One Year of Elkins News
This issue of Elkins Community News is a bit nostalgic for us at Elkins Community Network because it’s our anniversary edition. As we look back on a year of bringing you community news and information, we can’t help but feel accomplished in the fact that we’ve created something for the Elkins-area community that didn’t exist before: a centralized hub of information about what is happening in our community.
Our focus has been and will continue to be what is coming up instead of letting you know how things went. We want you to know about events in time for you to participate. We will also continue to bring all the different parts of our community together by sharing about the schools, city offices, library activities, church news, and local organizations.
In the year that we’ve been producing this newsletter both in print and digital formats, we’ve expanded our reach to include more news, information, and ways for you to get involved. This newsletter has grown so much that the community calendar is now a two-page insert instead of a half-page on the back. That’s amazing!
As we move into the future, we would love to be able to continue to grow, both this newsletter and the many other activities that we help to organize, promote and host, but we need your help. If you value the work that ECN is doing in our community, would you consider making a small donation to help support our work? Visit elkinsar.org/support to find a number of ways that you can help us continue to improve and grow our programs. And be on the lookout for ECN branded shirts and mugs to be available starting mid-month. As always, if you have questions or suggestions, feel free to reach out at info@elkinsar.org. Thanks for a first great year of community news! We can’t wait to see what the next 12 months will bring.
|
|
|
Thank you to this month's sponsors!
|
|
|
Sponsorships help make what we do possible. If you would like to sponsor a future edition, email us at info@elkinsar.org or visit elkinsar.org
|
|
|
|
We’ve revamped our Classifed Ads to focus on helping business and nonprofits connect with people needing jobs. Our job opening spots will be due at the same time each month as the display ads. They are $10 and up to 300 words. For more information, visit our media guide for sponsorships.
|
|
|
June Calendar of Events
All events listed on the ECN Calendar are open to the public.
Thursday June 2
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
Friday June 3
· Logs and sponsorships for Read, Ride, Run library fundraiser due by 6pm
Saturday June 4
· A Taste of the Elkins Area Fundraiser for the Senior Activity and Wellness Center - 11:30am at the Elkins Community Center
Sunday June 5
· “Knowing Natives” Native Plant workshop - 3pm at White River Nursery. More info in newsletter.
Monday June 6
· City of Elkins Planning Commission Meeting - 7pm at Elkins City Hall
Tuesday June 7
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Wednesday June 8
· Start of the Summer Robotics Program at the Elkins Public Library - 4:30pm at Elkins Public Library. Pre-Registration requested.
· Elkins Parks & Recreation Committee Meeting - 6:30pm at the Elkins Public Library Community Room
Thursday June 9
· Free COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic - 10am to 2pm at the Elkins Senior Activity and Wellness Center. Open to anyone 12 years or older.
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
Saturday June 11
· Monthly Writing Class & Writers Critique Group - 10am at the Elkins Public Library. More info in newsletter.
Monday June 13 *Curbside Recycling*
Tuesday June 14
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Wednesday June 15
Summer Robotics Program at the Elkins Public Library - 4:30pm at Elkins Public Library. Registration requested
Thursday June 16
· NWA Food Bank mobile food bank at Elkins Community Center, 9am
· Start of the Summer Reading Program for Elkins Public Library - 11am at Elkins Community Center
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
· Elkins City Council Meeting - 7pm at Elkins City Hall
Friday June 17
· Community Blood Drive with a fundraiser to support the Elkins Robotics Electronics Club - 12:30pm to 5:30pm at the Elkins Community Center
Monday June 20
· Elkins Planning Commission - 7pm at Elkins City Hall
Fireworks sales begin
Tuesday June 21
· Primary runoff election - 7:30am at the Elkins Community Center
ECN Community Leaders Meeting - 8am at Nellie Bs Bakery
· Elkins 4H Club Meeting; 6pm - contact 4h@elkinsar.org for more info
· Elkins School Board Meeting - 6pm at the Elkins District Office
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Wednesday June 22
· Summer Robotics Program at the Elkins Public Library - 4:30pm at Elkins Public Library. Registration requested.
Thursday June 23
· Summer Reading Program for Elkins Public Library - 11am at Elkins Community Center
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
Saturday June 25
· Youth Fishing Tournament & Fundraiser - 7am on Beaver Lake. Sponsored by Beaver Watershed Alliance. More information in newsletter.
