26 minute read
Tastes of the Four States - Sam's Cellar
By Gary Stubblefield Photos by Mandy Edmonson
Sam's Cellar
Advertisement
Neosho is a southwestern Missouri city founded on the pride of its 1839 roots. It’s the city that has every right to point to its welldeserved place in Missouri history as the Flower Box City, the historic home of beautiful sights, such as Spring Park, the historic Neosho Fish Hatchery, its hosting of multiple art murals and more.
But no town of any significant recognition can be truly acknowledged without a major nod to those eateries we make our purposeful designation. This month, the obvious nod goes to Sam’s Cellar, located at 101 North Wood on the historic Neosho square. To know the history of 101 North Wood is to know the story of Sam Wolfinbarger, who started the watering hole in 1941, faithfully serving Camp Crowder soldiers. The truth is, 101 North Wood has one consistent history: A long line of rich characters with one singular mission, to make the historic Neosho square a destination for good food, festive libations and memories to last a lifetime. When all of the stories of the many rich characters who have steered 101 North Wood to its glory days, three additional names come to play. In 2006, John and Suzi Howsmon purchased and revived 101 North Wood, wisely making a nod to the history of Sam Wolfinbarger. A major remodel brought an amazing restaurant as had never been seen before in Neosho. An amazing focus on the offering of food made Sam’s Cellar the hottest spot in the region. On January 1 of this year, Dusty Altman bought the restaurant from his mother, Suzi, and his late step-father John. Never has there been such an obvious focus to a transition of a family restaurant being more singularly focused on honoring an established legacy, all the while equally focused on building an even more successful future for its patrons and community. Mandy and I did our very best to sample all the known favorites. Of course, we started with the candied bacon from the appetizer menu. Other restaurants may try to offer something similar, but they fall way short. The secret to Sam’s Cellar’s candied bacon is the wood fired oven. So much of what Sam’s Cellar is known for is the distinctive wood-fired taste of their pizzas, wings, subs, and craft burgers. Sam’s is a full-service bar, offering a variety of beers and mixed drinks. Mandy and I took a sip of three amazing drinks, the Bloody Mary, Sam’s Side Show and the Cellar Punch. Sam’s Cellar also offers a wide variety of drinks for all ages. Don’t forget Sam’s Cellar for amazing desserts. Limoncello and Mascarpone are big hits. Don’t forget their tiramisu, which is to die for. Stopping in for dessert and a great cup of coffee is a great way to meet with a client. Dusty Altman is most excited about what November brings for patrons of Sam’s Cellar. More wood-fired offerings, lighter fare for those pursuing lighter fare and a focus on more offerings for children. For the first time in the history of his family’s ownership, a new rewards program is being rolled out. The most obvious takeaway from the visit with Dusty Altman was how much his crew means to him. Every decision on how to please the customers first involves how to keep a team that shares the same enthusiasm. It must be working. To quote a customer by the name of Tim, “Sam’s is home.” I encourage you to find your new home away from home at 101 North Wood, at historic Sam’s Cellar on the beautiful Neosho square.
Finn’s
Finn’s is a semi-fine dining restaurant that caters to all your dining desires. Enjoy our dog-friendly patio and warm, inviting fireplaces. From our uniquely crafted cocktails, farm-fresh ingredients and Joplin’s best in-house bakery paired with our elegant, intimate atmosphere for small gatherings or a night out. Finn’s chefs are experts in their craft, with just the right touch to make your restaurant experience special. $$-$$$ Hours: Monday -Saturday: 11 am-9 pm Sunday: CLOSED
Club 1201
Shawanoe Restaurant
70220 East Hwy 60 • Wyandotte, OK 888.992 SKY1
Shawanoe Restaurant, located inside Indigo Sky Casino is serving delicious award-winning Chef creations daily. Bring your family and friends and enjoy delicious desserts, gourmet sandwiches, upscale salads, and a wonderful selection of pasta dishes. For the steak lover, mouth-watering steaks cooked to perfection. Featuring our 2.5 pound bone-in tomahawk ribeye with a variety of seafood and poultry. Everything to satisfy your appetite, plus your favorite beverage. Go to indigoskycasino.com for additional information. Located inside Indigo Sky Casino, Hwy 60 West of Seneca, MO. $-$$$
Just a Taste
105 S. Main St. • Webb City, MO 417.673.9463 • www.justatastemo.com
Now serving Joplin’s best brunch! Homemade beignets, pastries, biscuits and gravy, peppered bacon, eggs and parmesan fried potatoes and more! For lunch, enjoy your favorite appetizers, “out-of-this-world” salads, seasoned breads and your choice of dressing, soup du jour, sandwiches from burgers to apricot turkey and over 30 other choices! We offer a full service catering menu for private parties, business meetings and special events. $-$$ Hours: Tues-Thur 11 am-3 pm; Fri 11 am-10 pm; Sat and Sun 9 pm-2 pm. We are available for out-of-house and in-house events and catering 7 days a week. Just A Taste Webb City has a plethora of incredible spaces for you to try out. Every time you come in, you can have a unique experience. Visit our tasting room, which features our own wine made in St. James, Missouri. Or, join us for dinner in our intimate restaurant or indoor courtyard, where we feature a farm-to-table menu. Or, stop in for a drink in our cozy cocktail bar featuring an inventive cocktail menu and hundreds of beer and spirits. $$-$$$. Check Facebook for hours.
