Connection September 2017

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September 2017

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A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians

www.edwardjones.com A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians

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

Jeramie Grosenbacher, CFP®

Shane A Boyd

PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Brad Stillwell Jamie Brownlee Amy Sampson

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor 103 East Olive, Aurora, MO 65605 417-678-0277 • 1-866-678-0277

802 West Street, Cassville, MO 65625 417-847-5238

Nathan Roetto AAMS®

Jim Haston

DISTRIBUTION Greg Gilliam Kevin Funcannon

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

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

Donald E Weber

Nicole Weber Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

100 Chapel Drive, Suite B Monett, MO 65708 417-236-2819

603 Dairy St., Monett, MO 65708 417-235-7465

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

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

Scott Young Financial Advisor

1418 S. Elliott, Aurora, MO 65605 417-678-2102

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Member SIPC

Connection Magazine | 3

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F r o m t h e p u b l i s h e r ’s d e s k

Passion and enthusiasm make ‘10 Under 40’ honorees stand out

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here are few traits — if any — more valuable than leadership.

While it takes the efforts of many for an organization or community to prosper, there will always be a need for those who are willing and able to show the way.

I have long been impressed by the young leadership in our neck of the woods. Through my involvement in the Monett Young Professionals Network, Cassville Rotary Club, Chamber of Commerce events and other professional functions, I have had the pleasure of personally getting to know all but a couple of members of Connection Magazine’s inaugural 10 Under 40 class.

While leaders of all types are valuable, it is the young leaders who will pass the torch to the next generation who have yet to enter the workforce. It is the young leaders who will be making

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decisions that will have impact our community, state and region for the next 50 years and beyond.

We were pleased with the number of nominations we received from our readers. These honorees come from diverse fields. Finance, law, commerce, entrepreneurship, industry, politics, real estate, government, environmental activism and the medical field are all represented.

Though all of our honorees come from different backgrounds, they all have one thing in common: Each of them are extremely passionate about what they do. Of all the traits that make a good leader, passion and enthusiasm are some of the most underrated. While staying enthusiastic can sometimes be challenging, it can make a world of difference. Passion for your work (or life in general) helps the days go by easier, and captures the attention of those around you.

While honoring young leaders is one purpose of our 10 Under 40 feature, another is to inspire others. Whether you’re young or not so young, we hope you glean some valuable advice from this year’s honorees.

In this month’s edition, Meagan Ruffing gives advice to stay-at-home mothers who are looking to re-enter the workforce. In Healthy Connection, Lisa Ramirez writes about the dangers of added sugars in food and offers tips

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A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians

on how to limit your intake.

Football season (the greatest time of the year, in my humble opinion) is finally here. In this edition, we offer game day recipes that are sure to please every palate at your tailgate party.

Vince Lombardi, the late head coach of the Green Bay Packers, once said: “Leaders are made, they are not born.

They are made by hard effort, which is the price which all of us must pay to achieve any goal that is worthwhile.”

Regardless of your background, strengths or weaknesses, always remember that you have the power to make a difference in your community and the lives of those around you.

Jacob Brower Publisher, Connection Magazine

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

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

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

Connection Magazine | 5

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September 2017

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9 | Ready, Set, Go!

Prepare for a great future, once the kids are in school, it’s time to market you

12 | 10 Under 40

Southwest Missouri’s shining stars of leadership.

39 | Homemade Homegrown

Stark City soap maker perfects the recipe for success

49 | In an ‘Angel’s’ arms

Hospice Compassus begins volunteer program to aid patients

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

Email it to connection@monett-times.com

Contents 29

32 34 37 43 44 53 55 57 58

Healthy Connection: Keep the sweets in check Proud Parent contest Recipes: Tailgates are down Bottles & Brews Cutest Pet Contest Community Captures Community Calendar Familiar Faces My Connection Parting Shot

JOIN US ONLINE:

Facebook.com/MyConnectionMo Twitter.com/MyConnection_Mo Connection Magazine | 7

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Michael J. Roberts, O.D. and Aubrey L. Roberts, O.D. Dr. Michael Roberts attended the university of Arkansas and graduated with honors from the university of Missouri St. Louis college of Optometry. he has special interests in primary care, ocular disease, and contact lenses.

Dr. Aubrey Roberts attended the university of Missouri - columbia and graduated with honors from the university of Missouri St. Louis - college of Optometry. She has special interests in primary care, specialty contact lenses, and pediatrics.

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Pa r e n t i n g c o l u m n : B a c k t o W o r k

How to market yourself and get a job!

S

o you’re an empty nester?

Sorta.

The kids are back in school and it’s the first year since having children that you find yourself at home alone — and you need to get a job.

Getting back into the workforce after having kids can be intimidating. Add to that a business world that demands a laundry list of work history when all you feel like you have to contribute is the number of clothes you’ve washed and folded over the past 10 years, multiplied by how many kids you have.

degree and meet all of the basic qualifications, decide if this is something you could see yourself doing.

If yes, then go ahead and start your resume. The resume can be nervewracking if you haven’t done one in a while. And in a while, I mean, years.

It’s OK. You have more to offer than you realize, and your next gig will have you filling your confidence bucket faster than you can say, “I got the job!”

3. Type in your Google search bar, “ How to write a resume” and

Follow these 6 steps to help you get started.

1. Start by figuring out what you want to do.

If you have a college degree, that’s a good place to start. If you have a business degree versus an English degree, your job searches will look much different. Narrow down your interests and do an initial search online to get a feel for what’s out there.

Bookmark all the jobs that interest you, so you can go back and weed through them.

2. Now that you’ve picked a few jobs to go through, see if you’re qualified to do them.

If you need a degree for them and don’t have one, but have always wanted to go back to school, maybe now is your time. If you have the

you will be astounded at how many things pop up. September is International Update Your Resume month, so now is the perfect time to get the ball rolling. The first couple of things listed are always the most popular, so just click on one of those. You should get a template and be able to plug in your information when prompted. Most resume builders will give you examples of each action item, which makes it easier than ever to come up with catchy words and phrases that will catch your employer’s attention.

This is the part that will have you sitting back in your chair, sipping your cup of coffee and thinking, “I’m really glad I volunteered at that

camp. Or, that mentoring program I was a part of is really going to come in hand here.” Think of all the things you’ve done over the past few years, big and small, and write them down.

You can always edit them out later.

4. Once you have a rough draft of your resume, step away for a day and let things marinate.

This is a great tip for making your editing go that much smoother when you return to your resume.

Your eyes and mind need a break from what you’ve just written, and sometimes it takes some time away from the material to see it with fresh eyes. Have someone you trust and respect look over your resume and give you both positive and negative feedback. You want to put your best foot forward when applying for a job, so it’s important to have more than one set of eyes look over your resume before hitting send.

With all three of her children in school this fall, Meagan Ruffing finds herself in a new season of life. She is learning to embrace it, love it and go with the flow. Follow her at WriterMeaganRuffing on Facebook to stay up-to-date on all things parenting.

Connection Magazine | 9

Learn a Living COMMunity EDuCatiOn CLaSSES starting soon!

Visit our website: www.monettschools.org and select Online Payments to register.

We offer Enrichment classes,Trade & Technical, and Computer classes.

ONLINE classes available 24/7 www.ed2go.com/srtc For more information, Please contact: Community Education Coordinator, Kailee Essary at 235-8356 Offering new classes: Advanced RPG & Community Spanish, and much more!

5. Most companies will ask for a cover letter to accompany your resume.

A cover letter is basically a formal note explaining who you are, for what job you are applying, how you heard about it and why you are the best person for the job.

Think of it as selling yourself.

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6. If the job for which you’re applying asks for referrals, think of three to five people who know your character and who you trust to share their opinions of you with others.

Always ask your potential referrals for permission before you include them on your application. There’s nothing worse than putting someone’s name down, not telling them, and then they get called and are caught off guard. The professional thing to do is ask, thank them, and move forward.

Applying for a job when you’ve been out of the market for a while is nothing short of scary. But hang on, give yourself credit where credit’s due and make all of those volunteer hours, contributions and trainings work for you by making sure you put them all down for your future employer to see.

Take one last look over your application, hit send, and get busy applying for another job.

