A Year of ECN (and a look at what’s to come)
In August, Elkins Community Network quietly passed a major milestone in the fact that we celebrated a year of being an official 501c3 nonprofit. We celebrated one year of creating newsletters in June, but August 10 is what we call our official birthday.
In that time, we have surprised even ourselves sometimes in what we’ve been able to accomplish. We’ve done a monthly newsletter, engaged, empowered, or enhanced the community through 13 different events, led two different community networks (Community Leaders Network and Elkins-Area Business Network), and helped different pieces of our community make connections with each other. We are about to enter the last four months of 2022 and still have several more events planned or in the planning stages for 2023.
Our board will meet in November to plan 2023 and we are excited to share those plans as the New Year gets closer! We will be revamping how we collaborate with local organizations to allow us to have a bigger overall community impact while empowering those organizations to stand more on their own with our support. We are also working to enhance our networks, providing more opportunities for those with common needs and concerns to collaborate. Finally, we want to enhance the community’s ability to serve and be a part in making the Elkins-area community a better place to live.
That’s where you come in! There will be many volunteer opportunities throughout the community where long-time residents and newcomers alike can work together to make our community a wonderful place to live. ECN especially will have new committees and volunteer opportunities that will need community involvement. We can’t wait to share, but also hope you enjoy the last four months of 2022 and all that is yet to come!
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Thank you to this month's sponsors!
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Sponsorships help make what we do possible. If you would like to sponsor a future edition, email us at info@elkinsar.org or visit elkinsar.org
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We’ve revamped our Classifed Ads to focus on helping business and nonprofits connect with people needing jobs. Our job opening spots will be due at the same time each month as the display ads. They are $10 and up to 300 words. For more information, visit our media guide for sponsorships.
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First Baptist Church of Elkins is currently accepting applications for a part-time Church Secretary. Must have a high school diploma or equivalent and have a working knowledge of Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Realm Church Management Software, WIX Website program, and other computer programs (experience preferred). 2+ years of administrative experience or equivalent preferred. 15-20 Hours per week, $12-18/hour with benefits (Pay commensurate with experience). Job application available on the FBCE Facebook page or contact fbcekins@yahoo.com.
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September Calendar of Events
All events listed on the ECN Calendar are open to the public.
Thursday September 1
· Storytime at the Elkins Public Library - 11am
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
· Elkins Cruisers Meeting - 6pm at the Elkins Sonic - This groups meets every Thursday.
· Knitting Club - 7pm at the Elkins Public Library - All crafters welcome. For more info call Trish at the Elkins Public Library at 479.643.2904
Saturday September 3
· Labor Day BBQ at Eastside Wine and Spirits - 12pm to 2pm. More info in newsletter
Sunday September 4
· Labor Day Picnic at First Baptist Church of Elkins - 5:30pm. Food, inflatables, activities and games.
Monday September 5 *Labor Day*
· City Offices, Elkins Public Library, & Elkins Senior Center will be closed. Trash pickup delayed until Tuesday.
Tuesday September 6 *Curbside Trash & Recycling*
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Wednesday September 7
· Homeschool Game Day at Elkins Public Library - 1-3pm. More info in newsletter.
· Fall Robotics Program at the Elkins Public Library 4pm and 5pm groups. Audrabell@elkins.arkansas.gov for more info.
Thursday September 8
· Storytime at the Elkins Public Library - 11am
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
· Hydroponics 101 - 6pm at 1280 W Sunchase Court, Unit 3 in Fayetteville. Hosted by GSS Group. More info in newsletter
· Elkins Cruisers Meeting - 6pm at the Elkins Sonic - This groups meets every Thursday.
· Elkins Water & Sewer Committee Meeting - 7pm at Elkins City Hall
· Knitting Club - 7pm at the Elkins Public Library - All crafters welcome. For more info call Trish at the Elkins Public Library at 479.643.2904
Friday September 9
· St. Paul Pioneer Days 6pm-11pm
Saturday September 10
· Monthly Writing Class - 10am at the Elkins Public Library
· St. Paul Pioneer Days 9am-3pm
Tuesday September 13
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Wednesday September 14
· Homeschool Game Day at Elkins Public Library - 1-3pm. More info in newsletter.
· Elkins Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting - 7pm at Elkins City Hall
Thursday September 15
· Storytime at the Elkins Public Library - 11am
· NWA Food Bank mobile food bank at Elkins Community Center, 9am
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
· Elkins Weaning and Herd Health Meeting - 6:30pm at the Elkins Community Center. Hosted by Farmers Cooperative.
