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OCTOBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 1

Take Charge of Your Future.

Create and implement a strategy designed to help you achieve your long-term financial goals.

LOCAL HEROES. Whenever you’re in a pinch, you can count on your electric cooperative to step up.We’ve been a part of the communities we serve for more than 70 years. And in that time we’ve learned how to deliver the best possible service to our members— by protecting your power supply in the field and in your home, and providing programs that utilize a nationwide network of energy resources. Power is something you can count on in the clutch. Because we’re doing our best to keep you in the game.

Do something positive for yourself. Call today for a no-cost, no-obligation portfolio review. Together, we can create a strategy that’s right for you based on your current situation, objectives and risk tolerance.

Call or visit your local Edward Jones financial advisor today.

Shane A Boyd

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

Jeramie Grosenbacher, CFP® Financial Advisor

@ 2010 Associated Electric Cooperative Inc. All rights reserved.

2 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

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

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Jim Haston

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www.edwardjones.com Member SIPC

OCTOBER 2014

Contents: 7

CONNECTION MAGAZINE

October 2014

Harvest time

16

March to the beat of any drum

23

Mary Earl: Survivor

29

A country music star in Cassville

31

Keeping it Country

38

Pumpkin perfection

40

Learning to lead Small town ladies find their spot in the big city

42

The Brook at Bethpage Retreat provides respite for the shepherds of God’s flock

CONNECTION LIVING 15

Costumes on a dime 11 ways to get your kid’s costume for less

26

Green Acres Gal Kansas or bust?

35

Localista Layne’s list 5 ways to celebrate fall

36

Library connections

CONNECTION FOOD 45

Healthy connection Trick or treat

46

Sweet treats inspired by a fall favorite

48

Restaurant review Whitley’s Old Fashioned Soda Fountain

50

Bottles and brews Flavors of the season

COMMUNITY CONNECTION 52

My Connection

54

On the spot with Mae Kennedy

57

Familiar faces

64

Stay connected

ON THE COVER: Icons of an Ozark fall, ripe apples, black walnuts, changing leaves and acorns.

STILL LIFE PHOTOGRAPH BY SHERRY TUCKER OCTOBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 3

Connection

A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS

PUBLISHER Jacob Brower jwbrower@yahoo.com EDITOR Sherry Tucker thorntonlives@gmail.com

Monday - Friday 7 a.m. - 7 p.m

2848 FR 2025 Pierce City, MO 65723

Debbie Plesluska 417.476.5265

ART DIRECTOR Veronica Zucca connection@monett-times.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Lisa Craft community@monett-times.com

WHAT’S STANDING BETWEEN YOU AND BETTER HEALTH?

ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Sheila Harris Marion Chrysler Caleb Chrysler 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

Find the doctor who’s right for you.

417/269-INFO or 1-888-818-5239 (toll-free)

{ Your best care { 4 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

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.

OCTOBER 2014

Editor’s Note

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!

G

ROWING UP IN THE OZARKS, I HAVE BEEN WELL EDUCATED ON BLACK WALNUTS. PICKING up black walnuts and taking them to the huller has been a profitable endeavor since before I was born, and remains so even now. Whether there are black walnuts on your own property, or a neighbor’s property, there are always walnuts laying around, just waiting to be gathered. I think those of us that have picked them up as kids to make extra money, have some sort of pride in the labor, and want to pass that on to our kids. As my kids have grown up, I have made them help with the harvest, so they learn the simple principle of hard work turning into money. This is a job that makes it very clear that you make just as much money as the effort you expend.

I need to be careful not to talk about black walnuts in only an economic sense. There is something special about picking up walnuts while spending time with family or friends. We usually gather them with buckets and dump them directly into the back of the pickup. I know other folks that gather them with feed-sacks or keep them in buckets. Yes, it is hard work, but spending a day outdoors, getting your clothes and hands stained black from the rotting hulls and coming home with a sore back from all the bending makes it a worthy chore. My sons would probably argue that point, but they have their memories now. Little things, like noticing the change in the dogwoods that surround us, catching a glimpse of some scattered geese considering their voyage south, or finding that the dogs have cornered an armadillo scurrying down a fresh dug hole. I like seeing them pay attention to other things, too, like; this tree was loaded last year, but there’s just a few here this year, or, why are these walnuts bigger than those walnuts. We have picked up walnuts on beautiful fall days, and we have picked up walnuts on windy days and rainy days.

And, yes, we eat them, too. Goofy as it is, there is also some kind of pride that comes from getting into those rock-hard shells. I pity the person that thinks they are going to crack a black walnut in a conventional nut cracker. It’s gonna take either a hammer or a vice-type cracker to get to the goodies packed in the maze of crevices within that shell. Even then, it takes patience to pick out all the nut pieces. It is truly a labor of love. But those of you who love the flavor of black walnut know that just a few bits in some cookies or cake make the effort worth while.

I guess black walnuts are a fall tradition to some of us. If you enjoy them as much as I do, you will appreciate Layne’s article in this issue of Connection. She includes some black walnut facts that I found very interesting.

Whether it’s black walnut season to you, or apple butter season... or pumpkin season, I hope you will enjoy this beautiful October!

Take care now,

Sherry Tucker OCTOBER 2014

This lazy squirrel eating a black walnut was captured in a photo by Alice Leverich in Exeter.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 5

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Harvest

time STORY BY LAYNE SLEETH

F

ALL IS ALWAYS WELCOME, AS WE ARE REAPING THE gratifying harvests of the laborious summer heat. With the onset of the cooler weather, black walnut harvesting time is here. Throughout the year we normally don’t pay much attention to the walnut trees that are scattered all across the area. This time of year, though, they make themselves seen by scattering their fruit all over the ground, with a rainfall of soft thuds and a spattering of yellow-green covering the ground underneath their canopies. If you have experienced autumn in southwest Missouri, it’s likely that, while traipsing through the outdoors, you have stepped on a black walnut, but, hopefully, walked away without injury. Although, maybe that is just the clumsier of us southwest Missourians that accidentally find the hard shells of the native nut hiding amidst fallen leaves. If you spent your childhood here in the Ozarks, there’s also a high probability that you have memories of picking up black walnuts (your motives may have ranged from chucking them at people or objects, to taking them to the huller to sell and earn some pocket cash) and getting those brownish, hard-toremove stains all over your hands and clothes.

OCTOBER 2014

It’s no secret then, that the Eastern Black Walnut is one of the most abundant and sought after of regional hardwoods in the Ozarks. This tree, also known as American Walnut, has a wide array of uses, but is most well-known for its beautiful straightgrained wood and, of course, producing black walnuts. Although the natural range of the tree stretches across most of the eastern United States, Missouri is the leading producer of black walnuts in the world. Thus, southwest Missouri has a rich and unique history surrounding black walnuts and their harvest.

Hammons Products Company located in Stockton, Missouri, is actually the largest and one of the only commercial producers of black walnuts. At the plant, the walnuts are cleaned and cracked between big steel wheels, ran through a nut meat separator, processed, inspected, and then packaged and distributed to bakeries, grocery stores, and other specialty food stores across the U.S. According to Tom Rutledge of Hammons Products Company, Hammons buys 60-70 percent of their black walnuts from Missouri. “A big percentage of that comes from southwest Missouri. Cassville is one of our larger buyers and

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 7

is sometimes in our top ten locations.” Rutledge estimates that the average harvest out of the Cassville hulling station is around 250,000 to 300,000 pounds. That’s a good chunk of the total 25 million pounds yearly average that is harvested by Hammons across a 16-state area.

From late September to early October black walnuts Black walnut trees have fallen and are ready for harvesting, indicated by are unique in their still green, yet slightly that they put off softened outer husks, or hulls.

Resident squirrels are also of a chemical called the opinion that black walnuts juglone that stunts are a delicacy, so if you want to the growth of other get your fair share of the goods, it’s best to get out early in the plants around it. season.

This natural The Eastern Black Walnut has plenty of versatile uses. The chemical warfare shells are beneficial products, makes the black because they are so hard. walnut quite hardy. They’re used in paints, metal polishing, and even oil well drilling. The tree is thought to have anti-microbial properties, and Native Americans chewed the bark for toothaches and made inner bark tea for a laxative and emetic. There are other various medicinal uses of walnuts,

H

arvesting your own walnuts is an extremely intensive process, but the results are rewarding! There are several methods for hulling and preparing black walnuts, so do whatever works best personally. Some would argue that a drill will work best to take a hard hull off, but often a softer hull is somewhat easily peeled off. Here are a few special equipment items that will aid you in the harvest:

Heavy duty rubber gloves to avoid staining hands A container of water for soaking and agitating the leftover pieces of hulls off of the freshly hulled walnuts A mesh bag to store the walnuts and let cure for a few weeks A vice or a hammer and concrete for cracking open the shell Wire clippers for clipping away the shell from the nut meats After harvesting, be sure to store the nuts in a dry, cool place. If black walnuts aren’t stored properly, the oil in them will turn rancid. If you want them to keep fresh for longer, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator and they will stay fresh for up to a year or up to two years in the freezer. Use and enjoy!

8 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2014

but obviously Missourians prize them for their culinary zip. The distinctive, smokey, and bold flavor of black walnuts definitely enhances whatever dish it is added to. It is much different than its milder tasting walnut cousins. Black walnuts are a good and crunchy addition to salads, candies, fudges, coffee cake, cookies, as well as chicken, fish, pork, wild rice, and vegetable dishes.

Nutritionally, black walnuts are a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids and are known to lower cholesterol. They are also high in fiber, iron, and protein, and contain alpha-linolenic acid, which is known to prevent blood clots, help in regulation of heartbeat and reduce inflammation. We are lucky to be in ample supply of this invaluable tree here in the Ozarks.

Hulling stations are situated all across the state and start buying walnuts on October 1. The hulling station located in Cassville is at 84 S. Main St., next to the Yarnall storages, and will start buying walnuts on October 1 and will buy until early to mid-November. Lonnie Yarnall has been running the huller at Cassville for probably about 40 years, by his estimation.

Yarnall speculates that this year looks like it’s going to be good and maybe above average for our area. “One year a tree will produce good, and the next year it won’t produce anything, or very little” says Yarnall. Oftentimes, a wet summer season will culminate in a good walnut harvest. This year the Cassville hulling location is buying them for the same price as last year: $12.50 per 100 pounds after hulled. There are many other hulling locations across the area, including one at Farm Pro in Monett and one at Seligman Auto Parts in Seligman. n

Mixed Field Greens with Toasted Walnuts and a Honey Apple Vinaigrette ( from the Hammons website- www.black-walnuts.com) Salad: Mixed salad greens 1/4 cup black walnuts Coarse Salt Pepper Apple slices Dressing: 1/4 cup red wine vinegar 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup applesauce Honey Salt and pepper to taste Toast the black walnuts in a nonstick skillet over a low flame sprinkled with salt and pepper. Serve warm over a mixed green salad. For the dressing: Mix all dressing ingredients and add only enough honey to bind. Assemble salad and garnish with fresh apple slices.

OCTOBER 2014

CONNECTION CONNECTION MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || 99

Largest selection of Jewelry in the Area!

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10 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2014

connection’s cutest pet

CONNECTION LIVING l

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

CUT S ’ R E E

PET ST

OCTOB

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

Meet Oliver, he is October’s cutest pet. He lives with Mike and Vonda Kissinger, of Verona.

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.

OCTOBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 11

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12 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2014

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 13

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CONNECTION LIVING l

Costumes on a Dime R LE SS

BY MEAGAN RUFFING

11 W AY S TO GE T YO UR KI D’ S CO ST UM E FO

T

here is always this sense of excitement in the air when October rolls around. Costumes are proudly displayed in stores, candy adorns the grocery aisles and kids seem to talk endlessly about what they are going to be. But in a mother’s mind, thoughts of too much candy and expensive costumes are on her mind. This year, why not take the thrill

1

If costumes are too expensive for you this year, check out the regular toy aisles for every day dress-up outfits. Halloween costumes can be marked up because of being seasonal, so go for one of your kiddo’s favorite heroines and reuse it at your next dress up party.

2

Garage sales are one of the best places to find costumes. Especially newborn to 12-months, where they cannot really be worn again as dress up outfits. At that age, they are only worn once, and that is it. Take advantage of one mom’s love for buying expensive tutus, and turn it into one of your best saving money moments.

3 4 5

Consignment stores are a great place to find gently used costumes.

Call a friend and swap your child’s Hulk outfit for their Ironman one.

