Challenging Times to Remain Destination for Movie Goers
Barco Drive-In in Lamar, Missouri, has brought family entertainment to people throughout the area for nearly 75 years, despite unexpected challenges. We celebrate Barco Drive-In’s success with managers Scott and Pam Kelley and their grandchildren Benjamin, Sofia and Remington Mendez. Thank you to Judy Crockett for the use of her father, Junior Hammons’, 1950 Chevrolet pickup truck. Also, thank you to Fast Eddie Hot Rod Shop in Lamar for connecting us to the owner of a classic vehicle.
Photo by Artistic Expressions Photography & Design
in every edition
WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE OZARKS
10 Calendar of Events: Local farmers markets are bursting with colorful produce, so be sure to visit a farmers market today. Spend some time with your kids or grandkids learning about local critters such as snakes or armadillos, or replenish your garden with new bulbs from a local Iris Society’s annual sale. Enjoy these last carefree days of summer before school starts by doing something fun in the Four States!
14 Cultural Arts and Entertainment
16 Connect2Culture presents ...
18 Northeast Oklahoma Events
Home/Lifestyle
21 Tastes of the 4-States - Tractors BBQ & Grill
22 Show Me Dining Guide
58 Your House ... Your HomeBack to School Study Space Ideas
68 The Great Outdoors - Too Much Screen Time
70 A Naturalist Voice - Bats Zipping Above the Garden is a Win-Win
Can you find it?
20 Recipe: Energy Bites & Yogurt Bark
65 Health Events
66 Head Off Excessive Heat This Summer
67 Indoor Cardio: Finding a good machine for you
72 Moral Reconation Therapy Has Become a Part of Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
other great reads
13 Local Entrepreneurs Bring Tee Time to the Area
17 Joplin Arts District
19 Oklahoma Business Spotlights
26 Cheers to the Years
62 Fashion Forward: One24 Boutique
64 Things We Love
Find the GREEN smiley face on one of our pages. Email wendy@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 Emmett Sullivan of West Mineral, Kansas, the winner of the July edition Find the Green Smiley Face contest. Emmett wins a gift certificate to McAlister’s Deli in Joplin, Missouri. The Green Smiley was on page 35 in the Kung Fu Panda photo.
Staff
PUBLISHER/EDITOR
Wendy Brunner
PUBLISHER
Kevin Elrod
MANAGING EDITOR/MARKETING EXECUTIVE
Lee Timmsen
GRAPHIC DESIGNER
Kelley Talent
SOCIAL EDITOR/MARKETING ASSISTANT
Cheryl Franklin
STAFF WRITERS
Bridget Bauer
Jeff Cantrell
Amy Howe
Holly Hukill
Ann Leach
Don Lowe
Bradley Morris
Kristi Spencer
Larry Whiteley
PHOTOGRAPHERS
Mandy Edmonson
Deb Anderson and Angela Spieker, Artistic Expressions Photography & Design
DISTRIBUTION
Kevin Elrod
Gary and Desma Sisco
Back to School Once Again
Our August issue is full of stories from the Barton County area and beyond, and it’s also our back-to-school edition. I’m not sure how we’re already talking about students and educators going back to school since it feels like they just got out of school, but the calendar doesn’t lie, I suppose.
On this month’s pages, read about the annual Lamar Free Fair. This is the 81st year for what is called the largest free fair in Missouri. We’re also celebrating Barco Drive-In’s perseverance in the face of life’s storms, both emotional and literal. We feature Mark Strayer, a local artist who uses his talent to help others. Our runner, Melissa Ritter, shares her goal with readers to run a marathon or half marathon in each of the 50 states.
Speaking of perseverance and goal setting, you’ll enjoy reading about our local sports stars. Meet athletes from Lamar High School, Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School in Joplin, Seneca High School, Neosho High School and New Heights Christian Academy in Joplin (formerly College Heights Christian School).
In our back-to-school section, meet the grade schoolers who started Joplin’s bike bus initiative. These students ride their bikes to school on a set route each day, regardless of the weather (unless the weather is extreme). In a slightly different back-to-school story, read about local international opera performer Terrence O’Brien, who has returned to Joplin and now teaches voice lessons. If you’re like me and people don’t appreciate your “singing,” check out Terrence’s lessons.
And don’t forget to submit your cutest pet photos for our 16th Annual Cutest Pet Contest! The deadline to submit pictures is Friday, Aug. 9. I love seeing the adorable pets featured in our September issue each year, and I love that all proceeds from the entry fees go to help our furry friends at Joplin Humane Society and Faithful Friends.
Well, ready or not, school will start soon. Let’s do this, students, parents and educators!
Sincerely,
Wendy Brunner, Publisher/Editor
wendy@showmetheozarks.com
P.O. Box 3325 • Joplin, MO 64803
844.417.SMTO (7686)
What’s Happening Calendar of Events SMTO
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.
Support Your Local Farmers Market
Anderson, MO: Every Saturday 8 a.m.-noon, and the first and third Thursday 5:30-8 p.m., corner of Jefferson Street and Main Street.
Carthage, MO: Wednesday and Saturday 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Central Park, 714 Garrison Ave.
Quapaw, OK: First and third Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m., 326 Main St. 918.238.3168. www.quapawfarmersmarket.com
Calendar of Events
Northwest Arkansas
Aug. 10: NWA Honor Fest, all day, Orchards Park, Bentonville. Celebrating all who serve. A free, outdoor family-friendly event. Open for everyone to honor, celebrate and connect with first-responders, service members, veterans and their families. Includes a Family Fun Zone, Kids Bootcamp Obstacle Course, Booth Expo, NWA Council Career Fair, live music and more. For more information, visit https:// www.honorfest.com/optin1718121333313.
Pittsburg, KS
Aug. 16: Little River Band, 8 p.m., Outdoor Corral Stage at Kansas Crossing Casino + Hotel, 1275 S. Highway 69. This is an all-ages show. No outside food or beverages. No chairs and no umbrellas. No refunds. Eagles founding member, the late Glenn Frey, knew what he was saying when he dubbed Little River Band “the best singing band in the world.” Bringing their vocal and musical energy along with great arrangements to their timeless classic hits, each show creates new memories for the audience. For more information, call 620.240.4400.
Carl Junction Community Center: 303 N. Main St., 417.649.7237
Monday, Wednesday and Friday Pickleball, 6-10 p.m., Tuesday and Thursday 1-3 p.m., and Sunday 1-6 p.m. Tuesday yoga 6 p.m.
First Saturday of each month: 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.
Joplin, MO
Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, 201 W. Riviera Drive, Joplin. Your local connection to Missouri’s fish, forests and wildlife. Check out the native plant landscaping, 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.
Aug. 2: Snakes Alive, 6:30-8 p.m. Registration required. Ages 5-up. Most snakes in Missouri are harmless and play an important role in our ecosystems. Join us to learn more about these often-misunderstood reptiles and see snakes in person. Live snakes will be on display during this program.
Aug. 7: Virtual Program: Bushcraft Skills Series – Shelters, 12-1 p.m. Registration required. Ages 12-up. This virtual program is part seven of a multi-part series on primitive skills and bushcraft. In part seven, “Shelters,” learn skills and tips on how to find or make shelters to get out of the elements for camping or in emergencies. (Note: Bushcraft is the use and practice of skills, thereby acquiring and developing knowledge and understanding, to survive and thrive in a natural environment.)
Aug. 16: Little Acorns: Creek Critters, 10:30-11 a.m. Registration required. Recommended for ages 3-7. There are lots of animals that call a creek home. Join us for Little Acorns: Creek Critters to learn about these water-lovers and how they make their way in their wet world. Also, make a fun craft to take home and enjoy.
Aug. 21: Virtual Program: Bushcraft Skills Series – Basic Map, Compass and Navigation, 12-1 p.m. Registration required. Ages 12up. This virtual program is part eight of a multi-part series on primitive skills and bushcraft. In part eight, “Basic Map, Compass and Navigation,” learn how to use a map, compass and the land around you to navigate. (Note: Bushcraft is the use and practice of skills, thereby acquiring and developing knowledge and understanding, to survive and thrive in a natural environment.)
George Washington Carver National Monument Visitor Center Free Programs. Two miles west of Diamond, Missouri, on Highway V, onequarter mile south on Carver Road. Visitor center and park grounds open daily 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Call 417.325.4151 or visit www.nps.gov/gwca *Programs will be presented outside on park grounds.
Aug. 3 & 4: Agricultural School on Wheels, 1 p.m. Learn about George Washington Carver’s innovative solution to rural farm education.
Aug. 10 & 11: Laboratory Demonstrations, 1-2 p.m. Discover how George Washington Carver used some often-overlooked plants to change the way we think about agriculture.
Aug. 17 & 18: George Washington Carver – A Man of Great Faith, 1 p.m. Learn how George Washington Carver listened to “The Great Creator” when studying nature and science in the stillness of his early morning walks.
Aug. 24: Storytelling Day, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. To celebrate the founding of the National Park Service, visitors are invited to hear the stories these special places and spaces hold.
Aug. 25: Film – Becoming Frederick Douglass, 1 p.m. This 60-minute Public Broadcasting Service film is the inspiring story of a man born into slavery who became a prominent statesman and influential voice for democracy in American history.
Aug. 31: Women in George Washington Carver’s Life, 1 p.m. Learn more about the many women who mentored and guided George Washington Carver along his journey to earn an education.
Webb City, MO
Aug. 3: Tri-State Iris Society's Annual Iris Sale, 9 a.m.-noon, Webb City Farmers Market.
ArtForms Gallery Workshops, 620 N. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS. 620.240.0165. ArtForms Gallery is a co-op of artists offering monthly workshops ranging from acrylic painting, watercolor, glass fusing, pottery, metalsmithing, jewelry, textiles, kids’ art and more. 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.
Every Tuesday (Aug. 6, 13, 20 & 27): Art Explorations, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Free. Join Gallery Artist Pat Glick every Tuesday afternoon for a fun time working on your own project or art.
Aug. 2: Wood-burned Bookmarks, 1-3 p.m. Workshop fee $25, due at time of registration. Class limit of 8. Ages 12-up, unless with a parent. Artist: Ashley Denham. We will draw a design or stencil on a wooden bookmark and use wood-burning tools to burn the design onto your bookmark. Everyone will be provided a scrap piece of wood for practice to help get a feel for lines and shading. Paint pens available to add color. At the end, will clear-coat the bookmarks with Mod Podge. You’ll take home your project at the end of the class.
Aug. 11: Marble Dyeing, 1-3 p.m. Workshop fee $30, due at time of registration. Class limit of 10. Ages 12-up. Artist: Sue Horner. Learn marble techniques using shave cream. Will experiment with fabric swatches, then dye a heavyweight canvas tote bag.
Aug. 16: Poodles & Art, 1-2 p.m. Workshop fee $10, due at time of registration. Class limit of 15. Ages 7-up. (Note: Kids 6-under must have an adult present.) Artist: Ashley Denham. Kids can enjoy some poodle loves as they color them. Color an actual poodle with Opawz paint pens. Will also have coloring pages to color different types of service dogs.
Aug. 17: Hand-painted Pendants, 1-3 p.m. Workshop fee $30, due at time of registration. Class limit of 10. Ages 7-up. (Note: Kids 14-under must be accompanied by an adult. The adult does not have to pay the workshop fee unless they wish to participate.) Artist: Neva Rowland. Using acrylic paint markers, participants will decorate the flat side of a glass cabochon for use in their own oneof-a-kind necklace pendant. Practice stones will be available to use before transitioning to the necklace pendant.
Aug. 18: Mushroom Magic, 1-3 p.m. Workshop fee $40, due at time of registration. Class limit of 6. Ages 14-up. Artist: Brenda Hayes. Join Brenda to make fabric mushroom ornaments. Use felt and fiber along with hand-stitching to create these one-of-a-kind fungi treasures. All supplies will be furnished.
Aug. 24: Neurographic Workshop, 2-4 p.m. Workshop fee $30, due at time of registration. Class limit of 8 adults. Artist: Debbie Southard. This class helps you work through different areas of life that you may be wanting to change or are struggling with. Neurographic art helps form new neural paths in the brain. This is a relatively new technique and has been used about five years. It was developed by a psychologist to help patients work through different areas of life. When you are finished with the process, you can use markers, crayons or pencils to color in the areas. You are then left with your own unique piece of art.
Aug. 25: Sushi Trays, 1-3 p.m. Workshop fee $40 for one set, due at time of registration. (Note: Additional sets are $20 each.) Class limit of 9. Ages 12-up. Artist: Daria Claiborne. Learn the secret to making rimmed trays. All supplies included.
Aug. 31: Small Wood-burned Wall Hanger, 2-4 p.m. Workshop fee $30, due at time of registration. Class limit of 8. Ages 12-up, unless with parent. Artist: Ashley Denham. Draw a design or stencil on a wooden wall hanger. Wood-burning tools available to burn the design onto your project. Everyone will have a scrap piece of wood for practice to help get a feel for lines and shading. At the end, the wall hangers will be clearcoated. You’ll take your completed project home with you at the end of the class.
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 our Facebook page for online registration options. Robin Standridge, executive director, robin@wildcatglades.org, 417.291.3156.
Various Dates in August, Ongoing Project: Wildcat Park Habitat Restoration & KCU Student Trail Initiative. Wildcat Glades Nature Group, in partnership with Missouri Southern State University and Kansas City University, continues to have work days to remove invasive species at Wildcat Park. The Restoration Plan is an ongoing project that will be carried out over the next 10 years. Workdays are held nearly every Saturday during the summer. If you are interested in becoming involved with the restoration effort, you can check out our Facebook page or reach out to colvin@wildcatglades.org
Aug. 10: Yoga in Nature for Kids, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Wildcat Glades Education Cottage. Free. For ages 4-up accompanied by an adult. Led by Amanda, a registered yoga teacher, this class is designed to incorporate elements of fun, breathing and yoga poses specifically for kids. Must preregister. Please sign up by following the instructions on our Facebook page, by visiting https://bit.ly/YogainNature2024 or by emailing colvin@ wildcatglades.org
Aug. 14 & 17: Preschool Connections – Water, 10-11 a.m., Wildcat Glades Education Cottage. Free. For ages 3-7. Sponsored by Calvin Cassady. Splish splash, come to our program, it’s a blast! At this month’s Preschool Connections, we’re talking about the wonderful world of water, from rivers and streams to creeks and ponds and everything in between. Join Wildcat’s own Miss Vicki as she reads a story, does a craft and sings a song at this wonderfully wet program! Must pre-register by visiting https://bit.ly/PreschoolConnections824 or by emailing colvin@ wildcatglades.org
Aug. 17: Nature Explorers – Armadillos, 6-7 p.m., Wildcat Glades Education Cottage. Free. For ages 7-14. Howdy pardner, it’s time to roll out with Missouri’s only armored mamma! These strange little critters get up to wild things when we’re not looking, and it is high time we learned about it. Join us for a fun program that’ll get your kiddo out of their shell and into nature! Must pre-register. Please register by following the instructions on our Facebook page, by visiting https://bit.ly/ NatureExplorers824 or by emailing colvin@wildcatglades.org.
Local Entrepreneurs Bring Tee Time to the Area
By Kristi Spencer
The latest addition to the area's entertainment scene, Tee Time, quickly became the talk of the town when it opened June 27. Located in Webb City, Missouri, Tee Time offers a range of activities year-round for all ages. Whether you are an avid golfer, a pickleball enthusiast, looking for a place to host a party or watch the Chiefs game, Tee Time has something for everyone.
With 19 state-of-the-art golfing bays, four pickleball courts and a turf patio with a massive screen, Tee Time offers a unique blend of sporting and leisure facilities. The venue also features a full kitchen and bar, ideal for casual outings or special events.
The driving force behind Tee Time’s creation are local co-owners Jonathan Johnson and Kellen Grantham. They were school friends who grew to be golf enthusiasts and entrepreneurs. They drew inspiration from popular venues like Chicken N Pickle and Topgolf, and their vision and dedication materialized into an exciting and vibrant space.
bring your clubs or use the ones provided. Additionally, the bays are climate-controlled and open to a range with targets that are integrated into the game.
Into pickleball? You’ll find four outdoor courts to choose from. You can bring your paddles or rent them.
Tee Time is a destination for those who want to catch the latest games on their giant screen in their courtyard. The firepits, cornhole and yard games add to the atmosphere of being a hub of activity for families and grownups.
The golf bays have ball-tracking technology, enabling players to monitor their shots’ distance, height and speed. This setup is perfect for those aiming to improve their swing and for friendly competition with their interactive games. The bays can hold up to eight people. You can
Whether you are watching or playing, you are sure to work up an appetite. Their menu is full of shareable items like nachos, sliders and flatbreads. Tee Time also has a full bar with 16 beers on tap, wine slushies and a long list of cocktails.
Tee Time is versatile as an event venue for a bachelorette party, corporate teambuilding day or fundraiser. The entire space can be exclusively rented for events and can accommodate up to 350 guests.
Tee Time is open from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and from 11 a.m. to midnight Friday and Saturday. The fees vary from $30 to $50 per hour per bay, depending on the day and time of your visit. Walk-in guests are welcome; should there be a wait, you can join the waitlist.
