April Connection 2019

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April 2019

Colton’s Cause Charity to honor

Power tools Savannah Ellis

fresh starts:

Parenting Column Recipes Housing Around

Special sections Shell Knob

The salutations of Spring

Lawn & Garden

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2 | April 2019

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general manager Lisa Craft monettcommunity@gmail.com EDITOR Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Sheila Harris James Craig Marion Chrysler CONTRIBUTORS Murray Bishoff Meagan Ruffing Lisa Ramirez Darlene Wierman Melonie Roberts Sheila Harris Susan Funkhouser Pam Wormington Jared Lankford Jordan Privett Dionne Zebert Jane Severson Verna Fry Christa Stout Cheryl Williams Sierra Gunter PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Brad Stillwell Jamie Brownlee Amy Sampson

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Connection Magazine | 3

staff editorial

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Changes Come and Changes Go

I

do not know how many of you know my history, but I began in this business in 1989 at The Monett Times newspaper with absolutely no experience. The company at the time was Walls Newspaper and Assoc. I was trained very patiently by Wilma Henbest, who was a well-known, long-time resident of Monett and long-time employee of the newspaper. Like all who begin a career, I began at the bottom in the newspaper as a lifestyles reporter.

Since that time I have held almost every position possible, and some of them twice. I have been a reporter, quite a few times, business manager, advertising sales rep. twice; advertising manager, twice; managing editor, and publisher.

In 2009, another company purchased the entity and again, I went through quite a few strings of positions.

I became General Manager of The Monett Times, Cassville Democrat, Connection Magazine, and Barry/Lawrence County Midweek one year ago this past March. I will say that during all of this time I have seen so many changes in this business, surrounding businesses and technology around me that sometimes it is a bit overwhelming as to how quickly it changes and how extreme the changes can be.

Being a publisher and a general manager are very similar in duties, but doing this position in 2007 compared to 2018, is very different in comparison.

Believe it or not, when I began in 1989, we typed on black manual typewriters, and I was here when they introduced computers to the reporters. My how it has changed!

I could go on quite a while about the changes, but the one thing that does not change is the fact that to produce these publications you have to have a strong, smart, motivated staff.

I consider myself very blessed to have the staff that I have. We are a small staff, which is why most of us do way more than our title allows.

I have a very strong combined staff who I am very proud of. Believe me when I say it is not always easy to get the public their news, and then put on another hat and produce stories for the Midweek or the magazine. These are two totally different ways of writing, and you have to really make sure that particular hat has been put on for that publication.

No matter what position is held at Monett or Cassville, I guarantee that they have been asked to go way above and beyond.

I appreciate each and every one of them and thank the subscribers and customers for the support they give us.

Your support is the way we know that our hard work is acknowledged and helps us to push forward to give the public what they want. I look forward to many more publications to come and working with the wonderful staff that brings those publications into your homes.

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

4 | April 2019

April 2019

Colton’s Cause Charity to honor

Power tools Savannah Ellis

fresh starts:

Parenting Column Recipes Housing Around

Special SectionS Shell Knob

The salutations of Spring

lawn & Garden

A MAgAzine DeDicAteD to SouthweSt MiSSouriAnS

Cover photo by Pam Dorton

Contents 33 Housing Around: Green goals

37 Health Connection: Farmers market 46 Recipes: Fresh starts 48 Cutest Pet

49 Rescued, My Favorite Breed 53 Community Calendar 56 Cutest Kid

57 Parenting Column: Just organize it

60 Connection on the Go 61 Familiar Faces 66 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

a p r i l 2019

Special Section: Shell Knob 6

6 FEATURES

Shakin’ in the Shell 2019

7 Chamber Park improvements 10 Tour Shell Knob resorts 14 Shell Knob Strings

Special Section: Lawn & Garden 38 Harvest Community Garden 42 Broadway pollinator garden

20 | It’s women’s work No horsepower too great for Savannah Ellis, Aurora teen and diesel mechanic

42

27 | Colton’s Cause Local charity organization provides opportunity to honor little lives

38 Connection Magazine | 5

Korean Graham, 6, of Shell Knob, took a ride on one of the onehumped camels that were new last year at the Shakin’ in the Shell festival.

Shakin’ in the Shell 6 | April 2019

Zayne Uzlik, left, 9, and Brandon Johnson, 12, both from Shell Knob, enjoyed the spinning on the teacup-like ride available for last years Shakin’ in the Shell festival. Jazlin Horton, 16, of Lampe, painted the face of Cassie Stallings, 6, of Shell Knob, using stencils but also free-handing during the Shakin’ in the Shell last year.

Reese Anderson, 6, of St. Charles, enjoyed the swing ride last year at the Shakin’ in the Shell festival.

Special Advertising Section: Shakin’ in the shell

Friends of Shell Knob

Group aims to update Chamber Park Story by Kyle Troutman | Photos by Jordan Privett

I Cutest Smile contestant Cooper grins for the camera, showing off the smile that won second place in that competition, during the Bark in the Park Dog Show at the annual Shakin’ in the Shell festival last year.

Randa Johnson, 11, of Shell Knob, bounced out of this world on a bungee trampoline at last year’s Shell festival.

t has been five years in the making, but a group of individuals in Shell Knob is closer to beginning its work at the Chamber Park.

Jennifer Mitchell, president of the Friends of Shell Knob, said the non-profit organization was created in 2014 to raise money for the park on Needles Eye Road, which was donated to the Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce by the Shell Knob School. “[Friends of Shell Knob] got the tax-exempt status in 2015, and there were originally five members on the board,” Mitchell said. “Three of those are still active, and the board has now expanded to seven members.”

Mitchell said the park is the organization’s main project, providing a meeting place for people and hosting events like Shakin’ in the Shell, 5Ks and the awards banquet for the Homer Sloan fishing tournament.

We recently received a $2,500 grant from the Arvest Foundation for improvements to the park, and we are seeking additional grant money.

Mitchell said the list of work to be done includes clearing trees and brush along the fence line, installing a new sign on Highway 39, removing dilapidated buildings on the property like the baseball dugout, installing new LED lighting, erecting a storage building, building a pavilion for meetings and events, adding a walking trail and general beautification.

Anyone looking to help the Friends of Shell Knob may reach jennifer Mitchell at 417-858-3136 Connection Magazine | 7

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8 | April 2019

“We want the park to be a place people can go and use any time, not just for big events,” Mitchell said. “We want it to be a place that can attract tourists and host other events like family reunions. We’ve considered expanding it, too. There are a couple pieces of land adjacent to the park that we hope to acquire. People park there for Shakin’ in the Shell now, and if the owner did not allow that, parking would be very limited.”

The Friends of Shell Knob are hoping to cash in on improvement funds this summer, when it is releasing its Shell-Knobopoly board game. Set up like the classic Monopoly, Shell-Knobopoly is currently in production and is expected to go on sale in May. The game features multiple Shell Knob landmarks and businesses, as well as housing advertisements for local businesses.

The group also uses its tax-exempt status to help community organizations, such as the school.

“When the school wanted to raise money for its Leader in Me program, they held a 5K run and we collected the money and turned it over to them, donated without having to pay taxes,” Mitchell said. “So, we are also there to help groups when they need it.”

Mitchell, who moved to Shell Knob from a small town in Oklahoma, said she was recruited by Chamber Director Twilia Harrison to get involved with the Friends of Shell Knob.

“It’s exciting to think you can make a difference in a community by just working together,” she said. “Titles are not important, and others have been doing the stuff around Shell Knob much longer than I have. Where I came from was similar to the Cassville area, and Shell Knob is unique because everyone who lives here wants to live here. There are not a lot of people born and raised in Shell Knob, but they come from all over the country because this is a neat place.” n

Special Advertising Section: Shakin’ in the shell

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Amber Acres Resort

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Billed as “The Best Kept Secret in Shell Knob,�

Amber Acres is located on Table Rock Lake and offers fishing, boating, nearby golfing, tennis and basketball courts.

A 4-bedroom, 3 bath lake house is $300 per night for up to 8 people, and a 2-bedroom, 2 bath cabin is $150 per night for up to 4 people.

One-bedroom cabins that sleep up to 2 are $90 per night.

Fish n Fun Resort 417-858-6290 1079 Viola, Shell Knob

Big Creek Resort 417-858-6405 35 Aborscape Lane, Shell Knob

10 | April 2019

Located on the Big Creek arm of Table Rock Lake, Big Creek Resort offers numerous amenities for guests, including barbecue grills, a large pool with covered deck, playground, lighted dock with fish-cleaning station, concrete launch ramp and golf cart, fishing boat and pontoon rentals. Room rates range from $92 per night to $494 per night and up to 10 people.

With 14 cabins in Mill Creek Cove of Table Rock Lake, Fish n Fun Resort offers a pool, direct access to the lake with a boat dock, a playground and golf cart rentals. Dogs are also welcome for a $15 per day fee. Cabin prices range from $99 per day to $204 per day.

Special Advertising Section: Shakin’ in the shell

Indian Hills Resort

190 Navajo Hills Resort Loop, Shell Knob Nestled above the scenic expanse of Table Rock Lake, with over 800 miles of shoreline, is Indian Hills Resort.

Surrounded by the legendary Ozark mountains, enjoy an abundance of recreational activities for the whole family. Indian Hills offers its own private dock with easy access to the lake where bass are plentiful and so are the panoramic views. Fish, swim, ski, boat or sail in the warm clear waters where you’re always surrounded by the unparalleled natural beauty of the Ozarks, a true American treasure. Cabin rates range from $149 per night to $589 per night.

Hickory Hollow Resort 417-858-6606 27922 Farm Road 1267, Shell Knob

There’s something for every member of the family at Hickory Hollow Resort, a pet-friendly vacation getaway.

People can enjoy swimming, water sports, volleyball, playgrounds, fishing, sight-seeing, bird watching and hiking. Spend a day visiting nearby attractions like Silver Dollar City, the exciting entertainment in Branson, or Eureka Springs’ Victorian elegance and intriguing shops.

Cabin rates range from $105 per day to $392 per day.

Connection Magazine | 11

417-858-6171 | 28547 Highway 39, Shell Knob

Kings Harbor Resort Kings Harbor Resort is surrounded by 80 acres of private property located in the heart of the Ozark Mountains along the Kings River Arm of Table Rock Lake. It is centrally located for trips to Branson, Silver Dollar City, Eureka Springs, Roaring River State Park, Bass Pro Shop and area golf courses. The marina is located between the Viola Public Use Area and the mouth of the Kings River. This arm of the lake has excellent cover for smooth water and beautiful scenery, making it a favorite for boaters, skiers, wake boarders, surfers, and fisherman. On early summer mornings, people can spectate or take a turn at the ski course

located about three miles up lake from the resort’s boat docks. Other activities include swimming, fishing, boating, scuba diving, tennis, volleyball, basketball, and horseshoes. Don’t forget a fishing pole for a great chance to catch bass, crappie, catfish, white bass, blue gill and walleye out of the trees sunk around the boat dock areas. Reservation prices range from $95 per day to $270 per day.

