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2 | December 2021
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 3
Editorial
My Eyes Are Always Bigger Than My …
O
k, so the strangest thing happened to me this year, I went to bed on July 4 listening to the fireworks going off, fell asleep, and became lost in one of those time period lapses that you see in science fiction movies. I say that because when I woke up, it was chilly out, it was time to plan the menu for Thanksgiving and I needed to be buying Christmas presents! I thought these things only happened on TV or in the movies! Have you ever noticed that things also get a lot bigger around the holidays? Let’s take for instance, food. When it comes to chicken or turkey I am a dark meat lover. When I was younger we would celebrate Thanksgiving at my grandparents’ house, Clause and Ella Atwell. There were quite a number of relatives that would gather at their home for the holiday feast. We would all sit around the massive dining room table. I was pretty young at the time, but I know for a fact that no matter how big that turkey was, the dark meat would always disappear first. One year I thought I had it all figured out. I knew that the turkey’s leg had to be bigger than a chicken’s leg, so … I took my grandpa aside and told him that this year I wanted the turkey leg. Of course I could have the turkey leg, he had no problems with that. There was only one condition. “You have to promise me that you will eat the entire turkey leg,” grandpa said. Well I was so excited, of course I would eat the whole leg. I was going to get a good amount of dark meat without the possibility of running out.. When it was time for the meal, we had prayer and items were being passed from one family member to another. My grandpa decided that the fact that I was getting the turkey leg was worthy of an announcement. I didn’t understand what the big deal was. I was probably only about six years old. Do you know how big a turkey leg is that belongs to a 24 or 28 pound turkey? It sure gave everyone a good laugh. I tried to eat it all but probably did not eat a fourth of the meat, but grandpa sure had fun with the whole thing, and to this day most of the family remembers me wanting that leg.
4 | December 2021
You would think that when you become an adult your perspective would improve and sizes would become more realistic. That is not always true. Let’s talk about Christmas trees. Ever since I could remember there was an artificial Christmas tree in my house. I was always told I was allergic to real trees. So I took my mother at her word and always had artificial trees. With enough decorations, you can make the artificial trees look festive and pretty. Twenty-eight years ago, I celebrated my first Christmas with my current husband. He had never had anything but real trees. He was a country boy and they always would go out and cut one down. This was an experience that I only had by watching the Christmas movies on television. I was young, newly in love and what better way to celebrate your first Christmas together than to go into the woods and cut down your Christmas tree! So the adventure began. We entered the timber and looked for that perfect tree. What could be more holiday oriented than going into the woods and cutting down your own tree? There it was. The perfect Christmas tree standing to the left of our pickup. I mean you could almost hear the dramatic music playing when I saw it and lights shining down on it like it was delivered from Heaven. I told my husband that this is it! This tree is absolutely perfect! Strangely he asked me quite a few times if I was sure that this was the tree that I wanted. I was so very sure that this was planted in that spot just for me for that year! He opened the pickup door, grabbed his chain saw and began cutting the designated tree down. It seemed like when the tree fell, I heard someone yell “timber” but it could have been my imagination. After all I was very caught up in the whole fantasy Christmas scene that I almost expected snow to gracefully start falling from the sky. We loaded the tree into the pickup and headed home. He did inform me that he was pretty sure the tree would need to be trimmed.
Continued on page 7
A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS
GENERAL MANAGER Lisa Craft monettcommunity@gmail.com EDITOR Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Vicky Abraham Marion Chrysler CONTRIBUTORS Meagan Ruffing Darlene Wierman Melonie Roberts Susan Funkhouser Pam Wormington Jordan Troutman Christa Stout Cheryl Williams Sierra Gunter Jennifer Conner Annie Lisenby Smith Mike Gervais PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Jamie Brownlee Amy Sampson
Merry Christmas! AurOrA
TO ADVERTISE 417-847-2610 - Cassville 417-235-3135 - Monett Send email inquiries to connection@monett-times.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 40, Monett, MO 65708 Connection is published monthly and distributed free in Cassville, Monett, Exeter, Washburn, Pierce City, Mt. Vernon, Aurora, Verona, Roaring River, Eagle Rock, Shell Knob, Purdy, Wheaton, Freistatt, Marionville, Seligman, Golden and other surrounding areas. Connection is a publication of the Cassville Democrat, The Monett Times and Rust Communications.
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6 | December 2021
Haysten Thompson, 13 months old, from Harrison, Ark., met Santa in 2019. This young man saw NYC when he was just 13 months old in 2019 during his family ‘Christmas Vacation.’ Cover photo provided courtesy of the Thompson family
CONTENTS 19 Healthy Connection: Live Your Best Life 21 Cutest Kid
27 Mental Health Column 29 Parenting Column: Inside Amazements 35 Date Night
45 Rescued, My Favorite Breed 47 Cutest Pet
48 Familiar Faces 50 Parting Shot
Have an idea for a story you would like to see in Connection Magazine? Email it to connection@monett-times.com Facebook.com/MyConnectionMo
F
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A
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U
R
E
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13 | A CHRISTMAS VACATION
The Thompsons travel the map over the holidays in search of jolly adventure, ornaments
23 | ‘ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS’
A fiction of the merriest kind. What do we all wish for most?
30 | EDGEWOOD CREAMERY
Making the most of the season, the Purdy creamery produces fine, giftables and an eggnog with a following
33 | HIGH ON THE HOG AT 92
Janice Beshears’ annual birthday ride brings out the best memories
37 | BLUE LINE LASER WORKS
Custom woodworking gifts are priceless and ready to order through the Wheaton local business
39 | HANDBELL CHOIR
No Christmas is complete without a ‘Ringing of the Bells’
41 | PHARISS CEMETERY
Rededication of a Lawrence County cemetery sheds light on the past
Continued from page 4 We got home and he trimmed, and trimmed and tried to get it through the back door, stopped and trimmed some more. As he finally was dragging the tree through the kitchen into the dining room I realized that I had chosen what it seemed to be one of the biggest trees in the timber. Do you know they look a lot smaller outside than in a house? We put the trunk in the stand and both of us pulled the tree to a standing position. At that time we knew from the limbs that were being bent at the ceiling, we were going to have to do more trimming – it took up the entire dining room. We trimmed and trimmed and got it to the point where I thought I could decorate our tree. Tons of lights were placed on this mammoth tree, also ornaments and garland. I was so proud of this tree and so excited that we had this real, very large tree for the kids. The kids thought it was pretty neat until we woke up the next morning and the tree had tipped over. So we ended up having to attach rope to every side of the tree and attaching the rope to the wall. To say the least, I learned my lesson very quickly as to how to pick out a size appropriate Christmas tree. These are silly stories, but they are good memories as I hope each and everyone of you have good holiday memories that you can share with others and laugh about. I hope and pray that all of you had a fantastic and blessed Thanksgiving and the staff at Connection Magazine wish each and everyone of you a Merry Christmas!
Lisa Craft
General Manager, Connection Magazine Lisa Craft is General Manager of Connection Magazine, The Monett Times and Cassville Democrat. She can be reached at monettcommunity@gmail.com or connection@monett-times.com
D E C E M B E R 2021 ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 7
SHOP LOCAL • SHOP LOCAL • SHOP Whitley’s Pharmacy
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Whitley Peanut Factory nuts, in a variety of flavors, sizes and prices
Myra Bags in a variety of styles and prices
Blue Line Laser Works Items can be found online on Facebook or Etsy
Christmas ornaments, a variety of styles all customizable, (above) Sports ornaments 8 | December 2021
An assortment of kitchen ware, including utensils, cutting boards, and salad hands — all customizable
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Family wooden sign, customizable in different sizes
Santa bags to bring gifts in, or bags to take gifts out (right) A variety of ornaments ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 9
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10 | December 2021
Beautiful Image by Nikole Carthage, Mo.
