March Connection 2021

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SHARING THE LOVE

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ST. PATTY’S DAY PLANS

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A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 1

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HELP BRINGING THIS TO OUR COMMUNITY Fundraising is continuing until we reach our goal. To learn more about it, go to blrLibrary.com/Monett or contact the Library; phone 417-235-6646 or email Greg@BLRLibrary.org

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 3

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A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS

GENERAL MANAGER Lisa Craft monettcommunity@gmail.com EDITOR Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Vicky Abraham Marion Chrysler CONTRIBUTORS Meagan Ruffing Lisa Ramirez Darlene Wierman Melonie Roberts Susan Funkhouser Pam Wormington Jordan Troutman Dionne Zebert Jane Severson Verna Fry Christa Stout Cheryl Williams Sierra Gunter Jennifer Conner Annie Lisenby Smith Mike Gervais PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Jamie Brownlee Amy Sampson

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Connection is published monthly and distributed free in Cassville, Monett, Exeter, Washburn, Pierce City, Mt. Vernon, Aurora, Verona, Roaring River, Eagle Rock, Shell Knob, Purdy, Wheaton, Freistatt, Marionville, Seligman, Golden and other surrounding areas.

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

Financial Advisor

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DISTRIBUTION Greg Gilliam Kevin Funcannon TO ADVERTISE 417-847-2610 - Cassville 417-235-3135 - Monett Send email inquiries to connection@monett-times.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 40, Monett, MO 65708

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Editorial

There Is Always the ‘One’ That Gets Away!

W

e are now entering the month of March, the month that gives us St. Patrick’s Day, which always has us wearing that wonderful color of green. Sometimes we celebrate Easter in March, the crucifixion of our Savior Jesus Christ who died on the cross for our sins and then rose from His grave. A time of mourning for Christians, but then becomes a celebratory time. This year, Easter is the first Sunday in April, so I will hold that story for now.

We also have March 20, the first day of spring.

With spring, comes all sorts of activities, but one of those activities begins before March 20, it begins on March 1 with the opening of trout fishing at popular state parks like Roaring River and Bennett Spring, which brings me to the subject of our Trout Times Magazine that is published annually. It features local pictures and stories for your enjoyment. I hope you pick one up at local businesses, chamber offices and at Roaring River State Park businesses.

Now, for my main subject—fishing. Most residents in our area love the sport of fishing for enjoyment, competition, food, and for various other reasons.

I was raised around many fishermen, and I was a tomboy, so I fit right in. We all knew that if you hung out with them much and went on too many trips, you began to recognize that there were the stories about the trip, and then there were the “fish” stories. Or maybe I should call them “fishy” stories.

My father, Winnie Atwell, was an avid fisherman, on many levels, but one thing he loved to do was fly fish and tie his own flies. Many times when he would vacation he would use his fly rod to catch bait (perch)

to place on a line to catch catfish. He would catch some pretty big catfish! Catching the perch with a fly rod was fun to watch because they would fight and that type of fishing would make you feel like you had a whale of a fish whether you had a small perch or a bigger one.

Apparently it was time for me to learn to fly fish.

As much as I loved my dad, he was not a patient teacher. Thank goodness I already knew how to cast a rod, but I quickly found out that casting a normal fishing rod and casting a fly rod were two different things.

“It is all in your wrist” he would tell me over and over. And then he had to try to explain to me how to bring it in because you just don’t reel them in. So, I started to get the hang of it, I mean you have to throw it a few times to get a good spot, because the line is so light weight then you “work it,” so the fish will attack it. Well, some of these phrases I kind of had to figure out for myself as to what dad meant, because like I said, he was not the most patient teacher.

We were out catching bait one evening and all of a sudden I could have sworn that I had a 20-pound catfish on the end of that fly rod. I pulled on that line, I was so excited, and I pulled and I pulled and all of a sudden I heard my dad say, “Don’t horse it, don’t horse it!” What? Don’t horse it? What in the world did he mean by that? Well, to say the least, my line snapped, and the fish made a wild escape, I looked at my dad in a puzzled aggravated face, and he had a why look on his face. After we got over our aggravation, he explained what he meant, we got over it and continued our day.

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 7

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The next day we went out again. We kind of experienced the same scenario. I threw out the fly rod line, was working it back to me, and all of a sudden something happened. I was ready to hand the rod to him. I was not going to lose another monster of the sea because this one was as big if not bigger!

But he refused to take it.

“You can do it, You can get it in, and I will get the net,” he said.

Boy was I nervous. Granted, maybe it was just a huge perch, but if it was, it sure was a fighter. That fish and I fought and fought for a very long time. I knew I was going to lose it, and this time my dad just kept encouraging me. I finally got it close enough to the boat that he got it with the net. I had actually snagged a 5 and one-half pound large mouth bass with a fly rod. If anyone has ever fished with a fly rod, they know that was a fun time!! That one did not get away.

Fishing is a good sport, and it does make for good stories later.

It is good for family time and for memories to be made. I know everybody is busy, and we have had a lot of obstacles this year with the pandemic, but I urge all of those that have an interest to take the time to pick up a rod, a can of worms, and your kiddos and go fishing. Just remember if you get ahold of that big one, “don’t horse it!”

Lisa Craft

General Manager, Connection Magazine Lisa Craft is General Manager of Connection Magazine, The Monett Times and Cassville Democrat.

She can be reached at monettcommunity@gmail.com or connection@monett-times.com

FREE

CONNECTIONMO.COM

Sass Farmers Market LOVELY LOCAL OPTIONS

Community Garden MONETT VOLUNTEERS

Jolly Mill

SHARING THE LOVE

Shamrock Dreams

ST. PATTY’S DAY PLANS

MARCH 2021

Going for

Glowing

Health

A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 1

ON THE COVER:

The Cassville Garden Sass Farmer’s Market offers a variety of fresh seasonal vegetables and fruits to make any meal fresh and tasty.

Read more on page 13.

CONTENTS 17 Column: Bigger Isn’t Always Better 23 Healthy Connection: Think About It 31 Cutest Kid 36 Recipes

39 Parenting Column: Dump Toxic Work Environments 40 Date Night: Second Edition

43 Rescued, My Favorite Breed 45 Cutest Pet

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

Email it to connection@monett-times.com Facebook.com/MyConnectionMo Twitter.com/MyConnection_Mo

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ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 9

It’s Time to Service your Unit so You Can Breathe Easy

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Where every customer is special

M A R C H 2021

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13 | GARDEN SASS

FARMER’S MARKET

Cassville’s longest running farmers market is bringing the goods

20 | MONETT COMMUNITY GARDEN Pitching in reaps rich rewards

for community volunteers willing to get their hands dirty

26 | ARTIST SPOTLIGHT

Michele DeSutter achieves her dreams and prospers as a mixed media artist

32 | LEPRECHAUN INSPIRATION

Kick off the greenest of holidays with some new ideas to find that pot of gold

46 | GET A HUG

Jolly Mill Foundation reminds all to share the love ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 11

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The Fresh, the Green,

A

rural and farming community, a clear staple of tradition and familiarity is attending the farmer’s market in your town. Rows of colorful vegetables and plants, the smell of baked goods and other homemade delights, the sound of recipes being shared and the taste of those homegrown goodies bringing a burst of flavor to every dish.

