Wednesday, May 3, 2017

Two area parks closed for the season!

 
View of Shadow Rock Park from Hwy 160!

 Forsyth MO. – Two very popular parks located near Forsyth MO became flooded late in April and are likely to remain closed for the balance of the year!

Heavy rains, once again fell over much of southwest Missouri as the Gulf of Mexico opened back up with a vengeance. And, whenever a lot of rain fall in a short time, the series of reservoirs that constitute Beaver, Table Rock and Bull Shoals get backed up. This will have a bad overall effect on many businesses that count on the extra income that summertime vacationers bring. One business, in particular, is a convenience store called Peggy's Park Place. Please be sure to go there and to support her at this time of need!This is a start up business and is all about what we are all about! Also impacted in a negative way will be the City of Forsyth that gets income from one of the parks directly.

So, if you're thinking of coming down to stay at either Shadow Rock or River Run Parks, make sure to check with the Corps of Engineers first!

Hong Kong Express now delivers!


Forsyth MO - A new business called Hon Kong Express is now doing home delivery! You can see their menu here!

Monday, April 24, 2017

Taneynet in Forsyth MO!


Forsyth MO. – Located across the street from Southern Bank is a recently opened business called TaneyNet. They opened in October 2016 and provide great Internet service that competes with such providers as Mediacom, Centurylink and SuddenLink, to name a few. And while this service does not provide TV services, the do offer a low cost alternative to getting the Internet at home, business or schools.

I had the chance to stop in to pay a short visit with their Director of Operations, Bill VanKirk who was kind enough to fill me in on some of the more technical aspects of their operation. Unlike the other services, which provide either cable or DSL (digital subscriber line) communications, TaneyNet uses high tech equipment in the form of a 'mini dish' to communicate directly with a tower using the newer 802.11AC protocol. The have plenty of bandwidth to offer their customers starting at:

Fees valid at the time of posting

They do also require a $200 deposit to help cover the cost of the equipment and are currently running about three weeks out for new installs. On a happy note, there is no contract and so you can cancel their service at any time. I plan on giving this company a try early this summer when my current contract with Mediacom expires. The folks at Taneynet can be reached by calling 417-251-9012 during normal business hours! I also plan to do another report, later in the summer, as to how well I feel their service works!

May 3 update:  'Good morning everyone. This is Rodney Ballance, CEO of Taneynet. I wanted to personally inform you that we are temporarily suspending new sales for internet until we deliver to everyone who has been waiting.

If you have been waiting for service, expect a phone call and/or an E-mail from our team over the next week with an update on your status. We have made numerous personnel and policy changes in an effort to better serve you. I personally apologize for the lack of communication in the past, and the delays in providing you with excellent internet service.' [Gleamed from a FB post].

Thursday, April 20, 2017

Forsyth Express Lube!

194 Coy Blvd, Forsyth MO. | 417-545-2557
 Forsyth MO. - Just behind Casey's on Coy Blvd, you will discover that the Forsyth Express Lube is open and ready for business! I needed an oil change and it was certainly nice to not have to drive very far to find a full service center that can do most automotive jobs and which is situated so close to my home! The center is managed by a young fellow named Cody Cheek, who along with another man name Zach can get you serviced and back on the road in as little as 15 minutes!

Zack and Cody at work!
The service center offers an extensive list of auto services including standard items like oil changes, batteries and tires! If you have a problem, just give them a call and they'll do their best to make everything right! They are open every day except for Sunday and handled my vehicle in a prompt professional manner! Their prices are also very reasonable and they offer both conventional and synthetic oils!

UPDATE: August 28, 2017 - I stopped in for an oil change and there was no waiting! 


Saturday, April 8, 2017

Peggy's Park Place Market in Forsyth MO

 Forsyth MO. - What with the summer season just around the corner, area parks near my southwestern town in Missouri are already filling up with vacationers and sportsmen from all over! Shadowrock Park and River Run Park are enjoyed by a host of people, both local and those who travel in from distant locales, just so they can enjoy one of the best vacation spots in America.

