Volume 5 Issue 7 Published monthly by the Arkansas River Valley Tri - Peaks Region February 2008   Missouri Artist to Present Works at U of O Clarksville, Ark. --- Missouri artist Annie Helmericks-Louder will present her exhibit "Casting off and other stories," throughout the month of February at the University of the Ozarks. Helmericks-Louder, an adjunct art instructor at Central Missouri State University in Warrensburg, Mo., describes herself as "an autobiographical storyteller; my art visually records where I have been and guides me to where I want to go." She said her "stories" focus on the singular poignancy of life’s everyday personal experiences. "My mother, nature writer and explorer Constance Helmericks, showed me that looking into landscapes --- mountains and canyons, rivers and streams --- could be my way of life," she said. "Working extensively on location continues to be an essential practice; it fills me up." Hemlericks-Louder earned her bachelor's degree from the University of Arizona and a master’s degree in fine arts from the University of Missouri. There will be a reception to meet the artist from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Thursday, Feb. 28, in the Stephens Gallery, located in the Walton Fine Arts Center on the U of O campus. The exhibit is free and open to the public from 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, throughout the month of February. For more information, please contact the U of O Division of Humanities and Fine Arts at 479-979-1349. For more events at the U of O, visit them online at www.ozarks.edu       “Migrating Through the River Valley Weekend” February 1st, 2nd & 3rd Many of us are aware that Arkansas is a favorite vacation destination for people in the country, but did you know that birds from as far as the arctic tundra spend their winters here? Even though our temperatures can dip well below freezing, many birds from colder climates consider Arkansas practically balmy compared to the winter climate of their breeding homes. Several of the premiere birding spots in the state will be showcased this weekend dedicated to birds who enjoy the Arkansas River Valley as their winter getaway. We hope you come out and begin, “Migrating Through the River Valley” in search of our feathered visitors. From bird walks with experienced birders, to projects meant to help our flying friends survive, you will be immersed in programs throughout the River Valley which will be both entertaining and informative. So, pack up the family, head for the Valley, and Migrate on a great adventure into the world of birds. Please don’t hesitate to call (479) 967-5516 with questions. All programs are free unless otherwise noted.    Hikes, Hearts and Hugs Weekend at Petit Jean State Park February 9th-10th Enjoy a romantic getaway this Valentine’s Weekend at Petit Jean State Park. Hikes, Hearts and Hugs Weekend will feature guided trail hikes and the romantic legend of Petit Jean, followed by a Sweethearts’ Dinner and Dance. The following morning enjoy an additional guided hike. The weekend will begin at 9:00 a.m. on Feb. 9 with a guided hike down to beautiful Cedar Falls. At 11:30 a.m., take a trip to Petit Jean’s Gravesite Overlook to hear the romantic legend of Petit Jean. At 1:00 p.m. you can enjoy a guided hike along the scenic Rim Trail. Then at 4:00 p.m. come to the Arkansas Room at Mather Lodge to enjoy a game of “How Well Do You Really Know Me?”— Petit Jean’s version of the Newlywed Game. On Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m., you can enjoy a guided hike on the Cedar Creek Trail, one of the prettiest trails in the park! These events are free and open to anyone. The highlight of this event will be the Sweetheart’s Dinner and Dance, which will begin at 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9th. Make plans now to celebrate Valentine’s Day at Petit Jean State Park. For more information, call 1-800-264-2462. Agritourism 101: Make Your First Steps the Right Steps February 28th 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. (registration 8:00 a.m.) Winthrop Rockefeller Institute, Petit Jean Mountain— Taking the right steps the first few years into direct farm marketing or agritourism can quickly put you on the path to becoming a thriving farm destination. At this free seminar, agritourism expert and farmer’s daughter Jane Eckert will share why certain approaches work, and she will teach you the proven, logical steps to take in order for your farm to become a successful destination for customers and tourists. For more information, contact Joe Foster at (501) 727-6219 or email at jfoster@uawri.org.  