Friday, September 26, 2014

Pink Tickets

In just a little over a week, thousands of racers, survivors, their friends and families will all be hitting the central Arkansas area to take part in the 21st Susan. G. Komen Race for the Cure.

We have a team registered for the race:  The Bookends!  (kinda fitting, don't you think, since we all work at a library?)
The Arkansas State Library first had a team way back in 2000.  We started out with one Survivor, Wanda, then not long afterwards, added another, Martha. And then another name was added, Barbara. This year we add another staff member, Emma.   In between these 4 wonderfully brave women, we've had other staff members, including myself, who have had their own scary moments after mammograms didn't come up "all clear".
Fortunately for us, our biopsies came back all good.  But for our four staff members, they ended up with not a Golden Ticket, but, a Pink Ticket.  All four underwent treatments.  Three of our four have heard the words, "good news! you are cancer free!" 
Unfortunately, for one of our warriors, Martha, even though she fought as hard as she could, she lost her battle early this year.
This is why, year after year, I send out the call to come fight the war on cancer.  So that we don't lose anymore Marthas.  So we can keep our Wandas, our Barbaras, and our Emmas.

If you haven't registered yet for this year's Komen Arkansas Race, please consider doing so.

The race will be October 4th in downtown Little Rock & North Little Rock, with a brand new race course!
Registration is still going on-- you can log on to www.komenarkansas.org and register, or you can go out to register at  the Race Space (11619 Pleasant Ridge, Little Rock, 72212).   If you can't go out to the Race Space, I will be happy to take your registration form & money and pick up your race packet for you.
 If you will not be able to participate in the Race itself, but would like to help, you can always register for the Sleep in for the Cure--you still get a race shirt, and you can sleep in! (but why sleep in when there's always so much going on Race Morning?!!) 
Guys, you can participate by being a "3 Miles of Men" member--sign up, and you get your own special 3MOM shirt, and you can come cheer on all the ladies as they run/walk through downtown.

If you don't want to participate in the Race, but would like to donate some money, we will be happy to accept your donations!  Generous folks such as Mindy, Karmelita, Inell, and our own Emma gave heartfelt donations, as well as a wonderful Anonymous Donor.  Thank you all!

Again, you can go to www.komenarkansas.org to donate online or find the address to mail it in.        If you do not wish to go online, again, see me, and  I will be happy to take your donations to the Komen office. 

Let's not lose anymore.   Join us in downtown Little Rock on October 4th.
Let's win this war on cancer.
 Let's not hand out anymore Pink Tickets.



Monday, August 25, 2014

Sizzling!


I want to say 'Kudos!" to all the volunteers who showed up to help get the 2014 Kick-Off Party for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure off and running yesterday at the Promenade at Chenal.  Or should I say, off and sweating?!
It was plenty hot out there, as the event was outside, in the afternoon heat.  Afternoon heat.  100 degrees hot. Don't even think of looking at the heat index temps.
But these volunteers would be there in the sizzling heat or the freezing cold if it meant getting the upper hand on beating breast cancer.   They are serious about finding a cure. 
And you should be too.
Cancer is claiming the lives of too many people. So come on and join us in finding a cure.

there are tons of ways you can help:

Race for the Cure will be October 4th at 8:00 a.m. in downtown Little Rock. 
Register for the race, and don't forget to look at the NEW Race Route for this year!
You say you're not in shape for a 5k?  Pshaw---there is help out there for you---when you register for the race, you can also sign up for their program, Train for the Cure.  An easy six week program that will have you ready to go on Race Day!
Still not motivated to work out, but want to to help?  Just register for the Sleep in for the Cure!
That way you can still register, but on October 4th you can comfortably snooze away in your awesome tee shirt that you received just for registering.
Want to get the men in your life involved?  Search no more--3 Miles of Men is just waiting to welcome your husband, boyfriend, father, son, brother, grandson.  They want all your men to line the Race route and cheer you on as you stride down that route! They also get to enjoy their very own Tailgate Party on September 25th!

