Avenues December 2021

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VENUES

1 AVENUES • December, 2021

December 2021

A Free Magazine for the Ozarks

Merry Christmas PROPERTIES

Strawberry River Land & Homes America’s Land Specialist

Pamela Welch Principal/Broker/Owner

520 N. Main, PO Box 483, Cave City, AR 72521

Cell: 870-897-0700 pwelch@mossyoakproperties.com

www.ArkansasLandAndHomes.us

Office: 870-495-2123 Fax: 870-416-3191

2 AVENUES • December, 2021

HOMEOWNERS INSURANCE FARM INSURANCE COMMERCIAL INSURANCE AUTO INSURANCE HEALTH INSURANCE LIFE INSURANCE

520 N Main St Suite A, Cave City, AR 72521 www.backroadsco.com

AVENUES • December, 2021 3

DECEMBER

6 8 21 26 28 34 35 45

Where is Avenues?

ACNA Spotlight

Local Taste

Free Dinner GIveaway info

10 30

Home Tour: Christmas at the Risner home

37

“Industrial style” church comes to Sharp County; Abundant Life Church makes renovations to commercial building

Shop with a Cop, making a difference in children’s lives

ON THE COVER Photos/ Kim Break 4 AVENUES • December, 2021

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AVENUES SALES STAFF

Sales Director STEPHANIE PIERCE 870-895-3207

WRITERS

Kim Break Renee Janes Elaine Brown John Norberg Cheri Lynn Quattrochi

KIM BREAK Editor Photographer Graphic Designer

DEBBIE DOWNUM Graphic Designer

RENEE JANES

Graphic Designer

Avenues is published monthly and distributed free in Cherokee Village, Hardy, Ash Flat, Highland, Horseshoe Bend, Melbourne, Salem, Viola, Mammoth Spring, Mountain Home, Cave City, Batesville, West Plains, Thayer, Alton and other areas.

Contact the office at the above numbers for information on advertising.

388 Hwy. 62/412 East P.O. Box 248 Salem, AR 72576 Office 1-800-995-3209 Fax 870-895-4277 news@areawidenews.com

An Areawide Media Publication Concord Publishing, Inc. Rust Communications

From the Editor: Kim Break, Editor kbreak@areawidenews.com 870-895-3207 Salem, Ark. Is anyone else in as much shock as I am that it is December? I cannot believe how fast these last two years have just flown by. First of all, I am so very thankful for our Areawide Media staff. We are a small group so sometimes it makes things difficult, but we help each other out and I really needed some extra help this month. Renee, Stephanie and Debbie Downum did a great job in putting this issue together in my absence.

The home tour this month is so special for December. Heather and Clay Risner recently moved into their new home in Thayer and decided to share it with Avenues. Heather’s decorating skills are amazing and inspired by her mother, whose birthday was on Christmas. Please be sure to read this special story and enjoy the Risner’s beautiful home all decked out for the holiday.

I guess I should say this whole issue of Avenues is special.

Abundant Life Church, originally in Highland and now “officially” in Cherokee Village, began the process of growth early this year and are now officially in their new home, which is the old Fred’s store. As someone who grew up in church, it was amazing to follow their journey of moving, not only to see design and elements of that nature, but knowing a church has experienced so much growth, they need more space.

Renee covered the history of Shop with a Cop, which is an event that takes place in each of our coverage areas. She was able to add testimonies from law enforcement officers as to what it means to them to participate in this amazing event for children. It is a great opportunity for law enforcement to be involved with the public in a different way, and to help these families in times of need.

I hope everyone had a safe and Happy Thanksgiving and I wish all of our readers a very Merry Christmas!

AVENUES • December, 2021 5

Gardening in the Ozarks

A tree for all seasons…

D

ecember is here and many have finished putting up their Christmas Tree and decorated. But there is that spot that could use a splash of color.

How about a Norfolk Island Pine Tree?

The Norfolk Island Pine tree is showing up on the shelves in John Norberg many retail stores. They may or Sharp County may not have cute Christmas Master Gardener decorations on them. These plants make a perfect decoration for a centerpiece or on a mantel or even on a desk as they are usually small and takes up little room.

The shape of this tree is quite unique. Branches shoot out from the trunk in layers. Generally, in numbers of four that alternate as they go down the trunk. These branches then have smaller branches coming out from them. This gives the plant an airy appearance. Each layer has space between making it perfect to hang

decorations on.

But, what should you do with them when Christmas is over? Well despite the name, these plants are tropical and will not survive temperatures below 35 degrees.

So, an indoor plant it must become. The Norfolk Pine is easy to take care of if you think of them like an orchid for its care.

It likes a bright spot with several hours of indirect bright light. This would be perfect near a south facing window. I prefer not to place them in direct sunlight through a window, as the window can magnify the sun and heat which could burn your plant. Also, try to place it away from any cold drafts. Remember, this plant is a tropical. It likes humidity and during the winter, the heat can drop humidity quickly. Try placing a tray of water and rocks near the plant to help replace the humidity. If it is small enough, you can mist it in the sink throughout the winter.

Water the Norfolk Pine when the soil is dry to the touch. They do not like to stand in water, so keep an eye on how often you will have to water. Fertilizing should be in the Spring or Summer, but not during the winter. When this plant is small, it makes a great table

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decoration, but it does grow. You may want to repot it into a larger pot as it begins to grow and let it become a floor or focal plant.

When all chance of frost is gone, you can move it into an area that is shade or part shade (shade during the heat of the day). When it has been outside for a month is when I would sprinkle in some water release fertilizer. These fertilizers will generally last for six to nine months. This plant is not a fast-growing tree, but it will get tall and wide. Mine has been moved in and out since I bought it in 2003. It was about 1 ½ feet tall and now it reaches almost 10 feet tall and has become my “tree for all seasons” …

3623 Hwy 62/412, Hardy, AR 72532

Calvin Harrell Practicing in the areas of Divorce, Family Law, Custody, Adoption, Criminal, and Personal injury.

