Excitement is growing as July 4, Independence Day, approaches, but it’s important to balance fun and safety on this holiday. The National Council on Fireworks Safety, whose mission is to educate the public on the safe and responsible use of consumer fireworks so as to eliminate injuries, offers these tips for firework safety.

• Fireworks should be used outdoors only.
• Obey local laws. If fireworks are illegal where you live, do not use them.
• Always have water handy, like a hose or bucket.
• Don’t combine or alter fireworks, only use them as intended.
• Never relight a “dud” firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
• Use common sense. Make sure spectators keep a safe distance from the shooter. Also, the shooter should wear protective eyewear.
• Have a “designated shooter;” alcohol and fireworks do not mix.
• Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any kind.
• Never use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives. Report explosives of this kind to your local fire or police department. 

Another thing to consider on the 4th is the safety of your pets. Often times animals are irritated, distressed or overexcited by fireworks displays and the noise and commotion that comes with them.

Dr. Gwen Ray, a veterinarian with All Animal Health Center, says that since fireworks displays are usually planned, pet owners can take necessary precautions to keep pets calm and safe. 

“The predictability helps, unlike thunderstorms where you don’t know (when they are going to happen),” Ray said. “Certainly do not leave them outside alone at this time. You can prevent it.”

Ray added that pets tend to follow the lead of their owners when it comes to hectic and exciting situations like fireworks.

“If the owners are being upbeat and happy, the dog tends to be that way. It’s really amazing how your behavior makes all the difference in the world. When you’re afraid, they’re afraid; or when you think they’re afraid and start pitying them, that’s how they start acting,” Ray said.

According to the Humane Society of the United States, destruction and escaping seem to be two of the most common behavioral problems associated with the holiday. Ray believes the panic causes a lot of dogs to try and escape an area, even if it is a familiar one.

To protect your pets on Independence Day, take these precautions offered by the HSUS:

• Resist the urge to take your pets with you to fireworks displays, they’ll be happier on home.
• Don’t leave your pet in the car—air inside will be hot and could result in serious health effects for your pet, sometimes even death. Partially opened windows won’t provide sufficient air, but they could provide an opportunity for someone to steal your pet.
• During displays, keep your pets inside at home in a quiet and sheltered area. Some animals become destructive when frightened, so be sure to remove items your pet could destroy that would be harmful to your pet if chewed. Leaving a TV or radio playing at normal volume as background noise could prevent distress.
• If you know that your pet is frightened by loud noises like thunder, talk to your veterinarian before July 4 for ways to help alleviate any fear or anxiety your pet will experience.
• Pay attention to your pets. Never leave them outside unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. In their fear, pets that normally wouldn’t run away could escape and become lost, or become entangled in their chain, risking injury or death.
• Make sure your pets are wearing identification tags or are microchipped with owner information so that, should they become lost, they can be returned promptly. If you happen to find an animal, take it to the local animal shelter, where they will have a better chance of being returned to their owner. 

It’s Tournament Week for the Fort Smith Classic, and many festivities are taking place all around the Fort Smith area. One noteworthy event is the second annual Pink on the Links. It is slated for Friday, June 18 and will aim to raise awareness about breast cancer in support of the Ozark Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, according to Alesia Davis, chairwoman of the Pink on the Links event.

Pink on the Links debuted last year and was quite a unique addition to the PGA’s Nationwide tour, according to Daelene Brown, tournament coordinator. It even won “Best Practice on the Nationwide Tour” honors, which made history last year as the first time in PGA tour history a day was dedicated to breast cancer awareness, according Patricia Brown, executive director of the Fort Smith Classic and a five-year breast cancer survivor.

Pink will be both the theme and color of the day on Friday and “Prettiest Pro in Pink” and “Prettiest Caddy in Pink” awards will be given to Nationwide tour professionals.

“And John Daly will be in his pink as well,” said Davis. She expects around 500 women to attend the Pink on the Links event.

The Pink Zone will provide a variety of health, beauty, sports and fun items to women who visit, a Fashion Show and Luncheon will be held, and a scavenger hunt will take place around the golf course. Later in the evening, a Pink Par-Tee will be held downtown.

