Feb. 4
White County Iris Society Meeting
SEARCY — The White County Iris Society will meet at 2 p.m. at the home of Paul Love, 605 E Race Ave. Allan Isom will talk about responsible gardening practices that benefit pollinators. All are invited to attend. Refreshments will be served.
Feb. 5
Community Music Gathering
BATESVILLE — There will be a community music gathering from 6-8 p.m. at First Community Bank. Instrumentalists, singers and listeners are invited to attend.
Feb. 6
Legion Riders Meeting
CABOT — The Legion Riders, a group for motorcycle riders who are veterans, will meet at 7 p.m. at Criswell Robinson American Legion Post 71, 114 N. First St. For more information, call (501) 203-5715.
Independence County Republicans Meeting
BATESVILLE — The Independence County Republicans will meet at 6:30 p.m. at the Citizens Bank Annex, 285 E. College St. Tommy Land, a candidate for state land commissioner, will talk about his candidacy.
Sweetheart Banquet
SEARCY — The CALL in White County will host its annual Sweetheart Banquet at 6 p.m. at Robbins-Sanford Hall. The event’s theme will be “Stole My Heart.” The CALL invites everyone to attend, partake of a dessert bar and hors d’oeuvres, and participate in a silent auction and drawings for door prizes. The banquet is free, and no tickets are required. Proceeds will support foster families and foster children in White County. For more information about the banquet, call Jennifer Humberson at (501) 278-6654. For more information about The CALL, call Erica Sirratt at (501) 288-3197.
French 2 With Penny
FAIRFIELD BAY — French 2 With Penny will meet from 4-5 p.m. Tuesdays, Feb. 6, 13, 20 and 27, at the Fairfield Bay Community Education Center, 130 Village Lane, Suite 5E. The cost is $40 for the four classes. Participants will learn common conversational French phrases. No prior class is needed. The class will review French 1 at the first meeting. RSVP for a place in the class. For more information, contact the Education Center at (501) 884-4440 or ffbcec@artelco.com.
Feb. 7
Sterling Scholar Speaker
FAIRFIELD BAY — Catherine Barrier of the Arkansas Historic Preservation Program will be the Sterling Scholar speaker from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Indian Hills Club/Little Red Restaurant. Barrier will talk about the role of the state office in establishing the Fairfield Bay Heritage Center Historic District. The event is free, and purchase of lunch is optional. For more information, contact the Education Center at (501) 884-4440 or ffbcec@artelco.com.
Feb. 8 – Feb. 10 and Feb. 15-17
James and the Giant Peach
SEARCY — Harding University’s theater department will present James and the Giant Peach at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and Feb. 15-17 in the Ulrey Performing Arts Center at Harding. The show is directed by Professor Robin Miller. Based on Roald Dahl’s children’s book of the same name, the performance includes music and lyrics by Benj Pasek and Justin Paul, and book by Timothy Allen McDonald. Tickets can be purchased for $10 at www.hardingtickets.com or at the door. For more information, call the box office at (501) 279-4255.
Feb. 9
AARP Drive Smart Course
SEARCY — The PrimesTimes 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 at Unity Health, 3214 E. Race Ave. The instructors are Jerry and Bertie Yates. Participants are asked to park behind the hospital off Moore Street, use the elevator to go to the first floor and bring a sweater or jacket because the room is usually cold. The cost of the course is $15 for AARP members with an AARP ID card and $20 for nonmembers. To register for the class, call Elizabeth Leaver at at (501) 278-3230.
Ballroom Dance — New!
BATESVILLE — The University of Arkansas Community College at Batesville will offer Ballroom Dance — New!; a five-session Community Education class for couples, from 6-7:30 p.m. Fridays, Feb. 9, 16 and 23; and March 9 and 16. The class fee is $70 per couple. Samy Rash, instructor, will teach the basic steps for salsa, bachata, country swing and fox trot. Dancers of any skill level are welcome. The class will meet on the Auditorium Stage in Independence Hall at UACCB. For more information or to register, call (870) 612-2082 or email communityed@uaccb.edu.
ONGOING
Painting With Jim
FAIRFIELD BAY — Painting With Jim will be offered from 10 a.m. to noon every Tuesday at the Fairfield Bay Community Education Center, 130 Village Lane, Suite 5E. The cost is $40 per session, and all materials will be provided. Students will learn the value of color and composition with a new subject each week, starting and completing an acrylic painting in the two-hour class. For more information, contact the Education Center at (501) 884-4440 or ffbcec@artelco.com.
