Volume 5 Issue 4 Published monthly by the Arkansas River Valley Tri - Peaks Region November 2007   Tri-Peaks Annual Banquet Tourism Award Winners Announced 2007 Tourism of the Year Awards From left: Perry Co.– Chuck Crimmins representing Perry Co. Farmers’ Market, Logan Co.– Vickey Wiggins w/Paris Express, Yell Co.– Vicki Sutton w/Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce, Johnson Co.– Spadra Marina, owners Regina Olson, Erick Olson, Janie Gentry & Larry Gentry, Pope Co.– Christie Graham representing Russellville Advertising & Promotion, & Conway Co.– Karen Hofford accepting for Great Arkansas Pig Out. Center: Lynn Wright, accepting Charlie Johnson Award for Bro. Mel Stinson. The Arkansas River Valley Tri-Peaks Annual Banquet was held Thursday, October 18, 2007 at 6:30 p.m. at Lake Dardanelle State Park. This years Charlie Johnson Award went to “One of the best people to promote tourism in our region that I know of”, stated Vicki Lyons, President of the Arkansas River Valley Tri-Peaks Region (ARVTPR). “He has been doing this job for a number of years for the organization. He is constantly setting up events of all kinds that bring tourist traveling world wide. Someone once asked him how he got to be on the ARVTPR Board, his answer was my boss told me to, he said “Represent our organization by sitting on the board of the ARVTPR.” And that is exactly how he came to be a Tri-Peaks Board Member. His knowledge about the River Valley area is astounding and he is always willing to help the Tri-Peaks Region in any way he can. He doesn’t stop with sitting on the Board though. He also partners with a neighboring city to promote his community as a tourist destination and a place to be considered if planning to relocate to the area. I can’t think of another person that deserves recognition for promoting tourism more than this person”. Bro. Mel Stinson, Guest Master for the Subiaco Abbey & Director of the Coury House. We appreciate all you do Bro. Mel! THANK YOU! Other Award Winners named at the Tri-Peaks Banquet- Conway Co.– Great Arkansas Pig Out Johnson Co.– Spadra Marina Logan Co.– Vickey Wiggins w/Paris Express Perry Co.– Perry County Farmer’s Market Pope Co.– Russellville Advertising & Promotion Yell Co.– Vicki Sutton w/Dardanelle Chamber of Commerce Congratulations to all of you. You deserve it for the wonderful work you do!     Winners of the 22nd Annual Talent Show Sponsored by the Clarksville-Johnson County Chamber of Commerce Division I– 12 & Under 1st– Hannah Villines of Fayetteville, AR– Tap Dance- Mr. Zoot Suit 2nd– Hannah Villines of Fayetteville, AR– Vocal– Good Morning Baltimore 3rd- Adam Gottsponer of Morrilton, AR– Guitar– Allegro Medley Division II– 13-18 Years 1st– Derrick Pledger of Clarksville, AR– Vocal– Unaware2nd– Derrick Pledger & Ashlyn Metheny– Vocal– Like We Never Love at All 3rd– Billie J. Teehee of Stillwell, OK– Vocal– Anyway Division III– 19 & Older 1st– Kaylea Frazier & Annie Jones of Fayetteville, AR– Clogging– Devil Went Down to Georgia 2nd– Annie Jones of Fayetteville, AR– Nothing to Lose Division IV– Breakthrough (Never placed in a talent show) 1st– Rebecca Rohlman– Rebecca, Adam & Phillip Gottsponer of Morrilton, AR– I’m With the Band 2nd– Rebecca Rohlman of Morrilton, AR– Vocal– Broken Wing Overall Winner Derrick Pledger of Clarksville, AR CONGRATULATIONS TO ALL!   Centerville Dragway– Drag Racing at its Best! Schedule of Events Nov. 3rd: Bracket Combo Race/Points Team Nov. 4th: Race of Champs/Chili Cook Off- Annual Thanksgiving for Racers Nov. 10th: Street Legal 4-9 Nov. 11th: Awards/Combo Race Nov. 17th: Street Legal 4-9 Nov. 24th: Last Race of the Season 4-9 Jan. 6th: New Years Bracket Race!! For more info visit them online at www.centervilledragway.com   Hot Deals, Arkansas State Parks Web Pages Receive Award The Arkansas State Parks Web site and the Hot Deals and Packages page of Arkansas.com recently received national recognition from Web Marketing Association in the leisure category of the organization’s annual competition.The sites are designed and maintained by Aristotle. Entries were judged primarily on design and other criteria such as copy writing, innovation, content, interactivity, navigation, and use of technology. Reprinted from Arkansas’ Industry Newsletter Nearly Two Dozen Attend Picture the Past at Winthrop Rockefeller Institute Petit Jean Mountain– The first showing of “Picture the Past”: an Archeology Film and Lecture Series held at the Winthrop Rockefeller Institute (WRI) attracted 22 individuals from across the area to Petit Jean Mountain.Participants learned about