Connection December 2015

FREE

‘Tis the

season

Christmastime in the Ozarks Life from paint

The mountaintop climb of a ‘reborn’ doll artist

Christmas shopping

The perfect gift is right around the corner

Honored educator

Baby clothes offer window to Mary Helen Willhoite’s life

A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians

DECEMBER 2015

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 1

2 | DECEMBER 2015

11 Mary Helen Willhoite

Revered Monett educator with a will and a way

DECEMBER 2015

37

Fallen soldier

51

Delicate art

43

Shop with a Cop

57

Learning to teach

A funeral 150 years in the making

Local gifting program connects law enforcement with community

46

Doll maker extraordinaire shares her care with reborns

Cassville High School prepares students for teaching careers

Ahead of the class

Bailee Aldridge of Washburn graduates high school at age 15

51

37 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 3

www.edwardjones.com A magazine dedicated to Southwest missourians

PUBLISHER Jacob Brower connection@monett-times.com EDITOR Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com Marketing director Lisa Craft community@monett-times.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Sheila Harris James Craig Marion Chrysler

During this holiday season and every day of the year, we wish you all the best.

CONTRIBUTORS Murray Bishoff Meagan Ruffing Nancy Ridgley Shawn Hayden Darlene Wierman Melonie Roberts Sheila Harris Susan Funkhouser Pam Wormington Brad Stillwell Jared Lankford Julia Kilmer Jennifer Conner Anne Angle Dionne Zebert Jane Severson Verna Fry Angie Judd Cheryl Williams Emily Wiseley

Shane A Boyd

Jeramie Grosenbacher, CFP速

802 West Street Cassville, MO 65625 417-847-5238

1418 South Elliott Aurora, MO 65605 417-678-0277 1-866-678-0277

Jim Haston

Financial Advisor

Nathan Roetto AAMS速

PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Brad Stillwell Jamie Brownlee Amy Sampson

Financial Advisor

7 East Broadway Monett, MO 65708 417-235-8216

594 North Spring Park Blvd Mt. Vernon, MO 65712 417-466-4620

DISTRIBUTION Greg Gilliam Kevin Funcannon

Donald E Weber

Scott Young

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor 100 Chapel Dr Suite B Monett, MO 65708 417-235-7465

MKT-1926A-A

4 | DECEMBER 2015

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor 100 Chapel Dr Suite B Monett, MO 65708 417-235-7465

Member SIPC

TO ADVERTISE 417-847-2610 - Cassville 417-235-3135 - Monett Send email inquiries to connection@monett-times.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 40, Monett, MO 65708 Connection is published monthly and distributed free in Cassville, Monett, Exeter, Washburn, Pierce City, Mt. Vernon, Aurora, Verona, Roaring River, Eagle Rock, Shell Knob, Purdy, Wheaton, Freistatt, Marionville, Seligman, Golden and other surrounding areas.

Connection is a publication of the Cassville Democrat, The Monett Times and Rust Communications.

Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas!

From the Staff at

Let us cater your special events!

505 Plaza Dr., Monett, Mo. 417-354-8408 • www.acambarorestaurant.com CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 5

8 CONTENTS 8 19 21 23 25 2 8 31 33 34 56 61 66

Shop locally: Fine Christmas finds Healthy Connection From the trainer Proud Parent contest Column: Giving kindness

Happy Holidays JOIN US ONLINE:

Reader photos Community Calendar

facebook.com/MyConnectionMo

Bottles & Brews Food: Holidays treats Cutest Pet contest Familiar Faces Parting Shot

6 | DECEMBER 2015

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Shop locally for the holidays Get into the holiday spirit with

Hallmark Christmas ornaments, featuring Disney’s Frozen; the 50-year celebration of the Peanuts gang; and the Star Wars franchise, featuring Darth Vader in a Christmas sweater.

These signature ornaments and more can be found at Bruner Pharmacy and Gifts, located at 312 E. Broadway in Monett.

Peppers and Co., located at 416 E. Broadway in Monett, has everything for that special woman, from

tunics, leggings and boots to fashion accessories. Don’t know her favorite colors or size?

They also have gift certificates. Layaway available for holiday gift-giving.

Cheetah-print fashion vest by Charlie Paige, $129. Item may be found at Whitley’s, located on the square in Cassville, or by calling the store at 417-847-2717.

Fringe leather purse by Shiraleah, $79.99. This fringe handbag doubles as a backpack, then converts back into a handbag, whichever is fancied.

8 | DECEMBER 2015

Capes, winter wear and wraps are hot ticket items

for cold weather this year. Brownsberger’s, located at 313 E. Broadway in Monett, offers a variety of styles and colors on wraps, wool-blend coats and more.

Copperhead Designs fashion jewelry

is locally hand-crafted from copper and brass, and named by the artist based on its unique design. Collection includes bracelets, earrings, necklaces and rings. Some can be personalized.

All rings are adjustable. Items range from $25$75. Items may be found at Tomblin’s, located on the square in Cassville, or by calling the store at 417-847-2195.

Warm up this winter

with a plaid faux fur cape, $62, from Ila Bohm’s.

Paired with a black faux fur purse, $46, any fashionista would be ready for some serious shopping despite the frosty weather. Ila Bohm’s is located at 123 S. Madison in Aurora.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 9

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f o e m i t e Lif ving gi Remembering Monett’s Mary Helen Willhoite

F

ootprints in the sand; passing impressions of a life on a journey. Most indentations fade and disappear with time. Some have surprising resilience, resonating more than the moment in later viewing.

Thus it was in 2011, when an auctioneer rummaged through boxes in life’s little leftovers in the attic at 108 E. Benton in Monett. Amidst all the trinkets and trash that tend to accumulate in the hidey holes of experience surfaced a Heer’s Department Store dress box. Inside lay a treasure trove of tiny garments, baby clothes that by then were 100 years old. Little leather shoes, a blue and white seersucker bonnet with brim, a long sleeve wool sweater, a long christening gown, lace-trimmed niceties, 35 items in all mixed with a few precious toys represented a window into a bygone era and a life faded into history’s fog now

Story by Murray Bishoff

Janice Anderson showing off one of the two display cases of Mary Helen Willhoite’s baby clothes.

suddenly touchably real once again.

This mystery gradually revealed itself. The clothes have become prized again, as they were to their owner who preserved them carefully for so many decades.

The clue lay in the house and in the two right-handed dress gloves.

The house had been home for about 10 years to Mary Helen Willhoite, who had resided for decades a

few blocks away at 404 Fifth St. Mary Helen’s sister-in-law, Maxine Willhoite, joined her in the house. When Maxine died in 2011, her daughter, Sydney Cash, inherited it, disbursed its contents and sold the house to the neighbors, Rod and Janice Anderson.

Sydney had no attachment to the baby clothes, so she donated them to the Andersons, who have considerable interest in Monett history.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 11

The second display case of Mary Helen Willhoite’s baby clothes.

12 | DECEMBER 2015

“I washed the clothes piece by piece in Woolite by hand,” Janice recalled. “Nothing shredded. Except for a couple pieces, they were in generally excellent condition. I was so excited I bought cases and stands from Hobby Lobby for them. When the Monett Museum has a new home, I want them to be a permanent exhibit.”

The clothes, the little shoes, the two little Papoose dolls, and a baby shovel tell a story of a child in a family about as middle class as Monett had at that time. Some of the clothes appear high quality and store purchased.

Others may well have been made by her mother, Tressa Guinney Willhoite, as was common at the time.

But it was as an adult that Mary Helen cast a long shadow in Monett. A monument in stone bears her likeness at Monett Elementary School, which has been dubbed the Mary Helen Willhoite campus. For 42 years, she worked as an educator in Monett. Becoming a principal at the Plymouth School in 1941, Mary Helen became elementary supervisor in 1948, a position she held until 1968, when she officially became principal at Monett Elementary School, retiring from that job in 1976. She died in 1992.

But those who knew her called her more than another teacher or school administrator.

“She was a superb, consummate educator,” said Dr. Ralph Scott, who became Monett school superintendent in 1965. “Mary Helen had a knack for effectively getting the highest level of work out of elementary teachers. She was highly skilled. She could smile and laugh, but she was tough as a boot. She didn’t back off at all.

Mary Helen Willhoite’s at her desk as Monett Elementary School supervisor

“She was highly skilled. She could smile and laugh, but she was tough as a boot.”

- Dr. Ralph Scott

“When I was appointed, she was among the first to get ahold of me, not to say congratulations, but to say, ‘You can do it.’ As elementary principal, she was a cheerleader for me. She just encouraged me endlessly.”

In true Monett fashion, Mary Helen pursued innovation in education. Monett was one of the schools in the state offering kindergarten in the 1940s before it became a state requirement. She had the respect of school officials across the state, and served as an officer in the state teacher’s association

when it was not a strong state organization, Scott recalled.

As a conscious choice, Mary Helen used the term “kiddos” for the pupils, while “kids” remains the more common term. She also insisted that her colleagues simply call her Mary Helen.