Timbers Resort & Lodge 417-858-2723 22351 White Rock Lane Shell Knob

Experience the rustic beauty of a timeless forest and relax in solitude surrounded by nature. The Timbers Resort and Lodge offers an unforgettable experience in the Mark Twain National Forest on Table Rock Lake. Enjoy the scenic vistas while biking, hiking, fishing or boating.

For the water sport enthusiast, Table Rock Lake offers unmatched opportunities. Unwind in front of the fireplace or relax with family and friends enjoying the seasonal swimming and year-round hot tub. Enjoy golf and fine dining nearby, or if nightlife is preferred, shopping and fantastic shows, it’s just a short drive to Branson or Eureka Springs. A stay at the Timbers Resort provides a secluded wooded retreat, perfect for a weekend getaway or a long relaxing vacation. Rates range from $165 per night to $485 per night.

Special Advertising Section: Shakin’ in the shell

Lunker Landing Resort 417-858-6717 275 Lunker Landing Lane, Shell Knob Lunker Landing Resort on Table Rock Lake in Shell Knob is the perfect choice for an Ozark vacation. With more than 740 miles of shoreline, Table Rock Lake boasts world class fishing and endless adventures for the whole family.

Lunker Landing Resort is located between the attractions of Branson and Eureka Springs, Ark. It is a short drive to multiple attractions, and the serene location with lakefront cabins is spectacular year-round. Clean cabins await visitors at the resort’s park-like setting. A short stroll takes visitors to a private boat launch and lighted dock. Fish, swim, boat or ski on the quiet side of Table Rock Lake. Enjoy an evening of games outside or lunging by the pool with friends and family. Rates range from $97 per day to $150 per day.

Mill Creek Resort 417-779-5205 548 Old Mille Road, Lampe

Pla Port Resort 417-858-6303 23107 County Line Road, Shell Knob Pla Port Resort on Table Rock Lake is conveniently located on the main channel approximately 3 miles from the Shell Knob Bridge.

Pla Port offers a relaxing family oriented atmosphere with peaceful views of the lake. Table Rock Lake’s sparkling waters are just a few steps from the cabin doors, across a gently sloping, beautiful grassy lawn. Amenities include free high speed wireless internet, fully equipped kitchens, DISH TV, decks on every cabin, barbecue grills and picnic tables, boat slips, a swimming and fishing dock, playground, concrete boat ramp, volleyball and badminton, basketball goals, a fish cleaning station and pets welcome with advance notice. Rates range from $96 per day to $233 per day.

Situated in the Ozark mountains and offering access to Table Rock Lake, this Lampe resort provides a boat dock with a concrete boat ramp for guests. Each guest accommodation is equipped with free WiFi & Direct TV. Lake views and a terrace are included with every cabin and cottage at Mill Creek Resort. Along with a kitchenette, the accommodations feature lodge décor and a seating area. An outdoor pool and a children’s playground are provided at Mill Creek Resort. A large sundeck with picnic tables, lounge chairs and barbecue grills are available for guest enjoyment.

Dogwood Canyon is 7.8 miles (15 minutes), Silver Dollar City is 17 miles (20 minutes) from this resort, and Eureka Springs is 34 miles away (45 minutes). Branson entertainment can be reached within 35 minutes. Mill Creek is pet friendly, with a $15 per day fee. Rates range from $110 per night to $240 per night.

Connection Magazine | 13

A family that plays together, stays together.

During the summer of 2017 Allen Topolewski (far right), visited his daughter, Jennifer Houck (far left), and her husband Tim Houck (left of Allen). The group included a family friend of Jennifer and Tim, the group played music together and enjoyed the company of each other.

Shell Knob

Strings

Criss-cross banjo is a fun and difficult trick to play, but in the summer of 1970, Allen Topolewski and his high school friend Chuck Marlett mastered it.

14 | April 2019

Special Advertising Section: Shakin’ in the shell

A lifetime of making music, memories that last

A

llen Topolewski, founder of Shell Knob Strings, said he was born in 1952 to Nancy and Joseph Topolewski, and he had one sister and two brothers.

“They were all musicians,” he said.

“My father was a music teacher in the local high school in Marengo, Illinois, prior to me entering school.

Our family moved to Elgin, Illinois, as I entered second grade, but my father went to teaching regular school.”

Allen said he started playing trumpet and piano in about fifth grade, but dropped them both in a year and started learning violin.

“During my three years in Kimball Junior High, I played violin in the orchestra,” he said. “Through those years I listened to a Kingston Trio album and the Smothers Brothers.”

According to Allen, when he was in seventh grade he found his father’s tenor banjo and a harmonica.

“I started playing them together while my brother, David, played string bass and a friend Kim Weiss, played guitar,” he said. “We learned a few songs from The Kingston Trio and played for an old folks home in Elgin, Illinois. In the eighth grade, I played at a talent show called the Kimball Kapers. Many students performed for this show.”

Allen said somewhere during those years Hee Haw came on TV, and as he watched Roy Clark, he tried to figure out how to play the same songs on a four-string banjo.

“That is an impossible task,” he said. “During a trip to the show, at intermission, I went up and talked to the banjo player and was told that I needed a five-string banjo.”

Allen said as blessings happened unexpectedly, when his grandfather passed away they went to clean out his house.

“I found a five-string banjo,” he said. “It was in his basement under the lowest shelf, on the floor, and it was in many pieces.”

According to Allen, his father and his father’s friend, Lee Handrock, had the parts re-chromed and put it together.

“There was my first five-string banjo,” he said.

Story by Jordan Privett | Photos provided courtesy

Allen said his banjo learning came from watching Hee Haw. “Every week I recorded Roy Clark playing a banjo solo, I learned it by playing the tape back inch by inch,” he said. “It was a very difficult way to learn.”

Allen said he played violin in the orchestra at Larkin High for his freshman and junior years.

“As I entered the senior year, I was concertmaster,” he said. “This was a very short run because I was in a very serious car accident during that first weekend.”

According to Allen, he missed two weeks of school and returned with both arms in slings. One broken, and the other one cut up from the glass.

“I physically broke a telephone pole with my head, that explains a lot,” he said. “Playing the violin was painful because the doctors did not get all the glass out.

I graduated high school in 1970, but playing the violin went on hold for nearly 10 years.”

Allen said learning to play banjo increased with the help of Earl Scruggs and the 5-string banjo book.

“This learning-by-book continued through two years of Aviation training in Somerset, Kentucky, where I studied to become an airplane mechanic and pilot,” he said. “I graduated in 1973 with three FAA licenses.

During those two years of school, I played in the band for a high school musical and performed a short show for intermission with a friend, Charlie.”

Allen said after his 1973 graduation, he moved back to Elgin, Illinois. “My brother Daniel who played electric bass, and myself playing banjo, teamed up and started doing educational shows for grade schools during the day,” he said. ‘My job at Piper Aviation let me take off time to do this.

“Daniel followed my older brother David’s footsteps into the Naval Academy, and I got married and moved to St Louis.’

Allen said through those years, he started listening to more and more country music.

“When I was introduced to ‘The Devil Went Down to Georgia’ and ‘South’s Gonna Do It Again,’ my 10year violin pause came to an end,” he said.

According to Allen, in 1975, he got hired by Rockwell International, which changed their name to Sabre Liner.

Connection Magazine | 15

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16 | April 2019

“I got permission to practice my instruments during breaks and lunch,” he said. “One August day in 1982, president Ronald Reagan landed at Lambert and came to our ramp to get off the plane.”

Allen said he had his banjo and was going to play him a concert. “Instead two supervisors that were not my bosses, reprimanded me for disorderly conduct and give me a five-day unpaid week suspension,” he said. “During that week, the newspapers worldwide, and radio stations picked up on my shunned performance, and my name was in many papers across the land.”

Allen said there was his “15 minutes of fame,” and he played on 55 KUSA radio along with Wade Ray, a famous fiddle player.

“I wrote the song ‘No Music Mr. Reagan’ during that week and cut a 45,” he said. “People sent me copies of newspapers from all over the country.”

Allen said in 1980, his daughter Jennifer was two years old when his marriage came to an end.

“During that last year, I met a guitar player, Darrell Wagner, playing in an almost empty bar,” he said. “I informed him that night that I was joining him, and in a few short weeks we had standing room only.

“We were called, Kicker. I played banjo fiddle and harmonica, sang all the harmonies and did all the leads. Darrell had an excellent voice and an excellent rhythm style. Unfortunately, we lasted only eight months and everyone was sad.”

Allen said at some point he met three blind musicians, Johnny, Steve, and Tim. “They called themselves the Seconds.

In a few years I would team up with two of them and a young drummer for a season,” he said. “This band, still called Seconds, played for a season, and

Special Advertising Section: Shakin’ in the shell we did quite well. Then all our lives changed in a flash.”

Allen said one of the seeing eye dogs had died, he was off strike, and something happened with each of the other two gentlemen.

“Around 1982, I purchased the MTI Auto orchestra that I’m still using today,” he said. “I started doing Sunday night gigs and writing music.

“The reason I purchased this was because, finding musicians that stay with you for long periods of time was becoming more of a luxury. Frankly, musicians can spend thousands of hours with different people, only to see them leave.”

Allen said as long as all my MTI Orchestra worked, he would still have the same band, even today.

“In between playing with Auto Orchestra, I played with The Palmers music show,” he said. “They were big in Branson and moved to St. Louis. I played with them about 10 years.”

Allen said in that show he played flute, banjo, fiddle, bass, steel guitar and two trumpets at the same time. He quit playing with them in 1998.

“Through those years Melody and Joseph where born, and life became more complex,” he said. “Even finding time to play with my own Orchestra was cut short. Practice time all but ceased.”

According to Allen, he got divorced, quit working at Boeing, and spent about 25,000 hours through the next 10 years, studying the Bible.

“I am clergy for Assemblies of Yahweh, the God of the Israelites, (YHWH),” he said. “Through those years, I spent more time fixing string instruments than I did practicing. I did, however, learn to play the Hallelujah Chorus and recorded it. It’s in YouTube, along with some other songs and poems.”

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Connection Magazine | 17

Special Advertising Section: Shakin’ in the shell

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18 | April 2019

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Allen said five years ago he started playing music again, and he met his beautiful wife, Cindy Boutte.

“Cindy does not play music, so, four years ago when I moved to Shell Knob I asked everybody I met, ‘who plays guitar?’” he said. “I was sent to meet with J.R., Roosevelt Crosthwaite. I called him El Senior because he is no longer a Junior.”

Allen said they started getting together weekly, and started playing at Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

“During this time I got the MTI orchestra working again, and El Senior retired once again,” he said. “Shortly after that, I stopped playing at Central Crossing.”

According to Allen, one year ago, he decided to expand and started playing at Aurora Senior Center, Aurora Nursing Home, Cassville Senior Center and most recently, Kimberling Senior Center and Monett Senior Center.

“Since I play both banjo and fiddle, and they are a lot of work, I choose to practice for three weeks, then go on tour for one week, usually, the third week of the month,” he said. “It has worked out very well for everyone involved and they always get a different show.”

Allen said he also played twice for Mr. Fitzpatrick on his barge on the 4th of July, and Cindy is taking voice lessons to join him someday.

