Planting the Seeds

Plant the seed and see what grows. SMTO strives to plant the seed. We celebrate our youth as future leaders of tomorrow. We cherish the natural beauty of our region. We honor the men and women who fight for our country, stand to be leaders in our communities and work to make every day better for our people. We feature businesses, celebrate service and share the unique lifestyle of our region. We plant the seed and our readers make it grow.

Protecting Our Planet. On page 58, we celebrate the winners, and all those who entered our 13th Annual Nature Photo Contest. The photographers captured stunning birds, beautiful mammals, a variety of insects, a reptile and, of course, beautiful Ozark scenes. All contest entry fees go to benefit the Wildcat Glades Friends Group. Thank you to all the photographers who reminded us to do our part in protecting the natural beauty around us.

Honoring Our History. Happy birthday, Joplin! How do you celebrate 150 years of memories, events and growth? Joplin is celebrating by recreating and acknowledging unforgettable moments in its history. Inside this issue, learn more about a vintage baseball game, a lecture series on historic Joplin figures, a movie series and a music series celebrating Joplin’s stars and more. Joplin knows how to celebrate!

Making an Impact. In our Faces of Joplin, Joplin Business Spotlights and Women to Watch sections, we feature men and women leading by example. Whether by providing the best health care or helping protect assets with insurance, these individuals are making an impact. They lead with heart and pave the road for others to follow in their footsteps. The best form of flattery is imitation. Let’s flatter our leaders in business!

Protecting Our Health. The best way to protect our health is preventive care. Care comes in all shapes and sizes. Building a balanced work and personal life, engaging in exercise, spending meaningful time with friends and family, and ongoing checkups with health care professionals are just a few seeds we hope to plant each month. You are the most important part of today, tomorrow and forever.

SMTO hopes to plant seeds, or help give you access to the seeds you need, to protect our planet, honor our history, support those making an impact and improve your health. We want to help make our communities grow! Let us know how we can help!

Happy March!

Radcliff-Timmsen, Editor/Publisher

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

Carthage, MO

Through March 18: artCentral Carthage presents “FOILED AGAIN!” 6-8 p.m., 1110 E. 13th St. A mixed media juried exhibition featuring the original creations of members of the Joplin Regional Artists Coalition.

March 17-19 & 24-29: Gods of Comedy, 6:30 p.m.; Sunday 1 p.m. Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre, 2466 Old 66 Blvd. Daphne and Ralph are young classics professors who have just made a discovery that’s sure to turn them into academic superstars. But something goes disastrously wrong, and Daphne cries out in a panic, “Save me, gods of ancient Greece!” and the gods appear! Reservations required; 417.358.9665 or email stdinnertheatre@gmail.com. Tickets: Adults $29, seniors (55+) $26, students $24, youth $23, children (6-12) $12, children (0-5) free. More information: stdinnertheatre@gmail.com,

Joplin, MO

Performances:

March 9: Danú, 7 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. 7th St. This outstanding Irish ensemble fuses a glorious mix of ancient Celtic music and new repertoire for lively concerts. For more than two decades, Danú’s virtuosi musicians on flute, tin whistle, fiddle, button accordion, bouzouki and vocals have taken audiences around the globe on a musical journey to the emerald hills of Ireland, offering a moving and memorable concert experience. Tickets may be purchased at connect2culture.org, 417.501.5550 or at the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex Tuesday-Saturday 1-5 p.m. Tickets: $25-$35. More information: info@connect2culture.org

March 15-19: Leading Ladies, 7:30 p.m.; Sunday 2:30 p.m. Joplin Little Theatre, 3009 W. 1st St. In this hilarious comedy by the author of Lend Me A Tenor and Moon Over Buffalo, two English Shakespearean actors, Jack and Leo, find themselves so down on their luck that they are performing Scenes from Shakespeare on the Moose Lodge circuit in the Amish country of Pennsylvania. Reservations encouraged; reserve your ticket at joplinlittletheatre.org or by calling 417.623.3638. Tickets: Adults $18, senior citizens/students $15. More information: info@joplinlittletheatre. org.

March 24: The Second City Swipes Right: The Incomplete Guide to the Ultimate Date Night, 7 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. 7th St. It’s love at first laugh with The Second City! Bring your partner, lover, significant other, spouse, friend with benefits, platonic BFF or your spectacularly single self to The Second City Swipes Right. Tickets may be purchased at connect2culture. org, 417.501.5550 or at the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex Tuesday-Saturday 1-5 p.m. Tickets: $30-$50. More information: info@ connect2culture.org.

March 25 & 26: Jessica Vosk, 7 p.m.; Sunday 4 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. 7th St. A celebrated singer and actress, Jessica Vosk is no stranger to musical theater and the concert stage. Tickets may be purchased at connect2culture.org, 417.501.5550 or at the C2C box office inside the Cornell Complex Tuesday-Saturday 1-5 p.m. Tickets: $35-$40. More information: info@connect2culture.org.

