Connection October 2016

OCTOBER 2016

A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians

Water Runs Deep Fishing Mentors Casting the reel to the next generation

Monett’s moment Pivotal year helped shape what Monett is today

loving care

Keep building on

Author’s parenting experience shapes book

construction firm celebrates long term success

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 1

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 3

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

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CONTRIBUTORS Murray Bishoff Meagan Ruffing Lisa Buck Darlene Wierman Melonie Roberts Sheila Harris Susan Funkhouser Pam Wormington Brad Stillwell Jared Lankford Julia Kilmer Jennifer Conner Anne Angle Dionne Zebert Jane Severson Verna Fry Angie Judd Cheryl Williams Sierra Gunter PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Brad Stillwell Jamie Brownlee Amy Sampson DISTRIBUTION Greg Gilliam Kevin Funcannon TO ADVERTISE 417-847-2610 - Cassville 417-235-3135 - Monett Send email inquiries to connection@monett-times.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 40, Monett, MO 65708 Connection is published monthly and distributed free in Cassville, Monett, Exeter, Washburn, Pierce City, Mt. Vernon, Aurora, Verona, Roaring River, Eagle Rock, Shell Knob, Purdy, Wheaton, Freistatt, Marionville, Seligman, Golden and other surrounding areas.

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

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 5

6 | OCTOBER 2016

FEATURES

October 2016 11 | monett Times of change The more things change, the more things stay the same 18 | A dream achieved Lacoba Homes celebrates 50 years this month 27 | Wolf Wellness Step into the spa experience of personal wellness 32 | Reel fun Volunteers set lures and cast lines with local kids 39 | Baby steps to parenting Local parent pens personal memoir relating success in the struggle

Photos courtesy of Pamela Dorton of Verona

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 7

FALL FESTIVAL

CASSVILLE 2016 Chili and Salsa Cook-Off Festival This Year’s Theme - ‘70’s & 80’s TV Shows!

Craft booths (open at 8 a.m.)

Chili and salsa tasting Sonic’s Chili Dowg Challenge Pet parade • Live music

Saturday, OctOber 22nd Visit www.cassville.com for a schedule of events or call 417-847-2814 for information or to rent booth space.

8 | OCTOBER 2016

Photos by Valerie Miller

Cover photo by Diana Cope of Butterfield at Roaring River State Park

Contents 23 Proud Parent contest 25 Healthy Connection: cycle challenge 37 Cutest Pet contest 41 Parenting column: Positive grief 44 Submitted photographs 46 Community Calendar 48 Recipes: Howling treats 50 Bottles & Brews 53 Familiar Faces 63 My Connection 66 Parting Shot

JOIN US ONLINE:

Facebook.com/MyConnectionMo Twitter.com/MyConnection_Mo

Have an idea for a story you would like to see in Connection Magazine?

Email it to connection@monett-times.com

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 9

10 | OCTOBER 2016

Through the 90-year mirror “The more things change, the more things stay the same,” or so the old saying goes. But often it’s not so obvious how the dots connect.

Monett in 2016 reflects an accumulation of 129 years of development and daily rhythms.

The Monett Area YMCA has transformed the daily routines of many families, just as the new City Park Casino has rerouted proms and public gatherings. Construction of cell phone towers has supported the flow of data into pocket phones and speeded up lives would already seem much faster than folks 50 years ago could have imagined.

Nor is it the first time for such an upflow, such a transformation of living. Ninety years ago, Monett experienced something similar: a surging post-war economy, technological changes that transformed even the simplest routines. There was civic construction that altered the most basic concepts of entertainment, and a growing sense of community identity and pride.

It didn’t happen all at once. But it was coming. Just look at the first six months of 1926.

The Monett Times carried a column entitled “Civic Pride” from June 26, 1926, which said, “Monett citizens who have lived here for 20 years have noted a decided growth of civic pride. Even in the past five years a different attitude toward public improvement of the town has taken place.

The greatest change in this respect was noticed when the bonds carried for the city park [July 21, 1921]. This went over in fine shape. Then when a large bond issue for building the new high school [opened in 1924] and for improvement of the ward schools was found necessary, the people rose to the occasion again. While many of the citizens voted for these bond issues from a sense of duty, and not with any particular enthusiasm, they now take great pride in the park and school system.”

This sense of greater possibilities gained significant momentum moving into 1926.

A pivotal year helps Monett take its modern shape

Story by Murray Bishoff | Images by The Monett Times, circa 1926

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SIGNIFICANT statements

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An organizational meeting was held at the Broadway Hotel, then at the northeast corner of Fifth and Broadway, to organize a golf club on Feb.16, 1926. “The course located there [where the current course is, west of the city park] will be the greatest asset to our city on account of its proximity to the park. The cost of the city park site was $262.50 per acre. Everyone is assured that this has been a splendid investment for our community. The park will render a greater service if the golf course is accessible to it,” The Monett Times reported.

With public support, the Meador family, which sold the park land to the city, opened the land for public use as a course, and ran it until 1945, when the city finally purchased the land from them.

Then, on April 9, the Free Public Library Association of Monett organized to establish a public library in Monett.

“Monett needs a library and wants a library, and the whole town is back of the committee in any of their plans,” The Monett Times reported on March 5. “We feel that they are going about it in an able manner, and we hope success will follow soon.” Mayor J.M. Russell, under whose guidance the city secured the park, presided over the meeting. Charles Mansfield, former head of the Commercial Club, was named to head the committee.

“Miss Jane Morey, of Jefferson City, of the Missouri Library Association, said the public library was typically American and that some foreign countries were taking up the free library plan patterning after the American ones. Two rooms were considered available in the city hall that could be fitted for use as a library. From the small beginning, Monett expects to develop a library which will be a credit to the town and community.”

By June 13, 1926, the library opened, in city hall, where it remained, even after a new city hall was built in 1929, until the present library at Sixth and Bond opened in 1976.

On top of that, on May 28, The Monett Times carried an article, “Shall Monett have a junior college in connection with her high school?

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 13

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this very thing. It gives the boys and girls of the community an opportunity to get two years of college work just as they get their high school work, without leaving home.”

By 1927, the Monett Junior College became a reality. It served the community until June 30, 1953, when the Korean War exhausted the number of available students.

At the end of May of 1926, the Ozark Fruit Growers’ Association moved into its new building, which still stands on the north side of Bond Street, between Fourth and Fifth streets. A marketing coalition that sold crops to distant markets, the association organized as the area experienced a record strawberry crop in 1925 and one very similar in 1926.

To provide some sense of the significance of the strawberry crop, Monett had shipped 138 railroad cars full of strawberries, primarily Aromas, by June 9. The Monett Times reported the cost of picking, packing and shed work at $1.25 per crate. The lowest price paid per shipment was $2.10 per crate, while the first berries of season received $5.60. Strawberries were selling in Monett at $4.60 a crate on June 1, while others towns were paying $4.20 a crate.

“Most of the best growers will make a profit of $150 an acre, which is more than can be made from any grain crop,” The Monett Times reported. Statements issued by the Frisco Railroad valued the shipped crop at $1,783,200 out of the Ozarks, a total of approximately 2,800 cars shipped on all railroad lines.

Throughout this time, the city park became progressively important and a social center and a source of community pride. On March 27, The Monett Times reported, “The different Civic Improvement Club units are making their selections of planting to be made this spring in beautifying Monett Park. The time is short and those who have not yet designated the plots they will improve are urged to do so at once. The blueprint for the landscape work at the park are on display at Logan McKee’s drug store and the specifications for the plantings of shrubbery trees and flower beds are available at the time. Each club or society should decide at once to take some plot for planting and should order the plants at once as they should be planted within the next few weeks.”

Ads from the 1920s of Monett proported life of new conveniences and old time charms.

The Kiwanis Club instituted its inaugural Easter Egg Hunt on April 4, attracting children from “the country and towns around, some as far away as Miller” to a mad scramble in the park. Children collected paper sacks containing “several thousand” dyed and colored hard-boiled eggs prepared by merchants and Sunday school classes.

The Marshall Hill School held its May Festival at the park on May 5.

“One hundred twenty-five children took part, all Marshall Hill school and the Rainbow Scarf Dance, one of the most beautiful, was given by the high school girls. The May Queen was Fern Knee. A nice sum of money was realized to be used for the benefit of the school,” The Monett Times reported.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 15

strawberries

On March 2, after the Izaak Walton League, the predecessor to today’s Monett Sportsmen’s League, had helped finance and build the city park lake, the Monett City Council passed an ordinance granting unprecedented authority to the private group. “The Izaak Walton League shall have the control, charge and management and stocking of said lake with fish propagation thereof, and the right to prescribe rules and regulations governing the care, control and disposition of said fish and lake in said park.”

No group ever had similar control of cityowned land. The Junior Chamber of Commerce, which developed and ran the community athletic field, owned its land until the 1960s, when it was sold to the school district.

In just a few months, the fruits of the lake decision showed themselves. On June 24, The Monett Times ran this account: “The first season of the fish hatchery at Monett park proved a decided success and thousands of young bass have been hatched out in the lake. The Izaak Walton League which sponsored the construction of the lake and the stocking of it with fish is well pleased with the results of the first spawning season. Anyone going to the lake in the evening just before sunset, standing quietly at the upper end of the lake where the water from the swimming pool enters the lake, will be able to see thousands of the small bass darting about.”

Building on this development, on May 18 the Monett City Council passed an ordinance to build the City Park Casino. Fitting in with all the other advances, the casino was unlike anything attempted before: a public building for private use.

Public gatherings had been spread all over town during this time. On April 16, the Pacemakers Dance Orchestra, an eight-man band from Joplin, played a dance at the Armory Hall for about 35 couples, as did the Ginger Blue Orchestra from Biloxi, Miss., which played on May 28. The Armory Hall, according to Dayton Mackey, was shaped out of the old opera house second floor at Third and Broadway, a hall that remains more or less intact to this day.

The Ginger Blue Band and the eight-man Southern Revelers, also played at the Rialto Theater, believed to have been on the south side of Kelly Creek on Fourth Street. For bigger events, the operetta “A Box of Dolls” was presented by the Forest Park School at the high school auditorium.