“My oldest daughter, Jennifer, also played the violin,” he said. “However she passed away on June 1, 2018, and Joseph and Melody are in their 20s. Melody, who plays bass, violin and guitar is the musician.”

Allen said he is available for playing music for parties, however his most important goal in music is to record the songs he has written so they are preserved.

“But the most important goal in life is to spread the name of YHWH,” he said. n

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Monett Chamber of Commerce 200 E. Broadway, Monett 417-235-7919 Connection Magazine | 19

Savannah Ellis dug in under the hood of a Case tractor in for a major overhaul at Crown Power and Equipment in Monett.

20 | April 2019

a cut above Being a girl is no barrier for Aurora teen as a diesel mechanic

T

here are many traditional paths to follow for a career.

Some are defined by gender. Many follow a course laid out for them.

Savannah Ellis is taking the road less traveled.

A senior from Aurora High School, Ellis is a student at the Scott Regional Technology Center. She is in her second year of study in the diesel technology class.

“Ever since I was a little kid, riding in a car, going on road trips, I’d look at big trucks. I liked the way they sounded,” she said. “My grandfather, Robert Ellis, was a mechanic. I always helped him around the farm, working on tractors and trucks. I got a feel for working as a mechanic.”

She helped her father, John Ellis, around the farm, also working on tractors and trucks. Ellis learned of the diesel technology class offered at Scott Tech, and decided that was for her.

“I absolutely loved it,” Ellis said.

“Now I’m pursuing it as my career.”

Ellis is one of the top students in Chance Chapman’s class at Scott Tech,

Story and photos by Murray Bishoff

the third female to go through the program. The hurdle was initially making it through the first weeks of class coursework, and the fellow students.

“The guys at first give you that ‘look,’” she recalled. “As a woman going into a man’s atmosphere, you’ve got to show them you’re one of them and the Big Dog. You show them she’s a mechanic. After a while they learned, ‘OK, she knows her stuff.’ I knew enough going into the class. After that, they calmed down. Now we’re all a team.”

Learning diesel mechanics offered interesting challenges.

“With diesels you’ve got bare engines,” Ellis said. “There’s not a big difference [with gasoline engines] except with the spark plug. You’ve got to know how diesel works, how it starts. Auto mechanics is somewhat similar. You can learn to work on diesel [from knowing auto mechanics].

“You know, since I’m mostly an ag mechanic, getting in there, getting stuff fixed, getting it back to the customer feels good. I’m helping people getting back to doing their business.”

Savannah Ellis Ellis said most of the time diesel mechanic work is not as messy as working under a car.

“It depends on what you’re doing,” she said. “If you’re under a tractor, changing the oil or the filter, it can be messy. You also work on RTVs and combines. Depends on the problem and the equipment.”

Completing both years of Scott Tech’s program is necessary for professional work. In the first year, students learn hydraulics, brakes and how a diesel engine in a truck works, as well as safety procedures outlined by OSHA.

Connection Magazine | 21

“I had to learn all that before we got into the shop,” she said. “I worked on a couple of semis and helped a couple of the guys. When you come into a program like this, you definitely need to be mature. You don’t need to have knowledge of any diesel trucks. You have to put in the work. You’ve got to learn your knowledge. Don’t take it for granted.

You can’t slack off. You’ve got to look at it, figure it out, you’ve got to get in there and do it. You can’t stand around waiting for someone else to do it.

“My first year, I kind of looked around. The seniors were where I was when I was a junior. None of them went to college. They were just there to learn.

If they had their own diesel, they wanted to know how to fix it themselves.

The seniors there now are the same way.

There’s one other kid who’s going to go to college with me. For a lot of them, college is just a piece of paper. You don’t want to go to college just for a piece of paper. They don’t understand. That piece of paper can get you a very good job by having all of the certification. If you’re working in your dad’s mechanic shop, you don’t have to have one there.

If you’re at Crown Power and Equipment, they will want you to have it.”

Ellis became so successful that when Crown Power and Equipment, formerly Fritz Implement, called looking for an intern, Chapman and Anissa Garner, the career services coordinator at Scott Tech, had no problem recommending her.

According to Garner, who oversees the internship program at Scott Tech, Crown approached Scott Tech in the previous school year, and she said no one was ready. This year Mark Elbert, the store manager, called again,” Garner said. “I told him, ‘We’ve got this girl…’

Intrigued, he said, ‘Bring it on.’

“Savannah’s a go-getter,” Garner continued. “She’s not afraid of anything. I knew she had initiative. A lot of stu22 | April 2019

dents when I approach them about an internship or a job, they’re scared and just won’t commit. It’s been a good fit.”

The internship program is part of Scott Tech’s mission to meet the needs of the business community.

“We’ve been placing kids in internships and jobs for decades,” Garner said.

“I think employers like to visit with us about new hires. It’s less risk to them. If it doesn’t work out, OK. This is school.

This is where you’re supposed to make mistakes. I say, ‘Just a few years ago they were swinging on the swings at recess.’

“We place kids in internships, job shadows and apprenticeships all across the area. To be honest, I like it when the students come to me and say, ‘I’ve met someone in the community. I felt their job was interesting and I admired what they do,’ and they ask if they could do an internship. Savannah is one of many successful student interns. We’ve had three of our former students who became interns with First State Bank of Purdy, and they’re still there [after graduation].”

Garner sees the internship as a pipeline for future talent in the community.

“It gives our business and industry a way to test drive that talent, and provides us with feedback about what we’re doing,” Garner said. “It also gives a business and industry a way to give back to the community by supporting students.

Many of our kids are paying their way already. Why not give them an opportunity to gain experience and gain connections in a career path that facilitates their career interest?”

The idea of a career in diesel mechanics did not go over initially with Ellis’ father.

“My dad said, ‘You’re just doing this because of your friends.’ Now he sees, ‘You really like doing this,’” she said.

“My mom [April Fritche] said like, ‘You do whatever you want, as long as you make more than me.’

“My grandfather, he’s 70, and he’s old-fashioned. He thinks, ‘What the heck? You’re not going to do that.’ I said, ‘Yes I am. Watch me.’ He said, ‘You won’t earn crap as a mechanic.’ I got to explain, ‘It’s 2019. Things are different now.’ He’s kind of accepted it. He supports it now.’”

Going to work at Crown was different than in the classroom. Going in, Ellis knew she would have to prove herself again.

“Honestly, it was big difference [from school]. You’re working with grown men, not little hooligans, younger people who are your friends and you have the same things in common. These guys know more than you, and they’re going to wonder why you’re here. I’ve adapted to what they’re like. I only work with four guys, compared to 20 boys.

“It took a couple weeks to convince them I knew what I was doing. It’s a real shop setting. No one was by my side my age. After a while they accepted me. I’m still an intern. They have to teach me some things. They’re good people.”

Ellis said she had new learning to acquire in several areas, like electronics. While she hasn’t done any welding, she learned to use an acetylene torch to loosen immovable parts. She admits she’s still learning transmissions. Ellis has particularly enjoyed going on service calls with service manager Nathan Conyers to see what jams people get into on the farm.

“We went to one service call on a combine,” she recalled. “It was massive.

He was cutting in the field and heard something funny. There’s a lot of stuff in them.”

Ellis sees combines, among the biggest of farm equipment types, as a mountaintop experience she wants to climb. She said she’s taken chopper knives off a unit, but hasn’t yet had the chance to dig in and learn their components.

Savannah Ellis dug into the heart of a McCormick tractor in for service at Crown Power and Equipment to adjust the air conditioning system.

“

Savannah Ellis consulted the manual for a mower in for service at Crown Power and Equipment to figure out how to disassemble it.

It took a couple weeks to convince them I knew what I was doing.

�

Connection Magazine | 23

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“We get a bunch of diesel engines in every day,” she said. “I don’t really see anything that different. I’ve seen some pretty whacked out stuff, by the customer wrecking it. They don’t tell you the full story. We had a gear box on a mower. We took that off. The guy said something was wrong with it. It had loose bearings all over the bottom. It made me think, ‘What are you mowing?’”

Next year Ellis plans to continue her education at the University of Northwestern Ohio in Lima. The school has an unusual two-year program geared for diesel mechanics.

“It’s a very unique school,” Ellis said.

“They have drag racing and a Diesel Club. That’s MY school. I will be able to get an associate’s degree in ag mechanics and semis. It will open a lot more opportunities for me.”

Chapman, Ellis’ teacher at Scott Tech, recommended the school to her.

Ellis said his guidance prepared her for work in a mechanic’s shop.

“She’s been a pleasant student to have,” Chapman said. “Usually those who excel in the program get recommended for a position with a local industry.”

Chapman is a longtime associate with Mark Elder at Crown. Elder in turn echoed the recommendation.

“Savannah has been a good person for us,” Elder said. “She’s a hard worker.

She does what she needs to do. We want to focus on bringing this generation to doing what they need to do in this business.

“We have a family-oriented atmosphere here. We have a relationship with the school. We let interns experience what it’s like in the workforce, not just here, but in all our branches. It’s a great step for her to see what it’s like before going on to higher education. I’m more worried about motivation and work ethic than anything.”

Diesel technology instructor Chance Chapman shows Savannah Ellis how to align the timing marks and torque a John Deere engine in for a complete overhaul at Scott Tech.

Elder’s sentiments were echoed by Crown service manager Conyers, who recalled working with several interns in recent years, even two sent in from State Technical College in Linn.

“She’s a good hand, fun to be around—a hard worker,” Conyers said.

Garner presented Ellis to the Monett school board during its February meeting as part of student recognition. She impressed the board members with her folksy “aw-shucks” manner of speaking and accounts of working in the mechanic’s shop. She said she looks forward to completing her degree and returning to work at Crown.

“I’d love to come back to Crown,” she said. “I know how it works. I know everyone. It’s not a big shop—it’s simple. That’s what I like about it.”

Ellis was a bit disappointed to learn she would not be the first woman to ever complete the diesel technology course at Scott Tech. She had some advice for women interested in following her: “Make sure you’re tough, that you can handle bad comments,” she said.

“They’re boys [the classmates]. You can’t be sensitive. Jokes will be made. You’ve got to learn to laugh with them. You’ve got to learn to stand up for yourself.” n Connection Magazine | 25

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Every ischild to be

remembered Local non-profit strives to mark infant graves with headstones

W

Nine tiny beads were all that were needed to wrap around the arm of Colton Reidle, who was born and perished at 20 weeks gestation. His parents, Winter and Dustin Reidle, of Aurora, have started a non-profit organization in their son’s name to help families of children born sleeping obtain headstones to mark their graves.

inter Reidle and her husband, Dustin, of Aurora, know well the pain of losing a child unexpectedly.

“We lost our son, Colton, in 2015 at 20 weeks gestation,” Winter said.

“She went in for a routine check up,” Dustin said. “Everything was fine.

He had a strong heartbeat and he was growing normally. Two days later, she went back for an ultrasound, and [they found] nothing.”

It was overwhelming for the couple, who had eagerly anticipated adding Colton to their growing family, which includes two other children, Faith and Chevelle.

Even worse, they found many people around them felt discussing the loss was taboo.

