NEWS--Valley Resident To Perform In Concert

Louis Menendez, a nationally renown conductor, pianist, educator, composer and collaborative artist (and Valley resident, we might add) will perform as part of “Trio Arkansas” at the Valley’s own First Presbyterian Church on Sunday November 20th, 2011 at 3:00 pm.  Louis will be performing along with Geoffrey Robson on violin and David Gerstein on cello.  Special guest artist Tatiana Kotcherguina will also perform on the Viola.  Admission for the concert is free, however donations will be accepted.
 
The works to be performed include pieces by Mozart, Beethoven and Dvorak.  First Presbyterian Church is located at 213 Whittington Avenue.

NEWS--Traffic Delays In Valley Expected Due To Spa City 10K Run

The Hot Springs Police Department has issued a press release regarding the 10K Spa City Run on Saturday, November 19th, 2011.  The police are asking residents to use care when driving between 8:00 – 10:00 am on Saturday as runners will be in the Valley, on West Mountain Drive and throughout downtown.  Residents will still be able to drive through the Valley and the surrounding area, but the police are asking drivers to slow down and use caution so as to avoid possible accidents with pedestrians.

NEWS--Artchurch November Events

The Artchurch will begin the month by featuring an folk art exhibit from the private collection of Dr. Gary Meek this Friday, November 4th, as part of the downtown Hot Springs Gallery Walk.
 
On November 12th & 13th the Artchurch will host a Fine Arts and Crafts Festival, “Handmade for the Holidays.”  This event will feature the wares of over two dozen fine artisans from all over Arkansas who will be displaying and selling their unique one-of-a-kind art works just in time for holiday gift giving.  Also featured at the Festival will be local arts and crafts, live holiday music, local foods and drinks.  Free admission and plenty of free parking.  Festival Hours: Saturday, November 12th, 9 am to 5 pm; and Sunday November 13th, 12 noon to 5 pm.
 
The Artchurch is also having a Poinsettia Pre-Sale.  This pre-sale runs until November 21st and offers holiday shoppers the opportunity to purchase a special limited "Artchurch Poinsettia" for only $15 (plus S&H).  These limited "Artchurch Poinsettias" can be purchased online at the Artchurch’s website until November 21st.  In addition, there will be a display table at the Artchurch’s “Handmade for the Holidays” Arts Festival, so shoppers may purchase their holiday “Artchurch Poinsettia” directly at the Festival.  These beautiful Poinsettias are grown by Arkansas’ own Westwood Gardens in Fayetteville.  Poinsettias will be available for customer pick up at the Artchurch Friday, December 2nd from noon to 8:00 pm and Saturday, December 3rd from 10 am to 2 pm.

FYI--Time Change Sunday, November 6th, 2011

Get ready to turn your clocks back one hour this weekend.  On Sunday, October 6th, 2011 at 2:00 a.m. daylight savings time will end.  This means you will need to turn your clocks back one hour. 

For Drivers

• Slow down. Watch your speed to avoid over driving your headlights. At all times observe the 25 MPH speed limit.
• Use your headlights. Turn on your headlights before sunset.
• Be aware. The roadway around the Federal Park is used by many people. Drivers need to keep in mind that joggers, cyclists and others may be in the roadway.
• Avoid distractions. Cell phones, adjusting the radio and other distractions can take your eyes away from the road for several seconds or longer. You more likely to have an accident when your eyes are not on the road.
• Keep your eyes moving. In high risk settings (such as locales where joggers and others may be in the roadway) it is important to use care as you may only have seconds to avoid a collision. Look for reflective clothing or flashing lights which may indicate that a runner or cyclist is in the roadway.
• Reduce Glare. Turn down your vehicle's interior lighting. Adjust your mirrors to eliminate reflected night in your eyes. Dim your dashboard lights. Use your sun visor. Avoid using any other light inside your vehicle.
• Keep your windows and headlights clean. Dirty windows increase glare. Dirty headlights can significantly reduce your ability to see the road.
• Use your high beams. Your high beams double the distance you can see ahead. Use them if safe and appropriate.
• Check your headlights for proper adjustment. If you are having difficulty seeing the road even with your lights on, check to see that your headlights are aimed properly.
• Consider Anti-Glare Eyeglass Coatings. If you wear glasses, consider having special anti-glare coatings applied to your lenses.

For Cyclists, Runners and Pedestrians

• Visibility matters. Understand that accidents are more likely when drivers cannot see you. Take steps to become more visible.
• Wear reflective clothing and lights. Clothing, reflectors and lighting that increases your visibility will reduce the chances of a accident. Avoid dark clothing.
• Be proactive. Wherever possible, travel so that motorists won't hit you. If a driver has to break or swerve to avoid a collision with you, you are at risk. Keep alert and plan ahead to avoid potential problems.
• Follow traffic laws. Whether traveling by bike or foot, know the rules of the road. These rules are in place to reduce accidents.
• Avoid unexpected movements. A jogger or cyclist who darts out into the roadway unexpectedly can cause a serious accident.
• Avoid distractions. Wearing headphones, adjusting a music player and even talking on the phone can reduce your ability to avoid dangerous situations.
• Cyclists should ride with traffic. Riding against traffic significantly increases your chances of an accident.
• Avoid vehicle blind spots. If a driver doesn't see you, you are at risk.
• Use proper safety gear. Cyclists should install a rear flashing light; wear reflective clothing, pads and helmets; and should consider installing a rear view mirror. Joggers and runners should wear blinking lights and reflective clothing. These items are inexpensive and could very well prevent an accident.