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 479-2281298. People from any language background are welcome. Sí, hablamos español.
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.
Yoga classes
Bridges to Wellness and the Siloam Springs Parks and Recreation Department are sponsoring Yoga classes. Classes will be 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Monday nights at the Moss House located at 311 S. Mount Olive St. The cost for classes is $3. For more information, call Sarah Losh at 479-549-3143.
Fire Department feedback
The Siloam Springs Fire Department offers an Emergency Medical Services Customer Survey that will allow individuals who have been treated by a city ambulance to provide honest and confidential feedback about their experience. Customers can provide valuable insight and feedback into the Fire Department’s performance.
“Our goal is to constantly strive to improve the quality of the services that we provide to the citizens,” said Siloam Springs Fire Department Chief Jeremey Criner. “The feedback that we receive will be an integral part of our quality improvement program.”
If you’ve had any interaction with the city’s EMS crews, please take a few minutes to fill out the EMS Customer Survey located on the Fire Department page of the City website, www.siloamsprings.com/199/Fire.
Senior Activity Center
The Siloam Springs Senior Activity and Wellness Center invites anyone over the age of 60 to come to the center for lunch.
The center is located at 750 Heritage Court. Cost for lunch is $3 donation per meal. There is an exercise room and game room for guests’ enjoyment. If you need a ride, the center’s van can pick you up. Call 479524-5735 for more information. Menus and activities calendar is available in the lobby.
While We’re Waiting
While We’re Waiting is a grief support group designed specifically for parents who have lost children. The group, led by Don and Deondra Chamberlain, meets the second Tuesday of every month at 6:30 p.m. at Sager Creek Community Church, located at 1600 Cheri Whitlock Drive in Siloam Springs. Refreshments are served. For more information, call 479-549-7005.