Connection September 2014

FREE

in the Ozarks

Serving seniors in Shell Knob Robin Killion shares her secret to a youthful life

...And it all happened under the maple tree Guest contributor Carol Pryor Lagalo shares a story of reminiscence

Have a grand time with activities geared for your grandchildren

Preserving the past, one cemetery atSEPTEMBER a time2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 1

SEPTEMBER 2014

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SEPTEMBER 2014

Contents

CONNECTION MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2014

8 One cemetery at a time 14 ...And it all happened under the maple tree a story of reminisce 21 Mystery and Intrigue in Mt. Vernon Festival highlights the unexplained and the mysterious 26 Serving seniors in the Shell 30 Eagle Rock Community Center 33 The secret to youthful living is engaging it Serving her community keeps Robin Killion young 37 A small slice of fame l

CONNECTION LIVING

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24 Have a grand time Fun and easy things for grandparents to do with their grandchildren l

CONNECTION FOOD

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42 Big flavor from the Big Easy The Bayou Restaurant in Monett 45 Peter Piper’s picks 47 Aging gracefully 48 Bottle and Brews l COMMUNITY CONNECTION l 50 My Connection 52 On the spot with Sheila House 54 Familiar faces 57 Stay connected October events Timeless and almost like tradition, kids and trees go together. Whether it’s climbing on them, swinging in them or sitting beside them, everyone has childhood memories that include time among these common leaves and branches.

Read Carol’s story of childhood memories of a tree she called, “His Majesty,” on page 14.

On the cover: Immersed in a book, Adriennne Zucca enjoys her peaceful spot under the arms of this tall oak. Photo by Robert Lotufo SEPTEMBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 3

Ava Belle’s

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A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS

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EDITOR Sherry Tucker thorntonlives@gmail.com ART DIRECTOR Veronica Zucca connection@monett-times.com ADVERTISING MANAGER Lisa Craft community@monett-times.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Sheila Harris Marion Chrysler Caleb Chrysler

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CONTRIBUTORS Murray Bishoff Meagan Ruffing Nancy Ridgley Darlene Wierman Sheila Harris Susan Funkhouser Pam Wormington Amanda Reese Anne Angle Layne Sleeth Dori Thomas Katrina Hine Kathy Teel PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Jeff Terry Rob Lotufo DISTRIBUTION Greg Gilliam Kevin Funcannon TO ADVERTISE 417-847-2610 - Cassville 417-235-3135 - Monett Send e-mail inquiries to thorntonlives@gmail.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 486, Cassville, MO 65625 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.

SEPTEMBER 2014

Editor’s note A

S EDITOR OF CONNECTION MAGAZINE, I HAVE been blessed by meeting and sharing with amazing folks all over southwest Missouri. This September issue marks the beginning of my second year as editor, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of our readers, advertisers, writers and everyone else that works to bring Connection together every month. Thank you to every one of you that has given me help, advice, offered story suggestions and boosted me up a little, it is all appreciated.

I hope that Connection can shed light on our community and the people all around us, whether it’s a neighbor down the road, or a business owner in the adjoining town. The diversity, the history, the talents of the people and communities that we are privileged to live among, is what I like for us to portray within the pages of this magazine every month. All of the aspects of our Ozark mountain, country home living that we should all be happy about and proud of.

As a creative person, it is very rewarding and stimulating to work and share with all who contribute to the magazine. All of our writers are committed to quality, and are passionate about what they write about. Just as an artist paints a portrait, I feel like we are privileged to have writers that have unique style and skill.

Veronica Zucca, Connection Art Director, is gifted with the creativity to bring all of our stories to life within each full color page of the magazine.

Veronica shared with me that when she was young, she would dream of creating the captivating ads and fashion spreads that she admired from Do you have an interesting story you’d like to see featured in Connection?

I’d love to hear your idea! Email thorntonlives@gmail.com and share it with me!

SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2014 2014

pages of fashion magazines. Well, her dream came true. No, she’s not living in NYC putting together photo shoots for Vogue, but she is raising her kids in a warm, rural community that she loves, and uses her creative talents for publications in the world around her. In working with Veronica, I have found a creative comrade, a dedicated colleague and a good friend.

As September comes to us, I hope that you all had a wonderful summer and look forward to settling into fall.

Though I have to admit that I don’t ever get tired of summer, I do enjoy the change of seasons. Fall weather carries with it a feeling – appreciating a cozy home, and the anticipation of the holiday time ahead. Enjoy September.

Take care now,

Sherry Tucker

Sherry Tucker, editor and Veronica Zucca, art director of Connection magazine

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CONNECTION’S CUTEST KID

proud parent TEST KID! SEPTEMBER’S CU

uez q z a l e V h a i a s I o r d n Alejaions, Jose Antonio and Martha Congratulat rents They are the proud pa Velazquez, of Monett! ndro. kid, 6-month-old Aleja of September’s cutest

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

SEPTEMBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 7

Oneat cemetery a time STORY AND PHOTOS BY SHEILA HARRIS

8 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2014

R When I first met Ray Gene and Betty Richardson, of Mt. Vernon, a couple of months ago, I felt as if I had encountered the spirits of my grandparents, and I fell in love with them as such.

At age 92, Ray is understandably frustrated with his current physical limitations after a long and active life, one which has included service in WWII, construction of his own house, ownership of his own business, active involvement in community service and years spent as an amateur HAM radio operator. Betty Richardson, whose energetic demeanor belies her 90 years, offers an unspoken, yet obvious, picture of devotion to her husband. By making Ray’s interests her own (including obtaining her own amateur HAM radio license) and working tirelessly by his side for 72 years, she exemplifies what one might imagine the ideal wife should be. The couple recently lost their only son Joe, a development they are still struggling to make sense of, but through even this sorrow, they are pulling as a team.

I feel privileged to be allowed to share with you a small part of their story.

- Sheila SEPTEMBER 2014

RAY GENE RICHARDSON, WHO WAS born and raised in Mt. Vernon, first met Betty during her senior year of high school, after her family relocated to Mt. Vernon from northeast Missouri.

“The first time I laid eyes on Betty,” related Ray Gene, “I knew she was the girl for me, and I didn’t waste any time getting a mutual friend to introduce us.”

The two began dating shortly afterward. In 1942, when Ray Gene’s name was called up by the WWII draft board to ship out to Europe, the decision had to be made to either marry quickly, or wait until Ray’s return from service.

“Betty didn’t want to wait,” laughed Ray “so we got married five days before I was scheduled to leave. It was a decision we’ve never regretted.”

After serving in Africa and Europe as a truck mechanic for the Air Force, Ray came home to his bride in 1945 and the two began married life in Tater Town, an area south of the Business Loop in Mt. Vernon, where vegetable gardens were grown during The Depression.

In 1950, with the help of his brother, Ray built the house they still live in Tater Town. It was the first in Mt. Vernon to be constructed with a trussed roof, a new concept at the time. However, a trussed roof is just one of the innovations Ray Richardson brought to Mt. Vernon. Another is the technique he developed for restoring damaged tombstones in the cemeteries in and around Mt. Vernon.

“I’ve always been fascinated with cemeteries,” stated Ray Gene. “From the time I was just a little guy, my mother taught me to respect them. On Decoration Day, back before people could buy artificial flowers, my mother took us kids to the cemetery to place cut flowers on the graves. She taught us not to walk on them, and to honor the memory of the people buried there. She told us that if it wasn’t for those people, we wouldn’t be here today.”

Because Ray’s grandparents were buried in Salem Cemetery, nestled beneath towering shade trees on a quiet country road northwest of Mt. Vernon, he made regular trips to the familiar landmark. He CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 9

Ray Richardson has plans to donate the form and instructions for tombstone restoration to a local museum, in hopes that someday others may continue his cemetery preservation work. noticed that many of the older tombstones were beginning to crumble and fall to the ground, something which filled him with dismay, in part because many of the stones marked the grave sites of Civil War soldiers, including his own great, great grandfather, who had fought with Confederate troops.

After retiring from General Electric in 1985, Ray had some time on his hands, so he began experimenting with methods for repairing the broken tombstones and soon came up with one which worked well.

He devised a form the same depth as a tombstone, which would vertically encircle it from top to bottom and extend, halo-like, about three inches beyond the stone’s outside perimeter, yet would leave the front and back sides of the original stone visible.

After centering the tombstone in the form, Ray poured a special mix of waterproof Elmer’s Glue, concrete and sand into the form around the stone, then allowed it to harden.

After the concrete mix was set, Ray removed the restored stone from the form and placed it back into position at the cemetery. Pleased with the result, he immediately progressed to another tombstone, then another, gradually 10 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

reversing the toll time and nature had taken on the grave markers in Salem.

“Toliver, a very small cemetery on the west side of Highway 39 just south of Mt. Vernon, was another cemetery I took an interest in,” stated Ray. “As a child, my

family and I passed Toliver Cemetery on a regular basis and it’s always fascinated me, partly because it contains the grave of Confederate soldier Calvin Puckett, who was killed by Union soldiers at age 21.”

“Even though the last burial in Toliver was probably back in the late 1800s, somebody continued to maintain it for years,” Ray related. “When the cemetery became derelict and overgrown, I figured that person must have died. I didn’t like seeing it neglected, so I decided to clean it up again myself. I went to work cutting brush, pulling weeds, trimming limbs and mowing the grass. As I worked, people would drive by and honk at me in encouragement. It really made me feel like I was putting my time to worthwhile use.”

After clearing Toliver Cemetery, Ray erected a fence around it, which included a gated entryway with an ornamental steel nameplate above it, identical in style to the one he had made for Salem Cemetery.

Not content to stop with Toliver, Ray next volunteered his services at the Mt. Vernon City Cemetery, where he and Dr. Stanley Hayward, a Mt. Vernon physician, headed a historical preservation effort.

There, Ray estimates he has repaired about SEPTEMBER 2014

45 tombstones, no small task considering each stone required about five hours of intensive labor. Restoration of the city cemetery also involved cleanup of the neglected section where black residents had been buried during the Civil War era, neglect which Ray felt reflected negatively on the city.

“I was well repaid while clearing brush from the Negro section,” stated Ray, “when a visiting Negro lady from Springfield happened to drive through looking for a relative’s grave. After seeing my efforts, she wanted to contribute to the city’s cemetery fund.”

