TABLE OF CONTENTS January • February 2019
Stephanie Garman Freed, Co-founder and executive director of Rapha House, pointing out photos of art therapy centers at international safehouse campuses.
DEPARTMENTS
8 | The Scene
Area veterans are given a muchneeded kudos during the annual Veteran’s Day Parade in downtown Joplin.
10 | The Scene
Runners celebrated Thanksgiving with the seventh annual Joplin Turkey Trot in downtown Joplin, which had a 5K run/walk and a mile long fun run.
COVER STORY
12 | The Ten Spot
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Wanna know some really cool ways to tell your loved one how much you care? Read our story to find out how!
Pathfinders Read about our selected individuals who have been nominated as JMAG's Pathfinders for 2019. They are leaders who put “lead” in the word, blazing a path for others to follow.
56 | Style
Take a look at the fashion on display at Joplin’s Rapha House Freedom Boutique, which are supplied by the women who have been helped by this organization, whose purpose is to love, rescue and heal survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation.
58 | Four States PAGE
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Bridal Tab
Here Comes the Bride... our “early bird” bridal tab offers facts, venues, honeymoon destinations and a Q/A with an area bride, as well as a fun story about Joplin's Country Caboose Wedding Chapel. 4
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Taste
Check out award-winning Chef Damien Tiregol’s cooking tips that, as always, lead to some great eating.
Take a trip into yesteryear to reminisce about the area’s most jumpin’ and thumpin’ joints from the 1970s.
60 | Body & Mind
Learn more about this silent sufferer, Seasonal Affective Disorder, a type of depression that’s related to the seasons, mostly the bleak winter months.
67 | JList
Set yourself up for success with these 5 re-resolution baby steps for 2019.
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FROM YOUR EDITOR
S
o what is a pathfinder? We ask this every year, and, as always, a quick Google search will bring up a number of answers. For those in the military, a pathfinder is an elite soldier, dropped into a specified area, so much-needed supplies can be dropped to help others. For space buffs, it’s the name of several key NASA spacecrafts, including a tiny, six-wheeled robotic rover that was landed on the surface of our neighbor, Mars, and captured the world’s imagination back in 1997, when it explored the sands of the red planet. For you car enthusiasts, it’s the name of an automobile, built in 1910, that promised to “find the correct road” no matter where you lived or where you traveled. Indeed, all three of these examples detail the true meaning of a “pathfinder” — a person who goes ahead of a group to find the best way to travel through an unknown area. For our own purposes here at JMAG, a “pathfinder” is something a bit different: a person that is the very first to do something; a person who makes it possible for others to move forward and to do the same thing. This definition exactly illustrates the chosen Pathfinders you’ll read about in this issue. We have recognized and highlighted 11 local individuals who have — through their actions, words and critical decisions — helped the Joplin metro area become a better place for families and individuals to live.
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Kevin McClintock
They are four men and seven women and one young man: all of them easily recognizable by their name or the organization they’re associated with. And as The Joplin Globe editor Carol Stark so eloquently put it several years ago: “You will read about leaders in art, education and community. Their names, in many cases, are the first you think of when these topics are mentioned.” So true. Also in this issue you’ll want to check out our bridal section, which includes a Q/A with a young bride-to-be as well as a fun story with the owners of the Country Caboose Wedding Chapel, which sits south of Joplin. You’ll also take a trip down memory lane concerning notorious night life hangouts from the ‘60s and ‘70s that are no longer, sadly, with us today. You’ll also want to check out some beautiful pictures from the Rapha House Freedom Boutique, who do a lot of good for a lot of good people. We also check in with noted Executive Chef Damien Tiregol of Crabby’s Seafood Bar & Grill about some good cooking that leads to some great eating. Remember, if you have an interesting idea for a story, or if you know someone who would make a great subject for a feature, don’t hesitate to contact us or leave a message. You can reach me at kmcclintock@joplinglobe.com, by mail at JMAG, 117 E. Fourth St., Joplin, Mo. 64801 or by calling us at 417.627.7279. Kevin McClintock Editor JMAG
EDITOR Amanda Stone HEAD WRITER
Terri Nighswonger Carole King Bobbie Pottorff Andra Stefanoni Marta Churchwell Melissa Dunson P. Allen Smith CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Roger Nomer Laurie Sisk CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Roger Nomer COVER PHOTOGRAPHY David O’Neill MAGAZINE MARKET CONSULTANT Courtney Adams Regina Carnahan Chrystina Hanna Brett Zacarello CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Courtney Adams LAYOUT/DESIGN THE JOPLIN GLOBE Frank Leto fleto@joplinglobe.com PRESIDENT AND PUBLISHER Carol Stark cstark@joplinglobe.com EDITOR Bob Barth bbarth@joplinglobe.com DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING Jack Kaminsky jkaminsky@joplinglobe.com CIRCULATION MANAGER 117 East 4th Street Joplin, MO 64801 (800) 444-8514 joplinglobe.com To Subscribe: 800-444-8514 Press 1 To Advertise: 800-444-8514 EXT. 7239 JMAG is a publication of Newspaper Holdings, Inc. and is published bi-monthly. All rights reserved. No portion of this publication may be produced in whole or in part without the written permission from the publisher. The publisher reserves the right to accept or reject any editorial or advertising matter. The publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited materials.
Custom upholste ized red p also ava ieces ilable Since 1994, Hardwood Creations has dedicated itself to making heirloomquality American-made furniture available to Joplin-area buyers. At our 7,500 square-foot showroom, you’ll find beautiful, solid hardwood furniture created with cherry, oak, maple and other fine hardwoods in a range of styles and customizable looks.
3125 E. 6th Street, Joplin MO 64801 www.hardwoodcreationsjoplin.com
Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mon through Saturday 417-623-3323
THE SCENE
| Photography by Laurie Sisk
Members of the Joplin High School Show Choir sing patriotic songs to an appreciative crowd. Re-enactors, dressed up as World War I-era doughboys, participate in the annual Veteran’s Day parade in November.
A spectator holds a U.S. flag as an area band marches by during the 31st annual Veteran’s Day Parade that occurred in downtown Joplin. 8
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THE SCENE
| Photography by Roger Nomer
Runners start the Turkey Trot 5K through a shower of confetti in downtown Joplin in late November.
Philip Calcagna, of Blue Springs, flashes a thumbs up as he crosses the finish line. 10
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Runners close in on the finish line during the most recent Turkey Trot 5K.
SPONSORED CONTENT
Beautiful. Affordable. Perfect. The Ramsay Event Center offers value, in a wonderfully unique venue that’s steeped in downtown Joplin’s rich history. By Greg Morse
Built in 1901, The Ramsay Event Center has become one of the oldest and most cherished buildings in Joplin. Located in the heart of downtown Joplin at 6th and Main streets, The Ramsay has served as one of the most beautiful and affordable venues in the area for 10 years, having hosted hundreds of events. At the Ramsay, every event is special to us. Your wedding is one of the most important days of your life, and picking the right venue goes beyond just how it looks. Our experienced event coordinators know exactly how much trust you are putting in them to make sure your wedding goes according to plan. We will be there with you, every step of the way. The Ramsay Event Center provides everything you need to organize your event. All rentals include tables and 160 chairs. After that, a la carte pricing means you spend only for what you want—and not what you don’t want—as you customize your event. This includes the dance floor, sound system, projector, tablecloths, and chair upgrades. Our competitive rates range from $300 for weekdays to $1,100 for Saturdays. Our best value may be the All-Inclusive Package. It includes a two-day weekend rental on Friday and Saturday, the dancefloor, projector, 150 upgraded chairs and setup at no additional charge. Although the package is valued at more than $3,000, we’re proud to offer it for less than $2,000. Your choice of venue shapes your event and its success. Whether it be a wedding or a birthday party, there shouldn’t be a compromise between “affordable” and “amazing.” Find us on Facebook, visit Theramsay.com, or call us at 417-781-2238 to schedule a tour today.
Historic Ramsay Building 107 E. 6th Street, Downtown Joplin 417-781-2238 | www.theramsay.com |
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THE TEN SPOT
| Written by Amanda Stone
Show the Love
This Valentine’s Day, celebrate everyone on your love list
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Grab your favorite ladies to celebrate Galentine’s Day. Do what you do best together: book a day of pampering, meet up at a winery or shop til you drop.
Practice self-love. Pick out your favorite flowers, allow yourself time to read a good book or get a manicure. Do what makes you feel your best.
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Host a potluck with friends, whether male or female, couples or single; the friendship is what’s important. Tell them it’s a Valentine’s Day theme and see what they come up with.
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Teach the kids in your life to follow in your footsteps. Make valentines together to give to everyone you love. They’ll learn that a little love goes a long way.
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Write a note to a favorite teacher, current or former. Reflect on how they made you feel and let them know you remember. It will make their day.
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Leaving something special for neighbors is thoughtful on May Day, but why not surprise them in February? An unexpected note and a treat will let them know how much you appreciate them.
Bring a smile to the faces of a local nursing home, but do call first to find out the best way to do so. Fresh flowers, puzzles, bird feeders or homemade baked goods may be just the thing.
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If your parents spent their Valentine’s Days showering you with love, it’s time to reciprocate. Reach out with a note or a phone call reminding them how much you love them.
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Shower your beloved pets with love. They are family, too. Take Fido for a walk even if it’s colder than you like, give them extra treats and snuggle up. They only have eyes for you. Give your time and companionship. Everyone who loves you wants nothing more from you than your presence. Make them a priority.
SPONSORED CONTENT
A
madeus Ranch is situated on a 400-acre cattle ranch — but it’s definitely not a barn.
Rather, it’s an elegant, Tuscan-style venue with exposed beams, sparkling chandeliers and a patio with a picturesque view of rolling hills. On-site, the ladies can primp in the gorgeous Bridal Suite, while the guys can watch ESPN in the Groom’s Lounge.
“One of the most beautiful structures and settings in Southwest Missouri!” —Jay B.
One of our most popular packages is the Diamond Package—with that package, we handle all decorating for the ceremony and reception, as well as cleanup after the event. Decor options range from simple and elegant to vintage or glam, and we can assist with day-of event coordination and the ceremony itself. Call 417-850-0980 today to tour the area’s most exciting new venue or visit www.amadeusranch.com JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
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Date Book JANUARY Cars, Guns & Romance: Bonnie & Clyde Saturday, Jan. 5 The next installment of the Mysterious Four States series presented by the Paranormal Science Lab and Bookhouse Cinema. Hear the real events behind this legendary duo, including their vicious and bloody shootout with Joplin and Jasper County law enforcement officers during a brief stay inside an apartment in south Joplin. There will also be a movie shown on Bookhouse Cinema’s big screen, 715 E. Broadway. The event starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. 417-825-5161.
Evil Comes to Missouri: The 1949 St. Louis Exorcism Saturday, Feb. 9 The next installment of the Mysterious Four States series presented by the Paranormal Science Lab and Bookhouse Cinema. Hear the events behind the real-life exorcism that took place in 1949 in Missouri, which led decades later to the blockbuster novel and subsequent movie, “The Exorcist.” During the presentation, Steven LaChance, author of “Confrontation with Evil,” will speak about the event. The 1972 movie will also be shown on Bookhouse Cinema’s big screen, 715 E. Broadway. The event starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. 417-825-5161.
“An Evening with Sherlock Holmes” Thursday, Feb. 14 through Sunday, Feb. 24 Settle back and watch as the esteemed Sherlock Holmes and his faithful companion, Dr. Watson, take on three mysteries and work to solve each one of them, involving such nefarious acts as kidnapping, blackmail and a burglary. The Stained Glass Theatre is located at 2101 Annie Baxter Ave. Tickets are $10 for adults, $5 for children. 417-553-0755.
Van Kuijk Quartet Friday, Jan. 25 The appearance by the Van Kuijk Quartet is the latest free concert by Pro Musica, which promises ageless music for all ages. Since their formation in 2012, the ensemble has established a presence in major international venues including Wigmore Hall in London and Auditorium du Louvre in Paris. The performance is at 7 p.m. at Joplin’s College Heights Christian Church, 4311 Newman Road. The event is free to the public. 417-625-1822.
FEBRUARY “Four Weddings and an Elvis” Begins Friday, Feb. 1 through Sunday, Feb. 3 and Friday, Feb. 8 through Sunday, Feb. 10 A four-times-married-three-times-divorced owner of a Vegas wedding chapel re-tells four of the most memorable matrimonies in this heartwarming and hilarious romantic comedy. The production is directed by Robert Myers at Carthage’s Stone’s Throw Theatre, 2466 Old 66 Blvd. 417-358-9665.
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Postmodern Jukebox concert Saturday, Feb. 16 For the past five years, the famed timetwisting musical collective Postmodern Jukebox has toured the world, playing hundreds of shows to sold-out houses on six continents. They’ve topped iTunes and Billboard charts and amassed 3.5 million subscribers on YouTube. Now they’ll be playing live in Pittsburg’s Bicknell Family Center for the Arts. The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Tickets are now on sale. 620-235-4795.
