AGFC earmarks increases in nonresident waterfowl fees for habitat conservation

During Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Commissioners agreed to earmark money from increases in nonresident waterfowl permits and stamps for waterfowl habitat conservation on WMAs. In August, the nonresident waterfowl stamp increased to $35 from $20 and the nonresident waterfowl five-day WMA permit was increased from $10 to $25.

In other business, the Commission:

*Approved a budget increase of $534,600 for the Arkansas Administrative Statewide Information System Optimization Project. The project will move the agency’s fiscal system to AASIS to support federal billing and streamline the agency’s fiscal controls.

*Approved a minute order to remit fine money totaling over $668,200 to the Department of Education. The fine money will be used for fish and wildlife conservation education, and will be made available for use in the same counties where the money was collected.

*Approved a total budget carry forward of over $20,700,000 for various maintenance and operation projects, capital budget items, grants and deferred maintenance items.

*Agreed to donate a bridge from the Petit Jean River Wildlife Management Area to the City of Danville. The bridge was built in 1880 and is on the National Historic Registry.

*Amended the procedures for its committee meetings to include all eight commissioners on each of the agency’s committees.

*Approved a budget increase of $200,000 for legal expenses primarily relating to the U.S. Supreme Court case involving the agency’s Dave Donaldson Black River WMA timber damages.

*Approved a $17,470 budget increase in the Ecological and Engineering Services Division for the North Central Regional Maintenance Contract Coordinator’s administrative budget.

*Approved a budget increase to build a boat ramp and parking area at the Rock City Yacht Club development on the Arkansas River in Little Rock. Cost of the project is $411,000. The money will come in two installments with the first payment of $300,000 made in fiscal year 2013 and the final payment of $111,000 coming in fiscal year 2014.

*Approved a budget increase of $649,140 to complete state wildlife grant projects.

*Approved a $28,000 budget transfer for completion of stream and drainage restoration on Bayou Meto WMA.

* The Arkansas Game and Fish Commission’s popular Arkansas Youth Shooting Sports Program state tournaments may have a new home in the near future if a new range comes to fruition in Jacksonville. The commission voted to allow the AGFC director to enter into an agreement with the City of Jacksonville if the range is completed within 18 months and certain other criteria are met.

*Approved a budget increase of $30,000 to complete acquisition of about 333 acres adjoining Sheffield Nelson Dagmar WMA and the Cache River National Wildlife Refuge.

*Approved a budget increase of $79,000 for removal of duck blinds on two WMAs in northeast Arkansas.

*Approved a budget increase of $45,000 for mower replacement and road repair on Bayou Meto and Freddie Black Choctaw Island WMAs.

*Heard presentations on the state’s fur harvest and quail program.

*Approved $60,000 for continued mulching on Dave Donaldson Black River WMA.

U.S. Navy Band at Davidsonville this month

The U.S. Navy Underway Brass Band that will be playing at the Ghosts of Davidsonville Fall Festival October 13^th from 5:30-6:30 PM

  

Navy Band Mid-South’s Underway is an eight piece, New Orleans-style brass band boasting a long tradition of feel good music throughout the Mid-South region. This high energy ensemble has the ability to create the excitement of Mardi Gras wherever they perform. Whether strolling down a street or performing on stage, this amazing ensemble promises to turn any event into a toe tappin’, hand clappin’ smile-fest that is sure to brighten your day!  

PBS encore of Broadway retrospective

Landmark six-part series, hosted by Julie Andrews, brings alive the epic story of musical theater and its inextricable link to 20th-century American life.

With Mel Brooks, Carol Channing, Betty Comden, Joel Grey, Kitty Carlisle Hart, John Lahr, Arthur Laurents, Harold Prince, Stephen Sondheim, Tommy Tune, Ben Vereen, George C. Wolfe, and many more, series includes an extraordinary collection of rare archival footage, private home movies, and original cast recordings.

Today, with musicals such as The Book of Mormon enjoying phenomenal box office success, revivals like The Gershwins' Porgy and Bess delighting new generations, and musical stage versions of popular films such as Once and Newsies dominating the Tony Awards, Broadway is proving yet again that its vitality and magic endure. Nominated for five 2005 Primetime Emmy Awards and winner of two, including Outstanding Nonfiction Series, THIRTEEN's landmark Broadway: The American Musical returns Sunday, October 7 at 10 p.m., and continues on six consecutive Sundays through November 11 (Check local listings.)

The first comprehensive documentary series on the history of the American musical created for television, Broadway: The American Musical is a co-production of Ghost Light Films, THIRTEEN, NHK, and the BBC in association with Carlton International. The series was produced and directed by Michael Kantor, whose credits include Make 'Em Laugh: The Funny Business of America, Give Me the Banjo and Quincy Jones: In the Pocket for the American Masters series.

Julie Andrews, Academy Award-winning star of stage, film and television - and public television's unofficial "ambassador for the Broadway musical" - is the series host. In her introduction to the series' companion book, Andrews fondly recalled, "I was so pleased that Michael [Kantor] asked me to participate because the Broadway musical has been a passion of mine for so long. It was about time, truthfully, for this kind of attention to be paid to such an influential art form. There is something visceral about the appeal of a great American musical...it just grabs you."

Broadway: The American Musical tells two stories: the 100-year history of musical theater and the story of its relationship to 20th-century American life. Kantor's chronological approach begins with the immigrant experience at the turn of the century, when a melting pot of voices and styles gave rise to a popular new form of entertainment. The series ends with contemporary Broadway, where big-budget new productions and revivals of classic favorites compete side by side for box office success.

When the series first aired in 2004, People Magazine named the series one of the "Top Ten Television Programs" of the year. Matt Zoller Seitz in the Newark Star-Ledger, declared, "'Broadway' is such an immense and immensely enjoyable documentary with a cheery relentlessness [legendary producer Florenz] Ziegfeld himself might have appreciated." And Nancy DeWolf Smith in the Wall Street Journal affirmed, "'Broadway' unfurls a vivid history of America itself in the last century." Ed Siegel in the Boston Globe raved, "'Broadway: The American Musical' beautifully create(s) a near perfect blend of entertainment and art."

Peppered throughout are legendary moments in Broadway history: George Gershwin's sojourn to Folly Island, where he began to compose his legendary score for Porgy and Bess; the thrill of Oklahoma!'s opening night; comedienne Fanny Brice's heart-grabbing performance of "My Man." From the titillating yet artful spectacle of The Ziegfeld Follies to Ethel Merman's brassy rendition of "I've Got Rhythm," and from Julie Taymor's visionary staging of The Lion King to a behind-the-scenes look at Wicked's opening night, the series enlightens, educates and offers unique insight into this truly American art form.

Broadway: The American Musical assembled first-person accounts from dozens of theater luminaries: writers, lyricists, producers, performers, directors, and critics. Among them are Mel Brooks, Carol Channing, Jerry Herman, Margo Jefferson, John Kander, Joel Grey, Harvey Fierstein, John Lahr, Donna McKechnie, Chita Rivera, Stephen Sondheim, Tommy Tune, Ben Vereen, and many others. The many late greats interviewed for the series include Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Brendan Gill, Peter Stone, "Ziegfeld Girl" Dana O'Connell, Al Hirschfeld, Fred Ebb, Arthur Laurents, Jerry Orbach, Kitty Carlisle Hart, John Raitt, Gerald Schoenfeld, Marvin Hamlisch, and Frances Gershwin Godowsky.