Sam’s Cellar Bar & Oven
101 N. Wood • Neosho, MO 417.451.3330 • www.samscellar.com
Sam’s Cellar offers a unique dining experience under the historic square in Neosho, MO. Enjoy gourmet wood-fired pizzas, burgers, wings, wraps, subs or a specialty salad. The full bar offers signature cocktails, draft beers and wine to wet your whistle. Come visit us at Sam’s Cellar for a dining experience you will never forget! $-$$ Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 am-Close
Bailey’s Family Dining
1200 Briarbrook Dr. • Carl Junction, MO 417.781.2944 • Like us on Facebook!
Bailey’s restaurant offers a variety of home-cooked meals that are sure to satisfy. Enjoy one of our many delicious burgers with hand-breaded onion rings or try a pulled pork chimichanga. On the weekend, join us for breakfast where everything is made from scratch. From sweet to savory, we offer specialty pancakes, omelets and all your breakfast favorites. $-$$ Hours: Monday-Friday 11 am-10 pm; Saturday-Sunday 7 am-10 pm.
Haven 55
408 Havenhurst Drive • Pineville, MO 417.223.2055 • www.haven55.com
Undercliff Grill & Bar
6835 Old Highway 71 • Joplin, MO 417.629.2869 • www.theundercliffgrill.com
Haven 55 is a cozy country restaurant with a magnificent view, delicious homestyle food and exceptional service. The culinary masterpieces from Owner and Executive Chef Alan Bone cannot be beat. You will love the New York strip steak with blue cheese cream sauce, the fried green beans, and you don’t want to miss Wednesday Night prime rib! Located on the site of the old Havenhurst Mill, built in 1868, this historical restaurant overlooks the dam on Little Sugar Creek. $-$$$ Undercliff Grill & Bar is back in business! This historical restaurant has been brought back to life under new ownership, so come by to grab a bite to eat and see what’s new. Chow down on some good old-fashioned comfort food or grab a beer at the bar. Undercliff Grill & Bar is the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, a date or a night out with friends and family. Follow Undercliff Grill & Bar on Facebook to learn more! $-$$. Hours: Wednesday-Friday, 11 am-9 pm; Saturday, 9 am-9 pm; Sunday, 9 am-3 pm. November 2022 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 25
Crabby’s Seafood Bar and Grill
815 W. 7th St. • Joplin, MO • 417.206.3474 Catering • Private Parties • Chef at Home
Dine at Crabby’s for a beautiful meal in an elegant, yet approachable finedining experience. Choose from a wide variety of fresh seafood, steak and chops. Enjoy libations from our full bar, including the best Scotch selection in town. Serving the four states for 10 years! Make your reservations today! $$-$$$
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm • Closed Sunday
Red Onion Café
203 E. 4th • Downtown Joplin, MO 417.623.1004 • www.redonioncafe.com
Casual urban dining in historic downtown Joplin since 1995. Famous for fresh salads, smoked chicken dip, burgers, pasta, grilled fish and steaks. The menu has a wide variety of gluten-free, low-carb and keto-friendly items. Extensive craft beer menu and wines by the glass. Full-service catering for groups large and small. Consistently voted “Best Restaurant” and “Best Menu” by 417 Magazine and The Joplin Globe. $-$$ Hours: Monday-Saturday 11am-9 pm
Club 609
609 Main Street • Joplin, MO 417.623.6090
Casa Montez
4224 S. Main St. • Joplin, MO 417.624.2272
“Treat your appetite to a GOURMET DELIGHT served ‘Joplin style’.” Flavorful specialties for any occasion, featuring salads burgers and sandwiches. Delicious entrees – beef, chicken, pork, seafood and seven “pastabilities!” Offering appetizers, homemade desserts, soup du jour, beer, wine and mixed drinks. Kids menu available. $-$$$ Hours: Kitchen open Monday-Friday 11 am-10 pm Saturday 11 am-10:30 pm • Bar open later Casa Montez is back in business and ready to serve you! The team at Casa Montez is serving up all of your favorite recipes as before as well as their famous cheese dip. If you’re looking for the perfect Mexican cuisine including delicious tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and so much more, you must visit Casa Montez at their new location. Call ahead for your to-go order and conveniently pick up at the walk-up window. $-$$ Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-8 pm