Thank goodness our park areas have a well stocked and 'most always open' convenience store located nearby! At Peggy's Park Place Market, hungry folks can find just about anything their hearts desire including; beer, liquor, wine, drinks, snacks and other assorted must have sundries. Peggy's even supports a mini deli where one can purchase a wide variety of meats and assorted sandwiches that are sure to please most anyone's appetite!

If you like to fish, Peggy's also offers a complete line of sought after tackle including fishing line, hooks, bait and weights all at competitive prices! Peggy's Park Place Market is open 7 days a week from 6AM to 10PM and can be reached by calling 417-546-5845! Also see this short piece!

Wednesday, March 29, 2017

The price of romaine lettuce can change a lot!



As I like to keep a running data file on the items I purchase at a local grocery emporium, I noticed that the cost of romaine lettuce had evidently just gone up! After searching the web (see link above), I realized that the cost I normally pay at the Country Mart in Forsyth MO is actually less than the national average. However, as the graph illustrates, the price can fluctuate quite a bit, so it pays to be observant when you shop!


Tuesday, March 28, 2017

Fair Board nixes Fair beer garden!

Come on down...
Taney County MO - Apparently, a member of the Taney County Fair Board (Donald Helms) went before the Board of Aldermen last Monday, March 20th to apply for a temporary permit to sell beer in a beer garden area during this year's coming Taney County Fair. The answer was a resounding no! The Forsyth Board of Aldermen, acting unanimously, cited numerous reasons for turning down the request, indicating that such a move would be 'going down the wrong path,' to put it into the words of Alderwoman Cheryl Altis. Mayor Eddie Coleman was also '100 percent against it' saying that he feared such a permit might serve to dissuade more people than it would attract.

Personally, I'm all in favor of the curtailing of certain 'non-desirable' elements like out of control drinking and would even be in favor of taking more drastic measures to insure the continued purity and attractiveness of the event. Perhaps in the future, the board would also consider the banning of smokers as these people might also 'send the wrong sort of signal to our youth'. (Just imagine a smoke free Fair and how much fun that would be for everyone). Also, there is the health and visual questions of having too many obese individuals strolling around as living advertisements to our youths to perhaps 'overindulge' and to 'eat in an irresponsible manner'. Perhaps they should consider banning those people too, in order that our future Fairs take on a more modernistic and even Aryan appearance...

Now for me personally, I don't plan to attend this year, as I really dislike the Shoals Bend location for many and sundry reasons. But, that's just me! [For the record, the author regularity swills beers, used to smoke heavily and is as fat as a tick].

Sunday, March 26, 2017

My town Forsyth MO - March 26, 2017!

 It was a Sunday in late March and I thought it to be a good idea to get out and shoot some pictures of various businesses and other sights in and around town, (just for the historical record of course). Forsyth is a small town (population at around 1400) that is located in Southwest Missouri, not very far from Branson – our local claim to fame. As of that date, we had ourselves something like three banks, thirteen eateries, an O'Reilly auto center, a smattering of hair styling venues, a hardware store and a couple of parks! What more could anyone ask? I've called this area home for many a year and it really hasn't changed very much. Something I really like a lot!

#1 White River Plaza – Beginning at the northern edge of town, we have a nice strip mall that houses a neat collection of stores. I generally stop there to visit the Dollar General ( a nice store), the Subway and the excellent laundromat that's located in the back!

#2 National Enzyme Company – I worked at this supplement manufacturing company for a long time and have many fond memories from that experience. And, while it's changed ownership over the years, it's still is a viable place to seek and find good work in the area!

#3 McDonald's – You aren't a genuine 'town' unless to have a McDonald's and a Sonic's! Forsyth MO has both and while I don't frequent them as much as I used to, it still is a pleasure to eat food that tastes great even as it's killing you! I've  done a number of articles on both establishments along with some of the other eateries and have a love-hate relationship depending on the size of my waistline....

#4 O'Reilly Auto – In Forsyth, if you need something for your vehicle, O'Reilly's probably has the part in stock. I go there for parts and visit the Tire Crew for oil changes and any other serious automotive work! I've found both establishments to be very helpful whenever I've had a problem.

