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ALSO IN THIS ISSUE M ATURE A RKANSAS APRIL 26, 2012 THE BUZZ ON BEES GREAT HOBBY, EVEN IN URBAN AREAS. PAGE 8 ERA’s Status Has Changed PAGE 15 Tips to Prevent Falls PAGE 4-5 Paying for Long-term Care PAGE 2

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April 26, retirement publication

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MATURE ARKANSAS april 26, 2012 1

ALSO iNThiS iSSUE

Maturearkansas

APRIL 26, 2012

The Buzz on BeesGREAT hObby, EvEN iN URbAN AREAS. PAGE 8

ERA’s Status Has Changed PAGE 15

Tips to Prevent FallsPAGE 4-5

Paying forLong-term CarePAGE 2

2 april 26, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

MATURE ARKANSAS is published each week by arkansas Times limited partnership, 201 East Markham Street, 200 Heritage Center West, p.O. Box 34010, little rock, arkansas 72203, phone (501) 375-2985. reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents without the written consent of the publishers is prohibited. Manuscripts and artwork will not be returned or acknowledged unless sufficient return postage and a self-addressed stamped envelope are included. all materials are handled with due care, however, the publisher assumes no responsi-bility for care and safe return of unsolicited materials. all letters sent to Mature arkansas will be treated as intended for publication and are subject to Mature arkansas’ unrestricted right to edit or to comment editorially. all content © 2012 Mature arkansas

MATURE ARKANSASPublisher Alan Leveritteditor Anne WassonArt director Mike SpainAssistAnt to the editor Paige ParhamPhotogrAPher brian Chilsondirector of sAles Katherine DanielsAccount executive Erin hollandProduction MAnAger Weldon WilsonProduction AssistAnt Tracy Whitaker

Ad coordinAtors Roland GladdenKelly Schlachter

grAPhic Artists bryan MoatsKatie Cook

controller Weldon Wilsonoffice MAnAger Angie Fambroughit director Robert Curfmanbilling And collections Linda PhillipscirculAtion director Anitra hickman

LETTER TO ThE EDiTOR

Like us on Facebook!facebook.com/maturearkansas

Dear Editor:

in regards to our conversation about Dr. Sam Taggart being the cover story for the first MATURE ARKANSAS maga-

zine, enclosed is the poem you requested. I write some of my poetry in the hillbilly idiom.

Our family lived in North Little Rock, on 23rd Street between “Railroad” Ave. and Pike Ave. My father was an electrician in construction before World War II and served as a maintenance superintendent at A.O. P. Jacksonville, during the war years.

I am a member of the Arkansas Poets roundtable, Benton chapter.

“GP” was written from impressions of our family doctor—Samuel Taggart, MD, of Benton. He’s been our family doctor for 25 years.

“G.P.”My doctor drives a “Jesus” bus.

I ‘spose he’s out’a style.That’s fine with me, I think it’s cool,

And I’ll stick with him a while.He examines you with care and thought,

And tells you what to do.He’ll stitch your cuts, burn off your warts,

Prescribe a pill or two.The patients come from miles around,

They’re hurtin’ and they’re blue.He takes the time to comfort them,

Gives treatments old and new.He’ll ride to work in his “Jesus” bus,

Then do his best for you.

Sincerely,Jack L. Hubbard

Benton

If Medicaid stays a strong

program, there will be a

safety-net there to help you.

My Favorite Doctor

Anyone planning for the future should give some

thought to long-term care, which many of us will need someday. Long-term care (LTC) is very expensive: A semi-private room in a nursing home costs, on average, about $80,000 a year. Home health care---preferred by most people—could easily cost $25,000 a year for help that lets you keep living at home.

What are your options? Medicare does not cover e i ther ongoing home healthcare or a long stay in a nursing home. This fact can come as an unwelcome surprise to older Americans and their caregivers. LTC insurance can help, but the poli-cies can be pricey, and you have to keep up the payments or the policy will lapse. If you do opt for LTC insurance, be sure to consult a financial advisor—one with no financial stake in your purchase of a policy or which policy you choose. You’ll need help finding a policy that covers

the services you prefer and that offers protection against infla-tion.

If you need care you cannot afford and you don’t have good LTC insurance, there is a safety net: Medicaid. Medicaid pays for about half of all LTC provided in the United States. Unlike other health insurance, it will cover

nursing home care, home health aides and some support services that can make it possible for you to keep living in the community longer.

To qualify for Medicaid, you have to have a low income and very few assets. If you’re married and only one of you needs nursing home care, the

GUEST EDiTORiAL n by RON POLLACK

how Will you Pay for Long Term Care?

MATURE ARKANSAS NOVEMBER 17, 2011 1

MATUREARKANSAS

NOVEMBER 17, 2011

PRESERVING HISTORYSam Taggart, M.D.,

is also an author and athlete.Read about his life

on page 6

The Lure ofthe GroovePAGE 17

ALSO INTHIS ISSUEHow to avoidnutrition problems

PAGE 18 Giving Back:VolunteeringPAGE 20

MATURE ARKANSAS april 26, 2012 3

We Want To Hear From YOUMATURE ARKANSAS welcomes letters or emails from readers on any subject of interest to older arkansans. letters to columnists are also welcome. Email your letters to [email protected] and include “letter” on the subject line.GUEST EDiTORiALS, on issues of interest to arkansans over age 50, are encouraged. This is a forum for readers’ opinions and comment. Views expressed are not necessarily those of the publisher. Contact the Editor at 501-375-2985 to discuss topics or send 300-500 word editorials to [email protected] all editorials are subject to editing and space limitations.

spouse who lives in the commu-nity can keep income and assets that are above Medicaid limits. This is an important improve-ment over the time when both spouses had to be impoverished if one spouse needed Medicaid. Another improvement will begin in 2014: The Affordable Care Act expands this financial protection to include situations where the spouse needing LTC receives help at home, not in a nursing home.

The new healthcare law also improves and expands Medicaid’s home-based LTC options. If you do need Medicaid, new options will let you get the care you need to live safely and successfully at

home, instead of being forced to move to a nursing home.

