By: Fred Hilsenrath We had an interesting talk with Dr Don Culwell and Carol Corning. They told us about a new park that opened last year on the shores of Greers Ferry Lake. It has the forest walks and is a delight to nature lovers. Dr Don Culwell is a retired professor of biology at the University of Central Arkansas. He is curator of the Vascular Plant Herbarium and director of the Jewel E Moore Nature Rserve. Carol Corning is the Director of the South Fork Nature Center. South Fork Nature Center is located south of Clinton near Choctaw and is a 65 acre reserve with a mile of trails, with scattered benches, nature signs, and a 100 year old log cabin (was the home of Almeda Riddle, noted balladier of the 1960’s). Nature walks occur every third Saturday of the month at 10 a.m. (June-August 9-11 a.m.) and otherwise as scheduled. The public is welcome.Go to www.gatesrogersfoundation.com or www.southforknaturecenter.org for further information. Here in Fairfield Bay we are particularly fortunate to have natural beauty all around us and we are happy when part of that beauty is available to us.
Van Buren County received $43,296.78 in turnback funds during 2009 according to Commissioner of State Lands Mark Wilcox. These funds represent funding generated from the redemption and sale of tax delinquent property during 2008. Wilcox said, “Whether the land is redeemed or sold, the revenue collections are returned to the county of origin after one year just as though the county had collected the taxes.”
Delinquent property taxes may stay on the county tax roll for only one year. Following that delinquent period, Arkansas counties are required by law to certify delinquent real property to the Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands (COSL). The Land Office then begins its efforts to collect the taxes. Properties not redeemed within an additional two-year period become eligible for public auction.
“Stable revenues from their property tax systems are ensured through this process,” said Wilcox, “and the State Land Office plays a vital role.” He added, “Our goal is to redeem properties, rather than sell them.” Redeemed properties are those in which the original property owner retains ownership by paying the taxes, interest and penalties before the property is sold.
Van Buren County received $43,296.78 in turnback funds during 2009 according to Commissioner of State Lands Mark Wilcox. These funds represent funding generated from the redemption and sale of tax delinquent property during 2008. Wilcox said, “Whether the land is redeemed or sold, the revenue collections are returned to the county of origin after one year just as though the county had collected the taxes.”
Delinquent property taxes may stay on the county tax roll for only one year. Following that delinquent period, Arkansas counties are required by law to certify delinquent real property to the Arkansas Commissioner of State Lands (COSL). The Land Office then begins its efforts to collect the taxes. Properties not redeemed within an additional two-year period become eligible for public auction.
“Stable revenues from their property tax systems are ensured through this process,” said Wilcox, “and the State Land Office plays a vital role.” He added, “Our goal is to redeem properties, rather than sell them.” Redeemed properties are those in which the original property owner retains ownership by paying the taxes, interest and penalties before the property is sold.
“The State Land Office has increased its efforts in notifying property owners of delinquent taxes,” said Wilcox. He pointed out that skip tracing has been a useful and effective tool in finding new addresses of property owners. “Because we do extensive field research and title searches, the property owner may receive as many as five letters prior to a land sale. This is a result of new addresses, new owners, or the property having a lien against it,” Wilcox noted. “ If we have not received a signed green card at least 60 days prior to a land sale for those properties designated as homesteads, we will hand-serve the owner of record. If there is no one home to receive the notice, we will post it on the owner’s door,” he said.
Pulaski County received the largest turnback amount totaling $2.7 million in combined redemption and sales turnback, followed by Benton County with combined turnback totaling $754,583.02.
It’s Tax Time Again – So Get Organized
With all the Palm Pilots, laptops, desktops and every other gadget in this high-tech world, do you know what you may find most useful as you get ready for filing your taxes? The humble manila folder.
It’s true. As you get organized to do your taxes, you probably won’t find anything as helpful as a manila folder – or, to be more precise, three manila folders. You can label them “income,” “deductions” and “medical deductions.”
