FUMC Thanksgiving Dinner
The year 2020 has been a year of differences, and Thanksgiving is no exception. In 2020 fashion, First United Methodist Church Bella Vista will be providing a free drive-through Thanksgiving dinner rather than its annual Thanksgiving Dinner in the fellowship hall. Locals are invited to drive-through the church parking lot from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 25, to pick up a serving of Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings -- turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, dressing, cranberries, green beans, rolls and dessert. There will also be a pastor available to offer a prayer at pickup.
To ensure accuracy, FUMC asks that you make a reservation no later than Sunday, Nov. 22, by calling the church office at 479-855-1158 or online at fumcbellavista.com/thanksgiving. It will have limited delivery available for those unable to drive to the church. If you require delivery, please clarify when you make a reservation.
First United Methodist Church Bella Vista is located at 20 Boyce Drive in Bella Vista.
Some BV City Facilities Remain Closed
Due to covid-19, some Bella Vista city facilities will remain closed until Monday, Nov. 30. This closure applies to the city's administration offices at City Hall, 101 Town Center, and Community Development Services, 616 W. Lancashire Blvd.
City business will still be conducted, as able, online and via phone and email. If you have business with a specific employee, please contact that employee via email. A staff directory can be found online here. For building permits and inspection services, email [email protected]. For general city assistance, email [email protected].
For police and fire assistance, call dispatch at 479-855-3771. As always, in an emergency call 911.
If you do not have access to email, call or text the city's main number at 479-876-1255 and your call will be returned as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience during this time, as the health and safety of the public and our employees remain of utmost importance.
Property Owners Association
Welcome Meet and Greet for New Residents -- There will be an online Zoom meeting 10-11:30 a.m. Dec. 5 for new residents of Bella Vista. If interested in learning more about this December Welcome Meet and Greet please email, [email protected]. Detailed information will be returned to you.
Wishing Spring Gallery
The Wishing Spring Gallery, 8862 W. McNelly Road, is reopened on a limited basis. Days open are Thursday, Friday and Saturday. The hours open are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Customers are required to wear a mask when entering the building. The Clay Studio and its classes will remain closed due to covid-19.
Benton County Empty Bowls
Benton County Empty Bowls is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and raises money to combat hunger and food insecurity in the Benton County area.
Last year it raised more than $10,000 which went to provide 100,000 meals to food-insecure people in Northwest Arkansas. The target for this year is $20,000 and, with the current pandemic, the need is even greater. The website, www.bentoncountyemptybowls.org, is where you may purchase a hand-built ceramic bowl. One hundred percent of the gross profit from the sale of bowls and additional donations go toward the goal. More than 1,200 bowls have been created by 10 contributing artists and will be available on the website for sale. Bowls sell for donations of $20 and $25 each. Local sales may be picked up at The Wishing Spring Gallery during its open hours, which are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday.
Bella Vista Library
The Bella Vista Public Library has reopened with "Grab and Go" limited services and hours. Please read the following information on how this new service will work.
Open hours are 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 2 to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The library will be closed Friday and Saturday.
The library will be closed for one hour between 1 to 2 p.m. for cleaning.
There is a limit of 20 patrons inside the library at one time on Monday, Wednesday and Thursday. On Tuesday, there is a "high-risk" allowance of only five patrons in order to allow those patrons who are high-risk of covid to enjoy time in the library as well.
All patrons must wear a mask or a face shield to enter the library. All food and drink must be discarded before entering the library. Two public computers will be available to use. There is a limit of one hour per patron.
Due to social distancing guidelines, in-person device assistance will be unavailable. If you experience issues, you may call the library at 479-855-1753, send an email to [email protected] or use one of the library's many helpful guides available on its website or at the front desk.
Bella Vista Historical Museum
The Bella Vista Historical Museum is open Saturdays and Sundays with the hours of 1 to 5 p.m. Visitors are asked not to enter if they have flu-like covid symptoms. Masks will be required. Visitors will be asked to practice social distancing while in the museum and, if visiting with a group, please stay together. The number of visitors at one time will be limited to 10. If visitors happen to arrive when the museum is at maximum capacity, they will be asked to wait outside until there is room for additional visitors. These plans are subject to change, based on the latest covid-19 data from the Arkansas Department of Health.
The museum is located at 1885 Bella Vista Way, at the corner of Highway 71 and Kingsland, next door to the American Legion building. Telephone 479-855-2335 or visit www.bellavistamuseum.org for more information.
Surrounding Area
Walton Arts Center will offer free screenings of two movie musicals, "The Greatest Showman" and "White Christmas," for its November Saturday Cinema, part of Procter & Gamble Ghost Light Programming.
"The Greatest Showman" will be screened on Saturday, Nov. 21. "White Christmas" will be screened on Saturday, Nov. 28. Both movies start at 3 p.m. Tickets are free but must be reserved by calling 479-443-5600 or by visiting waltonartscenter.org.
Both films will be screened in Baum Walker Hall to allow for a minimum of four empty seats between parties and every other row will remain empty. These empty rows, with select seats removed, will also serve as walkways to seats located in the center of the theater, reducing contact between patrons.
Walton Arts Center has implemented additional health and safety precautions to protect patrons, staff, volunteers and artists from the spread of covid-19. For a complete list of health and safety precautions that will be in place for this and future performances at Walton Arts Center visit www.waltonartscenter.org.
After the show, patrons can drop by Community Creative Center's Holiday Gift Market in Walker Atrium. This annual maker's market features one-of-a-kind gifts by local artists, and it supports the Community Creative Center. The market is open 5-9 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday from Nov. 20 through Dec. 23.
Grab a festive drink for kids or adults and enjoy holiday décor after the show at Holidaze, a pop-up bar at Walton Arts Center. Holidaze offers a mix of reserved seating options and designated space for walk-up guests.
Open seating is available each night on a first-come, first-served basis. A limited number of reserved spaces will be available Wednesday through Sunday with seating options inside or outside close to heaters or fire pits. Reserved spaces will also come with cocktail service so patrons will not have to wait in lines at the bar. Reservations are $15 for a two-hour period and can be made at www.waltonartscenter.org/holidaze.
Ghost Light Programming is presented by Procter & Gamble and provided in part by supporter of the Ghost Light Recovery Fund.