Rainbow Arch Bridge & Family History

I learned alot about bridge terminology when I wrote about the Sundial Bridge in Redding, California, in the March 13, 2009, post on this blog, but when researching the history of the Cotter, Arkansas, bridge pictured in these photos, I found out there were some additional definitions that I needed to add to my vocabulary. For example, I found out that when the bridge was completed in 1930 by the Bateman Contracting Company, it was the world's largest "Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge". And no, it is not named after marshmallows. Rather, it is named for James Marsh (1856 - 1936) who patented the reinforced-concrete rainbow arch design in 1912. According to the 1988 publication Great American Bridges and Dams, a rainbow arch bridge is "An aesthetically pleasing design popularized by James Marsh between 1915 and 1930. Marsh actively promoted the technology and became responsible for the vast majority of rainbow arch bridges built in the Midwest and Great Plains." This last statement probably explains a well-known bridge familiar to Route 66 aficionados. A Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge spanned the Spring River between Galena and Riverton, Kansas, on the highway nicknamed "America's Main Street". Unfortunately, it was dismantled in 1986. However, that state did have the foresight to preserve another Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge---the one in Baxter Springs, Kansas; it was restored in 1992, and you can still drive your car across it. Likewise, a Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge in Fort Morgan, Colorado, has been restored as a hiking and bicycle bridge over the Platte River. I am very thankful for the preservation-minded folks of Cotter and the surrounding area, who started the work several years ago that resulted in the preservation of the Marsh Rainbow Arch Bridge at Cotter. Thanks to their efforts, the bridge is not only listed on the National Register of Historic Places, but also as a National Historic Civil Engineering Landmark. This last title is given to recognize "exceptionally meritorious achievements" and "civil engineerings' greatest accomplishments" and to "preserve our rich heritage for future generations". It is also listed on the Historic American Engineering Record established by the National Park Service, the Library of Congress, and the American Society of Civil Engineers to document important engineering events.

The railroad has played a significant role in the development of Cotter, Arkansas, and this photo shows the location where the tracks go under the Rainbow Arch Bridge before travelling onto the massive metal railroad bridge across the White River, that is several yards upriver from the Rainbow Arch Bridge. Although those tracks have not been used to carry passengers since 1960, they still service the area for freight and cargo transportation.

On the Baxter County side of the Rainbow Arch Bridge is a lovely park called "Big Spring Park" where you will find a covered picnic pavilion, a building for indoor functions called "The Spring House", restrooms, a gazebo, a railroad train car and statue, boat loading/unloading area, a swimming hole, and hiking/walking trails---some of them, wheelchair accessible. Also, friends of mine named Ron and Debbie Gamble, own and operate (along with their son Dylan) the Cotter Trout Dock there, which I would highly recommend for your White River outdoor adventures (www.CotterTroutDock.com). Just as the bridge was built by a company named "Bateman", so Ron Gamble can be thought of as the "Baitman" for all your trout fishing questions and needs! Be sure to check out their website for more great photos of the area.

Hopefully, by now you're wondering, "What does all this have to do with YOUR family history?" Here's the connection: Before my mother and father were married, they had what they would later call their "first date" on a Lead Hill High School field trip (via school bus) to visit the bridge, before it was officially opened to traffic. Mother would always tell that story to me anytime we crossed the bridge as I was growing up. She said she and my father shared a picnic lunch under the bridge that day, and "the rest, as they say, is history"! I have deduced that "first date" probably occurred sometime in September of 1930. That is because the official dedication of the bridge is listed as November 11-12, 1930. So even though I was "just a gleam in the eye" of Joe and Benita back then, I feel a strong connection to this bridge! (They were later married in August of 1932 at the Boone County Courthouse.) The photo above shows that one can clearly read the year "1930" on the overhead span as you drive your car across the bridge. Another reason the bridge is significant to me is because the last hike my husband and I took together before his sudden death in November, 2000, was when we walked the trail together along the White River, that links the Rainbow Arch Bridge with the new Highway 412 Bridge, further upstream. It was a beautiful, autumn day and I cherish the memory of that time together. So now you know why the title of this post has the phrase "family history" in it. But wait---there's more!!! I can't let such a great visual aid opportunity pass without making this analogy: Just as the Rainbow Arch Bridge connects Baxter County to Marion County, so Jesus Christ is the "bridge" that connects God to us humans here on earth. Through Him, we can "cross over" from living in this world, to that place called "The Kingdom of God" and "Eternal Life" (John 3:16). Now THAT is family history we can all relate to and be thankful for! Miles of smiles! Tricia