“People need to talk about that

Story and photos by Melonie Roberts

loss,” Winter said. “It helps with the grieving process. It helps bring healing.”

In experiencing her own loss, Winter discovered, by reading headstones at the cemetery where her son is buried, that many other women had suffered the same or similar circumstances, and felt compelled to do something.

“It bothered me, seeing all those rows of little [temporary] markers,” she said. “There were all these little graves without headstones. I know there is something that could be done.”

That inspired her to start Colton’s Cause, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing headstones for infants and young children who died far too young.

With that, she contacted Rick Wormington, at Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home in Monett, to seek his advice on how to go about providing headstones for all of those unmarked graves.

Connection Magazine | 27

He called me back a few days later and said I could get them at cost, about $50 each,” Winter said. “We set up a Facebook page and started a fundraiser.

So far, I’ve found 30 unmarked graves in the Monett, Aurora, Crane and Exeter areas.”

While researching the families of the children buried in those plots, Winter often wondered why the parents had not provided the stones themselves.

“I think it’s a price thing,” she said.

“My son’s was quoted at $800. Not everyone can afford that.”

“It’s also a large, unexpected expense that follows a devastating ordeal,” Dustin added. “It was overwhelming for us. It’s an unexpected burden no one is prepared for.”

But in contacting those families, Winter has found an unexpected and unlikely sisterhood.

“Some wanted to talk about what happened,” she said. “Some are more open about their stories than others. I feel this has helped with my own grief.

As long as I am helping others, it helps keep Colton’s memory alive.”

“It has helped Winter to process everything.” Dustin said. “One thing [Colton’s Cause] does is raise stillborn awareness. It’s really hard on families it affects. If they can talk about it, they can process it, and it helps them heal.

The program has given us the chance to talk to others who have gone through the same thing. We don’t feel so all alone. Stillbirth affects a lot of people, and it’s good knowing you can talk about it. There is comfort in connecting with people that you can relate to on that level.”

“One of the saddest [cases] we’ve heard about is a child that was murdered by a woman’s boyfriend and buried in the back yard,” Winter said.

“There was no family available to verify the information we found and the

28 | April 2019

These simple headstones, provided at cost by a local monument company, are some of the stones that will be set by volunteers with Colton’s Cause in April for children in graves tagged with temporary markers. The earliest headstone ordered thus far dates back to the 1970s. dates we had did not match. We found out the funeral home had to go by the date the body was found, not the expected date of death. That one touched me deeply. He won’t be forgotten.”

The couple is working to identify as many graves as they can with the records they have.

“We’re actually looking for one now that is not listed on Find a Grave,” Winter said. “As long as we have a name, and as close to the date as we can get, the caretakers can help us find them.”

Families approached out of the blue by members of Colton’s Cause, volunteering to place a headstone at their child’s grave have exhibited a mixed bag of emotions.

“Most are super positive,” Dustin said. “Typically, families are overjoyed.”

“Five or six families from our first order actually want to be in attendance when we place the markers,” Winter said. “Others just want to be notified when it’s done, so they can come visit.

“Most are very surprised and very grateful for what we are offering,” she

said. “I few families did not want help, saying they felt it was their responsibility to take care of it.”

With a fundraising effort set up at Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home, donors have been generous in contributing to the effort to provide headstones for infants and children in unmarked graves.

“Everything seems to fall into place when it needs to,” Winter said. “I give the credit all to God. I don’t think this would be possible without a Higher Power up there.”

“There is a lot of divine intervention,” Dustin said. “It has blessed us and it has blessed others. There have been a lot of blessings. It feels good.”

As Colton’s Cause has grown, so has the administrative staff of volunteers that manages the Facebook page, logistics of grave locations and headstones ordered, lists of additional headstones needed, and other fundraising efforts.

The group has also undertaken the task of creating memory boxes, similar to the one given to Winter at the hospital after she lost Colton.

A small fuzzy bunny, a New Testament, a heart-shaped pillow made from Colton’s blanket, and the hospital admission wristbands are all kept in a memory box, offered by staff in the labor and delivery unit at Cox Monett Hospital.

These items are all Colton’s parents, Winter and Dustin Reidle, have to remember their son, who was born sleeping.

“They gave me a box that was biodegradable,” she said. “I have a few mementos in there, but while it was in storage, it aged a little. I want to put together wooden boxes that are a little sturdier for keepsakes. One of the nurses handmade a bracelet for Colton’s wrist that I keep around his fuzzy bunny’s arm. There is a small New Testament Bible, his first little Teddy Bear, a small pillow made from a scrap of his blanket, and a copy of his hand and footprints. I also have the wristbands from when I was admitted to the hospital. I never got one for Colton. I guess they figured...”

Nurses with the labor and delivery staff at Cox Monett Hospital were able to get hand and footprints of Colton Reidle for his parents to keep in a memory box. Colton was stillborn at 20 weeks gestation in 2015, prompting his mother to start a non-profit organization to provide headstones for other premature infants and young children who do not have them.

Connection Magazine | 29

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“It was indescribable how much the nurse helped when we lost Colton,” Dustin said. “One of the nurses took photos.”

The group also hosts sewing parties at Harvest Church in Aurora where they repurpose old bridal and prom gowns into angel gowns for burial.

“We never turn down gowns, material, batting, anything that can be repurposed,” Winter said. “We try to make the angel gowns and a matching blanket for parents to choose from.”

Once the original 30 graves that have been identified thus far have had stone placed, Winter plans to continue seeking out others that are lacking markers.

I keep an organized list,” she said.

“Rick can refer new clients to us, and I’ll work on getting a stone placed.”

“We’re willing to help anyone, as long as there are funds in place,” Dustin said.

“This is something that stays with me,” Winter aid. “But it’s something people don’t want to talk about. That baby’s life, no matter how short, deserves to be acknowledged. No one wants their child to be forgotten.

Even just a stone in the cemetery, it helps in processing that loss.”

Those wishing to donate may contact Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home for the headstone fund; those wishing to donate memory boxes, material, gowns or batting may contact Colton’s Cause on Facebook. “Even if people can’t help monetarily or through donations, if they just share the [Facebook page] that will help,” Dustin said. n

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Green Thumbs & Greenhouses

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Around

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he yard surrounding the house may not be where a person does the most living, but for compulsive gardeners, it presents a veritable playground. For many people, no home is complete without one. I claim the title of gardener, although my efforts are rather hit-and-miss when compared to those of my mother and grandfather, whose brag-worthy gardens kept me busy shucking corn and snapping green beans when I was a kid. For me, curiosity and awe are part of the attractions of gardening. To watch a seedling pop from the ground and, in a matter of days, transform into something so different than its original seed is like witnessing a miracle. To facilitate a plant’s growth, for me, is like playing a part in creation.

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Connection Magazine | 33

Rainbow Gardens Greenhouse can be reached at 417-229-0669.

They are located at

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Rainbow Gardens is open for business Monday through Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

They will be closed April 19 and May 30.

A green thumb, though a metaphor, is a well-proven concept. Love bears fruit, and when plants receive loving and attentive care, they respond in kind.

That principle is abundantly evident at Rainbow Gardens, the retail greenhouse of Rosie and Harley Schmucker of rural Aurora.

“It’s fun to experiment with individual plants and groupings of plants, just to see what happens,” stated Rosie, who, along with her husband, Harley, owns Rainbow Gardens Greenhouse. “No two days in the greenhouse are alike, because new flowers open up every day.”

The last weekend in January, after the Schmuckers received mass shipments of rooted seedling plugs from their supplier, they painstakingly re-potted them in containers for resale. In addition to planting the seedlings, they started many plants from seed themselves, including their heirloom tomatoes.

When they open for the season, their

7,000-square-foot greenhouse will contain some 75,000 vegetable and flower plants, the result of laboring six days a week, 12 hours a day, and sometimes more. The season’s work will be far from finished, though, as constant watering and “pinching off” or “nipping in the bud” will be required to maintain the consistent growth and flowering of the plants.

When the Schmuckers moved to rural Aurora from central Wisconsin some five years ago, the acreage they purchased had a small greenhouse behind it, a huge selling point for Rosie, who has loved gardening since childhood.

“We always had vegetable gardens in Wisconsin,” Rosie elaborated, “but landscaping and creating flower beds were what I really loved. I always had something growing, from seedlings in windowsills in the winter, to outdoor plants in the summer.”

When Monett Greenhouse closed their doors, the Schmuckers purchased some of the vacated greenhouses, disassembled them and transported them to their own property, where they reassembled them. Rosie then began reading everything she could find about gardening for resale.

“One of my favorites,” Rosie shared,

Gardening would be difficult without the right equipment.

According to Leonard Witt, owner of Coast to Coast Home & Auto in Monett: a small tiller such as a Mantis is perfect for raised bed gardens, while larger rear and front tine Stihl and Troy-Bilt tillers dig deep where there’s more ground to cover.

For edging, the right tool is important. While a lighter trimmer with a curved shaft works well in and around raised beds, a trimmer with a straight shaft that can accommodate different attachments is more versatile and can be used for sturdier jobs.

34 | April 2019

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call us at 417-678-4210 for: If your goal is not necessarily gardening, but you would like to achieve a park-like setting on your acreage while keeping undergrowth at bay,

Larry Rogers of Precision Land Services offers a solution.

With the use of his heavy-duty rock-crushing and forestry-mulching equipment, “chewing up and spitting out” are not mere metaphorical expressions. The onsite forestry-mulcher, for example, literally grinds small trees and saplings down to the base and leaves behind a layer of mulch. There’s no need for the cleanup of residual debris. It’s chewed up and spit back out as ground cover.

The effects of the rock-crushing equipment are similar.

“is ‘Green Thumb Diary,’ a greenhouse education resource, where, among other things, I learned what size of pots different types of plant needs to be started in.”

Four years ago, the Schmuckers opened their greenhouse to the public, and every year since has brought expansion. This year, they are opening a third large section to make room for their much larger inventory.

In addition to hand-planted starts, the Schmuckers also offer what they call “pre-finished plants,” those that are already potted for resale when they receive them, including many varieties of shrubs and tropical plants. New this year, Rosie has planted pocketed hanging baskets, with flowers not only growing from the top, but also from tiny pockets around the sides.

“This year, we will have a lot more inventory,” Rosie stated. “Last year, we underestimated on prospective sales and sold out before the season was over. We

don’t want that to happen again.”

In addition to a greater numbers of plants, the Schmuckers will also have many new varieties, including a new petunia cultivar called “Fiona Flash,” featuring a dark center accented with flaming red petals.

In addition to plants, the Schmuckers sell non-GMO seeds, and decorative pots for planting.

Harley Schmucker is amazed by the number of people who have gardens in southwest Missouri, compared to people in Wisconsin.

“Here,” he said, “it seems like almost everyone plants a little something, whether it’s just a few plants in a pot or a raised bed, or something much larger.

People in Missouri just seem to like gardening.”

That’s a very good thing for the Schmuckers, who have taken gardening from a way of life, to a part of their livelihood. n

HOME • FARM • LAWN • GARDEN

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We’ll do dessert!