Want to do something else besides just participate in the Race?   Friend, we have just the sort of thing you are looking for!
you can Fundraise--one example--Go Pink Day.  Encourage everyone to wear pink on Friday, October 3rd.  Plan an event for that day, such as a bake sale, or have everyone pay $5 for the privilege of wearing jeans.  Have a raffle.  There are all sorts of ideas.

If you are part of a team (and why aren't you?), have your team participate in Tinkled Pink.
For $100, your team can decorate, inside and out, a port-a-potty! Show your creative side!

On Race Day, after the Race, you can Dine out for the Cure.  Several restaurants will be participating that day, so go eat, drink, and be merry, and raise money, all at the same time!

One long-term project that has been going on, and continues to need volunteers, is Spit for the Cure.
You fill out a form, do some spitting in a vial, and help medical researchers.  It's free, you just need to fill out an update form that they will send to you once in awhile.

Did I hear someone say, "Volunteer?" Yes, you, and I am looking at YOU--can volunteer!
Whether it's folding tee shirts, working in the Race Space, setting up or breaking down Race day activities, helping at the Pasta Party, or like those brave souls yesterday, standing outside to help at the Kick-off Party.   (I think they would have heartily welcomed an ice bucket challenge!)

There are so many other different ways you can participate, so go to www.komenarkansas.org and find a way that you can help find a cure. 

Move. Be Moved.  Help find that cure.

Peace,
Judi King
2014 Captain of The Bookends

Friday, June 28, 2013

Running


I know it's summertime, and it's too hot to even think about walking, let alone running.

But I am here to start pushing and nagging, because before you know it, October, specifically October 19th, will be here.
"What is so special about that date?" I can hear your mind wondering. (yeah, I know, I really can't, but humor me....it's hot out).
October 19th is the day that thousands, yes, thousands of feet will be pounding the pavement  during the Susan G. Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure in hopes of finding a cure.

And we really need to find a cure.  Too many people are losing their battles with cancer. I know this all too well--I have lost 3 family members this year to cancer. 
3 people who won't be around to watch all the silliness and fun that goes on the morning of Race Day. 
3 people who won't be around to encourage and support those who will be participating October 19th.
3 people who won't be around to tell their stories about their battles. 
I'm sure you know cancer warriors too, some who have lost their battles, and some who have been victorious in their fight.

So, won't you join those of us who will be lucky enough to go to downtown Little Rock on October 19th?

Please go to www.komenarkansas.org and register.  you can join our team, The Bookends, if you want--we love having crazy, funny, spirited warriors on our team!

So, on this hot sunny summer day, join us.
Run for those who will get their diagnosis this year.

run for those who are still fighting.
Run for those who can't.


Tuesday, February 5, 2013

20th Anniversary Komen RFTC info

We are excited to announce the 20th Anniversary of Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure. In celebration we are planning a number of events honoring the Affiliate's history and work in the fight against breast cancer.


Events Celebrating the 20th Anniversary include (some names are linked to additional information):

February 18th Past Race for the Cure Chair’s Valentine Brunch

March 29th Grants Presentation Luncheon

April 20th Fired Up for the Cure Judging, Woody’s Sherwood Forest

May 12th Illuminate the Cure, Big Dam Bridge

June 23rd Picnic in the Park

July 20th Fashion Shows

August This month is a surprise - be watching for us!

September Scavenger Hunt

October 19th Race for the Cure

November Pink Postcard Campaign

December 5 Race for the Cure Anniversary Book Reception for Sponsors

Most of these activities are open to anyone and we hope that you will come have fun and help us celebrate. We are proud to announce that again in 2011 we were the 4th largest Komen Race for the Cure. (2012 rankings have not yet been released.)

Magic happens on race morning in Downtown Little Rock/North Little Rock thanks to you (and 44,000 other participants). This one day raises enough money to allow over $1 million each year to be used to help with awareness (early detection) and to pay for mammograms for the underserved, uninsured and underinsured women of Arkansas.

