Connection April 2017

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A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians

April 2017

diving in

Fear of swimming is no excuse

Continuous cycle Collecting materials to help the earth

simply Weezee Tasteful jewelry by Shell Knob artisan

Future of

Local Business EFCO Renovation

Connection Magazine | 1

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2 | April 2017

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 community@monett-times.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Sheila Harris James Craig Marion Chrysler CONTRIBUTORS Murray Bishoff Meagan Ruffing Nancy Ridgley Shawn Hayden Darlene Wierman Melonie Roberts Sheila Harris Susan Funkhouser Pam Wormington Brad Stillwell Jared Lankford Julia Kilmer Jennifer Conner Anne Angle Dionne Zebert Marissa Tucker Verna Fry Angie Judd Cheryl Williams Sierra Gunter

We Understand Commitment in the Now, attention, You can rely onLiving Edward Jones for one-on-one our quality-focused investment philosophy and straight Preparing for the Future talk about your financial needs. Contact an Edward Jones financial today.

Learn howadvisor you can redefine your savings approach toward education and retirement. Call or visit a financial advisor today.

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Jim Haston

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PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Brad Stillwell Jamie Brownlee Amy Sampson DISTRIBUTION Greg Gilliam Kevin Funcannon

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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.

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

Jeramie Grosenbacher, CFPÂŽ

Scott Young Financial Advisor

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Connection Magazine | 3

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The Style You Want If you’re running out of space in your home, it’s time to talk with Morton about a new building. From basic storage buildings to garages that complement your home, Morton will work with you from concept through completion to ensure your project runs smoothly and results in a quality building.

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14 8 | Summer Camp 101 Prepping for a successful summer camp sessions starts now

14 | Aquaphobia Sheila Harris delves into her greatest fear at the Monett YMCA Aquatic Center

21 | Beautifying space EFCO does what they do best: Grand renovation of second Monett building completed

31 | Reuse, Recycle!

Local recycling program makes an environmental impact

41 | Local charm

April 2017

21

When she’s not on a roof, Karen Periman creates custom metal stamp jewelry

49

49 | Serving the need Bryon E. Taylor Christian Service Center provides opportunities to connect

53 | Pastor Lee Neil Moonlight service turned to 40-year vocation

57 | Ready to succeed Wyatt Bowen, Pierce City 2017 graduate, sets his sights on a formidable education

41

FEATURES Connection Magazine | 5

Contents 13 Proud Parent contest

29 Healthy Connection: Monett on the move 38 Cutest Pet contest 39 Community Calendar 45 Recipes 47 Bottles & Brews 59 Familiar Faces 66 Parting Shot

JOIN US ONLINE:

Facebook.com/MyConnectionMo Twitter.com/MyConnection_Mo

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

Photos by Cathy Lewis of Pierce City

6 | April 2017

Email it to connection@monett-times.com

See our new Spring Enamelware!

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Connection Magazine | 7

fiore56 | fotolia.com

Su m m er’s coming 8 | April 2017

Pa r e n t i n g c o l u m n



Finding the right camp for your child

M

y oldest child is still pretty young.

At 8 years old, and in the second grade, Dylan is just starting to explore things beyond his little boy world and with that comes after-school activities, sports, and day camps.

As his mom, the thought of sending my first born off to camp – whether it be day camp or a week camp — gets my stomach all in knots. Can you relate?

There are so many camps out there that picking just one can be another overwhelming parenting moment. Sports camp versus art camp and dance camp versus church camp, all of which might be perfect for your child but your budget allows you to register for just one. Take the stress out of deciding which camp your child will go to this summer by using these eight tips for narrowing down the best choice for you and your family.

1.

Compile a list of all the camps going on in and around you area. How do you do this? Ask your friends, look online, visit your community center, ask the teachers at school, post on Facebook that you are looking to create a list of camps that are available and would love some input.

and more seasoned at this camp thing, maybe a week or longer that includes overnights would be a better fit. If the pricier ones offer scholarships, keep them on your list. If there are any camps that are well beyond your means and offer no financial support, don’t even bother bringing it to your child’s attention. This will just create more heartache if that happens to be the camp your son wants to attend; which takes me to tip No. 3.

3.

Ask your children what camp they would like to go to. Show them the list and tell them about each one. Let them tell you what they are most interested in, and then make a decision from there. If they cannot decide, do your research. Find out what the camp offers and how long it is, as well as how far away it is. All of these facts will help in their decision.

4.

Research.

Not only does researching camps get you all on the same page, but it’s a great way to spend oneon-one time with your child. It also promotes and encourages a sense of importance to your child. Kids pick up on this stuff. If you’re excited about looking at different camps, they will be excited too. If you start finding cool places the camp is going to its campers, they will start thinking they’re cool, too. See the pattern?

“

Let them tell you what they are most interested in, and then make a decision from there.

5.

Register your child. Officially.

Pick up the phone, go in person, or sign up on the Internet. It’s only official until you make it official. Pay for the camp when you register whether it’s in full or a down payment. Do it sooner than later to ensure you get a spot and make a folder on your computer or an actual folder you can hold where you will keep all of your camp-related information. This tip ensures everything stays in one place for easy access to reference.

6.

Put it on the calendar.

Make sure it’s on the family calendar so everyone can see the dates. This will help with conflicting schedules, over-scheduling, and it’s a great visual reminder to get your children excited as their camp date approaches.

7.

Plan ahead.

Even if your child’s camp isn’t until the middle of the summer, plan things out well in advance to

2.

Dwindle down that list based on two things — price and length of camp. If this is your child’s first time going to camp, you might be better off looking at one-day or two-day camps. If your child is older

Parenting journalist and mom of three, Meagan Ruffing, is just starting to enter the ‘summer camp world’ of all things camp-related. She is following her own advice and using these eight tips to help her find just the right camp for her son.

Connection Magazine | 9

The New Spring and Summer Fashions

Are Here!

Whitley’s has a full stock of the latest Spring and Summer styles – jewelery, accessories and shoes too!

Let us help you get ready for the Fun Seasons now!

Whitley Pharmacy 10 | April 2017

101 West 8th, Cassville, “on the Square” 417-847-2722 or 417-847-2717

the best of your ability. For example, run through each day’s agenda for yourself as the parent at home the first day your child’s camp starts. This will help smooth out any bumps that may come up and you will thank yourself later for a job well done.

I did this years ago with my son’s Discovery Center day camp that was an entire week long. Since the camp was almost an hour each way and only a day camp, I knew staying in town would make the most sense. I scheduled errands during the time he was at camp so I wouldn’t have to worry about driving back home, only having a short amount of time to get things done and then driving back to pick him up. You will always find something to do -- trust me. I used this time to take his younger sister to the zoo for one-on-time with me. It was a win-win.

8.

Expectations.

If this is your child’s first time away for camp, nervousness can creep in. This is normal. Your child is trying something new for the first time and doesn’t know what to expect. Take this opportunity to share as much information as you can with your child about the camp and what the primary focus is. No matter what, remind your children that this is supposed to be fun and ultimately, you want them to just enjoy doing something fun and different during the summer months when things tend to get a little boring.

This list will you help you and your family decide which camp is best for your child. As your kids gets older and they start attending more camps, your lists will be tailored to fit that season of life you find yourself in. Don’t be afraid to reach out and ask others for their best advice on picking their ‘go-to’ camps. Word-of-mouth referrals are sometimes the best way to find a hidden gem among so many offerings.

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

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The X-Ray PlanningTM system we use here at Ken’s insures that we use the most advanced, computer-controlled equipment to repair your car or truck. Just another way we work for you, the customer, to make sure your car is fixed right, to Factory Specifications with the right parts, by highly trained technicians.

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

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Connection Magazine | 11

We are looking to honor 10 southwest Missouri people age 40 and younger for their roles in making our community a great place to live!

Tell us why someone you know (or yourself) deserves to be featured in our 10 Under 40 feature in September edition by emailing your nomination to connection@monett-times.com.

Nomination deadline is June 30.

UNDER

Select QR code to email: connection@monett-times.com

P r o u d pa r e n t



Creedynce is April’s cutest kid.

Congratulations, Creedynce!

Creedynce Buckhannan, 2, is the daughter of Levi and Emilea Buckhannan of Marionville.

Are you a proud parent?

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

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

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

The photos submitted will be used for the sole purpose of this contest.

Connection Magazine | 13

14 | April 2017

The Monett

In the Swim of Things

I

never met Dave Collins face-to-face, but he worked his way into the fabric of my life — and the lives of many others — with his regularly-emailed observations on current and historic events, plus a few bits of sage advice, if asked. Dave was an armchair-encourager in my older-age efforts to learn to swim. A personal victory in overcoming my life-long fear of the water, he told me, would give me greater self-confidence in years to come.

Watching people and animals swim has always fascinated me. They made it look easy, as though water was their second home, or their first — which, of course, it was.

At age 55, though, I suspected the womb was too far behind me, that my muscles could no longer recollect the watery world where swimming was as natural as breathing.