Monday June 27 *Curbside Recycling*
Tuesday June 28
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Thursday June 30
· Summer Reading Program for Elkins Public Library - 11am at Elkins Community Center
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
Friday July 1
· Annual City of Elkins Fireworks Display at Bunch Park
Saturday August 13
· Elkfest
|
|
View the complete calendar and submit your events at elkinsar.org or email us at info@elkinsar.org or call (479)274-0016.
|
|
|
Ways to Serve
By Nan Abbiatti
The Master Gardener program, offered by the University of Arkansas Extension Office, is a wonderful opportunity to learn about horticulture and volunteer for your community. The Washington County Master Gardeners, which serves Elkins, would love to have more members.
As a Master Gardener, you serve your community in a variety of ways, and you receive training on many aspects of horticulture while making meaningful relationships and having enriching experiences. As horticulturally trained volunteers, Master Gardeners extend research-based information through demonstration and educational programs using horticulture best practices, strengthening communities and families throughout Arkansas.
Master Gardeners serve their local community by answering questions, researching specific problems, planting educational and therapeutic gardens, providing public speakers and much more.
For more information on how to become a Master Gardener, go to https://www.uaex.uada.edu/yard-garden/master-gardeners/become-a-master-gardener.aspx.
|
|
Elkins by the Numbers
Each month, we share data from several city departments. More information is available on our blog. All information is for the previous month and is based on reports given during the Elkins City Council Meeting.
Elkins by the Numbers
These numbers are what were reported during the May City Council meeting for what happened in April.
- Police Department: 326 Total Calls (only includes what goes through dispatch)
- Fire Department: Total Calls 48 (up from 31 same time last year)
- Elkins Public Library: 7177, 2678 cardholders (YTD 2022)
- District Court: 420 Arraignments, 169 Court Trials
|
|
History Corner
By Audra Bell
With school ending and summer beginning, we are reminded of our awesome stash of Elkins Yearbooks at the Elkins Public Library. The oldest is a yearbook from the 1948-1949 school year that features handwritten entries, class pictures, team pictures, and scores, as well as local anecdotes and lore. During this time, the entire school system, kindergarten through 12th grade, met in one building and was taught by six adults.
Thanks to the Oklahoma Department of Corrections OCI group, all yearbooks have been digitized and are available for viewing at the Elkins Public Library. Having digital versions makes it easy to search by keyword/name or year. The originals are also available by request, for those that enjoy seeing them in person.
While thumbing through the various issues, we have been delighted to see so many names and faces of people who grew up and contributed to our wonderful community as we know it now. As always, give us a call, email, or drop by to check out any of our local history.
|
|
City Fireworks July 1
The City of Elkins is hosting its annual fireworks display Friday, July 1, in Bunch Park. Concessions will be available from the Elkins Lions Club starting at 5pm and the fireworks display will begin at dark. Bring your own lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy spending time with the community! (photo from Elkins Fire Department Facebook)
|
|
Primary election runoff June 21
There will be a primary runoff election June 21 in the Republican Washington County Judge race. Early voting will be 8am to 4:30pm at the Washington County Courthouse starting June 14. Polls will be open at the Elkins Community Center 7:30am to 7:30pm on June 21.
To check your voter registration status and view a sample ballot go to www.voterview.org. Voters with address changes or questions related to voting eligibility, please call the County Clerk’s office at 444-1711 before Election Day.
Further election results from May 24 are available on the Arkansas Secretary of State’s website.
Municipal election filing begins August 3. Three city council positions will be open, as is the mayor position.
|
|
Read, Ride, Run ends June 3
Read, Ride, Run comes to an end June 3, and any logs or donations are due to the Elkins Public Library no later than 6pm that day. The fundraiser, sponsored by Friends of the Elkins Public Library and Elkins Community Network, invited participants of all ages to get sponsors to donate for how much time the participant spent reading, riding their bike, or running. The funds will support the Elkins Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, which begins June 16. Local graphic designer Nichole Williams of The Rustic Cub donated the logo for the event.
|
|
Blood Drive June 17
Did you know that you can donate blood and help a local youth organization? We are partnering with the American Red Cross for a different fundraiser every two months, and for our June 17 blood drive, we are raising money to support the Elkins Robotics Club. Here’s the thing: We need at least 30 donors to reach our goal! If we get at least 30 donors, the Robotics club will receive $10 per pint.
