Tuesday, January 28, 2014

'Steel Magnolias' Coming to Hot Springs Theatre

One of my all-time favorite movies is “Steel Magnolias.” I have seen it multiple times and each time it is still very funny and emotional, even though I know what’s coming.
            We’ll have an opportunity once again to see “Steel Magnolias” in Hot Springs. This time it won’t be the movie, but a stage production at the Pocket Theatre. I can hardly wait!
            The Dramatists Play Service describes the play as, “Concerned with a group of gossipy southern ladies in a small-town beauty parlor, the play is alternately hilarious and touching-and, in the end, deeply revealing of the strength and purposefulness which underlies the antic banter of its characters.”
            Pocket Theatre is one of many art forms in Hot Springs. The Theatre was begun in 1991, has grown and moved several times and, in 2005, acquired their building, the former Ramble Elementary School, which was closed in 1967. The Theatre is situated at the corner of Ravine and Ramble Streets off Park Avenue in downtown Hot Springs.
            The play takes place Feb. 7-9 and 14-16 with evening performances and some matinees. For more information go to www.pockettheatre.com.

            The Diamondhead community supports all the arts in Hot Springs and is always excited when new productions are in town. If you come to Hot Springs to see “Steel Magnolias,” we’d love to have you come out for a tour of Diamondhead. It’s a terrific community on Lake Catherine and a wonderful place to live and enjoy all the Hot Springs arts. Give us a call at 501.520.9201 or 501.262.9310 for more information on Diamondhead.

Tuesday, January 21, 2014

Time to Get Moving

When we have a warm sunny day in the midst of the cold weather, I’m always encouraged to get outside and get moving. The nice weather makes me believe that spring will actually come again. One indication that spring is around the corner is the increase in races and outdoor activities. In February, we have two opportunities to participate in very different races in the Hot Springs area.
            Feb. 8 is the Jack-n-Back Half Marathon. If you’re planning to participate in this race I hope you’ve been training for a while. The 13.1 mile road race includes running or walking over Jack Mountain with 1,000 feet of elevation on a winding road through the scenic Ross Foundation.
            Registration and sign-in begins at 9 a.m. at 19480 Hwy 84 in Bismarck south of Hot Springs. A portion of the proceeds from the half marathon goes to Our Promise Foundation, which provides caring, professional support and education to cancer patients, survivors and caregivers. For more information go to www.jack-n-back.com.
            The next Saturday, Feb. 15, at 9 a.m. the Van Davis 5K Memorial Race takes place in Hot Springs at Whittington Park. This race benefits the Van Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund at National Park Community College. Call Lisa Carey at 501.760.6582 for more information on the race.
            What a great way to get ready for the warm spring weather than to participate in the Jack-n-Back or Van Davis 5K races. Both groups support wonderful charities locally in Hot Springs.
            If you come into town for the races or if you live in Hot Springs, we’d love to have you come out to Diamondhead and see what a beautiful area we call home. We are a part of the Ouachita Mountains and this is a great place to train for half marathons and 5Ks, which are more my speed. Call us at 501.520.9201 or 501.262.9310 for information on Diamondhead and to schedule a tour. We’d love to show you around.

Wednesday, January 15, 2014

Looking for the Best Life Possible in Hot Springs

As a little girl growing up in Arkansas I didn't understand the significance of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his ministry of justice and non-violence. As an adult I appreciate and am grateful for his legacy and for his contributions to make our world a better place to live.
            Hot Springs celebrates the life of Dr. King with a prayer breakfast Jan. 18 at the Hot Springs Convention Center. The event is sponsored by the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and proceeds for the event benefit scholarships. Contact Elmer Beard at elmerbeard@yahoo.com for more information.
            I also believe Dr. King would have enjoyed and supported the Muses Project, which we are extremely fortunate to have in Hot Springs because of their call to us all to be “lifelong learners and curious listeners.” The Muses Project presents “Inviting the Muse” on Jan. 25 10 a.m.-11 p.m. This special seminar is the first in a series of life balance, creativity and inspiring excellence seminars. The event also includes lunch for a $10 donation. For more information and to make a reservation, call the Muses Cultural Arts Center at 501.609.9811 or go to www.themuseproject.org.
            The next two Saturdays the MLK Prayer Breakfast and “Inviting the Muse” are examples of wonderful events that happen in Hot Springs to encourage us all to be more caring, kind and empathetic listeners and learners so that we can make our home in Hot Springs a better place to live.

            At Diamondhead, we celebrate our diversity and seek to become the best community we can be. Come and see the area in Hot Springs we call home. The natural beauty and serenity at Diamondhead is worth checking out. For more information, call 501.520.9201 or 501.262.9310 and we’d love to give you a tour of Diamondhead.

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Where Eagles Soar in Hot Springs

         I can hardly wait for the Bald Eagle Tours at Lake Catherine State Park the weekend of Jan. 17-19. These majestic migratory raptors pass over our area and stay around Lake Catherine during the winter. What could be more exhilarating than spotting a bald eagle – the symbol for our country – on our own Lake Catherine at Diamondhead or on a tour at our neighbors, Lake Catherine State Park?
            The State Park offers a boat tour and hikes in search of the eagle. They also offer daily programs for participants to learn more about the bald eagle. To reserve a spot on an eagle tour, contact the Park at 501.844.4176. A detailed schedule will be online near the weekend for the tours @ lakecatherine@arkansas.com.
                                                                        After the invigorating Bald Eagle Tour come by the 19th Hole Restaurant at Diamondhead to warm up and get a bite to eat and something warm to drink. The 19th Hole offers great food, neighborly service and good conversation – all traits of a great neighborhood eatery.

              While you’re at Diamondhead, take a look around or give us a call at 501.520.9201 or 501.262.9310 and we’ll give you a tour. Diamondhead is a wonderful gated community with lots of amenities on Lake Catherine – where eagles soar and reside in the winter. We’d love to have you join us at Diamondhead for eagle watching, playing golf year ‘round or boating on Lake Catherine in the warm months. It’s a great place to live and play all year long.