Shop online. Amazon and eBay are both great websites to use when you are looking for more affordable options.

6

Make your own. Take ideas from Pinterest and find items you have laying around the house.

Make a list of the items you do not have and grab them the next time you are out so that you are not worrying about it.

Meagan Ruffing is a freelance parenting writer and stay-at-home mom to Dylan, Hannah and Ellie Rose. She plans on getting her kids the costumes they want this year without breaking the bank.

OCTOBER OCTOBER 2014 2014

of Halloween into your own hands? Find a cheaper costumer (or gasp, make it!), sort through your child’s candy bag (or eat it!) and embrace those little voices that beg to share their latest fad with you. Here are 11 ways to find a cheaper costume for this year’s Halloween:

7

10

8

11

Post a message on Facebook and let friends and family know that you are looking for costumes.

Borrow one or “rent” one for a few dollars and save yourself a trip to the store.

Salvation Army, children’s secondhand stores and consignment events in your area will all be carrying costumes at a discounted price.

9

Price match. This is a big one. Some stores like Toys R Us and Walmart will actually match any competitor’s lower price. Most stores will adjust the price of an item if it has gone on sale within 14 days of when it was purchased. It never hurts to ask.

Lay-a-way. If your child absolutely has to have the most expensive or one-of-a-kind costume that cannot be found anywhere, ask the store if laya-way is an option.

The number one tip for getting the most ridiculously priced costumes? Snag ‘em up right after Halloween for the following year. Most costumes are marked down by 70-90 percent off their original prices.

Enjoy the fruits of your labor this year as your kids walk out the door in their new-to-them, cheapto-you costumes. Less time worrying about money means more time diving into the candy. n CONNECTION CONNECTION MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || 15 15

MARCH TO THE BEAT OF ANY DRUM STORY AND PHOTOS BY JON THOMAS

SAGE AHAVE IS A DRUM MAKER FOR NEW WORLD DRUMS NEAR EUREKA SPRINGS, ARKANSAS. HE HAS MADE DRUMS IN THE PAST AND THE OPPORTUNITY APPEARED TO HIM AGAIN, EARLY THIS FALL, WITH LOCAL DRUM MAKER DOUG POWELL.

16 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Sage is from Colorado and attended northern Colorado’s music department.

He plays most percussion instruments, bass, guitar, banjo, vocals, mandolin, harp, triangle (which is more difficult than some think). His love of music led him to Texas to perform in many bands over four years.

He has made money, “jamming clubs” for paychecks, but seeks a more free musical experience. “Everything is frequency, understanding this made me realize how powerful music can be. Everything a musician does morphs the world around

them. You are literally sending these waves of frequency all around you. That’s what’s so powerful,” he said. He has mostly acted as drummer, but is currently working on local projects playing several different instruments. His drum-making skills speak for themselves, but he considers himself, “first and foremost a musician.”

Willow is originally from Bella Vista and was adopted. Questions of her real mother’s identity had always been clouded.

A series of unfortunate, but seemingly

OCTOBER 2014

MEMOIRS OF A ROADTRIP THIS SUMMER SAGE AND HIS WIFE, WILLOW AHAVE, TRAVELED TO THE “Taste of Omaha Festival,” in Nebraska, to sell drums and hopefully pay some bills for their efforts.

The Ahaves get a loaned truck, and another passenger comes along to help with handling the cargo. Halfway there, a belt snaps. A few hours later, thanks to much kindness from strangers, the belt is back on. Arriving in Omaha, five hours behind schedule, the show went great until a few moments before the end. A massive storm, accompanied with major winds, flattens the activities. Drums that were left over are barely spared major damage from collapsing tents and tables. Hastily escaping the festival, the Ahaves make their way back toward home. They reach St. Joseph, Missouri, where the cargo truck ceases operating for good. At 3 a.m. another nice motorist helps push the broken truck to the next exit.

After a quick nap in the defunct truck, the two take a morning stroll to a Google reported U-Haul rental, five miles away – which was not there. To Sage, this seems like an opportunity to take a cheap taxi ride to potential drum customers at some local music shops. At the same time they got a craigslist lead on a used truck, which ended up using a significant part of their drum profits, but was affordable. They finally got home after spending three days in northwest Missouri making new friends and creating new business. Not long after he recovered the broken truck, his newest old truck broke down. Regardless of the mishaps, according to Sage, his trip was a “smashing success.” necessary incidents, left her homeless and led her to seek aid from a mother-type figure from her old apartment complex. She did get the help she sought, and got back on her feet. Over their time together, it was revealed that her helpful friend may well be her biological mother! Waiting for DNA results hasn’t kept their mother/daughter relationship from naturally occurring. A great bond has forged between the two.

Willow moved to the area in 2012 from Fayetteville and is currently a Ghost Tour Guide at the Crescent Hotel in Eureka

OCTOBER 2014

Springs. She has a son, Cade, from a previous relationship, who’s five years old. She has been actively practicing her seamstress skills and hopes to someday have a place to create her own designs.

Willow feels most at ease when taking care of her home, “it’s my first home and it gives immense gratitude and peace. I was homeless, so I love having this place.”

Their paths crossed at a drum circle in Eureka Springs, and they both instantly knew it was going to be a serious relationship. So much so, they both claim

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 17

to have had dreams of marriage within days of first meeting. Sage says, “When you find the one … you know, you know they’re the one – the one you’ll be with forever. I knew that with her. I used to not believe in that kind of thing. We balance and even each other out to maintain functionality but, like life should be, we make it day to day.” Sage insists Willow, “provides him reason to exist and live with purpose.” Willows says Sage is, “the most positive person I’ve ever met. Even if I’m not in the mood for it.” He ensures she provides a loving intent and, “keeps her in check.”

“

EVERYTHING A MUSICIAN DOES MORPHS THE WORLD AROUND THEM. YOU ARE LITERALLY SENDING THESE WAVES OF FREQUENCY ALL AROUND YOU. THAT’S WHAT’S SO POWERFUL.

They both love Eureka Springs, Sage says there is, “something that makes Eureka special, people help each other and actually care. It’s a different world here.” As far as the future is concerned Sage says, “I would love to see a religion-free neutral zone, where people from all walks of life can come and feel at ease in a sanctuary-type setting. If even a few people get the idea that only love and lovingintent living were people’s focus and priority

18 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

”

– we could solve many of the world’s problems.”

Willow agrees that a property and a community leading by example would, “utilize each other’s strengths and weakness, and knowledge passed along to show the world how to live.

We are what we create and manifest, and we must realize this to grow as a people.

Living this way would be our life insurance.

Abundance would occur by understanding.”

Both Sage and Willow hope that their experience together can be an example to others that there is hope. They wish for people to look within themselves and overcome their fears and break down the barriers that keep us from achieving the most in life.

Sage creates a wide variety of highquality handmade drums that are highlighted at NewWorldDrums.com. These beautiful pieces can be made to your preference and if you’re around Eureka Springs long enough, you’ll hear one of them. n

OCTOBER 2014

EVERYTHING DESERVES A SECOND CHANCE!

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ENJOY THE FREEDOM

We now have vaccinations available!

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 19

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OCTOBER 2014

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OCTOBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 21

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OCTOBER 2014

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Mary Earl:

SURVIV R STORY AND PHOTOS

BY SHEILA HARRIS

A

fter her mastectomy in 2005, Pierce City resident Mary Earl said, among other things, humor has been her salvation.

“I was just as concerned for my daughters as for myself,” Mary related.

“Although I also have two sons, my daughters, who were about 21 and 16 at the time, were able to identify with my diagnosis on a personal level, and they were devastated. I didn’t know how to comfort them. I had learned at a young age that life is full of hard knocks and you just learn to deal with them as they come along, but my girls didn’t understand that yet. It was difficult for them to be on the sidelines watching me recover from a mastectomy, then lose my hair as I went through chemotherapy.”

“I knew they were past the worst of it, though,” Mary continued, “when I ordered a half-rack of ribs at a restaurant in Joplin and my youngest daughter quipped, ‘Mom, you already have a half-rack.’ We all laughed together, especially me, because her lighthearted joke told me that she was finally accepting my situation as it was. She was being healed.”

Humor, though, has not always been easy to come by in Mary’s life. She lost her own mother to breast cancer when she was 10 years old, an event which not only left her with a gaping wound of sorrow, but also bequeathed her with the looming

OCTOBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 23

specter of her own possible diagnosis of breast cancer.

Mary first felt the lump in her right breast while doing a self-exam Memorial Day of 2005, and suspected that cancer was finally revealing its ugly presence. The next day she made an appointment with her family doctor in Monett, who referred her to Dr. Dandridge at Mercy Hospital in Joplin. A mammogram and needle biopsy were immediately performed.

“I had to wait five days for the results of that biopsy,” Mary exclaimed. “They were the longest five days of my life.”

When lab results confirmed her suspicion of a malignancy, a team of doctors was promptly assembled, including a surgeon, oncologist and radiologist. Mary was then educated about the Stage 3, HER2-positive breast cancer she would be battling, as well as options for treatment.

“I was sort of in shock,” stated Mary. “It was devastating enough to receive a diagnosis of cancer, but to also be faced with multiple decisions, which all needed to be made immediately, was nearly overwhelming.”

The next few weeks were a whirlwind.

A surgery date of July 1 was selected, prior to which Mary had to choose whether to have both breasts removed, or just the affected one.

“I’m not sure what I was thinking at the time,” Mary revealed, “but I opted to have only my right breast removed. Since then, I’ve often wished I would have had a double mastectomy. Now, I still have to go for regular mammograms and live with the same underlying fear that my left breast might some day develop a tumor, too.”

Prior to her mastectomy, an appointment with a plastic surgeon was also scheduled, where Mary was informed of her options for reconstructive surgery, none of which appealed to her.

“I remember seeing my mom’s surgery scar beneath the area where her breast had been removed when I was a little girl,” stated Mary, “and I think that memory played a part in my decision not to have any type of breast reconstruction. I felt like if my mom could live without a breast, then I could, too.”

DURING HER BATTLE WITH breast cancer, Mary had to learn to let others help her, a situation she found humbling.

“I am so thankful, though” she stated, “for the support I received from my friends and the community.

My boss at Meeks Building Center in Monett, where I’ve been the bookkeeper for 17 years, was very understanding. He told me just to come to work when I felt up to it.”

ROB MCKENZIE, A CUSTOMER OF MEEKS LUMBER IN MONETT WHERE MARY WORKS, SHAVED HIS HEAD TOO, WHEN MARY WAS GOING THROUGH CHEMO.

“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Don and I had already been through a lot together. We got married when we were 18 and 19 and had four wonderful children. During the following years, I developed an ovarian cyst, then later had to have a hysterectomy.

Medically speaking, I have been a mess, but Don has supported me through it all.”

24 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

“Lori Jasumback drove me to Joplin for my chemo treatment every two weeks for four months. Rebecca Thomas, of Monett, drove me back to Joplin each day after chemo for my injection of Neulasta, which was required to keep my blood count up. And, a community fundraiser was held for our family at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pierce City, even though we’re not Catholics.

I was truly overwhelmed by people’s generosity.

I couldn’t have made it without them.”

OCTOBER 2014

Facts about Breast Cancer in the United States • One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime.

• Breast cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in women.

• Breast cancer is the second leading cause of death among women.

• Each year it is estimated that over 220,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with breast cancer and more than 40,000 will die.

• Although breast cancer in men is rare, an estimated 2,150 men will be diagnosed with breast cancer and approximately 410 will die each year.

Good News About Breast Cancer Trends In recent years, perhaps coinciding with the decline in prescriptive hormone replacement therapy after menopause, we have seen a gradual reduction in female breast cancer incidence rates among women aged 50 and older. Death rates from breast cancer have been declining since about 1990, in part to better due to screening and early detection, increased awareness, and continually improving treatment options.

Mary’s husband Don supported her in her decision not to have reconstructive surgery, for which he earned kudos from her surgeon. Dr. Dandridge informed her that many times women opt for reconstructive surgery solely because they are inhibited by their husbands’ possibly negative reactions to their bodies after a mastectomy. When a woman is fighting for her life, concern for her husband’s sensitivities can certainly add angst to the equation, so Mary was thankful for her husband’s support.

“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, Don and I had already been through a lot together,” Mary related. “We got married when we were 18 and 19 and had four wonderful children. During the following years, I developed an ovarian cyst, then later had to have a hysterectomy.

Medically speaking, I have been a mess, but Don has supported me through it all.”

