Casual Country Magazine April/May 2024

Country

Casual Country Country

Celebration of Our Rural Ozark Life

Mountain View - Allison - Calico Rock - Fifty Six - Big Flat - Fox - Leslie

The colorful palette of April and May

GRAVITY BREWWORKS

Blanchard Springs by Ed Alexander

6th Annual Mountain View Iris Festival

Letter from the Publisher

April / May Happenings

April

1st April Fools Day

4th - 8th Solar Eclipse Festival

6th

Book Sale - Stone County Library

9:30am - 1pm lots of fiction, romance, mystery

13th

2nd Saturday Song Writers Circle Arkansas Craft School … 2pm 19th & 20th

62nd Annual AR Folk Festival & Artisans Market on the Square 20th

Next Generation Concert

Ozark Folk Center ~ 7pm 23rd

Full Moon (Pink Moon)

May

2nd

National Play Your Ukulele Day

3rd & 4th

6th Annual Iris Festival (See page 16)

4th

Book Sale - Stone County Library

9:30am - 1pm lots of fiction, romance, mystery

4th Star Wars Day

MAY THE 4TH BE WITH YOU

11th

2nd Saturday Song Writers Circle Arkansas Craft School … 2pm 12th Mother’s Day

23rd

Full Moon (The Flower Moon)

So much to look forward to this month…the Solar Eclipse Festival, then the Folk Fest with it’s parade & all the wonderful crafts at the “Artisans Market on the Square” behind the white picket fence….for the first time in years I’m going to go around and see all the unique crafts that we’re known for…probably be handing out magazines too! And then next month the Iris Festival…..one of my absolute favorites. Ed Alexander has joined us this month with a beautiful article on Blanchard Springs. It was a beast to edit…..how can you choose between one fantastic picture over another……he’s just going to have to come back and do another article.

Hint: I didn’t use any of the winter pictures Ed!

Aaron Gschwandeggar gives us a beautiful palette of colorful birds to keep an eye out for this spring. I don’t know if there still is, but there used to be a pair of Scissor-Tail Flycatchers right at the junction of Hardee’s & McDonalds. Always thought that was the strangest place for them to take up nesting.

If you haven’t been out to Gravity BrewWorks lately…..there’s been a lot of improvements going on….and a lot of new brews!

And the ‘Ozark Unit’ here in Mountain View of The Herb Society of America sounds like an interesting group to get involved with…actually every article makes me want to get out and about…. a very happy group of writers! Thank you all!

Springtime Cheers, Joy

Email: casualcountrymagazine@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/casualcountrymagazine/ Phone: 870-213-6135

P.O. Box 1777, Mountain View, Arkansas 72560

This Months Contributors:

Aaron Gschwandegger, Deb Jolly, Ed Alexander, Karen Avey, Sarah Struthers. Publisher & Editor Joy Harp

We’d love to hear from you…suggestions, advertising, recipes, ideas, writers who want to join this happy group in our adventure, whatever…we’d love to hear from you.

Aaron Gschwandegger

The colorful palette of April and May

April and May are a beautiful and colorful time for us here in our part of the Ozark mountains. Between the blooming trees and plants, the migrating birds, and all the nature waking up from its winter nap, it’s hard to know what to look at first. Here are some images I’ve captured during the months of April and May in our area.

Right: I was

Most likely he was on his way north for the summer. You can see a small yellow patch on the top of his tail feathers. These birds aren’t as flashy as some but are pretty neat looking with their cool contrasts of black, white and gray with flashes of yellow.

Left: Early April you can still see some of our winter visitors like this beautiful Purple Finch. He was perched on this Oak tree just as it was starting to awaken.

Look how beautiful the bird’s coloring contrasts with that bright green bloom.

Before long the blooms will turn golden and the birds will head north. It’s just a brief moment in time.

Left: The peaceful sounds of Mourning Doves fill the air in the spring. While not a very colorful bird, they make up for it in their interesting patterns and sweet looking faces. This one is almost totally camouflaged among the brown bark with reddish emerging leaves of this white oak tree. They coordinate well with the leaves, don’t you think?

able to catch a shot of this Yellow-Rumped Warbler during early April.

