Warm weather brought thoughts of chiggers

The recent spate of warm weather reminded me I needed to get my supplies together for the upcoming spring chigger season.
To prevent chiggers mix two cups of white vinegar, one cup of Avon Skin So Soft, one cup of water and one tablespoon of eucalyptus oil. These items mixed together go in a sprayer to spray on like Off.
If you didn't prepare for chiggers ahead of time, the best way to treat them is to dissolve nine aspirins in a quarter cup of vinegar, add a quarter cup of alcohol. Put contents in a sealed container and shake. Apply the concoction with cotton balls directly to the bitten area. Repeat as needed, but shake the jar each time.

Chamber closes early to prepare for banquet

The HSV area Chamber of Commerce will close tomorrow at noon to prepare for its annual awards banquet tomorrow night.

Hot Springs Village Police calls for 2010

Service calls for the Department of Public Service for 2010 follow.
911 hang up / 117
Assist Garland County / 98
Assist medical / 1,734
Assist Fire Department / 68
Assist other law enforcement / 47
Death / 79
False alarm / 139
Found property / 96
Keep the peace / 36
Lost property / 21
Open door / 127
Open gate / 133
Off property call / 71
Other police service / 780
Public assist / 116
Scam (attempted) / 47
Suspicious circumstance / 299
Traffic complaint / 275
Welfare check / 129

2010 accidents in the Village

Traffic accidents involving deer were down in 2010 compared to 2009. There were 63 deer-related accidents in 2009 and only 45 in 2010.
Other 2010 car accident statistics follow.
Traffic accident / 80
Boat accident / 0
Traffic accident fatality / 1
Accident with injury / 19

Crime in the Village in 2010

Year end statistics for crime in the Village include the murder from April. It was the second murder in the 40 years the Village has existed.
Other crime statistics for 2010 follow.
Battery / 3
Breaking and entering / 22
Burglary / 13
Criminal mischief / 45
Felony arrest / 4
Felony arrest warrant / 10
Fraud / 24
Other felony complaint / 10
Off property arrest / 5
Rape / 0
Robbery / 0
Explosion / 0
Cutting / 0
Shooting / 0
Murder / 1
Suicide / 4
Terroristic threatening / 10
Theft over $500 / 30
Theft under $500 / 50
Animal complaint / 124
Disorderly conduct / 1
Disturbance / 97
DWI arrest / 8
Harassment / 20
Harassing communications / 25
Littering 14
Misdemeanor arrest warrant / 15
Misdemeanor citation arrest / 69
Other misdemeanor complaint / 5
Fire code violations / 0
Lake violations / 15
Policy violations / 200

2010 Animal Control calls

The Village Animal Control went out on 1,868 calls in 2010.
There were 13 animals in the shelter at the beginning of 2010. Over the course of the year Animal Control personnel handled 449 dogs, 221 cats, 12 unidentified and 97 wildlife.
Of those calls 320 animals were turned over to the Animal Welfare League, three animals were adopted directly from Animal Control, 172 animals were euthanized, 69 were returned to owners, one died, 180 were dead on arrival and 30 were returned to the wild.
At the end of the year Animal Control had two cats and ten dogs at the shelter.

2010 golf rounds

The 293,651 rounds of golf played in the Village in 2010 were played as follows.
DeSoto / 36,004
Cortez / 39,123
Coronado / 27,317
Balboa / 34,345
Ponce de Leon / 32,836
Magellan / 36,805
Isabella / 49,680
Granada / 37,541

Golf revenue for 2010

Golf revenue for 2010 at POA-operated courses in the Village follows.
Member green fee / $1,877,433
Family green fee / $317,794
Non-property owner green fee / $599,326
Annual green fee / $723,016
Driving range / $155,445
Tee time registration / none
Golf coupons / $57,800
Cart flags / $1,256
Sur charge / $589,136
Member carts / $1,255,652
Family carts / $147,019
Non-property owner carts / $191,980
Unlimited annual cart registration / $105,352
Daily annual cart registration / $16,576
Daily use cart fee / $44,267
Annual cart seat lease / $317,016
Trail fee / $293
Handicap / $41,776
Vending income / $1,314

Total / $6,442,451

Rest room facelift at Coronado

The golf department reports POA maintenance crews will soon renovate the two on course restrooms on the Coronado course. The crews will fit the job in between other maintenance projects.

Yamahas coming to Coronado

The Coronado golf course is slated to receive new golf carts from Yamaha early in February. Yamaha turned in the lowest bid for cart replacement.

Ponce renovations

The clubhouse at Ponce is getting a face-lift before the vendor from Wood N Iron moves in next month. The entrance way, restrooms and restaurant are currently under renovation. The project is slated for completion by mid-February. The new vendor will move in and begin business at the end of February/beginning of March.

Mountain of silt by Lake DeSoto pump house

The silt removal from Lake DeSoto is complete. The silt was stored next to the Lake DeSoto pump house to dry out before being trucked out of the Village. The drying process is to keep the Village roads neat when the silt is moved. The process is slated for completion tomorrow.

GHIN system is up and running for 2011

Each year the POA golf department performs maintenance on the GHIN handicapping system.
The department is required to delete everyone from the previous year's system and reactivate the members that have paid this year's assessments and fees.
The purging of the system allows correct billing by the USGA affiliates.
The maintenance requires no more than two days to complete. On maintenance days posting of scores in not available. Once the GHIN system maintenance is complete scores post once again.
If you encountered difficulty posting scores earlier this month it may have been due to GHIN maintenance and not user error.

2010 water usage in the Village

Water usage in the Village is monitored to differentiate metered water usage from unaccounted for water. The POA computations for 2010 follow.
Unaccounted for water report / Gallons
Total water produced / 855,140,100
Total water sold / 639,855,220
Water used in flushing / 25,654,203 / based on 3.00-percent of production
Water used in POA water plant / 25,654,203 / based on two billing cycles for water treatment plant
Water lost / 168,252,175
Water loss percentage / 19.7-percent

Albers performs with ASO tonight

Reformation concert by Arkansas Symphony Orchestra at Robinson Center Music Hall in Little Rock at 8 p.m. Philip Mann conducting Felix Mendelssohn’s Symphony No. 5, Sir Edward Elgar’s Cello Concerto and Samuel Barber’s The School for Scandal Overture. Julie Albers featured cellist.

Six final performance tonight

Six at 7 p.m. at Woodlands Auditorium. Tickets $20.

Miller service is set

The memorial service for Duane Miller has been scheduled for Feb. 5 at 2 p.m. at Village Bible Church. Rosemary asks you e-mail her remembrances before the service.
Duane died Thursday morning at 2 a.m. following a valiant battle with a brain tumor.

Band Blast at Jessieville

The Hot Springs Concert Band is excited to present Band Blast Musical Celebration on Feb. 20 at 3 p.m. The concert will be at the Jessieville Sports Arena on the Jessieville High School campus.
Dr. Craig Hamilton, music director and principal conductor, has programmed a concert of exciting new pieces as well as bringing back some great Hollywood tunes from Hollywood's biggest motion pictures. There will also be a mixture of rhythmic Latin beats and Robert Smith's newest picturesque composition, Southwest Summer.
There will be no admission charge to this concert that begins the band's 2011 musical season. This concert is open and free to all as an expression of thanks to all the band's faithful audience members.
Come early for a good seat Feb. 20 at 3p.m.

Village legislative forum

The POA’s governmental affairs committee is hosting a legislative forum Feb. 11 at 3:00 p.m. at the Ouachita room at the Ponce de Leon Center.
Hot Springs Village state representatives and state senators will be on hand to update the public regarding the 2011 legislative session to date.The public is invited to attend.

POA board election information

There are two seats open for the POA board this year. Board president Bill Linam is term-limited out and director Jeff Atkins will not run for re-election.
There are four candidate to fill the two openings, Tom Byrant, John Cooney, Larry Frazer and Jack Slattery. Statements by each candidate will appear in the POA Advocate this March. The statements will also be on the POA website, www.hsvpoa.org, by mid-February.
Ballots will be mailed on March 11. Completed ballots must be returned no later than March 30.
A candidates forum is scheduled for March 2 at 1 p.m. at the Woodlands Auditorium.
The winners will be seated as new members of the POA board on April 20.

Six is here

Six performs at Woodlands auditorium tonight and tomorrow night at 7 p.m. Tickets $20.

Swingle Singers coming to Woodlands

The Hot Springs Village community foundation presents the Swingle Singers as guest performers at its sixth annual benefit concert at the Woodlands auditorium on March 1 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the Woodlands box office, reserved seating, $25.
Beneficiaries are two new endowments under the foundation wing, the Veterans Memorial and Veterans Assistance.

