The Foster Children in VBC were greeted by Santa as he hitched a ride with the FFB Fire Department to the HART Center to join in with the Christmas Celebration. 

The HART Center staff welcomed the foster children to their facility to swim, play basketball and visit with Santa on Sunday.  Santa checked his list as the children reminded him what they wanted for Christmas!  

The DHS/DCFS would like to thank the Staff at the HART Center for making this a special day!

UCA Theatre has learned that its production of Machinal by Sophie Treadwell has been chosen as one of only six plays to be invited to perform at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival, Region VI,  (KCACTF) to be held in February, 2010 at Amarillo College in Amarillo, Texas.

Machinal, directed by asst. professor Matt Chiorini, was chosen as the Director’s Choice at the state KCACTF festival held recently at Arkansas State University - Beebe. It was then viewed by members of the Region VI committee, along with nineteen other entries from the Region VI area, and chosen to attend the regional festival.

  The Region VI area includes colleges and universities in Arkansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, Texas, and New Mexico. Each state holds one to three festivals each fall and at least one production is chosen for consideration for performance in the Regional festival. Over 100 productions were entered from the Region VI area this year.

   This marks the fourth time that a production from UCA has been chosen to perform at the regional level. The last production to appear at the regional festival was The Shape of Things by Neil LaBute in 2003 and directed by asst. professor Chris Fritzges.

   Other universities chosen to participate in Amarillo are the University of Arkansas at Ft. Smith, Midwestern State University (Texas), Sam Houston State University, University of Louisiana  Lafayette, and Southeastern Louisiana University.

   The winner of the Region VI festival will receive an all-expense paid trip for its cast and crew to the National Festival in Washington, DC in April and will perform at the Kennedy Center.

‘Tis the season to be busy!  Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day is a busy time for many people.  Most likely, you or your kids will either be the hosts of a get-together or the guests.  While the holiday season is a time for fun and good cheer, it’s also a time to think about how we use alcohol in our celebrations.

  Kids who see adults getting drunk or serving alcohol to kids or to someone who has had too much to drink might see nothing wrong with doing the same thing. 

Parents might feel they have no way to protect their children when they are at a party in another home.  As a parent, you can do something to prevent your teen from drinking at a party away from home.

If your teen is invited to a party:

Check party plans beforehand with your teenager.  Ask your teenager who he or she is going with and where the party will be held.

Call the host parent.  Ask whether an adult will be present and whether the teens will be allowed to drink alcohol.

Make it easy for your teenager to leave a party. Parents can make it easier for their kids to leave the party by telling them that they will pick them up at any time with no risk of punishment or other consequences.  Some parents tell their kids to use them as an excuse to leave a party by saying, for example, “My parents told me I’m supposed to call them when I get to the party and that I can only stay an hour or so.”

Be up to greet your teen when she or he is expected home from a party.  Pay attention for any signs that your teen has been drinking alcohol.

If your teen is having a party:

Be there.  Make it clear that your teen needs your permission to have a party in the home and that you will be supervising it.

Know in advance who is invited.  Make it clear you won’t allow an “open party,” which could get out of control.

Set a time when the party will end to let parents know when to pick their kids up or when to expect them home.

Agree to the rules ahead of time.  Consider these: (1) No drugs, including alcohol; (2) no smoking; (3) no leaving the party and then returning; (4) only people on the invitation list are allowed; (5) lights should be left on; (6) some rooms in the house are off-limits.

For more information or to join the Coalition contact Cindy Miller at (501) 745-7004, cindy.miller@myozarkheatlh.com, or visit www.teacoalition.org.

 The Annual Holiday Art Exhibit of the Shirley Elementary School.  goes through Dec. You are invited to a reception in honor of the student artists in the Fireplace Room at Indian Hills Country Club on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 4-6 p.m.

The art students are under the instruction and supervision of Elementary Art Instructor, Kathleen Hadley. The exhibit enables the aspiring young artist to have their creative work on display. This brings awareness to the community of the encouragement and development of young artists by teachers and volunteers.  The NCA Art Gallery is open Mon. thru Sat. 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

For more information contact NCA Art Gallery coordinator, Charlotte Rierson, 501-884-6100.  This is a program of the North Central Arkansas Foundation for the Arts & Education in collaboration with the Fairfield Bay Community Club.             

