November 2015 Connection

FREE

Baking with kiddos

Tips for baking with little ones

Honor our veterans A day of thanks and appreciation

Thanksgiving memories Remembering holidays with Grandma

Quick and easy

Thanksgiving Spend More time with loved ones, less time in the kitchen

A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians

NOVEMBER 2015

2 | NOVEMBER 2015

November 2015

8 Showing thanks

Lawrence County Shrine Club rolls

out the red carpet for local veterans

17 Taking time

Cooking with your children creates rewarding bonds

24 Making memories

Warm memories of Thanksgivings past at Grandma’s house

28 Pure country

Travis Scott Clevenger of Aurora knows a thing or two about country music

44 Hmong New Year

Loatian immigrants celebrate cultural heritage festival

51 St. Mary’s organ

Seventy-five-year-old music piece gets a makeover

On the cover

Cranberry Sauce Ingredients 3/4 cup orange juice (about 2 large oranges if fresh squeezed) 1/2 to 3/4 cup honey 12 ounces whole cranberries 1 tablespoon orange zest

Serves: 6; Prep: 30 minutes; Cook: 50 minutes; Ready In: 6-8 hours

directions In a medium saucepan, combine in the orange juice, honey, and zest. Bring to a gentle boil, and simmer for about 5 minutes.

Stir in the cranberries and continue to cook them until they burst (about 15 minutes).

Spoon the cranberry sauce into a mold (or bowl, or whatever you want) and refrigerate for 6-8 hours, or until set.

Source: ThePrairieHomestead.com

Cover photo: istetiana | fotolia.com

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 3

www.edwardjones.com A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians

PUBLISHER Jacob Brower connection@monett-times.com EDITOR Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com Marketing director Lisa Craft community@monett-times.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Sheila Harris James Craig Marion Chrysler

Our thoughts are with the brave men and women serving our country and the ones who served before them.

Shane A Boyd

Jeramie Grosenbacher, CFP速

802 West Street Cassville, MO 65625 417-847-5238

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Jim Haston

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Financial Advisor

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CONTRIBUTORS Murray Bishoff Meagan Ruffing Nancy Ridgley Shawn Hayden Darlene Wierman Melonie Roberts Sheila Harris Susan Funkhouser Pam Wormington Brad Stillwell Jared Lankford Julia Kilmer Jennifer Conner Anne Angle Dionne Zebert Jane Severson Verna Fry Angie Judd Cheryl Williams Emily Wiseley PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Brad Stillwell Jamie Brownlee Amy Sampson DISTRIBUTION Greg Gilliam Kevin Funcannon 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.

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Sunday - Closed Gift Cards, Mugs, Sweatshirts, and Consignment Items.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 5

56 Buy, sell, trade or play

Local store offers rare collectibles, plus an outlet for youth

59 Shakin’ in the Shell

Shell Knob festival celebrates a decade of fun for local residents

64 Uncovering ancient evidence Archeologists continue to study treasures of ancient trove

In Every Issue 15

Healthy Connection: Keep diabetes in check

Food and family: The Thanksgiving edition

21 35 36 38 41 43 72 74 76 82

Food: Thanksgiving made easy Proud Parent contest Community Calendar Reader photo submissions Guest column: Farm life lessons Cutest Pet contest Bottles and Brews My Connection Familiar Faces Parting Shot

Follow US ONLINE:

Facebook.com/MyConnectionMo Have an idea for a story you would like to see in Connection Magazine?

Email it to connection@monett-times.com

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Twitter.com/MyConnection_Mo

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 7

A day for appreciation

8 | NOVEMBER 2015

Patriotic event honors local World War II veterans

T

he Missouri Veterans Home, a residential care facility in Mt. Vernon, is home to 200 veterans who fought in U.S. wars. Many of them are some of the last survivors of World War II. Their twilight days are now spent in relative peace, a peace which sometimes seems to stretch interminably for those who have no visitors, or for those whose disabilities do not allow them mobility.

When his father was a resident of the home, Eric Wright of Branson made a trip to Mt. Vernon on a regular basis (alternating days with his three siblings) to take his father out for lunch.

During Eric’s multiple visits, he could not help but notice that time was an abundant commodity for most of the residents. Mealtimes were eagerly anticipated, as were the visitors who took time to drop by.

Several years ago, Eric had a vision for a way in which to somewhat alleviate the tedium for those residents — an annual day of appreciation, complete with a meal, scheduled speakers and entertainment.

Jerry Burrus, Mt. Vernon business owner and a member of the Lawrence County Shrine

Story by Sheila Harris

Club, helped Eric make that vision come to pass.

“I ran into Eric at Red Barn Café, where he had taken his father for lunch,” Burrus said.

“He shared his idea for a Veterans Appreciation Day with me, and asked me if I knew how to go about getting permission from city officials to have a Black Hawk helicopter land on the lawn of the Veterans Home for the event. I was more than glad to help him. Between the two of us, we were able to arrange for a Black Hawk to make a landing on the Veterans Home lawn for the delighted residents.”

“That was in 2010. The Lawrence County Shrine Club pitched in to make that first Appreciation Day happen. Along with the helicopter landing, we served up a meal for the residents, and lined up a few speakers. Since then, the event has grown. Now, members of the Springfield Abou Ben Ahdem Club come down and help the local Shriners make the day a success.”

Burrus, who has taken on the role of procuring speakers for the schedule of events, said that he actually spoke to former President George W. Bush on the telephone one year.

“We were able to arrange for a Black Hawk to make a landing on the Veterans Home lawn for the delighted residents.

— Jerry Burrus, Lawrence County Shriner

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 9

Iwo Jima Memorial in Washington, D.C., at sunrise “I had left a message with his press secretary, inquiring about the possibility of President Bush visiting Mt. Vernon to address the veterans,” Burrus said. “Later, when my cell phone rang, my first thought was that it was a friend of mine whom I was expecting to hear from. I just about answered with a flippant ‘Joe’s Mule Barn,’ when I saw that the call was from a restricted number. It was President Bush himself, who said that, yes, he would be glad to speak to the veterans if his scheduling secretary could fit it into his itinerary. Unfortunately, the scheduling didn’t work out, but he did later send a nice letter of recognition, which is now framed and hanging on the wall.”

Sept. 26 marked the fifth annual Veterans Appreciation Day at the Missouri Veterans Home.

Meals featuring grilled hamburgers and hot dogs donated by Eric Wright and the Shriners were served to the residents, along with beer donated by White River Brewing Company. Hot wings, donated by Hooters Restaurant, were a big hit with the gentlemen, as were the two young ladies who delivered them.

10 | NOVEMBER 2015

Iwo Jima photo credit: f11photo | fotolia.com

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 11

Walt Cameron, head of the Missouri Honor Flight — a program which makes arrangements for World War II veterans to visit Washington, D.C., — was a guest speaker.

“World War II veterans are becoming scarce,” he said, “and we want to make sure that all of them who would like to visit our nation’s capitol have the opportunity to do so.”

He urged visitors and residents alike to make him aware of any veterans interested in going on an Honor Flight. He reminded the audience that the participation of younger veterans is needed on the flights, too.

“We love to have younger veterans go on our flights to serve as a guardian for the older veterans,” he said. “Amazing bonds are formed on these sometimes very emotional trips.”

Retired Major General Michael Schweigert, of the U.S. Army Reserves, and Sgt. Terry Billingsly, of Monett, accompanied by four JROTC members from Mt. Vernon High School, also addressed the group.

This year, residents of the Veterans Home were treated to a flyover by two Boeing Stearman Model 75 biplanes, piloted by owners Pam Barlett, of the Carthage area, and Jack Fox, of Monett. The Stearman biplanes were once used as training aircraft for many WWII pilots, including a Veterans Home

12 | NOVEMBER 2015

“I really appreciate these WWII veterans. They got out there and put their lives on the line for all of us.”

— Taylor Fox, U.S. Air Force

resident, who said that he learned to fly in that very style of plane.

Jack Fox was delighted to have his grandson, Captain Taylor Fox, joining him in the co-pilot seat of his plane while he was home between U.S. Air Force assignments.

“I really appreciate these WWII veterans,” said Fox, who has flown his Stearman over the event on more than one occasion. “They got out there and put their lives on the line for all of us, so if they enjoy watching my airplane, I’m more than happy to bring it up here.”

Burrus, dressed in full pirate regalia, befitting of his role in the Shriners, deemed this year’s Veterans Appreciation Day a success, and anticipates an even better one next year. 

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 13

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Healthy Connection

Know your numbers Tips can help prevent, delay or manage diabetes complications

D

o you know what disease affects about 30 million adults and children or nearly 10 percent of the population in the United States? It may come as no surprise that the answer is diabetes, a disorder which affects glucose (blood sugar) metabolism.

Diabetes has become increasingly common — tripling in diagnosed cases over the past 35 years and affecting about one out of every 11 people in the U.S. Despite these alarming statistics, the good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent, delay or manage diabetes complications.

1 Eat healthfully. A simple

tip is to fill at least half of your plate with non-starchy vegetables, ¼ with lean protein, and ¼ with a starch (i.e. whole grain pasta, brown rice). Avoid sugary, sweetened beverages, as well as foods with more than 10 grams of added sugars.

2 Be more active. Aim to get

some form of physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day, 5-6 days a week. Make exercise fun by finding something you enjoy doing, such as riding a bike, gardening or dancing. If you don’t have time for 30 minutes of exercise, try breaking it up into 10-minute intervals throughout the day.

3 Work with a health

professional.

More than one of three adults (86 million people) in the U.S. have pre-diabetes (when your blood sugar is higher than normal, but not high enough to diagnose as diabetes), and nine out of 10 do not know they have pre-diabetes. Make an appointment with a diabetes specialist or your primary care physician to find out

your numbers or your “ABCs” – A1c (a blood test which shows the average glucose levels in your blood for the past two to three months), blood pressure, and cholesterol.

If you would like to learn more about how to prevent or manage diabetes, contact the Cox Monett Diabetes Center located in the Center for Health Improvement at 236-2591.

If you would like to help raise money for people with diabetes in the Monett community, join us for an evening of fun on Saturday, Jan. 23, 2016, at “Fit and Fab: Dining for Diabetes” auction and dinner at St. Mary’s in Pierce City. The cost is $25 per person. For ticket information, please call 354-1280. All funds raised will help local qualifying individuals with diabetes-related doctor visits and supplies.

lindsay sparks, RD, is a registered dietitian at the Center for Health Improvement at Cox Monett Hospital. She graduated from Missouri State University and resides in Springfield. When Lindsay is not busy being a nutrition nerd, she enjoys running, yoga, camping, floating and spending time with her husband in the beautiful Ozarks.

Photo credit: Halfpoint | fotolia.com

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 15

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Baking with your kiddos With the holidays just around the corner, there is sure to be massive amounts of baking going on.

This is the time of year when family cookbooks get pulled from the kitchen cupboards only to make their annual debut for the pumpkin spiced cookie and chocolate-dipped pretzel recipes. Unless your kids are at school while you get started on your baking, it’s inevitable that they will want to help. (And that’s OK!) Here are a few sneaky tricks to help your time in the kitchen with your kiddos be a memorable one and not a stressful one.

Photo credit: Alena Ozerova | fotolia.com

1. Lower your

3. Have fun.

If you’re preparing to bake for a super special occasion and want the finished product to be perfect, move on to the next recipe and keep things simple.

You will stress yourself out if you’re too busy worrying that your daughter snuck a few chocolate chips from the mixing bowl. Pick an easy recipe and go with it.