Not only did Ray clear brush and repair stones, he and Betty worked as a team to re-plat the entire Mt. Vernon City Cemetery after discovering that city records had been destroyed in a fire.

“It was time-consuming and challenging work,” declared Betty, “but it was worth it.

Now the city has a record again of where all of the graves are located, along with the names of those who are buried in them.”

In addition to Toliver, Salem and the city cemeteries, Ray has also done restoration work at the IOOF Cemetery

SEPTEMBER 2014

south of Mt. Vernon, and at Neely, a formerly neglected cemetery near Hoberg.

Ray’s cemetery restoration and preservation work has gained the attention of local, state and national organizations over the years. In 2001, he was the recipient of the

Golden Apple Award for Community Service in Mt. Vernon, followed by the McReynolds Award presented by the Missouri Historical Preservation Society. In 2009, at the age of 87, he was presented with a Medal for Outstanding Achievement by The Daughters of the American Revolution’s Historical Preservation Committee, an award he is justifiably proud of.

Although he hasn’t been able to work in the cemeteries for the past few years, Ray still serves as president of the IOOF Cemetery Association and is a member of the Lawrence County Historical Society.

He firmly believes that his involvement with cemetery preservation efforts has contributed to his longevity.

“I don’t believe in sitting around when there’s work I can do,” he stated emphatically. “I love my country. I’m glad to have been able to preserve our heritage, one cemetery at a time.”

During our interview, Ray often made the observation that there must still be a work for him to complete on this earth. In his mind, this could be the only explanation for the fact that he is still here, while his son Joe was taken. There are some questions we may never have an answer for, but I do know that Ray Richardson is a source of great inspiration to me, as I’m sure he is to others.

And that, Ray, may be the work that you are left here to do: to inspire younger generations to make a difference while they can. n CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 11

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...And it all happened under the maple tree

HE GREAT MASTERPIECE OF MOTHER NATURE’S handiwork not only provided shade, it was a terrific climbing tree. In fact, it was the “best climber” within six blocks in our Monett neighborhood. There were very few summer days when “His Majesty” was not climbed or at least used as home base in a hot game of hide and seek or dirty pig.

Climbing the tree was just a matter of bouncing off a wire on the neighboring barbed wire fence, latching onto a large limb, and pulling myself up to the natural palm of the tree. It was an easy climb. Oh sure, I could have climbed higher, but I pretty much chose to stay put, unless I was pretending to be a Navy fighter pilot, or being held captive in a castle tower.

The well known South Eighth Street Mud Pie Bakery was a family business founded in 1928 by my sister Alyce. It was located under the shade of the maple tree. Over the years many customers had ran home complaining the tasty treats had made them ill. The operation was forced to close due to lack of guinea pigs. It was a good thing the world was not so lawsuit crazy back then.

The entire neighborhood loved the tree and had no desire to maim the dark bark by hammering a wooden ladder to the tree trunk, or by nailing slatted walls to the massive limbs as if it was

14 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

A STORY OF REMINISCENCE

BY CAROL PRYOR LAGALO

some run of the mill treehouse. We were all tree huggers long before the phrase was coined.

Sure as shootin’ the Saturday afternoon double features at the Gilloiz influenced the themes of our tree adventures. A Tarzan movie meant climbing the tree to avoid crocodiles nipping at our bare feet as we quickly climbed to safety. A Roy Rogers movie meant ambushing the bad guys by jumping on them as they galloped below. We often sat in the tree to practice our Tarzan yells and Roy’s yodelling.

A Gene Autry matinee was a whole different scenario for our tree escapades. The dime spent for a ticket to see a Gene Autry double feature was pure highway robbery. As soon as the lights dimmed, and the ruby-red velvet curtains opened, the audience grew quiet. First the boring world news events were viewed. Then, previews were shown of upcoming movies. The refreshment stand advertised candy we couldn’t afford. A cartoon was followed by a 20 minute chapter of a continuing western serial. Then it was time for the first movie of the double feature to begin. All of that for one thin dime!

It didn’t take long for the kids sitting in the front row to realize the much anticipated westerns were both starring Gene Autry. The SEPTEMBER 2014

Th Ca

The Pryor home at 205 8th Street, Monett. Carol’s sister, Sue, Carol and her brother David.

Beans, Carol & sister-Sue.

groans of disappointment could be heard all the way back to the lobby. Kids in the audience pulled out toy six shooters from their genuine Roy Rogers holster sets and started shooting at Gene. Yep, we were allowed to pack fire arms as long as they weren’t loaded with caps. When Gene started singing it was time to cover our ears, or head to the bathroom. The rich kids took a song break and ran to the refreshment stand to purchase another five cent hard caramel – the so-called “all day” sucker that only lasted twenty minutes.

The audience always suffered dearly when Gene kissed the leading lady on the lips. Then clapped gladly when “The End” finally flashed across the silver screen putting us out of our misery. The young gun-slingers returned their weapons to their holsters and headed for the nearest exit. Frustrated by poor marksmanship, the 8th Street gang grumbled how we ought to hang Gene.

Singing thru his nose was reason enough to hang him high. Worse than that, he didn’t look comfortable in his cowboy boots, and his white ten-gallon Stetson hat was two pints too big for his pumpkin shaped head. We all agreed that he spent way too much time grazing around the chuck wagon filling a blue tin plate with baked beans. Now, that right there would explain why he seldom wound up with the girl, or had a sidekick that actually wanted to stand near him.

SEPTEMBER 2014

After the movie, the gang met in the alley behind the Gilloiz to discuss our next adventure. We decided to take a vote on having a pretend hanging of Gene Autry. The dastardly deed required a unanimous showing of hands. It was quickly approved. The unlucky kid chosen to be Gene was cuffed and thrown over the backside of a spare pretend horse. Champion, Gene’s handsome chestnut colored steed, deserved freedom so he was released. Then we saddled our imaginary thoroughbred stallions and rode hell-bent for leather to the hangin’ tree. Just another one of the maple tree’s many jobs.

Meanwhile back at the ranch, there was much to do as the gang prepared for the lynching. There was always a hectic quest to find the rope. We followed “the code of the west” which meant the hangin’ had to be done by sundown. There was no time to waste.

Conveniently for the unruly mob, Pitts Venetian Blinds, was a business across the street from the ranch. A bell jingled to alert Mr. Pitts that the mob had entered his office. He was usually busy in the noisy workshop so we would simply yell that we needed a defective Venetian blind cord or two. The inferior cords were draped neatly on a nearby coat rack, and placed there for our taking IF we asked politely. The cords may not have been good enough to become CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 15

nt of g on the curb in fro Carol (myself) sittin in the window.

Business reflected

Venetian blinds, but they were handy for roping off boxing rings, herding cattle, jump ropes, squaring off playhouse rooms, lassoing, knot making for scout badges, tying someone to the tree until they cried “uncle”, and most importantly for the occasional hanging.

The pretend Gene was fortunate that tying a hangman’s noose was an art we never quite mastered by sundown. I reckon that was just as well, otherwise I would still be in San Quentin practicing my yodelling.

As the sun set in the old west, the street lights came on, and the entire mob was called inside for the night. Gene could now exhale. The henchman reluctantly removed the red kerchief blindfold. Gene had already eaten his last meal. After hearing the good news he calmly snuffed out what would have been his final crayon cigarette. He then nodded a fond farewell as he high tailed it to the safety of his home. Gene could rest easy until the next Saturday double feature.

Having the tree to myself was rare, but I do remember learning how to whistle while perched alone high among the branches.

Recently, my sister Sue mentioned that it was a great place to read a Nancy Drew detective novel. In my case, that would have been a Little Lulu comic book.

16 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

“the” laundry mat

netian Blind

with Mr. Pitt’s Ve

The giant green protector of my childhood adventures also served well as a trusted secret keeper. Many times I climbed so high I swore I could touch the sky, and only then did I feel safe enough to confide my deepest concerns out loud. The tree was a good listener. It provided both comfort and privacy as I questioned, “Why did Mother have to be so sick? Did I break her back when I stepped on a crack in the sidewalk? Why did I have to do chores?

Why did I have to get my hair washed?”

Eventually Father decided to sell the house to a real estate developer. We moved two blocks up the street. A small shopping plaza was built on the lot. A new Safeway grocery store, a hardware store, and a laundry mat were the new additions to the old neighborhood. Of course that also included a parking lot.

The old house was moved to a new location. It was loaded onto a large flatbed truck and paraded down Broadway to a different neighborhood. I am not sure of the new address, but I know it is several blocks east of the old site and near where the old rollerskating rink had been.

It was remodeled, and admittedly now looks better than when I called it home. My only complaint is that they didn’t landscape a large bare spot in the front yard for playing marbles.

SEPTEMBER 2014

D th

I was born in Monett. The baby of a large family that had lived on 8th Steet from 1918 until 1967. My parents had ten children. We were all born in the same house, same bed, and delivered by Dr. Ferguson. He must have worn a path to our house. I left Monett to join the Navy shortly after graduating from MHS in 1961. I still think of Monett as my home. Michigan just happens to be the place where I live.

Dryer #4 sits where Carol and her brothers and sisters were all born at their home that used to sit at this 8th street location in Monett.

Someone lives there, but I have never had the gumption to knock on the door and ask if I could do a walk thru. Several times I have sat alone in my car trying to get the courage, but I just can’t do it. Not yet any way.

A laundry mat now sets on our old Eighth Street lot.

I figure we Pryor siblings were all born where dryer #4 now sets. One would think Mother would have rolled over in her grave knowing that, but au contraire Mother would have been doing cartwheels if she could have had a brand spanking new Sears Roebuck modern electric dryer and automatic washer. She had always hung the clothes out to dry near the maple tree. The old ringer washer had required constant tending as it emitted a melodic whump, whump, whump. The tree’s branches would chime in with a rhythmic scraping across the back porch screen. Ah! What soothing music to my young ears.

That noble tree is truly part of the Pryor family tree. It served honorably as the kindling that fueled our imaginations. I was still young enough to enjoy climbing when we moved. It was a sad day indeed when we left the tree with its leaves blowing bravely in the wind as if waving its last hurrah.

I regret not having the forethought to have retrieved a winged SEPTEMBER 2014

seedling to plant in the new back yard. On the other hand, my dog Beans, was well aware of the circumstance. He dug up the pancakes he had buried under the tree, and carried them proudly to the new home.

