Editor:

I remember well the opening day of the Little Bread Company on July 22, 2004. And those who attended the Grand Opening on October 13th of that year will never forget the party attended by more than 500 people, as Yao Angelo and friends filled Eureka hearts with the joy of music and dance, while Hannah and Ben and friends celebrated the new beginning of their fabulous dream of fresh, wholesome food served in happy surroundings with good friends. And so Little Bread Company became a social center.

And what a four years it has been! As proprietress of Eureka Thyme, I have watched and shared in the unique Eureka experience surrounding the businesses in The Quarter. The Market has sponsored chocolate vendor days in which we all basked in the warmth of cacao-induced giddiness. In-The-Box, Accent on Giving, Jackson Square, the massage therapists, Eureka Thyme -- so many have contributed to the spirit of Eureka in this location!

Little Bread Company, you have seen old friends and family meeting on your patio countless times. Meetings, partings, loving, sparring -- you've seen it all. We are thankful for your presence. There is a camaraderie, nurtured by the smell of fresh baked bread, which lives on with each of us who have enjoyed your wonderful food, lingering over dessert and coffee. Never have I known anyone so dedicated to bringing forth their dream. Hats off to you, Ben and Hannah!

And so when we're tempted to drive to Wal-Mart to save a few bucks on that birthday cake, or to go on-line for Aunt Martha's thank you gift, or buy a painted-and-printed-in-who-knows-where work of art, may we pause to remember those who live and love here in Eureka Springs.

Marsha Havens

ES gas prices out of line

Editor:

The Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, on Aug. 17, reported the average price of a gallon of unleaded gasoline was $3.51, as computed from a sample of 15 stations in northwest Arkansas. Further, the Democrat-Gazette reported on Aug. 14 that a gallon of unleaded gasoline in Hot Springs was $3.35, $3.38 in Malvern and $3.39 in Jacksonville and Cabot.

On Aug. 18, Eureka Springs was blessed with four stations ranging from $3.69 to $3.79, averaging $3.73.

One even charged 11¢ per gallon if you use a credit card. Have the rules changed? A credit card charge used to be tax deductible as a business expense. Does this extra charge result in a larger profit to the business? Might? Did those stations miss the news that the price of oil dropped significantly?

Even little old Clifty was at $3.53 on Aug. 19.

This really makes Eureka's reputation look good to visitors, doesn't it? I don't think this helps our own people, living here, on fixed income or on minimum wage, especially during tough times like the present.

I volunteer at the VA Hospital in Fayetteville every Tuesday and I make sure to fill up before I come home, feeling sad that I can't get a fair price here and support business in Eureka Springs.

Bill Pugh

GSHS sets the record straight

Editor:

Good Shepherd Humane Society is sincerely grateful to the Citizen for the extensive help it's given in promoting our fundraising programs. Thanks for all you do.

Please allow us to set the record straight on one point. Last week it was reported that the food and drink for Gal-Paw-Loosa was provided by the Basin Park Hotel. In fact, several local restaurants helped make the event successful, along with many other generous businesses and individuals. While too numerous to list here, we hope readers will look for the ad in next week's paper thanking these sponsors, and that they will support and thank those who support the community's animal shelter.

See you all at the Paw-Pourri pet picnic, rescheduled for Sunday, Sept. 14, 1 to 5 p.m. at Van Pelt Stadium.

Bill King and the GSHS fundraising committee

Reader underwhelmed by 'Big Bad John'

Editor:

There was a time, when I was naive and he was way younger, I would have voted for John McCain. However, now that I'm in my golden years, I will not cast my precious paper ballot for a grumpy, old codger. I'm tired of gas bags in the White House!

Straight Talk Express, my grandpa's union suit! The only unadulterated statement I've heard from Johnny, is the whinny "I approve this message" at the end of his half-truth ads. My 84-year-old granny had more macho timber to her voice than "Mac Without a Truck."

And speaking of political ads, have you ever heard such pettiness in your life? I think a new campaign button for "Big Bad John" should picture a bunch of sour grapes with a slash through it.

Now, if only McCain chooses Lieberman ... that would be the icing on the bald pate cake.

Enid B. Swartz