COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENTS:
BOYS & GIRLS
CLUB AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAM
The Boys and Girls
Clubs (BGC) of the Arkansas River Valley have opened registration for their
After-School Program, anticipated to begin on August 24th. The BGC
follows the schedule of local school districts and the program will start on
the first day of school. For Russellville & Dardanelle students, the
program lasts from 3-6 PM, costs $50 per child for the school year, and
includes free dinner and snack. For London students, the cost is $50 monthly or
$15 weekly and includes a free snack. All children 10 and over must wear a face
mask during the program. If your child receives free or reduced lunch at their
school, please call 479-968-7819 to learn how your child can attend for free. For
more information or to sign up, please visit www.bgclubsarv.org/about-our-membership.
Due to COVID-19, the BGC will not be able to take in-person registration or
cash payments, so children must be registered online before they can attend the
After-School Program.
MT. NEBO CHICKEN
FRY
Due to COVID-19, the
73rd Annual Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry will be held at Veteran’s River Front Park at
200 Front Street in Dardanelle on Saturday, August 22nd from 11 AM - 4 PM. The
Chicken Fry will consist of Tyson’s award-winning chicken dinners and pre-sale
t-shirts. Dinner tickets can be purchased at the Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce at 2011
State Hwy. 22 or by calling 479-229-3328. Meals will be drive-through only,
with the exception of delivery for 10 or more meals. T-shirts can also be
picked up at this time. Meals plates are Half Grilled Chicken for $8 or 4
chicken strips for $5. All meals include famous Mt. Nebo cumin rice, baked
beans, potato salad, pickle, slice of bread, cookie, and bottle of water. A
combo purchase of either meal with a t-shirt is only $20! The Chamber is
actively seeking sponsors for the event. State or local politicians will be
allowed to have a location in the pick-up line (spaced out every 20 ft.), to
wave at potential voters. For more information contact Stacey Daughtrey at
479-229-3328 or 479-699-5246.
ARKANSAS TECH
UNIVERSITY PANDEMIC RECOVERY
For ongoing updates and
plans concerning the Arkansas Tech University pandemic recovery plan and back
to school details, please visit www.atu.edu/pandemicrecovery.
CLARKSVILLE BACK
TO SCHOOL
As of right now,
Clarksville schools are expected to start on August 24th. Some students will be required to wear
facemasks and practice social distancing.
Clarksville Schools Superintendent Doctor David Hopkins says parents
have the option of signing a contract for their child to do online learning
from home if they feel the need to do so.
UNIVERSITY OF THE
OZARKS BACK TO SCHOOL
University of the
Ozarks has announced a revised academic calendar for the 2020 Fall Semester
that will end face-to-face classes on Nov. 20. The change is part of the
University’s ongoing efforts to mitigate the risks involved with the COVID-19
pandemic. Ozarks will begin the Fall 2020 semester as scheduled, on Tuesday,
Aug. 25. The last day of face-to-face classes will be on Nov. 20 and classes
will transition to an all online format on Nov. 23. Final exams, scheduled for
Dec. 7-10, will also be conducted in a virtual environment. There will be no
fall break at Ozarks and classes will be held on Labor Day, Sept. 7. Move-in
for new incoming students will be Aug. 19-21, and move-in for returning
students will be held Aug. 22-24. The move-ins will be held on a staggered
schedule to minimize crowds. The University will hold with a combination of
in-person classes, virtual classes and a hybrid of both throughout the
semester. In addition, all large
in-person gatherings, meetings and events have been cancelled or converted to a
virtual format for the fall semester, including Homecoming, the Walton Arts
& Ideas Series, speaker events and theatre and concert performances. Learn
more at ozarks.edu/news.
ARKANSAS FACE
MASK MANDATE
Arkansas Gov. Asa
Hutchinson has issued a statewide face mask mandate for Arkansas, effective
July 20th. The order said masks must cover the nose and mouth and will be
required in all indoor environments where residents are exposed to
non-household members and a 6-foot social distancing rule cannot be attained. Anyone
caught not following the state mandate will face a misdemeanor offense,
punishable by a fine of no less than $100 not to exceed $500. First-time
offenders or anyone under age 18 will get a verbal or written warning.