"There's no place in the world like Broadway - it's the entertainment engine that drives New York. Its theaters are what turned Times Square into the "Crossroads of the World" says Michael Kantor. "We take you inside those theaters for the most important performances of the last one hundred years, and we were fortunate to be able to film many of the titans of Broadway telling their stories in their own words."

The series traverses a century of national events with seismic reverberations on the Broadway stage, including recorded sound, the rise of Hollywood, the Great Depression, both World Wars, labor relations, the advent of television, civil rights, the sexual revolution, and the AIDS crisis. Each of the six films demonstrates how America's ever-changing cultural landscape is reflected back from the Broadway stage.

To bring this story to life, Broadway: The American Musical uses an extraordinary collection of archival footage, newsreels, private home movies, original cast recordings, still photos, diary excerpts, personal correspondences, rare television and audio archives, and autobiographical material.

Broadway: The American Musical is geared toward audiences of all ages, offering insights from Irving Berlin, Bert Williams and Yip Harburg through to Agnes DeMille, Harold Prince and George C. Wolfe, while spanning a century of musical productions from Show Boat, Anything Goes and On the Town to Company, Hair and The Producers.

"With this series, we not only showcase the magic of the musical theater, we discover its underlying connection to history," says executive producer David Horn. "And it's a history underscored by some of the most memorable music ever written - songs that are brash, unforgettably passionate and indelibly American."

Kantor also co-authored a lavishly illustrated companion book, Broadway: The American Musical with series co-writer and NYU Graduate Acting Associate Chair Laurence Maslon; an updated paperback edition is now available from Applause Books with an introduction by Julie Andrews. The BROADWAY series, accompanied by hours of extra material, is being reissued on Blu-ray by PBS Home Video, for release on October 16. A dynamic Web site and extensive educational print materials are accessible at pbs.org/broadway.

For 50 years, THIRTEEN has been making the most of the rich resources and passionate people of New York and the world, reaching millions of people with on-air and online programming that celebrates arts and culture, offers insightful commentary on the news of the day, explores the worlds of science and nature, and invites students of all ages to have fun while learning.

BROADWAY: THE AMERICAN MUSICAL is a co-production of Ghost Light Films, THIRTEEN, NHK, and BBC in association with Carlton International. Directed by Michael Kantor, the series was produced by Kantor with Jeff Dupre and Sally Rosenthal. The series was written by Marc Fields, Michael Kantor, Laurence Maslon, and JoAnn Young. Bill O'Donnell served as supervising producer, with Jac Venza and David Horn as executive producers.

Funding for the series was provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the National Endowment for the Humanities, Dorothy and Lewis Cullman, the Shubert Organization, the LuEsther T. Mertz Charitable Trust, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Cornelius V. Starr Fund for Arts Programming, the Ira and Leonore Gershwin Philanthropic Fund, Judith B. Resnick, Vivian Milstein, Rosalind P. Walter, Bob Boyett, the Harold and Mimi Steinberg Charitable Trust, the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation Inc., Mary and Marvin Davidson, Allen & Company, Susan R. Malloy and the Sun Hill Foundation, the DuBose and Dorothy Heyward Memorial Fund, the Karen A. and Kevin W. Kennedy Foundation, Mary Rodgers and Henry Guettel, public television viewers, and PBS.

National Park Community College closing

The Business Operations and Student Services offices at National Park Community College will close at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, October 2^nd.

All classes, planned meetings, etc., will be held at their appointed times.

College offices will open at their regularly scheduled times on Wednesday, October 3^rd.

Beatles program coming to the ASO

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra presents the first concert of the ACXIOM Pops Live! Series – Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles – on October 6 at 8 p.m. and October 7 at 3 p.m. at the Robinson Center Music Hall, conducted by Geoffrey Robson, ASO Associate Conductor. This concert is sponsored in part by Arkansas Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Hear The Beatles live in concert with YOUR Arkansas Symphony Orchestra! These four musicians look and sound just like the real thing. Hear Eleanor Rigby with a live string section; experience the peace anthem All You Need is Love full of brass fanfare; and enjoy the upbeat and optimistic tune Here Comes the Sun. From early Beatles music through the solo years, this concert is the best of The Beatles as you've never heard them. 

All kids through 12^th grade can attend our Sunday matinee performances for free (with purchase of an adult ticket) using the Entergy Kids Ticket – available for download at www.ArkansasSymphony.org. Adult single tickets range from $18-$58 and can be purchased online at www.ArkansasSymphony.org or over the phone at (501) 666-1761. Student and military tickets are $10.

 Program Details

Classical Mystery Tour: A Tribute to The Beatles

Saturday, October 6 at 8 p.m.

Sunday, October 7 at 3 p.m.

Robinson Center Music Hall

Featuring

Classical Mystery Tour

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

Geoffrey Robson, Conductor

Program:

Beatles Medley Overture arrangement by Martin Herman

Classical Mystery Tour will perform selections from the following:

A Day In the Life

All You Need Is Love

Beatles Medley Overture

Being For the Benefit of Mr. Kite

Come Together

Eleanor Rigby

Golden Slumbers

Got To Get You Into My Life

Here Comes the Sun

I Am the Walrus

I Saw Her Standing There

I Want to Hold Your Hand

Imagine

Live and Let Die

The Long and Winding Road

Ob-la-di, ob-la-da

Penny Lane

Sgt. Pepper /

Little Help From My Friends

Sgt. Pepper (reprise)

Strawberry Fields Forever

While My Guitar Gently Weeps

Yellow Submarine

Yesterday

All songs written by John Lennon, Paul McCartney, or George Harrison.

Classical Mystery Tour: Tribute to The Beatles

The four musicians in Classical Mystery Tour look and sound just like The Beatles, but they are more than just a rock concert. The show presents more than two dozen Beatles tunes transcribed note-for-note and performed exactly as they were originally recorded. Classical Mystery Tour is the best of The Beatles – from early Beatles music on through the solo years – like you've never heard them before. Many have called it “the best show the Beatles never did!” 

Since its initial performance at the Orange County Performing Arts Center in 1996, Classical Mystery Tour has performed hundreds of concerts with orchestras across the United States and around the world, and has received countless accolades from fans as well as media. Classical Mystery Tour has merchandise available for purchase at the concert and on their website at www.classicalmysterytour.com.

Joseph Bologna, on drums and vocals as Ringo Starr, is a native of Detroit, Michigan. Joe formed his first band by the age of 13 and went on to play with several Detroit area bands, ranging from punk/alternative to classic rock to southern gospel. A versatile musician, Joe has been a songwriter, drummer, bassist, keyboardist and guitarist throughout his 35-year career. In 2000, Joe began playing in Beatles tribute bands, and soon found himself in high demand as one of the top ‘Ringo Starr’ impersonators in the country. Joe has toured the world with shows such as Liverpool Legends, The Cast of Beatlemania, The Fab Four, and Rain-a Tribute to the Beatles, which enjoyed more than 200 performances on Broadway and won a 2011 Drama Desk award. He has performed on major television shows such as Good Morning America and The Ellen DeGeneres Show and also plays the part of Keith Moon in Live the Who, a tribute to the Who.

