March Connection 2020

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MARCH 2020

MASTER GARDEN MOrrows of Monett

YMCA FOR KIDS Bored No More

ARTIST REVEALED Sophia Baugher

EAST TO WEST The Karen People

Celebrate

SPRING Silver Dollar City 60

A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS

at

2 | March 2020

7 CENTS FOR THE LIBRARY A TAX INITIATIVE FOR THE GENERAL OPERATION OF BARRY-LAWRENCE REGIONAL LIBRARY

Each year the library has been quietly struggling to “make ends meet.” The Barry-Lawrence Regional Library (or BLRL) has a history of successfully delivering services to the more than 70k citizens of Barry and Lawrence Counties. Still, due to a lack of funding, the library is now in need of added help in the form of financial support. On April 7th, the BLRL will be asking for a modest 7 cent adjustment to the county property tax.

Despite being the state’s 16th largest library (by population served), the BLRL ranks 89th in the tax rate collected, being only around 14 cents per hundred dollars of property value. For perspective on

how low that truly is, state laws require a library district like the BLRL to pass an absolute minimum level of “20 cents” to legally start a new library. The BLRL’s founding predates the minimum funding mandate.

How did we allow our library to become underfunded? Well actually, we didn’t. Back in 1989, the people

of Barry and Lawrence Counties voted “yes” approving bringing the Library’s funding up to the modern level at that time.

However later in 2008, the state laws changed. Basically, this change overruled the will of the people and reduced our library’s funding back to the old 1973 level, which it still stands at today. As some of us can remember, a dollar went a lot farther in the 1970s than it does today. So for over a decade your library has been operating on the 1973 tax levy. Many local people agree this library funding issue should be addressed; on April 7th voters will have the opportunity to make this change.

What will the library do with increased funding? The short answer is more of everything the library does because

this levy is needed for general operations. Here are some of the significant improvements the additional funding will bring to our community: •

The library’s collection of materials will increase.

•

Our community, especially children, will enjoy better library programs.

•

Extending hours of operation & adding days library locations are open.

•

Improving, maintaining & renovating all library buildings across the district.

•

Expediting new construction in Shell Knob and Monett.

•

Maintaining updated computers and adding to online services like Hoopla & Libby.

What will the 7 cent Property tax levy truly cost?

The BLRL is currently collecting 14.6 cents per $100. This initiative will add 7 cents to the existing levy (from 15¢ to 22¢). In Barry and Lawrence counties, the average property’s tax will increase by about 15 dollars per year, which is less than the cost of a single hardback book. For example, the owner of a $100,000 home with a vehicle worth $15,000 would pay about $15.50 more in property taxes per year.

This may seem like a small amount, but it will create a massive difference between a healthy growing library with greater service to our community OR a library that is in full decline and must continue reducing services, hours, and library locations.

How to make your voice heard on the issue? The library has a duty to give you the facts about this issue. The BarryLawrence Regional Library has provided the above information to help you to become an informed voter. Whether you oppose support for the library, OR believe your community should “say yes” and pass the 7 cent tax levy for the library, the best way to have your opinion make a difference is to be a voter on April 7th, 2020.

Costs for this message were paid for by the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library, Julie Vaughn Treasurer.

learn more at blrlibrary.com/7cents

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A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS

GENERAL MANAGER Lisa Craft monettcommunity@gmail.com EDITOR Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES James Craig Marion Chrysler CONTRIBUTORS Murray Bishoff Meagan Ruffing Lisa Ramirez Darlene Wierman Melonie Roberts Susan Funkhouser Pam Wormington Jared Lankford Jordan Privett Dionne Zebert Jane Severson Verna Fry Christa Stout Cheryl Williams Sierra Gunter Jennifer Conner Annie Lisenby Smith Mark Kumming PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Jamie Brownlee Amy Sampson

aurora____________________________ Jeramie Grosenbacher, CFP®

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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Connection Magazine | 5

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6 | March 2020

EDITORIAL

Pinches, Little Leprechauns and Irish Luck

I

don’t know about now, but I do know that when I was in elementary school, on St. Patrick’s Day, when I would get halfway to school and the realization that I had NO green on, major panic would set in. Surely my mom would have something in her purse that I could pin on my shirt or put in my hair! I was not going to be the only dork in school that did not have green on and would get pinched because I forgot!

My genetics did not allow that I could have green eyes, nope, I had to have eyes so brown they were almost black, so that would not work. I wouldn’t say I had green underwear for fear of the aftermath of the statement so you would go to school in hopes that you were not the only dork that forgot, but of course that would not happen.

When I was younger I was never late for school, and first through fourth grade for me was at Plymouth School. We did not have big classes, so, it seemed like the minute you would enter the door, the voices would hit you, “Where’s your green?” or most would not even ask, they would just pinch and say “I don’t see any green on you!”

