News, Events & Blog

Newsletter 1-22-2009

22-Jan-09 11:11

Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Weekly Update: January 22 - January 28, 2009

Annual Banquet Date Changed, February 23rd 2009

Due to President’s Day falling on Monday February 16th, the Chamber has moved the Annual Banquet to the following Monday, February 23rd. Please make a note of this date change.

90th Annual Banquet & Awards Dinner Call for Nominations

The Chamber would like your help in identifying people and businesses for our awards. The categories are as follows:

• Small Business of the Year
• Business Person of the Year
• Business of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year

The criteria for nominations is that they must be a Chamber member in good standing. Also, you must submit with your nomination the qualifications you believe make this person, company, or organization, qualify for the respective category. Nominations will be accepted through Monday, February 9th.

Main Street Batesville WINTER GALA Saturday, Jan. 31, 7pm

The 2009 Winter Gala will be Saturday, January 31, 7pm at Elizabeth's Restaurant located at 231 E. Main. There will be Live Music, Silent and Live Auctions. Tickets are on sale now for $25 and may be purchased at any of the following locations: Heuer's Shoes; Schwegman's; Paper Chase Bookstore, Elizabeth's and Main Street Batesville. For more information you may contact Main Street Batesville at (870)793-4632.

Business After Hours slots still open

May & August are open for your business to host an After Hours. Contact the Chamber today so we can get your month signed up and ready to go!

Don't miss the first Business After Hours for 2009 at The Citizens Bank, on February 19th

The Citizens Bank will be hosting a Business after Hours on Thursday, February 19th, from 5pm-6:30pm at the Main Branch, 200 South 3rd Street in Batesville. Refreshments, a chance to win a $50 gift card and networking with other professionals in Batesville are just a few things you will enjoy. Come out, meet other members, and catch up with others you have not talked to in a while!

"Living Off the Land" Exhibit Opens at Old Independence Regional Museum

The opening of a new exhibit at Old Independence Regional Museum will take place on Sunday, January 25 at 2 p.m. "Living Off the Land...Season by Season" is the exhibit theme for all of 2009. For more information you may visit www.oirm.org or contact Twyla Wright at (870)793-2121.

8th Annual Polar Bear Plunge, February 28th at 1pm

8th Annual Polar Bear Plunge, February 28th at 1pm at White River Sandbar, registration will start at noon. Registration forms are available at any of the following locations: Bishop's Body Shop; Citizens Bank; Chamber of Commerce; First Community Bank; Employers Staffing and the Property Shoppe. Post plunge party at Batesville High School Cafeteria. All proceeds to benefit Special Olympics. For more information call (870)698-0800.

"Living Off the Land" Exhibit Opens, Old Independence Regional Museum

14-Jan-09 17:09

The opening of a new exhibit at Old Independence Regional Museum will take place on Sunday, January 25 at 2 p.m. "Living Off the Land…Season by Season" is the exhibit theme for all of 2009.

"Spring: Time to Plant" is the first segment of the four-part exhibit. Every two months another "Season" exhibit will be added. Curated by Twyla Wright and Nelson Barnett, the spring display includes a breaking plow and double shovel plow that were once used on a farm near Calamine. Panels of photographs and text show how mule-drawn plows were replaced by iron-wheel tractors. "We invite the public to come see a most unusual piece of farm machinery and guess what it is," said Wright.

Visitors may play an electric question game to match various seeds with their labels. The game, using electric probes, promises to be fun for the entire family, from grandparents to grandchildren.

Spring, in days gone by, was also the season to gather wild plants for food, medicine, dye, and ink. An illustrated notebook shows a number of plants, such as cattail, lamb's quarter, sumac, poke sallet, and papaw fruit that, if properly prepared, provided delicious food. "Many folks remember their mothers shaving slices from sassafras tree roots and making a spring tonic for them to drink," according to Wright. "We have some shavings for visitors to smell to see if it brings back memories."

Along one wall is a line with six cloths hanging from it that have been dyed with juice from plants. "Walnuts, sumac, onion skin, goldenrod, and lichen all make beautiful dyes," stated Amanda Nikkel. She should know because she has spent hours preparing all the dyes.

Pokeberry juice can become a fine ink. Bill Hoskins picked berries and "cooked up" a fine batch of ink for the exhibit. Visitors may sit at an antique desk and use a quill pen dipped in the ink to write a letter and take it home as a souvenir. "It's well known that Civil War soldiers made juice from the berries to write letters home," said Hoskins. Some say that Thomas Jefferson used a fermented pokeberry ink with which to write.