10 | September 2017

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Connection Magazine | 11

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12 | September 2017

Jennifer Conner Age: 36 Job title: Ozarks Conservation Program Coordinator Organization: Missouri Sierra Club Education: Missouri State University, bachelor’s of science in conservation and wildlife management Civic groups/etc: Monett/Purdy Habitat for Humanity, Monett Main Street, Missouri Black Bear Foundation, Sierra Club White River Group Family: Husband, Mark Conner. Daughter, Aarilyn, 4.

Jennifer Conner grew up in Willow Springs.

She attended Missouri State University in Springfield and subsequently accepted a position with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources as an environmental specialist in Hazardous Waste Enforcement. In that capacity, she enforced the hazardous waste management regulations, working with violators to come back into compliance, assessing penalties and conducting penalty negotiation meetings.

Eventually, she transitioned into a district coordinator position with the Soil and Water Conservation Program. In this position, she was responsible for 10 Missouri counties for which she reviewed and approved conservation contracts, attended board meetings, updated local boards on state-wide program policy, and presented issues to the governorappointed Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

Conner currently works for the Missouri Sierra Club as the Ozarks Conservation Program Coordinator in which she develops and implements campaign strategies for conservation programs, mobilizes grassroots and state-wide volunteers to take action on conservation issues, and advocates the Sierra Club’s position on proposed legislation involving conservation programs.

Conner said one her greatest accomplishments is working the last five years with the

local Sierra Club group in Springfield to stop a proposed coal ash landfill on a geological site and promoting clean energy.

“Think 100-plus sinkholes providing a direct conduit to drinking water,” she said.

Springfield City Utilities is now the state leader in renewable energy at 30 percent.

“Because of this investment, there is no need to build the toxic landfill in the foreseeable future,” Conner said.

“When I think of the number of children who could have developed learning disabilities because of elevated lead levels in their water, or adults who won’t develop cancer from the hexavalent chromium found in coal ash, I truly feel like I’m making a positive difference in this world.”

Her other accomplishments include working with the Monett Chamber of Commerce and Cox-Monett to create the Monett Area Farmers Market, paddling a 100-mile stretch of the Buffalo River Wilderness, hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim, touching a Missouri black bear, living in the wilderness alone for one week, speaking at the March for Science rally, solo-cycling the entire Katy Trail, and writing a novel — which she says no one has yet read.

She also counts amongst her accomplishments “marrying an amazing human,” Monett native Mark Conner, and “having a phenomenal daughter,” 4-year-old Aarilyn.

Connection Magazine | 13

What are some factors that have led to your professional and/or personal successes?

A few of the factors that have led to my success include not letting others dictate my definition of success. To me, success is wholly self-defined and akin to a calling. My calling is working to protect and improve our world for future generations. There’s not a lot of money, accolades, and/or prestige in this line of work, but it brings me immeasurable joy and I feel that I’m leaving an honorable legacy.

And, really, that’s what success boils down to: finding and following your joy, whatever that may be.

Next, having a supportive family is paramount. I don’t have a domestic bone in my body, and bless my husband, Mark, and my daughter, Aarilyn, for looking past that and embracing and encouraging me in my myriad endeavors. My success would not be possible without their unflagging love and support.

Also, I’ve never believed any job was below me. I’ve flipped burgers, waitressed, and worked my way through college full-time at the front desk of a hotel.

I always tell people my education in the real world — especially at the hotel — was infinitely more valuable than my degree, because I was exposed to a broad cross-section of humanity daily, dealt with all manners of confrontation, developed empathy for people in the service industry (please, be kind to these folks) and learned to plunge toilets like a boss.

In college, I thought growing up below the poverty line was a hindrance, but in hindsight, it was gift in disguise. I learned how to thrive in the world at a young age and through that survival, a confidence sprouted. And that confidence has allowed me to go for what I want, in both my personal and professional life — no holds barred. Success partly hinges on attitude. I was dealt some rough life experiences early on, but I figured out how to use them to my advantage and transform them into the life I envisioned.

Finally, I learned to accept myself for who I am, not who I think the rest of the world wants me to be.

And this is a perpetual work in progress. It’s never done. Being authentic is one of the less talked about keys to success; and it’s difficult but in the end, it’s a gift to yourself and the rest of the world.

What advice would you give to other young people in our community who wish to succeed in accomplishing their personal and professional goals?

Be curious, read books, take classes, and never stop learning. There’s a whole universe to discover and not near enough time!

Be open-minded and kind. There are many ways to be in the world. Celebrate people for their own brand of awesome, as different as it may be from yours.

Keep going, even if some days your pace is a barely perceptible crawl. There are days that, for whatever reason, you’re going to lose hope in yourself. Have inspiration handy.

Finally, be true to yourself. There are a million people waiting to tell you who you should be. Turn those voices down, find your own inner voice, listen, and follow. Inner voices serve as your true north, and you’ll never get lost if you take the time to listen.

“When the wind gets pummeled out of my sails, I take the time to listen to this speech by the late David Foster Wallace.”

— Jennifer Conner

https://youtu.be/8CrOL-ydFMI

14 | September 2017

Scott Fitzpatrick

What are some factors that have led to your professional and/or personal successes?

The support of my parents while growing up and the support of Mallory now. I have been blessed with great people working alongside me in everything I do. When I decide I am going to do something, I give it my best effort, and don’t let up until I reach a certain outcome, whether that be success or failure. I’m not afraid to fail or make mistakes because I know I am simply living God’s plan for my life. If I fail, that is His way of providing me an opportunity to learn from my mistakes, and it is His way of setting me on a different path.

What advice would you give to other young people in our community who wish to succeed in accomplishing their personal and professional goals?

Learn from your mistakes. Seek advice from and hire people who are smarter and or better than you at performing certain tasks. Respect your colleagues and subordinates. Don’t be afraid to take chances. Starting a business or building a career can be very stressful.

Age: 29 Job title: Budget chairman and state representative at the Missouri House of Representatives, CEO of MariCorp U.S., Shell Knob Education: University of Missouri, bachelor’s in business management, 2010. Cassville High School, 2006.

Civic groups/etc: Member, Cassville, Monett, and Shell Knob chambers of commerce. Member, Monett Jaycees. Board of directors, Shell Knob Senior Center and Cassville YMCA. Member, Cox Health Young Professionals Council. Member, Cassville United Methodist Church.

Family: Wife Mallory, married 2013. Twin sons, Luke Michael Fitzpatrick and Carson Burke Fitzpatrick, born November 2015.

Parents, Mike and Sandy Fitzpatrick of Shell Knob. Brother, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Sister, Lauren Fitzpatrick of Kansas City.

Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, a Republican, represents Barry and portions of Stone and Lawrence counties. He was first elected in November 2012 and is serving his third term in office. In 2014, Fitzpatrick was appointed vice chairman of the select committee on budget, the committee tasked with drafting the State of Missouri’s $28 billion operating budget. After serving two years as vice chairman, Scott was named chairman in August 2016 for the term beginning January 2017.

In addition to his legislative duties, Scott is the CEO of MariCorp U.S., a Shell Knob based company that specializes in dock manufacturing and marine construction.

Scott is also a member of the Cassville, Shell Knob, and Monett Chambers of Commerce. He has been recognized in the Springfield Business Journal’s 40 under 40.

Born September 28, 1987, Scott is a graduate of Cassville High School. He earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Missouri in 2010.

Scott and his wife, Mallory, are members of the Cassville United Methodist Church. They live in Cassville and have twin sons, Carson and Luke, who were born in 2015.

Believe in the power of prayer and rely on God to relieve the weight of your burdens.

Connection Magazine | 15

Jennifer Conner for being chosen as a

Connection Magazine “10 Under 40” nominee!

Ozarks Conservation Program Coordinator for Missouri Sierra Club

We would like to thank the readers of Connection Magazine for selecting Dr. Douglas C. Johnson as one of the area’s 10 Under 40.

Johnson Chiropractic Sports & Wellness Clinic 907 Main St. Cassville, MO

417-847-0388

www.dcjchiropractic.com We’re grateful for all you do to make our world a better place.

Love, Mark & Aarilyn

16 | September 2017

Douglas C. Johnson, D.C. Age: 30 Job title: Chiropractor Organization: Johnson Chiropractic Sports & Wellness Clinic, Cassville Education: Cleveland Chiropractic College, doctor of chiropractic, 2014. Central Methodist University, bachelor of science in athletic training, 2009. Fulton High School, 2005.