· Elkins City Council Meeting - 7pm at Elkins City Hall
Friday September 16
· Open House at Bank of 1889 Elkins Branch - 4:30pm to 6:30pm
Saturday September 17
· Japton Fall Fair - 10am to 5pm at Japton Community Park
· Community Dance - Elkins Community Center; Hosted by the Southern Justice Band. 7-10pm; $6 tickets at the door
Monday September 19 * Curbside Recycling*
· City of Elkins Planning Commission Meeting - 7pm at Elkins City Hall
Tuesday September 20
· Elkins 4-H Meeting - 6pm. Email 4h@elkinsar.org for more info
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Thursday September 22
· Storytime at the Elkins Public Library - 11am
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
· Beaver Watershed Alliance Friendraiser at Bunch Park - 6pm-8:30pm. Tickets are $10 per person or $20 per family
Saturday September 24
· Terra Studios Bluebird Museum Opening Weekend 11am - 4pm
· Crystal Hills Fall Festival - 4pm to 6pm at Crystal Hills Family Fellowship Church
· Movie Night at Bunch Park - Concessions at 6pm; Movie to Start at 7:15pm
Sunday September 25
· Terra Studios Bluebird Museum Opening Weekend 11am -4pm
Tuesday September 27
· Elkins School Board Meeting - 6pm at the Elkins School Administration Building. Meeting will begin with the Annual Report to the Public, followed by the regular meeting.
· Beginner Stretch Class with Danielle - Free yoga class at 6:15pm at the Elkins Public Library. Check her Facebook page for cancellations
Thursday September 29
· Storytime at the Elkins Public Library - 11am
· Elkins Farmers Market - 3pm at Harris Baptist Church (this event happens every Thursday)
· Elkins Cruisers Meeting - 6pm at the Elkins Sonic - This groups meets every Thursday.
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View the complete calendar and submit your events at elkinsar.org or email us at info@elkinsar.org or call (479)274-0016.
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Pies for Seniors
Nellie B’s is hosting a Pies on Parade fundraiser for Meals on Wheels and the Elkins Senior Activity and Wellness Center. Pies can be ordered by calling Nellie B’s at (479)305-3735 or the Elkins Senior Center at (479)643-2741. Orders must be pre-ordered and pre-paid for by Oct. 5th. All pies must be picked up on October 7th at Nellie B’s between 4pm and 6pm. Pie flavors include Peach, Coconut Creme, Dutch Apple, Chocolate Creme, Pumpkin, and Buttermilk. Online ordering is also available through EventBrite.
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Hydroponics 101
GSS Group is hosting a free introduction to Hydroponics workshop on Thursday, September 8 at 6pm at 1280 W Sunchase Court, Unit 3 in Fayetteville. This class will review managing pH, balancing nutrients, all the materials required, and more. This class is for anyone interested in learning about hydroponic gardening, no experience is required. You can find more information on the GSS Group Facebook page.
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Ways to Serve: Coordinate Blood Drives
ECN plans and hosts a blood drive every two months or so. This provides much-needed blood for the American Red Cross every time. We need people to either join our blood drive committee or to have an organization take over much of the process as their own. While not complicated, this has proven to be time-consuming for just two people at ECN who are also trying to manage all our other tasks. Did you know that there are also fundraising opportunities involved with youth organizations? You can also make the drives any theme you want. With more hands, we can all make a much bigger impact on our community and region. Able to help? Contact us at info@elkinsar.org.
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History Corner
By Audra Bell, EPL Librarian
In 1492, Columbus sailed the ocean blue, but what happened before that? In Elkins, it looks like we were the home of a small community of Native Americans. Arkansas was home for several nomadic tribes but at some point, a tribe decided to stay. The evidence of this is found in the Collins Mounds.
Now on private property, there once existed five prehistoric mounds on 18 acres near the White River. In the early 1900s it is said a farmer razed one of the mounds leaving four still in existence. These mounds date back to the Mississippian era, or 800-1600 AD. The use of these mounds is unknown but scholars believe they could have been part of a solstice/equinox calendar, raised land for religious structures, or
ritual burial mounds.
Although these mounds still pique the curiosity of historians and archeologists in our area they have not been excavated. The potential to destroy a prehistoric site for knowledge is a struggle many academics face and for now they remain as they were nearly 1,000 years ago.
