JOPLIN MAGAZINE MAY/JUNE 2020

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MAY | JUNE • JMAG

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

joplin magazine

mag

MAY • JUNE 2020

Suzanne Nelson of Suzanne’s Natural foods pictured with a popular smoothie bowl.

COVER STORY

Photography by Roger Nomer

From autoimmune illnesses to cancers to the latest coronavirus pandemic, Suzanne Nelson of Suzanne’s Natural Foods recommends a variety of products shown to boost the immune system and assist in protection and prevention. pg. 12

HEALTH So, are vitamins and supplements really necessary? What about multivitamins? Or should you instead get everything your body requires from fresh foods? Freeman Health System Dietician Haley Brannan gives us the scoop. pg. 16

ANDRA’S OUTDOORS Andra Stefanoni speaks about how her college-aged son, Dominic, recently snapped pictures of ordinary, everyday outdoor scenes using rather extraordinary camera angles and how it led to a lesson about slowing down and looking around during our pandemic-filled world. pg. 20

GARDEN STYLE P. Allen Smith talks about pollinators and their importance to the production of the foods we eat, primarily our fruits and veggies and nuts. Did you know that one out of three bites of food we consume is brought to us courtesy a hummingbird, butterfly or bumblebee? pg. 18

HEAD TO TOE Freeman Health System officials has introduced a new service called “Save My Spot,” a check-in tool that has proven to significantly decrease waiting times for their patients. The check-in tool works as a callahead seating format at your local restaurant, says Freeman Urgent Care Director Kayla Martinez. pg. 24

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NATURE Delia Lister, director of Pittsburg State University’s Nature Reach, educates the public about the wide variety of animals that are in her care. pg. 22

HEAD TO TOE J MAG editor Kevin McClintock sat down in late March with Freeman Health System’s Dr. Uwe A. Schmidt, an infectious disease specialist who called Southwest Missouri “lucky” in how it’s fared with the China-spawned pandemic compared to other parts of the country and the rest of the world. pg. 26

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FROM YOUR EDITOR

joplin magazine

mag Amanda Stone HEAD WRITER Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller Andra Stefanoni Stephanie Davis-Goad CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Laurie Sisk Andra Stefanoni Roger Nomer Andy Ostmeyer Sam Clausen Dominic Stefanoni CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS Roger Nomer COVER PHOTOGRAPHY Chrystina Hanna COVER DESIGN

S Kevin McClintock EDITOR

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trange times, aren’t they? In fact, right now, I feel like I’ve just entered the Upside Down from the “Stranger Things” series, which, by the way, I’ve now binged for the second straight time this week. Like you, I want our old world to come back ASAP. Alas, until that can safely happen, we felt like you, our beloved readers, needed just a small taste of “normalcy” during these scary times, and we tried our best to do that with our latest J MAG edition, as we all stay safe under our “stay-at-home” orders. Like our May, 2011 edition, we were putting the finishing touches on our latest J MAG issue when the pandemic took root here in Southwest Missouri. We scrapped about 85% of the magazine, and came up with new material. We didn’t want to devote the entire magazine to the pandemic. The national media certainly has that angle covered. But we also didn’t want to ignore the crisis, either. So we blended our coverage with a mixture of informative stories and more-than-usual reflective articles from our writers. Plus, as always, we have our trademark wellwritten articles from the likes of Amanda Stone and Kaylea M. Hutson-Miller. We hope you enjoy it and, in some small way, can gain comfort from it. We’ll get out of this soon enough!

David O’Neill NICHE MARKET CONSULTANT Courtney Adams Chrystina Hanna Brett Zacarello CONTRIBUTING ARTISTS Courtney Adams LAYOUT/DESIGN THE JOPLIN GLOBE Dale Brendel publisher@joplinglobe.com PUBLISHER Andy Ostmeyer aostmeyer@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.


Amazing Smiles

FOR 36 YEARS, Kevin Caldwell, DDS has served the community by offering safe, affordable dentistry and a personal, pleasant patient experience. What you won’t find are bait-and-switch pressure tactics, unnecessary procedures, or costly, long-term “contracts” – just a thoughtful, friendly staff and a doctor who puts patient care first.

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Before temporal mandibular joint treatment

IN ADDITION TO GENERAL DENTRISTY, Dr. Caldwell also performs orthodontic procedures such as temporal mandibular joint treatment. Proper positioning of the jaw will treat popping, muscle cramping and pain, headaches, limited opening, ringing of the ears, dizziness, and many other symptoms including dark circles under the eyes. Patients who have many teeth extracted for orthodontics are especially susceptible to temporal mandibular dysfunction.

After temporal mandibular joint treatment

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THE TEN SPOT

| Written by Amanda Stone

Make it,

Learn it, Be it

The internet puts the world at our fingertips. We can bounce between funny cat videos and 5-minute cooking hacks, all while combing through genealogies of long lost relatives and researching building plans for backyard chicken coops. Instructions on how to do or make nearly anything are found on the web. Take advantage of websites like YouTube. com and Instructables.com to learn new skills and to check off items on your lifetime bucket list. Try our favorites, but there is something for everyone on the World Wide Web. There’s no time like the present to learn something new.

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KNITTING/CROCHETING

If there is any hobby more therapeutic that can be done while binge-watching Netflix, I don’t know what it could be. Learn the basics in knitting or crochet from videos or written instructions with solid drawings or pictures. It’s repetitive, easy to learn and gloriously mind-numbing. Bonus: when you’re done zoning out, you’ve got a scarf to show for it. Look up Chase the Chill Joplin on Facebook to donate the spoils of your productivity. 8

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YOGA/MEDITATION

Find your inner zen with a little help from the web. Meditating seems like the easiest thing in the world until you try it for the first time. Read up on ways to help still your mind and relax your body. Yoga is great practice for focusing on breathing, stretching, muscle tone and listening to your body. The world is loud; learn to listen to the quiet inside. Yogawithadriene.com is a great source.