AVENUES • December, 2021 7

We wish you

joy and happiness this holiday season!

HOME - AUTO - LTC - BONDS - COMMERCIAL - RECREATIONAL TIFFANY SITTON AgeNT AShleY SIddONS AgeNT Phone: 870.670.5181 • Toll Free: 800.670.7766 Fax: 870.670.4155 • e-MAIl: NCI.hORSeShOe@CeNTURYTel.NeT

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Stop in for your

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TRIPLE D PACKAGE STORE 1151 Hwy. 62/412 Cherokee Village (870) 994-3001

Where in the World is Avenues?

Pictured are Jordan, Beckett, Holly and Lydia Ash, of Conway, Ark., on Main Street at Magic Kingdom, Walt Disney World.

8 AVENUES • December, 2021

MOSS ANTIQUES AND COLLECTIBLES 205 East Main Street Hardy, Arkansas 72542

Phone: 870-847-0626 Mon., Tues., Thurs., Fri., Sat. 10-5 Sun. 12-5. Closed Wed.

Milestones 102nd BIRTHDAY

William “Bill” Strauss is the oldest known veteran living in Fulton County.

On Oct. 27, he celebrated his 102nd birthday.

AVENUES • December, 2021 9

C hristmas at the Risner Home Story AND PHOTOS by Kim Break

T

he home of Clay and Heather Risner in Thayer, Mo., is truly one of a kind in style, but during the Christmas season, it becomes something much more special than a unique house.

Though this is the first Christmas for the Risners in their new home, the love of Christmas was instilled in their family long before they were even born. Heather’s mother, who passed away due to COVID last year, was a Christmas baby and named Holly Carol (Crass). Last year

10 AVENUES • December, 2021

was the first Christmas without her mother, and Heather almost lost sight of making the holiday special for her young daughters. She was encouraged by a loved one to still “go all out for Christmas” and that is exactly what she did. Heather said while she was decorating, it was like a peace came over her and she felt her mother’s presence while she “decked the halls” of her home. “It was like my mom said, 'you need to get up and make these babies’ Christmas special’ and I did. I got everything out of my

attic and basement and put up more that year than I ever had and I had such a peace and energy. It was like she was giving it to me.”

Her mother always bragged about sharing her birthday with Jesus. “She was very special and truly had God’s heart, if anybody did, she did.”

Though Heather sheds a few tears when decorating, she looks forward to it and celebrating her mother.

AVENUES • December, 2021 11

So when the Risners were getting ready to close on and move into their new home, Heather contacted Avenues about featuring their home in December and she began decorating for Christmas when they moved in around early October.

With nearly 15 trees throughout the house and subtle winter decorations on the outside, this Christmas home tour certainly does not disappoint.

The downstairs which is home to their young daughters’ play area, is decorated with the Grinch theme, with several trees dedicated to the movie which is a favorite in the Risner

Ring in the New Year with a Happier, Healthier Life.

While the holiday season brings good tidings and cheer for most, we know it can also be a difficult time for some – especially with the ongoing pandemic and changing guidelines. Our family wants to remind yours that you’re not alone. We’re here for you and can provide comfortable, safe spaces to help solve problems virtually or in-person.

If you or a loved one find yourself struggling this season, please reach out to your local Families, Inc. clinic. We can help you discover new ways to move forward to 2022 leading a happier, healthier life.

12 AVENUES • December, 2021

household. The downstairs is also the location of a full kitchen, extra bedroom and sauna. Although Heather hasn’t had the chance to enjoy the sauna yet, she is very excited about this feature and having a full kitchen put in where a partial kitchen exists. A full kitchen will hopefully allow Heather and her niece, Sarah, to go into a catering business together, where they keep Heather’s mother’s memory alive by allowing family’s opportunities to bake and have fun together. A tradition instilled in her by her mother.

The home was built in the 1950s and is a “Frank Lloyd Wright Mid Century Modern Home”. Considering the era it was built in, the openness of the home is unique, however; not unique to the modern style of home.

The style is unique, but the fact it was built in the rural community of Thayer, Mo., is even more interesting. “You know this was a weird style for that time. People probably drove by to see the house because it was so different.

The intercom system says 1959,” said Heather.

Joe and Hazel Senn built the house and later, Dr. Fiorino and his wife bought it from them.

The home has been renovated over the years and very little was done before they moved in. One project Heather is ready to tackle is renovating the bathrooms. Hopefully she will have some help in the form of Clay, and their

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two adult sons, Colby and Peyton, who all three work in construction. Heather’s clean, modern and organized style comes in very handy for her occupation in hospitality as she works at the Hampton Inn in West Plains.

Heather strived to keep the modern style of the four bedroom, three bathroom home intact when she began decorating. The size and amazing backyard with a pool is what drove the family to the home. Growing up, her now adult sons, moved around quite a bit. They have added young sisters to their family, ages three and four, and are looking forward to having a “forever home” to create many memories in. “I want them to have the same house growing up, that we didn’t have with our sons,” said Heather.

Clay is the pastor of Refuge Church in Thayer and the family previously lived in the parsonage which they remodeled.

Their sons, who are also in leadership at the church, have stayed in that home and will rent from the church, making moving their belongings in easier.

This December will start a new tradition

Happy Holidays from all of us at

Purses, tee’s, candles, lotions & soaps, SIC cups, & a variety of gift items

We carry a wide variety of in-stock & special order - luxury vinyl plank, 3/4” solid hardwood and tile from name brands like Shaw, Mohawk, and Southwind. Kitchen cabinets & bathroom vanities with sold surface & Formica countertops

Case knives, fishing tackle, STIHL Products, Townsend Spice Speciality furniture in stock and order

Large variety of area rugs, canvas prints, and many décor items

AVENUES • December, 2021 15

for Heather’s family as she is hosting a different themed party each week. The themes follow the various trees in her home, like the Grinch and her favorite – the vintage era. They will dress up and play the part of each theme, taking the celebration of Christmas and Holly Carol, that much further and making it even more special for all of Holly’s family.

