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Freedom on the Fourth
July 2018
Beebe’s Waterslide Make adventure
Totes and more Accessorize local
a tiny hero Goodbye Bunnyman
building futures Families in Recovery
Connection Magazine | 1
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www.edwardjones.com A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians
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 Julia Kilmer Dionne Zebert Jane Severson Verna Fry Angie Judd Cheryl Williams Sierra Gunter Bob Mitchell
Edward Jones Salutes
the courage and loyalty of our troops, both now and in the past. Thank you.
PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Brad Stillwell Jamie Brownlee Amy Sampson
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I WANT TO INTRODUCE MYSELF My name is Danielle Still and I'm running for Barry County Recorder! I am a lifelong resident of Barry County. I live in rural Exeter with Josh, my husband of 12 years, our daughters Brianna, 8 and Madison, 4. We live on a 3rd generation family farm raising cattle. My husband is in the forestry business. We are active members at Corinth Baptist Church of Cassville. We are busy with our daughter’s activities throughout the year. We are very family oriented and it’s important to both of us to stay active in our daughter’s lives. Many of you may remember me from the License Office in Cassville where I worked for 15 years and got the privilege of meeting and serving you. I took time off to be a stay at home mom after our youngest was born. The reason I want to run for the office of Barry County Recorder is to be able to show my girls not only what hard work and dedication can provide, but that serving Barry County residents is also an honor! The campaign will allow my girls to meet people, introducing them to the world of social interaction. During my tenure with the Department of Revenue I became well acquainted with Missouri State Statutes. I will be capable of following the statutes applicable to the Recorder’s Office. I am a wife and mother; I bring to the table my integrity and honor. I’m asking for your prayers, concerns and support as I look forward to serving the citizens of Barry County once again. I am asking for YOUR VOTE on August 7th for Barry County RECORDER.
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Cutest Kid
Payden Wade Kelley 2-year-old son of Jami and Austin Kelley of Aurora
Email your child’s photo to connection@monett-times.com. Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. Remember to include your child’s name, parent’s name, age, city and your contact information. The contest is open to children ages 10 and younger. The photos submitted will be used for the sole purpose of this contest.
Connection Magazine | 5
staff editorial
Let’s Teach Patriotism We all agree that holidays are fun and exciting, Christmas, Easter, Thanksgiving and upcoming is the exciting celebration of the Fourth of July. If the majority of parents are like me, I always took time to explain the real meaning behind the holidays so my children did not think it was just presents and Santa Claus, the Easter bunny and hunting Easter eggs and turkey and dressing. I am just wondering how many adults really take time to explain the meaning of Independence Day to the next generation. Our children are very familiar with barbecues, watermelon, homemade ice cream and lots of fireworks, but do they know why we are doing this? It would probably prove to be very interesting to seek their answers to this question. Even at an early age, children can learn that being patriotic means loving, supporting and defending one’s country. It is up to us as adults to explain this so our children will always know what this holiday is all about and why we do it. The explanation does not have to be difficult: Patriotism is the love that people have for their country. Freedom means making choices and respecting the choices of others. In a free country, it’s ok for people to make mistakes, be different and believe in different things. Independence means you can choose for yourself.
Tell your child why you love America. Model an attitude of thankfulness for the luxuries you are allowed to enjoy as a result of our country’s freedom. Discuss what makes America different from other countries around the world. I firmly believe it is our responsibility to teach our children respect for our country, for our flag and for the many, many soldiers that have fought and died for our luxuries and freedoms that we often take for granted today. Children need to learn about our country’s history in order to appreciate and to understand what patriotism is all about. Talk about how our country started. America was not always free. I love the celebration, the barbecues, the family get-togethers, but in the midst of this we have to remember that we would not have this privilege if there were not those that had laid down their lives for our country. The fireworks are fun and exciting, and the children can enjoy them and know that they represent the battles our country fought and continue to fight today for freedom throughout the world. America is not perfect, and part of patriotism involves working hard to improve and support our country. Raising patriotic children instills a sense of belonging and responsibility to our society. Let’s all celebrate America’s birthday together! Having fun, loving our families, and watching the beautiful fireworks, but take a moment to remember and salute those that made it possible for us to have this glorious and celebratory day of victory!
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
6 | July 2018
j u ly 2018
Features
32 19 10 | Happy Fourth
Monett throws the party of the year during Fourth of July celebrations
17 | Around the world
Grandsons of Cassville couple serve inU.S. Armed Forces, meeting famous politicians
10 41
19 | Beebe’s Roaring River Waterslide Make an afternoon a memory at this classic Ozark summertime favorite
32 | Totes has it
Cassville entrepreneur opens shop in home and online
41 | Sending ‘Bunnyman’ home
William Todd Lee Harry, age 3, captures love of family and friend with heroic courage
47 | The misadventures of Summer 1948
Combing The Monett Times archives uncovers a string of Barry County oddities in a single summer
54 | Building futures
Families in Recovery helps former inmates claim their lives anew Connection Magazine | 7
Contents 5 Cutest Kid contest
27 Parenting Column: A to Z excitement
31 Healthy Connection: Modern malnutrition 38 Housing Around: Home Sweet Home
46 Cutest Pet contest 49 Guest Column: Pam Wormington
51 Recipes: Fourth favorites
54
58 My Connection
59 Community Calendar 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
27
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parenting tips
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A MAgAzine DeDicAteD to SouthweSt
om Froneed th e Fourth
MiSSouriAnS
July 2018
Beebe’s Waterslide
Make adventure
Totes and more
Accessorize local
a tiny hero
Goodbye Bunnyman
building futures
Families in Recovery
31
Connection Magazine | 1
Cover photo by Murray Bishoff
8 | July 2018
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Party of the Year
Monett’s Fourth of July outshines all other celebrations
10 | July 2018
W
hen you think of a town event, you may envision a parade, a picnic, a concert, a street party, a carnival or perhaps fireworks. Roll them all together and you get Monett’s Fourth of July celebration, the biggest party of the year for the community. Monett has seemed challenged over the years to create some kind of enduring public attraction. Its fall festivals were plagued by bad weather. The Jaycees carnival and events like the Strawberry Festival ran out of steam for a lack of people power. The Repurposed Faire in late August seems to have captured momentum by tapping into a popular theme. But nothing has resonated quite like the Fourth of July.
Story by Murray Bishoff
Contestants for L’il Miss, L’il Mister Liberty during the 2004 celebration.
It seems unthinkable that there was a time when Monett had no organized celebration of the nation’s birthday. Monett’s biggest early July 4 celebration was in 1911, when Logan McKee flew his DeChenne biplane over what we now know as South Park. The Monett Times reported “upwards of 10,000 people,” many from a great distance, came to town to witness their first airplane. It was called the biggest crowd the city had ever seen in its nearly 23-year existence. McKee made two successful flights that day. The next day he had mechanical problems and crashed the plane, though he walked away and witnesses praised the spectacle. During exceptional prosperity and
good strawberry crops, Monettans would spread their wings to celebrate. In 1929, “Music, plenty of red lemonade, a congressman to speak and a big fireworks display at night” took place in Monett’s city park. Congressman J.J. Manlove, a Joplin resident, spoke at 2 p.m. The Monett band provided music in the afternoon and evening. Soft drinks and sandwich stands were set up in the park and the city swimming pool was open. “A big assortment of fireworks has been purchased and is already here,” The Monett Times reported. “Logan D. McKee is to have the fun of shooting them off, with [wallpaper merchant] Robert Vogt and [clothing merchant] Charles Mansfield as assistant match
touchers. The fireworks are to be fired from the north side of the casino, so that people in Monett can see the display.” In 1930 the Cassville Band came to play at the city park, followed by races, including the 100 yard dash for “fat men, 200 lbs. or more.” There were hog calling contests, sack, potato, and three-legged races, a rolling pin contest for married women where “distance and accuracy count equally,” a ball game across town at the City Hall Park between the Monett Cubs and Pierce City, and contests at the golf course. Judge Emory E. Smith was the speaker. The evening had Japanese daylight fireworks at 5 p.m., followed by a second band concert and fireworks.
Connection Magazine | 11
That was the last community celebration for more than a decade and a half. In 1931 July 4 fell on a Saturday so it wasn’t quite a holiday. In 1932, with the economy contracting from the Great Depression, people began migrating to other towns for events. The newspaper ran brief blurbs about victims of fireworks burns. In 1938 a fireworks show was held after the Monett Red Birds’ game at the Athletic Field. In 1939 The Monett Times reported the city park was well occupied by picnickers and swimming pool users, but nothing else. During World War II, anything that could go “boom” was exported for war use. By 1946, returning troops put all commodities into shortage and even keeping the cupboard stocked proved difficult. But by 1947, with businesses opening, houses going up as rapidly as building supplies allowed, July 4 was no longer an obscure holiday. For returning veterans, patriotism was a big deal, and Monett’s American Legion Post shouldered the responsibility of making a memorable holiday once again. “The [1947] Fourth of July celebration sponsored by the Hobbs-Anderson Post of the American Legion was one of the finest events of its kind, according to old timers,” The Monett Times reported. “Activities began with an air show at the airport [where Monett High School is located today], including an air race. A ball game between the Neosho Rockets and the Monett Legionnaires was won by Monett. Rev. Fred Schmidtke, pastor of the First Methodist Church, gave a short patriotic talk before the first ball was thrown by Mayor V.B. Hall. A fireworks display climaxed the day with flashing lights and colorful pyrotechnics lighting up the countryside.” The fireworks show was present-
12 | July 2018
ed at the Jaycee Athletic Field, west of what is now Burl Fowler Stadium. The show included Niagara Falls, the tower of mystery, devil wheels, the cane of jewels, flash curtains, the rising sun, an electric storm curtain, crazy wheels, flying pigeons, silver birch fountains, golden spray fountains, a blazing sun and a large American flag. And it just kept getting bigger from there. In 1948 the Legion served its first chicken dinner at noon at the Jaycee Athletic Field, a treat that would not become a staple for another quarter century. There was also an air show flying over from the airport. In 1949, the crowd was estimated at 5,000. “During the blasting of the fireworks, one of the igniters dropped a huge aerial bomb in a regulation army mortar tube,” The Monett Times reported. “The cracker backfired and drove the tube two feet into the ground. A delay of several minutes in the program was necessitated while the tube was unearthed.” In 1950 activities are expanded to two locations. Races and games were held at the city park, today’s South Park, where Congressman Dewey Short spoke at 1 p.m. Fireworks continued at the Athletic Field. In 1953 there was an afternoon and evening speaker. Springfield attorney Jack Powell offered the afternoon talk at the park, and Judge Emery Medlin spoke in the evening at the Athletic Field before the fireworks. In 1969 the event incorporated a special feature, the dedication of the Legion’s stone marker at the top of the hill by the cannon. Missouri Secretary of State James Kirkpatrick came to town to share in dedication duties and to speak that evening. Circuit Judge William H. Pinnell was the master of ceremonies that year. After overflowing the Athletic Field
for many years, in 1972 the entire celebration moved to South Park. In 1974, under event chairman Glennon Bass, the event was rebranded as the Old-Fashioned Fourth of July. Bass took advantage of the park’s resources to create a carnival atmosphere of games and activities. The Morlan Family and other gospel singing groups provided live music. The park provided a friendlier setting for crowds staying for the evening fireworks. The Legion’s annual barbecued chicken dinners, started in the late 1950s as an autumn activity, was added to the Fourth in 1975. After having no speaker in 1970, that feature was quickly restored. Lawrence County Prosecutor Henry Clapper spoke in 1971, followed by Kenneth Tucker, past state commander for the American Legion in 1972, and Congressman Gene Taylor in 1973. State Senator Emory Melton spoke in 1974. The World War II veterans running the Legion’s began to pass the baton in the 1990s. Glennon Bass, who had cochaired the event for several years with Jim Bass, stepped aside in 1990. Mark Pennington would pick up the duties as chairman. Dick Brady, who had led the Legion contingent setting off fireworks for 15 years, stepped down in 1991, passing duties to Jon Suit. Speakers through the 1990s were a who’s who of significant political leaders: Congressman Mel Hancock, Secretary of State Roy Blunt, State Treasurer Wendell Bailey, State Senator Emory Melton, Former Governor John Ashcroft, Governor Mel Carnahan, State Representatives Linda Bartelsmeyer and Sam Gaskill, State Treasurer Bob Holden, Congressman Roy Blunt and State Representative Sam Gaskill, closing the decade with Barry County Prosecutor Steve Hemphill.
