Connection December 2023

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Christmas Magic

Precious Moments Chapel Metal Artist

Soulful Trees Co. Legendary Concerts

John Archer’s Christmas

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Christmas Toy Drive Arkansas & Missouri Railroad

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What is seasonal affective disorder?

Many people go through short periods when they feel sad or unlike their usual selves. Sometimes, these mood changes begin and end when the seasons change. Many people feel “down” or have the “winter blues” when the days get shorter in the fall and winter and feel better in the spring when longer daylight hours return.

Sometimes, these mood changes are more serious and can affect how a person feels, thinks, and behaves. If you have noticed significant changes in your mood and behavior when the seasons change, you may be experiencing seasonal affective disorder (SAD).

In most cases, SAD symptoms start in the late fall or early winter and go away during the spring and summer, known as winter-pattern SAD or winter depression. Other people experience depressive symptoms during the spring and summer months, known as summer-pattern SAD or summer depression.

Summer-pattern SAD is less common.

What are the signs and symptoms of SAD? SAD is a type of depression characterized by a recurrent seasonal pattern, with symptoms lasting about 4−5 months out of the year. The signs and symptoms of SAD include those associated with depression as well as disorder-specific symptoms that differ for winter-pattern versus summer-pattern SAD.

• Social withdrawal (feeling like “hibernating”) For summer-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: • Trouble sleeping (insomnia) • Poor appetite, leading to weight loss • Restlessness and agitation • Anxiety • Violent or aggressive behavior Winter-pattern SAD should not be confused with “holiday blues”—feelings of sadness or anxiety brought on by stresses at certain times of the year. The depression associated with SAD is related to changes in daylight hours, not the calendar, so stresses associated with the holidays or predictable seasonal changes in work or school schedules, family visits, and so forth are not the same as SAD.

Who develops SAD? It is estimated that millions of Americans experience SAD, although many may not know they have this common disorder.

In most cases, SAD begins in young adulthood.

SAD occurs much more often in women than in men. Winterpattern SAD also occurs more often than summer-pattern SAD. Therefore, SAD is more common in people living farther north, where there are shorter daylight hours in the winter. For example, people in Alaska or New England are more likely to develop SAD than people in Texas or Florida.

SAD is more common in people with depression or bipolar disorder, especially bipolar II disorder, which involves repeated depressive episodes and hypomanic episodes (less severe than the typical manic episodes of bipolar I disorder). Additionally, people with

Show Me Hope @ The Clark Center Not every person with SAD experiences all the symptoms listed below. Symptoms of depression can include:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or “empty” mood most of the day, nearly every day, for at least 2 weeks • Feelings of hopelessness or pessimism • Feelings of irritability, frustration, or restlessness • Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or helplessness • Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities • Decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling slowed down • Difficulty concentrating, remembering, or making decisions • Changes in sleep or appetite or unplanned weight changes • Physical aches or pains, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems that do not have a clear physical cause and do not go away with treatment • Thoughts of death or suicide or suicide attempts

SAD tend to have other mental disorders, such as attentiondeficit/hyperactivity disorder, eating disorder, anxiety disorder, or panic disorder. Learn more about these disorders.

SAD sometimes runs in families and may be more common in people who have relatives with other mental illnesses, such as depression or schizophrenia.

21 was rough. Show Me Hope at the Clark Center is connected to sources for financial help, mental health help, and self-care. The ogram is free and confidential. Programs are created to assist our munities with the ability to recover from the grief, uncertainty and stration of recent times. We are here to listen and help. Anyone in For winter-pattern SAD, additional symptoms can include: community with concerns about their recovery, or that of another • Oversleeping (hypersomnia) • Overeating, particularly with craving for carbohydrates, to call and seek assistance. individual or group isaencouraged leading to weight gain Points of focus for Show Me are resiliency, TheHope Clark Center self-care and experiencing417-235-6610 loss. Here 24/7...... you or someone you know needs crisis support now, Show Me Hope,If call or text:Call1-800-985-5990 or text 988 Resiliency Community Recovery Clark Center: 417-235-6610

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2 | December 2023

THE FUTURE OF OUR LIBRARY:

The New Monett Library is the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library District’s “Flagship” facility and leads the way

forward for the two-county district. It’s only fitting that every Library patron has a high level of services and access to a facility of the same caliber as the state-of-the-art Library in Monett.

At the BLRL, we envision a future where excellent library services are provided in up-to-date and inspiring library

spaces. We hope to rejuvenate aging facilities across the district and construct new buildings in communities like Shell Knob and Mt. Vernon. We always seek to improve and find better ways to serve our friends & neighbors.

Our Library truly is an example of the concept “of the people, by the people;” Each BLRL Library is a source of civic pride and a draw for folks deciding where to live. Our local area has a long tradition of valuing life-long learning, reading, and educational programs. That is why everything we do at the BLRL is funded by community support, with 90% being local funds.

The friendly librarians, leadership staff, and board of trustees want to take this opportunity to thank the citizens of Barry and Lawrence counties for your support.

THE AURORA LIBRARY

Phone: 417-678-2036 · Fax: 417-678-2041 E-Mail: aurora@blrlibrary.org

THE CASSVILLE LIBRARY

Phone: 417-847-2121 · Fax: 417-847-4679 E-Mail: cassville@blrlibrary.org

THE EAGLE ROCK LIBRARY

Phone: 417-271-3186 Fax: 417-444-5109 E-Mail: eaglerocklibrary@blrlibrary.org

THE MARIONVILLE LIBRARY

Phone: 417-463-2675 · Fax: 417-463-2116 E-Mail: marionville@blrlibrary.org

THE MILLER LIBRARY

Phone: 417-423-8528 Fax: 417-423-8582 E-Mail: miller@blrlibrary.org

THE MONETT LIBRARY

Phone: 417-235-7350 · Fax: 417-319-2391 E-Mail: monett@blrlibrary.org

THE MT. VERNON LIBRARY

Phone: 417-466-2921 - Fax: 417-466-2936 E-Mail: mtvernon@blrlibrary.org

THE PIERCE CITY LIBRARY

Phone: 417-476-5110 Fax: 417-408-8810 E-Mail: piercecity@blrlibrary.org

THE SHELL KNOB LIBRARY

Phone: 417-858-3618 Fax: 417-720-2099 E-Mail: shellknob@blrlibrary.org

Give the Gift of Reading

kids 6+ can get their own Library Cards It’s FREE and makes children feel very special while teaching them responsibility.

Library cards are totally free for all Barry & Lawrence residents.

The BLRL doesn’t charge late fees and provides tons of materials to check out and programs for all ages.

LIBRARY E-CARDS:

You can get quick access to library services online at blrlibrary.org

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 3

LETTER FROM THE PUBLISHER

by Lisa Craft

Lisa Craft is owner and publisher of Connection Magazine and The Monett Times.

Open Your Home and Your Heart

W

ell folks here we are in December, perhaps the busiest month of the year. It is hard to believe that we have reached the last month of 2023 but then again, if you read the November column, you know that recently my husband passed away. So, not only does time usually speed by, but I also think I went to sleep on September 16, 2023 and I am not quite sure if I have woken up yet.

However, no matter what happens in a persons life, birthdays, holidays and celebrations still happen whether you wish them to or not.

The majority of the families that I know are big enough that they are blessed this time of year in sharing time together. They have the holiday meals, perhaps attend a holiday church service, go to a special program featuring students performing Christmas songs or a play, exchange gifts, and enjoy spending time just visiting with each other. Time actually slows down just for a bit to give us the opportunity to catch up with others.