Trio Virado Thursday, Feb. 21 International sensations Amy Porter (flute), João Luiz (guitar), and Juan-Miguel Hernandez (viola), together known as TRIO VIRADO, are taking the role of instrumental chamber music to new heights when they visit Joplin with this Pro Musica concert, which is free to the public. The 7 p.m. concert will take place St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church, 812 S. Pearl St. in Joplin. 417-625-1822.
Puccini’s “La Boheme” Friday, Feb. 22 and Sunday, Feb. 24 Heartland Opera Theatre will present Giacomo Puccini’s “La Boheme” from 7 to 10 p.m. at Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School, 3401 Newman Road. The play is one of the most popular operas of all time, and will help celebrate the organization’s 12th anniversary of providing “exceptional music.”
MARCH The Midtown Men Saturday, March 9 This sensational production reunites four stars from the original Broadway cast of the “Jersey Boys.” The Midtown Men will bring their magic to Joplin, singing favorite ‘60s hits from The Beatles, The Rascals, The Turtles, The Motown and The Four Seasons. The 7:30 p.m. concert takes place at the Joplin High School Performing Arts Center, 2104 N. Indiana Ave., Joplin. 417-625-6683.
Rhonda Vincent and The Rage Sunday, March 10 This 2 p.m. bluegrass concert will feature 2017 Grammy award winner Rhonda Vincent and the Rage; the Wall Street Journal listed Vincent as “The new queen of bluegrass.” Vincent was born in Kirksville, Missouri. The concert takes place at Memorial Hall, 212 W. Eighth St., Joplin. 417-850-9655
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Pathfinders LEADING THE COMMUNITY
T
he dictionary definition of the word “pathfinder” is simple and to the point: “a person who goes ahead and discovers or shows others a path or way.” There are other names for them: a pioneer, a groundbreaker, trailblazer or trendsetter, a leader — even a torchbearer.
They are leaders in all the major areas: art, entertainment, public health and the community. They have, in their own and unique way, “led the way.” They dared to be first — opening doors through sheer will or innovation when those doors were bolted shut. But through their courage, their passion and their dedication, they led the way. Our area is a better place because of our 2019 class of Pathfinders. Now, we proudly introduce them and their stories to you. Enjoy.
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pathfinders
| Written by Amanda Stone | Photography by Roger Nomer
Stephanie Garman
Freed
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One voice leads to big change It started small. But a local mother began using her voice, and it grew and grew. Stephanie Garman Freed’s father witnessed human trafficking on a mission trip in Cambodia back in 2002. He came home and told her about a young woman who was sold by her parents. There were more, so many more. He leaned across the dinner table and said, “So Stephanie, what are we going to do about this?” Freed said she didn’t know anything about human trafficking. His challenge angered her because she felt powerless. The idea that children were being treated in such ways was something she said she could not relegate. “My world was turned upside down.”
She was a Joplin mom, running kids back and forth to school, birthday parties, dance classes and soccer games. Out of respect for her father, she began to do “hard research” on human trafficking. “We weren’t talking about it yet, but when I went digging the information was all there. It changed my life. My world was turned upside down,” said Freed. Her first trip to Battambang, Cambodia was six months later. She would meet with Cambodian leaders who wanted change, and take part in an unplanned retrieval mission of a young girl. Although sold for domestic purposes to a family living in a junkyard, she was being used sexually by the large extended family who owned her. “There’s so much sexual exploitation involved with labor trafficked children because they’re so vulnerable. They’re not human, they’re just property. They’re to be used in whatever way the owner sees fit. That was a huge learning curve for me,” said Freed. She came home changed. “My heart was broken and I had this passion. I began using my voice and telling people what was happening,” said Freed. Rapha House
She co-founded Rapha House in 2003, a 501c3 nonprofit organization, and serves as the executive director; their mission is to end the trafficking and sexual exploitation of children through aftercare for survivors, prevention for the vulnerable,
and awareness for all. They started with one safehouse in Battambang, however a safehouse isn’t just a house; it’s a high security campus with capacity for up to 70 girls, depending on the location. “The vision has just expanded. We have an international vision now and it just continues to grow. We have four international safehouses, two in Cambodia, one in Thailand and the newest one is in Haiti,” said Freed. Rapha House works with local police and anti-human trafficking military units, as well as government social services, who legally bring girls to the safehouses. “We want to offer a holistic approach to healing. We don’t do raid and rescue. This is the way it needs to be because then it’s sustainable whether we’re able to be there or not,” said Freed. “We’re affecting change for the future. Their own communities and their own government services are rising up to the occasion. We’re just empowering them.” A sense of value
200 national staff are employed to do the “hard and dangerous” job of running the safehouses and caring for the girls. Safety and security are paramount, but so is education, healing, counseling and ideally, integration back into their families and communities. Freed travels several times per year, but said she doesn’t have to be at the campuses in order for them to run smoothly. “There are extremely qualified people who are doing the heavy lifting,” said Freed. “We’re not a children’s home, we’re a
transitional center. We’re trying to get them healthy and safe with a desire to reintegrate them into their communities if it’s going to be safe for them. We are able to help the majority of them do that. But some of them are with us a longer time,” said Freed. “Any institution, including Rapha House, is always going to be second best to what God had intended for them to be with their families in their communities. It’s always a goal of ours to be working back with the families so that can be a safe and healthy place for them to return to.” Freed said being able to show the girls their own bed and where they’ll be provided three meals per day no matter what, is so powerful. Many of the girls are used to food being withheld until they do what they’re supposed to do. “We want them to have enough. We focus on basic needs being met. It sounds simple, but it’s not simple if your body is malnourished,” said Freed. Although Rapha House is represented internationally, the home office is in downtown Joplin, adjacent to Rapha House Freedom Boutique, 712 S. Main Street. The boutique is full of handicrafts the girls have learned to make through vocational training. When they are able to go back to their own communities with skills and a sewing machine, “they’re a small business owner, and that gives them value,” said Freed. When Freed began this journey in Cambodia 15 years ago, “it was just about that one girl. Where was a safe place for that one girl?” said Freed. “And then God just blew it up.” JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
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pathfinders
| Written by Kevin McClintock | Photography by Roger Nomer
Louise
Secker CONGRATULATIONS, LOUISE! Thank you for your commitment to our community. 20
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Proudly sponsored by:
Louise Secker talks with Melissa Harris, administrative assistant at the Lafayette House.
The positive difference volunteers can make Like many 14-year-old girls, Louise Secker spent some of her spare time babysitting cute and cuddly babies. Unlike many 14-year-old girls, Secker didn’t accept a single dime for the work. To help others, and to willingly give up her spare time for a good cause, has always been a key component of Secker’s personal makeup, a selfless attitude that doesn’t come as a shock to anyone who knows her on a personal or professional level. Volunteering is paramount, she said, “because people today are very busy, and we have a very busy-oriented society, and I guess I think it’s so important to carve out that time. “I’ve seen firsthand through my work the difference volunteers make here,” she continued, “so I think it’s important to encourage my own kids and other people to volunteer where they are passionate.” From an early start
Secker volunteered to babysit children inside the former red-bricked school building located on Connor street in Joplin when she was 14 — The Lafayette House. Years later, this shelter for battered homeless women and their children would become a focal point of her life, where she currently serves as its development director. “I think I probably got (a deep spirit of volunteerism) from my parents, who both have always been really generous with their time,” Secker said, adding moments later: “It’s part of what you do.” And there’s certainly a lot Secker does when it comes to volunteering for charitable causes in Joplin. For example, Secker is a longtime member of The Friends of St. Avips, a group of women who, since 1962, have hosted the annual money-raising event for Joplin’s Spiva Center for the Arts. She also serves as Vice Chairman for
the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce, on the College Heights Christian School Board as well as the Mt. Hope Cemetery Board. Field of dreams
But what Secker and her family are most associated with is the Will Norton Miracle League of Joplin, named for the Joplin High School student who died on May 22, 2011. The field, located in the Joplin Athletic Complex, is Joplin’s first handicap-accessible playground and open to children of all ages and abilities. Each Saturday morning for six weeks in the spring, the Secker family, including Will, 17, Annie, 17 and Catie, 16, will head out to the field, she said. “My husband (Eric) is the announcer, he calls the games, and I just work, fetching equipment, selling merchandise. My daughter is the Homer mascot, while my son has been a Buddy” – the latter assists the players on the playing field as they come up to bat or make their way around the bases. “It’s been really rewarding because, especially through our work with the Miracle League, my kids have grown up with that (sense of volunteerism), my son Will in particular, (because) he’s really interested now in making a professional career out of being an advocate for people with disabilities and seeing what he can do with that.” Helping out at the field “has really moved him. I’m very proud of all of them.” Love for Lafayette
Secker moved with her family to Joplin at the age of 10 from Ohio, and stayed in Joplin through college. She and her family moved back to Southwest Missouri in 2000. There, she jumped at the chance to work for the Lafayette House. “What got me interested in the Lafayette House mission is when I was living in Kansas City, I volunteered in a domestic violence shelter there,” Secker said. “My husband and I would read bed-time stories to the kids living there,
and that got me really interested in the whole issue around domestic violence. After doing that in Kansas City and moving back here, that’s why this job attracted me when it first opened up.” As the development director for the Lafayette House now for 19 years, Secker oversees fundraising campaigns, marketing ventures, public relations issues and the ever-important volunteer program. That last duty strikes a familiar chord with her, not surprisingly, since she herself had volunteered at the Lafayette House all those years ago. “I really look at what I do within the organization as telling (the Lafayette House) story and bringing our mission out into the community. Even though I don’t work directly with the clients, my job is to communicate their stories and experiences to our donors, our volunteers and the public at large, so that people have, I hope … recognize this is a safe place to come and we can help them.” And what the former Family Self Help Center (changing to Lafayette House in 1984) does is simple, Secker said – to help those “families who come to us in the middle of the night, with nothing, just trying to find a safe place to stay (during) a crisis.” The Lafayette House started out protecting dozens of women in the early 1980s; today, more than 1,500 women and their children stay inside the former school, ranging anywhere from a few weeks to six months. More importantly, nobody is ever turned away. Volunteering pride
But it begins and ends with volunteers; men and women like Secker and her family who roll up their sleeves to help out good and worthy causes. “I love for people to know what a difference you can make as a volunteer,” she said. “These are not paid staff, yet they’re right there on the front lines with the clients and women in crisis and I would just want people to know about the safety we offer here, our substance use treatment program is all about keeping families together; children come to Lafayette House with their moms and, if their moms are receiving treatments, we are able at the same time to do therapeutic services for the kids; we have a daycare center on site, so it’s really all about the health and well-being of the full family and healing for everybody.” “I hope people don’t think they need to have a certain skill set — just an extra set of hands would be so helpful to so many organizations around Joplin,” she continued. “I think it’s an important part of being part of a community.” Living in Joplin, volunteering in Joplin: “It’s been very rewarding,” she said. 21 JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
pathfinders
| Written by Marta Churchwell | Photography by Roger Nomer
Sharon
Beshore
Congratulations Sharon
FROM YOUR FAMILY, FRIENDS & ARTS ADMIRERS
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Blueprint for the Future envisioning sessions. City leaders and residents listed arts and culture as their second highest priority for growth and development, and the City Council incorporated enhancement of the arts into its long-range strategic plan. Public art blooms
Spreading Art Through the Four States It’s a bit ironic that Sharon Beshore’s junior high school guidance counselor discouraged her from studying art, thinking she didn’t have what it takes. Today, Beshore is among the state’s leading arts activists. She’s chair of the boards of Connect2Culture, Joplin’s community arts agency, and the Missouri Arts Council, the state arts agency. She’s on the board of Missouri Citizens for the Arts and on the Endowment Board of Spiva Center for the Arts in Joplin. She’s led some of Joplin’s largest public art projects and she’s among the leaders of a drive to build a $16 million arts and entertainment center in downtown Joplin. For all of this, she’s received prestigious state and local awards. That’s just a fraction of the influence she holds in the state and local arts world. “I’ve always said I’ve gained more than I’ve given,” she said. All about the arts
Beshore, a Carthage native, admits that her junior high counselor’s disparagement of her interest in art sticks with her. Luckily, her father, Harry Cornell Jr., kept her interest in art alive when she was young. He was an art collector, and her interest was piqued when he’d visit galleries and develop relationships with artists. Her touchstone experience was a trip to New York City as part of a humanities
class while she was a student at Stephens College in Columbia. She toured world class museums and attended an opera. It immersed the arts into her heart. Still, she didn’t go for an art degree, but rather journalism and education degrees and a master’s in reading education. She went on to teach more than 20 years in public schools, then at Missouri Southern State University and Pittsburg (Kansas) State University. Teaching others
During her teaching career, she volunteered in fundraising activities of Freeman Hospital and the American Cancer Society. That experience led to an invitation to serve on the board and later as president of the now defunct Missouri Southern International Piano Competition. That led to serving on the board and later as board president of Spiva Center for the Arts. Doors to her work as a volunteer arts activist began opening further, including at the state level. Part of her duties with the arts organizations was lobbying legislators for state arts funding. “That’s when I started getting involved in advocacy,” she said. She views the turning point for local arts to be a regional economic summit in 2007 at Missouri Southern. In a session she led on the arts, she opened some eyes that the arts are an economic driver. “That was the turning point for collaboration in the arts locally,” Beshore said. A couple of months later, she made a presentation on the economic vitality of the arts during the Joplin City Council’s
It led to formation of a chamber of commerce Cultural Affairs Committee to advance public art, and it led Beshore and other arts leaders to form Connect2Culture. It also gave birth to the idea of building a downtown arts and entertainment center. The city already had the foundation of a cultural identity with Spiva, Pro Musica classical music organization, opera and ballet companies, and two community theaters. Now, the city’s strategic plan, combined with downtown revitalization, gave it momentum. It led to a monthly Art Walk and opening of galleries. Through Beshore’s leadership, a city hall mural was commissioned from Anthony Benton Gude, grandson of Thomas Hart Benton, and a community-based mural, “Butterflies Take Flight,” was created at 15th and Main streets. That led to formation of The Tank Public Art, which created smaller murals in the downtown district, along with those created by businesses and other groups. That built the steam for more arts and cultural activities. “The downtown revitalization painted the scene for doing this,” Beshore says. “It was the canvas for art development.” It led the Missouri Arts Council to name Joplin the 2012 Missouri Creative Community. Beshore led the effort to gain that designation and she considers it one of her proudest accomplishments as an arts volunteer. Since then, arts and culture has continued to build a name for Joplin with Beshore as a key player. Among other projects, she was behind two additional large-scale, community-based murals — one dedicated to local performance arts and another recognizing local black history — and she’s working to make an arts and entertainment center a reality. Her work has earned her accolades, including recognition as the 2018 Outstanding Citizen of the Year by the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. Still, she’s quick to give credit where it’s due. “You can’t do all of this alone in a vacuum,” she says. “You need total development and inclusion of others to be successful.” 23 JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
pathfinders
| Written by Amanda Stone | Photography by Roger Nomer
Holly & Brad
Crane
24
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Holly and Brad Crane, owners of Bookhouse Cinema, sit inside the cozy theater they opened earlier this year in Joplin.
