May 1997

Republicans put NLR dinner take at $125,000 Date: 05/03/97 Category: NEWS Page: 2B Officials with the Republican Party of Arkansas estimated that they raised about $125,000 Friday night at a North Little Rock fund-raiser billed as a salute to U.S. Sen. Tim Hutchinson. About 600 people attended the dinner at the North Oaks Event Center, increasing the party's cash assets by about 60 percent, said Richard Bearden, state GOP executive director. Among those paying up to $5,000 per table were Pruet Chesley Drilling Co. of El Dorado, at whose table Gov. Mike Huckabee sat; Little Rock philanthropist Jennings Osborne; Tyson Foods Inc. of Springdale; First Commercial Corp. of Little Rock; and Entergy Corp. of Little Rock, at whose table Hutchinson sat. Hutchinson and Huckabee spoke briefly. The least expensive seats cost $125 each. Others on hand included U.S. Rep. Jay Dickey, former U.S. House candidate Bud Cummins and state Sens. Phil Wyrick of Mabelvale and Fay Boozman of Rogers. Bearden said the money will be used for party-building activities and to assist GOP candidates in federal and state races next year. Others buying tables included the Arkansas Poultry Federation; the Arkansas Healthcare Association; the Arkansas Motor Carriers Association; Stephens Inc., the Little Rock-based investment firm; Llama Inc., the Fayetteville investment firm operated by Alice Walton; Friday Eldredge & Clark, a Little Rock law firm; and Arkla, the Little Rock-based energy company.

Boy Scouts trek on earning badges Date: 05/04/97 Category: NEWS Page: 2B LARRY AULT, ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Caption: Photo by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette/STATON BREIDENTHAL David Cherry, 11, of Little Rock listens Saturday morning during a citizenship in the community class at the state Capitol. The class was part of a merit badge university program for Boy Scouts from 17 counties. Almost 300 Boy Scouts from 17 Arkansas counties mustered Saturday in Little Rock to work on earning educational merit badges. Early in the day on the steps of the state Capitol, the Scouts gathered for a patriotic opening ceremony. Secretary of State Sharon Priest encouraged them to learn as much as they could so they could one day participate in the democratic process. "This is your government. This is your building," Priest told the Scouts. "Many of our accomplished leaders in the world today have been Eagle Scouts," she said. "You will have an opportunity to learn what is happening in this building," she said, referring to the state Capitol. The Scouts met all day in downtown Little Rock as part of the first Quapaw Boy Scout Council Merit Badge University. The program offers Scouts an opportunity to get first-hand information from instructors who would not otherwise be available, said Dr. Cliff Clifton, a member of the Quapaw Council's executive board. Inside the state Capitol, Scouts gathered in classes on citizenship in the community and in the nation. The classes stressed community involvement and participation in state and local government. Bruce Moore, assistant to Little Rock Mayor Jim Dailey, taught one of the classes, explaining that he got involved because Cy Carney, assistant city manager, asked for his help. "It's really interesting," Moore said, explaining that the Scouts are fairly knowledgeable about civics. Moore's presentation revolved around how city government works. Similar presentations regarding the law were also available. Michael Razer, an 1 1 th-grade student with Troop 201 at Cabot High School, said the classes were helpful. Razer said he has no specific career plans, but the classes helped him because they "teach you more about the community." The city of Little Rock, the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, the Arkansas Science and History Museum and the Arkansas Arts Center, sponsored the event. Other classes included pottery, theater and sculpture taught at the Arkansas Arts Center and American culture and mammal study at the Arkansas Museum of Science and History in MacArthur Park. At the Little Rock Police Department, classes were held on crime prevention and for fingerprinting merit badges. Little Rock firefighters taught fire safety and emergency preparedness. Other classes were held in surveying, traffic safety and law. During the noon hour, the Scouts met on the grounds of the Capitol for lunch, which was provided by the Jennings Osborne family.

