COMMUNITY CALENDAR
Registration open for Benton Parks winter programs
Registration is now open for Benton Parks & Recreation Winter Programs. For more information contact our team at recprograms@ bentonar.org or 501-776-5970. Programs include Men’s Basketball League * Wheelchair Basketball * Rising Stars * Swim Lessons * Adaptive Tennis Camp.
December 31
2024 New Year’s Ball Drop set for Dec. 31
Access Control Devices, Inc. and the City of
Benton will host the ACDI New Year’s Eve Ball Drop from 7:30 to midnight on Dec. 31 at ACDI Headquarters.
In partnership with The City of Benton, the most exciting night of the year will feature family-friendly games, food, and entertainment. Free for all to attend, the event will feature a large kids zone, a variety of food trucks, event-long entertainment, fireworks,
LISTENING TO A CARDINAL
I heard a Cardinal chirping nearby.
How sharp and clear
His repeated calls came hammering
To my happy ears.
From the ground under the feeder
Across the freshly fallen leaves Chirp! Chirp! Chirp!
He calls, not to me, but his family.
I wish I could join them,
To be adopted into their clan. They spend their lives sharing, searching, soaring,
Part of God’s simple, tender plan. —Barbara Kane
Benton
CHRISTMAS CARD FROM FORT JACKSON
The Christmas card our boy sent home that year
Portrayed a soldier kneeling in the snow.
I’ve kept it in deep gratitude he’s near
Remembering that Christmas years ago.
I still display that card with all the new
Each time I read the note he tucked inside,
Try not to cry and yet I always do.
My heart still swells with soldier’s mother’s pride.
I’ve pinned it to the curtains fourteen times;
Each pinhole punctuates a thankyou prayer,
And when I hear the pealing Christmas chimes,
Give thanks again; God kept him in His care.
And I petition Him this a light show, and so much more for everyone.
Most importantly, the ACDI New Year’s Eve Ball Drop provides an opportunity to support Bright Futures Benton, an organization committed to providing the resources and relationships to ensure every child has a future with hope, love, and potential. We will be collecting monetary donations throughout the event and a percentage of all food and drink sales will go directly to supporting Bright Futures and its mission.
If you are interested in becoming involved this year and would like to learn more about what that entails please contact gracen. caddy@acd-inc.com or jennifer.bagwell@ acd-inc.com.
January 1
Salem Ballpark begins sign-ups
Sign-ups for Baseball/softball at Salem Ballpark in Benton begin Jan. 1. To sign up, visit www.salemballpark.org. holiday
Protect our soldiers not yet home to stay.
— Faye Boyette Wise Deceased
A CHRISTMAS COLLAGE
Crystal snowflakes glued to the windows, berried holly--mantel wide-ribbons of peppermint in redglass sleighs
resting on canned-snow-sprinkled table.
The tree topper touches the ceiling and the aroma of gingerbread wafts above and around cats sleeping on the sofa.
Bells jingle, doorknobs turn and open,
and we greet welcome visitors.
— Pat Laster Benton
OH, LITTLE TOWN
As Mary and Joseph proudly stood by
the manger where the baby
Jesus lay,
shepherds crowded into the stall to eye
the Christ child fast asleep there on the hay.
They were informed by angel choir in song
that praised our God. The host had been sent down
to bring the news of one who was so long
awaited. They would find him in the town
known as “the city of David” and birth
place of the savior. As the scripture said,
out of you one would come to bless the earth.
Yes, here he was and here he lay his head.
January 2
County Committees to meet
The Saline County Public Works and Safety Committee along with the Finance Committee will meet on Tuesday, Jan. 2, at 6:30 p.m. in Courtroom #3. Doors will open at 6 p.m. Patrons may enter the Courthouse via the Main Street Entrance and/or Market St. Entrance (Note the Market St. Entrance is ADA accessible).
Live2lead coming virtually to Arkansas
Live2lead coming virtually to Arkansas from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 11, at the Bebnton Event Center. Hosted live by Mike Davidson, Arkansas’ Leadership Navigator, the event features John Maxwell as well as Kendra Scott, Ryan Leak, Marcus Buckingham, and Mike Davidson.
Cost is $99 per person. To stay in the loop, visit
www.leadershiplane.net/live2lead.
Bethlehem, little town that lay asleep,
foretold in prophecy profound and deep.
— Dennis Patton
Alexander
A FELLOW IN RED
It’s Christmas Eve and all is well With carolers outside singing “Noel.”
The houses are decorated with sight and with sound
And a blanket of snow has covered the ground
The children are asleep with sweet thoughts in their heads
When out of nowhere comes a “Fellow in Red.”
He stops for a moment to have him a snack
And in the blink of an eye, he’s emptied his sack
“Good bye” he whispers as he turns to go
For that jolly old elf was Santa, you know?
— Ann Major
Benton
CHRISTMAS LOVE
Christmas is a special feeling in the hearts of men
A time of expectation, as love is real again.
The Christ Child brought first blessings
He’s with us now, as then,
In a quiet prayer, a Christmas wish and love in the hearts of men. — Betty Heidelberger Deceased
To submit poems for publication, please send poems of 16 or fewer lines to Dennis Patton, 2512 Springhill Circle, Alexander, AR 72002, or patton_dr@hotmail.com.