Today
Lake Charles State Park Activities
POWHATAN — Lake Charles State Park will offer the following activities today. A peaceful, .75-mile Morning Nature Hike from 9:30-10:30 a.m. will begin at the Cedar Trailhead in the day-use area. Wear appropriate shoes. Nature Center Exploration will meet from 1-3 p.m.; Arkansas Amphibians from 1-1:45 p.m.; and Conservation Station from 2-2:45 p.m., all at the nature center. A Lake Tour will take place from 3:30-4:30 p.m. Make reservations at the visitor center or at (870) 878-6595. The cost is $7 for adults and $3.50 for kids ages 6 to 12. For all outdoor activities, bring plenty of water and sun protection.
Monday
Community Music Gathering
BATESVILLE — A community music gathering will take place from 6-8 p.m. at First Community Bank. Instrumentalists and singers are invited to participate. Listeners are welcome.
Tuesday
Legion Riders Meeting
CABOT — Criswell-Robinson American Legion Post 71, 114 N. First St., has a Legion Riders group for veterans who ride motorcycles. The group will meet at 7 p.m. For more information, call (501) 203-5715.
Yoga Fundamentals
MELBOURNE — Ozarka College in Melbourne will host an eight-week series of Yoga Fundamentals through the Continuing Education program. The one-hour classes, led by certified yoga instructor Deltha Sharp, will meet Tuesdays from Aug. 7 through Sept. 25 in Room 106 of the John E. Miller Education Complex. Session A, at 4:30 p.m., will focus on beginning and basic posture. Session B, at 5:45 p.m., is geared for continuing students who want to advance their yoga practice. Prior yoga experience is not necessary. The cost is $60 for the series or $48 for students 60 and older. Preregistration is required. Bring a yoga mat. For more information or to register, contact Fay Mitchell at (870) 368-2005 or fay.mitchell@ozarka.edu.
Tuesday – Thursday
Meet & Greet
BEEBE — The Beebe Chamber of Commerce welcomes Jennifer Methvin, the new chancellor of Arkansas State University-Beebe, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the McKay Student Center, 610 N. Pecan Street. There will be additional meet and greets hosted from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Heber Springs Campus in the administration building, 101 River Crest, and from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. Thursday at the Searcy Campus, 1800 E. Moore Avenue. For more information, visit www.beebechamberofcommerce.com or call (501) 882-8135.
Wednesday
Sterling Scholar Presentation
FAIRFIELD BAY — There will be a Sterling Scholar speaker from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the The Little Red Restaurant at Indian Hills, 337 Snead Drive. Robert Gaut will discuss Native American thong trees. Attendees will learn how and why these landmarks were cultivated in the region and discover their possible connection to the Trail of Tears. The event is free, and purchase of lunch is optional. For more information, call the Fairfield Bay Community Education Center at (501) 884-4440.
Ribbon-Cutting for Lester Elementary
JACKSONVILLE — A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Bobby G. Lester Elementary School, 601 Harris Road, is at 10 a.m. The school is named for longtime educator and former superintendent Bobby Lester. The 2018-19 school year starts Aug. 13.
Thursday
AARP Smart Driver Class
BATESVILLE — An AARP Smart Driver class will be offered from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. There is no age restriction to take the class, but upon completion of the course, participants who are 55 or older will be eligible to receive a discount on their auto-insurance premiums in Arkansas for three years. No tests will be given. To preregister or for more information, call (870) 262-6555.
Herbs in the Kitchen Class
ASH FLAT — Ozarka College in Ash Flat will host a Continuing Education course, Herbs in the Kitchen: Spice Up Your Health from 3-4 p.m. The class will be taught by Robin Moore, a certified community herbalist. Students will learn how to relieve symptoms from colds, flu and digestive upset and what herbal remedies to make with ingredients found in their pantries. The cost is $20 and includes an herbal kit. Preregistration is required. For more information or to register, contact Fay Mitchell at (870) 368-2005 or fay.mitchell@ozarka.edu.
Yoga Fundamentals
ASH FLAT — Ozarka College-Ash Flat will host an eight-week series of Yoga Fundamentals through the Continuing Education program. The one-hour classes, led by certified yoga instructor Deltha Sharp, will meet Thursdays from Aug. 9 through Sept. 27 in Room 106 at the Ash Flat campus. Session A, at 4:30 p.m., will focus on beginning and basic posture. Session B, at 5:45 p.m., will be geared for continuing students who want to advance their yoga practice. Prior yoga experience is not necessary. The cost is $60 for the series or $48 for students 60 and older. Bring a yoga mat. For more information or to register, contact Fay Mitchell at (870) 368-2005 or fay.mitchell@ozarka.edu.