way. Gathering place for the new century
Holly Crane restocks candy in the lobby of Bookhouse Cinema, which she and her husband, Brad, opened in early 2018.
A love for indie film venues What began as a screen and a dream has become so much more in only under a year. Passion projects often go that way. Maybe fortune really does favor the bold. Brad and Holly Crane opened Bookhouse Cinema, 715 E. Broadway, in Joplin’s historic East Town neighborhood last spring. The one-screen theater would show independent films that locals used to have to drive at least an hour to see on the big screen. The intimate theater is only one room in the large building, which is complete with gallery space for local artists who rotate their work, plenty of seating for playing stacks of board games and a unique menu that serves all tastes. Bookhouse Cinema quickly became a comfortable space to meet old friends and make new ones. The transition from just a theater with snacks to a community gathering place did not happen by accident. It was the intention of owners Brad and Holly Crane all along. “People don’t know who lives on their block anymore. We’re really spread out, and we know isolation damages people. We’re meant to be around each other. People come in here alone and end up
striking up a conversation. We’ve seen people make friends in here, and it’s really awesome,” said Brad. A public venue for bonding
Engaging through social media gives the illusion of interaction, but the Cranes said they don’t believe it can replace human contact and conversation. Social cues, such as eye contact, intonation and body language play a pivotal role in relationships. Through Bookhouse Cinema, the Cranes have curated a venue to grow the community bond. Offering a menu with creative, madeto-order dishes doesn’t hurt either, and the bar with unique cocktails is the icing on the cake. The Cranes know what it’s like to accommodate the eating habits of an entire family. It can make choosing a restaurant nearly impossible. “We’re a really hard family to eat out. We want to get together with my parents, but my dad is allergic to gluten and corn. We’ve got two vegans and a vegetarian, and I eat pretty much the opposite of what they eat. To have a place where we can all go is important,” said Brad. “We can make whatever to order. Nothing is frozen, nothing is premade. If this place was just open, and we weren’t the ones running it, our family would probably eat here twice a week,” added Holly. The food is sustainably sourced and served in eco-friendly ways. Their method is not the easiest and far from the least expensive, but it’s the socially responsible way; for them, it was the only
Guests can enjoy their food and drinks inside the theater and discuss the film in a public house setting without leaving the building. Bookhouse makes the transition from being in the moment of feeling a film to physically moving to a new location to discuss the film, seamless.“People want to discuss a film after they see it, but once they change settings, the feeling changes,” said Brad. The Cranes aren’t strangers to running a successful business. They opened Joplin’s first vape shop (SWMO Vape Shop) a little over five years ago, eventually opening shops in Pittsburg and Mount Vernon as well. Once the shops were established and “running themselves” Brad and Holly were ready for a new project. “Anything we do, we want it to be good.” said Brad. They knew what they wanted to do, but they needed to find the right space. “Then we walked in this building, and it was huge and underpriced. We were sure there had to be something wrong with it. But all the big stuff was okay,” said Brad. A peek inside Bookhouse
The interior of the building is whimsical, yet clearly done with a skilled hand-- the work of the previous owner who utilized faux finish painting techniques as ambiance for selling French antiques. An entire interior wall is painted to resemble blocks of stone; it’s a castle wall without a doubt. “When we first walked in here we were blown away. Every design feature was beyond our skill set. It was almost over the top. Maybe I wouldn’t have made it look like a castle with French wallpaper and Italian wall treatments, but it works. We couldn’t have not done this. If we came into this building with this concept in mind and we didn’t choose this building, we would have regretted it forever. It fell in our laps,” said Holly. The Cranes have taken their love for indie film venues and rolled it into their own. While a theater showing independent films brings joy to the hearts of local creatives, the Cranes have created a place to gather over simple pleasures: food, drink, entertainment and friends-- old and new. 25 JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
pathfinders
| Written by Melissa Dunson | Photography by Roger Nomer
Ethelmae
Humphreys
Ethelmae Humphreys shown with portraits of her parents, E.L. And Mary Ethel Craig
Congratulations
Ethelmae Humphreys
on 70 Years of Service at TAMKO! 26
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‘I do it for the pleasure of it’ To make TAMKO Building Products what it is today, Ethelmae Humphreys, 91, had to do what many thought she couldn’t. When she took over the day-to-day operations of the company that her parents founded, Ethelmae was a single woman, in her early 20s, running a building products manufacturing company in the 1950s. It was simply unheard of. She admits it was an overwhelming task, but she was not overwhelmed. “The thought that I was in over my head must have entered my mind at some point, but the situation didn’t frustrate me because I’d always been told and believed that I really could do anything that I set my mind to – so I went about doing it,” Ethelmae said. Ethelmae had good reason to believe her parents when they told her she could do anything. Her father, E.L. Craig, was a serial entrepreneur who started and sold a variety of businesses and had a knack for seeing opportunity where others saw obstacles. Her mother, Mary Ethel Craig, served as E.L.’s most trusted advisor and oversaw the family’s businesses, often traveling with young Ethelmae from stateto-state to follow her husband’s business ventures. In 1944, the couple started their final business together, a roofing manufacturing plant in Joplin, Missouri. Under Ethelmae’s leadership, and the subsequent leadership of her husband and her son, TAMKO has grown from that one Joplin location to a national manufacturer projected to generate $4 billion in Missouri’s economy over the next 25 years. A change of course But Ethelmae never set out to be “the matriarch and grand dame of the roofing industry,” or the person responsible for helping “break women into the industry,” as she’s been called by some of TAMKO’s largest competitors. She had just graduated from the University of Kansas with a bachelor’s degree in liberal arts in 1948, when her father’s failing health and a fierce sense of loyalty changed her course. “By the time I graduated from college, I knew I needed to come home,” Ethelmae said. And just like that, TAMKO became
her life. “I never intended to do it — I just knew somebody had to and I was the only one,” Ethelmae said. The younger sibling Although Ethelmae was the only biological offspring of E.L. and Mary Ethel, she Ethelmae Humphreys talks about her collection of TAMKO memorabilia never felt like an in her office. only child. “I felt like the business of transition,” David said. “She was was another sibling — it’s as accurate a instrumental in making those transitions way as I can think to explain it to make successful, but even more so, I think we anyone else understand,” Ethelmae said. can be grateful for her steadying influence, “TAMKO had all the same needs as a her wisdom and sound advice, and her younger sibling because I had to take steadfast dedication to the company and care of it. And the truth is, I wanted to its employees over 70 years.” take care of it. I have always wanted to I suppose.” Thanks in part to Ethelmae’s sacrifice, She continued to lead TAMKO after determination and grace, TAMKO will she married Jay “J.P.” Humphreys, an celebrate its 75th anniversary in business accounting machine salesman for the in 2019. National Cash Register Company. She ‘I do it for the pleasure of it’ didn’t slow down until the moment her first son, David, was born, when she In December 2018, Ethelmae officially had been in heated negotiations with marked 70 years at TAMKO, and the Teamsters union until 5 p.m. the day continues to hold the title of Chairman of before. the Board. She has served on a variety of A ‘steadying influence’ local and national boards, including the Two more children followed, Sarah Foundation for Economic Education and and John, and Ethelmae stepped back, the CATO Institute, but the majority of relinquishing the top role to her husband her responsibilities focus on the operations who served as TAMKO president for 30 of the E.L. Craig Foundation and the years. But, she stayed involved in both J.P. Humphreys Foundation, charitable the daily issues as well as the long-term nonprofits named after two of the most industry decisions, including traveling internationally to investigate new products important men in her life. It’s a fitting role, because for Ethelmae, and partnerships. TAMKO has always been about her family. Ethelmae succeeded her mother as At the corporate offices in downtown chairman of the board in 1972, and returned to a full-time position at Joplin, she is greeted by portraits of her TAMKO in the 1980s. She again rose late parents standing watch over her desk to the occasion in 1993, taking on the as she works, in the business she once ran executive role after her husband died, but with her husband, in the office next to her graciously stepping back again when the oldest son. couple’s oldest son, David Humphreys, “Some of us are very lucky,” Ethelmae became CEO the next year. said. “I’ve always said that when it’s not “She graciously accepted the leadership fun anymore — if it gets to be a burden — put on her and over the decades repeatedly it’s time to be done. But, so far, it’s never relinquished control and took it up felt like a burden. I do it for the pleasure again to steer TAMKO through some of the company’s most turbulent seasons of it.” 27 JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
pathfinders
| Written by Amanda Stone | Photography by Roger Nomer
Father John Paul
Tran
JOPLINPLAZA.COM
VILLASATTHEPLAZA.COM
WEBBCITYPLAZA.COM
CONGRATULATIONS FATHER JOHN PAUL! 28
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Taking advantage of what God gives us In a time when it seems refugees’ determination for a safe haven must be more resolute than ever before, Father John Paul Tran of Carthage’s Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer remembers his own harrowing journey from Vietnam with his family. In the years following the fall of Saigon, over 1.5 million Vietnamese refugees fled. Approximately 700,000 did so by small boats, prey to pirates and suffering from starvation, dehydration and capsizing; Tran and his family are forever “boat people.” Tran’s turbulent childhood migration to the United States may have bolstered his grateful determination. His smile is quick and it comes often. “We take advantage of what God gave us in the land of opportunity and we give back to the people,” said Tran. High election
Tran was recently elected as Provincial Minister at CMR, a four-year term which makes him the face of the congregation, as well as the one who oversees the 123 members. They are priests and brothers, and as Tran said, “we’re trying to get God’s message out and to honor our Lady Mary. With all guys here, my toughest job is to keep this place calm,” said Tran, laughing. Tran became a member of the congregation as a junior at McAuley Catholic High School. He went to his 30th class reunion the year before last, the first one he’s been available to attend. “In the beginning, I didn’t know where I was going,” said Tran. “I followed a friend here. But I heard God’s call, so I stayed.” There were 60 in that original group, and Tran is one of the three that remain. He is relatively young to be the one in charge, and he credits the congregation’s
Father John Paul Tran plays his guitar in his office at the Congregation of the Mother of the Redeemer.
