Volume 1 Issue 9 Published monthly by the Arkansas River Valley Tri -Peaks Region Association March 2004   Bassmasters ESPN Tournament  Lake Dardanelle has been selected as the site of a Bassmasters ESPN tournament to be held April 12-18, 2004. B.A.S.S. ESPN Outdoors will film and air the tournament a minimum of three times on ESPN2.  The Bass Anglers Sportsman Society, or B.A.S.S., is the world's largest fishing organization, sanctioning more than 20,000 tournaments worldwide through its federation.  The week-long event consists of three days of practice and four days of competition. After the second day of competition, the field of anglers is reduced to the top 50 professionals and top 50 amateurs, with the top 40 professional anglers qualifying for the 2004 CITGO Bassmaster Classic. The CITGO Bassmaster Tournament Trail is the oldest and most prestigious pro bass fishing tournament circuit and continues to set the standard for credibility, professionalism and sportsmanship, as it has since 1968. Along with the tournament, an Outdoor Expo, offered all week, will include sponsor displays along with programs for adults and children. Admission is free. The tournament event will also be covered extensively in B.A.S.S. publications, including Bassmaster and BASS Times. Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism   Lake Dardanelle State Park Biking in the River Valley Hospitality assistance is needed to help with the London & Paris by Bike- Tour the Wine Country and the Tri-Peaks Challenge Race to be held in May. Volunteers can be zone support, corner marshals for traffic safety, or provide escort vehicles and drivers. The London & Paris by Bike Charity Ride will be May 1. London & Paris by Bike tour the Wine County begins in Altus, AR, the Wine Capital of Arkansas-home of the "Simple Life", with one of three scenic rides that will benefits the Cancer Unit of the Arkansas Children's Hospital. http://tri-peaks.org/winetour.htm   The Tri-Peaks Challenge - Race the scenic Tri-Peaks of the River Valley beginning in Russellville May 22-23. The Tri-Peaks Challenge Race is on the USCF National Racing Calendar. www.tri-peaks.org Contact Chuck Gordon for more information on both events, 479-968-5554  Waite to speak at the University of Ozarks  Former Beirut hostage Terry Waite will speak at the University of Ozarks on April 20, 2004. Waite, served as the Archbishop's Envoy to Beirut in the mid-1980s. He gained international recognition after being held hostage for almost five years, including four years in solitary confinement. In 1987, while negotiating the release of hostages in Beirut, Waite was himself taken hostage. In captivity for 1,763 days, he was chained to a wall, often left in darkness, beaten and subjected to mock executions. Since his release, Waite has tirelessly devoted his time to humanitarian efforts throughout the world. In his lectures, Waite gives audiences a perspective of world affairs founded on open communication, cooperation and a deep understanding of diverse cultures. He is the author of "Taken on Trust," and "Footfalls in Memory: Reflections from Solitude," both of which recount his experiences in captivity. For more information call - 479-979-1346 U of O Media   MOUNTAIN MEMORIES  Share your memories of Mount Magazine with park staff and visitors on Saturday, March 27, 2004. Old photographs can be scanned, loaned, or donated and your stories can be recorded. Artifacts can be denoted to the park's collection. Of special interest are photographs of structures by settlers, WPA, and CCC crews. Audio/visual programs, guided hikes to historic sites, and special exhibits will be scheduled. All activities are free of charge. For more information, contact: Don Simons, Interpreter, Mount Magazine State Park, 16878 HWY 309 South, Paris, AR 72855. Phone (479) 963-8502. Email: Don.Simons@mail.state.ar.us.   Opening Reception and Gallery Talk The Arkansas River Valley Arts Center will host an Opening Reception and Gallery Talk for the Annual High School Art Competition, Sunday, March 7, from 1:00 to 3:00 p.m. 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 prize of $75.00. There will be a first place $50.00, second place $30.00 and third place $20.00 prize. 1st-3rd place will be awarded in two categories: 9th-10th grade and 11th-12th grade. CenturyTel is sponsoring the awards. Mr. Ron Reynolds who is also an artist and a former Arkansas Tech Art Instructor will jury the artwork. A Very Special display of art from the private collection and works of Buford Smith will also be on exhibit. The reception is free and open to the public and everyone is encouraged to come view these works from our Arkansas High School art students. 