Centerville Dragway February 9— Test ‘N’ Tune 12:00 p.m. to Dark February 16— Test ‘N’ Tune 12:00 p.m. to Dark February 23— Test ‘N’ Tune 12:00 p.m. to Dark For more information contact the folks at Centerville (479) 576-4001 www.centervilledragway.com   Opportunity for Area Artists The Arkansas River Valley Arts Center has partnered with Lake Dardanelle State Park and Pope County Library to provide art exhibits at their location and change them out on a monthly basis. This is a great opportunity for these locations to add works of art to their public offerings and since both locations have many visitors each month, it’s also a great opportunity for area artists to have another venue for displaying their art. Works should be framed but do not require hanging wire. They are exhibited on easels in both locations. If you have an interest in exhibiting or want more information, please contact Betty LaGrone at (479) 968-2452 or by email artscenter@centurytel.net.   Welcome New Member! Spadra Marina 700 Marina Drive Clarksville, AR 72830 (479) 754-5021 Website: www.spadramarina.com Email: spadramarina@yahoo.com Community Events Clarksville Feb. 1st: Agritourism Workshop & Luncheon 11:30 am - 1:30 pm @ Clarksville-Johnson Co. Chamber of Commerce For more info call Joe Foster @ 501-727-6219 Feb. 5th: Diabetes Health Day 9 am - 12 pm @ Absolute Medical (1112 S. Rogers) Feb. 11th-14th: Seniors 55+ only Basic Computer Class 9 am - 12 pm @ the Clarksville-Johnson Co. Chamber of Commerce. Preregistration is required...for more info call 479-754-2340 Feb. 16th: Arkansas River Valley Youth Big Buck Contest & Show 9 am - 8 pm @ the Marvin Vinson Multi-Purpose Bldg. For more info call 479-754-3911 or email kyoutdoors@centurytel.net Feb. 20-22: Theatre Productions~ Hedda Gabler 7:30 pm @ the Walton Fine Arts Center on the U of O Campus For more info call 479-979-1346 Feb. 28th: Flamenco Vivo Traditional Dance 7 pm @ the Walton Fine Arts Center on the U of O Campus For more info call 479-979-1346 Mar. 8: 9th Annual Children's Miracle Network Talent Show @ the Clarksville Fine Arts Bldg. For more info call Natasha Wilson or Janiece Rackley at 479-754-4500. Morrilton Feb. 11th-12th: Command Spanish for the Green Industry call 501-727-5435 for more info Feb. 15th-16th: Command Spanish for Construction call 501-727-5435 for more info Feb. 15th-17th: Site Survey Certification Course call 501-727-6250 for more info Feb. 14th: Arts in the Air Student Art Contest Deadline for more info call 501-727-6220 Feb. 16th: Arkansas Archeological Society Fieldwork & Lab Activities 9 am - 4 pm @ the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute For more info call 501-727-6250 Feb. 21st: Picture the Past: An Archeology Film & Lecture Series 7 pm @ the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute For more info call 501-727-6250 Russellville Feb. 2nd: Talk of the Town Tables @ Lake Point Conference Center 6 pm for more info call Charlotte 479-229-3292 Feb. 9th: 1st Annual Valentine Beauties Pageant at the Old Gardner Junior High call Glenda at 479-890-4834 Feb. 9th: 4th Annual Sweetheart Saturday held @ Central Presbyterian Church 2-4 pm for more info call 479-498-2050 Feb. 16th: Little Miss Lake Dardanelle Pageant in the Witherspoon Auditorium at the ATU Campus. Call Renee at 479-858-7176 or 479-293-4211 Feb. 16th: Miss Lake Dardanelle Pageant. For more info call Paige at 479-970-0919 Feb. 16th: 1st Annual Polar Bear Plunge event in Conway. For more info call Darla with the Special Olympics at 479-264-4831   Quote of the Month... Disciplining yourself to do what you know is right and importance, although difficult, is the highroad to pride, self-esteem, and personal satisfaction...Margaret Thatcher   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. Regina Olson- 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, February 5th, 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' *Spadra Marina 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   Our Mission Statement— The continued improvement of the economy of the region through the promotion of increased travel and tourism and the continuous development of the tourism product.