youth for the reason they are more prevalent in the community than ever before. “We want people to know who we are and how we live. We’re just normal people,” said Tran, with a shrug and a smile. “People are always surprised to hear that some of our younger guys play video games in their free time.” A day in the life
Their daily routine begins with spiritual time at 6 a.m., with breakfast at 8:20 and work at 9. Everyone has their designated tasks, from cooking to groundskeeping and everything in between. They have lunch at noon and dinner at 7 p.m.; the remainder of the day is spiritual time and work, with free time sprinkled in. “Everything we do here is in the spirit of prayer,” said Tran. The men who come to CMR and are called to be priests serve at parishes around the country; the others are brothers who live and serve at CMR. Like many of the priests from CMR, Tran’s higher education began with four years of study in philosophy in Conception, Missouri and continued with four years in theology in seminary in New Orleans. Those who have the call to be a priest travel to parishes around the country; those who don’t stay on as brothers at
CMR, taking care “of everything” — they have a mail campaign, a magazine with 10,000 Vietnamese subscribers, groundskeeping, cooking, cleaning and all else it takes to keep a small community thriving. Worldwide reunion
Marian Days, a pilgrimage and family reunion for Vietnamese Roman Catholics worldwide, is just one of the ways the congregation serves. Upward of 100,000 visitors inhabit the grounds for days, as traditional food, music and festivities draw people from near and far. The Way of Salvation light display, happening for over thirty years and free of charge, is a way the congregation gives back to the community. A team of five to 10 people are responsible for the drivethru Christmas light display, which draws visitors from around the Four States. “There are the scenes from the bible that depict how God saved us. We hope to get the message of Christmas out, that it’s more than just shopping,” said Tran. Tran’s vision for his 4-year term as Provincial Minister at CMR is simple: “My goal is to focus more on the spiritual life. I don’t want to change things too fast. I just want to focus more on our spiritual life inside.” JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
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pathfinders
| Written by Andra Stefanoni | Photography by Roger Nomer
Dr. Al
Carnine 30
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Singing spreads smiles For 37 years, it was easy to find Al Carnine on a Monday night. He was at choir practice. Specifically, he was directing the MSSU Choral Society — a group he founded in 1980 when several area residents indicated a desire to start an area-wide community chorus. Carnine recently retired as its director, passing the baton to Susan Smith. But he’s revered by its members as having started what is now the oldest continuous community choir in the Four State Area. “There are so many people who grew up singing in high school and college choirs who had no outlet available to them for singing secular and sacred music,” he said. The choir began with a modest 27 singers, and at its peak hit almost 80. Today, it averages close to 50 — well above the national average of 25 to 30 for community choirs. The repertoire is quite varied: the summer performance is always a patriotic concert, while the emphasis for the December concert is Christmas. Spring provides a balance of offerings, from classical to Broadway. “There are singers from all kinds of backgrounds, from ‘bathtub’ to music degrees,” Carnine said. “Monday evenings helped me revitalize for the remainder of the week.” For 37 years, the remainder of his week was spent primarily in the Music Department, where he was hired as a fulltime teacher in August 1977 and retired with the rank of full professor in August 2014. In recognition of his value to the department, the music faculty named the Music Student Lounge after him. Awards and accolades
His awards and achievements are plentiful: In 1997, MSSU named him Outstanding Teacher of the Year. He also is the recipient of the Friend of Education Award by the Joplin Educators Association for a series of children’s concerts in Joplin elementary schools. In 1998, he was one of two faculty members nominated for the Carnegie Foundation’s U.S. Professors of the Year
program, and in 2002, the Missouri Choral Directors Association named him Outstanding District Director. “But aside from the awards, it’s my love of teaching and the relationships built with students and faculty that has been the most gratifying part of my career,” he said. Carnine graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in 1965 with a degree in instrumental music, having played the tuba and performed as a member of the Apollo Quartet. But after graduation, he decided to switch to choral music, and enrolled at Southern Methodist University in Dallas to earn a master’s in choral conducting and a second master’s in music education. His path was set
In 1966, he secured his first position as a teacher and choral conductor at Quincy Senior High School in Quincy, Illinois. During his time there, the school was represented by no fewer than nine singers each year at All-State High School Choir, and in his third year, 13 participated — a record that still stands today. “But by far the most important event in my life at this time was meeting and marrying my lovely wife, Nancy,” Carnine said. Today, they have three grown children — Michelle, Holly, and David — and four grandchildren. The couple moved to Texas in 1969 so Carnine could earn a doctorate in choral conducting at the University of Texas, and it was there he became the director of the Austin Community Chorus and the Austin Chord Rangers Barbershop Chorus. “Two wonderful training grounds,” he said of those groups.
Going forward
When Carnine was hired as both band and choral director for East Texas Baptist University, he was entering uncharted territory. “They had never before had a band,” he said. By his second year, the school had a respectable ensemble of 52 members. “Although the university had no football team, that didn’t stop us from doing a marching band halftime show for the Homecoming basketball game,” he said. His concert choir also achieved success: they traveled to Israel to sing on international television on Christmas Eve 1976, and were selected to sing the choral parts for the Fort Worth Opera Association’s production of “Madame Butterfly” with the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra. Going out in style
Carnine then made his final career move: he accepted the job of Director of Choral Activities at Missouri Southern State University. “God saved my best teaching position for last,” he said. He’s faced his share of challenges and setbacks — primarily in his health. Diabetes, blood clots, and MRSA have been struggles since 1980, and he had two toe amputations. But the choir, he said, has been a blessing. “The single greatest joy of my career has been the Choral Society,” he said. “So many people from so many different walks of life, yet we remain a close family who truly cares about one another. I have never seen such a closely-knit group of people who love to sing and bring happiness to others.” JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
31
pathfinders
| Written by Kevin McClintock | Photography by Roger Nomer
Audie
Dennis
Audie Dennis stands proudly with a few of the Joplin Memorial Run finishers medals displayed.
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Audie Dennis, president of Active Lifestyle Events, center, presents a check from proceeds of the Joplin Memorial Run to representatives of the Stained Glass Theatre earlier this year.
‘I do in many ways contribute running to saving my life’ When Audie Dennis first moved to Joplin in 1995, he noticed there were very few runners on the sides of roads. “As crazy as it sounds, the sport of running wasn’t big here,” Dennis said, who had moved from running-rich Wichita, Kansas, finding the absence of organized running in Joplin as a sizable culture shock. “I’m not going to say there was no running community here at all, but it was very loose-knit and not well-known, would be the best way to put it. We were few and far between, we knew each other but that was about it. “I remember getting stuff thrown at me when I was running down the road, bags of McDonald’s sacks tossed from (car) windows,” he continued. He wanted to establish a community run in his new hometown, something akin to the annual Wichita River Run, an event filled with energy and enthusiasm, something that could be embraced by the public. In 2003, he received the opportunity, establishing the Festival of the Four States 4K and 8K. It’s launching point was on Virginia Street, between The Joplin Globe and the Red Onion. There were a total of 75 runners. “That instantly made us the largest run in the area,” Dennis said with a chuckle. “We thought we were pretty hot stuff.” Boy has it grown
In 2005, the 4K and 8K transformed into the more traditional 5K and 10K, with the Festival of the Four States rechristened Boomtown Days. Four years later, the 10K was dropped and a half marathon adopted. Ten days before the 2011 event was scheduled to begin, the EF-5 tornado tore through Joplin. More than 400 runners showed up on the day of the race, renamed “Day of Service,” to help clean debris just east of the Joplin High School. Runner’s World magazine would name both the Boomtown organizers and runners as
one of its “Heroes of Running.” In 2012, the race was rebranded again — the Joplin Memorial Run, under the tagline “Run, Remember and Rebuild.” Dennis wanted the race to “celebrate life through running, to remember the 161 killed in the storm and to support the rebuilding of the city.” With its banners listing the 161 names, it was modeled after a similar race in Oklahoma City dedicated to the 168 people who lost their lives in the 1995 Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing. Dennis has run that race many times; his aunt, Norma Jean Johnson, lost her life in the detonation. The popularity of the Walk of Remembrance, he said, took them all by surprise. “We had no idea it would affect the community the way it did,” Dennis said. “The first time we put the banners up, the night before the run, there was bumper to bumper traffic up and down Joplin; people wanting to check it out. This gives people a chance, every year, to take part in the event, even if they aren’t runners.” Race numbers peaked during the 2016 race, when 3,000-plus runners participated. Last year, there were 2,500 runners. That’s a far cry from the 75 they collected in 2003, Dennis said. Learning to run
Though Dennis has long been associated with running, thanks to both the Memorial Run and Active Lifestyle Events, he still chuckles when he thinks about the first time he donned running shoes and took to the streets while living in Wichita. “I made it a block before I had to stop and walk,” he said. “I had tried running several times during my college years and early 20s (but) I could never make it stick. When I was 29, I went through a very traumatic time in my life and honestly knew if I didn’t do something to relieve the stress, I was going to to have a heart attack or something.” Despite barely making it a block in that first
attempt, “I slugged it out. Eventually a half-mile became a mile. That mile became two miles. And this sounds cheesy, but I do in many ways contribute running to saving my life. Because I really felt like the stress was going to overwhelm me and that the running did wonders for me during that time in my life. I feel somewhat like I owe the sport of running a debt of gratitude and that’s probably the primary motivation for doing whatever I’ve accomplished in Joplin. I wanted other people to see the benefits that were there to be had like I did.” Between the ages of 29 and 58, Dennis has averaged 1,000 running miles a year — a combined total of roughly 30,000 total miles. He has participated in more than 200 races, including seven marathons. “If I go a week without running, I will start to get cranky and irritable and my wife will say, ‘Would you just leave and go run!’ And when I do I’m instantly more relaxed and happier.” More than just running
Aside from his role as president of Active Lifestyle Events, Dennis is part owner, vice president and general manager of Boyd Metals in Joplin. He has also served with both the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce and Joplin Rotary Club. He’s also a huge Arkansas Razorbacks fan, having grown up and gone to school — both high school and college — in Fayetteville, Arkansas and is a proud member of the Arkansas Alumni Association. His current endeavor, he said, has nothing to do with the feet. Rather, it starts and end, with the brain. As President of Creative Learning Alliance, a Vision 2022 Initiative, he wants to construct a new children’s museum in Joplin. “Kids are a passion of mine. And I really am excited about what a children’s museum, or a discovery science center, could mean to this community’s children,” Dennis said. “For a lot of kids, their parents can’t afford to take them to Tulsa, or Springfield or Kansas City … and I get so tired of hearing people say there’s nothing to do on weekends here so they leave town.” The idea “is to give them something to do on weekends, to draw people to Joplin from outside the area.” Right now a consultant is wrapping up a feasibility study, he said, and they have set a target construction date for May, 2022. With the Joplin Memorial Run in full swing, and hopefully a new science center down the road, Dennis said he feels blessed for what he’s managed to accomplish for his adopted community. “It is quite an honor” to be looked upon as a running icon, he said, even though “I’m getting older and finding it harder and harder to keep my figure (a chuckle). With a lot of hard work over the years, (Joplin’s embrace of running) just came to be. “Honestly it wasn’t at all intended,” Dennis continued. “It just happened.” 33 JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
pathfinders
| Written by Carole King | Photography by Roger Nomer
Paula
Baker 34
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Let Your Passion Lead You When Paula Baker was a toddler, her family nicknamed her “The Little Boss.” Today, she is the award-winning President and Chief Executive Officer of Freeman Health System — Joplin’s largest employer: a three hospital, 460-bed health system serving Southwest Missouri and the surrounding region. As a woman executive in healthcare and a natural-born Pathfinder, Paula’s journey has taken her to the top. But the path she followed was not always a straight one. Born and raised in Pittsburg, Kansas, Pittsburg State University was an easy college choice for her, first to pursue a bachelors’ degree in secondary education, and later, a masters’ degree in clinical psychology. She also met her husband at PSU. “My heart was set on being a county extension agent,” Baker says. “But about 30 days before I graduated with my bachelor’s degree, the state of Kansas had a huge budget cut and eliminated all the county extension agent positions. “My fiancée Gene and I got married right after graduation and we both needed jobs,” Baker said. “I took a secretarial position at Ozark Center in Joplin to tide me over as I regrouped and decided what to do next with my training.” Helping others
Working at Ozark Center was surprisingly gratifying to Baker, however. It was so gratifying, in fact, that she went back to PSU for her master’s in psychology. Although she enjoyed her psychological studies, she found that her true niche in behavioral health was in administration. “I worked my way up through various managerial positions at Ozark Center until I was named Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Ozark Center,” Baker said. “I probably would have been happy staying at Ozark Center forever. But the fields of mental healthcare and physical healthcare
were beginning to crossover, and I caught a broader vision.” A finely woven tapestry
Today, Baker sees health as a finely woven tapestry that involves both the mental and the physical. “You cannot separate good behavioral health from good physical health,” Baker says. “You can’t take a knife and cut those two sides of health apart; they are tightly inter-woven. Mental health works hand in hand with physical health.” This realization fueled a new love for primary medicine in Baker, in addition to her earlier commitment to behavioral health. Her broadened understanding culminated in the position she holds today, according to Baker. Baker’s many awards indicate that she is a consummate professional, but she claims there is something deeper that gives her the inspiration to lead. She considers two career experiences as turning points. The first experience was the establishment of the Bill and Virginia Leffen Center for Autism in Joplin. “Establishing the autism center began simply with the plea of a local mom for help, and it grew to become an amazing, world-class project while I was CEO of Ozark Center,” Baker said. “It was humbling and transformative to see the difference that we could make permanently in the lives of children and their families by providing this quality of care in Joplin.”