Benjamin Chadwick, on bass, piano and vocals as Paul McCartney, first heard the Beatles around the house when he was growing up, but once he witnessed “Twist And Shout” in the movie Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, he was instantly hooked on all things Beatles. Benjamin has been performing music in some form or another for more than 20 years (since he first picked up a tennis racket at the age of 10 and pretended it was a guitar). Self-taught in voice, guitar, bass, piano, drums and ukulele (you name it, he plays it), he brings experience and talent to every appearance. There is nothing more important to him than sharing music with others and his unique brand of entertainment will allow him to continue doing this as long as there are people listening.

Tyson Kelly, on rhythm guitar, piano and vocals as John Lennon, is both a songwriter and filmmaker at heart. A graduate of the New York Film Academy, Tyson's name is attached to dozens of films in both the director and writer roles. Son of songwriting Hall of Famer, Tom Kelly, Tyson was fed a healthy dose of 60's and 70's rock n' roll from a young age. His talent as a musician and love for the Beatles has resulted in him becoming one of the most sought after John Lennon impersonators. When he's not singing Beatles songs, he's busy being the frontman for King Washington, the critically acclaimed Los Angeles based rock group.

Thomas Teeley, on lead guitar and vocals as George Harrison, has starred as George Harrison in both the Broadway production of Beatlemania as well as the film version. His vocal impersonations of numerous other rock icons have also been featured in many television ads as well as other Broadway productions. He has written songs for artists such as Alice Cooper, as well as touring the world as singer-guitarist for Joe Jackson, Sophie B. Hawkins and many others. Tom still enjoys recreating the classic Beatle recordings in a live performance setting, with an attention to detail, which is his hallmark.

Geoffrey Robson, Associate Conductor

Geoffrey Robson has been the Associate Conductor of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra since 2008. He also performs as a violinist, frequently appearing in the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s popular River Rhapsodies chamber series as well as performing with Trio Arkansas, with pianist Louis Menendez and cellist David Gerstein. He has designed and conducted numerous ASO subscription series concerts, as well as children’s concerts and special events. As conductor, he has worked with guest artists such as the Beach Boys, Lawrence Hamilton, Timothy Jones, Henrietta Davis, Christiane Noll, Doug LaBrecque, and Calvin Lee. In addition, Robson writes and produces At the Symphony, a concert preview radio series on KLRE Classical 90.5 in Little Rock, Arkansas.

Robson completed his M.M. at Yale University in 2004, studying violin performance with Erick Friedman. In Connecticut, he served as co-concertmaster of the Connecticut Virtuosi Chamber Orchestra, and assistant concertmaster of the Waterbury Symphony. Robson also worked as a public schoolteacher in New Haven, CT, and has taught violin, piano, viola, and music theory extensively as a private teacher.

Robson studied orchestral conducting at the Mannes College of Music in New York City under the tutelage of David Hayes. He has twice attended the London Conducting Workshop, an annual course at the Royal College of Music in London, and the International Conducting Festival and Workshop in Zlin, Czech Republic. In 2006, he became a founding member of the Chelsea Symphony, a bold experiment in the structuring of an arts organization, based in the Chelsea neighborhood of Manhattan. Robson conducted in the inaugural concert of the Chelsea Symphony, and has since conducted numerous other concerts with the ensemble, including world premieres of two works.

Robson graduated from the honors college at Michigan State University in 2002, where he studied violin performance with Dmitri Berlinsky and I-fu Wang, and conducting with Leon Gregorian.

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 47^th season in 2012-2013 under the leadership of Music Director Philip Mann. ASO is the resident orchestra of Robinson Center Music Hall, and performs more than thirty concerts each year for more than 42,000 people through its Stella Boyle Smith Masterworks Series, ACXIOM Pops LIVE! Series and River Rhapsodies Chamber Series, in addition to serving central Arkansas through numerous community outreach programs and bringing live symphonic music education to over 24,000 school children and over 200 schools.

Bobby’s Bike Hike boosts Arkansas’s dynamic bicycle tourism scene

By Zoie Clift, travel writer

Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

The Arkansas River Trails System in Pulaski County has opened up new options for pedestrians and bicyclists to explore more of the river’s banks. Now there’s a company that’s offering a way to enjoy those trails, even if you don’t own a bicycle. That’s Bobby’s Bike Hike-Little Rock, located in the River Market District.

“We’ve been pleasantly surprised with the general interest of local citizens in the future of the River Trail and the development of downtown,” said Jeremy Lewno, Director of Operations of Bobby's Bike Hike - Little Rock. “We have people stop in our shop daily and discuss how happy they are with the trail system in Central Arkansas and what that means to the healthy future of the citizens that use them. They’re also excited to see all what’s happening downtown and in the River Market. It’s an exciting time to be in Little Rock and to be a part of all the positive change.”

Lewno, a Little Rock native, moved up to Chicago on a whim shortly after college graduation. He started Bobby’s Bike Hike 10 years ago because he wanted to create a more fit way to explore the Windy City. He named the business after his late father, Bob, who was a motor coach tour operator in Little Rock. “He inspired my passion for travel, community, and health, which are the three tenets that drive my business both in Chicago and in Little Rock,” he said. Lewno opened the Little Rock location this spring.

Along with bicycle rentals, the company offers interactive bike tours. “We think it’s extremely important for people to understand the history of the place they call home, as well as teaching visitors about our area,” said Lewno. The Historic Neighborhoods Tour takes riders off the River Trail and into the historic downtown neighborhoods of MacArthur Park and Quapaw Quarter, over to Central High and the State Capitol, before winding along the Arkansas River back to shop headquarters in the River Market.

Another tour option, Bobby’s Tike Hike: Family Edition, sticks primarily to the River Trail and has stories suited for families with younger riders. The focus is fun and interaction. There is also the Pork and Bourbon Tour which features the Southern delicacies of pork, cupcakes, and bourbon. “If bourbon isn’t your thing, you can always try the Swine and Wine tour, said Lewno. “Same tour, just with wine.”

The company offers similar tours in Chicago. “We try to highlight the different aspects that make each city unique,” said Lewno. “Usually that stems from the neighborhoods, the people, and food. So that is what we look to highlight.”

“We have a really good mix of locals, international visitors, and tourists from other U.S. states,” said Scott Branscum, who works at Bobby’s Bike Hike-Little Rock. Branscum said they get a lot of customers from Heifer International, the Clinton School, and from the airlines. The convention crowd is also big for the company due to the nearby location of the Statehouse Convention Center. The popular River Market address is also a benefit. “You get people who may not necessarily have had any intention of riding a bike 15 miles that are here and just decided to go for a ride,” he said.

“This is going into one of the busier times of year with fall and the nice weather and there are a lot state wide and nationwide cycling events now too,” he added.

Lewno said they want to work in tandem with other companies to promote bicycling as both fun recreation and as a healthy transportation option.

“The cycling scene is amazing in Arkansas for recreational riding,” he said. “In many conversations I’ve had, I’ve noticed that people classify themselves as road bikers and mountain bikers primarily. We’re blessed to have so many beautifully paved paths and off-road paths around Central Arkansas."

Even with the growth of cycling in the region, Lewno said the area hasn’t come close to reaching its capacity. “The one thing we’d like to see is more of an emphasis on bicycling as a transportation mechanism,” he said. “From a health perspective, we have a real opportunity to embrace bicycling as transportation, which will have a huge impact on our region’s future health care costs. We’d like to see more bike lanes in the city proper to accommodate for that.”

