Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

There are ways to stay cool in Gurdon

With summer temperatures getting hotter, there are a few places in Gurdon where residents can seek relief.

One of those places is the Gurdon Senior Activity Center where director Royce Ann Barbaree said there is more than just a meal being served. She said it is not uncommon for a group of regulars to come in during the morning and play a game of dominoes or checkers.

We can always make room for more and visitors are always welcome, she said. And its always cool.

The center is managed by the Central Arkansas Development Council and serves meals Mondays through Friday. Barbaree said one misconception is that some think there is an age limit on meals.

Anyone can come down and have a meal anytime, she said.

The cost of a meal is only $5 for those under 60. Residents 60 and older can eat for $1.50.

They are full home-style cooked meals, she said. I feel that its a very economical meal to have.

Drinks come with the meals, and there is no charge for unlimited refills.

The center is open from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. and is also a good place to come out and visit with friends, Barbaree said.

The center is also known for the parties thrown by Barbaree on Christmas, Valentines Day and Easter. The Christmas party is the largest with a traditional holiday meal.

Another place to beat the heat in Gurdon is the Cabe Public Library, according to librarian Julie Watson.

The library offers much more than books as members of the public can also access the librarys computers, magazines, books on tape and copy machine.

The computers have basic programs such as Microsoft Word and Publisher, but members of the public can also access the internet. Watson said one must be 17 years old before they are allowed to access the Internet by themselves. Those under 17 must be accompanied by an adult. No library card is needed to use the computers and no one is required to sign in.

Computer users may also print items from the computers for a nominal fee.

Watson said it is common for the librarys traffic to pick up in the summer, and most of the increased traffic is for computer use.

The library also offers a summer reading program for children in which they can win prizes for reading books as well as participate in weekly story times and programs.

Seven people died in Arkansas last year due to heat related illnesses, according to the Arkansas Department of Health. In a release, the agency said the elderly, people with health problems and very young children are the most vulnerable to high temperatures.