Center on the Lake to have busy Summer
Discover more from Arkansas Newsroom
Center on the Lake to have busy Summer
Splash Pad to open July 1, a miniature golf course looks to call Maumelle home, Rice's ring collection grows plus news and sports headlines.
Welcome to Arkansas Newsroom, a bundled newsletter covering news and sports in central Arkansas. For some answers to frequently asked questions, click here.
Subscribe to the site by clicking the button below …
Note to subscribers: An annual or monthly subscription is billed to your debit or credit card as ARKANSAS.SUBSTACK.COM and if you have questions, please email arkansas@substack.com. Thanks for reading and subscribing! The headlines
North Little Rock: City Council to meet Monday. Of interest to Maumelle residents is Ordinance-21-56, proposed by Aldermen Ron Harris and Steve Baxter, that would amend the Master Street Plan in North Little Rock to “add a minor Arterial and a minor Collector connecting White Oak Crossing, Maumelle Boulevard, and Bridgeway Road.” Eric Holloway of Holloway Engineering is the applicant.
The proposed minor Arterial would run roughly parallel to Interstate-40 as illustrated in Exhibit A of the Council packet seen above. The four red circles on the map represent proposed roundabouts.
Calming Computer Jitters: Help for seniors who aren’t tech-savvy
Thousands of young children lost parents to Covid. Where’s help for them?
ICYMI: ‘An Arm and a Leg’: When your insurance company says no, how to ask for a yes
Sports headlines
BASEBALL ON BROADWAY is the weekly newsletter that spotlights the Arkansas Travelers. It is published on Monday and click the link to give it a read.
Moore on Maumelle: My Take
Neal Moore is taking the week off.
Putt Putt puttering around Maumelle Planning Commission
A proposed miniature golf course is among the items on the agenda for tonight’s Maumelle Planning Commission.
The meeting will start at 6:30 p.m. in Council Chambers at City Hall and the agenda can be viewed by clicking here.
Creekside Miniature Golf will be located at 1800 Murphy Drive in the vacant lot besides the Maumelle Police and Fire departments.
The property, not quite one acre, backs up to the Union Pacific Railroad line and is adjacent to a tributary of Russell Creek.
The property is currently zoned Industrial-1 but in the analysis done by the by the city’s Planning and Permits Department notes, that the area is “undevelopable for the vast majority of industrial uses due to the width of lot and the drainage ditches [and] streams located on the north side of the property and interior of the property.”
While the water features are bad for industrial development, the project’s owners, H & M Partners, would use them to enhance the miniature golf course.
“The owner has indicated they would like to use the natural features of the land as part of the design by preserving the streams and some of the tree canopy,” said the analysis report.
Indeed, the site plan shows a foot bridge that would connect the parking lot to the actual course.
There’s also a one-story, frame clubhouse of 1,365 square feet that would be adjacent to the parking lot as well.
Holloway Engineering is the Applicant Representative for all the requests and city staff has a “Do-Pass recommendation” to the Planning Commission.
In other business, there’s a request to zone property at 80 Commercial Park Drive from Commercial-3 to C-2. The property is owned by Gene Pfeifer.
Paid subscriptions make all this reporting possible
Maumelle: Splash Pad to open July 1
The Maumelle Play and Splash Pad will have a grand opening at 9 a.m. on Thursday, July 1.
A short video of the Splash Pad can be viewed by clicking here.
The Splash Pad will be open from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. each day with expected operation running through July 1 to October. The Splash Pad is located besides the Maumelle Library
The touch activator that starts the Splash Pad will only work during open hours and its use is free.
Top contributors to the Splash Pad include the City of Maumelle, Ottenheimer Foundation, Arkansas Department of Health, Clark Family Foundation, Maumelle Lions Club, Riley's Warriors Inc., Kimberly Clark Corporation, Kids Being Kids Therapy, Maumelle Rotary Club, Crafton Tull Foundation, Red Basket, Maumelle River Park Civitan Club, Maumelle Baseball Association, Maumelle Soccer Club, Mazzoni Family, Gardner Family and Maumelle Charter PTO.
Partners include the Timmons Arts Foundation, Play 4 All, Cunningham Recreation and RIR Enterprises.
The Splash Pad must be vacated at the first sign of thunder or lightning.
Other rules include:
Splash Pad is unsupervised, use at your own risk.
Children under 12 must have adult supervision.
No running or disorderly behavior. No profanity.
No climbing or hanging from equipment.
No pool toys, floats, or chairs on Splash Pad.
No radios or audio players, unless using headphones.
No scooters, skateboards, skates, bicycles, or rollerblades.
Proper swimwear required at all times. Swim diapers required for infants and small children.
Water shoes or swim socks are recommended.