4. Be in

expectations.

2. Be patient.

Patience doesn’t come easy for everyone, especially when kids are involved. Just remember that your son is looking up to you as the person who is going to teach him a thing or two about baking. So what if he drops a little bit of flour on the floor or gets a piece of eggshell in the bowl? This might be his first time in the kitchen with you, and he is eager to please.

Baking is fun! So let it be a laid-back time for the both of you. If you have a positive attitude about making scones with your daughter, she will too.

Don’t be afraid to be silly and goofy and let loose a little bit. It’s good for your kids to see another side of you.

the moment.

It’s cliché, but it’s true; your kids are only little for so long. Be thankful that they are still at an age where they want to hang out with you. Be excited that they are curious enough to embark on a baking adventure with you and take your time. You might be used to rushing through a recipe that you have baked 100 times, but savor every spoonful, every stir, every measuring-cup moment that your child takes part in. These moments will be gone before you know it.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 17

5. Make

it a game.

What could be more fun than catching marshmallows in your mouth?

Surely you can spare a handful or so to make a game out of who can catch the most. It’s harmless, it’s easy and not to mention, yummy.

6. Making

it a teachable moment.

There are so many ways to make baking a hands-on education situation.

Have your daughter read the directions to you, measure the milk or

figure out how much time is left on the oven clock before the cookies are done. You will feel good about letting her ‘take charge’ of the recipe, and she will feel good about being the one who made the cookies for someone special.

7. Splurge and have a cookie before dinner.

8. Take

pictures.

You will want to remember these special times with your kids so snap a shot or two while your son’s chef hat is sliding down his face or when your daughter has flour on her nose and doesn’t know it. Hey, it’s a good reason to think of the next activity you can do together — scrapbooking with all of those pictures you just took. 

I don’t know any kid out there who doesn’t ask for a cookie straight out of the oven. While it’s a knee-jerk reaction to say no, go ahead and say yes.

It’s just a cookie and they always taste better when they’re hot and gooey.

Meagan Ruffing is a freelance parenting writer. She enjoys baking but continues to work on her patience when her 6-, 4- and 2-year-old kids are in the kitchen.

18 | NOVEMBER 2015

Photo credit: Alena Ozerova | fotolia.com

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 19

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Thanksgiving dinner made easy

Food

No holiday revolves around food more than Thanksgiving, but try not to spend so much time in the kitchen this year. Make these quick, easy and delicious recipes, and enjoy the time you save making more memories with loved ones.

Herb Roasted Turkey Ingredients 1 (12 pound) whole turkey 3/4 cup olive oil 2 tablespoons garlic powder 2 teaspoons dried basil 1 teaspoon ground sage 1 teaspoon salt 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 2 cups water

Directions Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Clean turkey (discard giblets and organs), and place in a roasting pan with a lid.

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic powder, dried basil, ground sage, salt, and black pepper. Using a basting brush, apply the mixture to the outside of the uncooked turkey. Pour water into the bottom of the roasting pan, and cover.

Bake for 3 to 3 1/2 hours, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the thigh measures 180 degrees F. Remove bird from oven, and allow to stand for about 30 minutes before carving.

Serves: 16

Easy Gravy Ingredients 1 tablespoon pareve margarine 1/4 cup all-purpose flour 3 cups vegetable broth 2 tablespoons miso paste 2 tablespoons warm water 2 teaspoons soy sauce 1/4 teaspoon onion powder

Directions In a small bowl combine miso and warm water; stir until miso has dissolved.

In a 2 quart saucepan, melt margarine over medium heat. Stir in flour until dissolved. Add vegetable broth, miso mixture, soy sauce and onion powder.

Cook, stirring, over medium heat, until thickened.

Serves: 8

Apple Pie Ingredients 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 1/4 cup white sugar 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 pinch salt 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/4 cup water 1 (15 ounce) package double crust ready-to-use pie crust 4 large red apples, cored and thinly sliced Serves: 8

Directions Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. Melt butter in saucepan over medium heat. Stir in white sugar, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and water.

Bring the syrup to a boil, stirring constantly to dissolve sugar, then remove from heat.

Unroll pie crusts, press one into a 9-inch pie dish, and place the apples into the crust. Unroll the second crust on a work surface, and cut into about eight 1-inch wide strips. Criss-cross the strips over the apples, or weave into a lattice crust. Crimp the bottom crust over the lattice strips with your fingers.

Spoon caramel sauce over pie, covering lattice portion of top crust; let remaining sauce drizzle through the crust.

Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Reduce heat to 350 degrees F, and bake until the crust is golden brown, the caramel on the top crust is set, and the apple filling is bubbling, 35 to 40 more minutes. Allow to cool completely before slicing.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 21

No-Cook Cranberry Salad Ingredients 1 (14.5 ounce) can whole cranberry sauce 6 seedless green grapes, halved 1/4 (11 ounce) can mandarin oranges, drained and quartered 2 tablespoons sweetened flaked coconut 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup chopped walnuts 1 red apple, diced

Directions Combine cranberry sauce, grapes, mandarin oranges, coconut, vanilla, walnuts, and apple in a bowl. Allow to set for 30 minutes before serving.

Serves: 8

Yellow Squash Casserole Ingredients 4 cups sliced yellow squash 1/2 cup chopped onion 35 buttery round crackers, crushed 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese 2 eggs, beaten 3/4 cup milk 1/4 cup butter, melted 1 teaspoon salt ground black pepper to taste 2 tablespoons butter

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Place squash and onion in a large skillet over medium heat. Pour in a small amount of water. Cover, and cook until squash is tender, about 5 minutes. Drain well, and place in a large bowl.

In a medium bowl, mix together cracker crumbs and cheese. Stir half of the cracker mixture into the cooked squash and onions. In a small bowl, mix together eggs and milk, then add to squash mixture.

Stir in 1/4 cup melted butter, and season with salt and pepper. Spread into a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Sprinkle with remaining cracker mixture, and dot with 2 tablespoons butter.

Bake in preheated oven for 25 minutes, or until lightly browned..

Serves: 10

Candied Sweet Potatoes Ingredients 4 pounds sweet potatoes, quartered 1 1/4 cups margarine 1 1/4 cups brown sugar 3 cups miniature marshmallows, divided ground cinnamon to taste ground nutmeg to taste Serves: 12

Directions

Directions Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9x13 inch baking dish.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Add potatoes and boil until slightly underdone, about 15 minutes.

Drain, cool and peel.

In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine margarine, brown sugar, 2 cups marshmallows, cinnamon and nutmeg. Cook, stirring occasionally, until marshmallows are melted.

Stir potatoes into marshmallow sauce. While stirring mash about half of the potatoes, and break the others into bite-sized chunks. Transfer to prepared dish.

Bake in preheated oven for 15 minutes. Remove from oven and cover top evenly with remaining marshmallows. Return to oven and bake until marshmallows are golden brown.

22 | NOVEMBER 2015

Source: AllRecipes.com

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 23

Remembering Thanksgiving at Grandma Shirley’s

T

hanksgiving and my grandma Shirley go hand-in-hand. You just can’t have one and not the other.

Since I’ve moved from Massachusetts, I have had to enjoy my grandmother and all the things I think of when this time of year rolls around from the memories I breathe into my children every day.

Up in the tiny hills of western Massachusetts, tucked into the woods of a beautiful, breath-taking country-side setting, sits my grandparents’ home. It has been their home for the past 40 years and will continue to stay in our family when my aunt and uncle move their things in this winter to help care for my grandparents. That’s the funny thing about getting older. Your house, your belongings, your surroundings all stay the same but the people inside age just a little bit more each day.

Holidays are always a nostalgic time for me — as they are for everyone, I think. But there’s something about Thanksgiving that gets me every time. It might be the smell of pumpkin pie or the sound of biting into a crisp apple that takes me back to my grandma’s loving embrace but each of these brings a smile to my face. She embodies the complete person I aspire to be. She is, simply put, someone whom I am extremely thankful for.

Our Thanksgiving meals were always the same, year after year. We had the traditional turkey with homemade dressing. Gram’s house would be filled with everything delicious and her table would be dressed in her holiday best. There was always a stuffed turkey plush in the center of the table and each place was set with special dishes she rolled out just for Thanksgiving.

24 | NOVEMBER 2015

Cranberry sauce from a can (because it’s the best) sat right next to the turkey on its very own relish tray. Next to that was my grandma’s homemade mashed potatoes that you could not take just one serving of. The spread she laid before us was almost too delectable to devour, but there was always one thing on that table that I will continue to make in my home to pass down to my children. My grandma is known for many things but one of her most family-famous recipes is her zucchini bread. It’s just that good.

Now, I need to tell you something. Her zucchini bread is so good that she makes extra to freeze in her downstairs freezer because our family just can’t get enough of it. If our plates weren’t spilling over already, add a few thick slices of her bread and you’ve got yourself a meal to remember.

Every year, we always went around the table and said what we were thankful for. It was the one time each year that we publicly announced the things on our hearts. If you can picture this, my grandfather always sat at the head of the table with my grandma always to his right. I’m not sure if this was planned or not but her seat was always closest to the kitchen, even though the entire table was in the kitchen.

She would inevitably be the last one to sit down and eat because she was forever getting up to get someone one more thing. I know now that this is just a rite of passage when you have children. I do the same thing with my own kids on Thanksgiving and every other day of the year. But it was the way that she carried out her hostess duties that sticks with me. Never looking for acknowledgement. Never looking for others to get up one more time but rather, carrying on with her grandmotherly duties and surveying the happy faces that inevitably filled her table. (continued on page 26)

Want to try Grandma Shirley’s Zucchini Bread?

I’d love to share the recipe with you: 3 cups flour 2 cups sugar 2 cups zucchini, chopped fine ½ cup walnuts (optional) 1 cup liquid shortening 3 eggs 1 tablespoon vanilla 1 tablespoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon each of salt, baking soda and baking powder Beat eggs, sugar and oil, add zucchini, vanilla, nuts, sift dry ingredients (I never sift), mix well with egg mixture, grease and flour 2 loaf pans. Bake at 350 degrees for 1 hour.

Meagan Ruffing is a freelance parenting writer with more than 15 years of experience in the journalism field.

Her articles can be seen in parenting magazines all over the United States, including Calgary’s Child, Atlanta Parent, Georgia Family and Family Times. Meagan is a ministry coach for MOPS International and continues her mothering journey with her local MOPS group. She lives with her husband, Gabe, and their three children.

Photo credit: iuliia_n | fotolia.com

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 25

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To be at my grandma’s house on Thanksgiving is like witnessing a Norman Rockwell painting in real time. The only way I can describe the feelings that wash over me is to say that there is never any way to replicate the way I feel when I’m in her presence. So, this year, when Nov. 24 rolls around, I will, of course, celebrate Thanksgiving with my husband and our three precious children, and I will say, out loud, how thankful I am for my grandmother. Even though we will not be sitting at the same table, I know that we will both be eating and stuffing ourselves with her zucchini bread. I will hear my son Dylan ask for another slice. I will watch my daughter Hannah lick the butter off her face that’s come off from the bread, and I will laugh at Ellie, my youngest, as she picks up a piece of that bread with her fat little fingers and smushes it between her lips with a grin that could melt your heart.

While I would love to be at my grandmother’s table this year, I know that I will be in my home, doing very similar things to what she’s doing in her home. I will sit to the right of my husband and I will get up just one more time to fill someone’s glass, and I too will look around and savor the moment of making memories because my grandmother made so many of mine.

What’s your Thanksgiving story?