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Your smile is in good hands!

Gammill Sewing Center Serving North Arkansas & Southern Missouri for Over 55 Years!

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1171 Hwy. 62/412, Ash Flat, AR 72513

870-994-7645

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AVENUES • December, 2021 17

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WHOLESALE LIQUIDATION RETAIL & SHIPPING 3504 N Hwy 63 West Plains, MO 65775 • 417-293-3889 (Across from Greens Furniture Deals)

Gift Certificates Available

Dena Barne rnett Erin & Shelby 895-4470 Hwy. 62 West, Wes Suite 2 Salem, AR

Shop Barbara’s Fashions where there is always something new and always a sale!

We carry Slimsation, Jess and Jane, Multiples, Ruby Road, Jupee, Sea Breeze, All Hours, Yushi and Style Rite.

Sizes range from 2 thru 3x.

5 Brands of USA brands, WE CARRY MENS SILVER JEANS

Cave City Auto Parts

301 N. Main, Cave City, AR 72521 (870) 283-5493

18 AVENUES • December, 2021

4530 Harrison Street • Batesville • 870-793-6208 Just 2 miles East of Batesville Wal-Mart.

Hours: Open: Tues. - Wed. 10am-5pm Thurs. - Fri. 10am-6pm & Sat. 10am-4 pm

Julee Hopper Owner/Consultant

104 E. 7th Street Mountain Home, Arkansas 72653

professionaltravel.org professionaltravel@hotmail.com Office - 870-425-7666 • Fax - 870-424-7199

Barker Funeral Home and Crematory We are your full service funeral home and the only crematory in Fulton County.

Please visit us at www.barkerfuneral.com P.O.Box 783, 857 Hwy 62/412 W., Salem, AR 72576 Phone: (870) 895-3990 • Fax: (870) 895-3992

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MEDICAL DIRECTORY

COUNSELING SERVICES

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT

NURSING/REHAB

Families, Inc. Counseling Services Ash Flat - 870-994-7060 75K Hwy. 62/412, Ste. J Ash Flat, AR Mountain Home - 870-425-1041 700 S. Main, Mountain Home, AR

Delta Medical Supply www.ARdeltamedical.com facebook.com/ARdeltamedical 15 Choctaw Trace, Cherokee Village, AR 72529 870-257-4445 916 Sidney St., Batesville, AR 72501 870-612-0049 401 Hwy. 5 N., Mountain Home, AR 72653 870-656-4140

Shady Oaks Healthcare Center 715 S. State Route 19, Thayer, MO 65791 417-264-7256 Dr. Christopher Cochran - Medical Director Leigh Kincheloe, RN, LNHA - Administrator Lynsey Miller, RN - Director of Nursing Long Term Care • Rehabilitation Services Wound Care • Hospice Care In House PT OT ST Services • IV Services

Tri-County Medical Supply We’re Here To Serve You” 260 Hwy. 62 E. Salem, AR 72576 Toll Free: 888-476-2234 www.tricountymedicalsupply.com

Shepherd’s View ALF Alton, MO 65606 417-778-7959 Level 2 Assisted Living for Seniors Activities of Daily Living Diabetic Care • Restorative Care • Rehab Care

DENTISTS Sonya Hames Wiles, D.D.S. Family Practice Dentistry 28 E. Court St., Melbourne, AR 72556 Telephone: 870-368-6666 Most insurances accepted MCNA Dental & Delta Dental Smiles Mammoth Spring Dental Clinic Main Street, Mammoth Spring, AR 72554 870-625-3262 Dr. Mike Kersey, DDS Tuesday thru Friday 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. www.mammothspringdental.com

HOME HEALTH Elite Home Health 111 N. Main St. • Ste. 1, Salem, AR 72576 Phone: 870-895-2273 • Fax: 870-895-5515 www.lhcgroup.com Hours of operation: 8:00-4:30 Monday-Friday RN on call 24/7 We provide home health services of nursing, physical, occupational, and speech therapy and in-home aid services in the comfort of your home.

“It’s all about helping people.”

MENTAL HEALTH Joe Hackworth, LCSW Southern Missouri Community Health Center West Plains • 417-255-8464 1137 Independence Dr., West Plains Thayer • 417-264-2990 U.S. Hwy. 63 North, Thayer

SouthFork River Therapy & Living 624 62/412 West, Salem, AR 72576 870-895-3817 Mincie Thomas - Administrator Emma Cooper - Director of Nursing Doug Cameron - Admissions

PHARMACIES Alton Drug Store 201 State Hwy. 19, Alton, MO 65606 417-778-7000 Mon.-Fri. 8 am to 5 pm • Sat. 9 am to noon Becky Peace RPh Matthew Combs RPh RX--drive thru--mail--delivery Home Health Services Gifts Available

To reserve your listing in Avenues’ Medical Directory, contact Areawide Media at 800-995-3209

AVENUES • December, 2021 21

HAVE A VERY

Merry Christmas!

