March 16
Pancake Breakfast
CONWAY — An all-you-can-eat pancake breakfast will be held from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Stoby’s Restaurant, 805 Donaghey Ave. The cost is $5 per person. All proceeds will go to the City of Hope Outreach’s Hope Shelter and the Unseen Campaign to promote awareness of the homeless in the city.
March 17
Wind Ensemble Concert
CONWAY — The Hendrix College Wind Ensemble, conducted by Karen Fannin, will present its spring concert at 7:30 p.m. in Staples Auditorium at Hendrix College. The program will include “Mother Earth” by David Maslanka, “Colonial Song” by Percy Grainger, selections from “The Danserye” by Tielman Susato, “The Three Embraces” by Carter Pann and “The Circus Bee March” by Henry Fillmore. The free concert is open to the public. For more information, call the Hendrix College Department of Music at (501) 450-1422.
Softball League Divisional Meeting
RUSSELLVILLE — The Russellville Recreation and Parks Department will have a divisional meeting at 6:30 p.m. for teams competing in the summer softball league. The meeting will be at the Hughes Community Center, 1000 E. Parkway Drive. A representative from each team needs to attend the meeting. For more information, call the Hughes Center at (479) 968-1272.
Concert Choir
CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas Concert Choir will perform at 7:30 p.m. in the Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall at UCA.
March 18
Master Gardener Reception
RUSSELLVILLE — The Pope County Master Gardeners will host an informational reception for those interested in the Master Gardener program at 5:30 p.m. at the Pope County Extension Office, 105 E. B St. in Russellville. The reception is open to residents of Pope and neighboring counties. For more information, call the county extension office at (479) 968-7098.
Retired Teachers Association Meeting
CLINTON — The Van Buren County Retired Teachers Association will meet at 11:30 a.m. at Western Sizzlin. Master Gardener and retired teacher Lloyd Linn will explain the purpose of the Master Gardeners organization and how it serves the community and provide information on how to join the group. He will also offer advice and tips for spring gardening projects. The meeting is open to all certified and classified retirees and their guests.
Customer-Service Seminar
RUSSELLVILLE — The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will present a seminar, Exceptional Customer Service, from 9 a.m. to noon at Arkansas Tech University. In this workshop, business owners and their employees will learn how to remove barriers to customer service, handle difficult customer situations and work as a team to deliver service that will keep customers coming back. The cost to attend is $30 per person. Seating is limited, and registration is required by calling (479) 356-2067 or visiting asbtdc.org/training/russellville-events.
March 19
Women’s Council Luncheon
CONWAY — The Conway Regional Women’s Council invites the public to the Celebrating Our Story luncheon from 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. at the Centennial Valley Country Club Events Center. The cost is $15 for council members and $20 for nonmembers. Space is limited, and the deadline for registration is Monday. Registration is available at conwayregional.org/specialevents or by calling (501) 513-5191. The council is an advocacy group that promotes women’s health education and provides support for fundraising and volunteer services that benefit the Conway Regional Health System.
March 20
Sweet Charity
CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas will present a performance of Sweet Charity at 7:30 p.m. in Reynolds Performance Hall. Tickets are $23 to $40 for adults, and $10 for students and children. For tickets, call UCA Ticket Central at (501) 450-3265 or toll-free in Arkansas at (866) 810-0012, or visit www.uca.edu/reynolds. Stay updated on Reynolds events, ticket giveaways and exclusive backstage access through Facebook at facebook.com/ucareynolds and Twitter (@ucareynolds).
March 21
Catfish Supper
ST. VINCENT — Knights of Columbus Council 10908 in St. Vincent, nine miles north of Morrilton on Arkansas 95, will hold its 21st annual catfish supper from 5-8 p.m. The menu will also include fries, hushpuppies, coleslaw and dessert. The cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children 5-12. Children 4 and younger may eat free. Adult takeout meals for $10 each will be available. For more information, call (501) 354-4854.
AARP Driver Safety Class
HEBER SPRINGS — There will be an AARP Driver Safety Program class from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The class will meet in the Latimer Center at Arkansas State University-Heber Springs. On completion of the course, individuals 55 and older will qualify for a three-year discount on their automobile-insurance premiums in Arkansas. The cost of the course is $15 for AARP members and $20 for nonmembers. The fee may be paid in cash or by check, payable to AARP. To reserve a place, call ASU at (501) 362-1273 or email jlrath@hebersprings.asu.edu.
Gala Fundraiser
CONWAY — The Bravo! gala fundraising cocktail party and dinner, featuring the Piano Puzzler, Bruce Adolphe, will be held Friday. Tickets are $100 per person. Cocktail attire is recommended. For more information, visit www.uca.edu/cfac/bravo. For tickets, times and locations, contact Joshua Miller at (501) 450-3293 or jdmiller@uca.edu.
