Trinity Wilson, a sixth grader at Benton Middle School will submit a painting for the third time in this month’s 7th Annual Gallery of Hope art auction to benefit the American Childhood Cancer Organization of Arkansas.

In March 2009, Trinity was diagnosed with a rare rhabdoid tumor in her back. She underwent chemotherapy for 14 months and 26 radiation treatments, but has been in remission since June 2010.

In years past, Trinity’s paintings have showcased birds, but this year she says she isn’t yet sure what her painting will feature. She does know that she enjoys being a participant in the art auction, knowing that her artwork will help other children diagnosed with cancer.

Trinity’s artwork, as well as pieces by other patients and survivors from Arkansas Children’s Hospital, will be auctioned off at the event from 6-8:30 p.m. on Sept. 7 at the Arkansas Governor’s Mansion.

The American Childhood Cancer Organization of Arkansas is a nonprofit whose mission is to promote awareness of childhood cancer and assist families struggling with the daily challenges of caring for a child with cancer.

Each year, 100 new children are diagnosed with cancer at Arkansas Children’s Hospital. Last year, the American Childhood Cancer Organization provided educational materials to all families of children newly diagnosed with cancer, and assisted 54 families with expenses such as rent, utilities, car repair and funeral costs.

Tickets may be purchased online at ACCO.org/Arkansas, or by phone at 420-4219.

Code Red

Families can breathe a little sigh of relief when they sign up for the Saline County Office of Emergency Management’s free weather notification service “Code Red.” The service alerts citizens in the path of severe thunderstorms, flash floods and tornadoes, so you don’t have to tune in to access the information you need to keep your family safe. The alerts are address-specific, so residents only receive messages if severe weather is actually expected to affect their area. Plus, participants can choose a preferred method of notification, including email, text or phone call.

There is no direct charge to sign up for Code Red; the service is funded by the voluntary $5 tax that can be included on homeowners’ yearly property taxes.

For more information call 303-5649. To register, visit SalineCounty.org.

Friday Night Football

The annual Salt Bowl between the Bryant Hornets and Benton Panthers will come a little later in the season this year, but players and fans are pumped—no matter the date. Typically, the two teams battle it out for the first game of the season. This year, due to conference re-alignments, they’ll play at War Memorial on Sept. 21 for their fourth game of the year.

Traditionally, it is the most attended game of the year for the Saline County rivals. Last year, the Hornets beat the Panthers 21-14, in front of 23,587 fans for their sixth consecutive win in the series. Benton holds the overall series advantage with 24-14-1.

Though the action will primarily take place on the field, don’t miss out on the tailgating fun before the game. Free food, drinks, games and inflatables sponsored by Saline County businesses and churches will set up in the parking lot, so arrive early.