Story continued on page 51 16 | OCTOBER 2016

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 17

50 years of

This was the public’s first view of the foundation of Lacoba Homes, published in The Monett Times in April 1966. The view looks southeast and shows the foundations for two of the large wings. To the left, off the photo, a large basement had been dug. Brown and Fertig Construction of Monett was the contractor.

Lacoba

A golden anniversary reflects a shining vision fulfilled

Photo courtesy of The Monett Times

O

n Oct. 16, an open house will be held at Lacoba Homes in Monett. This year the event has special significance, marking the 50th anniversary of the nursing facility.

The first notice about plans for facility in the Sept. 24, 1965 issue of The Monett Times reported that selection of Monett for the facility concluded a year of efforts by the Lawrence County Baptist Association, its 22 Baptist churches and the Monett Chamber of Commerce.

“Plans call for the all-modern structure, which will be open to anyone requiring the services, to be erected on 15 acres of property between Highway 60 and County Road, just east of Lakeland Lodge.”

Present at that meeting was L.J. Largent, representing contractor ARL Nursing Homes Inc., that had built similar nursing homes in West Plains and Butler. Construction was estimated to cost $200,000. In the end, after a disagreement with the contractor, Brown and Fertig of Monett built the facility for $172,000.

By all accounts, Lacoba Homes was

18 | OCTOBER 2016

a radical concept. Up to that time, there were no nursing homes in Monett. The only “retirement homes” available in the area were privately run, unregulated, in converted houses, where people may or may not have been treated well. According to accounts by Jane Johnson, who served as secretary at that first board meeting in 1965, privation and poor sanitary conditions were fairly common in these places.

There had to be a better solution. A small group of people had met with local pastor Fred McPhail in early 1965, and their efforts led to forming a not-for-profit organization to build a nursing home.

Funding came from the sale of $225,000 in certificates to church parishioners at 6 percent interest for a duration from two to 15 years. Certificates were sold in denominations as small as $250 and no larger than $1,000. Some buyers donated the amount to the cause, rather than redeem their certificates.

On Oct. 30, 1966, a crowd estimated at between 1,500 and 2,000 people attended the open house prior to Lacoba Homes opening on Nov. 1. In four hours 930 names of individuals and families

Photo courtesy of The Monett Times Construction on Lacoba was set back a month following a wind storm on May 15, 1966, that blew down approximately 550 feet of walls, damaging conduit and plumbing. Around 30 feet of wall at the new vocational-technical school were blown over as well.

signed the guest book.

The Monett Times reported, “Visitors toured the modern facilities which include 50 private and semi-private beds, two isolation rooms, kitchen, dining and recreation area, laundry, treatment rooms, beauty nook, chapel, and an occupational therapy area where residents can practice crafts and hobbies.”

Throughout the history of Lacoba Homes, the supporting churches found ways to fill needs. In the first year, a wom-

Story by Murray Bishoff | Images courtesy of The Monett Times and Lacoba Homes

Busily engaged in preparing for the Oct. 30, 1966, open house at Lacoba Homes, the public inauguration of the facility, were, from left: Mrs. Lawrence Blattert, manager of the kitchen, and assistants Mrs. Barbara Harvey and Mrs. Jeff Weddington, These ladies prepared the meals for residents. The large kitchen featured stainless steel cabinets, appliances and cooking utensils.

The original Lacoba board of directors at the time of the opening are pictured. Front row, from left, are: Dr. Kenneth Glover of Mt. Vernon; Mrs. Coleman Johnson of Verona; the Rev. Tim Larkin, administrator; Mrs. Harold Fulp of Monett; and Ancel Welch of Aurora. Back row: Frank Day of Stotts City; Clyde Rhodes of Mt. Vernon; Burl Arnhart of Marionville; Max Hall of Mt. Vernon, president; Asa Dees of Monett; H.S. Harrell of Pierce City; Harold Fulp of Monett; Don Wilson of Aurora; and Delbert Morris of Miller.

Not pictured were the Rev. M.E. Fitzpatrick of Monett and Adron Gardner of Marionville.

en’s auxiliary formed with 413 members, many of whom stepped in to volunteer until staff could be hired. Churches for decades donated supplies such as boxes of cereal, canned garden produce, pillowcases and washcloths, gifts that federal regulations ultimately forbade.

According to Mike Baldus, the current administrator who has been with Lacoba for 21 years, the women’s auxiliary disbanded only a few years ago, not because of a lack of interest, but more due to how younger women today simply don’t bond together in service groups as was done in past generations.

Lacoba has changed with the times.

For a decade, it was the only nursing home in Monett, By March of 1976, there was a waiting list of 50 people, enough to fill a second facility. That year, Camden Health Care Corporation of Lee’s Summit built its own facility in Monett. The churches supporting Lacoba felt strongly that an independent, church-run organization could offer care and service unlike the private business model. Their challenge was to stay effective and relevant.

For years, churches donated about

$25,000 a year toward operations.

The cost to house a patient, estimated at $175 a month when Lacoba opened, grew to $500 a month by 1976, far more than patients were charged. By 1989, the Missouri Division of Aging declared Lacoba was out of compliance. A major push, with new staff and significant investment, was made. After a major push to meet new standards of care, Lacoba qualified for Medicaid certification. The move opened the door to state and federal funding, stretching resources far beyond what had been available locally. Even though residents’ rates had been raised to $200 a month, the home owed the local bank $132,500. The churches were reluctant to embrace Medicaid, wanting to stay self-supporting, but it became clear that business model would no longer support the need.

Medicaid certification was followed by Medicare certification in February 1996.

By August 1996, Lacoba became debt free.

Lacoba also began to grow. The Red-

mond family, both of whom had been residents at Lacoba, gave $121,268 to the home in 1980 in their will as thanks for the care they received. The board used that money for its first addition: four more rooms to accommodate eight more residents and offices on the west end of the building. A patio was added in 1983.

Other financial gifts came as well.

The next step was shaped by what Lacoba wanted to become. In 1995, Gary Phillips, president of Managed Care Alliance, entered the picture. Board members recognized the operation needed professional management. Phillips became acquainted with Lacoba while serving as pastor of the Baptist church in Verona.

The board signed an agreement for his company’s services. A month later, Phillips hired Baldus as administrator.

“There are two philosophies for nursing homes,” Phillips said. “There’s the social model and the medical model. When

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 19

The new dining hall during the February 2016 open house, created in the last remodeling and additions.

Mike and I started, we assessed Lacoba and chose to move toward a medical model, instead of a residential care facility.”

“That changed Lacoba’s direction to rehabilitation,” Baldus said.

Several major changes followed. In 1996, a foundation was established to handle all funding from the local churches. The first in a series of building expansions started in 1997 with the addition of private rooms. The $968,000 addition added therapy for rehabilitation, an activity center, doubled the size of the dining hall, and reversed the direction of the building, facing the entrance south, toward Highway 60, inside of north, toward County Road.

In 2001, Lacoba added its first villa, a supported living private living space on the grounds, an idea that in some form dated back to 1967, when there was discussion about some day adding six houses in a horseshoe drive. In 2004, a second set of villas was added, then a third set in 2007 and 2008.

In 2014, the most ambitious expansion to date began, adding 16,000 square feet across “challenging” topography, expanding the facility to 24,000 square feet.

No additional beds were added. The addi20 | OCTOBER 2016

tion provided a private rooms and suites in a transitional living station, where patients recovering from strokes and surgery can practice skills needed to live at home.

On the northwest end of the facility, a new nurses’ station was added, as well as a new dining area was added, including a private dining space where families can eat together. An elevator was installed, allowing a lower level to be added with a laundry, employees’ lounge and support offices. The rehabilitation area expanded and a second generator was added. Working on nine different sections of the complex at once, the project completed in 2016, longer than expected, but with satisfying results.

“We had a culture change from the medical model to blend the two between the last remodels, between 2005 and 2015,” Baldus said.

In 2003, Lacoba employed 75 people and pumped more than $2 million per year into the local economy. At the present time, Lacoba employs 115 people and injects $5 million into the economy.

The impact has grown in part because Lacoba remains

The Great Room next to the dining room at Lacoba Homes, added in the last construction, provides a much more homey living room space where residents can relax and feel closer to their environment at their own houses. It is pictured during the open house following the ribbon cutting for the new additions in February.

managed by a not-for-profit corporation, rather than a private company taking 10 percent for its share.

“We have fulfilled our goal,” Phillips said. “We operate on a small margin, about 2.5 percent of net income last year.

It’s sufficient income to operate.”

“Lacoba is locally owned,” Baldus noted. “You don’t find locally owned nursing homes, anywhere.” It’s also been the same owner over all 50 years, another remark-

One of the second villas

able achievement within the industry.

Lacoba employs three times the number of registered nurses as the average state facility. According to Steve Burks with administrative services, when other facilities seek licensed nurse practitioners, Lacoba continues to hire RNs, despite the difficulty in finding people. With certified nurse assistants, the Missouri average is 2.45 per patient per day in staffed hours.

Nationwide the average is 2.44 per patient. Lacoba has 3.18 per patient per day in staffed hours.

National standards also look at how many people dismissed from hospitals to nursing homes return to the hospital within 30 days. With the national average at 16 percent, Lacoba had 4.5 percent in the current calendar year.

“That has to do with our professional

staff,” Baldus said.

Part of that Baldus credited to Dr. Randall Halley, the medical director who has served Lacoba for the past five years, making weekly visits, a rarity in itself in the business.

Phillips and Burks also gave a great deal of credit to Baldus, who won Administrator of the Year honors in 2003 and received a national leadership award in 2015.

Phillips further noted that the attorneys who have advised Lacoba over the years have been outstanding. Almon Maus, Max Hall, Michael Garrett, Carr Woods and Mark Stephens have all gone on from private practice to serve as judges.

The dedication of Lacoba’s board, many serving for

decades, received acclaim by all the administrators. Up to 2005, 83 people had served on the board. Jane Johnson served herself for 50 years. The board now serves in an advisory capacity, but stays engaged with the needs and the vision of the program.

The expanded facility, with more space and services than in the past, continues to operate as hoped.

“It’s going well,” Baldus said. “We’re seeing more admissions and discharges.

That’s what the trend is. That’s what the government wants to see.”

That model of success Lacoba hopes to continue looking ahead. 