“We tried to hire men as elementary teachers, with some success,” Ralph said. “She was a good supervisor of men teachers. One said, ‘Mary Helen saved my life.’ He was from out of state.”

“She made him be successful,”

said Mary K. Scott, Ralph’s wife and a teacher herself. “She made me be a good teacher.”

“She knew everybody’s birthday, when their parents died, when people were sick,” Ralph said. “When the Chamber of Commerce opened the license office in Monett, they hired her out of retirement to run it. She had no problem making it successful. She could deal with the public, no question.”

Mary Helen held the position at the license office for nine years.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 13

Mary Helen Willhoite looking over the scrapbook prepared by her colleagues on her retirement from the Monett school district in 1976.

Jeanne Ann Camp, who also became a teacher, said that Mary Helen contributed to her vision of what made a professional educator. Mary Helen became a principal the year E.E. Camp, Jeanne Ann’s father-inlaw, became school superintendent — a job he held until Ralph Scott took over.

“Mary Helen was loyal to Earl Camp, and he in turn was loyal to her,” Jeanne Ann said.

Mary Helen was also a close friend of Jeanne Ann’s mother, Jeanne Pilant, providing Jeanne Ann with a perspective both inside and outside the educator’s office.

“Mary Helen was a woman in administration where, generally, a man was in charge,” Jeanne Ann said. “She was a natural. I’m sure she influenced lots of us to do better. For me, education was not a job, but what I did.

She looked at it that way. Mary Helen was not real quick with the paddle.

She would talk to you. Generally, you wanted to do what she thought was best for you to do. She was one of those people you wanted to please.

“Mary Helen knew educators could have a life outside of the classroom. Sometimes, kids don’t think

14 | DECEMBER 2015

you do. She was very loyal and devout, a true friend. She was a good listener. She had a fabulous alto singing voice and sang in the First Presbyterian Church choir for many years.

She played cards, did her part when the card players rotated from house to house. She bowled. She had a great sense of humor.”

The baby clothes provided one more clue to the person Mary Helen Willhoite would become.

In the collection, Janice Anderson found two right hand gloves. Mary Helen only had a partial left arm, the determining clue that these were indeed her clothes. There are other clues, like a little coat shaped more like a cape, one that would show off less of the arm.

For some people, a birth defect like that can have a defining quality.

For Mary Helen, it was anything but a handicap.

Ralph Scott said, “I remember her telling me, ‘Daddy [George Willhoite] said, ‘You may have one arm, but you can do anything anyone else can do.’

Dad taught me to tie my shoes and how to ride a bicycle.’ She played trumpet in the elementary school band.”

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 15

Longtime Monett kindergarten teacher Dee Stewart, Mary K. Scott recalled, always had Mary Helen visit her classroom and told them about Mary Helen’s arm. To the children, it seemed to make no difference. Ralph Scott recalled a child, Roger Jarvis, saw Mary Helen at church and realized there, for the first time, that something was different about her arm.

“When our daughter was having a baby, Mary Helen knitted her an afghan,” Mary K. Scott said. “I can’t imagine how she did it. She made beautiful little things.”

“Mary Helen never ever referred to herself as handicapped,” Jeanne Ann Camp said. “It was unbelievable the things she did without having a hand. You didn’t even notice.

It was never used as an excuse. She didn’t ask for special treatment in anything. In the old Central School, her office was up in a third floor turret. And it wasn’t easy getting up all those steps. She had the messiest desk, but she knew where everything was.”

Mary Helen didn’t have a man in her life. Mary K. Scott said there once was a boyfriend.

“It didn’t work out. She said never again.”

“I don’t think she had the time,” Jeanne Ann said. “It was not a priority.”

“If there was a faculty member who didn’t have respect for Mary Helen, I don’t know who it was,” Ralph Scott said, who provided the eulogy at Mary Helen’s funeral.

“She was the kind of person who deserved respect, and had it.”

This lifelong Monett resident, a graduate of Monett High School and the Monett Junior College, exemplified the ideal of community service. In the Monett Chamber of

16 | DECEMBER 2015

A photo portrait of educator Mary Helen Willhoite, which hung for many years in the Monett school district, was recently donated to the Monett Museum.

Pictured with the portrait are, from left: Jane Rogers, who taught under Mary Helen and widow of photographer Sinclair Rogers; Mike Dawson, then assistant superintendent for the school district; and Jeanne Ann Camp of the historical society and daughter of one of Mary Helen Willhoite’s close friends, Jeanne Pilant.

Commerce’s fifth year of presenting its Community Service Award, Mary Helen Willhoite became the honor’s seventh recipient in 1976.

The baby clothes have provided a touchstone back on her life. Janice Anderson has taken them for display to the Monett Museum, and to Lacoba Homes to share them with some of Mary Helen’s contemporaries, who expressed amazement that something so temporal had survived so well. Janice’s mother, Jessie Evans, lived across the street from Mary Helen on Fifth Street, providing a touchstone to her own family, enough to share the clothing display at a family reunion.

“The clothes are fabulous antiques,” Janice said. “I was a Girl Scout leader for 25 years. I attended the leadership conference marking the Girl Scouts 100th birthday and took the clothes along. Everyone enjoyed them.

“Mary Helen was a fascinating lady. I knew of her when we moved here, when our daughter was 12. It’s fun to have the baby clothes and show them off and tell about her.”

“My aunt was just an amazing person,” said Sydney Cash. “She even played basketball. I knew Janice would make the best use of everything. I think it’s wonderful.”

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Healthy Connection 5 tips to avoid holiday weight gain I have begun to refer to this time of the year as “The Season of Stretch Pants.”

Why, you ask? Well, we seem to spend October through December indulging in many waist-line expanding treats – from Halloween candy to all the fixings of Thanksgiving to the baked goodies and holiday parties of Christmas.

To top it off, the days become shorter, temperatures are colder, and we may be traveling more to be with friends and family – creating a perfect storm to make excuses to skip out on physical activity.

According to a recent study, adults show an average weight gain of 1-5 pounds or more during the holidays, and this holiday weight gain can be one reason that your weight creeps up from year to year. Don’t succumb to the statistic of expanding waist lines and leave those sweat pants for the gym.

Here are some tips to help you keep your health on track this holiday season:

1 Change your focus.

This is a “two for one” tip.

First, switch your focus off of losing weight over the holidays and instead concentrate on not gaining weight. Second, take your attention off food and instead think of the holidays as a time of celebration with friends and family.

2 Eat slowly.

Try to be aware of your body’s signals that you have had enough to eat. Chew slowly and savor all the flavors.

3 Plan ahead.

Eat a light, healthy snack such as an apple, before going to a

holiday gathering where there will be food. This can help curb your appetite and prevent you from overeating.

4 Portion control.

When you are at a holiday party with a huge spread of calorierich dishes, try a tablespoon or two of each food so that you get all the flavors, but not all the calories.

5 Increase activity.

Incorporate walking after meals (or walking in place if the weather is not good) or increase your normal exercise routine by 15 minutes.

Here’s to a happy and healthy holiday season.

lindsay sparks, RD, is a registered dietitian at the Center for Health Improvement at Cox Monett Hospital. She graduated from Missouri State University and resides in Springfield. When Lindsay is not busy being a nutrition nerd, she enjoys running, yoga, camping, floating and spending time with her husband in the beautiful Ozarks.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 19

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From the trainer ‘Planking’ builds strength, burns calories A plank is a basic isometric exercise and one of the most effective total body moves. A plank challenges the entire body and burns more calories than a traditional crunch.

It’s also much easier on the back.

Planks engage the abs, obliques and glutes. Each of these muscles serve a different purpose and gives you different definition.

Planks reduce the risk of injury.

They help develop a strong core that gives the body the ability to perform movement in all planes of motion.

Another great thing about planking is that it can be done anywhere.

Planks improve posture and balance, which translates to a sturdy up-right body.

Planking is a great way to get stronger and burn calories.

How a plank is done: 1) Lower yourself to the floor, belly down.

2) Come onto your forearms with legs extended straight back.

3) Bring elbows directly under your shoulders, with your feet hip-width apart, then come up onto the balls of your feet.

4) Form a straight line from head to heels. Keep the spine natural and eyes down to the floor.

5)

Draw your belly button in toward your spine. Engage your quads and glutes the entire time.

6) Hold for at least 30 seconds, up to one minute.

Now get to planking!

DIONNE ZEBERT is a wife and mother of three. She is a personal trainer at the Monett YMCA, nutritional counselor, bodybuilder, fitness competitor and health and fitness enthusiast.

She resides in rural Pierce City.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 21

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 23

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Make mine alternative I wondered what Andrei was thinking. He watched us intently, but never said a word. And even if he had spoken, we wouldn’t have understood him. He didn’t speak English.

One by one, we passed Christmas presents around the living room to their intended recipients from a huge mountain of gifts piled in the corner, a mountain that spilled out onto the floor of the room in all directions around the decorated tree. When we were finished, each one of us had a sizable stack of presents of our very own beside our chairs.

This was tradition, the way we always did Christmas with my husband’s family. The more presents, the better the Christmas.

Or so it seemed.

