Briefs

Hobbs State Park Hosts Mother Nature

Mother Nature herself has become a frequent visitor to Hobbs State Park Conservation Area lobby. She visits the park every second Saturday of the month and reads nature stories to her little followers. Readings begin at 10:30 a.m. Admission is free.

Story time is followed by "hands-on" nature-craft activities. Children of all ages are welcome, however, most stories target children, 3-6 years of age.

Mother Nature Reading Dates: Jan. 13 -- The Woods in Winter; Feb. 10 -- Backyard Birds; Mar. 10 -- The Night Sky; April 14 -- Signs of Spring.

Located on Arkansas Hwy. 12 just east of the Hwy. 12 and War Eagle Road intersection. For more information, call 479-789-5000.

Bella Vista Traveling Sams Chapter -- Camping Schedule January-June 2018

The Bella Vista Traveling Sams Chapter invites all who enjoy camping to join this local Chapter. The Traveling Sams gather during the winter months for luncheons/dinners and begin camping trips in April. Members own different types of campers, including Class A diesel pushers, fifth-wheel and pull trailers, as well as Class C and B units. It does not matter the vehicle, only a love for this great country and desire to enjoy the beautiful outdoors with friendly and great Bella Vista folks. Call Don or Joann Cowell at 479-876-1799 or chapter President Virginia Reynolds at 479-715-6137 to learn more.

Jan. 11 (Thursday) at 11:30 a.m., lunch at Acropolis, located at 905 N.W. 13th St. in Bentonville. Business meeting and a get-acquainted time follow lunch.

Feb. 9 (Friday) at 9 a.m. for breakfast at Golden Corral in Rogers. This meeting is one day later than the regular schedule of Thursday meetings because it joins with the Jolly Rogers, Good Sam Chapter.

March 8 (Thursday) pay by 3:45 p.m. to get the lunch price at Golden Corral in Rogers. Gather in the private room, for a meeting before dinner arrives.

April 12-15 (Thursday through Sunday) first camp out of the year -- the State Good Sam Rally in Texarkana at the Four States Fairgrounds, where over 200 rigs attend. Register online or call for more information. No need to drive the entire distance in one day -- plan on visiting one of Arkansas' beautiful State Parks (like Diamond State Park or Lake Catherine State Park) on the way.

May 9-12 (Wednesday through Saturday a.m.) camp at Roaring River State Park in Missouri. Reservations should be made six months in advance to allow all of the group to be in the same camping area. Request Area 2, any sites between 104-118 (Bella Vista Chapter site #104). Call 877-422-6766 to make a reservation. Roaring River is about a 1 1/2 hour drive from Bella Vista. Information can be found online at www.Missouri State Park.com.

June 14-16 (Thursday through Sunday a.m.) Withrow Springs State Park, near Huntsville, Ark., is approximately a 1 1/2 hour drive from Bella Vista. Near Huntsville, take 412 east, then Spur 23. Call 877-879-2741 or go online to make reservations at www.Arkansas State Parks.com. Put in Withrow State Park for details. Reservations can be made anytime up to a year in advance. Request to be located by others in the Bella Vista Chapter site No. 18.