Hackett Hot Wings
“The only wings better are on an angel.” Offering 13 flavors of wings, plus salads, catfish, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, boneless wings and more! Call for catering and reservations. Now offering an additional dining area and sports room with 17 big-screen TVs and full bar featuring Coach Hackett’s Ultimate Bloody Mary. Check out the online store at hacketthotwings.com. (Smoke-free) $-$$
Hours: Mon-Thurs, 11 am-9 pm; Fri-Sun, 11 am-10 pm; Mon-Wed Lunch Specials, 11 am-2 pm; Mon-Wed Happy Hour, 3-6 pm.
Kascade Steakhouse
988 S. Country Club Rd • Carthage, MO 417.553.7357 • Like us on Facebook!
Mis Arcos
1926 S. Garrison Ave. • Carthage, MO 417.237.0547
For the delicious authentic Mexican food you crave, there’s no place like Mis Arcos. We offer great choices from our mouthwatering quesadillas to sizzling fajitas to massive burritos, there’s a reason we were voted Best of the Four States for Mexican food! Did we mention our 2 for $5 margaritas? Mis Arcos is home of great food, fun times and lots of laughs! $-$$
Hours: Mon-Wed, 11 am-9 pm; Fri, 11 am-9:30 pm; Sat/Sun 11 am- 9 pm
Taste of Italy
4321 S. Chapel Road • Carthage, MO 417.358.2000
Kascade Steakhouse is Carthage’s newest spot for a delicious bite to eat. The chef is an expert in gourmet steaks, steakburgers, salmon and Italian food – his authentic alfredo is to die for. Come in on Fridays for the prime rib special. Under the same owners as Midway Café in Bartlesville, OK, where we are serving up the breakfast you have come to know and love. Dining room and lounge accommodates groups, events and weddings. $-$$ Open Tuesday-Saturday 4-9 pm. “The trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later, you’re hungry again.” Taste of Italy serves up delectable, authentic Italian food with new specials almost daily. Owner and Head Chef Aleks Sula was born in Albania and raised in New York City, so he brings 20-plus years of experience in traditional Italian and Mediterranean cooking to his menu. You can expect made-from-scratch bread, sauces, pasta and more. $-$$ Hours: Tuesday-Saturday, 11 am-9 pm; Sunday, 11 am-3 pm
These $ categories are based upon the average cost of a dinner entree excluding drinks, desserts, and/or gratuities. NOTE: Some restaurant entree prices do not include a’la carte sides or salad. KEY $ - $9 and under $$ - $10 - $15 $$$ - $15 - $20 $$$$ - $20 & up
BAILEY’S - CARL JUNCTION, MO
1200 Briarbrook Drive. Bailey’s restaurant offers a variety of homecooked meals that are sure to satisfy. Enjoy one of our many delicious burgers with hand-breaded onion rings or try a pulled pork chimichanga. On the weekend, join us for breakfast where everything is made from scratch. From sweet to savory, we offer specialty pancakes, omelets and all your breakfast favorites. Open Monday-Friday 11 am-10 pm; Saturday-Sunday 7 am-10 pm. 417.781.2944. Like us on Facebook! $-$$
BLACKTHORN PIZZA & PUB - JOPLIN, MO
510 S. Joplin Ave. Blackthorn Pizza & Pub is a welcoming and inclusive Irish pub in the heart of downtown Joplin. This hip spot is famous for its delicious food, huge beer selection on tap, the area’s best live music and unforgettable drag shows. Follow Blackthorn on Facebook for upcoming events. Open 7 days a week and now also open for lunch Thursday through Monday. 417.623.2485. Facebook: @ BlackthornPizza&Pub. $-$$$
CASA MONTEZ, JOPLIN, MO
4224 S. Main St. Casa Montez is back in business and ready to serve you! The team at Casa Montez is serving up all of your favorite recipes as before as well as their famous cheese dip. If you’re looking for the perfect Mexican cuisine including delicious tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and so much more, you must visit Casa Montez at their new location. Call ahead for your to-go order and conveniently pick up at the walkup window. Open Tuesday-Saturday 11 am-8 pm. 417.624.2272. $-$$
