Volume 1 Issue 3 Published monthly by the Arkansas River Valley Tri -Peaks Region Association September 2003   State-of-the-Art Visitors Center Now Open at Lake Dardanelle New Center Features Large Aquariums, Computer Kiosks     Combining nature at its best with the latest technology yields the potential for a park that is not only enjoyable for its outdoor recreational opportunities, but also for its interpretation of these natural elements. A prime example is Lake Dardanelle State Park, complete with a new 10,527-square-foot visitors center funded by Amendment 75, Arkansas's Conservation Fund approved by voters in 1996. Since the opening, there has been an upsurge of interest in the park. "It's unbelievable," Andy Thomas, the park's superintendent, said. "We've had a tremendous amount of visitation." In addition to housing the park's administrative offices, the new $2.4-million center features a gift shop, classrooms, state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, a lab and interpretive exhibits that include four aquariums with fish, other wildlife and plants found in Lake Dardanelle, the Arkansas River and their tributaries. "We have some largemouth bass that weigh seven pounds plus," Thomas said. "We have a lot of different species that represent the three stages of the river." Another interpretive element in the center is touch-screen kiosks with information on the park and the area's water resources and history. "They're easy to use," Thomas said. "It's a lot of fun to play with them, and you actually have a learning experience." The center also serves students from schools in Russellville, Dardanelle and the surrounding area, including Arkansas Tech University at Russellville. The facility contains wireless technology with fiber optic and high-speed T-1 connectivity to allow for information exchange via the Internet with schools and the public. In addition, Sarah Keating, an interpreter at Lake Dardanelle, has produced an educators' workbook, which lists all of the programs available at the park and how they can fit into educational curriculums. The center also features a wireless weather station that allows anglers on the lake and other visitors to access weather conditions and data such as details on fishing and water quality as well as special events and programs at the park. The information is available at www.accessarkansasparks.com, in the "radar image and alerts" section. "Lake Dardanelle State Park's new state-of-the-art facilities and wireless technology have set the course for this park to be the most high-tech facility of Arkansas's 51 state parks," said State Parks Director Greg Butts, who has also praised the aesthetic qualities of the structure. The center features a blend of architectural elements reminiscent of the Craftsman era. When viewed from the front, tapered wood columns, horizontal clapboard siding and a base of native stones stand out. The rear of the center features an outdoor patio with a large open-hearth stone fireplace and expansive windows that afford views of the lake. The building's interior includes tongue-and-groove paneling, vaulted wood trusses and terra-cotta brick flooring. Since its establishment in 1967, Lake Dardanelle State Park has been a peaceful camping and fishing destination because of its location on the 34,300-acre reservoir. The area is now renowned as one of Arkansas's hottest bass fishing tournament sites. "We host over 50 tournaments annually," Thomas said. The park's facilities include a weigh-in pavilion, which opened in July of 2002 at a cost of $161,587. The structure serves as the staging area for fishing tournaments, which combined draw more than 8,000 anglers each year and have an estimated $10-million economic impact for the area annually. It is because of numbers like these that Thomas said the pavilion was designed to meet the needs of world-class fishing tournaments. The 1,861-square-foot pavilion has an office and a public address system in a multi-purpose room that is connected to a covered 250-sqaure-foot outdoor stage for weighing and displaying the catches of the day. In addition, the stage, which features six large holding tanks and a spectator area, is connected by walkways to a lakeside boat dock area. Lake Dardanelle State Park, one of 51 in the state parks system, offers two areas on the lake. The Russellville