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A Christmas Vacation
A tree full of ornaments tell a story of Christmas adventure
T
Haysten Thompson of Harrison, Ark., saw NYC when he was just 13 months old in 2019 during his family ‘Christmas Vacation.’
he Thompson family of Harrison, Arkansas, may not be traveling via station wagon with an uprooted tree tied to the roof, or have enough lights on their home to create a power outage, but they have a unique Christmas tradition — A Christmas Vacation. Tava and Jacob Thompson have been married for four years, and have two boys together Haysten, 3, and Radlen, 9 months. The Christmas spirit flows heavily through the Thompson home and Christmas decorations go up before Halloween. There is a great debate about prematurely decorating for Christmas, but Tava and her family, while they have fun celebrating the rest of the holidays, have a special bond with Christmas. “I have always loved Christmas,” Tava said. “When I was young we always had big, elaborate Christmas decorations. We went all out, and it was such a great time spent with family.”
Story by Jordan Troutman ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 13
While Tava’s love for Christmas was built at a young age, she said Jacob wasn’t the elf she was at heart. “He didn’t put up a tree or any other decorations; he was a total Scrooge,” she said. “But, he is totally into it now. He even convinced me to put a Christmas tree in Haysten’s room this year.” One of the reasons the lights on the outside of the house go up before Halloween is because the weather is usually much nicer, and by the first week of November, the trees and other decorations are lighting up the Thompson home. “Before Haysten was born, Jacob and I went on a “Christmas Vacation,” she said. “We went to Colorado right around Christmas time and decided we wanted to make that an annual thing with our kids.” Hasten was born in November 2018, so the family decided to wait a year before embarking on their first Christmas Vacation as a family.
Last year in Dallas, Tara and Haysten Thompson of Harrison, Ark., patiently awaited both Christmas and the arrival of baby brother Radlen on the annual family ‘Christmas Vacation.’ 14 | December 2021
A world of adventure rests on the Thompson’s Christmas tree, as the family from Harrison, Ark., gets a new Christmas ornament at every place they visit. “The next year when he was 13 months old, we went to New York City,” Tava said. “NYC was a place I had always wanted to go, especially during Christmas time. “It has been so fun to bring the kids to new places.” The Thompsons spent their 2019 Christmas Vacation right on Times Square. “We would walk to the Rockefeller tree and just tried to take in all of the Christmas adventures,” she said. “We went to the Bryant Clark Christmas Village and went ice skating. “When we were driving home we were already excited about the next [Christmas Vacation].” Another Christmas tradition the Thompsons have is to bring home a Christmas tree ornament from every
trip they take out of state. “I think we have about 10 different locations now, but we get multiple ornaments from each location,” Tava said. “In the summertime, we start planning our trips.” Last year, they wanted to go back to NYC, but Tava’s dad passed away, and COVID-19 created restrictions. “So, we decided to go to Dallas,” she said. “I was very pregnant at the time with Radlen. We drove around and looked at neighborhood Christmas lights, went to the aquarium, went to a festival of lights, and went to a huge Christmas warehouse, where I got our ornaments.” The Thompsons spent a week sightseeing and soaking up every Christmas adventure they could find. “We were considering going to NYC
We even help keep Santa safe to all of his destinations! Merry Christmas From Our Family To Yours!
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ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 15
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again this year, but we decided on Chicago,” Tava said. “We are still in the planning process, but I have already found a couple of things, like a Christmas train ride. We always try to take our vacation as close to Christmas as possible, but allow for us to get back home to our family and decorations for Christmas Eve and Christmas day.” Making sure they are home on Christmas allows for other Christmas traditions for the family. “We always do cookies and milk for Santa,” Tava said. “And, we always open a gift on Christmas Eve. Usually, that gift is Christmas pajamas. Then, we sit in front of the tree and read ’Twas the night before Christmas.” Tara said her mom always put nuts and fruit in her stocking, so she started that when her son was old enough. “We are usually up pretty early on Christmas morning,” she said. “Then, we turn on the Grinch to watch while we open gifts.” Tara said showing her children new places and having new experiences as a family means a lot to her. “We have different ornaments from Texas, Arkansas, Missouri, New York, Mexico, Florida, Colorado, and more,” she said. So pack up your proverbial station wagon, and take your family to find a unique activity this holiday season. After all, gifts are temporary but memories are forever. n
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ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 17
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Healthy Connection By Lisa Ramirez
Lisa Ramirez is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and Lead of the Center for Health Improvement at Cox Monett Hospital. She enjoys camping, biking, hiking, and spending time with her husband and 2-year old daughter.
Live Your Best Life
W
hat comes to mind when you think of healthy living? It may seem hard or overwhelming to think about, but it is so important to your overall health!
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recognizes type 2 diabetes as a serious health concern for many Americans. Over 88 million U.S. adults (1 in 3) have prediabetes, where blood sugar levels are higher than normal, though not yet type 2 diabetes. If you have prediabetes, you may develop type 2 diabetes without healthy lifestyle changes. The good news is that prediabetes is reversible, and there are resources to help. Cox Monett Hospital and Missouri University Extension have teamed up to offer a CDC-recognized National Diabetes Prevention Program, Prevent T2 Monett, to support your health goals and encourage you to live your best life. As we close out another year, we want to ensure you celebrate your best life by learning to live healthier. Working to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes is a way to take care of yourself so you can keep enjoying what you love most. To find out your risk for developing type 2 diabetes or to register for
Prevent T2 Monett, visit partners.habitnu.com/cox-health:
Prevent T2 Monett offers classes in English and Spanish. Already living with diabetes? Cox Monett offers a Diabetes Self-Management Education program for those diagnosed with diabetes to learn skills to manage the disease and prevent complications. Know someone who could benefit from assistance with their diabetes care? Our annual Dining for Diabetes fundraiser raises money for those in Southwest Missouri needing assistance with diabetes education, medications, supplies, and related services. To get involved in this year’s virtual silent auction running December 3-10, visit coxhealthfoundation.com/ event/dining. For more information on Prevent T2 Monett, the Diabetes Self-Management Education program, or Dining for Diabetes assistance, please call the Cox Monett Center for Health Improvement at 417-354-1280.
How can the lifestyle change program help you? In this yearlong program you’ll learn about: • Your risk for type 2 diabetes and ways to prevent or delay it, • Small food changes that keep you healthier and still allow you to enjoy the foods you love, • Strategies for managing stress, which is often a big cause of health issues, • Ways to get moving that don’t involve intense workouts or hours in the gym, • What motivates you to keep going on your journey to better health?
Scan the QR Code to read more Healthy Connection ConnectionMO.com/HealthyConnection | Connection Magazine | 19
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Three-year-old Birdie Rae Gilliam, daughter of Jared and Jessica Gilliam of Monett
Congrats
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Email your child’s photo to:
connection@monett-times.com Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. Remember to include your child’s name, parent’s name, age, city and your contact information. The contest is open to children ages 10 and younger. The photos submitted will be used for the sole purpose of this contest.