We’re Saving Your Place at First United Methodist Church EASTER SUNDAY

Taking orders for whole pies, cakes, cookies and specialty desserts for your spring & summer events.

April 21st All events are rain or shine!

Nursery care available all morning long 6:30 A.M. Sunrise Service • 9:15 A.M. Traditional Service 10:20 A.M. Kids’ Easter Egg Hunt 11:15 A.M. Contemporary Service & Kids’ Worship 12:30 P.M. Servicio en español (812 E. Broadway)

GOOD FRIDAY April 19th Free childcare available 7:07 P.M. Communion Service

FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH 1600 N. Central Ave. Monett MO

417.235.7444 www.fumcmonett.org 1stumcmonett 200 Washington, Purdy, Mo. (417) 442-3721

Monday - Saturday, 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.

36 | April 2019

Need a ride? Call 417.235.7444 for free van transportation (within Monett city limits).

Can’t attend in person?

Watch live video of both Easter services online: www.fumcmonett.org/watch

healthy connection

A Trip to the

Farmers Market

F

armers markets have been growing in popularity in recent years, and for good reason. They are a fun place to spend Saturday mornings perusing fresh-cut flowers and colorful vegetables. Not only are they the perfect aesthetic for some super Instagram moments, they also provide numerous opportunities to support local business allow you to connect with your community, broaden your palate, and buy fresh and healthy ingredients. Let’s take a deeper look at the benefits of regularly visiting your local farmers market:

Support local businesses: Small family farms, local bakeries and restaurants, and other artisans rely on community support. They work hard to bring high quality products to the market, and shopping local gives them the resources to continue producing and bringing their best work.

Get to know your community: This is a time during the week to slow down and spend time with people you might not see during the rush of the week.

It provides the opportunity to meet new people, get to know the vendors you’re buying from, and learn about the products from the people producing them.

Broaden your palate: Often there are varieties of fruits, vegetables, and other products you may not be familiar with. It is fun to experience produce you have never seen or tasted before by simply shopping somewhere other than commercial grocery stores. All of the different colors and tastes that can be found are truly a treat, and usually a very affordable one.

Buy fresh and healthy ingredients: The food sold at farmers’ markets is fresh since it typically does not have far to come from the farm to the market. This is a great time to get kids involved with making food decisions. They can help pick out healthy ingredients to plan a meal around and learn valuable cooking skills.

Be sure to check out the local Monett Area Farmers Market opening for the season on April 6. The market will be open every Saturday from 8 a.m. until noon at the Jerry D. Hall Pavilion on East Front Street in Monett.

You can check out what Farmers Markets are available in your county by visiting the

Missouri Extension Farmer’s Market Directory at http://agebb.missouri.edu/fmktdir/view.asp Emily Redus is a dietetic intern at Cox College. She has a Bachelor’s of Science degree in Nutrition and Dietetics from College of the Ozarks. She enjoys hiking and camping with her husband, gardening, and experimenting with new recipes.

Connection Magazine | 37

Harvest Community Garden in Shell Knob offers the community a sense of friendship, love and working together by working to give local organizations a helping hand through fresh vegetables.

Nancy Mallamo volunteered her time in 2017 to till garden plots and prepare to plant.

Heart of the Gar The Shell Knob Community Garden offers food, education

S

pring is coming and the Harvest Community Garden welcomes all who live in Shell Knob to participate and experience the garden

as it grows.

Betty Ragland, coordinator of the Harvest Community Gardens, said there are 4 x 12 beds available for lease for people to grow their own.

“You could become a group gardener, or you could be a volunteer for different projects throughout the garden,” she said. “Together people can enjoy the benefits of gardening and serving others.”

According to Ragland, the Harvest Community Garden was started in 2017.

“Our main goal was to provide not only a place for people to come and garden for themselves, but also, a place where they can grow vegetables for people in need of a healthier diet,” she said.

Ragland said in 2018 the garden was able to purchase a new barn, and it was installed in September.

“That was bought with proceeds from community organization donations,” she said. “We were really happy to get the barn in.”

38 | April 2019

Ragland said in September they also found out that they would receive a $3,000 grant from the Table Rock Lake Community Foundation.

“With those funds, we plan to install the irrigation system,” she said. “I believe we are going to go with the 1,500-gallon water storage tank.”

Ragland said from that they will attach two different systems.

“We will have a grow bucket system,” she said. “Meeks Building Center of Shell Knob donated 50 buckets for the “Grow-Bucket Garden.” The Fraternal Order of Eagles recently donated $100, and Cupps Farms has donated straw bales again this year for straw-bale gardens.

“A special thanks to them and all those who have worked or donated to make the garden grow.”

Ragland said that will be the newest addition for this season.

“Then, we have the in-ground and the raised-straw beds,” she said. “There will be different styles of gardening used to showcase the educational opportunities available for sustainable agriculture practices.”

Ragland said people are always welcome to help out in the gardens during

work days or watering times.

“During the first year that we had the gardens, we had a mission group of about 20 children that came to volunteer,” she said. “Then, we had a couple of different grades from the school come and help during the Shell Knob “Give Back Day” that the school was working with the students on.”

Ragland said last year, there were a lot of groups that came in to volunteer.

“Last year was a very difficult year with the dry weather though,” she said.

Ragland said she would say about 1214 people come regularly to work days and watering days.

“The garden is approximately oneacre in size,” she said. “It is mostly vegetables, but we do add the Marigolds for protection against bugs.”

Ragland said they also installed solar-powered electric fences to keep animals out of the garden.

“We donate the food to the food pantry, His House Foundation and the Senior Center,” she said. “At this point we just grow and donate, but we would like to get to a size where we can set up farmers market stands.”

Ragland said that with the new systems in, it would be easier to reach that goal.

Story and photos by Jordan Privett

Special Advertising Section: lawn & garden Meeks Lumber Co. in Shell Knob donated buckets to help create a new way to grow the Harvest Community Garden. This growbucket method will help add to the size of the harvest.

rden “We grow cucumbers, squash, tomatoes, pumpkins and a variety of peppers,” she said. “This year we are going to have a lot more herbs.”

Ragland said last year the garden even grew cotton.

“The cotton was for educational purposes,” she said. “We wanted people to learn how to grow it and what it looks like. It is nice for the children to see that and learn what it feels like from the field.”

Ragland said this year there will be a “Lunch and Learn Day,” and the date will be advertised sometime in April.

“People can come and have a free meal, and they can help us get the grow buckets set up,” she said. “Then we will have a plant sale in June. That is where we start vegetable seeds to be sold.”

Ragland said the plan is to set up the plant sale at the same time the United Methodist Church does their garage sale.

“The gardens were started for the community,” she said. “I am aware of how many people in this community need this food. We wanted to add to the food pantry and get fresh vegetables in there.

There were 42 straw bales donated to the Harvest Community Garden in Shell Knob, for the new straw bale gardens by a local farmer. That is where pumpkins, tomatoes, cantaloupes and other cold weather crops will grow.

A new shiny red barn is the newest addition to the Harvest Community Garden in Shell Knob, and helps in the efforts to grow food and grow the community.

Connection Magazine | 39

BARRY COUNTY FARMERS COOP

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MFA CO-OP ASSOCIATION 1104 E. Church St., Aurora, Mo. 417-678-3244 Your gardening headquarters 40 | April 2019

Those of us that enjoy gardening like to serve and educate people.”

Ragland said that is the heart of the garden.

“We have a leadership team that meets monthly to plan work days and events,” she said. “That way when people volunteer to help we have a planned schedule of what needs to be done.”

Terry Stracke, Shell Knob United Methodist Church secretary, said the Alliance of Churches’ Food Pantry has received produce from the garden since 2017.

“In 2017, from June to October, 393 people were helped with the donations from the garden,” she said. “In 2018, from June to October 358 people were helped.”

Stracke said when people come into the food pantry the fresh vegetables are displayed right next to where she hands out the food, so people can help themselves to whatever they need.

“The food pantry is open every day that I am here—Monday through Thursday” she said. “As soon as food is harvested they bring it up and set it out.”

Stracke said for people to have fresh produce is very important.

“Many of the people who need it, don’t have the access to fresh produce because they can’t buy it,” she said. “So when they walk in and see fresh vegetables sitting out, they are very appreciative of it.”

Stracke said the Harvest Community Garden is a great outreach for the community.

“It gives people the opportunity to use their passion and skills to express love and serving others,” she said.

The Harvest Community Garden is located near the junction of Highway 39 and Highway YY, just west of the United Methodist Church in Shell Knob.

For people interested in volunteering, they may contact the United Methodist Church office at 417-858-6707. n

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Keeping southwest Missouri in water for over 30 years Connection Magazine | 41

This photo shows the dilapidated buildings that were purchased and removed by Monett Main Street, in order to create additional downtown parking and a native plants project garden for the Monett Museum.

Broadway a buzz Pollinator garden attracts bees, butterflies

This bee found the Blazing Star an attractive place to visit last August. It is one of many native plants at the Monett Museum Garden on Broadway. The purpose of the garden is to attract pollinators to the area.

42 | April 2019

K

aren Richardson, of Monett, has finally been able to realize a dream five years in the making, with the help of the City of Monett, Monett Main Street and the Monett Historical Society’s Monett Museum.

“I’m a Missouri Master Naturalist, and I’ve been trying to get a pollinator garden started,” she said. “So when the city was planning to put in a parking lot in front of the museum, my husband, John, and I approached them and asked if we could put in a little garden as well. Just a small section for native plants.”

With the help of Monett High School’s National Honor Society members, the Richardsons started spreading loads of dirt on a chilly day last March.

Then, with a grant from the Southwest Missouri Board of Realtors, they purchased 300 native plants and pavers to create the edging for the garden.

“Once we got that done, we started planting an approximate 80-by-20-foot plot,” she said. “We chose native perennials to encourage bees and butterflies to pollinate.”

Some of those included blue sage, Missouri primrose, milkweed, American Beauty berry shrub, dittany, St. John’s Wort, Nine Bark shrub, glade coneflower, Missouri coneflower, poppy mallow, slender mountain mint, wild quinine, Blazing Star liatris, goldenrod, various asters and native grass.

Native plants also have deep root systems. During the dry summer months, native root systems reach deep into the ground to find water, require very little maintenance, do not need mowing and do not need fertilizers or pesticides. They have evolved and adapted natural defenses to local conditions such as nutrient poor soil, harsh winters, disease and insects.

Story and photos by Melonie Roberts

Special Advertising Section: lawn & garden

Monett High School National Honor Society members volunteered their services on planting day, April 21, to set 300 plants into the soil at the Monett Museum Garden at Fifth and Broadway. Pictured, from left, are: Isamar Ibarra, KayleyAnna Dohmen, Madelyn Milburn and Melissa Hurtado.

Bob Berger and John Richardson checked the status of the Monett Museum Garden at the height of last summer’s drought.

The native species planted in the garden, with their deep root systems, fared well.

