Show Me the Ozarks - December 2023

Homesteading A Growing Trend in Our Region

Featuring McDonald County I Holiday Wish List December 2023 • Volume 23 • Issue 4

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 1

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SMTO

contents December 2023

41

36

30

53 About the Cover

47

Longtime McDonald County resident Cheryl Franklin leads the local homesteading movement by sharing her mindset that living off the land is beneficial.

This month, we feature Franklin and her efforts to provide opportunities for those with a passion to learn as much as they can about homesteading skills.

features COVER STORY 47 McDonald County resident Cheryl Franklin “grows” interest in homesteading movement Featuring McDonald County 53 Faces of McDonald County 56 Family-owned Cowin Construction Company takes pride in customer service 57 McDonald County Schools welcomes new superintendent, Dr. Eric Findley 6

58 The Cornerstone Bank stands test of time 60 McDonald County Business Spotlights 62 Anderson Middle School math teacher Terri Casto recovers after health scare; named teacher of the year 63 McDonald County High School art teacher overcomes health problems, achieves teacher of the year 64 McDonald County High School wrestling programs perform at championship-caliber level

in every edition

other great reads

WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE OZARKS 12 Calendar of Events - Enjoy the winter wonderland that is the Four-State Area this month with a brisk hike, learn to make a bird feeder to feed your feathered friends or how to make a natural wreath to hang on your door to greet holiday guests. It’s also the perfect time to visit a local art gallery for DIY holiday ornament making and painting or for making jewelry for yourself or to give as a gift.

Celebrate the season with us in the Four States!

14 Cultural Arts and Entertainment 16 Connect2Culture presents ...

17 Northeast Oklahoma Events

Home/Lifestyle 21 Tastes of the Four States - Bricks & Brews 22 Show Me Dining Guide 38 Your House ... Your Home - Decorate with classic colors for Christmas: red, white & green 78 The Great Outdoors - A Christmas story 80 A Naturalist Voice - No flying monkeys in the Ozarks; we have barred owls!

health 41 72 76 77

18 19 20 26 30 31 32 36 43 44 45 46 51 66 68 69 70

Recipes: The Best Spinach Dip & Swig Sugar Cookies Fit for Life: Vitamin D - Avoiding too little and too much Health Events The ROCC helping employers become recovery friendly workplaces

74 75

Joplin Arts District Experience Carthage Show Me Carl Junction Holiday Events Faces & Places: Ronald McDonald House Charities Gift of Love Fashion Forward - Blue Moon Boutique Holiday Wish List The Creative Edge: Chad Keutzer is sharpening his creative skills Festive tradition of Christmas tree farm adds joy to holidays Sandra Dawn captures spirit of Christmas in large-scale window displays Fostering Festive Etiquette: Guiding children through holiday gatherings A gift beyond description Sowing independence: Nurturing homesteading and food sovereignty for sustainable living 11th Annual Pink Ribbon Gala Faces & Places: Horses of Hope Gala Faces & Places: Paula Baker’s Wonderful World of Golf Tournament Austin Allen, the Architect . . . Remembered - a lecture and tour Cutting through the noise: A pediatrician’s holiday toy-buying guide Freeman Health Neurospine: Dr. Noah Converse

Can you find it?

Find the GREEN smiley face on one of our pages. Email sue@ showmetheozarks.com with the page number and spot where you found it. Submit your entry by the 15th of the month. A winner will be drawn from all the correct entries and will receive a gift certificate from an area retailer. One entry per household please. Good luck!

Congratulations to Henery Wigent, the winner of the November edition “Find the Green Smiley Face” contest.

Henery wins a gift certificate to McAlister’s Deli, in Joplin, Missouri. The Green Smiley was on page 68 in the bottom right photo.

Don’t miss a single edition of the magazine that has all of the region talking!

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The Ozarks Magazine Since 2001

Staff PUBLISHER

Chonda Ralston, M.A.

MANAGING EDITOR/MARKETING EXECUTIVE Lee Timmsen

EDITORIAL/ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sue Dillmon

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Wendy Brunner Kathleen Swift

GRAPHIC DESIGNER Kelley Talent

SOCIAL EDITOR/MARKETING ASSISTANT Cheryl Franklin

STAFF WRITERS

Ann Leach Holly Hukill Jeff Cantrell Don Lowe

Larry Whiteley Bridget Bauer Amy Howe Kristi Spencer

PHOTOGRAPHERS Mandy Edmonson

DISTRIBUTION

Shelby Cagle / Gary and Desma Sisco

Show Me The Ozarks Magazine is published monthly by Legacy Publishing, PO Box 3325, Joplin, MO 64803.

Copyright 2022 all rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine, in part or in whole, is prohibited without written permission from SMTO. Subscription rates: $19.99 for one year, $32.99 for two years, $41.99 for three years. Advertising rates sent on request. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, and art will not be returned unless accompanied by self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage.

NOTE: Information published herein is subject to change without notice. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited by law. SMTO makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of published information, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. SMTO does not take responsibility for, or always endorse the opinions of contributors or advertisers. SMTO reserves the right to not run an ad or article that is reviewed to be in bad taste or goes against the focus or mission of that of Show Me The Ozarks Magazine.

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Embracing the Seasons Remember how Christmas felt as a child surveying gifts wrapped in pretty paper?

Filled with anticipation, we wondered, What’s this one? Did they remember how much I wanted ______?

It starts with a shovel Liberty provides more than safe, reliable energy and water services. Our team cares about our communities and pitches in with helping hands and willing hearts.

Learn how our teams give their time, energy, and service to put their heart where it matters for our customers and communities.

Scan to learn more

Waiting can be hard. And maybe even harder in our current culture of instant gratification.

As adults, our waiting seasons can feel more like wrestling with unknowns than gleefully counting down the days. We, too, have questions: When will this change? Will I ever get to be a _____? Does God even hear my prayers?

If you find yourself in a waiting season this Christmas, may I encourage you that although it may not look or feel like it, God knows and He cares about every detail of our lives. His timing and answers may not align with our preferences, but He is always working according to His good and perfect will. Christmas is a reminder that God comes through on His promises. The birth of Jesus, the promised Messiah, is our greatest cause for celebration! On page 46, we have a special devotional that reflects on this “Gift Beyond Description.”

Seasons of waiting can also be times of growth. Farmers understand that after planting, there’s a period when we can’t see what’s happening beneath the surface. Some roots grow deep and strong during the cold winter months of dormancy. Cheryl Franklin, a leader in the homesteading movement, has a passion for sharing the lessons she’s learned on her family’s farm in McDonald County. Learn more about how Cheryl started a local homesteading expo that reaches thousands, beginning on page 47.

Other highlights from our McDonald County section (page 53), include inspirational interviews with local business leaders, the new superintendent of schools, as well as two teachers who overcame tremendous health challenges to get back in the classroom.

Of course, our December issue would be incomplete without highlighting the many gift ideas and unique offerings available from local retailers and businesses, including those on our Holiday Wish List starting on page 31. Let’s remember to shop and dine locally this Christmas and keep our resources in the Four States!

We’d also like to thank you—our readers and advertisers—for your ongoing support and another wonderful year for our small business! We’re excited for 2024 and the new opportunities and new growth ahead.

From our SMTO families to yours, “Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!”

libertyenergyandwater.com 10

Chonda Ralston, Publisher chonda@showmetheozarks.com P.O. Box 3325 • Joplin, MO 64803 844-417-SMTO (7686)

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 11

SMTO Calendar of Events

What’s Happening

in the Ozarks

If you have an event you would like to see listed in the Calendar of Events, please email your request to: events@showmetheozarks.com.

Events are printed on a space available basis and must be received by the 5th of the month prior to the month of the scheduled event.

Carl Junction Community Center: 303 N. Main St., 417.649.7237 Monday, Wednesday & Friday Pickleball, 6-10 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday, 1-3 p.m., and Sunday 1-6 p.m. Tuesday yoga 6 p.m.

Dec. 2: Carl Junction Lions Breakfast, 8-11 a.m. The CJ Lions Club sponsors a monthly buffet breakfast with proceeds going to various community organizations and projects. Adults and children 11 and up $7; children ages 3-10 $3; children under 3 eat free.

Diamond, MO George Washington Carver National Monument Visitor Center Free Programs. Two miles west of Diamond on Highway V, then 1/4 mile south on Carver Road. Visitor center and park grounds open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m., except Thanksgiving Day, Dec. 25 and Jan. 1. Call 417.325.4151 or visit www.nps.gov/gwca. *Programs will be presented outside on the park grounds.

Joplin, MO Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, 201 W. Riviera Dr. The Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center is your local connection to Missouri’s fish, forests and wildlife. Check out the native plant landscaping and exhibits or hike the trails.

Purchase a fishing or hunting permit, attend a nature program or watch for wildlife along the trails and banks of Shoal Creek.

Enjoy a variety of free public programs throughout the year.

Education Center is open Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Closed Sunday, Monday and most state holidays. Call 417.629.3434, email Shoal.Creek@mdc. mo.gov or visit mdc.mo.gov/events for upcoming events. The parking lot, grounds and trail are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset.

Wildcat Glades Friends Group, 201 Riviera Dr., Joplin, Missouri. All programs are free of charge, unless otherwise noted. Registration is requested. To register, email robin@ wildcatglades.org or visit the Facebook page for online registration options. Executive Director Robin Standridge, robin@wildcatglades.org. 417.708.7713 or 417.629.3434 X4540.

On various dates in December, Wildcat Park Habitat Restoration Initiative, ongoing project. Wildcat Glades Nature Group, in partnership with Missouri Southern State University, continues to have work days to remove invasive species at 12

Wildcat Park. Invasive species are detrimental to native plants and wildlife in the park. Removing the invasive species provides better habitat for plants and animals, and in turn, benefits us.

The restoration plan is an ongoing project that will be carried out over the next 10 years. The work days are completed by Wildcat volunteers, representatives from MSSU and Wildcat staff.

Workdays are held every other Saturday during the fall. If you are interested in becoming involved with the project, check out the Facebook page, or reach out to colvin@wildcatglades.org.

Every other Saturday at Wildcat Park: KCU Student Trail Workdays. Join the Kansas City University Students for a Sustainable Future Organization every other Saturday at Wildcat Park to work on the trails. These future medical professionals work with Wildcat Glades volunteers to remove invasive plant species from the trails, remove graffitti off various surfaces, clean up trash and much more.

Dec. 1: Natural Wreath Making, 6-8 p.m., Wildcat Glades Education Cottage. Free. For ages 13 and older. Attendees will make their wreaths out of a variety of natural materials and maximized holiday cheer! These wreaths will spruce up any home. You must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/ NaturalWreaths2023 or by emailing robin@wildcatglades.org.

Dec. 6 & Dec. 9: Preschool Connections: Making Bird Feeders.

Dec. 6, 10-11 a.m., and Dec. 9, 1-2 p.m. at Wildcat Glades Education Cottage. Ages 3-7. Free. Sponsored by Calvin Cassady.

The cold weather is here, and our feathered friends could sure use some holiday cheer! Join us as we build natural bird feeders for our beaked buddies, read “Night Tree” by Eve Bunting, and sing a song. You must pre-register by visiting https://bit. ly/PreschoolConnectionsDec2023 or by emailing colvin@ wildcatglades.org.

Dec. 8: Holiday Open House, 5-8 p.m., Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center. Free. Join us at the Wildcat Glades Nature Store for a night of incredible and exclusive sales! Find something unique for that special nature-lover in your life or just grab a snack with the staff at Missouri Dept. of Conservation and get into the holiday spirit with ornament crafting.

Dec. 9: Yoga in Nature for Kids. Dec. 9, 10:30-11:30 a.m. at the Wildcat Glades Education Cottage. Free. Led by Amanda with Peaceful Yoga. For ages 4 and older accompanied by an adult.

This class is designed to incorporate elements of fun, breathing and yoga poses specifically for kids. Bring your yoga mat or a towel and a reusable water bottle. Must pre-register. Please sign up by following the instructions on our Facebook page, by visiting https://bit.ly/YogaInNatureKids2023 or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.

Dec. 16: Holiday Family Crafts, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at Wildcat Glades Education Cottage. Recommended for ages 8 and older. Free.

Celebrate the holidays with handmade crafts you’ll love from head to mistletoe! We’re pulling out all the stops to create family crafts that will live in your heart—and on your shelf—for years

to come. Must pre-register. Please do so by visiting our Facebook page, emailing robin@ wildcatglades.org or by going to https://bit.ly/FamilyCrafts2023.

Dec. 21: Winter Solstice Hike, 6-8 p.m., Wildcat Glades Education Cottage. For ages 13 and older. Free. Dec. 21 marks the official beginning of winter, the shortest day of the year and a 4-mile hike through Wildcat Park. This hike is for those who can handle long hikes and periods of steep/rough terrain. Bring your hiking poles, warm clothes, hiking shoes, water and maybe even a small snack. Program limited to a certain number of participants. Must pre-register. Please do so by visiting our Facebook page, emailing robin@wildcatglades.org or by going to https://bit.ly/WinterSolsticeHike2023.

Pick up your copy of the 2023 Holiday Catalog at one of these area locations:

Pittsburg, KS Wednesdays: Trivia Night, 7 p.m., Drop the H Brewing Company, 107 E. Rose St. Thursdays: Thursday Night Line Dance Lessons, 7-9 p.m., Dirty Mule Restaurant Bar & Event Center, 134 S. US 69.

ArtForms Gallery Workshops, 620 N. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS. 620.240.0165.

ArtForms Gallery is a co-op of artists offering monthly workshops. All workshops are held at the Gallery unless otherwise noted. Please call ArtForms Gallery to register for any artist’s workshop. Refunds/cancellations: Decisions regarding refunds and cancellations are determined by the artist leading the workshop. For more information, check our Facebook page at ArtFormsGallery620/ or see our website at www.artforms-gallery.com.

Dec. 2: Christmas Advent Calendar Houses, 1-3 p.m. Workshop fee $40, due at time of registration. Class size 14. Ages 7-107. Artist: Sarah Prince. Join us to make 24 Christmas Advent gift boxes. We will put them on strings so you can make a garland out of them or hang them on your tree. All materials provided, including candies, chocolates and trinkets to put in the houses, or you can fill them with your own sentimental pieces.

Dec. 3: Ceramic Ornaments, 1-4 p.m. Workshop fee $50, due at time of registration. Class limit 10. All ages welcome. Artist: Daria Claiborne. Create, decorate and color your own ornaments. All supplies available. You will create up to eight ornaments.

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JOPLIN, MISSOURI

Candy House Gourmet Blue Moon Boutique

Courtney’s Candles and Creations Derailed Commodity Flooring & Furniture

La Boussole Medical Spa and Wellness Center

Local Color Art Gallery & Studio

Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Hackett Hot Wings

Extreme Sports Scuba aliceCBD

Journey Through Slime Event Studio Comeau Jewelers Food 4 Less

Dec. 5, 12, 19 & 26: Art Explorations, 12:30-2:30 p.m. Free. Join Gallery Artist Pat Glick every Tuesday for a fun time working on your own project or art. Bring your materials and create with us for free.

Dec. 6: Paper Marbling: Festive Colors, 6-8 p.m. Workshop fee $35, due at time of registration. Ages 12 and older. Artist: Mona Jurshak. Get into the holiday spirit with paper marbling in festive colors. All materials are provided. Plus, don’t miss our upcoming origami class to turn your marbled paper into elegant stars.

Dec. 9: Fused Glass! Jewelry, 1-3 p.m. Workshop fee $50, due at time of registration.

Class limit 12. Ages 14 and older. Artist: Dianne Miller. Learn the basics of glass cutting as you create a beautiful and stylish fused glass dichroic cabochons. All supplies and tools are provided.

Dec. 10: Christmas Ornaments, 1-3 p.m. Workshop fee $30, due at time of registration.

Class limit 8. Ages 12 and older. Artist: Brenda Hayes. Make an assortment of ornaments using paint, glue, fibers and papers.

Dec. 13: Origami Star Ornaments, 6-8 p.m. Workshop fee $30, due at time of registration. All ages welcome. Artist: Mona Jurshak. A variety of papers provided, including pages from old books and more.

Dec. 16: Diamond Painting Christmas Ornaments, 1-3 p.m. Workshop fee $35, due at time of registration. Class limit 14. Ages 7-107. Artist: Sarah Prince. We’ll take resin ornaments and decorate them with diamonds. A wide array of ornaments with all materials provided.

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NEOSHO, MISSOURI

Hatfield Smoked Meats Magnolia & Sunshine Miss Daisy’s

Neosho Chamber of Commerce Salon 109 & Boutique

CARL JUNCTION, MISSOURI Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce

Carl Junction Community Center Bailey’s Family Dining

CARTHAGE, MISSOURI

Carthage Chamber of Commerce Colonial House

Going Places Dolls, Fabrics and Things

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WEBB CITY, MISSOURI Webb City Area Chamber of Commerce Wig ‘N Out Boutique GALENA, KANSAS

The Mollie Venue & Retreat MIAMI, OKLAHOMA

Family Dental Associates

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 13

This content is also available at connect2culture.org/calendar.

Carthage, MO Oct. 7-Dec. 9: Small Works, Great Wonders Silent Art Auction at artCentral, 1110 E. 13th St. Annual artCentral fundraiser features the fiveby-seven-inch mixed media works created and donated by artCentral artists. Free. More information: artcentral1110@gmail.com, 417.358.4404.

Diamond, MO Dec. 2 & 3: George Washington Carver: A Man of Great Faith, 1 p.m. at George Washington Carver National Monument, 5646 Carver Rd. Hear how George Washington Carver learned to listen to the Great Creator when he communed with God in the stillness of early morning walks. Free.

More information: GWCA_Interpretation@nps.gov, 417.325.4151.

Dec. 10: Struggle for An Education, 1 p.m. at George Washington Carver National Monument, 5646 Carver Rd. Learn about challenges George Washington Carver faced in his pursuit of formal education. Free. More information: GWCA_Interpretation@nps.gov, 417.325.4151.

Dec. 16: Night Sky Program, 6-8 p.m. at George Washington Carver National Monument, 5646 Carver Rd. Learn about celestial navigation, star stories and the effects of light pollution, and enjoy an outside constellation tour. Free. More information: GWCA_Interpretation@nps.gov, 417.325.4151.

Dec. 17: Encouraging the Next Generation, 1 p.m. at George Washington Carver National Monument, 5646 Carver Rd. Learn how George Washington Carver mentored and influenced students at Tuskegee Institute. Free. More information: GWCA_Interpretation@nps. gov, 417.325.4151.

Dec. 30 & 31: Film: “Seeds of Success,” 1 p.m. at George Washington Carver National Monument, 5646 Carver Rd. Locally produced by Ozarks Public Television. A documentary tribute to acclaimed scientist, inventor and educator George Washington Carver. Free. More information: GWCA_ Interpretation@nps.gov, 417.325.4151.