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 21
417-847-4372 • 417-235-2100 www.aireserv.com 22 | December 2021
Serving The Area Since 1978
Written by Annie Lisenby Smith
‘ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS’
T
he duffel bag weighed heavy on Amanda’s shoulder, pressing into her skin hard enough that she knew there’d be a small bruise. She shifted it again as she locked her apartment door and trod to her tiny, compact car in the parking lot. “Don’t fail me now,” Amanda said talking to her car as she turned the key and waited for the ignition to catch. When a rumble filled the car, Amanda smiled and patted the dashboard. This car had been with her for years, since she first learned to drive. She was always surprised each time it started. Pulling into traffic, Amanda turned on the wiper blades and the radio. “A surprise snow for Christmas Eve!” Squealed the DJ. “But don’t worry, folks, this little bit of snow shouldn’t interfere with Santa’s deliveries.” With heat sputtering through the vents, Amanda glanced at the duffel bag in the front seat. It was her delivery. Every Christmas. She wasn’t Santa, but she’d made a promise the last time she saw her dad, and she’d keep it no matter the weather. “Hey, Mom,” she said while swiping her phone to answer the call. “I’m putting you on speaker.” “So, you’re on the way already?” Amanda’s mom’s voice cracked. “Yep, just left a bit ago and pulling onto the interstate now.” “Drive safe, sweetie,” Amanda’s mom’s voice cracked again. She always did worry too much, she thought. “And call me when you get in. I can’t wait to see you.” “Will do, mom. But I should hang up, there’s lots of traffic,” Amanda said as she was merging onto the interstate between two big rigs. “Okay, I love you!” The phone went silent.
An hour down the road Amanda’s head was feeling heavier with each passing mile. But when I’ll be Home for Christmas played over the radio, she was quickly awake and turning up the music. This song always got her. It was her dad’s favorite. He sang it to her every year, even when he had to do it over the phone because he was away for work. There was an irony to it, because when he was working, he knew he’d never make it home for Christmas. But he sang it anyway because he loved it so much. A stray tear slid down Amanda’s cheek. She grabbed a fast-food napkin to wipe it away. After so many years of this drive, she thought it would be easier by now. But the duffel bag felt heavier and the miles felt longer. To keep her awake, she opened another bottle of Coke, one of the perks of her job at the bottling company. She’d been working there since she finished college five years before. The people were nice, and there was an endless supply of cheap sodas. The last hour of the drive, Amanda was drumming her fingers to the music as the terrain changed from flat prairie to the curved and hilly Ozark roads. She slowed her car to exit on a familiar road. The snow had stopped, and as the DJ had said, it hadn’t interfered with any deliveries. But Amanda felt her foot lift and her car slow below the speed limit, prompting a honk from a farm truck behind her. This was the worst part, it always was. The turn onto the tree-lined lane and the Christmas decorations that welcomed visitors. Nothing had changed since the first time she’d driven this route 11 years before. Like always, she turned left off of the lane and then right at the tall maple tree. She guided the car to the edge of the road and turned off the engine. “Here we are again,” she said with a sigh. Cold air
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 23
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year! May You And Your Family Have A Prosperous & Joyful Future! Thank You For The Years...Thank You For The Tears...Thank You For Your Love And Trust...
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overtook the warmth of the car with the engine not running. But Amanda still sat. She wasn’t ready. She didn’t know if she could do it this time. But her dad had taught her to keep her promises, so she grabbed the duffel bag and stepped out of the car. A cold breeze lifted her loose hair as Amanda walked in silence. It was fitting to be silent here, a place where even the birds rarely sang. Few sounds invaded the solitude and sadness of the gently rolling hills, covered with matching stones. All Amanda heard was the crunch of leaves under her feet. But even amidst the solemnity, Amanda smiled when she saw him. “Hey, dad,” she said setting down the duffel bag. “It’s been a while. There’s so much to catch up on.” Opening the bag, Amanda pulled out a boom box, her old one that worked on batteries, and hit play. “You know, I could just play the music on my phone now, but I like the nostalgia,” she said laying out a wool blanket on the snow-dusted leaves. Christmas music rang from the speakers, low and sweet Bing Crosby at his best. “So, to start off, the boring stuff,” Amanda said sitting on the blanket. “I brought you a cherry Coke from work. My friend Denise got a promotion, so I have a new lady working across from me, but she’s really nice. Let’s see, Kevin said to say hello. He wanted to come, but he knows how much I like our time alone on Christmas Eve. “And here’s something from Aunt Michelle, another fruit cake. Every year she says that you love them. I guess you must. At least, you’ve never told me otherwise. And I have a picture for you,” Amanda said taking an envelope from the duffel bag. “I wanted to tell you earlier, but thought it’d be best in person.” Opening the envelope, Amanda carefully took out a black and white photo and held it in front of her chest. “You’re going to be a grandpa,” Amanda choked back tears. “In June, the best month. We’ve always agreed on that. And I can’t wait for you to see this baby. Next year, I promise to bring him or her with me so she can get to know you better. That’s important.” Amanda breathed in a shaky breath as tiny snowflakes began to drift from the heavens. “Dad I wish I could hug you,” she said letting tears flow. As hard as the drive was, this was the absolute worst. Every Christmas Eve coming to see her dad and running her fingers over his name carved in stone. Trailing them over the dates that marked his birth and the day that
a roadside bomb went off on the other side of the world. The day her dad’s Army truck was attacked. But she still did it every year. It had been her promise on their last phone call. “I’m sorry I can’t be home for Christmas this year, princess,” he’d said over the phone from a world away. “But you’ll be home next year?” Amanda, then a high school junior, asked. “I’ll do everything I can,” her dad had promised. “But no matter where we are in the world, we can sing Christmas songs until we’ve lost our voices and drink eggnog until our stomachs ache. Deal?” “Deal,” teenage Amanda had said. The music on the CD changed to All I Want for Christmas and Amanda placed the ultrasound photo at the base of her father’s headstone that was engraved with his Army rank of lieutenant. “You keep this picture, I have another copy,” Amanda said. “Now, I haven’t been practicing, and everything makes me sick being pregnant, so it probably won’t take long for me to sing myself mute or get a stomach ache.” She smiled with memories of Christmases past, of singing and matching pajamas and of her dad gifting her with his old car that was miraculously still running. The scent of the eggnog reminded her of his bear hugs and the special way he’d looked at her mom. Christmas these days isn’t easy for Amanda, like it’s never easy for anyone who’s lost someone they love. But the memories of good times were too sweet to not remember. As sweet as the eggnog that Amanda sipped sitting next to her father’s tombstone on Christmas Eve in a quiet cemetery. “All I want for Christmas,” Amanda sang as the sun began to set, “is you.”
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 25
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Mental Health Column By Brad Ridenour
CEO of Clark Community Mental Health Center and a Licensed Professional Counselor
Christmas Confession
I
think readers need to know something about me. I have a confession to make; it feels so embarrassing. Woah …. This is more difficult than I thought it would be. When I am away from home on business trips, and I am alone in my hotel room I turn on the TV and watch ……… Hallmark Christmas movies during the season. (And, my wife becomes so irritated when she turns the same movie on expecting me to watch it with her and I tell her I already watched it.) To make this holiday season the best time of the year you may plan to spend time with family, sing Christmas carols in your matching
CC
Christmas PJs while ringing the Salvation Army bell, or watch all 72 of the new Hallmark Christmas movies that essentially have one plot and the same 23 actors/actresses and always end with a kiss. But of all the holiday plans we will participate in during this season, the activity that might most contribute to making it truly “the hap... happiest time of the year” is our giving.
one’s mental health and well-being. When you give of your time, talents and/or treasure to others the part of your brain associated with pleasure begins to activate, and there is evidence that suggests that giving leads to the release of “feel good” chemicals in our brains that literally, biologically can lead to the sensation of a “warm glow.” Giving to others can truly cause one to give happiness to oneself.
During the Christmas season, we often think about giving gifts to others. Our hearts become warmed when we see the expression of joy on others’ faces when they open our neatly wrapped gifts. Giving is proven to improve
So, about my earlier Christmas movie disclosure, consider it my early Christmas gift. I hope it put a smile on your face, but let’s be sure to keep it a secret. Confession is good for the soul but maybe not so much for the reputation.
