Annual Christmas Program

It’s over, another Christmas has come and gone. For many people the day after is a time of collapse, and sheer exhaustion. Some are in the throes of cleaning up the mess of crumpled wrapping paper and Christmas dinner scraps. Some may have a house full of relatives. The children are playing with their newly acquired toys, and some of you are already back to work.

    But consider this sobering thought: yesterday was one of only about 70 Christmases you may experience in your lifetime. And I just bet most of them are now behind you…so was it a Christmas to remember? Was it truly a time to be thankful for our Lord Jesus Christ? Sometimes we are so busy with the holiday celebration that we forget just what we are celebrating. Some of the holiday glitter has possibly already worn off, and in a few days the tree and decorations will be gone. It will be business as usual again very soon. But remember, that even though the celebration is over, the greatest news of all is still with us. Jesus Christ was born, He lives today, and He will remain with us for the next 364 days and forevermore!

    Thank you all for another very heartwarming Community Christmas. We checked in a total of 55 pies, cakes, and cookie batches to be auctioned. We also were blessed with a hand-crafted cedar quilt rack donated by Wesley Riggs, two theater tickets from the Alma Performing Arts Center combined with dinner for two from our local Cracker Barrel. The new “Pretty Girl” is now Madisen Juacinto, daughter of Savannah Sewell, granddaughter of Dana Wilkinson, and great-granddaughter of Don & Linda Wilkinson. And speaking of Don, he is now the first inductee into the TLC…no not the women’s EHC group called the Turner Ladies Club, but the newly formed Turner Liar’s Club! He now wears the hat proudly and all you other guys need to polish up on your storytelling at the Men’s Monday Morning Coffee so you will be the next Hall Of Fame-r.

We sacked up about 180 bags of Christmas goodies for the community and all were either given away at the program or delivered afterwards. There are no words I can write to express the appreciation for all who participated. It just wouldn’t be same without our group effort. My heartfelt thanks go out to each and every one of you. Congratulations to all who won the fabulous door prizes that our surrounding community was so generous to donate. The program went very well; the readings and music were perfect for the occasion. Our talented accompanist was Hanna Townsend, granddaughter of Fred and Reba Peters. Her dad, John, graced us with his beautiful voice as he led our carols. Our special guest, Santa Claus, was a welcome sight, and the refreshments were delicious as usual.

I am sure Jeanette Gibbs missed us as much as we missed her, and thanks for everyone signing her Christmas card. We already notice her absence because she was one so dedicated and faithful to participate, just a wonderful lady.

Wishing everyone a happy New Year, good health and good memories...Linda Wilkinson

Ole Timer's Coffee Group

The men’s Monday morning coffee group continues to gain members and the frivolity just increases.  The guy’s meet about 9:00 am each Monday morning at the Community Center, and the gathering gets the week started with humor and laughter.  If you can stand laughing ‘till tears start and hearing some of the best tales, stories and truths ever told in the Boston Mountains then please join us.

    The coffee group is also the home of the ROMEO dinner posse (Really Old Men Eating Out).  This extinguished bunch of gentlemen (?) go out the second Monday night of each month to dinner together, and the lucky eating establishment is always glad to see what they hope is the last of them.  Anyone, especially geezers, are welcome to join.

All in all the coffee group produces an amazing variety of information, useful and well…o.k. it’s mostly useless, but still a wide variety.  We have a really diverse group, long time locals and several “from away”.  For example, Richard Mirus, a long time local is a walking encyclopedia of local history, his cover is somewhat worn but he is still very informative.  Then there’s the brothers-in-law, Fred Peters and Don Wilkinson.  Don never met a chicken house he couldn’t raid and turn into cash, and Fred’s great-great-great grandfather just missed the boat with Washington crossing the Delaware.  So you never know what you may be missing by not having coffee with this bunch.

