Connection January 2015

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Winter is for the birds Caring for the winter animals can be fun and rewarding

PLUS:

5 tips for viewing winter wildlife

A spring ran through it

Aiming high and training hard Andrew Gilliam is strengthening his body and his faith

JANUARY 2015

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 1

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JANUARY 2015

Contents

CONNECTION MAGAZINE

January 2015

11 Aiming high and training hard Andrew Gilliam is strengthening his body and his faith

16 Fear not Living by faith in the age of Ebola

20 Winter is for the birds Caring for the winter animals can be fun and rewarding

31 A spring ran through it 36 Symphony from the heart 43 Making change a choice n CONNECTION LIVING

9 Healthy Connection Setting a goal and sticking to it

24 Green Acres gal Running with the bulls

26 Library connections 28 Localista Layne’s list Five tips for viewing winter wildlife

40 Young writers 51 January is National Bath Safety Month Tips to keep your kid safe

n CONNECTION FOOD

52 What’s up, cupcake? Muffin much!

55 Bottles and Brews n COMMUNITY CONNECTION

46 My Connection 48 On the spot with Richard Reed

56 Familiar faces 65 Stay connected January events

JANUARY 2015

On the Cover: Local photographer, Jerry Dean, took this wintertime photo of our native Tufted Titmouse. Though the titmouse live in the Ozarks throughout the year, it is most often seen in the winter eating birdfeed along with chickadees, finches and other common birds.

Jerry makes his home in Pierce City near Jolly Mill Park and is retired from his position as the Roaring River Hatchery manager.

He loves photographing birds, landscape and taking night photographs using special camera techniques.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 3

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PUBLISHER Jacob Brower jwbrower@yahoo.com EDITOR Sherry Tucker thorntonlives@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Veronica Zucca connection@monett-times.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Lisa Craft community@monett-times.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Sheila Harris James Craig

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CONTRIBUTORS Murray Bishoff Meagan Ruffing Nancy Ridgley Darlene Wierman Sheila Harris Susan Funkhouser Pam Wormington Amanda Reese Anne Angle Layne Sleeth Dori Thomas Kerry Hays Katrina Hine PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Jeff Terry Rob Lotufo DISTRIBUTION Greg Gilliam Kevin Funcannon TO ADVERTISE 417-847-2610 - Cassville 417-235-3135 - Monett Send e-mail inquiries to thorntonlives@gmail.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 486, Cassville, MO 65625 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.

JANUARY 2015

2015

T

he holidays are over and January is here. Dark, cold days are ahead of us as we make our way through the rest of the winter weather, but what are you looking forward to in this new year? Have you set any goals, planned any trips or decided to make a change? I am looking forward to enjoying my family and watching my kids grow more and more. My goal is to appreciate the little things, pay attention to important things, ditch unnecessary stresses and learn to be a better mom and friend. Yeah, I guess that’s nothing new. I sound like a broken record. I guess, even if our goals are the same every year, as long as we keep working towards them, it’s progress.

I love that after the winter solstice in December, every day gets just a little longer.

Soon, we will be able to see the sun rise a little quicker, and keep a glimmer of day a little longer in the evening. One great thing about winter is bird-feeding. Those hungry little birds flock to backyard bird-feeders, allowing us to see them more frequently than any other time of year. If you are interested in backyard bird feeding, I hope you enjoy the article by our new contributor, Beckie Patterson, along with beautiful bird photos provided by local photographer, Jerry Dean, who also took our cover photo.

Along with the new year, we are excited to start a new project with contributor Amanda Reese. She will be working with teachers and area youth to highlight the talents of young writers in our area. If your son or daughter is an avid writer or artist, please contact Amanda about submitting your child’s work. More information is provided in her article in this issue.

If you have goals of good health in the new year, find inspiration from our story of a young man, Andrew Gilliam, who has driven himself to meet goals and achieve fame with his body building passion. With a goal of good health and a good attitude, Esther Harris shared her story of transformation with our writer, Katrina Hine. Esther shows us that there is no time like the present to go for your goals, and that age is not a barrier.

Staying healthy can be a challenge, especially if you are taking care of those who are sick. Connection is honored to publish the story of missionaries, and once local residents, David and Nancy Writebol. Helping heal bodies and spirits of those living in Africa and dealing with the Ebola virus, contributor, Susan Funkhouser shares their experiences.

Blessings to each one of you in the new year.

Take care now,

Sherry Tucker

Do you have an interesting story you’d like to see featured in Connection? I’d love to hear your idea! Email thorntonlives@gmail.com and share it with me!

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 5

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Are you a proud parent?

If so, take this opportunity to show off that cute kid of yours. We invite you to share a photo of your child to be featured in Connection’s very own proud parent cutest kid contest.

JANUARY 2015

Connection’s Cutest Kid January’s cutest!

Evelyn Rose, two-yearold daughter of Steve and Melanie Chapman, of Pierce City, is Connection’s Cutest Kid for January.

Congrats, Evelyn! Keep being adorable!

Email your child’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 child’s name, parent’s name, age, city and your contact information.

The contest is open to children ages 10 and under. The photos submitted will be used for the sole purpose of this contest.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 7

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CONNECTION LIVING n

HEALTHY CONNECTION

Setting a goal and sticking to it

BY SHAWN HAYDEN

A

t the start of the New Year most of us say the same thing, “This year I’m going to improve on _______!” That blank can be anything from exercising more to spending more time with friends and family. We work hard, start to make headway on our goals, and then shortly after the New Year they fizzle out.

Why are we motivated in the beginning, but fall back to our normal routine shortly after?

The most important part of sticking to a new goal is setting a proper goal. Goal setting theory states that people start out pursuing self-generated or “personal” goals that are truly not their own. Even though we feel most of our goals are personal, external forces and one’s environment has a major influence on our goal setting. These external forces or pressures influence our set goals, but they are not truly our own. The University of

START SMALL: Make goals that you think you can keep. If you do not exercise regularly do not try to run a marathon.

Make the goal of exercising three times a week for 15 minutes; then once you accomplish that, increase the goal to five times per week. Accomplishing your goals will drive you to want to achieve more.

Rochester believes that when we are autonomous with our goals, and they come from our core beliefs, we will be more compelled to fulfill them. Goal setting autonomy comes in two forms— intrinsic and identified motivation. When we are intrinsically motivated, behavior comes from our developing interest and is inherently enjoyable. Identified motivation involves action out of a personal conviction; the activity may not be enjoyable, but nevertheless the goal fits with the person’s super ordinate values and deep personal beliefs. Setting goals that are personal and driven by core beliefs create a greater chance of goal attainment.

If we do not feel personally compelled to make the necessary change, then we will not be intrinsically or identified to make the change. There are five main points in creating attainable goals, they are listed below.

CHANGE ONE BEHAVIOR AT A TIME: Unhealthy behaviors develop over time, so replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones also takes time. Do not try to change multiple behaviors all at once, focus on one at a time.

TALK ABOUT IT: Share goals with family and friends; having someone to talk to and

Shawn Hayden is the project coordinator for the healthy communities program at Cox Monett Hospital. He has an undergraduate degree from Drury University in chemistry and biology, as well as a master’s degree from Missouri State University in health promotion and wellness management.

Shawn is an avid cycling enthusiast racing most weekends across the area. He enjoys spending time with his wife hiking and camping and their two fur kids.

JANUARY 2015

share goals, struggles, and success makes the journey easier.

DO NOT BEAT YOURSELF UP: No one is perfect. Mistakes will happen when trying to attain a personal goal and that is OK. Do not quit your diet goal because you rewarded yourself with a cookie, or that you missed going to the gym. Life happens, so we must correct our mistakes and move forward with our goal.

TIME FRAME-SPECIFIC: Give yourself a reasonable amount of time to reach your goal. State the time frame in your personal plan, and set your agenda to meet your goal within that given time.

Wishing you a year filled with health and happiness. n CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 9

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JANUARY 2015

AIMING HIGH AND TRAINING HARD ANDREW G I LLI A M I S ST RE NG THE NING HIS BO DY AND HIS FAITH ST O R Y BY K I M MCCU L LY- M O B L E Y

JANUARY 2015

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W While most people indicate launching healthier fitness and eating habits are favorite New Year’s Resolutions, Andrew Gilliam is already there.

He is healthy. He is active. He is motivated. He is driven.

He is not finished, though, by a long shot.

In fact, he says he is getting started.

He is determined to be even better. He is determined to help others in the process.

This spunky 19-year-old was born in Springfield, Missouri, but was raised in Monett, a place he still calls home. By the time he was a junior in high school, Gilliam knew he was interested in bodybuilding.

He did not launch that journey until his senior year. While in high school, he was involved in drama and went to nationals in duo. He advanced to the state level in readers’ theater. He also played tennis and found that working out and lifting weights was something he enjoyed. It seems competition is in his blood.

It does not seem like that long ago; but he has come a long way.

The son of Greg and Cheri Gilliam, of Monett, he earned first place honors in the Fit-Con teen and men’s open bodybuilding divisions this past summer at the Convention Center in Springfield.

In turn, he found himself claiming Teen Missouri honors in the National Physique Committee competition in Springfield, Missouri, this past summer, as well.

12 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Currently employed at United Missouri Bank, this 2013 Monett High School graduate works as a transaction specialist.

He loves the job he has held for almost eight months. He described his colleagues as friends and mentors. “We have a lot of fun,” he said.

“I want people to be able to realize you don’t have to do things by the book. You can break out of the norm. You can find your own path. You can live a better and happier life. You can be healthy, too!”

As a youngster, he was inspired by Michael Jordan’s story of being cut from the school basketball team. The young Jordan did not let that stop him. He came back to be one of the best professional basketball players of all time for the Chicago Bulls.

This story of hope, self-discipline and motivation inspired Gilliam to be the best he could possibly be.

“I believe Michael Jordan gave me hope as a young, scrawny kid that one day I could inspire people to do their best and never settle for anything less,” he explained, adding “You will be surprised where that belief system will take you.”

Gilliam, known as “Andrew” to friends and family, views success as following your passions, doing what you think God put you on this earth to do and giving everything your best shot. “Right now I believe that God put me on this earth to be a light in the bodybuilding and entertainment industry.

I think I am supposed to give other people JANUARY 2015

“We know in our hearts he is going to motivate others to go after their dreams, as well,” said his parents. They indicated the past two and a half years has been an incredible journey for their son. “We couldn’t be more proud of him, his dedication, drive and the man he has become,” they stated.

Another role model and mentor for Gilliam has been John Gorman, his friend and trainer, from Springfield. “He always believes in me and my abilities,” he said, adding “Every time I tell him my goals, he never doubts me, but only encourages me.”

In the meantime, Gilliam is going to keep training, keep working and keep shooting for the stars. It is a sure bet the words “average” and “mediocre” will never be used to describe him. n hope and confidence that they can do whatever they put their minds to and are willing to do whatever it takes in order to see those things all the way through and not quit,” he explained.

Faith has always been a big part of his life. His dad is the pastor at the Monett Assembly of God, where the family attends.

His siblings include: Jared and Alivia.

Two words he tries hard to stay away from are: mediocre and average. He urges others to stay away from those words, as well.

He says he is motivated daily by his family, his friends and his community. In turn, while these things motivate him to be his best; he is determined to give back and pay it forward. “I want people to be able to realize you don’t have to do things by the book. You can break out of the norm. You can find your own path. You can live a better and happier life. You can be healthy, too!” he stated.