Mindenmines, MO Dec. 16: Short-eared Owl Hike, 4-5:30 p.m., Shawnee Trail Conservation Area, 160 SW 160th Ln. Discover more about these uncommon winter residents. Registration required; register at mdc-event-web.s3licensing. com/Event/EventDetails/196574. Free. More information: shoal.creek@ mdc.mo.gov, 417.629.3434.

Joplin, MO Performances: Dec. 15: Joplin Improv Live Show, 8 p.m., Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Ave. Laugh with Joplin Improv while you enjoy happy hour. Stick around for a free improvised comedy show, made up entirely on the spot. Free. More information: joplinimprov@gmail.com, 417.763.1464.

Dec. 17: Sonny Landreth House Concert (Ages 18+), 7 p.m. (doors 6:30 p.m.), The Coda Concert House, 2120 E. 24th St. New frontiers fit nicely atop the boundary-breaking career of singer-songwriter and slide guitar icon Sonny Landreth. For reservations or more information: info@ codaconcerthouse.com. A confirmation email with the address, directions, parking, etc., will be sent. Suggested minimum donation: $75.

Events: Dec. 1: First Friday WineShare (Ages 21+), 6-8 p.m., Frisco Station Lofts, 601 S. Main St. A great opportunity to meet new friends or catch up with old ones. Open to ages 21+. Free. More information: ivy@downtownjoplin. com, 928.514.7713.

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Dec. 3, 10 & 17: Open Mic Comedy Night, 9 p.m. (sign up 8:30 p.m.) at Blackthorn Pizza & Pub, 510 S. Joplin Ave. Try out your latest standup routine or take in the acts of local comedians. Age restrictions: 18+ until 10 p.m. 21+ from 10 p.m. until close. Free. More information: potterdakoda1982@gmail.com, 417.540.9186.

Dec. 5: Rock Club, 5:30 p.m., Joplin History & Mineral Museum, 504 S. Schifferdecker Ave. Listen to presentations on rock-related topics, show off favorite finds during a show-and-tell session, plan upcoming rock shows and enter to win a door prize. Meets the first Tuesday of every month. No registration required. Free. More information: joplinmuseum@ gmail.com, 417.623.1180 X1586.

Dec. 5: Chat & Craft (Ages 18+), 6-8 p.m., Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St. Whether you crochet, knit, stitch, draw or paint, bring along your current project and chat with others. Free. More information: sturnerhill@ joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.7953 X1030.

Dec. 7: Harry Potter Day, 2-6 p.m., Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St. A magical day for witches and wizards of all ages. Free. More information: sturnerhill@joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.7953 X1030.

Dec. 9: Joplin Chess Club Quick Tournament, 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St. Open to children in grades K-12. Unrated open to players in grades K-12/rated open to all ages. Players in the Rated Open must have a current USCF membership. Registration requested; to register or for more information: martin.stahl@joplinchess.org. Cost: Rated Entry $20, Unrated Entry free.

Dec. 11-12: “Vanya & Sonia & Masha & Spike” Auditions, 7 p.m., Joplin Little Theatre, 3009 W. 1st St. This comedy revolves around middleaged siblings Vanya and Sonia, who share a home in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, where they bicker and complain about the circumstances of their lives. Performance runs Jan. 31-Feb. 4, 2024. More information: info@joplinlittletheatre.org, 417.623.3638.

Dec. 12: Tuesday Knight Chess (Ages 11-18), 6-7:30 p.m., Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St. Teens who want to up their chess game can sharpen skills and trade tips. Free. More information: teen@ joplinpubliclibrary.org, 417.623.7953 X1027.

Dec. 14: Joplin Writers’ Guild, 6 p.m., Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St. The group focuses on supporting each other and sharing information about the publishing and writing industries. Open to the public. Dues are $10 for the year. More information: s.v.farnsworth@gmail.com, 417.691.0480.

Dec. 28: Animal Bingo, 2-3 p.m., Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, 201 Riviera Dr. Play bingo with a fun, educational twist, win prizes and see some live animals. Registration required; register at mdc-eventweb.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/196576. Free. More information: shoal.creek@mdc.mo.gov, 417.629.3434.

Dec. 28: Open Mic Night, 7-9:30 p.m., Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Ave. Performers are allotted five to eight minutes per set. Two vocal mics, a quarter inch plug-in for guitar/piano and an aux cable will be available. To sign up early, message them at Facebook.com/joplinavecoffeeco/. Free. More information: autumn@ joplinavenuecoffeecompany.com, 417.483.5558.

Exhibits: Nov. 1-Dec. 31: Repetition: Mixed Media by Amber Mintert, Joplin Public Library, The Bramlage and Willcoxon Foundation Gallery, 1901 E. 20th St. Amber Mintert has spent time drawing and painting but also enjoys textiles and sewing. Most of her work is influenced by textile design, stitching and fabric. Free. More information: jill@postartlibrary. org, 417.623.7953 X1041.

Nov. 1-Dec. 31: Reflections by Al Gritten, Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, 320 E. 4th St. A collection of paintings from artist Al Gritten.

Free. More information: lteeter00@gmail.com, 417.438.5931.

Nov. 1-Dec. 31: Art at Plant Parenthood at Plant Parenthood 417, 101 N. Range Line Rd., Ste. 632. Area artists display and offer their artwork for sale in this boho store. Drop in to see unbe-leaf-able artwork from Marta Churchwell, Merlen White, Connie Miller, Brent Skinner and more. Free.

More information: plantparenthood417@gmail.com.

Oct. 28-Dec. 16: 76th Annual Joy Spiva Cragin Membership Show at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. 7th St. With nearly 100 artists participating, this exhibit honors the wide range of passions and creativity Spiva’s members channel into their work. Free. More information: shaun.conroy@spivaarts. org, 417.621.9814.

Oct. 28-Dec. 23: Chit Chat by Mark Cowardin at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. 7th St. Inspired by his personal history of growing up surrounded by mining remnants and chat piles near his childhood home in rural Joplin, Mark Cowardin’s Chit Chat series is a modern sculptural marvel for viewers.

Free. More information: shaun.conroy@spivaarts.org, 417.621.9814.

Oct. 27-Dec. 16: Good Things Come in Small Packages by JRAC at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. 7th St. Exhibit features pieces that measure 12 inches and under, and highlights the vast talent of JRAC members, ranging from paint and fibers to clay and photography, and much more. Free. More information: shaun.conroy@spivaarts.org, 417.621.9814.

Aug. 19-Dec. 23: Celebrating Indigenous Culture at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. 7th St. This exhibition of oil paintings, vessels and bronzes is a stunning celebration of Native American life, tradition and history. Free. More information: shaun.conroy@spivaarts.org, 417.621.9814.

Classes: Dec. 6: Virtual: Where Can I? – Trout Fish, noon-12:30 p.m., online.

Discuss trout fishing locations, regulations and tips to catch trout.

Registration required; reserve your spot at mdc-event-web.s3licensing. com/Event/EventDetails/195277. Free. More information: shoal.creek@ mdc.mo.gov, 417.629.3434.

Dec. 9: Photoshop 101 with Sarah Clements (Ages 13+), 11 a.m.-1 p.m. at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. 7th St. Learn how to take your images to the next level with this introductory photo editing class. Registration required; register by visiting spivaarts.org/product/photoshop-101-with-sarah-clements.

Cost: $25. More information: sclements@spivaarts.org, 417.621.9813.

Dec. 13: Virtual: Exploring Winter Hiking, noon-1 p.m., online. Learn about the best ways to enjoy hiking outdoors in the winter season and a few trails to explore around southwest Missouri. Registration required; reserve your spot at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/ EventDetails/196572. Free. More information: shoal.creek@mdc.mo.gov, 417.629.3434.

Dec. 19: Little Acorns: Winter in the Woods (Ages 3-7), 10:30-11 a.m., Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, 201 Riviera Dr. Learn about how forest creatures prepare for winter in the woods. Registration required; reserve your spot at mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/ EventDetails/196575. Free. More information: shoal.creek@mdc.mo.gov, 417.629.3434.

Recurring Classes: Create N Sip Studios, 223 W. 3rd St.: Wednesdays: Wine’d Down Wednesday, 5-9 p.m. Create N Sip Studios combines the best of both worlds with the canvas and home décor DIY event. Prices vary depending on chosen project. Cost: $28-$58. More information: coleman@creatensip.com, 417.680.5434.

Saturdays: Saturday Morning Choose Your Canvas, 10 a.m. Select the painting you want to recreate and let the experienced staff at Create N Sip help make a masterpiece. Prices vary depending on chosen project. Cost: $28-$176. More information: coleman@creatensip.com, 417.680.5434.

Elements Art Gallery and Studio, 2207 W. 7th St., Ste. 8: Tuesdays and Wednesdays: Art Buffet, 1-4:30 p.m. Create with others and receive assistance from professional artists. Cost: $5 with your supplies, $15 with provided acrylic and watercolor supplies. More information: hawkinsarts@gmail.com, 417.691.8285.

Firehouse Pottery-Joplin, 112 S. Main St.: Tuesdays: Ladies’ Night Out (Ages 18+), until 8 p.m. Enjoy a creative evening with Firehouse Pottery-Joplin and free studio fees. More information: firehousepotteryjoplin@gmail.com, 417.553.0671.

Fridays: Date Night, until 8 p.m. Friday nights are date night 2-for-1 studio fees until 8 p.m. for all couples. More information: firehousepotteryjoplin@gmail.com, 417.553.0671.

Judy’s Ballroom Dance, 3950 E. Newman Rd.: Tuesdays & Wednesdays: Argentine Tango, 7 p.m. A passionate, quick and graceful dance. Free. More information: schneider-j@mssu.edu, 417.392.0215.

Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, 1027 S. Main St.: Tuesdays: Beginner Watercolor Class, (Ages 8+), 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Join Local Color Art Gallery & Studio Artist Barb Hicklin for an informative and fun watercolor class for beginners. Registration required; register by calling Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417.553.0835. Cost: $20. More information: margiemonet@gmail.com, 417.553.0835.

Tuesdays: Tuesday Oil, Acrylic & Watercolor Come & Go, 2-5 p.m.

Award-winning artist Paula Giltner teaches watercolor, oil and acrylic painting techniques, and design principles. Cost: $20. More information: jnpgiltner@hotmail.com.

Wednesdays: Wednesday Oil, Acrylic & Watercolor Come & Go, 2-5 p.m. Paula Giltner teaches watercolor, oil and acrylic painting techniques, and design principles. Cost: $20. More information: jnpgiltner@hotmail. com.

Missouri Southern State University, 3950 E. Newman Rd.: Tuesdays: ENG 315: Advanced Essay Writing (Creative Nonfiction), 4-6:30 p.m. Participants will explore boundless possibilities of creative nonfiction, from the personal essay to memoir, flash forms and profiles.

Meets Tuesdays at 4 p.m., Aug. 22-Dec. 5. Registration required; contact the MSSU Department of Language and Literature at 417.625.3054 for details. More information: dow-h@mssu.edu, 417.625.3054.

Tuesdays & Thursdays: ENG 216: Introduction to Creative Writing, 11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Participants will leave this course with drafts of a short story, personal essay, poem and 10-minute play, as well as a writing community and practices that can be applied in future writing experiences. Meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 11 a.m. beginning Aug. 22Dec. 5. Registration required; contact the MSSU Department of Language and Literature at 417.625.3054 for details. More information: dow-h@ mssu.edu, 417.625.3054.

Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. 7th St.: Fridays: Memories in the Making, noon-2 p.m. Centered on the expression of creativity through painting for those dealing with memory loss. No registration required. Free. More information: jhenning@spivaarts. org, 417.621.9812.

Tanglefooter’s Round Dance Club, 1802 W. 2nd St.: Mondays: Tanglefooter’s Round Dance Club, 7-8 p.m. Learn choreographed ballroom dancing with the experienced teachers of this Joplin-based club. Ages 14-adult. Cost: Individual $7.50, couple $15. More information: mike@gfeneosho.com, 417.529.0686.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 15

HOLIDAY MUSIC

to make the

presents... SEASON BRIGHT

Is your holiday spirit ready to soar this season? Or are you feeling a little overwhelmed by all there is to do to make the magic happen this year? Head to the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex to kick off the season in style with some new twists on classic musical favorites. Here’s what you’ll find:

by Ann Leach

A Night of Christmas with John Glosson

Merry & Bright: Christmas Cheer with Ryan & Ryan

ou may remember Glosson’s stunning performance on the TV shows “Duets,” and “American Idol.” And now you’ll hear him in person when he shares his heartfelt renditions of some of the season’s most popular songs. His style is soulful and Southern, and music has been a part of his life since childhood.

t will be a full circle moment for Barron Ryan when he returns to the Cornell Complex for the third time. “I was the featured performing artist at the grand opening weekend in 2022 and played a private event there in 2023,” he said.

“And my son, Donald, has been to Joplin to visit friends who lived there.” The family lives in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Y

“We try to make everybody happy at the show,” Glosson said.

“I’ll invite them to sing along and just enjoy the night with me.” Glosson will bring a full band and possibly some backup singers and horn players.

An entrepreneur at heart, Glosson and his wife own a boutique and café in their town of Douglas, Georgia. “We do a huge winter wonderland theme in the store that we get ready by Nov. 1,” he said. “It’s a lot of work and this is our busiest time of year. But I am looking forward to relaxing by sharing the music and my ministry with Joplin.”

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WANT TO GO? A Night of Christmas Saturday, Dec. 9 at 7 p.m.

Beshore Performance Hall Tickets start at $25 (plus fees) Call the box office at 417.501.5550 for reservations.

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This father-son piano duo will perform their own arrangement of holiday music for this performance. “We offer a classical, calypso and funky take on holiday music,” Barron Ryan said. “We hope our audience feels a sense of gratitude from our playing. We feel that we’ve been given a gift to create and share music and want listeners to receive our offering to them with the same thankfulness we have in sharing it.”

Donald Ryan added, “Music is one of the best ways to find gratitude in any circumstance. We feel that every time we play and hope the audience will feel them, too.”

WANT TO GO? Merry & Bright, Saturday, Dec. 16 Pre-concert lecture at 6 p.m. • Performance begins at 7 p.m.

Beshore Performance Hall • Tickets start at $25 (plus fees) Call the box office at 417.501.5550 for reservations.

EVENTS Northeast OK Miami, OK

Dec. 2: Miami Rte. 66 Christmas Parade, 6-8 p.m.

Dec. 9 & 10: Dance Academy Presents the “Nutcracker Ballet”, Dec. 9, 10 a.m., and Dec. 10, 3 p.m. NEO A&M College, 200 St NE. Tickets are $12; available to purchase from the dancers or at the door in advance of the performances.

Dec. 9: The Kenny Rogers Band: Hits and Christmas Show at the Coleman Theatre, 7-10 p.m. Relive your favorite songs and music with the Kenny Rogers Band, featuring Lon Gatlin. Coleman Theatre, 103 N. Main St. More information: 918.540.2425.

Dec. 16: The Isaacs Christmas Show at the Coleman Theatre, 7-10 p.m. Coleman Theatre, 103 N. Main St. The Isaacs family has spent five decades creating the undeniable family harmonies and distinct sound that have made them a favorite among audiences everywhere. They’re currently on tour with country superstar Reba McEntire and writing for their next album project that will take them in the studio with renowned producer Dave Cobb. Tickets: Gold Circle, $50; Orchestra Tier 1, $38; Orchestra Tier 2, $35; Loge, $28; and Balcony, $25. Plus, tax and fees. More information: 918.540.2425.

Dec. 17: A Classic Movie “It’s A Wonderful Life” at the Coleman Theatre, 7-10 p.m. Coleman Theatre, 103 N. Main St. Don’t miss Coleman’s traditional holiday presentation of Frank Capra’s classic movie. All tickets are $5 + fees. More information: 918.540.2425.

Grove, OK Dec. 1, 2, 8, 15, 16, 22 & 23: Santa’s Ozark Mountain Village. 5:30 -8:30 p.m., Har-Ber Village Museum, 4400 W. 20th Street, join us for a unique Christmas village featuring vendors, snow every hour, wine tasting, music, 400,000 lights and more. Call 918.786.6446. Purchase tickets at www.har-bervillage.com Dec. 2: YMCA Jingle Bell Run (5K and Fun Run). All participants will receive a YMCA beanie, and dogs on leashes are allowed to participate in the Fun Run. All proceeds benefit the Grand Lake Family YMCA Annual Campaign and Grove High School Track Team. Check-in 8-8:50 a.m. 5K run starts at 9 a.m. Fun Run starts at 9:10 a.m. Awards Ceremony at 10:30 a.m. Register at runsignup.com/YMCAJingleBell5K. Registration deadline is Dec. 1. Cost is $30/5K and $20/Fun Run. Fun Run participants can also register in person at the Y. Dec. 9: Grove Lighted Christmas Parade. From dancing reindeer to Santa himself making his grand entrance, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Dates and times are subject to change.

Please call the Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau at 918.542.4435 to confirm.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 17

BAR AND RESTAURANT OFFERINGS:

Where it’s ‘COOL’ to be YOU!

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isit these local establishments to experience a variety of creative events and entertainment this winter:

JOPLIN ARTS DISTRICT NEWS - A snapshot of news, events and activities happening in December.

Blackthorn Pizza and Pub, 510 S. Joplin Ave.: • Open comedy night at 8:30 p.m. Dec. 3.

• See singers and songwriters of all ages Dec. 13, 810 p.m.

• Open mic night with no cover charge Dec. 17 at 8:30 p.m.

• Drag show Dec. 22 at 10 p.m. with a $5 cover charge.

Guests must be 21+.

Brew Pub & Parlor, 813 S. Main St.: • Karaoke every Thursday with Ron Savage, 8 p.m., 21+, no cover.

• Jam nights on Thursdays at 7 p.m.

• Free comedy show the last Friday of every month.

Chaos Brewing Company, 122 S. Main St.: • Play free trivia Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

• Local putting night competition 6-9 p.m. Dec. 14.

ART EXHIBITS, THEATER AND MUSIC: Connect2Culture, 212 W. 7th St.: For event schedule, visit www.connect2culture.org, for ticket information and other details, call 417.501.5550. All performances are held in the Harry M. Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex.

• An Evening in Kringle City at 7p.m., Dec. 1. Tickets $10-20.

• A Night of Christmas with John Grosson, a soulful Southern vocalist Dec. 9 at 7 p.m. Tickets $25-30.

• Merry & Bright: Songs with Ryan & Ryan Dec. 16, 7 p.m. Father-son piano duo Donald and Barron Ryan combine their talents in a blend of old and new school, classical, jazz, ragtime and funk.