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Parenting Column
10 Things to Do Inside When It’s Too Cold to Go Outside
I
t’s that time again! The snow (might) be falling but one thing’s for sure. It’s sure to be cold about this time of year. Gone are the days of walking out the front door and yelling for your kids to come back inside for dinner. Now the kids are inside and they’re looking for things to do. There are only so many videos to be watched in one sitting and who wants to be cooped inside all day anyway? With three kids getting older, I’ve had my fair share of brainstorming a million and one things for them to do to avoid going stir crazy. Cheers to sharing ideas! 1. Indoor pool. Check out the nearby gym and take your kids for a swim inside. This is a great way to sneak in some exercise during the cold months. 2. Read-a-thon. Make a pallet in the living room and grab a bunch of books to read with your friends, siblings or by yourself. 3. Crafts. You know those random crafts you have around the house? Break those open and try your hand at something new with your kids. 4. Crocheting and knitting. Has your child ever watched you knit and wanted to know how to do it? Today’s the day! Hobby Lobby, Michael’s and Joann Fabrics have great starter kits for kids. (Amazon does too)! 5. Bake. I bought a fun cookie book for my girls and I to ‘bake through’ during the month of December. We’ve done it every year for the past three years and have yet to get through the entire book. Bonus tip: you’ll end up making so many cookies that you can gift them to your neighbors.
6. Paint your nails. Now’s a great time to paint your kids’ toenails and nails. Try your hand at some new designs or buy the stick-on nails that are easy to apply and take off. 7. Write letters to family and friends. One of my favorite things to do is send mail. Probably because I love receiving it! My daughter Hannah has really taken an interest in following in my footsteps, and I’m happy to oblige. Sit down and teach your kids how to write a proper letter. Include the Dear, body of the letter, and Sincerely. These are things that kids won’t know how to do unless someone teaches them. Order some fun stationary online and get writing!
By Meagan Ruffing
Meagan Ruffing is a freelance parenting journalist and mental health counselor. She knows the importance of bonding with her kids while maintaining a peaceful home.
8. Board games. I’ll be honest. I’m not a big fan of board games. It might be because I haven’t found one that I absolutely love. But I can say that I have found two that I don’t mind playing. Bananagrams and Apples to Apples. Both of these games have held my interest and been something fun for my kids and I to play together. 9. Invite a friend over. My girls are still at an age where having friends over is fun. My son…not so much. Schedule a playdate and let the kids play their hearts out. They’ll be nice and tired for bed. 10. Legos. You knew I was going to say this. You can’t go wrong with Legos. They’re the best! Make the best of the time you have inside with your kids. Remember, the days are long but the years are short. Make it a point to check things off this list and have fun while you’re doing it. Happy holidays!
Scan the QR Code to read more Parenting Column ConnectionMO.com/ParentingColumn | Connection Magazine | 29
‘Tis The Season of Eggnog W elcome to the holiday season. It’s a time for family. It’s a time for gifts. It’s a time for turkey and ham. And for many, one of the highlights is that the holiday season is eggnog season. As luck would have it, southwest Missouri has its very own homegrown brand of eggnog available this holiday season thanks to Edgewood Creamery in Purdy. Edgewood creamery opened at 5888 Farm Road 1090 in Purdy in 2014 under the ownership of Charlie and Melissa Fletcher. Kelli Stephens purchased the business in 2018 and has since continued the tradition of bringing locally produced milk and cheeses. Kelli said the creamery partners with three local Purdy farms that raise Jersey and Holstein cows to produce quality milk, cream and cheese. “It’s truly farm to table,” Kelli said. “It’s ultra fresh. We bring the milk in on our milk truck and bottle it and ship it the next day. It goes immediately from the dairy farm to here to the customer.” While Edgewood Creamery has a reputation among many locals who seek out their milk and cheeses, the local farm-to-table creamery got into the eggnog business for the holiday season three years ago after taking some time
30 | December 2021
and doing some research to provide a unique product that is just right for local families celebrating between Christmas and Thanksgiving. “For our eggnog, we worked with a company out of St. Louis that did the R&D for our own recipe,” Kelli said. “It took a while and we went through quiet a few recipes before we got it exactly how I wanted it. I think we came up with the best eggnog ever.” And coming from Kelli, that’s saying something. She explained that she doesn’t like most eggnogs. She has long been a fan of Braum’s brand, and used that as a baseline. Once she was able to find a recipe that was up to par with that brand, she went about refining and improving it to ensure Edgewood would have an edge on the competition. And the care and attention didn’t stop with the development of the recipe. As a small-batch, locally owned and operated bottling plant, Edgewood takes pride in its quality control from start to finish. And, as anyone who has made eggnog knows, the first ingredient is the most important. By starting with the finest quality cream line, non-homogenized and gently pasteurized milk available in the region, the creamery likewise produces some of the finest eggnog available on the market.
Community members have an opportunity to see what is happing at Edgewood during a holdiay open house scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 at 5888 Farm Road 1090 in Purdy. Cream line milk is one of the most natural forms of milk. It is pasteurized, just like most milk found on store shelves, but the biggest difference is that the milk is not homogenized. Homogenization is, briefly, the process after pasteurization where the milk is mixed and the cream line (or fat content) is permanently mixed into the body of the milk. Homogenization uses very high pressure to break down the fat molecules in milk into very small particles so that they can dissolve into the rest of the milk.
Story by Mike Gervais
Edgewood Creamery of Purdy produces high quality, local products Some believe that many of the health benefits of milk are lost during this process. Most importantly, many believe that milk loses its flavor during this process. Edgewood Creamery’s milk is made through a traditional practice with a minimal amount of processing. Resulting in a healthier non-homogenized milk, retaining the proverbial “cream line.” The result is a fresher, more natural product, both for the milk and the eggnog. Kelli also pointed out that due to its processing procedure, when customers purchase Edgewood milk or eggnog, they must give the carton a little shake before pouring to mix the milk and cream together because cream will naturally rise to the surface of the jug. Over the past three years, Edgewood’s eggnog has gained a reputation throughout the region. It is stocked with other Edgewood products in grocery stores throughout the region, including in Monett, Cassville, Pierce City and northwest Arkansas. However, it is only produced for a few short weeks from mid November through December, so when shoppers see it in stock, they should grab a carton before it flies off the shelf.