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WRITING

Whether in the form of journaling, poems or penning a memoir, writing is something that gets better with practice. Take up writing letters like you used to. After all, who isn’t thrilled to receive a letter in the mail from a real person, let alone a loved one? Write poems and short stories, then submit them for publication to your favorite periodicals. Make writing your side gig to earn a few bucks from your computer.

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DANCING/FITNESS

Fitness videos were popular long before the internet, but now we have access to any and all types of virtual exercise. The Fitness Marshall is an internet favorite for living room fitness dancing. Find Mr. Marshall and his dancing buddies of all body types on YouTube and thefitnessmarshall.org. They make working up a sweat pretty fun.


Where al l you have is al l you need “Grateful for home” is how we’re feeling these days: Grateful for the place we feel most safe, secure and close to our loved ones, no matter what’s going on “out there.” Each living space has its own meaning: THE HOME OFFICE: The many of us who’ve been working from home lately appreciate this space now more than ever. A dedicated work space in your home helps us set aside household distractions, focus on work, and inspire us to tick off that to-do list. THE FAMILY ROOM: Whether it’s referred to as the family room, TV room or den, it’s perhaps more about togetherness than any other living space. For many, it’s where we stay on top of local and national news—and let’s not forget our favorite binge-worthy Netflix streamers, or family movie nights with popcorn. THE KITCHEN: Kitchens are a place for fun family activities—cooking and baking with the family is a great bonding experience that lets us get a little messy, create new things and learn new recipes. THE BACK YARD: We love our cozy nooks indoors, but our backyard is a sanctuary of fresh air and nature. For family members aged two, 22 or 82, back yards are the retreats we make them—with pools and pergolas, hammocks and treehouses. Looking to sell your home? Looking to buy a new one? Reach out to our team today!

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THE TEN SPOT

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| Written by Amanda Stone

BOOK CLUBS

Now is the perfect time to join that book club you’ve always been cautiously interested in. Meet virtually in a chat group or via Zoom meeting. It’s all the fun of reading and discussing the details of a great book without the inconvenience of lacing up shoes and leaving the couch. Great book clubs always have snacks and wine, so make sure you’re ready to fully experience the joy of each discussion.

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CARD TRICKS

Bring the magic to your next gathering by keeping a few tricks up your sleeve. Learning a little sleight of hand can go a long way in upping your fun factor. Impress young and old with a few moves learned from the internet; YouTube is helpful in showing how it’s done. Practice makes perfect.

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LOCAL TOURISM

Become an expert on your neck of the woods. Research local history, make it your goal to find the very best of the nooks and crannies, and ask your social media contacts what their favorite places are in the area. Check out the recommended spots, be it eateries, natural wonders or local oddities. Websites like tripadvisor.com and Google Maps can help you become an official local guide who visitors look to for travel tips and tricks in the Four States. 10

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COOKING

When the thought of making another daily dinner is just too much to bear, look to the internet and those dusty cookbooks for inspiration. Call family members to ask about favorite recipes. Take an online class, or simply binge cooking hacks online. They’re a home cook’s eye candy, but they can also be a great source of rekindling cooking enjoyment. Throw expectations out the window and try a tricky recipe with some help from the internet experts.

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LANGUAGE LESSONS

Learning a second (or third, fourth, etc.) language as an adult is an accomplishment to be proud of. It takes serious dedication to the goal. If you want to test your dedication without a financial commitment, you’re in luck. Free language apps and online learning opportunities abound. Try DuoLingo or openculture.com to get your feet wet, and once you’re ready to commit, rosettastone.com will be worth the money.

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PLAY AN INSTRUMENT

While learning to play a musical instrument online seems like a stretch, the basics are all there. Dust off your grade school clarinet, borrow a friend’s guitar or buy an instrument that’s not a big investment if you’re unsure you’ll stick with it. A ukulele, a keyboard or even a nice harmonica won’t break the bank. You can always upgrade when you’re ready to show off your skills.


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MAY | JUNE • JMAG

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HEALTH

| Written By Stephanie Davis Goad | Photography by Laurie Sisk

FOR THE HEALTH OF IT Local health-food store owner suggests COVID-19 protocol When it comes to knowing about personal health and safety, Suzanne Nelson is a “natural.” After nearly 30 years in the whole foods business, the owner of Suzanne’s Natural Foods has guided customers down a more natural path toward health and wellness. From autoimmune illnesses to cancers to the latest coronavirus pandemic, she recommends a variety of products shown to boost the immune system and assist in protection and prevention. Popular supplements such as elderberry syrup, Vita-

Owner Suzanne Nelson stands next to a display of essential oils at Suzanne’s Natural Foods. 12

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mins C and D3 and Zinc are just part of the “COVID19 Protocol” Nelson suggests using to stay well during this crisis and beyond. Speaking from behind a honeycomb-printed mask, Nelson suggests wearing a mask and gloves while out in public, something she practices during this time. She also recommends gargling with warm saltwater or apple cider vinegar in warm water after being out in public to stave off any viruses or bacteria which may lodge in the throat. Warm liquids such as herbal teas throughout the day will also help boost the immune system. “I would also drink warm soup broths,” says Nelson. “That keeps the throat moist and rinsed out.” Some other products she suggests

Bananas, kiwi, coconut and granola combine to create a Tropical Paradise Bowl at Suzanne’s Natural Foods. The item is one of several smoothie bowls available at the store.

using to ward off germs or sickness would be a 35%, food-grade hydrogen peroxide, which can be used in a variety of applications, including spraying it in the throat or gargling with it, and even using it as a hand sanitizer (Suzanne’s uses it in the kitchen as a disinfectant, but she cautions to read directions carefully). Essential oils can be used as hand sanitizers, air diffusers and even oral immune boosters. Nelson recommends adding a drop of tea tree, cinnamon or clove oil to a couple ounces of warm water and gargling to help protect from bacteria and viruses. One of the latest products to boost the immune system is anything with elderberry extract, which is rich in anthocyanins and, according to information provided by Nelson, has been known to shorten the duration of some illnesses and reduce their severity. Elderberry products come in various forms from liquid to gummies to capsules and more, and it is so hot right now Nelson says she can’t keep it on the shelves. “We’ve been completely sold out of every kind of elderberry,” Nelson says. “We just started getting it back in this week.” She takes a teaspoon of elderberry syrup herself twice a day, and she offers an immunity smoothie containing elderberry in her store’s kitchen.