Villager Duane Miller passed away

Duane Miller passed away last night. He has been fighting a brain tumor and the repercussions thereof since early last fall.
Duane and his wife Rosemary have been very active in the Village.
Rosemary took a sabbatical from the Village Chorale to be by Duane's side throughout this ordeal.
Duane was very active in the Heifer Club and he will be greatly missed. When you see a cow head advertising the Living Gift Market each November, chances are good Duane made it.
No arrangements have been made yet.

Rotary Club of Scenic 7 meets today

The Rotary Club of Scenic 7 meets today at noon at Molly O'Brien's on Highway 7. The guest speaker today is a club member. The talk will be about Rotary membership.
Lunch is available but not mandatory and is paid for by the individual.
Come explore the avenues of becoming a Rotarian today.

Get your tickets now for Natural State Brass Band concert

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Hot Springs Village is sponsoring a concert by the Natural State Brass Band Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. at Woodlands Auditorium. Tickets are $8.

The Rep fundraiser

Today, Startin’ Early party benefitting The Rep at the Governor’s Mansion in Little Rock. Hors d’oeuvres at 6 p.m., silent auction at 6:30 p.m., tickets are $50. Call 501-378-0445, ext. 203 for reservations or more information.

15 Magda Lane, Hot Springs Village

How would you like to look at this everyday? Yes, it is a house in the Village. The homeowners on Magda Lane are tired and frustrated after waking up to this eyesore month after month after month.
The property at 15 Magda Lane belongs to Village handyman Robert Hurley. No, he does not live in the home. He lives in a nice home on Silla Lane that does not have construction waste cluttering the yard and carport.
Magda Lane homeowners have reported this dump site to the POA planning and inspection department. Hurley occasionally picks up but for the most part what you see is what you get. Once, a neighbor called the fire department to report Hurley for burning toxic construction waste in a barrel in the driveway of 15 Magda Lane.
This is a neighborhood of well kept homes and Hurley’s property is bringing down property values. The homeowners of Magda Lane want Hurley to clear the property and make it look like other homes in the neighborhood. Nice, neat and appealing.

Counting the days

Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs has been closed for the month of January but will open again Feb. 1 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Visiting the gardens is a wonderful way to beat the winter blues.
Mark your calendar for Daffodil Days from Feb. 21 through March 20 and the Tulip Extravaganza from March 21 through April 3. The garden comes alive with these glorious blossoms.

Two restaurants in Village looking for lease/operator

The Hot Springs Village POA is soliciting proposals for a vendor to lease/operate its food service operation at the Cortez Golf Course’s Wood N Iron Restaurant and the DeSoto Golf Course’s 19th Hole Restaurant.
A walk-through will be Jan. 31, at 2 p.m. for the Wood N Iron. Proposals are due Feb. 8 at 4:00 p.m.
A walk-through will be Jan. 28, at 2 p.m. for the 19th Hole Restaurant. Proposals are due Feb. 11, at 4 p.m.
For a packet call (501) 922-5532 or (501) 922-5534.

Village writers' cllub meets today

The Village writers' club meets today at noon at the Banana Leaf at the Balboa clubhouse. Come a little early to place your lunch order.
Today the club is collecting funds to contribute to a memoriam for former club member Marcia Greathouse. Marcia died in a car collision just before Christmas.
Madelyn Young will give the talk today, mastering point of view in fiction.

Auditions at Murry's Dinner Playhouse tomorrow

Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock, 6323 Col. Glenn Road, holds auditions twice a year. Auditions are set for tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. Call 501-562-3131 for more information.

Six tickets at Woodlands

Tickets on sale at the Woodlands box office for Jan. 28 and 29 performance by Six. Tickets are $20. Box office is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Movie and dinner at Diamante

The Legend of Ceetah Woods, a spoof created by Villager Faith Heinrichs will air Jan. 25 at Diamante Country Club.

The spoof of the Tiger Woods scandal will be shown on a 100-inch screen. The movie has already received raves in a previous run.

Cocktails are at 5:30, buffet dinner at 6 p.m. Fried chicken, salad, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn and cookies for dinner.

The evening is $15 per person. Payment via Visa and Mastercard only. Reservations are required. Call 922-1114.

Tonight at Wildwood

Arkansas' Master Fiddler Series presents three-time Grand Master Fiddle Champion, two-time Grand National Fiddle Champion and World Champion Fiddler Matthew Hartz at 7 p.m. tonight at Wildwood Park for the Arts in Little Rock.
Hartz, who performs and records extensively as a fiddler and guitarist, will play original combinations of pop, rock, jazz, country and Texas-style swing and breakdown tunes.
Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert will begin at 7 p.m. A recommended donation of $10 will be accepted at the door to benefit the Park’s annual Pickin’ and Fiddlin’ Championship for local and regional artists. Refreshments will be available for purchase.
For ticket and concert information call (501) 821-7275

Cockrell new artistic director at Opera of the Ozarks

Conductor Thomas Cockrell was recently appointed artistic director of Opera in the Ozarks in Eureka Springs. No stranger to Inspiration Point, Cockrell served as its music director for the 2003, 2004 and 2005 seasons.
Cockrell is hard at work planning the 61st season of Opera in the Ozarks next summer. "I am honored and thrilled to return to Inspiration Point as artistic director. I am committed to building upon Opera in the Ozarks’ rich tradition while helping to lead it forward in an exciting period of promise. I look forward to working closely with the general director, the board and the staff to grow our program, nurturing excellence in every performance and every artist."
Cockrell’s opera credits include Il Barbiere di Siviglia, The Ballad of Baby Doe, Die Zauberflöte, Pagliacci and Gianni Schicchi for Opera Theatre of the Rockies, La Bohme and Don Giovanni for Dayton Opera, La Cenerentola, Albert Herring, Il Tabarro, Lucia di Lammermoor and Il Barbiere di Siviglia for the Opera Colorado Artist Center, and Les Contes d’Hoffmann for Washington D.C.’s Summer Opera Theatre. For the Spoleto Festivals in Italy and South Carolina he has conducted symphonic, chamber and contemporary music concerts as well as served as Assistant to the Music Director for productions of Parsifal, Elektra, and Salome.
In 1992, Cockrell made his debut as a featured young artist conducting the Spoleto Festival Orchestra. Following that success Gian Carlo Menotti invited him to conduct his Maria Golovin at Spoleto Festival USA. He has served as the associate conductor of Cincinnati Opera, Opera Colorado, the Colorado Symphony Orchestra and the Spoleto Festivals. Equally committed to the symphonic repertoire, Cockrell has conducted the professional symphony orchestras of Dallas, Cincinnati, Phoenix, Tucson, Louisville and Boulder, as well as several orchestras overseas.
A dedicated and gifted educator, Cockrell is in demand as a teacher of emerging conductors, recently leading master classes in Europe, Asia and Mexico as well as in the US. He served as music director of Denver Young Artists Orchestra and as a member of the conducting faculty of the Interlochen Center for the Arts.
Since 2000 Cockrell has served as director of orchestral activities at the University of Arizona School of Music in Tucson, where he holds the Nelson Riddle Endowed Chair and is the director of the Rogers Institute of Orchestra and Opera. As music director of the University of Arizona Opera Theater he has conducted recent productions of The Rape of Lucretia, The Crucible, Postcard from Morocco as well as works from the traditional repertoire.
Cockrell is a graduate of Yale University and the State University of New York at Stony Brook, where he received his doctorate. He is one of the last students of the legendary Franco Ferrara with whom he studied in Rome while serving as a founding member of La Camerata Operistica Romana. Cockrell holds a conducting diploma from L’Accademia Chigiana in Siena, Italy and pursued further studies at Aspen and Tanglewood.