Tee Time has quickly become a must-visit location. The exciting and vibrant atmosphere offers the perfect spot for a fun day out with friends, a place to improve your golf swing or a venue for events. See for yourself what everyone is talking about!
This content is also available at connect2culture.org/calendar.
Regional PERFORMANCES:
Aug. 3: Stained Glass Theatre Joplin Variety Show, 7 p.m., Stained Glass Theatre Joplin, 2101 Annie Baxter Ave, Joplin. Enjoy an evening of songs, games, skits, bingo, comedy sketches and more during this family-friendly event. Purchase your tickets at the door. Tickets: Adults $12, kids $5. More information: amanda@sgtjoplin.com.
Aug. 7-11: “Billy Elliot the Musical,” 7:30 p.m. (Sunday 2:30 p.m.), Joplin Little Theatre, 3009 W. 1st St., Joplin. Set in a northern English mining town against the background of the 1984 miners’ strike, follow Billy’s journey as he stumbles out of the boxing ring and into a ballet class, where he discovers a passion for dance that inspires his family and community, and changes his life forever. 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, 417.623.3638.
Aug. 17: Concerts in the Park Featuring Analog Frogs, 7 p.m., Central Park, 714 Garrison Ave, Carthage. Carthage Council on the Arts presents its summer concert series, Concerts in the Park. Features locally based talent. Listen to some rock and soul music from this talented local band! This is a BYOC (bring your own chair) event. Free. More information: carthagecouncilonthearts@ gmail.com
Aug. 24: An Evening with Proclamation Youth Choir, 6 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. Seventh St, Joplin. Listen to the stories behind PYC and enjoy youth and guest musicians singing hymns and Christ-exalting music. Tickets may be purchased at zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/de55d8fc-32b6-42ba-acb1-f8bf2d9572bf. Tickets: $20. More information: hannahsnow93@gmail.com, 417.389.7426.
Aug. 26: Paul Thorn House Concert, 7 p.m. (doors 6:30 p.m.), The Coda Concert House, 2120 E. 24th St, Joplin. Hailed as the “Mark Twain of Americana,” Thorn brings his gritty, Gospel-infused, Southern rock straight from his hometown of Tupelo, Mississippi. For reservations, email info@ codaconcerthouse.com. In response, a confirmation email with the address, directions, parking, etc. will be sent. All proceeds benefit the artist performing. Suggested donation: $75. More information: info@codaconcerthouse.com
Aug. 29-31: “Snow White,” 7:30 p.m. (doors 7 p.m.), Dream Theatre Co., 124 S. Main St., Joplin. Inspired by the original Grimms Brothers fairy tale, “Snow White” is a classic retelling. Reservations required; reserve your ticket at showtix4u.com/event-details/85011. General admission: $15. More information: becki.dreamtheatre@gmail.com, 417.622.6470.
EVENTS:
May 1-Aug. 21: Thomas Hart Benton Art Competition and Exhibition Call for Entry. Submit up to two pieces of your original 2D works to be judged and for a chance for your artwork to be exhibited or awarded cash prizes. Competition open to artists ages 18-up. Deadline: Aug. 21. For more information and guidelines, visit neoshoarts.net/thomas-hart-bentoncompetition.html. Cost: Circle of Patron Artist Members $15-$20, nonmembers $20-$25. More information: neoshoartscouncil@gmail.com
Aug. 1: First Thursday ArtWalk, 5:30-8:30 p.m., downtown Joplin. Dozens of artists will show or demonstrate their artistic process and all art will be for sale. Participating artists will be located inside various venues along with live, acoustic music from local musicians. This event is held on the first Thursday of the month, March-October. Map of participating locations is available at facebook.com/FirstThursdayArtWalkJoplin. Free. More information: lteeter00@ gmail.com, 417.438.5931.
Aug. 3: Pepper Fest 2024, 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Joplin Empire Market, 931 E. 4th St., Joplin. Help Joplin Empire Market celebrate National Farmers Week! Try a variety of sauces and salsas, roast peppers with Oakwoods Farm, enjoy margaritas and other tasty drinks from the Market Cantina and more! Craft projects for kids of all ages also available. Free; food and drink available for purchase. More information: ivy@downtownjoplin.com, 417.986.3914.
Aug. 4, 11, 18 & 25: Open Mic Comedy Night, 9 p.m. (sign-up 8:30 p.m.), Blackthorn Pizza & Pub, 510 S. Joplin Ave., Joplin. 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. More information: potterdakoda1982@gmail.com, 417.540.9186.
Aug. 6: Chat & Craft (ages 18+), 6-8 p.m., Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St, Joplin. 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.
Aug. 8: Joplin Writers’ Guild, 6 p.m., Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St., Joplin. Includes a wide variety of writers. Members have published novels, nonfiction books and articles. 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, but anyone interested can attend their first meeting free. More information: s.v.farnsworth@gmail.com, 417.691.0480.
Aug. 10: 9th Annual Joplin Area Arts & Cultural Preview, 10 a.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Beshore Performance Hall, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin. Annual event that gives arts and cultural organizations the chance to tell their story and share what they have planned for the year ahead. Each organization has a total of 2 minutes to present. This event educates the public about upcoming events, encourages collaboration between participating organizations and informs the media of potential news stories. Organizations wishing to present are limited to ONE presenter. Presenters were required to register by July 29.) Free. More information: lauren@ connect2culture.org, 417.501.5550.
Aug. 11: 2nd Sunday Cinema (ages 14+), 1-4 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin, and 6-9 p.m., Route 66 Theater, 24 S. Main St., Webb City. Great Wonders Productions host screenings of films selected by the Uplift Film Fest jury and invite filmmakers for live interviews and Q&As about their films. A portion of the box office sales will go to filmmakers. Advance tickets highly recommended; purchase tickets at 2ndsundaycinema.com. Tickets: $10. More information: steve.head@ greatwondersproductions.org, 417.437.2001.
Aug. 15: Third Thursday, 5:30-8:30 p.m., downtown Joplin. Every third Thursday, March-October, thousands of people gather on Main Street in downtown Joplin to enjoy local artisans, music, entertainment and food. Free. More information: info@downtownjoplin.com, 417.501.9649.
Aug. 19 & 20: “Barbecuing Hamlet” Auditions, 6-8 p.m., Stained Glass Theatre Joplin, 2101 Annie Baxter Ave., Joplin. Margo Daley always thought it would be great fun to direct William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet,” until she is hired to do just that by the Peaceful Glen Memorial Players in their theater, a renovated funeral home. All kinds of eccentric characters come out of the woodwork. Needed: Seven women and five men, ages 18-up. Performance runs Thursday-Sunday, Oct. 10-20. Free. More information: amanda@ sgtjoplin.com.
Aug. 29: Open Mic Night, 7-9:30 p.m., Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Ave., Joplin. Musicians, singers, poets! Performers are each 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. All ages welcome! Free. More information: autumn@joplinavenuecoffeecompany.com, 417.483.5558.
EXHIBITS:
June 13-Aug. 31: “Lost Soles: A Modest Mystery” by Cody White & Others, Joplin Public Library, Bramlage and Willcoxon Foundation Gallery, 1901 E. 20th St., Joplin. This photography exhibit asks viewers a question that haunts our back roads, highways and city streets: Why are there SO MANY shoes by the side of the road? Free. More information: jill@postartlibrary.org, 417.623.7953 X1041.
June 22-Aug. 17: “As Seen on TV Trays” by Robert Dohrmann, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin. In combination with traditional 2D materials and collage techniques, the objects used to construct Robert Dohrmann’s body of work are mostly large romantic cardboard print paintings, shadow box clocks,
unlistenable LP records and a variety of found objects. More information: sconroy@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183.
June 22-Aug. 17: “Awkward Family Photos: The Exhibition,” Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin. The collection includes over 200 classic Awkward Family Photos framed in vintage, era-appropriate frames and hilarious “behind the awkwardness” stories. More information: sconroy@spivaarts. org, 417.623.0183.
July 1-Aug. 31: “A Different Perspective” by Cain Butcher, 530 Somewhere, 530 S. Main St., Joplin. A collection of paintings by Cain Butcher. More information: info@530.bar
July 28-Oct. 25: “Africa: Ritual, Healing and Medicine,” Missouri Southern State University, Spiva Library, 3950 E. Newman Rd., Joplin. A collection of small display exhibits created by MSSU’s African Art class. View displays with informational text panels written and researched by MSSU students in the MSSU Spiva Library outside room L109 and along the back wall on the fourth floor. Free. More information: bentley-c@mssu.edu, 417.625.3066.
Aug. 2-Sept. 7: Indigenous Art Exhibition: “From the Earth the Color Rises,” at artCentral Carthage, 1110 E. 13th St., Carthage. A juried Indigenous exhibition featuring artwork from emerging and professional artists. Free; donations appreciated. More information: artcentral1110@ gmail.com, 417.358.4404.
CLASSES:
Aug. 3: Glass Tealights with Jane McCaulley (ages 8+), 1-3 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin. Create your own tealight holder. Registration required; register by visiting spivaarts.org/classes-camps. Cost: $35. More information: sclements@spivaarts.org, 417.621.9813.
Aug. 3: String Pulling: Fluid Art with Debbie Southard (ages 16+), 2-4 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin. This fluid art technique is a slow, steady process that requires concentration but produces a stunning floral painting. Registration required; register by visiting spivaarts.org/ classes-camps. Cost: $50. More information: sclements@spivaarts.org, 417.621.9813.
Aug. 10: Intro to Cartooning with Daniel Perez (ages 12-16), 10 a.m.noon, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin. Learn basic concepts of character illustration, gestures and anatomy, which will allow you to design fantasy characters and whimsical touches. Students can bring whatever medium they feel comfortable with: sketchbook, iPad, etc. Paper and drawing supplies available. Registration required; register at spivaarts. org/classes-camps. Cost: $25. More information: sclements@spivaarts.org, 417.621.9813.
Aug. 10: Wheel Throwing with Stephanie Roy (ages 15+), 1-4 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin. Projects will be kiln-fired, and students will be contacted when they are ready to be picked up. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes-camps. Cost: $60. More information: sclements@spivaarts.org, 417.621.9813.
Aug. 17: All About Painting with Jordan Murdock-Thompson (ages 14+), 1-3 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin. Learn about different brushes, cleaning, color theory and more while painting your own piece of art to take home. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/ classes-camps. Cost: $25. More information: sclements@spivaarts.org, 417.621.9813.
Aug. 24: Drawing 101 with Erica Evans (ages 15+), 10 a.m.-noon, Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin. Discover the essentials of proportion, shading, line and form. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/classes. Cost: $25. More information: sclements@spivaarts.org, 417.621.9813.
Aug. 24: Watercolor 101 with Erica Evans (ages 15+), 1-3 p.m., Harry M. Cornell Arts & Entertainment Complex, Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin. Dive into essential techniques, unleash your creativity and embark on your artistic journey. Registration required; register at spivaarts. org/classes-camps. Cost: $35. More information: sclements@spivaarts.org, 417.621.9813.
RECURRING CLASSES:
Create N Sip Studios, 1505 W. 10th St., Joplin:
Wednesdays: Wine’d Down Wednesday, 5-9 p.m. A Canvas and Home Decor DIY Event. Choose the project that works for you. 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. Prices vary depending on chosen project. Cost: $28-$176. More information: coleman@creatensip.com, 417.680.5434.
Firehouse Pottery-Joplin, 112 S. Main St., Joplin:
Tuesdays: Ladies’ Night Out (ages 18+), until 8 p.m. Enjoy a creative evening. 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 for all couples. More information: firehousepotteryjoplin@gmail.com, 417.553.0671.
Judy’s Ballroom Dance, 3950 E. Newman Rd., Joplin:
Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays: Judy’s Ballroom Dance Private Lessons. With private lessons, Judy can help transform you into a skilled, elegant dancer. Cost: $50 per hour. More information: schneider-j@mssu.edu, 417.392.0215.
Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, 1027 S. Main St., Joplin:
Tuesdays: Beginner Watercolor Class with Barb Hicklin (ages 8+), 11 a.m.1 p.m. Bring your own supplies. Register by calling Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417.553.0835. Cost: $20.
Tuesdays: Oil, Acrylic & Watercolor Class, 2 p.m. Improve your painting and learn principles of design. Bring your own watercolor, oils or acrylic paint for personal instruction from artist Paula Giltner. Register by calling Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417.553.0835. Cost: $20.
Thursdays: Impasto Oil Painting Class with Tricia Courtney, 2-6 p.m. Learn the techniques and tricks of painting thick with a painting knife. Bring your own supplies (canvas board, oil paint, brushes and palette/painting knives). Register by calling Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417.553.0835. Cost: $20.
Aug. 9: Watercolor Class with Joan Allen, 1-3 p.m. Includes all supplies. Register by calling Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417.553.0835. Cost: $30.
Aug. 10: Saturday Paint Class with Jesse McCormick & Margie Moss, 10:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Includes all supplies and ice cream cone from Caroline’s. Ages 8-up. No experience necessary. Paint an Impressionist painting or bring a picture of what you would like to paint. Register by calling Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417.553.0835. Cost: $30.
Aug. 24: FUNdamentals of Paint Pouring Class with Mary Parks, 6 p.m. One 8” x 10” and one 11” x 14”. Includes all supplies. Ages 9-up. Register by calling Local Color Art Gallery & Studio at 417.553.0835. Cost: $40.
Spiva Center for the Arts, 212 W. Seventh St., Joplin:
Fridays: Memories in the Making, noon-2 p.m. This art experience is centered on the expression of creativity through painting for those dealing with memory loss. More information: sclements@spivaarts.org, 417.621.9813.
Tanglefooter’s Round Dance Club, 1802 W. Second St., Joplin:
Connect2Culture has announced a new season of performances at the Harry M. Cornell Arts and Entertainment Complex that will launch in September.
“The first couple of seasons in our new building have provided tremendous growth opportunities,” Connect2Culture Executive Director Emily Frankoski said. “We are supporting more performing artists through Connect2Culture than ever before.”
Season tickets for each of the series are available, and individual tickets are also available. Visit www.connect2culture.org/allperformances, stop by the box office or call 417.621.9824 for more details.
Curtains Up Series Orchestra/Mezzanine:
$374.40 $319.80 - save $54.60!
Balcony/Box:
$332.80 $284.44 - save $48.36!
Cornell Series Orchestra/Mezzanine:
$188.50 $161.20 - save $27.30!
Balcony/Box:
$162.50 $139.10 - save $23.40!
Ignite Series
General Admission Adults:
$84.50 $72.80 - save $11.70!
General Admission Kids: $22.10 $19.76 - save $2.34!
“This season, we will welcome some amazing talent to our stage, and we hope the community will join us to support and experience these special moments,” Frankoski said. “We look forward to kicking things off in September.”
The season performances include:
The String Queens Saturday, Sept. 14, 2024 | 7 p.m. Ticket Prices: $37.70$42.90 Genre: Classical Crossover • Strings • Soulful Curtains Up Series
Chicago Children’s Theatre’s production of “Peter Rabbit and Friends”
Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024 | 2 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $16.90 | Kids: $4.42
Genre: Children’s Lit • Pre-K-2nd Grade Ignite Series
Young Concert Artists: Chaeyoung Park
Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024 | 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $16.90-$22.10
Genre: Piano • Classical • Virtuoso Cornell Series
Some Enchanted Evening
Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 | 4 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $42.90-$48.10
Genre: Jazz • Broadway • Tap Dance Curtains Up Series
Acoustic Eidolon
Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024 | 4 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $22.10-$27.30
Genre: Acoustic • Folk • Instrumental Corley Spotlight
Marybeth Byrd
Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024 | 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $16.90-$22.10
Genre: Country • Christian • Pop Cornell Series
TheaterWorksUSA’s production of “Charlotte’s Web”
Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024 | 2 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $16.90 | Kids $4.42
Genre: Theatre • K-5th Grade Ignite Series
Christmas with Guy Penrod
Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024 | 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $53.30-$58.50
Genre: Gospel • Country • Holiday Curtains Up Series
Rondell Sheridan: If You’re Over 40 & You Know It, Clap Your Hands
Saturday, Jan. 25, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $32.50-$37.70
Genre: Stand-Up • Family-Friendly • Comedy Curtains Up Series
“Somebody Loves You, Mr. Hatch!”
Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025 | 2 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $16.90 | Kids $4.42
Genre: Puppetry • Pre-K-3rd Grade Ignite Series
Saint Louis Dance Theatre
Saturday, Feb. 15, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $53.30-$58.50
Genre: Ballet • Dance • Contemporary Cornell Series
“String Unleashed” with Dallas String Quartet
Saturday, Feb. 22, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $53.30-$58.50
Genre: Classical Crossover • Strings • Innovative Cornell Series
Justin Roberts & The Not So Ready for Naptime Players
Sunday, March 2, 2025 | 2 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $16.90 | Kids $4.42
Genre: Musical • Pre-K-3rd Grade Ignite Series
An Evening with Doolin’
Thursday, March 6, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $32.50-$37.70
Genre: Irish • Folk • Pop Curtains Up Series
Trailblazing Women of Country: A Tribute to Patsy, Loretta and Dolly
Sunday, March 30, 2025 | 4 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $42.90-$48.10
Genre: Country • Tribute • Traditional Curtains Up Series
David Engel’s Pirate School Sunday, April 6, 2025 | 2 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $16.90 | Kids $4.42
Genre: Interactive • 1st-8th Grade Ignite Series
The Rats & People Motion Picture Orchestra
Saturday, April 12, 2025 | 4 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $22.10-$27.30
Genre: Silent Film • Orchestral • Experimental Cornell Series
Shaun Johnson Big Band Experience Saturday, April 26, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $42.90-$48.10
Genre: Crooner • Vocal • Jazz Curtains Up Series
Mike Super Magic & Illusion
Saturday, May 17, 2025 | 7 p.m.