The blood drive is 12:30pm to 5:30pm, Friday, June 17, at the Elkins Community Center. Visit RedCrossBlood.org and search for Elkins (or 72727) to sign up for an appointment. Walk-ins are always welcome!
|
|
Taste of Elkins Area June 4
Food, music, and a fun time is waiting for you at the 2nd Annual Taste of Elkins Area. The fundraiser is 11:30am to 2:30pm, Saturday, June 4, at the Elkins Community Center, and it will feature food samples from local restaurants and other food providers. Local musicians will also perform throughout the event. Local businesses have also supported the Taste of Elkins Area by donating silent auction items, and a limited number of t-shirts will be available to purchase. The benefit supports the Elkins Senior Activity and Wellness Center’s Meals on Wheels program, which provides more than 1,500 meals monthly. Tickets are available online at https://elkinsar.org/atasteofelkins/ or at the center. Tickets will also be available at the door.
|
|
Harry Potter Movie night July 23
Who loves Harry Potter? In honor of Harry Potter's birthday, Friends of the Elkins Public Library is partnering with the City of Elkins Parks & Recreation Committee to host a themed movie in the park. The evening’s concessions (including themed Cookie Decorating kits from Nellie B’s) will be a fundraiser for the Friends organization. We will have concessions, games, and show the first movie, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone! All this takes place July 23 at Bunch Park (Elkins Community Center if there is rain). Activities and concessions start at 7:30 pm, and the movie will begin around 8:30 pm. This is going to be magical! Harry Potter Movie Night is part of the City of Elkins 2022 Outdoor Family Fun Series. For more information about the series, visit elkins.arkansas.gov/residents/outdoorfun. |
|
Elkfest plans in the works
We are excited that Elkfest is almost here! This year’s event will be different as it will be in five different locations: Community Center, Bunch Park, Library, Senior Center, and the Sports Complex. We have more than a dozen events planned. Vendor applications open to the public on June 1, and there will be many more opportunities to become involved. Check out our new website elkfest.elkinsar.org for more information.
|
|
|
Fireworks sales start June 20
It’s almost time to start buying fireworks! According to City Ordinance No. 06-18-2020A, firework sales can begin at noon on June 20 each year and must end before 9pm on July 10 each year.
Fireworks are only allowed to be set off between 8am and 11pm July 1-5. Fireworks are not allowed when there is a burn ban or fire warnings. The ordinance allows for a minimum fine of $10 and a maximum fine of $100 for violating the ordinance.
|
|
Writing Class June 11
The next writing class with local author Linda Rigsbee will be 10am, Saturday, June 11, at the Elkins Public Library. Writers of all levels are welcome. The topic will be writing and developing a character. |
|
Camp Rescue June 20-24
Camp Rescue is a combined effort between the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and Central EMS. This program provides area students (ages 15-18) with an introduction to the various careers of public safety. In addition, it gives the participants American Heart Association CPR training.
This year’s camp is from 8am to 4:30pm June 20-24, and 9am to 11:30am Saturday, June 25, at the Washington County Sheriff’s Office. Throughout the week participants will engage in team-building exercises giving them a unique opportunity to peer into the emergency services career fields. Area professionals will provide instruction on topics from emergency dispatching to fire safety. Some of the information covered in the program is graphic and will require a high level of maturity and responsibility. For more information, contact Tina Fuller 479.856.2898 or Tyler McCartney 479.595.6126. (picture from WCSO Facebook page)
|
|
Library Summer Program begins June 16
The Elkins Public Library’s annual Summer Reading Program begins June 16 and will be tons of fun. Each week, there will be an hour-long program that begins at 11 a.m., on Thursdays at the Elkins Community Center (162 Doolin Street). The programs are intended for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, but all are welcome.
Pre-registration is not required, and reading logs will be handed out at each meeting for those that would like to participate. The reading logs, which will be available each week, will be based on how much time is spent reading, not by book. Participants can complete logs to win weekly reading prizes and door prizes.