Lewno said that national trends show both Big Business and young entrepreneurs are increasingly choosing quality of life issues and a cities to invest in. "So citizens are seeing the need for a more livable, walkable, and bike-able Central Arkansas," he said.

Lewno and his wife live in Little Rock full time and plan to raise their children here. They visit Bobby’s in Chicago about once a month, and said there is the possibility of further expansion of the company. When he first started the business, “I knew more about tourism than I did bicycling,” he said. “I sold my car to raise money to start the business. That is when I found myself car-less and started using my bike as transportation. It changed my life. I quickly realized how many aspects of personal responsibility were wrapped up in my choice of transportation. The bicycle kept me healthy, it saved me money, it helped me connect to my neighborhood and community since it was so easy to pull over and talk to friends on the street. It also had such a positive impact on our environment. It just felt good. So my business in Chicago became more than just a business, it became my passion. I was able to recruit a management team and staff that believed in similar values and we’ve worked hard to create what is now considered one of the top tour companies in Chicago. I’m extremely excited to have the opportunity to expand my business to Little Rock. But I’m even more passionate about the opportunity to create a healthier, more bike-able and walkable region in Central Arkansas.”

Bobby’s Bike Hike is located at 400 President Clinton Ave in the River Market’s Ottenheimer Market Hall. The company offers rentals of road bicycles, tandems, hybrids, mountain bike cruisers, and children’s bike equipment. The rental shop is open year round and also offers group and corporate outings. Rentals start at $8/hour or $12 for a half day. For more information call 501-613-7001 or visit www.bobbysbikehike.com/littlerock.

Medicaid expansion in Arkansas

The Arkansas Minority Health Commission (AMHC) and its Board of Commissioners announce its support of Medicaid expansion to more than 250,000 additional citizens in the state of Arkansas.

Education, economic development, environmental issues and poverty are inextricably linked to the health of all populations. Arkansans have poor health status as documented by national health rankings. Minority Arkansans bear a disproportionate portion of poor health experiencing higher death rates from infant mortality to cancer, diabetes, heart disease, stroke and HIV. Minority Arkansans are more likely to be uninsured.  This has enormous implications for all Arkansans.

The AMHC is a witness to the individual and collective stories that illustrate what these statistics represent. These stories include the unmet need in the community for acute care, medications, preventive care and mental health services. Currently, it is estimated that 29.3% of Arkansans age 18-64 have no health insurance. In some counties, the uninsured makes up 42% of the population.

 “Although the picture of health status and disparities in Arkansas seems bleak and our challenges many, there is great opportunity to significantly invest and improve the health of all Arkansans.  The landmark Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) has the potential to fundamentally reshape the US health care system, improve the health of the state and improve the health of racial and ethnic minorities,” said Idonia Trotter, Executive Director of the Arkansas Minority Health Commission.

The impact of the ACA on minority communities and those most in need is yet to be realized. Benefits to date have gone to those that have previously had some type of health care coverage. Examples include free preventive screenings, helping with medication costs for those with Medicare; banning insurance companies from dropping people from coverage once they become ill; allowing young adults to stay on parents insurance until age 26; and providing small business tax credits for health coverage to employees.

The expansion of Medicaid to 138% of the federal poverty level would represent a major benefit to Arkansas. Individuals and families of 4 making $15,145 or $31,809 per year respectively, could have health coverage granting entire families access to medical services.  This expansion could reach an estimated 250,000 newly eligible Arkansans.

Impact of Medicaid Expansion

Medicaid expansion for children has already demonstrated benefits for Arkansans. Specifically, AR Kids First now provides health insurance for children up to 250% of the federal poverty level and has improved the health of children in our state. The number of child and teen deaths has decreased by 21 percent since 2005.

According to the Urban Institute and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, the newly eligible in Arkansas are projected to be 35-54, male, adults without children, and White. By expanding access to health coverage to the newly eligible, all Arkansans will benefit. Minorities make up 22.8% of the state’s population yet, they are projected to make up 32.3% of the newly eligible Medicaid population.

A recent study, published in the New England Journal of Medicine examined the effect of state Medicaid expansion in the states of New York, Maine and Arizona as compared to neighboring states without expansion. Medicaid expansion was associated with improved coverage, access to care, and improved self –reported health status. Most importantly, all-cause mortality decreased with a relative reduction of 6.1% over a 5 year period.  These reductions were the greatest in older adults, nonwhites and residents of poorer counties.

Arkansas is significantly different from these states, but the demographic and economic condition of Arkansas may increase the benefit to our population. If we apply the results to Arkansas  for the comparable age-race groups using data from 2009, the Medicaid expansion could potentially result in almost 500 lives saved over 5 years, as well as increased access to medical services and improved health status for many more. The effect would ripple throughout the community and the economy.

AMHC recognizes the economic realities of the state and the nation. Extending Medicaid to 250,000 Arkansans will require state investment overtime. Under the ACA 100% of costs through 2015 and 90 percent of costs through 2020 will be covered by the federal government. While a 10% investment by 2020 is challenging, it is a wise investment in the people of Arkansas.  

The future of Arkansas is tied to the health of its citizens. The health of all Arkansans must improve if we are to realize our full potential as a state and contribute to the resolution of the challenges facing our nation. Medicaid expansion under the Patient protection and Affordable Care Act represents an investment in the future health and economic growth of the state.  It will especially benefit those most in need. 

 “With the Medicaid expansion, more people will be able to choose life for themselves, healthier families, stronger communities and economic vitality.  Extending Medicaid to 250,000 Arkansans is an investment Arkansas cannot afford to pass over,” stated Christine Patterson, AMHC Board Chair.

SeaPort Airlines expands its Oktoberfares sale

 SeaPort Airlines announced it will offer its “Oktoberfares” promotional fare sale once again this year – only this time, it’s network-wide.  One-way fares are as low as $49.  Tickets must be purchased between September 25 and October 14 for flights occurring October 15 through November 15.

406 pounds of prescription drugs collected

Garland County's Sheriff Sanders 8th Prescription Take Back event is now in the books. With the caring support of the Garland County citizens, we have collected approximately 406 pounds of prescription medications!!

We would like to thank all of you for participating and showing your support! We would also like to thank the Hot Springs/Garland County Beautification Commission and Garland County C.A.R.E.S. for their advertising and personnel support!

If you missed us today, you can always drop your prescriptions off at our 24 hour drop box, located at the Sheriff's Office Adult Detention Center. We will also be working with the Beautification Commission during their Hazardous Waste Day, on October 13th, at the Garland County Fair Grounds. You may bring your prescriptions to our trailer there, along with paint, tires, electronics, etc..

City accepting sub-recipient applications for CDBG program

The City of Hot Springs is accepting sub-recipient applications for fiscal year 2013 HUD funding for its Community Development Block Grant Program.  This funding is only for a nonprofit organization or group project, or a program meeting HUD national objectives for the Community Development Block Grant Program. 

 

Applications may be picked up in the Planning & Development Department at Hot Springs City Hall, 133 Convention Boulevard. They must be submitted to the CDBG office no later than October 19. For more information, contact Community Development Administrator Mike Scott at 501-321-6845 or email  mscott@cityhs.net. 

Rotary Club of Oaklawn meeting

City Manager David Watkins visits with Oaklawn Rotarians Chuck Hanna and Steve Trusty following the club’s weekly meeting on Monday at the Austin Hotel.

HOT SPRINGS -- City Manager David Watkins recently updated members of the Oaklawn Rotary Club on current city government priorities at the club’s regular weekly meeting, held last Monday at the Austin Hotel.