#5 Frosted Mug – A venerable local watering hole, the Mug is also one of the older businesses in Forsyth. I've enjoyed their signature 'frosted mugs' of beer and have eaten and enjoyed the varied menu that they offer. This is a good place to kick back on those really hot summer days that hit our neck of the woods in the summertime and enjoy a cold one!

#6 Courthouse and County Jail – Since Forsyth is the County Seat of Taney County, we enjoy excellent city services, a courthouse and a state of the art jail. and no, I've never been incarcerated there, I've only heard about it.

#7 Charlie's Ribs, Steak and Ale – In terms of offering finer dining, Charlie's and perhaps a couple of other eating establishments are where to go when you're hungry and also desire a taste of class. The establishment is non smoking, has a fully stock bar and excellent service. over the years, I've written a number of articles about eateries in this class including the Long Horn Family Dining establishment and Fat Daddies, where a lot of the town locals like to hang out.

#8 Shadowrock Park – Rounding out my tour this day, I visited a well known park that has a long and interesting history – everything from being the site of a civil war battle, way back when, to being one of the nicest places to hang out and fish during the warmer months of the year!

Thursday, March 9, 2017

Forsyth Library Annual Potato Bake and Raffle!

For reasons that completely escape me, this event is a perennial favorite that generally sees large crowds in attendance!

Saturday, January 28, 2017

Popular convenience store has new owner!


Owner Peggy Reichard
Forsyth MO. - The Park Place Convenience store has been located at 17463 US-160 for a very long time. It's a popular stopping and shopping venue for many area residents due, in part to its wide selection of products offered at very fair prices! Recently Peggy Reichard and her husband Ray took over ownership of the enterprise and are working tirelessly to satisfy the demands of a hungry clientele. 


Park Place is open from 6 to 10 PM seven days a week, so if you need stuff when other stores are closed, this is the place to go! You can reach then by calling 417-546-5845.

Monday, December 26, 2016

Great care at the Forsyth Care Center!


On an overcast day in late December, I discovered a friend of mine named Pat Betz, (who had recently undergone a series of surgeries at  Springfield hospital)  had been moved to the Forsyth Nursing and Rehab Center located in Forsyth MO, in order that he could mend and recuperate. I had called him and we agreed to meet for a lunch at the cafeteria they had located on the premises.

As it had been some time since I had visited this care center, I was happy to see that it was still operating at a high level of efficiency. (The site offers a full spectrum of healing services including; IV therapy, rehabilitation, housekeeping and laundry just to name a few). Their full service cafeteria also puts out abroad selection of meals that can be customized to any special dietary needs!

Pat appeared to be in great spirits and looked forward to only short stay as on site therapists got him back into full health.The care center is located at 477 Coy Blvd, Forsyth, MO 65653 and can be reached by calling  (417) 546-6337!

Tuesday, December 20, 2016

Lunch at Forsyth's Subway!



At some point last summer, I stopped at a Subway located near my home in Forsyth Missouri and fell in love with their Cold Cut Combo 6” meal deal! (A great lunch time selection and hopefully a healthy addiction over time)!

And so it was on one of the coldest mornings of the 2016- 2017 winter, that I stopped at the 14974 US Hwy 160 venue (a location that was just to the north of small town of Forsyth Missouri), to grab a midday lunch! And, yes, I knew exactly what I wanted to chow down on!

Their Cold Cut Combo is just one of many sandwich offerings to be found at Subway, but it had tickled my fancy mostly because it was a healthy combo of veggies and meats on bread - simple and wholesome, just like myself. [OK. So, maybe I'm just simple].
I arrived at the popular eatery early on a Tuesday morning, at around about11:30 AM, in order to skirt the crowds that always seem to show up right at about the noon hour. I ambled into the always spotless eatery and found that there was only one person at the order counter. Perfect! But, now a word of caution! When you approach the counter of any Subway in the US, there is most always a great looking display of 'chips-in-bags', just begging to be snatched up. But, don't do it! These little bags of joy are actually 'caloric weight bombs'! And when they detonate, they can wreck even the most carefully devised diet! Thus, as I approached the counter that morning... I quickly grabbed myself a bag of Lays chips! [So, go ahead and sue me]!

