March 17
Shakespeare Auditions
BENTON — This year, Saline County Shakespeare in the Park will present The Tempest, by William Shakespeare. Auditions will be held at 5 p.m. March 17 in the outdoor auditorium at Tyndall Park. Auditioners need to prepare a 1 1/2-minute monologue. If not, some will be available at the auditions. Cold reads from the script will also be required. For more information, contact Lisa Goodrich at (501) 249-3169 or lisagoodrich1980@yahoo.com.
March 18
Blood Drive
ARKADELPHIA — The American Red Cross will hold a blood drive from 1-6 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church Sturgis Building. Donors will be asked to present a donor card or photo ID. Refreshments will be available.
Game On
BRYANT/BENTON — Tweens and teens are invited to play video and/or board games from 3:30-5 p.m. at both Saline County libraries. The program is for ages 8-18 at the Mabel Boswell Memorial Library in Bryant and for ages 13-18 at the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library in Benton. For more information, call (501) 778-4766 or (501) 847-2166.
March 18-22
Spring Break Closing
HOT SPRINGS — National Park Community College will be closed March 18-22 for spring break. The campus will reopen March 25 for regular class and office hours.
March 19
DePue Brothers Benefit Concert
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — The Hot Springs Village Community Foundation will hold its eighth annual benefit concert at 7:30 p.m. in the Woodlands Auditorium, featuring The DePue Brothers Band. Proceeds from the concert will be used to establish an endowment for the Jessieville School District Foundation. A cash bar will be made available at 5:30 p.m., followed by dinner at 6:30. Tickets for reserved concert seats are $25, and dinner tickets are $15. To purchase tickets, visit www.hsvpoa.org.
Saline Crossing Meeting
BENTON — The Saline Crossing Regional Park and Recreation Area Inc. will meet at 5:30 p.m. at the Gene Moss building in Tyndall Park. The public is invited to attend and help save the bridge at Saline Crossing and plan the 200th anniversary celebration of the first settlement in Saline County.
Puppet Show
BENTON — All ages are invited to a family-friendly puppet show at 4 p.m. at the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library. For more information, call (501) 778-4766.
Historical Society Meeting
HASKELL — The Haskell Historical Society will meet at 3:30 p.m. at the Haskell City Hall. Members may renew memberships for 2013, and new members are welcome. Attendees are asked to bring photos, old newspaper articles or other information about Haskell’s past to be donated, loaned or copied for display at the museum. For more information, call Emaline Stroud at (501) 303-0384 or Darlene Emmons at (501) 315-2913.
March 20
Nutrition-Themed Story Time
BENTON — Registered dietitian Ashlee Tappe will present a special nutrition-themed story time for children 3 to 5 years old at 10:30 a.m. at the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library. The event will include a story, a craft and a healthy snack. For more information, call (501) 778-4766.
Introduction to Computers
BENTON — Adults 18 and older are invited to attend an introductory computer class at 4 p.m. at the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library. The class includes learning to use a mouse and keyboard. No registration is required. For more information, call (501) 778-4766.
March 21
Genealogy/Local History Help
BRYANT — Steve Perdue, head of genealogy and local history at the Saline County Library, will be available to answer genealogy questions from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Mabel Boswell Memorial Library. To make an appointment, call (501) 778-4766.
Introduction to the Internet
BENTON — Adults 18 and older are invited to attend a basic computer class regarding use of the Internet at 4 p.m. at the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library. No registration is required. For more information, call (501) 778-4766.
March 21 and 25
Scooby Doo Mystery Night
BENTON/BRYANT — The Saline County Library will host a Scooby Doo Mystery Night from 5:30-7 Thursday at the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library in Benton and from 3:30-5 March 25 at the Mabel Boswell Memorial Library in Bryant. The come-and-go event is for all ages. Participants are invited to dress as Scooby Doo characters/villains in ’70s attire and piece together clues to solve the mystery. Snacks will be available, along with a Mystery Machine photo opportunity. For more information, call (501) 778-4766.
March 23
Book-to-Movie Club
BRYANT — The Saline County Library will host its second meeting of the Book-to-Movie Club at noon at the Mabel Boswell Memorial Library. The group is open to adults 18 and older and will meet on a monthly basis. The selection for this meeting is The Prestige, by Christopher Priest. For more information, call (501) 778-4766.
