FREE
CONNECTIONMO.COM
JANUARY 2022
Mae’d Goods
New BAKERY Local Talent
favorite hobbies Dyslexia
Bright horizons
g n i Tak e d i r t S In A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE OZARKS ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 1
2 | January 2022
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 3
Editorial
Don’t Look Over Your Shoulder!
I
t is now January 2022 and many have just committed themselves to resolutions that will change their lives, financially, health wise, their families and education. Well they think those resolutions made on Dec. 31 will help, then January comes around or maybe February and we slip up and break one resolution, then two, and poof we are back where we started. I have never been one to participate in making New Year’s resolutions. It is a proven fact that the resolutions are made to try and improve or get rid of bad habits so I really feel like proclaiming the idea of quitting something or improving something in your life style is setting yourself up to fail. You are in the moment and are sure that you will accomplish a positive act proclaimed when a new year is coming your way. No, it is all just a figment of your imagination and acts that when you do not achieve them throw you into the pits of depression from the failure. We have all experienced a rough couple of years dealing with the pandemic. Some of us have dealt with it more drastically than others. And not to sound depressing, there is one fact that I believe all of us can agree on and that is to make the most of the time and life that we have in the present because the future is not guaranteed. Resolutions are about setting goals that most of the time are never achieved. I believe that we need to look at new beginnings.
4 | January 2022
No more living in the past and dwelling on it. We need to move on and accept who we are and the life we have and move forward. Seriously, what is the point of setting unrealistic goals just to make yourself feel horrible when you break those goals a month later. Instead, maybe the only goal you should have for yourself is a new beginning in a journey of embracing yourself and finding who you are. One thing we seem to find difficulty with is loving ourselves. We need to learn to love ourselves in the present. We need to embrace and accept ourselves. Instead of making those resolutions, we need to take strides in figuring out who we are in the present and appreciating who we are in the present and where we are now. Instead of continuously “looking over our shoulder” and beating ourselves up about our past we need to quit with the unrealistic goals and take a long look at where we are in the present. What is one thing we could do each day in the moment to create a better day for ourselves and others around us?
Continued on page 6
A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS
GENERAL MANAGER Lisa Craft monettcommunity@gmail.com EDITOR Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Vicky Abraham Marion Chrysler CONTRIBUTORS Meagan Ruffing Darlene Wierman Melonie Roberts Susan Funkhouser Pam Wormington Jordan Troutman Christa Stout Cheryl Williams Sierra Gunter Jennifer Conner Annie Lisenby Smith Mike Gervais PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Jamie Brownlee Amy Sampson
HAPPY NEW YEAR! AurOrA
TO ADVERTISE 417-847-2610 - Cassville 417-235-3135 - Monett Send email inquiries to connection@monett-times.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 40, Monett, MO 65708 Connection is published monthly and distributed free in Cassville, Monett, Exeter, Washburn, Pierce City, Mt. Vernon, Aurora, Verona, Roaring River, Eagle Rock, Shell Knob, Purdy, Wheaton, Freistatt, Marionville, Seligman, Golden and other surrounding areas. Connection is a publication of the Cassville Democrat, The Monett Times and Rust Communications.
Printed locally to reduce carbon footprint with environmentally friendly soy-based inks.
Jeramie Grosenbacher, CFP®
Scott Young
103 E Olive 417-678-0277
1418 S Elliott 417-678-2102
Financial Advisor
DISTRIBUTION Greg Gilliam Kevin Funcannon
MT. vErNON Kedron Blecha Financial Advisor
304 W Mount Vernon Blvd 417-466-4620
Financial Advisor
CAssvillE Shane A Boyd Financial Advisor 802 West Street 417-847-5238
MONETT Brett Jones
Donald E Weber
603 Dairy Street 417-235-7465
603 Dairy St 417-235-7465
Jim Haston
Nicole Weber
7 E Broadway 417-235-8216
100 Chapel Dr Suite B 417-236-2819
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisor
MKT-9811A-A
Financial Advisor
Financial Advisor
Member SIPC
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 5
Gantt Steel Buildings
19859 - Hwy 37 by PR 2191, Cassville, Mo. 65625 417-847-3108 | 417-846-5319 We sell custom built portable and steel buildings. Tiny Homes Garages Barns RV Covers Gazebos Storage Sheds
We have a 12x24 shed for only $181.00 per month! Cash price is $4,620 plus tax. We also offer Commercial Steel Buildings up to 60 ft wide No credit check and free delivery and set up! Military and Senior Discounts Available
SB
SECURITY BANK OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI
Your Locally Owned Independent Bank
Let us be your HOMEtown bank! • Great Service • Committed To Barry County • Decisions Made Locally Wheaton
Cassville
302 Main Street Jct. 37, 76 & 86 417-652-3204 417-847-4794 Bill Pay & Internet Banking at
www.sbswmo.com
6 | January 2022
Exeter
Front Street 417-835-8111
Whether you are wanting to change your living situation or your weight or your job situation, whatever the case may be, you can start by first looking inward and truly begin to embrace yourself in the present so you can become who you want to be in the future. After all, you will never truly be able to make any lasting change if you don’t first look to yourself. In some ways, I hope that our magazine brings you joy and some of the stories can give you hope and ideas for the present. There is no point to the past except to learn from it. We cannot change it. But our lessons that we have learned can change the present and the future to help us make better decisions. How many people have you heard say “I am not going to make that mistake again.” They have learned to make the present better. We do not need to repeat the past over and over. Isn’t that the definition of insanity? Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results? We have all been guilty of doing that, but we do not have to. So I am asking all of you, for 2022, don’t look over your shoulder, don’t make past mistakes, learn and make the present bright with new adventures, new decisions, and new friends. We wish you all a Happy New Year full of numerous new experiences!
Lisa Craft
General Manager, Connection Magazine Lisa Craft is General Manager of Connection Magazine, The Monett Times and Cassville Democrat. She can be reached at monettcommunity@gmail.com or connection@monett-times.com
Porter Graham and his daughter Emilia, work side by side on motorcycles, just as Porter and his father did.
J A N U A R Y 2022
9 | MONETTAN MARATHONER
17 F
E
A
T
U
R
E
S
E. LaVerne (Osborn) Johnson completed her 15th New York City Marathon. Johnson graduated from Monett High School in 1964.
12 | MAE’D GOODS
Magen Hensley of Monett celebrated the first anniversary of her baking business and continues to supply fine baked goods to returning customers
17 | NEW HOBBIES IN THE NEW YEAR
Amatuers, enthusiasts and afficiandos around the region take pride in their favorite hobbies
29 | DYSLEXIA
Learning challenges can be countered and overcome with the right approaches
34 | WILD CRITTERS FEAST
12
With scant winter resources local wildlife could use a helping hand getting their three squares
Magen Hensley, owner and baker of Mae’d Goods, celebrates the first anniversary of her home baking business. ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 7
FREE
CONNECTIONMO.COM
JANUARY 2022
Mae’d Goods
New BAKERY Local Talent
favorite hobbies Dyslexia
Bright horizons
Taking e
In Strid A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE OZARKS
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 1
Experience outweighs uncertainty. Advice Matters. With recent events, an emphasis on managing risk has moved to the forefront as investors look for informed strategies to help them protect their wealth. At Morgan Stanley, we have the experience, knowledge and resources to help you manage risk, to recognize how it could affect your portfolio, and to work toward minimizing its impact.
Ozark Mountain Group at Morgan Stanley Nathan Roetto Associate Vice President Financial Advisor NMLS# 2081794 Nathan.Roetto@ morganstanley.com Tisha Trotter Financial Advisor NMLS# 1918463 Tisha.Trotter@ morganstanley.com 1535 East Primrose Springfield, MO 65804 417-882-7150 advisor.morganstanley.com/ ozark-mountain-group
Meet with us to learn more and get personalized advice you need in an uncertain world.
Morgan Stanley recommends that investors independently evaluate particular investments and strategies, and encourages investors to seek the advice of a Financial Advisor. The appropriateness of a particular investment or strategy will depend on an investor’s individual circumstances and objectives. © 2021 Morgan Stanley Smith Barney LLC. Member SIPC. FAS015 CRC 3396084 02/21 CS 9976336 02/21
8 | January 2022
E. LaVerne Johnson is pictured mid-race at the 50th annual New York City Marathon, held Nov. 7, 2021. She is listed on New York Road Runners’ list of Streakers and +15 Marathoners – a list of New York City Marathon’s most dedicated runners and has gained guaranteed entry into all future NYC marathons. Cover photo courtesy of E. Laverne Johnson
CONTENTS 21 Cutest Kid
23 Guest Column: You Can’t Take It with You 27 Healthy Connection 39 Parenting Column 43 Date Night
45 Rescued, My Favorite Breed 47 Cutest Pet
49 Familiar Faces 51 Parting Shot
Have an idea for a story you would like to see in Connection Magazine? Email it to connection@monett-times.com Facebook.com/MyConnectionMo
Samantha Milhaven, left, ran her very first New York City Marathon last year with her grandmother, E. LaVerne Johnson, third from left, a former Monett resident who founded International Institute for Learning, who completed her 15th New York City Marathon. Also pictured are Jeanie Osborn, Johnson’s sister-in-law, and Steve Osborn, Johnson’s brother. The Osborns run the IIL Worldwide Distribution facility in Monett.
FORMER MONETTAN COMPLETES
15TH NYC MARATHON
A
former Monettan has, at the age of 75, completed her 15th New York City Marathon. E. LaVerne Johnson, of New York, is a 1964 graduate of Monett High School who celebrated running her 15th New York City Marathon on Nov. 7, 2021. She came in fifth in her age group worldwide and first in her age group of runners from New York City. “My granddaughter, Samantha Milhaven, ran with me this year,” Johnson said. “Of course, she finished before I did, but I thought it was great that we ran it together.”
Story by Melonie Roberts
The first New York City Marathon, organized by New York Road Runners, took place September 13, 1970, in Central Park, with an entry fee of $1 and a budget of $1,000. Of the 127 registered runners, there were 55 finishers.