He said he has been working with his mother on healthier habits and she has lost 92 pounds in six months. Her weight is still dropping. “I am very proud of her. I also encourage people to go after whatever it is their passionate about ‘cause you only live once,” he said.

The keys to success for Gilliam right now are to get as big as he can for the next two years and then compete more. He will be looking to get his IFBB (International Federation of Bodybuilding and Fitness) pro card.

“We will see what God has in store for me in the future. But, whatever it is it will be big because I have a big God,” Gilliam stated, indicating his parents and siblings have always supported his dreams.

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 13

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CONNECTION’S

Cutest Pet

Meet January’s cutest pet, Cutie Pie. Don’t let her name fool you; she loves getting dirty and running in the country. She lives in Cassville with Sterling and Adrienne Zucca.

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 very own 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 you reside in and your contact information.

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 15

NANCY SPRAYS DOWN MEDICAL WORKERS AFTER THEY LEAVE THE ISOLATION UNIT, BEFORE THEY REMOVE THEIR PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.

Fear not

LIVING BY FAITH IN THE AGE OF EBOLA

BY SUSAN FUNKHOUSER

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid. And the angel said unto them, Fear not . . .

Luke 2:8-10a 16 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

I know what you’re thinking. No doubt you have drawn one of three conclusions about me, based on the Scripture I chose as the theme of this article: I am either one of those Christmas nuts who can’t let go of the holidays (partly true), a complete lunatic (plausible) or a columnist who is a month late in turning in her December article (actually, no). The simple truth is this: As we welcome 2015 and stare at a calendar filled with empty squares and questions we desperately need to hear and heed the angel’s message – fear not.

Let’s be honest; on surface examination of our world there seems to be much to fear. ISIS beheadings, Russian/ Ukrainian tensions, threats of yet another

government shutdown and a hemorrhagic virus that made its way across the pond from Africa and barged in our backdoor last summer – all tend to leave us weak-kneed and faint of heart. Fear not. It’s easy to say, difficult to accomplish. How can we not fear in the face of death, war, terrorism, unemployment, poverty and disease?

Allow me to introduce to you a precious couple that holds the key. David and Nancy Writebol resided in Monett from 1986 to 1991 and attended New Site Baptist Church. Nancy’s name likely rings a bell; she was the second Ebola patient to be treated on United States soil. Listen closely as she and David encourage us to choose love over fear.

JANUARY 2015

ETERNAL LOVE WINNING AFRICA David and Nancy Writebol are global citizens, to say the least. From Monett, Missouri, to Minneapolis, Minnesota, and from Quito, Ecuador, to Zambia, South Africa, the Writebols have called many places home and many faces family.

However, it was in Charlotte, North Carolina, that the Writebols sensed God’s calling to West Africa, where they ended up on the front lines in the war against a deadly enemy – Ebola. Nancy reminisced, “We were at a missions conference in our church in Charlotte, and both Dave and I really sensed that God wanted us to leave what we were doing, and so we just walked in obedience to Him. We left Charlotte.”

The Writebols arrived in Monrovia, Liberia, in the fall of 2013, a few short months before the first case of Ebola was reported in neighboring Guinea.

Throughout the final months of 2013

and the first half of 2014 the Writebols served their Lord and their West African friends through the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM). In his capacity as Technical Services Manager David oversaw electricity generation, water production, building maintenance and grounds keeping for the campus. Nancy was SIM’s Personnel Director. She led new missionary orientation sessions, helping new workers get settled in a home far removed from the one they left in the United States. Nancy also worked part-time in SIM’s hospital as a nurse’s assistant and was a member of the Ebola Crisis Management Team.

According to its website, simusa.org, the Sudan Interior Mission (SIM) began in 1893 when Canadians Walter Gowans and Roland Bingham partnered with American, Thomas Kent, in a mission to evangelize the 60 million unreached people of sub-Saharan

Africa, a task most established missions felt was unattainable. SIM launched its Liberia ministry in 1954, establishing Radio ELWA (Eternal Love Winning Africa) to broadcast the message of salvation and hope found in Christ. Workers added a hospital in the 1960s, providing obstetrics, surgery, pediatric and emergency services, as well as HIV care in a specialized unit.

SIM faced two fierce foes in its first 120 years of service to the African people. Malaria attacked all three original founders, killing two, and a 14-year civil war threatened to end progress and led to four different evacuations of SIM personnel in the 1990s and early 2000s. Through it all SIM workers persevered in their mission to introduce hope and healing to some of the world’s most vulnerable souls. As the final days of 2013 unfolded in Liberia, a new and deadly enemy waited just across the border.

WHAT WERE YOU DOING NEW YEAR’S EVE? I spent the evening of December 31, 2013, eating leftover Christmas candy, resolving to lose weight in 2014 and kissing my husband when the clock struck midnight. I don’t know about you, but I wasn’t thinking about Ebola. A family in a Guinea village was not so fortunate.

Although they didn’t have a name for their enemy, they felt Ebola’s presence nonetheless. Still mourning the tragic loss of a beloved two-year-old child and his mother in early December, the family experienced another deadly blow from this menacing virus. The child’s three-year-old sister died on December 29. Ebola took the life of the children’s grandmother on January 1, 2014. Mourners from neighboring villages paid their last respects – a very physical and intimate process in West African culture – and returned to their homes carrying the deadly virus, which soon traveled to nearby Sierra Leone and Liberia (www.cnn.com/2014/08/11/ health/ebola-patient-zero/).

After receiving word of Ebola’s rapid spread in neighboring countries, the ELWA staff began preparations for its eventual spread to Liberia and impact on their campus in March. The physicians at ELWA’s hospital began teaching Ebola care and prevention techniques and workers converted a hospital JANUARY 2015

chapel into a six-bed isolation unit, adhering to guidelines set forth

by Doctors Without Borders. David noted, “We were ready to receive a patient in April.”

Elsewhere in Liberia, medical facilities remained woefully underprepared. As cases multiplied by the hour the ETUs were maxed out. According to Nancy, “Patients were not being received because there was simply no bed space for them.” Hospitals also suffered from a lack of adequate medical supplies and equipment. “One particular hospital had no PPE (Personal Protective Equipment).” Liberian medical staff struggled to care for the suffering with no space and no supplies.

ELWA’s first Ebola patient arrived on June 11. The chapel-turned-isolation unit quickly reached its capacity. David recalled, “We adapted a larger, 20-bed unit

NANCY AND DAVID WRITEBOL

adjacent to the hospital and then added 70 additional beds.” Dr. Jerry Brown, a Liberian physician, manages the additional isolation unit, dubbed ELWA 2. Doctors Without Borders also established a 250-bed Ebola Treatment Unit (ETU) on the ELWA campus. According to David, “ELWA was operating one of the few fully functional isolation units.”

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 17

FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE FACES OF EBOLA www.sim.org www.samaritanspurse.org www.doctorswithoutborders.org

NANCY ASSISTS MEDICAL WORKERS IN DONNING PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT.

EBOLA’S MIGHTY WEAPONS The Writebols observed that the Liberian people face many serious obstacles to containment of the Ebola virus. Medical facilities, under-supplied and understaffed, must treat patients who suffer not only from Ebola, but also from denial, fear and misinformation. Nancy reported that the years of civil war understandably birthed a deep mistrust of government in the Liberian people. “Many Liberians believe that Ebola isn’t real, that it’s just a government ploy to get more money for politicians. Some even believe that Non Government Organizations (i.e. Samaritan’s Purse, Doctors Without Borders, etc.) and foreign medical workers are actually bringing and spreading Ebola.”

Ebola symptoms mirror a host of other diseases common to West Africa, such as Typhoid Fever and Malaria, which paves the way for denial. Nancy recalled, “Patients and their families often said, ‘It’s not Ebola.’

18 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

When families arrived at the hospital with a patient, they didn’t want to believe they could have Ebola. Many times they were unwilling for their loved one to be placed into isolation.”

As the aforementioned CNN article stated, researchers believe Ebola first began to spread following a traditional West African funeral, where villagers from many different areas traveled to pay their respects to the dead. The Writebols are familiar with such rituals, although not personally. “West Africans view funerals as goodbye sendoffs. Although we haven’t witnessed one firsthand, we have been told that the body of the deceased is washed in preparation for the service, which pays traditional respect for the dead. Many times the family kisses the body. They may also offer a toast, placing the cup on the lips of the corpse and then drinking from it themselves.” Nancy noted, “The Ebola viral load is at its peak infection

rate after a person dies and can remain high for many weeks.”

Although these burial rituals may seem strange to us, the motive behind them is common among all people. David pointed out, “Liberians are just like us. They want to respect their dead.”

Radio ELWA plays a pivotal role in battling the misinformation, fear and lack of health education running rampant in Liberia. “They are trying to educate people about the spread of the disease and what they can do to keep themselves safe. They also provide instruction on what they should do if a family member exhibits symptoms of Ebola.” The Writebols reported that Samaritan’s Purse and Doctors Without Borders have joined the education fight by visiting communities and individual homes and distributing hygiene kits containing bleach, gloves, aprons and other personal protective equipment (PPE).

JANUARY 2015

THE FACES OF EBOLA involved preparing the medical staff for entry into the isolation areas. “I made sure the doctors and nurses were dressed in PPE and totally covered before going in. I also did decontamination when they came out.” Nancy also dealt with families. “One of our patients was a nurse from another hospital. Her dad came every single day to see her, but he could not enter the isolation unit. He had to stand at the window and talk to her through it. It never failed; he would always bring her something. I remember one day he brought her a Bible. The doctors delivered it to her.

Although Nancy did not have direct contact with Ebola patients, she knew their names and heard their stories. “We

had Good Samaritans in our isolation unit.

One patient saw a man fall in front of a market and rushed to help him. He saw the man, who was infected with Ebola, safely home, and later contracted Ebola himself.”

As Nancy remembered her beloved patients she noted, “There were days that were really difficult.” One such day was especially poignant. “We had a mother and daughter in the unit. The daughter was a nurse. The daughter died before the mother. I remember Dr. Kent (Brantley) went in and knelt beside the mother’s bed. He sang a hymn to her. We stood in tear-filled silence as he sang. It was a great comfort to her and to the rest of us.”

Although Nancy has not yet been medically cleared to travel and SIM has instructed them to take some time to seek God’s will, the Writebols are open to the idea of returning to Liberia. Why on earth would they want to go back to an Ebola hot zone? Because they choose love over fear.

Nancy stated, “Having Ebola has made me even more serious about pointing people to Christ, knowing that God is the one who can heal, not only physically, but spiritually.

He can take all of that trauma and use it for His honor and glory.”

What about you and me? Will we join the fear-filled ranks of shoppers and drop $1,500 on a haz-mat suit to defend against this vicious virus? Will we condone the ostracism of West African students, businesspeople and visitors in our nation?

Will we urge the powers-thatbe to forbid travelers from affected nations to enter the United States?

Fear is far more contagious than Ebola, but a mightier force than these exists. Let’s choose it. Let’s spread love. As we welcome a brand new year let’s pause to reflect on the blessings we enjoy as Americans – the NANCY ASSISTS DR. KENT BRANTLEY IN DONNING access to state-of-the-art PERSONAL PROTECTIVE EQUIPMENT IN PREPARATION healthcare, the financial means FOR HIS ENTRY INTO THE EBOLA TREATMENT UNIT. DR. to achieve good hygiene, the BRANTLEY WAS FLOWN BACK TO THE UNITED STATES education to understand WHEN HE CONTRACTED EBOLA, MAKING HIM THE FIRST disease transmission and PATIENT TREATED FOR THE DISEASE IN OUR COUNTRY.

prevention and the grace of God that provides it all. Let’s commit 2015 to sharing those blessings with those in need.