Bag in hand, I then got the attention of the person I like to call the 'Facilitator'. (That's the guy or girl who assembles your sandwich according to your instructions). From a strictly procedural standpoint, you first call out the base and style of the sandwich. 'White bread, 6 inch cold cut combo,' I stated assertively that morning. The Facilitator eyed me casually and then asked, 'Ya'll want that toasted?' 'Yes, I do', I answered back. (My mouth had began to drool a bit, at that point. A troubling, but well understood development from past visits).

That chore accomplished, the last item in the order process was what most always got me flustered. My 'virginal white bun' had just come out of the flash oven and it smelled terrific! It was hot-to-trot and merely awaited my personal selection of veggies from what looked to be a cornucopia of mouth watering selection bins that contained every condiment imaginable. (On this day, however, excessive drooling forced me to forego normal speech in favor of a cannibalistic form of grunting and pointing. Thankfully, the Facilitator interpreted these strange gyrations correctly). [FYI - I prefer hot peppers, mayo, lettuce and onion on my cold cut combo]. In no time, the meal was expertly 'wrapped up' and I then paid up.

OK, just a word about Subway and the cost of their food. It's atrocious! Seriously, I sometimes feel like an addict scoring some drug for a hundred dollars. OK, may be not as bad as all that. Still, the 6 inch sub and the bag of chips cost $5.25 including tax! Personally, I think that a little costly! But hey, I'm a true culinary addict, like I said...

Friday, December 2, 2016

Critique: Fat Daddy's Piglet Pork meal!



Forsyth MO. - Nestled along Hwy 160 in a small town located in southwest Missouri is a restaurant that I enjoy eating at. The place is called Fat Daddy's and for someone on a diet, you'd think I'd avoid something like that like the plague! And while Fat Daddy's does offer up a host of man-sized meals, they also have very tasty creations available that have much smaller caloric footprints!

 One such place you can find more 'sensible' meals is in the section they call their 'Lil' Piglet Meals'. In that section you can choose from a number of offerings that all taste great, but do so with perhaps a little less adding to the old waistline. One selection I choose fairly often is the Piglet Pork which is a quarter pound of smoked pulled pork in a bun with a medium order of French Fries. There are sauces available at each table so you can slather on your could of mild and hot varieties. For myself, I like the hot stuff!

Above is an estimate only
As you can see from the graphic at right, this meal won't break the diet budget and at just $4.99, it's very affordable also!

Thursday, December 1, 2016

Hair's the Place owner has moved!



Forsyth MO. - Colleen Barnes, long time proprietor of Hair's the Place, recently moved to 233 Main Street in Forsyth, just across from City Hall where she joined forces with the other professionals at the Town and Country Salon. I'd been a long time customer, and so followed her over to her new location when it came time for a haircut.

Colleen is always is a good mood and it was nice getting my haircut at a location right in the center of town! Customers can reach her to make an appointment by calling 417-546-3039 during normal business hours.

Friday, November 25, 2016

Area gasoline prices declining!


Forsyth MO. – In what would be good news for many who commute, I've noticed a steady decline in the cost of a gallon of gas over the past few weeks. Back in September the cost was at about $1.95 per gallon for standard while on the day of this post we had dropped to $1.85! And, while a ten cent drop doesn't mean all that much, it's the trend that counts!

Wednesday, October 19, 2016

A tale of two eateries!

Following is a short comparison of two hypothetical eateries that opened across the street from each other. One eatery prospered while the other not so much so;

Charlupa's Meat and Such!

Charlupa's owner pretty much has his head up his ass and so everyone suffers. He opened a rather nice looking steak joint that was all show and no go! Chuck is his name and other than that, the elevator didn't go up very high.

When Chuck opened his place, things went well for a while. But after some time, that wasn't so much the case. You see Chuck didn't really seem to care about his customer base. He didn't bother collecting and building an email file on those who ate at his venue nor did he bother to advertise in print or on the net. His menu was rather lackluster with no photos of his 'wonderful' signature dishes... which he never really bothered to tell anyone about. His staff, while hard working, lacked direction, goals or even a playbook for success. In a word, the place was blase to the point of boredom. I understand his people began to refer to him as Upchuck behind his back....