The backstroke, Dave said, was his favorite — floating on his back brought a feeling of peace like no other. I didn’t doubt it for a minute. I was mesmerized by the very idea of the tranquility that could be enjoyed in such a soundless and solitary pursuit, where worries could be washed away and responsibilities placed aside, at least for a few minutes.

But I had long ago put aside the idea of ever learning to swim. I was too afraid.

When my friend Diane Holt, a competitive swimmer, came from North Carolina to visit a couple of years ago, the idea of learning to swim once again rose to the surface as I watched her swim lap after lap in the Monett City Park pool. I wanted to be able to do what she did.

Story by Sheila Harris, photos by Mark Ingham

YMCA

Aquatic Center According to Monett YMCA pool director, Gordon Brown, between one third and one half of adults consider themselves either non-swimmers or poor swimmers. Sometimes, he said, simple concerns are all that hold them back from enjoying the water.

“Both our large and shallow pools are accessible by ramp,” Brown said. “There’s no need for anyone to pull themselves in and out of the water by their arms. Our pools are wheelchair accessible as well, as are the locker rooms and restrooms.

“Many people dislike the idea of being seen in public in a bathing suit, and we respect people’s desire for modesty. It’s no problem for us if people wear T-shirts or shorts over a bathing suit.”

The Monett YMCA offers aquatic classes for all skill and physical ability levels. The classes are included with Y membership and are available at times which fit around most people’s work schedules, in both the evening and early morning.

Classes include traditional water aerobics, water aerobics for seniors, Aqua Zumba, and water walking (resistance walking against a current). Private swimming lessons are also available, and can be scheduled at a time convenient for the student.

Connection Magazine | 15

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“During a class, there’s never a need for anyone to go into deep water if they choose not to,” Brown said, “and for added privacy, adult exercise classes are offered at times when there is no open swimming.

“We welcome people to come in and observe an aquatic class before trying it out. Get an idea of what the class is like.

Lesson time But, fear still loomed, so I didn’t act on my desire — until I ran into my friend Charlotte at the YMCA a few months ago, that is.

Charlotte pulled me aside and, in barely a whisper, told me she’d heard that I didn’t know how to swim. It seemed she didn’t know how to, either.

She asked me if I would join her in private swimming lessons so she wouldn’t have to learn by herself. I was instantly terrified, knowing that I couldn’t say no.

Charlotte was older than me. If she was willing to learn, I’d be forever a coward in my own eyes, if I was unwilling to.

We started lessons, Charlotte and I, with 18-year-old Monett YMCA lifeguard Haleigh Stephenson, who had been appointed as our personal instructor. I was skeptical, at first. She looked way

“

Learning is a work in progress, a journey of consecutive baby-steps taken to overcome multiple irrational fears.

too young to teach us anything, but perhaps she thought we looked way too old to learn.

I’d like to say that we learned to swim proficiently in six easy lessons, but we didn’t. We’re going on seven months now. Learning is a work in progress, a journey of consecutive baby-steps taken to overcome multiple irrational fears, a journey that’s far from complete.

Perhaps it never will be.

It’s been one of the most difficult things I’ve ever undertaken. Not because swimming is difficult, but because coming face-to-face with my inner bogeyman has been challenging. By studiously avoiding pooled bodies of water, I had managed to evade this confrontation for 55 years. By deliberately getting into a pool, I was forced to meet it head-on.

“The primary goal of the YMCA is to offer a comfortable place for people to come and get healthy. Our aquatic area is one of the best places to do that. It’s proven that people burn calories at a higher rate in the water than with other forms of exercise, and for those with arthritis and fibromyalgia, water exercises can provide a greater range of motion.”

For more information on available water classes, or to schedule private swimming lessons, please visit the Monett YMCA at 115 S. Lincoln Ave., Monett, or call 417-235-8213.

I won’t lie — the showdown was horrific. If anyone doubts that anxiety can cause physical illness, let me be the first to disagree. I became obsessed by thoughts of swimming as I tried to work through my fear. I lost sleep watching countless technique videos, hoping that mental preparation would translate into physical accomplishment. For the entire night and day preceding each lesson, my stomach tightened to the point Connection Magazine | 17

of nausea, and I suffered from tension-related muscle cramps in my legs and feet. Forcing myself to go to the pool required intestinal fortitude I didn’t know I possessed.

Once there, after entering the water, I shook like a leaf, making it all the more difficult to perform the most basic movements.

I nearly threw in the towel, because, after all, nobody was forcing me to learn to swim. I could quit any time I chose to, so why torment myself? But I knew that if I gave up without learning, I would label myself a failure, something with which I wasn’t comfortable. So I clung to the hope that if my mind could make me sick, then it could also make me a victor.

Fear, I’ve discovered, is multi-layered, and the layers must be peeled off one at a time. Putting my head under water was the first major hurdle. Getting horizontal in the water was next. A friend bought me a snorkel, assuring me that it would give me confidence. It did. I soon learned to float on my stomach, but still held the fear that if I moved my arms and legs in an attempt to swim, I would sink and drown. I discovered that I wouldn’t. The day I learned to walk away from the pool wall and swim back toward it using a breast stroke marked a huge milestone. Then came swimming away from the wall, a challenge of its own.

Learning to swim has been a matter of learning to trust, of relaxing my inhibitions enough to allow the water to do what water naturally does, buoy me up. There’s a life lesson here, one I’ve been slow to grasp, but I’m thankful it’s not too late. I now look forward to my time in the pool.

18 | April 2017

Instructor Haleigh Stephenson I have been inspired and encouraged by numerous people, including my young instructor, Haleigh, who has been a model of patience, and has done a remarkable job of not laughing at my qualms. (She probably hee-haws in private.)

I came home from the pool last week, at peace with myself and the world. I had finally learned how to float and swim on my back — not the final frontier, but a hurdle, which had held an inordinate amount of fear for me. Pushing myself over backward into the water required an amount of trust that, heretofore, I hadn’t believed myself capable of. I felt as though I was on top of the world, or rather, floating above it. For the first time, I had a taste of the physical and emotional wellbeing I had initially hoped to gain from learning to swim. I felt as though nothing could disturb my mental equilibrium.

The next morning, I emailed Dave to share with him my latest accomplishment, and waited in eager anticipation for his response. It never came. Instead, I received a forwarded message from his wife, via our mutual friend Mark, informing us that Dave had passed away the day before from complications of pneumonia.

I’m still trying to get my head around it. While I was learning to swim in the world, Dave quietly swam out of it. His timing was exquisite, another reminder to me that those upon whom I’ve grown to depend won’t always be available.

Bon voyage, Dave! You will be greatly missed by those of us whose inboxes are now emptier. Our hearts, too. With your memory in mind, I’ll keep slogging away, until — time and health permitting — I can one day swim the length of the pool multiple times! n

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Connection Magazine | 19

The new faรงade on the EFCO South campus provides a striking look for what had been the front of the old Consumers Market grocery store 20 years ago.

New faรงade, work arrangement boosts resources, morale Ribbon-cutting ceremonies in the EFCO South lobby, showing off the open space that customers will see as they enter to consult with designers and engineers on their building projects.

Looking out from the lobby toward the parking lot at EFCO South shows how striking the renovation of the facility has been, in light of the original grocery store check-out lanes that originally graced the same space.

20 | April 2017

EFCO

completes remodel of south office complex

Story by Murray Bishoff

In the landscape of a town, few recycling projects pose a bigger challenge than what to do with an old Walmart store.

EFCO Corporation in Monett has met that challenge not once, but twice, recently completing a second complete overhaul of the campus referred to as EFCO South, including half of the original Monett Walmart store and the adjacent Consumers Market, which closed in 1999.

Connection Magazine | 21

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Open floor plan In 2000, EFCO leased 13,500 square feet of the western portion and turned it into office space to relieve pressure off the company headquarters on Bridle Lane and Chapell Drive. Over the past year, EFCO Corporation commenced and completed a major renovation of the EFCO South facility.

After all, grocery stores and big box retailers generally have a lot of big empty spaces with high ceilings and heavy lighting, not exactly homey conditions. EFCO found it easy to install a honeycomb of cubicles. According to a 2000 news release from EFCO, originally the building housed 94 staff members. At one time the west half of the leased space was used for various manufacturing purposes until it was later transformed and utilized as additional office space in 2004. The facility now houses more than 160 employees.

Over time, better ideas began to gain ground.

After several years of using this space with no major updates or renovations it became necessary to make some improvements. This remodel process began in April 2016 and completed roughly eight months later in December.

The campus had become more than a place for office overflow. EFCO’s project services team, which consists of drafters, estimators, structural engineers, factory order writers, field services, and three pods of project managers, are housed at the EFCO South campus.

“This group of employees take the building owner’s vision and turn it into

a project, and is just as important as the manufacturing process at the main plant,” said Chad Morris, the project manager for this renovation project, in regard to their role in EFCO’s projects.

“We wanted to do something exemplifying EFCO and what we do,” Morris said. “Most of our customer visits were at the main plant, and we wanted to build a façade to showcase our products. We worked with the owner of the building, Davis Properties, to finish the rest of the shopping mall with new paint so the whole building would match. We signed an extended lease and plan to be here at least another 10 years.