What should you put in these folders? Let’s take a look.
Income folder – This should contain all the records of your income from earnings and investments. Use this folder for your W-2 forms (wages) and your 1099 forms (interest and dividends). This is also the place for your year-end bank and brokerage statements, mutual fund reports and any other documents related to earnings from savings and investments.
If you’ve sold any stocks during the year, you’ll also want to put your 1099-B forms in the income folder. However, these forms only indicate your sales price. To calculate your taxable gain or loss, and to determine whether short-term or long-term capital gains rates apply, you’ll also need the paperwork or canceled checks showing when you bought the securities and how much you paid for them. If you have reinvesting, you will also need the amount paid to purchase these additional shares.
Deductions folder – It’s important to keep track of all your itemized deductions, because they can significantly affect the amount of tax you’ll owe. Your biggest deduction will probably be your mortgage interest, so save your Form 1098, which contains this information. And save the receipts for your charitable contributions, personal property taxes, real estate tax payments and state income tax paid.
You may also incur a lot of unreimbursed business expenses. Keep tabs on everything else that’s work-related such as tuition for classes, books, uniforms, professional journals, etc. If you’re self-employed, all your office supplies and computer equipment will likely be deductible. If you work out of your home, you can deduct a percentage of your mortgage payments and utilities. (To learn more about deductible business expenses, request IRS Publication 17.)
Medical expenses – You can’t deduct your medical bills unless they exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. That may be a high threshold to cross, particularly since you can’t deduct medical costs reimbursed to you by your health insurance provider. Nonetheless, it might be worth your effort to keep records of the various medical expenses you incur, such as out-of-pocket hospital costs, lab work, dental and eye care costs, prescriptions and insurance premiums.
It may seem like your manila folders will be stuffed to overflowing by the time you’re ready to work on your taxes or hand them off to your tax provider. But over the years, you’ll learn which documents, forms and receipts you need to keep and which ones you can “weed out.”
After you’ve filed your taxes for the year, you may want to keep all your paperwork in a more permanent binder. But when the next tax season rolls around, it will once again be time to put those manila folders to work.
With all the Palm Pilots, laptops, desktops and every other gadget in this high-tech world, do you know what you may find most useful as you get ready for filing your taxes? The humble manila folder.It’s true. As you get organized to do your taxes, you probably won’t find anything as helpful as a manila folder – or, to be more precise, three manila folders. You can label them “income,” “deductions” and “medical deductions.”What should you put in these folders? Let’s take a look.Income folder – This should contain all the records of your income from earnings and investments. Use this folder for your W-2 forms (wages) and your 1099 forms (interest and dividends). This is also the place for your year-end bank and brokerage statements, mutual fund reports and any other documents related to earnings from savings and investments.If you’ve sold any stocks during the year, you’ll also want to put your 1099-B forms in the income folder. However, these forms only indicate your sales price. To calculate your taxable gain or loss, and to determine whether short-term or long-term capital gains rates apply, you’ll also need the paperwork or canceled checks showing when you bought the securities and how much you paid for them. If you have reinvesting, you will also need the amount paid to purchase these additional shares.Deductions folder – It’s important to keep track of all your itemized deductions, because they can significantly affect the amount of tax you’ll owe. Your biggest deduction will probably be your mortgage interest, so save your Form 1098, which contains this information. And save the receipts for your charitable contributions, personal property taxes, real estate tax payments and state income tax paid.You may also incur a lot of unreimbursed business expenses. Keep tabs on everything else that’s work-related such as tuition for classes, books, uniforms, professional journals, etc. If you’re self-employed, all your office supplies and computer equipment will likely be deductible. If you work out of your home, you can deduct a percentage of your mortgage payments and utilities. (To learn more about deductible business expenses, request IRS Publication 17.)Medical expenses – You can’t deduct your medical bills unless they exceed 7.5 percent of your adjusted gross income. That may be a high threshold to cross, particularly since you can’t deduct medical costs reimbursed to you by your health insurance provider. Nonetheless, it might be worth your effort to keep records of the various medical expenses you incur, such as out-of-pocket hospital costs, lab work, dental and eye care costs, prescriptions and insurance premiums.It may seem like your manila folders will be stuffed to overflowing by the time you’re ready to work on your taxes or hand them off to your tax provider. But over the years, you’ll learn which documents, forms and receipts you need to keep and which ones you can “weed out.”After you’ve filed your taxes for the year, you may want to keep all your paperwork in a more permanent binder. But when the next tax season rolls around, it will once again be time to put those manila folders to work.