The second turning-point experience occurred when Ozark Center built housing for the chronically mentally ill. The first apartments opened on a bitterly cold day in late November. “I will never forget one of the first women we placed in a home,” Baker said. “This woman had been living in a storage shed with no heating or cooling. Seeing her response to having a home – a warm place to be with people around her that cared about her – touched my heart. That was when I realized that Ozark Center was more than a job; it was more like a ministry. As I further immersed myself in the health system, I began to see the ministry in all of healthcare. I was very drawn to that.” Into the future
Today, Baker inspires her employees to look beyond the day-to-day difficulties of healthcare and find the same inspiration. “Every day, we have people at Freeman who are in crisis, in health emergencies,” Baker says. “Others are here for the happy occasion of having a baby. But that, too, comes with a lot of anxiety and stress. Of all the jobs you can have, no matter how much you are paid, there are few jobs that reward you like healthcare. “When you put your head on your pillow at night, you have the deep satisfaction of knowing that you made a positive difference in someone’s life today, at a time when they needed help the most.” JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
35
pathfinders
| Written by Carole King | Photography by Roger Nomer
Kristi
Seibert Congratulations Kristi Seibert! 1431 S REX AVE • JOPLIN • (417) 625-4094 www.redwoodgardenestates.com 1750 REDWOOD DRIVE • WEBB CITY • (417) 717-0757 www.redwoodgardenestateswc.com 36
JMAG NOVEMBER • JANUARY | FEBRUARY JMAG DECEMBER
On the Pathway of Gratitude and Giving Back Kristi Seibert, Outreach Director of the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks since 2011, cheated death not just once, but twice. In 2007 she beat breast cancer, and in 2013, she survived a widow-maker heart attack. Those near-death experiences, Seibert says, made a Pathfinder out of her, directing her to a new career in philanthropy and giving back. Seibert describes herself as an independent and strong-willed woman before October 2007. “Seeing someone wear a breast cancer ribbon used to make me cringe,” Seibert said. “It seemed like a sign of weakness. I thought if that ever happened to me, I’d never tell anyone. I would just handle it.” Then in October 2007, the pink ribbon diagnosis “happened” to Seibert. She noticed an irregularity in her left breast and had it checked by her doctor. To her surprise, she tested positive for early stage invasive ductal carcinoma and underwent a full bilateral mastectomy. “Breast cancer taught me I was just as human as everyone else. I needed the support of my pink sisters while I was going through the surgery and recovery and making decisions about treatment,” Seibert said. “I became involved in support groups for women going through breast cancer. I have since lost precious friends to this disease.” Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks (BCFO) in Springfield soon became Seibert’s channel for giving back. The organization, founded by breast cancer survivor Mary Beth O’Reilly of Springfield, focuses on maximizing local donations to help local cancer victims. After losing a young friend to recurring breast cancer at the age of 31, O’Reilly established the Breast Cancer Foundation of the Ozarks in May 1999 to provide help, hope and education to local families impacted by breast cancer. The organization has a special emphasis on education for
breast cancer victims under the age of 40. After Seibert recovered from her own battle with breast cancer in 2007, she wanted to give back. Seibert also had a younger “pink sister,” Sarah, who died at the age of 31. Prior to her death, however, Sarah introduced Seibert to BCFO. Seibert began to volunteer with BCFO and other local groups. “Sarah introduced us. She said, ‘Kristi, this is the foundation that has been helping me so much,” Seibert said. “So, I decided to meet up with Crystal Webster, the executive director. She and I became friends.” At the time, Webster was driving back and forth to Joplin several times a week, trying to meet the need in both markets. “BCFO had contracts at both Freeman and St John’s in Joplin to help provide mammograms for women who could not pay, and Crystal was getting worn out from driving back and forth,” Seibert said. “Right after the Joplin tornado, Mary Beth O’Reilly wanted to help Joplin in a bigger way. They decided to hire a Joplin resident as Outreach Director. Crystal invited me to interview for the position and, long story short, I was hired to be the Outreach Director for BCFO on July 1, 2011. Until my heart attack, my office remained in Springfield.” Today, Seibert manages all fundraising efforts in the Four State Area from her Joplin office. She also serves as outreach director in the Joplin community, working closely with area hospitals, physicians and breast cancer patients. In addition to matching patients with resources and education, BCFO gives practical help, such as covering house payments or utility bills while patients undergo treatment and cannot work. Pink Ribbon Gala Annual fundraising galas, accompanied by live auctions, have become BCFO’s signature fund-raising events in both Joplin and Springfield. “Our very first Pink Ribbon Gala raised $89,000,” Seibert said. “Our goal has always been that we raise enough money here in
Joplin to pay for all the services we provide here. I am happy to say that after a few years, we have been able to do that.” The most recent Joplin gala raised $160,000, according to Seibert. The Springfield BCFO holds their own gala, and the funds raised in each city remain in their respective communities. BCFO also operates five DMV offices in the region, which contributes additional support. “We keep our overhead as low as possible,” Seibert says. “I am the only employee in Joplin, and everything we do here is supported by volunteers.” Overcoming Fear Today, when a newly diagnosed breast cancer patient is referred to Seibert, the first thing she tells them is that it’s okay to be afraid. “It’s normal to be afraid, so I acknowledge that. Then I ask them to slow down for a minute and take a deep breath,” Seibert says, “Once they’ve calmed down just a bit, I invite them to ask me anything. Anything. And they do.” Seibert claims that helping other women face breast cancer makes her genuinely happy, and she owes a debt of love to many people who helped her win her own battle with cancer. That debt of love can only be repaid by giving back. “I have been given so much,” Seibert says. “It would be selfish not to share what I have gained with others.” 37 JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
pathfinders
| Written by Kevin McClintock | Photography by Laurie Sisk
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A young man with a very big heart One of the worst things about a hospital stay are the medical gowns. Just ask Joplin’s Easton Murdock about those boring things. “They don’t go down very far and they tend to reveal stuff to anyone,” Easton said with a chuckle. He’s right — they’re thin, they leak heat and they seem to open up in all the wrong places. Which is why Easton, who has been in and out of the St. Louis Children’s Hospital since the age of 6, has long craved the comfort and familiarity of his fleece pajamas. In 2009, he was diagnosed with a brain stem and cervical spine tumor. He underwent nine weeks of chemotherapy and six weeks of radiation, plus two major surgeries. “We’ve seen a lot of that hospital, spent a lot of holidays there, and we kept thinking, ‘being so far from home, what can we do to make him feel more comfortable?” said Easton’s mother, Megan Guodace. “I would always make sure he had pajamas to make him feel better and to help ease (his anxiety) a bit.” Wearing his favorite fleece pajamas while lying atop a hospital bed, Easton said, “reminds me of being at home.” During a hospital stay in 2013, his younger sister, Gabby, befriended a patient in another room. Both Easton and Gabby noticed the little girl was wearing one of those uncomfortable hospital gowns. Easton turned to his mother to ask: “Why doesn’t she have pajamas?” That got the youngster thinking: Wouldn’t the other kids sharing the hospital floor, particularly this little girl, love to own their own pair of pajamas? Once Easton was discharged from the hospital, the four rushed over to a nearby department store to piece together a care package for Gabby’s new friend — including a stuffed animal, a coloring book, lip balm and, yes, a pair of blue and white pajamas covered with kitten faces. And just like that, “Operation Jammies” was born.
Keeping others warm
“She was just so excited,” Megan said of the little girl’s reaction to their surprise care package. “And I think when we got home from the hospital, that made Easton realize even more why some kids had pajamas and others kids didn’t, which is something you didn’t really think about it and kind of take for granted.” In a span of just two weeks in 2013, Easton and his family collected 500 pairs of pajamas, she said, which were immediately hand-delivered to the St. Louis-based hospital during Easton’s next visit. But it didn’t stop there. If anything, it grew beyond their initial expectations. By 2015, a number of businesses and institutions — St. Mary’s Catholic Elementary School, Pronto Pharmacy, LaFerla Ortho and The Future Business Leaders of America club at the Joplin High School — had gathered donations to contribute to Murdock’s pajama-purchasing cause. Easton and his family believe they have collected and distributed a total of 5,000 pairs of PJ’s. While most of them have been delivered to the St. Louis Children’s Hospital, others have been handed off at the St. Louis-based Shriners Hospitals for Children, the Cox hospitals in Springfield and even the Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children in Orlando, Florida, a stop Easton’s family made when they were on vacation there. During a recent appointment, he decided to hand out to the sick children at the hospital something new: 60 pairs of socks. “It always makes you feel good when you do it,” the now 14-year-old said about the act of giving, immediately receiving a hug from his Megan. “Giving is better than receiving.” “When you’re going through struggles,” added Eaton’s stepfather, Gus Guodace, “it helps to see a smile on someone else’s face.” Right now, Easton is doing good, medically-speaking. “We’re in a pretty good spot,” Megan said. “He has been through a lot. Most adults don’t go through what he’s been forced to go through. And sometimes I don’t think he even realizes it.” Positive Outlook on life
The trials and tribulations Easton and his family have been forced to navigate has
given them a positive view on life. “I will say this: at times I thought things were really bad, but it made me realize things could be a lot worse,” Megan said. “Even when you have a child diagnosed with cancer, even when you’re going through a well of emotions, it could be so much worse. We have a roof over our heads, we’re fortunate enough to be able to give our children the simple things in life: Pajamas or socks. And when kids receive those from us, they act like it’s a million bucks. And that’s what makes you realize, even though to most it’s just a pair of pajamas, to some kids maybe that’s that only pair they have, or maybe it’s made them feel like someone else was thinking of them; making them feel better.” “I think it’s become very clear what Easton’s purpose in life is,” Megan continued, “— making others feel good about themselves.’” Details: Visit the Operation Jammies Facebook page to see more details about what this Joplin family is doing. 39 JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
BRIDAL
| Written by Bobbie Pottorff
Wedding Planner Q&A JMAG recently sat down with Josh Shackles, owner of Bridal Bliss, 1921 Annie Baxter Ave., in Joplin, to speak about the importance behind planning a wedding. JMAG: What are the most popular venues in the Joplin area? Shackles: The most popular venues in the area are The Silver Spoon Barn (4975 E. Zora St., Joplin), Joplin Elks Lodge #501 (1802 W. 26th St., Joplin), The Red Door Barn (9164 Highway 43, Webb City) and Greystone Mill Weddings Gatherings (12866 Klausen Lane, Neosho). The new Sterling Event Center (4975 E. Zora St., Joplin, now under construction) will definitely be the most popular venue in 2019. JMAG: What is the current trend in weddings? For example - Country chic? Modern? Themed weddings? Etc…?
Shackles: 2018 has been a year of very unique weddings. While many couples still use traditional or country themes, the current trend is to personalize as many aspects of the wedding and reception as possible. The Silver Spoon Barn
JMAG: Is there one standard thing that all brides want or need for the big day, or does it really just vary? Shackles: Most brides are looking for trustworthy vendors who want to make their big day as perfect as they have always imagined. JMAG: Are couples choosing big and extravagant, or are they opting for smaller weddings and bigger honeymoons? Shackles: This comes down to the budget and creativity of the wedding party. Many are saving expense by creating their own centerpieces and decorations. JMAG: Is there a piece of advice you would give every couple when they start planning the “big” day? Or some do’s and don’ts in particular? Shackles: The biggest piece of advice I would give a couple is to look into wedding insurance. There are many online and local agents that offer these services. This coverage can reimburse a couple in the case of unexpected catastrophes. JMAG: Where can a bride-to-be find more information about wedding planning?
The Silver Spoon Barn 40
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Shackles: There are a lot of tools available on our website, bridalblissjoplin.com, which are free to use and help with organization and planning. Also, there is a free wedding guide for local vendors at www.Joplinweddingguide.com.
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BRIDAL
| Staff Reports | Photography courtesy Susannah Schrader
During a vacation in Atlantic City, Jared Brogan of Pittsburg, Kansas proposed to Susannah Schrader, of Joplin. Their wedding will be held on June 6, 2020.
Bride-to-be Q&A
Susannah Schrader of Joplin — a Jmag contributor — and Jared Brogan of Pittsburg, Kansas will be “tying the knot” on June 6, 2020. JMAG recently held a Q/A session with Susannah about her upcoming marriage, particularly what has been easy — and not-soeasy — about this time-honored tradition. JMAG: First off, congratulations. Second, have you chosen your venue? Experts say that is one of the toughest decisions to make, even more so than selecting that all-important wedding dress. Susannah: We plan to get married at St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Joplin. It’s the church I grew up going to, so it’s pretty sentimental to me that I’m getting married there. JMAG: Has a reception venue been chosen yet?
Susannah: Honestly, we’re still in the very early stages of planning the wedding. I’d say less than 5 percent. We’ve spoken to the parish priest and reserved the day for our ceremony at the church, but that’s about it. We’re still deciding on a reception venue, theme, decorations, food — essentially everything.” JMAG: What part about this process has proven to be the most difficult? Susannah: Doing it. We’re both very busy with relatively new careers, and we also live in separate cities (Susannah in Joplin, Jared in Kansas City), so finding the time to dedicate to planning has been difficult. However, since the wedding isn’t until (mid-2020), we have a little bit more time before we really need to put our nose to the grindstone.