Local Color Art Gallery, 1027 S. Main St.: Painter Barb Hicklin teaches beginning watercolor (ages 8 and up) every Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. $20 walk-in and bring your supplies. Walk in or RSVP 417.553.0835.

Spiva Center for the Arts, inside Cornell Complex, 212 W. 7th St.: • 78th Joy Spiva Cragin Annual Membership Show through Dec. 16.

• Mark Cowardin’s Chit Chat through Dec. 23.

• Joplin Regional Artist Coalition’s exhibit of Good Things Come in Small Packages through Dec. 16.

• Inspired: Celebrating Indigenous Culture, a collection of art referencing Native American life from the private collection of the late Harry M. Cornell through Dec. 23.

Club 609, 609 S. Main St.: Club 609 celebrates Christmas decorating like no other with lots of lights, vintage days gone by displays and painted Santas on glass windows.

Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Ave.: • Open mic night Dec. 21 from 6:30 p.m. to 9 p.m.

• View the work of acrylic abstract artist T. Crowe Semler with his exhibit, Psanctified 8.

530 Somewhere, 530 S. Main St.: View paintings from local artist Eric Beezley in December and January with his exhibit, Art for All. DANCE CLUBS: Club XO, 502 S. Joplin Ave.: Fridays Ladies Night.

Whiskey Dick’s, 516 S. Joplin Ave.: Outdoors Fridays/ Saturdays.

Xscape Bar, 530 S. Joplin Ave.: Thursday-Saturday.

Urban Art Gallery, 511 S. Main St: It’s a Winter Wonderland, a group show of local artists exhibiting their creative holiday art. The public is invited to meet the artists at their reception Dec. 16, 4-5:30 p.m.

Blackthorn Pizza & Pub 510 S. Joplin Ave • Joplin, MO • 417.623.2485 Facebook: @BlackthornPizza&Pub 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.

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Countryside in the City Florist • Event Planner Event Venue 422 S. Joplin Ave. 417.781.3719 www.countrysideflowers.biz Countryside in the City is one of the leading florists in Joplin for fine, quality roses, flowers, plants and gifts for every occasion. Let our experienced designers and staff create a one-of-a-kind gift you will love. We also offer beautiful custom-designed wedding flower arrangements including wedding bouquets, centerpieces and boutonnieres. Open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Convenient parking.

Experience Carthage

C

arthage employees and shop owners have been busy planning for a spectacularly festive season with lights, shopping, carriage rides, candy cane hunts, holiday movies, fun and lights. Did I mention lights? Oh, and the halls are being decked as the downtown Carthage square has begun its transformation

Holiday Shopping Experiences • Now through Dec. 15: artCentral Holiday Boutique & Silent Auction at the Hyde House.

• Nov. 30: Holiday Sip & Shop, 5-8 p.m., at The Phelps House hosted by the Carthage Chamber of Commerce.

• Dec. 1 and 2: Hometown Holidays Shopping Crawl hosted by Vision Carthage.

• Dec. 1 and 2: Olde World Christmas Market at Grace Church.

Holiday Activities & Experiences • Nov. 17-Jan. 1: More than 50,000 lights decorate the gardens at Precious Moments.

• Nov. 23 -Jan. 1: Way of Salvation drivethrough light display hosted by CRM.

into a winter wonderland. And next door, Central Park is getting a twinkle effect as Sparkle in the Park, presented by Carthage Water & Electric Plant (CWEP), is coming to life.

Don’t forget at the beautiful Way of Salvation Christmas lights display at the Congregation of the Mother CoRedemptrix (CRM), they are working tirelessly by adding new creations. Don’t miss out on these amazing experiences that are right at your fingertips!

• Nov. 27: Sparkle in the Park lighting ceremony presented by CWEP.

• Dec. 4: Mayor’s Tree Lighting Ceremony on the Carthage square.

• Nov. 27-Dec. 30: Carriage rides provided

by G&R Carriages.

• Dec. 4: Carthage Christmas Parade hosted by the Carthage Technical Center at 7 p.m.

• Nov. 28: Hometown Holidays Candy Cane Hunt in Central Park hosted by Vision Carthage.

• Nov. 30: Hometown Holidays Movie Night hosted by Vision Carthage.

• Nov. 30-Dec. 3: Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre features “The Sound of Music.”

• Friday and Saturdays in December: Music of Christmas program hosted at Precious Moments Chapel.

- This year’s lineup includes an oboist, violinist, handbells, choirs and a jazz band.

• Dec. 1: Hometown Holidays Family Fun Night hosted by Vision Carthage.

• Dec. 6-Dec. 10: Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre features “The Sound of Music.”

• Dec. 8: YMCA’s second annual Family Polar Express Night.

To find out more information on the above activities and experiences, you can check out the Facebook pages of the local organizations. Carthage truly is a perfect addition to your holiday experience. Whether you are looking for a unique gift or creating memories to last a lifetime, Experience Carthage this holiday season.

ExperienceCarthageMo.com December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 19

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he Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce encourages you to Think Local First during the holiday season as you go out to spend time with family and shop for gifts. There are so many amazing small businesses in our community you can support by shopping local and eating local. You are not only investing in your community but also supporting a family and dream. So many of our small businesses give back to the community financially and with their time to help make our community the best place to live, play and work. Thank you for supporting local businesses!

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Next up in Carl Junction is the Annual Carl Junction Christmas Parade sponsored by the Carl Junction Lions Club held Sunday, Dec. 3, at 2 p.m. Come out to celebrate the holiday season in Carl Junction. Merry Christmas, and we’ll see you in 2024!

By Kristi Spencer

Bricks & Brews

WOODFIRE GRILL & PUB

L

ocated along Route 66 in Baxter Springs, Kansas, Bricks and Brews Woodfire Grill and Pub, owned by Doug Puckett and managed by Trent Puckett, offers an inviting atmosphere with a rock and roll soundtrack and delectable cuisine. During my recent visit, I had the pleasure of meeting the father-son team responsible for this delightful establishment.

The restaurant’s ambiance is warm and welcoming, characterized by exposed brick walls that create an industrial yet comfortable setting.

The Puckett family has meticulously designed the restaurant, providing a range of spaces, including family-friendly dining, a vibrant bar area, an inviting outdoor patio and an upstairs section where you’ll find live music on the weekends. The venue features 3,000 square feet of space that can be rented for company parties, weddings and other special events.

During my visit, I had the opportunity to savor the Voodoo Child pizza, featuring a thin crust loaded with pepperoni, salami, fresh basil and a drizzle of hot honey. This combination was both unique and delicious. I also had a slice of the Signature Woodfire pizza, topped with pepperoni, sausage, roasted red peppers, mushrooms and olives. The woodfire cooking method gives a delightful char to the crispy thin crust.

The Pucketts recently introduced five signature wood-fired burgers to the menu. I couldn’t resist tasting The Mac burger, which was topped with cheese, bacon, caramelized onions, lettuce, tomato and Thousand Island dressing. It was perfectly seasoned and had a tasty seared outside.

Bricks and Brews offers more than just pizzas and burgers; the menu includes a variety of options such as pasta, sandwiches, salads, a weekday lunch buffet and special items like ribs and smoked wings. If it can be cooked over wood, it’s likely to appear on the menu or as a special.

The restaurant’s location on Route 66 means you might encounter a diverse crowd of patrons, from tourists to locals.

Bricks and Brews now offers gift cards, making it an ideal present for those who appreciate the charm of the Mother Road and good food.

Bricks and Brews Woodfire Grill and Pub offers a unique dining destination where warm hospitality, great music and wood-fired cuisine intersect. >> Bricks & Brews Woodfire Grill & Pub is located at 1531 Military Ave. • Baxter Springs, KS • 620.304.2056 • Open: Mon-Thu: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri/Sat, 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sun 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 21

ShowMe Dining Guide

Finn’s

Shawanoe Restaurant

70220 East Hwy 60 • Wyandotte, OK 888.992 SKY1

2707 E. 32nd Street • Joplin, MO 417.624.3466 • www.finnsjoplin.com

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. 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. $-$$$

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 a.m.-9 p.m.

Sunday: CLOSED

Bricks & Brews

Casa Montez

1531 Military Ave. • Baxter Springs, KS

4224 S. Main St. • Joplin, MO 417.624.2272

620.304.2056 • www.bricksandbrewswoodfire.com Bricks & Brews Woodfire Grill & Pub is bringing classic woodfired pizza to Route 66! In addition to our delicious pizza, we also offer a selection of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, desserts and have recently added barbecue and a salad bar to our extensive menu. Come in and enjoy our full bar, as well, featuring a large selection of craft beers. Don’t miss live music every weekend! Come see your favorite local artists perform. We can’t wait to see you soon! $-$$ Hours: Mon-Thu, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Fri/Sat, 11 a.m.-12 a.m.; Sun, 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

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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. $-$$

Special Advertising Section

Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.

Club 1201

Tractors BBQ & Grill

1201 E. 32nd Street • Joplin, MO 417.626.0032 • club1201.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: Tuesday-Thursday: 11 a.m.-3 p.m.; Friday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday: 9 a.m.-2 p.m.

1008 E. 12th • Lamar, MO 417.682.6677

At Tractors BBQ and Grill, we serve top-quality food, prepared in-house. We offer only the best in smoked meats, fresh old-fashioned hamburgers, a large selection of sandwiches and salads. We also serve full made-to-order breakfast every day until 10:30 am. With so much to choose from, you will not leave hungry. We offer a Sunday buffet from 10:30 am-2 pm and catfish buffet on Tuesday nights from 5-8 pm. Stop by and let us serve you! $-$$ Hours: Tuesday-Sunday: 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m.

Undercliff Grill & Bar

Taste of Italy

6835 Old Highway 71 • Joplin, MO 417.629.2869 • www.theundercliffgrill.com

4321 S. Chapel Road • Carthage, MO 417.358.2000 “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 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

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 a.m.-9 p.m.; Saturday, 9 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday, 9 a.m.-3 p.m.

Special Advertising Section

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 23

ShowMe Dining Guide

Club 609

Bailey’s Family Dining

609 Main Street • Joplin, MO 417.623.6090

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. $-$$

“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: Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Saturday-Sunday 7 a.m.-10 p.m.

Hours: Kitchen open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m.

Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. • Bar open later

Just A Taste

Haven 55

105 S. Main St. • Webb City, MO 417.673.9463 • www.justatastemo.com 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.

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408 Havenhurst Drive • Pineville, MO 417.223.2055 • www.haven55.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. $-$$$ Hours: Tues-Sat for lunch 11 a.m.-2 p.m., and dinner 5 p.m.-9 p.m.

Special Advertising Section

Red Onion Café

Hackett Hot Wings

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 11a.m.-9 p.m.

520 S. Main • Joplin, MO 417.625.1333 • www.hacketthotwings.com “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 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri-Sun, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Mon-Wed Lunch Specials, 11 a.m.-2 p.m.; Mon-Wed Happy Hour, 3-6 p.m.

Mis Arcos

Sam’s Cellar Bar & Oven

1926 S. Garrison Ave. • Carthage, MO 417.237.0547

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 a.m.-Close

For the delicious authentic Mexican food you crave, there’s no place like MisArcos. 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 two for $5 margaritas? Mis Arcos is the home of great food, fun times and lots of laughs! $-$$ Hours: Mon-Wed, 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Fri, 11 a.m.-9:30 p.m.; Sat/Sun 11 a.m.-9 p.m.

Special Advertising Section

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 25

Holiday Events Missouri Parades:

Dec. 1: Nevada Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.

Dec. 2: Diamond Christmas Parade, 10 a.m.

Dec. 2: Exeter Christmas Parade, 1:30 p.m.

Dec. 6: Webb City Christmas Parade, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 16: Purdy Christmas Parade, 11 a.m.

Dec. 7: Lamar Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.

Dec. 2: Pineville Christmas Parade, 5 p.m.

Dec. 9: Monett Christmas Parade, 11 a.m.

Dec. 2: Sarcoxie Christmas Parade, 5:15 p.m.

Dec. 9: Aurora Christmas Parade, 2 p.m.

Dec. 4: Carthage Christmas Parade, 7 p.m.

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Dec. 9: Neosho Christmas Parade, 6:30 p.m.

Dec. 9: Southwest City Christmas Parade, 10:30 a.m.

Dec. 3: Carl Junction Christmas Parade, 2 p.m.

Dec. 9: Wheaton Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.

Dec. 5: Joplin Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.

Dec. 2: Neosho Christmas Parade, 5 p.m.

Dec. 2: Cassville Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.

Dec. 9: Seneca Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.

Dec. 9: Cassville Christmas Parade, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 9: Pierce City Christmas Parade, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 9: Granby Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.

Oklahoma Parades: Dec. 2: Picher Christmas Parade, 10 a.m.

Dec. 2: Miami Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.

Dec. 9: Duck Creek Christmas Parade, 5:30 p.m.

Dec. 9: Grove Christmas Parade, 6 p.m.

EVENTS Carthage, MO Nov. 27-Jan. 1: Sparkle in the Park 2023 Presented by Carthage Water & Electric Plant at Carthage Central Park, 305 W. Chestnut St. Open to the public Nov. 27-Jan. 1 from 5 p.m. until midnight daily. Sparkle in the Park is a spectacular light display put on by Carthage Water & Electric Plant, covering nearly every inch of Central Park and turning it into a festive winter wonderland. Don’t forget to tag us in your photos for future promotional use with the hashtag #sparkleinthepark. We hope you enjoy the magic of the season through this mesmerizing community light display.

Dec. 2: Snow Man Painting, 2-5 p.m. at artCentral Carthage, 1110 E. 13th St. ‘Tis the season to paint an adorable snowman. Registration required; email alexandra.r.burnside@gmail.com or call/text 417.529.5272 to register. Cost: $35.

More information: artcentral1110@gmail.com, 417.358.4404.

Kansas Parades: Dec. 2: Baxter Springs Christmas Parade, 2 p.m.

Dec. 2: Galena Christmas Parade, 4 p.m.

Dec. 7: Parsons Christmas Parade, 7 p.m.

Dec. 16: Me and My Grown Up: Santa Painting, 2-5 p.m. at artCentral Carthage, 1110 E. 13th St. A special painting class for you and your favorite child. Registration required; email alexandra.r.burnside@gmail.com or call/text 417.529.5272 to register. Cost: $20.

More information: artcentral1110@gmail.com, 417.358.4404.

Diamond, MO Dec. 9: Holiday Open House, 1-3 p.m., George Washington Carver National Monument, 5646 Carver Rd. Celebrate the holidays with crafts, music and refreshments. Free. More information: GWCA_ Interpretation@nps.gov, 417.325.4151.

Joplin, MO Saturdays: 6th Annual Holiday Market, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Joplin Empire Market, 931 E 4th St. Open every Saturday leading up to Christmas.

Purchase your favorite gourmet foods and handcrafted items, enjoy holiday tunes and get your items gift wrapped. Free. More information: ivy@downtownjoplin.com, 928.514.7713.

Nov. 30-Dec. 3: “It’s A Wonderful Life: The Musical,” 7 p.m (Saturday, 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.; Sunday, 2 p.m.), Ozark Christian College, 1111 N. Main St. Based on the beloved 1946 film, this musical faithfully follows George Bailey’s life. Tickets can be purchased at occ.edu/ Christmas. Tickets: Adult $15, groups (10 or more adults) $12, children (ages 12-under) $6. More information: smith.destiny@occ.edu, 417.680.5608.

Dec. 2: A Seasonal Choral Flourish, 2 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 812 Pearl Ave. Highly anticipated annual performance by the Missouri Southern State University Department of Performing Arts: Division of Music, under the direction of Dr. David Sharlo. Free. More information: performingarts@mssu.edu, 417.625.3002.

Dec. 2: Felted Friends: Gnomes and Santas (Ages 12+), 10 a.m.noon at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. 7th St. Learn how to needle felt a palmsized 3D gnome or Santa. Registration required; register by visiting spivaarts.org/product/felted-friends-gnomes-santas-with-stacy-heydt.

Cost: $35. More information: sclements@spivaarts.org, 417.621.9813.

Dec. 2: Glass Ornaments with Jane McCaulley (Ages 9+), 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. 7th St. Participants will learn about glass art while making their own unique creation to take home. Registration required; register by visiting spivaarts.org/product/glass-ornamentswith-jane-mccaulley-4. Cost: $35. More information: sclements@ spivaarts.org, 417.621.9813.

Dec. 3: JPTA Christmas Recital, 1-5 p.m. at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. 7th St. Support some of Joplin’s youngest musicians. Free. More information: musicalmegan77@gmail.com.

Dec. 6–10: “It’s a Wonderful Life: A Live Radio Play,” 7:30 p.m.

(Sunday, 2:30 p.m.) at Joplin Little Theatre, 3009 W. 1st St. The beloved American holiday classic comes to life as a live 1940s radio broadcast. Reserve your tickets at joplinlittletheatre.org or by calling 417.623.3638. Tickets: Adults $18, senior citizens/students $15. More information: info@joplinlittletheatre.org, 417.623.3638.

Dec. 7-10: “A Christmas Chaos,” 7 p.m. (Sunday, 2:30 p.m.) at Stained Glass Theatre Joplin, 2101 Annie Baxter Ave. A hilarious backstage comedy that pokes fun at the classic novel and everything that can go wrong with a theatrical production. Doors open at 6:15 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased at sgtjoplin.square.site. Tickets: Adults $12, children (ages 4-14) $5, children ages 3 and under admitted free. More information: sgtjoplin@gmail.com.

Dec. 8: Holiday Bash, 5-7 p.m., Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, 201 Riviera Dr. Light refreshments and holiday activities. Free.

More information: shoal.creek@mdc.mo.gov, 417.629.3434.

Dec. 9: Natural Holiday Crafts, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, 201 Riviera Dr. Make simple holiday ornaments from recycled materials. No registration required. Free.

More information: shoal.creek@mdc.mo.gov, 417.629.3434

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 27

Holiday Events Dec. 9: Post Art Library Holiday Tea, 2-3:30 p.m., Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St. Enjoy a piano performance by Susan Cordell. Free. More information: jill@postartlibrary.org, 417.623.7953 X1041.

Dec. 9: A Night of Christmas with John Glosson, 7 p.m. (doors 6:30 p.m.) at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. 7th St. Celebrate the most wonderful time of the year with soulful, Southern vocalist John Glosson! Tickets may be purchased at connect2culture.org, by calling 417.501.5550 or at the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex (Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m.). Tickets: $25-$30. More information: lauren@ connect2culture.org, 417.501.5550.

Dec. 10: MSSU Choral Society Holiday Concert, 3-4 p.m. at First Community Church, 2007 E. 15th St. Celebrate the holiday season through song. Area-wide, mixed choir that offers fellowship and fun for those who are passionate about singing. Free. More information: wbloss@gmail.com, 417.385.3996.