Become Familiar with Wealth-transfer Strategies
To retire comfortably, you need to save and invest regularly. For example, you need to contribute as much as you can afford to your 401(k) and IRA. But once you retire, you’ll need to “switch gears” somewhat and move from wealth-accumulation strategies to wealth-transfer strategies.
An effective wealth-transfer strategy can help you accomplish a variety of goals, such as distributing your assets the way you choose, avoiding probate and reducing estate taxes. And you can explore a variety of wealth-transfer tools, including the following:
Gifting — You can give up to $12,000 per year to as many people as you’d like without incurring gift taxes. And if you want to help a child or grandchild pay for college through a Section 529 college savings plan, you can “bunch” the $12,000 limit over five years to make one $60,000 gift, or one $120,000 gift if it comes from you and your spouse. (If you group the contributions together this way, you won’t be able to make another $12,000 gift to that same child or grandchild for the next five years.)
Will — A will is simply a plan for distributing your assets to family members and other beneficiaries. If you were to die intestate (without a will), state laws would determine how your assets should be distributed — and there’s no guarantee that the end result would be what you would have chosen.
Beneficiary designations — Many of your financial assets — including annuities, life insurance, IRAs and 401(k) plans — allow you to name a beneficiary. Upon your death, your beneficiary will automatically receive these assets, avoiding the sometimes time-consuming, expensive (and public) process of probate. Because beneficiary designations supersede any instructions you might put in a will or living trust, it’s essential that you periodically review these designations to make sure they reflect your current wishes.
Trusts — Different trusts can help you accomplish a variety of wealth-transfer and estate-planning goals. For example, a revocable living trust can help you leave assets to your heirs without going through probate. You can also structure the trust to stagger payments over a number of years, rather than all at once, or include other restrictions or incentives. An irrevocable life insurance trust allows you to keep the death benefit of your life insurance policy outside your estate, so the insurance proceeds won’t increase your estate tax liability. And a charitable remainder trust allows you to transfer an appreciated asset — such as a stock or piece of real estate — to a charitable trust, thereby allowing you to defer or even avoid capital gains taxes on the sale of the asset. Plus, the trust can provide you with a lifetime income stream while the remainder of the assets can be distributed to your favorite charities.
As you can see, trusts are versatile instruments — but they are also complex. Consequently, you’ll need to consult with your tax and legal advisors regarding your particular situation.
In fact, all the wealth-transfer techniques we’ve looked at will require some careful thought and preparation on your part — so don’t wait too long before getting started. Time has a way of sneaking up on all of us — but it’s especially sneaky when we’re unprepared.