    Everyone enjoys the camaraderie and no one is a stranger.  So if you enjoy a fine cup of coffee and a real mountain man get together, or a mostly “round men get to gather”, then come on over to the Community Center on Monday mornings about 9:00 am and let the good times flow.                See ya’ll there, Cuppy

Trusses Puttin' On in The Ozarks

    People, we have a new neighbor James and Beth Raines moving in down from the community building.

    Well, it all started with a phone call and word of mouth that James would be trying to put trusses on the house he is building.  James and his father-in-law was going to try to manhandle the trusses by themselves, so seven of the guys from the community came over to assist and folks it was some kinda of fun watching all of this taking place.
Every job has to have a Superintendent and Max Donnohue fit that bill.  James wife, Beth had donuts and coffee and a place to sit.  Well, who do you think was drinking coffee and wolfing down them donuts, and I can say he also tried to be the boss but nobody listened to him.  This fellow was our pastor at Ozark Chapel, Bro Darrell Ezell. 

    Well, with a plan that would make builders quake, we started setting trusses.  After we got the first truss up and in place, we started playing a game, which everyone was in on the game except Jim Parker.  The object of the game was try to knock Jim off the ladder.  We were down to the last few trusses when we finally succeeded.  High fives all around and then back to work.  At lunch time Beth and her mother showed up with fried chicken and pizza.

    You know the stories been told on preachers and fried chicken, well all I can say, was watch your hand when reaching into the chicken bucket, you could draw back a nub.  A good meal and we went back and finished up.

    Those attending, and some helped were Max Donnohue, Roger Wise, Richard Mirus, Wesley Riggs, Jim Parker, Darrell Ezell, and Glenn Brandenburg.

    At least that’s the way I remembered that day, more or less.  Thanks Guys for the memories.

Thank You!

Thank you, Jeanette, for being a part of our community for years.  We cannot begin to count the ways you have contributed to Turner Community.  Your many contributions to and assistance with every newsletter will be greatly missed.  We could always count on you to have the upcoming events posted on the event boards.  During community events, you always contributed more than your fair share of food, supplies, and of your time.  When anything needed done, you would do it without anyone asking it of you.  This is only a small sample of the many hours you have given to us.       Again, thank you Jeanette Gibbs for being our friend and neighbor.  We miss you, our loss is Kentucky’s gain.

Welcome Baskets

Welcome Baskets were given to three new arrivals.  We welcome Paul and Judy Bettis of Rock Creek Road to our midst as well as the Johnsons on Old Turner Road, and Teresa, the bride of Eugene Riggs on Old Turner Rd.  We invite each of these families to join us for each of our community activities.

Annual BBQ

For a while it looked like we might be rained out.  But on September 5, the rain stopped, the sun came out, the smell of Bar B Q filled the air and chatter was heard from the grilling area.
    About noon, folks began to come and soon the room was filled.  Before 4 P.M. the meat was done and people were saying they were hungry.
    Our chefs did a fantastic job providing tender, good tasting and smelling chicken as well as tenderloin.  Our ladies provided several different salads, baked beans, condiments and we can’t forget a table full of various desserts.
    Door prizes were awarded to Hershel and Aline Jones, Calvin and Lois Campbell, and Larry and Vonna Steele.
    Our theme this year was “Come Home to Roost with a sign welcoming everyone.  Tables were decorated with a collection of bird houses which certainly were conversation pieces.
    We appreciate each one who came out, brought food, and participated in the gathering.  The proceeds of this venture will go towards the expenses of the Community Building. 
    We invite you to mark this event on your calendar this year and attend.  You will find friends and some new people to talk and fellowship with.
    Thank you once again to all who took a part in this venture and especially those who attended.

Ice Cream Social

The weather will be getting warm in June so on the 20th at 4:00 join your friends and neighbors for some delicious homemade and purchased ice cream. Proceeds will go toward the upkeep of the community building. You may win one of our door prizes.

We'll also be welcoming back our very own Buddy R Kelly Jr. who will be providing live entertainment. Thanks Buddy!

Ice Cream Social

The weather will be getting warm in June so on the 20th at 4:00 join your friends and neighbors for some delicious homemade and purchased ice cream. Proceeds will go toward the upkeep of the community building. You may win one of our door prizes.

