Charlie's Steak, Ribs and Ale May 11th auction failed to capture a buyer!

Forsyth MO. - On a rainy and frankly a rather cold day in May, an upscale restaurant formerly known as Charlie's Steak, Ribs and Ale went on the auction block.

The owner's had hired Larry McKnight, owner of McKnight Auction Service and Reality, LLC as the agency that was going to do their best to sell the property lock stock and barrel. Mr. McKnight informed those assembled that the property was being 'sold as' is and that whatever price it was sold at would not have any hidden fees or attachments other than the regular closing costs associated with the sale of commercial properties. I estimated that the number of individuals was at about 25 plus. Sadly, the auction proceeded with not a single bid coming forth from anyone present.

Mr. McKnight did inform me that their company would explore 'other options', but to also make sure and tell anyone who had an interest in buying that they would work very hard to move this fine piece of commercial Real Estate. McKnight Auction is located at www.mcknightauctionservice.com!

Art Competition shows off stellar work by area High School Students!

The 28th Annual Adelyn Valett Art Competition, exhibition, and reception took place Tuesday, May 7, at 7:00 pm at the Taneyhills Community Library in Branson. High School students from Branson and Hollister participated in 14 different categories of artwork including pottery, various painting and drawing mediums, and photography.  Cash prizes along with ribbons were presented to the top juried winners.  All participants received certificates for being part of the elite group selected to participate.

Max Chapman of Branson received the evening’s top honor Best of Show for his Mixed Media “Lemons.” The coveted Judges’ Top Choice prize went to Yijie Zhas of Branson, for an Ink piece titled “The Worst of Times.”

Master of Ceremonies, former art teacher and Taneyhills Board Member, Faye Pfister, congratulated all the participants in this year’s competition and congratulated the art educators from both schools for their dedication and leadership in advancing art in todays world.  Art Instructors from Branson were Sunshine Ridinger, Ashley Hawkins, and Jessica Blackburn.  The Art Instructor from Hollister was Reggie Roepke.

Judges for the competition were Kelly Wrenn, John Swaffar, and Mark Lee. 

Annual Master Gardener Sale!

Forsyth MO. - Despite gust winds, the annual Master Gardener Plant Sale for Forsyth Missouri went off on schedule on Saturday, April the 27th.

I had a chance to walk around and interact with a few of the fine men and women who belong to the Master Gardeners of the Ozarks on a day where quite a few eager customers braved winds gusting to 40 mph just to get a chance at shopping for perennials, natives, Herbs, ground covers and much more! Present were speakers and other volunteers who helped with selections and who even offered advice on garden planning.

I was told that this is an annual event that is held about the same time all across the area. (Next year, I plan to get the word out a lot earlier than I had done in 2019).

Shopping for a plant you liked was a real breeze as each pot had a colored stick of plastic with prices that ranged from .50 to only $4.

For more information, interested parties can contact the MU Extension Center at 417-546-4431 or they can visit www.taneyco@missouri.edu!

Also worth mentioning is the Save A Lot store that has a very nice selection of flowing plants and

veggies currently on display in front of the store!At the store I scored a pair of Habanero starts for a couple of bucks. I like growing these guys on my condo balcony and then using the peppers in assorted hot sauces during the summer months.

Thrive Bistro Open for business!

Forsyth MO. - After being closed for some time, a local bistro named Thrive has reopened and is offering specialty drinks along with with mouth watering breakfast, lunch and dinner meals. Please give this business, which is located just across Main street from the library, a shot. Good people offering great food!

 Note that prices are subject to change.

As I am a sucker for all things pasta, I planned to do a report sometime soon, on their special spaghetti offering for lunch. Breakfast panini? What was that item? here is a pic I found on the net! Is it close to what Thrice is serving? I wasn't sure.

Update: I took a friend to lunch on May 30th and as a first time ever diner at Thrive, I would have to say that the experience was most enjoyable. My guest order a chicken salad sandwich while I tried the spaghetti platter with soft bread sticks. The only 'problem' I encountered was the slight extra wait time for the pasta to cook. That really wasn't a big deal, just make sure to inform anyone your dining with as to the extra five or so minutes.