Hard to imagine something as magnificent as the huge maple tree beginning from a mere lime green seedling helicoptering into the hard Missouri clay of our back yard. The tree had to have been full grown when my parents moved into the small white framed house shortly after they married in 1918.

All in the name of progress, the “best climber” within six blocks was cut down, and had its roots yanked from the ground.

It probably wound up in a wood pile, or perhaps became a dining room table. I am glad I didn’t have to witness the brutal murder as it fell crashing to the ground.

It had not been my choice to move to the new neighborhood.

As a young tree climber, I was too young to understand that change is just part of life. I had lost my mother, the house where I was born, my neighborhood, and then the tree.

Every time I go home for a visit I stop by the laundry mat to check out dryer #4, click my heels together as I snap to attention, and give my best hand salute to the place where I was born, and also one to “His Majesty,” the maple tree. n CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 17

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The YMCA in Monett has a plethora of activities starting this month. Call the front desk at 417-235-8213 to register for any of the following classes: Hours: Mon. and Thurs. 6 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Tues. Wed. and Fri. 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.

ARTS & HUMANITIES: Ballet for 3 to 6 year olds, Hip Hop for 7 to 12 year olds, Clogging Dancing for 5 to 10 year olds, Science Madness for 5 to 9 year olds and Art for 6 to 10 year olds. These are all eight-week sessions.

SPORTS: Soccer and Flag Football for 4 to 12 year olds.

AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS: K through sixth grade SWIMMING: Preschool through sixth grade. Private lessons are available for all youth.

Owner Dana Salsman 309 Kyler • Monett, MO 65708 • 417-235-7175 • schild@sofnet.com CLIMBING WALL: Koala class 4 to 8 year olds and Spider Monkey class for 9 to 12 year olds.

Hours: Hubbard Mon. and Thurs. 6 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. and Tues. Wed. and Fri. 6 a.m.

- 2 p.m.

Office Manager Mendy If being outside is more your thing, the the barry-Lawrence county Berean Christian Academy Manager CALL TODAY FOR NEW Country Fun Fair starts Library will also be starting its at 5 p.m. on CATALOG Saturday, September 7. There will be 2014 fall reading programs this month. games, food, barbecue contests, petting zoo and 309 Kyler • Monett, MOa65708 • 417-235-7175 • schild@sofnet.com 1-888-845-9582 Each branch its- own schedule craft booths. evening will conclude with a and Tues. Wed. and Fri. 6has Hours:The Mon. and Thurs.

6 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. a.m.

2 p.m. and can be reached at the fireworks show. The school is located at 10385 following numbers: Highway 60 in Monett. Call 417-236-9088 for Aurora 417-678-2036 more information.

Cassville 417-847-2121 Eagle Rock 417-271-3186 The Not So Square Arts Festival will also take Marionville 417-463-2675 place on that same Saturday starting at 10 a.m. and Miller 417-452-3466 will be held at the MARC in Mt. Vernon.

Monett 417-235-6646 Missouri Medicaid providers up to age 21. mount vernon 417-466-2921 A great playdate idea would be to take the kids Pierce City 417-476-5110 to Bouncers in Republic. Jennifer X, owner, will be Purdy 417-442-7314 throwing a ‘Say Goodbye to Summer’ party on Shell Knob 417-858-3618 Saturday, September 21 from 4 to 8 p.m. The cost will

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Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. Remember to include your pet’s name, city you reside in and your contact information.

SEPTEMBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 19

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MYSTERY

&

INTRIGUE in Mt. Vernon Festival highlights the unexplained and the mysterious STORY BY KATHY TEEL

I

T WAS ONE OF THOSE STRANGE COINCIDENCES—OR, IF YOU PREFER, “coincidences.” Wesley Fox wasn’t even supposed to work that night at his job giving ghost tours at Branson Ghost and Legends, and Chris and Roseann Cupit signed up for a tour on a whim. But after being paired for a few minutes, the Cupits started asking questions—very specific questions.

“They started asking if I knew any mediums,” recalls Fox. “Finally, I just asked them, ‘Is something going on?’”

Something was definitely going on. Fox and his fiancée, Melissa, are the founders of Branson Paranormal, a paranormal investigation group, and this chance meeting with the Cupits led to an investigation, a book, featured episodes on a TV series, and a new vocation for the Cupits, who joined Fox and his colleagues as part of Branson Paranormal.

Both Fox and the Cupits will talk about their experiences on October 4, when they will be featured speakers at the Mystery and Intrigue Fest sponsored by the Mt. Vernon Regional Arts Council.

SEPTEMBER 2014

CULTURAL FASCINATION One look at the lines outside the Intrigue Theatre in Eureka Springs, where illusionist Sean-Paul and his wife, medium Juliane Fay, perform, confirms it: people are fascinated by the mysterious. A look at any list of best-sellers or long-running TV shows proves that people can’t get enough of the inexplicable, the unknown. Some of the most enduring stories fall under the umbrella of speculative fiction—mystery, fantasy, science fiction, and paranormal— because we love to learn about the things we can’t explain.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 21

Even hard-core cynics come out of Sean-Paul’s show impressed—and pleased.

They try to figure it out and can’t, and that’s what makes his performance so satisfying. Deep down, we want to know there are things in the world we don’t have figured out.

Illusionist Sean-Paul and his wife, medium Juliane Fay, perform, confirms it: people are fascinated by the mysterious.

Schyrlet Cameron agrees. She’s the owner of Home Grown Books, an area organization that promotes authors of the Ozarks. “Books with some kind of mysterious or spiritual bent sell really well.

It could be vampires, murder mysteries, or Christian romance—or sometimes a mixture of all of them!”

Cameron should know. In addition to promoting these books, Cameron is coauthor, along with her sister Kathy Brown and colleague Carolyn Craig, of the Black Widow Society series, a set of humorous books about a group of ladies, all “persons of interest” in the deaths of their

ROSEANN AND CHRIS CUPIT

22 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

husbands, who travel the United States and encounter vampires, werewolves, and the challenges of traveling with other women.

“I really am part of a group of women that travels around,” Cameron says. “And we’ve had all sorts of experiences that we can’t explain. Some of them were even a little scary, but that never stops us. We just put them into our books!”

In fact, the idea for the festival first began when Cameron was brainstorming ideas for promoting Home Grown Books’ authors and their writings. Although speculative fiction is popular, it includes so many genres and styles that it’s not always easy to know where and how to sell it. A conversation with Karen Millsap, president of the Arts Council, led to a discussion of all the connections this region has to the mysterious and legendary. Stories of strange lights, spooky children, ghostly soldiers, slender gray aliens and hulking cryptids abound all over

Southwest Missouri.

“Karen finally just said, why don’t we have a big festival and include them all,” Cameron says. “And of course, that is exactly what we’re doing. There will be lots of authors there, but we kept the definitions of ‘mystery’ and ‘intrigue’ as broad as possible so anyone could define them for themselves. We didn’t want to leave anyone out.”

In addition to local authors whose books have a mysterious bent, the festival will include artisans and crafters, musicians, businesses, paranormal societies, and anyone who considers themselves “mysterious” and “intriguing.”

There are even still a few booths open for anyone who would like to display their craft at the festival.

“It’s all for entertainment,” Cameron says, “but we hope that people will bring their own questions and experiences. It’s fascinating how many mysterious things go on around us all the time.”

SEPTEMBER 2014

TALKS AND PERFORMANCES In addition to the many exhibitors involved in the Mystery and Intrigue Fest, the day will center around three events.

At noon, Wesley Fox will talk about his mysterious happenings in his own life—some of which form the core of his book, House of Echoes, a True Haunting. Following Fox’s talk, colleagues Chris and Roseann Cupit will also share their experiences, including meeting Wesley Fox and having their experiences investigated. Their story is chronicled in Fox’s third book, Deliver Us from Evil.

“I was raised not to believe,” says Fox. “A lot of people are. We tell our kids there’s no such thing as ghosts or anything we can’t see, but then you experience it, and it’s hard to explain. I was surprised to learn how much activity really goes on out there. We just want to help people who are going through the same things.”

Chris Cupit agrees. “We had gotten to the point of thinking we had nobody to turn to for help and would just have to endure life with all of the unexplainable activity. We thought there was nobody that could help us get normality back into our lives. We want to get the message out to anyone that may be having similar experiences that there are people willing to help and who understand what they may be dealing with.”

Finally, at 2:00, renowned illusionist Sean-Paul and Juliane Fay will perform on the MARC stage. This family-friendly performance is a popular attraction in Eureka Springs, where the couple offer their talents to intimate audiences with little of the glittery window-dressing that other illusionists employ. Tickets are available through the Intrigue Theatre for $12, or they can be bought at the door for $17.

Featured author Janice TremeearPestana, author of Haunted Missouri and a paranormal investigator with the Route 66 Paranormal Alliance, will be available throughout the day to answer questions and sign her books.

This event is sponsored by Mt. Vernon Regional Arts Council. All celebrities, guests and events have been exclusively planned and organized for entertainment purposes by Home Grown Books. For more information, or to reserve vendor space, call 417-452-3507or visit the website: mysteryandintriguefest.wordpress.com n

SEPTEMBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 23

l CONNECTION LIVING

Have a grand time

8 fun and easy things for grandparents to do with their grandchildren

BY MEAGAN RUFFING

SUMMER HAS COME AND gone and your kids are back in the swing of things at school.

Nights and weekends are filled with practices, homework and hanging out with friends. Your family’s schedule is busier

than ever, but there is always time for grandma and grandpa.

Here are 8 fun and easy things grandparents can do with their grandchildren to spend some quality time together while making lasting memories.

G R A

Get away for the weekend and have grandma and grandpa take you to an outdoor festival. September is the perfect time to get outside, enjoy the crisp, cool weather and soak in the refreshing smells of fall.

Rent a movie. Head on over to your grandparents’ house for a movie day. Pick up your favorite rental at Redbox or watch one on Netflix. Have grandma whip up one of her famous pies and sit back while you enjoy some down-time together.

Adventure. Go on an adventure! Kids love looking for things, finding things, doing things, eating things…you name it…they’ll do it. Try the Nature Center in Springfield and go on an actual adventure, or just go out in your backyard to collect twigs and rocks in empty yogurt containers.

