MARK YOUR CALENDAR

Dec. 7

▲ The Veterans Council of NWA, the JM Band of NWA and the Bella Vista POA will host the “God Bless America Concert” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 7, at Riordan Hall in Bella Vista. The 17-piece Jack Mitchell Band of Northwest Arkansas is presenting a free two-hour patriotic concert in remembrance of 9/11 and the Dec. 7 attack on Pearl Harbor. Everyone is welcome to attend this free patriotic concert; no tickets or reservations are required.

Dec. 8

▲ Christmas at Dickens Place at the Bella Vista Public Library is a new holiday tradition to begin from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Dec. 8. There will be beautiful lights, charming carolers, delicious food trucks and, of course, Santa Claus. This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy community holiday cheer and do some Christmas shopping from the fine artisans and craftsmen right here in Northwest Arkansas.

Dec. 9

▲ Shopping for a Cause — Spry Girls Boutique, located at 2844 Bella Vista Way (next to Dominos), will be hosting a fundraiser from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 9, to support the Bella Vista Animal Shelter, with 25 percent of all sales proceeds being donated to the Shelter. There will be food tastings and beverages throughout the day. All are welcome to shop for a great cause.

Dec. 10

▲ The unmistakable sound of multi-Dove and Grammy Award-winning recording artist David Phelps will be featured in Bentonville, on Sunday, Dec 10, at the Bentonville First Baptist Church, located at 220 South Main Street. This exciting classic Christmas concert event begins at 7 p.m. Complete information may be obtained by visiting www. fbcbentonville.org or www.davidphelps.com. Tickets are also available online at www.itickets.com or by calling 1-800-9659324.

Dec. 12

▲ AARP Driver Safety classes are designed for drivers over the age of 50 to ensure safer driving. This completed course qualifies students to receive an automobile insurance discount in the state of Arkansas. Course length is four hours and reservations are required. Cost to AARP members is $15 (provide membership card and membership number). Nonmember cost is $20. Class location is at Village Insurance, 2860 Bella Vista Way, Bella Vista. Class time is 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Call 479-855-3076 for reservations.

Dec. 13

▲ Certified, porcelain master artist and master teacher Helen D. (Schumm) Sammarco will be at the Bella Vista Library from 10:30 to 11:15 a.m. Wednesday, Dec. 13, demonstrating the Iris and painting techniques used in the fine art of porcelain. She is a member of World Organization of China Painters, International Porcelain Artist and Teachers, Inc., Village Art Club of Bella Vista, and Blackstone Art Association in Massachusetts. She is also published in “The China Decorator.” For more information, call 479-533-8775 or 479553-8023.

Dec. 17

▲ The Bella Vista Community Concert Band will present a “Christmas Concert” at the Bella Vista Community Church at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 17. A reception will begin at 2 p.m., with music provided by members of BVCC Gospel Bank before the concert. The bigger the crowd, the more holiday cheer.

Dec. 21

▲ AARP Driver Safety classes are designed for drivers over the age of 50 to ensure safer driving. This completed course qualifies students to receive an automobile insurance discount in the state of Arkansas. Course length is four hours and reservations are required. Cost to AARP members is $15 (provide membership card and membership number). Nonmember cost is $20 Class location is at Mercy Clinic Community Room, 1 Mercy Way, Bella Vista. The class is from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Be sure to call 479855-3076 for reservations.