Jan. 29
Main Street Batesville Winter Gala
BATESVILLE — The Main Street Batesville Winter Gala, themed “Happy Days,” will be held at 6 p.m. at the Barnett Building, 267 E. Main St. The event will include live and silent auctions, giveaways, dancing, hors d’oeuvres and live entertainment. Guests are encouraged to dress in ’50s and ’60s sock-hop style, with awards given for Best Costume and Best Dance Couple. Tickets are $25 each or $45 for couples at Studio Salon, Merchants and Planters Bank, Citizens Bank’s main branch and First Community Bank’s main branch. There will be an afterparty at 10 p.m. at the Barnett Building, with tickets available at the gala.
AARP Smart Driver Safety Course
SEARCY— The PrimeTimes of Unity Medical Center, formerly White County Medical Center, will host an AARP Smart Driver Safety Course from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Hubach Center at the hospital. The instructors are Frances and Bill Mizell. Park behind the hospital off Moore Street, and take the elevator to the first floor. Bring a sweater or jacket for comfort. The cost of the course is $15 for AARP members with an AARP card and $20 for nonmembers. To register for the class, call Elizabeth Leaver at PrimeTimes at (501) 278-3230.
Jan. 30
Princess and Superhero Party
SEARCY — Women for Harding will hold a princess and superhero party from 9-11:30 a.m. in Harding University’s American Heritage Auditorium in the David B. Burks American Heritage Building. There will be crafts, snacks and games, and Harding students will portray 19 princess- and superhero-themed characters. Children are encouraged to dress in costumes, and a parade of characters will begin at 9 a.m. Tickets are $5 for adults and $10 for children 2 and older. Children younger than 2 will be admitted free. Tickets are available at all Searcy locations of First Security Bank, the Harding Academy elementary office, the Harding alumni office, RadioShack, Sassy Stitch and The Tangerine Turtle. For more information, call the university’s office of alumni relations at (501) 279-4276.
Healing Herbal Teas Workshop
NEWPORT — Jacksonport State Park will present a hands-on Healing Herbal Teas Workshop from 1-3 p.m. at the park’s visitor center. Participants will discuss the healing aspects of a variety of native medicinal herb teas and learn how to make them. There will be a tea tasting, and attendees are welcome to bring a favorite teacup. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 7 to 12. Advance reservations are required by 3 p.m. today. For more information, call (870) 523-2143 or visit Jacksonport@arkansas.com.
Jan. 31
Movie Screening
EL PASO — CrossRoads Cowboy Church, 3071 Arkansas 5, will show the movie Nail 32. The family-friendly movie is based on the life of Russ Weaver’s dad and the start of the cowboy church. Beans, cornbread and desserts will be served at 5 p.m., and the movie will start at 6. All are invited to attend. Admission is free. For more information, call Becky at (501) 230-7872 or find CrossRoads Cowboy Church on Facebook.
Feb. 1
Community Music Gathering
BATESVILLE — There will be a Batesville Community Music gathering from 6-8 p.m. at First Community Bank. All are invited to attend and sing, play music or listen.
Feb. 2
Republican Candidate Debate
BATESVILLE — A debate between candidates in contested Republican primary races and Arkansas Supreme Court races in Independence County will be held at 5:30 p.m. at the Citizens Bank Annex, 285 E. College St. U.S. Sen. John Boozman of Rogers and his opponent, Curtis Colemen, as well as state Rep. James Sturch of Batesville and his opponent, Phillip Finch, have been invited. Supreme court candidates Clark Mason, Judge Shawn Womack, Judge Courtney Goodson and Judge Dan Kemp have also been asked to attend. For more information, call (870) 612-3570 or email CharlesRFuqua@gmail.com.
American Pen Women Meeting
CHEROKEE VILLAGE — The National League of American Pen Women’s Spring River Branch will meet at 10 a.m. at Cherokee Village Lutheran Church, on the corner of Cherokee Road and Okmulgee Drive. The group will work on an informative pamphlet and upcoming events. This group of women writers, artists and musicians meet the first Wednesday of the month. New members are welcome. For more information, call Pat Dunlap at (870) 966-4714 or Pat Oplinger at (870) 257-5558.
ONGOING
Photography Exhibit
BATESVILLE — The Kresge Gallery at Lyon College has opened the spring semester’s exhibition series with a photography exhibit by Lyon volleyball coach Ray Green through Feb. 26. Titled Road Trip, the exhibition features photographs taken by Green on various trips across the country. He explains in his artist statement that he stops a lot on trips and likes to capture details the typical tourist might overlook. The Kresge Gallery is in the Alphin Building on campus. The gallery’s hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Admission to the gallery is free, and the exhibit is open to the public.
