Villager perishes in house fire

Ricky Middleton, interim director of the department of public safety, Hot Springs Village POA, announced a residential fire at 22 Delgado Lane in the Village. Yesterday, Wednesday, November 28, at 4:06 a.m. the Village police and fire departments responded to 22 Delgado Lane.

Upon arrival the residence was totally engulfed with flames and as a result the residence was a total loss. It was discovered the owner of the residence, Ray Record, age 90, had perished in the fire.

While the exact origin of the fire is unknown at this time, there were no signs of foul play.

Mr. Record's daughter was notified of his death yesterday afternoon.

This week at the Village Animal Shelter

Melanie is a domestic short hair black, spayed female, about 18 months old. Melanie is very friendly to all and gets along well with other cats.

Cameron is a neutered male; Brindle/white terrier mix, about 23 pounds, 6 months old, very playful boy; beautiful green eyes; walks well with a harness.  Very loveable and playful pup. 

Road closure in Hot Springs

Helen Street from Summer Street to Seventh Street will be closed to through traffic until Friday, November 30 for a gas line construction project.

 

Signs will be posted, and motorists will need to seek an alternate route during closure.

Water fountain closed for a few days in Hot Springs

The jug fountain at Hill Wheatley Plaza will be closed from 7 a.m. today, Wednesday, November 28 through 9 a.m. on Friday, November 30 for repairs by the Parks Maintenance Department.

Cooking at National Park Community College

Students in the Intro to Food Preparation I class at National Park Community College pose during International Soup Day. This annual event gives the students an opportunity to use what they’ve learned over the semester regarding knife skills, herbs, spices, stocks, and sauces, to create a soup. Faculty and staff on campus were invited to the tasting. Some of the soups included were: Broccoli Cream, Vegetable Beef, Cheddar and Bacon Potato Chowder, Beef Consommé, Peach Mango Yogurt, Curry Cauliflower, Smoked Turkey Chowder, Butternut Squash Tomato Basil, Puree of Split Pea, French Onion, Potato Sausage Toscana, Matzo Ball, Chicken Noodle, Chicken Fajita, Vegetable Chicken, Menudo, and Chicken Gnocchi. 

Board budget meeting in Hot Springs

The Hot Springs Board of Directors will hold a budget work session beginning at 4 p.m. today, Wednesday, November 28, in the City Hall Board Chambers, 133 Convention Boulevard.

Lower airfares locally

SeaPort Airlines has lowered its fares on its scheduled service to three Arkansas communities: El Dorado, Harrison, and Hot Springs. With the new fares, which are available for sale beginning November 26, travel between these communities to other destinations served by SeaPort Airlines ranges from $39 to $249 each way, including all applicable taxes and fees.

 

The new fares represent an evolution of the pricing structure that SeaPort introduced last spring, which included four branded fares: FullFlex, Free2Flex, Flex4Fee, and NoFlex.

 

SeaPort Airlines is also offering a holiday fare sale in Hot Springs. Available now for travel from December 1 through 31, the sale includes a $39 fare between Hot Springs and Dallas and a $29 fare between Hot Springs and Memphis. Both fares include all taxes and fees. This fare requires a three day advance purchase and seats are limited. It may only be refunded or changed within 24 hours of payment for reservation. Passengers can book their reservations online at www.SeaPortAirlines.com, or by calling 888-573-2767.

Grant for Glenwood Senior Activity Center

The Central Arkansas Development Council Glenwood Senior Activity Center was recently awarded a grant in the amount of $2,852 from West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District (WCAPDD). The grant will be used to make improvements to the parking lot area of the CADC Glenwood Senior Activity Center.

The WCAPDD General Improvement Fund grant program provides funding for community and economic development projects within its ten county service area. The Arkansas House of Representatives appropriated funding to WCAPDD for the grant program to assist local communities with their community and economic development needs.

Dwayne Pratt, WCAPDD Executive Director, commented, “West Central Arkansas Planning and Development is happy to be able to provide funding assistance for these improvements to the senior center, which will allow for much needed repairs to the parking area. The GIF program is supported by Rep. Randy Stewart and the Arkansas House of Representatives and is working to fund much needed community development projects throughout our ten county service area.”

Rep. Stewart added, “I am happy to be able to support our local senior activity center to provide a more suitable parking area for the senior adults who utilize the center and benefit from the services they provide. I appreciate Pike County Judge Don Baker for his willingness to help with this project by providing equipment and materials."

CADC is a private nonprofit community action agency formed in 1965 to fight and win the War on Poverty. The mission of CADC is to improve the quality of life and to build strong communities in Arkansas. For more information, contact Larry Cogburn at 501-778-1133 or visit www.cadc.com.

Get your tickets to HSV Players' A Christmas Carol

Just a reminder, tickets are on sale now for "A Christmas Carol"! Beloved characters include "Scrooge" (Anthony Nicolosi), "The Ghost of Marly" (Jack Larson), the "Nephew" (Glen Robertson), the "Neice" (Cheryl Robertson), the "Ghost of Christmas Past" (Sandy Johansen), the "Ghost of Christmas Future (Connie Weidert", and a host of others who will bring this timeless Christmas story to life for you!

Tickets can be purchased on-line on the POA web-site or in person at the Coronado Center office from 9:00AM - 2:00PM, or at the Woodlands Auditorium office (across the portico from the theater) from 9:00AM - 2:00PM. Show times are Friday, December 7th (7:00PM), Saturday the 8th (7:00PM), and a Sunday Matinee on the 9th at 2:00PM. Get your tickets now as they are going quickly, and invite some friends! I'll see you there!

Events to support at Village venues

At the Woodlands

12/1, Arkansas Symphony Orchestra presented by the Hot Springs/Village Symphony Guild, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $25.00 for reserved seating and are available online at www.hsvticketsales.com. Tickets are going fast.

12/3, Cedar Mountain Singers, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 general admission and must be purchased from a member of the chorus.

12/7, A Christmas Carol, presented by the Hot Springs Village Players, 7:00 p.m. Tickets are reserved seating and are $12.00 for Adults and $8.00 for Children. Tickets are available online at www.hsvticketsales.com.

12/8, A Christmas Carol, presented by the Hot Springs Village Players, 7:00 p.m. Tickets are reserved seating and are $12.00 for Adults and $8.00 for Children. Tickets are available online at www.hsvticketsales.com.

12/9, A Christmas Carol, presented by the Hot Springs Village Players, 2:00 p.m. Tickets are reserved seating and are $12.00 for Adults and $8.00 for Children. Tickets are available online at www.hsvticketsales.com.

12/11, Village Chorale Christmas Concert, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 general admission and are available from members of the chorus or while supplies last in the office at Ponce de Leon Center.

12/13, Kiwanis of Greater Hot Springs Village presents the Hot Springs Concert Band Holiday Concert, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $10.00 for general admission and are available online at www.hsvticketsales.com.

At the Coronado Community Center

12/3, Crystal Chimes presents Cocoa, Cookies and Carols for two shows at 10:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Tickets are $8.00 general admission and are available from members of the chorus or online at www.hsvticketsales.com.

12/4, Merry Mixers New Years Eve Ticket Sales, 8:30 a.m. Tickets are $40 per person

12/7, Lion’s Club Bingo, 6:30 p.m.