Ongoing
Aviation Mentors Needed
ARKADELPHIA — Henderson State University’s aviation department is looking for volunteers to participate in a new aviation mentorship class. Those who want to become aviation mentors may contact Hogue at hoguet@hsu.edu and briefly describe their aviation background, along with what areas they would like to mentor, such as airline, corporate or military pilot; or facility management. Class size will be limited to the number of mentors available to the program.
Student Art Show
ARKADELPHIA — The Southwest Region V Student Art Show will be at the Arkadelphia Arts Center through April 6. The exhibit features colorful and creative art from kindergartners through 12th-graders from 10 school districts in the southwest region of Arkansas and is sponsored by the Southwestern Division of the Arkansas Art Educators. Operated by the nonprofit Clark County Arts and Humanities Council, the center is open to the public at no charge. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday. For more information, call (870) 245-3612.
Junior Volunteer Program
HOT SPRINGS — National Park Medical Center is accepting applications for the 2013 Junior Volunteer Summer Service Program, June 10 through Aug. 9. The program teaches teens ages 14 to 18 about the health care industry through observation of various hospital departments. Participants will volunteer four to 32 hours per week at the hospital during the program. May 15 is the deadline to submit complete applications, including an information sheet, two letters of recommendation and a guardian-signed TB-skin-test release form. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by June 1. For more information, call (501) 620-2705 or email mandy.golleher@npmchs.com. Applications are available online at www.nationalparkmedical.com.
Essay Contest
MALVERN — The Malvern-Hot Spring County Library is sponsoring a writing contest for youth ages 7-18 in Hot Spring County. Entrants are asked to write a one- to five-page essay about a book that has special meaning to them, inspired them or made a difference in how they think. Typed essays are preferred, but not required. Essays should include the writer’s name, phone number, address, age and school name, and be submitted to the library front desk by March 28. Winners, who will be contacted by April 2, will receive a cash prize, a trophy and two tickets to the library’s 85th Birthday Bash on April 13, when winners will be announced and prizes awarded. For more information, call (501) 332-5441.
Student Juried Art Exhibit
ARKADELPHIA — Ouachita Baptist University’s Student Juried Art Exhibit is open to the public in Hammons Gallery in the Mabee Fine Arts Center through March 25. The free exhibit features 24 entries from 14 participants. Gallery hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. The exhibit is also open on evenings when other School of Fine Arts events are held in the Mabee Fine Arts Center. For more information, contact Donnie Copeland at copelandd@obu.edu or (870) 245-5559.
Event Center Naming Requests
BENTON — The Benton Advertising and Promotion Commission will accept requests until 4 p.m. April 12 for proposals for the opportunity to purchase naming rights of the new Benton Event Center. The proposals will be publicly opened at that time. Proposals received after the deadline will be returned unopened. Faxed or emailed proposals will not be accepted. Copies of the request for proposal may be obtained from the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce, 607 Market St., or by calling (501) 860-7004. Submit proposals to the Benton Area Chamber of Commerce in a sealed envelope with the notation “Benton Advertising & Promotion Naming Rights RFP” on the outside.
Habitat Collegiate Challenge
SALINE COUNTY — Habitat for Humanity will host college students from around the country during spring break for one more Collegiate Challenge build week, Saturday through March 27. The students will work with Habitat for Humanity of Saline County on local build projects. Habitat is seeking volunteers to provide simple meals for 40 people for breakfast and lunch, or 20 people for dinner during the build. For more information, call (501) 315-5434.
AARP Tax Help
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — AARP Foundation Tax Aide volunteers are available from noon to 5 p.m. every Wednesday through April 10 at the Coronado Community Center. The program is free to taxpayers with low and moderate incomes, with special attention to those 60 and older. The service is offered in cooperation with the Internal Revenue Service. For more information, call the Coronado Community Center office at (501) 922-5050.
Scholarship Donations
BRYANT — The 2013 Bryant Area Chamber of Commerce is accepting donations from companies to provide scholarships for students with at least a 2.75 grade-point average, as well as demonstrated financial need and community service. Companies can donate $500 for a full scholarship, $250 for a scholarship shared with another sponsor or $100 shared with four other sponsors. The deadline for support is April 1. The scholarships will be awarded in an assembly the first Friday of May at Bryant High School. Donors will be invited to send a company representative to award the certificate to the student. For more information, email raeann@bryantcahmber.com.