Ticket Prices: $48.10-$53.30
Genre: Magic • Spectacle • Illusion Curtains Up Series
Photo by Jeremy Daniel; Cast: Clay Westman, Sergio Castillo, Taylor Marie Rasmussen, Cassidy Layton, Matthew Dwight Lincoln.
Photo by Pratt & Kreidich.
Where it’s ‘COOL’ to be YOU!
V isit these local establishments to experience a variety of creative events and entertainment this summer:
JOPLIN ARTS DISTRICT NEWS - A snapshot of news, events and activities happening this summer.
ART EXHIBITS, THEATER AND MUSIC
Walk the venues of First Thursday ArtWalk Aug. 1 in historical downtown Joplin. Enjoy an ice cream social at 4th and Main streets at Spiva Park, hosted by the Spiva family. And the monthly Third Thursday event, a downtown Main Street festival, is Aug. 15, featuring local talent and businesses. Both events happen between 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Connect2Culture, 212 W. Seventh St.: Cornell Complex, home of Connect2Culture and Spiva Center for the Arts:
• “Awkward Family Photos” on exhibit until Aug. 24.
• “Robert Dohrmann: As Seen on TV Trays” on exhibit until Aug. 17.
• In collaboration with the Joplin Toad, “Embrace Your Awkward: Challenge Accepted” until Aug. 17.
• Fluid Art painting class, Aug. 3, 2-4 p.m., $50. All supplies included.
• Watercolor 101 painting class, Aug. 24, 1-3 p.m., $35. All supplies included. Keystone Gallery, 401 S. Main St., is the newest downtown art gallery showing fine art from 25 local artists. Featuring owners Tania and Kevin Bowman. Open Aug. 1 for artwalk from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Local Color Art Gallery, 1027 S. Main St.: You are invited to join artist Barbara Hicklin for a beginner’s watercolor class on Tuesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for a $20 fee. Bring your own supplies. Artist Paula Giltner offers a painting class on Tuesdays at 2 p.m. for $20. Bring your own watercolors, oils or acrylic paints. Call 417.553.0835 to register for classes.
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.
Urban Art Gallery, 511 S. Main St., presents abstract Expressionism paintings by Columbia resident Martin Pope. Meet the artist Aug. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Music provided by Tough Luck Chuck.
Bar and Restaurant Offerings
Blackthorn Pizza and Pub, 510 S. Joplin Ave.: Second Sunday, Aug. 13, is Singer/Songwriter Free Open Mic Night 8 p.m.-midnight. First and third Sundays is Stand Up Comedy Free Open Mic Night, 8:30 p.m. Drag show Aug. 16 hosted by Victoria & Misty, 10 p.m.-midnight. $5 cover. Must be 21 and over.
Brew Pub & Parlour, 817 S. Main St.: Karaoke every Friday at 8 p.m.
Chaos Brewing Company, 112 S. Main St.: Play free trivia Wednesdays at 7 p.m. Aug. 8, 7-9:30 p.m., is putting league night with Local Route. Enjoy beer, pizza and disc golf. Karaoke is Aug. 23, 8-11 p.m.
Club 609, 609 S. Main St.: For the month of August: Plaster art acrylic on glass paintings in “Sydney Amato’s Prophetic Art.” Meet this 20-year-old artist Aug. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Joplin Avenue Coffee Company, 506 S. Joplin Ave., is hosting Lou Stine with her colorful paintings in “Floral Magic.” Meet the artist during artwalk Aug. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Dwayne Smith will provide music.
530 Somewhere, 530 S. Main St., features Cain Butcher with his paintings in “A Different Perspective” in August. Meet this gifted 19-year-old artist Aug. 1 from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.
EVENTS Northeast OK
Grove, OK
Aug. 30-Sept. 1: Jana Jae Fiddle Camp and Music Festival, Snyder’s Camp. Contest, with bluegrass, swing and more. All levels and all ages. Individual and group sessions. Learn from the best. All musicians welcome. Great food and great music along with RV and tent camping, fishing and boating. Bring the entire family and enjoy. For more information, visit https:// www.grandlakefestivals.com/fiddle_camp.htm.
Miami, OK
Aug. 16: William Lee Martin – King of Cowtown Comedy, 7-10 p.m., Coleman Theatre, 103 N. Main St. Jeff Allen’s rapid-fire humor, which centers on marriage and family, is a hit with all ages. A live comedy favorite, Jeff has appeared on Dry Bar Comedy, America’s Got Talent, Netflix, Amazon, Huckabee, PureFlix, Showtime, Comedy Central, VH1 and more. He starred in the critically acclaimed film “Apostles of Comedy,” the syndicated comedy series “Bananas,” his own one-hour comedy special, “Happy Wife, Happy Life” and the Warner Bros. comedy film “Thou Shalt Laugh.” Tickets $30-$60 (plus taxes and fees). For more information, call 918.540.2425.
July 19: “Elvis: In Person” Starring Matt Stone & The King Creole Orchestra, 7-10 p.m., Coleman Theatre, 103 N. Main St. William Lee Martin, affectionately known for years as “Cowboy Bill,” stands as a proud Texan whose comedic prowess knows no bounds. He effortlessly spreads laughter across the nation with his one-of-a-kind humor, captivating audiences through heartwarming family-centered tales and uplifting spirits, particularly during life’s toughest moments.
Over a remarkable career spanning more than two decades, he has left audiences in stitches at iconic venues like the Grand Ole Opry and under the dazzling lights of MGM. With three, one-hour television comedy specials and a thriving online presence, he has firmly established his standing as a comedy luminary. However, he is not merely a comedian; he’s a multifaceted entertainer, an actor, a writer and above all, a devoted family man.
Brace yourself for a side-splitting and heartwarming adventure as you join him on the unmissable King of Cowtown Comedy Tour. It promises an unforgettable night of laughter and entertainment that’ll leave you in stitches. For more information, call 918.540.2425.
Dates and times are subject to change. Please call the Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau at 918.542.4435 to confirm.
Spotlights Oklahoma Business
Lendonwood Gardens
One mile west of Main Street on Har-Ber Rd. • Grove, OK 918.786.2938 • www.lendonwood.com
Enjoy Lendonwood Gardens, an 8-acre botanical garden in Grove. Stop by the Oklahoma Garden for regional plant ideas and the Monarch Waystation to learn about butterflies. Don’t miss the Hummingbird Garden, where you might spot hummers landing on nectar plants. Visit the Japanese Pavilion overlooking the Koi pond, where you can feed the colorful fish. This summer, come see beautiful flowers as you stroll along winding pathways under towering oaks. You’ll find color and texture everywhere at Lendonwood Gardens! Open year-round from dawn to dusk.
Har-Ber Village Museum
4404 W. 20th St. • Grove, OK Email: Info@HAR·BERVILLAGE.com www.HAR-BERVILLAGE.com • 918.786.6446
A visit to this quiet lakeside village will take you on a nostalgic journey into the past. Har-Ber Village Museum celebrates the bygone era of pioneer life in Oklahoma. Multiple log cabins house eclectic collections of antiques, and frequent living-history demonstrations bring the times alive for visitors. Remember the past, celebrate the present, imagine the future! Open the third Saturday in March through the first Saturday in November. Hours 9 a.m.-3:30 p.m., closed Tuesday and Wednesday.
Special Advertising Section
By Kristi Spencer
The school year is approaching, and soon you’ll be hearing the familiar after-school question, “Can I have a snack?” Be ready with these healthy and convenient makeahead snacks. Energy bites and yogurt bark are delicious and nutritious options to help your kids refuel for homework and after-school activities.
Energy Bites Yogurt Bark
INGREDIENTS
2 cups old-fashioned oats
1 cup creamy peanut butter
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips
DIRECTIONS
2/3 cup honey
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
INGREDIENTS
2 cups full-fat Greek yogurt
3 tablespoons honey
1.5 teaspoons vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine all ingredients in a large mixing bowl and stir until thoroughly mixed.
2. Cover the mixing bowl and refrigerate for 1-2 hours, or until the mixture is chilled. This helps the mixture stick together more easily.
3. Form the mixture into 1-inch balls.
4. Enjoy immediately or store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
ADD-IN IDEAS
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Cinnamon
• Dried strawberries
• Sprinkles
• M&M’s
• Flaxseed for extra protein
• Chia seeds for fiber
½ cup diced strawberries ¼ cup blueberries ¼ cup granola
1. Line a rimmed baking sheet with wax or parchment paper.
2. Add yogurt, honey and vanilla to a bowl and mix.
3. Pour the yogurt mixture onto the prepared baking sheet and spread it evenly.
4. Top with diced strawberries, blueberries and granola.
5. Place in the freezer until the yogurt is firm, about 3 hours. Cut into pieces and store yogurt bark in a sealed freezer bag for up to 3 months. Let it sit for 3-5 minutes before eating for the best texture.
ADD-IN IDEAS
• Nut butter
• Jam
• Toasted coconut flakes
• Chocolate chips
• Pineapple
• Cereal
• Raspberry jam
By Kristi Spencer
Tractors
BBQ & Grill
Tractors BBQ in Lamar, Missouri, is a staple in the community, epitomizing the charm of small-town hospitality. Owner Judy Crockett jokes that she doesn’t know how to do anything small. This is evident in the restaurant’s extensive menu and the passion Judy says is poured into the homemade dishes.
“I love feeding people and seeing them enjoy their food,” Crockett shares. “There’s something special about hearing the laughter of customers having a great meal with their loved ones.”
Tractors BBQ smokes meats daily, offering mouth-watering options like brisket, ham and turkey. The sides are a nod to comfort food, with choices such as green beans reminiscent of Grandma’s kitchen and cheesy browns— loaded baked potatoes that are a crowd favorite.
Judy personally recommends the burnt ends, the French dip or one of the salads piled high with meat. And don’t forget to save room for dessert! The cobbler sundae is a sweet treat perfect for sharing, if you’re feeling generous.
Judy is quick to credit her dedicated employees for creating the warm, welcoming atmosphere Tractors BBQ is known for. Their hard work and commitment ensure every customer leaves with a smile.
Crockett says the true testament to Tractors BBQ’s excellence is its loyal following. Patrons travel from Kansas City specifically to savor the renowned ribs, and travelers often make it a point to stop in during their road trips.
The name “Tractors” pays homage to the community’s agricultural roots. Tractors are iconic farming vehicles that symbolize the area’s hardworking spirit. Just as a tractor is vital to a farm, Tractors BBQ has become an essential part of the local dining scene.
Whether you’re in the mood for breakfast, lunch or dinner, Tractors BBQ offers a big menu, big flavors and an even bigger heart. Dining there is an experience you won’t soon forget.
ShowMe Dining Guide
Tractors BBQ and Grill
1008 E. 12th St. • Lamar, MO 417.682.6677
Tractors BBQ and Grill: Small Town, Big Flavor! We pride ourselves on offering a large versatile menu and serving our community for breakfast, lunch and dinner. From comfort classics to barbecue and everything in between, you will not leave hungry. We offer a Sunday buffet from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. and catfish buffet Tuesday night from 5-8 p.m. Stop by and let us serve you! We are open Tuesday through Saturday 6:30 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 6:30 a.m.8 p.m. Closed Monday. $-$$
Granny Shaffer’s Restaurant
Now serving Joplin’s best brunch! Homemade beignets, pastries, biscuits and gravy, peppered bacon, eggs and parmesan fried potatoes and more! For lunch, enjoy your favorite appetizers, “out-of-this-world” salads, seasoned breads and your choice of dressing, soup du jour, sandwiches from burgers to apricot turkey and over 30 other choices! We offer a full service catering menu for private parties, business meetings and special events. $-$$ 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.
Shawanoe Restaurant 70220 East Hwy 60 • Wyandotte, OK 888.992 SKY1
For over 50 years, Granny Shaffer’s has been serving up the best home cooking in the area. From made-to-order breakfast served all day to pasta, steak and Dowd’s catfish, you’re sure to find something to love. Here at Granny Shaffer’s, it’s the little things that make the difference, like serving real butter with our homemade rolls and making our pies from scratch. There’s a reason we’ve been in business for so long! Come see us for your next meal: breakfast, lunch or dinner! $-$$
Shawanoe Restaurant, located inside Indigo Sky Casino, is serving delicious award-winning chef creations daily. Bring your family and friends and enjoy delicious desserts, gourmet sandwiches, upscale salads, and a wonderful selection of pasta dishes. For the steak lover, mouth-watering steaks cooked to perfection. Everything to satisfy your appetite, plus your favorite beverage. Go to indigoskycasino.com for additional information. Located inside Indigo Sky Casino, Hwy 60 west of Seneca, MO. $-$$$
Sam’s Cellar Bar &
Oven
101 N. Wood • Neosho, MO
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! Voted “2023 Business of the Year” by the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce & the Neosho community. $-$$
Hours: Monday-Sunday, 11 a.m.-Close Ghetto
Haven 55 is a cozy
Tacos
Now you can get your Ghetto Taco fix in two places: in the Ghetto Taco shop in Webb City and the Ghetto Tacos food truck around the community! We’re serving all of your favorites, including our famous tacos available in the shop and on the food truck, and burritos and nachos available at the shop only. Follow us on Facebook to see our specials and to see where the food truck will be. Named "Best Bite in Town" by Food Network! $-$$
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Haven
Mis Arcos 1926 S. Garrison Ave. • Carthage, MO
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! $-$$
520 S. Main • Joplin, MO 417.625.1333 • www.hacketthotwings.com
“The only wings better are on an angel.” Offering 13 flavors of wings, plus salads, catfish, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, boneless wings and more! Call for catering and reservations. Now offering an additional dining area and sports room with 17 big-screen TVs and full bar featuring Coach Hackett’s Ultimate Bloody Mary. Check out the online store at hacketthotwings.com. (Smoke-free) $-$$
“Treat your appetite to a GOURMET DELIGHT served ‘Joplin style’.” Flavorful specialties for any occasion, featuring salads, burgers and sandwiches. Delicious entrees – beef, chicken, pork, seafood and seven “pastabilities!” Offering appetizers, homemade desserts, soup du jour, beer, wine and mixed drinks. Kids menu available. $-$$$
Hours: Kitchen open Monday-Friday 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday 11 a.m.-10:30 p.m. • Bar open later
Onion Café
low-carb and keto-friendly items. Extensive craft beer menu and wines by the glass. Full-service catering for groups large and small. Consistently voted “Best Restaurant” and “Best Menu” by 417 Magazine and The Joplin Globe. $-$$
Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
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: Tuesday -Saturday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Sunday and Monday: CLOSED
Casa Montez
Casa Montez is back in business and ready to serve you! The team at Casa Montez is serving up all of your favorite recipes as before as well as their famous cheese dip. If you’re looking for the perfect Mexican cuisine including delicious tacos, enchiladas, fajitas and so much more, you must visit Casa Montez at their new location. Call ahead for your to-go order and conveniently pick up at the walk-up window. $-$$
Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-8 p.m.
Your Pictures! If you would like to see your pictures in our pages, email us a high-resolution photo of you and the magazine to magazine@ showmetheozarks.com. Remember to include full names of everyone in the photo, where and when it was taken, and where you live. Call 844.417.SMTO for more information. Beckham Abernathy of Carl Junction, Missouri, in Turks and Caicos during his family’s vacation this summer. They spent several days enjoying the beaches, flawless views, the water park and great dining.
to the YEARS Cheers
What our readers
and advertisers are say ng
Our dollars and voice go far into the region when we advertise with Show Me The Ozarks Magazine. Our agency has been serving individuals in the area for 40-plus years. Being able to share our events in the calendar or advertise for a fundraiser in a magazine that has such a far reach just makes sense in our marketing plan. Over the past 23 years, one of my favorite things about Show Me The Ozarks Magazine is the commitment to covering things for the whole area. We all live, work and play in the region so I appreciate learning about great places to see and things to do all over the area. We look forward to the next 23 years of Show Me The Ozarks!
Kirstie
Smith, Vice-President Administrative Services Community Support Services of Missouri
I highly recommend Show Me The Ozarks Magazine to fellow business owners who want to enhance their presence in the region. It’s a true celebration of all that makes our area special, and being part of it has been a fantastic experience for us. The magazine's profiles of local businesses, artists and events have significantly boosted our visibility, bringing customers through our doors and fostering a stronger connection with the community.
Courtney Barnard Courtney’s Candles
Ozarks Magazine, which has donated over $25,000 in the last 22 years through their Annual 4-States Baby Contest. One hundred percent of every dollar raised stays local and adds up to making a big impact toward changing kids’ health in our community.
These generous donations allow us to help children like Vincent, our 2024 U.S. Local Hospital Champion. Since first meeting Vincent in 2016, CMN has provided travel assistance to several out-of-town specialty appointments. CMN has also provided a wheelchair to use during his many castings, a weighted vest, a sensory sack, helmet and many other critical items to make his life a little easier to manage. Vincent’s mom, Tracy, shared, “CMN has made it possible for Vincent to be a kid and live his best possible life!”