There are others that are not that blessed. Even in our small community there are those that do not have family to spend this magical time with or even have someone to make a phone call to. The closest that I have come to experiencing this type of loneliness is when I lived in Germany, but even then we had our own little family that would group together with other military families, so you really were not alone, but you would miss your family that was home in the United States.

It is very difficult to celebrate alone. According to your beliefs, you can celebrate the birth of Christ alone and attend church services. This is a definite cause for celebration whether you are in a group or are alone.

4 | December 2023

She can be reached at monettcommunity@ gmail.com

I am not trying to write a depressing holiday column, but the point that I am trying to drive home, is if you are blessed enough to be able to celebrate with numerous family members but you know someone that has no one to celebrate with, why not embrace that opportunity and include them into your home and your heart. This unselfish act could possibly give someone the best gift they have ever received.

My family personally has a family that is invited to family get-togethers, birthday parties and holiday dinners.

It is a husband and wife that have one child with special needs. They have no other family close by, so they were invited one time and have been continually included which has kind of made them part of the family. I am not saying that this makes our family special, but it just kind of happened.

There are families that need families; single parents raising children who need others; senior adults who need the companionship of others; foster children who need families for the holidays; grandparents that would love to hear the noise of children around; and sometimes we could just share our food with others less fortunate. Isn’t that what this time of year is all about? We need to be more giving, thankful, loving, patient and kind. And think about how this world could change for the positive if we could manage to be this way year around!

Merry Christmas to all from Connection Magazine!

Owner & Publisher, Connection Magazine

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ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 5

FREE

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DECEMBER 2023

Christmas Magic

Precious Moments Chapel Metal Artist

Soulful Trees Co. Legendary Concerts

John Archer’s Christmas

Linn Thornton Family Memorial

Christmas Toy Drive Arkansas & Missouri Railroad

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Christmas Train A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO THE OZARKS ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 1

ON THE COVER: There are holiday events galore happening this holiday season in our backyard. Take a moment to soak in all that this seaosn has in store for you and your family.

CONTENTS

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16 Cutest Kid 17 Guest Column 23 Healthy Connection: Zinc and Immunity 29 Parenting Column 37 Rescued, My Favorite Breed 39 Cutest Pet 40 Familiar Faces 42 Parting Shot

Have an idea for a story you would like to see in Connection Magazine?

Email it to monettcommunity@gmail.com Facebook.com/MyConnectionMo

Follow us on Facebook

F E AT U R E S 9|

ARKANSAS-MISSOURI RAILROAD CHRISTMAS TRAIN The A&M Christmas Train will make its round to Monett on Sunday, Dec. 17

12 | SOULFUL TREES CO. Metal sculptor Jill Whitman creates wires trees with moods of peace and intensity 20 | LINN THORNTON FAMILY MEMORIAL CHRISTMAS TOY DRIVE This annual effort to bring Christmas to children in need experienced an unexpected increase in participation

25 | SEASON OF GIVING Many memories of the Holidays center around gift giving, and it’s the giving that matters most 30 | JOHN ARCHER’S CHRISTMAS Legendary Monett Christmas programs from the 1950s to 1990s owe their fame to one man’s dreams 34 | PRECIOUS MOMENTS CHAPEL This unique chapel in Carthage, Mo., is prime for a visit during the Holidays.

DECEMBER 2023 A father and daughter enjoy some bonding time during the Christmas Train ride.

Read more on page 9.

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 7

WISHING YOU A

Merry Christmas AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

WISHING YOU AND YOUR FAMILY A JOYFUL HOLIDAY AND BLESSINGS IN THE NEW YEAR.

8 | December 2023

Santa and Mrs. Clause wave to the Christmas Train as it embarks on its journey.

All ABoard!

O

Arkansasof all ages will have the op- secretary, had met David and Lynette portunity to experience the Bailey, with the For the Kids Foster ParMissouri magic of Christmas on the rails, thanks ent Association. The Seligman Chamto the Arkansas & Missouri Railroad’s ber wanted to support this organization Railroad (A & M) Christmas Train, which will and handed the event over to David run from Monett to Exeter and back. and Lynette.”

Christmas During the one-hour excursion, chil- Being on the train itself, Brenda said, dren will have the opportunity to write is like traveling back to a long-past era.

“Riding the train is like stepping to and visit with Santa Claus.

Train brings letters There will also be caroling, hot choco- back in time,” she said. “Each car is unique in its own manner from 1920’s for all. holiday magic lateAand& cookies M first began running the to 1950’s vintage.”

Children will enjoy riding on the Christmas Train between Monett and to Monett Exeter in 2014, said Brenda Rouse, the train, but Brenda said many adults like n Sunday, Dec. 17, children

Commerce,” she said. “Cleta Stanley,

railroad’s excursion train manager.

“The Christmas Train originally was hosted by the Seligman Chamber of

to ride as well.

“There seems to be more adults sometimes than children,” she said.

Story by Steve Chapman

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 9

Buy tickets online AMTrainRides.com

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Merry Christmas AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

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The Christmas Train is about more than just a train ride, however. Brenda said the excursion benefits the up to 700 children in foster care in the Barry, Lawrence and Stone Counties, for which she credited the Baileys.

“David and Lynette Bailey are the vitals in supporting the For Kids Parent Organization Foster Program,” she said. “They are boots on the ground getting sponsorships, donations and goodies bags to hand out on the Christmas Train.

While the Christmas aspect of the ride is a wonderful experience, Brenda added, the true magic happens when family members choose to enjoy it together.

“I think what makes the train ride special is the family bonding time,” she said. “There’s just something magical about riding down the tracks.”

The train will pick up and drop off passengers from the soccer fields at Monett’s South Park, and will run on Dec. 17 at 10 a.m, 12 p.m., 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. Tickets run from $17 to $42 (lap children ride free) and are available by calling the Springdale Depot Office at (479)725-4017 or online at amtrainrides.com, under “buy tickets”. Each train ride can hold up to 250 passengers.

Brenda also emphasized caution during the train ride.

“Safety is the most important thing to remember,” she said. “Always be on the lookout for trains when crossing the tracks.” n

Merry Christmas

Thank you for your business and friendship throughout the year.

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ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 11

Jill demonstrates how she makes a wire tree

Jill Whitman’s wire trees began with an impromptu creative endeavor

A completed wire tree

12 | December 2023

Learn more about Soulful Trees Co.

A Soulful Enterprise I

n the Summer of 2019, Jill Whitman found a piece of driftwood on the Flat Creek gravel bar located on her property, she felt an urge to do something creative with it. She went online to seek ideas, where she found out about wire trees and decided to try making one, using her training from her service in the U.S. Navy.

“I wanted to do something creative with that piece of driftwood,” she said. “Checking on Pinterest for ideas I came across wire trees, I had never seen wire trees before but felt it was something I wanted to try and make.

Having been in the navy as a jet engine mechanic, using (various grades of ) wire to twist in a certain pattern to ensure all the nuts and bolts on a jet engine were wired in a tightening position to avoid loosening from any vibration, I thought this might be interesting to try.”

From those humble beginnings, Jill created Soulful Trees Company, a business where Jill creates and sells trees made from wire and wood or stone she finds on her land. Jill said trees have a special fascination for her.

“I have always loved trees and how they move when there is a nice breeze blowing through them,” she said, “and

Story by Steve Chapman

Jill Whitman poses with some of her creations. also in the winter time at dusk seeing the sun set behind the trees or the moon shining through the tree tops.”

When she started out making the trees, Jill said, there was a major learning curve.

“It was a lot of trial and error and lots of practicing with inexpensive wire plus a lot of patience,” she said. “When I started making trees, I worked at Silgan in Mt Vernon before they closed. I would make a small tree (and) get feed back from the people I worked with.”