Who is your “grandma Shirley” in your life? Find that person and tell them everything you are thankful for about them and start sharing moments now, because those moments will become memories and those memories will become the imprint you pass down to your children.

Grandma, thank you for being you. Thank you for embodying all things good. Thank you for showing me what an authentic person looks like and what good, true love is.

Thank you for investing in me, but thank you most of all, for introducing me to your zucchini bread. 

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 27

Check out Travis’ Facebook page for more information on upcoming appearances and his new CD’s availability: Facebook.com/Travis.Clevenger.547 Visit tinyurl.com/o6wa8cd for more information on Luttrell’s Auction and Live Music Show.

28 | NOVEMBER 2015

C o c u i n s s tr y a l C Local singer’s journey put him alongside country music legends

T

he late classic country music icon George Jones once advised fellow musicians, “Be real about what you do. Stay true to the voice inside you.

Don’t let the business change what it is you love because the people, the fans, respond to what is heartfelt.”

In his career span of more than six decades, Jones inspired legions of country music fans with his music and the wisdom attained from life in the spotlight.

His influence reached a young boy from Aurora. Travis Scott Clevenger listened to Jones and his fellow stars of the 1970s, and a passion for classic country music was ignited in his soul.

Throughout his own career, Clevenger discovered the truth behind Jones’ admonition to maintain authenticity.

He sat down with me before a recent performance to share his country music journey.

Pull up a chair on the front porch, grab a glass of sweet tea and hum along to the tune of a classic country story.

Story by Susan Funkhouser

Classic roots Travis Scott Clevenger was born and raised in Aurora. Classic country greats such as Merle Haggard, George Jones, Gene Watson, Porter Wagoner and Ronnie Milsap provided the soundtrack to his childhood and teenage years, but Clevenger credits his family with instilling in him a love of classic country music.

“I can trace my love of music back to my childhood,” he said. “As far back as I can remember, my family was musical. It was just there.”

Clevenger’s uncle, Harold Jenkins, played a particularly profound role in Clevenger’s development as a performer.

“He was really popular in this area in the mid-to-late ‘60s and into the

‘80s. I listened to him from the time I was 5 years old.”

Clevenger took the stage for the first time at age 16, with his cousin, Jeff Jenkins’ band.

“I credit Jeff with getting me on stage,” he said.

Bitten decisively by the country music bug, Clevenger continued to take the stage and thrill audiences with his youthful, yet classic style with a group from Hurley.

He performed for three years with the Spring Creek Boys.

A classic kick-start To n g u e - i n - c h e e k , C l e v e n g e r credits his mother-in-law with his big break into country music performance.

“She entered me in a contest behind my back.”

Clevenger won the competition at Axley’s Country Hoedown near Roaring River in 1990, at age 20. Clevenger recalls, “The next year, Rick Roller called me and invited me to audition for male vocalist. I was so excited. I auditioned, got the part and was there for the next seven years.”

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 29

Clevenger (back, center) performs with the Barn Band. Bottom row, from left: Roger Blevins, Jerry Menown, Kari Garrison and Greg Klein. Back row, from left: George Geisser, Bobby Lloyd Hicks and Travis Scott Clevenger.

After finishing his tenure at Axleys, Clevenger played with a family band called Jackpot in his 20s.

“We had such a good time,” he said.

“I played with three of my cousins and three other guys that weren’t family.”

Jackpot performed in the area from 1997-2003.

“I wouldn’t trade it for anything,” he said.

A classic career As Clevenger continued to journey down the country music road, he performed with the Ozark Jubilee in Branson, owned at the time by Clifford Campbell, who gave Clevenger the stage name, “Travis Scott.” A short time after Clevenger started performing with the Jubilee, Campbell and his wife, Maggie, were killed in a tragic car accident.

“At that point Randy Newman took

30 | NOVEMBER 2015

over. Randy has done as much for me in the music business as anyone, and to this day he is like a brother to me.”

During one particular year, their road show took them to 32 different states. Clevenger took his young sons on close trips. In his years on the road with the Ozark Jubilee, Clevenger met many big name country performers, including George Strait.

“He was the friendliest, nicest guy,” he said. “He signed my cowboy hat. He was a super nice guy. Not all of them are friendly. It comes from being on the road so much.”

Clevenger and his band performed several shows with country music legend Porter Wagoner, known for his outlandish western suits. Of Wagoner, Clevenger noted, “He was more hillbilly than me. We talked and talked.

“I loved hearing his stories. Porter was from West Plains. He was amazing

– such a big star. Half of it was how he dressed. When he walked on stage you knew he was a star.

“My dear friend Randy Newman dressed us in three-piece suits when I was with the Ozark Jubilee. He told me, ‘You don’t understand this, but most people hear with their eyes. If you look good they will think you sound good, whether you sound good or not!’”

Clevenger’s most memorable star encounter involved Gene Watson, a performer Clevenger deems “probably one of the best.” Although a gifted singer, Watson wasn’t one for socializing.

“He was kind of quiet,” he said. “He didn’t talk a lot during his shows. After we did his opening show I went back in the green room, and he was there. We just sat there, saying nothing. Finally, I said, ‘Gene, I’ve been a fan of yours since I was a little kid.’

“He said, ‘I appreciate that.’

“I said, ‘I sing all your songs.’

“He said, ‘I appreciate that.’

“I thought, ‘Boy, this isn’t going well!’”

Finally, Clevenger struck a chord with the reticent performer.

“I started talking about a song on one of his 1973 albums that he didn’t release to radio. He was shocked. He said, ‘I remember that. You know that song?’

“I’ve done it 1,000 times!”

After breaking the ice, the two performers discussed song after song. When Watson began singing one of his songs, Clevenger chimed in with the harmony. Watson inquired, “So you’re a singer?”

“Yeah, I opened for you tonight.”

Later, Watson’s wife came in to talk to her husband.

Noticing Clevenger, she said, “You were the singer who opened for him, weren’t you? Gene, you’ve got to hear this guy. He’s country.”

After their first tenuous meeting, Watson and Clevenger performed several shows together and became fast friends.

Clevenger waxes sentimental as he remembers, “That was such a thrill. I’ve been lucky enough to meet some of my country music idols and even open for them. The people you meet get to be like family.”

Clevenger’s son, Gannon, makes his first appearance on stage at age 5, singing “If We Make it through December.”

A classic dad Although life on the road and on stage provided thrills and new experiences at every turn, Clevenger walked away from the spotlight after a decade of travel.

“I had to make a choice when my kids were born – go bigger and go to Nashville or be a family man,” he said. “It’s almost impossible to do both. It was a hard choice, but it was worth it.”

Clevenger is the father of three sons – Hesston, Canyon and Gannon. He beams as he describes them.

“I’m so proud,” he said. “They’re laid back and polite. I get so many compliments on all three of them. When people say about one of them, ‘That boy of yours sure is a good kid,’ I tell them, ‘I’ve got two more just like him.’

“That’s what makes me more proud than anything they do – playing baseball, school work or even singing. Being a good person is what counts.”

A classic season Although Clevenger left the road to be a dad, he didn’t abandon the music. He continues to perform with several local bands. As a member of The Playboyz, Clevenger sings and plays at area events such as the Crane Broiler Festival and Ernte Fest. Clevenger also gladly joins informal groups of musicians for performances. Such was the

case last summer, when Doug Clifton of Purdy called and invited him to sing and play at the Purdy Festival.

“When Doug mentioned that Rick Eaves would be playing, I said, ‘Count me in,’” he said. “Rick Eaves is one of the best steel guitarists in the business. He is one of the biggest reasons I’m doing what I do today.”

When he isn’t performing with The Playboyz, Clevenger makes appearances at Luttrell’s Auction House, where the Barn Band performs every Saturday night.

“Lots of retired Branson performers sing at Luttrell’s,” he said. “The Barn Band features Ozarks legends Roger Blevins, Jerry Menown and Lloyd Hicks. It’s lots of fun.”

The entertainment begins at 6 p.m. every Saturday at Luttrell’s Auction and Live Music Show, located at 2939 West Kearney in Springfield. The 120-seat venue is open to the public. Admission is $10 per person. Clevenger notes, “It’s not fancy, but it’s fun.”

Clevenger gets to sing at Luttrell’s with several of his old performing friends, such as Kari Garrison, Tony Booth and Leona Williams, who was once married to Merle Haggard. But his favorite co-star is his youngest son, Gannon.

Clevenger playfully notes that his young performer often upstages him.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 31

“When I introduce him at Luttrell’s, he gets way bigger applause than I do,” he said. “I’m about to fire him.”

On a more serious note, the proud papa adds, “That’s the best of all – performing with Gannon.

I’m so proud of him. He’s a great kid and performer. He just needs to pronounce his words better.

He started singing with me when he was 6, in front of 500 people.”

Gannon picks up the story. “I sang If We Make It through December, but I couldn’t say my Rs back then. It sounded like, ‘If we make it thwu Decembuh!’”

Gannon credits his dad with his own passion for classic country music.

“Singing with my dad is awesome,” he said. “I look forward to spending time with him, because we’re always working on new stuff for our next show.

“If it wasn’t for him, I don’t know if I would have anything to do with music at all. All my musical influence, the reason why I love classic country music the way I do, is because of him. He is the reason I sing.”

When asked what advice the elder Clevenger would offer his youngest if he decided to embark on a country music career, the wise father jokingly responded, “I’d ask him, ‘Where did you come up with a stupid idea like that?’

“No, if he decides to go to Nashville, I will support and encourage him. But you can be the best singer in the world and not make it, especially nowadays. I don’t mean to be discouraging, I’m just being honest.”

Clevenger likely has no reason to worry. Gannon holds no Nash-

32 | NOVEMBER 2015

ville aspirations.

“I’ve never really seen myself making a career out of country music,” he said. “I just enjoy doing it for fun. I can’t see myself singing the stuff they’re doing now. I like some of it, but it’s just not my style.”

Gannon’s dad shares his opinion of today’s brand of country music.

“There’s a lot of it I like, but I don’t think it’s country music,” he said. “Everything sounds exactly the same. Nowadays, when I turn on the radio, I can’t tell if it’s a rock station or a country station. They’re making a lot of money, and I don’t blame them, but I just don’t think it’s country.

True country music comes from the heart. What you feel is what you sing.”

A classic recording Clevenger is currently in the studio, working on a new CD, which should be available by Christmas.

“I’ve done some other CDs, but they were just covers of George Strait, Merle Haggard and the like,” he said. “This one is mine. I wrote half of the songs on it. I’ve written quite a few songs over the past 10 years or so, but I’ve always just kept them to myself.”

Clevenger’s favorite self-authored track on the new CD is called, If She Only Knew. It will also serve as the album’s title.

“The song tells the story of a girl who never knew her dad, but he always wanted to know her,” he said. “He prays to the Lord, ‘If she only knew how much I wanted her to know how much I love her.’ It’s a special song to me.”

“Music has taught me to be who I am and not to try to be something different.”

— Travis Scott Clevenger

Clevenger and his son, Gannon

Classic country In his 30 years of performing on stage with some of country music’s legends, Travis Scott Clevenger stands as the epitome of George Jones’ sage advice.

Through decades of changing trends in country music, Clev-

enger remains true to his roots and continues to sing with classic country passion.

“Music has taught me to be who I am and not to try to be something different,” he said.

“When I’m on stage, I look in ev-

erybody’s eyes. My music comes from the heart. A true singer sings every syllable. That feeling goes in every word. That’s what makes the difference. I sing hard, from the heart. I leave it all on the stage.” 