Jan. 20 new home permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor/square footage
002-13 Vereda / 9 Hernandez Lane / Carriage Custom Homes/2,004
005-01 Cielo / 6 Panorama Drive / Carriage Custom Homes/2,758
006-11 Cielo / 15 Innovacion Lane / Carriage Custom Homes/2,004
010-11 Cielo / 23 Innovacion Lane / Malt Construction/2,282
008-02 Maria / 5 Algeciras Lane / Tucker Home Builder/1,239

Jan. 20 addition permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor/project
017-08 Santa Maria / 38 Cullerendo Way / M & R Sarver
027-02 Sonora / 38 Sonora Way / Bob Erke/enclose carport
010-07 Santistaban / 27 Santistaban Way / Castleberry Homes/bathroom remodel
045-06 Ronquillo / 39 Murillo Way / Jerry Jones Builders/living space in basement
013-03 Zafiro / 11 Patacon Way / Castleberry Homes/interior remodel
024-01 Pintuerero / 34 Pintuerero Way / Top Notch Plumbing/replace water service
013-01 Majorca Cts / 40 Majorca Drive / Darrell Rigsby/replace water service
005-03 Zapato / 40 Zarpa Way / Webb Construction/bathroom remodel
009-05 Cifuentes / 82 Cifuentes Way / Darrell Kunkell/replace water service
045-01 Saldana / 89 Saldana Way / Beasley Plumbing/replace water service
001-14 Baltanas / 23 Villacarriedo Way / Al Lewis/add closet to existing room
018-02 Adoracion / 8 Adoracion Point / Mike Cutrer/ramp addition
007-21 Diamante / 24 Poema Lane / Arkansas Granite & More/interior remodel
015-01 Bellisimo / 33 Sosegado Lane / Jerry Jones Builders/room addition, re-roof house
006-01 Ensenada / 4 Esplendor Way / James Anderson/roof over existing deck
008-24 Isabella / 24 Fiero Lane / David Johnston/kitchen remodel
013-15 Isabella / 20 Oro Way / M & R Sarver/room addition
006-01 Isabella Cts / 11 Risco Way / Jerry Jones Builders/pergola over existing deck
999-99 Commercial/ 300 Ponce de Leon Drive / POA/interior remodel

Jan. 20 HVAC permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor
008-03 Madrid Cts / 15 San Vicente Place / Reliable Air
017-01 Balenciaga / 2 Balenciaga Way / Johnston Heating & Air
001-33 Isabella / 35 Lejos Lane / Reliable Air
994-01 Commercial / 199 Barcelona Road / Johnston Heating & Air

Jan. 20 hot water heater permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor
018-05 Zamora / 67 Zamora Way / Beasley Plumbing
020-05 Palma / 3 Fabero Lane / Daryl Creasy
002-01 Lindura / 28 Lindura Way / Daryl Creasy
002-07 Resplandor / 57 Resplandor Way / City Plumbing

Jan. 20 roof permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor
013-04 Andalusia / 5 East Andalusia Way / David Quick
018-02 Andalusia / 2 Vascongadas Way / David Quick
023-02 Cresta / 25 Cresta Way / Hernandez Roofing
002-03 Balboa / 24 Balboa Lane / Final Touch Roofing

Jan. 20 propane tank permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor
015-08 Vimioso / 8 Archidona Lane / Ferrellgas

Jan. 20 landscaping permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor
002-13 Vereda / 9 Hernandez Lane / Carriage Custom Homes
005-01 Cielo / 6 Panorama Drive / Carriage Custom Homes
006-11 CIelo / 15 Innovacion Lane / Carriage Custom Homes

Sundays at La Petite Bistro

La Petite Bistro on Highway 7 is now closed on Saturdays and open Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Sunday menu includes items such as stuffed French toast, roast beef hash and low country cheesy grits with shrimp.
There are also standard items on the menu such as chicken green chili soup and the composed Romaine Cobb salad.
The change came about on Jan. 9 and is now in full swing. The Bistro is now open from Sunday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Ice and snow heading this way

It doesn't look good weather-wise for the Village today. Ice and snow are heading this way. Remember the winter-time mantra. Call first before leaving the house. Check you e-mails for cancellations. Listen to KVRE for updates.

Public works committee this morning

The POA public works committee meeting this morning at 9:30 a.m. at the Coronado Center. POA committee meetings are open to the public.

ACC today

Cooper's architectural control committee meets this morning at 8:30 a.m. at the POA administration building.

Today at The Rep

A Raisin in the Sun at The Rep in Little Rock, pre-performance discussion at 6:15 p.m. Show at 7 p.m. Tonight the Democrat-Gazette is sponsoring at pay what you can night, buy your ticket the day of the show at the box office from 9 a.m. to curtain, limit two tickets, based upon availability, and pay what you can. 601 Main Street.

Ophiuchus, the 13th sign of the Zodiac

For those having anything to do with the late 1960s and 1970s, you are aware of the signs of the Zodiac, the age of Aquarius, etc.
Lately, zodialogical, yes I made up that word, experts have been trying to introduce a 13th sign of the Zodiac, Ophiuchus. The introduction of the new sign from Nov. 29 through Dec. 17 completely skews everything we believed about astrology.
Those born under the sign of Ophiuchus, the serpent holder, share the following characteristics: intellectual and clever; intensely passionate, creative and imaginative; lovers of language and art; does not like restrictions, rules or authority; arrogant; secretive; not popular socially due to arrogance and pride; flamboyant; impulsive; happy; honest; and seeks change, hates routine in everyday life.
Where does that leave the rest of us. Mostly under new management. The dates for the new Zodiac are as follows.
Capricorn: Jan. 20 - Feb. 16
Aquarius: Feb. 16 - March 11
Pisces: March 11- April 18
Aries: April 18 - May 13
Taurus: May 13 - June 21
Gemini: June 21 - July 20
Cancer: July 20 - Aug. 10
Leo: Aug. 10 - Sept. 16
Virgo: Sept. 16 - Oct. 30
Libra: Oct. 30 - Nov. 23
Scorpio: Nov. 23 - Nov. 29
Ophiuchus: Nov. 29 - Dec. 17
Sagittarius: Dec. 17 - Jan. 20
I think this will end up like the metric system in the U.S. on the scrap table and never used.

Rememberin Rajah

If you've been out to the Heifer Ranch in Perryville you can't help but remember Rajah the slobbering camel. His frothy mouth made a big impression on everyone that saw him.

Rajah passed away on Jan. 10 of a stomach aneurysm. He is survived by his longtime camel friend Gobi.

Chamber ribbon cuttings today

The HSV Chamber is holding two business ribbon cuttings today. The public is invited to attend. Harp's Plumbing is at 11 a.m. Call 915-9940 for more details.
The second ribbon cutting is at 1:30 p.m. at SC Roofing. Call 915-9940 for more details.

Saline County Village lot auction soon

The following nine Village lots will be up for auction at the Saline County courthouse Feb. 1 at 11 a.m. in Benton.
Each lot has a one year right of redemption on the sale. Subdivision plats are available at the POA website, www.hsvpoa.org. Got to property owner services, then subdivision maps.
For more information regarding the auction call Penny at the POA office at 922-5564 or 922-5552.
The starting bid for each lot is $1,000 bid by the POA.
Lot/block/address/subdivision / street address
001-01-107 Andar / 11 La Palabra Way
006-17-122 Curandero / 3 Curandero Lane
002-04-132 Greco / 3 Honrado Lane
001-06-135 Velazquez / 37 Velazquez Way
015-11-137 Calderon / 22 Propio Way
023-12-137 Calderon / 3 Propio Way
005-13-144 Merced / 11 Merced Circle
016-04-148 Siega / 8 Siega Lane
013-03-182 Sorpresa / 26 Sorpresa Way

Genealogy brick wall buster

When it comes to family trees, sometimes things are straight forward. However, many times families often disappear between one census and the next; records are lost or destroyed through mishandling, fire, war and flood; and sometimes the facts you find just don't make sense. When your family history research hits a dead end, fresh eyes can often see beyond brick walls.
On Thurs., Feb. 3, the Village Genealogical Society meeting will be an opportunity for members to present information about their brick wall. This meeting is all about everyone. We will discuss tactics to approaching a brick-wall plus problem solving for members of VGS. To have a personal genealogical brick wall (US Research only, please) considered to be included as part of this meeting, please email a short summary of your problem to Jeanette Frahm, at Nette4465@gmail.com
VGS meets the first Thursday of each month (except July & August) at 2 p.m. at the Coronado Center. Anyone interested in family research is welcome to attend. Also please come to an informal breakfast session a Debra’s restaurant the 3rd Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. For details call Judy Robbins at 922-0734 or Jeanette Frahm at 922-9220.

POA board meets today

The POA board meets today at 9 a.m at the Ouachita room in the Ponce de Leon Center. The new general manager should be in attendance. The meeting is mostly open to the public.

POA trails committee meets today

The POA trails committee meets today at 1:30 p.m at the Coronado Center. The meeting is open to the public.

