Light Up The Bay Contest Winners

    

   

The Light Up the Bay Contest this year was the best ever with 15 entries. The Community Club supplied a bus for the tour and there were 20 visitors and residents that viewed the various light displays. We had an evening of good food, good music, lots of laughs with lots of oohs and awes. Here are your winners: 1st Place ended in a tie with 116 points each to Herb Eggleston and Tracy and Milton McGuirt, 2nd Place goes to Jim and Judy Stafford with 103 points, and 3rd Place goes to David and Frieda McLellan with 102 points. A big thank you goes out to all the people who decorated this year, to the Community Club for the prizes, and supplying transportation, the Country Club for the delicious food, and Keith Johnson, our driver for doing a fanastic job navigating these tricky roads. And a big thank you to judges and people who came to enjoy the tour. We look forward to an even better showing next year. Turn to page 12 to see the rest of the entries.

FFBCC Board Of Directors News

An Update on Indian Hills Country Club During the budget process this year the Board concluded that we have to adopt a different business model for the Indian Hills Country Club. We looked at a number of scenarios including closing the operation. In response to member interest and marketing needs we concluded that we need to maintain operation of the club in some form. The business plan adopted will keep the Nineteenth Hole open during January and February. In March we will either lease the operation to a restauranteur or resize the operation to fit anticipated business levels. Negotiations with potential club operators are ongoing . In preparation for the restructuring, we are downsizing the staff. Among the positions that will be eliminated is that of Director of Club Operations, held by Ryan Clelland – effective December 31. The timing of this change was dictated by business needs, and the Club believes that the terms were fair and adequate. We wish Ryan well as he seeks other employment. His service has been much appreciated by the community and by the Board of Directors. More business changes are necessary to prepare our community for the future. We will do our best to keep our membership involved and informed. Robert A Berdine President Fairfield Bay Community Club

Time for New Year’s Financial Resolutions

Once again, it’s time to make some New Year’s resolutions. This year, in addition to hitting the gym, learning that second language and getting better organized, why not also consider a few financial resolutions? What types of resolutions might you consider? Here are a few suggestions: Contribute more to your retirement accounts. The new year means that you are one year closer to retirement. To help yourself build resources for the lifestyle you’ve envisioned as a retiree, try to boost your contributions to your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan. You can do this if you get a salary increase and devote at least part of it to your 401(k). At the same time, try to “max out” on your Individual Retirement Account (IRA). For 2012, you can contribute up to $5,000 to an IRA, or $6,000 if you’re 50 or older. Reduce your debts. Look for ways to cut down or consolidate your debts. It may not be easy, but it’s worth the effort because the lower your debt load, the more money you’ll have available to invest for the future. Build an emergency fund. If you don’t already have an emergency fund containing between six and 12 months’ worth of living expenses, start building one soon. Keep the money in a liquid vehicle — one that’s separate from your everyday checking and savings accounts. Without such an emergency fund, you may be forced to dip into your long-term investments to pay for unexpected costs, such as a major car repair, a new furnace or a large medical bill. Don’t overreact to volatility. In 2011, the financial markets have been volatile, with big gains followed by big drops followed by big gains — a true roller-coaster pattern. Try not to let large, short-term price movements influence your investment decisions. Many of the factors that cause jumps or declines are not that relevant to long-term results — and as an investor, you want to focus on the long term. Concentrate on building a portfolio that’s suitable for your individual goals and risk tolerance. Be aware of different types of risk. For many investors, “investment risk” strictly means the possibility of losing principal when the value of an investment drops. Consequently, to cut back on their risk in the face of a volatile market, they may sell off stocks and load up on certificates of deposit (CDs), bonds and other so-called “safer” investments. But each investment actually carries its own type of risk. For example, if you own CDs that pay a 2 percent return, and the inflation rate is 3 percent, you will lose purchasing power over time. And if you wanted to sell your bonds before they had matured, you’d have to sell them at a discount if the market interest rate had risen above the “coupon” rate of your bond because no one would pay you full price for them. Just be aware that no investment is “risk-free,” and try to build a diversified portfolio that can lessen the impact of one specific type of risk. By following these suggestions, you can go a long way toward making 2012 a good year in which to make progress toward your important financial goals. So plan ahead — and make the right moves.