Organizers hope not only to raise awareness about breast cancer but will also serve as a day of education and activities both on and off the golf course that will appeal to female golfers and non-golfers alike.

Davis said, “It should have a wide range of appeal for women. You don’t have to be a golfer in order to come.”

The day will also honor breast cancer survivors, and some of these women will even serve as volunteers during the event, Davis added.

Pink on the Links will begin at 7 a.m. with a ceremonial tee-off, which unifies volunteers and serves as a reminder of the purpose of the day while also encouraging each other in their work to fight breast cancer, according to Davis.

From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. the Pink Zone, set up in Hardscrabble’s indoor tennis facility (a.k.a. the 19^th Hole), will offer four areas of education and fun for women. The Pink Zone’s Health Zone will supply breast health information from local healthcare providers, the Beauty Zone will house professionals providing manicures, massages, and makeovers, the Sports Zone will feature a showcase from Academy Sports containing women’s sports gear and team opportunities, while the Fun Zone will house Best Buy employees offering hands-on tutorials for technological gadgets.

From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., a buffet lunch will be served as guests watch the “It’s In The Bag” fashion show featuring breast cancer survivors as models or those modeling on behalf of a family member with breast cancer. The show will display ensembles created around a handbag. Tickets to the Pink Zone are $25 and include lunch, a Pink on the Links t-shirt and entrance to the health fair. The health fair, lunch, and fashion show will all be inside so attendees can stay cool.

During the Scavenger Hunt, participants will obtain clues from the four, par 3 holes on the course. Once they have documented their visits to the holes on the course, each woman will be entered into a drawing for a Coach handbag.

The Pink on the Links event will close with the Pink Par-Tee at 8 p.m. at Neumeier’s Rib Room & Beer Garden (817 Garrison Ave.) and will feature the music of the Klocks. Admission to this event is $10 per person.

Proceeds from the Pink on the Links event benefit the Ozark Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure and the Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House, Davis said.

“It is an outstanding event being held at an excellent venue that showcases our local merchants and community resources. We want to get people out and have a wonderful time to support these wonderful causes,” Davis said. 

Visits to the doctor just became a little easier for Sparks patients thanks to the hospital’s newly added valet parking service. Sparks Regional Medical Center recently began offering this service to patients, family members and visitors of patients in an effort to make visitation a little less stressful, according to Michelle Pike, director of volunteer services and the 55 Plus program at Sparks.

“We thought that this would be the best way to give back to our patients. It has a direct, positive impact on them,” said Pike.

Patients and visitors may either drive their vehicle up to the circular drive at the hospital’s main entrance or to the Cancer and Lung Center entrance at the northwest part of the hospital, said Pike; their work stops as soon as they hand the valet their keys.

Parking is available from 5:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays at the main entrance and from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays at the northwest entrance. Ambassadors Plus provides the service. 

Ambassadors Plus parks visitor and patient cars at nearby Evangel Temple and near Sparks’ laundry area. Pike said that this service would not be available on holidays.

Michelle Wallace, owner of Ambassadors Plus, said, “Each person is given a claim tag, and when they are ready, we run to go get their vehicle for them.”

The valet service came about as a result of frequent lack of parking that had previously been seen at the medical center. The new valet service is possible thanks to a joint sponsorship from the Sparks Womans Board and the Sparks Guild, said Pike.

Pike continued to comment, “This is a free service for our patients and provided through revenue through the Sparks Guild’s gift shop and from This ‘N That Thrift Shoppe.”

The main entrance is usually staffed by four valet members dressed in red Polo shorts, black pants or shorts and black running shoes while the northwest entrance is manned by one or two valets.

“Yesterday, we parked 104 cars, but I’d say our average is a little over 80 cars per day. We anticipated that the average would be somewhere around 60 cars, but this response has been phenomenal,” Wallace said. “The patients and families are so happy to have it. Many patients said they wouldn’t be able to make it into the building if it weren’t for the valet service. One lady brought herself in, and she had a broken foot. She obviously couldn’t have walked from a parking space that was far way up to the hospital, so this is helping.”