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 33

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Proud Parent

Congratulations, Olivia!

Olivia Baker is the 5-year-old daughter of Jeremy and Amanda Baker of Pierce City.

Olivia is November’s cutest kid.

Are you a proud parent?

If so, take this opportunity to show off that cute kid of yours.

We invite you to share a photo of your child to be featured in Connection’s very own proud parent cutest kid contest.

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.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 35

Calendar

November 2015

Nov. 2

Nov. 14

n The Monett Senior Center will be holding its regular monthly dance from 7-10 p.m.

n Cassville businesses will host their annual Christmas Open House.

Nov. 6

n Cassville Cruisers Car Club will have its Car Show at the Barry County Museum with the emphasis on “Honoring Our Veterans.

n The Shell Knob in the Spotlight (SKITS) performance “The Villain Wore a Dirty Shirt” will be held beginning at 6:30 p.m. at the United Methodist Church fellowship hall in Shell Knob. Tickets are $9 at the door or $7 in advance, which may be picked up at the Chamber of Commerce, Central Crossing Senior Center or Arvest Bank. For more information call 417-858-0621. n A 6-week Chronic Health Condition Class will begin at the Central Crossing Senior Center from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information call 417-858-6952. n Art Class with Fran Crosthwait at the Central Crossing Senior Center from 9:30 to 3 p.m.

Nov. 7 n The second SKITS performance of “The Villain Wore a Dirty Shirt” beginning at 6:30 p.m.

Nov. 8 n The final SKITS performance of “The Villain Wore a Dirty Shirt” begins at 2 p.m.

Nov. 10 n Grace Health Services (toes) with Sue Mead, RN will be at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

Nov. 19 n The Cassville Senior Center will be serving its annual Thanksgiving Feast. There will also be musical entertainment provided. n Seligman Chamber of Commerce sponsored Dance (with an instructor present) beginning at 7 p.m. at the Seligman Chamber Event Center. Snacks welcome. No alcohol. n Alzheimer’s Support Group meets at 2 p.m. at the C.C. Senior Center in Shell Knob.

Nov. 20 n The Monett Senior Center will have the Happy Plunkers at 11:30 a.m. and the annual Thanksgiving Dinner will be served at noon.

n A 6-week Chronic Health Condition Class will begin at the Central Crossing Senior Center from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information call 417-858-6952. n Seligman Chamber of Commerce sponsored Dance (with an instructor present) beginning at 7 p.m. at the Seligman Chamber Event Center. Snacks welcome. No alcohol.

36 | NOVEMBER 2015

 Domino Poker, every day from 12:30 to 3 p.m.  Mah Jongg, every Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Paint Classes, every second and fourth Monday of each month.  Line Dancing, every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-10:30 a.m.  Quilting for Charity, every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

 Cards Galore, every Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nov. 23

Nov. 12

Nov. 13

Regular events:

n Seligman Chamber of Commerce sponsored Dance (with an instructor present) beginning at 7 p.m. Snacks welcome. No alcohol.

n Art Class with Fran Crosthwait at the Central Crossing Senior Center from 9:30 to 3 p.m.

n Fred Williams Hearing Aid Check will be held at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob

 Knitting and Crocheting classes every Thursday from 9-11 a.m.

n Nell’s Nails, Fingers and Toes is scheduled at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

n The Festival of Flavors will be held in Monett sponsored by the Monett Chamber of Commerce.

 Sign up this month for Basketball and Cheer, kindergarten through sixth grade

n A 6-week Chronic Health Condition Class will begin at the Central Crossing Senior Center from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information call 417-858-6952.

Nov. 11

Veterans Day

Monett YMCA

Nov. 25 n Monett’s Festival of Lights will begin each evening at 5:30 p.m. n WIC (Women, Infants and Children) will be at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

Nov. 26

Thanksgiving Nov. 27 n Seligman Chamber of Commerce sponsored Dance (with an instructor present) beginning at 7 p.m. at the Seligman Chamber Event Center. Snacks welcome. No alcohol.

 Pinochle, every Thursday from 12:30-3 p.m.

 Wood Carvers, every Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 37

C ommunity photos Do you have a photo you would like to see in Connection magazine? Email it to connection@monett-times.com.

Linda Sparkman of Mt. Vernon recently captured this sunset photo.

38 | NOVEMBER 2015

These photos were recently captured by Alisha Ginn of Shell Knob.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 39

Holiday Open House November 14!

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40 | NOVEMBER 2015

Column

Life on the farm isn’t always funny

L

ife on the farm isn’t always funny. Sometimes, it is precious.

Many years ago, I thought I needed a miniature horse. The ‘all things practical’ husband of mine, thought differently.

We compromised, I got a little mule.

It was around Valentine’s Day when this transaction took place. I must admit, I fell in love with this little darling I call Cupid. She looks like a little horse with big ears. Her hooves are about the size of my hand, and she comes to my waist in height. Her stature may be small, but her attitude is big.

The statement “stubborn as a mule” is no less true for this gal. She does what she wants, when she wants. If you think you are going to out-will her, you’ll have plenty of time to think that over before giving in.

This could be why the ranch owner doesn’t lovingly refer to her as Cupid, but instead Stupid.

Upon her arrival to Wormington Farms, someone who was larger than her thought it would be fun to have a wrestling match. Despite his junior high school record, he didn’t win this time. He has tried to make her disappear by secretly loading her up with a trailer full of calves headed for the sale barn, but has never managed to pull that magic trick off successfully.

Cupid has proven her worth over the years. She is the queen of the farm and nurtures whatever bovine is put in her care. She can calm a lone bull, or mother a newborn calf. For an animal that is unable to reproduce, I

find that God-given trait amazing and coincidental. We had an orphaned calf that was left in her care for one year.

It was a nice day and they had been hanging out close to the house when I kept hearing Cupid whinny for attention. I would go out to pet her and talk to her, then return to the house.

I’d hear her whinny again and pace the fence.

Thinking she just missed me and wanted the attention, I returned. After a couple of relays, I realized the little calf was missing. I also realized the whinnying was not for my petting.

When I walked the pasture in search of this little guy, Cupid was right on my heels. I got to the gate at the end of the lane and crawled under, to which she became very anxious because she was unable to the do the same. By now, I knew she was concerned for the little calf that was missing. I opened the gate and she proceeded through and as if on a motherly mission headed straight for the woods, and shortly walked out with the calf close by.

Cupid has proven her worth over the years.

She is the queen of the farm and nurtures whatever bovine is put in her care.

(continued on page 42)

Pam Wormington was born a city girl, proclaiming to never marry a farmer or live in a small town.

“God had other plans,” she said.

“My husband, who likes to remain anonymous, is a kind and patient man who works very hard either teaching me or fixing what I didn’t learn.”

Pam and her husband live in the country and raise grass-fed beef.

They own Wormington Trucking, carrying on three generations of milk haulers.

“I love my life and all the laughs that come with it,” she said.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 41

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I have to admit, I was impressed.

From this point forward, it was no coincidence that if we had an animal that needed special attention, they became pasture mates with Cupid.

She loves the Nanny job and is quite good at it. She is commonly put with a herd of newly-weaned calves to keep them calm and from being scared by wild creatures of the night.

But look out when those babies are removed from her care. She will throw her head up high and prance back and forth in way that makes a terrible twos tantrum look like a walk in the park.

Cupid is getting old and likes to take long naps in the sun. On several occasions, I have seen her stretched out and the hillside and thought her job here was done, called her name from the kitchen window, only to see her raise her head, look at me with that tone and then go back to sleep.

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42 | NOVEMBER 2015

She loves to be brushed and, due to her age, receives regular pedicures and horse candy. She moves slowly until the gate is left open, and then she regains some of her youthful energy. I have even, on occasion, caught her not-so-biggest fan feeding her treats and petting her, which is a big change from grabbing her ears and trying to ride her.

Maybe it is true — all things change with time.

Cutest Pet

Meet Gunner,

13 months old. Gunner belongs to Tammy Marshall of Exeter.

November’s

winner!

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.

Email your pet’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 pet’s name, city of residence and your contact information.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 43

Hmong History The word Hmong describes an ethnic group with its own language and traditions, with roots in several southeastern Asian nations, including Vietnam, Laos, Thailand and China. Most Hmong people originally came to the United States as refugees seeking asylum after the Vietnam conflict. Secretly recruited by the CIA to fight the North Vietnamese Communist insurgents in their country, Laotian Hmongs were forced to flee westward to Thailand to escape persecution after the fall of Saigon in 1975. Most of them remained in Thailand, where they lived in refugee camps, until they were later granted permission to come to the United States, beginning in the late 1970s.

The majority of the Hmong population resettled in California and in the northern United States, until interest in poultry production brought the first families to southwest Missouri about 12 years ago.

44 | NOVEMBER 2015

New Year in November New Year’s Festival scheduled for Nov. 28 in Cassville

O

ver the past 20 years, the demographics in southwest Missouri counties have shifted. Many of our neighbors are now Hispanic, African, or Asian immigrants who have stepped out on faith, believing that our area would offer more opportunities than the places they left behind.

But, as we all know, our memories travel with us. In order to preserve cherished traditions, the relatively new ethnic groups to southwest Missouri have brought with them the ceremonies and festivals unique to their cultures. As a result, we “natives” now have the privilege of broadening our own cultural horizons.

The annual Hmong New Year’s Festival is one such hallowed tradition. I wandered into the event out of curiosity last year, after a friend had given me a heads-up that it would be taking place. I’m glad that I did. When I stepped into the Community Center on the Crowder College campus in Cassville the day after Thanksgiving, I was a bit uncertain of my reception. I was soon put at ease, however, by the friendly couple responsible for greeting people at the door.

I discovered, in fact, that the event was open to the public. Anyone interested in learning more about the Hmong culture was welcome to attend.

Story and photos by Sheila Harris CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 45

Once inside, I was unprepared for the cornucopia of sights and sounds which met me. With voices raised in enthusiasm, men and women made the building resound with the music of a cappella songs sung in their native tongue. Beside vendors’ tables arrayed with colorful Asian fruits (all of which were unfamiliar to me), young ladies were busily preparing and selling traditional Hmong foods. But my eyes were most bedazzled by the multitude of men and women wearing the elaborate costumes, which bespoke their Hmong heritage. In brilliant hues, and featuring intricate detail — their traditional attire, I later discovered — was reserved for special occasions: most importantly, the celebration of the Hmong New Year.

46 | NOVEMBER 2015

For future generations

Pa See Vang Caby, 25, a graduate of Pittsburg State University with a degree in Communications, was born in a refugee camp in Thailand. Granted political asylum by the United States when Pa See was 1 year old, the family was first placed in Philadelphia. From there, they relocated to Wisconsin until 2003, when her father, Cheng Leng Vang invested in a poultry farm and moved his family to the Wheaton area, where Pa See graduated from high school.

Pa See has many fond memories of the New Year’s Festivals she attended in large urban areas of the northern United States while growing up.

“I enjoyed seeing the beautiful costumes, watching people play pov pob, and the colorful rows of tent shops selling an assortment of items,” Pa See recalled. “But my favorite thing was watching the dance exhibition groups. Some of them showcased traditional dances, while others performed modern, acrobatic interpretations. Each group was unique, but each was equally wonderful.”

Pa See joins Mary Hang in her sentiment that the most important aspect of the Hmong New Year’s Festival is the opportunity it affords for the Hmong community to come together to share their common heritage. She hopes it continues for many years to come.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 47

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In their Asian nations of origin, after the harvest is completed, the Hmong people set aside 10 days (usually in November or December) as a time of thanksgiving for the past and opportunities for new beginnings in the future.

