Connection October 2017

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October 2017

Volunteer Spirit Oak Pointe

Assisted living excellence

fishin’ riggs

Couple retired to share hospitality

costumes

Finding the fit for your child

helping hand

Hospital volunteers care to help Connection Magazine | 1

www.edwardjones.com A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians

PUBLISHER Jacob Brower connection@monett-times.com EDITOR Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com Marketing director Lisa Craft monettcommunity@gmail.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Sheila Harris James Craig Marion Chrysler CONTRIBUTORS Murray Bishoff Meagan Ruffing Lisa Ramirez Darlene Wierman Melonie Roberts Sheila Harris Susan Funkhouser Pam Wormington Brad Stillwell Jared Lankford Julia Kilmer Dionne Zebert Jane Severson Verna Fry Angie Judd Cheryl Williams Sierra Gunter

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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.

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Connection Magazine | 3

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From the publisher’s desk

The sights and sounds of

F

all — the greatest time of year, in my humble opinion — is finally here.

Some of my fondest childhood memories involve hearing the sound of fallen leaves crunching under my feet as I played in the yard, the feel of a crisp — but not too cold — breeze, and the beauty of the colorful orange and brown landscape.

As I got older, fall also meant football season. One of my favorite places to be is at a football stadium on game day. The sense of community, the excitement on the field, and the smell of hot dogs and hamburgers cooking are enough to brighten any day.

As someone who likes to “pumpkinspice everything” (yes, I’m one of those people), I was happy to read Lisa Ramirez’ Healthy Connection article on the health benefits of pumpkin. Julia Kilmer also offers some great ideas on starting fall traditions that you and your family will enjoy.

fall

Halloween is right around the corner, and Meagan Ruffing offers advice on preparing for trickor-treating with sensory-sensitive children.

FREE

October 2017

Volunteer Spirit Oak POinte

Assisted living excellence

fishin’ riggs

Couple retired to share hospitality

cOstumes

Finding the fit for your child

helPing hand

Hospital volunteers care to help Connection Magazine | 1

On the cover: Helping campers Leon and Peggy Riggs camp, fish and share catches.

Cover photo by Pam Dorton.

Also in this edition, Melonie Roberts writes a great feature about a local baby who is now thriving despite being born 10 weeks premature. Melonie also has an article on a local woman who recently celebrated her 70th birthday by crossing an item off her bucket list — skydiving. Murray Bishoff has a great report on a local couple who is spending their retirement years doing volunteer work.

This edition also features numerous wonderful photos from local contributors. I am always impressed by the quality of photos that we receive on a monthly basis. Keep them coming!

We hope you enjoy this edition, along with the great sights and sounds that October brings.

Jacob Brower Publisher, Connection Magazine

Jacob Brower is publisher of Connection Magazine, The Monett Times and Cassville Democrat.

He is president of the Missouri Associated Press Media Editors (APME) and serves on the Missouri Press Association’s board of directors. He can be reached at connection@monett-times.com.

Follow him on Twitter @jwbrower, and on Instagram @jwbrower1

Connection Magazine | 5

Contents 14 Proud Parent contest 23 Healthy Connection

30 Community Calendar 38 Cutest Pet contest

46 Recipes: Autumn’s flavors 48 Bottles & Brews

52 Submitted photos 60 Familiar Faces

72 My Connection 74 Parting Shot

Photo by Carrie Buchanan of Golden

33

40 18

50

15

Features OCTOBER 2017

6 | October 2017

56

25

Photos by Pam Dorton of Verona

JOIN US ONLINE:

Facebook.com/MyConnectionMo Twitter.com/MyConnection_Mo

Photo by Carrie Buchanan of Golden

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

Email it to connection@monett-times.com

Connection Magazine | 7

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Instead of only having family over for major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, why not start a new tradition? The fall season in itself is a call for celebration, and new traditions create new memories.

Here are a few ideas, or, create your own.

Savor the season:

Plan a harvest potluck or chili party

Invite family and friends over for a harvest party to celebrate the season. It’s another opportunity to connect during the year, while savoring the unique activities and teachable moments fall brings. Invite everyone to bring a dish for a potluck within a food theme such as Mexican or Italian, a crockpot dish, make a pot of hearty soup with bread, or pots of chili to sample, such as white chili, chili con carne or a spicy southwest chili.

Each year in October, local Conservation Agent Dan VanDerhoef and his family do just that, with a Full Moon gathering to celebrate the season.

“It started many years ago, when my aunt and uncle began inviting friends and family over to have a fall gathering. We’ll play horseshoes, have scavenger hunts; it’s really fun. Each year, the theme is different with food, but we’ll usually have hot chocolate or hot cider, warm food and a lot of times, people get dressed up for Halloween.

I really enjoy our fall party.”

Create new family traditions this fall.

Pack the tent, plan a potluck.

To celebrate fall and all of the unique gifts it brings, why not disconnect from schedules and cell phones and connect with friends and family around a fire with hot chocolate or cider, and express gratitude for all that the fall season brings.

Column by Julia Kilmer

Connection Magazine | 9

Have a gift exchange

For even more fun, have a white elephant gift exchange at your fall harvest party. White elephant gifts are new or gentlyused items in your home you don’t use, that someone else might like. So do a purge, pass it on and enjoy the fun and connection this simple game brings.

Focus on fall lessons

Celebrate the inherent, soul-level lessons the fall season brings, such as renewal, transitions and gratitude, and find a way to incorporate these concepts into your harvest party, or daily life during the season.

For instance, each person can share a praise, prayer or other message reflecting these concepts and what they mean in their lives.

Therapist Susi Rhoades, MSW, LCSW, for Mercy Cassville’s Senior Life Solutions program, an outpatient group therapy program dedicated to improving the quality of life for older adults and helping them through life transitions, says the better one is able to embrace transitions and be grateful for the experiences and lessons within them, the more enjoyable the changes they bring will be.

She shares tips on how to incorporate fall lessons in celebrations with others.

“Find friends, family, or loved ones you can each share what you are grateful for with,” she said. “Another great activity is to find someone your senior that you admire and ask what their life changes have been and what those

10 | October 2017

This fall, try creating new traditions, like having a fall harvest party with family or friends, to truly savor the fall season, and all of the unique activities and lessons it brings. Have a pot of chili, soup and bread, or a potluck-style dinner — all hearty meals everyone would enjoy.

Carey Howe, head designer and owner of Carey’s Cassville Florist, arranges fall decorations in her shop. Howe says she is seeing all the traditional fall decorations like wreaths, pumpkins and colorful mums, but also a lot of DIY projects with wood.

duskojovic | fotolia.com

changes have taught them, or have each person share one change they’ve experienced in the last year and what they’ve gained from the change.

“Remember, life is full of change.

Embrace and be grateful for them, and enjoy new seasons of life.”

Go camping

Who says you have to go camping only during summer? Maybe summer flew by so fast, you couldn’t get a camping trip in, and still need to break in that new tent. If not, why not go now, when most of the bugs are gone, the weather is more pleasant and the scenery even better? And warming up around a campfire in crisp weather with hot chocolate, cider or a cup of soup with the ones you love is the best part.

VanDerhoef takes his family on a camping trip each fall, to enjoy quality family time and for the unique experience it brings.

“I’m more fond of the cooler temperatures,” he said. “It makes camping more bearable. Later in the fall, the cooler temps will also knock back some of the bugs and critters. Also, one of the more fun things I enjoy during the fall is being around the campfire — it’s just a place to gather and tell stories, or cook over the fire.”

To stay comfortable, VanDerhoef reminded campers to plan ahead by bringing items to stay warm, such as sleep-

Find a new spot in the great outdoors for just you and yours. Spending quality time with family in the beauty of the Ozarks is just the right recipe for lasting memories.

ing bags rated for cooler temperatures, liners, wool, or a safe heater for tents.

“When I’m taking my family camping, I want them to be as comfortable as they can,” VanDerhoef said. “If your’e not comfortable, it can be miserable. We sleep on cots. I’ll put a wool blanket on the cot and the sleeping bag on top of that. The wool provides another layer of warmth. There are also liners you can get, or, if it’s really cold, you can use a Buddy propane heater. It has a carbon monoxide sensor.”

Another way you can stay warm and cozy is with favorite fall beverages.

“We usually do hot chocolate, cider or hot tea,” VanDerhoef said. “Also, warm food is always good, cooked in Dutch ovens, a barbecue grill or over the campfire.”

Locally, VanDerhoef suggested Roaring River State Park or Corps of Engineer properties around the lake to camp.

Decorate to celebrate

Major holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are celebrated with decorations galore, so why not decorate to savor the fall season and the unique gifts it brings, too? Make a DIY (do-it-yourself ) project, or go traditional.

Head designer and owner of Carey’s Cassville Florist Carey Howe says traditional fall decorations like wreaths, pumpkins and colorful mums will always be popular, but she is seeing more DIY projects.

“The biggest thing right now is the DIY woodsy projects,” she said. “It’s an easy way to decorate without a lot of effort [or buying expensive store-made decorations]. And the silk is permanent so you can bring it back next year.

“Wreaths and decorated pumpkins are always popular, and people love to decorate with mums. They’re hardy and last through the frost, and colorful with the browns, yellows and golds; they just add a lot of color outside the home.” W

Connection Magazine | 11

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Connection Magazine | 13

Proud Parent

Photo courtesy of Heaven’s Blessings Photography Cooper Dean Woody, 3 months at the time of this photo, is the son of Steven and Brittany Woody of Monett.

Cooper is October’s cutest kid.

Congratulations,

Cooper!

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.

14 | October 2017

parenting column

Navigating the costume conundrum:

What to expect on Halloween night for your sensory sensitive child

W

ith the new school season well underway, it seems like our kids are more eager than ever to pick out their Halloween costumes for this year’s fright-filled night.