These improvements will not happen if Medicaid doesn’t stay a strong program, with adequate funds, or if the Supreme Court strikes down the healthcare reform law. The Supreme Court is expected to announce its deci-sion in June, and Congress is

You can view all issues of MATURE

ARKANSAS online at http://issuu.com/search?q=mature%20arkansas

likely to debate deep budget cuts in Medicaid over the next several months.

As long as we make sure Medicaid stays a strong program, there will be a safety-net there to help you, just in case.

Mr. Pollack is executive director of Families USA, a non-profit consumer, healthcare-advocacy organization.

The new healthcare law

improves and expands Medicaid’s

home-based options.

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Arkansas Licensure

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4 april 26, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

If you need a cane for balance, select one that fits your needs

and fits you properly. Talk to a knowledgeable salesperson at a medical supply store and try out several canes before deciding on one. a properly fitted cane will help prevent falls and make it easier to get around. an improperly fitting cane can be uncomfortable to use and may increase your chance of falling.

A Proper Fit

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1.TALK TO yOUR DOCTOR. You and your physician should take a comprehensive look at your environment, your overall health, and your medications to determine if you are vulnerable to falling. Ask your doctor about having someone, (nurse or clinical social worker), come to your home to survey your furniture arrangement, door

spacing, etc. and develop a fall-prevention plan.

Tell your doctor if you have fallen before. Write down the details, including when, where and how you fell. Be prepared to discuss instances when you almost fell but managed to grab hold of something

or were caught by someone.2. hEALTh CONDiTiONS CAN CAUSE A FALL. Your doctor is most likely to be concerned with eye or ear disorders that may increase your risk of falling. Describe any dizziness, joint pain, numbness or shortness of breath that affect your walking. Your muscle strength, balance and walking style (or gait) may also be evaluated.3. ASK FOR A MEDiCATiON REviEW. Ask your doctor or phar-macist to review your medications for side effects and interactions that may increase your risk of falling. Bring all medications--prescription and over-the-counter—in their original containers. The doctor may wean you off certain medications, especially those used to treat anxiety and insomnia.4. KEEP MOviNG. If you are not getting regular physical activity, check with your doctor about starting an exercise program as part of your fall-prevention plan. Consider walking, water workouts or tai chi, a gentle exercise that involves slow and graceful, dance-like movements. Such exercises reduce your risk of falling by improving your strength,

balance, coordination and flexibility.If you avoid exercise because you are afraid

you will fall, tell your doctor. He or she may recommend carefully monitored exercise programs or give you a referral to a physical ther-apist who can devise a custom exercise program to improve your balance, muscle strength and gait. To improve your flexibility, the physical therapist may use electrical stimulation, massage or ultrasound.

If you have inner ear problems that affect your balance, balance retraining exercises (vestibular rehabilitation) may help. These involve specific head and body movements to correct the loss of balance.5. WEAR SENSibLE ShOES. Avoid high heels, floppy slippers, slick soles, shoes with extra-thick soles and walking in your stocking feet. Any of these can make you slip, stumble and fall. Buy properly fitting, sturdy shoes with nonskid soles.6. hAvE yOUR FEET MEASURED once each year. Your shoe size can gradually change.7. ChOOSE LACE-UP ShOES instead of slip-ons and keep the laces tied. Select shoes with Velcro fasteners if you have trouble tying laces.8. iF bALANCE iS A PRObLEM when you bend over to put on your shoes, get a long shoehorn that helps you slip-on shoes without bending over.9. REMOvE hAzARDS FROM yOUR hOME. Clutter and decorative accents can be fall hazards; keep them to a minimum. Ask someone who doesn’t live in your home (providing a fresh set of eyes) to come to your home and identify fall hazards.10. DO NOT CARRy ObJECTS that obscure your view when going up or down stairs. 11. KEEP WALKWAyS FREE of boxes, news-papers, electrical and phone cords. Keep stair-ways free of all objects, including on the top and bottom steps.12. KEEP hiGh-TRAFFiC AREAS FREE of coffee tables, magazine racks and plant stands.13. SECURE LOOSE RUGS to the floor with a slip-resistant backing or non-slip pads.

Top 30 Tips to Prevent Falls How to Avoiding Falling

Those of us over 65 have a 33% chance of falling

each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury or

injury-related death among older adults. Fortunately,

most falls are not serious. We are more likely to fall

because of common, age-related physical changes and

medical conditions, and the medications taken to treat

such conditions. n Don’t let the fear of falling rule your

life and limit your activities. Many falls and fall-related

injuries are preventable, especially if you take measures

to reduce your risk. Try these tips:

MATURE ARKANSAS april 26, 2012 5

14. REPAiR UNEvEN FLOORbOARDS and lose carpeting right away.15. STORE NECESSiTiES WiThiN EASy REACh, including clothing, dishes, cookware and food.16. CLEAN-UP SPiLLS of liquids, grease or food IMMEDIATELY.17. USE NON-SLiP MATS in the bathtub or shower.18. ADD MORE LiGhT. As we get older, less light reaches the back of our eyes where we sense color and motion. Therefore, keep your home brightly lit with the highest wattage rating bulbs allowed for that each lamp or fixture. 19. PLACE A LAMP NEAR yOUR bED and within easy reach. Always turn it on when you get up at night. Try small night-lights in halls, bathrooms and kitchens. Consider motion-sensitive or darkness-sensitive night lights.20. MAiNTAiN A CLEAR PATh to light switches not located near room entrances.21. TURN ON LiGhTS before going up or down the stairs. 22. STORE FLAShLiGhTS in easy-to-find places in case of power outages.23. USE PROPERLy FiTTED ASSiSTivE DEviCES. All sorts of gadgets have been invented to make everyday tasks safer and easier, but only if they fit you properly and if you actu-ally use them.24. iF yOUR DOCTOR RECOMMENDS a cane or walker, be sure it is properly fitted for you. 25. iNSTALL GRAb bARS near your shower or bathtub.26. A RAiSED TOiLET SEAT or one with armrests will provide stability.27. A STURDy PLASTiC SEAT placed in your shower or tub and a hand-held shower nozzle permits showering while seated. 28. iNSTALL hANDRAiLS on both sides of stairways.29. CONSiDER iNSTALLiNG a bathtub with door for easier access.30. AN OCCUPATiONAL ThERAPiST can help you to devise other ways to prevent falls in your home. Some safety devices are simple but others may require professional help and more of an investment. Homes with more safety features usually have a higher resale value. Whether you plan on selling or staying in your home, an investment in safety and fall prevention now will make that possible.