Eight Monett High School students helped move and spread four huge, wet mounds of dirt and clay into the planting beds for the Monett Museum Native Plant Garden early last spring. The garden hosts about 300 native plants. This is a Monett Museum project, originated by Karen and John Richardson, to create an outdoor space for some of the museum’s larger artifacts and a native plant demonstration garden. Students assisting with the project, from left, included: Bailey Preston, Garrett Gunter, KayleyAnna Dohmen, Kelli McCallister, Jedd Anderson, Amanda Hensley, Brittain Cooper and Katie Schmidt.

They are Honor Society students sponsored by Susie Kinlock at Monett High School.

Connection Magazine | 43

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44 | April 2019

“They tolerate full sun and are drought resistant,” Karen said. “These plants are so important for pollinators. The decline in both the Monarch and bee populations is concerning­­ ; They pollinate both crops and flowers. Without bees, we don’t have pollination­­–without pollination, we don’t eat.”

“One of the missions Monett Main Street has is to create pocket parks in the downtown area,” John said. “We have an ongoing project with the local Boy Scout troop where they have reclaimed the original depot bricks, which we are going to use to build an area for outdoor museum exhibits and the V.B. Hall monument. The city is in the process of installing replica antique lighting fixtures. We also have cornerstones from the Gillioz and First National Banks, which will be utilized in the project. This pollinator garden is an excellent demonstration on how to use native plants.”

“Jeff Cantrell, with the Missouri Department of Conservation, hosts native plant classes for folks, and he comes to Monett each year to encourage people to plant natives,” Karen said. “Anyone wanting to know more about pollinator gardens can attend his presentation.”

As work proceeds on creating greenspace, plans call for older buildings facing Front Street to be removed and the grounds reclaimed for greenscaping.

“Once the buildings south of Kelly Creek are removed and greenscaping begins, we’re hoping to encourage the City of Monett to allow for additional planting of natives along the creek, not only for pollination, but to help with flood control,” John said. “The whole concept for the downtown revitalization is to provide flood protection, green space, meeting places and someplace for people to go.” n

See what’s blooming at Rainbow Gardens!

• Annuals • Perennials • Roses & Trees • Shrubs & Planters • Hanging Baskets

Wishing you & your family a Happy Easter! from the employees

We have vegetable plants, heirloom tomatoes, seed potatoes, onion sets and fertilizer.

at 19154 Lawrence 1165, Aurora, MO

417-229-0669

Open Mon. - Sat. • 8 a.m. - 6 p.m. | Closed April 19 & May 30.

Please join us for

Scott Regional Technology Center Recognition Night

Tuesday, April 30 and Thursday, May 2 at 7:00 PM A night dedicated to recognizing our students who have successfully completed their courses at Scott Tech. We will be giving awards and scholarships to honorable students. Wishing all of our students good luck as they take their skills learned at Scott Tech into their upcoming journey!

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

To learn more, visit our website at www.monettschools.org/srtc

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

417-235-7022 • #2 David Sippy Drive • Monett

1-800-255-4194

Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Connection Magazine | 45

Couscous Primarvera

Dirt Cake

Ingredients 2 cups dry couscous 1/2 cup chopped green onions 1 fresh jalapeno pepper, finely diced 2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin 1 pinch cayenne pepper 1 pinch ground black pepper 2 cups vegetable stock 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1/4-inch pieces 1 cup shelled fresh or thawed frozen peas 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Ingredients

Ingredients 1/2 cup butter, softened 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened 1/2 cup confectioners’ sugar 2 (3.5 ounce) packages instant vanilla pudding mix 3 1/2 cups milk 1 (12 ounce) container frozen whipped topping, thawed 32 ounces chocolate sandwich cookies with creme filling

Directions

Directions Combine couscous, green onion, jalapeno, olive oil, cumin, cayenne pepper, and black pepper in a large bowl; stir until olive oil is completely incorporated.

Bring vegetable stock, asparagus, and peas to a boil in a saucepan over high heat.

Pour stock, asparagus, and peas over couscous mixture; shake bowl to settle couscous into liquid. Cover and let stand for 10 minutes. Fluff with a fork, then stir in mint and season with salt and pepper to taste.

46 | April 2019

Spring Fruit Trifle

Chop cookies very fine in food processor. The white cream will disappear.

Mix butter, cream cheese, and sugar in bowl.

In a large bowl mix milk, pudding and whipped topping together.

Combine pudding mixture and cream mixture together.

Layer in flower pot, starting with cookies then cream mixture.

Repeat layers.

Chill until ready to serve.

Add artificial flower and trowel.

Enjoy!

36 NillaŠ Wafers 2 tablespoons orange-flavored liqueur or orange juice 3 cups seasonal fresh fruit, such as sliced peeled kiwi, blueberries and/or sliced strawberries 3 cups cold milk 2 pkg. (4 serving size) vanilla flavor instant pudding & pie filling 6 (1 ounce) squares White Baking Chocolate, melted, cooled slightly 1 (8 ounce) tub whipped topping, thawed, divided

Directions Break wafers coarsely into 2-1/2-quart clear glass serving bowl. Sprinkle with liqueur; top with layers of fruit.

Pour milk into medium bowl.

Add dry pudding mix. Beat with wire whisk 2 minutes or until well blended. Refrigerate until pudding starts to thicken. Add chocolate; stir with wire whisk until well blended. Gently stir in half of the whipped topping.

Spoon over fruit; top with the remaining whipped topping.

Refrigerate at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours before serving. Store leftover dessert in the refrigerator.

recipes Ham, Garden Vegetable and Spring Mix Salad with Swiss Cheese Ingredients

Spring Fiddleheads and Sweet Peppers Ingredients 1/2 pound fiddlehead ferns, ends trimmed 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped 1/2 yellow bell pepper, chopped 1 clove garlic, minced salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions Bring a pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Boil fiddlehead ferns for 10 minutes; drain.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, and cook and stir red pepper, yellow pepper, and garlic until peppers begin to soften, about 5 minutes.

Stir fiddleheads into the skillet, and continue to cook and stir until fiddleheads are tender, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

1 (8 ounce) package of garden vegetables 4 ounces roasted ham or turkey slices, cut into thin strips 2 slices Swiss cheese, cut into thin strips 1 pound asparagus, cooked, cut into 2-inch pieces 4 medium white or brown mushrooms, sliced 1/3 cup thinly sliced red onion salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions Combine salad blend, vegetables from pouch, ham, cheese, asparagus, mushrooms and onion in large bowl. Toss with Cream Dijon Dressing, to taste. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

Creamy Dijon Dressing: Whisk together 3 tablespoons Sherry wine vinegar, 2 teaspoons Dijon-style mustard, 1 clove garlic, minced, 1 teaspoon dried oregano crushed, 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper in small bowl. Slowly whisk 1/4 cup canola oil and 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, until blended.

Makes 1/2 cup.

Creamy Dijon Dressing: 3 tablespoons sherry wine vinegar 2 teaspoons dijon-style mustard 1 clove garlic, minced 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon black pepper 1/4 cup canola oil 1 tablespoon mayonnaise

Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients 2 tablespoons sesame seeds 1 tablespoon poppy seeds 1/2 cup white sugar 1/2 cup olive oil 1/4 cup distilled white vinegar 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon minced onion 10 ounces fresh spinach, rinsed, dried and torn into bite-size pieces 1 quart strawberries, cleaned, hulled and sliced 1/4 cup almonds, blanched and slivered

Directions In a medium bowl, whisk together the sesame seeds, poppy seeds, sugar, olive oil, vinegar, paprika, Worcestershire sauce and onion. Cover, and chill for one hour.

In a large bowl, combine the spinach, strawberries and almonds. Pour dressing over salad, and toss. Refrigerate 10 to 15 minutes before serving.

Connection Magazine | 47

Cutest PET

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 48 | April 2019

Oreo is a Malshipoo who lives in Rogers, Ark., on Beaver Lake with her owner, Shirley Butler formerly of Wheaton, Mo.

Oreo

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.

rescued, my favorite breed

Love them, not leave them

S

ome days, rescuing turns into a heart-breaking job, such as when we had three pets returned to us.

Sometimes this happens after a short period of time, sometimes after years. The reasons for the return are sad, as in the death or incapacity of an owner, but sometimes also very selfish. We try to avoid returns by making sure the adopter knows what is involved in adopting a pet. Having a pet come back to the adoption center is extremely hard on the pet, the staff and the volunteers. The pet is sad and depressed, everyone who had loved him while at the shelter is upset that he is back, but we all give them a little extra love and a little extra time and some extra effort in finding the forever home, and we realize that being at the shelter is better than the animal cruelty below.

Shortly after these returns, came more heartbreak in the form of several incidents of dumped animals. The first one was a puppy who had been shot and then thrown out of a pickup. A couple who happened to see this rescued him and eventually brought him to the shelter. He has since been adopted by a happy family.

Christa stout

Next came a box of 10 puppies that didn’t even have their eyes open. Again, kind people rescued them and brought them to the shelter. We had to quickly find some fosters who were willing to bottle feed them every two hours.

We lost three of these puppies because they had been out in the cold too long, but seven of them will soon be ready to be adopted.

And the last instance occurred when a scared and starved puppy, approximately 13 weeks old, was dumped in a donation box.

Someone happened to hear the barks and whimpers and notified the shelter. She is now with a foster family and is the happy puppy she should be.

To perform these acts of animal cruelty and neglect is simply atrocious —and also illegal. Missouri law provides that, among other things, animal neglect occurs when someone “Knowingly abandons an animal in any place without making provisions for its adequate care.” The punishment may be monetary, but may also include incarceration. Most shelters have camera surveillance and will report instances of dumping and/or neglect to the appropriate authorities.

As always, here are some more adoptable animals at Faithful Friends:

ELI is a super smart Entlebucher/ German Shorthaired Pointer mix, who has the potential to make a great service dog with the proper training. He knows sit, shake and laying down. He is a lovable goofball who plays hard and loves endlessly. Eli is good with dogs, kids and is housetrained.

MING is a beautiful and somewhat independent Siamese cat. She loves watching all the goings on in the cat condos from above. She would do well with a family who can give her some patience to love and some room to be herself and adjust to her new home.

She would do best in a family with children that are older than 12.

Connection Magazine | 49

Serving up a slice of the Ozarks!

Bakery items • Hand-dipped ice cream • Old-fashioned bulk candy & spices Large variety of enamel ware

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FRIENDLY TIRE

To the people dumping animals: please think about what you are doing to the helpless pet.

I realize that most shelters are filled to capacity most of the time, but most of them also keep a waiting list, and provide a list of other potential resources. So please, don’t just discard pets like trash.

They are helpless living beings and need your support to stay alive. In turn, they give so much more than some of their human counterparts do, despite having been mistreated.

But, thankfully, shelter life is not just a series of heartbreaking incidents, and about the time we wonder whether we can truly go on, here comes an update from an adopter from several years ago, so happy to have adopted and telling us how much of a difference the pet made in their lives. And not only one such update, once that update was posted on Facebook, here came several more.

We love these, and we have made it a point to share all of the great adoption updates with everyone on Facebook. And yes, it makes it all worthwhile again.

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UPDATE:

Of the 16 pets that have been featured in this column, 13 have found their furever homes.

Guinness (dog) and Aries, Morning Glory (cat) are still waiting for their own families.