Go green this Friday at Garvan Woodland Gardens

Want to save money, conserve energy, and have a positive impact on the environment? Then plan now to attend a one-day workshop being held January 21 in the Magnolia Room at Garvan Gardens. A panel of eco-friendly speakers will help you go "green" by reducing, reusing, and recycling. Presentations are scheduled from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Justin Jones, Senior Program Consultant for CLEAResult Consulting, an energy efficiency consulting firm with clients throughout the U.S., will provide information about energy audits and how Arkansas homeowners can benefit from "Green" initiatives.Another energy-saving practice being discussed is water efficiency in the landscape. Presenter Mark Brown, an agent with the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service specializing in water conservation and turf and landscape management, will offer water-wise tips you can apply to your home landscape. His information will help you cultivate healthy turf and plants while saving money and natural resources.Learn what it means for a business to be certified "green" from Eric Van Cleave, president of Spectrum Technology Solutions, a company that received the recognition from the GreenBusiness Bureau in 2001. Cleave hopes to raise public awareness of the certification program and what its commitment means to the consumer. He will also provide options for recycling technology-related items such as computer components and other electronic equipment.Karen Holcomb, one of the founders of the Hot Springs Spa City Co-op, shares her insights on how our food choices have as much impact on the ecology as the cars we drive. She will discuss how shopping locally from farmer's markets and other community-supported agriculture helps save resources such as fossil fuels and packaging materials.Thinking about going solar? Bob Nagy, author of "A Complete Guide to the Installation of Off-Grid Solar Power Systems," has 33 years of solar energy design experience to share with workshop participants. A former NASA employee and the star of over 40 technical training videos, Nagy will help you decide if solar energy is right for you and share tips for improving the efficiency of your home and automobile.Betsy Spetich, Western Arkansas Recycling Coordinator for the Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, will explain why in this throw-away culture recycling is so important to the environment. Learn how to reduce landfill waste and save precious resources with simple life choices you make every day.In the last session of the day, Hot Springs/Garland County Beautification Commission Executive Director Adam Roberts will inform class members about the importance of investing in local environmental programs and the footprint their efforts may leave regionally, even globally. In addition, Roberts will provide a list of environmental volunteer projects in which citizens can participant.
The workshop, made possible through a grant from Entergy Arkansas, is free of charge. Space is Limited. Reserve your spot by calling the Gardens at (501) 262-9300 or 800-366-4664. The first 50 respondents will receive free Green products.

Eagle tour today at Lake Dardanelle State Park

Today there is an eagle tour at Lake Dardanelle State Park’s boat dock from 3 to 4 p.m.
Winter lake cruises offer the best chance of seeing an American bald eagle in Arkansas. White pelicans, snow geese and osprey are also in the area.
Park officials advise participants to dress warmly as temperatures and winds are more severe on the lake.
Admission is free. Call ahead to reserve a spot on a tour. In case of inclement weather call one hour before tour time for possible cancellations.
For more information or to find out about reservations call (479) 967-5516.

Hunt diamonds at state park

Learn the tricks of the trade with a park interpreter during a free demonstration of diamond hunting methods at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfeesboro, Arkansas. Diamond Mining 101 is offered daily from 9:30 to 9:45 a.m. at the Diamond Discovery Center, lower level. Admission to the class is free. The mine admission for adults is $7, children ages 6-12 is $4, children under six are free.
The park address is 209 State Park Road. For more information call (870) 285-3113 or visit http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com/.

Get out of the house this weekend

If you are ready to get out of the house and forget about the recent snow take a trip up to Rogers in northwest Arkansas. Learn more about the wonders of winter wildlife at the Hobbs State Park Conservation Area this weekend.
On Jan. 22 and 23 participants will meet at the Visitor Center at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area to learn about the wonders of winter wildlife. January is the ideal time to see wildlife in northwest Arkansas. This weekend will be jam-packed full of wildlife-oriented activities designed to delight every member of the family and to cure early onset of winter’s cabin fever.
Admission is free. Hobbs State Park Conservation Area is at 20201 East Highway 12 in Rogers. For more information call (479) 789-5000.

Learn about space in Smackover

Where is Smackover, Arkansas?
Smackover, Arkansas is in Union County along the Louisiana border. The Arkansas Museum of Natural Resources is in Smackover.
Currently running at the museum is an informative exhibit, Astronomy, It’s a Blast! The exhibit will run to March 26 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The exhibit allows participants to experience for themselves the physics of how to get to space. There is also information on the planets, sun, moon, asteroids and other things found in space. The Museum of Natural Resources is part of the Arkansas State Parks system. The parks are great for outdoor sky watching.
Museum goers will be able to experiment with launching both air-powered and water-powered rockets. The exhibits are designed to encourage competition to see who can launch the rocket traveling the highest.
At the museum discover how thin Earth’s atmosphere is by comparing terrestrial distances to the altitudes of different layers of the atmosphere. Find out how high the space shuttle flies. Test skills by landing a space shuttle on a runway. Investigate the effect of a vacuum on the human body. Just have fun learning about space and sky.
The exhibit endeavors to address misconceptions and myths about outer space. The goal is to have participants understand what space is really like and their part of it.
Admission is free. The museum is at 3853 Smackover Highway. Call (870) 725-2877 for more information.

What's coming to The Rep in Little Rock?

A Raisin in the Sun will be at The Rep in Little Rock from Jan. 19 through Feb. 6.
The award-winning drama tells the story of an African American family living on Chicago's south side in the 1950s. Recently widowed, Lena Younger receives a life insurance check and plans to buy a house for her family, freeing them from the cramped tenement she shares with her two children, daughter-in-law and grandson.Lena’s son, Walter, the man of the family, has other ideas about spending the money. In the struggle that ensues one dream will be fulfilled, another deferred. Will the family collapse or will they seize this opportunity to create a better life? Don’t miss this powerful and unforgettable portrait of one family’s quest for the American dream.
According to the New York Times, A Raisin in the Sun is "a play that changed American theater forever."
The Washington Post declared A Raisin in the Sun, "one of a handful of great American plays, it belongs in the inner circle, along with Death of a Salesman, Long Day's Journey Into Night and The Glass Menagerie."
The Rep performances are at 601 Main Street in Little Rock at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre. For more information visit the website at www.therep.org or call (501) 378-0405.

Cortez Road closed today and tomorrow

Cortez Road is closed today and tomorrow at the Cortez spillway for an engineering firm to take core samples.

Today at Murry's

Room Service at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock, 6323 Col. Glenn Road. Dinner 6 to 7:35 p.m. Curtain 7:45 p.m. Ticket $30. Show only $25. Children under 15 $22. Call 501-562-3131 for more information.

MLK' s birthday

Jessieville and Fountain Lake School districts are closed today for Martin Luther King's Birthday, a federal holiday. Also, today the banks are closed and there is no mail delivery.
It is cold and rainy this morning but it is supposed to warm up just for today. The crazy weather will drop back down with a slight chance of snow in the area on Thursday.

Scott Randall starts today

Today is Scott Randall's first day as the POA general manager. He comes to the POA staff from Superior, Colorado. At least there is no more "acting director". Yeah.

The off and on concert of Six make that Five

Tickets should be on sale at the Woodlands box office today for the Jan. 28 and 29 performances by Six at the Woodlands. Tickets are $20. The box office is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
There will only be five of the Six performing at the concert, one has had an accident and will be recovering instead of performing in the Village.

Meet and greet the new Village POA GM

The Village POA is inviting property owners to a meet and greet the new general manager, Scott Randall, Jan. 27 from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Coronado Center.
This coming Monday, Jan. 17, is Randall’s first day. He is coming to the Village from Superior, Colorado and boy are they glad to get rid of him. See my earlier posts.
He also worked in Streamwood, Illinois, Clayton, Missouri and Auburn Hills, Michigan.
His wife Sandi will also attend the meet and greet.

Last snow/ice day for local schools

Jessieville and Fountain Lake school districts are closed again today. There are still many roads in both Garland and Saline County that are icy slick and for the safety of the students and teachers no class today. Both districts will be back to normal by Monday with the warming temperatures and some rain.
All POA facilities are back on regular schedules.
Area businesses are back on track.

Ice still causing problems

Fountain Lake and Jessieville school districts are closed again today. National Park Community College is open today.
The Rotary Club of Scenic 7 is not meeting today. Several members are still stuck at home because of continuing ice problems.
The Coronado Fitness Center is opening at 6 a.m., normal hours. Today is the open house at the Fitness Center from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. There will be lots of give-a-ways and special demonstrations.
Oaklawn Racetrack is still scheduled to open tomorrow for the beginning of the racing season.
The temperature this morning is three-degrees, according to the National Weather Service, in the Village, one of the coldest temps in the state. It was eleven-degrees at my house. Today, temps are projected to reach 34-degrees.
The rule of thumb is still the same, call first before leaving home to make sure your destination is open.
Most businesses are getting back to normal but the schools' closures have effected employees availability.

Still on snow days

Third day of school closures for Jessieville and Fountain Lake School districts. National Park Community College is also closed again today.
The Coronado Fitness Center will open at 8 a.m. today as opposed to its regular 6 a.m.
The POA lakes and water committee is cancelled today.
My husband and I were both suffering from a bit of cabin fever and went out together to take care of some errands yesterday. We went out about 11 a.m. and stopped by two banks, both opened at 10 a.m., Walmart, the hardware store and then decided to stop by Home Plate since we were out. Home Plate was closed. Call first, not all businesses are open and some are opening later than usual. Call first.
Today, the roads are expected to be treacherous early in the morning. Be careful. Don't drive unless you have to. Wait until later in the day to get out if you must.

