(StatePoint) Getting a home ready for the busy holiday season and guests can leave even the most prepared planners overwhelmed. But you don’t need to be. With the right inspiration and some handy tips, you can easily spread cheer from room to room.
Simple updates can change the whole look of a room, according to designer Lisa LaPorta, host of HGTV’s “Designed to Sell” and “Bang for Your Buck,” and KILZ brand spokesperson. For example, a fresh coat of paint and some new throw pillows may be all you need to settle in for the season, whether you are ringing in the new year with a bash or curling up by a crackling fire.
Don’t stress. More than half of people who plan to make updates to their homes say they are concerned they won’t be happy with the results, according to the sixth annual KILZ Brand Roller Report survey titled “Overcoming Redecorating Fears.” The report finds that while do-it-yourselfers are overwhelmed by the redecorating process, particularly choosing paint colors, in the end they ultimately find the sense of renewal they were looking to achieve.
Small changes cause big results. This year, LaPorta recommends adding thoughtful but less expensive touches to make family and friends feel at home. Consider adding some festive updates like embroidered towels for the powder room, a new throw rug or painting in the entryway, or an accent wall behind the Christmas tree.
“Picking your favorite color from a room and highlighting it on one wall will create a dramatic pop of color,” she says. “Try a darker shade for a cozy feel or a brighter color to lift the spirits of your guests.”
Set the mood. More than 80 percent of re-decorators believe interior wall colors and decor can affect mood. To ensure you get the right shade and mood with your new paint color, first prime your walls with a primer like KILZ Clean Start. If you’re going from a bright color to a neutral one, a special primer, such as KILZ Premium, will hide evidence of your former bright shades.
Also, keep in mind a decor change can be done in less conventional ways, such as painting a ceiling or the back of your built-in bookcase.
Stay true to you. One of the most challenging parts of decorating for the holidays is choosing a color theme. It’s easy to stick to the popular seasonal colors and designs, but not all holiday decorating trends complement your personal style and home decor.
Try to find a balance between being trendy and your personal style. The decorating process will feel a lot less risky and you will be happier with the end results.
You can visit www.kilzrollerreport.com for more information on the study and tips from LaPorta.
At the regular meeting of the Greers Ferry Optimist Club on Monday, November 15, 2010 Rob Bentley, owner of Bentley’s Restaurant, was presented an appreciation certificate for “personal thanks and appreciation for your dedicated service given to our local youth”. Bentley has for years given his continued support to the Optimist by membership, as well as helping with goals and program for children in our community.
Russ Berry,the president of the Greers Ferry group, presented the award to Rob Bentley amid the heartfelt applause and cheers of appreciation of all those in attendance.
On Thursday, December 9, 2010, the Fairfield Bay Library is sponsoring an informational program to help you decide what Medicare coverage is best for you. This program will be presented by Marta Hiegel and is open to the public at no charge.
Residents of Fairfield Bay and the surrounding area are welcome to attend. The program will run from 9-10 a.m. at the Fairfield Bay Senior Center.
Topics Covered:
* Changes for 2011
* Part B & D Plan Options
* Qualifications for possible Medicare premium assistance
* Questions Answered
Marta Hiegel, a new resident to the area, moved from the Dallas-Fort Worth area where she was employed by the North Central Texas Area Agency on Aging as a Certified Benefits Counselor. In her position, she helped senior adults determine what Medicare coverage was best for their situation – both medical and prescription coverages. She also helped qualifying Medicare recipients enroll in the Extra Help program to save money on Part D as well as the Medicare Savings Program to save money on Part A and B.
Marta is certified through the Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) and as a State Health Insurance and Assistance (SHIP) counselor, and has been trained by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid (CMS). She also has experience as a case manager for people judged incapacitated by the courts for guardianship, as well as an ombudsman for residents in nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Her degree is in Applied Gerontology.
Handouts will be furnished by Marta. You may contact her after the program for individual counseling which she is pleased to provide at no cost to area residents. Marta is not selling any products or services-this is strictly information only.
Please register at the Fairfield Bay Library at 884-4930 for the program. Thank you!
This week, the Art Gallery and Studio is proud to feature Robbie Ingle.