GREAT AMERICAN
CONFERENCE (GAC) ATHLETICS
The Great American
Conference Council of Presidents unanimously approved a plan to delay the start
of all intercollegiate athletic practices until the week of August 31, with the
launch of competition postponed until the week of September 28. Teams will play
current GAC schedule grids when play resumes in late September. The GAC will
formulate a plan to reschedule those games not played on the existing schedule
- as well as the format for fall conference postseason events - following NCAA
Division II action on the status of fall championships.
CONWAY COUNTY
ABSENTEE BALLOT
Conway County election officials say that absentee ballot applications for the November 3rd general election are now available. You can request that one be mailed to you by calling the County Clerk's office at 501-354-9621. Early voting will begin October 19th in the fourth floor courtroom of the Conway County Courthouse in Morrilton. Beginning with this election, voters in Conway County may go to any designated voter center in the county to cast your ballot on Election Day.
Conway County election officials say that absentee ballot applications for the November 3rd general election are now available. You can request that one be mailed to you by calling the County Clerk's office at 501-354-9621. Early voting will begin October 19th in the fourth floor courtroom of the Conway County Courthouse in Morrilton. Beginning with this election, voters in Conway County may go to any designated voter center in the county to cast your ballot on Election Day.
CLARKSVILLE CITY
CLOSURE ORDER
The City of
Clarksville is once again shutting down city facilities and parks. In an email
from Clarksville Mayor David Rieder, he outlines the reasons for the executive
order: “In response to several factors including, rate of infection, age, case
severity, and overall capability to manage our local caseload, we are closing
public facilities to try and to levelize the overall situation we are facing in
the community. With a new school year beginning soon, our hope is the we can
reduce the rate of infection by reducing exposure before we start with a new
school year. This closure will not apply
to large open areas and the nature trail, where social distancing of 6 feet can
be easily achieved. The executive order will take effect on Saturday (7/18) at
4 PM. Facilities affected will include the Marvin Vinson Multi-Purpose
Building, the Clarksville Aquatic Center, all park playgrounds, swimming areas,
restrooms, and all other indoor and outdoor public facilities which present a
risk of infection to the general public. Full time city employees will report
to work as normal as long they or their family members don't have symptoms of
the Coronavirus.”
POPE COUNTY FAIR
The COVID-19
pandemic has taken its toll on some longtime traditions in the Valley. John
Looper with the Pope County Fair Board said on Tuesday that, as a result of
COVID, the Pope County Fair and fair pageants have been cancelled for the 2020
season. Looper said that social distancing issues and concerns related to
participants' health were contributing factors that led board members to
believe this decision was the only proper option. Looper extended the thanks of
each board members and to all the individuals that come out each year to make
this tradition possible. "Looking forward to the 2021 fair", Looper
said in his release.
ARKANSAS OKLAHOMA
STATE FAIR
The 2020 Arkansas
Oklahoma State Fair has been cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according
to event organizers. They say that this decision was made because they could
not guarantee a safe environment for those attending, vendors, and volunteers.
CLARKSVILLE
AQUATIC PARK CLOSED
Effective July 11th,
the Clarksville Aquatic Center has closed their outdoor water park due to
increasing concerns surrounding COVID-19. Season pass holders have the option
of a refund or a 2021 season pass. For questions, please call City Hall at
479-754-6846.
YELL COUNTY
CANCELLED EVENTS
The Free State of
Yell Fest won't be held in 2020.
Dardanelle Mayor Jimmy Witt posted on his Facebook page that Dardanelle
Chamber of Commerce Board members met, and following some review, the Board
voted not to move forward with Yell Fest this year. The Board, however, did
vote to move forward with planning the 73rd Annual Mt. Nebo Chicken
Fry scheduled on Saturday, August 22nd.