Consignment Stores are your best friends for Halloween costumes.

Why? Simply put, kids change their minds every few minutes about what they want to be. Add in the fact that your child hates the feeling of any sort of tag on his skin and you have yourself a recipe for one unhappy child. Avoid the struggle altogether and take your children to a consignment store. For a couple of bucks for each costume, you can let them pick out more than one. That way, if the Spider-Man costume doesn’t feel right on Halloween night, you can let your child pick from the other ones you picked up and not feel bad about the price. As you know, what feels good one day to these children, does not always feel good the next time.

Take the worry out of what they’re going to wear and buy several costumes for not a lot of money.

Picking out the perfect costume is just half of the fun when you and your family are gearing up for Halloween, but for those parents who have kids on the Autism spectrum, this time of the year can be a catalyst for unavoidable meltdowns.

Role play your way through Halloween night.

Have your children get all dressed up in their costumes and pretend that it’s really Halloween. This technique helps you work out all the kinks you might run in to on the real night, but gives you time to make things right by doing it early. Sometimes, the slightest mishap can set off our sensory sensitive children. Maybe it’s the loud noises or sensory overload of going from house to house while repeating “trick or treat” over and over again. Ask a neighbor if your child can ring her doorbell and do a mock run before the real deal. Many times, these kids are socially delayed and need to be coached and taught on how to appropriately do the trick-ortreating thing. Setting your child up for success is the key to a smoother Halloween.

Your first insider tip?

Consignment stores are the way to go.

Keep reading to find out why and for five tried-and-true tips from a mom who has done the work for you.

Set a limit on how much candy your child can eat before you start trick or treating.

Doing this before the actual night will create a boundary with your children about what he can expect when candy starts flying their way. Being lenient about his candy consumption is OK for Halloween, but for children who have trouble with impulse, too much candy can be a recipe for disaster. Maybe you say every tenth house they can eat one piece, or every 35-40 minutes. Do what works for you and your child. If waiting until you get home for the night and laying all of their candy out first is what you decide, then go for it! Kids do better when they know what to expect.

Connection Magazine | 15

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Scary costumes and screaming kids can set any child off, but for children who are sensitive to loud noises and get scared easily, these two things can get them off kilter to the point where they emotionally shut down. This looks different for everyone, but some physical expressions of this from your children might be screaming back, crying, yelling or even acting out because they can’t process what just happened. To prepare for this, talk to your children about what Halloween night might be like. Tell them there will be loud noises (do they want to wear headphones?) Tell them there will be scary costumes (do they want to stop and get a hug from you when they see one?) Tell them there might be older kids who run past (remind them to stick close by to avoid getting separated.) Ask them if they have any questions, reassure them that Halloween is a fun night and remind them to tell you if they needs anything while you’re out and about collecting candy. Most of the time, these kids just need to know what to expect, that they’re safe and you have their back if they need you.

Fall into autumn at Bernie’s!

Take another adult if you can.

Having another person with you is helpful if you need to take your child back to the car to cool down for a few minutes. Having that extra person will help things run smoothly for your other children who are not on the spectrum and want to continue trick or treating. As the parent of a child who has special needs, guilt can creep in when we feel our other children are having to compromise all the time. Holidays are usually that time when the guilt just piles on. Take a deep breath. Have fun. You’ve got this!

Halloween is a great time of the year to let loose and have some fun, but avoiding the stress that can come with busy nights will benefit everyone. Use these tips to get your sensory-sensitive child ready for a night they’ll want to remember and try to enjoy watching this Halloween through your child’s eyes.

With an 8-year-old son who has Sensory Processing Disorder, Meagan Ruffing makes it one of life’s missions to set him up for success. You can read more about her story in her new book, “I See You: Helping Moms Go from Overwhelmed to In Control” available on Amazon.

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Connection Magazine | 17

Assembling meals for distribution, from left, are: Kim Newbold, packer; Darlene Hensley, day chairman; Bryan Murphy, cook, with the meat pan; and William Frost, lead cook with the day’s dessert. (below) Each January, Loaves and Fishes offers an appreciation luncheon to recognize volunteers who serve through the year. Margaret Prim, at left, was one of many volunteers enjoying the meal and fellowship at the gathering.

Loaves and Fishes

feeding and nourishing the community

18 | October 2017

Judge Mike Garrett, at right, addressed the annual Loaves and Fishes volunteer appreciation banquet in 2009.

Clients, volunteers benefit from outreach program

J

ust as some senior citizens find themselves struggling with issues that once posed no challenges, other seniors in good health find themselves unencumbered by employment obligations and eager to give back to their community.

The ways these two groups connect make life better for everyone.

Jerry Tharp recently carried a box of loaded paper bags and a cooler to his van. Others loaded with armloads of Styrofoam boxes, also emerged from the south side of the First United Methodist Church in Monett, heading to vehicles.

One by one, they drove off, each with a mission.

These are the volunteer drivers for Loaves and Fishes, the hot meal program for shut-ins that daily reach out to two to three dozen people with food and a smile.

Tharp has been driving for more than a year.

“I get a blessing out of it,” he said. “I like to help people. I deliver here and for the meals program through the Monett Senior Center. I see people who are well up in years, special people who are the picture of determination. They’re always

Story by Murray Bishoff

very appreciative and they always say ‘Thank you.’”

Loaves and Fishes started as a Sunday school project at the First United Methodist Church in the early 1970s. It expanded into a separate organization, with its own board.

The church has remained committed to the program, offering its kitchen at its old location at Fourth and Cale and building a bigger kitchen to handle it and other programs at its present location at 1600 N. Central Ave. Loaves and Fishes provided the model for the Community Kitchen and food pantry, which also operates out of the church.

A major challenge to continuing the service has been replenishing volunteers.

Many stalwarts of the program have passed away. As others have aged to where they and their contemporaries see renewed value in having a home meal delivery program, new volunteers have come forward. Loaves and Fishes also depends heavily on donations to cover

Cover of the 2000 volunteer luncheon program

costs. A number of churches as well as individuals provide fiscal support. Local livestock producers and gardeners have also donated food that has been welcomed.

This summer, Loaves and Fishes ran three routes in Monett, as well as to Pierce City and Purdy. When there is need, volunteers also take meals to Freistatt.

On the day that Jerry Tharp carried out his meals, Rose Huffmaster served as daily chairman. A volunteer for the past five years, she organized deliveries for the following day, lining up the bags Connection Magazine | 19

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Jerry Tharp loads meals in preparation for delivery to Loaves and Fishes clients

and boxes to be filled. She observed that occasionally when a volunteer driver or a substitute is not available, the daily chairman will complete the link and fill in delivering.

“I like to help,” she said. “I need to volunteer at something. You reap what you sew. You just do it, whether it’s here or at church or the Monett museum...I enjoy it.”

Mary K. Scott has been volunteering with Loaves and Fishes for 22 years. She presently serves as co-chairperson with Sharon Burke.

“When I retired, John Moore was president of Loaves and Fishes,” Scott said. “He said, ‘I need to get you started.

Come down and drive with me a time or two.’ Then he said, ‘We have need of a substitute driver.’ It wasn’t long before I became a regular at the desk.

“It’s been a really nice experience. It doesn’t take long. We keep a lot of forms in the computer. On Friday, I make the schedule for the next week and read the notes the volunteers have left for me. We keep a list of all the birthdays.”

Scott said that for her, the most rewarding experience is making new friends, meeting people from Purdy, Pierce City and Freistatt that she would not know otherwise.

“There’s a camaraderie we have with each other,” she said. “We have to share things. If someone is gone tomorrow and not getting a meal, I’ll ask why. One of the volunteers will know if a daughter is in town or the client is getting their hair cut. It doesn’t take long, about 90 minutes a week. I plan on it. It’s part of my routine.”

Each year at the volunteers appreciation luncheon, held by the Loaves and Fishes board, the volunteers are remind-

ed they may be the only person a shutin sees all day. That contact can lead to funny moments.

Scott recalled, on one occasion, two retired brothers were making deliveries.

They had made deliveries, taken their wives out for pizza and returned to the church, which operates as base for the service. On one cold January day, they asked if there any way to get Mr. S to unlock his door. He wouldn’t answer the door during his game show and would make them stand and wait. If he would leave his door unlocked, they could just drop off the food and go on.

“One day a lady called and said, ‘How much of this medicine am I supposed to take?’ I said, ‘This is Loaves and Fishes.’

She had just talked to the pharmacy and couldn’t remember their number, so she called us.”

There are occasions when contact can be critical.

“We had a lady who had fallen in the hallway and broken a wrist,” Scott recalled. “She didn’t answer her door.

The driver delivered the other meals and went back. She still didn’t answer, so she called me and asked who the contact was. Her contact worked at the hospital and had been ill. I picked her up. We

still had to push the door in. Our client was in a nursing home for three months after that, but now she’s back home. It worked out fine.

“Our volunteers have found people on the floor. They know someone is coming. Often they can hear [the volunteers] inside. It makes you feel like you’re really helped somebody.”

When the volunteers gather in the mornings, they share stories. Scott noted the volunteers may not see each other during the week, so the service also becomes a social occasion for them as well.

The volunteers end up serving as an encouragement to each other.

Loaves and Fishes clients all pay for their meals. The $3.50 charge is a little over half of what it costs the service, to say nothing of the delivery expense absorbed by the volunteers. The organization is always seeking more clients. Cost per meal decreases as the number goes up. The main goal remains simply: serve and benefit in turn.

Each year at the annual banquet for volunteers, an inspirational speaker offers commentary on why volunteer, why give back to the community. In 2009, Judge Michael Garrett spoke on “Why I Volunteer.” He observed “volunteer” Connection Magazine | 21

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22 | October 2017

comes from the Latin word meaning “to will or do something freely.” He observed those present acted as part of a well-established American tradition.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 61 million Americans regularly donate at least one hour of time to one organization. Almost one quarter of men qualify, and nearly 30 percent of women.