Waterproof vinyl plank flooring 10 StyleS to choose from

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Michael Kersey, DDS General Dentistry

(870) 625-3262 180 Main Street Mammoth Spring,AR www.mammothspringdental.com

Quality Floors

1575 W. US HWY 160, West Plains, MO 65775 Hours: Mon. - Fri. 9-5 & Sat. 10-2 | Evenings by Appt. www.qualityfloorswestplains.net 417-255-1727

December 6-24th

10% off winter outerwear 20% off

shirts Men • Women • Kids Layaway available

1323 Southern Hills Center West Plains, MO Monday-Saturday 9:30-6:00 • 417-256-8202

22 AVENUES • December, 2021

Happy Holidays

Gift Certificates Available

Something To Crow About

Louise Lindsey 870-425-COOP (2667) Mon.-Sat. 9:30-5:30 Sunday 10:00- 5:00

1340 Hwy. 62 East Mountain Home Arkansas 72653

From: McBryde Therapy OPS Your local Pediatric Therapy Clinic Occupational, Physical, and Speech Therapy

Saturday, December 4th

2 Tuff St. Ash Flat, AR 72513 mcbrydetherapyops.com 870-994-7778

Over 80 Flavors Of Saltwater Taffy!

Refreshments Sales throughout the Market

Indulge In Our Gourmet Chocolates

OLD TIME

Christmas Baskets

Ask Us About Personalizing These Ornaments

Over 100 FLavors of retro soda

GENERAL STORE

Classic Toys

Gourmet Hot Chocolate and Apple Cider

Gifts for everyone on your list

MON.-SAT.9:30AM-6:00PM • #2 COURT SQUARE • WEST PLAINS,MO 65775 • 417-372-8018 AVENUES • December, 2021 23

BOB ROSS & His Journey Through Country Music BOOK BY LOCAL AUTHOR Order your copy today! $22 Book $30 Book & CD

Above prices includes s/h

To place an order, send check with shipping address to: Bob Ross at P.O. Box 14405 Springfield, MO 65814

Fran J. West Broker/Owner

Real Estate Investments

Office: 870-856-4444 Fax: 870-856-4434

503 S. College St. Mountain Home Tuesday-Friday 10 am - 5:30 pm Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

870.425.9667

717 S. Church St. Mountain Home Tuesday-Friday 10 am - 5:30 pm Saturday 10 am - 2 pm

870.405.7252

24 AVENUES • December, 2021

Cell: 870-974-3180 Home: 870-856-2562

113 E. Main St. Hardy, AR, 72542 / P.O. Box 910 Hardy, AR 72542

www.video-realestate.com • vrea@centurytel.net

Shop Mountain Home this HolidaySeason

Gifts + More

Broker/Owner

Video Real Estate Agency

Shop local.ShopSmall.

Women + Baby Apparel & Gifts

Terry S. West

Apparel + Accessories

Full Salon

123 E. 7th St. Mountain Home Monday-Friday 9 am - 6 pm Saturday 9 am - 1 pm

870.425.3232

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas Tim Leslie P.D.

Over 30 Years Experience Licensed, Bonded & Insured

105 Hwy. 62 East, P.O. Box 218, Salem, AR 72576 Phone: 870-895-2681 • Toll Free: 800-876-4989

Email: lesliedrugs@yahoo.com

Mike McCandlis 40 S. 1st Street Oxford, AR 72565 • (870) 258-3700

May God bless you during this

Christmas Season!

Shaver Plumbing & hardware

We wish you a

Merry Christmas!

LEON’S

Plumbing • Heating Electrical Hardware Paint • Tools • Lumber

AUTOMOTIVE & TOwIng

328 Hwy 62 W, Salem, AR 72576

Your Full Service Automotive Center 24/7 Towing Service • 250 Hwy. 62, Salem, AR

870-895-3461

895-4400 • 24/7 @ 870-307-9792

Stop in for a great Selection of chriStmaS giftS!

1817 Hwy 62 East Mtn. Home, AR 870-701-5100

AVENUES • December, 2021 25

ACNA’s December Artist of the Month: Kay Paden

By Cheri Lynn Quattrochi

The Arts Center of North Arkansas’s December Artist of the Month is Kay Paden whose artistic ventures run the gamut from painting, making jewelry and soaps, and graphic designing to creating yoga sequences and cooking to drumming and playing a little guitar. For the past fifteen years, she has hosted a radio show called Mood Swings where she creates musical shows that fit the various moods of her audience.

Kay loves all art, but her favorite is probably designing yoga classes because it supports the wellness of others while celebrating everyone’s unique differences.

The world of art and music opened up for Kay while she was attending college. She began playing guitar, then became interested in various art mediums after taking an art class while pursuing a teaching degree. As she puts it, “There were so many ways to be creative and to express myself! I didn’t know where to start but loved learning about it all!”

Teaching yoga grew from her bout with cancer five years ago. This experience caused Kay to reflect on her life goals. The demands of being a vice-principal and single parent had replaced her artistic endeavors, but now her priorities shifted. Creating wellness became her focus. Although she was physically fit, having even participated in a triathlon, and ate healthy, she realized that true wellness went deeper. She brought artistic expression back into her life where it belonged and also learned about the benefits of plant-based eating.

Even though she does not earn a living through her art, it is more than a hobby. It has become a lifestyle which has transcended from her personal life into her business as she shares wellness with the community—from yoga, art, and meditation to plant-based cooking events with her daughter-in-law, Morgan Price, a plant-based nutrition coach in the Village.

Born in Kansas, Kay grew up in the California Bay Area and raised her boys, Jackson and Webster, in Northern California.

After Jackson and his partner lost their home in a fire, they converted a van into a living space, went on the road, and settled in Cherokee Village. Soon, Kay and her husband joined him in the Ozarks

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in order to pursue their dream of combining a vegan farm with a wellness center and art. Kay’s husband, a science teacher, is also an artist who enjoys woodworker. Webster, a professional musician in California, has visited and is contemplating joining them so he can explore the music scene in Nashville and Austin. Their other three adult children are invested in their lives elsewhere, but who know?

To Kay, art is much more than an indulgence. It is a necessity to be honored as it brings the world to life! People have opportunities to see art through nature every day if they will only stop and listen deeply enough. Because she views art as a path toward overall wellness, she loves the quote by J. Stanford, “Health is a state of body.