Civic groups/etc.: Rotary International, Cassville, board member, 2015. Cassville Chamber of Commerce, vice president, 2015. Cassville Main Street Association, board member, 2017. Community Foundation, board member, 2017. Pace Foundation, board member, 2017; Member, United Methodist Church, Cassville Family: Fiancé Rebecca L. Bokor, daughter Blakely L. Bokor.

What are some factors that have led to your professional and/or personal successes?

My love for sports and desire to help people is what started me down this path. If it wasn’t for all my friends and family believing in me, this journey would have been impossible.

What advice would you give to other young people in our community who wish to succeed in accomplishing their personal and professional goals?

If the journey seems difficult, then it’s probably the correct path to take. Remember that no matter how smart you are, be too stupid to quit.

Dr. Chad Johnson grew up in Fulton, where he graduated high school in 2005.

Upon graduation, Dr. Johnson traveled north to spend his next four years at Central Methodist University in Fayette. While at CMU, he was a member of the track team, and competed in nationals in hurdles. With a love for sports, he knew he wanted a career in athletic wellness and majored in athletic training. He spent countless hours assisting athletes on the track, football field and even on the basketball court. Johnson graduated from Central Methodist in 2009 and then decided to pursue the chiropractic field. He graduated in December 2014 from Cleveland Chiropractic College in Overland Park, Kan. Johnson moved to Eagle Rock in January 2015. When not at the clinic, Johnson can be found relaxing on Table Rock Lake.

Connection Magazine | 17

Amanda Lee Age: 29 Occupation: Community Banker Company: First State Bank of Purdy Education: Bachelor of science in business administration, finance and economics, Missouri Southern State University.

Civic groups/etc: Cox-Monett Patient Family Advisory Council. Community Education Advisory Committee at Scott Regional Technology Center.

Board member, Monett Historical Society. Missouri Bankers Association.

Missouri Young Bankers. Monett Young Professionals Network executive chairwoman. Monett Chamber of Commerce board of directors Family: Husband, Christopher Lee. Son, Mason Lee. Parents, Brad and Karen Wells.

What are some factors that have led to your professional and/or personal successes?

The love and support of my family and friends. My mom is the strongest person I know, and she has always supported and pushed me to try my best. My childhood is full of memories of her making my brother and I feel so special and taking us on after-school adventures. My family’s love has taught me that life is an adventure and you should raise each other up to the be the best you can be. This foundation gave me the friendships of a lifetime and a mismatched group of friends that acts as one big family. My husband, Chris, and son, Mason, are truly my biggest blessings. They are the unsung heroes who put up with my crazy ideas and crazy schedule. Their love and faith in me is the most beautiful gift I have ever been given.

I have also been blessed to work for some of the best leaders in our community. Our organization functions as one big family, and each team member brings so much to the table. They have supported every crazy idea I’ve had and have challenged me to be the best I can be.

What advice would you give to other young people in our community who wish to succeed in accomplishing their personal and professional goals?

The advice I would give to other young professionals is to show up. Be the friend someone can count on, and the employee who is committed to the mission of your organization. The easy route is looking to others to make something happen. A leader is an example, not a title. One of the well-known secrets about myself is that I have the inability to say no to non-profits and volunteerism. If you see a need in your life or the community, be the one who steps up. A question I ask myself all the time is, “If not you, who?” To be the change you want to see in the world, it starts with you to make that happen.

Amanda Lee graduated from Monett High School in 2006 with honors and as member of the top 10 percent of the class, and attended Missouri Southern State University in the fall.

Lee studied overseas at Oxford University in the summer of 2008, taking a class in “Castles and Fortifications,” and was able to tour the United Kingdom, visiting various castles and ruins. She credits this experience for giving her the passion for travel, life experiences, and learning all she can about various topics.

Lee worked for First State Bank of Purdy from her senior year of high school all the way through her senior year in college. She graduated in 2010 and went to work for CoxHealth as a financial analyst for the organization. At the beginning of 2012, she came back to First State Bank of Purdy as an assistant cashier. Her role as a community banker includes financial analysis, bank operations, financial education and literacy programs at area schools, community involvement and social media marketing and strategy.

She married Christopher Lee in July 2009, and their son, Mason, was born in August 2013.

At MSSU, she was an honors program scholar and honors college graduate, a member of the Alpha Chi National Honor Society, the Epsilon Mu Sigma Honors Fraternity, the Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society in Business, the Omicron Delta Kappa National Leadership Honor Society, and a vice president of the Finance and Investment Club.

Always be true to yourself. I’ve learned there will always be some force against you, but being the most wonderful you is the best gift you can give to anyone.

18 | September 2017

What are some factors that have led to your professional and/or personal successes?

I grew up with a mother in real estate and a father in residential and commercial construction. I’ve spent years in the service industry. I’m always focused on people and relationships. Clarity on knowing what you want and having personal drive.

Being passionate about what you do.

What advice would you give to other young people in our community who wish to succeed in accomplishing their personal and professional goals?

No complaining.

You are 100 percent in control of your life and how you view it. Do you.

You are the only you and you were perfectly made.

Focus on those around you. Take the best care of everyone you can. Find your passion and know your why. Never give in, never quit.

Jake Lewallen Age: 33 Job title: Realtor and co-owner Organization: RE/MAX Lakeside, Shell Knob and Kimberling City Education: Johnson County Community College. Real estate license, continued education. Independence High School.

Civic groups/etc: Board of directors, His House Foundation.

Board of directors and past president, Bridgeway Plaza Owners Association. Team member of MurderCraft, Sponsored Bowfishing Team. Audio/video director and member, Lakeside Christian Church Family: Wife, Thalia Lewallen, and daughter, Emmie, 6

Jake Lewallen is a realtor, manager and co-owner of RE/MAX Lakeside in Shell Knob and Kimberling City, on Table Rock Lake.

Jake is a licensed agent in Missouri and Kansas and has been with RE/MAX for more than 10 years.

He brings a multi-faceted background to the office with his graphic design and technology knowledge, as well as his previous experience in the hospitality and construction industries. Jake and his team have been RE/MAX award winners for the past six years.

Jake is on the board of directors and is a past president of the Bridgeway Plaza Association. He volunteers at Lakeside Christian Church, managing the audio and video department. He is the director of operations for His House Foundation, a non-profit organization in Shell Knob that has served more than 15,000 free meals to the community every Tuesday evening.

Jake said his family comes first. After time with this wife and daughter, Jake is an avid Kansas City Royals fan. When he gets a free moment, he squeezes in some time for late night bowfishing, including recreational tournaments with MurderCraft, his sponsored bowfishing team.

Connection Magazine | 19

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A Connection Magazine “10 Under 40” nominee

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We’re proud of you, Jeff!

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Jeff Meredith

What are some factors that have led to your professional and/or personal successes?

While working at the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, they invested in me professionally to help me understand how Chambers work, and what it means to be involved in the community. I watched as Joplin started up their own Young Professionals Network, and acted as a liaison to the city, non-profits, and other economic development organizations.

In my personal life, knowing my wife is home to help raise our children empowers me to get involved in community events and attend the wide variety of meetings that are involved in helping make Monett a better place.

What advice would you give to other young people in our community who wish to succeed in accomplishing their personal and professional goals?

Find someone you respect to help keep you on task for your goals, and remember that where you think you’re headed isn’t always where you end up.

Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, but consider them as valuable learning opportunities.

Age: 40 Occupation: Executive director Organization: Monett Chamber of Commerce Education: Bachelor of science in information systems, Missouri Southern State University. Institute of Organization Management (IOM) graduate, 2017.

Civic groups/etc: President, Monett Main Street.

Vice chairman, MAKO Conference Association.

Board member, Chamber of Commerce Executives of Missouri. Board member, Monett Community Development Corporation. Club administrator, Monett Soccer Club (the club has grown from 13 players on one team, to close to 50 in a year.)

Family: Wife, Sarah. Children, Drew Meredith, Luke Johnson and Katie Johnson. Cat, Alice.

In his role as executive director of the Monett Chamber of Commerce, Jeff Meredith looks at the big picture impacting the Monett community.

“Our industries need more job candidates. Maybe we need more housing, more soft skills training, or just awareness of the local jobs,” Meredith said.

