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News Archive--June 2011

NEWS-- Fire Marshall Issues Burn Ban

It may be hard to believe, given the tremendous amount of rain we received in May, but the unseasonably hot and dry weather over the past two weeks has left brush susceptible to wild fires. As a result a burn ban is now in place. The City of Hot Springs issued the following statement regarding fire conditions: "Hot Springs Fire Marshal Nate Schanlaber has issued a burn ban, effective today, Thursday, June 9. The burn ban prohibits all controlled burning within city limits. The ban will be lifted when an appreciable amount of rain has been received."
- Posted 6/11/11 by VL
 

FYI--First Presbyterian Church Offering Day Camp For Kids

The Valley's own First Presbyterian Church, in partnership with Ferncliff Camp, is sponsoring an exciting opportunity for Christian growth and learning for area children. The Church is offering a day camp for young people entering grades one through six.  The camp will be held Monday, June 20th thru Friday, June 24th, at the First Presbyterian Church, beginning at 8:00 am and running until noon, and will include a field trip to Jackson House on Friday afternoon.
 
The day camp will offer opportunities for Bible stories, worship, recreation, arts and crafts, making friends, and much more, using the outdoors as a setting.  The theme for the week is “Weak but Strong” and a different aspect of this theme will be explored each day.  An experienced camp assistant director plus counselors from Ferncliff, all of whom have been trained to work with children, will provide leadership for the Camp-In-A-Van.
 
There is no cost for this day camp.  Registration materials are available at the church, 213 Whittington Ave.  The registration deadline is Friday, June 17th.
 
For further information about the day camp, please contact Yasmin Martin, First Presbyerian Church's Communications Coordinator, at (501) 624-5646.
- Posted 6/7/11 by MT
 
 
 

NEWS--Hazardous Weather Advisory Through June 10, 2011

UPDATED--The National Weather Service has issued a “Hazardous Weather Advisory” for Hot Springs and surrounding areas.  Due to a lingering high pressure system, unseasonably hot daytime temperatures will persist throughout the week (June 4 through June 10, 2011).  Temperatures are expected to be ten to fifteen degrees above normal for this time of year.

The current forecast shows daytime highs for Monday (June 6), Tuesday (June 7) and Wednesday (June 8) will be in the high nineties with high humidity.  Afternoon heat indices will be over one-hundred degrees; some locations may experience heat indices over 105 degrees.

Forecasts predict daytime temperatures for the remainder of the week will remain in the mid-nineties with high humidity.  Daytime heat indices will continue to exceed one-hundred degrees.
 
People sensitive to high heat are advised to remain indoors during the afternoons and use reasonable precautions to guard against heat-related injuries.  Remember to keep cool and use common sense during this period of high heat.
- Posted 6/3/11 by MT; Updated 6/6/11
 
 

FYI--Tips for Beating the Heat

Drink plenty of fluids.  During hot weather you will need to drink more liquids than your thirst may indicate. Increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. During heavy exercise or exertion in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour. If your doctor generally limits the amount of fluid you drink or has you on water pills, ask how much you should drink while the weather is hot. Don't drink liquids that contain alcohol, caffeine or large amounts of sugar—these actually cause your body to lose more fluids. Also avoid very cold drinks because they can cause stomach cramps.

Avoid hot foods and heavy meals.  These can add heat to your body.  Instead eat lighter meals.

Wear light clothing.  Choose lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing.  In the hot sun, a wide-brimmed hat will provide shade and keep the head cool.  If you must go outdoors for an extended period, be sure to apply sunscreen 30 minutes prior to going out and reapply according to the package directions.  Sunburn affects your body’s ability to cool itself and causes a loss of body fluids.  It also causes pain and damages the skin.  Remember to dress infants and children in cool, loose clothing and shade their heads and faces with hats or an umbrella; infants and small children are especially sensitive to the effects of high temperatures.
 
Use Air Conditioning.  Electric fans may provide comfort but when the temperature is in the high 90's fans will not prevent heat-related illness.  Taking a cool shower or bath or moving to an air conditioned place is a much better way to cool off.  Air conditioning is the strongest protective factor against heat-related illness.  Exposure to air conditioning for even a few hours a day will reduce your risk for heat-related illness.  If your house does not have air conditioning consider visiting an air-conditioned shopping mall or public library for a few hours.  Use your stove and oven less to maintain a cooler temperature in your home.  Consider drawing curtains or blinds on especially sunny or south-facing windows to help keep your house cooler.

Pace Yourself. If you must be outdoors, try to limit your outdoor activity to morning and evening hours.  Rest often in shady areas so that your body's thermostat will have a chance to recover. Avoid sun exposure during midday hours.  If you are not accustomed to working or exercising in a hot environment, start slowly and pick up the pace gradually.  If exertion in the heat makes your heart pound and leaves you gasping for breath, stop all activity, get into a cool area or at least into the shade and rest, especially if you become lightheaded, confused, weak or faint.  When working in the heat monitor the condition of your co-workers and have someone do the same for you.   Heat-induced illness can cause a person to become confused or lose consciousness.  If you know someone 65 years of age or older, consider checking in on them during extended periods of high heat.

Never leave infants, children or pets in a parked car.  Even with the windows cracked open, interior temperatures inside a vehicle can rise almost twenty degrees within the first 10 minutes.  Anyone left inside is at risk for serious heat-related illnesses or even death.