Watkins described the Hot Springs Board of Directors’ current focus on issues including expanding the city’s water supply, revitalizing downtown and police/fire pension funding.  He noted that Hot Springs’ natural assets provide a quality of life that attracts families, businesses and retirees.  Watkins, whom the board selected as city manager in June, brings 38 years of experience in local government.

Dancing event benefits Animal Welfare Leatue

DANCING WITH THE VILLAGERS

LOTS OF TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE FOR THE NEW FALL FUNDRAISER ON OCT. 4TH.

Don't miss an evening of fun, music, dancing and prizes. Join the League to fill the Coronado ballroom and show your support for the pets waiting for homes and celebrate the new partnership with the POA.

• Hors d' oeuvres buffet
• Village couples dance contest...vote for your favorite couple
• Drawings for cash and gift certificates
• Village Big Band music for dancing

TICKETS ARE $20.00

• Call Julie Keck (915-9986). You can reserve by phone and pick up your tickets at the door.
• Stop at Company's Comin' or the Dogwood Tree to purchase tickets.
• Unsold tickets will be available at the door on Oct. 4th until they're gone.

Bring your friends for our first ever dance. Let's make it one the Village will be talking about!

IT ALL HAPPENS THURSDAY, OCTOBER, 5 TO 9 P.M., Coronado Ballroom

Golf week coming up soon

October 10 is the deadline to participate in Golf Week, set for Oct. 14-20. The event features tournaments and other events on HSV golf courses.

Schedule of Events

Oct. 14: Par 3 Kickoff Tournament at Coronado Golf Course – Men’s and Women’s Divisions - Shotgun start at 12:00 pm - $ 10 Entry Fee

Oct. 15 - 16: MGA Men’s Club Championship at Ponce de Leon and Cortez Golf Courses

Oct. 17: Celebrate the Magellan Golf Course re-opening - Come play golf on the new greens at Magellan! Flag Tournament -open to Men and Women - $10 entry fee

Oct. 18: Men’s Golf Tournament at Magellan Golf Course - 2-Man Best Ball, pick your own partner - Shotgun start at 9:30 am - $20 entry fee per team

*** POA Oktoberfest Celebration is set for Oct. 18 from 6:00 - 9:00 p.m. on the Coronado Community Center Patio. Don’t miss it!! ***

Oct. 19: Women’s Golf Tournament at Isabella Golf Course - A free short game clinic will be held at 9:00 am - 2-Woman Best Ball, pick your own partner - Shotgun at 10:30 AM - $20 entry fee per team

Oct. 20: Couples Golf Tournament at Granada Golf Course - 2-person Scramble - Shotgun at 9:30 am – $20 entry fee per team

For entry forms, go to www.hsvpoa.org |Golf | Golf Week.

Road closing tomorrow

The westbound lane of West Grand Avenue in Hot Springs from Seventh Street to Ward will be closed from 8 a.m. through 5 p.m. on Monday, October 1 for manhole replacement. This project will require the closing of Ward Street to through traffic from Seventh Street to West Grand Avenue. Signs will be posted, and motorists are advised to use caution when traveling in this area.

Weston Road closing

Weston Road in Hot Springs from Airport Road to Sterns Point will be closed to through traffic from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. beginning Monday, October 1 through Thursday, October 4 for ditch repair. Traffic will be able to enter and exit from the Highway 270/Albert Pike Road end only. Weston Road will be open between the hours stated above. Motorists are advised to drive with caution during the open hours.

Street closings in Hot Springs

Clara Street in Hot Springs, from Illinois to Barrett Street will be closed for manhole replacement beginning Friday, September 28 through Friday, October 5 including the weekend. The closing will also include the northbound lane of Illinois Street at Clara. Bernard Street, between Estelle and Clara Streets will be closed to through traffic during the same dates.

 

Signs will be posted, and motorists are advised to seek an alternate route during closures.

Changes at FEMA

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) announced the appointment of nine new members and the reappointment of one member to the FEMA National Advisory Council (NAC). Mandated by Congress in the Post-Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006, the mission of the NAC is to ensure effective and ongoing coordination of federal preparedness, protection, response, recovery, and mitigation for natural disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters. The NAC is comprised of state, tribal and local governments, private sector, and non-governmental partners who advise and provide recommendations on a variety of issues within emergency management to the FEMA Administrator.

"The NAC has provided thoughtful guidance on a range of issues, including integrating access and functional needs in emergency planning, considering the needs of children in disaster response operations, and engaging the whole community to develop and implement the agency's mission," said FEMA Administrator Craig Fugate. "I congratulate the new members on their appointment. This council represents the interests and expertise of the whole community and I look forward to hearing their recommendations."

Members of the NAC are appointed by the FEMA Administrator to serve for three years and represent a geographic and significant cross section of officials from emergency management and law enforcement, and include homeland security directors, adjutants general, emergency response officers from state, local, and tribal governments, private sector, and non-governmental organizations.

Jim Featherstone, the General Manager of the Emergency Management Department of the city of Los Angeles, has been reappointed as the NAC Chair. Teresa Scott, the Director of Public Works for the city of Gainesville, Florida, has been selected to finish her second term as the Vice Chair for the NAC. The new NAC members are:

Senator Joseph Bolkcom, Assistant Majority Leader, State Senator, Iowa State Senate
Dr. Sarita Chung, Director and Attending Physician, Disaster Preparedness Division of Emergency Medicine, Children's Hospital Boston
Ms. Anne Kronenberg, Executive Director, San Francisco Department of Emergency Management
Mr. Robert Maloney, Director of the Office of Emergency Management, Baltimore City, Maryland
Mr. Ken Miyagishima, Mayor, City of Las Cruces, New Mexico
Mr. Joseph Nimmich, Director, Maritime Surveillance and Security, Raytheon Homeland Security
Mr. Thomas Powers, Vice President, Corporate Security and Safety, Iron Mountain
Mr. Earl Pat Santos, Deputy Director, Governor's Office of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness (GOHSEP), Louisiana
Lieutenant General Guy Swan, Vice President of Education and Executive Director, Institute of Land Warfare at the Association of the US Army

Texas to get another specialty week in the Village

With more than 100 visitors attending the Texas State Week, the Property Owners’ Association added an extra week for Texans to check out Hot Springs Village. The additional Texas week is set for Nov. 4-10.

Share the Fun During State Week! Visitors play at resident rates with a valid driver’s license. Upcoming State Weeks are listed below:

Sept. 30-Oct. 6: California

Oct. 7-13: New York

Oct. 14-20: Wisconsin

Oct. 21-27: Michigan
.
Oct. 28-Nov. 3: Oklahoma

Nov. 4-10: Tennessee

*Nov. 4-10: Texas*

Nov. 11-17: Illinois

Nov. 18-24: Hawaii

As a token of appreciation, Hot Springs Village Property Owners will receive one round of golf FREE in 2012 for bringing in a visiting guest. So “Share the Fun” – invite a friend or relative to play in the Village! (Limit one complimentary round of golf per resident in 2012. Residents sign in at any HSV POA Golf Pro Shop with your visitor and we will mail you a golf coupon. Please schedule your FREE round by calling 501-922-2858 or emailing teetimes@hsvpoa.org, teetimes@hsvpoa.org

October workshops at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Janet Carson Series: "Fall Planting"
October 11
Magnolia Room, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
U of A Cooperative Extension Horticulture Specialist Janet Carson will spearhead this one-day workshop along with the Gardens’ Associate Executive Director Bob Byers. This hands-on workshop will focus on small flowering trees; shade trees; pruning, care and maintenance of trees; a planting demonstration and assessing tree damage. Cost to participate in the workshop is $45 for GWG members and $55 for non-members. Price includes lunch. Advance reservations and pre-payment are required. Call the Gardens at 501-262-9300/800-366-4664 to sign up.

