news for Villagers

The POA board of directors has chosen its leadership for the upcoming year. Starting in May the new board president is Jerry Kosoglow. Good news is the office is for only one year. The even better news is the upcoming vice president is John Cooney.

Marilyn Monroe at Chamber meeting


Sunny Thompson of Marilyn, Forever Blonde will speak at the HSV Area Chamber meeting, Thursday, April 28 at 5 p.m. at the Coronado Community Center terrace behind the library.
The event is for chamber members. Reservations required for $5. Contact the Chamber office for reservations at (501) 915-9940.
Marilyn, Forever Blonde is the first show in the premiere season of Arkansas TheatreWorks. The show runs from May 4 through May 15. For more information and tickets go to www.arkstwks.org. Arkansas TheatreWorks is the brainchild of two Villagers, Shelly Kleinman and Jerry Davis. Call (501 922-6899 for more information about Arkansas TheatreWorks.
Sunny Thompson, who portrays Marilyn Monroe in Marilyn: Forever Blonde, at the Central Theatre May 4-15, will be a guest speaker at the Hot Springs Village Chamber meeting at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 at Coronado Center on the terrace.
The meeting is sponsored by Gross Funeral Home and the theme this month is ‘Royal Wedding.’ It should be a lot of fun. Chamber members can contact the HSV Chamber office for reservations at 915-9940 or email Lacey Ekberg at the Chamber office at lacey@visithotspringsvillage.com.

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Last night to learn to dance from Country Two-Steppers

The Country Two-Steppers hold dance lessons tonight at 6:30 at the Coronado Center. This is the last scheduled lesson for this dance season.

Designing Women

Designing Women are meeting at noon at the Coronado Center. The women are interested in the art of floral designing for home and competitions.

Golf scramble to benefit wounded warriors

The Freedom golf scramble hosted by Diamante Golf Course for today may be a rain out. The scramble shotgun start was set for noon. Proceeds support the Arkansas Freedom Fund helping wounded warriors as veterans. Call first.

Kiwanis today

Members of the Kiwanis Club of Greater Hot Springs Village will hear Sgt. Brian Nickles of the Hot Springs Police Department discuss crime in the Village. The meeting is at 7:30 a.m. at he Village United Methodist Church.

Over the counter pet meds

A dog can be given Robitussin for kennel cough but a cat should never be given this over the counter cough cure. Small dogs get a quarter to a half teaspoon every four hours. Large dogs get one teaspoon every four hours. If the cough persists take your dog to the vet.

On a sad note in the VIllage

Last week Village police found two men dead in their homes.
A Magellan Lane man missed he tee time and officers were asked to check on his well being. The 79 year old man was found lying on the bathroom floor in a pool of blood. The body may have been there for 24 to 36 hours before being discovered.
An Illinois relative of a 56 year old Gancho Way man asked Village police to check on him after he was unable to reach his brother by telephone. A neighbor gave the police a key to enter the man's house. The neighbor said she had not seen the man since April 11. It is possible he had been dead for nine days.
Foul play is not suspected in either death.

One year anniversary

Today is the first anniversary of this blog. It has kept me going during a rough patch while I was unemployed.
Now I am happily employed at KVRE Radio at 92.9 FM and I am helping Arkansas TheatreWorks in Hot Springs with fundraising. I intend to keep the blog going with the latest information, news from the Village and things I find interesting. The blog has over 27,000 hits and is still increasing readership all over the world.
It has been a fruitful writing year. May the new year be just as fulfilling.

Happy Easter

We are finished with church services for the day and off to enjoy our Easter brunch. Hope everyone is having a good holiday. Lots of chocolate for every girl and boy around the world.
Easter is the celebration of the resurrection of Christ but also the day the Easter Bunny delivers sweets to all good little boys and girls.

Saturday, April 23, 2011

Capriccio live from Met today

New York Met favorite, soprano Renee Flemming, is starring in today's production of Capriccio for the high-definition live broadcast around the world. Villagers can see the opera at Tinseltown in Benton at noon. The opera runs without a break and will last two hours and 20 minutes.
This is Flemming's first time singing all of Strauss' Capriccio, Previously, she has performed excerpts from the opera.
The cast includes Joseph Kaiser as Flamand, Russell Braun as Olivier, Peter Rose as La Roche, Sarah Connolly as Clairon.
Secondary roles include the Italian Singers sung by tenor Barry Banks and soprano Olga Makarina, the servant sung by Christopher Schaldenbrand, and Michael Devlin as the Major-Domo and Bernard Fitch as the prompter.

