Maumelle Philanthropists receive Fidelity Communications grant
Maumelle’s Townsend awarded scholarship; Beyond Sports Lab to have sports camp this Sunday; Godpsell performances set at Argenta Community Theater and more art notes, plus sports and headlines
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Pandemic deaths remain unknown
The state Department of Health still hasn’t updated its Covid dashboard this year and has posted on its site that the state was, “developing a new version of this dashboard to provide the Arkansas public with access to COVID-19 information.” Since the ongoing pandemic began in 2020, Covid has now killed 13,429 Arkansans.
Covid toolkit
There’s now a one-stop shop to learn about vaccination sites and other Covid related information. Click here to learn more.
If you don’t want to get sick and die, there’s some things you can do:
Get vaccinated
Get boosted
Wear a mask
Avoid crowds
The Headlines
Meetings: Maumelle City Council meets next Monday for the first meeting of the month.
Events: Friday is Groundhog Day, plan accordingly. Friday is Groundhog Day, plan accordingly. Friday is Groundhog Day, plan accordingly.
Maumelle Philanthropists receive Fidelity Communications grant
Fidelity Communications, recently awarded a $5,000 grant to Maumelle Philanthropists through the company’s Charitable Giving Fund.
The Maumelle-based food bank was one of 29 nonprofits across the company’s 24-state footprint that received grants totaling more than $125,000 during the most recent award period.
Maumelle Philanthropists was founded in memory of Jon Hollis and is an all-volunteer non-profit organization located in Maumelle dedicated to helping people in Maumelle and the surrounding area.
“We are immensely grateful to Fidelity Communications for its unwavering support,” said Missa Hollis Brizendine, the organization's Executive Director. “This generous $5,000 grant comes at a crucial time. Fidelity Communications’ dedication to corporate social responsibility is evident in this act of philanthropy, demonstrating its understanding of the impact businesses can have on local communities.”
The organization said they will use the grant to address food insecurity and provide essential assistance to those in need within the Maumelle community.
Nationally, the Charitable Giving Fund, annually awards nearly $250,000 in grants to local 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations served by the Cable One family of brands (Sparklight®, Fidelity Communications, Hargray, ValuNet Fiber and CableAmerica).
The company said they concentrate support in the following areas:
Education and Digital Literacy
Food Insecurity
Community Development
Nonprofit organizations may apply for a grant during open application periods each spring and fall. Applications for spring 2024 grants will be accepted between April 1-30.
For more information about the Fidelity Communications Charitable Giving Fund, please visit www.fidelitycommunications.com/charitablegiving.
Maumelle’s Townsend awarded scholarship
Lamar Townsend, a senior political science and finance-real estate double major from Maumelle, is one of six students nationwide who was awarded a prestigious national scholarship through the Real Estate Education Scholars Program from the Harold E. Eisenberg Foundation.
The Harold E. Eisenberg Real Estate Scholar Program was started in 2015 with the aim of providing undergraduate and graduate students valuable experience in real estate to launch their careers. Students are nominated for the scholarship by their university and are selected by a panel of judges.
"When I found out I had won the scholarship, I was really excited, shocked, and humbled," said Townsend. "This big foundation in a giant city has reached out to a kid from Arkansas and saw my potential. I'm nervous and definitely want to put forth my full effort. This is a big opportunity. I am excited to learn more about something I'm passionate about."
Earlier this year, Townsend was a member of the group of students at UA Little Rock who won a national Real Estate Challenge in Chicago, also through the Eisenberg Foundation. The challenge connects groups of students at selected universities to a high-profile property development project in the Chicago Metropolitan area. Each team must present a development plan to maximize the property's potential. UA Little Rock was the Undergraduate Division Winner, receiving $5,000 to support the finance/real estate program at UA Little Rock.
It was through the Real Estate Challenge that Townsend first learned about the Scholar Program.
"It really piqued my interest to learn more about the Scholar Program," Townsend said. "After we won the challenge, Professor Small nominated me for the program."
The 10-month Real Estate Scholar Program is focused on mentorship and networking and gives students opportunities to make connections in the real estate industry. Students are connected with a "super mentor," attend meetings and conferences with industry professionals, go on field trips, and even attend the International Council of Shopping Centers Las Vegas convention.
"This is a big opportunity to get my foot in the door with networking," Townsend said. "In this industry, it's all about who you know and who knows who. Recently, I was able to attend an event in Chicago, and I got 10 business cards from big names in Chicago. This program really gives me the ability to build a network."