Much of the public work the Chamber does involves community events such as the Freedom & Fireworks celebration, Monett Artists’ Guild, Festival of Flavors, Festival of Lights or the Christmas parade.

As President of Monett Main Street, Jeff leads the bi-monthly meetings as this organization sets goals on how to make the downtown corridor more active. One large project they have taken on is a community events pavilion to house the farmer’s market and serve as a gathering place for reunions, downtown events and other social functions.

In addition to being the president of Monett Main Street, Jeff serves as grant writer, oversees the Farmer’s Market and acts as event coordinator.

Connection Magazine | 21

Kayla Ragsdale Age: 34 Job title: Chief financial officer Organization: Hutchens Construction Co., Cassville Education: Bachelor of science in accounting, Southwest Baptist University. Certified public accountant.

Certified construction industry financial professional Civic groups/etc: Member, Cassville United Methodist Church. Board member/secretary, Ozarks Chapter of Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA). Cassville Chamber of Commerce. National Asphalt Pavement Association (NAPA).

Missouri Asphalt Pavement Association (MAPA).

Family: Husband, Rick Ragsdale. Two daughters, Riley, 8, and Harper, 2. Multi-generational household includes Rick’s mom, Ronda Miller, and his grandmother, Gay Sheddrick.

What are some factors that have led to your professional and/or personal successes?

Perseverance, big dreams and a stubborn inability to give up on any of them, a lot of self control, and a really amazing support system, including an amazing husband who refuses to let me give up on myself, and faith in a big God that has allowed me to give Him the steering wheel, knowing that when He is in control, everything is better.

What advice would you give to other young people in our community who wish to succeed in accomplishing their personal and professional goals?

Listen more than you speak, be humble, own your mistakes, and find mentors who are completely honest.

The people who have pushed me furthest have typically hurt my feelings the most. If you never have anyone willing to knock you down a notch by pointing out your weaknesses, you’re never going to know what you need to do to be the best version of yourself.

22 | September 2017

Kayla Ragsdale was born and raised in Cassville, the youngest of five children, and attended college at Southwest Baptist. She said she met her husband, Rick, their freshman year, “looking for a nerd to help with computer class, and somehow fell for the nerd.”

She moved to Olathe, Kan., after college, and spent one year at Waddell & Reed as a staff accountant; four years at McGladrey and Pullen, starting as a staff auditor and moving to audit supervisor; and 1-1/2 years at Garmin as a financial analyst.

She moved back to Cassville in 2012 after accepting the position of chief financial officer at Hutchens Construction Co. Her job duties include overseeing the company’s financial operations and serving as office manager.

Ragsdale is the founding board member of the Ozarks chapter of Construction Financial Management Association (CFMA).

“It took a couple of years to get this up and running, but our group worked hard to get the word out about the organization and provide interesting and relevant speakers and topics for meetings,” she said.

“We officially became a chapter in June 2016. It provides a really great network of finance professionals working in construction to discuss what’s happening in the industry and get ideas to make our companies even better.”

Ragsdale said her proudest accomplishment is heading up Hutchens’ ESOP transaction in February 2016.

“The project involved months of financial analysis and forecasting, what I’m sure was at least a million tedious questions involving the financial and operational history of the company, too many emails and phone calls to count, and little sleep on my part,” she said, “but the result is a company structure that allows all of our employees to take part in the future success of the company and reap the benefits of their hard work.”

James J. Randall Age: 37 Occupation: Attorney Organization: Randall, Masri & Randall, P.C., Monett Education: Ave Maria School of Law, Juris Doctor (J.D.), 2006.

Southwest Missouri State University, bachelor of arts, history, 2002. Monett High School, 1998.

Civic Groups: Monett School Board, elected 2017.

Monett Chamber of Commerce board of directors.

Monett Kiwanis. Knights of Columbus.

Family: Wife, Martha. Daughter, Hailee. Sons, James, Blaise, Jack and Andrew.

James J. Randall has lived all his life in Monett, other than the time he spent in college and law school. He said he returned because his heart has always been in Monett.

He attended St. Mary’s School in Pierce City and St. Lawrence School in Monett, as well as Monett High School, where he was student body president.

As an attorney, most of Randall’s practice is in personal injury, workers’ compensation and family law, though he does a fair amount of real estate contracting and litigation. He said his primary goal is to improve the lives of clients from what they would have been if he had not helped them with their problems. He says that means a great deal to him.

What are some factors that have led to your professional and/or personal successes?

The most important factor relating to professional and/or personal success is personally caring about people. Professional life is not unlike family life or other personal relationships, but with a difference. To be truly effective, a lawyer must be committed to his client. But he must simultaneously remain sufficiently detached to be objective about his client’s situation in order to be able to properly advise the client of the strength of his/her case, and its weaknesses. He must be sympathetic enough to want to do a good job for his client, but detached enough to tell his client the truth, no matter what.

What advice would you give to other young people in our community who wish to succeed in accomplishing their personal and professional goals?

The most important thing really is commitment combined with just the right amount of detachment. One must strive to be committed to the duties of life with all strength and ability.

But at the same time, you must be able to step back and view yourself and what you do “from the outside,” as it were, and:

judge yourself and your efforts dispassionately, without undue vanity, unrealistic critique or excuse-making.

Connection Magazine | 23

What are some factors that have led to your professional and/or personal successes?

Meghan Shaner Age: 28 Job title: Training Specialist Organization: Tyson Foods, Inc., Monett Education: Bachelor’s in organization, communication and development with a minor in business administration, Drury University.

Civic groups/etc: Worked with Habitat for Humanity, Relay for Life and Dining for Diabetes. Guest speaker at Monett Kiwanis and Monett Lions Club to present Monett Young Professionals Network information.

Family: Husband, Johnathon. Parents, James and Susan Thomas. Brothers, David and Sean Thomas. Uncles and aunts, Ken and Ann Hall, and Jon Jackson and Jackie Landahl.

Born and raised in Monett, Meghan Shaner has spent her life living and working with the community. Her parents have owned a small business in town for the past 30 years. With roots that run deep, she said she has spent her working years trying to promote and better Monett for the benefit of future generations.

She graduated from Drury University, Monett campus, in 2016 with a 3.9 GPA. During this time, she worked for the Monett Chamber of Commerce. After graduation, she went to work for Tyson.

As the training specialist, Shaner onboards new employees working the line along with new members of management. She said spends most of her time working with employees on the line, learning the jobs, learning about their lives, and asking questions to improve the environment if which they spend most of their 24 | September 2017

time. She conducts hands-on training through floor trainers, facilitates orientation classes each week, and monitors and facilitates annual compliance training.

Along with training, Shaner said she is also involved in making sure new employees are comfortable working at Tyson and making changes to create a positive culture in the plant.

“I work with production and HR to ensure the environment we present our team members is one we would want our family to work in,” she said.

She said her major accomplishments include working with others to create a local Toastmasters chapter, her involvement in the Monett Young Professionals Network, graduating from Drury University summa cum laude, stepping into a management position out of college, and helping grown employees in their careers.

Professionally, I had networking opportunities presented over the course of many years and utilized them to the best of my abilities.

With the goal of a future career in mind, I made sure to build lasting relationships with many members of the local and business community. Personally, once I set my mind to something, I go after that goal with the determination to achieve and succeed. Being able to learn from your mistakes and try new things will always be key factors for any successes throughout life.

What advice would you give to other young people in our community who wish to succeed in accomplishing their personal and professional goals?

Believe in yourself, your skills, your goals, and never give up on them.

Persevere and keep a positive attitude in every step of the process.

Always keep moving forward with a smile on your face – even after falling behind. I was once told that education and intelligence will get you far, but persistence will get you through.

“Nothing in the world can take the place of persistence. Talent will not; nothing is more common than unsuccessful men with talent.

Genius will not; unrewarded genius is almost a proverb. Education will not; the world is full of educated derelicts. Persistence and determination alone are omnipotent. The slogan “press on” has solved and will always solve the problems of the human race.”

— Calvin Coolidge

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Connection Magazine | 25

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Alyssa Vaughn Age: 29 Job title: Real estate broker at A-List Properties LLC, Monett. Boutique owner, Flying V Mercantile, Monett.

Education: University of Arkansas, Missouri State University, Aurora High School.

Family: Husband, Jacob Vaughn. Children, Fenli, Fallon and Farron.