and Dardanelle locations both offer camping, marinas, launch ramps, pavilions, picnic sites, restrooms and bathhouses. Along with the visitor's center and weigh-in pavilion, the Russellville area offers year-round interpretive programs, a barrier-free fishing pier, a hiking trail and a miniature golf course. The Russellville area is located just off Ark. 326, about four miles west of Ark. 7. The Dardanelle area is located four miles west of the town on Ark. 22. (479) 967-5516 or www.ArkansasStateParks.com Arkansas Department of Parks & Tourism Special Mobility-Impaired Deer Hunt   GREERS FERRY - The US Army Corps of Engineers is taking applications though Sept 5 for a special deer hunt to be held October 28-29 at Greers Ferry Lake. Up to five permits will be issued to hunters whose mobility is permanently or severely impaired by paralysis or amputation. This special hunt is a joint effort among the US Army Corps of Engineers, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission and the Arkansas Disabled Sportsman's Association, Inc. Hunting blinds and safe access routes to the sites will be provided. Hunters will be limited to the use of muzzleloaders only. Hunters will need an assistant and ATV to access the blinds. Applicants must submit a completed application form and a doctor's letter by close of business Sept. 5. US Army Corps of Engineers Greers Ferry Project Office P O Box 1088, Heber Springs AR 72543 501-362-2416   CLARKSVILLE - The fourth annual special deer hunt at the Dardanelle Wildlife Management Area near Clarksville will be November 1-2. Applicants must submit a completed application form, with identification and a doctor's letter by Sept. 11. Five permits will be issued to hunters whose mobility is permanently or severely impaired by paralysis or amputation. This is a joint effort among the US Army Corps of Engineers, Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arkansas Disabled Sportsman's Association, Inc., and the Central Arkansas Buckmasters. This hunt will provide proper access and hunting blinds to individuals who are capable of using a firearm, but whose ability to access most hunting areas is restricted. Hunters will be limited to muzzleloaders or rifled barrel slug shotguns only. No center fire cartridge firearms will be allowed. US Army Corps of Engineers Ozark Field Office 6042 Lock & Dam Road Ozark AR 72949 479-667-2139 1-800-844-2129     Highpoint Rendezvous Mount Magazine State Park Mountain men, women, and children will dress, camp and cook the way people did during Arkansaw territorial days, October 4, 2003. Living historians will demonstrate camping, clothing, weapons, equipment, cooking, and other aspects of frontier life. This event will be in conjunction with Frontier Day in Paris. Mount Magazine State Park, 16878 Hwy. 309 South, www.paris-ar.com, mtmagazine@arkansas.com         Floating Through History on the Arkansas River Lake Dardanelle State Park The Louisiana Purchase was a major development in the growth of our nation and the Arkansas River provided a necessary water route for transporting settlers and explorers and the goods they needed to prosper in this new land. The Arkansas River now plays an important role in our community. Explore the development of water transportation along the Arkansas River from wooden canoes to commercial barges. Each participant will build a wooden model canoe to take home. Please bring a picnic lunch with you and we will eat in the park. The event is open to the public and there is a fee of $5 per person. The program will run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., September 6 and October 4, 2003. Seating is limited; please call the park and sign up in advance. Sarah Keating, Interpreter- Lake Dardanelle State Park, 2428 Marina Road, Russellville, AR 72802 (479) 967-5516, lakedardanelle@arkansas.com     Arkansas River Valley Arts Center to Host Art Exhibits The two art exhibits scheduled for September at the Arkansas River Valley Arts Center will give area residents the opportunity to enjoy two distinctly different art styles. Bonnie J. Peyton is a watercolorist who first became interested in art by taking photography classes. She has studied acrylic painting and watercolor since 1986. Living in Alaska and Arkansas has heightened her awareness of nature. Bonnie finds her inspiration in the