Patrons in pansies glimpse AAC future Date: 05/11/97 Category: HIGH PROFILE Page: 2D Phyllis D. Brandon Caption: Photos Harrett and Warren Stephens with Anne Hickman and Jack Williams Bill and Margaret Clark with A1 McDowell Jane Wolfe, Curt and Chucki Bradbury and Betty Brown Terri and Chuck Erwin with Townsend Wolfe Sen. Tim Hutchinson (center) with Betty Tollett, all of Springdale Lloyd Stone, Janet and Gov. Mike Huckabee and Rep. Jay Dickey of Pine Bluff Donna Knutson with Bill Young, general manager of the Ozark Folk Center Billie Rutherford, Don Roberts and Baker Kurrus Lee Ann Matson, Tammy Blaylock and Debbie Milam Phyllis Truemper and Lee Scarbrough Dr. Patrick Casey with his wife, Peggy, and daughter Kierman and his parents, Dee and Dr. B.J. Casey of New Orleans Dr. Betty Lowe (center) with her sisters, Margaret Bogle and Mary Good of Washington Dr. Mike Bauer and his wife, the Rev. Betsy Singleton Bauer, and the Rev. Vic Nixon and his wife, Freddie Stephen Shafer, Turdy James and Dr. Doug Stroud of Conway. Annie Feltus, Morgan Bowden, Anna Sewell, Catie Caldwell, Amanda Bates, Cristina Argia, Jessica Dodd and Laura Morache Mary Kathryn Wells, Lee Young, Leslie Dodd, Anna Martin, Mary Frasier, Kim Krulin, Mary Kathryn McClendon and Ashley Shields - Not Photographed: Katherine Anne Knight Dick and Sylvia Finch, Gene Eberle and Carolynn Coleman Joan Layton and Sam Perroni Bob Fewell, Annette and Coach Wimp Sanderson and Ronald McDonald Arts Center patrons Patrons in pansies see AAC future On the new patio of the Decorative Arts Museum ringed with beds of colorful pansies, patrons of the Arkansas Arts Center gathered May 1 to enjoy the spring day and get better acquainted. Hosted by Margaret and Bill Clark, Tricia and Chip Dudley, Terri and Chuck Erwin and Harriet and Warren Stephens, the 80 guests schmoozed about the news of the day and future plans for the Arts Center. Among the guests were Jane and AAC director Townsend Wolfe, Jack Williams, Mary and Jim Wohlleb, Gary Smith, Julie and Bob Cabe, John Elliott, Ruth and Rollie Remmel, Jane Rogers, Pat and Dr. Floyd Kyser, Kula and Dr. Frank Kumpuris, Joan and George Campbell, Barbara and Pete Hoover, George O'Connor, A1 McDowell, Virginia Bailey, Anne Hickman, Letty and Hall McAdams, Mary and Dr. Dean Kumpuris, Nancy and Dr. Drew Kumpuris and Connie and Bill Bowen. Arkansas Republican Party Republican elite greet state's newest senator Arkansas' first popularly elected Republican senator was the honoree at a reception and dinner May 2 hosted by the Republican Party of Arkansas. The evening raised $125,000 for the party. Sen. Tim Hutchinson of Springdale greeted friends at a reception at Maumelle Country Club before joining a larger crowd of 550 at North Oaks Event Center. Janet and Gov. Mike Huckabee also greeted the group, which included Rep. Jay Dickey of Pine Bluff, Gay and former Gov. Frank White, state chairman Lloyd Stone, Mary Lynn and Sheffield Nelson, Chesley Pruet of E1 Dorado, Mitzi and Jennings Osborne and Prissy and Dr. Randy Hickerson of Texarkana. Committee of 100 Governor's Mansion fete shows support for Ozark Folk Center Women from across the state who represent their counties on the Committee of 100 were guests at a luncheon April 29 in a floored tent on the grounds of the Governor's Mansion. The group supports the Ozark Folk Center in Mountain View. The 60 people were welcomed by Donna Knutson of Little Rock, chairman of the committee, and Bill Young, general manager of the center. Among the center supporters were Chloe Kirksey of Mulberry; Virginia Beavers of Forrest City; Rosemary Bowlin of Pocahontas; Mary Lynn Nelson, Betty McMath and Nan Brown, all of Little Rock; Charlotte Nabholz and Pat Denton, both of Conway; Barbara Finley of Fordyce; Sara Jo Gibbs of Forrest City; Sue Howell of Lonoke; Jean Jennings of Mountain View; Karen Lauck of Hot Springs; Charlotte Plegge of Newport; Louisa Relyea of Cherokee Village; Brooke Tappan of Helena; Gloria Taylor of Fayetteville; Elizabeth Warner of Mammoth Spring; Danette Watkins of Lepanto; and Susie Pugh of Portland. Volunteers in Public Schools VIPS volunteers shine at Ricks Armory party Awards were presented to schools, volunteers and businesses for their contributions to the Little Rock public schools at the 1 5th annual volunteer recognition reception, "An Evening for the Stars," on April 29 at Ricks Armory. Baker Kurrus took home the Jane Mendel Award for his work as a volunteer, on the strategic planning committee, the Little Rock Alliance for Our Public Schools, Show and Tell, Assembly for Success and Vital Link. The award is named for Jane Mendel, founder of the Volunteers in Public Schools, and was presented by Billie Rutherford, last year's recipient. In a treasure island setting, guests sampled ham on biscuits, fruits, cheeses and sliced chicken before bidding in the silent auction, which offered more than 1 10 items. Guests were greeted by Debbie Glasgow, president of the VIPS board, and entertained by the Horace Mann dance ensemble. Advocates for Battered Women Fund-raiser has flavor of Mexico A Mexican supper and auction May 2 at the Parish Hall of St. Andrews Cathedral celebrated Cinco de Mayo to benefit Advocates for Battered Women. Cacti centered the tables, covered in cloths of primary colors, where the 150 guests sat to eat when not bidding in the silent auction. Anne Jansen was master of