And if you forgot to wear green, believe me you would look at your clothing to see if there were any specs of green in there at all that you could claim, but to no avail, there was never any green when you needed it.

Supposedly, if you wore green on St. Patrick’s Day you would be invisible to the mischievous leprechauns. These leprechauns jump and fly through the air, pinching anyone who failed to

wear green on that day. Anyone who practices the pinching tradition and pinches others who aren’t wearing green can be compared to the leprechauns. What I wouldn’t do to be invisible on that day, with the exception of remembering to wear green, apparently.

Now that we have that settled, it is fairly simple, just don’t forget to wear green. Now on to the little Irish men, the magic fairy men, and I say men because there are no women leprechauns. Or at least that is what stories say.

Those little mythical leprechauns look like a little old man and dress like a shoemaker with a cocked hat and leather apron. According to Irish folklore, they were cranky tricksters whom you wouldn’t want to mess with. They lived alone and passed the time by mending the shoes of Irish fairies. Legend said that the fairies would pay them for their work with golden coins, which the “little people would collect in large pots or as would later be known as the leprechauns “pot of gold.”

Now if you catch a leprechaun, you can force him to tell you where he hid his pot of gold. Supposedly, it is hidden at the end of a rainbow. Because you can never find the end of a rainbow, you can’t get the pot of gold, but to get the gold, you first have to catch the leprechaun. It is quite the process. Personally since the leprechauns are so little I doubt very seriously that the “pots of gold” are that big, and when I lived in Germany I personally saw the end of a rainbow and did not see one pot of gold!! Maybe it is just in Ireland. But if all else fails, and you want to gaze upon happy leprechauns, just stare at the joyful little guys on the box as you are enjoying a nice fruity bowl full of Lucky Charms that are magically delicious.

Connection Magazine | 7

According to Irish legend, St. Patrick chose a threeleafed clover or shamrock as a symbol of the church’s Holy Trinity because of its three-leaflets bound by a common stalk. Contrary to popular belief, a shamrock is not a four-leaf clover. Although clovers are found in nature with three leaves, rare four-leaf clovers exist. Finding one is thought to bring someone extreme luck. The folklore for four-leaf clovers differs from that of the shamrock due to the fact that it has no religious allusions associated with it.

It is believed that each leaf of a four-leaf clover represents something different: first is hope, the second is faith, the third is love and the fourth is happiness. The good luck attached with the four leaf clover predates Christianity in Ireland back to the ancient Druid priests.

The popular “Kiss Me, I’m Irish,” saying is a reference to The Blarney Stone. It is the “Stone of Eloquence” in the Blarney Castle. Legend holds that kissing the stone brings good luck and gives you the ability to never be lost for words, becoming a smooth talker so-to-speak. If you can’t make it to Ireland to kiss the actual stone, convention says the next best option is to kiss an Irishman.

Want to have some luck on this St. Patrick’s Day? If so, follow these rules: 1) Find a four-leaf clover.

2) Wear green (so you don’t get pinched.)

3) Kiss the blarney stone (or find a

good-looking Irish man or woman.)

4) Catch a leprechaun if you can.

End your day with an authentic Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage. Or is it authentic……actually only half of it is really Irish. Cabbage has historically been a staple of the Irish diet, along with potatoes, it was traditionally eaten with Irish bacon, not corned beef. Irish immigrants in America could not afford the bacon, so they substituted it with corned beef. So now you know all you need to know. Have fun and celebrate the magical, mythical day.

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

8 | March 2020

Chef John’s Corned Beef and Cabbage INGREDIENTS

1 (4 pound) corned beef brisket with spice packet 3 quarts water 1 onion, quartered 3 carrots, cut into large chunks 3 stalks celery, cut into 2-inch pieces 1 teaspoon salt 2 pounds red potatoes, halved 1 small head cabbage, cut into eighths

DIRECTIONS 1. Combine corned beef and spice packet contents, water, onion, carrots, celery, and salt together in a large pot or Dutch oven; bring to a simmer, skimming off any foam that rises to the surface.

2. Cover the pot, reduce heat to low, and simmer until meat is almost fork-tender, about 3 hours.

Add potatoes and simmer, uncovered, until potatoes are almost tender, about 30 minutes more.

3. Place cabbage pieces on top of and around meat, cover the pot, and simmer until cabbage is tender, 20 to 30 minutes more.

4. Remove meat to a cutting board and let rest 10 to 15 minutes. Cut across the grain and serve in a bowl; ladle vegetables and broth over the top.

