At the regular meeting of the Greers Ferry Optimist Club on October 18 Laura Graves, Southeast Director, and Trish Adams, Arkansas Volunteer Coordinator, of The Black Stallion Literacy Foundation, gave a most inspiring presentation to the members.
Those present learned that The Black Stallion Literacy Foundation provides a simple but unique approach to motivate children to read by connecting children with a classic hardcover book and the magic of live horses. Through this program children are started towards a successful life from the beginning. The first grade program instills the love of reading in students by combining a live horse experience with the reading of two books. The fourth grader program promotes the joy of reading while improving comprehension. They are given the famous book, “The Black Stallion”. All children get to meet, pet, feed and read to the horses. The BSLF was founded in 1999 and based out of Florida, but has an Arkansas branch located at the “Rose of Sharon” on Highway 5.
The BSLF is a nonprofit organization, which helps motivate hundreds of thousands of children to enjoy reading. There were 16,000 children involved in Arkansas last year and 10,000 are enrolled so far this year.
Anyone wishing more information or details about the BSLF can contact them at BSLF-online.org or 800-553-6116.
The first sighting of the Gary & Metza Edward’s Italian style home will be your approach on the expansive drive & parking area which is made of colored stamped concrete made to look like tiles. It is a feast for the eyes & soul as you view the double door entrance with its decorative wrought iron cover and you just know you will continue to be amazed when you enter this unusually beautiful home of many rooms. You will see 5 bedrooms and 6 baths as you tour. The first is the master suite. From here you can enter the deck and admire the wonderful view of the Middle Fork of the Little Red River or the great swimming pool. The flooring in this room is Brazilian tigerwood, you will see this elsewhere also. The master bath has beautiful travertine counter tops and floor, also you will see a very unique double shower which has a rectangle window that faces a small secluded court yard. Heated towel bars make a very cozy end for the shower. The morning room with lots of windows will soon be Metza’s office/computer room. Gary has his room on the front of the house it has spectacular custom built in cabinetry. The dining room and adjoining sitting area have travertine floors & tray ceilings. The sitting room has many light giving windows and doors to the deck which is the stamped concrete to match the drive. There is also a fireplace & of course a flat panel TV screen if you want to take your eyes from the view. You may go upstairs after viewing the ground floor bath & bedrooms which are as you would expect something you would want to see. On the second floor, while coming up the steps don’t miss the beautiful beveled leaded glass window at the landing. The perfect framed photos were taken by Metza of her Grand Daughter, outstanding. Now go into the theater room with its very comfortable chairs and my favorite — the star spangled ceiling. There is a children’s play room concealed by book shelves in this room, very clever. There is much to be seen at this house, the customer built cabinetry, the chandeliers, the entrance way with its custom designed travertine inlaid tiles, all of the travertine counter tops, and last but not least, the remote controlled draperies & lights.
You must see this outstanding house because I can only prepare you for an event you need to experience.
Photo courtesy of Bonnie Hookman.
The public is invited to view local artist Joyce Hartmann’s new solo art exhibit “Four Seasons” at the Fairfield Bay Library Gallery, 369 Dave Creek Parkway. The Library is open on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The exhibit will remain up through December.
Many of the 18 framed paintings depict local landscapes and wildlife in watercolor, oil, acrylic, and scratchboard. There are also whimsical underwater and woodland scenes in a mixed media of watercolor, India ink, glitter and mirrors.
Hartmann’s work can also be seen locally in Fairfield Bay at the Artisans Gallery and at the Hart Center during regular hours, and by appointment at her home studio in Choctaw. She additionally maintains a continually changing exhibit in the Clinton Senior Center, 570 Yellowjacket Lane.
As a member of the North Central Arkansas Artist League, she exhibits with this group at Bayside Gallery on Greenwood Rd. in Fairfield Bay, at Ozark Medical Center in Clinton, Greer’s Ferry Library, and more.
Visit or phone 745-6615, or contact Fairfield Bay Library Gallery Coordinator Ellen Kelly at 884-6476, for more information.
Communicating with
Absentee Owners
The Board uses this weekly column as a means of insuring property owners in the Bay have a resource for what we regard as timely information to all who subscribe to or choose to pick up our weekly FFB News. This tool is effective for you, if you are now reading this article, but not for the majority of property owners who do not live in FFB.
The Board is identifying means to communicate with absentee owners on a regular basis, so they too can be aware of challenges, opportunities, and activities in the Bay. We are expecting to enhance our web site and insure all owners are aware of it as a tool for information. Look for more news on this front in the near future. We also value your input regarding ways to make the web site more valuable. Check it out at ffbcommunityclub.com, but remember that it is a work in progress and needs updating. What would you value seeing on the site that is not currently there?
Keeping communications cost effective led us to look at current expenditures to see how we might piggyback on current activities. Dues billings are mailed to all property owners, with some receiving monthly, quarterly, or annual notices. The current mailing can accept two additional pages of print without an increase in mailing costs. The Club will begin including a monthly informational update with these billings in November. Please understand that you may see some repetitive information in your billing packet, but know that it will be new information for many absentee property owners.
