It’s the time of year where Wreaths Across America coordinates the placement of wreathes in veterans’ cemeteries across all 50 states. This year, Northwest Arkansas businesses are helping in 11. 

• Honor: More than 500 employees of Lowell-based Central States Manufacturing Inc. will be laying over 1,600 wreaths in 63 cemeteries across the US on Dec. 18, National Wreaths Across America Day. 
• Here to there: 16 Walmart trucks are dedicated to hauling “America’s respect.” 3 trucks alone are dedicated to Arlington National Cemetery. You can also be apart of National Wreaths Across America Day by sponsoring a wreath or volunteering at one of 2,500 participating locations. 

Learn more about Wreaths Across America HERE. 

The food pantries here in Northwest Arkansas always need our attention, but especially now. 

• Donate: The shelves in the local pantries are practically bare, and the small amount of food that non-profits are receiving from Uncle Sam is “not what it has been.” Tri Cycle Farms is one of many organizations calling for food donations to help those in need. 
• Fill the pantries: Startup Junkie Foundation is also hosting a food drive in an effort to address the food insecurity in NWA and to benefit the NWA Food Bank. Donations can be left at a drop box at the Startup Junkie office in Fayetteville or can be taken directly to your nearest food pantry. 

Listen to the KUAF story HERE for more info. 

Girls Gone Gravel recently announced a new gravel biking event for the spring, and it may be the first of its kind - ever. 

• Chasing adventure: It’s a woman’s gravel festival called Girls Gone Graveling — a 3 day event in Bentonville that will include group rides, educational clinics, and community gatherings. Though the festival is April 28-May 1, registration opens today and there are only spots for 250 women. 
• For the women: The goal of the gathering is to “equip women for any adventure they dream up.” The coordinators are also working hard toward making the event comfortable and fun for woman riders of all levels.

Read more about it on VeloNews HERE. 

The Strider store is open on the Square in Bentonville and is ready to be a part of your child’s biking journey. 

• First steps: The Strider Sport starts as a 2-in-1 baby rocker that transforms into a balance bike by detaching it from the rocker base. Already used to the bike, your child will transition naturally into the 12in Strider Bike. 
• And then they’re off: The next step for your boy or girl, who will become a veteran balance bike rider, is the 14in Sport, which will bolster confidence and advanced skills on a bigger bike. An optional Easy-Ride Pedal Conversion Kit can then transform the 14in Sport into a pedal bike for instant riding success. 

Let Strider find your perfect fit at 109 N Main St.

If you’re looking for something to do around Northwest Arkansas, there is public art almost around ever corner. Make your own art journey and explore places you might not have seen before!

• One by one: “The big four” towns all have maps with lists of their public art installations to visit, perfect for a biking quest. Eureka and Siloam Springs both have plenty of public art to offer as well, and it's definitely worth a trip.
• DIY: There are also opportunities to get in on all this art making at local art studios as well! Art & Soul, Studio 7, and the Community Creative Center are but a few.

Start your art journey in Fayetteville, Bentonville, Rogers, Springdale, Siloam Springs, & Eureka Springs.