COVID-19 ANNOUNCEMENTS:

READY FOR SCHOOL RESOURCE CALL CENTER

The Arkansas Department of Education has established a Ready for School Resource Call Center. The purpose of the call center is to provide Arkansans with information and resources regarding the reopening of schools. The call center will be staffed by education and health professionals, as well as community partners. The operating hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday. The number is 1-833-353-6050.

DRIVER’S LICENSE TESTING

Effective now until the end of 2020, local driver's license testing will only happen at the Russellville Troop J State Trooper headquarters located at 765 Hob Nob Road. There will be no tests given in Danville, Clinton, Morrilton, or Perryville for the remainder of 2020. The driving portion of the test will be by appointment only and you can schedule your appointment online at www.ark.org. Written tests are given Monday-Friday from 1-4 PM, walk-ins welcome. If under age 18, items needed for the written test include the original birth certificate and one of the following: health insure card, state ID, photo school ID, passport, or certified school transcript.

PAYROLL PROTECTION PROGRAM EXTENSION

The new deadline to apply for a Payroll Protection Program loan is this Saturday, August 8th. If you are interested in applying for PPP assistance for your small business, nonprofit, or agricultural business, please contact your bank to see if they are participating or find another participating lender at: https://www.sba.gov/paycheckprotection/find. The Paycheck Protection Program is a loan designed to provide a direct incentive for small businesses to keep their workers on the payroll. SBA will forgive PPP loans if all employees are kept on the payroll for eight weeks and the money is used for payroll, rent, mortgage interest, or utilities. (60% must be used for payroll expenses). For immediate assistance with your PPP loan application or finding a lender, please contact the SBA Arkansas District Office at 501-324-7379 or by email at Arkansas_DO@sba.gov.

HICKEY POOL CLOSES
M.J. Hickey Pool will be closing for the season.  The last day to swim will be August 9. For more information, please call Recreation and Parks Secretary Pam Faulkner at 479-968-1272.

RIVER VALLEY FOOD 4 KIDS BACKPACK DRIVE

River Valley Food 4 Kids has partnered with Peters Family Living of Russellville for a Backpack Drive to benefit the annual Backpack Program with local schools. Please drop off empty backpacks that are in good condition at Peters Family Living (201 N. Arkansas Ave.) by August 21^st. (School supplies not needed, only backpacks.)

CHILDREN’S FISHING DERBY

The annual Children's Fishing Derby rescheduled for September 12^th has been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Please contact the Recreation and Parks Department at 479-968-1272 if you have any questions.

RIVER VALLEY FOOD 4 KIDS SUMMER PROGRAM

River Valley Food 4 Kids is extending their Summer Program in advance of the school year. The final summer handout will be on August 18^th in Russellville, Dardanelle, and Pottsville, and then on August 19^th in Dover, Danville, and Atkins. Details about the Backpack Program are still being finalized and will be announced soon on the River Valley Food 4 Kids (@rvf4k) Facebook page.

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 24^th. 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 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.

ONGOING

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!

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.

AUGUST

PAINT THE TOWN GREEN & GOLD
Arkansas Tech University and the Russellville Area Chamber of Commerce will host the fifth annual Paint the Town Green and Gold August 10^th – 17^th! Businesses and organizations participating in Paint the Town Green and Gold will work to decorate their storefronts in Arkansas Tech themes throughout the week to generate ATU spirit throughout the town and then storefronts will have their decorations judged on Monday, August 17th. Winners will be announced on social media and with local media outlets. Prizes for Paint the Town Green and Gold will be awarded for overall champion, best indoor display, best outside display, best first-time entry and Tech pride. For more information, or to register for the contest portion, please call (479) 968-2530 or send an e-mail to chamber@russellvillechamber.com by 4 PM on Friday, August 14th.

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.

73^rd ANNUAL MT. NEBO CHICKEN FRY – August 22^nd

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.

URBAN & COMMUNITY FORESTRY GRANT APPLICATION DEADLINE – August 28^th

The Arkansas Department of Agriculture’s Forestry Division is now accepting applications for the 2020 Urban & Community Forestry Grant program through August 28, 2020.  Grants are available to fund community projects that develop, improve, and/or promote urban and community trees and forests. Examples of eligible projects include community tree management plans, parking lot improvements for stormwater runoff, tree-friendly streets, park improvements for sun exposure and air temperature, and more. Complete grant details and an online application are available at www.agriculture.arkansas.gov/grants. For more information about the grant, contact Krissy Kimbro Thomason at 479-228-7929.

SEPTEMBER

RUSSELLVILLE REGIONAL LEADERSHIP ACADEMY DEADLINE – September 11^th

Russellville Regional Leadership Academy is now accepting applications for Class 35. Anyone may apply before September 11, 2020, and tuition is $600 (scholarships are available.) The tentative 2020-2021 schedule and application are now available at RussellvilleChamber.com. The program begins September 27-28 with a mandatory overnight retreat and orientation so participants may become better acquainted with each other. Sessions are to be scheduled each month. Sessions will be held in various locations suitable for the theme of a particular session's topic. It is essential that the applicant be able to commit the time required to attend the sessions.

RUSSELLVILLE CHILDREN’S FISHING DERBY – September 12^th

The annual Children's Fishing Derby rescheduled for September 12^th has been canceled due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. 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.

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.