N D M

New traditions. Start a new tradition with your grandparents. Maybe it’s going for a walk and listening to old stories or learning how to sew. Share something with each other that will be carried on for years to come.

Dance. Who doesn’t love a dance party? My grandmother LOVES to dance. She will dance all by herself, in front of the TV with her music blasting. It makes her happy and I think it will do the same for you too. Grab your grandparent’s hand and get to it!

Make cookies. Dig out an old recipe and make some yummy cookies. Make breakfast, lunch or dinner depending on when your kids are visiting their grandparents. Kids like the hands-on activity of helping someone in the kitchen; especially when they know they get to eat the finished product.

P

Play a game. Have grandma or grandpa teach you a new card game or better yet, have your kids teach their grandparents a new game.

Get out an oldie but a goodie that everyone can play, like Candy Land or Monopoly.

A

Attend. Attend an event together. Try your local library, senior citizens’ center or church event. Getting together and spending time together is what you will remember the most.

Meagan Ruffing is a freelance parenting writer and stay-at-home mom to Dylan, Hannah and Elinor. She talks to grandmother on the phone every week and cherishes the close relationship they have.

24 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

This is just a sweet little list of things you can do with your grandparents. I always think grandma and grandpa have a lot to teach us if we just open

our ears and hearts to listening to them. Go ahead, call your grandparents and ask them if they want to hang out. I bet they’ll say yes. n SEPTEMBER 2014

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 25

Serving seniors in the Shell

” STORY AND PHOTOS BY DORI THOMAS

TUCKED IN OFF THE BEATEN PATH IN Shell Knob is a wonderful gem many may not know of. Providing services to seniors and the surrounding community, the Central Crossing Senior Center is certainly a place the Shell Knob community can be proud of. They are currently working on an addition, expanding the facility another 5,000 square feet, which should be finished this fall. “The new space will allow for even more activities and events to benefit our community and aging friends in the area,” stated Administrator OJ Thompson.

Thompson oversees the daily operations of the 10-year-old Center with the help of a small staff and a few volunteers.

The Center already offers much to the community and the additional space will provide room for even more fun. With special events for holidays such as Veterans Day and social activities such as Zumba, dominos and Wii bowling happening every day, the Center is the place to be for Shell Knob residents looking for entertainment, exercise or a place to mingle. And it’s more than just fun and games at the Center, which offers a daily lunch program for a small donation and hosts a monthly cookout where Thompson gathers up his 26 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

tongs and fires up the grill to feed any hungry neighbors. Also available are homedelivered meals on a temporary or long term basis.

Last year, the center was awarded the Jim S. Appelquist Award of Excellence for

its outstanding leadership, performance and service to seniors. And, that excellence shines like a guiding light when seniors are faced with important life decisions and Central Crossing is there to provide direction when needed.

SEPTEMBER 2014

“We are not just a senior center, we are a center for people.”

VOLUNTEER SARA PATTERSON

“Medicare can be very confusing and we have volunteer Glenn Phillips to help anyone with their benefit and enrollment.

Last year, he was able to help area seniors save around $430 each and assisted with the counseling of 192 seniors.” The Shell Knob center is the only southwest Missouri Senior Center to provide such an extensive Medicare outreach staffed exclusively by volunteers. Phillips has been asked to mentor volunteers in nearby counties in order for more to establish other Medicare outreach opportunities.

Besides Medicare, the Center also facilitates minor home repairs and offers tax preparation support, along with health and wellness services such as blood pressure testing and nutritional programs.

They also offer the free use of medical equipment and can help with assessing any in-home needs.

The Center boasts a free, well equipped computer lab as well as classes for Internet and computer literacy. A full exercise room gives the community a chance to stay active and fit. If something a little more sedentary is what you need, there is a large quilting room, bingo and card groups to keep the hands and mind sharp.

SEPTEMBER 2014

Central Crossing is a non-profit organization that is part of the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging (SWMOA), an organization dedicated to serving the full spectrum of seniors, from the active senior who longs to use a lifetime of skills and experience to make a difference, to the frail elder who requires assistance meeting the needs of daily life. SWMOA centers serve as a place for help, hope and new direction in life.

While the center does receive some support from SWMOA, they also put on many fundraisers during the year.

Community breakfasts, annual auctions and golf tournaments help create revenue for other upgrades and equipment. The upcoming Rockin’ Boppin’ Rock-A-Thon is one such event. While strolling down memory lane in their saddle shoes and bobby socks, attendees are also helping the center provide future fun for the community of Shell Knob.

To find out more about events and services at Central Crossing Senior Center, visit them in person or on the web www. centralcrossingseniorcenter.org n CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 27

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CONNECTION LIVING l

BOOK REVIEW

ONE LAVENDER RIBBON by Heather Burch

REVIEWED BY ANNE ANGLE

ONE LAVENDER RIBBON IS A NICE beach-read geared to young adults and romance seekers. The story begins as Adrienne Carter, a disillusioned young divorcee, moves to a town in Florida where she has never been before and has no ties. As she is attempting to remodel a dilapidated old beach house, she finds a metal box containing love letters tied together with a lavender ribbon. The letters were written by William Bryant, a young paratrooper during World War II, as he makes his way across the European war zone. Adrienne is so moved by the letters that she decides to try and find the writer, and return them to him. As luck would have it, she finds William, now a very old man in a nearby town. Thus begins new friendships, new experiences, a better outlook on life; maybe even a romantic interest in William “Pops” grandson, Will.

Through the letters, the reader gets brief glimpses of life for a soldier on the battlefield, but primarily the story is about the power of love and love letters that help keep this (and many other) soldiers focused on reasons not to give up when faced with awful circumstances. As William states in one of his letters, “You are what keeps me alive and keeps me moving forward when my body would cry out to stop.”

William’s letters were written to Gracie,

a young girl who had lived in the house Adrienne is now restoring. Why had the letters been hidden? Where are Gracie and her younger sister, Sara, now? Why is Will, “Pops” grandson with whom he lives, so “put off” by Adrienne’s presence.

These are some of the questions Adrienne asks herself as she starts uncovering or understanding the significance of the letters and the interactions of these people. She also begins to see better what was wrong in her own love life and what she wants the next time around; if there ever is a “next time around.”

The common thread Heather Burch weaves through all of her novels is what she calls “the soulmate” factor. This warmhearted love story is a personification of that factor. No sexually explicit scenes or raunchy language to be found here.

Before this novel, Burch had written a

series of stories about “Haflings” – half human and half otherworldly beings; a paranormal fantasy series geared to young adults. This series has been included in the 2012 Debut Author Challenge. One Lavender Ribbon is her first full length novel. It is offered as a Free Kindle First book. She presently makes her home in Branson, Missouri. n

Anne Angle is a retired Cassville High School life sciences teacher. An avid reader, Anne is a member of Crowe’s Cronies Book Club based in Cassville.

SEPTEMBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 29

Eagle Rock Community Center STORY AND PHOTOS BY DORI THOMAS

“It takes a village” takes on a new meaning in Eagle Rock, Missouri.

While the quote most specifically speaks to the fact that it takes more than just parents to raise a child, it also has meaning at the Eagle Rock Community Association (ERCA), where connecting is the reason volunteers work so hard to make it a great place for area families. The volunteers for this non-profit organization work every day to provide a wonderful place for Ozark families to exercise, play and gather.

ERCA has not always been a gem in Eagle Rock. In fact it was failing miserably when John and Pam Stilwell moved to the area in 2001. The building was in disrepair and the use by the community was dwindling. In 2003, the Stilwells joined the community association and quickly saw a need for change.

30 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

“We were all looking for ways to save the whole thing,” stated John Stilwell, current ERCA president, “many were considering just walking away from it all.”

Then the Stilwells had a great idea, one

JOHN STILWELL

that they had heard about and knew to be successful for other centers. They turned a building they owned on P Highway into a thrift store, one that would fund the now needy association, and The Community Connection Thrift Store was born.

The store has now been in operation for over five years and is a huge success thanks to the many retired volunteers that work countless hours to make it run smoothly. All proceeds from the store go to fund some wonderful changes and additions to the Community Association property. The 2011 remodel of the inside of the center was a huge project, as was the building of the outdoor pavilion, playground and walking track.

Susan and Dennis Crownover are the current store managers and work each day to ensure that there is staff and items for sale. “Not only does the store provide great things for ERCA but it also provides affordable options for the community. You can feel good about working and shopping there because it all comes back to Eagle SEPTEMBER 2014

VOLUNTEERS LINDA THOMPSON, PAT CROWE AND FAYE CURREN.

Rock,” says Susan, who retired from the service industry and truly enjoys working with and for the community she calls home.

The store provides a place where retired and civic minded people can stay active and participate in making the small community a better place to live.

With about 40 volunteers, the store is open Monday through Saturday and brings in folks from all over the world, including a couple that frequent from Springfield each week and another from Moscow, Russia.

“We have quality people providing quality merchandise,” stated Stilwell. Volunteers include people from all walks of life, retired teachers, military, insurance claims executive, homemakers, construction and other professionals all make up the current unpaid staff. And those same volunteers come together to ensure that Eagle Rock has a great place to shop and to play.

The store funds some great things at the community center. Besides the obvious outside upgrades, the facility is available for free to ERCA members to use for family SEPTEMBER 2014

reunions, weddings and business meetings.

The store also provides the utilities and insurance for the center, which hosts such events as a weekly Farmers Market and a monthly Lego Club. They also make monthly

contributions to other local organizations such as the Fire Department Relief Fund and the Helping Hands Food Pantry. The facility is a Red Cross Mass Care Shelter, a landing zone for Emergency Medical Care and provides a meeting place for the Road District. They also award scholarships to four area high school students each yeartotaling $2,000 in 2014. Members enjoy exercise classes and a place to play pickle ball, basketball, volleyball and dodge ball.

ERCA is also closely tied to the Eagle Rock branch of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library. They provide the building and maintenance on the building as well as host book clubs and monthly Friends of the Library meetings.

Without the tireless efforts of a few volunteers, those who donate and those who shop, Eagle Rock would not have such a wonderful space to host the grand daddy of events for the area: The Eagle Rock Daze Car Show and Howl-o-ween Fest happening each October. This fun community festival has it all, including great prizes for cars and costumes, music , food and a haunted house.

