HistoriCorps and the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest
HistoriCorps and the Ozark-St. Francis National Forest are seeking volunteers of all skill levels to help rehabilitate the Lake Wedington Recreation Area cabins, with week-long volunteer opportunities running through Oct. 25. Those interested in volunteering can visit www.historicorps.org to register for the project and learn more about other HistoriCorps volunteer opportunities.
HistoriCorps is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to engaging a volunteer workforce to preserve historic places and provide free mentorship in the preservation trades.
HistoriCorps is working at the Lake Wedington Recreation Area finishing their work on the historic cabins after several seasons of hard work.
A hidden treasure of Arkansas, the Lake Wedington Recreation Area includes a 102-acre man-made lake surrounded by 37 acres of beautiful hardwood forests. The area was created by state and federal agencies as well as local citizenry during the Great Depression, after the Works Progress Administration developed a plan to improve land use in the region while helping families get income. The area has been under the control of the United States Forest Service since 1954, and has been the object of love and support from the community, who rallied around the recreation when it came under threat of demolition in the 1980s. In 1995, the area was added to the National Register of Historic Places. HistoriCorps and volunteer crews have joined this legacy of community support and preservation.
More volunteers are still needed to ensure the success of this project.
HistoriCorps welcomes but does not require any experience in the trades; mentorship and all necessary tools are provided. Volunteer sessions are scheduled Sunday evening through Friday morning, and volunteers can expect all meals to be provided by expert field staff. Participants will have access to camping accommodations for tents, truck campers, camper vans, and trailers and RVs up to 25 feet.
The project is located 13 miles west of Fayetteville. Tasks include removing damaged, deteriorated or failing decking and repairing decking as needed; installing sacrificial layer on both cabin roofs and new roofing on both cabins.
Upcoming sessions will be held Oct. 13-18 and Oct. 20-25.
For more information or to register for a volunteer session, visit www.historicorps.org or email [email protected].
OLLI
The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at the University of Arkansas has announced the following classes:
Oct. 14: The Crazy Life of Show Business -- Join show business pros Chuck and Lisa Bowman to hear their stories from beginnings in Northern California and Kansas to Hollywood. Chuck began as a page at NBC then worked on several popular TV shows including "Murder She Wrote" and "Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman." Lisa has performed on stage across the country, understudied Florence Henderson, toured with "A Chorus Line" and broadcast sports from Dodger Stadium. 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. OLLI office. Members $25, nonmembers $40.
Oct. 14, 21, 28, Nov. 4, 11 & 18: Language Myths Debunked -- "Eskimos have many words for snow," "Children learn languages more easily than adults." This course will examine these beliefs and many more about language as well as where these myths come from and why they persist. 4 to 5:30 p.m. ZOOM. Members only $65.
Oct. 14: At the "Bud" -- Just in time for basketball season, tour the home of the team - locker rooms, training rooms and more. 9 to 11 a.m. Bud Walton Arena . Members only $25.
Oct. 15: The Ups and Downs of the World's Space Programs -- Jeff Reddekopp spent the last 40 years working in launch vehicle programs for General Dynamics, Lockheed Martin and United Launch Alliance. He will share his experience of how complex concepts become space hardware and what missions are planned over the next few years. 1 to 3 p.m. OLLI office. Members $29, nonmembers $44.
Oct. 16: Gardening for the Birds -- Lauren Eno, Wild Birds Unlimited education director, will show the class how to provide birds with everything they need all year. 10 a.m. to noon. OLLI office. Members $25, nonmembers $40.
Oct. 16: From Blue to Red: The Rise of the GOP in Arkansas -- John C. Davis, executive director of the David and Barbara Pryor Center for Arkansas Oral and Visual History, will present his book From Red to Blue: The Rise of the GOP in Arkansas. The book studies the partisan shift in the state tracking changes in voter preferences, generational changes in the political power structure and the rise of a more polarized electorate in the 2000s. 1 to 3 p.m. OLLI office. Members $25, nonmembers $40.