Right: It’s also time for the birds to start gathering sticks and other debris to make their nests. This ornery Blue Jay looks like he is gathering up some building materials. Even with his beak full he looks rather sharp next to the orangish colored emerging oak leaves.

can see the

perched

that still has a few blooms

Dogwood

These tiny

don’t sit still for too long but can be very entertaining to watch at a feeder.

Left: April is also the time we see the flowering Dogwood trees make their full display. In warmer years, it may start in late March.

This White-Throated Sparrow looks pretty content perched amongst these blooms. The white part you are seeing on the dogwood aren’t actually the flowers. These are what are known as bracts, a type of specialized leaf. The flower is actually the small greenish and yellowish center part. However, no matter what you call them, these trees are beautiful this time of year.

Left: Unlike the purple finch mentioned earlier in the article, the House Finch is here all year. Their coloring is more of a true red rather than the rosy color of the purple finch. It’s red contrasts nicely with these golden oak blooms and newly forming leaves.

You can follow Aaron’s company, Fallen Pine Design on Facebook or at www.fallenpine.com or just hop into The Arkansas Craft Guild Gallery where you’ll find a good selection of his work.

His photography takes many forms, including, pillows, tapestries, wrist bags, miniature framed pictures, greeting cards and more. His complimentary pillow backings are an art form as well. Aaron designs each geometric/abstract backing from the subject colors..

Right: The Ruby Throated Hummingbirds are also coming back to our area around this time. You

one

on a

tree

left.

birds

Right: Like the House Finch, the Goldfinch is also here all year. However, unlike the other finches, the male Goldfinch molts their feathers for breeding season. During the winter months the males have drabber coloring but around April you will see them in their full golden glory.

It’s hard to miss their vibrant coloring in the trees. Some bird maps show our area as a breeding grounds for these birds, however, they really are just passing through to go farther north. They will eat insects and berries but really love orange slices if you set them out. However, be advised, they are known to jump on hummingbird feeders to get the sugar water.

Left: An interesting looking bird that can be seen this time of year is the Rose-Breasted Grosbeak

They are only migrating through for a few weeks, usually the end of April but times may vary.

The males have the distinct “rose-breast” as seen in this picture. The Grosbeak name comes from a French phrase “grosbec” loosely translated as large or thick and beak or bill. I mean, it is kind of big isn’t it?

Left: It’s a red bird, but it's not a Cardinal. This is the male Summer Tanager. They spend their summers with us and usually arrive in late April. Often they are mistaken for being a cardinal when they quickly fly by without stopping. However, when you look at them, they do not have any black on them and also have a different shaped beak.

Right: One of the most colorful bird that sometimes shows up in our area in mid April to mid May, is the Baltimore Oriole.

Right and Top Left on next page: Speaking of the Cardinals, it's hard to talk about birds without mentioning them. Since they stay in our area all year, they can be enjoyed in a variety of settings. This one looked almost like a cutout perched with a canopy of dogwood blooms between him and a pale blue sky.

Their red coloring gives them great contrast to lots of other things in nature. Look how beautiful he is against the oranges of these newly emerging oak leaves.

Left & Below: One of the most unique looking visitors to our area to arrive in spring is the Scissor-tailed Flycatcher. On the left is one perched on a branch with his tail hanging down. In this picture it is obvious where they get their name. Below shows one from the side. These birds usually arrive around April and stay through the summer into early fall. They tend to prefer semi-open farmland and grassland with trees bordering. They aren’t the most prevalent bird found here this time of year but definitely worth a mention.

There are many more birds and much more natural beauty to observe in our area during spring. This is just a sampling of a few personal favorites. The blooming trees and newly emerging foliage provide an excellent backdrop to view the birds as well as the plants on their own. Whether you live here or are just visiting, remember to take the time and appreciate all the beauty that is around us in this world.

Right: The Eastern Bluebird seems to embody spring. These birds can often be seen perched near open fields in search of bugs. This one was perched on a Sassafras tree enjoying some morning sun.