Due to the standard 40-hour workweeks required by employers in the United States, Hmong New Year’s Festivals in this country have been shortened considerably, typically to just one day in rural communities. However, it is still a time for Hmong families to come together to celebrate their common heritage.

Traditional dress is worn, traditional foods are served, and traditional rituals are observed.

Mary Hang, owner of China Express Restaurant on the square in Cassville, and a native of Laos, has attended New Year’s Festivals for as long as she can remember.

“Wherever there are communities of Hmong people in the United States, we set aside time for an annual festival,” Hang said. “Typically, at the longer festivals, there will be games, talent competitions and dance exhibitions. And, where communities are within driving distance of each other, festival dates are scheduled so that people can attend more than one New Year’s celebration.”

“Last December, my family attended the International Hmong New Year’s Festival in Fresno, Calif., where my daughter, Sarah, was one of nine finalists in a beauty pageant.

The Fresno festival usually lasts for seven days, and is the largest one in the world. Last year, we were among about 40,000 to 50,000 people who attended. We had a wonderful time.”

Although the Hmong Community New Year’s Festival in southwest Missouri is not quite on the scale of that in Fresno, it still draws a sizable

crowd. According to Hang, people traveled to Cassville from all over the four-state area last year, and from as far away as Kansas City.

Hang explained that within the Hmong community in southwest Missouri, there are two main cultural divisions.

“Some of us are Hmong Green and some of us are Hmong White,” she said. “We socialize with each other and speak the same language, but our dialects are different, just like the way people from New York speak differently than people from Texas.

But the main way to tell the Hmong White apart from the Hmong Green is their style of traditional dress.”

“Hmong White wear clothes made mostly of solid-colored fabrics.

The women usually either wear white skirts, or have skirts that include panels of white. The skirts of the Hmong Green women are more detailed, made from bright, multicolored fabric, usually with lots of needlework, gathered pleats and appliqués.”

Hang, who is Hmong Green and a seamstress, said that women traditionally make a new dress for every New Year’s Festival.

“But,” she added, laughing, “for Hmong Green women, having a new dress for the New Year’s Festival depends on how talented of a seamstress you are. Sometimes it can take more than a year to make one dress.”

When asked what is done with previously-worn dresses, she explained that they are stored, to be worn for funerals and weddings, or sometimes to be given to women who don’t have a costume.

In addition to their dresses, women’s costumes are completed by ornately-beaded or turban-style hats, along with pinafores, sashes and extravagant, cascading necklaces.

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 49

WELCOME ONE AND ALL

According to Boua Vang, president of the Southwest Missouri Hmong Association, this year’s New Year’s Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 28 at the Community Center on the Crowder College campus in Cassville. Activities will begin at 9 a.m. and last until midnight.

There will be food, ball-tossing, dancing, singing and a fashion show. Entertainment, featuring a live band, will begin performing at 6 p.m. The public is invited to attend.

Men, too, are identified as either Hmong Green or Hmong White by the colors of their traditional clothing. Instead of a dress, though, men wear wide-legged, loose-fitting pants made from a type of silky fabric. The pants are complemented by colorful cummerbunds, and vests adorned with imitation coins. The coins once symbolized the economic status of a family, but are now worn solely for the sake of custom.

For Hang, far beyond the excitement of making and wearing traditional costumes for New Year’s Festivals, though, is the rewarding opportunity to gather with other people of her culture. She believes it’s especially important for the teenagers, many of whom meet their future spouses at New Year’s Festivals.

“At festivals, teenagers play a courtship game called pov pob. In English, it would be called ‘ball toss,’” “The boys and girls separate into long lines, facing each other, and toss a cloth ball back and forth to members of the opposite sex who they’re interested in getting to know better,” Hang said. “Now, it’s just a fun way for them to break the ice, although traditionally, it was taken more seriously.

“The Hmong New Year’s Festivals are an important way to preserve the Hmong culture for our children.

In a country as large as the United States, it’s easy to feel isolated, but when we gather to celebrate the New Year, we are reminded that there are others, too, who want to keep the memories of our heritage alive.” 

Game of Pov Pob (ball toss)

50 | NOVEMBER 2015

Making a joyful noise unto the Lord photo by Melonie Roberts

Volunteers with St. Mary’s Catholic Church helped workers from Dobson Pipe Organ Builders, of Lake City, Iowa, in assembling scaffolding reaching high into the ceiling of the church to raise wooden chests to the balcony level.

Restored pipe organ once again making Heavenly music

W Shhhhh! Restoration underway. Workers with the Dobson Pipe Organ Company, out of Lake City, Iowa, had reassembled part of over 650 pipes by June, a full two months ahead of schedule.

Story by Melonie Roberts

hen the Pierce City community decides to get behind a project, miracles tend to happen.

That’s what happened when the parishioners of St. Mary’s Catholic Church decided to undertake fundraising efforts to restore the 1880s-era Felgemaker pipe organ that has been a hallmark of the church, and the community, since it arrived at the church in 1913.

The organ needed major repairs, to the tune of about $126,500, raising the value of the instrument from an estimated $400,000 to $500,000.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 51

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The church started a fundraising effort, inviting members to become “organ donors,” offering a variety of ideas from pledges to tax-deductible contributions from cattlemen and investors.

“It’s been amazing,” said Frances Boman, a church choir member who was one of the volunteers spearheading the fundraising campaign. “We were pretty passionate about it. We knew that we couldn’t replace the organ, and we couldn’t allow it to fall apart.”

“We started fundraising about a year ago, praying we would have enough by March to make the down payment.”

But the congregation, community and fate worked in conjunction with the effort, and the committee met and exceeded its $126,500 goal by nearly $10,000 before May 6.

Restoration efforts were already underway, as employees from Dobson Pipe Organ Builders of Lake City, Iowa, came to inspect the massive structure, and found a number of items that needed to be repaired.

They also found something else — what is believed to be an opus number, “504” — stamped into the front of the instrument’s great windchest.

“If it is an opus number, and comparing it to construction dates of other instruments in the [Organ Historical Society’s] database, we can figure this organ was built around 1889,” Boman said. “There is also an inscription inside that reads Hugo E. Stahl, Jan. 22/13. He worked for an organ company and then later owned his own organ company. They also moved organs.”

The indication is the organ was moved to St. Mary’s in January 1913, after having

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Volunteers with St. Mary’s Catholic Church helped workers from Dobson Pipe Organ Builders, of Lake City, Iowa, clean the metal pipes for the church’s Felgemaker pipe organ, which had not undergone any maintenance or cleaning since the late 1940s.

served at another parish for 25 years.

Boman said the organ had all original parts and had never undergone any modification, except for the addition of an electric pumping mechanism.

“The men inspecting it said it was difficult to get behind there because it was so close to the wall,” Boman said. “They dismantled all 650 pipes for cleaning and repair. Because of the volunteers, we were able to finish dismantling the organ by April 15, one day ahead of schedule.”

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Crates of wooden and metal pipes from the Felgemaker pipe organ at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pierce City, were shipped to Lake City, Iowa, for repair. This is the first significant maintenance and cleaning the organ has had since the late 1940s. The church hosted a number of fundraising activities for the restoration project.

Cracks in these wooden bass pipes, removed from the Felgemaker pipe organ at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Pierce City, were re-leathered along with the tuning stoppers of each. In a gap-stop effort before the reiteration process, paper towels, plastic bags and cloth shims were used in an effort to hold the stoppers in place.

54 | NOVEMBER 2015

Transporting the delicate pipes from the church balcony to the ground floor proved challenging.

Volunteers packed the pipes in numbered wooden crates, placed them on a scaffold and lowered them to the floor.

“All the leather dampers and straps had to be replaced,” Boman said.

“Workers said at different times, they had tried more durable materials on restoration projects, but they didn’t work the same. It has to be leather for the organ to sound right.”

Although Dobson employees offered an expected timeline of 3-4 months for cleaning and restoration, they returned with the pipes by midJune to begin reassembling the massive instrument over a two-week period.

“We’re pretty excited,” Boman said. “It will be wonderful to have the organ working again as it should.

“My best friend, Rhonda Forgey, is the organist. She’s the only one we have that can play the pipe organ, although we are hoping to teach others how to play it.”

Congregation members are anxious to hear their beloved organ once again grace the air with a joyful sound during church services, weddings, confirmations, baptisms and holiday services. They long to again feel its comfort as loved ones are honored and laid to rest at funerals.

“Each current and past member of St. Mary’s parish and our guests have enjoyed many celebrations under our roof and have had the pleasure of listening to beautiful music coming from our amazing pipe organ,” said Father Peter Morciniec.

“We are so fortunate to have it in our midst and restored to its former glory.” 

Frances Boman, a church choir member who helped spearhead fundraising efforts to restore the pipe organ at St. Mary’ Catholic Church in Pierce City, likened the instrument’s uneven playing ivories to broken teeth. “I never realized how crooked they were,” she said.

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Who: Christina and Phill Bridges

What:

Opened You Name it Collectables at 613 Main Street, Cassville

WhEN: February For more information about the store or vintage items, people may call

Chris at 479-256-1048, Phil at

479-841-8552,

visit their website at YouNameItCollectables.com, or check out their Facebook page at Facebook.com/YouNameItCollectables.

T

o buy, sell or trade rare collectibles and vintage memorabilia, or enjoy a unique place to play games and make friends, You Name It Collectables at 613 Main Street in Cassville is the place.

“That’s where the name came from, because if you can name it, we’ve probably got it,” said Christina “Chris” Bridges, who owns and operates the store with husband Phil Bridges.

The team has created the ultimate blast from the past plus teen hangout with thousands of collectibles, memorabilia and gaming experiences.

The store opened in February where a flea market once was, but this is no flea market.

From the moment one crosses the

56 | NOVEMBER 2015

Store offers rare collectibles, plus outlet for youth Visitors can buy, sell, trade or play

threshold, a time warp takes place as Spidey, Iron Man and Star Wars items stare back at you. There’s even a couch to relax and take it all in.

Visitors can peruse Disney and NASCAR memorabilia, play vintage games, or buy or trade thousands of items like die-cast cars, Barbies, Wheaties boxes, pictures, Coca-Cola bottles, lunch boxes and more.

Chris runs the store, while Phil repairs mobile homes through his business, Straight Arrow Repair.

“This got started because he [Phil] can’t stop buying stuff,” Chris said.

“He’s serial entrepreneur and a catalyst.

Things happen when he’s around. We like doing it and like for people to bring things in.”

“We have 1,500-2,000 comics and I

expect to get to 10,000 within the year,” Phil said.

“I say we run it together, he says it’s my baby,” Chris said. “We collect a little bit of everything.”

“I work for a living, then I play with the store,” Phil said. “I used to be a collectibles show promotor. I have all these things I tinker with, but mostly was doing baseball cards and such. I had to raise children and couldn’t do the shows anymore. My wife, the good sport that she is, thought she would have time to write, but it’s not worked out that way. The business has been growing faster than we expected.”

Between them, Phil and Christina have five children and like to promote a fun, family atmosphere. Two 15-yearold twins still at home love coming in.

Story and photos by Julia Kilmer

David Griffith, 18, left, and Nathan Marcano, 18, both of Jenkins, hang out at You Name It Collectables on Thursday to play a game of Magic the Gathering.

The boys have been playing the game for four years and enjoy coming to the store, which offers vintage memorabilia and collectibles to buy, sell or trade.

