Monday, August 22, 2011

The Monday Up Periscope

I finally did it. I unplugged from the digital world this past weekend and escaped to the confines of my man cave. I wasn't sure if I could do it, even as the phone still rang and I knew that the e-mail pile would be a bit longer. Never mind any of it. I realized that I needed to take a break from both of my blazing computers and all things associated with them. However, as time would have it, I'm back at the boards to go for another round of COP 24/7. And not a minute too soon! So let's get started...

Birthday A-GO-GO

All I can say is WOW! Both James and I were tremendously thankful for all the well wishes, birthday shout outs, and all that comes with that special day. The blessing of having friends and acquaintances share your milestones always makes those events not only special but memorable. Usually I like celebrating my birthday quietly and without much fanfare. But the last two have been utilized to "party with  a purpose," which takes it to the next level to assist with benefiting others. I believe that we all can make a difference in some small way. No matter what your talent, expertise or role, each of us must believe that our legacies should consist of finding a charitable passion to get excited about as well as committed to. Don't get caught up thinking that "there's some one else to take care this or that problem." As a citizen, its all our duty to determine our course of action. If you are good leader, then by all means lead. If you are more of a follower, then follow. If you are joiner, then join but get engaged with the vision to make it happen. Don't stand on the sidelines while criticizing the situation but making no attempts to be the change that you are seeking. I challenge each of you to discover what you can do for our local organizations. There's plenty of opportunity to "give back" to any number of causes throughout the city. Share you time and treasure, its really worth it!

The Sidetracks Twofer

The guys and gals of Sidetracks blew out the weekend this past week with a throw down Luau on
Saturday night and Family Reunion Fish Fry on Sunday. If you missed it, then you should not have. There were plenty of grass skirts, coconut bras and hats ala Carmen Miranda style and of course that was what most of  the men were wearing. Drinks were flowing including many frozen fruity specials and lots of shots all around. Miss Gay Arkansas America, Zia Dyor made appearance after visiting other venues visiting with numerous fans and friends. There were plenty of regulars and visitiors alike that stomped until closing time. Sundays Annual Family Reunion Fish Fry was the bookend event that brought out not only some of the Saturday crowd, but a few faces that I hadn't seen in awhile. Todd and crew got a special dose of help from his mom who assisted with frying the fish and meeting and greeting everyone. Its as if she never forgets you and give you a big hug for the taking. There was plenty of hot catfish and all the fixings that you would expect. Big props for batch coooking the menu which kept everything tasty and fresh. Of course, there was lot's of cold beer and other libations offered by Matt, Terry and Chad. Thanks Sidetracks for another off the chain weekend where everyone is welcomed and almost everyone knows your name.

HIV Arkansas prepares to Walk

Michael Burks, Vice President of HIV Arkansas, has announced Saturday September 10th as a their first Annual HIV Awareness Walk fundraiser for the organization at 2 p.m. at the Jones Center for Families located at 922 East Emma Avenue in Springdale. The proceeds that are raised through this fund raiser will impact three worthwhile service organizations, HIV Arkansas, The Regional HIV Clinic (Fayetteville, Arkansas), and The Foundation for AIDS Research. These funds will make a huge impact on services, support, education, prevention, and research for a cure. Sponsorships can be accessed at www.hivarkansas.org and hit the donate button and specify that you are donating for the walk or you can mail a check directly to the organization at P.O. Box 9004 Fayetteville, AR 72703. You can also find the event on Facebook. Can we get a team from the central Arkansas area to support this effort? Hit us up if you are interested in sponsoring or participating. Let's hear from you today. HIV Arkansas is a 501c(3) non profit organization whose mission is to provide support and advocacy for people living with and affected by HIV/AIDS in the state of Arkansas.

DSRA Royalty Competition

September 17th at 9 pm, Triniti nightclub is the date for the Diamond State Rodeo Association Royalty Competiton.  Boots and Belles: An Evening of Royalty and Chairity will showcase the slate of candidates for the associations next Royalty Team. The evening will feature special guest and awards plus fundraising for The Living Affected Corporation. $5.00 admission Doors open at 8 pm

  The West Memphis Three: Past, Present and Future

In partnership with the Arkansas Times, the Clinton School will host a panel discussion featuring key players in the legal battle that culminated last week with a plea bargain to release Jason Baldwin, Damien Echols and Jessie Misskelley, Jr., who served more than 17 years in prison after being convicted of murdering three young boys in West Memphis, Ark. Known as the "West Memphis Three," Baldwin, Echols and Misskelley long maintained their innocence and gained national attention to their fight for exoneration. Confirmed panelists include:

Pat Benca, attorney for Damien Echols
Scott Ellington, prosecuting attorney who negotiated the plea bargain
Blake Hendrix, attorney for Jason Baldwin
Mara Leveritt, Arkansas Times contributing editor and author of “Devil’s Knot”
Capi Peck, leader of Arkansas Take Action, which fought for exoneration of the WM3
Jeff Rosenzweig, attorney for Jessie Misskelley Jr.

When: Thursday, August 25, 2011
6:00 p.m. – Panel Discussion

Where: Clinton School of Public Service
Sturgis Hall

*Reserve your seats by emailing publicprograms@clintonschool.uasys.edu, or calling 501-683-5239.








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