Where do we begin? If not fear, with what should we fill the next 365 days that will impact the war against Ebola? The Writebols recommend prayer above all else.

“Pray that the Liberian people will get down on their knees and confess that Jesus is Lord. Pray that God will provide comfort to Ebola victims. Pray for needed resources – medical equipment and personnel. Pray that God will end Ebola.”

In addition to seeking God, take time to educate yourself. Ebola’s effects in Africa are far reaching. From an economic downturn to an increase in orphans, Ebola inflicts agony in many ways. Visit the SIM, Samaritan’s Purse and Doctors Without Borders websites. See the faces, hear the stories and get to know and love the people living in Ebola-plagued West African nations.

Finally, as you talk to God on behalf of Ebola victims, be sure to take time to listen.

Is God directing you to give money to one of the organizations battling Ebola on the front lines? Is He nudging you to speak up during conversations with others about Ebola, to encourage those around you to choose love over fear? Perhaps the Great Physician will even lead you to volunteer your medical services in Liberia or other affected nations. Like the Writebols, whatever the assignment, may you carry it out in love, leaving no room for fear. n

According to the Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta there were over 10,000 laboratory-confirmed Ebola cases in West Africa as of November 30, 2014. Over 2,800 of them were diagnosed in Liberia (visit http://www.cdc.gov/vhf/ebola/ outbreaks/2014-west-africa/case-counts. html for the most current statistics). Many readers of the CDC’s Ebola information see a large and troubling number; the Writebols see faces. Nancy reflected, “Every Ebola patient has a name, has a family, has a story.

We received 40 Ebola patients from June 11 to August 27, when I returned to the United States. Only one survived.”

During her time of service in ELWA’s Ebola Treatment Unit, Nancy’s duties

FEAR NOT At this point you may be thinking that I have failed to make my case for casting aside fear in the face of Ebola, that the situation seems terrifying, even hopeless.

You would be correct, if you choose to see sickness instead of souls. The Writebols recommend a different view, the one gained through the lens provided in 1 John 4:18.

There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear.

The Writebols experienced the horrors of Ebola firsthand, but they also see the disease as a beautiful opportunity for God to draw Liberians to Himself. “We pray that God uses Ebola in people’s lives, that they might see Him. While we pray that the Lord will meet them physically, we also ask Him to meet them spiritually. So many still do not acknowledge Him as Lord.”

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 19

Winter is for the birds CARING FOR THE WINTER ANIMALS CAN BE FUN AND REWARDING

STORY BY BECKIE PETERSON | PHOTOS BY JERRY DEAN

I

n November, everywhere you looked there were flocks of birds. The skies were filled with moving black clouds of birds gathering together in groups numbering in the hundreds, and the trees and electric lines were covered, as these birds prepared for their journey south, to spend the cold winter months in a warmer climate. But what about the birds that do not migrate to the warmer states? What happens to the other animals that do not hibernate? Winter can be brutal on everyone, but especially on the creatures that must hunt diligently for their food, and at times of deep snow it can be especially challenging.

There are many people around the area who put out bird feeders to feed the birds, but just how important is this? Do most view this as simply a hobby or are they really trying to make a difference in the lives of our furry and feathered friends. Mary Ann Tillman, of Exeter, feeds the birds and squirrels in her yard year round. But she is especially concerned with winter feeding.

“The wind probably blew away a lot of the seeds that birds depend on,” Mary Ann said, “and the strange weather kept much of the seeds from growing, so the birds will be 20 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2015

scrambling for food this winter.” There are many ways to take care of the birds that are not overly expensive and also provide entertainment throughout the cold winter months.

Mike and Mary Ann Tillman have a feeding station they keep in their shop.

There are four things that they use to feed the birds. Thistle seed, sunflower seed, corn chops and suet. Thistle seed is very small black seed that is favored by the smaller birds such as the nuthatch, finch, titmouse and sparrows. Sunflowers are more favored by the cardinals and blue jays, along with the corn chops, which also serves as food for the doves and even the squirrels. High energy suet blocks provide extra nutrients and energy for all of the birds. While not all of the birds that visit the feeders are good birds, Mary Ann said that the ratio of good birds vs bad birds still makes feeding worthwhile. Black birds and starlings are a menace to yards and feeders, and spend much of their time chasing the smaller birds away and emptying feeders, much of the time wasting more than they eat.

“Blackbirds typically leave in November and show back up mid-winter. But they gotta eat too, so we just feed them all.”

Bird feeders are not overly expensive and many are very decorative. Most hang from trees, or from porches. Suet feeders are wire boxes that you slide suet blocks in.

Suet is a mixture of grease, seed and nuts and at times berries. These can be made at home, instead of being purchased. Squirrels love the suet as well and are common visitors to the feeders. When asked if it bothered her that the squirrels invaded her feeders Mary Ann stated, “Squirrels have to eat too, and they don’t eat that much.”

Squirrels are natural gatherers and have stores of nuts and acorns. Gray squirrels bury their stores, while red squirrels pile theirs up above ground. When the snow JANUARY 2015

and ice are deep, they struggle more to find their supplies and those are the times that they need to visit feeders in order to survive.

Bob Blythe, of Cassville, has a different method he uses to feed the winter creatures. He takes jars of peanut butter and spreads it on the limbs of the trees in his yard. “I’m not sure what got me started feeding the peanut butter to the birds, but as long as I can get the peanut butter, I will feed them,” Bob stated. Several animals visit his tree limbs searching for the peanutty treat. “I have seen cats, squirrels and raccoons.

But the birds I see most are chickadees, woodpeckers, nuthatches, the titmouse, blue jays, cardinals, and all of the winter birds.” Many of the migratory birds also stop by for a snack on their way through.

“I don’t try to keep anything out. As long as I’ve got peanut butter, they’re all welcome.”

Bob also keeps sunflower seed in his feeders. He enjoys sitting in his chair and watching the birds at the feeders. He said that one evening he looked over and saw a raccoon at the feeder. It was leaning over from the tree branch and grabbing handfulls of seeds.

Feeding the birds does not have to be an expensive venture. While bird seeds and feeders are at times costly, both Bob and Mary Ann stated that they also feed things they have on hand. Stale bread, crackers, chips and fruits and vegetables can also be put out for animals to eat. “The important thing to remember,” stated Mary Ann, “is to not put food out on the ground before or during a snowstorm, but wait until afterward, so the birds and animals have an easier time finding it.” She said that you can also tell when the weather is going to turn bad, because the birds and squirrels go on a feeding frenzy.

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Mary Ann stated that you can also use what nature has left behind as feeders. In her back yard she has a tree stump, with many little nooks and crannies in it. She fills the little holes with corn, so that the animals that are searching for it are scavenging for food, rather than receiving a hand out.

“Most birds eat from feeders. But the doves do not. We have two types of doves here, the collared dove, and the mourning dove.

They eat from the ground. We put corn out in small piles for the doves to enjoy.”

Both Bob and Mary Ann agreed that buying the pre-mixed seeds is a waste of money because it is mostly millet, which the

average birds won’t eat. Bob stated, “The birds eat the sunflower seeds and corn out of the mixture and scatter the millet out on the ground, and it’s wasted.” “Millet is used as a filler and very few birds eat it. It is cheaper in the long run to buy sunflower seed. This is what the birds like,” said Mary Ann. The winters can be long and at times brutally cold. Most people spend much of their time indoors, with little to do.

But having bird feeders by the windows provides hours of entertainment watching the birds and squirrels come in for a meal.

Mary Ann concluded, “I don’t need much to entertain me, all it takes is a few birds.” n

Easy Suet Recipe 2 cups peanut butter 2 cups lard or meat based shortening 1/2 cup each of flour, or cornmeal, oldfashioned oats, Spanish peanuts, raisins, sunflower seeds and chopped corn Melt peanut butter and lard. Mix all ingredients in a large cake pan and refrigerate until hardened. Cut and place in suet feeders. The birds will be scrambling for food this winter.

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JANUARY 2015

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 23

GREEN ACRES GAL

Running with the bulls

BY PAM WORMINGTON

W

ith daughters married and moved away, that’s one less excuse to get me out of working cattle. Trust me, when it comes to excuses, I’ve got them. When it comes to hearing them, my man doesn’t!

It was time to work calves, of which I don’t really mind, they are less intimidating despite what their little minds think. But why not throw an excuse or two out there to see if it works.

Boots, gloves and work clothes are on as we head through the corral to our fourlegged future, when I announce that the Pioneer Woman never has to work cattle, she just stays at the lodge and cooks while her husband rounds ‘em up and heads ‘em out. To that I get “She has a TV show and you don’t, shut the gate behind you.” Well, in my mind I wanted to spout off something in regards to what he won’t have for supper tonight. Obviously, he had never read How

to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie, because he was about to tick off his other free hired hand, his father.

He informed him that he didn’t need to be in the corral with the calves. Of course, I felt otherwise, because that left me in there alone. His father quickly responded, “Why? Do you think I am too old?” Which was immediately followed by, “Where did I leave my stick?” At this point, I wanted to make a connection between age and forgetfulness, but was afraid he might find his stick. By the way, for you non-rancher readers, a stick is a short term for cattle prod. Nothing fancy just a long round pole with a rubber handle. Not really sure it carries much authority but I sometimes like to carry two just in case. It makes me look bigger, in my 5’2” mind.

It was a fairly calm event. I sorted, my boss walked the little ones up the chute and my father-in-law operated the new

Pam Wormington is a city girl by birth, and a farm girl by marriage.

She lives in the country, with husband Kirk, and two stepdaughters, Nicole and Kimberly. Though she grew up as a Navy “brat,” and moved many times and swore never to marry a farmer or rancher, or live in a small town, God had different plans. Pam loves her life in the country, and admits, “There is never a dull moment in our lives; however, I do wish for them occasionally.”

24 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

head gate. Thankful for the new gate, as the old one didn’t always do the job that it was intended and the last time I used it the handle came off in my hand.

Separating cattle is not always an easy task, it is not a natural occurrence for two 2-legged people to separate a herd of 4-legged animals that weigh at least 4 times as much. The process usually comes with a lot of yelling and the familiar phrase “Why did you let the bull get past you?”

Well, let me explain…the bull weighs approximately 2000 pounds and can run twice as fast, hence 2 more legs. I weigh only a small fraction of his weight. He was coming toward me at a high rate of speed and it was the ‘natural’ thing to do to let him pass. To this city girl, that all sounded perfectly logical. Now my father-in-law, and all his calming cowboy wisdom, would tell me that the bull was not charging me, just wanted past me. Well, according to my misconstrued depth perception, it appeared he was wanting to take me down, but just in case all he wanted to was to pass me, then I am willing to accommodate him. At this point, the bull and I do not have the ability or time to communicate verbally so body language says it all. I think it was clear to the bull when I tripped over my own rubber boots in the mud and manure and rolled under the fence, that I was willing to work out a deal.

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION LIVING n

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Thinking about the answer to his boldly stated question – “Why?” Why not? Didn’t you marry someone smarter than that? If I wanted your outcome, I would have just laid out in the street and let a truck run over me and save myself some energy.

It never fails that the animal you are wanting to keep back attaches itself to the bull during the great escape. These animals are smarter than they appear.

They know I am going to let the bull pass so why not tag along? Isn’t it true in the business world, associate yourself with those going places you want to go? ‘Hang with the big dogs.’ ‘Run with the bulls.’