Source: AllRecipes.com

Features 45

12 | 60TH ANNIVERSARY

Silver Dollar City celebrates 60 seasons of showmanship and Ozarks theme park entertainment

20 | THE FORM OF ART

Singer Sophia Baugher began painting from necessity as therapy and thrived in the medium

25 | FROM ASIA TO THE OZARKS

The Karen and Karenni people of Burma find solace in sharing heritage with their new found culture

31 | READING FIRST

AmeriCorps Reading Coaches instill valuable lessons beyond the ABCs and 123s

20 31

M A R C H 2020

36 | BORED NO MORE

Monett YMCA offers a variety of opportunities for kids to get busy and shake off the winter doldrums

41 | SCHELINS IN SCANDINAVIA

Monett family returns to the generational homeland to discover the allure in store in the Norse country

47 | GARDENING GREATNESS

The Morrows of rural Monett find inspiration for their exceptional 10,000-square-foot garden in the traditional methods of the South Pacific.

Connection Magazine | 9

CONTENTS 18 Cutest Kid

35 Healthy Connection: Artificial sweeteners

39 Parenting Column: Just for me

45 Pam Wormington: Down Under 51 Mark Kumming: Battle of Pea Ridge

52 Community Calendar 53 Familiar Faces 54 Cutest Pet

55 Rescued, My Favorite Breed 57 Connection on the Go 58 Parting Shot

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

Email it to connection@monett-times.com

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10 | March 2020

ON THE COVER, Page 12

Riders taking a sideways view of Silver Dollar City amusement park on Outlaw Run, one of many roller coasters in the park all set to the Ozarks heritage theme the park has been well known for. The park is celebrating its 60th anniversary year in 2020 with its opening on March 17.

A new water feature will open Summer 2020.

Mystic River Falls is set in the theme of exploring for the Mystic River in Marvel Cave.

Photo courtesy of Silver Dollar City.

Join beloved Tour Director, Diana Rose-Webb on our upcoming Amish Charm Tour heading into the heart of Amish Country with highlights in Shipshewana, IN and Berlin, OH. Plan to experience Amish food, Amish shopping and yes, an Amish buggy ride, and dinner in an Amish farm home. Tour Dates are June 22-29, 2020 and availability is limited - Come, Make Memories with us!

We offer over 30 domestic and international tours from 3-14 days in length.

Complete tour information at our Website www.makingmemoriestours.com

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Connection Magazine | 11

Silver 60 Dollar City

CELEBRATES TH

ANNIVERSARY

W

Silver Dollar City Bluegrass & BBQ

12 | March 2020

hen the gates swing open this month at Silver Dollar City, the Branson, Mo., theme park will begin celebrating 60 years of entertaining Ozark visitors. The staff of the 1880’s Ozark mountain themed village has planned special events and entertainment for this year and a major new water attraction will debut.

Back in 1960, the year Silver Dollar City opened, it was merely a side attraction designed to give visitors to Marvel Cave —the main attraction —something to do while they were waiting for their tours to begin. The entire park consisted of a few shops dressed to appear as a small-town square, with a general store, church, pioneer log cabin, and a few shops stocked with Ozarks-made arts, crafts, and souvenirs.

That first year, the Herschend family, operators of Marvel Cave and founders of Silver Dollar City, saw attendance quadruple from the previous year to 125,000 visitors. Peter Herschend said, “We discovered we were in the theme park business.” Silver Dollar City has steadily grown over the years, and now about two million people visit annually.

In 1960, there were a total of seventeen employees. Today, it takes a staff of over 2,000 to operate the theme park.

From Silver Dollar City’s earliest days, founder Mary Herschend insisted on an authentic Ozark theme and preservation of old-time folk ways. The natural beauty of the property was preserved, too. Trees were not cut down if it could be avoided. The park became a showcase for Ozark and American craftsmanship.

Story by Mark Kumming Photos provided courtesy of SilverDollar City

The Riverblast is a great spot to host a water fight between family and friends or your closet neighbor. (top left) The Giant Swing is set with a folksy and traditional red barn to build on the Ozark appeal. (left) The Frisco Steam Train is a mainstay of Silver Dollar City, upholding its timehonored tradition as an old-time folk theme park celebrating the Ozarks and American craftsmanship.

Connection Magazine | 13

Happy St. Patrick’s Day from the employees

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defying the laws of gravity, breaking speed barriers The early park attractions included surrey rides, a stagecoach, and a steam train. As time passed, rides became more innovative. Fire-in-the Hole, an indoor roller coaster, was constructed in 1973.

Then, in 1977, Rube Dugan’s Diving Bell, which simulated a plunge into Lake Silver in a submarine, debuted. This cutting-edge attraction utilized then stateof-the-art computer technology and special effects.

Most of the old park attractions have been phased out over the years and replaced with high-tech rollercoasters, family friendly children’s rides, Broadway-style stage shows, a variety of musical entertainment, festivals and special events. Even with all the changes over the decades, Silver Dollar City maintains a high-quality theme park experience with a friendly staff that is happy to do whatever they can to give guests a chance to “make memories worth repeating.”