Oct. 17: Exploring Crosswords -- Better understand crosswords, have greater success in completing them and impress friends as a cruciverbalist. Besides being fun, crosswords improve cognition and mental flexibility. Learn about different types of crosswords, discuss solving strategies, explore online sources and more. 4 to 5:30 p.m. ZOOM. Members only $65.
Oct. 17: The State of Arkansas Politics -- John Brummett, political columnist in the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette, offers his thoughtful and challenging commentary on the upcoming election. 6 to 8 p.m. Location TBD. Members $35, nonmembers $50.
To register for a class call (479) 575-4545 or visit olli.uark.edu/participate.
Fenix Arts Surreality Ball
Fenix Arts recently announced its signature fundraiser, the Surreality Ball, a surreal and whimsical celebration of art and creativity, to be held from 6 to 10 p.m. on Nov. 2 at the Fenix Arts Gallery on Mt. Sequoyah at 150 Skyline Drive in Fayetteville. The evening promises to transport guests into a world of artistic wonder, all in support of the vibrant programming and exhibitions that Fenix Arts brings to the community. Individual tickets are $25 or $40 per couple and are available at fenixarts.org/surreality.
The Surreality Ball will feature a variety of immersive experiences including: a live DJ; fortunes from Zoltar the Magnificent, who will unveil what the future holds; surprise appearances, including Fayetteville's Fake Mayor Clunk.
Guests will enjoy light refreshments and the opportunity to explore the current Surreality exhibition, featuring more than 100 works of art that challenge perceptions and blur the lines between reality and imagination. The exhibition is open now through Nov. 4 and includes a diverse range of surreal works by local and regional artists.
"At Fenix Arts, we believe that art has the power to transform and inspire," said Susan Idlet, board President of Fenix Arts. "The Surreality Ball is not only a chance for our community to come together for a night of fun and creativity but also an opportunity to directly support the local artists and programs that make Fenix a cultural cornerstone in the region."
Proceeds from the Surreality Ball will support Fenix Arts' mission to foster inclusivity, creativity, and cultural dialogue in the community through its exhibitions, workshops, and educational programming. Don't miss this opportunity to experience an unforgettable evening where the extraordinary comes to life, all while supporting a great cause. For more information on the Surreality Ball, to purchase tickets, or to learn more about the Surreality exhibition visit fenixarts.org.
Scholastic Art Awards
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, an affiliate partner of the Alliance for Young Artists & Writers, is seeking submissions from student artists for the 2025 Scholastic Art Awards. Since 1923, the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards have inspired bold ideas in creative teens throughout the country. For the first-time ever in Northwest Arkansas and the surrounding region, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art will partner to support the Scholastic Art Awards. The partnership aims to further the mission of Crystal Bridges to provide access to art for all and to support arts education in the Heartland.
Winners of the Scholastic Art Awards Heartland Region will be announced on Jan. 24, 2025. The winners' artworks will be on display in a special showcase in the Lower Lobby gallery at Crystal Bridges from March 22 through May 5, 2025. The Heartland Art Region Awards Ceremony will be hosted at Crystal Bridges on April 6, 2025.
Students in grades 7-12 (ages 13 and older) can submit exemplary visual artwork to the nation's longest-running, most prestigious recognition program for creative teens. Students can submit work in 16 categories, including ceramics and glass, fashion, comic art, digital art, drawing and illustration, painting, film and animation, and photography.
The entries are selected for awards without knowledge of the student's gender, age, ethnicity or hometown. All entries are judged by a panel made up of regional artists, art educators, and industry leaders. Judges look for works that exemplify the Awards' core values: originality, skill and the emergence of a personal voice or vision.
Art works must be entered as digital images. Entry fees are $10 per individual entry and $30 per portfolio. Fee waiver options are available. The deadline for submissions is on or before 10:59 p.m. CST on Friday, Dec. 6. All submissions must be completed online at artandwriting.org.