In November, Johnson, along with 30,000 other runners from all over the world, celebrated the 50th anniversary of the marathon, which has grown from a local road race held in Central Park to the world’s largest marathon, winding through the five boroughs of New York City. “I started running with a friend in college in the late 1980s,” Johnson said. “It was an easy thing to do. You can run by yourself. All you need is a good pair of tennis shoes. I was a single mom with two daughters working 30 hours a week. It was the only thing I could do.” Running kept Johnson in good shape.
E. LaVerne Johnson 1964 graduate Monett High School
LaVerne Johnson finished first in NYC age group
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 9
Former Monettan E. LaVerne Johnson celebrated completing her 15th New York City Marathon as the city was celebrating the Golden anniversary of the world’s largest marathon.
“Running helps both my mental and physical wellbeing,” she said. “I do my best planning when I run. “I lived in New York, and running the marathon seemed like the thing to do,” she said. “When I decided to run the marathon, I trained for a year. I took it pretty seriously at first.” With 15 marathons now under her belt, skipping only the 2012 through 2014 races and the 2020 race, which was canceled due to COVID-19, Johnson is now a member of an elite group of 23 women her age or older, who have completed the 26.2-mile course, the New York Road Runners’ list of Streakers and +15 Marathoners. The list is comprised of New York City Marathon’s most dedicated runners who have gained guaranteed entry into all future NYC marathons. “I kept running, because the older I get, the less competition I have,” she said. “I am now in the top percentage 10 | January 2022
of runners in my age group. I’m going to keep running until I win my age group.” After terrorists set off a series of explosives near the finish line at the Boston Marathon on April 15, 2013, Johnson said she had some concerns about running in such a large-scale event. “Even last year, I had some concerns,” she said. “You never know what’s going to happen. But, we had perfect weather for it.” For now, Johnson sees no end to her marathon-running experiences, vowing to continue racking up those commemorative medals as long as her health holds out. “Some years, I’ve just walked it,” she said. “Others, I would walk and run [alternately]. It’s just for fun, but it can get to be a habit. Especially if you live in New York.” Johnson founded International Institute for Learning (IIL) in 1991, a
A record 53,627 runners finished the race in 2019, according to New York Road Runners, the group that organizes the New York City Marathon. leading training and corporate solutions firm with headquarters in New York City, operating companies located around the world. She serves as chief executive officer and president of the company, which headquarters its global distribution center in Monett, under the direction of Steve Osborn, senior vice president. n
JANUARY
JANUARY
$1 fee
$2 fee
PAY THE DAY in January
$3 fee
$4 fee
JANUARY
JANUARY
JANUARY
JANUARY
$5 fee
$6 fee
$7 fee
$8 fee
5 6 7 8
Join the Y during the month of January and your joiner fee is adjusted according to the day you join.
THE SOONER YOU JOIN THE MORE YOU SAVE!
JANUARY
JANUARY
$9 fee
$10 fee
JANUARY
JANUARY
9 10 11 12
MONETT AREA YMCA CASSVILLE YMCA
$11 fee
$12 fee
OUR MISSION:
To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all.
www.orymca.org
Sandy Shoemaker 417.236.3951
JANUARY
1 2 3 4 JANUARY
Teresa Scheel 417.229.2635
1630 S Elliott - Aurora
Office 417.678.4210 sandyatcoldwellbanker@hotmail.com show-meproperties.com Each office is independently owned and operated
Lori Gregory 417.342.1621
Cathy White 417.236.2933
Jackie Nelson 417.693.3338
Amy Vickery 417.229.2380
Christie Richards 417.422.3223
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 11
MAE’D GOODS 12 | January 2022
Story by Annie Lisenby Smith
Local Baker Creating Sweet Treats
F
or many people there is nothing more comforting than warm baked goods straight out of the oven; the kind that were created with love and attention to details and flavors. For one Monettan, the joy of baking has turned into a successful home business. Magen Hensley, a 2016 Monett High School graduate, hadn’t planned to create her own baking business. She attended Missouri Southern State University, and graduated with a degree in Public Relations in 2020. “I graduated college at the beginning of the Pandemic and was subsequently laid off from both of my jobs,” Hensley said. “I ended up being on unemployment for a couple of months. I decided if I couldn’t find a job, I would try to create my own source of income. I read in a motivational book to create a business out of something you enjoy doing, and my first thought was baking.” In August 2020, Hensley started selling her first batches of cupcakes using the business name Mae’d Goods. When brainstorming business names, Hensley wanted to use part of her name. Because her friends and family call her by the nickname Mae, her dad came up with the idea of Mae’d Goods.
Creating cupcakes with artistry, Magen Hensley works out of her home kitchen.
Connect with Mae’d Goods through social media ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 13
Mae’d Goods’ display of wedding cupcakes with a variety of flavors chosen by the bride and groom.
Mae’d Goods creates cupcakes for the flavors of each season and the holidays; this combo Magen Hensley created for Halloween 2021 and were some of the 400 cupcakes she baked in one day.
14 | January 2022
While Hensley isn’t a formally trained baker, she did study culinary arts in high school for two years. In total, she says she’s been baking for ten years. For her business, Hensley focuses on making cupcakes but has ventured into other bakes too. “In 2020, I made 30 pies in one day for Thanksgiving,” Hensley said. “This year for Thanksgiving I made brown butter pumpkin oat cookies. Recently, I’ve been practicing cake making, which is significantly more difficult and time consuming than cupcakes, but it’s something I’ve always wanted to learn. I will probably stick to cupcakes because it has become my niche. There are several people in this area who specialize in cookies and cakes, but I think I have cupcakes down.” In the time that Hensley has run her cupcake business she’s learned many lessons. One of the biggest was that be-
ing a business owner comes with a lot of responsibilities, especially because she’s the only employee. “I originally thought being in charge of my own schedule would allow for a lot of free time, but I’ve actually experienced the opposite,” Hensley said. “I’ve been trying to learn how to prioritize my time better and make time to have days off to relax here and there. When you love what you do and want to work hard to be successful, it can be difficult to take a step back sometimes.” One business technique that Hensley uses is new for our modern era. She markets and takes orders through the social media platforms Facebook and Instagram. There she can easily share menus and photos of her creations. There is the added convenience of every order being communicated online so that customers’ orders can be referenced easily to assure accuracy.
Hensley sells combo cupcake packs seasonally and on short notice through her Facebook page. Pictured here are the flavors of lemon, peanut butter cup, and s’mores. When it comes to filling the cupcake orders, Hensley puts her heart into her bakes. Specialty bakes for weddings and birthdays are available upon request, and Hensley has created some unique decorations and flavors for the holidays. Her baked goods have become so popular that for Halloween 2021, Hensley baked over 400 cupcakes. And for Thanksgiving 2021, she baked 400 cookies and 300 cupcakes within 24 hours. She started her business with only ten cupcake flavors but has experimented and expanded to 30 different recipes now. “I’m so thankful my family enjoys sweets and is always willing to taste test for me,” Hensley said. “I also ask my friends to try them and give me feedback as well.”
When describing her favorite recipe, Hensley said it was difficult to choose just one. But when making the Chocolate Cookies and Cream Cupcake, she always keeps one aside for herself. “It’s a chocolate cupcake with Oreo pieces baked in, a cream cheese Oreo frosting, and a whole Oreo baked into the bottom.” Looking back over her experiences as a small business owner, Hensley said she never pictured herself in this role. “It’s amazing the plans God has in store for every one of us,” Hensley said. “I’m so thankful to live in a community that appreciates my products and supports me. Every setback; losing my jobs, having to rely on unemployment, not being hired for other jobs, etc., has led me to where I am today, and I couldn’t be more proud. I always like to remind people that when a door closes, it’s for a reason and another one will always
open.” The advice Hensley likes to share with others hoping to start their own businesses is that if there’s something they love to do. “Don’t be afraid to follow one of your passions and see where it takes you. You might be surprised.” When not baking cupcakes, Hensley is able to use her university degree to pursue other passions. She works two part-time jobs managing social media for companies. One of those jobs where she’s excited to share her social media management skills is with another local merchant, The Flying V Mercantile. Because of the flexibility of her schedule, she’s able to balance her passions for baking and for public relations. Mae’d Goods can be found on Facebook and Instagram. There Hensley shares seasonal cupcake menus, availability, and last-minute cupcakes available at short notice. n
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 15
because every day is a gift
Jump into Spring Whitley Pharmacy 101 West 8th, Cassville, “on the Square” 417-847-2722 or 417-847-2717
S e a n
H i l t o n
Where every customer is special
Century 21® Family tree
417 Aesthetics botox & beyond
TM
Licensed Nurse & Esthetician Kaleigh Simmons
SaleS aSSociate
Business: 417.678.2121 Cell: 417.489.2604 Toll Free: 888.856.7344 seanjhilton@yahoo.com www.c21familytree.com 1004 S. Elliot Ave Aurora, MO. 65606
Each office is independently owned and operated
16 | January 2022
417 Aesthetics Botox & Beyond Medical Spa 401 Main St. Suite G. Cassville, Mo
417-846-6651
SERVICES PROVIDED - Eyelash Extensions - Spa Facials - Microneedling - Brow Tinting - Henna Brows - Chemical Peels - Dermaplaning - Cosmetic Injections - Botox & Filler
NEW YEAR, NEW HOBBY
W
‘I fell in love with….’ Porter Graham enjoyed the open road and the sense of connection to nature while out on a ride.
Story by Jordan Troutman
hat does it mean to have a hobby? What can a hobby be? Some of the most interesting things in the world are simply someone’s hobby. Ask Tiffany Gusta, of Monett, why she enjoys dressing up in cosplay, or Charlie Estes-Jones, of Cassville, what it is like to find that mushroom on the ground, learn why Ryan Hoffman, from Memphis, Tennessee, makes chainmail, all it takes is an interest and a moment of faith where you try that hobby for the first time. According to the Australian Government Department of Health, not only does having a hobby give you a chance to show your creative side, it actually reduces stress and depression. Here is an in-depth look into some unique hobbies in the Ozarks area, amateur radio operating, motorcycle riding, and genealogy. In the Shell Knob area, a group of amateur radio operators has formed the Table Rock Amateur Radio Club, TRARC. TRARC has monthly meetings on the first Tuesday of the month at 7 p.m. in the Lohmer Full Gospel Church community room. Due to weather, there isn’t a January meeting and the February meeting is determined closer to its date. ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 17
Debbie and Paul Bridges, Bill Frank, Clinton and Rose Love, Jim McCarthy and John Zucaro are all members of the Table Rock Amateur Radio Club in Shell Knob.