The current schedule is:
June 16 - Alan Burdick, Magician
June 23 - Marshall Mitchell, Musician
June 30 - Dr. Jessica Kowalski, archeologist
July 7 - Island Pacific Dancers
July 14 - The Amazeum
July 21 - Galen Harp, Institute of Jugglology
|
|
Robotics Summer Program begins June 8
The Elkins Robotics summer program starts June 8, thanks to an IEEE Pre-University STEM Portal Grant. The grant is funding the purchase of micro:bit microcontrollers and micro:bit robot car kits for use in the Tinker Squad program. Tinker Squad summer participants will get to build and learn to program their own robot cars and demonstrate what they have built at Elkfest on August 13. Tinker Squad is a free program for students having completed grades 2-12. For more information, contact the Elkins Public Library at audrabell@elkins.arkansas.gov or 479.643.2904.
|
|
School Summer Academy Begins
The Elkins Public Schools Summer Academy kicks off June 6 and will feature field trips around town and the nearby communities, along with having speakers coming to the school to share information and projects with the students. The field trips, called Elks Excursions, will show students about local businesses and other community amenities. As students will be present, expect that the school zone speed limits will be in effect through June 30.
|
|
Free Summer Meals for Kids
|
|
The Elkins Public Schools are offering free summer meals for all children age 18 and younger. In June, all meals must be picked up weekly at the Primary Bus Line from 8am to 1pm. The distribution will be on Mondays only and each participant will receive a meal pack that includes five breakfasts, five lunches, and milk. In July, all meals must be consumed onsite at the Elkins Primary Building. Breakfast will be 8am to 9am and lunch will be 11:30am to 12:30pm.
For more information, contact Lori Skelton at 479.200.3044 or email lskelton@elkinsdistrict.org. (picture from Elkins Schools Facebook)
|
|
Native plant class June 5
White River Nursery is hosting a class to help learn about native plants that you can identify in nature or use in your landscaping. The event will be 3pm, June 5, at the nursery. It will feature authors and local experts Jennifer Ogle and Theo Witsell. Jennifer is Collections Manager of the University of Arkansas Herbarium and Theo is the Ecologist and Chief of Research for the Arkansas Natural Heritage Commission and Curator of the ANHC Herbarium.
Theo and Jennifer have both worked as contract botanist for a number of government agencies and NGOs. They are co-authors of the comprehensive field guide of wood plants in Arkansas, “Trees, Shrubs, and Woody Vines of Arkansas”.
The book will be available for purchase for $30. (picture from White River Nursery Facebook)
|
|
Beaver Watershed Youth Fishing Tournament June 25
The Beaver Watershed Alliance (based in Elkins) and the NWA CastMasters are partnering to host a youth-focused fishing tournament on Beaver Lake on Saturday, June 25. Boats will launch at 7 am and weigh-in starts at 12 noon at the shelter, all located at Prairie Creek Day Use Area on Beaver Lake (public boat launch). Youth anglers (ages 4-15) will fish for bass, crappie, and bream species. Over $5,000 in prizes and giveaways are available for the biggest fish in each category and most weight in each category. A raffle will be held during the weigh-in, and a free hot dog lunch will be given out to youth and families participating.
Registration is $50 per team, which includes a Captain and up to two youth per boat. Registration is available online at www.beaverwatershedalliance.org/youth-fishing-tournament/, including the Youth Fishing Tournament Rules and Regulations and waiver form. Registration packets are also located at Hook/Line/& Sinker in Rogers and SouthTown Sporting Goods in Fayetteville.
To contact the Alliance, email info@beaverwatershedalliance.org or call 479.750.8007.
|
|
Elkins Sports Summer Camps Approaching
Elkins Public School Athletics is hosting youth camps this summer. Individual forms with more information are available in Elkins Elementary and Elkins Junior High offices.
The camps are:
- Boys Basketball: 10:45am-10pm June 1-3, $50
- Softball (grades 3-8): 1:30-3:30pm June 1-3, $50
- Girls Basketball (grades 3-6): 8-11:30am June 6-7, $40
- FAS Elks (grades 3-12), July 11-14 & 18-21, $40
- Volleyball (grades 4-7), 12-2pm July 19-22, $50
- Baseball (grades 3-8), 9:30am to 12:30pm July 27-29, $50
If your Little Elk participates in FAS ELKS then they MUST have a physical on file with Trainer White or Mr. Fein before they can participate. Physical forms will also be in the Elkins Elementary and Elkins Junior High offices. Physicals are required only for FAS ELKS and not the individual team camps.