At the opening of this new exhibit, on January 25th, a program will be presented titled "Planting: the Way It Was Done Back Then." In looking at agriculture old and new the program will be broken into two parts – a short talk by George Lankford explaining the ancient tradition of planting by the signs, and a presentation by Jim Barnett, who will share his memories of growing up with farming and farm tools in Independence County in the 20th century. As members of the audience enter, they will be invited to jot down memories of traditional beliefs regarding planting. The collection will be shared later with the whole group.

"Several other programs related to our spring exhibit will be presented through the month of April," Wright said. "We have a full slate of programming already planned for each month of the year, including talks, demonstrations, workshops, and a field trip."

Additional exhibits in the year will include "Summer: Time to Fish, Can Food, and Go Pearling," and "Fall: Time to Harvest and Celebrate." The last exhibit segment will be "Winter: Time to Hunt, Trap, and Weave." All the season exhibits will stay up for viewing as each new one is added.

According to Nikkel, the museum's educator and volunteer coordinator, several family events are planned that will be filled with activities related to the exhibit themes. "If anyone has questions about when these future exhibits and programs are scheduled," said Nikkel "just give us a call at 870-793-2121."

The Museum Gift Shop is now stocking books and other items that reflect the "Living Off The Land" exhibit. Frances Mathis, gift shop manager, comments "We are excited about the wide diversity of books available on this theme. Shoppers can expect to see some enticing products in conjunction with the exhibit."

Old Independence Regional Museum, located at 380 South Ninth Street in Batesville, is a private, non-profit institution. It serves 12-counties in north central Arkansas.

Newsletter 1-15-2009

14-Jan-09 17:00

Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Weekly Update: January 15 - January 21, 2009

WiFi Now Available for Chamber Members

WiFi is available at no charge for Chamber members at the Chamber office. If you are in need of a quick connection, or if your company needs to host a meeting where you have a need for a high-speed wireless connection, the Chamber has it available FREE of charge! For your next meeting or spur of the moment needs, your Chamber is here to help!

90th Annual Banquet & Awards Dinner Call for Nominations

The Chamber would like your help in identifying people and businesses for our awards. The categories are as follows:

• Small Business of the Year
• Business Person of the Year
• Business of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year

The criteria for nominations is that they must be a Chamber member in good standing. Also, you must submit with your nomination the qualifications you believe make this person, company, or organization, qualify for the respective category. Nominations will be accepted through Monday, February 9th.

Annual Banquet Date Changed, February 23rd 2009

Due to President’s Day falling on Monday February 16th, the Chamber has moved the Annual Banquet to the following Monday, February 23rd. Please make a note of this date change.

New I-9 Deadline February 2nd, are you ready? Also, email blast for job openings now available

Go to the following link to find out more about the deadline your company is facing next month:

http://www.hrmorning.com/new-i-9-deadline-feb-2-are-you-ready/

As a service for our Members, you may have seen earlier this week an email blast about job openings at Maurices. As a member, you are eligible, for FREE, to submit to us your employment listings or openings that we will in turn blast out to the Membership, for free! Send us your listing and the wording and we will in turn help you find the right person for your opening! Email your listing to lacy.tilley@mybatesville.org and together we can help each other find the right people for your job openings!

Business After Hours slots still open

May, June, July, August, October – December are open for your business to host an After Hours. Contact the Chamber today so we can get your month signed up and ready to go!

Don’t miss the first Business After Hours for 2009 at The Citizens Bank, on February 19th at the Main Branch! 5pm-630pm, come for food, fun, and a chance to win a $50 gift card!

Esta's White River Retreat Offering Fractional Ownership

13-Jan-09 14:42

Estas White River Retreat in Locust Grove is introducing a fractional ownership model. The expansive riverfront compound, including two riverfront lodges and a smaller honey moon cabin, has been operating on a rental basis for the past decade, hosting everything from corporate gatherings to family reunions. Esta's well-groomed grounds include an in-ground pool, basketball court, large outdoor kitchen, pavilion, and boat ramp. Esta's location provides incredible privacy and extraordinary natural beauty less than 15 miles from downtown Batesville and about 20 miles from Mountain View.

The three unique structures include the impressive Ohana (family) lodge, featuring six bedrooms and as many baths. The dining area can accommodate up to twenty and the rear deck can accommodate up to fifty. The great room includes two sitting areas, four large couches, a fireplace, and a TV viewing area. A large and well-designed kitchen completes the picture.