But, for me, Christmas became different in 1997. I always appreci-

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Monett YMCA

ated my in-laws’ generosity when it came to gift-giving. I know they gave from their hearts. But as I watched Andrei watch us that day, I suddenly felt as though I could read his mind.

Shame washed over me as I looked at the plethora of presents beside me.

Nearly sick with embarrassment, I thought, “I can’t do this anymore!”

“Count me out!” I wanted to stand up and shout out loud, to everyone in the room. “I don’t want any more Christmas presents. Please don’t buy me anything else! Send my presents to Russia, instead! Send them to Russia, where Andrei’s wife and 3-yearold son are waiting for their turn to come to the United States. Or better yet, send money. Send anything that might put food on the table for families struggling to feed their children.”

The Soviet Union had collapsed

only years before, and with it Russia’s economy. Food was scarce. Andrei Arefiev had come to the United States on a work visa to join his oldest son, Ilia, who was living with our family.

In Archangel, their hometown on the northern coast, winters were harsh.

Beets and cabbage were the only produce to be found. In fact, they were the staples for every meal.

Russia, in 1997, was a place where even one Christmas present would be considered a luxury, and 10 would be an obscenity. I imagined that Andrei was having these very thoughts as he sat silently watching us.

I’m ashamed to admit that, in spite of my mental protest that day, and my intentions to turn over a new Christmas gift-giving leaf, nothing much really changed.

Until now.

Sheila harris, who resides in Purdy, is a reader, writer, gardener and blossoming student of politics. She has an avid interest in the connection between the spiritual and the physical, and the way our choices affect the world around us, on both a personal and collective level.

Sheila is a frequent Connection contributor and works as a marketing executive for The Monett Times and Cassville Democrat.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 25

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Now, I know about an alternative way to gift people. Now I know about Monett’s Alternative Gift Fair.

An alternative gift fair is a new concept in our area, but it’s popular in other parts of the country.

Here’s how it works: About 20 area non-profit groups set up tables under one roof at the Monett YMCA on the day of the fair. Their purpose is two-fold. They will educate you, the shopper, about the services they provide to the community. And they will receive donations made in the name of the people on your Christmas gift list.

For example, maybe Aunt Susie loves dogs. You donate $10 in her name to a local animal shelter that might have a booth at the fair. In turn, the shelter will give you a card, and maybe a small ornament, noting that a gift was made to them in Aunt Susie’s name. You give Aunt Susie the card for Christmas. She’s thrilled, and so is the animal shelter. It’s a gift that gives twice.

Examples abound. Maybe Grandma had some wonderful hospice volunteers who saw her through to her passing. Donate to a local hospice service as a memorial to Grandma. Give the card to your mother.

Or maybe your wife loves theater or music. Donate in her name to the groups who make local performances happen. Of course, along with the card, you might want to include a couple of tickets to a show.

The Third Annual Monett Alternative Gift Fair will happen Dec. 5, from 3-5 p.m.

Shoppers are invited, the more the merrier!

Cookies and hot cider will be served. Live music will be performed.

Come and learn what non-profit groups are doing in our area, and donate in the name of those on your shopping list.

By the way, donations make great stocking-stuffers, too!

Yes, I’m making a pitch for the Alternative Gift Fair, but I believe it’s a valuable asset to the Monett community. And if, by any chance, you feel a burning desire to buy me a Christmas present this year, these are the gifts I would like to have, in honor of the Arefiev family and their effect on my life.

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 27

PHOTO SUBMISSIONS

Linda Sparkman of Mt. Vernon recently captured this sunset photo.

Do you have a photo you would like to see published in Connection Magazine?

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These photos were recently captured by Alisha Ginn of Shell Knob.

28 | DECEMBER 2015

These photos were recently captured by Esther Hightower locally, as well as during recent trips to Miami, Fla., and the Dominican Republic.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 29

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Calendar December 2015 Dec. 1

Dec. 7

n The Springfield Hearing Center will be checking hearing at the Cassville Senior Center beginning at 10 a.m.

n The Monett Senior Center will be holding its regular monthly dance from 7-10 p.m.

Dec. 2

Dec. 8

n The Methodist Manor will be doing blood pressure checks at 10:30 a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center.

n Sue Mead, RN, will have a fall prevention presentation at 11:45 at Central Crossing Senior Center, Shell Knob.

n The Table Rock-etts line dancers will be performing at 11:a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center.

Dec. 9

Dec. 3 n The Central Crossing Senior Center will sponsor a trip to the Showboat Branson Belle. Departing at 10 a.m. n Fred Williams will hold a Hearing Aid Check from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

n Grace Foot Care will begin at 9 a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center.

Dec. 11 n The Aurora Chamber of Commerce will sponsor the “Present” Run. This will be a walk/run. The fee is $15 and a gift to be donated to “Hope for the Holidays.” For more information, call 417-678-4150.

n Paint Classes will be held at the Cassville Senior Center starting at 10 a.m.

n The Monett Senior Center will be having a birthday dinner and bingo.

Dec. 4

Dec. 12

n The Star Lighting will be held at 5 p.m. at the Central Crossing Senior Center with a soup dinner following.

Dec. 5 n The Cassville Christmas Parade, sponsored by the Cassville Chamber of Commerce, will begin at 6 p.m. n The Christmas Tour of Homes will be held in Shell Knob from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., sponsored by the Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce. n The City of Exeter will hold a Christmas dinner at the Community Building from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. n The Exeter Christmas Parade will begin at 1:30 p.m. Santa Claus will be present to hand out goody bags before and after the parade at the community building.

n Pictures with Santa Claus will be held at the Aurora Fire Department from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Admission is free, bring your own camera. For more information, call 417-678-4150. n The Monett Christmas Parade will begin at 11 a.m., sponsored by the Monett Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 417-2357919. n The Aurora Christmas Parade will begin at 2 p.m. No entry fee required.

Line-up begins at 1:30 p.m. at the corner of Roosevelt and Pleasant streets. For more information, call 417-678-4150. n The Wheaton Christmas Parade will begin at 6 p.m. Line-up will start at the Body of Christ Event Building.

Pictures with Santa Claus will be taken before and after the parade. Hot chili and cookies will be served after the parade in the park.

n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a dance (with an instructor present) beginning at 7 p.m.

Snacks are welcome, alcohol is not.

Dec. 15 n Mike Newton will make a presentation on anxiety at the Central Crossing Senior Center, Shell Knob. n Bingo will begin at 10 a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center.

Dec. 16 n A Christmas dinner will be held, beginning at 11:15 at the Central Crossing Senior Center, Shell Knob.

Dec. 17 n Christmas dinner will be served at the Cassville Senior Center. n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a dance (with an instructor present) beginning at 7 p.m.

Snacks are welcome, alcohol is not. n Cassville Senior Center paint classes will begin at 10 a.m. n The Alzheimer’s Support Group meets at the Central Crossing Senior Center at 2 p.m.

Dec. 18 n A Christmas dinner will be served at the Monett Senior Center at noon. n The Monett Senior Center will have Nails with Nell. n The Cassville Senior Center will have a birthday lunch at noon.

Dec. 19 n The Ozark Festival Orchestra and community chorus will perform the Christmas section from Handel’s “Messiah” at 3 p.m. at the Monett High School Performing Arts Center.

Weather date is Dec. 20.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 31

Wishing you a Merry Christmas!

(Dec. 19, continued) n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a dance (with an instructor present) beginning at 7 p.m.

Snacks are welcome, alcohol is not.

Dec. 21

We repair hail damage!

n A nutrition presentation will be made

by Tina Reynolds, beginning at 11:45 at the Central Crossing Senior Center, Shell Knob.

Dec. 24 n A Christmas Eve potluck lunch will be held at the Central Crossing Senior Center, Shell Knob.

Give the gift of community See more on page 65 for a gift subscription

Dec. 25

Christmas Dec. 30 n The Cassville Senior Center has scheduled Grace Foot Care.

Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob Regular events:

Give thanks to the Lord for He is good!

Join us in giving thanks at

 Domino Poker, every day from 12:30 to 3 p.m.  Mah Jongg, every Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Paint Classes, every second and fourth Monday of each month.  Line dancing, every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-10:30 a.m.  Quilting for Charity, every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Knitting and crocheting classes every Thursday from 9-11 a.m.

1613 N. 17th Street, Monett, Missouri

Sunday Morning Bible Study - 9:30 a.m.

Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday Evening Worship - 6 p.m.

Wednesday Evening Bible Study - 7 p.m.

 Pinochle every Thursday from 12:30 to 3 p.m.  Cards Galore, every Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Wood Carvers, every Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Monett’s Festival of Lights will begin each evening at 5:30 p.m., each day through December www.monettchurchofchrist.com 32 | DECEMBER 2015

Bottles & Brews Baileys Original Irish Cream with Hiland Eggnog The Christmas season is here, and nothing is better than traditional holiday eggnog, except for when Baileys Original Irish Cream is added. With a spoon, mix one part Baileys and two parts Hiland Eggnog to create an adultstyle chocolate milk-flavored cocktail perfect for sipping while chestnuts are roasting on the open fire. For a more traditional recipe, google “Baileys eggnog.”