To retire comfortably, you need to save and invest regularly. For example, you need to contribute as much as you can afford to your 401(k) and IRA. But once you retire, you’ll need to “switch gears” somewhat and move from wealth-accumulation strategies to wealth-transfer strategies.An effective wealth-transfer strategy can help you accomplish a variety of goals, such as distributing your assets the way you choose, avoiding probate and reducing estate taxes. And you can explore a variety of wealth-transfer tools, including the following:Gifting — You can give up to $12,000 per year to as many people as you’d like without incurring gift taxes. And if you want to help a child or grandchild pay for college through a Section 529 college savings plan, you can “bunch” the $12,000 limit over five years to make one $60,000 gift, or one $120,000 gift if it comes from you and your spouse. (If you group the contributions together this way, you won’t be able to make another $12,000 gift to that same child or grandchild for the next five years.)Will — A will is simply a plan for distributing your assets to family members and other beneficiaries. If you were to die intestate (without a will), state laws would determine how your assets should be distributed — and there’s no guarantee that the end result would be what you would have chosen. Beneficiary designations — Many of your financial assets — including annuities, life insurance, IRAs and 401(k) plans — allow you to name a beneficiary. Upon your death, your beneficiary will automatically receive these assets, avoiding the sometimes time-consuming, expensive (and public) process of probate. Because beneficiary designations supersede any instructions you might put in a will or living trust, it’s essential that you periodically review these designations to make sure they reflect your current wishes.Trusts — Different trusts can help you accomplish a variety of wealth-transfer and estate-planning goals. For example, a revocable living trust can help you leave assets to your heirs without going through probate. You can also structure the trust to stagger payments over a number of years, rather than all at once, or include other restrictions or incentives. An irrevocable life insurance trust allows you to keep the death benefit of your life insurance policy outside your estate, so the insurance proceeds won’t increase your estate tax liability. And a charitable remainder trust allows you to transfer an appreciated asset — such as a stock or piece of real estate — to a charitable trust, thereby allowing you to defer or even avoid capital gains taxes on the sale of the asset. Plus, the trust can provide you with a lifetime income stream while the remainder of the assets can be distributed to your favorite charities.As you can see, trusts are versatile instruments — but they are also complex. Consequently, you’ll need to consult with your tax and legal advisors regarding your particular situation.In fact, all the wealth-transfer techniques we’ve looked at will require some careful thought and preparation on your part — so don’t wait too long before getting started. Time has a way of sneaking up on all of us — but it’s especially sneaky when we’re unprepared.
By: Fred Hilsenrath
We are fortunate in Fairfield Bay to have many experts in a multitude of subjects living here and sharing their knowledge and experience with us.
Dr. David Foster is an Entomologist. He taught at Texas Tech, Iowa State and U of Arkansas. Dave talked to us about insects and pointed at many interesting aspects of the insect world.
There are 750,000 species of insects on our earth that we come in contact with on an almost daily basis.
Dave talked about how basic aspects of entomology (i.e., physiology, morphology, taxonomy, behavior, and ecology) are the same areas you might expect to study if you were involved in ornithology (study of birds) or ichthyology, (study of fish) for example.
Dave talked about why people are interested in insects. Many enjoy collecting insects or photographing them as a hobby.
He characterized the areas of study within entomology as they relate to those within other disciplines of biology.
He pointed out that what makes entomology unique among the disciplines within biology is the economic importance of a relatively few insect species. These insects may be either beneficial or destructive.
There are two major areas of study dealing with useful or destructive insects: those dealing with medically important insects and those dealing with insects that damage commodities, plants, or structures.
Dave also discussed the major areas of research that provide the foundation for managing insect pests of crops and finished by discussing the role of GMO’s (genetically modified organisms) in modern day pest management.
Retirees Must Make (At Least) Five Key Financial Decisions
When you’re working, you have a financial strategy that is largely based on one goal: saving money for a comfortable retirement. You’ll likely have to make many adjustments over several decades to ensure that you stay on track saving and investing. But once you retire, a new goal arises — investing so you can remain retired. To help yourself achieve this goal, you will need to make a number of investment decisions.
Which of these decisions are most important? Here are five to consider:
How much will you spend each year? Before you can pursue an appropriate investment strategy, you’ll need to know about how much you’ll spend each year. Estimate your costs for housing, food, travel, entertainment, insurance, gifts — everything. Keep in mind that your expenses will likely change annually, especially for items such as health care. Don’t forget about inflation, which will likely cause your expenses to increase over the years.