This is a crucial time in the treatment of breast cancer. While we proudly proclaim the five year relative survival rate for U.S. women with localized breast cancer is 99%, we are concerned about a disturbing new trend. Recent studies are showing many women are not following the recommended guidelines for mammography screening, by either not having one at recommended intervals or by having their first screening later than recommended. This could lead to a more advanced tumor size and stage at diagnosis.

So this year, we want to celebate how far we have come, continue our campaign for breast health awareness and not lose sight of our goal to keep fighting until a cure is found.

Thank you for your past support! Come have fun in one of our nonrace activities to help us celebrate.



Ellen Kreth, Board President

Sherrye McBryde, Executive Director



Fired up for the Cure Calendars on January special $5 plus $3 shipping.

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

hmmmm.......

Hey y'all---
Yes, it is October.
Yes, I usually bug you all about the Race.
Yes, I said I wasn't sending anything out about it.
Okay, so I fib occasionally.

I am not participating this year because Komen National officers upset me with their actions about Planned Parenthood.
However, I still think very highly of the Arkansas affiliates.  They are very dedicated to the cause--and are very caring people, as is the 2012 Race Chair, Kristy Moody.  Awesome people indeed!
So I am going to send this out, as I am having people still asking me how to register with the team.
The Bookends are taking a "sabbatical" this year, but if you still want to participate in the 2012 Arkansas race, which is October 20, here are 3 ways to still register:

1)Register online (until after the race), and pick up your shirt at Race Space.


2) Register at Race Space - now open. Located in the Pleasant Ridge Town Center, 11525 Cantrell - same center as Belk and Fresh Market. Hours are: Monday - Friday 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. Saturday 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. and Sunday 12 a.m. - 6 p.m. Important!! Friday the 19th we close at 2 p.m. SHARP - so we can make our way downtown.

3) Register Race Morning. Registration tent is located at 4th and Arch.   I know Sherrye, Emily, Kristy & all the volunteers will appreciate your support. And thousands of  Arkansas breast cancer survivors will too.   Peace,   Judi PS  don't ask me about registration!  go to www.komenarkansas.org to register & get more information.

Friday, October 21, 2011

You

Tomorrow, October 22,is the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure here in Little Rock. It's a wonderful event, with lots of entertainment, freebies, and all around great morning.

I know the Komen Committee and its hundreds of volunteers have been working hard all year preparing for the race. But really, all the events, all the planning, all the preparation can't happen without one thing: YOU.
YOU put the heart and soul into everything that is done, has been done, and will be.
YOU care enough to donate money, to volunteer, to offer your time, talents and energy to make the Race for the Cure possible.

Tomorrow, thousands of YOU will make your way downtown to participate in one of the largest races in the U.S.
Whether you will be walking, running, or being with the 3 Miles of Men--
enjoy the morning, drink it in, savor the moment, and relish the thought that someday, hopefully very soon,because of YOU, we won't have to be massing together on an October morning to wage a war against breast cancer.

Because of YOU, Arkansas women will be able to get a mammogram. Because of YOU, they will be able to go on living and enjoying life.
Because of YOU, their families won't be facing an empty chair at Thanksgiving.
Because of YOU, cancer research will continue seeking a cure.

May YOU be blessed with peace, love, happiness, and good health.

YOU are wonderful.
Thank YOU.

Friday, September 30, 2011

things to do! people to see! places to go!

Tomorrow is the first day of October. Are you ready for a brand new month?
I hope so--there are so many things to do, especially just this weekend! Kathy Seymour sent a list of fun things to do, so I'll put them in this post in case you missed Kathy's email.

Also, please check www.komenarkansas.org if you would like a list of all the upcoming activities.

If you haven't registered yet (why not?!), or have friends or family who need to register, they can still do so online at the Komen website.

Remember, the Race Space opens one week from today!
Komen items always make good Christmas gifts, plus you are helping raise money for Komen when you shop there.

Thank you for being such an awesome team---Go Bookends!!