Photography by Roger Nomer

Suzanne’s recently expanded operations by adding a 3,000-square-foot kitchen and dining area complete with a full salad bar. In addition to smoothies and juices, they also offer healthy meal alternatives such as “smoothie bowls” with fresh fruits and other themed bowls, such as Mediterranean and Mexican, many of which are vegan. Healthy eating, Nelson says, should not only be a part of the COVID-19 pro-

Fresh berries and chia yogurt combine to form the Berry Chia Bowl at Suzanne’s Natural Foods. The item is one of several smoothie bowls available at the store.

tocol, but it should be practiced regularly for overall health and wellness. “I do recommend trying to eat less meat, dairy and processed foods,” she says, “Things that weaken the immune system are sugar and overall junk food, so if people are eating a healthier diet, it’s going to be a lot easier to fight off something.” Amanda Powell, a Webb City resident who teaches in Joplin, agrees. She says she maintains a healthy lifestyle for that very reason. For years she has eaten healthy and opted for natural ways to boost her immune system through the use of elderberry, L-Lysine, Zinc and Emergen-C, even before “COVID-19 became a thing,” but since the outbreak she has started taking them more on a daily basis. Lately, Powell says, it has been a challenge to find many of the items. “I put it in my cart on Amazon

Suzanne’s Natural Foods has transitioned to drive thru business only in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic.

and it was gone before I could check out. I am happy people are seeking healthier options, but it has made it hard to maintain my regimen.”

BUYING LOCAL Even before the coronavirus, Suzanne’s was offering more unusual foods such as vegan burgers, keto bread and unique dark chocolates, but, since the pandemic started, items such as chicken, eggs, milk and meat have been in high demand, and she’s had to depend more on local farmers to deliver the goods. “It has forced me to purchase more MAY | JUNE • JMAG

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HEALTH

| Written By Stephanie Davis Goad | Photography by Laurie Sisk

from the local farmers around here than ever before,” Nelson asserts. She has always purchased inventory from local farmers, including chicken and eggs, but some of the non-local suppliers haven’t been able to keep up with the demand. So, what does this mean for the customer? “They are getting the freshest eggs, laid just yesterday or this morning,” Nelson says. “The farmer is going to bring fresh chicken, never frozen, and we have local milk where they milk the cows and deliver it fresh the next day. It’s also nice to be able to support the local farmers.” Nelson and her employees take special care to follow all CDC recommendations during the pandemic to ensure customer and staff safety, including staying open only for drive-through service and online orders. Customers can call ahead, pick the items up or have them shipped. She says this cuts down on the number hands touching items such as produce and other shelf items. Bottom line, while it is important to follow CDC guidelines to protect from the Coronavirus, Nelson says, people can do a lot to protect themselves simply by paying attention to what they put into their bodies. “I believe that God designed our bodies in a way that the body can take care of most imbalances. Depending on what we put into our body and what we do to our body either supports or suppresses our immune system. Now more than ever we need to take responsibility for our health.”

Smoothie chef Dee Simms measures ingredients for a smoothie bowl at Suzanne’s Natural Foods.

Immune boosting supplements line a shelf at Suzanne’s Natural Foods.

STAY HEALTHY DURING THE PANDEMIC • Wear a mask and gloves when out in public • Gargle with a solution of warm saltwater or apple cider vinegar when you get home • Drink warm liquids such 14

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as herbal teas throughout the day • Use a 35-percent, foodgrade hydrogen peroxide to gargle, sanitize and more • Add essential oils for

hand sanitizers, diffusers and gargling • Try elderberry, Vitamin, C, Vitamin D and Zinc to boost your immune system • Maintain a healthy diet


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MAY | JUNE • JMAG

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HEALTH

| Written by Kevin McClintock

Fresh foods first! Think balanced diet before vitamins and supplements When it comes to using vitamins and supplements to balance one’s diet, remember this: nothing beats fresh or frozen foods. That’s the verdict from Haley Brannan, a dietitian with Freeman Health System’s Ozark Center. “Fresh is best, right?” That seems to be the general consensus, though in our pandemic-dominated times, fresh foods may be a bit more difficult to purchase, with local farmer’s markets temporarily closed to the public. “If you don’t have access to fresh foods, frozen foods is actually an excellent, and sometimes better option, because it freezes those nutrients as they were when

they were picked or harvested.” Simply put, vitamins and supplements can be used daily to plug dietary gaps, but nutrients from food are most important. Fresh foods are loaded with life-sustaining nutrients, such as magnesium, calcium and vitamins A and C. While most multivitamins contain 13 essential vitamins, ranging from A, C, D, E and K to pyroxidine, biotin and folate, it won’t or shouldn’t replace a balanced, healthy daily diet, she said. A multivitamin can help, she said, “and that’s where it comes into where people say, ‘oh, my diet’s poor or I don’t eat a lot

Courtesy Freeman Health System

Freeman’s clinical dietitian, Haley Brannan (far left) speaks about the importance of food in this Freeman Health System photo. Brannan says, while under quarantine, it’s best to get most of the nutrients your body needs from fresh or frozen foods, since both are loaded with life-sustaining nutrients such as magnesium, calcium and vitamins A and C. Only use vitamins and supplements each day to “plug” dietary gaps. 16

