Sept. 17
Exhibit Opening Reception
RUSSELLVILLE — The River Valley Arts Center, 1001 E. B St., will have an opening reception from 1-3 p.m. for an exhibit featuring the art of Jessica Mongeon, who explores geographic formations, organisms and natural phenomena through the medium of acrylic paint. She has shown her artwork nationally and internationally. She grew up in rural North Dakota and now lives in Russellville, where she is a visiting assistant professor of studio foundations at Arkansas Tech University.
Deathtrap
CONWAY — Red Curtain Theatre will present Deathtrap, by Ira Levin, at 2 p.m. in the auditorium at Conway Junior High School, 1815 Prince St. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased online at redcurtaintheatre.com. Because of its mature content, this show is not recommended for children. For more information, call (501) 499-9776.
Bill Thurman Concert
CONWAY — The Faulkner County Library will present Bill Thurman in concert at 2 p.m. Thurman is proficient in Celtic and Appalachian fiddle music, as well as being an accomplished classical musician. Bill is a cancer survivor, and he donates a portion of the sales of his latest CD, Nothin but Fiddle and a Sarcoma Survivor, to the Smilow Cancer Hospital at Yale, New Haven, Connecticut. All library events are free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at (501) 327-7482 or email nancy@fcl.org.
Sept. 18
Watercolor Demonstration
FAIRFIELD BAY — Artist Suzanne deShazo Waggoner will present a free watercolor demonstration at 10 a.m. at Bayside Studio on the corner of Greenwood and Arkansas 330. She is a signature member of the Mid-Southern Watercolorists and serves on its board of directors. Hosted by the North Central Arkansas Artist League, the event will begin with coffee and light refreshments at 9:30 a.m. The public is invited. For more information, contact Charlotte Rierson, league president, at (501) 884-6100.
Sept. 19
But First, Coffee
CONWAY — But First, Coffee will meet from 6-8- p.m. at the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center on the University of Central Arkansas campus. Coffee enthusiasts will be guided through an interactive demonstration of coffee origins from seed to cup and learn different brew methods and techniques. Participants will sample various brews. Register by calling Autumn at (501) 450-3118.
Retired Teachers and School Personnel Meeting
CLINTON — The Van Buren County Retired Teachers and School Personnel will meet at 11:30 a.m. at Western Sizzlin. Matt Hughes, an associate with Hughes & Associates Insurance Agency of Russellville, will be the guest speaker. Retirees will be informed of ways to save money when purchasing health insurance and a Medicare drug plan. Other areas of interest will include long-term care insurance and dental insurance. All retired school employees and the public are invited to attend.
Russellville Trail Dedication
RUSSELLVILLE — The city of Russellville invites the public to the dedication of the Parkway-Bona Dea Connector Trail at 11:30 a.m. The trail is on West Parkway just southwest of Washburn Park. The trail was funded by a grant from the West Central Arkansas Planning and Development District Inc. general-improvement-fund grant program.
Faulkner County
Retired Teachers Meeting
CONWAY — The Faulkner County Retired Teachers will meet at 1:30 p.m. at the Conway First Baptist Church Activity Center, 1719 Robinson Ave. George Hopkins, executive director of the Arkansas Teachers Retirement System, will be the speaker.
Sept. 20
Business Owners Seminar
RUSSELLVILLE — The Arkansas Tech Small Business and Technology Development Center will present Five Legal Issues All Business Owners Should Know from 10 a.m. to noon at Arkansas Tech. LynMarie Liberty-Ellington of Liberty-Ellington Law and Mediation will discuss corporate formation, personal liability, contracts, taxes and debt collection. The cost to attend is $35. Registration is required by calling (479) 356-2067 or visiting asbtdc.org/training/russellville-events by Tuesday.
Political Pie Auction
CONWAY — Local politicians and candidates for offices will serve hamburgers, fries and drinks at 6 p.m. at Bob’s Grill, 1112 Oak St., followed by a pie auction at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds from the Political Pie Auction will benefit Bethlehem House, a transitional homeless shelter in Conway. The event will end at 8 p.m. or when the last pie is sold. Tickets to the event are $10 and include the meal. Tickets are available online at bethlehemhouse.net or at the door.
Sept. 21
Maumelle Newcomers Luncheon
MAUMELLE — A Maumelle Newcomers Luncheon will take place at 11 a.m. at the Maumelle Country Club. The program will feature Christina Littlejohn, CEO of the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra. The cost is $15. For reservations, call Betty McBurnett at (501) 664-7196 by Monday.
Starting a Woman-Owned Business
RUSSELLVILLE — The Arkansas Tech Small Business and Technology Development Center will present Passions to Profits: Starting a Woman-Owned Business from 5:30-8 p.m. at Arkansas Tech. Women who are considering entrepreneurship or have recently started a business are encouraged to attend. The cost is $30. Registration is required by calling (479) 356-2067 or visiting asbtdc.org/training/russellville-events by Wednesday.