Finally, remember your pets.  Provide plenty of fresh water for your pets and leave the water in a shady area.
- Posted 6/4/11 by MT
 
 

NEWS--HS Concert Band Kicks Off Summer Concert Series In Whittington Valley

On Monday, May 30th, the Hot Springs Concert performed a rousing Memorial Day Concert at the west end of Whittington Federal Park.  A crowd estimated at about 700 spectators enjoyed the Band’s musical performance under clear and warm skies, the ninety degree heat made tolerable by the shade provided by the Park’s abundant large trees and free donated cold bottled water.  The band played for more than ninety minutes and offered concert-goers medleys that included “America the Beautiful,” “The Yellow Rose of Texas,” Battle Hymn of the Republic” and “You’re a Grand Old Flag.”
 
 The Hot Springs Concert Band perform their 2011 Memorial Day Concert
In Whittington Federal Park under (and around) a large oak tree.
 
 
Craig V. Hamilton, Ph.D., led the Band’s forty plus members through a diverse performance.  As befitting the Memorial Day holiday, the concert began with the “Star Spangled Banner.”  Next was “Emblem of Unity,” a march by J. J. Richards, followed by the Memorial Day staple, “Lest We Forget.”  The Band then turned to lighter fare, playing a medley of Stephen Forster classics, including “Oh! Susanna,” “Jeanie With the Light Brown Hair,” and “Camptown Races.”  The Band would go on to play music ranging from excerpts from Tchaikovsky’s “Piano Concerto #1,” western favorite “Git Along, Little Dogies” and Americana inspired “When Johnny Comes Marching Home.”  The Band ended the concert with John Philip Sousa’s “Liberty Bell March.”
 
Craig V. Hamilton, Ph.D. (standing) conducts the Hot Springs Concert Band
at their 2011 Memorial Day Concert in Whittington Federal Park.
 
 
This was the first performance of the Band’s 2011 Summer Concert Series.  The location of the concert was recently moved.  The National Park Service is currently re-seeding the middle portion of the park where the band typically holds its summer concerts.  Consequently, Monday’s concert was relocated to the far west end of the Federal Park near Weyerhaeuser and the Showmen’s Association.  It is expected that the Band will continue to perform at this new location through early July.
 
The Concert Band will perform seven additional free concerts in Whittington Federal Park over the summer.  The Band’s next concert in Whittington Federal Park will be Monday, June 13th at 7:00 pm.  As always, the concert is free to the public but attendees are advised to bring their own chairs.  For a complete list of the upcoming concerts in the park, visit the Band’s website at www.hotspringsband.org.
- Posted 6/1/11 by MT 
 
 

FYI--Artchurch Studios Announces June Events

The Valley's own Artchurch Studios, located at 301 Whittington Avenue, will host several public and educational events during the month of June.  These events include concerts, classes, art displays, and musical theater performances.  A complete list is below:
 
Wednesday, June 1st, 2011, 6:00 pm.
Concert with Chuck Dodson & Joe McMahan of Nashville.
This event is a part of the Artchurch’s "Listening Room Performances - no cell phones please" House Concert series.  On the Cathedral Gallery stage upstairs, with its amazing sound, this semi-acoustic concert is sure to be a night to remember.  All ages welcome.  No smoking.   Doors open at 6 pm.  Admission is $10 and seating is limited.
 
Friday, June 3rd, 2011, starting at 6:00 pm.
Gallery Walk Art Display.
This month, the Artchurch proudly features the photography of Hot Springs native Robbie Brindley (downstairs in the black box theater room) plus there will be live music upstairs on the Cathedral Gallery stage.
 
Sunday June 5th, 2011, 2:00 pm.
Performance by the Artchurch’s Beginners Children's Musical Theater Group.
Live musical performances by 6-12 year olds.  Doors open at 2:00 pm and admission is $5.00.
 
Monday, June 6th, 2011, 6:00 pm.
Preformance by the Artchurch's Beginners Children's Musical Theater Group.
Live musical performances by 6-12 year olds.  Doors open at 6:00 pm and admission is $5.00.
 
Saturday June 11th, 2011, starting at 11:00 am.
Arthouse Cafe Grand Opening!
Upstairs in the Cathedral Gallery there will be live music, coffee, teas and pastries, guest artists, art demonstrations, free wi-fi and much more.  This will be an ongoing event every Saturday morning starting at 11:00 am.
 
Friday, June 17th, 2011, 10:00 am.
Open Yoga Class.
Fee $5.00. 
 
Friday, June 17th, 2011, starting at 6:30 pm.
The Artchurch's Friday Night Film.
At the Artchurch's Black Box Theater.  Doors open at 6:30 pm and the film starts at 7:00 pm.  Admission is $2.00.
 
Saturday June 18th, 2011, starting at 11:00 am.
Arthouse Cafe Open.
Upstairs in the Cathedral Gallery there will be live music, coffee, teas and pastries, guest artists, art demonstrations, free wi-fi and much more.
 
Friday, June 24th, 2011, 10:00 am.
Open Yoga Class.
Fee $5.00.
 
Saturday June 25th, 2011, starting at 11:00 am.
Arthouse Cafe Open.
Upstairs in the Cathedral Gallery, the cafe will feature live music, coffee, teas and pastries, guest artists, art demonstrations, free wi-fi and much more.
 
Sunday, June 26th, 2011, starting at 4:00 pm.
Live Concert with touring New York artist Nicole Hale.
This is another in the Artchurch’s "Listening Room Performances - no cell phones please" House Concert series.  On the Cathedral Gallery stage upstairs, with its amazing sound, this semi-acoustic concert is sure to be a night to remember.  All ages welcome.  No smoking. Doors open at 4:00 pm and admission is $5.00.
 
In addition, the Artchurch provides a variety of dance, performance and art classes for people of all ages and abilities.  The Artchurch will stream many of the events described above live on their website, www.artchurch.org.  For more information about class or any of the events listed above, call the Artchurch at (501) 463-9890.
- Posted 6/1/11 by MT
 
 
 
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