These are just two ways the Club believes it can better communicate with ALL property owners, while still being frugal with your dues dollars.
For Community Club Board of Directors
Dwayne Miller
These members of Boy Scout Troop 401 of Shirley/Fairfield Bay, chartered by the Fairfield Bay Lions Club, took the American Red Cross “CPR/AED Adult and Child with Infant CPR“ course at their Scout Hut in Fairfield Bay on Sat, 10-16-10.
All participants earned their Red Cross CPR/AED certification cards.
For information on joining Troop 401, contact Craig Fisher, Scoutmaster at 745-5110.
By Fred Hilsenrath
Rotarian
Joe Harper, Chief Park Ranger, talked to our Rotary club about issues and news of our lake. It was an opportunity for all of us to hear about the Corps of Engineers and the current happenings on Greers Ferry Lake. Joe explained to us how great the recreation season was for Greers Ferry Lake in FY 2010. We had over 7.2 million visitors with over $1.2 million dollars in user fees collected. Joe also talked about all the campground improvement projects that were completed in FY 2010. He spoke about the building of courtesy docks that will be utilized at numerous launching facilities as well as fish habitat improvements that have been completed this fall. He also told us about the new policy on removing submersible pumps from the lake, since this type of pump is not approved by UL to be used in areas where swimmers or waders may unknowingly approach, or even come in contact with the pump or power supply.
Residents of Fairfield Bay were able, in the past, to pump water from the lake for garden use. There was a several hundred dollar fee involved to get the Corps approval. These sprinkler system projects must now be abandoned. It had become a serious enough safety issue. In spite of that disappointing ruling for some residents, we are very lucky to have the park rangers manage our lake. Our Greers Ferry lake, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful lakes in our land. The water is clean, the shores are pristine and there is even enough fish for our enthusiastic fishermen and women. The cold water from the bottom of the dam creates a good trout environment in the Little Red River and the electricity generated helps with our energy needs. The Rangers work hard and are always helpful and courteous. I am sure we are all grateful and appreciative of the Rangers effort.
Emery Murray works to block the shot by Dalton Smith
Pictured above are Tessa Berry with the ball, Kati Hutto, right with Madison Sowell and Ali Bradley.
The Shirley Blue & White Basketball game was held on Friday, October 8, 2010 at the Shirley Gymnasium. The event was hosted by the High School Booster Club and the Athletic Department. It proved to be a fun filled evening for the community. “Our Junior and Senior teams look great this year and they gave our community a taste of what’s to come this season. Everyone left that night excited for our first home game on October 18”, stated Brenda Smith, Booster member. The Boosters would like to thank everyone that came out and supported the event and gave donations. You’re not only supporting the Basketball teams, your supporting the whole Shirley Athletic Department. The Boosters next event will be a Chili Supper, sponsored by the Fairfield Bay VFW Post 4513 and Ladies Auxiliary on November 20, 2010. You can contact a Booster member for tickets or purchase them at the door.
18 Hole Men’s Results - Thursday, October 14
First Flight
1st Place +13 Vic Manville
2nd Place +3 Rex Erickson
3rd Place +2 Toby Glyde
Skins Winners: Vic Manville, Bruce Forsland, Mike Barra, Richard Stratton, Rex Erickson
Second Flight
1st Place (Tie) +4 Skip Kay, and Elvis Randel
3rd Place +3 Bill Tice
Skins Winners: Elvis Randel, Randall Williamson, John Foster, Skip Kay, Ed Ball
9 Hole Men’s ResultsScramble October 14
American
1st Place- 33 G. Cooper, R. Streeter, R. Larsen, E. Rasmussen
2nd Place- 34 R. McBride, F. Howell, J. Goodman
3rd Place- 35 E. Wallster, J. Chase, D. Risk, R. Wells
National
1st Place- 33 A. Deller, L. Johnson, A. Stannard, E. Roberts
2nd Place- 33 N. Capito, D. Moomaw, J. Preusser
3rd Place – 34 J. Allen, L. Workman, B. Heiman
Seasons End Fun Scramble - 9 & 18 Hole Ladies
There was no prize money or flights. This was a day to enjoy the beautiful Indian Hills Golf Course and the fantastic weather that makes golf such a great sport.
Participants included: Pat Reeves, Susie Bagwell, and Penny cuttone. Patty Manville, Anita James, and Gesine LaDage. Marcy Lindsey, Darla Warring, and Linda Miller, Neva Erickson, Marie Cronin, and Sharon Vajda. Charlene Burge, Gail campbell, and Marlen Aremka. Pat Cooper, Janice Cusick, and Sharon Moore. Doloris Frosaker, Jo Payne, and Marge Diedrich.
Pictured above left to right Jim and Beth Rose with Children Landon and Keegan.
