Issues at the Frosted Mug!

Forsyth Mo – John's Frosted Mug is a bar slash restaurant that has been an icon in my small town for a number of decades. When I was working, I'd often stop there for a couple of cold beers and maybe a game of pool after I'd get off. I started going there back in 1992 or so and feel that I know the venue fairly well.

That was then, and now is now, however. The Mug, in my opinion, faces a number of issues that could prove to be problematic for any long term survival. Let me list five of them here;

1. I cannot remember when either the outside or the inside has last seen a significant effort at renovation. In 2018, it's now showing some clear signs of wear and tear that likely do little to improvement customer expectations.
2. The Mug is a smoking only facility, meaning that there are no accommodations for non-smokers there at all! At a time where people have quit or are quitting in record number, this venue has become less and less appealing to larger and larger numbers of potential customers.
3. The menu and especially the specials have become predictable and therefore uninspiring. While the quality of the food there is good, recent price increases may be playing to a smaller dinner crowd.
4. The lone pool table has issues, (this according to a few avid players I've talked to). Apparently the rails have some dead spots that makes clean play a problem.
5. Screaming infants really have no place in a smoke filled adult bar, yet they make regular appearances.

These are all problems that have pretty straight forward solutions. I decided to post this, not to condemn the establishment, but in the hopes that some needed changes can be made so that it will once again become a thriving and popular place to grab a cold one on a hot summer day.

Long Horn Family Dining!

Forsyth MO. - In what's become a rare occurrence, as of late, I arose on an overcast and rain swept morning in February and went out for breakfast. I choose the Long Horn Family Dining restaurant as it had been some time since I last ate there.

The establishment is located on the Highway 160 strip that runs through Forsyth and is located right across from Fat Daddy's BBQ. There menu is strictly down home country fare and I've learned to trust them and the quality of their food offerings over a long period of time.

Today was really to be more or less an update as I've written a fair number of articles about eating there in the past and have generally giving them great reviews. Today was no exception other than to make one remark about the god awful size of the fork I was given! It was the kind of fork a really large man might enjoy, but for me it was a bit like eating with a spatula! That said the food was excellent and the prices were fair (for 2018).

That leftover bridge could be utilized!!

Forsyth MO. – Sometime in the coming fall of 2018, the new bridge over Bull Shoals will be completed. When that happens, it's my understanding that the old bridge will stay, be sealed off with foot and bicycle traffic still being allowed.

While looking at a picture of that bridge (above), it occurred to me that there is a decent amount of space along that span! Space that perhaps could be utilized to some extent in future years.

Specifically, I was thinking about small vendor stalls being erected along one lane that could be made available to anyone who wanted to walk up and purchase whatever it was being sold. Of course, parking spaces would be needed at the end opposite the turnaround. I was thinking something like 20 or so spaces where someone could park their vehicle and then stroll along the bridge. Perhaps even steps could be created just before the turnaround area to give walkers access to and from Shadowrock Park. Now, I'm aware that this would be a tall infrastructure order. The area would need power, water and toilet and waste facilities. Still, if done right, it would be unique...

Such a setup, if done properly, would be sure to garner some national press. Something that would be very good for our area.

Restaurants where are yee?

One of the reasons I've tended to shun the local restaurants in and around Forsyth MO as of late could be summed up in the picture taken out of my daily diary. As mortal man, it is all to easy for me to consume foods that are not in our best interests! Even a simple meal of small portions as shown above can be a dietary wrecking ball! You could just imagine, then, what some of the breakfast offering do to the heart and waistline at some of the local eateries... I'd love to see them begin to offer up fruit plates, creative salads - Well, you know, stuff that no one wants to order...

Ozark Country Crafts opens in Forsyth!

Wayne and Jean!

Forsyth MO. – Two new to the area resident, Jean and Wayne have recently opened a store front on Highway 160 next to the Bait Shop and just across from the Court House! I had a chance to stop by and check out a few of the many interesting products that they have to offer. I thought that their soy candles were a great idea as they are cleaner burning that regular candles with much less soot! I was also attracted to their display of lit containers including all sort of bottles! Also in evidence were wooden object de art along with original paintings done by Jean.

Ozark Country Crafts is really a fun kind of place to stop and shop in the Forsyth area. Their hours are 10-5 Tuesday thru Friday and Saturday 10-2. Also, be sure to stop by their very awesome web site at www.ozarkcountrycrafts.com where you can browse through their extensive catalog and even learn a little about these two very interesting people!
 www.taneyweather.com

eBay workshop offered in Branson!

Branson MO. - According to the November 1 edition of the Taney County Times, a workshop that will cover 'Buying and Selling' on eBay will be offered on November 14 starting at 6PM at the Taneyhills Community Library located at 200 South 4th Street in Branson Missouri!

Acclaimed local author Josh Young (Myths and Mysteries) will deliver an entertaining and informative talk on how to navigate, buy and post items on the very popular eBay platform.

This should be a very popular event and the organizers are urging interested parties to call and make a reservation in order to make sure they have a spot. You can call the library at 417-334-1418 to make the reservation and in case you have any additional questions.

Rockaway Beach to hold first Main Street meeting!

Rockaway Beach MO. - The first ever Town Hall Meeting for the Rockaway Beach Main street will be held on November the 9th, 2017 at 6:30 PM at the Community Center located at 2762 Street on Highway 176 in Rockaway Beach! In case you're not familiar with the Main Street Affiliate program here is a short explanation that was taken from their site:

'Main Street Alliance is a national network of small business coalitions working to build a new voice for small businesses on important public policy issues. Alliance small business owners share a vision of public policies that work for business owners, our employees, and the communities we serve.

The Main Street Alliance national network formed in 2008 to give Main Street small business owners a new voice in the health care reform debate, and has since broadened its focus to work on a range of issues that matter to small businesses and local economies. Our growing network includes small business coalitions in over a dozen states.'

According to an article published  on November 1 in the Taney County Times, 'The evening will begin with a presentation from Missouri Main Street about the Main Street Approach ( registered trademark) to Revitalization.'

Additional information can be obtained by calling Jim Harriger, Director of the White River Community Development at 417-880-0749 or via email at jmharriger@gmail.com!