Banks hoping to open at 10

Area banks are hoping to open their doors at 10 a.m. today. The HSV Chamber of Commerce is taking another snow day.
At least we still have electricity. Remember, call first before you venture out. Be careful and stay home if you don't need to get out.
Don't let cabin fever get you down.
When all was said and done we had four and three quarters inches of snow in our yard. I understand some Villagers had as much as a half a foot. Let me know how much snow you had.

Be careful out there

Call first before hitting the roads today.
Area and state businesses may have delayed openings. Some doctors offices remain closed today. Check first before needlessly driving.
Schools are still closed. Although the threat of snow is over, there is the bitter cold which will cause more of a problem after some of the snow melts in the sunshine today. Tonight road surfaces will re-freeze making traveling dangerous most of the week.

Hot Springs VIllage Fitness Center opens today

The Village Fitness Center will open this morning at 10 a.m. The delay is due to poor road conditions.

School closures continue today

The Jessieville and Fountain Lake School districts are taking a snow day again today. National Park Community College is still closed. Travel is not recommended.

Milligan cuts off nose to spite face

The Saline County quorum court voted last week to keep the hiring freeze in the Clerk's office. New County Clerk Dennis Milligan went in like gangbusters and fired four employees before he started to work on January 1. Another employee retired. The office staff was reduced from 13 employees to eight.
Milligan intended to hire political friends with no experience to fill the void. He was set to give the new employees salaries comparable to the outgoing experienced staff. The quorum court thwarted his efforts.
Instead of giving him the requested four full-time and one part time employees he gets no new employees.
The finance committee was slated to meet tonight to discuss the staff shortages.

New committee assignments for Garland County quorum court

The new year brings new government to Garland County. The quorum court has been sworn in and new committee assignments are as follows.
Finance committee members are Thomas Anderson, Mary Bournival, Mickey Gates, Larry Griffin, Donald Laymon, Ray Owen and Matt McKee.
Environmental committee members are Mary Bournival, John Paul Faulkner, Mickey Gates, George Pritchett, Jimmy Harmon, Donald Laymon and Matt McKee.
Public works and buildings committee members are John Paul Faulkner, Mickey Gates, Jimmy Harmon, Matt McKee, George Pritchett and Marilyn Ridge.
Ordinance committee members are Thomas Anderson, George Pritchett, Ray Owen, Marilyn Ridge, Sue Vaughn and Susan Wilkins.
Public health, welfare and safety committee members are Mary Bournival, John Paul Faulkner, Larry Griffin, Jimmy Harmon, Marilyn Ridge, Sue Vaughn and Susan Wilkins.
Human Resources committee members are Thomas Anderson, John Paul Faulkner, Donald Laymon, Ray Owen, Larry Griffin, Sue Vaughn and Susan Wilkins.

Village buildings closed due to snow

The Coronado Community Center and the Coronado Fitness Center are both closed today due to snow. You are encouraged to stay off of the roads today. More flurries are expected in the Village overnight tonight.

Snow day for state schools

School districts are closed throughout the state including Fountain Lake and Jessieville School Districts. National Park Community College is also closed today. If you don't have to get out and drive you are advised to stay home.

Auditions at Pocket

If you missed the auditions today for Crimes of the Heart at the Pocket Theatre because of the weather, there are auditions tomorrow night at 7 p.m. at the theatre. The Pocket is in Hot Springs at 170 Ravine.

Write a letter today

Today begins National Letter Writing Week.

Winter weather in the Village tomorrow afternoon.

The wood is split for the fireplace. The water supplies are stored away. Candles and flashlights with fresh batteries are close at hand. The last of the insulated curtains have been hung. A fresh supply of library books are on the night stand. All the beds have an extra blanket. Bring on the snow.
I know it is not going to be much, but I'm ready. I've missed the snow since last year and look forward to a taste of the white, fluffy stuff.
I've got the makings for a pot of soup and other comfort foods for our afternoon in tomorrow.
Looks like church will be done just in time for us to scurry home and get ready for the snow.
I hope all your preparations are going smoothly.
Oh, I almost forgot to make sure there are fresh batteries by the radio. Got to run.

Views from atop the Hots Springs tower

A closer look at the Arlington Hotel from the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. The first Hot Springs Mountain Tower was built in 1870. The current structure, the fourth generation, was built in 1983.

The views are endless from the top of the Hot Springs Mountain Tower. Magic Springs amusement park rides are visible in the distance.

Perfect weather for a stroll down bathouse row in Hot Springs

I started my sunny stroll down bath house row at the Lamar.

The Buckstaff is charming with its blue and white awnings.

The Ozark on bath house row in Hot Springs.

The dome atop the Quapaw makes the building stand out next to all the glorious bath houses along bath house row in Hot Springs.

Park rangers are in the lobby of the Fordyce Bath House to answer questions about the Hot Springs National Park. The gymnasium on the third floor of the Fordyce bath house was the first gymnasium in the State of Arkansas.

The Maurice on bathhouse row in downtown Hot Springs is part of the historic Hot Springs National Park.

Stately Hale Baths in downtown Hot Springs.

The weather was perfect this week for a stroll down bath house row in Hot Springs. The Superior Baths still had Christmas wreaths up.

Comedy and dinner at Murry's

Room Service at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock, 6323 Col. Glenn Road. Dinner 6 to 7:35 p.m. Curtain 7:45 p.m. Preview night ticket $28. Children under 15 $22. Show only $23. Call 501-562-3131 for more information.

Met opera today at noon at Tinseltown

Puccini's La Fanciulla del West at Tinseltown in Benton today at noon. Tickets are $20. The opera is broadcast live in high definition from the Metropolitan in New York.

ACC turns down in-home business permit

015-02 Mesero / 111 Mesero Way / Susan Meyers/massage therapy business
Members of the architectural control committee turned down Susan Meyer's permit application for an in-home massage therapy business.
Committee members believed the business with one or two clients a day was inappropriate for the neighborhood. The abundance of suitable business rental space in the Village was also cited.
They added increased traffic was not appropriate for the area.

Clubs and organizations in Village now exempt from pay as you go rentals

The POA board of directors backed off the pay as you go rentals for the Woodlands and the Coronado Center for established Village organizations. The Village Players brought it to the boards attention that changing the way they've done business without warning was fiscally harmful to most Village organizations especially organizations that depend on ticket sales.
Stephanie Stone, director of recreation in the Village, sent out a letter last month telling clubs and organizations they would have to pay for rentals upon signing a contract. Previously, the clubs and organizations were billed for the rentals. The monthly billing allowed time for ticket sales to pay for rentals such as rehearsal space and tech services for plays.
The only reason for the change had been the cost of billing. All the clubs and organizations had paid for their rentals.
New rentals without an established track record will have to follow the pay as you go policy.

THA and ACC intersect at Guadalajara Bridge

The architectural control committee approved the permit to replace the dilapidated foot bridge from a parking pad to two townhouses in Guadalajara Courts.
The engineering plans submitted with the permit application included the rebuilding of the retaining wall. The townhouse association in a cost cutting measure voted to leave the retaining wall as is but did not relay that information to the ACC.
The ACC has approved the permit as submitted so the THA will have to replace the retaining wall as illustrated in the engineering plans or re-submit and start the process over.

Additions permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor/project
002-05 Santiago / 65 Segovia Drive / Curtis Corp./bathroom remodel
002-05 Meseta / 77 Almazan Way / M & R Sarver/replace door
019-02 Sonora / 5 Torres Place / City Plumbing/replaced toilet
008-02 Seville / 6 Seville Lane / Marion Monk/repair deck
025-01 Estancia / 83 Piscina Lane / Ruth McCue/garage, kitchen, handrail
031-01 Gerona / 8 Cambre Circle / Mr. Rooter/replace section of sewer line
007-02 Caribe / 10 Hanares Lane / M & R Sarver/kitchen remodel
015-02 Mesero / 111 Mesero Way / Mark Meyers/bathroom addition
015-01 Madrid Cts / 14 Cabo Tinoso Place / Breda Staunton/replace deck
024-04 Madrid Cts / 48 Lequita Place / Keith Rowe/interior remodel
015-04 Guadalajara Cts / 1 Galosa Lane / Rick Domerese/interior remodel
026-04 Avellano / 87 Manarina Drive / M & R Sarver/replace sliding glass doors
009-03 Pandilla / 5 Zarpa Way / M & R Sarver/replace deck railing
006-05 Cifuentes / 76 Cifuentes Way / David Johnston/roof over existing deck
025-06 Saldana / 58 Saldana Way / M & R Sarver/remodel bath
002-01 Las Brisas / 63 Toledo Drive / Edward Calhoun/deck extension
005-07 Belleza / 10 Belleza Place / Re-Bath of Central Arkansas/plumbing
044-01 Encantado / 28 Encantado Way / City Plumbing/plumbing
009-02 Adoracion / 42 Sanchez Way / M & R Sarver/add windows to bedroom
005-11 Magellan / 23 Charca Way / Al Schiesser/enclose patio
001-01 Pacifica / 3 Pacifica Way / M & R Sarver/install garage door
021-19 Ladera / 86 Largo Drive / Ernest Cox/electrical

