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What is it that makes Bella Vista so nice? Plenty of people in Bella Vista don't see eye-to-eye on plenty of topics, but after nearly half a decade reporting on the city I can't recall meeting anyone who doesn't like it here. It's not really a shock, there's a little something for just about anyone in this town. If you like the outdoors there's plenty of it and no shortage of activities. You can hike, mountain bike, swim, play a round of golf, play tennis and go fishing or boating — all more than likely within a mile or two of your home. If someone would rather stay home and work on some sort of art, put their car back together or just kick back and watch some movies or something, it's probably nice and quiet. There are places to eat and socialize, places to take your dog and no shortage of great scapes and mod - els for a photographer — frankly, it can be hard to take bad pictures around here. But the thing that really sets this community apart is the people. I've met people who are into every single thing that just got mentioned, but almost none of them have had a bad attitude. You go out and talk to anyone about anything and, assuming they have time, the vast majority will be willing to share their thoughts — which sure makes my job easy. And if you need an ex - pert on any given topic, with all the retirees around here, it seems like every- one knows someone who knows someone. If someone needs volun- teers, they get the word out and people show up to get stuff done. It's that easy. City staff and officials are easy to get a hold of and almost always eager to an - swer questions. If someone can't for whatever reason, they're a lot more likely than not to explain why. That one's especially rare. I've done stories with other governmental bodies and police agencies that took two weeks of daily phone calls to answer simple questions. Bella Vista usu - ally gets back to me the same day. And speaking of stories, believe it or not sometimes there isn't anything obvi- ous going on — but if I ask around someone's always willing to point me toward something worth covering. Bella Vista people are friendly, helpful and often interesting. As pretty a place as this is, as lovely as all the activi - ties and amenities are, Bel- la Vista wouldn't be what it is without its community. — Keith Bryant is a re- porter for the Weekly Vista. He can be reached at kbry- ant@nwadg.com. The opin- ions expressed are those of the author. Keith Bryant kbryant@nwadg.com Bella Vista Proud The Weekly Vista Wednesday, June 30, 2021 F 5C Al McCarty Jewelers in Rogers has been in business 105 years, and originally started as a watch repair shop in Helena by Al McCarty's grandfather in 1915. It was passed down to Al's father, who in turn passed it down to Al, who opened his first jewelry store in Helena in 1971. In 1979, the store moved to Rogers by virtue of a recommendation from a jewelry salesman, and it has been in Northwest Arkansas ever since. Originally, the store was in downtown Rogers, but moved to the current location on Walnut Street in the late 1980s. A.V. McCarty IV now runs the store, along with his mother Carolyn, and is the fourth generation to run the family jewelry business. "Now, we focus mainly on repairing of jewelry and customizing and mounts," McCarty said. "That's what we've transitioned into here in Rogers, and it's our bread and butter." Watch batteries and jewelry repairs are always available in store. McCarty has the tools and resources to fix almost any type of jewelry imaginable, and does everything on the premises. "I've got to see it first, but I can fix almost anything," McCarty said. "I've now got a laser welder that can help me fix costume jewelry that I used to not be able to fix. I can also do eyeglasses now." McCarty can also provide insurance appraisals, or breathe new life into your old jewelry. "If you bring in all your old jewelry, we'll put it in something new. We'll find a ring or pendant or earrings and put your stones into it," McCarty notes. Or, he can do casting—melting down your old gold and creating a completely new piece of jewelry. Watches are only thing not worked on by McCarty in the store. Instead, they are sent off for precision work to a local resident who lives on Beaver Lake. "We got started in this business doing watches, but nowadays we really only deal with batteries and bands and links," McCarty said. Al McCarty Jewelers is proud to have been voted "Best Jewelry Store," for three years running, in the 2018, 2019 and 2020 Best of Northwest Arkansas contests. In addition, they were voted "Best Gold and Silver Store" in 2020. A century-old tradition of quality lives on. Open Monday-Friday 8:30-5 and Saturday 10-1. An Arkansas family jeweler for more than 100 years 1041 W Walnut | RogeRs, aR | 479-636-7319 | WWW.mccaRtysjeWelRy.com 8826 W. McNelly Rd, Bentonville (1/4 mile E of Walgreen's in Bella Vista) 479-657-6868 Joe Ellis Upholstery & Ellis Fabrics We are Northwest Arkansas' "Hometown" Upholstery Shop Come talk with us about your next project, browse our fabric choices and let us design your new look. 2000 S. Hampton place • RogeRS, aR • 479-636-0799 • www.magnoliaplacealz.com A FAmily-Centered ApproACh to memory CAre Magnolia Place is a completely unique community, dedicated to enriching the lives of those living with memory loss. Our holistic approach to care includes developing partnerships with family members and other health care providers to ensure we meet their physical, social, emotional, mental and spiritual needs. We create an environment that resident and family members alike are happy to call home. Quin Warsaw, Bella Vista Photography Club A doe grabs a grass lunch in the pho- tographer's back yard. Eat your greens