Silver Dollar City’s parent company, Herschend Family Entertainment, has grown into the largest family-owned themed entertainment business in the United States, with properties in several states. Attractions include aquariums, water parks, other theme parks, Talking Rocks Cavern, and the Showboat Branson Belle. There are campgrounds and

hotel accommodations. The company operates Stone Mountain Park for the State of Georgia and owns the Harlem Globetrotters sports entertainment franchise. A partnership was formed in 1986 with country music entertainer Dolly Parton. Together they operate Dollywood and Dolly Parton’s Stampede dinner show attractions. Herschend Family Entertainment properties are estimated at having a total value of over a billion dollars. Not too bad for starting out in the 1950s with a single roadside attraction, a hole in the ground named Marvel Cave!

Popular Silver Dollar City roller coaster, Time Traveler, will open March 17 for the 2020 season.

According to the theme park, this coaster is the world's fastest, steepest and tallest spinning coaster.

Connection Magazine | 15

Master craftsman Shawn Watt creates glass works of art at Hazel's Blown Glass

Setting The Standard For Senior Care Christine Kuhn – Administrator ckuhn@roaringriverrehab.com

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16 | March 2020

This year Silver Dollar City will present guests with a new water ride, which has been under construction for almost a year and a half. The Riverfront section of the park has been redeveloped, and the main attraction is called Mystic River Falls. The ride takes its name from a natural feature deep inside Marvel Cave.

The family-friendly river rafting expedition climbs over eight stories on an elevated river channel before a plummet down a four and a half story waterfall.

Silver Dollar City officials say it will be “the wettest splashdown” in the park’s sixty-year history, and that the attraction has “the tallest drop on a raft ride in the western hemisphere.”

The redeveloped Riverfront area of the park has been renamed Rivertown, and in addition to Mystic River Falls, the area will be home to the Rivertown Smokehouse and Clara Belle’s Cinnamon Bread Shop.

Silver Dollar City is also expanding its big fall event. The Harvest Festival will spotlight the American cowboy and the park’s illuminated pumpkin displays will not only be in the Woodland Hike area but also in the Rivertown section as well.

Other popular events such as the Southern Gospel Picnic, Country Music Days, and An Old Time Christmas will return in 2020.

As decades have passed, generations of families have continued to return year after year to enjoy a day of fun at Silver Dollar City. As long as people keep coming back to the park, the staff at Silver Dollar City will provide an enjoyable experience guaranteed to put a smile on guests’ faces and give them even more “memories worth repeating.” n

Mystic River Falls will premiere at Silver Dollar City in Summer 2020. The project is nearing completion after a year and half of development.

Connection Magazine | 17

CUTEST KID Celebrating the recent Super Bowl win of the Kansas City Chiefs are brothers, Lyle and Broxton Chrysler, ages 5 and 6. Sons of Caleb and Heather Chrysler of Monett.

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.

CONGRATS

Lyle & Broxton 18 | March 2020

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Connection Magazine | 19

After a brain injury and the loss of one passion, local artist, Sophia Baugher, found another. Her first painting won her school's art show.

One love gave way to another

T

Local artist, Sophia Baugher, was introduced to painting after a brain injury and developed a love for acrylic painting. But, over the years, she has explored other avenues in art like alcohol in painting.

20 | March 2020

hrough a tragic event, one local woman’s hand was guided to create beauty in a way she had never expected.

She sees the world through a new, artistic lens and now navigates her journey with a paint brush in her hand.

Sophia Baugher, local artist, said she had a different passion before her accident — show choir, but one day changed her entire life.

“I grew up in Cassville, and I lived in the same house for 18 years,” she said. “My parents still live there, but I now live in Ozark.”

The hours spent in show choir and in practice were starting to pay off, and she had just been accepted into All Division Choir.

“It was my whole world,” she said. “It was a typical stunt that almost everybody had done, but I fell.”

The fall caused her to hit her head, and after a trip to the hospital she was put on homebound until school started back up.

“I had a mild concussion,” she said.

“But, when school started I realized that I wasn’t really sleeping and I started to fail my classes.

“Some of my friends went to my parents and told them I would forget my locker passcode and couldn’t remember which class I was supposed to be in.”

After another try at the hospital and an MRI, the doctor called the family back in to discuss her diagnosis.

Story by Jordan Privett

‘God turned something terrible into something beautiful’ -Sophia

“I had micro tears on my brain and a lot of pressure,” Sophia said. “I was back on homebound, but it was even more severe.

“I couldn’t do show choir anymore, I couldn’t even go to church.”

No music, no television, no reading, but the doctor suggested arts and crafts.