(right) At the dedication ceremony for the major addition at Lacoba Homes in July 1998, a project that doubled the facility’s size and reserved its entrance from the north to the south, several recognitions were given for service. Pictured, from left, were: Gary Phillips with Managed Care Alliance; Richard Heim, representing the Monett Chamber of Commerce for the Chamber’s original help securing the facility’s land; Jane Johnson, who then marked 30 years on the Lacoba Board; Dayton Mackey, for his longtime support; and Administrator Mike Baldus. In 2003, Lacoba began construction on a second set of villas for independent living. The first five-plex, built in 2001, filled quickly. The second ones opened in spring 2004.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 21

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Proud parent

The Weldys are October’s cutest kids.

Kellen, 5; Keira, 3; and Brynn Weldy, 1, are the children of Clay and Susan Weldy of Cassville.

Congratulations!

Are you a proud parent?

If so, take this opportunity to show off that cute kid of yours.

We invite you to share a photo of your child to be featured in Connection’s very own proud parent cutest kid contest.

Email your child’s photo to connection@monett-times.com. Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. Remember to include your child’s name, parent’s name, age, city and your contact information. The contest is open to children ages 10 and younger. The photos submitted will be used for the sole purpose of this contest.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 23

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Healthy connection

Spinners for life

I

f you belong to the Monett YMCA, you may recognize these frequent flyers. Al Fiffe, Bill Hamilton, Shirley Hamilton, and Melvin Caudill have been attending Spin classes regularly over the past several years. Not only are they some of the most dedicated cyclists, but they are also range in age from 75 to 86 years.

For those who are new to the term, Spinning refers to the sport of indoor cycling, which involves techniques such as sprints, hill climbs, and running (standing) on the bicycle to build strength and endurance. The group will tell you that Spin class is way more than just a good workout — it is also a time to have fun and bond with what they term their “second family.”

Al Fiffe worked in life insurance and owned and operated a liquor store. Melvin Caudill was a builder and brick layer. Bill “Doc” Hamilton, a retired physician. Shirley Hamilton, a retired school teacher. They all came across indoor cycling class in various ways.

Fiffe, a previously avid CrossFit participant, heard about the classes through his daughter who thought it would be a good way for him to stay active. The Hamiltons, who have been married for more than 61 years, heard about the class while participating in Cox Monett Hospital’s Journeys weight loss program. Caudill decided to join after learning about it during a diabetes class at Cox Monett.

The four had much to share about the way that indoor cycling has changed their life for the better. Since joining, all have lost a significant amount of weight, ranging from 18 to 50 pounds each. They recognize that being active gives them more energy, makes them stronger, helps them to keep a positive mind set, and encourages them to eat more healthfully.

That is not to say that the group hasn’t had their share of health ailments. From hip replacements to heart surgeries, the group has seen it all. Fiffe, who has had both of his hips and knees replaced, believes staying active helps keep his joints lubricated and mobile.

Bill Hamilton, who also recently had knee replacement surgery, knew about the importance of

LISA BUCK, R.D., LD is a registered dietitian at the Center for Health Improvement at Cox Monett Hospital. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in dietetics and Spanish from Missouri State University and is working on a master’s degree in public health. Lisa is passionate about international development work and has volunteered throughout Central America working in the area of health education and promotion.

In her free time, Lisa enjoys biking, running and all things outdoors.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 25

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staying active prior to surgery to improve outcomes and came back to class within two weeks and without using any pain medication.

Caudill has his own story to share; since starting indoor cycling, he has significantly decreased his diabetes and blood pressure medications, and was excited to see that his most recent blood work and bone density results all came back within normal range. Shirley Hamilton has struggled through back pain, but still pushes herself to come to class and states that the instructors know how to modify the bikes for those with various health concerns.

One of the biggest challenges for the four was overcoming the initial soreness and getting used to the bike seats. Even after a few missed classes, they can tell a difference. They are stiffer, and it takes some time to get back into it.

Yet the reason they keep coming is because they have found Spin to be “the fountain of youth,” as Caudill describes it. They all believe that indoor cycling has improved their quality of life tremendously.

Bill Hamilton will tell you that after two heart surgeries, the class has saved his life. And don’t forget the instructors. They attribute much of the success of the class to their encouragement, intense workouts, and genuine care.

Their advice to others? Regardless of your age or size, it is never too late to start. They especially encourage the younger generations to start young and make exercise a part of their daily routine.

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If you’ve been inspired by these Spinning warriors and would like to join in the fun, Cox Monett Hospital offers daily Spin classes at the Monett Area YMCA for $4/class or 10 classes for $35.

For more information, call Nancy Ridgley at 417-354-1280 or visit coxhealth.com.

Story and photos

by Julia Kilmer

Sheila Wolf, owner of Wolf Wellness in Holiday Island, Ark., visits with a client to schedule another exercise class.

C

assville native and Occupational Therapist Sheila Wolf may have found the perfect niche, and in the perfect location, by combining the best of two worlds — therapy and wellness — in the small community of Holiday Island, Ark. In December, Wolf opened Wolf Wellness Center, which primarily provides occupational therapy services, speech and physical therapy services on a part-time basis, and is the only outpatient clinic of its kind in the area. It is also enriching the minds and bodies of both southwest Missouri and northwest Arkansas residents with its wellness options.

The center offers fitness classes, a 24-7 fitness area, cognitive enrichment classes, and the latest wellness equipment including an infrared sauna and a hydrating steam pod.

Wolf Wellness Cassville native finds unique niche in therapy and wellness fields For more information about therapy, classes or wellness options, call the center at 479-363-6422, wolfwellnesscenter@gmail.com WolfWellnessCenter.wix.com/TherapyServices.

The center is open from 8:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Monday through Friday and is located at 1 Park Drive, Suite A in Holiday Island, off Highway 23.

Sheila Wolf, occupational therapist and owner of Wolf Wellness, prepares the hydrating steam pod, a wellness experience all its own, which vibrates while surrounding clients with a dense aromatherapy steam infused with nutrients and minerals for the skin, along with infrared technology and light therapy.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 27

“People come in because they have pain, stress, or just need to relax,” said Wolf. “And there are those coming in to use the sauna, hydrating pod and fitness equipment. So there’s the therapy side, and the wellness options, which are great for the younger crowd who wants to be fit, attractive, and understand the importance of detox. They don’t want to get to the point where they need services, and are being proactive, whereas the ones seeking services come to us to manage their systems, like arthritis or diabetes, so they don’t have to go to the doctor.”

As an occupational therapist of 16 years, Wolf helps people of all ages return to normal daily activities.

“An OT restores function with their main focus on the upper body,” she said. “We are trying to get each of our clients back to whatever it is that occupies their life and time, whether that be employment, golf, etc. For an elderly person, their occupation is to care for themselves and their spouse, or for a student, to return to school.

We are mandated in the schools, hospitals, nursing homes, even in the prison systems, so all of these places can’t be open for business if they don’t have us on staff.”

28 | OCTOBER 2016

She also provides OT services for local school districts.

Wolf said conditions she works with most are Parkinson’s, post-stroke, post-upper body surgeries, rotator cuff injuries, carpal tunnel surgeries and rehab patients.

“We [also] see people in their homes to increase home safety and independence,” she said.

Before the idea came to her to open the clinic, Wolf often found herself a long way from home.

“I grew up in Cassville, but moved way, and had been on assignments primarily in the south like Louisiana, but I was ready to get home,” she said. “I wanted to get back to my roots, so the therapy company I worked for got me an assignment in Eureka Springs, Ark., and Berryville, and after being here and realizing that there aren’t OTs or speech therapists in the area, the light bulb just went off — why don’t we have an OT company that is locally-based, and use local therapists who want to work in the Ozarks, instead of bringing traveling therapists in? After 15 years of working for therapy companies, I decided to do this on my own.”

Holiday Island was the ideal place to launch the business.

Sierra Muse, health information manager at Wolf Wellness, takes a break to visit with a client in the lobby, which has become a social gathering and place to relax for clients.

Muse also teaches fitness classes and manages the front desk area. The center is the only occupational and speech therapy facility in the area.

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“The proximity made sense because we live in Cassville, and property there [in Holiday Island] is completely affordable,” she said. “Holiday Island had the perfect demographic for us.

It’s known as a retirement community but that’s changing and evolving.”

Before opening, so many curious residents inquired about fitness and wellness options, that Wolf, after getting nearly 200 requests, decided to incorporate a fitness area.

“At that point, we were an OT clinic,” she said.

“We had no intentions of doing fitness classes, but the residents would come in while we were painting and say, “’Wow, this is so inviting, why don’t you do a fitness center because we have to drive to Berryville?’”

Fitness classes focus on stretching, strength, balance, conditioning, circuit training and golf flexibility. Zumba and yoga are also available.

“All of our classes can be modified for every fitness level,” Wolf said. “On the chair aerobics, we have 20-and 30-year-olds that get a good workout. And there are young people who need to stretch, too.”

“They provide many services to young and old,” said Robert Wolf, who helped remodel the clinic, which has warm, earthy color schemes and includes a spacious lobby area that has become a social outlet for clients.

“It is an inviting place,” Wolf said. “Our lobby is like a living room and after class, clients have hot tea and coffee and socialize.”

The full-spectrum, infrared sauna, the latest in sauna technology, works by raising the body’s core temperature and penetrating body tissue with healing light frequencies.

“I believe in the infrared and the healing properties,” Wolf said. “It’s a combination of heating the core temperature and what that does to the cellular movement, which increases circulation,” Wolf said. “The heat itself is a vasodilator, making circulation more efficient, so the infrared is killing those toxins, and the heat is pushing them out, so it’s a win-win. We’ve had huge success.”

One client was able to cut his narcotic pain medication in half after using the sauna, Wolf said.

“We have a client who after two sessions was only taking half of his regular pain medicine,” she said. “Everyone’s results are different. Most have 30 | OCTOBER 2016

Unlike regular saunas that utilize dry heat, or wet heat through steam, research shows that the highly specialized sauna, which uses infrared light to penetrate body tissue, can help reduce pain, inflammation and detox the body by raising the body’s core temperature, killing toxins on a cellular level, and pushing them out through sweat. The sauna and other wellness options, including exercise classes, a hydrating steam pod, 24-7 fitness area and cognitive enrichment classes have been extremely popular since Wolf opened the clinic in December, originally to offer occupational therapy services.

reported a substantial decrease with their narcotic pain medication, and it’s great because it enables them to engage, function and have less side effects because they’re taking less medication.”

