COMMUNITY DIGEST
Poetry Contest
The Siloam Springs Writers Guild recently announced the annual Roy Chesney Poetry Contest, which is open to anyone who resides within 10 miles of Siloam Springs. The theme is “Understanding the Times.” Contest entries will be accepted through Aug. 31. The prize list and contest rules are available on the Siloam Springs Writers Guild website, www.sswritersguild.org. Entries may be sent by email to SSWGSiSp@gmail.com with “RC Poetry Contest 2020” in the subject field.
Siloam Springs Senior Center needs help providing meals
Siloam Springs Senior Center has been closed to the general public since March 17, 2020, and as with many other businesses, has been impacted due to covid-19. As a result of this closure the center’s funding has dropped 2/3. Therefore, the Siloam Springs Senior Center is seeking help/donations from the local community and businesses.
The center continues to serve the most vulnerable population by providing a hot meal each day to those seniors on Meals On Wheels and serving curbside those who are cardcarrying members and can drive. Members can pick up their meal between 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. each day, Monday through Friday. Members are asked to place orders in advance and please remember to make the suggested $3 donation for each meal. The menu is subject to change daily. For more information call 479-524-5735.
Splash Pad’s new hours
The new hours for the water feature at Memorial Park are 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Sunday.
Bookstore at the Library Closed Indefinitely
The Bookstore at the Library is closed for the indefinite future due to the coronavirus. Organizers are looking forward to reopening when the situation is resolved.
Tornado siren testing
The city of Siloam Springs has changed the testing day for the outdoor warning system to 1 p.m. on the first Monday of the month. In the past, testing has taken place on Friday. First Monday testing will give city staff time to make repairs immediately if they are needed. Should cloudy weather, rain or other inclement weather occur on a test day, the testing will be delayed one day, until completed.
American Legion fundraiser
The drawing for the Ora32, three-speed bicycle, donated by Dogwood Junction, has been rescheduled once again. It will be given away at 1 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, at the American Legion Community Building in Siloam Springs Tickets are $5 each or three for $10 for a chance to win the bicycle, which retails for $489.99. This fundraiser is to help support the Legion’s scholarship fund, which gives $1,500 in scholarships annually. Tickets may be purchased from any American Legion member. Those who purchased tickets and would like a refund may contact commander@siloampost29.org or adjutant@siloampost29.org and arrangements will be made to return monies upon receipt of tickets.
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 Donna Conger for more information at 479-373-6428.
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’s website, www.siloamsprings. com/199/Fire.
Dogwood Literacy Council
It is rewarding to be able to assist someone who is trying to improve their literacy skills in order to help their family. The Dogwood Literacy Council is in need of more volunteers who would like to become a tutor. Training and materials will be provided. For more information, contact Charlie at 479-524-4009.
Make your home safe and accessible
Kind at Heart Ministries is offering help to make homes “safe and accessible” with ramps, widening doors and building handrails. Financial assistance may be available. For more information, contact 479-373-6281 between the hours of 1 and 5 p.m. or email servant@kindatheart.org.