Plaza at the Pocket

Villagers Sandy Johansen and Jack Larsen are two of the actors in the upcoming production of Plaza Suite by Neil Simon, directed by Rebecca Manion at the Pocket Community Theatre on Ravine Street in Hot Springs.

Performance Dates:
May 12-14, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
May 15, 2011 at 2:30 p.m.
May 19-21, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
May 22, 2011 at 2:30 p.m.

Ticket Price:
General Admission: $10
Through grade 12: $5

Upcoming Heifer events

Today Heifer Project International has booth at the Arkansas Earth Day Festival, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the North Little Rock Riverfront Park. We will have hands-on activities for children as well as materials for adults to take with them. Of course, the animals from Heifer Ranch will be a big crowd pleaser. The event will take place at the North Little Rock Riverfront Park, Riverfront Drive and N. Willow St.

On April 30, All Saints’ Episcopal Church in Russellville is hosting its Second Annual Bazaar which will be a fundraiser for the youth to take a trip to Heifer Ranch and participate in the Global Gateway or Global Challenge program.

In May Heifer has several community events.

Parent Night at Collegeville Elementary School in Bryant on May 3. Heifer will hand out information on how parents can educate and inform their children and be a part of our programs at Heifer Village and Heifer Ranch. I

International Fest 2011 at Gibbs Elementary School, 1115 West 16th Street, Little Rock on May 6 from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m. Heifer will bring animals from the Ranch and have a craft table for the students to enjoy.

Children’s Fair at Coleman Glen & Son Auto Pro, 2801 S. Arch St, Little Rock on May 7from noon to 7 p.m. Heifer will have info and crafts for children.

A 30 minute speaking presentation at the Athena Study Club Annual Luncheon in Batesville at Josie’s Restaurant on May 11 at noon. Topic: empowering women and promoting peace.

Heifer will accept a donation at The Anthony School in Little Rock on May 17 at 12:15p.m. through 1 p.m. The second graders have been raising money via Read to Feed and this will be the end of the year presentation/celebration for their efforts.

Heifer will participate in RIVERFEST 2011 on May 27, 28, & 29 at Little Rock’s Riverfront Park. Heifer will have a 3-day booth.

Members of the ASO at Ozark Folk Center

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Rockefeller Quartet and Quapaw Quartet will perform on the main stage of the Ozark Folk Center on Thursday, May 12 and Friday, May 13 for area Arkansas schools. This event is free and is the third annual residency for the quartets at the Ozark Folk Center. In addition, the quartets will perform on stage with the Folk Center musicians at 7 p.m. on Thursday.

The residency is a part of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s Education Programs and is sponsored in part by Bank of America. The quartets will perform different programs targeted especially for elementary, middle and high school students. Seating is still available for schools. Call Barbara Burroughs at (501) 666-1761 ext. 116 or email at bburroughs@arkansassymphony.org for reservations.
As the foremost arts organization in the state, the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra understands that it is our responsibility to help shape the future of our children. An essential component in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s mission is to encourage music education and strengthen ties with the communities of Arkansas.

The schedule is as follows:
Thursday, May 12
11:15 a.m.-12 p.m., Birds and Storms
1:15 p.m.-2 p.m., Storytelling with Music
6:30 p.m., Dessert Reception in the Committee of 100 Room – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC
7 p.m., "Fiddlin" with the Classics"
Featuring members of the ASO Quartets and musicians of the Ozark Folk Center
After the concert: Jam on the Square
Friday, May 13
10:15 a.m.- 11 a.m., Meet Dr. Science
11:15 a.m.- 12 p.m., Meet the String Family

ASO Side by Side Concert

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra performs on stage with the Arkansas Symphony Youth Orchestra at the 2011 Side-by-Side performance on Sunday, May 8 at 3 p.m. at Reynolds Performance Hall on the University of Central Arkansas campus in Conway. Under the baton of Maestro Philip Mann, the two groups will perform Glinka’s Overture to Ruslan and Ludmilla and Tchaikovsky’s Overture: Romeo and Juliet.