HVAC permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor
019-04 Santiago / 58 Segovia Drive / Grisham Aire Care
008-05 Salamanca / 4 Tormes Lane / Reliable Air
019-02 Sierra / 12 Carlet Circle / Johnston Heating & Air
016-04 Catalonia / 50 Mansilla Way / AAA Heat & Air
072-01 Costa / 52 Rubi Circle / Reliable Air
017-05 Reata / 24 Soga Place / Huchingson Heating & Air
023-01 Gerona / 24 Cambre Circle / Grisham Air Care
010-02 Murillo / 82 Murillo Way / Reliable Air
028-01 Murillo / 117 Murillo Way / Huchingson Heating & Air
004-02 Valencia Cts. / 8 Fresca Way / Quality Air Care
005-03 Salas / 49 Salas Place / City Plumbing Heating & Electric
004-01 Tenerife / 37 Tenerife Way / Reliable Air
002-03 Marinero / 94 Marinero Way / Huchingson Heating & Air
019-01 Pintuerero / 24 Pintuerero Way / Standridge, Inc.
016-03 Tiburon / 23 Tiburon Way / Grisham Air
004-02 Faisan / 18 Faisan Way / Reliable Air
008-04 Pandilla / 15 Pandilla Way / Standridge, Inc.
012-07 Sergio / 12 Altura Lane / Eagle Heating & Air
010-08 Campeon / 20 Campeon / Spiva Heating & Air
019-04 Promesa / 5 Excelso Trace / Johnston Heating & Air
018-02 Magellan / 1 Navegar Circle / Grisham Air
002-01 Magellan Cts / 6 Magellan Lane / Eagle Heating & Air
019-02 Pacifica / 4 Almuerzo Court / Reliable Air

Hot water heater permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor
038-02 Alicante / 47 Alicante Way / City Plumbing
021-04 Entrada / 48 Entrada Way / Lowes/Daryl Creasy
012-05 Sacedon / 6 Talana Lane / Lowes/Daryl Creasy
005-03 Alarcon / 5 Alarcon Way / City Plumbing
015-01 Herradura / 12 Herradura Lane / City Plumbing

Roof permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor
007-01 Castillo / 25 Frontera Circle / Mary Bourland
015-12 Santa Maria / 57 Cullerendo Way / Mark Bourland
007-04 La Coruna / 34 Candelara Lane / Tracy’s Quality Roofing
030-02 Alegria / 5 Albala Lane / Jerry Althoff
009-04 Tiburon / 6 Trapo Lane / Tracy’s Quality Roofing
004-01 Hartura / 44 Hartura Way / Greenstar Roofing
012-06 Fenix / 37 Lanzar Drive / Keith Lynchard Roofing
010-09 Promesa / 43 Excelso Way / Tracy’s Quality Roofing
027-03 Promesa / 5 Bosque Way / Hernandez Roofing
007-01 Balboa Cove / 4 Balboa Cove / Hernandez Roofing
007-21 Isabella / 19 Campana Lane / Jerry Althoff

Commercial additions permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor/project
39B-01 Commercial / 104 Deposito Paseo / C & O Properties/addition
909-02 Commercial / 111 Ponderosa, Ste. E / All Pro Plumbing/plumbing

Sprinkler system permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor/water source
05-01 Zafiro / 42 Arjona Way / Eric Tracy/lake
007-05 Campeon / 47 Campeon Way / Lawns, Limbs, Landscape/Village
012-13 Ladera / 30 Largo Drive / Eric Tracy/Village
002-06 Maria / 26 Manzanares Drive / Carriage Custom Homes/Village

Ladscape permits

Lot-block-addition / Address / Contractor
026-03 Alta Vista / 327 Maderas Drive / Harpers Landscape
014-14 Vereda / 25 Sorprendente Lane / Village Landscape
012-13 Ladera / 30 Largo Drive / Bennett Bros.

Opera at Tinseltown tomorrow

Opera La Fanciulla del West in high definition will be broadcast live from the Met at noon tomorrow at Tinseltown in Benton.
Members of the Village opera guild will meet at the Woodlands parking lot at 10:45 to caravan to Tinseltown. They will leave at 11 a.m.
Tickets for the broadcast are $20.

Play at Murry's opens tonight

Room Service at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock, 6323 Col. Glenn Road. Dinner 6 to 7:35 p.m. Curtain 7:45 p.m. Preview night ticket $28. Children under 15 $22. Show only $23. Call 501-562-3131 for more information.

Biss concert tonight

Pianist Jonathan Biss concert at Woodlands Auditorium, 7:30 p.m. Sponsored by Symphony Guild. Tickets $20. Reserved seating.

Governmental affairs committee meets today

The POA governmental affairs committee meets this morning at 8 a.m. at the Coronado Center. POA committee meetings are open to the public.

Gallery Walk tonight

The gallery walk in Hot Springs is from 5 to 9 p.m. tonight.

Consider serving on a POA committee

There are several openings on the POA committees. If you are interested in becoming more involved with the running of the Village, now is the time to fill out an application and join a decision making committee.
The following committees have openings which will be filled by spring. Current members, not term-limited out, are eligible to return paperwork to continue on the committees. As it stands the following are still open. Lakes and water three openings, trails three openings, recreation one opening, public works one opening, research and special projects one opening, common property one opening, golf two openings, government affairs four openings. The architectural control committee is a Cooper committee with one opening.
Stop by the POA director's office to pick up or turn in an application. Suzette Tadlock has all the paperwork.

Sign policy reminder from POA

Garage/Yard/Moving Signs cannot exceed 144 square inches, example: 12" x 12" and can be erected one day prior to the sale and must be removed after the sale is concluded. Signs must be staked into the ground, not attached to cardboard boxes or buckets. The boxes blow away in the wind and end up in the road or as trash on the side of our streets.
No sign of any kind can be attached to a POA street sign post.
A complete copy of the sign procedure is available in the Planning & Inspections Department at 895 DeSoto Boulevard. If you have any questions, please call 922-5562.
The POA will remove all signs that do not conform to Hot Springs Village policy.

ACC meets today

Cooper's architectural control committee will meet this morning at 8:30 a.m. at the POA administrative building.

Cortez Road core samples will be taken later this month

Grubbs, Hoskyn, Barton & Wyatt, a Little Rock engineering firm, will be taking core samples from Cortez Road on January 17, 18 and 19 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The Village public works department will close Cortez Road at Cortez spillway bridge each day while the crew is taking samples.
The engineering firm is here to discover why the road is settling at the bridge ends.
Alternate routes to access the Cortez golf course and the Wood N Iron Restaurant are Carmona Road and Barcelona Road.
The sampling will be done weather permitting.

Oaklawn season starts this month

Be prepared for traffic snarls in Hot Springs, racing season is here. The 2011 Oaklawn horse racing season runs from Jan. 14 through April 16 with people from around the world coming to see horse racing at its finest in the Spa City.
Dates to remember for the upcoming season, Jan. 14 opening day, Jan. 15 corned beef day, Jan. 17 bobble horse day, Feb. 21 president's day cash giveaway, March 19 rebel stakes day/boat and truck giveaway, April 9 racing festival of the south and April 16 the Arkansas Derby.
Reserved seats are $2.50 for weekdays, $4.50 for Saturdays and Sundays or $194 for the entire season. Call 501 623-4411 for more information.

HSV Players met last night

Director Judy Corwin shared her cast picks for Senior Follies.