479- 968-2452    Russellville's Depot District  Part of the Main Street Russellville enhancement program, the city's old Missouri Pacific Depot is in the process of being renovated and will serve as a multi-use gathering space. The grand opening is scheduled for May 2004. The depot, together with park property across the street, includes: meeting rooms; exhibit and display space; public restrooms; an old-fashioned soda fountain/ice cream parlor/sandwich shop; a gift shop featuring local products; picnic tables; a bandstand for open-air concerts; and a theater. The entire Depot District runs about three blocks along the railroad tracks. The Mediterranean-style depot was built in 1910 to replace the original 1880 depot, which was destroyed by fire. Main Street Russellville,(479)967-1437 www.downtownrussellville.com. Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism   An Evening of Irish Music and Dance   The University of the Ozarks will present an evening of Irish music and dance on Tuesday, March 16, as the group Banish Misfortune performs in the Walton Fine Arts Center on the Clarksville campus. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. Banish Misfortune takes audiences on an ancient journey home through the rich cultural heritage of traditional Celtic music. Their concert repertoire covers a collage of tunes gathered from around the British Isles & America. This musical map provides a diverse range of styles guaranteed to stir the heart, soul & spirit. Sweet ballads, melodic airs and lyrical waltzes lend a romantic quality to the more lilting tunes. Some of the most beautiful numbers leave an ethereal, even haunting image. In contrast, prepare to be electrified by spirited jigs, fiery reels, driving hornpipes & their award-winning Irish step dancers, to make the evening's experience complete. Along with an authentic performance, that often brings audiences to their feet, Banish Misfortune likes to share a sense of the history of Celtic music. Tickets for the performance are $10 each and can be purchased by calling the university at 479-979-1349. Subiaco Abbey Arts Council Exhibit The Subiaco Abbey Arts Council in conjunction with the Blue Moon Gallery of Hot Springs, AR presents a special exhibit of the works of Randall M. Good at the Centenary Hall Performing Arts Center Gallery during Lent of 2004. The opening reception at the will be on Sunday, March 28th from 2-4 PM followed by a discussion with Mr. Good about his artwork. The exhibit will include oils, watercolors and drawings depicting figures in a religious context and will continue through April 30th. The public is invited to attend and there is no admission charge. The exhibit can also be viewed on the intervening Sundays from 2-4:00 or through special appointment by calling Coury House at Subiaco Abbey 1-479-934-1290. Like those who inspire and challenge him (Michelangelo, Pontormo and Rosso Fiorentino) fine artist, Randall M. Good is concerned with the entire conception and aesthetic of his pieces: hence, the artist's strict adherence to Florentine disegno, which is the primacy of drawing and composition in regard to expressive intention. Not coincidentally, it is just such expressive intention that contributes to the work's timeless quality. Father Aaron Pirrera, Subiaco Abbey Arts Council President and Subiaco Academy Headmaster described the works of art as "the traditional themes presented in such a dramatic and new way [to be] intriguing. The old perhaps, "tired" themes take on a new meaning with Randall's interpretation. But yet, like the old masters, they evoke a sense of the mysterious and the divine...a rare combination of pathos and beauty... and in me an excitement to go back and study the hagiographic stories of the lives and martyrdoms of the saints." Never self-conscious, always serious and with just a hint of the neuroses like those found in the works of the Mannerist painters he has studied, Good's manipulations of the human form for expressive purposes continue a rich tradition and contain a timelessness that proves to be strikingly original. A quote by, Ellen Herron, Curator and Project Coordinator of The Dead Sea Scrolls Exhibition, expresses many viewers feelings after viewing the artwork. "Randall Good clearly has an abundance of talent and excellent technique, and I find his gripping compositions both beautiful and visceral. His influences are strikingly obvious, but this is certainly intentional rather than derivative. What I admire most about Good's work is how deftly he mixes Renaissance aesthetics with modern elements. I find that the techniques and styles that he employs pay homage to his predecessors while simultaneously bringing his paintings solidly into modern times." Mr. Good, exclusively represented by Blue Moon Gallery in Hot Springs, graduated from the University of North Texas in 1990, where he studied Painting, Drawing and Art History. He augmented his understanding of Old Master techniques by training as a conservator of paintings and by his travels abroad.   For further information please contact Claudia Dersch, 1-479-963-6358, or Blue Moon Gallery at 501-318-2787. Good's artwork and artist notes are viewable on the gallery website www.bluemoonartgallery.com Archeology Month to be Celebrated at Petit Jean State Park   March is set aside as Arkansas Archeology Month. This year’s theme is Containers before Plastic. Here at Petit Jean State Park we will be celebrating the month with a day full of special archeology related activities.   