2018
Monett Fourth of July Party July 4 Carnival opens 1 p.m. Music 3 p.m. Monett South Park
Connection Magazine | 13
Viewing fireworks from the ground in 2008
Brad Wakefield from A.M. Pyrotechnics with fireworks for the 2004 display at Monett’s South Park.
14 | July 2018
2018 fireworks show Starts at 9:30 p.m. Monett South Park
The 1990s had highlights that included a parade in 1991 for the returning soldiers who served in Operation Desert Storm and Desert Shield, a highlight that had not occurred on the Fourth since the Bi-Centennial Celebration in 1976. The Ozark Festival Orchestra played Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” in 1990 under Music Director David Goza. The OFO’s brass ensemble played in several subsequent years. Then in 1996 there was a great rarity — a rainout. The event was rescheduled, with notably lower crowds, on Saturday, July 13. In 1998, the celebration went through a major transition, passing from the Legion to a new organization, the Fourth of July Committee. Deborah Schoen served as chairperson, with a committee that started out with Kevin Litchfield, Ron Smith, Tom Jones and Chet Steffen. The Fourth of July Committee expanded festivities over time, crowning a Little Miss and Little Mister Fourth of July, extending live entertainment into the afternoon and importing a carnival to create more of a day-long experience. Another parade worked into the mix in 2004, hosted by the Monett
Chamber of Commerce for National Guard soldiers returning from active duty in Iraq. The celebration faced new issues after the terrorist attacks of 2001. Handling of explosives came under much closer federal scrutiny. The fireworks contract was signed with A.M. Pyrotechnics of Buffalo for providing and launching the fireworks show. Schoen and company led the event through 2006 with great success. Their group at retirement included Jones, Tracy Waters, Wilmer Bray, Charlene and Chet Steffen, and Chuck Rinehart. At the request of Mayor Jim Orr, the Monett Chamber of Commerce agreed to shepherd the festivities, which ran well for four years under Cindy Pittman in 2007 and Jim Haston in 2008 and 2009 at the same high level set by their predecessors. In 2009, early rain dampened festivities, though the Lions sold out of their 1,400 chicken halves. New contests were added, as was a new sound system that benefited speaker Emory Melton in his last appearance. By 2010 the music was back to evening only entertainment, though many vendors continued to provide
entertainment options. In 2011 a new group of community volunteers, Freedom and Fireworks, largely drawn from the Chamber’s leadership program graduates and headed by Sarah Hohensee, took the reins for a twoday celebration, scheduling activities on a Friday night and Saturday with great success. Their first year incorporated groundbreaking ceremonies for the new Monett Area YMCA at South Park. They added a shell for the performers and a post-fireworks Zumba activity. Construction of the YMCA proved problematic for the 2012 celebration, forcing vendors and viewing for the fireworks down onto the soccer fields on the east end of the park. That reduced vendors and the size of crowds. In 2013 the celebration moved back into the park proper and found success awaiting. The Lions sold out of their 1,600 chicken halves. Mike’s Amusements provided the carnival and Ben Lesue, first lieutenant with the Headquarters and Headquarters Company of the 35th Engineering Brigade at Fort Leonard Wood, provided the patriotic address. The biggest wrinkle was the fireworks show only lasted about 15 minutes. In 2014 the Monett Chamber of Commerce returned as event sponsor. The entertainment that year came from the Party Station of Nixa and inflatables from the YMCA. Since that time, the rides have expanded, and the Chamber has used a wristband system to simplify participation for children. Vendors have remained fairly steady, expanding in variety, and area bands have provided entertainment. The Mark Chapman Band has anchored the evening’s music for the past three years. Other features have continued, except the patriotic address, which was dropped in 2017.
Connection Magazine | 15
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Jeff Meredith, executive director of the Chamber, proudly pointed out that, thanks to community support, the Chamber has been able to offer the largest fireworks show in southwest Missouri. The event has been one of the few times that Hispanic families have mingled comfortably in significant numbers with other Monettans at the park, along with large numbers of out-of-town residents, more testimony that the celebration is for everyone. The fireworks show is also watched from parking lots at businesses along Highway 60, from the golf course and porches all across town. Meredith estimated the 2015 crowd at between 4,000 and 5,000 watchers from all vantage points. He also credited support by the city’s park department, firemen and police for making such an endeavor possible. Prior to World War II, people seemed to have purchased personal use fireworks in small quantities from grocery stores and corner markets, things like sparklers, snakes and Roman candles. Kids would entertain themselves in their backyards. The City of Monett banned fireworks sales in 1956 after an unfortunate incident — not related to the Fourth of July — when some teens threw fireworks into the car of a teacher, with her in it. The proliferation of independent fireworks vendors, beginning in the 1980s, remained outside the city limits until 2016, when the city dropped its ban on sales. Home use of fireworks, restricted for decades to July 4 only, has now been expanded to July 2-4. Generations of Monettans have been nourished by the patriotic zeal of the town’s July 4 celebration. They wouldn’t have it any other way.
Courtesy photo
Local couple’s grandsons meet politicians while in Armed Forces
G
randsons of Sue and Bob Mitchell, of Cassville, serving in separate branches of U.S. Armed Forces have experienced meeting high-level politicians in the performance of their duty, or in travel to a new assignment station. Staff Sergeant Sean Mitchell, USAFR, greeted Vice President Mike Pence on his visit to 19th Space Operations Squadron, 310 Space Wing, Shriever AFB, Colo. Mitchell is a satellite operations crew NCOIC for the GPS operations. Pence was in Colorado Springs on a tour of military operations during the encounter. Mitchell is the senior enlisted member of the operations crew for the Global Positioning System satellite constellation of up to 30 spacecraft to ensure they are healthy and available to provide precision navigation and timing support to any and all U.S. Forces operating around the world. In another meeting, Lt. Commander Andrew Parsons, MC, USN, arrived overseas about the time as Nancy Pelosi, minority leader of the United States Senate. On separate flights, their encounter was in Ireland, as LCDR Parsons was on his way for assignment with a Military Medical Unit under NATO in southeast Asia.
Story by Bob Mitchell
Staff Sergeant Sean Mitchell, USAFR greets Vice President Mike Pence on his visit to 19th Space Operations Squadron, 310 Space Wing, Shriever AFB, Colorado. Courtesy photo
Lt. Commander Andrew Parsons, MC, USN, arrived overseas about the time as Nancy Pelosi, minority leader of the United States Senate.
The Navy doctor’s assignment is with a contingent of medical personnel in the unit picked from throughout the country. LCDR Mitchell’s permanent duty assignment is with the Balboa Navy Hospital in San Diego, Calif. Prior to this duty station, he was under orders for a year of study at
Harvard University Hospital, Boston, Mass. Previously he graduated from the Flight Surgeon Training at Pensacola, Fla., and then served two years at Vance AFB. Other services included Bethesda and Walter Reed military hospitals in Washington, D.C. Connection Magazine | 17
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Marlee Beebe, 5, granddaughter of Jerry and Rita Beebe, enjoyed walking in the trough of the family waterslide, while grandfather Jerry sands it by hand from top to bottom to prepare it for the season.
Who: Jerry and Rita Beebe What: Beebe’s Roaring River Waterslide When: The waterslide is celebrating its 40th year,
and has been in the Beebe family for 25 years
Where: Highway 112, Cassville
Slide I
Decades of fun on the hometown, homemade slide
f you want to know what it’s like to own and maintain a waterslide, and to have one in the family for over two decades, just ask Jerry and Rita Beebe, owners of Beebe’s Roaring River Waterslide in Cassville, or their kids. The 300-foot slide built into the side of an Ozark mountain off Highway 112 is one-of-a-kind, not only because it’s rare to have such an attraction in a small community, but because it’s been there four decades, and been owned and operated by the Beebes for the last 25 years.
Story by Julia Kilmer
Connection Magazine | 19
This view from the upper level cafe and snack bar area gives a good view of much of Beebe’s Roaring River Waterslide, which is just one-quarter mile from Roaring River State Park on Highway 112 south of Cassville. The slide was built in 1978, and has been owned and operated by the Beebe family for the last 25 years. Originally called Laverne and Shirley’s Mountain when built in 1978, the slide is celebrating its 40th year of providing families decades of summer fun. One of the best activities during summer is anything that involves water, and every day from Memorial Day weekend throughout the summer, the slide is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. A cafe with snacks, drinks and shaved ice are onsite, along with picnic tables in a picturesque setting on the mountainside. “We have a full house as soon as school gets out,” said Rita Beebe. Ride on a mat, on your bum, with a friend, mom, dad, or solo; but be prepared to scream and shriek with delight while racing down the slippery, twistyturvy, fast-as-lightning structure, with the ride ending in a big splash into a pool of water.
