GC library hosts elder law, funeral arrangement sessions

The Garland County Library, 1427 Malvern Ave., will host free sessions on elder law at 5:30 p.m. Thursday and funeral arrangements at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 28.

The elder law presentation on Thursday will provide information on topics including proper procedure on wills, estates, assets, and nursing homes to minimize the burden a death creates for surviving family members, a news release said.

A question-and-answer session will follow the discussion. The elder law presentation will be presented by attorney Ashley Stepps of Arkansas Elder Law & Special Needs Trusts.

The program is free to attend, but advance registration is required.

Stepps has a diverse background in eldercare and tax services. She is a graduate of Delaware State University and received her law degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock-William H. Bowen School of Law. Stepps is a member of the National Academy of Elder Law Attorneys, the Arkansas and American Bar Associations, and is also a Veterans Affairs accredited attorney. Her practice areas include elder law, VA pensions and guardianships, the release said.

“Funeral Arrangements 101” on Feb. 28 will cover the basics of funeral arrangements, including planning, timeline, the actual processes, alternative options compared to traditional ones, grief coping, and religious interpretations.

The program, which will be presented by Andrew Gonzalez of Caruth-Hale Funeral Home, will be free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Gonzalez attended Fresno State University and entered the ministry at 18 years old. He served as a youth pastor in Willits, Calif., before moving to Hot Springs to begin a pastorate at The Everlasting Gospel Pentecostal Lighthouse. Gonzalez began working for Caruth-Hale Funeral Home in 2010 and serves as the general manager/funeral director.

To register, or for more information about the library’s services and resources, visit http://www. gclibrary.com, call the library at 501-623-4161, or drop by in person.

Submitted photo The Hot Springs Music Club will meet at West Shores Retirement Living on Albert Pike at 3 p.m. Sunday. The program will feature the Spa City Brass, Hot Springs Music Club Ladies Ensemble, Threshold Choir, Kristen LaMadrid, soloist and pianist with Jon Van Houten on saxophone, and cast members Tami Pultz and David Fleming of the upcoming Pocket Theater production of “I Do! I Do!”. The public is welcome to attend. Spa City Brass members are Bill Crook, trumpet; Jeff Olson, trumpet; David Pierce, F horn; Lloyd Kuhn, trombone; and Rick Perryman, tuba.