Dec. 25, 26 and Jan. 1
Blanchard Springs Caverns Holiday Closings
MOUNTAIN VIEW — Blanchard Springs Caverns, 15 miles northwest of Mountain View near Fifty Six, will be closed today, Friday and Jan. 1. Tours will begin again Saturday. Blanchard Springs Caverns is normally open Wednesdays through Sundays and closed Mondays and Tuesdays. The Caverns’ Visitor Information Center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call the Caverns at (870) 757-2211; visit www.fs.usda.gov/osfnf or www.recreation.gov, or write to the U.S. Forest Service, 1001 E. Main St., Mountain View, AR 72560.
Dec. 25-28
Library Closure
BATESVILLE — The Independence County Library will be closed for the Christmas holiday season through Sunday, reopening at 9 a.m. on Monday.
ONGOING
Caverns Tours Time Changes
MOUNTAIN VIEW — Blanchard Springs Caverns will run a reduced schedule for January and February. Tours through Dripstone Trail will be offered at 11 a.m., 1:30 p.m. and 4 p.m. Other tours will be added as needed. Wild Cave Tours will be offered, as usual, on a reservation-only basis. The caverns are normally open five days a week, Wednesdays through Sundays. The facility’s visitor center is open from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. each day the caverns are open for tours. For more information, call (870) 757-2211 or visiit www.fs.usda.gov/osfnf or www.recreation.gov.
ASUN Holiday Closing
NEWPORT — Arkansas State University-Newport is closed in observance of the holiday season and will reopen at 8 a.m. Jan. 5. Returning students with no holds on their accounts may continue to register online during the holiday closing. Classes for spring 2015 begin Jan. 20. For more information or to begin the registration process, call (800) 976-1676 or visit www.asun.edu. Spring 2015 courses may be found at www.asun.edu/schedules.
Scholarship Application Deadline
WHITE COUNTY — The deadline for applying for White County Single Parent Scholarship Fund Inc. spring 2015 scholarships is Jan. 7. The fund awards scholarships to White County single parents who have minor children and are pursuing postsecondary education in order to achieve skilled employment. The application may be viewed at www.aspsf.org/county_white.html. For more information, contact Executive Director Dan Newsom at wcspsf.inc@gmail.com or (501) 230-2414.
Cabot Civitan Meetings
CABOT — Cabot Civitan Meetings are held at 6 p.m. the first and third Mondays of each month at First Security Bank in downtown Cabot. For more information, call Tom Nolting at (501) 606-3731.
Tea Party Meeting
CABOT — The Jacksonville/Cabot Tea Party meets at 7 p.m. each second Thursday of the month in Centennial Bank’s Community Room, 300 W. Main St. For more information, call (501) 813-6980.
Love Cap Group
HEBER SPRINGS — The Love Cap group meets to sew caps on the fourth Wednesday of each month at First Baptist Church. For more information, call Polly at (501) 206-0808.
Pancake Breakfast
McRAE — A pancake breakfast is held from 7-9 a.m. the second Saturday of each month at McRae Masonic Lodge F. & A.M. No. 687. Donations are accepted.
Chronic Pain Meeting
CABOT — The Cabot Chapter of the American Chronic Pain Association meets from 6-8 p.m. the first Friday of the month at 15361 Arkansas 5. The association is a nonprofit, self-help group designed to teach people with chronic pain to reduce the impact pain has on their work and personal lives. All prospective members are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Michelle Lippert at (501) 259-6069.
Friends of the Library Book Shop
HEBER SPRINGS — The Friends of the Library Book Shop, 2255 Arkansas 25B N., is open from 3:30-7 p.m. Mondays, and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. The shop offers a large selection of books at bargain prices. All proceeds from the shop benefit the libraries in Cleburne County.
Second Time Around Bookstore
SEARCY — The Literacy Council of White County operates the Second Time Around Bookstore at 109 E. Center in downtown Searcy. Proceeds from the sale of donated books support the mission of helping adults in the community improve their literacy and English-language skills. The store and literacy office are open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. For more information, call (501) 278-5500.