Herbs Steak and Potato Joint!

Herb's restaurant was run by a guy name Herb. He was there all the time and made it a point to greet his customers at the door. Yet Herb was also lazy and so hired on an intelligent and motivated staff. Herb knew how to delegate responsibilities and how to incentivise his people. Every week, Herb offered his staff monetary incentives to push slow moving or high profit foods. He trained them on how to build up a loyal clientele following via email and social sites. He changed his menu every six months to keep it fresh and made sure to go the extra distance to include mouth-watering photos of items he was proud to serve. Yes, Herb was a busy man and he was a happy man as he watched the profits roll on in.

Someone once told me that it was almost impossible to fail in the eatery business. I'm betting old Chuck is giving that idea a run for its money!

Rockaway and Merriam Woods join forces!


Oct 7. – In order to further the protection and safety of its citizens, the cities of Rockaway Beach and Merriam Woods elected to join their police forces together to bring that number to four. Almost from the get go, there were numerous arrests as the police executed an intense 'crackdown' via a saturation patrol.

Now, while that sounds good on the surface. I cannot help but wonder what the effect of this action will have over the long haul. Unless something is done to improve the business atmosphere, I'm afraid both areas will become ghost towns.

Friday, October 14, 2016

Charlie's in Forsyth to offer extended breakfast!


Forsyth MO - Effective as of October the 10th, 2016 - Charlie's Ribs, Steak and Ale will be offering their breakfast menu from opening at 7:30 AM until 2PM on Saturday's and Sunday's! Specifically, they will be offering:

B&G and More - $6
Two eggs, two biscuits with hash browns!

The Works - $6
Two eggs, choice of meat, hash browns and choice of bread!

Steak & Eggs Platter - $10
7 oz sirloin, two eggs, hash browns and choice of bread!

Country Fried Steak and Eggs - $10
6 oz breaded steak topped with gravy, two eggs, hash browns and choice of bread!

For more details, you can reach Charlie's at 417-546-2011 during normal business hours!

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Arvest Bank branch in Forsyth to close!


Forsyth MO. - Representatives from Arvest Banking headquartered in Bentonville, Arkansas; with branches in Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri announced that the branch located in Forsyth Missouri will be closing its doors on December 30, 2016. The drive through will remain open for customers to make and withdraw money and there are two locations; one in Hollister and another in Branson that offer full banking services.

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Fat Daddy's LiL' Piglet meals!



Forsyth MO – A recent visit to Fat Daddy's for a luncheon engagement dealt out a nice surprise for this overweight gnome. I went there with a friend named Mary to eat, but didn't really look forward to yet overly large meal that would better suit a younger and trimmer working man. Just too many calories! Actually, any meal over 700 calories would be pushing my self imposed limits. Losing weight, for us older people, can be a real challenge. No, I wanted something that was modest and after asking my server, I discovered it! Down towards the bottom of my menu was a section called LiL' Piglet Meals. In that section was an item called 'Piglet Pork'. A small hamburger sized portion contain ¼ pound of smoked pork, along with a side of fries for about $5. Wow! The taste was awesome, I didn't destroy my diet (~650 calories) and the whole meal deal was very affordable! Next time your over that way, please give this selection a try!

Hong Kong Express opening in Forsyth in November!


What is it with Forsyth Missouri and eateries? At my casual estimate, there were eight places to eat in a town of just over two thousand! Now we will have another 'oriental styled' venue come later in the fall.

As a venue, I admit to avoiding any type of restaurant that serves a buffet styled menu. I'm a bit leery of food that sits for hours and hours before someone comes along. Some food must be kept cool while others have to be maintained at certain levels of heat. Either way, things can (and do) go wrong. Thus, I do not plan to go to this location very often unless someone I'm taking to lunch insists!

