Hometown Events

DECATUR — Decatur Youth Sports

Decatur Youth Sports is will be holding sign-ups for football, cheerleading and basketball for children in grades three through six. Sign-ups will be held at the middle school open house, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 13, and the elementary school open house, from 6 to 7 p.m., Aug. 18. Football practice will begin at the high school football field at 7 p.m., Aug. 13. Children do not have to attend Decatur Public Schools to participate in the programs.

Decatur Public Schools

The first day of school will be Aug. 19. The Decatur middle and high school will hold an open house for students and parents from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Aug. 13. The Decatur Northside Elementary will hold pre-kindergarden orientation from 5 to 6 p.m., Aug. 18, followed by an open house for kindergarten through fifth grade from 6 to 7 p.m.

Head Start

Decatur Head Start is now accepting applications for the 2009-2010 school year. Head Start is a free comprehensive program for 3 to 5 year olds who meet eligibility requirements. Priority is given to those from lower income families and to children with disabilities. For an application, stop by the Decatur Head Start, call 752-3704 or look online at www.nwaheadstart. org.

Blood Drive

The American Red Cross will be holding a blood drive at Simmons Foods, 250 Main Street, from 9 a.m. to noon, and 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., Aug 19.

Swimming Pool

The Decatur public swimming pool is open Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m. The pool will close for the season on Aug. 14.

Music in the Park

Music in the Park meets at 7 p.m. on the first and third Saturday nights of the month throughout the warm months. There is a public address system this year, and musicians and bands are encouraged to participate. For more information and scheduling, contact Mike Duncan at 212-0800.

Farmers' Market

The Decatur Farmers' Market is open in

Veterans Park throughout the summer on Fridays and Saturdays and on Saturday evenings during Acoustic Jam. The market is free to vendors this year. For more information, contact city hall at 752-3912.

VFW Meetings

The Gentry/Decatur VFW Post meets on the first Tuesday of each month - at 7:30 p.m. during the summer and at 7 p.m. during the winter. New members and guests are welcome. The facility is 3 miles east of Decatur on Arkansas Highway 102, right on Tilly's Hill Road, and the first building on the right.

Council Meetings

City council meetings are held at 6 p.m., the second Monday of each month in the council room at city hall, and are open to the public. For more information, call 752-3912. Town Hall Meetings

The Decatur School District is holding town hall meetings in place of school board meetings to keep the community informed. The next scheduled town hall meetings will be August 17 in the high school cafeteria rather than the elementary school cafeteria.

Decatur Library

Decatur library hours are 3:30 to 7 p.m., Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3:30 to 7 p.m., on Wednesdays.

Food Pantry

The Decatur food pantry is open from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursdays. The pantry offers free nonperishable food to Decatur residents and is located at the United Methodist Church in Decatur. Participants need to bring an ID showing they have a 72722 zip code. For more information, contact David Cook at 752-3838 or the Methodist Church at 752-3551.

Singing Services

Monthly singing services at Falling Springs Church are held at 7 p.m., the first Friday of each month. Refreshments are served and everyone is welcome. The church is located west of Decatur on Falling Springs Road.

Siren Tests

Tornado sirens are tested at 10 a.m., the first Saturday of each month.

Submissions

Items for inclusion in the Hometown Events section of the newspaper may be submitted by calling 752-3675; by mail to P.O. Box 252, Decatur, AR 72722; or by e-mail to [email protected].