The sauce was exquisite!

Other than that, the food was heavenly, the service beyond reproach and the cost moderate.I plan to have more lunches at this most intriguing little bistro!

Shadowrock Park Report on April 19, 2019!

Forsyth MO. – As the Easter weekend 2019 was close to arriving, the weather forecast was looking better and better! Unlike past Easter's where it had been cold raining or both, this coming weekend had the following forecast:

Saturday, April 20 – Sunny. High 71°F. NNW winds 5 to 10 mph

Sunday, April 21 – Mostly sunny, High 81°F. South winds 5-10 mph

That sort of thing should sit well not only with those who plan to attend area churches, but also to anyone spending time at the local parks! In my area, when looking at three park areas close to Forsyth, Shadowrock and Empire Parks will be open. Sadly, River Run Park will remain closed due to; a lack of finding an attendant who will work for free, no bathrooms, no electric power and no running water.

On a brighter note, Shadowrock was rapidly filling up with RV's. Even the back eastern section of the park had a large group assembling there!

Water levels, as shown in the graphic at above right remained at seasonable norms with no periods of heavy rains forecast. (Our zany Federal government running on two cylinders as usual).

Eighty degrees at River Run Park! Which was closed...

I consider any day in the spring that hits the 80 degree plus mark to be a good day. That was just the case on April 16, 2019 as I wandered about the River Run Park on a partly cloudy Tuesday.

This venerable old park that is maintained by the government was missing only a few things; an attendant, water and electricity! The Corps just could not seem to understand that no one likes working for free. And that was why the Park was essentially dead in the water for this year and would likely remain so indefinitely.

So, while us citizens were free to go there (at least for now, until they close the gates), and maybe wander around. campers and RV'ers were verboten. The sister Park aka Shadowrock, did have a paid attendant as the space was leased from the Corps of Engineers and looked to have a good crop of vacationers in the early going. I understood that spots were already be reserved for large reunions beginning Easter weekend. Great!

So, let me see, a park run by the government was closed making no profits for anyone while costing money to maintain. Another park run by the City of Forsyth was open and making at least enough money to help offset maintenance and upkeep expenses. Was there some some of moral or lesson to be learned here....

Army truck for sale!

Forsyth MO. - You say that you have a lot of 'troops' to cart around town? Then, this is the vehicle for you!

Patriot Day Parade on May 18!

Forsyth MO. - On May 18th, the City of Forsyth will be hosting a PATRIOT DAY PARADE! The parade starts at 10AM on Saturday, May 18th at the Forsyth School. Mayor Coleman told me that all vets are welcome to take part and if any vet wanted to be in the parade to please call Angela for details.

Remember those who have perished protecting our freedoms - https://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-memorial-day-20170529-htmlstory.html

Swap Meet! FORR!

Mark your calendars!

Thinking outside Charlie's box!

Forsyth Mo. – A once very popular eatery known as Charlie's Ribs Steak and Ale located at the intersection of Hwy 160 and Y in Forsyth Missouri closed sometime back, went up for sale and then sat there doing not much of anything for quite a while.

It was soon apparent to me that there was a problem with it ever getting sold. The 4300 square foot establishment was well built and appointed and yet was difficult to sell. Part of the reason was the high asking price of $850,000. That was a lot of money to recoup in a town of about 2300 that had ten or more other eateries all within the city limits!

Personally, the only way I could see this building ever working out would be to break it up in to two or three separate businesses! Following are a few of my ideas:

Concepts

Dunkin Donuts/ Burger King

Mini-Mart/Gas station/Restaurant w Bar

Steak n Shake/ Spots Boutique

Dave's Big Burgers/ City Morgue – no, scratch that one! (Although if you ever ate one of Dave's burgers)...

Well, you get the idea. I think that old expression 'Divide and conquer' does apply in this situation. Two or three investors could work together to renovate the interior into two or three new businesses. Heck, even the City of Forsyth or Taney County could perhaps make this spot into a profit producing entity to help offset other costs to residents. Like I said, it will take someone or some group with --- wait for it--- foresight!