For more information on any of the Faithful Friends animals or to volunteer, go to www.FFAANeosho.org, contact us on Facebook, or by calling the adoption center at 417.592.2512. We always need volunteers and we always have adoptable dogs and cats!

Race Brothers carries a complete line of farm and home supplies including clothing, lawn and garden, outdoor power equipment, pet supplies, tack and livestock supplies and much more! You will find our service outstanding whether your needs are for home or acreage in the country.

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Connection Magazine | 51

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Huge Variety of Cardis, Jewelry, sHoes galore, Jeans and More!

GREAT FAMILY FUN

417-452-2277

3103 Lawrence 1070, Miller, Mo Where Spring Meets Fashion Flair

416 Broadway, Downtown Monett

417-235-7622

52 | April 2019

From Junction of Hwys. 96 & 97 in Lawrence county, go north 2 miles. Watch for signs.

Our grass air strip features runway lights & rotating beacon.

Restaurant hours: Sunday - Thursday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Friday & Saturday, 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.

April 2019

community calendar

April 1 Senior tax preparation available at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob. Call 417-858-6952 for an appointment.

April 9 Dogwood Trails Garden Club will give a presentation by Bill Greek on Drip Irrigation at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob at 12:45 p.m.

The monthly dance at the Monett Park Casino will be held with Timberline Country band playing. Please bring a snack to share.

Computer class will be held at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob at 12:45 p.m.

Notary services available at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

April 2 Stamping Up—a card making class, will be held at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell at 12:45 p.m.

April 3 Benefit counseling by appointment at the Cassville Senior Center. Call 847-4510.

Blood Pressure check at Cassville Senior Center at 10:30 a.m.

Tax counseling for the elderly by appointment at the Cassville Senior Center. Call 847-4510.

Blood pressure checks will be taken at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob beginning at 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

April 4 Paint Class at the Cassville Senior Center at 9:00 a.m.

April 5 The First Friday Coffee sponsored by the Cassville Chamber of Commerce will be held at the Roark Family Health Clinic beginning at 8:30 a.m.

April 6 The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will host a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 each, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. No alcohol or smoking is allowed. For more information, call 417662-3612.

April 8 Senior tax preparation available at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob. Call 417-858-6952 for an appointment.

Free breakfast at the Cassville Senior Center beginning at 8 a.m.

April 18 Birthday lunch served at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell from 11:15 till 12:30 p.m.

Paint Class at the Cassville Senior Center at 9:00 a.m.

Grace Foot Care by appointment at Cassville Senior Center. Call 847-4510.

April 20 The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will host a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 each, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. No alcohol or smoking is allowed. For more information, call 417662-3612.

April 12 The annual Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce Home & Business Show will be held at the Shell Knob School Gymnasium from 5-7:30 p.m.

April 22 Nell’s Nails begins at 9 a.m. Call 417-8586952 for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

April 10 Tax counseling for the elderly by appointment at the Cassville Senior Center. Call 847-4510.

April 13 Shell Knob Home & Business Show sponsored by the Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce at the Shell Knob School gymnasium will be open from 9 a.m. till 3 p.m.

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will host a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 each, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. No alcohol or smoking is allowed. For more information, call 417662-3612.

April 14 The Ozark Festival Orchestra’s Pops in the Park ice cream and pie gala concert, Monett City Park Casino, Highways 37 and 60. Doors open 1:30 p.m. Music starts at 2:15 p.m. Silent auction for arts lovers included. Live auction of pies. Music will feature Big bands, movie and show tunes.

Admission $10 for adults.

April 15 Notary services available at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob, 9:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

April 16 Grace Health Services at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob. Call for an appointment 417-858-6952.

Blood pressure checks will be taken at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob beginning at 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m.

April 17 Live entertainment by the Shell Knob Strings at the Cassville Senior Center from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Free breakfast at the Cassville Senior Center beginning at 8 a.m.

April 23 Computer class will be held at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob at 12:45 p.m.

April 24 WIC at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob. Call 417-2114 for an appointment.

Nell’s Nails begins at 9 a.m. Call 8474510 for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome at the Cassville Senior Center.

Oxford Health talk presented by Susan Rauch will be held at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob beginning at 11:45 a.m.

April 25 Barry Electric Cooperative’s annual membership meeting will be held in the FBC Family Life Center beginning at 1 p.m.

April 26 Birthday lunch will be served at the Cassville Senior Center beginning from 11 a.m. till 12:30 p.m.

April 27 Pierce City Senior Center Dance will hold its regular monthly dance.

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will host a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 each, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. No alcohol or smoking is allowed. For more information, call 417662-3612.

Connection Magazine | 53

Support groups

Activities

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

Celebrate Recovery

Aurora: Alcoholics Anonymous of Aurora

Cassville: Celebrate Recovery meets at the

meets at 8 p.m. at Aurora Community of Christ Church at 120 E. Elm every Tuesday and Thursday. Call 417-229-1237.

Cassville: Alcoholics Anonymous of Cassville meets at 8 p.m. at 1308 Harold Street in Cassville every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday and Thursday. Call 417-847-3685.

Eagle Rock: Alcoholics Anonymous of Eagle

Rock meets at 7 p.m. at 86 & P (Mitchel Plaza) every Monday and Wednesday.

Call 417-271-0434.

Marionville: Alcoholics Anonymous of

Marionville meets at 8 p.m. on Highway 60 next to Dairy Queen every Sunday.

Call 417-463-7640.

Monett: Alcoholics Anonymous of Monett

meets at 7 p.m. at St. Lawrence Catholic Church, 405 Seventh Street, every Sunday and Wednesday. Call 417-489-5058.

Mt. Vernon: Alcoholics Anonymous of Mt. Vernon meets at 8 p.m. at the Christian Church on 703 Hickory every Monday.

Call 417-489-2413 or 417-440-1567.

Washburn: 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.

Al-Anon Cassville: Al-Anon Family Group meets at

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

This is for family or friends of alcoholics.

Caregiver Support Group Monett: Caregiver Support Group meets

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

Shell Knob: The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care-

givers Support Group meets at the Central Crossing Senior Center, 20801 YY-15, the third Thursday of every month at 2 p.m.

The Caring People (Single Mothers)

Cassville: The Caring People, a Single

Mom’s Support Group, meets the second Monday of each month from 5:30-7 p.m. at the First Baptist Church Fellowship Hall in Cassville. This is jointly sponsored by The Caring People organization and First Baptist Church, Cassville. A meal and children’s activities are provided. The meeting is open to anyone. For more information, call 417-847-2965.

54 | April 2019

Family Life Center in Cassville every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Meeting at the same time is Celebration Station for children. This is for anyone with hurts, habit or hang-ups.

Golden: Celebrate Recovery meets at 7 p.m. at the Golden Baptist Church on Route J in Golden every Monday of each month.

Dinner is served at 6:15 p.m. This is for anyone with hurts, habit or hang-ups.

Monett: Celebrate Recovery meets at New Site Baptist Church, 1925 Farm Rd 1060 in Monett, on Thursdays. Doors open at 6 p.m. Childcare provided. The Landing, a Celebrate Recovery group for teens, meets at the same time and site.

Purdy: Celebrate Recovery meets at First Baptist Church, 301 Washington St. in Purdy at 10 a.m. on Mondays.

Seligman: Celebrate Recovery meets at

MOZark Fellowship, 28277 Frisco Street, every Wednesday. Food is served at 6 p.m., and the meeting begins at 7 p.m.

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

Grief Care Support Marionville: Grief Care Support, sponsored community support by Integrity Hospice, is held the last Thursday of every month at 10 a.m. in Marionville at Methodist Manor, 205 South College Ave. in the Alice Lounge. Care group is for anyone experiencing grief through loss.

Monett: The Grief Support Group meets the

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

Narcotics Anonymous (NA) Monett: Vision of Hope Narcotics Anony-

mous group meets at 8 p.m. every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday in the upstairs of Monett Community Church, 2101 E. Cleveland.

Monett: 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 Seventh and Cale streets in Monett, 417-442-3706.

Washburn: 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.

BINGO Every Thursday night BINGO at the smoke-free Shell Knob/Viola Community Building on Oak Ridge Drive, 1/2 mile south of the Shell Knob bridge beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Come early for the Horse Race, Pull Tabs and good food.

Oak Pointe Bridge Club Oak Pointe Bridge Club meets every Monday and Wednesday at 10 a.m.

Lunch can be purchased for $3.

Call 417-235-3500.

MONETT SENIOR CENTER Bingo every day at noon; Exercise every Monday at 9:45 a.m. Pitch every Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30; and Pinochle every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 12:30 p.m.

CASSVILLE SENIOR CENTER Dominoes every Tuesday and Friday at noon.

Exercise class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10-11 a.m. Call 417-847-4510 for more information.

CENTRAL CROSSING SENIOR CENTER, SHELL KNOB, MO. Regular events: Wii Bowling every Wednesday, 12:45 to 3 p.m. New bowlers welcome.

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.

Qigong Exercise every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 10 a.m.

Arthritis Exercise class is held every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

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

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

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

Balance and Flexibility class is held every Monday from 9:30 to 10 a.m.

A STEAKHOUSE & MORE!

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We never know what mother-nature has in store for us.

Be prepared with property owners insurance coverage and someone who is ready to help you should the time come. Shelter offers several coverage options to suit your needs and budget. For insurance that offers you peace of mind, call me today!

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Connection Magazine | 55

Cutest kid Calesi Chrysler is the 11-month-old daughter of Heather and Caleb Chrysler of Monett

Congratulations

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

Calesi

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.

56 | April 2019

parenting column

Out with the Old, in with the New

W

hat is it about springtime that gets us all excited about a simpler way of living? Kitchen windows are cracked open and a gentle breeze from the outside ruffles the curtains ever so slightly that it looks like they’re dancing across your wood floors.

You can’t help but have Pandora on your favorite music station so you can jam out while vacuuming the rug. You breathe in a big dose of fresh air and exhale the worries of the day. Let’s face it, April is the month of new things.

Knowing where to begin the spring cleaning can be the tricky part.

Deciding which room in your house to tackle first can be an overwhelming feat but you can do it. My tip is to make three piles: Donate, Toss, Keep. I think we know what to do with the keep pile; put things in their place. And we know what to do with the toss pile; throw it away. But what do we do with the donate pile?

Where do we donate all the things?

Start here:

Clothes of all kinds seem to be the number one thing we have an overflow of and want to donate as fast as possible. Instead of going straight to your local Goodwill store, why not see if there is a church nearby who knows of a family in need or post something on your Facebook page letting people know you have some things you would like to pass on and have them message you if they know of someone in need. I know I’m not the only one who drives around with bags full of donations in my trunk for long periods of time…

If you have old random pieces of lumber, textiles or building materials, call the Habitat for Humanity store and see if they could use your donations.

If you would like to try and get money for some of your things, you can always go to a resale store or sell online through a community page, Craigslist or eBay. With the Marie Kondo craze going on right now, asking yourself, “Do I love it? Does it bring me joy?” might be just what you need to be able to move forward with clearing out your old stuff.

