Phones For Meals

The Kruth Talks

By Amber Kruth

Meals on Wheels needs your old cell phones and laptops, no matter what the condition. Meals on Wheels, which helps feed local elderly and disabled homebound citizens, will send the phones and laptops to an electronics firm and in return will receive a financial contribution. Currently there are 32 seniors on the Meals on Wheels waiting list due to limited funding. Individuals, institutions and businesses are encouraged to drop-off their cell phones and laptops from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the Senior Center, 945 S. College Ave. or call Carl Smith at 571-2920.

Integrating Immigrants

The Hispanic Woman’s Organization of Arkansas is launching a “Reaching for the American Dream” program to help legal immigrants. Daniel Diaz, a recent University of Arkansas graduate, is meeting with immigration lawyers and will conduct workshops and registration drives to help legal immigrants integrate into the community. Diaz said that with more than 30,000 legal immigrants in Arkansas, it’s necessary for the community to embrace these newcomers and help them learn the language and responsibilities of citizenship. A large volunteer base is needed to help teach U.S. civics, history and English. The first workshop will be Aug. 21 at a site to be determined. If you are interested in attending a workshop or volunteering, e-mail hwoa2@jtlshop.jonesnet.org, call 751-9494 or stop by 614 E. Emma Ave. Suite 231 in Springdale.

Thinking Green

The NorthWest Arkansas Community College branch of the green-job training center opened this month at 4004 N. College Ave. in Fayetteville. The “NWACC Center of Excellence” will train contractors, code officials and HVAC technicians in energy efficiency. Coordinator Keith Knight says the first course offered will be a BPI (building performance institute) building analyst course, followed by a ResNet (residential network) energy-rated class. For information contact Jknight2@nwacc.edu or 444-6596.

Happy Birthday Hobbs

Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area visitors center celebrated its first anniversary May 27. In its first year, the center performed 1,543 programs, which were attended by 40,573 individuals. The 17,500-square-foot visitors center, east of Rogers off Arkansas 12, offers a range of educational and historical information, including touch-screen computers and taxidermy exhibits. Surrounding the center is more than 12,000 acres providing hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, permitted hunting and a firing range.

Doc Park

Mayor Lioneld Jordan declared June 16 as “Doc Mashburn Day” in honor of the Fayetteville obstetrician who worked here for more than 35 years. Doc Mashburn Park is at 1582 Fairlane St. and has a pavilion with picnic tables, an open play area and a community playground geared for children 5 to 12 years old.