Leaves and Trees Art Exhibit
SEARCY — Harding University’s department of art and design is hosting an art exhibit, Leaves and Trees, through Friday in the Stevens Art Gallery. The exhibit displays a collection of drawings, paintings, prints and photographs created by faculty and alumni of the department of art and design. The exhibit is free to the public, and the gallery is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. For more information, email art@harding.edu or call (501) 279-4426.
The Fantasticks
SEARCY — Center on the Square Community Theater, 219 W. Arch Ave., will present The Fantasticks, directed by Mario Hofheinz, with Susan Bucher as musical director. The play is a funny, romantic musical about a boy, a girl and their fathers, who try to get the couple together by keeping them apart. Showtimes will be at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 5-6, 12-13 and 19-20; and at 1:30 p.m. Feb. 14 and 21. Tickets are $18, plus tax. For more information or tickets, call (501) 368-0111 or visit centeronthesquare.org.
The Biggest Loser Community Challenge
HIGHLAND — The Spring River Area Chamber of Commerce will present the eight-week Biggest Loser Community Challenge, an online health and wellness challenge, beginning Feb. 15. The challenge seeks teams of four, for a $100 fee, for the national event, which will give away more than 10,000 prizes, including trips to the finale of The Biggest Loser television show in Los Angeles. People of all fitness levels are welcome. Register a team at www.biggestlosercommunity.com. For more information, contact Todd Conforth with Clary Fitness at (870) 994-4444, the chamber at (870) 856-3210, or Kari or Pat at Curves at (870) 856-6010.
GED/Adult Education Classes
FLORAL — The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville Adult Education Department offers reading, math, writing and computer-literacy classes from 3-5 p.m. Mondays in the computer lab at Midland Elementary School in Floral. Enrollment is ongoing. Students must be at least 18 and not enrolled in school. For more information, contact Nancy Whitmire at (870) 612-2085 or nancy.whitmire@uaccb.edu, or Judy Pearson at (501) 345-2413.
Second Time Around Bookstore
SEARCY — The Literacy Council of White County operates the Second Time Around Bookstore at 811 S. Main St., Suite D. 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 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, and from 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays. To train as a tutor, to become a bookstore volunteer or for more information, call (501) 278-5500.
Yoga in the Gallery
BATESVILLE — The Batesville Area Arts Council offers Yoga in the Gallery classes at 8:45 a.m. every Tuesday and Thursday at the BAAC Gallery on Main, 226 E. Main St. The hour-long sessions are taught by RYT200-certified yoga instructor Marnie Davis. Beginners are welcome, and no preregistration is required. The cost is $10 per session or 10 sessions for $70. For more information, call (870) 793-3382.
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.
WISE Coalition Meeting
SEARCY — The WISE (White County Invested in Substance Abuse Eradication) Coalition meets from noon to 1 p.m. the third Wednesday of every month in the Community Room of the First Community Bank University Branch, 800 E. Beebe Capps Expressway. All are invited to attend and get involved in activities to help prevent and reduce substance abuse in White County youth. For more information, visit wisecoalition@gmail.com or call (501) 388-6555.
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.
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.
UPCOMING
Lyon College Convocation
BATESVILLE — Lyon College Professor Emeritus George Lankford will speak at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 4 in the Nucor Auditorium in the Lyon Building at Lyon College. Lankford will discuss the early history of Batesville and Independence County. Admission is free and open to the public.
Women’s Self-Defense Class
BATESVILLE — A free women’s self-defense class will be held at 6 p.m. Feb. 4 in Independence Hall at the University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville. No registration is required for the event, presented by the Batesville Police Department’s Law Enforcement Community Relations Team. Water will be provided. For more information, call (870) 805-0797 or (870) 805-0798, or visit LawEnforcementCRT@gmail.com.
International Food Fest
SEARCY — St. James Catholic Church will hold its eighth annual International Food Fest at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 6 in the church’s Parish Hall. Tickets are $10 in advance or $20 at the door. There will be a silent auction with more than 200 donated items, and the raffle of a National Football League football autographed by members of the 2015 Green Bay Packers. Raffle tickets for this event, along with those for a cash prize, will be sold. For ticket information, call the parish office at (501) 268-5252.