Real estate has been a business Alyssa Vaughn has been around as long as she can remember. In first or second grade, while riding the school bus, she would write down “for sale by owner” signs and phone numbers for my mom, who owned her own brokerage at the time.

“My dad, aunt, grandmother, and now motherin-law are also all in the real estate business, so it was something that came natural to me,” she said.

Vaughn received her broker’s license when she turned 18 as something to do while in school.

What started as another license on a resume turned into something she genuinely enjoyed doing. She worked in a local real estate office for three years before deciding to open her own property management company.

“During the recession, I had to come up with a way to make money while homes were not selling, so I decided to start renting out homes for owners who weren’t interested in doing it themselves,” she said. “That’s how A-List Properties was born.”

Vaughn now has an office in Aurora that manages more than 300 rental properties, and an office owned with her mother-in-law in Monett.

“When choosing the location of our Monett office, Julie and I knew we had to be downtown,” she said. “The charm, character, and potential of the downtown area made choosing Broadway a no brainer.”

Over the last several years, real estate has allowed Vaughn to follow her true passion of owning a boutique store and remodeling homes. In 2016, she enjoyed remodeling another old building on Broadway, with her father and husband, which is now Flying V Mercantile, a store that offers women’s clothing, home decor and gifts.

“There is no way I would be where I am today without the wonderful employees and friends and family that help keep it all running smoothly,” she said. “At the end of the day, being a wife and mother is my favorite job of all.”

What are some factors that have led to your professional and/or personal successes?

Being able to work with people I love has made everything I do enjoyable. Having a group of people around you that are always supportive is key to truly having no fear to try something new!

What advice would you give to other young people in our community who wish to succeed in accomplishing their personal and professional goals?

Don’t be afraid to take risks!

Make sure that you truly love what you do. If you don’t, change it.

Connection Magazine | 27

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C o l u m n : h e a lt h y c o n n e c t i o n

Fighting the

sweet tooth Have you ever wondered if having a “sweet tooth” is a real thing?

A new study in the journal Cell Metabolism found that there may be a hormonal link to the sweet tooth.

Participants with lower levels of the FGF21 hormone were found to have increased cravings for sweet food and those who had variants of the FGF21 hormone had increased sugar consumption.

Not only can your hormones affect your cravings, studies also show that brain activity and the cycle of addiction may play a role. Consuming palatable food such as sugar causes a flood of dopamine and feelings of well-being. Because the euphoria does not last long, the brain craves more. One Princeton study found that rats whose sugar water was taken away after being habituated to it, showed withdrawal symptoms and binged on it once it was restored.

During the craze to reduce fat consumption in the 1990s, many processed foods began replacing fat with sugar. Even though they are marketed as “fat free” and appear to be a better option, many of these foods are loaded with added sugars to retain their taste.

All of this excess sugar can lead to excess calories, therefore increasing one’s risk for chronic diseases such as obesity, heart disease and diabetes.

What are added sugars?

Added sugars aren’t in foods naturally—they are added during processing to products like soda, yogurt, and cereals or they are added by consumers (like the sugar you put in your coffee).

How much added sugar can I consume per day?

The 2015-16 Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommends limiting calories from added sugars to no more than 10 percent of your total calories. That is about 12 teaspoons or 50 grams per day for a 2,000 calorie diet. The American Heart Association recommends that children consume less than 6 teaspoons or 25 grams of added sugars per day, and children under 2 years of age avoid added sugars entirely.

How do I know how much added sugar is in the food I eat?

Check out the Nutrition Facts label. Many of the current Nutrition Facts labels do not distinguish between the amount of natural or added sugars in the product.

The new Nutrition Facts labels set to go into effect in July 2018 will add a line that lists the amount of added sugars. You may see some of these new labels already on the shelves. One way to visualize the total amount of sugar in a product is to calculate the number of teaspoons in the food. This can be done by dividing the number of grams of sugar by four. For example, a 12-ounce soda typically has around 40g of sugar (40 ÷ 4 = 10 teaspoons of sugar).

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

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

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

Connection Magazine | 29

Fall Open House

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What about artificial sweeteners?

Artificial sweeteners are synthetic sugar substitutes that are usually calorie-free. Artificial sweeteners can reduce the amount of added sugars in your diet, but the research is still unclear on whether they can lead to weight loss or weight gain.

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30 | September 2017

• Change your drink.

Almost half of added sugars in our diet comes from drinks. One 12-ounce soda contains about 10 teaspoons of sugar and 140 calories. Cutting out just one soda each day could lead to 15 pounds of weight loss over the course of a year. Even an 8-ounce serving of 100 percent fruit juice can load an extra 110 calories and seven teaspoons of sugar. Switch to water with lemon, mint or infused fruit.

• Choose whole foods.

Work on incorporating more fruits, vegetables, whole grains and legumes in your diet and cutting back on processed foods.

As you cut back on added sugars, you will notice a change in your taste receptors and a decrease in cravings.

• Choose plain dairy.

Most flavored yogurts have about 14 grams (56 calories or 3-1/2 teaspoons) of added sugar. Choose a plain yogurt that will contain around 12 g of natural sugar and add real fruit to give a burst of flavor, vitamins and extra fiber.

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Connection Magazine | 31

P r o u d pa r e n t

Are you a proud parent?

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

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

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

Kinzley Mae, 6 at the time of this photo, is the daughter of Greg and Stephanie Chapman of Pierce City.

Kinzley is September’s cutest kid.

Congratulations,

KiNzleY! 32 | September 2017

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Connection Magazine | 33

Recipes

Source: AllRecipes.com

Grilled Salmon Ingredients

Best Brownies Ingredients 1/2 cup butter 1 cup white sugar 2 eggs 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1 1/2 pounds salmon fillets lemon pepper to taste garlic powder to taste salt to taste 1/3 cup soy sauce 1/3 cup brown sugar 1/3 cup water 1/4 cup vegetable oil

Directions n Season salmon fillets with lemon pepper, garlic powder, and salt. n In a small bowl, stir together soy sauce, brown sugar, water, and vegetable oil until sugar is dissolved. Place fish in a large resealable plastic bag with the soy sauce mixture, seal, and turn to coat. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. n Preheat grill for medium heat. n Lightly oil grill grate. Place salmon on the preheated grill, and discard marinade. Cook salmon for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Frosting: 3 tablespoons butter, softened 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder 1 tablespoon honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1 cup confectioners’ sugar

Directions n Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour an 8-inch square pan. n In a large saucepan, melt 1/2 cup butter. Remove from heat, and stir in sugar, eggs, and 1 teaspoon vanilla. Beat in 1/3 cup cocoa, 1/2 cup flour, salt, and baking powder. Spread batter into prepared pan. n Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.

Do not overcook. n To make frosting: Combine 3 tablespoons softened butter, 3 tablespoons cocoa, honey, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and 1 cup confectioners’ sugar. Stir until smooth. Frost brownies while they are still warm.

34 | September 2017

Sweet Restaurant Slaw Ingredients 1 (16 ounce) bag coleslaw mix 2 tablespoons diced onion 2/3 cup creamy salad dressing (such as Miracle Whip) 3 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 cup white sugar 1 tablespoon white vinegar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon poppy seeds

Directions n Combine the coleslaw mix and onion in a large bowl. n Whisk together the salad dressing, vegetable oil, sugar, vinegar, salt, and poppy seeds in a medium bowl; blend thoroughly. Pour dressing mixture over coleslaw mix and toss to coat. Chill at least 2 hours before serving.

Food and football: An American tradition

Game day tailgate recipes Prize Winning Baby Back Ribs Ingredients

Football season is upon us. Please everyone at your tailgate party with these lip-smacking game day recipes!

1 tablespoon ground cumin 1 tablespoon chili powder 1 tablespoon paprika salt and pepper to taste 3 pounds baby back pork ribs 1 cup BBQ sauce

Directions n Preheat a gas grill for high heat, or arrange charcoal briquettes on one side of the grill.

Lightly oil the grate. n In a small jar, combine cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Close the lid, and shake to mix. n Trim the membrane sheath from the back of each rack. Run a small, sharp knife between the membrane and each rib, and snip off the membrane as much as possible. Sprinkle as much of the rub onto both sides of the ribs as desired.