The second structure, the Honey Moon cabin is one of the most intimate homes you will ever enter. It has a master bedroom with a queen bed, an upstairs loft with sitting area and two twin beds, a large living room with a fireplace, two couches, and a dining room with a bay window and great river views. It also has a large rear deck that can entertain groups up to fifty.

The third house is a smaller cedar lodge, built from red cedar logs milled locally. It includes two large upstairs lofts with fourteen beds in bunk configurations, perfect for large families or corporate groups. Downstairs the great room has beautiful leather furniture, a fireplace, and French doors that open to the rear deck. The master bedroom is large with a walk-in closet, large bath and laundry area, king size bed and French doors that also open to the deck. Another downstairs guest room comes with a full bath. The house is equipped with a full modern kitchen.

Fractional ownership will also include use of a 20-24 ft. pontoon boat, two canoes, and a trout fishing boat with a 25 hp motor built especially for White River fishing. Eleven fractional shares are being offered, with the owner retaining the twelfth share. Fractional owners will have access to the compound every three months. For more information, contact Jerry Anderson at 808-896-5662 or 808-324-8637.

Newsletter 1-08-2009

08-Jan-09 13:19

Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Weekly Update: January 8 - January 14, 2009

90th Annual Banquet Date Set; Speaker Announced

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce will host the 90th Annual Banquet & Awards Luncheon on Monday, February 16th from 1130am-1pm in Independence Hall on campus at UACCB. This year, the Chamber is pleased to have as its speaker Jeffery Collins, Partner, of Streetsmart, a real estate and data research company in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Since 1994, Jeffery Collins has worked as a professional economist conducting applied research for a wide range of clients. From 1999 to 2006, Collins served as Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research in the Sam M. Walton School of Business at the University of Arkansas. As director, Collins conducted roughly $2 million in contract research for a wide range of clients including major U.S. companies such as Southwestern Energy, U.S. Government agencies including the Army Corps of Engineers, state and local governmental agencies, and not-for-profit organizations. In 2004, Collins co-authored a study with researchers from the Milkin Institute that provided a blueprint for the creation of high-wage, high-skill jobs in the State of Arkansas.

In 2007, Collins left the University of Arkansas and co-founded Streetsmart, a real estate data and research company. Collins has also been widely quoted by international, national, and local media. His list of media credits include: the BBC, The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Bloomberg, U.S.A. Today, and CNN. The format for the banquet will allow for question and answers for the speaker for anyone that has a question about his presentation or questions about the overall economy. Mr. Collins will also provide some brief analysis of the economy in Independence County for those in attendance.

Members of the Chamber can purchase their ticket for $25, and a reserved table of eight for $250. Tickets for non-members are $35 a piece. For ticket and table reservations please call the Chamber at 870.793.2378 or by email at lacy.tilley@mybatesville.org

90th Annual Banquet & Awards Dinner Call for Nominations

The Chamber would like your help in identifying people and businesses for our awards. The categories are as follows:

• Small Business of the Year
• Business Person of the Year
• Business of the Year
• Volunteer of the Year

The criteria for nominations is that they must be a Chamber member in good standing. Also, you must submit with your nomination the qualifications you believe make this person, company, or organization, qualify for the respective category. Nominations will be accepted through Monday, February 9th.

Networking, Involvement, Food, Fun... Business After Hours!

Open sign up is still going on for Business After Hours for 2009! If your company or organization would like to host a Business After Hours for 2009, please email the Chamber and specify which month you are interested in. February and October are already taken, but any other month is open. The cost is $150, and that includes all invitations with your logo mailed to all Chamber members in advance, as well as all advance notifications and publicity. Email or call today to sign up!

Would you like to be a Chamber Ambassador?

The Chamber is now seeking outgoing, courageous, and willing individuals who want to be more involved in their Chamber, who would like to network and see their business grow, and who want to have an amazing time doing it! Our Ambassadors have the most fun of anyone beside the Board of Directors! As an Ambassador, you get to attend events for free, get to know about events and activities in advance, and get to meet other Chamber members! If you would like to be involved, and involve your company in some great fun and network to grow your company, email Chairman Janelle Shell at janelles@thecitizensbank.net and let her know!