Wellness is a state of being.”

People are often surprised to learn that Kay was a high school dropout involved in many troubling, unhealthy behaviors as a teen and young adult. Largely due to these experiences, her career as a teacher and school administrator has focused on helping parents and teachers learn strategies that support healthier relationships. She believes this learning is vital toward building a healthy community which can produce a ripple effect that passes from generation to generation.

As transplanted Californians, Kay and her family feel blessed

by the welcoming atmosphere they’ve encountered in the Ozarks. They feel immense gratitude for the friends they have made and are excited about being involved with the community.

December ACNA Activities (CDC protocol enforced) Dec. 4 and 6: Christmas Bazaar Dec. 19-Jan. 3: Closed to public/Members should check Facebook or call 870-751-3793 for status of monthly club activities.

Dec. 20: Board Meeting, 2:30

Richard’s Heating and Cooling Helping You When The Season Changes

2630 Hwy. 62/412 Hardy, AR 72542 (870) 856-3853

(417) 264-7418

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Church Directory Ash Flat Church of God 124 Arnhart St. • Ash Flat, AR 501-574-8294 Sunday Morning School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 5:00 p.m.

Thursday Services 6:00 p.m.

Pastor Colton Abbott

Mt. Zion Baptist Church, SBC Hwy. 9 South, 3 miles North of Oxford, Union, AR • 870-895-3336 Pastor - Rick Hellums Schedule of Services Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Afternoon Bible Study 12:20 p.m.

Salem First Assembly of God 118 Pinto Place, Salem, AR Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday/Student Programs 6:00 p.m.

Call 870-895-3414 Facebook: Salem First Assembly First Missionary Baptist Aba Highway 62 West At Spruce, Salem, AR Sunday School-9:45 a.m.

Sunday Worship-11:00 a.m.

Sunday Night Services - 5:30 p.m.

Wednesday Services - 6:30 p.m.

Monty Anderson, Pastor - 501-236-1039 Call 870-895-2634 or 895-4728 Welcome Hill Church of Christ 16309 Highway 9 South, Mammoth Spring, AR PO Box 495 / 417-293-6355 Sunday Morning Bible Study 10 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 10:45 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 5 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study 7 p.m.

Minister: Erman Croney - 417-264-3371 Brandsville Church of God 10902 US Hwy. 63, West Plains, MO 65775 7 miles South of West Plains and 7 miles North of Koshkonong on Hwy. 63 Come Meet The Lord!

Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m.

Pastor Bruce Underhill • Call 417-204-2452 Cherokee Village United Methodist Church Worship Service 8:30 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.

Sunday School (all ages) 9:45 a.m.

Choir Practice Wednesday 6:30 p.m.

Wednesday Coffee Talk 8:45 a.m.

Located in Cherokee Village at 21 Otter Dr. (between Keno & Navajo Dr.) Senior Pastor Rev. Angie Gage - 870-257-3869 Associate Pastor Rev. Jimmy Anderson

Christian Life Center Non Denominational - Full Gospel Rev. Matthew Wann, Pastor Sunday Service 10:00 a.m.

For Directions Call 870-346-5556 or 870-636-0023 GPS Location: 244 AR 58 Spur Hwy. Peace Lutheran Church 4 Iroquois Dr. • Cherokee Village 870-257-3957 Pastor Brian Pummill 9 a.m. – Traditional Worship 10:15 a.m. – Adult Bible Study & Sunday School 11:15 a.m. – Contemporary Praise Service Hardy Church of Christ 305 Johnston, Hardy, AR 870-847-6024 Sunday Morning Bible Study 9:30 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 5:00 p.m.

Minister: Don House 501-412-3532 Salem United Methodist Church 205 Church St., Salem, AR 72576 Sunday School 10:00 am Worship 11:00 a.m 870-847-6030 • 870-895-5157 Pastor Ken Anderson First Baptist Church of Mammoth Spring 16600 Highway 9, Mammoth Spring, AR 625-3273 • www.mammothspringfbc.com Charles Morgan, Pastor Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Service 6:30 p.m.

New Hope Baptist Church 1244 Hwy. 175 • Hardy, AR 72542 Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Discipleship Training 5:00 p.m.

Sunday Worship 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Awanas 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 6:00 p.m.

St. Michael’s Catholic Church Corner of Tekakwitha Dr. & Hwy. 62/412 Cherokee Village, AR • 870-257-2850 Email: stmichaelcv@yahoo.com www.stmichaelscv.org Daily Mass: Mon., Thur., Fri. - 9 am; Wed. - 6 p.m.; Saturday Vigil - 4 p.m.

Sunday - 9 a.m.

(Latin 12 p.m., 1st & 3rd Sunday) Rev. Amal Punganoor • 870-257-4456 Hardy United Methodist Church Fourth & Spring / Every Sunday Sunday School 9:30 a.m.

Morning Worship 10:30 a.m.

Open Hearts ~ Open Minds ~ Open Doors

Pleasant Hill Freewill Baptist Church 61 CR 246, Thayer, MO 65791 Pastor Tim Deckard 417-270-6214 Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship 6:00 p.m.

Facebook: Pleasant Hill FWB Church Wheeling Church of Christ Hwy. 9 South, Wheeling, AR 870-219-9067 Sunday School 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship 11:00 a.m.

Wednesday Bible Study 6:00 p.m.

St. Paul United Methodist Church Business Highway 63, PO Box 241 Thayer, MO 65791 Sunday School - 10:15 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 11:30 a.m.

Email: stpaulumc@centurytel.net www.stpaulthayerumc.org 417-264-3296 • Pastor Pam Ekey Faith Presbyterian Church 1001 Third Street, Horseshoe Bend, AR 72512 Sunday School - 9:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 10:30 a.m.