ceremonies and explained that Advocates, always needing contributions, "would take checks all year long." Tim Fox led the live auction at the evening planned by board president David Manley and Susan Day. Jones endowed chairs ACH reception honors winners of Jones chairs A reception April 30 at Arkansas Children's Hospital followed the honoring of the ACH medical director and director of the hospital's Center for Applied Research in special ceremonies in the hospital's Sturgis building. Dr. Betty Lowe and Dr. Patrick Casey were named recipients of Jones trust-endowed chairs named in honor of Bernice Jones of Springdale and the late Harvey Jones, founder of Jones Truck Line. Among the guests were Lowe's sisters, Mary Good of Washington and Margaret Bogle of Little Rock, and Casey's wife, Peggy, daughter Kiernan, and parents Dee and Dr. B.J. Casey of New Orleans. Arkansan Carol Rasco, director of America Reads Challenge at the U.S. Department of Education, was guest speaker for the ceremonies, and Dr. Kelley Kelleher of Pittsburgh and Dr. Terry Yamauchi presented the honorees. Raindrops and Roses RAIN says goodbye, hello to directors A wreath of fresh roses decorated the door to the Edgehill Road home of the Rev. Betsy Singleton Bauer and her husband, Dr. Mike Bauer, for "Raindrops and Roses." The May 1 event, with its $50-per-person tickets, raised $7,500 for the Regional AIDS Interfaith Network. The evening gave friends a chance to say farewell to Trudy James and welcome Stephen Schafer, the new RAIN executive director. Barbara Gay chaired the event where hors d'oeuvres were provided by restaurants and friends and served by the care team of Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church. Hosts were Fred Darragh, Nancy and Dr. Drew Kumpuris, Dr. Richard Leithiser, Carrie Morgan-Johnson, Freddie and the Rev. Vic Nixon, Dr. Mary Sain, Dr. Rickey Medlock, Floyd and Dr. Becky Martin, Grif Stockley, Dr. Ellery Gay, Dr. Tyler Thompson and Beverly and Pulaski County Judge Buddy Villines. Among the 150 guests chatting on the deck and patio of the home were Buddy Benafield, Jo Ann and Garth Martin, Donna Bressinck, Eric Heizman, Dr. Rick Wyatt, Betty Brown, Rabbi Gene Levy, Fred Darragh, Frank Lambright, Drs. Francie Wilson and David Lipschitz, Dr. Doug Stroud of Conway and Gayle Corley. General Federation of Women's Clubs Group marks 100 years of volunteerism The 100 years of volunteerism of the General Federation of Women's Clubs was celebrated May 1-4 at the federation's annual convention at Holiday Inn Select. Arkansan Carolyn Staley of Washington was guest speaker at a banquet May 2 hosted by the North Little Rock Woman's Club. Choosing a theme of "A Carousel of Service," the evening's dining tables were decorated with mini carousel horses securing colorful balloons. Entertainment was by Joel Ruminer's dancers. State president JeNelle Lipton of Warren, who presided over the convention attended by 100 women from across the state, was honored at a reception after the dinner hosted by the Pine Bluff district. Wildflowers and ferns decorated the room since Lipton's project has been the cultivation of wildflowers along Arkansas highways. Saturday's dinner guests were entertained with a production from the South Sensations at Arkansas State University at Beebe and celebrated the birthday with cake made by Don Bingham and champagne. As a special gift to celebrate the anniversary, each woman received a cloisonne pin in the shape of Arkansas decorated with an apple blossom and a mockingbird, which Lipton said were the federation's symbols before they were adopted by the state. International president Faye Dissinger of Pennsylvania, who resides in Washington during her two-year term, was a special guest. Diane Johnston of Heber Springs is the Little Rock District president. Sophomore dance Key West attitude prevalent at PA soiree A group of 23 girls, most of whom are 16 and completing the 1 0th grade at Pulaski Academy, hosted a formal dance May 3 at the Country Club of Little Rock. Borrowing a theme from popular singer Jimmy Buffett, the evening became "Key West '97 -- Changes in Latitude, Changes in Attitude." Welcomed by a sailboat at the entrance, the girls found the ballroom was decorated with foil palm trees and a Key West sunset. The buffet table was highlighted with a parrot made from fresh fruits and vegetables. Hostesses were Annie Feltus, Morgan Bowden, Anna Sewell, Catie Caldwell, Cristina Argila, Jessica and Leslie Dodd, Mary Frasier, Kirsten Henry, Katherine Anne Knight, Katie Laning, Mary Kathryn McClendon, Mary Kathryn Wells, Lee Young, Amanda Bates, Jessica Fowler, Brittany Gray, Paige Kinslow, Kim Krulin, Anna Martin, Crissy San Roman, Ashley Shields and Kristen Wright. LRHS 50th reunion Class of'47 hails 'old gold and black' The class of 1947 of Little Rock High School, now Little Rock Central, celebrated its golden year with a reception, dinner and dance May 3 at the Hilton Hotel. Several tables were filled with news clippings and photos taken during the time they were in high school for all to look over and reminisce. Tables for the banquet were centered with pots of yellow chrysanthemums with tiger print fabric wrapped at their bases. Welcomed by Gene Eberle and class president Jim Albright, the group of more than 300 also heard a few remarks from Dick Finch, student body president, and sang the alma mater. Music for