To prevent the ribs from becoming too dark and spicy, do not thoroughly rub the spices into the ribs. Store the unused portion of the spice mix for future use. n Place aluminum foil on lower rack to capture drippings and prevent flare-ups. Lay the ribs on the top rack of the grill (away from the coals, if you’re using briquettes). Reduce gas heat to low, close lid, and leave undisturbed for 1 hour. Do not lift the lid at all. n Brush ribs with BBQ sauce, and grill an additional 5 minutes. Serve ribs as whole rack, or cut between each rib bone and pile individually on a platter.

Marinated Grilled Shrimp Ingredients 3 cloves garlic, minced 1/3 cup olive oil 1/4 cup tomato sauce 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil 1/2 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper 2 pounds fresh shrimp, peeled and deveined skewers

Directions n In a large bowl, stir together the garlic, olive oil, tomato sauce, and red wine vinegar. Season with basil, salt, and cayenne pepper. Add shrimp to the bowl, and stir until evenly coated. Cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring once or twice. n Preheat grill for medium heat. Thread shrimp onto skewers, piercing once near the tail and once near the head.

Discard marinade. n Lightly oil grill grate. Cook shrimp on preheated grill for 2-3 minutes per side, or until opaque.

Connection Magazine | 35

Boilermaker Tailgate Chili Ingredients 2 pounds ground beef chuck 1 pound bulk Italian sausage 3 (15 ounce) cans chili beans, drained 1 (15 ounce) can chili beans in spicy sauce 2 (28 ounce) cans diced tomatoes with juice 1 (6 ounce) can tomato paste 1 large yellow onion, chopped 3 stalks celery, chopped 1 green bell pepper, seeded and chopped 1 red bell pepper, seeded and chopped 2 green chile peppers, seeded and chopped 1 tablespoon bacon bits 4 cubes beef bouillon 1/2 cup beer 1/4 cup chili powder 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon minced garlic 1 tablespoon dried oregano 2 teaspoons ground cumin 2 teaspoons hot sauce 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper 1 teaspoon paprika 1 teaspoon white sugar 1 (10.5 ounce) bag corn chips 1 (8 ounce) package shredded Cheddar cheese

36 | September 2017

Not your little sister’s chili Directions n Heat a large stock pot over medium-high heat.

Crumble the ground chuck and sausage into the hot pan, and cook until evenly browned. Drain off excess grease. n Pour in the chili beans, spicy chili beans, diced tomatoes and tomato paste. Add the onion, celery, green and red bell peppers, chile peppers, bacon bits, bouillon and beer. Season with chili powder, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, oregano, cumin, hot pepper sauce, basil, salt, pepper, cayenne, paprika, and sugar. Stir to blend, then cover and simmer over low heat for at least 2 hours, stirring occasionally. n After 2 hours, taste, and adjust salt, pepper, and chili powder if necessary. The longer the chili simmers, the better it will taste. Remove from heat and serve, or refrigerate, and serve the next day. n To serve, ladle into bowls, and top with corn chips and shredded Cheddar cheese.

Bottles & Brews

Smithworks Vodka Mother’s Blush

A pomegranate hibiscus wit ale, Springfield’s Mother’s Brewing Company crafted Mother’s Blush with a lower alcohol content and medium body with a fruity finish. The summertime beer goes well with chicken, citrus-grilled vegetables, herb cheese on crackers and sorbet. On BeerAdvocate.com, the brew has earned an 83 out of 100 from 18 ratings.

A product of the nearby city of Fort Smith, Ark., Smithworks Vodka is crafted with water from Lake Fort Smith and corn from Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma.

The makers bill it as purpose-built for America’s finest stools, stumps and back steps. Country music star Blake Shelton is also a member of the Smithworks family.

Boulevard Zon

A Kansas City staple, Boulevard’s Zon witbier is an interpretation of the classic Belgian witbier. “Zon,” Flemish for “sun,” utilizes coriander and orange peel with other traditional ingredients for a refreshing summertime taste with only a 4.4 percent ABV content. On BeerAdvocate.com, the brew has earned an 82 out of 100 from 627 ratings.

Urban Chestnut Stlipa

Another Missouri brew, Urban Chestnut’s Stlipa hails from St. Louis and sports an 8 percent ABV. Pronounced “sta-leep-ah,” the name is an acronym for St. Louis India Pale Ale, and the Imperial IPA does not disappoint with its use of six types of hops and two types of malts. On BeerAdvocate.com, the brew has earned an 86 out of 100 from 298 ratings.

Connection Magazine | 37

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38 | September 2017

Carie Trammel, owner of Trammel Ranch Homemade Homegrown inn Stark City, hand cuts each bar of her homemade lye soap. It took Trammel a year of research and experimentation to find the exact recipe she uses now as the base of all of her goat milk, essential oil and unscented soaps.

It’s no lye Sensitivities prompt Stark City woman to learn soap making

R

eading the ingredients on a bar of soap may make one feel as if they need a degree in chemical science to understand what’s really in that bar they are holding in their hand.

Ingredients carrying names such as sodium lauroyl isethionate, stearic acid, sodium stearate, sodium chloride, tetrasodium, and titanium dioxide sound more like a nuclear accident than a beauty regimen, and that’s why Carie Trammel of Stark City started making her own soaps, lotions and lip balms, using natural ingredients.

Story by Melonie Roberts

Trammel Homemade Homegrown soaps, lotions and lip balms, make unique wedding favors. Trammel can also customize favors for baby showers, business events and other celebrations.

Connection Magazine | 39

When making her lemongrass and charcoal soap, Carie Trammel of Stark City combines the mixture into a soap form, then creates elaborate swirls and swoops to evenly distribute the charcoal throughout the lighter lemongrass portion.

The mix has to cure for several hours before being cut into bar-sized portions.

fresh, locally harvested products with essential oils and herb recipes

Mixing a caustic lye solution into rendered fats changes the chemical composition of the soap into glycerin, a natural beauty component that moisturizes and soothes the skin. The lye is consumed in the reaction, leaving the bar safe for use.

40 | September 2017

“I’m sensitive to chemicals and perfumes,” she said. “Commercial soaps contain a lot of detergents and are stripped of glycerine. They sell that to the beauty industry, because it’s worth more money.”

Trammel did some research to find a suitable alternative that would not irritate her skin.

“It took a year of research and going through several trials before I found a recipe I liked,” she said. “What I found is when the fats are rendered and mixed with lye, they make glycerin, so there is no more lye. I use home rendered lard after we process our hogs here on the ranch. Sometimes I’ll use vegetable shortening, olive oil or coconut oils, as well.”

Adding extra touches, such as fresh, locally harvested honey, beeswax, essential oils, lemongrass and other natural additives, Trammel started making her own soaps and handing them out to neighbors and friends to sample.

“Lots of farmers have used my soaps and they’ve told me they don’t get ticks anymore,” Trammel said. “I’ve noticed that here on the farm as well. It’s a natural tick repellent. As I’ve researched, I’ve found that was one of the benefits back in the day. It also helps relieve the itch of bug bites.”

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Connection Magazine | 41

A customer’s special order for Trammel Ranch Homemade Homegrown soap, honoring the staffers in the neonatal intensive care unit of a regional hospital that cared for a premature infant, feature the butterfly wing design.

Elaborate designs swirled through the soap mixture form interesting facing patterns on the final cut bars.

Trammel makes custom orders for wedding guest favors, baby showers, business events and more. More information may be found under the Homemade link on

www.TrammellRanch.com.

42 | September 2017

As requests for more of her soaps came flooding in, she developed a lemongrass-charcoal bar for local farmers and ranchers.

“It’s a good deodorizer,” she said. “It’s great for chicken farmers at the end of the day.”

Businesses that have stocked her soap include Country Cupboard and Bake Shop in Stark City, Longview Mill in Rocky Comfort and Mitchell Pharmacy in Neosho.

“By next year, I’ll have sheep milk soap,” she said. “It’s excellent — as good or better than goat milk.”

Her recipe makes 45 bars of soap. When adding in other colors, such as the black charcoal liquid, Trammel often makes swirls and swoops through the lighter colored mixture, then takes a small dowel and drags it through the mixture to make lacy weaves or other decorative patterns.

“I had the grandparents of a premature infant come in and special order their soap; scent, colors and design,” she said. “They wanted a butterfly wing design. They ordered 110 bars to give to everyone on the NICU staff who helped with their grandchild for the four months she was in the hospital. When the bars are placed side by side, after cutting, they form the image of a butterfly.”

