The Thursday Bridge Club met 12/10.  The winners were:  1st - Diane Haase, 2nd - Rita Walker, 3rd - Mary Michaels, low - Margaret Wurtz.  IRV furnished a wonderful bundt cake, dip, chips, nuts, wonderful tea and coffee.  Mary Michaels is taking care of the bridge on 12/17.  We need another player!  The week of Xmas - no bridge.  The next week is 12/31 and we will have bridge.  Merry Xmas to all of you.  By: Margaret Wurtz.

Ozark Health Medical Center will be hosting our very first Alzheimer’s Support Group on January 5, 2010 at 6 p.m. in the Ozark Health Nursing Center Conference Room. It will last one hour and we will be serving cookies and refreshments. The presenter will be Priscilla Pittman and our topic is “Introducing the Disease.”

The Van Buren County Master Gardeners Club recently inducted four area residents into their fold as they completed the fifth week of an intensive course of study sponsored by the University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service.

Vicki Allen, John McIntosh and Janet Hill of Fairfield Bay, and Darlene Lewis of Shirley, successfully completed their study of basic horticulture, fruits, vegetables, and ornamentals, as well as lawn maintenance, pruning, and the judicious use of chemicals.

Specialistis from the University of Arkansas, County Agents from Stone, Cleburne and Van Buren counties, and Janet Carson, noted horticulture specialist from Little Rock, lectured on their particular areas of expertise.

The new inductees are required to complete 40 hours of volunteer time to Master Gardner projects.  The major Fairfield Bay project is the Ed Leamon Park on Dave Creek Parkway.  With five mini-gardens to maintain within the park, the new members look forward to many enjoyable hands-on hours of digging, planting, weeding, pruning and learning.

By: Jim & Phyllis Wilkins

 "It all began in 1938 when Charles A. Nutting, Donald P. Schuur and S. A. Dodge led the Uptown Lions Club of Detroit in establishing a school to train dog guides for the blind. Their motivation was Dr. Glen Wheeler, a fellow Uptown Lion whose attempts to be accepted by another dog guide school proved unsuccessful. The first students were housed at the Park Avenue Hotel in Detroit and graduated in the fall of 1938. Three Detroit Lion Clubs held a contest among all Lions Clubs for a new name for their venture. Over 500 names were submitted from around the world. The winning name (Lions Leader) was submitted by the Lions Club of Coulterville, Illinois." (Leader Dogs for the Blind; History of Lions and Leader Dogs).

Now some 70 years later Leader Dogs for the Blind conducts 12 sessions per year of the 26-day live-in dog guide program, with a maximum of 24 students in each session. The Leader Dog mission is to enhance the lives of people who are blind and visually impaired. The school strives to meet the special needs of its diverse pupils with accommodations such as Spanish speaking instructor, late evening diabetic snacks, and one of only two existing programs for individuals who are both deaf and blind. Since 1939 the school has raised, trained and graduated more than 14,000 Leader Dogs at an average approximate cost of over $25,000 per Leader Dog today up from the original $600 per Leader Dog. Leader Dog operates entirely on donated funds. No government or United Way funding is received. In the 12 months ending June 30, 2009 Lions Clubs donations amount to more than $2,100,000. There is no charge for any of the services, including the dog guide, equipment, transportation to and from the school and room and board for 26 days. The continued success of the Leader Dog program depends on the generosity of contributors and community funding sources around the world. Donations are raised through a variety of means. Sever signature events, and annual giving program, planned gifts and Lions Club support are the primary means of raising money for Leader Dogs for the Blind. For more information concerning the Leader Dogs for the Blind program go to www.leaderdog.org.

The Fairfield Bay Lions would again like to say thanks to all who have supported our local projects such as our pancake breakfasts, bingo and our current Hi-Di-Ho nut and truffle sales during the past year. Money raised by each of these programs helps us fulfill our goal of "We Serve."   For information regarding the Hi-Di-Ho nut and truffle sales please contact Jim & Mary Meadows at 884-6388, or Jim & Phyllis Wilkins at 884-3970.

The Thursday Bridge met 12/3 with 3 tables.  Winners:  1st - Wil Wurtz, 2nd - Diane Haase, 3rd - Margaret Wurtz, and Low - Jack Lancilitti.  IRV provided chocolate cookies, dip, chips, and nuts.  Thank you so much.  Remember:  December 17 - FREE day.  We will NOT play Christmas week, and resume on 12/31.

Xi Gamma Tau chapter of Beta Sigma Phi has had a busy fall. The chapter combined their traditional Beginning Day with their September meeting at Jacki Carlo’s home in the Bay. Jacki took members on a journey back to childhood through snacks. Some foods were unique to Jacki’s childhood, while others were universal to most of us. “Ants-on-a-log”, graham crackers with frosting, grape Kool-Aid, dough balls made of white bread, mustard-and-sugar sandwiches, Oreos dipped in peanut butter, and S’Mores over an open fire were our tastes of the past.