Friday – Aug. 12
Mary Poppins
SEARCY — Performing Arts Center on the Square, 219 W. Arch St., will present Mary Poppins, the Broadway musical, at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday. For a performance at 2 p.m. Aug. 12, tickets for kids 12 and younger will be $5 each. For more information or tickets, call (501) 368-0111 or visit www.centeronthesquare.org.
Saturday
AARP Drive Smart Course
SEARCY — The PrimeTimes of Unity Health will host an AARP Drive Smart Course from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Hubach Conference Center, 3214 E. Race Ave. The instructors are Jerry and Bertie Yates. The cost of the course is $15 for AARP members with an AARP card and $20 for nonmembers. Participants are asked to park behind the hospital off Moore Street, use the elevator to go to the first floor and bring a jacket because the room is cool. To register for the class, call Elizabeth Lever at PrimeTimes at (501) 278-3230.
Beginner’s Quilting Workshop
POWHATAN — Powhatan Historic State Park will offer From Scraps to Quilt: A Beginner’s Quilting Workshop from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the courthouse. Admission is $15. Participants will learn the basics of quilting — piecing the squares, layering the quilt and the quilting stitch. The fee will include materials. To reserve a space, call (870) 878-6765 or email powhatan@arkansas.com.
ONGOING
Bike Batesville Program
BATESVILLE — The Batesville Parks and Recreation Department will lead a free Bike Batesville program for ages 10 and older each Thursday evening through Aug. 30. The group will meet at 6:30 p.m. in the south parking lot of the Community Center, and the approximately 10-mile ride will start at 6:45 p.m. and last around an hour and a half. This is a beginner-friendly, family bike ride. Helmets are mandatory. For more information, visit the Batesville Parks Facebook page.
Downtown Newport Farmers Market
NEWPORT — The Downtown Newport Farmers Market opens at 7 a.m. every Wednesday and Saturday. The offerings include produce such as tomatoes, okra, peppers, cucumbers and more; canned items such as jams, jellies and pickles; baked zucchini bread; handmade soaps; lemonade; fruit-infused water and more.
Antique Quilt Display
EL PASO — Antique quilts owned by residents of the El Paso Community will be on display in the El Paso Library, 1507 Ridge Road, through August. The library is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesdays; from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays; from noon to 5 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays; and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call (501) 796-5974.
Feed the Veterans
CABOT — Feed the Veterans, a veterans food pantry at 2535 S. Rockwood Drive, is open the third Saturday of each month. The pantry, which lets veterans shop for the things they want and the amount they need, serves military veterans, their spouses, and children younger than 18. Retirees, guardsmen and reservists are welcome. The only requirement is proof of military service — a DD-214 or a VA Health Care card or military ID. For more information or a schedule of events, check out the organization’s Facebook page.
Fairfield Bay Farmers Market
FAIRFIELD BAY — The Fairfield Bay Farmers Market is open from 9 a.m. to noon Thursdays at the Village Mall Gazebo. The market features certified naturally grown produce from the Gathering Place at Meadow Creek. All vendors are welcome to bring bumper-crop vegetables to sell. No preregistration is required.
Junior Park Ranger Tours
FAIRFIELD BAY — Junior Park Ranger tours at the Fairfield Bay Heritage Center take place from 1-4 p.m. Mondays. Bring kids to the museum, and they will get a name badge and an activity book from the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program. For more information, call (501) 884-4440.
Art Classes
FAIRFIELD BAY — The Fairfield Bay Community Education Center offers its Paint With Jim class from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays; Barbara Cornett’s fused-glass class from 2-4 p.m. Wednesdays; and Fran’s Jeweled Spider class from 1-2:30 p.m Thursdays. For class fees and more information or to RSVP, call the center at (501) 884-4440. Information is also available on the center’s Facebook page.
Searcy Farmers Market
SEARCY — The Searcy Farmers Market is open from 3-6 p.m. Tuesdays and from 8 a.m. to noon Saturdays on the Searcy Courthouse Square. Shoppers will find fresh produce, meat, homemade/baked goods and more.
Horseshoe Bend Farmers Market
HORSESHOE BEND — The Horseshoe Bend Farmers Market will be open at Faith Presbyterian Church each Wednesday from 8 a.m. until vendors are sold out. Items available for purchase will include produce, plants, herbs and fresh baked goods.
Shepherd Center’s Summer Activities
BEEBE — Seniors are invited to participate in activities from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Wednesday throughout the summer at the Shepherd Center, 302 N. Main St., at the rear of First United Methodist Church. Activities offered include scrapbooking, bridge, chess, jewelry making, card making, quilting, cooking and flower arranging, as well as fishing excursions. Every Friday Game Day will be sponsored from 1-3 p.m., featuring bingo, dominoes or Scrabble.