Sept. 23
GirlForce
CONWAY — The Jazzercise Conway Fitness Center, 2625 Donaghey Ave., No. 102, will celebrate the 2017 GirlForce initiative at 6 p.m. with an In Full Force Global Dance Party. Launched at the beginning of 2017, Jazzercise created the global GirlForce initiative to offer young women ages 16-21 a free, safe place to work out, stay active and introduce them to a healthy and fun way to experience the endorphins of the workout high.
Fall Family Craft Program
MORRILTON — The Conway County Library, 101 W. Church St., will celebrate the arrival of fall with a Fall Family Craft Program at 10 a.m. Kids of all ages are invited to create a special craft to get ready for the fall weather and take the unique gift home for their parents. For more information, call the library at (501) 354-5204.
Dog Trick Seminar
CONWAY — A Dog Trick Seminar, open to all dogs, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon at Conway Canine Companions, 8 Lancaster Lane. Participants will teach their dogs new tricks. All dogs will have the opportunity to learn 15 or more tricks, and many will earn a Novice Trick Dog title. Register by calling Autumn at (501) 450-3118.
Ongoing
Last Call to Sign Up
RUSSELLVILLE — This is the last week to sign up to join a group that will travel on Sept. 29 from the River Valley Arts Center to see a production of The Savannah Sipping Society at Murry’s Dinner Playhouse in Little Rock. The play will star local resident Natalie Canerday. The cost is $50 for members and $58 for nonmembers. A shuttle van will take participants to and from the theater. For more details, call (479) 968-2452.
Introduction to Fox Trot and Waltz
CONWAY — Introduction to Fox Trot and Waltz will meet from 6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays, Sept. 19 through Nov. 28, at the Farris Center at the University of Central Arkansas. This beginner course makes a great date night. Register by calling Autumn at (501) 450-3118.
Board Development Workshop Series
CONWAY — A Board Development Workshop Series, designed for nonprofit board members, will meet from 4-6 p.m. Wednesdays, Sept. 20 through Oct. 11, at UCA Downtown, 1105 Oak St. Topics include Moving Your Donors up the Pyramid; Strategies for Annual Gift Donor Retention and Major Gift Development; Capital Campaign Elements and Planned Giving Knowledge: Skipping Through One to Learn More About the Other; Social Media: Today, Tomorrow and Where You Are; and Share Your Pyramid: Reviewing, Refining and Addressing the Gaps. To register, contact Lesley at (501) 852-7416.
Beginners Dog Obedience Class
CONWAY —A Beginners Dog Obedience Class will meet from 6-7 p.m. Thursdays, Sept. 21 through Nov. 9, at Conway Canine Companions, 8 Lancaster Lane. Guided by instructor Pamela Padgett, participants will teach their dogs “sit, down, leave it, wait, stay” and more. This class is for dogs 10 months or older. Bring the dog’s collar, leash, training treats and proof of vaccinations. Register by calling Autumn at (501) 450-3118.
Orange Art Exhibit
CLINTON — The North Central Arkansas Artist League’s Orange art exhibit is on display through Nov. 6 at Ozark Health Medical Center, 2500 U.S. 65 S. The nearly 50 paintings by 12 artists include watercolors, acrylics, oil paintings, pen and ink, and pointillism, all using the color orange somewhere in the art. The Outpatient Wing display downstairs can be viewed from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, and the Cafeteria display, in the hallways upstairs near the cafeteria, is open from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. seven days a week.
Bluegrass Music Night
HEBER SPRINGS — Heber Springs Christian Church, 1101 N. Broadway St., offers a bluegrass music night from 6:30-8:30 every Tuesday. Musicians are invited to participate. Free coffee will be available.
Yoga Class at the Library
CONWAY — Danny Mize, registered yoga instructor, teaches a yoga class at 6 p.m. Thursdays at the Faulkner County Library. Mize’s class focuses on feeling good in one’s body and letting go of life’s stress while listening to music. Yoga practitioners of all skill levels, especially beginners, are welcome in the class. All library programs are free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at (501) 327-7482 or email nancy@fcl.org.
Faulkner County Coin Club Meetings
CONWAY — The Faulkner County Coin Club meets the second Tuesday of each month at the Ola and John Hawks Senior Wellness and Activity Center, 705 E. Siebenmorgen Road. The 5 p.m. dinner is optional, and a $6 donation is suggested for those 60 and younger. A fellowship time will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. with educational speakers, show-and-tell, news and door prizes. For more information, call (501) 514-0785.
Friday Night Bingo
HEBER SPRINGS — Friday Night Bingo takes place each week at the American Legion Hall, 49 Park Road. Doors open at 5:30 for bonanzas, and regular play starts at 6:30 p.m. Food is available.
Faulkner County Tea Party Luncheon
CONWAY — The Faulkner County Tea Party has a luncheon at noon every Thursday at Larry’s Pizza, 1068 Markham St. Guest speakers and the members’ “soap box” are featured each week. All who are interested in governmental and business affairs on the county, state or national level are invited to attend.