prehistoric Arkansas in the film “Crossroads of the Past,” which explored how the natural state’s first residents lived. Following the film, Dr. Tom Green, Director of the Arkansas Archeological Survey (AAS) and Professor at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, focused on the importance of preserving Arkansas’ rich cultural resources– both prehistoric and historic. “The mission on the Arkansas Archeological Survey is to create awareness of these resources and how we can better protect them for future generations,” Green said. The next lecture is scheduled for December 13 and will be entitled “Spirits of the Canyon.” Archeologists will discuss rock art in South Pecos, TX that records 5,000 years of Native Amercian culture. Dr. George Sabo III, Station Archeologist and Professor at the University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, will explore the details of their findings. To learn more about the Rockefeller Institute, visit www.uawri.org or call (501) 727-5435.   University of the Ozarks News Clarksville, AR Anita Perez Ferguson- Former President, National Women’s Political Caucus In Residency at U of O the Week of November 11th, 2007 (More details TBA) This season, the U of O is pleased to host a visiting fellow from the Woodrow Wilson National Fellowship Program. Anita Perez Ferguson was appointed by President Clinton and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to the Chair of the Inter-American Foundation. She has served as President of the National Women’s Political Caucus and earlier as the White House Liaison to the U.S. Department of Transportation. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Planned Parenthood Federation of America, where she co-chairs the organization’s Public Policy Initiative. During her week on campus, Ms. Ferguson will be hosting a variety of discussions, lectures, and other events for students and the community. The University would like to invite their Walton Series ticket holders to join them this week for an in depth look at the issues of gender and diversity. Lost Boy of Sudan - John Bul Dau- Thursday, November 8, 2007, 7:00pm, Tickets $12 John Bul Dau has experienced journeys in life that most people never imagine. Born in war-torn Sudan, Dau is one of 27,000 “Lost Boys” forced to flee their villages when the northern government began attacking the south. Forced to walk to refugee camps in Ethiopia and Kenya, he faced starvation, disease, and violence, during trips over hundreds of miles. Finally, in 2001, Dau was one of many “Lost Boys” sponsored to live in the United States. Following his initial culture shock, he took on two jobs and has made a successful life. He is currently studying public policy at Syracuse University, and is a part of many efforts to save Darfur and Sudan from conflict. He has helped raise over $35,000 for books and medical expenses for “Lost Boys” living in the United States, and he has helped raise over $150,000 for the “American Care for Sudan Foundation”, which is building a medical clinic in southern Sudan. John’s message is one of hope and inspiration, but it is also a call to action for everyone who hears about such attrocities but thinks there is nothing that can be done. For more information on these events and others, please call (479) 979-1000 or visit them online at www.ozarks.edu.   Archeology Fieldwork Focuses on Two Petit Jean Sites Two volunteers with the Arkansas Archeological Society explore Archaic Native American bedrock mortar holes next to a spring atop Petit Jean Mountain. Petit Jean Mountain, AR- Volunteers from the Arkansas River Valley chapter of the Arkansas Archeological Society spent their Saturday conducting preliminary fieldwork on top of Petit Jean Mountain.The team investigated two sites of private land as part of the chapter’s monthly field day. One site was a year-round spring where bedrock mortar holes are present. The other site was an historic farmstead probably dating from the 1880’s to the 1920’s. At the farmstead, the team recorded features such as rock foundation lines and a chimney fall for a house, similar foundations for at least three outbuildings, iris beds, and large cedar trees. In addition to field days, the Arkansas Archeological Society will offer a Site Survey Certification Workshop Feb. 15-17, 2008 at the Rockefeller Institute. Participants will be able to survey both historic and prehistoric sites on Petit Jean Mountain during this three-day training program. The event is conducted by Stewart-Abernathy and Larry Porter, Station Assistant at the AAS-WRI Research