brilliant colors and shapes of nature and the human element. Hsiu-Chiang Chen, ceramic artist, will exhibit her beautiful ceramic pieces in the South Gallery. She was born in Taipei, Taiwan where she received the art training that became the stepping-stone to her career. Hsiu said she loved the feel of the clay the very first time she tried pottery. She incorporates aspects of the Chinese culture into her pieces to share with others. An Artist Opening Reception and Gallery Talk will be held at the ARV Arts Center, 1001 East B St., Russellville from 1:00-3:00 p.m., Sunday, September 7. The reception and exhibits are free and open to the public to come and visit with the artists. For information call 479-967-2452.   Photography Exhibit at University of the Ozarks Texas photographer Carroll H. Rowbotham will feature his black and white exhibit entitled, "The Awe and Beauty of the West," during the month of September in the Stephens Art Gallery on the University of the Ozarks campus. The 36 photographs were taken over a period of two years (2000-2001) and represent a study of landscapes, small villages and historical churches in Northern New Mexico, as well as stunning images captured in Yellowstone National Park and the Badlands of South Dakota. All of the images were taken with a 35mm Nikon with a Nikkor lens. Rowbotham, who describes himself as a serious amateur photographer, has displayed his photographs at several venues, including the Irving (Texas) Fine Arts Center and the Grapevine Palace Theater. A native of Arkansas, Rowbotham also makes sculptures and works in the medium of metal and Portland cement. The exhibit will be available for public viewing from Sept. 1-30. There will be a Meet-the-Artist Reception for Rowbotham from 2-4 p.m., Sept. 21, in the gallery, which is located in the Walton Fine Arts Center on the north side of campus. For more information on the art show, contact the university at (479) 979-1349.  Travelin' Arkansas: Events Taking Place in September The Grand Ole Opry will visit northwest Arkansas Sept. 4 through Oct. 4 through a traveling exhibition from ExhibitsUSA to be displayed at the Rogers Historical Museum. The photographs in the traveling exhibition will be complemented by memorabilia related to Grand Ole Opry performers that have connections to Arkansas and by musical instruments. (479) 621-1154 or visit www.rogersarkansas.com/museum The 13th annual Riverfront Blues Festival is staged for Sept. 12-13 at the Harry E. Kelley Riverfront Park in Fort Smith. (479) 965-2233 or www.riverfrontbluesfest.org. The Wilders, a popular string band from Kansas City, will headline the American Roots Music Concert at Ozark Folk Center State Park Sept. 12-13 Mountain View(870) 269-3851 www.ozarkfolkcenter.com Marking its 19th year, Jazz Eureka will take place Sept. 19-21 at various downtown Eureka Springs venues. (479) 253-7788 or 888-855-7823 www.eurekasprings.org. The annual Hot Springs Jazz Festival to be held Friday through Sunday, Sept. 12-14 1-800-SPA-CITY www.hotsprings.org. "Blues and Bike Fest," to be held Sept. 19-21 in Heber Springs. The festival will be a fundraiser for St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. (501) 362-5354 www.angelfire.com/blues2/st_jude_fest The 8th annual Arkansas Championship Hillbilly Chili Cook-Off will be staged Sept. 5-6 at the Bull Shoals City Park. (870) 445-4443 or visit www.havefun@bullshoals.org. "Get WILD in Arkansas" at the 2nd annual wild game cook off on Sept. 27 at War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock; and watch the Arkansas Razorbacks take on the Alabama Crimson Tide. Kelley Renard at krenard@dolr.org or (501) 224-7120. Hours for the event are 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission is $10 for adults; ages 14 and under are admitted free. About 20 hot air balloons are set to float across the skies and above the Ozark Mountains near Harrison when the city hosts the Arkansas Hot Air Balloon State Championship Sept. 5-7. Harrison Chamber (870) 741-2659. The 12th annual Tired Iron of the Ozarks Tractor and Gas Engine Show will be held Sept. 5-7 at 13344 Taylor Orchard Road in Gentry. (479)524-0450 or visit www.tiredironoftheozarks.com. The 33rd annual Antique Automobile Festival will take place Sept. 5-7-Pine Mountain Village in Eureka Springs (800)6EUREKA www.eurekaspringschamber.com