Parents of children are more likely to volunteer, Garrett said, perhaps because they know people need more help.

Garrett credited his own involvement as a volunteer to his parents, and to the youth group, Scout troop, and teachers who surrounded him as he grew up. Volunteering was more than a whim. It was a social responsibility that was expected.

Young people like himself learned more by the model of those in action around him than from spoken encouragement to take up such roles.

“I volunteer because I’m selfish,” Garrett said. Volunteers are generally happier and healthier people, plus it makes me feel good, helping and contributing to the community. It’s fun. It’s hard to feel sorry for yourself when you’re done helping someone who is in greater need.”

Finally, Garrett recalled how Jesus washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper, teaching by his actions how to serve, even at his most difficult hour.

Garrett congratulated those present for their willingness to serve others and their community.

Delivery by Loaves and Fishes is available even for short periods with no extended commitment, as may people receive meals while recuperating from illness or an injury. Anyone interested in becoming a Loaves and Fishes client or seeking more information can call the direct line at 235-5723 weekdays between 7-11 a.m., sometimes until noon on Fridays.

Persons may also call Sharon Burke at 235-6316 or Scott at 235-5622. ¤

healthy connection

The flavors of fall

F

all is one of my favorite times of the year. The vibrant colors of the changing trees. The kiss of the brisk morning air. The sound of cheers and the sense of community at high school football games. And let’s not forget the amazing flavors of fall foods.

For me, fall means it is time to break out the cans of pumpkin. When it comes to pumpkin, there are no limits to what I will add it to — macaroni and cheese, muffins, pancakes, oatmeal, soup, smoothies, the list goes on.

Did you know that pumpkin hosts a variety of health benefits? The bright orange color of pumpkin lets you know it’s loaded with beta-carotene, an important antioxidant that is converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A is important for good vision and eye health, for a strong immune system, and for healthy skin. One cup of cooked pumpkin provides about

50 calories, 3g of fiber, and is naturally low in fat and sugar. And don’t throw out all those pumpkin seeds after pumpkin carving. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of protein, heart-healthy fat, fiber, magnesium, zinc and iron.

Pumpkin is not just good for humans — it may hold some benefits for your furry friends as well. Raw pumpkin seeds have been used to treat parasitic illnesses since the discovery of the New World. Ground pumpkin seeds are believed to act as a deworming agent against tapeworms and other parasites in pets, and there has been some evidence in controlled studies to show their efficacy. The amino acid cucurbitin is credited for paralyzing and eliminating the worms from the GI tract.

To welcome in the flavors of fall, try this easy morning treat that is loaded with fiber. It will keep your belly full and your gut happy!

Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal Ingredients ¼ cup dry old fashioned oats ½ cup water or low-fat milk ¼ cup pumpkin puree 1 to 2 teaspoons sugar or sweetener ⅛ teaspoon cinnamon

Directions 1. Mix old fashioned oats and water or milk in a bowl. Microwave for 90 seconds.

2. Add pumpkin, stir and microwave for an additional 30 seconds.

3. Sprinkle in cinnamon and sugar or sweetener. Stir to combine.

Serves 1.

— Recipe by Rebecca Miller, MPH, RDN, LD

LISA Ramirez, 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 | 23

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Volunteering makes life more fun, says Monett couple

W

hen in doubt, volunteer.

This wasn’t the first idea that occurred to Leon and Peggy Riggs of Monett, but it’s turned out to be a real door opener for the Monett couple.

The subject came up a few years ago. Both retired, the couple spend much of their time camping. Their youngest son lives near Stockton and worked as a zone sergeant for the Missouri State Highway Patrol, giving the family reasons to spend time together in the vicinity.

The Riggs both decided to retire at age 58. Leon had taught automotive body repair at the Southwest Area Career Center, now known at as Scott Regional Technology Center in Monett. She had worked for 17-1/2 for Walmart. They’ve now enjoyed 25 years in retirement.

Story by Murray Bishoff

Camping and fishing have long been among their passions. Seven years ago, camping at Stockton Lake became a regular activity for them.

“We kept our house in Monett, but decided life is too short to spend it that way,” Peggy said. “We got out and do our thing.”

A day’s catch of catfish for Leon and Peggy Riggs in Oklahoma. All the fish were cooked and eaten, many given away for dinner at public events in the Monett area. (above) Leon and Peggy Riggs with a load of crappie fish they had landed.

Connection Magazine | 25

Leon and Peggy Riggs on Grand Lake in Oklahoma.

Leon Riggs with an 80-pound spoonbill he caught on Grand Lake.

Helping campers Leon and Peggy Riggs camp, fish, share catches

Peggy Riggs pictured on one of the unusual rounded rocks at Kettle Point on a return trip by the couple to camp and fish in Canada.

Peggy and Leon Riggs with the 74-pound flathead catfish they caught on Stockton Lake.

26 | October 2017

Leon Riggs, a few years back, pictured with Northern Pike he fished for in Sioux Narrows, Ontario, Canada.

Public campgrounds have some restrictions. To try to serve as many people as possible, the Army Corps of Engineers’ rule at Stockton Lake has been campers may stay for 14 days, but then must leave for at least 24 hours. When they return, they cannot come back to the same spot.

They have their own Fifth Wheel recreational vehicle, so the regulations did not obstruct their activities. Three years ago, however, Peggy had a recurrence of colon cancer. Packing up, moving out and moving back in again became too arduous for them to continue. They were used to taking a hiatus at their son’s house then returning to camping. They talked the situation over with their son, and he had an idea.

“The park ranger was known to our son,” Leon recalled. “He introduced us.

They were looking for volunteers who could help them maintain the campgrounds. They were very interested from the beginning.”

So they stayed on. Peggy beat her colon cancer a second time. The Corps provided a house on the campgrounds where the couple could stay. In return, the couple check in arriving campers.

Leon spends about 10 hours a week mowing the three ballfields and around 12 miles of walking trails. They started volunteering by running the Shadow Park near Forsyth in 1999. This was easier, with less responsibilities.

“I wasn’t looking for another job,” Leon said. “But this I could do. The project manager said we did a lot of things they didn’t have to push on us.

It doesn’t make much difference what you’re doing. You’ve got to do the best you can.”

Leon and Peggy have spent the last three summers on Stockton Lake, much of the time spent fishing. They’ve also invest time cooking their catches for friends and new friends.

“We cooked fish for all the park rangers,” Peggy recalled.

“We invited all the law enforcement officers to come,” Leon said. “You probably don’t have to go far in town until you’ll find someone we’ve cooked fish for. For a while, I cooked them for the Pierce City Senior Center. I like to cook fish for someone who does things in the community.”

The couple could be seen at events like Pioneer Days near Jenkins, cooking up fish they’ve caught. They take breaks

Peggy Riggs with an 8-pound bass she captured.

Connection Magazine | 27

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Leon and Peggy Riggs

for other activities, such as Leon’s duties as president of the Southern Missouri Beekeepers of Monett. In that capacity, he was one of the presenters at the University of Missouri’s Southwest Research Center Field Day on Sept. 9.

They generally continue their camping excursions into October, which Leon said is a good month for catching crappie and Walleye.

Anyone who fishes as much as the Riggs do have stories. One year, they caught a 117-pound spoonbill on Grand Lake in Oklahoma, providing dinner for many people. Leon said that was the one they landed. An even bigger one got away, he said.

More recently, they landed a 74-pound catfish at Stockton while jug fishing. Leon said they were successful that time due to luck and persistence.

The fish circled their boat four times, coming back to the same place under them. The fifth time Leon reached down and grabbed him.

“You can’t catch a fish like that sitting in the house,” he said. “I don’t really have a secret. Like anything you do, you learn from experience, where to fish and where not to fish, where to put the jugs. Most people don’t understand why I fish in shallow water. That’s where fish go to feed.”

“We just try to have a lot of fun at whatever we do,” Peggy said.

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community Calendar

October 2017 Oct. 2

 Monthly dance for the Monett Senior

Center will be held at the Park Casino beginning at 7 p.m.

Oct. 4

 The Monett Senior Center will have flu

shots sponsored by Bruner Pharmacy, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

 Bingo, sponsored by Three Rivers

Hospice, will begin at 10:15 a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center.

 Blood pressure checks will start at

10:30 a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center.

 Grace’s Foot Clinic, by appointment.

Call the Cassville Senior Center at 8474510.

Oct. 5

 Paint class begins at 9 a.m. at the Cass-

ville Senior Center, 1111 Fair Street, Cassville.

 Benefit enrollment counseling by

appointment at the Cassville Senior Center. Call 417-847-4510.

Oct. 6

 The Cassville Chamber of Commerce’s

First Friday Coffee will be at Security Abstract & Title in Cassville from 8-8:30 a.m.

Oct. 7

 Homer Sloan Buddy Bass Tournament

will take off and weigh in at Campbell Point Marina. See more information at ShellKnob.com or 417-858-3300.

Oct. 11

 Blood pressure checks at Monett Se-

nior Center at 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 13

 Free lunch sponsored by Old Town

Pharmacy at the Monett Senior Center.

Oct. 17

 Mercy Health Fair will be at the Central

Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob from 7-10 a.m. They will have a blood work lab, flu shots available.

Oct. 18

 Medicare D enrollment will be at the

Monett Senior Center, 405 Dairy St. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

30 | October 2017

Oct. 19

 Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, Natural Re-

source Day, will be held from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. This event is sponsored by the Cassville Chamber of Commerce.

 Free breakfast at the Cassville Senior

Center, 8-9 a.m. Donations are welcome.