Brandy Miller-Turner, Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals at Freeman Health System
Throughout my adult life, I have watched Show Me grow up and what an incredible adventure it has been. I look forward to getting the magazine every month to see what’s new around our area. Lee has always diligently worked to bring the best of the Four States to Show Me and it’s evident in every edition. My family’s adoption story was featured in the magazine in May 2024 and the whole process was made absolutely seamless. Amy, the writer, put our story into a flawless article that still brings tears to my eyes when I read it. Show Me The Ozarks Magazine is Joplin and has flourished into the Four States. Thank you, Show Me, for keeping us informed on the latest and greatest things going on for all these years.
Daphne Pool, Derma-Tech
We wanted to say thank you for supporting Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks by giving $26,000 over the years. Because of generous supporters like you, BCFO has been able to provide muchneeded support for individuals and families in the Ozarks facing breast cancer for 24 years and counting! huge thank you from the BCFO team and all those we support!
Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks
Love your magazine! Look forward to getting it every month. Articles are well written and keep us informed about what’s happening in the area. Love when you focus on different areas around.
Rhonda
Overstreet
Lamar, MO
Show Me The Ozarks Magazine has helped our business reach a broader audience than I ever thought possible. They are strategically placed in the Four-State Area. They always have a team ready to help you with creativity and pricing. They work hard to make sure you are getting the best results. We owe SMTO for helping us grown our business.
Crystal Vice, Wig’N Out Boutique
I am an avid fan of Show Me The Ozarks Magazine! I have enjoyed the outstanding writing and pictorials for the past 20 years. Upon reading your most current magazine articles, I believe you have set a new standard for informative and entertaining articles.
Let me begin with your incredible cover photo and individual stories in respect to our local television and radio celebrities. SMTO not only allowed its readers to understand what it takes to be a local newscaster in the 21st century but to discover the everyday interests of these extraordinary people.
SMTO then continues with a variety of articles that demonstrate the abundance of creative, resourceful and spirited residents living in the surrounding area. Your recognition of teachers, students, artists, entrepreneurs and others serves our wonderful community in a manner that allows area residents to gain knowledge about Southwest Missouri.
May God continue to bless Joplin with your talented staff and to allow the creativity of SMTO to flourish for many years to come.
Gene Koester, Avid Reader
to the YEARS Cheers
Twenty-three years of Show Me
The Ozarks Magazine. What a testament to founder Lee RadcliffTimmsen, her sisters Sue Dillmon and Kristi Tucker, and all the past and present staff who helped shape the magazine into what it is today.
Lee loves “The Wizard of Oz,” and she knows there’s no place like home. The Four-State Area is the home of Show Me
The Ozarks, and there’s no place like the communities the magazine serves.
STATES DENTAL CARE
2040 Laquesta Dr. | Neosho, MO | 417.451.1566
S
“Southwest Missouri has always been special to me,” says Dr. Kunkel. “The hardworking, forward-thinking people here make it a great place to practice dentistry.”
Like Lee, Wendy Brunner, who took the reins as the new publisher/editor last month, loves this place we call home. Wendy is a beach lover who often jokes, “Why do I live in the landlocked Four States?!” She knows why, though. It’s home, and there a lot of stories here just waiting to be told in this next era of the magazine.
Here’s to the magazine’s 23 years and to its future! Join us as we celebrate our 23rd year by saluting milestones of the local businesses below and on the next page.
ince 1984, Four States Dental Care has proudly served the friendly communities of Neosho, Monett and Webb City, Missouri. Dr. Dale A. Kunkel established the practice shortly after completing dental school, and it has since grown to three locations with 67 team members.
Each town is unique and full of culture, helping Four States Dental Care thrive. With seven doctors and seven hygienists, they work hard to see new and returning patients quickly, often within a few days.
“We strive to provide timely care because we know how important oral health is. By continuing our education and training, we can handle most treatments in-house.”
Looking ahead, Four States Dental Care plans to add more treatment rooms, providers and support staff. “Dentistry is always evolving. We’re excited about the future and eager to bring new advancements to our patients.”
Here’s to many more years of transforming smiles in Southwest Missouri!
3 Years!
Years!
Courtney’s Candles
2029 S. Willard Ave. | Joplin, MO | 866.723.6873
For over three decades, Courtney's Candles has brightened our community with its beautiful creations. "We love illuminating our community's lives," says Courtney Barnett. "The connections we build and the joy our candles bring to homes are our greatest rewards."
Beyond the handcrafted scents, Courtney's Candles is a treasure trove of surprises. "We're always excited to explore new fragrances. Have a scent you love? Bring it in, and let's discuss it! We can create a custom candle for any occasion."
Looking ahead, Courtney is excited about the future of the business. "We're excited about expanding our range of unique, handcrafted scents and products, and deepening our connection with the community. Our new gift sets and collaborations with local artists promise exciting projects ahead!"
THE SOCIAL SIP
The Social Sip offers a unique touch to weddings, corporate events and social gatherings. Over the past three years, this mobile bar and bartending service has catered to over 100 successful events, crafting customized drink menus that elevate each occasion. In addition, The Social Sip offers a range of event services, including a 360 photo booth, DJ/MC, officiant and event staffing.
"I love being involved and working with local businesses and wedding vendors. I also enjoy providing opportunities for clients and team members," says founder and owner Sarah Peavler.
Sarah says of the future, "We are looking forward to establishing our brick and mortar building and obtaining a liquor license for cash bar services.”
Cheers to three years of success, and here's to many more!
5 Years!
23 Years!
JEWELRY COMPANY
Owned by Chad and Jill Comeau since 2001, this local jewelry store is more than just a
a cherished part of the community.
“We love serving our local community because it's where we grew up and where we live today,” says Jill. “Our customers are our friends and neighbors, whether we've known them our whole lives or they've just visited one of our stores for the first time.
From ready-made pieces to custom designs and full restorations, Comeau Jewelry offers comprehensive services that cater to every need.
Looking ahead, Jill says, “We hope to continue growing our business in both Joplin and Pittsburg. Meeting new customers and making their dreams come true is what we thrive on.”
Alchemist Haven is celebrating five years of service in the Joplin community. "Building strong relationships with our customers and truly understanding their needs and preferences is incredibly rewarding," Angela Harris says.
Angela is passionate about the mission of Alchemist Haven. "As a massage therapist of 19 years, I've witnessed numerous issues caused by synthetic ingredients full of formaldehydes. Alchemist Haven was born from a need to help my clients with skin issues by substituting harmful ingredients with natural versions.
Looking ahead, Angela envisions growing and supporting local organizations like Children's Haven and Rapha House. "Giving back feeds my soul, and I'm thankful and humbled by the community's support. Here's to another 100 years!"
Welcome Welcome
to Barton County, Missouri — a place bursting with excitement and community spirit. Dive into the fun at the Lamar Free Fair, a cherished local tradition, or enjoy a nostalgic movie night at the Barco Drive-In. Barton County prides itself on top-notch healthcare and numerous non-profit organizations committed to making a difference. Be sure to explore the delightful local shops and businesses, each offering unique finds and warm hospitality. Meet the wonderful people who live and work here, from dedicated healthcare heroes to passionate community leaders. Visit Barton County soon and experience all it has to offer!
Cox Barton County Hospital Earns Top Quality Award for Third Consecutive Year
Cox Barton County Hospital has once again distinguished itself as one of the top critical access hospitals (CAHs) in the nation, earning a spot in the 2024 Top 20 CAHs for quality. This recognition, announced by the National Rural Health Association (NRHA) and evaluated by the Chartis Center for Rural Health, highlights the hospital’s consistent excellence in healthcare delivery.
For three consecutive years, Cox Barton has demonstrated outstanding performance, securing its place among the top 20 CAHs in the United States. This recognition is based on evaluations of various performance indicators, underscoring the hospital’s commitment to providing topnotch care. Remarkably, Cox Barton is the only hospital in Missouri to be named a best practice quality recipient, reinforcing its leadership in rural healthcare.
Andrea McKay, president of Cox Barton County Hospital, expressed her pride in the hospital’s achievement, attributing the success to the dedication and expertise of the hospital’s physicians and staff.
“The consistent acknowledgment of our hospital as a top 20 quality facility underscores our commitment to providing the highest standard of care to our rural community, assuring them of access to services for years to come,” she said.
The Top 20 CAH best practice recipients are recognized for their excellence in one of two key performance areas:
• Quality index: This measures hospital performance based on the percentile rank across rural-relevant process of care measures.
• Patient perspective index: This evaluates hospital performance based on the percentile rank across all 10 HCAHPS (Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems) domains.
Cox Barton was chosen from the Chartis Center for Rural Health’s 2024 Top 100 CAH list, a significant honor the hospital received earlier this year. The upcoming awards ceremony will take place during the NRHA’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in September in Kansas City, Missouri.
As part of CoxHealth, the region’s only locally owned, not-for-profit health system, Cox Barton County Hospital benefits from the broader network’s commitment to healthcare and community involvement. CoxHealth operates six hospitals, more than 80 clinics, five emergency rooms and employs nearly 12,000 individuals across Southwest Missouri. The health system offers a comprehensive range of treatments and services, catering to diverse health needs and promoting a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
Cox Barton County Hospital’s continued recognition as a top CAH is a testament to its unwavering dedication to quality care, ensuring residents of Southwest Missouri have access to exceptional healthcare services.
Lamar Free Fair Remains
Family Affair as Moore Brothers Keep Tradition Alive
81st Annual Lamar Free Fair Fast Facts
When: Friday, Aug. 16-Saturday, Aug. 24. Carnival and booths open Wednesday, Aug. 21-Saturday, Aug. 24.
Lamar Fair Tickets: Advance tickets can be purchased at https://sgeventsllc.ticketspice.com/2024-lamar-fair-. Tickets are only $20 each when purchased in advance.
Activities: Includes a carnival, vendors of all kinds, queen contest, community and civic group booths, favorite carnival foods, youth livestock show, art show, blue ribbon contests, parades and family fun for all ages.
Contact Information: Becky Costley at 417.850.2033 or beckycostley@hotmail.com.
By Don Lowe
More than eight decades after it first began, the Lamar (Missouri) Free Fair is still as big a deal as it ever was. That’s especially true with the Moore family, considering how long they’ve worked so closely with this event.
As the 81st version of this annual tradition gets under way, Ed Moore says, “The Fair was started by our dad, Bud Moore, and he did it for 25 years. He (Bud) died in April of 1968. My brother, Terry, and I were asked to keep it going, and we have been doing that for all these years. It was started to bring people together and to show off industries.”
As far as one of the feature attractions, Moore says, “The carnival we have is Tom Evans United Shows out of Plattsburg, Missouri. They have been with us for more than 25 years
and provide a great show. They bring many kiddie rides and large rides as well.
“The price for armbands is $20 in advance until Wednesday the week of the Fair. After that, you can buy armbands on the midway and the price will be $25. The prices are for one armband each night. Hours are 6 p.m. to 11 p.m. from Wednesday through Friday. On Saturday, the hours are noon to 5 p.m. and 6 p.m. to 11:30 p.m.
“We have local food vendors with organizations like the Rotary Club and Lions Club, and several area schools. Lots of other vendors bring all sorts of crafts, share information on products and services they provide and many different other things.
“The Lamar Police Department also sets up a booth every year. The Ambulance District is on hand as well in case there are any injuries, and a lot of people running for public offices will have their booths.”
In sharing insight on the original structure of this social gathering, Moore explains,
“We advertise it to be the largest Free Fair in Missouri. There is not an admission charge. There’s no charge for parking.
“And the entertainment is normally no cost either, except for this year since we are featuring country music superstar Clay Walker, who is going to perform at the Fair on Saturday night in the Wyatt Earp Pavilion. General admission tickets will be $25 in advance and $30 the day of the show.”
While the Moore brothers are heavily involved, Moore notes, “It takes a lot of volunteers to make this happen. The City of Lamar, the Barton County Chamber of Commerce, area banks and lots of individuals help make our Fair successful.
“My brother and I take pride in being part of this. It takes so many people that give up their time to help make this event happen. When the Fair is over for the year, you start planning for the next Fair and you think, ‘Wow, what a great event for the town and people.’”
• Antique Tractor Show, BC Memorial Park/9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• Lamar Art League Art Exhibition, Thiebaud Auditorium’s West Room/ noon-8 p.m.
• BC Historical Society Museum, Courthouse Basement/1-9 p.m.
• Sheep Show, Moore Pavilion/ 1 p.m.
• Sober As A Judge, Earp Pavilion/7 p.m.
• Livestock Auction, Moore Pavilion/7 p.m.
• Sheep Leadline, Moore Pavilion (After Auction)
SATURDAY • AUG. 24
• 5/10K Run, east side of square/7:30 a.m.
• Livestock Showmanship, Moore Pavilion/9 a.m.
• Lamar Art League Art Exhibition, Thiebaud Auditorium’s West Room/9 a.m.-noon
• Lamar Art League Awards Ceremony, Thiebaud Auditorium's West Room/10 a.m.
• Antique Car, Truck & Motorcycle Show, Lamar City Park/10 a.m.Noon (Judging at noon)
• Antique Tractor Show, BC Memorial Park/9 a.m.-2 p.m.
• BC Historical Society Museum, Courthouse Basement/1-9 p.m.
• Rotary Parade, Lamar Square/2 p.m. (Judging at 1:15 p.m.)
• Sober As A Judge, Earp Pavilion/7 p.m.
MONDAY • SEPT. 2
• Youth Horse Show, Saddle Club Grounds/10 a.m.
*See inside Fair Guide for admission pricing.
Barco Drive-In Barco Drive-In Overcomes
Challenging Times to Remain Destination for Movie Goers
By Don Lowe
As Barco Drive-In in Lamar, Missouri, celebrates nearly 75 years of bringing family entertainment to life for people throughout Barton County and beyond, it’s clear this remains a desirable destination that has persevered through unexpected challenges the past couple of years and is still providing picture-perfect presentations for all to enjoy.
Scott Kelley, who serves as manager of this iconic institution and runs it alongside his wife, Pam, and other family members, clarifies, “This is our 75th season (showing movies) but technically the 74th year (since it officially opened in late April 1950).”
While Barco Drive-In has stood the test of time, some recent events proved challenging to the family: losing their son, sibling, uncle and friend, Zachary (Zach) Kelley in 2022 at only 31 years old and then having a strong storm in July 2023 do significant damage to the movie screen.
Zach Kelley worked at the Plaza Theatre, which Scott also manages, and was well-known throughout this close-knit community. In talking with Show Me The Ozarks Magazine last year, Scott said of his son, “Zachary never met a stranger. Walking around the square, he talked with anyone he would see.
“He was always checking on friends to see how they were doing. I think he’s made Lamar a better place to live. He’s missed by so many. The square will never be quite the same.”
As if losing Zach wasn’t painful enough, after having to close Barco Drive-In less than a year later when Mother Nature wreaked havoc and caused so much destruction, it might have seemed that would be the end.
In describing the battering Barco took, Scott says, “A massive windstorm knocked the original screen back and forth and pushed it off the foundation. We put in a temporary support to keep it open.”
Although there was much uncertainty about the future of this popular place, there was incredible support to make sure it would be renovated, and Scott says The Plaza Community Rescue (TPC) team of Lynn Calton, Jerri Finley, Kathy Jenkins, Betty Kuhn and Pat O’Neal formed to “help get everything going.”
There were countless companies and individuals who came to Barco’s rescue, including Colby Johnson, David Johnson and Ryan Sargent with Johnson Construction; Stan Rawlings, Brantley Duncan, Jared Gardner, Mike Keatts and Trey Timmons with Rawlings Crane and Fabrication; Harold Vandermark with Vandermark Welding; and Eric Jeffries with Jeffreys Excavation.
“There were so many people from area businesses who helped out,” Scott says. “It has been amazing when you stop and realize how many people have been involved from giving (monetary donations) and helping to
rebuild it. Just incredible community support. It’s been a labor of love.”
It’s understandable why Scott is ecstatic Barco Drive-In not only survived but thrived since his involvement with this operation began so long ago. “I started working for Butler and
Wanda Felts (who managed and then owned Barco) when I was in high school.
“I worked in the concession stand and operated the projector. It was more complicated back then (reel to reel). The theaters fascinated me, and I followed Butler around everywhere.”
There are a great deal of options for entertainment today, but Scott is convinced there’s nothing better than the drive-in experience and he assures, “You can’t beat sitting in a big area and enjoying a movie setting under the stars.”
As far as amenities, Barco Drive-In features a concession stand that includes many of the traditional foods, such as hot buttered popcorn, nachos, chili dogs and much more, and Scott says, “It has a retro 1950s feel to it.”
Although things aren’t completely restored yet with a playground area still being updated, Barco has been back in business the past several weeks, and Scott says, “We’ve been well-received this year.”
Now showcasing movies in 4K format with a spacious facility that holds about 320 cars and enough room for two cars between each set of speaker poles, Barco Drive-In has defied the odds and is continuing onward stronger than ever before.
Scott recognizes this is a business that has dwindled over the decades, and he says, “There are so few (drive-ins) left in Missouri. There are probably only 10 or 11 left in our state. And there are now less than 280 in the United States and Canada.”
