FACES
Thoughts of Approaching Winter
This fall provided an abundance of berries and nuts for the bird residents of Bull Shoals so the birds did not flock to the fall feeders we hung. They established a routine at our house and were not hesitant to be disapproving when the feeders emptied with the help of the greedy... [Read more...]
CITY COUNCIL
City Coucil Workshop, November 17
By Ordinance the City Council meets at 7:00 PM on the last Thursday of the month (altered in November and December) for what is typically about an hour meeting. It is open to the public. The reason they can typically have a short and orderly meeting each month is because... [Read more...]
WATER
Keeping Water Clean
What could be more interesting than learning about the history of sewerage treatment? That was one of the presentations October 6th in Siloam Springs at the Arkansas - Oklahoma Water Quality Forum hosted by Congressman John Boozman (AR) and Congressman Dan Boren (OK). Actually... [Read more...]
LIVE GREENER
Green Cell Phones
Not seen one, actually my daughter has a lime green cell phone but that is not the type of green I am writing about. If you are like many people you trade up for a new cell phone model every couple of years. Then you have to do something with the old cell phone. If you do... [Read more...]
VIEWPOINT
Star Gazing on the Lake
Yesterday was a great sailing day on the lake. After an afternoon sailing with friends, we took a pontoon just up into Jimmy Creek off Ferncliff Point. We floated there enjoying the colors of the sunset and continued to float for some star gazing. Even with our navigation lights... [Read more...]
LIFESTYLE
A Meditation on Loving Kindness
The Buddhist tradition employs meditation as an integral part of the practice of Buddhism. One of the basic meditations is the Metta which is generally translated as loving kindness. The meditation typically progresses using the five lines ( or a variation) below but beginning... [Read more...]
LOOKING AHEAD
Presidential Transition and Innauguration
Follow the details of the Presidential Transition to see who is in and who is not. You can also get the official details about the innauguration at the official site. Read More →
YOUNG VOICES
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, a Book Review by Savanna Biddle
This is the 6th year that Harry Potter has been attending Hogwarts school. Rumors are going around about Harry being the “Chosen One” of You-Know-Who (Lord Voldemort). This time, the dark lord has sent Death Eaters to kill Harry’s companions making it harder for Harry to survive. Dumbledore, the headmaster, is going to give Harry Potter private lessons, to help prepare him for his fight against You-Know-Who. You are still wondering, what’s up with the name, ” . . . and the Half Blood Prince“? Well, if I dare tell you, it is a book that a new teacher has given him for potions class. it gets him into trouble and gives him some help too at the same time. This book is a “must read before you see the movie”, but if you see the movies first in line and it’s available, go ahead. Just read Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling one way or another. P.S.- this book is a five star and a “must read” for all! (editor’s... [Read more...]
CAROL'S CORNER
Electric Cars
Need a way to putter around town without getting into your car? Neighborhood electric vehicles (NEVs) may be of interest to you. These are just what the name implies - electric cars for neighborhood (local) trips. They’re environmentally friendly and street legal on streets with speed limits up to 35 mph. To learn more and take a test drive, come to Bull Shoals Friday, October 17th between 10am and 2PM at the corner of Hwy 178 and Broadway (next to First Security Bank). Copies of the newly adopted city plan will also be available. The plan says the city “will encourage a variety of environmentally friendly transportation opportunities and facilities for all users”. Walking, biking, and electric vehicles are a part of that. The planning commission will use this event to kick off a citizen survey to see what people want and need in the way of local transportation without getting into cars - sidewalks, trails and golf cart paths. It’s a big project, but we have to... [Read more...]
Keeping Water Clean
What could be more interesting than learning about the history of sewerage treatment? That was one of the presentations October 6th in Siloam Springs at the Arkansas - Oklahoma Water Quality Forum hosted by Congressman John Boozman (AR) and Congressman Dan Boren (OK). Actually it was quite interesting. Since water doesn’t respect political or geographic boundaries, we all need to work together to protect the region’s water supply. The idea is to consider the watershed as a whole and come up with a plan of doable projects - and a plan to implement and finance the projects. Believe it or not, this is really interesting stuff! As mentioned in another post, litter is ugly - and it’s also a hazard to our lakes, rivers and domestic water supplies. Picking it up instead of leaving it lie is an important thing to do for many reasons. It’s an example of a small act that can make a big difference. Sponsoring lake and shore cleanups is one of the things watershed groups can... [Read more...]