Veterans employment bill amendment

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR) and Mike Johanns (R-NE) filed an amendment to the Defense Authorization designed to clear hurdles for returning veterans in search of civilian jobs. The amendment, Helping Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans Return to Employment (HIRE) at Home Act, encourages states to consider the training service members receive during active duty when determining eligibility for state licenses and certifications. 

“Many veterans have already demonstrated proficiency through military training and experience, and they have done so while performing in a war zone,” Pryor said. “Our bipartisan bill would encourage states to consider service members’ experience so we can eliminate the expensive and time-consuming hurdles service members often face as they re-enter the workforce.”

Johanns, a member of the Veterans’ Affairs Committee, said, “Many of our servicemen and women perform technical jobs like operating heavy machinery or serving as a paramedic, and do so with great skill in a demanding environment. Yet when their tour of duty is complete, they often find they don't meet the certification requirements outlined by state licensing agencies to do the same job at home. Our amendment seeks to do away with this common yet unnecessary hurdle that often stands between veterans and civilian employment. Helping our returning veterans find good jobs here at home is a small gesture of thanks compared to what they have done to protect our freedoms.”

The unemployment rate of post-9/11 veterans is 10 percent and more than 15 percent for female veterans – rates well above the national average – according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The Pryor-Johanns measure will help clear obstacles for veterans who are looking for work as well as provide tailored job searching assistance for returning veterans.

The Department of Defense (DoD) released a report identifying several education and training issues it hopes to resolve, including having military training pre-approved within state credentialing options. HIRE at Home would use existing federal funds available through the Disabled Veterans’ Outreach and Local Veterans’ Employment Representative programs to coordinate this process between DoD and state agencies.

National Park Community College news

The Phi Theta Kappa Induction Ceremony at National Park Community College will be held on Friday, November 30, at 7:00 p.m., on campus in the Eisele Auditorium in the Frederick M. Dierks Center for Nursing and Health Sciences.

The guest speaker will be Alex Smith, Oklahoma/Arkansas Region of Phi Theta Kappa Vice President.

Sixty-three new inductees will be recognized for their hard work, dedication, and academic success. 

Road closing in Hot Springs

Main Street in Hot Springs, between West St. Louis Street and Lexington Street south to the railroad tracks will be closed to through traffic all day today, Wednesday, November 28 for a manhole replacement project.

 

Signs will be posted, and motorists will need to seek an alternate route during closure.

Airport advisory committee meeting scheduled

The Airport advisory committee for the Hot Springs Airport will meet at 3:45 p.m., Thursday, November 29,  in the airport administrative conference room, 525 Airport Road. Items on the agenda to be considered for approval include a resolution involving a lease agreement with the city utility department and a resolution to adopt a general fuel pricing policy that repeals Resolution No. 7529.

Buy your lottery ticket today

The Powerball jackpot for Wednesday is being raised to $500 million annuity; $327 million CASH

As if $425 Million isn’t enough, the Arkansas Scholarship Lottery announced this morning that Wednesday night’s Powerball jackpot has jumped to $500 Million. When the jackpot rolled last Saturday, the Lottery publicized a $425 Million jackpot for Wednesday. This morning, after consultation with Powerball officials, it was revealed that heavy sales have pushed more dollars into the prize pool, increasing the jackpot to $500 Million. Even at $425 Million, this jackpot was the largest in Powerball history. 

“When these enormous jackpots occur, it is all good news for scholarships,” said Arkansas Lottery Director Bishop Woosley. “A game that delivers 40 per cent of its revenue to net proceeds—that’s the scholarship fund—is a game we want everyone to enjoy and play regularly. Powerball and Mega Millions are highly profitable for the students of Arkansas. This jackpot run, begun on October 4, will produce at least $3 Million for Arkansas scholarships from Powerball alone. The higher the jackpot, the more tickets we sell, and the faster the scholarship dollars pile up.” Woosley also expressed appreciation for Arkansas businesses who sell lottery tickets and for the clerks who work for them. “They are going to have two long days with this mind-blowing jackpot,” he said.

Prizes at this astonishing level are very rare, yet we’ve seen two in 2012. Everyone remembers the $640 Million Mega Millions jackpot in February, with players lining up around the block and traffic jams at state borders. This is only the seventh time the Powerball jackpot has exceeded $300 Million since the first ticket was sold in 1992. Between now and Wednesday night at 9 p.m., Arkansas players can spend $2 for a chance to win a heartstopping $500 Million.

But while unimaginable jackpots are rare, great prizes are not. “Powerball’s lower tier prizes are still pretty spectacular, especially if you spend an extra $1 for PowerPlay,” Woosley reminded players. On Saturday, he said, no one hit the jackpot but 11 people across America won $1 Million. One of those, who also bought the $1 PowerPlay, doubled his prize to $2 Million. Players who win $10,000 and have the PowerPlay option see their prize bumped up to $40,000. Since its inception, Powerball has paid out $19.9 Billion in prizes to lucky winners.

For those who’ve never played before, it’s easy. Just walk into any one of the 1900-plus lottery retailers and say, “I want a Powerball quick pick. Here’s $2.” If you want to pick your own numbers, think of 5 different whiteball numbers between one and 59 and one Powerball number between one and 35. Your Powerball number can be the same as one of your five whiteball numbers. Some people think it’s fun to pick their own numbers, but your odds of winning are the same when you use quickpick and let the computer pick for you.

The drawing at 9:59 p.m. Wednesday, broadcast by KARK in Little Rock, will reveal the six winning numbers. Results are announced by many television newscasts and newspapers throughout the state. The numbers can also be found at myarkansaslottery.com and at any Arkansas Lottery retailer. All Arkansans are reminded to play responsibly, for fun and with discretionary funds. Players must be 18 years or older to purchase lottery tickets in Arkansas.

Why eliminate A-10 mission in Fort Smith

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor and John Boozman joined Congressmen Rick Crawford (AR-1), Tim Griffin (AR-2), Steve Womack (AR-3), Mike Ross (AR-4), and Congressman-Elect Tom Cotton (AR-4) to seek answers from U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Welsh about the Air Force’s decision to eliminate the A-10 mission in Fort Smith.

In the letter, the delegation expressed frustration about the U.S. Air Force’s revised force structure proposal that would eliminate the A-10 mission at the 188th Fighter Wing. Since February, the delegation has repeatedly requested the military analysis, readiness study, and budget analysis that led to the Air Force’s decision, but they have yet to receive any detailed information. The delegation has also requested that General Welsh visit Fort Smith so he can see the 188th’s capabilities, readiness level, and superior airspace and facilities first-hand.

HSV Players looking for grips for next week's production

Needed three to four more grips, male or female, for A Christmas Carol.  Know this will require a commitment to rehearsals this week and next week as the grips are an integral part of the show and practice is necessary. If you are willing to make the commitment please contact Bill Jervis 922-3376 or w-jervis@sbcglobal.net.

Lilly back home with family

Lilly the standard French poodle that has been missing since November 1, has been reunited with her owners. Lilly had been seeking shelter around the Mountain Valley Water property. Lilly lost 10 pounds but is in good shape.

Her owners and many of their friends have spent countless hours looking for her never giving up hope of finding their beloved pet.

