COMMUNITY EVENTS IN THE RIVER VALLEY & OZARK AREA

Jan. 28

Peter Pan the Ballet

CONWAY — The Blackbird Academy of Arts in Conway will present Peter Pan the Ballet at 2 p.m. in Reynolds Performance Hall at the University of Central Arkansas. The public is invited to attend. Following the 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.

Jan. 28 and 29

Ghengis Barbie Concert and Master Classes

CONWAY — The all-female horn quartet Ghengis Barbie will be in concert at 7:30 p.m. Monday in the Snow Fine Arts Center Recital Hall as part of the group’s residency at the University of Central Arkansas. Other activities will include Chamber Music, Entrepreneurship in Music and Performance Techniques at 7:30 p.m. today in the Recital Hall; individual horn lessons for UCA students from 9 a.m. to noon Monday at Snow Fine Arts; and a brass area masterclass at 2 p.m. Monday in the Recital Hall. All events are free and open to the public. For more information about the ensemble, visit Ghengisbarbie.com. For more information about the residency, contact Brent Shires at (501) 450-5768 or bshires@uca.edu.

Jan 28-30

Trombonist Concert and Master Classes

CONWAY — Joseph Alessi, principal trombonist of the New York Philharmonic and professor of trombone at the Juilliard School of Music, will visit the University of Central Arkansas this week. At 7:30 p.m. Tuesday in UCA’s Ida Waldran Auditorium, Alessi will give a free concert that will feature him as a soloist, along with him conducting UCA’s Natural Slides Trombone Ensemble and the BearBones Trombone Choir. At 5:30 p.m. Monday and Tuesday, Alessi will lead master classes in Room 120 of the Snow Fine Arts Center featuring three UCA trombone students. The public is invited to observe at no charge. For more information on Alessi, visit www.slidearea.com.

Jan. 29

Conway AARP Meeting

CONWAY — The Conway AARP Chapter will meet at the Ola & John Hawks Senior Wellness & Activity Center, 705 E. Siebenmorgen Road. Lunch will be served at 11:30 a.m., followed by the meeting from 12:10-1 p.m. The chapter will induct its 2018 officers at the meeting. Those who want to have lunch at the center need to purchase lunch tickets at the front door. All who are 50 or older are invited to attend the group’s meetings. For more information, call the center at (501) 327-2895.

Red Curtain Theatre Auditions

CONWAY — The Red Curtain Theatre will hold auditions for Smoke on the Mountain at 6 p.m. at 913 W. Oak St. Auditioners will be asked to sing “Amazing Grace,” and an accompanist will be provided. Those who play a musical instrument are asked to bring their instrument — a piano will be provided — and play/sing approximately 32 bars or 30 seconds of a song of their choice in the style of the show (bluegrass/gospel). Auditioners may also be asked to read from the script in a group setting. The musical will be presented May 9-20, under the direction of Cindy Nations. For more information, call (501) 499-9776.

Jan. 30

Conway Women’s Chorus Open Rehearsal

CONWAY — The Conway Women’s Chorus will have an open rehearsal for the spring semester at 7 p.m. 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 faulknerarts@yahoo.com.

Jan. 31

Broadway Bound Trip Deadline

CONWAY — Wednesday is the deadline to submit a nonrefundable deposit of $500 for Broadway Bound, a four-day trip to New York City offered by the University of Central Arkansas Outreach. The trip will take place May 7-11, and travelers will spend time 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. For more information, contact Melissa at meubanks@uca.edu or (501) 450-5100.

Feb. 1

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. 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.

Feb. 2

Maumelle Newcomers Club Coffee

MAUMELLE — The Maumelle Newcomers Club will have its monthly coffee at 10 a.m. at the Maumelle Community Center. The club is a social, charitable and educational organization designed to provide a way for women in Maumelle to meet others and gather for various activities of their choice. For more information, call Barb Spahr at (501) 766-4664.

Feb. 3

Book Signing

CONWAY — The Faulkner County Library will welcome local author Roman Fischer to a book signing at 2 p.m. at the library. Fischer is the author of Rules to Rule Successfully. Fischer has been achieving his dreams, from modeling to writing. Naysayers told him he would amount to nothing, and he has been proving them wrong ever since. 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.