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of fruits and vegetables.’ So I always say, food first. Like, one orange a day is better (for you) than taking vitamin C. So I would say food first. And if you can’t find your needs through that, then a supplement would be helpful.” Vitamin C is a good example of this, she said. During the 1980s, everybody was urged to pop a vitamin C each morning. Commercials “really made it popular — ‘vitamin C can cure cancers, cure the common cold’ — all these claims came out about it,” she said. “But honestly, your body can only absorb so much vitamin C (roughly 90 milligrams is needed per day, when most supplements provide around 2,000 milligrams). It’s a water soluble vitamin, so anything beyond that threshold that your body can absorb, you will just pee it out.” In other words, overkill. “Now, if people are depressed, maybe they’re a little deficient, don’t have a great diet or wound care patients or those who are immune suppressed, then vitamin C can prove be helpful to fill in those gaps. But for the majority of people, Brannan said, “you don’t need a whole lot of vitamins or supplements. “A lot of times [people] will think, ‘I’ll pop in a multi-vitamin, it’s fine’ — and for most people that would be the extent. In most cases. I don’t think (multivitamins) quite do everything people want them to do, right? They don’t quite meet all that. But sometimes a placebo is worth something, so if you believe vitamin C makes you feel better,” then no harm.


How do I choose? So, you’re in the vitamin aisle at your favorite supermarket and the choices of which one to pick can be daunting, to say the least. Which one is the best for you? And which one actually does what it promises to do?

Haley Brannan said one tip is to check for a little symbol on the label from the United States Pharmacopeia. For 200 years, this third party lab has set the standards for medicines, food and dietary supplements sold in the United States. Their approved symbol means they have tested the contents of the vitamins or supplements inside the bottle and have deemed its ingredients to be exactly what the company claims them

to be, primarily assuring customers that the contents declared on the label are, in fact, in the bottle, and that there are no harmful levels of contaminants. “So having that label on the bottle can give you a little peace of mind,” Brannan said.

NUTRIENTS FOUND IN THESE FOODS: Vitamin B — Lean beef, turkey, tuna, sunflower seeds, spinach and other leafy greens, eggs. Vitamin D — Salmon, tuna, lean beef, vitamin D-fortified milk and yogurt, fortified orange juice, egg yolk. Iron — Liver, oysters, lean beef, chickpeas, beans, lentils and sesame seeds. Magnesium — Spinach, kale and other leafy green vegetables; unrefined grains; and legumes. Calcium — Dairy products, fish such as salmon and sardines, and dark, leafy greens. MAY | JUNE • JMAG

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GARDEN STYLE

| WITH P. ALLEN SMITH

THE POWER OF

POLLINATORS

Hummingbirds, butterflies and bumblebees are beautiful additions to the garden — animating space and bringing additional life and color. But did you know that they are also incredibly useful? Actually, critical to our survival? Pollinators are not only important for preserving the health of our gardens, but they also play an important role in connecting necessary links in our food chain. In fact, the Pollinator Partnership reports that every one out of three bites of food we consume is brought to us by a Pollinator. That’s pretty important! In addition to flower pollination, our small friends play a critical role in the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts, fibers, raw materials and one-half of the oils we consume — in sum, over 1,200 crops we eat are helped by a pollinator. Pollinators are also good for the planet: they help fight

soil erosion by keeping plants healthy and proliferating and even help with the air we breathe by increasing carbon sequestration. Nearly all plants (between 75% and 95%) require the help of pollinators for healthy functioning. Wow! When we think of pollinators, we often think exclusively of the industrious honeybee. The seven hives of Italian honey bees we keep at Moss Mountain Farm, for example, are an important addition to our landscape and organic ecosystem. These pollinators dutifully work nearly year-round (and without complaint!) bringing the most soothing and light buzz to our hollies, flowering shrubs, annuals and perennials, as well as the herbs, flowers and vegetables in our Acre Vegetable Garden. But did you know that there are many other species of pollinators besides the

honeybee and butterfly? For example, bats (yes, the ones that fly in the air at night), flies, beetles, wasps (this may also surprise some readers) and even many small mammals are all pollinators. Over the years we have intentionally added more and more pollinator-supporting plants to the farm that spread across our meadows and even single containers of bloomers that help bolster our local pollinator population and habitat. You know what they say about “think globally, act locally!” Sounds like a lot of work doesn’t it? Well, it’s not as much work as you may initially think. Raising our awareness about the needs of pollinators and making better choices is the first step. What plants might I add? you may be asking. As a rule of thumb, some very good selections are suggested in the names of the plants themselves such as “Bee Balm” (Monarda), and of course “Butterfly Bush” (Buddleia), and even “Butterfly Weed” (Asclepias). Want more options? I’ve listed over 10 of my favorites — a mix of annuals, perennials, and shrubs for you to consider for your home and business landscape and containers: ANNUALS: • Salvia • Zinnia • Cosmos • Queen Anne’s lace • Marigold • Larkspur • Bachelor Buttons • Sunflower • Petunia • Cuphea

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. 18

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PERENNIALS: • Day Lily • Monarda • Butterfly weed • Shasta Daisy SHRUBS: • Abelia • Butterfly bush • Althea • Rose • Bush Honeysuckle


The Pollinator Partnership has done good work in raising awareness. Their primary suggestion is one I agree with — we must all play our part. This includes homeowners, local governments, and the companies that operate in our communities. There is so much each of us can do. One of the easiest is to simply stop using insecticides and herbicides in our gardens and on our lawns. The ubiquitous use of these harmful chemicals poisons our land and water, all the time destroying pollinators and their habitat. And, you can read between the lines on the impact this may have for our families, children and pets. There are other ways to help support the cause such as purchasing organically grown foods, especially from local farmers. Or, supporting businesses such as restaurants that source and serve locally produced organics. Check out businesses that have a “chemical-free” approach to their property maintenance, or even better patron those that go a step further and plant pollinator-friendly installations in their commercial spaces. Let me share with you a partnership with a local business doing just that.