A big thank you to all keeping your eyes open in search of Lilly.

MPO meeting scheduled

The Hot Springs Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Policy Board will meet at 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 29 at the Transportation Depot, 100 Broadway Terrace. Items on the agenda include the Project Status Report, the Transportation Improvement Program Amendment, the Outcome of Active Living Workshop, conferences attended and other public business.  The public is encouraged to attend. For more information, contact MPO Study Director Dianne Morrison, 321-4804.

ADEQ hearing

The Arkansas department of environmental quality, ADEQ, will hold a public hearing in North Little Rock Dec. 17, to receive comments on the proposed renewal of the general permit for hydrostatic testing discharges. The hearing will begin at 2 p.m. in the Commission Room at the ADEQ Headquarters Building, 5301 Northshore Drive. The comment period for the proposal will end at 4:30 p.m. Dec. 17.

The general permit authorizes the discharge of fluids from hydrostatic testing to approved waters of the state. Members of the public seeking additional information on the proposed general permit renewal should contact Jessica Temple in the ADEQ Water Division, telephone 501-682-0621; E-mail, templej@adeq.state.ar.us.

Hydrostatic testing generally involves test operations performed on various conveyances used for the transport of liquids or gases, including, but not limited to, pipelines, flow lines, or storage tanks.

Oral and written comments on the proposal will be accepted at the hearing, but written comments are preferred in the interest of accuracy. Written comments on the proposal also may be submitted prior to the public hearing or until the 4:30 p.m., Dec. 17, deadline.

Written comments may be mailed to: Jessica Temple, Water Division, Arkansas department of environmental quality, 5301 Northshore Drive, North Little Rock, AR 72118. Electronic mail comments should be sent to the following E-mail address: Water-Draft-Permit-Comment@adeq.state.ar.us.

A copy of the proposed permit renewal may be viewed on the ADEQ’s web site at the following link: http://www.adeq.state.ar.us/water/branch_permits/individual_permits/pn_permits/pnpermits.asp

When the web page opens, ARG670000 should be entered in the Permit # box of the search page to access the draft permit renewal.

Meeting canceled

The Arkansas pollution control and ecology commission’s scheduled Dec. 7, meeting has been canceled. The next regular scheduled commission meeting is for Jan. 25. 

Mayhood announces changes in POA staffing and policies

Message from Linda Mayhood from the POA newsletter, SINCE I BEGAN SERVING as the POA interim general manager Oct. 30, I’ve certainly hit the ground running. One of the first items I wanted to tackle was the area of communications, especially related to property owners. The POA receives numerous emails and letters from members through the General Manager’s office. In an effort to respond to all in a timely manner, a process has been put in place to make sure all receive a prompt response.

POA Staff Changes

Following the retirement of Laroy Cornett on Nov. 9, Ricky Middleton has assumed the duties of the director of public safety on an interim basis until
further notice.

Steve White, director of planning and inspections, submitted his resignation effective Nov. 30. The position and structure of the department will be reviewed and a transition plan forthcoming in the next few weeks.

Dennis Eskew, water/wastewater superintendent has submitted his retirement resignation effective Dec. 31. Dennis has been with the POA for 36 years.

The POA has a great staff that is dedicated to serving the members and I am honored to work closely with them in the coming months on their projects.

Additionally, the general manager coffees, KVRE Thursday radio spots and other activities already in place will continue.

I appreciate all the POA staff and property owners support and encouragement during this transition period. It is in all of our best interests to work together to keep the Village financially sound, progressing and our community world class.

District 5 meeting scheduled

City Director Karen Garcia will host a District 5 community meeting at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 6 at the Forest Lakes Clubhouse, 305 Forest Lakes Boulevard. Interested residents are encouraged to attend and bring a neighbor. The guest speaker will be Acting Deputy City Manager Bill Burrough. For more information, contact Garcia, 318-9046 or kgarcia@cablelynx.com .

Christmas Memories in Hot Springs

The Hot Springs Parks & Recreation Department will host “Christmas Memories,” a family-friendly tree decorating event, from 6 to 8 p.m. during Gallery Walk on Friday, December 7 at Kenneth Adair Memorial Park, 358 Central Avenue.

Attendees are asked to bring an ornament to hang on one of five memorial trees in memory of loved ones who have passed, and those who are in active military duty. Parks & Recreation staff will be on hand, and Santa will entertain the children.

Ornaments may be picked up at the Parks & Recreation office, 111 Opera Street, after January 2. For more information, call 321-6871.

Wildwood Park news

ANNOUNCING MAGNIFICENT HOMES IN WILDWOOD'S ANNUAL 

 

Join us for holiday ideas, fun and decor demonstrations
as Wildwood presents fabulous Little Rock and North Little Rock homes for the tour! 

 

Saturday, December 8th, 10-4pm

Holiday Tour of Homes

Wildwood Park and event chairs, Kristen Vandaveer and Chris Olsen, have created a showcase of five beautiful homes for the Park's annual Holiday Tour. Home Hosts include:

 

Gayla and Dennis Jungmeyer
575 Silverwood Trail, North Little RockHoliday Decor Designed by: Kem Kimberling, Kimberling Interiors
Heather and Shane Morden
5320 Edgewood, Little Rock's Heights NeighborhoodHoliday Decor Designed by: Chris Olsen, Botanica Gardens 

Tiffany and Daniel Robinson
40 Edgehill Road, Little Rock's Heights Neighborhood
Holiday Decor Designed by: Robinsons and Tipton & Hurst
Elizabeth and Tom Small
4701 Hillcrest Avenue, Little Rock's Hillcrest NeighborhoodHoliday Decor Designed by: J Michael Jackson, J Michael Jackson Designs

Carol and Todd Witham
5 Deauville Circle in West Little RockHoliday Decor Designed by: Barry Smith and Julie Hobbs, Smith-Hobbs Interiors

Arkansas State Capitol:

Holiday Decor Designed by: Phil Cato, About Vase
As a special treat this year, guests will be able to enjoy Christmas decor at the Arkansas State Capitol at 500 Woodlane Avenue, during Holiday Tour of Homes hours. The Arkansas State Capitol is at its most beautiful during the Christmas season. Guests are asked to enter the State Capitol through the tunnel on the East side of the building. (The public is not required to purchase a Holiday Tour of Homes ticket to visit the Capitol Rotunda.)

 

In addition to the Tour Wildwood is also hosting a Private Preview Party and Holiday Designer Breakfast!

Friday, December 7th, 7-9pmPrivate Preview Party
Wildwood's Holiday weekend kicks off at the exquisite Hargis home at 40 Valley Club Circle. Prepare to be awestruck with the home's holiday glow designed by co-chair and renowned designer Chris Olsen. Enjoy an intimate evening with cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and entertainment. (The Hargis home will be exclusively shown for the Private Preview Party and will not be available for visits on Saturday's Tour of Homes.)
Saturday, December 8th, 9-10:30amHoliday Designer Breakfast at Wildwood Park
A new addition this year! Enjoy a wonderful spread and holiday decoration demonstrations by Little Rock's most notable designers including Tammy Copeland, Tom Chandler and Chris Olsen.