Robbie Ingle, artist and owner of the Artists Gallery and Studio, opened the working studio in October 2010 to feature five local artists (now six) in the Village Pla
ce Mall, Suite I. Some of the artists have been featured in the Fairfield Bay News, i.e. Charlotte Rierson (watercolorist), Doris Sexson (oil and acrylics), Van Swink (pastels); others displaying artwork are Karen Gehl (stain glass) and Ann Helmbeck (abstract).
Oil is Robbie’s medium in various subjects: landscapes, animals, seascapes, portraits. She received her first paint set at age 12; however, her “real” start was at age 30 with private lessons and college courses. Actual painting has fit in between careers and children, and now three grandchildren. Job history includes typesetting and paste-up (before access to computers), garment construction specifications with Levi Strauss & Co.; secretarial, marketing display and graphics business owner, chamber of commerce director, county economic developer, job developer and director with Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA); contract grant and economic developer with the Winrock International; current director of the Fairfield Bay Area Chamber of Commerce (twice). Robbie’s work is also included in the artwork for sale in the gallery.
As a sideline and local convenience, the Gallery also sells office supplies, i.e. ink cartridges, copy paper, envelopes, pens, etc., and some art supplies. If they don’t have what you need in the limited stock, it can be available overnight. Just ask!
Pictured seated left to right: Therese Preusser (FFB), Mona Arnold, and Nancy Taylor. Back row left to right: Jo Arnold, Dottie Johnson (FFB), Olivia Gonzalez, Frank Vermeulen, Virginia Cowsert, Stephanie Lankford, and Brenda Wood, Literacy Council Director. Not pictured: Jacki Carlo (FFB), Lucinda Baysinger, Marlo James, and Susan Vorwald, Trainer.
The Van Buren County Literacy Council recently sponsored an all day tutor training at their offices in the Career and Adult Education Center in Clinton. Several residents of Fairfield Bay attended the session. The class was taught by Susan Vorwald, a certified tutor trainer and Director of the Literacy Council of North Central Arkansas in Leslie. Participants learned about the Laubach method of teaching adults to read and reviewed texts and workbooks on various levels. They learned how to help adults who might have learning or reading difficulties, and also various methods to address adult students’ differing learning styles. Many of the participants also completed 6 hours of on-line training courses about teaching adults to read.
It is the mission of the Van Buren County Literacy Council to reach and teach any adult in the county who wishes to learn how to read or may be having difficulty with reading. Tutoring is one on one and is totally free with all books and materials supplied.
If you know anyone who could benefit from reading assistance, please call 253-1873. The Literacy Council’s new tutors are ready and willing to help!
West Side Elementary will be having a family Literacy Night for Grades kindergarten- 3rd on December 7 at 6p.m. Families will have a chance to visit with Santa, do fun reading activities together, and decorate sugar cookies. Each K-3 student will receive a gift from Santa. We hope to see you there.
The Shirley School District held their annual meeting for the public on progress toward accomplishing goals, accreditation and improvements on November 15, 2010
The report was made by the administration on progress during the 2009-2010 school year.
Superintendent Betty McGruder stated that the student count was down this year to 445 students K-12.
She discussed the requirements for the Shirley School Board and reported that 5 of 5 members for last years school board met required board training. All 5 members for this year have attended 6 hours or training which is required annually for board members.
Elementary Principal Randy Roberson reported that the elementary met Average Yearly Progress on State Benchmarks. Test scores were very good at the elementary school and we hope to improve even more. Interventions are being used to remediate weaknesses with students and also to prepare students for upcoming Benchmarks in the Spring.
High School Principal Randy Moore reported that the high school also met Average Yearly Progress in Literacy and we are working hard to meet them in Literacy and Math this year. Intervention classes, after school tutoring, “Brain Child” Computer Program, and Released test items from past tests are being used to remediate and prepare for upcoming tests in the spring.
Both the elementary and high schools were accredited by the Arkansas State Department of Education. All teachers met “highly qualified” status. All paraprofessionals are also “highly qualified”.
Academic Improvement Plans have been written and need to be signed by parents if they did not do so at Parent Teacher Conferences. Contact your child’s teacher if you have questions.