‘Walk softly and carry a big stick.’ All that sounds good in theory, but at the end of the day, I live with the rancher, and besides, just how far am I going to go if I run with the bulls? About as far as to the next electric fence and not to mention what I am going to step in along the way.

With all that said, I’ll keep working cattle when all excuses fail and he’ll continue to get the help that he pays for. Life on the farm doesn’t come with promotions or pay raises, workman’s compensation or sick days but it comes with the satisfaction at the end of the day knowing that you did the best you could with what you were entrusted and who you were entrusted and for that I’m thankful! n JANUARY 2015

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Library connections

BY THE LADIES OF THE BARRY-LAWRENCE REGIONAL LIBRARY IN CASSVILLE

“Let this coming year be better than all the others. Vow to do some of the things you have always wanted to do but could not find the time. Call up a forgotten friend. Drop an old grudge, and replace it with some pleasant memories. Vow not to make a promise you do not think you can keep. Walk tall, and smile more. You will look 10 years younger. Do not be afraid to say, I love you. Say it again. They are the sweetest words in the world.”

- Ann Landers Adding to the advice of Ann Landers, don’t forget your local branch of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library. You will find many items that will make this coming year better, whether it be something for enjoyment, education, selfimprovement, bettering relationships… the list goes on.

Libraries are your window to the world.

You can find the following titles on the shelves at the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library system or as e-books at Missouri Libraries 2 Go.

The Cassville Branch library staff consists of Verna Fry, youth services; Jane Severson, library clerk; Angie Judd, library clerk; Amanda Miller, adult services; and Cheryl Williams, supervisor.

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Field of Prey

by John Sandford (mystery) This was a fast pace thrill as I have come to expect from Sandford’s Lucas Davenport novels. As the body count rises, law enforcement from numerous jurisdictions become involved in the desperate search for a very cold and dangerously clever killer. When one of the officers is taken by the madman, Lucas races to find the key and figure it out before it’s too late. This was a satisfying read that I could hardly put down. J.S.

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Long Haul

by Jeff Kinney (youth fiction) The Heffleys are at it again in this hilarious ninth installment of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series.

Greg’s family sets out for a summer vacation inspired by his mom’s latest copy of FamilyFrolic. Of course, their adventure turns out to be nothing like the NORMAL, family-bonding road trip portrayed in a magazine. Laughs abound when Kinney includes the Foulest Footwear Contest, exploding cinnamon rolls, and the “Beardo” family who shows up wherever the Heffleys go. Toss in some sun-roofclogging bubble gum and a baby pig in a cooler for added amusement. And leave it to little Manny to salvage the vacation for everyone. All this is more FUN in a mini-van than any one family should have. I consider myself a Greg Groupie and you will be one, too, when you read this book. V.F.

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION LIVING n

The Year of Living Biblically One Man’s Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible

The Darkest Minds Trilogy

by Alexandra Bracken (young adult fiction) I was able to finish a nearly three-year reading journey with the recent release of the final book in this trilogy and I can say, I was not disappointed! In The Darkest Minds, Bracken shapes a future world where children are dying by the thousands and the children who are left often find themselves with powers. These children are forced into rehabilitation camps where they are subjected to horrible treatment as well as inhumane testing. Follow Ruby as she is thrown into one of these camps, escapes, and helps to revolt against the government in order to rescue and reunite the other children with their loved ones. A great read for anyone who enjoys the dystopian genre. A.J.

by A.J. Jacobs (adult nonfiction) A.J. Jacobs is the editor at large for Esquire magazine and the author of four best-selling books. His books are part memoir, part science, a lot of humor and a dash of self-help. This particular title covers his year-long attempt to follow the many rules, guidelines and suggestions found in the Bible. One of the many challenges he encounters is which version of the Bible he should follow. There are an estimated three thousand versions in English alone.

Should he follow the Old Testament, New Testament or both? He vows to follow the Ten Commandments, but is not quite sure he can follow some of the lesser known rules. One rule forbids wearing clothing of mixed fibers, can he wear one of his favorite T-shirts? Will he learn to play a ten-string harp or be able to stone adulterers?

Jacobs’ book is a personal spiritual journey and an examination of religion in America. C.W.

The Kraken Project

by Douglas Preston (adult fiction) Imagine if artificial intelligence became so state of the art it could feel threatened and panic.

“Dorothy” did just that making her escape from an experimental lab into the Internet. Naturally the military and the greedy barons of Wall Street, would like to trap her and bend that power to their own means. Her creator is in a race to prevent those entities from gaining control, but soon realizes that putting the genie back into the bottle may not be an easy task. I was totally captivated by this thrill ride. Perhaps a fear of the computer and the Internet isn’t as silly as it might seem at first. J.S.

JANUARY 2015

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5

LOCALISTA LAYNE’S LIST

Five tips for viewing winter wildlife

BY LAYNE SLEETH

J

anuary’s soft snow-scapes and calm demeanor is the perfect backdrop for reflecting and beginning the year anew. Though the depths of winter can be hard on those of us who long for the vitality and life of Spring, there are advantages to every season. The sparse vegetation draws attention to wildlife and their activity as they schlep through the cold months alongside us. Here are some suggestions on making the most of winter wildlife viewing:

1.

A winter walk or hike will not only boost your mood and provide your body with some much-needed vitamin D from the sun, but, most likely, put you in the path of furry and feathered friends.

Normally, dawn or dusk is the most active time for wildlife, but winter stirs mammals to forage during daylight hours.

Bare branches also make it easier to spot songbirds.

If you’re feeling the winter blues, welcome the quiet meditation that a chilly nature walk will reward.

Layne is a barista and writer with a penchant for the natural world. When she isn’t making coffee or snapping pictures, she enjoys camping and reading. Layne grew up in Southwest Missouri and currently dwells in Northwest Arkansas with her husband, Brian, Luna the Corgi-Labrador, and two pretentious felines, Meeko and Cora.

28 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

2.

You can supply even more sustenance and winter habitat in your yard by adding berryproducing bushes, brush piles, or wood piles to attract birds and small mammals.

Dogwood, holly and hawthorn trees all produce bright red berries during the winter months that wildlife flocks to.

Bushes and evergreens provide cover from predator hawks, as well. With plenty of food and shelter available to animals in your backyard, there will be many opportunities to view wildlife from the comfort of your own home and hearth.

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION LIVING n

3.

The frosty beginning of the year is the prime time to grab some binoculars and go eagle watching in Missouri. Bald eagles begin nesting in December and January, and they nest near open water so they can easily find food. Interpreters at Roaring River State Park present Eagle Watch programs each winter, where participants can learn about our wintering bald eagle population and watch eagles come in to roost in the evening.

4.

Catch and release season runs into February at our own trout park, Roaring River.

Fishing during the winter is much less chaotic than the shoulder-to-shoulder conditions of opening day come March. The solitary quiet of winter on the river is quite special for fishermen if they don’t mind braving the weather.

If you’ve always wanted to try fly fishing, why not take advantage of this slower pace during catch and release season?

5.

The scarcity of natural food sources will draw birds to feeders and baths. To enhance your own backyard wildlife watching, put out a variety of seeds in different feeders. Safflower seeds appeal to cardinals, chickadees and other attractive birds, yet the bitter taste is typically off-putting to nuisance squirrels.

To keep the squirrels happy, put out a corn cob feeder. A suet feeder is also an excellent way to provide fat and energy to insect-eating birds like woodpeckers, wrens, and nuthatches. Bird baths and other water sources that aren’t frozen are equally important for getting backyard birds through the winter.

Each season has some natural beauty to offer southwest Missourians, and winter is no exception.

Observing the habits and activities of native wildlife can be enjoyable when you slow down and take notice. n

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 29

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JANUARY 2015

A spring ran through it STORY AND PHOTOS BY KERRY HAYS

W

hat do an Emmy-winning playwright, a builder, a jewelry store owner, a police chief, and an American diplomat from the early twentieth century all have in common? If you guessed an unusual house in Cassville then not only would you be right, you might want to consider trying your luck with a lottery ticket.

The house located at 730 13th Street in Cassville has been part of the community’s fabric for over 90 years. Shrouded in myth and family folklore, it was similar to other homes built during the mid-1920s with one notable exception – this one had a spring running through it.

JANUARY 2015

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“That house was built by my greatuncle, John O. Sanders,” said Mary Sue Price an Emmy Award winning playwright originally from Cassville. “I don’t know if there was a springhouse there, but the family story was always that he built it over that spring as a way to air condition the house to keep it cool.”

Mary Sue also shared that her great uncle had developed a reputation of being very smart – an inventor who would practice law in Cassville for the better part of the twentieth century.

Born in Barry County, John O. Sanders attended college at the University of Texas. He would serve originally as a schoolteacher in the Philippines for several years before being appointed an American counsel to an area in Nicaragua by Woodrow Wilson in 1919. He would serve a subsequent appointment in a Venezuelan province prior to returning to Cassville in the 1920s. A survey plat of the property shows that John O. did indeed own the property where the house was originally located.

32 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

John O. Sanders would spend the last years of his life at a nursing home in Cassville, passing away in 1962.

Ownership of the house would transfer to Charles and Bonnie High. Charles was a barber in town and Bonnie taught sixth grade. Chloe Epperly, owner of Tomblin’s in Cassville, was related to the Highs, and she remembers visiting the home as a little girl.

“We would come down and visit and we just thought it was the coolest thing to go down in their basement,” Chloe shared.

“They had furniture down there and it had the stream that ran right through the basement. We’d get in it, and stand in it, and splash in it. We just thought that was the coolest thing.”

Chloe also remembered that the spring ran through a concrete channel with a lip on each side that was approximately two feet wide.

“It was cold in the summertime,” said Chloe, “like you walked into an icebox with the cool water running through it.”

Dana Kammerlohr, Chloe’s sister and

JANUARY 2015

THE ORIGINAL HOUSE BEFORE DEMOLITION

Cassville’s Chief of Police also holds fond memories of the original house.

“Every time I drive by there, it just gives me that warm fuzzy feeling because I really loved my uncle Charlie,” Dana shared. “Uncle Charlie would want me to go down in the basement, and I was scared – it wasn’t spooky, it was just dark and it was cold. After I got down there, I would start

JANUARY 2015

playing in the water and listen to the water run. I would spend hours playing in the little trough that the water ran through.”

Vacant for many years, the house became an eyesore with a storied past remembered by only a select few. Bud Lowe, a local builder, remembered the old stories and decided to do something with the property.

“We bought the place several months ago and we actually had some thoughts of re-building the old cabin because it was really a unique design,” said Bud, “It was just simply too far gone.”

Bud shared that the old structure had additional unique qualities besides the spring running through the basement – although that was always its most memorable feature.

“It was a two-level structure with one room as a living quarters downstairs and upstairs was the main living area with one bedroom, the living room and a kitchen and dining area,” said Bud. “The lower level was concrete and framed and it had probably an 18’ channel that ran all the way through the basement part. The spring came in one end of the building, went through that channel and went out the other end of the building.”

Bud also recalled the ingenuity used to move the cool air from the basement to the other areas of the house.

“Someone had designed a duct system that hung down right near the water over that channel, and they had an exhaust fan in there that would suck the cool air up and cool the upper level of the house,” Bud said.

While demolishing the old structure, Bud and his son Mike made another interesting discovery that demonstrated a way to harness the cool air of the spring.

“Someone had fashioned a pool there out of concrete – a tank actually,” Bud recalled, “and we have heard stories that that tank was used by farmers that would cool their milk in milk cans. They set the cans in the water and it would keep them cool. It was a pretty unique setup made of concrete that probably held about 12”-15” of water.”