Pysanky at the Gardens
October 21 through 22
Lorrie Popow and other pysanky artists will host a pysanky get-together during this two day event designed for those who enjoy creating pysanky or batik style eggs. During the "workshop" there will be demonstrations, places to sit and chat, tables and supplies to work on eggs, as well as options to buy or sell egg supplies. Registration for the two-day event is a one-time fee of $80. For more information and to pay via credit card, call the Gardens at 501-262-9300/800-366-4664.

Catherine's Landing is taking reservations for this event via phone by calling 501-262-2550. Please mention the group name "Pysanky" under "Bob Byers." Arrival is set for Saturday evening, October 20th and departure on Tuesday morning, October 23.

Gardening 101 Workshop – "Mums"
October 25
Magnolia Room, 9:30 a.m. to noon
Known as the “Queen of Autumn,” the garden mum provides flowers of various sizes and shapes and in many shades of yellow, orange, red, purple, bronze, pink, and white. Learn about the history of mums, types of mums, how to successfully grow mums and add color to your fall garden with this wonderfully varied flowering favorite. The workshop is free to GWG members; regular Gardens admission applies to non-members. Advanced reservations are required. Call 501-262-9300/800-366-3664.

Garvan Woodland Gardens art exhibit

At Garvan Woodland Gardens, October 1 through 28, in the Magnolia Room from 9 to 6 daily.

Audry Deal is a ceramic and mixed-media artist, whose work focuses on endangered plant species and problems facing our botanical ecosystems. She is based out of Nashville, Tennessee, and has exhibited throughout the United States and in Germany. A percentage of all sales benefits the Gardens.

Name your price cat special at the Village Animal Shelter

Maya is a one and a half year old spayed female Tortie. May is ready for a nice friendly lap.

Nadia is a two year old spayed female domestic short-haired tabby. Nadia is friendly and needs to get a forever home as soon as possible.

Name your price cat special: Name your price over $10 for each cat over one year old, while supply lasts.

Prescribed burns today

National forest fire managers are currently conducting prescribed burns in the Ouachita and Ozark-St. Francis National Forests. The Jessieville/Winona/Fourche Ranger Districts are burning 202 acres in Montgomery County near Fannie. The Caddo/Womble Ranger District is burning 151 acres in Garland County in the vicinity of Bear. The Mena/Oden Ranger District is burning 255 acres in Polk Count.

Dallas Brass best show I've seen in years

Sales were kind of slow this year for season subscriptions for the Hot Springs Village Concerts Association. Some people just weren’t excited about the selections this year. If last night’s performance of the Dallas Brass was any indication of what is to come, pull out your credit cards and buy your season before the end of this week.

I have to admit, I was not very excited about going to last night’s concert, all brass, ho hum. I had to drag my husband kicking and screaming. We should have known better. We are friends with jazz trombonist Steve Suter and I have learned to appreciate trombones through his performances and his group Bonerama. But still, how many Steve Suter’s can there be?

Let me tell you, brass players can be exceedingly talented, thoroughly entertaining, campy and funny. D. J. Barraclough, Juan Barrios, Paul Carlson and Luis Araya under the direction of trombonist Michael Levine rock. They also swing and salsa with flair.

Last but not least is percussionist, Ryan Burd. He was unbelievable. My husband told me he was going to have nightmares after the concert. I fell for it and asked him why and he said even when he was Burd’s age he never played the drums that well and my husband Lee has his undergraduate and master’s from the prestigious Julliard School of Music and was the original drummer of Man of La Mancha on Broadway. Very high kudos from him.

Last night was Burd’s first performance with Dallas Brass. He went to Armstrong Atlantic State for his undergraduate and got his masters at the University of North Texas. Two weeks after graduating this summer and moving to Chicago he got the call to join Dallas Brass.

Although the group has its roots in Dallas, none of the current players live in the Dallas area. They come together to perform from Minnesota (Levine), Utah (Barraclough), Puerto Rico (Barrios), Illinois (Carlson and Burd) and Costa Rica (Araya).

I will guarantee you will enjoy the Dallas Brass form the opening strains of Hoedown from Aaron Copeland’s Rodeo to the encore featuring snippets from 34 recognizable tunes. Yes, there will be an encore; you won’t be able to stop clapping for these guys.

Those of us in the Tuesday night audience got a special treat; teens from the Jessieville and Fountain Lake School Districts attended a workshop just prior to the concert and stayed for the show. Their enthusiasm was contagious when Burd finished a particularly difficult solo we all cheered like teenagers. Fun, fun, fun.

These talented musicians show agility, depth and lightness covering many styles throughout the evening. The concert is also an educational experience; Levine gives brief history lessons on American music between each set. There is so much I can say about each of these gifted musicians and their choice of pieces but I will leave it here and let the show unfold before you. Enjoy.

The rest of the Concerts’ Association’s season includes Almost Elton John, Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack, Irish Sopranos and Hotel California. I can’t wait.

Prescribed burn around Iron Springs today

If you smell smoke today, there is a controlled burn by the Jessieville/Winona/Fourche Ranger Districts in the vicinity of Iron Springs. The fire will cover 191 acres.

A prescribed fire is one ignited by highly trained fire personnel under specified fuel and weather conditions to achieve specific resource objectives.

New at the Village Animal Shelter

Copper is a two year old neutered male Cocker Spaniel. Copper is housebroken, a handsome fellow.

Daphne is a one and a half year old spayed female domestic short hair, a real diva.

Maya is a one and a half year old spayed female Tortie, friendly, wanting a comfy lap.

Lily is a one year old spayed female hound mix. A real lady, housebroken and good with children.

Tig is a four year old neutered male Tabby. Front declawed, a gentle big boy.

All the above are available at the Hot Springs Village Animal Welfare League 915-9337.

SPECIAL PRICING ON ADULT CATS   ( over 1 year)  ADOPTIONS:  NAME YOUR OWN FEE!!  ($10 minimum).

October events in the Village

Great music, fabulous food and “scary” thrills among the upcoming events set for October in the Village.

An Evening of Patsy Cline will be held at 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the Coronado Community Center. The event features the legendary country star’s hits, performed by Donna Henderson. Tickets are $10.

Polka the night away at the POA Oktoberfest celebration, set for Thursday, Oct. 18 from 6 to 9 p.m. The event, featuring a live Polka band, games, traditional Oktoberfest food and a full bar with German beer, will be held on the Coronado Community Center Patio. Tickets are $5.00 in advance and $10 at the door.

Do the Hustle for Your Health: Disco to the Health Fair, a community-wide health fair will be held Oct. 24 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Coronado Community Center.

Bring the kids to the Children’s Halloween Carnival, set for Oct. 27 from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Ponce de Leon Center. The event, is for ages 12 and under, will include carnival games, candy, a moon bounce, pumpkin decorating, a haunted house and more. Wear your favorite Halloween costume.