Snowy Roads & Schedule Changes

Since the roads in "The North Woods" of Baxter County are still snow-covered, and more snow is predicted for Wednesday, The First Place 4 Health Orientation that was described in the January 1, 2010, blog post has been rescheduled for Wednesday, January 13; all the other information is the same. Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you! Tricia Turner

Sunday Snow Hike

I was completely taken by surprise by what I saw as I stepped out the door early this morning to head to town to attend worship services. I was all dressed up in my high heels and"Sunday-go-to-meeting" clothes (that had been given to me as Christmas gifts, and begged to be bragged on) when I opened the door and saw everything was covered with a deep blanket of snow. It was clear I was not driving anywhere, and certainly not with high heels on! A check on the Internet showed a message from my small group leader that all FBC activities had been canceled for the day. Listening to the radio gave the news that most churches throughout the area were canceling services as well, and traffic officials were advising people to stay off the highway.

Fortunately, I have enough lettuce (my drug of choice) to last me a day or two, so I decided to give up any thoughts of trying to drive into town, and use the time instead, to do some "snow photography".

I started off down into the valley, and as I reached the creek, I was reminded once again of the devastating effects of the January 2009 Ice Storm. It seemed there were as many trees in the horizontal position, as the vertical position, due to the heavy load of ice last year that caused them to tumble to the ground. The great thing about the snow today is that we still have electricity! Let's pray it stays that way!

At various photography seminars I have attended, the instructors emphasize to the students, the importance of looking for PATTERN when composing their photographs. This might be patterns in architecture, patterns in people groups, or, as in the photo collage above, patterns in nature. It is easier to distinguish patterns in nature when snow hides the background clutter, and makes the patterns easier to see. I Timothy 1:16 tells us that Jesus Christ has given us a pattern by which to live our lives. But sometimes, all the "background clutter" of real life interferes with the pattern that I want others to see in my own life. But thankfully, God is forgiving of our shortcomings, and points us back to the pattern given in His Word, so that we can keep pressing on and keep being transformed by his power. Miles of snowy smiles! Tricia

Celebrate Success in 2010!

Many of us look upon a new year as a time to refocus on what is important in our lives. Often when we look back at our past behaviors, we realize we could have done a better job in making choices that contribute, rather than detract, from a healthy lifestyle. The problem is that it is so difficult to persevere in our pursuit of such a goal. That is where First Place 4 Health can be of assistance. It is a program format that calls for weekly meetings with other adults, who have similar goals. The program that I am facilitating in the coming months uses a new book entitled "Celebrate Success". I took a photo of the cover of the book to help you visualize it.

The back cover of the book has this to say: "CELEBRATE SUCCESS, a new Bible study created for First Place 4 Health, explores what God's Word has to say about celebration and will help you discover ways to celebrate your life's milestones and victories in a way that glorifies God. All too often, it is easy to try to measure success by the world's standards and get caught up in the mindset that you can only celebrate success when you have finally achieved some long-anticipated goal. But for those who strive to live a life pleasing to God, celebrating success can be a daily experience, not just an isolated event. In God's kingdom, celebration is always intended to reaffirm the commitment to a life lived in conformity to God's Word, which always gives reason for celebration regardless of the occasion!" The script goes on to say that the book contains 12 weeks of daily study to help you put Christ in first place, as well as weekly Live It Trackers to document your progress. Also included are Scripture memory cards, a coordinating Scripture memory music CD, and two complete weeks of menu plans with grocery lists, recipes and detailed nutrition information.