We'll also be welcoming back our very own Buddy R Kelly Jr. who will be providing live entertainment. Thanks Buddy!

Monthly Game Night

If you have not joined us on the second Friday night of every month, you are missing good eats and good companionship.

While the board members have their meeting at 6:00, the ladies are getting everything set out and ready to eat. We have potluck at 6:30 and talk about being good, its much better than good. The cooks outdo themselves and if anyone goes away hungry, it is their own fault. Then after eating and visiting, almost everyone stays and does more visiting while playing games. Most everyone plays Mexican train (with their own variation of the rules of course).

Turner Trade Days Are Coming

Yep, we have a new activity on the venue for this year’s fund raising. We will be having a community yard sale/trade day Saturday July 18th. So mark your calendars and start your spring cleaning. Outside spaces for the sale will rent for $10.00 and you can get a lot of stuff into a 12 X 20 area. A limited number of inside 8 X 10 spaces will be available for $15.00. If you need a table, they will also be for rent at $3.00 each. Two folding chairs will be provided to each booth. What a great opportunity to get rid of some of the stuff that has been accumulating around your house and you can make some money to boot. We want to start early in the morning, around 7 AM and you can sell as long as you want. You will be allowed to bring your merchandise out the day before and set it up. Each person must clean up their area before leaving, and any unsold merchandise must be removed by the end of the day. The sale will be advertised in the local newspapers and flyers will be posted. We hope this will be a successful event that will lead to a Turner tradition.

The Extension Homemakers Club, better known as the Turner Ladies Club, will be selling hot dogs, chips, drinks, and miscellaneous snack items. All profits from the snack sale, booth rent, and table rent will be deposited in the Turner Community General Fund.

Everyone knows how much it costs these days to upkeep a facility. We need to raise money to gurantee funds for future expenses of insurance, utilities, maintenance, and lawn care. If you want to participate in the Turner Trade Day event, reserve your space by calling Don or Linda Wilkinson at 479-997-8541, Max or Shirley Donnohue at 479-997-1590. Get your reservations in now. And remember…one man’s trash is another man’s treasure!

PS…It has been rumored that Herschel has challenged Don to an old fashioned Hoop Roll contest. Don would like to officially accept this challenge and will now commence some vigorous training. The Trade Day function should provide an ample crowd to witness this courageous and valiant contest that could possibly qualify for an entry into the Guiness World Book of Records. He is also going to fervently explore the internet for official rules and will then provide his own rendition of them. Herschel…beware!

TLC Club News UPDATE!

We had several members attend the workshop "Creative Gift Cards". It was conducted by Mrs. Dianna Parker. We had myself, Jane Deer, Misty Nelson & Jeanette Gibbs attend this workshop. It was a lot of fun and we got to make several pretty cards ourselves.

On April 6th, we had several members attend the workshop conducted by Cheryl Stewart on "Tatting". I attended, Jane Deer, Misty Nelson, Dianna Henson & Donna Shepherd. It was alot of fun- Don't know if I will ever get the hang of it!!!!! But I will keep on trying because Mrs. Stewart said she expected to see some Tatting crafts entered in our County Fair.

Luann Wise, Secretary/Reporter

Plant Swap

Another new event is scheduled for May 16th. It is a Plant Swap at the Community Building at 9:00 AM. Bring any extra plants or seedlings you wish to give away. You can take home as many as you want. Hope to have a lot to swap. Come and see what we have to offer.

TLC Club News

The TLC Club held their meeting on March 9th, 2009. The meeting was called to order by the
President, Dianna Parker. Misty Nelson our song leader led us in the lovely tune of
"Found A Peanut". Roll call was "Cleaning Tips." We had 13 members present.

Jane Deer was our Hostess for the meeting and she had decorated very lovely for St.
Patrick’s day. Minutes were read and approved.

New Business: The Volunteer Firemen & First Responders fund raiser pancake breakfast will be held March 28th.