20 | July 2018
For only $8 a person for an hour to ride as many times as you want — that’s a bargain. It’s a rush visitors won’t soon forget, and there’s no better way to cool off on a hot summer day. “You take that ride down, and it’s unreal,” said Jerry Beebe. “People love it,” said the two. The climb back to the start is a steep one, so be prepared to pant, because, after all, the slide does sit on an Ozark mountain, which gives it its heighth, speed and appeal; so after several rides, you’ll more than get your exercise in, and your money’s worth. The slide is so long, the ride lasts longer than expected. About the time the rider thinks it’s going to end, there is still more slide and more bends left. With historic Roaring River State Park, dating back to the 1930s, and
built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the World War II era, just around the corner, along with fishing and camping, families can make a day or weekend out of it. Jerry and Rita never dreamed they’d own a waterslide attraction, but noticed the house that sits on the property during a vacation to Eagle Rock in 1975 from their home state of Oklahoma, where Jerry was working as a truck driver, and Rita at a school. “Five years later, we moved to Eagle Rock,” Jerry said. At one point after moving, they decided to inquire about the house, and within two weeks, made a deal with the owners to buy the home — and the slide came with it. “It didn’t come with instructions,” laughed Jerry.
Jerry Beebe, owner of Beebe’s Roaring River Waterslide, takes a break from sanding the slide to prepare it for another season, to enjoy time with his granddaughter Marlee Beebe, 5, on a hot day. Ivy Hamilton, front, of Rogers, Ark., has been coming to Beebe’s Roaring River Waterslide since she was a child with her family. As an adult, she still comes back to enjoy the slide, bringing her friends, Luke Thomas, and Elizabeth Kinne (right), with her.
Connection Magazine | 21
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Visitors to the slide had this to say on TripAdvisor.com: “One of the highlights of our annual trip to Roaring River is spending an afternoon at the concrete slide! We slide until our legs won’t carry us back up the hill one more time, then we order snow cones and sit on the steps to devour them. A double treat on a hot summer day!”
Even for seasonal work, it’s quite a job to keep the slide and grounds maintained over the busy summer months, but the family has been doing it yearend, and year-out for 25 years. “It’s 24-7, but it’s three months,” Jerry said, a friendly, family man, who Rita says people call, ‘the man with the hat,’ as he is rarely seen without his trademark straw hat, and who still uses a flip phone, doesn’t text, or own a computer. “Most people don’t think about what it takes,” Jerry said. Around March, he begins his annual work on the slide to prepare it for the season, smoothing out any rough places by hand with a scraper and some sandpaper, all the way down the 300foot structure, foot-by-foot, to keep it in tip-top shape. “The whole thing is cement, and like anything else, it cracks,” he said. After that, he paints it several times to keep it looking fresh. And for a slide of that size, it takes about 14 gallons for one coat, and about 40 gallons before it’s all said and done.
Jerry and Rita Beebe are a team, working in unison for the last 25 years as owners and operators of Beebe’s Roaring River Waterslide in Cassville. Their two children, Skyler (Beebe) Bowman, and Travis Bowman, have grown up with the slide, working there each summer. Rita says Jerry is known as ‘the man in the hat,’ as he is rarely seen without his trademark straw hat.
“We paid for one hour of waterslide time — $8 per person. I wasn’t sure an hour would be enough, but the kids were exhausted after!! Fun, clean, and tiring! It was nice that the waterslide was built to go with the hill. I like that we didn’t need to climb a huge ladder and stand at the top of a plastic slide that was screwed together! Pretty cool place!” “Fun place to take the grand kids when we are at Roaring River trout fishing. Clean place, family environment, great place to tire the kids out!”
Connection Magazine | 23
“I’ll paint it four or five times before we open,” Jerry said, who, along with the hat, seems to always have a smile on his face and a happy tone in his voice. If you look, you can see a twinkle in his eye under the rim of his straw hat, and, despite the work, he hasn’t seemed to have lost his enthusiasm for the slide and the old-fashioned fun it provides to so many. So when it opens for the season, people can’t wait to get in. Like Ivy Hamilton and her friends, who travel from Rogers, Ark., to enjoy the slide, and for whom it has become a family tradition. “We love this place,” said Hamilton. “Since I was a kid, my mom and grandma always took me here. “It’s inexpensive and fun.”
If you want to know what it takes to maintain a waterslide, and to have one in the family for over two decades, just ask Jerry and Rita Beebe, owners of Beebe’s Roaring River Waterslide in Cassville. Before starting each season, which starts in May, they check every foot of the 300-foot slide, which is built on the side of an Ozark mountain. 24 | July 2018
Most people can’t say they grew up with a waterslide, let alone say they had a 300-foot slide in the family for 25 years. But the Beebes’ daughter, Skyler (Beebe) Bowman, of Cassville, can. “It was awesome!” she said. “And it was bittersweet. We did get to slide whenever we wanted to, and even before and after closing, but we had to work when we got busy. It wasn’t hard work for an 11-year-old, but it was torture to be so close to the slide and have to be working!” “I worked every summer until I graduated, then it’s been hit-and-miss after that. For example, I’m not much help this year because I just had Evan who is eight months old, and my hands are a little full. My husband Levi does work the weekends with mom and dad.”
Now with a family of her own, Skyler, who works at Commerce Bank in Cassville, says she loves watching her children, and her brother, Travis’ children, now growing up on the slide. “I’m anxious to hold Evan on his first ride down it,” she said. “It’s always a great family moment at the end of the season. We, dad, mom, Travis and I, along with the kids, take a final photo and share a sense of happiness that we have successfully completed another year. It’s fun for us. It’s hard work for sure, but working with my favorite people make it easier.” For more information about the slide, call 417-342-4399. It is located off of Highway 112 south of Cassville one-quarter of a mile from the state park.
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235-7739
210 Hwy 37, Monett
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4 WAYS TO SUBSCRIBE:
Call 417.847.2610 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m, M-F
Visit our 600 Main Street office between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m, M-F
Mail a check for $28.75 to Subscriptions, P.O. Box 486, Cassville, MO 65625
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Connection Magazine | 25
Summer Building Season Is Here! LARGE SELECTION Building – Remodeling – Housing Supplies
See Us For ALL Your Building Supplies TODAY! Treated and Untreated Lumber • Paint and Sundries Electrical • Plumbing • Power and Hand Tools Hardware and Fasteners 407 E. Hwy. 248 • P.O. Box 506, Cassville, MO 65625 PHONE 417-847-2123 • FAX 417-847-2761 www.throgers.com Employee Owned You, your family & friends are invited to the yearly
Monett on the Move Community Walks
Home Improvement
made easy!
Learn a Living
Last 2 Saturdays from April through October
Where: the Monett Area Farmer’s Market at the new Jerry D. Hall Memorial Pavilion in Downtown Monett
Free snacks Giveaways Raffles for a Fitbit fitness bracelet, $20 gift cards, and more!
Construction Technology This is a two year program designed to familiarize students with all phases of construction. Learning opportunities consist of classroom instruction and supervised hands-on training. Students enrolled in the program will be constructing a house over a two year period under the guidance of their instructor, from site-layout to framing and drying the house in the first year. Wiring, plumbing and the finish work will be completed the second year. Earn up to 6 college credit hours by successfully completing Construction Technology!
To learn more, visit our website at www.monettschools.org/srtc
• Walks will continue the last 2 Saturdays through October • Learn from experts about fitness, Zumba, pets, & more! • Topics will vary every month! Need a ride or want to learn more? Call CoxHealth at 417-236-2593
Shawn.Hayden@coxhealth.com
26 | July 2018
417-235-7022 • #2 David Sippy Drive • Monett Office Hours: Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
parenting column
Summer Fun from A to Z My kids are on summer break and to squeeze the most fun out of the time we have together, I have put together an A to Z Summer Bucket List. Having something like this on hand for my kids to see, helps set the tone for what our break will be like. It’s fun to check things off the list but also, to add things as we come up with new ideas. Here are 26 fun and easy ideas for things to do with your kids this summer.
Aquatics Center. We are spoiled with a beautiful aquatics center where we live and my kids love it. Check out your local swimming places and make a day of it. Board Games. Kids love board games. Let each kid pick out their favorite game and take turns playing them. This is a great (and sneaky way) of working on your kiddo’s coping skills on how to work through losing a game. Cook. This doesn’t have to be a full-course meal. Think simple! Let the kids help you make lunch today. They will love being able to jump in and make sandwiches and you’ll love seeing their smiling faces.
Dogs. Take the dogs for a walk. This is great exercise for the entire family and kids love feeling like they’re contributing in some way. Experiments. Kids love doing experiments. Look online for some simple ones that you and your kids can do together like making slime which seems to be the super popular thing to do right now. Friends. Have friends over. Let each kid have a special playdate with their friends on different days during different weeks. Spread it out. This is a great way to help your kids work on their social skills.
Grocery Shopping. You have to do it anyways so why not make it fun? Give each kid a list of five things to get and let them put them in the cart. They will enjoy this more than you realize. Hammock. Get a hammock! It’s perfect for those relaxing summer days. Ice Cream! Go out for ice cream at your local ice cream place or buy some for home and make ice cream cones. Jump Rope. Let’s face it. Our kids love seeing us adults do funny things and I guarantee you if you start jump roping, they’re going to laugh. Find your inner kid and see who can jump rope the longest.
Meagan Ruffing is a parenting journalist who loves sharing her kid-friendly ideas with other moms. Visit her at www.meaganruffing.com to keep up on her latest tips and tricks.
Connection Magazine | 27
Kindness. Challenge your kids to something kind for someone else. This could be holding the door open for someone at the store or helping a sibling clean up their room. It’s a free way to add so much value to your life. Library. This is handsdown one of my favorite things to do with my kids. Most libraries have summer reading programs where your kids can earn prizes the more they read. Head to the library and get them signed up. Movie Time. Either rent a movie at home during one of the days you’ve declared an SAHD (Stay-at-Home Day) or go out to the movies. Nap. Not all kids will take a nap, especially if they’re older, but you can still try. Maybe the little one takes a nap while the older ones read books. Ocean. If you’re fortunate enough to live near the ocean, go to the ocean! Kids love looking for seashells and playing in the sand. If you live far from the ocean (like we do), consider doing an activity with an ocean theme. This could be coloring pictures of ocean animals, visiting an aquarium, making an ocean-related project or reading a book about the ocean. The possibilities are endless. Picnic. Have a picnic. This can be in your backyard or at a park. Kids love picnics and you can pack the meal they helped make (see letter C).