To make the trees, Jill said, she uses different types of wire, including “aluminum wire, used electrical wire that I strip (and) enameled colored coated

aluminum or copper wire.” She also explained how she makes the trees. “(For) the stand alone trees, I first determine approximately the length of wire, cut all the wire strands I will need for the trunk of the tree,” she said. “(Then I) bundle all the strands you have cut together, twist all the strands about 4 inches up from the bottom to start your trunk, twist (them) about four times, then divide the strands in half (or how ever many divisions you want) and twist each half separately.

“Keep dividing and twisting until you have (gotten) almost to the end of the wire. You kind of have to use you imagination to bend the wires to finish

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 13

the trees. For the roots either leave the root end straight or divide like the way for branches.”

No two trees that Jill makes are alike; she said she crafts them this way on purpose.

“Each tree is unique,” she said, “as they are all made differently. I never try to copy exactly tree to tree. Like in nature, each tree is different.”

The trees, Jill said, are meant to have a stress-relieving effect on those who look at them.

“The trees with the wind blowing look represents the wind blowing the stresses of the day away, (creating) a relaxing feeling or mood,” she said, also adding that she uses materials she finds on her property to give each of the trees a unique character.

“Putting the trees on drift wood or rocks from my property or from where I have picked up a piece adds a special meaning to them,” she said.

“I can’t quite put it into words.”

Making the trees, Jill said, can be a lengthy endeavor.

“The free standing trees take anywhere from 15… hours (or more), depending on what kind of tree is being made,” she said. “Some of the pine trees take anywhere from 20 to 30 hours, (and) the trees I put in metal hoops take about four to six hours. Just cutting the strands of wire takes awhile.”

Jill sells her trees at the Lendonwood Botanical Gardens in Grove, Oklahoma, as well as the SweatPea and the Rooster Antiques and More in Rogers, Arkansas.

“I (also) have a Soulful Trees Facebook account you can see what trees I have,” she said. “I make most of my trees the way I would like them but I do make custom orders.”

To learn more about Soulful Trees, call Jill at (417)988-9269, e-mail her at jlsw1981@gmail.com, or visit her Facebook page. n 14 | December 2023

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ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 15

CUTEST KID

December 2023 contest winner

Bryndli Burval, three-year-old daughter of Shaun and Amanda Burval of Aurora

Congratulations Bryndli

Email your child’s photo to: monettcommunity@gmail.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.

16 | December 2023

Priceless mother-baby bond

GUEST COLUMN

by Manndi Maphies

Amannda (Manndi) Maphies (hometown Monett, MO) works at the UMKC School of Pharmacy, is a mother to two human boys, two furry boys (dog – Atlas and cat – Hamilton), and enjoys freelance writing based on her travels, life adventures, and pretty much anything that stands out in life as “story-worthy.” Manndi contributes to several online and written publications. She had her first book published in September 2022, Tales From My Mummy, which can be found in local bookstores and Amazon Kindle.

How the Nativity Speaks Differently to Mothers I decorate for Christmas a little earlier every year. For several reasons.

One, my birthday falls in early December, and very little makes me happier than having a deckedout home for the holidays, for my special day (and of course, Jesus’ special day)! Two, I have a lot of Christmas items, and it takes a very long time to drag them out, dust them off, and nostalgically reflect on each memory while I lovingly hang, hammer, wrap, and decorate to my heart’s content.

Why go to all that trouble for only three weeks when society says, ‘it is politically correct to decorate now’?! Lastly, I love to pour festive features across my home to honor and fully enjoy my absolute favorite time of year. Christmas.

setting it out every year and finding a way to accentuate it, as I did with this adorable blue tea light I found on sale at Amazon.com.

I could sit and stare at this scene for hours. I doubt very much the real nativity was as perfect and serene as the modern-day versions we have created. However, I like to think there was perhaps one moment of sheer peace and serenity. Perhaps that moment was best captured by the verse, “But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart.” (Luke 2:19)

Is there any Christmas more meaningful than that of a newborn baby? A mother’s love is simply the epitome of contentment. I recall when my firstborn summer baby was nearly six months old, and we celebrated his first Christmas.

Holding that long-awaited, muchprayed-for baby in my arms filled me with a joy I had waited my whole life to experience. And just two and a half years later, a fresh late-autumn baby boy to “swaddle” and cuddle while gently rocking him, with the glorious glow of

It is the time of year when people are nicer. There is a childhood wonder and all-encompassing magic that permeates the air. I am always in desperate need of peace, so it makes perfect sense that I crave the time of year literally known for peace and goodwill.

This small crystal nativity scene was given to me by my Grandmother, Joann Mann Wadlow, when I was just a little girl. It is simple in its features and transparent design, and it means the world to me. I look forward to

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 17

the Christmas tree lulling us both into a deep winter’s sleep.

Did I realize then, at my sons’ fresh entrances to the world, at that perfectly divine newborn age, how superbly special that time was? Or was I too weary from the routine of the day to fully appreciate those tender and fleeting moments?

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Did Mary realize the significance of her firstborn son? Did she truly understand that she was the very vessel God chose to bring forth His own beloved child into this darkly depraved world? She likely had an inkling; after all, it is not everyone who gets visited by an angel and told they would supernaturally conceive the very Savior of the world!

Still, I like to imagine Mary just a little bit oblivious to the significance of this child. Just enough to get lost in that new baby scent. Those deep soulful eyes.

That soft head of baby fine hair.

He was her first baby, after all.

Surely she could not stop staring into his perfectly precious little face. Learning each unique cry, babble, and precious baby sound.

Wondering if tonight would be the magical night her son would finally sleep long enough for her to reach that illusive new-mom REM sleep.

I know she knew. But I also think, and mommas, tell me if I am wrong, that there is such a precious bond already formed between a mother and her newborn baby, that the two are sort of caught up in their own little world for the first few weeks after a harrowing birth. There is an imaginary hedge of separation from one body to two, and yet feeling even more connected, that shuts the world out and brings into sharp focus the pure

miracle and intense bonding from mother and child after a glorious new birth.

I could not have been more proud, enamored, and absolutely astounded by the two baby boys I am blessed to call my sons.

When each boy entered this world, my own world took on a whole new meaning.

And Mary, sweet, blessed, chosen, favored Mary. I truly cannot get my head around the fact that her new baby bliss was exponentially compounded by the fact that her firstborn, a son, was in fact, God’s very own, in the flesh!

It is just too amazing to comprehend...

Every mother reminisces about those first few weeks with her precious new baby. It is a magical, inconceivably beautiful time.

Perhaps that is why I love losing myself in the nativity scene.

Trying to picture myself as Mary, hundreds of years prior. Against all odds, in an unbelieving world.

Knowing deep inside my heart, of the gravity of import resting on the tiny shoulders of my precious newborn baby boy.

Yet. Simply wrapping her arms just a little bit tighter against his tiny human form. Losing herself in the deep well of love that every new baby elicits. Mary knew, eventually, this child would outgrow her mere mothering for a much greater call upon his divine life. But for that night, in the stable, surrounded by animals and a husband she barely knew, Mary was a first-time mother to a beautiful baby boy. And that, as simple, natural, and everyday-occurring as it is, will never cease to hold the significance of a miracle to every woman with a tender mother’s heart. n

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Another Christmas tradition started by Linn Thornton is the annual Christmas dinner, which gives community members an opportunity to gather with friends, family and neighbors on Christmas day.

A Blessing in Disguise

Linn Thornton Family Memorial Christmas Toy Drive is accepting donations especially for older children, through Dec. 20, 2023.