Susannah: We’ll have the reception somewhere in the Joplin area. We’re still scoping out venues now.
JMAG: Unless you’re on a TV reality show, what brides-to-be go through in Hollywood is a far cry from what happens here in reality. Are you a bit surprised by that?
JMAG: How far along are your wedding plans? Give it to me in the form of a percentage.
Susannah: I’m a little surprised at how “normal” it’s been to be engaged. We’ve known for a long time that we would get married
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someday — the only difference now is that I have a ring on my finger. It definitely isn’t like the movies, where you spend long weekends picking out the perfect flowers or wedding bands and talking about the future. We still do our jobs and pay our bills like normal — we just happen to also be getting married. JMAG: Compromises are a big part of wedding planning. Have made any so far? Susannah: The biggest compromise we’ve made so far is where we’d be getting married. We toyed with the idea of getting married somewhere other than Joplin, but it was
important to me to be married near family and in the church that I spent most of my life attending. Getting married there is also a way to incorporate my late great-grandmother into the wedding, since she had a huge influence on my attendance at the church and definitely would have wanted my wedding to be there. This wasn’t exactly Jared’s vision, but he understood why it was important, and was on board when he realized how much it meant to me. JMAG: Tell me a little about your proposal from Jared. Susannah: Jared proposed this past June in Atlantic City. We were on vacation with my family, and he asked me to marry him on the boardwalk on the last night of the trip. I’ve taken that trip to New Jersey with my dad, stepmother and sisters for years, so getting engaged there was incredibly special. JMAG: Was that two-year gap between engagement and marriage done on purpose? Susannah: We did consciously choose to have a longer engagement to give me time to establish myself in my career. When we got engaged, I was six weeks out of college and still hadn’t found a full-time job in my field.
We knew it would take some time and weren’t sure where I would be going, so it just made sense to give ourselves a bit of a buffer so that I could start a job and we could figure out our plans long-term. JMAG: Do you still think of your “dream wedding” vision you had as a young girl? Susannah: I honestly have never had much of a concept of a “dream wedding.” I thought for a long time I might like to be married on a beach or outside, but I’ve never been one of those women who has an exact vision. I was always more focused on thinking about who I would be marrying, and Jared is more wonderful than anything I ever imagined. When I thought of it before, there was always a sort of question mark where the groom’s face should be—now, I can’t imagine it being anybody but Jared. JMAG: Does that “dream wedding” vision seem a bit cheesy now? Susannah: The only thing that makes me roll my eyes is how much I romanticized the whole process of getting married. Planning a wedding, getting married, and being married all require a lot of work, which is in addition to all the other areas of life that require work.
I know it’s going to be the best day of my life, but I also know I’m going to be exhausted and ready for it to be over. JMAG: Anything from that “dream wedding” vision that will make it into your 2020 ceremony? Susannah: I always thought that I might keep the tradition of wearing “something old, something new, something borrowed, and something blue.” I have some things of my nana’s that I’d like to incorporate, but I also want to wear something of my mom’s. I’m not dead set on much when it comes to this wedding, but I’m sentimental, and I know that I’ll always remember those little details. JMAG: Finally, is there anything you plan to do that will make your wedding unique when compared to other ceremonies? Susannah: I think the reception is going to be really unique. We both have eclectic taste in music and lots of inside jokes, so all of that will be incorporated. Some people may not understand why we’re playing certain songs or putting up specific decorations, but it’s not about having a Pinterest-perfect wedding. It’s about celebrating us, and that’s what we plan to do.
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BRIDAL
| Written by Terri Nighswonger | Photography courtesy Jane Ballard
Match made in Heaven Caboose turns into a chapel filled with love Watch out! The light at the end of the tunnel just might be a train! Hopefully it’s the passenger car and caboose owned by Jane and Bobby Ballard of Country Caboose Wedding Chapel. And hopefully you’re planning a wedding. And you like trains. The Ballard’s were taking a drive in the country one afternoon several years ago when the light bulb came on. They had owned a gift shop on the east side of Joplin called the Country Caboose from 19892009. “We were out driving around one day, like we always do, and we were out near Mt. Vernon and passed the World’s Smallest Wedding Chapel,” Jane said. “We stopped and turned around and drove back by. About the same time, Bob and I turned around and looked at each other and said, ‘that’s what we could do with the caboose!’ So, we came up with the idea of having a wedding chapel in the caboose.” From that drive, Country Caboose Wedding Chapel opened in 2015 and the two have been joining couples together in holy matrimony ever since. Are there any other wedding places that have a train car? Jane said as far as she can tell, she’s the only one. The caboose only seats 28 and the couple provides a lot of the wedding needs. Both are ordained ministers and Jane does photography as well. Jane does more of the drop-in service Monday through Friday. Bobby does the bigger weddings and even writes the services. “They tell us what they want and then I’ll write it and email it to them and they’ll email back,” Bobby said. “We get everything lined up.” The two have done more than 200 weddings since 2015, and they love to tell stories about some of the more interesting and fun celebrations. One of their favorite stories involved a coupled that called to get information 44
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about costs and what it would take to have a wedding there. “She said they were from the Atlanta area,” Jane said. “I thought, well ok, maybe they have family over here or something. Maybe she’s going to make it easier on the family to see her get married.” The Ballard’s lined up all the details for her and it ended up being just him, her and the dog. It turns out the groom was from Texas and the bride was from Georgia. “He was logging on to his eharmony account to close out his account. She had just logged on and that was her first time on eharmony. They met 44 days before they were at my place getting married,” Jane said. “The dog walked her down the aisle and yeah…they wanted the full wedding and everything just for the two of them.” Jane said there have been a lot of dogs walking their owners down the aisle or participating in some way. One time, the bride broke her ankle three days before the wedding. She was in tears wondering how she was doing to walk down the aisle, Jane said. “I went out and rented a knee cart for her to get her down the aisle,” Jane said. “She could hide it under her dress. She just came down the aisle like normal. It worked, she got down there and we got the wedding done without a hitch. Got her pictures and everything else and she was thrilled.” The couple just recently set up an outdoor facility and are also building an addition so they can have slightly larger weddings. “I haven’t set up chairs in it yet to see but I
think we can handle about 50 with the room addition,” she said. “All of our weddings are small. Our biggest one we had almost 60 people there but only 28 could get in and sit down.” Recently they had a drawing at the Carl Junction Expo for a free wedding. The catch was, the wedding had to be at the Expo. They had a winner who took advantage of the freebie. “I do a lot of weddings outside of the caboose too,” Bobby said. “We do the majority of them right there in the caboose. There are a lot of traditional weddings but some that want it to be fun. They don’t want it too serious because people get so nervous.” One couple told the Ballard’s they didn’t care what they did, they just wanted it to be fun. “Bobby made a card with the pizza hut number on it and when he was saying the repeat after me stuff he added, ‘even as she burns dinner’ and handed the groom the pizza hut number. We had one for her too,” Jane said. The couple have the caboose and passenger car which houses a railroad museum. “It’s novel, it’s small. We have a lot of weddings where it’s just the couple or maybe the couple and five or six people with them,” Jane said. “We do a lot of small weddings. That’s what they want and it’s affordable.” The drop-in service is $100. That includes the minister and the photographer. Jane takes and prints pictures for the couple. Package weddings are also available.
BRIDAL
| Written by Bobbie Pottorff
Did You Know? • The national average cost of a wedding is $33,391 • Unique experiences and how the invited guests feel about the wedding has now taken priority over the look of the wedding dress among todays’ married couples, according to The Knot. In fact, the average cost per wedding guest has reached an all-time high at $268, up from 2009’s $194). • There has been a sizable uptick of
newlyweds who say they want to splurge on fun reception amenities (lawn games, musical performances, selfie stations, etc.). • Non-traditional locations are in; formal and black-tie weddings are out. Wedding costs from coast to coast: • In Kansas City, $22.718 • In San Fransico, $39,329 • Los Angeles, $44,142 • Washington D.C., $39,465 • Miami, $40,634
2017 National Average Expenditures: • Venue, $15,163 • Wedding dress, $1,509 • Groom’s attire, $286 • Wedding cake, $540 • Wedding planner, $1,988 • Reception band, $4,019 • Florist/decor, $2,379 • Photographer, $2,630 • Videographer, $1,912 • Ceremony site, $2,311 • Ceremony musicians, $761 • Catering (price per person), $70 • Transportation, $830 • Favors, $252 • Rehearsal dinner, $1,285 • Engagement ring, $5,764 • Invitations, $408 • Hair/make-up, $966. Average percentage of wedding paid for by: • The bride’s parents = 44.5 percent • The groom’s parents = 12.7 percent • The bride and groom = 41.1 percent • Other = 1.79 percent Facts and figures courtesy The Knot, 2017 numbers
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BRIDAL
| Written by Bobbie Pottorff
l e v a r T g n i d d e W Q&A JMAG recently sat down with Terry Littleton, owner of Reservation Travel Services, 1102 Murphy Blvd. in Joplin, to speak about wedding travels. JMAG: What are the most popular destinations right now?
Reimagine Your Wedding Celebration
Littleton: Some of the most popular locations include Jamaica, Riviera Maya (a stretch of coastline on Mexico’s northeastern Yucatan Peninsula), the Dominican Republic and Costa Rica. JMAG: What are some of the most expensive locations right now? Littleton: The most expensive locations are places like St. Lucia (an Eastern Caribbean island), Aruba (a tiny Dutch Caribbean island off the coast of Venezuela) and probably the most expensive is Turks and Caicos (an archipelago of 40-some coral islands in the Atlantic Ocean, southeast of the Bahamas).
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JMAG: What is the trend with honeymooners? All-inclusive resorts? Beaches? European locations? Littleton: The most popular honeymoon is an all-inclusive, somewhere on a beach. All-inclusive trips are great because you know, up front, what you’re spending and you don’t have to worry about what food and drinks will cost once you arrive at your destination. Cruises and trips to Hawaii are also popular, but by far the allinclusives are the most popular. JMAG: Hurricanes have been devastating to many honeymoon travel destinations in the last couple of years. Explain how this has affected bookings for you? Littleton: Luckily, most of the places I book for honeymoons were just skirted by the hurricanes.
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TASTE
| Written by Amanda Stone | Photography by Roger Nomer
At Home with Damien Tiregol Owner/Executive Chef at Crabby’s Seafood Bar & Grill Owner of American Seafood Damien Tiregol is a chef and a businessman, and his passion for cooking leads the way. Once Tiregol completed culinary school, he started out as a kitchen fry cook and worked his way up. He worked in the kitchen at Crabby’s for years, eventually buying the restaurant four years ago; two years later he started American Seafood, which supplies the cafeteria at Joplin’s Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences with dishes atypical of a student dining hall. He’s also got a new restaurant in the works. “I love to cook, but I’ve always wanted to own my own business,” said Tiregol. “Some people don’t know what it’s like to go to work and really like what you’re doing. Cooking doesn’t seem like work. It’s fun.” 48
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His passion for preparing food from the ground up began with fishing. “I grew up in this area, and we fished a lot. We had a farm and a garden. My love of fish came from my grandpa. I got to see from a very early age what it was to catch your food. I knew how to clean catfish and breakdown trout when I was 7-years-old. It became a love later on in
life,” said Tiregol. Tiregol said his staff at both businesses make it possible for him to get to do all he does in pursuing his passions. “They’re absolutely amazing. They’re engaged and they really do care. I’ve been working with some of them for ten years. They saw all this happen,” he said.
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| Written by Amanda Stone | Photography by Roger Nomer
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Tiregol enjoys cooking at home, as well. He was able to help design the kitchen, so it’s an ideal space for him and his family. “When we’re home, I really do love to cook,” said Tiregol. Among their family favorites is Roasted Chateaubriand. “We make it once or twice a month for the whole family. It’s real classic and it’s something easy. We all love it,” said Tiregol.
the bias. Toss in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and salt and pepper. Roast at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. While cooking add all other ingredients in a small pot; bring to boil and shut off. Remove carrots from oven. Place carrots in a bowl and pour sauce over then toss. Set aside for 10 minutes to let flavors mend. Fingerling potatoes
1 clove garlic, chopped
Chef Damien Tiregol’s
2 pounds Yukon gold fingerling potatoes, cut in half lengthways
3 tablespoons fresh horseradish
ROASTED CHATEAUBRIAND WITH HONEY BALSAMIC CARROTS AND FINGERLING POTATOES
Place on a cookie sheet with a silpat flesh side down. Drizzle with 1/4 cup olive oil and salt and pepper. Roast at 425 degrees for 20 minutes. Horseradish sauce (for the steak) 1 tablespoon fresh tarragon, chopped 1 cup sour cream 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
¼ cup olive oil
Mix all ingredients together and let sit for 30 mins to mend.