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Sierra Nevada Pale Ale

Sporting pine and grapefruit aromas from whole-cone American hops, Sierra Nevada Pale Ale is copper-colored keeper. Mirroring an IPA, the pale ale has a distinctive flavor balanced between hops and citrus, contributing to its smooth finish. On BeerAdvocate. com, 2,867 reviewers rated the beer a 91 out of 100, and it earned a 91, or outstanding, BeerAdvocate Overall Score from the website’s founders.

Lagunitas IPA

A craft beer brewed in Petaluma, Calif., Lagunitas IPA was introduced in 1995 and sports a 6.2 percent ABV. The IPA features 43 different hops and 65 different malts, has a medium flavor and pours a thick, balanced head. On BeerAdvocate.com, 1,642 reviewers rated the brew an 87 out of 100.

Cerveza Pacifico Clara

A Mexican, pilsner-style beer first brewed when Germans opened a brewery in Mazatlan, Mexico, Cerveza Pacifico Clara gets its name from its location in the Pacific Ocean port city. A typical Mexican beer, golden in color and with a light, crisp taste, Pacifico boats a bold finish and perfect pairing with any sort of seafood, especially from the Pacific.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 33

Holiday Recipes Prep: 30 minutes; Ready In: 30 minutes

Grench Kabobs Prep: 15 minutes; Cook: 10 minutes; Ready in: 2 hours 25 minutes

Gingerbread Men

Ingredients 1 cup butter, softened 1 1/2 cups white sugar 1 egg 1-1/2 tablespoons orange zest 2 tablespoons dark corn syrup 3 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 1/2 teaspoon salt Directions Cream the butter and the sugar together.

Add the egg and mix well. Mix in the orange peel and dark corn syrup. Add the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger, ground cloves and salt, mixing until well combined. Chill dough for at least 2 hours, or overnight.

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F. Grease cookie sheets. On a lightly floured surface, roll dough out to 1/4 inch thick. Cut into desired shapes using cookie cutters.

Place cookies 1 inch apart on the prepared cookie sheets.

Bake for 10 to 12 minutes in the preheated oven, until cookies are firm and lightly toasted on the edges.

34 | DECEMBER 2015

Prep: 25 minutes; Ready in: 2 hours, 25 minutes

Traditional Christmas Cheese Ball Ingredients 1 1/2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1 (2.5 ounce) package thinly sliced smoked beef, chopped 1 (2.25 ounce) can pimento-stuffed green olives, chopped 1 small Vidalia or other sweet onion, minced 2 dashes Worcestershire sauce, or to taste 1 cup chopped walnuts Directions Mix the cream cheese, beef, olives, onion, and Worcestershire sauce together in a bowl until evenly blended. Keeping the mixture in the bowl, scrape it into a semi-ball shape. Cover, and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours.

Place a large sheet of waxed paper on a flat surface. Sprinkle with walnuts. Roll the cheese ball in the walnuts until completely covered.

Transfer the cheese ball to a serving plate, or rewrap with waxed paper and refrigerate until needed.

Ingredients 24 green grapes 1 large banana, cut into 24 slices, or as needed 24 hulled strawberries, tips removed 24 miniature marshmallows 24 toothpicks Directions Thread 1 grape, 1 banana slice, 1 strawberry (narrow end facing up), and 1 marshmallow onto 1 toothpick to resemble the Grinch’s head in his red hat. Repeat with remaining grapes, banana slices, strawberries, and marshmallows.

Cook: 5 minutes; Ready In: 35minutes

Bacon & Date Appetizer Ingredients 1 (8 ounce) package pitted dates 4 ounces almonds 1 pound sliced bacon Directions Preheat the broiler. Slit dates. Place one almond inside each date. Wrap dates with bacon, using toothpicks to hold them together. Broil 10 minutes, or until bacon is evenly brown and crisp.

Big Green Egg

Prep: 30 minutes; Ready in: 35 minutes

Cream Cheese Penguins Ingredients 18 jumbo black olives, pitted 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 18 small black olives 1 carrot Directions Cut a slit from top to bottom, lengthwise, into the side of each jumbo olive. Carefully insert about 1 teaspoon of cream cheese into each olive. Slice the carrot into eighteen 1/4 inch thick rounds; cut a small notch out of each carrot slice to form feet. Save the cut out piece and press into center of small olive to form the beak. If necessary, cut a small slit into each olive before inserting the beak.

Set a big olive, large hole side down, onto a carrot slice. Then, set a small olive onto the large olive, adjusting so that the beak, cream cheese chest and notch in the carrot slice line up.

Secure with a toothpick.

Prep: 30 minutes; Cook: 2 hours; Ready in: 3 hours, 30 minutes

Christmas Wreath Cake Ingredients 1-1/2 cups raisins 1 cup red and green candied cherries 3/4 cup dates, pitted and chopped 3/4 cup candied pineapple, diced 3/4 cup chopped walnuts 1/2 cup flaked coconut 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup butter 1-1/4 cups white sugar 1 teaspoon lemon zest 4 eggs 2 teaspoons lemon juice Directions Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. Line a tube pan with 2 layers of brown paper or parchment, and grease well.

In a large bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt. Mix in raisins, dates, cherries, pineapple, walnuts, and coconut. Stir until all fruit is coated.

In another large bowl, cream the butter with the white sugar. Add lemon rind, lemon juice, and eggs; mix well.

Stir in fruit mixture. Spread batter into prepared pan.

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Source: AllRecipes.com CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 35

The Confederate Color Guard prepares to shoot Civil War-era guns to honor Confederate Captain Asa Chilcutt at a memorial service in Exeter in October.

Details surrounding Chilcutt’s murder were recently uncovered and a service held to honor his memory and provide a proper funeral.

36 | DECEMBER 2015

Travis Archie, member of the Missouri Division Sons of Confederate Veterans, gives the eulogy at a funeral service on Oct. 10 for Confederate Captain Asa Chilcutt, Thomas Dilworth, Elias Price and Dr. Harris, who were murdered and buried in mass grave in the small patch of woods in 1863 which today is known as Packwood Cemetery near Exeter. Archie read a military account of a Confederate scout who witnessed many atrocities along the Arkansas-Missouri border in 1863, including the murder of Chilcutt.

Civil War captain honored with funeral 150 years after his murder, Confederate captain laid to rest

I

n a small patch of woods on a perfect, sunny Saturday morning in October just west of Exeter, a funeral took place.

It was no typical funeral, but for a veteran who was murdered more than 150 years ago in the Civil War, Confederate Captain Asa Chilcutt.

To reach the area known as Packwood or Bushwacker’s Cemetery, marked only by a few scattered headstones — some no longer legible — attendees walked up an embankment and around trees. When they arrived at the small clearing, however, there was a fresh, new stone with words as clear as the morning.

The headstone was provided by the Veterans Administration, thanks to documentation supplied

by Campbell’s Company Camp No. 2252 of the Missouri Division Sons of Confederate Veterans.

Finally, Captain Chilcutt could rest in peace.

“Finding these Confederate veterans and remembering them as American veterans, this is truly what we’re all about,” said Travis Archie, member of the Confederate group who helped make the event happen.

“We gave them the proper docu-

Story and photos by Julia Kilmer

mentation about where he was buried and his military records. We’re holding a memorial service for him that he obviously wouldn’t have had in 1863. This is a dedication to give him a proper funeral.”

Among attendees were landowners Jim Senters; his mother, Alice; Jack Fly, representing the Barry

County Historical Society; the Turkey Creek Fusiliers; a Confederate Color Guard; a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy; Missouri Sons of Confederate Veterans members; and Jim Chilcutt, the great-great-nephew of Chilcutt.

“Today, we have the opportunity to give a proper funeral to a hero

Turkey Creek Fusiliers member Steve Cottrell, who provides color guard services at veteran memorial events, reached down to place a rose on the grave of Confederate Captain Asa Chilcutt, who was murdered and buried in a mass grave in 1863 with three other citizens near Exeter.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 37

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that’s 150 years overdue,” Archie began the eulogy.

Jim Chilcutt, who did not know about Asa Chilcutt’s existence until a family reunion 10 years ago, also spoke.

“We appreciate everyone being here and honoring a southerner, whether related or not,” Chilcutt said.

The Senters, who’ve owned the land the cemetery sits on for 50 years, were aware of old headstones on their property, but had not heard of Asa Chilcutt and the three citizens, who, hiding and fearing for their lives, were also murdered and buried there, until the Barry County Historical Society and veterans group began researching the case.

“We moved here in 1955,” said Alice Senter. “One neighbor always said there were bushwhackers up here, meaning mean people.”

In 1863, Asa Chilcutt lived near Cassville with several brothers and their families. Military records show he had enlisted as a private in the Missouri 6th Cavalry Regiment and later was listed as Captain Asa Chilcutt, Adjutant in the 10th Regimental Cavalry 8th Division of the Missouri State Guard.