Free Tax-Preparation Services
JACKSONVILLE — Residents in the Three Rivers Edition coverage area can receive free tax-preparation assistance from the Central Arkansas Development Council. Help is available at the city of Jacksonville, 109 S. Second St., by appointment. Call (501) 982-0026. Assistance is also provided at the Esther D. Nixon Library, 703 W. Main St. in Jacksonville. Walk-ins are welcome from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays, Feb. 10 and 24; March 3, 10, 17 and 24; and April 7. For more information, call the CADC at (501) 315-1121. People who make under $54,000 may also self-prepare their taxes at myfreetaxes.com.
Silver&Fit Program
BATESVILLE — The Batesville Community Center and Aquatics Park is participating in the Silver&Fit program’s network of fitness facilities, which allows the center and aquatics park to provide no-cost membership access to Silver&Fit members. Silver&Fit eligibility is required, and a small annual fee may apply. The Silver&Fit program is an exercise and healthy-aging program for Medicare members, providing unique, evidence-based fitness and health education activities. For more information, visit www.ashcompanies.com or call (800) 848-3555.
Cabot Lions Club Meetings
CABOT — The Cabot Lions Club now meets at noon the second and fourth Thursdays of each month at Colton’s Steak House & Grill, 195 Northport Drive. Lions are “the knights for the blind and visually impaired,” providing service for those with sight ailments and hearing issues. Lions are also actively involved in service for hunger relief, youth outreach, the environment, pediatric cancer, diabetes awareness and disaster relief. All are invited to the meetings.
Abstract ARt Exhibit
BATESVILLE — The Batesville Area Arts Council presents Abstract ARt, a group exhibition, through Feb. 24 at the BAAC Gallery on Main, 226 E. Main St. The exhibit features the work of six abstract artists in Arkansas working in contemporary modes of drawing, printing and painting: Dustyn Bork, Donnie Copeland, Sam King, Marc Mitchell, Jessica Mongeon and Steven Wise. The exhibit is free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. For more information, call the Arts Council at (870) 793-3382.
Free GED Classes
MELBOURNE — Free GED classes are available at several locations through Ozarka College. Classes meet at Ozarka College in Melbourne from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 3-6 p.m. Mondays; at Ozarka College in Mammoth Spring from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday; at Ozarka College in Mountain View from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 4-7 p.m. Mondays; and at Salem High School from 4-7 p.m. Mondays. Registration is ongoing. For more information, call Ozarka College Adult Education at (870) 368-2051.
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.
Free Chair Yoga Classes
MELBOURNE — The Ozarka College Continuing Education program will offer free chair yoga classes at 12:30 p.m.Wednesdays through April 25 in Room C106 of the John E. Miller Education Complex. Each class, led by Deltha Sharp, will last approximately 30 minutes. Participants are welcome to bring their own blocks, straps, blankets, etc.; however, there will be a few of each available at class. Preregistration is required. For more information or to register, contact Fay Mitchell at (870) 368-2005 or fay.mitchell@ozarka.edu.
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. Nearly 8,600 meals were served in 2017. Additional volunteers are needed. For more information or to volunteer, call (501) 843-3797.
Jacksonville Sertoma Club Meeting
JACKSONVILLE — The Jacksonville Sertoma Club meets at noon every Wednesday at the Southern Oaks Country Club, 701 Foxwood Drive. The Sertoma Club raises money for hearing aids and for scholarships for local high school seniors, including seniors from the Arkansas School for the Deaf in Little Rock.
Shepherd’s Center Wednesday Activities
BEEBE — Seniors participate in classes from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Wednesday at the Shepherd’s Center at Beebe United Methodist Church, 302A N. Main St. The classes include quilting, art, jewelry making, scrapbooking, card making, genealogy, beginning computers, Bible discussions and bridge. At special times, cake decorating, holiday food preparation and ethnic food classes are offered, and in the spring, American Sign Language and gardening. Lunch is a potluck served to all who attend, whether or not they bring a dish.
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.
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.
Upcoming
STARS Club Meeting
CABOT — The STARS (Small Town Amateur Radio Service) Club, a ham radio group, will have its monthly meeting at 1:30 p.m. Feb 11 at Criswell Robinson American Legion Post 71, 114 N. First St. The group meets the second Sunday of every month. For more information, call (501) 203-5715.
Sons of The American Legion Meeting
CABOT — The Sons of The American Legion (SAL) Chapter will have its monthly meeting at 6 p.m. Feb 12 at Criswell Robinson American Legion Post 71, 114 N. First St. For more information, call (501) 203-5715.