Barco Drive-In has reason to be optimistic about the days, weeks, months and years ahead, especially with the Kelleys having been such an integral part of the past, present and future of this landmark location.
“My wife and I met working for Butler and Wanda when they owned the Fox Theatre and Trail Drive-In Theatre in Nevada, Missouri,” Scott says. “Now, our grandchildren love the drive-in. There’s just something about it.”
Barco Drive-In Fast Facts
Where: 57 South East 25th Lane, Lamar, Missouri, located on Highway 160, 1.5 miles east of the Lamar square.
Cost: $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-11. No charge for children under 3 years old.
Hours: Open Friday through Sunday during the summer, and Friday and Saturday during the spring and winter.
Tune-In: Broadcasting in stereo sound on 87.9 FM. More Information: Call 417.682.2434 or email at Movies@LamarMO.com. Manager: Scott Kelley
Community with a Philanthropic Heart: Barton County Community Foundation
By Amy Howe
On the western edge of the Ozarks, Barton County, Missouri, is a community defined by its rich agricultural heritage, storied past and a collective spirit that has thrived for generations. This spirit is exemplified by the Barton County Community Foundation, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary next year. Since its inception in 2015, the Foundation has embodied the true meaning of philanthropy – a term that originated in the fifth century to signify “love for humanity” and now encompasses the giving of time, talent and treasure to enhance the lives of others.
“We started with a vision to make Barton County more vibrant and connected through the power of philanthropy,” says Foundation Coordinator Racheal Martin. “It’s amazing to see how much we’ve accomplished with an all-volunteer board dedicated to this cause.”
Over the past decade, the Foundation, along with its fundholders, has awarded over $7 million in grants and scholarships to the local community. This remarkable achievement aligns seamlessly with their mission: to enhance the quality of life in Barton County through resource development, community grantmaking and public leadership.
“Our mission drives every decision we make,” Martin explains. “Each grant and scholarship is a step towards a stronger, more resilient community. We’ve seen firsthand the impact of our efforts, from improved educational opportunities to enhanced community services.”
As a regional affiliate foundation, Barton County Community Foundation works with Community Foundation of the Ozarks to improve the quality of life in their respective communities. Affiliate foundations connect with local donors and nonprofits to develop charitable funds and address community needs through grantmaking, while the CFO provides fund management, back-office support and additional philanthropic resources. This year, the Foundaton set ambitious goals for growth and sustainability.
“In 2024, we’re navigating new leadership and roles, with a renewed commitment to staying connected with our fundholders, agency partners and the community,” Racheal notes. “We’re learning from other communities and foundations, and our board is expanding with representatives from all over Barton County and various walks of life.”
The Foundation’s dedication to promoting community spirit is evident through its numerous initiatives. Each spring, they host an annual fundraising gala, with all proceeds directed toward the fall grantmaking round. They are active participants in Lamar Community Betterment and promote giving every year on Giving Tuesday.
“We’re constantly looking for ways to engage with the community and inspire others to join us in our mission,” Martin says. “Our grant
round, gala and our participation in local leadership and events are just a few ways we do that.”
The upcoming 10-year anniversary is not just a celebration of past achievements but also a promise for the future. The Foundation’s board members recently attended the Rural Philanthropy Summit, where they gained insights from leaders in the field and discussed strategies to address the challenges faced by rural communities.
“Attending the summit was invaluable,” Martin reflects. “It reinforced our belief that by working together and learning from others, we can create more thriving communities.”
As the Barton County Community Foundation looks ahead to its next decade, it remains steadfast in its mission to enhance the quality of life in Barton County through collaboration, resource development and public leadership.
“We hope to make our 10-year anniversary a memorable one,” Martin concludes. “It’s a time to celebrate what we’ve achieved and to inspire even greater philanthropic service and leadership in the years to come.”
Barton County Community Foundation Board of Directors
Shelly Haag, (current President FY24/25)
Heidi Johnson, Vice-President
Martin Bunton, (past President FY 21/23)
Nancy Curless, Secretary and founding member since 2012
Jacqui Nichols, Treasurer
Mary Jo Mincks • Fran Vaughan
Lacey Peterson • Elizabeth King
Shelly Haag, Racheal Martin, Lacey Peterson, Marty Bunton, Mary Jo Mincks, Heidi Johnson and Jacqui Nichols
Not Pictured: Nancy Curless, Fran Vaughan, and Elizabeth King
Mark Strayer Uses Art to Impact Lives
By Ann Leach
Mark Strayer is a man with a mission. “I would simply like to pass on through my work the importance of handmade objects and how wonderful they can make one feel,” he says. “The imagery I use on most of my work regularly evokes happy memories from my customers and makes a real personal connection.”
Strayer, a potter, works in his home studio about 10 miles east of Lamar, Missouri, on 15 acres of totally wooded property with two small streams running through it. “It’s a quiet place. And I like that it has lots
of natural light. There are two electric kilns to fire my functional ware and all of my Raku firing is done in a handmade portable kiln in my driveway.”
Strayer discovered clay as a medium in 1997. “I was working at FisherPrice,” he says. “And they offered their designers opportunities to pursue other creative experiences to stimulate our creativity. I took an eight-week beginner course in ceramics and was immediately hooked.”
But Strayer has always had ideas for his creative process. “I typically have more ideas I want to pursue than I can fit in. I challenge myself to learn something new every year. It might be a new decorating technique, a way to fire differently, a new shape or to create new glazes. I then try and integrate this new element into my work to keep things fresh and interesting.
“My work is primarily functional ware but I also have a following for
“If you have never eaten from or taken a sip from a handmade piece of pottery, please do. Your meals will never be the same and you won’t regret it.”
– Mark Strayer
my small ceramic buildings. I think my desire to create useful and functional pieces comes from my industrial design background. I enjoy the idea of my customers using my pieces. I imagine them sitting at the dinner table or having a snack in front of the TV eating from one my dishes or drinking from one of my cups. It’s that that gives me a great deal of satisfaction.”
All of his functional ware is fired in an electric kiln to Cone 5-6. “My work continues to evolve with the use of surface decoration techniques. I am currently using handmade stamps, slip trailing, digital image transfers and sgraffito. I love complex layering of textures for a rich
visual experience for the user. All my newer work combines all these techniques. My transfer imagery is primarily inspired either by interest in vintage black and white imagery of people and things or my love of nature.”
Strayer parlays some of his many ideas into donated bowls he creates for the annual Empty Bowls event managed by Watered Gardens and benefiting four area nonprofits that provide meals and food to those who are food insecure.
“I participate because I don’t understand how in our country today, we can have people, our neighbors, who don’t have enough to eat. As a
potter, to make a simple bowl is such a basic thing to produce yet it also can create such a strong metaphor that symbolizes when empty, how great the need is to feed people. If my bowls can help make that happen, I am happy to donate.”
Strayer’s work can be found at Local Color Gallery in Joplin and online in his Etsy shop, https://www.etsy.com/shop/NorthStarPottery.
“I also have a few pieces in the gift shop at ArtCentral in Carthage. If you have never eaten from or taken a sip from a handmade piece of pottery, please do. Your meals will never be the same and you won’t regret it.”
Master the mind and you can master the body. At least that’s what Melissa Ritter is banking on as she furthers her pursuit of fitness through running.
“Our bodies are meant to be moving,” Ritter said. “Our mind is the only thing that holds us back, but if you can break through the mental barrier, what you can accomplish is truly amazing.”
Ritter started running as a way to have some quiet time. She’d put her headphones on and try to keep time with the beat of the music.
As the years progressed, her running time allowed deeper thoughts to come into her mind and she began reflecting on how far she had come.
“I used that as motivation toward a hard run that I knew was coming later in the week,” she said.
Melissa Ritter: Mastering Mindset and Miles
By Ann Leach
Ritter prefers solo runs as opposed to group runs or running with a buddy. “I found I was wondering if I would I feel obliged to talk to others or run at their pace rather than focusing on my capabilities. All of these thoughts put more stress on me than the run itself.”
But Ritter learned to never say never when living in North Dakota a few years ago, where she met a community character known as the Marathon Maniac. She said, “He would run in negative 20 degrees and snowy conditions, and he convinced me to run a few 8-mile
“Our mind is the only thing that holds us back, but if you can break through the mental barrier, what you can accomplish is truly amazing.”
– Melissa Ritter
runs with him after he learned I was training for my first half marathon. I’m grateful for how much I learned from him!”
Ritter uses other tools besides her Garmin watch as support in her running discipline.
“A good night’s sleep is vital,” she said. “And I have learned to carve one hour after my workday to run. I have a treadmill at home, and I want to add that my husband has been great support in my running journey.”
In addition, she signs up for the next race as soon as she completes one and said that helps her with her accountability.
Today, Ritter has progressed to training for marathons, and she continues to research plans and uses the suggested runs each day on her Garmin watch, programming in a running time goal and using the suggested daily run plans to monitor her progress and pace. She sets goals each year.
“As my kids have gotten older and more involved in sports and school, I have had to be more flexible in my goal setting around their schedules,” she said. “I have my eyes set on running the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon in November. And my long-term goal is to be able to qualify for the Boston Marathon and run a marathon or half-marathon in each of the 50 states.”
Ritter’s running experience has led her to encourage middle-age people to find a goal or occupation they can enjoy and keeps them active.
“We need to begin telling ourselves, ‘I am going try to do something hard. How much healthier will I be by setting myself up for success in my later years of life?’”
Spotlights Barton CountyBusiness
On the Square in
Barco Drive In: Movies under the stars!
Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings. Double Feature: Adults $10, kids 12 and under $5. Plaza Theatre is open every evening. Just call for show times. Evening shows $10; Saturday and Sunday matinees $8. First run movies at both theatres. Visit our website at www.lamarmovies.com.
Serving Missouri for over 125 years. Barton Mutual Insurance provides property and casualty coverage throughout Missouri, with more than 425 agency locations in the state. From Main Street in Liberal rippling outward to the rest of the state, Barton Mutual’s mission is to provide quality insurance coverage and to make every customer feel valued and respected. They strive to seek the guidance of the Creator in the management of the company.
Celebrating 13 years serving Barton County. As your
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Local sports stars often serve as beacons of inspiration and pride within their communities. These athletes excel in their chosen sports and become symbols of dedication, perseverance and achievement. Whether they dominate on the field, court or track, their feats are far more than athletic prowess; they embody the values of hard work, passion and the pursuit of excellence.
Through determination and confidence, local sports stars forge connections with their communities and earn the admiration and support of fans who cheer them on from nearby stands. Their impact extends beyond sports, contributing to the collective spirit of their hometowns.
Meet our local sports stars from various schools and communities on the following pages. Find inspiration in their drive to succeed.
Zavrie Wiss Lamar High School
Kahli Fields Seneca High School
Alex Wilkerson Lamar High School
Brody Crane Neosho High School
Lannah Grigg Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School
Maddy Colin Ozark Christian College
Braden Honeywell-Lynch
Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School
Logan Decker New Heights Christian Academy
Lamar Lady Tigers Point Guard Zavrie Wiss Wows with Playmaking Wizardry
By Don Lowe
As a youngster, Lamar Lady Tigers senior premiere point guard Zavrie Wiss spent quite a bit of time ‘hooping it up’ for fun with her father (Casey Wiss) and after that she was sold on playing basketball competitively.
While Wiss says “playing with my dad at a young age” initially got her interested in this sport, she’s driven by “the competitiveness that comes with the game and the adrenaline rush when I’m on the court.”
Lady Tigers Senior High Girls Basketball Head Coach Derek Judd appreciates Wiss’ style of play, and he says, “What stands out about Zavrie is she plays with a motor that never stops.
“Tip off to final buzzer, her face is beet red because she just never stops. Being our main ball handler takes a lot of energy and she always brings that.”
Wiss suggests running the point has been her primary position because of “my ability to see the court well and create opportunities for my teammates.”
Since it all starts with Wiss, she knows there’s a lot of responsibility on her shoulders and she says, “Every offense begins with me. I’m held accountable for all the plays.”
“The biggest growth I’ve seen from Zavrie is her taking on the challenge of being our main ball handler last year and the leaps she’s taken this summer in that area,” Coach Judd says. “She’s calling out sets and taking command of the offense.
“We are going to be young and as one of only two seniors on our team, Zavrie’s taken to her role of leading and challenging all the girls to work hard and improve.
“Zavrie is a scrappy defender and a good shooter, but her best ability as a guard is her knack for getting to the rim. She isn’t the tallest girl, but she goes in the paint against girls much bigger than her.
“Never once has she shown fear in the face of that. Zavrie’s constantly getting beat up when
Lamar Sports Star Zavrie Wiss
Fast Facts
Age: 18
Height: 5’,3”
Grade in School: 12th
Parents: Casey and Brooke Wiss
Siblings:
Stetson Wiss and Maddix Wiss
Hometown: Lamar, Missouri
Favorite Subject in School: History
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Professional/Collegiate Basketball Athlete: Caitlin Clark, rookie with the WNBA’s Indiana Fever and former Iowa Lady Hawkeyes three-time All-American and two-time Associated Press Player of the Year
Favorite Sports Movie: “Believe in Me”
Achievements: 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All-Conference and Southwest Missouri All-Area Team.
she goes to the rim. She will get knocked down, get right back up and barrel in there again that next opportunity.”
Wiss says her “quick hands and feet, and handeye coordination” are the skillset she possesses that led to success in this sport.
Coach Judd is thrilled to have such an exemplary student-athlete representing Lamar, and he says, “We could talk about Zavrie’s hustle and willingness to take hard fouls when she’s going to the rim all day, but what I appreciate most is you never have to worry about her off the court.
“She stays out of trouble, makes excellent grades and is involved in a ton of extracurricular activities. She’s a busy kid. She brings her competitive spirit to all the organizations she’s involved. I’m proud to be her coach.”
Although Wiss recognizes success for herself is all about “being confident in myself and being a good communicator with my teammates,” the most rewarding aspect of basketball for her is “getting to see my team and teammates succeed.”
Lamar Gridiron Great Alex Wilkerson Has Grown Up on the Football Field
By Don Lowe
Lamar Tigers senior standout quarterback/ strong safety Alex Wilkerson literally grew up on the gridiron and it’s just a way of life for him.
“My family has always been big into football, starting with my dad (Chris Wilkerson), who has been coaching for 30 years,” says the younger Wilkerson. “Then, competing with my brothers (Anthony and Austin Wilkerson) in the backyard and they always pushed me to be better.”
Wilkerson loves the game-planning and thinking that are important in this sport and he explains, “I like the strategy part, where you’re basically playing chess every snap and adapting to what the other team is doing and trying to overcome that.
“I also like the mental part with not only being able to take a hit but deliver a hit and get back up every time and then do it all over again.”
“He loves contact and loves to compete,” says
Lamar Sports Star
Alex Wilkerson
Fast Facts
Age: 17
Height: 5’10”, 178 lbs.
Grade in School: 12th
Parents: Chris and Sharla Wilkerson
Siblings:
Anthony Wilkerson and Austin Wilkerson
Hometown: Lamar, Missouri
Favorite Subject in School: Science
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Professional Football Athlete: Retired Seattle Seahawks All-Pro Safety Kam Chancellor
Favorite Sports Movie: “Greater”
Achievements: 1st Team Missouri Football Coaches Association All-State Defensive Back, 1st Team Southwest Missouri Football Coaches Association All-Area Quarterback, 1st Team Southwest Missouri Football Coaches Association All-Area Defensive Back, 2nd Team Southwest Missouri Football Coaches Association AllArea Punter and Special Mention All-Big 8 Conference Defensive Back
Lamar Head Coach Jared Beshore. “He is a leader by example with his work ethic and accountability. And he’s a vocal leader who pushes his teammates around him to get better every day.
“His intelligence level is off the charts as far as football is concerned. He makes big-time plays in the biggest games on a consistent basis on both sides of the ball.”
While Wilkerson runs the Tigers offense, this talented two-way star considers strong safety his primary position. “I believe I came to this position because of my physicality and my ability to track down the football in the air.
“I would say my sense of balance and control over my body is one of the more important capabilities I have, along with the skill of tracking down the ball once it’s in the air.”
“Alex has worked extremely hard at improving his athletic ability by consistently increasing his straight-line speed and explosiveness,” Coach Beshore says. “He has not gotten complacent with his production on the field and found many areas to better his craft.”
Despite the rough and rugged work that
goes into playing football, Wilkerson finds it rewarding to play this game and he says what makes his experience so gratifying is “seeing all the hours upon hours of hard work in the weight room and on the field pay off.
“Also, having the older folks stop you in town to talk about your last game or the little kids that run up to you and say they love watching you play on Friday nights is special.”
Coach Beshore knows Wilkerson is a special student-athlete, and he says, “He’s just a highcharacter young man. He’s the type of kid other players love going to battle with because he always performs at his highest level.
“He’s also a great kid to coach by being a role model off the field as well. He takes care of business in the classroom, in the community and on the football field.”
As Wilkerson gets ready for his final year suiting up for the Tigers pigskin squad, Coach Beshore anticipates big things from this allaround athlete and he says, “I’m extremely proud of his drive to improve himself this off-season, and I look forward to all the great things he’s going to accomplish this season.”
