Hometown Events

Gentry School dates to remember

Upcoming dates for those with children attending Gentry Public Schools include Aug. 2 -- Freshmen (9th grade) Orientation, 12 to 2 p.m.; Aug. 7 -- Sixth Grade Orientation, 5 to 7 p.m.; Aug. 8 -- Intermediate School Open House, 5 to 7 p.m.; Aug. 8 -- Middle School Open House, 6 to 8 p.m.; Aug. 10 -- Primary School Open House, 5 to 7 p.m.; Aug. 10 -- High School Open House, 6 to 8 p.m.; Aug. 15 -- First Day of School. Supply lists for the primary, intermediate and middle schools are available on the school district website, gentrypioneers.com.

Audubon Society to visit Eagle Watch Aug. 5

Northwest Arkansas Audubon Society will host a field trip to Eagle Watch Nature Trail on SWEPCO Lake just west of Gentry on Saturday, Aug. 5. Co-leader with Joe Neal, an expert on birds, is Terry Stanfill, who supervises Eagle Watch Nature Area for the Flint Creek Power Plant. There is a short walk on the trail to the new viewing blind. Those with walking impairments will be able to drive and park at the blind. There are places to sit or stand, at several heights, and even a picnic table to sit and write field notes, or snack. Access to the observation area is free and open to the public. Recent sightings in the area include wood ducks, great egrets, egrets, herons, double-crested cormorants and a neotropic cormorant (rare in Arkansas). In past years, there have been a few sightings of juvenile white ibises. Mudflats are starting to develop and these always attract shorebird migrants. Anyone with an interest in Arkansas' wildlife heritage is welcome to attend. Spotting scopes and binoculars are recommended for those who have them. Directions and more information about Eagle Watch is available at http://www.nwarkaudubon.org/placestobird.htm. The group will meet in the parking lot at 9 a.m.

Gentry 50th Class Reunion planned

The 50th Class reunion of the Gentry High School class of 1967 will be held Sept. 2, 2017, at Inn at the Springs in Siloam Springs. For more information, contact Sherry McNair at [email protected] or 479-427-2593.

Farmers' market offering double dollars

Double Your Dollar matching coupons are now available at the Gravette farmers' market. Anyone eligible for the SNAP and senior farmers' market produce vouchers may now come to the market and collect $50 in matching coupons. Double dollars can be used like cash to purchase fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, dairy products, breads and jams. The program is made possible through a grant from the Walmart Foundation.

Library offering book fine amnesty

Gentry Public Library is offering to pardon and forgive fines and penalties for overdue books and library materials if they are returned on Saturdays. No matter how long overdue, if items are returned to the Gentry Public Library between 5:01 on Friday evening and 8 on Monday morning, all fines will be excused. Patrons may also bring items into the library from 9 a.m. until noon on Saturdays or slide them into the drop box located on the west side of the library building during the amnesty times. When items are returned on Saturdays, all fees will be pardoned and good-library standing will be restored. For more information, call the library at 479-736-2054.

Decatur UMC Pantry open first, third Thursdays

The Decatur United Methodist Church Food Pantry is open the first and third Thursday evening of each month from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and offers food boxes to Decatur residents, and a USDA Commodity Program to residents of Decatur and other communities without a commodity program. All that is needed is a valid identification, a utility bill or piece of mail showing an address in the 72722 zip code area. The commodity program requires income information. For more information, stop by the church during food pantry hours.

Library's Teen Tuesday continues in Gravette

The Gravette Public Library will host Teen Tuesday events from 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the library the second and fourth Tuesday of each month throughout the summer. Tuesday, Aug. 8, is Movie Night.

GFA Food Pantry open Tuesdays at Gentry church

The GFA Food Pantry at the First Assembly of God in Gentry is now open from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesdays. The church partnered with the NWA Food Bank and Rural Compassion to receive food to be given away, including canned goods, fresh vegetables, bread and meats as part of the only certified food bank in Gentry. Clients are asked to call for an appointment. For more information, or to make an appointment to receive food assistance, call 479-736-8415.

Lions Club meetings set in Gravette, Gentry

The Gravette Lions Club meets at noon, the first and third Tuesday of the month at the Subway sandwich shop, 901 S.W. First Ave., Suite D, in Gravette. The Gentry Lions Club meets at 6:30 p.m. on the fourth Monday of the month at the McKee Community Room in Gentry Public Library. New members are welcome and invited.

Tired Iron club meets third Tuesday of month

Tired Iron of the Ozarks antique engine and tractor club meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the club's showgrounds, located at 13344 Taylor Orchard Road in Gentry. For more information, visit the club's website at www.tiredironoftheozarks.org.

Gravette Kiwanis Club sets breakfast meetings

The Gravette Kiwanis Club holds breakfast meetings at 7 a.m. each Friday at the cafeteria in Ozarks Community Hospital. Guests are welcome.

Gravette Legion meets third Tuesday of month

Gravette American Legion Post 25 meets at 7 p.m. the third Tuesday of the month at the Civic Center. All veterans are encouraged to attend.

Singing services planned

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

Decatur VFW post meets

VFW Post 9834 meets at 7:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. New members and guests are welcome.

Submissions

Submissions to Hometown Events may be emailed to [email protected].

Community on 08/02/2017