As Forsyth has had a Oriental/Mexican restaurant for some time now, I could not help but wonder at the apparent duplication. I would have preferred to see something like a Wendy's or even a Shorty Small's as they offer a few pasta dishes that are excellent.

Well, time will tell, as they say. I hope to visit this venue after they open and will make a followup report.

Monday, September 5, 2016

The Mouse Pad for all your computer needs!

Mouse Pad, 113 Main St, Forsyth MO 65653
Over the years, the Mouse Pad has been located in a number of sports. I first noticed this business on Hwy 160 next to the White River Plaza. It was then relocated to a spot on Hwy 160 near Charlie's restaurant. Today, this rather 'mobile' enterprise is situated right across from Save Alot at 113 Main Street in Forsyth!

I was able to talk briefly with the owner, a man named Jamie Johnson, and he informed me that they do all sorts of general computer maintenance and repair along including computers sales at great prices!

The Mouse Pad can be reached by calling 417-546-2648 during normal business hours. Jamie can also be reached on his cell phone at 417-207-6776 in case of emergencies.

Disclaimer: All data & info provided on this site is for informational & Entertainment purposes only. The owner of this site makes no representations whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any material presented here & will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.
 

Friday, September 2, 2016

Best burger and fries in Forsyth MO!


In my view, an old fashioned hamburger and fries is tough to beat almost any old time. And, the 'Kountry Burger' served up at the Long Horn Family Dining venue might just qualify as the best of the best offered up in my small town of Forsyth Missouri!

The Longhorn Family Dining restaurant is open seven days a week at this time, from 6:30 AM to 8:30 PM, although I would call them at 417-546-9751 to confirm, just in case.

Update: Sadly, the Long Horn's renters decided to quit and so the business was once again shut down.

Thursday, September 1, 2016

Economy Screen Printing in Forsyth MO!


Economy Screen Printing, 163 Main Street, Forsyth MO.
A recently opened shop located at 163 Main Street in Forsyth MO. called Economy Screen Printing, does professional screen printing on T-Shirts and all sorts of other object like cups, hats mementos and more! The store is run by Martha Rudnick and Susan Lawrence both of  which can reproduce custom designs and logos; either from material a customer might bring in or from scratch. The cater to everyone; from individuals up to and including companies or organizations that might need to orders exceeding one thousand pieces. As you can see from the pictures of these T-shirts, almost anything can be created and at very reasonable prices!I was very impressed with just how detailed and beautiful the work that they do is close up!

In the near future, I was told that a customer will even be able to come in and create their own custom T-shirt and then print it on the spot! That would be very cool indeed!

Also, the shop can make available limited spaces for aspiring artists to set up shop and display their creations on a monthly rental basis. (And, while I decided not to post that amount here, I was very impressed with how low it was)! Note that this will not be a flea shop concept, but rather a place for a select group of artists to gain exposure. For the limited few people who can take advantage of this opportunity, ( I think I was told that there are only about 6 to 8 spaces available), they will need to act promptly as the spaces are already being reserved. as for advertising, I was told that the owners may even consider an open house type of event to help draw in additional traffic! If you have an interest in this, or would like additional information, the shop can be reached at 417-546-0631 during normal business hours.

In closing, I gained the impression that this business will likely do very well. The equipment I saw located there appeared to be top end. At the time of my visit, they were getting ready to fulfill an order consisting of a thousand t-shirts!

Please make it a point to stop in and to check them out. There were many very interesting items on display that I didn't cover here, but hope to in the future...

Disclaimer: All data & info provided on this site is for informational & Entertainment purposes only. The owner of this site makes no representations whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, suitability, or validity of any material presented here & will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or for any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.




Tuesday, August 23, 2016

Forsyth Fun Day 2016!

Unlike the Fair this past June, this very popular event will be at the Shadowrock Park, one of my favorite locations. This event is sponsored by the City of Forsyth and is one of the real highlights of the summer! Two bands will supply awesome sounds, vendors will be doing their thing as a dedicated group of professional BBQ'ers go head to head to produce the most succulent culinary creations to be had on this planet! In the midst of all this will be the craziness that can only be found in cardboard boat races! Bring some chairs and blankets and make it a day to remember!