Story by Jordan Troutman

the tasty Longest running farmer’s market in Barry County

Another year round treat at the Cassville Garden Sass Farmer’s Market on the Cassville square is farm fresh honey.

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 13

For those interested in joining and becoming a vendor people may contact Bonita Smith at 417-847-5464.

The Cassville Garden Sass Farmer’s Market located on the Cassville square every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon.

While there is always seasonal produce available people can also buy fresh baked goods.

In Barry County, the longest-running farmer’s market can now be found on the Cassville city square.

The Cassville Garden Sass Farmer’s Market is one of the oldest in Barry County, starting around 1978.

Bonita Smith, Cassville Garden Sass Farmer’s Market manager, said

14 | March 2021

membership varies from year to year, but with COVID-19 things were even slower than usual.

A few years ago the group moved to its current location on the Cassville square.

“We used to be by the park, in a pavilion,” Smith said. “But, it kept flooding and we were dealing with quite a bit of vandalism.

“The managers at the time reached out to the City of Cassville who let us move to the square.”

The new location offered a better opportunity to be seen and visited by the foot traffic in town.

For nearly 50 years, the members and vendors of the farmer’s market have seen many regulars each week, but with Roaring River State Park so close, many new faces come through the farmer’s market as well.

“We see quite a few campers on their weekend stay at Roaring River,” she said. “In the summertime, we have more vendors too. It’s nice to see it come to life for a while.”

The Cassville Garden Sass Farmer’s Market is open from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. every Saturday.

Bonita says the farmer’s market usually runs year-round, however attendance does tend to drop down in the winter months.

“The Cassville FFA brings their produce in also,” she said. “It is really great to see the younger generation get involved in the farmer’s market.

“In order to keep it going we need both new vendors coming in, and people coming to purchase the product.”

“To keep it going we need new vendors coming in and people coming to purchase the product.”

- Bonita Smith, Cassville Garden Sass Farmer’s Market manager

Many local farmers have large hauls of their produce at the end of the season to offer at the Cassville Garden Sass Farmer’s Market. This vendor has ears of corn coming out of their ears.

The Cassville Garden Sass Farmer’s Market has baked goods, vegetables, fruits and fresh honey, but seasonal plants are also offered to brighten up any home.

• Farm fresh eggs • Fruits and vegetables including tomatoes,

cucumbers, squash, okra, letttuce, peppers, blueberries and peaches too • Baked goods • Fresh honey

Bonita has been a member of the Cassville Garden Sass Farmer’s Market for many years and would love to see the decline in members reverse.

“I have already been talking to new people for this year,” she said.

“One guy has been talking about his hydroponic garden, which will be an interesting addition to our vendors.”

The produce and vendors change each season as new items come in and others phase-out.

In the spring, people can expect to see fresh eggs, homemade baked goods including bread, and springtime plants.

After that, in-season vegetables get added into the mix.

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 15

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“In the fall we see more of those late summer fruits and vegetables as well as the fall plants,” Bonita said. “We also have honey yearround, and eggs until the temperatures get to freezing.”

As long as there are vendors, almost all the items sell out.

“Having homegrown vegetables and other produce from right in our backyards is so amazing,” she said. “Our vendors are nice, and it is just a wonderful experience to come to the farmer’s market.”

There are certain rules and regulations that the Cassville Garden Sass Farmer’s Market has to follow from the Barry County Health Department.

“People interested in joining should just get ahold of me, and we can go over what they have to offer and what that means,” Bonita said. “We can accept almost everything and people love a variety.”

The Cassville Garden Sass Farmers Market produce includes farm fresh eggs; fruits and vegetables, including tomatoes, cucumbers, squash, okra, lettuce, peppers, blueberries and peaches too; baked goods; fresh honey.

“We want to offer everything that is in season,” Bonita said.

For those interested in joining and becoming a vendor people may contact Bonita Smith at 417847-5464.

For more information about upcoming farmers markets, produce to expect and other information, people may follow the Facebook page https://www.facebook. com/Gardensassfarmers.

The Cassville Garden Sass Farmers Market is open every Saturday on the Cassville city square from 8 a.m. to noon. n

By Pam Wormington

Column

Bigger Isn’t Always Better

Y

ou’ve heard all the sayings, “Bigger is better.”

“He who dies with the most toys wins.” “The only difference between men and boys is the price of their toys. “ Blah Blah Blah. My boss finally got the big blue New Holland tractor he deserved complete with air conditioning, heat, forward-reverse shuttle shift, enclosed cab, yada yada yada. He claims he bought it for me because I can reach the peddles. Next, he’ll be trying to convince me to buy some swampland in Florida so that we can enjoy vacations together.

But first I must mention that we have had the tractor for several years and I rarely drive it.

I preferred to drive the Farmall 544 with none of the amenities except the gear pattern written in permanent marker on the loader bracket. It does have a radio but to hear it you must increase the volume to a point where the lyrics are unrecognizable. It does allow you to get a tan, farmer style and smell the fragrance of honeysuckle and fresh mowed hay. I’m a multi-tasker and this tractor allows me have a little pleasure while working.

The boss asked me to brush hog the remaining pastures after we finished hay and I reluctantly agreed. That is how I usually succumb to work on the farm, reluctantly. He informed me that the brush hog was already hooked up to the New Holland.

With that in mind, I had received a CRASH course in the morning and that afternoon I was to fly solo on HIS tractor.

Everything was quiet on the farm that warm afternoon as I climbed into the big tractor; trying to remember everything I was taught.

I adjusted the seat to petite, checked all the controls and

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 17

somewhat confidently began to move forward. I was continually looking behind me to watch the brush hog to make sure it was working properly. I felt something dragging but everything appeared to be in working order.

So, I proceeded and figured an increase in throttle might solve the little dragging problem.

Once I was sure everything behind me was working as planned, I turned around only to notice that the loader was not in the proper position. Apparently, when I adjusted my seat, I accidentally hit the joy stick and now the loader was in “plowing position.” The bucket was not on the loader therefore it made a nice double trench as I pushed it along the ground for several yards.

