Jan. 15
Holiday Closing
RUSSELLVILLE— The Hughes Community Center, 1000 E. Parkway Drive, will be closed for observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For more information, call (479) 968-1272.
Arkansas Tech MLK Jr. Day Events
RUSSELLVILLE — Arkansas Tech University will observe Martin Luther King Jr. Day 2018. A celebration of remembrance and march will begin at 5 p.m. at Hindsman Tower and end at the W.O. Young Building, where all are invited to participate in a service project in the Young Ballroom. Volunteers will prepare 1,000 hygiene kits for distribution by various organizations. The first 500 volunteers to report to the Young Ballroom at approximately 5:30 p.m. Monday will receive a free T-shirt. Call (479) 880-4372 for more information.
Fulton County Democrats Meeting
SALEM — The Fulton County Democrats will meet in the Hickinbotham-Miller Building at the Fulton County Fairgrounds. The meeting will start at 5:30 p.m. with a social hour. The guest speaker will be Jared Henderson, a Democrat who is seeking the party’s nomination for governor of Arkansas. This will be a meet-and-greet event, allowing Henderson to get acquainted with Fulton County voters. The meeting is open to all interested voters. For more information, call or text one of the officers of the organization: Barbara Moody at (501) 912-0608, Heath Shrable at (870) 612-0374 or Carolyn Lewis at (870)321-3193.
Jan. 16
Van Buren Country Retired Teachers Meeting
CLINTON — The Van Buren Country Retired Teachers and School Employees will meet at 11:30 a.m. at Western Sizzlin, 1468 U.S. 65 S. The speaker will be Matthew Manos, a state-park interpreter with Petit Jean State Park. He will provide information about the types of programs and activities the park makes available to the public. All retired school employees are encouraged to attend the meeting. Guests are welcome.
Conway AARP Meeting
CONWAY — The Conway AARP Chapter will meet at the Ola & John Hawks Senior Wellness & Activity Center, 705 E. Siebenmorgen Road, with lunch at 11:15 a.m., followed by a meeting from 12:10-1 p.m. The chapter will induct its 2018 officers. Meal tickets can be purchased at the door. All people ages 50 and older are welcome to attend and join the Conway Chapter for $5 per year. The chapter will meet on Tuesday this month because the center will be closed Monday in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For more information, call the center at (501) 327-2895.
ACT Prep Course
CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas Outreach will offer an ACT Prep Course from 6-8 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting this week and running through Feb. 8. The course is designed for high school students who have previously scored between 17 and 25 on the ACT or for high-schoolers who have not taken the test. For more information, contact Reuel at rshepherd@uca.edu or (501) 450-3429.
Jan. 16, 23 and 30
Conway Women’s Chorus Open Rehearsals
CONWAY — The Conway Women’s Chorus will have open rehearsals for the spring semester at 7 p.m. Tuesday and again Jan. 23 and 30 at Wesley United Methodist Church, 2310 E. Oak St. This semester will feature love songs suggested by the chorus members, who will present a spring concert in April. For more information, call (501) 339-7401 or email falknerarts@yahoo.com.
Jan. 18
Town Hall Meeting
MAUMELLE — The Maumelle Area Chamber of Commerce will host a town hall meeting at 6 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Maumelle, 100 Valenica Drive, regarding an important ballot issue that will affect Maumelle. Presentations will be given by Mayor Mike Watson and Maumelle Vision for the Future Committee Chairwoman Marion Scott. Neal Moore will facilitate the program. For more information, contact Alicia Gillen, chamber executive director, at (501) 851-9700 or email info@maumellechamber.com.
Arkansas Coding Academy Open House
CONWAY — An Arkansas Coding Academy Open House will take place from 5-7 p.m. at UCA Downtown, 1105 W. Oak St. Visitors will learn about the opportunities offered by the Arkansas Coding Academy. For more information, call Anita at (501) 450-1715.
B.J. Thomas Concert
CONWAY — B.J. Thomas will celebrate nearly 50 years of music in a concert at the University of Central Arkansas’ Reynolds Performance Hall at 7:30 p.m. The concert was originally set for Dec. 3 but was rescheduled after Thomas had knee surgery. All previously printed tickets with the old date are valid for the new date. Tickets range from $30 to $40 for the general public and $10 for children. UCA student tickets are $10 with a valid student ID. Call UCA Ticket Central at (501) 450-3265 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday or toll-free in Arkansas at (866) 810-0012, or visit www.uca.edu/reynolds.