March 30: The Ying Quartet, 7 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. 7th St. The Ying Quartet, a long-time fan favorite in Joplin, makes their welcome return to Pro Musica! Additional details to come. This performance is part of Pro Musica’s 2022-23 series. Free and open to the public. More information: director@promusicajoplin.org or 417.625.1822.

Events:

Through June 1, 2023: Iconic Joplin (ages 12-16). Joplin’s 150th birthday celebration, Iconic Joplin, challenges teams of teens to work together to research, design and build Joplin landmarks in their past, present or future states out of LEGO bricks! Teams were announced December 1, and each will receive support from local STEM professionals and historians. Winners announced June 2023. Free. Info: hello@Landmark-Builds.com, 417.825.3395.

March 5, 12, 19 & 26: Open Mic Comedy Night, 9 p.m., Blackthorn Pizza & Pub. Join Joplin Comedy and try out your latest stand-up routine or take in the acts of local comedians. Age restrictions: 18+ until 10 p.m.; 21+ from 10 p.m. until close. Free. potterdakoda1982@gmail. com, 417.540.9186.

March 7: Fanaa, 7 p.m., Cornell Auditorium, Missouri Southern State University, 3950 E. Newman Rd. The Missouri Southern State University Institute of International Studies and the Harrison and June Kash International Film Festival invite you to join them for eight classic films chosen by various faculty members. This film is part of MSSU’s Spring 2023 International Film Festival. Free and open to the public. More information: stebbins-c@mssu.edu or 417.625.9736.

March 9: Joplin Writers’ Guild, 6 p.m., Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St. Members have published novels, nonfiction books and articles. Dues $10 for the year, but anyone interested can attend their first meeting free. Info: s.v.farnsworth@gmail.com, 417.691.0480.

March 17: Opening Reception: PhotoSpiva 2023 and Jo Mueller Small Works Auction, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts 212 W. 7th St. Light refreshments will be served. Cost: Non-members $10, Spiva members admitted for free. More information: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

March 18: PhotoSpiva 2023 Award Ceremony & Juror Lecture, 7 p.m.; Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. 7th St. Join Spiva Center for the Arts as it presents the winners of PhotoSpiva 2023 with cash awards. Then, listen as this year’s PhotoSpiva juror, Jennifer Thoreson, gives a brief lecture and provides insight into her work as well as her selections for this year’s competition. Suggested donation: $10. More information: jhenning@ spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

March 21: Joplin Area Town and Country Quilters Meeting, 9 a.m.3 p.m., Peace Lutheran Church, 3100 N. St Louis Ave. Enjoy a paper piecing workshop featuring an Easter bunny. The fee to participate is $10 and participants must supply their own backing and button eyes. A brown bag lunch will follow the workshop at noon. Afterwards, at 1 p.m., attendees can learn how to achieve sharp points using foundation paper and can purchase a variety of foundation paper, books and patterns. Any adult can attend two meetings prior to becoming a member; annual dues are $20. Cost: Morning workshop $10, annual dues $20. More information: knappka@gmail.com

March 21: A Street Becomes a Boulevard: A Life in Baseball and Joplin, 6-8:30 p.m., Joplin History & Mineral Museum, 504 S. Schifferdecker Ave. Baseball is about the sights, smells and noises you hear, and the memories that mean more with each passing season. Once you have been to the ballfield, the sense of wonder and excitement it creates never leaves you. For Dr. Galen Irwin, the fascination with baseball, baseball cards and one of Joplin’s most famous baseball players, Charles Evard “Gabby” Street, has never faded. Free and open to the public. More information: joplinmuseum@gmail. com, 417.624.1180.

March 23: Benton Lecture, 2:30 p.m., Joplin City Hall, 602 S. Main St. Celebrate Joplin’s 150th birthday with a special presentation from historian Brad Belk about the mural, Joplin at the Turn of the Century – 1896-1906, created by Thomas Hart Benton for Joplin’s 100th birthday. Learn about the significance of Benton’s only autobiographical work and how he reconnected with his home in the latter years of his career. See the presentation of the Sesquicentennial Quilt of the City of Joplin by the Joplin Area Town and Country Quilters, and enjoy birthday cookies and punch. Free and open to the public. More information: ptuttle@joplinmo.org, 417.625.4789.

Exhibits:

Through March 4: Thomas Hart Benton, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, 212 W. 7th St. For the first time ever, view the entire collection of editioned lithographs from Missouri artist Thomas Hart Benton. Free; donations appreciated. Info: jhenning@ spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

Through March 4: The Thread that Connects by Holly Wilson, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, 212 W. 7th St. Multimedia artist Holly Wilson creates figures that serve as her storytellers to the world, conveying stories of the sacred and the precious, capturing moments of our day, vulnerabilities and strengths. Free; donations appreciated. Info: jhenning@spivaarts. org, 417.623.0183.

