ONGOING

SUMMER FOOD 4 KIDS – All Summer

River Valley Food 4 Kids (RVF4K) begins their Summer Food 4 Kids program on June 2^nd. Every Tuesday & Wednesday throughout the summer, RVF4K will host weekly distributions in Russellville, Pottsville, Dardanelle, Atkins, Dover, and Danville. To learn more, please visit River Valley Food 4 Kids on Facebook. If you’d like to register (at any time) for Summer Food 4 Kids, please visit https://www.rivervalleyfood4kids.org/summer-registration.

BOYS & GIRLS CLUB SUMMER FOOD DISTRIBUTION – All Summer

The Russellville & Dardanelle Boys & Girls Clubs will continue serving food each weekday throughout the summer, effective June 1^st. In Russellville anyone is welcome toa drive up to the Boys & Girls Club (600 E. 16^th St.) and get meals delivered to their car from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM, Monday-Friday. Please call ahead to reserve your meals at 479-968-7819 and be patient as other patrons are served. In Dardanelle, families will be served drive-thru style Monday-Friday from 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM at the Dardanelle High School, no call ahead necessary. For Dardanelle families, the school district will also be serving meals their students and families, so you can pick up meals from each entity. For more information, please follow the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Arkansas River Valley on Facebook.

DARDANELLE FARMER’S MARKET

On Saturday, June 6^th, 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!

M.J. HICKEY POOL

M.J. Hickey Pool will be opening on Saturday, June 6, 2020.  Pool hours are 12:30 pm to 6:30 pm every day.  Daily admission for adults (18 or older) - $4.00, children (17 & under) - $3.00.  Individual season passes priced at $75 are available at the Hughes Center at 1000 East Parkway. For more information, please call 479-968-1272.

NEIGHBORS TABLE

All Saints’ Episcopal Church of Russellville welcomes everyone to their Neighbors Table Drive Thru! Every Saturday during COVID-19, lunch will be provided for everyone from 11 AM – 12:30 drive thru style at All Saints’, located at 501 S. Phoenix Ave. For more information, please call 479-968-3622.

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 24^th, 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 31^st

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 31^st. 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 31^st
The Pope County Library System is hosting their digital/virtual summer reading program – Imagine Your Story – through July 31^st! 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 31^st

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.

VIRTUAL SIGN LANGUAGE CLASS – July 24^th

The Pope County Library is offering a free American Sign Language class for all ages and abilities on July 24^th. Because of COVID-19, ASL classes will be taught through Zoom. Zoom is a free app that is available for Apple and Android phones, tablets, and computers. A web cam or in-device camera will be necessary to receive feedback and correction. Classes will be taught by Bonny Hill. Bonny received her bachelor of science degree in elementary education and deaf education (K-12) from the University of Arkansas Little Rock, and has taught American Sign Language classes throughout the state for years.  For more information or to register, please contact Kristin Pearson at 479-968-4368 or email marketing@popelibrary.org.

AUGUST

BARGAINS GALORE ON 64 – August 13^th-15^th

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.

SEPTEMBER

RUSSELLVILLE CHILDREN’S FISHING DERBY – September 12^th

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 14^th-19^th
The Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce has announced that their annual Pain the Town Green & Gold initiative is scheduled for September 14^th-19^th 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.

COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENTS:

CLARKSVILLE AQUATIC PARK CLOSED

Effective July 11^th, 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.

ARKANSAS GOVERNOR’S SCHOOL

Arkansas Tech University and the Arkansas Department of Education have collaborated to develop a plan that will allow the 41st Arkansas Governor's School (AGS) to be conducted in a virtual learning environment this summer. Dr. Robin Lasey, co-director for AGS at Arkansas Tech, reports that a minimum of 300 rising high school seniors from Arkansas have committed to participate in the program July 5-Aug. 1. The four-week program is typically conducted in a residential, face-to-face environment. This was scheduled to be the second consecutive summer that ATU hosted AGS at its Russellville campus, but the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic forced organizers to migrate the summer 2020 experience online. It will be the first virtual AGS in the program's history. Learn more at www.arkansastechnews.com.

SWIM BEACHES RE-OPENED

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Russellville Site Office has reopened swim beaches at Piney Bay and Shoal Bay parks located on Lake Dardanelle.  The temporary closures were the result of higher than acceptable E. coli levels that were found during routine testing conducted by the Arkansas Department of Health. Two acceptable water samples from each beach are required by the Health Department prior to reopening a swim beach.  It was determined that the swim beaches no longer have a higher than acceptable level of E. coli.