Thomas Jefferson Track Star Lannah Grigg is Double Trouble in Discus and Shot Put
By Don Lowe
Aformer coach at Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School suggested Lannah Grigg would be good at the discus and shot put a few years ago, and this gifted senior-tobe track star couldn’t be more thrilled she gave it a try.
Grigg is excited to compete, and she says, “I love the individuality. And for me, I need to be so focused and relaxed. You use basically every muscle in your body. But mainly, you use your brain. Your biggest competition is yourself. Most of the throwing is mental.
“Most of the time a thrower is capable of more, but they need to get past the mental block. I love that it’s more complex. You need to focus on your footwork, weight distribution, angle of release, time of release, keeping yourself in the ring and more.”
Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Track Head Coach Jerome Eldridge says,
“Lannah’s success is attributed to her explosive power in her shoulders, back and arms, which allows her to generate massive force and distance in both events.
“Over the past couple years, she’s continued to improve through hard work and focus on fundamentals. Her ability to consistently compete at a high level is a testament to her determination and commitment to excellence.”
“I think my favorite thing is the satisfaction of meeting my goal for the day,” Grigg says. “In track, there are personal records and those give you goals.
“I go to every meet with a goal to beat my personal best. I might not get first place or finish in the top three, but track helps you set realistic goals to improve yourself individually.”
As for challenges she faces, Grigg says, “It’s sometimes hard pushing yourself. That’s why we have coaches. It can be scary. You don’t want to fall and hurt yourself or someone else. You also want to throw as hard as possible. It can still be scary throwing with your full force.”
Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School
Sports Star
Lannah Grigg
Fast Facts
Age: 16
Height: 6’
Grade in School: 12th
Parents: Michael Grigg and Shannah Cassatt
Siblings: Tannah Cassatt, Zannah Grigg and Dannah Grigg
Hometown: Joplin, Missouri
Favorite Subject in School: Math
Favorite Food: Any type of pasta
Favorite Sports Movie:
“Overcomer” for track and “The Miracle Season” for volleyball Achievements: Conference Discus Champion, District Discus Champion (Sectional Qualifier)/ State Qualifier and District Shot Put Champion (Sectional Qualifier) in Track. 1st Team All-District and AllConference in Volleyball. All Ozark 7 Honorable Mention in Basketball.
In thinking about her God-given abilities, Grigg believes her frame is ideal for these events. “I feel like I’m naturally built physically for throwing. I also believe I have a strong mind for it because the level of concentration it takes for throwing comes easily for me.”
Overall, Grigg says the keys to success are “trusting the process and trusting the coach. This last year, we had a new field events coach (Nick Panella). He had us doing drills we’d never done before. He pushed our limits.
“I don’t think I would have improved as much without Coach Panella. I went into the season hoping to break the school record. Coach Panella knew I could do more, and I did.
“I love all the people I get to meet. Most of them I see at almost every event, so I get to see them break their personal records.
“At state, I got to meet people from all over Missouri. I got to talk to them about their stories and how they got into throwing. Most of them are going to college for track. That gives me hope maybe I could do the same thing.”
Thomas Jefferson Distance Runner Braden Honeywell-Lynch Stays the Course with Desire, Dedication and Determination
By Don Lowe
What started out as something Braden Honeywell-Lynch had to do for disciplinary reasons in elementary school soon became a passion, and he has worked hard to become an elite distance runner for the Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Cavaliers.
“I was a bit of a class clown in fourth grade and my teacher (Mrs. Dana Stokesbary at Kelsey Norman Elementary School in Joplin) would make me run laps at recess,” recalls Honeywell-Lynch, who will be a senior this fall. “Soon, I got to the point where I was running during all of recess to see how many laps I could get done.
“My grandpa, Bob Honeywell, signed me up for a local 5K event when he heard about my interest in running, and I have been doing it ever since.”
He considers the 1,600-meter run, 3,200-meter run and 4x800-meter relay, and 5K in cross-
Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School Sports Star Braden Honeywell-Lynch Fast Facts Age: 16
Height: 5’8”, 125 lbs.
Grade in School: 12th
Parents: William and Katherine Lynch
Siblings: James, Winnifred and Millicent Lynch
Hometown: Joplin, Missouri
Favorite Subject in School: Science
Favorite Food: Pizza
Favorite Olympic Distance Runner: Norwegian world champion middle- and longdistance runner Jakob Asserson Ingebrigtsen
Favorite Sports Movie: “Cool Runnings”
Achievements: 1st Team All-Conference, All-District/State Qualifier and 2nd Team Southwest Cross Country Coaches Association (SWCCCA) All-Region in Cross Country. 1,600-Meter, 3,200-Meter Sectional Qualifier and 4x800-Meter Relay State Qualifier in Track.
country his specialties, and they take plenty of stamina. “Because I started running long distance at such a young age, I was always a much stronger long-distance runner than sprinter.
“They are grueling at times, but watching my progress through the years has made it worthwhile. If you have ever run a 1,600 or 3,200, you’ll know it takes a lot of grit to push forward and finish whenever you don’t feel like going any longer.”
Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School
Track Head Coach Jerome Eldridge says, “Braden’s success can be attributed to his stride efficiency, which enables him to generate speed and power while minimizing energy over long distances. His adaptability in training has also been instrumental in his improvement as he challenges himself and others to improve their performances.”
Although it might seem as though you’re on your own running, Honeywell-Lynch counters, “It is often thought of as an individual sport, but the team bonding part might be my favorite. Going on long runs and chatting with friends can’t be beat.”
Honeywell-Lynch explains, “The most important thing you need for any long-
distance event is perseverance. You can be the fastest guy on the cross-country course, but if you can’t run for more than 200 meters, it won’t do you any good. What makes it interesting is the constant struggle to build up your endurance and decrease your times.”
It’s all about running, running and running some more, and Honeywell-Lynch says, “Simply put, you just need to run. On weekends, you run and on practice days you run. You run long runs, you run easy runs and you run up hills. You run all the time. That’s how you get better.”
“Braden demonstrates strong leadership skills while taking ownership of his actions and setting a high standard for himself and others,” Coach Eldridge says. “He also maintains a strong GPA while pursuing his athletic goals, which showcases his ability to balance multiple responsibilities.”
Honeywell-Lynch is ready for what he hopes is a memorable senior year and he says, “Setting goals and breaking them is the best feeling, especially after putting in the work.
“This year, my main goal is to break the school records for the 1,600, 3,200 and 5K. I will put in the work to make that happen because I know how rewarding it will be.”
Seneca Softball Star Kahli Fields Lights Up the Diamond
By Don Lowe
Seneca Lady Indians senior
star outfielder Kahli Fields knows her swiftness afoot is a pivotal part of the high level at which she performs, and she says, “I’ve used my speed as an advantage to cover more ground, as well as my competitive mindset of ‘no fly zone.’
“In other words, I let nothing drop. There is also no better feeling than making big plays, like throwing out runners at home plate.”
Second-year Seneca Softball Head Coach Allyson Stolte raves, “Kahli is a hard worker. She puts in more work than anyone I know. And she is so quick.
“Her range is extraordinary in the outfield. If a ball is hit anywhere on the grass, she’s going to find a way to catch it. She would run through a wall for her team to get an out.
“Kahli has a competitor’s mindset. She’s always striving to be better and help her team get
Seneca Sports Star
Kahli Fields Fast Facts
Age: 17
Height: 5’3”
Grade in School: 12th
Parents: Danny and Katrina Fields
Sibling: Dayton Fields
Hometown: Seneca, Missouri
Favorite Subject in School: English
Favorite Food: Sushi
better. She puts in the time to get better at her craft. She’s a championship-level performer because of her work ethic. She strives to be the best outfielder she can be.”
While Fields plays her position flawlessly, she understands the demands of an outfielder and explains, “The biggest challenge is being able to anticipate the ball off the bat and react accordingly.”
Challenging or not, Fields has the skillset and in assessing her own capabilities, she says, “Speed, agility, ability to read the ball, a strong arm and competitive mindset are helpful things that make me a more successful athlete.”
“Her growth is all in her mentality,” Coach Stolte says. “She’s a phenomenal player and her abilities keep getting better. She’s gaining confidence in those abilities and knows she can do anything she puts her mind to do.
“She has grown as a leader and projects her willingness to work hard to her teammates. Where Kahli goes, her teammates will follow her.”
As far as what it takes to play this sport, Fields rationalizes, “It requires not only physical strength, but mental strength even more
Favorite Collegiate Softball Athlete: Former Oklahoma Lady Sooners star and three-time 1st Team All-American Jayda Coleman
Favorite Baseball Movie: “Sandlot”
Achievements:
Class 3 2nd Team All-Region, 1st Team Big 8 All-Conference and 1st Team Class 3 All-District in 2023. Class 3 2nd Team All-Region, 2nd Team Big 8 All-Conference and 1st Team Class 3 All-District in 2022. Honorable Mention Big 8 AllConference and 2nd Team Class 3 District 4 in 2021.
because softball is a game of failure. You fail more times than you succeed.
“Softball is also a supportive sport, where you need to learn to be your teammates’ biggest fan, no matter how you’re doing personally. Those mindsets help build mental fortitude, which helps players succeed on and off the field.”
Fields says success as an outfielder is all about “learning to communicate with your teammates as well as always thinking about the next play or the next chance to get an out for your team.”
Regardless of Fields’ own individual talents, Coach Stolte knows she is the epitome of a team player and states, “I appreciate Kahli’s work ethic. She’s the kind of leader you want on your team.
“Kahli wants to win with her team. It’s not about personal goals. She wants this program to keep growing. I’m just proud to get to coach her and see her success in the future.”
Coach Stolte hopes Fields’ final season in high school is memorable, and she says, “Kahli deserves the best senior year possible. I can’t wait to see what she and our team accomplish together this year.”
Neosho Sports Star Brody Crane Fast Facts
Age: 16
Height: 6’1”, 205 lbs.
Grade in School: 11th
Parents: Kyle and Ashley Crane
Siblings: Braxton and Brylan Crane
Hometown: Neosho, Missouri
Neosho Wildcats Pitcher Brody Crane Displays Mastery on the Mound
By Don Lowe
As Neosho Wildcats junior rising star pitcher Brody Crane continues to show off his impressive work on the mound, he says, “Pitching became my specialty when my velocity started climbing.”
Travel Baseball Head Coach Scott Elbert, who has seen Crane up close while coaching him the past couple years, says, “Brody has a competitive edge and trust you don’t see in many athletes that gives him an advantage to go along with his explosive stuff.”
Coach Elbert is impressed with how Crane has developed and says, “He puts in the time to get better and is always looking for ways to improve.
“Watching him turn into a pitcher instead of a thrower has been fun to watch. He has a fastball that is in the mid 90s and his off-speed
stuff is developing into being put-away stuff.”
Crane likes being in charge while standing tall on the hill and firing pitches into his catcher’s mitt at home plate. “The thing I enjoy most about pitching is that you are in control of the game.”
While having an authoritative presence on the hill is nice, Crane admits, “Some challenges with being successful as a pitcher are the physical demands, learning how to command and control your pitches, and mental toughness.”
Crane believes his size is a big plus for his pitching prowess, and he says, “I’m a pretty large kid for my age and that helps me throw harder throughout the game.”
Crane says there are several aspects to being a good hurler: “You need to be mentally strong. Baseball is such a mental sport and if you fall apart on the mound, it’s going to affect your entire team. You also need to be well-coached to be a successful pitcher so your mechanics stay on point and you gain knowledge as you
Favorite Subject in School: History
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Professional
Baseball Athlete: Los Angeles Angels star outfielder Mike Trout, an 11-time Major League Baseball All-Star and three-time American League Most Valuable Player.
Favorite Baseball Movie: “Major League”
Achievements: Academic All-State Honoree
go farther in the game.”
Crane’s fascination with the sport started before he’d even turned five-years-old. “Watching Major League Baseball as a young kid made me want to start competing in baseball.”
Although on-the-field success makes it worthwhile, Crane says, “Competing in baseball is rewarding because the personal growth you get is unmatched more than in any other sports. It’s also rewarding because you get to create strong bonds with your teammates, which leads to lifelong friendships.”
Coach Elbert says, “I appreciate the trust and commitment Brody and his family have had in me to help him” on or off the diamond.
“There are many more years ahead and I am looking forward to seeing how far Brody can make it. He is a special talent and it’s fun being a part of his journey.”
It’s a Family Affair Playing Volleyball for Ozark Christian College Freshman Maddy Colin
By Don Lowe
While Maddy Colin was an outstanding high school softball player at New Heights Christian Academy (formerly College Heights Christian School), she also had great success as a setter in volleyball and will continue playing that sport at Ozark Christian College in Joplin this fall.
The decision to go with volleyball over softball collegiately wasn’t difficult since Maddy will continue playing for a head coach she knows quite well--her mother, Mary Colin. Maddy’s older sister, Emmy, will also be one of her teammates.
“My mom is a great coach,” Maddy says. “She leads well in being both my mom and coach. She knows the game well and does a great job teaching it. It’s never an issue to play for her.”
After having coached her youngest daughter for 14 total seasons on school and club teams combined, Coach Colin knows what makes Maddy a terrific all-around athlete, and she says, “She is a technician at her sports-specific skills and she’s a relational teammate.
“Maddy’s determination in all aspects of sports have contributed to her overall success. She also loves her teammates and strives to pour into their lives, on and off the court.”
Being a student of the game, Maddy says, “I love the strategy of setting. It depends on where the pass is going, where the blockers are at and who is ready to hit that helps me decide where the best place to give the ball will be.
“Setting can be difficult because you never set from the same place twice, but the ball needs to be ‘set’ to the same place every time.”
Coach Colin says, “Maddy loves dishing up a killable ball and giving all the credit to the hitter. In her senior year of high school, she worked to develop her offensive attack as a setter, while giving her pin hitter (outside and right-side hitters) more one-on-one attempts.
Former New Heights Christian Academy Sports Star Maddy Colin Fast Facts
Age: 18
Height: 5’8”
Grade in School: Freshman in College (Ozark Christian College)
Parents: Adam and Mary Colin
Sibling: Emmy Colin
Hometown: Joplin, Missouri
Favorite Subject in School: Math
Favorite Food: Tacos
Favorite Collegiate Volleyball
Athlete: Her sister, Emmy Colin.
Favorite Sports Movie:
“Remember the Titans”
Achievements: Volleyball Conference
Player of the Year, 1st Team AllDistrict, and set the school career record for assists with 2,202 in 202324. Softball 1st Team All-State, 1st Team All-Region, 1st Team All-District, 1st Team All-Conference, and set the school career record for strikeouts with 904 in 2023-24.
“Maddy has grown in strength, confidence and experience. As a setter, her tempo and location has improved every season. Her serve has always been aggressive, but with age and experience, she can change speeds and locations better.”
Having been around this sport many years, Maddy says, “I’ve played the game for so long, I know it backwards and forward.”
As the Colins navigate their dual roles of daughter/athlete and mother/coach, they wouldn’t have it any other way. Maddy says, “I get to be around my mom. I love my mom and we get to share every win and loss. It’s always great to know she is watching and has productive feedback for me.”
“Honestly, it’s all we know,” Coach Colin says. “I’ve coached Emmy and Maddy. I was also their principal at school and always their mom.
“My husband, Adam, is a teacher as well. School and sports are our loves. Both girls have been fun to coach. They love volleyball, so coaching them has been fun and rewarding.”
New Heights Junior Logan Decker Right at Home Under Friday Night Lights
By Don Lowe
The Deckers’ home away from home is on the gridiron, so it’s fitting New Heights Christian Academy Cougars junior quarterback/ defensive back Logan Decker says, “My family has always been a big football family.
“My dad (Dan Decker) and brothers (Landon, Joseph and Kaden) played in high school and some in college. Plus, I just love this time of season and the excitement that football brings. No sport is like it.
“Nothing beats Friday nights under the lights and the crowd being loud. It takes a lot of hard work. And it’s cool to see the work you put in pay off. There’s no bond like a football team that has grown close. They become your brothers.”
New Heights Christian Academy Head Coach John Lucas says, “Logan has the determination, he loves to practice and he has
New Heights Christian Academy Sports Star
Logan Decker Fast Facts Age: 17
Height: 6’0”, 175 lbs.
Grade in School: 11th
Parents: Dan and Jenni Decker
Siblings: Landon Decker, Joseph Decker, Kaden Decker, Bethany Sutherlin and Malea Decker.
Hometown: Joplin, Missouri
Favorite Subject in School: Math
Favorite Food: Steak
Favorite Professional Football Athlete: Retired NFL Hall of Fame Linebacker Ray Lewis, who played 17 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and was a two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year and two-time Super Bowl Champion.
Favorite Football Movie:
“Remember the Titans”
Achievements: 1st Team All-District and 1st Team All-Area
the desire to be an elite football player.
“He’s set a high standard in the weight room through his dedication and tireless efforts to improve physically through weight, mobility and speed training. As a quarterback, he also has the courage to risk failure, as well as the inner drive to learn all he can about playing the position at a high level.”
In successfully directing the Cougars offense, Coach Lucas says of Logan, “He is becoming an elite football player at quarterback through his dedication, hard work and personal commitment to all aspects of the sport.
“These qualities have helped him become physically elite in his fitness, agility and speed. At quarterback, he has a high level of mental fortitude, great leadership skills and great decision-making skills on the field.”