Deb Jolly

GRAVITY B REW W ORKS

In 2013 a dream became a reality when Tony Guinn and Bill Riffle opened the very first nanobrewery in North Central Arkansas, located in the beautiful countryside east of Big Flat, Arkansas, approximately 25 miles from Mountain View.

This establishment has grown exponentially over the past 10 years and rightly so. Bill had been a home brewer for years and began brewing in Little Rock for River Rock and then Vino’s where he brewed for 10 years, winning both a bronze and gold medal at the Great American Beer Festival in 2 separate years.

I can testify folks come from long distances for a taste of the many different offerings on tap. On my last visit I met a couple who drove over an hour and a young man from Kansas who was in the area to be in a 50 mile race in the Ozark National Forest.

The atmosphere is very friendly, kinda like Cheers where everyone knows your name. Thursday has been nicknamed Thirsty Thursday when a lot of the local patrons gather, sometimes bringing a guitar as well as snacks to share, and will sing a song or two.

The Brewery has a covered porch area and a very large green parklike setting with picnic tables. Baggo is often played and a heck of a good time is had. Recently Tony and Bill were gifted with custom made baggo boards commemorating their successful 10 years of business.

There is a tasting room where visitors can sample some of the delicious craft beer, be it ales, lagers and ciders. The beer is brewed in 30 gallon batches and includes amber ale, India pale ale, stout and porter.

Whoever is behind the counter to serve you is very friendly and knowledgeable of whatever is on tap for the day and has the talent of remembering your name and what you are drinking.

While never being a big beer drinker, I had no idea how refreshing a craft beer was until I sampled some of Gravity’s beer. Now I am an avid IPA lover and beer snob.

Bill is the ‘head brewer’ and Tony is his assistant. Many of you may remember Tony from her 30 years with the US Forestry Service.

Sarah & Mary

You are a lucky one if you have your own kegerator at home. Kegs are offered from 5 to 15.5 gallons..Also offered are growlers (½ gallon jug) and grumblers (32 Ounce quart bottles) to go, even curbside service (call ahead).

You can find out what's on tap by checking their Facebook Page…as well as special events, such as the Special Solar Eclipse Event.

http://www.facebook.com/gravitybrewworks

The

Beer

Blanchard Springs

by Ed Alexander

Let me share with you one of my favorite places in the Mountain View area. Although I’ve been there many times, it always greets me with something new. So, let’s take a journey to see what can be seen in a very small space.

Notice the graceful stone bridges and walls; these were built in the 1940s by the Civilian Conservation Corp.

All done by hand, they serve as a lasting testament to their artistic pride.

Look around the edges of the parking lot; you may see Trout Lily, Dutchmen’s Breeches, Verbena and Wood Sorrel.

Now begin the easy walk to the Springs. Don’t hurry, but stop along the way to notice the unique beauty of the stream. Photographers will notice that the light changes constantly, and invites us to stay a while.

Most people are aware of the Caverns at Blanchard Springs, and many begin and end their journey there. But continue on down the hill a little way; there are wonders to be seen.

At the bottom, turn right at the stop sign. You will soon see Mirror Lake to your left. Let’s leave that for a little later in our trip, and proceed to the parking lot for the Springs. Leaving your car, you will be tempted by the sound of water, but linger for a while.

You may want to step over the wall and dip your feet in crystal-and COLD-water.

Wade in and, just for a moment, be a kid again.

As we arrive at the Springs themselves, think for a moment about the source of this cascade. Water from various underground pools passes through Blanchard Caverns and sees daylight for the first time.

After pausing at the viewing platform, make your way down to the pool.

Wonderful sights and photo opportunities await. And above all, take your time; this water took many years to get here.

But be sure to leave some time for more exploration. Remember Mirror Lake that we passed on the way? That’s our next stop.

In addition to shows, Ed’s work can be seen in Mountain View, AR at the Arkansas Craft Guild Gallery and the Arkansas Craft School where he is also an instructor of photography.