“That experience was terrible,” Sophia said. “I lost my passion, the one thing I put all my focus and work into.

“I was never ‘good’ at art and it was never an interest of mine, but I started painting every day after that.”

While transitioning from dance and choir to paint and canvas, Sophia spent her time trying to learn as much as she could about painting.

“The first painting I ever did won at the school art show,” she said. “That was the piece that showed me that I could paint after my injury, that painting changed my life.

“Painting every day really brightened my whole world, and I just love it.”

At that time, Sophia didn’t know if she would be able to go to college after high school.

“I graduated in 2015 and took a year off,” she said. “I didn’t know what I wanted to do, and my head injury had caused so many issues with my memory.

“I still don’t remember anything from the year before the accident, and everything for about a year after is foggy.”

Connection Magazine | 21

Not knowing if she would be able to study and remember things concerned her, but she went to OTC to study nursing and graduated, and now attends Cox College.

“I write everything down multiple times so that it stays put,” she said. “College was terrifying and my only real goal was to keep from failing.”

Sophia has two more years of education to complete.

“I married my husband Alex in 2016,” she said. “He went to Cassville too, but was a couple of years older than me.”

Sophia said here is one explanation for her story and why things happened the way they did — God. “I truly believe that God turned something terrible into something beautiful,” she said. “When I first started painting I was trying to learn, but now I am exploring more.”

She focused on acrylic painting but has tried many other types of art.

“It has been a journey,” she said.

“I plan to paint for the rest of my life; I don’t know where it will take me, but I am along for the journey.”

Sophia said she would love to see her art in a gallery, if that was ever possible.

“Lately, I have been experimenting with water colors,” she said. “School takes up a lot of my time, but water color painting is something I can do that doesn’t take too much time.”

Using different forms of painting to express herself and continue her healing journey is what is important to her.

“I do pieces for friends and family,” she said. “And I have a Facebook page where people have reached out to me for custom pieces.

“I paint a lot for my husband, I enjoy taking my time to paint something personal for someone.”

Sophia believes art is therapeutic, and she uses it for that as well.

“When I paint, it relieves stress, and with school I don’t have as much time to paint, and I notice that I get more stressed,” she said. “Taking the time to paint and having that creative outlet is what helps me.”

22 | March 2020

After an accident left local artist Sophia Baugher lost, using art to heal helped her find something new inside of herself that she was passionate about. This self portrait turned into a family photo of her husband and two dogs, Darcy and Copper.

Painting wasn’t Sophia’s first passion, in fact, she didn’t know it was a passion at all, but now it has become a part of who she is.

“If you are interested in trying something, try it,” she said. “No one regrets the things they at least try to do.”

She said practice and taking it one day at a time, is the only way to learn.

“Recently, I entered into a local contest with a painting I did to represent Cassville, and I won,” she said. "The small town of Cassville is where I spent the first 18 years of my life, it's my hometown and a place full of community and small-town charm.

“We have the annual Chili CookOff where you can eat the best chili, an amazing state park where we have our very own Trout Day and a beautiful greenway trail that stretches through half of the town.”

Cassville is the Wildcat Nation and loves its Friday night football games.

“We have a fun aquatic center where I spent the majority of my summers soaking up the sun and even got my first job as a lifeguard,” she said. “And we can't forget about the town square where you can get a fountain drink at Whitley's, shop at Tomblin's, and visit many other cute shops we have available.

Sophia remembers her home, Cassville, full of farmland, rodeos and good folk.

“When I first started painting, I had no idea that it would become a part of me,” she said. “I wouldn’t change what happened for the world; I can’t imagine my world without art now.”

To see Sophia’s art and for more information, people may follow her Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ SophiaBaugherArt. n

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Connection Magazine | 23

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24 | March 2020

Celebration of Karen New Year in Monett, Mo.

FROM ASIA TO THE OZARKS

O

n the opposite side of the world from Missouri lies the country of Burma (also known as Myanmar). When the country became independent from the United Kingdom in 1948, a civil war broke out. The war continues today and is the world’s longest ongoing civil war.

In recent years, the United States has welcomed refugees from Burma into our workplaces, our schools, and our community.

ThaKu, a resident of Monett known by her English name Sally, has been in the United States for five years and is in the application process to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. ThaKu says that she came to the U.S. because, “We can support ourselves and have freedom.”

She is currently on staff with the Monett R-I School District as a migrant liaison.

Within Burma there are eight different ethnic groups, very much like the Native American tribes found in the

Within Burma there are eight different ethnic groups, very much like the Native American tribes found in the United States.

Monett student, Hser I Say and friend in Thai refugee camp. (above) Photo of ThaKu's home in Burma/Myanmar.

Story by Annie Lisenby Smith

Connection Magazine | 25

ThaKu is pictured with her family in Burma/Myanmar.