I hope this will be a model for other businesses in our region. I am working with First Community Bank and their Chairman & CEO, Dale Cole, who is a visionary passionate about the health of our region. It was a no brainer when he shared with me his commitment to our communities that we could do incredible work together. Together, we have installed over 23 “Pollinator Hot Spots” — First Community Bank branch locations where we have crafted beautiful pollinator refuges. These locations help

our hard-working friends and the plant life of the surrounding communities. So, it can be done! I encourage everyone to consider what they can do at their home and business to support this critical part of our ecosystem. We actively select pollinator-friendly plants and practices in our garden design and installation business and practice what we preach at home. It’s good for our gardens, our landscape, our food, and most importantly of all our families.

MAY | JUNE • JMAG

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ANDRA’S OUTDOORS |

Written by Andra Bryan Stefanoni | Photography by Dominic Stefanoni and Andra Bryan Stefanoni

Through the lens: A LESSON TO SLOW DOWN, LOOK AROUND When he was a toddler, my older son taught me something valuable: that Christmas trees don’t have to be green. I had brought him home some small wooden trees from the craft store to decorate as gifts, and he painted one canary yellow and glued buttons to it. Another, he painted blue, and yet another, fuschia. I wrote a column about it; lesson learned. Now in college, he has taught me something valuable once again: how to slow down and notice the small things. The lesson came just as a global pandemic known as COVID-19 was taking hold and our ordinarily full calendar of

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school and extra-curricular activities quickly was becoming empty. Typically used to band and tennis and theatre and board meetings and work and clubs and all of the other myriad of ways our family of four juggles our time, it took a few days during self-isolation to adjust our mindset that we didn’t have to watch the clock, we didn’t have to get to the next place for the next thing, and life was going to move at a much different pace.

I remember that pace from years ago, when I was a stay-at-home mom. I remember spending an hour watching that older son trying out his new rubber boots in a rain puddle. That was it. Rain boots, a puddle, an hour. There may have been a stick he floated in the puddle. There definitely was great joy. I also remember pausing with him before an enormous oak in our front yard, placing his hand on the trunk, and letting him feel the texture of the bark for the first time. And then, spreading a blanket to lay down on and looking up at the leaves and branches of that tree, silhouetted against a perfect blue sky, way, way up high. We ate Ritz crackers with cheese. It was glorious. I just didn’t know it then. I had forgotten how those things feel. He’s busy, I’m busy, we’re all busy. So when he asked if I wanted to see some photos he’d taken, and he invited me to sit beside him on the couch (TV off!), I smiled. “Yes, please,” I said. He had just returned from a walk down our lane — a way to get out and stretch his legs and see Spring, which was arriving with sunshine, a mild breeze, and buds on the trees. But instead of walking like I do, arms swinging for my cardio health and fast steps over a long distance to make my Fitbit happy, he did what we all should do more often:


he didn’t go far, he didn’t go fast, and he stopped to really look. “I walked really slowly and I focused on everything I went past,” he said. “I wasn’t going for distance or speed. I was looking for small things, things that no one would really notice.” Along the way, he took photographs using no fancy gear — simply his iPhone. “But not from eye level, not the way I’d ordinarily see it,” he said. “I’m intrigued by tiny things, by textures, and by colors. Especially in Spring, because it’s so saturated, and everything is just waking up.” He got down on the ground. Literally. “I tried putting my phone now low, shooting at different angles, focusing on different things,” he said. “The light was just right, and I started noticing patterns in nature. A triangle. A square.” He walked no more than 100 yards and came back with dozens of images of things I’d driven and walked past and never noticed. He edited them on his

phone within the photo app to enhance the exposure and brightness, and that was it. He was satisfied, he enjoyed himself, and life was good. “It was peaceful and I enjoyed the solitude,” he said. As moms tend to do, I asked him what his next project would be, my mind racing ahead to possibilities. Would he like to pursue photography? Enroll in a class? Perhaps sell his work in the coffeehouse where he works?

“Slow down, Mom,” he said, adding as a footnote that he would consider another walk “sometime soon” to take photos of small man-made items in natural environments. It will not, however, be a “project,” he emphasized. “I like to use the word ‘experiment’ — a project usually implies success,” he said. “With an experiment, it’s OK if it doesn’t work.” Another lesson. Seems I have a lot to learn.

Andra’s college-aged son, Dominic, recently took a walk, but not a power walk, but a slow walk, a leisurly walk, snapping photos from more natural, low angles, using his iPhone. “I was looking for small things,” he told her, “things that no one would really notice.” MAY | JUNE • JMAG

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NATURE |

Written by Andra Bryan Stefanoni | Photography by Sam Clausen Delia Lister, affectionately known as “The Bird Lady,” director of Pittsburg State University’s Nature Reach, is often seen with a raptor, a bird of prey, perched on her arm.

‘The Bird Lady’ Delia Lister’s never-ending love for wild animals If you’ve ever been to a state park, school, or nature center and seen “The Bird Lady,” chances are you’ve seen Delia Lister. She spends a good percentage of time in public with a raptor — a bird of prey — perched on her arm. You also might have seen her with a snake slithering in her hands, a hissing cockroach crawling on her wrist, or with a tortoise at her feet. As the director of Nature Reach at Pittsburg State University, she is responsible for the care of 50 animals that are unable to live in the wild on their own. She’s also responsible for educating others about those animals, their habitats, and human influences on the environment. This spring, she was recognized by a statewide agenzcy for that work; the Kansas Association for Conservation and Environmental Education gave her an Excellence in Conservation and Education award for her leadership, achievement, and collaboration. She was inspired in childhood by her grandmother, who raised her to be an outdoor enthusiast, and in high school by her science teacher, who showed the class a National Geographic video about Jane Goodall. “I remember thinking, ‘Wow! How 22

