The Web Fairfield Bay News
Dear Editor,
Our thanks to everyone who took a child or adult card from our Post Office Elf. Please have all packages wrapped, tagged and back to us by 4 p.m. on December 18.
Our good, clean coat drive will take place the entire month of December.
Polly and Barb
It was good to learn, via Charles Duran’s nice letter to the editor, of the good deeds of our neighbors, Roger and Diana Goodwin. May I, too, thank them for maintaining the Mt. Ranch entrance so beautifully all year, and also for the many kindnesses to me personally both before and after my move to the Brentwood sub-division last April.
I’d like to also thank Mr. Duran for all he has done and still does for the Brentwood Community. He and his able helpers, Janice Streeter and Pauline Sears, hung Christmas lights on all the condos, made sure we all had timers up and running so that the lights came on and off automatically and in tandem, and decorated the mailboxes with greenery and ribbon.
Need I say that I love my neighborhood and my wonderful neighbors? My move to Fairfield Bay, and especially into my Brentwood condo, was the “Best Move” I ever made.
Janet Hill
DISABILITIES
By Daniel J. Vance
When you begin planning your Christmas or New Year's Eve party this year, I hope you and yours remember many of the millions of people with disabilities that could enjoy your friendship and company.
The U.S. Census bureau document, “Americans with Disabilities 2005,” reveals our nation in 2005 had 54.4 million people with a disability, which included 35 million with a severe disability.
People fitting the “severe disability” category included: 1) people using a wheelchair, walker, cane or crutches; 2) people unable to perform or needing help in seeing, hearing, speaking, lifting, using stairs, walking or grasping small objects; 3) people unable to perform or needing help in getting around inside the home, getting out of bed or a chair, bathing, dressing, eating, or toileting; 4) people unable to perform or needing help going outside the home, paying bills, doing light housework, keeping track of taking medicine, or using the telephone; 5) people with Alzheimer's disease, autism, cerebral palsy or a developmental disability; 6) people having a mental or emotional condition interfering with daily activities; 7) people having a condition making housework or employment difficult to maintain.
Perhaps you know a person fitting one of these categories. My guess is you know more than a dozen. Often, Americans tend to think only of people using wheelchairs or those having an intellectual disability as having a disability.
In 2005, 19 percent of Americans had a disability, and that percentage will grow as Baby Boomers age. About 38 percent of people over age 65, 56 percent over age 80, and 97 percent of people in nursing homes had a severe disability.
People with severe disabilities have a 69 percent unemployment rate. In general, they are far more likely to be physically abused, verbally taunted, sexually assaulted, neglected, discriminated against, poor, and misunderstood.
A 2007 U.S. Department of Justice study found that people with disabilities were 50 percent more likely to experience non-fatal violent crime. People with disabilities that year were victims of 47,000 rapes, 79,000 robberies, 114,000 aggravated assaults, and 476,000 simple assaults. Women with disabilities were especially prone to being victims of any form of violent crime.
So this year, if you have a space at the party table, and you know of a person with a disability who could enjoy your holiday friendship and company, my hope is you invite him or her over. You just might become friends.
Contact danieljvance.com (All American Foods and Palmer Bus Service made this column possible.)
To Whom It May Concern,
The Fairfield Bay News is available at several locations throughout the Bay or home delivery is available for your convenience. Watch for a subscription special starting soon.
Recently someone has decided to take it upon themselves to drop by and cut open a bundle and take a paper for themselves, which is perfectly fine. However, with the bundle open and exposed to elements of Mother Nature, the loose papers tend to take off and have to be retrieved from the parking lot. If you are not able to wait until normal delivery methods are finished at least place something on top of the papers so we don’t have to chase down the escapees.
Your anticipated cooperation is
appreciated.
Dan Feuer
Editor
Dear Editor and Community,
A huge thank you to two groups of people who have done wonderful programs as fundraisers for the Fairfield Bay Library this month.