Tickets$75 Ticket includes Private Preview, *Breakfast and Tour
$50 Ticket includes *Breakfast and Tour
$25 Ticket includes Tour Only ($30 Day of Tour available at Homes to purchase)

*Breakfast reservations encouraged.

 

Purchase tickets online by visiting https://tickets.wildwoodpark.org/ or calling Wildwood at 501-821-7275.

Tickets are also available for purchase in-store at Botanica Gardens and Silks A Bloom.

 

Interested in volunteering and getting a FREE ticket to the Tour?
Wildwood would love your help! We are looking for volunteers for the below dates and times:

Friday, November 30th, 12-5pm Wildwood will be having a "Decorating Party" to get ready for the Holiday Tour of Homes Breakfast at Wildwood. Come for an hour or all five! We’ll have festive snacks and caffeine to give you that energy you need to hang the mistletoe!

We are also looking for volunteers for the Holiday Tour itself, Saturday, December 8th. The shifts are as follows:

Shift 1: 9:30-1pm
Shift 2: 1-4:30pmContact Kristi Davis, Resource Development Coordinator

at kristi@wildwoodpark.org or call 501-821-7275 ext 224
 

Wildwood's Holiday Tour of Homes Sponsors
 

Special Thanks:
Co-Chairs - Chris Olsen and Kristen Vandaveer
Breakfast Chairs - Martha Galek and Mary Wildgen
Mountain Valley Water, Tom Chandler, Tammy Copeland,
Botanica Gardens, Silks A Bloom, Life in Chenal and Arkansas Surgical Hospital  

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   NEWS HIGHLIGHTS

Annoucing Ashley Jenkins as Holiday House Drawing Winner 

Wildwood enjoyed taking part in Holiday House and meeting all those who entered into Wildwood's Holiday Tour of Homes drawing for 2 tickets to the Preview Party, Breakfast and Tour. Congratulations to Ashley and we hope all who entered join us for the Tour weekend!

Now Accepting Resumes for Instuctors 

Wildwood Park is currently accepting resumes for instructors interested in leading arts-based, nature-based and horticulture-based classes and summer camps. Please include a cover letter and personal teaching statement with your resume. Please submit application materials to Sheridan Posey at sheridan@wildwoodpark.org or mail to 20919 Denny Road, Little Rock, AR 72223.

Looking for space for your Holiday Party?

As the Holiday festivities approach and your event planning begins, keep Wildwood in mind. Spend the day surrounded by a 105-acre green space or an evening illuminated by Wildwood’s twinkle lights that brighten the paths around the building for a unique and merry celebration.

 

Wildwood offers many outdoor and indoor venues suitable for a variety of events. From our outdoor covered pavilion to our indoor theatre and lobbies, the Park provides a beautiful setting for your corporate Christmas party or holiday soiree.

Rates start at just $500. It is our pleasure to work with you to create an event that is both successful and unforgettable.

For more information about renting space at Wildwood Park contact Pittman Ware, Rentals and Facilities Coordinator, at pittman@wildwoodpark.org or call 501-821-7275 ext 225.

 

Dedicate a Tree at Wildwood

Dedicate a tree in celebration or in memory of a special person in your life. This is a unique holiday gift that grows stronger with time.

General manager coffees

The next Property Owners’ Association general manager coffee is set for Friday, Dec. 7 at 9 a.m. at the DeSoto club events center.

All Hot Springs Village residents and property owners are encouraged to attend this monthly meeting. These informal meetings, which are intended to improve communications with residents and property owners, are open to any topic attendees want to discuss with the general manager.

Beginning in January 2013, GM Coffees will be scheduled for the Thursday following the board work sessions at 3 p.m. at the Coronado Community Center with exception of July 4 (no coffee in July).

For more information, call 922-5530.

Newcomers' coffee

The Hot Springs Village Property Owners’ Association invites new residents to attend a newcomers' coffee, which will be held Thursday, Dec. 6 at 9 a.m. in the Ouachita Building of the Ponce de Leon Center.

Coffee and donuts will be available at 8:30 a.m. and presentations will begin at 9 a.m. The meeting gives new residents an opportunity to hear about the Property Owners’ Association, organizations and activities in Hot Springs Village.

The Ponce de Leon Center is at 1101 Desoto Boulevard. For more information, call 922-4231.

Hot Springs board meeting scheduled

The Hot Springs board of directors, Garland County Quorum Court, Planning Commission and Garland County Judge’s Study Committee will participate in a joint work session on the County-City Planning Area Study Group Recommendations at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, November 27 in the City Hall Board Chambers, 133 Convention Boulevard.  

Music Festival Chorus presents What Sweeter Music

Sunday December 2, the Hot Springs Music Festival Chorus will present a concert titled “What Sweeter Music!” beginning at 3 p.m. at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 228 Spring Street in Hot Springs. Advance purchase tickets are $10 general admission, $5 for students and are available by calling the Festival office at (501) 623-4763.

This exciting program will focus on music of English composers, specifically those who have written music for royal occasions. 2012 is the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II, so the concert will begin with “Zadok the Priest,” written by George Frederic Handel for the coronation of King George I in 1714. This work has been sung at the coronation of every English monarch since that time.

The Chorus will also present music by Ralph Vaughn Williams, Charles Hubert H Parry, and John Rutter. Audience participation on familiar tunes will be a part of the experience and several holiday selections will be offered.

Lynn Payette, Director of the Hot Springs Music Festival Chorus, lived and worked in London, England, for several years, and has participated in events where she played the organ for members of the Royal Family. She brings a level of understanding and experience with this magnificent choral music that is unique for many American choirs.

Seating is limited, so make your reservations early for this music of ceremony and celebration.

About the Hot Springs Music Festival:

First-of-its-kind in concept and execution, the Hot Springs Music Festival brings together over 200 international musicians each June in the historic spa resort of Hot Springs National Park.

The Festival, now in its eighteenth season, pairs world-class mentor musicians from major orchestras, chamber ensembles and conservatory faculties with especially talented preprofessional apprentices–all of whom receive full scholarship plus housing.

The two groups play “side by side” in orchestral, chamber, solo recital, vocal, choral and chamber opera repertoire. For two weeks, these musicians form a unique community, presenting over 20 concerts and 250 open rehearsals for music lovers from around the globe.

Over 10,000 people attended Festival events last year, and an additional 6.4 million heard its concerts on nationwide radio broadcasts. Visit www.hotmusic.org for more information, and mark your calendars for Season Eighteen, June 2 through 15.

Muses seventh annual Voices of Angels concert December 16 at Garvan Woodland Gardens' Anthony Chapel

On Sunday, December 16 at 3 p.m., The Muses Creative Artistry Project  presents its 7th annual “Voices of Angels” Christmas concert in Garvan Woodland Gardens’ Anthony Chapel. The concert is the final program of the 2012 subscription series “Four Seasons in Art & Song.” Audiences are invited to this vocally stunning and spiritually uplifting musical experience.
Each year since 2006, the Muses Creative Artistry Project has presented audiences with moving Sunday afternoon Christmas garden programs.

“Voices of Angels” is an afternoon interlude which transports listeners away from the stress and rush of hectic holiday schedules into an ethereal space, where everything that isn’t music is silence, where the mind quiets and pulses relax, and people remember why they celebrate this time of year.