The swirls and patterns vary from batch to batch, creating unique designs in each individual 2-inch bar of soap.

“No two are ever alike,” Trammel said. “But I love making soap. It’s addictive.”

Her success with the soap making prompted Trammel to start a cottage industry, Trammell Ranch Homemade Homegrown, and expand into making lotions, bath balms and lip balms, as well.

“I have all flavors of lip balm,” she said. “My spearmint and tea tree flavor is my favorite.

I also use coconut oil, beeswax, avocado oil, olive oil, hemp butter and argon or emu oil to make those.

“For my lotions, I use locally sourced goat milk. People ask for my goat milk lavender lotion. For my bath bombs, I use Epsom salts, citric acid, baking soda, baking powder and essential oils.”

+

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.

Meet Piper.

Piper belongs to Ashley Linebarger.

September's winner!

Connection Magazine | 43

Community captures

Submit photos to connection@monett-times.com

Jason Hightower, who lives south of Monett, has a secret power he does not know about. His super gardening skills produced this 504-pound pumpkin in the family garden. According to his wife, Esther Hightower, their garden has produced nothing like this before. Asked what they will do with it, Esther said:

“Depends on how big it gets.�

44 | September 2017

Photo by Pamela Dorton

Photo by Regania Peterson

Photo by Neva Welters Connection Magazine | 45

Photo by Mary Ann Tillman of Exeter 46 | September 2017

Jeff Bell of Monett captured these photos on a recent trip to Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park and San Clemente, Calif.

Connection Magazine | 47

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Hospice company posts

I

n folklore, legend and religious doctrines, angels are portrayed as heavenly beings that keep watch over humans, but there are angels on earth, too, like Hospice Compassus and Palliative Care, which posts reallife angels to keep watch over patients through its 24/7 Angel Watch Program.

“It’s a phenomenal program,” said Ginger Harrrison, Hospice Compassus volunteer coordinator. “We had people dying alone and hospice does not provide 24/7-hour care. Our goal is that no one dies alone. Our angels are people who sit with patients in their last hours, and help relieve the family.

If there is no family, we try to sit with them 24/7.

Long before the program was given a name, the company was providing the service, starting in the Monett and Branson areas more than 25 years ago.

Hospice care can help manage pain, relieve symptoms and provide emotional and spiritual support to patients and families.

“We were the original hospice in both locations,” Harrison said. “Our angels help assist patients in their final journey, but it’s for the family, too, to provide that emotional and spiritual support. Families are very Hospice Compassus helps ease pain and help improve the grateful if they can’t be there quality of life for patients in their last days and hours of life. with their loved one, and One way they help serve patients’ needs is through its 24/7 the nursing homes seem to Angel Watch program, which assigns volunteers to sit with and appreciate that someone is keep watch over patients whose family members cannot be there with them, too.” there with them, or who don’t have family members.

The angels are volunteers.

“They volunteer out of the goodness of their hearts,” said Brenda Smith, volunteer coordinator for the Monett office. “We send angels when there is

‘angels’ to stand watch over patients Pilot program takes flight at local facilities

Story by Julia Kilmer

a single family member or no family members available, and respite if family members need a break. Most are unresponsive or not awake. We either sing to them, hold their hand or are just there.”

“We try to provide four-hour increments and usually at night, which is hard because no one realizes how hard it is to get up at 2 a.m. and be somewhere at 3 a.m.,” said Harrison, who is an angel in the Branson location. “So it’s quite a gift our angels are giving. A lot of our volunteers have jobs. It’s a gift to the family, especially when they can’t be there because they live out of town, and it’s such a comfort knowing their loved one is not alone.”

In Cassville, the program is in Roaring River Health and Rehab, and Cassville Health and Rehab facilities, and in Monett, at Oak Pointe and Bentonview nursing homes. Hospice Compassus has 150 offices in 26 states and 15 angel volunteers in Barry and Lawrence counties.

At Roaring River Rehab, a pilot program has taken flight, using nursing home residents to serve as 24/7 angels — like Rachel Sheats, who is wheelchair-bound most of the time due to her own health challenges, yet still makes herself available for patients.

“It’s about the people I’m serving,” she said. “It’s quite a privilege to be there when families can’t, because they’re entrusting their loved ones with you, and with those who have no family. I enjoy helping. It keeps me busy, especially on nights when I can’t sleep.

I say prayers with them, read, and just help them transcend from life to death.

I like to read Footprints in the Sand, and tell them that God is with them in this journey, that they are not alone.

It’s been a joy to be able to sit with them; it feels more like an honor than a duty. It’s nice I can touch their life in some way.”

Connection Magazine | 49

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50 | September 2017

When an angel is needed, Sheats, who taught reading and math for the Cassville school district for 17 years and has a master’s degree in educational technology, is available.

“Rachel is our first resident angel in a nursing home setting,” Harrison said.

“She’s there immediately when we need an angel and that’s important, because time is of essence and being in such a rural area, it takes time for a volunteer to get there.

“There are so many high-functioning residents who could benefit from being angels. When they become residents, they lose many of their abilities to use their gifts. Rachel was a teacher for many years, so this really gives her purpose. She’s such a blessing to us and the patients there. The pilot program has worked out beautifully, and we’d like to get [this model] going in more nursing homes. We would love to expand and have an angel or two in every nursing home.”

“They’re usually unresponsive, but I know they can hear me,” Sheats said.

“The brain is the last thing to shut down and the hearing.”

When the patient passes, Sheats helps bring family members closure.

“I let them know how easily things went,” she said. “They just peacefully

Rachel Sheats, a 24/7 Angel Watch program volunteer, said she considers keeping watch over patients a privilege and honor, because family members are entrusting her with the last moments of their loved one.

Along with nurturing patients, Sheats finds a little of her own peace in nurturing plants at Roaring River Health and Rehab’s in-house greenhouse.

go to sleep. It’s so wonderful to give someone that peace that they can just let go and pass away.”

Hospice patient and veteran Floyd Hicks was put on notice that he could die at any time due to his health issues.

But Sheats, who was assigned to help him, has been an angel to him, helping him deal with that news and his daily health challenges.

“She has helped me calm down and enjoy a little more of life,” he said. “She tells me to slow down, and she helps me with the things I need help with. Instead of taking months at a time, I take one day at a time.”

“I tell him to enjoy what he’s got left,” Sheats said.

Sandie Hahn has been a 24/7 angel for three years.

“You’re a presence for them. You’re an angel,” she said. “They’re in different degrees at the end of life. We sit with the patient and make sure they’re not by themselves. Or sing to them. I rub lotion on their arms and talk to them.

It can give the family relief that someone is there.”

For more information, to become a volunteer angel, call the Monett office at 417-235-9097 or the Branson office at 417-335-2004. Hospice Compassus is also seeking veteran volunteers.

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Community calendar

September 2017 Sept. 2

 Monthly dance hosted by the Cassville

Senior Center will be held from 7-9 p.m. The band is Roaring River Sound.

Finger foods are welcome. Admission is $4. For more information, call 417846-3024.

 The Seligman Chamber of Commerce

will sponsor a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center on Highway 37, beginning at 7 p.m. No alcohol or smoking. Under age 18 admitted free.

For more information, call 417-6623612.

Sept. 4

 Monthly dance for the Monett Senior

Center.

Sept. 6

 Blood pressure checks at the Cassville

Senior Center begins at 10:30 a.m.

 Blood pressure check at Central Cross-

ing Senior Center, Shell Knob, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

 Grace’s Foot Care will begin at 9 a.m.

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

Sept. 7

 Benefit enrollment counseling for

seniors. Call the Cassville Senior Center at 417-847-4510 to make an appointment.

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

ville Senior Center, 1111 Fair Street, in Cassville.

Sept. 8

 The Cassville Chamber of Commerce

will resume the First Friday Coffee this month. It will be at Dr. Lisa Roark’s Family Health Clinic at 1101 Main St. in Cassville from 8-8:45 a.m.

Sept. 9

 The Seligman Chamber of Commerce

will sponsor a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center on Highway 37, beginning at 7 p.m. No alcohol or smoking. Under age 18 admitted free.

For more information, call 417-6623612.