Fairfield Bay Library Friends and Annalee Culp, thank you for your Annual Christmas Tour of Homes and Holiday Bake Sale. And, thanks to all of you who baked pies, breads, cakes and cookies for the sale and everyone who opened their homes for the tour.
Stas' Productions and cast and crew, thank you for the wonderful radio play of "It's A Wonderful Life". How fun!! And thanks to IHCC for serving a great fried chicken dinner before the show.
Finally, thanks to all of you who support these events and the people behind them.....as well as your community library.
Warm Regards,
Sara Michael
All of us here at the Fairfield Bay Library would like to wish our patrons a beautiful holiday season. We appreciate your membership and it is a true joy to provide you with collections and resources that enrich your lives year round. I hear again and again that being of help to you is one of the best parts of being a library volunteer. I get that.
Speaking of our volunteers ....the library operates as well as it does because of the time and energy donated by about 50 volunteers, some of whom you never see. At this time I would like to extend my profound gratitude to them for the generosity of time and skills they share with us year round. Volunteers, you make it all work and you mean a great deal to our community and me. Thank you!!
Warmest Wishes,
The Fairfield Bay adult care program is in the process of determining the perceived need for some type of respite or temporary adult care within the city.
The needs assessment is a fact-finding exercise designed to determine if there is an actual need for respite care. The exercise is designed to determine if the community needs, will value, appreciate and most important use the service.
If you or your family would use a respite or temporary adult care service please contact one of the following individuals.
Mayor Tom Schueren at ffbmayor@artelco.com, 501-884-6500 or 501-253-6998
Larry Clayton at brakedoc@gmail.com, 501-884-3831
Ms. Nancy Johnson at njohnson234@yahoo.com, 501-884-6728
Sincerely,
Thomas C. Schueren
Mayor, City of Fairfield Bay
with Ed Burns
Lucky Turkeys
I see on TV that they have canceled Turkey hunting season in Ark. this season. It seems that their numbers have diminished over the past several years so they are calling off the chase to allow the turkeys to breed and multiply before they start shooting them again.
That really doesn’t effect me because I do not Turkey hunt. The only time I eat turkey is at Thanksgiving or the occasional processed turkey meat sandwich. I hunt for turkey in the food department at Walmart or Kroger’s. You don’t need a license and the shopping season is never canceled.
Although I was born and raised out in the country in eastern Ark, I would have no idea where to look for the big feathered fowl if I wished to shoot one. If by some means I was to come in possession of a dead turkey I really wouldn’t know how to clean and prepare it for victuals.
Fact is, I’m not a big outdoorsman of any sorts. My idea of being outdoors and enjoying the wilds is being on a golf course or walking the city walk path. My idea of "ruffing it" is being on the golf course when it is raining or cutting my grass.
I don’t remember ever having a hunting license and I have had a fishing permit twice in my lifetime. Once while we lived in Colorado I had an old friend, a WWII veteran, who loved to fish the mountain streams for trout fish. I purchased a license so I could go camp out and fish with him. I really enjoyed the trips and his company but I do not recall catching any fish myself. I recall watching him drag them out of the foamy fast running streams. I also remember eating them after he cleaned and fried them over a camp fire.
When we moved back to Ark. we had a 10-year-old granddaughter who wanted to try her hand at fishing. I bought us both a license and we fished in an old gravel pit between the towns of Choctaw and Clinton. I don’t recall ever catching any fish but we enjoyed the outings. My granddaughter also fished in a local cow-watering pond near our house. That’s the last fishing license I ever had.
In many ways I am a "Country Boy" but hunting and fishing somehow escaped my interest. I like skipping rocks across water ponds and I like walking along the banks of the Ark. River near Toad Suck dam with my grandson and picking up mussel shells and looking for turtles. But if a wild turkey was to jump out at us, we would probably run, forget shooting at it.
As far as I am concerned they can cancel Turkey hunting season from now on. I have no quarrels with people who hunt and fish. It’s just not my idea of having fun. I also respect people who clean and eat whatever game they kill or catch. When I was a kid growing up, hunting and fishing was not a sport, it was a means of feeding ones family. As a kid I ate a lot of rabbits and squirrels but no wild turkeys. May the wild turkey flourish while they are out of season.