28 | July 2018
Quarters. I give out a quarter each time I catch my kids doing one of their chores. They each have their own piggy banks in the laundry room and the sound of “kerplunk” that the quarters make when their tiny hands drop them in their containers gets everyone excited. Rain. The next time it rains, let your kids play in it. Really. Your kids will think you’re kidding but let them do it. No umbrellas needed. Scavenger Hunt. These are so fun! You can come up with your own things for you kids to find or you can print out idea sheets online (Pinterest) to send your kids on a scavenger hunt. Travel. Take a short trip somewhere. This could be to a nearby family member’s house or maybe an overnight trip to explore a new place. Underhand. Work on throwing a ball around underhand with your kids. My daughters are always wanting to get in on the fun of playing football with their big brother but they can get discouraged when their throwing techniques have them running around more than catching. Teach your kids how to throw underhand if they’re on the younger side so they can enjoy a fun game of catch, too.
Volunteer. This is a great way to show your kids firsthand what it means to do something kind for someone else. You can volunteer to walk dogs at the animal shelter or pack meals at the local food bank. Watermelon. Watermelon is the perfect thing to eat on a hot summer day. Cut some big slices up and let your kids eat them outside as part of the perfect summer BBQ. X Marks the Spot. This is similar to a scavenger hunt but this activity includes a map with a hidden treasure at the end. Take it one step further and encourage your kids to dress up as pirates. Yes. Have a YES day. Don’t tell your kids this but try saying yes to everything they ask (within reason). You’ll be surprised just how fun this activity can be and I bet you’ll learn some things about your kids you didn’t know. Zoo. Visit your local zoo!
Summer is a great time to try new things. Take this list and see how many things you can check off with your kids. Drop a comment on my Facebook page, writermeaganruffing to let me know what you did with your kids. I would also love to hear any ideas you have come up with. Meagan Ruffing is a parenting journalist who loves sharing her kid-friendly ideas with other moms. Visit her at www.meaganruffing.com to keep up on her latest tips and tricks.
Where your child can be anything they want to be! Field Trips es Birthday Parti s on si is dm A ly Dai ps hi Members ts Special Even Cafe Wifi Gift Shop Character Appearances
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Monett Artists’ Guild PRESENTS
“I surprised myself and my friends!”
Godspell
Various musical parables from The Gospel According to Matthew
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Doors open one hour prior to show time.
Admission: $10.00 each Sunday, Seniors & Disabled Individuals pay $5.00 each Monett HigH ScHool PerforMing ArtS center For more information, contact
Monett Chamber of Commerce 417-235-7919 Connection Magazine | 29
Horse Power to Airpower Threshing & Tractor Show Saturday & Sunday • July 7 & 8 Visit our new gift shop!
Airplane Rides
Fun for the kids
Kids $15.00 (must be accompanied by adult) Adults $25.00 (12 and up)
Great Food
Restaraunt open with outdoor special grill available
Bounce House Ball Drop 2 pm
Live Music
417-452-2277
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.
MONETT AREA FARMERS MARKET Sponsored by
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30 | July 2018
Restaurant hours: Sunday - Thursday, 7 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Friday & Saturday, 7 a.m. - 9 p.m.
MEDICARE OPTIONS Medicare Advantage, Medicare Rx, and Medicare Supplements
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healthy connection
The New Look of Malnutrition
T
he concept of malnutrition is no longer the image of the skinny, starved child who lacks enough food. Anyone might look obese, skinny, or of average body type and can be malnourished. There is a new concept re-defining the traditional understanding for malnutrition. This new concept is inflammation, caused mostly by over-nutrition. Obesity, metabolic syndrome, heart disease, diabetes and other nutrition-related diseases are a common diagnosis. While conducting nutrition screenings with new patients, I have been surprised to see the large percentage of patients with these diseases listed in their medical history prior to admission to the hospital. Although they might have been admitted for liver cancer, lung infection, or even kidney failure, the physical examination and medical history usually
reveals that there are direct nutritional causes underlying these diseases. These diseases all have one thing in common: inflammation. When the body observes there is an abnormality going on, it will automatically activate the immune system to fight for it. Just like during trauma or infection, the inflammatory response is supposed to be a protective mechanism, but when it is overused, abused or some part of the body is chronically inflamed, it becomes detrimental to health and could possibly lead to death. Fat cells are in fact inflammatory cells. Too many of them, especially in the abdominal area where the entirety of a body’s important visceral organs are located, will activate their inflammatory properties and adversely affect health. A normal woman should have a body fat percentage between 20-30 percent, men
should be 15-25 percent. If it is far out of this range, regardless of BMI, then a woman may be at an inflammatory state. High blood sugar also contributes to inflammation. Sugars turn into fat quickly and deposit in the abdomen where they stimulate fat cell inflammatory properties. At the same time, inflamed fat cells promote insulin resistance, which causes difficulty in stabilizing blood sugar. Chronic inflammation will impair cell function and shrink cell mass, both of which are characteristic of malnutrition. It may be surprising, but these factors put a person at risk of developing cancer, infection, chronic disease due to impaired cell function, and illness. A good solution to improve an unhealthy inflammatory state is exercise. Exercise helps increase lean body mass, decreasing body fat percentage. Consumption of high anti-inflammatory and natural foods helps this condition as well. Avoiding food that peak blood sugar, such as foods high in simple carbohydrate, is important as well. Contrary to popular belief, dieting alone is problematic since starvation will burn muscle mass first before fat, and possibly even increase body fat percentage. Simply put, it is important to view all aspects of a person’s lifestyle and incorporate the dietary needs, physical activity, and healthy habits needed to balance the body and reduce the detrimental chronic inflammation.
Yimeng Ma is a Dietetic Intern and nutrition student at Cox College. Growing up in China, her family had a nutritional supplement business. To further
her family’s cause of bringing evidence-based health to their clients, Yimeng was inspired to move across the world to study nutrition. Her dream is to establish a nutrition clinic creating personalized diet plans and supplement packages derived from nutrigenomics based on patients’ unique genetic profiles.
Connection Magazine | 31
Just Tote It Savvy Cassville resident finds deals for women
D
ay in, and day out, people have a variety of things that they need to take with them for the day, and things they bring home each night, too. Whether it be bills to take care of that day, notes, items for the kids, snacks, a water bottle or smoothie, groceries picked up on the way home, or other miscellaneous items, what better way to carry them back and forth than in a tote? With summer now here, there’s also the suntan lotion, towels, change of clothes and a favorite book to take to the pool or beach. And let’s be real — all those things don’t fit in a purse. That’s why Jena Smith, of Cassville, offers practical, yet fashionable totes to conveniently carry all those things to and fro each day. She started her business, Barry County Totes & Accessories, in September of 2014, and has a knack for selling and finding deals for customers. “I had sold all kinds of things like Home Interiors and candles and instead of trying to sell something else again, I thought I would try to do something where I would have options and choices for more than just one thing,” said Smith. “And I had people asking me to find things for them, so I started a Facebook page. “It started as extra income because I’ve always sold something. So I came up with the thought of trying to do things on my own.”
32 | July 2018
Story by Julia Kilmer | Photos provided courtesy
Jena Smith, of Cassville, sells all types of totes in various shapes, sizes and patterns to help people carry all of the items they take to and fro each day.
Fashionable tights are another item of women’s clothing Jena Smith of Cassville sells. A savvy online shopper, she finds popular styles at the best deals for women to keep them looking chic during the summer, and all year long.
Who: Jena Smith What: Smith finds deals and bargains on
a variety of totes, clothing and accessories; serves as a personal shopper
Where: Smith has a Facebook page and an in-home store for people to peruse her products
This sea turtle-themed tote is a popular buy from Jena Smith’s Barry County Totes & Accessories store.
Connection Magazine | 33
“I’ll just look for something that’s popular and will do a pre-sell on it where I’ll offer new patterns that have come out.” -Jena Smith
Jena Smith, owner of Barry County Totes & Accessories, and Charming Treasures, sells items out of her home, where people can make an appointment to shop. In addition to convenient and fashionable totes and women’s clothing, Jena Smith of Cassville sells accessories like these interchangeable snap-on jewelry pieces, along with sunglasses, purses and hats. The sunglasses also hold interchangeable snaps. Snap jewelry is unique because it allows women to change their jewelry to different colors and patterns to complement and their outfits each day, without having to buy multiple pieces of jewelry.
Jena Smith, owner of Barry County Totes & Accessories, sells a variety of totes to conveniently carry items each day, including these water-tight totes, which are a must-have for the beach, pool and any water activities to keep valuables like one’s cell phone, keys or watch in.
34 | July 2018
Smith keeps several shapes, sizes and styles of totes in stock to choose from, and even water-tight totes — a must-have for valuables like cells phones and keys at the beach, pool, or any water activities. “You have the larger, cooler totes for the lake, lunch boxes, and the utility totes are my favorite,” Smith said. “They can haul all your stuff for going to the beach, your towels, or even grilling tools. I use them all the time in the car. I pack stuff in them in the car to keep on hand. A lot of people like to get one for ball games. I have all kinds of stuff in mine; they’re very handy.” Smith is a savvy shopper and has a knack for finding deals. “A lot of times, I’ll just look for something that’s popular and will do a pre-sell on it where I’ll offer new patterns that have come out, that way I work at my own pace,” she said. “Some don’t like to shop online, and they’ll say, ‘I saw this, can you find it for me? For many things, I’ll just research and look for wholesale prices.” Sometimes, she travels to find deals for customers. “My daughter and I made a trip to Dallas, Texas, and bought some things a year ago,” she said. During the day, she works at Barry Electric, but during her free time, she serves her customers. She even has a room set up in her home where people can shop in her store.”
This chic’, off-the-shoulder, smock-style shirt is just a sample of the fashionable clothing items Jena Smith of Cassville finds and sells to local women through her business, Charming Treasures. She also sells accessories and totes.
Search Facebook for Public Groups:
Barry County Totes & Accessories Charming Treasures Join group to comment and post
Connection Magazine | 35
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During the day, she works at Barry Electric, but during her free time, she serves her customers. Smith also has a second business, Charming Treasures, in which she sells women’s clothing and accessories, like purses, hats, snap-on jewelry and sunglasses, helping local women look chic’ and charming at the beach and pool over the summer, or wherever they are. Snap-on jewelry is unique because it allows women to change their jewelry to different colors or patterns each day to complement and match their outfits, without having to buy multiple pieces of jewelry. “That business leans more toward clothing,” Smith said. “I have different wholesale stores that I buy from. I try to do some that don’t require you to buy large quantities, and if people are looking for anything, I’ll try to find it for them at and at a good price. My theory is if you don’t mark it up much, you will sell more. “If one of my stores is having a sale, I will buy several items so I can offer it a lower price. People can come to my house and make an appointment to shop at the store. If anyone is interested in anything, I will try to find it for them.”