And while it does take the village to raise our children, it also takes a village of volunteers to create a great community center where everyone is treated like family.

To find out more about the Eagle Rock Community Association and The Community Connection Thrift Store visit www.ercamo.org. To find out more about volunteering call Susan Crownover at 417271-3386. n

SUSAN AND DENNIS CROWNOVER

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 31

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A NAME YOU CAN TRUST

32 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

BW

FAMILY OWNED SINCE 1946

BENNETT-WORMINGTON FUNERAL HOME 216 Second St. • Monett, MO 65708 417-235-3141 • 800-743-9697 Rick Wormington ~ Owner

SEPTEMBER 2014

The secret to youthful living is engaging it Serving her community keeps Robin Killion young HOW WE APPROACH LIFE OFTEN dictates how our living will be over the course of our time on this planet. Do we engage in the world around us or timidly wait for it to engage us? Do we make our life interesting or does it just happen?

McDonald County resident, Robin Killion, understands that you must engage your life and interesting things will follow.

Not only does Robin not look her 68 years, she lives her life contrary to the notion that the bigger the number the slower your life should be. If anything, her daily schedule beyond driving a school bus and giving massages would exhaust most people in their 30s.

“I can’t see myself retiring,” she smiles.

Clearly, Robin is the definition of an energetic doer, with her cheerful demeanor and seemingly endless energy level; she is a person of action and passion.

Before you enter her home, you notice that her front yard is not quite what you would expect because there is no grass. In fact, the few flowers that she does have are only to add color to the unique concept of “Edible Landscaping.” Robin first heard of the idea from a man who visited her home and noted that her yard was pretty, but you could not eat any of it.

When you do step inside, you are met with the peaceful yet vibrant décor of her open floor plan. With casual disinterest, her two adopted Maine Coon cats, brothers Koda and Loki, stretch across the back of her couch or lazily across her wood floor. She points out that the breed is considered the only breed native to America. There is no doubt that they are much bigger than your run-of-the-mill domestic cat and resemble a large bobcat with long hair and tail.

SEPTEMBER 2014

STORY AND PHOTOS BY KATRINA HINE

Robin easily shares a smile while posing with her Maine Coon cat in her living room.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 33

Robin was born in Denver, Colorado, but later moved to St. Louis where she graduated high school. In 1964, she moved to Neosho with her father and attended Crowder College, a local junior college, which was celebrating its first year.

Loving to sing, Robin joined the choir at Crowder College and soon met the man that she would later marry, Gary Don Killion.

Robin and her husband lived and raised their family for 30 years in Wheaton.

Today her children live in the area with Shawn and his family living in the original family home place in Wheaton, and Jennifer Bray, along with her family living in Centerton, Ark. The couple cultivated their love of music in their two children, creating their own family band. In fact, the family went on the road in 1985 for a year, but found that living on the road was tough on a family, the adventure soon ended.

Even though the family left the road, the music never left the family. Both her children met their spouses playing in other bands. The addition of more musical talent prompted the family to start a new band, Next of Kin, performing at Axley’s Music Show at Roaring River near Cassville.

The Axley family sold the music hall in 1997 but by this time, the family was seeking out “gigs” in places like Eureka Springs, Ark., and Branson, reducing the strain of being on the road.

Later, friends from McDonald County began to join the singing family; Steve Gilliam on bass guitar, John Bradley was the drummer and Steven Dockins, keyboard player.

When they were not singing, they had regular jobs, and living in rural Missouri often means driving several miles to work every day. Robin worked for Gilliam Electric in Anderson, Mo. as their office manager when she and her husband divorced.

34 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

She moved to Anderson in 2002 to get a fresh start, which included a new occupation, becoming a massage therapist.

Never second-guessing her decision, Robin started a ten-month weekend program, graduating in 2003. Today, she runs her own massage business, Mollycoddle Massage, in Anderson, a name that often brings to mind spoiling kids rotten. That is exactly what Robin hopes to make you feel

children, she continues to drive the bus, which only takes a few hours a day, allowing her to continue her massage business fulltime from her home.

When you begin to trace all of the steps she takes over the course of a week, you quickly realize that Robin, much as a rolling stone gathers no moss, does not waste a minute of her life being idle. “I am an enthusiastic person, maybe that is what

The group Trilogy singing at a recent Back to Basics meeting.

Left to right: Robin Killion, Jennifer Bradley and Peggy Wooden.

by the end of your session, spoiled rotten.

“At first, I thought I would do all these wonderful things to spoil people like a big city spa but I soon found that people in McDonald County usually only come to me for pain management,” Robin said.

However, in 2008, the economy tanked and people could not always afford to be mollycoddled, forcing Robin to look for an additional job to make ends meet. Still very purposeful in her search, she considered something that was close to her heart, driving a special needs school bus for the McDonald County R-5 School District.

Robin’s soft spot for special needs children comes from a heart touched by the life and death of her daughter, Kelley, who was born with cerebral palsy and suffered from seizures. A seizure ultimately claimed Kelley’s life one month before her ninth birthday.

Because of her love of special needs

drives me,” Robin said. “But sometimes I get impatient when people just talk about doing something but no one does anything. So I just jump in and do it.”

Robin is someone that exercises her mind, as well as her body but getting down to the root of her active life can be summed up in one word… service. When asked how important it is to her to support her community she is almost at a loss for words.

It is clear that not serving in her community never crossed her mind.

“Oh my gosh, I can’t imagine how to answer that. But on a scale of one to 10, supporting my community is a 10,” she said.

“You always find support during disasters such as tornados, floods or fires but I envision a community coming together at all times.”

She contends that if a community has a nucleus of supporters you will begin to see more and more positive behavior.

SEPTEMBER 2014

If there is a solution to be found, Robin will be the one digging. During the downturn of ’08, Robin heard concerns throughout the community of a potential total economic collapse within the nation.

Rather than wringing her hands in worry and waiting for help from elsewhere, Robin invited some friends to discuss how to help folks in small communities take charge of their own lives.

“The germ of the idea,” Robin points out, “was that we could all come together as a community and help each other.”

The idea of a community group that maintained and taught the old ways of doing things soon birthed the group known as McDonald County Back to Basics (B2B).

The grassroots organization has evolved into a source of education, information and an outlet for residents to support each other in good times and bad.

Her passion for building community relationships is seen not only in her commitment to the B2B group, but also in developing and presenting other ways to bring people together.

At one B2B Christmas meeting, they invited a group of Hmong citizens living in the surrounding communities to bring a glimpse of their culture to the group. The Hmong guests came in their native dress

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and sang Christmas songs in their native language. “It was the most beautiful thing you have ever heard,” Robin recalls.

At one time she hosted Unity and Diversity dinners at the New Mac Electric Community Room, focusing on different cultures and their foods, even though it slowly dwindled, she intends to bring

}

“There’s a joy in living. I feel joyful and I hope to show others that same joy in living.”

Robin was recognized for her service on the board for Access Health Care during a Back To Basics meeting.

SEPTEMBER 2014

Make peace with your past so it doesn’t spoil your present; What others think of you is none of your business; Stop thinking so much, it is all right not to know all the answers; No one is the reason for your happiness, except you.

No doubt, the evening will bring about stimulating conversation and encourage a more positive outlook on those receptive enough to absorb their meaning.

Once a month on a Monday night for the last six years, she and nine other friends, review a different book in their local book club. To make things interesting, the evening meal consists of food from locations of the book being reviewed.

Thursday nights are set aside for B2B meetings or planning meetings, while Friday night is always for performing. With music in her blood, she now performs in the group Trilogy with friends Peggy Wooden and Jennifer Bradley. The ladies sing at community events, private parties and public venues.

She introduced Contra Dance as a way for residents to enjoy good clean fun in an area with few entertainment options.

Contra dancing has a caller and is similar to the Virginia Reel or Square Dancing.

The only real day she relaxes is Saturday, which may find her on the road to Tulsa to visit her sister or looking for interesting events in the area.

As she walks out into her front yard, she points out the various edible plants in little raised gardens, one such plant from Africa is a beautiful vine called, Malabar Spinach. She pulls off a couple leaves and begins to eat the deep green shiny leaf that is of similar shape to spinach but that is where the similarity ends. “I wish I hadn’t planted this one,” she said. “It is very invasive. I have already pulled it up once and it came back, spreading all over my fence.”

In the corners of her small yard, you will find fruit trees such as peach, cherry and apricot. Her trellis supports raspberries, grapevines and blackberries.

Little gardens containing onions, kale, radishes and other tubers create an unusual twangy smell.

She glances around her yard and considers the discussion of her life. “There’s a joy in living,” she concludes “I feel joyful, and I hope to show others that same joy in living.” n

people of different cultures together again in the near future.

She notes that her desire to serve is based in one of the foundational tenets of her Baha’i faith. The Baha’i faith believes in service to unify communities and people. The religion has no clergy and no churches, believing that each person is responsible for seeking out truth on their own. However, larger communities do have worship centers where believers can meet for various activities. “There are a lot of service minded people in each community and everyone has a different talent. We can all come together because the bottom line is service to others,” she adds.

She does not let the dust settle long till she is either hosting a meeting at her home or off to a function which she helped get started. For the last six years on alternate Wednesday nights, she has hosted Soup Night in her home. Soup Night is an evening of philosophical discussion with the basic ground rules that you can state your opinion but you must respect others opinions, as well.

Individuals from every background come to eat and mull over heady issues of religion, social issues, or any topic that elicits a hearty conversation except politics.

Pulling out a handout of topics for discussion at the next Soup Night session, one can see that the group strives to address meaningful issues on the conditions of humanity. Some of the statements noted on the handout demonstrate the focus of the meeting:

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 35

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36 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

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A small town with a lot to offer

SEPTEMBER 2014

d

A small slice of fame

BY MEAGAN RUFFING

NICK PALMQUIST,

of Mt. Vernon, is well on his way to stardom. With a dream and his parents’ support, Nick grew up in a household where his aspirations were nurtured, and the vision of his future was encouraged at a young age.

“My parents are the most incredible people I know,” says Nick. “I could ramble on for days…specifically to me growing up dancing – my parents played very different roles and without each of them respecting the role the other played I never would have been able to enjoy dancing the way I did.”

