Hometown Events

— 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].

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.

United Methodist VBS

The Decatur United Methodist Church is holding a Vacation Bible School from 6:15 to 8:15 p.m., Aug. 3, 4 and 5. For more information, contact Peggy Beal at 752-3233.

Decatur High School

All Decatur High School students in grades 9-12 are encouraged to come to the counselor's office between 9 a.m.

and 3 p.m., August 10 through 13, to pick up their class schedules for the 2009-2010 school year. Students who come by the counselor's office during this time will be given the opportunity to make changes to their schedules.

First Baptist VBS

The Decatur First Baptist Church is holding a Vacation Bible School with a "Boomerang Express" theme from 6 to 8:20 p.m., July 26 - 30. Buses will run to pick up children if needed. For more information, contact 752-3514.

Swimming Pool

The Decatur public swimming pool is open Monday through Friday from noon to 6 p.m until school starts. Season passes are available at City Hall.

Barbecue Pageant

Entries are being accepted for the Decatur Barbecue pageant and tiny-tot contest to be held on Aug. 7. The pageant is open to girls age 15 to 19, and the tiny-tot contest is open to girls and boys ages 4 to 6. Entry forms can be picked up at any branch of the Decatur State Bank, or online at decaturstatebank.net. The application deadline is July 31.

Barbecue Parade

Entries are being accepted for the 56th Annual Decatur Barbecue Parade set for Friday, Aug. 7. Prizes for the best float, best vintage vehicle and best mount will be awarded. Lineup begins at 1:30 p.m. in the old city park, and the parade will begin at 2:30 p.m. Motorcycle riders and tractors are welcome. For more information, contact Stacy Brooks at 790-7171.

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.

Head Start

Decatur 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.

News, Pages 2 on 07/29/2009