Volume 5 Issue 5 Published monthly by the Arkansas River Valley Tri - Peaks Region December 2007   ART FROM THE HEART AIA State Finalists from Arts in the Air 2007 attend the Awards Ceremony at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain Rockefeller Institute Announces Statewide Student Art Contest The Winthrop Rockefeller Institute of the University of Arkansas System encourages teachers to begin planning now for their students’ participation in the third annual “Arts in the Air” student art contest. Entry packets are available to download from the Rockefeller Institute’s Website at www.uawri.org or by calling 866-972-7778. The contest is open to all Arkansas students from kindergarten through 12th grade. The art will be judged in grade-based divisions: grades K-2, grades 3-5, grades 6-8 and grades 9-12. The theme of this year’s contest is “Art From the Heart!” Arkansas’ students are challenged to look inward and create an image that comes straight from their hearts. Specifically, participants are asked to create a piece of artwork that reflects something in their lives that is as vital to them as their hearts are to their bodies. Students should be able to briefly explain the thoughts and feelings that inspired their artwork. Submissions must be made through a teacher or an instructor of an art program. Each student can submit only one entry, and each participating school/program is limited to 10 entries per division. Students’ artwork is to be delivered with a completed entry form to the “Arts in the Air” regional competition site for their respective counties. All entries must be received by Thursday, February 14, 2008. In April, local contest winners will exhibit their work at the statewide “Arts in the Air” show and be invited to attend a special Winners Workshop and Awards Ceremony at the Rockefeller Institute on Petit Jean Mountain.       2nd Annual Gingerbread Creation Contest Hosted by the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center 2006 Gingerbread Creation Contest Winner: Summer Thomas The holidays are right around the corner. Get ready to bake! The Arkansas River Valley Arts Center is hosting its 2nd Annual Gingerbread Creation Contest to showcase local Culinary Artists! Anyone may enter in any one of three categories; professional, non-professional and children. There will be a cash prize of $25 in each of the three categories. You may enter as many creations as you like, but all entries must be in the same category. There is NO entry fee. Bring your Gingerbread Creation to the Downtown Depot located at 320 West C Street, Russellville, on December 7th from 4-5 p.m. Following the judge’s selection the Gingerbread Creations will be auctioned off in a silent auction during Art Walk from 5-8 p.m. The proceeds will be divided between the creator and the Arts Center to benefit their children’s programs. For rules or an entry form, stop by the Arts Center at 1001 East B Street, Russellville, or visit their website at www.arvartscenter.org or call 479-968-2452.     A Classical Christmas   Presented by Suite Elegantee, Flute and Harp DuoThursday, December 13th, 7 p.m. in the Walton Arts Bldg at the University of the Ozarks, 415 College Avenue, Clarksville. Tickets- $12Join the folks at the U of O for a musical celebration of the Christmas season with Suite Elegante, Arkansas’ premier flute and harp duo. Flutist Gwen Higginbotham and harpist Pamela Gibson have traveled nationally and internationally for years, bringing their intimate and cozy style of musical performance to audiences around the globe. They invite you to share a special evening of traditional and classical masterworks guaranteed to get you in the Christmas spirit! For more information visit the U of O online at www.ozarks.edu.     