"Hosting the Scholastic Arts Awards at Crystal Bridges allows us to nurture young, local talent while strengthening connections with schools and arts organizations in our community," said Marissa Reyes, chief learning and engagement officer. "It's especially meaningful to us that several past award recipients, including artists like Andy Warhol, Kay WalkingStick, Robert Indiana and Richard Hunt, are featured in our museum's collection. We are honored to support the next generation of creative voices and be part of their artistic journey."
Other notable alumni of the Scholastic Art Awards include Truman Capote, Sylvia Plath, Lena Dunham, Amanda Gorman and Ken Burns.
Blessing Baskets
Cross Church will hold their annual Blessing Baskets food distribution at 2 p.m. on Nov. 17 at the Springdale campus located at 1709 Johnson Road and their Fayetteville campus located at 2801 W. McMillan Drive. The giveaway at their Rogers campus will begin at 2:30 p.m. at 2448 Pinnacle Hills Parkway.
Arriving at 1:45 p.m. will provide ample time for registration and entrance.
Cross Church estimates they will give food to 1,500 families who are food insecure for the Thanksgiving holiday. For more information visit crosschurch.com/blessingbaskets.
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA)
Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Northwest Arkansas will hold their annual Light of Hope breakfast at 7:30 a.m. Nov. 7 at the Rogers Convention Center. The benefit feature speaker will be Latriece Watkins, Executive Vice President and Chief Merchandising Officer, Walmart U.S.
Melanie Boulden, Group President, Prepared Foods and Chief Growth Officer, Tyson Foods, will provide keynote remarks at the Light of Hope luncheon to be held at noon Nov. 19 at the Northwest Arkansas Convention Center in Springdale.
Light of Hope, presented by General Mills, is a free one-hour event designed to bring awareness to the mission, impact and goals of CASA of Northwest Arkansas.
Light of Hope is CASA's signature event and not only recruits new volunteers but also secures the revenue necessary to provide a voice in court for children who deserve to be heard.
Each year, nearly 1,200 local businesses and community leaders gather to hear inspiring stories about how a committed CASA can change a child's story.
Guests at the 16th Annual Light of Hope will learn more about CASA of Northwest Arkansas and the life-changing work of their volunteers.
CASA provides trained volunteers to represent children in the jurisdiction of family courts. Volunteers conduct their own investigations and then make recommendations to the court for what is in the best interest of the child. A child's court-appointed special advocate is often the one constant in their life while involved in family court. Proceeds from Light of Hope will help the group train more volunteers.
The event is free to attend, but guests must either be invited by a table captain or inquire about a limited number of individual tickets. For more information contact Crystal Vickmark, executive director, at [email protected].
For information about becoming a sponsor, contact Courtney Voigt, director of development & marketing, at [email protected].
National Endowment for the Arts
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) is pleased to announce 112 organizations recommended for awards under ArtsHERE -- a new pilot program in partnership with South Arts and in collaboration with the other five U.S. regional arts organizations--designed to expand access to arts participation across the nation. These nonprofit organizations, each with demonstrated commitment to equity within their practices and programming, are recommended for non-matching grants of $65,000 to $130,000, totaling $12.356 million, to fund specific projects that will strengthen the organizations' capacity to sustain meaningful community engagement and increase arts participation for underserved groups and communities. Grant recipients will also take part in peer-learning and technical assistance opportunities, and the NEA will report on lessons learned from this initiative. Award winner included 15 organizations in the Mid-America Arts Alliance six-state region of Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, and Texas. Among the winners is Ovations+ in Bentonville.
For more information visit https://usregionalarts.org/artshere.
Beaver Watershed Alliance
Beaver Watershed Alliance (Alliance) played host to its annual "friendraiser" to celebrate another year of successful watershed protection Sept. 19 at Bunch Park in Elkins. The organization presented awards to six of its outstanding landowners, volunteers and partners who work with them. The also event featured also educational opportunities, music, food and local brews.