“Working conditions were not the best here. The lighting was poor with the high ceiling. We changed it to lower ceilings and installed new LED lights.”

The building was completely gutted and a new floor plan was designed to make better use of the space for maximum benefit.

“A lot of the interior is more open than before,” Morris said. “The open floor plan is more conducive to collaboration.”

Instead of the main work area divided into small cubicles, large walkways now divide wide work areas. This allows for more communication and collaboration within departments. Colleagues can con-

clean lines centrate at their desks, or work together using the long low cabinets running down the middle of the department sections.

These areas facilitate a place to spread out and review projects as a team.

Conference rooms were updated and added to, from the original three rooms to eight. This eight divides out into two executive conference rooms with the most tech-capability and 140-inch video monitors, a classroom style conference room seating 125 people, and five other smaller rooms with new furniture and video conferencing capabilities. EFCO created collaboration rooms or “think tanks” in which employees can meet in a relaxed, quiet environment with new couches, tables, and video monitors.

Connection Magazine | 23

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100 W. 7th Street, Cassville www.willisinsured.com Bridgeway Plaza, Shell Knob

417-858-3747

500 S. Kyler, Monett 417-235-7161 SALES & SERVICE

24 | April 2017

Team members can also enjoy a new market-style break room and lounge with two 70-inch TV’s, several different seating options, and updated food selections.

Behind the break room, off the south side of the building, a new 800-square-foot, partially covered, outdoor patio was added offering a space to enjoy nice weather.

On the exterior, crews installed EFCO’s 5600 curtain wall system, spanning 28 feet, with three different shades of glass. Designers used 240 units of glass to cover the 3,400-square-foot façade. The result is a stunningly attractive front easily noticeable from Highway 60, and is much more appealing when bringing customers to visit.

The parking lot was repaved and striped, and new lighting was installed.

The public lobby entrance follows the modern aesthetic and has expansive photo displays showing off some of EFCO’s most prestigious projects. A space to showcase product samples and capabilities was also created to greet customers in the main lobby area.

The renovations were not all aesthetic.

The sprinkler system was updated, a new roof was put on, new plumbing was installed, and a new heating and air conditioning system was implemented. One of the last items to complete out the renovation was adding a storm “safer” room.

This is not a full storm shelter, but a reinforced place for refuge in the case of severe weather.

“Overall, everyone has been extremely happy with the outcome.” Morris said.

“Prior to the remodel the old space was very closed in, and now the area has a more open floor plan.”

No open house is scheduled at this time due to the high volume of work underway in this facility. The Monett Chamber of Commerce assisted in recognizing the completion milestone by holding a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Feb. 13 in the new lobby. Members from the Chamber were present as well as Mayor Mike Brownsberger. This celebration took place with the EFCO South team members and the EFCO executive staff. Tours of the fresh-faced facility took place afterward. n

← Shell knob special advertising section →

Serving the area communities Since 1887

Located in the Bridgeway Plaza in Shell Knob 24927 State Hwy 39 (417) 858-3747

Located on the Square in Cassville 100 West 7th Street (417) 847-3300 1-800-556-2393 Home

Auto

Business

Health

Life

www.willisinsured.com

CENTRAL CROSSING CENTER 20801 YY 15 Shell Knob, MO 65747

So much more than just a “Senior” Center!

Come on in - see for yourself!

417-858-6952

Shell Knob Get to know the Shell Knob businesses that bring interest to the area.

Connection Magazine | 25

24988 State Highway 39 ∙ Shell Knob ∙ 417-858-6647

26 | April 2017

← Shell knob special advertising section →

SHELL KNOB SMALL ENGINE Your full service small engine store

SALES & SERVICE

27564 State Hwy 39 Shell Knob, MO. 65747

417-858-3094 Dealer for

Established

1988

Dr. Don, SES (Small Engine Specialist)

417-858-6405 www.bigcreekresort.com Email: big-creek@mo-net.com

35 Arborscape Lane, Shell Knob, MO. 65747 Connection Magazine | 27

← Shell knob special advertising section → TABLE ROCK LAKE

Bridgeway Plaza State Hwy 39 Shell Knob 417-858-6826 ICE • LURES • LIVE BAIT • FISHING LICENSES • HUGE SELECTION OF BEER AND WINE

Big Creek Leather 20020 Lost Ln. Shell Knob, MO 65747 | 417-858-2353 Custom Leather Items • Seats of All Kinds Leather and Vinyl Repairs bigcreekleather.com

Enjoy thE FrEEdom hErE in ShEll Knob!

24829 State Hwy 39, P.O. Box 265 Shell Knob, MO 65747 of Southern Missouri

Ph: 417-858-3136 Fax: 417-858-3139

Preston’s Landscaping 417-527-8461

Retaining Walls Lawn Care Dirt Work Insured Rock Hammering 28 | April 2017

H e a lt h y c o n n e c t i o n

A Walk in the Park

M

ore than 2,400 years ago, Hippocrates said, “Walking is a man’s best medicine.” It seems our modern society has forgotten of this important, innate human function as we choose escalators over stairs and online shopping over a trip to the store.

While it may mean less effort on our part, it also can lead to growing waistlines and health concerns.

With the weather turning warmer, what better time to get active! Being active doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. It can be as easy as a walk in the park – literally! Walking each day can help you keep a healthy weight, improve your mood, and prevent or even improve health problems (such as heart disease or diabetes).

The benefits of being active depend on three things: how hard, how long, and how many times you’re active.

Because walking is less intensive than other activities, you have to walk for longer periods of time to have the same health effects, but the benefit is still there. A UCLA study found that long leisurely walks had similar effects on blood sugar control and reducing one’s risk of pre-diabetes or diabetes as did shorter, intensive exercise.



A Look at the Numbers

31%

that walking will lower your risk of heart disease

30-45

Number of minutes you should walk or exercise per day

100

2,000

Average number of calories burned in 1 mile Average number of steps equal to 1 mile

Monett on the Move April Dates* April 22 Earth Day Walk 10 a.m. at Monett South Park April 29

Heart Walk,

Part of the American Heart Association Heart Walk Register at: swmoheartwalk.org 10 a.m. at Monett High School Track *May, June, July, and August dates coming soon

Set new fitness goals A key to improving your health and fitness through walking is to continue to set new goals. Try going a little faster or a little longer each week.

Once you feel comfortable walking on flat ground, try stairs or hills. You’ll burn two to three times as many calories climbing stairs than walking briskly on a level surface.

LISA BUCK, R.D., LD is a registered dietitian at the Center for Health Improvement at Cox Monett Hospital. She obtained her bachelor’s degree

in dietetics and Spanish from Missouri State University and is working on a master’s degree in public health. Lisa is passionate about international development work and has volunteered throughout Central America working in the area of health education and promotion.

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

Connection Magazine | 29

Gypsy Vanner Horses Monett

on the Move

From tHe

Best, Best!

We all know it can be hard to motivate ourselves to reach our activity goals, so why not do it as a community this year? Monett on the Move program will kick-off on April 22.

you Get tHe

Carol & David Dunbar

CHOCOLATE HORSE FARM 417-366-1474 www.chocolatehorsefarm.com

he iS riSen! join us for Easter & Holy Week Worship Services.

April 9 • 10 a.m.

Maundy Thursday, April 13 Divine Service with Holy

Good Friday, April 14 Tenebrae Service • 7 p.m.

Sunrise Service • 8 a.m.

St. John’S Lutheran ChurCh

Easter Breakfast • 9 a.m.

23237 Hwy. H. Monett, Missouri

30 | April 2017

There will be different walk levels so everyone can join – whether you can walk for 20, 30, or 45 minutes.

When is it?

Communion • 7 p.m.

Worship Service • 10 a.m.

Monett on the Move is a weekend walking program run

by Cox Monett Hospital and Health Literacy Media (HLM).

The goal is to improve fitness levels during the spring and summer months, leading up to a large community walk at the Cox Monett Health and Safety Fair on Aug. 19.

Each walk will have a different theme and free giveaways for those who attend. If you attend at least half of the 10 walks, your name will be put in a raffle to win a large prize.

Palm /Passion Sunday

Easter Sunday, April 16

What is it?

417-235-3416

Walks will happen two Saturdays each month. We will start walking at 10 a.m. from the Monett Farmers Market at the Monett South Park. Get there early or stay late to get your produce from the Farmers Market. You will soon see posters around town with more dates and details, so stay tuned.

Lifetime recycler makes impact on environment, communities

M

cDonald County native Shannon Gravette is a lifetime recycler.

From a young age, she’s been fascinated with and focused on recycling to reduce trash and make the communities around her, and the world, a better place to live for herself and future generations. In high school, she was voted as most likely to go into the trash business.

Fast forward 28 years, where in Barry, Benton and McDonald counties, she has made a name for herself no one else can claim.

“I’m known as the trash lady,” laughed Gravette.