Update: Apparently the owner's wanted to try the auction route as a sign that was recently posted announced that a public auction was to be held on May 11 at 10:00 AM. See above right.

So, who wants to bet that bids will fall short of the reserve amount? And, if the auction fails, then what. A fire sale?

Forsyth MO Tri-Park Report!

Forsyth MO. – What is likely to be a rare event for me, I planned to to do a spring report on three area parks located in and around Forsyth Missouri.

Empire Park - 36.657478, -93.132045

Water flowing over Powersite dam!

Covered picnic area!

Just down Hwy Y off Route 160 in Forsyth Missouri lies a very well maintained park under the management of Empire Electric (aka Liberty Utilities out of Canada). The park features a boat ramp, walking paths, picnic tables and bathrooms. This is a great location to go spend a nice day near the waters of Lake Taneycomo.

As of April 12, 2019, the water level was at 701.36' or just about normal. Just a short walk along a path to the east of the park is Powersite dam, one of the first hydroelectric dams built in Missouri way back in 1913. Fishing opportunities are excellent both above and below the dam! I like this location to go and have a nice walk and then eat lunch.

Shadowrock Park - 36.683734, -93.103948 40+ spots   (417) 546-2876

Shadowrock Park is split in half by Hwy 160. That has resulted in two really different sorts of experiences with the northern half being composed of a playground, a bath house, tennis courts and basketball courts. Swan creek also runs along one side. The younger crowd seems to prefer this area.

Southern end of SR is peaceful!

The southern half of Shadowrock Park has plenty of RV spots available many of which have power, sewage hookups and water. There is also a recreational area where many activities are held all during the warm part of the year. In addition, there is a baseball diamond, boat ramp, a horse riding area along with modern flush toilet bathrooms. Towards the back of the park is an area with a second bathroom and dump station. A great place to bring your RV or even to go tent camping at! The park is leased and managed by the City of Forsyth and does have an attendant (Melvin) on site during the regular season starting in early April through November 1.

River Run Park - 36.681015, -93.102669  30+ spots   (417) 546-3646

River Run seen in this photo!

If Shadowrock is filled up, there is a sort of sister Park just across Bull Shoals lake that is managed by the Corps of Engineers. River Run is where many really serious fishermen go to launch their boats and have their RV's in spacious slots that come complete with electric power and water. There's a dump station close to the entrance, also. So, pretty much no matter what, you'll end up with a good selection of spots to set up and to enjoy nature! Update: April 16 - Park was accessible but there are no bathrooms, power or water.

What should you tip at a bar?

Forsyth Mo. - Wow. Talk about being blind-sided, recently! I was at a local venue, ordered some beers and then paid my tab with about a 20% tip. An individual to my left looked at the bill and then proceeded to berate me as to to low amount. He was drinking only water (a free item thus far, and left a $5 tip)

'See, he loudly pronounced. Now that's a good tip..... '

Really? I thought the man to be a complete idiot. Who'd give a bartender $5 for a glass of water? But that did make me wonder. Was I perhaps behind the times? Was a 20% tip no longer acceptable in an age of cell phone imposed isolation....? Had I missed a step? Time to investigate!

So, I decided to go visit other local watering holes in Taney County to see just what was considered acceptable. Seriously, what do servers living in Taney County Missouri expect, whether they are serving food or alcohol or both? What's the norm in 2019? What's considered acceptable or just an insult? Is it 20%, 30%, 40%... or what? What about those who are working and making an income versus those who are on a fixed income?

The answer to that question will be in a post I plan to present in the near future! So, stay tuned!

Update: After making a road trip to Branson and visiting a few watering holes, my eyes were really opened. Most of the bartenders I talked with were making well in excess of 40% on tips! The average take for them was over $200 per day with a 'slow' day coming in at just $100! In addition, some bars were offering health insurance, profit sharing and even pension plans. Wow! I guess it must suck to work in Forsyth and other close by communities if you happen to work in a service profession.