Savor the sights, sounds, and flavors of an experience mixing our community's most
beloved traits — local cuisine and human connection. The Supper Club, presented by Citizens Bank, is a monthly gathering around delicious food and drinks, unique experiences, and invaluable community connections. The group is made for those seeking to make social connections in our community, one bite at a time.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) will hold a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for ProLand Title. The Ribbon-Cutting, which will occur at 248 East Main Street in Batesville on Thursday, March 9, at 1 p.m., is being held to celebrate the new ownership and name of a long-standing Main Street business. 

Formerly Main Steet Title & Closings, ProLand Title is a full-service title and escrow agency dedicated to providing premier service and ensuring clients and industry partners have the best service and experience possible with their closing process. 

All community supporters, chamber members, ambassadors, board members, and staff are invited to attend.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Party People. The Ribbon-Cutting will occur at First Presbyterian Church at 775 East Boswell Street in Batesville on Tuesday, March 14, at 10:30 a.m.

Party People, a new party service in Batesville, delivers luxurious fun to your events by providing custom, eye-catching balloon backdrops and bounce house rentals.

All community supporters, chamber members, ambassadors, board members, and staff are invited to attend.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce (BACC) will hold a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Cedar Ridge Elementary School's new book vending machine. The ceremony will occur in the school's cafeteria at 3549 Cord Road in Newark on Tuesday, March 14, at 1 p.m.

Located in Newark, Arkansas, Cedar Ridge Schools serves over 600 preschool through twelfth-grade students from a 270-square-mile area — including Charlotte, Cord, Magness, Newark, Oil Trough, Thida, and more.

With the help of the Arkansas SOAR grant, the Elementary is bringing students the latest technology in book displays. The new "Bookworm Vending Machine" showcases newly released books and novels for all ages. Students can select new books and showcase their knowledge through reading. 

These new book vending machines will help build a culture of reading, as identified by residents as a strategic opportunity for our area to cultivate the skills and talents of students better and strengthen the workforce pipeline in the IMPACT Independence County plan.

All community supporters, chamber members, ambassadors, board members, and staff are invited to attend.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a Ribbon-Cutting ceremony for Clara Jane and Jax. The Ribbon-Cutting will occur at 120 East Main Street in Batesville on Friday, March 17, at 10:30 a.m. 

The event is being held to celebrate the expansion of Clara Jane and Jax, a baby and children's boutique on historic Main Street.

All community supporters, chamber members, ambassadors, board members, and staff are invited to attend.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will hold back-to-back Ribbon-Cutting ceremonies for two new Network of Community Options facilities.

The first ceremony will occur at New Directions at 285 East College Street in Batesville, on Tuesday, March 28, at 10:30 a.m. Immediately following, a second ceremony and open house will occur at Network of Community Options' new headquarters at 555 East Main Street in Batesville. 

Network of Community Options (NCO) is a family-oriented organization working for people with developmental challenges. NCO fulfills its mission by providing services based on the core values: PRIDE — Patience, Respect and Responsibility, Integrity, Dignity, and Empowerment. 

New Directions is an NCO adult day treatment program encouraging individuals to strive to improve all areas of their daily living skills. The New Directions curriculum includes computer skills, functional math and reading, social and communication skills, budgeting, home safety and maintenance, physical fitness, nutrition, and other activities. 

All community supporters, chamber members, ambassadors, board members, and staff are invited to attend.

Tibetan Buddhist monks to construct mandala sand painting at Lyon College March 6-10

Tibetan Buddhist monks from Drepung Loseling Monastery will construct a mandala sand painting March 6-10 in the rotunda of the Lyon Business and Economics Building on the Lyon College campus, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville. 

On Monday, March 6, at noon, there will be an opening ceremony in the rotunda of the Lyon building. That day, the monks will work from the opening ceremony until 6 p.m. Hours on Tuesday through Thursday, March 7-9, will be 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Hours on Friday, March 10, will be 10 a.m. until the closing ceremony at noon. The monks will take staggered breaks for lunch, so there should always be at least one person working on the mandala during the visit.