Dr. Wei is executive director, Reynolds Institute on Aging; chairman, Reynolds Dept. of Geriatrics at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

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6 april 26, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

APR 27 – IPhone WoRkshoP At senIoRnet, UAMs ReynoLds CenteR, 4301 W. Markham, little rock, 4:00- 5:30 pM. if you own or are thinking about buying an iphone 4 or 4S, this class is for you. learn about the cost, storage capabilities, data plans, popular apps and more. $15; register with Joan McKinstry at [email protected] or call 603-1262.

APR 27 – hAydn’s CReAtIon, PeRfoRMed by the ARkAnsAs ChoRAL soCIety, ChRIst the kIng CAthoLIC ChURCh, 4000 N. rodney parham rd., little rock, 7:30 – 9:30 pM. $15; call 376-8484 for more information.

APR 27 – MAsteR PIeCes At M2 gALLeRy, PLeAsAnt RIdge shoPPIng CenteR, 11525 Cantrell rd., little rock, 7:00-9:00 pM. This fundraiser for arkansas Walk Now for autism Speaks and a-Camp, will showcase art by local artists and all pieces will be included in the silent auction. Wine, beer and hors d’oeuvres will be served. $40 per person, $75 per couple. For more information, contact Dawn itzkowitz at 951-0115 or [email protected]

APR 28 – theA ARts festIvAL, MAIn stReet, noRth LIttLe RoCk, from Broadway to 6th St., 10:00 aM – 6:00 pM. Join in the fun with artists and crafters displaying and selling their art, demonstrations from the arkansas art Center, entertain-ment by arkansas Symphony Orchestra and Ballet arkansas, and more. For more details, please call 379-9512 or visit www.THEafoundation.org/thea-arts-festival

APR 28 – “ALL thAt JAzz,” f I R s t P R e s b y t e R I A n

ChURCh, 201 W. 4th St., North little rock, 6:00 pM. The argenta Branch library concludes Jazz appreciation Month with an outstanding performance by saxophonist and keyboardist anthony lofton. Free, for more information,

call the library at 687-1061.

APR 28 – neW WoRLd syMPhony, PeRfoRMed by the ConWAy syMPhony oRChestRA, gUest CondUCtoR AMy ChAng, At ReynoLds PeRfoRMAnCe hALL, 201 Donaghey ave., Conway, 7:30 - 9:00 pM. in their season finale, the symphony will also perform Britten’s Simple Symphony and Brahms’ academic Festival. $6 for students, $18-$38 for adults; for information, call 450-3265 or visit www.conwaysymphony.org

APR 28 – seeRsUCkeR soCIAL At the oLd stAte hoUse, 300 W. Markham, little rock, 6:00-9:00 pM. The Old State House Museum hosts this Southern-style event for adults over 21. Jeremy Shrader’s Hot Memphis Four will perform 1920s swing jazz. appetizers by Trio’s and libations will be served. Festivities include lawn croquet; prizes for the male and female wearing the most

fashionable seersucker; drawing for a weekend stay for two at the Evening Shade inn Bed & Breakfast in Eureka Springs, including four meals, afternoon desserts; two tickets to a music & comedy show or a horse-drawn carriage ride. $25 in advance;

$30 at the door, go to https://www.oldstatehouse.com/support-the-museum/contributions.aspx. Under “”Donation information” select “Seersucker Social, april 28, 2012.” Your donation amount should be $25 for each ticket you purchase. For more information, call 324-9685.

APR 29 – “the teMPest” P R e s e n t e d b y t h e ARkAnsAs shAkesPeARe theAtRe, RIveR MARket PAvILIons, 400 pres. Clinton ave., little rock, 2:00 -3:00 pM. This hour-long version has been adapted for families and those

CALENDAR PiCKS

Enjoy Jazz, Classical and Rock Music This Week

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APR 26-28 – stoRyCoRPs At CentRAL hIgh sChooL, 2120 Daisy Bates Dr., little rock. The nation’s largest oral history project is currently in little rock to record, preserve and share the stories of Central arkansas residents. Since 2003, StoryCorps has collected and archived more than 40,000 interviews from nearly 80,000 americans. Each conversation is recorded on a free CD to share, and is preserved at the library of Congress. The stories are used by National public radio on their Morning Edition program. Make your reservation by calling 800-850-4406; available 24/7, or visit http://storycorps.org/record-your-story/location/little-rock-ar/#reservations Free parking available in lot adjacent to the Mobile gas station where the MobileBooth is parked.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail Butterfly in a Chinaberry Tree, Hot Springs Mountain. Photo by Lee Hiller at HikeOurPlanet.com

MATURE ARKANSAS april 26, 2012 7

less familiar with Shakespeare’s work. $3-$5, for more information call 375-2552.

APR 30 – MARk UPdegRove At the CLInton sChooL of PUbLIC seRvICe, 1200 pres. Clinton ave., little rock, 6:00 pM. Updegrove directs the lyndon B. Johnson presidential library and Museum and will discuss his book “indomitable Will: lBJ in the presidency.” Free, call 683-5239 for more information.

M Ay 1 – “ P R e s e R vAt I o n CRUstACeAns” At the RIveR MARket PAvILIons, 400 pres. Clinton ave., little rock, 6:30 pM. This crawfish and shrimp boil benefits the Historic preservation all iance of arkansas. $30 in advance; $35 at the door; call 375-2552 for more information.

MAy 2 – “next to noRMAL” o P e n s At t h e A R k A n s A s RePeRtoRy theAtRe, 601 Main Street, little rock, 7:00 pM. This Tony-and pulitzer prize-winning musical set to a contemporary

rock score concerns a dysfunc-tional family trying to take care of themselves and each other. $30, purchase at www.tickets.therep.org or call 866-684-3737 or 378-0405.