ATKINS CITY POOL
RE-OPENS
Atkins Mayor Rowdy
Sweet stated that the Atkins City Pool will open for the summer on Tuesday,
June 2nd and patrons will comply with social distancing. Pool passes
are available at Atkins City Hall.
CARDS OF KINDNESS
Arkansas Hospice, the state’s
largest provider of hospice services, has launched “Cards of Kindness,” a
program that invites members of the community to send messages of kindness and
companionship to isolated nursing home patients through cards, poems,
paintings, drawings and art. The program has been developed in response to the
restricted visitation policies enacted by most area nursing homes,
rehabilitation centers and assisted living facilities due to the COVID-19
Coronavirus. The program is a matter of “Arkansans helping Arkansans.” A “thinking of you” style card, letters,
drawings, poems, finger paintings, anything with a positive message of
greeting, hope and care can be used. Cards of Kindness can be dropped off in a
special collection bin during normal business hours outside the front door of
the Arkansas Hospice River Valley Home, located at 220 John Babish Lane in
Russellville. As a precaution, the cards and greetings will be held for 48
hours to make sure they are virus-free. The hospice’s provider relations team
will then distribute the cards to our partner nursing homes and facilities
throughout the area. Additional details can be found by visiting www.arkansashospice.org/cardsofkindness.
To build an added sense of community, participants can email pictures of their
cards or art to arhospicefoundation@gmail.com. A special carousel has been set up to display
the pictures on the website. Cards
can also be mailed to:
Cards
of Kindness
C/O
Arkansas Hospice
14
Parkstone Circle
North
Little Rock, AR 72216
#LEANLOCALRUSSELLVILLE
The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce has launched www.LeanLocalRussellville.com in an effort to support all of the local businesses and non-profits in the Russellville area impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the website is for it to serve as a platform that consumers can access to stay updated on the temporary practices of local businesses and so that the businesses and non-profits have a place to share their modified hours, menus, and policies. Local businesses and non-profits are invited to submit their information by filling out a form at LeanLocalRussellville.com. To update information after submission, or if there are any questions about the form, please email tduvall@russellvillechamber.com.
The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce has launched www.LeanLocalRussellville.com in an effort to support all of the local businesses and non-profits in the Russellville area impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The goal of the website is for it to serve as a platform that consumers can access to stay updated on the temporary practices of local businesses and so that the businesses and non-profits have a place to share their modified hours, menus, and policies. Local businesses and non-profits are invited to submit their information by filling out a form at LeanLocalRussellville.com. To update information after submission, or if there are any questions about the form, please email tduvall@russellvillechamber.com.
ONGOING
DARDANELLE FARMER’S MARKET
On Saturday, June 6th, the Dardanelle Farmers
Market will open to the public and will practice social distancing. Masks will
be on-site and encouraged, as well as hand sanitization. For more details about
vendors or other restrictions, please visit the Dardanelle Farmers Market page
on Facebook.
POPE COUNTY FARMER’S MARKET
The Pope County Farmers Market is open for the 2020 season
at Depot Park in Downtown Russellville. The Saturday morning market runs from 8
AM – 1 PM and the Tuesday evening market runs from 4-7 PM. For more
information, or to get in touch with coordinators, please follow the Pope
County Farmers Market page on Facebook.
RUSSELLVILLE COMMUNITY MARKET
The Russellville Community Market (RCM) is an online
farmer’s market operating year-round. Many of the vendors you know and love
with traditional markets can still be shopped from with RCM as well. The market
is open for ordering Fridays at 12 PM through Sundays at 10 PM, then patrons
pick up and pay for their order on Tuesday evenings from 4-8 PM at the Train
Depot in Downtown Russellville. (No payment or financial information is
submitted online.) Sign up online to become a free member at www.russellville.locallygrown.net
and start ordering farm-fresh food for your family this weekend!