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cool would it be to work with animals and travel to exotic places’,” Lister said, “never thinking I would ever get a chance to do anything remotely close.” She was wrong. Lister headed to PSU, where her science teacher had attended school, with an eye toward becoming a high school science teacher herself. As a student, she worked for Nature Reach under the directorship of Cindy Ford, who also taught Regional Natural History and opened Lister’s eyes to all that nature offered. “Once she realized I was hooked, she introduced me to the world of environmental education and natural history interpretation,” Lister said. “I had no idea teaching outside of the traditional classroom was even an option.” Ford’s husband and colleague, Steve Ford, introduced Lister in Wildlife Ecology and Management class to “A Sand County Almanac” by Aldo Leopold. In it, Leopold puts into words what many ecologists felt, but could never articulate. After earning her bachelor’s of education from PSU in 2004 and her master’s in 2006, Lister assumed leadership of Nature Reach as well as a faculty position in the Biology Department. There, she teaches environmental life science courses and

Looking for animals in their natural environment on a walkabout.

Delia Lister reads a book to a group of kids. Education is a key component of Nature Reach. And as we all know, kids love animals.

organizes and leads study programs to far-flung locales like Peru, Paraguay, and Alaska. She also has served as a board member for KACEE, an officer in Sperry-Galligar Audubon Society, and a member of the PSU Sustainability Committee. In the past decade, Lister has documented making a Nature Reach presentation to approximately 45,000 people in 30 communities throughout the region — some of them adults, but many of them K-12 students in schools. The programs include live animal ambassadors and are built around messages about how to be better environmental stewards. “What I teach people is that there are small things we can each do to make a difference,” she said. “Many of us already know about being energy savers, being water wise, about the 3R’s, and so on. But we can take a not-so-large step further to make a bit bigger difference.”

WHAT YOU CAN DO: Turn your yard into a pollinator haven, even if it’s a small area. Be a lifelong learner to make smart consumer choices at the store and cast educated votes at the ballot box. Mentor a young person and help foster in them a love of all things science and nature. “Without that appreciation, there will be no stewards of the environment,” she said.


WHO AM I?

WHO AM I?

I’m the third largest venomous snake in the U.S. But I have a mild disposition and a long hibernation period, so not many bites occur. In fact, I’m afraid of humans and will bite only as a last resort. There aren’t as many of me as there used to be — I’m threatened or endangered in many states — because people kill my kind out of fear.

You won’t find me in the wild around here; I am native to Australia. But I do make an excellent pet! I spend most of my waking time basking on rocks or in trees. I forage for my food and really love insects, plant material, and fruit. I can run up to nine miles an hour, but I’m pretty chill, so most of the time I don’t move much. When I feel threatened, I puff out my “beard” to make myself look bigger.

A: Timber rattlesnake

A: Bearded dragon

WHO AM I?

WHO AM I?

I’m a skilled climber, so you’ll find me in bushes, vines, and small trees. I am an egglayer, usually leaving four to 12 under a flat stone or log. My babies are grayish at first, but eventually become quite brilliantly colored, like me. I love to eat grasshoppers, spiders, moths, caterpillars, and crickets, and usually hunt for them during the day and sleep at night. I’m a great swimmer, so can use water to escape predators.

I am highly nocturnal. During the day, I spend most of my time in large trees where I’m well camouflaged. The sounds I make depend on my mood; often you’ll hear me say “whoo-hoo-o-o.” I have excellent hearing and eyesight, and I’ll eat just about anything that crawls, flies, swims, or runs. I’m equally at home in a variety of habitats, and can live to be at least 28 years old.

A: Rough green snake

A: Great horned owl

MAY | JUNE • JMAG

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HEAD TO TOE |

Written and photographed by Freeman Health System STAFF

Correction In last month’s J Mag, this story was printed with several errors and Joplin Globe file photos that did not match up with the story’s content. We here at J Mag apologize for these errors. We are running the corrected version of this story below, complete with pictures.

Get In Line By Going Online When you or a family member need to be seen at an Urgent Care, sitting in the waiting room is sometimes the worst part of the experience. Freeman has introduced a new service that can significantly decrease your wait time. Freeman Save My Spot check-in tool enables you to get in line from your home, office or wherever! “Save My Spot is a new service that we are providing to our patients that works like call-ahead seating at your favorite restaurant,” says Freeman Urgent Care Director Kayla Martinez. “It is not an appointment time, but it does allow you to do some of your waiting in the comfort of your own home instead of in the waiting room.” Save My Spot is a free, fast and convenient way to be seen by a Freeman healthcare provider. Get in line by going online. Simply visit freemanhealth.com/savemyspot on your computer, tablet or smartphone. You will be able to choose the time and location for your visit that best works for your schedule. Once you arrive at Freeman Urgent Care, there is a tracker in the waiting room will let you know how many patients are ahead of you. Using Save My Spot is not required to be seen at our facilities. Walking in is always welcome! Wait times for both locations are updated every 30 minutes at freemanhealth.com/ urgentcare. If you or someone you know is experiencing a life threatening illness or injury, call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency room. Freeman has an Urgent Care in both Joplin and Webb City. Freeman Urgent Care offers a convenient, cost-effective alternative for minor medical care provided by physicians and is the only Urgent Care in the region accredited by the Urgent Care Association (UCA).