Tyrene Gardner gave a report on the school’s Federal Programs including the Federal Budget, Special Needs Funding including NSLA, and ACSIP (Arkansas Comprehensive School Improvement Plan). In elementary the school has reduced classroom size at Kindergarten and third grade. There are classroom paraprofessionals in the high school and elementary to help students who need extra time to complete their work so that they can better prepare for State Benchmarks. NSLA funds are being used to provide the Resource Officers salary and we plan to purchase cameras for the campus and have purchased cameras for all school buses with some federal funds. The counselors used “Safe and Drug Free Money” to update the elementary video library with DVDs about healthy choices. All classrooms are now equipped with sympodiums are smart boards and most have document cameras.
On end-of-year exams, test scores have improved in most areas.
Twenty eight students taking the ACT averaged a score of 18.8 in English, 17.6 in math, 20.5 in reading, 18.9 in science with a composite score of 19.1.
There were 12 students enrolled in AP classes last year and one students scored a 3 or better in English 12.
Our goals for this year are to meet Adequate Yearly Progress in math and literacy on State Mandated Tests. AYP for the 2010-2011 school year are elementary math 77.50% proficient or above, elementary Literacy 77.80% proficient or above, high school math 73.45% proficient or above, and high school Literacy 75.81% proficient or above.
Hal and Lorraine Iversen just celebrated their wedding anniversary for the 60th time.
When asked about the secret to their success, Mr. Iversen quipped “When you’re wrong, admit it. When you’re right, keep quiet.”
They’ve successfully raised two daughters, and now have four wonderful grandchildren.
The Iversen’s met in high school in Cedar Falls, IA and have been residents of Fairfield Bay for twenty years now.
The Club appreciates the prompt response of property owners to convert dues payments to the new automated system. Elimination of credit card payments and processing costs associated with paper billing and mechanical payment processing are operational costs to the Club that can be eliminated. The Board and Club management reviewed this process carefully before deciding on this course of action to save all property owners preventable costs in dues.
There seems to be similar questions posed by many property owners, so we would like to address those formally to prevent any confusion:
Club by-laws require notification of any change in dues to property owners, eliminating any changes in dues without prior notice.
Use of the ACH system does not give the Club any access to your bank account other than the payment you authorize. You may wish to check with your bank to be more informed of your personal security using the ACH system.
While the majority of property owners pay monthly, some choose less frequent intervals and may continue to pay on the interval they choose through ACH.
Each property owner has the right to stay on the former system and reimburse the other Club owners through payment of a $2 service charge on each generated billing required for those who opt out of this available savings to the Club.
Opting out of the ACH process will simply mean that the property owner will effectively be paying the $2 monthly dues increase the Board chose to avoid through the use of this electronic payment process. Our objective was to save all Club owners any increase that could be avoided.
The Board/Club encourages property owners to participate in the ACH system, but is prepared to continue processing dues with the more costly paper billing system (including the $2 processing fee) for those owners who find greater peace of mind with the old system.
We hope that reviewing these frequently asked questions better assists you in deciding to participate in the ACH payment system for your dues.
For the Community Club Board of Directors
Dwayne Miller
FFB Baptist Church Presents a Christmas Musical
Bring in the celebration of Christmas early this year by attending the Christmas presentation of “Joy Has Dawned” at Fairfield Bay Baptist Church. The musical, written by Dennis and Nan Allen, will be presented by the Church Choir on Sunday and Monday, December 5th and 6th at 7 p.m.
The presentation by the choir and soloists will share the beautiful and timeless account of the birth of Jesus in four musical suites of both contemporary and traditional style. Songs such as “How Great Our Joy”, “Creation Sings The Father’s Song”, “Gesu Bambino”, “Here I Am to Worship”, and “Light of a Million Mornings” sung with beautiful harmonies and touching melodies will thrill the heart and prepare us all for the Christmas season.
Pastor Ken Reece and Choir Director Don Coleman cordially invite the community to attend and bring a friend to celebrate with us. Refreshments and fellowship will follow each presentation.
Mark McCord’s Branson Style Christmas Show
Saturday, December 4 from 2-4 p.m. at the Clinton High auditorium, a Branson Style Variety Christmas Show for the entire family will be presented by Mark McCord. Mark McCord’s Christmas Celebration includes both Fun and Traditional Christmas Music, stories and drama, comedy and inspiration rolled into a fun-filled two hour production.
Mark McCord’s Tribute shows to Johnny Cash and Conway Twitty, as seen for years in Branson, Missouri; have been on stage in Fairfield Bay, AR since July of this year.