“It’s their dream job to hang out with teenagers and the neat stuff they play with,” Phil said. “And they’re really excited about being involved with the video arcade idea upstairs.”

Local youth are enjoying the blastfrom-the-past-styled store, and in doing so, discovering a new place to hang out and make friends.

“Kids in Cassville are finding it, and coaches are sending kids there,” Phil said. “We had 11 people show up for a Magic the Gathering tournament Saturday. It’s a great atmosphere for young people to hang out. Where else can kids go, the YMCA in Monett? Kids are needing a place to hang out where they don’t get in trouble.

“The kids are all good-natured.

They don’t do violent. Christina is

tough on not allowing horse play. The games they play are like a video game but on cards.”

Phil invites parents to stop by and check out the atmosphere.

“Every parent has a reason to see what their kids are doing and the atmosphere,” he said. “Just come in, sit down for a while and watch. There’s lots of laughter. The type of people who play these games are not gothic. They are the playful, quiet and gentle type, not aggressive or bullying. That’s more of a jock thing. They have interactions with others. Parents can see the camaraderie and helpfulness. It’s not an atmosphere for the aggressive, jock-type because I will not allow it and neither will Christina.

“We’re encouraging this to be a

hangout,” said Christina, who said she acts as resident mom.

“I’ve been a Mom for 35 years, you just don’t shut that off.”

“She’s more like a friend,” Phil said.

The couple have lots of plans for the store, including setting up rooms for activities.

The second floor will have comics, and the third floor will have a jukebox, pool and foosball table, the Internet, tables for card games, and a place to play games on vintage gaming systems on a projector like Atari and Nintendo.

Equipment can be rented by the hour or the day, and youth can celebrate birthday parties or other special occasions.

Magic the Gathering (known as MTG), a card game that started in

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 57

“Everything in that shop can be traded for.

There’s no hobby in there I haven’t traded.”

— Phil Bridges, You Name It Collectables

1993, is a popular game played by youth with a world-wide circuit, and they offer tournaments at the store on Saturdays. Dungeons and Dragons tournaments are also held at the store.

“Magic the Gathering game is more about brain power and team play,” Phil said. “We’re more organized than any store I know of with Magic. It’s all alphabetized. Other stores have cards but are not organized. They have 5,000-7,000 cards in boxes and have to spend hours trying to find a certain card.”

58 | NOVEMBER 2015

Phil said another unique characteristic of the store is everything is grouped in areas so collectors can find certain items, versus flea markets, where vendors put items randomly together.

“There’s no other place like it,” he said. “The funny thing is, pawn shops are sending people to us, saying we’re likely to give them more money.”

For those interested in wheeling and dealing, clean out your attic and stop by on Saturdays, when the buying and trading takes place.

“Everything in that shop can be traded for,” Phil said. “There’s no hobby in there I haven’t traded. You can’t do that in a flea market.”

Store hours are Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday and Saturday noon- 8 p.m. 

Christina Bridges organizes one of many collections at You Name It Collectables, a store she and husband Phil Bridges own and operate which offers vintage memorabilia and collectibles to buy, sell or trade, and a place for youth to hang out and play games.

10 years of

The band, Crazy Mule, was one of the opening acts at Shakin’ in the Shell this year.

Shakin’ in the Shell Annual Shell Knob event brings thousands to small lake town

F

or two nights and one day each year, Chamber Park in Shell Knob turns from a largely-empty grass field to a largely-busy small-town festival featuring music, food, vendors, children’s rides and games, a dog show and a car show.

That festival — Shakin’ in the Shell — saw one of its biggest years in recent memory in September, with anywhere

Story and photos by Kyle Troutman, editor

from 1,500 to 2,000 people in attendance for the Friday night concert and Saturday bonanza.

Offering everything from laser tag to horseshoes, and even a beer garden, Shakin’ in the Shell has become a staple in the community, and festival Committee Chair Twilia Harrison said it is because of the small lake-side town that Shakin’ in the Shell has become such a success.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 59

Lucas Coates, 3, of Springfield, takes his turn on the swings at Shakin’ in the Shell this year.

Dayton Baker, 6, of Shell Knob, takes perfect aim with his laser bazooka while playing laser tag at Shakin’ in the Shell this year.

“This year was our 10th year, and we had overwhelming amounts of sponsorships from the community, and they are truly the ones who allow us to do this,” she said. “Without the sponsors, half of the stuff would not be there, like the kids’ area, which is very expensive.”

The cost of the event is minuscule in the minds of its organizers, as the 12-person committee and 50-60 volunteers say the cost in dollars is no comparison to the refund in relationships.

“The committee meets for about six months ahead of time to piece everything together, and even after working six months, on the day of the festival, it feels like we did nothing,” Harrison said. “We then bring in even more people to set up the stages, booth spaces, tents and seating. Every person who helps counts, whether they put in a two-hour shift or a 16-hour day.”

Kim Przybyl, committee member, said the community help is second to none.

“It’s spectacular to see the community back it,” she said. “It’s a small community, so practically all the businesses are involved, and a big chunk of the population volunteers. So, it’s a community effort where we all get to know each other, work together, see our kids run around and have a good time.”

Natalie Jolivette, 5, of Willard, pets two dogs up for adoption at Shakin’ in the Shell this year.

Drew Wilson, 7, of Lenexa, Kan., spots his landing while jumping on the bungee trampoline at Shakin’ in the Shell this year.

Harrison and Przybyl, along with John Crain, started Shakin’ in the Shell in 2005. After three years at the helm, Harrison and Przybyl took a break, returning to the organizational committee in 2014.

Przybyl said in that time, she has seen the festival grow and change.

“This time, our experience really showed because the event was well-organized and streamlined,” she said. “We had things we didn’t have before, like the horseshoe tournament. In the past, we’ve tried things like bingo, and I think we have a pretty good formula now. Of course, we are still trying to advance it.”

Przybyl, whose main duty at the event was stage management and graphics, said the live music and bands are her favorite part of the event.

“I have to line up the bands and make sure everyone is where they need to be and taken care of,” she said. “That’s my favorite part, getting to meet the band members and new people and doing what needs to be done.”

Harrison said her duties are more spread throughout the event, mainly in troubleshooting any issues with vendors or the children’s area.

“If anyone has a question about change, or who is selling what, it comes to me,” she said.

Brothers, Tristen Lawson, left, 5, and Walker Lawson, 12, of Springfield, take a ride on The Wizzer at Shakin’ in the Shell this year.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 61

2015 Bark in the Park awards  Ugliest Dog: Izzy, owned by Al Mason  Biggest Dog: Boss, owned by Lacey Ball  Smallest Dog: Nicki, owned by Sandy Montgomery  Looks Most Like Owner: Dolly,

owned by Marilyn McDonald  Best Costume: Charlie,

owned by Rae Lynn Hillhouse  Best Trick: Pixie, owned by Lawson Wiatrak  King: Charlie, owned by Rae Lynn Hillhouse  Queen: Pixie, owned by Lawson Wiatrak

Jacey Ball, left, smiles as her Great Dane, Boss, is judged in the Biggest Dog contest during the Bark in the Park dog show at Shakin’ in the Shell this year.

The Bark in the Park dog show was a popular event at Shakin’ in the Shell this year, drawing a large crowd of pooch-lovers.

Jasmine Smith, of Purdy, shows off the trick skills of Trooper, her Jack Russell Terrier, during the Best Trick contest in the Bark in the Park dog show at Shakin’ in the Shell this year.

62 | NOVEMBER 2015

“I tried to stay at the chamber booth as much as I could to answer questions.”

When not at the booth, Harrison got some puppy love this year, as she said she met Tallie, a great Pyrenees-Border Collie mix who was hanging out at the car show.

“Tallie is a beautiful dog and loved golf cart rides, so I drove Tallie around in my cart for a little while,” she said.

Tallie was not the only dog at the event, as the Bark in the Park dog show, run this year by Przybyl and Elizabeth Griffin, of Fuzzwhackers, saw 26 entrants big and small.

“I loved the bark in the park and

the barktini bar,” Harrison said. “I wanted to put the barktini bar in the beer garden because I thought that would be a lot of fun. We got a wonderful response from dog owners this year.”

Opposite the park from the dog show was the Classic and Custom Car Show, which celebrated its 26th year of existence.

“We had 79 entries in the car show, and they gave away 75 trophies,” Harrison said.

In between the two stations was a myriad of children’s rides and games, as well as more than 40 commercial vendors and five food vendors.

“There was lots of variety between the music, kids area and food,” Harrison said. “The profits from the Eagles Auxiliary booth went to Wounded Warriors and Make a Wish. They said between 300-500 hamburgers were cooked, and they had turkey legs and other foods.”

One of the vendor booths was put on by the local Girl Scout Troop 71360, led

by Regina Stallings, who has lived in Shell Knob since 2010 and has four children of her own, ages 2, 3, 8 and 14.

“[Shakin’ in the Shell] gets bigger every year,” she said. “There are great activities for the kids, and I love Bark in the Park.”

The Girl Scouts kept busy between the rides, Bark in the Park dog show and their carnival booth near the entrance, which featured a bean bag toss.

“This is the troop’s first year, as we started in March,” Stallings said. “The community is really involved with everything here, and that community makes Shell Knob what it is.”

The community turned out in droves for this year’s event, which featured mild weather and clear skies.

“I have a saying that it’s never rained on us because I put the dome down,” Harrison said. “We had great weather this year, and on Saturday, there was a storm coming toward us, but right as it got to Shell Knob, it disappeared.”

The good weather led to good moods,

Harrison said, even at the Friday night concert, when there were no children’s rides or games available yet.

“We had some hay bales out on Friday, and the kids moved them and were jumping on them and over them,” Harrison said. “They were running and getting some physical activity, not like a lot of kids on their phones or texting all the time. And, I thought it was fun watching them do what we used to do when we were young — find something that’s not a toy and make a toy out of it. It’s just nice to see so many people mixing in a good, fun, safe atmosphere.”

Przybyl said much of the credit for the 10th anniversary of the event goes to Harrison.

“Twilia did a magnificent job being a leader, and because of that, we were able to come together as a team and have fun,” she said. 

2015 Classic and Custom Car Show awards  Best of Show/Stock: Myra Markley,

of Eureka Springs, 1957 T-Bird

 Best of Show/Modified: Ed and Janet Lowe,

of Branson West, 1961 Chevy Impala

 Best of Show/2005 and up: Robert Kitching,

of Shell Knob, 2012 Chevy Camaro

 Best of Show/Motorcycles: Charlie Wall,

of Eagle Rock, Harley Davidson  Best Paint: Ed and Janet Lowe,

of Branson West, 1961 Chevy Impala  Best Interior: Myra Markley,

of Eureka Springs, 1957 T-Bird  Best Engine: Betty Owens,

of Eureka Springs, 1964-1/2 Ford Mustang  Teen Award: Cade Pendergraft,

of Cassville, 1983 Chevy Corvette  Judges’ Award: Judy Reynolds,

of Shell Knob, 1951 Studebaker Top 75 trophies were also awarded to entrants

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 63

A Extending back into the woods west of the Spanish Fort Cemetery, under a lavender layer of plants, extends the flat plain on the top of the ridge between Spring River and Honey Creek. The rise at rear designates the edge of the earthen berm surrounding the plateau, the circular wall known at the Spring River Earthworks, built some 500 years ago.

The rising slope of the Spring River Earthworks can be seen rising from the left to the main plateau, as viewed from the southwest rim of the circular berm.

