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.

In Short....Thanks!

Remembering 2008... through the year we have had several very faithful fellows who have continued to keep the grass mowed. These guys are: Kelly Deputy, Darrell Mirus, Richard Mirus, and Fred Peters. If I have missed anyone, we thank you too.

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Jim Parker was the one who put up two rows of much needed coat hooks. Thanks Jim for a job well done.

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The coffee sipping fellows need to be commended on their efforts in cleaning our overhead light panels and replacing burnt out bulbs. Thanks fellows. Thanks to the person(s) who leveled the pile of gravel compound(?) left from the walking trails.

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Since the last newsletter two Welcome Baskets have been delivered to Joshua and Melanie Parker, Rock Creek Road, and William and Tina Dollard on Eureka.

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Support our local Volunteer Fire Department

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Dianne Henson and Dianne Parker needs to be commended on the beautiful job they did in decorating for our EHC meeting. The great part of that was that they left so much of it for us to enjoy for our Christmas Program. We can’t forget Linda Wilkinson, Beverly Patterson, and Shirley Donnahue for the great job in collecting and packaging all the goodies for our Christmas bags.

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Several new activities and chairpersons have been added to this year’s calendar. Please take time to mark these events on your personal activity calendar and plan to participate. You are sure to have fun at these events. It is always a joy to see new people being added to a group because of the expertise they will add plus all the new ideas that will be added.

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Our Volunteer of the Year again offered his services when we needed more welcome baskets. Thanks Wesley.

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Thanks--There is always one who answers the call when there is a need. This time it was jelly jars. Ina Daley had seen some at a church function. When she knew we needed some, she came to the rescue. If you buy Smucker’s jams and jellies, you have the perfect jar to save for us. So if you have some or will start saving them, please let me know. Call Jeanette Gibbs, 997-1582.

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There seems to always be a need for supplies when a facility is used. The community building is no exception. It seems the treasury of all of our groups are being watched so as not to overspend. So we are asking each person receiving the newsletter to help us if at all possible. There is a need for paper or foam plates, dessert plates, 9 or 12 ounce plastic red or blue cups, napkins, lots of paper towels, a bottle of dish soap, bleach, windex, and toilet paper. If you can help us, please bring or send your donations to the community building. Any amount at any time will be greatly appreciated. We will thank you in advance.

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This has truly been a great year of cooperation from both our old and new members and friends. Have a wonderful 2009.

Mulberry Community Theater

Mulberry Community Theater will present their fall play on December 12 and 13th at 8:00 pm and December 14th at 2:00 pm. Call Envisions at 997-2441 or City Hall at 997-1321 for reservations which is recommended.

This presentation will be unique because 3 members of our local EHC right here in Turner will have an important role. Want to know the stars? Sorry, just plan to support these fine ladies by attending.

Here Comes Christmas

Don't Look Now, But Here Comes Christmas!--Can you believe that the year is almost gone and it won’t be long until that wonderful time of year we call Christmas! It seemed like just yesterday I wrote to thank you all for the great participation in our annual pie auction. And now it’s time to remind you of the community effort this requires to keep this tradition going. Our pie auction will be Saturday evening November 15th at 6:30 PM.

Please write this on your calendars and make plans for you and your family to attend. As always, we need pies and cakes donated, and we also need people to attend the auction and purchase all those goodies. Along with the pie auction we’ll have the traditional cake walk, ugly man contest, and prettiest girl contest, and we’re working on a new activity if we get all the items needed beforehand. We’ll have some door prizes for those in attendance; you might just be a lucky winner. Afterwards, the fellowship and desserts are nothing but finger-lickin-good! Whew, I can almost taste Shirley’s pecan pie…and just thinking about Sondra’s carrot cake makes my mouth water. And wash that down with Jeanette’s Christmas punch, don’t get no better than that!

Last year we collected almost $750.00 and that enabled us to prepare 150 goodie sacks for our Christmas Gathering! Good work Turner Community supporters!

The program and distribution will be Saturday December 20th at 6:30 PM. I’m sure Luann and the 4-H kids will have a great treat for us, and maybe Santa will make another personal appearance.

Mark these days on your calendar, hope to see you all there. We are truly blessed to have a very concerned and hard working board, but this event is about you, about tradition, about a season to enjoy each other and our ability to share with the community.

Thank You. Linda Wilkinson