Digital Photography At Education Center Part 2

Sherry Guess, Staff Writer. Three classes later, I have learned some basic, perhaps some may say very simple rules that have helped to make snapping photos ever so much more enjoyable! My very old digital camera has suddenly begun to take some pretty darned good photographs. Lee Phillips, our instructor, suggested (maybe insisted would be a better word), that we check out the owner’s manual that came with our cameras. Needless to say, mine was misplaced or thrown out in the distant past. However, this information is still available on line all these years later. This past Sunday, I spent several hours out in the woods, along creek banks and lakeshores, looking at the same old scenery with a new eye. I guess what I’m trying to tell you is that this course has added much more enjoyment to my life that I could have predicted. New classes will be starting soon, so think about adding some fun to your life, too.

Marina Rental Fleet For 2012

The FFB Marina’s rental fleet at year’s end consisted of eight pontoon boats. Six of those were 2007 models that have approximately 1200 – 1500 hours of service and two 2008 models with approximately 1000 hours of service. The Board had directed our management to delay any boat replacements during 2011 as a cost saving measure. We did realize cost savings but not without extra stress on our staff at the Marina. Increased maintenance was required and eroding serviceability of the boats resulted in unacceptable levels of customer dissatisfaction. We owe a great deal of thanks to Jim Stafford and his entire team for dealing professionally with the challenge we presented them. Historically, our practice would be to replace all eight of the boats in our rental fleet by this point in their service hours. Continuing cost reductions planned in our 2012 budget have resulted in the following plan for the Marina this year: 1) The rental pontoon fleet will be reduced from 8 to 6 boats, 2) Four new pontoons will be purchased, 3) The two most serviceable boats of our existing inventory will continue in service. Additionally, we are upgrading the four new pontoons to 115 HP motors. These more powerful boats will carry a slightly higher rental rate and will be targeted for those guests who intend to enjoy water sports on the lake. The two extended service older boats are 90 HP and will be promoted as touring boats, rather than water sport boats and will be available at a lower rental rate than the newer boats. This course of action will serve both our guests and ownership by: 1) Providing two tiers of rental pontoons permitting guests to more closely align their costs with the activity they wish to enjoy on our beautiful lake and 2) The four new boats will be purchased without financing, continuing the Board’s efforts to reduce long term debt burdens on the ownership. For the Community Club Board of Directors, Dwayne Miller

Hospice Home Care’s 20 Year Anniversary

For 20 years Hospice Home Care has met the medical and spiritual needs of both the patient and their family. Life is a journey, and when you see the journey coming to a close, you and your loved ones may need help. We with Hospice Home Care will be there with the special care only we can provide. Adding life to days when days can no longer be added to life. Please join us for our 20 year celebration on February 2 from 2 p.m. – 3 p.m. at the Lake Beaverfork Pavilion in Conway, Arkansas. We will be doing a 200 Balloon Release, 10 balloons for each year of service. We cordially invite families, friends and caregivers, both past and present, along with the general public to celebrate with us.

Trina Jones Seeks Another Term As Assessor

Jones will seek the Democratic nomination for a fourth term as Van Buren County Assessor. She is currently serving her 3rd year as District Two Representative on the Arkansas Assessors Association Executive Board. Jones is a graduate of Clinton High School and is a life-long resident of Van Buren County. She is married to Ronnie Jones of Shirley, they have three children: Megan, Whitney and Jeremy. She and Ronnie are members of the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church in Shirley. Jones said she feels honored to be working for the citizens of Van Buren County and looks forward to the opportunity to continue to serve as County Assessor. She would like to express her appreciation to all the citizens of Van Buren County for their continued support.

Van Buren County Judge Roger Hooper Seeking Second Term

Roger Hooper will be seeking the Democratic nomination for an additional two (2) year term as Van Buren County Judge. Judge Hooper is currently serving on the executive committee of Ozark Opportunity, White River Planning & Development District board, and the Solid Waste board through White River Planning. He is also an active member of the County Judge’s Association. Roger is a graduate of Lyon College in Batesville, AR. He has had a 38 year association with Van Buren County and lived in the County for a total of 15 years. Roger and his wife, Jeanie, have two (2) children and several grandchildren. Roger and Jeanie are members of Fairfield Bay Baptist Church, where he serves on the deacon council. Judge Hooper stated that he feels it to be a privilege to serve the citizens of Van Buren County and looks forward to the opportunity to continue. Judge Hooper is also looking forward to making further road improvements, promoting local businesses & tourism for jobs, obtaining grant funds, and keeping the citizens informed thru news paper articles and personal involvement. Roger stated that he appreciates the Van Buren County citizens for their support and understanding during his first year as County Judge and he looks forward to serving you in the future.