March 23: Opening Reception: Spiva in Bloom: An Exhibition in Flowers, 5:30-7:30 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. 7th St. Celebrate the art of floral design! Local floral designers have created beautiful arrangements inspired by works from PhotoSpiva 2023. This reception, in their honor, will be a wonderful first look at these amazing displays! Free and open to the public; donations appreciated. More information: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

March 24: Spiva in Bloom Luncheon (ages 21+), 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. 7th St. Enjoy a catered lunch while surrounded by the PhotoSpiva 2023 exhibition and the gorgeous floral works from Spiva in Bloom: An Exhibition in Flowers. Seating is limited; each table seats eight guests. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/spiva-in-bloom-luncheon-2. Cost: $50 per person, $350 to reserve a table. More information: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

Classes

Spiva Center for the Arts, 222 W. 3rd Street

Tuesdays: Creation Station (ages 6-11), 4-5:15 p.m. Painting, drawing, clay, collage, sculpture and more. Pre-registration recommended, and space is limited in this popular class; register at spivaarts.org/classes. In advance $6, at door $8. More information: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, 212 W. 7th St. More information: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183. Registration required.

March 4: Pastel Still Life with Kinley Young (ages 12+), 10 a.m.-noon. Working with pastels can be tricky, but with the help of artist Kinley Young, you can learn tips and techniques to create pastel art from a still life. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes. $25. More information: jhenning@spivaarts. org, 417.623.0183.

March 4: Glass Weaving with Jane McCaulley (ages 9+), 1-3 p.m. Glass artist Jane McCaulley is at it again with a new fused glass class. Learn how to weave glass and make your own beautiful dish. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes. $35. More information: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

March 4: Painting with Fibers with Stacy Heydt (ages 15+), 1-5 p.m. Paint your own beautiful spring image with alpaca wool! Stacy Heydt will teach this fun textile technique and students will take home their framed work. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes. $35. More information: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

March 21-23: Crafting Comics & Manga: Story Building Blocks Spring Break Camp with Aidan-Avalon Aldrighetti (ages 12-17), 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Learn the basics of comic/manga creation, from designing fun characters, developing worlds and narrative conflict, to putting everything together through visual storytelling that culminates in a short comic. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes. $50. More information: jhenning@ spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

March 21-23: Spring Break Sew Cool Textiles Camp with Stacy Heydt (ages 6-11), noon-4 p.m. Kids will have a blast learning hand embroidery and basic sewing skills and will make their own bracelets, stuffed pocket pals and coin bags. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes. $75. More information: jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.

March 25: Spiva in Bloom Morning Workshop (ages 21+), 10:30-11:30 a.m. & 1:30-2:30 p.m. Create gorgeous floral arrangements. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/spiva-in-bloom-workshop-morning. All materials provided. $40 per person. More information: jhenning@spivaarts. org, 417.623.0183.

RECURRING CLASSES:

Create N’ Sip Studios, 223 W. 3rd Street:

Wednesdays: Wine’d Down Wednesday, 5-9 p.m. Canvas and home decor DIY event. Choose the project that works for you. Prices vary depending on chosen project. $28-$58. Info: 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 you make a masterpiece. Prices vary depending on chosen project. Cost: $28-$176. Information: coleman@creatensip.com, 417.680.5434.

Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, 1027 S. Main Street: Call the gallery at 417.553.0835 to sign up.

Every Tuesday: Beginner’s watercolor class, 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $20. Bring your own supplies. Ages 8 and up.

Every Tuesday and Wednesday: 2 p.m., $20. Improve your painting and learn principles of design. Bring your own watercolor, oils or acrylic paint.

March 10: Watercolor, 1-3 p.m., all supplies furnished; $30.

March 11: Saturday Paint Class, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m., $30, includes all supplies and ice cream cone from Caroline’s; ages 8 and up. Paint Monet or Van Gogh; Artists Jesse McCormick, Percilla Penner and Margie Moss.

March 16: Fused Glass, 4-5:30 p.m. Weaving a small candy dish; $35, includes all supplies; ages 10 to adult. Artist: Jane McCaulley.

March 18: FUNdamentals of Paint Pouring, 6 p.m. One 8x10 and one 11x14; $40, includes all supplies. Ages 9 and up. Artist: Mary Parks.

Neosho, MO

March 24 & 25: The Many Disguises of Robin Hood, 7 p.m. Crowder College, 601 Laclede Ave. One of the most famous fictional characters ever created appears on Crowder College’s stage during The Many Disguises of Robin Hood. In merry ol’ England, the townspeople are overtaxed and overwhelmed. Luckily, the mysterious outlaw Robin Hood is giving them hope by stealing from the rich and giving to the poor. More information: natashaobriendavies@crowder.edu, 417.455.5458.