No food, chewing gum, or drinks on Splash Pad. No glass containers or breakable objects
allowed. Splash Pad is defined by the brown concrete.
Use of drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, and e-cigarettes are strictly prohibited. (City of Maumelle
Ordinance No. 907)
No animals other than designated service animals.
No soaps, bubbles, or water balloons.
Diaper changing table available in restrooms.
Maumelle’s Center on the Lake prepping for busy July
Maumelle’s Center on the Lake is now fully open to the public, said its director Nicole Vogler in a newsletter released to members and stakeholders last week.
The center had been offering curbside meals to go from the cafe along with virtual classes for its members.
“I see these services continuing in the future,” Vogler said but that Covid-19 recovery efforts would continue as the staff and volunteers would continue to follow Centers of Disease Control and local government protocols to keep our members and guests as safe as possible.”
So things like wiping down and sanitizing high-traffic areas would continue during the ongoing pandemic.
Vogler also issued a plea for help from the community as the Center needs to meet revenue goals for the city through membership renewals.
As of last week, 913 had renewed their memberships or joined for this year.
There’s three different ways to use the facility:
Silver Pass is $35 for a resident or $50 for non-residents annually. They can use the center from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and free Silver Pass memberships are available to those who financially qualify.
Gold Pass is $135 for residents and $210 for non-residents annually and they also have expanded hours available as well with 5 a.m., to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday and 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday. There's also an auto draft option with residents paying $11.25 monthly, and non-residents forking over $17.50 a month.
One can also buy a day pass for $3 a day for residents and non-residents pay $5 daily but are limited to two per year.
All must be at least 50 years old to use the Center.
For those who join in July membership rates are pro-rated, so a Silver Pass would cost just $17 for the remainder of 2021, while a Gold Pass would be $95 for the rest of the year.
Call 501-851-4344 for more information or click here to view the Center’s website.
The Center will have a Bonus Week of classes and events that start on July 6 and runs through July 9. Bonus Week classes don’t require one to register in advance and Session 4 classes run from July 12 to Sept. 3.
Schedule of Classes
Bonus Week: July 6 - July 9, unless noted
Demo Dirty Thirty
All Weekdays
5:15 a.m. to 6 a.m.
No Class Fee
Instructor: Misti Sweere
Exercise with Misti to improve your health and well being! This 45 minute, in-person class will meet Monday through Friday featuring floor work, weights, cardio, balance, and stamina. Get ready to work hard and feel great! This class will have modifications but is designed for moderate to advanced exercisers. Class members are highly encouraged to take class Monday through Friday for best results. Gold members may register at no cost, as space allows.
Demo Morning Movers
All Weekdays
8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
No Class Fee
Instructor: Nicole Vogler
This Cardio class keeps you moving! Come join the fun! No fee during bonus week.
Demo Wake Up Your Joints
Monday, Wednesday and Friday
July 7 - July 9
10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Instructor: Nicole Vogler
Exercise level is beginner. Arthritis, joint stiffness got you down? Join Nicole for this class that focuses on stretching your joints. Participants will use weights, bands and chairs in this new class.
Demo Gentle Yoga with Joy
Tuesday and Thursday
July 6 - July 8
11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
No Class Fee
Instructor: Joy Reed
Demo Yoga on a Ball
Monday and Wednesday
July 7
9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Instructor: Jeanie Pierson
Yoga on a Ball blends ancient yoga techniques with a total body workout using an exercise ball that encourages muscle sculpting and deep breathing. This creates a rejuvenating flow of energy that leaves you feeling strong and centered. It is Yoga for all ability levels - low impact, body strengthening and toning - great for balance. Course level is beginner to intermediate with modifications given.
Demo Chair Yoga
Tuesday and Thursday
July 6 - July 8
9:15 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Facilitator: Staff or Volunteer
A class that teaches the benefits of quiet stretching and joint movements. Class will utilize video and internet instruction.
Demo Beginning Yoga with Joy
Tuesday and Thursday
July 6 - July 8
8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
No Class Fee
Instructor: Joy Reed
This is an hour-long beginning class with standing, seated, and lying down postures. No previous experience with yoga is necessary. The pace is slow and we focus on gradually increasing strength, balance, and flexibility. Students are encouraged to use props and to modify or omit poses as needed. Please consider bringing your own mats, straps, blankets and bolster.
Relieve tension and safely increase mobility in Gentle Yoga, a class for beginning and advanced practitioners alike. It's an excellent introduction for those who have never tried yoga before. The focus is on gentle stretching, deep breathing, and stress relief. All poses are performed seated or lying down. Class length is 45-minutes. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for free movement.