Dec. 16: Merry & Bright: Songs of Christmas Cheer with Ryan & Ryan, 7 p.m. (doors 6:30 p.m.) at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. 7th St. Join Donald and Barron Ryan as they delight audiences with two-piano renditions of traditional carols and modern songs. Tickets may be purchased at connect2culture.org, by calling 417.501.5550 or at the

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CONTINUED

C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex (Tuesday-Saturday, 1-5 p.m.). Tickets: $25-$30. More information: lauren@connect2culture.org, 417.501.5550.

Dec. 16: Glass Gifts with Jane McCaulley (Ages 9+), 2:30-4:30 p.m. at the Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. 7th St. Choose from an ornament, a night light or a tea light to make from fused glass. Registration required; register by visiting spivaarts.org/product/glass-gifts-with-janemccaulley. Cost: $35. More information: sclements@spivaarts.org, 417.621.9813.

Monett, MO Dec. 3: Hello Christmas!, 3 p.m., Monett High School, 1 David Sippy Dr. Celebrate the holiday season with the Ozark Festival Orchestra, a community orchestra comprised of musicians from Southwest Missouri. Tickets: Adults $10, seniors $5, children (ages 17-under) free.

More information: murraybishoff@gmail.com, 417.316.3302.

Neosho, MO Nov. 30-Dec. 2: Journey to Bethlehem, 6-9 p.m., Racine Christian Church, 12218 State Highway K. Featuring a live stage show, an interactive outdoor theater and real animals in a living Nativity. Free.

More information: racinechristian.org/journey.

Dec.2: Breakfast with Santa, 8 a.m., 109 W. Main Street, join us for a fun morning for your whole family! Enjoy a pancake breakfast, crafts, games and pictures with Santa.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 29

Ronald McDonald House Charities - Gift of Love

Hundreds from the Four-State Area gathered Nov. 11 at Ronald McDonald House of the Four States to kick off the holiday season for the charity’s 22nd Annual Gift of Light, Gift of Love. The tree-lighting event included an open house, where children and their families decorated cookies, crafted ornaments, enjoyed hot cocoa, experienced the talents of six local performing groups and met the jolly Santa and Mrs. Claus. The corner of 34th and Jackson was illuminated as Santa Claus and past house guests, the Gleason family, lit the dazzling 22-foot Christmas tree and house, while a fireworks show lit up the night sky.

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Holiday Shopping 

613 S. Main

Joplin, MO

Fashion Forward • Blue Moon Boutique

DOWNTOWN

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 31

Holiday Wish List

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Hatfield’s Smoked Meats

7329 Gateway Dr • Neosho, MO • 417.624.3765

One 24 Outlet

13105 Kodiak Rd • Neosho, MO • 417.451.1144 Like us on Facebook! • Download our APP!!

One24 Boutique is a unique mother/daughter-teamed store that specializes in the unique. Located in Neosho, this small-town store has gifts, home decor, one-of-a-kind finds and FASHION!! The new “One24 Rags” clothing line was custom designed by the two ladies!

Everything in the outlet is 40% off. A portion of all proceeds is donated each month to the KU Bladder Cancer Department to fund a research scholarship.

Good food. Good friends. Good times. Our popular meat and cheese trays are a hit at Christmas parties, our award-winning holiday hams and turkeys are a mainstay at any table, and our house-made snack sticks, beef jerky and summer sausage make terrific stocking stuffers. We even cater! Family owned and operated since the 1930s, Hatfield Smoked Meats has a proud tradition of taking care of customers like family.

Zena Suri Alpacas

35401 S. 580 Road • Jay, OK • 804.389.2579 www.zenasurialpacas.com

BigRsPies.com 417.437.3135

Sweaters, scarves, shawls, gloves and mittens and all sorts of socks and blankets are at Zena Suri Alpacas for Christmas. Need some fluffy toys or a sofa throw or a pillow? There are too many items to list, but all items are fashionable and functional.

Pie is the new cake! Haven’t you heard? BigRsPies.com is the best … The only thing flaky about us is our crust. We deliver at no charge within the city of Joplin. Order by noon Sunday-Friday for pick up the next day in Joplin or Pittsburg. If you want to sample just a slice, visit Chatters in Pittsburg or Big R’s BBQ in Joplin or find us at the Neosho Farmers Market (check the schedule), then go to BigRsPies.com to order your whole pie. Give us a call if you can’t find what you need on our website.

We are open seven days a week. Call 804.389.2579 for directions to our amazing ranch. We also offer tours so you can meet our animals if you wish. Touch, feed and walk among our alpacas for an unforgettable experience. Alpacas are more fun than reindeer.

Big R’s Pies

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Wish you had a unique sweater or jacket to keep you toasty?

Everything from finger puppets to rugs to some of the best yarns from our very own prize-winning alpacas is here near Grand Lake, Oklahoma.

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Extreme Sports Scuba

5203 S. Range Line Road • Joplin, MO 417.659.9009 • www.extremesportsscuba.com

Society

4 S. Main St. • Webb City, MO • 417.717.0073 www.thesocietymarketplace.com Facebook & Instagram: @SocietyWebbCity

Give a gift they’ll never forget: scuba lessons! Extreme Sports Scuba offers gift certificates for the open Water SCUBA Diver Course and a complete line of SCUBAPRO equipment. For all the water lovers in your life. Ask about excursions and dive trips! Learn more at www. extremesportscuba.com, on our Facebook page or come by the store! We’re always happy to help!

Shop local this holiday season for unique and purposeful gifts.

From beautiful one-of-a-kind sweaters to trendy outfits, we offer something for everyone at Society Marketplace. Ready to decorate your home for the holidays or need the perfect hostess gift? Come see us and let us help you! Located in downtown Webb City, we offer a wide variety of clothing, accessories, home decor, gifts and more!

H&H Wrecker

417.499.7266 • Based in Carl Junction, MO Locally owned and operated, H&H Wrecker serves Carl Junction, Joplin, Webb City and the surrounding communities. If you need a tow service of any kind or roadside assistance like jump starts, lock outs or tire changes, reach out to H&H Wrecker. You can’t miss the big, bright purple tow trucks all around the area. They are a 24/7 towing company and can tow everything from motorcycles to campers to storage buildings. Give H&H Wrecker a call at 417.499.7266.

Wig’N Out Boutique

20 S. Main St. • Webb City, MO 417.717.5099 • www.wignoutboutique.com Wig’N Out Boutique offers a wide variety of wigs, extensions and hair pieces to match your style perfectly. Whether you have thin hair, no hair or just want a change, look no further. Our licensed cosmetologist will fit your wig or hair piece and customize the look with a cut or trim. We also carry stylish clothing and accessories. Let our experienced stylists help you complete your look … because “we’ve got you covered from head to toe!”

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 33

Holiday Wish List

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Courtney’s Candles and Creations

2029 S. Willard Ave. • Joplin, MO 417.624.1838 • www.courtneyscandles.com Get into the festive spirit at Courtney’s Candles! Discover a warm and welcoming wonderland of holiday shopping with a dazzling array of scented candles and delightful gifts. Looking for something unique? We offer custom candles, so you can have a candle that’s uniquely yours, tailored to your preferences and occasion. Discover an array of gifts for everyone on your list from brands like Courtney’s Candles, Woodwick, Tyler, Zodax, Aromatique, Mixture, Warmies and more! Unwrap the magic of Christmas with Courtney’s Candles at 2029 S. Willard Ave. in Joplin or visit us online!

The Vogue Boutique

144 S. Main • Carl Junction, MO • 417.649.7911 Just 10 minutes from downtown Joplin shopthevogueboutique.com Insta: @thevogueboutiquecj Facebook: thevogueboutiquecj The Vogue Boutique Holiday pop-up shop is NOW OPEN! Shop two stores this holiday season! The pop-up shop is located at 132 S. Main St. in Carl Junction, just two doors down from The Vogue Boutique. Our holiday pop-up shop will delight your senses with Christmas pleasures for you, your home and everyone on your gift list. The Vogue Boutique and The Vogue Boutique Holiday Pop-Up Shop are open seven days a week through Dec. 23! Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m., and Sunday 1-4 p.m.

Blue Moon Boutique

613 S. Main Street • Joplin, MO • 417.553.0826 www.bluemoonboutiquejoplin.com Facebook: @Blue Moon Boutique Joplin Whether you’re shopping for yourself or buying gifts for the special ladies in your life, Blue Moon Boutique has it all from cozy socks to all your glittering holiday outfits! At Blue Moon Boutique, you’ll always find unique clothing and accessories, quirky home decor and gifts, locally made artwork and more. If you have an eclectic, boho style, then Blue Moon Boutique will be right up your alley!

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

aliceCBD

Journey Through Slime Event Studio

2310 S. Main St. • Joplin, MO • 417.317.5416 www.journeythroughslime.com Step into the world of Journey Through Slime Event Studio & Scoop Shoppe this holiday season! Discover a world of fun where Slime Guests can indulge in unique, customizable slimes that spark happiness. From hands-on slime-making to toys and ice cream, it’s an immersive experience for all ages. Plus, find the perfect holiday gifts with a wide range of slime-related products and accessories.

Unleash your creativity and delight in the magic of slime this season. Stop in during our open house Dec. 2 from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.

530 East Rd., Unit A • Webb City, MO 5399 State Hwy 43, Unit D • Joplin, MO 417.310.6160 • aliceCBD.com My name is Alice. I am an army veteran, registered nurse and creator of the aliceCBD and aliceRN brands and products since 2017. Currently, my favorite drops are aliceRN THC FREE 4 PLEX 1:1.

I suffer/have suffered from PTSD, depression/anxiety disorder, MS, fibro, arthritis and more. Pharmaceuticals let me down and caused more accumulated disability. My triple strength salve and BCP drops from HOPS, not hemp or cannabis, are my other two favorites. All three together I feel and believe got me to my best self ever! I invite you to schedule a discovery call, and together, let’s see if CBD, CBG or THC is right for your health goals.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 35

Chad Keutzer is sharpening his creative skills

By Ann Leach

I

t all started when Chad Keutzer built a knife and realized he needed a sheath to hold it. He went to the shoe repair store in Lamar, Missouri, and got some scrap leather and figured out how to create a simple sheath.

“I really enjoyed doing that and thought I’d like to get a bit deeper into that craft,” he said. “I have been working with and tooling leather for a few years now and work to make each piece better than the one I just finished.”

Keutzer, a self-taught craftsman, referred to YouTube videos and took classes with master leather crafter Denny Lowe in Springfield, Missouri, for his learning path. With a degree in wood technology from Pittsburg State University, Keutzer discovered working with multiple 36

materials on each product. He said, “I am a craftsman at heart. I enjoy combining metal with wood, for example (his favorite style currently is the Sheridan western floral carving and tooling). I really like building and making things with leather.

“There are two basic types of leather: vegetable tanned and chrome tanned. I use both. The vegetable tanned is what I use when I need to tool the leather.”

Tooling is putting a pattern or picture on the leather itself. “It’s also used to create wet molded pieces like the bowls I make. And chrome tanned leather is used when I create handbags and earrings. Other results have included Bible covers, belts and portfolios.”

To manage the workload, Keutzer said, “I try to be in the leather room every day. When I cut the leather, I will always strop my knife to get a super sharp edge on it. I will also think about the best use of the leather and the best layout of the pattern to get the most out of the leather piece.”

“My favorite part of being a crafter is presenting the client with a piece that not only makes them happy, but that they can pass down to their children or grandchildren.”

– Chad Keutzer But the best intentions don’t always pan out: Keutzer learned the truth of that old adage, “Measure twice, cut once.” He had finished a Bible cover to find out he built it too big. “To make the best out of it I now use the cover as a display piece to show people how the cover is built and a possible look for the finished product,” he said.

Yet it is the Bible cover he enjoys working on the most. “I really like visiting with the client and showing them the patterns I have,” he said. “If they want something different, then I will ask for a picture to work from and work up a sample sketch. If they have a particular brand, then I will incorporate that into the design.”

To see Keutzer’s work, you can visit Local Color Art Gallery in Joplin, or catch him at a local craft show.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 37

Decorate W

with classic colors

for Christmas:

Red, white & green 38

here did the inspiration for decorating with the colors red, white and green come from? According to my research, the colors red and green are best known for first being linked to a different holiday known as the winter solstice.

Centuries ago, the Celtic people believed holly plants brought beauty and fortune in the middle of winter. The green leaves of the holly plant and its red berries were then used as inspiration for colors for the winter solstice.

As time evolved and other cultures started celebrating the religious date of Christ’s birth as Christmas, the customs of decorating with holly turned to the evergreen tree that lives through winter and became a symbol of life and faith in the coming of better times. Christmas trees were first decorated with candles for light and simple things like strings of berries and popcorn, handmade decorations and as things evolved, with strings of electric light bulbs with all types of ornaments and ribbon.

You can’t go wrong with using the classic colors of Christmas in your décor starting at the front of your home. The classic bright white lights strung along the eaves of this home and wrapped around the trees make this home really stand out. The wreaths covered in red berries and red lights hung above windows and on the front porch are timeless and lovely.

A Christmas tree with red lights and other pieces of oversized décor such as candy canes and ornaments, near the steps, add a whimsical touch to this traditional home.

Inside your home, the classic colors make your home feel warm and cozy.

Nothing is more classic than putting your tree up next to the fireplace and decorating it simply with ribbon and ornaments. A wreath above the mantel is also classic. And the idea of putting small gifts on top of the mantel is charming. Another small Christmas tree to the back side of the mantel helps fill the space and the lights can be seen through the window. This tree could have a theme, such as a children’s tree.

I love matching wrapping paper to the colors of your décor. The gifts are wrapped in different colors of red, white and green and different textures with lots of ribbon. It is just lovely. You can extend your decoration into every room of your home. The kitchen is where you and your family will gather, so why not add a small Christmas tree to the room? And you can add other evergreen accents above the cabinets. The accent of red in the dishes and towels adds a nice pop of color. The white cabinets add brightness, but even if your cabinets are wood, the colors of red, white and green will be perfect for this room as well. You could add garland above the windows or string ornaments on different lengths of ribbon and hang them from the top of the window edge and let them dangle in front of the window and sparkle when the light shines through. You could even change out the knobs on your cabinets for brightly painted red or Christmas tree-shaped knobs for the season.

I love having small vignettes of décor in my kitchen. A battery-operated train and Christmas tree sit on my counter every year as they were a gift from my stepmother and remind me of her and my father.

When you serve food to your guests, you can add beautiful red and white items to the theme. Red berries can be added to a small tree with toothpicks for an edible display.

Small white and red frosted cookies can be displayed on white plates, and you could add battery-operated twinkle lights around the place settings to brighten up the table even more.

As you celebrate Christmas, remember the decorations are not all there is to the season. The spirit of Christmas is to spend time giving thanks for all you have and for praying for those who are not with us any longer and cherishing the ones who are.

Merry Christmas.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 39

ChristmasSpecial Nights!

Nov 25th, 26th Dec 1,2,8,15,16,22,& 23rd

Join us for a Unique Christmas Village featuring, vendors, snow every hour, wine tastings, music, 400,000 lights, and more! 5:30pm to 8:30pm Har-Ber Village 4404 W 20th St Grove, OK, 74344 918-786-6446 To Purchase Tickets Visit:

www.har-bervillage.com

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The Best Spinach Dip INGREDIENTS 1/2 package (5 ounces) of frozen spinach 1 package (1.4 ounces) of Knorr’s Vegetable Recipe Mix 1 can (4 ounces) of water chestnuts, finely chopped 1 cup of mayonnaise 1 loaf (1 pound) of round sourdough bread 1 container (16 ounces) of sour cream

DIRECTIONS Thaw the frozen spinach in the microwave and then place it in a strainer with a bowl on top to expedite the thawing process. Once thawed, ensure that you squeeze out any excess water. You want the spinach to be as dry as possible.

Cut off the top of the sourdough bread and hollow it out, creating a bread bowl. You can save the removed bread pieces for dipping later.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the Knorr’s Vegetable Recipe Mix, finely chopped water chestnuts, mayonnaise and sour cream. Stir them together until well mixed.

Once the other ingredients are well combined, fold in the thawed and drained spinach and mix.

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the dip for at least an hour.

To serve, place the bread bowl on a platter and fill it with the spinach dip.

Serve with bread cubes, vegetables and crackers for a variety of dipping options.

By Kristi Spencer

Welcome to your holiday-gathering essentials: a savory spinach dip and sweet Swig sugar cookies. The spinach dip is a creamy crowd-pleaser for parties, and the Swig sugar cookies are perfect for cookie swaps. Get ready to add flavor and festivity to your celebrations! I hope you find the joy of the season in all your gatherings.

Swig Sugar Cookies INGREDIENTS

For the cookies: 1 cup of butter 3/4 cup vegetable oil 1 1/4 cups sugar 3/4 cup powdered sugar 2 tbsp. water

2 eggs 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar 1 tsp. salt 5 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

DIRECTIONS In a mixing bowl, cream together the butter, vegetable oil, granulated sugar, powdered sugar, water and eggs.

In a separate bowl, combine the baking soda, cream of tartar, salt and all-purpose flour.

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, mixing until everything is combined. The dough should be a little crumbly and not sticky.

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees F. Take golf ball-sized portions of dough and place them on a cookie sheet.

For the sour cream frosting 1/2 cup room temperature butter 3/4 cup sour cream 2 cups powdered sugar Food coloring and sprinkles (optional)

In a small dish, combine 1/4 cup of sugar and a pinch of salt (in addition to the sugar and salt listed above). Use the bottom of a glass to press into this mixture and then firmly press it into the center of each dough ball.

Bake the cookies for 8 minutes, or until they are just barely browning on the bottom.

Remove the cookies from the oven and transfer them to a cooling rack. Once they are cool, refrigerate them.

In a separate mixing bowl, cream together the room-temperature butter, sour cream and a

pinch of salt. Gradually add the powdered sugar. If the frosting becomes too thick, add a splash of milk. Continue alternating between adding powdered sugar and milk until the

frosting reaches the desired consistency.

Optionally, add a drop of red food coloring and whip on high for 1 minute.

Keep the cookies in a sealed container until you’re ready to serve. Frost them right before serving. The magic of a Swig sugar cookie is that the cookies are cold, and the frosting is at room temperature.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 41

42

Festive tradition of Christmas tree farm adds

joy to holidays

By Don Lowe

T

here are so many families who enjoy the festive holiday tradition of going out and finding just the right Christmas tree to celebrate a joyful season.

different stages, from new ones just planted to the ones for sale this year.”

In early fall, it’s already beginning to seem like a most wonderful time of the year, and Andy Johnson explains, “We start getting the trees we want to sell that year in October. We spray them with a green dye. It makes them look better and hold their needles once they’re cut down.

Those special memories are what led to opening Bridgestone Christmas Tree Farm about 12 years ago, and Andy Johnson, co-owner along with his wife, Jennafer, says, “When we bought the property in 2003, we wanted to do something with the land but didn’t know what exactly.