His Christmas Show will include Mark McCord, his Johnny Cash Christmas songs, and Storyteller Rusty Spurs. The show will also feature Beverly Lynch, and Freddie Huff, from Mark’s Fairfield Bay tribute shows.
Beverly will both sing, and provide “Minnie Pearl” comedy, in her Christmas performance: as she has delighted audiences in Fairfield Bay since July, while Freddie provides her unique country hillbilly dancing styles.
The show will also include performances by the Gospel Trio, “Second Chance”; a local country/bluegrass/gospel group, the Quitman High School Band, and more.
A portion of advance ticket sales will benefit local charities, including: The Van Buren County/Choctaw Food Pantry; Quitman High School Band; Maranatha Church of Shirley, AR; Clinton Chamber of Commerce Angel Tree Project, and more.
Tickets may be purchased from the above charities, including the Clinton Chamber of Commerce, or at the First Service Bank – Clinton Branch Locations. Tickets will also be available at the door (cash or checks only please).
This is a great opportunity to see Branson style entertainment and quality, without the traffic and travel for the Holiday Season.
Come and see what everyone’s talking about. Don’t miss Mark McCord’s Christmas Celebration.
Meet These Authors
Sara Michael, Director
I love to read books and I have since I was a child. I love to learn through reading. I learn a great deal through fiction…….the amazing diversity of the people and cultures of our world, history that I would otherwise never fully appreciate, the complexity of power, the power of vulnerability, and the art of private investigation and shoe making to name a just a few things. It is safe to say I am passionate about reading. It makes me happy. Reading satisfies a craving I have to know the world a little better through experiences that I would never have in my own life.
And, I love to get to know authors through reading what they write. I believe you can learn a great deal about the mind and heart of an author by reading their books. I thought I might introduce you to some of my favorite authors for the holiday season. Perhaps you have heard of some of them, perhaps some will be new to you. I hope you find a new friend somewhere amongst these.
Come into the library,read the jacket synopsis and make your own choices. Books are kind of like that proverbial box of chocolates…….come on in and sink your teeth into them. Have an author you’d like me to meet? I’d love to know their name.
MYSTERY: Steve Hamilton, William Kent Krueger, Louise Penny, Craig Johnson, Donna Leon, Deborah Crombie, Steve Berry, Will Thomas, Laurie King
SUSPENSE: David Stone, Lee Child, Lisa Unger, Mark Gimenez
OTHERS: Jennifer Donnelly, Sue Miller, Kate Morton, Ken Follett
My most powerful reads of 2010 were ‘LITTLE BEE’ by Chris Cleave, not a light read, but an enlightening one, and ‘ IN THE COMPANY OF ANGELS’ by Thomas Kennedy. Read well and be better.
Fairfield Bay On Patrol - November Police Log
Chris Waring
On 11-3-2010 officers were called to a residence on Fairhaven Dr. concerning a trespassing complaint. Officers reponded and found the trespassers and advised them to depart or face arrest, they complied.
On 11-6-2010 officers responded to a report of criminal mischief (slashed tires) on Chalet Cr. Officers responded and found a vehicle with a slashed tire, an investigation into this matter has been opened.
On 11-10-2010 a 911 call came in from a man at the Summerhill condos that a “big scary opossum” was on his porch. An officer responded and made the big scary opossum go away.
On 11-17-2010 Officers responded to a call on Dunn Hollow concerning a possible theft. Officers found a civil dispute between landlord/tenant and advised them to settle this in small claims court.
On 11-17-2010 Officers were called to a residence on Cherokee Dr concerning possible vandalism. Responding officers found a 20 lb piece of concrete that had punctured a hole in the roof. An investigation into how this happened is ongoing.
On 11-20-2010 An officer fell in behind a speeding vehicle that was driving erratically. Upon stopping the vehicle the driver was found to be impaired and arrested for DWI.
On 11-26-2010 a buisness owner reported a possible breaking and entering at a condo at Summerhill. The investigating officer found two people in the residence and one was arrested on an outstanding warrant. Other charges are pending at this time.
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ce Mall, Suite I. Some of the artists have been featured in the Fairfield Bay News, i.e. Charlotte Rierson (watercolorist), Doris Sexson (oil and acrylics), Van Swink (pastels); others displaying artwork are Karen Gehl (stain glass) and Ann Helmbeck (abstract).