Trail of Holiday Lights Brochures Hit the Streets The 2007 Arkansas Trail of Holiday Lights brochure was delivered to the 68 participating communities earlier this month. For the last 13 years, the Department has coordinated efforts to consolidate holiday event information and lighting displays to help increase visitation during November and December. All Vacation Planning Kits distributed from October through December include the brochure, which is also available at participating Best Westerns of Arkansas, Bank of America and Shell Superstation locations. It is free to download at Arkansas.com. Reprinted from Arkansas’ Industry Newsletter MORE ARKANSAS NEWS... Arkansas.com Second Most-Visited Tourism Site on Web   September results from Hitwise, an online competitive intelligence service, found that Arkansas.com was ranked second in the nation of most-visited tourism Web sites. Arkansas.com is the official website for the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism and is maintained by Aristotle. All Department advertising includes a call to action to visit Arkansas.com for travel information. “Significantly, the only state that ranked ahead of us, Michigan with a 2006 population of more than 10 million, had 69.95 percent of their traffic coming from in-state residents,” said Marla Johnson Norris, Aristotle CEO. “Only 36.19 percent of Arkansas’ traffic came from Arkansas residents with a 2006 population estimate of slightly less than three million. That’s huge in that it translates directly into bringing out-of-state visitors to Arkansas.” Reprinted from Arkansas’ Industry Newsletter     Petit Jean State Park Christmas Open House Christmas Open House will be held Saturday, December 1st, 2007See Petit Jean State Park dressed in Christmas finery. Activities, crafts, and seasonal entertainment are planned for the afternoon at historic Mather Lodge. Rumor has it that Santa will be making an appearance to have his picture taken with the young and the young at heart. Admission is free. For more information call 501-727-5441 or visit them online at www.petitjeanstatepark.com.   Archeology Volunteers Explore Cadron Settlement Park   From left: Susan Poznar, Sophia Langley-Ware, Skip Stewart-Abernathy & Alan Smith work behind the reproduction Blockhouse at Cadron Settlement Park. Photo by: Lynita Langley-Ware Petit Jean Mtn, Ark...Cadron Settlement Park near Conway was the site where the Arkansas River Valley Chapter of the Arkansas Archeological Society (ARV Chapter) held their monthly field day Saturday, Nov. 3rd. Cardron Settlement Park is located on a bluff next to the Arkansas River. The land is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Under the supervision of Dr. Skip Stewart-Abernathy, Station Archeologist for the Arkansas Archeological Survey station at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute (WRI Station), volunteers assisted in the final excavation and documentation behind the Cadron Blockhouse. For the past two years, the Early Arkansas Re-enactors Association and the Faulkner County Historical Museum have sponsored excavation at the park to prepare for planned improvements to the Cadron Blockhouse, including construction of a ramp for wheelchair users. Because the structure was occupied from the 1790’s to the 1840’s, an archeological dig was necessary. The next ARV Chapter field day is scheduled Saturday, Dec. 15th. For more information on ARV Chapter meetings, field days or any other info, call 501-727-6250 or visit them online www.uawri.org.   Exhibit by Young Artists Includes Local Students A representation of the creative efforts of young Arkansas artist in grades K-12 will be exhibited from now until December 31, 2007 at the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center, 1001 East B St., Russellville. The exhibit includes art by Katrina Blasczyk an 8th grade student at Pottsville Jr. High and Terry Fang who graduated from Russellville High School last spring. The works in this exhibition are all award winners from the 46th annual Young Arkansas Artists Competition conducted at the Arkansas Arts Center in Little Rock and organized in coordination with the Arkansas Department of Education. Ninety works were selected for special recognition from 681 entries submitted by 170 schools throughout the state. The selected works were exhibited in the Arkansas Arts Center galleries April 6-May 27, 2007 and will travel the state during 2007-2008. “The quality of this year’s works by young Arkansas artists reflect