EHC County Council will be June 9th and will have a silent auction. We were asked for the ones who can to make "Woman's cancer pillows" and to be taken to the meeting. Mrs. Parker said she would get us patterns.

Dianna Parker said she received a call asking if our club would be interested in taking over the "Phone In" and will be getting us a list.

Mrs. Jeanette Gibbs asked for the members to buy and bring her some different colored
Easter grass to our next meeting for use in the welcome baskets.

For the June meeting we can bring personal hygiene items to the club meeting to be taken to the Cass Job Corps program. It is now a Co-ed.

Mrs. Shirley Donahue gave us a short feature on "Heart Smart". Mrs. Jane Deer conducted the program for us on "Eating Well while cooking Lite".

Announcements: Jane Deer and Luann were judges for the 4-H Nutrition and Arbor Day Posters. It is going to be a very interesting and fun meeting!!!! If you can bring a guest and maybe they will join our club.

Luann Wise, Secretary/Reporter

ROCKY TOP 4-H CLUB NEWS

We have members Lillian, Madelyn, Annie Beasley & Weston Bull who went to Little Rock to compete with their poultry in a Spring Show. They had to have their chickens in place Friday evening and were being judged today and they should be home tonight. So the next newsletter I will have their results for you.

Our club once again for about 10 years now have been active in the American Cancer Society’s "Relay For Life". I got involved in it then when my dad had cancer. He was never able to go and participate in the Survivors Walk because he was too weak. I encourage everyone who has never been and participated to make it at least to it one time. The best time would be to be there at 9:00 p.m. At that time all the lights are turned off. The Luminary sacks are lined around both sides of the track and they spell HOPE up in the stands. But at that time everyone meets in the middle of the track and all the names are read that are in "Honor" or in "Memory". After the reading everyone participates in a silent walk in memory of all the people whose names are on the sacks. I have several of my family with sacks, I saw neighbors names people I didn't even know who has had cancer but have Luminary sacks in Honor of them. Please, if you get a chance go at least one time. I promise you will be touched and will cry a little.

If you have any one you want to buy a Luminary sack in "Honor" or in "Memory" please call me. They cost $5.00 a sack. Our club is also selling chances on baskets that will be given away that night. They cost $1.00 apiece or 6 for $5.00. A few of the baskets we have ready now are: A man's fishing basket, a women's gardening basket, we have a box of 8 yard lights. So call me and we can fix you up or call one of our 4-H kids. All the money we make on the baskets goes to the American Cancer Society.

On Sunday we are having our Club Achievement Banquet where we reward the kids for all their hard work. Luann Wise

Win A Quilt!

This quilt is to be given away during the fish fry on May 9. Chances are $1.00 each or 6 for $5.00. See any board member to purchase chances or you can purchase at the fish fry.
This picture shows the quilt top on a queen size bed. The top measured 80" X 96" before it was quilted by our quilting ladies. The top is light blue, pink and white as the main colors. The back of the quilt is pink.

ROCKY TOP 4-H NEWS

Since our last community letter we had Miranda Creel, Cody Wise, Will Deputy and Dalton Hall and Lillian Beasley Record Book Journals go on for District Judging. We just had one win in District and it was Cody Wise, he was also a State Record Book Journal Finalist and had to go to Ferndale at the V.A. Vines 4-H Center for an Interview.
We had Lillian, Madelyn & Annie Clare Beasley go to the Spring District show at Fayetteville. They won several blue ribbons and they also are going on to the Spring Show at the State Fair in Little Rock. Lillian Beasley is competing in the District BB-Que contest.

We had several attend the County 4-H Achievement Banquet for the kids who turned in Record Book Journals. Attending were: Dillon & Dalton Hall, Lillian, Madelyn & Annie Claire Beasley, Miranda Creel, Cody Wise and Samantha Riggs. Not attending was Will Deputy, Lillian Beasley won the County Champion Award. Our
4-H Club won County Honor Club, County Champion Award, Promotional Award and first
in the Community Award.

