By Darla Buckhannon

Happy birthday to David Halter, Harmonie McGee, Bonnie Schott, Bruce Raines, Clinton Stroder, Matt Glastetter, Melissa Nordin, Wesley Lowery, Audrey Witcher, Donna Biler, Jerome Schlitt, Gina Beggs, Chug Little, Kevin Miller, Tyree Chapman, Garrett Duncan, Jason Chapman, Thomas Hoaring, Charles Turner, Ginny Hahn, Randy Horrell, Christa Spies, David Pepple, Marilyn Mott, Eastin Harrell, Richie Seyer, Mike Horman, Teresa Tipler, Charles Parker, Tom Flouck, June Asmus, Mike Mantel, Laurie Martin, James Rodgers, Darla Chapman and Jean Wells.

Happy anniversary to Randy and Connie Spane, Douglas and Sharon Hargrove, David and Delores Garland and Gary and Sheila Gilmer.

Project fundraiser set

The Chaffee Historical Society is sponsoring a chili and chicken-noodle soup lunch from noon to 2 p.m. today at the VFW. The cost of the food is $2.50 for a 20-ounce bowl of soup or chili and 50 cents for tea, coffee or hot chocolate. All proceeds will benefit future Chaffee Historical Society projects. Enjoy listening to a Christmas concert by The Community Band, who will perform from 2 to 4 p.m. A little later, the little ones will have a surprise visit from Santa Claus, bringing treat bags for good little girls and boys! Come join the fun!

Property recognition

Congratulations to Shannon and Edie Steger, whose residence on Elliott was selected by the Chamber of Commerce as December's Residence of the Month.

Chaffee events and updates

The Senior Center will hold its Christmas Dinner at the Nutrition Center at noon Thursday. The center will be closed for the holiday and re-open Dec. 27, as will city hall.

County and city taxes are due by the end of the year. Scott County Collector Mark Hensley will be at city hall from 3 to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Dec. 28. You can pay by check or cash.

Beautiful December sights

Lots of interesting sights are in view on these winter days and cold, clear nights. We've been enjoying December's full moon, known as Cold Moon, Snow Moon, Long Night Moon, Twelfth Moon and Christmas Moon.

The red-breasted nuthatches are fun to watch as they go down tree trunks headfirst. We also have the year-round woodpeckers and, more recently, the arrival of the ground-feeding dark-eyed juncos: a sure sign that winter is here. The first day of winter officially arrives this Wednesday, Dec. 21!

Wintertime scam alert

The scams prevail especially during the holiday season; calls and mail abound for charitable donations and even magazine subscriptions. I received an envelope stamped "Official Business; Penalty for Private Use." I knew that wasn't the case because my name had major misspellings. I opened it, and after reading, "Your Prompt Attention is Appreciated," I discovered it was a renewal form for a magazine to which I have never subscribed. When it comes to charities, it is better to pick your favorite charities and donate to them directly throughout the year rather than go through a third person who may or may not be legitimate. Be wary.

Christmas shopping

Surveys show most people have completed their Christmas shopping by mid-December. Are you one of those, or do you wait until the last minute? I have a double whammy with Richard's Christmas and his birthday that follows a few days later. My three sisters often submit ideas for me and ask for updates on my progress. It is always a challenge, since most men get what they want throughout the year, so I can't say that I have made much progress!

Holiday travel wishes

The Christmas trees and decorations are in place, the stockings are hung with care, the smells of Christmas are drifting through the house, and the gifts are wrapped and about to be placed under the tree. We wish those of you who will be traveling during the holidays by air, car or sleigh safe, uninterrupted travel.

Sincere condolences

Our sincere condolences go to Eva Golightly and other family members in the recent loss of Eva's husband, Hank. Our prayers and thoughts also are with others who have lost loved ones and our men and women who so bravely serve in our military.

Final thoughts

Remember to tell those special people in your life that you love them -- those three words mean so very much and are so nice to hear.

Early deadline

Please note that for the next two weeks, we will have early deadlines for Chaffee Chatters. Please email your news to darbuck2@airmail.net or leave a message at (573) 887-6430 or (214) 207-7839 no later than 10 a.m. Monday, Dec. 19, and Monday, Dec. 26.

And then ...

Then there was the Arkansas Congressman whose "cheese dip" was the winner over the Texas Congressman's "queso."