 Paint class begins at 9 a.m. at the Cass-

ville Senior Center, 1111 Fair Street.

Oct. 21

 A fundraising breakfast will be held

to honor all of the volunteers at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob from 7:30 to 10 a.m.

Oct. 25

 Medicare D enrollment will be at the

Monett Senior Center, 405 Dairy St., from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 Nell’s Nails will begin at 9 a.m. at the

Cassville Senior Center, 1111 Fair Street. Call 417-847-4510 for an appointment. Walk-ins are also welcomed.

 Blood pressure checks at Monett

Senior Center, 10:30 a.m.

Oct. 26

 The Show, sponsored by the Cassville

Chamber of Commerce, will be held at the FEMA Building on the elementary campus starting at 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 27

 Birthday lunch will be served at the

Cassville Senior Center.

 OJ’s last cookout of the season will be

held at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

 Nell’s Nails at the Monett Senior Cen-

ter, 9 a.m.

Oct. 28

 Cassville’s annual Chili and Salsa Cook-

Off on the courthouse square and along Main Street. Booths open at 8 a.m.

Do you have an event you would like to have featured in our calendar?

Groups

Email it to

darlene@cassville-democrat.com

 Celebrate Recovery meets at the Family

Life Center in Cassville every Tuesday at 6 p.m.

Meeting at the same time is Celebration Station for children.  Grief Care Support, sponsored community

support by Integrity Hospice, is held the last Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. in Marionville at Methodist Manor, 205 South College Ave. in the Alice Lounge.

Care group is for anyone experiencing grief through loss.  The Aurora Diabetes Support Group

meets the third Wednesday of each month at Mercy Hospital in Aurora in the private dining room from 4-5 p.m. It is free and open to the public. There is no meeting in December.  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.

 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 Caregiver Support Group meets at Oak Pointe of Monett from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on the first Wednesday of each month at 1011 Old Airport Road in Monett. For more information, call Kathy 417-235-3500.  The Turning Point AA Group meets at 7 p.m. at the west corner of Mitchell Plaza on Highway 86 in Eagle Rock on Mondays and Tuesday every month.  Cassville Al-Anon Family Group meets at 8 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Cassville every Thursday of each month.

 The Grief Support Group meets the first and third Tuesdays of each month at Oak Pointe of Monett, 1011 Old Airport Road, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. For more information, call Kathy at 417-235-3500.

 Narcotics Anonymous meets at 8 p.m. the

 Celebrate Recovery meets at 7 p.m. at

 Narcotics Anonymous and Alcohol-

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.

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

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

417-442-3706.

ics Anonymous group meets at 7 p.m. the

 The Great Pumpkin Run 5k and one-

mile Fun Run/Walk at the Shell Knob Chamber Park. Registration opens at 7 a.m. and the race begins at 8 a.m. This event benefits the Shell Knob School Leader in Me program. See more information at ShellKnob.com or 417-8583300.  The Show at the FEMA Building will present its second performance beginning at 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 29

 The third performance of The Show will

begin at 2 p.m. at the FEMA Building on the Elementary School Campus.

 The Ozark Festival Orchestra will pres-

ent the first concert of its 38th season at 3 p.m. at the Monett High School Performing Arts Center. The program will focus on American music.

Oct. 31

 The Central Crossing Senior Center in

Shell Knob will host a Halloween Party.

There will be a special lunch menu, served at 11:15 a.m., and a costume contest with prizes.

Cassville Senior Center  Dominos every Tuesday and Friday at noon. Call 417-847-4510 for more information.

Monett Senior Center Regular events:  Pinochle every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12:30 p.m.  Pitch every Tuesday and Thursday, 12:30 p.m.  Bingo Monday through Friday, noon.

Central Crossing Senior Center 20801 YY 15 Road, Shell Knob Regular events:  Alzheimer Support Group meets at 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.  Friends’ Bridge every Friday. Call Quita at 417-271-9803 for details.  Cards Galore every Friday, with Pitch beginning at 9 a.m.  Domino Poker every day from 12:45.

 Mah Jongg every Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Line dancing every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-10:30 a.m.

 Quilting for Charity every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Balance and Flexibility class is held every Monday from 9:30 to 10 a.m.

Connection Magazine | 31

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Volunteering for Cox Monett Auxiliary makes life richer

W

hen the Vincentian Sisters of Charity agreed to reopen Dr. William West’s hospital in Monett, one of the first things they did was organize a hospital auxiliary, on March 30, 1944, three days before the hospital itself was dedicated.

To this day, the auxiliary remains a vital part of Monett’s hospital. The volunteers know they are needed.

They provide a welcoming hand, encouragement, support and attention. The auxiliary focuses on providing comfort beyond the medical care.

While many aspects of a hospital stay has changed over the decades, the value of volunteers remains golden.

“I returned to Monett three years ago,” said Beth Gann, vice president

Story by Murray Bishoff

Seniors find giving back enriching, satisfying experience of the auxiliary. “I grew up here and started as a candy striper here [a name stemming from the red and white striped uniforms resembling candy canes that volunteers wore in past decades]. I wanted to close the circle. I’ve been a professional. I didn’t want to disconnect from that world. I wanted to be useful and use some of my professional skills. I didn’t want to sit at home and be a senior citizen.”

Almost all of the members of the Cox Monett Hospital Auxiliary are senior citizens, though more young people participate in the summer months. They share that common

desire with Gann — to be useful and to keep giving. Over the years, some auxiliary members have served into late age. Barely able to walk, they could still staff the desk at the gift shop or provide directions for new arrivals.

“My dad said, ‘When you retire, it’s important to get up and have a goal, a routine,” said Barbara Huffman, president of the auxiliary. “I was a transplant from Minnesota.

I was recruited by Evelyn Burnett, who was the auxiliary president. We were riding a bus to Branson and she suggested it. I had never given it a thought.

Connection Magazine | 33

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Barb Huffman prepares to take the Pampering our Patient (POP) cart to patients and waiting areas in the hospital. All of the items on the cart are free to patients and visitors.

“I enjoy the social contact. Being needed is good, and you’re able to help people. There’s always a shortage of volunteers, and there’s always a need for the auxiliary.”

According to Janell Patton, director of community relations for Cox Monett, the hospital offers most of its volunteer opportunities during the daytime. That limits options for those who are not retired. Patton remains open to expanding hours and places where volunteers can participate if someone was interested. The auxiliary has its annual membership recruitment in May. Auxiliary members help in a number of capacities. They spend time with family members, push carts loaded with refreshments and books, talk to patients and try to address personal needs that might have arisen and run fundraisers. The annual salad luncheon in early June is a big undertaking, en-

gaging all the volunteers. There were 42 different salads available this year, and Huffman said it took the full group to stage and clean up afterward. This year items from the gift shop were available at the luncheon as well.

Proceeds from the salad luncheon, fundraisers like a once-a-year shoe sale, and gift shop sales help to fund scholarships. For some time, the auxiliary has donated $2,500 to the Cardiac Kids program, giving a $5 Walmart gift card to each participant.

Over the years, the auxiliary has helped to purchase equipment for the hospital. Most recently the auxiliary paid a major part of the cost for new flat screen TVs for each patient room.

It’s the personal touch that provides a lasting impression on both the volunteer and the recipient.

“One day, I volunteered in the emergency room,” Gann said. “The hospital has a team that helps in nonmedical areas, especially helping with small children brought in while a family member is treated. We had a young mother that called in who was worried about having a miscarriage. She had her 5-year-old stepson with her.

“The boy came in and was very quiet. I got him snacks and coloring books. We became best friends. After a while, a helicopter came in for another patient. He was in awe of it. I got permission to get him up in the copter.

The pilot was so wonderful. For the boy, it was like going to the carnival. It kept his mind off the trauma. We got a thank you note the next week. It took all the pressure off the mom. That was a great day.”

“Volunteers come back because they want to be part of something that makes their lives worthwhile,” Patton said. “We no longer want to just fill seats. It must be the right fit and the right person. We’re selective about who

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“

I’m nobody special. I’m just available. I can do things.

I think most all of them feel the same way.

They’re there because they want to be.

- Mary K. Scott, Cox Monett Hospital Volunteer

is in the ER and the gift shop. We have a culture at the hospital of high employee satisfaction and high engagement. That flows into the volunteers. We’ve always felt volunteers are part of our story.

What better ambassadors could the hospital have?”

“You don’t want someone who makes people nervous,” Gann said. “You want someone who sympathizes. [Hospital President] Darren Bass invites volunteers to be at staff meetings and tells us how important we are.”

Hiedi Carlin, who joined the staff as the new volunteer coordinator in January, is responsible for recruitment, managing the gift shop and pastoral care.

She felt the contact with people is what keeps the volunteers coming back. She recalled a family gathered at the hospital for the birth of their first grand baby.

They were up all night waiting for the 36 | October 2017

big moment. Volunteers took them snacks and a tray of drinks. Then, when the baby arrived, they arrived with balloons.

“Little things like that make a big difference,” Carlin said.

Twenty-four years ago, Mary K. Scott attended a tea one morning hosted by the hospital auxiliary a year after she retired from teaching. Both she and friend Beverly Sippy attended, and both signed up to volunteer.

“I didn’t know anyone at the hospital,” Scott said. “I didn’t know anything about hospital routine. But I met a lot of wonderful, very caring people.

It doesn’t matter when a person comes in or where they are going. You sum up the situation. You can offer a chair or directions, or say, ‘I’m going that way.

I’ll take you.”