MAy 3 – Let’s stItCh togetheR At the A RgentA bR AnC h LIbRARy, 6:00 pM. a weekly craft group meets every Thursday at the argenta Branch library and includes knitting, cross-stitch, crochet, sewing, etc. all ages and skill levels are welcome. For more information call 687-1061.

MAy 1-31 senIoRnet CLAsses foR MAy, UAMs ReynoLds InstItUte on AgIng, RooM 1155:Mon. & Wed., 10:00 AM, Fundamentals for Beginners, taught by pat KissireMon. & Wed., 1:00 PM, Graphics for print artist, taught by Joan McKinstryTues. & Thurs., 10:00 AM, Genealogy, taught by Betty HarpTues. & Thurs., 1:00 PM, introduction to Computers, taught by Charlie Frith.

APR 28 – WoRLd tAI ChI & QIgong dAy At tWo RIveRs PARk, at the peninsula across the bridge, little rock, 10:00 aM. Join practitioners of Tai Chi all over the world for this celebra-tion. The Tai Chi will begin in australia and move across the world, time zone by time zone. Over 70 nations will participate. For more information, call Sheery Woods at 526-5779.

Got Drugs?Turn in your unused or expired

medication for safe disposal Saturday, April 28th

Visit www.artakeback.org or call 501-618-8693

for a collection site near you.

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Crown Point Retirement is licensed by the state as an Assisted Living Level II facility. We can care for you or your loved one up to the level of care that forces many people into nursing homes.Assisted Living facilities are designed to respect the individual needs of those who require some assistance in daily activities, but do not require 24-hour skilled medical care.We have 5 different apartment options to choose from. Our caring staff is prepared to make you feel at home throughout changing health conditions.

We Accept Medicaid.

8 april 26, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

So goes the old-time beekeeper’s aphorism, which remains true today. However, just as a load of hay is prob-ably hard to locate

around your neighborhood, the once highly valued swarm can be even more difficult to acquire.

A bee swarm is simply a small group of bees, surrounding and protecting their Queen while they fly around looking for a new home. They will land almost anywhere, temporarily, to rest before continuing their search. Bees in a swarm are NOT interested in stinging anyone.

For those truly allergic to their stings, the following may not be your cup of mead (a spectacular wine made from honey). This article is about one of nature’s most fascinating, significant, beneficial and, until recently, most enduring creatures.

During early spring, a bee hive will “throw a swarm “ for various reasons. For our purposes, let’s assume the Queen and her followers feel overcrowded and decide to seek other surroundings. ”Catching a swarm” is an excellent way to begin beekeeping. (You can also buy bees or get some from another beekeeper.) Right now, seasoned beekeepers are actively seeking swarms, either to increase their

own backyard population or to help a new beekeeper get started. As a former beekeeper, I was one of several listed with the Little Rock Police Department as a hobbyist willing to come catch a swarm because of a concerned citi-zen’s complaint. I’ve removed swarms from trees, bushes, houses, signs, fences, a traffic light, a hotel roof, the tire rim of a parked semi, and a pear tree that had been cordoned off with police protection until help arrived. When rescued swarms are re-housed into new hives, they immediately begin the task for which they are most well-known – making honey.

We all need beesHoney-making, while a fundamental activity for bees, is but a minor reason for us to be interested in the bee population. Bees are dying off at an alarming rate. Over the past decade, bee populations in both the United States and Europe have been decimated by well over one-third. Scientists initially attributed these losses to several new viruses in combination with the pre-existing diseases, parasites

and other usual suspects that can weaken a bee colony.

But since 2005, the most mysterious and disastrous threat of all, Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), has killed bees on both continents in record numbers. Although scientists are almost certain they have finally pinpointed the cause of CCD, according to a study released just last week, bee hives are still dying in record numbers. Scientists suspect a pesticide used on corn and other widely spread crops. This loss seriously affects

Beekeeping“A swarm in May is

Worth a load of hay.

A swarm in June is

Worth a silver spoon.

But a swarm in July

Is hardly worth a fly!

Get StartedWith

NoWByKAye RiSSeR

MATURE ARKANSAS april 26, 2012 9

us because we cannot live without pollination of our food crops.

Bees are a necessary life force in the ecological scheme of things. As nature’s major

pollinators, honeybees are crucial to modern agriculture. Without them, we simply would not have over 90 kinds of foods we depend on for survival, including strawberries, apples,

cantaloupe, cucumber, blueberries, peppers, broccoli, squash, beans, watermelon, peaches, tomatoes, pumpkins, onions, almonds and Arkansas’ all-important soybeans. They provide

pollination for the clover and other plants that cows eat in order to give us milk and cheese and that sheep eat to produce wool. They pollinate cotton plants from which we make

clothing. An immediate call to arms goes out to anyone who has ever considered becoming a beekeeper. Now is the time to step forward and help prevent further deterioration of our delicate eco-system.

GettinG startedToday, this week, even though the end of May, is the absolute perfect time to get started on this fun and fascinating hobby. Beekeeping provides hours of relaxation and entertainment in setting up, tending to and honey-gathering from your hives. It is the new “in” environmental craze that’s currently sweeping the country. And it is possible to keep bees at almost any home—from the suburbs to the city.

Free honey provides an added incentive to start beekeeping. Honey is the bonus product you earn for providing these little creatures a safe and happy home. There is nothing quite like eating your honey, produced from the nectar your bees have gathered from plants within a five-mile radius of your home.

You can keep bees in your own backyard (if

city regulations permit) or tend the bees neces-sary for the numerous community gardens that are sprouting up in many communities and neighborhoods. In Little Rock, you may

Today is the absolute perfect time to get started on this fun and fascinating hobby.

LEFT: Busy bees fill their hive with honey. Free homey is an added bonus for beekeepers.COVER PHOTO: Jon Zawislak removes a frame from a hive to locate the Queen bee from a newly acquired swarm.Photos by Brian Chilson

10 april 26, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

keep bees for hobby purposes in single-family residential areas (rated as R-1, R-2 and R-3) on lots with dimensions of at least 50 x 100 feet. The city ordinance limits hobbyists to two hives, which is all beginners need to start. The ordinance says hives “shall be located at least 25 feet from any dwelling, business, sidewalk, alley or roadway.” Other restrictions include having clean water available for the bees and if the hives are within 50 feet of any exterior boundary, you’ll need some sort of plant or artificial barrier like a fence.