By the time Mary had her mastectomy, the rapidly-growing tumor in her breast had already reached the size of a lime, with many of the surrounding lymph nodes also affected. Due to the aggressive nature of the cancer, both chemotherapy and radiation were recommended after the surgery to prevent the growth of any cells which may have been missed.

“My hair started falling out after my first round of chemotherapy,” Mary continued. “I immediately called my friend OCTOBER 2014

Lori Jasumback, a hairdresser in Pierce City, who had already volunteered to shave my head when I needed her to. I found out that having no hair is a very humbling experience and I learned to make do with a ball cap or a dew-rag. Everything life throws at you, it seems, requires adjustment.”

Adjustment was required, too, to adapt to wearing a prosthetic breast in the right side of her bra.

“Although I opted not to have breast reconstruction, I found out right away that I needed a weighted prosthesis,” Mary revealed. “With a missing breast, your body is thrown off-balance by the weight difference on each side, and it can cause neck and shoulder pain, especially if your remaining breast is large.”

The breast prosthesis, too, has become a source of humor in Mary’s life.

“I’m at an age now,” laughed Mary, “when my fake breast looks better than my real one. At least it’s staying up, while the real one is sliding down.”

For her children’s sake, Mary was relieved to discover that her cancer was not the result of a mutation in the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes, an anomaly which can be genetically passed to future generations. The BRCA1 and BRCA2 genes within our bodies are responsible for repairing damaged DNA, and also function as tumor-suppressors. When they occasionally mutate, they are no

longer capable of producing their tumorsuppressing proteins. These mutations account for about 10 percent of all breast cancers.

Mary’s 10-year-survivor milestone will be reached in 2015, bringing with it a little peace. Although her doctors believed they had eradicated all of the cancer, she was told that because of its aggressive nature, chances for its return were high. Ten years of survival, she was told, would be a good indication she was in the clear.

When asked what advice she might offer to others who are facing a breast cancer diagnosis, Mary said she believes an upbeat attitude is everything, and a sense of humor certainly helps.

“It’s difficult to battle breast cancer,” she stated, “and very easy to get depressed.

But, look around you! I’ve discovered that there is always someone in worse shape than I am, even when I’ve felt my worst.

I’ve even felt guilty at times because I seemed to have it better than others. I’m not recommending that anyone carry around a guilt complex, but when we can learn to be thankful for even small things, it makes life a whole lot easier. Take my regular mammograms, for example. After my surgery, I tried to get the mammograms for half-price, which only seems reasonable.

They wouldn’t hear to half-price, but they do give me a discount now. For that, I am thankful! n CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 25

l CONNECTION LIVING

Kansas or bust?

GREEN ACRES GAL

IF YOU ARE A CITY GIRL AND YOUR husband informs you that he just bought a pot trailer, your first thoughts are not about hauling cattle. They are about the police hauling you to jail for something illegal. I eventually came around to the understanding that it had nothing to do with my first impressions. However, let me tell you about my other impressions of this cattle ‘pot’ trailer.

A little history first, the Economan (my hubby) likes to make things himself in an effort to save money. Not taking into account the time, muscle aches, stress, problems or any other unprofitable things.

He was already in a tizzy about getting the soon-to-be calving heifers home, and he knew of a trailer for sale around Baxter Springs, Kansas. He thought he could be resourceful and make a livestock hauler using an old Brigadier truck he already owned. I just couldn’t see how he would come out ahead. I encouraged him to consider the trailer for sale. His conservative mind and tired body continued to work on the truck until he finally gave in and made a phone call, and we made a journey to somewhere in Kansas.

The trip was multipurpose of course.

We were going to dinner in Joplin and surely this place wasn’t far, so we’d just swing by and check it out. We drove and drove and drove until we saw a ‘local’ and asked about a pot trailer for sale. We told him the address and he pointed us down the road, not the yellow brick road, but rather a dirt road. As we continued to drive, I informed my innocent farmer of a husband that not everybody knows what a pot trailer is and I wouldn’t be surprised if that direction-giving man just led us on a wild goose chase while calling the authorities to inform them that we were looking for marijuana and driving a silver 26 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

BY PAM WORMINGTON

Nissan with license plates FRM WIF. To prove my point, I called my mother who lives in Maryland and asked her what she would do should some stranger pull up in her driveway and ask for directions to a pot trailer for sale. It was the same scenario, get rid of them and run to the house, call the police and lock the door.

Momma knows best! We never did find the trailer for sale. We had crossed two state lines, and I was beginning to think my birthday dinner was going to be at a diner in the middle of nowhere with Dorothy and Toto. I was anything but excited. By the way, “pot” is short for potbelly as in potbelly stove. The front of the trailer is the fifth wheel, and then it dips down so that the remainder allows for livestock to be hauled on two levels.

Several days passed, several hours working on the truck and another phone call to the “pot” owners. Finally better directions, so Economan makes another road trip. That evening, I was informed that WE are going to be the ‘proud’ owners of a big red cattle pot trailer. Did I mention big?

Knowing aesthetics are important to me, he informed me several times throughout the evening and next day that the trailer was big and red and not very pretty and it was MY idea to buy it. Well, yes, it was and I calmly agreed and suggested we park this purchase on the other side of the barn along with all the other things that are not aesthetically pleasing to the eye. He apparently didn’t think I understood, or heard him and reminded me once more that it was BIG and ugly.

The day comes when I get the proverbial, “can you help me?” question. If you are a farmer’s wife, you know that any job worth asking for help is not simple or quick. Don’t think you are going to run out while cooking supper and help pull a calf or in a couple of minutes unload some hay, and don’t think that going to pick up a big red pot trailer is going to take just a couple of hours. It is 14 degrees the morning we leave Monett in the blue Moo Juice Express milk truck, minus the milk trailer and head to Kansas, via Oklahoma. Did I mention, Economan hauls milk for a living?

We pulled onto the bumpiest of roads in the middle of Nowhere, Kansas, and down a lane to what seemed would be where we would find the Wizard…but instead the big, red, cattle pot trailer. It was definitely BIG, so big we could haul the circus. I remained in the truck as a proper wife should do who has comments that should be held under her breath and a story to write. Economan jumps out and gives IT the once over with a good tire kicking before the check writing, title exchanging deal. The owner pulls up in his Dodge Ram 2500 flatbed pickup and crawls out. It was

OCTOBER 2014

then I thought I heard the wild-west music playing in my ears as I notice Cowboy Garry wearing Wrangler jeans, boots, black cowboy hat, big mustache, Carhartt coat – he had it all but the pony. This looked like a photo opportunity to me but I’ve learned that farmers/cowboys are biased about their equipment and don’t always see things the same way as city girls see them. You know the saying, “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.” So, I stayed, where I belonged. Wondering why I ‘belonged’ on this trip anyway.

The transaction was made and the transport was about to begin. The red and blue umbilical cords were connected from the milk truck to the pot trailer, a few adjustments and we were NOT on our way.

By the way those umbilical cords are brake lines, we certainly wouldn’t want to lose this baby on the interstate. The tires were slipping on the ice and Cowboy Garry grabs a big chain from his pickup and proceeds to back up to the milk truck and trailer. I’m thinking this is the makings for a Dodge Ram commercial. Surely, he is not going to try to pull this big truck and trailer. Of course not, he is going to push it! Yep, that is what he did and it worked! We were finally on our way.

Back at the ranch, we looked for a place to park this Big, Red Cattle Pot Trailer before weaning it from the milk truck. The deciding factor was which side of the barn sees the least traffic.

I’m not really sure what the moral of this story is or what the title of the Dodge Ram commercial would say. I imagine it would be ‘Got milk?’ or ‘Got pot?’. Maybe I should ask the Wizard next time in Kansas.

The pot trailer proved beneficial for us for several years, but now it is time to find another home where it can serve its purpose all over again. n 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.”

OCTOBER 2014

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OCTOBER 2014

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N JULY 28, AT ABOUT 10 OR 11 a.m., there was one vehicle in particular that stood out in Cassville — the big rig promoting Country Music Star Easton Corbin.

Corbin was a newcomer to Cassville, invited to perform a special concert for “The Next Crop Project,” which aimed to raise money for Future Farmers of America clubs.

Corbin said since his tour schedule had kept him busy over the few days before the show, and he took some time in Cassville to get some grub and to just relax.

“We’ve been on a long run, so we just went to BBQ Station and I came back and crashed,” Corbin said. “I worked out on the track a little bit to get going.”

Corbin, a 32-year-old Nashville resident, is a native of Trenton, Fla., a town of less than 2,000 in 2012, according to the United States Census Bureau.

“It’s great to come to a small town like Cassville because I don’t think anyone ever came to our town,” he said. “We don’t even have a Walmart and we just got a McDonald’s. “It’s a great opportunity to come to a town like this because this is just like how I grew up, and I want to be able to make a difference in kids’ lives.”

OCTOBER 2014

A country music star in Cassville STORY BY KYLE TROUTMAN | PHOTOS BY ROB LOTUFO

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 29

THE LOCAL 221 BAND, FEATURING JASON BLANKENSHIP AND RYAN PREDDY, KEPT THE CROWD ENTERTAINED PRE-CONCERT.

Corbin was a member of the FFA when he was in high school, and said the program still plays a big role in who he is. “FFA is a great organization,” he said. “I got involved in it when I was in the sixth grade, and it institutes a lot of hard work and great values.

has played, the size of the city does not correlate with the size of the show.

“Besides the sizes of the venues, I don’t do anything different here as a part of the show,” he said. “I go up there and put on a show like it is for 1 million people.”

Corbin said he started playing guitar in his early teens, and said for any area youth working toward a career in music, practice makes perfect. “I played as much as I can

and practiced as much as I could and just got to keep playing and to go on to bigger things,” he said.

The concert put on by Corbin was free and for members of the Cassville, Southwest and Purdy FFA groups, and Country Dodge Chrysler Jeep Ram in Cassville. Only 1,000 tickets were available, and they were split 50/50 between the FFA clubs and the dealership.

O

JOURNALIST, KYLE TROUTMAN, INTERVIEWED EASTON CORBIN DURING A PRIVATE MEDIA OPPORTUNITY BEFORE THE CONCERT.

“It shows the importance of teamwork, being able to work with others and a lot of other life skills that help all of us become better human beings.”

Corbin also said his small-town background continues to affect how he performs today. “It’s where you grew up that influences who you are, and that flavor adds in to what I do as an artist,” he said.

Corbin said although Cassville may be smaller than some other venues he

30 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

n April 26 of this year, the Ram Truck brand partnered with individual dealers, such as Country Dodge, and FFA chapters across the country to sponsor “The Next Crop Project” national day of test drives, where Ram donated $20 to the FFA for each test drive.

To be eligible for the Easton Corbin concert contest, dealers and their participating chapters had to complete 100 drives or more during their event.

The four winners were then selected from this pool of events.

Nearly 100 dealers across the country participated in the national day of test drives, and approximately 6,400 test drives were taken, raising over $125,000 for FFA leadership programs nationwide.

Country Dodge manager, Kurt Berndt, was thrilled to organize the event, “it was absolutely an amazing thing for a small town and a small dealership,” Country Dodge also hosted the FFA Feed, pre-concert entertainment and Ram Fun Fair prior to the concert, raising donations, through meal and T-shirt sales, that benefited the FFA and local sports teams. “Jerseys, Fastrip and Freedom Bank helped out, it took a lot of really great people to pull off LOCAL CHRYSLER DEALER, KURT BERNDT, ALONG a really great event,” shared WITH HIS WIFE, LACY, ENJOYED VISITING WITH THE Kurt.

DOWN-TO-EARTH EASTON.

OCTOBER 2014

PHOTO BY CANDI DUNIVANT KURT BERNDT, GENERAL MANAGER AND PARTNER AT COUNTRY DODGE IN CASSVILLE.

Brand pride starts young

Kurt, co-owner and manager of Country Dodge in Cassville, is originally from Kearney, Missouri, and started working in Chrysler/Dodge dealerships at a young age, “I’ve done nothing but sell Chrysler since I was 19,” said Kurt. “My career has evolved since then, just as Chrysler has changed and evolved – even through the years of the good, the bad and the ugly.” Kurt has been loyal to his brand, just as a ball fan is loyal to his team.

However, times are changing and Kurt is proud of the decisions Chrysler has made, and sees good things for the future of his dealership and brand, “It’s good to be a Chrysler dealer, and there were times when it wasn’t.” Currently, Chrysler has sustained 53 consecutive months of year over year gains, and has been awarded Motor Trend’s Truck of the Year in back to back years.