Scott said she still volunteers, mak-

The group attending the 2017 Volunteer Appreciation Brunch at Cox Monett Hospital. Pictured are, front row from left, Cathy Lewis, Vicki Orr, Jane Doss, Dolores Thompson, Marian Merritt, Emily Lorenz, Lou Ellen Honeycutt. Back row: Karen Kleiboeker, Alice Heim, Beth Gann, Barbara Huffman, Sue Fischer, Sharon Burke, Volunteer Coordinator Hiedi Carlin, Charlotte Schoen and Janet Palmer.

ing friends of co-workers, meeting people from other towns. Scott invited her friend, Kathy Fertig, who teaches preschool during the school year at the First United Methodist Church, to fill in over the summer. Fertig found it a welcoming experience.

“It’s amazing what needs there are, and how simply we can fill them,” Scott said. “I’m nobody special. I’m just available. I can do things. I think most all of them feel the same way. They’re there because they want to be.”

Committing to a shift, three to six hours at a time, is not that long, Scott said. The commitment itself provides purpose.

“It’s just being able to help somebody,” she added. “It’s part of you. You just do it unthinking. It’s just natural. It leaves you with a good feeling.”

It’s a gift that keeps on giving. ×

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Connection Magazine | 37

cutest pet

Photo courtesy of Hoofbeats and Pawprints Photography

Meet Titus.

Titus is a Siberian Husky belonging to Megan Schilly and Cameron Terry of Purdy.

October’s winner!

38 | October 2017

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

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

Email your pet’s photo to connection@monett-times.com.

Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. Remember to include your pet’s name, city of residence and your contact information.

Whether you are building your dream home or remodeling the kitchen, we are your One Stop Shop for all your lumber and building supplies! www.throgers.com • 407 E. HWY 248 • CASSVILLE, MO 65625 • 417-847-2123

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSES Downtown Monett, Missouri SATURDAY, NOvEMbER 4th Refreshments • Door Prizes • Holiday Fun Visit the following merchants!

BRUNER PHARMACY Plymouth Junction 321 Broadway 417-235-3139

Antiques, Flea Market & Boutique

The Trunk Adrenaline Apparel

311 Broadway 417-393-0511

313 E. Broadway 417-235-7484

Flying V Mercantile

STRUT Women's Fashions

219 E. Broadway 417-229-0879

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HOLIDAY CRAFTS FAIR SATURDAY, NOvEMbER 4th At the corner of 3rd & broadway, Monett Pictures with Santa • Live Music • Amish Baked Goods

PARTICIPATING MERCHANTS OPEN LATE FRIDAY, NOvEMbER 3rd

Shop early, Shop late!

Connection Magazine | 39

Members of Ripplin’ Creek Gospel Bluegrass Band entertained residents, staffers and guests at the one-year anniversary of the business in Monett.

From left: Bill Wood, mandolin; Bill Riggs, banjo; Ann Riggs, guitar.

Back: Anita Latsahw, bass. Not pictured were Mike Latshaw, dobro, and Fred Kiel, harp.

Pictured, in front, from left, residents Irene Andes and Nawal Masri. Back, resident Ruby Reese and activities director Annabelle Burnett.

Oak Pointe of Monett: A place you come to live Mary Weiser, a guest at the first anniversary barbecue celebration of Oak Pointe in Monett, took a few moments to cuddle Mattie, the resident therapy dog. (below) Bob Bartlesmeyer, left, of Mt Vernon, visited with acquaintances at the one-year celebration and cookout at Oak Pointe in Monett.

40 | October 2017

C h a n gi n g the de f i n iti o n o f i n de p e n de n t l i v i n g Residents, staffers and Monett Chamber of Commerce representatives gathered over the summer at Oak Pointe assisted living community to celebrate its first year in Monett. At center, the second resident moving into the facility, Virgil Jameson, did the honors of cutting the ribbon at the celebration.

O

ak Pointe, an assisted living and memory care community, is celebrating its first year in Monett.

“This is not a place where residents come to die,” said Kathy Shepard, community relations director. “It’s a place you come to live, with all the comforts of a fine hotel. We provide assistance with medications, as well as whatever personal care or daily living assistance the residents desire.”

Senior residents are encouraged to remain active, attending to any outside clubs or activities they wish, or taking part in planned activities on site.

“We have a variety of activities to help residents remain active and independent,” Shepard said. “From morning exercise groups, to a therapy room, a walk-in Jacuzzi, a beauty and barber salon, and pedicures.

“When a resident moves in, we question their preferences, and if they want a weekly massage, we get a therapist in for that service. We are very

Story by Melonie Roberts

resident-specific, focusing on customer service. Our mission is to be the best place a resident has ever lived.”

Toward that end, staffers have incorporated a number of resident-based committees that share input on everything from the menu choices to activities and outings offered each month.

“Recently, residents had the opportunity to attend two different plays,” Shepard said. “We also try to offer a monthly event that is open to the community, like our recent birthday barbecue. We are hosting a teacher appreciation night for local educators, and have an attorney scheduled to come in and present information on planning for later years, finances and how to protect assets. These are all open to the public.”

Shepard has also designated three residents as community ambassadors, as they are quick to welcome new residents and guests alike.

“Ruby Reese and Paul Yarnall, both from Cassville, and Francis Castle, from Pierce City,” Shepard said. “They

have the gift of hospitality.”

Residents enjoy spending time in the courtyards, tending to plants, coaxing the crops in a small vegetable garden, and checking on the well-being of three adopted box turtles making their homes in there.

“We’re actually looking for some bunnies,” Shepard said. “We are petfriendly. People are welcome to bring their dogs up to 20 to 25 pounds. Other size animals, such as service animals, are negotiable.”

The facility has a mascot, Mattie, a small white poodle that makes the rounds of her favorite residents (those who give her treats from their plates), and welcomes guests at the lobby doors.

“The residents just love her,” Shepard said. “We also have a therapy dog that comes in once a week.”

There is a secured memory care unit, in which staffers oversee the care of those with Alzheimer’s or other dementia issues.

Connection Magazine | 41

2017 Chili and Salsa Cook-Off Festival sAturdAy, oCtober 28th

A FAll FestivAl FeAturing something For everyone!

this yeAr’s theme: sPorts!

• Craft booths open 8:00 AM • Awards at 2:30 PM • Chili and Salsa Tasting -

“People’s Choice”

• Come visit Herrin’s Animal Hospital booth - free goodie bags for pets!

• Sonic Chili Dog Eating Contest – 11:00 AM extrA events during the Chili Cook-oFF: Cassville YMCA 5K & 1-mile Chili Run. Fun run/walk begins at 8:00 AM at the Cassville Square.

For information call dove at 417-846-1535

Cassville Fire Protection District Pancake Breakfast – served from 6:30-10:00 AM at First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall.

All you can eat for a donation!

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

Continuing the Legacy We understand being in the same business for generations. We also understand you’ve worked hard to secure a future for your family.

Years of commitment and dedication have helped get you to where you are today. Let me help navigate the next step to assure your family is able to continue the legacy for future generations.

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42 | October 2017

“The apartments there do not have kitchenettes, for the safety of the residents, while units in the assisted living unit do,” Shepard said.

“One thing about our memory care residents, they may not remember what they had for breakfast, but they remember songs from their childhood. We have one resident who doesn’t speak, but you’ll see him tapping his toes or mouthing the words to the songs.

“Others on the memory care unit can often participate in crafts and activities, depending on their level of function.”

Many times, children from out of town will visit a parent for the holidays and discover things aren’t “quite right.”

“Children will go home and visit and find out bills aren’t paid, or a parent hasn’t showered in three weeks because they are unsteady on their feet and didn’t want to fall,” Shepard said. “Most people coming in to look are the children, so we offer education for family members. We also perform free assessments to see if their family members qualify.”

Just because a family member relocates to Oak Pointe doesn’t mean no more overnights with grandma.

“This is their home,” Shepard said.

“They can have overnight guests. Occasionally, we can even accommodate out-of-town family members in our model room.”

Families can even eat on site and pay for their meals at the end of their stay.

“We even have a program, the Lunch Bunch, available to the public,” Shepard said. “Three or more can come in for lunch and pay only $3 for their meals. They just need to call us ahead of time to let us know.

We also like to get people in to play cards with the residents.”

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

Purchase table seating at the Chamber of Commerce Office for $15 per person or $75 per table of 8.

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

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

Thursday, October 26 – 7:30 PM Saturday, October 28 – 7:30 PM Sunday, October 29 – 2:00 PM

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

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(417) 847-FAST Connection Magazine | 43

In addition: n Residents who refer friends to

Oak Pointe receive $500 off one month’s rent when they become residents themselves. n Those considering joining the

Oak Pointe community are invited to Stay for a Day to experience, at no charge, the various activities, enjoy lunch and dinner, meet friends, relax in a furnished apartment and meet the staffers who work there. Stays must be scheduled in advance. n The Bridge to Home program

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allows post-rehabilitation guests the individualized care to continue their recovery following illness or injury. These short term stays, typically four weeks, are offered at a reduced daily rate. n Senior Suppers take place from

4 to 6 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month. Area seniors, 55 and older, are invited to dine at Oak Pointe in Monett at a cost of $3.

Monday - Closed Tues. - Fri. 11-2; 4-8 Saturday - 4-8 Sunday - 11-2

n Caregiver Support group meet-

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Thank you for your continued support, it’s been a great 5 years!”

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“Come in today and enjoy the variety of menu items that we have to offer!”

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44 | October 2017

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No event is too large or too small

ings are held from 11 to 12:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Oak Pointe in Monett.

These meetings, open to the public, offer emotional, educational and social support for Alzheimer’s and dementia caregivers while encouraging them to maintain their own personal, physical and emotional health. n A grief support group, also open

to the public, takes place from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. the first and third Tuesday of the month, allowing those dealing with the loss of a loved one to share with others who are grieving in a safe, confidential environment.

Cozy up to the flavors of autumn!