I have been a Registered Dietitian for over thirty-five years, yet in all my years of experience with numerous kinds of wellness programs and weight loss systems, none of them have helped me, personally, more than First Place 4 Health. First Place 4 Health helped me create balance in the four core areas of my life---emotional, spiritual, mental and physical. That is why I am such a proponent of the program, and volunteer my time to facilitate First Place 4 Health classes in Mountain Home. Orientation for the "Celebrate Success" session will be Wednesday, January 6, 2010, at 6 PM, in room 1203 of the Christian Life Center, of First Baptist Church, 400 Club Blvd., in Mountain Home, Arkansas. The Orientation provides an overview of how the First Place 4 Health program offers assistance to participants, and gives those who decide to participate an opportunity to enroll in the program, and learn about the written health books and Bible study books that are used during the program. The materials can be purchased at most major bookstores or over the Internet. Persons who do not want to purchase the written material may use a copy of the book available for check-out use at the church. The actual classes for First Place 4 Health will start on Wednesday, January 13, at 5:30 pm - 6:45 pm, and will meet consecutively for the next 13 weeks. There is no charge to attend the classes. For more information about the history/development of First Place 4 Health, log onto www.FirstPlace4Health.com or email me at triciaturnerfirstplace@yahoo.com Wouldn't you like to take an expedition in this all-new decade to a healthier lifestyle? Just like the old song made famous years ago by K.C. and the Sunshine Band, let's "CELEBRATE good times", and miles of smiles this year! Tricia

Caroling in the Caverns

I am a bit embarrassed to admit that it wasn't until I saw a program on the Travel Channel last December that I found out about the event called "Caroling in the Caverns". That is because the event has been going on for several years, and I live just about 90 minutes from there. But as soon as I learned about it, I phoned to get a ticket. The person who took my call said the tickets had been sold out for months, and that if I ever wanted to go, I had better get my tickets purchased earlier next time. So I put a note to myself in my calendar back in August, and proceeded to order my ticket (which cost $17) as soon as they went on sale in the early fall. As a coincidence, all of the lessons in my Faithful Friends small group at church this month have been on the topic the quarterly entitled "God's Christmas Songs". So a field trip to hear "God's Christmas Songs" in such a unique setting as an underground cave seemed very appropriate. Although photography or recording was not allowed during the actual program, I was able to get the photos above before it started. The lower photo shows that stringed instruments were included in the music presentation. An instrument that the nearby town of Mountain View is famous for---the mountain dulcimer---was expertly played by local native, and widely recognized dulcimer aficionado, Pam Kirby. Pam is also the leader of the various musicians that shared their voices on the afternoon of December 13 when I was there.

When one first arrives at the Banchard Springs Caverns Visitor's Center (pictured in collage above), there are a variety of activities to occupy your time until boarding the elevators to descend hundreds of feet underground. The theater has an audio-visual presentation telling about how the cave was created and discovered, and also includes beautiful Ozark nature scenes captured by area photographer Jerry Wilcoxen. There is also an excellent exhibit area to view, as well as a gift shop and book store. Plus, on days that a performance is being given, complementary refreshments are served consisting of cookies, hot cider, and candy canes.

As you can tell by the way the audience is dressed in the photo collage above, the temperature was very comfortable. Since I tend to get cold easily, I had an extra coat, scarf, ear muffs, and gloves---none of which I needed. In addition, plastic seat cushions are provided to each attendee as you enter the elevator, so that you will not be sitting directly on a damp bench. I was pleased to see that the area where the audience sits is wheel-chair accessible, so one does not have to be a hiker-type to participate. In keeping with the tradition of strolling carolers, the performers would move to various locations distant from the audience so that we could appreciate the remarkable acoustics in the space. If any of this appeals to you, you'll be thankful to hear that you will not have to wait until December of 2010 to experience it. Due to its popularity, special performances have been scheduled for February 13-14, to celebrate St. Valentine's Day; also, for March 13-14, to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Only 400 tickets are available for each weekend, so don't wait to reserve your spot. Contact the Mountain View Chamber of Commerce at 870-269-8068 or visit www.yourplaceinthemountains.com to order tickets online.

The video at the Visitor's Center Theater talked about creatures that live in the dark. Likewise, the story of Christmas is about creatures who were living in the dark. But the verses in Luke 1:78-79 shows us God's remedy for such an existence : "Because of our God's merciful compassion, the Dawn from on high will visit us to shine on those who live in darkness and the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace." I pray that you will experience miles of "light filled" smiles this Christmas season and throughout the year! Tricia

Group Expedition to Branson

There are many good reasons for traveling in a group, and one of them is that, instead of there being 50 vehicles on the highway, all going to the same destination----there is just one vehicle that carries 50 people! This travel is made especially enjoyable if the vehicle is a luxury motorcoach, such as the one used by First Baptist Church of Mountain Home recently. The photo above also shows another reason for going by motorcoach---the fun and fellowship one can have while being part of a group, who all have the same goal in mind---an enjoyable time visiting with old friends and getting to know new ones!