"It is the relationships and partnerships among agencies, organizations and landowners that help the Alliance meet the mission to restore, protect and enhance the Beaver Lake watershed," said Anna Gwaltney, outreach coordinator. "Beaver Lake supplies drinking water to one in five Arkansans, provides industries with the water needed to produce products and services and contributes more than $101 million in visitor spending to the regional economy of Northwest Arkansas. Managing the watershed area, or lands that drain into Beaver Lake, including portions of Benton, Carroll, Washington and Madison counties, takes collaboration and resources."
Six awards were distributed this year under the following categories: "Watershed Guardian, professional partner," "Watershed Steward, volunteer partner;" and "Watershed Champion" awards for streamside, urban, agriculture and forest/grassland landowners.
Award winners this year were:
Watershed Guardian, professional partner -- Ken Stout, City of Winslow, a long-time watershed champion and steward. Stout's efforts have includes partnering on stream restorations, building rain gardens, organizing Winslow's annual Arbor Day celebration, giving away hundreds of free native tree seedlings to local landowners and educating the community ways to remove invasive plant species from Winslow's parks according to a news release.
Watershed Steward, volunteer partner -- Mollie Vaughn for her demonstrated care and initiative in stewarding the Beaver Lake watershed. She has organized an annual clean-up event in West Fork since 2002.
This year's clean-up efforts removed 3,200 pounds of trash from the West Fork area.
Watershed Champion, streamside landowner -- Cory and Jenny Burbidge of Ozark Adventure & Recreation (O.A.R). The Burbidges are passionate about War Eagle Creek and the watershed area, where they have created and built their business - Ozark Adventure and Recreation, located on a section of the War Eagle River near Withrow Springs with a campground and river access. The Burbidges, through O.A.R., have assisted the Alliance with key watershed events including War Eagle Appreciation Day and youth camps with Ozark Natural Science Center. They have donated their time, boats and shuttles for cleanup and float efforts and donated a kayak raffle prize for a fundraiser. To learn more about O.A.R., visit oaroutdoor.com.
Watershed Champion, urban landowner-- City of Elkins. The City of Elkins created ecological learning labs along the East Fork-White River and dedicated time, staff and property toward conservation and restoration activities along the White River. Recent examples of stewardship include a riparian rejuvenation and designated no-mow zone along the East Fork-White River, established in early 2024 with student volunteers from the Elkins school district and master gardeners and a prairie restoration happening by the Elkins Community Center. The award was accepted by City of Elkins Mayor, Troy Reed.
Watershed Champion, agriculture/producer landowner -- Emily Jost of Mashie Farm. Mashie Farms employs rotational grazing with a focus on "farming soil, not livestock." The Alliance credits the farm for protecting the water resources on and around the farm. Emily credits learning "from the local community" as the jump start in her stewardship and has paid it forward by contributing to the education of other local farmers and producers through groups like the Grasslands Grazing Group, the Soil for Water network, and assisting the Alliance with agriculture-focused workshops, videos, and field days. The Alliance greatly appreciates our local farmers and thanks Emily and the Mashie Farm for their efforts to make conservation a part of their everyday practice. To learn more about the Mashie Farm, visit mashiefarm.com
Watershed Champion, forest/grassland landowner -- Hobbs State Park. Hobbs State Park has been a strong partner with the Alliance for many years and exemplifies exceptional forest management, the news release states. The park stewards more than 12,000 acres of forested land through management planning, prescribed fires and invasive species removal efforts to help keep these forested lands healthy and resilient. After the May 2024 tornados volunteers joined staff to clear the more than 2,200 downed trees down and 54 miles of trails. T
To learn more about the Beaver Watershed Alliance visit beaverwatershedalliance.org.
More than Pink Walk
Susan G. Komen®, the world's leading breast cancer organization, recently announced it will host a MORE THAN PINK Walk in Northwest Arkansas Oct. 26 at Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville.
The walk will bring together survivors, supporters and advocates to raise critical funds to advance Komen's mission and provide support for people facing the disease now.
