New Library Hours - Gentry Public Library announced expanded hours, from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays, and 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on holiday eves.
Friends of the Library fundraisers
Friends of the Gravette Public Library is conducting a fundraiser. Small bags to collect loose change are available at the library. Persons are being asked to pick up a bag, fill it with pocket change and return it to the library to help buy books. Donations should be submitted by Dec. 31.
Fire department Christmas for Kids
Members of the Gravette Fire Department are collecting new unwrapped toys and clothing in a Christmas for Kids drive. A collection box is set up at Dollar General and donations are also being accepted at the fire station and at Gravette City Hall. Monetary donations are also being accepted. All donations will be distributed to families in the Gravette Fire District in an effort to see that all children in the area have a great Christmas.
Christmas Bazaar set in Decatur
The Decatur United Methodist Church Christmas Bazaar will be from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10, serving a soup and sandwich lunch and hosting a bake sale, crafts, and more. 100% of proceeds go to local charities.
Gentry Christmas Parade is Dec. 11
Gentry's annual Christmas Parade is set for 6:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 11, on Main Street in downtown Gentry. The lineup will be at 5:30 p.m. This year's theme is "A Charlie Brown Christmas."
Decatur Christmas parade set
The Decatur Christmas parade, sponsored by the Decatur Chamber of Commerce, is scheduled to begin at 6 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 10. Prizes will be awarded to the most creative floats that best represent a "Let it Snow!" theme. The chamber is requiring that all floats incorporate the theme into their design this year. A monetary prize will be awarded to the first- and second-place winners. The lineup is at 5:30 p.m. at the car wash on the corner of Third Street and Arkansas Highway 59 in Decatur.
Lighting contest to be held in Decatur
The Decatur Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a home decorating contest that runs from Dec. 1 through Dec. 12, with judging on Dec. 10-13. Winners will be announced on Dec. 17. All entries must reside within the Decatur city limits. Prizes for the first- and second-place winners include cash and a pair of tickets on the Arkansas Missouri Railroad excursion train from Springdale to Van Buren. For more information, call 479-752-3912.
First Baptist food pantry
First Baptist Church, located at 213 E. Roller Ave. in Decatur, holds a community food pantry on the second and fourth Wednesdays of the month, from 3:30 to 5 p.m. Contact the church at 479-282-6658.
Senior Center art classes
Henzie's Art Studio holds art classes at the Billy V. Hall Senior Activity Center on the first Thursday of each month. The classes are held from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The cost is $20 for each session with all supplies (canvas, paints, brushes) provided. Anyone interested in attending classes should sign up in advance. Call the Center at 479-787-5950.
Kiwanis Club meetings
Kiwanis Club meetings are held at 7 a.m. on the first and third Fridays of each month at the Gravette Civic Center and are open to the public. Visitors are asked to wear a mask when arriving and until seated when physical distancing is not possible.
Bella Vista Area Radio Club
The Bella Vista Area Radio Club welcomes those interested in any aspect of the amateur radio hobby. General meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, and licensing exams are conducted on the second Saturday of each month. Please refer to the club's website or its Facebook group for the specific time and location, as the club seeks a new venue due to continuing growth. More information is available at www.bellavistaradioclub.org or by calling Glenn Kilpatrick at 479-426-3295.
GFA food pantry drive-through
GFA Pantry Inc., located at the Gentry Assembly, 821 East Main Street in Gentry, is open every Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Clients are asked to call or text 662-727-5157 for an appointment, or email [email protected]. They will receive meat, dairy, fresh produce, canned and boxed goods and occasionally household/cleaning products as available. Clients may park in the parking lot and go into the building to get signed in and receive their goods. Each family can come once a month. There are no restrictions based on where a client lives.