For the roast: 3-4 pounds center cut tenderloin roast (ask the butcher to tie it for you) 1 leek 4-5 fresh thyme sprigs 1 lemon, cut into quarters 4-5 fresh bay leaves 4-5 tarragon sprigs 1 stalk celery 5 cloves fresh garlic ½ cup butter (1 stick) ¼ cup Worcestershire sauce 1 tablespoon beef base Preheat oven to 425 degrees. In a roasting pan with a v-shaped rack, place the roast in the center. Arrange the aromatic herbs around the roast. Mix butter, Worcestershire, and beef base together in a small pan and heat until melted. Brush the roast with the butter mixture. Place roast in the oven for 20 minutes. Remove and baste. Bake for another 20 minutes or until the desired temperature is reached. I recommend internal temp to be 130 degrees when removed from oven and rested for 15-20 mins before slicing. Remove aromatic herbs. Slice in ¼-inch cuts against the grain of the meat.
Extraordinary Events Happen Here Amadeus Ranch is a Tuscan-style venue that can accommodate larger wedding parties. We offer different level packages to help make the Bride’s and family’s day stress-free. Contact us today to schedule a tour. 4861 Kentucky Rd., Seneca, MO 417-850-0980 or 417-850-1042
Honey balsamic carrots 6 large carrots, peeled 2 cloves garlic, chopped 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons butter 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar Cut carrots into 1-inch pieces, cutting on JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
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TASTE
Busy Night Chicken
ANDERSON ENTERTAINMENT GROUP PRESENTS
FROM OUR READER
Kimberly Favazzo Are you like me and busy with family and career? When you get home the last thing you want to do is prepare a meal for an hour? • 2 lbs Organic Chicken Breast • 1 22 oz can Chicken Soup • 1 22 oz can Mushroom Soup • 2 lbs Red Potatoes • 10 oz Fresh Broccoli Before work, take 5 minutes and plug in your crock pot. Open can of mushroom soup and place it in crock pot, then fill can with water and add. Rinse chicken and place in crock pot. Next, rinse and cut red potatoes in half and place on top. Open can of chicken soup and place on top, fill can with water and add to the crock pot. Turn on low.
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417-624-3861 417-624-CARE(2273) | www.rmhjoplin.org 52
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www.countrycaboose.com
SPONSORED CONTENT
3 Reasons Amish Furniture Is a Smart Investment
Design Solutions For All Tastes From early American to midcentury modern, Amish furniture isn’t about one look—it’s about heirloom quality.
J
im Everett, owner of Hardwood Creations in Joplin, would like to clear something up: Amish furniture is not limited to one particular period or look. “A lot of people think Amish furniture is a style. This couldn’t be further from the truth,” Everett says. “The Amish build furniture in all styles: traditional, rustic, midcentury modern, Arts & Crafts, contemporary and still others. All the pieces are built with the same solid wood quality Amish-built furniture is known for. Customizability makes Everett’s offerings all the more appealing. “You choose the wood species from which each of these styles is built, and you can also select from a range of finish options. This allows us to provide solutions for all tastes,” Everett says. Part of Amish furniture’s considerable appeal, says Everett, is the materials used: “It’s the beauty of real wood, whether it’s cherry, oak or walnut.” The furniture stands apart from mass-produced pieces due to its solid construction, classic lines and meticulous detailing. “This is not cookie cutter furniture,” says Everett. By mastering painstakingly precise techniques, the Amish settlers who arrived in the central United States during the 18th century evolved as exceptionally skilled craftsmen, creating solid hardwood furniture and elevating it to its own art form. A Southwest Missouri native, Everett worked as a plant manager for a Sarcoxie-based hardwoods supplier in Sarcoxie before he and wife Leah opened the first Hardwood Creations store in Joplin in 1994. Nearly a quarter-century later, the business has evolved, quadrupling in size to its current, 7,500-square-foot location at 3125 E. 6th Street, in front of Target, where its doors opened in 2000. Today, Hardwood Creations remains a family business operated by Jim, Leah and their two children, Jacob and Laryssa. Experience the beauty and comfort of Amish furniture at Hardwood Creations in person today. Call 417-623-3323 or visit www.hardwoodcreationsjoplin.com for more details.
“HEIRLOOM” MEANS … something of special value that’s handed down from one generation to another. Heirloom-quality furniture is working, everyday furniture that endures as it passes from generation to generation. YOU’RE PART OF THE PROCESS. At Hardwood Creations, customers have a hand in their furniture’s look and style: wood used, finishes, stains and hardware. “That way,” says Everett, “they’re able to create a piece to fit their own personal taste.” EVEN BETTER WITH AGE. When furniture is made well and maintained properly, it can improve with age. With simple dusting and the occasional polish, hardwood furniture surfaces will stay looking their best, so future generations can carry on a tradition.
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GARDEN STYLE
| WITH P. ALLEN SMITH
When it comes to plants you can create a design that involves a combination of materials or you can choose to plant only one variety. Photography by Mark Fonville
My top five gardening new year’s resolutions Written by P. Allen Smith More than 40 percent of people in this country make new year’s resolutions, mostly related to saving money, losing weight, or starting a new hobby. But I’m not going to talk about my exercise goals, how I plan to read more or my vow to use candles more in my everyday life (why save this magical light for special occasions?) I’m going to talk about the important stuff — what I’m striving for in my garden in the coming year. Maybe you’ll be able to relate to a few of these. • Love my soil. A rich and successful garden begins and ends with healthy soil. I’m fortunate to live on a farm with an abundance of chicken manure (only a gardener can appreciate an abundance of chicken manure), so I make good use of that ready source of organic material to enrich my soil. In 2019, I vow to remain vigilant in the care and upkeep of my garden’s most valuable resource.
• Step out of my plant comfort zone. I love petunias. I think it’s almost a requirement if you live in the south that you have a soft spot for this sweet, colorful annual. One reason I love them is because they’re reliable performers, so I know that I can rely on them in certain planters without a lot of thought. But is that lazy gardening? What if I stepped out of my comfort zone and tried some new combinations this year? Bacopa, Abutilon, Nicotiana, and many other annuals are just as delightful. In 2019, I vow to try some new plants in spots where I tend to rely on my old standby favorites. • Add more whimsy in the garden. I’ve always been a fan of whimsy. It’s one of my 12 principles of garden design. But it’s an easy one to let slide because it’s
P. Allen Smith is an author, television host and conservationist with a passion for American style. His show “Garden Home” airs on AETN Create, KMOS Create, KOZJ Create and OPT Create. Check your local listings for “Garden Style.” Smith uses his Arkansas home, Moss Mountain Farm, as an epicenter for promoting the local food movement, organic gardening and the preservation of heritage poultry breeds. He created his farm to serve as a place of inspiration, education and conservation and provides visitors from around the country with tours of his property, which may be booked at pallensmith.com/tours. 54
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usually not associated with function. On a day-to-day basis, I’m faced with things like hose spigots that don’t work, the necessity of moving farm equipment, and other neverending chores, so you have to make time for whimsy. I think of it like exercise — you know it’s good for you, but unless you make it a priority, there are too many other activities in your day that will take priority.
Not only are these Allium bulbs gorgeous in the garden, but the flowers are excellent for drying. Just hang them upside down in a garage or storage room.
Adding whimsical plants to the garden is always at the top of my garden every year.
Think outside the flowerbed and move some of those regulars that you find in a garden bed into containers. Get your hands in the soil and have some fun!
Photography by Ward Lile
Photography by Steven Veach
Photography by Mark Fonville
In 2019, I vow to reevaluate my garden art, pathways, container plantings, and the overall garden experience with an eye for opportunities to incorporate more whimsy. • Share the wealth. I’ve been very fortunate in my gardening career, starting when I was just a kid, really, to have mentors, relatives, and even neighbors share their garden knowledge and expertise with me. I really believe that gardeners are some of the best and most generous people in the world. I think of the times that someone has been gracious enough to share a start off a prized plant, or grab a shovel on the spot and say “Here, let me dig you up a piece.” I’ve never met a gardener who doesn’t love a free plant, and who usually generously reciprocates with plant gifts of their own. In 2019, I vow to look for ways that I can pay the gift of gardening forward to others as a way to repay those who have, and continue to be, so generous with me. • Enjoy the garden. This new year’s resolution might seem like an odd one at first — of course we garden for the enjoyment of it, right? But when I’m out in my garden, I’m not always seeing blooming roses, bees on the zinnias, or flowers spilling out of the planters on the front porch. Instead, I’m seeing the barn that needs to be painted, the shovels left out in the rain, and the weeding that needs to be done. Why is it so easy to see the “flaws” in the garden, and sometimes so difficult to just step back, and... enjoy? In 2019, I vow to take more time in the coming year to stop, take a breath, and enjoy the beauty of the plants, animals, and farm around me. What about you? What would you like to change in your gardening life this year? Regardless, I hope the coming year brings you and your loved ones more peace, joy, and candles. JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
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STYLE
| Written by Terri Nighswonger | Photography by Roger Nomer
Rooted In Hope Rapha House Freedom Boutique is located in Joplin, but its reach and heart are global “Our boutique plays a significant role in awareness,” said Whitney Herrod Khader, director of merchandise for Rapha House Freedom Boutique. “On top of supporting the young women who made them, the items purchased are a way for our customers to raise awareness for Rapha House and the work we are doing to combat child slavery and sexual exploitation.” The mission of Rapha House International is to end the trafficking and sexual exploitation of children through aftercare for survivors, prevention for the vulnerable and global awareness. Part of that mission and its awareness is played out through the boutique, which supports the young women who make the products. Stephanie Freed, co-founder and executive director of Rapha House, began the mission in 2003 after she was challenged by her father to research the issue of human trafficking. Beginning with one safe house program for under age female survivors of trafficking and sexual exploitation in Battambang, Cambodia, 15 years later, Rapha House now serves child survivors in Cambodia, Thailand, and Haiti. Rapha House not only offers a safe haven—it also works to provide the children with a vocation. As its website state, Rapha 56
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House works to “make sure that whenever a girl is ready to take the next step, she is able to set foot on the solid ground of freedom.” Rapha House offers help its artisans gain that footing with a variety of vocational training programs, the largest and most successful of which is the sewing program. Girls at the safe house learn cutting, sewing, patternmaking, and tailoring. Rapha House has offered items created by artisans since 2003, but the boutique itself opened in 2015. The shop is currently focused on beautifully crafted bags and accessories but is preparing to launch a home décor line in the spring, Herrod Khader said. “All of the materials used to create the products are purchased at local markets in Cambodia, and the raw silk and fun prints really make our products stand out,” Herrod Khader said. “We also sell some tees and sweatshirts and new collections come in a few times a year.” Products are created by female artisans
in Cambodia and Thailand, many who have graduated from Rapha House vocational training programs. “They are always paid fair wages for each item they create, and they know that we love and value them for who they are as humans and not just for what they produce,” Herrod Khader said. “These women are like a family, and it’s incredible to watch them grow and encourage one another.” One hundred percent of the proceeds from each purchase are reinvested into Rapha House programs that fight the trafficking and sexual exploitation of children, as well as provide dignified job opportunities for the artisans in Cambodia and Thailand. In addition to the Freedom Boutique and Gallery in Joplin, products can be found online at shop.raphahouse.org as well as in boutiques across the nation. The boutique is located at 712 S. Main St., Joplin. Holiday hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.
We have the
Spot!
A relaxed country setting for your wedding & reception!