For more information about Smith’s merchandise, message her on her Facebook business pages Barry County Totes & Accessories or Charming Treasures, or call Smith at 417-846-7092 to shop at her store.
Dale E. Assing, O.D.
~ Optometrist ~
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504 West St, Cassville, MO 65625 (at the Intersection of Sixth & West Streets)
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s Collision Center ’ n e K The Area’s Finest Collision Repair Facility
At Ken’s, it’s all about the details You know Ken’s Collision as The Area’s Finest Collision Repair and Glass Facility, and now Ken’s is proud to offer Professional Auto and Truck Detailing. Our experts bring back that New Car Feeling inside and out, cleaning and polishing your vehicle with the same attention to detail that we give every car and truck we repair. Just another way we work for you, the customer, to make sure your car is fixed right, to Factory Specifications with the right parts, by highly trained technicians.
Ken’s Collision Center – when it’s time to focus on the details!
712 W. 10th St., Cassville, MO 65625 • 417-847-1200
www.kenscollisioncenter.com Connection Magazine | 37
call us at 417-678-4210 for:
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S. Perez Roofing & Remodel, Inc. 417-354-2095 Licensed • Bonded • Insured Sergio Perez, Owner
HAYES
friend posted on Facebook that his parents were moving out of the home he’d lived in his entire childhood. It occurred to me, then, that I don’t really have one house to call my “childhood home.” I’ve lived in my current house the longest, at 12 years. Not long, really, in a 57-year lifespan. My parents, Clark and Judy Carlo were, and still are, adventurers. For them, nothing was more rewarding than improving the place where they lived... then selling it. My earliest memory of “home” is the house on Maxwelton Drive in Des Moines, where Dad added a larger kitchen and a third bedroom, and dug out a basement garage by hand with the help
of his brothers. My parents then found what they probably considered their dream home — an old farmhouse situated on five acres on the outskirts of Pleasant Hill, a pleasant suburb of Des Moines. There, Dad hit a snag, because the old farmer he’d bought the place from attempted, by contract, to forbid Dad from making changes to the place. We probably lived there the longest, about four years, until Dad passed through Monett on a preaching trip to Louisiana and found a great deal (according to him) on a yellow brick house on five acres, the one that sits just west of the old golf course on the south side of Highway 60. Since he had always loved southwest Missouri, he bought the house on the spot,
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without Mom ever laying eyes on it. He got back to Des Moines and told her, “Guess what! We’re moving to Missouri!” I have no idea of Mom’s response, but apparently she was amenable. They listed their little acreage, which was under contract within 24 hours, and we moved to Monett. I was almost 12 years old, and arrived just in time to start sixth grade at Monett Elementary. In Monett, Dad became a real estate agent for A.W. Clay, and later acquired his own broker’s license, the perfect vocation for a person who has always had the desire to buy, fix up, and resell. We didn’t stay long at “the house on golf course hill.” Next, there was the
purchase of 10 acres north of Monett, where Dad built a house, then south to an 80-acre farm north of Purdy, where he built once again, and also tried his hand at ranching — a very brief venture. After seeing my brother and me settled in southwest Missouri, and my sister in the Cabool area, my parents have once again returned to Iowa, after several moves in the interim, of course. I have a feeling their wanderlust might explain why I feel rather attached to this house I’ve lived in for 12 years. It might also explain why I always like to have a home improvement project to work on. Living in a house where I couldn’t make changes might prove to be boring.
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235-5414 Connection Magazine | 39
Breathe Easy 417-847-4372 • 417-235-2100
Serving The Area Since 1978
Aire Serv Heating and Air Conditioning
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Happy 4th of July!
SATURDAY JULY 7 • JULY 21 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Antiques • Vintage • Primitives Pinterest project supplies Farm sale treasures
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40 | July 2018
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Aspyn Harry and her brother, Will, climbing trees and being buddies in earlier days.
Sending a Superhero home How one little life touched so many people
L
ocal superhero, “Bunnyman,” William Todd Lee Harry, 3, died June 1, following lifelong heart complications, but it isn’t his death that touched so many hearts in the Pierce City, Purdy and Monett area, it was his courage, his strength and his love of life. “He was just born with a spark,” said his father, Trent Harry. “Some kids are cranky all day, but he had short bursts of being cranky and then he was back to smiling. He just wanted to play and have fun.” He was just a little boy, but he faced many challenges during his short lifetime, multiple hospitalizations and a plethora of tests to determine what, if anything, could be done to beat the odds of survival.
Story by Melonie Roberts
Courtesy photo
His father, Trent, and his stepmother, Lauren Hicks, said even in the face of needles, IV lines, pokes and prods by the doctors and nursing staff that valiantly tried to find a way to eradicate the problems that plagued his heart, he met every new face with smiles and a joy-filled spirit. “He had hypoplastic left heart syndrome,” Trent said. “He had only half a heart, the other side did not develop. But he didn’t act like it.” “He didn’t have developmental issues like some of the other kids have,” added Lauren. “He would surprise the nurses with how smart he was. He could tell them where every lead went and help with IV clean up. He may have only been three, but he was way ahead of them.” Connection Magazine | 41
Photos by Melonie Roberts
Superheroes Miraculous Ladybug, Batgirl, Spiderman and Flash turned up to stand honor guard for their local hero, Bunnyman, a.k.a. Will Harry, of Pierce City. The fearless foursome took a break from fighting crime to send Superhero Bunnyman home.
“When we got home from the hospital, he walked into the room with his sunglasses and bunny ears on. He said, ‘I’m
a superhero.’” -Trent Harry
42 | July 2018
Even Superheroes cry. As Spiderman, left, and Flash, right, sat solemnly aside, Miraculous Ladybug, center right, helped Batgirl wipe away a few tears shed on behalf of Bunnyman, a.k.a. Will Harry, during a service held Thursday, June 7.
“He had moments when he could be very stubborn,” Trent said. “He wanted the doctors and nurses to tell him what they were going to do to him, and why.” “When we would go to the hospital, there were doctors and nurses who actually requested to handle his care,” Lauren said. “Everyone loved him.” Following three surgeries, the first, a Norwood procedure at four days old, a bi-directional Glenn at four months old, and a Fontan just last April, Trent and Lauren hoped he would be stable enough to grow a bit before having a heart transplant. “There was an absolute guarantee that he would have had to have a transplant at some point,” Trent said. “The surgeries were to prolong his own heart function and make it easier to find a match when he was older.” He had a vivid and creative imagination. “When we got home from the hospital following Will’s last surgery, he walked into the room with his sun-
Courtesy photo
Courtesy photos
glasses and bunny ears on, and I asked him what he was doing. He said, ‘I’m a superhero.’ So we kind of coined the name Bunnyman. He would pretend to be Power Rangers, superheroes, so many things.” Will loved watching Marvel Superhero movies and playing with the character toys of his favorites, and watching Power Rangers Dino Charge, about five teenagers who transform into Power Rangers to fight evil and protect the earth. His favorite book was “How to Catch a Monster,” by Adam Wallace and Andy Elkerton, telling the story of how a young boy getting up the courage to confront the monster in his closet. “He would play in the closets, hunting monsters with a stick or the Minion’s fart gun,” Lauren said. “He and his sister, Aspyn, and step-brother, Brantley, would all don heels and clothing and put on runway shows.” His favorite foods were mac and cheese, chocolate Pop Tarts, Zebra Cakes and Swiss Rolls, and hot chips. “He loved hot stuff,” Trent said. “When he was just little, I had some
dip that had ghost peppers in it and he kept asking for a bite. I finally gave him a teeny bit and he loved it. He started scooping that dip up and eating it.” “He would help me around the house,” said Lauren. “He liked to help stir stuff when I was making cookies or muffins. He’d help me sweep. And throw spaghetti on the wall to see if it would stick. He was the best little helper.” “He liked to be involved in whatever we were doing,” added Trent. Although Will led a very sheltered life to some degree, the family avoided large crowds due to the possibility of his catching a cold or virus, he was also active. “He was very shy with most people,” Trent said. “He’d cling to me. In his condition, he could not meet a lot of people. We had to avoid big crowds because we could not allow him to get sick. But we would take him to the park or the creek, or to Roaring River State Park. He loved being outdoors, but we had to monitor him closely because his body did not adjust to heat or cold very well.”
Will Harry dressed as one of his favorite superheroes, Spiderman.
Connection Magazine | 43
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But Will was a typical brother in many ways. He would build forts with Aspyn and then tear them down,” said Lauren. “He would also get into her art set and colors and she would get furious. And while he could pick on his sister, no one else could. He was very protective of her. “He and Brantley, who is four, were just like other brothers. One second they loved each other and the next, they’re play fighting and someone is crying, ‘He hit me!’” The many separations for hospitalizations didn’t faze the youngsters, who kept in regular touch through video chat. “They would show each other things and talk about what was going on,” Lauren said. “They stayed in touch.” With the three necessary surgeries done and Will recuperating nicely, the couple was stunned when things turned so quickly. “He was playing in the morning and then he took a six hour nap,” Trent said. “When he woke up, he was just not the same child.” A rushed trip to an Arkansas hospital resulted in Will being flown to Children’s Hospital in St. Louis where doctors once again fought to save Will’s life. “He would fight through sedation,” Lauren said. “He would squeeze my hand and respond to our voices. I would read his favorite book and play his favorite songs. When the doctors came in and tested his reflexes, Will was actually pushing against the doctor’s hand with his foot. He was a fighter.” No matter the efforts made on his behalf, this time the young superhero did not come home. “We can’t go home,” Lauren said.
Courtesy photo
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Trent Harry and his little buddy, Will.
“I can’t open a closet door without expecting him to be in there hunting monsters. So we’re going to have to move. We want to stay in Monett because this is where we both went to school and we want to do what’s best for the kids.” And though Will may be gone, he will never be forgotten. Trent plans to create a bookcase filled with Will’s favorite blanket, toys, photos and other memorabilia. “We aren’t going to forget him,” said Trent. “His brother and sister will know who he is.” “Daddy says we can still celebrate Bubby’s birthday,” said Aspyn. And, although they can no longer hold Will in their arms, they will forever hold him in their hearts. “He was just my little buddy,” said Trent. “He was like my best friend,” Lauren said. “He’d get so excited when I’d get home. He’d run up to me and yell, ‘My Lauren!’ In the mornings, I’d wake up and he would come in and be my little cuddle monster. He was my heart.”
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Connection Magazine | 45
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 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.