Edgewood Creamery in Purdy will be offering eggnog once again this year, providing a fresh, locally produced option for holiday get-togethers from Thanksgiving to New Year’s. ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 31
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Edgewood Creamery is a small, locally owned farm-to-table operation. “I have a hard time keeping it,” Kelli said. “Once it hits the shelves, it’s gone. I’ve had people ask me to make more, so we are doing more this year.” But Edgewood’s quality and attention to detail comes with a cost. To be sure everything is up to her standards, Kelli employs eight people and produces small batches, only bottling 198 half-gallons of eggnog (or milk) at a time. And just because the creamery is producing its annual holiday treat doesn’t mean Edgewood is putting its other products on hold. The creamery will continue to produce its regular cream line milk, an A2A2 Milk for those who are sensitive to milk products, two varieties of cheddar cheese, blue cheese, cheese curds, Fromage blanc, chocolate milk and other products. “Everything we do is so delicious because all of the ingredients we use are really good,” she said. Anyone who has not been to Edgewood has an opportunity to see what goes on at a small-scale creamery during a Christmas open house scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 11 where staff will be handing out samples and “all sorts of goodies,” for community members. n
Cruising Through to
92 A
s a mother of five kids, Monett resident Janice Beshears wasn’t thrilled when her teen sons Dennis and Dale began riding motorcycles, and she definitely didn’t expect that hopping onto the back of a hog would be a highlight of her birthday in her 90s. But that’s exactly the case for the nonagenarian who hopped onto Dale’s motorcycle once again Nov. 11 in celebration of her 92nd birthday. Janice moved with her family to Monett in 1958 to raise her five children, Dennis, Debbie (Buchanan), Dale, Donna (Beckett) and Diane (Dupre.) In addition to her five children, Janice also helped raise dozens of local children through her daycare on Sycamore street over the years. “She tried to retire a couple of times,” Diane said, “But the house was too quiet and she couldn’t do it.” These days, Janice lives a quiet life in Monett, enjoying the company of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. And once a year, around her Nov. 11 birthday, Dale is sure to pull up on one of his six Harley Davidson motorcycles to take his mother for a birthday joyride around Monett, including Freedom Bank where daughter Donna works, and Diane’s home. The kids, grandkids and great-grandkids always get a kick out of seeing grandma on the
Story by Mike Gervais
Janice Beshears has been hopping on the back of her son Dale’s motorcycle for a birthday ride since she turned 70 years old in 1999. This year, for her 92nd birthday, Dale took her for a ride around Monett before heading to Aurora for a birthday ice cream. hog, and it’s become a tradition she anticipates each year. “This year I knew the weather was going to be nice, so I actually called him and asked when he was coming over,” Janice said. For Dale, sharing time on the road with his mom is more than just a bonding experience. While she once worried about her sons on their two-wheelers, the fact that the tradition has grown to mean so much to Janice and the rest of the family is a point of pride. “I knew she was missing out,” Dale said of his mother’s fear for her sons during their motorcycle rides. “That first time, I showed up on Mother’s Day in 1995 with a picnic lunch and a blanket, and we rode out to Jolly Mill for a picnic. I knew she couldn’t say no because I was doing it for Mother’s Day.” The way Janice tells it, she had just
arrived home from church when Dale roared up to the yard on his hog and said, “Mom, go get your blue jeans on, we’re going for a ride.” “I was worried about my hair,” Janice said. The tradition of the birthday ride began when Janice turned 70 years old in 1999. That year, she was visiting Dale, who lived in Colorado at the time. The two hopped on Dale’s 1973 Harley Sportster and rode 50 miles to Loveland Pass high in the Rockies. “That first one in Colorado, with the blue skies and the mountains is my favorite,” Janice said. “I remember thinking, ‘gosh, this is the way to see the sights. You’re in it.’” Since then, Dale makes it a point to take his mom for a cruise each year for her birthday, always on a day with nice weather, and often surrounded by the fall colors.
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 33
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And for the rest of the family, there was always the question of which of Dale’s six Harleys the mother and son would ride up on. Dale said the past few years he’s used his wife’s 2003 Ultra Classic Harley Davidson trike – named Elvira – for the annual ride to give his mom a little more comfort. This past year, Dale and Janice made their traditional circuit around Monett, stopping to see Donna at Freedom Bank and Diane, before taking a ride to Braum’s in Aurora for ice cream. Having spent so much time riding with Dale, she said she doesn’t worry as much about him riding as she did when he was younger. And to say Dale is an enthusiast might be an understatement. He owns six motorcycles and has logged literally hundreds of thousands of miles on two wheels. He said he even had his three sons-in-law each take motorcycle safety classes and get their licenses so he can one day pass his beloved bikes on to them. And while the annual birthday ride has become a tradition for Janice’s family, her extended family is always happy to hear she’s doing well. “I babysat for 32, and I’ve had a bunch of kids,” she said. “I still hear from some of them.” Janice said she’s also very proud of her tight knit family, which includes five children, 13 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and three great-great grandchildren. “My kids have always been here for me,” she said. “I do really well by myself, but I need a lot of help. They don’t let me cook for myself much anymore, so they come over with dinner. They’re a bunch of good kids. I’m very proud of all of them.” With her 92nd birthday ride under her belt, Janice said she’s already looking forward to next year, and is hoping the weather will be just as nice as it was this year. n
Date Night
Two scents worth
T
By Mike Gervais
hey say that your sense of smell is most closely connected to memory than any other sense.
This month, our date night challenge was to create lasting memories through scent by customizing unique smells in a series of candles while discussing our hopes, dreams and memories. Entitled “Candle Works,” This month’s box included eight vials of essential oils, four tins and wicks, stir sticks, wick holders a melting pot and two large bags of melting chips. As we took inventory, of course, our first move was to start sampling our melody of scents – vanilla caramel, sandalwood, orange zest, grapefruit cedar, lavender vanilla and citrus basil. I’m not much of an essential oil connoisseur. Immediately, I’m struck by the odd combinations provided to us. Vanilla caramel? Sure. Sounds good. Smells good. Orange zest. Yes! Citrus basil? What? Grapefruit cedar. OK, that one may sound weird, but as soon as I opened the vial the theory that the sense of smell is directly related to memories was proven, memories of my childhood, playing with my cousins at my grandmother’s house came flooding back. Likewise, when I first took a whiff of the sandalwood vial, I was hit with memories of housesitting for
After adding our wax, wicks and scents to our new candles, we had to stir everything together and let the project sit for several hours to harden. a friend in my early 20s. They must have had some kind of sandalwood scent mingled with the odor of a few very large dogs because that was an experience I haven’t thought about in more than a decade. By the time we were ready to start making our candles, I was sold on the idea that memory and smell are closely linked. Now Kat had her say. Ever the crafty half of our partnership, Kat had some ideas about how to expand our little candle project. First, she dug up some old, used candle tins that had all the wax burned out. Then she headed to the kitchen to pull out some food coloring so we can color-code our candles. Next we picked our scents.
I decided to go with sandalwood and grapefruit cedar for a calm earthy smell. Kat went for a sweeter scent, using lavender vanilla and vanilla caramel. I was the first to pour the wax for my candle and add a little yellow food coloring to the melted wax to give it a color. Then a little more. Then I notice that no matter how much I stir the concoction, I have clear-white wax with beads of yellow inside. With the experiment a failure, Kat opts to skip the food coloring all together. Being new to the essential oil scene, I rely on Kat to let me know how much of each scent vial should go into about a cup of melted wax. “A couple drops,” she says.
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 35
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Now our task is to light that thing up and create some memories strong enough to overpower the thought of my family friend’s home.
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So I go to work, a dash of this and a splash of that and mix it all up. Then I sit back and watch the master at work. Turns out a “couple drops” in Kat’s vocab is about half a vial. So I go to work adding a little more sandalwood, a little more sandalwood and … now the vial is empty and I have a nice sandalwood scented candle with a hint of cedar. Fortunately the grapefruit scent was overpowered by the liberal amount of sandalwood.
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Eucalyptus, apple, peach cinnamon, rose, sea breeze, dried leaves, winter wonderland and more. I may have made some of those up, but honestly, nobody has time to go through all the different scents that were in that box. We decided that we would each select a scent to add to our last candle with no collaboration or discussion. We landed on my juniper scent with her Eucalyptus scent and ended up with a smell that I can only describe as “Christmas in Australia.” We’ve already made plans to light that candle Christmas morning, when we will be reading letters we wrote to one another during our first date night experience to help capture that memory. n
36 | December 2021
Wheaton resident Taylor Lombard is the owner and operator of Blue Line Laser Works in Wheaton. Blue Line Laser Works can engrave several personalized gifts for your loved ones this holiday season. These pocket knives can be personalized for a great Christmas gift from Blue Line Laser Works. (below) This wooden cutting board available in different styles can be customized with anything.
All I want for Christmas is …
Blue Line Laser Works
O
n the twelfth day of Christmas my true love gave to me, 12 boards for cutting, 11 knives for slicing, 10 puzzles puzzling, 9 wallets holding, 8 keychains dangling, 7 money clips clipping, 6 wooden coasters, 5 family signs, 4 custom plaques, 3 salad hands, 2 beard combs — and they were all customizable. All of these wonderful gifts, and many, many more, are available at Blue Line Laser Works in Wheaton. On their own, cutting boards and pocket knives make for amazing
Story by Jordan Troutman
Christmas gifts, but why stop there when you can order something personalized by a local business. Put a heart-felt message and memory on something your loved one will see every day. Taylor Lombard, owner, and operator of Blue Line Laser Works said he first opened the business in the spring of this year. “I have always wanted to have my own business,” he said. “I love every aspect of this job from designing to giving a customer a custom gift that brings back memories.”