OCTOBER 2014

Keeping it Country STORY BY SHERRY TUCKER

Through his years of working within Chrysler dealerships, Kurt has gained experience in every department, working in sales, finance, service, and parts. “Many people in my position have only been in sales or service and it prevents them from understanding how all the departments should work together to maximize dealership performance and retain customers. While the sales department may sell the customer the first car, it’s service that sells them the second and third vehicle and so on. Fortunately, I had a lot of good teachers along the way and I was given the opportunity to learn every

department in a dealership. A franchised auto dealership is like operating four separate businesses within one building.

Some of my teachers taught me what to do, while others taught me what not to do. Today I’m grateful for both lessons.”

In 1996, he found his way to southwest Missouri, taking a position at Aurora Chrysler. While living and working in Aurora, Kurt found and married Lacy, with whom he has three children: Andrew, Dylan and Emma.

Kurt and his family eventually moved to Cassville so he could take the job as General Manager at Country Dodge under CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 31

the previous owners. He worked there until the economy and Chrysler took a hit, “Shortly after the collapse of the economy I had to leave for another opportunity and we had to move.” Even though he left Cassville, he and his family loved the Cassville area and hoped they would someday return. “Leaving Cassville was one of the hardest things I’ve had to do in life. It had become home for me and my family.”

Shortly after leaving Cassville and beginning a new opportunity Kurt began a friendship and working relationship with Matt Williams and Randy Bland. The trio

Kurt also appreciates his staff’s attitude and willingness to do whatever it takes to help others, “We all pitch in and get things done and usually we have fun doing it.”

We don’t stand still

Signs of a refreshed economy, and a successful first year triggered the decision to update and renovate ahead of plans, “We had originally planned on making the renovations after 2 to 3 years, but we decided that now was the time to update and modernize the dealership to keep up with our rapid growth, we needed space for additional employees

PHOTO BY CANDI DUNIVANT

JUSTIN PRATER, KEITH PARKER, KURT BERNDT, MIKE PETERSON, JIM DUNIVANT

quickly realized they each had aspirations of finding a dealership to purchase and for Kurt to manage. “It was amazing how we came to know each other and how similar our philosophies and goals were, and everything just fell into place.” After an extensive search of available dealerships, and considering the recent growth in the Barry County region, the partners decided the time was right to go with Cassville. “I was glad to come back to the dealership and community I know and love. The day I told the kids we were going back home to Cassville was a day I’ll never forget!”

Kurt and his partners feel they have been blessed with this opportunity, “We use a common sense approach to the way we do business. A belief in God and a lot of faith are the driving force our shared philosophy. We understand we are in the people business from our employees to our customers. If we all focus on doing what’s right and help each other get what we want and need the results will be good for the customer and ultimately the dealership.”

32 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

and customers,” said Kurt.

“We wanted to be creative and have some special things not found in most small town dealerships,” explained Kurt about the renovations. “We now have a kid’s play room, larger restrooms and customer waiting areas, complete with refreshment bar, televisions and customer access to Wi-Fi, a conference and training room, and many unique architectural features that all began with a drawing on a napkin and evolved during the process.”

Kurt made a point of working as much as possible with local contractors and specialty craftsman for everything from drywall to flooring, from lighting to special signage.

“One of the main design intents was to make small spaces open and to make each spot a retail touch point where customers are immersed in the Chrysler brands.” This innovative approach in marketing can be seen in Harley Davidson dealerships, where brand pride is amped up. Kurt hopes to see that kind of brand pride in Chrysler products, whether it’s Chrysler, Dodge, Ram or Jeep. Kurt even

has an artist commissioned to develop superhero characters called “The Dodge Force” for each of the brands to make it fun for kids, young and old.

Kurt says, “We have driven the success of this dealership through our service department. We have the expertise, equipment, and facility to service nearly any make and model vehicle.” Kurt hopes to see the servicing of all vehicles grow at his dealership through skilled technicians, state-of-the-art technology, streamlined processes and competitive pricing.

From the roots up

Kurt enjoys the challenge of managing and working with employees and customers and building creative and innovative strategies. When he was just a boy, he learned a lot about being a creative business-person by watching his mom, “My mother was very enterprising and ran her own business. If I wanted to make some money, she would make me write up a business plan and a competitive analysis before I could buy or sell anything.” Kurt learned at an early age the principles of business, “Living in a craft-town with my mom during the summer when I was 14, I had my first real businesses. I had my own balloon and novelty toy stand, sold wood benches, and mowed lawns. She made me research every last detail before I could even buy balloons to start. And that was before the internet made it simple to shop and compare! Even when I was a little kid, I was always selling something.”

Though his mother inspired him to be creative and an entrepreneur, his father and grandfather were icons of hard work and loyalty to Kurt, “My grandfather, Lyman Berndt, was a hardworking share-cropper with lots of energy and a quiet, ornery humor. I remember his common sense approach above all.” Kurt says, “My dad worked 30 straight years with Hallmark cards, and was big on loyalty, trust and respect.”

Bringing it home

Strong community ties are a way of life for Kurt and his employees. “We are all involved in local activities like sports with our kids, church, school activities, charities, and much more in Cassville and Barry County.”

Having three school-aged children that participate in youth sports and extracurricular activities ensures the Berndt family is involved in something locally, nearly every OCTOBER 2014

day of the week. Kurt says, “The best part of my job and position is we get to be involved in so much. We are blessed with being able to help impact and shape our community by giving of our time and money. I believe to whom much is given, much is expected and it takes a village to raise our children right. It sounds crazy, but we have to give it away to keep it when it comes to money and charitable giving.”

“We have a great community in Cassville, and we take care of our own.

There are numerous businesses and individuals who have given far more than we have and for a much longer period of time. I hope we are blessed enough to continue this local heritage, and we get to carry that torch next, for many years to come. That’s why it’s vital to try and shop locally every chance you get.

Without local business support, there is less money to go back into the community and many things wouldn’t be possible in our hometown and surrounding area.

One major thing that made me want to return to Cassville is a group of strong community leaders and business people here that believe in giving back.” Kurt says the dealership gets solicited to contribute to nearly every local event and youth activity, and help financially with benefit auctions, youth sports, and various other local organizations and events.

In June of 2013, MRK Auto LLC purchased Country Dodge in Cassville, Missouri. With a vision of a dealership with strong community ties and high moral standards. MRK Auto is owned by Matt Williams of Urbana, Missouri, Randy Bland of El Dorado Springs, MO and Kurt Berndt of Cassville, MO. In just over a year, Kurt Berndt, General Manager/Partner, has re-established and grown the Chrysler/ Dodge dealership in Cassville. They have won dealership awards, tripled the previous service volume, set new dealership sales records, completely remodeled the dealership interior, upgraded the technology and service equipment, and has grown faster than expected. The dealership has brought new jobs and money into the local economy.

Kurt and his partners were happy to be able to keep the staff that worked for the previous dealership owners. “There were a number of people already working at the dealership. It was really important to the partners and I to work with everyone OCTOBER 2014

PHOTO BY CANDI DUNIVANT

who was already here,” Kurt said. In order to support its growth, the dealership re-hired previous employees, and added some new faces, to complete the team. By offering training and support to the current staff and new employees, Kurt maintains 15 full-time employees and 6 part-time employees.

In the first year, Country Dodge was awarded Chrysler’s highest sales honor, induction into the Pentastar Club. “The Pentastar club is reserved for the elite dealerships across the nation and we got it

in the first year,” said Kurt. “The dealership has to be in the top 20 of retail sales volume or the top 20 in total market share and be profitable. We were ranked number 2 in total market share.” The dealership has been able to bring in new business from surrounding areas, “We sell a lot of vehicles outside of Barry County.” Being able to sell vehicles beyond the immediate market area of the dealership turns into more sales volume totals for Kurt, as well as more outside dollars brought into the local economy. n

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 33

w

5 WAYS TO CELEBRATE F l CONNECTION LIVING

st

LOCALISTA Layne’s Li

BY LAYNE SLEETH

I

t’s likely you’ll soon be outside enjoying the changing myriad of colors and the crisp air that this time of year offers. Autumn has a cheerful way of making us feel a communal sense of festivity. Though there are plenty of ways to jubilate in the fall season, here are a few ideas to work into the month of October:

1. Go to a pumpkin patch Those beloved orange gourds are a hallmark food and decoration each fall.

Picking out pumpkins at a pumpkin patch is a fun experience that everyone can enjoy, plus it supports local business. It’s a beautiful thing to lovingly handpick your favorite pumpkin and cart it home. Some patches also have corn mazes or petting zoos, which is a definite selling point in my book. Now is the time for pumpkin pies and all of the pumpkin flavored treats! The local farmer’s market would be a nice alternative to scope out some pretty Fall produce, as well.

1

2

2. Host a chili party The best way to gather with friends is over food. One of my favorite things to do is visit with people I love while grazing over a variety of delicious dishes and appetizers. Chili is an extremely fast and simple way to partake of fall food pleasures.

An assortment of toppings such avocado, peppers, onions, and cilantro will cater to most preferences. Who doesn’t love chili?

Layne is a part-time writer and barista and a full time enthusiast of the natural world. She just earned a degree in communication from University of Arkansas. When she isn’t making coffee or snapping pictures, she enjoys a plethora of pastimes, including; archery, reading, camping and gardening, to name a few. Layne grew up among the red cedars and rolling hills of southwest Missouri, and currently dwells in northwest Arkansas with her husband, Brian, Luna the Corgi-Labrador, and two pretentious felines, Meeko and Cora.

34 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

3

4

5 OCTOBER 2014

E Fall 3. Craft something!

Whether it’s carving or painting pumpkins, crafting a fall wreath, or pressing leaves, there’s really no wrong way to celebrate the changing of seasons by way of crafting. This simple Halloween banner can be made in under 30 minutes with paper, an X-acto knife, string, glue, and glitter. Just draw your chosen fall icons, cut them out, hole punch, and string it up!

4. Enjoy Fall camping or have a bonfire What’s better than sitting around a fire on a chilly October evening? Now is the perfect time to fit in some camping, s’mores, and ghost stories before the too-cold winter months set in. Roaring River State Park, south of Cassville, Table Rock Lake, and Beaver Lake all offer some unequaled camping spots with views. If camping isn’t your thing, then don’t let that stop you from enjoying a campfire with friends-- have a bonfire!

5. Make some wassail Wassail combines apple cider with orange juice, lemon juice, and spices like cinnamon and cloves. Although the drink is traditionally more of a Christmastime treat, it seems appropriate for the entirety of the fall and winter seasons.

Originally, was hál, was an English toast to health and the word wassail came to denote the beverage used in toasting.

While the wassail simmers, your home will emanate fall vibes. n

Wassail recipe: 2 quarts apple cider 2 cups orange juice 1/2 cup lemon juice 12 whole cloves 4 cinnamon sticks 1/4 tsp. ground ginger 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg Combine cider and juices in slow cooker and season with spices. Let simmer all day (8 hours). Serve hot.

OCTOBER 2014

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FALL FESTIVAL CASSVILLE

2014 Super Chili and Salsa Cook-Off and Craft Fair Craft booths (open at 8 a.m.)

Chili and salsa tasting Sonic’s Chili Dog Challenge Pet parade Live music Pumpkin carving and painting contest

Saturday, October 25th

Music variety show featuring HomeTown Sound and the Redhots along with other local talent.

Purchase table seating and advanced tickets for the Chamber of Commerce.

Tickets are $6 in advance, $8 at the door, kids 12 and under are free!

The Fall Show is at the FEMA building and event center at the Cassville R-4 elementary campus.

Thursday, October 23 Saturday, October 25 Sunday, October 26

Visit www.cassville.com for a schedule of events or call 417-847-2814 for more information.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 35

Library connections l CONNECTION LIVING

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

LIBRARIES ACROSS THE UNITED STATES, AS WELL AS YOUR LOCAL BRANCH OF THE Barry-Lawrence Regional Library, recently celebrated Banned Books Week. Banned Books Week is an annual event that celebrates the freedom to read. This is a week in which we are reminded of the value of free and open access to information. It is a time to celebrate our freedom to seek and to express ideas, even those some consider unorthodox or unpopular.

This year the focus was on comics and graphic novels. Books are still being banned in the United States and recently comics and graphic novels have been targeted. Comics and graphic novels are a unique and powerful way to encourage literacy. The skills that readers develop from reading comics provide a practical foundation for other kinds of learning. From verbal and visual literacy, to critical thinking and memory, comics and graphic novels are a great way to encourage non-readers to read. Check out your local branch’s collection of this genre, and you will be pleasantly surprised.