Townsend expressed his gratitude to the UA Little Rock School of Business, Dr. Mark Funk, and Professor Elizabeth Small.
"I want to say a big thank you to the School of Business and to Dr. Funk and Professor Small," Townsend said. "They are the ones who are making this possible for me. They have helped me fund my trips to Chicago and overall have been a big help in allowing me to do this."
After graduation, Townsend plans to work in commercial real estate and hopes to later attend law school after gaining hands-on experience in the field.
Angie Faller / UALR
Seed Fund Road Tour coming to Little Rock
The America’s Seed Fund 2024 Road Tour is coming to Arkansas on April 2 as part of a national tour that will connect entrepreneurs working on advanced technology to the country’s largest source of early-stage funding.
Also known as the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer programs, America’s Seed Fund focuses on next-generation research and development through 11 participating federal agencies.
Agency representatives will travel together to Little Rock to conduct one-on-one meetings with small businesses and startups, take part in panel discussions, present on SBIR/STTR technology areas, and share insights into how agencies make funding decisions.
The Road Tour is organized by the U.S. Small Business Administration. The host for the Little Rock stop is the Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center, a local Federal and State Technology (FAST) partner.
“This is a rare opportunity for Arkansas entrepreneurs to engage face-to-face with the SBIR and STTR program leaders. We are excited for our state’s small companies and startups with innovative technologies to come explore how America’s Seed Fund supports groundbreaking ideas and, in the one-on-one meetings, receive immediate feedback on how to get started,” said Laura Fine, ASBTDC state director.
Americaʼs Seed Fund provides over $4 billion in early-stage funding to small businesses each year in a wide variety of technology areas such as unmanned systems, advanced materials, health, cybersecurity, and defense.
The program executes over 6,000 new funding awards annually, which allow innovators to advance new technologies and have contributed to the creation of thousands of jobs. Learn more at sbir.gov.
The Road Tour seeks to increase SBIR and STTR participation by women, small companies in underrepresented states like Arkansas, and individuals who are socially and economically disadvantaged.
Participants can also learn about state-specific resources for innovation-based ventures. Lunch will be provided.
Small technology firms, scientists, and researchers are encouraged to attend.
Registration is required and available online at asbtdc.org/road-tour, where an agenda and other details about the event can also be found.
For more information, contact ASBTDC’s Karen Bergh at (501) 831-2584 or kbergh@ualr.edu.
Based at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, ASBTDC assists emerging, existing and expanding small businesses through a statewide network of offices. Learn more at asbtdc.org.
Art notes
Godpsell performances set at Argenta Community Theater
Argenta Community Theater recently announced the performance dates for Godspell
Godspell is directed by ACT Producing Artistic Director Vincent Insalaco with music direction by Bob Bidewell. The show features J. Kirt Thomas as Jesus and Willie Lucius as John the Baptist/Judas.
The cast of disciples include Hannah Blacklaw, John Broadwater, Eli Halter, Savannah Halter, Kyra Hatley, Bella Insalaco, Steven Jones, Ashley Merrill, Amelia Migliore, Emory Molitor, Kelley Ponder, Satia Spencer, Kristen Phantazia Smith, Alexandra Rose Vigil, Adam Whitfield and Will Witt.
Performances run start on Feb. 21 and conclude on March 2.
The show’s run will also include a student matinee sponsored by Blackberry Market. Evening shows start at 7:30 p.m. and the SUnday matinee is at 2 p.m. Ticket prices start at $10 and to buy, go to www.argentacommunitytheater.org.
Godspell is sponsored by Will Feland, The City of North Little Rock, The Tenenbaum Foundation, Legacy Termite & Pest Control, The Arkansas Arts Council, North Little Rock Tourism and The Insalaco Family. The VIP Balcony is sponsored by Colonial Wine & Spirits.
Action/Abstraction Redefined opens at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts on Feb. 16
Action/Abstraction Redefined: Modern Native Art, 1940s to 1970s opens at the Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts on Friday, Feb. 16, in the Harriet and Warren Stephens Galleries and will remain on view through May 26.
Action/Abstraction Redefined is the first major traveling exhibition to highlight modern Native American art through the lens of 20th century Abstract Expressionism, Color Field and Hard-Edge Painting. Comprising 52 works by 36 artists—including George Morrison, Fritz Scholder, and T.C. Cannon—the exhibition showcases work by artists who redefined the concept of abstraction at midcentury and pushed the boundaries of Native art.
