For Hartzells, community service is family tradition

You know you’re growin’ older when... You are proud of your lawn mower.

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The often-used expression, “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree,” is surely an idiom that the Hartzell brothers, Justin and Jeremy, heard a lot growing up under the roof of their father, the late Jim Hartzell. Mostly, the phrase was appropriate when talking about the construction expertise they learned from their dad. His reputation as the guru of contractors in the area was well known. However, that is not the only thing he taught them. They also learned that giving back to the community was just as important as making sure the lumber was true to their mark.

They were expected to be a part of whatever community endeavor he chose to support, or sometimes establish, himself.

There wasn’t any debate. Supporting the community was just too engrained in the former Marine who learned the construction trade from his father, the late ‘Duck’ Hartzell.

The brothers have not forgotten those lessons learned early on, even before they could legally drive, and therefore have continued that well-known path despite their father’s passing in 2016.

Their outstanding community service did not go unnoticed by Carmen Stoneking, Regent of the Missouri Shoals Chapter of Daughters of The American Revolution. Her service organization seeks to recognize excellence in those who have served their community in making a difference.

For their group, the Hartzell family was a perfect fit for their certificate honoring community excellence.

“This award is a state recognition for those who do extraordinary things in their community,” explained Stoneking. “The Hartzell family was surely deserving of such recognition.”

On Saturday, April 15, the local chapter of the Daughters of American Revolution met for their monthly meeting at the First Christian Church in Lathrop. During that meeting, Regent Stoneking presented Justin Hartzell and his wife, Kami, with a certificate honoring their “Excellence in Community Service.” Join- ing the Hartzells were their daughters, Taylor Hartzell (and her daughter, Jacelyn) and Tori Brock. Also in attendance were Janette Lile, Carol Freeman, and Steve Tinnen. Jeremy Hartzell was unavailable to attend the presentation.

Justin and Kami Hartzell shared on Monday that they were shocked and pleasantly surprised at the recognition. They both graduated from Plattsburg High School, Justin in 1990 and Kami (Davis) in 1995. They are approaching 27 years of marriage. Kami teaches science in the Lathrop School District, while Justin is the Public Works Director for the City of Plattsburg and also helps his brother continue Hartzell and Sons Construction.

“We spent every day with dad, and doing something special for the community was just part of our lives,” Justin claimed. “So, we were shocked and pretty much overwhelmed when they said they were going to recognize us. Honestly, we try to avoid any recognition at all costs. It was touching to get this award, but it’s just something we do.”

And they have done plenty, from the annual fireworks show at Perkins Park to the train rides during Community Christmas and everything in between, going all of the way back to the pedestrian bridge at Ellis Elementary on Riley Street, which was constructed by Jim Hartzell.

Justin shared the background of those and added a few more.

He said the fireworks are a family affair, with Kami, Taylor, Tori helping sell fireworks to fund the professional display. It’s long days of selling fireworks, but the response from the people who enjoy the show makes it worthwhile.

“The bridge at Ellis was a float in the Fall Festival Parade,” Justin explained. “After the parade, the bridge found a home at Ellis. It was named the Alice Woodward Bridge because she and her husband, Jim, lived close by and used the bridge. We built the train in four days when Jeff Longwell had moved on

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from Plattsburg. It’s like the Polar Express movie train and Kami came up with the idea for the train costumes and the tickets.”

Kami says that when you are in the family, it’s just part of being a Hartzell.

“Being around Jim, it just kind of rubs off on you,” she said. “We do things to honor him and that helps make the town and community better.”

One of the ways to make events better was Kami’s idea to have hayrides as part of the chamber’s Thursday night shopping campaigns in Plattsburg. Justin drove the tractor and provided the wagon, where the route included touring the Christmas lights at Lake Concord.

Justin Hartzell concluded, “We will continue on to honor him and keep his spirit alive.”

More proof that the apple didn’t fall far from the tree.

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Trivia question: Earth Day will be celebrated on April 22. When did Earth Day begin? A. 1980; B. 1970; C. 1976; D. 1990. Answer is close by).

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Some smiles courtesy of our Hawaiian friend Jim Nicholson in Honolulu.

The shop assistant fought off the armed robber with his labelling gun. Police are now looking for a man with a price on his head.

I want to grow my own food, but I can’t find the bacon seeds.

If your car is running, I’m voting for it.

Frog parking only, all others will be toad! (Trivia answer – B. The first Earth Day was held on April 22, 1970, when San Francisco activist John McConnell and Wisconsin Senator Gaylord Nelson separately asked Americans to join in a grassroots demonstration. Dealing with dangerously serious issues concerning toxic drinking water, air pollution, and the effects of pesticides, an impressive 20 million Americans—10 percent of the population—ventured outdoors and protested together.

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Food for thought: “Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that.”

- Martin Luther King Jr. life.”

Talk to you next week! Steve Tinnen stevetinnen@yahoo.com