The Mountain Home group had a delicious lunch in the balcony dining area of the Hughes Brothers Theater in Branson, and then were treated to a delightful Christmas show put on by the talented band of brothers, known simply as SIX. Their show is a "must see" on your next trip to Branson! Following the SIX show, the group headed over to the Hard Luck Cafe for an early supper, with just enough time left to stroll through the huge Christmas store at the Grand Village. As you can see, there was a representative of St. Nickolas strolling the area, despite the bitter cold (as evidenced by the frozen fountain shown in lower part of collage above).

Next the group drove to the somewhat-new-to-Branson theater called "Sight and Sound". The original Sight and Sound Theater has been operating for years in Pennsylvania, but many people in the Ozarks are just now visiting it for the first time. The photo above shows the FBC expeditioners eagerly awaiting the show to begin in their comfortable seats near the main stage of the enormous space. The vastness of the theater is needed considering what comes meandering down the aisles during the performance---beautiful, full size horses; gigantic camels; braying donkeys; and bah-bahing sheep!!

The photo above shows the Christmas tree in the main lobby, that is completely encircled by delicate angels, twinkling lights, and shiny ribbon. After the show was over, I realized those angels decorating the tree were just a preview to what we would experience during the presentation inside the theater, called "The Miracle of Christmas". In my lifetime, I have seen dozens of dramatizations of the Christmas story, as told in the Bible New Testament book of Luke. However, none of these past dramas have so vividly captured all my senses in illustrating Luke 2:13-14, as did the spectacular scene I saw above, beside, and before me that night. The verse says: Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared, with the angel, praising God and saying, "Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace to men on whom his favor rests." It was definitely one of those moments that gives you goosebumps! I hope you will take the time in the days ahead to not only see a Christmas program with little children acting out the parts, but also treat yourself to the experience of "The Miracle of Christmas" at Sight and Sound Theater in Branson (http://www.sight-sound.com/) Wishing you miles of angelic smiles this Christmas! Tricia

The China Expedition!

When you saw the title of this post, I hope that the thought at least crossed your mind, that you were going to read about a recent trip I took to China. Although I do not want to rule out that possibility for a future blog post, this entry is actually about an expedition my China (aka "dinnerware" ) took. The expedition consisted of carefully packed China plates and glasses that made the trip into the big city of Mountain Home, where they were met by hundreds of other place settings, also on a "China Expedition". What could have caused this mass migration of such fragile cargo to the Christian Life Center of the First Baptist Church ? Why, it was none other than the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ ---born 2009 years ago! Dozens of FBC members hosted tables of eight people for the Sixth Annual Summit Ministry Christmas Banquet. Max Pyron leads the Summit Ministry, and although this Christmas event has been going on for several years (under the very capable direction of committee chairperson Wilma Jackson), this was my first time to attend or host a table. I arrived after most of the tables were set up, so that I could get an idea of how things were done. The first photo collage shows examples of just four of the tables, each with their own charming decorating theme.

Lest you think that only a woman could assume the responsibility of decorating a table, I included photos in the second collage of a beautiful table decorated by Warren Haley (lower right photo). It is worth noting, that it was a table decorated by a man, that was the ONLY table that also had the chairs decked out in festive attire! (top photo) Considering the banquet took place on the floor of the CLC basketball court, the area looked quite appealing (lower left photo)!

The top photo of the third collage shows the folks sitting at my table: Ken, Susan, Roy, Mary, Marcia, and Jerry. My dietitian/nurse friend, Susan, took the photo of me in the lower left; then she is shown in lower right photo, along with Mary and Marcia.

Just as each table at the banquet had a centerpiece that was the focal point of everything else on the table, so, too, the Bible is clear about what should be the centerpiece and focal point of our lives as Christians. In fact, one of the many verses that teach this principle is the "mission statement and name origin" for First Place 4 Health, for which I am a proponent. The verse is Matthew 6:33 "Seek FIRST his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well." That is an especially good priority to remember as we scurry around with the numerous holiday activities of December. To find out how you can be a part of the true "reason for the season", check out www.myfbcmh.com Miles of smiles! Tricia