Homemade desserts • Bulk candies & spices • Hand-dipped ice creams Holiday gift items • Bakery items made to order

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Breakfast and lunch served Tuesday - Saturday • 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Kathy Shepard, community relations manager at Oak Pointe of Monett, reviews informational index cards located on a shadow box featuring memorabilia highlighting the residents’ lives and interests on the memory care unit at Oak Pointe of Monett.

Units consisting of one bedroom suites, approximately 408 square feet, two-bedroom units, approximately 675 square feet and studio apartments, approximately 345 square feet, are still available. Each has a small kitchenette, large closet area and private bathroom with a walk-in shower.

Laundry and cleaning services are provided.

“Oak Pointe is all about living well,” Shepard said.

For more information, call 417235-3500 or visit www.oakpointecare.com/locations/monett. ×

Breathe Easy 417-847-4372 • 417-235-2100

Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning www.aireserv.com Although the Oak Pointe community is dog-friendly, residents have also adopted three box turtles that now reside in the courtyard and mosey about at leisure.

Serving The Area Since 1978 Connection Magazine | 45

Recipes

ÂŤ B u tte r n u t S q u a s h Ri s o tt o Ingredients

C he f J o h n ’s P u m p k i n Pa n c a k e s Ingredients

Pumpkin G i n ge r b r e a d Ingredients 3 cups sugar 1 cup vegetable oil 4 eggs 2/3 cup water 1 (15 ounce) can pumpkin puree 2 teaspoons ground ginger 1 teaspoon ground allspice 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 teaspoon ground cloves 3-1/2 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking soda 1-1/2 teaspoons salt 1/2 teaspoon baking powder

Directions n Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease two 9x5 inch loaf pans. n In a large mixing, combine sugar, oil and eggs; beat until smooth. Add water and beat until well blended. Stir in pumpkin, ginger, allspice cinnamon, and clove. n In medium bowl, combine flour, soda, salt and baking powder. Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture and blend just until all ingredients are mixed. Divide batter between prepared pans. n Bake in preheated oven until toothpick comes out clean, about an hour.

46 | October 2017

2 cups all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 tablespoon white sugar 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup pumpkin puree 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice 1 egg 1-1/2 cups milk 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 2 tablespoons lemon juice 2 teaspoons grated lemon zest 1 teaspoon vegetable oil

Directions n Combine flour, brown sugar, white sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt in a large mixing bowl, and whisk together for two minutes to aerate. n In a separate bowl, combine pumpkin puree, cinnamon, ginger, allspice, egg, milk, 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix in the flour mixture, and stir just until moistened.

(Do not overmix.) n Coat skillet with 1 teaspoon vegetable oil over medium heat. n Pour batter into skillet 1/4 cup at a time, and cook the pancakes until golden brown, about 3 minutes on each side.

2 cups cubed butternut squash 2 tablespoons butter 1/2 onion, minced 1 cup Arborio rice 1/3 cup dry white wine 5 cups hot chicken stock 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions n Place squash cubes into a steamer basket in a saucepan. Add water, cover, and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Allow to steam until the squash is tender (10-15 minutes), then drain, and mash in a bowl with a fork. n Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add onion; cook and stir for 2 minutes until the onion begins to soften, then stir in the rice.

Continue cooking and stirring until the rice is glossy from the butter, and the onion begins to brown on the edges, about 5 minutes more. n Pour in the white wine; cook, stirring constantly, until it has evaporated.

Stir in the mashed squash and 1/3 of the hot chicken stock; reduce heat to medium. Cook and stir until the chicken stock has been absorbed by the rice, 5-7 minutes. Add half of the remaining chicken stock, and continue stirring until it has been absorbed. Finally, pour in the remaining stock, and continue stirring until the risotto is creamy. Finish by stirring in the Parmesan cheese, and seasoning to taste with salt and pepper.

Autumn is finally here!

Warm your belly with these fall-time classics.

Autumn C hee s ec a k e Ingredients 1 cup graham cracker crumbs 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans 3 tablespoons white sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 4 cups apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced 1/3 cup white sugar 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup chopped pecans

Cranberry U p s ide -D o w n Sour Cream Cake Ingredients 1/2 cup butter 2 cups white sugar 2 tablespoons water 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 (12 ounce) bag fresh or frozen cranberries 1-1/2 cups cake flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon salt 6 tablespoons butter, softened 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 3/4 cup sour cream

Directions n Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. In a large bowl, stir together the graham cracker crumbs, 1/2 cup finely chopped pecans, 3 tablespoons sugar, 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon and melted butter; press into the bottom of a 9 inch springform pan. Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes. n In a large bowl, combine cream cheese and 1/2 cup sugar. Mix at medium speed until smooth. Beat in eggs one at a time, mixing well after each addition. Blend in vanilla.

Pour filling into the baked crust. n In a small bowl, stir together 1/3 cup sugar and 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon. Toss the cinnamon-sugar with the apples to coat. Spoon apple mixture over cream cheese layer and sprinkle with 1/4 cup chopped pecans. n Bake in preheated oven for 60-70 minutes.

With a knife, loosen cake from rim of pan.

Let cool, then remove the rim of pan. Chill cake before serving.

Source: AllRecipes.com

Directions n Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Generously grease a 9-inch springform pan. Wrap aluminum foil around the outside of the bottom to prevent leaking. n Melt the butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir in 1-1/2 cups of white sugar, water and cinnamon until sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil and then add the cranberries.

Stir to coat with the sauce, then pour into the prepared pan. n Sift together the flour, baking soda and salt; set aside. In a medium bowl, beat the remaining 6 tablespoons of butter with 1/2 cup white sugar and brown sugar until light and fluffy. Mix in the eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Stir in vanilla and sour cream. Mix in the dry ingredients. Pour the batter over the cranberries in the pan. n Bake for about 50 minutes in the preheated oven, or until a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool on a rack for 10 minutes, then run a knife around the outer edge. Invert onto a serving plate and remove the springform pan.

Connection Magazine | 47

Leinenkugel Oktoberfest Linenkugel’s German background comes out clear with the brewery’s homage to the largest beer festival in the world — Oktoberfest. A traditional Marzen-style beer, Leinenkugel Oktoberfest’s website says it has a toasted malt flavor and subtle, spicy hop notes that make it perfect for celebrating the fall in true German fashion. On BeerAdvocate.com, it rates a 72 out of 100 with 1,710 ratings.

Mother’s Oktoberfest Another Marzen-style lager and brewed close to home is Springfield’s Mother’s Brewery Oktoberfest. Mother’s says over a month of lagering ensures the clean finish off Mother’s traditional Marzen. Its predominant malt flavor and light body make for a great festival beer, fit with graham cracker and sweet malt, noble spicy hops, and a crisp finish with a faint lingering sweetness. On BeerAdvocate. com, it rates 87 out of 100 with 85 ratings.

O’Fallon Pumpkin Beer Brewed in Maryland Heights, O’Fallon’s Pumpkin Beer is billed as like pumpkin pie in a bottle.

The brewer uses 120 pounds of real pumpkin to the three-barley mash, finishing it off with cinnamon, nutmeg and cloves. On BeerAdvocate.com, it rates an 87 out of 100 with 620 ratings.

Gozio Amaretto A sweet taste for fall, Gozio Amaretto is crafted by Distillerie Franciacorta in Gussago, Italy, which uses bittersweet almonds to create a classic amaretto flavor. The 48 proof liqueur is 100 percent natural, void of additives, artificial aromas or extracts. Gozio says its amaretto is based on a secret formula that creates a higher quality drink, as the alcohol, sugar and almonds are infused for 60 days.

Bottles & brews 48 | October 2017

C hic k e n a n d D u m p l i n g s Ingredients 1 (3 to 3 1/2 pound) whole chicken 2-1/2 quarts cold water 1 large carrot, cubed 1 stalk celery, chopped 1 onion, chopped 3 sprigs fresh thyme 1 bay leaf 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour, or as needed salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or more to taste 1/2 cup crème fraîche 1/2 cup milk 2 teaspoons chopped fresh thyme leaves 2 eggs 2 cups self-rising flour 4 sprigs thyme, for garnish

Directions n Place chicken in a Dutch oven. Add water, carrot, celery, onion, three sprigs of thyme and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, cover, reduce heat to low, and simmer for one hour. Remove chicken from dutch oven and transfer to a bowl; set aside to cool. n Increase heat and bring the stock to a simmer. Skim off any chicken fat that appears on top of the stock and reserve in a bowl.

Combine 2 to 3 tablespoons of the reserved fat with flour in a small bowl; stir to make a paste, adding more flour if needed.

Add the chicken fat and flour mixture to the stock. Reduce heat and simmer for 15 minutes. n Remove chicken meat from the carcass and add to the stock.

Season with salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.

Continue simmering for 10-15 minutes. n Whisk crème fraîche, milk, 2 teaspoons of thyme leaves, and eggs together in a large bowl. Stir in self-rising flour until almost entirely incorporated; do not overmix. n Scoop large dollops of dumpling mixture on top of the chicken stock. Increase heat slightly to medium-high. Cover and simmer until dumplings appear light and fluffy, and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, 10-15 minutes. Serve garnish with thyme sprigs.

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Connection Magazine | 49

You’re never too old

to dive into adventure

I

t’s always a challenge to do something outside of one’s comfort zone, but sometimes the desire to knock one more item off the bucket list can make an individual fearless.

Such was the case for Dorothy Blinzler Jones of Exeter, who celebrated her 70th birthday by jumping out of a perfectly good airplane.

“My son, Darrell Lamp, and I had talked about it and I finally challenged him to do it,” Blinzler Jones said. “I told my husband to choose a number between one and 20, and whoever got closest jumped first.

“I got closest.”