Words cannot truly express our deep appreciation to our many, many , friends for their kindness of comforting words in the loss of our loved one at this difficult time in our lives.
God Bless all of you
The Family of Kyle Bradford
It is indeed a time of Thanksgiving and Good tidings in Fairfield Bay. Many volunteers give of their time and money to keep our City looking great. Two of these residents are Roger and Diana Goodwin. They keep the flowers planted and shrubbery trimmed as well as hanging and removing the Christmas Lights at the Mt. Ranch entrance. We, the friends and neighbors of Brentwood Townhouses, applaud and Thank them for their contribution into making Fairfield Bay a wonderful place to live. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to each of you.
Charles Duran
Brentwood
Townhouse Association
" A Special Young Lady with Cerebral Palsy"
If you have time for a love story, read this column today.
Eighteen years ago, Lorraine Rose of Bennettsville, South Carolina, gave birth to her first child, a daughter, Jasmine. “It was a normal pregnancy,” said 48-year-old Rose in a telephone interview. “But at birth, Jasmine wouldn't come down the birth canal. They had to deliver her with forceps. The cord was wrapped around her neck and she wasn't breathing.”
A United Cerebral Palsy website states 750,000 Americans have cerebral palsy, which is caused by brain damage occurring before, during or shortly after birth. It affects the brain's ability to control muscle movement and usually doesn't affect intelligence.
Eventually, an unfamiliar doctor talked with Rose. “He said Jasmine had cerebral palsy. I'd never heard the word before in my life. He didn't give me any information. When leaving there, I thought my daughter had in incurable disease and was going to die within months.”
Living in rural South Carolina before the advent of the Internet brought access to information, she would go on another year thinking her daughter would die. Finally, after eighteen months, the same doctor that had so coldly told her Jasmine had cerebral palsy, told her to “go on with your own life” and “put Jasmine into an institution.”
She thought then, “Go on with my life? Jasmine is my life.”
Today, 18-year-old Jasmine has recently graduated from high school.
“She has limited speech,” said Rose. “I can understand her better than other people can. To get around the house, she uses an electric wheelchair.” Jasmine communicates using a computer by pushing keyboard keys with a pointer connected to a special hat.
Rose said “Jazz” has given her a very rich life. And the entire city of Bennettsville seems to have been blessed by Jasmine, too.
Said Rose, “She is bubbly all the time. I have never seen her go a day without smiling. Anybody meeting her automatically falls in love with her. If having the opportunity to meet her, you would love her, too. Her classmates took to her so well. There wasn't anyone at school that didn't know her.” Jasmine enjoyed English and literature classes, and writes poetry.
A while ago, a friend who is a police officer asked Jazz to the prom. The local police force provided a full escort for them through town. “It was so beautiful,” said Rose.
Since it is Thanksgiving I thought it would be appropriate to say what I am thankful for.
I am thankful for my family, friends, job, and much more but, I am also thankful for some very nice people in Fairfield Bay who give so much and ask nothing in return.
I moved to Fairfield Bay a few years ago to retire. I didn't retire & continue to work weekends in Little Rock. My family and I had always spent the summers on Lake Norfork. We lived on St. Simons Island for several years where I was Director of Nursing but missed the lake. I had always had wonderful neighbors. I moved here & had a bad experience. I was ready to move from Fairfield Bay then I began to meet some really nice people. I wish I had gotten all their names but they and God know who they are.
Here are a few examples:
The lady that works @ the utilities has helped me many times.
The Fairfield Bay police came by after the tornado to check on the people on our street.
We had a really bad snow storm a couple of years ago . A volunteer fireman came over and got my kerosene heater ready in case of a power outage. He even volunteered to return if needed.
I was stranded after calling roadside assistance and a lady driving a green jeep stopped to help.
I was having computer trouble and Paul Mueller came & helped me & returned several times since.
I couldn't move a t.v. and so I ask the lady @ utilities if she knew someone I could pay. Ashley Stell came after work & put it in my car free.