Drawn from the collection of the Institute of American Indian Arts (IAIA) in Santa Fe, a school where revolutionary approaches encouraged experimentation and risk taking, Action/Abstraction Redefined explores how artists combined New York School art influences with Native art traditions and challenged stereotypical expectations of American Indian art.
After several decades of the U.S. government’s forced assimilationist policies, IAIA was created, instead, to foster radical teaching and bold, student-centered learning for Native students who came from as far away as Alaska and Florida. Experimentation was encouraged alongside traditional Native arts, and the two uniquely merged in the works on view.
Admission is always free, and the exhibition is open through May 26.
Other upcoming events
AMFA Member Exhibition Preview: AMFA Members get the first look at Action/Abstraction Redefined on Thursday, Feb. 15, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. An opening ceremony presented by the American Indian Center of Arkansas begins at 6:00 p.m. featuring a Cherokee flute performance by Tommy Wildcat and a Lakota Four Directions drum song by Steven Morales. A reception will follow giving guests a chance to view the exhibition before it opens to the public the following day.
AMFA’s Family Art Festival: Families can enjoy a free day of art and fun inspired by Action/Abstraction Redefined on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The Bizhiki Culture & Dance Company—featured on Bon Iver’s 2019 album I,I —kicks off the experience with energy-packed, interactive dance performances at 10:30 a.m. and noon in AMFA’s Atrium. The dancers will then lead audiences to a special storytelling performance illustrating the resilience of Indigenous cultures. In the Windgate Art School, guests will enjoy live demonstrations by Plains Cree ledger artist Joshue Atcheynum and a basket-making artist as well as specifically-designed art experiences organized by AMFA’s Teen Advisory Board. This is a free event, and no reservations are required.
Artist Talk: Action/Abstraction Redefined: Doug Hyde and Frank Buffalo Hyde, father and son contemporary Native artists, will participate in an intergenerational conversation on Wednesday, March 6, at 6 p.m. in AMFA’s Performing Arts Theater. Reservations are encouraged for this free Artist Talk and can be made at www.arkmfa.org.
Action/Abstraction Redefined Dance Performance: On Saturday, April 27, at 1:30 p.m., traditional choreography and modern movement merge to create a unique art form during a contemporary Native American dance performance in AMFA’s Performing Arts Theater. Reservations are encouraged for this free event and can be made at www.arkmfa.org.
Darrell Walker joins museum’s foundation
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts appointed Darrell Walker, below, this month as a new director for the AMFA Foundation. Walker is the head basketball coach at University of Arkansas at Little Rock and an avid collector of African American contemporary art.
“Mr. Walker brings broad expertise on art, museums, and community to the AMFA Foundation. His strong leadership is evident from his successful career on the court, and his keen knowledge of today’s art world will help shape the future of the Foundation’s Collection,” said AMFA Foundation Chair Warren Stephens.
Walker has extensive basketball experience at both the collegiate and professional level. His playing experience includes three years at the University of Arkansas and 10 seasons in the National Basketball Association, followed by a 20-year professional coaching career, including serving as head coach for two different NBA franchises.
“I began collecting art created by African American artists over 30 years ago and have spent a lot of time getting to know artists and discovering new contemporary and emerging artists,” said Walker. “I like to bring my passion for art to my players. I recently took the entire team to view the Whitfield Lovell exhibition at AMFA, and I look forward to continuing to introduce the next generation to the great artists of the past and future.”
In addition, John Ed Anthony will be stepping down as an AMFA Foundation Director. Anthony joined the Foundation in 2016, and he will continue to serve in an advisory capacity as a member of the investment committee.
AMFA Foundation Directors include: Warren Stephens, Chair; Ben Hussman, Vice-Chair; George O’Connor, Treasurer; Victoria Ramirez, Secretary; Terri Erwin; Michael Mayton; Harriet Stephens; Robert W. Tucker, Past Chair; Darrell Walker; Stan Hastings, AMFA Board of Trustees President.
Sports
Beyond Sports Lab to have sports camp this Sunday
Perfect Game, the world's largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, has partnered with Beyond Sports Lab, a minority-owned indoor baseball facility in North Little Rock That provides baseball development to underserved children, for a series of special upcoming events.
The camp will start at 4 p.m. this Sunday at Mills, and is the the third annual Black History Baseball and Softball Camp.
As part of the camp, attendees will be instructed on the fundamentals of baseball and softball, including batting, throwing, fielding and pitching techniques, along with proper stretching, by a volunteer staff of former and current baseball coaches and players.