With four brothers and one sister, Nick had to pick which of his extracurricular activities he wanted to pursue. “I was already doing tae kwon do and gymnastics.

SEPTEMBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 37

“If I were to give any advice based on my own life, it would maybe be to never limit yourself to any one dream.”

38 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

When I went to one of my sister, Kelly’s, dance competitions, I saw an all-guy number and told my mom I wanted to do that.” Nick started taking lessons when he was 10 years old from Ann Buehler and says, “she taught me everything I know.”

Nick remembers the times when his mom would drive him to dance recitals and says that was some of the best times he ever had. “My mom would take me to all the dance conventions and competitions she could, and it was so much fun to be able to do something – just us two. I loved the hotel rooms and getting to eat at fun restaurants and travel to cool places. It was kind of our thing, and it was so much fun. And, my dad never, ever thought twice about having to stay at home by himself with all five of my siblings while we were gone. My mom has always been such a fighter for me. She’s always been my biggest fan, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her fierceness as a mother. My dad supported my mom with such a humble and unconditional attitude.”

This past March, Nick had the rare opportunity to be a back-up dancer in Kevin Bacon’s Footloose skit on Jimmy Fallon. “I was in a total state of shock because I hadn’t auditioned, or submitted, or anything for the job,” he says.

Nick later found out that it was his ‘look’ with his red hair in his headshot that got him the job. “The choreographer, Danielle Flora, was so fun to work with. I tried my best not to look green, being the youngest one there, but I was definitely on Cloud 9 the whole week after we filmed it. Two weeks later I got an email to do an episode on Saturday Night Live (SNL) with the same choreographer. It was even more fun than the first job, and it was so cool to know she had remembered me from the previous job and wanted to use me again.”

Being on SNL was a bit nostalgic for Nick. He remembers watching old skits with his brothers and sister and says he wishes they could have been in the audience for the taping. “…we still quote old skits when we’re all together at holidays and what-not.”

Now living in New York City, Nick says there is no ‘typical’ day for him. He tries to keep his schedule open to allow room for any odd jobs that may come up to help him pay his rent.

SEPTEMBER 2014

“I’ve waited tables, checked coats at museums, judged dance competitions, choreographed or taught at studios. It’s definitely not what most people think of when I say I live in New York. I never really go to shows or eat out all that often. We [Nick and his wife, Sarah] try to take advantage of cool free things the city does. Sarah is good at finding cool things like that, that we try to capitalize on to make the city a fun place.”

When Nick isn’t busy enjoying the city life, he says he auditions as much as possible and has learned that timing is everything. “I’ve definitely learned to just wait for God to tag me in,” says Nick. “He’s got our back up there.”

SEPTEMBER 2014

It took Nick a little while to realize that it was okay to have more than just one dream. He says he was so focused on making it on Broadway because that is what his friends were doing that he got in his own way of other opportunities.

“If I were to give any advice based on my own life,” says Nick, “it would maybe be to never limit yourself to any one dream.

It’s super easy to get caught up in other people’s passions here, and confuse them for your own.”

This 24-year-old’s rise to fame has not been without idols. “I could literally list hundreds of people that are responsible for shaping me as an artist

and person,” explains Nick. “But Brian Marcum was the first person I really idolized and looked up to as someone to help me shape my future. He was my college professor but is now just my hero and friend. He even officiated my wedding! He’s someone that’s done it all and done it with so much style and integrity. He’s the kind of teacher and choreographer I hope to one day be.”

Nick married the love of his life this past summer on his parents’ land. He is now living the dream and taking each opportunity, one gig at a time. You can check out Nick’s Footloose skit and SNL bit by going on YouTube. n

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 39

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acambarorestaurant.com 40 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

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SEPTEMBER 2014

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 41

RESTAURANT REVIEW

Big fl avor from the Big Easy

A TRIO OF LEGENDARY LOUISIANA CUISINE: RED BEANS AND RICE, JAMBALAYA, AND (OF COURSE) GUMBO.

STORY AND PHOTOS BY SHERRY TUCKER

THE BAYOU RESTAURANT IN MONETT OFFERS AN AUTHENTIC NEW ORLEANS EXPERIENCE

42 42 || CONNECTION CONNECTION MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

AFTER MOVING TO SOUTHWEST Missouri when Katrina hit the gulf, New Orleans native, Darren Indovina and his wife, Diane, had to basically start from scratch. After getting settled in, and Diane started working with Monett’s Jack Henry company, Darren followed his heart. “My idea was to have a lunch spot for the working crowd. I started with soups and some sandwiches.”

Darren’s New Orleans heritage shows with his love of native cuisine.

“It’s all about hand-me-downs. Everyone cooks and eats red beans and rice,” says Darren about growing up in New Orleans. Three culinary standards of New Orleans cooking are the three soups; red beans and rice, Jambalaya and Gumbo.

Another favorite that hits a home-run is the classic meat filled Po’ boy, “It’s a gravy filled sandwich and a gulf-coast delicacy, served on a light, toasty french baguette.

We have been toasting our sandwiches way before the sandwich chains.” Darren has been making Po’ boys since his first job at a mall in New Orleans when he was 13 years old. They also serve up a variety of hand battered fried seafood Po’ boys.

After finding that customers kept coming back and business was steadily increasing, Darren added a larger menu, offered dinner, and also moved to a different location with increased seating.

Keeping quality, and authentic items on the menu is priority. “All of my fish and seafood is east-coast or gulf-coast,” said Darren. “We make all of our own desserts, SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2014 2014

CONNECTION FOOD l

DARREN KEEPS A SPACIOUS SPORTS BAR, WITH FOUR TV’S PLAYING, KEEPING EVERY FAN HAPPY.

OWNER, DARREN INDOVINA, WITH NEPHEW, LANCE INDOVINA, WHO WAITS TABLES AND COOKS.

and our sausages and breads come from New Orleans.” They round out the menu with a tasty selection of appetizers, salads and pasta dishes as well.

A new addition to the menu, that is becoming a crowd favorite is the muffuletta sandwiches that are large round loaves of a crusty italian bread, stuffed with layers of lunch meats and topped with an olive dressing.

Darren offers Karaoke on Friday nights, and a crayfish and shrimp boil on Saturday nights, as well as daily specials Monday through Friday. The Bayou’s spacious sports bar, with four televisions tuned into various sporting events, offers smoking and non-smoking seating.

Darren and Diane’s nephew Lance, his wife Jennifer and two children just moved SEPTEMBER SEPTEMBER 2014 2014

to the area one and a half years ago. Lance and Jennifer both work for their uncle.

Was the transition to Monett from New Orleans hard? Lance says, “I love it here.

It’s quiet and peaceful. Everything is just five miles from us and the schools are good.” Darren enjoys his family and other staff and the work atmosphere stays light, “We are a fun bunch, and we like to share, and we like to share our culture and good food.”

For Darren, a big part of the culture revolves around not only food, but music as well. “I played bass guitar in a hard rock band in the 80s,” shared Darren.

“Growing up, a lot of people knew how to play, and we would get high school bands together, and we would play all the time.”

Three years ago, Darren, along with a couple of friends, started a radio show on local FM channel, 95.9 KKBL. The Midnight Metal Madness plays at midnight Friday, Saturday and again at 8 p.m. on Sunday. They also host a classic rock show Saturday mornings from 8 a.m. till noon. n A SAVORY, CLASSIC ROAST BEEF AND DEBRIS GRAVY PO’ BOY SANDWICH WITH SPICY WEDGED FRENCH FRIES.

CONNECTION CONNECTION MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || 43 43

Serving up memories!

Hearty sandwiches • Hand-dipped ice cream • Homemade desserts Old-fashioned candy • Cast iron cookware • Enamelware

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Jalapeño Pepper poppers 12 wooden toothpicks 4 oz. (half of 8-oz. package) cream cheese, softened 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or finely chopped green onions 6 jalapeño chiles (2 to 3 inch), halved lengthwise, seeded 4 slices bacon Heat oven to 375°F. Line cookie sheet with foil or cooking parchment paper.

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44 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Cut each bacon slice crosswise into thirds. Wrap 1 piece of bacon around each stuffed chile half; secure with soaked toothpick. Place on cookie sheet.

Bake 25 minutes or until bacon is crispy and chiles are tender. Serve warm.

SEPTEMBER 2014

CONNECTION FOOD l

peter piper’s picks Stuffed Bell Peppers

6 large red or green bell peppers 2½ cups long-grain white rice (or rice of your choice) 2 lbs. lean ground beef 1/2 medium-size sweet onion, diced 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped 1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes, with their juices 1 10-oz. can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chiles 16 oz. sharp cheddar cheese, grated (about 4 cups) 1/2 tsp. pepper 1 tsp. salt Preheat the oven to 400°F. Cut the bell peppers in half, top to bottom. Remove the seeds and the ribs. Set aside.

In a medium saucepan, cook the rice according to package directions. In a medium skillet, brown the ground beef, onion, and garlic. Drain the meat. In a medium saucepan, bring the tomatoes to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from the heat. In a large bowl, combine the ground beef, rice, tomatoes, pepper, and salt and mix until blended.

In a 9×13×2-inch pan, place the bell peppers skin side down. Evenly divide the beef mixture among the pepper halves. Cover the pan with aluminum foil and bake for 40 minutes. Remove the foil and sprinkle the cheese on the top. Return the pan to the oven, uncovered, for about 5 minutes, until the cheese melts.

Jalapeño jelly

12 oz. jalapeño peppers (about 12 medium sized) 2 cups cider vinegar, divided 6 cups sugar 2 3-oz. pouches of Liquid Pectin 5 (8 oz.) half pint glass preserving jars with lids and bands Prepare boiling water canner. Heat jars and lids in simmering water until ready for use. Do not boil. Set bands aside.

SEPTEMBER 2014

1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Skim foam if necessary.

Puree peppers in food processor or blender with 1 cup cider vinegar until smooth. Do not strain purée.

Ladle hot jalapeno jelly into hot jars leaving 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe rim.

Center lid on jar. Apply band until fit is fingertip tight.

Combine purée with remaining 1 cup cider vinegar and sugar. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil 10 minutes, stirring frequently. Add liquid pectin, immediately squeezing entire contents from pouches. Continue to boil hard for

Process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes, adjusting for altitude.