Learn more about the Linn Thornton Family Memorial Christmas Toy Drive

20 | December 2023

W

hen a thief or thieves broke into a storage unit housing Christmas presents for local children in need, the community was devastated, by both the loss of the donated toys, and by the knowledge that someone was literally willing to steal Christmas from kids in need.

But what wasn’t expected was the blessings that came in response to the theft.

A burglary at the Marshall Storage Units at 103 Cherry Street in Monett in early October resulted in the loss of an estimated $1,000 worth of toys supporting the annual Linn Thornton Family Memorial Christmas Toy Drive.

According to a report filed by Monett Police Officer Kristin Butterworth, three storage units in the Marshall facility were discovered to have been burgled on Oct. 10. One of those units, rented by Earnest Thornton, contained collections gathered for the

annual toy drive.

Thornton said up to 10 large plastic bags of toys, all in their original packaging, were stolen from the unit.

One of the bags, he said, contained donations gathered in the motorcycle toy run conducted June 3 that stopped when four riders were killed in a traffic crash that injured seven others near Aurora.

“Some of the toys were left over from last year,” Thornton said. “We bought a few, and one bag was from the toy ride. They were $10 to $20 items, ranging from dolls to art sets, all new.”

Thornton estimated the toys valued at $1,000. He also lost a black powder rifle in its case, worth approximately $70, Harley-Davidson bike parts worth approximately $200 and two mufflers.

Ernie’s father, Linn Thornton, began his toy drive in 1980, eventually donning a Santa outfit to make toy deliveries.

Story by Mike Gervais

Linn Thornton, shown here at his last Christmas dinner, has been helping local children in need have a Merry Christmas since 1980. This year, thieves broke into a storage unit housing gifts for this year’s toy drive, making off with approximately $1,000 worth of merchandise.

In those early days, Linn operated independently, without any corporate backing. In 1985 he began hosting a community Christmas Day dinner, designed as a gathering for people who no longer had a family to gather with, or the ability to cook a big meal on their own, or for travelers without a place to spend the holiday. Thornton and his first wife, Geraldine, earned the Monett Chamber of Commerce’s Community Service Award for their efforts in 1991.

The event grew from 14 people, with the Thorntons doing the cooking, to serving upwards to 1,500 meals in a single day. Community members embraced his cause and volunteered by the dozens to help cook and deliver meals.

The program moved from the American Legion Home after 2010 and has continued ever since at the First United Methodist Church in Monett. Linn even went so far as to host the 1998 Christmas dinner, despite having broken his leg the night prior.

Despite being robbed of approximately $1,000 worth of Christmas presents, Ernie Thornton, son of Linn Thornton, said the community has stepped up this year to help fill the need and ensure the Linn Thornton Family Memorial Christmas Toy Drive can continue in memory of his father, Linn, above.

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 21

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Given all Linn had done to support the community during Christmas, Ernie said this year’s robbery, though not the first in the toy drive’s history, is an affront to his father’s memory.

But the robbery has had a positive impact that nobody expected.

“I’ve got almost all the toys that were stolen replaced,” he said. “A lot of people who didn’t help before have stepped up, and they’ve been helping a lot, helping to get more donations in. We’ve also had some cash donations that have helped.”

In the wake of the robbery, many stepped up to ensure the toy drive can continue as before. In addition to The Monett Times, which opened its doors to collect cash donations for Thornton, a breakfast and motorcycle ride was organized Oct. 21, donations of toys were accepted at Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri and a bake sale was held Oct. 14.

“I didn’t want this to happen, but in a way, I’m glad it did, because I think it helped to wake some people up,” Ernie said. “With the donations coming in, by December, we could double what they took. I don’t want anything like this to happen to anyone else, but we appreciate the support we’re getting.”

So, not only will the Linn Thornton toy drive continue in 2023 despite the burglary, Ernie said this year’s event may be bigger and better than ever.

As of mid-November, he said he still has some losses he is attempting to recuperate, and he is in particular need of gifts for older children, but the way the community has responded to the theft has been a blessing.

“We really need donations by the first or second week of December,” he said. “By December, we take the toys and start putting them image groups and begin sorting them out.” n

Essential for immunity support

HEALTHY CONNECTION

by Lexie Buchman

Lexie Buchman is a dietetic intern attending and working with Cox College. She has always been passionate about helping others improve their quality of life through food and nutrition but since matching to Cox College Nutrition Diagnostics Dietetic Internship, her love for helping others has grown immensely.

The Interaction Between Immune Health and Zinc What is the immune system?

Did you know your immune system has its own memory?

This allows for a quick, successful response to any infections it has dealt with previously, leading to long-established protection against recurrent infections. The immune system compromises a group of organs, white blood cells, chemicals, and proteins, known as antibodies.

Your immune system operates in a way to protect you and your body from foreign invaders. Foreign invaders are known as bacteria, viruses, parasites, and fungi all of which can be the origin of becoming ill with infection or disease (Cleveland Clinic, 2020).

Our immune system defends our bodies to stay healthy. If your immune system isn’t working correctly, you may have reoccurring infections one after another without healing before the next infection takes over.

This results in being immunocompromised (Cleveland Clinic, 2016).

How do I keep a strong immune system?

As we become older, our immune response decreases which leads to more frequent infections.

Some populations that are at risk for a weakened immune system consist of persons going through cancer treatments, organ transplants, primary immunodeficiency,

and active treatments of high doses of corticosteroids (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2023). Living a healthy lifestyle is the first line of treatment to naturally strengthening your immune system.

A healthy lifestyle is said to keep your immune system performing as it should. Some ways to do so are cessation of smoking, consume fruits and vegetables, engage in physical activity, sustain a healthy weight, obtain enough sleep, and practice basic hygiene skills to minimize infection, stay up to date on vaccinations, and reduce stress (Harvard Health Publishing, 2021).

How does zinc work with your immune system within the body?

An essential mineral that has been studied to support the immune system is zinc. Zinc is necessary throughout the first stages of the immune response. Zinc is an antioxidant, supports growth and development, and is essential for the immune system overall.

This means the immune system can be affected by a potential zinc deficiency along with elevated levels of zinc resulting in a weakened immune response.

A zinc deficiency can be seen as experiencing hair loss, alterations in nails (thin, brittle, white spots), frequent infections, irritability, loss of appetite, weight loss, ageusia, and anosmia (Health Direct, 2021). The connection between the immune system and zinc is very intricate and should be cared for as recommended (Rink & Gabriel, 2000).

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 23

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What nutrition sources keep my immune system healthy?

It is recommended to primarily get your nutrients from food sources although supplements are available. Food sources such as oysters, beef (red meat), seafood, fortified cereals, pork, poultry, cheese, lentils, dairy, whole grains, eggs, bread, cherry tomatoes, and broccoli are all rich in zinc. Antioxidants play a role in keeping your immune system healthy that are found widely in fruits and vegetables.

It’s important to remember, the recommended dietary allowance for males is 8mg and for females is 11mg (National Institute of Health, 2022).

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Our immune system has a significant impact on our bodies, health, and well-being. It determines whether we develop a cold, infection, or acute/chronic disease. Knowing the benefits and consequences of a weakened immune system can influence our lifestyle for the better.

Nutrition is equally as important as lifestyle in these situations.