Upcoming
Audubon Club Meeting
CONWAY — The Arkansas River Valley Audubon Society will meet at 7 p.m. Sept. 25 in Room 110 of the Donald W. Reynolds Center for Life Sciences, in the basement’s north hall, at Hendrix College. For directions, call (501) 977-3899. The program, Exploring Arizona: A Look at Scenery, Geology, Plants and a Few Birds, will be presented by member Leif Anderson, an avid birder, who is on a quest to see 50 percent of the birds in each state. Refreshments will be served, and the public is invited to attend.
Conway League of Artists Fall Show and Sale
CONWAY — The Conway League of Artists Fall Show and Sale will have the theme Arkansas — its people, floral, fauna or vistas. The artwork will be on display Sept. 25 through Oct. 20 at the Faulkner County Library. All entries must be delivered to the library from 10 a.m. to noon Sept. 23. The entry fee is $20 for one piece, $25 for two pieces and $30 for the maximum of three pieces. Awards will be presented at a closing reception from 6-8 p.m. Oct. 20 at the library. All entrants must be members of the Conway League of Artists, but anyone can join the group when entering the show for annual dues of $25.
Pink Night Fundraiser
CONWAY — The Conway Lady Wampus Cats volleyball team will hold the ninth annual Pink Night fundraiser from 5-9 p.m. Sept. 28 at Buzz Bolding Arena, 2300 Prince St. The junior varsity team will play at 5 p.m. and the varsity team at 6 p.m., both against the North Little Rock Charging Wildcats. Admission is $1, and everyone is encouraged to wear pink. Raffles tickets will be sold for $2 for various prizes, and there will be a silent auction. Proceeds will go to Savannah Westover, 13, a Conway student who has bone cancer. For more information, email assistant coach Andrea Bailey-Fournier at baileya@conwayschools.net.
The Charlie Daniels Band Concert
CONWAY — The Charlie Daniels Band will kick off the 2017-2018 Pops series at the University of Central Arkansas’ Reynolds Performance Hall with a concert at 7:30 p.m. Sept. 28. Tickets are $30 to $40 for the general public, and $10 for children and UCA students with a valid student ID. For tickets, call UCA Ticket Central from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at (501) 450-3265 or toll-free in Arkansas at (866) 810-0012, or visit www.uca.edu/reynolds.
Taste of Conway
CONWAY — The 2017 Taste of Conway, sponsored by the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce, will take place from 5-7 p.m. Oct. 5 at the Conway Expo Center. Tickets are $15 and are available at www.conwaychamber.org or by calling (501) 327-7788.
Paws at the Beach 5K Run/Walk
HEBER SPRINGS — The annual Humane Society’s Paws at the Beach 5K Run/Walk will take place Oct. 7 at Sandy Beach. Race time is 8 a.m., and the course is certified. Register at racesonline.com/events/paws-at-the-beach-5k-1k or at the race from 6:30-7:30 a.m. The entry fee is $30. For more information, contact Eileen Wilroy at hshumanesociety5k@gmail.com or (501) 250-4428.
Daniel Boling Concert
CONWAY — Daniel Boling, a 2014 Kerrville New Folk songwriter contest winner, will perform at 2 p.m. Oct. 9 at the Faulkner County Library. Boling’s songs tell stories about a variety of characters as he plays guitar, banjo and banjitar (a banjo/guitar hybrid) in a fingerpicking style. Boling’s songwriting awards also include first place at the Woody Guthrie Folk Festival in Okema, Oklahoma, and the Walnut Valley Festival in Winfield, Kansas. To listen to his music sample, visit danielboling.com/music.html. All library events are free and open to the public. For more information, call the library at (501) 327-7482 or email nancy@fcl.org.
Ladies in Red
CONWAY — The Conway Business and Professional Women is taking nominations for Career Woman of the Year. The deadline to enter is Oct. 13. The winner will be announced at the second annual Ladies In Red reception, set for 6 p.m. Oct. 17 at Antioch Baptist Church, 110 S. Amity Road. An application is available on the Conway Business and Professional Women’s Facebook page.
Reformation Bike Ride
AUGSBURG — The 10th annual Augsburg Fall Fest, in celebration of the 500-year anniversary of the Protestant Reformation, will host a Reformation Bike Ride at 9 a.m. Oct. 14. There will be a 28-mile Full Reformation ride and a 13-mile Mini-Reformation ride. An entry fee of $20 includes lunch at Augsburg Fall Fest and a T-shirt ($10 without a shirt). Aid stations and SAG service will be provided. For more information, contact Chuck Campbell at chuckecampbell@hotmail.com. Routes are available at www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1161118954 and Mini-Reformation at www.mapmyride.com/routes/view/1161131941. Proceeds from the festival, which is held at Zion Lutheran Church in Augsburg, will be divided between the River Valley Christian Clinic and the Augsburg Food Pantry.
Russellville Christmas Parade
RUSSELLVILLE — The 2017 Russellville Christmas Parade has been set for 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7. The rainout date is Dec 11. All entries must have a Christmas theme. Parade entry forms are available at the Recreation and Parks Department office, 1000 E. Parkway or at www.russellvillearkansas.org. Entry fees are $25 for a float, and $100 for a commercial entry other than a float. Entry forms are required. The deadline to enter is noon Dec. 4. For more information, call Recreation and Parks at (479) 968-1272.
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.