Wildcat-Mountain-Photography.com

Off to our right you will see a long wooden walkway. This provides a convenient place for anglers to try their luck, or just an easy stroll along the lake. You might catch sight of a mink, river otter, deer or bald eagle.

As you return, you will notice that the walkway extends on into the forest canopy. It leads to a birds-eye view of an old mill. The structure once operated as a grist mill and later as a sawmill, using the power of the Springs to turn the wheel.

Mirror Lake was also built by the Civilian Conservation Corp.

As you descend the steep stone stairs to the viewing platform, again take a moment to appreciate their work. Each stone was dug from the area and laid by hand.

At the bottom of the stairs you will find a walkway out to the dam. It provides a wonderful view of the lake, the spillway, and an old stone structure (more on that in a bit).

In Spring you might see Red Bud, Wild Plum, and Dogwood in bloom. The deep emerald color of the water is due to its journey over limestone, and, on a calm day, Mirror Lake will earn its name.

The walkway provides one other rarely used function: handicap access. As we first entered, just to the left of the stop sign is a handicap parking lot. The walkway extends past the old mill to Mirror Lake. The walk to Blanchard Springs is also handicap accessible. This is truly an adventure for all.

I hope I’ve opened your eyes to the possibilities of a magical place. I’ve visited at all hours, from early morning to deep in the night, and it always seems to have some new to share.

These photos are just a few of the hundreds I have taken over the years.

I hope you find your own magic at Blanchard Springs.

Ed Alexander

Autumn Walkway

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake Waterfall

Deb Jolly

Calling All Herb Enthusiasts

Did you know there is a group right here in Mountain View that gets together monthly to learn more about herbs? This group is part of The Herb Society of America and is named the Ozark Unit.

The local Ozark Unit was formed in 2006 right here in Mountain View and not only has Stone County residents, there are members driving from Yellville, Hot Springs, Lonoke, Cave City, Vilonia and Harrisburg.This in itself speaks highly of the fun and the eager to learn members.

Meetings are generally held the second Saturday of the month at the Ozark Folk Center State Park and presently begin at 12:30. Membership is open to anyone interested in herbs.

The group chose the Folk Kids Mountain Garden, located within The Ozark Folk Center, as an ongoing volunteer project as well as other projects, including the yearly Lavish Herbal Feast at the Skillet Restaurant.This year’s event is May 2.

The evening of the feast begins with a Garden Party Reception in the Heritage Herb Garden sponsored by the local Ozark Unit of HSA.

‘

The members prepare hors d’oeuvres and libations to go along with a yearly theme and some entertainment.

The Herb Society of America was formed in 1933 by 7 women and has 40 chapters spread across seven districts and now has male members. It is a nonprofit volunteer-based organization dedicated to promoting the knowledge and appreciation of herbs through educational programs and research and sharing the experience of its members with the community.

Definition of Herb: any plant with leaves, seeds, or flowers used for flavoring, food, medicine or perfume.

We love children to explore the kids’s garden area.

The tickets sell out quickly. This year’s Heritage Herb Spring Extravaganza continues with a two-day symposium held Friday & Saturday, May 3 & 4 from 9am to 5pm that includes lectures from various renowned herbalists, gardeners and authors.

Participants will learn about a variety of herbs including Yarrow, chosen as Herb Of the Year by the International Herb Society.

You can visit OzarkFolkCenter.Ticketleap.com for more information. Registration must be in by April 17.

For more info on becoming a member of the Herb Society of America, Ozark Unit, you may contact Deb Jolly at debjbysugarloaf@gmail.com or Phyllis Williams, current chair of the group, at pdwilliams04@yahoo.com.

Members receive many benefits including free or reduced admission to more than 300 public gardens.

Members also receive discounts and offers from many herbal businesses including Mountain Rose Herbs and Richters Herbs to name a few, as well as certain magazines and monthly webinars.

The yearly dues is $70 that supports the National Herb Society as well as the local Ozark Unit.