The concert program features all-female voices, in ethereal combinations, joined by solo pianists and instrumentalists representing more than 400 years of musical style. Area college and high school vocalists will partner with the professional musicians, in selections ranging from Renaissance to gospel, and Baroque to jazz, expressing the Christmas narrative in magical, musical sounds of the season.

Tickets, $25 each, are available at the 3 Arts Café & Bookstore in the lobby of the Hale Bathhouse in downtown Hot Springs; online at www.themusesproject.org; or by calling the Muses, 501.463.4514. As a special promotion, tickets to the 2013 “Four Season in Art & Song” subscription series can be purchased with “Voices of Angels” tickets for only $100, making it a great Christmas gift for yourself or a loved one to enjoy throughout the coming year.

November seminars at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Better Ways to Light Up the Holidays
November 26
2:30 - 5:00 p.m. - Magnolia Room
When it comes to Holiday lights, nobody does it better than the folks at Garvan Woodland Gardens! Join Garden staff on November 26 from 2:30-5:00 p.m., to learn the most efficient ways to light up your landscape. The holiday season is full of decorations, and Garvan Woodland Gardens would like to share our journey in conserving energy while offering one of the best Holiday light displays in the state. This hands-on workshop is sure to send you home with better ways to decorate your home this season. After the workshop, stay and enjoy a stroll through the Holiday Lights display and experience our glowing winter wonderland, including the new 50-ft. tall animated Scheuck Steel Holiday Tree.

Chester Morphew, Holiday Lights Supervisor, James Scallion, Holiday Lights Coordinator, and Bob Byers, Associate Executive Director, will host this 2 1/2 hour workshop in the Magnolia Room. There will be a 30-minute introduction to how the Gardens has transformed its methods of lighting and how the changes have benefited the Gardens, including a behind the scenes "Then and Now" of our LED transition. At 3:00 p.m. the group will split into three groups and will go to 3 separate stations in the Gardens. Bob, James and Chester will each have a table set up with a demonstration. The groups will rotate stations every 20 minutes for a total of 1 hour. Each station will have a different kind of light and will demonstrate how to use each type of light; i.e., icicle lighting vs. rope lighting. At 4:00 p.m., a question/answer session will be opened to the workshop attendees. At the workshop conclusion, workshop participants can be the first that day to attend Holiday Lights; admission to this class includes admission into Holiday Lights.

Space is limited, and advanced registration is required. For reservations, please call 501-262-9613 or 800-366-4664. Cost is $20 for members and $30 for non-members.

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Gardening 101 Workshop – "Fall/Winter Walk"
November 29
3 p.m. - 5 p.m. – Garden Grounds
Join Associate Executive Director Bob Byers for a walk discovering the wonders of late fall and winter in the Gardens. Garvan Woodland Gardens has a special beauty in the winter. After your guided tour, stay to enjoy the annual Holiday Lights display. Holiday Lights come on at 5 p.m. nightly.

Cost is free to GWG members; regular admission to non-members. Pre-registration and pre-payment are required. To register, please call 501-262-9300/800-366-4664.

Ballet today at Garvan

Last Chance to Reserve Tickets for Ballet Arkansas Nutcracker Banquet on Sunday, November 18
26 tickets available for 11:30 a.m. showing  |  4 tickets available for 3 p.m. showing
All tickets INCLUDE admission to Holiday Lights on that day!
Call 501-262-9300  |  800-366-4664

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Ballet Arkansas Nutcracker Banquet
November 18
11:30 a.m. and 3 p.m. – Magnolia Room/Welcome Center
Join us for a fun luncheon with the dancers from Ballet Arkansas in The Nutcracker. The characters from The Nutcracker, in full costume, will present a short performance and read a portion of the ballet for all to enjoy. Lunch will be provided at the 11:30 a.m. showing, while tea sandwiches, desserts and refreshments will be provided at the 3 p.m. showing. Make sure you bring your camera–this is a photo opportunity you will not want to miss!

The cost is $30 for members, $40 for non-members, and $20 for children and includes Gardens admission to Holiday Lights for that day only. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Advance reservations and pre-payment are required and space is limited for each performance.

Call 510-262-9300/800-366-4664 to reserve your spot today. All proceeds benefit Garvan Woodland Gardens and Ballet Arkansas.

November is Adopt-a-Senior Pet Month

Here are two senior pets available from the Animal Welfare League at the Hot Springs Village Animal Shelter.

Babe is a spayed female Schnauzer/Poodle mix. Babe is six years old. Babe is crate-trained; sleeps all night. If you are looking for a cute and fluffy dog who loves attention and wants to be the only dog, Babe is for you.

OJ is a neutered male domestic long hair orange tabby OJ is four or five years old. OJ is declawed (indoor-only). OJ loves being in your lap and petted. OJ wants to be only cat so he can have all of your loving.

Bid meeting moved to Tuesday

The Hot Springs Village Water Plant Expansion Bid Opening Meeting has been moved to Tuesday, Nov. 27 at 2 p.m. at the Ouachita Building, Ponce de Leon Center. The meeting was originally set for Nov. 15.

Paron Elementary fourth graders get dictionaries

The Rotary Club of North Garland County Scenic 7 recently distributed dictionaries to each student in the fourth grade at Paron Elementary. The students were very excited to receive the valuable gifts.

As of last Friday water restrictions lifted in Hot Springs Village

The Property Owners’ Association has lifted the following water conservation restrictions: (1) odd/even – with odd numbered properties watering on odd calendar days and even numbered properties watering on even numbered days, and (2) landscape irrigation during non-daylight hours. Though the restrictions have been lifted, the POA requests residents continue to be good stewards of this valuable resource. Water consumption will be monitored daily and if necessary, the Property Owners’ Association may reinstate restrictions.

Christmas lights nightly at Garvan Woodland Gardens

The Hot Springs Village Big Band kicked off the season of lights in style at the Garvan Woodland Gardens' Anthony Chapel last night to a standing room only audience. Holiday lights abound at the Gardens with a few new displays for 2012.

Delay in County road repairs

The culvert repair scheduled for today on Thornton Ferry Road has been postponed until Monday, 8am to 2pm, due to a hit and run accident involving the construction crew and equipment. Although no injuries have been reported, damage has been sustained to the equipment.

The following vehicle is being sought in connection with the accident; 1989 Gray Ford pickup with Arkansas license number 542-JYP. The vehicle is reportedly owned by Steven Hudson. If you know the whereabouts of Mr. Hudson or see this vehicle, please contact the Sheriff's Office Dispatch Center at 501-622-3660.

Garland County road closed

Thornton Ferry Road will be closed today from West Mountain View to Shore Acres Drive, between the hours of 8 a.m. to 2 p.m., for culvert replacement. Traffic will be detoured around the work area. If possible, use an alternate route.

Culvert installation set for today in Village

Cranford Construction will be installing a culvert at the intersection of Ponce de Leon Drive and Highway 5, Thursday, Nov. 15. To complete the installation, the road will need to be closed at the intersection of Ponce de Leon Drive and Highway 5 from 8 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 15 to 6 a.m. Friday, Nov. 16. Signs are posted. Please use an alternate route during this time. For more information, contact the Property Owners’ Association Department of Public Works at 922-5524.