How should you balance your investment portfolio to provide sufficient income and growth opportunities? Clearly, you’ll need your investments to provide a source of income during your retirement years. At the same time, you will need some growth potential to overcome the effects of inflation, which can erode your purchasing power. Consequently, you will need a mix of income- and growth-oriented investments, with the proportions depending on your risk tolerance and your lifestyle.
How much should you withdraw each year from your investment portfolio? The answer depends on several factors, including your retirement lifestyle, the size and performance of your investment portfolio, inflation, your estimated life expectancy and the size of the estate you’d like to leave. This decision is important, because the amount you withdraw each year will directly affect how long your money lasts.
From which accounts should you begin taking withdrawals? You may have built three different types of accounts: taxable, tax-deferred and tax-free. It may be a good idea to take withdrawals from your taxable accounts first, thereby allowing your tax-deferred accounts, such as your Traditional IRA and your 401(k), more time to compound and potentially increase in value. If you have a tax-free account, such as a Roth IRA, save it for last to maximize the compounding on money on which you will never pay taxes. (Roth IRA earnings grow tax-free if you’ve had your account at least five years and you don’t begin taking withdrawals until you’re at least 59-1/2.) That said, this is just a rule of thumb.
When should you take Social Security? You can begin taking Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly checks will be considerably larger if you wait until your “normal” retirement age, which is likely 65 or 66. But if you need the money, you may be better off by taking Social Security at 62 and giving your tax-deferred accounts more time to potentially grow.
As you can see, you’ll need a lot of expertise to successfully manage your financial and investment situations during retirement. If you don’t already work with a financial advisor and a tax professional, now would be a good time to start. Once you’ve got your financial strategy in place, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy an active, fulfilling retirement.
When you’re working, you have a financial strategy that is largely based on one goal: saving money for a comfortable retirement. You’ll likely have to make many adjustments over several decades to ensure that you stay on track saving and investing. But once you retire, a new goal arises — investing so you can remain retired. To help yourself achieve this goal, you will need to make a number of investment decisions.Which of these decisions are most important? Here are five to consider:How much will you spend each year? Before you can pursue an appropriate investment strategy, you’ll need to know about how much you’ll spend each year. Estimate your costs for housing, food, travel, entertainment, insurance, gifts — everything. Keep in mind that your expenses will likely change annually, especially for items such as health care. Don’t forget about inflation, which will likely cause your expenses to increase over the years. How should you balance your investment portfolio to provide sufficient income and growth opportunities? Clearly, you’ll need your investments to provide a source of income during your retirement years. At the same time, you will need some growth potential to overcome the effects of inflation, which can erode your purchasing power. Consequently, you will need a mix of income- and growth-oriented investments, with the proportions depending on your risk tolerance and your lifestyle. How much should you withdraw each year from your investment portfolio? The answer depends on several factors, including your retirement lifestyle, the size and performance of your investment portfolio, inflation, your estimated life expectancy and the size of the estate you’d like to leave. This decision is important, because the amount you withdraw each year will directly affect how long your money lasts. From which accounts should you begin taking withdrawals? You may have built three different types of accounts: taxable, tax-deferred and tax-free. It may be a good idea to take withdrawals from your taxable accounts first, thereby allowing your tax-deferred accounts, such as your Traditional IRA and your 401(k), more time to compound and potentially increase in value. If you have a tax-free account, such as a Roth IRA, save it for last to maximize the compounding on money on which you will never pay taxes. (Roth IRA earnings grow tax-free if you’ve had your account at least five years and you don’t begin taking withdrawals until you’re at least 59-1/2.) That said, this is just a rule of thumb.When should you take Social Security? You can begin taking Social Security as early as age 62, but your monthly checks will be considerably larger if you wait until your “normal” retirement age, which is likely 65 or 66. But if you need the money, you may be better off by taking Social Security at 62 and giving your tax-deferred accounts more time to potentially grow.As you can see, you’ll need a lot of expertise to successfully manage your financial and investment situations during retirement. If you don’t already work with a financial advisor and a tax professional, now would be a good time to start. Once you’ve got your financial strategy in place, you’ll be better prepared to enjoy an active, fulfilling retirement.