Besides graphic novels and comics you can find the following titles on the shelves of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library. Some of these titles are also available as eBooks from Missouri Libraries 2 Go.

Sophie and the Rising Sun

by Augusta Trobaugh adult fiction What a poignant, tender love story. When old maid Sophie meets the gentle, quiet and mysterious Mr. Oto on the eve of WW II, both must decide whether, or even if, they will transcend cultural biases and the bigotry of a small southern town, as well as put aside their own troubled pasts. This was a little gem of a book and I loved the characters as well as the way the author beautifully described the setting and the era. I will look for more by this author. J.S. Wild: From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

by Cheryl Strayed biography Until I read this book I wasn’t aware of the Pacific Crest Trail. I had heard of the Appalachian Trail and know people who have hiked it, but not the trail on the western side of the U.S. The Pacific Crest Trail runs from the border of Mexico to the border of Canada through the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Cheryl Strayed decided to hike part of the trail on an impulse. She had no experience as a long-distance hiker, but planned on hiking from the Mojave Desert to Washington State…alone. This memoir follows Cheryl’s 1100 mile journey through snow, heat, rattlesnakes, lost hiking boots and numerous other adventures and misadventures. At the end of this story you will want to put on your hiking boots and hit the trail. C.W. 36 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2014

The Five Lives of Our Cat Zook

by Joanne Rocklin youth fiction Ten-year-old Oona tells whoppers—of different colors. Her Rainbow Whopper Theory ranges from the blue ones that save her own hide to yellow ones that leave out facts to keep secret for herself. Some are the good kind of stories that entertains her little brother Fred and helps him learn to read.

When their cat Zook has to go to the animal hospital, she tells a few whoppers to bust him out and bring him home. But Fred is worried that Zook will die, like their Dad two years before. Oona assures Fred that the furry feline is only on his fifth life. She concocts wonderful tales of Zook’s other lives, but she can’t hide the astonishing truths about him much longer. This heartwarming read is a Missouri Association of School 2014-2015 Mark Twain award nominee and destined to be a middle school favorite. V.F. After the End

by Amy Plum young adult fiction Juneau has been told her entire life that the world was destroyed during World War III and that she and the others in her small community are the only ones who survived by escaping to the Alaskan Wilderness. When Juneau comes back from a routine hunting trip to find the others missing she sets out on a journey to find them. What she finds instead is that the world was never destroyed. There was never a war, and her whole life has been a lie. What other lies will be uncovered as Juneau searches to find her community and discover the truth? This is another excellent read by Amy Plum that will keep you on the edge of your seat. A.M. Unbroken

by Laura Hillenbrand adult non-fiction Unbroken is the story of one man, Louis Zamperini, and his incredible courage and will to survive through some of the most awful experiences I have ever read about. Louie grew from being a young delinquent, to an Olympic runner, to a bombardier in the U.S. Air Corps. When his plane crashes over the Pacific Ocean, he and two other men are left stranded on a raft for several weeks, enduring not just extreme thirst and starvation, but the relentless sun and circling sharks. After drifting for thousands of miles, he is captured by the Japanese. From here, Hillenbrand gives a very vivid picture of what Zamperini went through as a Japanese POW and it is absolutely horrifying, yet his unbreakable resolve to survive is awe-inspiring. There is no doubt that Mr. Zamperini is the epitome of a true hero. I encourage everyone to pick this book up and read it before seeing the movie in December. A.J. 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.

OCTOBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 37

Pumpkin perfection Those beautiful orange globes have become one of the timeless icons of fall. The rich orange color that radiates from a pumpkin is typically the focus of fall decoration. But, not only are they beautiful to decorate with, the color and motif are eye-catching, and they are great to eat as well. Check out these local retailers pumpkin offerings.

Copper pumpkins and tall candlesticks are brought together for this warm and inviting decorative grouping created at Wickman’s Garden Village on Hwy 60, east of Monett. Beautiful dÊcor choices and fresh flowers will make it easy to get ready for any fall party.

38 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2014

Burrus Jewelers in Mt. Vernon has a shimmering selection of Mexican fire opals. These gems, available in several cuts, can be custom crafted into a pendant, ring or other piece of intriguing jewelry.

Need some fall glamour to spice up your ensemble?

Tomblin’s Jewelry in Cassville has a dazzling selection of pumpkin spice rings. The eye-catching appeal of these rings, including this large smokey quartz, and beautiful citrine and chocolate diamond, will make them become a jewelry box favorite.

Needing a quick “pumpkin” gift or table centerpiece?

Go to Whitley’s pharmacy, in Cassville, where Cindy can help you pick out the perfect decoration. With many pieces, like this pumpkin topiary, that can brighten up any table-top.

For the real deal, head out to Exeter Corn Maze for a huge selection of many pumpkin varieties. Find them on MM Hwy., open Friday thru Sunday afternoons and evenings until November 2.

This stuffed pumpkin decoration can be found at Wickman’s Garden Village on Hwy 60, east of Monett.

OCTOBER 2014

Got an appetite for all things pumpkin and spice and everything nice? Head to Mt. Vernon where Crazy Redhead’s selection of pumpkin treats hit the spot, from muffins to scones, from cheesecake to spiced chai. Try out their pumpkin spice or pumpkin cranberry muffins for starters.

If you want your home to smell like fall, check out Starla K’s selection of Swan Lake Soy Candles. Comforting scents such as, “Allspice Pumpkin Custard,” and “Harvest Pumpkin Ale,” are available, along with many other fall inspired scents.

While you’re at it, check out Starla K’s new location at in Monett, offering more square footage of cute and trendy apparel to suit any taste.

Needing to warm up on a chilly fall day? Take a break at Mocha Jo’s in Monett with a Caramella Pumpkin Latte, or a Pumpkin Brickle Latte, handmade by talented baristas.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 39

Finding a spot in a big community after leaving their home in a small town

Learning to l STORY AND PHOTOS BY

G

etting up in front of thousands of people to ensure the crowd has an interactive and exhilarating experience comes second nature to Co-Captains Jessica Lueckenhoff and Jordan VanLue of Team Louie, the Springfield Cardinals “cheer squad.” These bright women have enjoyed encouraging and keeping the crowd engaged for many years as high school cheerleaders in Barry County, and so it felt natural while enrolled in Missouri State and living in Springfield to try out for the team.

Three seasons later, Jessica and Jordan are now directing the team, keeping the group of 19 young women organized and spirited. These young leaders are not only shaping their own futures but those of the other women who dedicate their

40 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

time at Hammons Field to energizing and entertaining the fans.

Spending a lot of their summer at the ball field and in the community to share the excitement of the team can be exhausting, but these athletic women seem to take it in stride. Between innings they sling T-shirts at a crowd of outstretched arms, dance the Hokey Pokey in the hot sun with the team mascot Louie on top of the dugout and assist with fan games like musical chairs and the tricycle and managers races down on the field. All are part of the many things that the team does to encourage everyone to rise and cheer on the home team. With around 70 home game opportunities to create a fantastic experience for fans of all ages, Team Louie members arrive at the ball

DORI THOMAS

park about two hours before the first pitch to prepare for the days activities and greet fans at the gates.

The job is mostly fun and smiles, but there is a serious side to the leadership and training involved in being a member and captain.

“I’ve learned patience and a lot about myself through this experience,” said Jessica. “It was more challenging than I expected, but I am learning important skills and a little bit more about people.”

These lessons will equip her with important life skills. As a senior on track to graduate in her fourth year, she plans to go on to graduate school and then use a degree in psychology to work as a counselor in elementary education.

OCTOBER 2014

own actions. However, if an issue continues with a specific girl after a group warning, then I approach that girl specifically. I feel like I am a pretty easy going leader, and I trust my girls to do their job. I know my

Captain Jessica uses management skills to lead the squad. One of her approaches is called Theory Y.

What is Theory Y?

o lead When asked about her leadership style, Jessica labels herself at paternalistic.

“I value the input and ideas that the girls have, but at the end of the day, I am the one to make the final decision based upon their input. I also work with a “theory Y” mentality about my girls and assume that they are excited and motivated to give me their best. By saying this, I let the girls be in charge of finding substitutes for themselves when they have to miss a game. I let them do their work without me constantly analyzing them, and when we have issues, I send out warning texts to the entire team first. I like to give girls the chance to recognize that they are the problem based upon a group warning. This allows them the chance to assume responsibility for their OCTOBER 2014

Theory Y suggests that people are motivated for intrinsic reasons as opposed to extrinsic reasons. What this means is that they are working for reasons that go well beyond money and include reasons such as feeling satisfied with themselves, increasing self-esteem, helping others, etc. A manager that takes a Theory Y approach gives workers more freedom so that they can be independent, strive for success, and be more creative. favorite employers have always been the ones who trusted me to do my job and they let me do it without constantly breathing down my neck about things. That is the type of leader I like to be, because these girls are adults and they do a great job.”

“Leadership and quick thinking” are two of the skills Jordan is gleaning from the co-captain position. “You learn to stay on your toes,” she said, noting that people will surprise you, and you need to know how to react. This talent should serve her well. Once she graduates, the junior hopes to use her degree to teach family and consumer science in the secondary education system. She works hard to “lead by example” and offer flexibility. Showing that she knows how to manage her time well is an important lesson to share with other team members. Many work other jobs and when it comes to game time, some are often too tired to attend or give their all. Jordan also works another job and always brings her best.

When asked what brought them to consider auditioning for the team, they both stated different reasons: Jordan said that growing up in a house full of Cardinals fans in Monett, the eldest and only girl, she

cheered along side her parents and three brothers, so it seemed a natural fit when she was looking for part-time work.

Jessica was looking for a flexible part-time job and a way to connect to her new community.

“Moving to Springfield was a big change from life in Cassville.”

She added, “I was looking for a way to feel at home here in the ‘big pond’.”

Community relationships are a big part of the Team Louie mission.

Members participate in events such as the July Bleed Red event that encourages donations to assist the community blood bank.

Through a one-day Little Louie Camp they teach dance and games to young girls, who then perform during a game.

They help the children “Race the Bases” after every Sunday game. “Sometimes we even carry the babies,” Jordan shared, shrugging as if to emphasize how important it is that everyone has a great time.

They stop to pose with fans for a quick picture or group selfie always looking polished and flashing a pretty smile. During the seventh inning stretch, the team leads the crowd in singing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game.” Team members also interact with the kids to ensure a fun and safe time in the park’s Fun Zone. And, with each home run, Team Louie rose to cheer as the batter rounded the bases.

Neither captain is certain what next season will bring, as they transition into living their next chapter, both are willing to keep their options open to participate if life dictates. They both agree the experience of leading and cheering has been positive and productive. The benefits include lasting friendships, learning, and leadership experience like no other. n CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 41

The Brook at B

RETREAT PROVIDES RESPITE FOR THE SHEPHERDS O

STORY BY KATRINA HINE

M

OST KNOW THEY CAN RELY on a minister, pastor or priest for comfort in tough times or encouragement during the trials of life but often there are no alternatives for respite for those called to minister.

A secluded 200-acre retreat in the rolling hills of McDonald County under the shadow of a huge white cross atop a hill was God’s answer to meet that need. The Brook at Bethpage has been serving people in full-time ministry since approximately 2003 when the idea for serving ministers and missionaries led Gaines and Sandy Dittrich to build the retreat.

Years earlier in 1990, a pastor of a small church in Ironton, Mo., was spending time in prayer and felt a clear call from God that his ministry would be to minister to pastors of all denominations…for free. “I knew it had to be God,” Steve Reed, pastor and coowner of The Brook said. “How could you run something like that for free, unless God was in it?”

Steve and Susie Reed, the new owners of The Brook, grew up in what is known as Arcadia Valley, 80 miles south of St. Louis, Mo. The couple, who have four grown children, two girls and two boys, plus six grandchildren, know the rigors of full-time ministry. Ministry life started in 1987, and the couple have pastored from Washington State to the hills of Kentucky, plus places in between.

At one point, Steve was a traveling minister, adding miles and time away from his family.

Once Steve was given the vision of this unique ministry, he never forgot it and waited patiently for God’s timing to open that door to his new calling.

“Later, I was pastoring in Kentucky and a friend told me about the Dittrichs

42 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

and this wonderful place that they owned in Missouri,” Steve said. “We called them in 2005, and they wanted us to join them but our service in Kentucky wasn’t finished yet.”