Keep in mind, a healthy immune system will lead to a healthy, happy person! n

It’s all in the giving

T

he experience of giving gifts – Charles Rowell recalls his family Christmas the joy in both receiving and lived in a small house on Central Avgiving – makes Christmas the enue in Monett when he grew up. “I memories: most special of holidays. Memories that woke up on Christmas morning and I from a single thoughtful gesture had gotten a tricycle. I could ride it in in receiving come can last a lifetime. the living room and down the hall. AfThe gifts may not be much. For ter a while, I wondered, ‘How did that and in gift George Ballay of Monett, who recalls come down the chimney?’ That was the was too poor when he was end of Santa to me, and my parents adgiving hisyoungfamily to give gifts, one year he and each mitted they provided the trike.” of his three brothers received a small solid rubber toy tractor, a memory he held special. For Rhonda Schilly, one of the first gifts she received as a small child was a Rub-A-Dub Dolly, a 17inch vinyl doll the squirted, made for playing in the bathtub. It came with its own wood stand, she noted.

Here are other memories:

Rowell noted his grandmother, Maud Mansfield, had no particular needs, making her a difficult subject for gifting. “One year I came up with an idea with the local florist on the west side of town, to bring her a flower or arrangement at the first of every month for a year. She would forget about it, then another would come. She really liked that.”

Jeanne Ann Camp recalled when she was about 10 years old and an avid reader, one day she stumbled onto her parents’ gift that year: a group of about 10 Nancy Drew books, stashed under a bed before Christmas. “It was all I could do to not grab one and read it,” she said.

Pat Wilson of Pierce City recalled when she was growing up in southwest Kansas, her parents, the Young family, gave their three kids an organ, kind of a kit that could have keys attached, and came with an instruction book. “It was different from everything else we had,”

Story by Murray Bishoff

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 25

“I woke up on Christmas morning and she recalled, “a lovely gift. I played with it more than my sister and brother.

It was just fun to sit down and make noise. I learned to play ‘Twinkle, Twinkle,’ I’m still not musical and don’t play, but I played with it a lot.”

Barbara Carver of Pierce City, daughter of Clifford and Iola Reed, said when she was about 5, living near Granby, she received a doll and a baby carriage made of vinyl. Her nieces and

I had gotten a tricycle. I could ride it in the living room and down the hall.

After a while, I wondered, ‘How did that come down the chimney?’”

– Charles Rowell

Tracy Essary

Frances Nelson

Ed Scheuerman

nephews later played with them, tearing them up from wear, but she remembered them fondly.

called when she was about 8, her dad, a man of few words, teased her about an unknown gift, saying, “Ooh, you’re going to like it. Oh, it’s so pretty.” Her parents gave her a little sewing kit, with little cones and scissors, and a stiff paper doll on which one could fasten dresses.

“It was precious,” she said. “It was my first sewing experience.”

long vocation out of making music.

Music making has been such an enriching experience that Scheuerman gave his son’s daughter, Tristan Dancer, an Alvarez guitar when she was about 5, to encourage her to play along with both her father and grandfather.

Tracy Essary of Monett said, “When I was about 10, my mother, a single mom who was not a seamstress but had a good friend who was, together they made me a huge Raggedy Ann doll. I think of it every year. It was hand-stitched. I never knew my mom made anything. I had it until not that many years ago.”

Rod Anderson of Monett, who fondly recalled receiving a Lionel train set as a favorite Christmas present, wanted to retain fond memories of the family. He had photos of his two daughters while young wearing overalls out in his father’s farm near Freistatt. Anderson had those candid photos framed as a gift her his parents, which has come back after their passing as a favorite memory for the family.

Frances Nelson of Pierce City re-

26 | December 2023

Marion Merritt of Pierce City recounted how her father employed a hired hand, a bachelor, who liked to give Marion and her sister something for Christmas. Each year he gave them each a doll, large ones about a foot or more in height. “We were big girls then,” she said. “I felt a bit silly at 13 still getting dolls.”

Edwin Leroy Scheuerman of Monett said when he was in seventh or eighth grade, for Christmas he received a brand-name guitar, a Silvertone Archtop.

He had played since he was in fifth grade, and made a life-

Christa Stout of Monett grew up in Nuremberg, Germany, where outdoor sports activities were very important in the life of a child. “When I was about 8, my parents gave me a pair of skates, with brown boots,” she said.

“Before that I had skates that screwed on. The new ones were big enough to last several years. I used to skate so long that when I’d go home, my feet were numb. My mother would have to rub them to bring them back to life. I still have the skates I got after that pair, with white boots.”

Terra Williams of Monett fondly recalled the pair of roller skates she received at age 12. “They were about two

sizes too big. They never did fit me,” she said. “My feet were size 7. My mother’s were size 8. I think she thought my feet would grow to her size.”

Clarence Nelson, who lives north of Pierce City, received his memorable gift when he was in his fifties, from his mother-in-law, Rosa Spinlan. “She didn’t have a lot of money, so she made jam. She gave me a box full of jelly in baby food jars, sealed in wax, with the

recalled two gifts. At age 9, she got an electric hair curler, with different sized curlers where she would plug it in, pour water over the curlers and it would mist.

“That way I didn’t have to sleep on rollers, like my sister did.”

As an adult, she received a second memorable gift, from her then 23-yearold daughter, Heidi. “She was just out of college. I got a poem she wrote, telling the things that she loved about me.”

Jan Rowell of Monett had an experience for her memorable gift. “I grew up on a farm north of Asbury. I was probably in first grade, age 6, and my sisters were 4 and 3. On Christmas morning, it had snowed. We looked outside on the front lawn and there was a white deer, an albino buck with a good sized set of antlers. We knew it was Santa’s reindeer, left for us to take care of till next year. He stayed with us a long time. He was easy

Clarence Nelson

Annette Douglas

Michael Purdom to spot in the pasture. My sisters and I still talk about it. I believed in Santa for a long, long time.”

For many, the act of giving a gift became an especially memorable part of the holiday, often requiring extra creativity.

kind of jelly written on the outside. It took me six months to eat them all.”

Beverly Miller of Pierce City found that after her parents sold their place, a box of photos remained. In that box she found photos of her father in boot camp during World War 2 in Farragut, Idaho, his class at camp, and a map of the cruise route taken by his ship, the USS Makin Island, a support aircraft carrier. She took those items, had them framed in a glass case and gave them to him as a gift.

Julie Garner of Pierce City had an orange, pumpkin-colored sweater she got from her mother, Joanne George, that had a hole worn through it. She didn’t want to throw it away, but she couldn’t fix it. One year she decided to take the sweater apart and remade it into decorative pumpkins that she gave to each of the ladies in her family.

Annette Douglas of Pierce City

Linda Cavaneau Linda Cavaneau of Monett said her special gift was what she didn’t get for Christmas. She was pregnant in 1971. “My doctor said, ‘I’ll see you on Christmas.’ I told him to have the hor d’oeuvres and wine out because if I saw him, it would be at my house.’ I’m not coming to see him to have the baby. I sat around a lot and did my Christmas shopping early that year. My son was born on December 28.”

Michael Purdom, a Monett native who grew up on Purdy, noted that around 1967, he and his cousin, Robert McDougle, “the closest thing I had to a brother,” got toy guns, big ones like a bazooka. “We had great fun shooting at each other,” he said.

One year Terra Williams wanted to give her father something special. She saved her babysitting money and her earnings from cleaning houses for the elderly couple that lived near her home and bought him a black leather bomber jacket, costing $50.

“He cried,” she said. “He never got gifts. He was very proud of that jacket.

I still have it.”

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 27

Richard Palmer of Pierce City as a teen worked for his cousin, Leonard Goodman, at Jolly Mill and the surrounding grounds. The experience led Palmer and his wife to start taking holiday meals to Goodman. In the same spirit, then, Goodman gifted Palmer with “a pile” of Jolly Mill feed sacks. Palmer has had several framed and is looking for a place to display them.