Utilizing water reclamation technologies gleaned from the U.S. Military in combination with proven recycling dynamics, American Spirit Enterprises, Inc. (ASEI), an “Energy Conservation Product and Services Company” based in Vanburen County, Arkansas, has developed what Robert Reed, ASEI President/CEO, describes as “The optimum system to insure clean water quality.”
The problems associated with the waste water generated by drilling operations have become notorious in recent years. Not atypically, from 40,000 to 3 Million gallons of water laced with toxic ‘fracturing’ chemicals can be pumped into a single well and then sucked back out in the natural gas extraction process. One of the biggest problems has become how to manage or dispose of this contaminated water.
Waste water from gas drilling operations contains a vast mix of salts, earth material (dirt), heavy metals, hydrocarbons (methane, benzene), petro-chemicals and other known health hazards and carcinogens. Consequently, the means of disposing of this contaminated water is one of the most vital issues that local governments, citizens and the drilling companies must scrutinize to ensure community well-being.
“Typically, it has been the practice to either inject this waste water into non-producing wells or collect it in evaporation ponds,” Reed explained, noting that environmental concerns over the accumulation of pollutants are calling these standard practices into serious question. ”Some companies are attempting to clean the water by filters or by adding more chemicals. But none of these methods actually ‘clean’ the waste from the water,” Reed elaborated. ”There have been some efforts to recycle, but these have proven cost prohibitive. Thereby the use of injection wells or waste holding ponds to dispose of the waste generated is still the norm. ”Due to the nature of these standard methods, very little if any recovery of resources has actually been done,” Reed continued. “Using mechanical devices, temperature controls and particulate settling rates we have designed a system which gathers, separates, and recycles the vast majority of the water waste from a drilling operation. The system components that we have designed to work together do NOT use chemicals, charcoal or filters that have to be disposed of, or add carbons to the waste stream,” Reed assured.
Promising to return up to 95% of the water normally contaminated in drilling operations to a quality of 0.08 ppm (parts per million) or less of contaminants, Reed says his company’s water reclamation system is energy efficient, cost effective and environmentally sound. ”The solids separated from the waste water can be disposed of in accordance with regulations, or further refined to recover the metals and other materials that have a viable market,” Reed said, emphasizing that the water which is cleaned by ASEI’s proprietary system may be re-utilized in the drilling system or, because the water successfully tests to purity standards for potable quality, utilized as fresh water.
Since the initial news release in the last week of December 2009, ASEI has commenced the process of raising the finances needed to commence building these units on a commercial scale. We are actively involved with Simmons First Bank in Clinton Arkansas with the goal of purchasing the now vacant Culpepper Plastics plant on Hwy 65 in Van Buren County. We have also been in contact with various persons and agents in the area that may have viable commercial/industrial property for sale for this purpose.
As ASEI’s process is vastly different than the usual method/s of “cleaning” water, our units are designed to be portable, or stationary as the customer dictates. The smallest t of these units will recover 100 gallons of water per hour, the largest (at this time) is a 900 gallon per hour unit. The building/manufacturing/and assembly of these machines require about 21 days from order to delivery.
ASEI,s initial work force is expected to be 35-50 persons, depending on pre-orders. If we can expand to building 3 units a month a work force of approximately 150 persons or greater will be needed to fill those orders. With the upcoming scheduled drilling just in Arkansas we expect to at least double our output to 6 units a month in the first 18 months of the facility being opened. Currently we have identified the market for our machines in a additional nine (9) other states.