March 22
Spring KidsFest
MORRILTON — The Barnyard Friends Petting Zoo, 110 Jones Lane atop Petit Jean Mountain, will celebrate the arrival of spring by conducting KidsFest from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. This family-friendly event will include hayrides, face painting, pony rides, various craft projects and trail rides. Helen Charton, the owner of the petting zoo, will serve homemade barbecue during the event. For ticket prices or more information, call Charton at (501) 208-7287.
Book Signing
MARSHALL —Western author and former Marine John T. Wayne, the grandson of legendary actor John Wayne, will have a book signing at 4 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Hall in Marshall. There will be a soup and chili supper at 5 p.m. The cost is $5 per plate, and all profits will go to the Veterans Memorial Hall. Entertainment will be provided by Alan Guthrie and the Family Band. For more information, call (870) 448-6176.
Ongoing
Conway Community Meditation Group
CONWAY — The Conway Community Meditation group meets from 12:30-1:30 p.m. every Tuesday at The Locals, 1024 Van Ronkle St. This session provides a time of unifying harmony with fellow Conway residents. All are welcome. For more information, visit www.thelocals.be/events.
Spanish Practice Group
CONWAY — The Spanish Practice Group meets at 4 p.m. every Friday at The Locals, 1024 Van Ronkle St. Join other Spanish-speaking enthusiasts in conversation. Todos son bienvenidos! For more information, visit www.thelocals.be/events.
Wordpress Conway
CONWAY — Wordpress Conway takes place at 6 p.m. the second Tuesday of every month at The Locals, 1024 Van Ronkle St. For anyone who uses Wordpress or wants to learn more about it, this central-Arkansas group can provide help with questions or issues Wordpress users may have. For more information, visit www.thelocals.be/events.
Simply Said Storytelling
CONWAY — Simply Said is an informal, open-mic storytelling time held at 6 p.m. every Thursday at The Locals, 1024 Van Ronkle St. Participants are asked to share a story, no notes, in no more than five minutes. This month’s theme is “Failed New Year’s Resolutions.” For more information, visit www.thelocals.be/events.
The Fiber Circle
CONWAY — The Fiber Circle is held at 5:30 p.m. the last Wednesday of every month at The Locals, 1024 Van Ronkle St. Those who knit, crochet, stitch or pursue any other craft are welcome to work on their own projects or help fellow craftivists with theirs. For more information, visit www.thelocals.be/events.
TeamKID
MAUMELLE — Southern Hills Baptist Fellowship and JumpZone have teamed up to offer a free children’s program, TeamKID, for first- through sixth-graders. The program is held at 6:30 p.m. each Wednesday at the JumpZone building. For more information, call (501) 851-7729 or visit www.southernhillsbaptist.tv.
Sign Language Class
CONWAY — A sign language class meets at 5:30 p.m. Mondays at the Faulkner County Library.
Tea Party Meeting
HEBER SPRINGS — Arkansas’ We the People Tea Party of Cleburne County meets at 6:30 p.m. the first and third Thursdays of every month at St. Barnabas Anglican Church, 1101C W. Main St. Various issues are discussed. For more information, call Marlin Schwartz at (847) 977-5261.
Friends of the Library Book Shop
HEBER SPRINGS — The Friends of The Library Book Shop, 2255 Arkansas 25B N., is open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays and Saturdays. The shop offers books at bargain prices. Proceeds from the shop benefit the libraries in Cleburne County. Volunteers are needed. Friends of the Library meet at 1 p.m. the second Thursday of the month. For more information, stop by the shop.
Upcoming
Alexander Technique Demonstration
CONWAY — Cliff Hicks will demonstrate the Alexander Technique at 2 p.m. March 23 at the Faulkner County Library. This technique is used to reduce tension and improve coordination. The work is conveyed through the hands of a trained teacher to restore a person’s sense of original support, upright balance and coordination. The introduction will be followed by a four-week course offered by the Community School of Music at the University of Central Arkansas. Classes will begin April 6. For more information, contact the library at (501) 327-7482 or Nancy@fcl.org.
AARP Meeting New Date
CONWAY — The Conway AARP Chapter meeting set for this week has been rescheduled for 11:15 a.m. March 24 at the Conway Senior Citizen Center, 1620 Donaghey. The speaker will be Craig O’Neal. Lunch will be at 11:30, followed by the program at noon. Everyone is invited to attend.