Philanthropist named Grand Marshal

Hot Springs philanthropist Dorothy Morris has been chosen as the Grand Marshal of the 2012 Oaklawn Rotary Christmas Parade, announced Shannon Carroll, parade chair. The parade will be held at 6:30 p.m. on Monday, December 3 in downtown Hot Springs. 

Morris’ charitable activities harmonize well with the parade theme of “Peace, Joy and Love.” When asked recently what she loves most about what she does, she replied, “Giving to improve the lives of others is simply a great joy.” Going beyond just charitable giving, Morris invests her energy, resolve, optimism, business expertise and passion for life in helping people and organizations throughout Hot Springs and the State of Arkansas. 
In 2008, Morris co-founded the Hot Springs Giving Circle, providing the opportunity for like-minded individuals to connect with one another to maximize their collective giving impact. Since its inception, the group has given nearly $330,000 to an array of local and state initiatives. Nationwide, there are more than 800 giving circles that grant about $100 million annually. 
A native of Hot Spring County and a graduate of Malvern High School, Morris enjoys focusing on people and organizations in Central Arkansas whose financial welfare and survival serve the needs of Arkansas as a whole. Her foundation has invested more than $1 million in the region, including Arkansas-based non-profit organizations such as UAMS and Arkansas Children’s Hospital in Little Rock, and Mercy Hospital, Levi Hospital and the Charitable Christian Clinic in Hot Springs. She has even been honored on numerous occasions for her generosity in bordering states. 
Morris currently serves on the board of directors for The Muses Creative Artistry Project, Hot Springs Community Foundation, Mid America Arts Alliance, KYE-YAC International, Hot Springs Giving Circle and the UAMS COM Board of Visitors. She serves on the advisory councils of the Hot Springs Musical Festival and MOCA. Her strong support of the St. Joseph’s Cooper-Anthony Child Advocacy Center, AETN (Linda Palmer’s Champion Tree Documentary), Charitable Christian Medical Clinic, Arkansas Rice Depot, Mid-America Science Museum, Heifer International, Arkansas School of Mathematics, Sciences and the Arts, and Garvan Woodland Gardens have helped those organizations grow and flourish. By providing seed money for scholarships and hosting fund raisers, she has sent numerous area students as youth ambassadors to Hanamaki, Japan, Hot Springs’ sister city. She was honored in June at a Governor’s Mansion gala for her philanthropic impact throughout Arkansas. She is the recipient of the Arkansas Cultural Enrichment Award, Association of Fundraising Professionals Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation Award, and the Governor’s Patron of the Arts Award.

Pryor, Ayotte applaud passage of SAFE web reauthorization, bill will protect American Ccnsumers from international online scams

U.S. Senators Mark Pryor (D-AR) and Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) applauded the passage of the SAFE Web Reauthorization, which is identical to legislation they authored to protect American consumers from spam, spyware, and other international fraud activities occurring over the Internet. The legislation will now head to the President for his signature. 

Pryor and Ayotte, who both serve on the Senate Commerce Committee, said their legislation will extend until 2020 current law enforcement tools used to combat global Internet scams. The bill will provide the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) with enforcement tools in five key areas: information sharing, investigative assistance, confidentiality, enhanced investigative and litigating tools; and enforcement relationships. Under the law, the FTC will be able to gather information and coordinate investigation efforts with foreign counterparts, as well as obtain monetary consumer redress in Internet fraud and deception cases.

“Today’s Internet scams are costing American consumers and businesses billions,” Senator Pryor said. “I’m pleased Congress passed this bipartisan legislation to help fight spam and other means of deception on an international scale.”

“As a former prosecutor and Attorney General, I worked closely with law enforcement officials to combat and prosecute fraud and scams,” said Senator Ayotte. “As we confront the growing problem of Internet crimes, this legislation will help ensure that the FTC has the necessary tools to protect American consumers and businesses from online predators abroad.”

According to the FTC, the number of consumer complaints against foreign businesses exceeded 100,000 in 2011 alone. SAFE WEB has enabled the FTC to pursue some of the most egregious cases, including over 100 investigations with international components such as foreign targets, evidence or assets.

Another water main break in Village

Water Main Break at Intersection of Minorca and Cortez Roads

A water main break occurred on November 14 at the intersection of Minorca and Cortez Roads. Water service has been disrupted to the following areas: Delavega, Ontur and Ensenada subdivisions as well as Good Samaritan Cedar Lodge. POA crews are on site making repairs and expect service to be restored later this evening.

The Rat Pack, live and in person at the Woodlands

WHOWEEEEE, what a show, Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show was fun, hilarious and strangely satisfying. Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis, Jr., Dean Martin and Joey Bishop stormed the Woodlands stage in Hot Springs Village and commanded the audience’s total attention while singing, dancing and zinging jokes saturated with sexual innuendo. My belly muscles got a total workout from deep, rich laughs in response to the witty repartee. I, like every member of the audience got lost in the illusion of the Rat Pack.

David DeCosta embodies Frank Sinatra. His chiseled Roman face makes it easy to believe Sinatra is back from heaven crooning his most popular tunes. DeCosta has the Sinatra mannerisms, classic blue-eyed stare, engaging talking voice and, of course, the dulcet tones that made Sinatra’s music unforgettable. DeCosta was simply Sinatra, no doubt about it. The second half of the show was heavy on Sinatra and totally satisfying.

Louie Velez stole my heart as Sammy Davis, Jr. Velez was always dancing just like Davis. Velez and Davis, both diminutive men with big voices. Velez was dead on Davis with no problem sustaining the character and making the audience believe he was Davis. Velez has the signature Davis vibrato down pat as well as every mannerism. He stole the show’s first half with his rendition of Will I Still Be Me? right before the intermission. Velez is a very high energy performer.

Tom Wallek as Dean Martin was charming. Like Martin, Wallek stroked his chest and strutted around the stage while talking and singing. Wallek is terribly good looking and sometimes I had to close my eyes to get the clearest picture of Martin. The sound was perfect. As the night moved on Wallek morphed into Martin more and more and there was no longer any difference in the way Wallek looked and believing he was Dean Martin. During the course of the show Wallek did other impressions as well, a very good mimic.

That brings us to the creator and co-producer of this gem of a show, Sandy Hackett. The first thing you heard out of audience members was, he’s Buddy Hackett’s son. Yes, tis true, and the voice of Buddy Hackett makes a brief appearance at the top of the show as God’s voice. Gone but not forgotten. But, from the moment Sandy Hackett takes the stage, he is Joey Bishop or as he refers to him off stage, Uncle Joey. As in real life, Bishop kept the shows moving with his deadpan humor and Hackett did the same thing. Hackett could heckle like the best of them. On opening night he wandered up from the audience in one number to heckle one stern-faced audience member, none other than our recently retired Director of the Department of Public Safety, A. Laroy Cornett. Less than a week ago Hackett could have been arrested by Cornett.

After intermission there is a very special number with the co-producer of the show, Sandy’s wife and the daughter of composer Ron Miller, Lisa Dawn Miller. This woman has a great set of pipes, a sultry alto, oh and did I mention she is gorgeous as well. She belts out a pitch-perfect Wasn’t I a Good Time as Frank’s lost love, probably Ava Gardner. Miller gives us a break from the all man show and gives purpose to Frank’s love songs. Although not integral to the Rat Pack, she is a much appreciated respite from the surplus of testosterone.

