Page 6 - TR Explore Stone County 2020

6SS SUNDAY, JUNE 21, 2020
ADVERTISING SUPPLEMENT TO THE THREE RIVERS EDITION OF THE ARKANSAS DEMOCRAT-GAZETTE • EXPLORE STONE COUNTY
MEET
YOUR NEIGHBOR
Kevin Johnson
FINANCIAL ADVISOR
WITH EDWARD JONES INVESTMENTS
HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED IN MOUNTAIN VIEW?
I’m originally from Paragould, and my wife is from Mountain View. After college at Arkansas State University, we moved to Conway. I worked in Little Rock while she finished occupational-therapy school at the University of Central Arkansas in Conway. We moved to Mountain View in 1997.
WHAT MAKES MOUNTAIN VIEW A GREAT PLACE TO RAISE A FAMILY?
The school is excellent. We have a great church family. There are many activities for the kids — sports programs, excellent music programs, hunting, fishing, mountain biking, just to name a few.
HOW DID YOU FEEL BEING INDUCTED INTO THE MOUNTAIN VIEW ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME?
I was truly honored to be inducted into the Mountain View Athletic Hall of Fame, and to be a part of the inaugural class was truly special. I’m humbled to be recognized for all the work that is put into the program. I think it is great that Moun- tain View has started its Athletic Hall of Fame to recognize all the outstanding athletes, coaches and distinguished citizens that have been a part of the Mountain View athletic program.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE THINGS TO DO IN MOUNTAIN VIEW?
I enjoy being involved in the sports programs lo- cally, activities at Flatwoods Baptist Church, direct- ing the Upward Basketball program and spending time with family and friends.
IS THERE ANYTHING ELSE YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADD?
My wife and I are blessed to be able to raise our family in a wonderful community like Mountain View. I would encourage everyone to take a day trip, a weekend or their summer vacation, and come visit Mountain View.
PHOTOS BY STACI VANDAGRIFF/THREE RIVERS EDITION
Billy Armstrong, assistant operations manager, demonstrates a run though the Loco Ropes course.
Nancy Snyder practices her handiwork at the Ozark Folk Center State Park Craft Village.
KID-FRIENDLY TRIPS Seven ways for the young to have fun in Stone County
BY SAM PIERCE / CREATIVE SERVICES WRITER With no shortage of songs, crafts and
trails, Stone County offers plenty of places where kids can have fun — and maybe learn a thing or two. From morning fishing trips to afternoons spent underground to evenings of banjo tunes under the stars, parents can find plenty of ways to entertain young ones. Here are seven family-friendly pastimes.
1. CHECK OUT THE COURTHOUSE SQUARE
Wondering why Mountain View is known as the Folk Music Capital of the World? Head to Mountain View’s Courthouse Square, where whippersnappers can find people of all ages playing folk, bluegrass and many other kinds of music. en search for sweet treats at the little shops surrounding the Square, or grab a bite to eat at one of the nearby restaurants — saving room for ice cream, of course!
2. GET CREATIVE AT THE ARKANSAS CRAFT SCHOOL
No matter how kids express themselves, they can hone their skills at the Arkansas Craft School. Located near the Courthouse Square, the school offers fun classes for peo- ple of all ages. Children can get their hands dirty and have fun while learning how to paint, sculpt, make beads and more. Oth- er classes include songwriting and yoga. To book a class, visit arkansascraftschool.org or call 870-269-8397.
3. FROLIC AT THE CITY PARK
When kids start to turn into wiggle worms, it is time for a trip to Mountain View City Park, which offers a playground where tykes can burn off their energy. e park’s Stone Amphitheater also provides a lovely
setting for picnics and scavenger hunts. Walking trails throughout the park offer a chance for the whole family to stretch their legs, and a creekside trail provides a scenic path to Ozark Folk Center State Park.
4. TRAVEL BACK
IN TIME AT THE OZARK FOLK CENTER
Speaking of the Ozark Folk Center, children can visit the unique state park to learn what life was like when their great-grandparents were knee-high to a grasshopper. e craft village provides a peek at how people made toys, quilts and other goods between 1820 and 1920, while the auditorium offers evening performances of traditional songs and dances. To learn more, visit arkansasstateparks.com/ parks/ozark-folk-center-state-park.
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