Due to full prisons in the early 1860s in Missouri, an order was issued by the St. Louis Military Office, authorizing

military to “take no southern prisoners.” Thereafter, many southerners or suspected sympathizers had homes pillaged or were killed. Asa Chilcutt’s story is referenced in the books “Borderland Rebellion,” “Branded as Rebels” and “Caught Between Three Fires.”

In Barry County, Confederates were allegedly hiding in the bushes and raiding forage trains carrying supplies.

Union military personnel followed orders to “kill every bushwhacker you can find,” as quoted by Union Colonel West in “Borderland Rebellion.” However, some took orders to the extreme.

The following report was given by Captain Joseph G. Peevy in April 1863, a Confederate intelligence officer to Lieutenant General Theophilus H. Holmes: “They (the Federals), have murdered every southern man that could be found, old age and extreme youth sharing at their hand the same merciless fate.

The following report was given by Captain Joseph G. Peevy in April 1863, a Confederate intelligence officer to Lieutenant General Theophilus H. Holmes: “They (the Federals), have murdered every southern man that could be found, old age and extreme youth sharing at their hand the same merciless fate. Old Samuel Cox and his son, age 14; Saul Gatewood; Heal Parker and Captain Duval of Missouri were a part of those murdered in Carroll. They burned 15 southern houses and all the outbuildings. None of those thus made homeless were permitted to take with them any clothing or subsistence. They seem to have hoisted the black flag, for no southern man, however old or infirm or however little he may have assisted our cause, is permitted to escape them alive. General, I have not the language to describe in truthful colors the ravages these Hessians are committing in the northwest of this state (Arkansas).”

“It was neighbor against neighbor,” Archie said. “It was pretty bad.”

Peevy’s report continues: “West of Cassville in Barry County, a first lieutenant Robert H. Christian of the Missouri militia committed one of the most diabolical cold-blooded murders that I heard of on my trip. Four old citizens of that county had gone to the brush, fearing that by remaining at home they

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Jim Chilcutt, the great-great-nephew of Confederate Captain Asa Chilcutt, gave a humble speech at the memorial service for his uncle, who was murdered more than 150 years ago on his sick bed. Asa Chilcutt’s brother, William Lee, escaped. Jim Chilcutt never knew of his uncle until learning about him 10 years ago at a family reunion.

“Our Chilcutt ancestors, as all southerners, suffered unbelievably during and after the war.

Being in southern Missouri was a horrid place to be during that time.”

- Jim Chilcutt

would be murdered. Their names were Asa Chilcutt, who was recruiting for the C.S. Army, Elias Price, Thomas Dilworth and Lee Chilcutt. Asa Chilcutt was taken very sick and sent for Dr. Harris, a southern man. The doctor came as requested, and while there, this man Christian and 17 other militia came suddenly upon their camp. Lee Chilcutt (Asa’s brother) made his escape. The others were captured and disposed of as follows: Asa Chilcutt, the sick man, was shot to death while lying on his pallet unable to move. He was shot some six

or seven times by this leading murderer, Christian.

“They marched the others 150 yards to a ridge, and, not heeding their age or prayers for mercy, who were heard by the citizens living nearby, they shot and killed the doctor and the others, all of them were shot two or three times through the head and as many or more times through the body. This man Christian also tried to hire two ladies with sugar, coffee, etc., to poison southern men lying in the brush. Christian proposed furnishing the poison and also

the subsistence and would pay them well if they accepted his proposition.

The names of the ladies are Rhoda Laton and Mrs. Simms. Every word of the above can be proven in every particular. I have given you the above narrative of Christian’s acts at the request of the public living in that section. They look to you as the avenger of their wrongs.”

An excerpt from a 1931 interview with Thomas Sallee of Exeter gives additional details: “One of the most noted guerrillas in the country at that time was a fellow by

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 41

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the name of Christian who claimed to be a Union man or Home Guard. His gang killed Asa Chilcutt, Tom Dilworth, Doc Harris and Elias Price, who were hiding in the hills west of where Exeter now is. The men were all shot in the right eye and the top of their heads blown off. Their brains were taken out and put in their hats, which were set beside their bodies.”

“He [Christian] was kind of a nasty fellow,” Archie said. “He was decapitating people in Barry, McDonald and Newton counties.”

“Our Chilcutt ancestors, as all southerners, suffered unbelievably during and after the war,” Jim Chilcutt said. “Being in southern Missouri was a horrid place to be during that time.”

“If you look back in history, there were atrocities on both sides,” said Larry Dietzel, member of the Missouri Division Sons of Union Veterans. “Missouri was a pretty ugly place to be in the 1860s. Depending on the point of view, there’s lots that was destroyed, and people lost their [lives] and farms.”

Time passed and details were lost to history. Until 44 years later on May 4, 1907, when a letter to the editor was received by the Cassville Democrat, in response to an article about a military account of the Civil War. It reads: “Mr. Editor: I think the military history should have been extended a little. In speaking of Asa Chilcutt, and Thos. Dilworth being killed, not only them but Elias Price and Dr. Harris, also at the same time.

Ye scribe was one of the boys who buried them all in one grave at the Packwood Cemetery.”

The sender was unknown, but could it be the son of Tom Sallee?

In 1864, Christian was shot and killed by a son whose father he had killed. The man carried Christian’s scalp for years to show widows and others Christian and his gang had wronged that he was dead. 

Shop with a

COP Photo courtesy of Jason Johnston

Seligman police set sights on presents For the past five years, Seligman police officers have been taking children shopping, more specifically — Christmas shopping.

The Shop With a Cop program began when former Officer Randy Calbaugh and current Barry County deputy suggested it.

“It was something we did in Kansas City when I worked in Clay County,” Calbaugh said. “They did it for many years. It was aimed for the underprivileged or single parents who couldn’t afford to get Christmas presents.

“It’s something I wanted to do to give back to the community, but

Story by Julia Kilmer

also to help kids see the other side of law enforcement — that we’re not bad people who arrest you and take you to jail, but we are here for them as well. I’m really happy to hear that since I left in 2011, Seligman kept doing it. It was the plan to grow each year and I understand it has.”

The program took off, based on one large donation.

“L.B. Corn was first one I talked to about it,” Calbaugh said. “He gave a generous donation. We just went around and started getting donations from other businesses, and it grew from there.”

Four-year-old Summer Zeigler, center, of Seligman, tests her new bicycle and helmet last year at the Cassville Walmart. Her dad, Cory Zeigler, right, and Terry Burgess, Seligman police chief, stand with her. The Seligman Police Department raised $4,035 for Shop With a Cop program in 2014, giving 18 Seligman children an opportunity to pick out their Christmas gifts.

Who:

City of Seligman

What:

Shop with a Cop program, which provides Christmas presents to underprivileged children, is accepting donations during November

When: Tentative date to take children shopping is Dec. 13 Where: Cassville Walmart

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 43

To make donations, individuals or businesses can pick up a form at city hall, or call Burgess at 417-342-8462, call or visit Eggleston Trade and Pawn in Seligman at 417-662-3000, or email Burgess at cityofseligman@yahoo.com or 37pawn@gmail.com.

Calbaugh said children who might otherwise not get presents get to go on a personal shopping spree and choose whatever they want, based on donations received. The best part of being involved with the program, he said, was the smiles and getting a glimpse of the children’s hearts.

“Seeing a smile on the kids’ faces when they got something and that they could give away for a gift was the best part,” he said. “It was extremely neat to see how big their hearts were. You have a child who doesn’t get very many presents for themselves, and the first thing they want to do is get something for their mom, dad or brothers or sisters. It was all for the children and, we were able to do that.”

For Seligman Police Chief Terry Burgess, who is in his second year of coordinating the program, watching the children shop is his favorite part.

“We had a blast last year,” Burgess said. “[The children] go through the store, and depending on how much we raise, get to pick out whatever they want.

We took 18 kids last year, had four officers and spent about five hours in the Cassville Walmart. First, they got lunch at Subway, then we make sure they have a winter coat. Once that’s taken care of, the rest of the shopping is at their sole discretion.”

The children get about an hour to shop, and Burgess said children received about $220 each to spend last year on whatever they wanted, thanks to donations from the community.

“Last year was the biggest year we’ve ever had,” he said. “We raised about $4,000, and I’d like to beat that this year.

We had kids who bought power tools, pellet rifles and bikes, and one got a laptop.

44 | DECEMBER 2015

“It’s a lot of fun and lets these kids, who may get very little if anything, pick out literally anything they wanted. I had kids who, maybe their brother or sister didn’t get picked for the program, and they got something for them.”

Nominations were accepted throughout November.

“It pertains to children from the Seligman community because this is the community we serve,” he said. “We know a lot of people and based on the recommendations we receive, we pretty well know what’s going on. Parents do not have to provide income. It’s need-driven and case-by-case. It’s for children from ages 3-12.”

The tentative date to shop is Dec. 13.

After children are selected, Burgess contacts everyone and schedules shopping times.

Burgess is asking businesses and individuals to donate to make the program a success for children.