Bam Bam
furry pet of Sierra Ishmael of Monett 46 | July 2018
Summertime misadventures
June 14, 1948: Five children from totally different situations ended up at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Monett.
Ah, summertime. That glorious time when freedom from routine gives children time to explore, have adventures and misadventures. Every year newspaper articles surface about amazing experiences locals had in a summer setting. Even now, we wonder how such things could happen. Sometimes it’s amazing these young adventurers made it to adulthood. On June 14, 1948, five children from totally different situations ended up at St. Vincent’s Hospital in Monett. There was J.B. Chapman, the 7-year-old son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Chapman of Pierce City, who fell at home and hurt his head. Examination at the hospital identified a skull fracture. Betty Jane Goodman, the 13-yearold daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Ernest Goodman of Pierce City, had a more routine ailment, but nonetheless had to enter the hospital the same day for an appendectomy. Then there was Florene Probstfield, 11, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Paul Probstfield of Verona, who hurt her head falling from a tree. Edna Jean Belt, 3, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Nick Belt of Pierce City, needed to be treated for a dog bite. And Francis Hutchinson, 14, hurt his thumb working with a pump at home and likely needed stitches for a laceration. It was a pretty busy day for Monett’s tiny hospital for all that to make it to the newspaper. Over the years, it seemed like the farther one got from Monett, the more likely there would be some small child
Story by Murray Bishoff
who would get lost in the wilds of Barry County, particularly if a non-local visitor was involved. That was again the case on June 3, 1948, down in the most remote section of Barry County near the Arkansas border. This time it was Glenda Denton, age 5. The Ralph Denton family of Wichita, Kan., was visiting family, Mr. and Mrs. Sweet, at a farm three and a half miles southwest of Seligman. The way the story went, Glenda was out playing with her brother. He wanted to go back to the house and she didn’t, so he went off without her. When darkness settled in and Glenda did not appear, the family became quite alarmed, and rightfully so. Thirty-some neighbors in the vicinity launched into an unsuccessful search. The Missouri State Highway Patrol was called at 3:30 a.m. Word reached Monett the next morning. Local Boy Scout leaders Jim Harrison, Mike Mayer, L.G. Jones and Gayle Cribbet launched a rescue effort. With the help of a broadcast on KWTO Radio in Springfield, they rallied 60 to 75 Boy Scouts and adults for “volunteer posse duty” and secured a school bus to take them to the National Guard Armory in Seligman, where they could join the search. They even got canteens from the Monett Kiwanis Club and had filled them from their clubhouse in preparation for the effort. By that point, about 300 searchers were on foot, scouring the vicinity. About 9:30 a.m., Henry Pyle of Seligman was working his way through a blackberry patch near an abandoned house just across the state line near
Connection Magazine | 47
Garfield. Glenda yelled to him from the spot where she had laid down to sleep for the night. She was barefooted and wearing a thin dress. She had stopped in a clearing in the blackberry patch and used leaves for a cover and a bed. Dr. H.H. Edwards of Seligman subsequently examined her and found “she apparently suffered no ill effects from her adventure.” Members of the National Guard from Monett were ready to join the search as well, as soon as they returned from the Freedom Train parade on June 4 in Joplin. Word of Glenda’s rescue reached Monett just as the bus of Boy Scouts was about to leave. “We are certainly proud that the Scouts reacted in this emergency with such enthusiasm,” the scoutmaster said. Close calls seem part of the summertime adventure, even for innocent bystanders. Take this example from the June 7, 1948 Monett Times: “A barefooted boy with a Tom Sawyer turn of mind nearly caused tremendous damage this morning at the Tydol Station, 700 Broadway. “The adventurous youngster, thought to be about 10 years old, mounted a [Minneapolis-]Moline tractor at the rear of the station in a lot used for storage by the Stark Brothers Motor Company. He got the tractor started and it was in gear. “The heavy vehicle started down the incline to the east side of the station and was dragging a 3-bottom gang plow behind it. The moving machinery broke a water pipe and water spurted into the air. “Meanwhile, the lad who started the whole thing had fled. “The riderless tractor with its gang plow swinging along behind lum-
48 | July 2018
bered through the driveway of the station, pushed over a sign on the curb and headed into the middle of Broadway toward a row of parked automobiles in front of the Ford garage. “About that time, attendants at the station overcame their surprise and Leo Turner ran to the tractor and stopped it before it mowed into the cars like a battering ram. The tractor was in low gear and Police Chief Dan Macdonald said that it apparently would have kept running ‘right on through’ anything that got in its way. “As for the boy who started the vehicle then deserted it, he apparently was still running at noon today because Macdonald hasn’t found him yet.” Not all mischief was an accident or harmless in intent. Take the case of Albert McCarty of Verona. A phone call to a friend on June 8, 1938, reported McCarty had been killed the night before in an auto crash on Highway 60 between Aurora and Verona. Mrs. McCarty was downtown when word arrived. Once she was located, she called an Aurora funeral home to take care of her husband’s body. That triggered a search party that found no sign of a wreck or any remains. An investigation followed. It seems McCarty and his wife had argued that morning. He left home for Aurora and personally made the phone call announcing his own death. “Patrolman Harvey George arrested McCarty on an open charge pending a decision of Prosecuting Attorney Stanley Ginn. George said that McCarty had been drinking,” The Monett Times reported. Ah, summertime. The things you make us do. No wonder we look forward to you so much.
June 7, 1948: Close calls seem part of the summertime adventure, even for innocent bystanders.
June 8, 1948: Not all mischief was an accident or harmless in intent.
The CombineForum.com
guest column
A vintage swather
Hangin’ on for 8 seconds Columnist braves the wild swather
E
arly on in our marriage, I discovered there was no room for a Day-Timer. The local weather forecast determined the day’s agenda. It has taken several years, but I have finally figured a way to fit farming into my Planner. Mother’s Day is time to prepare for hay season and Father’s Day is a good time to start swathing fescue. I’d prefer a little more accuracy but between weather and machinery breakdowns this will get me close. Each of these tasks require a window of time in which to complete, and don’t think that that window is easily opened and shut. Many summers ago, I felt like I had really been put to the “Farm Wife Test.” I had driven, pulled, hauled and ridden more pieces of farm equipment than imaginable. I might add… it was a prayer-filled summer at that. My biggest accomplishment was learning to drive a ‘self-propelled’ swather. This prehistoric spider-looking equipment is used for cutting fescue seed. Quite similar to a zero-turn lawn mower, but on a
much larger scale. This particular year, you know who, contracted to swath several hundred acres of fescue. I don’t know what he was thinking except that labor was cheap and profit was good. I was reminded that when I left my career I agreed to help on the farm. Apparently, it didn’t matter whose farm. So, remembering that a profitable fescue season afforded me a diamond engagement ring once, I thought about it and wondered how hard could it be to drive this weird looking arthropod around and around a large field of grass? I should have thought about it a bit longer. The boss agreed to make one round with me, that most generally ensures I don’t get tangled up in a fence row. I had no idea I could do so much so wrong in such a short period of time. I wanted to be fired! I wanted my career back along with the high heels and air-conditioned office. After a lot of yellin’ and wheel jerkin’, I was let loose with the swather. It was a long, hot day, and I was tired, sweaty and
Connection Magazine | 49
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hangry when I discovered what ‘hydrostatic’ meant. It meant hang on for your life! One sharp turn of the wheel and this arachnid went crazy, spinning around and around out of control. I started having flash backs to the college days of riding a mechanical bull. Finally, I gained control and finished the field of fescue. At the end of the day, I met up with the boss who had no idea of what had transpired during the ‘day at the office.’ As we were ready to take the equipment through an old fence gate and park it for the night, I cautiously approached then gave it a little gas when it suddenly started swirling again trying to buck me off. I didn’t know what to do, so I just threw up my right arm and yelled “yee haw! Once I thought I had ridden for eight seconds, I regained sanity and control of the swather. I looked over at my husband, who didn’t know whether to run or cry. As usual, he bowed his head and just laughed. I’d like to suggest, the next time you purchase a bag of fescue seed to sow in your yard, contemplate what all went into this bag besides grass seed. Although we still have a few pull-type swathers around, I might add that we no longer custom harvest fescue instead we attend the PBR (professional bull riders). It’s easier on the marriage and some things are better left to the professionals.