During the week, there will be two presentations. “Symbolism of the Sand Mandala” is set for Tuesday, March 7, at 5 p.m. and “Meditation for Focus and Stress Relief” is Thursday, March 9, at 7 p.m.

The public is welcome to view the mandala construction and attend the free lectures.

From all the artistic traditions of Tantric Buddhism, that of painting with colored sand ranks as one of the most unique and exquisite. Millions of grains of sand are painstakingly laid into place on a flat platform over a period of days or weeks to form the image of a mandala. To date the monks have  created mandala sand paintings in more than 100 museums, art centers, and colleges and universities in the United States and Europe.

Mandala is a Sanskrit word meaning sacred cosmogram. These cosmograms can be created in various media, such as watercolor on canvas, wood carvings and so forth. However, the most  spectacular and enduringly popular are those made from colored sand.

In general, all mandalas have outer, inner and secret meanings. On the outer level they represent the world in its divine form; on the inner level they represent a map by which the ordinary human mind is transformed into enlightened mind; and on the secret level they depict the primordially perfect balance of the subtle energies of the body and the clear light dimension of the mind. The creation of a sand  painting is said to effect purification and healing on these three levels.

The mandala sand painting begins with an opening ceremony, during which the lamas consecrate the site and call forth the forces of goodness. This is done by means of chanting, music and mantra recitation.

The lamas begin the exhibit by drawing an outline of the mandala on the wooden platform. On  the following days they lay the colored sands. Each monk holds a traditional metal funnel called a chak pur while running a metal rod on its grated surface. The vibration causes the sands to flow like liquid onto the platform.

Traditionally most sand mandalas are destroyed shortly after their completion. This is done as  a metaphor for the impermanence of life. The sands are swept up and placed in an urn; to fulfill the  function of healing, half is distributed to the audience at the closing ceremony, while the remainder is carried to a nearby body of water, where it is deposited. The waters then carry the healing blessing to the ocean, and from there it spreads throughout the world for planetary healing.

Here is the complete schedule for the week:

Sand Mandala Construction

March 6-10, Lyon Business and Economics Building

Lyon College, Batesville, Arkansas

Please note: All events will take place in the Lyon Business and Economics Building on the Lyon College campus in Batesville.

Monday, March 6

Opening Ceremony, 12 p.m., Rotunda

Mandala Construction, 12-6 p.m., Rotunda

Tuesday, March 7

Mandala Construction, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Rotunda

Lecture: “Symbolism of the Sand Mandala,” 5 p.m., Nucor Auditorium

Wednesday, March 8

Mandala Construction, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Rotunda

Thursday, March 9

Mandala Construction, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Rotunda

Lecture: “Meditation for Focus and Stress Relief,” 7 p.m., Nucor Auditorium

Friday, March 10

Mandala Construction, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., Rotunda

Closing Ceremony: 12 p.m., Rotunda

The Batesville Area Arts Council is pleased to present Plans, an exhibition by Dustyn Bork, at the BAAC Gallery on Main (226 E Main St) now through March 11, 2023. This exhibition is free and open to the public during BAAC’s regular gallery hours, Tuesday – Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Annual student art exhibition is Feb. 27-March 17 at Lyon College Kresge Gallery, reception is March 2

The Lyon College Art department will celebrate and honor the artistic work of its outstanding student artists at its annual student art exhibition through Friday, March 17, in the Kresge Gallery in the Alphin Building on the Lyon College campus, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville.

The exhibition, which emulates the practice of real-world art shows, showcases the wide array of artwork produced by students during the past academic year and gives students the opportunity to participate in a professional exhibition where a qualified juror selects artwork and artistic merit awards, including the coveted Presidential Purchase Award. The show also will feature the work of professional artist Crystal Jennings of Pine Bluff, who will curate the show.