“We then go through the field and pre-measure and flag each tree according to its height in the field. We go back and put a price tag on each tree for sale. Not every tree on the farm is for sale.

We try to keep back trees every year, so we have a variety of sizes each year.

“We always enjoyed going to a nearby tree farm and picking out a Christmas tree and tossed the idea around with friends to get their opinions.

In the spring of 2005, we planted our first trees. I think we planted about 1,500 trees that first year.

We’ve been planting every spring since.”

“By tagging the trees for sale, this helps identify what trees can and cannot be cut down. We shake and net each tree once the customer cuts it down. We have twine if they need to tie it to the top of their vehicle.”

As things have evolved, Andy Johnson reflects, “In 2011, we built what is now the gift shop/ barn. In 2012, we brought in some pre-cut trees and sold them out of the empty barn to start getting our name out there as an option to buy a Christmas tree.

“We sold our own trees out of the field the next year. Each year, we’ve become more popular and sell more trees than the previous year. We now have about 10 acres of trees growing in all

There are lots of options in this business and he says, “We have families all over the Four-State Area that come to our farm for their trees. I know some families drive past other farms to come to ours and that means a lot to us.

“We’re aware that someone can purchase a real Christmas tree at a retail store in town, but can you go for a hayride, or do they offer hot chocolate and cider? We’re not just in the business of selling Christmas trees. We’re in the business of helping families create lasting memories around the holiday season.”

Bridgestone Christmas Tree Farm Fast Facts Family Owners/Operators: Andy and Jennafer Johnson, along with daughters Kennedy Johnson and Brooklyn Johnson.

Other Relatives: Nephews Zachory Stump and Anthony Stump help during tree-selling season.

Physical Address: 9545 County Lane 251, Webb City, MO 64870.

Note: Located 3.5 miles north of Stone’s Corner, just off Highway 43.

Email Address: bridgestonefarm@gmail.com Phone Number: 417.529.8508 Cost: Prices vary by size and species. Note: A 6-foot choose and cut tree starts at $60 and a 6-foot pre-cut tree starts at $67.

Types/Styles of Trees: Virginia Pine and Scotch Pine choose and cut trees. Variety of pre-cut trees, including White Pine, Black Hill Spruce, Balsam Fir, Concolor Fir, Douglas Fir and Fraser Fir. Other Activities: Hayride and kids’ barrel train ride, along with complimentary hot chocolate and apple cider.

Hours: Open day after Thanksgiving; Fridays from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Note: Will remain open until trees are sold out, typically about three weekends.

Renaming/rebranding: Will be known as Johnson Family Farm in 2024.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 43

Sandra Dawn captures spirit of Christmas in large-scale window displays

By Ann Leach

I

t’s been “beginning to look a lot like Christmas” for Sandra Dawn for about a year now. As a muralist creating the downtown Joplin window displays at the Newman building (this is her third year to do so), design meetings have been held throughout the year as the planning team identifies the theme and brainstorms the final look that will capture the hearts of children and adults this holiday season.

“We’ve brainstormed designs since the first of the year,” Dawn said. “I picked up the supplies in mid-October this year and started constructing the window panels soon after that. I finished them the week before Thanksgiving.”

Designed to look like stained glass, this year’s windows will see the addition of two panels that will take the viewer back in time to the turn of the century.

original frame and being such a large window size, they are extremely fragile.”

Despite the plexiglass’ strength, it does get brittle when it is cold. “I use extreme caution and it’s a pretty stressful event for me,” Dawn said.

“They also have to be laid flat to work on, so it gets hectic in my space for a while.”

“I am a fan of the holidays. One year, I even dressed up as Mrs. Claus for Halloween and went door to door handing out candy canes. Christmas has always had a special place in my family.” – Sandra Dawn “They will depict a family scene inside an historic Murphysburg home,” Dawn said. “I am using actual photos from interior Christmas scenes taken in Murphysburg for inspiration.”

Previous panels created by Dawn featured in the first year included Grand Falls, a ‘49 Ford ‘Woody’ wagon, and Santa. The second year saw a focus on the Newman building itself and the three panels were full of mannequins, toys and a sled full of presents. The two new panels for this year will be added to the north side of the door, facing Main Street.

“Constructing and transporting the panels is the most challenging part,” Dawn said. “I make plexiglass windows that insert into the 44

Dawn is aided by her partner, David Mason, who contributes a lot of his own ideas to the design process. The Joplin Convention and Visitors Bureau, which commissions the work, is equally involved in providing guidance on the theme.

But the public appreciates the hard work and effort.

“People have been so supportive of the project,” Dawn said. “I have gotten lots of compliments and love seeing the excitement on people’s faces when they talk to me about how the windows light up at night.”

Dawn has been creating murals since high school but has seen an increase in requests the past couple of years, completing murals in 16 different locations, with more than half of them having multiple murals painted by her as well.

“I haven’t added them up yet, but 2023 has been equally as busy,” she said. “I have no plans on slowing down and am booked for the remainder of the year and have started filling up for the spring.”

To learn more about Sandra Dawn’s work, follow her Facebook page at www.Facebook.com/SandraDawn.

Fostering Festive Etiquette:

Guiding Children through Holiday Gatherings Gifting Etiquette T he holidays are finally here! It’s that time when families and friends come together, and it’s a perfect opportunity to teach our children some important lessons—manners and etiquette. Being a good guest,

By Kristi Spencer giving and receiving gifts graciously, and rocking those table manners are all things parents and grandparents can help kids learn during this joyful season.

Being a Gracious Guest Start by emphasizing the importance of respecting others’ spaces.

Explain to kids why sticking to designated areas and being careful in someone else’s home matters. Teach them to greet people properly and follow the house rules.

Amid the excitement of gift exchanges, especially for kids, manners can easily slip away. To ensure a more gracious exchange, guide children to unwrap gifts deliberately, allowing time to appreciate each one. Teach them to personally thank each giver with a smile and eye contact and encourage them to find something they genuinely love about each gift.

Table Manners Before those festive feasts, take time for a quick table manners refresher.

Ensure your kids know how to use utensils and their napkins correctly, chew with their mouths closed and engage in polite conversations.

Transitioning and Grace Given that the holidays can be both thrilling and a bit overwhelming for kids, it’s crucial to extend them plenty of grace, providing adequate time for transitioning between activities. Keeping them informed about the daily plan helps them anticipate and adjust smoothly.

Make Memories Over Perfection The holiday season is a time for togetherness, laughter and passing on traditions and values to the next generation. These lessons will continue to shape our children into considerate people long after the decorations have been put away.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 45

A Gift Beyond Description

By Phillip McClendon

T

his is the time of year when we are concerned about choosing just the right Christmas gifts to give to the special people in our lives.

Have you ever received an indescribable gift? Have you ever received a gift that was beyond description?

Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 9 about human gifts and taking up offerings to give to the poor Christians in Jerusalem. He commends them for their eagerness to help and reminds them that “those who sow sparingly will also reap sparingly, but that those who sow generously will reap generously.”

Then he speaks on God’s gift of sending Jesus to earth for us. Unable to describe it, he simply says, “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” Why does Paul call Jesus indescribable?

Because of His nature I believe that Paul called Jesus indescribable because of His nature. How would you describe Jesus? What words would you choose?

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How do you describe a baby born of a virgin?

How do you describe that which is spirit when all we have ever known is that which is either physical or material? How do you describe God who has all knowledge when all we have is limited knowledge? How do you describe God who is all-powerful? Words aren’t adequate. Many of the greatest theological minds of the time came together and tried to describe Jesus. They were unable to adequately describe Him.

Because of His purpose in coming to earth The angels announced to the shepherds, “Unto you born this day, in the City of David, a Savior who is Christ the Lord.” What do we celebrate at Christmas? We celebrate the fact that Jesus came into our world to save us. God saw that mankind needed saving. Our greatest need is for a Savior.

There will never be peace on earth until men have been lifted out of their sins, their hearts changed, and their ways of thinking changed.

Our greatest need is to be saved from the very flames of hell itself.

Because of the grace by which Jesus is given God gives a gift not because He feels obligated to give a gift but because His love is so overwhelming. It’s a gift of grace. And there

are no words adequate to describe God’s grace toward us in Jesus. That’s what makes God’s gift so special. He doesn’t owe us anything.

Indeed, we are in constant rebellion against Him and His will for our lives. With that in mind, Paul says in Romans 5, “While we were yet in our sin, while we were yet the enemies of God, Christ died on the cross for us.”

Because of His effect on us The Bible teaches that when we accept Jesus, the indescribable gift of God, we will never be the same again because of how He affects our life and the peace, joy, and love He has placed in us. We are adopted into His family. We are an adopted son or daughter of the Almighty God. We are guaranteed citizenship into His kingdom. We are brothers and sisters in God’s family because we accepted His indescribable gift. So, in the fullness of time, God sent His only begotten Son as a baby.

Merry Christmas!

Dr. Phillip McClendon has been a pastor for over 40 years. He is a former presiding commissioner of the mental health commission for the state of Missouri and senior chaplain of the International Fellowship of Chaplains.

SMTO Cover Story

McDonald County resident

Cheryl Franklin “grows” interest in homesteading movement

By Don Lowe

L

ong-time McDonald County, Missouri, resident Cheryl Franklin is right at home in founding and organizing the Ozarks Homesteading Expo, which first began four years ago in Neosho and will host its fourth consecutive gathering in Marshfield, Missouri, Sept. 6-7, 2024.

It’s all about cultivating a mindset that living off the land is beneficial, and Franklin says, “I didn’t grow up with a garden. We lived in a big city with a tiny yard, but Mom would go to the farmers market and buy bushels of tomatoes to can and bushels of cucumbers to make pickles.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 47

“Not everyone is in a place in their lives where they can move to acreage in the country. But that doesn’t mean you can’t have more control of your food, where it comes from and how it’s prepared.”

Franklin explains, “Whether it’s raising a cow for milk, cheese and yogurt, growing a garden or supporting your local farmer, there is no reason you have to feed your family food that has traveled thousands of miles to get to your table, handled by who knows who and filled with who knows what.”

It’s not necessarily about going off the grid, and Franklin says, “Homesteading doesn’t mean you have to live like a pioneer without modern conveniences, but it sure is good to have those skills if needed.”

That’s exactly how the Ozarks Homesteading Expo came about.

“I’ve been what has most recently been dubbed a homesteader for about 40 years while at the same time working full time in local media. When my media career ended, God took my passion for agriculture and teaching and opened up a lot of doors to start the Ozarks Homesteading Expo.”

The Expo attracted almost 4,000 people this past summer.

“While having big, nationally known names such as Joel Salatin of Polyface Farm, You Tubers Living Traditions Homestead and An American Homestead and beekeeper Dr. Leo Sharashkin draws a lot of people, the big draw is the quest for knowledge,” Franklin says.

The goal is simply to learn and become exposed to a lot of skills and ideas at this expo.

“We have more than 40 sessions in two days at this educational, self-reliant and experiential event, from processing hogs and chickens to cheesemaking, foraging, canning, breadmaking, soapmaking, beekeeping, do-it-yourself solar, raising livestock and healthy living ideas.

“There is a hunger out there for this type of information, and I am more excited every time to get to bring all this information into one place for people to immerse themselves into for two days,” she adds.

Without a COVID-19 in so many everywhere.

doubt, resulted changes

“The events of 2020 opened people’s eyes to the idea that the food they need to feed their families might not always be available at the grocery store for various reasons. As a result, seed companies couldn’t keep up with the demand from people learning to grow their own food, and hatcheries ran out of baby chicks for people investing in backyard chickens. An estimated 12 million people in the United States now own backyard chickens.”

Franklin suggests, “I think we skipped a whole generation or two of people knowing how to survive without the grocery store, but that is changing. A lot of people want to get back to the basics, which is why we are also planning a weeklong, intensive homesteading camp for ladies in the spring.

“We pretty much raise all our own meat, eggs and some veggies, and what we don’t grow, we barter or support our local farmers markets. That way we know where our food comes from.”

– Cheryl Franklin

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McDonald County Resident Cheryl Franklin Fast Facts Husband: Yancy.

Years Married: 44 years.

Farming Life: Own Beeman Hollow Farm.

Born and Raised: Born in Buffalo, New York and moved to McDonald County in 1978.

Children: Wes and Shalee, and children Keagan and Liam; Erin and Steve and son Ryder; Travis and Kait, and son, Wyatt.

FYI: Learn more about Ozarks Homesteading at www.ozarkshomesteading.com. Find McDonald County Ladies Homesteading Group on Facebook and at www.nlhg.org.

As she strives to help educate all those interested in homesteading, Franklin doesn’t claim to know everything about all the topics but says, “I have surrounded myself with some wonderful experts.

“As an example, my friend Bo Brown, who wrote ‘Foraging the Ozarks,’ Rachael West of ‘Eating the Ozarks’ and mushroom expert Mike Snyder of WildWise Botanicals are all three foraging experts, which is something that would be valuable to learn if food was scarce.”

As if Franklin doesn’t stay busy enough, she also leads the McDonald County Chapter of the National Ladies Homestead Gathering. The group meets monthly and includes a new homesteading topic every month, holds workshops and serves as a place for ladies to encourage each other in their homesteading journey.

Franklin has also been the lye soap demonstrator at George Washington Carver National Monument Prairie Day for more than

30 years and volunteers at Har-Ber Village and New Bethel School Preservation Association in her spare time. While raising her children, she volunteered with McDonald County 4-H, leading the dairy goat project group and photography, and serving as a community leader at Tiff City.

“We’ve raised dairy goats for as long as I can remember, so I’m kind of the goat lady to a lot of people,” Franklin says. “We are big supporters of 4-H, and McDonald County has a great program.”

She sums it up in saying, “People don’t have to do it all at once. Start small and master what you learn, then go on to the next thing to keep things manageable.

“Of course, it is still fun to learn a little bit about a lot. That’s kind of what we do at our expo and our ladies’ gatherings; then you can figure out what you’re good at and what you love to do the most.”

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 49

50

Sowing independence: Nurturing homesteading and food sovereignty for sustainable living

By Amy Howe

H

omesteading, once a historical practice, has experienced a resurgence in popularity in our culture over the last handful of years. In an era dominated by technology and fast-paced living, homesteading, and other food sovereignty initiatives, represents a return to self-sufficiency and a connection with the land. This lifestyle emphasizes sustainable living, DIY practices and a focus on producing one’s own food and resources.

The importance of homesteading lies in its potential to promote environmental stewardship, personal empowerment and a return to hands-on skills. By growing our own food and embracing sustainable practices, we not only reduce reliance on industrial systems but also forge a deeper connection to the earth. Incorporating homesteading principles into modern culture encourages a more mindful and deliberate approach to daily life, fostering resilience and self-reliance in the face of societal challenges.

The Quapaw Nation, a Native American tribe based in Ottawa County, has been actively involved in food sovereignty initiatives to promote self-sufficiency, cultural preservation and the well-being of its community.

“The Quapaw Nation started raising bison in 2010 and cattle in 2014. After we established our cattle company, we opened the first USDA-inspected processing facility on tribal land in 2017,” said Michelle Bowden, Quapaw Nation food sovereignty director. “The vision for food sovereignty started gaining steam in 2018 when we were able to open our Quapaw, Oklahoma, farmers market to extend access to local beef and bison as well as bring in vendors to our market to provide live farmers market events that run from May to October.”

Now, Quapaw Nation carries a wide variety of products that include fresh fruits and vegetables, eggs, canned goods such as jams, jellies and pickles, fresh and dry herbs, beef, bison, pork and O-Gah-Pah coffee.

The tribe also has vendor products year-round, which includes soaps,

tea blends, honey and honey products, jewelry, crafts, bison hides and mounts. The farmers market and food hub are open to the public.

While most items are harvested and created in the Quapaw Nation, many items are sourced within a 50-mile radius of Quapaw.

“We are in the unique position of being on the border of Oklahoma, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas,” said Bowden. “We can bring a variety of vendors and products from outside of the state and still be considered local.”

The Quapaw Nation is always looking toward the future and at ways to increase its homesteading and food sovereignty capabilities within the community.

“We recently acquired a 28-acre farm to expand our production and varieties,” said Bowden. “We will be installing a wash and pack house on our new farm to provide a clean and sanitary facility to aid in packaging and distribution. We are looking at the possibility for a mobile farm market to bring the market to underserved areas that may lack access to fresh fruits and vegetables. We also would like to host a variety of classes that focus on gardening and nutrition.”

Other Quapaw Nation initiatives that align with food sovereignty include honeybee production, pollinator habitats and rain gardens to aid in recharging ground water and reduce runoff. The tribe is also developing a composting facility that uses farm waste such as manure, coffee chaff from the O-Gah-Pah coffee roaster and food waste.

These initiatives reflect the Quapaw Nation’s commitment to reclaiming control over its food systems, revitalizing cultural practices and improving the overall health and wellbeing of the community. Food sovereignty is an essential aspect of Indigenous self-determination and is integral to the preservation of Native American cultures.

A trip to Quapaw during the farmer market months is always encouraged to see just what all is taking place in and around the Quapaw Nation. If you can’t make it to Quapaw, you can find a wealth of information on the Facebook page and website. The Quapaw Nation is dedicated to serving the community and sharing videos and tutorials of past education materials online.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 51

52

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Faces of

McDonald

AGRICULTURAL LENDING

County 2023

First Community Bank Jill Buske, Vice President

Jill Buske, a seasoned professional in agricultural lending, is a key asset at First Community Bank’s subsidiary, Community Insurance. With a diverse portfolio, Jill excels in farm, commercial, home, auto and drought insurance solutions, catering to a wide range of clients. Her expertise extends beyond insurance, as she specializes in providing crucial financial support to the farming community through agricultural lending.

Jill’s unique passion for agriculture extends to her personal life, where she manages her own cattle farm along with husband Brian. This hands-on experience enhances her understanding of the challenges and needs of the farming industry, enabling her to provide tailored insurance and financial services.

Furthermore, Jill is a strong advocate for the farm-totable movement, promoting sustainable and local food sourcing. Her commitment to her profession and her own farming venture demonstrates her dedication to the community and the well-being of those she serves.

With Jill Buske, you can trust that your insurance and financial needs are in capable and caring hands.

110 E. Main St. | Goodman, MO 417.364.7224 SPECIAL PROMOTION

LOCAL CUISINE

Haven 55 Restaurant and Tavern

Faces of

McDonald County 2023

Alan Bone, Owner Alan Bone is a native to McDonald County and it was only fitting when he decided to open a restaurant, it was established where his roots were created.

Haven 55 Restaurant and Tavern is located on the site of the old Havenhurst Mill. The dining room overlooks the dam on Little Sugar Creek which, at one time, provided electricity to the Havenhurst and Pineville areas.