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Debbie Flattem The most memorable Christmas gift experience came from Debbie Flattem. “When I was probably 12, my dad, Fred Tipton, was serving in the Army Signal Corps. He had been stationed at Fort Leonard Wood and had been away for two years in Vietnam. We were living in Ava at the time.

“That Christmas, his flight came into Springfield late. A gentleman coming off the plane brought him home. When we got up on Christmas morning, he was sitting at the kitchen table, drinking coffee, waiting for us.”

Her father retired from the Army after 20 years the following year.

So whether it’s giving or receiving, the memory lives on. Even when the memory fades, the gift becomes becomes part of the person, and makes Christmas fresh all over again. n

Happy for the Holidays

by Meagan Ruffing

PARENTING COLUMN

If you’re going through a hard time right now and possibly dreading the holidays because of life’s circumstances, try to take one thing from this list to help you tackle another day. Maybe you can even set a New Year’s resolution.

Life After Divorce: Holiday Style It was August when I got divorced and thankfully, it just so happened that visitation orders for my state said that Parent 1 would get the Christmas holiday with their kids.

I couldn’t even begin to think about what it would be like to experience my first Christmas in nearly 20 years without my best friend; my kids’ dad…my ex-husband. I was trying to look at the glass-half-full side of things knowing that my kids and I would wake up together.

I knew it would be hard. I knew it would be sad, and I knew I didn’t know the first thing about protecting my kids from the impending sadness that would consume that day. I didn’t even know how to put up a Christmas tree by myself nor did I want to.

Honestly, I had absolutely no desire to celebrate anything. I just wanted to crawl in my bed, pull the covers over my head, and hide from the entire world. But – parenting doesn’t stop just because a divorce happens. In fact, parenting takes on a whole new meaning. It becomes your soul focus as you navigate new routines, new habits, and create new memories together. It became my lifeline in 2019.

If you find yourself in a similar situation this Christmas, I encourage you to try some of these things.

They really helped me get through the month of December.

H Put the tree up. Even

if you have zero energy to do anything…put the tree up. My mom flew out and helped me set things up for Christmas. I’m so thankful she did because my kids and I needed the comfort that a Christmas tree provides.

When I was too tired to trim the tree because I’d used all my energy to wrap my head around my new normal, my mom gently unwrapped each ornament and let me rest. Enlist the help of a friend or family member. Ask for help so you’re not alone.

4 Remember to eat.

I still didn’t have much of an appetite when December rolled around. I think things had kind of settled in by then and I was just beginning to grieve the marriage.

Eating was the last thing I wanted to do. Nothing tasted good and eating seemed so unimportant in the midst of my life falling apart. Pick up healthy snacks to tuck in your purse, your car, and in a basket on top of your counter. Find ones that are high in protein and low in sugar so you can get some energy to make it through the day.

C Rest. Resting can be taking

a nap in the middle of the day, over the weekend, or getting to bed early. I didn’t sleep much during my divorce and for a long time after. I stayed up ruminating on the past 20 years and worrying about what the next 20

would look like. I used to call my friend Katie in the middle of the night just to have another person to talk to. She would listen to my hurts and remind me how loved I was. Those late-night phone calls were my version of rest because they offered me a few moments of relief.

j Do nice things for

yourself. I liked myself before my divorce, but I learned to love myself after the divorce. I tuned in to all my favorite Christmas movies and reminisced about spending the holidays with my grandparents up in the northeast. I came up with new ways to celebrate the holidays like volunteering, making Christmas cookies to give away, and leaving poinsettias on my friends’ doorsteps. Doing things for other people helped take the focus off what I was going through and helped me focus on more positive things.

J Plan things to look

forward to. Since my kids

went to their dad’s the day after Christmas, I bought tickets to fly home to Massachusetts so I could be with my family. I didn’t really want to travel but I was thankful to have something to count down to and focus on.

I was able to rest, reset, and let my family take care of me during that time. I returned to my kids feeling somewhat refreshed and ready to approach the New Year. n

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 29

1978 Christmas performance

Capturing Christmas C

hristmas – a time of year like none other, filled with spectacle and pageantry, of children’s smiling faces and its own musical pallet.

Celebrating the season may seem spontaneous, but behind the scenes, much work goes into the undertaking, especially at the school level.

Parents in Monett from the 1950s up until the digital age likely encountered the Monett Elementary School Christmas Program, an extravaganza like nothing else. Hours of singing, costumes, small children paraded on and off a stage in the E.E. Camp gymnasium rivaled all other pageantry that Monett could muster. This spectacle took months to prepare. While it may have

30 | December 2023

Story by Murray Bishoff

John Archer, 1992 seemed like one of those evenings lasted for days in the standing-room-only gym, the shows lasted for only around two hours. The eyes of both parents as spectators and children who participated widen at the memory of these show of shows.

In the center of these epic productions, which ran from 1957 to 1992, for nearly 30 years was one man, John Archer.

The idea for a Christmas program involving every elementary school child, kindergarten through sixth grade, starting in a day when Monett had three elementary schools – Marshall Hill, Forest Park and Plymouth for younger grades, plus fifth and sixth graders at Central

Monett Elementary School’s Christmas program defined the moment Park – came from Mary Helen Willhoite, the elementary schools supervisor. She had successfully translated the May Fete spectacles that started as the big public show in the city park in the 1920s into a school function, held for decades on the Jaycee Athletic Field, located today between what is now Burl Fowler Stadium and Monett Intermediate School, moving to the stadium in its last years. In a day when every classroom had a Christmas tree and children created holiday decorations as a class activity, a big program of singing and dancing seemed only natural.

These days, marshaling 750+ children into doing anything might seem unthinkable. Back then, you just did it.

“They had three or four classrooms in each little school do programs,” Archer recalled. “Mary Helen wrote them till I came. One year she had done ‘The Little Match Girl’ (a staged version of the Hans Christian Anderson story).

She quickly turned it over to me.

“I started writing them about July.

My wife, Carmen, a librarian, found many of the ideas,” Archer said. The 1966 program, for example, worked under the theme “With Visions of Sugar Plums Dancing In Their Heads.”

“We traveled around a lot buying antiques,” he said. “I’d get ideas from anywhere. Before I got an office when the [consolidated] Monett Elementary School was built, I started writing them

under the steering wheel of my car. I’d have the program outlined by August.

When we had our first school faculty meeting, I was ready to assign people to do different things, including costuming to go with the songs and dances.

Everybody pitched in, whether they wanted to or not. Mary Helen or [Superintendent] Ralph Scott would tell them they had to.”

Parents were also enlisted to help make costumes.

“I tried to use as many worldwide Christmas songs in the program as I could, so kids would learn about customs from other countries. I chose literature from all over the world, like spirituals and ‘The Ukrainian Bell Carol.’

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 31

The kids loved it. We taught all the arts in those days, any way we could.”

Practicing was worked into the weekly routine for the months leading up to the program. Sixth grade teacher Marcelle Duel, Archer noted, “who taught sixth grade for a hundred years,” took on all the scenery. The entire gym would have decorations hanging for the night of the show.

“Some of the PE [physical education] teachers, like Jane Rogers and Bruce Johnson, were wonderful at teaching the dance routines,” he noted.

“Dee Stewart was the only kindergarten teacher in those days. She would teach her students all the songs and dances. I could depend on her.”

In those days, before Monett had a decent performance venue, the best acoustics in town were in the 1924 high school auditorium, which, like many of the early school buildings, had become run down. The balcony had even been condemned by the late 1960s, though students still snuck up there for events.