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 33

Bud also discussed some of the folklore shared with him once the property was acquired.

“The Cassville Reunion was held (in the nearby park) every year, and we have been told that they would use this spring for their drinking water for all the people that would camp out there,” Bud shared. “They would also use the spring as a place to cool their produce or watermelons or whatever they chose to put in there.”

He also sees the property as holding a special place in the community over the years.

CONTRACTOR BUD LOWE

“I’m sure it’s served a lot of purposes down through the years with the early people who came into Cassville, said Bud. “It probably was a water source for their campsites or for whatever their purpose was for being here.”

Bud seems to think that the house was originally built as a springhouse based on his experiences in tearing down the structure. He also believes that the residence was a later addition because there was evidence that the structure had been built in two different sections.

Bud took a liking to the property because of the spring and its unique features. This isn’t the first time his family business has identified a local renovation project and then spent months rejuvenating the area.

34 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

“We like to do this sort of thing – there’s so much stuff around Cassville that’s more or less fallen down and in bad repair,” said Bud. “When we can, we like to find these old properties and bring them back to something that’s useful for people today.”

The property was purchased in the spring of this year, and once the old structure was removed, the stonework and masonry in the back of the house where the spring now runs took the longest amount of time.

“We tried to do that first because we didn’t think that we would have access once the house was in the way,” said Bud. “That took probably a month to get it excavated and to get the stonework and masonry work completed.”

The current house has an all-natural feel to it with the exterior built from cedar Bud gives much of the credit for the fine carpentry work in the structure to his son Mike.

“Mike’s a great carpenter – he deserves a lot of credit for the stuff that we’ve done because he’s really good at it,” Bud shared.

“The guys that have helped us down through the years, they deserve a lot of credit for it too.”

Bud hopes that the new structure will continue to live on in the folklore of the community for many years to come.

“We just want somebody to move in, landscape it and really enjoy it,” Bud said.

“This is a great little house and it will be here a long, long time. I think this is the cutest little place I’ve ever seen.” n

JANUARY 2015

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Hablamos Espanol CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 35

Symphony from the heart STORY BY SHEILA HARRIS

A

ccording to Murray Bishoff, Board President of Ozark Festival Orchestra, the word community is key to what Ozark Festival Orchestra, headquartered in Monett, is all about.

The all-volunteer orchestra began in 1979 as The Monett Chamber Orchestra and consisted of students of Carolyn Belknap, who used the Suzuki method of teaching strings in Monett. The sole remaining charter member, Phyllis Garrett, who once played cello with the Jefferson City and Joplin Symphony Orchestras, remembers it well.

“When my family moved to Monett, I wanted to find a group of musicians to play my cello with,” Phyllis recalled. “So I, and a few friends from Belknap Studios, decided to form our own strings ensemble and 36 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

present chamber music concerts. That first year we performed three or four times in various area venues, and the response was so overwhelming that we soon had other musicians wanting to join us. The following year, as wind and percussion instruments were added, we incorporated as a nonprofit organization, and the name was changed from Monett Chamber Orchestra to Ozark Festival Orchestra.”

Now in its 35th season, the orchestra’s establishment in the community has not happened without a lot of dedication and hard work on the part of the musicians and the OFO board members, who, except for the conductor, the concert master, and occasional fill-in players, are uncompensated monetarily. Murray Bishoff attributes a great deal of the group’s

success to that very fact.

“Most musicians in larger urban orchestras are paid to perform,” explained Murray, “and it’s a situation which can be a bit strangling. Sometimes professional musicians lose their passion and reach a stage where they’re only playing for the money. Not so with Ozark Festival Orchestra, where each musician volunteers their time and labor, simply because they love music and love to play their instruments. We even have musicians who join us from as far away as Joplin, Springfield and northwest Arkansas.”

It’s this passion for music on the part of each musician that has prompted them to pour their hearts into maintaining Ozark Festival Orchestra. In so doing, they have created something larger than JANUARY 2015

themselves and are compensated in ways immeasurable in dollars. “Not only are we assured of having a local musical entity in which to play, but we are also rewarded by the satisfaction of being able to present symphony performances to residents of Monett and the surrounding area,” stated oboist Julie Waetke-Bishoff.

Dr. Goza and Murray Bishoff both noted that this orchestra’s achievement is especially remarkable in an area where the playing of stringed instruments is not taught in the public schools, in a community where there conceivably might not be many string players to draw from.

Although Ozark Festival Orchestra’s newest conductor, Todd Borgmann, doesn’t teach strings, he is employed by the Monett School District as the assistant band director. At 27 years of age, Todd is

much younger than most of the musicians in the orchestra, a fact which at first somewhat intimidated him, although it didn’t prevent him from applying for the conductor position when he heard about the opening.

“I thought it would be a great opportunity to become more involved with the community,” stated Todd, who moved to Monett with his wife Theresa in 2011.

“I feel very honored to be chosen for the position.”

CHARTER MEMBER, PHYLLIS GARRETT, PERFORMING

CONCERT MASTER, NED HORNER IN PERFORMANCE

According to a previous conductor, Dr. David Goza, the establishment of this orchestra has been no small undertaking in a community the size of Monett.

“When I first accepted the position of conductor for Ozark Festival Orchestra some 25 years ago, I had no idea what to expect,” stated Dr. Goza. “Because of the wide range of skills usually present among musicians, coupled with sometimes spotty attendance, community orchestras have often been the butt of jokes. But when I began working with Ozark Festival Orchestra, I was pleasantly surprised. I discovered that it didn’t fit the stereotype.

All of the musicians displayed an amazingly high level of commitment and skill.”

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 37

Maintaining a non-profit orchestra requires dedication on the part of the musicians and the seven-member board of directors, who work tirelessly behind the scenes in preparation for each performance. Because of its non-profit status, it also relies heavily on financial commitment from the community at large. Board president Murray Bishoff is thankful for the many sponsors of Ozark Festival Orchestra, who have made it financially possible for the orchestra to continue to provide symphony performances for the Monett area for 35 years for the nominal admission fee of $5 per adult. For those who have questions about the orchestra, or are interested in contributing to its continued success, please contact Murray Bishoff at 417-316-3302, or murraybishoff@gmail.com.

NEW CONDUCTOR, TODD BORGMANN AT REHEARSAL

MURRAY BISHOFF, BOARD PRESIDENT

Ozark Festival Orchestra performs four times a year. Remaining performances of the season include: POPS IN THE PARK PIE & ICE CREAM GALA Monett City Park Casino Sunday, February 15, 2015, 3 p.m.

THE YOUNG ARTISTS AND SOLOIST SHOWCASE Monett City Park Casino Sunday April 12, 2015, 3 p.m.

Next season’s performances will include a concert in October, followed by a Christmas presentation in December, with dates and venues to be announced.

38 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Todd, a 2009 graduate of Central Methodist University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education, and a 2011 graduate of Missouri State University with a Masters of Music in Conducting, has an enthusiasm for music which is contagious.

In spite of his initial fears, the older musicians have not only welcomed him into the fold as conductor, but are inspired by the spirit of youthful vitality he has brought to the orchestra.

“We have a lot of new members in our orchestra this year, including some of Todd’s high school students,” declared Julie Waetke-Bishoff, who has played in the orchestra since 1998. “For those of us who have been around for a while, it’s encouraging to see fresh faces.”

Todd Borgmann admitted that he was on pins and needles the entire week before the orchestra’s first performance of the season on October 19th.

“It’s very humbling to realize that the older musicians are trusting this young kid up there in front of him,” he revealed candidly.

In spite of Todd’s trepidation, the season’s premiere performance was a tremendous success, consisting of a mix of revisited classical favorites from the orchestra’s library. It was presented seamlessly to an appreciative audience, including many high school students and young couples accompanied by their small children.

JANUARY 2015

Expanding the orchestra’s presence in the community is one of the many goals Todd brings with him as conductor.

“I want more people to become aware of the unique opportunity they have to hear a live symphony orchestra performance right here in a city the size of Monett,” Todd emphasized, a sentiment shared by the musicians. “It’s a privilege many in this area have never been exposed to.”

“Until you hear a live orchestra perform, you’ve never really experienced music,” added Murray Bishoff. “It’s a very eye-opening event.”

A fine musical performance, it is said, is capable of transporting listeners to a place where the finite barriers of language and time are momentarily breached, and where music speaks directly to the heart. Todd Borgmann and the members of the Ozark Festival Orchestra strive to offer their audiences just such an experience. In so doing, they demonstrate the meaning of the simple, yet profound, words hanging on the rehearsal room wall, “Together, everyone achieves more.” n JANUARY 2015

OBOIST JULIE WAETKE-BISHOFF, PRACTICING AT HOME

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 39

YOUNG WRITERS HOSTED BY AMANDA REESE

F

rom the time I was old enough to write a sentence, writing has been a significant part of my life. All throughout childhood, I wrote poetry, stories and even songs. I kept journals to record life events and began expressing myself through words I wrote within the binding of each journal.

An innate desire to write can and often does begin in childhood.

Last year, I took notice of several young writers in our area. In one instance, a mother shared her daughter’s essay on, “What it means to be brave.” As I read the young girl’s perspective of true bravery, I was touched. She perceived bravery as having the courage to do the

Adrienne Zucca Short Story Age 12 Cassville, Mo

right thing even in the face of opposition. I have also enjoyed reading the ever so honest and often comical opinions of children in simple ‘one-liner’s’ and short notes.

This year, Connection magazine is beginning a new segment entirely for young writers in the Ozarks. We are giving the kids an opportunity to be published and to connect with the community.

Young Writers will consist of stories, poems, essays, articles, songs and even your child’s ‘one-liner’s. Submissions will be accepted from all school age youth and younger.

THE TRUTH ABOUT SUGAR COOKIES

Everyone loves sugar cookies. But to be honest, sugar cookies were invented by my great-great-great-great-great-great-great grandma back in the 1600s. She owned a small bakery in her small hometown. She was actually the star of cookies, cakes, cupcakes and also the founder of cookie pizza... that’s for another story.

Anyway, it was a summer day, the year was sixteen-twentysomething. My granny said “I think I’m going to make cookies with more sugar than ever. And that night, she invented the amazing sugar cookie. She kept on making batches and batches.

She mixed and sprinkled with her talent. And voilà! Sugar cookie tradition got poofed into our family!

We became famous, but only for a week. My granny died that week, and our arch nemeses, the Dumbleberry family, took our thunder. For the past centuries, you’ve been putting our amazing sugar cookies in your watery mouth. I mean, who takes someone’s idea like that?! And to this day, Dumbleberry’s Cookies still make our cookies with the glory we deserve. So now you know the real story!

40 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Send submissions, including child’s age and hometown along with child’s drawings, when applicable, to youngwriters77@yahoo.com, or mail to Connection Magazine, attn: young writers, P. O. Box 486, Cassville, MO 65625.

JESUS, YOU ARE THERE FOR ME

Katelyn Cook Song Age 8 Monett, Mo

Jesus, you are there for me.

But some people say you’re not there.

I don’t believe that.

You are!

You are really real, oh…

You are, are, are, are…

It is true.

You are there for me.

The sun is up.

I am awake.

People are trying to say that You are not real.

But still, I pray to You Lord.

You are the Messiah.

