TRI-LAKES AREA — GARLAND COUNTY Actor to lead short parade
HOT SPRINGS - Movie and television actor John Corbett will be the celebrity grand marshal of the First Ever Ninth Annual World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Hot Springs on March 17, 2011.
“We are fortunate to have a star of John Corbett’s stature agree to serve as our grand marshal,” said Steve Arrison, CEO of the Hot Springs Convention and Visitors Bureau and one of the founders of the parade. “John will be a tremendous hit with the thousands of fans who gather in the downtown area.”
Corbet t received Emmy a nd Golden Globes nominations for his work on the CBS comedy series Northern Exposure and is also known for his role as Aidan Shaw on the hit television series Sex and the City and his role as Ian Miller in the film My Big Fat Greek Wedding.
The parade, which began in 2003, is held in the area surrounding 98-foot-long Bridge Street, the world’s shortest street in everyday use.
Chamber starts new search
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE - The Hot Springs Village Area Chamber of Commerce has resumed its search to find an executive director for the Chamber and the Advertising and Promotions Committee.
Jennifer McCullough was hired last month but then turned down the job because of afamily illness that will keep her in Branson, Mo.
“Naturally, we are extremely disappointed that Jennifer will not be able to join us, and we extend our sympathy to Jennifer and her family,” says Donna Aylward, chairman of the Chamber and the committee. “However, we remain dedicated to the goal of attracting a highly qualified person to lead the advertising and promotions efforts for the Village. We are confident that we will be successful in finding the right person for the job.”
Lee Ann Branch, acting executive director, will continue in that position during the search and will assist the new person during the transition.
HOT SPRING COUNTY Nonprofit readies for back-to-school event
MALVERN - The Back to School Youth Explosion is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 7, under the direction of the Rev. Henry Mitchell, founder of Victory, a nonprofit organization.
The event is scheduled at the Malvern Elementary School on Moline Street. Students and parents will receive a continental breakfast, free haircuts and school supplies. Some of the other activities will include face painting for younger children.
“Because 70 percent of our Malvern school children fall into the poverty category, this is a huge reason to do this,” said Mitchell,the pastor at Mount Willow Baptist Church.
“We also want to motivate students to make goals and take advantage of getting the best education in the coming school year. Our goal is to reach out to every child in every part of our community.” Victory began in 2006 when Mitchell retired. He said he felt called to help children in the community with school supplies and a positive, uplifting message. Last year the program served around 800 students.
The motivational speaker and famed athlete Keith Traylor will be there to urge students to achieve their potential. Bradford is a graduate of Malvern High School. He played NFL football for several teams, including the Miami Dolphins, the Denver Broncos and the Green Bay Packers.
Children must be present to receive supplies. School-bus transportation will be provided for students in Carthage, Mitchell said.
Barbers, volunteers and supplies are needed. Call the Malvern/Hot Spring County Chamber of Commerce at 332-2721 for more information.
SALINE COUNTY Grant funds B&G Club programs BENTON - The Boys and Girls Club of Saline County will provide a series of development programs to youth through a $540,000 grant awarded by the Arkansas Department of Education.
Jasen Kelly, director of the club, said a program known as The Future will be funded through the grant that was announced July 22.
The club director said students will be provided with information to determine their educational needs; to help them prioritize, solve problems and establish goals; and to realize positive outcomes.
“This project will enable targeted students to accomplish the ultimate goal of becoming a high school graduate,” Kelly said.
The club, which opened in 1969, has grown to more than 1,100 members. An average of 422 youths visit the club daily, according to the announcement.
Saline Crossing group honors state representative
BENTON - Saline Crossing Regional Park and Recreation Area Inc. in Benton has named state Rep. Barbara Nix, D-Benton, the first lifetime member of the organization.
The Saline Crossing group is a not-forprofit, tax-exempt foundation chartered to restore and preserve the 1891 wagon bridge at the historic Saline Crossing site on the Southwest Trail.
The group wants to develop safe, serviceable and appropriate public access to the Saline River and surrounding historical area, and to create a regional park and recreation area along the Saline River.
Currently, there are 18 Lifetime members.
The next meeting will be Thursday, Aug. 19, at the Gene Moss building in Tyndall Park.
Tri-Lakes, Pages 57 on 07/29/2010