ThaKu shared some of the Karen and Karenni experiences fleeing Burma and how they eventually came to the United States.

ThaKu, age 3 26 | March 2020

ThaKu and her family arrive in the United States

Celebration of Karen New Year

United States. They have their own cultures, languages, and traditions. These tribes are at war with the military government run by the majority of the Burmese ethnic group. ThaKu explained that the other ethic groups have access to resources on their lands that the military government leaders want and they will go to any means to get them. The remaining ethnic groups have formed their own militias to protect their people. With all the fighting between groups, Burma is no longer a safe place to live. More than 100,000 people have fled from Burma. The Karen and Karenni are some of those people.

The refugees from Burma that have settled in Monett are members of two different ethnic groups, the Karen and the Karenni. Like many immigrants, one of the largest hurdles they face is the language barrier. The official language of Burma is Burmese, but not all citizens speak Burmese. Within the Karen and Karenni communities, they speak their own distinct languages, ones that aren’t easily found on common translation websites like Google Translate.

ThaKu was hired because she was an educator in Burma, and she speaks En-

glish, Burmese and Karen. According to Daphne Hensley, ELL (English Language Learner) and Migrant Coordinator, in the Monett schools from grades pre-Kindergarten to 12th grade 29 percent of the students receive ELL services. “About 12 percent are Karen/Karenni,” Daphne said. There are 16 different languages spoken in homes among these students.

Hensley and her team work directly with the students on each campus to teach them spoken and written English.

Even with this challenge, the Karen and Karenni families are hopeful about life in the United States and the opportunity to live a peaceful and productive life. ThaKu shared some of the Karen and Karenni experiences fleeing Burma and how they eventually came to the United States.

When ThaKu escaped Burma at the age of 24, she left everything behind but the family that came with her and what little she could carry. They followed many others from her Karen community and sought refuge in the neighboring country of Thailand. Depending on the distance to the border, refugees could walk for up to a month to make their escape.

As soon as they stepped out of Burma, they forfeited their citizenship and could be arrested if they returned. This puts the refugees in limbo, having no citizenship in any country in the world.

The United Nations Refugee Agency has set up camps to receive the refugees and works with the Thai Government to provide for the people living there.

“My camp was good,” ThaKu explained.

Within its walls were schools, a hospital and a large market. Not all camps were as nice as ThaKu’s. The refugees weren’t allowed to work in Thailand and depended on income from family members abroad. Food was provided by the United Nations, but only as small portions of rice, salt and oil. Refugees were given seeds to grow their own fruits and vegetables. The challenges of living in a refugee camp weighed heavily on many of the residents. Although there was a hospital, the supplies were often low or unavailable. People lived in the camps for years. When asked about her experience, ThaKu replied, “I lived in the camp for almost eight years. I was married there and had my first child there.”

Although the camps were better than living in Burma, they had their challenges. ThaKu commented on the large number of refugees experiencing depression and suicide. For entry to the U.S., the process takes more than two years and is full of many phases of paperwork, background checks, and even a final medical exam before they are able to board a plane towards their new homes. When they are finally approved, they were only allowed to bring one bag for their belongings. ThaKu was fortunate that she had family living in Arkansas and was able to depend on them to help her get basic clothing and essentials. In her bag she brought only her Karen clothes and bags.

As the Karen and Karenni have made Monett their home, they have built their own community structures. There is a leadership board that meets to help provide for the needs of their people.

Connection Magazine | 27

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They hold annual celebrations, such as the New Year Celebration based on the Burmese traditional calendar. Worship services are attended by nearly 100 people each week meeting at New Site Baptist Church. Culturally, it’s important for them to be in a community and sharing life together.

Overall, the Karen and Karenni families have had a good experience and enjoyed life in Monett. Hensley explained how the Karen leaders tried to start off well in their new homes. “When the first group of families came to Monett four years ago, Sally’s husband reached out to the medical facilities, the police, the firefighters, and the schools and arranged a meeting organized through Pastor Ray with Tyson. They shared who the Karen are, where they came from and some of their culture to introduce their group to the city,” she explained.

The Karen leaders explained what challenges the Karen people face, hoping to have good communication with Monett’s leaders.

The Karen people have been acclimating to life in the U.S. with a few bumps along the way. One of those was an interaction with Daniel Shores, the local conservation officer for the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Culturally, the Karen people live off the land by hunting and farming. A few young men from the Karen community met Shores when he found them hunting without licenses.

The idea of needing a license and the stipulations that come with them were truly foreign concepts to these young men. Shores’ wife, Brandi Shores, is an ELL teacher at Monett Intermediate School. Mr. Shores’ response was reflective of the hospitality and friendliness that Ozarkians are known for. He arranged to have a hunter’s education class for the Karen and Karenni in Monett complete with language translation.