Our club sponsored the Community Easter Egg Hunt. We didn't have a whole lot of kids show up but a lot of the other big Egg hunts were going on. The ones who came got plenty of eggs and candy. We performed Egg Magic and Egg Facts and handed out coloring sheets and had several prizes for the kids available.. A big Thank You to Ms Jeanette Gibbs for coming and assisting us and Thank You to all the TLC Ladies who donated eggs for us.

At our club meeting April 26th, the kids planted a tree for Arbor Day but in Honor of Mr. Terry Bassham who helped make it possible for us to have our Fire Department. 4-H members who assisted in planting the tree was: Alex Balandran, Dalton & Dillon Hall, Lillian, Madelyn & Annie Claire Beasley, Seren Deputy, Rylli Hammond, Kristy Mann, Weston Bull, Rose Rippee, Shylo & Triston Hamby, Samantha Riggs, Anisha & Dakota Reeves.

Our next meeting will be May 3rd and it will be our Club Achievement Banquet, everyone is welcome to come. If interested in a 4-H Club call Nickie Taul at 474-5286 or Luann Wise at 217-0280.

FROM THE CHAIRMAN’S DESK

Lots of activity going on in the community. Neighbors are out planting gardens, mowing, putting up fences and other things they have been thinking about doing all winter.
Just a reminder though, take time out of your work schedule to attend the Fish Fry at the Turner Community Building on May 9 at 4 pm. Menu will consist of Fish, Chicken and side dishes. Come out and enjoy the good food and the chance to visit with your neighbors.
This is a fundraiser for the community and proceeds will go to the upkeep of the Community Building.
Hope to see you there. Fred Peters, Chair Person

Fish Fry Coming!

Again it is the time for the annual fish fry for the Turner Community May 9, 2009. We will be cooking the fish outside the kitchen.

So come and kick back and enjoy the latest newest info (not gossip) going on in the community.

Starting time is called eatin' time, and we will be eatin' at 4:00P.M. Come ahead early and do some visiting. See you at the fish fry. Price is $7.50 adults and $3.00 for kids 12 & under for all you care to eat. Hopefully several door prizes will be awarded.

TLC Club News

The TLC Club had their April meeting. Reba Peters and Connie Fuller were our Hostess for the month. We had delicious food!! The President Dianna Parker called the meeting to order. Luann Wise read the roll call.

Jane Dear and Dianna Henson presented the program for us. It was a Color Personality Analysis. We had 13 members present. After the program we put in use one of the fast cleaning tips from the last meeting. Dawn Beaver mixed up a home remedy for cleaning tarnished silver. Several ladies brought pieces to be cleaned and it did work wonders. We also shredded tissue paper for the welcome baskets.

Thanks to all the ladies who provided tissue paper as well as bought grass.

If any interested ladies or men want to come to our next meeting it will be Monday May 11th, 2009 @ 6:00 p.m.

Luann Wise/Secretary

Pancake Breakfast to Benefit Fire Fighters

Turner Community Volunteer Fire Fighters and First Responders will
have a Pancake Breakfast on March 28, 7:30 am to 10:30 am at the
community building. There will be pancakes, sausage, eggs, coffee,
milk, and orange juice available. Proceeds will benefit the Turner
Department.

Board Member Elections

At the February 13th Board Meeting there will be nominations taken from the floor for a vacant board member position. During the last meeting two nominations were made. If there are no further nominations, an election between these two community members will be conducted.

Annual Chili Supper Fund Raiser!

Turner community will be hosting it’s regular Chili Supper on February 21 at 6:30 PM. This is an annual event to raise money to pay for the upkeep of the building and grounds and to pay the utilities bills. However, there’s one thing special about this year…we’ll have live entertainment provided by local good ole boy, Buddy R Kelly Jr.

Buddy is an award winning singer and songwriter that grew up around these parts. He’s donating his time and talent to sing for us and we’re happy to have him. Buddy has won several song writing competitions including runner up for VH-1s “Song of the Year” award as well as played around the area for many years.