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Elkins by the Numbers
Every month, the city department heads report their numbers for the previous month to the Elkins City Council. A summary of those reports is in our monthly newsletter.
All of the below numbers are from July and reported in August.
- Fire Department: 49 calls (up from 40 in 2021)
- Elkins Police Department: 412 total calls (only what comes through dispatch)
- District Court: Total arraignments, 486. Total trials, 176.
- Elkins Public Library: 14119 visitors (YTD), 15,142 in collection
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Public Parks & Recreation Meeting
The Elkins Parks and Recreation Committee’s regular meeting time and location has changed. The Committee will now be meeting at Elkins City Hall at 7pm on the second Wednesday of each month.
Committee meetings are always open, but the committee would particularly like to invite the public to this month's meeting as they will be discussing organization and administration of the Elkins Sports Complex. At the August 2022 City Council meeting, the Council requested that the Parks and Recreation Committee create a proposal for governance of the Elkins Sports Complex.
The Parks and Recreation Committee knows that many of our residents have strong feelings about how the complex should be operated. They would like to invite you to join them at their meeting so that they can put together a plan that represents the wants and needs of our residents. They will have a public input signup so that any community members that would like to speak will have the opportunity to do so. If you cannot attend the meeting, or have questions or suggestions, please feel free to reach out to the committee at elkinspark@elkins.arkansas.gov
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Writing Class for September
The September writing class with Author Linda Rigsbee at the Elkins Public Library is 10am to 12pm, Saturday, September 10. The topic for the first half is learning to write a synopsis and the second half is offering your own writing for helpful critique.
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Library Sale, Book Bash starts Oct. 6
The Friends of the Elkins Public Library is hosting its semi-annual book sale starting October 6-8. The first day of shopping is for Friends members only and the last day, October 8, will feature Book Bash. Book Bash will include a bake sale and carnival games. You can donate books to the Library for the sale at any time they are open, and they will be announcing donations for the bake sale as the event approaches.
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Eastside Wine & Spirits hosting fundraiser Sept 3
Eastside Wine and Spirits is having a Labor Day BBQ and sale 12pm-2pm on Saturday, Sept. 3. Smoked hotdogs and burgers and cookies. Blowout sale on select items. Raffle for a bottle of Blantons. All donations will be divided between the Elkins Public Library and Elkins PD Shop with a Cop. Hotdogs are being provided by Harps and the cookies are being provided by Nellie B’s Bakery.
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Crystal Hills Fall Festival
Crystal Hills Family Fellowship Church is hosting their annual fall festival 4pm to 6pm, Saturday, Sept. 24 at the church. There will be games for all ages, pumpkin painting, prizes, chili cookoff, and more.
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Elkins memorabilia available through ECN
Would you like a commemorative Elkins t-shirt or mug? We worked with local graphic artist Nichole Williams at The Rustic Cub to create Elkins-themed merchandise that celebrates the 100-year anniversary of the Elkins one-lane bridge.
You can order two different size mugs and several different styles and colors of t-shirts from our website. ECN will receive a portion of your purchase to support our programs. Because of how the fundraising program works, mugs and shirts must be purchased separately.
We’ve bought some for our families and love the merchandise! Be aware that the T-shirts do run a little bit small so if you are between sizes, we suggest going up. You can purchase from our website support page (where we also list several other ways to support Elkins Community Network). That link is https://elkinsar.org/support/.
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Japton Craft Show & Fall Festival
The Japton Craft Fair & Fall Festival will be 10am to 5pm, Saturday, Sept. 17, at Japton Community Park. They will be offering vendors, live music, food, and games.
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4th Annual Fall Craft Market Nov. 5
The Elkins Farmers Market will host the 4th Annual Fall Craft Market 10am-4pm, Saturday, November 5 at Harris Baptist Church (2201 N Center in Elkins). There will be a variety of amazing vendors offering an assortment of handmade crafts to include holiday delights, woodworking, home baked treats, jams and jellies, crafts of all kinds, excellent gift ideas and more. This is an outdoor event. Please plan accordingly for forecasted weather. They will be open rain or shine, with exception of severe weather.
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Elkins Community Clinic opens
A new community healthcare clinic recently opened in Elkins through a partnership with Community Clinic and Elkins Public Schools. It is available to students, faculty, families, and community members and is located at the school-based health center at Elkins Elementary School (380 N. Center St.).