Upcoming
First Day Hikes
POWHATAN — Lake Charles State Park will hold its annual First Day Hike at 7 p.m. Jan. 1 at the park, 3705 Arkansas 25. Participants will have an opportunity to listen to night sounds and observe the stars as they hike Lake Charles. The free event is appropriate for children and adults of all ages. Attendees are reminded to dress appropriately for the weather. For more information, call (870) 878-6595.
Hike at Davidsonville
POCAHONTAS — A history-themed hike of the Black River Trail at Davidsonville Historic State Park will kick off the new year at the park outside of Pocahontas. The 1.5-mile hike will include a visit to the historic Phillips-Reeve Cemetery and scenic views of the Black River, with hot chocolate served at the hike’s end. Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult, while pets are welcome but must be on a leash. For more information on this free event, contact the park at (870) 892-4708 or davidsonville@arkansas.com.
Family Ramble
NEWPORT — Jacksonport State Park will celebrate the new year with a First Day Hike along the Tunstall River Walk. The low-impact hike, called the New Beginning Family Ramble, will begin at 10 a.m. and will offer a healthy activity and nature scenes during its 1.2-mile course running along the White River. Participants should bring bottled water, snacks, binoculars, cameras and birding books to help in identifying the fowl spotted along the trail. For more information, call the park at (870) 523-2143 or email jacksonport@arkansas.com.
Music Session
BATESVILLE — Instrumental musicians, singers and listeners are invited to a jam session from 6-9 p.m. Jan 5 in the Community Room of First Community Bank. Participants are asked to bring their favorite songs.
Family Movie Night
JACKSONVILLE — Dolphin Tale 2, rated G, will be shown for all ages at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 6 at the Nixon Library. For more information, call the library at (501) 457-5038.
KidStage Registration
SEARCY — Registration is open for the Spring Session of KidStage. Classes will meet from 4-6 p.m. Jan. 6 for second- through sixth-graders and Jan. 8 for seventh- through 12th-graders. The cost is $60, and space is limited. To get a child’s name on the list, call (501) 368-0111; then come by the theater, at 219 W. Arch St., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday to fill out a registration form and pay the fee. Directors for this session are Victoria Hargrove and Tyler Norris. Performance dates are March 19-21.
Introduction to E-readers
JACKSONVILLE — An introduction to e-readers for all ages will be presented at noon Jan. 8 at the Nixon Library. Participants are asked to bring their e-readers and will learn how to download print books and audio books. For more information, call the library at (501) 457-5038.
Adult Movie Night
JACKSONVILLE — The Hundred Foot Journey, rated PG, will be shown for adults at 5 p.m. Jan. 8 at the Nixon Library. For more information, call the library at (501) 457-5038.
AARP Smart Driver Course
SEARCY — The PrimeTimes of White County Medical Center will offer an AARP Smart Driver Course from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 10 on the first floor of the Hubach Center. Parking is available behind the hospital off Moore Street. Take the elevator to the first floor. The instructors are Frances and Bill Mizell. The cost of the course is $15 for AARP members with an AARP card and $20 for nonmembers. Participants may want to bring a sweater or jacket for comfort. To register for the class, call Anna Overbay-Brumfield at PrimeTimes at (501) 380-1050.
Clothing Swap
JACKSONVILLE — The Nixon Library will hold a clothing swap at 11 a.m. Jan. 12. Participants are welcome to choose free used clothing and donate some of their own. For more information, call the library at (501) 457-5038.
Family Movie Night
JACKSONVILLE — The film When the Game Stands Tall, rated PG, will be shown for all ages at 5:30 p.m. Jan. 13 at the Nixon Library. For more information, call the library at (501) 457-5038.
Coffee and Tea Tasting
JACKSONVILLE — The Nixon Library will hold a coffee and tea tasting at noon Jan. 15. Various kinds of coffee and tea will be available for attendees to sample. For more information, call the library at (501) 457-5038.
Adult Movie Night
JACKSONVILLE — There will be a screening of Guardians of the Galaxy, rated PG-13, for adults at 5 p.m. Jan. 15 at the Nixon Library. For more information, call the library at (501) 457-5038.