Audubon Society Meeting
CLINTON — The Little Red River Audubon Society will meet March 25 at Western Sizzlin’ in Clinton. Jim Solomon will speak on insect defoliators for broad-leaf trees. A Dutch-treat dinner will be held at 5 p.m., followed by the program at 6. Door prizes will be given away after the meeting, which is open to all. For more information, visit www.littleredriveraudubonsociety.com or email lrras2011@gmail.com.
Special Commission Meeting
RUSSELLVILLE — The Russellville Recreation and Parks Commission will have a special called meeting to discuss proposed sites for the Russellville aquatic center. The meeting will be at 6 p.m. March 27 at the Hughes Community Center.
Fashion Gala
FAIRFIELD BAY — The 21st annual Fashion Gala, presented by the Xi Gamma Kappa chapter, will be held at 1 p.m. March 28 at St. Francis Parish Hall on Woodlawn Drive. Prizes will be on display, and raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the show. The style show will feature models wearing spring and summer fashions offered by various area businesses. Pat Cash will be the narrator. Tickets are $6 and can be purchased from any chapter member or by calling Judy at (501) 884-3018 or Lea at (501) 884-6288.
Anglers Expo
HEBER SPRINGS — The Anglers Expo will be held March 28 and 29 at the Heber Springs Community Center. Vendors supporting hunting, fishing, and sports industries will display their products. Featured guests will be The Swamp People from the History Channel. The event is sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cleburne County. For more information, contact Rotarian Dara Samuel at (501) 362-8402 or dara.anglersexpo@gmail.com, or visit www.anglersexpo.com.
Weaving Workshop
CONWAY — A weaving workshop will be held at 1 p.m. March 29 at The Locals, 1024 Van Ronkle St. Local artist and school teacher Katy O’Neal will demonstrate how to weave with her homemade loom. Participants will learn the basics of weaving, by hand and with a loom. Children are welcome. For more information, visit www.thelocals.be/events.
Starting a Business in Arkansas
RUSSELLVILLE — The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center will present Starting a Business in Arkansas from 9 a.m. to noon April 3 at Arkansas Tech University. Workshop participants will find out the steps crucial to starting a business; identify key issues and pitfalls that affect small-business success; and learn start-up requirements. The workshop includes a how-to “New Business Guide” and handouts relevant to each participant’s county licensing requirements. The cost to attend is $30 per person, and veterans may attend free. Seating is limited, and registration is required by calling (479) 356-2067 or visiting asbtdc.org/training/russellville-events.
Spring Pageant
CLINTON — The annual Spring Pageant will be held at 4 p.m. April 5 at the Van Buren County Fairgrounds. The pageant is open to all ages in all counties in Arkansas. Contestants must preregister by calling (501) 745-8100 or (501) 253-1190, or faxing (501) 745-8100. The pageant is a fundraiser for upcoming youth events.
Boots and Benefactors BBQ
RUSSELLVILLE — The sixth annual Boots and Benefactors BBQ will take place from 4-7 p.m. April 5 at the Pope County Fairgrounds, 517 S. Knoxville. The event will feature Some Guy Named Robb, a chuck-wagon dinner, a rider exhibition and door prizes, as well as pony rides. Tickets are $25 per person; admission is free for children 15 and under with the purchase of an adult ticket. Proceeds will benefit the Equestrian Zone, a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to improve the quality of life for people with disabilities by providing equine-assisted activities. For tickets, call (479) 970-8351 or visit www.equestrianzone.org.
Flag Retirement Ceremony
MAUMELLE — Bring faded, torn or tattered flags to a ceremony for their dignified retirement at 10 a.m. April 12 at the Veterans Memorial at Lake Willastein in Maumelle. The event is sponsored by the Maumelle Memorial Committee. Flags may also be dropped off in designated boxes in the lobbies of Kroger stores in Maumelle from March 24 through April 11. For more information, call (501) 813-9024.
Tribute to Mom 5-K Run/Walk
MORRILTON — The Tribute to Mom 5-K Run/Walk will start at the St. Paul African Methodist Episcopal Church at 7 a.m. May 10. The entry fee is $15 in advance or $20 the day of the race. For an additional $10, participants can take out an ad to pay tribute to their moms in the “Happy Mother’s Day” booklet, to be published by the church. Registration forms and ads are due April 30. Registration forms will be available starting Monday at locations to be announced. For more info, contact Charlotte Kindle at (501) 354 3142 (evenings) or charlotte.kindle@yahoo.com; or Joyce Smith at (501) 450-2976 or smith59jm@gmail.com.
To submit an item for the Calendar of Events, mail information to Calendar of Events, River Valley & Ozark Edition, P.O. Box 2221, Little Rock, AR, 72203; fax to (501) 378-3500; or email to rvonews@arkansasonline.com. Deadlines for calendar-item submissions are noon Friday for Thursday editions and noon Tuesday for Sunday editions.