"We are thrilled to have Perfect Game involved with our Black History Baseball and Softball Camp," said Jason Bradley, co-founder of Beyond Sports Lab. "The goal of the camp is for the kids to leave with a better understanding of the game of baseball, a sense of communal unity and, most of all, new friendships. We aim to bridge the gap between baseball and inner-city youth because if we don't do it, then who will?"
Perfect Game will provide athletic apparel for attendees, while also having Jered Goodwin, Perfect Game's Head of Scouting, on site for in-person mentorship and evaluations.
"The mission of Beyond Sports Lab is to inspire children to be 'major league citizens' by providing resources and opportunities that will give underserved youth a sense of purpose and an elite mindset both on and off the field," said Jerry Bruce, co-founder of Beyond Sports Lab.
For more information, contact Bradley at Jason@beyondsportslab.com or call 501- 310-2524.
College baseball in Hot Springs
Historic Majestic Park in Hot Springs will host the Third Annual Mike Dugan Collegiate Baseball Invitational starting today and concluding Sunday, Feb. 4.
The tournament is named for the late Mike Dugan who was one the state’s foremost sports historians and a leader in efforts to establish the Historic Baseball Trail in Hot Springs, which now draws visitors from across the country.
This year’s event features four teams from the Natural State including Southern Arkansas, Henderson State, Ouachita Baptist and Arkansas-Monticello, all members of the Great American Conference.
Three teams from the MIAA including Northeastern State, Missouri Southern and, Rogers State are participating in the eight-team event.
Newcomer to the tournament, making the 1000 mile trip from Golden, Colorado is Colorado School of Mines from the Rocky Mountain Athletic Conference.
Ticket prices at Majestic Park are $8 per day per person, with those ages 10 and under admitted free.
Henderson State will take on Rogers State to start this year’s event with the first pitch set for Thursday at 10 a.m.
The Dugan family, including Susan Dugan, Mary Kate Dugan Whitmire and son-in-law Colton Whitmire will be on hand to throw out the ceremonial first pitch.
Ouachita Baptist will then face Northeastern State at 1 p.m.:
For more information on events at Majestic Park, go to majesticpark.org.
Troy Mitchell
Tournament schedule
(Home team listed second)
Thursday, Feb. 1
10 a.m.: Henderson State vs. Rogers State
1 p.m.: Ouachita Baptist vs. Northeastern State
4 p.m.: Southern Arkansas vs. Missouri Southern
Friday, Feb. 2
10 a.m.: Northeastern State vs. Ouachita Baptist
1 p.m.: Rogers State vs. Southern Arkansas
4 p.m.: Colorado Mines vs. Arkansas-Monticello
7 p.m.: Missouri Southern vs. Henderson State
Saturday, Feb. 3
10 a.m.: Rogers State vs. Arkansas-Monticello
1 p.m.: Arkansas-Monticello vs. Missouri Southern
4 p.m.: Northeastern State vs. Southern Arkansas
Noon: : Ouachita Baptist vs. Colorado Mines
(Game at HSU – Clyde Berry Field)
3 p.m.: Colorado Mines vs. Henderson State
(Game at HSU - Clyde Berry Field)
Sunday, Feb. 4
10 a.m.: Southern Arkansas vs. Colorado-Mines
1 p.m.: Missouri Southern vs. Ouachita Baptist
4 p.m.: Henderson State vs. Northeastern State
High school basketball report
Maumelle
Record so far: 12-10
Last week: Beat Vilonia last Friday and then defeated eStem on Tuesday night.
The week ahead: A trip to Sylvan Hills this Friday and then the Hornets host Parkview next Tuesday night.
Schedule
Friday, Feb. 2 ... at Sylvan Hills ... 7 p.m. ... (C)
Tuesday, Feb. 6 ... vs. Parkview ... 7 p.m. ... (C)
Friday, Feb. 9 ... at Jacksonville ... 7 p.m. ... (C)
Friday, Feb 16 ... at Catholic ... 7 p.m. ... (C)
Friday, Feb 23 ... vs. Beebe ... 7 p.m. ... (C)
Roster
Maumelle Girls
Coach: Grover Garrison
Record so far: 3-16
Last week: Maumelle picked up its third win of the season on Tuesday when they defeated eStem.
The week ahead: Will face Vilonia and eStem Friday and next Tuesday, respectively. Some makeup dates have yet to be set.