2nd Day Bible Study - Monday, 10:30 a.m.

Email: faithpresby@centurytel.net www.horseshoepresbyterian.org Rev. David Schaller – Call 870-670-4103 Horseshoe Bend United Methodist Church 600 West Church Street 870-670-5392 Christian Conversation Wednesday - 12 noon Sunday Worship - 9:00 a.m.

Pastor Ken Anderson First Baptist Church of Hardy Highway 63-412, Hardy, AR Sunday School-9:30 a.m. - Worship-10:45 a.m.

Evening Worship - 6:00 p.m.

Wednesday Prayer Meeting - 6:00 p.m.

Dr. Larry Kindrick, Pastor - 870-847-0897 First Christian Church “Disciples of Christ” 7th & Archer Street, Mammoth Spring, AR Sunday School - 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Worship - 11:00 a.m.

Bible Study Wednesday Evenings - 6:00 p.m. www.fccms.org Spring River Presbyterian Church 151 Wahpeton Hill Rd., Hardy, AR 870-856-3426 Pastor Jim Ratliff Sunday Service 10 a.m.

Office Hours: Tuesday-Friday 9 a.m. - noon Closed on Mondays Email: springriverpres@outlook.com

To reserve your church’s listing call 800-995-3209 28 AVENUES • December, 2021

Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas

AVENUES • December, 2021 29

Shop with a Cop, making a difference in children’s lives Story by Renee Janes and Kim Break Photos by Kim Break and Submitted

Every December, area emergency workers set aside time on a Saturday morning to shop with area children.

Annual Shop with a Cop programs are

30 AVENUES • December, 2021

great events that allow children, that may not otherwise have a good Christmas, to have the chance to.

Often children will not just want to

shop for themselves but want to buy for their loved ones.

“I believe it helps a lot of children have a great Christmas that might not have a good Christmas,” said Thayer Police Chief Daryl Childers, stating he has witnessed many children sharing though the program.

“I have seen a lot of sharing done by children shopping like buying items for siblings or family members. Many officers have told me stories of the kindness and sharing of the children,” said Childers of the more than decade old event.

“If the children will do that at Shop with a Cop, I believe they will continue the rest of their lives,” said Childers, stating it’s a

Located in the historical Castleberry Building on the Square (102 S. Main St.) in Salem.

AVENUES • December, 2021 31

great program and the Thayer Police Department will continue to work on the program and help as much as they can.

Officers often share stories of their experiences with one another from the event. In a previous article in The South Missourian News, one officer told of how the child he was shopping with was determined to buy gifts for everyone but himself.

“The child wanted to buy presents for his siblings, mom and grandma and had items picked out he wanted to get, and it was difficult to make him get something for himself, even though he finally did.

“Some of these kids are thinking of others too, not just themselves,” said Childers,” was stated in the article.

Shop with a Cop programs have inspired other departments to start the tradition within in the last decade including Fulton County Sheriff ’s Office and Sharp County Sheriff ’s Office.

When asked about the program, Jake Smith with Fulton County Sheriff ’s Office said, “A lot of time our job is more stress related, but it something that is just more fun and laid back.”

He recalled some of the children have given him gifts such as bracelets they have made.

Smith stated there have been a few children that have participated a few times and they will look for him and remember him from the previous year.

“A lot of times they get to buy stuff

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for their parents or siblings things that they can’t ordinarily do,” said Smith.

Throughout the years, many businesses, individuals and organizations sponsor their local Shop with at Cop program through grants and donations.

If you would like to contribute to the worthy cause, contact your local department.

AVENUES • December, 2021 33

Local

Taste

Ash Flat SIDEWINDER CAFE 962 HWY 62/412

MEACHAM’S

(870) 751-2020 Mon., Wed., Thurs. 11-9; Tues. 11-5;

(870) 994-2101

Call ahead, Dine-In, Carry-Out Facebook.com/Frontier-Lanes

Facebook.com/meachamsashflat

ASH FLAT, AR

191 HWY 62/412 ASH FLAT, AR

Fri. 11-11; Sat. 12-11; Sun. 12-5

Tues. - Thurs. 11-8; Fri -Sat. 11-9 Dine-In & Carry-Out

Cave City

BUTTERCUP’S KITCHEN 922 N. Main St. Cave City, AR (870) 283-5000 Mon. - Sat. 6 am - 3 pm Breakfast till 10:30 am Facebook.com/Buttercups-Kitchen

CROSSEYED CATFISH CAFE' 107 E. Main St. Hardy, AR (870) 955-5080 Tues. - Thurs. 11 am - 6pm, Fri. - Sat. 11 am - 7 pm Facebook.com/CrossEyed-Catfish-Cafe

Salem

SWINGLES FAMILY DINER 126 Locust St. Salem, AR (870) 895-5008 Mon. - Sat. 6 am - 2 pm Facebook.com/pages/Swingles

Hardy A R T A S I A

ARTASIA MAIN ST. BISTRO / TWILIGHT APOTHECARY 112 E. Main St. | Hardy, AR (870) 209-7606 Homemade baked goods-pizza, bulk foods and spices, health store items

Sun. 9-3; Mon. 7-3; Thurs.-Sat. 7-3 Facebook.com/artasia

SMOKIN’ RICKS BAR-B-QUE

SMOKIN’ RICK’S 3844 Hwy 62/412 Hardy, AR BAR-B-QUE

(870) 751-0970 3844 Hwy. 62/412 Wed. - Thurs. 11 am - 6pm, Hardy, Fri. - Sat. 11Arkansas am - 7 pm Wed Thurs 11 am to 6 pm Facebook.com/ SmokinRicksBBQ Fri - Sat 11 am to 7 pm

870-751-0970

For your restaurant to be featured in our Local Taste, call 870-895-3207 and ask for the sales department. $20/month, contracted through Aug. 2022.