The Dittrichs hoped to use Steve’s skills as a carpenter to build cottages and work as caretaker over the property. Steve, who also owns Reed’s Remodeling, grew up with a hammer in his hand and built his first home at age 18. “The Dittrich’s are very gracious people and we became fast friends,” Susie said.

However, in 2010, the Dittrichs decided to move on to another ministry and offered the property to Steve and Susie. Steve resigned his position in Kentucky when a stumbling block was cast their way.

Over the course of discussions, another ministry purchased the property, seemingly dashing the dreams of Steve and Susie.

“But God always has a plan,” Steve

said adding. “Several of our friends would tell us that we were supposed to have the ministry. I knew in my heart this is where we were called to be.”

Then last year Dittrich contacted the Reeds to say the other ministry was leaving and were they still interested.

As they say, the rest is history. “When we first came and sat here on the porch, it was pretty overwhelming,” Susie said.

“The Lord said, ‘Do it for free’ and that sounded pretty crazy,” Steve said. He offers one of his favorite D.L. Moody quotes: “Always stick your neck out further than you can hold it up.”

Now the couple have visions of serving even more through their interdenominational ministry retreat and have settled into a peace that tells them this is where they are meant to serve.

Because the salary for most serving in ministry or missions is not very high, many pastors and their families do not take much needed vacations. “Sometimes pastors think that busy-ness is God’s OCTOBER 2014

t Bethpage

DS OF GOD’S FLOCK

work but often it just runs them into the ground,” Steve points out.

“People don’t often consider that pastors need a way to relax and get refreshed,” Steve states, pointing to some shocking statistics for those serving in some form of ministry.

• Pastors have the third highest rate of suicide in all occupations.

• 70 percent do not feel that they have anyone they can personally confide in.

• 82 percent of pastors’ wives wish her husband was not a pastor.

• 75 percent feel inadequately trained for the job.

• 50 percent would leave the ministry if another occupation came up.

• 1700 pastors leave the ministry in the U.S. every month and of those, 60 percent never step back into a church again.

Overall, the ministry is among some of the lowest paying occupations in the nation.

The Brook has Christian roots that date back to the 1850s. As the story goes, a Christian family, who dedicated the land to God, settled it. The reference to its name, The Brook, can be found in 1 Kings 17: 3-6 (NKJV), when Elijah needed God’s special care.

“And it will be that you shall drink from the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to feed you there. So he went and did according to the word of the Lord, for he went and stayed by the Brook Cherith, which flows into the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning, and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook.”

Anyone serving in full-time ministry can come here for peace and solitude, to reconnect with God and his or her family free of charge.

OCTOBER 2014

Susie relates a call they received from a distraught pastor calling about reservations. “The pastor called for prices of our retreat, stating that the cheapest he found for a month stay was $6,000. But when we told him it was free, he just was silent for a bit and then he made a reservation.” Later the couple would get a call from the pastor saying that their ministry of generosity could be considered lifesaving because he had felt so desperately in need of sanctuary.

People serving in all types of fulltime ministry leave behind the noise of the outside world because there are no cellphones, Internet or phones to distract them from the peace they seek. If there is an emergency, each of the four cottages has a walkie-talkie that connects them directly with the Reeds.

Meanwhile, God continues to work miracles for the retreat. A large corporation in Kentucky felt led to pay all the utility bills for one year, while another local ministry provides all the yard maintenance at no charge.

The ministry is supported solely through donations and God’s provision.

When asked who takes care of the rest of the property, Susie and Steve grin at each other, giving a highfive and saying, “Team Reed!” The Reeds’ youngest daughter Abigail, age 19, also helps with cleaning the

cottages and taking reservations.

However, Abby will soon be moving back to Kentucky for a job and plans to get married next June.

Moreover, God is not a God of small adventures; he continues to give dreams for serving even more in ministry. The couple look to the future with plans for a chapel next to the white cross that overlooks the valley and more cottages.

Near the cross is a mailbox, out of place back in the trees. Steve walks over and opens it up to reveal notes left by people, some who have come to stay and others who just see the cross and come to speak to God. With tears pooling in his eyes, Steve tells of one note from a little boy. “The note simply said, “Thank you for letting me come here with my Mom and please pray for my Dad to come back.”

It appears that The Brook provides comfort even when no one else but God is there to hear.

The Brook is located off Highway 76 near the former community of Bethpage, approximately two hours from Tulsa, Okla., one hour from Bentonville, Ark., three hours from Kansas City, Mo., and five hours from St. Louis. For more information on The Brook at Bethpage, you may visit the website: www.brookatbethpage.com or call Steve and Susie at 417-628-3041.

A Pray for Our Nation event is scheduled for October 18 and will be held at the Cross at Bethpage. The Brook at Bethpage ministry retreat will host the event, which will run from 1 to 5 p.m. The afternoon event will begin with worship provided by three local bands, followed by encouraging messages from area pastors and conclude with unified prayer for our nation.

The Cross overlooks the rolling meadow of the unique ministry retreat, which will serve as host for the event. The Brook is located east of Anderson on Highway 76 about 9.5 miles and then north on Mt. Carmel Road one and a half miles. Look for the signs.

Come to pray and seek the Lord on behalf of our great nation. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy God’s great outdoor theatre. For more information, contact Steve Reed at 417-628-3041 and check out The Brook at Bethpage on Facebook. n CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 43

FOOD

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Springfield

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Tavern is Now Open 417-847-0010

• Live bands every Friday night • Saturdays are live bands or Karaoke • Wednesday is ladies night. Karaoke. • See our Rowdy Beaver Cassville website or Facebook for upcoming Friday band list and Ladies night drink specials.

44 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Friday night seafood buffets

107 W. Mt. Vernon Blvd.

Mt. Vernon, MO Lunch and dinner buffets Mon. Mon. -- Sat. Sat. 66 a.m. a.m. -- 99 p.m. p.m.

Sunday Sunday 77 a.m. a.m. -- 33 p.m. p.m.

417-466-4650

Wine and Beer Served

Mon. -- Fri. Fri. 11 11 a.m. a.m. -- 22 p.m. p.m.

Mon. Fri. and and Sat. Sat. 55 p.m. p.m. -- 88 p.m. p.m.

Fri. Saturday 7 a.m.

11 a.m.

Saturday 7 a.m. - 11 a.m.

Sunday Brunch Brunch 99 a.m. a.m. -- 22 p.m. p.m.

Sunday

New 3rd Location!

510 E. Hwy. 32 • Stockton OCTOBER 2014

CONNECTION FOOD l

Trick or treat HEALTHY CONNECTION

BY NANCY RIDGLEY

THE TRICK IS TO ENJOY THE TREAT. Looking for a healthier treat this year?

Healthy options are easier than ever to find at the grocery store to pass along to this year’s Halloween spooks.

Here are some ideas: • Cereal bars made with real fruit • Mini rice cereal treat bars • Sugar-free gum • Mini 100 percent fruit juice boxes • Low-fat Pudding Cups • Individual bags of baked pretzels • Individual bags of animal crackers Nancy Ridgley, RD, LD, CDE, is a registered dietitian and a certified diabetes educator for the CoxHealth Center for Health Improvement. She is also a Mad Dogg certified spinning instructor and holds certifications in adult weight management and childhood and adolescent weight management. The mother of three enjoys spinning, reading, Mizzou football, travel, spending time with her children and grandchildren and having coffee with friends. For more information about wellness and living a healthy lifestyle, check out Cox Monett Hospital’s webpage at www.coxhealth.com.

OCTOBER 2014

Or maybe you prefer to give out toys instead. Kids love candy, but they seem to get more excited over a small toy. These miniature versions are inexpensive and fun!

• Stickers • Small plastic spider rings • Super balls • Glow sticks

• Spinning tops • Temporary tattoos • Whistles • Bubbles

• Noisemakers like kazoos • Halloween themed pencils

If you are having a Halloween party, try these snacks in your home: • Popcorn tossed with cinnamon and sugar • Smoothies made with low-fat vanilla yogurt, canned pumpkin, cinnamon, banana and ice.

• Apple slices with a fruit dip made with yogurt mixed with canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie spice • Warm apple cider with cinnamon sticks

And if you want to toast your own pumpkin seeds, here’s how you do it: Save the seeds when you carve your pumpkin for Halloween. They taste great and one ounce provides 5 grams of protein, 5 grams of fiber and 5 grams of fat (1 saturated, 4 unsaturated).

To toast, rinse seeds to remove pulp and strings. Spread seeds on a medium baking sheet that has been coated with non-stick cooking spray. Sprinkle lightly with salt or seasoned salt. Bake at 325 degrees or until lightly toasted. Stir occasionally during cooking.

By making just a few changes, you can still have fun (without all the calories) and enjoy the many treats the fall season has to offer. n CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 45

CALL TODAY FOR NEW 2014 CATALOG 1-888-845-9582

Making Memories Tours

www.makingmemoriestours.com

AN AFFAIR OF THE HEART

WORLD’S LARGEST FLEA MARKET

Sept 29 – Oct 12, 2014 Oct 16 – Oct 27, 2014 Oct 24 – Oct 26, 2014

Oct 30 – Nov 1, 2014

NEW ENGLAND CAPE COD

WASHINGTON D.C. PHILADELPHIA AND NEW YORK CITY

Check out the website for more details about our trips.

Old Fashioned foods like grandma used to make!

Candy Corn Punch 1 4-serving-size package lemonflavor gelatin 1 cup boiling water 2 cups mango nectar 3 1/2 cups orange carbonated beverage, chilled 1 cup whipping cream 2 tbs. honey candy corn for garnish (optional) In a large bowl, combine gelatin and the boiling water, stirring until gelatin is dissolved. Stir in the mango nectar. Pour mixture into a tall, clear 2-quart pitcher. Cover and chill about 2 hours or until thickened but not set. Gently pour* carbonated beverage over gelatin layer in pitcher. In a large bowl combine whipping cream and honey.

Beat with an electric mixer or large whisk just until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). Spoon or pipe over carbonated beverage layer in pitcher. If desired, add candy corn.

Before serving, stir to mix layers.

Serves 8 (8-oz. servings)

$5.49 Daily Lunch Special!

Call on us for birthdays, weddings or ANY occasion!

Full line of baked goods: Pies • Cakes • Breads • Cookies • Cupcakes • Brownies Chicken • Tenderloin • Hamburgers Full Breakfast menu available! the To ensure that ge stays ra ve carbonated be mixture, tin la on top of the ge n above oo sp hold a wooden d pour an r the gelatin laye rage ve be ed the carbonat e th of ck over the ba n. oo sp wooden

NEW 107 3rd Street, Monett

Tues., Wed. Thurs. 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Fri. 6 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Sat 6 a.m. - 8 p.m. • Sun 6 a.m. - 3 p.m. • Mon. CLOSED

417.635.2050

46 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2014

SINSWEET TREATS CONNECTION FOOD l

Candy Corn Peanut Bars

Crust: 1 boxed yellow cake mix 1/3 cup butter (melted) 1 egg Topping: 3 cups mini marshmallows 1 (10 oz) package of peanut butter chips 2/3 cup light corn syrup 2 tsp. vanilla 1/4 cup butter 2 cups Rice Krispies 2 cups salted, roasted peanuts One bag of candy corn Preheat oven to 350F degrees In a mixing bowl, combine cake mix, 1/3 cup of melted butter and one egg.

Mix well, kneading with clean hands at the end. Carefully press crust into the bottom of a greased 9Ă—13 pan. (I line mine with parchment paper). Bake at 350F degrees for 12-14 minutes.

Carefully pour mini marshmallows over top of hot crust and place in oven for about 5 minutes (until marshmallows puff up). Cool. In a large saucepan, heat peanut butter chips, corn syrup, vanilla and 1/4 cup of butter until all chips are melted and smooth. Add Rice Krispies and peanuts and combine well.

Working quickly, spoon topping over marshmallows and then press candy corn on top. Chill before cutting.

Makes 24 bars OCTOBER 2014

P I R E D BY A F A L L F A

Candy Corn Cereal Snack Mix

VO R I T E

1/2 box Golden Grahams (about 4 cups) 1/2 box Vanilla Chex (about 4-1/2 cups) 2 cups shredded coconut 1/2 cup slivered almonds 1 cup sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1/2 cup butter 1-1/2 cups candy corn Mix cereals, coconut and almonds in a large mixing bowl. In a medium sized saucepan, combine sugar, corn syrup and butter and boil over medium-high heat for 2 minutes. Pour over cereal mixture and mix well. Add candy corns and stir together.