The hydrating steam pod promotes wellness with a therapeutic combination of vibration, steam, aromatherapy and light therapy to condition and improve the skin.

“It’s fantastic for inflammation, detox, relaxation, weight loss, the list is endless,” Wolf said.

Wolf ’s daughter, Sierra Muse, has a degree in health and wellness administration, helps run the clinic and teaches classes.

“Our whole center is about health, wellness and helping people with flexibility, pain and rebuilding and repairing your body faster,” said Muse.

Wolf invites all area residents to make time for wellness.

“I have had a handful of Cassville clients, and several from Golden and Eagle Rock,” Wolf said.

“I just hope it sets the stage that welcomes wellness in our lives every day, not just when on vacation, or for those who make tons of money. It’s something we all need.” 

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 31

(above) Fishing volunteer Alison Brantly concentrates on preparing the fishing lines of young anglers and brothers Jeremy Curiel, 10, and Jeremy Curiel, 8, during the fall Kids Fishing Day event held Aug. 20 at Roaring River State Park. (left) Katelin Novak, 12, carefully puts a slippery trout she just caught into a net while fishing volunteer William Charlesworth stands by, and fellow angler Jonathan Curiel, 12, holds the net steady.

For more information on volunteering, call Paul Spurgeon at 417-847-2430, ext. 1931.

32 | OCTOBER 2016

Story and photos

by Julia Kilmer

GenerationaL anglers Volunteer anglers delight in passing on skills, tradition to youngsters

“I caught a fish!

I caught a fish!” squealed Joshua Curiel to fishing volunteers after catching his first fish, running up to the bait and tackle table with the squirmy fish in a net.

“Did you see that?” said fishing volunteer Alison Brantly, to a bystander. “That’s what it’s all about.”

Curiel was one of more than 800 children who participated in the fall Kids Fishing Day event at Roaring River State Park in Cassville, a bi-annual event held to teach youngsters to fish and thereby carry on traditions, and make new ones.

A partnership between the Missouri Department of Conservation, the Roaring River Fish Hatchery at Roaring River Parks Alliance, veteran fishermen set up tables along with banks of the crystal-clear river stocked with fishing poles, bait and tackle, and lots of advice, to ensure bright-eyed, miniature anglers succeed at the art, and science, of fishing.

“It’s good for the kids,” said Greg Harter, a volunteer who has been coaching children at the event for four years.

“I’ve seen 900-1,000 kids in one day, and just the high energy level….the hatchery will load that river up about every two hours just so those kids can catch fish. You want these kids in the fresh air and river. They all get their game faces on, and just the squeals and giggles, energy and making memories…I’m happy to be a part of it.

I’ve watched thousands of kids enjoying that experience; I’m sure happy to see a younger generation take an interest in fishing.”

Brendin Shepherd, 7, proudly holds up a rainbow trout he caught after a little help from veteran volunteer fisherman William Charlesworth.

Coming from four generations of fishermen, Harter has been fishing Roaring River since 1960, and has a lot of knowledge to impart to young anglers.

“My dad brought me here,” said Harter. “My sons and I fished the river, too, and I’ve brought my grandson. That’s why I like it here, there’s so much history. I really enjoy that river. It’s like church, it’s very calming.”

Harter says the same techniques he learned in the past still work today, and that’s what he teaches pint-sized anglers.

“I’ve been doing the same thing for 30 or 40 years, and it still catches fish,” he said. “I’ve seen men and women there with $300 fly rods and fancy equipment, and they can’t figure it out, and CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 33

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then you’ve got someone in cowboy boots and jeans just knocking the heck out of it. I want to share my knowledge because going fishing several times without catching anything can be frustrating, so I tell them a few secrets. I have been known to give kids my fishing rod and lures out of my car to help them catch fish.”

Volunteers aren’t just there for supplies and instruction, but for moral support, too.

Harter walks the banks of the river, and when he spots a frustrated child, he cheers them up with a special tactic.

“I’ll have them do a little fish dance,” he laughed. “It breaks their discouragement. I’ve seem some sad faces, so I’ll go up and down the river to help them cast.”

Volunteers also share their joy when the anglers succeed.

“They’ll run up and down the bank with a fish, and run over to the table and show us,” Harter said.

In recent years, volunteers have noticed more girls out fishing the banks.

“I see as many girls catching fish as young men now, and as many moms and grandmothers here as fathers and grandfathers,” said Alison Brantly at the Kids Fishing Day fall event Aug. 20. “That’s exciting, and we’ve been commenting on how much joy and positive interaction with family members we’ve seen today.”

“One of the most rewarding sights I see are these young girls who are accomplished fly fishermen,” said volunteer Mike Butcher. “It’s just poetry in motion. Look at that [as he points to a young female angler], someone has taken the time to teach that child technique. That requires skill. And they’re not at home on their headphones, or interested in just makeup; they’re out here fishing. So to see the girls do so well is just awesome.”

At day’s end, an 11-year-old girl had caught the biggest fish — a 9.3 pound lunker trout.

Families lined the banks of Roaring River during the fall Kids Fishing Day event, a bi-annual event that invites children and families to enjoy fishing and carry on long-held traditions, and make new ones.

Angler Ryan Mondragon, 9, of Cassville, holds a rainbow trout to weigh that he caught during Kids Fishing Day, which was held Aug. 20 at Roaring River State Park. The fish weighed 3.15 pounds and was 16.5 inches long, qualifying it as a lunker. Along with the opportunity to weigh their fish, children also received a ‘My First Fish’ certificate listing their name. Volunteer Rodney Christy, right, helps him weigh the fish, and Clifford Shoemaker, left, stands by for support.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 35

“Those girls are as good as the boys,” Harter said. “They’re very intentional. We’ll stand behind them and give them instructions, but they’re not messing around.”

“Any time we can teach kids how to fish, they will remember this forever,” said volunteer William Charlesworth. “I was blessed to have a family that was sports and outdoor-oriented, who taught me the skills I have.”

“It’s moving and touching to see this kind of effort, resources and participation,” said Butcher, comparing it to a kids fishing event in Colorado that he said couldn’t even compare. “There’s nothing like this event outside of Missouri that I know of. And there’s something unique about Roaring River. It really is extraordinary.”

Paul Spurgeon, hatchery manager, said the steady growth of the event since it began in 1981 is what spawned the idea to have veteran fisherman teach children to fish, in a society with less and less intact families.

“A lot of the volunteers are existing fisherman and want to share that knowledge with the next generation,” he said. “Our policy is we will train you or find a spot for you if you want to help. The Roaring River alliance volunteers as a group, and the event is primarily sponsored by the MDC; it could not go on without their cooperation.”

As the event grew, so did volunteers, who started helping at the event in the late 1980s and early 1990s, said Spurgeon, but the focus of the event, he said, is this: carrying on traditions and creating new ones, by instilling the same love of fishing in each subsequent generation.

“It’s become a tradition and we’re pretty proud of that,” he said.

But to keep those traditions alive, the hatchery needs fishermen to pass the baton onto the next generation.

“Our volunteer pool is getting older,” Spurgeon said. “We’re in process now of encouraging the younger generation to step up. We have a lot of people who as kids have enjoyed Kids Fishing Day, and we’d like them to carry on the tradition.

We welcome volunteers and just want them to know that there is value in it.”

Jim Riedel, president of the RRPA, and wife, Sharon, have been organizing fishing volunteers since 2008. The RRPA is a 501c3 group that is committed to protecting the river, its pristine quality, and property values around it.

“The event was something we were interested in doing because we wanted to protect the river, and enjoyed watching the children have a good 36 | OCTOBER 2016

time, and the park was in need of volunteers to set up tables and equipment from the MDC. So we organized about 20 people to help. And we just have a ball watching these kids fish.

“Kids will have their fishing lines tied in a knot so we’ll cut the line and put new hooks and weights on, and 10 minutes later, they’re back again. It’s very rewarding to be a volunteer; it’s such a good cause. One volunteer brings his golf cart so we can bring coffee to the volunteers. And we have a group that gives away 1,000 snow cones at the summer event, and we furnish the cups. It’s so much fun. It’s very positive for us, and people who like children and want to get out and feel good ought to get involved.”

Sharon Riedel remembers one boy who spent more time at the volunteer table than he did fishing, as he was learning. At the events, she sees a variety of families and skill levels.

“I would say it’s a mixture of some moms and dads, men who don’t know how to fish, single moms, and also those who fish bringing back their children. Many are coming from Kansas City, Arkansas, and just all over.

“One man came in with two kids, and he had stopped by Walmart and picked up rod and reels still wrapped in their packaging, and laid them on our table and said, ‘Can you help?’ said Jim Riedel. ‘I don’t know what to do with these poles.’ So we put bait on.”

Sharon remembers a scouting group that had their hands full and volunteers helped out.

“It was very heartwarming to help those kids,” she said. “The scoutmasters couldn’t manage them all, the boys kept coming back to the table for help.”

Both Jim and Riedel especially remember these two words from bystanders who took notice of the volunteers helping young anglers.

“They said, ‘thank you guys so much for what you do,’” said Jim. “That alone makes it worthwhile.” 

Greg Harter holds a monster lunker rainbow trout he caught from Roaring River in September 2015, weighing nearly 10 pounds. Harter is a volunteer fisherman at the biannual Kids Fishing Day event, and teaches young anglers how to fish. He said the same techniques he learned over 30 years still work today to catch fish. Under his instruction, his grandson has caught and released up to 14 fish in one day. Harter’s picture with the fish is on the cover of the ‘Brag Book’ at the Roaring River State Park store.