Note the base of the trees growing out of the earthen berm and those at the plateau level at right.

64 | NOVEMBER 2015

A stone’s throw into the mists of time The enduring mystery of the Spring River Earthworks and the Old Spanish Fort

Researchers from what was then Southwest Missouri State University’s Center for Archaeological Studies in June 1995 excavated part of the Spring River Earthworks to unlock its enduring mysteries.

A stone, picked up from the ground.

Or so it seems.

It’s a substantial rock, about 10 inches long and four across, shaped something like a spearhead. On the surface, the rock had been unearthed by farming field work. Eyes look at it closely. They see telltale signs of carving, cutting away the edges. A second stone nearby, of similar shape, tells the same story.

Heads nod. The spot is marked.

Digging around the area goes deeper, and not too far down, three more similar rocks surface. The archaeologists smile. Their work had been rewarded.

That was 20 years ago, in a field south of Mt. Vernon in the valley where Spring River flows north, on the way to merging with Honey Creek.

Fast forward to October 2015.

Missouri State University archaeologist Neal Lopinot takes the same five rocks from a box in a labeled archive at the university, explaining they are preforms, rocks gathered into a personal stash about 500 years ago, probably for cutting double edged Harahey knifes, used for skinning.

The archaeologists came upon these finds as they explored a story that predates local history and shines dimly on the greatest mystery in Lawrence County.

The stone came from the valley be-

Story and photos by Murray Bishoff

Photo courtesy Steve Fairchild

low the ridge east of Hoberg. On this ridge, in a flat spot overlooking one of the creeks at the top of a steep drop, sits a flat space. Around it, in an irregular circle, a berm rises in lurches and mounds, definitely a piling not made by Nature, but so long ago that trees have grown out of it. Sections of the walls have been displaced over the edge, into the surrounding stone ditch.

At the north end, by the county road, the earthwork resembles little more than a mole hill pushed up by a man-sized mole. At the south end, standing in the ditch, the earthwork stretches up around five feet.

It looks like nothing remarkable, and yet it is unlike anything else in

southwest Missouri.

Archeologists call it the Spring River Earthworks. Locals for more than a century called it the Old Spanish Fort, though subsequent research has determined it was neither Spanish nor a fort.

Early researchers, struggling to explain this odd phenomena, equated it with Fort Ancient in Warren County, Ohio, believed to be 1,000 years old, but more recent research has also found was no fort. European settlers moving into the area compromised the local site by placing a cemetery at its center, possibly, according to Missouri State University archeologist Jack Ray, simply because it was a flat space. Nearby, they built a school.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 65

After decades of collectors of Native American artifact collectors combing the area, Monett artist and amateur archaeologist Lee Adams made the first comprehensive attempt at putting the native American artifacts in the bicounty area in perspective in a study he completed in 1958. In 1995, researchers from Missouri State mapped the site with careful measurements for the first time. They also excavated a section of the Spring River valley. Their findings remain definitive, yet leave many questions unanswered.

Simply put, no one knows who built the earthworks or why. What took place there remains sheerly a matter of speculation.

The Missouri State team, in a report to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources and in an excerpt published in “The Missouri Archaeologist” in 1999, laid out all they had discovered and touched on the questions that, so far, remain unknowable.

The working hypothesis of the archaeologists is that the earthworks were built by the Native Americans who lived in the valley below. Carbon dating of burned wood charcoal found in both locations, the types of tools and the pieces of pottery — technically called sherds — connect the two sites. The tested material dated from between 1440 and 1480, roughly the time of Columbus with the margin of error. The people living below occupied the site, left their debris, tools and pottery in it, but may not have built it. If not, earlier unknown peoples may have been responsible.

Who were the people there at the time of Columbus? The archaeologists believe they came from the Neosho tradition, who predate the Osage Indians, living along the Neosho and Spring Rivers west into Oklahoma. These people may have descended from the Oneota, who lived in northern Missouri and as far north

66 | NOVEMBER 2015

Looking up from the stone ditch surrounding the edge of the Spring River Earthworks, the berm rises to the highest height at the southeast rim of the site. The density of the trees shows how the earthworks remains unattended in present days, though researchers speculate all trees around the earthworks had been cleared when the Neosho tradition people occupied the valley below.

as Wisconsin, or the Caddoan people, from the Arkansas valley. The only Caddoan mound in Missouri was found near Pineville. Other connections point to the Mississippian people, the “mound builders” of Cahokia, roughly dating from 400 to 1400 AD (or CE for “current era,” as scientists prefer to use), and Middle Woodland people, dating back from 500 AD about 500 years.

Neither Oneota or Caddoan matches perfectly. The main cultural trait between these people is their pottery, which show similarities. All use clay mixed with the ground shells and fired into a hard finish. Neosho and Caddoan pottery have flat bottoms but dissimilar decorations. Not a single intact example of Neosho pottery has surfaced. Hundreds of sherds, some substantial, found locally show a striping by indentation

and little punctures on the surface, leading to the labeled style as Neosho punctate.

The main concentration of the Neosho people is several hundred kilometers away in northeast Oklahoma. A number of other sites identified with the Neosho tradition have been found nearby, with similar dates: one near the Buffalo River by the Arkansas border, another by the Arkansas-Oklahoma border. Both seem to have been winter shelters in caves, small enough for only a few families.

Likewise, archaeologists explored the Hudson cave on Little Sugar Creek in McDonald County in recent years, discovered in the digging to expand Highway 71. Archaeologist Neal Lopinot said all show the same Neosho characteristics, the same pottery, the same tools.

A double edged Harahey knife, found near the Spring River Earthworks. A plow is suspected to have nicked the top sharp edge, causing the indentation.

Some of the decorations differ, but they appear closely related.

These people of the Neosho tradition at least used the Spring River earthworks. Stone and other debris from their time is found in the ditch surrounding the earthworks.

“No Neosho earthworks have been found in Oklahoma,” where the Neosho people were first identified, the report stated. “If no other Neosho earthworks exist, perhaps the Spring River Earthwork is not Neosho, or perhaps the Spring River area was a special place for the Neosho tradition.”

The best known other earthworks like it in Missouri is the Old Fort in Van Meter State Park on the Missouri River, related to a nearby Oneota village. Other late prehistoric sites are in Kansas and Oklahoma. Archeologists do not know the function of any of them, and discount the early notion that they represent-

ideal as an impressive, visible central meeting place for social, political or religious activities,” the researchers concluded.

To look for the secret — or at least its functional purpose for a time — of

Smaller sherds of Neosho pottery, showing both the lines and decorative impressions, found near the Spring River Earthworks.

ed defensive sites. Lee Adams even considered various mounds found across the area as possible burial sites, but found no evidence to support the theory.

“Given its position at the top of the slope above the Spring River valley, the earthwork would probably have been visible from most parts [of the valley below], especially when there were no leaves on the trees. The enclosure and some of the surrounding area may even have been cleared of trees, further enhancing its visibility. Its location would have been

the earthworks, much of the research has focused on revealing the story of the Neosho people. To do that, researchers literally dug into the valley below the earthworks, and the hillside beside it, for clues.

The valley, on both sides of the ridge that holds the earthworks, extends for miles. Collectors have harvested thousands of artifacts from the valley for more than a century. The

sheer breadth of territory across which artifacts have surfaced suggests that perhaps thousands of Native Americas lived in the valley over the years, but not all at the same time.

Lopinot preferred to describe it as a dispersed village, spread out, each family harvesting crops for some distance around their homes, thus explaining the distance between the post molds. He characterized their culture as less socially structured than the Mississippians living in Cahokia, whose city near St. Louis had upwards of 40,000 occupants in the 1300s.

The valley has been used extensively by the Spring River Sod Farm, owned by Joe Dahlman of Mt. Vernon. Thus the archaeologists dubbed it the Dahlman site. In 2015 the valley served as a corn field. Researchers conducted their study in 1995 after sod had been extracted, giving them access to subterranean artifacts.

Throughout the report, the scientists identify what they don’t know, and what further study of the valley might reveal. They pointed to several critical discoveries.

Their dig found post molds, strongly indicating the residents erected wood buildings. Whether there were enough to make a city, or to even stay through the winter, is unknown.

“I think the people were fairly flexible in any given year,” Lopinot said.

“If there was good corn or bison, they decided to stay. If not, they probably packed up in smaller groups to get through the winter, so they would come back in the spring.”

A turtle shell found with scrape marks, suggesting use as a container, confirmed occupation during warm weather. No evidence of stone buildings or use of metal surfaced.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 67

Three of the large preforms, possibly for a multi-edged Harahey knife, dug out of the Neosho people’s encampment in the valley along the Spring River below the Spring River Earthworks.

Because float tests found corn fragments, Lopinot concluded the people harvested corn and would have lived there during growing season and at least until the harvest. Unlike the site in Arkansas, evidence of very few other crops surfaced. At least at the Arkansas site, a hoe made from a buffalo scapula turned up. Lopinot felt a bigger sample would find a similar diet of fruits and vegetables, much of which seldom surface in digs. Evidence shows the Spring River residents had lots of hazelnuts in their diet, as well as walnuts, acorns and fleshy fruits. Turkey, rabbits, smaller mammals, fish and turtles should have been available.

The highly acidic ground left little evidence of bones. Because of the tools found, specifically knives and scrapers for cleaning hides, researchers specu-

68 | NOVEMBER 2015

lated the people had the right material to hunt deer and even buffalo. It is not known if buffalo existed around Mt. Vernon at the time. However, since the plains of northwestern Lawrence County, heavily used for cattle today, geographically extend out into Kansas and Oklahoma, researchers feel that buffalo very likely provided a major food source beyond the few deer bones found with the artifacts. Whether a hunting party would seek buffalo or the entire enclave leave together for a hunt remains another matter of speculation.

The stone artifacts suggest the Neosho people had their own styles. Their arrowheads, for example, are triangular without notches, the later method of attaching stone to arrows. This type of arrowhead, common among Late

Woodland and Mississippian villages, went out of style elsewhere by 1400.

Lopinot characterized their use by the Neosho people as a choice, like a style of clothing.

The rock evidence even suggests the Neosho villagers had significant contact with other natives. About 10 percent of the tools found came from non-local stones originating in Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. The Neosho people may have picked them up in their travels or procured them in trades, either for the finished tools or the exotic stone raw material to make their own.

Missouri State archaeologist Jack Ray speculated there may have been competition and rivalry for access to good stone for tool production between native groups, and even

A scraper found in the Neosho people’s village, used by holding the wide end and forcing the narrow sharpened end against hides to clean them.

One of the better Madison arrowheads excavated from the Neosho tradition village near the Spring River Earthworks, in the Missouri State University Center for Archaeological Studies’ collection.

The highly acidic ground left little evidence of bones. Because of the tools found, specifically knives and scrapers for cleaning hides, researchers speculated the people had the right material to hunt deer and even buffalo.

A pipe, approximately four inches long, discovered in excavations around the Spring River Earthworks.

Evidence of tobacco has not been found by archaeologists but has been suspected.

One of three boxes of artifacts found in and around the Spring River Earthworks, housed at the Missouri State University Center for Archaeological Research.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 69

political forces in place to protect resources. The bluff where the earthworks sit holds a significant deposit of Burlington chert, some of the very best stone for making tools. Since tool making made a significant part of the known activity by the Neosho people, if the village was nomadic and not permanently settled in the Spring River valley, the people may have returned again and again to the site to secure the Burlington stone. Excavation shows numerous mining sites all along the bluff west of the earthworks.