2008 FLOAT FOR LIFE
MISSOURI CONCERT A BIG HIT FOR HOSPICE
David Griffin, Gary Nelson, Ray Dean Davis, and Jack Register November 16th-A free concert was held by four local band members to benefit Hospice of the Ozarks in honor of the 5th Annual Float For Life. David Griffin, Gary Nelson, Ray Dean Davis, and Jack Register made up the best Blues Band we’ve heard in years. They held the benefit concert at the Grapevine Restaurant in Gainesville, Missouri, located at the AR/MO state line on Hwy 5. The music played from 2-6 pm with raffles going on through out the evening. A big crowd was brought in before the event was over, counting over a hundred in attendance. Georgia and Bill Sage Georgia and Bill Sage might not have won big on scratch tickets, but they sure collected a lot of beads. Raffle items were donated by Novak Liquor, The Grapevine Restaurant, and the Miller Brewing Company. Thanks to the Float For Life volunteers and The Grapevine kitchen, there was plenty of free food to enjoy. Robert Baker and Paul & Vicki... [Read more...]
FLOAT FOR LIFE FAQ
Map from U of A Dept. of Crop, Soil, and Environment Science We have received so many questions this past month. Thank you! Please send your questions to: FloatForLife@gmail.com and I’ll do my best to answer them quickly. Q: John C. asks: What are the counties that you go through? A: The Float For Life travels through or touches 13 counties in Arkansas. They are as follows: Baxter, Marion, Izard, Stone, Independence, Jackson, White, Woodruff, Prairie, Monroe, Arkansas, Phillips, and Desha. The road crew has to follow highways and takes the most accesable routes. They actually travel through different counties. I’ll get Robbie to research that aspect. Q: Gary N. asks: How many boats do you use? A: The first day we will have anywhere from 15-20 boats carrying some of our sponsors and volunteers. These boats will float 62 miles to Calico Rock where we camp the first night. Only three boats will continue on to the Mississippi. Q: Sarah B asks: Who does the road crew and how... [Read more...]
Hospice of the Ozarks Memorial Luncheon
November 13, 2008:  A Celebration Of Life Phil Thompson, Hospice of the Ozarks Executive Director, greeted the crowd of people who gathered around beautifully set dining tables at First Baptist Church in Mountain Home. The Hospice Board Members and Staff were introduced with much applaud. An opening prayer was lead by Larry Olson, Hospice Chaplain, just before a wonderful meal was served by Hospice Volunteers. Dr. Michael Hagaman spoke, followed by many others. My attention was held as three items were displayed: The Hospice Rose; a single rose which symbolizes the bond of love, pain and commitment shared between the Hospice Team and the families of our loved ones. The Hospice Light; a candle symbolizing the gift of light, the gift of friendship and the gift of love. The Book Of Life which contains the names of our loved ones who have died. In turn the names were read of those who were served by Hospice of the Ozarks from September 2007 to August 2008. There were so many names,... [Read more...]
DID IT HAVE YOUR NAME ON IT?
So, did it have your name on it? Everyone who knows Ray Novak knows what this question means. Leave your cooler at last week’s Float For Life meeting? Ask Captain Ray if he’s seen it. Go ahead and describe the nice blue ice chest with the white lid…the words Coleman on the front. While everyone else is dying with laughter, someone will turn to you and ask, “Did it have your name on it?” Chances are that your nice cooler now has NOVAK written on it in big letters. Sure, he’ll let you look at it, even hold if you want, but who wants a nice cooler with NOVAK written on the front, the back, the lid, and inside? I, myself, have fallen victim to the name game. We all have. Now you know that Ray has a big heart. He’s always ready to help. Next thing you know he’ll be loaning your cooler to the neighbor down the street, or to the fisherman who needs to keep his catch on ice til he gets home. Last year’s Float For Life crew learned the... [Read more...]
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MONDAY MEDITATION
The Aloha Spirit
THE ALOHA SPIRIT a.k.a. The Little Pink Booklet of Aloha by Serge Kahili King Copyright by Serge King 2003 You may copy, share and post this document as often as you wish on condition that it not be sold. For a free copy in booklet form, email your name and postal address to huna@huna.org. The Aloha Spirit is a well known reference to the attitude of friendly acceptance for which the Hawaiian Islands are so famous. However, it also refers to a powerful way to resolve any problem, accomplish any goal, and to achieve any state of mind or body that you desire. In the Hawaiian language, aloha stands for much more than just “hello” or “goodbye” or “love.” Its deeper meaning is “the joyful (oha) sharing (alo) of life energy (ha) in the present (alo).” As you share this energy you become attuned to the Universal Power that the Hawaiians call mana. And the loving use of this incredible Power is the secret for attaining true health, happiness,... [Read more...]