Station. Overnight accommodations and meal package prices will be announced. The Arkansas Archeological Society operates in collaboration with the Arkansas Archeological Survey. The AAS-WRI Research Station hosts Society meetings for the Arkansas River Valley chapter in the Rockefeller Institute’s Teaching Barn from 7-9 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month. These meetings are open to the public and offer lectures, news of current events and opportunities to help with research and preservation projects.For more information on the Rockefeller Institute, visit www.uawri.org or call (501) 727-5435     Petit Jean State Park Adventures "Rock House Cave" Hike NOV 11, 2007: 11 am - 11:45 am Meet at the Rock House Cave Trailhead. Meet with Park Interpreter Rachel for a guided tour of Rock House Cave. They will explore the ancient history of the mountain and view ancient Native American pictographs. This hike is ¼ mile long and will take about 45 minutes. 10th Annual Mountain Rendezvous NOV 23-25, 2007 At this primitive mountain man camp, learn some of the survival skills used by Arkansas pioneers. Watch a variety of demonstrations including muzzle loading rifles, tomahawk throwing and more! Presented by the Early Arkansas Reenactor Association. Contact the park for a detailed schedule. Visit them online at www.petitjeanstatepark.com or call (501) 727-5441 Admission: Free for both events   Fun Things To Do At Lake Dardanelle State Park November 2nd-30th What's for Lunch? - Every Tuesday and Saturday at 1:30 pm - See their aquarium exhibit! They have 8,000 gallons of aquariums, filled with many of the fish species found in Lake Dardanelle. Join park staff as they feed the fish live food. See for yourself, just what do those fish eat for lunch? Friday, November 2nd 6-7 p.m. - Know Your State Saturday, November 3rd 10-11 a.m. - Native American Games 2-3 p.m. - Nature Tales Friday, November 9th 5-6 p.m. - Talking Turkey Saturday, November 10th 12:30-1:30 p.m. - Spring-o 2-3 p.m. - Nature Tales 5-6 p.m. - Go Fish Friday, November 16th 6-6:30 p.m. - Fireside Stories Saturday, November 17th 9-10 a.m. - Fashion a Fish 2-3 p.m. - Nature Tales 4-5 p.m. - Crumple Watershed Sunday, November 18th 9-10 a.m. - Winter Wildlife Watching 2-3 p.m. - Art with an Interpreter Friday, November 23rd 11 a.m.-12 p.m. - Turkey Talent 2-3 p.m. - Turtle Talkin' 5:30-6 p.m. - Hidden Creatures Saturday, November 24th 9-10 a.m. - Migratory Bird Watch 11 a.m. -12 p.m. - Wetland Address 2-3 p.m. - Nature Tales 6-7 p.m. - Over the Moon Sunday, November 25th 2-3 p.m. - Art with an Interpreter Friday, November 30th 5:30-6 p.m. - Why all the Birds? For more info, call (479) 967-5516 Clarksville & Johnson County Merchants Christmas Open House Sunday, November 18th 1-5 p.m. You are cordially invited to join the Clarksville & Johnson County Merchants in celebrating “A Home Town Country Christmas.” Merchants Open House will be held Sunday, November 18th from 1-5 p.m. Area merchants will offer discounts, refreshments and door prizes. The Early Bird Sale will be held Friday, November 23rd from 7-10 a.m. For more information or to enter the Christmas Parade, call (479) 754-2340 or visit them online at www.clarksvillearchamber.com. Other Area Merchants’ Christmas Open Houses Paris: Sunday, November 18th, 1-5 pm 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, November 6, 2007, 10:00 a.m. at Lake Dardanelle State Park.These meetings are open to the public. A General Membership meeting will be held Tuesday, November 6, 2007, 11:30 a.m. at Lake Dardanelle State Park 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 Nov 18: Merchants Christmas Open House- 1-5 p.m. Nov 23: Merchants Early Bird Sale- 7-10 a.m. Call 479-754-2340 for details Morrilton Nov 3: AR Archeological Society Field Work & Lab Nov 6: AR Archeological Society Field Work & Lab For more information on the above events; call 501-727-6250 Nov 10: Basic Training 2nd Saturday Chef's Series; call 501-727-5435 for more info Paris Nov 18: Merchants Christmas Open House Nov 24: Holiday City Lighting & Parade Call 479-963-2244 for details Russellville Nov 2-3: 2007 Arts & Crafts Fair Pope County Fairgrounds Call Ronnie at 479-968-3208 for more info Nov 18: Mid-Southern Watercolorist Exhibit opening reception at ARV Arts Center Call 479-968-2452 for more info Nov 29: Russellville Christmas Parade held on South Arkansas to Main & El Paso at 6:30 p.m. Call 479-968-2530 for more info Please contact your area Chamber of Commerce to confirm event dates...   Don't forget Veterans Day- November 11th, 2007