This concert provides a rich tutorial environment where members of the ASO become stand partners with members of the ASYO. This concert is an essential next step in furthering the educational opportunities for these talented young musicians. The Preparatory, Prelude and Academy Orchestras will also perform at this concert.

Adult tickets for this concert are $20 and student tickets are $6. Tickets can be purchased through the University of Central Arkansas by calling 1-866-810-0012 or (501) 450-3265. For more information or to order tickets on-line, visit uca.edu/tickets.

Senator Pryor traveling the state

Senator Mark Pryor said yesterday he will continue to travel the state to discuss the budget, healthcare, local projects and other issues affecting Arkansas. Below is Pryor’s schedule for the week.

On April 25 at 9:00 a.m., Pryor will attend a press conference to announce federal grants the Pine Bluff Fire Department has been awarded. The conference will take place at 200 East 8th Avenue in Pine Bluff.

At 10:00 a.m., Pryor will participate in the Pine Bluff Chamber congressional briefing at 510 Main Street in Pine Bluff.

At 11:30 a.m., Pryor will attend the ministers’ lunch to discuss current issues. The lunch will take place at Tastesetters Eatery, 615 South Main Street in Pine Bluff.

At 1:00 p.m., Pryor will tour the Evergreen Packaging Inc. mill and will be given an overview of their extruder modernization capital project. The tour will take place at 5201 Fairfield Road in Pine Bluff.

At 3:00 p.m., Pryor will meet with Pine Bluff City and county officials to discuss the federal budget and the economic development tax initiatives. The meeting will take place at 101 East Barraque Street in Pine Bluff.

On April 26 at 10:30 a.m., Pryor will visit the Blair Center at the University of Arkansas and will speak to an American national government class. The event will take place at Old Main, University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

At 12:00 p.m., Pryor will discuss his priorities for the 112th Congress with the Rogers Rotary at Embassy Suites, 3303 Pinnacle Hills Parkway in Rogers.

At 1:15 p.m., Pryor will tour the Mercy Health System of Northwest Arkansas and will meet with Mercy’s leadership to discuss healthcare regulations and Mercy’s initiatives to improve healthcare in northwest Arkansas. The tour will take place at 2710 Rife Medical Lane in Rogers.

At 2:30 p.m., Pryor will tour the Center for Non-Profits, located at 1200 West Walnut Street in Rogers.

On April 27 at 9:45 a.m., Pryor will tour the Awesome Products Company, located at 1235 North 7th Street in West Memphis,.

At 11:30 a.m., Pryor will meet with city officials, state representatives, and community leaders at Osceola City Hall, 303 West Hale Avenue in Osceola.

At 1:00 p.m., Pryor will tour the Plum Point Energy Station at 1 Power Road in Osceola.

At 2:10 p.m., Pryor will attend the Arkansas Delta Byways board of directors meeting. The meeting will take place at the Cox-Florida Mansion, 840 West Semmes Avenue, Osceola,.

On April 28 at 9:30 a.m., Pryor will tour CABUN Rural Health Services and will be given an overview of CABUN’s medical services. The tour will take place at 402 Highway 167 in South Hampton.

At 11:00 a.m., Pryor will tour the Entegra Power Plant and will be briefed on air regulations and the Sparta Aquifer. Pryor will also be given an overview of the mill and the Extruder Capital Project. The tour will take place at 6434 Calion Highway in El Dorado.

At 1:30 p.m., Pryor will speak at the El Dorado Academic Signing Day, a celebration for seniors who are signing their “Academic Letters of Intent” to attend college with El Dorado Promise scholarships or other scholarship money. The event will take place at El Dorado High School Gym, 501 North Timberlane Drive in El Dorado.

Yoga at the Coronado Fitness Center

The Coronado Fitness Center will begin an Introduction to Yoga class in May, to be held on Tuesdays, May 3, 10, 17 and 24, from 11:30 a.m. until 12:20 p.m.

This class is for true beginners, as well as seasoned practitioners seeking a refresher course. Regardless of your fitness level, the Yoga path can lead to a deeper understanding of the body-mind connection.