This is the true meaning of the holiday spirit but in Fairfield Bay it happens all year long.
Thanks,
Ellen Couch
On Tuesday afternoon one of our retreat guests, Gail, fell down our living room steps and broke her ankle in three places. Her injury was painful to be sure but she kept her spirits high partly because that is who she is and, according to her, because of the great care she received by all who came to her aid. Gail singled out the Rescue Squad (Marianne, Dale and Bob) for their professionalism and skill at taking care of her. When I told her that the crew and the rest of our squad were all volunteers she was simply dumbfounded: "I am amazed," she said, "that they are volunteers - you would never know it by how well they did their job. Fairfield Bay is lucky to have such dedicated and talented people taking care of it."
I personally want to thank Marianne, Dale and Bob for how well they responded and treated Gail. A number of our other guests commented that "in addition to all the other things Fairfield Bay has to offer its residents, it has a great ambulance service. What a nice place to live." They got that right.
Thanks again,
Keith Wingad
Thanks to Fairfield Bay residents who responded to my comments in the last edition! Your thoughts on township law enforcement were appreciated. Your suggestions were constructive and helpful to community safety and security. Contact me anytime at 253-8989 or in person.
Ingram Philips,
Indian Rock Constable
I wish to thank all our friends for your prayers and concern during Cliff’s recent hospital stay at UAMS. As most of you know, Cliff had a brain anuerysm, but it was caught early and Cliff is on the road to recovery.
A special thank you to Chris Lang for holding my hand and Carolyn Cok for taking care of Tiki. We consider our friends as our Fairfield Bay family.
Love and God Bless,
Lori and Cliff Crowel
Fairfield Bay, what a great place to live and every day we are so thankful and especially for our friends. My wife Martha and I want to thank everyone who brought meals, sent cards, called and visited after Marthas' surgery resulting in many weeks of preparing for replacement of her hip prosthesis. A long recoup period is made easier because of your thoughtfulness.
A special thanks to our minister Brother John Walls and his wife Sam who provided much needed spiritual help. God Bless each and every one for your many kindnesses.
Martha & Bob Major
We would like to say “Thank You” to all our friends in Fairfield Bay that called, sent cards and thought of us during this trying time. We were very aware of your concern and support throughout James passing and service.
John & Carolyn Cook
While considering pros and cons for the proposed hotel in Fairfield Bay, I was reminded of two basic "points to ponder" that I often drew upon during my extensive career in the insurance and legal industries. First, as I interpreted insurance policies and other complex contracts, I gave serious consideration for the underlying "intent" behind the written word. With every insurance policy/contract, therein lies motivating factor(s), oftentimes disguised by a single word in a single sentence. So how is such an elementary point profound enough to assist in our efforts to decide a yes or no vote for a hotel? I suggest we consider the "intent" behind individuals working diligently for our support, and to whom we have entrusted to lead and to guide us through this decision making process. Are there special interest groups and/or lobbyist motivated by greed knocking on Fairfield Bay doors? I hardly think so. Who will gain or lose if we agree to build? I see it as an even field for all, and am compelled to trust our leaders at the direction of experts they have consulted.
Finally, nothing, including businesses, real estate, personal investments nor our personal well-being remains the same. Everything declines prematurely without a proactive effort to nourish it, even when a risk is inevitable.
Respectfully Submitted,
Lois Y. Gilliam
PUBLIC NOTICE
REGARDING NEW SNOW ROUTES IN FAIRFIELD BAY
Deer Run will be BLOCKED OFF and not used as a snow route this year.
The new route for Dave Creek will be as follows: Main entrance to Daniel then to Persimmon and on to Woodhaven. This will take you behind the Kirk of the Hills Church. You will then able to get off of Woodhaven at either Lost Creek Parkway or Dave Creek Parkway.
Please Remember Barricades are put up for your safety, Please do not move them , as you could be causing harm for the next person who drives on that road.
Please drive safely this winter and follow the established snow routes.
Public Works Committee.
