COMMUNITY DIGEST
English classes
First Baptist Church Siloam Springs is offering English classes for adults. Classes are from 6 to 7:45 p.m. on Monday and Wednesday. All who enroll are evaluated the first time they attend. They will be in classes which will fit their needs. Some students come with no English, while others speak English and want accent reduction. There is no cost for the classes, although each student will pay for their book at cost over several weeks. There are activities for children of all ages on Wednesday. No childcare is provided on Monday. Children do not attend the classes with their parents as this makes it harder for parents to learn English. English classes meet in Room 122 on the lower level of the church building. Enter from the lower parking lot on the west side of the building. There will be signs posted. Teachers are trained and certified through the National Literacy Partnership and the North American Mission Board. This will be the third consecutive year of the literacy program at First Baptist under the direction of C.L. Pickle. She has previously led literacy programs in Virginia, Georgia and Texas. Pickle is a statewide trainer under the Arkansas State Baptist Convention. For more information, call C.L. Pickle at 479-373-1426 or Stewart Pickle at 479228-1298. People from any language background are welcome. Sí, hablamos español.
SSRH Auxiliary volunteer drive
Siloam Springs Regional Hospital Auxiliary is looking for willing volunteers for the information desk, obstetrics department, radiology department, surgery department and materials management. The Auxiliary offers an opportunity to help the community while working three or four hours a week. Stop by the front desk of the hospital for an application or call Barbara Ferguson for more information at 479212-3615.
Coffee with the Commander
Each Saturday morning from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., Siloam Post 29 of the American Legion hosts “Coffee with the Commander.” A time for those who served to enjoy the camaraderie that they experienced during their time with “Uncle Sam.” The event is held in the basement of the American Legion Community Hall located at 110 N. Mount Olive St. The coffee and donuts are fresh; the conversation is usually lively, jolly and informative. Don’t miss this opportunity to meet and greet local veterans who are still serving their veteran community. For more information, visit SiloamPost29.org or contact Jim Wilbanks at 850-520-0225.
Friends of the Library Bookstore
The Friends of the Library Bookstore has wonderful bargains on a great assortment of gently used books, CDs, DVDs and audio books — most priced under $2. Signs in the library will guide patrons to the bookstore area, which is open Monday through Friday from 9:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Donations of used books and electronic media in good condition are always welcomed, especially materials of interest to children and teens. The bookstore is managed and staffed entirely by volunteers and all proceeds are used to benefit the library.
Coat drive
New and gently used coats and sweaters of all sizes, especially children’s sizes, are being collected for those in need. They will be distributed at the clothing giveaway at Eastgate Church of Christ from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on the first Friday of the month. Items also are offered to nursing home residents and students at local schools. All coats will be cleaned by Snappy Dry Cleaners. Coats can be dropped off at the office of Dr. Susan Vaughan at My Family Eye Care, located at 820 Stateline Road in West Siloam Springs, or at Snappy Dry Cleaners located at 618 Holly St., or at Eastgate Church of Christ located at 1997 East U.S. Highway 412. For more information, call Joyce at 918-422-5811.