TAKE NOTE!

Golf and Burgers

Golf and Burgers is looking for new members. This is a social group that plays a nine-hole scramble followed by dinner at different restaurants in the village. They are open to both singles and couples of all skill levels, from beginners to seasoned players. They normally play two Saturdays per month, (April through October) starting at 2 p.m.

If you are interested in joining this group, contact Marge at 479268-4315, Jay at 479-631-7727 or visit golfandburgers.com to sign up.

Astronomy Night

Sugar Creek Astronomical Society will once again partner with Hobbs State Park for another night sky viewing Saturday, Aug. 6. This event will feature the Milky Way and the Perseid meteor showers. Each astronomy event at Hobbs is different because the night sky constantly changes.

The Perseid meteor shower runs through most of August. Participants will likely spot up to 20 meteors per hour, according to Katherine Auld, president of the SCAS. A wee sliver of a moon will ensure the dark skies necessary for a beautiful view of the Milky Way.

Members of SCAS will have telescopes set up for the public viewing. All will have the chance to explore “The Great Rift” (massive clouds of starlight-soaking dust extending from Sagittarius across Cygnus) and to view several deep sky objects, including M51, the Whirlpool galaxy and M39, an open star cluster in Cygnus. Visitors are asked to bring: • a flashlight (covered with a red cloth or red balloon)

• binoculars and/or telescope (if you have)

• a folding chair — one per person

• a star chart (if you have one)

This event will take place at the Hobbs State Park Visitor Center, located on Arkansas Highway 12 just east of the intersection with War Eagle Road. A Beginning Astronomy Class starts at 7:30 p.m. The class includes the lessons “Finding Your Way Around the Night Sky” and “The Perseid Meteor Showers.”

Observation using binoculars, telescopes and the naked eye will begin shortly after sunset — about 8:30 p.m.

This is a great activity for scout groups and families. It is free to the public. For more information, call 479-789-5000.

Mother Nature at Hobbs State Park

Mother Nature herself has become a frequent visitor to Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area. She visits the park every second Saturday of the month to reads nature stories to her little followers. The next reading, “Itsy Bitsy Spider,” begins at 10:30 a.m. Aug. 13.

Storytime will be followed by hands-on nature-craft activities. Children of all ages are welcome; however, most stories target children 3-6 years of age.

Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area visitor center is located on Arkansas Highway 12 just east of the War Eagle Road intersection. This event is free. For more information, call 479-789-5000.

Kayak workshops

Have you ever wanted to learn to kayak? Here is your chance to learn from a kayak instructor for the American Canoe Association. Participants will learn all aspects of paddling while exploring a calm area of Beaver Lake. Recreational kayaks, paddles and life jackets will be provided.

Space is limited on each workshop and open to 16 years and older. Bring a sack lunch, drinking water, sunscreen and dress for the weather.

The workshop will begin at Hobbs State Park-Conservation Area visitor center, Arkansas Highway 12, just east of the War Eagle Road intersection. The available dates for the workshop are July 31, Aug. 5, 7, 16 or 31. It lasts from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The cost is $50 per person. Registration and pre-payment are required.

For more information and to register, call 479-789-5000.

Beginning snorkeling

Have you ever wanted to snorkel? Snorkeling is fun and easy. Even if you can’t swim very well, you can snorkel. All you have to do to snorkel is put on your gear, lay face down in the water and enjoy the view. It’s that easy. Snorkeling needs almost no training.

Rebekah Penny, interpreter at Hobbs State Park, has found a secluded spot on Beaver Lake to search for the “Hidden Diversity” of underwater life. Have some family fun in a safe location while you snorkel with Rebekah from 1 to 4 p.m. either Wednesday, July 27, Thursday, Aug. 11, or Thursday, Aug. 18.

Participants will meet at Rocky Branch Marina, 8872 Rocky Branch Marina Road in Rogers (Arkansas Highway 12 to 303 north, to Rocky Branch Marina Road). Cost is $10 per child (up to age 12) and $20 per adult (13 and older). Tax is extra.

• Wear appropriate clothing for swimming, including water shoes and sunscreen. Participants must wear a life jacket.

• Life Jackets, masks, and snorkels provided. Participants will keep the snorkel and return the mask and life jacket. If you bring your own snorkel, the price is the same.

• Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Adults must be in the water with their child.

• Remember to bring towels for the car trip home.

Space is limited. Reservations and pre-payment are required. For more information, call 479-7895000.

Photographer Mike Martin to speak on Ozark wildlife and landscapes

Mike Martin, an award-winning nature and wildlife photographer and a native Arkansan, will be presenting a program entitled, “Arkansas Wildlife and Landscapes” at the Hobbs State Park visitor center at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 14. This program will consist of a slideshow of Mike’s photography, highlighting some of the most beautiful birds and wildlife of Arkansas.

His photos have been published by several states’ Parks Departments, Cornell University Ornithology Department’s award-winning website, “All About Birds,” and an annual “Wildlife” magazine produced by the Mississippi Wildlife Federation. Mike is currently co-authoring a book about bald eagles of Arkansas scheduled for publication in 2017. His program will be followed by a question and answer session.

Hobbs State Park visitor center is located on Hwy 12, just east of the Hwy 12/War Eagle Road intersection.

The event is free to the public.