This week's events

Feb. 21

Republican Women Meeting

SEARCY — The White County Republican Women will meet at 7 p.m. at Harding Place, 801 S. Benton. The guest speaker will be Dara Sammuel, the first vice president-elect of the Arkansas Federation of Republican Women and president of the Cleburne County Republican Women. A question-and-answer session will follow the discussion. The public is invited to attend.

White County Razorback Club

SEARCY — New University of Arkansas football coach Bret Bielema will speak to the White County Razorback Club at 6 p.m. in the Sullards Annex at Searcy High School. Bielema will discuss his decision to lead the Arkansas program, spring practice and the upcoming season. Before his talk, Bielema will sign autographs. Tickets are $20 each and may be purchased at Ronnie McFarland Farm Bureau Insurance, Brian Maddox State Farm Insurance, Richard Cargile Shelter Insurance, Ralph Haymond Insurance and at the Searcy main bank locations of First Security Bank, First Community Bank, Regions Bank, Centennial Bank, Liberty Bank and Simmons First National Bank.

Wind Ensemble Concert

SEARCY — The Harding University Wind Ensemble, under the direction of Michael Chance, will present a special concert at 7 p.m. in the Administration Auditorium. The performance will feature concert band music by Emmy Award-winning composer Julie Giroux (Dynasty, Karate Kid II, White Men Can’t Jump, The North and South documentary), as well as guest artist and Harding University alumnus Musician 3 Tony Garcia of the U.S. Navy Band, performing the virtuoso trombone piece Colors, by Belgian composer Bert Appermont.

Feb. 21-24

Lyon College Theater Production

BATESVILLE — The Lyon College Theatre Department will present Twelfth Night: or, What You Will, today through Sunday in the Holloway Theatre. Performances will be at 8 p.m. today through Saturday, and at 2 p.m. Sunday. The play is set in New York City in 1968, a time when sexual identities were forged by what young people chose to wear, echoing the main plot of the play. All Lyon students, faculty and staff will be admitted free. Call (870) 307-7510 for reservations.

Feb. 22

Searcy AARP Driver Course

SEARCY — The PrimeTimes of White County Medical Center will offer an AARP driver safety course from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Hubbach Center. Those attending are asked to park behind the hospital off Moore Street and use the elevator to go to the first floor. Frances Mizell will be the instructor. The cost of the course is $12 for AARP members and $14 for nonmembers. Members will need to present an AARP card to get the discount. For more information, call Anna Overbay at (501) 380-1050.

Black Tie Blue Jeans Ball

SEARCY — Lyon College will hold its second annual Black Tie Blue Jeans Ball at the Cow Palace at Chimney Rock in Concord. Proceeds will benefit student scholarships at the college. The event will feature a silent auction and hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m., a gourmet steak dinner at 7 p.m., a live auction at 8 p.m. and a dance about 9 p.m. This year’s live-auction items include a stay at a luxury suite in Little Rock, a weekend at the races at Oaklawn in Hot Springs, a stay at a ski resort in Michigan, a handmade quilt, a gourmet dinner and private concert for 10, a Bad Boy lawnmower, Club Level seats at a FedEx Forum event, a performance by the Lyon College Pipe Band, a Smokey Mountain retreat, a black angus heifer, a custom piece of jewelry, a stay at a condo in Turks and Caicos Islands, and a fully restored 1972 Volkswagen Beetle. Tickets to the event are $100. To purchase tickets, call (870) 307-7211 or email kay.hermansenpool@lyon.edu.

Blood Drive

JACKSONVILLE — North Metro Medical Center will hold a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to benefit the American Red Cross. The blood mobile will be parked in front of the health education building. To sign up, call (501) 985-7249 or visit redcrossblood.org and enter the code NMMCJ.

E-book Class

WARD — The Ward Public Library will hold an e-book class at noon. Participants will learn how to use an e-reader and what e-book options are available. Lunch will be furnished. Attendees are asked to call the library at (501) 941-3220 to make a reservation and to bring an e-reader to class. The library is at 405 Hickory, Suite 100.