Demo Begin Easy Moving with Qi Gong
Wednesday and Friday
July 7 - July 9
10:45 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Facilitator: Sybil Babington
This class is great for people with physical challenges of all kinds. Gentle exercises may be done seated or standing to improve flexibility, range of motion, balance and muscle strength. We will focus on improving body alignment and abdominal breathing to enhance wellness.
Demo Tai Chi Qi Gong Basics for Wellness
Tuesday and Thursday
July 6 - July 8
10 a.m. to 10:45 a.m.
Facilitator: Sybil Babington
This class is great for people with physical challenges of all kinds. Gentle exercises may be done seated or standing to improve flexibility, range of motion, balance and muscle strength. We will focus on improving body alignment and abdominal breathing to enhance wellness.
Demo Qi Gong and Tai Chi: For Strength and Mobility, an In person class
Wednesday and Friday
July 7 - July 9
8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Instructor: Kim White
This class is for people who are familiar with the basics of Qi Gong and Tai Chi including proper stance, balance and breathing techniques. With these basics, the class moves into the health and elegance of Qi Gong and Tai Chi movements and poses.
Demo Walk with Ease
Tuesday and Thursday
July 6 - July 8
9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
Facilitator: Roberta Faulkner
This program will help participants understand the 4 main types of arthritis. Participants will learn the benefits of walking for someone afflicted with arthritis. This course is a great starting point for anyone who would like to begin walking as a way to relieve pain from arthritis. Participants who sign up for this evidenced-based program are encouraged to meet at the Center on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday to walk the paths around Lake Willastein along with other participants in the program. Everyone is encouraged to walk at his or her own pace. Benefits of this program include: Decreased pain, Improved physical ability, Increased strength and Improved balance
Demo Tabata Bootcamp
Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday
July 6 - July 8
3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Instructor: Trish Hogan, Certified Tabata Boot Camp Instructor
This class is based on High, Intensity, Interval Training (HIIT). This HIIT training will help deliver amazing body transformation results! The class is a 3 day a week, total body workout that focuses on lower body, upper body, and core; providing cardio and strength. This class is a calorie drenching workout and post metabolic boost. The program fee will help cover the cost of new equipment purchased for this class.
Demo Tabata Encore Bootcamp
Tuesday
July 6
6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m.
Instructor: Trish Hogan, Certified Tabata Boot Camp Instructor
This class is based on High, Intensity, Interval Training (HIIT). This HIIT training will help deliver amazing body transformation results. Registration required for bonus week.
Demo Bean Bag Baseball
Wednesday and Friday
July 7 - July 9
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Jean Dutton
Friendly practice BBB games for team members to hone their skills. New members are welcome.
Demo Canasta Plus
Monday and Wednesday
July 7
Noon to 2:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Mary Jo Cline
Canasta "Plus." We will play fun canasta card games "plus" we may play other interesting card games. Come join the fun! Due to the limited number of players, participants are asked to choose Monday OR Wednesday.
Demo Bridge Group
Tuesday and Friday
July 6 - July 9
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Facilitators: Sue Hylton
The ladies and gentlemen in Bridge Group have a great time! All skill levels are invited to attend, and one-on-one assistance is offered, if needed. Up to 40 people may register to sign up for the session. Participants must call Sue Hylton at 681-6011 by 10 a.m. on Tuesday or Friday to reserve one of the 20 chairs available. Play will be available on a first come, first serve basis.
Demo Pitch Card Game
Wednesday and Friday
July 7 - July 9
1:45 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Facilitator: Larry Egger
Pitch is a game of English origin and dates back to the 17th century. There are many versions of Pitch, and while the rules have changed greatly over the years, the essential feature has always been the scoring of high, low, jack, and the game.
Demo Wii Bowling
Wednesday and Friday
July 7 - July 9
Noon to 3 p.m.
Facilitator: June Whyte
Wii bowling is similar to normal bowling. The player attempts to knock down 10 pins with a ball controlled by motion and hand-held device. Lots of fun without the heavy ball!
Demo Advanced Line Dancing
Tuesday
July 6
6 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Facilitator: Nancy Dwidelith
Come try a line dancing class! Learn 20 plus line dances at an intermediate level. A great way to socialize while getting in your exercise.
Medicare, Social Security & You
Wednesday
July 7
Noon to 1 p.m.
Sponsored by Mike Clark, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones
Mike Clark, Financial Advisor at Edward Jones, will discuss how Social Security fits into your retirement income plan, when you should start taking benefits, and tax considerations. Dustin Etheredge,"Mr. Medi care", will provide an overview of Medicare, changes in the last year, and outlook for 2022.
Five Wishes Living Will Presented by Pinnacle Wealth Management Group
Wednesday
July 7
2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Lori Robinson, Associate with Pinnacle Wealth Management Group
An instruction class on the "Aging with Dignity, Five Wishes" Living Will. Participants will receive a complimentary copy of this document. With this Will, family members can provide for the patient's explicit wishes in regards to treatment during serious illness or end of life situations. Especially if the patient is unable to communicate or cafe for themselves. Please register to attend this event as participants will receive a complimentary copy of "Five Wishes Living Will".