Since 1989, before recycling was a household word, she has been driven to recycle and repurpose as many items as she can that most would throw away without a second thought — like a laundry detergent bottle, a magazine or the multitude of packaging that comes with storebought items.

“It’s always been in me,” said Gravette of her desire to recycle. “I’ve been into trash for so long, since I was 17. Recycling is a must. We just can’t afford not to, money-wise or otherwise.”

Science and the environment has always caught Gravette’s attention, and she educates both adults and children to think twice before they throw that microwave packaging, Coke bottle or plastic fast food cup in the trash, which is destined for a landfill, where many things take decades to break down — if ever.

Story and photos by Julia Kilmer

Shannon Gravette of Southwest Sanitation, and Jason Holloway, manager of the McDonald County Recycling Center, take a break from recycling.

The center is run by Holloway, part-time help and volunteers Ron Saunders and Blake Gravette.

Connection Magazine | 31

Workers at the McDonald County Recycle Center in Noel sort through thousands of recyclable items, then compact them into bales, which are then transported to be recycled. Recycle Center Manager Jason Holloway said a bale of cardboard alone can weigh about 1,000 pounds.

“

I decided we were going to have to get rid of our trash, and figure out a way to reduce it -Shannon Gravette

32 | April 2017

“I love science,” she said. “I’ve been to the schools to teach students how to start recycling. I’ve tried to join all the associations so I can learn as much as I can. We have to do something because when the landfills fill up, they’ll just have to get another one. A hot dog takes five years to disintegrate in a landfill, and diapers are way worse.

I really believe we need to recycle and reuse everything we possibly can. I would love to have zero waste, which is zero landfill.”

Gravette said part of the trash problem is a throw-away society.

“Everything is about convenience,” she said. “Like microwaves and Swifter mops — everything is so throw-away, like, just pop it off throw it away. Well, we have a lot of waste and we need to reduce that. There’s so much we can reuse. When parents make Valentine’s day boxes with their kids for school, there’s so much more you can do with that box.”

Instead of waiting for society to change, Gravette started her Pinevillebased business, Southwest Sanitation, and got businesses and entire communities on board to recycle and reuse.

“I decided we were going to have to get rid of our trash, and figure out a way to reduce it,” she said.

Gravette made it easy for others, repurposed dumpsters, painting them bright yellow and red to make them highly visible, and started asking businesses and residents to put recyclables in the containers.

Gravette also started providing drop-off points in public areas. She now has containers in Seligman, Noel, Southwest City, Pineville and Anderson.

“The drop-off points are city parks or any location where people can drop off items at any time, because our [recycling] hours don’t match everyone’s hours,” Gravette said. “People have to work, and I think it’s very important that we get trash.”

Manager Jason Holloway sorts recyclables at the McDonald County Recycle Center in Noel.

Shown are compacted recyclables lifetime recycler Shannon Gravette and her team have collected, sorted and prepared to send off to be recycled.

Gravette repurposed old, rusted-out Dumpsters, painting them bright colors like yellow and red so people could easily spot them, and began approaching businesses and asking them to recycle.

Connection Magazine | 33

Happy Easter from the employees

Gravette helped establish the McDonald County Recycle Center in Noel to encourage people to recycle and thereby, reduce waste in landfills.

at

901 E. Hwy. 60, Monett 417-235-BANK (2265)

444 S. Rinker, Aurora 417-678-BANK (2265) www.cnbbanking.com

1-800-255-4194 34 | April 2017

Gravette picks up books, paper and magazines, newspapers, clothing, tin, aluminum, numbers 1 and 2 plastics, chipboard packaging and cardboard.

She has also helped establish the McDonald County Recycling Center in Noel.

All of her efforts have been paying off.

“It’s been doing great,” Gravette said.

“I pick up at least 300 tons of trash every month. “We go into north Benton County in Arkansas and all of McDonald County and parts of Barry County. I have cardboard dumpsters at almost every commercial place I can that I don’t charge for because we’ve got to get rid of this [trash].”

The McDonald County Sheriff’s Department contributes, too.

“They bring me recyclables out of the litter their inmates pick up off the highway,” Gravette said.

Gravette also conducts city-wide cleanups.

“I’ll set up a trailer for anything that can be recycled,” she said. “People throw away things like clothes and coffee tables, but people don’t realize that others can use those things. Eventually, I would love to see everyone have curbside recycling.

There are grants for polycarts just to encourage people to recycle.”

In a throw-away society, Gravette says, “Why not recycle? I don’t understand why you’d wouldn’t. I understand people think they’re put out, but once you do it, it becomes part of you.

“You’re caring for your environment.

You’ve got to think about your kids and

what you are leaving here behind. It’s time to quit being wasteful, you’ve got to care. It’s not like the old days. They didn’t have all this waste. They had cloth diapers and they didn’t have microwavable trays.

Think of all you’re going to throw away.

If we train our kids to throw that bottle or paper in a bin, then they’re going to train their kids.”

Gravette’s children have grown up recycling.

“They have all loved recycling,” she said. “It’s hard work. We have to hand sort every little thing and they’ve all been dirty and down in it.”

Her son, Blake Gravette, 16, could be working at a burger joint, but prefers to help at the recycling center.

“It’s natural to recycle,” he said. “It doesn’t take any extra work at all, and knowing that you are helping the environment makes it all the better. Recycling is about reusing things and not just throwing them away for no reason. A lot of the decomposing takes a lot of time but this is a much quicker process and you can reuse it.”

“It takes more energy to take the trash out every day than to recycle,” said Jason Holloway, McDonald County Recycling Center manager, whose has taught his grandson to recycle, who encourages fellow students to recycle.

For more information about recycling, call the recycling center at 417-475-6565, Holloway at 417-456-0048, or Gravette at 417-592-4995. n

← Lawn & Garden special advertising section →

1023E Sub-Compact Tractor

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/month1

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ON ALL COMPACT UTILITY TRACTORS2 Request a quote or start a chat at

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ANDERSON................................................. (417) 436-3333 JEFFERSON CITY........................................(573) 455-2353 ROGERSVILLE.............................................(417) 881-2677 FREISTATT ...................................................(417) 235-7279 LEBANON.....................................................(417) 532-2011 ROLLA..........................................................(573) 368-2011 HARRISON................................................... (870) 741-4915 NIXA.............................................................(417) 724-2226 WEST PLAINS............................................. (417) 256-7127 (1) Offer valid on new 1023E Compact Tractor purchases through 5/1/17. Subject to approved installment credit with John Deere Financial. Up to a 20% down payment may be required. Example: based on a purchase of $10,405 with $2,081 down payment, monthly payment of $99 at 0% APR for 84 months. Taxes, freight, set up and delivery charges could increase the monthly payment. Price and model availability vary by dealer. Valid only at participating US dealers. (2)Beginning 1/1/2016 all Compact Utility Tractors purchased new from an authorized John Deere Dealer come standard with a 6 year/2000 hour (whichever comes first) Powertrain Warranty. See the AUTHORIZED DEALER Limited Warranty for New John Deere Turf & Utility Equipment at dealer for details. †Manufacturer’s estimate of power (ISO) per 97/68/EC.

MOW-RIGHT “For all your lawn care needs.”

Commercial & Residential

Fertilizing, Shrub Care & Leaf Removal Free Estimates With the green of spring upon us, use these professional sources for all your lawn and garden needs.

Bruce Schoon 417-669-6031

schoonbruce@yahoo.com

Lawn & Garden Connection Magazine | 35

We’re all about gardening!

See US For: Bedding Plants • Bulk Seeds • Seed Potatoes Onion Sets • Lawn Fertilizer • Bagged Compost & Mulch

Located at Hwy 39 & V in Mt. Vernon, Mo.

The health benefits of gardening extend beyond the dinner table.

Simply spending time digging in the dirt and breathing in the fresh air proves to be healthful to the mind and body.

417-471-1410

Start your garden here!

Your source for: Spring Bedding Plants • Fruit Trees Annuals • Perennials • Vegetable Plants

TAURA FARMS GREENHOUSE 8395 Lawrence 2110 • 417-825-8669 Mt. Vernon, Mo. Open Monday – Saturday • 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

36 | April 2017

Dig in!

We have: • Bedding plants • Bulk seeds • Seed potatoes • Onion sets • Lawn fertilizers

From our Farm to your table!

• GRASS-FED FREEZER BEEF • FRESh pRoDucE in SEASon ovER 30 vARiEtiES, BEGinninG in ApRil

Spring greens Vegetables • Herbs Blackberries • More

Aurora Agri-Center

29 N. Elliott St. • 678-3536 Your gardening headquarters

Ray’s Farm to Market, llc

In the Ozark Mountains, a little elbow grease and fertile planting ground will produce the finest outcomes.

13858 S. Highway 39 Mt.Vernon, Mo.

417-986-2007

Topsoil Gravel Excavation

Connection Magazine | 37



Cutest pet

Meet Tig. Tig belongs to Kayla Dieckhoff of Pierce City.

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.

April’s winner!