RUSSELLVILLE ROLLER GIRLS
The Women’s Flat Track Derby Association has recommended
tier phases for roller derby teams to return to practice. Using those
guidelines, the Russellville Roller Girls will return to practice on Sunday,
May 24th, at 7:30 PM at Merritt Park in Dardanelle. Practices will
follow every Tuesday and Sunday at 7:30 PM. Note: as kids’ team sports are
still on hold in the current Arkansas phase, the Junior Team will have to be
patient for a while longer. More announcements to follow on the Russellville
Roller Girls Facebook page.
JULY
POPE COUNTY LIBRARY SYSTEM EVENTS – Through July 31st
Despite the Pope County Library System not hosting many of
their traditional summer events, PCLS has designed several DIGITAL events to keep
patrons reading, engaged, and having fun. Just tune in to the PCLS Facebook
live videos to participate in the events, running through July 31st.
Find a listing below and all details on the Pope County Library System’s
Facebook page or by calling 479-968-4368.
* Every Tuesday at 1 PM: Fairytale Take-Home Craft – Pickup
up your craft kits at the Russellville branch on Mondays and craft along with
online video demonstrations on Tuesdays.
* Every Wednesday at 11 AM: Imagine Your Story Storytime
* Every Thursday at 11 AM: Bilingual Storytime with Ms.
Melanie & Ms. Carolina
* Every Friday at 11 AM: Music Storytime with Travis Simpson
PCLS IMAGINE YOUR STORY SUMMER READING PROGRAM – Through
July 31st
The Pope County Library System is hosting their digital/virtual summer reading program – Imagine Your Story – through July 31st! Patrons of all ages can play games, go on quests, complete challenges, and even help their local community! Just sign up and start reading for prizes today! Register for free on the READSquared app or online at www.popecountylibrary.readsquared.com. For more information, please call 479-968-4368.
The Pope County Library System is hosting their digital/virtual summer reading program – Imagine Your Story – through July 31st! Patrons of all ages can play games, go on quests, complete challenges, and even help their local community! Just sign up and start reading for prizes today! Register for free on the READSquared app or online at www.popecountylibrary.readsquared.com. For more information, please call 479-968-4368.
READ-A-THON RAILROAD – Through July 31st
River Valley United Way has launched their Read-A-Thon
Railroad in support of our local Imagination Library. This is a fundraiser that
will help pay for books to be directly mailed to local children in our River
Valley. Did you know that $25 covers an entire year’s worth of books for one
child? The Read-A-Thon is open for all ages. You sign up, ask friends and
family to donate to the Imagination Library, and then start reading to win
weekly prizes! Pick up your boarding pass today at Dog Ear Books or the Russellville
and Dardanelle libraries. For updates and more information, please follow the
River Valley Imagination Library page on Facebook or email info@rivervalleyunitedway.org.
AUGUST
BARGAINS GALORE ON 64 – August 13th-15th
Officials with Main Street Morrilton have decided the
downtown area will not be a part of Bargains Galore on 64 this summer. The 140-mile yard sale extravaganza is tentatively
scheduled for August 13th through 15th in towns along Highway 64 from Fort
Smith to Beebe. The event may still be
cancelled altogether because of COVID-19, but Main Street Morrilton
spokesperson Morgan Zimmerman says even if it is held in other towns, spaces
will be not be rented to vendors in downtown Morrilton.
73rd ANNUAL MT. NEBO CHICKEN FRY – August 22nd
Due to COVID 19 the 73rd Annual Mt. Nebo Chicken Fry will be
held at Veteran’s River Front Park at 200 Front Street in Dardanelle on
Saturday, August 22nd from 11 AM - 4 PM. The Chicken Fry will consist of
Tyson’s award-winning chicken dinners and pre-sale t-shirts. Dinner tickets can
be purchased at the Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce at 2011 State Hwy. 22
or by calling 479-229-3328. Meals will be drive-through only, with the
exception of delivery for 10 or more meals. T-shirts can also be picked up at
this time. Meals plates are Half Grilled Chicken for $8 or 4 chicken strips for
$5. All meals include famous Mt. Nebo cumin rice, baked beans, potato salad,
pickle, slice of bread, cookie, and bottle of water. A combo purchase of either
meal with a t-shirt is only $20! The Chamber is actively seeking sponsors for
the event. State or local politicians will be allowed to have a location in the
pick-up line (spaced out every 20 ft.), to wave at potential voters. For more
information contact Stacey Daughtrey at 479-229-3328 or 479-699-5246.
