Whitney, Texas

Streetside House Numbers Save Lives
Posted February 5, 2012

Anyone who has tried to find a specific house within White Bluff based on just the street address knows that the house numbering system here can be confusing. During the night, that is even more so the case.

Emergency responders come from both within White Bluff and outside of the resort. Reflective streetside house numbers can be a big help in locating your home. If there are flames coming through the roof, it may not be too difficult to find your location. But if the emergency call is because you just had a heart attack, that is a different situation.

The WB VFD sells reflective streetside house numbers for $30, installed. If you do not already have these at your home, consider emailing Bob Harris or calling him at 694-1733 to get a set installed. They just might save your life.

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Men's Golf Kicks Off
Posted February 5, 2012

The White Bluff Men's Golf Association invites your membership and participation. Saturday play begins in March. They will also conduct a match play series that begins March 1st allowing members to schedule matches at their convenience. A Member-Guest event will be held May 4-6. Club Championship will be held June 8-9.

For more information email Steve Short.

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Ladies Golf Social
Posted February 5, 2012

The White Bluff Ladies Golf Association will host a "Tee It Up Social" on February 18 at 10am at the White Bluff Chapel. Brunch will be served, and you will be able to signup for both golf and social memberships.

For more information, email Marilyn Helmbeck or call her at 254-230-7086.

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Cheap Date, part 2
Posted February 5, 2012

After reading the article on the Cleburne movie theatre that was posted on this website last week, a WB resident pointed out that the Cleburne theatre has no steps or stairs to negotiate. Besides the price of the tickets, that might be another advantage to this theatre for some of us.

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Dallas Boat Show
Posted February 5, 2012

The Dallas Boat Show runs today, Feb 5, and then Feb 9-12. With the lake back up now, you might want to check it out. Several Whitney area businesses are expected to have booths there.

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Souper Bowl of Caring
Posted January 27, 2012

The big football game is right around the corner! In conjunction with the national campaign, "Souper Bowl of Caring", White Bluff Chapel is collecting donations of canned goods for the Whitney Food Bank.

The food bank is appreciative of all donations but in particular there is a need for corn, peanut butter and tuna. Please bring your canned goods to the Fellowship Hall at the White Bluff Chapel Monday through Friday from 9 am-12 noon through February 8th.

Thank-you for helping those in need in the Whitney area, it is greatly appreciated!

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Cheap Date
Posted January 27, 2012

The Cinemark Cinema 6 in Cleburne is an inexpensive way to see first-run movies. Senior rates are typically $3, and $2.50 on Mondays. Regular adults tickets run from $2.75 to $5, depending on the day of the week and time. The theatre does not have the stadium seating you find in the newer theatres, but the price is right.

It is located at 1643 W Henderson, and the phone number is 817-556-2900. You can go to their website for shows, times, and prices.

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Surf's Up!
Posted January 27, 2012

What a difference one big rain can make.

Recent widespread rains of nearly 5" have already added close to 7 feet to the Lake Whitney lake level. Upstream, Lake Granbury is full and has been releasing large amounts of water downstream to Lake Whitney, with the lake level still on the rise. The before and after pictures, of the marina, taken 1/7/12 and 1/27/12, show what a difference this has made.

Boaters take note though. The heavy rains have also picked up a huge amount of debris from area streams and brought it to the lake; there are numerous large logs and piles of debris floating in some areas of the lake.

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5th Sunday Movie
Posted January 27, 2012

Lake Whitney Ministerial Alliance will be sponsoring 5th Sunday Movie Night by showing the movie, "Courageous". The showing will be at The First Church of the Nazarene, 1103 North Brazos, January 29 at 6:30 p.m.

Free concessions of coffee, tea, popcorn, cookies, etc. will be provided.

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Christmas Card Recycling
Posted December 23, 2011

Once again, the Wilmarth's are collecting used Christmas cards (and any other used greeting cards) on behalf of St Jude's Ranch for Children in Texas and Nevada.

The children of St Jude's participate in making new cards by removing the fronts of the cards and attaching a new back made with recycled paper.

If you would like to help, you can drop off any used cards you have at the Wilmarth home. You can cut off the backs and drop off just the fronts, or you can drop off the entire card and they will remove the backs. Greeting cards with handwriting on the back side of the front of the card cannot be used.

The address to drop off the cards is 46010 White Bluff Dr. It is a gray stone house just past the condos. If no one is home, there will be a box to the right of the front door where you can leave them. Please drop off your cards by the middle of January.

For more information on the program, email Linda Wilmarth or call her at 694-4236, or go to the St Jude's greeting card recycling program website.