Freeman Urgent Locations: • 1130 E. 32nd St. Joplin 417-347-2273 • 1636 S. Madison St. Webb City 417-347-2273 24

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Amazeum Expands Outdoor Play Options Award Winning “Salvage Swings” by Somewhere Studio Added to PlayScape The Scott Family Amazeum enhances the Outdoor PlayScape experience with unique interactive installation – “Salvage Swings.” “Salvage Swings,” designed by Arkansas-based Somewhere Studio lead architects Jessica Colangelo and Charles Sharpless and fabricated in the Fay Jones School of Architecture Fab Lab, won the 2019 City of Dreams annual international architectural design competition. The installation consists of 12 modules constructed from cross-laminated timber (CLT) shipping pallets salvaged during the construction of the Adohi Residence Hall on the University of Arkansas Campus. Arranged into a triangular pavilion, each module contains an individual swing and frames a view of the landscape surrounding the Amazeum. “Salvage Swings is a wonderful

Defy gravity in your own space on Salvage Swings at the Scott Family Amazeum.

addition to our PlayScape,” says Erik Smith, Amazeum director of exhibits and facilities. “It is playful, well-designed, and illustrates how creativity applied to common materials results in unique objects. This directly aligns with our philosophy of tinkering and making where we encourage experimentation with materials to incite creativity while leaving the authenticity of the materials themselves exposed.” The pavilion is permanently installed

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on the west end of the PlayScape. At night, LED lighting embedded into the modules accentuates the geometry found in the structure. “Securing ‘Salvage Swings’ for the Scott Family Amazeum furthers our desire to be the hub of innovative curious, creative people in the community,” says Sam Dean, Amazeum executive director. Visit amazeum.org for current information on hours and admission.

ARE ANTS EATING YOUR LUNCH? Common household ants cause thousands of dollars in damage and create unsanitary environments. ODOROUS HOUSE ANTS can track harmful bacteria and other illness-causing pathogens track it onto your kitchen and contaminate counters, pantry and other kitchen surfaces. Regardless how clean your home is, even tiny food debris or a drop of fruit juice can attract an army of ants. CARPENTER ANTS damage walls and other wood structures by tunneling through them construct tunnels and nests for their colonies. I recommend Darrel for any home, commercial or industrial pest control. – Dave Clark, Lifetime Joplin Resident

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417-781-3155 | www.dkiddpestcontrol.com MAY | JUNE • JMAG

25


HEAD TO TOE |

Written by Kevin McClintock | Photography by Roger Nomer

‘Definitely lucky’ Infectious disease specialist offers perspective on COVID-19 An infectious disease specialist said last month that Southwest Missouri has fared far better than other areas in its effort to curtail the spread of COVID-19. “We are definitely lucky” is how Freeman Health System’s Dr. Uwe A. Schmidt described it, when comparing the Joplin region with other parts of the nation. “The streets are empty and restaurants are closed, and people are complying with the advice of the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention officials to stay indoors. “For one thing, we are really spread out here. I came [to Joplin] from New Jersey 10 years ago, and I’m glad I’m not there right now.” “It definitely came later here, compared to other parts of the country,” Schmidt continued. “On the other hand, it cannot last too long because once a good proportion of the population gets infected, they become immune, and that would definitely bring an end to the epidemic.” Schmidt said early epidemiological model predictions concerning deaths worldwide have proven unrealistically high. “Many of these early models were actually wrong with their predictions ... and were actually much worse than it actually is,” Schmidt said. For example, expected deaths in the United Kingdom were initially projected to go as high as 500,000 — as of April 13, that death rate stood at 11,329, and expected to top out at 20,000. Back in late February, early models were projecting deaths in the United States to reach as high as 2 million. As of April 13, U.S. deaths had reached 22,106. A return of COVID-19 this winter — the so-called “bounce back” many people fear — is a possibility and a concern, Schmidt said, because people are more vulnerable to illness during the cold winter months. However, a second coronavirus wave “would be much, much less severe than the first (wave) because ... more people are immune and it wouldn’t be as effective anymore.” The antibodies, he continued, “seem to be 26

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protective, and actually, they’ve tried to treat people from those who have recovered and have had some type of [positive] response, so the antibodies seem to be helpful. Those antibodies typically will hang around for years to come.” He said he’s confident a vaccine will be in place by either the end of this year or in early 2021. It will take time to perfect, he added, “because we have to make sure it is safe and there are no serious side effects.” Schmidt, born in Germany, studied there and in Austria before moving to the United States in 1970 and opening a New Jersey practice in 1980. He has studied a number of diseases in his time, including HIV/AIDS and West Nile virus. While COVID-19 is similar to severe acute respiratory syndrome, a global outbreak that struck people down in two dozen countries in 2003, the current virus is far more dangerous because of its easy infection spread, he said. And because COVID-19 incubation can stretch for more than a week, it can more easily spread across cities, countries and even oceans than, say, Ebola, which has a much slower spread because the disease either hospitalizes or kills its host so quickly after exposure. Schmidt did admit he’d never experienced anything like COVID-19 in modern times. “Certainly from my experience, with the economy shut down ... I’ve never seen this from a flu epidemic in my lifetime. Of course we are used to the yearly flu, which comes and goes and kills a lot of people — we really don’t pay too much attention, though the

deaths are pretty significant when you read all the numbers.” The CDC estimates 12,000 to 61,000 deaths annually since 2010 from the flu; globally, the World Health Organization estimates that the flu kills 290,000 to 650,000 people per year. When asked about Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases and the nation’s leading expert on diseases, Schmidt said he has done a good job telling the country the facts, without embellishments. “Everyone seems to appreciate what he is doing. My feeling is that his predictions have been a little bit more gloomy than I see it, but then, of course, you don’t want to be too optimistic” should the pandemic suddenly take a turn for the worse, spiking death counts nationwide. As far as preventing a future pandemic breaking out, he said countries will need to identify sooner how contagious the disease is right out of the gate. “Definitely, many people were ill-prepared to deal with this, and they let it spread without realizing just how dangerous it was and how it (in Wuhan and parts of Italy and New York City, for example) has overwhelmed their health care capacities.” Pandemics can only be prevented, he continued, “if those experienced in the field get involved early on. For example, if (China) had allowed the CDC in early (to investigate the initial virus breakout in Wuhan, the epicenter of the COVID-19 pandemic) maybe things would have been different.”