This walkie-talkie is just some of the equipment that TRARC uses. TRARC currently had repeaters located on the fire lookout tower about five miles north of Shell Knob. The repeaters are open to all licensed Hams. While most of the time PL tones are not required, they may be used to limit inter-modulation and other interference issues. At the December meeting, five of the active members of the club sat down at Steak Inn in Shell Knob to enjoy a meal and have the last meeting of the year. Bill Frank, TRARC president, John Zucaro, vice president, and Clinton Love, secretary and treasurer were all present, along with Paul and Debbie Bridges, Rose Love, and Jim McCarthy all met for the December meeting.
18 | January 2022
“There are about 10 to 11 members to the club now,” McCarthy said. “We are all over the place, Cape Fair, Purdy, Monett, and of course, Shell Knob.” While there are a fair number of amateur radio operators still today, TRARC started back in the ’50s with 40 to 50 members. “Amateur radio has a problem with age,” Frank said. “The average age of Hams is 50 years or older. There are fewer and fewer young people coming in.” In order to operate a radio, people are required to have a license. “There are three levels of licenses,” Frank said. “There used to be five, but they consolidated two of them. There is a technician’s license, a general license, and extra class. You used to be able to get a novice or advanced license too.” John said back in the day, you would have to know Morse Code to get your license. Morse Code is effective in getting a message across a larger area with low power. “The club here supports the repeater,” Frank said. “The club historically purchased the repeater, but it was dam-
aged in a lightning storm many years ago. The County Emergency Management Services helped replace that. A project for the future would be to replace the antenna.” The membership cost for TRARC is $10 per person, per year, or $15 per family, per year. “Ham is wonderful to use in emergency situations,” McCarthy said. “For example, on 9/11 no one could make a phone call. The only communication was radio.” What is interesting about a repeater is the fact that it is two radios. “So, you have a walkie-talkie, and you are trying to call your friend who has another mobile,” Frank said. “When you call out it hits the repeater and the message is transported through the incoming then outgoing radios before it is sent to your friend.” One thing that keeps the hobby unique is that although you have to have a license to speak, you can listen at any time on any station. “You could speak as far out as 150 miles away,” Zucaro said. “But, we usually use it 20 to 30 miles away.” To get a license someone would have to pay $15 for a 35 question test. “You have to have a committee of three difference licenses together to administer the test, we can do that locally,” Frank said. “The license lasts for 10 years.” When it comes to why everyone got interested in amateur radio, well everyone has their own story. Paul said he likes to collect and restore, he is currently restoring a WWII, 1947-48 walkie-talkie. Frank said he likes to build things and is interested in radio to receiver WWV time signals. Clinton is more into networking and micro controls, as well as, emergency communication.
McCarthy said his bucket list is to get back to where he started and get his Morse Code up to speed. John does a lot of electrical work and experimenting. Most people who are interested in radio are interested in it for its emergency communication possibilities. TRARC has convinced a number of locals on fire departments to get their licenses. To the east, in Branson, one man finds his tranquility in his hobby of riding motorcycles. Porter Graham has been riding motorcycles since he was 16-years-old. “When I was 15 I went up to my dad and asked if I could get a motorcycle,” Graham said. “He said, ‘Not as long as you live under my roof.’ But, one weekend I went away and when I came back I saw the motorcycle that he bought for himself! Apparently, my dad’s cousin convinced him to get one and to let me get one too.” Graham said the first time he rode he was immediately addicted. “I knew I would ride motorcycles forever,” he said. “It kind of brought my dad and me closer together. As a 16-year-old and a grown man living in a house together, you can start to but heads. But we had this common interest to get us through those teen years.” Willard Allan Graham, Porter’s father, passed away on September 23, 2013. “We have ridden everywhere, we did the Pig Trail together for two summers,” Porter said. “Southwest Missouri and Northwest Arkansas have so many beautiful trails to ride, some of the best I have seen. “If I had advice for someone, I would say to always be safe and wear the right gear.” Graham said the better prepared you are, the less damage you will have. “You have to build your confidence
slowly with small trips,” he said. “One Sunday morning I took off with a group at about 8 a.m. I had just put a new tire on the back of the bike.” Graham rode to the West Plains area. “I got a flat — on the new tire,” he said. “So, we had to wait for hours for a trailer to get back from Branson to pick it up. That was about 4 p.m. On the way back, the sun was going down and one of the ridders misjudged a corner and wrecked.” Graham said he was ok, but they had to wait another few hours for a trailer to come to pick him up. “Then, that truck ended up breaking down,” he said. “I laid my head on my pillow at about 5 a.m. Monday morning. You never know what to expect, and breakdowns can make or break a trip.” Even though unpredictability can lead to very long days, it can also be a lot of fun. “It’s just you on the open road,” Graham said. “You only have what you can put on your bike. It is a one-of-akind feeling, just you in the elements, just you and the whole world.” Porter said a hobby should give you freedom, or it just isn’t worth doing. “I guess if any of my kids come to me and say, ‘Hey dad, I want to get a motorcycle,’ I can’t say no,” Graham said. “I can however make sure they are educated and practicing.” Graham and his girlfriend, Ashley, have four children between them. “My oldest is 12 years old,” he said. “That is just three years from being behind a wheel. “Motorcycles aren’t for everybody. Honestly, some people can ride on the back, but can never grab the handlebars. It takes a certain type of person.” One thing that comes along with riding motorcycles is the equipment collections.
“I have one motorcycle tore apart in the garage and two up and running,” he said. “You end up with boots, leathers, gear, parts, tools, and all kinds of event T-shirts.” For Graham, riding motorcycles is a way of life, it is peace and excitement, and a unique hobby.
Darlene Pendergraft spends hours gathering photos from her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren’s social media account and organizes them. Darlene Pendergraft, of Aurora, spends hours and days gathering and organizing photographs. She downloads photos posted on social media from her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. Once it is on her computer, she organizes the photos into folders, which she labels with the date. Over the past few years, she has spent most of her time at her computer making individual SD cards with photos consisting of entire lifetimes to gift to her family. “It all started because I wanted to know about Carl’s (her late husband) family,” she said. “After that, I fell in love with genealogy. “I love learning about people who lived generations ago.”
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 19
Our Inventory Is As Good As It Gets! Areas Largest Fun Jewelry Selection.
Winter Sales In Progress NOW! LAY AWAY & GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE!!!
416 Broadway, Downtown Monett
417-235-7622
Four SeaSonS real eState Larry Daniels • Realtor 417-846-7306
Kay McCullah • Realtor 417-342-3885
kdougmc@gmail.com
Keisha Drost • Realtor 417-236-3832
agentkdrost@gmail.com
Cindy Carr • Realtor 417-847-7514
ccarr7514@aol.com
Hilari Stockton • Realtor 417-489-8903 hilari.stockton@outlook.com
Lea Hill • Realtor 417-847-0156
lea.4seasons@yahoo.com
Patti Daniels • Broker 417-847-7995
87 Main Street, Cassville, Mo. 417-847-0156 www.fourseasonscassville.com
20 | January 2022
Darlene Pendergraft gathered as much information as possible to make a genealogy booklet for her grandchildren. She went back through there Baldwin family to 1796.
After looking into her husband’s family past, she started on her father’s side. “I traced my dad’s family of centuries,” she said. “I went back to the 15th Century on the Tunnel side, that’s my dad’s mom’s side.” Pendergraft then started to look into her mom’s family, but could only find information up to her great-grandmother. “On the card of photos I organize them into three different groups,” she said. “One is mine and my childhood, followed by baby pictures of my children and their childhood. Then, I have one of the more recent photos, like my grandkids.” I happen to be one of Darlene’s granddaughters, and my card is a river of photographs from my childhood, as well as, ultrasound photos of my daughters, photos from the birth of my daughters, my wedding day, my proms, and my graduation. It is a movie I can watch through photos and relive every important moment that ever happened to me. “I just love to see those moments (prom, graduation, children, weddings),” she said. “Everyone has their own life, and especially with COVID-19, I don’t get to see you all every day. By working on these photos I get to see you every day, and I get to be with you some way or another.
“Sometimes I get kind of emotional and sometimes I sit here and giggle at you guys.” With that, or my grandma Darlene’s doughnut, reminds you why it’s always a good time to take a picture. “My mom would always say, ‘Always put the names, dates and where the picture was taken if you know,’” Darlene said. “It is just as important to record the memory as it is to take a picture of it.’ Even as a child, my grandma loved pictures. “I loved any pretty picture,” she said. “I used to glue them on a piece of cardboard. As I got older, I fell in love with family photos.” The wonderful women of my family have one thing in common, our granny. She is the strongest woman I know, with the biggest heart. She has taught us to live in the moment, but remember to preserve that moment for the next generation. I kept a little epee of her to myself though, when I gave my daughter her middle name. The name Deana is my grandma’s first name, and my daughter’s second. In the end, whatever makes you happy or creative — do it. Barbara Webb of Seligman makes NICU blankets for babies, Cody Hignight works in metal forging, and Michael Young took his welding hobby and started a business in Springfield, H2H Fabrication. n
Cutest Kid
Helen Grace Watson is the four-year-old granddaughter of Becky Brown of Monett and daughter of Stacy and Steve Watson, of Lebanon
CONGRATS
HELEN
Email your child’s photo to:
connection@monett-times.com Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. Remember to include your child’s name, parent’s name, age, city and your contact information. The contest is open to children ages 10 and younger. The photos submitted will be used for the sole purpose of this contest.