CLUB 609, JOPLIN, MO
609 Main Street. “Treat your appetite to a GOURMET DELIGHT served ‘Joplin-style’.” Flavorful specialties for any occasion, featuring salads, burgers and sandwiches. Delicious entrees – beef, chicken, pork, seafood and seven “pastabilities!” Offering appetizers, homemade desserts, soup du jour, beer, wine and mixed drinks. Kids’ menu available. Kitchen open Monday-Friday, 11 am-10 pm, Saturday, 11 am-10:30 pm. Bar open later. 417.623.6090. $-$$$
CLUB 1201, JOPLIN, MO
1201 E. 32nd Street. Now serving Joplin’s best brunch! Homemade beignets, pastries, biscuits and gravy, peppered bacon, eggs and parmesan fried potatoes and more! For lunch, enjoy your favorite appetizers, “out-of-this-world” salads, seasoned breads and your choice of dressing, soup du jour, sandwiches from burgers to apricot turkey and over 30 other choices! We offer a full service catering menu for private parties, business meetings and special events. TuesdayThursday 11 am-3 pm; Friday 11 am-10 pm; Saturday and Sunday 9 pm-2 pm. We are available for out-of-house and in-house events and catering 7 days a week. 417.626.0032. $-$$
CRABBY’S SEAFOOD BAR AND GRILL, JOPLIN, MO
815 W. 7th St. Catering--Private Parties--Chef at Home. Dine at Crabby’s for a beautiful meal in an elegant, yet approachable fine-dining experience. Choose from a wide variety of fresh seafood, steak and chops. Enjoy libations from our full bar, including the best Scotch selection in town. Serving the four states for 10 years! Make your reservations today! Open Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm, Closed Sunday. 417.206.3474. $$-$$$
FINN’S, JOPLIN, MO
2707 E. 32nd Street. Finn’s is a semi-fine dining restaurant that caters to all your dining desires. Enjoy our dog-friendly patio and warm inviting fireplaces. From our uniquely-crafted cocktails, farm fresh ingredients and Joplin’s best in house bakery paired with our elegant, intimate atmosphere for small gatherings or a night out. Finn’s Chefs are experts in their craft, with just the right touch to make your restaurant experience special. Open Monday-Saturday, 11 am-9 pm, and Sunday: CLOSED. www.finnsjoplin.com. 417.624.3466 $$-$$$
GRANNY SHAFFER’S FAMILY RESTAURANT, JOPLIN, MO
2728 N. Range Line. Enjoy a great cup of freshly roasted coffee. Watch while we roast a blend! Homemade pies, cobblers, sweetbreads and rolls made from scratch daily. Serious breakfasts, salads, steaks, seafood, Mexican, pasta and Dixieland fried chicken or catfish. Ask about our banquet rooms and catering. “Good Old Fashioned Cooking.” Monday-Saturday 6 am-8:30 pm and Sunday 7 am-3 pm. www.grannyshaffers.com. 417.659.9393. $-$$
HACKETT HOT WINGS, JOPLIN, MO
520 S. Main. “The only wings better are on an angel.” Offering 13 flavors of wings, plus salads, catfish, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, boneless wings and more! Call for catering and reservations. Now offering an additional dining area and sports room with 17 big-screen TVs and full bar featuring Coach Hackett’s Ultimate Bloody Mary. Check out the online store at hacketthotwings.com. (Smoke-free) Open Monday-Thursday, 11 am-9 pm; Friday-Sunday, 11 am-10 pm; Monday-Wednesday Lunch Specials, 11 am-2 pm; Monday-Wednesday Happy Hour, 3-6 pm. 417.625.1333. $-$$
HAVEN 55, PINEVILLE, MO
408 Havenhurst Drive. Haven 55 is a cozy country restaurant with a magnificent view, delicious home-style food and exceptional service. The culinary masterpieces from Owner and Executive Chef Alan Bone cannot be beat. You will love the New York strip steak with blue cheese cream sauce, the fried green beans, and you don’t want to miss Wednesday Night prime rib! Located on the site of the old Havenhurst Mill, built in 1868, this historical restaurant overlooks the dam on Little Sugar Creek. Open Tuesday-Saturday for lunch, 11 am-2 pm and dinner, 5 pm-9 pm. 417.223.2055 www.haven55. com $-$$$