Primarily a graphite and charcoal artist, Jennings’ subject matter focuses on portraiture mixed with the imaginary. After nearly a decade of operating a hand-painted wedding stationery business, she is now concentrating on adding to and exhibiting her body of work. Recently, her work has been exhibited in Hot Springs, Little Rock, Pine Bluff and the Bradbury Art Museum at Arkansas State University. She has also toured Arkansas with the Arkansas Arts Council’s Small Works on Paper.  She is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago with a Bachelor of Fine Arts with a concentration in Art and Design.

Lyon College to host director of Vatican Observatory for lecture on ‘Science, Religion and the Art of Storytelling'

In anticipation of next year’s total solar eclipse, Lyon College will host Brother Guy Consolmagno, SJ, director of the Vatican Observatory, for a spring convocation presentation entitled “Science, Religion and the Art of Storytelling” on Thursday, March 9, at 4 p.m. in the Nucor Auditorium of the Lyon Business and Economics Building on the Lyon College campus, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville.

The lecture is free and open to the public.

“What do astronomy, religion and science fiction all have in common? They are all interested in the big questions; and they also all depend on the art of storytelling to present their strange and wonderful ideas in ways that people can understand, appreciate and evaluate,” said Dr. Consolmagno in describing the lecture. “In this talk, we'll examine why stories are fundamental to our understanding of religion; when being a good storyteller is essential in doing science; and how the way we tell these stories influences how we think about the big ideas.”

A native of Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Consolmagno earned undergraduate and master’s degrees from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Ph.D. in Planetary Science from the University of Arizona. He was a postdoctoral research fellow at Harvard and MIT, served in the US Peace Corps (Kenya), and taught university physics at Lafayette College before entering the Jesuits in 1989. At the Vatican Observatory since 1993, Pope Francis appointed Dr. Consolmagno director of the Observatory in 2015.

Dr. Consolmagno’s research explores connections between meteorites, asteroids and the evolution of small solar system bodies. He has observed Kuiper Belt objects with the Vatican’s 1.8-meter telescope in Arizona, and measured meteorite physical properties to understand asteroid origins and structure. Along with more than 250 scientific publications, he is the author of a dozen popular books including “Turn Left at Orion” (with Dan Davis) and “Would You Baptize an Extraterrestrial?” (with Paul Mueller). In 2000, the International Astronomical Union named asteroid 4597 Consolmagno in recognition of his work. In 2014, he received the Carl Sagan Medal from the American Astronomical Society Division for Planetary Sciences for excellence in public communication in planetary sciences.

"Brother Guy is an internationally known astronomer and a serious thinker about the interactions between science and religion,” said Dr. Barry Gehm, assistant professor of chemistry and biochemistry and member of the Lyon College Convocation Committee. “He is also an outstanding speaker who never fails to fascinate. We are very lucky to have him speaking at Lyon College."

Lyon College students, faculty, staff and guests gather regularly for academic convocations and lectures on issues relevant to Lyon College, the community or society at large.

For more information about the presentation, please contact Dr. Barry Gehm at Barry.Gehm@lyon.edu.

Join us for the Sulphur Rock Super Hero Family 5k, to fund phase 2 of Ms. Johnnie's Playground at Sulphur Rock Elementary School on March 31, 2023.

Check-in and LATE Registration for 5k is 3 to 5:30 p.m. The Race begins at 6 p.m. and will be followed by awards. Check-in and LATE Registration for the Kids Run is 3 to 5 p.m. Race begins at 5:30 p.m.

Come out with your family and friends and run or walk our family-friendly 5k race course! We will also have a shorter distance race for younger children; the distance will be less than 0.5 mile. Dress as your favorite superhero, or better yet, dress up as a team! Winning categories will include the fastest times for age groups, overall, best dressed, and more. Lots of chances to win! We will have t-shirts and goodie bags.

No Sale Yard Sale "Everything is Free"
Ruddell Hill Baptist Church is having a “No Sale Yard Sale.” Everything is FREE. Yes. We said FREE! We will have women’s, men’s, and children’s clothes, home décor, toys, and much more. Rain or shine. April 1st, 2023. While Supplies Last. 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. We are praying that we will be a blessing to our community.