I hit speed dial #2 on my cell phone or 911 for a farmer’s wife in trouble. I explained to him the situation and thought I might get points for diagnosing the problem myself. He was not impressed nor did I get any bonus points. I couldn’t even get fired.

He was obviously not seeing the ‘joy’ in the stick problem.

I resumed the assigned task of driving this big blue tractor while brush hogging with the air conditioning blowing hair in my face, unable to smell the flowers or even get a tan. I drove around in circles for 3 hours anticipating the arrival of the boss and his discovery of my plow job.

I didn’t anticipate that he would make me fill in the trenches with

18 | March 2021

a shovel. I now have blisters, calluses and a bad attitude. If only I had some tulip bulbs, this could have turned out to be a sweet-smelling mistake.

And just like that, the farm wife gets a cute little Kubota tractor and again, he said he bought it so I could reach the peddles.

I would have preferred an excuse like ‘she looks good in orange’ because peddles are not my problem but I will settle for whatever justification is needed until he asks me for justification for jewelry and then I can provide excuses until the cows come home.

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ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 19

Kimberly Scritchfield, who is organizing volunteer efforts at this year’s Monett Community Garden, pulls some volunteer cilantro from the graveled pathways at the site.

Scritchfield said cilantro in one of the vegetables that reseeds itself each fall, and the hardy crop will grow in nearly any environment.

Community Garden Providing fresh produce for volunteers, Crosslines

20 | March 2021

M

any people have the desire to plant small produce patches to supplement their summer grocery purchases, but may not have the space to plant a variety of crops that can be harvested from early spring into late fall and early winter. Now, they have the option of digging their hands into the dirt to satisfy their green thumbs and the satisfaction of harvesting fresh, ripe produce to supplement their summer meals.

The Monett Community Garden is a collaborative effort between the Barry County Health Department and local volunteers to increase the availability of fresh produce for area residents willing to put in a bit of time and effort to reap

Story by Melonie Roberts

those delicious rewards.

“I’ve started coming out on my days off when the weather is nice,” said Kimberly Scritchfield, who is organizing this year’s effort. “I’m doing some cleaning of the beds and prepping them for planting. In a couple of weeks, I will start seeds at home so they can get a good start before planting. We are planting several varieties of tomatoes, potatoes, lettuce, kale, peppers, green beans, garlic, onions, broccoli and cauliflower. We will start with the early spring vegetables, like lettuce, kale, broccoli and cauliflower, first, and then as summer comes on, plant potatoes, tomatoes, beans and other summer produce. We might even plant some melons, this year.”

For more information on the Monett Community Garden or to volunteer, contact Scritchfield at monettcommunitygarden@gmail.com.

Monett Community Garden is located south of the Monett Police Department on Cleveland. As weather warms, Scritchfield will be looking for volunteers to help plant and maintain the beds, and take part in the harvest of produce.

Some hearty cold weather vegetables managed to make it through the mild winter and will have a head start on growing deep roots for early harvest in the spring at the Monett Community Garden. Pictured are lettuce, kale and beets.

The key to the success of the garden is the volunteers who attend to the planting, weeding, watering and harvesting of produce.

“Anyone who signs up to help with the garden is allowed to harvest vegetables,” Scritchfield said. “If we have excess, we will donate it to Crosslines, to benefit others in the community.”

Tending to growing plants takes time and commitment from those hoping to reap the summer-fresh rewards.

“People sometimes come out on their days off and work a few hours,” Scritchfield said. “We are going to try to put in an irrigation system this year, so people won’t have to spend time watering when there is other maintenance that needs done — like pulling weeds.”

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 21

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Fishing for that perfect home?

Let us catch it for you!

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Longer beds line the inner perimeter of the fenced off area where vegetables are grown. Kimberly Scritchfield, who is organizing volunteer efforts for this year’s garden, inspects some volunteer garlic springing up after a relatively mild winter so far.

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Two of the larger raised beds are built specifically to meet the needs of those in wheelchairs for ease of access.

“This is a great way for people to get out in the sun and fresh air,” Scritchfield said. “It’s also relaxing.”

There are chores for those of all ages, even youngsters learning about growing cycles and plant maintenance, pruning, weeding and harvesting.

“I plan to have my husband and my own kids out here helping as we get the beds ready for planting,” she said. “The great thing about working out here is that people can be socially distanced, or come and go on their own schedules.”

For more information on the Monett Community Garden or to volunteer, contact Scritchfield at monettcommunitygarden@gmail. com. n

By Payton Jobe

Healthy Connection Payton Jobe is a dietetic intern at Cox College and completed her undergrad studies in Food, Nutrition and Dietetics at Northwest Missouri State University. Payton has been on a weight loss journey for two years and has lost 60 pounds. She hopes she can help others who struggle with weight loss and be a positive role model for them as well. Payton enjoys swimming, cooking/creating new recipes, spending time with her friends and family, and playing with her dog, Brindle.

Mindful Eating for Weight Loss

W

eight loss is a lot easier said than done. Many of those who struggle try fad diets and different programs with little success. The worst part about some of these dieting plans is how restrictive they can be. This can cause frustration and become hard to maintain. The truth is there is no one magical diet or method that leads to weight loss/maintenance for every person in the world. However, in this article I hope to provide you with a method for weight loss that is continuing to show effectiveness for many people.

One method to help with weight maintenance/loss is

mindful eating. Studies have shown that mindful eating habits can be beneficial for improving our digestive health and are often used as a tool to help control blood glucose levels in people with diabetes.

There is also evidence showing it can be beneficial in the treatment of eating disorders like anorexia, bulimia, and binge eating. Mindful eating can help us reduce stress levels, especially with stress revolving around food. So, what is mindful eating and how does it work?

Mindful eating involves using emotion, instincts, our senses and thought in making decisions regarding food. It allows

Mindful eating habits can be beneficial for improving our digestive health you to listen and learn to understand your hunger and fullness cues and develop a better appreciation and relationship with food. For most Americans, hunger and fullness cues are something often ignored and forgotten at a young age. These cues are a crucial part of the success of the human species.

Our bodies are smarter than we give them credit for. They know when we are hungry and when we are full. We have made this seemingly simple idea much more complex by

ConnectionMO.com/HealthyConnection | Connection Magazine | 23

changing up the composition of foods by adding excessive amounts of sugar, salt, and other chemicals/preservatives.

We have adopted the idea that “bigger is better” when it comes to portion sizes and we have taken the “you can’t leave the table till you clean your plate” to the next level. This has caused us to completely ignore our natural hunger and fullness cues and caused us to eat our way into ever-increasing cases of obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and many other chronic issues.