Arkansas Humor with Ed Burns

Empty Mailbox

In recent weeks I have walked out to my mailbox and found it empty. That always causes me some concern. In the past our mail usually rain around 11.00-am six days a week, you could count on that. Even if it was often ‘junk mail’, it was still mail. Recently we have been hearing about the U.S. postal service having financial problems and they might be cutting back on service. Some post offices may be closing causing no home deliver in some areas. But that’s not what concerns me, I also read/hear about thieves stealing mail from street and roadside mail boxes, putting you/us at great risk of identity theft. If they happen to get their hands on your bank statements, they could drain your account. To lower my risk of that happening I usually take my bills, with checks, to the post office and drop them in the slot. At that point I must trust the local postal service. Recently I found my mailbox empty so I continually checked it until about 7 p.m., no mail. Around 8 a.m. the following morning I went out and bingo, there was mail in my box. I do not know if it (my mail) was delivered very late at night or very early that morning. Either way it makes it hard for me to monitor my mailbox and lessen my chance of mail theft. I saw in a magazine once that you can order an electronic device to install on your mail box that will let you know if/ when your mail box door/lid has been opened. If I ever see them again, and they are not too costly, I may order one. Sometimes while lying on the couch watching TV I can hear the mail truck stop and go at my mailbox. I have considered sitting in my garage, with the door open, and watch for the mail truck. I fear that my neighbors might think I am spying on them. Besides, I might miss something good on TV. When I check my mailbox and find it empty I am stuck with a conundrum, either I did not get any mail or the mail just hasn’t run yet. Must I keep watching? I may talk to my mail person and ask if they could have some pre-printed notes stating “sorry but you have no mail today.” If they would just drop one in my box then I could relax. I actually spoke to a mailman once and expressed my concern. He stated that, If a mail carrier has a route he/she will not stop until all mail is delivered, regardless of the time, but—it is unusual for a courier to be out after dark. I have been told that my best option would be to rent a box at the post office but that would require me to drive to the post office every day. I’m giving that some thought. At this point, do you think I am paranoid or are my concerns ligimate?

Dear Editor Dec 28

Dear Editor:

Our VFW Ladies Auxilirary would like to thank everyone for all your donations this year. Our gift bags and lap robes that we took to Ft. Roots Hospital was greatly appreciated by the veterans. It is hard to express the feeling that you get when you go in and visit with them. On the nursing home floor we saw men with one leg or one arm with feet so bad they could not walk and hands so crippled they could not use them. Whatever their condition they still smiled and talked to us. These veterans need to be remembered. Continue to help us help them.

Thank You Marge Wright

 

Dear Editor:

The Shirley Food Pantry, which is housed on the Shirley High School Campus in the Alternative Learning Center, is a program of Shirley Service Learning. We have been providing food for people in need for at least 10 years. We have probably given away twice as much food this year as we have during any year in the past. During Thanksgiving, we bought enough for 8 dinner boxes which is our average for this project. When we finally got a list of names from the teachers we had 17 on the list. Other organizations picked up some of these, but we went back to the grocery store and bought enough for a total of 12 boxes. For the Christmas Holidays, we have sent home 18 Christmas Dinner boxes and 20 regular food boxes. This is in addition to the boxes that we send out weekly throughout the year and the snacks that we provide to hungry students. We supply our pantry with donations from the Arkansas Rice Depot, and local churches and organizations. St. Frances of Assisi Catholic Church has been a long-time supporter of our food pantry and has an ongoing food drive. Mr. Gene Kortz is instrumental in organizing and delivering for this drive. Shirley Church of Christ has recently started helping by having food drives as well as the local Little Debbie route man has begun making donations. We also receive monetary donations from other churches and individuals from time to time. These donations help fill in where the food drives do not cover, especially on the Thanksgiving and Christmas boxes. This year we were very fortunate to get a donation from the Shirley Music Department, as well as Fairfield Bay News. The Music Department asked for food donations to attend the Elementary Christmas Musical. Fairfield Bay News sponsored a community food drive. Both of these donations came at a time in which we had nearly completely exhausted our food supplies. We will now be able to start the year with a supply (January is usually a month that we have many requests). We would like to thank everyone for their donations over the last year. You made it possible for us to carry out this mission.

Rachelle Stewart /Shirley High School

Dear Editor:

The Van Buren County DHS/Division of Child and Family Services would like to thank those who have donated Christmas gifts to the foster children this year. We would like to thank Polly and Barb for setting up the Angel tree at the FFB Post Office, organizing and collecting the Christmas gifts. We would also like to thank the members of the United Methodist Church in Fairfield Bay for having an Angel Tree, organizing and collecting Christmas gifts for the children that the DHS/DCFS work with and the donation of food baskets for the families. We thank you all for what you have done and do to help families and children in our County. We are so blessed to have such giving and special people in our County. We thank you again and wish you all a Very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.

Cindy Hunt /DCFS Supervisor Van Buren County

Obituary: Evelyn Baden

Cleburne Co. Master Gardeners Awards

Gini Day, Linda Lynch Joanne Sizek and Lee Sizek were honored for 100+ hours of volunteering in 2011.

David Kuh had the most hours volunteering in 2011 with 300+ hours.