Wallace also said that caregivers find relief in the valet parking areas when valet staff members help locate a wheelchair. The service, however, most likely won’t extend to weekends, according to Pike.

“We try to do this when the majority of patients can be positively impacted. Parking isn’t as problematic on the weekends,” said Pike.

According to Pike, the valet service has been much needed for a long time. She and her staff, as well as the patients, appreciate the service and the sponsorship from the Womans Board and Guild.

“The Sparks Womans Board is the first and oldest volunteer organization in the state of Arkansas,” Pike said. “The Sparks Guild has given more than $3 million to Sparks, and the Womans Board has given a substantial amount as well. It’s really great that both are doing this for the valet parking service.”

Both Wallace and Pike said the feedback from patients and family members is positive on a daily basis. Also, Pike believes the program seems to be growing in popularity from week to week.

“We just had someone come in from Booneville who was contacted to come in here and tell us how much people in Booneville appreciate this valet parking service,” Pike said. “Not only is the valet parking program helping our community on a local level, but it is also reaching out to our neighboring communities.”  

Pike also said that valets do not ask for tips, but they do accept them. Wallace added, “And people have, sometimes, given us tips too. They’ve given us tips of advice, actually. Some have given advice in the form of saying that they want the valet service to be here next year, also. They really like and appreciate this service.” 

Though at this point we’ve missed the boat on “spring cleaning,” there’s still hope for your messy garage. Though it is hot outside, the summer months might leave you with evenings and weekends free at least. If you find that there’s no room in your garage, even for your cars, dedicate some time this summer to cleaning up the mess. According to Department of Energy, ¼ of Americans with two-car garages can’t park in theirs and another third can only fit one vehicle.  Though the idea of a sparkling clean, perfectly organized garage may seem ridiculous or impossible, it can be done! Follow these tips from CNN Money to make your garage space more useful and attractive and also to make some room for your cars.

• Get rid of everything your family doesn’t use. Throw it away, donate it – it all needs to go. Next, group the remaining stuff by theme: yard schools, sporting equipment, outdoor toys and playthings, etc. Store small items in see-through, stackable bins with lids so you’ll know exactly what each bin contains. If you find this organizational task too daunting, for $200 to $1,000 you can hire a professional organizer in your area to help. Or convince a neat-freak friend to help you out. The key to maintaining an organized garage is to sort through and find a place for everything, and the method best suited for you depends on both physical space and budget.

• Squeeze more into smaller spaces by installing freestanding shelving systems along the back wall of your garage that can be purchased at your local hardware store. Another option is to hang shelves high enough on sidewalls so they don’t interfere with car doors. If you’re extremely tight on space, hang up shelves that suspend from the rafters or simple pulley systems to hoist bikes out of the way. Call a handyman to install a hayloft-like storage area by cutting an opening in the ceiling and installing a pull-down ladder—a project ranging in price from about $600-$1,000).

The most attractive option would be to cover the walls with horizontally grooved paneling that houses various racks, cabinets, shelves, hooks, racks, and more. These shelving systems can be pricey, but your garage space will be changed from chaotic and disorganized to useful and efficient. And, your cars will be put back where they belong. 

In today’s times of high mortgage delinquencies, scam artists have started targeting desperate homeowners seeking to avoid foreclosure. Here are some tips to avoid foreclosure in the future from CNNMoney.com.
Bernell Grier, CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of New York (NHS) believes that alert consumers will be able to recognize the difference between fraudulent and legitimate foreclosure assistance by being aware of these tell-tale signs:

Avoid anyone who:

• Asks for a fee in advance. These upfront fees, typically ranging from $1,000 - $5,000, could be the last you’ll see or hear about any foreclosure help. Most people who ask for fees upfront never go through the motions of talking to lenders or working out modifications.
• Tells you they can guarantee foreclosure will stop. This is an impossible promise since no one can make this 100% certain guarantee, especially before they find out more about the individual circumstances pertaining to your foreclosure.
• Urges you to stop paying your mortgage and pay them instead. People who make this request are only trying to add to the money they’ve already cheated you out of by keeping up the pretense of trying for a modification.