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 21
Big store with a lot of stuff! Authorized dealer
Family owned and operated since 1971
Race Brothers carries a complete line of farm and home supplies including clothing, lawn and garden, outdoor power equipment, pet supplies, tack and livestock supplies and much more! You will find our service outstanding whether your needs are for home or acreage in the country.
235-7739
210 Hwy 37, Monett
862-4378
2310 W Kearney, Springfield
358-3592
2309 Fairlawn Dr., Carthage
Happy New Year! Start your new year with a new insurance plan for you and your family. Your Shelter Insurance® Agent can help you get organized for a fresh start! Call today! Grant Baker 101 E. Olive Aurora, MO 417-678-5404
GBaker@ShelterInsurance.com
CHammen@ShelterInsurance.com
Andy Brandt
Scott Thrasher
ABrandt@ShelterInsurance.com
SThrasher@ShelterInsurance.com
122 E. Broadway Monett, MO 417-235-5603
We’re your Shield. We’re your Shelter. ShelterInsurance.com
22 | January 2022
Chris Hammen
106a Cortney Ln Crane, MO 417-723-5394
1001 E. Broadway Monett, MO 417-235-6239
Guest Column
by Pam Wormington
You Can’t Take It with You
T
he ole saying goes in reference to your possessions, “you can’t take it with you” meaning when you die. It appears that isn’t always the case here on earth. When our kids were little and our friends’ kids were little, we thought it would be fun to take them all to a little ski resort in Colorado named Cuchara. Unfortunately, you can’t put that much little all in one car. Unless it is a retired flower car from the local funeral home and it tows a little U-Haul. Yes, we did! This was also before seatbelts became the safety mea-
sure of good parenting. There were four adults, and a station wagon full of kids, games, snacks, Atlas quizzes and laughs. The U-Haul was full of ski gear and probably tire chains, which I recall we needed. The men folk were quite proud of their travel arrangements. While the women folk, just laughed and were thankful we’d see no one we knew. And well, the kids were young so total humiliation of being seen with their parents wasn’t a thing yet. The long and lonesome winter roads of Colorado can make you a bit nervous not knowing where the next
gas station may be, especially since this wasn’t the most economical car in regards to fuel mileage. But, togetherness was worth something. Our condo was perfect for family and friends. Economan’s rule was that we hit the slopes as soon as the lifts open and ski all day until the lifts close. Since our bodies are older now, he’s a bit more relaxed on that rule, thankfully. I stuffed my girls’ coat pockets full of snacks and dad carried the Camelbak full of water. Hydration is key while at this altitude, and ski rule #2 when you fall, pull out a snack and act like you are taking a break.
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 23
Looking Forward To A Joyous New Year!
MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED
MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED
Dr. Greg Huntress, Optometrist, FAAO Dr. Scott McSpadden, Optometrist, FAAO Dr. Alexandria Holmes, Optometrist
215 4th Street
Outstanding eyecare, exceptional eyewear!
612 E. Elm 215 4th Street 401 W. College MO 65708 Republic, MO 65738Monett, MO 65661 Monett, MO 65708 417-637-2010 417-732-5575 417-235-2020 417-235-2020
Monday - Friday 7:30 am - 5:00 pm
Monday - Friday a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays 8:008am - 12:00 pm
www.visionhealtheyecenter.com
“The Vet At Your Doorstep”
Dr. Alli O’Meara
https://www.facebook.com/homensteadvet Let Us Come to You! Shots,Vaccinations, Illnesses, etc.
24 | January 2022
417-489-2332 www.homensteadvet.com Email: info@homensteadvet.com
Our oldest daughter had a not so teachable lesson at a Missouri manmade ski resort, so she skis at a more reserved pace while taking in all the sights and moving down the mountain at a slower pace. Our youngest daughter was enrolled in ski school, but at the hesitation of someone telling her what to do and being born with high-speed determination, she figured out the sport before class. And the reason I adorned her little blonde head with a bright yellow tweedy bird cap was for multiple reasons, not only warmth but so I could spot her as she flew down the slopes. At lunch time, we’d all meet at the flower car and enjoy ‘Take out’ …take sandwiches out of a cooler, while all those owners of the fancy SUVs with luggage racks in the parking lot sat in the lodge sipping warm beverages and paying for overly priced foods. If a picture could paint a thousand words, I can only imagine the gossip. Tradition is to always have a crockpot of chili waiting at the condo after a long day in the snow followed with hot showers, warm jammies, crackling fireplace and kids laughing. This is what truly made our hearts warm. Good kids, good friends and good memories, isn’t that what vacations are all about? I’d say we come out smelling like a rose on that one. Of course, we did, look what we were driving. n
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 25
Put SMART into Practice Don’t just say, “I’m going to lose weight.” Instead say, “I will lose 10 lbs in 6 months.” “I will walk 2 miles 3 times a week”
or
“I’m going to save money.” “I will save $20 each month.” “I will cook instead of eating out.”
Focus on behaviors needed to reach your goals & commit to putting them into practice
CC
The Clark Center
Walk-in to our Cassville or Monett office for a Free Screening. Mon-Fri: 8am - 3pm MOSHOWMEHOPE.ORG call or text 1-800-985-5990
YOUR EDUCATION.
YOUR WAY. Drury GO gives you the opportunity to gain knowledge, experience and opportunity though the power of Drury University. The knowledge to land your job. The experience to move up the ladder. And the possibility to go anywhere. Now enrolling for the spring semester with classes offered online or seated in Monett and Cassville.
Learn more at drury.edu/GO or by calling (417) 873-6620.
26 | January 2022
Healthy Connection Faith Herron is a dietetic intern at Cox College who has found a way to capitalize on her love for food by pursuing a career that centers around it. She is passionate about preventive health care and using food as medicine. In her free time, Faith enjoys experimenting with new recipes, playing tennis, and reading classic literature.
by Faith Herron
It’s Time to Ditch Your Diet
W
ith the start of a new year, you might be thinking of starting up a diet to shed that extra holiday weight. At any given time, more than a third of Americans are on a specific diet. Most people begin a diet to lose weight and are often discouraged by the results. Keto, South Beach, Whole 30, and many more diets promise dramatic weight loss. Some people find success through dieting and lose a significant amount of weight. However, this weight is often regained within a few months. Some people may even find themselves weighing more than they did when they first started their diet. In this article, we’ll discuss why dieting often does not work, strategies to promote successful weight loss, and how to keep the weight off long-term.
be individualized according to a person’s anthropometrics and activity level. It is also important to customize a person’s eating plan so that it is in line with his/ her preferences, intolerances, and financial resources.
weight gain. It is important to pay attention to what you eat and understand why you eat the way you do. One way to practice mindful eating is to listen to your fulness cues, which is nearly impossible to do if you are a fast eater.
The biggest problem with specific diets is that they are not sustainable. Several popular diets work in the short-term. However, if the diet is too expensive or restrictive to maintain long-term, weight regain will occur. Lifestyle changes concerning eating habits and exercise are proven to be far more successful and sustainable than sticking to a specific diet.
It takes your stomach around 30 minutes to tell your brain that you are full. If you eat faster than this, nothing will signal you when you are full. This leads to overeating. If you find it difficult to slow down when eating, try setting your fork down in between bites and focus on chewing. This will force you to take more time.
Mindful eating is one lifestyle change that promotes weight loss. Mindlessly eating contributes to
Healthy weight loss should not be achieved through food choices alone. Physical activity is an important aspect of losing weight
One obstacle of popular diets is that they are often too generalized and cannot accommodate an individual’s specific needs. The bottom line: there is no one right way to diet. Each person’s weight, nutritional status, and overall health is unique. One person may experience huge benefits from a specific diet while another person does not see any results. Nutrient goals should
Scan the QR Code to read more Healthy Connection ConnectionMO.com/HealthyConnection | Connection Magazine | 27
Ken’s Collision Takes Care Of All Unavoidable Accidents
712 W. 10th St., Cassville, MO 65625 • 417-847-1200
www.kenscollisioncenter.com
Make Forever Memories!
New covered outdoor venue available!
Book your wedding now!
Stage • Kitchen • Bar • Dressing Rooms An Old West venue, right down to the saloon!
Lil’ Boom Town Event Center, LLC 417-425-4233
809 N. Carnation Aurora, MO
LilBoomtownWedding@gmail.com • LilBoomtownWedding.com
Come On In And See Us!
Rusty Gate Flea Market
484 MO Hwy. 76 Cassville, MO 417-342-9315
Antiques – Collectibles – Vintage Tools – Cast Iron Household Goods – Hunting/Fishing – Wildlife Mounts – Hides
Op en 7
28 | January 2022
Days
y unda S 4 a Week 95 Mon-Sat 11
Start with doing whatever you can, and then increase your activity as you are able. If you are only able to walk for 5 minutes, do that. Once you have mastered that, you can increase as tolerated. Like your eating habits, exercise should be individualized. It is also important to recognize that you may not always see the results that you want to, even if you are doing everything right. Do not be discouraged by the numbers on the scale.
Ken’s Collision Center will Assess the Damage and Provide The Area’s Finest Collision Repair and Glass Service. We make sure your car is Fixed Right to Factory Specifications with the Right Parts by Trained Technicians, but our Excellent Customer Service doesn’t end there. We Assist You through the Insurance Process from Quote to Completion!
Jeff & Christy Holenda Owners
and promoting well-being. Exercise can sound intimidating, but it does not have to be.
