Volume 2 Issue 21 Published monthly by the Arkansas River Valley Tri - Region Association March 2005 Majestic Elk Draw Wildlife Watchers To Buffalo National River Country Reprinted from www.Arkansas.com As the fog lifts in the Boxley Valley and the morning sun kisses the dew on the grass, elk move from the mottled shade at the edge of the forest into the open pasture to graze. Before long, cars are stopped on the side of the road and their inhabitants stand at the fence row at the edge of the field, pulling out binoculars and cameras to view the majestic beasts. It's not uncommon for the number of wildlife viewers to equal the number of elk in any given herd in Boxley Valley along the Buffalo National River in the northern Ozarks of Arkansas. One of the most popular places to view elk in their natural habitat is along Ark. 43 and Ark. 21 in Boxley Valley. However, elk can often be seen near the Erbie campground on the south side of the river or in fields on the north side. Another opportunity for elk viewing is along roads leading east and west from Pruitt Bridge in Pruitt. In Carver, look for elk in the fields near the Carver Bridge and in the Gene Rush Wildlife Management Area just south of the river. Dawn and dusk are the best times to see them and binoculars are a necessity for an up-close view since the animals are usually a few yards away. Elk range through about 315,000 acres in Arkansas in the northwest part of the state along the Buffalo National River in Newton and Searcy counties and in portions of southern Boone and Carroll counties. The large beasts prefer open areas for grazing with nearby wooded areas for resting. Although elk are often thought of as western animals, the eastern elk was a native of Arkansas. But, it disappeared from the state's forests sometime around 1840 and is now considered extinct. The U.S. Forest Service introduced 11 Rocky Mountain elk in the Black Mountain Refuge of Franklin County in 1933. Although the herd did well for a number of years, it eventually disappeared likely due to illegal hunting, natural mortality, and loss of suitable habitat. Between 1981 and 1985, 112 Rocky Mountain elk were again stocked. This time they were placed near the Buffalo National River in Newton County. The 112 elk have grown to about 450 elk. The animals are referred to as the Hilary Jones Elk Herd, after former Game and Fish Commissioner Hilary Jones. Jones, along with local citizens of Newton County, was instrumental in establishing the elk herd. Cartwright said local citizens were very supportive of Jones' program and "that's one reason it's been very successful." FOR YOUR INFORMATION   NOTICE NEW FOOD CODE RULES AND REGULATIONS EFFECTIVE APRIL 18, 2005 The Arkansas Board of Health has approved amended "Rules and Regulations for Retail Food Establishment." The rules and regulations are effective April 18, 2005. These rules and regulations will affect YOUR business. Your Environmental Health Specialist will distribute copies of the new rules and regulations as soon as possible. Effective January 1, 2005 the regulation will be available at www.healthyarkansas.com. For additional information contact your Local Health Unit. Secret to Success? Reprinted from Hospitality News Success is often a matter of common sense applied to every day life. But it does seem that successful people have similar traits and work habits. Here's a short list of common things that successful people do throughout their lives. Thank others. Never forget to say "thank you" to anyone who has done you a favor, large or small. A written "thank you" note is one of the most powerful success tools. Show up. When you say you're going to be there then nothing should stop you. Your word should be considered golden. In addition, there's nothing better than a face-to-face meeting. Do your best to communicate in person whenever possible. Don't delay. Don't let small problems fester. Deal with today's molehill before it turns into tomorrow's mountain. Work your Rolodex. Don't let all those business cards you've collected sit silently inside your Rolodex. Keep in touch with the people in your network and build relationships that will profit everyone. Build credibility. Talk to the experts in whatever field you're involved with, most are easier to approach than you think. Communicate your commitment. If you can't show people you're committed to your ideas, they won't be willing to spend much energy toward helping you reach your goals. Manage your time. Focus on what you need to accomplish. Distraction and interruptions may require your immediate attention through out the day, but be sure not to lose sight of your overall goal. Mind your Manners. If you attend to the "little things" such as promptness and cleanliness, courtesy-you'll be in a better position to get your agenda across. Be Kind. Don't try to show