DECATUR — PTO Meeting

The Decatur Northside Elementary Parent Teacher Organization is holding a meeting and potluck dinner at 6 p.m., Sept. 17, in the elementary school library. The PTO will be electing officers and discussing the agenda for the Fall Festival.

Poker Run

Christians in Action of the Decatur United Methodist Church is sponsoring a poker run on Oct. 3 to raise money for the Decatur Food Pantry. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., and all vehicles that can make the run are invited. Riders may leave from 9 to 10 a.m. The last rider to participate must be in by 1:30 p.m. The cost to participate is $25 per hand, or $10 per rider without a poker hand. Prizes will be awarded and a chicken dinner served after the run. For more information, contact David Cook at 752-3838.

Open Gym Night

The Decatur High School gym will be open for pick-up basketball games from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday nights starting on Sept. 11.

Players must be in the eighth grade or above and are asked to wear non-marring shoes.

The concession stand will be open, and an on-court facilitator will supervise the games.

Townhall Meetings

The Decatur School District will hold regular townhall meetings, in place of school board meetings, at 7 p.m., the third Monday of the month, in the high school cafeteria.

Decatur Youth Sports

Decatur Youth Sports has flag football for first through third graders and tackle football for third through sixth graders. They also have cheerleading for first through third graders. Football practice for third through sixth graders is held at 7 p.m., on Thursdays, at the high school football field. Children do not have to attend Decatur Public Schools to participate in the programs. For more information, call Gayla at 752-3475 or Kathy at 228-2356.

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.

Farmers' Market

The Decatur Farmers' Market is open in Veterans Park throughout the summer on Fridays and Saturdays. 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.

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 identification 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.

News, Pages 2 on 09/16/2009