Archer practiced in every building, sometimes in groups. When preparing pieces that had an echo, he and other teachers, like Vinita Hall, a certified music teacher who taught fourth grade, rehearse students separately, before putting the assemblage together to create the back-and-forth echo effect.

Some pieces required band accompaniment, leading to Archer developing an elementary band, led after him by Joe Bill George and for many years by high school band director John Cheary.

The band would play a pre-concert show for the 15 minutes leading up to the big show.

There was also a bell choir run by selected fifth and sixth graders. Archer’s daughter, Tracey, a natural talented pianist, stepped out of the class ranks grade after grade to play accompaniment. Lyla Jefferson, another student, played while she was in school. Ar32 | December 2023

cher played piano at the performances, along with Marjorie Caldwell and Jerry [Mrs. Jay] Lewis.

Christmas wasn’t the only program on which the various teachers collaborated. Archer also led Halloween

numbers, a Thanksgiving pageant and spring programs. Christmas was the biggest and most extravagant of the undertakings. By the time Archer retired, the 1992 Christmas show had grown to a thousand students.

“We always did the shows in the [E.E. Camp] gym,” Archer said. “The maintenance crew would take choir risers and build a Christmas tree with big steps, three steps on each level, that would go higher than the basketball net. For about a week or two, we went to the gym to rehearse. We’d line up all the buses and make up a schedule when each bus would go to the gym. We’d unload one bus while the next one loaded. We didn’t waste time. That would go on for as many John Archer, 1970s portrait rehearsals as it took. The kids had the middle of a piece and “never missed their music memorized.”

The 1971 program was fairly typical, a beat.”

Mary Helen Willhoite read a narrausing the theme “Christmas is Remembering.” The program had 31 numbers, tion for the programs during her tenstarting with the fifth and sixth graders, ure. Roberta Osterloh, the MES printhen group performances separately by cipal, carried on the tradition after her.

Archer added, “It was all going so kindergarten through fourth graders with four or five numbers, interspersed fast, we were jumping from one group with narration, then sets by a combined to the next, the teachers keeping all the Elementary School Choir, the fourth kids behaving.”

The children wore their Sunday best grade choir, several numbers with the fifth and sixth grade choir, ending in or their special Christmas clothes. Stua sing-along with students and the dents for select choirs wore costumes audience on “We Wish You A Merry or the thin choir robes made of flour sacks and keyhole collars that had been Christmas.”

During the performances, four pi- passed down from year to year that the anos were set in each of the gym cor- teachers zealously guarded.

“We never had a storm,” Archer reners, enabling the program to continue while one group entered and another called “But it was always cold, and peoexited. Archer recalled they got so good ple came in droves.”

With anything this detailed and lastat it that at one point, while playing in the middle of a piece, he and Jerry ing for so many years, something was Lewis switched playing on a piano in bound to go wrong. Even Archer came

down ill a couple times and had to call upon friends to help direct.

Nothing, however, rivaled the one year when stomach flu hit the night of the performance.

“Once the vomiting started, it was like it was choreographed. It hit one kid, then another. The teachers came running and would grab the kid in one hand and the flour sack robe in the other. The custodians came running for clean-up immediately, because the smell was so bad. I had to walk in the next day and help finish cleaning up.”

After Archer retired, combined evening-long shows faded away. For a number of years, the school tried to stream a concert over the internet with smaller forces. Once the high school performing arts center opened in 2015, individual concerts by elementary grades returned, not all on the same night, continuing to this day. Even those will fill the auditorium down to standing room.

Archer admits the intensity of those days leading the music program at MES left him drained and burned out, never returning to see what came after him. Still, he left with vivid memories.

“I loved doing it,” he said. “I had talent in my students. I wore my red shirts. The teachers dressed up. The kids would come in their Christmas outfits. It was a great time, a great experience for many, many years.” n

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 33

Where Christmas

The Precious Moments Visitors Center turns into a Christmas Wonderland during the holidays.

Precious Moments Chapel offers a unique Christmas experience 34 | December 2023

Learn more about the Linn Thornton Family Memorial Christmas Toy Drive

Magic Abounds Spectators gather for a Christmas service in the main chapel.

Learn more about Precious Moments Chapel

C

hristmas is a particularly special time of year at the Precious Moments Chapel in Carthage.

The area is cheerfully decorated, with Christmas trees and ornaments in the visitor’s center, and lights and other decorations on the grounds surrounding the chapel.

Joette Blades, the chapel and museum director at Precious Moments, said Christmas has always been celebrated at the chapel, as it is very important to Sam Butcher, who built Precious Moments.

“Since we opened it, really we’ve always had something to celebrate the Christmas season, whether it was the music show that we used to have at the Fountain of Angels,” Goethe said. “But there’s always been something done at Christmas time. Christmas has always been really special here at Precious Mo-

Story by Steve Chapman

ments. I think Mr. Butcher loves Christmas, and it’s just a really special time to say thank you to the local community and to all the people that just visit here.

To say thank you for the support that they give us all throughout the year.

And …you know, it’s just a special time to really reflect on the true meaning of Christmas.”

At times, Joette said, it is easy to get caught up in the commercial aspects of Christmas. For that reason, she said, Precious Moments Chapel strives to remind people what Christmas truly means.

“Christmas here is so special because … you’re surrounded by … the whole story of creation and and the Bible,” she said. “And so it just brings you back to that true meaning of what Christmas is really all about. We get so caught up in the business (of Christmas) and all the

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 35

This tree in the Precious Moments Visitor Center is a popular spot for those wanting family photos. (right) A little girl gets her picture taken with Timmy the Angel, the Precious Moments mascot. Timmy the Angel was inspired by Mr. Butcher’s son, Timothy Butcher. things there are to do to get ready for Christmas, that sometimes we forget … to take the time to think about what Christmas really is all about; the love and caring about each other, and why we give gifts to each other.”

This year, Joette said, the visitor’s center is being decorated with a Candy Land theme. There is also a large Christmas tree which serves as an attraction to many who want to take pictures while visiting.

“Mr. Butcher loves to see the world and see life through the eyes of children,” she said. “And so, the decorations 36 | December 2023

kind of fit that theme, and we have so many families that will come out and take family pictures around that big Christmas tree. And it’s just so wonderful to see the kids. They just light up and they love it so much.”

During the Christmas season, Joette said, the chapel will stay open late every Friday and Saturday to offer visitors live Christmas music performances. Thousands of people visit Precious Moments Chapel during the holidays, and visiting the chapel around Christmas time, Joette added, has become a tradition for many families.

“We’re starting to have (those) whose parents and … grandparents brought them when they were little, and now they’re bringing their children and their grandchildren,” she said, “and it’s be-

coming an annual Christmas tradition (for people) to bring their families here every year … to just come out for music of Christmas.

“And that really touching; it means a lot to me because I’ve been here so long.

To hear people share that … is so wonderful. It’s becoming a part of people’s Christmas tradition, and part of something they want to do every year with family. That’s really meaningful.”

Precious Moments Chapel will have live Christmas music performances inside the chapel each Friday and Saturday evening, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. through Saturday, Dec. 23. The gift store will remain open those evenings until 8 p.m.

The chapel is located at 4321 S. Chapel Road in Carthage. For more information, call 1(800)543-7975, e-mail Joette Blades at chapel@PreciousMomentsChapel.org, visit their website at www.preciousmomentschapel.org or visit their Facebook page. n

The needs of animals met continually

Learn more about Haven of the Ozarks

RESCUED, MY FAVORITE BREED Here are some of Jana’s favorite longtime residents: BIG BEAR.