The Karen and Karenni people have traveled far. Now living in the United States, most of them are seeking U.S. citizenship. ThaKu repeatedly said how grateful she was to live in the U.S. and to have the freedom to be in a safe place to raise her family. Monett is a place where she and her family can work good jobs and have good lives. n

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Story by Jordan Privett

‘Big impact on a small school’

F

-Ranae Neill

rom learning the ABC’s to reading college textbooks and writing papers, letters are an essential tool in the mind of a child.

Letters form words, which turn into an escape, both imaginative and educational.

Reading is one of the first things a child learns in school, and that necessary skill only grows with the child.

According to the Literacy Project Foundation, only one-third of fourth-graders reach a proficient reading level.

Locally, there is one area school district that is taking additional steps to help solve this national problem.

For its 20th year in a row, the Purdy school district has offered a Reading Coaches program to its kindergarten through fifth-grade students through AmeriCorps.

The program began in 1999, and was developed by the then Purdy Elementary Principal, Patty Laney.

The idea is to provide one-on-one interactions between an adult and student five days a week for 30 minutes to help them become better readers.

Over the last 20 years there have been more than 100 adults to devote their time to the kindergarten through fifth grade Purdy students to help them succeed.

The importance of reading Spending one-on-one time with students in the Purdy AmeriCorps Reading Coaches program proves to offer success in raising reading test scores. Brody Ozbun and Coach Misty Hughes work together to improve his skills with one-on-one tutoring.

Renae Neill, program director for the Purdy AmeriCorps Reading Coaches, said to become a reading coach a person has to be 18 years of age, have a high school diploma and be a U.S. citizen or legal resident.

“Those guidelines are based on the federal program,” she said. “We have a very diverse group of coaches, some right out of high school, some that are more experienced, but I think that is what makes it so much fun.”

Connection Magazine | 31

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www.kenscollisioncenter.com 32 | March 2020

PURDY READING COACHES 2019-2020 All AmeriCorps Members are trained to step up and serve their community in a time of need. Pictured are the 2019-2020 Purdy Reading Coaches. (below) Using many different tools, reading coaches like Megan Aldridge can help Purdy students like Adalyn Ellingsworth, improve her test scores and reading skills, by not only tutoring, but being there as a supporter too.

Neill said the many different backgrounds helps the coaches to build off each other's strengths, and helps to make a strong program.

“I have been in charge of this program for going on 13 years now,” she said. “We get the grants for three years at a time and the funding for the program hasn’t changed much over the years.”

Neill said the AmeriCorps funds are given based on the population.

“Anyone can apply for them and then go through the process, but it is very competitive,” she said. “At this point we are the second oldest in Missouri using the AmeriCorps funds.”

Purdy is the only school in southwest Missouri to offer a program like this and one of only five in the state.

“Part of why we continue to get the grant is due to how the grant application is written,” Neill said. “Another part to it is what happens after we get the grant and how successful the program is.

“Being able to fulfill recruitment and have people who stay involved with the program adds to its success.”

Having a consistent and dedicated staff as well as help from the school district is priceless to the program.

“The school district has helped so much with being able to match a portion of the grant and give that to us,” Neill said.

The biggest change to the Reading Coaches program has happened over the past four years, as the Reading Coaches are now an integral part of the schoolwide Reading Response to

Intervention Program, and sessions begin by determining what basic skills each child needs to focus on to become a strong reader.

“One of the biggest challenges our school district faces is that a lot of the children come and go throughout the year,” Neill said. “So, the students don’t get that consistent one-on-one tutoring.” Additionally, the Purdy school district has a minority population of 30 percent.

“Approximately 50 percent of the students in our program come from a home where English is not the primary language,” Neill said. “Many of the students speak English very well, but they have problems with the reading and writing.”

There are currently 10 reading coaches in the program.

“At any given time we have 60 students in the program,” Neill said. “Each of the students get one-on-one tutoring every day, and that is how we make a big impact on a small school.”

Additionally, the Purdy school district implemented a Million Words Club after the winter break last school year.

Julie Dalton, Purdy pre-k through sixth-grade principal, said the program is aimed to keep the students interested in what they are reading.

When the program was introduced, Dalton gave each grade level a goal to reach, and the success was noticed immediately.

In May 2019, after less than four months in practice, 20 Purdy students, grades fourth to sixth, had read 1 million words, and two students had read 2 million.

For more information on the Reading Coaches Program or to become a reading coach, people may contact Renae Neill at 417-840-0528.

There will also be an informational meeting held on March 26, at the school where people can obtain an application to become a reading coach.

Connection Magazine | 33

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Dalton buys a new book for each student when they hit their word goals and writes a note inside the cover for inspiration.