Feb. 22-23

Scrapbooking Event

ASH FLAT — The fourth annual Crop This House scrapbooking event will be Friday and Saturday at the Ash Flat Church of Christ. Registration is $50, and proceeds will benefit the Rock This House fund. Those who preregister will receive a Crop This House T-shirt, along with a complimentary lunch and demonstrations of techniques. Doors will open at noon Friday, allowing uninterrupted scrapbooking time until 9 p.m. Saturday.

Feb. 23

Civil War Symposium

ASH FLAT — The Ash Flat Library will present a Civil War symposium from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Ash Flat Community Center, 11 Arnhart St., across from the Ash Flat Library. Registration will begin at 9 a.m., and a welcome will be given at 9:25. The public is invited, and admission is free.

CPR Certification

JACKSONVILLE — As part of National Heart Month, North Metro Medical Center will hold a CPR certification class Saturday in the education building. The class will be held from 8 a.m. to noon and again from 1-4 p.m., with a limit of 26 per class. The class is for ages 16 and older and costs $5 per person. Participants need to register by Wednesday by emailing areynolds@northmetromed.com and are asked to arrive at the class 15 minutes early.

JA Annual Charity Ball

SEARCY — The Junior Auxiliary of Searcy will host its annual Charity Ball at 6:30 p.m. at the Searcy Country Club, 2729 W. Country Club Road. This year’s theme is “Naturally Made in Arkansas,” and the JA will feature Arkansas-made items in the silent and live auctions. The event is the Junior Auxiliary of Searcy’s largest fundraiser to support the group’s projects. The evening will include dancing, hors d’oeuvres prepared by the Searcy Country Club chef, a live band and Boom Kinetic. To purchase tickets, stop by Stott’s Drug Store, contact any JA member, email junior.auxiliary@yahoo.com, or text inquiries to (501) 400-0778.

Feb. 25

AARP Meeting

CABOT — The monthly covered-dish supper of the Cabot AARP will be held at 6 p.m. at 600 N. Grant. The meal and meeting are open to all current and prospective AARP members.

Feb. 26

Beginner’s Excel Class

NEWPORT — Arkansas State University-Newport’s continuing-education department will offer a beginner’s Microsoft Excel class beginning Tuesday. The four-week course will meet at 5:30 p.m. Tuesdays in Walton Hall, Room 112, at ASUN. Each session will last approximately three hours. The cost for the course is $20, with an additional $15 fee if the student elects to keep the book that will be issued. Janna Ellis will teach the course. To register for the class, contact Jan Bailey in the ASUN Continuing Education Department at (870) 512-7813 or jan_bailey@asun.edu.

Audubon Society Meeting

CLINTON — The Little Red River Audubon Society will present a program on understanding the structure and function of headwater streams with Sally Entrekin, an aquatic ecology professor at the University of Central Arkansas. The group will meet for a Dutch-treat dinner at 5:30 p.m. at Western Sizzlin’ Restaurant, followed by the program at 7. Door prizes will be given after the meeting. All are invited to attend. For more information, visit www.littleredriveraudubonsociety.com or email lrras2011@gmail.com.

Feb. 27

Retired Teachers Association Meeting

NEWPORT — The Jackson County Retired Teachers Association will meet at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Newport Business and Resource Center in celebration of Black History Month. The program will be presented by Ollie Burton. Refreshments will be provided.

Ongoing

Cognitive Meditation Course

SEARCY — There will be a five-week course on Cognitive Meditation: The Art of Relaxation at 6:30 p.m. Tuesdays through March 19 at First Christian Church, 2721 W. Beebe-Capps. For more information, call (501) 207-3118.

Guest Artist February Exhibit

ASH FLAT — The works of Kaye D. Milligan will be on display at the Ash Flat Public Library during February. Milligan paints with acrylic and oil, using her own abstract-impressionistic style. Though mostly a self-taught artist, in Puerto Rico, she painted with international artist Eve Koenig. The vibrant tropical colors there influenced Milligan’s unique style.

Batesville Choral Society Rehearsals

BATESVILLE — The Batesville Choral Society will rehearse from 7-9 p.m. Mondays at First Presbyterian Church, 775 E. Boswell St. The group is directed by Michael Oriatti. All interested singers are invited to participate. A concert is scheduled for April 11. For more information, contact Alice Witterman at (870) 793-5928 or alicekw@suddenlink.net.