SEPTEMBER
RUSSELLVILLE CHILDREN’S FISHING DERBY – September 12th
The annual Children's Fishing Derby that is normally held in
June has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The derby has been
rescheduled for Saturday, September 12 at Pleasant View Park. Additional
information will be available at a later date. Please contact the Recreation
and Parks Department at 479-968-1272, if you have any questions.
PAINT THE TOWN GREEN & GOLD – September 14th-19th
The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that their annual Pain the Town Green & Gold initiative is scheduled for September 14th-19th throughout Russellville. Area businesses and storefronts are invited to decorate their windows and displays in support of Arkansas Tech University and our ATU Wonder Boys. For more information, please contact the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce by emailing chamber@russellvillechamber.com or by calling 479-968-2530.
The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that their annual Pain the Town Green & Gold initiative is scheduled for September 14th-19th throughout Russellville. Area businesses and storefronts are invited to decorate their windows and displays in support of Arkansas Tech University and our ATU Wonder Boys. For more information, please contact the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce by emailing chamber@russellvillechamber.com or by calling 479-968-2530.
ONGOING & RECURRING
(ALL ON HOLD DURING COVID-19)
WHAT: Domestic
Violence Survivor Support Group
WHEN: Every Thursday! | Women: 10 AM | Men: 12 PM | LGBTQ+: 1 PM
WHEN: Every Thursday! | Women: 10 AM | Men: 12 PM | LGBTQ+: 1 PM
WHERE: McElroy
House | 420 S. 2nd St. | Dardanelle
PRICE: Free!
The River Valley Shelter for Battered Women and Children have partnered with the McElroy House of Dardanelle to provide a weekly support group for domestic violence survivors. The support group meets every Thursday at 10 AM for women, 12 PM for men, and 1 PM for LGBTQ+. The purpose of the group is to provide emotional, psychological, educational, and practical support to individuals who share a problem or similar situation. Sharing your story and experiences can aid in helping yourself and others heal by having a sense of support, increasing overall well-being, and reducing stress. The outcome of participating in the weekly Domestic Violence Survivor Support Group can include positive changes in self-esteem, depression, self-efficacy, and ego strength. For more information, please call 479-219-5148.
PRICE: Free!
The River Valley Shelter for Battered Women and Children have partnered with the McElroy House of Dardanelle to provide a weekly support group for domestic violence survivors. The support group meets every Thursday at 10 AM for women, 12 PM for men, and 1 PM for LGBTQ+. The purpose of the group is to provide emotional, psychological, educational, and practical support to individuals who share a problem or similar situation. Sharing your story and experiences can aid in helping yourself and others heal by having a sense of support, increasing overall well-being, and reducing stress. The outcome of participating in the weekly Domestic Violence Survivor Support Group can include positive changes in self-esteem, depression, self-efficacy, and ego strength. For more information, please call 479-219-5148.
WHAT: Forget Me
Nots
WHEN: 4th Tuesday Monthly | 2 PM
WHERE: Brookdale Senior Living | 240 S. Inglewood | Russellville
PRICE: Free!
Forget Me Nots is a monthly support group for caregivers of those with dementia. Forget Me Nots meets on the 4th Tuesday every month at 2 PM at Russellville’s Brookdale Senior Living Center. Participants share experiences, hear from those who work in the dementia-related field, learn coping strategies and support one another. For more information, please email Rhonda Horton at rhorton@arkansashospice.org.
