LETTERS EDITOR TO THE

Thanks from veterans

This past weekend was a busy one for the members of the Veterans Council of Northwest Arkansas Board of Directors, the men and women who have the responsibility of maintaining the Veterans Wall of Honor.

It began Saturday with a “God Bless America” event at Riordan Hall, designed to honor the memory of that fateful day, Sunday, Dec. 7, 1941, known as “a day which will live in infamy.”

As president of the Veterans Council, I wish to thank all of those involved, beginning with council member Leonard Eisert, who single-handedly organized the entire event, and those who, despite the threat of winter weather, came out in support.

The afternoon’s entertainment was provided by the Ecumenical Christian Orchestra, under the direction of Lois Carlson; the saxophone and piano duet of Dick and Virginia Dale; and the members of Hoot’n and Holler Cloggers.

A big shout out goes out to the Bella Vista Property Owners Association, and in particular to Riordan Hall manager Cathy Wilmoth for making us all feel at home.

These types of events are so important as the years go by so that we never, ever forget what happened on that Sunday, 77 years ago.

Then on Sunday, the Council held a silent auction and dinner to raise money for our operating budget.

I first want to thank the nearly 50 people who attended. Because of them, we were able to raise several hundred dollars.

And, I especially want to thank the members of our board, and several “friends of the wall” who spent the entire day at the American Legion making sure everything possible was done to make the event a success. These types of activities require a lot of work, and those folks really stepped up.

We have other events being discussed and planned for the future and ask that everybody stay tuned. There will be more on this in the weeks and months to come.

In the meantime, please visit the Wall of Honor to see what we have been up to in recent months. We are converting the land east of the Wall into a veterans park, including a walking path and six meditation benches. Additional landscaping also has been added to the area. Douglas Grant President, Veterans Council of NWA

Coat Drive Success

Bella Vista, thank you. The response from the residents for the Bella Vista POA Community Involvement Coat Drive was amazing. Our committee sorted through them on Thursday. It would have taken longer to count them than to sort them, so we don’t have an official count, but so many more kids have a chance to be warm this winter because of you. Along with the coats, there were beanies, scarves and quilts. Most of the beanies were self-made from a lady here in Bella Vista.

We are able to fill the Bella Vista zoned schools coat closets, donate to DEB project, Women’s Shelter, Miracle on 14th Street project and Clothing for Compassion.

Also, I appreciate Java Dudes, Allen’s, Arvest Banks, POA buildings, Harps and Cooper Elementary for having the drop off bins. Dylan Shaddox POA Community Involvement co-secretary

Messiah Chorus People

I want to thank the 60 people who sang in the no-rehearsal community chorus on Dec. 9 at the Community Church. I so enjoyed your performance and hope you did also. It was great to sing some choruses from Handel’s Messiah with some new friends.

Thanks to the soloists and our accompanist. Have a blessed Christmas! Karen Frankenfeld Bella Vista

Irony

The article on “Trail Race Returns” stated that one of the beneficiaries of the Race was “Drive with Care,” a group that promotes safe interactions with automobiles, pedestrians and bicyclists. On Saturday, I observed at the Trafalgar road crossing, runners running right out into traffic and yelling at cars and giving them certain hand gestures when they did not stop. This is not a good way to endear out-of-town trail users to Bella Vista residents. I might suggest that it be made very clear to future Race participants that cars do indeed have the rightof-way, which is why there are stop signs at the trail crossings. Linda Lloyd Bella Vista

Job well done, Dick Trammell

I was very happy to see the news about the funding for the Bella Vista bypass to Pineville, Mo. I know that Dick Trammell played a big role in getting this funding, and I was glad to see that effort ended in success, especially since he is ending his term on the Highway Commission this month. I first met Dick 23 years ago when he was a very active volunteer with the Rogers Chamber of Commerce and I was on staff there. He has done a lot for northwest Arkansas over the years, and I wish him the best in whatever challenge he decides to take on next! Xyta Lucas Bella Vista