THIS WEEKEND
October 1st - Raise Your Hood for the Cure
Learn basic automobile care tips and the many expo booths at the Metroplex in Little Rock from 10 am to 2 pm
Sponsored by Bumper to Bumper, this activity is focused on assisting women with car maintenance
For more information, call Elizabeth Estes or email at elizabeth@btbautoparts.com


October 1st - Bowl for the Cure
Enjoy an afternoon of bowling at Enterprise Lanes at 1515 Military Road in Benton.
Great prizes and awards!
For more information, contact Stephany Eubanks at 501-772-5659 or email at stephony@sbcglobal.net
To print an entry form, visit www.CAWBA.com

October 2nd - Try It On For The Cure at Coldwater Creek at Chenal Promenade
Try on a pair of pants and $1 will be donated to the Arkansas Affiliate. In addition, enjoy $25 off for every $50 purchased on any clothing. While supplies last, receive a pink bracelet with every purchase.
For more information, contact Coldwater Creek at Chenal Promenade at 501-821-4085

Friday, September 16, 2011

sizzling......

Whew! It was HOT down at Dugan's Pub last night!

Abbie, her daughter Katie and I ventured down there to get a copy of the Komen 2012 Calendar, which depicts 12 of LR's finest, and I do mean finest! firemen...
Ladies, if you have not gotten your calendar--you need to RUN to the Komen office and pick yours up! Or, you can go to the Arkansas Komen website (www.komenarkansas.org) to purchase them.
Then come to the next meet and greet event where the men are usually available to sign their pictures, flirt a bit, and give hugs.
The next opportunity to meet these hotties is:

October 6th
Bar Louie at Pleasant Ridge @ 5:30 p.m. til...
11525 Cantrell Road
Little Rock, AR 72211


They really are the nicest guys,and if you think none of these guys will ever show up at a fire, Mr. January was actually one of the responders at a fire at my old apartment complex a year or so ago.....so if you need some fires put out--chances are pretty good that one of them will be rushing to your aid!

Remember, Christmas will be here in THREE short months, so why not surprise your BFF with one of these calendars? (And put one in your own stocking!)

Cheers!

Judi

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Buzz buzz buzz

Things are getting to be as busy as bees with Komen activities!

The warehouse is now astir with activities as volunteers are busy folding tee shirts and stuff envelopes, and the Race Space chair is looking for volunteers to man the Space when it opens October 7th.
This year both the warehouse and the Race Space will be conveniently located in one space: the old Post Office building behind the Pleasant Ridge shopping center off of Cantrell (Highway 10).

So, if you have time to help at either the warehouse or the Race Space, contact your Team Captain Kathy or the Co-Captain, me, and we will get you settled into the hive of activity!

Also, there will be plenty of buzzing around Dugan's Pub tomorrow night (9-15-11) about 7pm---those hotty worker bees, central Arkansas' finest Firemen, will be on hand to personally autograph your 2012 Komen calendar! What? You don't have a copy?? Well, come on down to 3rd and Rock streets, and for $15 each you can get your very own calendar! And, don't forget---they will make PERFECT Christmas gifts! And just think of how nice your wall will look all year long with 12 hunky firemen...

So-- volunteer at the warehouse, the Race Space, and then reward yourself with a calendar (or two) at Dugan Pub!

Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Don't Be Left Out In The Cold!

Okay Bookends---

This is your LAST chance to get joined up for the Race for the Cure!

Kathy Seymour is sending the paper registrations off Wednesday afternoon, so if you forgot to join the team, or have someone else (family member, friend, etc.) who wants to join us,
This Wednesday (8-31-11) at Noon is your last chance to get your registrations in!
If you have any questions, please ask us now.

Also, if you would like to get a team visor, please email Kathy by Wednesday so she can get the order in.
If you didn’t see the previous email, the visors will be khaki colored, with our team name THE BOOKENDS embroidered on them in dark pink. The cost will be $10, with portions of the proceeds going to Komen.
Kathy will collect the money for those on Sept. 9th, our next payday.
Only the chic-est people will be wearing these on October 22nd—so don’t be left out! Order now!