Black History Month

POCAHONTAS — The Eddie Mae Herron Center and Museum will observe Black History Month throughout February with activities and events that will include hog butchering, quilting, food preparation and lectures. Admission to the events is free. For more information, call (870) 892-4661, email rctourism@suddenlinkmail.com, or visit www.HerronCenter.org.

Upcoming

Chili and Pie Supper

SEARCY — The Associated Women for Harding University will hold a chili and pie supper at 6 p.m. March 1 at the Heber Springs School cafeteria. The Good News Singers from Harding University will be part of the program for the evening, as well as silent and live auctions. Tickets are $7 and may be purchased in advance or at the door. All proceeds will go to scholarships. For more information, call (501) 250-6142.

World Day of Prayer

FAIRFIELD BAY — The churches of the Fairfield Bay area will sponsor a World Day of Prayer at 1 p.m. March 1 at the Fairfield Bay Presbyterian Kirk of the Hills, 250 Dave Creek Parkway. This year's service was written by the women of France around the theme “I Was a Stranger, and You Welcomed Me.” World Day of Prayer is a worldwide ecumenical movement of Christian women of many traditions who come together to observe a common day of prayer each year on the first Friday of March. For more information, call Judy Leason at (501) 884-6617.

CHS Cruzers Car Show

CABOT — The Cabot High School Cruzers will host a car show from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 2 in the high school’s Champs Hall parking lot. The event will benefit the CHS Auto Tech Scholarship and Keep the Faith Foundation, a cancer foundation for kids. The event will feature music, games and door prizes. In case of rain, the event will be rescheduled for March 9.

Child Care Orientation Training

MELBOURNE — Ozarka College will offer Child Care Orientation Training as a Continuing Education offering at the Melbourne campus. The training will be held from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. March 2 and 9. The instructor for the free course will be Linda Foster. To take the class, contact Karen Overturf in the Vice President for Academic Affairs office at (870) 368-2005 or koverturf@ozarka.edu to request a Continuing Education application that must be completed prior to the course. There is a maximum seating of 20, and students will be received on a first-come, first-served basis.

Introduction to Computer Basics

ASH FLAT — Ozarka College will offer Introduction to Computer Basics as a Continuing Education course at the Ash Flat campus. The class will meet from 9-11 a.m. Saturdays, March 2, 9 and 16. The cost is $30 per person or $20 for participants over 65. Kourtney White will be the instructor. To take the class, contact Karen Overturf in the Vice President for Academic Affairs office at (870) 368-2005 or koverturf@ozarka.edu to request a Continuing Education application that must be completed prior to the course. There is a maximum seating of 24, and students will be received on a first-come, first-served basis.

Symphonic Band Concert

BEEBE — The Arkansas State University-Beebe Symphonic Band will be in concert at 7:30 p.m. March 5 at the Owen Center Theater. Under the direction of Brent Bristow, the symphonic band will perform works by Larry Clark, Jerry Brubaker, Brian Balmages, Roland Barrett, Clifton Jones, Alfred Reed, Richard Saucedo and Vasilij Agapkin. The ASU-Beebe Owen Center is at 910 Pecan St. The free concert is open to the public. For more information, contact Bristow at (501) 882-4474 or jbbristow@asub.edu.

Red Cross Blood Drive

JACKSONVILLE — First Electric Cooperative’s Jacksonville office will hold an American Red Cross blood drive from noon to 4 p.m. March 5. To schedule a donation, visit www.redcrossblood.org/ and enter sponsor code FECJ. Walk-ins are also welcome. The office is at 1000 S. J.P. Wright Loop Road. For more information, call First Electric at (800) 489-7405.

Basic Computer and Internet 101

MAMMOTH SPRING — Ozarka College will offer Basic Computer and Internet 101 as a Continuing Education course at the Ozarka College-Mammoth Spring Campus. The class will meet from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Wednesdays, March 6 through April 24. The cost is $25 per person. Joy Underwood will be the instructor. To take the class, contact Karen Overturf in the Vice President for Academic Affairs office at (870) 368-2005 or koverturf@ozarka.edu to request a Continuing Education application that must be completed prior to the course.

Spring River Gem and Mineral Club

CHEROKEE VILLAGE — The Spring River Gem and Mineral Club will meet at 10 a.m. March 7 at the Omaha Center, 20 Omaha Circle. Leonard H. Holden Jr., a retired physicist, will speak on the formation of the solar system. The public is invited. For more information, call Ruth Maxedon at (870) 257-2361.