Member Deb Jolly teaches children how to make seed balls on a past HerbDay event held at the Ozark Folk Center State Park sponsored by the Ozark Unit

Members learned how to make Sushi

Members having fun learning to make origami cranes

“Color the Memories”

May 3-4, 2024 (Friday & Saturday)

6th Annual Mountain View Iris Festival

Pictured on right, Vicki Hardie — Iris Festival Visitor

The Mountain View Iris Festival began a life of its own in September 2016 when two friends, Pat Cash (Mountain View’s Aunt Minnie) and Karen Avey, shared a mutual love of irises.

With the help of Mountain View Iris Festival volunteers, the first irises were planted at the historic Stone County Courthouse.

In late September 2016, Schreiner’s Iris Gardens in Salem, Oregon shipped a donation of hybrid iris rhizomes to Mountain View for the Stone County Courthouse. Teresa Cheatham, Modern Woodmen Insurance, came forward to secure funding for additional iris hybrids.

Mountain View Iris Festival, an Arkansas non-profit, embraced an opportunity to grow and preserve tall bearded irises.

By growing and selling irises at the festival, we fund additional beautification projects in our community parks and on city streets.

We realize small communities are invariably dependent on the caring spirit of volunteers. Recently we recognized Mountain View Iris Festival volunteers who have worked for years in service to our community!

Left to Right: Bette Anders, Margaret Lovell, Gwen & Robbin Vance, Brenda David & Fletcher Shipp.

Not Pictured: Robin Bull, Kay Thompson, Cynthia Bartholomew, Mike Anders & Donna & Jack Collie.

In November 2023, the Mountain View High School freshmen class of over 100 students, teachers, and bus drivers came out to serve the community. The students planted fall bulb varieties on Main Street, the Stone County Courthouse grounds and AmVets Memorial on West Hwy 66.

In March 2024 our community and visitors enjoyed a beautiful display of spring blooms. We are very grateful for the efforts by the students as they share in community service projects!

“What do volunteers and students share in common with the Mountain View Iris Festival?”

Answer, everything! We learn as a cohesive, hard-working team to clean, restore, and preserve our environment. We learn to take pride in our natural resources, city and county landmarks and recreation areas.

Please join us May 3-4, 2024 as folks gather to view, photograph and purchase varieties of tall bearded irises.

And don’t miss the COAA, Carousel Organ Association of America, and AMICA, the Automatic Musical Instrument Collectors’ Association who will rally on the courthouse square for the 5th year. They travel from across the United States to play the “Happiest Music on Earth.” Rally members showcase mechanical and technical innovations spanning hundreds of years. Visitors of all ages may step forward, meet the members, and enjoy this special music on Friday and Saturday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm.

The Mountain View Iris Society will host an iris show, and children may participate in painting iris on the courthouse lawn with materials provided. Bring your lawn chairs and enjoy two evenings of music showcasing the Double Edge Band. Visit the “Crazy Quilters Quilt Show” at the Arkansas Craft School, and the Corvette and Hot Rod Car Show on Saturday morning. This is but a sampling of events, rain or shine we have a plan for you to enjoy Mountain View Iris Festival events. Event dates and times are provided below and on the next page and will be posted on our website, Facebook and the Ozark Gateway website. Thanks to Karen Owens, KWOZ Radio, for festival updates!

All the colorful sights delight the eyes while spring in the “Comfort Zone” of Mountain View soothes the soul! Visitors of all ages are welcome, and events are free!

We welcome you to visit Mountain View, Arkansas between mid-April and mid-May 2024. We will be posting photos of “Peak Iris Bloom” on our website www.mountainviewirisfest.com & Facebook Group

https://www.facebook.com/groups/MountainViewIrisfest/

Iris Festival Event Schedule ~ Friday May 3, 2024:

9:00 am to 1:00 pm MVIF Iris Sales (Behind the Stone County Courthouse).

• 10:00 am to 4:00 pm COAA and AMICA play carousel music on the courthouse square.

• 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Mountain View Arkansas Crazy Quilters will host a quilt show (Visit the Arkansas Craft School Showroom at 101 N. Peabody Ave.) Tickets will be sold for a chance to win a beautiful quilt!