Jan. 19
NARFE Meeting
GREERS FERRY — The National Active and Retired Federal Employees Association (NARFE) will meet at 11:30 a.m. at Mac’s Place, 8249 Edgemont Road, (Arkansas 16). Dwayne Yarboro from the state attorney general’s office will speak on fraud practices and how to avoid becoming a victim. All active and retired federal employees are invited to attend. For more information, call Kathy Golding at (501) 206-1375.
AARP Smart Driver Course
HEBER SPRINGS — There will be an AARP Smart Driver Course from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Arkansas State University-Heber Springs. Participants 55 and older who complete the course can receive a three-year discount on their auto-insurance premiums in Arkansas. For more information, call Denise at (501) 362-1273.
Jan. 20
Library Service Fair
CONWAY — The Faulkner County Library will host its fifth annual Library Service Fair from 1-4 p.m. The event offers an opportunity to connect with community members and for organizations to recruit volunteers, as well as for organizations to reach out to people in need of assistance. To reserve a table at the fair, call the library at (501) 327-7482 or email nancy@fcl.org. All library events are free and open to the public.
Ongoing
Health, Safety & Nutrition Class
CONWAY — A Health, Safety & Nutrition class will meet from 6-9 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 29 through Feb. 26, at the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center at the University of Central Arkansas. This class, which is geared for all child care providers, focuses on essential skills to keep children and their surroundings healthy and safe. For more information, call Autumn at (501) 450-3118.
Cake Decorating 1 Class
CONWAY — A Cake Decorating 1 class will meet from 6-8 p.m. Mondays, Jan. 29 through Feb. 19, at UCA Downtown, 1105 W. Oak St. This class offers an opportunity for participants to stop paying for custom cakes and learn to create beautiful cakes at home. For more information, call Autumn at (501) 450-3118.
Swinging Into Jive Class
CONWAY — A Swinging Into Jive class will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 30 through April 3, at the Farris Center at the University of Central Arkansas. This structured beginner course allows new dancers to learn quickly and makes a unique date night. For more information, call Autumn at (501) 450-3118.
Dance the Next Level Waltz/Fox Trot 2 Class
CONWAY — A Dance the Next Level Waltz/Fox Trot 2 class will meet from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 30 through April 3, at the Farris Center at the University of Central Arkansas. This course will continue the learning process and is intended for those who took the intro course or those who have dance experience. For more information, call Autumn at (501) 450-3118.
Jewelry-Making Classes
CONWAY — The Faulkner County Library has jewelry-making classes for beginners from 6-7 p.m. each Thursday. There is no charge for the classes, but students provide their own supplies or purchase kits in class. Free minor jewelry repair will be offered by the class instructor. Bring broken or outdated costume jewelry to be repaired or updated while you wait, or bring broken jewelry or loose beads to trade for a piece of new jewelry. For more information, email cardsandjewelry@gmail.com or call the library at (501) 327-7482. Scheduled repairs are from 3-5 p.m. this Thursday and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. to closing this Saturday.
’Tis the Season Art Exhibit
CLINTON — ’Tis the Season is the North Central Arkansas Artist League’s free exhibit at Ozark Health Medical Center on U.S. 65 on the south side of Clinton. The exhibit will be on display until Feb. 12. The new collection includes 40 paintings by eight local artists. Artwork is in the hallways near the cafeteria on the upper level and in the outpatient wing through the skywalk and down the elevator to the lower level. The paintings are for sale for prices from $15 to $350. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Hospital Auxiliary’s projects. For more information, contact league president Charlotte Rierson at (501) 884-6100.
Humane Society Benefit Bingo
GREENBRIER — Bingo, sponsored by the Humane Society of Faulkner County, takes place every third Friday at the Melton Cotton City Event Center, 5 Lois Lane. Pregames start at 5:30 p.m., and full games begin at 6:30. Proceeds from the event benefit the Sloan-Swindel Spay and Neuter Memorial Fund. For more information, email rescuethestrays@yahoo.com.
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, a 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. 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
Faulkner Forward Reception
CONWAY — An informative reception for the nonprofit political action committee Faulkner Forward will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Jan. 23 at the EM Event Center (formerly EM Jeans), 1100 Oak St. Committee member Nancy Gaddy said the reception is a “friend-raising event.” Information and refreshments will be provided. Tickets are available at www.faulknerforward.com.
Couponing for Real Life
CONWAY — Couponing for Real Life will be offered from 6-8 p.m. Jan. 23 at UCA Downtown, 1105 W. Oak St. This beginners course will teach participants to use coupons to maximize savings at grocery stores, retail outlets and restaurants. Sign up, and start saving money. For more information, call Autumn at (501) 450-3118.
Women’s Leadership Network
CONWAY — Women’s Leadership Network: Leading & Living Authentically will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center at the University of Central Arkansas. This is a free event; however, registration is required. Call Autumn at (501) 450-3118 for more information.