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The Enduring Beauty Of Custom Furniture

A

n endless variety of looks and upholstery options — from sleek leathers to durable-yetattractive fabrics — are only part of the appeal of custom furniture, says Jim Everett, owner of Hardwood Creations in Joplin.

“Our customers appreciate knowing custom furniture is created with high-quality materials and workmanship, Everett says. Craftsmen at furniture makers such as Smith Brothers, available at Hardwood Creations, pay special attention to the details that are part of the process. Frame Construction. All frames are assembled by hand and built from the finest kiln-dried maple hardwoods. High-stress joints are doubledowelled, glued, screwed, and reinforced with solid maple corner blocks, making them extremely durable. Legs are built directly into frames, not attached separately as a final step. Coil Spring Units. Under every seat cushion is a pre-engineered, heavygauge coil spring unit designed to ensure rugged durability for many years. Each unit is individually supported in each position, so each person sits independently. Foam and Padding are among the highest quality available to the furniture industry. Sofa and chair arms are thickly padded with foam, cotton, and fiber for maximum comfort and a beautiful, finished look.

Kiln-dried maple frames, heavy gauge coil springs and superior-grade thick foam paddings provide durability and comfort.

Smith Brothers guarantees its furniture frames, coil spring units and foam padding with a lifetime warranty. Try out custom pieces in person at Hardwood Creations, just northeast of the 7th Street and Range Line Road intersection in Joplin. Call 417-623-3323 or visit hardwoodcreationsjoplin.com. MAKE IT YOUR OWN: Smith Brothers of Berne custom furniture options include 1,000 fabrics and leathers.

QUALITY IS IN THE DETAILS: Finishing upholstery hardware options, such as nail heads, include (from left) hammered antique brass, black pearl, brushed nickel, and rubbed bronze.

MAY | JUNE • JMAG

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THE J LIST |

Written by Amanda Stone

Great Books with Great Films While the book is often better than the movie, that’s not the case here. We’ve come up with a short rundown of fantastic novels that have been adapted into equally brilliant movies. Knowing a great film adaptation awaits softens the blow of savoring the last few pages of an incredible book. Drag a lawn chair under a shade tree and enjoy these great summer reads.

1

Persuasion by Jane Austen (2007 film)

Eight years before the story begins, 27-year-old Anne Elliot is happily betrothed to a naval officer, Frederick Wentworth, but she breaks off the engagement when persuaded by a friend that the match is unworthy. Anne’s regret is deep and long-lasting. When later Photo source: birdfromanegg.com Wentworth returns a rich and successful sea captain, he finds Anne’s family on the brink of financial ruin and his own sister a tenant in the Elliot estate. All the tension of the novel revolves around one question: Will Anne and Wentworth be reunited in their love?

2

Where’d You Go, Bernadette by Maria Semple (2019 film)

When her daughter Bee claims a family trip to Antarctica as a reward for perfect grades, Bernadette, a fiercely intelligent shut-in, throws herself into preparations for the trip. But worn down by years of trying to live the Seattle life she never wanted, Ms. Fox is on the brink of a meltdown. She disappears, leaving her family to pick up the pieces and discover a secret past Bernadette has been hiding for decades. “Where’d You Go Bernadette” is an unabashedly entertaining novel about a family coming to terms with who they are and the power of a daughter’s love for her mother.

3

Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy (2012 film)

Anna Karenina provides a vast panorama of not only life in Russia, but of humanity in general. Tolstoy creates some of the most memorable characters in all of literature. Anna is a sophisticated woman who abandons her empty existence as the wife of Karenin and turns to Count Vronsky to fulfil her passionate nature - with tragic consequences. This is a book that will stick with you. 28

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4

The Green Mile by Stephen King (1999 film)

Welcome to Cold Mountain Penitentiary, home to the Depression-worn men of E Block. Convicted killers all, each awaits his turn to walk the Green Mile, keeping a date with “Old Sparky,” Cold Mountain’s electric chair. Prison guard Paul Edgecombe has seen his share of oddities in his years working the Mile. But he’s never seen anyone like John Coffey, a man with the body of a giant and the mind of a child, condemned for a shocking crime. Edgecombe is about to discover the terrible, wondrous truth about Coffey, a truth that will challenge his most cherished beliefs.

5

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (2019 film)

Theo Decker, a thirteen-year-old New Yorker, miraculously survives an accident that kills his mother. Abandoned by his father, Theo is taken in by the family of a wealthy friend. Bewildered by his strange new home on Park Avenue, disturbed by schoolmates who don’t know how to talk to him, and tormented above all by his unbearable longing for his mother, he clings to one thing that reminds him of her: a small, mysteriously captivating painting that ultimately draws Theo into the underworld of art. Get to know the vivid characters as they grow throughout the novel.

Honorable Mentions: • Forrest Gump • The Godfather series • Harry Potter series • Gone with the Wind

• Wizard of Oz • The Lord of the Rings series • Fried Green Tomatoes • The Outsiders

• To Kill a Mockingbird • The Hunger Games series • Life of Pi • Holes


PARTING SHOT |

Photography by Roger Nomer

SAFE GATHERING “Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.” 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Church members gather safely in their vehicles on a sunny Sunday in late March at the Route 66 Drive-in Theater in Carthage.

MAY | JUNE • JMAG

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COMING SOON The historic 1891 building at 424 South Joplin Avenue, in the heart of downtown’s Brick District, already home to Countryside In the City, will also be home to Alchemist Haven and Rejuvenation Therapeutic Massage. Treat yourself to some time with us!

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Countryside In the City 32

Alchemist Haven

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Angela K. Harris, Owner • 417-781-3719 • aharrislmt@gmail.com 424 South Joplin Ave. • IN THE JOPLIN BRICK DISTRICT

JMAG • MAY | JUNE


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