While it is ASEI’s goal to build/buy the facility and employ our citizens in our home county, as a business we are not refusing to look at other options as they become available. For more information on ASEI’s waste water clean-up technology, contact Robert Reed 501-745-6341 , wastewater@aseiar.com or visit the company site at www.aseiar.com
Even though you lead a horse to water, he might not drink.
But if you lead a child to words through horses, he will read.
That’s the premise behind the Black Stallion Literacy Project, an initiative that gives first and fourth grade students the motivation to read and then witness the excitement and magic of a live equine theater production, with a special guest appearance by the Black Stallion.
The Rotary Club of Fairfield Bay is the proud sponsor of The Black Stallion Project at Shirley Elementary School and the Summer Reading Program of the Fairfield Bay Library. With a matching grant from the Rotary International Foundation and the Rotary Club of Fairfield Bay, $1,200 will be contributed to these programs. In addition, Rotarians from the Fairfield Bay Club will assist and participate in these events.
The program introduces children in first grade to reading their very own hardcover book, Little Black, A Pony. Each child receives two hardcover Walter Farley books to start or add to their own personal library. The program also provides an exciting opportunity for children to learn about and interact with live horses and the children even have an opportunity to read to their favorite horse!
The fourth-fifth grade program continues the legacy of reading by providing all the children with their own copy of The Black Stallion, a universally recognized children’s classic. Children are also introduced to the critically acclaimed 1979 movie of the same name. The fourth-grade program concludes with a field trip to the traveling Arabian Nights performance. “This spectacular show, featuring talented horse handlers in elaborate costumes, cleverly trained horses, special effects and the black stallion, serves as the culminating experience for the fourth graders to add rich meaning to the printed word,”
In the last 3 years the total circulation has increased over 100% and the number of youth patrons has increased approximately 400% due to our outreach efforts visiting the Shirley Elementary School classrooms K-6 annually and promoting literacy through programs such as the Summer Reading Program and partnering with the Black Stallion Literacy program.
The Black Stallion Literacy Program provides a simple but unique approach to motivate children to read, connecting children with a classic, hardcover book and the magic of live horses, according to Laura Graves, Arkansas coordinator for BSLP.
The Rotary motto Service Above Self conveys the humanitarian spirit of the organization’s more than 1.2 million members. Strong fellowship among Rotarians and meaningful community and international service projects characterize Rotary worldwide.The Rotary Club of Fairfield Bay meets Wednesdays at noon at Indian Hills Country Club. Visitors and guests are welcome to attend. For more information, call Mark Davis at 501-723-4087.
Even though you lead a horse to water, he might not drink. But if you lead a child to words through horses, he will read.That’s the premise behind the Black Stallion Literacy Project, an initiative that gives first and fourth grade students the motivation to read and then witness the excitement and magic of a live equine theater production, with a special guest appearance by the Black Stallion.The Rotary Club of Fairfield Bay is the proud sponsor of The Black Stallion Project at Shirley Elementary School and the Summer Reading Program of the Fairfield Bay Library. With a matching grant from the Rotary International Foundation and the Rotary Club of Fairfield Bay, $1,200 will be contributed to these programs. In addition, Rotarians from the Fairfield Bay Club will assist and participate in these events. The program introduces children in first grade to reading their very own hardcover book, Little Black, A Pony. Each child receives two hardcover Walter Farley books to start or add to their own personal library. The program also provides an exciting opportunity for children to learn about and interact with live horses and the children even have an opportunity to read to their favorite horse!The fourth-fifth grade program continues the legacy of reading by providing all the children with their own copy of The Black Stallion, a universally recognized children’s classic. Children are also introduced to the critically acclaimed 1979 movie of the same name. The fourth-grade program concludes with a field trip to the traveling Arabian Nights performance. “This spectacular show, featuring talented horse handlers in elaborate costumes, cleverly trained horses, special effects and the black stallion, serves as the culminating experience for the fourth graders to add rich meaning to the printed word,”In the last 3 years the total circulation has increased over 100% and the number of youth patrons has increased approximately 400% due to our outreach efforts visiting the Shirley Elementary School classrooms K-6 annually and promoting literacy through programs such as the Summer Reading Program and partnering with the Black Stallion Literacy program.The Black Stallion Literacy Program provides a simple but unique approach to motivate children to read, connecting children with a classic, hardcover book and the magic of live horses, according to Laura Graves, Arkansas coordinator for BSLP. The Rotary motto Service Above Self conveys the humanitarian spirit of the organization’s more than 1.2 million members. Strong fellowship among Rotarians and meaningful community and international service projects characterize Rotary worldwide.The Rotary Club of Fairfield Bay meets Wednesdays at noon at Indian Hills Country Club. Visitors and guests are welcome to attend. For more information, call Mark Davis at 501-723-4087.