Savor the Symphony

RUSSELLVILLE — The Russellville Symphony Guild will present its annual fundraiser Savor the Symphony from 6-9 p.m. at the Lake Point Conference Center. The French-inspired evening will feature a steak dinner and live music, sung in French. For more information, call Ann Squyres at (479) 968-5080.

Ongoing

UCA Printmaking Exhibition

CONWAY — Baum Gallery at the University of Central Arkansas will host Pathways: An Exhibition of Large Format & Experimental Printmaking, from Thursday through Feb. 15. The featured artist-in-residence is David C. Williams, who will offer a printmaking demonstration from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb. 14 in Schichtl Hall at UCA. At 1:40 p.m. Feb. 15, he will give a lecture in McCastlain Hall 143. The events are free and open to the public. Baum Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and also until 7 p.m. Thursdays. The exhibition will feature 29 artists, including two from UCA: Roger Bowman, a retired UCA faculty member, and Jessie Hornbrook, a UCA assistant professor.

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.

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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.

’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 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

Cyber Safety Event

CONWAY — Conway Christian School will host a citywide event on internet safety at 6 p.m. Feb. 5 in the school gymnasium. The goal will be to raise awareness, provide direction and equip parents with the tools necessary to teach children how to navigate social media and the internet safely. Speakers will include Carol Crews of the Faulkner County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, Kristina Carnes of the Arkansas Attorney General’s Office, Detective Brian Williams of the Conway Police Department and Circuit Judge Troy Braswell. The event is open to the public.

The Lightfoot Family Band Concert

CONWAY — The Faulkner County Library will welcome The Lightfoot Family Band at 2 p.m. Feb. 11. The husband and wife team consists of Joshua Lightfoot on guitar, banjo, mandolin and fiddle; and Tove Thunell on banjo. The couple’s repertoire consists mainly of American traditional music, bluegrass and old-timey gospel, but they also do Celtic and Swedish folk songs. 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.

River Valley Beef Cattle Conference

RUSSELLVILLE — The 2018 River Valley Beef Cattle Conference will take place Feb. 14 at the Hughes Community Center, 1000 E. Parkway Ave. Registration will open at 8:30 a.m. and is $20 at the door. The conference will conclude at noon with a steak lunch. The agenda includes 9:05 a.m., Welcome; 9:10 a.m., Disease prevention and minimum vaccination program for beef cattle; 10 a.m., Cattle working facilities overview; 10:30 a.m., Marketing cattle and calves; and 11:15 a.m., Pasture weed control. For more information, contact a local county extension office.

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.

The McKameys Concert

CONWAY — The McKameys will give a concert at 7 p.m. Feb. 17 at Oak Bowery Baptist Church, 6 miles east of Conway on Otto Road (Arkansas 286). There will be no admission charge, but an offering will be taken. For more information, call Brother Matt Corkran at (501) 336-9133 or Loyd Kelley at (501) 514-5670.

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.

UCA Dixieland Jazz Band

CONWAY — The University of Central Arkansas Dixieland Jazz Band, under the direction of Jackie Lamar, UCA professor of saxophone, will celebrate the sounds of Mardi Gras at 7 p.m. Feb. 20 at the Faulkner County Library. The band performs in the traditional New Orleans style with banjo, tuba, drums, piano, sax, trumpet, trombone and clarinet. 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.

Storytelling

CONWAY — Brother Norm Moyer, a member of the National Storytelling Network, will bring stories to the Faulkner County Library at 2 p.m. Feb. 24 for adults and children. Moyer tells folk tales, tall tales, legends, origin stories and fairy tales from around the world, usually with a lesson and always with humor. 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.

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.

Ziggy Pepper Chili Cook-Off

HEBER SPRINGS — The Ziggy Pepper Chili Cook-Off, sponsored by the Rotary Club of Cleburne County, will take place from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 3 at the Heber Springs Community Center, 201 Bobbie Jean Lane, in conjunction with the Angler’s Expo & Outdoor Show. The chili tasting will begin at 11 a.m. Cooks can enter in the pro, youth or people’s choice chili categories, where the total prize money is more than $1,800. Those who want to taste and judge the chili entries and help support the club’s efforts to raise money for college scholarships are invited to participate. For more information, contact Rick Maguire at (501) 499-1580 or ziggypepper.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. The deadline for calendar-item submissions is noon Tuesday.

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