OLT’s ‘The Fantasticks’ opens July 28

Submitted by Julie Ulmer

Opening night is always a thrill at OLT; you can be there Friday, July 28 at 7:30 p.m. for “The Fantasticks!”

With music by Harvey Schmidt, and with book and lyrics by Tom Jones, this 1960’s musical has retained its popularity through the decades. The plot revolves around two neighboring fathers who hope to “trick” their children into falling in love by pretending to be in a feud with each other. The cast and crew under the direction of April Renée Burt are excited to bring this popular and revered musical to audiences in our community. It includes the beautiful song “Try to Remember” which is beloved by musical theater fans. The show is both funny and poignant, and is sure to be enjoyed by local audiences. Burt stated, “I can’t wait for our audiences to experience this show! There’s truly something for everyone in it; romance, comedy, social commentary, elements of avant-garde, etc. But at its core, the story of ‘The Fantasticks’ is a love story. It’s a story about humans, and the lengths to which we will all go for love.”

Performances will run July 28, 29, 30, and August 4, 5, and 6. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees are at 2:30 p.m. Reserved seating tickets are now available online at oltmena. com. Tickets will also be available at the door, but come a bit early to ensure admittance to this popular show.

Luci Cannon of Mena was the fourth winner of the family fourpack of Magic Springs Theme and Water Park tickets. Her name was selected from our eight sponsors. Cannon signed up for the contest at Holly Springs Real Estate. See the Magic Springs ad on this page for details and sponsor locations. (Ethan Nahté/Pulse)

Submitted by Kathy Hagler

Are you a quilter? Have you finished some projects since last year’s fair? Are you going to enter them in the fair? If so, here’s a few things to know.

To be eligible to enter your quilt(s) in the Polk County Fair:

• You have to be a resident of Polk County;

• Your quilt(s) must have been completed since last year’s fair;

• Your entry must be clean. Items with odors or stains will not be accepted;

• And your item must have three layers to be a quilt — the top, a backing and a middle (or batting) — layer.

There are more than 20 categories to enter a quilt or quilted item. From bed quilts to crib quilts, from quilted clothing to home decor, we have you covered.

Be sure to refer to the Polk County Fair catalog for a complete list of dates, times, rules and more. See you at the fair.

The Humane Society of the Ouachitas next monthly meeting has been rescheduled for Thursday, July 27, at 5:30 p.m. at La Villa Mexican Restaurant in Mena. All animal lovers are welcome.

Jewell Family Reunion Saturday, July 29, from 11 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Vandervoort Baptist Church. Please come, bring your family, your favorite dish and enjoy good food and fellowship.

The Back Country Extension Homemakers Club meets the second Friday of each month at 1 p.m. at the UA Extension’s Education Building, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. We are a service organization affiliated with UA’s Division of Agriculture with a mission to have fun and learn new things while enriching our community and creating a more contented family life. We believe the greatest force that molds character comes from the home. Come join new friends and old as we together grow. For more info, contact Ginger at Gingerkm@protonmail.com.

Vacation Bible School: The VBS committee of First Presbyterian Church invites all youngsters from grades K — 5 to attend SCUBA (Super Cool Underseas Bible Adventures) Aug. 7-11, 9 a.m.-noon. Registration is at 8:30 on Aug. 7. You may pre-register your child(ren) by calling the church office at 394-3583. For a fun week of learning about various Bible adventures, join us for Vacation Bible School at 904 Church Ave., Mena.

Free sack lunch each Tuesday, 11 a.m. - 1 p.m., for all ages, at Janssen Park pavilion. Bubbles, chalk, free books, games, and music. Sponsored by First Presbyterian Church. Meals will be available all summer, May 30 through August 15.

Concerned citizens will be at the Library Friday, July 28, 9-11 a.m., and Wednesday, July 26, 9-11 a.m., gathering signatures to put the “LEARNS Act” on the ballot.

Narcotics Anonymous meet at 5 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Monday, noon - 1 p.m. on Wednesday, 7 p.m. on Thursday, 7 p.m. on Friday, and 6 p.m. on Saturday at the old bus barn at the Crossing Church. For information call Erica at (479) 234-5289 or Candice at (501) 356-8300.