Makes 10 one-cup servings

Candy Corn Jello Cups 1 small box orange flavored gelatin 1 small box lemon flavored gelatin 2 1/2 cups water, divided in half 1 cup milk, divided in half 1 large tub Cool Whip, Extra Creamy 6 - 9 oz clear plastic cups handful of candy corn In a small pot bring half the water to a boil and remove from heat.

Whisk the lemon gelatin powder into the water for 1 minute and set aside to cool for 10 minutes. Whisk half the milk into the pot and pour into the cups in equal portions. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, until the Jello has set. Repeat the same steps with the orange gelatin and refrigerate over night. Top with a big dollop of Cool Whip and garnish with candy corn.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 47

l CONNECTION FOOD

RESTAURANT

REVIEW

Whitley’s OLD FASHIONED

Soda Fountain Felicia Hayworth, along with Brandie Cotton and Lindsey Hall will fill all your fountain and dining needs while visiting Whitley’s Old-fashioned Soda Fountain.

Made in-house and fresh every day, the chicken salad sandwich is well-liked with lunch-time regulars. This one is served on a pretzel bun.

“The Salad” is a sundae for the serious ice cream lover, or to share with friends.

P

OSITIONED RIGHT ON THE SQUARE in Cassville is an old-fashioned soda fountain with timeless appeal. If you have a craving for a hand-made shake, and old-fashioned malt, or a hand-stirred Dr. Pepper, Whitley’s Fountain is your destination.

“We make our shakes with real ice cream. You can order from the menu, or make up your shake any way you want. The most popular is the Oreo Dynamite Fluff, with crushed Oreos and

48 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

marshmallow fluff. It’s so sweet,” said Felicia Hayworth, fountain manager.

The full service fountain also features a variety of sundaes that can be custom ordered as well. There are some specialty sundaes already on the menu, though.

Felicia and another co-worker created what they call, “The Salad.” Felicia explains, “It’s four scoops of vanilla ice cream, covered with hot fudge, chocolate syrup, butterscotch and caramel, covered with whipped topping, peanuts and a cherry

on top.” Their hopes is that guilt will be minimized by giving it a healthy name.

Besides the drinks and treats, they also feature a full lunch menu. Soups, salads and sandwiches are popular for pick-up and dining. “Every day we have a special soup, our most popular is the chicken tortilla soup, which we usually feature every Wednesday.” Their chili, which is available every day, is another popular choice.

Featuring a variety of traditional and unique sandwiches, Felicia says, “Chicken OCTOBER 2014

A FLEA MARKET with a twist Antiques • Collectibles

“Pitiful

to Posh” REPURPOSED VINTAGE FURNITURE

Repurposed vintage furniture

110 W. Broadway • Monett 417-236-5664 • 417-772-7219

Tuesday - Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sunday 1 - 5 p.m.

Visit our NEW BOUTIQUE!

Ava Belle’s

ANTIQUES & FLEA MARKET The decadent Oreo Dynamite Fluff milkshake is the most popular shake on the menu.

Vintage furniture • Used appliances Antiques • Collectibles • Home decor items

108 S. MADISON

417-678-2210

Now open Sundays 1 p.m. - 5 p.m.

Monday – Saturday 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.

DOWNTOWN AURORA

Size doesn’t matter; big or small, we buy it all.

We Now Have Tires and Headlight Restoration!

Transmission Service | Fuel Injection Cleaning Battery Replacement | Fuel Filter Replacement Differential Service | Radiator and Power-Steering Flushes Tire Balancing | Oil Changes | State Inspections Tires | And Much More!

The loaded grilled cheese goes above and beyond your momma’s grilled cheese with bacon, tomato and pickles to bring flavors up a notch.

salad sandwich is probably my favorite, and it is really popular.” She adds, “We make it ourselves every day.”

Felicia says folks come by early to pick up sandwiches for lunch, and has a good crowd at lunch-time, too. They also see a lot of traffic in the afternoon, “It’s a hopping spot for kids after school. Ice cream and hamburgers are what’s popular with the kids.” Felicia also added that they offer “happy-hour” from 2-4 p.m. with half-priced soda, tea and coffee. n OCTOBER 2014

FREE LOCAL PICK-UP AND DELIVERY 417-235-6311

1304 E. Bond St., Monett, Mo 65708

www.dougsprolube.com

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 49

BOTTLES & Flavors o

Okto Serving the area communities since 1887

Willis• 417-847-3300 Insurance, Inc. | 800-556-2393

100 W. 7th Street, Cassville www.willisinsured.com

Bridgeway Plaza, Shellknob

417-858-3747

The art of applying mock injuries for the purpose of training medical or military personal.

MoulageByMae When every second counts

Mae Kennedy Boulevard Bob’s 47 Oktoberfest

Professional Moulage Artist Injury Recreation Disaster Drill Specialist

This seasonal brew is an amber-brown, mediumbodied beer with a blend of caramel and toasted malt flavor with a low level of hop bitterness and flavor.

Special Effects Makeup Artist Instruction Moulage Classes

Available For Halloween Makeup Effects! moulagebymae@gmail.com 50 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Facebook - MoulageByMae

417-236-3420 OCTOBER 2014

cr

CONNECTION FOOD l

S & BREWS s of the season

toberfest

BEER, WINE

& SPIRITS

Visit our locations in

MONETT PURDY AND CASSVILLE New Belgium Pumpkick

Mother’s Oktoberfest

The unexpected kick of cranberry juice brightens this traditionally spiced seasonal ale. Pumpkick is brewed with pumpkin juice, several spices, cranberries and lemongrass -- perfect for fall.

Oktoberfest is a traditional amber lager brewed to celebrate the fall harvest.Extended aging creates a medium bodied beer with a smooth malty flavor and just the faintest touch of hops.

OCTOBER 2014

Samuel Adams Octoberfest This craft beer lager blends five roasted malts for a rich, hearty flavor while Bavarian Noble hops add a touch of bitterness.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 51

l COMMUNITY CONNECTION

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.

A Cassville pee wee baseball team took a field trip to a Springfield Cardinals game and took this photo with Connection prior to having the team members’ names announced over the P.A. system, and taking their position onto the field. From left are: Bradley Stumpff, Kory Hilburn, Colton Blankenship, Cordell Johnson, Austin Muize, Bodee Rose, Cadyn Smith, Hunter James, Danny Roper and Garrett Ewing. Coaches standing behind are Jerry James, Tyler Smith and Joey Rose.

The “Four Broads Abroad” enjoying their villa in Carnoviero, Portugal, recently. They are (clockwise from bottom) Jo Anne Ellis, of Cassville, Axie Hindman and Darlene Johnson of Columbia, and Sally Gunderman, of Tucson, Arizona. The Broads all graduated the same year from Missouri University and began having an annual trip 10 years ago.

Friends and co-workers went on a five-day cruise out of New Orleans, Louisianna, to the Western Caribbean for a 40th birthday celebration. From lef, are Kelli Houser, of Republic; Jatha Roller, of Cassville; Carrie Ingle, of Mt. Vernon; and Dena Ussery, of Ozark. Jatha and Carrie both were celebrating 40th birthdays on this trip

52 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2014

Several locals brought Connection on a Making Memories Tours trip...

Lois Brattin, of Cassville, with Don and Marilyn Scott, of Peculiar, after leaving John Deere Havest Works in Illinois.

David and Becky Hermann took a seven-day, three-stop Caribbean Cruise on the Carnival Magic to Roatan, Honduras, Belize City, Belize and Cozumel, Mexico. While in Roatan, they posed with thier copy of Connection.

The Davis family took Connection with them on their vacation to Washington D.C. Pictured in front of the Smithsonian Institute Castle is Grant, Krista and Mark Davis, of Shell Knob.

Fred Carlson, of Shell Knob.

Glen and Roxan Loeppke, of Shell Knob, in the State Capitol in Jefferson City.

OCTOBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 53

l COMMUNITY CONNECTION

On the with spot Mae Kennedy I

RECENTLY CAUGHT UP WITH MAKE-UP ARTIST, MAE KENNEDY, AT THE Verona Corn Maze to visit with her about her work applying cosmetic wounds, also known as moulage. She was enjoying the beautiful fall day while stylizing cuts, zombie bites, bullet holes, and any other injury imaginable on craft-fair attendees young and old.

Halloween is the perfect annual event to showcase her skills, and Mae doesn’t miss an opportunity to dazzle onlookers with extremely realistic renditions. She is highly acclaimed in the industry, being published in Stanford’s Who’s Who Black Book for being highly ranked in her field, and was even interviewed for the popular “Face-off” TV show that features the nation’s top Make-up Artists. Mae says, “I don’t have experience with plaster and that keeps me from being able to get on the show.” Regardless, Mae uses her talent for a much more beneficial purpose. Her main focus, and full-time profession, is trauma and emergency training drills for a variety of causes. These range from Emergency Services training for local, state and federal, to drills for airports, schools, and even the infamous “car-wreck” scenarios, also known as docudramas.

Mae has a unique ability to recreate an array of injuries due to her many years working as an Emergency Medical Technician. This experience allows her to draw from first-hand recollections while creating shockingly realistic wounds. She always maintains a stock of a wide variety of items in her travel kit that she brings with her to training simulations. In any given emergency training scenario she may be dealing with natural disasters, bullet wounds, burns or chemical injuries, infectious disease scenarios, bomb explosions resulting in a multitude of shrapnel victims, car accidents and many others.

Increasingly, since September 11, 2001, entities MAE'S SONS, NIC such as schools and airports are being mandated to AND AUSTIN maintain readiness by performing regular emergency drills to meet numerous stipulations. Because of her tremendous skill and experience, Mae has been in high demand both on the regional and national circuit.

During one of her more recent emergency drills, Mae worked on 500 people who were acting out a large scale disaster scene.

Though emergency services keep her busy, she takes time to visit area schools for wreck reenactments, which is near to her heart as she has two sons of her own. If the realism of witnessing a trueto-life wreck can bring attention to the seriousness of texting, drinking, and distracted driving, then Mae has done her job.

54 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

OCTOBER 2014

I asked Mae to answer a few questions: Connection: What got you interested in make-up artistry?

Mae: When I was starting in emergency services I had to go and take my National Registry testing to get my license. In my trauma station, I had a plain mannequin displayed in front of me. I am very much a visual person, so I had to close my eyes and envision what I should be seeing to perform my testing in the allotted time frame and to pass. I realized at that point that there must be a better way for testing so that others like me could have the best opportunity available to also test and pass.

Connection: What kind of emergency/ disaster drills do you take part in?

Mae: • FEMA National Level Events • Emergency training drills for: • State Emergency Management • MO National Guard Training • National Disaster Life Support • Advanced Medical Life Support • Active Shooter Program • Community Emergency Response Team • Natural Disasters • Hazardous Material • Springfield/Branson Airport • Monett Airport • Assisted in assorted drills with MU, KCUMB, A. T. Still University, OTC Simulation Lab, County, State and Federal Full Scale Disaster Drills

A zombie-bite to the arm, exposing flesh and bone was what Caleb Tucker, of Exeter, desired. Mae applied a coat of latex, used her waxy building compound, and plastic bone matter to build up a wound on Caleb’s arm. After another application of latex, she used clotted blood-like substance, which she makes, and dripping blood for the ultimate realistic appeal.

OCTOBER 2014

Connection: What is your favorite kind of make-up to do?

Mae: I like recreating injuries for docudramas and CERT drills. It puts reality into the situation so the general public can grasp what a “real” situation would actually be like.

Connection: Why did you get started doing collision demonstration make-up? (Docudrama) Mae: So it could be a better learning experience for the kids that view the docudramas. I want the kids to learn with an open heart and mind, and seeing their friends with injuries and blood spread all over them makes it come more to life, and hopefully it will make some of them stop and think before they take action the next time they face a decision that could result in a poor outcome.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 55

Mae’s TOP 5 5 Favorite places in the world: 5. California on the beach 4. Fiji 3. Pensacola, Florida 2. Mexico 1. Middle of the ocean on a cruise ship.

4

Things on your bucket list: 4. Go to Ireland 3. African Safari 2. Go to Australia 1. Visit Alaska to see the Aurora Borealis

3

Three ways to keep from getting in a car wreck: 3. Defensive driving 2. Pay attention to your surroundings 1. Focus on the road

2 1

Two favorite restaurants: 2. Thai Spice, Webb City 1. Acambaro, Monett One favorite thing to do on a fall evening: My favorite thing to do on a fall evening is to sit around a bon-fire roasting hotdogs and marshmallows with family and friends, enjoying good conversation and good fun.