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ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 37
size Co2 laser, but he hopes to Taylor was a police officer expand and purchase a fiber for the city of Cassville for sixlaser. and-a-half years and is now “I can work with woods, working as an officer in Newplastics, leather, and some ton County. metal,” he said. “But, there is “That is where the name a lot of material that isn’t safe came from,” he said. “I’ve with this laser, like hard metbeen in law enforcement for als.” a long time, and when I was Generally, the turnaround trying to come up with a name to have an order completed is that popped in my head so I 5 to 7 days, but holiday orders went with it. are starting to come in and “My grandpa was a woodthose will be ready closer to worker. Even though he died Christmas time. when I was young, I have alA great customizable gift for Christmas — how “I get most of my orders ways been interested in makabout a Christmas ornament in a variety of styles from the Easy account and soing things.” from Blue Line Laser Works. cial media,” he said. “But, the Eventually, Taylor found website is bringing in some laser work and became increasorders too. ingly interested in it. “My inspiration for ideas “I decided that’s what I often comes from social mewanted, and I made it hapdia too. I follow a lot of other pen,” he said. “I initially purcreatures with lasers.” chased the laser, then got my Most items from Blue Line business license and tax paperLaser Works are customizable, work done. After that, I could and Taylor said he can build start buying supplies.” just about anything. It took about three months “If you come to me with for Taylor to acquire enough Christmas shopping can be difficult for young an idea, I can probably make supplies and learn the machildren, but this wooden name puzzle, from Blue it,” he said. “I have always chinery and design software to Line Laser Works, is a great gift that builds motor thought it was important to start producing Blue Line Laskills. support local small businesses. ser Works products. My mom has been a business “I design all of the products “There are Christmas gift ideas for myself,” he said. “Although, I do occa- everyone,” Taylor said. “For kids, I owner in Wheaton for years, so I’ve sionally use another graphic designer have the name block puzzles, also signs seen it.” Taylor has two children and said the to convert files.” for their rooms. income from this business means a lot. Each item has Taylor’s creative “The customized signs are also very “When you support local small touch, but many are also personalized. popular. I can do outdoor or indoor, businesses, you support your neigh“The best selling product is proba- and many different sizes and styles.” bly the cutting board and ornaments,” Taylor said he doesn’t know exactly bors,” he said. “It feels good to support he said. “The cutting board is also a fa- what the future holds for him, owning the people you know.” Blue Line Laser Works has a strong vorite of mine to make. a business is a dream come true, but he social media presence, people can follow “It is so special to the customers, still works full time as a police officer. and I get to preserve those memories “It is just me at Blue Line Laser and order from Facebook or Instagram for them.” Works, for now at least,” he said. “I at @bluelinelaserworks, or their webBlue Line Laser Works can engrave hope to grow that in the future. I’d love site, https://bluelinelaserworks.square. site/ and Easy at https://www.etsy.com/ a handwritten recipe on several differ- to grow with more equipment too.” ent cutting board styles. Currently, Taylor has a commercial- shop/BluelineLaserWorksUS. n
38 | December 2021
Oh! How the bells… Handbell choir to help ring in the season
W
e tend to notice bells ringing around Christmas time, when we are subjected to a cacophony of Red Kettle ringers, radio music, and a plethora of toys and decorations that incorporate bells around the holidays. But there are bell ringers and then there are bell ringers, those that make up the Alleluia Ringers handbell choir at First United Methodist Church in Monett. These performers, under the direction of Theresa Borgmann, lend a different note to traditional Christmas hymns and contemporary holiday music.
Story by Melonie Roberts
“The handbell choir is such a unique and magical thing,” Borgmann said. “We like to bring others closer to God through music. People hear the music in a new way.” The handbell choir is a collection of vastly talented musicians that gather on the third Sunday of each month to perform for the congregation. “The group is very talented,” Borgmann said. “But it’s not so much about teaching music. It’s more about the desire to play.” Borgmann said there are non-musically inclined people that have been able to pick up the handbells who have easily learned to hit their musical marks.
The Alleluia Ringers handbell choir meets for Monday night rehearsals in preparation of their third Sunday morning performance at First United Methodist Church in Monett. “They are not hard to learn,” she said. “The hardest part is learning to read music. We have some who have highlighted their part and listen to the music to know when they are supposed to play their notes. Most every spot has two bells, and a few spots have four or more.” Only the more experienced performers will tackle handling four bells at once, determining which note will sound with a flick of the wrist either forward or sideways. “On the high notes, we have a performer who holds four bells at once,” she said. “The lower notes also play several bells as well.”
ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 39
The group faithfully practices each Monday evening in preparation for their third Sunday performance. “Most of the performers have been in the bell choir longer than I’ve been directing,” Borgmann said. “This is my ninth year, and the church has had a bell choir for 40 years.” The 5.5-octave bell set makes it possible to perform nearly any piece of music, however, since Covid-19 has impacted many community members, the handbell choir is lacking a few ringers. “We are able to figure out which notes can be left out with minimal impact to the piece,” Borgmann said. “A full bell choir consists of 12 people. I’m currently short three. Two of our more experienced members are out due to health issues, and I have a third spot to fill as well.” In the past, non-congregation members have come in to play the handbells,
but currently, all choir participants are members of the church. “We had two come in that were not members, but they later joined,” Borgmann said. She said the handbell choir also collaborates with other groups, like the senior choir, on special occasions. “Once, we had the bell choir, choir and a clarinet performance,” she said. “It was really special, but it was hard. We have also performed with the Ozark Festival Orchestra for a Christmas concert.” This year, the church choir is not planning a cantata, due to remaining Covid concerns, but Borgmann said the church choir will continue performing seasonal hymns during regular church services on Sundays. “I’m looking forward to having a full bell choir back in the coming year,” she said. “I miss the camaraderie of working
with a small group, and we really miss those unable to be there with us. Covid has been really hard.” Currently, Borgmann is putting together a seasonal program that the bell choir will perform during church services on the third Sunday, Dec. 19. “It’s very hard to plan when I don’t know how many performers will be able to attend,” she said. “But we will work it out.” Borgmann has a bachelor’s of music from Central Methodist University in Fayette, and a master’s in English and Creative Writing from Southern New Hampshire University. She has been teaching music at Berean Christian Academy in Monett for seven years, where she started the band program from the ground up. Prior to that, she taught for one year in public school. She is also a member of the Ozark Festival Orchestra. n
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Out of the mist A long lost Lawrence County of history cemetery restored to tell its story
T
ime, like rain, washes over all things. So it was with the gravesite of Samuel and Catharine Phariss, pioneer settlers in southwest Missouri who arrived in 1838, long before known towns and churches were established in this area. The Phariss family planted deep roots in Lawrence and Barry counties. One of its best known contributors was Raymond Phariss, a longtime leader in the Kings Prairie community southeast of Monett, who helped bringing electricity to his community through the cooperative after World War II and participated in convincing Producers Creamery to build the milk processing plant in Monett that operates to this date. Raymond resettled with his uncle’s family and told wonderful stories
Story by Murray Bishoff
The memorial garden displaying the new headstones for Samuel and Catharine Phariss in the cemetery where they were buried in 1858, viewed at sunset. of building roads across Kings Prairie with mules, one mile a year, until the rural community had solid paths for farmers to take their goods to town. He also recounted riding into Monett on horseback to witness the epic 1919 flood firsthand. Raymond and his wife Lois farmed on Kings Prairie and lived in Monett during their later years. Their daughter, Noralee Faulkner, joined the Lawrence County Historical Society and has pursued more information on the Phariss family. She helped other family members searching for background to start the Phariss Memorial Cemetery Facebook page where research could become a resource for all. The 1879 Atlas of Lawrence County reported Samuel M. Phariss came from Cocke County, Tennessee, the grand-