Come learn how Yoga can:
• Improve performance for anyone involved in sports such as golf and tennis
• Provide the benefit of using breath to aid in strengthening and stretching the body
• Focus the mind to improve balance; and
• Provide relaxation while practicing gentle poses.

Comfortable, loose clothing is recommended for this class.

For more information call 922-5565.

Thefts at local cemeteries

Metal thieves are targeting Garland County cemeteries and stealing vases. If you see any suspicious activity, especially vehicles parked in cemeteries at night or early morning, call the Sheriff's Department at (501) 622-3660.

Friday, April 22, 2011

Found dog alert

A beige and white dog was just found on the north side of Lake Cortez. The dog has a Maltese face and a spaniel body with a long tail. The dog is wearing a brown and while stripped collar but no identification. Animal Control has been called but it will take a while for the officer to pick up the dog. In the meantime if you recognize the description call Carol at 984-3612.

Holy Week coming to an end

Christians are commemorating the day Christ died on the cross as Good Friday. Easter, the day of resurrection is this Sunday.

Earth Day today

Today is the 41st celebration of Earth Day.

Thursday, April 21, 2011

Enough with the rain

I know April showers bring May flowers. Well, gardens in the Village will have flowers galore in May. The much needed rain has been a blessing but the hail storm that rocked me out of bed around 11 last night was not good. My April flowers have taken a beating. The forecast calls for scattered thunderstorms today and isolated thunderstorms tonight. At least tomorrow will be partly sunny. Keep tuned in to KVRE for emergency weather updates.

Out and about in Central Arkansas

Hairspray at The Rep in Little Rock, 601 Main Street. Show time 7 p.m. Tickets top out at $25 depending on seating. Advance tickets bought before opening night are $10 off A seats and $5 off B seats.
Southern Hospitality at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock, 6323 Col. Glenn Road. Dinner 6 to 7:35 p.m. Curtain 7:45 p.m. Ticket $30. Show only $25. Children under 15 $22. Call 501-562-3131 for more information.
Legally Blonde at Reynolds Performance Hall of UCA in Conway. For more information call (501) 450-3265.

Public works meets this morning

The POA’s public works committee meets at 9:30 at the Coronado Center. This meeting is open to all POA members.

ACC meets this morning

The architectural control committee meets at 8:30 a.m. at the POA administration building.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Latest weather advisory

Issued by The National Weather Service
Little Rock, AR
3:56 pm CDT, Wed., Apr. 20, 2011

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LITTLE ROCK HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... NORTHEASTERN CLARK COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS... GARLAND COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS... NORTHWESTERN GRANT COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS... HOT SPRING COUNTY IN SOUTHWEST ARKANSAS... WEST CENTRAL PULASKI COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS... WESTERN SALINE COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS...

* UNTIL 445 PM CDT

* AT 354 PM CDT... NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A LINE OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE HAIL. THESE STORMS WERE LOCATED ALONG A LINE EXTENDING FROM 3 MILES NORTH OF LAKE OUACHITA SP TO NEAR HOT SPRINGS MEM FLD TO 6 MILES NORTHEAST OF DEGRAY LAKE SP TO 5 MILES SOUTH OF DEGRAY LAKE... AND MOVING EAST AT 40 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE... PINEY... ROCKWELL... MALVERN... LAKE HAMILTON... HOT SPRINGS... DEGRAY LAKE... BENTON... TULL... TRASKWOOD... THIEL... ROCKPORT... PRATTSVILLE... POYEN... PERLA... MOUNTAIN PINE... LONSDALE... LENA LNDG REC AREA... LAKE OUACHITA SP...

THIS INCLUDES INTERSTATE 30 BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 75 AND 121.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

IF YOU ARE IN THE PATH OF THIS STORM... PREPARE IMMEDIATELY FOR LARGE HAIL AND DEADLY CLOUD TO GROUND LIGHTNING. PEOPLE OUTSIDE SHOULD MOVE TO A SHELTER... PREFERABLY INSIDE A STRONG BUILDING AND AWAY FROM WINDOWS

Second weather alert

Issued by The National Weather Service
Little Rock, AR
1:31 pm CDT, Wed., Apr. 20, 2011

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LITTLE ROCK HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... NORTH CENTRAL GARLAND COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS... SOUTHERN PERRY COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS... WEST CENTRAL PULASKI COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS... NORTHERN SALINE COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS...