What’s Cookin’ in the Ozarks?

Orange Slice Cake

By Debbie Perryman Cake (Makes 2) 1 cup butter 2 cups sugar 4 eggs 1/2 cup buttermilk 3 cups flour 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon soda 1 lb. diced orange slices (roll in1/2 cup flour) 1 lb. diced dates 2 lbs. chopped pecans 2 cups flaked coconut

Cream butter and sugar. Add eggs one at a time, then buttermilk. Mix well, then fold in fruits and dry ingredients. Pour into two greased and floured tube pans. Bake at 300 degrees for 2 hours. Cool.

(You can cover with foil and freeze cake until ready to serve.)

Icing 2 cups powdered sugar 1 cup orange juice 2 tablespoons orange rind

Mix well and pour slowly over cake while still hot.

AVENUES • December, 2021 35

Mistletoe Magic Arts and Craft Show

w

“Industrial style” church comes to Sharp County;

Abundant Life Church makes renovations to commercial building

STORY BY KIM BREAK PHOTOS BY KIM BREAK AND SUBMITTED

It is a major undertaking to renovate, let alone taking a building that was once used commercially and turning it into an inviting church space.

The leadership team of the Abundant Life Church have successfully and nearly completed just that.

Pastor Joey Barnes, and his wife Meg, have been extremely blessed with a

wonderful church family, and without them, couldn’t have accomplished all they have in a short time.

Abundant Life Church was originally located on FM 101 Road in Highland, but after a very hard decision-making process, the facility purchased the old Fred’s building in Cherokee Village, right off of AVENUES • December, 2021 37

Hwy. 62/412, next to the White River Medical Complex. Barnes also commended Cherokee Village Mayor Russ Stokes for his assistance on a few issues throughout the move.

Little did the team know, but the actual style of the church is “industrial”. Barnes said it is common in larger cities for churches to purchase old store buildings and renovate.

At one point the contractors wanted Barnes to remove the sliding glass doors. It was even mentioned that it wouldn’t look much like a church with those doors and Barnes re-

plied, “well that is kind of what we are going for.”

“For years and years and years, we knew we had to do something.

We had a bigger vision than what our building, which is still functioning we just didn’t have the room that we needed, could hold. I’ve always had a burden for recovery, and you can see that in some of the things we are doing like with Embrace Grace and stuff like that,” explained Barnes.

Previous to buying the old Fred’s store, Abundant Life Church had purchased land right off of Hwy. 62/412.

38 AVENUES • December, 2021

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Unfortunately, the bids to build from the ground up were much too high. Barnes was lucky enough to have the help of church members who are in real estate that made the deal with the Fred’s building work.

Since then, they were fortunate enough to sell the land originally purchased to Harp’s Grocery Store.

The process of purchasing the Fred’s building is truly “a God thing”. Barnes said the church team set how much they could pay for the building, then offered

lower. A counter-offer was received back in the amount of what the leadership team said they could afford. “I am so amazed at what as happened here, it is a God thing for sure.”

The help and volunteerism, from children to adults, is a true testament to the church family of Abundant Life. “When you think about everything that has gotten done, so much of what happened around here is because of people volunteering and giving of their time because they love the

AVENUES • December, 2021 39

church. That has been amazing to me,” said Meg. During the hight of the COVID pandemic, Barnes said, “We grew, we had people get saved. We would have people stop in the middle of the road during our outside services.

We were packing

church services at our previous location, and I kept praying, ‘Lord, we need to get over there.’ We were bringing chairs in, but I couldn’t shut it down. These people are looking to me for guidance, I have to cut a path.”

Once fire codes and things of that nature

Giving TIS THE SEASON OF

LifeLights

This season, as you think about how to honor or remember your loved ones, consider making a gift in their name to the 2021 White River Health System Foundation Life Lights campaign.

This year, different tribute packages are being offered. All levels of giving include publicly acknowledging the names of those honored or remembered on White River Health System’s website and social media pages, the monitors in the lobbies at White River Medical Center, and in local news publications. Acknowledgement cards will be mailed to individuals honored or families of those remembered.

Other levels of giving include a commemorative keepsake ornament that will go to your honoree or their family, and/or an acknowledgement in a special tribute video that will go on the WRHS Foundation Facebook page.

For more information on packages, or to give to Life Lights in someone’s honor or memory, visit https://secure.qgiv.com/for/liflig or call (870) 262-1834. All Life Lights gifts support White River Health System Cancer Detection and Treatment Services.

WhiteRiverHealthSystem.com/WRHSFoundation

40 AVENUES • December, 2021

were taken care of, the church opened its doors for services. “The first two weeks, even in the new space, we had to bring in more chairs.” Barnes also added someone is saved at almost every church service. “It is different for me, in a good way.”

Abundant Life Church also offers programs

outside of their regular church services for community members.

Safe Night Ministries is the newest, which is a class/support group for those who are survivors or victims of domestic violence. There will be two classes starting next semester for this program is it filled up quickly.

AVENUES • December, 2021 41

Embrace Grace, Embrace Life and Embrace Legacy (a group for young fathers) are additional programs the church offers.

Meg, who is a retired elementary school principal, is in charge of children ministries, so that program has been revamped and is growing. Pre-school aged kids are in one group and children from kindergarten to fifth grade are in Meg’s ministry.

“We are getting really big already,” she said.

“As the threat of COVID continues to diminish, we will be

able to open up more.”

They have 200 seats and aiming for 450 with more chairs on the way.

Parking is much more plentiful at the new location, however; additional parking is still needed and solutions have been identified.

They have put in a six-foot fence and some playground equipment.

Volunteers from the church who are parents with young children are researching new equipment.

The kitchen is equipped with coolers from the original Fred’s store that they tried to

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sell. There was a lot of interest, but the machines would have to be taken apart to exit the building and was too much trouble for buyers.