Increasing your physical activity level will lead to increased muscle mass. You may not notice a significant change in your weight if the fat you have lost has been replaced with muscle. Pay attention to non-scale victories such as increased energy levels or a difference in the way your clothes fit. Perhaps the most important thing to keep in mind when you are attempting to adapt a healthier lifestyle is that it is not possible to eat a perfect diet 100 percent of the time. Eating a piece of cake at your friend’s birthday party or indulging in a few treats during the holidays does not reverse or negate any of the positive changes you made. It is the everyday habits you establish that matter, not the once-in-a-while deviations from your plan. Do not attempt to stick to your healthy eating habits every single time you eat or expect yourself to exercise every day of the week. Instead, challenge yourself to make good choices 80 percent of the time. This goal is much more reasonable, which will lead to long-term success. n
Dyslexia Learning challenges don’t have to hinder life success
L
earning to write the alphabet can be a frustrating endeavor for a child, but it is even more difficult for one who doesn’t “see” the letters correctly. Aaron Grimm, a special education instructor from Verona School District, weighed in on some of the challenges both students and educators face in trying to teach those with language learning disorders. “Parents usually know before their child enters school that he or she is dyslexic,” Grimm said. “The condition has to be diagnosed by a neurologist, school clinical psychologist or other medical professional. Children are usually diagnosed at younger ages, not at 15 or 16 years of age. Parents and teachers usually know by the time the child is eight or nine years old.” Grimm said some children do fall through the cracks. “Kids will hide their condition in order to fit in,” he said. “They don’t want to be ostracized. But between the medical community, teacher and parent, there will be evidence that something is going on. For kids, it’s a matter of self-preservation. No one wants to be different. But that is a common
Story by Melonie Roberts
Aaron Grimm
Special Education Teacher Verona School District
response to any learning disability.” There is also a condition called dyscalculia that appears when students are working math problems. “For example, take the number 1,563,” Grimm said. “Students with dyscalculia might see the numbers transposed, the same way they see words differently. A reading coach, specialist or teacher may pick up on that. Nine out of 10 of those students will also have an IEP (individual education plan.) People with these disorders are still able to learn and function in society. We don’t give up on them.”
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 29
“Being dyslexic doesn’t mean the student is unable to learn and be successful.” - Aaron Grimm, special education teacher, Aurora School District Presidents with dyslexia who overcame learning challenges include: Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Woodrow Wilson, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson.
Dyslexia is a lifelong disorder, but some students can outgrow it or become able to overcome it. “Presidents with dyslexia who overcame learning challenges include Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, Andrew Jackson, Woodrow Wilson, John F. Kennedy and Lyndon B. Johnson,” Grimm said. “Being dyslexic doesn’t mean the student is unable to learn and be successful. A student can mainstream into traditional classroom settings once he or she learns to compensate for the disability. Our goal is to get them into traditional classes.” With the implementation of computers and tablets in the classroom, the condition is harder to track, according to Grimm. “It is important that we still use hand skills, writing and printing, to help detect these learning disabilities,” he said. “But those are becoming a lost art. It’s harder for a teacher to recognize the problem if she can’t see the student writing letters or numbers on paper.” Once diagnosed, that’s where special education steps in. “As a special education (sped) teacher, I use simplified directions and high30 | January 2022
light all the essentials,” Grimm said. “Those strategies flow into other learning disabilities. I also give all sped students additional practice.” Grimm said blocking outside stimuli is essential for students struggling to master assignments. “You don’t want a lot of stuff going on in the classroom,” he said. “No bright lights, loud noises or other distractions. We keep to a routine. We practice things, and it helps students get along. They will find it hard to follow written directions, so I keep them simple. In mainstreamed classes, students will continue to practice those things that will be beneficial in the general education classroom.” In some cases, sped students will be allowed to use notes during testing or be granted a longer test time. Some tests may be modified to include fewer questions than other general education test documents. “It is important that I model some of those behaviors for sped students,” Grimm said “Whether it’s picking a fiction or non-fiction book from the library, I will show them the section of books, then demonstrate how to check
books out and show students in a real-time environment how to do things.” Grimm said educators have to have patience when dealing with students diagnosed with learning disabilities. “There are weeks where it feels like taking one step forward and two steps back,” he said. “But you keep at it. Progress can be slow. If you have supportive teachers, peers, parents and administration, students can overcome a lot. They can hold people like Kennedy and Johnson up as role models who aspires to the heights of humanity and overcame those disabilities. Anything is possible.” While Grimm said routines are a great tool to utilize in sped classes, he is also cognizant of the fact that taking the occasional break can be just as beneficial. “Sometimes you have to step back,” he said. “You have to be able to give their brains a break and let them socialize. You need a break from that structured time before going on to the next subject.” Like anyone returning from a brief respite, students come back refreshed and ready to learn.
F
ohn
www.fohnfuneralhome.com
Lackey Body Works Collision Repair Specialist
FUNERAL HOME
1701 S. Elliott • Aurora, Mo.
417-678-4205
The area’s most often chosen funeral home.
www.lackeybodyworks.com
MY BEST FRIENDS CLOSET NEW to Preloved
WE HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
EXPERIENCE MAKES THE
DIFFERENCE.
My Best Friends Closet Consignment & Boutique
Atmybestfriendscloset@gmail.com 417-635-2000 Find us on Facebook and Instagram 815 Jerome Ln, Monett, MO 65708
shopmybffcloset.com
Located behind Taco Bell in Monett
Fohn Funeral Home Cassville, Missouri 417-847-2141 McQueen Funeral Home Wheaton, Missouri 417-652-7268
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 31
Welding, Welding Gases and Supplies, Farm Equip Repair, Ornamental Iron Fabrication, Field Rollers, and Metal Sales.
Airgas Linde AWG We’re the dealer of welding supplies for these three companies.
AurorA Motor And MAchine If it’s broke, we’ll fix it 417-678-3130
Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm
www.auroramotorandmachine.com
We Are Dedicated To Providing Excellent Care! Animal Clinic of Monett For the health of your herd... Ted E. Dahlstrom, D.V.M. Carol K. Dahlstrom, D.V.M. John D. Harper, D.V.M. John D. Tyra, D.V.M.
687 N. Highway 37, Monett, MO 65708-8302
417-235-4088
animalclinicofmonett.com 32 | January 2022
“We take a break from technology,” he said. “Tech contributes to shorter attention spans. We read a journal, book or paper, and take notes. Putting pen to paper helps kids focus.” Grimm said any hindrance to learning is like trying to ride a bicycle with only one pedal. “There is a lot of frustration,” he said. “These kids need to see some successes, no matter how small they may seem to the outside world. We need to give students something to take ownership of. They may not get a lot of validation otherwise.” Grimm said sped students really want to be with their peers in general education classrooms. “I see kids today and they do want a better future,” he said. “I see they are not just about themselves; they want to help each other. I want to give those students the best possible outcome that I can. I want to be that positive role model. “I had a student in Illinois that had problems expressing himself,” he said. “He was really shy. Now, he is a record producer. He’s confident. He has his own website, a wife and child. He exudes confidence. I want to feel like I had something to do with that. He said that me and another teacher really helped him. And that goes to show that you never know what effect you will have on the life of a child until years later. We still keep in touch.” Grimm said it is important that educators keep in mind they only have students for eight hours a day. “We don’t know anything about the other 16 hours of their day,” he said “We have a limited time, three or four years, to make a difference in that student’s life.” n
BREATHE 417-847-4372 • 417-235-2100 www.aireserv.com
Serving The Area Since 1978
We sell A WHOLE LLOT MORE THAN CHICKEN HOUSES!
Poultry Feeding Equipment
Ventilation
EVAP Cooling
Workwear • Footwear
Feed Delivery
Heating
PPE Supplies
Disinfectants • Cleaners
Drinking Systems
Poultry House Supplies
Pesticides • Insecticides
QCSUPPLY.COM 800.433.6340
MISSOURI RETAIL LOCATION 10019 FR 2160 | Cassville, MO 65625 417.847.3030
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 33
Photos courtesy of Missouri Department of Conservation
Wild Critters
A coyote’s favorite food items include rabbits, mice, voles and shrews. Coyotes will also eat birds, frogs, skunks, berries, insects, occasionally beaver, and carrion, especially road-killed deer. They will avoid humans and attempt to access food unseen if at all possible.
Carolina Wrens and Eastern Bluebirds are common sights during winter months. Missouri is on the Mississippi flyway, the main route of migratory birds from central Canada in the summer to the Gulf Coast in winter. While especially known for waterfowl and shorebird use, the Mississippi flyway is also a corridor for land birds. Backyard bird feeders can attract a high number of birds, especially in the fall and early winter, providing them the needed calories and carbohydrates to keep warm.
34 | January 2022
A WILD CRITTER WINTER FEAST Lending a helping hand to wildlife during the winter
I
f The Farmers’ Almanac predictions prove to be accurate, Missouri is in for a bitter cold winter during the 2021-22 season. In fact, the Farmers’ Almanac describes the upcoming winter as “numb’s the word, just shovelin’ along.” While humans struggle to stay warm in the bitter cold temperatures, wildlife can’t turn up the thermostat or throw an extra log into the wood stove. “In nature, as is the case with humans, staying warm is a high priority during the cold days of winter,” said Francis Skalicky, media specialist with the Missouri Department of Conservation for the southwest region. “Migration and hibernation are two wellknown ways some species deal with winter. However, as evidenced by the abundance of birds and animals that flit, fly and scurry across the landscape throughout winter, some animals have
Story by Melonie Roberts
When winter weather strikes hard, wildlife can use a helping hand to survive bitter temperatures and loss of natural food sources. Squirrels will generally enjoy chopped apple, grapes, sunflower seeds, hazelnuts, walnuts, chopped carrot or unsweetened rusk.
other ways of coping with cold temperatures. Some of the techniques are basic, others are unique, but all are effective. Although we humans always are ready to help, in most cases wildlife needs little – if any – intervention from people to survive the winter.” For one thing, some animals have fur coats. “Winter is when a mammal’s fur is thickest,” Skalicky said. “Many mammals shed their summer coats in fall and acquire heavier, thicker fur in winter. Sometimes, this results in slight changes in color over winter. Fur is an excellent insulator and, particularly for larger carnivores such as coyotes and foxes, staying warm isn’t a major issue when a heavy coat of snow has fallen and temperatures have dropped. During these times, finding food can be a bigger problem. “That’s because the field mice, voles
and some of the other smaller mammals that make up part of a carnivore’s diet have retreated to the ‘subnivian zone.’ Subnivian refers to the area under the snow that some small mammals retreat to in winter. Small mammals such as mice and voles will tunnel under the snow down to ground level where seeds, roots, and other vegetative food items are plentiful. In this under-snow world, these creatures continue to stay active. The snow above them acts as comfortable insulation and protective cover from hawks, coyotes and everything roaming above the snow that wants to eat them. For these small creatures, the heavier the snowfall, the better.” Another tactic many animals use is to eat heavy in autumn. This creates extra fat, which provides bodies with insulation and helps them make it through leaner foraging times of winter.