As far as assessing his own capabilities, Logan says, “I have speed and the ability to scramble or make a play on the ball. Some other skills are being able to see the field and anticipate what’s coming.”
Regardless of what skillsets he possesses, Logan recognizes there are challenges, and he
explains, “Teams we play establish a gameplan to try and shut me down or take me out of the game. Also, there’s pressure to perform to expectations.”
No matter what he does individually or how an opponent counters, Logan says, “The keys to being successful are hard work and putting in reps and extra reps. Other keys are hitting the weight room to get stronger. Also, the desire to not finish second, but first, drives me to be the best I can.”
“Logan is a physically gifted athlete who has improved his skills each year,” Coach Lucas says. “I believe his biggest improvement has been his leadership skills through his example on and off the field, plus verbally taking command on the field.”
Coach Lucas is most thrilled with how Logan handles himself whether he’s suited up to play or otherwise and says, “He’s a dedicated student-athlete who excels in the classroom.
“What I’m proud of is witnessing Logan mature as a Christian who truly cares about each of his teammates as his brother, and he would do anything for each of them.”
College Heights Christian School Becomes New Heights Christian Academy
Submitted by New Heights Christian Academy
Over the past four years, New Heights Christian Academy has seen a great deal of growth. This past school year, 2023-24, we started the year with 614 students, which is the most our school has had start in its history. We have had a 20% growth in four years. The current enrollment numbers are causing us to be very close to capacity in our current space with a waiting pool for most of our elementary classes. This year we will again set a record enrollment with a projected enrollment of 640 students.
bylaws, the school was not allowed to incur any debt or purchase land without church approval. Through much conversation between the College Heights Christian School Board and the Church Elder Board, the best path forward for school growth was independence from the church. This occurred toward the end of the 2022-23 school year. With this independence came the necessity to change the bylaws and policies to reflect the change. Included in this process was also the need to change the name of the school to reflect a Christian school that represented the 85 churches from different communities sending students to our school, not just one. While the name change is necessary, we are still and always will be a Christian school. We will continue to have the same values and high Christian standards College Heights Christian School was always known for.
Part of the movement toward growth was the start of our ALL IN Capital campaign to raise funds for the purchase of property at 1107 N. Prosperity Rd., which was the former Elevate The Game campus. Friends of the school purchased the property to take it off of the market and allow the school time to raise the funds to purchase it. So far, the campaign has raised $2 million of the $3.2 million needed. Freeman Health System was the latest to donate to the campaign with a check for $400,000.
With this growth, and the potential for more growth, we began to look at what we could do for additional space. According to the school’s
As it became evident the independence was going to be necessary, the school board set about the task of how to rename the school while maintaining the reputation and legacy the school has established over the past 45 years. After much deliberation, prayer and communication, the board agreed that the new name for our school would be New Heights Christian Academy.
The new name reflects the amazing things College Heights Christian School did and shows the focus of building on those things and taking them to new heights in the future. The name also reflects the excellence with which we strive to develop a Christ-centered learning environment with a Biblical worldview.
A Joplin Chamber of Commerce ribbon cutting was held June 24, and on July 1, the school began doing business as New Heights Christian Academy.
Future Joplin Science Center Name Revealed
The Schroder Family Exploreum had quite the crowd for the debut of the future science center’s official name June 28. A project of Creative Learning Alliance, the Exploreum is located in the former Joplin Library at 300 Main St. “We were absolutely thrilled with the turn out. It just goes to show how excited the region is for this exciting attraction!” said Executive Director Neely Myers. “We are excited to open the north end of the building as soon as we’ve raised enough capital to repair the air conditioning.” If you are interested in donating, email neely@creativelearningalliance.org.
1. Neely Myers.
2. Shelly Kraft, Stephanie Bradshaw and Kitty Ward.
3. Emily Frankoski, Lauren Brown and Laura Evans.
4. The name reveal.
5. Jeannette Lehew, Jamie Strickland and Gina Langston. 6. Emily Gibson, Donnie Greenlee and Annette Thurston. 7. Shelly Kraft, Neely Myers, Rick Schroeder and Audie Dennis. 8. Neely Myers, Rick Schroeder and Audie Dennis. 9. Chase and Mariah Kraft. Far Left: Jessica Pommert and Rikki Smith.
Jess Sickman Named Director of Schools for Joplin Area Catholic Schools
By Don Lowe
Newly appointed Joplin Area Catholic Schools (JACS) Director of Schools Jess Sickman and her family are new to the Joplin area, having just moved here in 2021. Jess is from Pinckneyville, Illinois, and graduated from Pinckneyville Community High School. She furthered her education at Eastern Illinois University, obtaining a degree in Family & Consumer Sciences (with hospitality concentration) + Business Administration. Jess and her husband, Jeremy, are parents to Brek, a senior at McAuley Catholic High School and Ali, a sixth grader at St. Peter’s Middle School. Jess says her high school band teachers, Steve Cannedy and Cathy Cunningham, had a profound impact on her career choice, as did her parents, Larry and Bonnie Paszkiewicz, for setting a foundation for success in life. Jess’ hobbies include following her kids to their many activities, long walks with friends, comedy shows with her husband, cooking and anything outdoors.
of age groups from 2 years old-12th grade.
JACS creates a network with a shared mission of fostering educational excellence rooted in Catholic faith and values. The unity this creates allows us to make a meaningful impact in students’ lives. Graduates are equipped to become Leaders of Change and Warriors in their Faith, and contribute to the betterment of our society.
SMTO: What was your logic in accepting the director of schools position?
JS: When the director position became available, with the responsibilities being more business focused, I decided it was something to explore. Being able to combine my professional experience, personal strengths and my passion to grow Catholic education in our community is what drew me to the role. It took many conversations and lots of prayer but in the end, I jumped in with both feet.
SMTO: What makes the work of the Joplin Area Catholic Schools (JACS) vital?
JS: We provide a holistic education that nurtures the intellectual development of our students, along with their spiritual and moral development. This is tailored to the needs
SMTO: What are some of the most important issues you believe are a priority for JACS over the coming days, weeks and months?
JS: To build partnerships and engage with our community. To share our mission with a goal of growing enrollment and welcoming new students and families to our community. For our administrators to encourage students to think critically and instill a passion for lifelong learning. To be strategic about incorporating STREAM (Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) into our curriculum to ensure students are growing academically. To incorporate faith into the everyday lives of our students, faculty and staff is a top priority.
SMTO: What are some of the greatest challenges facing JACS?
JS: 1. We compete with other public and private schools to attract new students. The way we market our school system requires
strategic planning and creative thinking to recruit and retain students.
2. Budget constraints require securing funding to maintain and improve our programs and facilities continually. We are thankful for the organizations and many private donors who support our schools in this way.
SMTO: What makes JACS so special?
JS: Our Christ-centered and faith-based education allows us to incorporate our Catholic values into every aspect of the JACS experience. Our students are enabled and encouraged to grow and develop strong moral and ethical foundations while being grounded in faith. Couple this with our commitment to academic excellence and the result is the formation of future servant leaders contributing to our greater community in a positive way.
SMTO: What makes you most proud to be a part of this community and serve as director of schools?
JS: I’m proud to serve this faith-filled community and give back in a way that reflects my appreciation for all that has been provided to my family. I’m also proud of the dedicated teaching staff, faculty, administrators and support personnel. They have a profound love and passion for the mission of our schools and have dedicated their lives to enriching the lives of our students. Our parents, families and supporters are always willing to pitch in, help solve problems and overcome any obstacle. This is a testament to the strength and unity within our system.
International Opera Performer and Voice Teacher Returns to Joplin
By Ann Leach
The new school year encourages us all to learn and grow, no matter our age or academic status. One way to expand our knowledge as individuals is to improve our voices so we’re ready and able to speak up and out about matters of importance to us. Voice coach Terrence O’Brien is ready to support voice students on the journey.
Internationally known opera singer, voice teacher and founder of Joplin’s Heartland Opera Theatre, O’Brien brings a wealth of experience to the job.
“I have sung leading roles in over 70 productions throughout Europe, Russia and the United States,” he said. “And I’ve been a private voice teacher for over 25 years and was a vocal coach for the Berlin (Germany) Opera Academy and the Spirit of Gospel Choir, also in Berlin.” O’Brien has directed operas and designed sets and costumes for numerous regional opera houses and theaters.
“Some of the most rewarding students are the adults who come to me because people have silenced them when they were singing along with the radio.”
- Terrence O’Brien, voice coach
“Of course, voice lessons are important if a person would like to sing better for performing, singing karaoke or just singing around the house or in the car,” O’Brien said. “I have also worked with people who must speak to groups in their work and need to know how to project their voices, to be heard and understood in a larger room without wearing their voices down.”
O’Brien said those people who spend hours on the phone for work each day and may have voices that give out, or choral performers who wear out their voices by the end of rehearsals, have all benefited from lessons to fix the problem with his suggestions and personal coaching.
“Some of the most rewarding students are the adults who come to me because people have silenced them when they were singing along with the radio,” O’Brien said. “I love helping people in this situation because it helps not only their singing voices, but also their self-esteem.”
Over the years of his teaching, O’Brien has learned everyone who takes singing lessons finds the issues they have with their singing have parallel concerns in their lives.
“As we fix the issues in their voices, they are then able to address those daily life concerns.”
A trauma therapist in Berlin, Germany, where O’Brien lived and performed professionally for many years, took a voice lesson with O’Brien and then began referring patients to him.
“It’s known in her field that singing lessons with the right teacher can be one of the best things for people who have experienced trauma,” he said. “I’ve worked with many up-and-coming opera singers who were preparing for auditions at opera houses around Europe, but working with everyday people on their voices and seeing it change their self-esteem and their lives is equally rewarding.”
Students meet with O’Brien for an hour-long lesson in his home studio or on a Zoom call. The hourly charge is made on a sliding scale basis, according to the student’s income. “I want to help everyone find their singing voice,” O’Brien said.
When he isn’t teaching, O’Brien can be found designing sets and costumes for operas and musicals and doing some stage directing. He has taught opera history in the past and is currently assessing interest in a local course to listen to and learn about various types of opera.
Like any artist, O’Brien knows creativity and natural talents benefit from continued study, practice and fine tuning. Given those beliefs, he acknowledges that his creativity comes from persistence and God.
To learn more about O’Brien’s voice coaching, classes and availability for production design and directing, you can find him on Facebook or via email at hotopera@aol.com.
Back to School Study Space Ideas
It’s that time of year again. Time to think about the kids (and some adults) heading back to school. Whether you will be updating a study space in your home such as a bedroom or moving a kid into a dorm room, these ideas will be helpful in either space.
Most dorm rooms and bedrooms are smallersized rooms. Maximizing the space with storage is important. However, you want the room to be decorated well, too. Blue is a soothing color and promotes restfulness and creativity. The use of many shades of blue and white in this room makes it interesting but not overpowering. The twin-size bed with tons of pillows is a great space to sleep but also a place to sit and study with friends. The desk is a smaller size but functional. Several storage containers allow for storage, and they can be stacked to take advantage of vertical space. The extra floor lamp allows for the needed light during midnight study session.
This space also features a good layout for a small space. The daybed doubles as a place to sleep and a place to sit with friends during the day. The desk is small but a proper size for the room. The addition of shelving above the desk takes advantage of the vertical space. I think the color palette is interesting. The use of blue and green and a pop of purple and black with the blush-colored door gives it a feeling of being designed for anyone, boy or girl. More shelving could be added above the bed for more storage. Or the bed could be elevated, and the space underneath used for a desk space and a tall vertical shelf added to where the desk currently is.
This room is more of a bedroom space instead of a dorm space. The bed has been moved against the wall to allow for the desk and bookshelves. Again, the use of vertical space for storage is very useful in this room. The soft pastel colors and use of florals on the wall speak to softness and restfulness. The desk has a great lamp for task lighting and the overall room is a great space for sleeping and studying. I love the idea of florals in a room.
Other things to think of if you are sharing a space for studying is a need for privacy. Consider hanging a curtain that can be pulled back when you want your space or closed when you want privacy. Headphones or earbuds are necessary to listen to lectures without bothering your roommate.
We all know there is a challenge to keeping smaller rooms neat, so try to pick up a little bit every day and put things back in their space. Keep a small wet/dry vacuum and dust rags in the room for quick clean up when the parents visit!
The key to a great study space is putting some thought into the layout and using as much vertical space as possible and hidden storage. Have a great school year and study in style.
Pedaling to School: The Inspiring Story of Joplin’s Bike Bus Initiative
By Amy Howe
In Joplin, Missouri, a unique and inspiring initiative has taken root, encouraging children and families to embrace an active and environmentally friendly mode of transportation. The bike bus, led by Christina Williams, has transformed the daily commute to Cecil Floyd Elementary into an adventure on wheels, encouraging community spirit and promoting health and wellbeing among its young riders.
A bike bus is an organized group of children who ride their bikes to school together along a set route. This collective journey can include
one or multiple schools and starting points, varying in size but always filled with joy, positivity and a strong sense of community. The bike bus concept has received a lot of viral attention lately with the group led by Coach Balto in Portland, Oregon. The impact of such an initiative is far-reaching, from promoting active transportation and public health to reducing car traffic and fostering social connections.
Williams started the bike bus in Joplin in fall 2021, inspired by her love for cycling and a desire to create a healthier, more connected community.
“I grew up loving to ride bikes,” Christina said. “Living in an urban area, it’s simple to get around on a bike. Waiting in a car dropoff line at school is not nearly as enjoyable as riding, and we can make it to school and back in about the same amount of time.”
The bike bus operates daily, regardless of the weather, unless conditions are too severe. On an average day, the bike bus boasts about nine riders, but this number can increase to 15 to 17 on busier days. Even on days with poor weather, a couple of dedicated students still show up, showcasing their resilience and commitment.
The route begins at Christina’s house, where children can either meet directly or join the group along the way, similar to how a traditional school bus operates. The response from local drivers has been overwhelmingly positive. “Since we ride every day at the same
time, they get used to seeing us,” Christina shared. “A lot of times, they will stop and wait for us. It brings people joy seeing us ride!”
A key aspect of the bike bus is the sense of freedom and autonomy it gives the children. Christina explained, “Kids love the freedom of it— they are in control of their transportation instead of sitting in a car or bus and getting dropped off. Plus, there’s the social aspect of getting to see their friends and riding with them.”
With her son Greyson Wimsett moving on to North Middle School this school year, Christina is now planning to extend the bike bus to cover
proudly shared that he rode to school every single day of his fifth grade year, despite the weather.
To ensure every child can join the bike bus, parents can reach out to Joplin Bright Futures if there are any bike-related needs such as a bike lock, helmet or a rain jacket. “We want to ensure every kid who wants to ride to school has the chance to do so,” Christina said.
Rhett Praytor, a second grader, began riding with the bike bus when he started kindergarten and has since become one of its most enthusiastic participants. “I love riding with my friends and racing to school,” Rhett said. He even rode to summer school on his own, demonstrating his growing confidence and independence.
Rhett’s advice to other kids wanting to join the bike bus is straightforward: “Follow us! It’s fun and not hard!” His enthusiasm is contagious, and his experiences highlight the fun and camaraderie the bike bus fosters among its riders.
The success of Joplin’s bike bus is proof in the power of community and the positive impact of active transportation. By reducing car trips, the bike bus helps decrease traffic and noise, making the community more livable and environmentally friendly. Moreover, the physical activity involved in biking to school prepares children to be more engaged and ready to learn, contributing to their overall well-being.
this new route, aiming to create a similar positive impact at the middle school level. “We’re seeking volunteers to help with the North bike bus. Adult riders are needed to assist with the route in the morning and afternoon,” she said. This expansion reflects the growing enthusiasm and support for the bike bus initiative within the community.
Greyson also shared his perspective on the bike bus. “I like the freedom of choosing your own path when going to school,” Greyson said. He emphasized the importance of bike maintenance for the riders, mentioning the “ABC” check—Air, Brakes and Chain—that ensures the bikes are in good condition for the ride.
Greyson is hopeful for the future of the bike bus, aiming for it to grow even larger. “I hope for a bigger bike bus with more people and even more success,” he said. His dedication to the bike bus is evident, as he
As the bike bus continues to grow and inspire others, Christina remains committed to its mission. “It’s so important to give kids autonomy over this small part of their daily life,” she said. “They are stuck in classes or on devices throughout the day—to give them something to experience outside of that is important to their mental and physical health.” She also emphasized the broader implications of the bike bus, stating, “These kids are an example of choosing active participation, in turn creating a demand for improved infrastructure. We have a long way to go to make our roads safer for all users.”
The Joplin bike bus stands as a shining example of how simple actions, like riding a bike to school, can create significant positive change. Through the efforts of Christina Williams and the dedicated students, this initiative is not only transforming daily commutes but also building a stronger, healthier and more connected community in Joplin.
Extreme Sports Scuba
5203 S. Range Line Road • Joplin, MO 417.659.9009 • www.extremesportsscuba.com
Learn to dive with Extreme Sports Scuba and become one of the over 1,000 divers we’ve certified since 1997! Joplin’s No.1 SCUBA center offers beginning scuba and many specialty classes as well as equipment sales and service, and travel. We supply all gear for the Open Water SCUBA Diver Course except for boots, and the cost is only $395 per person. Come see us and like us on Facebook!