Bone graduated with a 4.0 and the highest honor of summa cum laude in Orlando, Florida, at Le Cordon Bleu College of Culinary Arts. After graduation, he used his skills and gained experience working in other chefs’ kitchens until the opportunity to open his own restaurant arose.

Haven 55 opened June 2012 and focuses on housemade, quality fare.

“I love creating delicious food that people can enjoy,” said Bone. “I’m proud of Haven 55 and the future we have here in McDonald County.”

408 Havenhurst Dr. | Pineville, MO 417.223.2055

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 53

Faces of

McDonald County 2023

LOCAL HEALTHCARE

Freeman Clinic of Anderson

Shelby Spangler, Family Nurse Practitioner Shelby Spangler treats families in the Anderson community.

For the past six years, Spangler has taken pride in caring for each of her patients and their unique health needs. Being in a family practice clinic was always Spangler’s goal.

“I wanted to see people from every age and get to know them and their families,” she said. “I like that I get to see the end result.”

The most gratifying experiences for Spangler are when she is told how much her care has helped someone.

“To know I truly make a difference in the quality of life of those I care for means so much to me,” she said. “We see so many patients a day and often don’t follow up on the changes we make for a few months, but when they come back and tell me how grateful they are for what I did for them makes me proud and I know the work I am doing matters.”

A native of McDonald County, Spangler loves getting to give back to the community that has given her so much. She enjoys seeing many of her patients she’s known for years out and about in the community, doing well.

Outside of work, Spangler enjoys family time with her young son and will be welcoming his little sister soon. She is also involved in her church, leading a small group of college and career-aged young adults.

510 Park St. | Anderson, MO 417.845.0545

54

SPECIAL PROMOTION

SPECIAL PROMOTION

Faces of

McDonald County 2023

LOCAL LENDING

or simply trying to establish credit,” said Goddard. “It is also a great feeling to assist any customer with their financial needs.”

Chris Beal, Devon Goddard, and Frank Woods

Building relationships with his customers is one of Goddard’s many joys of being a lender.

The Cornerstone Bank

Chris Beal is an executive vice president and loan officer at The Cornerstone Bank. For 25 years, Beal has been assisting clients with all types of loan requests with a recent concentration in real estate transactions and helping clients start and expand business and farming operations.

“I enjoy spending most of my days speaking with clients to evaluate and produce loan requests,” said Beal. “Helping my loan customers achieve their goals is the best part of what I get to do each day.”

Devon Goddard is a loan and collection officer at The Cornerstone Bank and has been in the banking industry for eight years. Goddard truly loves helping customers.

“It is a great feeling helping young people purchase their first house, car

Frank Woods is a vice president and security officer at The Cornerstone Bank. He has been taking care of his customers’ financial needs for the past 34 years. Woods enjoys building relationships between his customers and the bank.

“Having been here for so long, I am able to witness the growth of many families and many business ventures,” said Woods. “I am very blessed to get to work at a community bank that cares about its customers.”

Woods prides himself on doing whatever he can to take care of his customers.

117 N. Main St. | Southwest City, MO 417.658.1698 | thecornerstonebank.net December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 55

SMTO Featuring McDonald County

Cowin Construction Fast Facts

Family-Owned Cowin Construction Company Takes Pride in Customer Service

Owner and Chief Executive Officer: Daniel Cowin Age: 51 Spouse’s Name: Cheri Cowin Years Married: 31 Children: Hannah and Matthew Grandchildren: Caroline Hometown: Born/lived in Fresno, California, until 9 years old, then moved to Garfield, Arkansas. He has lived in Pineville, Missouri, for about 15 years.

By Don Lowe

C

onsidering that Cowin Construction of Pineville, Missouri, built a foundation focused simply on taking care of clients, it’s no wonder this has continued to be such a successful business adventure for more than five decades.

Owner and Chief Executive Officer Daniel Cowin understands the No. 1 key to this company’s ability to flourish and he says it’s all about “customer service.

Nowadays, there are so many large construction firms where customers call and concerns get lost.

“They’re seen as just a number on a spreadsheet and when they are done with the work, they’ll act like they never knew you.

Cowin doesn’t operate the same.

We’re quick to respond and eager to help. Even years after the work is done, we’re willing to work with you to find a solution to any problems.”

56

As far as the crucial components to how Cowin Construction is structured and functions so smoothly every day, Cowin says, “Management, communication and organization are essential.

There are so many jobs going on at once that we need to always know who and what are involved.

“We always need to be in good communication with each other, our crews and the homeowner to be able to do our jobs efficiently and effectively.”

There is an endless number of options for choosing a construction company, but when it comes to going with Cowin Construction, Cowin says what sets this organization apart from competitors is, “We make it right every time. We are quick to respond and will do whatever it takes to do a great job and keep the homeowner satisfied.”

A big part of being a company that so many clients prefer has a great deal to do with offering products and services that are second to none. “We are an Owens Corning Platinum Preferred Contractor, meaning we can provide not only top-notch shingles, but also topnotch warranties.

“We also are licensed to work with many other materials,

including tile, shake and presidential shingles, etc. We also do sheet metal roofs, including TPO (thermoplastic polyolefin), bitumen and even zinc.”

That’s not all. “We are known for our custom copper, and we’re even called upon by other companies to travel to do custom copper and restoration work for them. We are one of the only companies that does copper in our area. We have even traveled to Colorado, Iowa and Minnesota just to do copper.”

While day-to-day business is the priority, this company fully recognizes the significance of contributing to the betterment of so many worthwhile endeavors in the town Cowin Construction calls home. “We have a passion for community and economic development.

“Me and a couple of family members are involved in different boards and organizations geared to just that. This includes the McDonald County Chamber of Commerce, Workforce Investment Board, planning and zoning committees and a couple other ones that are important to our community. We do all events and sponsorships with the hope of supporting our community.”

Cowin Construction has every

Cowin Construction Opened: Kenneth Cowin, Daniel’s dad, started the company in 1968.

Primary Operation: Residential & Commercial Roofing, as well as Custom Sheet Metal & Copper Service Location: Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma Hours: Monday-Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone Number: 877.588.2040 Physical Address: 2041 Jesse James Road, Pineville, MO 64856 Email Address: CustomersFirst@ CowinConstruction.com Website: www.cowinconstruction.com reason to be thrilled with all it has accomplished, as well as how they’ve continued to always make it about their clients. “We’re a family-owned and operated business that has a passion for customer service, our employees and our community.

“Everything we do every day is always done with the hope of positively impacting all those around us.”

McDonald County Schools welcomes new superintendent, Dr. Eric Findley So, he put his two loves together, and after teaching elementary physical education and coaching varsity football and basketball, he earned his Master of Education in Administration from William Woods University in 2002.

Flash forward to today and his role as superintendent finds him relying on the same coaching and teaching premises that formed the foundation of his leadership style.

He feels fortunate for the team he has as he works to manage the business of the district and support the staff that comprises it.

“Business is what it is and that cannot be changed,” Findley said. “But personally,

By Ann Leach

G

rowing up in Indiana gave Dr. Eric Findley an early look at leadership and mentors to admire.

“In Indiana, basketball is kind of a big thing, and everyone followed the Indiana Hoosiers,” he said.

“Bobby Knight was the coach. And just like everyone at the time, we admired Coach Knight. When I was in high school, I watched older kids play and they became role models. I loved to play and be around the games I loved.”

Attending athletic events as a family was a tradition, and Findley knew early on he wanted to be part of the action. “I went to college so I could coach,” he said. “And I learned I loved coaching, but I also loved teaching.”

They are no different than the rest of us; they want to see what their limits are and adjust properly.”

And as Findley and the team work to support the students in adjusting, there is still the matter of discipline. Findley said he’s noticed some changes in that area since he first began working in the field.

“It’s the types of discipline we deal with now that has changed,” he said. “It used to be about plagiarism, tardiness and fights.

Now it’s about vaping, cell phone usage and sending inappropriate pictures on those phones.”

Findley is not letting these concerns deter him from his district goals for this school year.

“McDonald County is a great place to be. Our motto is ‘Every child, every day, whatever it takes.’ Our staff lives by this and as long as we continue to think in this manner, our students will become successful.” ~ Dr. Eric Findley I want to treat everyone professionally and as a friend. We have a great staff and, unfortunately, I do not know them all personally, but I can treat them all with kindness and respect. We cannot do the business part of this job if we have issues with the teaching part. We have some of the best teachers in all of our buildings.

They make my job much easier.”

Still, there are many needs for students today. Findley identified some of the most urgent as “direction and a sense of love in their lives. Students want to know what the rules are and they will adjust to that.

“My goal is for all students to graduate, for teachers to give every student the tools to be successful in the real world and to create a culture that finds teachers happy and working to do their best but also for the students to thrive in the great environment we are providing.”

When he’s not doing that, you will find him hunting outdoors, in the shop working on classic cars or on the golf course. Sundays find him with wife, Jill, and their young adult sons, Tyler and Levi, playing music together at their church.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 57

SMTO Featuring McDonald County

The Cornerstone Bank

Stands Test of Time

By Don Lowe

T

he Cornerstone Bank has flourished throughout Missouri, Oklahoma and Arkansas for 125 years. As their team recently gathered to celebrate the important milestone, leadership recognized character, consistency, and competency as keys to the bank’s ability to thrive and establish deep roots in the communities they serve.

“We’re in a unique position as a community bank to partner with our neighbors and develop long-lasting relationships,” Mike Meek, president and chief executive officer, said. “We’ve been fortunate to have staff committed to the bank and serving this community. Our customers know us and trust we want to help them reach their financial goals as much as they want to reach their financial goals.”

Meek has a unique history of his own with the bank. He was hired to paint a back wall when he was only 16 years old and has worked as a teller and held numerous other positions throughout the years.

“Our customers recognize our faces, see us within the community and understand we see them as individuals and not just numbers.” Meek explained. “Everything we do goes back to relationships. It cannot be overstated to be successful in any business, customers must trust you have their best interests at heart. We’re invested in our community.

Their success is our success.”

125 th A

Anniversary 1898-2023 3

“The bank has always worked to provide for our customers’ needs and been involved in the community,” Cooper said. “Customers’ confidence and trust in their bank is important for financial stability. A customer needs to know they can come to their bank for financial help. They need to know their bank is not just there to profit but is there for the customer.”

Cooper continued, “I’m most proud of our customers and community.

We’re proud of our employees and bank leadership. Cornerstone Bank wouldn’t be what it is today without these people and the relationships formed with them.”

“For over a century, community and relationships have been first and foremost,” Meek said. “We know our customers’ families and their Jeff Cooper, chief financial officer, graduated from McDonald County stories. We’ve walked beside them through many foundational events High School and earned his in their lives. We get to see our accounting degree from clients grow up, get married, Missouri Southern State start families of their own “Our customers recognize our faces, see us University. He started as an and reach their financial within the community and understand we see internal auditor at the bank goals. At the end of the day, in 1992. our desire is to be relevant them as individuals and not just numbers.” for another 125 years.”

“Being from a rural

Mike Meek, president and chief executive officer

community allows us to get to know our customers personally,” Cooper said. “Cornerstone Bank employees have grown up with our customers. The fact that we have these personal relationships is comforting.”

Both Meek and Cooper emphasized the importance of the bank’s community involvement from the beginning.

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The Cornerstone Bank has a solid foundation that’s made the financial institution a pillar of strength in the past, present and for the foreseeable future.

“Any business that remains viable from the time of stagecoaches to electric vehicles can be proud of its ability to adapt,” Meek said. “We love the opportunity to be an invested member of our community.”

The Cornerstone Bank Leadership Team Fast Facts MIKE MEEK Age: 63 Spouse: Betsy Meek Hometown: Gravette, Arkansas High School Alma Mater: Gravette High School Cornerstone Career: Started with Cornerstone at 16 years old, painting the back wall. Current president and chief executive officer. Worked most jobs over the years, from teller to loan officer. Previously served as chief operating officer.

JEFF COOPER Age: 59 Spouse: Ginger Cooper Hometown: Born in Wichita, Kansas, and raised in Southwest City, Missouri High School Alma Mater: McDonald County High School Cornerstone Career: Current chief financial officer.

Previously served as IT administrator and internal auditor.

DARRELL SPILLERS Age: 85 Spouse: Jean Spillers Hometown: Southwest City, Missouri High School Alma Mater: Southwest City High School Cornerstone Career: Worked at the bank 50 years before retiring.

Served as president for much of that time. Currently on the board of directors.

LARRY VANCUREN Age: 77 Spouse: James Anna Vancuren Hometown: Harrison, Arkansas High School Alma Mater: Harrison High School Cornerstone Career: Worked at the bank 50 years before retiring.

Served as loan officer and vice president; served as president and chief executive officer his last 13 years. Currently on the board of directors.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 59

SPECIAL PROMOTION

119 W. Main St. Anderson, MO 417-451-1040 www.cbthomebank.com

The Jane Store

2890 Rains Road • Jane, MO • 417.226.1234 “If you don’t have a friend when you come in, you will have one when you leave.” That’s what you get when you visit the Jane Store.

Whether you come in for our famous down-home breakfast or our daily lunch specials, you will be treated like family. The store also serves homemade pies, cookies and cinnamon rolls. Friday is always Reuben day. You can also find bulk spices, enamelware, local honey and jams, and other local gift items. Owners Gayla and Sam Baker want you to feel at home, and when you come home, you get home-cooked food. They are open Tuesday-Friday 7 a.m.-2 p.m.

Stop by our office in Anderson and discover why our customers have trusted CBT with all their financial needs since 1884.

Macadoodles

Arvest Bank

53 Macadoodle Lane • Pineville, MO • 417.226.4686 macadoodles.com

The folks at Arvest Bank - Anderson are committed to the mission that unites all Arvest banks: people helping people find financial solutions for life. Arvest Bank - Anderson is a full-service financial institution with small-town values and big-city services. Whether you’re opening a checking account, starting a business, shopping for your dream home or looking for a personalized investment, you can trust the professionals at Arvest Bank - Anderson to have your best interest at heart.

Open and operating for over 26 years at its iconic Pineville location, Macadoodles provides exceptional customer service when it comes to helping people find the perfect beverage. Known as the Macadoodles’ Promise, the staff ensures customers are greeted every time they come in and are thanked every time they leave.

With the huge selection of wine, beers and spirits, Macadoodles prides itself on having a strong and knowledgeable team. So, whether you’re stocking up for your festive gatherings or looking for the ideal holiday gift, Macadoodles is here to make your season merry and bright.

607 U.S. 71 Business • Anderson, MO 417.845.3600 • www.arvest.com

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SPECIAL PROMOTION

Tatum Motor Company

931 N. Hwy 71 • Anderson, MO • 417.845.3563

Corner Stone Insurance

308 S. Main • Southwest City, MO 417.762.3268 • www.thecsiagency.com Corner Stone Insurance Agency is an independent agency serving customers since 1945. We are in Southwest Missouri and can take care of your insurance needs in Missouri, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Kansas. At Corner Stone Insurance Agency, we can help you with your home, car, and life insurance as well as farm insurance.

It’s our goal to provide hometown service with our friendly and courteous staff while always finding you the best price. Give us a call today to see if we can help!

You can rely on Tatum Motor Company of Anderson, Missouri, and Tontitown, Arkansas, to provide high-quality farm equipment and tools. Since 1889, our store has provided the farm equipment you need at the lowest prices in the area. Our staff makes sure each customer feels wanted, and we make sure your needs come first. Each customer receives personalized, one-on-one service every time they come in. Whether you are looking for Mahindra™ or Branson/TYM™ tractors, Bush Hog™ implements or zero-turn mowers by Cub Cadet and Ferris, you can find them at Tatum Motor Company. We also carry construction equipment by Avant and Wacker Neuson. Stop in and see us today!

Mustang Bistro

City of Anderson

103 W. Beaver St. • Anderson, MO 417.845.6463 • www.AndersonMo.us Anderson is nestled within the beautiful scenery of the Ozarks.

Creeks flowing through to nearby rivers create a peaceful serenity of a small town but with all the amenities of big-city life available in just a short 20-minute drive north to Joplin or south to Northwest Arkansas metro area. Anderson is a community with a rich history and a bright vision for the future to continue serving its great residents, making Anderson a great place to live, work and play!

216 S. Hwy 59 • Anderson, MO • 417.845.3858 At Mustang Bistro, we offer a full line of lattes, mochas, frappes and specialty coffee drinks. Needing a little breakfast or lunch? We’ve got you covered with a breakfast and lunch menu that includes homemade sandwiches, muffins and many other baked goods.

We also offer non-coffee drinks like hot tea, chai, apple cider and a variety of fruit smoothies. Mustang Bistro is a locally owned small business located in downtown Anderson, and we appreciate our community support! Stop by and let us serve you. We are open Monday through Friday 6:30 a.m.-2 p.m., Saturday 7:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and closed Sunday.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 61

SMTO Featuring McDonald County

McDonald County Middle School Teacher of the Year Terri Casto Fast Facts Age: 50 Number of Children: One daughter, Casey Hometown: Fairmont, West Virginia High School Alma Mater, Year Graduated: Lincoln High School in Shinnston, West Virginia, 1992

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College Alma Mater and Year Graduated: West Virginia Wesleyan College, 1999; West Virginia University, 2001; Missouri State University, 2012

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of the Year

College Degree: Mathematics; Secondary Education; Educational Administration

Anderson Middle School Math Teacher Terri Casto

Recovers After Health Scare; Named Teacher of the Year

Career: First year was at Anderson Junior High (2004-05), teaching 7th and 8th grade Math for nine years. After that, she taught various levels of algebra at McDonald County High School for two years. She moved back to the middle school to teach computer skills (keyboarding, editing and using computer skills for other subjects like math, English and science). About five years ago, she began teaching math again and currently has 7th & 8th graders again, including an algebra class.

By Don Lowe

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ecently being named Anderson Middle School Teacher of the Year was made more special for Terri Casto, after having recovered from a serious health scare not all that long ago.

Casto’s world changed drastically a little more than a year ago. “On September 17, 2022, I was scheduled to be at my second job at Kohl’s at 10 a.m.,” Casto says. “I didn’t feel well that morning and had vomited, so I decided to rest a little longer.

game where they held a Mustang Minute. Students told stories of how I’d positively impacted their lives. I cried as they collected money in buckets for exactly one minute. They raised more than $1,000 to help me with bills.”

After all she’s battled through, this terrific teacher never expected recognition coming her way. “What an honor it was to be chosen Anderson Middle School Teacher of the Year. I had no idea I was in the running.

“I was shocked and blessed to hear my name announced by Principal Gray. Students cheered loudly. I could hear them yelling from rooms all around mine, encouraging and honoring me.

“That’s when I had a hemorrhagic stroke/brain bleed. My daughter, Casey, realized about 10 p.m. that night something was wrong and called an ambulance. I’d been lying there more than 12 hours.