Two more requirements for the novice beekeeper: First, you must register your hives with the Apiary Section of the Plant Industry Division of the Arkansas State Plant Board, where you’ll receive much good information about your new hobby. Secondly, practice good public relations with your neighbors. As soon

as you decide to keep bees and prior to setting up your hives, explain that foraging bees are looking for food sources (nectar from flowers) and will not sting unless threatened. Bees die when they sting so they really don’t want to. Advise your neighbors that their plants will grow better, you’ll share honey, etc. If you have a mentor, ask their advice for more suggestions.

Free resources availableWe are fortunate in Little Rock to have excellent free resources for beekeeping beginners. The

Apiary Section of the State Plant Board handles all regulatory issues for honeybees and assists beekeepers through free hands-on inspection of their hives as well as answering any “bee questions.”

The University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Services promotes beekeeping as a

hobby and an industry. Cooperative Extension bee specialist Jon Zawislak works with Master Gardener groups and gardening clubs to promote bee awareness and welfare. He also teaches beekeeping classes around the state. Class information is available at

their website: www.aragriculture.org/insects/bees/events.htm

The most important resource is the beekeepers themselves. They’re a great group of old-timers, newcomers and in-betweeners who like nothing more than answering ques-tions, sharing stories and helpful hints about their favorite pastime.

The Central Arkansas Beekeepers Association is the go-to place for immediate assistance. They can put you on the direct road to begin beekeeping today. Their regular monthly meet-

ings are held on the second Monday of each month at 5:30 PM at the Levy Church of Christ on Camp Robinson Road. They also do special presentations and events for those interested in bees. They will be delighted to provide a mentor for your new hobby.

Another central Arkansas organization is for

it is possible to keep bees at almost any home—from the suburbs to the city.

A few of the many products produced by beekeepers include beeswax candles, soaps, lip balm and honey. Clover honey (above) is from Debra Stansel’s hives.Photo by A.H. Wasson

MATURE ARKANSAS april 26, 2012 11

female beekeepers. The Lady Beekeepers of Arkansas have regular monthly meetings at Whole Food Market, 10700 Rodney Parham Road in Little Rock on the first Monday of each month. Their meetings focus not only on the art of keeping bees, but on the uses of honey and other bee prod-ucts, such as beeswax, used in candle making, soaps, cosmetics, lotions, bee-sting treatments for arthritis and the therapeutic uses of pollen. Requests for one-on-one mentoring and assistance with anything bee-related are freely available and welcomed. Their next meeting, on May 7 at 5:30 PM, will be an educa-tional one suitable for newcomers.

Next week we will cover beekeeping tips, more about the bees themselves, and other native pollinators. Meanwhile, make your phone call request for a friendly mentor and let them help get you started. Within the next three weeks is the most favorable time to begin. You’ll be glad you did!

Ms. Risser was a beekeeper-educator for 12 years and hopes to begin again after interviewing some of central Arkansas’ knowledgeable and helpful local beekeepers.

Central Arkansas Beekeepers Associationlarry [email protected]

Lady Beekeepers of ArkansasDebra Stanselphone [email protected]

Apiary Section – State Plant Boardapiary Manager: Mark [email protected]

University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service

Jon Zawislak [email protected]

Bee equipment suppliers in ArkAnsAs:Central Beekeeping Supplyrussellville – 479-747-9991 http://centralbeekeeperssupply.com/

Apiary Beekeeping SuppliesCrossett – 870-305-1225 http://www.apiarybeekeepingsupplies.com/

Also, on the Internet, Google suppliers such as Dadant and Walter Kelly.

For More Information

RIGHT: Debra Stansel demonstrates the sweet, thick, stickiness of her

latest crop of clover honey. Stansel heads the Lady

Beekeepers of Arkansas.Photo by A. H. Wasson

LEFT: A smoker provides gentle smoke to calm the bees before a beekeeper works near the hives.

RIGHT: Bee stings are not a problem as

long as the beekeeper remains calm. Jon

Zawislak shows two bees on the end of his thumb from the hives in his backyard at his

west Little Rock home.Photos by

Brian Chilson

12 april 26, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

ther

e ar

e th

ree

rule

s fo

r wri

ting

wel

l. U

nfor

tuna

tely

, no

one

know

s w

hat t

hey

are.

— W

. som

erse

t Mau

gham

On a recent Sunday night, I didn’t want to cook and

pizza sounded good to me. So my friend and I headed to U.S. Pizza’s original location in Levy for an early dinner.

Some folks swear by U.S. Pizza’s pies but I like my pizza with a chewier crust and spicier marinara sauce. But, it had been a long time since I had eaten one of their pies, and the idea of going to the original location in Levy intrigued me. Intrigue in Levy? Maybe that’s an oxymoron, like good sports writing and Wally Hall?

We arrived around 6:00 PM and there were about six or seven people in the large dining room. They also seemed a little short-handed because the service was slow.

I ordered a small Salad Supreme ($5.39). Along with lettuce, this includes onions, black olives, mushrooms, mozzarella, bell peppers and my choice of either turkey, ham or fajita chicken on top. Ham sounded good and I chose “Our world famous creamy Italian dressing” (the menu’s emphasis, not mine). When I read things like that, I always wish there was some sort of agency that regu-lated restaurant menus. I mean, exactly who

determines that U.S. Pizza’s creamy Italian dressing is, indeed, world-famous?

My friend ordered a small Primavera Salad (also $5.39). This has broccoli, asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, bell peppers, purple onions and feta cheese. She chose an oil and vinegar dressing to go with all those vege-tables.

As our main course, I ordered a large Italian Sausage and Veggie Pizza (13” for $15.99).

A couple of beers later, our salads arrived and they were good. I like U.S. Pizzas salads, particularly with the world-famous creamy Italian dressing glopped all over it. The lettuce was reason-ably crisp, and the creamy dressing had a pleasant, vinegary tang that worked well with the ham.