their commitment and understanding of visual expression, as well as the excellent training and encouragement they are receiving from teachers and parents,” said Dr. Ellen A. Plummer, Director of the Arkansas Arts Center. “The art from across the state is a delight and a joy to behold. I am proud of what they are doing and proud to exhibit their works.” A reception announcing the opening of the Young Arkansas Artist exhibit and honoring their two local students will be held at the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center on Monday, Dec. 3rd, 4-5 p.m. Friends, family and the general public are encouraged to attend and celebrate and support these young artists. Receptions are free and open to the public. For more information you can call the ARV Arts Center at 479-968-2452 or visit them online at www.arvartscenter.org.     Living Nativity at Heifer Ranch in Perryville December 7 & 8, 2007 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Present yourselves to the Roman Soldiers for census registration by order of Caesar Augustus, Emperor of Rome. Follow Mary and Joseph as they make the journey back to their ancestral Bethlehem. Share in the Sheppard's awe as the Angels of the Most High announce that the Holy Child is born. See the kings as they arrive on camel at the lowly manger. View the Child sleeping in the manger under the Star of Bethlehem. Admission is free to this drive-through event. Afterward, enjoy refreshments while participating in hands-on activities. Their International Gift Shop will be open with a 20% discount. For more information, call 501-889-5124 or email ranchevents@heifer.org. Heifer Ranch is located 42 miles northwest of Little Rock on U.S. Highway 10 or 15 miles south of Morrilton on U.S. Highway 9 near Perryville, Arkansas. The Community Festival Chorale Presents “The Messiah” The Community Festival Chorale in cooperation with the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center and the Russellville Symphony Guild announce their upcoming fall concert on Saturday, December 1, at 7:00 p.m. in the new auditorium of First United Methodist Church located at 304 S. Denver St.Under the direction of Shirley Faulkner, the choir will present the Christmas portion of G.F. Handel’s “The Messiah,” including soloists. Soloists are Gloria Hardgrave, Janet Morris, Carolyn McWilliams, Brandon Faulkner, and Sandy McGregor. The choir and soloists will be accompanied by at 16-piece wind and string ensemble.During the first portion of the program, the choir will also present four short seasonal pieces, beginning with a medley entitled “Sing Noel Medley”. This piece begins with the African Noel and transitions and intertwines into a rhythmic arrangement of “Go, Tell It On the Mountain” with soloists Willie Ann Thomas. Other songs include “Believe” from the movie “Polar Express” with soloists Brian Faulkner; a comic piece entitled “Santa’s Getting’ Sued”; and a lovely a capella arrangement of an all-time favorite Christmas hymn, “O Holy Night.”The concert is free and open to the public.For more information call the Arts Center at 479-968-2452 or visit them online at www.arvartscenter.org. Common Ground to Perform at December Artwalk in Russellville Common Ground will perform a variety of Christmas music on the Depot State in Russellville for the December Artwalk on December 7, from 6:00-7:30 p.m. Common Ground is a local group of musicians and singers from the River Valley under the direction of Brian & Shirley Faulkner. Throughout the year they perform at various civic and church events. The group consists of: Brian Faulkner- keyboards & vocals, Shirley Faulkner– vocals & sound, Matt Miller– drums, Dale Cox– guitar, Brendon Schultz– guitar & harmonica, Zach Carpenter– bass guitar, Ted Warner– trumpet & flugelhorn, Ken Canitz– trombone, and vocalists Mike Brickels, Whitney Faulkner, Haley Honeycutt, Calvin Maples, David McConnell, Caroll McKinney, and Loretta Page. Brian K. Faulkner, M.Ed. Makin’ Music, Inc.1404 S. Greenwich Ave. Russellville, AR 72801 479-968-8074 www.makinmusic.net Tri-Peaks Board of Directors   President: Vicki Lyons- Johnson Co. 1st Vice President: