On Tipping and Sonic

One of the favorite fast food venues that my dad enjoyed before passing away in 2008 was to go to Sonics’ in Forsyth Missouri so we could sit in our car and enjoy a Sonic Berger and fries. This became a weekly ritual and I still carry on the tradition myself once in a while, diet permitting. The service there has always been extremely prompt and the carhops would always check back to make sure everything was satisfactory. The service they render is every bit as good as what I might receive at a sit down restaurant. So, it was with some surprise that I’ve recently learned that many people do not see fit to tip these hard working guys and gals. One server informed me that she made only three dollars in tips after working six hours. Now, it true that they do make a base wage, but I understand it’s a wage that is close to the minimum wage and so they depend on tips to make up the difference.

Now, I’m not writing about this to chide anyone on the paying of tips, but rather to ask that we take a moment to consider paying fairly for services rendered. Car-hopping is arduous at best and a plain downright challenge in nasty weather. Sonic, as matter of company policy, will not advertise that you can tip the carhops so it’s up to everyone to spread the word.

Shadowrock Park In Forsyth Missouri

Not many parks in Missouri have the history like that of Shadowrock. At times it has been the location of the town of Forsyth before dams up river forced it to relocate up the hill a couple of miles. During the Civil War, a brief battle was fought as Union troops bombarded the Court House as Confederates briefly held the position.

Today, the park which is neatly divided in half by Highway 160 has all manner of attractions including; tennis courts, playgrounds, a ball park, Rodeo and even places to camp and picnic. One section, close to the Bull Shoals River, has full RV hookups. If the park gets too full, there is another right across the bridge called River Run which can accommodate RV’s and tent campers.

Adding to the appeal of this recreational Park are numerous events held during the summer months. These include Car Shows, motorcycle swap meets, County Fairs, Demolition Derbies and cardboard boat races to name a few. As a matter of fact, this July 17th will see one of my all time favorite events; the BBQ Cook-off. Just imagine the smells of all sorts of meats being cooked slowly to perfection and what that will do to an appetite. This is something I look forward to all year long. It will be billed as a Forsyth Fun Day and will host entertainment along with the ever popular cardboard boat races.

Hair's The Place in Forsyth Missouri

It’s a fact that people seek beauty. They are constantly looking to improve what they have or even give themselves a whole new look. They drop by the nearest hair and beauty salon to be pampered by stylists and beauticians to style their tresses, shape their eyebrows, and color their nails – all in a setting that is relaxing and enjoyable. For myself, just an hour in a hair and salon shop every month and I emerge confident and ready to take on the world.

That’s why guys and gals from all over the Forsyth area have come to depend on owner Colleen Karnes’ Hair’s The Place saloon to help them look their best. I have frequented her shop located at 136 Rockhill Drive (kitty corner from the Shelter insurance office on Hwy 160) for some time now. Colleen offers a full range of beauty options and now has a talented stylist named Elise Morse working with her to offer only the best in haircuts, perms, hair coloring, nails and even pedicures. Their hours are Tuesday thru Saturday 9AM to 5 PM and while walk-ins are welcome, Colleen encourages her customers to call and set an appointment for the most prompt service. They can be reached by calling either 417-546-3039 or 417-251-0335.

Mobil One Express Auto Oil Change in Forsyth Missouri

Just down Coy Blvd. off Highway 160 in Forsyth, Mo. You can find one of the better managed oil change facilities. It’s called Mobil One Express Auto and is located at 194 Coy Blvd. I have been getting my oil changed there for some time now and can relate that on every visit there, it has been a pleasant one.

While the facility may specialize in oil changes, I’ve also found it to be closer to a full service facility.On my last visit they were able to fix a broken electric window riser at reasonable cost and in short order. They can do inspections, if you happen to need one and I also understand that they even have vehicles for sale. You can call for additional information and pricing at (417) 546-4224.

July 2013 update: For whatever reason, this facility decided to black out the windows that separate the oil change area from the waiting room.  I'm not sure that was such a great idea. It makes me wonder what it is they're trying to hide... Note: This situation did not last very long.

Jan 2016 update: This location has closed down and the operation moved.

White River Valley Historical Society

A recent visit to the White River Valley Historical Society was made all the better by my encounter with the fine folks that work there, especially Ms. Leslie Wyman, the managing Director. She graciously showed me around even though they were in between theme exhibits. They were getting ready for the opening of ‘Ladies Fancywork’ which will showcase women who historically employed many talents, from quilting to embroidery to the nearly lost art of tatting (a technique for handcrafting a particularly durable lace constructed by a series of knots and loops)! This is just one of a number of exhibits that are presented in the course of a year. Coming up in September 2010 will be one I will want to see called ‘Sportsman’s Paradise’ and which will highlight hunting and fishing in the Ozarks.

The buildings location is at 297 Main Street in Forsyth, Mo. which is just across from the newly constructed Taney County Judicial Building. They can also be reached at 417-546-2210 if you have questions and the Historical Society maintains a very informative web page at www.wrvhs.org.

Forsyth Fun Day coming on July 17th

It’s a BBQ Challenge and Forsyth Fun Day to be held this coming Saturday, July the 17^th at the Shadowrock Park. Call the Forsyth Chamber of Commerce at 417 546-2741 for information on competing in the BBQ challenge or the boat race. From 9 AM to 12PM there will be music (Hipp Katz) and entertainment including activities for the kids sponsored by the White River Valley Historical Society. In addition, there will be a silent auction, horseshoe tournament and sand volleyball. Our Fire, Rescue and Emergency folks will also be performing demonstrations and a live fly-in.

Starting at 11:00 AM, my favorite activity begins and that is the serving of award winning BBQ to us common folks. (I’m not sure what the charge will be for this ($5?), but I can tell you it’s worth every penny). While you’re eating, you can also inspect the cardboard boats that will be competing shortly after the noon hour.

Ozark Mountain Pawn in Forsyth Missouri

Tucked away in back of the White River Plaza is the Ozark Mountain Pawn shop owned and operated by Scott Novak. Scott’s shop houses all sorts of unique and sought after items including tools, ammo and fine jewelry all at bargain prices.

Scott’s shop is located at 14974 US Hwy 160 in Forsyth, Missouri and their phone number is 417-546-3778. The shop also specializes in jewelry repair and engraving. Stop by and say hi!