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WB Men's Bible Study
Posted December 23, 2011

The White Bluff Men's Bible study group will be studying the book of Hebrews this spring. The study will begin on January 19th and will meet each Thursday at 4pm. The Hebrews study will be 13 weeks in length and meet in participating men's homes. We will be using a study guide by John MacArthur ($8) and an optional commentary ($10) by Steven Ger.

The first meeting will be at Ron Quiggins' home at 27046 Stonewood Drive. All men are invited and encouraged to attend. Call Ron at 694-1512 for more details or questions.

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TV Christmas Concert features WB Residents
Posted December 15, 2011

The Vocal Majority Christmas Special, "Christmas with the Vocal Majority", will be broadcast on the Daystar Channel on December 21 at 8 am, 11 am, and midnight. The Vocal Majority is a Dallas-based men's chorus of over 150 singers, billed as "America's Premier Pops Chorus." They are part of the Dallas Metro chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society. Two White Bluff residents, Tom Reedy and John Upchurch, are members of the group.

Daystar Channel is available on DISH at channel 263 on on DirectTV at channel 369. If you have any questions or need further information, contact John Upchurch (254-694-8575) or Tom Reedy (254-694-6906).

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WB Author Releases New Book
Posted December 15, 2011

White Bluff resident Leonard Critcher has just released his first novel, titled "Drawing the Line". The book explores a single year in the life of a college freshman during the tumultuous 1960's. The first two chapters are available to be read on the book's website, as well as a summary of the book and information about the author.

The book is available on Amazon, or signed copies can be purchased directly from Leonard. You can email Leonard or call him at 694-5394 or 214-616-4177 to arrange a time to pickup the book locally, if you prefer.

Makes a great Christmas present any "boomer" would enjoy, or even boomers' children!

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Holidays at White Bluff
Posted December 15, 2011

The Lighthouse Restaurant will offer short 20-30 minute "hay rides" down to the marina and back with a stop at the fire pit on Friday and Saturday night, Dec 16-17. Young and old can make s'mores or just sit around the fire. The rides will start at the Lighthouse around 7 pm. Complimentary hot chocolate will be available as well as all the fixings for the s'mores.

Both pro shops and golf courses will be closed on December 25. The courses are available for walking that day.

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Missing Dog
Posted November 28, 2011

Anna O'Neil lost her shih tzu named Holly on Wednesday, November 23. She may have drifted over into the north section of White Bluff. If you know of her whereabouts and/or have her, please call Ted O'Neil at 817-657-8257.

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WB Deer Survey
Posted November 28, 2011

Milt Bergman and a team of volunteers have completed the 2011 White Bluff deer survey. On average, they counted 310 deer on each of the four evenings that they conducted the survey.

The count in 2009 was 261, and the count in 2010 was 255. For more details, click to see the entire 2011 White Bluff Deer Survey report.

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Smoke on the Water
Posted November 28, 2011

Warm water and cool fall air in the early morning combine to create what appears to be smoke on the water, actually just localized fog. In the fall, it frequently appears to flow down the Brazos into the north end of Lake Whitney.

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Bosque Chorale Christmas Concert
Posted November 28, 2011

Following the great success of the "American Salute II" Veterans Concerts in Clifton and White Bluff, the Bosque Chorale will present its Christmas Concert entitled "A Glorious Christmas" on Friday night, December 9, 2011, at the Trinity Lutheran Church in Clifton.

Featured will be the “Vivaldi Gloria” and selected traditional Christmas carols and popular Christmas songs with the Forte Strings orchestra.

Location:  Trinity Lutheran Church, 803 West Third Street, Clifton, Texas

Date:        Friday December 9, 2011

Time:        7:00 pm

Tickets:     Adults $10, Students $  5

Tickets are available at the door or the Bosque Arts Center in Clifton, 254-675-3724. White Bluff and Whitney area residents may also contact John and Caroline Upchurch 694-8575, Charlie and Chris Whisenand 694-8838, or Mac McClary 694-7978 for tickets.

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Bake and Wreath Sale
Posted November 16, 2011

The Lake Whitney Area Garden Club will be sponsoring a bake sale and wreath sale on Tuesday, November 22. The sale will be held, rain or shine, at the vacant gas station property, at the stop light in downtown Whitney, across from the Whitney Museum. People can come shop for Thanksgiving baked goods and Christmas presents/ decorations at the same time, and have a place to park. The sale begins at 9am and runs until they are sold out.