Buddy Hoelzeman- Conway Co. Secretary/Treasurer: Betty LaGrone- Pope Co. Wally Scherrey- Conway Co. Karen Hofford- Conway Co. Baxter Sudduth- Conway Co. Carol Martin- Johnson Co. Pat Kowalewycz- Johnson Co. Nancy Rogers- Johnson Co. Bro. Mel Stinson- Logan Co. Becky Bariola- Logan Co. Lynn Wright- Logan Co. Doug Brandon- Perry Co. Bill Greene- Perry Co. Ron Knost- Pope Co. Andy Thomas- Pope Co. Lou Vitale- Pope Co. Patty Styles- Yell Co. Carole Tackett- Yell Co. Mike Hall- Yell Co. Please Note: The next Tri-Peaks Board of Directors meeting will be held Tuesday, December 4, 2007, 10:00 a.m. at Lake Dardanelle State Park.These meetings are open to the public. Tri-Peaks Members   New & Renewing Members American Realty, Inc. America's Best Value Inn & Suites Arkansas River Valley Arts Center Arkansas State Parks Arkansas Tech University Arkansas Valley Farmers Assoc. Arkwest Communications, Inc. (formerly Yell Co. Telephone) Best Western Inn-Russellville Best Western Sherwood Inn- Clarksville The Copper Outlet Catfish "N' Centerville Dragway, Inc. Chamberlyne Country Club Chambers Bank Chart Bank City of Atkins City of Morrilton City of Paris City of Perryville City of Russellville Clarksville-Johnson Co. Chamber of Commerce Coffee Creek Resort & RV Park Collector's Gallery Comfort Inn-Clarksville Comfort Inn-Russellville Conway Co. Wholesale Beer Dist. Cranford Johnson Robinson Woods Cyber Creek Design Danville Area Chamber of Commerce Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce Days Inn Morrilton Dixie Cafe' First Electric Cooperative Fairfield Inn & Suites Feltner's Whattaburger First National Bank-Paris First Security Bank-Clarksville Frannie's Cabin in the Ozarks Great Arkansas Pig Out Hampton Inn-Clarksville Hampton Inn-Russellville Heifer International Lake Dardanelle State Park Liberty Bank Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce Mt. Magazine State Park Mt. Nebo State Park Museum of Automobiles Oppelo Flea Market Ozark Advertising & Tourism Paris Area Chamber of Commerce Perry County Perry County Economic Development Corp Petit Jean Meats Petit Jean Mountain Petting Zoo & Trail Rides Petit Jean State Park Post Familie Vineyards & Winery Regions Bank-Clarksville Regions Bank-Russellville Riverfront Antiques & Galleries Russellville APC Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce Russellville Boys & Girls Club Russellville Marina Boat Repair & Cabins Satterfield Oil Company Savanah's Riverfront Cafe' Stoby's Subiaco Abbey & Coury House Super 8 Motel-Morrilton Super 8- Russellville The Grapevine Restaurant The Winthrop Rockefeller Center TJ's Country Store University of AR Community College-Morrilton U.S. Forest Service-Clarksville U.S. Forest Service-Russellville U.S. Forest Service Mt. Magazine Ranger Dist. United Country All Star Real Estate University of AR Division of Continuing Ed-Fayetteville University of the Ozarks-Clarksville Wiederkehr Wine Cellars Williams Junction Grocery Yell County Mt. Magazine State Park Committee Yesterday's Restaurant & Bar Betty Selman Charles Gordon Russell Lyons Ron Knost Lou Vitale * Denotes New Member SCHEDULE OF EVENTS Clarksville Dec 1: Christmas Parade & Lighting Ceremony 5:30 p.m. Dec 10: Chamber of Commerce Annual Volunteer Luncheon 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Call 479-754-2340 for details Dardanelle Dec 8: Victorian Christmas Open House Mt. Nebo State Park 2:30 p.m. Morrilton Dec 1: Christmas Open House Petit Jean State Park Dec 8: Basic Training Second Saturday Chef Series; call 501-727-5435 for more info Dec 13: Picture the Past: An Archeology Film & Lecture Series; call 501-727-5435 for more info Paris Dec 1: Dinner of Angels; call 479-963-2244 for more info Dec 31: "Midnight on the Mountain" New Year's Eve Party For more info on the above events, call 479-963-2244 Russellville Now til the end of Dec. 2007: Eagle Tours on Lake Dardanelle (free) Call 479-967-5516 for details Dec 2: ATU's Music Theatre Workshop 6:30 p.m. For reservations call the Arts Center at 479-968-2452 Please contact your area Chamber of Commerce to confirm event dates...  Merry Christmas & A Very Happy New Year!