Investors Can Learn Much From Super Bowl Teams

It’s Super Bowl time again. And whether you’re a sports fan or not, you can probably learn something from the Super Bowl teams that you can apply to other endeavors — such as investing. What might these lessons be? Take a look: Pick players carefully. Super Bowl teams don’t usually get there out of luck; they’ve made it in part because they have carefully chosen their players. And to potentially achieve success as an investor, you, too, need carefully chosen “players” — investments that are chosen for your individual situation. Choose a diversified mix of players. Not only do Super Bowl teams have good players, but they have good ones at many different positions — and these players tend to play well together. As an investor, you should own a variety of investments with different capabilities — such as stocks for growth and bonds for income — and your various investments should complement, rather than duplicate, one another. Strive to build a diversified portfolio containing investments appropriate for you situation, such as stocks, bonds, government securities, certificates of deposit (CDs) and other vehicles. Diversifying your holdings may help reduce the effects of market volatility. (Keep in mind, though, that diversification, by itself, can’t guarantee a profit or protect against loss.) Follow a “game plan.” Super Bowl teams are skilled at creating game plans designed to maximize their own strengths and exploit their opponents’ weaknesses. When you invest, you also can benefit from a game plan — a strategy to help you work toward your goals. This strategy may incorporate several elements, such as taking full advantage of your Individual Retirement Account (IRA) and your 401(k) or other employer-sponsored retirement plan, pursuing new investment opportunities as they arise and reviewing your portfolio regularly to make sure it’s still appropriate for your needs. Stay dedicated to your goals. Virtually all Super Bowl teams have had to overcome obstacles, such as injuries, bad weather and a tough schedule. But through persistence and a constant devotion to their ultimate goal, they persevere. As an investor, you’ll face some challenges, too, such as political and economic turmoil that can upset the financial markets. But if you own a diversified mix of quality investments and follow a long-term strategy that’s tailored to your objectives, time horizon and risk tolerance, you can keep moving forward, despite the “bumps in the road” that all investors face. Get good coaching. Super Bowl teams typically are well-coached, with disciplined head coaches and innovative offensive and defensive coordinators. When you’re trying to achieve many financial goals — such as a comfortable retirement, control over your investment taxes and a legacy to leave to your family — you, too, can benefit from strong “coaching.” As your “head coach,” you might choose a financial professional — someone who can help you identify your goals and recommend an appropriate investment strategy to help you work toward them. And your financial professional can coordinate activities with your other “coaches,” such as your tax and legal advisors. Unless you’re a professional football player, you won’t ever experience what it’s like to play in the Super Bowl. However, achieving your financial goals can be a fairly big event in your life — and to help work toward that point, you can take a few tips from the teams that have made it to the Big Game.

2012 Community Club Board Of Directors Election Schedule

Thursday, April 5, 2012 Voter eligible/ineligible listings are printed by the Accounting Office.

Thursday, April 19, 2012 Filing deadline for petitions, end of business day.

Thursday, June 30, 2012 Ballots must be received by this date, end of business day.

Thursday, July 19, 2012 Annual Meeting 7 p.m. – Election Committee reports results at the meeting.

Certified Municipal Officials Training

Mayor Paul Wellenberger, Alderman Sharon Luxon, and Alderman John Foster were recently recognized by the Arkansas Municipal League for being the first graduating class to successfully complete 21 hours of Certified Municipal Officers Training. The training topics included: Municipal Finance, Municipal Personnel Management, and Municipal Governmental Structure. “Knowing the requirements of the job, the most effective and efficient way to accomplish it, and understanding how the bureaucracy works is key to our ability to stay out of trouble and to get things done”, stated Mayor Wellenberger. All of the Fairfield Bay Aldermen are in the process of completing certification.

New Staff Brings More Quality Care To Ozark Health

We are pleased to announce our newest staff members at Ozark Health Specialty Clinic, Josh Ward, M.D. and Heather White, APN, who will be alternating Tuesday afternoons. Dr. Ward and Heather White, APN come to us as affiliates of Conway Women’s Health Center. They will begin seeing patients for general gynecology on Tuesday February 7, 2012. You may call to schedule an appointment beginning January 24, 2012. Phone: 501-450-3920, Fax: 501-450-7718 *Note: Most major Insurances are accepted however, Medicaid, Tricare and Humana Gold are not accepted at this time.

Dr. Josh Ward is a specialist in Obstetrics and Gynecology. Dr. Ward joined Conway Women’s Health Center after completing his internship and residency at LSU Health Science Center in Shreveport, Louisiana. He and his wife Brandy have a daughter and are expecting a baby boy, due in March. He is looking forward to providing women’s healthcare to Van Buren County where he grew up.

Heather White, APN has specialized in women’s health care for the past five years at Conway Women’s Health Center. She received her RN and Family Nurse Practitioner degrees from the University of Central Arkansas. Heather and her husband Chad have two children. They make their home in Central Arkansas. Heather is excited about working with us and serving the medical needs of women in our area.

FFBCC Board Of Directors News

MARKETING FIRM SELECTED

The Board reviewed three Marketing firms from across the state of Arkansas, conducted interviews with two firms, and ultimately selected TaylorMack Advertising to partner with us to create an effective and sustainable marketing plan for FFB. The firm is based in Fayetteville and is a hands on operation between the two partners. We will benefit from the simplicity of their operation by keeping costs low, while gaining the experience and creativity of two veterans who each have over 20 years of experience in marketing. TaylorMack is a full service agency with particular strength in marketing strategy, creative development, media planning and public relations. You can get a flavor for the professionalism of their firm by visiting their website at taylormack.com. We are beginning immediately in the Discovery/Research phase so they can learn more about our community and the resources available to maximize the impact of each dollar invested in this important endeavor. There will be a focus on research, planning, and creative elements over the next several weeks. Watch for additional updates as this process unfolds.

For the Community Club Board of Directors, Dwayne Miller

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