There were several topics touched on at last night's HSV Players January meeting.
The website has been updated and looks sharp. The website is http://www.hsvplayers.org/.
The club has decided to end the confusion over the player of the year award. Each year at the June picnic an outstanding player of the year is given recognition for a job well done the previous year. A couple of times the award has had the wrong date because the award is for the previous year not the current year.
This June will be the last award based on the previous system. There will be a Player of the Year for 2010 awarded in June of 2011.
From now on the HSV Players Annual Award will be given at the December meeting recognizing a very hard worker of the same year. No more confusion, right?
Judy Corwin talked about the upcoming production of Billy St. John's comedy Senior Follies.
Marlene Davis asked Players to fill out a form on the website sharing their special talents and program ideas. As program chair this year she wants to get members more involved with giving 20 minute presentations at the monthly meetings. She asked for a talk on make-up techniques, advertising, directing, woodworking, cooking, etc. An opportunity to show off expertise in an area not everyone knows about.
President Jackie Gullahorn is asking for play submissions for the 2012 season. Nothing has been submitted yet.
She also talked about the new pay-go policy at POA facilities. The new policy will make a real hardship for the Players. Yesterday the board held a board meeting which cost $30 up front followed by the general meeting which cost $140 up front. Since the Players is an ongoing user of several POA facilities they have been billed twice monthly and have been able to allocate funds easily for the events.
The rub comes when using facilities for rehearsals before ticket sales for events. There is little to no money up front. This is another case of the POA cutting off its nose to spite its face. The board will find an alternate location for future meetings. A loss of $330 for the POA. Rehearsals for the children's productions may be moved to Jessieville which will cost the POA thousands of dollars when a show just uses the facility for the tech rehearsal and the run of the show.
Rehearsals for Senior Follies may be less frequent with an eye on upfront money instead of future money.
Gullahorn plans to meet with recreation department head Stephanie Stone to discuss this problem that may be unique to the Players.
The HSV Players will meet again Feb. 1 at 6 p.m.
The HSV board will meet Jan. 27 at 2 p.m. at a location to be determined by finances.

Senior Follies cast has been named

The cast for the HSV Players production of Billy St. John's Senior Follies has been chosen. Director Judy Corwin with the assistance of assistant director Jeff Smith and producer Marge Newburn cast the comedy as follows.
Bev Bullard as Mildred Rice, Tina Cooper as Iris Cunningham, Herm Dobscha as Howard Phelps, JoAnn Dobscha as Sybil Thackery, David Feldpausch as Lowell Thackery, Bill Fields as Mr. Rivers, Jack Iafrate as Douglas Thompson, Lee Iafrate as Bernice Thompson, Ev Smyth as Mrs. Rivers and Janice Willett as Sarah Jane Dinsmore.
Tickets for the play are $12 and go on sale Feb. 21 at the Woodlands box office. The box office is open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The show will run March 16, 18 and 19 at 7 p.m. and March 20 at 2 p.m.

POA board working session meeting today at 9 a.m.

The POA board will meet for a working board session at 9 a.m. today at the Ouachita room in the Ponce de Leon Center. The board is not allowed to vote during working sessions. The meeting is open to the public.

Natural State Brass Band slated to play in Village next month

The Kiwanis Club of Greater Hot Springs Village will sponsor a concert by the Natural State Brass Band Feb. 13 at 3 p.m. at Woodlands Auditorium. Tickets are $8 and are available from band and club members or at the Woodlands box office. The box office is open from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The concert will be a special treat for those ready to celebrate Valentines Day. The award winning English style Natural State Brass Band has 36 outstanding musicians from central Arkansas. The band recently returned with rave reviews while performing with similar bands in England.

Tickets available for Biss concert

Tickets on sale for pianist Jonathan Biss concert on Jan. 7, 7 :30 p.m. at Woodlands Auditorium. Tickets $20. The Woodlands box office is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The concert is sponsored by the Hot Springs/Village Symphony Guild.

Actual surprises at the townhouse association meeting

Most business today at the townhouse association meeting was fairly standard.
The three new board members were seated, Carl Foreman, John Burnett and Carolyn Cox. New officers were elected. Well that was a surprise, last year all new board members were selected for office, this year the same officers were re-elected, president Brent Gray, vice president Jim Bigg, treasurer Larry Siler and secretary Bill Turner. No new blood this go round.
Liaisons were named to the committees, Ida Ferree to standards, control and capital improvements, Larry Siler to finance, Bill Turner to architectural review and Carl Foreman for nominations and elections. Things were going along smoothly until Gray tried to also name Carolyn Cox to standards and John Burnett to finance. According to the by-laws in art. 8 only one board liaison can be named per committee. Former board member Robert Jordan brought up the point of order.
Gray backed down and agreed to have the two attend the committee meetings as unofficial meeting back up. There in case needed for any type of information or relief.
Jordan piped up again in displeasure because he requested an item be added to the agenda of this voting board meeting and it was not. Jordan and former board member Henry Frank requested a letter written by them be read into the record and be on the agenda. After much back and forth dialogue between Larry Siler and Robert Jordan it was agreed the letter would be entered into the record.
The letter is as follows.
"December 16, 9:28 a.m.
To: the HSVTHA board of directors
From: Robert Jordan and Henry Frank
Subject: Notification of THA owners of the use of the association reserve fund for replacement of Guadalajara Courts bridge.
It is agreed that the bridge in Guadalajara Courts at 15 and 17 Reddina Lane must be replaced to eliminate the liability to the THA and the court. It is believed that the current bridge should be considered a total loss and the new bridge is a capital project. Since some $54,000 of the THA reserve funds are being used to pay for this replacement it is also believed the total membership of the association must vote on this as stated in the THA by-laws, art. VI, sec. 12.
The intent of the THA by-laws sec. 12, art. VI requires the owners to be advised and allowed to vote on capital projects over $50,000. It is believed this is an obligation of the board of directors to comply with the spirit of this by-law and to enforce it. It is believed that the owners must be notified that the THA reserve funds are being spent on this project and what the payments schedule with Guadalajara Courts will be to repay the reserve fund. It is believed that the THA owners will support this capital project if it is communicated to them openly and clearly and they are given the opportunity to ask questions and receive answers. To do less will put the directors in a position of be viewed as arbitrary and not acting with the interest of the full association. Many hours have been given by the directors and staff to bring this project this far. To not bring the owners into the confidence of the directors will be counter productive. Please do not put the integrity of the THA board at stake.
It is requested that the signers below be placed on the agenda at the Jan. 4, 2011, board meeting to present this letter and read it into the meeting minutes."
Henry Frank was also in attendance at the board meeting but let Jordan handle reading the letter into the record.
The current board does not plan to bring the matter before the THA owners.
The next voting board meeting is set for Jan. 14 at 10:30 a.m. at the THA administrative building on Perralena Lane.

Readers want to know about birds and fish dying in Arkansas

National and international news has focused on the thousands of black birds falling dead from the sky in Beebe, Ark. and the 100,000-plus dead drum fish along a 20-mile patch of the Arkansas River near Ozark, Ark.
The two towns are 100 miles apart and experts are saying the two incidents are unrelated.
The birds started falling from the sky on New Year's Eve and the ones left behind are still showing signs of being confused and disoriented. Some are still dying. Experts are leaning toward stress as the killing factor. More than just black birds have been impacted but mostly black birds.
Experts are postulating that the drum have been hit by a virus. There have been no fish deaths other than drum. Experts are looking at a virus specific to that type of fish.
Samples of dead birds and dead fish have been sent to labs across the country for further evaluation.

Spend today dreaming about money

The Arkansas Mega Millions Lottery drawing is tonight. The pot is up to $330 million. Get your ticket today to be a part of the big dream and help Arkansas students with college scholarships. One ticket is all it takes.

Biss tickets available at box office

Tickets on sale for pianist Jonathan Biss concert on Jan. 7, 7 :30 p.m. at Woodlands Auditorium. Tickets $20. The Woodlands box office is open 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The concert is sponsored by the Hot Springs/Village Symphony Guild.

HSV Players meet tonight

The Village Players theater club meets tonight at 6 p.m. for its monthly meeting. New President Jackie Gullahorn takes over for the meeting.
If you are interested in acting, producing, directing, writing or working backstage in Village theatrical productions you are invited to attend the meetings the first Tuesday night of each month at 6 p.m. Annual dues are just $5.

HSV Players board meets today

The HSV Players board is holding its meeting this afternoon at 2 p.m. The December holidays delayed this board meeting. The board meets in the Ouachita Room at the Ponce de Leaon Center.

Townhouse association board meets today

The townhouse association board is meeting at 8:30 a.m. The meeting is a voting board meeting instead of a work session. The three new board members will be sworn in. The board meets at the THA administrative building on Perralena Lane.