Jana says he greets her every morning with a big grin when she arrives at the gate. He loves people, but is not real enthusiastic about sharing time with another dog.

by Christa Stout

A Home for the Holidays Now that my household has pretty well settled down with Rudi and Muffin, I have a little more freedom to leave them for a few hours at a time. In case you are wondering, Muffin is finally eating, taking her medicine, and has learned to jump up on the couch! More about progress in a future edition.

This freedom gave me a chance to contact the Haven of the Ozarks Sanctuary outside of Cassville to see if the new (to me) director has a little time for a visit and some catching up. It was extremely nice to hear her enthusiastic response, so we met and Jana was as lovely and kind in person as she was on the phone.

She says her background is not necessarily in animal care, but more so in managing 501c3 organizations; before moving to Missouri, she was very much involved with Special Olympics. However, she says she grew up on a farm and has always had animals around. And you can tell, she almost glows when she talks about some of the animals in her care.

Like all shelters, the Haven is overflowing with pets, and although there is a waiting list, that list is approximately eight to nine months for dogs. For cats the waiting time is a little shorter, about two to three months. Jana also mentioned that adoptions for cats have been a little more frequent that those for dogs. We agreed the current pet overpopulation is probably due to

the high rate of adoptions during the pandemic, many of which are now being abandoned, and the lack of spay and neuters. The Haven, like most shelters, have the animals spayed/neutered prior to letting them go to their adopters.

887 DAYS RIDDLE AND RHYMES are

a bonded pair of sweet kitties that were strays and are still somewhat independent. It would be nice to have them adopted together, but not necessary.

Jana says it is heart breaking to see these sweet pets in their kennels day after day, waiting and hoping someone will give them a forever home. She also told me that one of the best days she and her staff had at the Haven, was when Sam, one of their long-time resident dogs, was finally adopted the other day after 1,254 days at the shelter. That is worthy of a celebration!

Jana says she has a wonderful staff who will do anything to keep the animals safe. And there are other chores, that included some remodeling of the office area while I was there. A little noisy, but the results will be wonderful.

But Jana is keeping busy, in addition to all of the animal care, she also plans fund raisers (they totally depend on donations to keep things going), veterinary appointments, managing volunteers (16 years old or older, or under 16 with an adult), arranging for school groups to come help, community interactions and a hundred more things!

She is also in process of planning updates to the facilities, and that’s a big project, since this will be the first in 25 years. The areas that are in need of upgrading more than

DRACO MALFOY,

1,095 DAYS

a Harry Potter favorite, who has been at the Haven for 1,095 days, is great with kids and other dogs but is not a lover of cats.

He would love to go to his own home for Christmas.

VIEW MORE ADOPTABLE PETS AT HAVENOFTHEOZARKS.ORG

anything are the adoption area, cat area and office space. And she tells me she lives about 45 minutes way from the sanctuary – that makes for a long day and she sometimes feels like she is spending most of her time fighting fires.

The Haven does not restrict adoptions to a specific area, all are welcome and they do get potential adopters from a distance away.

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 37

Now iN MoNett aNd Cassville!!!

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38 | December 2023

The Haven also partners with SAR Canine Training out of Shell Knob, when a dog comes in that needs a little extra help becoming a good socialized doggy citizen.

She is hoping to have an onsite training session at the Haven after the first of the year. I may try to attend that, certainly I could use some help at times. Most cats are socialized by volunteers, who love snuggling with them. I managed to get my kitty fix during my visit.

Another project she would like to tackle is to create more cooperation among all of the animal care facilities, shelters, pounds, etc.

Jana says that she is convinced cooperation and exchange of ideas will help everyone. It would be beneficial to have everyone together for a periodic meeting – not only for information, but also for an exchange of potential abusers. We will be following up on this one.

And on another subject, since this issue will be coming out in December, I wanted to remind everyone before giving a pet for Christmas, please spend some time considering whether adopting a dog or cat will fit into the family, and what kind of pet that might be. Please don’t go by looks, but spend some time learning the traits of each, for example, a family that doesn’t have much time to spend on a dog or cat, should not get one that is energetic and wants to go for long walks or even runs. On the other hand, a dog or cat that loves to snuggle with you and your family, may not want to chase a Frisbee for an hour at a time. And please, ADOPT, don’t SHOP. Any animal that you adopt from a shelter, sanctuary, rescue or pound will make room for another stray or abandoned pet. n

December 2023 contest winner

CUTEST PET

Maggie Rose is the 8-year-old Pug, fur baby of Steve and Barbara CamachoKajtor of Cassville

Maggie Rose Email your pet’s photo to: monettcommunity@gmail.com If you think your furry or feathered friend is the cutest in the area, let us know! We invite you to share a photo of your pet to be featured in Connection’s Cutest Pet contest. Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible.

Remember to include your pet’s name, city of residence and your contact information.

ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 39

FAMILIAR FACES

Drury Leadership Summit

1

2

3

4

1. Joel Thomas, Ryan Kleiboeker and August Kleiboeker.

2. Mayra Loredo, of Monett and Tenna Crim, of Cassville.

3. Zach Roetto and Gunnar Pryor, of Monett.

4. Juan Sanchez, Carlos Perales, Osvaldo Sanchez and Sergio Ortega.

Pierce City Chili Cook-off

1

2

3

4

5

6

1. Christina Pedigo, owner of Christi’s Sip and Sweets 2. Alyse Barrett and Shea Robbins 3. Diann MacFarland, and Trisha Huerta

40 | December 2023

4. Sonya Johnson, and April Ridenour 5. Jones, Charles Jones, 9 and Amy Irwin 6. Austin Owens, Brisa Ontiveros, 17 and Theresa Bouchard

Advertiser Index

Aire Serv.........................................11 Aurora Motor and Machine.......22 Barry County Farm Bureau........19 Barry Lawrence Regional Library... ..................................................... 3 Bruner Pharmacy..........................15

Circle M Meats.............................43 Clark Community Mental Health... ..................................................... 2 Cox Monett...................................44 Diet Center....................................41 Doug’s Pro Lube...........................28 Edward Jones.................................. 5 First State Bank............................19 Fohn Funeral Home.....................15 Four State Stockyards.................43 Four Seasons Real Estate...........19 Freedom Bank................................. 8 Friendly Tire...................................14 HEA Sales.......................................41 Hornors Frame and Collision.....28

417-501-9226

Ken’s Collision Center.................22

missouriportablebuildings.com

Lackey Body Works....................... 6

• Carports • Garages • Ag Buildings • RV Ports • Portable Storage • Used Tractors and Equipment

Lil Boom Town Event Center.....41 My Best Friends Closet...............10 Ozark Methodist Manor.............38 Paladin Law...................................14 Peppers and Co............................18

One mile east of Monett, MO on US 60

Quick Draw Gun...........................38 Rusty Gate Flea Market..............10 Salon Station.................................38 Security Bank.................................. 6 Shelter Insurance.........................11 Spears Dental.................................. 8 Tomblin Jewelry............................24 Trogdon Marshall Agency...........41 VisionHealth..................................24 White’s Insurance........................15

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ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 41

PARTING SHOT

42 | December 2023

Photo by Lisa Craft

BUY BULK AND SAVE Our aged steak bundles make great gifts for the holiday season!

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417-235-3135 ConnectionMO.com | Connection Magazine | 43

33.5% OF OUR EMPLOYEES DON’T PROVIDE PATIENT CARE. It’s time you think outside the box. Positions are open now, and we’re looking for all kinds of skills and talents to bring the best care to the Ozarks.

So even if you’ve never imagined yourself in health care, we’ve got a job for you.

coxhealth.com/careers

44 | December 2023