I hoovered-up my salad, ordered another beer and waited for the pizza. And, waited. When it arrived, it looked like someone who had fallen asleep in a tanning

bed. It was over-cooked, brown and dry. I tried to remember if I had asked for a well-done pizza, but the world-famous creamy Italian dressing had given me a cholesterol high and I couldn’t think clearly.

We ate a few slices of the pizza despite its desiccated state (obviously, I was hungry), packed it up for my dog to eat later (he wouldn’t) and left. Just in time, actually. Because the place was beginning to fill up with local folks ready to tuck into some world-famous things to eat.

The tab for our meal with tip: $42.43. That’s deserving of a small ouch, I think, given the quality of the pizza we were served. I could have complained, but isn’t it a restau-rant’s job not to let sub-par food leave the kitchen? I think so. However, if you like enjoy slow service and over-cooked pizza, look no further.

U.S. Pizza 3324 Pike Avenue, Levy501-758-5997 Mr. Wood, a Little Rock writer and designer, is often hungry.

For World-Famous,Well-Done Pizzas

ThE WOULD-bE GOURMET n by bOb WOOD

Primavera Salad is full of fresh veggies.

U. S. Pizza’s normally crisp pies can quickly become overcooked.

MATURE ARKANSAS april 26, 2012 13

Do you know someone who is:Homeless with children?

Living in a car?Sleeping Outside?

If you know a homeless family with children,we may be able to help.

Living in your car?

Do you know someone who is:

Living in a car?Sleeping Outside?

If you know a homeless familywith children, we may be

able to help.

Call at

501-374-7383dial 1 for help

Services offered include:shelter, childcare, clothing,

food, job training.

All calls are confidential.

No rental or utility assistanceis available.

Homeless with children?

501-374-7383dial 1 for help

Services offered include:shelter, childcare, clothing, food, job training.

All calls are confidential.

No rental or utility assistance is available.

MEDiCARE MATTERS n by SALLy JOhNSON

You might have read in the news recently about the Texas doctor charged with scheming to get more than $375 million from Medicare

for services his home healthcare company never performed. This kind of fraud happens all too often, and it costs Medicare an enormous amount of money each year--that means higher health costs for you.

While Medicare uses sophisticated computer programs to spot fraud, they need your help too. You can help by keeping careful track of what healthcare services you get and carefully reviewing the receipts and statements you get from your doctor or hospital. Compare these with the information Medicare sends you about the claims it has processed (the Medicare Summary Notice) to make sure you and Medicare weren’t billed for services or supplies you didn’t receive.

if you think a charge is incorrect and you know the provider, start by calling their office to ask about it. The provider may be able to explain the bill better, or realize that they made a billing error. after you’ve contacted the provider and you still think Medicare is being charged for a service or supply you didn’t receive, or if you don’t know the provider on the claim, call toll free 800-633-4227. TTY users should call 877-486-2048.

For more information, call Mrs. Johnson, Benefit/Relations director with the AFMC, toll free 888-354-9100.

Medicare

Medicare WillRepair Wheelchairs

Man

Medicare Fraud: Everyone Pays

Q. Will Medicare pay for repairs to my wheelchair?A. If you own the wheelchair, Medicare will pay 80% of Medicare assignment (the Medicare-approved amount) for repairs but only up to the cost of replacing the wheelchair. Be sure to use a repair supplier that accepts Medicare assignment because your cost may be higher if the supplier doesn’t accept Medicare assignment.Q. I finally received my disability from Social Security. Why do I have to wait two more years to get Medicare? I won’t have insurance during the two year wait.A. In 1972 Congress added Medicare coverage for persons with signifi-cant disability, as determined by the Social Security Administration. This determination allows eligible individuals to draw Social Security Disability Income (SSDI). There is a five-month waiting period to receive a SSDI check. Medicare beings 24 months after the first SSDI check is issued. The disabled person usually has to wait two and a half years to start Medicare. The original intention for the waiting period was to keep costs down and to avoid replacing any private group health insurance the disabled worker might carry. For most, insurance coverage during this waiting period is limited to paying COBRA premiums, applying for Medicaid or being uninsured.

Send your Medicare and Medicaid questions to: Medicare Man at [email protected] or call toll free 800-224-6330

Full of interesting voices and colorful portraits of 17 Little Rock and North Little Rock neighborhoods, this book gives an intimate, block-by-block, native’s view of the place more than 250,000 Arkansans call home. Created from interviews with residents and largely written by writers who actually live in the neighborhoods they’re writing about, the book features over 90 full color photos by Little Rock photographer Brian Chilson.

THE UNIQUE NEIGHBORHOODSOF CENTRAL ARKANSAS

Send _______ book(s) of The Unique Neighborhoods of Central Arkansas @ $19.95

Send _______ book(s) of A History Of Arkansas @ $10.95

Send _______ book(s) of Almanac Of Arkansas History @ $18.95

Name ____________________________________________________________

Address __________________________________________________________

City, State, Zip ______________________________________________________

Phone ___________________________________________________________

Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc # _________________________________ Exp. Date __________

Payment: check or credit cardOrder by Mail: arkansas times Books, P.o. Box 34010, LittLe rock, ar 72203Phone: 501-375-2985 Fax: 501-375-3623 Email: [email protected]

✁✁

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BOOKS FROm THE ARKANSAS TImES

Shipping and handling $3 per book

also available

14 april 26, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

All families struggle from time to time, and often unresolved issues and secrets

from the past resurface. Such is the case in “Forgotten Country,” a character-driven novel about two Korean-American sisters whose rela-tionship hits the skids. Catherine Chung has written a thought-provoking book told from the older sister’s point of view.

Throughout her life, Janie has fulfilled her familial role as caretaker, the responsible daughter, the polar opposite of Hannah, several years younger, an embittered, rebellious and unappreciative young woman.

The family moves to America when Hannah

and Janie are in grade school. It’s a dark and dangerous time in Korea. The country is the scene of demonstrations and massacres following the assassination of the president. When Hannah and Janie’s father takes an unpopular position, his views endanger his family. Fearing for their safety they move to Michigan. Now the sisters really must depend on each other, thrust into a new school and culture where they don’t even speak the language.

