MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Oct. 15

▲ Do you still have the heebie-jeebies from watching horror films? You may be a coimetrophobe. Coimetrophobia is the fear of cemeteries. On the other hand, you may be a taphophile like the upcoming speaker at Hobbs State Park, Abby Burnett. A taphophile visits cemeteries for fun, and like Abby they take an interest in cemeteries, tombstones, or the memory of past lives. In Abby’s presentation she will show us gravestones that give us clues, and we will have to figure out how that person died. Not only are Abby’s programs extremely entertaining, they are always fun. Whether you are a coimetrophobe or a taphophile, you will be glad you came to Abby’s program at Hobbs State Park. The event is at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 15, at Hobbs State Park located on Arkansas Highway 12 just east of the War Eagle Road intersection. There is no cost. For more information, call: 479-789-5000.

Oct. 28

▲ Join Mother Nature as she introduces her many woodland friends at Hobbs State Park Conservation Area’s “Living Forest” on Saturday, Oct. 28. Listen to each animal’s story. They have a lot to tell us. These educational messages will be uncomplicated and easy for young children to understand. Teenagers and adults will learn too. Living Forest is for families with members of all ages. Costumed Northwest Arkansas Master Naturalists will be delivering the meaningful messages. Strollers and wagons are welcome as you meander along a wide, paved, barrier-free path. If you want to be like Mother Nature’s animal friends, come in costume. Also experience crafts and free S’mores. Hobbs State Park visitor center is on Arkansas Highway 12 just east of the War Eagle Road intersection; Saturday Oct. 28 from 1 to 5 p.m.; Cost: Free and kids of all ages are invited to participate.

Nov. 10

▲ The U.S. Marine Corps 242nd Birthday Ball presented by Northwest Arkansas Marine Corps League will be held from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 10, at the NWA Holiday Inn & Convention Center, 1500 S. 48th St., Springdale. Attire is banquet appropriate. Doors open at 5 p.m. and a cash bar will be available. There will be social time, arrival photo, posting of the colors, dinner and speaker, USMC birthday ceremony, dance, and silent auction.

All active, veterans and civilian are welcome. Tickets are $45/ person or $360/table (seating for 8). For more information and ticket registration form, please call Kenny Evans at 479903-1825 or David Niemann at 479-531-5262; or visit the website at www.NWAMarineCorpsLeague.org or on Facebook at www.facebook.com/MarineCorpsLeagueNWA.