Something wonderful has happened in Fairfield Bay! Gourmet meals are now being served at the Indian Hills Country Club. The past several times we have eaten there, my husband and I have been impressed with the quality and the variety of selections. Not only is the food cooked to perfection but is also seasoned to perfection. Chef Matt and the kitchen staff have turned basic meals into meals that are extra special and deserve special recognition. We hope you will try it and agree with us.
Lynn Radford
Just a few comments about the proposed hotel. I’m in my 35th year working with a company that owns and operates hotels.
This year has been the wore year for our industry that I can remember. Next year both hotel occupancy and rate are predicted to be even lower than this year. A turnaround is not expected until 2011 or 2012 at best.
It’s predicted that about 20% of all hotels in the US will default on their loans next year. That is between 500 to 700 hotels in Florida alone.
A hotel cannot break even at a 35% occupancy as stated in the article unless Fairfield uses a lot of gas and oil money to fund day to day operations.
That money could be put to better uses. Also Wingate is a nice brand but not a strong brand and doesn’t have a strong guest rewards program.
It’s just the best of times to be building a hotel.
Just my $.02 worth.
Jim Hart
Club Response
Obviously, Mr. Hart has a great deal of experience in the lodging industry and I am certain that his facts stated are supported by research, if not by first-hand knowledge.
However, let me point out a few facts that counter his assertions. According to PKF Hospitality Research and Smith Travel Research, the two leading firms of their kind, Occupancy %, Average Daily Rate (ADR), and Demand are all expected to increase next year. Surprisingly, Supply is expected to increase as well. In 2011, when the resort hotel is expected to open, all of these indicators will rise sharply, to include Revenue per Available Room (REVPAR). 2012 and 2013 are expected to rise dramatically.
There are other points to consider that are more specific to our situation. Arkansas tourism has increased from last year and is expected to expand further. As such, the state budget for tourism was increased while in other parts of the country, budgets are being cut. We have virtually no competition (a sharp contrast to Florida, which is over-built) and have something to ‘sell’ to a market that is only 90 miles away and know very little, if anything, about this beautiful place. Spinoff benefits from hotel stays include added sales and use of excess inventory at amenities, increased sales for local businesses, etc. It can easily be imagined that property sales and values will be positively affected as well.
Lastly, I would disagree that Wingate/Wyndham are ‘not strong’. The company represents many well known brands and has a good track record.
Since none of us has a crystal ball, we can only rely on good data and research from reputable firms to support our decision-making. We have done just that from the projects inception.
John Spies
COO
Golf a game of Doubts!
I have attempted to play the game of golf for many years now. It’s time to reassess the game, my attitude about the game and my future involvement with the game of golf.
After giving this matter several minutes of my valuable retirement time, I have reached a transient conclusion; "Golf is a game of doubts." The game has the potential to bring me joy, hope, fear, anguish, and doubt. Mostly doubt!
After analyzing the game and my future commitment, here’s what I am left with, Doubts.
I doubt my wisdom for ever getting involved with the game of golf and my motivation for continuing. I doubt my abilities and prowess each and every time I play the game.
I doubt my sanity for believing that I would one-day get good at the sport and my audacity for continuing to try.
I doubt my judgement each time I try to make the proper club selection and choose the wrong one.
I doubt my eyesight each time I look in one direction but hit the ball in another direction.
I doubt my motor-skills each time I swing and miss the ball completely.
I doubt my reasoning each time I wade around in a lake looking for my submerged ball.
I doubt my muscle strength when I hit the ball with all my might and it only goes 25 yards.
I doubt my depth-of-field vision each time I misjudge the distance between the green and where I am standing.
I doubt the law-of-gravity every time my ball falls off the tee before I have a chance to strike at it.
I doubt my temperament each time I miss a short putt and swear under my breath.
I doubt my math skills each time I total up my substantial final score.
I doubt the manufacturer motives for making clubs too short, too long, too heavy or too light. Why can’t the get one just right for me?
I doubt the explanation for wearing a glove on my left hand when I’m right handed.