Quality Payment Reform Workshop
CONWAY — An MIPS (Merit-based Incentive Payment System) workshop on Quality Payment Reform, a presentation for health care providers and their staff members, will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Jan. 24 at the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center at the University of Central Arkansas. For more information, contact Reuel Shepherd at rshepherd@uca.edu or (501) 450-3429.
Broadway Bound Class
CONWAY — A Broadway Bound class will meet from 6-7:30 p.m. Tuesdays, Jan. 23 to Feb. 6, at the Brewer-Hegeman Conference Center at the University of Central Arkansas. This class on Broadway musical theater offers a history of American popular-musical styles, as well as a forum to debate social issues such as racism, antisemitism and gender inequality. Participants will trace American social consciousness from 1900 to the present through the Broadway musical. For more information, call Autumn at (501) 450-3118.
Art Pray Love
CONWAY — St. Peter’s Episcopal Church will hold its ninth annual fundraiser, Art Pray Love, from 6-9 p.m. Jan. 27 at 925 Mitchell St. The public is invited. The event will feature an art show with works by Arkansas artists and a silent auction with proceeds benefiting the church’s medical mission trip to Guatemala. Heavy hors d’oeuvres and beverages will be available. Advance tickets are $25 each or $45 for a couple. Tickets at the door will be $30 each and $60 for a couple. Kids’ ticket-pricing is also available. For more information, call the church office at (501) 329-8174.
Blackbird Academy of Arts to offer Peter Pan the Ballet
CONWAY — The Blackbird Academy of Arts in Conway will present Peter Pan the Ballet at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 and at 2 p.m. Jan. 28 in Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas. The public is invited to attend. Following Jan. 28’s performance, a Tinkerbell Tea Party will begin at approximately 4 p.m. in the upstairs lobby of Reynolds Performance Hall. Tickets for the tea are $10. Tickets for the ballet and tea may be purchased at www.blackbirdacademy.org. A free field trip is being offered to K-12 schools to attend a performance of the ballet on Jan. 26. There is no charge, but reservations must be made by contacting Ann Turney at (501) 472-7303 or ann@blackbirdacademy.org.
Broadway Bound Trip
CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas Outreach will offer Broadway Bound, a four-day trip to New York City, on May 7-11. Travelers will spend a week in New York City in the heart of the Theater District and see Anastasia, The Book of Mormon and Dear Evan Hansen. The anticipated cost of $1,800 includes airfare, four nights at a hotel (double occupancy), the three shows and shuttle-bus transportation to and from LaGuardia Airport. A nonrefundable deposit of $500 is due Jan. 31. For more information, contact Melissa at meubanks@uca.edu or (501) 450-5100.
Time Out for Tech 2018
RUSSELLVILLE — All high school seniors and their families are invited to Time Out for Tech 2018, hosted by the Arkansas Tech University Office of Admissions on Feb. 1. Check-in and a registered-student-organization fair will start at 8:30 a.m. at Tucker Coliseum, followed by an opening session at 9:30 a.m., when there will be a drawing for three tuition scholarships to Tech for the fall 2018 semester. Preregistration is required for seniors planning to attend Time Out for Tech. Register at www.atu.edu/admissions/timeout.php. For more information, call (800) 582-6953 or (479) 968-0343.
Community Valentine’s Day Ball
HEBER SPRINGS — The Heber Springs Jazz Band will sponsor its first Valentine’s Day Ball for the community on Feb. 14 at the Family Life Center of First United Methodist Church, 1099 W. Pine St. The band will play and sing jazz classics from days past. Tickets are $12 each or $20 per couple. Tickets can be purchased at the Central Offices of the Heber Springs School District or at heberspringsbands.org with PayPal.
Book Signing
CONWAY — Local author Jasmine Harris will give a book signing at 2 p.m. Feb. 17 at the Faulkner County Library. Harris is a secondary educator and a published poet who is featured in the International Poetry Digest. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in linguistics and is enrolled in graduate school. Her first book is I May Have Been in My Feelings. To stay updated on her next release and current events, visit crownpressbooks.com and follow her on social media, facebook.com/JasmineHarris and Instagram @dr_harris. For more information on the event, email nancy@fcl.org or call (501) 327-7482.
The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra Concert
HEBER SPRINGS — The World Famous Glenn Miller Orchestra will return to the Heber Springs Performing Arts Center for a concert at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 24. Tickets are $20 for adults and $10 for students ages 18 and younger. Tickets can be purchased at the Central Offices of the Heber Springs School District or at heberspringsbands.org with PayPal.
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. The deadline for calendar-item submissions is noon Tuesday.Anatasia