Jim and Beth Rose of Clinton have opened Fairfield Bay Florist and More in the Lakewood Mall next to Reflections By the Bay. “We are here to stay to serve the community and will be open Monday-Friday from 9:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. Deliveries will be available on Saturdays upon request,” said Jim and Beth.
There are many things to offer in the store such as: live and artificial floral arrangments, balloons, candy bouquets, holiday centerpieces, special orders, jewelry by Elaine Ens and Collene Halldorson, home decor items, scented cnadles and aroma saches, greeting cards and seed cards, and Shirley Blue Devil T-shirts.
They are very excited to be here and ready to serve you, call 501-884-4700.
Music and Art at the Gallery
Pictured above left to right, Robbie Ingle, Karen and David Gehl, and Van Swink
Robbie Ingle, Director of the Fairfield Bay Area Chamber of Commerce has branched out and opened a new gallery in Fairfield Bay. The Art Studio and Gallery is located in the Lakewood Mall Suite I next to Nestlehut Insurance.
The gallery will be open Mon-Fri from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with an artist on site working on their new pieces.
The artists involved are Van Swink, Charlotte Rierson, Doris Sexson, and Robbie Ingle. The newest artist to join is Karen Gehl, she does Stained Glass art. Her husband David plays the Dulcimer and will be playing on the days that Karen is working.
“One of my goals in opening is to create more traffic in the mall area and fill a need in the Bay by supplying basic office supplies as well. I also provide printing services such as custom design and printing, copy and fax services and sign creation. Future plans include carrying basic art supplies, holding painting lessons and creat a tour of art galleries in the area so people can see all the wonderful artists that are in the area.”
Nestlehut Insurance Opens in Fairfield Bay
Dan Nestlehut has been handling insurance since 1997 out of his office in Quitman. “The timing was right to open an office in Fairfield Bay and there is a need here. I offer old fashioned service with todays technology. When I first started in the insurance business, I thought my friends would become my clients, and some have. But since then, more of my clients have become my friends” said Dan.”
The office is located in the Lakewood Mall between Care Cap Connections and the Art Studio and Gallery.
Dan is a graduate from the University of Central Arkansas with a Bachelors in Business Administration. He is a member of the National Association of Insurance and Financial Advisors, and he has received numerous local, state and national sales performance awards.
“I really enjoy what I do and none of these accomplishments could have or would have been possible without the trust my clients have shown me over the years allowing me to serve them as their agent” said Dan.
“With medical insurance coverage changing on a regular basis, my most important task is to ensure that my clients understand exactly what they are getting. The client’s best interest is always foremost in any of my relationships.
Here is just a brief list of insurance Nestlehut Insurance has to offer. Life Insurance: Universal and Term, Health Insurance: Accident, Cancer, Disability, Long Term, Medicare Part C, Part D, Medicare Supplement, Business Planning, and Retirement Planning. To find out more contact Dan at 884-4467 or visit his website at dan@nestlehutinsurance.net. Dan’s office is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday and by appointment.
Pictured above left to right, candidates Collene Halldorson, Tom Schueren, and Paul Wellenberger. Conducting the forum is Dan Feuer, Fairfield Bay News Editor, and Vic Schedler, KFFB Weathernan. Photo by Bob Connell
Last Thursday, October 21 the Fairfield Bay News and KFFB sponsored the Fairfield Bay mayoral forum. With a full house at the Senior Center the three candidates, Collene Halldorson, Tom Schueren, and Paul Wellenberger answered 8 questions chosen from a variety turned in by concerned citizens.
Each candidate was given 3 minutes for an introduction, responses and closing statements. Since the questions were presented a couple days prior to the forum, each candidate was able to give clear answers based upon their interests to serve the citizens of Fairfield Bay.
Here are the questions presented:
1. During your campaign, what have you addressed as the most pressing issue or issues facing the city at this time?
2. Do you think there is a need to improve the relationship between the city government and the Community Club? If so, do you have a plan for that?
3. The conference center has been idle for quite a few years. It’s been up for sale with no results. Do you have any recommendations for it?
4. Do you think the city is wasting its dollars on unnecessary or wasteful spending? In what areas? And, if so, do you have plans to curb it?
5. Regarding grants that the city may be able to get—are we proactive in securing grants? Is that an untapped resource the city could benefit from?
6. In your opinion should the mayor’s position be a full time paid position—or do you have an alternative to that?
7. If you are elected, do you anticipate any changes in the Department of Public Safety? If so, what are they?
8. Give us your evaluation of the city as it is now—stagnant? Moving forward? Pretty much the status quo? Or regressing?
The Fairfield Bay News must remain impartial so the answers given will not be in this issue due to space and time. If you have any questions for the candidates I’m sure they will be available to you prior to election day November 2, 2010.
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News Feed
At the regular meeting of the Greers Ferry Optimist Club on October 18 Laura Graves, Southeast Director, and Trish Adams, Arkansas Volunteer Coordinator, of The Black Stallion Literacy Foundation, gave a most inspiring presentation to the members.