I doubt why I walk when I could be riding a motorized cart. I doubt why I sometimes ‘push’ around a ‘pull’ cart.
I doubt why aluminum drivers are called woods.
I doubt if golf balls actually have 392 dimples.
Does this mean I am ready to give up the wonderfully challenging game of golf?
I doubt it.
My family and I say “Thank you so much” to all those who gave us such loving support with words, cards, letters, visits and food during the recent loss of our loved one.
The family of Bob Bell
First, I want it noted that I am for a hotel in the Bay and have worked toward that end for several years. I do want, however, for those that are going to vote for/against this hotel to take note of the following excerpts printed in the special Hotel Issue of this paper. The quotes are on page 4, continued from the "Build It" article on page one:
"The Indian Hills Country Club and golf course are considered part of the business unit (as described above) and the bank is willing to loan the necessary funds if theses facilities are used as collateral."
"However, the big question is what would happen should the profitability from the operations prove insufficient? Ultimately, several things could happen: the club members would have to pay a capital assessment and should that not be sustainable, the hotel would have to be sold. Should neither approach work. The hotel would be taken over by the bank as would the Country Club and Golf Course."
This letter is intended for information only and should be used as tool to make a qualified judgement on which way you decide to vote.
Rupert Robertson
Fairfield Bay
Despite the inclement weather, the many who support our Animal Shelter, attended the "Fest" and purchased cookies, enabling us to add to our coffers.
Our appreciation and thanks to the following: Heber Springs State Bank and their staff for providing the facility, accepting cookies prior to the sale; to the advertisers: namely, FFB News, Bob & Rosemary Holiday of our local TV station, Bob Connell of KFFB radio, and our "Paw's" reporter, Ingeborg Hollwoeger, and the vendors who directed people to our location: to Jeanne Castro for printing the flyers: to the many bakers, buyers and to those who in lieu of baking, donated money: and especially to the tireless workers who did the calling, helped set-up, dismantle, and worked at the sale: Pat Bailey, Gene Berghorn, Bonnye Busch, Peggy Camper, Jeanne & Larry Castro, Judy Chaney, Ingeborg Hollwoeger, Kim Sichs, Marie Waters and Judy Wheeler.
Thanks, too, to Lucy and Jim Cashmer, for donating the "50 States Commerative Quarters" folder. The lucky winner was Karen Evans of Shirley, AR. Congratulations, Karen! God Bless, ALL!!
Lenore Winesburg, Chairperson: FFB Animal Protection League's "Cookie Extravaganza"
I would like to inform the residents of Fairfield Bay that the Bowling Center is open and under new management. Tim Hallett is the new owner and has renamed the center to Spare Time Bowling and Fun Center. The lanes are in excellent condition, the surroundings are immaculate and the Tim is eager to please. Come out and try Chow Down Alley which is the snack bar.
I have heard numerous negative comments about the bowling center, all based on hearsay and experience with previous management. I urge you all to take advantage of this great amenity in the Bay.
Two leagues have formed, the Tuesday Hot Shots and the Friday Night Mixed League. Openings are still available in the Friday night league so call 884-5300 to sign up or drop by.
Please come by and experience nice atmosphere in the bowling center for yourself. You’ll be pleasantly surprised.
Ernie Majhenich
Thank you is not enough for all the cards, food, emails and visits from all you dear people in my time of recovery from my cancer surgery. I can’t tell you what it all means to me and to my family. I do have a long road to recovery ahead but the support and love you all have given me makes it a much smoother road to travel.
What a blessing to live in a city with so much compassion and love for one another. It is truly a GOD THING and my heart bursts with the blessings you have given to me.
Love,
Martha Littleton
Safety Alert: Customers Are Backing Into Postal Vehicles At An Alarming Rate!
Cars are a huge ingredient in the American way of life. Driving defensively and more safely is one area where drivers can make improvements! The most obvious problem of all relates to reversing and currently one of growing concern for Postal letter carriers.