The chapter met in October at Laura Davis’ home in Shirley. Guests included Ismail Akhadoff of Azurbaijan, houseguest of Laura and Mark Davis. Ismail is a 21 year old recent college graduate who had a summer internship working in the United States. Host Mark Davis grilled weiners, and members brought delicious foods. The fellowship was enjoyed by all.

In November, sisters enjoyed a potluck Thanksgiving Meal at the Senior Center. Mary Prestage, hostess, had decorated festively, and provided a delicious ham and dressing, with side dishes provided by members.

Among other activities, the chapter is assisting families over the holidays with gifts and food. Upcoming chapter events include a Christmas party with husbands and our annual Silent Auction in January.

The November meeting of Piecemakers was attended by 43 members and 4 guests.  The businesss meeting was conducted by President Debbie Morton.  Doris Brown gave the Treasurer's report.

The challenge committee of Jan Savu, Pam Davis and Kay Otis gave their end of year report.  A total of 141 projects have been entered in challenges in the last eleven months and all entries will be eligible for the final drawing in December.  The challenge for November was a Christmas stocking and the viewers choice winner was Doris Brown.  She won a gift certiificate to Ritsy Rags in Mt. View.  Pam Davis won the serendipity challenge for 2009 having completed a total of seven projects.

After the business meeting, Myrl Myers and Sammy Story provided refreshments and then Debbie Morton taught a make-up bag project.

Our Christmas luncheon meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, December 16. at Petit Jean Electric Community Room. Please note that the meeting time is 11 a.m.  Members with last names A-N are to bring a main dish and M-Z are to bring desserts.  Members are asked to bring hand sewing supplies to finish dolls for Arkansas Children's Hospital.  Also, bring 1 yard of 100% cotton Christmas fabric for a fabric exchange.  Finishing instructions for the 2009 mystery quilt will be handed out.

Happy Quilting in 2010.

League of Women Voters meeting will be on Thursday, December 10 at 6 p.m.

Mark Wilcox, Arkansas Land Commissioner, will discuss the responsibilities of his office at the December 10 meeting of the local League of Women Voters.

The program, being held in the Community Room of the Fairfield Bay Methodist Church on Dave Creek Parkway, begins at 6 p.m. with a Meet and Greet. Refreshments will be provided by League Members.  Mr. Wilcox, who is scheduled to speak and answer questions for an hour beginning at 6:30 p.m,, oversees the disposition of tax delinquent property, historical preservation, donation of tax delinquent lands to state agencies and permitting/leasing of natural resources on state-owned lands on behalf of the People of Arkansas.

Christmas will be here real soon and we will be having our Holiday dinner party on Dec.  11th at 6 p.m.  The club will be furnishing the ham.  We ask those who come to bring anything that will go with our meal including desserts.  There will be no food at 8 o'clock break.  This will be the only dance in Dec. as Christmas comes on our Friday dance night.  Don Nunley and the Goodtimers will be playing great music for our dancing pleasure.  We will start the New Year on Jan. 8 at the senior center at 7 p.m.  Hope to see you all there.  For more information call 884-5204.

There will be a baby (girl) shower for Jadrien Berry on Sunday December 13th at the Pleasant Valley Baptist Church from 2 to 4 hosted by the ladies of the Church. All friends and family are invited.

Operation Comfort Warriors is just one of the projects that American Legion Post 333 is looking to be involved with.  Come to Legion Meeting at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 14 at  Indian Rock Village.  Enter at the South door of the Assisted Living wing.  Help be part of the decision process for our post.

 For persons with memory loss, dementia, or Alzheimer’s Disease, the holidays are often a time of confusion. Disruption of the usual schedule often results in disruptive behavior or acting out. If you are caring for someone suffering from such problems you are invited to meet to share coping hints and information. A support group serving Van Buren County and the surrounding area will meet at 2 p.m. Wednesday, December 16 in the Indian Rock Village Library.

Although almost one-half of nursing home residents have dementia most Alzheimer’s patients are cared for at home by a spouse or adult child. If you are such a caregiver you may feel overwhelmed and frustrated. Often it helps to talk with someone who really understands what you are going through. This group meets every third Wednesday at 2 p.m. in the library at IRV. For further information call 884-6728.

IHCC will be closed on Thursday, December 10th and Saturday, December 12th due to Ozark Health Gala and the Fairfield Bay Community Club Christmas Party.  Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause.

Thank you.

Ryan

Soup Supper & Bake Sale...Monday, December 14 at 4 p.m. at the Fairfield Bay Senior Center on Dave Creek Parkway. $5 adults, $3 children under 12, proceeds benefit the Meals On Wheels Program.

Gorgeous Throw Raffle...A beautiful creamy white crocheted throw in a light airy pattern has been made and donated to the library by a patron for the express purpose of a raffle during this holiday season.  Come in and see it. Tickets at library  $2 each or 3 for $5 Raffle through Dec. 18!