FAIRFIELD BAY LIBRARY

    Wishing you a

  Joyful & Peaceful Holiday Season

_________________________

WHEN THE GAME WAS OURS - Bio

Magic Johnson & Larry Bird

GOING ROGUE - Bio

Sarah Palin

MANHOOD FOR AMATEURS - Bio

Pleasures & Regrets of a Husband, Father & Son

Michael Chabon

ANGELS IN THE WILDERNESS -

Amy Racina/True Adventure

COME BACK, COMO

Winning the Heart of a Reluctant Dog

Steve Winn

*********************************************

HEAT WAVE

Richard Castle

BREATHLESS

Dean Koontz

HOLLYWOOD MOON

Joseph Wambaugh

A SECRET REFUGE

Lauraine Snelling

CHOSEN TO DIE

Lisa Jackson

FLEET STREET MURDERS

Charles Finch (3rd in series)

U IS FOR UNDERTOW

Sue Grafton

THE PARIS VENDETTA

Steve Berry

TRIAL BY FIRE

J A Jance

PURSUIT OF HONOR

Vince Flynn

CHIEF INSPECTOR   GAMACHE

Full Series    Louise Penny

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SANTA BUDDIES  -  G    3 Star

Disney

UP    -    PG     4 +  Star

Disney Animated  /  Ed Asner

ANGELS & DEMONS  -  PG 13

Tom Hanks

MARK TWAIN  -  NR   4 + Star

Ken Burns    PBS  (250 Mins)

FOOD, INC.  -  PG      5 Star

Documentary

MY SISTER’S KEEPER  - PG 13

C. Diaz  (Jodi Picoult Novel)

**********************************************

New Audio CD Books and Large Print

Books on the shelves now!

Books for ages 1-16 in the Youth Section

Slated to have been pictured last week was puppy Wiggles – but then he got adopted and went home to Texas. Beagle Duchess also at long last found her new home. We like it that way.

When tiny yellow lab Rowdy was so named I wondered why as he seemed docile and sweet. Shows how much I know about puppies! Playing too hard he broke a hind leg. We rushed him to the vet and now the little tyke has to endure a splint for several weeks – but we are told he will be as good as new thereafter.

Quite a few cats and kittens went to their new families: through PetSmart, we adopted out Juno, Simon, Dolly and Polly (the beautiful seal-points), Snickers and Leo, big Random, Titus and Toby. Little Twiggy went off to be now pampered in Shirley. That leaves “Velcro” Tilly which is surprising since she was the strongest and prettiest of my fostered Titus Group. My little heart-breaker Puffin is now living in splendor right here in the Bay (I hope to negotiate visiting privileges). Reportedly, he already has more toys than he can lose under the furniture.

While the adoptions were going well and the kitten flood subsided, we again received a dozen grown cats in November as well as nine dogs. With all these comings and goings, trips to the vets between cleaning, feeding and walking dogs, and winter-preparations, our Shelter Staff stay as busy as ever.

Monday, December 14

Auditorium on school campus

6:30 p.m.

The Clinton High School Band (H.S., grade school, junior high and Jazz Band) along with the Van Buren County  Community Band will present a Christmas Concert at 6:30 p.m. at the Clinton High School Auditorium on December 15.

The Clinton High School Band and the VBCCB will perform separately and in a combined Christmas Musical Selection!

We invite everyone in our community to come out and support our musical children and our community band in this festive time of the year!

 Merry Christmas to all!

   By Del Holt

Chesapeake Energy has announced a $20,000 donation to six county aging programs, including Van Buren County, to help provide hot meals to senior citizens for the holidays.  Each organization received $3,333 in the past week.

The six programs are located in Cleburne, Conway, Faulkner, Jackson, Van Buren and White counties. 

In Arkansas, about 14% of the population is 65 years of age and older. That figure is significantly higher in Cleburne and Van Buren counties where the percentage of the population over 65 is 23% and 24% respectively.

The aging programs prepare and deliver hot meals to hundreds of senior citizens every day who are frail, homebound or disabled and are unable to cook for themselves.  In fact, a friendly visit from a “Meals on Wheels” delivery volunteer is often the only contact a homebound senior will have with a person during any given day.

“The senior citizens in our county need our support and the socialization of others more than ever at Thanksgiving and Christmas because many of them don’t have families or families that they see during the holidays,” said Mary Prestage, Director of the Van Buren County Aging Program.