Gold City Concert

WARD — Gold City, a Southern gospel quartet, will perform at 7 p.m. March 7 at First Landmark Missionary Baptist Church. There is no admission charge, but an offering will be collected. For more information, call (501) 843-3336.

Master Gardener Training

BATESVILLE — The Independence County Master Gardeners will hold training classes from March 7 through April 3 for people interested in learning more about gardening. Members in Izard, Independence, Sharp and Fulton counties will work together to conduct the training programs. Upon completion of Master Gardener certification, participants will be asked to donate 40 hours to help with community and educational projects. For more information, call the Independence County Extension Office at (870) 793-8840.

Scholarship Foundation Fundraiser

MOUNTAIN VIEW — The Stone County Scholarship Foundation will have its annual fundraiser, featuring the Southern gospel music group the Isaacs, at 4 p.m. March 9 at Flatwoods Baptist Church. The Isaacs are a family group who perform at the Grand Ole Opry and are active members on the Gaither Homecoming Videos and Concert series. Tickets are available at local banks and from the school district in Mountain View.

Chili and Soup Supper

HEBER SPRINGS — The Wilburn Friends and Family Relay for Life team will hold a chili and soup supper, with gospel singing to follow, at 5 p.m. March 9 at Wilburn General Baptist Church. Donations will be accepted for the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life. For more information, call Danita Hayes at (501) 206-2505.

Spring Career Fair

BATESVILLE — The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville will hold a spring career fair from 10 a.m. to noon March 13. Tables are available for employers who want to participate in the career fair. The event is free, and lunch will be provided. For more information, including how to register, contact Christopher Dickie at christopher.dickie@uaccb.edu or (870) 612-2125.

Griffithville Alumni Reunion

GRIFFITHVILLE — There will be an alumni reunion March 15 and 16 for all who attended school in Griffithville. For more information, contact Stacy Southerland at (817) 996-7672 or srsoutherland@hotmail.com.

NCA District Fair Deadline

MELBOURNE — The entry deadline for the Spring Junior Livestock Show in the seven-county North Central Arkansas District Fair area is March 15. The show will be held March 28-29 at the fairgrounds in Melbourne. Junior exhibitors from Cleburne, Fulton, Independence, Izard, Sharp, Stone and Van Buren counties are eligible to enter beef cattle, goats and horses in the spring show. The tabloid, with a schedule and a complete listing of classes, is available on the district fair website at www.ncadistrictfair.org. Exhibitors must enter online before March 15, and all entry fees must be received by that date. There is a link to online entries on the fair website. Exhibitors may pay with a credit card online or by check, mailed to NCA District Fair, P.O. Box 92, Sturkie, AR 72578.

Flea Market and Yard Sales

SALEM — The Fulton County Fair Association will sponsor the 10th annual Spring Fairgrounds Flea Market in conjunction with the Salem Chamber of Commerce Community Yard Sales on April 12 and 13. Vendors will set up the morning of April 12, and flea-market hours will be 1-6 p.m. April 12 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 13. Secure, inside vendor space is available in the Hickinbotham-Miller Exhibit Building, or vendors who have their own display units can set up outside. For more information or to reserve a space, call the Fulton County Fair Association at (870) 895-5565 or (870) 458-3080, or email fultoncountyfair@centurytel.net. Applications are available online at www.fultoncountyfair.org.

Ward Chamber Awards Banquet

WARD — The Ward Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual awards banquet April 19 at Grace Community Church, 30 Second St. A social hour will begin at 6 p.m., followed by dinner at 7. Tickets are $25 per person or $175 for a table of eight. For more information, call Sharon Roberts at (501) 743-4395 or Chris Mann at (501) 941-9987.

Ward Chamber Annual Jamboree

WARD — The Ward Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual jamboree from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 14 at the Chamber of Commerce building.

To submit an item for the Calendar of Events, mail information to Calendar of Events, Three Rivers Edition, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, AR, 72203; send faxes to (501) 378-3500; or email trnews@arkansasonline.com. Deadlines for calendar-item submissions are noon Friday for Thursday editions and noon Tuesday for Sunday editions.

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