The Cleburne County Master Gardeners named their members with the greatest volunteer hours in 2011. The awards were presented at their Annual Awards and Christmas Party Meeting. The volunteerism was recognized for members with over 100 hours working on projects during the year. New name tags were issued signifying the cumulative volunteer hours starting from January, 2011. Gini Day, Linda Lynch Joanne Sizek and Lee Sizek were honored for 100+ hours of volunteering in 2011. Ken Day and Darlene O’Connor put in 200+ hours working in the community, and David Kuh had the most hours volunteering in 2011 with 300+ hours. As a group, the Cleburne County Master Gardeners provide over 3000 volunteer hours annually with projects throughout Cleburne County involving many civic, government and public education areas including, but not limited to the Cleburne County Courthouse, Cleburne County Library, Cleburne County Fair, Cleburne County Judge’s Office, Cleburne County Master Gardener Greenhouse, Heber Springs Municipal Building, Heber Springs Cemetery, Heber Springs Airport, Historical Museum House, Tulaka Blvd, Waychoff Senior Center, Carl Garner Center & Corp. Project Planters, Greers Ferry Welcome Sign, Greers Ferry Park, Greers Ferry Municipal Building Planter, Quitman Elementary School Walking Track, Quitman City Hall, Quitman Cemetery Rose Garden as well as community education projects such as West Side School Jr. Master Gardeners, Meet the Masters, 4-H Judging, Heber Springs Spring Fest, Heber Springs Business EXPO, FFA Judging, and Mentoring New Master Gardeners. Cleburne County Extension Agent Michelle Mobley made the following Anniversary pin presentations: 5 Year Membership: Ken Day; 10 Year Membership: Gini Day, Larry Jernigan and Carla Tunnell; and 15 Year Membership – Life Membership was awarded to Jane Druff and Jeanne Holt. The Master Gardener program is open to anyone interested in furthering their own knowledge and expertise in any and all aspects of gardening as well as educating and assisting the general public.

Sunshine Ellis November Employee Of The Month

Sunshine Ellis has been woking in the dietary department for the past 9 months. She has been  cookingcooking up a storm and providing our residents with some delicous meals. Sunshine iis looking forward to cooking for everyone here for many years to come. In other words, she likes her job! Thanks, Sunshine for a job well done!

IRV Recognizes Elizabeth James

October’s Employee of the month at Indian Rock Village is Elizabeth James, who has been employed at IRV for 1.5 years as a housekeeping aide. Elizabeth resides in Fairfield Bay and is mom to two children. She loves working with all the people at IRV as you can tell by her cheerful smile. In her off time, she enjoys reading a good book. Next time you see Elizabeth, congratulate her and thank her for her care and concern and her focus on giving 100% each and every day to help make IRV such a great place to visit or reside.

Carl Trahan-True Demonstrates Weaving Art For Extension Homemakers

Mr. and Mrs. Carl W. Trahan-True, opened their home to demonstrate their many talents in Weaving and Thread Art. Their business, Twin-T Thread Art Studio, is located in our very own Shirley, Arkansas. Carl and his lovely wife Bonnie Jo, moved here after falling in love with Arkansas during visits here from Nebraska and Florida. Carl is a retired Methodist Minister and Bonnie Jo has yet another year before she will retire from her work for the State of Arkansas in Little Rock. Their home is warm, inviting and nestled into the beautiful Shirley countryside. The Highway 110 Extension Homemakers Club was delighted to have Carl join their ranks earlier this year, and we’re hoping that once Bonnie Jo is retired, she’ll become an active part of the club as well. We were extremely impressed by his craftsmanship and wanted to learn more about his skill at the loom. So, on Monday, December 12, 2011, the entire EH club used their project day to visit their studio to see just how they create such works of art. Carl acquired his largest floor loom (photos attached) long ago from a professional weaver, Sister Judith, who after an injury was no longer able to operate her old Swedish Glimakra Viking jack loom. Even though many years older than the current weaver, “it has been lovingly maintained and weaves like a dream”. A loom from this era is difficult to repair or replace and somewhat limiting, so Carl has his eye on a “Castle Loom” – perhaps Santa will one day deliver one to his home. Speaking of Santa – yearly at Christmas time Carl dons a red suit and Kasich Officer boots to the delight of children everywhere and he spreads the spirit and joy of the season, not only here in Arkansas, but he returns to Florida and Nebraska, where he has sat more than one generation of youngsters upon his knee. Wife Bonnie Jo is quite skilled at crocheting and Carl also tries his hand, quite successfully I might add, at wood carving and water color painting. Their home is quite a showcase for their many talents and their products are uniquely beautiful – surely one of a kind items most definitely MADE IN AMERICA! The Highway 110 Extension Homemakers Club will have a “Tea Party” at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 16th (the third Monday of each month is our project day for sewing, quilting and crocheting) at our new clubhouse*. If you are interested in learning more about EHC or want to participate in the fun of creating useful items for the community, call 745-3143 to let us know – or – just come by. The 4th Tuesday of each month at 10:00am we have our meetings at Shady Grove Baptist Church. We will not meet on 12/27/11, however, due to the Christmas holiday. *Hwy 110 EH Clubhouse is located at 738 Plant Church Road – third house in (second house on the right). Kenneth Jenkins is allowing us to use his family’s home for our working sessions. In fact, his mother and sister (Mary Jenkins and Beatrice Foster) likely quilted at that same location years ago. A hearty THANK YOU to the Jenkins’ for their generosity.

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