BEING IN BULL SHOALS
Transitioning to Life in Bull Shoals
When I grew up in southern Arkansas all I could think of was how to leave and how soon. Later as I lived around the country and across the Pacific I never considered returning to Arkansas. Two and a half years ago my husband and I lived in a city that we adored in the most beautiful part of the country you can imagine. Our children lived near us; we had a beautiful home and we had access to great restaurants and diverse recreational and cultural activities. We were also were frazzled and fatigued. We commuted an hour each way in increasing traffic. We worked at jobs that we did not like with people whose moral compasses were slightly off. We were too exhaused at night or on the weekend to enjoy our home and we spent more time wilted on the couch dozing until bedtime. On the weekends we either caught up on chores or sleep and our primary recreation turned into watching videos instead of hiking our beloved Oregon hiking trails. Something had to change. Over the next six... [Read more...]
FAIRS FESTIVALS AND EVENTS
Craftsfest
Arts and Crafts Association Presents Craftsfest November 14-15 Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Food and Crafts for you to enjoy Get your Holiday Shopping done early at the Baxter County Fiarfrounds Free Admission Drawings for Gift Certificates Read More →
Community Haunted Resort Spirit
The First Annual Haunted Resort occurred on Halloween, Friday night and started with a Bang. The Ozark Outlaws (more information on them can be found at their web site: WWW.ozarksoutlaws.com ) The Sheriff and friends were wandering about and enjoying the food provided by Lakeview Motors (Mike Porting) and making sure the crowds were behaving themselves. Bottled water and soda was provided by The Chamber. Then during the early evening some rowdy cowpokes showed up. The Sheriff asked them nicely to turn in their guns. The cowpokes could have had them back when they left the Haunted Resort; it was not to be so easy. A crowd gathered about in the dusk and waited. Would the Sheriff have to draw his gun? Would anyone get hurt? Mothers pulled their children close. The Blood Bank Dracula (Joey) in the cemetery even left his post to watch. The cowpokes would not give up their guns while visiting and a gun fight occurred. The Sheriff and Deputy were standing when the smoke cleared. One of the... [Read more...]
LIVING IN THE 21ST CENTURY
Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, a Book Review by Savanna Biddle
This is the 6th year that Harry Potter has been attending Hogwarts school. Rumors are going around about Harry being the “Chosen One” of You-Know-Who (Lord Voldemort). This time, the dark lord has sent Death Eaters to kill Harry’s companions making it harder for Harry to survive. Dumbledore, the headmaster, is going to give Harry Potter private lessons, to help prepare him for his fight against You-Know-Who. You are still wondering, what’s up with the name, ” . . . and the Half Blood Prince“? Well, if I dare tell you, it is a book that a new teacher has given him for potions class. it gets him into trouble and gives him some help too at the same time. This book is a “must read before you see the movie”, but if you see the movies first in line and it’s available, go ahead. Just read Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling one way or another. P.S.- this book is a five star and a “must read” for all! (editor’s... [Read more...]
Presidential Transition and Innauguration
Follow the details of the Presidential Transition to see who is in and who is not. You can also get the official details about the innauguration at the official site. Read More →
DOLLARS AND SENSE
New Owners of Bull Shoals Hardware Celebrate Grand Opening
Many people were concerned last spring when the hardware store closed. As it sat darkened for weeks speculation increased about the future of the store and what it’s absence would mean to the community. In June people began seeing activity in the store but it still was not open. As the heat of early summer approached the doors stood open and people began to step in to see what was going on. What the found was the new manager working to put his own particular brand on the store before re-opening. He and his helpers installed additional shelving and rearranged the store. They added new merchandise and a new computer system to speed check outs and track inventory. Finally, after weeks of work and considerable reorganizing and restocking the store reopened under the new manager. His philosophy was simple, “I am committed to Bull Shoals and I want to provide a first rate service hardware to the community. If we do not stock an item then I want to hear requests so I can... [Read more...]
Bull Shoals Real Estate Statistics
The mortgage crunch and lousy economy has affected our area as well as the rest of the country. In Bull Shoals, recent statistics show that during the period of January 1, 2007 to September 30, 2007 there were 27 single family homes sold. The average list price was $150,914 and the average sold price was $142,662. That equates to a sale price to list price of 94.5%. The average days on market was 139. The same time period in 2008 shows 30 single family homes sold with an average list price of $121,003 and an average sold price of $112,360. That equates to a sale price to list price of 92.8% The average days on market was 165. The bottom line is that within that one year time, it took longer to achieve less money. Sellers are more motivated right now and are willing to take less profit. Those waiting for the market to rebound may be in for a longer than thought wait. If you are thinking of selling, it is imperative that you hire a company with deep pockets that can sustain a long advertising... [Read more...]
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