The SAME Cafe
SEARCY — The SAME Cafe will be open from 4-5:30 p.m.
Feb. 6 at the West Side Church of Christ, 709 W. Arch St. The SAME Cafe is open to anyone in the community who would like a free warm meal.
Souper Bowl Saturday
BATESVILLE — The Batesville Area Arts Council will present Souper Bowl Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Feb. 6 at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 424 E. Main St. Advance tickets are $7. Soup will also be sold for $8 per quart. Events will include Make Your Own Football Art! for $5 per person and other family activities. Tickets are available at the BAAC Gallery on Main, the Batesville Areaa Chamber of Commerce, Carlee’s Hallmark, Citizens Bank, First Community Bank and Hangups Frame Shop, and from BAAC board members. For more information, call the arts council at (870) 793-3382.
Chili Supper and Dessert Auction
FLOYD — The Floyd-Romance Volunteer Fire Department will hold its Chili Supper and Dessert Auction at 5:30 p.m. Feb. 6 at the Floyd Main Fire Station, 1105 Arkansas 31. All politicians and candidates for local office are encouraged to attend. Tickets are $5 each. Children ages 4 and younger may eat free. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Fire Department. For more information, call (501) 993-7665.
Retired Teachers Association Meeting
BATESVILLE — The Arkansas Retired Teachers Association of Independence County will meet at 11:30 a.m. Feb. 8 in the George Ryder Room of First Community Bank. Susan Ball will speak on retaining memory. A potluck lunch will be served.
Tea Party Meeting
CABOT — The Arkansas Constitutional Tea Party will meet at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at Papa’s Place, 2798 S. Second St., in the South Fork Shopping Center. Everyone is welcome. The group meets the second Thursday of each month. For more information, call (501) 813-6980.
Retired Teachers Valentine Party
JACKSONVILLE — The North Pulaski Retired Teachers will have a valentine party at 1 p.m. Feb. 11 at First Electric, 1000 S. JP Wright Loop Road. Attorney Coleman Westbrook of the Friday, Eldridge and Clark, LLP law firm in Little Rock will present the program, which is on estate planning. Westbrook will answer questions after the presentation. The meeting is open to the public. For more information, call Sharon Johnson at (501) 982-6345.
Valentine’s Dinner
CALICO ROCK — The Printing Press Café, 120 Main St., will host a Valentine’s Dinner at 6 p.m. Feb. 13. The candlelight four-course dinner will include an appetizer of smoked trout with cream cheese and capers; Asian salad; a choice of beef Wellington or chicken Florentine served with caramelized carrots, baked potato and gourmet rolls; and baked Alaska. A chocolate fountain will be included with the meal. The cost is $25.99 per person. All proceeds will benefit the Calico Rock Museum. There will be only one seating, so reservations are recommended. To reserve a seat, call (870)-297-6200.
Beginners Weaving Workshop
POCAHONTAS — Davidsonville Historic State Park will offer a Beginners Weaving Workshop from 9 a.m. to noon Feb. 20. The workshop will teach basic weaving using a piece of cardboard as a loom. Participants will make a bookmark to take home. Preregistration is required by calling the park at (870) 892-4708. The workshop fee is $13. Davidsonville Historic State Park is a 15-minute drive south of Pocahontas on Arkansas 166.
Heber Springs Chamber Banquet
HEBER SPRINGS — The Heber Springs Area Chamber of Commerce will hold its 60th annual banquet at 6 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Heber Springs Community Center, 201 Bobbie Jean Lane. The guest speaker will be Jeff Moore, director of marketing and communication for the Arkansas Economic Development Commission. The event will include a live auction, and business attire is requested. Tickets are $35 each or $250 for a table of eight. Tickets are available through Feb. 15 at the chamber office, 1001 W. Main St., or by calling (501) 362-2444.
Cabot Clean-Up
CABOT — The Cabot Clean-Up 2016 will be held from 9 a.m. to noon March 19. Volunteers are asked to meet at Cabot Junior High-South on the Panther Trail, no earlier than 9 a.m., and check in at the registration canopies. Orange safety vests and garbage bags will be provided, and participants are encouraged to bring sturdy work gloves. There will be an awards ceremony at 9 a.m. for the winners of the Keep Cabot Beautiful Poster Contest. At noon, volunteers will be served free food and drink at the Panther Trail parking lot. There will be a drop-off point for the disposal of electronic waste and household hazardous waste. For more information, call Cabot City Beautiful at (501) 920-2122.
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.