Jason Ball, of Purdy, chose to get a large caliber entry and exit wound directly through his face. Mae begins with a coating of latex, then builds the wound with a wax-based, pliable compound. The wound structure is then coated with more liquid latex and left to dry. Finally, Mae uses make-up to subtly blend the wound with Jason’s natural skin tone, and then applies several blood-like materials to simulate dried, clotted and dripping blood.

Connection: How can a school get an organization to put on a docudrama at their school?

Mae: There are a few ways they can get a docudrama organized at their school: Contact their local fire department Contact the Trauma Prevention Department at a hospital close to them. Contact myself at MoulageByMae@gmail.com Connection: Do you do Zombie make-up?

Mae: Yes, I do Zombie makeup. My

particular favorite is the Zipper Face.

There are so many different variations you can create that no two have to be the same.

Connection: What are some of your hobbies?

Mae: I enjoy taking care of my bottle-fed calves and spending time with my family and friends.

Connection: Do you dress up for Halloween?

Mae: Yes, every opportunity I get. I have even gone to work dressed up. n

Nicole Stephenson, Ashlee Rogers and Jasmine Lechner, highschoolers from Verona, stopped to watch Mae apply make-up, but did not opt to be zombies today.

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OCTOBER 2014

COMMUNITY CONNECTION l

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Howdy Neighbor Days, held Aug. 13 through Aug. 16 at South Park in Pierce City.

1. Sonja King and Sheba. 2. Emily Sooter and Courtney Danley. 3. Hadley Danley and Shelby Danley. 4. Sarah Thomas and Ethan Dollar.

5. Cheri Freeman and Maxon Freeman. 6. Melissa Skowfoe and Andrea Stow.

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The Monett community enjoyed the game between the Monett Cubs and the Seneca Indians at Burl Fowler Stadium on Aug. 22, hosted by The Monett Booster Club.

1. Tarek Masri and Tanner Marney. 2. Eric Villa and Zach Johnson. 3. Isabella and Adaleigh Coffey with Travis Coffey. 4. Brian and Lisa Prewitt. 5. Harriet Meyer, Magen Hensley, Arianna Madison, Deven Kimzey and Sierra Jensen. 6. Sheri Depee and Britney Rhea.

OCTOBER 2014

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The 56th annual Wheaton Barbecue, a benefit for the Wheaton Volunteer Fire Department, was held on Aug. 23 at the Wheaton City Park.

1. Red Gilkes and Roger Sherman. 2. Teresa and Clint Shine. 3. Keisha Corn and Alyssa Gwin. 4. Nancy Prewitt and Michelle Shaw. 5. Kaitlyn Trent, Amber Lindeman, Nick Washam, Kole Eden and Jeff Mollen. 6. Shirley Davis, Kay Lombard, Staci Price and Whitney Chapman. 7. Jack Schlessman and J.J. Craig.

8. Raschelle Hickman and Kirstyn Broyles. 9. Lawanda, Steve and Beth Ash. 10. Dianna, Mary and Wayne Dyer. 11. Lily, Reagan and Ada Bluel. 12. Michael Vasey and granddaughter Kayley Vasey.

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The seventh annual Not So Square Arts Festival was held on Sept. 6 at the Mt. Vernon Arts and Recreation Center in Mt. Vernon.

1. Jud and Bonnie Cannon. 2. Sam Jones and Marsha Latorre. 3. Sheila Rider and Charles Chastain. 4. Marie and Damon Randles. 5. Kaylee and Kathy Conley. 6. Jessie Ritchie and granddaughter Courtney Ritchie. 7. David and Vivian Young. 8. Courtney and Nancy Hurn. 9. Marsha and John Bennett. 10.

Kenneth and Carol McIntyre. 11. Matt Teel and Kathy Teel. 12. Ted and Heather Scharbach.

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The 62nd annual Crane Broiler Fest was held Aug. 20 through Aug. 23 in the city park at Crane.

1. Don and Tabitha Keeton. 2. Vanessa holding Mackenzie Alexander; Bobbi and James Alexander. 3. Silva and J.T. Blankenship. 4. Wayne and Jane Smith.

5. Karen Eutsler and Patsy Todd. 6. Bryce Stephens, Kathy Porter, Allie Stephens, Ashley Stephens and Larry Porter. 7. Fil and Brenda Turk. 8. Rick and Ashley Stine. 9. James and Susan Strother. 10. Ronald and Leatrice Strother. 11. Betty and Mike Crabb. 12. Peggy and Kent Crownover.

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OCTOBER 2014

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The Berean Christian Academy held its fifth annual Country Fun Fair on Sept. 6 at the school grounds, east of Monett.

1. Grady and Damon Mahurin; Kevin holding Kaleb and Stephanie Mahurin. 2. Zack Thompson, Elijah Smith and Ashton Snow. 3. Val Fleetwood, Kim Miller holding Hudson Fleetwood. 4. Kelsey Pederson and Lily Easter. 5. Jessica Hudson and Jessica Scott. 6. Gaven Holland and Linda Martin. 7. Jerry and Linda Rockers. 8. Brooke Keeling and Amanda Reese. 9. Don and Pat Neill. 10. Leona and Allen Keeling. 11. Clifton and Jaci Reese. 12. Glen Garrett, Ann and Ken Hall, and Sharon Garrett.

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The annual Monett Jaycees Carnival was held July 16-19 at Monett’s South Park.

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1. Caleb Chapman, Lily Calvin, Casey Harris and Scott Gwinn. 2. Corey Nixon, Lilia Nixon and John Butterworth. 3. Bailey Belle, Sandra VanWie, Michael VanWie. 4. Drew, Lacy and Noah Creed.

5. Kendra Clevenger and Daniel Clevenger Jr.. 6. Tori Butterworth and Sonja Leach. 7. Hailey and Kelsey Pedersen. 8. Nancy, Little Eddie and Eddie Salinas. 9. Jack Stephens, Bo Stephens, Addison Branch, Aidan Branch. 10. Stephanie Waters, Olivia Waters and Heather Logan. 11. Lee and Gayle Chapman; Kelsey, Jaxon and Zach Wilson. 12. Danica Whittenhall, Olivia Whittenhall, Janice Courdin and Val Whittenhall.

OCTOBER 2014

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The annual Taj Wooten Memorial Concert, a benefit for Jolly Mill Park, was held on Saturday, Sept. 6 at Jolly Mill Park, southwest of Monett.

1. Sherlin and Nadine Bollman. 2. Shelby held by Kayla Bailie and Marsha Kauffman.

3. Patrece Wecker-Simpson, Bryan Simpson, Michal Moss-Early., Sarah Williams and Megan Neyer. 4. Kendra, Georgia and Caitlin Talbert. 5. Mark and Mariah Rapp. 6. Mary Lou Lombard and Dena Chapman. 7. Kaylee, Jennifer and Tanner Jolly. 8. Marvin and Lori McCracken. 9. Melvin Jordon and Tama Rogers. 10. Bryce Garner, Jack George and Julie Garner. 11. Laura Heeter, Rosa Chapman, Cathy Brown, Nick Heeter and Charlie Chapman. 12. Tom Martin and Michele Hendrix.

13. Jaycee and Jessica Horn.

OCTOBER 2014

13 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 63

WE’VE GOT YOUR GUN! BUY • SELL • TRADE New & used • Rifles • Shotguns

• Pistols • Revolvers

OLD WEST GUNSLINGER GUN & PAWN

Market Street •

City Square

Court 209 S. Main House Hickory Street

209 S. MAIN • MOUNT VERNON, MO 417·461·7468

STAY C

OCTOBER E

I-44 Business Loop

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 9 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. • Saturday 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Closed Wednesdays

November 4 Monett’s 11th Annual Festival of Flavors will be held at the First United Methodist Church Family Life Center from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Sample foods from area restaurants, who will be showcasing their specialties! Tickets are $10. Call the Monett Chamber of Commerce at 417-235-7919 for more information.

Available at

Nerium AD Brand Partner www.kayepilkenton.nerium.com 123 Madison, Downtown Aurora

417-678-4462

Exclusive Dealer For Amazing Hoops

November 8 Christmas Open House. Cassville merchants debut new Christmas items and kick off the Holiday season with special offers.

Open Mon-Sat at 10 a.m.

Good, clean fun.

With our Soft Touch and Touch Free Automatic car wash, you will be sparkling clean and ready for fun in no time.

Har- Ber Village Museum Pioneer Day. By today’s standards, life in the 1800s required hard work and ingenuity. With regular admission, visitors can get a look at daily life with hands-on activities, demonstrations, music and more. For more information visit www.har-bervillage.com or call 918-786-3488.

417-846-3711 1060 Old Exeter Rd. • Cassville • Hwy. 76/112 • Cassville

November 14 McDonald County Chamber of Commerce Second Friday Coffee will be hosted by the McDonald County Historical Society at the Historical Old Courthouse on the square in Pineville.

The coffee begins at 7 a.m., coffee and donuts will be served.

AUTO • HOME • FARM BUSINESS • BONDS

www.trogdoninsurance.com

TROGDON AGENCY, INC. SERVING SOUTHWEST MISSOURI SINCE 1907

64 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

P.O. Box 405 • 111 S. Market St. • Mt. Vernon 417.466.2800 • fax: 417.466.3066 Toll Free: 1.800.748.7756

OCTOBER OCTOBER 2014 2014

COMMUNITY CONNECTION l

Y CONNECTED

R EVENTS November 22

Anderson Betterment Club is sponsoring a Winterfest 5k/10k in Anderson, Mo. Registration starts at 7 a.m. at the old City Hall Train Station in Anderson.

The race starts at 8 a.m. for everyone – walkers and runners. Entry fees are $20 for entries received before the day of the race, $25 if you pay the day of the race. For more information visit www. andersonbetterment.org

November 26 The Monett Festival of Lights at Monett’s South Park begins and will run from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m. every night through the Christmas season. Call the Monett Chamber of Commerce at 417-235-7919 for more information.

November 27 2nd Annual Mountaineer Turkey Strut 5K Run begins at 8:30 a.m.

Thanksgiving Day morning at the Lawrence County Courthouse square in Mt. Vernon. Proceeds go to Emergency Services for Children’s Fund and The Hope Center. To register and find out more information, call Paul Brockman at 417-766-6298, or Phil or Debbie Trokey 417-366-3083.

If you have an event you would like featured in our monthly events listing, please email the event information to connection@monett-times.com.

OCTOBER OCTOBER 2014 2014

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 417-235-5053 or Kevin Young at 417-847-5464.

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 417-385-3150 for more information.

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; 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.

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 to 8:30 p.m. The program this month will be on Coon Hunting with Bob Floriano as speaker.

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ADVERTISING INDEX A+ Carpet & Uphostery Cleaning Acambaro Mexican Restaurant Ava Belle’s Flea Market Barry Electric Cooperative Baywash Car Wash Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home Brownsburger’s Carolyn Hunter, DMD, PC Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce Cassville Health Care & Rehab Community National Bank Country Dodge CoxHealth Crane Family Dentistry Diet Center Doggie Lov Daycare Doug’s Pro Lube Eastside Church of Christ Edward Jones Exeter Corn Maze First State Bank of Purdy Guanajuato Trunk or Treat, Monett Four Seasons Real Estate Four States Dental Care Freedom Bank Grande Tire Guanajuato Hornor’s Frame & Collision Ila Bohm’s Home Décor J & R Upholstery J. Michael Riehn JJ’s Restaurant Ken’s Collision Lackey Body Works Les Jacobs Ford Lowe’s Auto Glass Making Memories Tours Mocha Jo’s Coffee Café Moulage By Mae Old Wesy Gunslinger Peppers and Co. Pickin’ Patch Farm Pitiful to Posh Ramey Race Brothers Red Barn Cafe Relics Antique Malls Rowdy Beaver Sater/Old Town Pharmacy Second Chances Security Bank Smile Designers Dentistry The Jane Store Tomblin’s Jewelry & Gifts Trogdon Agency, Inc. TrueCare Two Hearts Cafe and Bakery Whitley Pharmacy Willis Insurance, Inc.

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180 W. Third Street • Verona 417-498-6487

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

Fri. 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.

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

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

We repair hail damage!

We’ve got the names you love!

New styles just arrived!

Men’s and Women’s Fashions

Downtown Monett 235-7227

We rent tuxedos.

OCTOBER 2014

Parting Shot

BY JEFF TERRY

“Even if something is left undone, everyone must take time to sit still and watch the leaves turn.”

—Elizabeth Lawrence

OCTOBER 2014

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