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

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 37

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Excerpt:

Taken from Chapter 14: “The Beauty Inside” “I see Dylan. The real him peaks out from time to time and oh, when he does, I savor every moment. When I see him help a little girl who’s just fallen on the ground to get up and find the items of her backpack strewn about, I see him. When I overhear him telling his baby sister that he loves her, I see him. When I find him opening the back door to let his dog, Charlie, inside, I know that he cares for his pet. Through all of the bad, there is good. It’s like God is shining a light through all of the cracks just so that I can see my son. It’s like He’s telling me, as lovingly as He can, ‘Do you see him? Do you see this beautiful gift I have given you? Go get it. Go get him. And tell him how much he means to you. Don’t let his behavior mask who I have made him to be. Go and tell him that he is loved more than he will ever know. Go and hold him, even when he pulls back, because he will remember the mom who tried and not the mom who yelled. Don’t be afraid to look him in the eyes and tell him you’re proud of him. Take it. Take every chance and every moment I give you to pour endless amounts of love and wisdom and training into that precious little boy. He was mine before he was yours, and I have given him to you only for a short while. Love him as I have loved you.’”

From overwhelmed to in control Mother’s book on special needs son offers advice to fellow parents

A

lbert Einstein once said, “Most people see what is, and never see what can be.”

For one local author and mother of three, the oldest of which has special needs, “what can be” is the only thing she sees for her children’s fu-

tures.

Meagan Ruffing, a former Mt. Vernon resident now living in Bentonville, Ark., published “I See You” on Sept.

23, a parenting book she wrote in three days after feeling overwhelmed as a first-time parent with a special needs son, now-7-year-old Dylan.

“Dylan was really fussy, and we had a difficult time and struggled from the get-go,” Ruffing said. “We had to help find his diagnosis, and he has sensory processing disorder, ADHD and oppositional defiant disorder. We did occupational therapy for a few months, and the ADHD makes him hyper and impulsive.”

Ruffing said for a long time, she was unaware of the challenges her son faced given his conditions, and for a while, she and her husband, Gabe, wondered if parenting was just supposed to be that hard.

Meagan Ruffing’s book, “I See You,” is now on the shelves.

Ruffing will be at the Keen Been in Mt. Vernon for a book signing from 2-4 p.m. on Oct. 8.

Cover art by Meagan Ruffing and Veronica Zucca

Story by Kyle Troutman, editor

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 39

“I couldn’t take him to things like my yoga class because he was not like the other kids [when it came to behavior], and there is nothing worse than being judged as a parent,” she said. “We see our son through these behavioral challenges, and even though at times it can be lonely and isolating, but there are people who go through situations that are even more overwhelming.

“I still see my son as my little boy. I love him and care for him, and I want him to think he is exactly who he is supposed to be.”

Ruffing said she did not fully realize the challenges her son was facing at first.

“One of the hardest parts for me was when I was talking to a friend on the phone and she said I was such an inspiration for raising a child with special needs,” Ruffing said. “Even after Dylan’s diagnoses, I never realized he was a special needs child. When I think of special needs, I think of something that you can see, and that was total ignorance on my part.

“I talked to my doctor and asked if Dylan was special needs, and the doctor said, ‘Any child who requires more attention or tweaking is special needs.’ I still have a hard time saying all this, but I am not ashamed, and I don’t look at him as my son with special needs.”

Ruffing said during one of the times she was overwhelmed, the book idea came to her, and she just began writing — for three days and with no sleep.

“That was a very difficult time with Dylan, so I just started writing,” she said.

“I don’t know if it was God’s way of telling me I needed to get it all out to have peace about it or what.”

After it was written, the book underwent multiple rounds of editing before it was ready for publication, and Ruffing is hoping its tagline, “Helping moms go from overwhelmed to in control,” will speak to women dealing with all kinds of challenges, not just parenting.

“It may relate to a child, to something

40 | OCTOBER 2016

in a marriage, to finances or to weight, whatever is overwhelming,” she said.

To that effect, the book is split into two parts. The first is Ruffing’s story, detailing her family, her son’s diagnoses and how mothers can put the power back into themselves.

The second part is filled with worksheets for when the reader is feeling overwhelmed, and scripture cards, which can be cut out or copied from the book, to help settle the mind.

“I hope people can read the first part and say, ‘She gets it,’” Ruffing said. “Then, they Author Meagan Ruffing, center, poses for a family portrait can use the second part with her son, Dylan; two daughters, Hannah and Elinor; and to help get through husband, Gabe. Ruffing recently released a book titled “I See whatever difficult stuff You,” which discusses her challenges as a mother of a child is going on in their with special needs and how to keep from being overwhelmed. lives.”

Ruffing also main“I’ve done more than $500 in givetains a blog, MeaganRuffing.com, and is the administrator of a Facebook group aways, like gift cards and other things for mothers, “Overwhelmed to In Con- moms would like,” she said. “I’ve given away gift cards to the Keen Been in Mt. trol,” a closed group with 613 members.

“I post [on the blog] about once a Vernon, chocolate bars and even $60 in week with resources and things that may fun passes to Fun City in Springfield.”

Along with her motherly duties, Ruffhelp when someone is having a bad day,” ing speaks at events on topics like how to she said. “The Facebook group kind of blew up overnight. That was very encour- make friends as the mother of a special aging, and I was saying, ‘Wow, there is a needs child, or how to raise other children when a special needs child takes so need here.’” much time. Ruffing has two daughters as “Moms need a place to talk and not well, 5-year-old Hannah and 3-year-old be judged about what is overwhelming Elinor. us.”

Ruffing will be back in Missouri, doRuffing keeps the group closed to keep ing a book signing at the Keen Been from the space judgment-free for its members, 2-4 p.m. on Oct. 8, where copies of the and any mother who wishes to join can books will be available for purchase. Ruffsend a request. ing said at the event, she will speak for a Ruffing also does giveaways on the  few minutes before signing books. page.

Parenting column

How to handle the passing of a family pet with your children

M

y kids love animals, especially dogs. We had a wonderful family dog named Charlie aka “Choo Choo” who was hit by a car recently and passed away.

As a parent, I felt helpless when my three children cried in my arms at the sudden loss in their lives. It was the first time we had lost a pet with such a tragic ending. I wasn’t sure what to say, other than, “I am so sorry about Choo. I know you miss him.

Mommy does too.”

Our home was eerily quiet the days after Choo’s passing. I could have sworn I heard his collar jingle from the laundry room like it did every morning when I walked in to pick him up from his bed.

My kids had a routine. Charlie had a routine. We had this dogowning thing down to a “T” and we considered ourselves a family of six rather than five. When Charlie died, I think a piece of my kids’ child-like world did too.

Every situation, every family, every pet is different. Loss of one kind or another is inevitable. It’s how we deal with it that makes the difference. If you are in this place right now or know someone who has lost a pet, use these tips for helping others along the way.

Choo Choo Charlie (right)

1.

I t’s O K t o g r i e v e .

2.

I t’s i m p o r ta n t t o ta lk a b o u t t h e p e t.

My kids cried on and off for a few days after Charlie’s passing. This is healthy. It’s their body’s way of showing emotion and my job as their parent is to let them know it’s OK to cry, it’s OK to be upset, and it’s OK to grieve for their dog.

My 2-year-old would ask where Charlie was every now and then after his passing. I gently reminded her that Charlie was in heaven with Jesus. She would get quiet for a moment and then come over and give me a hug.

We talk about him, still. When she brings his name up I validate what she is saying and make eye contact with her so that she knows I am really listening. This helps her feel heard and understood. She usually moves on to something else within a minute or so, but I am always available to her when she asks me where he is.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 41

3.

I t’s O K t o l e t your kids hold o n t o a ta n g i bl e i t e m o f t h e i r p e t’s stuff.

My daughter walked around with Charlie’s sweater for one whole day.

She snuggled with it, played Barbies with it by laying them on the sweater, wrapping them in the sweater, and sometimes just keeping the sweater in her lap while she played. She continually told me it was Charlie’s sweater and I would say, “Yes, you’re right, honey. That is Charlie’s sweater.” Sometimes actual things we can touch and feel and hold help us cope with the sudden loss of a beloved pet. It’s almost like we’re holding on to a piece of them when we can no longer actually hold them.

4.

I t’s O K t o ta lk a b o u t w h at happened.

While it was uncomfortable for me to talk about Charlie’s accident over and over again, I knew it was an important step for my children in processing what had happened. I would suggest sparing them the details if it was a tragic loss and sticking with simple words they can understand like, “It was an accident. Yes, I know you miss Charlie, mommy does too. Yes, Charlie was hit by a car. Sometimes these things happen and I wish it didn’t but Charlie is in heaven now.” By simply repeating phrases like this, my children found stability in an unstable situation and were able to be open about telling me how they felt.

5.

6.

I took my kids to a bounce house the day after Charlie died. I didn’t really feel like going anywhere but when I saw my son standing by the spot where Charlie had been hit, I knew I needed to change his environment and bring him somewhere that would get his mind off of things for a while.

I wasn’t sure how my kids would respond or if they would even feel like jumping around at the bounce house but they loved it. I listened and watched them laugh, run, play, and bounce for a solid two hours.

Sure, I knew we had to go home and enter back into reality, but those few hours of just being a kid and not being in the actual place where Charlie had died, was exactly what my kids needed.

I found myself crying on and off after Charlie died. Random times like when I was doing the dishes or when I was picking the house up. Something would remind me of him and I teared up a little. Sometimes my kids would see this and just stare at me. It was healthy for them to see me showing my emotions and I was able to talk to them briefly, about how much mommy missed Charlie. We didn’t dwell on it. We didn’t make a big deal about me crying. We didn’t stop our whole day. We just held each other and let the tears flow.

I t’s O K t o l e av e the house and do something fun.

I t’s O K f o r y o u r kids to see you u p s e t.

Every pet, every family, and every situation is different. You know your kids the best.

Do what works for you and use these suggestions as a starting place for what to do if you find yourself in a similar situation. The passing of a pet is tough. Take it one day at a time and sometimes, one moment at a time. Your family will get through this.

Syda Productions | fotolia.com

Meagan Ruffing is a parenting journalist, author and speaker. For more tips on parenting, sign up for her free newsletter at MeaganRuffing.com and say hello on Facebook.com/WriterMeaganRuffing.

42 | OCTOBER 2016

FALL: A busy, fun time of year in the Ozarks

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Submitted photographs

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 45

October 2016 community calendar Oct. 1

n The Homer Sloan Buddy Bass Tournament will be held at Campbell Point Marina.

Oct. 4

n Free hearing aid cleaning from Hearing Wellness Solutions at 10 a.m. (no appointment necessary) at the Cassville Senior Center, 111 Fair Street.