Thanks so much--

Judi

Friday, August 26, 2011

Congratulations!

Drum roll, drum roll please!

We have an announcement--
the winner of the Quilt Raffle is our very own:

Jean Dutton!

Congratulations Jean!

Carolyn Ashcraft picked Jean's name out of a VERY full jug overflowing with names of all the generous ticket buyers.
Thanks to everyone, we have exceeded our team's fundraising goal of $500. From just the quilt raffle alone, we have raised $183. Fantastic!

Also, Kathy held a mini-drawing (with Tina as her witness) for some pink bookmarks, and those winners are:

Wanda Gooden
Abbie Wilson
Elizabeth Danley
and Tina Youngblood

Thank you all so much for the generous giving of your time, talents, and hard earned money. With your donations, we have given enough money for at least 3 mammograms--3 lives helped because of you.
What an awesome team! I am so proud of every single one of you.
Thank you.

Don't forget--TODAY is the deadline for joining the team. You can register online at www.komenarkansas.org, or see Kathy Seymour or me for registration forms.

Now Jean, let's talk about "borrowing" that quilt......

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

the clock is ticking

This Friday is a Very Important Date:

It's our TEAM REGISTRATION DEADLINE!

You can go online to www.komenarkansas.org, click on Registration, click on Join an Existing Team, put in The Bookends (a government agency), and start registering! Your race shirt & goodies will be mailed directly to you at your house, starting in September.
If you prefer not to register online, then we (Kathy Seymour or myself) will accept your SIGNED registration form. Need a form? We got 'em!
while you are registering, don't forget to get a Pasta Party ticket or a 2012 Dancing Firemen calendar.

And, don't forget to get your raffle ticket(s) for the lovely quilt that Suzie made and donated.
IF you are a registered 2011 team member, you can get 2 raffle tickets for the price of 1! Otherwise, they are $2 apiece.
The raffle drawing is THIS Friday, so get your name in the pot this week!

If you're not sure you are fit and ready to participate in the Race? Join the Fitness for a Cure, starting in September at War Memorial. The Komen ladies will get you in such tip top shape, you'll be running rings around those Dancing Firemen!
You can also register for this when you sign up for the Race.

It is only 60 days to Race Day--got running shoes???

Monday, August 22, 2011

It's that time again.....


A message from Jill Winholt, this year's Race Chair:

Train for the Cure

Posted: 19 Aug 2011 11:21 AM PDT
Train for the Cure, sponsored by Weight Watchers, is a running and walking group designed to help get you ready for Race for the Cure. While training for the race, we'll also learn about proper shoe fit and exercise attire as well as how to properly stretch and cool down. But one of our biggest goals is to make it fun!

Interested? Read on!

Who is this for? Anyone interested in getting fit for the race and beyond! You must register for the Race and the Clinic. (There is a one time $10 clinic fee you will pay when you sign up.)
What is this? A fun, positive group atmosphere that will keep you motivated and on track with your exercise plan.
Where do we meet? At War Memorial Stadium in Little Rock. Enter at the entrance directly off Fair Park.
When do we meet? Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6 to 7 pm, beginning September 13 up until the race.
Why should you join? Why not?

Please remember, participants are responsible for bringing their own water.



Can't make it to the clinic? Gather your friends and play along at home! To do so, register for Race for the Cure online and also sign up for the "Virtual Train for the Cure". You will receive weekly emails that tell you what is going on at the clinic so you can do the same at home. There is no cost for the virtual clinic.

Let us know if you have questions.


BTW, just 64 days until the 18th Annual Komen Arkansas Race for the Cure!

Jill

Friday, August 19, 2011

I'd like to take this time to say goodbye, and *thank you* to our Co-Captain Suzie.

In the short time that she has been at the State Library, she has really contributed so much to our Library community.

And boy, is she good at coming up with ideas for fund-raising! For the Komen Race for the Cure, she and Kathy set a goal of $500, and with your generous donations to the Bake Sale and the Quilt Raffle, The Bookends have already gone past that goal--and it's not even our team deadline (which is next Friday, August 26th,BTW).
WOW!