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION LIVING n

Katelyn Cook Short story Age 8 Monett, Mo

THE LITTLE KANGAROO THAT JUMPED

Once a little kangaroo named Little Hopper The same thing happened at lunch. Little lived with his mother by a stream and they were Hopper was very naughty about hopping. His very happy except one little problem, Little Hopper mother told him he could hop just not when he was just would not stop hopping. One morning Little post to. Finally his mom said no more lunch until Hopper’s mother woke him up for breakfast and he you stop hopping when you’re not post to. Little hopped out of bed. Then his mother said to him to Hopper thought about what his mom said so he sit down and eat his breakfast but he just hopped all said to his mom, I’m really sorry, now I will not hop over the room and did not sit down until 2 minutes. when I’m post to.

The End

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 41

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State Bank of Purdy 42 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2015

Making change a choice STORY BY KATRINA HINE

T

he definition of change is to make something different in some particular way. The word resolute means marked by firm determination. These two words could embody the description of one lady determined to not only change herself but also strive for positive change for her community and others. When searching for the best way to describe Esther Harris, the first thing that comes to mind is a butterfly.

Not many of us know the exact moment that a butterfly emerges from its cocoon and often we do not reflect on the caterpillar that spun its own shell into something completely different. There is no real way to know what causes the transformation but it is clear that those changes can be positive and beautiful.

Esther Milleson grew up in McDonald County. Born in Stella, she lived in the old Shady Grove schoolhouse, thinking she would never leave the area. That is until she met the outgoing and outspoken Eric Harris, and he whisked her away in travel adventures only the military can provide. She admits that she knew that she was meant for Eric because she toned him down – sort of like a neutralizer. She laughs, “I never knew what I was getting into with Eric.” Their son David was born in Germany and their daughter Margie at Ft. Sill, Oklahoma. They moved from base to base, with the exception of Korea when Esther stayed back home. After leaving the military, the couple opened a small auto repair shop in Neosho from 1973 – 1980. That is until Eric decided to pack up and move the family to Arizona. The desert adventure was short lived since the Ozarks kept calling their name, and with Esther’s elderly father needing help back on the farm.

The couple opened an automotive repair shop in Pineville in 1981, then moved it to Anderson in 1996 and finally opened a smaller shop, Indian Trails Automotive, on East Highway 76 in 2005. During the years, they added a wrecker service and even ambulance service, the latter was a sudden development that caught Esther off guard. Nevertheless, like a trooper, she passed the EMT test on her first attempt. They employed 10 people, including their daughter Margie who also worked as an EMT, and two mechanics. Their son, David, ran the wrecker service and JANUARY 2015

THE HARRIS CLAN SHOWING THEY FINISHED STRONG IN ANDERSON. LEFT TO RIGHT: MARGIE, ESTHER AND SON DAVID. MAKING MEMORIES WITH DAUGHTER MARGIE WHILE KAYAKING ON THE ELK RIVER IN MCDONALD COUNTY.

worked in the repair shop, making the business a family affair. They sold the ambulance service to Freeman Health Systems in 2003, but continued with their little repair and parts business until Eric was diagnosed with cancer. He worked in his shop until less than a month before he passed away in July 2012. She reflects back on all the things they went through together, “We had a good life…Eric was a good guy and a good father.”

She kept the shop open until June of 2013, just to prove to herself that she could. She admits that it was her intention to stay CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 43

home and mow their yards, but fall came and the grass died, leaving her bored with nothing to do. In August, on a whim, she walked into the Car Quest Auto Parts store in Pineville and asked if they needed part time help. She was hired on the spot.

However, the revelation that formed the chrysalis of change occurred in the fall of 2012 after a trip to St. Louis with her daughter. Margie, a hobby photographer, had taken several pictures of their trip. It was one of those pictures that prompted Esther to change her outlook on life. “I looked at those pictures and realized I was eating myself to death,” Esther said. Weighing 220 pounds and on medications for a heart issue, she knew she had to do something.

“I know I can’t change the world but I can help one person at a time. If I can do all this at age 67, then anyone can.”

ESTHER AND MARGIE AFTER AN EVENT IN ST. LOUIS.

44 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Esther describes herself as a very bashful child who got good grades in school and could jump just as high as any boy on the playground. One cannot help but notice the twinkle in her eye that reveals a deeper mischievous side. “I had no self-confidence growing up and I gradually came out of my shell as an adult working in the shop and on the ambulance but I think it was really Margie who pushed me to stand up for myself,” she explains. Taking charge of her life is exactly what she did.

She first began to watch what she ate and started out slowly on the treadmill about five minutes at a time building up her stamina.

Then she saw a flyer for a group called The Crawl, Walk, and Run group. The group focuses on helping people who cannot even walk to the end of their block to build up their strength until they are able to do a 5K event. Esther had already done her first 5K race and was hooked, so she decided to join the group, which is headed up by trainers Tony and Andrea Blair. The Blairs provide encouragement to people hoping to change their lives through healthy exercise and good fellowship. In fact, since she began her quest for better health and a longer life, she has lost 70 pounds. Her doctors are pretty happy too! Her blood pressure and cholesterol have improved to the point that she does not have to take as many medications.

For Esther, joining the CWR group, is more than exercise, it is good Christian people spending time together, being unashamed to talk about their faith and enjoying all of God’s blessings while they exercise. The benefits are endless… “I’m happier, I feel better and I’m healthier,” Esther said. Even though she will never run a marathon, she hardly ever misses a local or regional event, especially if Margie is along. David even gets in on the fun, participating with his mother and sister. The improvement in her health had another side benefit, as well, confidence to try new things and a desire to help other people.

In listening to Esther’s story, one could surmise that the real Esther was trapped inside just waiting to reveal all that potential.

JANUARY 2015

ESTHER SHOWS SHE HAS THE RIGHT STUFF WHILE ZIPLINING AT SHADY BEACH NEAR NOEL.

With her new confidence and improved well-being, she decided to apply for the director position with the McDonald County Chamber of Commerce. She was offered the part-time position, which still allows her to work with her “guys” at Car Quest on Mondays. Her passion to make a difference in her community, keeps her on the move, attending meetings and reaching out to encourage others to improve their health. “I know I can’t change the world but I can help one person at a time,” she adds. “If I can do all this at age 67, then anyone can.”

She admits some days are difficult but she is happy to get up in the morning and meet more people. She finds enjoyment in her work and setting goals for herself in hopes of reaching out to new potential businesses that can provide much needed employment opportunities for young people so they will not leave the county.

She also recently was elected to a seat on the county 911 Board, she will be the only woman on the board but then again she knows her stuff, having owned an ambulance service.

Not only is her body healthy but her perspective on life is as well. Stress is not going to be something that brings her down. She offers this advice, “You have to go with the flow. If it is something you can change, change it and understand that worry doesn’t accomplish anything.” Her faith is her anchor, and she truly believes that forgiveness is the key to a good outlook on life. Stating that when we do not forgive we are only hurting ourselves, learn to pick your battles because some are not worth fighting. Above all else, enjoy your life, take care of yourself, surround yourself with good people and be active in your church. Doing these things will breathe new energy and life into each day as you improve your health you improve your life.

JANUARY 2015

ESTHER BEAMS AFTER FINISHING A RACE IN PINEVILLE. ESTHER IS BACK ROW LEFT. SHOWN IN FRONT OF THE MCDONALD COUNTY MUSEUM ON THE SQUARE.

Thinking for a moment as if considering her life up until now, she leans forward and smiles, “Some things you need to let go when it is over and sometimes you need to accept new people into your life.” Clearly, she is not hindered by the concept of change; status quo is no longer in her vocabulary.

Esther is wise enough to know her limits but does not set those so close that she does not enjoy the journey. Picture after picture reveals a new found purpose for getting up each day and living it to its fullest. Whether it is kayaking, going on a zip line, riding a camel, or working toward walking a marathon, Esther made the choice to leave the caterpillar life behind and spread her wings to fly. n CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 45

My Connection

“My Connection” photos should be e-mailed to connection@monett-times.com. Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. A short explanation of who is in the photo and where the photo was taken should also be included.

1. Kenny and Shirley White took a trip to Oahu and Maui, Hawaii, in November. Kenny had been stationed on Oahu 1988 thru 1991. It was very interesting to see the history the island has. We visited the Arizona Memorial and toured the Missouri battleship. Both islands were beautiful, with the water so clear you could see the bottom with no problem.

We saw two sea turles and monk seals while snorkeling!

1

2. This past summer, Scott and Blisard families took a trip to Panama City Beach, Florida, and Connection came along for the ride. Pictured are Terissa, Shawn, Rachel and Hannah Scott, and Kreyton, Raeghan, Stacy and Matt Blisard.

3. Ralph Kelley and Pat Chapman took a tour with Making Memories and stopped at Westminster College to pose with their copy of Connection.

3 4. Mark and Peggy Gentry, of Verona, accomplished a goal together that was 50 years in the making - visiting all 50 states. it happened as they crossed into Minnesota on a Making Memories Tours to the Canadian Rockies. Jerry Varner stopped the coach along side the road to capture this moment. 50 states in their 50th year together as a couple.

5. Judy Bowman, of Pierce City, is with her grandson, Daniel Bowman, of Pierce City, at Ft. Leonard Wood. Daniel is serving with Kansas Nation Guard.

6. Marsha Rountree and Bill Richardson, both of Shell Knob, recently vacationed in New Orleans, Louisianna. They are posing in Jackson Square with the Connection issue that featured fellow Shell Knob resident, Becky Caddell.

7. Ralph and Rita Schallert, and Allen and Leona Keeling, of Purdy, took a trip to Panama. While visiting they enjoyed sailing thru the Panama Canal.

8. Evelyn Riddle, of Republic (formerly of Cassville), and her two daughters, Susan Reed, of Republic, and Teresa Walker, of Lee’s Summit, recently went to Hilton head, South Carolina, and took along a copy of Connection.

46 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

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On the spot

WITH RICHARD REED

R

ichard Reed has been on a journey to better health since he tackled his weight and fitness goals by joining the Cox Journey program in 2011. Since that time, he has stayed focused on his goals, and shared his experiences of running and biking through articles published in Ozarks Outdoors magazine. Richard welcomes questions, and will help you get started on your fitness journey as well. Find him at the Monett YMCA where he is a spinning instructor. Richard shares with us some of his personal experience with our On the Spot interview: Connection: Richard, where are you from, and how did you find yourself in southwest Missouri?

Richard: I graduated from Putnam City North High School in Oklahoma City in 1990. I attended University of Oklahoma for a few years pursuing a degree in physics.

Several major changes, a school transfer and a couple of moves later, I found myself working in a special effects shop in Los Angeles, CA. LA wasn’t really the life for me, so I returned to Oklahoma where I eventually finished a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Management, and where I would find my future wife.

Sherry and I will be married 15 years next October. We were both living in Tulsa, but happened to meet in a class that we both attended in Dallas, TX. We moved to Pierce City in January of 2002 to be closer to Sherry’s family.

Connection: Richard, when did you start becoming involved in exercise as a way of life? What motivated you to do so?

Richard: In May of 2011, topping the scales at close to 270 lbs, I attended the then 10 week Journeys weight-loss program at Cox 48 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Monett hospital. Through that program I lost around 90 lbs, but probably most importantly, I engaged in a major lifestyle change. I got involved with a lot of people whose life focused as much on health and exercise as mine had focused on food. I began riding bikes with a local group and pedaled several thousand miles a year for the next few years. In 2012, I became a certified group fitness and spinning instructor and started working for the Cox Monett Spinning Program when the new Monett YMCA opened in the Spring of 2013, and have been there ever since.

I’ve often been asked how I stay motivated, because even though people lose weight, they often don’t keep it off.