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Boat Winterizing
Posted November 16, 2011

For those boats still on lifts in the marina, winterizing your inboard or I/O engine may be especially important this year. With water levels extremely low in the marina, both the water and localized air temperatures could be lower than normally experienced, providing an increased risk of freezing.

Also, give the boat battery (and the trolling motor battery) a good charge before the freezing weather approaches; a full charge is the best protection against battery damage over the winter.

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Walking for Our Racks
Posted November 16, 2011

Congratulations and recognition to four of our White Bluff ladies Crystal Dudley, Lisa McCoy, Julie Britt and Yvonne Curtis for participating in the Susan G. Komen 3 Day Walk for the Cure in Dallas the first weekend in November. The walk was 60 miles (20 miles each day) and there were 2,476 walkers. They also played and supported the Rally for the Cure in White Bluff in October. They are to be commended for this great effort and said they wouldn't mind doing it again (they must have already forgotten the blisters at the end of the third day).

The team "Walking for Our Racks" has already raised $7,661 for the benefit and can still turn in contributions until Dec 7. Anyone wishing to contribute and support this worthy cause can call Crystal at 694-6892.

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WB Homeowner's Insurance Price Reduction
Posted November 7, 2011

The White Bluff VFD, along with White Bluff Resort, is constantly working to improve the delivery of fire suppression systems within WB. Over a year ago, they contacted the ISO (Insurance Services Office) in Austin, regarding our classification. A detailed on-site study was conducted in 2010. Prior to this effort, we had been classified 8/9 (out of 10); now our classification has been reduced to 5.

This means that all homeowner's should see a noticable reduction in the cost of their homeowner's insurance, effective at the time of their next annual renewal. If your insurance does not drop next time you renew, talk to your agent and make sure they are using the new ISO rating of 5 for White Bluff.

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Covered Bridge Repairs Begin
Posted November 7, 2011

Replacement of the wooden planks on the Covered Bridge has begun. This work is expected to be completed by Thursday, November 10.

Detour signs have been setup to direct traffic. For detailed detour directions, click here.

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Veteran's Day Concert
Posted November 7, 2011

This is a reminder that this year's Bosque Chorale Fall Concert will feature patriotic songs and WWII-era popular music. It will be held on Saturday, Nov 12, at 7pm at the White Bluff Chapel. The concert is open to all members of the community. Admission is by donation, and refreshments will be served afterwards.

For more information, click here.

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Rally for the Cure® Golf Event
Posted October 20, 2011

White Bluff Resort held a Rally for the Cure®  Golf Event on Monday, October 17.  October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and the Rally for the Cure program works to spread awareness about breast health and breast cancer in support of Susan G. Komen for the Cure®.

There were 52 ladies who played in the White Bluff golf event. The format was a four lady team scramble. Many other ladies and men contributed resources and their time by assisting with behind the scenes organization. Rounds of golf were donated by one of the twelve breast cancer survivors who live in White Bluff. Entry fees, activities and many generous donations raised $1,925 that was sent to Susan G Komen for the Cure.

Click to see more photos of the event, including a backyard along the course decorated with pink hats for breast cancer survivors.

The organizers would like to thank everyone in the community for their support in this important cause.

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Updated Emergency & Bridge Closing Information
Posted October 20, 2011

White Bluff has updated the Evacuation Map that was originally published last month. The new map is more accurate and easier to follow. Click to see the new evacuation map.

In addition, the article posted earlier this month on the temporary closing of the covered bridge has been updated with detailed driving directions to help with the detour during this time. White Bluff will be posting signs to help with this also. See the updated article on the bridge closing.

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Beverage Can Recycling Comes to WB
Posted October 14, 2011

The White Bluff Volunteer Fire Dept has started an aluminum can recycling program. With your help, this could be an ongoing fund raising effort to help offset the expense of repairs and maintenance on equipment.

A large blue barrell has been placed outside the fire station and it is requested that only beverage cans be deposited to prevent varmints from visiting. Hopefully this convenient location will add to the program partcipation.

For more information, email Steve Short.

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Line Dancing at WB
Posted October 5, 2011

The Line Dancing exercise class at WB will resume on Thursday, October 6. Classes will be held every Thursday from 2:30 - 3:30 at the Chapel. Cost is $2 per class.

It will be a fun group - no previous dance experience required. It's great exercise - so come on and join us. Remember what they say: your heart and body will thank you!

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Emergency Evacuations at White Bluff
Posted September 28, 2011

White Bluff Resort has recently published an evacuation policy and evacuation map, to be used in case of emergencies such as fire.

In addition to the main exit to FM 933 on White Bluff Drive, the map shows three other exits that can be used if use of the White Bluff Drive exit is impractical.