“Customers are backing out of their driveways and hitting postal vehicles that are delivering the mail,” said Shirley Postmaster, Peggy Bradford. “Postal employees continually receive training and talks about all aspects of safety.”
Letter carriers are specifically trained in driving defensively and reminded to be aware of their surroundings at all times. Backing out of a driveway can become so routine that drivers may forget to follow safety guidelines.
“We encourage our customers to reverse slowly from their driveway and remember to look over both shoulders and continually check all around – forward, behind, and all appropriate mirrors.” “Following these suggestions will help them avoid both vehicle and pedestrian accidents.”
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE that the City Council of the City of Fairfield Bay will hold its regularly scheduled meeting on November 9, 2009 at 7 p.m. During the public meeting, the City Council may further consider and take up any Public Hearings required on any matter, including any appeal of any matter previously considered by the Advertising and Promotion Commission, the Economic Development Committee, Planning and Zoning Commission, and any other matter that requires a public hearing (such as any comment or objection to a change in zoning for the purposes of building a hotel adjacent to Indian Hills Country Club) at that time in November 9, 2009. Any person with comments, objections, or any other response, is invited to attend the regularly scheduled City Council meeting and the public hearings that will be held on that date in conjunction with the City Council Meeting.
Thomas Schueren
Our family would like to say “Thank You” to all those who were so kind and offered their support and sympathy during the recent loss of our dear loved one. He will be missed.
The Family of Hoyt Crawford
From our volunteers in the Care Cap cancer project, I thank all our sewing machine replacement contributors. Your September gifts of $4,363.88 started us toward the needed $7,500.00. Twenty-two cancer centers have received almost 20,500 garments in our three years! For those who work with their hands, who support us financially and who pray for our ability to keep going, we are so grateful. If you do not know what a “care cap” is, drop by our Village Mall office window. To make a donation, mail to 103 Tanglewood Circle, FFB 72088. Call 884-3046 to join. This is a special ‘home-grown’ effort and you are special people.
Mary Philips, founder
WWW.CCVOLS.ORG
"Sarah Jane Part One"
Following a distressing situation that would have emotionally crushed most of us, 38-year-old Patrick Donohue of New York City has been able to redeem a great amount of good from it to benefit millions of Americans. I consider what Donohue has been doing one of the most important, largely untold stories in America today.
“When she was five days old, our daughter Sarah Jane was shaken by her baby nurse,” said Donohue in a telephone interview. “We'd hired this nurse for the first month (after Sarah Jane's birth) to have someone there as an expert in rearing children.”
Shaken doesn't adequately describe what happened. Many doctors call this “shaken baby syndrome.” In the days after the injury, the Donohues noticed their daughter wasn't crying, eating or latching on to breast feeding. They then took her to a doctor and learned she had four broken ribs, broken collarbones, and had sustained a traumatic brain injury.
“There were only four of us (that had access to Sarah Jane),” said Donohue, “and the [baby nurse] eventually confessed to the police. There is no making sense of it. We later learned this monster had harmed other children.”
Sarah Jane, now age 4, can't yet walk, stand or eat on her own. Only recently was she weaned off anti-seizure medication. She is “babbling,” Donohue said, but not saying recognizable words. He seems to be trying everything to help his daughter, including having her participate in a new form of treatment at Duke University and entreating God for a miracle.
Along the way, mainly due to stress, Donohue and his wife have divorced.
“Several years ago, while becoming settled in to the daily routine of caring for Sarah Jane, I was reading everything I could about the brain,” he said. “It occurred to me what little we know about it. I also learned the field (of pediatric brain injury) was fractured and no one knew what everybody else was doing.”
About this time, he began the Sarah Jane Brain Foundation, and immediately fell back on the skills that had made him a lawyer and top-tier political consultant. As for the latter, Donohue had raised more than $500 million for various political clients. He had political connections, a razor-sharp brain and glib tongue, and personal motivation in eagerly wanting to see his daughter improve.
Next week, learn what he has been accomplishing.
Contact danieljvance.com (All American Foods and Blue Valley Sod made this column possible.)
cotton rohrscheib, webmaster
