DECATUR — Fall Clean-up

Roll-off, Inc., will be picking up bulky waste along with the pick-up on Oct. 8.

Bulky waste includes household appliances with the CFCs removed, furniture, mattresses, large toys and Christmas trees. Items such as paint, tires, batteries, automotive fluids, pesticides, televisions, computer monitors, fluorescent light bulbs and other hazardous waste will not be accepted.

Northside Elementary

The Northside Elementary school is holding a literacy night for parents of students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade from 6 to 7 p.m., Sept. 28. Parents will learn about expectations for their child's grade level and how the teachers and curriculum are helping meet those expectations. The elementary school will hold a similar math night for parents from 6 to 7 p.m. on Oct. 12.

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. 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.

Town Hall Meetings

The Decatur School District will hold regular town hall meetings, in place of school board meetings, at 7 p.m., the third Monday of the month, in the high school cafeteria. School officials will make the annual report to the public at the next town hall meeting, scheduled for Oct. 19.

FFA Fundraiser

The Decatur Future Farmers of America is selling Blue and Gold Sausage as a fundraiser through Oct. 6. Sausage (2 1/12 pounds) is $6; bacon (3 1/2 pounds) is $13; and breaded chicken (5 pounds) is $16. All profits will be used for scholarships and to support local FFA chapter activities. For more information, call Lisa Barrett at the school, 752-3983.

Cowboy Church

The Decatur Salebarn Cowboy Church will begin holding Sunday services at the Decatur Livestock Auction Sale Barn on Oct. 4. Breakfast is from 8:30 to 9 a.m.

Bible classes begin at 9 a.m., and Sunday worship will be at 10:30 a.m. Tim Wallace is the pastor. For more information, call Terry Horton at 644-5900 or Kelly Austin at 366-7940.

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.

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 09/30/2009