Auditions for TheatreWorks

Arkansas TheatreWorks announced principal auditions for its 2011 season, tentatively scheduled for April 16, 2011. Auditions are by appointment only, and the location will be announced. Those auditioning are requested to send a resume and head shot to Jerry Davis, Artistic Director, Arkansas TheatreWorks, PO Box 1964, Hot Springs, AR 71902. Resumes may also be emailed to resumes@arktwks.org. The productions and roles are as follows: Production: Moonlight and Magnolias; rehearsals begin May 31; production dates: June 22 - July 3; characters - three men and one woman: Ben Hecht - 45ish writer, Victor Fleming - 50ish director, David O. Selznick - 40ish producer and Miss Poppenghul - Selznick's secretary. Production: Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf; rehearsals begin July 11; production dates: August 3 - 14; characters - two men and two women: George - age about 46, a college professor, Martha - age about 52 - boisterous, Nick - late 20's, a new college professor - fit, good looking, Honey - mid 20s, Nick's wife, petite, "slim hipped". Production: Stage Struck; rehearsals begin August 29; production dates: September 21 - October 2; characters - three men and one woman: Anne - a fading theatrical star; Robert - Anne's husband - a gentleman. Herman - a handyman, Widdecombe - the therapist. All characters are age 40 - 60; Widdecombe might be an exception. Those auditioning will be called for appointments. If called, individuals are requested to prepare one comedy and one dramatic monologue of two minutes or less. Those auditioning may also be requested to do cold readings from the scripts for the season. Full details of the productions are available on the company website at www.arktwks.org. TheatreWorks is also soliciting backstage and front of house workers. Please send a resume and statement of interest to Arkansas TheatreWorks, PO Box 1964, Hot Springs, AR 71902. These resumes may also be emailed to resumes@arktwks.org.

Thunderstorms rule today

Thunderstorms with the possibility of tornadoes blanket the state today. Stay home if your errands can't be postponed to tomorrow. The first thunderstorm is moving in to the Village as I type. Stay safe today and keep an eye on the weather reports.

Players tomorrow night

It's time for the first of the month meetings. The Village Players meet tomorrow night at 6 p.m. at the Ouachita Room at the Ponce de Leon Center.

Village Chorale concert tomorrow night

Fascinatin' Rhythm, the concert by the Village Chorale is tomorrow night at 7:30 p.m. A few tickets are still available at the Woodlands box office. Tickets are $10, general seating. Gershwin and Hayes are two favorite composers highlighted in the concert.

Common property committee meets this afternoon

The POA common property and forest committee meets today at the POA administration building at 1:30 p.m. This meeting is open to all POA members.

Two shows today at Murry's

Southern Hospitality at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock, 6323 Col. Glenn Road. Lunch 11 a.m. to 12:40 p.m. Curtain 12:45 p.m. Ticket $28. Show only $23. Children under 15 $22. Evening performance and dinner from 5:30 to 6:40 p.m. Curtain at 6:45 p.m. Ticket $30. Show only $25. Call 501-562-3131 for more information.

Pet over-the-counter medications

Dogs and cats can take Kaopectate to control diarrhea. Cats and dogs are allowed one milliliter per pound every six hours.

POA water conservation tips

Several weeks ago, the Village POA encouraged its residents and business to be conscious of the amount of water used each month. The conservation program is meant to delay the cost of expanding the Village's water treatment plant as long as possible. State law requires the POA continue its design plans, however postponing the construction would provide the POA with additional time to save for the estimated $4,000,000 expenditure. Common techniques for conserving water include changing out old shower heads with new low-flow technology, installing low-flush toilets, and replacing old washing machines with high efficiency washing machines. Displacement devices can be used in toilets without the cost of purchasing a new low-flow toilet Displacement devices include plastic water bottles filled with pebbles and positioned in the tank of the toilet. This reduces the amount of water used per flush. Adjustable toilet flappers are also available and allow for the adjustment in the amount of water used per flush. Additionally residents can reduce their water usage by turning the water off while brushing their teeth or shaving, taking shorter showers, and running the washing machine or dishwasher only when full or using a reduced setting to match the load size. Outside, residents and businesses can harvest rainwater for watering landscapes, use plants that require less water, adjust sprinklers to water landscaping and not the street, house or sidewalks, and water landscape in the mornings or evenings to avoid evaporation. Additionally, allowing the grass to grow slightly taller will reduce the amount of water loss by providing more ground shade for the roots and by promoting water retention in the soil. Mulch should also be used around plants and trees to retain moisture, and drip or other low flow irrigation devices can be used to avoid excess water loss.

Village mowing program

The Village POA will soon begin its mowing program which will continue into summer. The street division of the department of public works is responsible for the program. There are 462 miles of roads which must be mowed on both sides of the street for a total of approximately 924 miles. There are five mowers working during the majority of the mowing season. The POA uses two types of mowers in the Village. The first, rotary mowers are used on major streets and subdivisions without houses. Rotary mowers are known to produce flying debris which can cause damage to people and/or property. Numerous glass breakages are reported each mowing season which is why the POA cautions drivers to keep a safe distance from mowers working on Village right of ways. When able to do so, the mowers will pull over to allow cars to pass safely. The second type of mower is a sickle mower. These mowers are used in residential areas. Sickle mowers basically lope off the heads of the vegetation and lay them on the grounds. They do not normally produce flying debris. Shearer's are also used to trim overhanging branches, clear sight distances, and maintain intersections. The larger limbs produced by shearing will be disposed of; however, removing all sheared material is labor intensive and requires costly equipment. The POA advises drivers to remember to use caution around both the machinery and public works crews. Keep a safe distance, and when able to do so, the mowers will pull over to allow vehicles to pass safely.