11-13-25 - Carol phillips - Salt water fishing 

The BVFT Club is fortunate to have a member that is a globally known fly fishing expert in both fresh and saltwater. She has traveled the planet to fly fish in many rivers, streams, and oceans. Carol’s experiences are diversified: She worked with Brad Pitt about Fly Casting In the movie “A River Runs Through it” where she served as a stunt double to do all the fly casting.

Carol first spoke about catching a Bone Fish … and extremely fast (up to 35mph) which travels in schools. She was fishing in a kayak when she hooked the fish in the photo which took 2+ hours the land.

When going offshore … Always employ a licensed Boat Captain for they know where to go and when to and not to go after game fish. Note: the captain will do everything for you but catch, land and bring the fish into the boat.

Fishing for Tarpons … a large powerful game fish found in warms Atlantic waters one must use a, both hands, heavy 13 weight rod. Hooks are large stainless steel jig style and point up. Files are large, long, skinny, with vivid colors patterns. What’s the most difficult saltwater fish to catch and land? A Tarpon! 

10-30-2025 - Dave Barfield 3 Amigo Trip 

Dave & John’s Excellent Float Trips: King’s River, Little Sugar, and Elk River Mo. May 2012 Dave gave us a wonderful presentation on his fishing trip with two friends. Dave Barfield is a long-time BVFT Club member.  Has worked with Arkansas Game and Fish to develop warm water fishery in and around Bella Vista to stock small and large mouth bass and other warm water fish.  On the King’s River, there was an abundance of Blue Gill and small mouth bass. They used Fly Rods and eventually, went to Spin Cast Rod and Reels with the Spin Cast setup working better with a kayak. In and around Bella Vista, Little Sugar Creek is an excellent fishing location using a Kayak.They would put in a mile or two downstream from Jane’s Walmart.  3 Friend - 3 Rivers: You can't beat that. Thanks Dave!

10-23-25 - Autum Henry - Autum is the BVFT Club's 2025 Scholarship winner. Her Research is Titled: Brown Trout Bioenergetics Model on the Greers Ferry Tailwaters." She is a Master's student at Arkansas Tech University and is studying the relationship the Brown trout's energy consumption, growth rates, and environmental conditions i.e., Bioenergetics! She hopes to learn from her studies: "Is the prey base of the Little Red River limiting Brown trout growth." After taking questions from Club members, Autumn hopes to return to give her findings to the Club. 

8-21-2025  - Colleen Thompson - Senior Living Consultant

Colleen Thompson is the senior living consultant at Pinnacle Springs Retirement  a Resort Lifestyle Community an all-inclusive, independent retirement experience for seniors 55+ in Rogers, Ar..  Colleen presented the reason for planning for care for elderly and the quality of care at their facility. Pinnacle Springs offers active adult living & independent living. Pinnacle Springs, you can meet new friends with an array of life-enriching activities and events, stay energetic with our state-of-the-art fitness center, and enjoy entertainment in our 150-seat movie theater. 

For more information visit:  Pinnacle Springs Retirement

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8-14-2025  - Kayla Sayre - Study of northern pike on two Alaska lakes

Kayla is a biologist with the Bella Vista POA. Her presentation was her Masters project on the impact of Northern Pike on the salmon population on two bodies of water in Alaska Whiskey & Hewitt Lakes in 2012.  Kayla studied at the University of New Mexico, and University of Arkansas.

Key focus of this study was the invasive Northern Pike population on Salmon.  

7-31-2025  - John Urquhart - Highlands Shooting Complex

John is the Lakes, Parks, & Fisheries Assistant Superintendent for the BV POA.   John shared about the updates at the new BV Highlands Sporting Range which includes Skeet, Trap, Pistol, Rifle and Archery ranges which recently went under extensive renovation.  Additional Upgrades were shared:NEW POLICIES/ REGULATIONS: GENERAL RULES: RIFLE/ PISTOL RANGE INFORMATION . the Highlands Shooting Complex in located at: 

6105 Rocky Dell Hollow Road  Bella Vista, AR 72715   479-903-3610    For more information visit their website at https://bellavistapoa.com/thingstodo/gun-range/

7-17-2025  - Flip Putthoff - Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Flip Putthoff is a staff photographer and outdoors reporter. He's covered outdoor recreation for the Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette and its predecessor newspapers for 45 years. Flip invented the Wheezer Scale for gauging the difficulty of hiking up hills. Flip spoke about summer walleye and a worm rig for taking Mid Summer walleye. He also spoke of taking Stripped Bass on a fly rod on Beaver Lake where he lives.Contact Flip at fputthoff@nwaonline.com. 