The day will begin at 9 am with a guided hike to the most recognized archeological site in the park, Rock House Cave. This bluff shelter has been used for centuries. View the ancient drawings inside the cave. A grinding bowl the Native Americans used can still be viewed today.   At 11 am come to the Rec Hall located behind the Visitor Center as Michelle Berg Vogel, an Arkansas survey research assistant, will present a slide presentation of Arkansas Rock Art. During this presentation, learn how these prehistoric drawings have been studied and how they are preserved.   At 2 pm we will continue looking at containers used before plastic by looking at the most popular piece of cooking equipment during the westward expansion. Dutch ovens, used to cook almost anything, are still easy to use today. Meet at the amphitheater for an outdoor cooking demonstration.     The day will wrap up with a special presentation by Skip Abernathy, a local archeologist. Research has been done at Carden Bottoms, located at the foot of Petit Jean Mountain and some interesting items have been found. Here is your chance to learn about the interesting pottery found in the area. This program will be held in the Rec Hall, located behind the Visitor Center.   Join us for this day as we look into the past of Petit Jean Mountain. For more information, contact the park at (501) 727-5441 or by email at petitjean@arkansas.com.   AHA to Match NRAEF Students Scholarship Funds On behalf of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), we are pleased to announce that the Arkansas Hospitality Association has been selected, once again, to participate in the 2004-2005 co-branded scholarship program beginning January 1, 2004 through June 30, 2005. The NRAEF will provide $14,000 in funds to the Arkansas Hospitality Association for these co-branded scholarships. The funds provided by the NRAEF are intended for the following three categories of students planning to continue their post-secondary education in the restaurant and food service industry: 1. Graduating Prostart high school seniors holding a Certificate of Achievement 2. Undergraduate college students 3. Graduating ProStart high school seniors The Arkansas Hospitality Association will match these NRAEF scholarship dollars 100 percent. For more information or to get a scholarship application contact Janelle Powell at the Arkansas Hospitality Association, 501-376-2323. Article from the Arkansas Hospitality Association February newsletter  White House Plan to Jump-Start Immigration Debate  NRA officials attended a White House event Jan. 7, where President Bush called on Congress to approve a proposal that would provide an initial three-year temporary visa (with an opportunity to renew) for millions of undocumented immigrants working in the United States. The proposal would also increase the current number of green cards available to those desiring permanent U.S. residency. Prospective employees wishing to come to the United States could apply for a temporary visa provided they could establish an existing job offer. Arkansas Hospitality Association Hospitality Education Foundation   The Arkansas Hospitality Association's Education Foundation was founded to help industry members continue to learn and grow, but also to help develop our future leaders. Due to its efforts, in 2000 the first high schools in Arkansas began offering students the opportunity to learn about the restaurant and lodging industry, and develop the skills needed for success through a programs called ProStart and LMP. Today 18 programs are offered in 12 high schools throughout Arkansas. Through the Hospitality Education Foundation, as well as internships and mentoring by experienced members of the industry, many students are now on their way to a rewarding career. And, through the generosity of members of this industry the Hospitality Education Foundation has been able to help many of these students continue their education in college. In 2003, the Hospitality Education Foundation awarded $31,000 in scholarships to 20 students who are now working toward achieving their goals. These opportunities would not be available without the generosity of people who care about the future of this industry. If you or your company would like to make a tax-deductible investment in the hospitality industry's future leaders, please contact Dee Carroll 501-376-2323 dee@arhospitality.org Article from the Arkansas Hospitality Association      Arkansas State Parks, Recreation & Travel Commission  The rating for the $36 million bond issue for the construction of the lodge and cabin project came in at "A-" and will be increased to "A+++" with bond insurance. Based on the January 13 bond market the interest rate for the bonds would be 3.922%. The bond sale is scheduled for January 21 with a ground breaking ceremony being planned to take place in April. For more information contact Gregg Butts