Staff Report

Help pick up trash on the river and keep NWA’s drinking water clean at the Eighth Annual West Fork Watershed Cleanup from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at West Fork Riverside Park, off Arkansas 170.

The purpose is to keep the West Fork and its watershed clean, since this tributary flows to Beaver Lake, drinking water for more than 400,000 people. Cleanup sites include Riverside Park, Baptist Ford, Dye Creek Road, Woolsey Bridge, Brentwood Mountain Road, Winslow Ballpark, Greenland School, Town Branch and Walker Park.

Participants will be supplied with trash bags, maps to cleanup locations, gloves and reusable water bottles filled with chilled tap water. This is a great activity for families, church groups, Scout groups, civic clubs, students, and people of all ages. Download the flier for information and a map of cleanup sites, as well as the registration form, by linking here: www.bwdh2o.org/education-and-outreach/events/west-fork-watershed-clean-up/.

Volunteers will check in from 8 to 9:30 a.m. and fan out to stations along the river and clean up targeted areas. Lunch and door prizes begin at 11 a.m. Preregistration is encouraged, but not required. Call 479-225-1611 to preregister. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

The annual cleanup is coordinated by the West Fork Watershed Alliance. Sponsors and partners include Arkansas Game and Fish Commission, Arvest Bank, Beaver Water District, City of West Fork, Keep Arkansas Beautiful, Pack Rat Outdoor Center, Tyson Foods, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service, Washington County Environmental Affairs, the Watershed Conservation Resource Center, Audubon Arkansas, Beaver Watershed Alliance, Ozark Natural Foods, Ozarks Water Watch, Arkansas Earth Day, the Bank of Fayetteville, and Northwest Arkansas Land Trust.

The Send-Off Blues

As he prepares to enter Belmont University in the fall, Nathan Aronowitz (aka Nathan A.), will celebrate with and thank the NWA music community at a very special College Send-off Bash taking place at George’s Majestic Lounge in Fayetteville from 5 to 8 p.m. on May 24. A portion of all door proceeds will benefit the Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas. Hors d’oeuvres will be provided by Early Bird Catering. Admission is $5.

During the event, the Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas will present Nathan with an “Outstanding Achievement Award.”

The award will acknowledge Nathan’s achievement in the classroom, on the stage and in the studio.

In addition, Nathan also will receive the 2013 “Albert E. Brumley Memorial Scholarship” from the I’ll Fly Away Foundation.

This scholarship is intended to encourage and support the next generation of music professionals to be the best they can be.

Albert Brumley had a vision of becoming a songwriter and didn’t let anyone discourage him.

This scholarship is named in recognition of his tenacity and passion for music.

The College Send-off Bash will culminate in an All-Star Jam featuring Leah Spears, Gary Hutchison, Kory Montgomery, Isayah Warford, Ocie Fisher, Amanda Rey, among others.

The I’ll Fly Away Foundation supports the musician of future. They focus on positive reinforcement music brings to a young person’s life.

Music gives young people focus and a sense of well being and, they respond by becoming more responsible adults.

The Ozark Blues Society of Northwest Arkansas fosters the development in the community of an appreciation of all types of blues music by promoting and producing meetings, lectures, seminars, concerts, musical productions and entertainment involving the blues.

They promote public knowledge of local, national, and international blues music and, promote historical research into blues music in order to perpetuate the memory, spirit, and music of blues artists who have not received just popular recognition.

Dogwood Walk Fundraising

The Humane Society of the Ozarks’ 21st annual Dogwood Walk will be held May 18 at Gulley Park in Fayetteville.

Both canine and their human companions of all ages enjoy booths, activities, demonstrations and contests while raising funds and awareness for the humane treatment of animals.

The Dogwood Walk is one of the largest pet events in Northwest Arkansas.
Our event is a great opportunity to encourage good health through exercise for both people and their pets and improve the quality of life for pets in our area.

Walkers will enjoy doggie contests, challenges and various demonstrations from local shops and vendors.

There will be fun photos of you and your dog, face painting and balloon animals, along with awards presented to exceptional dogs and their owners in a number of fun cate-gories.

Take home a toy or treat to your feline family, and the event will culminate with a walk around Gulley Park.

The event begins at 9 a.m. to noon rain or shine. The cost is $15 for HSO members and $20 for non-members. Registration includes lunch and a T-shirt.

Companion passes, which don’t include a T-shirt, may be purchased for family members or friends for an additional $5 with the purchase of a regular registration.

Kids 5 and under are free.

You may register at the event or online at hsozarks.thebelfordgroup.com/dogwoodwalk.aspx.

Goody bags are available for an additional $15 (limited quantity), and are filled with a variety of dog products including gourmet treats, food samples, toys, coupons and some items for their human companions too.

Low-cost microchipping will also be available for only $20 and includes the implanting of the microchip and lifetime regis-tration!