“Feeding senior citizens is our primary objective,” said Prestage. “We thank Chesapeake for their generosity and the support they’ve given to our program and the senior citizens of Van Buren County.”

This is the second year that Chesapeake has donated funds to help provide holiday meals to senior citizens.

“Our county aging programs have a direct impact on the lives of people,” said Danny Games, Director of Corporate Development for Chesapeake in Arkansas. “Chesapeake is committed to giving back to the communities in which we operate, and I can not think of a more worthwhile cause than assisting these aging programs to provide holiday meals to deserving seniors.”

  Upon entering the double wooden doors of 133 Overlook Dr. it is obvious why owners, Susan & Dennis Sutton call this “The Lake House”.

 The first view from the wide entry foyer will be of the lake and the Christmas tree.  This home has a very open floor plan allowing the great room, dinning area, and the kitchen full view of the lake.  The great room with its beautiful fireplace is saying Christmas is here.  Opposite this room is the well designed Kitchen and dinning area .  The dinning area has a Chinese red table with both bench and chair seating.  This room is filled with Christmas, sparkling with silver, red, white, and blue.   The open flow makes for excellent entertaining and family gatherings. These main public areas are surrounded with an “L” shaped deck where Sugar Loaf Mountain dominates the breath taking view.

 The home has 3 bed- rooms and 3 baths all ready for Christmas.  One of the bedrooms features a fire place and private deck area for a cozy Fall night.  The master bath has been completely redone by the owners.  It is done in shades of soft greens with double basins, tub, and shower which has multiple shower heads.  Floor and counter tops are done in white   marble.  A modern hanging light of polished stainless with sparkling accents lights the tub area.  The double basins are surrounded with beautiful cabinetry.

 This is a must see house on the 2009 Tour of Homes.

INDIANAPOLIS  – The American Legion’s Operation Comfort Warriors program is donating gift cards to the men and women who were wounded at Ft. Hood earlier this month.

“Americans everywhere have reached out to these victims,” American Legion National Commander Clarence E. Hill said. “It’s only appropriate that The American Legion family does its share. We have sent $3,800 so each of the 38 wounded can receive $100 gift cards to use at the Ft. Hood AAFES (post exchange). This is on top of the $10,000 of electronic games and instruments we sent in Operation Comfort Warriors donations to Ft. Hood just prior to the shootings. These gifts won’t make the injuries go away, but they do show that we care.

“The government does a good job of providing the necessities,” Hill continued. “Through Operation Comfort Warriors we have been able to provide gifts to troops in military hospitals everywhere. These are items that usually don’t appear in government budgets, such as personal sweat suits, I-Pods, DVDs, phone calling cards and other comfort goods. The American Legion is challenging its members and friends to continue giving to those who have already given us so much.”

The American Legion has already raised more than $217,000 for Operation Comfort Warriors since its inception last December. Upon taking office in August, Commander Hill set a goal to raise an additional $100,000 by year’s end. Donors can make online contributions by visiting  or by sending a check to Operation Comfort Warriors, PO Box 1055, Indianapolis, IN 46206. Administrative and promotional costs for Operation Comfort Warriors are paid by The American Legion, allowing 100 percent of the donations to be spent directly on the troops.

“Some people think that expecting $100,000 during an economic recession is too lofty a goal. I don’t,” Hill said. “Americans are generous and what better way is there to show our holiday spirit than to remember those who have served and are still serving?”

With a current membership of 2.5-million wartime veterans, The American Legion was founded in 1919 on the four pillars of a strong national security, veterans affairs, Americanism, and youth programs. Legionnaires work for the betterment of their communities through more than 14,000 posts across the nation.

Contact: Joe March or John Raughter – (317) 630-1253, Craig Roberts – (202) 263-2982; Cell – (202) 406-0887.

The winter exhibit at Fresh Air includes 10 new artists with over 300 collective years perfecting their crafts.  Glassblowers, potters, sculptors, bead makers, jeweler’s, and photographers come together in Clinton bringing with them a lifetime of experience.