If you have any questions, please email Steven Fein at sfein@elkinsdistrict.org. (picture from Elkins Athletics Facebook)
|
|
Youth football season signups
Elkins Youth Football is a tackle football program open to students entering 2nd through 6th grades in 2022. Registration is $75 and must be paid in full no later than August 9. Registration can be paid with cash, check, or Venmo (contact the organization for Venmo info). Make all checks payable to Elkins Youth Football. Registration packets were distributed through the schools but must not be turned into the schools. The organization is going to have several in-person events where registration can be submitted, or the packets can be mailed to Elkins Youth Football, PO Box 756 Elkins, AR 72727. A physical exam is required for all players. For more information, find Elkins Elks Youth Football on Facebook or email elkinsyouthfootball@yahoo.com. (Picture from Elkins Elks Youth Football Facebook)
|
|
Covid clinic June 9
There will be a free COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine clinic for anyone 12 years old and older from 10am to 2pm, Thursday, June 9, at the Elkins Senior Activity and Wellness Center. The event is sponsored by the Center, the Arkansas Department of Health, and AFMC. First doses will be available, and anyone who has already received a vaccine or booster is asked to bring their vaccine card.
People age 18 and older receiving their first dose will have their choice of a $20 Arkansas Scholarship Lottery scratch-off or an Arkansas Game and Fish gift certificate. People aged 12-17 receiving their first dose will be given an Arkansas Game and Fish gift certificate.
If you are interested in receiving a booster, you must fit these requirements:
Pfizer/Moderna recipients:
1st booster: must have completed the two-dose series at least five months ago and be age 12+
2nd booster: must have received a 1st booster at least four months ago and age 50+
Janssen recipients: Must have received the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at least two months ago.
There is no appointment necessary. Vaccines are provided at no cost. Participants are encouraged to bring their insurance card if it’s available.
|
|
Free CTE Classes in June
The St. Paul Schools (Huntsville School District) will host summer CTE (Career & Technical Education) courses at the St. Paul CTE building. All classes will be 6pm to 8pm on Tuesdays in June. ATV Routine Maintenance will be offered June 7, Chainsaw and Outdoor Power Equipment is June 14, and Automotive Brakes and Shocks will be June 21. These courses are free and open to the public. If you plan to attend, call the High School office at 677-2411 or email Bruce Dunlap at bdunlap@1hsd.org. (graphic from St. Paul schools)
|
|
Pioneer Days seeking vendors
The St. Paul Pioneer Days is back after a two-year hiatus. The event will be September 9-10, and they are looking for vendors. Contact Mayor Nina Selz 479.806.1310. Booth spaces start at $15.
|
|
Job Listings Now Available
We are trying to build the new job listings section on our website but we need your help! We can’t list jobs from local businesses that we don’t know about. So, if you are a local business or know a local business that is hiring, this information is for you. We offer free job listings on our website and there is a $10 charge if you want it posted in our monthly newsletter (both print and digital). Please email your job listings to info@elkinsar.org and indicate if you want it on the website or website/newsletter.
|
|
ECN Sponsorship Rates
We fund our ongoing programs through sponsorships in three forms. See details for each at elkinsar.org
Job Listings $10
Advertise your job openings directly to our community. Text only. Appears in both forms of the newsletter and on the website.
Display $25/50
Available in Business Card or Double Business card size. Will appear in both print and email newsletters and on our website.
Blog Article on Website $60
Informative and educational article with insights into your industry. Article featured as a blog on our website.
|
|
Check local calendars for changes to events
We try to be as accurate as possible with our calendar information, but sometimes schedules change. For the most up-to-date information, check our events calendar on our website at elkinsar.org/. City of Elkins events can be found on the city website at elkins.arkansas.gov. Elkins School Events can be found on the district calendar at elkinsdistrict.org. The Senior Center also publishes a monthly newsletter with its menu and activities that can be found at aaanwar.org/locations/detail/1426
|
|
Do you have a business, local organization, church, or youth activity that people need to know about? We have a directory for that! Please submit your organization to one of our directories or email us at info@elkinsar.org or call (479) 274-0016 so that we can spread the word about everything going on in Elkins.
|
|
|
|
|
|