So, one sunny day in June, Blinzler Jones and Lamp took a drive to Siloam Springs, Ark., to fulfill her bucket list dream of skydiving. For someone whose regular hobbies include sewing, scrapbooking, cross stitching and crocheting, this would prove to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

“I’m scared to death of heights,” Blinzler Jones said. “But I wasn’t scared when I stood looking out the open door at 14,000 feet in the air. I don’t think my heart rate even went up.”

Blinzler Jones and Lamp chose to jump tandem, with an experienced skydiver, instead of freefalling from the plane solo, as three other passengers chose to do.

“The guy with me talked the whole time,” Blinzler Jones said. “I was having fun because my son was scared. He told me later that if he had to jump first, he might have backed out. As it was, he couldn’t let me jump and him stay on the plane.”

Droping to the earth at an estimated 120 miles per hour, Blinzler Jones said she realized what her brother, Wendell “Jack” Bowman, had felt as a paratrooper in Vietnam.

“It sounded interesting,” she said. “I’ve wanted to do this for a long time.”

Then her tandem partner pulled the rip cord, deploying the parachute, and the duo went from a straight plummet to a gentle drift across the Arkansas sky.

“He even let me guide the parachute,” Blinzler Jones said.

“The landing wasn’t bad, but we overshot the target just a bit. I really expected it to be rougher.”

The entire experience lasted about 10 minutes.

“It really didn’t give me the thrill I expected,” she said. “I don’t think I’ll do it again, because I’ve finally crossed this

50 | October 2017

off my bucket list. And I’ll certainly never jump solo.”

Blinzler Jones still has several items to cross off that bucket list.

“I used to play softball in high school,” she said. “We took second in the state in 1965-66. I’d like to get some of those girls together and get back on the diamond.

“I’d also like to return to Pearl Harbor one of these days.”

Blinzler Jones has knocked quite a number of items off the list, including traveling the Hawaiian Islands, “It was fun, but I don’t like speed boats,” and traveling to various states throughout the nation, “I’ve no desire to travel anymore, really. I let everyone else do the driving.”

So, for now, she is content to continue with her hobbies and socialize with friends.

But her 80th birthday is still on the horizon.

“I’ll think of something wild to do,” she laughed. “But I have plenty of time.”

Dorothy Blinzler Jones of Exeter, formerly of Pierce City, recently took a leap of faith from a perfectly good airplane to skydive back to earth in observance of her 70th birthday. In doing so, she knocked one of several items off her bucket list.

Story by Melonie Roberts

With a constant litany of, “Oh, no!

Oh, no! Oh, no!,” Darrell Lamp, son and co-conspirator in Dorothy Blinzler Jones’ bucket list adventure, fell out of the plane and into the wild blue yonder in an effort to not allow Blinzler Jones crowing rights of, “Chicken! Bawk, bawk!”

When diving in excess of 120 miles per hour, the view can get a little blurry. Once the tandem diver pulled the ripcord and the parachute deployed on her skydiving adventure, things slowed down and Dorothy Blinzler Jones was able to enjoy the ride over the Arkansas countryside.

Local woman takes to the sky for 70th birthday Connection Magazine | 51

submitted photos

Photo by Carrie Buchanan of Golden

Photos by Pam Dorton of Verona

52 | October 2017

Photo captured by Cathy Lewis in downtown Monett.

Photos by Esther Hightower

Connection Magazine | 53

Photos of Hurricane Irma and deer near Bardstown, Ky., by Valerie Miller.

54 | October 2017

Mica Plummer captured this photo of the Monett Area Workshop staff assisting employees in viewing the Aug. 21 solar eclipse.

Photos by Paula Skinner

Photo captured by Paige Rhymer, 11, on Sept. 7.

Submitt your photos to connection@monett-times.com to be considered for the next issue of Connection magazine.

Connection Magazine | 55

Molly Sheehy, 6-month-old daughter of Sarah and Kurtis Sheehy, of Stark City, is just now wearing newborn sized clothing. Born a micro-premie at 30 weeks, Molly spent the first four months of her life in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at a Springfield hospital, beguiling a multitude of doctors and nurses who worked tirelessly to ensure her well-being.

Good golly, Miss Molly Micro-preemie tackles life with unsinkable spirit 56 | October 2017

Sarah Sheehy, mother to 6-month-old Molly, calls her daughter a “half-million dollar miracle,” and said looking into her daughter’s eyes, “she is worth every penny.”

S

he looks like a baby doll you might pick up in the toy aisle, but 6-monthold Molly Sheehy is anything but.

“Molly was a micro-premie born at 30 weeks gestation,” said her mother, Sarah Sheehy. “I went to a doctor’s appointment in Joplin on Feb. 6, and was transferred to a Springfield hospital where I was put on complete bed rest. Molly was born Feb. 25, weighing 1 pound, 14 ounces.”

As a registered nurse, Sarah knew her child was facing staggering odds for survival.

“I knew everything that could go wrong,” she said. “The doctors warned us from the very beginning not to expect a good outcome.”

Yet, the tiny babe was fighter, and though her family went through four months of extended separation due to work and school schedules, everyone pulled together, through cooperation and prayer, to bring Miss Molly home.

The early delivery was triggered by Sarah’s fluctuating blood pressure, a condition she had previously experienced with her oldest child, Ella.

“My blood pressure is just not

Story by Melonie Roberts

compatible with pregnancy,” she said. “Ella was also premature, both at 31 weeks, five days, and weighing 2 pounds, 15 ounces. My husband, Kurtis, didn’t hold her until she was a month old. When I left the hospital following Molly’s birth, I was on seven different blood pressure medications.”

Molly is especially precious to the family because she is a rainbow baby, one conceived following a miscarriage.

“I lost that baby at 10 weeks,” Sarah said.

Following her early arrival, Molly was whisked to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, where she would remain for four months. Once discharged, Sarah took a room at the Ronald McDonald House on the sixth floor of Mercy Hospital in Springfield. Kurtis returned to work, juggling his job as a fleet manager for CFI in Joplin and providing whatever his family needed at any given moment. Ella, their 6-year-old daughter, stayed with her grandparents and finished her kindergarten year.

“This was an ordeal for the entire family,” Sarah said. “When I was away from Ella, I felt guilty. When I was

Ella Sheehy, 6, holding baby Molly for the first time.

Kurtis Sheehy holds his micro-premie daughter, Molly.

away from Molly, I felt guilty. Kurtis was my rock. I spent every moment I could with Molly. The first couple of days, I was confined to bed and she was struggling with her breathing, because her lungs weren’t fully developed. It was touch-and-go. She was put on a ventilator. They never guarantee anything in those first few days.

She came off of it in two days and after that, she was up and running.”

The name Molly was not chosen by happenstance.

Connection Magazine | 57

Ella Sheehy, pictured in her father’s hand, was also born prematurely, weighing in at 2 pounds, 15 ounces.

“I named her for the Unsinkable Molly Brown, from the Titanic,” Sarah said. “She just never quit. She’s a rock star.”

Of course, Sarah said she had a legion of warriors, family members, friends and church members, sending up a constant litany of prayers for the indomitable infant.

“We were there so long and I met so many people,” Sarah said. “The nurses become like members of your family. One night they called a code, and those were some of the darkest moments I had while I was there. But we were fortunate they never called a code on Molly. Not every story is a success.”

What was particularly frustrating for Ella was the long delay in gaining permission to finally meet her baby sister after two months.

“It was [respiratory syncytial virus] and flu season,” Sarah said. “She did send some of her American Girl doll clothes to the hospital to dress Molly in for pictures, just for fun. But they fit. There was even a hat.”

Most American Girl clothes are made to fit 18-inch dolls.

Upon their first meeting, Sarah said Ella confided to Molly, “I have so much to teach you.”

“My husband and I both teared up at that,” she said. “She told Molly she 58 | October 2017

was going to be the best big sister ever.”

Even when she reached the 5-pound mark, doctors were not ready to send Molly home.

“They had to do surgery to insert a tube into her stomach because her mouth and throat were so traumatized when they had to intubate her for surgery. They had to try four times, and she fought them every inch of the way.

Now, she doesn’t want anything in her mouth. It’s called oral aversion. So until she takes all of her formula through her bottle, she still receives some nutrition through the tube.”

Just when Sarah and Kurtis thought they would receive the green light to take Molly home on June 10, the doctor noticed a redness around her surgical site. In just a short time, it was apparent that the wound was infected.

“We had to stay another two weeks in the NICU,” Sarah said. “They started antibiotics through an IV. Luckily, we were still there and they could take

care of it quickly. Babies can tank so quickly. If we had gotten her home and had to bring her back, that treatment would have been delayed. Even so, they were trying to prepare us for the worst. So everything that happened was for a reason, and for the very best outcome.”

Finally, Molly was released from the hospital.

“She came home June 24, just one day shy of 4 months,” Sarah said.

“She’s my half-a-million dollar baby.

And worth every penny.”

Surprisingly, little Molly is meeting all of the age-appropriate benchmarks.

“Based on most babies of her gestational age, she shouldn’t be able to do most of these things. She is sitting up, almost rolling over, smiling, cooing and discovering her feet. Most premature babies have to ‘catch up,’ and meet these milestones later on. I guess no one told Molly she couldn’t do those things.”

Molly’s vision is right on schedule, tracking her mother and sister across the room. Her hearing is normal, too.

“She likes listening to nature sounds on Pandora,” Sarah said. “But her favorite song that mommy sings to her is, ‘You are My Sunshine.’”

Their first trip to New Site Baptist Church in Monett was quite exciting for both the family and the congregation.

“We made a lot of little old church ladies very happy,” Sarah said. “They finally got to see what they had been praying for. They were so happy.

We had a lot of great support from the church and our families, or we wouldn’t have made it through as well as we did.”

Ella, now in first grade, enjoys dressing her sister up before heading off to school each day.

“She handled all the disruption to our family brilliantly,” Sarah said. “She is very mature for her age.