dancing for these Tigers lasted until 11 p.m. and was by Jug Wallace and The Townsmen. The reunion steering committee included Bill Apple, Bob Bailey, Jim Bell, Ruth Johnson, Joan Dietz, Meredith Ives, Hal Cochran, Carolynn Coleman, Deltine Craig, Eberle, Sylvia and Dick Finch, Dr. Ellery Gay, Connie McCall, Kathryn Scott, Shirley and Jack Wilkins, Mary Jo and Clyde Horton, Keith Jernigan, Grady Miller, Evelyn Tarbell, Mary Alice Heizman, Jim Robinson, Mary Lee Scogin, Bob Shell, John Sims, Elsie Mears and Mariane Olson. Buick-McDonald's Classic Benefactors scramble to aid Ronald's House Heavy hors d'oeuvres included oysters Rockefeller, stir-fried shrimp, stuffed mushrooms and frog legs as sports fans gathered May 4 at the Pleasant Valley Country Club for the opening event of the '97 Buick-McDonald's Classic to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House. While bidding in a silent auction on such items as a best of the best car wash from Best Car Wash and a framed print of the Arkansas Traveler donated by Secretary of State Sharon Priest, the group was entertained with music by Recovery A complete set of Teenie Beanie Babies from McDonald's sold for $100. Those sitting on the club's porch could see traveling billboards, eight new Buicks, on the edge of the golf greens. The event included 59 teams of four playing in morning and afternoon golf scrambles as well as a women's tennis tournament. Joan Layton with Bob Fewell, president of the Arkansas Buick Dealers, and Don Taylor and Jim Hadley, McDonald's co-op presidents, arranged the event, which netted $128,000. Honorary chairmen were Chip Beck, the Buick PGA touring pro, and basketball Coach Wimp Sanderson of the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

Jefferson-Jackson dinner Arkansas Democrats cheer Gore Date: 05/18/97 Category: HIGH PROFILE Page: 2D Phyllis D. Brandon Caption: Photos by Phyllis D. Brandon Jefferson-Jackson dinner Vice President Al Gore speaks as state Democratic Party Chairman Bynum Gibson of Dermott and vice-chairman Julia Peck Mobley of Texarkana look on. Diane Blair of Fayetteville, Marge Schueck and Secretary of State Sharon Priest Mark Pryor, Ralph Cloar and Jill Pryor Carter Witt of Dardanelle with his grandparents, James Lee and Lee Ellen Witt State Chairman Bynum Gibson of Dermott with Mary Healey and her dad, John Mother's Day Toast & Roast Gov. Mike Huckabee and his wife, Janet, with Susan and Mike Akin of Monticello Janet Huckabee's sister Kathy McCain of Hope and their mom, Pat Stephens of Hope Ottenheimer biography Steve Bauman, Carolyn LeMaster and Noland Blass Philander Smith Athletic Club Buffalo Bills center Kent Hull with Ruth and Elijah Pitts and Leroy Slater Discovery Dinner Dr. Glenn Davis, Kathryne and George Baker, Pam and John Mueller and David Dean Central High prom party Nick Willis, Greta Lewis, Ryan Gill, Sarah Monk, Victor Bulloch, Tara Hall, Chris Mitchell and Jenny Wiedower Vice President Gore came to the Clintons' home state May 7 to be keynote speaker at the annual Jefferson-Jackson dinner hosted by the Democratic Party of Arkansas. At tables decorated with ferns accented with Democratic Finance Council emblems, the 1,300 supporters heard remarks from former Sen. David Pryor and a video from first lady Hillary Rodham Clinton after dining on Arkansas chicken. In his introduction, state chairman Bynum Gibson said "Gore makes us proud to be Southern and Democrats." Gore reminded Arkansans that his mother, Pauline LaFon Gore, was reared in Arkansas, passed the bar in Little Rock and practiced law in Texarkana. In remarks that ranged from humorous to serious, Gore told jokes on the vice presidency, before discussing the accomplishments of the Clinton-Gore administration. Seated at the head table with Gore, Gibson and Pryor were Leroy Brownlee, Jim Pledger of Danville, Lottie Shackelford, the vice president's daughter Karenna Gore, Julia Peck Mobley of Texarkana, national committeeman Sam Boyce of Newport, FEMA director James Lee Witt of Danville, national committeeman Jean Hervey of Plumerville and Robin Carroll of E1 Dorado. Pat Morrow and Joann Martin were co-chairmen of the evening, which also featured a live auction. Items on the auction block included a duck hunt with Rep. Marion Berry and former Rep. Blanche Lambert Lincoln, which sold for $750, a party for 20 people at the Riggs home in Ferndale that went for $1,100, and two pages of photographs autographed by all the Democratic offce holders that sold for $2,000. Before the banquet Gore greeted members of the party's finance council at a reception in Josephine's. Sampling the fresh shrimp and baked brie were Nancy and Ark Monroe and sons Christopher and John Monroe, Lee Pittman, Betty and Maurice Mitchell, Beverly and B.A. McIntosh, Sam Perroni, Peggy and Donald Parks of Prairie Grove, Mozelle Nelson, Sue and Jim Pickens, Kathy and Cecil Alexander, Sen. David Pryor, Virginia and Dr. Ted Bailey, Diane and Jim Blair of Fayetteville, Lynn and Paul Benham, Ralph Cloar, Dwight Blissard, Mary Healey and dad, John, Anita Benafield, Billie Joe and Herby Branscum, Rose and Thedford Collins, Mac Carder and Mac Carder Jr., Darlette and Tony Ellis, state Treasurer Jimmie Lou Fisher, Eff'e and George Frazier of Hope, Martha Dixon and son, Christopher, of Arkadelphia, Beth and Mike Coulson, Lois and Ray Coulson, Julie and Bob Cabe, Peggy and Buddy Sutton, Debby Wyatt