at 501-682-7743. The commission approved the Division entering into a cooperative agreement with the Corley Mountain rural Fire Association for the establishment of a fire station at the park. Contact Stan Graves for more information 501-682-1633 Little Rock Hotel Owner Appointed  Governor Mike Huckabee appointed hotel owner and operator Jim Shamburger of Little Rock to a six-year term on the Arkansas State Parks, Recreation and Travel Commission. The 14-person commission is charged with establishing policies that govern the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism. At 42, Shamburger has been involved in the hotel industry for three decades. He began managing properties in 1993, and he has since been a part owner for Arkansas hotels in Little Rock, Hot Springs, Texarkana, Mountain Home and Bryant. Jim Shamburger, who graduated from Hendrix College with a degree in economics and business, is actively involved with - and has served as past president for - both the Arkansas Hospitality Association and the Arkansas Lodging Association. In addition, he has served on the Heart of Arkansas Regional Tourism Association board of directors since 2000. Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism Interstate Highway Rebuilding Process Arkansas is in the final two years of a five-year, $950 million program to rebuild the state's Interstate highway system. Since voters approved the bond financing plan in 1999, some 35 Interstate projects, totaling 247 miles, have been completed. Just over 100 miles of rehabilitation remains on the schedule and the following areas will be construction zones during 2004: (I-40) eight miles in west Johnson and east Franklin counties, 14 miles in Johnson County, 20 miles in Crittenden County; (I-30) four miles in Saline County, starting in Benton. The 365-mile Interstate re-construction program, largest in state highway history, will be completed in 2005. The Arkansas State Highway and Transportation Department's Web site includes an interactive Interstate highway map. The official Arkansas Tourist Information Centers, located major entry points into the state, provide up-to-date highway information. (501)569-2227; www.ArkansasInterstates.com  Arkansas River Valley Tri-Peaks Tourist Association Vicki Lyons- President Beebe Huett - Secretary/Treasurer Board of Directors Conway County Beebe Huett --- Morrilton Area Chamber of Commerce Buddy Hoelzeman --- Museum of Automobiles Karen Hofford --- Morrilton Mayor's Office Wally Scherrey --- Petit Jean State Park Johnson County Pat Kowalewycz --- U S Forest Service Vicki Lyons --- Clarksville-Johnson County Chamber of Commerce Carol Martin --- Individual Nancy Rogers --- Hampton Inn Logan County David Flugrad ---Mt. Magazine State Park Bro. Mel Stinson, OSB --- Coury House Retreat Center Lynn Wright --- First National Bank Debbie Westlake-Allen ---Paris Area Chamber of Commerce Perry County Doug Brandon --- First Electric Cooperative Pope County Betty LaGrone--- ARV Arts Center Yvonda Tilley--- Boston Mountain Copper Co. Andy Thomas--- Lake Dardanelle State Park Lou Vitale --- ARVAC, Inc.   Yell County Mike Hall---Mt. Nebo State Park Jim Holbrook--- Chambers Bank Patti Styles---Centerville Dragway Carole Tackett ---Catfish 'N   101 N Johnson Clarksville AR 72830 (479) 754-6453 Fax (479) 754-4923 1-800-561-6508 Email: info@arvtripeaks.com Web: www.arvtripeaks.com   Tri-Peaks Monthly Tourism Information   February tourism information for the Tri-Peaks region has been sent to 33 states and to Canada. February request totals: Web Site - 37 Phone Inquiries - 9 AR Vacation Planning Kit - 96 Visitors to WEB site - 941 Newsletter emailed - 143 Vacation Package Inquiries - 3   ARVTPR Vacation Packages ARVTPR has five packages on the Arkansas.com site romance packages http://www.arkansashotdeals.com/details.asp?id=688 http://www.arkansashotdeals.com/details.asp?id=628 http://www.arkansashotdeals.com/details.asp?id=753 outdoor sports and adventure http://www.arkansashotdeals.com/details.asp?id=687 http://www.arkansashotdeals.com/details.asp?id=626     Travelin' Arkansas: Events Taking Place in Early March Spring begins to tease early at Garvan Woodland Gardens in Hot Springs when the daffodils usually start to bloom around February 27. They continue to flower until around March 18, and according to garden spokesperson Marla Crider, "the peak, depending on Mother Nature and the weather, of course, is expected between March 5 and 10." More than 80,000 bulbs representing 327 varieties are featured at Garvan Woodland Gardens, a 210-acre botanical facility located on Lake Hamilton. For updates on the blooming season progress, contact the Gardens toll-free at (800) 366-4664. Information on the Gardens and other special events taking place there can be found at www.garvangardens.org. Garvan is located at 540 Arkridge Road. Admission is $7 for adults, $6 for senior citizens ages 55 and older, and $4 for children ages 6-12. Those under 5 are admitted free. For over 25 years, Wye Mountain has been showing off its seven