How can mindful eating help us lose weight? From personal experience, mindful eating taught me to listen to and understand my body. It also helped me gain a healthier relationship and a greater appreciation for food.

This “new” way of mind uses the five senses; taste, smell, sound, sight, and touch, to make decisions on the foods we make and eat. It teaches you to appreciate every part about a food and take your time to enjoy it. It gives a value to the food beyond the cost. Slowing down when we eat has other benefits as well.

It takes 20 minutes for our stomachs to tell the brain that we are full. Many people eat excessively large meals within this time.

Slowing down allows us to take in only the amount of food that we need to satisfy our hunger without being overfed. Here are a few examples of how to slow down during meals.

24 | March 2021

How to eat mindfully: 1. Eliminate distractions.

Avoid TV, phones, and working while eating.

2. Eat at the table.

Always try to eat with someone (family, friend, coworker, etc.).

3. Set your eating utensils down between bites.

Give yourself 15-20 seconds between bites to reflect on the taste and smell of the food and how it makes you feel.

4. Make time to eat.

Skipping meals or snacks can lead to being extremely hungry and possibly binge eating later on.

This method allowed for me to lose 50 pounds in one year. I started to crave foods that were better for me. However, mac n cheese is still and will always be my favorite food.

Before mindful eating I thought I’d never be able to eat it again because it’s “unhealthy” according to different health gurus and fad diets. Through mindful eating, I have learned that there are no “forbidden” foods. I learned to listen to my body and its cues in order to allow myself to eat mac n cheese in a healthy and respectful manner.

Mindful and intuitive eating is not easy and takes continuous practice to get back in touch with your body. However, once you begin to listen and respect your body’s natural cues and

needs, the results will show. To all of you who were told as a child “you must eat everything on your plate before you can leave the table”, it is okay to have leftovers. Save what you don’t eat for a snack or even another meal. If your body doesn’t need it, don’t eat it. Our bodies do so much for us; it is time to start treating them with the respect they deserve. n

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Michele

“Fish Out of Water” is a 12-inch by 12-inch work of art created using colored pencil and ink on wood panel. It was attached to a vintage Melamine plate on Masonite with attached plastic fish.

“Kung Pao Chicken” is a colored pencil and ink piece created on a wood panel and attached to a Melamine cup. This is one of DeSutter’s favorite works because of her son’s input.

26 | March 2021

DeSutter

facebook.com/Michele.DeSutter.Art

Local Artist Spotlight

A

rt surrounds us. It’s in advertisements flashing on screens; it’s in children’s work brought home from school; it’s in outdoor murals painted on vintage buildings across America’s small towns. For some people art is more than a fun hobby — it’s a passion. French impressionist artist Edgar Degas said, “Drawing is not what one sees, but what one can make others see.”

Local artist Michele DeSutter is using her passion to create art in unique and nontraditional ways. Originally from Jefferson City, DeSutter has made Monett her home for the past 30 years. As a child she loved art and started drawing as soon as she could hold a crayon. “I took all the art classes I could in high school (Jefferson City High) and got a bachelor’s of fine art degree from Central Missouri in Warrensburg. My degree had an emphasis in illustration,” said DeSutter. “I like to tell a story in my art.”

After graduating from college, DeSutter worked in graphic arts. She explained that the job was to pay the bills, but that she always wished she was painting full time. “After many years of graphic arts, I quit my job and started my own business, Mixed Media Studio. That was over 20 years ago,” said DeSutter. Over these past 20 years she has created her own art studio on her home, sold and marketed her art, exhibited in galleries, won an international art show, and “lived my dream of being an artist full time.”

Story by Annie Lisenby Smith

Artist Michele DeSutter uses mid-century elements to create unique art pieces

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 27

A display of one step in the process of creating “Three Times a Week, Treat Yourself to Dessert.” The antique head vase served as inspiration for the main subject of the piece.

The finished piece “Three Times a Week, Treat Yourself to Dessert.” Created with pencil and ink on a wood panel, this 9-inch work of art is adhered to an 11-inch vintage plastic plate.

DeSutter is a fan of many artists that have influenced her work, which include Andy Warhol, Chuck Close, and Jeff Koons — all pop artists. She explains that her heart is still in illustration. “My all-time favorite book as a kid was Where the Wild Things Art by Maurice Sendak.

As I grew up, my love for his books and illustrations only grew.”

As for her own work, her inspiration comes from other artists, people, and her personal experiences. “I love to visit museums and galleries,” said DeSutter. “Being around other creative works and people feeds my creativity.”

DeSutter’s current works are created entirely in colored pencils and ink on wood panels. For almost eight 28 | March 2021

years, she has been making what she calls “Plate Paintings.” Inspiration comes from vintage head vases, which have been the main subject of many of her paintings over the past two years. “I use a head vase that I love and make a painting of it, giving her a background or maybe an occupation and name.”

DeSutter has created 138 plate paintings. She collects vintage Melamine plates from the 50s and 60s and hand cuts a piece of wood to fit the front or back of the plate.

Next, she draws and colors in the artwork on the wood, coats the finished piece in a UV varnish, assembles the piece, and makes it ready to hang.

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When asked about the favorite piece of art she’s created, DeSutter had trouble choosing one. “It seems like each one is my favorite until it sells or until I start on the next piece,” she said. “If I had to pick only one, it would have to be ‘Kung Pao Chicken’ because my son helped me brainstorm and prep the piece for that paining. It’s just a fun piece too. I love the expression on the chicken.”

Outside of painting, DeSutter enjoys spending time with her husband, Steven, and looks forward to calls from her son, Wyatt. He’s grown now and lives in Columbia, Missouri. DeSutter noted that COVID has made it tough to visit her family living in Linn, Missouri, but looks forward to seeing them and friends again when it’s safe to do so. When not with her family or creating art, DeSutter enjoys yoga, which she taught at the Monett YMCA for 15 years. She also loves to read, shop for antiques (especially anything mid-century), and collects head vases.

To see more of DeSutter’s art or follow her on her artistic journeys, she can be found on her Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Michele.

DeSutter.Art. On her page she posts videos, work in progress photos, answers questions from her fans, and sells her work.

Famous English author Neil Gaiman said, “Life is sometimes hard. Things go wrong, in life and in love and in business and in friendship and in health and in all other ways that life can go wrong. And when things get tough, this is what you should do. Make good art.” Art surrounds us. Michele DeSutter is one of many local artists that are making good art and creating more glimpses of beauty in this unpredictable world. n

Cutest Kid

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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.