• Iris Festival Garden Walk – Walking Trail Park (Corners of Knox and Webb Streets.) Open dawn to dark, ½ mile walking path to be enjoyed by all ages. Children’s activities will be set up and there are photo opportunities! Kids may plant an iris rhizome to take home, dig for treasure, make music, and more!

• 9:00 am until close. Experience Mountain View’s downtown shopping and dining, visitors say, “Friendliness is found all over town!”

• 7:00-9:00 pm Music on the Courthouse stage featuring the “Double Edge Band” Don’t forget your lawn chairs

• 9:00 pm-10:00 pm New Event: Escorted tour 9:00 pm until 10:00 pm. View the “Service Street Iris Garden” and take beautiful photographs of iris under the lights! (Transportation may be furnished or it is within two blocks walking distance of the courthouse!)

Note: Alternate plans have been made in case of rain, most events will be held rain or shine!

Questions or Concerns: Please call 913-952-7001 or email mountainviewirisfest@gmail.com

Spiderman Paints “Spidey Iris”

5TH Annual Iris Show

Colorful Tall-Bearded Irises

Iris Festival Event Schedule ~ Saturday May 4, 2024:

• 9:00 am to 2:00 pm MVIF Iris Sales (Behind the Stone County Courthouse).

• 9:00 am to 2:00 pm Car Show - Corvettes and Hot Rods Welcome! Begin parking at 8:00 am with judging at 10:00 am and award presentation at 12:30 pm. Donations will benefit Blue Line Outreach in Mountain View, AR.

• 10:00 am to 4:00 pm COAA and AMICA play carousel music on the courthouse square

• 10:00 am to 4:00 pm Mountain View Arkansas Crazy Quilters will host a quilt show (Visit the Arkansas Craft School Showroom at 101 N. Peabody Ave.) Tickets will be sold for a chance to win a beautiful quilt!

• 10:00 am to 12:00 pm Children Paint Iris on Canvas at the Courthouse. A real hit with the children, and materials are furnished.

• 12:00 pm to 4 pm Mountain View Iris Society Iris Show and Photo Contest at the “Mountain View Meeting Place” located behind the Wildflower Bed & Breakfast, 106 E. Washington St. on the courthouse square.

• Festival Garden Walk – Corners of Knox and Webb Streets (Open dawn to dark, ½ mile walking path to be enjoyed by all ages. “Stretch, walk, and inhale Ozark Mountain Air.” Children’s photo opportunities and activities in the park.

• 9:00 am until close. Experience Mountain View’s downtown shopping and dining.

• 7:00-9:00 p.m. ever popular street dance Featuring “The Double Edge Band” who will play dance music on the Stone County Courthouse square. (Don’t forget your lawn chairs.)

• 9:00 pm-10:00 pm New Event: Escorted tour 9:00 pm until 10:00 pm. View the “Service Street Iris Garden” and take beautiful photographs of iris under the lights! (Transportation may be furnished or it is within two blocks walking distance of the courthouse!)

Note: Alternate plans have been made in case of rain, most events will be held rain or shine! Intersections

Sarah Struthers

Exploring the Old Mill in Little Rock, Arkansas

You might recognize The Old Mill from the opening scene of the movie Gone With The Wind. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the mill was built in 1933. The structure was designed to be a reproduction of a waterpowered grist mill from the 1800’s.

Walkways and bridges of all sizes and shapes allow visitors to explore the mill and the gardens surrounding it. Spring or Summer are my favorite times of year to visit The Old Mill because of the gorgeous flower blooms! Visitors can explore inside the mill and around the property. Guided tours are available for larger groups.

You may spot wildlife including ducks and geese along the water as well. The park has benches, picnic tables, a viewing deck, and public bathroom. The park is handicap accessible. Sorry, furry friends are not allowed at the park.

Sarah is an RN who loves hiking and exploring all the natural world or puttering at home in her flower beds on her time off.

Sylamore Creek on an early evening in May

by Deb Jolly

We sure hope you’ve enjoyed our story telling and what we have to offer.

See you again in the June/July issue!