Alpacas and people enjoying each other @zenasuiralpacas. Did you know alpacas are friendly? And we have some of the best alpaca yarns and fibers in the country here at Zena Suri Alpacas. Want some? Come see our National High Point winning herd near Grand Lake, Oklahoma. Ask about yoga, too. Call 804.389.2579
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.
Freshen up your look and hair at Wig'N Out Boutique! We have a large selection of stylish wigs, hair extensions and hair pieces and can help you with your hair needs and goals! We also offer stylish clothing and accessories! Visit us in downtown Webb City or shop us online!
Joplin, MO
Every day: Alcoholics Anonymous Meetings. Call 888.740.4568.
Every Monday: Tips for Living a Healthy Life, 10 a.m.-noon, 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.
Aug. 28: 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.
Aug. 6: 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.
Aug. 7: 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.
Aug. 20: 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.
Aug. 20: 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.
National Adult Literacy Action - For information on NALA, call 417.782.2646, email Jessica@joplinnala.org or visit www.joplinnala.org. Located at 123 S. Main St. in Joplin. Hours: Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 8:30 a.m.5 p.m., and Thursday and Friday: 8:30 a.m.-noon.
Nevada, MO
Aug. 3: Birth and Beyond Class, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Meets at the NRMC Mezzanine Conference Room. This class covers childbirth, breastfeeding and infant care for women in their last trimester. Includes a tour of the NRMC OB when available. $15 registration fee. Fee may be waived if cost is prohibitive. Register by calling 417.448.3710.
Aug. 27: 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 residents of Rich Hill.
Integris Baptist Regional Health Center, Grove, OK
INTEGRIS Baptist Regional Health Center, Miami, OK - For more information, visit www.integrisok.com/baptistregional-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.
Aug. 6: Alzheimer’s Support Group meets first Tuesday monthly, 11 a.m., Generations fourth floor visiting room. Call 918.542.3391.
Aug. 13 & 27: 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
Head Off Excessive Heat This Summer
By Dr. Natasha Kataria, Freeman Health System Physician
With the rainy season behind us and summer in full force, most of us are ready to venture outside to enjoy some outdoor fun in the sun. We need to keep in mind, however, that some summer activities come with potential health-related risks. With soaring August temperatures and harsh sunlight, even leisurely activities often come with hidden dangers. Stay safe this summer with some simple summer health precautions.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration can happen quickly in the summer heat. Stay hydrated throughout the day by steadily drinking water and don’t wait until you're thirsty to do so. Avoid sugary, caffeinated and alcoholic drinks, which can cause additional body fluid loss. Also, avoid very cold drinks because they can bring
about stomach cramps. Try fresh produce with high water content, such as watermelon, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumber, celery and lettuce.
Symptoms of dehydration can differ depending on one’s age. A young child or infant who’s dehydrated won’t shed tears while crying and may have sunken eyes or a dry mouth. Dehydrated adults may feel fatigued and thirsty. Dizziness and confusion are also possible symptoms. Dark-colored urine is a common sign you’re not drinking enough water. Be sure to take frequent water breaks during summer activities.
Avoid Extreme Heat
Heat exhaustion comes with many unpleasant symptoms, including a rapid pulse, dizziness, fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea and headache; it can also lead to heatstroke, which requires emergency treatment.
When overheating does occur, it's important to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat-related illness. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identifies four stages of heat-related illness: heat rash, heat cramps, heat exhaustion and heatstroke. The latter is a serious life-threatening medical condition when the body’s temperature rises. Much like a fever, extremely high body temperatures can lead to permanent damage. Signs of heatstroke include confusion, rapid breathing, no sweating and a fast pulse. Without care, heatstroke can cause damage
to vital organs and muscles and can even be fatal. If you notice the symptoms of heat exhaustion, seek cool shelter and refrain from physical activities so you can rest and hydrate. You should also take the following precautions on sweltering days to reduce your risk of heatrelated illnesses:
• Know your risk level. Children, older adults and people with chronic diseases are at highest risk. However, even young and healthy people can be affected if they participate in strenuous physical activities during hot weather.
• Reserve outdoor physical activities for mornings or evenings, when the weather is coolest. Avoid high-intensity activities during midday.
• Wear flowy, lightweight clothes instead of tight and heavy outfits that hold in heat.
About the Author
Natasha Kataria, MD, specializes in Internal Medicine. She earned her medical degree from the Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India, and completed her residency at Freeman Health System in Joplin, Missouri. Conveniently located to extend Freeman Health System services to communities north of Joplin, Webb City Neighborhood Care includes Freeman Primary Care. Call 417.347.4967 for an appointment or visit freemanhealth.com/location/freemanprimary-care.
indoor cardio Finding a good machine for you
By Bradley Morris
While the year isn’t over yet, fall is just around the corner. While you can never predict Midwestern weather, eventually the temperature will begin to drop, and while some people will stick to exercising outside, many will have to make a decision about how they’re going to continue to stay active, and most will choose not to exercise outdoors. If you find yourself in that situation, it’s best to begin thinking about what you’re going to do while you’re inside now rather than later to ensure you don’t stop whatever exercising habits you’ve developed. If you’ve started getting more cardio in, it’s especially important to find something to help keep your metabolism boosted and your energy levels up. Two popular choices for indoor cardio exercise are treadmills and exercise bikes. Both provide a great way to meet cardio goals without going outdoors. Both also provide their own tradeoffs, and if you don’t have access to either, the price and space requirements of buying your own will often limit you to choosing one over the other.
Obviously, when looking to change up your exercise routine, it’s important to remember your health is unique to you. Always consult with your doctor before making major lifestyle changes.
When making the comparison between treadmills and exercise bikes, the main difference is the exercise efficiency and the impact each machine has on your body. Treadmills allow you to – on average – burn more calories during an exercise of the same length on an exercise bike. Exercise bikes don’t always activate your upper body like walking does. If you don’t mind treadmill exercise, it’s the superior way to burn calories for the amount of time you spend on it.
Of course, that isn’t the whole story. Exercising on a treadmill is a higher-impact exercise than on an exercise bike, especially running. High-impact exercises aren’t inherently bad as they can help improve bone density, but they also increase the risk of injury and aren’t suitable if you are more prone to damage in your bones and joints.
One of the less quantifiable factors in choosing between these machines is comfort. While “no pain, no gain” is a great motto to motivate yourself to push yourself to new heights on your fitness journey, the truth is you aren’t required to sacrifice comfort to just do some exercises. Finding a machine you’re comfortable with can sometimes be the difference between whether you exercise and whether you don’t. There are lots of machines out there, and if you have a gym membership then hopefully you’re spoiled for choice, but if you’re looking to get one of these – or maybe you already have one in your attic – now is a great time to start thinking about what you want to do for when it gets too cold for you to exercise outside. With the way Midwest weather works, it’ll happen when you least expect it!
By Larry Whiteley
The Great Too Much Screen Time
OUTDOORS
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.
Today, children and adolescents spend too much time watching or using screens, including smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, TVs and computers. Most children ages 8-12 in the United States spend 4-6 hours a day looking at screens. Teenagers spend up to 9 hours. Adults are spending over 8 hours a day.
There are 958 million texts per hour. Every minute, 9.7 million Facebook messages are sent. TikTok posts are 34 million a day. Ninety-three million selfies are sent over social media each year. The time spent on social media has become an addiction for kids and adults. Because of all the time spent on screen time, the mental health and physical health of both kids and adults is suffering. Kids are growing up with more anxiety and less self-esteem
because of harmful content. Cyberbullying, sextortion and stalking are leading to kids and adults taking their own lives. The spread of misinformation has destroyed lives. Technology has created cyber criminals who steal our identities and our money.
I do not do Facebook, TikTok, Instagram or other social media. I do not pay my bills online. Every year, 4 out of 10 adults have their identities stolen and become victims of fraud attacks. I do not want to be one of them.
I get emails and texts on my smartphone. I can ask it a question and it will take me to where I can find my answer. I make phone calls on it and answer calls if I know who is calling. If not, I do not answer because I do not trust it.
There are good things about the technological world we live in today. I am using screen time on my computer to write this story. I used it to research statistics and other information I needed for writing this. I use an app that checks my spelling, punctuation and grammar. My smartphone also helps me take pictures I can use in my stories. I use it to look at pictures of kids and grandkids and think about outdoor memories we made. I listen to the sounds of nature I have recorded with my smartphone.
I use my smartphone to get on YouTube if I want to watch a video on how to fix something, or if I want to listen to fellow Christian and country boy Buddy Brown. I also watch the Sunday services at our church when I cannot be there.
I do have a few apps I depend on. I use my weather app to check the weather before I go on hunting, fishing or camping trips. If I need to mow or get work done around the house, I use it to see what the weather will be like when I plan on doing it. I check day-by-day and hour-by-hour and scroll the radar across the screen to see how the weather will be.
I also use Missouri Department of Conservation apps for hunting tags, fishing permits and seasons. I can find information about where to fish, hunt, camp and hike. My maps app helps me get to those places and gets me back home again.
SOMETHING TO THINK
ABOUT
“Whether you are a parent or not, carving out time to turn off your devices, to disconnect from the wired world and engage with the real people who are all around you, is one of the best gifts you can give yourself and the people you love.”
So, some technology is helpful. I do not consider most technology I have mentioned as personally good for me and my family. I worry about what it is doing to you who are reading this, as well as your kids.
Technology is making it more difficult for adults and kids to get away from their screens and get outdoors into nature. Research has proven outdoor time is essential for kids’ mental health, physical development and overall well-being.
Spending time outdoors allows children to connect with nature and explore. That helps foster their imagination and creativity. It also promotes physical activity, helping kids develop their motor skills and maintain a healthy weight. In addition, it also boosts their cardiovascular health and strengthens their immune system. Too much time in front of screens can contribute to a lack of physical activity and an increased risk of obesity. It also hinders the development of motor skills. Children tap and scroll rather than being active outdoors. All that screen time also affects mental health because of less social interaction, poor sleep quality and increased feelings of anxiety and depression. That also goes for you adults.
Get them and yourself out fishing, hunting, hiking, camping and other outdoor activities. It helps create a healthy balance between screen time and the great outdoors.
– Alan Brown
Make it a priority to spend time outdoors together as a family doing activities everyone enjoys. Set an example for your children about the importance of getting outdoors for their well-being.
Create limits on screen time. Make outdoor playtime exciting and engaging for your child. Prioritizing the outdoors promotes a healthy and balanced lifestyle for your family and you.
The soothing sounds of birds singing, flowing water, geese honking overhead and wind blowing through the trees await you. The sights of majestic mountains, beautiful sunrises, sunsets, rainbows, butterflies, wildflowers and eagles flying in the sky are all out there. The feel of a fish on the end of your line. The beauty of a night sky filled with millions of stars as you sit around a campfire watching the flames dance. All that and more is outdoors waiting for you, your kids, grandkids and friends.
Limited use of smartphones is acceptable on outdoor adventures but only for taking nature pictures and taping the sounds of nature. Adventurers can enjoy them later and hopefully share them with friends and family to help get them away from screens and into the great outdoors.
I limit my own screen time. I get outdoors to recharge my body and my soul. I hope for your own sake and your family’s, you also learn to do that. You will be amazed how your life, and your family’s, will change for the better when you reduce the time you spend in front of a screen and increase the time you spend outdoors in nature.
If you want to know more, all these statistics and facts are on your smartphone or computer. If you do, please do not take too much screen time.
Bats Zipping Above the Garden is a Win-Win
Field notes by J. Cantrell, photos courtesy of the Missouri Department of Conservation
August has arrived, and for many of us, memories of being a kid this time of year abound. At the time, we knew our school vacation was going to end soon and we made the best of each fleeting summer
day. That jampacked August agenda included staying outside as long as possible as darkness approached.
The nights brought incredible night sounds with katydids, cicadas and tree crickets. Fireflies (lightning beetles) introduced magic to the scene with their light show. And for me, I was also watching a bird called the common
nighthawk (related to whip-poor-wills) and two species of bats collecting insects around the lights at ballparks and streetlights. A shortlived activity was finding a small pebble and throwing it straight up in the air. Occasionally, a big, brown bat would chase the pebble as gravity took it down. The bats entertained us kids for a few throws, but they quickly learned there was no prize or meal with the game so the cool creatures would move on. As kids, I never came across a sick bat, but bats on the
ground should be left alone like any wildlife that’s easy to approach. Wildlife diseases are not common, but wild animals should not be handled.
There are 16 species of bats in our state, and occasionally we have a transient from other ranges. All bats in Missouri are carnivorous and they key in on the flying invertebrates. They have a well-earned reputation for being a “mosquito-eating machine,” and they are important for eating pests of our gardens, orchards and crop fields.
Organic producers of sweet corn and our community’s gardeners appreciate a few bats foraging at dusk about their sites, for a pest called the corn earworm (or bollworm) wreak havoc on the roasting ears we love to eat. The bats feed on the moths, which are the adult stages of those kernel-loving caterpillars (who also venture onto about 15 other crops). Big, brown bats and evening bats can be major predators on spotted cucumber beetles, too, and we all love our pickles and veggie
sandwiches. Across the country, bats assist people and our economics in various ways. However, their most important roles are saved for their distinct place in our environment.
Scientists are concerned about recent losses in bats worldwide, and we are locally worried as well. The loss of habitat, the increased amount of chemicals in our communities and an introduced disease called white-nose syndrome are major culprits. Those of us who love, appreciate and want to understand nature more can be assured bats benefit by what we do to help other wildlife. We assist the entire ecosystem by guarding against invasive species, by finding alternatives to chemicals in the environment and by landscaping with a diversity of native plants adapted to our location.
The crepuscular times of summer are the comfortable times for us to be outside, and it’s an ideal time to watch for these amazing animals. If you would like to learn more, please drop by our Shoal Creek Conservation
Education Center in Joplin. The Missouri Department of Conservation has a fantastic kid’s magazine, The XPLOR, that is free to Missourians – the nature center can get you signed up (the magazine always has animal articles and photographs). Visit with our MO Master Naturalist volunteers on related projects they contribute to help bats and other local wildlife. Lastly, consider forming or joining an existing MO Stream Team. Stream Team litter pick-ups and projects help protect our watershed’s wildlife habitat and our drinking water (MOstreamteam.org).
I look forward to seeing you on the creek and along the trail. - Jeff
Jeff Cantrell may be reached at jeff.cantrell@ mdc.mo.gov. He works as a Stream Team Specialist in a 31-county region of southern Missouri and is a chapter advisor for MO Master Naturalists in Rolla, Springfield and the Joplin area.
Moral Reconation Therapy Has Become A Part of Substance Abuse Treatment Programs
By Bridget Bauer
What started as a cognitive, behavioral treatment program for individuals in the criminal justice system has found its way as a tool for substance abuse treatment programs.
Moral Reconation Therapy (MRT) enhances moral reasoning and improves conscious decision making. It was originally used for individuals who were incarcerated to reduce recidivism but is also effective in the treatment of substance use disorders.
MRT involves 16 steps, called the Freedom Ladder. Depending on how quickly the participants work their way up the Freedom Ladder, the program lasts 24-36 weeks. It is an open-ended group setting held at The Recovery Outreach Community Center (ROCC). Groups consist of eight to 12 individuals, and the program requires selfreflection and homework activities that are shared with the group.
“People come in and out at all different times,” Teddy Steen, executive director of ASCENT Recovery Residences, said. “It requires a lot of homework and is hard. There is something to tackle every week, and a person gets three weeks to finish a step.”
The first 12 steps are:
1. Honesty
2. Trust
3. Acceptance
4. Raising Awareness
5. Healing Damaged Relationships
6. Helping Others
7. Long-Term Goals and Identify
8. Short-Term Goals and Consistency
9. Commitment to Change
10. Maintain Positive Change
11. Keeping Moral Commitments
12. Choosing Moral Goals
After step 12, a participant is considered a graduate of MRT and can continue working on steps 13-16, Evaluating the Relationship Between One’s Inner Self and Personality.
“It’s interesting because it gives you a master game plan,” Steen said. “My interest was really piqued by the responses from the participants. Even though it is hard and there is homework, they all really felt the program helped them and were enthusiastic about it. Those who really, really like it do because they control their own destiny and control what happens. Self-reflection gives them hope.”
While most individuals at some time or another are victims, they eventually become
the victimizer during their addiction. Steen said this program works well with the population addicted to drugs and are just as involved because it forces them to look inside themselves and see what can and needs to be changed.
“The program reaches to the inner core and helps the individuals figure out who they are meant to be,” she said. “The struggle comes when getting off course. This program encourages them to fix and go forward. The past can’t be changed, but they can make good decisions and look toward their goals.”
Steen said the group meetings are not meant to be pour-out-your feelings events but more about making the participants accountable. They are more like focus groups to get the participants to really reflect on themselves.
“They have to stand up and cover 10 items without looking at the book in the first step,” Steen said. “One thing is the effect on their family and friends. It can’t be things like what they did but how it affected certain groups of people. It’s about getting out of you and looking at the feelings their activities made others feel. It is an exercise in empathy.”
Completion of the program helps the participants make moral decisions, improves self-image, builds healthier relationships, increases feelings of purpose in life and encourages the growth of a healthy identity.