* UNTIL 215 PM CDT

* AT 130 PM CDT... NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE HAIL. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED 3 MILES NORTH OF JESSIEVILLE... OR 16 MILES NORTHEAST OF LAKE OUACHITA... AND MOVING EAST AT 35 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE... LAKE MAUMELLE... WILLIAMS JUNCTION... LONG MTN... LITTLE ITALY... LAKE WINONA... LAKE SYLVIA... LAKE NORRELL... LAKE LAGO... JESSIEVILLE... HURRICANE LAKE... WYE... REFORM... PARON... HAMILTON... CONGO... BLAND... AVILLA... WOLF PINNACLE...

THIS INCLUDES INTERSTATE 30 BETWEEN MILE MARKERS 123 AND 124.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND IN EXCESS OF 60 MILES PER HOUR... DESTRUCTIVE HAIL... DEADLY LIGHTNING... AND VERY HEAVY RAIN. FOR YOUR PROTECTION MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS. HEAVY RAINS FLOOD ROADS QUICKLY SO DO NOT DRIVE INTO AREAS WHERE WATER COVERS THE ROAD.

Weather alert

Issued by The National Weather Service
Little Rock, AR
12:56 pm CDT, Wed., Apr. 20, 2011

THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE IN LITTLE ROCK HAS ISSUED A

* SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WARNING FOR... NORTHERN GARLAND COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS... NORTHEASTERN MONTGOMERY COUNTY IN WESTERN ARKANSAS... SOUTHWESTERN PERRY COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS... NORTHWESTERN SALINE COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS... SOUTH CENTRAL YELL COUNTY IN CENTRAL ARKANSAS...

* UNTIL 130 PM CDT

* AT 1252 PM CDT... NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE DOPPLER RADAR INDICATED A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM CAPABLE OF PRODUCING QUARTER SIZE HAIL. THIS STORM WAS LOCATED 10 MILES NORTH OF LAKE OUACHITA... OR 13 MILES NORTHWEST OF LAKE OUACHITA... AND MOVING EAST AT 40 MPH.

* LOCATIONS IMPACTED INCLUDE... LAKE LAGO... JESSIEVILLE... MT TABOR... HOLLIS... HAMILTON... FANNIE... ALY... WOLF PINNACLE... WHITE OAK MTN... SMITH PINNACLE... SHORT MTN... POWELL MTN... POTATO HILL... PILOT KNOB... OUACHITA PINNACLE... NORTH DECKARD MTN... MUSE MTN... LOCUST MTN...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS PRODUCE DAMAGING WIND IN EXCESS OF 60 MILES PER HOUR... DESTRUCTIVE HAIL... DEADLY LIGHTNING... AND VERY HEAVY RAIN. FOR YOUR PROTECTION MOVE TO AN INTERIOR ROOM ON THE LOWEST FLOOR OF YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS. HEAVY RAINS FLOOD ROADS QUICKLY SO DO NOT DRIVE INTO AREAS WHERE WATER COVERS THE ROAD.

Call first before traveling to entertainment venues today

Hairspray at The Rep in Little Rock, 601 Main Street. Show time 7 p.m. Tickets top out at $25 depending on seating. Advance tickets bought before opening night are $10 off A seats and $5 off B seats.
Southern Hospitality at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock, 6323 Col. Glenn Road. Dinner 6 to 7:35 p.m. Curtain 7:45 p.m. Ticket $30. Show only $25. Children under 15 $22. Call 501-562-3131 for more information.

POA board of directors meets this morning

Village POA board meets in the Ouachita room of the Ponce de Leon Center at 9 a.m. The meeting is open to all POA members.