MEMPHIS IN MAY
The Beale Street Music Festival, the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest and other "Memphis in May" events have been canceled due to the coronavirus outbreak in the Tennessee city. Both the music festival and the barbecue cooking contest are the cornerstones of Memphis' monthlong tourist event. The events had been pushed to late September and October in hopes that the pandemic would have slowed down. But cases and hospitalizations in Memphis have risen in recent days. Organizers said the board of directors met Thursday and decided to cancel this year's events.

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 73^rd 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 2^nd and patrons will comply with social distancing. Pool passes are available at Atkins City Hall.

POTTSVILLE WATER BILLING

Effective June 15^th, the Pottsville City Hall will resume the normal late fee processing for bills due on June 15^th or after. Disconnects for nonpayment will resume on July 1^st. If you have a past due balance and need to discuss your options you can call the water department at 479-968-3029, option 1, to avoid service interruptions.

STATE PARK CAMPING

Tent camping will open in all Arkansas State Parks beginning on Monday, June 1, announced Stacy Hurst, secretary of the Arkansas Department of Parks, Heritage and Tourism. Lodges, cabins, YURTs, and Rent-A-RV had been limited to Friday through Monday only rental. They will now be available for weekday reservations with some restrictions to ensure proper cleaning. Campground reservations may be made online by going to www.ArkansasStateParks.com or by calling a specific park. Campers may check in at the Visitor Center (cloth face-coverings or masks are required inside public buildings) or by calling the park directly. Park staff will check-in campers remotely prior to their arrival when possible. Learn more at https://bit.ly/2Atune6.

ARKANSAS 30 DAY GRANT FUND

The Arkansas 30 Day Fund will begin accepting applications on Monday, May 18th. The forgivable-loan program will provide up to $3,000 to entrepreneurs in Arkansas. The nonpartisan/nonprofit effort led by former White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has received more than $100,000 in donations so far. The requirements for the funding are as follows:

• Business employs three to thirty people.

• Business must have been in operation for at least one year.

• Business must be owned and operated by an Arkansan.

• Applicants will need to submit a copy of W-9 IRS forms, a business license, and a short video

For more information or to apply, please visit www.arkansas30dayfund.com.

LOCAL BALL PARKS

Pottsville Mayor Randy Tankersley issued a statement on Friday stating that city recreation officials have been visiting with local coaches and health officials and believe it safe enough to open the Pottsville City Ball Park on Monday, May 11th for team practices. Games will start on June 1st and social distancing guidelines will be required to be followed as set by the Governor. City playground equipment and Rankin Park will remain closed until June 1st. Dover Mayor Roger Lee also announced that their city ball parks will open for practice on May 11^th as well, with games to get underway June 1st, if restrictions allow.

BUFFALO NATIONAL RIVER

Visitors will soon be floating the Buffalo National River and hiking trails in the park. Beginning May 15, the national park will resume day-use-only access to the river and all trails within the park, except for Lost Valley Trail, according to a news release. All established campgrounds in the park will remain closed for now, along with gravel bar and backcountry camping within park boundaries, according to the news release. The park’s headquarters in Harrison will remain closed, as will the visitor centers and contact stations at Tyler Bend, Steel Creek and Buffalo Point.

CANCELLED EVENTS

Concern over the COVID-19 pandemic has already resulted in the cancellation for two 2020 major summer events in the Valley. People for a Better Atkins announced that Picklefest has been cancelled. Also effected, The Museum of Automobiles on Petit Jean Mountain, where they've made the decision to cancel the June 2020 Car Show and Swap Meet. If you currently have a space reserved for the 2020 show, you will be able to roll that space over to next year's show or the museum can process a refund. Next year's show is scheduled for June 16th-19th.

READY FOR BUSINESS GRANT PROGRAM
Governor Asa Hutchinson and Secretary of Commerce Mike Preston have established a $15 million grant program to assist businesses affected by the COVID19 outbreak.  The program will provide direct grants to companies for expenses associated with ensuring the health and safety of employees and patrons.  Applications will be accepted beginning 5:00PM CST April 29, 2020 at  www.arkansasedc.com. Maximum grant is $100,000.  For every full-time equivalent (W-2) employee as of March 1, a business is eligible for $1,000 in assistance. The Arkansas Ready for Business Grant Program is a discretionary incentive program offered by AEDC.  Not all who apply for a grant will be approved.  The information provided in this document is only a general summary of the program features and does not create any obligation by AEDC to provide a grant. AEDC reserves the right to adjust the terms of the grant based on the applicant's individual circumstances.  For more information go to www.arkansasaedc.com.

·         All privately owned businesses and industry sectors are eligible.

·         If you have received AEDC or SBA assistance, you are NOT prohibited from applying.   

·         Applicant's business must have a physical location where customers visit, or do business in a customer's physical location.