A self-taught guitarist, he’s a die-hard fan of Jim Croce, Neil Young and the Ozark Mountain Daredevils. He’ll be bringing us tunes such as “Bad, Bad Leroy Brown” (Jim Croce), “Bad Moon Rising” (Creedence Clearwater Revival) and selections made popular by artists such as The Eagles, Buddy Holly, Jimmy Buffet, Harry Chapin and Santana.

So come out, join the fun and help us support our community!

Have You Heard?

Have you heard about WestArkSwap? No? Let me tell you about it!

WestArkSwap was formed as a local community bulletin board to announce things such as yard sales, fund raisers, and community events as well as items individuals may want to buy, sell and trade...all without the expense of newspaper ads.

We serve the Fort Smith/Van Buren and surrounding areas.

For more information, click WestArkSwap

From The Chairman's Desk

I would like to take this time to look back on some of the activities and happenings of 2008, but before I do that I would like to give a thank you to Richard Mirus for all the outstanding work he did and is doing for the community. Some of you may not know that Richard resigned from the Board in October. He assures us that when some of the projects that he is working on are completed he will serve again if needed. And we do need him! Richard has worked tirelessly for the community, and many of the improvements in the community are a direct result of his hard work. Richard, we miss you on the board.

Looking back on just some of the highlights from 2008. The Fund-raiser chili supper held on February 9 was a great success. We depend on these fundraisers to pay the maintenance on the building and encourage all to participate. In May, Richard Mirus reported the good news that the water board had received a grant for Locust Mountain, Friendly Lane, Pope Cemetery Rd and Revis Hill Rd to assist with water connections. A great time was had at the June Fund Raising Ice Cream Social. In October the Rock Creek Bridge was reopened after many months of hardship for residents in that area. The bridge was washed out in one of the torrential rainstorms that Mother Nature provided. We look forward to the start of paving on Rock Creek Road soon.
Of the many good events and fundraisers that took place in 2008, the top of the List goes to the HOMECOMNG EVENT. Thanks to all who planned and worked to make it the success that it was. Richard and Lawrence Mirus were the head all-nights cooks again this year and everyone enjoyed eating the fruits of their all night labor.

Looking Forward: We cannot know what the future of 2009 holds, only God knows that, but we know that like those who have gone before us, we can get through torrential rains which wash our bridges and roads out, hail storms that damage our roofs and anything else that comes our way with God’s help and if we work together, neighbor helping neighbor. We encourage everyone to attend the board meetings, which are the second Friday of each month at 6 pm. A potluck supper and an evening of playing dominoes follow this. If you don’t play dominoes bring your favorite game. COME ONE – COME ALL.

From the Desk of the Chair Person-----Fred Peters

Rocky Top 4-H Club News

In November the Club went to the Dollar General Store in Alma and shopped for items needed for Children's Hospital in Little Rock.

In November & first part of December we participated in a Crawford County 4-H Can Good Drive and sad to say our club was about the only club who participated and therefore won the contest. All the can goods went to the Out Reach in Alma.

At the end of December a lot of us went to the Alma Rehab and decorated the bedroom doors for the residents. The kids enjoyed doing it and socializing with the residents while doing it. We have been asked to decorate them for Valentines and Easter and again all through the year for the Holidays and seasons. We received a real nice Thank You letter from them.

December 22nd the kids participated in the Donor Appreciation where the kids make goody bags and deliver them to the people who contribute to the 4-H Foundation.

In December some of us made/served dinner to the residents of the Mountainburg Savannah Park Apartments.

January 6th, all 4-H Record Book Journals and club books had to be turned in for competition. Have not received the County results yet but when I do, I will let you know how the kids placed and how our club books placed.

We are gearing up for a lot busier 4-H Year and a lot of fun events. We will be having a club Achievement Banquet and would like everyone to come and share the kids awards and see first hand some of the many different things they participate in.

Lastly, the club would like to thank the community for the Christmas sacks.