JUST A TASTE, WEBB CITY, MO
105 S. Main St. Just A Taste Webb City has a plethora of incredible spaces for you to try out. Every time you come in, you can have a unique experience. Visit our tasting room, which features our own wine made in St. James, Missouri. Or, join us for dinner in our intimate restaurant or indoor courtyard, where we feature a farm-to-table menu. Or, stop in for a drink in our cozy cocktail bar featuring an inventive cocktail menu and hundreds of beer and spirits. Check Facebook for hours. 417.673.9463. www.justatastemo.com $$-$$$
KASCADE STEAK HOUSE, CARTHAGE, MO
988 S. Country Club Rd. Kascade Steakhouse is Carthage’s newest spot for a delicious bite to eat. The chef at Kascade Steakhouse is an expert in gourmet steaks, steakburgers, salmon and Italian food – his authentic alfredo is to die for. Come in on Fridays for the prime rib special. Under the same owners as Midway Café in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, where we are serving up the breakfast you have come to know and love. Our dining room and lounge are accommodating to groups, events and weddings. Open Tuesday-Saturday 4-9 pm. 417.553.7357. Like us on Facebook! $-$$
MCALISTER’S DELI, JOPLIN, MO
2230 S. Range Line. You’ll be greeted by a massive menu filled with sandwiches, tasty wraps, Paninis, spuds, salads, soups and sweets. You’ll always have room for a brownie delight, lemon bar or fresh baked cookies. Everything is made exactly as you like it. Try a glass of McAlister’s famous Sweet Tea™! Gift cards, catering, to go orders. Sunday-Thursday 10:30 am-10 pm, Friday-Saturday 10:30 am-10:30 pm. WiFi enabled. 417.624.3354. $
MIS ARCOS, CARTHAGE, MO
1926 S. Garrison Ave. For the delicious authentic Mexican food you crave, there’s no place like Mis Arcos. Now offering a fresh and delicious lunch buffet for $7.99 from 11 am to 2 pm weekdays. Besides our wonderful lunch buffet, we also offer great choices on our menu. From our mouthwatering quesadillas to sizzling fajitas to massive burritos, there’s a reason we were voted Best of the Four States for Mexican food! Did we mention our 2 for $5 margaritas? Mis Arcos is home of great food, fun times and lots of laughs! Open Monday-Wednesday, 11 am-9 pm; Friday, 11 am9:30 pm; Saturday and Sunday, 11 am- 9 pm 417.237.05470 $-$$
MYTHOS, JOPLIN, MO
1306 S. Range Line. World-class service that sets the stage for a special dining experience featuring French, American, Greek and Italian cuisine. Choices include pasta, chicken, fresh seafood, and hand-cut aged Black Angus beef. Over 150 wine selections. Complete menu available at www.mythosjoplin.com. Serving lunch 11 am-4 pm, dinner 4 pm-close, Monday-Saturday. For catering or reservations, call 417.624.MYTH. $-$$$
RED ONION CAFE - CASUAL URBAN DINING, JOPLIN, MO
203 E. 4th. Casual urban dining in historic downtown Joplin since 1995. Famous for fresh salads, smoked chicken dip, burgers, pasta, grilled fish and steaks. The menu has a wide variety of glutenfree, low-carb and keto-friendly items. Extensive craft beer menu and wines by the glass. Full-service catering for groups large and small. Consistently voted “Best Restaurant” and “Best Menu” by 417 Magazine and The Joplin Globe. Monday-Saturday, 11 am-9 pm. 417.623.1004. www.redonioncafe.com $-$$
RED ONION ESPRESSORIA - 32ND ST., JOPLIN, MO
1007 E. 32nd St. This is the quick-service version of the iconic Red Onion Café. The Espressoria is located in south Joplin on 1007 E. 32nd Street and is a fast-paced, modern, quick-service setting with comfortable indoor seating and al fresca dining outside. Enjoy many of the original Red Onion selections or try one of Espressoria’s own creations. We are open 11 am to 8 pm, Monday-Saturday. 417.781.4999. www. redonionespressoria.com $-$$
SAM’S CELLAR BAR & OVEN, NEOSHO, MO