All of Village has power this morning

The Village was surrounded by funnel clouds last night to the north and the south on the fringes of Garland County, but escaped without power outages.
There was constant coverage of the fast moving storms on every television station last night. Fans of network programming can go to the network site and watch favorite programs missed last night. For example, if you missed NCIS last night and want to see it, go to CBS, NCIS and watch the program there. Very easy.
This morning there are extensive power outages in the Benton area in Saline County, 161 households, and in the Little Rock areain Pulaski County, thousands of households. First Electric services Benton and Entergy in the Little Rock area.
There is a local outage involving 83 households just outside the Village on Vaughn and Danville Roads. The power went out at 9:30 last night and Entergy hopes to have power restored by 5 p.m. today. Entergy considers the area rural and a low priority.

Egg hunt this Saturday

The Hot Springs Village POA recreation eepartment will host an Easter Egg Hunt Saturday, April 23, on the DeSoto Club grounds. Arts and crafts will begin at 1:00 p.m. and the hunt will begin at 2:00 p.m.

The Muses present Japan relief concert

One Heart: Songs of Love & Life for the people of Japan

The Muses Creative Artistry Project will present a Japan relief concert, One Heart: Songs of Love & Life for the People of Japan, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, April 28 at the Hot Springs Convention Center’s Horner Hall in downtown Hot Springs. In lieu of admission, donations of all sizes are requested, with all proceeds going to the Japan Relief Fund established by the Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation. The concert is co-sponsored by the Hot Springs Sister City Program.

Since 1993, the City of Hot Springs and Hanamaki, Japan have been sister cities. Since that time numerous cultural, educational, and economic exchanges have taken place. No one would have ever predicted this most recent type of exchange, a compassionate exchange. In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, when evacuees flooded into Arkansas and Hot Springs, the schoolchildren and people of Hanamaki sent donations to assist those in need in Hot Springs. “Now, as we have watched the devastation of the coastal area of northern Japan, less than an hour from our sister city, it is our turn to reciprocate,” said Deleen Davidson, president and principal artist of The Muses Creative Artistry Project.

The concert will feature songs in five different languages, spanning 500 years, as well as instrumental selections in various musical styles, all chosen to demonstrate the universal nature of music to communicate, inspire and heal. Selections include works by Bach, Handel, Mozart, Verdi, Puccini, Brahms, Faure, Schubert, Chopin, as well as Gershwin, Bernstein, and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Several original arrangements, include Louis Menendez's version of "Shall we gather at the River” and Steve Suter's "Do you know what it means to miss New Orleans,” written in the weeks following Hurricane Katrina's devastation of the Gulf Coast.

Davidson will offer several songs in Japanese, including the traditional and beloved "Sakura,” from a 1,000 year old ceremony celebrating the cherry blossoms’ springtime emergence. She will be joined by local singers (ages 8 to 80) to perform this traditional folk song, showing solidarity with Hot Springs’ friends abroad, and sending good will in their time of need.

Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation set up the Japan Relief Fund to assist residents of devastated areas who have fled to Hanamaki. To date, $18,000 has been raised and sent directly to Hanamaki to help them.

One of the evacuees from Hurricane Katrina who arrived in Hot Springs and decided to make Hot Springs her home was Davidson, who knows well what it feels like to lose everything. In 2009, she traveled as a representative of Hot Springs to perform by invitation in a choral festival in Hanamaki.

After arriving in Hot Springs, Davidson founded the Muses Creative Artistry Project. She and fellow Muses performer Louis Menendez, who also performed in Japan in 2009, will be joined by members of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, and other local musicians and schoolchildren. “Our purpose is to generate support, and to show solidarity with the gentle people of Japan, during this difficult time of recovery and rebuilding, following the earthquakes and tsunami which devastated the island and its people.” Davidson said. “Music and art can be forces for healing and peace, and represent universal truths that know no national boundaries.

"You may not think you can do much as one person, confronted with such immense need,” Davidson added. “But as one who received compassion and assistance under similar circumstances, I promise you, no act of kindness and love is too small. It has tremendous value and power."

The Muses Creative Artistry Project is a multi-disciplined non-profit arts organization dedicated to excellence, and preserving classical art and music through performance and education. The Muses partners regularly with other arts organizations to enhance the cultural life of the region and grow the creative economy. Based on nature’s four seasons, The Muses offers a regular series of concerts, art exhibits and creativity seminars.

For more information, contact Mary Neilson, Sister City Program Coordinator, at 501-545-6960 or hotspringssistercity@yahoo.com.