I was transported to Freeman Hospital in Joplin, Missouri, then by helicopter to Mercy Hospital in Springfield, Missouri.

“I was taken aback and blessed even more so by the show of student support and approval. Knowing the students were proud of me and happy that I’d been chosen made me extremely happy and humbled.

I’m proud to be part of a school family and district that upholds and honors people who work hard and care deeply.”

“I was in the hospital three weeks. The only thing I remember is getting staples in my head where they’d put in a drain.

What matters most deeply to Casto is teaching and she says, “It’s my calling to make a positive difference in the lives of young people. I want them to see what is truly important in life.

“I returned to class for a couple days in December, 2022. My principal, Troy Gray, was amazing and allowed my substitutes to be with me in case I was overwhelmed. I was away from class more than two months.”

Casto was grateful for the tremendous support of her McDonald County School District family, and she fondly recalls, “They held fundraisers for me, including a paid jeans day and hot chocolate sale.

But the ball game collection blessed me the most.

“Several former students walked me to center court of a basketball 62

“My favorite part of teaching math is seeing the ‘a-ha’ look of pride and achievement when I help a student be successful with a topic and make connections. Some of my favorite phrases are, ‘I get it now’ and ‘Now that makes sense.’”

Casto says what makes it all worthwhile is, “I’m always thrilled when a former student gives me a hug and says that I blessed them because they learned so much or how I was able to help and encourage them.

Those are the wins in teaching.”

McDonald County High School Art Teacher Overcomes Health Problems,

Achieves Teacher of the Year

By Don Lowe

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onsidering her background in art, perhaps McDonald County High School Teacher of the Year Theresa Walthall figures she has a blank canvas in front of her after the health difficulties this resilient woman and her husband, Travis, faced a year ago.

Walthall recounts the stressful period in saying, “November last year (2022) was interesting. First, my husband started getting sick in October. Eventually, he was admitted to the hospital with a severe blood infection caused by a spleen infarction.

“They were also watching his heart for endocarditis because he had a heart valve transplant a year or two before. He had come through it and recovered in record time. Now, he was very sick, and we had no idea what was going to happen to him.”

As if things weren’t already difficult enough, “on the third evening in the hospital with my husband, I decided to go home and shower, change clothes and grab dinner for our kids. When I stopped for dinner, I thought I’d had a stroke.

“I lost control and feeling over the entire left side of my body. I called the paramedics and when they arrived, much of my feeling and mobility had returned. I was taken to the ER at the same hospital as my husband.

The Freeman West ER doctors and nurses were amazing.”

While the whirlwind of this medical emergency evolved, Walthall says, “I found out that night what happened to me wasn’t a stroke. They found a large brain tumor. I had suffered a seizure because of the pressure the tumor was causing to my brain.”

It ended up taking a little time from there, but Walthall chose Kansas City Medical Research Hospital for her surgery. “The operation was a success, and I went home tumor-free after a couple days. My surgeon was Dr. Pearson, and he was a true godsend.

I’m forever grateful for his abilities and care.”

Walthall is also forever thankful for all the McDonald County School District did to help, and she states, “My colleagues rallied around my family and me. We received cash and gift cards that helped pay for lodging and meals for our family while I was in the hospital at Kansas City.

“Two retired art teachers (Dennis and Charlene Bergen) subbed for me and helped my other subs. My art teacher colleagues (Beau Bennett and Nicole Holder) helped support my classes and students.

“We could not have been more loved or supported. I cannot imagine how we could have been better supported.”

After overcoming such trials and tribulations, Walthall says, “I was completely surprised by the Teacher of the Year recognition. I work with so many teachers at McDonald County High School that are deserving of this honor.

“The fact I was awarded it shows the compassion of my workplace community and how they’ve been so supportive.”

Walthall knows the work she does is pivotal and says, “Teaching is an incredibly important profession. A good teacher has the power to encourage or discourage.

A good teacher can guide students on a pathway that leads to ownership of their own learning and future choices.”

As an artist, Walthall says, “Teaching art is a privilege. I aspire to build up young artists and plant seeds in their hearts. I hope that I help them see their potential within and gain the courage to act upon it.”

McDonald County Teacher of the Year Theresa Walthall Fast Facts Teache

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of the Year

Age: 48 Husband: Travis Walthall Years Married: 28 Number of Children: 2

Hometown: Joplin, Missouri High School Alma Mater, Year Graduated: Joplin High School, 1993 College Alma Mater, Year Graduated: Missouri Southern State University, 2005 College Degree: BS in Education Art Emphasis (K-12 Certification) Career: Hired by McDonald County Schools upon graduation from MSSU and has never worked at another school district. Taught at Rocky Comfort Elementary, Anderson Middle School and McDonald County High School.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 63

SMTO Featuring McDonald County

By Don Lowe

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ong-time McDonald County Mustangs and Lady Mustangs Wrestling head coach Josh Factor is confident the sport has a fantastic foundation in the district. “What makes our program special is how everyone comes together as a family, from our youth levels to our junior high and senior high teams.

“When you have the buy-in from the parents, coaches and wrestlers throughout our community, it becomes a culture people want to take part in and be part of the tradition. So, from the time our kids get involved in McDonald County High School wrestling, we drill in them, ‘Those who stay will be champions.’”

After doubling up to lead both high school teams since 2019-20, Factor turns his attention entirely to Mustangs senior high boys wrestling this season, while first-year head coach Reid Davis oversees the Lady Mustangs squad now.

In competing at a championship-caliber level, Coach Factor says, “Last year, our boys team finished fifth in the Class 3 State Tournament. We were four points shy of a top four finish and taking home a team trophy. Last year, we finished third in District and runner-up in the Big 8 Conference.

“As for individual performances, we had our first girl, Stacy Lopez-Apolinar, win a Big 8 Conference title. We had three wrestlers on our boys team last year who won District titles, as well as eight state qualifiers. And four of our boys placed at State.”

Coach Factor says, “Two of our boys were state champions, including Jayce Hitt at 285 pounds and Samuel Murphy at 215 pounds.”

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McDonald County High School Wrestling Programs perform at championship-caliber level Looking ahead to this season, Coach Factor suggests, “For our boys team, we’re coming off our best finish at State and we return five state qualifiers, including our two returning state champions, Hitt and Murphy, as well as Eberson Perez (106 pounds), Robinson Yoshino (113 pounds) and Malosi Sosef (190 pounds).

“Concerns will be how does our boys team manage to compete after graduating three of last year’s eight state qualifiers, including Blaine Ortiz (138 pounds) and Colter Vick (175 pounds).”

As Coach Davis takes over the girls team, Coach Factor says, “We expect to fill the majority of the 14 weight classes and for the first time to compete as a team rather than focus on individual performances.

“We feel confident in getting our first girls to qualify for the state tournament.

Concerns are just to keep our girls healthy and getting them to improve their mindset going into competition.”

While winning championships is the goal, Coach Factor is most appreciative of how invested those who have been part of this program continue to be year after year. “What makes me most proud is when I see our athletes and parents want to give back to the sport.

“Whether it be volunteer coaching at the youth, junior high or high school levels, and some have even stepped into careers coaching wrestling at the junior high or high school levels and are now impacting others to take part in this sport.”

It is readily apparent McDonald County wrestling is in a strong position to have plenty of success with Coach Factor and Coach Davis leading the way, along with several young men and women who appear ready to show off their skillsets while performing on the mat throughout the season ahead.

McDonald County High School Wrestling Program Fast Facts

Senior High Boys Head Coach: Josh Factor, 15th year.

Senior High Girls Head Coach: Reid Davis, first year.

Senior High Boys Team: Started in the 1995-96 school year.

Senior High Girls Team: Began in the 2019-20 school year.

Top Senior Boys Returnees: Jayce Hitt and Samuel Murphy.

Top Senior Girls Returnee: Stacy Lopez-Apolinar.

Senior Boys Team History: 19 District Champions, 32 State Qualifiers and three State Champions since 2004.

Conference: Big 8.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 65

11th Annual Pink Ribbon Gala The community came together Oct. 27 for the 11th Annual Pink Ribbon Gala benefiting the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks. This was a momentous evening with Kristi Seibert receiving a plaque on her retirement to her passing her pink torch to Regina Hammons as the new outreach director for BCFO. Kristi will still be helping with the Pink Ribbon Gala and A Time to Share.

Indigo Sky Casino Resort and the Eastern Shawnee Tribe were the presenting sponsors of the gala. There were approximately 280 people in attendance, who helped raise almost $150,000. This was a combination of bling and mammogram sales, live and silent auction items, and sponsorships and donations.

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Guest speaker Jennifer Jamison talked about self-breast exam and early detection.

She reminded everyone to get their yearly mammograms and how important early detection is because sometimes you have more options than just a mastectomy. One of the key things she touched on was that you do not have to go through this alone. Lean on your tribe of friends or other women who are battling this horrific disease.

Thank you to sponsors, attendees, volunteers, the committee and the staff at Indigo Sky Casino Resort for making this such a magical evening.

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1. Amanda Sherwood, Stephanie Thompson, Sarah Kelly, Allie Sappington, Caitlin Marez and Dr. Jane Seto (back row) 2. Ramona Brandon, Sherry Cable, Marcella Sowell. 3. Tim and Christi Botts 4. Jonmichael, Kristi and Mike Seibert 5. Joe Daues, Regina Hammons and Kristi Seibert 6. Melissa Bowman and Alice Mangan 7. Tom & Kathleen Callan, Mike Opher, Scott & Lee Timmsen, Chonda Ralston, Alice Mangan, Mellisa Bowman 8. Howie Nunnally, Chonda Ralston, Lee Radcliff-Timmsen and Bubba Envasco 9. Mike and Wendy Chrisenbery 10. Jeffrey and Gayle Brown 11. Jen Meyer, Tammi Byrne, Michelle Wheeler, Valerie Coffey, Jacqueline Ford, Emma Hogan, Heidi Derryberry and Taylor McDaniel 12. Della Castillo and Glenn Black 13. Alan and Lori Marble, Kate Drinkwitz, Ava Hogan, Melissa Hogan and Tiffaney Drinkwitz 14. Taylor Augusta Austin and Daya Davenport with Augusta Bridal December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 67 15. Kathy Wininger and Cheryl Walker

Horses of Hope Gala

A huge crowd turned out at Downstream Casino Resort to support Horses of Hope at its annual gala Nov. 11. The event raises funds to support the continuing work of Horses of Hope. For more than 25 years, Horses of Hope has been bringing hope through equine-assisted services to individuals with a variety of physical, cognitive, emotional and behavioral needs. HOH has facilities in Baxter Springs, Kansas, and Rogersville, Missouri, and offers stateof-the-art comprehensive, therapeutic and educational programs for children and adults. The gala included entertainment and silent and live auctions. The generosity of supporters also helps with feed and hay expenses for the horses. Horses of Hope is looking for volunteers to join in their mission of bringing hope to all!

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Paula Baker’s Wonderful World of Golf Tournament

Paula F. Baker, Freeman Hospital System president and CEO, hosted her annual Wonderful World of Golf Tournament at Twin Hills Golf Course and Country Club Oct. 14. Participants included area business leaders, vendors, several Freeman leaders and special guests. Paula Baker and Wes Braman, Freeman vice president of business development, visited each team on the course and gave them a mulligan. This event is an opportunity for Freeman Business Development to connect with the community and show appreciation to those who support Freeman as they continue to serve the needs of the community.

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1. Wes Braman and Paula Baker 2. Gloria Sargent and Paula Loehrer 3. David Tyson and David Powell 4. A high five for a highly well-played putt 5. Ryan Lankard, Wes Braman, Paula Baker, Jeff Ott, Jason Hogan, Austin Spivey 6. John Tyson, Nick Edwards, David Tyson, Paula Baker, A.J. Whistler, Wes Braman 7. A triumphant Chip Cortez 8. Paula Baker’s custom golf cart 9. Pink CEO golf cart license plate 10. George Bevins, Brendon Barnes, Cody Morrison, Paula Baker, Jaren Oakes, Wes Braman 11. David Hogard, Paula Baker, Alex Binder, Lori Scott-Dreiling, Wes Braman, Dr. Mark Johnson Far Left: Brannon Green, Dr. Ryan Sorell, Wes Braman December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 69

Austin Allen, the Architect . . .

Remembered — A Lecture and Tour Provided by Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc.

Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc., will host a lecture and tour Sunday, Dec. 3 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. featuring 18 historic structures built between 1890 and 1917 designed or associated with the distinguished local architect Mr. Austin Allen. Tour sites include Joplin City Hall, which was originally built as the Newman Building, St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, the United Hebrew Congregation Temple, Old Elk’s Club and many more historic buildings in use today or under renovation. Don’t miss this rare opportunity to tour the ongoing restoration of the Olivia Apartments or stand inside Austin Allen’s mausoleum, his final resting place at Mount Hope Cemetery.

Brad Belk, principal historian and house site director for Joplin Historical Neighborhoods, Inc., and community historian for Missouri Southern State University, will deliver a lecture on the life and work of Mr. Allen at tour headquarters, the Joplin Schools Administration Building, 310 W. Eighth Street, Joplin. The administrative building, originally Joplin High School, was designed in 1916 by Mr. Allen.

Doors open at 12:15 p.m. The lecture starts at 1 p.m. Tour sites open at 1:30 p.m. and run until 6 p.m. Guests can pick up their tickets at headquarters before or after the lecture and then start their self-guided tour of the sites. Guests can visit the sites in any order.

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A commemorative booklet (which is also the ticket and map) will describe each tour site and its history. The tour includes 15 sites in Joplin, two in Webb City and one in Oronogo. The tour will have approximately 10 sites where the interior and exterior will be open to guests. The remaining eight sites will only be visible from the outside or street view.

According to Belk, “Mr. Allen’s elegantly designed buildings remain a testimony to his talent and continue to be some of Joplin’s most admired and honored building blocks.”

Purchase tickets in advance at www.murphysburg.org for $25 per person. Tickets can also be purchased Dec. 3 at tour headquarters for $30 per person. Children ages 12 years and under are admitted for free.

Due to the design of these historic properties, handicap accessibility is limited. There are two handicap entrances on the west side of the Joplin Schools Administration Building at 825 S. Pearl Ave. Historic Murphysburg Preservation, Inc., is a non-profit organization that implements charitable and educational activities, which promotes and stimulates historic awareness throughout the Joplin area. The Historic Murphysburg District roughly makes up the Sergeant, Moffet and Byers Avenue areas between First and Seventh streets near downtown Joplin.

For more information, call Paula Callihan at 417.208.9376, email Murphysburg@gmail.com or go to www.Murphysburg.org.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 71

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Vitamin D Avoiding too little and too much

By Bradley Morris

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e are getting deep into fall, and winter might even be here when you read this article, so the days are getting much shorter.

With those shorter days, we’re getting less sunlight and less vitamin D. Because of the decrease in vitamin D and the suspected link between it and seasonal affective disorder, some look for ways to increase their intake of vitamin D; however, when dealing with vitamins and similar nutrients, it’s important to remember that sometimes getting too much can have negative consequences.

Your health is unique to you, and as always, I can’t be aware of your personal needs. Always consult a doctor before making significant changes to your diet or exercise routine.

Like many good things, there is such a thing as too much vitamin D. You likely won’t get too much vitamin D just from foods, so often only people taking vitamin D supplements should be on the lookout for these signs, but it’s always good to be aware of possible side effects.

The main side effects of too much vitamin D are irregular heart beats and unhealthy weight loss. I usually don’t reiterate the warning at the beginning of my articles, but if you have a history of cardiovascular problems or a history of eating disorders, it is important to consult your doctor before trying to up your vitamin D intake.

So, what are good sources of vitamin D? The short answer is fish.

Foods such as tuna, salmon, cod, sardines and any oily fish will be a great source of vitamin D. If you don’t like fish, there are more options, but you should eat them with more caution. Egg yolk is also a good source (but be aware of the cholesterol), and if you really want to be adventurous, beef liver is a good source of it (but be aware it can make you sick if you eat it too often because of how nutritiously dense it is). You can also find it in dairy, but dairy can be calorically dense.

Juices and other drinks fortified with vitamin D are options, but the calories in those mean you’ll have to restrict eating more to not blow your caloric budget. Overall, oily fish tends to be the better option, but if that doesn’t work for you then there are alternatives.

It’s easy to go overboard trying to get more vitamin D, but one thing to remember is when it gets colder out, it is easier to gravitate toward carbfilled foods that are calorically dense and nutritiously lean. Ensuring you are keeping your diet well rounded with healthy, nutritious food is important to maintain your energy and a healthier weight during a time of year when it’s easy to want to be less active and eat more comforting foods.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 73

Cutting Through the Noise: A pediatrician’s holiday toy-buying guide

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By Dr. Beth Garrett, Freeman Health System Pediatrician

ho among us hasn’t at least been tempted to remove the batteries from a loud, light-flashing, noise-making toy? We know our children are having fun, but to adult ears, the noise is all but overwhelming.

While children are certainly drawn to sensory-stimulating toys that light up and make noises, these toys take away from the social engagement play is meant to provide, meaning parents and children alike communicate verbally less often when electronic toys are in use. Even toys marked as “educational” -- according to the American Academy of Pediatrics – can “elicit fewer adult words, fewer conversational turns [and] fewer parental responses than during play with traditional toys or books.” Like sugar, these toys light up the reward centers in our children’s brains without providing any real value to help them grow.

That said, what’s a parent to do with Christmas around the corner and all the shiny, new, battery-powered toys on display? Our advice is to go old-school! And if that makes you think of woodgrain building blocks and Tinker Toys, remember there are plenty of non-electronic toys that are also fun and exciting. Here are some examples: • PRETEND-PLAY TOYS: Think Barbies, action figures, animals and dinosaurs. Many franchises have their own line of toys, including low-tech options, your child will get excited about. These are a great option for toys that have a “wow” factor while still giving children 74

the opportunity to use language and stories to learn about the world around them.

• MANIPULATIVE TOYS: This category includes wood blocks as well as LEGO® sets, building kits, puzzles and trains. These toys foster children’s fine motor skills, and some can also build early math skills.

• ART SUPPLIES: Crayons, markers, coloring books and paints all make great gifts children can have fun with while building their creativity. If you want something more elaborate, art supply stores often sell activity kits you and your child can work on together.

• “EXPERIENCE” GIFTS: Does your child love sea creatures? Give them tickets (or even a membership) for a nearby aquarium. If your children are sports fans, consider tickets to a game. Classes – from painting and pottery to dance or martial arts – are great gifts your child can get excited about.

In short, choose toys that spark your child’s imagination, give them the chance to explore their world and encourage bonding with their family members. Just be sure the toy is safe for your child’s age and stage of development. In the process, you might save your sanity with less roar from noisy toys – and more peace and quiet.