Schedule
Friday, Feb. 2 ... at Sylvan Hills ... 6 p.m. ... (C)
Tuesday, Feb. 6 ... vs. Parkview ... 6 p.m. ... (C)
Friday, Feb. 9 ... at Jacksonville ... 6 p.m. ... (C)
Fri, Feb 16 ... at Mount St. Mary ... 7 p.m. ... (C)
Tue, Feb 20 ... at Little Rock Christian ... 6 p.m. ... (C)
Fri, Feb 23 ... vs. Beebe ... 6 p.m. ... (C)
Roster
Maumelle Charter boys
Record so far: 18-11
Last week: Picked up back-to-back conference wins and are now 6-5 in the league.
The week ahead: Friday is a trip to Lamar and then Baptist Prep on Tuesday. The regular season concludes next Thursday with a game at Atkins.
Maumelle Charter girls
Record so far: 17-15
Last week: Have lost four consecutive games in the conference and a trip to Lamar is this Friday.
The week ahead: See above.
Boys and Girls schedule
Feb. 2.... Friday ... at Lamar … VG / VB ... 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 6 … Tuesday … Baptist Prep … VG / VB ... … 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 8 ... Thursday ... at Atkins … VG / VB ... … 6:30 p.m.
Feb. 12-17 … Sr. High District Tournament … VG, VB
Feb. 21-24 … Regional Tournament
Feb. 27- March 2 … State Tournament
North Little Rock
Coach: Nathan Clayborn
Record so far: 14-6
Last week: Beat Cabot but lost to Central on Tuesday.
The week ahead: A road trip to Conway is this Friday and at home against Southwest is next Tuesday.
Schedule
Friday, Feb. 2 ... at Conway ... 7 p.m. ... (C)
Tuesday, Feb. 6 ... vs. Little Rock Southwest ... 7 p.m. ... (C)
Friday, Feb. 9 ... at Jonesboro ... 7 p.m. ... (C)
Fri, Feb 16 ... vs. Bryant ... 7 p.m. ... (C)
Tuesday, Feb. 20 ... vs. Little Rock Central ... 7 p.m. ... (C) Makeup game
Thursday, Feb. 22 ... vs. Cabot ... 7 p.m. ... (C)
Roster
North Little Rock Girls
Coach: Daryl Fimple
Record so far: 20-3
Last week: Daryl Fimple’s bunch lost to Cabot last Friday for the the team’s first in-state loss this season but the ‘Cats rebounded with a win against Central on Tuesday.
The week ahead: Hey now, state championship game preview alert as North Little Rock is at Conway this Friday.
Schedule
Friday, Feb. 2 ... at Conway ... 6 p.m. ... (C)
Tuesday, Feb. 6 ... vs. Little Rock Southwest ... 6 p.m. ... (C)
Friday, Feb. 9 ... at Jonesboro ... 6 p.m. ... (C)
Fri, Feb 16 ... vs. Bryant ... 6 p.m. ... (C)
Tuesday, Feb. 20 ... vs. Little Rock Central ... 6 p.m. ... (C) Makeup game
Thursday, Feb. 22 ... vs. Cabot ... 6 p.m. ... (C)
Roster
Central Arkansas Christian
Coach: Matt Hall
Record so far: 15-3
Last week: The Mustangs haven’t lost since Nov. 21 and are riding a 14-game winning streak. Essentially, CAC has been unbeatable since the football players returned to the court. Enjoy the journey indeed.
The week ahead: Makeup games abound as CAC has five games spread out over the next two weeks. Then district tournament, then regional tournament and, finally, state tournament.
Schedule
Thursday, Feb. 1 … Baptist Prep … 7:30 p.m. (C)
Friday, Feb. 2 ... at Perryville ... 7 p.m. ... (C)
Monday, Feb. 5 … vs. Atkins … 7 p.m. (C)
Tuesday, Feb. 6 ... vs. Lamar ... 7 p.m. ... (C)
Thursday, Feb. 8 ... at Baptist Prep ... 7:30 p.m. ... (C)
Roster
Central Arkansas Christian Girls
Coach: Steve Quattlebaum
Record so far: 2-18
Last week: Lost to Maumelle Charter on Tuesday.
The week ahead: Lamar is tonight and Dover at home on Friday.
Schedule
Thursday, Feb. 1 … Baptist Prep … 6 p.m. (C)
Friday, Feb. 2 ... at Perryville ... 6 p.m. ... (C)
Monday, Feb. 5 … vs. Atkins … 6 p.m. (C)
Tuesday, Feb. 6 ... vs. Lamar ... 6 p.m. ... (C)
Thursday, Feb. 8 ... at Baptist Prep ... 6:30 p.m. ... (C)