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 31

Finding That

Lucky

Leprechaun Loot

St. Patrick’s Day history, activities, memories

32 | March 2021

W

e’re talking about green, gold, leprechauns, four-leaf clovers, luck, love, sweets, games and all-things St. Patrick’s Day. St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide, but many people may not know that it is actually a religious holiday meant to remember the anniversary of Saint Patrick’s death in the fifth century.

What once started in homes in Ireland, has traveled across seas and is now celebrated in most homes and communities around the world.

In the United States alone more than 100 parades celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, the most attended being the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The hours-long event entertains nearly 3 million people along a mile and a-half parade route.

Story by Jordan Troutman

So, how did a religious holiday celebrated by a specific country become a worldwide event?

In the 19th century, many Irish Catholics began fleeing starvation and entering other countries, including the United States. At the time the Irish celebrating St. Patrick’s Day were portrayed in media as rowdy, untamed, drunken and violent.

What a change to the present-day celebrations of children and families involving candy, green clothes and chasing leprechauns.

The change in perception may have been most signified in 1948 when President Harry S. Truman attended the New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade. Because of this, many Irish Americans felt pride and honor for their ancestors who had to fight racial prejudice and stereotypes.

Leprechaun Traps Make a box decorated with green, fake gold and a rainbow.

Cut a hole in the top of the box, the hole can be hidden by shredded green paper to look like grass. Make sure to put a ladder made out of popsicle sticks next to the box so the leprechaun can easily climb up. To get the leprechaun to climb the ladder, put a sign that says “Free Gold” next to the hole. The leprechaun won’t be able to resist and once he is trapped, he will most likely offer gold or chocolate in exchange for his release.

Make a poster decorated with rainbows, fake gold and even sweets. Place it on the ground and paint a paper or plastic bowl green so it can camouflage easily. Prop the bowl up with a popsicle stick. If you have a hunter in the home, think deadfall trap, but for capture instead. When the leprechaun goes to explore the goodies on the poster, he will trigger the popsicle stick and make the bowl fall on him trapping him inside. Again, he will most likely leave behind gold or candy as he escapes.

The scavenger hunts and other games: As a scavenger hunt is rather selfexplanatory, I will simply offer some ideas of items to put on the list.

 A green drink, or food item  A potato (in any form)  Something gold  Something with four parts (think four-leaf clover)  A horseshoe  Something with a rainbow on it

Use your imagination!

Pin the hat on the leprechaun Turn yourself into a leprechaun. Make a hat and beard out of construction paper. Dress in all green with black shoes.

If all else fails, ask the children what they want to do.

They may have an idea of their own.

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 33

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From the Chicago River being dyed green to the parades and festivals in New Zealand, people celebrate in many ways around the world, but one iconic staple shines through them all — the leprechaun.

The leprechaun stems from Celtic beliefs in fairies and other magical beings, and represents a cranky “tiny man” who mends shoes. In addition to these characteristics, they were also known for trickery and mischief, which they used to protect their famed pots of gold. Leprechauns have their very own holiday and are celebrated on March 13, which is most likely why they are also tied in with St. Patrick’s Day. Many families may choose to not celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in large crowds and parades this year due to COVID-19, but there are still plenty of fun ways to bring the holiday into your home.

Like many moms, I regularly visit my Pinterest page to get ideas for any celebration, even more so this year as we have all had to be a bit more creative with staying at home.

Also, with the age of Youtube, my five-year-old has been begging me for months to have a leprechaun hunt on St. Patrick’s Day, she wants to set traps for the leprechaun in order to try and get his gold.

So, here are a few of the ideas I have come up with, as well as some ideas I found online to help your home celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year.

To make the day special from the start, parents can go through the house the night before and leave green footprints and piles of candy and gold all over. When the children wake up in the morning they can see all the mischief the leprechauns got into the night before! n

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Recipes

St. Patrick’s Colcannon

Irish Soda Bread

INGREDIENTS

INGREDIENTS

3 pounds red potatoes, quartered 1 head cabbage, cored and shredded 2 tablespoons butter ½ cup butter 1 teaspoon minced garlic 4 green onions, sliced, white parts and tops separated white pepper to taste 1 ¼ cups hot milk 1 pound leftover corned beef, cut into pieces and warmed

DIRECTIONS 1. Place potatoes in a large saucepan and add water to cover by 1-inch. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer until tender, about 20 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Stir in cabbage along with 2 tablespoons of butter; cover, and simmer until the cabbage has softened.

Drain.

3. Melt 1/2-cup butter over medium heat. Stir in garlic and the white parts of the green onions. Cook until the garlic has softened and mellowed.

4. Drain the potatoes and mash with white pepper to taste. Fold in melted butter, milk, cabbage, and corned beef. Sprinkle with green onion tops to serve.

36 | March 2021

½ cup white sugar 4 cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda ¾ teaspoon salt 3 cups raisins 1 tablespoon caraway seeds 2 eggs, lightly beaten 1 ¼ cups buttermilk 1 cup sour cream

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Grease a 9 inch round cast iron skillet or a 9 inch round baking or cake pan.

2. In a mixing bowl, combine flour (reserving 1 tablespoon), sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, raisins and caraway seeds. In a small bowl, blend eggs, buttermilk and sour cream. Stir the liquid mixture into flour mixture just until flour is moistened. Knead dough in bowl about 10 to 12 strokes. Dough will be sticky. Place the dough in the prepared skillet or pan and pat down. Cut a 4x3/4 inch deep slit in the top of the bread. Dust with reserved flour 3. Bake in a preheated 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) oven for 65 to 75 minutes. Let cool and turn bread onto a wire rack.

Beef and Guinness® Stew INGREDIENTS

Irish Tea Cake INGREDIENTS

½ cup butter, softened 1 cup white sugar2 eggs 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract 1 ¾ cups all-purpose flour 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt ½ cup milk ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar for dusting

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and flour a 9-inch round pan.

2. In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, mixing until fully incorporated; stir in the vanilla. Combine the flour, baking powder and salt; stir into the batter alternately with the milk. If the batter is too stiff, a tablespoon or two of milk may be added. Spread the batter evenly into the prepared pan.

3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on a wire rack, then turn out onto a serving plate. Dust with confectioners’ sugar right before serving.

4 slices bacon, cut into small pieces 2 ½ pounds boneless beef chuck, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 teaspoon salt, or more to taste freshly ground black pepper to taste 2 onions, coarsely chopped ½ teaspoon salt 4 cloves garlic, minced 1 (14.9 ounce) can dark beer ¼ cup tomato paste 4 sprigs fresh thyme 3 carrots, cut into 1-inch pieces 2 stalks celery, cut into 1-inch pieces 1 teaspoon white sugar ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste 2 ½ cups chicken stock, or as needed to cover 4 cups mashed potatoes (Optional)

DIRECTIONS 1. Cook and stir bacon in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until bacon is browned and crisp, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn off heat and transfer bacon into a large stew pot, reserving bacon fat in the skillet.