Oct. 5

n Grace’s Foot Care (by appointment) starts at 9 a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center, 111 Fair Street. n Methodist Manor Blood Pressure Check, 10:30 a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center.

For more information call 417-847-4510.

Oct. 6

n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce weekly dance will feature Classic Country beginning at 7 p.m.

Oct. 22

n Chili & Salsa Cook-Off and Craft Fair Held around the Cassville public square.

Events include live music, chili and salsa tasting, craft booths, pet parade, food vendors and more. Booths, 8 a.m. Judging, noon. n Cassville Fire Protection District Pancake Breakfast will be served from 6:30-10 a.m. at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall. All you can eat for a donation. n The Chili Run Cassville YMCA 5K and one-mile fun run/walk will begin at 8 a.m. from the Cassville Square. For more information call Dove at 846-1535. n Buddy Bass Tournament will be held at the Kings River Marina. This is a benefit for His House Foundation. n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce weekly dance will feature 3 Hits & A Miss beginning at 7 p.m.

n Paint class at the Cassville Senior Center at 9 a.m., 111 Fair Street.

n The Show, second performance, will be at the FEMA Event Center in Cassville, beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 8

Oct. 23

n C.A.S.K. (Creative Arts of Shell Knob) will present “Falling For Art” Show at the Art Gallery in Shell Knob. n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce weekly dance will feature 3 Hits & A Miss beginning at 7 p.m.

Oct. 12

n Blood Pressure Check beginning at 10:30 a.m. at the Central Crossing Senior Center, Shell Knob.

Oct. 15

n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce weekly dance will feature Cheyenne, beginning at 7 p.m.

Oct. 18

n Grace Health Services at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

Please call for an appointment, 417-8586952.

Oct. 19

n WIC at the Central Crossing Senior Center.

Please call for an appointment, 417-8472114.

Oct. 20

n The Show, a long-standing music variety show featuring HometownSound & The RedHots along with other local talent.

Show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the FEMA Event Center in Cassville. Advance tickets are available at the Cassville Chamber of Commerce office. Tickets will be available at the door. n Grace’s Foot Care (by appointment) starts at 9 a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center,111 Fair Street.

n The Show, final performance, Sunday afternoon, in Cassville, beginning at 2 p.m. n The Ozark Festival Orchestra will perform a concert of American music at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 23 at the Monett High School Performing Arts Center. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for senior citizens, students high school age and younger free.

Oct. 24

n Nell’s Nails, Fingers and Toes. Please call for an appointment, 417-858-6952.

Oct. 27

 The Parkinson’s Support Group meets at 2 p.m. at

the First United Methodist Church, 1600 N. Central in Monett on the second Thursday of every month. No charge to attend. Call 417-269-3616 or 888-354-3618 to register.

 Celebrate Recovery meets at 7 p.m. at the Golden

Baptist Church on Route J in Golden every Monday of each month. Dinner is served at 6:15 p.m.

This is for anyone with hurts, habit or hang-ups.

 The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Group of Cassville

meets at 8 p.m. at 1308 Harold Street in Cassville on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays every month.

 The Turning Point AA Group meets at 7 p.m. at

the west corner of Mitchell Plaza on Hwy. 86 in Eagle Rock on Mondays and Tuesday every month.

 DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar and sup-

port group meets at the First Baptist Church, 602 West Street in Cassville at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Call for more information, 417-847-2965.

 Cassville Al-Anon Family Group meets at 8 p.m.

at the United Methodist Church in Cassville every Thursday of each month.

 Narcotics Anonymous meets at 8 p.m. the first

Tuesday of every month in the basement of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, located at the corner of Seven and Cale streets in Monett, 417-4423706.

 Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous

group meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the First Baptist Church Activity Center, 618 Second Street in Washburn. 417-489-7662.

n The Pierce City Senior Center, 104 Locust St., will host a dance from 7-10 p.m. Admission is $3. Finger foods are welcome.

For more information, call 417-476-5800 or 737-4900.

Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob

Oct. 28

Regular events:

n Birthday lunch at the Cassville Senior Center, 1111 Fair Street in Cassville. n OJ’s Cookout at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

Oct. 29

n Eagle Rock Daze Car Show/Hawl-OWeen Festival. For more information, call Susan at 417-271-3386. n The Great Pumpkin Run, a 5K/one-mile fun run/walk will be held at Shell Knob, beginning at the Chamber Park. For more information, call Twilia at the Chamber office 417-858-3300. n The Seligman Chamber of Commerce weekly dance will feature Cheyenne beginning at 7 p.m.

Domino Poker, every day from 12:45.

Mah Jongg, every Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Paint Classes, every second and fourth Monday of each month.

Line Dancing, every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Quilting for Charity, every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Pinochle, every Thursday from 12:30 to 3 p.m.

Cards Galore, every Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Wood Carvers, every Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Bingo on the First and Third Mondays 12:45 to 2 p.m.

Wii Bowling on Wednesdays 12:35 to 3 p.m.

Oct. 31

n Halloween lunch at the Cassville Senior Center, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

46 | OCTOBER 2016

COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS

Cassville Senior Center Dominos, every Friday at noon.

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

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

Tickets are $7 in advance, $8 at the door, kids 12 and under are free!

This Year’s Theme Hits of the ‘70’s & ‘80’s!

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

Thursday, October 20 • 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, October 22 • 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, October 23 • 2:00 p.m.

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

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 47

Directions n Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Halloween Bloody Baked Rats Ingredients 2 pounds ground beef 1/2 onion, chopped 1 egg, beaten 1 cup dry bread crumbs 1 (1.25 ounce) packet meatloaf seasoning mix 1 cup cubed Cheddar cheese 3 (10 ounce) cans tomato sauce 1 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 ounce uncooked spaghetti, broken into fourths 1/2 carrot, cut into 1/8-inch thick slices 1 tablespoon frozen green peas

n In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, onion, egg, bread crumbs, and meatloaf seasoning. Use your hands to mix until well blended. Measure out 1/3 cupfuls of the meat mixture and mold around a cube of cheese like a meatball. Shape into a point at one end and lengthen the body a bit by rolling between your hands. Place your ‘’rat’’ into a shallow baking dish, and continue with the remaining meat. Insert pieces of uncooked spaghetti into the rounded end of the rats to make tails. n In a medium bowl, stir together the tomato sauce, sugar and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the rats in the dish and cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil. n Bake for 45 minutes in the preheated oven. Uncover the dish and continue to bake for another 20 to 30 minutes, basting occasionally with the sauce to glaze the rats. n While the rats finish baking, heat the peas and carrots in a small bowl in the microwave for about 15 seconds.

Carmel Apples Ingredients 6 apples 1 (14 ounce) package individually wrapped caramels, unwrapped 2 tablespoons milk

Directions n Remove the stem from each apple and press a craft stick into the top. Butter a baking sheet. n Place caramels and milk in a microwave safe bowl, and microwave two minutes, stirring once. Allow to cool briefly. n Roll each apple quickly in caramel sauce until well coated. Place on prepared sheet to set.

n Carefully transfer the rats to a serving platter so that their delicate tails don’t fall off. Press peas into the pointy end to make eyes, and insert carrot slices to make ears. Spoon some of the tomato sauce around them and serve.

Halloween Fruit Apple Teeth Treats Ingredients 4 Honeycrisp apples - cored and quartered 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional) 1 (2.25 ounce) package blanched slivered almonds

Directions n With a small, sharp paring knife, cut a lengthwise wedge from the skin side of each apple quarter, leaving the peel around the wedge for lips. If desired, rub the cut portions of the apple quarters with lemon juice to prevent browning.

Poke 5 or 6 slivered almonds into the top and bottom of the cut-out area to make snaggly teeth.

48 | OCTOBER 2016

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds Ingredients 1-1/2 cups raw whole pumpkin seeds 2 teaspoons butter, melted 1 pinch salt

Directions n Preheat oven to 300 degrees F. n Toss seeds in a bowl with the melted butter and salt. Spread the seeds in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake for about 45 minutes or until golden brown; stir occasionally.

Recipes

Halloween Delights Peanut Butter Spider Cookies Ingredients 1/2 cup shortening 1/2 cup peanut butter 1/2 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup white sugar 1 egg, beaten 2 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 cup white sugar for rolling 24 chocolate candy spheres with smooth chocolate filling (such as Lindt Lindor Truffles), refrigerated until cold 48 decorative candy eyeballs 1/2 cup prepared chocolate frosting

Witches’ Brew Ingredients 1 (10 ounce) package frozen raspberries, thawed 2-1/2 cups cranberry juice 2 envelopes unflavored gelatin 2 liters ginger ale 2 liters sparkling apple cider 6 gummy snakes candy

Directions n To make the frozen hand: Wash and rinse the outside of a rubber glove.

Turn glove inside out and set aside. In a 4 cup measuring cup, combine the thawed raspberries and cranberry juice.

Directions n Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line baking sheets with baking parchment. n Beat shortening, peanut butter, brown sugar, and 1/2 cup white sugar together with an electric mixer in a large bowl until smooth. Beat egg into the creamy mixture until fully incorporated. Stir milk and vanilla extract into the mixture until smooth. n Mix flour, baking soda, and salt together in a small bowl; add to the wet mixture in the large bowl and stir until completely incorporated into a dough. Divide and shape dough into 48 balls. n Spread 1/4 cup white sugar into a wide, shallow bowl. Roll dough balls in sugar to coat and arrange about 2 inches apart onto prepared baking sheets. n Bake in preheated oven until golden brown, 10-12 minutes. Remove cookies from oven and quickly press a dimple into the middle of each cookie using the blunt end of a wooden spoon. Cool cookies on sheets for 10 minutes before transferring to a wire cooling rack to cool completely. n Cut each chocolate sphere into two hemispheres. Put one piece atop each cookie with the rounded side facing upwards. n Spoon frosting into a pastry bag with a small round tip or a plastic freezer bag with one end snipped off. Dab a small amount of frosting onto the back of each candy eyeball and stick two onto each chocolate candy to resemble eyes. Then pipe frosting in four thin lines, starting at the base of the candy, on each side atop the cookie to resemble spider legs. n Let frosting harden at room temperature, about 30 minutes. Store cookies in an airtight container.

n Pour 2 cups of the raspberry mixture into a small saucepan. Sprinkle the gelatin over and let stand 2 minutes. Warm over low heat, stirring constantly, just until gelatin dissolves. Mix back into the reserved raspberry mixture in the measuring cup. n Pour raspberry mixture into the inverted glove. Gather up the top of the glove and tie securely with kitchen twine. Freeze until solid, or several days if possible. n To serve: Carefully cut glove away from frozen hand. Place frozen hand, palm side up, leaning against side of a large punch bowl. Pour in ginger ale and cider. Garnish with gummy snakes.