There is good news, however. Many community groups, including NeighborWorks affiliates, offer expert and free help for homeowners but don’t have the funds to advertise their services. Keep in mind that it is easier for scammers to invest in fliers, mailers, and even television and online ads.
 

In honor of Memorial day, let’s discuss the tax credit extension for veterans.

An extension of the homebuyer's tax credit is available for service men and women until April 30, 2011. Active veterans serving on official, extended-duty service outside of the United States for a minimum of 90 days during the period between December 1, 2008 and May 1, 2010 will be granted a 1-year extension on the home buyer tax credit. Service people who meet this requirement by serving more than 90 days overseas between the aforementioned dates will qualify for the same home buyer tax if they are in contract to purchase by April 30, 2011 and complete the transaction by June 30 of next year. Veterans who are currently considering buying a new home will be excited to hear they have an extra year to buy and still qualify for the tax credit.

Members of “uniformed” services, foreign services of the United States, employees of Intelligence Community and extended duty service men and women will qualify. 

Join us at one of our 13 open houses this weekend. You may even have a chance at our April "Give-Away"!

The passage of the recent health care reform bill, as historic and unprecedented as it may be, has left many Americans confused and questioning what exactly this bill will do for them. According to CNN Money, the new health care legislation’s first changes will be seen in benefits from employer-based insurance.

Though it is not required that companies make immediate changes to their insurance plans, they will incorporate several federally mandated modifications by open enrollment time later this year, said Tracy Watts, partner with employee benefits consulting firm Mercer. The health care changes will come into effect in 2011, followed by more changes phased in until the law becomes fully implemented in 2018 or later.

Watts said that some of the changes will increase costs for employers, and companies could share more of that burden by charging employees higher deductibles and premiums. What exactly should you expect in 2011? Here’s what CNN Money has to say.

Dependent Coverage to Age 26

Watts notes this as one of the most significant changes. As of now, there are different laws that vary from state to state regarding the timeframe for independent coverage. Usually, employers provide coverage for dependents until they reach age 22 or 23.

In 2011, however, employers will be required to provide coverage for dependents of employees who don’t have access to other employer-based health care benefits until age 26, with the exception of a few states that require this coverage until age 28 or 29. Watts said this stipulation could raise costs for companies, but the actual increase in companies’ costs will depend on how many workers they have with dependents in this age range.

“This measure goes into the ‘cost increase’ column for employers and could potentially result in higher premiums for employees overall,” Watts said.

No Lifetime Dollar Limits

Quite a few employer-based health insurance plans have lifetime maximum limits on insurance of $1 or $2 million. The reform bill eliminates all lifetime caps, said Watts.

“This is a very good benefit for employees. In the event of a catastrophic accident or illness, employees no longer have to worry that their benefit will run out,” Watts said.

No Reimbursement for Over-the-Counter Drugs

Now, employees can be reimbursed for the money they spend on over-the-counter drugs from their flexible spending accounts (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) to buy over-the-counter drugs. These accounts usually allow individuals and their families to pay for out-of-pocket medical expenses not covered by their insurance plans with tax-free dollars.

The reform bill removes these reimbursements when the accounts are tapped for buying non-prescription drugs, according to Watts.

Higher Penalty for Misusing Health Savings Accounts

The new reform bill brings stricter consequences for employees who use their HAS money for non-qualified medical expenses.

Watts said, “The most frequent example of a non-qualified expense is if you use your HAS money to buy a flatscreen TV.”

The new bill, however, will increase the penalty from 10% to 20% of the value of the offending claim.

Report Health Coverage on W-2 Forms

Upon the implementation of the new bill, employers will be required to report the value of an employee’s health care plan on filed W-2 forms.

According to Watts, “This is not the value of your claims but the value of the coverage you elected.”

Cap on Flexible Spending Account Contributions

This change won’t be implemented until 2013, but when it is put into effect it will limit employee contributions to FSAs to $2,500 a year. Many employers have their own caps on FSA contributions, and the cap for federal employees is currently $5,000.