2. Season beef chuck cubes generously with 1 teaspoon salt and black pepper to taste. Turn heat to high under skillet and sear beef pieces in the hot fat on both sides until browned, about 5 minutes. Place beef in stew pot with bacon, leaving fat in skillet. Turn heat down to medium; cook and stir onions in the retained fat in the skillet until lightly browned, 5 to 8 minutes; season with a large pinch of salt.

3. Cook garlic with onions until soft, about 1 minute; pour beer into skillet and stir with a wooden spoon, scraping up and dissolving any browned bits of food into the liquid. Pour cooking liquid from skillet into the stew pot. Stir in tomato paste, thyme sprigs, carrots, celery, sugar, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, and enough chicken broth to cover.

4. Bring stew to a gentle simmer, stirring to combine; reduce heat to low and cover pot. Simmer stew until beef is fork-tender, about 2 hours. Stir stew occasionally and skim fat or foam if desired.

5. Remove cover and raise heat to medium-high. Bring stew to a low boil and cook until stew has slightly thickened, 15 to 20 minutes. Remove and discard thyme sprigs and adjust salt and pepper to taste.

6. Arrange mashed potatoes in a ring in a serving bowl; ladle stew into the center of the potatoes.

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 37

Dublin Drop Cake INGREDIENTS

Irish Lassie’s Liver and Onions INGREDIENTS

1 teaspoon olive oil, or more if needed 1 clove garlic, minced 4 large sweet onions, thinly sliced 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped green bell pepper 1 ½ tablespoons finely chopped red bell pepper ½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms salt and black pepper to taste ¼ cup butter 1 pound calf ’s liver, skinned, deveined, and sliced ¼ cup all-purpose flour 2 cups cold water 2 teaspoons beef bouillon granules 1 tablespoon red wine

DIRECTIONS 1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in the garlic, onion, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and mushrooms; cook and stir until the onion has softened and turned translucent, about 5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

Push onion mixture to the side of the skillet, and place the butter in the center of the skillet. Add calf’s liver, one slice at a time. Cover and cook until lightly browned, flipping liver slices once, 5 to 6 minutes. Cut liver slices in half.

2. Whisk together flour, water, and beef bouillon in a bowl until combined. Pour mixture into the skillet; cook and stir until gravy thickens, then add red wine. Cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and serve.

38 | March 2021

1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese, softened ¼ cup confectioners’ sugar 1 egg 6 tablespoons Irish cream liqueur 1 (18.25 ounce) package chocolate cake mix without pudding 1 (3.9 ounce) package instant chocolate pudding mix 3 eggs ½ cup vegetable oil 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle Irish stout beer 2 tablespoons butter 1 cup white sugar ½ cup Irish whiskey

DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Grease a 10-inch fluted tube pan (such as a Bundt®) and coat inside of pan with unsweetened cocoa powder.

3. Beat cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, 1 egg, and Irish cream liqueur in a bowl until smooth and creamy. Set aside.

4. Beat chocolate cake mix, chocolate pudding mix, 3 eggs, and vegetable oil in a separate bowl until batter is thick and smooth. Slowly beat Irish stout beer into the batter.

5. Spoon 1/3 of the cake batter into the prepared pan; layer the Irish cream filling on top. Spoon remaining cake batter over the filling.

6. Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the cake comes out clean, 40 to 50 minutes.

7. Loosen the edges of the cake from the pan with a thin spatula; let cake rest in pan 15 minutes. Invert pan over a wire rack to release cake and allow to cool completely on the rack.

8. While cake is cooling, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and stir in white sugar and Irish whiskey. Bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve sugar, reduce heat to low, and simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes.

9. Transfer cake to a serving platter. Generously brush whiskey glaze over cooled cake several times and allow glaze to soak into cake.

Parenting Column

By Meagan Ruffing

TAKE BREAKS

Helpful Tips for Staying Positive In a Toxic Work Environment

H

ave you ever found yourself in a situation at work where you thought, “Is this really happening?” Have you ever said to yourself, “I hate my job?” Working in a toxic environment is really hard. Not only is it hard, but it’s not healthy. It takes a toll on your well-being, mental health, physical health, and relationships. But what does that mean?

Just because work might not be the way you want it to be, doesn’t mean you can just quit. You might need this job to pay bills. You might be doing your best to make ends meet. You might need insurance. We all have our own reasons for staying in a job that we don’t like. Here are a few tips to help you make it through the day when you just want to get up and clock out.

Toxic work environments are the pits, but the reality is that there are many people who don’t love where they work. If that’s you, use these techniques to help you make each day more manageable. If you love your job and where you work, that’s great. Look out for the people who may be feeling left out and invite them into your circle. You never know what your act of kindness might do for someone else.

If your job allows you to take breaks here and there, take them.

Even if you have nothing to do, walking away from the environment and going to a separate part of the building, can help your mind reset. Once you get in the habit of taking your breaks, maybe start to bring a book to read, or listen to a podcast for a few minutes. When our minds are constantly filled with toxic stuff and we find ourselves in a state of anxiety because of the people we have to be around, a mental break is a necessity.

OPEN UP TO THE PEOPLE YOU TRUST There’s always one. What I mean by that is, find that one (or two) people who you can confide in and talk to them. Tell them what’s going on and why you’re stressed out about work. Try not to gossip but be honest about why you’re upset. When we get things off our chest and hear other people’s perspectives, it helps us take a step back and either look at the situation from another point of view or maybe even feel validated from the friend you’ve confided in. People need people, and it feels good when we don’t feel alone in a stressful environment.

X MARKS THE SPOT Make a spot for yourself where you can surround yourself with uplifting messages. My spot is my desk. I put things on it that make me smile and encourage me to stay positive even when it’s been a long day. If you don’t have a desk, consider wearing something that makes you feel calm. It could be a bracelet with an engraved message or a note from one of your children tucked in your back pocket. Mark your spot and let it be a spot that brings you joy.

INVEST IN ‘ME’ TIME. Be protective of your time when you’re not at work. If you’re in a toxic environment, you’ll find that your energy level is pretty much gone. That’s because you’re using so much mental energy to get through the day, and physical energy to show up to work, that you have nothing left at the end of the day. Set boundaries with your time and don’t be afraid to say no if you can’t meet up with someone after work. Sometimes a nap is exactly what you need.