and Buddy Benafield, Marge and Tom Schueck, Jill and Mark Pryor, Ann Portis-Naysmith, Sarajane and Dennis Robertson, Raye and Doyle Rogers, Mark Stodola, Chip Welch and Alice and state Auditor Gus Wingfield. Mother's Day Toast & Roast Crittenton tops $1 million With a record-breaking 760 tickets sold to the "Mother's Day Toast & Roast" to benefit the Florence Crittenton Home, the evening May 6 put the total revenue from the past 12 years over $1 million. The event at North Oaks honoring first lady Janet Huckabee grossed $153,505 for the home begun in 1903 to provide residential care for pregnant young women. A former client, Tanisha McKinley, related her positive experiences at the home and at the House of Hope. During the toast and roast with Craig O'Neill as master of ceremonies, Huckabee was described as a woman with "a big, giving heart" by Frank White and a woman with "a great love for the out of the ordinary" by her sister, Susan Hinger of San Antonio. In his remarks as first husband, Gov. Mike Huckabee gave imitations of remarks by Billy Graham, Walter Brennan, Teddy Kennedy, Ross Perot, Jimmy Stewart, Ronald Reagan and Bill Clinton. Promises he said he had elicited from her included not having row crops in the front yard and to not let John Brummett in the house again. "When you get to know her, she's a tough tiger, but tender underneath," he said. Also joining in the fun from the podium were the Rev. Mark Evans of the Church at Rock Creek; the couple's children, Sarah and David Huckabee; singer Beth Ann Rankin; and good friend Anita Murrell of North Little Rock. Also sharing the evening were Pat Stephens and Kathy McCain, both of Hope, Janet Huckabee's mother and sister. Pushing the profits toward the $1 million mark with their $125 tickets were Martha and Carl Rosenbaum, Charlotte and Tate Roberts, Tiny and Sam Bracy, Michele Kaufman, Carole Meyer, Pete Hoover, Raye and Doyle Rogers, Gay White, Myrna Adams of Leachville, Secretary of State Sharon Priest, Billie and Skip Rutherford, Pat and Jim Harris of Bryant, Lisenne and Lt. Gov. Win Rockefeller, Shirley and Jerry Davis, Mitzi and Jennings Osborne, Judi and Rep. James Dietz of North Little Rock, Betsy Davies, Wanda Blodgett, Jane and Ted Krutz, Ron Fuller, Maurice Lewis, Mary Lynn Nelson, Bob Denman, Tom Steves, Ellen and Jim Coffeld, Sue and Jim Pickens, Buddy and Peggy Sutton, Betty Jo and Dr. Harry Ward, Mary and Jim Wohlleb, Donna and Russ Harrington, Cathy and Mike Mayton, Mary Ann and J.V. McKinney, Oretha and Doc Toland, Susan and Jim Von Gremp, Jan and Ron Wolfe, Kay and Frank Fellone, Teri and Bob Lutgen, Janet Tate, Jo Ann Quirk, Geraldine Johnson, Carolyn Davis, Alissa and Greg Crain, Sharon and Johnny Heflin, Betsy and John Murray, Anne and Tim Martin, Kristi and Brian Clark, Doris and Richard Akin, Frances and Dan Scott, Scott Gordon, Sammie Tollette, Nick Bacon, Susan and Mike Akin of Monticello, Barbara Pardue, Eric Herget and Ginger and Dan Dempsey of Hot Springs. Ottenheimer biography Best-selling brothers In Ottenheimer Market Hall at the River Market, a reception May 8 opened the cover on a new book titled, The Ottenheimers of Arkansas. The biography of the brothers who created The Ottenheimer Brothers Foundation was written by Carolyn LeMaster. The fund assists educational and charitable projects in the state. Receiving special copies of the book at the reception were representatives of organizations that have benefited from the trust, including Dick Holbert, Bob Shults, Bill Walker, Dr. Harry Ward, Bill Bowen, Myer Titus and Bruce Wesson. Philander Smith Athletic Club Eli's coming aids college Open yearbooks showed photos of Elijah Pitts, now of Orchard Park, N.Y., when he was a student at Philander Smith College at a reception May 8 in the Mims Gymnasium on the college's campus hosted by the Panther Athletic Club. Pitts was drafted to play football for the Green Bay Packers in 1961 after he played football for the Panthers in 1957-60. He was returning with his wife, Ruth, to his alma mater to host the second annual "Elijah Pitts VIP Celebrity Golf Tournament." He is assistant head coach for the Buffalo Bills. LeRoy Slater, president of the Panther Athletic Club, and Edward Green tournament chairman, welcomed guests to the reception. Pitts was presented a framed charcoal sketch by artist Leron McAdoo. Discovery Dinner Bonding benefits museum Dinner tables were strewn with diamonds (Diamonds Are Forever) and miniature gold rifles (The Man With the Golden Gun) for guests May 9 at a black-tie dinner party, For Your Eyes Only. The evening, one in a series of events to benefit the Arkansas Museum of Science and History, was hosted by Renay and David Dean and Janet and Dr. Glenn Davis at the Dean home on Cantrell Road. The tables were also decorated with bouquets of white tulips. The menu prepared and served by the hosts in James Bond-inspired trench coats included tomato Bond basil soup, beef tenderloin with moonraker mushrooms, golden-eye salad with fresh asparagus and chocolate pate with cream anglaise and raspberry coulis. Guests who contributed $100 each to the museum for "a live and let dine experience" were Pam and John Mueller, Jill and Tom Ricciardone, Kathryne and George Baker, Anne and Rick Massey, Ann and Richard Graham and Priscilla and Denny Hamilton. Central High prom party Catering to senior Tigers A group of 20 students who will become alumni of Little Rock Central High School on Wednesday gathered for a dinner party May 9 at Catering to You restaurant on Cantrell Road before their senior prom. Tara Hall, Greta Lewis, Sarah Monk and Jenny Wiedower hosted the dinner for their friends before they went by chauffeured limousines to Robinson Center and then to Hot Springs to the Lipke lake house. Besides their dates, Victor Bulloch, Nick Willis, Ryan Gill and Chris Mitchell, their guests at the tables decorated with long-stemmed red roses were Rhea Rushing and Matt Milhollen, Joanie Lipke and Ryan Manley, Sarah Shurgar and Jay Hickman, Nikki Mellberg and Chris Guthridge, Chrissie Brown and Kyle Farmer and Amy Loydand Stephen Duke.