If interested in 4-H please call me at 479-217-0280 or contact Nickie Taul at the Crawford County Extension Office at 479-474-5286

Forecasting Weather

Modern meteorologists have nothing on old time folk lore. I guess as soon as there was such a thing as weather patterns, man has been trying to predict what's coming. Let's look at some of the old time "signs" for weather forecasting.

Animal sign -
A bad winter is predicted when:
squirrels gather nuts early (middle to late September).
beaver lodges have more logs.
fur or hair on animals such as horses, sheep, mules, cows and dogs is thicker than usual.
cows hooves break loose earlier.
crows gather together.

Insect signs -
A bad winter is predicted when:
hornets & yellow jackets build nests closer to the ground and they are thicker.
crickets in the chimney.
ants build their hills higher.
miller moths try to get inside by hitting the screens.

Plant signs -
A bad winter is predicted when:
blackberry blooms are heavier than normal.
carrots grow deeper into the ground.
onions grow more layers than usual.
hickory nuts have thicker shells.

To forecast rain -
It will rain if:
the cows are laying down in the pasture.
the leaves on plants are showing their backs.
there are clouds with the sunset.
ants are covering the hole to their hill.
birds start flying low in the air.

Do you have an ole' time predictions of weather?

2009 Calendar Of Events!

Members of the community met Jan 4 to plan the upcoming year’s events.

The ladies meet every Wednesday from 9:00 to 3:00 for quilting.

The monthly events are:

• Second Sunday the 4-H meets at 2:00
• Second Monday night the EHC meets at 6:00
• Development Board meets second Friday night at 6:00 followed by Game Night at 6:30

Other events planned for the year are:

• The fund raiser Chili Supper on February 21 at 6:30
• The fire department will have a Pancake breakfast on March 28 from 7:30 to 11:30
• On April 11 the 4-H will have their Easter Party/egg hunt
• A fish fry will be held on May 9 at 4:00
• The fire department will have a Kid’s Day on May 30 from 8:00 to 2:00
• On June 20 the Ice Cream Social will be at 4:00
• On June 27 will be 4-H Day Camp
• Plans are being worked out to have Turner Trade Day/Yard Sale on July 18 starting at 7:00. Spaces will be available for rent.
• On September 5 will be the annual Homecoming event from 2:00 to 4:00 followed by the Bar-B-Q at 4:00.
• October 24 will be a Bean/Cornbread Supper with outdoor activities planned starting at 4:00 and then eating at 6:00.
• October 31 the 4-H will have their activities from 10:00 to 4:00.
• The Pie Supper to raise money for the Christmas Sacks will be on November 14 at 6:30.
• On December 19 the Annual Christmas Program will be presented at 6:30.

The Chili Supper, Ice Cream Social, Bar-B-Q, and Bean/Cornbread Supper are fund raisers to pay for the upkeep and bills of the Community Building. Make plans to attend some of the events to meet some of your neighbors, support your community, and enjoy yourself.

Ya'll Come!

Yes! There Really Is A Spririt of Christmas!

Another year come and gone, another Christmas passed. Sometimes I think about all the hustle and bustle of running, shopping cooking, decorating, and attending all the special Christmas events. Sometimes I wonder if it really is worth it all. This turns out to be a time consuming season, it involves extra work, demands extra time, and requires extra money to get it all accomplished. But if it were anybody else’s birthday that we were celebrating, I would have given up a long time ago. But because of who Christ is, and what He gave to me, I know that there’s something about this season of celebration that excites me, encourages me, and sustains me. For what other reason on earth could we possibly endure this seemingly endless schedule of gala? So yes, I believe there really is a Spirit of Christmas.

When all is said and done, the tree comes down, the decorations are packed away, and the house is somewhat back in order, can we remember the love expressed and carry it in our hearts until the next celebration? Did we share God’s love, make some good memories, touch someone’s heart with our community fellowship? I certainly do hope so, because that is why we volunteered to do it all again. Yep, Shirley Donnohue and Beverly Patterson agreed to be my partners again for the 2009 Christmas Celebration.