Pre- 1900s two-story Wedding Barn • Climatecontrolled bridal and groom’s dressing areas • Large Pole Barn for outdoor dining and ceremonies • Courtyard with garden lighting • On-site Wedding Coordinator • Fireworks Displays • DJ Services • Carriage and Wagon Rides •
Picturesque ceremony sites, including:
• On bank of spring-fed 2.5-acre pond • Under Courtyard Wedding Tree • Inside or in front of Wedding Barn
11838 Civil War Road Carthage, MO 417-237-0771 civilwarranch.com JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
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FOUR STATES
| Written by Marta Churchwell
70s Style Throwdown At the area’s most jumpin’, thumpin’ joints, the art of partying was simpler—but definitely not quieter. Mix yourself a retro cocktail, say, a Tequila Sunrise or a Screwdriver, or pop open an old-school beer — Schlitz or Stag, please. No craft beer here, because it’s still the 1970s — an era during which the drink selections were slim, options for revelry were anything but. Back then, the hottest watering holes were all in a row on West 7th Street, a strip still clinging to the throwback days when it thrived on its Route 66 designation. If you were an underage college student, West 7th Street was the route to Galena, just across the Kansas border, where the legal drinking age was 18. Many a college student learned the ropes of guzzling in Galena, particularly at Nina’s Green Parrot at 319 Main St. Nina’s was an institution among area college kids. On any given night, the jukebox was blaring, pool balls were cracking, and frat boys were sweet-talking the co-eds or holding court on the latest academic or political issues. Beer prices were 35 cents a quart for premium brews like Budweiser, Schlitz or Coors; 25 cents got you bargain brands like Pabst, Busch, Hamm’s and Stag. Bar owner Nina Green was a no-nonsense grandmother who sat behind a hostess podium, checking IDs, refusing entry to minors and blacks and, periodically, chasing them out with a slapjack. She had a lot of rules and patrons who gave her any lip were out of there. Still, there was something endearing about the tough-as-nails barkeep, and her patrons were quite protective of her. On weekends, many Galena barflies shifted to The Ranch, on the west edge of town. It was a rowdy and ribald place, and brawls erupted at a moment’s notice, but the music was the hottest. The area’s best-known rock bands grinded out tunes for a packed dance floor. Or, dancers simply took to tabletops. As the patrons of those establishments reached the legal drinking age of 21 in Missouri, they found their way to Joplin hot spots—again, all of them on 7th Street. As for the neighborhood bars, a younger party crowd gathered at The Ruff House, now the location of Crabby’s Seafood Bar and Grill. Back then, the building was much smaller with tall spool tables fought for space with constantly-in-use foosball and pool tables, games constantly going on both. The music was vinyl, except for the rare occasion that the scorching area band Crawdad performed in the cramped space. It was during that 58
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Crawdad & Crew 1975 CRAWDAD Promo Photograph by G. Neel. From left to right: Bob Gaines, Ron Brooks (drums), John Seaberg (bass), Terry Taylor, Fred Phillips (sound), Brad Mullins, Terry Emery (keyboards), Steve Gaines (guitar), Pepper King & John “Moose” Moss (guitar). Photo location was in front of the old folks home south of Miami, Oklahoma.
time that that Crawdad’s lead guitarist Steve Gaines went on to join Lynyrd Skynyrd. Tragically, Gaines was among the Skynyrd band members killed in a plane crash in 1977. On many a night, partiers bounced between The Ruff House and West 7th’s more upscale clubs, including Lee’s, Dana’s Bo Peep, and The Top Hat. But the Roman Palace was where young revelers gathered in force, drawn to the live rock music. Located on the property that’s now the site of Auto Zone, 1700 W. 7th St., the Palace attracted anyone looking for more of a nightclub atmosphere with a full-on, packed-out party vibe. That’s what lured the then-up-and-coming Pointer Sisters, who stopped in for drinks and dancing after their show at MSSU, circa 1975. While the club featured all the area’s name bands, its greatest claim was its jam sessions on Friday and Saturday evenings. Any musician who was anybody at that time sat in on the jams before hitting the road to perform elsewhere in the evening. None of these watering holes exist anymore. Nina’s building was razed after a portion of it suddenly sunk into a mine sinkhole in 2006. The Ruff House and The Ranch slowly succumbed to their rowdy reputations. The Palace changed hands and names until finally closing its doors. Their heydays were the 1970s and, boy, did they rock.
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417-553-0826 • 613 S. Main St., Joplin MO JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
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BODY & MIND
| Written by Bobbie Pottorff
It’s a SAD Time of the Year “It’s just part of life they told me. There’s no reason to be sad they said. But I just couldn’t stop crying,” says Dawn, a Joplin woman, suffering from Seasonal Affective Disorder, who asked that her last name not be used. Dawn’s son moved out in December, three years ago, and that was her trigger. He was 20 years old and she knew it was “part of life.” But that didn’t stop her tears. “When he moved out, it just rained and rained and the sun didn’t shine for what seemed like weeks at a time,” she says. “All I wanted to do was stay in my pajamas, lay on the couch and cry.” Putting up the Christmas tree that year was torture for Dawn. “You do the same thing every year for 20 years and then all of a sudden, he’s gone,” she says as she wipes away the tears. “All the traditions you created and the things you did as a family are gone.” What Dawn experiences, every year when the weather turns cold and gloomy, is known as Seasonal Affective Disorder. “SAD is more likely to be diagnosed in women than men,” says Jacob Hefner, a licensed professional counselor with Ozark Center in Joplin. Hefner says other risk factors include people with a family history of SAD, major depression and bipolar disorder. Dawn admits she didn’t get help
Five ways to avoid Seasonal Affective Disorder 1. L et the light in: Sit by the light — a light therapy device containing white fluorescent light tubes, for 15-30 minutes, two or three times a day. 2. E xercise outside: Fresh air can make you feel better, and dopamine has never felt so good! 60
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the first two years simply because she thought it was just her inability to deal with a big life event. She also thought the bad weather just put her in a funk. Hefner says that SAD is usually a combination of symptoms. Some of those symptoms might include feeling depressed, sad, having low energy or trouble sleeping. Other symptoms might also include appetite change or changes in weight, feelings of hopelessness, helplessness, excessive guilt, or frequent thoughts of death and suicide. “Some evidence-based ways to treat SAD are psychotherapy such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, medications such as antidepressants, or light therapy (phototherapy),” Hefner says. Dawn did try a type of light therapy by going to the tanning bed a few times. “At first, I tried tanning and that really
did lift my spirits, even if it was just for a few minutes a few times a week,” she said. “But as each year passed, I realized it was not just about my son moving out. It really turned into something much bigger than even I could handle on my own.” “I’d say early intervention is the key to rapid identification of and recovery from depression,” says Hefner. “If you notice the symptoms seem to last longer and are harder to overcome, this may be the beginning warning signs.” “Counseling turned out to be just what I needed,” says Dawn. “I always thought I was the strong one. I could control my emotions and being depressed was something for weaker people. Turns out it’s not about being weak or strong. Sometimes we all just need some help.”
3. S hift your thinking: Studies have shown changing your thoughts and behavior can alleviate SAD symptoms. Fight depression by starting, say, a new hobby.
5. G et help: If your SAD symptoms are severe, your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medication.
4. U se mind/body therapies: Practice meditation, yoga, tai chi or even deep breathing, which greatly alters brain function and improves the quality of thoughts and feelings.
Information provided by Henry Ford Health System
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SCOTTISH RITE CATHEDRAL From the moment you walk into the Scottish Rite Cathedral in Joplin, Missouri, you know that you have arrived at very special place. The Italian Renaissance design of the foyer and marble stairway leading to the Auditorium sets the perfect stage for an unforgettable evening. The Scottish Rite offers three locations within our historic site for a beautiful wedding ceremony and wonderful reception. The Auditorium is the ideal place for larger weddings and is beautifully constructed in the French Renaissance style of architecture. Backdrops, a modern sound system, and a magnificent pipe organ are available to make the event even more memorable. For more intimate ceremonies, the Tea Room on the main floor offers a beautiful brick fireplace that can serve as a backdrop for formal wedding pictures. The Dining Hall is an ideal location for your reception, and offers a 15-foot high ceiling, seating for up to 350 people, a dance floor in the center of the room ready for the couple’s first dance, a dedicated area for the DJ to play music, and lots of decorating possibilities. A full commercial kitchen and bar service is also available. Feel free to stop by anytime during regular business hours for a tour of our beautiful and historic building! For more information, a copy of the rental agreement, and to check availability, please visit us on the web at www.valleyofjoplin.com, on Facebook (search for “Valley of Joplin, Scottish Rite”) or call us at 417.623.3219. Regular business hours are: Monday thru Thursday 8:00am to 4:00pm Friday 8:00am to noon JANUARY | FEBRUARY • JMAG
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Relaxation
& Rejuvenation
SPONSORED CONTENT
JOPLIN’S NEWEST MEDICAL SPA OFFERS BRIDES A HOLISTIC APPROACH TO RELAXATION AND REJUVENATION.
Nervous, stressed-out brides-to-be can truly prepare for the big day at Skinsculpting Sweet Serenity Spa by Stacia, a brand-new medical spa in the historic Richardson’s Candy House building on Redings Mill Rd., just south of Joplin. The completely renovated, 6000-square-foot space, owned by Stacia Elliott, is the perfect location for Elliott’s holistic approach to caring for clients in all areas of their lives. This new business offers clients an opportunity to relax as they take advantage of a range of the latest technologies for beauty enhancement. Elliott, a Family Nurse Practitioner, opened the spa at the start of 2019 to provide clients with a place to take part in a range treatments designed to foster wellness and well-being. A comprehensive range of relaxation treatments is available. The spa offers clients an opportunity to look their best with laser treatments, cool sculpting, selerotherapy, botox, facials, massages, makeup applications, and micropeels. Many different options are available to make a package specific for your needs. From the beautiful bride to relax before her big day call us at 417-529-3273 to schedule your day of pampering.
454 REDINGS MILL RD • JOPLIN, MO 64804 • 417-529-3273
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PERSONS OF INTEREST
| Photography by Liz Chandler
Horses of Hope Approximately 250 guests donned their snazziest Western finery and saddled up to the Horses of HOPE Gala fundraising event at Downstream Casino & Resort. The organization provides unique educational, therapeutic and life experiences that inspire people and change lives. Big smiles were
all around.
The horseshoe
Elisama and Roger Draeger
donation wall.
(seated) LeeAnna Garringer, Jamie Combs, Alaina Clayton, Robin Stout (standing) Frank Leto, David O’Neill, Samantha McDaniel, Amber ly Leverich, Tricia Sanders, Bob Barth
Guests peruse auction items.
Bob Barth and Mike McCann
Kristi & Jim Adams Vallerie Sweeton and Jim Adams
Jim Harper, “Grip,” Myc ah McColm Vallerie Sw , eeton, Jenn ifer Wallace
Approximately 250 Hor ses of HOPE supporters were in atte ndance.
Shelly McColm, Sarah Oglesby and Doug Willard Tracy Parrote
Rocking the western wear.
Guests danced to Bob
by Degonia’s band.
Jim Adams and Brett Warstler
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A cowboy trio poses for
J Mag’s photographer.
Matthew and Aston Stovern
Sarah Oglesby, Shelly McColm and Brett Warstler
2018 Neosho Chamber Banquet A full house packed downtown Neosho’s Municipal Auditorium for the Neosho Chamber of Commerce’s 2018 Chamber Banquet and awards ceremony. Janet Penn was honored as Citizen of the Year; area organizations and businesses were also awarded in their respective categories. Andrew Scott and Grace
Cartwright
and Christi Sims ris Shauna Nor
“Christmas Under the Sun” singers.
Missouri State Rep. Bill Reibolt and Kathleen Reibolt
Wes Franklin
Bart and Karol Mayer
nn
JR and Janet Pe
Nina Moser, Lori Lyerla and Ashley Siler
Lively banquet guests chat.
t event.
Holiday cheer fills Memorial Auditorium.
A full table at a sold-ou
Travis McClellan Crystal Quintana and
MDA Black-N-Blue Ball Hideout Harley Davidson and the Muscular Dystrophy Association hosted the recent Annual Black-N-Blue Ball at the Roxy and Amelie Event Center in downtown Joplin. The event included a dinner, auctions and casino games. The organization assists those impacted by muscular dystrophy to live longer, stronger and happier lives while research for a cure continues.
The Berry family
Attendees too part in slots, roulette and other casino games.
Zyler Woodward, Holly, Whitley & Brian Taylor
Gamblers came out in force.
Teresa Berry, former MDA Ambassador Mikayla Berry and Hideout Harley-Davidson’s Joyce Williams
The heat is on.
No slots went hungry.
A moving onstage moment.
Community Bank & Trust staff with MDA Ambassador Zylar Woodward
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SPONSORED CONTENT
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THE J LIST
5
| Written by Amanda Stone
Re-Resolutions for the New Year
Already having trouble sticking to your New Year’s resolution? Don’t give up; start again. Set yourself up for success with these re-resolution baby steps into 2019.
1
Give Back
Give selflessly one time per month and see where that takes you; if it’s something you’re interested in, it will be easy to do more. Volunteer serving, cooking or cleaning at a shelter, work with Art Feeds to bring smiles to area classrooms or visit a nursing home and ask how you can help. Share your strengths and spread joy.
3
Learn
4
Read
Keep your brain active by continually learning. Ask a pro to teach you the basics of welding, cooking or sculpting, and then practice. Enroll in a pottery class or basic auto maintenance; check with local technical schools to see what they’re offering this semester. Commit to learning a language or to figuring out how to build that she-shed you’ve been thinking about.
Reading is good for the mind and spirit, period. Commit to reading either digitally or on paper. Whether it be the newspaper, a favorite magazine, books, journals or a combination of them all, make an effort to read. Screen time and scrolling often suck up more time than we realize. Set aside an amount of time each day to read what you like.
5
2
Get Moving
Make a goal to move your body more than you already do. Walk the dog, take the stairs, wander outside during a lunch break. Take a zumba, yoga, aquasize or kickboxing class. If you don’t like it, try something else. Register for an upcoming 5K to hold yourself accountable. Running is not required.
Grow
Resolutions are often focused on making healthier choices. Start from the ground up by vowing to grow at least one plant that will produce food. Do the research, get your hands dirty and do what it takes to nurture something that will provide nourishment. If you’re already a gardener, this year grow something you’ve never grown before.
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PartingShot A picture is truly worth a thousand words. Photograph by Roger Nomer
Holiday Bling The Christmas tree in Spiva Park is lit up to an admiring crowd in early December.
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An Event To Remember The Ramsay Event Center is a premier wedding and event venue located in the heart of downtown Joplin. Beautiful and affordable, we work hard to make your event perfect.
Please call us at 417-781-2238 to schedule a tour today.
Historic Ramsay Building 107 E. 6th Street, Downtown Joplin 417-781-2238 | www.theramsay.com |
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