Operation Comfort Warriors...is just one of the projects that American Legion Post 333 is looking to be involved with.  Come to Legion Meeting at 2 p.m. on Monday, December 14 at  Indian Rock Village.  Enter at the South door of the Assisted Living wing.  Help be part of the decision process for our post.

Christmas Ornament Workshop... Bayside Art Studio, from 9:30 .am.-3:30 p.m. Wednesday, December 9. For more info call Doris Sexton, 884-6702.

“The Sound of Advent”...presented by the Chancel Choir of the United Methodist Church, 6 p.m. Sunday, December 13.

LIGHT UP THE BAY CONTEST

Entries must be submitted by Monday, Dec 14 at the FFB News Office.

Indian Rock Questers # 869 is having it's annual Christmas party at the home of June Jorgensen. The date is December 14 at 11 a.m. June is planning a delicious brunch for all of us. Please bring a wrapped white elepanht ar about $5 value.

We realize that wrapping a white elephant can be a  quite a chore, but do the best you can. See y'all there.

The Bodacious Belles of the Bay, wearing their red hats and purple outfits enjoyed their Lunch at Mona Lisa's in Shirley on the  November 19.

 While having a wonderful traditional Thanksgiving meal, turkey with all the trimmings,  they had a couple of surprises during the outing.  Lisa had a marvelous chocolate fountain before lunch for them, what fun dipping marshmallows,  strawberries and wafers in the yummy chocolate. What a way to start a meal.

As they were finishing up the sumptuous meal they were taken completely by surprise as four delightful gentlemen who were also partaking of the meal offered to pick up their tab.  How can you ever thank someone who is that nice to you..  But here goes...a great big 'THANKS" to Ed. Lengel, John Volke, Ansel Barnett and Howard Irby all of Chesapeake Energy Corporation, we really  did appreciate the gesture and also ..YOU MADE OUR DAY. We just may invite them to our next outing in January, and of course if they come, they will have to wear a red hat... Again thanks guys you're the tops!

Our meeting started with 32 members and 1 guest, the December meeting was discussed, this is our Christmas get together with members bringing pot luck dishes to share. Members are making gift bags to exchange at the party, they should be wrapped to give at the party. Our December meeting will begin at 11 am instead of the usual 10 am time to allow the room to be set up for our festivities

After the November meeting several members met to plan for next years programs and demos using the input from the forms that were turned in. Several ideas were discussed for next year.

We were advised about a web site, quiltsforkids.org, its a on line quilt group that will send a fabric kit, after receiving a packet with fabric and instructions a quilt can be made to be donated to needy children. Also remember the Clothes Closet in Heber Springs always needs bags to give to needy children and kids going into foster care.

Our program in November was the Disappearing Nine Patch, Rene Riggan showed us several ways to put together this versatile block using 5 inch squares.

As always a great Show N Tell, everyone enjoys this at our meetings during the year as we share the quilts and projects with each other.

Daisy Patch Quilters meet the 2nd Wednesday of every month at the First Electric Co-Op, Heber Springs, AR at 10 am. If you would like more information about our group contact  Jan Savu 501.723.4205. New members welcome.

Davis Special Questers met Thursday, November 19 at the home of Gail Zanoff.  Co-hostess Mickey Roberts treated the members to a choice of homemade pies, either pecan or sugar-free apple cranberry. After enjoying dessert and visiting with the other members, President Lea Berry called the meeting to order.  Lea introduced local artist Ellen Kelly who presented a wonderful program on hand painted china.  Ellen displayed some of the beautiful pieces she and a friend had painted and explained about the paints and china used in this lovely art form.  She then demonstrated several techniques in painting a dogwood flower on a tea bag holder.  A drawing was held and Ro Wiabel won a completed tea bag holder that Ellen had brought with her.  Ellen participates in the Craft Shop at the mall where more of her work can be seen.

 After Ellen’s presentation, Lea continued with the business meeting.  Mickey Roberts brought a quilt that was donated to Davis Special Questers by Elizabeth Sims.  The quilt was hand pieced and quilted for Elizabeth’s sister Ruth Long by their mother.  There will be a raffle for the quilt and the proceeds will be divided between Davis Special School and the Log Cabin Museum.  The drawing will be held on May 20, 2010.  Call Mickey Roberts at 745-7157 to purchase tickets.  The meeting continued with a discussion about the Christmas luncheon and other general business and was then adjourned.

The Thursday Bridge was held Thursday Nov 19th. Winners - lst - John Gillette, 2nd - Wil Wurtz, 3rd - Dick Sandquist, low - Mary Ellen Sandquist.  Snacks from ITV.  Thank you.  Those who have not signed up for bridge on Dec 2, please CALL me Margaret 884-3410.  Happy Thanksgiving to all!