Hill County "Reverse 911" will be used to notify residents of the emergency. If you are not already receiving these calls for recent warnings such as local thunderstorms, see the previously posted article on how to add your name to this list.

FEMA has information online regarding evacuation plans. The American Red Cross has information on home fire preparation.

For more information on the White Bluff evacation map and policy, email the POA office or call them at 694-0366.

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Line Dancing Fun
Posted September 28, 2011

Have you ever thought how much fun it would be to line dance?!? Not only is line dancing fun, it's a great way to exercise and improve your health.

We are hoping to start up a class soon, but we need participants. The class will be held on each Thursday from 2:30 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. at White Bluff Chapel. A donation of $2.00 per class is requested for utility use.

If you are interested, please email Dottie Redding or call her at 694-8053 so that she can determine if there is enough interest to hold the class.

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Rally for the Cure® Golf Event
Posted September 12, 2011

The annual golf event to support breast cancer research will be held on Monday, October 10, at the Old Course. This year's format is a 4 lady team scramble. Registration begins at 8 am, with a shotgun start at 9 am. Wrap-up should be around 1:30 pm.

Form your own teams or sign up individually and teams will be formed. Any lady is welcome, so invite guests from outside of White Bluff to participate. The event is supported by WBLGA but not sponsored by WBLGA, so no handicap is required.

The Rally entry fee is $20, and all proceeds will be sent to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. A jar for donations will be at the golf course – donations are accepted from everyone (men, too)!! Each individual is responsible for their own golf (free rounds are available – pay cart fee).

To signup by October 1, or for more information, email Joan Grubbs or call her at 694-8559, or email Linda Yeary or call her at 694-2044.

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Bridge Out and Road Closed
Posted September 12, 2011

If you are heading to/from the metroplex and typically use FM 934 between the town of Itasca and Texas 171, you should be aware that there is a bridge being rebuilt there and that the road is closed. It is expected to be closed for at least several months.

An alternative, heading south, is to take I35-W Exit 12 for "FM 67, Covington", about 4 miles north of the FM 934 exit. Then take FM 67 west (right) for 7 miles to Texas 171. Take 171 south (left) for 4 miles, then head east (right) onto FM 934 and continue as usual.

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What Happens When You Call 911 in WB
Posted August 22, 2011; revised September 20, 2011

In case of any medical emergency at White Bluff, you should always call 911.

The White Bluff VFD will be first responders to the scene, typically arriving in just a few minutes.  Richard Ashley of the VFD is an EMT, and the other members of the VFD receive monthly medical training from a paramedic with the Lake Whitney EMS (Emergency Medical Services).

At the same time that your 911 call is forwarded to the WB VFD, the closest available ambulance will be dispatched.   A certified Emergency Medical Dispatcher will continue to get more information from you, even as the ambulance is on its way.

White Bluff is located within Emergency Services District (ESD) #2. The nearest ESD #2 ambulance location is on 933 about 3 miles south of White Bluff, just behind the Country Club Retirement Center. The ambulance will typically arrive at WB within 5 minutes after you call 911, on its way to your location within WB.

Once the ambulance arrives, control of the situation is turned over to the paramedics.  If it is determined that a helicopter transport is needed, the fastest available helicopter service will be called.  Both CareFlite and Air-Evac helicopters are close enough to be at the scene within 15-20 minutes of the call; Air-Evac provides the majority of air responses within White Bluff.

A flight to Waco or Burleson costs between $15,000 and $20,000. To reduce these costs, if your insurance does not cover this, you can join Air Evac for an annual fee of approximately $50 per household.  The ESD#2 Board pays for membership in Care Flite air service for all White Bluff residents.

For more information on Air Evac, call 800-793-0010 or go to www.lifeteam.net . Click here for a 1, 3, or 5 year application (this format includes a Hilco-sponsored discount on the the 1-year application).  If you prefer an online application, you can find that at http://www.lifeteam.net/Membership/overview.aspx

For more information on Care Flite, call 877-339-2273 or go to www.careflite.org .  If you have not already signed up for this membership, click here for the form that you should fill out to do so.

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POA Meeting Minutes
Posted August 4, 2011

Minutes from the annual POA meeting that was held on May 21, 2011 have been released. The minutes are posted on this website for you to review.

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Grief Support Group Forming
Posted August 4, 2011

Bridgeway Hospice in Hillsboro will be starting a grief support program on Tuesday, August 9, and continuing each Tuesday for 8 weeks. They will meet at 4 pm at the Bridgeway Hospice Office, 122 West Elm, in Hillsboro.

Call 254-580-1100 for more information.