The hours are 8am-4:30pm Monday through Friday and services include primary and acute care, basic labs, wellness checks, women’s health, sports physicals, immunizations, behavioral health, and telehealth. Medicaid, Medicare, and most insurances are accepted. There is also a discount program available for qualifying patients. For more information, visit communityclinicnwa.org or the school district’s website, elkinsdistrict.org.
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Community Dance Sept. 17
James McKinney and The Southern Justice Band are hosting live music and a community dance every third Saturday of the month through October. The event is 7pm-10pm at the Elkins Community Center, 162 Doolin St. Cost is $6. The September date is Sept. 17.
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Pioneer Days returns
The 53rd St Paul Pioneers Day is returning this year Sept 9-10 with Friday’s hours being 6pm-11pm and Saturday 9am-3pm. The events, which include live music, food, vendors, games, and a parade, will be in downtown St. Paul. For more information, visit https://stpaulpioneerdays.weebly.com/
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Hyland Park Fall Fest Oct. 16
Hyland Park Church, which has many members from Elkins and were a part of Elkfest, will be hosting a community event 5pm-7pm, Saturday, October 16 at the church, 900 Crossover Road in Fayetteville. Hyland Park Fest will feature food, games, costume contest, hayride, and more.
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Beaver Watershed Alliance hosting Friendraiser
Beaver Watershed Alliance is inviting landowners and partners to the organization’s Annual Alliance Friendraiser 6pm-8:30pm, Thursday, September 22, in Bunch Park. They will have a live band (Jumpsuit Jamey and the Can’t Wait to Play Boys!), a BBQ dinner, a silent auction, landowner and partner awards, and family fun in the park along the beautiful White River. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket to enjoy music on the lawn (this event is family-friendly). Tickets to this fun-filled event will be $10 per individual or $20 per family (A family ticket covers a household). Purchase tickets at: https://www.beaverwatershedalliance.org/event/friendraiser/
Each year, the Alliance hosts an annual Friendraiser to celebrate another year of successful watershed protection. It is the relationships and partnerships among agencies, organizations, landowners, and other perspectives that help put funding on the ground to restore, protect and enhance the Beaver Lake watershed.
Beaver Lake supplies drinking water to 1 in 6 Arkansans, provides industries with the water needed to produce products and services and contributes over $101 million in visitor spending to the regional economy of Northwest Arkansas. Managing the watershed area, or lands that drain into Beaver Lake, including portions of Benton, Carroll, Washington, and Madison counties, takes a lot of collaboration and resources. The Friendraiser is a celebration of these efforts, bringing together landowners and stakeholders that work together to keep local lands and waterways healthy and resilient.
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Bank of 1889 Hosting Open House
Bank of 1889, formerly First National Bank of North Arkansas, is hosting an Open House at its Elkins Branch 4:30pm-6:30pm, Friday, Sept. 16. Food will be served and they will be raffling off a kayak. The bank’s Elkins location is 1965 N. Center, next to McDonald’s.
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PTO Offering Birthday Gram Packages
The Primary-Elementary PTO is offering a way to send your child at either of the two schools a birthday package. The gift includes a mini balloon, silicone bracelet, pencil, eraser, pixie stick, birthday sticker, bubbles, a glow bracelet, and your choice of treat. Treat options are a Twinkie, Ding Dong, or Rice Crispy Treat.
These will be available monthly and the due date is on the third Monday of the month before the student’s birthday. For birthdays on weekends, holidays/summer break, you can request a date or we can deliver on the Friday before the weekend or the last day before the break. If you have questions email pto@elkinsdistrict.org. The cost is $5 and you must fill out their Google form at shorturl.at/ABY19 to order.
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Greater Movie at Bunch Park Sept. 24
The Elkins Parks and Recreation Committee will be hosting a movie night in Bunch Park on Sept. 24 as part of their Outdoor Family Fun Series. This month’s movie night will feature Greater, the biographical sports film about Razorback football player Brandon Burlsworth. Snack concessions will be available starting at 6pm and the film will start at approximately 7:15pm. In case of rain, the movie will be shown in the Elkins Community Center instead. The Outdoor Family Fun Series was made possible by support from Black Hills Energy, the Elkins Lions Club, HomeLight, and Popped Perfect popcorn.
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Praise in the Park
A community church-wide event is schedule 12pm-5pm, Saturday, Oct. 8 in Bunch Park. Plans are still in development and those interested in participating are encouraged to contact the following people:
- Bands interested in performing, call Wayne Gustafson at 479.200.4272
- Youth events are by Harris Church. Contact is Wesley Warford, 918.804.4903 or bishop3DUB@gmail.com
- For other info, contact Jeff Freitag at 479.422.4972.