 A carnival with be held at the Central

Crossing Senior Center. There will be food, games and prizes from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Sept. 10

 River Bassin’ Tournament Trail, a kayak

fishing tournament, will be open to the public. Hosted by Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce. For more information or to register, visit RiverBassInTrail.com, or call 724-989-1630.

Sept. 12

 Grace Health Services at the Central

Crossing Senior Center. Call 417-8586952 for an appointment.

Monett Home Tour The Historical Home Tour will be in Monett on Sunday, Oct. 1, from 1-4 p.m., sponsored by Monett Historical Museum.

Tickets available at Monett Museum, 401 Broadway. For more information, call 417-235-9030.

Sept. 15-16

 The 12th annual Shakin in the Shell

will be held at the Chamber Park in Shell Knob featuring live entertainment, Bark in the Park contest, kids’ entertainment area, a horseshoe tournament, food, beer and wine tent, and a variety of commercial and craft vendors. For more information, visit ShellKnob.com

Sept. 16-28

 The 28th annual Classic & Custom Car

Show will be held at Chamber Park in Shell Knob. See more information at ShellKnob.com

Sept 16

 The Seligman Chamber of Commerce

will sponsor a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center on Highway 37, beginning at 7 p.m. No alcohol or smoking. Under age 18 admitted free.

For more information, call 417-6623612.

Sept. 19

 Back to the 50s Diner Food for Lunch, a

music and dress-up day, will be held at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

Sept. 20

 Blood pressure check at the Central

Crossing Senior Center, Shell Knob, beginning at 10:30 a.m.

Sept. 21

 The Alzheimer’s Support Group will

meet at 2 p.m. at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob, beginning at 2 p.m.

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

ville Senior Center, 1111 Fair Street, in Cassville.

Sept. 23

 The Seligman Chamber of Commerce

will sponsor a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center on Highway 37, beginning at 7 p.m. No alcohol or smoking. Under age 18 admitted free.

For more information, call 417-6623612.

Sept. 27

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

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

Sept. 28

 The Pierce City Senior Center monthly

dance will be held at the center.

Sept. 29

 Birthday lunch at the Cassville Senior

Center.

 OJ’s Cookout will be held at the Central

Crossing Senior Center.

Sept. 30

 The second annual multi-species fish-

ing tournament will be held. For more information, visit ShellKnob.com

 The Seligman Chamber of Commerce

will sponsor a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center on Highway 37, beginning at 7 p.m. No alcohol or smoking. Under age 18 admitted free.

For more information, call 417-6623612.

Connection Magazine | 53

A d lis t Acambaro Mexican Restaurant . . . . . . . 38 Aire Serv . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 A-List Properties. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 At The River Consignment . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Barry Electric Coop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home . . . 6 Bernie’s Floral & Vintage Garden. . . . . . 30 Community National Bank. . . . . . . . . . . 41 Cornerstone Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Cox Medical Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60 Crane Family Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Diet Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Doug’s Pro Lube. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Edward Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Family Room Steak House . . . . . . . . . . . 31 First State Bank of Purdy . . . . . . . . . 16, 59 Fohn Funeral Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Four Seasons Real Estate . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 Four States Dental Care . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri . . 38 Friendly Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Guanajuato . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Hutchens Construction. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 IMEC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 J&J Floor Covering. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 J. Michael Riehn, Attorney . . . . . . . . . . . 38 Johnson Chiropractic. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Ken’s Collision Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 Lackey Body Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Les Jacobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 McKay Quality Roofing. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31 Michael Carman Furniture Gallery. . . . . . 6 Monett Chamber of Commerce. . . . . . . 20 Monett Main Street. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Oak Pointe Assisted Living. . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Oncology Hemotology Associates. . . . . 52 Ozark Methodist Manor. . . . . . . . . . . . . 50 Pepper and Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Race Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Remax Lakeside . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Scott Regional Technology Center. . . . . 10 Second Chances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Security Bank of Southwest Missouri. . 11 Shelter Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4, 33 Smile Designers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Superior Spray Foam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Swartz Tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 TH Rogers Lumber Co. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 The Coffee Cafe. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 The Jane Store . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Tomblin’s Jewlery. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30 Trogdon Marshall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51 Tyson Foods, Inc. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25 Vision Source . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 White’s Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52 Whitley Pharmacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59 Willis Insurance Agency . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Groups  Celebrate Recovery meets at the

Family Life Center in Cassville every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Meeting at the same time is Celebration Station for children.  Grief Care Support, sponsored

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

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

meets at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1600 N. Central in Monett, on the second Thursday of every month.

No charge to attend. Call 417-269-3616 or 888-354-3618 to register.  The 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.  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.  The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA)

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

Email it to

darlene@cassville-democrat.com

Cassville Senior Center  Dominos every Tuesday and Thursday at

noon. Call 417-847-4510 for more information.

Monett Senior Center Regular events:

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

group of Cassville meets at 8 p.m. at 1308

Harold Street on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays every month.  The Caregiver Support Group meets at

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

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

Central Crossing Senior Center 20801 YY 15 Road, Shell Knob Regular events:  Alzheimer Support Group meets at 2 p.m. on the third Thursday of each month.  Friends’ Bridge every Friday. Call Quita at

417-271-9803 for details.  Cards Galore every Friday, with Pitch

 The Cassville Al-Anon Family Group

beginning at 9 a.m.

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

 Domino Poker, every day at 12:45 p.m.

 Narcotics Anonymous meets at 8 p.m. the

first Tuesday of every month in the basement of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, located at the corner of Seven and Cale streets in Monett, 417-442-3706.  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcohol-

 Mah Jongg every Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Line Dancing every Tuesday and Thursday

from 9-10:30 a.m.  Quilting for Charity every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

ics Anonymous group meets at 7 p.m. the

 Balance and flexibility class is held every

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

Monday from 9:30 to 10 a.m.

information.

54 | September 2017

Photo by Mary Ann Tillman of Exeter

Fa m i l i a r fa c e s

1

5

2

4

3

6

8

9

7

10

Hundreds of area residents turned out for the annual Jammin’ at Jolly Concert in the Country, held Saturday, July 22, at Jolly Mill Park.

1. Claire Eaton, and Kendra and Kayla Talbert.

2. Dennis Towers and Jaxton Black 3. Front row, from left: Kevaeh, Kayera and Keyara Vasey. Back row: Dakota, Jodi and Michael Vasey 4. Sara and Samantha Crow, and Kristen Daughirty 5. Tim and Patty Osterloh

6. Tina Horn and Paul Burnett 7. Jared and Llene Winfrey 8. Keyara Vasey and Tanner Holloway 9. Linda Hardesty and Crystal Dyer 10. Annesha Umbarger and Erica Johnson

Connection Magazine | 55

(417) 847-7553 rhondasavage114@gmail.com

417- 847- 0156

IT CAN WAIT! Don’t text and drive!

Willis• 417-847-3300 Insurance, Inc. | 800-556-2393

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL FARMS | LAND

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

87 Main Street • Cassville, Mo. 417-847-0156 • fax: 417-847-5009

www.fourseasonscassville.com

417-858-3747

MISSOURI PRESS ASSOCIATION GENERAL EXCELLENCE AWARD WINNER

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* Offer for new subscribers only in Barry and Lawrence counties. Subscription renews at $12.80 per month following 3-month term, and may be canceled at any time.

56 | September 2017

Larry and Diane Prewitt of Wheaton and their 14 grandchildren took Connection with them on a recent trip to Orange Beach, Ala.

My connection

Jeff Bell of Monett took Connection with him during a recent trip to Yosemite National Park, Sequoia National Park and San Clemente, Calif.

Shaun, Les, Susan and Geraldine Fields took a trip to the Grand Canyon in June.

They also visited the Truman Dam, the Pacific Ocean, Jackson Hole, Yellowstone National Park and Mt. Rushmore, among other destinations. The family traveled through 12 states.

Connection Magazine | 57

Pa r t i n g s h o t

“A beautiful sunset to end a great day of pond fishing,” said Denae Beckett, who captured this photo at a friend’s farm in Pierce City.

“People buy into the leader before they buy into the vision.”

— John Maxwell 58 | September 2017

It’s Time for

Back to School!

Whitley’s has everything you need for Back to School - apparel, accessories, purses and jewelry for juniors and a great selection of kid’s clothes too!

Let our friendly and knowledgeable staff get you ready for school days ahead!

Whitley Pharmacy

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

Where every customer is special

Connection Magazine | 59