Items of interest

Bryan Carlan, a self-taught Bonsai artist. - Submitted photo
Bryan Carlan, a self-taught Bonsai artist. - Submitted photo

'Art of Bonsai' program set for library on Wednesday

The Garland County Master Gardeners' second Know It to Grow It program, "The Art of Bonsai," will begin at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Ave.

All Know It To Grow It programs held at the library are open to the public and free to attend, but advance registration is requested.

"Bonsai is a Japanese art form that creates miniature versions of full-size trees. The main purpose of Bonsai is for contemplation by the viewer and an exercise in patience and effort for the cultivator," a news release said.

The presenter will be Bryan Carlan, a self-taught Bonsai artist who fell in love with the art after seeing pictures and hearing stories of the Bonsai gardens his grandparents had seen while in Japan. He has had "a little tree in a pot" ever since.

A Bonsai tree by Bryan Carlan, a self-taught Bonsai artist. - Submitted photo
A Bonsai tree by Bryan Carlan, a self-taught Bonsai artist. - Submitted photo

Carlan is Garvan Woodland Gardens' Japanese Garden supervisor and curator of the garden's bonsai collection. Carlan and friends recently began the Central Arkansas Bonsai Society, which meets monthly.

The Carlan home hosts at least 75 Bonsai trees, which will be passed down to his two sons, as is tradition, the release said.

The next Know It to Grow It program will be "Urban Gardening: Growing Lots in Small Spots," at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 28. Registration for that program is open now.

Call the library at 623-4161 or visit http://www.gclibrary.com to sign up.

Stanley Bee, director of the Garland County Veteran Service Office, explains veterans' benefits and how to apply for them. - Submitted photo
Stanley Bee, director of the Garland County Veteran Service Office, explains veterans' benefits and how to apply for them. - Submitted photo

Hot Springs of Arkansas DAR celebrates Vietnam veterans

The Hot Springs of Arkansas Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, celebrated Vietnam veterans at its regular meeting on Feb. 8.

“The Vietnam War was over 50 years ago, but our nation continues the process of righting a national wrong perpetrated on the men and women who fought for our country in that highly controversial conflict,” the DAR said in a news release.

During the meeting, the chapter “did what it could to assure these courageous veterans that they had served a grateful nation.”

Brig. Gen. John Payne addresses Vietnam veterans and their family members at DAR's monthly meeting. - Submitted photo
Brig. Gen. John Payne addresses Vietnam veterans and their family members at DAR's monthly meeting. - Submitted photo

Chapter members, along with Vietnam veterans and their family members, “gathered to hear words of comfort, assurance and patriotism” from Brig. Gen. John Payne, assistant adjutant general, Arkansas Joint Force Headquarters, and Stanley Bee, director of the Garland County Veteran Service Office.

“Payne spoke to the courage and valor of the veterans. He encouraged the audience to be proactive in recruiting young people to enlist in military service, citing many of the benefits both to the recruits and the nation,” the release said.

At the end of Payne’s talk, he assisted DAR Regent Carol Smith in awarding service pins to seven veterans who had not previously received them. In all, 11 veterans attended the celebration. Several family members of the veterans were also attendees.

Bee addressed veteran benefits and how to apply for them. Veterans were encouraged to visit him in his office for further assistance in the Garland County Court House, 501 Ouachita Ave., or by calling 501-622-3795.

The meeting concluded with a buffet of delicious refreshments for the crowd.

Doin' Time for Kids

Hot Springs Zeta Chi Sorority, Epsilon Sigma Aloha International, successfully raised $24,733 during its annual fundraiser "Doin' Time For Kids" for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, held Feb. 19 at Orr Cadillac. From left are Zeta Chi members Shelby Church, chair of the event, Susan McFerrin, Peggy Holt, Kathy Nichols, Roberta Hatcher and Coni Hall. "Thank you, Orr Cadillac, for hosting our annual event," the club said in a news release. - Submitted photo
Hot Springs Zeta Chi Sorority, Epsilon Sigma Aloha International, successfully raised $24,733 during its annual fundraiser "Doin' Time For Kids" for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, held Feb. 19 at Orr Cadillac. From left are Zeta Chi members Shelby Church, chair of the event, Susan McFerrin, Peggy Holt, Kathy Nichols, Roberta Hatcher and Coni Hall. "Thank you, Orr Cadillac, for hosting our annual event," the club said in a news release. - Submitted photo

Society on 02/22/2020

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