For more information about play and development, visit healthychildren.org for American Association of Pediatrics recommendations. Visit freemanhealth.com/pediatrics for more information about pediatric services at Freeman Health System.

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s a board certified neurosurgeon with Freeman Health System, Dr. Noah Converse often treats patients with either nerve or spinal cord compression, and addresses problems such as brain tumors. He also treats patients with traumatic injuries to the brain or spine.

Growing up, Dr. Converse always wanted to study law; however, a unique program during high school allowed him to get his firefighter and EMT certification while still in school.

“Ultimately, this exposed me to careers in healthcare and led to working in an emergency room during college, which really changed my perspective,” he said.

Instead of pursuing law, Dr. Converse decided to pursue medicine and changed from an English major to a neuroscience major in college, and later worked with the neurosurgeons at the University of Utah.

Seeing patients overcome debilitating disabilities and pain is by far the most rewarding part of his job.

“Seeing a patient go from using a wheelchair to regaining their independence and walking on their own again is an honor to be a part of,” he said.

Dr. Converse loves innovation and believes neurosurgery will have many of the greatest advancements in medicine over the next 30 years.

“In neurosurgery, there are quite a few frontiers that we are just beginning to understand,” said Dr. Converse. “I love anything to do with pioneering new methods and treatments to overcome obstacles and difficulties.”

When he’s not working, Dr. Converse enjoys spending time with his wife and seven children.

He is active in his church and enjoys sporting events, running and offshore fishing.

DR. NOAH CONVERSE “Seeing a patient go from using a wheelchair to regaining their independence and walking on their own again is an honor to be a part of.”

Freeman Health System Neurosurgeon, board certified 1905 W. 32nd St., Ste. 403 • Joplin, Missouri 417.347.7200

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 75

techniques. Cost of course is $25. To register, call Shelby Allen at 417.347.5646.

Parsons, KS Dec. 12: Breast Cancer Support Group, 3:30 p.m., Cancer Center Conference Room. Meets the second Tuesday of each month. Call 620.235.7516.

Dec. 14: Grief Companions Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month, 6 p.m., Elm Haven West. Call 620.704.1110.

Via Christi Hospital - Pittsburg, KS Dec. 28: Cancer Support Group, 3 p.m., Cancer Center Conference Room.

Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month. Call 620.235.7900.

Joplin, MO Every day: Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings. Call 888.740.4568.

Every Monday: Tips for Living a Healthy Life, 10 a.m.-12 p.m., South YMCA, 3404 W. McIntosh Circle. Free; registration required. Call 417.625.2492.

Every day: 12-Step Recovery Meetings, Alano Club, 1800 E. 30th. Call 417.623.9645.

Dec. 27: Grief Support Group meets every fourth Wednesday of each month, 6-7:30 p.m., Hospice Compassus, 2216 E. 32nd St., Ste. 201. Call 417.623.8272.

Freeman Health System Joplin, MO All events are free and open to the public, unless noted; support group meetings are cancelled on days Joplin R-VIII Schools close due to inclement weather.

Dec. 1: AHA Family and Friends CPR, 6:30-8:30 p.m., Freeman Screen Team Resource Center, 1130 E. 32nd St., Ste. C. Friends & Family CPR is open to the community. This is not a certification course, but a participation card will be given. Class will cover adult, child and infant CPR, choking and AED

Dec. 5: Espresso Yourself Breast Cancer Support Group, 5-6 p.m., Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Ave. Come and enjoy a coffee courtesy of Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute. Our monthly breast cancer support group enables members to share, gain helpful information and useful tips, as well as form new friendships. Enjoy listening to a special guest from time to time.

RSVP to Marcella Sowell at 417.347.2662.

Dec. 6: Freeman Cancer Support Group, 2-3 p.m., Freeman Cornell-Beshore Cancer Institute, 3415 McIntosh Circle. Call Kelley Wheeler at 417.347.4000 for more information.

Dec. 7: Freeman Early Detection Screenings. By appointment, Freeman Screen Team Resource Center, 1130 E. 32nd St., Ste. C. Early Detection Screenings include abdominal aortic aneurysm, peripheral arterial disease and stroke/carotid artery screenings, as well as osteoporosis risk assessment. Fees vary. Call 417.347.6555 for an appointment.

Dec. 19: Freeman Bariatric Weight-loss Support Group, 5:30-6:30 p.m., Freeman Business Center, Conference Rooms, 3220 McClelland Blvd (back entrance). Designed to help those who have had bariatric surgery. For more information, call Janice Drake at 417.347.1266.

Dec. 19: Ozark Center Daytime Autism Support Group, 12:30-1:30 p.m., Bill & Virginia Leffen Center for Autism, 2808 S. Picher Ave. Open to people with autism, parents and caregivers. Call 417.347.7850 for more information.

Nevada, MO Dec. 3: Tree of Shining Memories Lighting Ceremony, 5:30 p.m. Join us on the square in downtown Nevada as we light the Tree of Shining Memories Friday, Dec. 1 at 5:30 p.m. We’ll meet on the southeast corner of the Vernon County Courthouse lawn as we read the names of all those being remembered. For information on how you can purchase a light for the tree, call 417.448.3710 or visit nrmchhealth.com/TOSM. This event will take place just prior to the Annual Chamber of Commerce Christmas Parade through downtown Nevada.

Dec. 2: Birth and Beyond Class, 8:30 a.m.- 8 p.m, NRMC, Mezzanine. Nevada Regional Medical Center will offer a special class Saturday, Dec. 2, covering childbirth, breastfeeding and infant care for a woman who is in her last trimester.

Especially suited for women who are giving birth for the first time, this class covers all the basics of the birthing experience. For more information or to register, call 417.448.3710.

Dec. 18: Community Blood Drive, 1-6 p.m. Join us for our Community Blood Drive Monday, Dec. 18, from 1-6 p.m. All blood collected remains in this area and is used to replenish the supplies at the hospital. To arrange a time to give blood, call 417.448.3710.

Dec. 26: Rich Hill Family Medical Clinic Screenings, 11 a.m.-noon, Kern Senior Center. Free health screenings are offered every fourth Tuesday of the month to the residents of Rich Hill. This month features blood pressure readings along with a free glucose test. For further information, call the Rich Hill Clinic at 417.395.2150.

CARE YOU NEED IN THE COMMUNITIES YOU LOVE Private apartments Weekly housekeeping Professional staff 24/7

Restaurant-style dining Customized wellness plan Events and activities

Assisted Living | Memory Support Oak Pointe of Carthage

Oak Pointe of Neosho

300 W Airport Dr., Carthage, MO 64836

2601 Oak Ridge Exn., Neosho, MO 64850

(417) 356-3861

(417) 815-6235

www.provisionliving.com

76

Integris Baptist Regional Health Center, Grove, OK INTEGRIS Baptist Regional Health Center, Miami, OK - For more information, visit www.integrisok.com/baptist-regional-health-center-Miami-ok.

Every Tuesday: Free blood pressure and glucose screenings provided by INTEGRIS Regency Home Care and Hospice. First Tuesday: Commerce Nutrition Center, 10:30-11:30 a.m. Second Tuesday: Nine Tribes Tower, 10-11 a.m. Third Tuesday: Miami Senior Center, 10-11 a.m. Fourth Tuesday: INTEGRIS Baptist Village, 9-10 a.m.

Dec. 5: Alzheimer’s Support Group meets first Tuesday monthly, 11 a.m., Generations fourth floor visiting room. Call 918.542.3391.

Dec. 12 & 26: Depression Support Group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 2 p.m., Northeastern Tribal Health System Conference Room, 2301 Eight Tribes Trail. Call 918.675.2093.

Crisis Text Line Text 741741 Free 24/7 support for those in crisis to create a plan to stay safe and healthy.

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 988 has been designated as the new three-digit dialing code www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org

The ROCC helping employers become

Recovery Friendly Workplaces

By Bridget Bauer

P

reventing substance use disorder and supporting recovery in employment has launched the nationwide the Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) initiative.

Recovery Friendly Workplaces (RFWs) foster a workplace culture for employees’ safety, health and well-being through strategies that provide support for managers and employees. They include reducing stigma and providing recovery resources related to the challenges surrounding substance use disorders.

Missouri is part of the initiative, and The Recovery Outreach Community Center (ROCC) hosted the first Recovery Friendly Workplace Lunch and Learn late in October. Participants heard from Joplin business owners who employ those in recovery.

A video with stories from employers who employ those in recovery and employees who are recovering addicts was also played.

“It was a really good event,” Teddy Steen, executive director of The ROCC and ASCENT Recovery Residences, said. “We had about 35 people and a great video. This is a new movement in Missouri, and we want to get work places more information on the issues and the resources for employes with substance abuse disorders or recovering addicts.”

In 2016, Missouri addiction costs were estimated to be $34.5 million every day and $12.5 billion in a year. In data collected from July 8-August 2021, 71% of businesses report consequences due to drug misuse, 50% experienced absenteeism, 38% had decreased productivity and 19% recorded accidents.

A Recovery Friendly Workplace (RFW) program strives to prevent substance use disorder by creating a healthy and safe workplace, providing support for workers who are struggling and facilitating opportunities for people in recovery to re-enter or enter the workplace.

OF BUSINESSES AGREE — it is GOOD BUSINESS to respond to MENTAL HEALTH

71%

of businesses report suffering consequences due to drug misuse.

Which substance poses the greatest threat to your workplace?

30% 25% 20% 15%

NEARLY

50% experienced absenteeism

38% experienced decreased productivity

19% experienced accidents

10% 5% 0%

5 Components of a Drug-Free Workplace Program: 1

WRITTEN POLICY & OPERATIONS

Less than two-thirds of respondents have a written misuse policy

4

2

EMPLOYEE EDUCATION

3

Only 16% of businesses surveyed conduct annual drug-free workplace employee education

DRUG & ALCOHOL TESTING

Fewer than half of Missouri businesses drug test after an accident, but two-thirds do at least some testing

5

SUPERVISOR TRAINING

Only 14% have annual supervisor drug-free training

ASSISTANCE FOR EMPLOYEES

Less than two-thirds of businesses provide an employee assistance program

­ ®

“We talked about the safety issues and about how much money can cost the employer,” Steen said. “We also told them the signs of substance abuse and what to do if they see it. We also brought up that alcohol doesn’t always have to be available at events.”

Because some employers don’t have full human resources departments, Steen wants them to know they can contact The ROCC to help navigate resources and get employees the help they need. The goal is to develop partnerships with employers who need assistance.

“We are going to develop a formal plan where they can give a donation, and we can provide services,” she said. “It would be something like they donate at different levels, and we would provide different services depending on the level.”

Event sponsors included the Sparklight Charitable Giving Fund and the Helen S. Boylan Foundation. A second Recovery Friendly Workplace event is tentatively scheduled for January 2024.

Contact Paula Donaldson at The ROCC (417.437.7601) if you’re a local employer interested in attending.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 77

A

Christmas Story

The Great OUTDOORS

By Larry Whiteley

An award-winning magazine and newspaper writer, radio host and blogger for more than 40 years.

His book, “Seasons: Stories of Family, God and the Great Outdoors,” is available on Amazon and Amazon Kindle.

I

t was Christmas Eve morning. I decided to escape the hustle and bustle of Christmas and go crappie fishing. On this cold day, I knew I would find my quarry congregated around brush piles and standing timber. When caught in winter’s cold water, they always taste better.

78 78

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

“Christmas doesn’t come from a store.

Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more.”

– Dr. Seuss

THE BEST GIFT

The best gift you can give your kids or grandkids this year for Christmas is not smartphones, video games, expensive clothes or toys. Those things break, go out of style or they outgrow them.

The best gift is taking them fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, canoeing, wildlife viewing, photographing the outdoors and bird watching. Should I go on? These things never wear out and will stay with them for the rest of their lives. They then pass them on to their kids and grandkids.

These activities forge bonds with kids and loosen the hold inactivity and the likes of TV, video games, computers and smartphones have on their time. Did you know on a typical day, half of U.S. teens receive over 200 texts on their smartphones? Kids are spending as much as three hours a day on video games. That is not good.

Our kids take clues about what is good from mentors and family members. They need strong family ties in this messed-up old world of today. The outdoors offers that.

I spent lots of time outdoors with our sons and grandkids; not just the grandsons either. It is important for the granddaughters, also. Our grandkids are all adults now. They will continue passing on the gift of the outdoors to their kids. It will be the best gift they will ever give them.

As I slowed down and started into my favorite cove, I saw two other crappie fishermen in a strange-looking boat, already fishing. One was in a red and white outfit and had a big white beard. The other had long hair and kind of looked like a hippie.

Curious, I shut the motor off and drifted closer. The boat looked like a sleigh without any reindeer. To my surprise, they were using a LiveScope and autopilot trolling motor. The guy in red and white was jolly and greeted me with a “ho ho ho.” I knew he must be St. Nick. The hippielooking guy reached out to shake hands with me and said, “Welcome, brother. My name is Jesus.” I noticed scars on the palms of his hands.

“What are you doing out here crappie fishing?” I said to Nick.

“Tomorrow is Christmas. You have to make a lot of deliveries tonight.”

Nick frowned and said, “The magic of Christmas is fading. It has become too commercialized and goes on way too long. Most kids don’t believe in me anymore. They know Christmas presents come from Amazon or the local shopping mall, not me.”

Hearing that made me sad, but I knew he was right. Our world is changing and not for the better. I sighed, turned to Jesus and asked, “Why are you out here? Tomorrow is your birthday. That is what Christmas is all about, not old Nick here.” He looked at me with eyes that touched my soul and said, “You are right, but many people don’t believe in me anymore either. The day is coming when they will find it is all true.” A tear ran down his cheek. I told Him I was a believer. He smiled.

The three of us fished together all morning and caught a lot of crappie. I told them I had to go. Our church Christmas Eve service was that night.

Nick shook my hand. Jesus smiled again, hugged me and said, “I will see you again someday.”

I then heard a buzz in my ear and reached over to shut off the alarm clock. It was just a dream. I jumped out of bed to get ready to go crappie fishing.

THE WISDOM OF OLD BOONE

If your deer season is winding down and you still haven’t taken that big buck, don’t give up. Here are some things you can try.

Don’t hunt where or at times anyone else has been hunting. Use strategies no one else has tried. Move your stand to places neither you nor anyone else has ever had one. Now is also the time to get into that bedding area you have avoided all season. It still won’t be easy, but trying these tactics could result in the buck you have always dreamed about.

You know, this year has reminded me there are no sure things in hunting. When you think you have figured out an animal’s habits, they change. That is why hunting is a challenge. That is also why I enjoy it so much. If it was always predictable, I wouldn’t enjoy it as much. A great time in the deer woods is always waiting for me, even when I am not successful in taking a deer for the freezer.

I saw spectacular sunsets and colorful sunrises. I heard owls and crows calling. I admired male cardinals perched in nearby trees. I felt the chilling wind, rain and weather too warm for deer hunting. I watched a fox jump up on a hay bale and scratch himself. These are the things outdoor people know so well and why we enjoy being out there. They make it all very rewarding.

“

Native American Wisdom

When you arise in the morning, give thanks for the food and for the joy of living. If you see no reason for giving thanks, the fault lies only in yourself.

- Tecumseh, Shawnee Nation

“

I put on my gloves, pulled up my hood and pulled away from the boat ramp. The morning fog hung over the water. I watched an eagle sitting on a limb. Deer were at the water’s edge. An otter scurried along the bank.

December 2023 • showmetheozarks.com • 79

No flying monkeys

in the Ozarks; we have

barred owls!

Field notes by J. Cantrell, photos courtesy of the MO Dept. of Conservation

T

here are certain phone calls I receive that from the first few words of conversation I know what the subject is going to be. For example, the passion vine or passionflower (Passiflora incarnata) native to our region is so different looking that when a caller to the Shoal Creek Nature Center starts to describe a plant as “different looking” or “bizarre,” I have a hunch to its identification. The one topic I like the most are the dialogs where the caller first identifies themselves as intelligent, not irrational, nor on lots of medication. I’ve even had them say, “I’m a normal citizen and have a job!” I just smile on the other end of the phone because then they say, “I think I have monkeys in my woods.”

We have eight species of owls in Missouri, and four live here all year long. The other four raptors visit our region during the wintertime.

Which makes the cooler seasons the absolute best time for viewing and enjoying owls. Barred owls are likely to be the easiest to observe for the average nature lover; there is no doubt they are the one to hear. Barred owls are just the noisy students in the forested outdoor classroom.

They are vocal all the time.

When I do education programs for elementary classes, I lead with Missouri’s owls and their special adaptations. I always end with how owls communicate, and I usually shut the classroom door so we don’t disturb other classes down the hall. While some of our owl species trill, neigh and hoot or hooo, barred owls have a repertoire of vocals. Third through fifth grade students like to learn about their communication, especially the main territory calls of a series of hoots that can be placed in a familiar rhythm sounding like “Who cooks for you, who cooks for you all?”

However, the barred owls are very social with their partners and during certain times of year with their older offspring (the teenagers); they whoop and holler and carry on for easily 20 minutes or more.

80

It is this ballad disorder when they truly sound like monkeys in the treetops.

These owls stay on territory year round, so if you have them in your neighborhood or on your farm you are likely enjoying the same birds year after year.

Barred owls appreciate mature woodlands, and an ideal habitat is a heavily wooded stream or water environment.

To keep their body weight down, owls will cough up a neatly packaged pellet of indigestible fur, scales and bones of their prey. This way the materials don’t have to be in their body for full digestion and makes flight more efficient. Their favorite branch perch will have some pellets on the forest floor below. An easy investigation of the owl pellets will give us evidence of meadow voles, crayfish, snakes and wood rats.

Frogs are part of the diet as well; however, they are easily digested and won’t have remains in the pellet. Naturalists appreciate their role in the environment for where they fit in the food web, just as many people and school children are fascinated by their adaptations and attractive good looks.

Barred owls have dark eyes (of teddy bear quality), and their heads are rounded without feather tuffs. Males and females look similar, but females are slightly larger. Teenagers will have more reddish or brown tones, compared to more gray plumage of older adults. I have to say, I think of them as good neighbors on my farm. Kansas’ Dorothy witnessed flying monkeys in Oz, but we never have to worry about them. And just like lovable neighbors, we all might hear their “music/ songs” or conversations, but we smile and appreciate them in our community.

Jeff Cantrell is a local Stream Team biologist and specializes in conservation volunteer engagement. He assists Missouri Master Naturalist chapters in Joplin, Rolla and Springfield and is proud to announce the 2024 recognition pin is the barred owl. Thank you, volunteers, for serving our natural heritage!

Happy Holidays!

EXPANDING HEALTHCARE TO

SOUTHEAST KANSAS A NEW FREEMAN HOSPITAL IS COMING TO PITTSBURG

SCAN TO LEARN MORE