Newsletter 12-23-2008

23-Dec-08 14:03

Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Weekly Update: December 23 - December 31, 2008

The Chamber of Commerce wishes you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year

The Chamber wants to thank you, our members, for making 2008 a Great year! We wish each of you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! We look forward to making 2009 an even better year! We will strive to serve you our members anyway we can so don’t hesitate to contact us we are here to serve you!

Let’s takes time to remember the true meaning of Christmas and be thankful for family.

Business after Hours for 2009 sign up now!

It’s that time of year again as we start planning for the Business After Hours in 2009. We would like to offer this to our members as a way for you to network with other business professionals in our community. We had some great Business After Hours this year and know that they will be even better in 2009! Space is limited so if you would like to host a Business After Hours or would like more information about hosting a Business After Hours you may contact the Chamber of Commerce at 870-793-2378 or email lacy.tilley@mybatesville.org.

Chamber to Host Quarterly Business Luncheons

The Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a business luncheon each quarter at the Ramada Inn of Batesville. Each luncheon will feature a different speaker as to provide more insight in to our community and the issues and event that impact you. Sponsorship is also available to companies that are interested. The cost to sponsor is $250 and provides you with a table for 8 and prominent advertising of the event in advance and on the event program.

If you are interested in being a speaker and would like to be considered, please let us know and what you would like to speak about. The purpose of the quarterly business luncheons is to provide a time for members to be engaged by either another Chamber member or prominent person who has something that would be valuable to the membership. The cost to attend the luncheons is $9 and that includes your lunch.

Contact the Chamber regarding your interest at 793-2378 or lacy.tilley@mybatesville.org.

Chamber of Commerce Holiday Schedule

December 25th & 26th: Closed

January 1st & 2nd: Closed

Go online to view our calendar of events, committee meetings, and important information at www.mybatesville.org!

For more information on the above mentioned events, or if you would like for us to put your community event on our calendar of upcoming events, please contact the Batesville Chamber of Commerce at info@mybatesville.org or at 793-2378. If you would like to be removed or know someone that would like to receive this email, contact Lacy at lacy.tilley@mybatesville.org.

Chamber to Host Christmas Open House

18-Dec-08 09:46

Your Chamber of Commerce, along with the Board of Directors, would like to invite you to attend a Christmas Open House, here at the Chamber, on Thursday December 18th, from 3pm-5pm.

Refreshments will be served and a wonderful Christmas Super Door Prize will be given away to a lucky winner in attendance. This is just our way to host you, our Chamber member, and thank you for a great year that we have had.

Please make plans to attend and enjoy the company of other Chamber members this Thursday!

Newsletter 12-11-2008

11-Dec-08 11:20

Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Weekly Update: December 11 - December 17, 2008

Chamber to Host Christmas Open House

Your Chamber of Commerce, along with the Board of Directors, would like to invite you to attend a Christmas Open House, here at the Chamber, on Thursday January 18th, from 3pm-5pm. Refreshments will be served and a wonderful Christmas Super Door Prize will be given away to a lucky winner in attendance. This is just our way to host you, our Chamber member, and thank you for a great year that we have had. Please make plans to attend and enjoy the company of other Chamber members next Thursday!

Independence County Passed Economic Development Tax

Independence County voters on Tuesday voted in favor of a quarter-cent tax that will go towards economic development.

Your Chamber of Commerce would like to say Thank You for your efforts in taking steps to ensure that the economic future of Independence County has the chance to be much better with this new tool for us to utilize. It's a new chapter in the history of our community, and you can be proud for what was accomplished and what will be achieved by all of us.

Thank You!

Your Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce

Lyon College Announces Christmas Activities and Events

Lyon College will be having several events and activities that people can come and enjoy this holiday season. They will be hosting their annual Christmas Festival December 12th, with a buffet supper in Edwards Commons from 5-630pm. Cost is $8 for adults, and $4 for children with a special appearance by Santa Claus at 545pm.

At 630pm on December 12th in Brown Chapel, the Lyon College Concert Chorale will present its Annual Christmas Concert. The concert is titled "Christmas Memories" and will feature such Christmas favorites as "Good King Wenceslas", "Let it Snow", and "Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas". "Silver Bells" will feature guests Rev. Nancy McSpadden and Dr. Han Ong. In addition, James Jackson, Cethlinn Cunningham, Morgan Dumeny, Cody Wagnon, Camille Beary, and Nancy McSpadden will share fond Christmas Memories.

Dr. Walter Roettger will lead the annual lighting of the Christmas Tree and a special guest conductor will be on hand to assist in the Christmas festivities. Admission is free and every is encouraged to come and enjoy some great family Christmas activities.

