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EXCERPT from the book— “Life and Times of the Pool Hall Kid” (not yet published) Probably it happened when I was eleven, maybe twelve. I think that’s when it was…back when I wasn’t very smart. Dad and Grandpa McNew had purchased, via bank loan, the Pool Hall about halfway down Main Street there in Houston. Dad was making some changes, putting in better spittoons and cleaning everything and putting up some big pictures. (One was of a flock of ducks, another of a fish jumping out of water.) Lights over the tables had to be cleaned and given brighter bulbs. And Grandpa wanted to move the big ‘chest’ soda machine.

Think a moment about the last time you were kind to someone. Not nice, but kind. There’s a difference. We often say to children, “Be nice” in their interactions with others. Kindness requires more from us than just being nice. Some people use the word, “nice” and “kind” interchangeably, but they are not the same. Kindness is a behavior and demands a greater level of compassion than being nice. It requires empathy paired with intention. Being nice is a demeanor and doesn’t require much effort. One of the basic and much needed behaviors that we need to impart on our youth is how to be kind. We all need kindness. The thing is, to show benevolence to others takes time out of our schedules. The hard part about choosing to be kind is that it requires effort. It can be inconvenient. We each possess many gifts that make us unique, however; kindness is a choice. It’s not demonstrating kindness to simply avoid being mean in spirit. Kindness is intentional. We all have a choice to be kind, and we are presented with that choice many times a day. It seems ridiculous in this day and time to be discussing kindness, but in this world, it can be hard to come by.

ARKANSAS— Wreaths Across America (WAA) is proud to announce that its Mobile Education Exhibit (MEE), will be makings stops in Arkansas to honor those who served and welcome home Vietnam veterans. “The goal of the Wreaths Across America Mobile Education Exhibit is to bring the community together and teach patriotism while remembering the service and sacrifice of our nation’s heroes,” said Karen Worcester, executive director, Wreaths Across America.

I watch the financial channel and read the business section of the paper even though it’s bad for my mental health. Why does earning an MBA diminish the ability to speak in plain English? Why am I asking a fool question? Look, pal, you’re not “making a market.” You’re selling something.

In honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Buffalo National River, Christian Swaim, will give an historical presentation, “The History of Camp Orr High Adventure Base”, in the meeting room of the Newton County Library on Stone Street in Jasper from 5:00-6:00, on Thursday April 7, 2022. This event will be sponsored by the Buffalo National River Partners and the Newton County Library and will also be available virtually by contacting www.newtoncountylibraary.org

Betty Lou Flanagan Bumbers born on January 11, 1925, passed away on November 23, 2018. Bumpers was born in the Grand Prairie community in Franklin County, Arkansas, to salesman and auctioneer Herman Edward “Babe” Flanagan and his wife, the former Ola Callans, a teacher. She grew up in Franklin County, except for a period during World War II when her family lived in Fort Smith and in the state of Iowa.

Frazzled, ROB rushes into the coffee shop, immediately recognizes FATHER TIME on the opposite side of the café, sitting in a booth. Rob crosses to him quickly and sits.

Washington – U.S. Senator John Boozman (R-AR), a senior member of the Senate Veterans’ Affairs Committee, is leading legislation to amend the tax code to incentivize businesses to hire military spouses.