people up; you'll spend their time looking for ways to get even. Cultivate allies. Don't waste your time trying convert doubters who will never see your point of view. Instead, work on developing strong supporters and identifying possible allies. Focus on results. Don't let the "niceties" of life get in the way of results. Don't get sidetracked. Always try to keep your long-term goals in mind. Keeping Customers: Hire a receptionist that will: Compliment customers Politely engage customers on conversation Ask first-time customers their names Don't write up the order when Customers say they're interested in a particular product or service. If appropriate, politely ask why he/she wants it. Don't let customers buy the wrong products Hire warm, friendly, honest associates. Collect information about customers. Save information in a computer database. Follow up major sales with a phone call. Keep in touch. Customize your approach. News Release Heifer International Hosts First Annual Earth Day Celebration April 23, 2005 Join Heifer International for their first annual Earth Day Celebration, a day of classes, hands-on activities, and of course, fun with their Heifer Ranch animals, all designed with families like yours in mind. Learn what you can do to help care for the earth at this free public event! Heifer International celebrates the earth year-round through its agroecology initiatives. Since 1944, Heifer has shown a long-term commitment to the environment through working with small farmers to improve agricultural practices that protect and enhance natural resources. They will kick off their Earth Day Celebration with a public reading by celebrated environmental writers, John Calderazzo and Maria Melendez, on hand to facilitate the "Writing Sustainable Communities" writer's workshop happening over Earth Day Weekend. Join Heifer International on April 22 at 7:30 pm for this free reading. On April 23, selected events include classes on agro ecology, grass-fed meats, and other ways Heifer and its friends help care for the earth, and even an environmental writing class for kids. Guests can participate in activities on water, composting, livestock and the environment, organic gardening, Community Supported Agriculture, recycling, and more. They can also buy locally grown vegetables and farm products from local producers at the Farmer's Market, available on the Heifer Ranch grounds. Earth Day visitors can learn not only what Heifer is doing to help care for the earth, but also what is going on right here in Arkansas by visiting with our resource partners: The Arkansas Department of Environmental Quality, the Arkansas Forestry Commission, West River Valley Region Solid Waste Management, the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission, Grass Roots Meats, and The Perry County Farmer's Market. The Heifer Ranch gift shop will be open during this event, selling handcrafted merchandise from around the world. The merchandise is representative of the countries in which Heifer has projects. Proceeds from the sale of this merchandise go toward supporting Heifer's program work worldwide. Heifer Ranch is located two miles south of Perryville, Arkansas, one mile off U.S. Hwy 10. For more info on the Earth Day Celebration, call Heifer Ranch at 501-889-5124 or email ranch@heifer.org or visit their website at: www.heifer.org/earthday/Earth_Day.shtml Heifer Ranch is one of Heifer's four U.S. education centers, focusing on world hunger solutions, organic gardening and sustainable agricultural practices. At Heifer Ranch, over 25,000 visitors a year become familiar with the root causes of poverty and hunger and Heifer's work to help the poor achieve self-reliance. Since 1944, Heifer has provided livestock and ecologically sound agricultural training to millions of struggling families and is currently at work in 50 countries. For more info, visit Heifer's website at www.heifer.org or call 1-800-696-1918 for a free catalog.    Calendar of Events Mar. 6- Apr. 1: Randall Good, Painter of Religious Art: Subiaco- St. Benedict's Church, Performing Arts Bldg…Like those who inspire and challenge him Michael Angelo, Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino, fine artist Randall Good is concerned with the entire conception and aesthetic of his pieces. To view works see www.bluemoonartgallery.com or www.subi.org and click on Arts Council. For more info contact: Claudia Dersch 479-963-6358. Admission: Free Mar. 12: Subiaco Spring Carnival: Subiaco- 2-10 pm enjoy great food especially the Abbey's Monk Sausage, wine tasting, sponsored by some of the area wineries and lots of games for the whole family. Contact: Lou Trusty 479-934-1005. Admission: Free Mar. 16: Movie "King of Kings" with David Briggs, Organist: Subiaco- Opening reception at 6:30 pm, program at 7:45 pm. Cecil B. DeMille's silent classic with