Second Friday Activities This Friday in Downtown Batesville

The focal point of the December edition of the increasingly popular monthly festival is the celebration of the Batesville Area Arts Council's 20th Anniversary. The anniversary celebration will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. in the gallery and will include a silent auction of Batesville Keepsake Boxes created by well-known local personalities including Wallie and Peggy Roettger, photographer Ross Jones, and Cliff Jones, UACCB Vice-Chancellor of Academics. Holiday gift items created by local artists will be available for purchase. The celebration will also feature refreshments and live music.

The UACCB Ensemble will perform in the Pocket Park at 6:00 p.m. The group consists of UACCB employees and their spouses. The choir from the First United Methodist Church in Melbourne will also be performing following the UACCB group. Other musicians, including Randy and Stephanie Wade at Randy's Music, will be performing at various locations. Main Street Batesville will be selling chili and drinks at the Pocket Park.

And, as always, we would like to encourage everyone to come downtown to not only enjoy the wonderful Christmas lights on display, but the merchants that we have locally. Spending locally helps our local economy and benefits everyone!

Welcome Home Soldiers

Throughout the month of December we will have soldiers for the 39th Brigade returning home from Iraq. We ask that everyone please show your support for the returning troops by displaying Yellow ribbons, Flags and "Welcome Home" messages on signs and billboards throughout the month of December. Our troops have been gone for a long time and have worked very hard for our country. We want each and every one of them to know that we appreciate them and the sacrifices they have made! THANK YOU and WELCOME HOME!

A Season for Seniors provided by Superior Senior Care

"A Season for Seniors" is an opportunity to give a senior citizen a boost during the holiday season by sending them an "Elf" to do "Elf-like" things...a holiday meal, Christmas tree decorating and companionship. Make your own mom or dad's holiday season with a unique gift of cheer or sponsor a senior without family. All proceeds to benefit the Independence County Wellness Coalition. Accepting orders until December 18. Call Superior Senior Care at 870-793-3644 to place an order. Choose from these Christmas gifts: Santa delivery of gift; Holiday meal delivery; Manicure, pedicure, shave or hairstyle; Christmas tree set-up; Christmas Carolers or a Christmas light drive.

Chamber Update 12-05-08

05-Dec-08 23:36

December 5, 2008

Vote YES For Economic Development

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce would like to encourage you to vote YES on Tuesday December 9th for the proposed Economic Development Tax. This tax, which is a quarter-cent (.25%) and will sunset in five years, will go towards the creation, enhancement, or retention of jobs all across Independence County. This tax, if enacted, will allow the leaders of Independence County and residents alike to have access to a resource that will elevate our efforts and give us a much needed tool that will positively affect our local economy.

As a member of the Chamber, many of you are realizing that the economic times we have are unprecedented, that financially times are tough, and the path to recovery seems unclear. But I believe that you understand our current path is not acceptable and we have to do more instead of less. I believe that you see what the benefit will be to everyone of our great county if we pass this proposed tax which will in turn be a great investment in our community.

The Chamber would like to encourage you to find 5 other people who you know are in support of this tax and encourage them to vote! Early voting is taking place and can be done in the County Clerk’s office between now and Monday from 8am-430pm. On Tuesday, all normal voting precincts will be open during the times that they have been open for other elections. It is imperative that those who want to do something positive for their community and who are in favor of this get out and exercise their right to vote!

If you need help getting people to the polls, want to know your polling location, or anything else, do not hesitate to call the Chamber to find out more information.

Sincerely,

The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce

Newsletter 12-04-2008

05-Dec-08 23:26

Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce Weekly Update: December 4 - December 10, 2008

Shop Local This Holiday Season and Help Our Local Economy

The public is invited to go online to www.mybatesville.org where they will find coupons that they can download and redeem at participating businesses, for free. The Shop Local Campaign features several area retailers and will give shoppers some added benefit when they are looking to where they will purchase gifts for this holiday season.

Coupons can also be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce, and are free to the public. For more information about the coupons or the promotion, please contact the Chamber at 793-2378.