6-12-2025  - Maribell Childress - Cooper Elementary principle

Principle Childress addressed the club on the importance of Children learning from their experiences in nature. Getting outside and interacting with people who's appreciation of nature is a key to a lifelong experiences. The 4th graders have a field trip each year in which club members buddy up with the kids to go fishing at the local lakes.  It's a good time for all. Thank you for all you and the staff at Cooper Elementary do for the kids.

5-22-2025  - Greg Womack - Community Blood Center of the Ozarks

Greg shared a brief history of the blood bank. He covered how staff was paid and how the blood bank is the only one in northwest Arkansas. Springdale AR is the distribution center and all blood goes to spring Dale to be verified and tested. He gave information on blood types whole blood, platelets, and plasma and how often you can donate each one of them also went over some of the disqualifiers of giving blood to ensure that the blood supply is of a high quality. You can contact the blood center to discuss any issues you may have. The next blood drive will be on June 3rd at Saint bernard's Catholic Church.

Website: https://www.cbco.org/       Phone:  417.227.5000 

4-10-2025  - Zach Haines - Checkered Flag Guides & Outfitters  

Zach specializes in fly fishing for various species. He uses hand-tied flies and guides on numerous lakes and streams. "We offer guide services on the Beaver Tailwaters to encourage all ages to enjoy fly fishing outdoors. We provide all necessary gear, using products from Sage, Temple Fork Outfitters, Rio, and Umpqua. Our trips typically start on a river boat to cover more area, with the option of wading depending on water conditions." 

Beaver tailwaters are located 10 miles West of Eureka Springs, AR and 25 miles East of Rogers, AR. 

1-918-609-2130    Website: https://www.checkeredflagguidesandoutfitters.com/ 

3-27-2025  - Terry Gerky - Asst. Manager Roaring River Fish Hatchery

Terry gave the club a peek into the daily operations at the Roaring River fish hatchery.  He spoke of the life cycle of Trout and educated the club members on the production of various fish species.  Terry answered many question from the club.  "Roaring River Hatchery, constructed in 1910, is one of the oldest trout hatcheries in the state. Operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, the hatchery is located in Roaring River State Park, seven miles south of Cassville, on Highway 112". 

3-13-2025  Blue Crane Developers - Jared Faciszewski CEO

Blue Crane Developers, recent acquisition of 2700 acres in Bella Vista discusses future developments in the area.  Jared is the Chief Executive Officer and development leader of Blue Crane. Prior to CEO, Jared was the Director of Real Estate Development and Acquisitions at Blue Crane. He was previously a partner at RZC Investments. Jared is a graduate of Colorado College and the Tuck School of Business. Jared and his family can be found roaming the trails of Northwest Arkansas in their spare time! As a fun fact, as a kid, Jared hatched and raised a grand champion chicken at the Central Wisconsin State Fair.

2-27-2025  Brian Michaelson- Licensed Drone Pilot

Brian Michealson explained the uses and rules surrounding commercial and private drone use. 

2-13-2025  Lauren Adcock - Generations Legal Group Attorney

Lauren Adcock with Generations Legal Group spoke about planning for the future, elder law, and estate planning.  She outlined some of the legal pitfalls Arkansans fall into if an estate is not properly documented.  

"At Generations Legal Group, we specialize in Estate Planning and Elder Law, dedicating our expertise to safeguarding your legacy and future. Our experienced team is committed to providing tailored solutions that align with your unique needs, ensuring peace of mind for you and your loved ones. Join us in navigating the path to a secure future."  Generationslegalgroup.com

Find out more about Lauren and her team at:

Website:  generationslegalgroup.com   - Email: info@generationslegalgroup.com - Phone: 479-601-4119

1-30-2025  Michael Pellegrino on EMS paramedic Program

Micheal spoke of the various BV Fire Department / Paramedic programs paid for by the taxpayers of the state of Arkansas and residents of Bella Vista.  The programs can aid the 1st responders in prompt accurate care during an emergency.  For more information, please visit the cities website at:  https://bellavistaar.gov/city_departments/fire___ems/what_we_do_for_you.php

1-23-25  Xyta Lucas author, co – president Bella Vista Historical Museum speaking on Rago area of Bella Vista 

BVFT donated $200 + for the Historical society's expansion project - Thank You Tyers !!

1-16- 2025 Dave Floyd founding member XNALife speak about the basics of Artificial Intelligence 

Dave Floyd spoke of the exciting possibilities of Artificial Intelligence and its pitfalls. Dave is a musician, artist, digital enthusiast, and resident of Bella Vista. For more information visit his website www.xnalife.com