By: Fred Hilsenrath
Our first talk in 2010 started with Reverend Dr Bob Hadley sharing with us his wisdom of what is required for couple’s happiness. He counseled young couples about to be married in the army. His first question always was: What do you see in Him or Her that makes you want to marry?” Often the answer was not clear. “Well, he or she is attractive”. What values do you share? What goals do you have? As a result, many of the young couples reconsidered the wisdom of their marriage plans. Dr Hadley then asked us what it is that is important in a lifetime relationship. The discussion that followed and a survey on that subject suggested a list of ideas:
1. Communicate and listen 2. teaches respect for others 3. develop a sense of trust. 4. have a sense of play and humor. The list goes on with shared responsibility, sense of right and wrong, sense of family, shared religious core, respect for each other’s privacy, service to others etc.
It was a good reminder to all of us.
By: Fred Hilsenrath
Our first talk in 2010 started with Reverend Dr Bob Hadley sharing with us his wisdom of what is required for couple’s happiness. He counseled young couples about to be married in the army. His first question always was: What do you see in Him or Her that makes you want to marry?” Often the answer was not clear. “Well, he or she is attractive”. What values do you share? What goals do you have? As a result, many of the young couples reconsidered the wisdom of their marriage plans. Dr Hadley then asked us what it is that is important in a lifetime relationship. The discussion that followed and a survey on that subject suggested a list of ideas:1. Communicate and listen 2. teaches respect for others 3. develop a sense of trust. 4. have a sense of play and humor. The list goes on with shared responsibility, sense of right and wrong, sense of family, shared religious core, respect for each other’s privacy, service to others etc. It was a good reminder to all of us.
By: Fred Hilsenrath
Today we heard a report by Ingeborg Hollwoeger about the Fairfield Bay Animal shelter, with it’s umbrella organization also known as the Animal Protection League (APL). Ingeborg as well as all the other volunteer staff feel love for the 268 (the total of 209 animals) under their care. She described the large amount of work that has to be done in caring for the dogs and cats. They have to be walked, fed and cleaned. This is of course expensive, particularly when veterinarians get involved. Often it is necessary to make a decision putting an animal to sleep. This is sad and difficult when you are fond of the animal. Most of the dogs are sweet and loving and when adopted add warmth to a home. This world belongs not only to us humans but to all the creatures. A pet in the house puts us in touch with the world we have been given. The animal shelter deserves our support.
By: Fred Hilsenrath
Today we heard a report by Ingeborg Hollwoeger about the Fairfield Bay Animal shelter, with it’s umbrella organization also known as the Animal Protection League (APL). Ingeborg as well as all the other volunteer staff feel love for the 268 (the total of 209 animals) under their care. She described the large amount of work that has to be done in caring for the dogs and cats. They have to be walked, fed and cleaned. This is of course expensive, particularly when veterinarians get involved. Often it is necessary to make a decision putting an animal to sleep. This is sad and difficult when you are fond of the animal. Most of the dogs are sweet and loving and when adopted add warmth to a home. This world belongs not only to us humans but to all the creatures. A pet in the house puts us in touch with the world we have been given. The animal shelter deserves our support.
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