The lack of pottery has made it impossible to separate generations of artifacts. In the mix surfaced arrowheads whose style dated them back between 900 and 1200 A.D. Archaeologists unearthed pieces of 50 Harahey knives, commonly used around 1300 A.D. in the Plains, as bison herds increased.

Such artifacts could indicate preNeosho people occupied the valley hundreds of years earlier, or perhaps continuously, but there is no way to know with certainty and without ex-

70 | NOVEMBER 2015

tensive additional excavation. Ray speculated most occupations in the valley were brief, except for the one associated with the earthworks.

What happened to the Neosho people? No one really knows. They may have melded into another group to become a later tribe, as the Osage came out of people migrating westward. Lopinot said they could have all been wiped out, as were 80-90 percent of Native Americans by smallpox and other diseases brought by Europeans before French explorers came into the region.

Ray expressed concern about the survival of the earthworks. Exposed to the weather and open to the public, the site remains vulnerable. Excavations into the earthworks have not shown them to be rich in artifacts, but in gravel. The meaning comes from the collected material, the charcoal and plant debris, and the layered concomitant when analyzed. Tear the pages out of the book and the story is lost.

Lopinot remained hopeful that

more answers will eventually surface. Just as technology like carbon dating in the last 50 years alone has transformed the understanding of the earthworks and the people connected to it, Lopinot saw the possibility of ground penetrating radar and other new techniques making discoveries without disturbing the site, casting new light on old questions.

The Spring River Earthworks is listed on the National Directory of Historic Places and is surrounded by a barbed wire fence, just beyond the cemetery. Littered debris of beer cans and other modern people’s trash can be found around the ditch of the earthworks. Nearby, at the entrance to the cemetery, stands the monument set in 1930 identifying the site with Fort Ancient, a marker now known to be totally erroneous. Yet there it stands, muddying the waters of history.

The earthworks sit enigmatically silent, holding their secret for another day. 

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 71

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Karen Smith, Felicia Tudor and Jacquie Lane pose with Connection magazine on the balcony of their St. Pete Beach, Fla., condo the week of Sept. 6.

Kristy Berger and Amy Sampson, of Monett, took Connection magazine with them during a summer trip to Europe. This photo was captured near Salzburg, Austria.

Jack Orbell and Nona Orbell took Connection magazine with them on a trip to the Grand Canyon.

The Wormingtons and Martins took Connection magazine with them to do a little white water rafting in Brown’s Canyon in Colorado over the summer.

Rhonda Mattingly and Renee Veith took Connection magazine with them to the Mall of America the first of October for a get-away. They enjoyed some retail therapy, as well as trying new and different places to eat.

74 | NOVEMBER 2015

Linda Sparkman of Mt. Vernon, left, and friend Janelle Cox took Connection magazine with them on a trip to Victorville, Calif.

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Pvt. Michael Robert Cooper of the United States Marine Corps of Monett graduated in San Diego on Oct. 16 after 13 weeks of extensive training. He is the son of Mike and Rhonda Cooper, and brother of Brittni and Matthew Cooper.

Richard Mach, pictured, and his wife, Polly McCrillis, took Connection magazine with them to Green Bay, Wis., for a preseason game between the Green Bay Packers and New Orleans Saints. Richard is pictured in front of a statue of Vince Lombardi at Lambeau Field.

Ad Index Acambaro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

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Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri. . . . . . . . . . . . 55

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Grande Tire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Ramey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 72

Barry Electric Coop. . . . . . . . . . . 20 Bennett Wormington. . . . . . . . . 23 Burrus Jewelers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Carolyn Hunter, DMD . . . . . . . . 83 Cassville Health & Rehab. . . . . . 13 Community National Bank. . . . . 23 Cornerstone Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Country Dodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Cox Medical Centers. . . . . . . . . . 84 Crane Family Dentistry. . . . . . . . 52 Diet Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Doug’s Pro Lube. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Eastside Church of Christ. . . . . . 27 Edgewood Creamery. . . . . . . . . . 26 Edward Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Empire Finance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Farm Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Feed & More Country Store . . . 23 First State Bank of Purdy. . . . . . 27 Fohn Funeral Home. . . . . . . . . . . 11 Four Season Realty. . . . . . . . . . . 26

Guanajuato. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Houlihans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Hudson Collision. . . . . . . . . . . . . 48 Ila Bohms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 J&J Floor Covering . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Ken’s Collision Center. . . . . . . . . 37 Lackey Body Works. . . . . . . . . . . 49 Lacoba Homes, Inc.. . . . . . . . . . . 11 Les Jacobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Macadoodles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Making Memories. . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Michael Riehn, Attorney. . . . . . . 13

Race Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Scott Regional. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49 Second Chance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Security Bank of SWMO. . . . . . 83 Shelter Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Sisters Home Cooking . . . . . . . . 27 Smile Designers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Superior Spray Foam. . . . . . . . . . 52 Swartz Tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 The Jane Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Tomblin’s Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Tried & True Candles and Tanning. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Missouri Loan Center. . . . . . . . . 77

Trogdon Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52

Mocha Jo’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Walmart Pharmacy. . . . . . 14 & 53

Monett Chamber

Whitley Pharmacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

of Commerce . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 & 19

Wickman Gardens. . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Morton Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Willis Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Old Town Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . 53

Youngberg Chapel. . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Ozark Methodist Manor. . . . . . . . 5

Ziggies Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 75

Familiar Faces

The 49th annual Apple Butter Makin’ held Oct. 9-11 in and around the square in Mt. Vernon.

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PO Box 37 • 816 Broadway Monett, MO 65708 jjfloor@suddenlinkmail.com 76 | NOVEMBER 2015

“A Little Store With Big Savings” Residential & Commercial Owned & Operated by Jim & Jayne Terry

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1. Pard and Lois Lowe 2. Laelyn Campbell, Laney Hudson, Payton Campbell, Emma Hudson 3. Brady Weston, Nic Springer 4. Breanna, Mark and Eva Johnson 5. Diana Graham, Destiny Reid, Brittany Reid 6. Lavonne Baldwin, Becky Price, Sarah Jung, Wyatt Foster 7. Chance and Cissy Noll 8. Tonya & Mark Phillips 9. Sarah Atallah and Theodore, Emoree Ozarslan 10. Brooke Porter, Diana (Wilmouth) Porter, Cap Briant 11. Michelle and Tom Majors 12. Ronnie and Linda Crouch

Bus. (417) 235-0016 Fax (417) 235-6364 Res. (417) 442-7974

Marionville’s annual Applefest celebration took place Sept. 18 & 19 in Marionville.

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Glo Abramovitz and Bryson Gaston Kylee Wilson and Hannah Brown Michelle Garoutte and Ace Tristin Elliott and Cheyln Brown Whitney Floyd, Maisy Brown, Wyatt Shiveley and Taylor Bick Stephanie Doherty and Princess Madison Reavis, Cade Brown and Tanner Wright Rosetta and Valerie Evans Nevaeh and Joey Hancock, Payton Gilmore and Makenzie McDonald

TiTle loans Pay Day loans Phone: 417-235-4200 • 775 Chapel Dr., Suite F, Monett, MO 65708 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 77

The 31st annual Aurora AutoFest held on Oct. 3 at Oak Park in Aurora.

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Shakin’ in the Shell

1. Audrey Boggs, left, 9, and Caitlyn Bonass, 8, both of Shell Knob 2. Front row: Shell Knob Shriners Ladies Pearl Litzsinger, Kathie Harris, Karen Morris and Vanda Good. Back row: Dorothy Overbey, president, and Kimmie Poinsett.

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3. Barbara Dickerson, left, and Jennie VanHook 4. From left: Madi Boyd, Ali Crownhart and Kayleigh Shinn 5. From left: Chad Neumeier; Theia Neumeier, 7 months, and Cathy Olson, grandmother and great grandmother.

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Celebration Tea

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Members of First United Methodist Church hosted the eighth annual Celebration Tea to benefit Loaves and Fishes in September.

The group raised over $16,000 to benefit the senior meals delivery program.

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1 1. Tim and Graysen Boettler 2. Ernie Rosser, David Butler Herring, Laura Lancaster, Kris Nicholson 3. Ashlyn Teague, Heidi Clay, Conrad Teague 4. Roger Bandy, Ken Bandy, Charlie Pritchett 5. Carl Chaney and Kody Murray 6. Dan and Dorothy McKinley 7. Jaime McKinley and Marley McKinley 8. Judy Herndon and Betty Owens 9. Tim Hohgrefe and Marty Clopton 10. Daisy Shepard, Logan Richter, Amanda Kapphan 11. Gary Allen, Jim Verden 12. Jennifer, Nate and Leola Downer

4 1. Barbara Ward, Mary Lou Robberson and Donna Cole 2. Gina Milburn and Linda Lanning 3. Jane Overeem, Phyllis Garrett, Linda Van Eaton, Mary Holmes 4. Maryal Hunt, Mamie Lane 5. Melva Gressley and Mary Lambert

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 79

The 16th annual Pierce City Community hosted by the Dacy Foundation, held on Oct. 10 at the Pierce City Senior Citizens Center.

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Banquet,

1. Theresa Heeter and Jack George 2. Mark and Rose Strick 3. John and Carmen Archer 4. Kelly and Sandy Lakin 5. Clara Scroggins, Jane and Ben Slagle 6. Allen and Susan Stockton 7. Jimmie and Janet Copley 8. Steve and Beverly Kelley 9. Mike and Carolyn Flummerfelt 10. Richard and Sherry Reed 11. Pat and Larry Carver 12. Sabrina and Steve Chapman

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The eighth annual Not So Square arts festival was held on Sept. 12 at the Mt. Vernon Arts and Recreation Center in Mt. Vernon.

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10 1. Wanda and Michael Bilyeu 2. Brenda and Dwayne McNeil 3. Diane Heisner, Susan Wilbanks with Isaac the dog and Esther Pringle 4. Stephanie and Willow Jones 5. Kathy Teel, W.D. “Fritz” Fritzinger 6. Jennifer Monroe, Sarah Hoxworth 7. Betty and Don Washam 8. Front: Christina McDermitt, Celia Davidson. Back: Robert Pickthall, Robert Pickthall, and Zach Wilson 9. Larry and Janet Pauley 10. Ryan and Katy McDowell, Jesse McDowell and Zetta McDowell in carriage 11. David and Matthew Pickle 12. Christy and Stevie Meirick, Avery Writer

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Parting Shot

This photo of a nest of baby robins was recently captured by Della Mae Stouder of Cassville.

“Gratitude can transform common days into thanksgivings, turn routine jobs into joy, and change ordinary opportunities into blessings.”

— William Arthur Ward

82 | NOVEMBER 2015

SERVING THE CASSVILLE AREA FOR OVER 30 YEARS

New Patients Welcome!

Carolyn Hunter DMD

77 Smithson Drive, Cassville, MO 65625 www.carolynhunterdmd.com

(800) 639-4959 or (417) 847-2461

Great, Friendly Service Committed to Barry County Prompt Decisions Made Locally

• Dentures, Partials & Bridges • Crown & Veneers • Routine & Periodontal Cleanings • Implants • Sleep Apnea Appliance • Adult Ortho

SBSECURITY BANK OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI

Your Locally Owned Independent Bank

Let All Our Friendly Faces Serve You At Any Of Our Three Locations:

Cassville

Jct. 37, 76 & 86 417-847-4794

Wheaton

302 Main Street 417-652-3204

Exeter

Bill Pay & Internet Banking at www.sbswmo.com

Front Street 417-835-8111 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 83

84 | NOVEMBER 2015