I’ve had many motivating factors; the friends that I participate with, being able to accomplish new things physically, and looking and feeling better are definite motivators. What keeps me going is competition, sometimes with others, but more often in competition with myself. If I schedule something difficult for myself in the future, I will train for it.

Connection: Tell us about the hardest competition to finish and why...

Richard: For sure, the hardest competition I have finished to date was the April 2014 Oklahoma City Marathon. It was only my second race at the full marathon distance.

Even though I had completed my first the previous fall, it’s not a distance that I can say I have any comfort with to this day.

The OKC Marathon had several factors that made it difficult beyond the 26.2 miles required to finish. The race was scheduled to start at 7 a.m., and 30 minutes before race time, a thunderstorm rolled into downtown Oklahoma City. With rain delays, the race didn’t end up starting until about 8:15.

Every runner has their own particular way in which they prepare for a long distance race. You definitely want to eat to fuel your body for the start of the race, but not eat so much as to weigh you down or cause unwanted bathroom breaks. Starting a race nearly two hours late threw off my fueling plan a bit.

Once the race started, the weather cleared up and the sun came out. The sun on the wet streets jumped the humidity up quite a bit. All things considered, I think I did pretty well up to around mile 14.515. The OKC marathon route takes you JANUARY 2015

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around a good portion of Lake Hefner.

The lake is a man-made reservoir that is higher in elevation on three sides than the surrounding area, with zero cover for any wind that may come sweeping across the plains. As soon as I hit the lake path, I felt the wind. My family was waiting to cheer me on at the water stop around mile 14, I think that’s what really kept me going for the moment. They recall that I looked good at that point, but somewhere in the next mile, I crashed.

I ended up walking about three miles from that point. I remember sending my wife a text telling her that I was way off track and had no idea how long this would take me. I remember dreading that I may have to walk the last ten miles, but I did get my wits back and was able to start running again.

Eventually, the 5.5 hr pace group caught up with me, and I jumped in. Pacers help inexperienced runners maintain an even pace.

I ended up finishing in just about 5.5 hrs, a full 40 min longer than my previous marathon. It was mentally draining.

However, with some time past, there is a lot that I learned from that day, and I feel mentally stronger for having finished.

Richard’s Top 5 5 MARATHONS ON YOUR BUCKET LIST: • Marine Corps Marathon • Boston Marathon • New York Marathon • Run Disney Dopey Challenge • Chicago Marathon 4 FAVORITE THINGS TO DO WITH YOUR FAMILY: • Camping • Hiking • Dining • Las Vegas

Connection: What is your favorite season to run or bike in?

Richard: That’s really two questions with two answers. I like riding bikes in warmer weather; spring, summer and early fall.

I have ridden in winter and really cold weather, but it’s not really my preference these days. Running is kind of the opposite.

When it’s hot, running becomes much more difficult. I slow down, need more water, and at least for me, it just feels terrible. Even when it’s below freezing, after warming up, I stay pretty warm with just a couple of light layers over my body. Riding below freezing, I’ve worn two underlayers and a heavy outerlayer and still had my fingers and toes go numb. The good thing is that between the two, I manage to get year round outdoor exercise.

Connection: Have you gotten to know people all over the country because of your running/biking?

Richard: Locally I’ve made many good friends through cycling. Through my participation with One Run For Boston the last two years, I’ve made friends in running from Los Angeles to Boston. I recently met JANUARY 2015

3 FAVORITE PLACES IN THE U.S.: • Las Vegas • Boston • San Francisco 2 FAVORITE SNACKS: • Almonds • Cherry Sours • (or anything caramel) 1 THING YOU WANT TO ACCOMPLISH IN 2015: Join Marathon Maniacs, which requires completing 2 marathons in 16 days or 3 marathons in 3 consecutive months. the three founding members of Marathon Maniacs at the Tulsa Route 66 Marathon.

Super nice group of guys.

Connection: Marathon running can be hard on the feet. Can you recommend shoes?

Richard: I’ve gone through a few pairs of shoes in the past two years. Currently I am

wearing Brooks Ravenna 5 and Hoka One One Clifton. Different brands fit different people better. I would suggest going to get fitted at a running specialty store. You may end up paying a little more (or maybe not), but you will definitely get better input than you will at one of the mass sporting goods stores. n CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 49

F

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50 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

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GOLDEN WILLARD 36042 Hwy 86 502 S. State Hwy AB 417-742-1776 417-271-3814 SHELL KNOB SELIGMAN CASSVILLE 97 S. Main Street 24828 Hwy 39 Hwy 37 S. 417-846-1719 417-858-3136 417-662-7000 JANUARY 2015

7

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CONNECTION LIVING n

JANUARY IS NATIONAL BATH SAFETY MONTH

Seven tips to keep your kids safe in the water

BY MEGAN RUFFING

B

ath time serves many purposes. It’s a time to get your kids clean. It’s a time for your kids to splash around in shallow water and it’s a time for make believe sea-water rescues and mermaid tea parties. Kids love the freedom that water has to offer and parents love to soak up their sweet smelling children wrapped up in warm, fluffy towels just before bedtime.

With all of the great things there are to adore about bath time there can also be dangers if kids are left unattended. It may be tempting to leave the kids in the tub while you run to the laundry room “for just a second,” or to grab your phone “real quick,” but accidents can happen in those few seconds.

These 7 tips will help you create a safe environment and give your kids the freedom to splash around.

1.

Make sure the temperature of the water is not too hot or too cold. Test it on your wrist first for a more accurate feel. Better yet, buy one of those bath toy thermometers to help you figure out the correct temperature. Newborns get cold quicker since their skin is thinner.

2.

Children can get cut very easily on the water spout. Be sure to cover it up with an inflatable cover to protect your kids from hitting up against it or accidentally standing up and scraping their backs on it.

3.

The best bath toys are those that do not have any holes in them.

Water can get inside and mold can grow; making the bathtub a breeding ground for germs. You should wash bath toys regularly or toss the ones that do have holes in them after a few months of play.

4.

Do not fill the bath so high with water that your kids could fall under and be completely submerged. Just a few inches of water will do for infants and about waist high for toddlers.

Meagan Ruffing is a freelance parenting writer. She loves bath time just as much as her kids do and enjoys finding fun and creative ways to make bathing more fun.

JANUARY 2015

5.

Always stay with your children while they are bathing. Accidents can happen in seconds and if your child is not old enough to know how to lift their head out of the water – drowning can occur.

6.

Encourage your kids to play in the tub but leave jumping for outside of the bathtub. Toddlers like to test their boundaries and they like to splash, jump and watch the water fly out of the tub. Slipping in the bathtub can lead to a serious injury. Be sure to keep them seated in the tub or supervised while standing to wash.

7.

Keep little fingers out of the drain.

The drain holes are usually very small but small fingers can easily get stuck if you are not watching your child closely.

Bath time should remain fun while being safe. Encourage your children to use their imagination and explore their surroundings. Scrub-a-dub-dub! n CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 51

“What’s up, cupcake?”

“Muffin much!”

Bakery Style Chocolate Chip Muffins Ingredients: 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour 1 Tbsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled 1 cup granulated sugar 2 large eggs 1 cup milk (whole or buttermilk is preferred) 1 Tbsp. vanilla 1 1/2 cups chocolate chips Instructions: Preheat oven to 425°F and spray a 12 cup muffin tray with non-stick cooking spray.

In a large bowl, toss together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and chocolate chips. Set aside.

In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, sugar, eggs, milk and vanilla. Slowly add to the dry ingredients. Gently fold together until JUST combined.

Divide the batter into the 12 muffin cups and bake at 425°F for 5 minutes, then turn the oven heat down to 375°F and bake for another 13-15 minutes. Let cool for about 5-10 minutes and enjoy warm.

Lemon Crumb Muffins Ingredients: 6 cups all-purpose flour 4 cups sugar 3/4 tsp. baking soda 3/4 tsp. salt 8 eggs TOPPING: 2 cups (16 ounces) sour cream 3/4 cup all-purpose flour 2 cups butter, melted 3/4 cup sugar 3 Tbsp. grated lemon peel 1/4 cup cold butter, cubed 2 Tbsp. lemon juice 52 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

GLAZE: 1/2 cup sugar 1/3 cup lemon juice

Instructions: In a large bowl, combine the flour, sugar, baking soda and salt. In another bowl, combine the eggs, sour cream, butter, lemon peel and juice. Stir into dry ingredients just until moistened. Fill greased or paper-lined muffin cups three-fourths full.

In a small bowl, combine flour and sugar; cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

Sprinkle over batter.

Bake at 350° for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted near the center comes out clean. Cool for 5 minutes before removing from pans to wire racks. In a small bowl, whisk glaze ingredients; drizzle over warm muffins. Serve warm. Yield: 40 muffins.

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION FOOD n

My Favorite Chocolate Cupcake

Ingredients: Chocolate Cake: 1 box Devil’s Food Cake Mix 3 eggs 1/2 cup oil 1 cup buttermilk 3/4 cup sour cream 2 tsp. vanilla extract 1 tsp. cinnamon CHOCOLATE GANACHE: 1 cup chocolate chips 1/4 cup whipping cream CHOCOLATE BUTTERCREAM: 1/2 cup butter, softened 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 2 tsp. vanilla extract 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa 2-3 cups powdered sugar Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line pans with cupcake liners.

Sift cake mix into a bowl and set aside. In a large bowl, whisk eggs, oil, buttermilk, sour cream, vanilla extract and cinnamon together. Add cake mix and stir until smooth.

Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 17-22 minutes, or until an inserted knife comes out clean.

Ganache: Once your cupcakes are cooled, place your chocolate chips in a heat proof bowl with whipping cream. Microwave for 20 seconds, remove and stir. Continue to microwave in small increments until smooth. Dip the tops of your cooled cupcakes into the ganache and let set.

Buttercream: Beat butter and cream cheese for 2 minutes. Scrape bowl and let beat again. Add vanilla extract and cocoa, beat well. Slowly add powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency. Add 1 Tbls. of milk if it becomes too thick. Pipe buttercream over ganache once it has set and top with chocolate shavings.

JANUARY 2015

Raspberry Lemonade Cupcake Ingredients: Lemonade Cake: 1 box white cake mix zest of 2-3 lemons 3 eggs 1/3 cup oil 1/2 cup milk or buttermilk 3/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt RASPBERRY FROSTING: 1 cup butter, softened 2 Tbls. seedless raspberry jam 1 Tbsp. lemon juice 3-4 cup powdered sugar Fresh raspberries for decoration Instructions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F and line pans with cupcake liners.

Sift cake mix into a large bowl and set aside.

In another bowl, combine lemon zest, eggs, oil, milk and sour cream until smooth.

Stir in cake mix.

Fill cupcake liners 3/4 full and bake for 15-20 minutes or until an inserted knife comes out clean.

Let cool.

Raspberry Frosting: Beat butter until smooth. Add crushed freeze dried berries and beat again (be sure to sift out the seeds). Add lemon juice and slowly add in powdered sugar until you reach your desired consistency.

Pipe onto cooled cupcakes and top with fresh raspberries!

Blueberry Power Muffins Ingredients: 2 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup oats–quick or regular oats 2/3 cup sugar 1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. salt 1 1/2 cups honey nonfat Greek yogurt 2 large eggs, lightly beaten 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted and slightly cooled 1 tsp. vanilla extract 1 cup fresh blueberries Instructions: Heat oven to 350° F. Coat muffin tin with cooking spray or liners.