38 | April 2017

April 2017 April 1

Community calendar April 12

 The monthly dance hosted by the

 Grace’s Foot Care will begin at 9

April 5

 The Old Town Pharmacy will provide

Cassville Senior Center will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. Finger foods are welcome. Admission is $4. For more information, call 417-846-3024.

 The Cassville Senior Center is offer-

ing free help with taxes by appointment. Call 417-847-4510

April 6

 Paint class begins at 9 a.m. at the

Cassville Senior Center, 1111 Fair Street, in Cassville.

April 7

 The 2017 Home and Business

Show will be held in Shell Knob on Friday and Saturday, April 7-8, at the Shell Knob School gymnasium.

Hours are Friday 5-8:30 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 The Cassville Chamber of Commerce

will hold the First Friday Coffee at Johnson Chiropractic from 8-8:45 a.m.

 The Monett Middle School will

present its Spring Concert for the Monett Senior Center.

April 8

 Cassville merchants will be having

their annual Spring Sidewalk Sale.

 The Monett Chamber of Commerce

Business Showcase from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will be presented by Four States Dental Care at the Monett Park Casino.

 The MYPN (Monett Young Profes-

sionals Network) will be having an Easter Egg Hunt for the public from 11 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. with three different age groups at the Monett Park Casino. The event will also feature games and pictures with the Easter Bunny. For more information, call 417-235-7919.

 Shell Knob’s 2017 Home and Busi-

ness Show will be 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center, 1111 Fair Street. Call 417-847-4510 for an appointment.

April 14

a free lunch at the Monett Senior Center and the Happy Plunkers will provide free entertainment.

April 15

 The Seligman Chamber of Com-

merce will sponsor a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center on Highway 37 beginning at 7 p.m. No alcohol or smoking. Under age 18 admitted free. For more information, call 417-662-3612.

April 20

 Paint Class begins at 9 a.m. at the

Cassville Senior Center, 1111 Fair Street, in Cassville.

April 22

 The Seligman Chamber of Com-

merce will sponsor a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center on Highway 37 beginning at 7 p.m. No alcohol or smoking. Under age 18 admitted free. For more information, call 417-662-3612.

April 26

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

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

April 27

 The Monett Times and Connection

Magazine will hold a Business After Hours from 5-7 p.m. at The Times’ office, 505 E. Broadway. The event is in conjunction with the Monett Chamber of Commerce and the Monett Young Professionals Network.

 The Pierce City Senior Center month-

ly dance will be held at the center.

Photo by Cathy Lewis of Pierce City

April 28

 Eggs and Issues will be held at the

Monett Park Casino from 8-10 p.m.

 Nell’s Nails will be at held at the

Monett Senior Center.

 The Central Crossing Senior Center

at Shell Knob will have the monthly OJ’s Cook-Out.

 Monthly birthday lunch will be

served at the Cassville Senior Center from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

April 29

 The Seligman Chamber of Com-

merce will sponsor a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center on Highway 37 beginning at 7 p.m. No alcohol or smoking. Under age 18 admitted free. For more information, call 417-662-3612.

April 28-30

 SKITS (Shell Knob in the Spotlight)

 The Seligman Chamber of Com-

merce will sponsor a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center on Highway 37 beginning at 7 p.m. No alcohol or smoking. Under age 18 admitted free. For more information, call 417-662-3612.



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

Email it to

presents “Million Dollar Meatballs,” a comedy. Friday and Saturday at 6:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. at the Central Community United Methodist Church. Call Barb for $7 advance tickets at 417-858-9590.

darlene@cassville-democrat.com Connection Magazine | 39

F

ohn

www.fohnfuneralhome.com

Funeral HoMe

The area’s most often chosen funeral home.

GROUPS  Caregiver Support Group meets the

first Wednesday of each month at 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Oak Pointe of Monett, 1011 Old Airport Road. For more information, call Kathy at 417-235-3500.  Grief Care Support, sponsored commu-

nity 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 at 4 to 5 p.m. It is free and open to the public. Note: There is no meeting in December.  Grief Support Group meetings are held

EXPERIENCE MAKES THE

DIFFERENCE.

40 | April 2017

 Narcotics Anonymous meets at 8 p.m.

the first Tuesday of every month in the basement of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, located at the corner of Seven and Cale streets in Monett, 417-442-3706.  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous group meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the First Baptist Church Activity Center, 618 Second Street in Washburn. 417-489-7662.

Cassville Senior Center

 The Parkinson’s Support Group meets

Central Crossing Senior Center

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 888-3543618 to register.

 The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) group

McQueen Funeral Home Wheaton, Missouri 417-652-7268

at 8 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Cassville every Thursday of each month.

1111 Fair Street  Dominos every Friday at Noon.

Call 417-847-4510 for more information.

the Golden Baptist Church on Highway 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.

Shell Knob, Missouri 417-858-3151

 Cassville Al-Anon Family Group meets

the first and third Tuesday of each month at 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Oak Pointe of Monett, 1011 Old Airport Road. For more information, call Kathy at 417-235-3500.

 Celebrate Recovery meets at 7 p.m. at

Cassville, Missouri 417-847-2141 or 417-847-2157

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

Shell Knob, regular events:

 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 Wednes-

day from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 Paint classes, every second and fourth

Monday of each month.

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

 Line dancing every Tuesday and Thurs-

 The Turning Point AA Group meets at 7

and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

p.m. at the west corner of Mitchell Plaza on Highway 86 in Eagle Rock on Mondays and Tuesday every month.

day from 9-10:30 a.m.

 Quilting for Charity every Wednesday  Pinochle every Thursday from 12:30 to

3 p.m.

 Balance and flexibility class is held every

Monday from 9:30 to 10 a.m.

FREE TAX HELP

The Monett Senior Center is offering

free tax help every Thursday during the month of April. Appointments only.

Call 417-235-3285.

 Wii Bowling is every Wednesday from

12:45 to 3 p.m.

Roofer finds joy, profit in making

jewelry

K

aren Periman is a busy lady.

When she’s not working with her business partner, Mike McGuire, at M&M Roofing in Shell Knob, she’s keeping busy making custom metal jewelry for her online business, Simply Weezee, and attending business classes at Crowder College in Cassville.

“I started making custom jewelry two years ago,” Periman said. “It was really snowy that winter, work was slow, and I was going crazy. I got on Pinterest and saw how to make [metal stamped jewelry] and said, “I can do that!’” And now I have a Facebook and website for Simply Weezee Customized Jewelry.”

The unique name came about through her mother’s nickname for her middle name, Louise.

“She has always called me Weezee, and it made sense,” Periman said.

Story by Melonie Roberts

Connection Magazine | 41

MONETT CHAMBER Of COMMERCE ®

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Jason Farris Danny Dill

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Doors open at 6:00 p.m.

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SECURITY BANK OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI

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Admission: $20.00 in advance $25.00 at the door • Children, $15.00 Monett HigH ScHool PerforMing ArtS center For more information, contact Monett Chamber of Commerce

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417-235-7622 42 | April 2017

Bill Pay & Internet Banking at

www.sbswmo.com

Exeter

Front Street 417-835-8111

Although she works as a roofer and is half-owner of the company, Periman is no stranger to jewelry and metal work.

“I worked at Tomblin’s Jewelry and Gifts in Cassville since I was 14 years old,” she said. “I learned the basics of jewelry making, like how to open jump rings and the different metals used, and about crystals and engraving. I work out of my home, and this helps keep my sanity during the winter months.”

“I like stamped metal jewelry. Most of my orders are custom, using names or special phrases on the selected pieces. Each piece is unique, one of a kind.”

Periman occasionally attends local craft shows where she can highlight her designs, but most of her business comes primarily off her Simply Weezee Facebook page and the newly created website, SimplyWeezee.com.

Displayed there are a number of metal holiday ornaments, rings, bracelets, necklaces, keychains, earrings and other memorabilia that can be ordered and purchased at a nominal price.

“I typically stack charms on a stamped piece, or I’ll add a Swarovski crystal to represent a birthstone,” she said.

“My work appeals mostly to women. I think they like the fact they can have it personalized.

A lot of women like having something to wear that has the names of all their children on it, like a bracelet.”

The sterling silver rings, both durable and attractive, can also be stamped with names, words of encouragement or short phrases.

Periman, who worked on a farm as a child, credits her father for her work ethic, which was instilled into her and her sister as children.

“I moved away from home when I was young, and knew I had to work hard to have a good life or sit around and do nothing,” she said. “I chose to work hard. I can’t sit still.”

“I got my sister a needle loom and she is learning to make seed bead bracelets,” Periman said. “She also repurposes items, like turning an old window frame into a piece to display photos, and has donated several items to the Ride for Life to benefit St. Jude’s Hospital. She may decide to display some of her items on the website as well.”

With her business growing at a modest pace, mainly by word of mouth and through her Facebook and website, Periman stays busy filling custom orders and making generic pieces to display in future craft shows.