History Symposium
POWHATAN — The Northeast Arkansas Regional Archives and the Arkansas History Commission will hold a symposium on Jan. 15 at the courthouse and male and female academy of Powhatan Historic State Park. The symposium, scheduled for 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., will have check-in at 9:15 a.m. Lunch wil be provided. Teachers can earn up to six professional development hours for attendance. Registration is limited, and registration deadline is Jan. 12. For more information or to register, call (501) 682-6892 or email tatyana.oyinloye@arkansas.gov.
Learn to Crochet
JACKSONVILLE — Learn to Crochet for ages 13 and older will be presented at 1:30 p.m. Jan. 17 at the Nixon Library. Registration is required, and attendees are asked to bring a size H crochet hook. Free yarn will be provided. For more information, call the library at (501) 457-5038.
Human Resource Training
BATESVILLE — First Community Bank and the Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host human-resource training from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 22 in the George Rider Room of First Community Bank. The session, a continuation of the Basic Supervisor Training held in September, will focus on the behavioral aspects behind hiring, retaining and leading employees, and on maximizing the employer’s return on investment for an employee. The registration fee is $150 for chamber members and $200 for nonmembers.
Adult Movie Night
JACKSONVILLE — This is Where I Leave You, rated R, will be shown for adults at 5 p.m. Jan. 22 at the Nixon Library. For more information, call the library at (501) 457-5038.
Sewing and More
JACKSONVILLE — Sewing and More — fiber-crafting sessions that involve sewing, knitting, crocheting and other types of textile constructions — will be held for teens and older at 3 p.m. Jan. 22 and 29 at the Nixon Library. This month’s sessions will feature sewing. Registration is preferred. Only 10 spots per class are available unless participants bring their own supplies. For more information, call the library at (501) 457-5038.
Old Timers Football Game
HEBER SPRINGS — The Old Timers Football Game fundraiser will be held Jan. 24 at Heber Springs High School. The full-contact football game splits the team into young and old players, and the school provides the equipment. The cost is $35 to play and includes a T-shirt for the event. For more information, call (501) 366-0143.
Adult Movie Night
JACKSONVILLE — The film Groundhog Day, rated PG, will be shown for adults at 5 p.m. Jan. 29 at the Nixon Library. For more information, call the library at (501) 457-5038.
Davidsonville Craft Day
POCAHONTAS — Davidsonville Craft Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jan. 31 at Davidsonville Historic State Park on Arkansas 166, 15 minutes south of Pocahontas. Crafters from the Ozark Folk Center will teach the basic skills of crocheting and broom making. Broom maker Shawn Hoefer will offer a whisk-broom workshop from 10 a.m. to noon. Admission is $20, and registration is required by Jan. 23. Ozark Folk Center craft director Jeanette Larson will offer a beginners crochet workshop from 1-4 p.m. The deadline to register is Jan. 29, and admission is $10. Those who take both workshops will need to bring their lunch. All supplies will be provided. For more information or to register, call (870) 892-4708.
Photography and Photoshop Course
MOUNTAIN VIEW — Ozarka College in Mountain View will offer a four-day Photography and Photoshop continuing-education course taught by Patrick Ward from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 2-5. Tuition is $20, and preregistration is required. There will be two levels of photography taught: the basics of camera use and preparation for specific shooting settings. Students need to bring a camera that has adjustable settings, preferably a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) that has the ability for multiple lenses and modes. Students need to bring a notepad or laptop to take notes during the Photoshop portion of the class. For more information or to register, contact Lindsay Wilson-Galloway, director of Ozarka College off-campus operations in Mountain View, at (870) 269-5600 or lhgalloway@ozarka.edu.
Basic Orienteering Class
POWHATAN — A basic orienteering class will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 14 at Lake Charles State Park. The cost of the class is $8 with a limit of 10 per class. Participants will learn how to use a map and compass through hands-on training and activities. No experience is necessary. There will be a beginner course with teams at the end of the workshop. Participants are reminded to dress for the weather and for varying terrain. Reservations are required to attend. For more information, call (870) 878-6595.
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.