Janie has always been made to feel she

Across

1 TheRhinemaidens inthe “Ring” cycle,e.g.

8 Cracks up

15 Hot stuff

16 Went for on agut feeling

17 Wing part

18 Their images areout of this world

19 Entrees for oneof Dion’s backupsingers?

21 Ballpark figs.

22 “Who’s there?”reply

23 Weapon in someraids

26 W.W. II arena

27 Late-night TBSshow

29 Old royal

30 Discounts atgarages?

34 Laulau side dish

35 Singer

36 Severelyreducedwagers?

43 Circus sounds

44 “… ___ wed”

45 Like a linewhose slope iszero: Abbr.

48 Sweetheart

49 Forum garb

51 ___ Valley

52 What mechanicsmay do as partof a tuneup?

56 Irish lass

58 Ones requestingseconds?

59 Primed

60 Not so fast

61 Showedreverence for, ina way

62 Orbital figure

Down1 One making

camp?2 White-collar

worker3 Antique desk

feature4 Celebrity

couples, usually5 Rookie: Var.6 Big campaign

topic: Abbr.7 “Great” part for

Duvall8 Danger for

wearers of high-heel shoes

9 O. Henry Awardwinner for “In theRegion of Ice”(1967) and “TheDead” (1973)

10 China’s Zhou___

11 Valentineletters?

12 Wearer of acrown since1952

13 Absorbed thecost of

14 Some A.L.batters

20 “South Park” boy24 Ringo’s

drumming son25 Grp. with a

complex code27 Shorten28 1930s migrant29 Casse-___

(Frenchbrainteaser)

31 Many downloads32 “Bramble ___”

(book of RobertBridges poems)

33 Casino collector36 Certain tooth37 Flat-headed tool38 Current principle39 Start chowing

down

40 Opposite oflegato: Abbr.

41 U2 member42 Disturb46 Met

expectations?47 Brawl in the

backwoods49 In a tough spot50 Plain

51 Silents star Nita

53 Palindromicmagazine title

54 Small knot

55 Very, informally

56 Ear piece?

57 Celebritywidowed in 1980

Puzzle by Alan Arbesfeld

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a creditcard, 1-800-814-5554.Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sundaycrosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS.AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visitnytimes.com/mobilexword for more information.Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 pastpuzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14

15 16

17 18

19 20

21 22 23 24 25

26 27 28 29

30 31 32 33

34 35

36 37 38 39 40 41 42

43 44 45 46 47

48 49 50 51

52 53 54 55

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B L U R T S T H E L O TR A N C H O D E A R O N EI M P A I R C O R D O V A NS A R N E T H E R S E R AK N I C K V A S E S Y O NE C C O P S I S U B O L TT H E Q U E E N O F S O U LS A D N A T O R A W

E S C F A I N G L OA R E T H A F R A N K L I N

D I E G O N O O R S A T EE R S P H N O M B U R T SN A P E O O L A L A E L II C E T R A Y S A B I D E DR E C T O R S B Y N A M EO S T E N D S I F T E D

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018

For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550For Release Thursday, April 26, 2012

Edited by Will Shortz No. 0322Across

1 It operates undera royal charter

7 1996 moviestarring MichaelJordan

15 Swank inHollywood

16 Popular mixer

17 Low 90s, say

18 “I get yourpoint!”

19 Many a first-timevoter in 1920

20 Hilarious21 Bald person’s

envy, maybe22 “Imperialism, the

Highest Stage ofCapitalism”writer

23 Born yesterday25 Balrog slayer, in

fiction30 Errs32 Case worker’s

org.?

34 Stand forsomething

35 Grind36 Expert with

computers39 Kudzu, e.g.40 Per ___42 With 49-Across,

figure skatingpractice

43 Well-being44 Novelty shop

purchase47 Dish often

served with soysauce or miso

49 See 42-Across51 Neighborhood

vandalism ammo53 Super item?57 Hardly close-

mouthed59 It breaks the “I

before E” rule60 Lack of vitality61 Many a role in

the JasonBourne films

62 Frank

63 Brandy brand64 Pigpens

Down1 Springtime

period2 Stadium shout-

out3 M.V.P. of Super

Bowls XLII andXLVI

4 U.C. Santa Cruzathlete

5 It borders theSouth China Sea

6 Young andothers

7 Moviecomponent

8 Contacting viaFacebook, in away

9 Whistling thorn,e.g.

10 Ingredient inBuffalo wings

11 Bionomics: Abbr.12 Part of a routine13 Interjection that

comes from theLatin for “weary”

14 Billy famous forinfomercials

20 Rite of passageparticipant, often

24 Industrialcontainer

26 “A HeartbreakingWork ofStaggeringGenius” author

27 Quadrennialsporting event

28 See-throughobject

29 Fugitate30 Buck

31 Liberal artscollege 20minutes north ofManhattan

33 Charade37 Merry-go-round

fixture, to a tot38 ___ high (about

that tall)41 Sales rep’s

reimbursement,maybe

45 Big list maker

46 “The Lion SleepsTonight”hitmakers, with“the”

48 Bowser in theSuper Marioseries, e.g.

50 Inconsequential

52 10-Down, e.g.

53 Physicist Ernstwho studiedshock waves

54 “___ told oftenenough …”

55 Range56 Common

conjunction58 Chow60 Nelson, e.g.:

Abbr.

Puzzle by Joel Fagliano

For answers, call 1-900-285-5656, $1.49 a minute; or, with a creditcard, 1-800-814-5554.Annual subscriptions are available for the best of Sundaycrosswords from the last 50 years: 1-888-7-ACROSS.AT&T users: Text NYTX to 386 to download puzzles, or visitnytimes.com/mobilexword for more information.Online subscriptions: Today’s puzzle and more than 2,000 pastpuzzles, nytimes.com/crosswords ($39.95 a year).Share tips: nytimes.com/wordplay. Crosswords for young solvers: nytimes.com/learning/xwords.

