Hannah's HOPE Kids' Carnival

It couldn't have been a more beautiful day for the Hannah's HOPE Kids' Carnival and concert in Bob Henry Park. What a great way to commemorate the end of September, Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. The event was well organized, and there was lots to do. Brian and Terri Kinder of Kindersongs drove up from Little Rock to entertain kids of all ages, on Terri's birthday, no less! They played many of their old favorites, and some songs from their new album as well. There were also inflatables, a pancake breakfast, petting zoo, face painting, tattoos, raffles, crafts, and even hair cuts for Locks of Love. All proceeds went to the Hannah's HOPE pediatric cancer foundation, and we had a lot of fun!


Also, I just wanted to point out the new Emelia's sign. Things are really coming together! I'll be sure to let you all know if I hear any news.

Pickin' & Grinnin' at the Cafe on Broadway

On this gorgeous fall day at the Cafe on Broadway, diners had an extra reason to smile, in addition to the delicious meatloaf and potatoes special. Cafe employee Travis Chaney, along with friends Eric Baird and Mark Rotramel, treated patrons to some old-time gospel and bluegrass tunes. Travis also brought some watermelons to sell from the farm he works at in Berryville. Yellow Meat, Little Baby and Sugar Baby watermelons, priced at $3-$6, guaranteed that they "won't go bad in your fridge."


I also spotted some savvy bikers visiting town, presumably in the area for Fayetteville's Bikes, Blues & BBQ festival. I'm sure that they were pleased to find our charming enclave, far from the maddening crowd.

The Titus Task 5K & 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk

I wanted to make sure everyone was aware of an exciting event that's coming up on Saturday, October 10th. The Titus Task 5K & 1 Mile Family Fun Run/Walk is a downtown community family event that is designed to raise awareness and funding for The Titus Task, an organization that pursues a future for orphans by supporting NW Arkansas families who are seeking to adopt domestically or internationally.


Founded on December 20, 2007 by Noel & Lori Tugwell, The Titus Task was established in memory of Titus, a baby boy the Tugwells were in the process of adopting from Haiti. Tragically, Titus passed away on September 19, 2007, presumably from malnutrition. The Tugwell's mission, inspired by Isaiah 58, is to look after orphans, share food with the hungry, provide the poor with shelter, to offer the shirt off of their back, to not turn away from those in need. The Tugwell family includes Lily, age 6, Silas, age 3, and they are currently pursuing the adoption of Louis from Haiti. It is their hope that he will be able to come home with them before his 12th birthday on November 6th.


The event is shaping up to be a lot of fun. In addition to the 5K & 1 mile fun runs, there will be music by KLRC, inflatables by Hog Wild Entertainment, photos by AUS 10 Photography and refreshments by the Cafe on Broadway. Goodie bags will be given to the first 250 participants to sign up, and there will also be great door prizes.

There is a suggested participant donation of $25/individual or $50/family. 100% of the proceeds will be used to pursue a future for orphans. (The actual race expense is already covered.) Registration will take place in front of the Twin Springs Park fountain beginning at 7:30 am and will close promptly at 8:15. The 1 mile fun run begins at 8:30 am, with the 5K immediately following. Pre-registration is recommended, and can be completed at the Parks & Rec office or 3D PT.

I can't think of a better way to spend a fall morning downtown. I hope to see you there!

The Low Water Bridge

OK, I'll admit that this photo is a bit lame. You see, we had this crazy thunderstorm last night after a day of rain, so I rushed down to the creek this morning thinking that I'd get an awesome photo of Sager Creek full and raging. Clearly, that wasn't the case. It was slightly higher, but that was about it.

However, for the benefit of those readers who don't live in Siloam, I thought it would be a nice opportunity to mention the low water bridge that is located adjacent to the library. It's actually pretty neat, and probably rather unique. On most days, the one-lane bridge is dry, and may be used by motorists. It's one of those situations we don't often encounter in our modern society- getting to take turns with approaching cars, then slowly creeping across the narrow passage when it's our turn. I don't know about anyone else, but I get a little thrill as I drive across, imagining how precarious it must be. It's really not, but like to pretend that it is.

Another interesting aspect of the bridge is that on rainy days, or whenever the creek level has risen, a city employee comes out to put up a chain and a sign warning motorists not to use the bridge. It's funny, because it seems like a bit of extra work, and I wonder if they've considered closing the bridge altogether. I'm certainly glad they haven't!

Story Time at the Library

Today at the library, and age-old question was answered: "Are monsters real?" Miss Laura, the eminent story teller at the library, says "No" and I am inclined to believe her. Laura Flynn is a Siloam Springs resident who taught school for thirty years and for the past eight years has been conducting the library's weekly story time.

Singing "Tooty Ta" by Dr. Jean & Friends

Each Thursday at 11:00 a large group of preschoolers gathers for about an hour to hear stories, sing songs and enjoy various crafts and activities. There is usually a theme each week, with corresponding stories. Today Miss Laura focused on classics, such as Mother Goose Nursery Rhymes and The Three Billy Goats Gruff, which paved the way for the discussion on monsters. Miss Laura is intentional and thoughtful about her story times, incorporating numerous learning opportunities, discussion questions and chances to "get the wiggles out".

The children enjoying "Stop & Go" by Ella Jenkins

Each week begins with Miss Laura bringing out Clifford, a small red dog puppet, who "jumps" along with the children of each age group. The group consists mainly of three and four-year-olds. The content and activities are geared primarily to this age group. Along with hearing the stories and songs, the children are encouraged to sit quietly and listen, valuable skills for children of any age.

One of my favorite parts of story time is when Miss Laura discusses the current month, and she reads from Chicken Soup with Rice: A Book of Months by Maurice Sendak. When I was little, that was a real favorite of mine, and it's fun to see my son enjoy it as well. So, if you are a three to five-year-old and you like to learn, get ready to "criss cross applesauce" and visit the library for story time.

The library also offers a host of other programs: a home school program every Tuesday at 10:00, a teen program every Thursday at 5:00, an after school program Thursdays at 3:30, a bi-lingual program every Monday at 10:00, and a 2nd Saturday Family Movie at 10:00. For more information, call 524-4236.

The kids each recieved a "Read" temporary tattoo. Fun!