Organize smarter not harder

When it comes to cleaning out the kids’ stuff, now that’s another story.

Toys they have not played with in a very long time, resurface for the donate pile and suddenly, those are the toys they can’t possibly live without. So how do you get your kids to part with their things when they no longer use them?

Connection Magazine | 57

It’s our anniversary!

Join us

SATURDAY, APRIL 27 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

• Specials • Food samples • Games & prizes • Dixie Belle Paint Demos

Thank you for making us a success!

Women’s and children’s boutique clothing Gourmet foods • Jewelry Home accents & unique gift items Dixie Belle Paint products

The Rusty Rabbit & Emmett’s Emporium 208 E. Washington Pierce City, MO 417-489-3836 • 417-737-1667 Thurs. & Fri. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sat. 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.

PROM TIME IS HERE! CaREy’S HaS yOuR PROM PaCkagE SPECIal! Diamond Plus Collection Tuxedo Premium Shoes Boutonniere – for Him Wrist Corsage – for Her

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Try this: Use the same “donate, toss, keep” system that you would use for yourself. Write out each word on a large piece of paper so your kids can clearly see where they need to put their stuff. Let them help you decide what goes where. There’s nothing worse than getting rid of something we thought our kids didn’t know they had only to realize they actually really loved it.

Group things in ‘like’ categories. For example, grab all of your daughter’s stuffed animals and tell her she can keep 10 but needs to donate or sell the rest. Or maybe there is a large tote you can put them in so you tell her, “You can keep whatever fits in this tote” and the rest needs to go.

Having something that your kids are working towards helps with this process too. Are you planning a summer vacation? Tell your kids the money they earn from selling their things can go toward their summer trip. They will see the fruits of their labor when summer rolls around and they get to buy that vacation souvenir on the boardwalk they just couldn’t live without. It’s a win-win for everyone.

April is the month for new things so get out there and start cleaning your house for a simpler, easier way of living. I would love to see your progress! Head on over to writermeaganruffing on Facebook, where you can post a picture of your Donate, Toss, Keep pile. You never know…you might inspire another reader to do the same.

For All Your Florist Needs

Flowers Speak Wonders 200 W. 1st Street, Across from the Judicial Center Cassville, MO • 417-847-2363 Open 8:30 am – 5:00 pm Mon-Sat 58 | April 2019

Meagan Ruffing loves spring cleaning. To see how her adventures are unfolding this month, visit her at:

www.meaganruffing.com for a good laugh and inspiration.

NOw ENROllINg 3 Years and Older Where learning is fun!

PRESchOOl and DAycARE State Licensed Accepting State Pay! Part Time or Full Time Availability Meals and Snacks Served Full Curriculum Taught After School Program Available Playology Focused Call Today for More Information or to Set Up an Appointment!

PRESCHOOL/DAYCARE call and schedule your birthday party today

BEST BIRTHDAYS PARTIES

EXPANDED IN SIZE AND PURPOSE! Kiddie City Preschool STATE LICENSED FACILITY

Mon.-Fri. 6am-9pm Kiddie City Weekend Entertainment Open To The Public Sat. & Sun. 10am-5pm

Check Out Our Facebook Page For Event Information!

EAt, SlEEP, PlAy!

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6 wEEkS tO 3 yRS. Limited Space Availability

INFANT CARE A place where children can be veterinarians, super heroes, knights, princesses, police officers, fire fighters and more.

509 Dairy Street Monett, Mo. 65708 Meet

SUNDAY SCHOOL • APRIL 21 @ 9:45 A.M. Join us at 9:30 a.m. for coffee & donuts

Valerie Bennett, FnP-C triSH MCCraCKen, rMa

April 21 @ 10:45 A.M. Nursery is available for children 3 year of age and younger

Your home town health providers!

Family medical care • Minor illnesses Procedures • Suturing

Purdy HealtH CliniC

Quality Care. Close to home. With heart.

Arnhart Baptist Church 8722 Farm Road 1100 Purdy, MO 65734

417.442.7115 www.arnhart.org • info@arnhart.org

Walk-ins • Appointments Monthly Memberships

200 Washington Suite E, Purdy, MO

417-442-3000 Connection Magazine | 59

connection on the go

Wayne Franks, Blake Williams, Madison Mayes, Carla and Cody Franks took the Christmas Connection Magazine while on a Mexico cruise

Betty Frank, Tammy Haynes, Carson Colf and Jessica Colf enjoyed Christmas in New York City. They took Connection Magazine with them for a day in Central Park.

a d v e r t i s e r 's i n d e x Acambaro Mexican......................................... 51 Advanced Plumbing & Septic Systems....... 33 Aire Serv............................................................ 19 Amber Acres Resort........................................ 17 Angus Branch Steakhouse............................ 55 Arnhart Baptist Church.................................. 59 Barry County Farmers Coop......................... 40 Barry Lawrence Regional..................................2 Big Creek Leather Co..................................... 17 Big Creek Resort............................................. 16 Bill Vance Marine............................................ 19 BJ McCauley..................................................... 44 Bruner Pharmacy............................................. 26 Carey’s Cassville Florist................................. 58 Carson Construction...................................... 35 Cassville MFA Agri Services.......................... 44 Central Crossing Senior Center.......................9 Coast to Coast................................................. 33 Coldwell Banker, Vangaurd Realtors........... 24 Coldwell Banker, Show-Me Properties...... 35 Community National Bank............................ 45 Cox Medical Centers...................................... 68 Crown Power & Equipment.......................... 41 Cubs Café......................................................... 17

60 | April 2019

Janet Laub, Norma Clinton and Cathy Lewis enjoyed a Making Memories Christmas tour of Cajun Country in Layfayette in late December.

Davis & Son...................................................... 33 Diet Center....................................................... 24 Doug’s Pro Lube.............................................. 51 Edgewood Creamery...................................... 32 Edward Jones......................................................3 First Baptist Church........................................ 18 First State Bank of Purdy.............................. 36 First United Methodist.................................. 36 Fohn Funeral Home........................................ 67 Four Seasons Real Estate.............................. 31 Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri.......... 32 Friendly Tire...................................................... 50 Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant................. 26 Hangar Kafe..................................................... 52 Jay Marshall Pump Service........................... 41 Jug & Plug............................................................8 K & K Insurance............................................... 35 Ken’s Collision Center.................................... 24 Kiddie City........................................................ 59 Lackey Body Works........................................ 50 Lil Boom Town Event...................................... 50 Mattax Neu Prater Eye Center..................... 32 MFA Co-Op Association................................ 40 Monett Chamber of Commerce................... 19 Monett Chamber of Commerce................... 52

Monett Rental & Sales................................... 35 Mountain View Estates.....................................9 Nickle’s Flooring.............................................. 16 Ozark Methodist Manor................................ 67 Peppers and Co............................................... 52 Purdy Health Clinic......................................... 59 Race Brothers.................................................. 51 Rainbow Gardens Greenhouse.................... 45 Riehn, J. Michael; attorney............................ 30 Rusty Gate Flea Market................................. 55 Scott Regional Technology Center.............. 45 Security Bank of Southwest Missouri........ 67 Shell Knob Small Engine...................................8 Shelter Insurance..................................... 30, 55 Swartz Tractor.................................................. 44 The Brown Bag Breakroom........................... 41 The Coffee Café.............................................. 36 The Jane Store................................................. 50 The Rusty Rabbit............................................. 58 Tomblin’s Jewelry............................................ 31 Trogdon Marshall............................................ 52 White’s Insurance........................................... 26 Whitley Pharmacy........................................... 31 Willis Insurance Agency................................. 18

familiar faces

The Monett Chamber of Commerce held its annual membership meeting and banquet on March 7 at the Scott Regional Technology Center.

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1. Heather VanNote,

Tara Sartin 2. Jamie and Mackenzie Walker 3. Hiedi Carlin, Glenna Kraft 4. Donna Beckett, Ken Gaspar,

Dave Beckett 5. Dayton and Pearl Mackey 6. Neal Messer, David DeSutter,

Betty Messer 7. Justin and Lacey Rosewicz 8. Rhonda Schilly, Yesenia Perez,

Jennifer Cogburn 9. Alyssa and Jake Vaughn 10. Alicia Sanchez, Tara Kingrey,

Robyn Chrysler,

Desiree Castro,

Cassie Morgan

10 Connection Magazine | 61

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7 The 26th annual Barry County Shrine Club Cajun Dinner was held on March 9 at the Monett City Park Casino.

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9 62 | April 2019

Lenny and Julie Davis Chadd Vaughn, Kelsey Morris, Derek Mulvaney, Jennifer Vaughn, Grant Vaughn Jeff Bell, Andy Brandt Kiley Cunningham, Rich Hall Gary and Sara Schad Bo and Amber Gray

7. Barbara Henson, Brad Wells 8. Terry and Chuck Oheim,

Ben Slagle 9. Ruth and Delmar Hunke,

Larry and Maxine Harris,

David Himmerich 10. Chris and Kathy Davis

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5 The Cassville Education Fund held its annual Trivia Night Friday in the Cassville High School commons, raising $2,500 for the fund to help support local teachers.

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Michelle, Darrell and Charity Hovland Nancy and Robert Foulke Samuel Jackson and Alicia Luney Wendy, Levi, James and Jenna Crim Shannon Haney Jr., Jessica Haney and Shannon Haney Sr. Jason and Beth Hudson, Becky Ryder, and Ken West Annett Smith and Dora Garcia Derek and Belinda Couch

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8 Connection Magazine | 63

1

The opening of trout season at Roaring River State Park near Cassville was held on March 1.

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5 4 1. Kylie Russell, Cory Sooter, Ashlee and Emilee Sooter 2. Connor, Sam and Eli Madsen 3. Mike Schied, Kelsey Harris 4. Nick, Jared and

Michael Childress,

Jeff and Debra Hobson,

Doug, Earl and

Dennis Childress 5. Charles Rayburn,

Mary Fellows 6. Mark Moreno,

Gavin Upchurch 7. Dustin Stellwagen,

Bill Logan 8. Joy Erway, Billy Freeman 9. Melvin Ward,

Dale Jasumback,

Larry Zebert 10. Cash Holmes, Tyler Smith

64 | April 2019

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Trinity Lutheran School, in Freistatt, hosted its annual carnival fundraiser on Friday, March 8.

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1. Raelynn, Dustin, Peyton, Zoey and

Ciara Moore 2. Tracy, Max, Ray and Sophie Beck 3. Matt and Finnley Botzer 4. Shayla Doss and Amy Mattlage 5. Lenora and Emma Sletten 6. John and Patty Cryer 7. Alexis Hall and Raelin Jelinek 8. Kindra and Gus Miller 9. Rock Conway and Steve Kleiboeker 10. Bailey Yarnall holding Gracie Yarnall

10 Connection Magazine | 65

parting shot

66 | April 2019

Photo by Pete Rauch of the Lower Falls at Yellowstone National Park

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Cassville, Missouri 417-847-2141 or 417-847-2157 Shell Knob, Missouri 417-858-3151 McQueen Funeral Home Wheaton, Missouri 417-652-7268 Connection Magazine | 67