CALM Stay calm in your mind and heart even when things around you are not healthy. If coworkers are gossiping, walk away. If coworkers are making you feel bad about who you are, leave the situation. You can’t change the people you work with, but you can control how you react to certain situations. A great mindfulness technique is to pick a word that you repeat in your head to help you stay grounded.

It might be “breathe.” Whatever your word is, tuck it away in your head and heart and let it help you stay focused.

Meagan Ruffing is working really hard at finding more peace in work-life balance.

She loves finding new ways to carve out time for herself and her kids.

ConnectionMO.com/ParentingColumn | Connection Magazine | 39

By Mike Gervais

Date Night

As always, the subscription company provides a Spotify playlist of themed tunes to set the mood for the evening, and an instruction card to guide us through the evening.

New season, next edition of Date Night

A

s a newly engaged couple starting our lives together during a pandemic, Kat and I are determined to keep having fun together and never forget to embrace the joys of dating.

Subscribing to a mail-order date in a box service was one idea we had to ensure we could continue to find creative date ideas and ensure we have fun one-on-one time together despite COVID-19 restrictions.

Our January date box delivered in a big way, giving us an opportunity to come up with fun date ideas for an entire calendar year.

To kick off our date night, we opened the subscription box and took an inventory of what was in store. We found a dream candle, two keepsake books, a snack of gourmet popcorn, a decorative 2021 calendar and a sticker book with ideas for creative dates.

As always, the subscription company provides a Spotify playlist of themed tunes to set the mood for the evening, and

40 | March 2021

an instruction card to guide us through the evening.

First, we were instructed to talk about our goals and dreams for the coming year and light the dream candle. We had snuck a look at the calendar and sticker book as we unpacked the box, and agreed that our goal for the year would be to stick to the plan we were about to make and be sure to do each one of the dates we were being asked to plan, no matter how busy our schedules get, or what the coming year throws at us.

It may sound like we were shooting from the hip on our goal, but a lot of the date ideas provided for the calendar were unique and simply sounded too fun to pass up.

Before we got to the calendar, we were directed to take some time together to talk about some of the things we love most about each other.

For this activity, the service sent us both a keepsake book that gave us 50 prompts to write about the things we love about each other.

The book works as a fill in the blanks template. And it was a fun example of our differences and our similarities.

For example, when the prompt says, “I wish I had known you when …” I was at a total loss.

I’ve “known” Kat since we were in high school, though we didn’t grow close until recent years. So my response reflected that.

She, on the other hand, wrote a heartfelt note reflecting on times in her life when she would have

been comforted or strengthened by some of the qualities she loves about me.

It was a moving answer. And I felt like a bit of a dummy for drawing such a blank on that prompt.

On the other side of the coin, our books delivered the prompt: “You’ve taught me …”

Kat has taught me that communication isn’t necessarily about voicing your feelings on X, Y or Z. Rather, it is an important foundation of a relationship that can and should provide comfort and affirmation to your partner on a regular basis. While it’s easy – especially when you’re so comfortable with your partner – to assume your affection is apparent, the necessity to voice those feelings will never go away.

As it turns out, I have taught Kat “A LOT” (yes, she did underline and capitalize “a lot”) about Ark: Survival Evolved, a video game I play with a friend. A video game Kat doesn’t play. A video game Kat has no interest in. A video game that she may now – through no fault of her own – excel at in the unlikely event she develops a desire to play video games.

But that’s what was fun about the exercise. There was no malice in her answer. It was a fact. And it was an honest, funny answer to the question.

We shared a few heart-felt, sentimental feelings, a few fun pokes at the others quarks, and more than a little snark and sarcasm when the prompts were a little too leading or artificially sentimental.

While reading through the books we exchanged, we laughed, we smiled and we grew closer.

That’s the idea, right?

We were each directed to plan a couple dates for each month of the year. The calendar provided came with two slots for each month and while the instructions did not specify that we should each pick one date for each month, we agreed that we would each get a pick.

While we did have the option of writing in our own ideas, a sticker book of potential date nights was provided, and it came with some fantastic suggestions that we are truly looking forward to.

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 41

Kat Jones and Mike Gervais Again, our personalities shine through with our date ideas.

For example, in April, we are going to sit down together and complete a puzzle. It will be a fun evening of snacks and music and great conversation. But Kat knows I don’t much care for puzzles – the picture I’m assembling is on the box … I’ve seen it. Why do we have to spend hours recreating it?

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My choice for April is to go axe throwing. Probably not something she would do on her own. But again, we are both excited about both our selections for the month. We are looking forward to the quality time together.

The date nights we selected for the year cover the entire spectrum of dating, from a movie night to a cooking contest, from a home scavenger hunt to a picnic by the lake.

And we decided together that one of our date nights in December will be to sit down together and create a photo album or scrap book chronicling all the adventures we enjoyed in 2021. Adventures that we may not have planned if we weren’t given a box that prompted us to make a plan. And adventures that we are both looking forward to. n

REMINDER: Spring is coming and along with that come fleas and ticks. Please get your dog or cat

ready and apply flea and tick medicine or get a flea and tick collar. Remember that cats and dogs take different types and using the wrong one can be fatal.

Rescued, My Favorite Breed

By Christa Stout

So here are two of Haven of the Ozarks’ adoptable pets:

Telling tales about wagging tails

H

ow can you tell a good shelter from a bad shelter?

By the people who care for the animals, whether staff or volunteers.

I stopped by Haven of the Ozarks the other day and was surprised and pleased to see volunteers walking dogs as I was going down the country road to the shelter.

Not only that though, the dogs were well behaved, did not pull and when I stopped to say hello, they wagged their tails in welcome.

Haven of the Ozarks is one of the shelters where everyone cares for the dogs and cats, not only staff and not only volunteers. When you talk to them, they are so ready to tell you about all of their animals and of course their individual favorites, how they came to be at the shelter and even how they were adopted. One dog that they were all unanimously in love with is one that has been adopted by a won-

derful family. Hero is a 180-pound English Mastiff, who was deathly afraid of everyone when he came to the shelter. He was raw from having backed up to any wall to scratch his itch, he even dragged his bottom on the gravel to get rid of the itch. He had been treated by a non-standard vet, so the first thing the Haven did, was take him for a vet appointment with their vet and it turned out that he simply had a yeast infection, something that is very treatable, but also very miserable for the dog. It took a little while to get Hero over his shyness, but getting his infection cleared up did wonders for this boy’s temperament. His adopted family is so happy with him and he is so happy with them, especially since he has an adopted brother, another Mastiff. Good job everyone!

