Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Ornaments Universal

For six holiday seasons, people around the world have decorated their tree with a little bit of Arkansas, the official Arkansas holiday ornament, sponsored jointly by the Arkansas Easter Seal Society and the UAMS Medical Center Auxiliary.

Proceeds from the ornament will once again benefit the two organizations. This year's edition, the seventh in the series, features the Quapaw Bathouse in Hot Springs National Park.

Since the first edition in 1990, these sparkling diamond-shaped ornaments of 24-karat gold-plated brass have found their way to all 50 states as well as several foreign countries.

Each ornament is designed and manufactured in Arkansas and depicts a different Arkansas landmark. The ornament comes specially packaged with a letter of authenticity signed by the Governor.

The 1996 edition sells for $14.

Ornaments from years past, featuring the University of Arkansas' Old Main, Thorncrown Chapel of Eureka Springs, the Arkansas Governor's Mansion, Arkansas Territorial Restoration, the Old State House and the Arkansas State Capitol, are available for $15 each.

To order or to locate a retail outlet, call 1-800-527-2033. Proceeds benefit the UAMS Medical Center Auxiliary and the Arkansas Easter Seal Society.

UAMS Medical Center is the patient care arm of the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. It encompasses University Hospital, the Arkansas Cancer Research Center, the Harvey and Bernice Jones Eye Institute, the Outpatient Center and a wide range of programs and facilities.

UAMS Medical Center Auxiliary provides support in a number of ways, such as volunteers or funds for needed equipment or services. Auxiliary volunteers also run UAMS Medical Center's Gift Shop.

For 52 years, the Arkansas Easter Seal Society has helped children and adults with disabilities achieve independence through therapy and other rehabilitation services, education, professional training and advocacy.

The Society provides state-wide outreach services, three residential rehabilitation centers, a preschool, a technology resource center, an early intervention therapy program, vocational training and supported employment.