Mansiongate There's a good side to it Date: 05/24/97 Category: EDITORIAL Page: 8B A good friend, and incidentally a loyal Republican, had the nerve to bring up the brouhaha over decorating the Governor's Mansion during an otherwise polite and civil conversation. Despite the best efforts of those he was talking with, our friend insisted on making an issue of the first lady's moving a few couches around. "What was she thinking?" he wondered and worried and generally carried on. Thank goodness nobody brought up the momentous matter of the sconces; he might have lost all control. Good friend went on to add that the Huckabees had best be careful when it comes to "this Governor's Mansion thing," or they'll alienate at least one branch of the state's Republican Party. (Would that be the snob branch?) This position and/or threat puzzled even more than his topic of conversation annoyed. A convivial sort, he didn't ordinarily make much ado over petty disputes. As a lifelong Republican, he was practically allergic to bashing fellow Repubs. Odd, it was. A few days later, while reading Rachel O'Neal's insightful story on Mansiongate in Sunday's paper, the explanation hit us. It was a realization of the lightbulb-over-the-head variety. Of course! This particularly loyal Republican has a close friend who belongs to the Governor's Mansion Association -- not to be mistaken for the Governor's Mansion Commission, or even the unorganized but just as vocal Governor's Mansion Obsessives. Yes, that was it. This is still Arkansas. This is still Little Rock. This is still a place where folks know other folks and take sides, often depending upon whom they had dinner with last. These slow-news days, what makes better dinner conversation than interior decorating at the Governor's Mansion? One of the quotes in the paper wasn't attributed, but we could just imagine overhearing it between courses at Spaul: "It was always decorated in a traditional manner, and now the arrangement of the furniture is just a hodgepodge." Hodgepodge? Is that decorator's code for "disgrace"? Or just lived-in? Not to take sides -though it is hard not to sympathize with the state's first lady and tomboy -- but please. The Huckabees have to live there, remember? It's their house, too, and even their living room -unless you want to lock up the whole family upstairs. Even Republicans should be treated like people. One person's hodgepodge, it turns out, is another's redecoration. You say draperies, we say drapes. Yes, it all may be a class difference (the upper class actually says curtains) but can't we still be friends? This isn't Britain, where a dropped aitch can mean a lifetime of ostracism. Let's all take a deep breath and look at the big picture -- and we don't mean the one over the mantel. Arkansans would be at least mildly disappointed if there weren't something of a to-do over Janet Huckabee's changes at the Governor's Mansion. After all, it's both private residence and public showplace. Mansiongate may seem "silly," as the first lady put it so succinctly, but it does show that a lot of people in this state care about even the most obscure traditions, and others take their memberships in seemingly innocuous associations and commissions all too seriously. So here's hoping this silly debate has less to do with politics than with another Southern tradition: over-neighborliness. We've all had to politely explain to the oh-so-concerned, time rich, and usually charming couple next door that, thank you for your thoughts on the shrubs, but matters will be taken care of. A little trust and understanding on both sides might go a long way towards moving this issue offthe front pages and maybe even out of the gossip mill. Maybe members of this fine association/commission can find reassurance in another l'affaire decor -- this one involving Miss Janet's husband, the governor. Remember his decision to redecorate his Capitol of fice with the help of Jennings Osborne, the master of over-the-top design? How the Form Police howled at that idea. Why, the governor even announced plans to paint the walls. Shocking. As if it hadn't been done before, namely by Winthrop Rockefeller the elder. One inky wretch, during his first visit to the Governor's Offfice after the redecorating, halfexpected to see shag carpeting and one of those pictures of dogs playing poker. At least some neon. But darned if the place didn't look nice -- open and bright and comfortable. Tasteful, might be how discriminating members of the Governor's Mansion Association would label it -- if they hadn't already made up their minds. Anyway, Mansiongate will probably get sillier before it gets forgotten. Why? Well, ever try to move a coffee table with another person looking on? Try thirty. Yep, there are five members of the Governor's Mansion Commission and 25 members of the Governor's Mansion Association. Which means there are 30 different opinions and, one can safely assume, 30 strong wills. Thirty-one and a half counting Mrs. Michael D. Huckabee. Whew. It's something of a miracle the mansion is furnished at all.