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Whitney Area Museum
Posted August 4, 2011

If you are looking for something to do indoors during all this heat, try the Whitney Area Museum. It features local historical exhibits, including displays on the building of the Whitney Dam, and the tourism that soon followed. There is also a copy of the Life magazine detailing the famous Whitney "Battle of the Benches".

The museum, located in the old post office building at the light in downtown Whitney, features a mural painted in 2001 by local artist Ray Istre on the south side of the building. It is typically open Saturdays from 9:15 am - 2:00 pm, spring through fall. Call 254-694-6595 for more information.

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Marina Safety
Posted June 2, 2011

White Bluff has placed small orange floats at several spots in the marina. The floats mark the location of large concrete anchors for the piers. The average water depth in the marina is approxiately 5 feet, but it is only about 3 feet above these concrete anchors. It is recommended that you avoid these when you are navigating in the marina basin.

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Free American Flags Available
Posted May 23, 2011

The Fort Graham Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution, has used 5' x 8' American flags available for anyone who wants to fly them. They have flown over the Veterans' Hospitals in Waco and Temple and are slightly weathered, but still of very good quality.

These flags are collected and sorted by DAR member, Carlene Gribble, and her husband, Jerry, a veteran. Fred Molson has offered to distribute the flags through the White Bluff Administration Office. Some of the flags are in need of repair. If mending is needed on the flag you select, instructions will be provided for you when the flag is picked up, or the DAR ladies will arrange for the repair to be done for you.

These flags have been flown as an honor to our veterans and should be treated with respect. They should never be used as drapery or clothing.  When the blue field and stars of white are separated from the 13 stripes, it is no longer considered to be a flag; however, the pieces should be destroyed in a dignified way, by burning.

Volunteers willing to repair the tattered edges of the flags need only to be able to use a sewing machine, trim the flag edges and turn a shirttail hem. Those interested in contributing their time to this patriotic effort should email Carlene or call her at 694-2355.

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2011 Annual POA Meeting
Posted May 23, 2011

The 2011 annual POA meeting has held on May 21 at the New Course pavilion.

There are currently 624 residences in White Bluff. For the years ending in May:

	2009	2010	2011
Permits issued	9	11	6
Homes completed	19	10	13
Under construction	11	12	3
$/sq ft A/C space	110	95	105
Square feet	3500	3200	3500

There are 60 miles of roads within White Bluff. Compared to prior years, over the past 2 years the roads have deteriorated at a more rapid pace. The age of the roads (many are now 15-20 years old) and last spring's flooding contributed to this. The POA recognizes that road repair is a big concern, and they have hired a consultant to provide them with a multi-year plan to help prioritize repairs.

The WB VFD had several items for discussion:

• Recently, the VFD has increased medical training for its volunteers, and there is now an EMT within WB. This has cut 3-4 minutes in response time for medical emergencies, which can be significant.
• Our ISO rating, which had been an 8/9 (out of 10) is expected to be improved to a 4/5 in the next 3-4 months. This should mean about a 10% reduction in insurance premiums, depending on your company.
• The WB VFD was instrumental in preventing damage to structures within The Cliffs Resort at Possum Kingdom during this spring's wildfires. Mike Ward presented a plaque to Fire Chief Bob Kruse. Earlier this month, both Double Diamond and the Cliffs POA presented checks to thank the VFD for its efforts.
• Bob asked everyone to consider volunteering to become a fire fighter and/or member of the medical response team. Adequate staffing of the department is a major concern now.

Of the six POA directors, two of them (Mike Ward and Fred Curran) had terms that were expiring this year. Geroge Collins nominated each of them to another term. There were no nominees from the floor, and both were re-elected to three year terms.

A review of the annual financial statement was presented by the auditors. Copies of the entire statement can be obtained at the White Bluff Admin building.

There has not been any progress on obtaining a closer AT&T cell tower in the past year. A complaint has been filed with the FCC, and Rob Tennison is currently waiting for a response to that.

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WB VFD Needs a Few Good Men to Fill These Boots
Posted April 18, 2011

The White Bluff VFD has a real need for additional firefighters. No experience is needed - training is provided.

Job Description: Hot, dirty work. Erratic hours. No salary. Some night work. No retirement benefits.

Saving a life or protecting a neighbor's property - PRICELESS!!!

For more information, email Chief Bob Kruse or call him at 694-3089, or email President Guin McGinnis or call him at 694-2187.

The firefighter's support group also needs men and women volunteers. Come to one of their regular monthly meetings on the second Monday of the month at the fire station at 7pm, and find out how you can help.

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