·         Applications will be reviewed in the order received.  Items required with application include Driver's License of business representative, Signed W9, voided check, and a certificate of Good Standing (Sole proprietors can show business license or sales tax permit).

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

SSI ECONOMIC IMPACT STIMULUS PAYMENTS

The Social Security Administration announced that Supplemental Security Income (SSI) recipients will receive automatic Economic Impact Payments directly from the Treasury Department. The Treasury anticipates these automatic payments to be sent out no later than early May. SSI recipients with no qualifying children do not need to take any action in order to receive their $1,200 economic impact payment. The payments will be automatic. SSI recipients who have qualifying children under age 17, however, should not wait for their automatic $1,200 individual payment. They should go directly to the Social Security website at www.ssa.gov/coronavirus. By taking proactive steps to enter information online about you and your qualifying children, you will also receive the $500 per dependent child payment in addition to the $1,200 individual/personal payment.

PAYCHECK PROTECTION PROGRAM
Arkansas business owners can now apply for the Paycheck Protection Program loan, designated for any small business with fewer than 500 employees, including sole proprietorships, independent contractors, and self-employed persons.

Businesses can use Paycheck Protection Program funds for payroll, employee benefits, rent, mortgage interest, and utilities.

Q: Do I have to pay the money back?
A: The purpose of the Paycheck Protection Program is to help you retain your employees. All or part of the loan may be forgiven, if employees are kept on the payroll and the money is used for payroll and operating expenses. Due to likely high participation, at least 75% of the forgiven amount must go toward payroll.

Q: How do I apply?
A: You can apply through any existing SBA 7(a) lender, federally insured depository institution, federally insured credit union, or Farm Credit System institution that is participating. Download or print your application here: https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/2020-04/PPP%20Borrower%20Application%20Form.pdf?fbclid=IwAR1mupkMjnJwEI4orCHFeG9hOMsrqRbqUtYOWGvkkHEkIwkoFf5zLE0xx54

#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.

CARES ACT BUSINESS GUIDE & CHECKLIST

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act allocated $350 billion to help small businesses keep workers employed amid the pandemic and economic downturn. Known as the Paycheck Protection Program, the initiative provides 100% federally guaranteed loans to small businesses. Importantly, these loans may be forgiven if borrowers maintain their payrolls during the crisis or restore their payrolls afterward. The administration soon will release more details including the list of lenders offering loans under the program. In the meantime, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce has issued this guide to help small businesses and self-employed individuals prepare to file for a loan: https://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/023595_comm_corona_virus_smallbiz_loan_final.pdf.

PBA COVID-19 RELIEF FUND

The Professional Beauty Association (PBA) have created a new fund to help the beauty industry during the coronavirus crisis. The PBA COVID-19 Relief Fund will provide $500 to licensed beauty professional who are unable to work at this time. Learn more and apply at this link: https://pbacharities.wufoo.com/forms/z16sfdhi0st99bn/

STUDENT LOAN RELIEF
The Department of Education have enacted relief efforts to assist student loan borrowers during the coronavirus crisis. Effective March 13, 2020, the interest rate on all federally held student loans serviced by FedLoan Servicing will temporarily be reduced to 0% for at least 60 days. This 0% interest rate will remain in effect until the Department of Education issues an end date and will be applied to all federal loans in any status (in school, in grace, in repayment, in deferment/forbearance, etc.). FedLoan Servicing is aggressively working to enact the following changes within their systems. It may take some time for these benefits to be reflected within your account. Know that these benefits will be applied retroactively, so you won’t be disadvantaged by this delay. Learn more at https://myfedloan.org/borrowers/covid/.

ARKANSAS QUICK ACTION LOAN GUARANTY PROGRAM

The Arkansas Department of Commerce have announced they will begin receiving applications for the Quick Action Loan Guaranty Program to address the immediate needs of businesses affected by the COVID-19 outbreak. AEDC’s Quick Action Loan Guaranty is capped at $250,000 and will guaranty up to 80% of the principal balance of a loan issued by a participating lender of the program. Funds may be used for working capital, inventory, payroll and other uses that facilitate the continuation of business operations. So far, banks approved for lending include Arvest, Bank OZK, Centennial, Farm Credit, and Simmons. Arkansas lenders interested in participating should contact AEDC. Those participating will be listed on the AEDC COVID-19 website www.arkansasedc.com/covid19. Lenders will assess the needs of borrowers to determine suitability for the program. Interested borrowers are advised to contact local lenders initially. For information on the program call 1-800-ARKANSAS or email COVID19.businessinfo@arkansasedc.com. Learn more at https://www.arkansasedc.com/covid19.

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

WHERE: McElroy House | 420 S. 2^nd 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.

WHAT: Forget Me Nots
WHEN: 4^th 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 4^th 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

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.

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.