Car hits Fuel Stop

About 10:30 this morning, September 20, a woman Village driver hit the accelerator instead of the brakes at the Fuel Stop on Balearic. She drove into the Fuel Stop parking lot and hit another car before barreling into the building just two inches from the propane dispenser. Her car hit the building with such force the front doors are now out of alignment. Many items in the cooler were destroyed.

The woman was checked out by the ambulance crew and was uninjured. Village police gave her a ride home. Shell Wrecker service picked up her car within minutes of it being pulled out of the building.

Special AWL meeting today

Just a reminder that the Town Hall Meeting for the Animal Welfare League is today at 1 p.m. at the Coronado Center.

DANCING WITH THE VILLAGERS

Tickets are on sale now for the fall benefit evening for the shelter pets at Company's Comin' and the Dogwood Tree. You can also order tickets by phone from Julie Keck 915-9986. Don't wait to get yours....seating is limited.

The event committee has a wonderful evening planned that features

• dancing to the music of the Village Big Band
• dance demonstration by Arthur Murray dancers
• Village couples competing in a dance contest. The contestants who raise the most money at a dollar-a-vote will be the winners of the Peoples' Choice trophy. The shelter pets are the winners of the proceeds. The audience can vote with either cash or check.
• catered heavy hors d' oeuvres buffet and cash bar
• benefit drawings for $500, $350 or $150 cash prizes and $100 Cranford shopping certificates or an annual membership for Garvan Gardens. Need not be present to win. Benefit tickets will be available during the evening @ $1.00 each or 6/$5.00.

Join the AWL for a "casual chic" evening to raise funds for the pets that are waiting for homes.

Tickets are $20.00 ea. They will be available at the Town Hall meeting on Sept. 20.

Dan West comes from the past to speak to the Heifer Club in Hot Springs Village

The Hot Springs Village Heifer Club is meeting Wednesday, September 26. The club will have a special visitor from the past at their meeting. Mr. West died in 1971. Dan West, founder of Heifer International, will talk about how Heifer got started. Members are asked to bring guests to learn about why the club hosts the Living Gift Market every November. Anyone who is wondering what Heifer is about is welcome. The meeting starts at 2 p.m. in the conference room of the Kirk Presbyterian Church, 275 Asturias Drive. For more information, call Jane Parker, 922-3355.

 

Arrest in Hot Springs, cruelty to animals

According to Lt. James “Corky” Martin of the Garland County Sheriff’s Department, on September 17 there was a house fire at 317 North Gate in Garland County, 28 cats were found deceased and 11 were still alive. The 70 West Fire Department responded to the structure fire.

Once the fire was extinguished firefighters noticed several dead cats. Animal Services responded and took possession of the 11 live cats and collected 28 dead cats. The live cats were taken to a veterinarian for treatment. Cruelty to animals was suspected.

The alleged perpetrator is an employee of the Sheriff’s Department, employed in the detention center. The case was investigated, no charges were filed until September 20. The charges considered were cruelty to animals or animal neglect.

A warrant was issued September 20 for David Smith for 39 misdemeanor counts each of cruelty to animals and violation of the Arkansas rabies act. He turned himself and was released on a $1,000.00 bond.

The case ran its course, just like any case even though a Garland County Sheriff’s Department employee was believed to be involved, and it was presented to the prosecutor for determination of charges.

Villager Char Blue had an early morning appointment yesterday, outside the west gate of the Village. Following her appointment she decided to get in a little shopping at Company’s Comin’s, behind Cranford’s. She parked her 2005 Chrysler Town and Country van in front of Company’s Comin’ near La Petite Bistro and went inside. A few minutes later someone came in to warn the owner of the van that it was on fire. It looked like the fire originated in the engine compartment and quickly spread to the rest of the van.

Mrs. Blue said the brakes had not seemed quite right when she parked the van but had no idea why the van caught fire.

There was smoke damage at Company’s Comin’ but the firemen ran industrial fans in the business to try and mitigate the damage. Company’s Comin’ also had cracked front windows from the intensity of the fire. Soffit blistered, smoked and dropped from building ceiling because of the close proximity of the fire.

Malcom and Melinda Bickford own both Company’s Comin’ and La Petitie Bistro right next door. Melinda Bickford said it took 15 minutes before any fire company arrived. Fire trucks responded from Fountain Lake and Jessieville. At one point she said she was so concerned for her businesses that she called the Village fire department and begged them to respond to the fire. She was told the request had to come from a responding fire department. According to Bickford, one of the responding firemen told her the Village was given two requests to respond.

Both businesses are open and seeing customers. Mrs. Blue's husband picked her up and her insurance agent was on the job within minutes.

School board election today

Both Fountain Lake and Jessieville School Districts have board member elections today, September 18. Becky Furnas is running unopposed in Fountain Lake. Incumbent Charles Williams faces challenger Chad Noles in Jessieville.

Fountain Lake voting sites include the Fountain Lake School, Village Bible Church, Crows Fire Station and Balboa Baptist Church.

Jessieville voting sites include Jessieville Baptist Church, Rock Springs Baptist Church and the Unitarian Universalist Church.

Get out and vote today.

Volunteer income tax assistance

Central Arkansas Development Council (CADC) will hold an orientation session for new and potential volunteers in the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) free tax assistance program. The session will be held Thursday, September 27 at 4 p.m.at the Elrod Center at Henderson State University, 311 6th Street in Arkadelphia. Call 870-867-0151 for more information.

At CADC tax sites, IRS-certified volunteer tax preparers work one-on-one with families and individuals to help file their tax returns and ensure that they receive the tax credits for which they qualify. The tax program orientation will provide an overview of the program and the free tax certification training required to volunteer as a tax preparer.

CADC partners with the Internal Revenue Service to provide free tax preparation and promote the Earned Income Tax Credit to low- and moderate-income families in Central and South Arkansas. The free tax sites also utilize E-file, which allows customers to receive their refunds in 8 to 10 days.

CADC sponsored a site at Henderson State University Huie Library in 2012. The site assisted 55 taxpayers, who received over $46,661 in Earned Income Tax Credit and over $105,800 in federal income taxes. Overall, CADC assisted over 2,900 persons in 12 counties file their federal and state taxes. Those customers received over $1.01 million in Earned Income Tax Credit and an additional $3.4 million in federal return dollars.

CADC is a nonprofit community action agency that was formed in 1965 to fight and win the “War on Poverty.” The mission of CADC is to improve the quality of life and build strong communities in Arkansas. For more information on becoming a tax volunteer, contact CADC at 870-867-0151.

Give blood for National Liver Awareness Month

October is National Liver Awareness Month, and the American Red Cross reminds eligible blood donors that organ transplant patients often rely on donated blood. Liver transplant patients may need 30 or more different blood products during surgery. In fact, two liver transplant patients at a hospital served by the Red Cross were recently treated with a combined total of 40 pints of red blood cells and 30 pints of plasma.

Liver transplants are the second most common transplant in the U.S., following kidney transplants. According to the American Liver Foundation, more than 6,000 liver transplants are performed every year in the U.S.

All blood types are currently needed, especially O negative, B negative and A negative. Type O negative, the universal blood type, can potentially be transfused to patients with any blood type.

There are a variety of ways to help protect your liver from disease. The American Liver Foundation offers these simple tips: Eat a healthy diet low in fatty foods, limit alcohol intake, manage medications appropriately and limit contact with toxins. For more information, visit liverfoundation.org.