Jubilation of Riverfest by shower Date: 05/25/97 Category: NEWS Page: 1B MARK WALLER, ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Caption: Map by Arkansas Democrat-Gazette When rain started pouring on the Riverfest crowd Saturday afternoon, A.J. and Laura Vaughn of Little Rock took shelter under an overhang outside Arkansas' Excelsior Hotel. They watched the walkway below, where soaked people ran through Riverfront Park. "This is the primo spot," Laura Vaughn said. "We can look and see if we know anybody. We can laugh at people that wore see-through clothes." The rain thinned the early-afternoon crowd at the 20th annual Riverfest, but thousands remained to stroll along the Arkansas River in downtown Little Rock, between food tents, arts and crafts tents, souvenir vendors and music stages. They waited under pavilions, overhangs and tents. Many said the rain was beneficial because it kept the temperature down. More people used the first aid tent for shelter than for heat exhaustion. "We're not going to melt," Laura Vaughn said. "That's always been our philosophy. You can have a good time walking around in the rain. It's fun. Live life." Last year's Riverfest attracted an estimated 150,000 people. Attendance may be a little lower this year, festival Executive Director Van Tilbury said Saturday. The festival will reach its grand finale tonight when Grammy award-winning jazz/bluegrass trio Bela Fleck and the Flecktones perform on one stage while the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra plays on another. The festival ends at 9:30 p.m. when $25,000 worth of fireworks, sponsored by Little Rock businessman Jennings Osborne, rockets off the Broadway bridge. The 25- to 30-minute fireworks show will be coordinated with music broadcast over radio station KKPT-FM, 94.1. The Junior League of Little Rock started Riverfest in 1978. Tilbury is the only full-time paid employee of the nonprofit organization now running the festival. There are two part-time employees. The executive director coordinates efforts between various volunteer committees that seek corporate sponsorship, arrange food and souvenir vendors, book bands and publicize the event. "We've been instrumental, we feel, in getting people to come down here to what was once considered a seedy part of the city. We're complementing what the city is doing with its investment in this area." Riverfest has introduced many people to the River Market and the Museum Center area, he said. Proceeds from the event go toward improving the Riverfront Park. The festival has helped pay for the Riverfront Amphitheater, a new water fountain and one of the River Market's pavilions. Over the past 10 years, the festival has contributed $600,000 to river front development. A souvenir $3 admission button allows access to the festival. To buy food and drinks, festival-goers have to exchange their cash at one of seven "Riverbanks" for coupons worth 50 cents. The Riverbanks take only cash, and "River Money" is nonrefundable. "You're going to hate me," said Pat Tye as he handed a $20 bill to Riverbank volunteer teller Laurice Taylor, a First Commercial Bank branch manager. "I only need one coupon to buy a soda." Tye said he found the coupons inconvenient. "If you go up to a food booth and they say you need nine coupons," Tye said after the transaction, "you have to come back and get more. It's annoying. It's almost ludicrous." But Riverfest Treasurer Greg McKinney said he hasn't received many complaints about the coupons. People have gotten used to them, he said. Friday evening, the first day of the festival, people spent about 140,000 coupons, worth $70,000. In an average hour, the crowd spends 10,000 to 12,000 coupons. "We take a certain percentage of sales from food and beverage vendors," McKinney explained. "In order for them to get paid, they have to bring their coupons in. That encourages them to report what they've made." Throughout the day, wandering performers, such as the "roving saxophonist" and "beastie creatures" entertained the damp crowd. A shaggy brown beastie creature bounded through the crowd, jumping up behind people, sitting next to people, and once opening his big mouth to briefly engulf a child's head. John Allgaier of Palm Springs, Calif., decided to take himself and his 60-pound beastie costume inside the Excelsior Hotel when the rain intensified. Allgaier has three employees who also perform around the nation. Some are trained as dancers or gymnasts. "I think all people are about the same," he said. "Everybody's pretty good-natured inside, even the hardest looking people. You can get almost anyone to open up. "We use a lot of slapstick," Allgaier said. "One thing I like about it is it keeps you in shape. I drink a gallon and a half of water a day." Allgaier said Riverfest was his first visit to Arkansas. He said he found Arkansans to be among the most charming, relaxed and polite people he's met. "You don't see that kind of friendliness in LA," he said. "You don't see that in Miami or anyplace like that."