Free Tax Preparation
The Central Arkansas Development Council is offering free tax-preparation assistance in Saline, Hot Spring and Clark counties. In Clark County, services will be at the Huie Library at Henderson State University, 1100 Henderson St. in Arkadelphia. For an appointment, call (870) 867-0151. In Hot Spring County, services will be at the Malvern/Hot Spring County Library, 202 E. Third St. in Malvern. For an appointment, call (501) 332-5441. In Saline County, services will be at the CADC Senior Activity Center, 210 Jefferson in Benton. The site is open from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Mondays and Tuesdays, and walk-ins are accepted. Services will be offered by appointment only at the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library, 1800 Smithers Drive in Benton; call (501) 778-1133.
AARP Tax-Aide Service
BENTON — Free preparation of tax returns, including free E-filing, will be offered for people of all ages from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Thursdays at an AARP Tax-Aide site at Midtowne Church, 4037 Boone Road in Benton. AARP Tax-Aide is the nation’s largest, free, volunteer-run tax counseling and preparation service. The site will provide continuing tax services to taxpayers who have attended the Park Place Baptist site in the past. Walk-ins are welcome but will be served after those with appointments. To schedule an appointment, call Larry at (501) 303-6829.
Sister City Teacher Scholarships
HOT SPRINGS — The Hot Springs National Park Sister City Foundation will accept applications until March 25 for two teacher scholarships for summer travel to Hanamaki, Japan, Hot Springs’ sister city. Teachers or school administrators currently employed in Garland County public schools are eligible for the program. The scholarship will fully fund travel costs for a seven-day trip to Hanamaki in mid-June. The city of Hanamaki will provide home-stay arrangements, along with tours and educational opportunities. Application information is available through the Sister City Program link on the city of Hot Springs’ home page, www.cityhs.net.
Upcoming
Movie Monday
BENTON — A movie specifically selected for ages 12 and under will be shown at 4 p.m. March 25 at the Bob Herzfeld Memorial Library. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. For more information, call (501) 778-4766.
Operation JumpStart
HOT SPRINGS — National Park Community College will offer a six-week course, Operation JumpStart: First Step, a nationally recognized training model delivered to individuals considering starting or expanding a small business. The course, which is open to the public, will be held March 25 through May 2. Participants will learn essential small-business planning and preparation skills with practical hands-on training. The course fee is $275, with the book included. The course will also include the Business Feasibility Competition with a chance to win up to $1,000 in seed capital for approved business expenses. For more information, contact Barry Ballard at bballard@npcc.edu or (501) 760-6587, or to register, call (501) 760-4223 or visit shortclass.npcc.edu.
Crafts for Teens
BRYANT — Teens are invited to participate in a make-and-take craft from 4-5:30 p.m. March 26 at the Mabel Boswell Memorial Library. For more information, call (501) 847-2166.
Tuesday with the Master Gardeners
BRYANT — The Saline County Master Gardeners and presenter Bruce Schraeder will discuss “Gardening in Small Areas” at 6:30 p.m. March 26 at the Mabel Boswell Memorial Library. The program is open to all ages. For more information, call (501) 778-4766.
Fire Station Open House
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — The community is invited to the Cortez Fire Station Open House from 10 a.m. to noon March 30. Attendees can tour the fire station, training tower, fire engine and rescue truck. Games, activities and goody bags will be available for children. Hot dogs and refreshments will be provided.
Reel Women Festival
BENTON — Reel Arkansas, a nonprofit group based on Facebook, has scheduled the 2013 Reel Women Festival for 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. March 30 at the Royal Theatre in Benton. The festival aims to include films from Tennessee and Mississippi, as well as Arkansas. Two of the films are Sarah Jones’ John Wayne’s Bed and G.B. Shannon’s FreshSkweezed. The festival will also have a panel discussion on women in film, with several of the filmmakers attending. Tickets are $10 in advance or $15 at the door. For more information, find Reel Arkansas at facebook.com/groups/101481596615960.
Guest Pianist Performance
ARKADELPHIA — Henderson State University’s music department will host a performance by renowned Canadian pianist Paul Berkowitz at 7:30 p.m. April 1 in the Russell Fine Arts Building Recital Hall, 604 N. 12th St. Berkowitz concentrates his efforts on the quintessential Romantic piano literature written by Schubert, Schumann and Brahms. Berkowitz has recorded works by these composers on Meridian Records. The free concert is open to the public.
Aerospace Training Information Meeting
HOT SPRINGS — National Park Community College will host a free information session at 6 p.m. April 2 for those who are considering a career in aerospace. The session will be held in the NPCC aerospace lab on the south side of the campus. For more information or to register, contact Vickie Harrison at vharrison@npcc.edu, or call (501) 760-4135.