Pam Wormington
recipes American Flag Cake Ingredients 3 (10.25 ounce) packages white cake mix 9 egg whites 1 cup vegetable oil 3 3/4 cups whole milk 2 tablespoons clear vanilla extract 2 tablespoons red food coloring 1 tablespoon blue food coloring 1 cup white chocolate chips 10 cups fluffy white frosting 1 tablespoon white chocolate chips, or as needed 2 tablespoons white sugar, or as needed 1 4-inch round paper or cardboard stencil Add all ingredients to list
Directions • Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease and line 4 8-inch round cake pans with parchment paper. • Combine white cake mix, egg whites, vegetable oil, milk, and vanilla extract in a large mixing bowl. Beat for 30 seconds using an electric mixer on low speed. Increase mixer speed to medium and beat for 2 more minutes. The batter will still be slightly lumpy. • To make the red cakes, measure half the batter into a separate bowl and whisk in red food coloring. Evenly transfer the red batter into 2 of the 8-inch prepared cake pans; smooth tops of batter with a spatula. Transfer half of the remaining uncolored batter into a 3rd prepared cake pan; smooth top as before. This will be the white cake portion. • Add blue food coloring to the remaining uncolored batter in the large mixing bowl; fold 1 cup white chocolate chips into blue batter until combined. Transfer batter to remaining prepared 8-inch cake pan; smooth top of batter with a spatula. • Bake all 4 cakes in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center of each cake comes out clean, about 30 minutes. Remove the cakes from oven and place onto cooling racks until cooled completely. • Run a knife around edge of each cooled cake. Invert cakes, remove pans, and peel off parchment paper. Use a sharp knife to trim tops of cakes flat and even. • Cut both of the red cake layers and the white cake layer in half horizontally. You will have 4 thin red cake layers and 2 thin white cake layers. • Place a 4-inch round stencil on top of 1 thin red cake layer; cut out a 4-inch red cake round. Repeat, placing stencil on 1 thin white cake layer to make 1 4-inch white cake round. Center the 4-inch round stencil on the blue cake; cut out and remove center portion covered by the stencil to make a blue cake ring. • To assemble the cake, you will need 2 thin 8-inch red cake
layers, 1 thin 8-inch white cake layer, 1 4-inch thin red cake circle, 1 4-inch thin white cake circle, and 1 blue 8-inch cake ring. Reserve the leftover thin red cake layer and other cake pieces for making crumbs for decorating. • To assemble cake, place 1 8-inch thin red cake layer on a cake pan and frost the top generously with white frosting. Place the thin 8-inch white cake layer on top of the red one, and frost the top. Place remaining 8-inch thin red cake layer atop the white one. Frost the red layer. • Place the blue ring cake on top of the 2nd red cake layer and carefully frost the inside of the blue cake ring. Gently fit the 4-inch white cake layer into the blue cake ring. Frost the top of the 4-inch white center. Place the 4-inch red cake layer on top of the white one. Gently press small cake circles flush with the top of the blue ring. • Frost the entire outside of the cake generously with the remaining frosting. • Crumble red and blue pieces of leftover cake into 2 separate bowls. Score lines into the top of the cake’s frosting with a kitchen knife to make a flag design on top of the cake. It should have a 2-inch square at the upper left for blue field and white stars, and 7 thick horizontal stripes about 1 inch wide. • Fill the square field at the upper left with blue crumbs and press 1 tablespoon white chocolate chips upside-down into the blue crumbs to make ‘stars.’ Fill the bottom stripe and every other stripe with red crumbs to make red stripes. Sprinkle white sugar generously into the white stripes to make them stand out. • To serve, cut cake into wedges. The inside of the cake will reveal its layers of red and white stripes and blue field with white chocolate chip stars in every slice. Prep: 1 hour, 30 minutes Cook: 30 minutes Ready In: 3 hours
Connection Magazine | 51
Star-Spangled Burgers Ingredients 2 pounds ground beef 1 large red bell pepper, diced 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
Red, White and Blueberry Cheesecake Ingredients
8 sheets phyllo dough 1/4 cup butter, melted
1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 2 (4 ounce) packages crumbled blue cheese 8 hamburger buns Add all ingredients to list
2 (8 ounce) packages cream cheese
Directions
1/2 cup white sugar
• Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. • Mix ground beef, red pepper, garlic, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl; divide and form into 16 patties. Place 1 ounce blue cheese in the center atop each of 8 of the patties. Top each cheese-topped patty with an unadorned patty, pressing the sides together so the cheese doesn’t fall out. • Cook on the preheated grill until the burgers are cooked to your desired degree of doneness, 7 to 10 minutes per side for well done. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the meat should read 160
1 teaspoon vanilla extract 2 eggs 2 cups fresh blueberries 1/2 cup strawberry jelly 1 cup heavy cream, whipped (optional) Add all ingredients to list
Directions • Preheat oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C). • On a flat surface, place one sheet of phyllo dough. Brush it with melted butter, and cover with another piece of phyllo. Repeat until all 8 sheets are used. Using kitchen scissors, cut layered phyllo into a 12- to 13-inch circle. Carefully press circle into a greased 9-inch pie plate; gently fan edges. Bake in preheated oven until edges are just golden, 6 to 8 minutes; cool slightly on a wire rack. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). • In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese, sugar, and vanilla with an electric mixer until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs until well combined. Fold in 1 cup of blueberries. Pour filling into prepared crust. • Bake at 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) until set, 40 to 50 minutes. To prevent the crust from over-browning, gently cover pie with foil for the last 25 minutes of baking. Cool completely on a wire rack. • In a small bowl, beat jelly until smooth; spread over cheese filling. Arrange 1 cup blueberries on top in a star pattern. Prep: 40 minutes Cook: 50 minutes Ready In: 2 hours, 30 minutes
52 | July 2018
degrees F (70 degrees C). Prep: 20 minutes Cook: 15 minutes Ready In: 35 minutes
All American Burger Dog
All American Triffle
Firecracker Burgers
Ingredients
Ingredients
3 pounds fresh strawberries, hulled and
1 pound ground beef
1 pound ground beef (80% lean)
sliced
1 (4 ounce) can diced green chilies, drained
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/4 cup white sugar
1 teaspoon beef bouillon granules
2 slices Cheddar cheese
1 quart heavy cream
4 slices Monterey Jack cheese
1 (3.3 ounce) package instant white choco-
Add all ingredients to list
Ingredients
2 extra-long hot dog buns 4 teaspoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons ketchup
directions • Place half the ground beef on a sheet of plastic wrap. Pat it into a rectangular shape, about 1/2 inch thick, 8 1/2 inches long, and 4 inches wide. Season with salt and pepper. Roll the beef into a log, using the plastic wrap as a guide. Season with more salt and pepper. Wrap the plastic tightly around the log and twist both ends tight. Pat gently to slightly flatten. Repeat with remaining ground beef. • Preheat an outdoor grill for medium-high heat and lightly oil the grate. Remove the burger dogs from the plastic wrap and place on the grill, perpendicular to the grates. Cook until burgers are browned but still pink inside, 4 to 5 minutes, flip, and cook another 2 to 3 minutes. Place a slice of cheese on each burger dog and grill to medium doneness (an instant-read thermometer inserted into the center should read at least 140 degrees F/60 degrees C). Remove and rest 3 to 4 minutes. • Toast hot dog buns on the grill and spread each with 2 teaspoons mayonnaise. Place burger dog on each bun and squirt 1 tablespoon of ketchup on top. Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 10 minutes Ready In: 20 minutes
late pudding mix 1 (6 ounce) container lemon yogurt 2 tablespoons coconut-flavored rum, or to taste, divided (optional) 2 (16 ounce) prepared pound cakes, cubed 2 pints fresh blueberries, or as needed Add all ingredients to list
Directions • In a bowl, sprinkle the strawberries with sugar; stir to distribute the sugar, and set aside. Chill a large metal mixing bowl and beaters from an electric mixer. Pour the cream into the chilled mixing bowl, and add white chocolate pudding mix, lemon yogurt, and about 1 tablespoon of coconut rum, if desired; beat until fluffy with an electric mixer set on Medium speed. • Spread a layer of pound cake cubes into the bottom of a glass 10x15-inch baking dish, and sprinkle the cubes with another tablespoon of coconut rum. Cover the pound cake with a layer of strawberries; sprinkle blueberries over the strawberries. Spread a thick layer of whipped cream over the berries. Repeat the layers several times, ending with a layer of strawberries sprinkled with blueberries and reserving about 1 cup of whipped cream; top the trifle with dollops of whipped cream to serve. Refrigerate leftovers.
Directions • Preheat grill for high heat. • In a medium bowl, mix the beef, diced green chilies, and bouillon. Shape into 4 patties. • Lightly oil the grill grate. Grill patties 5 minutes per side, or until well done. Top each patty with cheese about 2 minutes prior to removing from grill. Prep: 15 minutes Cook: 10 minutes Ready In: 25 minutes
Prep: 30 minutes Ready In: 40 minutes
Connection Magazine | 53
Rebekkah Mahl, founder of Families in Recovery in Mt. Vernon, takes a few moments with a new resident, Al Clark, to discuss his future plans and goals in regard to living a clean and sober life free of drugs and alcohol.
After six months in the dorm, residents at Families in Recovery can apply to live in one of the tiny houses located on the grounds of the facility. This gives residents the opportunity to learn life skills such as paying bills, maintaining a home environment, and budgeting for rent, vehicle payments and insurance and other items. 54 | July 2018
Positive Steps
A
Learning from the past, looking to the future
ddictions can start at any age. For Al Clark, 47, it started when he was in fourth grade in Franklin County. “I started with alcohol at nine,” he said. “Then I started marijuana at 11 or 12 years old. It wasn’t until I was 19 that I ran into trouble with the law. I was at Lake of the Ozarks with friends and we were breaking into lake homes to steal alcohol. I did three years of a nine year sentence. I went in a decent kid — and came out a criminal.” Clark said much of his early childhood was the trigger that shot him down the road to addiction. “I was young,” he said. “I had a dysfunctional family. My parents were alcoholics and then they divorced. That brought a new step-parent and new siblings into the family dynamic. My life was never terrible, but it was very dysfunctional.” “After I went to jail, my drug use escalated,” he said. “I started using meth until they tossed me back in jail. That cycle repeated itself throughout most of my 20s.” Clark said he flamed down throughout his 30s, with longer periods of staying out of trouble.
Story by Melonie Roberts
Danny Corn is the in-house manager for the dorm at Families in Recovery in Mt. Vernon. Corn is also a graduate of the program.
“I spent most of my life struggling with addictions,” he said. “When you spend that much time in prison, there’s a problem. A serious one.” It was during his last stint in prison, Ozark Correctional Center in Fordland, that Clark heard about Families in Recovery, a faith-based program based in Mt. Vernon. “My roommate in prison recommended this facility,” he said. “I had completed the year-long program at OCC, and was looking for a place to continue his recovery and get himself established with a job and a place to live. “The main goal is to get away from the people, places and playgrounds that I was familiar with,” he said. “God has blessed me with the whole situation. “The program at OCC helped me make life changes,” he said. “This all around community experience is working for me. If a person wants to get help and change their life, they are going to have the opportunity to do it. But it’s no quick fix. It’s hard work.” Families in Recovery offers a spiritual component to their program. “It’s more than a 12-step program,” Clark said. “They help us get jobs, take us to work, and they’re like family. I feel loved here.” Connection Magazine | 55
Clark now realizes that his addictions have separated him from his loved ones. He lost both parents during his last three-year incarceration. “I didn’t want them to see me,” he said. “They’d done everything, including tough love where they turned their backs on me. One brother is also gone. He was an addict and that eventually cost him his life.” His remaining brother, nieces, nephews and cousins are supportive of his efforts to start a clean and sober life. “By me being here and doing well, I am becoming reacquainted with my family,” Clark said. “Now they know I’m staying clean. My family wants back into my life.” For Clark, the choice was not a hard one. “I really wanted to change my lifestyle,” he said. Here, I’m not faced with situations that threaten my sobriety. If I run into people who are using, it’s not hard for me to handle. I’m strong in my recovery. The program here is helping to keep me strong.” Clark admits previous attempts ended badly because he continually returned to familiar stomping grounds and old acquaintances. “At times in the past, I would follow the crowd,” he said. “Other times, I was the ringleader. Throughout my 20’s I was in and out of prison for parole violations, dirty urine tests, or on a new case. My acquaintances became my surrogate family. There is a false sense of security with those friends. When push came to shove, they were never around when I needed them.” As a functional addict, Clark said he used drugs to work longer hours and earn more money. “I tried to use it as a tool,” he said. “But it was the tool to my demise. “I’ve been in six treatment programs, and I never took them seriously,” he said. “Whether they were on the street or in an institution.” Clark said only his mother stood by him throughout his struggles. “Losing her made a big impact on my life,” he said. “To honor her, I decided to straight-
56 | July 2018
Local recovery program aids former inmates in reestablishing their lives
en out my life. The church, God, they’re making changes in my life that I cannot explain. God was the missing piece in all of my attempts at recovery. “I’ve always felt a void,” he said. “I was always trying to fill Clark has a job skill, it with drugs, bad relationships having learned metal or money. With God, I have an inner peace now. I’m focused on fabricating at a local re-integrating into society as a industry. Godly man instead of a hardened criminal.” Families in Recovery requires a commitment of at least six months, with an option of an additional six months in on-site housing, to go to work and church, self-help meetings and attend recovery meetings. “The recovery community shares the same goals and interests,” Clark said. “We are all a part of the Body of Christ Church, we’ve become their family. “Falling back into old friends and old crowds would make it too easy to fall back into old habits,” he said. “It’s so important to break those ties. It gives you a better chance of recovery, a new start. I choose to be around others in recovery now. There is always a support network for us, at work, in the church and in the community.” Clark has a job skill now, having learned metal fabricating at a local industry. He has also saved up nearly enough money to purchase a vehicle and insurance and get his driver’s license. “One good thing is that we focus on one day at a time here,” he said. “Short-term, achievable goals. For the long-term, I’d one day like to own a small farm, run a few head of cattle, and have a property my family can hunt on.” But most importantly, Clark is thinking clearly for perhaps the first time in 30 years. “The key element is to have God in my lie,” he said. “That void I’ve felt my whole life is now filled.” For more information, visit Families in Recovery on Facebook.