organ accompaniment by David Briggs, organist and special exhibit of paintings and drawings, represent the 14 stations of the Cross. Contact: Bruce Dersch 479-934-1276. Admission: Free Mar. 16: Artists Reception for David Briggs, Organist and Randall Good, Painter: Subiaco- Performing Arts Center post "King of Kings" concert reception. All are welcome. Contact: Bruce Dersch 479-934-1276. Admission: Free Mar. 26-27: Great Escape Weekend and Easter Egg Hunt: Morrilton- Petit Jean State Park…Nature walks, demonstrations, and entertainment. Activities conclude with a traditional kids' Easter Egg Hunt for 2,000 eggs. For more info call 501-727-5441 or visit website www.petitjeanstatepark.com. Admission: Free Mar. 6: Opening Reception & Gallery Talk for the Annual High School Art Competition: Russellville- Arkansas River Valley Arts Center...Students from high schools all over Arkansas will exhibit their artwork at the Arts Center throughout the month of March for an opportunity to win Best of Show. The reception is free and open to the public. For more info contact: Betty LaGrone 479-968-2452 Apr. 9: "PARTY IN THE PARK": Arkansas River Valley Arts Center...is presenting "party in the park", an arts festival and special community event. The festival will reach out to all persons in the area and across the state inviting them to a day of wholesome, family fun and entertainment. The event will be held at Russellville City Park. For more info call 479-968-2452 Mar. 5: Living Life on the River: Lake Dardanelle State Park- March is Arkansas Archeology month, and Lake Dardanelle State Park is hosting a day of exploring life on the river. Learn the history of boat travel along this important waterway while building a wooden model canoe much like the original travelers would have used. Space is limited; reservations required by Thursday March 3rd. For more info call 479-967-5516. Admission: $5 Mar. 5: 1:30 pm Fish Feeding: Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center in Russellville- Join Sasha in the visitor center to watch their big bass, feisty blue gill, and stealthy gar eat their afternoon meal! They'll be feeding their fish live food, and the show is always exciting! Mar. 11: Afternoon Lake Cruise: Lake Dardanelle State Park- Seldom you will find something more relaxing than an easy going afternoon on a party barge on one of the most scenic lakes in Arkansas. Space is limited so reservations are required for this 2 hour trip to remember. For more info call 479-967-5516. Mar. 12: Kayak Tour: Lake Dardanelle State Park- Be sure you sign up early for this enjoyable trip through areas of Lake Dardanelle, via recreational kayaks. Sign up at the visitor center at least one day in advance. For more info call 479-967-5516. Mar. 12: 1:30 pm Fish Feeding: Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center in Russellville- Join Sasha in the visitor center to watch their big bass, feisty blue gill, and stealthy gar eat their afternoon meal! Mar. 12: 4:00 pm Fish Prints: Lake Dardanelle State Park Visitor Center in Russellville- Meet Sarah on the back patio of the visitor center to do a fun and easy craft using fish. Don't worry, no fish will be harmed while doing this program! Mar. 19: 5th Annual EGG-Stravaganza: Lake Dardanelle State Park- The River Valley Branch of the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of North Central Arkansas will be hosting an Easter Egg Hunt for children ages 0-10+. There is no fee, so come on out to Lake Dardanelle State Park and enjoy the Easter Festivities. Mar. 27: Easter Egg Hunt: Altus- Starting at 3:00 pm sponsored by the Altus Chamber. Contact: Jennifer Brown 479-468-4684 or visit website at www.altusarkansas.com. Admission: Free Mar. 12: Auditions coming soon for teen production of Oklahoma: Clarksville- University of the Ozarks…The Clarksville's Children's Company is gearing up for its 9th free summer theater for local teenagers by holding auditions for the performance of the Broadway classic "Oklahoma!" For more info call 479-979-1346 Mar. 6: Bracket Racing Starts: Centerville Dragway- The 1st Bracket Race will be Sunday March 6th. Will have 2 points seasons in order to give everyone a chance to get their name on the Board. Points money & trophies awarded each half. Apr. 2: Saturday Street Legal Nights: Centerville Dragway- Exciting 2005 racing season kicks off! Don't miss it! $5 to watch $10 to run unless otherwise stated on special races. Apr. 3: Team Race..Gather up those Teams: Centerville Dragway- 6 car team, any combination of classes. Just gather up 6 folks and figure out what your team name will be. Turn in your team members names and car # to the front gate before the eliminations start. For more info on Centerville Dragway call 479-576-4001 or visit their website at www.centervilledragway.com, or email them at cvdrag@arkwest.com.