“We need help from the community to make it happen,” he said. “We have an account at Freedom Bank in Seligman and Cassville, and donations can be made to the Shop With a Cop account. Any business and any individual can donate.

“A lot of donations last year came from the Seligman community, but certainly not all of them. Hopefully, we raise a good amount of money. It’s a good program.”

Burgess also applied for a community grant from the Seligman Neighborhood Walmart and Cassville Walmart.

“The store manager decides whether to approve it, but it’s part of Walmart giving back to the community,” he said.

“Each store is allotted so much money to divide up in the community for events all year,” said Seligman Neighborhood Market Manager Ben Stoerger, who said

Walmart tentatively approved a $2,500 grant for which Burgess applied.

“We dedicate a register just for that special cause every year so the kids don’t have to wait in line,” said Cassville Walmart Assistant Manager Holly Bradley, who said that the community grant at the Cassville Walmart was still pending.

In addition to giving children Christmas gifts, there is another type of gift in the program.

“The purpose is take care of the children — create a bond between the police department and community we serve, and show children we’re here for them,” Burgess said. “We’re about more than just showing up to their house when things go wrong. It affects the officers just as much as the children and parents because they see that we’re still part of the community.

“Also, it’s really nice for officers to get to deal with people on a good day. We get to interact with people all the time but not at this level of community. So it’s a great opportunity to show the public that’s its not all about taking people to jail and writing tickets, but that we do care about this community.”

Burgess, a father himself, said he can relate to parents at Christmas time.

“If I was in a position where I was down and out, a program like this would be awesome,” he said. “If someone wants to nominate a child because they know that child is not going to have a good Christmas, they can do that and do not have to identify themselves.

“And, if a parent knows they are not going to be in a position to provide presents, they can fill out the form because it’s going to come down to me and some others to figure out what we can and try to make the best decision.”

This year, Burgess hopes to reach even more children.

“I’m hoping to take 20-plus kids shopping,” he said. “Unfortunately, a lot of kids have had to do without. This program benefits children and they’re the future. And they will always have that childhood memory.” 

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 45

Washburn 15-year-old graduates high school in 1 year

M

otivated 15-year-old Bailee Aldridge of Washburn is not the ordinary high school student.

In fact, she’s no longer in high school — she has already graduated.

What takes most students four years to complete, Aldridge did in one year. The last year she attended public school was in eighth grade at Southwest schools.

“It was my decision,” Aldridge said. “Three days before my freshman year was about to start, I went to my mom and said, I don’t want to do the public school thing anymore, because I had gotten really involved with my church and youth group, and felt like I couldn’t do that with so many negative influences at school and not many Christians to hang out and fellowship with. And that’s a major part of going deeper into your faith ... who you surround yourself with.”

How did she do it?

46 | DECEMBER 2015

“I went through an accredited online school at my own pace,” Aldridge said. “I had to go to the public school to sign papers saying I was being pulled out and homeschooling, and the counselor told us about three programs. One of them we couldn’t find online, another was really expensive, and then we saw Penn Foster. It was perfect because I got my diploma at the end, it was affordable and sounded like something I could do because it was all online, and I didn’t have to worry about going through the mail.”

Her mother was supportive of the decision.

“She said, OK, whatever makes you happy,” Aldridge said.

“The way it was set up, I had all the classes I had to take from my freshman to senior year. Basically, I just went at my own pace, which was kind of fast, and once I got a class started, I wasn’t having to wait around to start a new one because it was just there.”

Story by Julia Kilmer

Aldridge: ‘It was my decision’ Who:

Bailee Aldridge, 15, of Washburn

What: Why:

Completed high school in less than a year

Aldridge wanted to steer away from negative influences in public school

Motivated 15-year-old Washburn native finished high school in just one year by taking an online accredited program at her own pace.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 47

Aldridge admits she’s not the typical student.

“I’m different when it comes to school,” Aldridge said. “I never asked the teachers for help. I’m kind of my own teacher. I taught myself. I had all the materials, so I studied it and got to understand it. When it came to English, I can’t stand it. It’s not my strong point, but my mom excelled in English and she helped me out a little bit. “[Penn Foster] does offer online teachers, and you can call them when you have a question. At the end of all my core classes, I got to pick five electives, and three were about math. I love math.”

At 15, her entire life is ahead of her, along with a plethora of career options, but Aldridge is going to continue working at her own pace and keep her options open.

Right now, she is attending Crowder College because all the fouryear colleges she wanted to attend will not accept her until she’s 17 — which will not be until May 2017.

“It really upset me because I did not want to do a community college, but then I was talking to everyone and just to go straight from homeschooling to a university would be a really big change,” she said. “So, honestly, this is probably the best decision I could have made. I love it so much.”

Aldridge said she likes being in a classroom setting again.

“It was an environment change, but not that much because yes, there are teachers there to talk to you during the class, but the work you do is still independent,” she said. “I missed that because I love school, so being in a classroom makes it even better. I’m hoping to have my associates in general studies. I think at the rate I’m going now, I should be ready.”

48 | DECEMBER 2015

“It was an environment change, but not that much because yes, there are teachers there to talk to you during the class, but the work you do is still independent.”

- Bailee Aldridge After obtaining her associate’s degree, she’s considering attending College of the Ozarks.

“It’s like a little community,” she said. “I love it so much.”

How far she decides to go in her education depends, Aldridge said, but her motivation sets her apart from her peers.

“Really, it depends on your drive, so I might just get the highest education I can get,” she said.

Aldridge does not feel like she’s missed out on anything, including hanging out with friends and attending school clubs and activities, because those things have still been available to her.

“My friends were really supportive,” Aldridge said. “They were kind of sad I wouldn’t be there at school, but even now, I still see them whenever I can. I was always in band in public school, so I asked Mrs. Watson, the high school principal, if I could still continue to do band. So, I was doing that for a while, whenever I had free time. Like every Friday, I’d get there in the morning around 8 a.m. and sit in the cafeteria to do my Penn Foster homework until it was time for band.

“I played sports since I was little and my eighth-grade year was doing volleyball. After several practices, I ruptured a disc in my back so I

couldn’t do sports anymore, so I didn’t miss out on all that. But if there was something going on, all my friends would invite me.”

Aldridge said it feels strange sometimes that she’s not yet legally old enough to drive, or work, yet is finished with high school, a chapter in her life that for her peers, is just beginning.

“It’s so odd because I’m not old enough to have my license,” she said.

“My mom gets a lunch break at noon so on Wednesday when I’m done at college, she’ll drive me to Roaring River Health and Rehab Center and I’ll volunteer up there, or I’ll go to the library. The library is my favorite place to be. I work with the event coordinator and we do fun activities for the elders that live [at Roaring River Health and Rehab].”

Aldridge is not sure what the future holds or the exact path she will take, but is motivated for whatever lies ahead.

“Honestly, I have no idea what I want to do,” she said. “Ever since I was little-bitty, it was always something in the medical field. At College of the Ozarks, I’m going to major in business and maybe minor in something I like, like graphic design. From there, I’ll maybe go to a university and figure out what I want to do.” 

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 49

“My only interest is the art.

I want to see them go bye-bye to a family that will love them.

That makes me happy.�

- Terra Williams

50 | DECEMBER 2015

Terra Williams with a group of her finished reborns in a crib in the corner of her living room, which doubles as her creative studio.

Life from paint: the mountaintop climb of a ‘reborn’ doll artist

S

ome of the best art imitates life. Art trying to replicate life raises the craft to an even higher level.

Doll enthusiasts enjoy their miniatures. Doll makers try to instill their creativity into the recreations, no matter the scale. Then there are the makers of reborn dolls, figures so realistic, so lifelike that they cause viewers to make double takes, or prompt police visits if left alone in cars.

Monett artist Terra Williams lives in that rarified world.

For the past two years, Williams has made reborns. The process takes enormous dedication, financial commitment and — most of all — time. Her husband, Vernon Williams, characterized the process as “endless.”

To Terra, it’s a high art — a summit accessible only to the most skilled and committed. Having diagnosed the intricacies involved, she relishes scaling the heights, always in hope of reaching further than she has gone before.

Terra surveys her competition on eBay, pages of reborns made by some of the nation’s finest artisans. She looks at the effects they attempt, such as skin luminosity, expressions, the look and the technique that created it, especially on

Story and photos by Murray Bishoff

those still out of reach for her. The prices, too, serve as a bellwether for quality. Unfinished reborns frequently sell between $400 and $700. The finest finished dolls sell for more than $27,000, by artists who may practiced the craft for a decade or longer.

Terra peers closely into the faces online, judging the coloration. Some seem too painted, others too plain, some too fancy, some looking so vivid that the technique seems almost impossible. They seem to whet her appetite, to drive her on

to the stratosphere.

“My tastes have evolved,” Terra said.

“I’ve kept a notebook that tells what I did and how, what colors I used, the process I used. I have more than 50 paints.”

The prices seem hardly extravagant when tallying the costs.