“I really love doing this,” she said. “I’ve always liked jewelry, and I enjoy making something that has a special meaning for my customers.” n

Karen Periman, a roofer by trade, found herself at a loss for something to do one snowy winter day two years ago. That’s when she discovered Pinterest and YouTube tutorials on how to hand stamp metal jewelry and said, “I can do that!” The birth of Simply Weezee Customized Jewelry came about through her need to keep busy, even on snowy days when others might be reading a good book and curling up for a long nap.

Hobby keeps her busy during slow winter months For more information on Simply Weezee Customized Jewelry, visit Facebook.com/SimplyWeezee, SimplyWeezee.com, or call 417-342-5252.

Connection Magazine | 43

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Recipes



Roast beef with horseradish cream canapés Ingredients

Finger Foods

Ham-and-Cheese Skewers Ingredients 1/2 pound (3/4-inch-thick) sliced smoked Virginia deli ham 1 (5-oz.) bleu cheese wedge 1 large Gala apple, sliced 1 bunch fresh watercress 60 (4-inch) wood or metal skewers

Directions n Cut ham into 3/4-inch cubes.

Carefully break cheese into 60 small pieces. Cut apple slices into thirds. n Thread cheese, apple, watercress leaves, and ham onto skewers.

Stand skewers upright, ham ends down, on a serving plate.

Salami, Mozzarella and Basil-Tomato Skewers Ingredients 24 cherry tomatoes 24 basil leaves 12 ounces salami, cut into 1-inch cubes 12 ounces smoked mozzarella, cut into 1-inch cubes Olive oil Freshly cracked black pepper Special equipment: 12 bamboo skewers

30cm long baguette thinly sliced into 20 slices Olive oil spray 1/2-cup light sour cream 2 tablespoons horseradish cream Salt and pepper 130g sliced rare roast beef, cut into thick strips 20 basil leaves and cracked black pepper, to serve

Directions n Preheat oven to 356°F. Place baguette slices on a baking tray.

Spray with olive oil spray. Bake for 5 minutes or until light golden. n Meanwhile combine sour cream and horseradish cream in a small bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Set aside. n To serve, spread each baguette slice with a little sour cream mixture, and top with a strip of roast beef. Garnish with a basil leaf.

Season with cracked black pepper and arrange on a serving platter.

Directions n Soak skewers in water for 30 minutes. Preheat grill or broiler on low heat. n Wrap each tomato with a basil leaf. n On each skewer, thread a cube of salami, a cube of mozzarella and a basil-wrapped cherry tomato.

Repeat with additional salami, mozzarella, and tomato.

n Place the skewers on a baking sheet. Broil 4 to 5 inches from heat about 1 minute or until just warm. (If grilling, place them on the grill over low heat, or as the coals are burning down, for 1 to 2 minutes, turning once.) Watch skewers carefully so that the cheese softens a little but does not melt. n Arrange skewers on a serving platter. Drizzle with oil and sprinkle with cracked pepper.

Serve warm.

Connection Magazine | 45

Crockpot Orange Glazed Meatballs Ingredients 28 oz. bag of frozen meatballs 12 oz. jar of orange marmalade ½ small jalapeño, diced ¼ cup orange juice ¼ cup beef broth 3-4 green onions, chopped Coupons ¼ tsp salt ¼ tsp pepper

Instructions n In the crock pot, mix together marmalade, orange juice, jalapeño, onion, broth, salt and pepper.

Stir until well combined. n Add meatballs and mix to coat.

Balsamic Bruschetta

bakery fresh bread is best

Ingredients 8 roma (plum) tomatoes, diced 1/3 cup chopped fresh basil 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar 1 teaspoon olive oil 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 loaf French bread, toasted and sliced

Directions n In a bowl, toss together the tomatoes, basil, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Mix in the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, kosher salt, and pepper.

Serve on toasted bread slices.

n Set crock pot on low for 4.5 to 5 hours.

Source: AllRecipes.com

Mini Cheesecakes Ingredients 1 (12 ounce) package vanilla wafers 2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese 3/4 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 (21 ounce) can cherry pie filling

Directions n Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line miniature muffin tins (tassie pans) with miniature paper liners. n Crush the vanilla wafers, and place 1/2 teaspoon of the crushed vanilla wafers into each paper cup. n In a mixing bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, eggs and vanilla until light and fluffy. Fill each miniature muffin liner with this mixture, almost to the top. n Bake for 15 minutes. Cool. Top with a teaspoonful of cherry pie filling.

46 | April 2017

Bottles & brews

Lunazul Tequila A fair-priced, smoothdrinking tequila, Lunazul has been made in Mexico for more than 250 years. Lunazul, which translates as blue moon, comes in multiple flavors, including blanco, reposado and anejo, meaning white, rested and aged, respectively. The blanco is either unaged, or aged less than two months in stainless steel or neutral oak barrels.



New Belgium Snapshot A wheat beer added to the New Belgium list of brews in 2014, Snapshot is tart and citrusy, pouring a lemonyellow color and finishing with a slightly sour note. It features cascade hops, pale and wheat malts and spices of coriander and grains of paradise. The beer garners an 81 out of 100 from reviewers on BeerAdvocate.com.

Victoria

Molson A new offering with the Price Cutter expansion in Cassville is Molson, a Canadian beer and official beer of the National Hockey League.

Brewed with Canadian water, prairie barley and no preservatives, Molson can best be described as a Canadian Coors, as it is owned by the same company.

First produced in 1865, Victoria is Mexico’s oldest beer brand and one of the country’s most popular brews, selling in 39 U.S. states and the District of Columbia in 2014. Another new offering with the Price Cutter expansion, Victoria is a mediumbodied, slightly sweet Vienna-style lager, which unlike many other Mexican beers, is best not served with lime. It has earned a 70 out of 100 from reviewers at BeerAdvocate.com

Connection Magazine | 47

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Thrift store

Ministry

serves area for 48 years

‘The center meets the needs of the community’

Story and photos by Melonie Roberts

A

nyone who has ever come up short on a utility bill, lost a job, had an accident, or had an unexpected emergency knows the value of a helping hand.

That’s what the Bryon E. Taylor Christian Service Center in Aurora has been doing for families in the Lawrence County area for 48 years.

Now in its 49th year, unlike other thrift stores, it has weathered four decades and is still in existence.

“The center meets the needs of the people,” said Director Kandie Pendergrass. “We are a non-profit organization that was put in place in 1967 by area churches as a clearinghouse for all the churches to go through to help people in need.”

“The center is good for the community,” said volunteer Lee Belle. “We sell things cheap. You go to the Good Deals in Springfield, and they want $3-$4 for a pair of pants. Here, everything is checked before it goes out to see if it’s stained or dirty.”

The center started in the basement of the United Methodist Church in Aurora.

For decades, it has sold clothing, shoes, accessories, toys, housewares, furniture and other donated items. But, really, the store is just a means for its real mission: to show Christian love to the community by providing universal, basic necessities, like food, clothing, rent, gas and utilities for those who truly need it.

If in need, all one has to do is complete a brief application. There are no hoops to jump through, no paycheck stubs, just an I.D. and proof of residency.

And no judgment.

“We try to make our clients feel comfortable,” Pendergrass said. “It takes a lot to go into an organization and say, ‘I don’t have any food in our home.’ I don’t want any of them feeling embarrassed or feeling less than anyone else. I’ve been in that position myself. So we try to treat everyone with the highest respect. Our mission says we’re there to help people but we give a hand up not a hand out, and that’s what we try to do.”

Connection Magazine | 49

Lee Belle works on a set of lights to see if he can get them working again. Belle is the center’s handyman, fixing items before they go out onto the floor, to make sure they are in good condition.

Director Kandie Pendergrass works in her office at the Christian Service Center in Aurora. Pendergrass doesn’t just manage a thrift store and volunteer staff, her role is comprised as much more as she serves the Aurora, Verona and Marionville communities, helping to meet basic needs such as food, clothing, and even rent, gas, furniture and prescription assistance if the center has the funding.

Each volunteer has a specific job at the Christian Service Center in Aurora. Here, Grace Angel inspects a pair of jeans. Her job is to inspect, label and hang jeans, pants and shorts so that customers can find good items and find them quickly, and she does a thorough job. Jeans are checked to make sure they have buttons, zippers are clean, and marked not just for size but for length, too. (right) Volunteer Kathy Conn hands out bread from Panera Bread Co. at the Christian Service Center in Aurora. The center, which has been meeting basic needs such as food and clothing in the community since 1967, distributes bread and vegetables each Wednesday morning.

50 | April 2017

For more information, call the store at 417-678-4600, Pendergrass at 417-229-2823, or visit its Facebook page.

“We are not income-based,” Pendergrass said. “We are based on the ‘those who need it, get it’ mentality. If you’re in need, and it doesn’t matter if you’re the CEO of a bank or something else, we try to help whoever we need to as long as we have it available.”

The center is run solely on donations of food, clothing, money, and sales from the store.

Current ministries offered include an emergency food pantry, clothing assistance and Christmas baskets for the elderly and disabled, with the food pantry its busiest ministry.

“It’s all day, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,” Pendergrass said. “We also help with clothing. On Wednesdays we pass out free bread and veggies. When we have funding, we help with rent, electric, gas, and prescriptions.

