May 2012 Calendar of Events

1 Arkansas Heritage Month: This year’s Heritage Month theme, Dreams and Determination: Arkansans at Work, recognizes the achievements of all Arkansans, with a special focus on the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center, the DAH museum that highlights black achievements, particularly in business, politics and the arts. The Department of Arkansas Heritage will officially usher in this year’s Heritage Month at 4 p.m. on May 1st at the Mosaic Templars Cultural Center in Little Rock’s historic Ninth Street district. The collectible 2012 Heritage Month poster will be unveiled and available for free at the event. For more information, call (501)324-9611.

3 Get Psyched for PCA: Owner of Botanica Gardens, KTHV’s Chris Olsen will conduct a demonstration on Container Gardening and will speak about his new book, Five Seasons with Chris Olsen. His presentation will be followed with a book signing. 6 p.m. Professional Counseling Associates Administration Building, 3601 Richards Road, North Little Rock. Tickets are $75 each and can be purchased by calling PCA at (501)-221-1843.

3 “Girls Night” Purse-onality Auction: Women will shop from a large variety of designer purses and fun themed bags from spa totes to “A Day at the Races”. The fun will happen at the Pavilion in the Park Atrium and begin at 5:30 pm and last until 8:00 pm. For more information, visit www.heart.org/littlerockgoredluncheon.

4-5 Art on the Creek: Art on the Creek will be held on the grounds of the Wishing Spring Gallery, east of Highway 71 and Co. Road 40. Near the intersection of Walgreens and Lowe’s in Bentonville. 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, call (479) 268-6328.

5 Julep Cup Jaunt Derby Day: Enjoy a silent auction, live music, and mint juleps as you watch the 138th Kentucky Derby on a 12 ft. x 24 ft. screen. 4 p.m. $30 in advance, $40 on race day. Fred W. Smith Conference Center, 12th floor of the Jackson T. Stephens Spine and Neuroscience Institute, West Capitol Avenue and Jack Stephens Drive. For more information, call (501) 686-7327.

8 First Launch Graduation: Life Styles, Inc., a nonprofit organization serving individuals with disabilities in Benton and Washington counties, is proud to announce the graduation of the first class of Launch. Launch, formerly Project Launch, provides students with developmental disabilities a college experience through various partnerships with the University of Arkansas. 5:30 p.m. Lifestyles, Inc. For more information, visit www.lifestylesinc.org.

9 Go Red For Women Luncheon: This year’s speaker is Sheila Cluff. Sheila Cluff, internationally-known fitness expert, owner, and founder of The Oaks at Ojai health and fitness destination spa is an inspiration because the 75-year-old mother of four and grandmother of seven lives and looks the lifestyle she teaches. The former star and host of her own fitness shows on NBC and KABC in Southern California, Cluff has touched the lives of millions. 12 p.m. Registration opens at 11:30 a.m. The Peabody Grand Ballroom, Peabody Hotel, Little Rock. For more information, visit www.heart.org.

11 Dinner on the Grounds: This casual Southern supper at sunset features libations and live entertainment by Lagniappe. Proceeds benefit Our House. 6:30 p.m. Governor’s Mansion, 1800 Center Street, Little Rock. For more information, visit www.ourhouseshelter.org.

12 Night of Distinction: The University of Central Arkansas’s Night of Distinction features a four course dinner and will honor several distinguished individuals. There will be a raffle for an original Steve Griffith oil painting. 7 p.m. Tickets are $100 each. Black tie attire encouraged. HPER Center, University of Central Arkansas. For more information, call (501) 450-3197.

12 The Van Buren Master Gardeners annual Plant Sale: Enjoy a fun-filled morning as the Van Buren Master Gardeners host their annual plant sale at Ed Leamon Park where you can buy shrubs, trees, annuals, perennials, and vegetables all grown by the loving hands of local Master Gardeners. Janet Carson, noted plant expert, will broadcast her Saturday morning radio show on site. There will be arts, crafts, and fresh strawberries for sale as over 30 venders will be displaying their wares. Food, drink, and baked goods will also be offered. 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Ed Leamon Park on Dave Creek Parkway in Fairfield Bay. For further information, call VBCMG president, Eleanor Hilsenrath at (501) 884-3884.

18 2012 Arkansans of the Year Gala: Easters Seals Arkansas presents the 2012 Arkansans of the Year Gala to honor Cindy and Chip Murphy. 6 p.m. Black tie optional. Wally Allen Ballroom, Statehouse Convention Center. For more information, call (501) 227-3700.

18 White Party: The White Party is a fundraiser for Fort Smith Regional Art Museum and a celebration for International Museum Day. 7-10 p.m., $150 per person/$300 per couple. Casual white chic attire. Fort Smith Regional Art Museum. To buy tickets, call (479) 784-2787.

18-20 International Greek Food Festival: The International Greek Food Festival, the largest ethnic festival in Arkansas, has been proudly serving food, friends and the community for the past 28 years. The festival will be Friday and Saturday, May 18th and May 19th, from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, May 20th, noon to 6 p.m., at the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, 1100 Napa Valley Drive. The International Greek Food Festival has donated more than $1 million to over 20 charities that serve children, families and communities throughout central Arkansas. Admission, parking and trolley service is free. For more information about this year’s festival and the benefiting charities, visit GreekFoodFest.com.

22 Jazz and Juleps: This evening honoring Dwane F. Treat will benefit the UALR Department of Audiology and Speech Pathology and feature hors d’oeuvres, libations, a live auction with Craig O’Neill, and music by Bishop, Davies, Jackson, Winter and Stone. 6 p.m. $50 ($35 tax-deductible gift). Arkansas Governor’s Mansion, 1800 Center Street.

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