Every 12 minutes, a woman in the U.S. dies from breast cancer. In 2024 alone, an estimated 2,680 women in Arkansas will be diagnosed with breast cancer and 390 will lose their lives to the disease. Experts say one-third of breast cancer deaths in the U.S. could be prevented with universal access to modern treatments. Funds raised at the Walk will allow Komen to meet the immediate needs of breast cancer patients through its free Breast Care Helpline and offer services such as patient navigation, financial assistance and emotional support. It will also fund research breakthroughs that allow more lives to be saved from breast cancer and bring cures closer for all breast cancers.
In 2024, the Komen Financial Assistance program provided financial assistance totaling $117,000 to 206 people in Arkansas who are in breast cancer treatment or living with metastatic breast cancer. Additionally, Komen's Patient Care Center provided 365 services to 321 people living in Arkansas, working to address 408 barriers to care that may otherwise prevent someone from getting the breast health care or support they need.
"We are thrilled to welcome the community to the Northwest Arkansas MORE THAN PINK Walk this year, where together we can make a profound impact in the fight against breast cancer," said Shari Holdman, Komen Executive Director for Arkansas. "Supporting individuals in our community who are facing breast cancer is essential to our mission, but we cannot do it alone. This year's Walk is not just an event; it is a pivotal moment to secure vital funds that will make equitable care available to all. We hope you can join us as we take a powerful stand against this devastating disease." For more information visit secure.info-komen.org/site/TR?pg=entry&fr_id=10527.
Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts
The Arkansas Museum of Fine Arts (AMFA) recently announced Jana Wolff as the museum's new Deputy Director of Advancement and Strategy. With more than two decades of experience in nonprofit leadership and fundraising, Wolff will have a pivotal role in advancing AMFA's mission during a period of extraordinary growth and opportunity.
As deputy director, Wolff is a key member of the senior executive leadership team, responsible for overseeing the development and membership departments. Her duties will include developing and implementing a strategic, multi-year fundraising plan designed to engage a broader community and increase the museum's overall budget. This plan ensures AMFA continues to expand its reach and impact as a cultural hub for Little Rock and Arkansas.
"Jana's extensive experience in development and her passion for community engagement align perfectly with our mission to inspire and build community through the arts," said Dr. Victoria Ramirez, AMFA's executive director. "Her leadership will undoubtedly strengthen our fundraising efforts, expand our reach, and deepen our impact in the community."
Wolff will work closely with the executive director, the board of trustees, and other key stakeholders to advance the museum's fundraising program to support AMFA's priorities, growth and future goals. A member of the senior executive leadership team, Wolff will engage stakeholders and constituents to situate the Museum within the ecosystem of the state, region and nation, underscoring AMFA as a vital contributor to the economy, quality of life, and education and lifelong learning landscape.
"I look forward to advancing AMFA's impact across the state and continuing to build on the museum's success of creating accessible arts experiences within the community and beyond," Wolff said.
Wolff joins AMFA from the Arkansas Children's Foundation, where she served as senior development officer, securing major gifts for youth health initiatives. Prior to this, Wolff was the executive director of Evergreen Youth and Family Services, where she managed a multi-million-dollar budget, led a 40-member team and enhanced donor engagement through strategic restructuring during the pandemic.
Wolff holds a Master of Arts in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University, where she also earned her Bachelor of Arts in English. She is a Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE), a designation that underscores her commitment to ethical and effective fundraising practices.
In addition to her professional achievements, Wolff is deeply involved in the community, volunteering with the Salvation Army and serving on the Association for Fundraising Professionals' (AFP) education committee in Little Rock. Her dedication to service and her leadership in both professional and volunteer capacities exemplify the core values that AMFA stands for.
AMFA's latest annual report highlights notable workforce growth, marking a remarkable milestone year with 100 full-time employees, 225 part-time employees and 129 docents and volunteers.
For more information about AMFA, please visit arkmfa.org.