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 35
However, our flying friends face other winter weather challenges. “Birds can’t grow thick fur or tunnel under snow, but they, too, have ways to stay warm,” Skalicky said. “For starters, underneath their exterior feathers, birds have smaller, softer down feathers. These down feathers help to retain heat. Another feather-related issue is moisture. In winter, wet feathers mean a cold body, and one way birds keep water from rain or snow from soaking into their feathers is through preening. Birds have oil-producing glands that allow them, through preening, to apply a coat of water-proofing to their feathers. “Birds also shiver, which provides heat from circulation and muscle movement,” he said. “Some birds huddle in tight masses when roosting, which is another great way to share body heat and reduce exposure to wind and other elements.” In winter, birds also take full benefit of south-facing areas for more sun, cedar thickets for less wind, and other cold-avoidance areas provided by the landscape. It also helps that a bird’s feet and the feather-less part of its legs contain very little tissue that can be damaged by cold. Those body parts are mostly bone and sinew. In spite of all these natural adaptations and characteristics to survive winter, sometimes the weather overrides nature. “We all remember the extreme cold snap that Missouri experienced last February,” Skalicky said. “This polar vortex was accompanied by a number of reports of backyard birds that had frozen to death. Unfortunately, in the case of these types of weather anomalies, there’s not a lot humans can do. “In the case of last February’s cold snap, most of the birds that were found frozen were robins, bluebirds, thrushes and other birds that rely on insects and soft mast,” he said. “Birds are amazing36 | January 2022
One of the easiest and more family-friendly activities for winter afternoons is making pinecone feeders for the birds. Just cover each pinecone scale with a dab of peanut butter and then roll the entire pinecone in a bowl of bird seed. Hanging the loaded cones from tree branches makes feeding time more of a challenge than just bellying up to the bird feeder and gorging on seed.
ly resourceful food-finders and during normal winter conditions, birds can locate spots to get these food items. However, during the conditions we had last February, these birds had no access to the ground to find these food items and, thus, their demise was a combination of starving and freezing to death. Bird feeders that people put up in their yards won’t help these birds in these conditions because they don’t have seed-eating bills and seed-eating habits so these birds don’t come to feeders.” In conditions of extreme cold and/ or extensive ice coverage frozen ground, providing mealworms or cut-up fruit in an area that has no or minimal snow coverage such as a breezeway or on the south side of a building. But, even in these conditions, other birds may eat the food before the birds you’re targeting (robins, bluebirds, and thrushes) can find it.
Cold snaps that occur in late February and March are also hard on early nesting birds such as bluebirds and some species of owls. “The birds will stay on their eggs until the end and, sadly, in those cases, there’s nothing humans can do,” Skalicky said. “In the cases of all birds that come to feeders in winter, it’s important to provide some type of grit such as ground shells, in these feeders during periods of prolonged ice or snow cover. Birds lack teeth and grit, which is stored in their gizzards, is used to grind up seeds. Normally they get their grit from the ground, but during long periods of snow and ice coverage, birds may find it difficult to find grit on the ground. “Also be sure to furnish, as best as possible, a supply of unfrozen water,” he said. “Unless you have a heated bird bath, this is going to be challenging during times of prolonged cold, but
What’s Kasasa ? ®
It’s like scoring a touchdown for your wallet. 4.00% CASH BACK On everyday debit card purchases*
Free Kasasa Cash Back® checking makes it easy to get paid back. To earn your rewards, enrollments must be in place and all of the following transactions and activities must post and settle to your Kasasa Cash Back account during each monthly qualification cycle: • At least 12 debit card purchases • Be enrolled in and agree to receive e-statements • Be enrolled in and log into online banking ®
www.fsb-purdy.com
*Kasasa Cash Back: You will receive 4.00% cash back on up to a total of $250 debit card purchases that post and settle to the account during that cycle period. A maximum of $10 cash back payments may be earned per Monthly Qualification Cycle. You will receive reimbursements up to an aggregate total of $20 for nationwide ATM withdrawal fees incurred within your Kasasa Cash Back account. when your qualifications are not met, cash back payments are not made, nationwide ATM withdrawal fees are not reimbursed. To qualify, have at least 12 debit card purchases post and settle, be enrolled in and log into online banking and be enrolled in and receive e-statements. Monthly Qualification Cycle means a period beginning one (1) banking day prior to the first day of the current statement cycle through one (1) banking day prior to the last business day of the current statement cycle. If the account is closed before rewards are credited, you will not receive the rewards. One (1) Kasasa account per customer. This account is not to be used for commercial purposes. $100 minimum deposit to open account. Kasasa and Kasasa Cash Back are trademarks of Kasasa, Ltd., registered in the U.S.A.
BEAT the BUG!
May All Of Your Travels This Year Be Safe, Fun and Carefree!
We have what you need to keep healthy, and products to treat you when you’re not.
It’s not too late for a flu shot!
1304 Bond Street, Monett, MO. 65708
(417) 235-6311
www.DougsProLube.com WE’LL MAKE SURE YOU ARE
BRUNER PHARMACY 321 Broadway, Monett, MO
417-235-3139
Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m. Saturday - 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.
ROAD READY!
Leave the safety and reliability of your car to us.
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 37
Family Owned Since 1954
White’s Insurance Agency All Lines Of Insurance • Located 2 miles south of Purdy AGENTS: Lea White, Chris Ray and Jessica Tyson
417-442-3858
OUR COMMUNITY
with in The Heart f The Ozarks with continuing care
32 Residential Care Apartments 78 Bed Skilled Nursing Facility
58 Independent Living Homes Fitness Center & RehabCare Group
A Tradition Of Caring Since 1925 Continuing Care Retirement Community
205 S. College P.O. Box 403 Marionville, MO 65705 (417) 258-2573
A NEW YOU IN 2022! 309 Kyler, Monett, MO Over 40 Years of Weight Loss Success
(417) 235-7175 *Special based on a full service weight loss program which includes reducing, stabilization and maintenance. Registration fee and required products, if any, at regular low prices.+individual results may vary. Available at participating locations. Void where prohibited. ©2022 Diet Center® Worldwide, inc. Akron, OH 44333. A Health Management Group™. company. All Rights Reserved.
38 | January 2022
ALSO OFFERING:
Virtual Visits & Curbside Product Pickup
again, do it as best as possible.” Some of our four-footed friends can benefit from a little winter weather assistance. Foods for deer include apples, carrots, and turnips. If trimming tall trees, one can pile up limbs from beech, birch, and wild roses. The deer enjoy eating the bark and leaves. Deer also appreciate hay. Putting out a few flakes now and then provides them with fiber and carbs to get warm. Introducing supplemental foods to deer should take place slowly, over a period of two weeks or more, before making hay and other forage readily available. Feeding locations should be spread over a large area to prevent competition and a concentration of deer in one area. Coyotes typically don’t prey on large animals, preferring instead to consume small mammals, including mice, rabbits, rats, and squirrels. The remainder is fruits, birds, eggs, vegetables, insects, and fish. Being opportunistic animals, coyotes are scavengers, and will often feed on the carcasses of downed deer. In areas with dense coyote populations, residents may notice them going through their trash cans or snacking on pet food left outdoors. This behavior means coyotes are often a severe threat to pets. If a coyote views a pet as competition for sustenance, they may attack, which can be fatal. Area residents should always keep small pets safely housed indoors to prevent tragedy. Area residents should keep in mind that even while lending a helping hand to wildlife, these animals are not domesticated and should not be approached. For information about conservation issues, call the Missouri Department of Conservation at 417-8956880. n
Parenting Column Meagan Ruffing is a clinical mental health therapist and parenting journalist. She loves combining her love of writing with her passion for helping others through therapy. Meagan is looking forward to a year’s worth of self-care and trying new things.
by Meagan Ruffing
How to Plan for the New Year I’VE NEVER BEEN MUCH OF A NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONMAKER BUT THIS YEAR, THIS YEAR I WILL TURN 40-YEARSOLD AND I AM FEELING LIKE I SHOULD SET SOME GOALS FOR MYSELF.
Starting a new decade of my life is just want I need to get things rolling. Instead of picking just one thing and hoping to make it last for the entire year, I have decided to try something new each month for the next 12 months. Would you like to join me? Here’s my schedule. Feel free to tweak it to fit your interests.
J ANUARY Try a new recipe. I have been a vegetarian for over 30 years and am ready to branch out with some new recipes that can expand my dinner rotation from pasta to something more exciting. Still no meat but maybe…lentils?
F E BRUARY Go on a date. Dating in my 40s looks much different than when I was in my 20s. Plan something special for yourself and a special someone. Try a chocolate-making class!
MA RCH Garden. The weather should be
getting spring-like about now so I’d like to try my hand at gardening. I have always wanted to grow my own vegetables. I tried it two years ago and did pretty well but took last year off. I’m hoping to grow more than just tomatoes this time.
J UN E Self Care. This might sound
kind of indulgent but stay with me for a minute. I’d like to do one nice thing for myself each day for the entire month of June. It can be anything from buying myself a coffee to taking a weekend nap. If you could do something nice for yourself, what would it be?
J UL Y Waterpark. I want to try a
new waterpark with my kids. I don’t particularly like the summer because of the heat, so I try and schedule fun things during this time of the year for my kids and I to look forward to.
AUGUS T
APRI L Road Trip. I’d like to take my
kids on a road trip this month and go somewhere new. There is a neat park in Tulsa, Oklahoma that I’ve been wanting to try out. I think this will be the month I give it a go!
Read. I want to read a new book this month. I’ve spent the last three years reading only college counseling books and I’m ready to dive back into the world of good fiction thrillers.