The “sculpts” — the kits that provide the head and limbs – represent a high art in themselves. A kit can cost as little as $76 for a head and limbs that attach to a stuffable cloth body. Some are released in limited editions. Particularly life-like

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 51

models purchased, stored and resold after securing critical favor, can command from $400-$700, without a speck of paint. Terra has 35 kits, their parts resting in plastic bags in a big basket, their faces staring blankly, waiting.

“I don’t play with the dolls,” Terra said. “They’re not for children either.

It’s too easy to scratch the skin and ruin them. My only interest is the art. I want to see them go bye-bye to a family that will love them. That makes me happy.”

In two years, Terra has made 19 reborns. She has not kept photos of all of them. She admits she misses some of her better creations. There’s always another one to try, even elves, offering a chance to dabble in colored skin and hair, using all the techniques that make the reborns seem real.

Terra’s “studio” fills her living room.

She prefers to work under a skylight to take advantage of the sunlight. While abundant light becomes crucial for some steps, Terra admitted that there are times she settles “in the zone” and works far into the night.

She sits in the center of the room over a table, her drawer of paint bottles off to her left. A little farther, on the desk, sits a jar with bent arms and legs sticking out.

Under the desk rests the basket of kits, with wrapped heads and limbs “in utero.” In another corner of the room sits a basket of more bags containing Mohair and Alpaca trimmings used for the head hair and lashes. Terra said these sell by weight at $70 to $90 an ounce, depending on the quality and color. Some artists even use human hair.

Overseeing the entire operation, from another corner of the room, sit the finished reborns, those that Terra has chosen to keep and her most recent creations. Smiling and sleeping, all carefully dressed, most sharing space in a plush crib, they wait in seeming anticipation for the next arrival.

The kits come in either vinyl or very soft silicone. The softer surface presents more challenges, especially in applying the hair. The skin tone on the sculpts

52 | DECEMBER 2015

Painting lips with a special tool, layering more color on the inside edge, with less at the outer edges.

come in a generic plastic orange flesh tone, not exactly matching real skin, especially that of a baby. Terra’s first step involves mixing a thin mixture of odorless thinner and mint paint that covers and erases the orange cast, applied with a sponge. Some kits have a bit of a gray cast, remedied by a similar mixture of burnt umber.

Terra mixes many of her colors in tints discovered through experimentation.

The main painting strategy requires repeated application of very thin paint layers, as many as 30 for the skin. Between 6 a.m. and 1 p.m. on this workday, she had put nine layers on the head, daubing the surface with a cosmetic sponge on which she painted on the color. Heads naturally have uneven coloration. To add the red mottling very common on babies, Terra paints red onto a cosmetic sponge on which she has cut a pattern, then lightly taps the sponge onto the head, placing the extra coloration. Then she took another sponge, with paint thinner, and touched the edges, softening the overall effect.

As each layer dried, she picked up a brush and added a bit of color to the lips.

Subsequent strokes increased in length.

At finishing time, the lips will seem darkest at the center, where closed, and light-

er on the edges.

With a touch of thinned blue paint and a tiny brush, Terra painted extended squiggly lines, long veins, into the head, and later into the limbs. Those she wanted to show up more clearly received multiple coats.

“With blue, you can add more but you can’t take it away,” Terra said. “Blue also gives it the thin skin impression.”

Little touches like these transform a mundane painting chore into something extraordinary. Lighter coloring around the face creates highlights, the way light falls and shades, with softer coloring around the mouth or between the eyes reflecting thinner skin. Painting the creases in the feet, the seams in the chunky little arms, the streak of white at the tips of the nails, placing a globule of gel inside the nose to leave the impression of moisture or a pinch of heated polymer clay in the corner of the eye for a tear duct. These almost incidental accents, visible only to close observers, fire Terra’s energy, her critical eye and her drive to inject as much of a life force into her “babies” as is humanly possible.

“That’s how you get it to look real, by being patient with it,” she said. “It can be very fun, but it’s not for everybody. Some think it’s kind of creepy.”

Applying the flashing to transfer the vinyl “sculpt” from a plastic finish to a more realistic skin tone.

Before and after, showing a head straight out of the package and a finished reborn, one of Terra Williams’ earliest creations, reflecting the differences added through layered painting.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 53

Terra can be reached at terrawms8202@yahoo.com

The paint itself has unusual qualities.

It never truly dries by itself. Terra applies a heat gun in spots before advancing her layering. The whole doll will end up in an oven at 265 degrees for eight minutes to activate the paint.

The hair presents its own challenges.

As a beginner, Terra painted a head of hair on one reborn. She still paints in some very fine hairs—the “whispies”— around the edges — visible but indistinguishable from the true hair once added. For eyebrows, she will take a matte varnish, apply it with a brush, then run a sharp toothpick through it in many quick strokes to leave the impression of raised hairs. A smidgeon of color in the varnish can make it match the hair itself.

Applying the hair demands some of the greatest concentration and patience.

“It takes 40 hours to do a whole head of hair, all week,” Terra said. “You have to put it on in the right direction too. Hair has a smooth way and a rough way. The hair in the eyelashes is the hardest part.

You don’t work with hair and paint in the same place. The hair gets into everything.”

54 | DECEMBER 2015

Terra took long felting needles, bent a hair in half, and pressed it through the closed eye of a sleeping doll, repeating the process a spaced centimeter away. Hairs over the scalp, she observed, require working from the end of hair, and placing them in a series, like the pattern found on real heads. On this process, Terra often applies a warm rice sock to the doll’s skin, offering greater ease for needle penetration. When finished, Terra took what resembled a caulking gun and squirted the inside of the head with silicone, which she further smeared across the surface to seal the implant. Once the hair was adequately anchored, she snipped the eyelashes down to a satisfying length. Head hair received similar grooming.

If the doll makes a trip to the oven after adding the hair, a damp cloth must over the scalp to protect the silken strands, she cautioned.

Eyes, purchased separately, many times define the face. Terra uses an XActo knife to cut a slit along a seam in the back of the eye socket, just big enough to force the glass or plastic orb in place.

Again she applies silicone to seal the incision, leaving the eye secured.

Even when finished, Terra continues to critique her creations, seeing something here or there that could have been done better or differently. Her satisfaction seems fleeting, but coming back to one of the finished pieces, her voice swells with pride, her eyes shine at the accomplishment.

At this stage, she can indulge in simple pleasures, dressing and completing the look. Her favorite blonde doll donned stylish patterns to create a storybook character image.

There’s always the option of adding a little more blush, accenting a shade. By this point, though, the layers and layers of paint added gradually have already defined the features, leaving little to consider.

Because of the craft’s complexity, some

stages can disappear with a cloth wipe of acetone, but the point of no return comes where mistakes, or damage, defy reversal.

Terra pulled one head started long ago, a ruined example, she said, to point out a technique gone wrong. She handled the piece unceremoniously, unlike the gentleness shown for her finished versions. She admitted that she could possibly strip off all the paint and start over, but she seemed to have resigned herself to this failure and found more value in looking back at a turn taken in the road, reminding her next time to fork the other way.

“I did a lot of sculpting before I started on reborns,” Terra said “I’ve always had a feel for color. I’ve been drawn to art for a long time. We always go to art museums when we’re out of town.

“I started painting polymer clay babies. When I went to order paint, I discovered reborns. They were so much better than mine.”

Reborns proved to have a magnetic attraction to her, like Everest, pulling her to approach the summit. She aspires to achieve a proficiency that would qualify her to join a guild, the elite reborn creators who take commissions or accept bids for the privilege of doing a specialized order. Some offer a layaway plan.

Sculpt artists even select painters to finish some of their newest creations. Terra hesitates surrendering to crass mercantilism.

“It’s more freeing to make what you want and just sell it,” she smiled. “I just want to break even or receive enough to keep doing them.”

There are yet other summits to climb, babies of color to create from ethnic groups that pose very different challenges, and testing her good fortune by offering her babies for “adoption” on eBay. For now, there’s enough fun in the creating, in meeting a fellow reborn maker in Springfield and causing a stir in a restaurant with samples of their work. The flash in her eye testifies the excitement burns on. 

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 55

Cutest Pet

Meet Aurora. Aurora belongs to Maggie Henry of Pierce City.

December’s winner!

If you think your furry or feathered friend is the cutest in the area, let us know!

We invite you to share a photo of your pet to be featured in Connection’s Cutest Pet contest.

Email your pet’s photo to connection@monett-times.com. Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. Remember to include your pet’s name, city of residence and your contact information.

56 | DECEMBER 2015

Teacher training courses Students ask administration for practicum course; school delivers Cassville High School students recently asked administration to offer a new course, a sneak peak into the education field, and the school delivered.

The courses, which are called Teach and Train and Teach and Train Practicum, are designed to prepare students wanting to go into the education field and include in-class and hands-on training.

“Students who enroll will graduate high school with a better understanding of what it takes to be a teacher and will have first-hand experiences and knowledge to determine if it is in fact a career they want to pursue,” said Samantha Cosper, family and consumer sciences teacher. “Many times, students

enroll in college as an education major, only to discover their junior and senior years, when they begin to spend time in the classroom, that their expectations of the profession may not match the reality. Our students will not have that issue. They will know before they graduate if they want to pursue a career in teaching, and will have a plan in place for their post-secondary studies.