101 N. Wood. Sam’s Cellar offers a unique dining experience in a historic building with a modern twist! Enjoy gourmet wood-fired pizzas or specialty salads, wraps and subs. The full bar offers signature cocktails and wine flights to wet your whistle. Have a special event coming up? Request to have your party at Sam’s Cellar. It’ll be a night your guests never forget!. Open Monday-Saturday, 11 am-1 am; Sunday, 11 am-12 am. 417.451.3330, www.samscellar.com $-$$
SHAWANOE RESTAURANT, WYANDOTTE, OK
70220 East HWY. 60. Shawanoe Restaurant, located inside Indigo Sky Casino is serving delicious award-winning Chef creations daily. Bring your family and friends and enjoy delicious desserts, gourmet sandwiches, upscale salads, and a wonderful selection of pasta dishes. For the steak lover, mouth-watering steaks cooked to perfection. Featuring our 2.5 pound bone-in tomahawk ribeye with a variety of seafood and poultry. Everything to satisfy your appetite, plus your favorite beverage. Go to indigoskycasino.com for additional information. Located inside Indigo Sky Casino, Hwy 60 West of Seneca, MO. 888.992.SKY1. $-$$$
TASTE OF ITALY, CARTHAGE, MO
4321 S. Chapel Road. “The trouble with eating Italian food is that five or six days later, you’re hungry again.” Taste of Italy serves up delectable, authentic Italian food with new specials almost daily. Owner and Head Chef Aleks Sula was born in Albania and raised in New York City, so he brings 20-plus years of experience in traditional Italian and Mediterranean cooking to his menu. You can expect made-from-scratch bread, sauces, pasta and more. Open Tuesday-Saturday, 11 am-9 pm; Sunday, 11 am-3 pm. 417.358.2000. $-$$
TRACKSIDE BURGERS, WEBB CITY, MO
615 N. East St., Ste. A. Trackside Burgers is a locally owned hamburger restaurant in Webb City offering freshly made items to order. Chef Mike and his staff offer the oldfashioned hamburgers everyone loves and so much more! From homemade sauces and seasoned fries to perfectly prepared chicken sandwiches and onion rings, Chef Mike’s love for food and his heart to serve people make Trackside Burgers the perfect place for lunch or dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am-8 pm. Call for information on catering for your next party or event! 417.717.116. $-$$
UNDERCLIFF GRILL & BAR, JOPLIN, MO
6835 Old Highway 71. Undercliff Grill & Bar is back in business! This historical restaurant has been brought back to life under new ownership, so come by to grab a bite to eat and see what’s new. Chow down on some good old-fashioned comfort food or grab a beer at the bar. Undercliff Grill & Bar is the perfect spot for breakfast, lunch, a date or a night out with friends and family. Follow Undercliff Grill & Bar on Facebook to learn more! Open Wednesday-Friday, 11 am-9 pm; Saturday, 9 am-9 pm; Sunday, 9 am-3 pm. 417.629.2869 www.theundercliffgrill.com $-$$
Show Me The Ozarks Magazine often puts the spotlight on those in our community who own businesses, tend to the people in our community and contribute daily to the lives of others. This month, we’re putting the spotlight on kids. Kids in our community inspire us through the passions they pursue inside and outside the classroom. Many kids in our community reach out through their art, sports, music, brains and Show Me Showoffs! more. It is the joy and work they bring to the table that we cherish.
by Allison Lee Riechman-Bennett
Israel Nunnelly
Israel Nunnelly is no stranger to a drum set. At just 4 years old, he began learning to play by watching his older brother, Howard. Israel turns 15 this month and has stuck with drumming ever since age 4. Watching his brother play inspired him to begin lessons and work toward a fluency in drumming. While Israel does not have current plans to follow a career in drumming, he loves the art and gives the following advice to any new and upcoming drummer fanatics: “ stay focused and reach the goals you make.” Israel’s favorite genre or band to play currently is Foo Fighters. In addition to drumming, his biggest aspiration is to become a body builder. Israel finds that working out is something that has been a strength builder that helps with his drumming. “Working out is also something that has been a big blessing in my life.”