Arkansas Trail of Lights and "A Norman Rockwell" Christmas Parade Saturday; December 6

This year's Christmas Parade will be a part of the Arkansas Trail of Lights. The Lightening Ceremony will take place at City Hall at 530pm and the Parade will start at 6pm. We ask that everyone stay and enjoy the entire parade and watch for Ole Saint Nick as lights will follow him down the street. If you haven't sent in your entry form for the Parade please do so as soon as possible. I must have them no later then noon on Friday; December 5! If you missed the theme for this year's parade it's "A Norman Rockwell Christmas". We hope to double our float entrants from last year and want to encourage every entrant to Light Up Their Floats! In keeping with the Trail of Lights, we want to light it up! To learn more about the Parade, or get your parade entry form, contact the Chamber at 793-2378 TODAY! Immediately after the Parade Ole Saint Nick will be at Cinnamon Stick located inside Judith Lee's at 151 W. Main Street so you can have your picture made with him!

Old Fashioned Christmas Party to be held at the Old Independence Regional Museum

Old Independence Regional Museum will host an Old-Fashioned Christmas Party on Saturday December 6th at 2pm. Admission is FREE for this event, but DONATIONS are always appreciated. A celebration of Christmas Traditions from different countries and time periods is the theme of this year’s party. Each child who attends the party will receive a letter from Santa inviting them to join in the fun and participate in the activities. The First 100 children who complete all the activities in the letter will earn a “Santa Dollar” which can be used in the Museum Gift Shop. This years activities include: Decorating a Gingerbread house and yard, popcorn strings to trim a tree the old fashioned way, design and make your own Christmas card and create salt. Please join in the fun at the Old Independence Regional Museum at 380 S. 9th St. for more information you may call 870-793-2121 or visit www.oirm.org.

Christmas Tour of Historical Homes Sunday, December 7th from 1pm to 4pm

Homes on tour are: The Fonville-Carlton, Est. 1915, 856 E. Main St.; The Fitzhugh-Brissey, Est. 1908, 781 E. Main St.; The Presbyterian Manse-Mourer, Est. 1911, 649 E. College St.; and The Trevathan-Milam, Est. 1912, 611 Vine St. Tour of Homes is Sponsored by The Batesville Preservation Association. For more information please call: 870-793-7739.

Tickets: $15 or 2 for $25 and are available at: The Paper Chase Bookstore, Schwegman Office City, First Community Bank, Citizens Bank: Main and Wal-Mart Branches, First Southern Bank, The Batesville Area Chamber of Commerce, and The Old Independence Regional Museum.

Holiday Open House at Wildewood Independent Living Tuesday, December 9th 4pm to 6pm

Wildewood Independent Living will be hosting a Holiday Open House Tuesday, December 9 from 4pm to 6pm at 2860 Neeley Street. The public is invited to drop by and see all the new renovations and enjoy the Christmas Spirit!

Annual Christmas Brings Hope Project

Christmas Brings Hope has encouraged many families in Independence County by providing the food boxes during the holiday season, when need is keenly felt. To those who have supported this worthwhile and fulfilling project year after year - thank you for your continued support! To those who have not yet participated in this worthwhile project, I extend an invitation to join us in meeting our goal for 2008.

If you would like to contribute to the Christmas Brings Hope project this year, helping us to provide food boxes during the holiday season, please mail your tax-deductible donations to this address.

Christmas Brings Hope
Attention: Greg Shaver
P.O. Box 2156
Batesville, AR 72503-2156

We also invite you to the fairgrounds during the week of December 8th to see how the work of the Christmas Brings Hope project is accomplished. We will deliver boxes on December 13, 2008.

Welcome Home Soldiers

Throughout the month of December we will have soldiers for the 39th Brigade returning home from Iraq. We ask that everyone please show your support for the returning troops by displaying Yellow ribbons, Flags and "Welcome Home" messages on signs and billboards throughout the month of December. Our troops have been gone for a long time and have worked very hard for our country. We want each and every one of them to know that we appreciate them and the sacrifices they have made! THANK YOU and WELCOME HOME!

A Season for Seniors provided by Superior Senior Care

"A Season for Seniors" is an opportunity to give a senior citizen a boost during the holiday season by sending them an "Elf" to do "Elf-like" things...a holiday meal, Christmas tree decorating and companionship. Make your own mom or dad's holiday season with a unique gift of cheer or sponsor a senior without family. All proceeds to benefit the Independence County Wellness Coalition. Accepting orders until December 18. Call Superior Senior Care at 870-793-3644 to place an order. Choose from these Christmas gifts: Santa delivery of gift; Holiday meal delivery; Manicure, pedicure, shave or hairstyle; Christmas tree set-up; Christmas Carolers or a Christmas light drive.