Message from Congressman Mike Ross

This month marks the beginning of a new Congress on Capitol Hill: the 112th Congress. There are new faces, new leaders, new agendas and new ideas. While much is changing on Capitol Hill, my steadfast commitment to you and to Arkansas will not. At the swearing-in ceremony on January 5, I will take an oath to "support and defend the Constitution of the United States." The U.S. Constitution is a sacred document and a collection of principles on which this country was founded and has prospered over the past 230 years. As a U.S. Congressman, this is a very serious responsibility.On this day, I will also renew a pledge to keep fighting for you and to serve as your voice in our nation’s capital. I still believe in the title of "Representative" and in order to represent people, you have to listen to them. That’s why I’ll continue to return home after votes each week to listen to you – the people of Arkansas’s Fourth Congressional District.With opposing sides controlling the House and Senate and with an approaching presidential race, partisan bickering in Congress could very well be at an all-time high. We must rise above the partisan fray and both sides must start working together. I don’t care if it is a Democratic or Republican idea. That’s why my commitment has never been to any special interest or any leader in Washington and it never will. It will remain where it has always been - with the people of Arkansas and with good, common sense ideas.As a bipartisan voice, I am pleased to serve as a Co-Chair for the fiscally conservative Democratic Blue Dog Coalition in the House of Representatives. The Blue Dogs have a long history of holding our leaders in Washington accountable and, under my leadership,we will do the same in the new Congress. By reaching across the aisle in a bipartisan way, our primary focus will be on economic recovery, creating jobs and reducing our nation’s skyrocketing national debt – not on scoring political points.As this new Congress will consider many important issues that will affect you, your family, your business and your way of life, it is important that I hear from you on all of these issues. Please never hesitate to write, e-mail or call to voice your opinion on an issue or idea before the U.S. Congress or if you have a problem with the federal government, such as getting your Social Security or disability payments. My staff and I are here to serve you.You can reach my office in numerous ways: online at http://www.ross.house.gov/; by phone toll free at 1-800-223-2220; by mail at 2436 Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, D.C. 20515; or by visiting any of the district congressional offices in El Dorado, Hot Springs, Pine Bluff and Prescott.Your input is very important if I am to serve as your voice and your representative in our nation’s capital. As this new Congress begins, rest assured I will continue to listen and to fight for you and for bipartisan, common sense solutions that move this great country forward.Sincerely,Mike Ross

Heifer recives grant from Entergy

Heifer Project International received a $25,000 grant from Entergy for its Seeds of Hope project in Arkansas.
Entergy offered the Power to Care Challenge Grants through a contest on Facebook. Entergy gave away $145,000. Other grant recipients included Louisiana’s Second Harvest Food Bank, Mississippi’s Friends of Children’s Hospital and New Orleans’ Reconcile New Orleans.
What a great way to start the new year.

Puccini opera at Tinseltown in Benton this Saturday

See a synopsis of Giacomo Puccini’s La Fanciulla del West, The Girl of the Golden West, at http://hsvcommunity.ning.com . The opera will be broadcast in high definition live from the Met this Saturday at noon. Tickets for the broadcast at Tinseltown in Benton are $20.

POA common property committee meets today

The POA common property and forest committee meets today at 1:30 p.m. at the POA administration building. All POA committee meetings are open to the public.

Visit music/arts website

For more information about auditions, concert and ticket sales go to http://hsvcommunity.ning.com .

Saline County clerk's office will be understaffed today

New Saline County circuit clerk Dennis Milligan fired five members of the clerk’s office before he was sworn in Saturday. Due to a hiring freeze he cannot replace the five employees without Quorum Court approval.
Today is the first day of the new year the office is open and it will open with a skeletal staff. Milligan fired Rhonda Depriest, Kim Wright, Amy Daniel and Dana Mattingly. His fifth fire, Shirley Edison had already planned to retire.
The five women had a combined 52-plus years of experience. Depriest had worked in the clerk’s office for 19-plus years.
The first meeting of the new Saline County Quorum Court is set for tonight. It is slated to be an organizational meeting but will now have to rush to fix the situation in the clerk’s office.
Milligan intends to hire people with no experience working in a county clerk’s office but are experienced in politics.

Sunday breakfast at La Petite Bistro

La Petite Bistro, in the shopping center behind Cranford's on Highway 7, will be expanding services soon. Proprietor Malcolm Bickford said he will be offering breakfast on Sundays. There will be a few brunch-type dishes offered on Sunday mornings.
Stay tuned for developing information and an official start date for Sunday breakfasts.

Have you always dreamed of being a star in theatre?

January 25 is the first of two audition dates for Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock.
Murry's Dinner Playhouse holds auditions and casts performers locally, regionally, and nationally. Murry’s staff attends the National Dinner Theatre Association auditions in March and Unified Professional Theatre Auditions, UPTA's, in Memphis held in February. Locally Murry’s holds auditions in Little Rock at the theatre on January 25 and on May 10 at 6:30pm. An accompanist is provided. Performers must be prepared to sing 16 bars of music and then the choreographer will dance everyone together.
These auditions are very informal and Murry’s encourages everyone interested in the magic of theatre to audition.
Productions run between four and six weeks with a two-week rehearsal period. The artistic director Mr. Glen J. Gilbert has directed Murry's productions since 1986.
To be considered for the upcoming season, send your picture/resume to the producer Ike Murry McEntire. Murry’s is at 6323 Col. Glenn Road, Little Rock, AR 72204. Call 501-562-3131 for more information.

Auditions at Pocket

The Pocket Theatre in Hot Springs is holding auditions for Beth Henley's Crimes of the Heart. Auditions are Jan. 9 at 2 p.m. and Jan. 10 at 7 p.m.
This is a great play about the eccentric Magrath sisters of Hazelhurst, Mississippi. I can't wait till the show run March 3 through 6 and 10 through 13. It is sarcastically funny, funny, funny. Meg, Baby and Lenny are back at Old Granddaddy's home and trouble follows.
The Pocket is at 170 Ravine Street.

THA board meets Tuesday

The townhouse association board will meet Jan. 4 at 8:30 a.m. Installation of new officers John Burnett, Carolyn Cox and Carl Foreman will take place. The meeting has been changed to a voting meeting instead of a board work session.

Code Red will be discussed at upcoming POA work session

A new emergency communication program, Code Red, will be discussed at the upcoming POA work session on Jan. 5 at 9 a.m. at the Ouachita Room of the Ponce de Leon Center.
Garland County implemented the program in the last couple of years.
Board members are considering implementing the program.

POA election count will not be in-house

The "acting" general manager of the POA has backed off of his proposal to count board election votes in-house. BKD will continue as the vendor counting and certifying the election results. The change of the by-laws request has been terminated.

Recycling in the Village

The end of curbside recycling in the Village will be briefly discussed in the upcoming POA board work session, Jan. 5 at 9 a.m. at the Ponce de Leon Center.
Not only has the "acting" general manager stopped curbside recycling he also stopped recycling cans for local not-for-profits benefit.
The Animal Welfare League will have to find a solution to the transportation of a phenomenal amount of aluminum cans to a vendor in Hot Springs instead of the Village recycling center on Cloaca Lane.
The transportation last year was just a matter of yards, this year it will be miles, what a waste of fossil fuels.
The AWL collects thousands of dollars each year with the can recycling program. The money goes to support the good works of the AWL.
The POA staff and board may not care about recycling or abandoned animals but the AWL does and will continue to raise funds with can collection.
The can collection site is at the Animal Shelter on Cloaca Lane.
If you have a truck and would be willing to aid in the transportation of the cans to Hot Springs please contact the AWL at 915-9337.

Goethermal at natatorium has humidity problems

High humidity is once again a problem for the natatorium's geothermal system.
An Oregon firm with a possible solution has been working with Rick Wheeler of Reliable Air to reduce the humidity problem. The POA is trying to have the problem fixed as soon as possible.

Winter deer hunt this month

The winter deer hunt in the Village will be Jan. 10 through 22.

Oaklawn racing season is upon us

Oaklawn Racing season is here and with the season comes an influx of 1200 track workers to the region.
Many of the track workers are not financially prepared to deal with the ups and downs of Hot Springs winters. There is a need for warm clothing such as coats, socks, shirts, sweaters, gloves, etc. Blankets are also requested.
Christ of the Hills United Methodist Church, at the intersection of Balboa Road and Balearic Road, is collecting such items to donate to Oaklawn track workers. The collection will end Jan. 14. Please bring donations to the church to classroom 8 no later than Jan. 14.
Don Wallace is available to answer questions concerning the project at 922-2276.

First post of 2011

I hope your New Year’s celebrations were satisfactory. My husband and I enjoyed a meal at The Porterhouse in downtown Hot Springs. We ran into friends and had a pleasant evening.
I am still not completely over the crud. I went back to the doc again last week and am on more medications to finally knock it out of my system. So, there were no late night midnight kisses. I was sound asleep. I did wake briefly for an 11:30 p.m. call from the New York contingent of the family wishing us a Happy New Year. I was brief in the exchange and went right back to sleep. Lee is the night owl and conversed with David and family.
I also wish you luck with your resolutions this year. Such a nice tradition to wipe your slate clean and start a new at the beginning of each year. So much hope in the air today.
I wish you nothing but good times this year. If your good times include attending more arts and entertainment events, please check out my website at http://hsvcommunity,ning.com./ This year there will be a daily event calendar with loads of opportunities and information. I will continue to review events and hopefully this year there will be a couple of writing contests on the site to get a different type of copy out there for your entertainment.
Well, I am off to start on my daily allotment of medications. Have a good day and a very happy new year.