The Old Town Cruisers Car Show will take place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sept. 13 in the Main Street Historic District of Van Buren. (479) 471-8350. One of the largest car shows, the 6th annual Petit Jean Fall Swap Meet will be held Sept. 17-20 at the Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain near Morrilton (501) 727-5427 www.museumofautos.com In conjunction with the Swap Meet at the Museum of Automobiles will be the 3rd annual Military Vehicle Rally and Swap Meet Sept. 19-20. The 3rd annual Route 68 Cruise-in and Car Show is set for Sept. 19-20 in downtown Siloam Springs. (479) 524-6874. "Feathered Star: New Quilts from an Old Favorite," will be exhibited from Sept. 6 through Oct. 25 at the 1875 Peel Mansion and Historic Gardens at 400 S. Walton Blvd. in Bentonville (479) 273-9664 www.peelmansion.org. The 27th annual Ozark Quilt Fair will take place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 13 (with a rain date of Sept. 20) at Springdale's Shiloh Museum of Ozark History. (479) 750-8165. Aside from the beautiful scenery, a big draw in September at Devil's Den State Park near West Fork is the Northwest Arkansas Mountain Bike Championships. A two-day stage race, the championships consist of a cross-country race at 9 a.m. Sept. 13 and a criterion at 9 a.m. on Sept. 14. www.bikearkansas.com. Department of Parks & Tourism 55th Annual Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry The 55th Annual Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry, will be held September 20,2003, at Mt. Nebo State Park in Dardanelle. Beside a wonderful Chicken Dinner, the event features a 10K Run, Arts and Crafts Booths, Chicken Calling Contest, Horseshoe Contest, Motorcycle Show activities for children, Lovelylegs contest and includes Miss Mt. Nebo and Teen Pageants, and Miss Pullet and Mr. Rooster contest. There will be a dance featuring "Rawhide". Contact Vicki Sutton at 479-229-3328 or dardchamber@hotmail.com. National Customer Service Week October 6-13 7 STEPS TO CUSTOMER SERVICE RECOVERY Here are the Telephone Doctor's 7 Steps to Service Recovery that will help make your day a better one! 1. IT IS your responsibility. If you have answered the phone on behalf of the company, you have indeed accepted 100% responsibility. At least that's what the caller/customer believes. So get off the "it's not my fault" syndrome. And get on with the "what can I do for you?" position. 2. "I'm sorry" DOES work. Every once in a while, I hear from the SCR that tells me they don't feel they should say "? "I'm sorry" when it wasn't their fault. Well, as stated above, in the customer's mind, it is your fault. Saying you're sorry won't fix the problem, but it definitely does help to defuse it immediately. Try it. You'll see. 3. Empathize immediately. When someone is angry or frustrated with your company, the one thing they need is someone to agree with them, or at least feel they're being understood. Be careful, though: "I'll know how you feel" is NOT a good thing to say unless you have been through exactly what they have experienced. Try--"That's got to be so frustrating" or "What an unfortunate situation." 4. IMMEDIATE action is necessary to make a service recovery. Don't make a customer wait for good service. Get whatever it is they need to them immediately. Overnight service if it's necessary. That's recovery. REMEMBER: Telephone Doctor's motto: IT SHOULD NEVER TAKE 2 PEOPLE TO GIVE GOOD CUSTOMER SERVICE. 5. Ask what would make them happy. In a few rate cases, the customer can be a most difficult one. If you have tried what you considered "everything", simply ask the customer: "What can I do to make you happy, Mr. Jones?" In most cases, it may be something you're able to do. You just may not have thought of it. So go ahead and ask them. 6. Understand the true meaning of Service Recovery. Service Recovery is not just fixing the problem. It's making sure it won't happen again. It's listening to the customer. It's going above and beyond. 7. FOLLOW UP. After you feel the problem has been fixed, follow up. After you've made the customer happy, make an extra phone call a day or so later. Be sure to ask them: "Have we fixed everything for you?" "What else can we do for your?" Be sure they're satisfied. When you hear: "Thanks, you've done a great job. I appreciate it". Then you know you've achieved SERVICE RECOVERY! (Arkansas Hospitality Association-Reprinted with permission of Telephone Doctor, an international customer training company headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, specializing in customer service and telephone skills.)   