Riverfest, retain famiIy climate Date: 05/26/97 Category: NEWS Page: 1A OLIVIER UYTTEBROUCK, ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE Caption: Photo by Stephen B. Thornton, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette Riverfest patrons atop a wall take in a fireworks display making Sunday night's climax of the 20th annual festival on the banks of the Arkansas River in Little Rock. Despite a rainy Saturday, massive crowds enjoyed concerts, food and family activities. Photo by Benjamin Krain, Arkansas Democrat-Gazette A member of the Jessie White Tumbling Team from Chicago leaps over a human tower Sunday at Riverfest. Riverfest proved its staying power again this year, drawing big crowds despite rain and humidity. But as the festival enters its third decade, Little Rock faces a dilemma: how to help it grow without damaging its family atmosphere. "The way it is now is perfect," said Bob Tanner of Conway, strolling Sunday with his wife, Debbie, and 51/2-month old daughter, Kelsey. The Tanners said they have made a ritual of attending Riverfest for seven years. "If it got any more crowded, we'd leave," Tanner said. But others see no conflict between Riverfest as a music venue for adults and as a family oriented event. "Last night was concert night," said Evelyn Slater, who came with her sister Saturday night to see The Bar-Kays and The Pointer Sisters at the amphitheater. Sunday, Slater came with her husband, Vincent Slater, and their two children, ages 14 and 12. Executive Director Van Tilbury said he wants more people to adopt the Slaters' attitude and think of Riverfest as two events: one for families, another for music-festival lovers. "We've got to start drawing people from 100 miles out," Tilbury said. "I think it can become more of a regional attraction, drawing people from Shreveport and Tulsa. The question is, how big will Little Rock allow Riverfest to grow?" Organizers predicted a heavy turnout Sunday they hoped would more than make up for a smaller-than-expected crowd Saturday, when an afternoon rainstorm limited attendance to 42,000 -- about 20 percent off last year. About 20,000 attended Friday evening when country singer Mary Chapin Carpenter performed on the amphitheater stage. "We've got a very large crowd right now, and it will build into the evening," Van Tilbury, executive director of Riverfest, said Sunday afternoon. Crowds lined Riverfront Park by 9:30 p.m. Sunday when fireworks specialists unleashed an intense 20-minute display of firepower. The Jennings Osborne family sponsored the $25,000 show. In his first year in the job, Tilbury said he wants to market the festival outside the state and improve the quality of the acts. The 28-year-old Heber Springs native previously worked for a Birmingham, Ala., group that organized music festivals across the South. The trick will be making the festival more attractive to a roving community of music festival lovers without hurting those qualities that have made Riverfest the baby-carriage capital of Arkansas three days each May. "You would never see this at Memphis in May," Tilbury said, gesturing to the Country Cloggin' Double Tappers, a troop of young women and girls in spangled tights who attracted an audience of several hundred Sunday afternoon at the First Commercial Movement Stage. The well-attended Memphis in May is an annual music festival that does little to attract families. Riverfest increased its entertainment budget from $1 15,000 in 1996 to $180,000 this year, Tilbury said Sunday. For the first time, local performers were paid. "We were able to do that because of the good stewardship of past events," he said. Tilbury hopes the private, nonprofit corporation that runs the event can continue increasing the budget, attracting better quality acts each year. Riverfest added a fifth stage this year that featured rock bands such as Bela Fleck & The Flecktones, Brave Combo and Little Rock-based Ho-Hum. Tilbury wants to include a ja~~ and classical music venue next year. "Riverfest is at a crossroads," he said.

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