We do a little bit of everything. If it’s something we can’t help with, I go out and try to find help.”

Pendergrass said social media like Facebook is a huge help.

“I’ve used it for many things,” she said. “Recently, we had a family whose home burned and didn’t have any furniture, so we put out their needs and those things have been coming in.”

Most items in the store, which has been in the same location off the square since 1982, such as clothing, are a bargain at only $1.

“Our goal is to keep prices as low as we can so that anybody can afford to shop there,” said Pendergrass, who became the director in 2006. “It’s more of a family environment compared to stores that are just there to make a buck.”

“The prices are always really cheap and affordable,” said customer Ahna Roney.

Pendergrass used to shop at the center for her own children before working there.

Connection Magazine | 51

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“When a position became available, I applied for a part-time job, volunteered after that, and the place just grew on me,” she said. “The job itself is rewarding and keeps me there. You do counseling, and have people who come in and just need to talk. I’m on call 24-7 if someone is in need.”

Most of the center’s workers are volunteers, with only three paid employees, including Pendergrass and two part-timers.

Seniors from the Experience Works program also help. Everyone has a job.

Belle is the center’s handyman.

“Anything that has a battery or wire, I check out first before it goes out on the floor to make sure it’s good,” he said.

Volunteer Grace Angel’s job is to inspect, label and hang all the jeans and pants so shoppers can easily find their size.

“I put all the labels on them so they don’t have to hunt through them, and make sure they have zippers, buttons, etc. If I came in to look at pants, I want to be able to go right to my size.”

Volunteer Kathy Conn sorts and hands out bread.

Kathy Wilkins, with Experience Works, works in the food pantry.

“We help a lot of people who come in for a food box,” she said.

Volunteer and veteran Dobby Phillips enjoys keeping busy, and the company.

“When you’re in good company, it’s hard to leave,” he said. “Helping here gets me out of the house.”

“If it weren’t for our volunteers, and our board members volunteer their time, too, we couldn’t be here,” Pendergrass said. “They are the ones who help us keep the place going.”

The center is located just off the square at 35 E. College Street in Aurora and is open Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. n

The Macedonia Freewill Baptist Church in rural Purdy was established in 1875, and has served congregants for nearly 142 years.

‘Temporary’ pastor nearing

40 years of service

P

astor Lee Neill can vividly recall the first sermon he preached at Macedonia Freewill Baptist Church, rural Purdy, nearly 40 years ago.

“I remember that first service,” Neill said. “I was petrified. I preached from the Book of Genesis — the battle between Amalek and Israel.

Story and photos by Melonie Roberts

When Moses held up his hand, Israel prevailed, and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. His sons helped hold up his hands, so Israel could prevail. At that first sermon, I asked the congregation to hold up my hands, and they have.”

Neill had butterflies on that day.

“I was a deacon at the church at that

time,” he said. “Pastor Cecil Campbell was semi-retired in 1977, and took a temporary position at another church for a short while. I had started preaching some by that time. The congregation searched for a pastor, but nothing seemed to fit. The congregation asked me if I would take the church, but I told them no, I wasn’t ready.”

Connection Magazine | 53

Gentle persistence prevailed, and Neill finally agreed to “fill in until they could find a pastor.”

“The congregation is a little slow about making up their minds,” he laughed. “That was October 1977, and I’ve been here nearly 40 years.

“The congregation has been very patient with me,” he continued. “The process doesn’t normally work like this. The church usually calls a pastor in from somewhere else. They picked me out of the pew. But it’s worked.”

Neill still gets butterflies when he prepares to deliver a sermon.

“But after all these years, it’s easier than it was a long time ago,” he said.

“Partly, it’s the thought of public speaking, but more than that, it’s trying to say the right thing, something worth listening to, something that might help somebody.”

At the time Neill agreed to fill in, he was working as a school counselor in Pierce City and running a small dairy operation.

“I quit education to become a full time preacher,” he said. “My background was in guidance and counseling. I got my masters at University of Colorado and at Washington University in St. Louis. I also worked as a television and radio news writer.”

Those skills served him well as he transitioned into serving his congregation.

“There’s more to it than preparing Sunday morning and evening services and Wednesday Bible study,” he said.

“There is a considerable amount of time spent preparing lessons for Wednesday evening. Nowadays, I sometimes put together a PowerPoint presentation for the congregation.

Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn’t, and we just go on without it.

“I’ve married a lot of people,” he continued. “Unfortunately, after all these years, I’ve also buried a lot of people.”

In addition to those tasks, Neill has

54 | April 2017

Lee Neill, pastor of Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church in rural Purdy, looks for inspiration in his Bible. “I started out using the King James version and nearly everyone in the congregation uses it as well. I love the language of the King James Bible.”

performed numerous baptisms, visited countless congregants who were hospitalized or ill, and, until about six months ago, taught one of the Sunday School classes at the church as well.

“I’m getting older and need to slow down,” he said. “Fortunately, one of the young men here picked up the Sunday School class and is doing a great job with it.”

Neill, 77, and his wife, Darline, have also given up dairy farming to grow hay. He plans to install a hoop house at their rural Purdy home so he can grow vegetables, which Darline will preserve by canning or freezing.

“As a farmer, I have a natural tendency to keep records,” he said. “I like

knowing where and how money was spent. But in the church, it bothered me a bit to keep records, because, to me, that’s the Lord’s work, not mine.”

And typical of most tight-knit communities, the congregation has been faithful.

“There were a number of people attending services here when I started preaching that are still here, and the generations that have followed have been faithful,” he said. “We’ve had surprising overall unity.”

The benefits that come with serving a congregation of brothers and sisters in Christ, as well as the deep bonds of friendship that have formed over the decades, have been great.

Lee Neill agreed to fill void until replacement could be found...

This painting, which hangs in the foyer of Macedonia Free Will Baptist Church in rural Purdy, shows the church as it was in 1975.

Since that time, additions have expanded the classroom areas and sanctuary to accommodate the growing congregation.

“One of my biggest rewards is when children come running up to me and hug me around the knees, because that’s as high as they can reach, and show me the artwork they did in Sunday School class,” he said. “The main thing is, even when I’m tired or feeling worn out, I still feel I’m doing what the Lord wants me to do. It’s good doing or saying something that someone later tells me was helpful.”

But, there have been some tonguein-cheek moments, as well.

“Reverend William Archibald Spooner, of New College, Oxford, was notorious for switching up his words,” Neill said. “Like, ‘He rode to church on a well-boiled icicle,’ instead of a well-oiled bicycle.

The congregation has laughed when I’ve committed a Spoonerism on occasion.”

Looking back, Neill is surprised by the twists and turns in the road that have led him to this place.

“It’s been an interesting ride,” he said. “This is not something I intended to do. I went to school to be a teacher.

I guess I still am, of sorts.”

Neill and his wife have been fortunate enough to travel and see parts of the world relating to their faith.

“I’ve been honored to preach in Mexico, in Spanish, twice,” he said.

“We’ve been to Israel twice, and I’d love to be able to go one more time.

It’s truly and literally a life-changing experience, unlike any other I’ve ever had. We’ve been to Europe on the Heritage Tour, where we saw the historic places of worship in England, France, Austria, Switzerland and Germany.”

Neill still sees the miracle in everyday events that most take for granted.

“I love the countryside,” he said.

“A miracle happens every morning when the sun comes up. I love the full moon. Moses said we have 70 years.

That’s about 910 full moons, 13 a year. That’s not a lot. I used to love to lie on my back and watch the stars. I love being in nature. That’s why I’m a farmer, I guess. I love my wife and family.

“When I grow up, I’m not sure what I want to be,” he continued.

“There are so many things I want to do. Like the cowboy’s lament, ‘there are trails I’ve never seen.’ Science — I’d liked to have experienced that field. I love writing, and would like to pursue that. At one time, I wanted to go places and do big things, but now, this is where I want to be.”

The 142-year-old church in the valley is home to Neill and his family.

“Our congregation is made up of the best people in the world,” he said. “They’re important to me. New members are important to me, too. I just love people. I was married in this church. This is my home.”

And, although he has gently prodded the congregation to start looking for his replacement, they appear reluctant to do so.

“I’ve told them they need to be looking for the next man,” he said.

“But they don’t seem to care. When the time finally comes for me to retire, I’ll be contented to stay where I am, but I still want to see some of those trails.”

Macedonia Freewill Baptist is located at the intersection of Farm Roads 2060 and 1100 in rural Purdy.

Sunday School is held at 10 a.m. with the worship service following at 11 a.m. Sunday evening services start at 7 p.m., and Wednesday night Bible Study starts at 7 p.m.

For more information, people may call 417-442-3840. n

Connection Magazine | 55

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Wyatt Bowen, a senior at Pierce City High School, will graduate Crowder College with an associate’s degree on Saturday, May 20, the day before his high school commencement ceremony is slated.

W

He’s a man with a plan Pierce City senior well on his way to achieving his dream Story and photos by Melonie Roberts

yatt Bowen has his life neatly mapped out, with certain milestones already behind him along the path of his chosen career.