“She even received the Perseverance Award in kindergarten, for overcoming all of these difficulties with such grace.

She’s a trooper. She’d tell her teachers, ‘We’ll be together again and we’ll be a family.’”

Although diminutive in size, Molly continues to meet larger-than-life challenges in a laid back, easy-going manner not typical for most infants.

“People are shocked, disbelieving that she is so normal and healthy,” Sarah said. “This is not the outcome most people expected when she was born so early and with her lungs not fully developed. But, these days, we go about our normal lives and she’s right there with us. We showed Belgian horses at the Ozark Empire Fair this year, and she was just hanging on for the ride.

“We have two beautiful miracle babies,” she said. “We’re very happy and couldn’t ask for more.” Ø

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(417) 235-7900 Jeff Bell of Bell & Associates 20+ years of experience

Connection Magazine | 59

1.

2.

3.

4.

O.D. and Pam Cope Chris and Sue Hudson Vickie and Scott Clancy Velma Fly, Rick and Cheryl Osborn

5.

6.

7.

1

Chester and Viola Kirk, Fay Bryant, Jim Hicks Front: Conner, Tanner and Kayden Holloway.

Back: Amanda and Jamie Holloway.

Teresa Chaney and Alfred White

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3

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The 65th annual Crane Broiler Fest was held Aug. 25 and 26 in the city park in Crane.

60 | October 2017

8. Cory Metcalf holding Eve, and Layton Metcalf 9. Raylee, Megan (mom) and Bently Barber 10. Bella Gertiser, Stacey and Ashley Vaught, Cheyanne Eutsler

and Emily Moore

Familiar faces 11. Brooke Ridenour, and Sara and Samantha Crow 12. James and Veronica Bradley, Madison Cox and Kasey Bradley

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Elaine Berg and Dana Wormington holding Lillie Wormington Dave Fielder and Rock Conway Shirley Obermann and Robyn Drake Stephanie, Kaiitlyn and Pam Schumacher Joe and Margaret Rupp Gary and Sarah McLain

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11 10 62 | October 2017

7. Karissa Sinclair and Sarah Volkl 8. Keven and Laura Woolfolk 9. Aletha Smialek, and Dwayne and

Maurice Schoen 10. J.D. and Pam Mayo

11. Front: Steve Roldan, Bobbi Houston

and Casey Ellison. Back: Caseye and

Andy Brandt, Bryan Hoemann, and

Erica Hatcher

4

3

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9 The Freistatt Lions Club’s 44th annual Ernte-Fest was held Aug. 11 and 12 at the Ernte-Fest grounds in Freistatt.

13 12. Scott George, Drew Meier and Jennifer Shepard 13. Hannah Moore, and Hailey and Blair Tettenhorst

Connection Magazine | 63

1. Krystal and Josh Schubert 2. Kayla Jones, Helen Reynolds and Beaunna Bolton 3. Emmalyn, Nicole and Kirk Perryman

4. Seth and Rilyn Colley 5. May Frias, and Carolyn, Brandon and Chuck Hagel 6. Shayna and Amy Johnson

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6 There was a good turnout at the annual Miller Fall Festival on Friday, Sept. 1

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7. Pat and Charles Johnson 8. Zathro and Leona Richardson, and

Dewey Swearingen 9. Jeana and Sophie Scott 10. Jeanne Altman and Dewayne Hopkins 11. Norma Clinton and Mary Lee Evans 12. Don McEntire, Eddie Jenkins and

Katherine Zahnter

Lois Phariss and Noralee Faulkner Al and Robin Brumley Patsy and Mike Wilks Cody and Lauren Cantwell Doris Langford, Frances Thomas, and Alva and Linda Swinney Marilyn Long, Phil Reese and Larry Long

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10 The 18th annual Kings Prairie Community Center Benefit Concert was held on Aug. 12 on the grounds of the historic school, southeast of Monett.

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10 1. Josh McMillon and Sarah Hohensee 2. Abby O’Hara, Addison Andrews, Ayla Renkoski, and

Piper Andrews

3. Chandler Preston, Timmy Morrow, and Sabina Crow 4. Carole Motley, Piper Price, and Sue Dyle 5. Todd and Rose Killingsworth

9

6. Lisa Warner, Lucinda Heckman and Elizabeth Warner

The annual Howdy Neighbor Days festival was held Aug. 16-19 at the South Park in Pierce City.

66 | October 2017

3

4

7

8

11 7. J.B. and Joyce Chapman, and Sandy and Bill Powers 8. Lisa Cameron and Chelsea Lamastus 9. Front: Dominek Lawyer and Curtis Clapper. Back: Jade Holland,

and Nikki and Lance Lawyer

10. Larry and Deborah Warren 11. Mick Earl, and Bryan and Devin Trevino 12. Front: Darron and Alyssa Lee. Back: Kevin Sprenkle and Kella

and A.J. Lee.

12 Connection Magazine | 67

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The fourth annual Monett Repurposed Faire was held Aug. 26 and 27 in downtown Monett.

6. Madison and Jaley Williams

1. Vicki Thomas and Reichea Newton

7. Lesa and Holly Van Pelt

2. Mykel and Sarah Arnold 3. Front: McKenzie King. Back: Tracy Essary,

11 68 | October 2017

Courtney King and Ashton Prinsen.

8. Geri Schmitz, Marge Button and Allison Boyd 9. Mary and Ron McGrath

4. December Misener, Becky Golubski,

10. Robert and Phyllis Wilcox

11. Lora Wright and Harriett Meyer

Cheyenne Lindsay and Lexus Hatfield

5. Kaylee Herald, Jaida Worm and Jenna Herald

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11 The annual Stones Prairie picnic, hosted by St. John’s Lutheran Church at Stones Prairie, was held on July 14 on the church grounds, northwest of Purdy.

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1. Maxine and Alvin Schad 2. Willmer and Kathleen Younker 3. Diana Reed and Owen McMillin 4. Florene Towers, Elmer Conway and

Wayne Towers

5. Gary and Susan Youngblood 6. Ann Marrs and Dolores Vaughn

9

7. Front: Leo and Patti Abramovitz.

Back: Dale and Lora Terry

8. Tammy Landoll, Drew Meier and

Jennifer Shepard

9. Matt McMillin; and Jennifer,

Matthew and Rusty Cornelius

10. Front: Kason Craig, Amelia Meier and

Keiley Potts. Back: Sherry and

Megan Meier.

11. Jerry Henderson and Kent Arnaud

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12. Marilyn Haldiman and Sarah and

Thomas Senter

Connection Magazine | 69

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10 The 59th annual Wheaton Fire Department Barbecue was held on Aug. 26 in the city park.

7. Austin Johnson and

1. Lloyd Johnson and

Louise Carterman

2. Sandra Wicker and Lynda Downey 3. Silva and J.T. Blankenship 4. Front: Peyton and Brooklyn Vogt.

Back: Renee and Dylan Vogt.

9 70 | October 2017

5. Larry and Brianna Mayer, and

Mary Nimmo 6. Haley Parks, Charlene Chang,

Emily Lee, Janessa Chang and

Kaylee McComb

Lacey Johnson, Aimee Senseney, and Becky Haynes

8. Misty Moczygemba and

Marilyn Richter 9. Joe and Penny Pride, and

Scott Palmer 10. Shawna Ellingsworth, and

Dennis and Sarah Dobyns

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Theresa and Chuck Beaty took Connection Magazine to a Bruno Mars concert at Park Theater in Las Vegas.

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Fohn Funeral Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

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Swartz Tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Friendly Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

TH Rogers Lumber Co. . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Grip Boys Home/Verona Corn Maze.13

The Coffee Café. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Guanajuato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

The Jane Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

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J&J Floor Covering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

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Ken’s Collision Center. . . . . . . . . . . . 28

Whitley Pharmacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Lackey Body Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Willis Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . 24

72 | October 2017

Ralph Kelley and Pat Chapman went to St. Cloud, Minn., to visit Ralph’s family and meet his seventh great-grandchild, and they took Connection along.

The Miller High School Class of 1947 posed with Connection Magazine. Front row, from left: Max Wilkerson, Virgie Curtis Thomas and Dorma Bowles Banta. Back row: Robert Yahr, Lem Compton and Max Click.

Tammy Haynes, Joan Haynes, Nova Schwandt, Zona England and Betty Frank traveled with Connection to Pawhuska, Okla., in August. They enjoyed the day shopping and tasting the goodies at Pioneer Woman’s Mercantile.

Lorelei VanDerhoef, 10, walks the pink carpet at the Miss America Outstanding Teen Pageant in Orlando, Fla., on July 29 with the October 2015 issue of Connection Magazine when she appeared on the cover. She participated in the Princess Camp at the pageant, representing the state of Missouri.

Brenda Goetsh and Donna Morrison were among 12 passengers to spend five days on a cargo ship that cruised the inland waterways of coastal British Columbia. The Aurora Explorer transports a wide variety of equipment and supplies to remote locations that are nearly road free. The tour included stops in the Broughton Archipelago Islands in the Strait of Georgia. Passengers saw whales, dolphins and a wide variety of sea life.

Marti Ross, Karen Smith, Jacquie Lane and Felicia Tudor took Connection with them to dinner in Pass-a-Grille, Fla., during an annual girls’ trip.

Connection Magazine | 73

Parting Shot

This photo of the Monday, Aug. 21, solar eclipse was captured by Dr. Duane Cox of Cassville. “We went to Sedalia Sunday as a ‘central hub’ from which to escape potential weather,” Cox said. “Monday morning, the weather looked terrible in every direction so we headed east on US 50, thought we might have to go all the way to Paducah, Ky., but somewhere between Tipton and California, Mo., the sky opened up, looked great as far south as we could see, and the clouds were moving north, so we stopped. And it worked. Lucky!”

74 | October 2017

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Connection Magazine | 75