Ed Pennebaker from Osage, Arkansas has dedicated his adult life to glassmaking with 29 years at the craft. All the glass is made by Ed in his Arkansas backwoods studio. Ed believes in working incessantly, cultivating concepts, discrimination and technique. Pennebaker will be exhibiting a glass chandelier, Christmas ornaments, sculptures, and a work entitled “Carousel Blossom“ made of blown glass, cast glass, and steel. In 1993, he was honored to be included in the "White House Collection of American Crafts". His glass work was part of a collection selected for exhibition at the White House. The collection has since traveled to the Smithsonian Institution and other museums nationwide.  He was also named one of Early American Life magazine's "Best Traditional Craftsmen" for his work with traditional tools and techniques of Early America. Pennebaker retained this honor for the eleven years.  A video of Ed making glass can be found on youtube.com.

Joe Bruhin from Stone County has been described as “Fire and Passion.”  A nationally recognized potter, his works have been shown at the Arkansas Arts Center. Having studied in Japan, Bruhin works in the tradition of Far Eastern potters using an anagama kiln. Stoking the firebox with wood and firing can take up to 100 hours. The results transcend the ordinary.  Images of Joe’s work have been published in books and magazines as well as exhibited in juried and invitational museums and gallery exhibits nationally.  He was awarded the Arkansas Arts Council Fellowship Award in 1993.

Helen Phillips from Yellville, Arkansas has worked, taught and created all her life.  She retired from teaching ceramics at UCA in 2001. Phillips creates functional, sculptural and coil process forms.   African village women with whom she lived and learned left a profound effect on her as well as her time in Okinawa. Her ceramic sculptures express dream imagery using materials that include rocks, sticks, clay and found objects.  The end result—raku fired spiritual images.

Newt and Amy Lale own and operate Osage Clayworks in Osage, Arkansas.  Their vessels are functional, beautiful and are meant to enrich your life as well as adorn your kitchen.  The Lale’s live beside the old Stamp’s Store which is on the National Historic Register and was built in 1901.  The store has been restored into a studio.  Newt uses a potter’s wheel, and Amy hand builds, together they offer up a unique body of works.   Newt’s talents are shared with children who visit the studio and whom are encouraged to hold, mold, and appreciate the earth through clay.

Adrianna Morrisette from Leslie, Arkansas is no stranger to Fresh Air Gallery or Clinton.  You’ve seen her works, but she is exhibiting masks as well as functional pottery in this exhibit.  She’ll have angels made from slabs, large coiled vessels and back by popular demand- her traditional black geometric decorated pottery.

Tom and Sage Holland from Meadow Creek are bead makers.   The Holland’s have been making beads since the late 1980’s-close to 45 years. They’ve exhibited in the Toyota Museum in Japan, the Denmark Glass Museum, the Rockwell Museum in Corning New York, and more. Considered to be among the country’s glass bead making pioneers, they are included in many magazine articles and books including, “History of Beads,” by Lois Sherr Dubin.

Phillip Walrod from Stone County will be showing his new salt-print photographs.  His impressive body of work has captured sports, races, family portraits and landscapes.  Taking risks by climbing and hanging from places the non-adventurous would not go, always learning through discovery, Walrod’s photographs will share with you the breathtaking beauty of Arkansas.

Bill Ward from Bee Branch is a seasoned writer and photographer who has captured through a camera lens, moments of joy, wonder, and amazement of nature and appreciation of life.  Many of his subjects are, “Hill folk.” Bill is the author of the table top book, "Conway; As it Was… As It Is.”

 Pemaquid is by Bill Ward. Chandelier is by Ed Pennebaker Potter is by Joe Bruhin 470. ABSOS is by Phillip Walrod and sc3blossom is by Ed Penneb.

We invite everyone to meet this impressive, creative, wonderful group of artists from 6-8 p.m., Friday, November 20th at Fresh Air Art Gallery, 358 Main Street, Clinton, Arkansas.  The reception is free.  The exhibit will be up through mid-March.  A documentary “The Eloquent Nude” about the photographer Edward Weston and his love & model Charis Wilson will be shown at 8 p.m.  Refreshments and music will be provided.  For further information call Carol Corning at 501-745-2266 or visit www.freshairyoga.org.

Participants in the event were asked to compete in all facets of the agronomic industry, from crop and weed identification to integrated pest management. Soil analysis and managerial decision making skills were also tested.

The National FFA Agronomy CDE is sponsored by Bayer CropScience as a special project of the National FFA Foundation. It is one of 23 different national events that use the fun of competition to connect classroom learning and careers.