VFW Tuesday Night Bingo
QUITMAN — Tuesday Night Bingo takes place each week at the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 1295 Bee Branch Road. Doors open at 5:30 for bonanzas, and regular play starts at 6:30 p.m. Food is available. For more information, call (501) 362-9979.
American Legion 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. For more information, call (501) 362-9979.
Cabot Lions Club Meetings
CABOT — The Cabot Lions Club meets at noon the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at Colton’s Steak House & Grill, 195 Northport Drive. All are invited to the meetings.
Free Brown-Bag Lunch
CABOT — The Mount Tabor United Methodist Church Women of Cabot serve a free brown-bag lunch at 11 a.m. each Thursday at the church, 4100 Arkansas 89 S. All are welcome. To volunteer or make a donation, call (501) 843-3797.
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. For more information, call the church at (501) 362-2389.
Beebe Kiwanis Club Meetings
BEEBE — The Beebe Kiwanis Club meets at noon the first and third Thursdays of each month in the Stephens Room of the Student Center at Arkansas State University-Beebe. Kiwanis is a volunteer organization with the mission of helping youth in the community. For more information, call Flo Fitch at (501) 230-2890 or Debra Crisco at (501) 454-3505.
Civitan Meetings
CABOT — Civitan meets at 6 p.m. the first and third Mondays of the month at First Security Bank in downtown Cabot. Civitan is an organization that provides training and support for people with developmental disabilities.
Opportunity for Bridge Players
BEEBE — Bridge players are needed at 1 p.m. Wednesdays at the Shepherd’s Center at Beebe United Methodist Church, 302A N. Main St. Beginners are welcome. For more information, call (501) 843-2930.
Beebe Caregivers Support Group
BEEBE — The Beebe Caregivers Support Group meets at 3 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at the Shepherd’s Center at Beebe United Methodist Church, 302A N. Main St. For more information, call Sandra Garrett at (501) 940-4021.
Alzheimer’s Support Group
CABOT — The Alzheimer’s Support Group meets at 10 a.m. the second Tuesday of each month at Cabot United Methodist Church, 2003 S. Pine St. For more information, call (501) 265-0027.
Republicans Meetings
NEWPORT — The Jackson County Republicans meet at 7 p.m. the fourth Monday of the month at Merchants and Planters Bank, 915 Arkansas 367 N. For more information, call Jeff McDonald at (870) 731-7646.
Upcoming
White County Retired Teachers Meeting
SEARCY — The White County Retired Teachers Association will meet for a luncheon at noon Aug. 13 at the Carmichael Community Center, 801 S. Elm St. George Hopkins, executive director of the Arkansas Teacher Retirement System, will be the speaker.
Sons of the American Legion Meeting
CABOT — The Cabot Sons of the American Legion (SAL) Chapter will meet at 6 p.m. Aug. 14 at Criswell-Robinson American Legion Post 71, 114 N. First St. For more information, call (501) 203-5715.
Introduction to Sewing
ASH FLAT — Ozarka College-Ash Flat’s Continuing Education program will host a six-week series of Introduction to Sewing from 9-11 a.m. Fridays, Aug. 17 to Sept. 21, in the school’s Lecture Hall. The class, led by Debra Gray, will explore the concepts of basic sewing skills, including how to work a sewing machine, sew on a button, hem a pair of jeans and fix a broken zipper. The cost is $60 per student or $48 for ages 60 and older. Preregistration is required. For more information or to register, contact Fay Mitchell at (870) 368-2005 or fay.mitchell@ozarka.edu.
Candle-Making Workshop
POWHATAN — Powhatan Historic State Park will offer Getting Lit in the 19th Century: Candle Making from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 18 at the Courthouse. Join a park interpreter to learn about Powhatan’s history of candle making and to make a candle to take home. All ages are encouraged to participate, but children should be supervised by a parent. Admission is free. To reserve a space, call (870) 878-6765 or email powhatan@arkansas.com.
Cheeseburger in Paradise
FAIRFIELD BAY — Cheeseburger in Paradise, the annual Fairfield Bay Community Education Center fundraiser, will take place from 6:30-9:30 Aug. 25 and include dance music by the Sean Sikes Band, smoked chicken plates by cook-off winner Greg Calaway, fireball cupcakes, a silent auction, games of beer or champagne pong and a pay-as-you-go bar. Tickets are $20 for the dance and $10 for food plates at the Conference Center or the Education Center; from committee members Cindy Wellenberger, Kay Otis, Sharon Luxon and Linda Duncan; or at the dance. There will be a 50/50 raffle, with tickets at $5 each. The Education Center is in the Village Mall, next to the mayor’s office. For more information, call the center at (501) 884-4440.
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. The deadline for calendar-item submissions is noon Tuesday.