Jacksonville Chamber Banquet
JACKSONVILLE — The Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce annual banquet will take place at 6 p.m. Feb. 13 at the Jacksonville Community Center, 5 Municipal Drive. Gov. Asa Hutchinson will be the guest speaker. The cost of the dinner is $45 per member or $360 for a table of eight. RSVP by 5 p.m. Feb. 1 by calling (501) 982-1511 or emailing chamber@jacksonville-arkansas.com.
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.
Neil Diamond Tribute
NEWPORT— The Arkansas State University-Newport Patron Series will present Jack Wright: The Songs and Stories of Neil Diamond at 7 p.m. Feb. 15 in the Center for the Arts, 7648 Victory Blvd. Tickets can be purchased at tickets.asun.edu.
Incident Command System Class
CABOT — The STARS (Small Town Amateur Radio Service) Club, a ham-radio group, will offer an ICS (Incident Command System) 800 class from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb 17 at Criswell Robinson American Legion Post 71, 114 N. First St. The class is taught by Steve Moore with the Arkansas Department of Emergency Management. All are welcome to attend the class. For more information, contact Gordon Miller at gmiller266@gmail.com.
Adult Storytelling
CONWAY — Storytelling will come to the Faulkner County Library as Brother Norm Moyer, a member of the National Storytelling Network, brings stories to delight adults and children at 2 p.m. Feb. 24. 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.
Delta Visual Arts Show
NEWPORT — The 10th Annual Delta Visual Arts Show will take place from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Feb. 24 at the Blue Bridge Center for the Delta Arts, 201 Hazel St. The free event will feature various categories of art, along with live music and authors. For more information, call the center at (870) 523-1009 or email director@newportaredc.org.
Bowling for Business
CABOT — The Cabot Chamber of Commerce will present Bowling for Business from 6:30-8:30 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Allfam Bowling Center, 2350 Lakewood Drive. Five-person teams will participate for a fee of $200 per team. Team benefits for one five-person team will include free shoe rental, 10 beverage tickets, pizza and eligibility to win all prizes. The first round will be a team competition, and the second round will be a networking bowl. The registration deadline is Feb. 19. For more information, call the chamber at (501) 843-2136.
Anglers Expo & Outdoor Show
HEBER SPRINGS — On March 2 and 3, the Rotary Club of Cleburne County will host the Annual Anglers Expo & Outdoor Show, featuring a wide variety of vendors, special events, and displays in the fishing, hunting, camping and general outdoor categories. Musical guests will provide entertainment, and a chili cook-off contest will take place. All events will be at the Heber Springs Community Center, 201 Bobby Jean Lane. For more information, email rotaryclubcleburnecounty@gmail.com or visit www.anglersexpo.com.
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 Anglers 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 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 visit ziggypepper.com.
Native American Flute Presentation
FAIRFIELD BAY — William Wording, a Native American flute maker and performer, will give a presentation from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 7 at the Indian Hills Club/Little Red Restaurant. The event is free, and purchase of lunch is optional. For more information, contact the Education Center at (501) 884-4440 or ffbcec@artelco.com.
ESL Information Session
ASH FLAT — Ozarka College in Ash Flat will host an English as a Second Language information session at 6 p.m. March 15 in an effort to address the educational and language needs of people in the area. The session will gauge the need for, and the interest in, ESL classes in Ash Flat and the surrounding area. Anyone interested in taking ESL classes is encouraged to attend the session. A Spanish-language translator will be available. Preregister for the free ESL information session by calling (870) 994-7273 or emailing tena.rosse@ozarka.edu.
Jeffrey Combs Portraying Poe
BEEBE — The Arkansas State University-Beebe Concert Series will present Nevermore: An Evening with Edgar Allan Poe, by stage and film actor Jeffrey Combs, at 7:30 p.m. March 15 in the Owen Center Auditorium, 910 Pecan St. Combs is known for playing multiple characters on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and other roles. General-admission tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for seniors, students, military personnel and educators. Purchase tickets at asub.ticketleap.com, at the Institutional Advancement office (in the Ruth Couch Building on the Beebe campus) or at the door one hour before showtime. For more information, contact Carissa Gillam at (501) 882-8957,or visit www.asub.edu.
Creating Butterfly Landscapes
FAIRFIELD BAY — Ruth Andre will give a presentation on creating butterfly landscapes from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 2 at the Indian Hills Club/Little Red Restaurant. Andre will talk about how to cultivate a garden to be butterfly-friendly. The event is free, and purchase of lunch is optional. For more information, contact the Education Center at (501) 884-4440 or ffbcec@artelco.com.
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.