Barnes said the church has just completed paperwork to be able to be involved with food distribution. The food banks use the loading dock to put up food, so

Barnes said they wanted to continue with that.

Leaving the coolers in place gives the food bank the opportunity to store cool foods.

The next project Barnes is working on is establishing a Celebrate Recovery, or something of that nature, at the church.

AVENUES • December, 2021 43

Cherokee Village lions Wish to thank our 2021 sponsors

THE CHEROKEE VILLAGE LIONS CLUB WISHES TO EXTEND OUR GRATITUDE TO ALL THE GOLFERS WHO ATTENDED THE 57TH ANNUAL CHARLIE RICE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT Your participation assures us of helping the sight and hearing impaired THANK YOU!!

Special thanks to Ron Rhodes and James Bragg PLATINUM FNBC

GOLD

WRMC OZARKS CRAFTS MALL

SILVER LEVEL

Linda & Marc Herring Centennial Bank

hole sponsors Wayne Clary

Doug Dreisel

Ruth Klingle

Marge Rogers

Laura Smith

Shriners

Emmett & Wilma Griffith

Tom & Leslie Parsons

Breakfast provided both days by Lion Nancy French Luncheon provided both days by Chow on the Square Water provided both days by Lion Linda Herring 44 AVENUES • December, 2021

WIN A DINNER FOR TWO FROM FRED’S FISH HOUSE RULES: To register for the drawing, fill out a card on location at Fred’s Fish House in Mammoth Spring, Ark. Look for the pictured box to drop your card in to be registered. The drawing will still take place around the end of each month at the restaurant.

LAST MONTH’S WINNER: Melissa Bluskieuicz Thayer, MO

THE NEXT DRAWING FOR A FREE DINNER GIVEAWAY FOR TWO WILL BE DEC. 17.

Fred’s Fish House 215 Main Street Mammoth Spring, Arkansas 870-625-7551 Fred’s Fish House is located in downtown Mammoth Spring, Ark. The restaurant has been family owned and operated for nearly 30 years.

Open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Friday and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m to 2 p.m.

Fred’s is open and ready to provide great service with a smile.

AVENUES • December, 2021 45

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DON’t FORGET - Take us with you! Where is Avenues is a special feature we offer our readers. If you are traveling, take an Avenues with you, take a photo with it and send it in!

- You can nominate houses for our Home Tour feature. If you, or someone you know, has a unique home perfect for Avenues, let us know!

- We love to highlight the next generation and we do so with our Community Cuties. Send in a photo of your child(ren) (grandchild, niece, nephew, etc.) with their name, age, parents’ name, etc. They can be featured in Avenues as well.

Send photos or suggestions to news@areawidenews.com

46 AVENUES • December, 2021

Traditions: It’s That Time of Year

By Dewayne French With the holidays upon us we always start looking back at the year and where it has gone. With all holidays, we have family gatherings and traditions that we do this time of year. Do they include hunting or fishing in our great Ozarks? I hope they do, because this is a great time of year to be involved in the outside community. As we tromp around the Ozark’s forests and glades, or paddle a swiftly moving Ozark stream, we get to see what nature is truly about. It is hard to find that peace I get when I’m on the lake and see a bald eagle fly effortlessly overhead. That and many other day-to-day things I often take for granted.

As we have family over and celebrate our holidays, I hope an Ozark fishing adventure is in your family plans.

A short boat ride and you are in prime fishing areas.

Whether you want to fish a river or a lake we have a vast playing field to accomplish that task. A short day trip on the river can have you cleaning fish and building memories for a lifetime. Take a short boat ride across one of the many lakes we have and you will see wildlife, catch fish, and maybe even make a new tradition.

inner peace you may be looking for. Fishing is a recharge of the human batteries, as I have heard many times.

I live a life like most do in this area; I work, raise a family, pay taxes, and go to church, the good Ole’ American way. However, I do get to spend a lot of time in Mother Nature and believe I’m better because of it.

I have friends from all over, because of fishing. For me, fishing is a part of my life and makes me who I am.

Fishing as a family tradition should be added to your next family holiday gathering. We all need an excuse to be with family, and during this time of the year, let’s all join in an outdoor related tradition to help renew your fishing enjoyment. Thanks for reading and following along with my Ozarks fishing adventures.

Remember, we all “Live Downstream” so please pick up your trash and any other trash you see out floating around! Never discard old fishing lines in the river or lake! Wear your life jacket, and tell your family your expected return times, and a general location of where you plan to fish.

Check out my social media pages and follow my fishing adventures around the Ozark waters we call home.

Facebook: Dewayne French Fishing Twitter: @French_fishin • Instagram: french_fishin Youtube: Dewayne French or French fishing

Eagles flying around, deer swimming in a river, and watching a mink scamper around the edge of a creek bank are just a small part of the many blessings you can be a part of as you and your family enjoy fishing in the Ozarks region. There have been many beautiful pictures taken on a cold foggy morning on an Ozarks river or lake. Enjoy your family this year as you celebrate your own way, but add fishing as a new tradition, one that you can grow each year. Fishing can bring you that

“Three-fourths of the Earth’s surface is water, and one-fourth is land. It is quite clear that the good Lord intended us to spend triple the amount of time fishing as taking care of the lawn.”

Chuck Clark

To find a store near you or to order online: https://favoriteusa.com/

(877) 800-6246

603 N 9th St, Thayer, MO 65791 EMAIL ADDRESS: contact@favoriteusa.com

AVENUES • August, December, 2021 2021 47 47

Phillips Dr. Rebecca

Casey Dun can, APRN

, Pe Amy Hodges

APRN

Deborah K

ing, APRN

Regular Hours: h, APRN Starla Smit

48 AVENUES • December, 2021

Accepting new patients!