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as the Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 506,199 student members - all preparing for leadership and careers in the science, business and technology of agriculture - as part of 7,429 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The National FFA Organization changed to its present name in 1988, in recognition of the growth and diversity of agriculture and agricultural education. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a Federal Charter granted by the 81st Congress of the United States, and is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. Visit www.ffa.org for more information.

Several weeks ago, I walked into the Bone Marrow Transplant Outpatient Clinic for my scheduled appointment at Shands Hospital, University of Florida,Gainesville, Florida.  (I am expecting to have a bone marrow transplant in about a month - for relapsed non-Hodgkins lymphoma.) 

 What a thrill!  There were several bags of beautiful caps available - FREE!  I couldn't believe my good fortune!!  I selected a cap that has lovely pastel green flower print - which ABSOLUTELY matches my taste!  I clutched the plastic bag and stared at the cap.  Could this be for real??  Someone in the waiting room said to me, "Yes, these caps are free.  Take it!"  I walked to the restroom, took off my little bandanna, and tried on the Care Cap.  OH MY GOODNESS!  It is so very, very beautiful.  I felt that I would burst from smiling so widely!!!  Then, I noticed the card inside the plastic bag, signed by over 2 dozen people!  I was glowing with your love, which had transferred from you, to the card and to the cap.  I sew, and I'm very appreciative of the time and effort you offered me.  Even more so, I am so very appreciative of your care and love, as you stitched my (and other) care caps.  I feel very blessed!

 Thank you so much!  I love my Care Cap!  I feel so loved by all of you!  Thank you for your wonderful creations and the love and hope you spread all over by your loving work.

 Your friend, Judy

Kati Watts of Shirley FFA won First Place in her class, Grandchampion Reserve in her division, and 4 overall in the state with her market hog. Kati is a 10th grade FFA student of Mr. Mathews. Her parents are Steve and Kelli Watts of Shirley.

Analea Cook – Medieval Woman – 4th prize (Unlimited Tanning for a Month – Reflections on the Bay).

Board Members and Spouses – Dwayne and Linda Miller; Carlene and Mike Barra;

Dick and Jane Presnell- Chicken Ranchers – 5th Prize (Hair Cut – Reflections on the Bay).

Rawlins and Irma Collerain – Fred and Ginger Rogers – 1st Prize ($50 gift certificate Sweet Shoppe).

Joe Morin – Mr. X – 3rd Prize – (Dinner for Two at the Country Club).

Joyce McMillan – Cleopatra – 2nd prize – (Tickets to It’s a Wonderful Life).

Terry Lee – A Wandering Minstrel;

Paul and Barbara Polodna – Hicks and

Lea Berry – Witch.

Supporters of the FFB Library and fans of Stas’ Productions enjoyed the Halloween Party and play on Wednesday evening, October 28.

FAIRFIELD BAY LIBRARY

    Browse New Arrivals____

HAVE  A LITTLE FAITH – NF

Mitch Albom

SUPER FREAKONOMICS – NF

Steven Levitt

AMERICAN REBEL – BIO

The Life of Clint Eastwood

Marc Eliot

MOON RIVER AND ME-BIO

Andy Williams

TRUE BLUE

David Baldacci

FORD COUNTY

John Grisham

RAINWATER

Sandra Brown

LAST NIGHT IN TWISTED RIVER

John Irving

THE SCARPETTA  FACTOR

Patricia Cornwell

ROUGH COUNTRY

John Sandford

BREAKING THE RULES

Barbara Taylor Bradford

KINDRED IN DEATH

J D Robb

SHADES OF BLUE

Karen Kingsbury

PIRATE LATITUDES

Michael Crichton (Nov 24)

New Young Adult and

Intermediate Youth Titles

TAKEN   PG-13    4 Star

L. Neeson

DEFIANCE   R    4 Star

D. Craig, L Schreiber

FLAWLESS  PG-13  3 ½ Star

D. Moore M. Caine

THE PROPOSAL  PG-13   3 ½ Sta

S. Bullock, R. Reynolds

THE SEA INSIDE    PG-13   4 ½ Star

J. Bardem    (Foreign/English Sub)

_____________________________

IT’S A WONDERFUL LIFE !

6 Performances by Stas’ Productions

Dinner Theater Tickets at the library