County Fair Time in The Natural State September brings the expectation of cooler temperatures and a calendar full of county fairs around The Natural State. Listed below are some of the state's upcoming fairs. Sept. 1-6 105th Annual Johnson County Fair, county fairgrounds in Clarksville September 1-6 Carroll County Fair, county fairgrounds Berryville (870) 423-3704 Sept. 2 -6 Searcy County Fair, county fairgrounds in Marshall (870) 448-3884 Sept. 2-6 Sebastian County Fair, county fairgrounds in Greenwood (479) 996-4831 Sept. 2-6 Polk County Fair and Livestock Show, Mena county fairgrounds (479) 394-6722 Sept. 2-6 112th Cleburne County Fair, county fairgrounds in Heber Springs (501) 362-2524 Sept. 8-13 White County Fair, fairgrounds in Searcy (501) 268-1568 Sept. 8-13 Garland County, fairgrounds in Hot Springs (501) 625-3030 September 9-13 Baxter County Fair, fairgrounds in Mountain Home (870) 425-6828 Sept. 9-13 99th Annual Benton County Fair, fairgrounds in Bentonville (479) 273-9266 Sept. 9-13 Pope County Fair, Pope County Fairgrounds in Russellville (479) 968-7098 September 15 to 20 66th Columbia County Fair and Livestock Show, fairgrounds Magnolia (870) 235-3720 Sept. 15-20 Dallas County Fair, county fairgrounds at Fordyce t Bobby Hall at (870) 352-3505 Sept. 16-20 Union County Fair, county fairgrounds in El Dorado (870) 862-8071 Sept. 16-20 96th annual Conway County Fair, fairgrounds in Morrilton (501) 354-2377 Sept. 24 to 27 65th Annual Bradley County Fair, Rodeo and Livestock Show, fairgrounds in Warren (870) 226-5225 Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism  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 Tami Tanner ---Chart Bank Pope County Betty LaGrone--- ARV Arts Center Yvonda Tilley--- Boston Mountain Copper Co. Andy Thomas--- Lake Dardanelle State Park Yell County Mike Hall---Mt. Nebo State Park Jim Holbrook--- Chambers Bank Patti Styles---Centerville Dragway Carole Tackett ---Catfish 'N Lou Vitale --- ARVAC, Inc.   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 New Members to the Tri-Peaks Board   New Board Members elected in August for the Tri-Peaks Tourist Association are: Andy Thomas, Lake Dardanelle State Park; Karen Hofford, City of Morrilton; Debbie Westlake-Allen, Paris Area Chamber of Commerce; Mike Hall, Mt. Nebo State Park; Pat Kowalewycz, US Forest Service- Clarksville.    Tri-Peaks Monthly Tourism Information   August tourism information for the Tri-Peaks region has been sent to 32 states and to 1 inquiry from Guam. August request totals: Web Site - 40 Phone Inquiries - 8 AR Vacation Planning Kit - 102 Visitors to WEB site -944            Calendar of Events September-October 2003 Clarksville Sept 2-6 105th Johnson County Fair Sept 1-30 "The Awe and Beauty of the West" photography exhibit Stephens Art Gallery U of O Oct 25 Clarksville Kiwanis 5-K 754-7296 Lake Dardanelle State Park Sept 6 Floating Through History in the Arkansas River Oct 4 Floating Through History in the Arkansas River Morrilton at the Rialto every 3rd Friday 7pm Friday Night Pickers Sept 17-20 6th Annual Petit Jean Fall Swap Meet Sept. 16-20 96th annual Conway County Fair Morrilton fairgrounds (501) 354-2377 Oct 11 Kaleidoscope Live 5k Cross Country Race 501-354-2428 Mt. Magazine State Park Oct 4 Highpoint Rendezvous Mt. Nebo State Park Sept 6 Great Arkansas Cleanup and Cookout Sept 13 3rd Annual Falling Pieces Quilt Show Sept 20 55th Annual Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry Sept 27 Star Party Oct 11 Fall Historic Hayride Paris Oct 25 "London to Paris" annual sports car rally Russellville Sept 7 ARV Arts Center Artist Reception Sept 9-13 Pope County Fair Sept 22 ARV Arts Center Adult Pottery-10 weeks Sept 23 ARV Arts Center Children's Pottery-8 wks Sept 24 ARV Arts Center Adult Pottery-10 week Sept 27 River Valley United Way Bay Ridge Country Club Oct 10-12 2003 Craft Fair Tucker Coliseum Oct 25 12th Annual Downtown Fall Festival a& Chili Cookoff Oct 31 River Valley Kids Appreciation Celebration-Hughes Center Subiaco to Sep. 3 Ceramics by TY Brunson & Paintings by David Mulrininach