As the evening came to a close the couple in front of me turned and told me, “they’ll have to go far to beat this one, we think it was great.” Yes, it was everything I thought it could be and more. Go see Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show for a fun night of Vegas-styled entertainment. This was a show I wouldn’t mind seeing again in the future.

Thursday and Friday nights of the Concerts’ Association performances of Sandy Hackett’s Rat Pack Show are sold out but tickets might be available on the exchange at hsvtickets.com. Subscriptions are still available for the Concerts’ Association through its website at hsvconcertsassoc.org.

ASO Chamber Music Series

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra’s third concert of the Parker Lexus River Rhapsodies Chamber Music Series features two great masterworks of the chamber music repertoire. The concert will be held Tuesday, November 13 at 7 p.m. at the Clinton Presidential Center. 
The program features Trio Arkansas playing Ravel’s Piano Trio in A minor, which ASO Associate Conductor Geoffrey Robson says shows Ravel’s mastery of piano and string instruments, with impressionistic stylings and influences from the Far East. Next ASO’s resident Quapaw Quartet will perform Beethoven’s great quartet Op. 130/133, which Robson says is one of Beethoven’s late great works. “It is large scale, in six movements. The original last movement (Grosse Fuge) was replaced by a shorter, simpler movement after initial publication, but the Quapaw Quartet will perform the original version intact!” 
General Admission tickets for River Rhapsodies concerts are $22, and Student tickets are available for $10. Tickets can be purchased online at www.ArkansasSymphony.org, over the phone at (501) 666-1761 or at the door. 
Program Details 
MASTERWORKS 
Tuesday, November 13 at 7 p.m. 
Clinton Presidential Center 

Featuring

Quapaw Quartet

Eric Hayward, violin

Meredith Maddox Hicks, violin

Ryan Mooney, viola

David Gerstein, cello

Trio Arkansas

Louis Menendez, piano

Geoffrey Robson, violin

David Gerstein, cello

Program:

Ravel Piano Trio in A minor Menendez, Gerstein, Robson

Intermission

Beethoven String Quartet No. 13 in B-flat Major, Hayward, Hicks, Mooney, Gerstein
Op. 130 with Grosse Fuge

Arkansas Symphony Orchestra

The Arkansas Symphony Orchestra celebrates its 47th 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.

Hot Springs Historic District Commission meeting set

The Hot Springs Historic District Commission will hold a public hearing at 8:30 a.m. on Thursday, November 15 in the Board Chambers of Hot Springs City Hall, 133 Convention Boulevard. This hearing is to consider the following certificate of appropriateness requests. 

• Desoto Rock & Gift Shop, 201 Central Avenue - Request to install new business identification signs on storefront
• 221 Cottage Street - Request to demolish two structures located on this property
• 215 Cottage Street - Request to demolish the structure located on this property

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Christmas and Candlelight at Historic Washington State Park

After receiving “Special Event of the Year” award for the 25th Annual Christmas and Candlelight at Historic Washington State Park in 2011, only bigger and better things await those who will join the park for its 26th Annual Christmas and Candlelight which will be held December 1st and 8th 2012. The park will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. both days, but to enjoy the thousands of luminaries and special music you may want to wait until later in the afternoon to pay a visit. Tour locations and homes will be adorned in 19th century style decorations including natural handmade wreaths and swags tailored by park staff and volunteers the week of the event. Evening programming and tours begin at 1 p.m., lighting of the luminaries will happen at dark, and music from groups and choirs throughout the region will begin at 5 p.m.

The famous William’s Tavern Restaurant Christmas Buffet will be served for both lunch and dinner so you don’t have to miss out on that tasty tradition no matter what time you arrive for the event. Whether you choose to stroll the boardwalk streets or take a ride on the horse drawn surrey, you don’t want to miss bringing in the Christmas Season the old fashion way with Historic Washington State Park. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children (6 -12) plus tax, and may be purchased at a $1 discount when ordered prior to December 1st from South Arkansas Regional Archives by calling 870-983- 2633. You may also purchase tickets at regular price at Historic Washington State Park the night of the event. Begin your own Christmas tradition by joining Arkansas’s Premier Historical State Park only eight miles off I30 from Hope Arkansas in Southwest Arkansas. For more information contact Historic Washington at 870-983-2684, or HistoricWashington@Arkansas.com.

Potter's Clay fundraiser

The Hot springs Village Potter’s Clay auxiliary is celebrating their annual fall fundraiser, silent auction, luncheon and style show with Dawn Scott co-anchor for Today’s THV, KTHV, channel 11, Little Rock on Tuesday, Nov.. 13^th , 11 a.m. at the Austin Hotel, Hot Springs.  Tickets are $30 and can be purchased by calling Margaret Luchesi at 501-781-0055.

City board work session scheduled

The Hot Springs board of directors will hold a water update work session at 3:30 p.m. on Tuesday, November 13. The regular board agenda meeting will follow at 4 p.m.

Prairie Grove Battle Reenactment is Time Machine to the Civil War

By Jill M. Rohrbach, travel writer
Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Cannon fire and the cries of fallen soldiers will fill the air on Dec. 1 and 2 when Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Prairie Grove with a reenactment. Prairie Grove is recognized nationally as one of America's most intact Civil War battlefields.

Seeing the battle unfold before your eyes on the ground the men fought and died for is one of the best ways to obtain a true sense of the Civil War, Park Superintendent Jessee Cox says.

The Battle of Prairie Grove was the last time two armies of almost equal strength faced each other for supremacy in northwest Arkansas. When the Confederate Army withdrew from the bloody battlefield at Prairie Grove on the night of Dec. 7, 1862 it was clear Missouri and northwest Arkansas would remain in Federal hands.

“The once peaceful valley, now a field of carnage, was swept with shot, shell, grape, and canister. The shriek of the wounded and the groan of the dying often rose above the din of battle. The Borden Orchard...was the storm center around which the battle raged furiously. Charge after charge across the valley and up the hill on which was Borden’s house was made by the gallant boys in blue, only as often to be repulsed by the boys in gray,” wrote Charles W. Walker, 34th Ark. Infantry about the Battle of Prairie Grove.

The battle reenactment is scheduled for 1 p.m. each day on some of the same ground the armies fought over during the skirmish, which includes the Borden House and valley below. “We use the hillside as a natural amphitheater for viewing it,” Cox says. “So most of it takes place in the valley, but there are two charges up the hill toward the Borden House. The Confederates claimed the ridge. The Union approached the ridge from the valley and that’s the way it will play out.”

Union and Confederate troops will be dressed in uniforms and accouterments of authentic style and material. Weaponry used will include black powder rifles or muskets, carbines, shotguns, revolvers, swords, sabers, pistols and cannons. Infantry, artillery and mounted cavalry units will take part in the battle demonstration, which lasts about one hour and 15 minutes.

“For someone who has never been here before, one of the most impressive moments is the very beginning of the battle when there’s about 10 minutes of cannon fire from both sides, which is what happened except it was about 20 or 30 minutes,” Cox says. “So, that’s one good reason not to be late.”

The park hosts a battle reenactment every even-numbered year. Attendance by re-enactors and the public is expected to be large this year because it is the sesquicentennial celebration.