Combine flour, sugar, oats, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a bowl.

Combine yogurt, eggs, butter and vanilla in a second bowl. Fold yogurt mixture into dry mixture; stir to combine completely. Gently fold in blueberries.

Spoon into muffin tins (don’t be afraid to fill them full). Bake until top is golden and springs back when you gently touch it, 20-25 minutes.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 53

The Ozarks are inviting in every season....

JACK NICKOLS Broker 417-342-1506 jacknickols@yahoo.com LARRY DANIELS Realtor 417-846-7306 idaniels@mo-net.com BILL HILL Realtor 417-847-3241 billhill.realtor@hotmail.com LEA HILL Realtor 417-847-0156 lea.hill@hotmail.com

Happy New Year!

JEAN NICKOLS Broker/Sales Person 417-880-5446 jean.nickols@yahoo.com CINDY CARR

Broker/Sales Person 417-847-7514 ccarr7514@aol.com

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CONNECTION CONNECTIONMAGAZINE MAGAZINE || 49 55

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Familiar faces The 41st Annual Golden Age Dinner hosted by Monett High School Student Council was held at Monett High School on November 20.

1. Gaby Rodriguez, Verenice Rodriguez and Abblino Rogreguez. 2. Billy and Gail Smith. 3. Richard Huennekens and Lorena Wells. 4. Clarence and Berneice Koenig. 5. Ed and Louise Dutra. 6. Donna and Bill Verhoff. 7. Pat Bounous and Becky Hill. 8. Juanita Hilton and Margaret Meadows. 9. Ruth Williams, Eldon Williams and Mary Williams. 10. Norma Strouse and Dorothy Jones. 11. Jessica Buck, Chelsea Henderson and Kristen Buck.

56 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2015

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Familiar faces Jolly Mill hosts Christmas Open House Dec, 6, 2014 1. Amelie Velasquez and her father, Ever Velasquez. 2. Debbie Banks, and her grandson, Bryson Dothage. 3. Laura Goodman and Judge Jack Goodman. 4. Elvis, a.k.a. Joseph Fairchild. 5. Lawrence County Presiding Commissioner Sam Goodman. 6. Stephen and Erin Flehmer, along with their children, Brock and Cade,

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 57

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Familiar faces The seventh annual Monett Trunk or Treat alternative Halloween celebration was held on Oct. 25 at the First United Methodist Church in Monett.

1. Tammy, Allie, John and Mason Michael. 2. Annabel, Holden, Matthew, Jillian and Courtney Garner. 3. Dallas Woody and Nancy Carver. 4. Dolores Forrester, Jaylee Hoffman and Michele Hoffman. 5. Tiffany Moore, Keian Hoth, Myles Gaston, Kellie Ellis and Kellen Gaston. 6. Tyler, Eli and Sara Swope.

7. Ayushi, Mymy, Kai Patel, Sandip, Dharma and Deesha Patel. 8. Steven, Auttum, Wyatt, Michael and Lorraine Shaner. 9. Kara, Lachlan and Cameron Briggs. 10. Bryson and Kelsey Gaston. 11. Lexis Gilmore, David McMillan holding Ryleigh McMillan and Kaitlynne Gilmore. 12. Sophia,, Lauryn, Carlos and Isabella Ramirez

58 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

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Familiar faces A ball was had by all at the Monett Christmas Dance. Sponsored by the Monett Senior Center December 1, 2014.

1. Glenn and Wilma Seufert. 2. Pooch Caldwell and Loretta Hurlbut. 3. Don and Evelyn Shilling. 4. Kitty English and Bill Johnson, Sr. 5. Lonnie and Dianna Gray. 6. Bill and Rita Seufert. 7. Nelda Poe and Shirley Denny. 8. Mary Ann Buchannon and K.C. Caldwell. 9. Greg and Francis Nelson 10. Joe and Loretta Watson. 11. Wendell and Jan Bishop. 12. Wayne Walden and Jo Anne Ellis.

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 59

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Familiar faces The Cassville United Methodist Tinsel Tea took place on Saturday, December 6 in the church’s fellowship hall. This is the twelfth year for the annual event that raises proceeds to benefit the church’s extensive food pantry operation.

1. Melanie Stringer and Stephanie Marple. 2. Beth Garner. 3. Stacy Runnels. 4. Barb White and JoAnn Ellis. 5. Veronica Zucca and Sherry Tucker 6. Jill LeCompte and Melissa Vollenweider. 7. Janet Mills. 8. Carmella Buckner and Patty Door. 9. Leslie Smith. 10. Bertie Bailey and Bobbie Tucker.

11. Margaret Beesom and Marolyn Wood. 12. Megan Cox and Lindy Gibson.

60 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2015

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Familiar faces St. Lawrence Catholic Church in Monett held its annual Fall Feast, hosted by the Parish Council of Catholic Women, on Nov. 1.

1. Al Dohmen Jr. and Gene Roetto. 2. Mary Weiser and Bernice Critchfield. 3. Tom and Willow Welters. 4. Mary Mael and Martin Dohmen. 5. Lucy and Ben Poirot. 6. Sonie and David Probstfield. 7. Cindy and John Casper. 8. Adline Bartkoski and Mary Schad. 9. Lawrence and Evelyn Schad. 10. Margied and Phil Schad, and John Rehwinkle. 11. Georgia and Richard Virnig. 12. Phyllis Whitley and Evelyn Burnett.

JANUARY 2015

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 61

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JANUARY 2015 oll Free: 877.403.6397 • 877.752.9275

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 63

ADVERTISING INDEX A+ Carpet & Uphostery Cleaning

30

Acambaro Mexican Restaurant

54

Ava Belle’s Flea Market

10

Barry Electric Cooperative

23

Baywash Car Wash

35

Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home

30

Carolyn Hunter, DMD, PC

63

Cassville Health Care & Rehab

14

Chapel of Grace

42

Community National Bank

57

Country Dodge

25

CoxHealth

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Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

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Sat. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Sun. 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Wishing you a Happy New Year!

10, 68

Diet Center

6

Doug’s Pro Lube

23

Eastside Church of Christ

64

Edward Jones

4

First State Bank of Purdy

42

Fohn Funeral Home

50

Four Seasons Real Estate

54

Four States Dental Care

35

Freedom Bank

50

Grande Tire

30

Guanajuato

64

J. Michael Riehn

63

Ken’s Collision

64

Les Jacobs Ford

23

Making Memories Tours

30

Mocha Jo’s Coffee Café Old Town Pharmacy

2 42 8

Peppers and Co.

10

Ramey

55

Race Brothers

14

Scott Regional Technology Center

35

Security Bank

54

Smile Designers Dentistry

14

Superior Spray Foam

10

The Cornerstone Bank

63

The Jane Store

25

Tomblin’s Jewelry & Gifts

6

Trogdon Agency, Inc.

50

Willis Insurance, Inc.

6

YMCA

8

64 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Looking forward to a blessed 2015!

8

Lackey Body Works

Mercy

We repair hail damage!

1613 N. 17th Street

Monett, Missouri 65708

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.

JANUARY 2015

MONTHLY MEETINGS AND DANCES The Southern Beekeepers of Missouri will meet at 7 p.m., the third Tuesday of the month, at the First United Methodist Church of Monett. Anyone interested in bees is welcome to attend. For more information, call Leon Riggs at 417-2355053 or Kevin Young at 417-847-5464.

Mahjong from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays; bridge from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursdays; quilting for charity from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m on Wednesdays and Thursdays; dominoes from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Mondays and bingo from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month.

Sons of the American Revolution meet every fourth Tuesday at Granny Schaffer’s Restaurant on North Rangeline, Joplin, at 6 p.m. Members and anyone interested in joining are welcome to attend, as well as spouses. Dinner followed by short meeting.

Please call president, Frank Shouse at 417385-3150 for more information.

McDonald County Back to Basics community group will be held at the New-Mac Community Room, old Hwy 71, north of the high school, in Anderson, Mo., the second Thursday of each month. Pot luck at 6:30 p.m., and meeting from 7 p.m. To 8:30 p.m.

Bunker Hill Community Association monthly Old Time Music Jam, held the first Saturday of every month. Located just off the junction of Hwy W, and Hwy 76, east of Anderson, Mo at 5823 Rt. W. The Ozark Ridgerunner music group starts at 6 p.m. and welcomes anyone who sings, plays an instrument or just loves traditional country and bluegrass music. Refreshments provided and bring your favorite dessert or snack for a potluck at 8 p.m. The event is free and open to the public.

The Stella Senior Citizens Center, the Monett Senior Center and the Aurora Senior Citizens Center hold dances weekly and monthly. The Stella dance is held every Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. with music by the McDonald Playboys and Frosty Garland and the RoadHogs on alternate Fridays.

The Monett Senior Center, located at 405 Dairy Street, hosts their dance on the first Monday every month from 7-10. Music provided by Evelyn Lock and the Outrider Band. Snacks to share are welcome. $3.00 per person. The Aurora dance is held every Saturday of the month from 7 to 10 p.m. featuring the Funtimers Band.

Pierce City Senior Center offers free bridge classes at 2 p.m. each Monday and quilting at 1 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Central Crossing Senior Center offers line dancing classes from 9 to 10:30 a.m on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Zumba from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; JANUARY 2015

Stay connected JANUARY EVENTS

Newton County Library, located at 201 W. Spring Street, Neosho, offers monthly events. On the third Thursday each month, at 1 p.m., the library hosts a book discussion. Feel free to bring your lunch and enjoy the discussion. The book for January: Dances with Luigi. The library also holds a Friday Chess Club, ever Friday afternoon from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit www.neosholibrary.org or call them at 417-451-4231.

Send event listings to thorntonlives@gmail.com

JANUARY 3-4 George Washington Carver National Monument presents Pioneers and Trailblazers of Jim Crow Era at 1 p.m. Come learn about Frederick Douglass, Booker T. Washington, George Washington Carver and others for their contributions towards civil rights. For more information contact 417-325-4151.

JANUARY 5 The Mt. Vernon Regional Arts Council will be signing up participants for youth theatre from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and beginning rehearsal, at the MARC (Mt Vernon Art & Recreation Center) located at 822 W. Mt. Vernon Blvd. For more information call 417-461-0295.

JANUARY 10-11 George Washington Carver National Monument presents, “Who Was George Washington Carver?” at 1 p.m. An in-depth study in a photographic presentation and discussion of his life and times. For more information call 417-325-4151.

JANUARY 15 George Washington Carver National Monument presents Epitaphs & Engraving- The Carver Cemetery from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. Intended for ages 18 and up. For more information call 417-325-4151.

JANUARY 17-19 George Washington Carver National Monument presents “Martin Luther King Jr., We Shall Overcome” at 1 p.m. A 45 minute film highlighting some of his great speeches. For more information call 417-325-4151.

JANUARY 24 George Washington Carver National Monument presents Raptors; Birds of Prey: Featuring live raptors with representatives of the Pittsburg State University Biology department explaining some of the ways these birds survive and their importance in nature. Begins at 11 a.m., for more information call 417-325-4151.

JANUARY 28 McDonald County Chamber of Commerce quarterly meeting will be at noon at the Crowder College/Jane Campus.

JANUARY 31 Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Banquet, 6 p.m., Cassville High School Commons Area. Purchase tickets in advance at the chamber office. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 65

66 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2015

Snowflakes are one of nature’s most fragile things, but look at what they can do when they stick together.

Vesta M. Kelly

JANUARY 2015

Parting shot CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 67

BY JEFF TERRY

68 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

JANUARY 2015