Grayson Bruffett
Grayson Bruffett is 12 years old and resides in Joplin, Missouri. He is currently attending Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School in Joplin where he has won the school’s geography and spelling bees two years straight. Grayson has earned National Honor Roll three times in his academic career at Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School and Honorable Mention once for the Noetic Math Competition. He has qualified for the Math League National Competition twice and is currently learning Chinese at school, which he enjoys greatly. Outside of school and in addition to his academic success, Grayson loves Pokemon and playing the piano. He started piano lessons when he was only three or four years old. After starting lessons, Grayson’s parents and instructors realized he had perfect pitch at such a young age. Grayson regularly plays recitals through the Joplin Area Piano Teachers Association. He performs for the National Piano Federation and Piano Guild; both organizations are for piano players at any age, and performing for them is an accomplishment for a child Grayson’s age. Grayson has been invited to perform at the grand opening of the Cornell Complex in November. In addition to the classics, Grayson also enjoys composing his own music.
Olivia Teeter
Olivia Teeter is 16 and resides in Carl Junction, Missouri, where she is a sophomore at Carl Junction High School. Olivia participates in several after-school activities, including her love of golf, which she enjoys on Carl Junction High’s varsity golf team. She is also the president of the Coffee Club, an after-school club in which kids can share their poetry with each other. Outside of school, Olivia writes songs on her ukulele and guitar. She regularly performs at open mics in the area. When she was just 10 years old, Olivia opened for Violet and the Undercurrents, a top-of-the-chart indie band based out of Columbia, Missouri. In that performance, Olivia and Violet featured a song she wrote that used her lyrics to strengthen women’s rights. They also had the chance to sing Brown Eyed Girl together on stage. You can find Olivia at the local coffeehouse performing her latest songs in downtown Joplin, Missouri.
Alex Teeter
Alex Teeter resides in Carl Junction and attends Carl Junction High School with her sister Olivia. She plays golf on Carl Junction High School’s varsity team and attends several after-school programs. Alex shares her poetry with other students at Coffee Club and frequents other clubs at the school. She also sings in Dynamics choir at Carl Junction High School. Alex writes poetry and short stories, and has received awards for her writing, including a writing contest held by the Joplin Globe. At one of Joplin’s Art Walks, a program held by the city to recognize local artists, Alex read her poetry before introducing Mayor Ryan Stanley.
Ami Riechman-Bennett
Ami Riechman-Bennett is a 17-year-old senior at Joplin High School and is JHS’s student body president. As the head of STUCO, Ami often organizes her school dances and several community events, often around her volunteering, which she does through National Honors Society. Ami is a member of several after-school clubs and in-school choirs. She is the founder of JHS’s Philanthropic Society, a club in which students contribute to their school community and wider outreach in the Four-State Area. She, along with students in the clubs, awarded a check for over $11,000 to Joplin’s FosterAdopt Connect. Ami is a contender for Questbridge Scholarship, a program for low-income students looking to attend Ivy League colleges all over the United States and has made honor roll several times while at JHS. Ami is also on the Constitution Team, a class in which students contest the Constitution at state and possibly national level in Washington, D.C. Ami sings and dances in both Touch of Class and Sound Dimension. Ami also gave Governor Mike Parson a tour of the high school campus this October, showcasing FTC’s career-readiness programs.
Elliot Patterson
Elliot Patterson is a 15-year-old with a passion for birds and their houses. Elliot first came to his father with a curiosity of birdhouses and the environments in which they are built. “I’m so passionate about nature and different types of species of birds in the United States. So, one day I was talking to my dad and asked this question: ‘How can we take and make different types of birdhouses for different species?’ Dad replied, ‘Well, son, we need to look at the environment around each species of bird and their sizes to accommodate the right type of birdhouses for the specific bird.’” Elliot enjoys creating houses for all different types of birds. He uses woods like barnwood, oak, cedar and walnut to construct these different houses. When asked about how to get started building birdhouses for your own backyard critters, Elliot had some pointers. “Reach out to your local conservation in your area so you can build the right birdhouse for that specific bird. You can also reach out to me for any questions.”