“At this time, there are not enough teachers coming into the profession as there are retiring from it. Across the state, there is a great need for highlyqualified teachers. Offering this type of coursework for high school students is a great start to combating that problem.”

Cassville High School students work independently on classwork during the Teach and Train class, taught by Samantha Cosper, family and consumer sciences teacher.

The students shown are enrolled in the classwork-based and practicum course to help prepare them to become teachers. Pictured, from left, are: Danny Burns, Valeria Perez, Brenna Pendergraft, Britney Nowak and Abbie Calhoun.

Who:

Cassville High School

What:

The school is now offering a new teacher education course and practicum for students planning to go into the education field.

When:

This school year

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 57

The Teach and Train plan offers students in grades 10-12 one credit hour over the course of a year, and is the first class of the two-course program.

“This course focuses on the general theory and practice of teaching and learning,” Cosper said. “Students learn the basic principles of educational psychology, the art of teaching, the planning and administration of educational activities, school safety and health issues, and the social foundations of education.”

Teach and Train Practicum, the followup course, provides an opportunity to learn the profession through experience in the classroom as an intern, including direct interaction with students. Students prepare and present lessons, complete reflection journals and work closely with students.

“In the practicum course, students spend the majority of their time working in the classroom under the direct supervision of a cooperating teacher,” Cosper said. “At this time, students do not receive college credit for these courses, but that is a goal we have as this program continues to develop.”

Juniors and seniors may enroll in both courses the same school year and complete the program in one year. Twenty students are enrolled in Teach and Train this year, and five enrolled in Teach and

Train Practicum.

To participate in the program, students must meet the following prerequisites: complete program application, complete Algebra I or equivalent with a C or better, have a cumulative GPA 2.5 or better, have attendance at 90 percent or better, submit three recommendation forms and write a student essay.

“I always wanted to be a teacher,” said Valeria Perez, Cassville High School student. “But, before this, I questioned if teaching was what I wanted to do. This is helping solidify the decision. I think it [teaching] is even better than I expected.

“This will help with getting a job in the education field. In the practicum class, I help the second-graders. They make everything fun.”

“I’m really good with people,” said Danny Burns, Cassville High School senior. “Right now, I’m a waiter. My thought is, if you’re good with people, you can make a difference for them and it’s going to be right for you.

“I didn’t think it [teaching] would be as great as it is. I thought it would be tiring and get old, but I look forward to it every single day.”

Cosper said it is the school’s goal for students to be college and career ready when they graduate.

“This means continuously evaluating what we offer to our students,” she said.

“The family and consumer sciences department at Cassville High School offers a variety of courses. We are a one-teacher department, so we have struggled to create a sequence of courses for students that allow them to earn any type of certification for their potential college or career area while still maintaining the courses that are required by the state of Missouri.

“Our students can go to Scott Regional Technical Center and receive certification in culinary arts and early childhood education, so I wanted to find something different that would provide them with more variety. Had these courses been offered when I was a student at Cassville, I would have taken them.”

Cosper teaches the courses and completed a mandatory, two-day training in Jefferson City by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

“They took 20 teachers last spring for the first round of training, and I was fortunate to be one of the 20,” Cosper said.

“Cassville and East Newton were the only two southwest Missouri schools that participated in the training. I love teaching and knew right away that these courses would greatly benefit our students, school and community.” 

My

Vikki Branum, Lonnie Nine and Chet Nine took Connection Magazine with them to the Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, N.Y.

58 | DECEMBER 2015

Edie Osterhues spent a couple of weeks in Shell Knob, visiting her sister, Billie Ford. On her return trip to Torrance, Calif., she brought Connection Magazine with her to read on the plane.

ENJOY THE FREEDOM

of Southern Missouri

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 59

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417-847-3180 60 | DECEMBER 2015

Thousands turned out for the 7th annual Trunk or Treat, hosted by the Monett Area YMCA Saturday, Oct. 25.

1

Familiar Faces

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5 1. Anthony Stinnett and Kato Rogers 2. Elizabeth Cooper, grandma, and Cooper Besco, as Olaf.

3. Anthony Latorre Jr. and mom, Kashmir Latorre.

4. Jason Moody with granddaughter, Jadelynn Honorof.

PO Box 37 • 816 Broadway Monett, MO 65708 jjfloor@suddenlinkmail.com

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8 5. Whitley Riott, Johnathan Riott, Jessica Baldwin and Taylor Riott.

6. Dustin, Cooper and Rachel Crouch.

7. Sakura Vallee went as a pirate.

8. Della and Danielle Saffer.

9. Johvanni Granados, Junior Martinez, Victor Granados and Viviana Granados.

“A Little Store With Big Savings” Residential & Commercial Owned & Operated by Jim & Jayne Terry

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Bus. (417) 235-0016 Fax (417) 235-6364 Res. (417) 442-7974 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 61

The 13th annual St. Lawrence Catholic School dance and auction fundraiser was held on Oct. 24 in the parish hall

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7 1. Greg & Amy Simmons 2. Jack & Laura Goodman 3. Kara & Cameron Briggs 4. Lynda Barnes, Dan Summa, Tara Barnes 5. Becky Eggleston, Denise Crowell 6. Chris & LeAnn Wrobleski 7. Vince & Melissa Gasser 8. Jim & Denise Haston 9. Marlene Hayes, Steve & Anita Williams 10. Tom & Neva Welters 11. David Saunders, Millie Schumacher, Ann Saunders 12. Hannah Kinser, Heidi & Stephen Johnson, Gretta Guerin

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Charity Dinner,

Festival of Flavors,

hosted by the Monett Area Chamber of Commerce, was held Thursday, Nov. 12

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1. Justin and Camille York 2. Alicia Morales, Enzo Sanchez and Larry Gutierrez 3. Darren Indovina and Billie Walters 4. John and Karen Richardson 5. Kelly and Robyn Rosewicz

6. Armando Campos, Sophia Campos and Maria Rivas 7. Pan Schumacher and Ann Groskurth 8. Barb and Garry Rose

TiTle loans Pay Day loans Phone: 417-235-4200 • 775 Chapel Dr., Suite F, Monett, MO 65708 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 63

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9. Ron and Sharon Smith 10. Brett and Donna Grainger 11. Julie and Lenny Davis 12. Niki and Don Weber

13. Brandi and Daniel Shores 14. Garrett and Braelynn Wright 15. Colby and Chelsea Powers

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Ad List Acambaro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Four Seasons Realty . . . . . . . . . . 45

Plymouth Junction. . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Ava Belle’s Flea Market. . . . . . . . 30

Four States Dental Care. . . . . . . 38

Race Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Barry Electric Coop. . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Freedom Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Ramey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Bennett Wormington Funeral

Grande Tire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

River Run Outfitters . . . . . . . . . . 27

Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Guanajuato. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Scott Regional Technology Center.

Brownsbergers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Houlihans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Burrus Jewelers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Husdon Collison. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Second Chances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Carolyn Hunter, DMD . . . . . . . . 49

Ila Bohms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Security Bank of SWMO. . . . . . 67

Cassville Health & Rehab. . . . . . 24

J&J Floor Covering . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Shelter Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Coast to Coast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Ken’s Collision Center. . . . . . . . . 42

Sister’s Home Cooking. . . . . . . . 24

Community National Bank. . . . . 22

Lackey Body Works. . . . . . . . . . . 32

Smile Designers Dentistry. . . . . 20

Cornerstone Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Les Jacobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Superior Spray Foam. . . . . . . . . . 40

Country Dodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

Macadoodles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

The Jane Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Cox Medical Centers. . . . . . . . . . 68

Making Memories. . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Tomblin’s Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Crane Family Dentistry. . . . . . . . 22

Michael Riehn, Attorney. . . . . . . 38

Tried & True Candles & Tans. . . 60

Diet Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Missouri Loan Center. . . . . . . . . 63

Trogdon Marshall Agency. . . . . . 17

Doug’s Pro Lube. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Mocha Jo’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

VisionHealth Eye Center . . . . . . 55

Eastside Church of Christ. . . . . . 32

Monett Chamber of Commerce. .

Walmart Pharmacy. . . . . . 40 & 60

Edgewood Creamery. . . . . . . . . . 38

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 & 49

Whitley Pharmacy. . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Edward Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Morton Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Wickman Gardens. . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Farm Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Old Town Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . 55

Willis Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Feed & More Country Store . . . 35

Ozark Methodist Manor. . . . . . . 24

Youngberg Chapel. . . . . . . . . . . . 10

First State Bank of Purdy. . . . . . 15

Peppers and Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Ziggie’s Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Fohn Funeral Home. . . . . . . . . . . 20

64 | DECEMBER 2015

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66 | DECEMBER 2015

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AGES 11 – 14

Strong, healthy, committed Kids feel stronger, behave with confidence and focus better in school when they get daily exercise and choose healthy foods. If your child needs some help getting on track, check out Committed to Kids. It’s a fun, supportive approach to helping kids build healthy habits.

Call now about January classes.

417/236-2596 68 | DECEMBER 2015