Bowen, a senior at Pierce City High School, will graduate Crowder College with an associate’s degree on Saturday, May 20, the day before his high school commencement ceremony is slated. While most high school seniors are looking forward to graduating in May and entering their freshman year at the start of college classes next fall, Bowen will be entering his junior year, associate’s degree already in hand and well on his way to earning a bachelor’s degree.

To him, the decision to focus on academics makes perfect sense.

“I used to play baseball,” Bowen said. “But that’s not going to take me as far as academics will, so I quit playing in order to focus on taking [dual credit] classes and my future career.”

Bowen took four dual credit classes through Crowder College while attending Pierce City High School.

The additional 16-18 classes he took through the summer, online, or as evening classes at the Monett campus.

“I was accepted to Crowder at the age of 15,” Bowen said. “I had to have letters of recommendation and a good grade point average. My dad had to take me to the first class, because I was too young to have a driver’s license.

“My junior year, I was a full time high school student and a full time college student, taking courses online.”

He was expected to maintain a passing grade point average both at high school and college levels. He has a 4.14 grade point average (GPA) in college, and 4.0 high school GPA. Connection Magazine | 57

Wyatt Bowen, a Pierce City High School senior, has received a Board of Governors Scholarship to Missouri State University, where he plans to obtain his bachelor degree, recognized by the United States House of Representatives, for his acceptance and participation in the National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists as a delegate to the congress of Future Medical Leaders. Bowen plans to enter the medical field as a neurologist, after attending medical school at University of Florida at Tallahassee.

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While taking a proctored exam, he surprised the staff at Crowder, until they matched his name to his face.

“Most students in college are in the 20s, 30s and 40s or older,” he said.

“They didn’t expect someone my age to be taking the exam. It was funny.”

Bowen neatly ticks off the milestones he has planned along the way to achieve his goal of becoming a neurosurgeon.

“High school was kind of boring, so I took classes through school that could be counted as double credits. I’ll get my undergraduate degree through Missouri State University and graduate in two years. Then I plan to attend medical school at Florida State. They have a really good program. Then, after a two or three year residency, I’ll finish my degree and establish an independent practice by the time I’m 25 or 26.”

Bowen chose Florida because he likes snorkeling off Venice Beach and the thoughts of living in a warmer climate.

“Medical licenses are issued by the state,” he said. “So I decided to attend medical school where I wanted to set up practice. There is a lot of growth potential there. In 10 or 12 years, I’ll have the majority of my student debt paid off.

Then I can start looking for a house and doing some of the fun stuff in life.”

Bowen chose the field of neurosur-

National Academy of Future Physicians and Medical Scientists, located in Boston, Mass., recognized Pierce City senior Wyatt Bowen for outstanding academic performance, leadership potential and dedication to serving humanity through the profession of medicine.

gery because it encompasses every aspect of the human body.

“Neurosurgery encompasses a lot of nerves,” he said. “From your brain down to your fingertips. Everyone is going to have some of that, along with things like brain aneurisms and other conditions.

“I’ve always wanted to help people.

Blood and guts don’t really bother me.

But I like the idea of being able to directly influence the benefit of another person to the best of my ability. I know it will be tough, so I set my goal high.”

As far as his life plan goes, Bowen is content to have a set of goals to work toward and achieve.

“Life is a plan and as long as you follow it, successful things will happen,” he said. “I like knowing where it’s going and what’s going to happen. I know [my plan] can change or vary. But if someone had told me, ‘This is the plan,’ it’s very close to where I’d be right now.”

In May, some of his high school counterparts might look back with nostalgia and tears, sad to be leaving the comfort of the familiar walls and faces they have grown up with over the years.

Bowen, however, will be racing toward the future, adulthood and a career path carefully considered and chosen from his earliest days of secondary education.

“I’m ready,” he said. n

Fa m i l i a r fa c e s

Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce banquet

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Rusty Newman and Bill Kenagy Judy Reynolds and Lucinda Kenagy Gary and Susan Youngblood Charles and Joy Randall Bryant and Julie Ward Table Rockettes Sandi Whitehead (sitting), Chloe Gibbons (center) and Lynn Ward Don and Ola Erickson

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

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6 The Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce held its annual banquet on March 4.

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

Bus. (417) 235-0016 Fax (417) 235-6364 Res. (417) 442-7974 Connection Magazine | 59

The Pop Cheer Factory in Monett held its Daddy Daughter Dance fundraiser on Feb. 18 at the Monett Area YMCA

Daddy Daughter Dance

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9 1. Journey and Chris Slocum 2. Hailey Roberts and Sam Wilkinson 3. Brianna and Matthew Henson 4. Kora and Chad Kelleher 5. Andi and Austin Himes 6. David and Eliana McElhany 7. Ron and Jewell Frieze 8. Lareina and Jarod Utter 9. Owen and Brooklyn Baker 10. Shane and Emma Becker 11. Miranda and John Hull

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10 60 | April 2017

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Fa m i l i a r fa c e s

Soloist Showcase

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The Ozark Festival Orchestra held its Soloist Showcase concert on Feb. 19 at the Monett High School Performing Arts Center.

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1. Carmen and John Archer 2. Linda Phipps, April Bennett, Katherine Wormington 3. Kevin Terry, Jeanie and Andy Cash 4. Yvonne Schellen, Carolyn Pilkerton 5. Front row: Madelyn and Trevor Koss. Back: Randy and Lisa Koss 6. Gary and Alison West 7. Phyllis Garrett, Betsy Garrett 8. Mary Stluka, Kristin Canady holding Kate Canady 9. Rhonda Mattingly and Renee Veith 10. Don Hood, Hazel and Bud Hukill 11. Carol Kay, Wilma and Kim Davis 12. Joyce Brown, Joyce Guyer

Connection Magazine | 61

Opening Day 2017

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Fa m i l i a r fa c e s

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4 Trout season opened on March 1 at Roaring River State park near Cassville.

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1. Samantha McNair and

Tristen Berry 2. Front to rear:

Chad Henry, and

Geoff and Jack Davis 3. Skylar and Timothy

Morris 4. Front: Keegan Snodgrass.

Back: George Patton and

Keller Snodgrass 5. Roy Hudson, and John

and Jason Rosenbalm 6. Pam Callaway and

Joey Rosenbalm 7. Collette and Richard Witt 8. Larry Zebert 9. Riley Burbridge; and

Travis, Sheila, Ernie,

Trenton and Tanner

Raney 10. Julia and Dan Eden 11. Stacy Pendergraff and

Jacob Stephens 12. Kalib Venable and

Alyssa Beaman 13. Robert Pierce and

Randy Branum

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AD LISTS Acambaro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 At The River Consignment . . . . . . . . . . 2 Barry County Coop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Barry Electric Coop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Bennett-Wormington . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Carolyn Hunter, DMD. . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Cassville Health & Rehab . . . . . . . . . . 56 Chocolate Horse Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Coast to Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Community National Bank. . . . . . . . . 34 Cornerstone Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Cox Medical Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68 Crane Family Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Crown Power & Equipment . . . . . . . . 48 Diet Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Doug’s Pro Lube. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Eastside Church of Christ. . . . . . . . . . 19 Edward Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Farm Pro. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 First State Bank of Purdy . . . . . . . . . . 16 Fohn Funeral Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Four Seasons Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . 16 Four States Dental Care . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 Friendly Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Guanajuato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

64 | April 2017

J&J Floor Covering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 J. Michael Riehn, Attorney . . . . . . . . . 22 Ken’s Collision Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Lackey Body Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Les Jacobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Monett Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 & 42 Monett Rental & Sales. . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Morton Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Ozark Methodist Manor. . . . . . . . . . . 52 Peppers and Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Race Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 Scott Regional Technology Center. . . 19 Second Chances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Security Bank of Southwest Missouri. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42 Shelter Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 44 Smile Designers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 St. John’s Lutheran Church. . . . . . . . . 30 Superior Spray Foam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 TH Rogers Lumber Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . 67 The Jane Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 The Niche . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Trogdon Marshall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 White’s Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Whitley Pharmacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Willis Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Shell Knob, special ad section Big Creek Leather Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Big Creek Resort. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27 Central Crossing Senior Center. . . . . 25 Country Fresh Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri.28 Jug & Plug. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Preston’s Landscape. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28 Remax Lakeside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26 Shell Knob Small Engine. . . . . . . . . . . 27 Willis Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Lawns and Garden, special ad section Aurora Agri Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Farm To Market, LLC . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Hills Feed & More. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36 Larson Farms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Mow-Right. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 Taura Farms Greenhouse. . . . . . . . . . .36 Woody’s Express Topsoil. . . . . . . . . . . 37

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Pa r t i n g S h o t

“Bring the tulip and the rose, while their brilliant beauty glows.” — Eliza Cook 66 | April 2017

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Big store with a lot of stuff!

235-7739

210 Hwy 37, Monett

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2310 W Kearney, Springfield

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2309 Fairlawn Dr., Carthage

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

Connection Magazine | 67