Source: AllRecipes.com

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 49

Bottles & brews

n i t s e v Har e l t t o ab Pyrat XO Reserve A product of the tiny island of Anguilla, a British Territory in the Carribean with a population of just more than 15,000, Pyrat XO Reserve is a blend of nine different rums aged up to 15 years in American sweet oak barrels to blend the flavors. It is hand-labeled and each serial number is hand-written at the factory.

The cork bottle is a nod to rum runners and pirates who roamed the Caribbean in the 1800s. On RumRatings.com, it has a rating of 6.4 out of 10.

Leinenkugel’s Harvest Patch Shandy Another beer bringing in fall with a pumpkin flavor, Leinenkugel’s Harvest Patch Shandy is a traditional weiss brew with notes of nutmeg, allspice and cloves. Available only a couple months out of the year, it pairs well with spicy beef chili or caramel flan. On BeerAdvocate.com, it has earned a rating of 77 out of 100 from 59 reviewers.

50 | OCTOBER 2016

Blue Moon Harvest Pumpkin Ale

Goose Island Oktoberfest

Making its first appearance in 1995, Blue Moon’s Harvest Pumpkin Ale was the brewery’s first fall seasonal, aimed at providing a detour from the popular autumn Oktoberfest-style beers. Harvest Pumpkin Ale went on to become the first pumpkin ale available nationwide, known for more than two decades for its pumpkin, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and allspice notes. The beer earned a 74 out of 100 rating from the owners of BeerAdvocate.com.

A product of Chicago, Goose Island’s Oktoberfest is a German-style Marzen brew that features notes of toffee and burnt sugar in the aroma and flavors of sweet, dried apricots. It uses six kinds of malts and the Earthy, bitter Hallertau hops. The beer is one of the higher-rated Oktoberfest brews on BeerAdvocate. com, earning an 84 out of 100 score from 231 reviewers.

Through the 90-Year Mirror continued from page 16

The idea for a casino, “a building used for social meetings or public amusements,” according to Webster, was never truly explained to the public, especially the odd name, not exactly a typical word in the Ozarkian lexicon. The ordinance passed on May 18 authorized contractor M.E. Gillioz to build “a casino in said park.” In the first public explanation, on May 26, The Monett Times reported, “The city council believes that Monett should be made attractive for our own people and for visitors who may come here and our beautifully landscaped park and amusement casino will be another step in this direction. ...Monett has long needed a building of this kind and its construction will enable the town to entertain organizations from other places when they wish.”

By then, Monett had already become a Mecca of sorts for locals, with two movie theaters — the Rialto and the Gem — and the largest consolidation of retailers in the area. The entertainers came to Monett as well. Just to name a few, there was Billie O’Brine, the “Human Fly,” who climbed the Tatem-Wright building on March 13. Bill K. “Red” Ray, “the only natural red-headed comedian on the road today,” performed in a tent at Sixth and Broadway the week of April 26. McDonald Birch, “one of the greatest magicians on the stage today,” who played 14 weeks at the Egyptian Theater in London, performed at the Rialto Theater June 16-17.

In the March 20 issue of The Monett Times, Emory Hill of Stotts City was reported saying, “Monett is the third best town in the district. The other two are Springfield and Joplin. He says that on Saturday nights there are maybe three or four automobiles on the streets of Stotts City. All the folks have come to Monett to trade, attend the picture shows, get refreshments and have a good time. The other towns surrounding do the same.”

On Jan. 13, 1926, The Monett Times ran this anecdote: “Once upon a time a Monett businessman became discouraged and decided that Monett was no place for him. He thought if he could get

to some other town where he could make a fresh start that he could make more money and be happier and more contented. He sold his pleasant home and his business and went to one of the good towns in a neighboring state. It didn’t take him long to find out he had made a mistake. He had to get acquainted from the ground up, he had to build a business reputation, he had to prove that he and his family were desirable as friends and associates. This looked like a waste of time to the Monett man, for he had all these desirable things back at Monett already and what was the use of spending half a lifetime in building something he had The first city document that uses the word “casino” in his possession. The Monett man built,” and new home conveniences. A did the wise thing. He came back to Monett and started up in business new Maytag dealer opened in Monett in again, bought another home and settled April.

Perhaps nothing was more telling down to make a happy home in the best than this ad for a Florence oil range: “Is town, for him, in the world.” a woman’s youth worth the price of an Thus the idea had taken shape, Monett was not just a stop on the road. It was the oil range? Do enough husbands realize destination, the end of the road, the only that the drudgery of a coal or wood range place to be. All these additions, then, re- plays havoc with woman’s health and apinforced Monett’s uniqueness and attrac- pearance? It’s bad enough to have to kintion to where even the doubters came to dle fires, carry coal, and empty ashes in cool weather, but in the summer time it is believe it.

The quality of life itself was on the more than any woman should be asked to upswing. Advertisements in The Monett put up with. Ask your husband to come Times described amusements, new de- with you to our store and look at one of vices like the Greater Hoover vacuum, our Florence Oil Ranges. One of these “twice as effective as the best Hoover ever ranges will keep your kitchen cooler and

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on your energy costs

We insulate new and existing: crawl spaces • attics • foundations • walls • roof coatings

417-737-1206 Josh Copeland • superiorsprayfoammo.com 52 | OCTOBER 2016

cleaner. Many a woman has kept her youthful appearance year after year because she has not had to stand the drudgery of cooking with coal or wood in summer.”

Air mail was introduced between Chicago and Dallas on May 12. A new fire alarm system, the first of its kind, was introduced for Kansas City, for use downtown from the riverfront to 21st Street, from Troost Avenue to the state line, as the company advertised in Monett for stockholders. On June 4, the new medium of commercial radio advertised Monett on the airwaves.

A radio show was broadcast from station WOS in Jefferson City.

“The entertainment by radio was fostered by the Monett Commercial Club and the Ozark Fruit Growers’ Association and was intended to advertise Monett, the Magnet of Southwest Missouri and the strawberry industry. All the Monett radio fans listened in and although there was some interference and some static, most of the program was heard and understood,” The Monett Times reported. The show closed with the Cassville-based Macedonia Quartet, one of the first ensembles to commercially record gospel music, singing “Missouri Land is Strawberry Land.”

The program generated hundreds of letters to the Commercial Club and requests for the brochure from the area tourism organization, the Ozarks Playgrounds Association.

The editorial on civic pride cited earlier ended with these comments: “Each new project for the advancement of the community carried through to successful completion adds to the progress and standing of the community. Monett is known as a progressive town because there is never a time when its people are not working for some civic improvement.”

Community leaders today would echo the same words. 

Familiar Faces

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The annual

Howdy Neighbor Days

celebration was held Aug. 10 through Aug. 13 at South Park in Pierce City.

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1. Kenny and Michelle Jones 2. Victoria Rueda and Yadira Gonzalez 3. Myka Masters, Kali Fenske and Samantha Myers 4. Michael Heeter, Sharon Clark and Paisley Neely 5. Lilly Stoker, Melody Anderson, Jerika Brown,

Kenzie Portillo, Donielle Brottlund and

Kristen Jones 6. Renea Hammond and Melanie Chapman 7. Chris Dee and Lakin Breeding 8. Jace and Chassity Roberts 9. Archie Tabor and Danielle Manes 10. Madilyn Wright with Angel Wright

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

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

10

Bus. (417) 235-0016 Fax (417) 235-6364 Res. (417) 442-7974 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 53

The annual

Country Fair for Berean Christian Academy was held on Sept. 17.

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Josh, Anna, Sophia and Deanna Stockton Amelia Freiburger, Adelyn Janssen Patty and Dennis Burge Dan and Olivia Janssen Madison Hicks, Cole Howerton and Katie Robinson Paul Rose, Allen and Leona Keeling and Janice Rose

54 | OCTOBER 2016

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7. Angela Pedersen and Brandy Burton 8. Brian Salsman and Jeff Scott 9. Justin, Jayden, Layne and Hayle Robbins 10. Front: Carolyn Carder and Kip Cullers;

Back: Barb Lindsey and Bob Carder 11. Hope Caselman, Kirstie Swisher,

Carol Rickard and Sheila Fieker 12. Leland and Dakota Doss, and

Glenn Crouch

12

The

17th annual Kings Prairie Community Center Benefit Concert

1. Arnold Evans and Kenny Lewsader 2. Missy Lewsander and Colleen Evans 3. Don Bender and Marvin Willhite 4. Jana and Mark Steele 5. Bill and Dee Durant 6. Doris and Orville Meyer 7. Wanda and Danny Day 8. Jeri and Randy Myers 9. Vicki Noe and Charlene Fulton 10. Janie Bates, Judy Hudson, Carolyn Mackey and Karen Washburn

was held on Aug. 13 at the historic Kings Prairie school southeast of Monett.

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The annual

Fall Festival in Miller

was held Sept. 1-3 downtown.

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The Cassville Democrat hosted a

Chamber of Commerce Business After Hours

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on August 18.

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Justin Gates, Jon Horner and Michelle Bredeson Annette Henderson, Devon Forsythe and Marion Chrysler Chris Batsche Natalie Lindley, Ben Lindley, Stan Kelley and Jim Craig Darla Horner, Dr. Carolyn Hunter and Maria West Kara and Jacob Brower

1. Tori and Ryan Morris, and

Dean and Cindy Jones 2. Donna and Larry Estes 3. Frances and Doug

Reynolds, and Bobby and

Megan Berlekamp 4. Diane Sands and Mags 5. Jerry Bowman and

Bill Bean 6. Sheila, Marinna, Lucinda,

and Lee Anna Garringer,

and Margaret Buus 7. Front: Wesley, Dennis and

Jane Cooper.