Remove jars and cool. Check lids for seal after 24 hours. Lid should not flex up and down when center is pressed.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 45

The earth saves me money.

I had a ground-source heat pump installed at my home.

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I try to help ‘save the earth.’

Now it’s returning the favor.

Visit www.TakeControlAndSave.coop to find out how you can start saving energy and money too!

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SEPTEMBER 2014

CONNECTION FOOD l This high fiber vegetable wrap will increase your fiber with 8 grams per serving. Give it a try and see what you think.

Vegetable Wrap

Aging gracefully

BY NANCY RIDGLEY ONE IN EVERY 8 PEOPLE IN AMERICA is classified as an older adult, age 60 and older. Wow, for some of us that is just around the corner. We all want to age gracefully! Nutrition and physical activity are keys to successful aging. It is important to note that beginning early in life with good nutrition, physical activity, and maintaining a healthy weight, will help avoid the deteriorations associated with aging. People age 65 have an average life expectancy of 18.8 more years! Avoiding chronic disease will make these aging years much more enjoyable. So, if you are reading this article and are younger than 65, you would benefit by taking good care of yourself now and not waiting until you are diagnosed with diabetes or heart disease.

The most frequently occurring health conditions for older adults are: Hypertension 71% Arthritis 49% Heart Disease 31% Cancer 22% Diabetes 18% Sinusitis 14%

The consequence of poor food choices has a significant effect on health and quality of life. Older adults who have consumed a lifetime of high fat dairy products and sweets and desserts have a higher risk of mortality than those that chose healthy foods such as vegetables, fruits, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy products.

Often we find that the dietary fiber intake of older adults is lower than the recommended levels. Fiber is important in improving constipation, improving glucose control, and reducing cholesterol levels.

Remember, it is a lifestyle, not a diet. And a lifetime.

1 can (15.5 ounces) black beans, rinsed and drained 1-1/2 cups frozen corn kernels, thawed to room temperature 3 tbsp. chopped fresh cilantro 2 tbsp. chopped green chili peppers 4 green onions, diced 1 tomato, diced 1 tbsp. chopped garlic 6 fat-free flour tortillas, 6 inches in diameter 3/4 cup shredded fat-free cheddar cheese 3/4 cup salsa In a microwave-safe bowl, add the black beans, corn, cilantro, chili peppers, onions, tomatoes and garlic. Stir to mix evenly.

Microwave on high power for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Stir and heat again for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Repeat until the mixture is hot. Warm tortillas in microwave, also. To serve, place about ½ cup bean mixture on one tortilla. Top with 2 tablespoons cheese and 2 tablespoons salsa. Fold in the sides and the bottom of the tortilla up over the filling, then roll to close.

Serving size: 1 wrap; Calories: 300 Protein: 17 grams Total fat: 1 gram Fiber 8 grams (By Mayo Clinic Staff)

Nancy Ridgley, RD, LD, CDE, is a registered dietitian and a certified diabetes educator for the CoxHealth Center for Health Improvement. She is also a Mad Dogg certified spinning instructor and holds certifications in adult weight management and childhood and adolescent weight management. The mother of three enjoys spinning, reading, Mizzou football, travel, spending time with her children and grandchildren and having coffee with friends. For more information about wellness and living a healthy lifestyle, check out Cox Monett Hospital’s webpage at www.coxhealth.com.

SEPTEMBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 47

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Flavors of blueberry, raspberry, cinnamon and black pepper pack the palate from start to finish, and the silky smooth tannins hold the wine together and deliver a soft, fruit-driven experience.

7 Deadly Zins pairs “sinfully” well with barbecued salmon, prime rib or grilled veggies and is perfect with dark chocolate desserts.

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One of La Crema’s most popular releases, the Sonoma Coast Chardonnay opens with an intriguing interplay of lively citrus and subtle toasted oak, laced with just a kiss of butterscotch.

The palate is round and nutty with flavors of yellow apple and orange. The wine pairs well with crab cakes, chicken and creamy cheeses.

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Decadent Imperial IPA

Tank 7 Farmhouse Ale Brewed by Boulevard Brewing Co. in Kansas City, Tank 7 begins with a big surge of fruity aromatics and grapefruit-hoppy notes.

The flavor of this complex, straw-colored ale tapers off to a peppery, dry finish.

Decadent, an imperial IPA (India Pale Ale), was first brewed

by Ska Brewing Co., of Durango, Colorado, in honor of the company’s 10th anniversary. The IPA boasts flavors of bitter grapefuit and caramel-like sweetness combined with just the right amount of finishing hops and carbonation.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 49 55

My connection

“My Connection” photos should be e-mailed to connection@monetttimes.com. Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. A short explanation of who is in the photo and where the photo was taken should also be included.

R

Posed at the steps of the Barry County Courthouse during the Cassville Farmers Market are Kathy Tucker, Dr. Stacy Harms and Karen Tucker. The Tuckers (originally from Cassville), were visiting from Joplin, for the live performance and benefit for Dr. Stacy Harms medical mission trip to Africa. Dr. Harms leaves this month for her three year mission as a general surgeon at a hospital in Zimbabwe.

Ron and Lynn Lowe, of Monett, took their Connection magazine on a family vacation to Fort Myers Beach, Florida. From left, Lynn and Ron, Karla Casper of Kansas City, Missouri; Brelyn Casper, of Ringgold, Georgia; Chad Casper, of Kansas City, Kansas; and in front is Ryder Casper, of Kansas City, Kansas. While there, they enjoyed a trip to Edison and Ford Winter Estates and a Pirate Ship Cruise.

M

Friends and family traveled to Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, to attend the beach wedding of Kasey (Gauss) Crawford and Drew Crawford. In the front row is Tristan Hall and Mason Gauss. Second row, Kala Brown, Skyler Beebe, Bride Kasey Crawford and Cheryl Williams. Back row is Clayton Brown, Levi Bowman, Groom Drew Crawford and Scott Williams.

50 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

Jonathan and Tressamé Holtzman are enjoying their second anniversary and Connection magazine in Hot Springs, Arkansas. The happy couple poses in front of a spring in Hot Springs National Park.

SEPTEMBER 2014

B se th b to

COMMUNITY CONNECTION l

Ronnie and Renee Veith , of Purdy, went to Cozumel, Mexico, for a week-long vacation in July.

Karlos, Anita and Virginia Conway pose with Connection at Sea Vista Estates on Sugar Loaf Key, Florida, in August. Sugar Loaf Key is about 15 minutes East of Key West. Karlos and Anita were married on this vacation.

al

Mike and Phyllis Garrett with friends, Bill and Carol Griffin, enjoying the coastline of Nova Scotia.

Bev McCauley, of Monett, goes back home to Bismarck, North Dakota, every summer for several weeks. This year, she took a copy of Connection with her. She is posing in front of the Capital Building, a 19 story tower known lovingly as the Queen of the Prairies. The building stands regally on 160 acres in the middle of the city, high above the flat prairie topography of Eastern North Dakota.

SEPTEMBER 2014

Charlene Fulton, of Cassville, poses with her Connection at NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas. She was accompanied by her grandchildren and their families, Jim Hinson, of Cassville, and Heather Brown, of Houston, Texas.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 51

On the spot with

Sheila House

TrueCare Assisted Living manager SHEILA HOUSE MAKES HER HOME IN beautiful Shell Knob. With a background in medical management, this Indiana native, and one-time California girl, loves her current position as manager of TrueCare Assisted Living, located on YY Hwy. in Shell Knob.

While living in California with her husband and oldest son, Sheila worked as the manager of a medical clinic until their decision to change their lives and move across country to the Ozarks in 1993.

Sheila and her husband, Lawrence, were happy to relocate to the Midwest. “I had missed the Midwestern work ethic, and the changing of seasons,” said Sheila.

Just a few months after moving she took the position as the Shell Knob Chamber Executive Director. She kept this position till, once again, taking an opportunity to work in the healthcare field with the development of the new TrueCare facility.

Sheila has seen TrueCare come to life through an extensive renovation of what once was an assisted living facility, and a hotel under different owners. “I know every bit of this building, and became the general contractor, of sorts, during the renovation,” said Sheila. As manager, she oversaw the project with the corporate builder in Idaho.

The renovation has been extensive, as assisted living homes have many safety and health requirements.

Sheila is very proud of the facility that she saw come to life. “We are licensed as an Assisted Living Level 2 in the State of 52 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

“Shell Knob is filled with resilient people from all walks of life.

The diversity of our community amazes me; people move in from all over the Midwest and even the country.”

Missouri,” explained Sheila. “Our goal is for residents to be able to age in place.”

She also added. “We, the staff, consider ourselves visitors, and this is the residents’ home.” Staffed with caring professionals, Sheila also added, “TrueCare is good for the Shell Knob community, as we offer full-time employment with benefits for our staff.”

The new facility is now able to accept up to 24 residents and will continue to

make further renovations, which is done in phases, to reach a maximum of 68 residents, while continually adding staff.

TrueCare also offers day stays and respite care.

Sheila has definitely found her spot in the community. Offering some helpful information about memory disease. Lets find out more about Sheila and what she does at TrueCare: SEPTEMBER 2014

COMMUNITY CONNECTION l Connection: I know that the Alzheimer’s/ Dementia support group is really important to you, can you tell us how it started and how you have seen it help people?

Sheila: Although TrueCare offers assisted living for many levels of dependence, we do have a memory care (secure) unit for those with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia. Our support group started because, while I was being trained at our corporate facilities in Idaho, I saw the passion this company has for those affected

by Alzheimer’s Disease.

Having spoken with many people in our community and surrounding area, I discovered that there was not a support group close for those who love someone affected by the disease. So, we contacted the Alzheimer’s Association of SWMO, received training and got it started even before TrueCare was open to take residents. I have the rare privilege of being privy to the soft and tender emotions of those dealing with a loved one. I’ve seen tears and laughter as those who attend the group learn from, and confide in, each other about the challenges this particular disease creates. I have seen strength that inspires me and great love demonstrated. Just being supported, knowing you are not alone and that others care goes a long way. It is my pleasure to be able to “lead” this group; it has changed who I am.

Connection: Can you share a couple of points of encouragement for someone with a family member suffering from Alzheimer’s?

Sheila: Be patient; be kind; be loving.