Watts said, “This seems like a significant change but our surveys shows that the average amount put into an FSA is typically $1,500 a year.” 

There are about 3,500 children in the Arkansas State Foster Care System at any given time. These children come into state custody through no fault of their own - it is because of abuse, neglect, or some other safety concern in the home. It's time for the Body of Christ to step up and meet the needs of these children in our own neighborhoods. Most importantly we need families to care for these children, but there are many different ways to help. For example, an elderly lady wanted to help, but didn't know how she could. After consideration of what she was gifted at, she decided her part of helping would be to bake a birthday cake for each foster child in Palaski County on their birthdays. As you can see, there are many ways to help. Every part of the body of Christ has different gifts and resources that The C.A.L.L. could use.

The C.A.L.L.

Who We Are
An exciting Foster Care Church Initiative has rapidly emerged as churches are joining together with an unprecedented level of support from the top levels of leadership of the Arkansas DHHS’ Division of Children and Family Services. The initiative is named The C.A.L.L. -- Children of Arkansas Loved for a Lifetime -- because of God's call on the Church: "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress..." James 1:27.

Why did we form? There is a desperate need for more foster, adoptive and respite care homes for children in the Arkansas foster care system. We must find more loving homes for these hurting children.

Our Mission:
To educate, equip and encourage the Christian community to provide a future and a hope for the children in foster care.

For more information regarding The C.A.L.L. in Crawford and Sebastian counties, call Traci Tabakian at 479-719-4730.

http://thecallinarkansas.org

A four-story, 83-room Best Western Inn & Suites will be open to guests Friday, Feb. 26 according to a report from The Times Record. The building has been under construction for nearly 11 months and is located at 6500 Rogers Ave. Developer Tim Whitten says, “we’ve been sitting there for seven weeks trying to get the parking lot paved.”

The delay can be attributed to the rain and wintry weather that Fort Smith has been experiencing lately, but finally the parking lot is paved and the hotel is ready for business. Part of a retaining wall on the property collapsed last summer, and it’s rebuilding also pushed back the grand opening, Whitten said.

Lisa Whitten, vice president of Whitten Hospitality in Russellville, said the new hotel includes 21 large suites, each room complete with a microwave, refrigerator, and a 32-inch LCD television with high-definition cable. Also, high-speed wireless Internet will be available, she said. Other amenities at the hotel include a heated, outdoor pool, an exercise room, a conference room, and guest laundry.  A shuttle service to guests to travel two and from the Choctaw Casino in Pocola and the Fort Smith Regional Airport will also be offered by the Fort Smith Inn.

Whitten Hospitality has two additional Best Westerns under construction in Maumelle and Russellville. The company usually builds hotels for sale or operates them only until a buyer is found, but Lisa Whitten said Whitten Hospitality has long-term plans to operate the Fort Smith Inn & Suites.

In competition with the Rogers Ave. restaurant strip, the Fort Smith Inn will serve a hot breakfast to its guests with foods like breakfast burritos, croissants, bagels, bread and biscuits and gravy. Each week night, a “Manager’s Reception” will also take place, Lisa Whitten said.

The project began in the midst of the nation’s worst economic downturn in decades, but the Whitten’s and other developers didn’t wait.

“While the hospitality industry has fallen a bit, it is strong,” Lisa Whitten said. “Overall, it has fallen 10 to 15 percent, but nationally it has fallen 20 to 25 percent. Arkansas is holding.”  

Executive director of the Fort Smith Convention and Visitors Bureau Claude Legris said he doesn’t expect any other hotel or motel openings in the area this year. The hotel market averages about one new property a year (based on recent years) and 2009 openings included Homewood Suites and Candlewood Suites hotels on Phoenix Avenue.

Legris said, “The Best Western will help fill a need. I don’t think it’ll have a negative impact on occupancy and revenue in the city overall or at a particular property. You always have to be careful not to overbuild. I don’t see any other properties on the horizon in the short term, so we should be able to absorb this inventory.”

Whitten Hospitality’s new Best Western Inn & Suites plans to employ around 20 people in full and part-time positions.