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Bluebird Museum Opening
Terra Studios near Durham is hosting an opening weekend event for its new Bluebird Museum that will include various activities and live music. The two-day event will be from 11am to 4pm Saturday, Sept. 24 and Sunday Sept. 25. More information is expected as the event approaches and should be available on Terra Studios’ Facebook page.
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Weaning and Herd Health meeting
The Farmers Cooperative is hosting the 2022 Elkins Weaning and Herd Health Meeting at 6:30pm, Thursday, Sept. 15, at the Elkins Community Center. There will be dinner, giveaways, and discounts. The meeting is a discussion about weaning strategies and fall herd health practices.
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Band Fundraiser Oct 22
The Elkins High School Band is hosting a Trivia Night fundraiser 6:30pm, Saturday, Oct. 22 at Nellie Bs. The doors will open at 6pm. Teams can enter the trivia event in groups of 3-5 and the cost is $15 per seat, including food from the hot bar and dessert bar. Audience members can pay for the hot bar/dessert bar as well. The coffee bar will also be running all night.
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Homeschool Game Days at Elkins Public Library
The Elkins Public Library will be hosting an informal get together for local homeschool families on Wednesday afternoons from 1-3pm. Check out the library’s collection of board games or bring your own and meet other local homeschool families in the Elkins Public Library Community Room. Email audrabell@elkins.arkansas.org for more information.
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New Community Insights series
While most of the briefs you find in our monthly Elkins Community News are written by our team, we’ve enjoyed offering a space for other voices, specifically to talk about different aspects of rural community living. We’ve talked about leadership and what community looks like from different perspectives. Then, we had to stop offering the Community Insights column in our newsletter for several months because the newsletter became so (thankfully) full of events.
While we love the events, and we’ve been publishing Community Insights on our website when possible, we are excited to bring it back to this space. This column kicks off a new series on Service. The first three are expected to discuss different types of municipal service including mayor, city council, and committees/boards. As a nonprofit, we work hard to remain neutral on all political matters but we see these articles as informational and insightful into what each role entails. None of the articles will be by current candidates.
We don’t plan to stop with those three blogs and that’s where you come in. What does Service mean to you? What does it look like? How can we, as a growing rural community keep the small-town feel through acts of service?
We hope that you enjoy this series and are willing to add your voice. Please email us at info@elkinsar.org if you are interested in volunteering to write on this topic.
Community Insights: An Open Letter to the Citizens of Elkins
By Barbara King, former mayor
For the first time in 12 years, on Nov. 8 you will have the opportunity to vote for the person you believe can better lead and represent our city as mayor. Your vote will be very important. If you are not presently registered to vote, now is the time to do so. The deadline is Oct. 10.
To read the rest of Barbara's column about the necessary qualities in a mayor, visit our website.
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Job Listings Now Available
We are trying to build the new job listings section on our website but we need your help! We can’t list jobs from local businesses that we don’t know about. So, if you are a local business or know a local business that is hiring, this information is for you. We offer free job listings on our website and there is a $10 charge if you want it posted in our monthly newsletter (both print and digital). Please email your job listings to info@elkinsar.org and indicate if you want it on the website or website/newsletter.
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ECN Sponsorship Rates
We fund our ongoing programs through sponsorships in three forms. See details for each at elkinsar.org
Job Listings $10
Advertise your job openings directly to our community. Text only. Appears in both forms of the newsletter and on the website.
Display $25/50
Available in Business Card or Double Business card size. Will appear in both print and email newsletters and on our website.
Blog Article on Website $60
Informative and educational article with insights into your industry. Article featured as a blog on our website.
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Check local calendars for changes to events
We try to be as accurate as possible with our calendar information, but sometimes schedules change. For the most up-to-date information, check our events calendar on our website at elkinsar.org/. City of Elkins events can be found on the city website at elkins.arkansas.gov. Elkins School Events can be found on the district calendar at elkinsdistrict.org. The Senior Center also publishes a monthly newsletter with its menu and activities that can be found at aaanwar.org/locations/detail/1426
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Do you have a business, local organization, church, or youth activity that people need to know about? We have a directory for that! Please submit your organization to one of our directories or email us at info@elkinsar.org or call (479) 274-0016 so that we can spread the word about everything going on in Elkins.
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