S E P T E MBE R
MA Y Yoga. I love yoga but don’t do it
nearly as much I’d like to. I’d like to try a new yoga class this month and try to get back into the groove of things. One more month before the big 4-0!
Workout. With the kids back
in school, I’d like to start a new workout routine. It’s been a long time since I’ve gone running and since that doesn’t really interest me anymore, I’d like to find something else to keep me active.
ConnectionMO.com/ParetingColumn | Connection Magazine | 39
OC T OBE R Haunt Haunts. I’d like to go to a haunted house this month. I haven’t done anything like this in a long time and I think it’d be fun to get a couple of friends together and try something new.
Lance Mettlach Get a Quote
100 Chapel Dr. Suite F, Monett, MO. 65708 Cell 417-489-1134 lance.mettlach@mofb.com
NO V E MBE R Bake. Try a baking class. I’ve
seen a couple of businesses offering cookie decorating classes and pie baking classes. My plan is to sign up for one of them this month and see what new skill I can learn.
DE CE MBE R Craft. My grandmother taught me how to crochet and I’ve since forgotten how to do it. I’d like to find someone to teach me how to do this again. Twelve months can seem like a really long time but a year can go by in the blink of an eye. Instead of making just one New Year’s Resolution this year, try and break it down into 12 bite-sized adventures. If you start a month and decide that you don’t like what you’ve signed up for, that’s okay. Just pick another new thing and start again. Make this your year of new beginnings. You deserve it. Meagan Ruffing is a clinical mental health therapist and parenting journalist. She loves combining her love of writing with her passion for helping others through therapy. Meagan is looking forward to a year’s worth of self-care and trying new things. n
Setting The Standard For Senior Care Christine Grizzle – Administrator ckuhn@roaringriverrehab.com
Providing Rehab, Healthcare, Happiness and Hope
812 Old Exeter Rd., Cassville, MO. • 417-847-2184 40 | January 2022
Scan the QR Code to read more
Voted People’s Choice Best Daycare Facility In The Area! Thank you for supporting and allowing us to be a huge part of the community. As we move on to different adventures we would like to thank you for allowing us to be a part of your children’s lives as they grew and developed into wonderful young children. We are truly grateful and blessed to have been able to share the last several years with you and your children.
PRESCHOOL
Check Out Our Facebook Page For Event Information!
DAYCARE
INFANT CARE
509 Dairy Street, Monett, Mo. 65708
Bringing you closer to the Ozarks
On the square Cassville, MO 417-847-2195
connectionmo.com ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 41
FREE
CONNECTIONMO.COM
MARCH 2021
FREE
CONNECTIONMO.COM
APRIL 2021
FREE
CONNECTIONMO.COM
MAY 2021
FREE
CONNECTIONMO.COM
JUNE 2021
Special Section
SHELL KNOB
Father’s Da
EDITIONy
Working on Love
Ophelia Jane Boutique & Shell Knob Outfitters
LOVELY LOCAL OPTIONS
Community Garden MONETT VOLUNTEERS
Jolly Mill
SHARING THE LOVE
Shamrock Dreams
ST. PATTY’S DAY PLANS
BLESSING BOXES First Steps
Going for
GOOD TIMES
Glowing
IN
Health
Special Section
LAWN & GARDEN
A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS
Teachers Resource
Paths to Motherhood
Overcoming Obstacles
CONNECTIONMO.COM
JULY 2021
A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS
AUGUST 2021
Summer Plans
Artist Spotlight
SPILLWATER DRIVE A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 1
FREE
CONNECTIONMO.COM
to th
LIONS CLUB CHICKEN BBQ
Open Homes and Hearts
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 1
FREE
FREE
CONNECTIONMO.COM
SEPTEMBER 2021
Dads Forever Fam ily
Livin’ e Full
A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 1
FREE
Collaborate with Parents
LOVE HER forever
Shell Knob
erations
Instant
Local
Events Calendar
Plans for 2021
Sass Farmers Market
A Father For gen ’s Farm
CONNECTIONMO.COM
Crescent Hotel
‘From the Heart’
Goulish tales
COX MONETT AUXILIARY
Perry House
OCTOBER 2021
GO TIME Dragonfest is upon us
Real life horror
Raising Z
Military Story
CALL TO ACTION
Unexpected breeds
She’s A Keeper
BEE-UTIFUL PASTIME BOAT BUILDER
Always YOU
The
LIVING BIG CELEBR
ATE
SUMME ER HERE
EVENTS AR FIREWORKS Calendar Mark Your LS
Plan for
FESTIVA
BACK TO SCHOOL
SHOP LOCAL
Don’t Miss
Sweetheart Rave reviews
A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS
Ozark Music Makers
Farnum Family
A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS
NOVEMBER 2021
SEPTEMBER 11 Tribute to the fallen
Grandparents
Waymark
FIRST RESPONDERS AND VICTIMS
A DAY JUST FOR THEM
NEW NAME SAME FAITH
A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS
A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS
FREE
FREE
CONNECTIONMO.COM
Never Forget
CONNECTIONMO.COM
NOVEMBER 2021
Don’t miss out on another month! Have Connection delivered right to your doorstep for $40 a year. Call today!
Artist Spotlight Elizabeth Wallsmith
Unlocking the mystery of history
(QŲLƁŮůU
Picture It Pete Rauch
in Reverse
Farmers full circle Enriching agriculture through research Thankfully blessed The Saylors’ story
Holly Jolly
Christmas LOCAL SHOPPING PAGES
A Christmas Vacation
Edgewood Creamery
Blue Line Laser
86$ %RƎQŬ
ILƀŮ ųŷIƌƋ
FXƊƍƂP ƒƃƉN
A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE OZARKS
A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE OZARKS
417-847-2610 Cassville Office
417-235-3135
Mone Office
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 1
subscription Name: Address: City: Phone:
State:
I have enclosed $40 by check (check number
Zip:
Please fill out this form. Send the form along with your chosen form of payment to PO Box 486, Cassville, MO 65625.
) for one-year subscription to Connection magazine.
I have enclosed $40 by money order for a one-year subscription to Connection magazine. I have enclosed credit card information to be billed $40 for a one-year subscription to Connection magazine. Card No. Exp. Date
42 | January 2022
Date Night
by Mike Gervais
What’s Cookin’ on Date Night
D
ate night this month brought us back into the kitchen to cook up a little something different for our household.
Yep. That’s the thing I want. Just the thing I need to get my creative juices flowing. I’ll mix some pigments and find the perfect piece to paint on Kat’s new, custom, Mike’s original apron.
It’s easy to overlook just how much time families spend in the kitchen. For Kat and I, we often cook and clean together, and while we don’t typically eat in the kitchen, we do spend a lot of time in that room of the house.
I decided to go with a simple design I shouldn’t have much trouble executing. Flowers and a catchy little saying.
This month, our Date Night package came with a creative idea that would personalize our time spent together in the kitchen. Our package came with two plain white aprons, a set of acrylic paint, brushes and all the mixings to bake a cake.
Kat and I painted unique scenes on a set of aprons so we have a personalized touch while working together in the kitchen. While Kat definitely wins points for her sheer talent, I think I get an A for effort this month.
Our task was to come up with a design for an apron for each other using the paint, then use our aprons while baking a cake. So, once again, I found myself facing down an evening of playing with Kat in her own element – arts, crafts and creativity. I’ve said before that I don’t have an artistic bone in my body and
Some white to brighten it up and I had a big glob of muddy brown paint. And not an attractive earthy brown. No, my special color was a sickly grey brown.
I decide to start over. And this time, the factory direct yellow will have to do.
can draw a decent smiley face if I have a good reference, and Kat has a gift. So as we set up for our latest art project, I asked Kat if she had one of those wood paint things that artists use. “A palette?,” she asked.
I assess my paints and start with a bright yellow. I want to tone it down a bit, so I throw in a little green – too much. How about a little orange? That’s it.
Meanwhile, Kat has a grey-grey background all painted. When I say background, I mean she covered the front half of the apron. I hadn’t even put a brush into my paint yet.
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 43
DATE NIGHT
Connection on the Go
This month’s Date Night package came with two white aprons, a set of acrylic paints and brushes and the makings for a cake. But I had a vision, and Kat repeated early and often that she wasn’t sure what she was going to paint.
Famous Gran Torino Recently the AT&T Discovery Center in Dallas, Texas marked the 50th anniversary of Clint Eastwood’s debut to the cinema. Real props were on display featuring a spectacular display of Eastwood’s cinematic accomplishments. Among the displays was the Gran Torino featured in his movie. The original owner of the Gran Torino was Monett resident, Dave Beckett. His family surprised Dave with a trip to see the famous car that once belonged to him. The Beckett family was able to sit in the car and Dave enjoyed looking under the hood. Dave and his wife, Donna, enjoyed sharing this event with their two daughters. Connection Magazine featured a story on Dave and the Gran Torino in August, 2010 and Donna is pictured above holding a copy of that issue. The Gran Torino was the car that Dave owned when he and Donna began dating. Pictured above with the famous vehicle are, David and Donna Beckett, of Monett; Denae Beckett, of Springfield, and Dedre (Beckett) Fitzgerald, of Broken Arrow, Okla.