Back: Marion and

Jim Carroll 8. Debbie Vogel and

Brenda Whitehead 9. Alexus Ennis, Chris Collins

and Nicole Barnes 10. Mildred Graves,

Peggy Lamp and

Joann Martin 11. Front: Ari and Bella Frias,

and Gunner Hagel.

Back: Carolyn Hagel 12. Heather, Mason and

Floyd Oliphant

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 57

Ernte-Fest

The Freistatt Lions 43rd annual was held on Aug. 12 and 13 in Freistatt.

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8 1. Kathy Saloga, Trinity White and

Amber Warner 2. Jud and Bonnie Cannon 3. Lea Ann, Grace and Nick Broderick 4. Katrina and Kevin McBlair 5. Susie and Larry Norton 6. Lilli Sitton and Aurella OcaĂąas 7. Mark Patterson, Chalee Marlin,

Kelly Arnold and Christina Meza 8. Cheryl, Newt and Krystal Lile, and

Rebecca Henbest 9. Jared Jennett, Alan Obermann,

Glenn Obermann, Rod Lewis,

Stephen Schoen 10. Jerry Sitton and Gale Huffmaster 11. Lacey Nelson, Kimberly Utter and

Brooke Cahalan

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11

Repurposed Faire

Monett’s third annual was held on Aug. 27-28 on Front Street in Monett.

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7 1. Amanda, Blake, Conner and Jacob Kelley 2. Rick and Dori Minton, and

Norma Clinton 3. Julie and Adam Neubauer 4. Betty and Thom Brandt 5. Rebecca and Linda Norton 6. Ron Van Amber and Marilyn Roetto 7. Ron Pryor and Abby Shuey 8. Eva and Erin Mudge, and River 9. Front row: Esme and Jude Woolsey.

Back row: Carvin, Becca and

Jesse Woolsey.

10. Carly and Cristy Short

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9 10 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 59

Wheaton Fire Protection District barbecue

The 58th annual was held on Aug. 27 in the Wheaton City Park.

1. Hailey and Laurie Bennett 2. Joe Slaton and Vernon McCracken 3. Sheri Lush, and Gary and

Maxine Bates 4. Kaye Hughes and Emily England 5. Montana and James Harris 6. Jennifer and Ernest Jones 7. Stan Beatty and Jim McCoy 8. Opal and Bill Hurn 9. Kayla and Daniel Basye 10. Marisa Hughes and daughter

Hensley Hughes 11. Allie Reed, Calista Blades and

Kayla Dunlop 12. Ralph Lamberson, Carthy Harter,

JoeAnn Jump, Nola McMillen and

Betty Lamberson

60 | OCTOBER 2016

s Collision Center ’ n e K The Area’s Finest Collision Repair Facility

At Ken’s, we do things differently Here at Ken’s we use the XRAY Repair Planning™ system to improve the quality and speed of the collision repair process. We examine, catalog, bag and rack every part to ensure your car gets everything it needs to complete the repair.

Just another way we work for you, the customer, to make sure your car is fixed right, to Factory Specifications with the right parts, by highly trained technicians.

Ken’s Collision Center – anywhere else is just a body shop!

712 W. 10th St. • Cassville, MO 65625 • 417-847-1200 www.kenscollisioncenter.com

melissa.miller@platinumhc.net

2015 MISSOURI PRESS ASSOCIATION GENERAL EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER

The MoneTT TiMes Serving Barry and Lawrence County, Mo., since 1899

Subscribe for 2 months, get 1 month free. $25.60 for three months of print delivery, plus free, unrestricted access to MoneTT-TiMes.coM

4 WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE:

Scan this QR code

Visit Monett-Times.com/access

Call 417.235.3135 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m, M-F

Visit our 505 E. Broadway office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m, M-F

* Offer for new subscribers only in Barry and Lawrence counties. Subscription renews at $12.80 per month following 3-month term, and may be canceled at any time.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 61

OUR COMMUNITY

with in The Heart f The Ozarks with continuing care

Ava Belle’s

ANTIQUES & FLEA MARKET Vintage furniture • Used appliances Antiques • Collectibles Home decor items

32 Residential Care Apartments 78 Bed Skilled Nursing Facility

58 Independent Living Homes Fitness Center & RehabCare Group

A Tradition Of Caring Since 1925 Continuing Care Retirement Community

205 S. College  P.O. Box 403  Marionville, MO 65705  (417) 258-2573

Discounts and great service.

What are you waiting for?

Large new room with furniture & appliances!

108 S. MADISON DOWNTOWN AURORA

417-678-2210

Mon. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sun. 1 - 5 p.m.

- Grande Tire Since 1971 -

GRANDE TIRE, INC.

“Mastercraft Tire Made In America Since 1908”

Quality passenger, truck, light truck and farm tires at the most competitive price in the 4-state area!

Goodyear ~ Firestone authorized Dealer also available: Michelin • Goodrich • Toyo Mastercraft • Jetson Check Ou r Mounted/ Balanced FREE Stem s OUT THE DOOR PRICES!

1-800-535-3542 AURORA 417-678-2128

CASSVILLE 417-847-2934

PIERCE CITY 417-476-5156

JOPLIN 417-781-9280

62 | OCTOBER 2016

Discounts vary by state and rate class.

See your Shelter Agent for details.

Grant Baker

Andy Brandt

GBaker@ShelterInsurance.com

ABrandt@ShelterInsurance.com

101 E. Olive Aurora, MO 417-678-5404

122 E. Broadway Monett, MO 417-235-5603

Scott Thrasher

1001 E. Broadway Monett, MO 417-235-6239

SThrasher@ShelterInsurance.com

We’re your Shield. We’re your Shelter.

ShelterInsurance.com

Chris Hammen 106a Cortney Ln Crane, MO 417-723-5394

CHammen@ShelterInsurance.com

My connection

While attending a wedding at Fort Walton Beach, Fla., in July, the Terry family stopped to get a photo with Connection Magazine.

Pictured, from left, are Jason Terry and his wife Yeojung (Angela) Yoon of the State of Indiana, the groom and bride: Kevin and Ashley Terry of Monett and Mary and Steve Terry of Purdy.

Brad Duncan, left, of Pierce City, and his brother Norman, from Wichita, Kan., at the Kwajalein Yacht Club in the Marshall Islands, where their sister lives.

Some local residents took Connection Magazine with them on a recent trip to Daytona Beach, Fla. From left, Roxie Henderson, Cindy Puryear, Leona Keeling and Karla Rickman.

Five Barry County women took Connection Magazine with them on the Making Memories Tour “Simpler Times in Iowa� trip in September. They are pictured in front of one of the famous Bridges of Madison County. Pictured, from left, are Margaret Rose of Cassville; and Bonnie Shrum, Gwen Scroggins, Alice Varner and Dorothy Porter, all of Washburn.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 63

(right) Lou Ann Priest of Cassville took Connection to the Grand Canyon in June. (top left) Mark and Peggy Gentry of Verona took Connection to the Grand Canyon in June. (bottom left) Girl Scout Troop No. 10330 from Monett at the Grand Canyon. Pictured (not in order): Girl Scouts Tiffany Hull, Kaylee Johnson, Natalie Long, Meagan Hull, Samantha Watson and Natalie Wages. Scout leaders Linda Dohmen, Sherry Hull and Anne Watson. Other adults: Samantha and Brad Chaffin.

Ad list Acambaro Mexican Restaurant. . . . . . . . 34 Ava Belle’s Flea Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Barry Electric Coop. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Bennett Wormington. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Carl Pyper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Carolyn Hunter, DMD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 Cassville Chamber of Commerce. . . 8 & 47 Cassville Health & Rehab. . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 CJR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Coast to Coast. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Community National Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Cornerstone Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Country Dodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Cox Medical Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Crane Family Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Diet Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Doug’s Pro Lube. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Eastside Church of Christ. . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Edward Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Exeter Corn Maze. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

64 | OCTOBER 2016

Farm Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29 First State Bank of Purdy. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Flying V Mercantile. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Fohn Funeral Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Four Seasons Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Four States Dental Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri. . . 24 Friendly Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Grand Tire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Guanajuato Mexican. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 J&J Floor Covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53 J. Michael Riehn, Attorney. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Ken’s Collision Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61 Lackey Body Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Lacoba Homes, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Les Jacob. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Michael Carman Furniture. . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Mocha Jo’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Monett Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . 13 Oak Point Assisted Living. . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Old Town Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Ozark Methodist Manor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Peppers and Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43 Pickin’ Patch Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Quality Archery . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Race Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Scott Regional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47 Security Bank of Southwest Missouri. . . . 5 Shelter Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62 Smile Designers Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Superior Spray Foam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 The Jane Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Tomblin’s Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Trogdon Marshall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 VisionHealth Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Whitley Pharmacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Willis Insurance Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Youngberg Chapel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

We care about their eyes!

New Patient Special Free Dental Exam and X-rays

More than 600,000 eye injuries related to sports and recreation occur each year. 42,000 of these injuries are of a severity that requires emergency attention.

Our doctors provide urgent care for ocular injuries.

Dr. Justin Hart, Optometrist Dr. Greg Huntress, Optometrist, FAAO Dr. Scott McSpadden, Optometrist, FAAO

Outstanding eyecare, exceptional eyewear!

612 E. Elm 215 4th Street 401 W. College Republic, MO 65738 Monett, MO 65708 Greenfield, MO 65661 417-732-5575 417-235-2020 417-637-2010

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

www.visionhealtheyecenter.com

Dale A. Kunkel, DDS and Associates 2 Convenient Locations 825 Hwy 60, Ste. H • Monett, MO 65708 P. 417-635-1173 • F. 417-635-1174 2040 LaQuesta Dr • Neosho, MO 64858 P. 417-451-1566 • F. 417-451-5262

4statesdentalcare.com

Serving the area communities since 1887

Willis Insurance, Inc.

You don't have to pay to find out what's wrong…

Only to fix it!

100 W. 7th Street, Cassville • 417-847-3300 | 800-556-2393 www.willisinsured.com

Bridgeway Plaza, Shellknob

417-858-3747

Hablamos Espanol CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 65

Parting shot

Photo by Randy Branum of Monett

“I wish that all of nature’s magnificence, the emotion of the land, the living energy of place could be photographed.”

— Annie Leibovitz

66 | OCTOBER 2016

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68 | OCTOBER 2016