Attention local graduating high school seniors!

If you plan to attend college in fall 2023, obtain a copy of the Batesville Rotary Club Scholarship Application from your school counselor. Batesville, Cave City, Cedar Ridge, Home School, Midland, and Southside seniors are encouraged to apply.

Submission deadline is March 31, 2023. Recipients will be announced by the end of April 2023. You can also request a copy of this application from any Batesville Rotarian.

 It’s tax season. Are you looking for a new vehicle? America’s Car-Mart can help! Take advantage of this great offer and keep your money working for you. Visit your local Car-Mart or get started on-line today. Learn more at https://www.car-mart.com/new-years-tax-time-event/

Downtown Building for Lease beginning March 1, 2023!

• 2 stories
• 3700 sq. ft.
• Corner lot on Main
• Parking lot usage
• $1,000/month

For inquiries, email mainstreetbatesville@gmail.com or call 870.751.0598 or 870.834.7715.

The Arkansas State Police has partnered with DHS to launch the new Mandated Reporter Portal. Visit mandatedreporter.arkansas.gov to create an account and send in reports using a new secure online portal.

This new portal has been created in addition to the hotline for reporting suspected child abuse and neglect. The Arkansas Child Abuse Hotline remains accessible by calling 1-800-482-5964.

There is Hope. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org to connect with compassionate care and support for mental health-related distress. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, 988 provides a 24/7 connection to confidential support.

Lyon College to host STEM-filled Academic Day on March 4

Arkansas high school and junior high school students are invited to the most STEMtastic event of the year, the 2023 Lyon College Academic Day, on Saturday, March 4, on the Lyon College campus, 2300 Highland Rd., Batesville.

The event will include math competitions, a STEM Carnival, STEMonstrations, food trucks, campus tours and more. Students must be registered in advance to participate in the math competitions.

The Arkansas Council of Teachers of Mathematics regional math competition for high school and junior high school students will be from 9:15-10:15 a.m. in the Derby Center for Science and Mathematics. Students should arrive early and sign in from 8:15-9 a.m. at the Derby Center. To register for the math contests, visit www.lyon.edu/academic-day by Feb. 24.

In conjunction with Lyon College’s 2023 Spring Preview Day, there will be guided campus tours at 10:30 a.m. From 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., Academic Day and Spring Preview Day participants are invited to enjoy food trucks on campus. Food truck meal vouchers will be distributed to participants.

A STEM Carnival is set for 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in The TEMP. Activities include the following:

• 3D Printing
• Chemistry of Ceramics
• Cyanotypes
• Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) Mini Session
• T-shirt Printing Event - Participants will make and print their own shirt.
• Virtual Reality Games
• Video Games as Art and Literature
• Retro Arcade Video Gaming
• Photo Booth
• Cash Cube
• Popcorn, Snow Cones, Cotton Candy

From 1-3 p.m., the College will host the following STEMonstrations in the Derby Science and Math Center:

• Build and Launch Model Rockets with Dr. Dave Thomas, W.D. Bryan Professor of Biology
• Chemistry Magic with Dr. Irosha Nawarathne, Associate Professor of Chemistry
• Creating Cheese with Dr. Melissa P. Taverner, Lyon College President
• Molecular Genetics and DNA with Dr. Sandy Beeser, Assistant Professor of Biology
• Fruit Fly Genetics with Dr. Cassia Oliveira, Associate Professor of Biology and Assistant Dean of Faculty
• Game Programming in SNAP with Dr. Marcus Birkenkrahe, Associate Professor of Data Science

Seating for STEMonstrations is limited. At 3 p.m., awards will be presented.

For more information about Academic Day and to pre-register for a STEMonstration, please contact Pam Palermo at Pamela.Palermo@lyon.edu.

Learn more here: www.lyon.edu/academic-day.

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce is the leading voice of business in Independence County, providing chamber members advocacy, promotion, and resources. The Chamber works to set the standard for service, collaboration, growth, and high quality of life in the Batesville area. We are unwavering in our commitment to strengthening our business community.