WHEN: 4th Tuesday Monthly | 2 PM
WHERE: Brookdale Senior Living | 240 S. Inglewood | Russellville
PRICE: Free!
Forget Me Nots is a monthly support group for caregivers of those with dementia. Forget Me Nots meets on the 4th Tuesday every month at 2 PM at Russellville’s Brookdale Senior Living Center. Participants share experiences, hear from those who work in the dementia-related field, learn coping strategies and support one another. For more information, please email Rhonda Horton at rhorton@arkansashospice.org.
WHAT: All
Saints’ Yoga
WHEN: Every Tuesday! | 5:30-6:30 PM
WHERE: All Saints’ Episcopal Church | 501 S. Phoenix Ave. | Russellville
WHEN: Every Tuesday! | 5:30-6:30 PM
WHERE: All Saints’ Episcopal Church | 501 S. Phoenix Ave. | Russellville
PRICE: Free!
Since beginning in the fall of 2014, All Saints’ Yoga is a basic/beginning class, but modifications are taught for all levels. This free Tuesday evening practice is an extension from the class Deacon Kay Staggs taught for many years. In the winter, All Saints’ Yoga focuses on arm strengthening, and in the summer they choose a strong pose and work toward it. All Saints’ Yoga has a consistent warm-up and sun salutation and then sprinkle the rest of the practice with new or challenging poses or sequences. There is a mixture of sitting, kneeling, balancing and standing poses all with a variety of music for background. We stop and workshop certain areas/poses as needed and always have fun doing that. There is also dharma reading each week with meditation/breathing practices. All Saints’ Yoga is always open to new/beginning yogis. Bring a mat and a friend and come join! Shanti (Peace). For more information please contact Cindy by email at cindyeisemann@aol.com or by phone at 347-285-8249.
Since beginning in the fall of 2014, All Saints’ Yoga is a basic/beginning class, but modifications are taught for all levels. This free Tuesday evening practice is an extension from the class Deacon Kay Staggs taught for many years. In the winter, All Saints’ Yoga focuses on arm strengthening, and in the summer they choose a strong pose and work toward it. All Saints’ Yoga has a consistent warm-up and sun salutation and then sprinkle the rest of the practice with new or challenging poses or sequences. There is a mixture of sitting, kneeling, balancing and standing poses all with a variety of music for background. We stop and workshop certain areas/poses as needed and always have fun doing that. There is also dharma reading each week with meditation/breathing practices. All Saints’ Yoga is always open to new/beginning yogis. Bring a mat and a friend and come join! Shanti (Peace). For more information please contact Cindy by email at cindyeisemann@aol.com or by phone at 347-285-8249.
WHAT:
Dardanelle Area Chamber Member’s Luncheon
WHEN: Third Wednesday Monthly | 12 PM
WHERE: Tarasco’s Restaurant | Front Street | Downtown Dardanelle
The Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly Member's Luncheon on the third Wednesday each month at 12 PM at Tarasco's Restaurant located on Front St in Dardanelle, AR. Lunch is a dutch treat in a casual setting. The Chamber acknowledges the Chamber Member of the Month and a guest speaker will inform you of relevant business topics, local government changes or a local benefit for our community. Monthly Chamber Member Luncheons are a great time to build relationships, swap ideas, get solutions or give advice. For more advice, please call the Dardanelle Chamber at 479-229-3328.
WHEN: Third Wednesday Monthly | 12 PM
WHERE: Tarasco’s Restaurant | Front Street | Downtown Dardanelle
The Dardanelle Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a monthly Member's Luncheon on the third Wednesday each month at 12 PM at Tarasco's Restaurant located on Front St in Dardanelle, AR. Lunch is a dutch treat in a casual setting. The Chamber acknowledges the Chamber Member of the Month and a guest speaker will inform you of relevant business topics, local government changes or a local benefit for our community. Monthly Chamber Member Luncheons are a great time to build relationships, swap ideas, get solutions or give advice. For more advice, please call the Dardanelle Chamber at 479-229-3328.
No comments:
Post a Comment