ANSWER TO PREVIOUS PUZZLE

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35 36 37 38 39

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B A S Q U E A S A P B B BA W N U T S L O L A E A UM E L E E S T R O U P E R S

S P E E D O F L I G H TD I R T S O R T N E O SE M O B A S R A S E E PM A S T E R O F L A W SI C E A G E D I O D E S

G O S P E L O F L U K EG I S T A L I S T M E N

E U L A A T A N E A S TB I L L O F R I G H T SB L U E M O O N M Y S T I CE T S A R N E O N E I D AD Y E N E S S S E X P O T

The New York Times Syndication Sales Corporation620 Eighth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10018

For Information Call: 1-800-972-3550For Release Friday, April 20, 2012

Edited by Will Shortz No. 0316

A NOvEL iDEA n bOOK REviEW by ChRiS STUCKENSChNEiDER

is Hannah’s care-taker. Her younger sister survived a difficult birth and is prone to fits of crying. For reasons unknown to Janie, they drift apart in the early years of college, and without warning Hannah suddenly disappears. No one knows where she’s gone, and weeks stretch into months.

Janie’s parents continue to tell Janie it’s her responsibility to find her sister. Their command becomes even more pressing when Janie’s father learns he has cancer and only months to live. Janie finally tracks down Hannah in California, but is infuriated when she refuses to return home with her, even after she is told about her father and alerted to the fact that the family will be moving back to Korea for his treatments.

As her father’s health worsens, Hannah reunites with her family in Korea, but her attitude remains surly. Aloof and difficult, Hannah reveals the reason for her longstanding bitter-ness — a revelation that shocks Janie, and further increases her guilt. This universal story of family struggles and stressors knows no cultural bonds. In its quiet, simple way, “Forgotten Country” has much to say.

Reprinted with permission, Missourian Publishing Company. Copyright 2012.

Family issues Know No bounds

In its quiet, simple way,

“Forgotten

Country”

has much to say.

Maturearkansas

MATURE ARKANSAS april 26, 2012 15

Adelia Kittrell, 29, an executive assistant at Heifer International, was astonished to discover that women

and men are not recognized as equals under the United States Constitution. I was equally astonished to discover she did not know the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) was stopped short of ratification in 1982.

Adelia told me there are thousands of women like her, which signals a challenge for mature Arkansans to brush up on our knowledge and pass the word along.

The ERA would incorporate into the U. S. Constitution a fundamental principle of equality for both sexes. The ERA states: “Equality of rights under the law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.”

While the U. S. has been constantly improving the Declaration of Independence’s statement that “all men are created equal,” it has yet to face in the Constitution an equally key principle, first introduced by women in 1848 in the Declaration of Sentiments: “all men and women are created equal.”

Last year, in a law journal interview, Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia reminded Americans of this unfortunate fact. Injustice continues in the U.S. even though U.S. ambassadors ensured that equal rights based on gender were enshrined in the new constitutions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Suffragette Alice Paul launched the ERA in Congress in 1923. The proposed amendment has been in limbo since 1982 because of deadlines imposed on its passage. It is considered dead, even though 35 states

ratified it. Passage of the ERA is closer today than in years. In March,

Senator Ben Cardin (D - MD) introduced S.J. Resolution 39 to remove the deadline from the introductory clause of the 1972 ERA Resolution. A companion resolution (H.J. Resolution 47) was also introduced in the House by Congresswoman Tammy Baldwin (D – WI). Both bills are now before judiciary commit-tees.

To get the resolutions moving in Congress, they need more co-sponsors. Mature Arkansans can help by calling on siblings, children, grandchildren and friends to phone Arkansas’ repre-sentatives in Washington, D.C., asking them to co-sponsor the

resolutions. If these resolutions pass, the ERA could become part of the Constitution

with ratification by only three more states. Arkansas is one of 15 that failed to ratify but with quick action, it could go down in history as the first state to break the deadlock.

This new opportunity arose because Congress accepted the ratifica-tion of the 27th Amendment in the early 1990s after 203 years. When that occurred, legal scholars questioned the presumed death of the ERA in 1982. The legal precedent set by the 27th Amendment could breathe life into the ERA by removing the ratification deadline. But only if we demand it of Congress.

Ms. Cahill is a Little Rock writer and historian, focusing on women’s history.

Passage

of the ERA

is closer today than

in years.

Equal Rights Amendment ReduxERA has new chance of passage

GUEST EDiTORiAL n by bERNADETTE CAhiLL

MATURE ARKANSAS APRIL 19, 2012 1

ALSO INTHIS ISSUE

MATUREARKANSAS

APRIL 19, 2012

SEQUOYAH LIVES!

Be a NaturalistPAGE 2

Preserve Early Strawberry CropPAGE 5

Hiking With Lee HillerPAGE 12

WORLD'S LARGEST COLLECTION OF NATIVE AMERICAN WRITING AND ARTPAGE 8

APRIL

Be aNaturalistPAGE 2

Preserve Early Strawberry CropPAGE 5

Hiking With Lee HillerPAGE 12PAGE 12

WORLD'S LARGEST WORLD' LARGEST S O D' ARLD'S LARCOLLECTION OF COLLECTION OF

N NATIVE AMERICANNNATIVE AMERICANC NNATIVE AMERICANTTRTRTD ARD ADDNDNDG ANG ANGNGTINTIITITWRWRWW RRRR GG TTAANNAANNIITTIIWW ANANININ ARARRITING AND ARDRIRIWRITING AND AWWW NNNWRITING AN RTRTARTARANDANDWRITING WRITING AND AD AAAA D RRRR

PAGE 8PAGE 8

RiCK LONDONwww.ltcartoons.com ©2012 londons times cartoonsMature

arkansasSubscriptions

Availableannual subscriptions to MATURE ARKANSAS are $15 per year for 12 issues, via the U.S. postal Service. Send your check to: Mature arkansas, p.O. Box 34010, little rock, ar 72203-4010. allow three weeks for processing. Expect mail delivery to take about a week.

16 april 26, 2012 MATURE ARKANSAS

Maturearkansas

Reynolds ad3.Mature Ark.indd 3 4/19/12 10:48 AM