Monett Artists’ Guild presents
February 11th - 7:00 p.m. February 12th - 7:00 p.m. February 13th - 2:00 p.m. Tickets $5.00, please call 417.235.7919 for questions 44 | January 2022
Once I gave up on mixing paints for unique colors, I made quick work of my design. A vine crawling along the edges of the apron with yellow flowers. Once that was done, I went for a large flower in the center. I wanted a sunflower, but again, what I imagine in my head and what I’m capable of drawing or painting are often very different things. At this point, Kat is blow drying her apron to dry out the background before painting her masterpiece. Feeling rather proud of my progress while Kat is still tinkering with ideas, I know I have to add some words. I like to think what I lack in artistic skill, I can make up for with a clever phrase. Sunflowers. Apron. Cooking. “Sunny Side Up,” is my phrase. About this time I look over and see Kat’s design coming together. A Christmas scene, complete with a tree, presents, a silhouette of us and, just to put me to shame, a phrase of her own: “All I want is You.” In all, it took a couple hours for us to paint our aprons – not to mention the time it took to scrub paint off our kitchen counters – and a couple days for said paint to dry. Our next goal is to don our aprons and bake a cake together. n
Rescued, My Favorite Breed
by Christa Stout
Cross-country Shelter Animal Transport
D
o you like to drive? Love animals? Well, I have the perfect job for you! Driving transports for dogs and cats. We all know that there are areas of the country that are overrun with dogs and cats and the areas do not support the number of pets that are available for adoption. On the other hand, and thank goodness, there are areas that are short of adoptable pets, such as the Northeast United States, Colorado and many other States, as well as larger cities like Kansas City, St. Louis, etc. Transports accommodate the relocation of adoptable pets to these areas where their chances of getting adopted are much better. Generally, transports consist of several legs driven by different people. For example, a transport may originate in Monett, Mo., and end at St. Louis, with stops and driver changes along the way, maybe in Springfield, Lebanon, Rolla, etc.
Happy travels with pets and have a wonderful 2022! this is one of the best uses of cell phone technology.
There are even transports by air, such as Flying Fur Animal Rescue and Pilots N Paws. Generally, there is one person who manages the route and the individual legs. She knows how many dogs and cats are scheduled and what their destination is. She will setup a messenger group by cell phone (or other means of communications) and add all of the drivers to this group. This allows everyone to know whether everyone is on time or whether, for whatever reason, there might be a delay. Those of us driving usually have a smart phone and are kept informed via the messenger messages. In my mind,
The drivers will volunteer for a certain distance, i.e. Springfield to Lebanon or Rolla to St. Louis, or Kansas City to a rescue in Iowa. The drivers will arrange with their counterparts where to meet, maybe the parking lot of a department store or a truck stop, mostly we try to find areas with lots of room in a corner of the business to make it easier to move the pets from one vehicle to another. This is also a good time to give each of the dogs a potty break (so don’t forget the doggy poop bags). Kitties unfortunately have to stay in their kennels.
Scan the QR Code to read more Rescued, My Favorite Breed online ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 45
I have done transports off and on for many years and just recently realized that not everyone is aware of this. My first transport was for a little beagle mix that needed to get from Oklahoma to St. Louis. My leg was from Joplin to Lebanon.
porter getting her kitten fix in the picture). They came from different pounds, rescues and shelters and went to different destinations. One of the dogs was a very shy, but beautiful dog named Queenie, who was going to a foster home in Northeast Missouri.
This was a darling little dog that just wanted to snuggle and find someone who would love him as much as he loved them. As happens sometime, the young lady I was to meet got to Rolla but when trying to start her car after a fill-up, realized her battery was dead. So, we simply arranged to meet her in Rolla and find a car parts store that installed the battery and she was on her way. Once at the rescue in St. Louis, it didn’t take long for the little beagle to find his home. My longest transport was Monett to Denver, and I have to admit I was a little hesitant at first, taking a dog that far. But he was a darling and never created any problem. He just seemed to know that he was going to a better future. We spent the night in Denver with my daughter and their dogs, and met with his future family the next day. It was instant love! I cried! He went to his home in Utah the next day and the adoptive family and I have kept in touch over the years. He has bonded with his brother and is having the time of his life. Recently, I did 4 transports in 5 days, some to St. Louis and some to Kansas City, and all ages and breeds, from puppies to seniors, from shy to happy go lucky, and one lonely little kitten (a trans-
46 | January 2022
QUEENIE was very quiet the
entire trip and easily moved from vehicle to vehicle until she arrived at her foster home. The foster mom immediately fell in love with her, allowed her to chill in the kennel for a while after arrival and to get to know the other dogs in the home (1st picture). Those of us on the transport received pictures less than a day later. Queenie had adjusted to her foster home and had a trusting look on her face, no longer the withdrawn pup we transported A couple of days later I was taking a Dalmatian mix named Marshall who was energetic but supposedly hated kennels. Needless to say,
I was wondering, how do I get a 45-pound, energetic dog into a kennel by myself? When I arrived at the pickup point, Marshall was running around working off some of the energy stored up from a long night’s sleep. I opened the back of my little SUV, opened the kennel door, and here comes Marshall, he took a flying leap right into the kennel. So this was the dog that hates kennels? For the first couple of miles he talked to me, then he laid his head down and went to sleep. I had to take him to a rescue to spend the night, and we picked him up the next morning to take him on his transport to Iowa. It always amazes me how intuitive these pets are, they seem to know that going on the transport is a good thing and they are the best behaved dogs, who look at you with such trusting eyes, and such hope of a great future. To help them get to a better home is so satisfying, and sometimes you shed a tear because you have them for such a short period of time. If you are interested in doing some transports, please contact your local pound, rescue or shelter, most of them have contacts in the transport world for your area. Also, they can tell you what might be required, such as kennels, leashes, collars, etc. Most of this is usually furnished and some transports will even provide some money for gasoline. And of course, you as the volunteer, can determine how many pets you are able to transport and how far you would be able to drive. n
Cutest Pet
Geranimo
Geranimo is a six-monthold manx fur baby of Gaye Stumpff of Cassville
Email your pet’s photo to:
connection@monett-times.com If you think your furry or feathered friend is the cutest in the area, let us know! We invite you to share a photo of your pet to be featured in Connection’s Cutest Pet contest. Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. Remember to include your pet’s name, city of residence and your contact information.
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 47
HUGE OVERSTOCK INVENTORY SALE!!!
YEAR END OVERSTOCK CLEARANCE SALE! Remodeling your house? Updating that rental? LUZURY VINYLA PLANK...... LAMINATE...... CARPET...
PO Box 37 • 816 Broadway Monett, MO 65708 jjfloor@suddenlinkmail.com
“A Little Store With Big Savings” Residential & Commercial Owned & Operated by Jim & Jayne Terry
Bus. (417) 235-0016 Fax (417) 235-6364 Res. (417) 442-7974
Expand Your Options, Increase Your Business!
Marion Chrysler Cassvillesales2@gmail.com Cell: 479-244-7082 Office: 417-235-3135 ext 30 Fax: 417-235-8852
Vicky Abraham Cassvilleads@gmail.com Cell: 417-342-3100 Office: 417-846-2610 Fax: 417-847-3092
Let me... Generate campaign ideas and strategies Target your audience Call me and ask about our special pricing on advertising in the Connection Magazine
Marketing, Advertising & Online Media Specialist 48 | January 2022
Advertiser Index 417 Aesthetics..............................16 Aire Serv.........................................33 Animal Clinic of Monett..............32 Aurora Machinery........................32 Barry Lawrence Regional Library ..................................................... 3 Bruner Pharmacy..........................37 Clark Community Mental Health... ...................................................26 Coldwell Banker...........................11 CoxHealth......................................52 CS Bank..........................................51 Diet Center....................................38 Doug’s Pro Lube...........................37 Dr. Jared Spears............................25 Drury University...........................26 Edward Jones.................................. 5 Factory Direct Mattress................ 2 First State Bank of Purdy...........37 Fohn Funeral Home.....................31 Four Seasons Real Estate...........20 Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri ...................................................25 Gantt Steel Buildings..................... 6 Home N Stead..............................24 J&J Floor Covering......................48 Ken’s Collision Center.................28 Kiddie City.....................................41 Lackey Body Works.....................31 Lil Boom Town..............................28 Missouri Farm Bureau.................40 Monett Chamber of Commerce ...................................................44 My Best Friends Closet...............31 Ozark Methodist Manor.............38 Peppers and Co. ..........................20 QC Supply, LLC.............................33 Race Brothers...............................22 Roaring River Health & Rehab...40 Roark Family Health....................51 Rusty Gate Flea Market..............28 Sean Hilton....................................21 Security Bank of Southwest Missouri............................................ 6 Shelter Insurance.........................22 Tisha Trotter.................................... 8 Tomblin’s Jewelry.........................41 Trogdon Marshall.........................49 VisionHealth Eye Center............24 White’s Insurance........................38 Whitley Pharmacy........................16 YMCA.............................................11
Familiar Faces
1
Verona Christmas 2
1. Abe and Becky Sherwood 2. CJon, Brittni and Bryant, 2, Hunter 3. Rodney Bogart, Bently Shearbum, 1, and Molly the dog 4. Jasmine Lechner, Emberly Lecher, 3, and Aaron Campbell
4
1
3
2
3
Tom Wolfe VFW Thanksgiving 4
More than 50 members of the Tom Wolfe Memorial Post 4207 VFW, its auxiliary and a host of volunteers gathered on Thanksgiving to serve a traditional Thanksgiving feast to area veterans.
AUTO • HOME • FARM BUSINESS • BONDS 5 1. Judy and Danny Bowman 2. Clockwise, from left: Charles Edwards, Austin, Lisa and Randale Potts 3. Jesse Shouse and Bernice Shouse 4. Cindy Dodson and Daniel Dodson 5. Robi Upstein and Lonnie Matthews
4
www.trogdoninsurance.com
TROGDON AGENCY, INC. SERVING SOUTHWEST MISSOURI SINCE 1907
5
P.O. Box 405 • 111 S. Market St. • Mt. Vernon 417.466.2800 • fax: 417.466.3066 Toll Free: 1.800.748.7756
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 49
Parting Shot
Powell, Mo., bridge by Ruthie Townsend of Seligman
“Poetry is not only dream and vision; it is the skeleton architecture of our lives. It lays the foundations for a future of change, a bridge across our fears of what has never been before.” — Audre Lorde
50 | January 2022
MMJ Card Telehealth Appointments Available! Roark Family Health 1101 N. Main - Cassville 417-847-1111 ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 51
LATELY, SMALL-TOWN HOSPITALS HAVE BEEN CLOSING THEIR DOORS. OURS ARE OPEN AT THE NEW COX MONETT HOSPITAL. We know how important it is to have great health care close to home. So, our plan invests in the health of everyone in our community. By not only keeping great care close, but by making it even better.
It’s the right thing.
coxhealth.com
52 | January 2022