Remember they cannot help what is happening to them; they are not trying to be difficult or control you. You wouldn’t ask someone with lung cancer to run a mile; don’t expect someone with Alzheimer’s and other forms of dementia to remember what you have already told them ten times that day. They get frustrated, too! If you have your loved one at home, be sure to care for yourself! Find a way to take some time for the things you love to do. Find a support group where you can talk about what you

are going through. And, remember to find the joy in the moments you spend with your loved one.

Connection: Do you ever eat with the residents of TrueCare and what is your favorite meal?

Sheila: Our staff eats nearly every meal with our residents. I try to eat with them as often as possible because it is joyful to sit around the table, share tales and get to know each other. Everybody has an interesting story! We have good food and everything is homemade. My favorite meal is the biscuits and chicken potpie. Mmmmm.

And, if strawberry shortcake is on the menu, count me in for dessert.

Connection: As the Shell Knob Chamber executive director for several years, what did you learn about the Shell Knob community?

Sheila: Shell Knob is filled with resilient people from all walks of life. The diversity of our community amazes me; people move in from all over the Midwest and even the country. It is fun to ask folks what they did in their “previous” life (ie: before they moved to Shell Knob) Every profession from airplane mechanic to company executive to entrepreneur and everything in between is represented. So much knowledge and life experience resides here. And those that move here are happy to put their area of expertise into making the community an even better place to live. Considering we are not incorporated, no city government taking a lead role, it is volunteerism that pulls everything together.

I am proud to call Shell Knob home. We’re tenacious!

Connection: What is your favorite spot here in the Ozarks?

Sheila: Table Rock Lake of course! There is nothing I enjoy more than being part of the lake lifestyle.

Connection: You mentioned that you like roadtrips, what’s been your favorite trip in the past year?

Sheila: In March I went to see my son and his family in New York to meet my brand new granddaughter. Not much tops that! n

Sheila’s Top Five: What are your five favorite songs of all time?

Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing I Know that My Redeemer Lives Faithfully, by Journey Come Sail Away, by Styxx Brandy, by Looking Glass What are your four favorite pizza toppings?

I like a vegetarian pizza; just cheese and any vegetable available.

What are the three things you like to do with your family?

Camp, a day at the lake and gardening What are two things on your bucket list?

In my senior years, I hope to serve a mission with my husband for our church. I would also like to experience a long vacation in Alaska; I’ve never seen the Northern Lights.

What is your favorite season?

Autumn

Sheila House, Manager/AIT TrueCare Assisted Living & Memory Care 25832 State Highway YY Shell Knob, MO 65747 417-858-1123 www.truecareassistedliving.com SEPTEMBER 2014

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 53

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Waldensian Presbyterian Church held its annual ice cream social on June 26 on the church grounds, south of Monett 1. Dolores Vaughn, Maime Posey and Linda Cavaneau. 2. Elle Fogle and Rachel Reynolds. 3. Marianne McCrackin, Madry McCrackin, Brian and Betsy Fogle. 4. Mary Woodruff and Joy Johnson. 5. Mildred Cornman and Brooke Busselman. 6. Cindy Arnaud Owens, Janet Medlin Hyde and Ann Caraway. 7. Ann and Melvin Kennedy. 8. Don, Madeleine and Nikki Weber. 9. Ron Reynaud and Jim Hyde. 10. Jack and Mary Sue Fox. 11. Johnathon Shaner, Megan Shaner, James and Susan Thomas. 12. Lillian Schad and Betty Meier.

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The 15th annual Kings Prairie Benefit Concert was held on Saturday, Aug. 9 at the historic Kings Prairie schoolhouse southeast of Monett.

1. Sarah Cuendet and Kenny Mobley. 2. Bill and Cathy Lewis. 3. Brianna Roller and Betty Cotton. 4. Diana Roller and Kenzie Gage. 5. Robyn and Sara Hancock, and Ellen Richardson. 6. Shirley and Jerome Richards. 7. Sonny Drake, Holly Drake and Adelma Drake holding Leah Doty. 8. Patricia Campbell and Dennis Taylor. 9. Judy Watson and Carol Grimm. 10. Lois Phariss and Noralee Faulkner. 11. Easton, Megan and Hunter Wormington. 12. Norma and Jack Schlessman.

SEPTEMBER 2014

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The third annual Purdy Festival was held on Saturday, July 19 around the school complex and city park in Purdy.

1. Amber Holm, Megan Bound, Zach Gardner, Weston Bricker and Esvin Rodriguez. 2. Evan, Blake and Elizabeth Snarey, James, Mareena and Nathan Snarey. 3. Daisy Gonzalez and Josua Ibarra. 4. Robin and Kelly Rosewicz. 5. Corey, Helen and Noelys Wormington. 6. Missy Renkoski and Henrietta Hayes. 7. Joe, Anna and Lisa Hoffman. 8. Kylie Wilson, Makenna Wilson, Jeana Scott and Raylee Stehlik. 9. Madison Renkoski, McKenzie Renkoski, Isbell Ibarra, Emma Harkey and Alexandra Serrano. 10. Megan and Rhonda Schilly. 11. Steve and Brenda Miller. 12. Kaden Liggett and Clayton Grant, Amy Liggett, Kenna Liggett and Raylan Grant.

56 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

SEPTEMBER 2014

COMMUNITY CONNECTION l

Stay connected Monthly Meetings Sons of the American Revolution meet every fourth Tuesday at Granny Schaffer’s Restaurant on North Rangeline, Joplin, at 6 p.m. Members and anyone interested in joining are welcome to attend, as well as spouses. Dinner followed by short meeting.

Please call president, Frank Shouse at 417385-3150 for more information.

The Stella Senior Citizens Center, the Monett Senior Center and the Aurora Senior Citizens Center hold dances weekly and monthly. The Stella dance is held every Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. with music by the McDonald Playboys and Frosty Garland and the RoadHogs on alternate Fridays.

The Monett Senior Center, located at 405 Dairy Street, hosts their dance on the first Monday every month from 7-10. Music provided by Evelyn Lock and the Outrider Band. Snacks to share are welcome. $3.00 per person. The Aurora dance is held every Saturday of the month from 7 to 10 p.m. featuring the Funtimers Band.

Pierce City Senior Center offers free bridge classes at 2 p.m. each Monday and quilting at 1 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month.

Central Crossing Senior Center offers line dancing classes from 9 to 10:30 a.m on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Zumba from 8:15 to 8:45 a.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays; Mahjong from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays; bridge from 10:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Thursdays; quilting for charity from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m on Wednesdays and Thursdays; dominoes from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on Mondays and bingo from 12:30 to 3 p.m. on the first and third Monday of each month.

The Southern Beekeepers of Missouri will meet at 7 p.m., the third Tuesday of the month, at the First United Methodist Church of Monett. Anyone interested in bees is welcome to attend. For more information, call Leon Riggs at 417-2355053 or Kevin Young at 417-847-5464.

SEPTEMBER 2014

O C TO B ER EVEN TS

October 3 First Friday Coffee at the Cassville Senior Center, 8-8:45 a.m.

October 10 19th annual Thomas Hart Benton Four State Regional Art Competition and Exhibit. 2 divisions; Emerging and Professional. Original works only. Registration October 10 and 11, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Longwell Museum, Crowder College, Neosho. 2 entries allowed, $20 for the first entry, $5 for the second. Exhibit October 11thru 26, weekdays 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and weekends, 1 to 4 p.m. Inquiries call Becky 417-489-3041 or April 417-3586329.

Apple Butter Makin’ Days in Mt. Vernon. For more information, call the Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce at 417-466-7654 or email at mtvchamber@ mchsi.com

October 15 Youth Harvest at the Exeter Corn Maze 6 to 9 p.m. Free for Church youth groups. Register before, as seating is limited. Guest speaker: Brian Barkhoff.

Ticket includes maze entry and other fun activities. Concession will be available.

Go to www.exetercornmaze.com for more info.

October 23, 25, and 26 The Show, Cassville Event Center. A music and variety show featuring local talent.

Call the Cassville Chamber of Commerce for tickets and details: 417-847-2814.

October 25 Eagle Rock Daze Car Show and Howl-o-ween Fest, Eagle Rock Community Center, on Hwy 86.

Chili and Salsa Cook-off, around the square. Booths open at 8 a.m. For more information, call the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce office at 417-847-2814.

If you have an event you would like featured in our monthly events listing, please email the event information to connection@monett-times.com.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 57

ADVERTISING INDEX A+ Carpet & Uphostery Cleaning

48

Acambaro Mexican Restaurant

40

Ava Belle’s Flea Market

4

Barry Electric Cooperative

46

Baywash Car Wash

25

Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home

32

Carolyn Hunter, DMD, PC

12

Cassville Health Care & Rehab

12

Clay Hearing Center, LLC

13

Community National Bank

20

Country Dodge

41

CoxHealth

60

Crane Family Dentistry

58

Diet Center

32

Doggie Lov Daycare

58

Doug’s Pro Lube

18

Eastside Church of Christ

40

Edward Jones

4

Find It Again

40

First State Bank of Purdy

2

Four States Dental Care

28

Freedom Bank

28

Guanajuato

44

Ila Bohm’s Home Décor

28

J & R Upholstery

41

J. Michael Riehn

12

Journagan True Value

48

Ken’s Collision

48

Lackey Body Works

40

Lacoba Home, Inc.

20

Les Jacobs Ford

46

Lowe’s Auto Glass

25

Making Memories Tours

18

Mocha Jo’s Coffee Café

40

Peppers and Co.

32

Pettit Law Office

25

Pickin’ Patch Farm

49

Race Brothers

13

Red Barn Cafe

41

Sater/Old Town Pharmacy

13 6

Smile Designers Dentistry

20

Starla K’s Fashions

48

Swartz Tractor

6

The Jane Store

44

Tomblin’s Jewelry & Gifts

25

Trogdon Agency, Inc.

58

Two Hearts Cafe and Bakery

44

Whitley Pharmacy

2

Wickman’s Garden

6

Willis Insurance, Inc.

58 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

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SEPTEMBER 2014

PARTING SHOT BY JEFF TERRY

“Thirty-nine years of my life had passed before I understood that clouds were not my enemy; that they were beautiful, and that I needed them. I suppose this, for me, marked the beginning of wisdom. Life is short.”

– Iimani David

SEPTEMBER 2014

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SEPTEMBER 2014