son of an earlier Samuel Phariss, a Revolutionary War veteran. His father too was named Samuel Phariss, a triple nightmare for the casual genealogist. Phariss’s lineage provided a proud link for family members, enabling them to join the Daughters of the American Revolution and the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution. Both Samuel M. Phariss and his wife were born in Virginia. Near the end of the Revolutionary War their families moved to eastern Tennessee, where they met. Noralee knew from land records and documents from Samuel’s son that the family farm had been located a couple miles east of Aurora. The couple should be buried there, but no obvious trace of the cemetery remained. According to intrepid Lawrence CounConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 41
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ty researcher Fred Meiswinkel, Bess Hillhouse Young reported visiting the cemetery many decades earlier where her great grandparents were buried, writing down gravestone information that included Samuel Phariss’s death date at March 7, 1858. Catharine died three months earlier. Family members told Young that Catharine Phariss had been a McNabb, linking her to one of the family seminal to the development of Mt. Vernon. Meiswinkel found the cemetery and took Raymond and Lois Phariss to visit it in 1998. By then all the headstones had disappeared. After the death of Meiswinkel and landowner Don Wrinkle, the location of the cemetery was again lost, except for a photo of Raymond Phariss standing with his back to his ancestor’s farmland, and some vague directions. Finding the cemetery again offered a quest that called out to Noralee for quite a few years. Unexpectedly she acquired an ally in the search. “Barbara Brauch and I had both done a DNA test and were both active on Ancestry,” Noralee said. “In looking at results of the DNA test, she saw my name, a total stranger to her. She messaged me and I responded. We had found a common ancestor ― Samuel Phariss,” making them fourth cousins. “As we met to discuss our history, I told her about the first Phariss to settle in Missouri before 1840. She wanted to know where he was buried. I looked through some of my old notes and found the directions scribbled on an old envelope. We set out to find it and with help of some farmer in the area, located it in a jungle at the edge of a hay field.” The directions weren’t quite that simple. The burial place was supposedly by “a pile of rocks” on the edge of the Phariss property, which has changed hands many times since then. They had a description of the site in
a letter from the Phariss’s son, Samuel M. Phariss, to his brother, shortly after their mother died. He wrote, “We interred them in plain raised lid coffins lined with white and covered with black in the graveyard a bit north of their late residence. Father selected the burial place for Mother and himself and he lies upon her right side, some three feet apart.” There was no sign of a cemetery despite many drives along the now asphalted Farm Road 2195 that crosses its north edge. The current owner, a recent arrival, knew nothing about a cemetery. In 2017, the ladies started asking other neighbors if they had ever heard of a cemetery in the vicinity. To their delight, Kerry Wrinkle, Don Wrinkle’s son who still farmed the adjacent land, knew exactly where to send them. The spot had been left alone for decades, because it was known to be a cemetery. Records show no one owned the land originally, suggesting locals used government land for burials. The Phariss’s grandson, Paul McKinley, acquired the property in 1880 under the Homestead Act. However, by now this corner lot south of the existing county road contained dense overgrowth of deer brush, trees, poison ivy and bushes. The ladies waded in, carefully picking their way into a place untouched in decades, where not a single gravestone remained visible. Over toward the south edge, not far from the tree line, stood the pile of rocks. The ladies knew the lost Phariss family cemetery had been found. Some time later, after Barbara and Noralee purchased the overgrown third of an acre from the family now owning it, the ladies hired a local contractor to help clear the land. Noralee found a piece of one headstone that said “Cath” in 2019, and in 2020 the contractor unearthed the other half, which
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fit together to say “Catharine.” Now the evidence spoke for itself. This was indeed the lost cemetery they sought. Later, talking to more nearby landowners, they learned this land, which they had already declared to be the Samuel and Catharine Phariss Cemetery, ordered signs and created replica tombstones, was apparently much more. Some referred to it as the Old Settlers and Indian Cemetery. Another neighbor recounted seeing gravestones there years ago, some with dates in the 1700s. Barbara, who learned the art of dousing for graves, set about using this old craft to assess what could not be seen. There appears to be rows, possibly more than 200 graves, 24 per section, extending not only into the adjacent farm field but also under the farm road itself and into the neighboring field to the north. That more than justified the effort to preserve this remaining space as memorial grounds. Since 2019, the ladies, along with two helpers with a chainsaw, labored to clear the grounds, removing brush and small rocks. Large rocks, possibly marking now unlabeled graves, remained in place. Only a couple partial tombstones surfaced, along with two large base stones, which the ladies believe belonged to Samuel and Catharine from their location. As their efforts neared completion, a formal dedication took place on Oct. 2, 2021. Many groups sent representatives and speeches on historical links with the Phariss family as well as America’s early wars were planned. Barbara graphed posters of family trees to illustrate the links to the present day. More than 50 people came to the remote spot, ferried from parked vehicles by golf cart. Then, at the appointed hour, came the rains, as if time, having washed away the cemetery once, intended to reclaim it again. Despite driving wind and intermit44 | December 2021
tent showers, the ceremony went forward, though shortened. The Ozark Mountain Chapter of the Sons of the American Revolution brought a color guard in full period uniform. Pat Dickens, state president of the National Society of the US Daughters of the War of 1812, gave the invocation, describing how that war represented a second war of independence before conflicts between the two nations ceased. Barbara Cohu with the Elk Horn Prairie Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution presented a flag that had flown over Constitution Hall to the cemetery’s flag pole. Noralee, as historian and past regent of the Elk Horn Prairie DAR Chapter, offered an overview of the project. She recounted the search for the cemetery, how Barbara had urged doing more with the site, how the Phariss family had moved west to Missouri with eight of their children and their families, and how the land had been claimed using a land warrant from the War of 1812, a gift from Samuel Phariss’s son-in-law, Joseph Manning. Dan Philbrick from the Scottish McNabb Clan spoke about the colorful history of the Scottish people who resettled into America, coming from a background of ancient family rivalries that “make the Hatfields and McCoys look like a Sunday School picnic.” He noted, “Catharine’s ancestors’ migration time may or may not be exactly known, but she would have been a descendant of people who left their old holdings and came here in search of a better life.” Philbrick concluded his comments by quoting the great Scottish poet Robert Burns, “a great champion of liberty” who wrote an Ode to George Washington. Due to the weather, other speeches were set aside. Kathy Fairchild introduced Gary Daugherty, president of the Lawrence County Historical Society, who passed on his speech. Fairchild
Robert Lanning with the Scottish Military Society played “Amazing Grace” by the gravestones for Samuel and Catharine Phariss at the conclusion of the cemetery dedication. added that she hoped the cemetery restoration showed “what can be done” and would hopefully inspire others to save other old cemeteries. The Sons of the American Revolution provided a grave marker for a Real Son of the American Revolution and provided a rifle salute. The program included the playing of “Amazing Grace” on bagpipes by Robert Lanning with the Scottish Military Society. Pat Dickens’ benediction asked for blessings on the effort, one that “made us all proud to be an American.” Barbara reviewed those who helped with the undertaking. She also expressed her disappointment with the weather, but added how the parched earth needed the rain. What was important, she stressed, was that everyone was there to honor Samuel and Catharine. The ladies invited those attending to share their photos on the cemetery Facebook page. The event concluded in a steady shower. Yet within a half hour, the sky broke into blue and sunshine. The ravages of time washed away, leaving the restoration efforts clean and enduring, its flag flying in the breeze, a new face on display for another generation to see and remember. n
Rescued, My Favorite Breed According to Marci, the three steps to reducing the cat population are: By Christa Stout
Kitty population booms in pandemic
FOSTER FUNDING FOREVER HOMES And all help is appreciated.