Polk County Disabled American Veterans and auxiliary will be holding their monthly meeting on Thursday, Aug. 3, at 6:30 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Park in Acorn. A potluck will be served with meetings to follow.

The Polk County Housing Authority has Rental Vouchers available. They are also in need of Applicants and Landlords. Contact them at 509 S. Morrow, Mena, (479) 394-1565 or polkarhousing.com

The First United Methodist Church of Mena will be collecting dry cat and dog food for the Humane Society of the Ouachitas, a no-kill animal shelter, during the month of August.

If you’d like to donate to this wonderful organization, bring the food to the church, 501 Ninth St., across from Janssen Park, Monday-Thursday between 10 a.m.-2 p.m. or bring it on Sunday at 10 a.m. and stay for church. Everyone is welcome.

First Presbyterian Church will be presenting a study, “The Evolution of the Bible”, in its Adult Sunday School Class on Sunday mornings beginning at 9:45. The class will be conducted by Earl Harrell. Anyone with an interest in this study is invited to attend. Classes will be at the church in the parlor, 904 Church Ave., Mena.

The Ouachita Beekeepers Association is now meeting on the second Thursday of the month, 7 p.m. in the Education Building of the UA Extension Office, 211 DeQueen St., Mena. Come early and enjoy refreshments and bee talk with other beekeepers.

GriefShare continues to meet every Thursday from 10 a.m.-noon at First Presbyterian Church Mena for anyone in the community who is grieving the loss of a loved one.

The Hatfield Branch Library is open every Tuesday and Friday from noon-4 p.m. The library is located at 121 Cemetery Rd. (old Agri building) in Hatfield.

The Cove Branch Library is open Monday and Thursday from noon - 5 p.m. The Library is located next to Cove Town Hall at 5568 Hwy. 71 S.

The Mena/Polk County Senior Center will have The Gator and Friends band performing in Mena every Thursday, 10:3011:30 a.m.

The Center has an exercise class on Mondays and Thursdays, 9:30-10:30 a.m. Contact Trena Looney with questions, (479) 394-5459.

Free meal and a message at Living Word, 171 W. Johnson, Hatfield, Wednesdays @ 6 p.m.

The Cossatot Senior Center in Wickes has meals and activities for seniors. If you need to make delivery arrangements or changes call (870) 385-2373.

Christ’s Church of Cove, 5234 Hwy. 71 S, Cove gathers every Tuesday, 8:30-9:30 a.m., for free coffee and conversation.

Hatfield First Baptist Church

“Shepherd’s Closet” Open Wednesdays, 10 a.m.-noon. Large selection of good, used clothing & a limited supply of non-perishable food items. Free to anyone in need.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at The Crossing Church, 3 p.m., Sundays; at 5 p.m., Tuesdays; and at 8 p.m. Saturdays at the old bus barn. For information call (479) 2348366 or (479) 216-3786.

The Food Pantry at the Mena Seventh Day Adventist Church is open every first and third Monday of each month, 4-6 p.m., located at Fair Grounds Road. For more information, call (479) 437-4018.

American Legion meets every 2nd Tuesday at the Legion Hall in Acorn. Potluck at 6 p.m., meeting follows.

Come play Bingo, Saturdays and Mondays, starts at 6 p.m., doors open at 4 p.m.

Reynolds Gardner Community Men’s Breakfast every Tuesday, First United Methodist Church, Mena, 8 a.m. (full breakfast for small donation). All men from the community are invited to attend.

Alcoholics Anonymous meet at 7 p.m. Fridays at the First United Methodist Church, Ninth Street and Port Arthur. Discussion/Book Study for information call (479) 243-0297.

Bluegrass Jam Session is open to musicians and fans alike. Bring your instruments for an unplugged session to the Daisy Room (behind Janssen’s Avenue Florist & Gifts) the first and third Thursdays of each month, starting at 6:30 p.m. Free event. Some snacks are provided.

It’s easy to have your event listed in Around Town, which will be read on radio stations KENA and KQOR daily. Simply send your Around Town announcement to news@mypulsenews.com or call (479) 2439600 and let us know about your event! To have it in the Polk County Pulse newspaper, we need to know by FIVE on FRIDAY. We look forward to continuing to serve the community!