So let’s just do some reminiscing about the memories made this past Christmas. If you attended either event, you’ll know what I’m talking about. Our pie auction event definitely brought us some surprises. The Handsome Man contest was absolutely awesome with Don Wilkinson and Jim Parker really working the crowd and raising donations. These two had the perfect personalities to get this going. All you guys out there need to be buffing up for the next contest, I’m looking for two handsome men to volunteer for this fun competition. Our Pretty Girl was Addie Pippen, daughter of Debbie Pippin and granddaughter of Herschel and Aline Jones. Of course, everyone enjoyed the cakewalk, Arlene Riggs does such a super job getting cake donations and making lots of fun for everyone. Not sure about the Turkey Bowling…does anyone have any real bowling pins? I think the plastic set may have been too easy for most of the kids, but Barbara Deputy had plenty of cupcakes for those who made a strike. I’m always open to any suggestions for games and volunteers to oversee them.

We raised a record amount of funds with the auction of pies, cakes, cookies, and a donated jewelry chest hand-made by Wesley Riggs. Richard Mirus did an excellent job of auctioneering all the goodies for us. This year we had several quality door prizes donated so the ones that attended were eligible for some neat gifts. Better stick around next time if you weren’t there. We also had a $50.00 check from Katy Young; how great it is to have someone care about our community even though Jim has passed on and she was out of the country for the holiday. Special thanks go out to her. And thanks to all those who shared their pies afterward, wasn’t it good to sit around and enjoy some pie and coffee after all the festivities? And of course, Jeanette was busy in the kitchen making sure everyone was taken care of.

Our sacking party was a prime example of cooperation and determination to fill all those goody bags; I just believe Santa and his elves could learn a few things from us. We had an assembly line moving with constant motion and we probably set a record with our efficiency and time management. Think about joining us, there’s always room for another helper.

The Grand Finale was of course, GRAND, in my opinion. So good to have the Rocky Top 4-H group involved with our celebration. This year Chris Boerjan led us in Christmas hymns and dear ol’ Santa came for a special visit. I’ll let you know if I get the garage I asked for. The Turner Ladies Club provided refreshments... very very tasty, and Jeanette’s punch was delicious.

There’s just something about the sound of people laughing, telling stories, and visiting with friends; sharing this moment in time with our family, our neighbors, our community; nearly a forgotten tradition in America today. When we all grow old, I believe we’ll need memories such as these to help us through. I’ll say, “Hey…Hey…Don, do you remember that Christmas you dressed up in them cut off stripped overalls and we hung that glittered heart of gold around your neck? You even let me color your mustache, and you made that speech in front of all them people? Well, Sweet Tater, you shorely was a handsome man back then…know what…you still is!!”

Happy New Year and thanks to you all for making this another wonderful Christmas.

Till next time…..Linda Wilkinson

TLC Club News

Linda Wilkinson read the treasure report for Oct. Several people brought ornaments or ideas for ornaments to share.

Jane Deer was the host for the November meeting. Diana Parker gave a presentation on Special Holidays - small pocket books. Meeting was adjourned to make angels for our guests who will be attending the December meeting.

December 6th at 1:00 members decorated the Christmas tree and on the 7th they decorated the community building.

At the December meeting, members brought finger foods and a hand made/store bought Christmas ornaments for exchange. Shirley Donahue, Jeanette Gibbs, and Beverly Patterson's won door prizes. Dianna Henson and Jane Deer decorated the building for our meeting. We did ornament exchange with our guest, the River Bells and Joyce Whittington.

A big thank you to the TLC members who assisted the 4-H members in decorating the bedroom doors at Alma Rehab. They were Dianna Henson and her two sisters, Dawn Beaver and her granddaughter and Jane Deer.

A thank you letter was sent to the TLC club for the Rock Top 4-H club.

Our next meeting will be Jan 12th.

The TLC members who participated in the Mulberry Community Christmas play were Luann Wise, Misty Nelson and Dawn Beaver. They would like to thank everyone who came out to see them perform.

Luann Wise, Reporter.