WOW
- No really, WOW actually stands for Watching Over Whiskers (what a great name!) and is a wonderful 8-year-old organization that was started by Marci Bowling when she realized there was an overpopulation of cats, many of them feral, whose life expectancy and quality of life were dismal. At the time, Marci was fostering for another group and she wanted to contribute to a solution herself, hence WOW was born. Her primary focus at first was moms and kittens be-cause they were affected the most by being in inclement weather or chased and killed by other animals. At any one time, WOW has 15 to 30 foster homes with 150 to 200 cats. They did recently add a headquarters on Sunshine Street in Springfield, where they can bring cats to be socialized or re-cover from surgeries. But the need is so much bigger and their most desperate demand is for foster parents. Do you have time to spend an hour or two a month helping out?
As Marci explained, the overpopulation will not change until cats are spayed and neutered and the endless reproduction cycle is disrupted - new sets of kittens are born at least every 2 - 4 months and these in turn will reproduce in another few months. Therefore WOW is very much involved in TNR (Trap/Neuter/Return), a healthy and painless way of disrupting the reproduction of the feral cat population. WOW will train people in TNR, these people are the boots on the ground who will need to make sure that no traps are ever left unattended;
Scan the QR Code to read more Rescued, My Favorite Breed online
and that cats are never fed for more than two weeks without getting them spayed or neutered. Marci says this past year has been especially daunting. When COVID hit, 90 percent of the cats gave birth, because there was no manpower to do TNR and therefore prevent a new set of kittens. Fifty percent of these kittens passed away within 6 months,
WOW can be reached at:
Facebook.com/watchingoverwhiskers WatchingOverWhiskers.org
ConnectionMO.com/RescuedMyFavoriteBreed | Connection Magazine | 45
MAIZEY
from illness, lack of food or predators, and so did 70 percent of moms, and the babies become orphans. However, the breeding cycle continued. The cat overpopulation will never be fixed by adoption, but only by stopping the breeding. And this past year, unfortunately, there was no opportunity to trap and neuter the cats. Consequently, all shelters are full, and there is truly no room for the many cats and kittens out there. Waiting lists are full and not enough adopters can be found, and the same is true of fos-ters. WOW works with SAAF Organization in Springfield to provide low-cost spay and neuter Services, but there is so much catching up to be done due to the pandemic. I always learn something new from talking to the wonderful people who have the energy and compassion to run the shelters: I knew from my own experience that it is much harder to find adopters for black cats (and I still wonder why - an old wives tale or superstition?), but what I didn’t know was that white outside cats have another enemy - they will get cancer much more frequently
46 | December 2021
than other colors due to the fact they have very little fur on ears and tail, making them subject to cancers. With Christmas coming up, I have message for all parents looking for a pet for your children, or maybe you are looking for a companion for yourself, please consider adoption rather than pur-chasing a pet from a breeder. Although I know there are many reputable breeders, there are many more who are not. And there are so many shelter animals looking for their forever home. Consider this; will a purebred Siamese cat be a better pet than a properly socialized Tabby? And the same goes for dogs, do you want a highly bred Yorkshire terrier, or does a mixed breed Lab make a better companion? And consider this, most cats can live to 18 years or so and many dogs live to be 12 to 15 years or more. Are you willing to make the commitment to the animal for its lifetime, through marriages, children, moves and whatever else life may throw your way? If the answer is yes, go adopt! Here is one of my favorite cat
tales from WOW: (the pretty little white cat in the picture below) was found in the summer and her ears were in awful shape. After exam and testing it was determined that she had cancer on her ears. She was a lucky girl to have been found and rescued so treatment could be started. WOW raised money for her care, which was essentially for amputation of most of both ears. She was dingy, thin and overall sad at heart. With treatment, good food and lots of love she began to blossom and come into her own. She LOVES to be on laps and finally picked one to claim as her own forever and ever. Happy Life to sweet MAIZEY! But look at the pictures of some of the beautiful kitties still available. Aren’t they gorgeous? Please consider helping this holiday season! Happy Holidays!
Cutest Pet Ellie Mae is the 8 month-old bloodhound fur baby of Wendy Lewallen of Lampe
Ellie Mae If you think your furry or feathered friend is the cutest in the area, let us know! We invite you to share a photo of your pet to be featured in Connection’s Cutest Pet contest. Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. Remember to include your pet’s name, city of residence and your contact information. Email your pet’s photo to:
connection@monett-times.com ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 47
Familiar Faces Life360 Block Party
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1. Thomas Stephens, Brandon Stephens, James Stephens and Andrew Stephens 2. Diana Weber and John Johnson 3. Hidalgo Chavez, Tamiela Chavez, 9 and Moses Chavez, 4 4. Dakota Utter, Sarah Utter, Bo Utter, 2, and Miles Utter, two months
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Monett High School honored area veterans on Thursday, Nov 11, with a luncheon and assembly on the campuses of Scott Regional Technology Center and the high school.
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1. Jerry Stroud, U.S. Coast Guard, and spouse, Nancy 2. Spouse Mary Roller and Larry Roller, U.S. Army veteran 3. Spouse Jeannie Clapper and Donald Clapper, U.S. Navy
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Members of the Pierce City High School Student Council hosted Veterans Day luncheon and honors assembly to recognize local veterans for the sacrifices to country and community. 48 | December 2021
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4. Tom Lunch, U.S. Army 5. Patrick Rudy, U.S. Army, Commander of Tom Wolfe Memorial VFW Post No. 4207 in Monett; and Kim Rudy, U.S. Army and president V.F.W Women’s Auxiliary
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1. Naomi Walker, spouse and Don Walker, U.S. Army 2. Shanda Blackburn, spouse, and John Blackburn, active Army 3. Robert Graskemper, U.S. Army, and Loretta Graskemper, spouse 4. Ava Holland, spouse, and Don Holland, U.S. Navy 5. Edwin Scheuerman, U.S. Army and Missouri National Guard combat engineers, and Geneva Brown 6. Nancy Baker, spouse, and Jerry Baker, U.S. Army
Advertiser Index 417 Aesthetics..............................20 A Beautiful Image.........................49 Aire Serv.........................................22 Animal Clinic of Monett..............15 Barry Lawrence Regional Library... ..................................................... 3 Bruner Pharmacy..........................24 Cappy Harris Realtors.................43 Carey’s Cassville Florist..............42 Clark Community Mental Health... ...................................................27 Coldwell Banker...........................28 CoxHealth......................................52 CS Bank..........................................51 Diet Center....................................16 Doug’s Pro Lube...........................15 Dr. Jared Spears............................22 Edward Jones.................................. 5 Factory Direct Mattress................ 2 First State Bank of Purdy...........28 Fohn Funeral.................................20 Four Seasons Real Estate...........18 Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri..........................................26 Gantt Steel Buildings...................43 Home N Stead..............................42 Ken’s Collision Center.................36 Kiddie City.....................................24 Lackey Body Works.....................34 Landscape & Design....................26 Larry Arnold...................................15 Lil Boom Town Event Center.......... ...................................................34 Les Jacobs......................................43 Missouri Farm Bureau.................18 My Best Friend’s Closet..............32 Ozark Methodist Manor.............42 Patak-Phillips Fine Arms.............17 Peppers and Co............................26 QC Supply, LLC.............................18 Race Brothers...............................12 Roaring River Health & Rehab........ ...................................................24 Roark Family Health....................51 Root Cellar.....................................32 Rusty Gate Flea Market..............36 Sean Hilton....................................17 Security Bank of Southwest Missouri..........................................16 Shelter Insurance.........................40 Tisha Trotter.................................... 6 Tomblin’s Jewelry.........................17 Trogdon Marshall.........................36 VisionHealth Eye Center............34 White’s Insurance........................20 Whitley Pharmacy........................12
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50 | December 2021
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