Community Calendar

Irish Slow Session is for those who would like to learn Irish tunes and songs. The hour before each Irish Session we’ll learn a few new tunes and tips on how to jam in the Irish Sessions.
Every 2nd and 4th Monday of each month. Check the Folk School calendar for more information.

Are you ready for a trip to Italy, or simply interested in learning about the country’s language and customs? Join Dr. Ryan CalabrettaSajder, Associate Professor of Italian at the University of Arkansas, for a 6-week journey filled with essential phrases and travel tips. This course will cover a variety of topics, including preparing for your trip, salutations, navigating the airport, ordering food and drinks, shopping, traveling within Italy, and ensuring your safety. Get ready to embark on this exciting adventure!

In this two-hour program, participants will learn basic photographic principles that apply to any camera type. Rather than focusing on specific buttons or menus, the class emphasizes timeless techniques that greatly improve your photos and make photography more enjoyable. Discover how to use the rule of thirds, leading lines, the golden hours, and the three types of portraits to add that extra “WOW” to your images.

Doug Talbott, a semi-professional photographer with 60 years of experience using Nikon equipment, will guide participants through these concepts with practical examples. Whether you use a smartphone, tablet, DSLR, or mirrorless camera, these foundational skills will help you see and capture the world in new and exciting ways.

Embrace the journey of aging with confidence and vitality! Join Vicky Willis, a certified Yoga instructor and OLLI’s Yoga Guru, in this transformative program designed specifically for those looking to enhance their
well-being as they age. Through slow, precise movements rooted in Yoga, participants will systematically stretch and condition their muscles, providing essential support to aging joints. This
program focuses on four key areas: strength, flexibility, agility, and balance; fundamental elements for healthy living that can help eliminate morning stiffness and improve overall mobility.
Participants are encouraged to bring a blanket, blocks, a yoga strap, and a yoga mat, and to wear comfortable clothing that allows for ease of movement. Join us to foster a healthier, more active lifestyle as you embrace the changes that come with age! Activity Level: 1

Discover how Revolutionary War veterans were rewarded with pensions and land grants—and how these shaped
America’s westward growth. In this engaging
program, you’ll explore the history behind
Congress’s 1776 legislation offering pensions
and land bounties to soldiers and officers—
and how these benefits evolved to support
widows and heirs. Using historical records like
pension applications, you’ll learn about the
criteria veterans had to meet and the impact
these rewards had on poverty and settlement,
especially in Arkansas.
With expert guidance from local historian, Michelle Place, you’ll gain hands-on experience
interpreting primary sources, and uncover real
stories behind the documents—something
you can’t get from reading alone. Dive into the
fascinating intersection of military history, social policy, and westward expansion through
the lives of those who fought for independence.

Dates: November 14th-16th, 2025
Location: CTEC Building on NWACC Campus
Time: 8:00am-5pm (1 hour break for lunch)

Chainsaw Certification - Sawyer A
The course will consist of two full days of theory in the classroom at NWACC, followed by one day in the field at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve. This will take place over one weekend only. The Sawyer A certification course is designed for individuals looking to develop foundational chainsaw skills for trail work. This three-day course includes:

Two days of classroom instruction covering chainsaw safety, maintenance, cutting techniques, and risk assesment.
One full day of field evaluation, where students can confidently and safely use a chainsaw in a professional or volunteer setting
Cost: $895
Student Preparation:

Students should come dressed appropriately in closed-toe shoes (preferably steel-toe), long pants, and long sleeves.

The National Sawyer Academy will provide all necessary equipment.

Students do not need to have previous chainsaw experience to join.

Curriculum Overview:
This course is based on the Developing Thinking Sawyers curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to earn their A and B certifications during this weekend, which includes:

Bucking (A)
Limbing (A)
Felling (B)
Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate based on whether they completed Sawyer A or both A and B.

Rediscover your sense of wonder on this one-of-a-kind adult field trip at the Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC)! Designed especially for curious minds of all ages, this immersive experience invites you to deepen your understanding of the natural world through hands-on learning, outdoor adventure, and meaningful connections. Modeled after the same engaging programs enjoyed by over 60,000 students, “Nature Reimagined” offers grown-ups the chance to explore the stunning Bear Hollow Natural Area like never before. Enjoy two scenic guided hikes, two interactive classes led by expert educators, and relaxing campfire gatherings under the stars.

You’ll stay in a comfortable, climate-controlled lodge and enjoy four delicious meals - all while reaping the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of nature immersion. This Level 2 program features moderately challenging hikes on rocky terrain and is perfect for those who love learning and the outdoors. Come for the adventure, stay for the friendships. Discover nature, community, and inspiration all in one unforgettable weekend!

Since this is an overnight program, a waiver from ONSC must be completed by each participant that includes allergy, medical & dietary information.

Activity Level: 2

Rediscover your sense of wonder on this one-of-a-kind adult field trip at the Ozark Natural Science Center (ONSC)! Designed especially for curious minds of all ages, this immersive experience invites you to deepen your understanding of the natural world through hands-on learning, outdoor adventure, and meaningful connections. Modeled after the same engaging programs enjoyed by over 60,000 students, “Nature Reimagined” offers grown-ups the chance to explore the stunning Bear Hollow Natural Area like never before. Enjoy two scenic guided hikes, two interactive classes led by expert educators, and relaxing campfire gatherings under the stars.

You’ll stay in a comfortable, climate-controlled lodge and enjoy four delicious meals - all while reaping the mental, physical, and emotional benefits of nature immersion. This Level 2 program features moderately challenging hikes on rocky terrain and is perfect for those who love learning and the outdoors. Come for the adventure, stay for the friendships. Discover nature, community, and inspiration all in one unforgettable weekend!

Since this is an overnight program, a waiver from ONSC must be completed by each participant that includes allergy, medical & dietary information.

Activity Level: 2

Dates: November 16th, 2025
Location: CTEC Building at NWACC
Time: 8am-5pm

Chainsaw Certification - Sawyer B

This course is designed for students seeking Sawyer B certification. If you have previously completed your Sawyer A certification with us and have already taken the Sawyer B classroom portion, you may bypass the class and proceed directly to the field evaluation. The field evaluation will be one day (Sunday).

Cost
Returning students who completed Sawyer A with the National Saw Academy: $250 Students certified elsewhere: $300

This evaluation will test your ability to safely and effectively operate a chainsaw in advanced trail work scenarios. Participants must demonstrate proper cutting techniques, risk assesment, and safety protocols under real-world conditions.

Prerequisites
Sawyer A certification (must be verified)
Completion of the Sawyer classroom portion
Student Preparation:

Students should come dressed appropriately in closed-toe shoes (preferably steel-toe), long pants, and long sleeves.

The National Sawyer Academy will provide all necessary equipment.

Students do not need to have previous chainsaw experience to join.

Curriculum Overview:
This course is based on the Developing Thinking Sawyers curriculum. Students will have the opportunity to earn their A and B certifications during this weekend, which includes:

Bucking (A)
Limbing (A)
Felling (B)
Upon completion of the program, students will receive a certificate based on whether they completed Sawyer A or both A and B.