Foot & Ankle-Common Complaints
Wednesday
July 7
Noon to 1 p.m.
Presented by Arkansas Surgical Hospital Presenter is Dr. Kevin Goodson, Orthopedic Surgeon. Join Dr. Goodson to talk about foot pain. Treatment of injuries and disorders of the foot and ankle.
Demo Knitting and Crochet Circle
Wednesday
July 7
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Facilitator: Nancy Desmarais
For those who enjoy knitting and/or crocheting- this is an opportunity for you to get together to socialize while working on your own project.
Demo Bunco
Wednesday
July 7
1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
Facilitators: Susan Russ
Event Fee: $5
Bunco is a social, group dice game. It is typically played with twelve or more players divided into groups of four, trying to score points while taking turns rolling three dice in a series of six rounds. Bunco is achieved when a person rolls three-of-a-kind and all three numbers match the round number.
Demo Scrabble
Thursday
July 8
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
No Class Fee
Facilitator: Linda Tharp
This is a word game using tiles with letters to form words in crossword fashion to score points. A great way to strengthen your memory and make new friends!
Demo Dominoes
Thursday
July 8
1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
This is a fun and competitive game played with rectangular tiles.
Demo Dulcimer Jam
Thursday
July 8
1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
Facilitators: Don and Diane Johnson
The Center's Dulcimer group meets to work on techniques and learn new tunes. Newcomers are welcome. You must have your own dulcimer and know the basics. Other acoustic instruments are welcome.
Men’s Club Outing: Travelers Baseball Game
Thursday
July 8
6:15 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.
Van will leave Center at 6:15 p.m. Van Fee: $9- Sign up and pay at the front desk at Maumelle Center on the Lake Admission to the Game: $12.50 Bring money for food and beverages. Maximum attendance is 20.
Virtual Classes - Bonus Week
July 6-9 unless noted
Demo Dirty Thirty-Virtual Class
5:15 a.m. to 6 a.m.
No Class Fee
Instructor: Misti Sweere
Exercise with Misti to improve your health and well being! This 45 minute, virtual class will meet Monday through Friday featuring floor work, weights, cardio, balance, and stamina. Get ready to work hard and feel great! This class will have modifications but is designed for moderate to advanced exercises. Class members are highly encouraged to take class Monday through Friday for best results. Participants who register for this class will be attending virtually.
Demo Morning Movers-Virtual Class
8 a.m. to 8:45 a.m.
Instructor: Nicole Vogler
This Cardio class keeps you moving! Come join the fun! Participants who register for this class will be attending virtually.
Demo Beginning Yoga with Joy-Virtual Class
July 6 - July 8
8:45 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Instructor: Joy Reed
This is an hour-long beginning class with standing, seated, and lying down postures. No previous experience with yoga is necessary. The pace is slow and we focus on gradually increasing strength, balance, and flexibility. Students are encouraged to use props and to modify or omit poses as needed Participants who register for this class will be attending virtually.
Demo Gentle Yoga with Joy-Virtual Class
July 6 - July 8
11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m.
No Class Fee
Instructor: Joy Reed
Relieve tension and safely increase mobility in Gentle Yoga, a class for beginning and advanced practitioners alike. It's an excellent introduction for those who have never tried yoga before. The focus is on gentle stretching, deep breathing, and stress relief. All poses are performed seated or lying down. Class length is 45-minutes. Wear comfortable clothing that allows for free movement. Stu dents will need to bring their own mats, straps, blankets and bolster. Participants who register for this class will be attending virtually.
Demo Tabata Bootcamp-Virtual Class
July 6 - July 8
3 p.m. to 3:45 p.m.
Instructor: Trish Hogan, Certified Tabata Boot Camp Instructor
This class is based on High, Intensity, Interval Training (HIIT). This HIIT training will help deliver amazing body transformation results! The class is a 3 day a week, total body workout that focuses on lower body, upper body, and core; providing cardio and strength. This class is a calorie drenching workout and post metabolic boost. Participants who register for this class will be attending virtually.
Demo Yoga on a Ball-Virtual Class
July 7
9 a.m. to 9:45 a.m.
Instructor: Jeanie Pierson
Yoga on a Ball blends ancient yoga techniques with a total body workout using an exercise ball that encourages muscle sculpting and deep breathing. This creates a rejuvenating flow of energy that leaves you feeling strong and centered. It is Yoga for all ability levels - low impact, body strengthening and toning - great for balance. Course level is beginner to intermediate with modifications given. Participants who register for this class will be attending virtually.