And the beautiful quilts--my goodness! She has done not only 1 quilt for our team raffle, but she did one for the Pasta Party silent auction (which is on October 21st at Dickey Stephens Park; tickets $25, just in case you're interested), and she has also helped out with ideas and quilts for the NLR Friends of the Animals fundraisers (next one: August 27th, Grapes, Grains, & Growls at Woody's Sherwood Forest--tickets $25 each; see Wendy).

So thank you, Suzie, for all your donations, your giving of time & talent, and for just being you.

We will miss you!

Thursday, August 4, 2011

GOOD JOB!


We made just over $312 at the bake sale and our donations continue to come in from the quilt raffle and the BJF (Blue Jean Friday) passes! Go Bookends! We are over 60% to our team goal of $500!

Monday, August 1, 2011

I had to...



The Bake Sale Was A Huge Success!
Thank you to everyone who made and/or bough goodies! Early estimates say we made around $300! I'd say that was a good start for the team! Don't forget to register online at http://arkansas.info-komen.org/site/TR/RacefortheCure/LIT_ArkansasAffiliate/692319853?pg=team&fr_id=2281&team_id=172717

The quilt auction also began today and it will run until August 26th which is also the deadline to register for the team! If you register BEFORE the deadline quilt tickets are only $1 (they are normally $2) and you can buy them from Suzie or Kathy at ASL!

Some sad news is that I (Suzie) will be leaving ASL. August 19th will be my last day but I plan to come back for the race! You can't get rid of me that easily!

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

I smell cookies...

On August 1st from 9am-1pm we will be holding a bake sale! It will be in the kitchen-like area in front of the Bessie Moore room on the 2nd floor (900 W Capitol...if you are outside the building). Please let me know by July 25th if you want to make something! Please do! If you don't want to bake consider bringing plates/napkins/plastic ware as we will need all that! If all goes as planned I will also have a quilt to auction off then too (I'll sell tickets all month and pick a winner on Aug 26th). ALL money raised from these events go toward our team goal! In other good news...we have our first out of agency member! Nicole, from the AEDC is going to be joining us! Go Bookends!

Thursday, June 9, 2011

The Early Bird Saves the Boobies!


Hello guys! Kathy and I met this morning and well…we have a LOT planned for this year. Even though this is my first year being involved with the Komen Race for the Cure I’m dedicated to the cause! We haven’t even sent out our first welcome e-mail (look for it around June 20th) but I wanted to share with you some of the exciting things we have in the works.

I will be making TWO quilts, one will be given away to a lucky winner here at ASL and the other will be auctioned off at either the Race Space (opens Oct 7th) or at the Pasta Party (Oct 21st). Billy-Joe (pictured) loves to help me sew! This year we are also considering some “classic” methods of fundraising: a bake sale and a garage sale! We don’t have details on either of these just yet.

Race Day is Oct 22nd but it will be here before you know it! Online registration is now open so feel free to log on and join up (the deadline for registration is Aug 26th). When you register online you can opt into many features such as the “Train for the Cure” and also buy your tickets for the Pasta Party!

I’m signing off for now…but never fear, I’ll be back soon!

-Suzie

Changes

Here in Little Rock, it is a hot & humid day.
However, down in Adelaide, Australia, where some friends live, it is a very cold and chilly winter day. A few months down the road, the seasons will have changed, and it will be cold here and hot "Down Under".
Changes,changes, nothing stays the same, does it? Even our little Komen Race For the Cure team changes each year.
In case you are wondering, yes-we do have new Co-Captains! I hope you will be as supportive for these captains as you have in the past--the State Library Bookends have always gone over the top with your generosity, your support, and your enthusiasm. This year the captains have lots of great things in store for us, so I hope you will take part again this year in the fight against breast cancer.
Let's make the change in this battle for victory over cancer so in the future people won't have to change their lives to include chemo or radiation.
Let's help change lives for the better!

Peace,
Judi