Here is a little more about Haven of the Ozarks. They are located in southern Barry County, west of Cassville, in a rural area, where the

Some important links: www.havenoftheozarks.org | havenozarksanctuary@gmail.com

DAWN, a beautiful 9 year old with the biggest smile and smarts that just don’t end. Dawn’s owner could no longer care for her, so she came to the Haven. She loves to be with her people and would prefer a home where she is not alone too often. She loves kids, but is not so fond of cats and would prefer to be the only dog. Dawn is a staff favorite.

KEEKEE, is a sad 4 year old short haired cat whose owner passed away.

He is a gentleman who likes people, dogs and follows everyone around. His favorite little trick is to hide under a blanket. He has also learned to mimic your facial expressions while sitting in your lap, pretty talented! KeeKee loves to be brushed and can’t wait to find his forever home.

ConnectionMO.com/RescuedMyFavoriteBreed | Connection Magazine | 43

If you have this plate, you can renew via text.

Send a picture of your renewal card or license plate to:

417-489-1791.

$2.00 convenience and CC fee both apply.

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dogs are staying mostly in outside kennels, while the cats are staying inside. They have very dedicated volunteers who walk the dogs and do some basic training, as well as a lot of chores such as laundry, etc.

They also have a training facility and until COVID-19 hit, a trainer would come to work with some of the more shy dogs. Unfortunately, COVID put a stop to this for a while, but they are hoping to be able to resume when it is safe.

They do have a large pool of volunteers, but if someone in this area wishes to spend a little time with some beautiful dogs or cats, please contact them. The shelter staff will work with the volunteers to match the dogs to the volunteer’s skills and desires.

Of course, if you are looking for a dog or cat to make part of your family, please visit them and find your future pet, all sizes and kinds.

Because of breed specific laws in different parts of the area, they do have quite a number of bully mixes, but like most people in the rescue arena, the staff feels that most have been given an undeserved reputation, because they are mostly sweet dogs who love to snuggle.

There is a positive side to COVID, if you can call it that, but the shelter is currently almost at its lowest count of animals, partly due to an increase in adoptions, and partly because there are fewer returns of adopted animals. People are finding out that having a pet waiting for you at home or being with you while working at home is a wonderful thing. n

Cutest Pet Macy is the 14-week-old European Boxer , fur baby of Emily Heseman of Monett

Macy 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. 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.

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

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 45

Sharing the love at

Jolly Mill ‘Sit, rest and get a hug’

J

olly Mill is a place of beauty and serenity and Jim Moore is adding a little love to the picturesque

park.

Amid the historic facades, green lawns and the slow-moving Capps Creek, you will now find a bronze statue of Jim inviting anyone to sit down, relax, enjoy the park and remember a time when a hug between two people didn’t result in anxiety about viruses, but just a warm feeling of love.

Jim, 96 years old, originally purchased the old dilapidated mill and its surrounding property, forming the Jolly Mill Park Foundation, in 1983.

Since then, a large part of his life has been dedicated to the park, designing features, overseeing reconstruction of the mill, soliciting donations and generally making sure the people of Southwest Missouri have a beautiful place to rest and play on

46 | March 2021

the shores of the creek the way he, his mother and grandmother, did in his youth.

Approaching his twilight, Jim wanted to leave a lasting mark on the park and create an open invitation for everyone to enjoy the grounds and feel like they belong there.

Rather than a traditional memorial, Jim wanted to do something that would combat the loneliness so many people are feeling in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic and the social restrictions it has manifested.

He said that in a time when human contact is rare, and even considered dangerous, he feels loneliness is a real threat, and a simple hug – that universal gesture of comfort – may be the answer for many.

With that in mind, he commissioned a life-sized bronze statue in his likeness that now sits in the park gazebo, with its arm outstretched, waiting to provide a warm embrace to anyone who wants or needs a hug.

Next to the statue is a plaque that reads: Welcome to the Moore-Wooten Plaza All are embraced here in the spirit of unity for who they are irrespective of race, nationality, faith, political affiliation, gender, or orientation.

All means all Please sit, rest, get a hug.

-Jim Moore Jim took inspiration from a statue of Sonny Bono that sits on a bench in Palm Springs, Calif. “He was bronze, but his knees were all shiny.

I realized that people were sitting on his lap. I thought that was great,” Jim said.

But instead of a lap to sit on, Jim thought his statue should be an inviting embrace.

“The wording on the plaque says it all. It’s about love and unity.”

Originally, Jim considered having the statue erected in the park as a memorial after he passed away, but the state of the world changed those plans.

“I hadn’t told many people about the statue, but I have some friends I told about it, and they said, ‘By god, that’s great. But we need that now!’

“And I thought: ‘well, that’s a good idea.”

So last summer, Jim made arrangements to have the 600-pound statue placed on a bench in the park.

Story and Photos by Mike Gervais

Jim sold his beloved 1998 Bentley RT to pay for the statue, which will live on at Jolly Mill long after Jim is gone. He is happy to share the love.

Jim Moore sits with the “Jolly Jim” statue at Jolly Mill park. The statue is designed to stave off loneliness by giving park visitors a hug.

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 47

Before the final bronze statue was completed, Jim received these miniature models from the 3D imaging company so he could see the kinds of details that could be incorporated in the final statue.

Love doesn’t come cheap, and the love Jim is spreading at Jolly Mill came with a hefty price tag.

“I realized that statues were expensive, but I didn’t realize how much,” he said.

When he started mulling over the idea, he was hoping to get the bronze sculpture for about $80,000. It didn’t take long to find out that a traditional statue of a life-sized person was going to cost a lot more.

So Jim started looking at less traditional methods. He found a California-based company that was able to take a 3-D image of him in his desired pose,

48 | March 2021

and send a model sculpture to the artist that reduced the cost significantly.

But at $70,000, Jim’s labor of love was going to need a little help.

What’s love without a little sacrifice?

So, he looked to the things he loved and made a decision to sacrifice something he loved so he could share a little love with his community.

“I sold my beloved 1998 Bentley RT,” Jim said. “It was not an easy thing, but I didn’t drive it very often. It happened on a whim. A week later I might not have sold it. But once I saw those little guys [from the 3-D modeling] I was committed, and I was excited.”

Though the car is gone, the statue will live on in the park long after Jim is gone, and he’s happy to leave that legacy behind.

“I just like to think that people would like to come and get a hug or have their picture taken,” Jim said.

“And if they’re taking pictures, I hope they get the little plaque too, because that’s the important part. I’m delighted with the park. I’m delighted to see people use it. There’s a story behind every bench – everything down there, because it was a gift, somebody had to come up with the money for it. So it’s all love.” n

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Parting Shot “If you are an American, you must allow all ideas to circulate freely in your community, not merely your own.”

-Kurt Vonnegut

“Praying Eagle” by Mica Plumber

50 | March 2021

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ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 51