All Majors Job Fair
HOT SPRINGS — The annual National Park Community College All Majors Job Fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 4 at the Fisher Campus Center. The free event is open to the public. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet employers who are hiring; obtain career information; establish contacts through networking; and identify career, summer, temporary and internship opportunities. NPCC is partnering with the Arkansas Workforce Center and expects approximately 40 employers at the event. Interested job seekers are asked to bring copies of their resume, dress professionally and be prepared to interview with employers. For more information, contact Mary Kay Wurm at mwurm@npcc.edu or (501) 760-4246.
Lincoln Day Dinner
ARKADELPHIA — The annual Clark County Lincoln Day Dinner will be held April 9 in Ouachita Baptist University’s Walker Conference Center. Rex Nelson, a native of Arkadelphia, an OBU graduate, current president of Arkansas’ Independent Colleges and a columnist for the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, will be the keynote speaker. The event will start with a reception at 5:30 p.m. in the Walker Center Lobby, followed by a three-course dinner at 6:30. Tickets are $35 for individuals or $200 for a table of six. College students may attend for $20. No tickets will be sold at the door. To purchase tickets or for more information, call Cabe Land and Timber at (870) 353-2063 or email cabeland@iocc.com.
Business Expo
BENTON — The Benton Area Chamber of Commerce’s 2013 Cajun Feast and Business Expo will be held from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 11 at First United Methodist Church. Nine professionally repapered and draped 10-by-10-foot booths are available for $100 each. A sign with the company’s name, one table and two chairs will be provided. Dedicated electricity cannot be guaranteed. Vendors will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Approximately 700 people attended last year’s Cajun feast. For more information, call (501) 860-7004.
Citizens Police Academy
HOT SPRINGS — The Hot Springs Police Department’s next Citizens Police Academy will begin April 11. Participants will meet with SWAT team members and detectives to learn about patrol functions, department structure and search and seizure, and to ride along with an officer. Class members will meet in the Police Department’s large classroom from 6-9 p.m. Thursdays for eight weeks. The class is free. Each applicant is subject to a thorough background check. Applications may be picked up at the department or printed at www.hotspringspolice.com. The deadline for applications is April 1.
Library Birthday Celebration
MALVERN — The Hot Spring County Historical Society will celebrate the Mid-Arkansas Regional Library’s 85th year of service with a birthday dinner from 6:30-8:30 p.m. April 13 at the Malvern Country Club. For more information, call Kinney Black at (501) 337-0796.
Band Concert
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — The Hot Springs Concert Band will present its annual spring concert at 3 p.m. April 21 in the Woodlands Auditorium. The concert is sponsored by the Kiwanis Club of Greater Hot Springs Village, which will provide a complimentary ice-cream sundae to each attendee, as well as conduct a silent auction, starting at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 and may be purchased from any member of the Hot Springs Concert Band or the Kiwanis Club; at the Woodlands office from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. weekdays; or online at www.hsvwoodlands.com. Remaining tickets will be available at the box office prior to the show.
Flea Market
BENTON — The youth of First Lutheran Church in Benton will present their second annual flea market from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. April 27. The group is seeking vendors. Each 8-by-14-foot site costs $10, and more than one site may be reserved. All proceeds from the sale are kept by the vendor. For more information, call Cindy at (501) 844-4275.
Rotary Trip to Kansas City
HOT SPRINGS VILLAGE — The Hot Springs Village Rotary Club will offer a trip Oct. 3-6 to Kansas City, Mo. Accompanied by trip hosts, travelers will visit the U.S. Federal Reserve Money Museum, the Arabia Riverboat Exhibit, the American Jazz Museum and more. The return trip will include a stop at the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville. The all-inclusive price of the trip, $620 per person, includes a tax-deductible contribution to the charitable activities of the HSV Rotary Charity Corp. For more information or to reserve a seat, contact Tony Cifelli at (501) 915-8238, Terry Young at (501) 915-8912, or Paul and Lynda Bridges at (501) 922-6798.
To submit a school or community event for the Tri-Lakes Calendar of Events, mail information to Calendar of Events, Tri-Lakes Edition, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, AR, 72203; fax to (501) 378-3500; or email to tlnews@arkansasonline.com. Deadlines for calendar-item submissions are noon Friday for Thursday editions and noon Tuesday for Sunday editions.