Upcoming blood donation opportunities:

Clark County
Oct. 5 from 1-5 p.m. at Walmart, 109 Malone in Arkadelphia, Ark.
Oct. 6 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Curtis Fire Department, 3883 Central Road in Gurdon, Ark.

Cleburne County
Oct. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Heber Springs High School, 800 W. Moore in Heber Springs, Ark.
Oct. 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Quitman High School, Highway 25 North in Quitman, Ark.
Oct. 12 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Westside High School, 7295 Greers Ferry Road in Greers Ferry, Ark.

Conway County
Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at University of Arkansas Community College, 1537 University Blvd. in Morrilton, Ark.
Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at University of Arkansas Community College, 1537 University Blvd. in Morrilton, Ark.
Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at University of Arkansas Community College, 1537 University Blvd. in Morrilton, Ark.
Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at University of Arkansas Community College, 1537 University Blvd. in Morrilton, Ark.
Oct. 14 from 12:30-5:30 p.m. at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, 896 Highway 92 in Plumerville, Ark.
Oct. 15 from 3-7 p.m. at Conway County Community Center, 1307 N. Business Highway 9 in Morrilton, Ark.

Drew County
Oct. 3 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at University of Arkansas, Highway 425 South in Monticello, Ark.
Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at University of Arkansas, Highway 425 South in Monticello, Ark.

Faulkner County
Oct. 1 from 3-7 p.m. at Walgreen’s, 850 Oak St. in Conway, Ark.
Oct. 2 from 2-5 p.m. at IC Corp., 751 S. Harkrider in Conway, Ark.
Oct. 2 from 8-11 a.m. at American Management Corp., 624 Front St. in Conway, Ark.
Oct. 4 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Mayflower High School, 10 Leslie King Drive in Mayflower, Ark.

Grant County
Oct. 6 from 1:30-6 p.m. at Sheridan Courthouse, 101 W. Center in Sheridan, Ark.

Hot Spring County
Oct. 11 from 1:30-6 p.m. at Arbor Oaks Healthcare & Rehab Malvern, 105 Russellville Road in Malvern, Ark.

Howard County
Oct. 9 from 3-7 p.m. at Centerpoint Community Center, 210 N. Centerpoint St. in Nashville, Ark.

Jefferson County
Oct. 1 from 2-7 p.m. at American Red Cross Blood Center, 1610 W. 42nd St. in Pine Bluff, Ark.
Oct. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at H.O. Clemmons Arena, 1500 L.A. Prexy Davis Drive in Pine Bluff, Ark.
Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross Blood Center, 1610 W. 42nd St. in Pine Bluff, Ark.
Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Simmons First National Bank, 501 Main St. in Pine Bluff, Ark.
Oct. 15 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross Blood Center, 1610 W. 42nd St. in Pine Bluff, Ark.

Lonoke County
Oct. 15 from 1-6 p.m. at First Baptist Church, 204 N. Third St. in Cabot, Ark.

Ouachita County
Oct. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Southern Arkansas University Tech College, 100 Carr Road in Camden, Ark.
Oct. 10 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Bearden High School, 635 Plum in Bearden, Ark.

Pope County
Oct. 1 from 1-6 p.m. at Russellville Blood Donation Center, 1003 W. Main in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 2 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Russellville Blood Donation Center, 1003 W. Main in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Arkansas Tech University, Room 233 of Doc Bryan Student Services, in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 3 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Russellville Blood Donation Center, 1003 W. Main in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Arkansas Tech University, Room 233 of Doc Bryan Student Services, in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 4 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Russellville Blood Donation Center, 1003 W. Main in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 5 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Russellville Blood Donation Center, 1003 W. Main in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 6 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Russellville Blood Donation Center, 1003 W. Main in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 8 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Russellville Blood Donation Center, 1003 W. Main in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 9 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Russellville Blood Donation Center, 1003 W. Main in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Russellville Blood Donation Center, 1003 W. Main in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Russellville Blood Donation Center, 1003 W. Main in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 12 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Russellville Blood Donation Center, 1003 W. Main in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 12 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Saint Mary’s Hospital, 1808 W. Main in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Russellville Blood Donation Center, 1003 W. Main in Russellville, Ark.
Oct. 15 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Russellville Blood Donation Center, 1003 W. Main in Russellville, Ark.

Pulaski County
Oct. 1 from 1-6:30 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 2 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 2 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross Blood Center, 4548 JFK Blvd. in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 3 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 4 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 4 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Federal Building, 700 W. Capitol in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 5 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 5 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Federal Bureau Investigation, 24 W. Shackleford Blvd. in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 5 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross Blood Center, 4548 JFK Blvd. in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 6 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Asbury United Methodist Church, 1700 Napa Valley Drive in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 7 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 8 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at eStem Public Charter High School, 123 W. Third St. in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 8 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 9 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross Blood Center, 4548 JFK Blvd. in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 10 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Arkansas State Highway & Transportation, 10324 Interstate 30 in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 10 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 11 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Department of Human Services, 700 Main St. in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 11 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Freeway Medical Building, 5800 W. 10th St. in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 11 from 12-5 p.m. at Euronet Worldwide, 17300 Chenal Parkway in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 12 from 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 12 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at American Red Cross Blood Center, 4548 JFK Blvd. in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 13 from 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 13 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Mark Baptist Church Family Life Center, 5722 W. 12th St. in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.
Oct. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sylvan Hills High School, 484 Bear Paw Road in Sherwood, Ark.
Oct. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Sylvan Hills High School, 484 Bear Paw Road in Sherwood, Ark.
Oct. 15 from 9:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Little Rock Blood Donation Center, 401 S. Monroe in Little Rock, Ark.

Saline County
Oct. 2 from 1-5:30 p.m. at Walmart, 17309 Interstate 30 West in Benton, Ark.
Oct. 6 from 12-4 p.m. at Enterprise Lanes Benton, 1515 Military Road in Benton, Ark.
Oct. 14 from 12-5 p.m. at Spring Creek Baptist Church, 19200 Interstate 30 in Benton, Ark.

Union County
Oct. 15 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at El Dorado High School, 2000 Wildcat Drive in El Dorado, Ark.

White County
Oct. 2 from 12-6 p.m. at American Red Cross Blood Center, 1120 S. Main St. in Searcy, Ark.
Oct. 5 from 12-6 p.m. at American Red Cross Blood Center, 1120 S. Main St. in Searcy, Ark.
Oct. 9 from 12-6 p.m. at American Red Cross Blood Center, 1120 S. Main St. in Searcy, Ark.
Oct. 12 from 12-6 p.m. at American Red Cross Blood Center, 1120 S. Main St. in Searcy, Ark.

How to Donate Blood

Simply call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767) or visit redcrossblood.org to make an appointment or for more information. All blood types are needed to ensure a reliable supply for patients. A blood donor card or driver’s license or two other forms of identification are required at check-in. Individuals who are 17 years of age (16 with parental permission in some states), weigh at least 110 pounds and are in generally good health may be eligible to donate blood. High school students and other donors 18 years of age and younger also have to meet certain height and weight requirements.

About the American Red Cross

The American Red Cross provides shelter, food and clothing to victims of disasters; supplies more than 40 percent of the nation’s blood; teaches lifesaving skills; ministers international humanitarian aid; and supports military members and their families. The Red Cross is a not-for-profit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or join our blog at blog.redcross.org.