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417-235-3139 Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday - 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. celebrating the
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Connection Magazine | 57
my connection
A group from First Baptist Church of Cassville took a trip to Fort Scott, Kan. Leah Moss is holding Connection Magazine.
Sue Martinek of California and Mary Schad of Monett took the Connection Magazine to Alaska. They took a 10 day cruise from San Francisco, Calif. to Alaska on the Princess Cruise.
58 | July 2018
calendar
July 2018 July 2
Notary services available at the
Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
July 3
Purdy Community Picnic & Fire-
works Show. Dinner and live music starts at 5:30 p.m. Fireworks show starts at 9 p.m. For questions, call Julie Terry at 417-236-4139.
Special 4th of July Lunch at the
Cassville Senior 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
July 5
Paint class at the Cassville Senior
Center at 9:00 a.m.
July 7
The Seligman Chamber of Commerce
will host a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $4 each, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. No alcohol or smoking is allowed. For more information, call 417-662-3612.
July 9
Grace Foot Care by appointment at
Cassville Senior Center. Call 847-4510.
July 11
Blood pressure check at Cassville
Senior Center at 9:30 a.m.
July 12
Benefit enrollment counseling by
appointment at the Cassville Senior Center. Call 847-4510.
July 14
The Seligman Chamber of Commerce
will host a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $4 each, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. No alcohol or smoking is allowed. For more information, call 417-662-3612.
July 16
Notary Services available at the
Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob from 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Grace Health Services at the Central
Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob. Call for an appointment 417-8586952.
July 18
Blood pressure check at 10:30 at
Central Crossing Senior Center, Shell Knob.
July 19
Paint class at the Cassville Senior
Center at 9:00 a.m.
July 21
The Seligman Chamber of Commerce
will host a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $4 each, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. No alcohol or smoking is allowed. For more information, call 417-662-3612.
July 23
Nell’s Nails will be at the Central
Crossing Senior Center by appointment. Call 417-858-6952.
July 25
Nell’s Nails begins at 9 a.m. Call 847-
4510 for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome at the Cassville Senior Center.
July 26
The Pierce City Senior Center Dance
will hold its regular monthly dance.
July 27
Birthday Lunch at the Cassville
Senior Center at 11 a.m. Nutrition Education at 11:30.
July 28
The Seligman Chamber of Commerce
will host a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $4 each, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. No alcohol or smoking is allowed. For more information, call 417-662-3612.
July 31
A Hearing Wellness hearing test
and hearing aid check at the Central Crossing Senior Center, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
WIC will be at the Central Crossing
Senior Center. Call 417-858-2114 for an appointment.
Connection Magazine | 59
Support groups Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) BINGO Held every Tuesday night beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the American Legion Unit 137 in Mt. Vernon. A smoke-free room is available. 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.
Aurora: Alcoholics Anonymous of Aurora
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
MONETT SENIOR CENTER Bingo every day at noon; Pitch every Tuesday and Thursday at 12:30; and Pinochle every Monday and Friday at 12:30 p.m. Balance Class every Tuesday and Thursday at 9 a.m.
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. 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.
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. 417-4897662.
Al-Anon CENTRAL CROSSING SENIOR CENTER, SHELL KNOB, MO. Regular events: Friends’ Bridge every Friday. Call Quita at 417-271-9803 for details. Cards Galore every Friday with Pitch beginning at 9 a.m. Domino Poker, every day from 12:45. 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. Wii Bowling is Wednesday 12:30 p.m.
60 | July 2018
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.
Celebrate Recovery Cassville: Celebrate Recovery meets at the
Family Life Center in Cassville every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Meeting at the same time is Celebration Station for children. 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. 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)
Shell Knob: The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care-
Monett: Vision of Hope Narcotics Anony-
The Caring People
Monett: Narcotics Anonymous meets at 8
givers Support Group meets at the Central Crossing Senior Center, 20801 YY-15, the third Thursday of every month at 2 p.m.
(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.
mous group meets at 8 p.m. every Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday in the upstairs of Monett Community Church, 2101 E. Cleveland. 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. 417-4897662.
familiar faces
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10 The 10th annual Pierce City Arts Festival was held on April 21 at the Jolly Mill Park, southwest of Pierce City.
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1. Kim and Kellen Avondet 2. Kenleigh, Dylan and Kyler Smith 3. Rebecka and Avrey Blackburn, Michael Price 4. Melissa and Stella Yonker 5. Dean Dennison, Jason and Steve Chapman 6. Claudia Crowell, Hayden Kramer, Brock Kramer, Macy Fenske 7. Wyatt and Morgan Huddleston 8. Sandra Wicker, Lynda Downey 9. Veronica Montoya, Molly Montoya, Coco, Paulina Cruz, Maria Cruz and Melanie Cruz 10. Lou Ann Pawlak, Brenda Burt, Holly Royster
Connection Magazine | 61
The 2018 Barry County Relay for Life was held on April 27 at the Monett Middle School/ Intermediate School FEMA shelter cafeteria.
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Gabriella Apostol, Emma Faye Ruscha, Alex Apostol, Helen Ruscha Kara Boggs, Amanda Doty Mikel White, Desri Amato Lisa Davis, Shonda Lorenz Jaelynn, Rebecca and Julie Webb Rick and Lynda Painter Darrin Henson, Lynn Kellhofer, Mary Mael Alice and Carolyn Ferguson
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Barbara Hevelka, Helen Koehler, Janie Harmon Les Erwin, D.J. Toro Miguel Gallardo, Patrick Reyes Ariana Vargas, Daisy Lara, Whitlee Cornelison, Cristal Vargas Will Koehler, Joseph Shriver, Skyler Shriver, Issack Carrillo Mike Pfitzner, Mark Koehler
Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Verona held its Summer Fiesta community carnival on Saturday, June 9, on the church grounds.
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Melissa Sustaita, Kaylee Chagala, Natalie Perez, Jennifer Campler Sandra, Santiago, JosĂŠ and Sofia Almaraz Diego, Maria and Armando Perez
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Connection Magazine | 63
Trinity Lutheran Church held its annual community picnic on June 8 on the grounds of Trinity Lutheran School in Freistatt.
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1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Dedra, Casten and Stephanie Moennig Arron Koontz, Helen and Landry Koontz, Mallory Smith with Oliver, Matthew Smith, Sara Williams holding Lauren Williams, and Alex Williams, holding son Isaac Chelsea Mason, Kelsy Conard Donald Patton, Donald and Emma Ray Essary Corie and Hayes Post Andrew Peters, Ryan Post
10 7. Dezeray Davis, Brenden Phillips 8. J.D. and Pam Mayo, Joyce and Jim Lawrence
9. Don and Carole Kleiboeker, Shirley and Mike O’Hara 10. Cheyenne Salazar, Katherine Leavitt
Connection Magazine | 65
parting shot Photo by Andy Just
“Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience.� - Ralph Waldo Emerson 66 | July 2018
Advertisers Index Acambaro Mexican.................................... 22 Adelita’s Mexican....................................... 45 Aire Serv....................................................... 40 Assing, Dr. Dale.......................................... 37 Barry Electric Coop.................................... 36 BFS Excavating..............................................9 Bruner Pharmacy........................................ 57 Bull’s Eye Power......................................... 39 Carey’s Cassville Florist............................ 36 Chic-Fish-Kin.............................................. 57 Coast to Coast............................................ 39 Coldwell Banker......................................... 38 Community National Bank....................... 18 Cox Medical Centers................................. 68 Crane Family Dentistry............................. 16 Diet Center.................................................. 29 Doug’s Pro Lube......................................... 16 Edward Jones.................................................3 First State Bank of Purdy......................... 57 Fohn Funeral Home......................................9 Four Seasons Real Estate............................4 Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri..... 50 Friendly Tire................................................. 44 Guanajuato Mexican................................. 44 Hangar Kafe................................................ 30 Hayes Heating............................................ 38 Health Literacy Missouri.......................... 26 Hills Feed & More.........................................4 Honey Bluff Shenanigans......................... 22 J&J Floor Covering.................................... 36 Jim Nesbitt Motors.......................................2 K&K Insurance............................................ 39 Ken’s Collision Center............................... 37 Kiddie City................................................... 29 Lackey Body Works................................... 45 Les Jacobs.................................................... 45 Monett Chamber of Commerce.............. 29 Monett Insurance Center......................... 30 Monett Main Street................................... 30 Monett Rental & Sales.............................. 39 Ozark Methodist Manor........................... 44 Peppers and Co.......................................... 22 Political ad......................................................4 Precision Land Services............................ 38 Purdy R-2 School District......................... 18 Quick Draw Gun......................................... 67 Race Brothers............................................. 25 Re/Max Properties.................................... 39 Riehn, J. Michael; attorney....................... 18 Scott Regional............................................. 26 Second Chances......................................... 40 Security Bank of Southwest Missouri......9 S. Perez Roofings & Remodel, Inc........... 38 Shelter Insurance............................. 22 & 67 Superior Spray Foam................................. 45 TH Rogers Lumber Co............................... 26 The Jane Store............................................ 50 Thurman Roofing....................................... 39 Trogdon Marshall....................................... 44 White’s Insurance...................................... 40 Whitley Pharmacy.........................................2
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Connection Magazine | 67