“We usually have about 700 to 800 re-enactors and we’re anticipating 1500 this year,” Cox explains. Authentic Confederate, Union and civilian camps will be set up, and the public is welcome to walk through them. Even medical personnel re-enactors immerse themselves in the staged demonstrations, tossing fake amputated limbs to the ground after operations. In addition to the battle reenactment, there will be many activities throughout the weekend, including various military drills, cooking, spinning, and lace making demonstrations and other living history programs. Some of these events will take place in the park’s Ozark Pioneer Village, which represents life in the Ozarks during that era. All the activities are free. The only cost associated with the event is $5 per vehicle for parking.

“Sutlers Row” will feature a number of vendors selling 19th century reproduction items such as uniforms and weapons, as well as books, and souvenirs. William L. Shea, author of “Fields of Blood, The Prairie Grove Campaign,” will hold a book signing both days. Cox adds that there will be a lot of memorabilia for the 150th anniversary available for people to purchase.

“A majority of the people come for the battle,” Cox says. “People probably need to come at least an hour in advance, maybe two.” He adds that there are plenty of activities for people to enjoy ahead of time, and that it takes time to park and walk to the site.

“On Saturday we usually have 3,500 spectators and we’re expecting 5,000 this year. Sunday is typically a little less but I don’t know if it will be this year,” Cox explains. “Of course, weather plays a role too.”

Camps will open at 9 a.m., closing at 5 p.m. on Saturday and 3 p .m. on Sunday. Concessions will be provided. Cox says local Boy Scouts serve breakfast of coffee and donuts and lunch consisting of something like soup and/or chili. There will also be a barbecue vendor.

The park’s Hindman Hall Visitor Center will open at 8 a.m. and contains exhibits, a gift shop and a book store. Recently renovated, Hindman Hall opened with new exhibits in June of last year. Cox says the exhibits are designed to give a timeline of Arkansas seceding to battles in this region to an overview of the Battle of Prairie Grove.

“These battles were some of the earliest,” he explains, referring to Wilson’s Creek by Springfield, Mo., the Battle of Pea Ridge and the Battle of Prairie Grove. “The Confederates had lost Missouri and were trying to get it back. They tried to take it back at Wilson’s, then at Pea Ridge, then here. This was the last one for northwest Arkansas. It shut the door on the Confederates trying to take Missouri back.”

“Even though it was a one-day battle, there were 22,000 men out here,” Cox says. There were about approximately 2,700 casualties. “This is the grand finale event for 1862. Two of the five years were over with after this event.”

Aside from special events such as this re-enactment, the park has a self-guided walking tour and a driving tour with a CD guide. There is a nominal fee to take a guided tour of the historic homes and structures of the pioneer village. Self-guided tours of the Hindman Hall exhibits are free. It also has a playground.

Prairie Grove Battlefield State Park closes one hour after sundown and the park museum is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Today, the park is a beautiful and serene setting, a stark contrast to the events that took place there. It is located on U.S. 62 in Prairie Grove. For more information, visit arkansasstateparks.com or call (479) 846-2990.

New digital magazine for Arkansan P. Allen Smith

November 11, 2012 - Award-winning designer, gardening and lifestyle expert P. Allen Smith announced the release of the first edition of his new digital magazine, P. Allen Smith’s Garden Home Style.

The online lifestyle publication highlights home and garden design and style ideas and will be released quarterly. Serving as an idea book for its readers, Garden Home Style focuses on themes of design, cook, create, shop and travel.

Smith says “I am thrilled to publish a magazine that offers readers ideas for creating a garden home lifestyle through decorating, gardening, cooking and entertaining. It’s equally exciting to offer Garden Home Style in the digital arena; users can access the magazine from desktops, smart phones and tablets. Inspiration at your fingertips. I love it!”

The first edition was released Tuesday, November 6th and will focus on holiday celebrations. With recipes, holiday decorating and gift ideas, and a section on social responsibility, the magazine fully embraces the holidays by using ideas from Smith’s own family holiday traditions.

“There is something so enchanting about this time of year that I thought it would be the perfect time to launch this new endeavor!” Smith said. “Christmas reminds me of home and family and of holiday traditions. The holidays are a time for festive parties filled with lots of fun, glittering decorations and fragrant aromas that waft from my kitchen and fill my home.”

Future editions will continue to serve as a lifestyle idea book, and they will be seasonally themed. Garden Home Style will be published on the company website, www.pallensmith.com.

About P. Allen Smith

P. Allen Smith is an award-winning designer, gardening and lifestyle expert and host of two public television programs, P. Allen Smith's Garden Home, P. Allen Smith’s Garden to Table and the syndicated 30-minute show P. Allen Smith Gardens. Smith is one of America's most recognized and respected design experts, providing ideas and inspiration through multiple media venues. He is the author of the best-selling Garden Home series of books published by Clarkson Potter/Random House, including Bringing the Garden Indoors: Container, Crafts and Bouquets for Every Room and Seasonal Recipes from the Garden. Allen is also very active on social media such as Twitter, Facebook, Allen’s Blog and YouTube as well as on the new eHow Home channel. His design and lifestyle advice is featured in several national magazines. Learn more at http://www.pallensmith.com.

Animal Welfare League help wanted

SHELTER VOLUNTEER SCHEDULER NEEDED:  2 people needed for scheduling.   Work from home calling volunteers from a list provided to staff the AWL shelter.   Computer experience helpful. The schedule is done on a month to month basis and when completed sent out via e-mail or USPS to those volunteers for the month.   Contact Mary McCullough mbm44@suddenlink.net for information.  

National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon in Little Rock

The Arkansas chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals will recognize outstanding contributions in philanthropy during the annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon at the Peabody Hotel Ballroom on Wednesday, November 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

During the luncheon, AFP will recognize individuals and organizations that enable nonprofits in the state to meet critical needs and enhance lives of thousands of Arkansans.  Honorees for 2012 are: Eileen and Dr. Ricardo Sotomora, Outstanding Philanthropists; Kirk Bradshaw, Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser; Eleanor Grace Lambert, Outstanding Volunteer Youth Fundraiser; Little Rock Central High Junior Civitan Club, Outstanding Volunteer Organization; Baptist Health, Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation; Blue & You Foundation for a Healthier Arkansas; Outstanding Philanthropic Foundation and Dawn Prasifka, Outstanding Fundraising Professional.

Arkansas ranks 7th among the 50 states for charitable giving as a percentage of our residents’ income.  Last year, Arkansans contributed almost $1 billion to nonprofit organizations that work every day to fulfill the needs of Arkansans.  AFP-Arkansas joins thousands of other chapters in celebrating this dedication to philanthropy the second Wednesday of November, designated as National Philanthropy Day. National Philanthropy Day acknowledges the entire spectrum of services provided by the nonprofit community and recognizes the profound impact that philanthropy has in Arkansas and in the United States.

More than 400 community leaders, nonprofit executives and philanthropists from central Arkansas attend the luncheon each year.  Major sponsors of this year’s celebration are Gardner & Associates, Arkansas Children’s Hospital, Centers for Youth and Families, Arkansas Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Baptist Health. Craig O’Neill, KTHV, will serve as master of ceremonies.