As of January 2020, a few changes were implemented like the name of the program, which changed to the Soaring Eagle Readers program, and the number of words to read changed a bit per grade level with the goal of 1 million words still set for the fifth and sixth-grade classes.

The importance of a child learning to read is great, however, the importance of a child that enjoys reading is just as important, and the simplest way to improve a child’s reading skills is to introduce reading materials into their environment.

According to Renae Neill, approximately 25 percent of Purdy elementary students will work with a Purdy AmeriCorps Reading Coach over the course of a school year.

Of these 60 students, approximately 98 percent will experience a marked increase in their reading levels.

Colton Coy, former reading coach student and former reading coach, said he knows from personal experience how big an impact a Reading Coach can make because his life was changed by one.

“I worked with Coach Teresa during my second- and third-grade year, and together, we worked to overcome challenges,” he said. “Becoming a Reading Coach has been a goal since I completed the program.

“I want to be for struggling kids what Coach Teresa was for me.”

After serving as a Purdy AmeriCorps Reading Coach from 2007-2009, Julie Dalton pursued and attained her teaching certificate and entered the classroom as a first-grade teacher. Dalton went on to complete her specialist’s degree and joined the Purdy Administrative Team in 2017 as elementary principal. Dalton credits her experience as a reading coach with her successes as a teacher and as a principal.

“My experience as a reading coach helped shape my future as a teacher and administrator by allowing me the opportunity to help and support students with varying academic abilities,” she said. “One of my fondest memories during that time period was when a first-grader who struggled in reading, reached her reading goal.

“She cried tears of happiness and could not wait to tell her teacher and mom.” n

HEALTHY CONNECTION

BY REGINA LUK

The Good and the Bad of Artificial Sweeteners

T

here is a lot of confusion whether nonnutritive sweeteners, also known as artificial sweeteners, are beneficial or harmful to your health. Artificial sweeteners are defined as “a food additive that duplicates the effect of sugar in taste, but usually has less food energy.”

The United States Food and Drug Administration have identified eight different kinds of sweeteners as Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS). They are known as aspartame, saccharine, sucralose, meotame, acesulfame-K, Stevia, swingle fruit extract, and advantame.

Artificial sweeteners may provide some benefit to those with the chronic disease of diabetes.

Due to the reduced amount of calories in artificial sweeteners, manufacturers are able to use these food additives in their products for a reduced calorie option for their consumers. This may assist some in weight loss due to the reduction in calories.

By using these sweeteners, blood sugars will rise slightly or not at all. They also do not contribute to tooth decay as table sugar does.

Of course, artificial sweeteners are not perfect. One common complaint is that they have a strange aftertaste that can take time to adjust to. Others may have more severe disadvantages due to the sweetener’s inability to be readily absorbed in the body.

For example, when sugar alcohols reach the intestines, they may ferment by the microflora and cause symptoms of bloat-

ing, flatulence, or diarrhea.

Other people may have allergic reactions or gastrointestinal symptoms after the consumption of artificial sweeteners. When symptoms happen, it is a good idea to reduce the use of artificial sweeteners, switch to different types of sweeteners, or completely remove it from the diet.

There is no conclusive research regarding health benefits or adverse effects of artificial sweeteners; however, they do have their advantages in lifestyle choices in certain populations.

Reactions to artificial sweeteners should be noted, however, and cut from the diet if there are any intolerances.

Regina Luk studied Food and Nutrition in Pomona, California, and earned her bachelor’s degree in Dietetics at California Polytechnic State University, Pomona.

She aspires to work with many different patients in the outpatient clinical setting.

Connection Magazine | 35

KID ZONE HOURS MORNINGS

Monday-Friday 8 to 11 a.m

EVENINGS

BORED NO MORE

Monett YMCA offers plenty of youth-targeted activities to ban the ‘I’m bored’ blues

With guts and grit, youngsters can try to climb the rock wall at the Monett Area YMCA, which provides a plethora of programs and activities to keep them engaged and active (above) The Monett Area YMCA offers age-appropriate skills training and play for its youth sports programs.

36 | March 2020

Monday-Thursday 4 to 8 p.m.

Friday 4 to 7:15 p.m.

Saturday 8 to 11 a.m.

The Monett Area YMCA offers a recreation area for youth to play games and socialize while their parents work out.

T

he most incomprehensible thing a parent can hear throughout the long summer days, pent up winter nights or even on a long weekend is their children claiming the age-old refrain, “I’m bored.”

The Monett Area YMCA has the answer to those problems — with after-school, summer camps and youth sports programs galore.

“We have skating on Friday nights from 7 to 9 p.m. and from 9 to 11 p.m., then again on Saturdays from 7 to 10 p.m. for family night,” said Julie Browning, youth program, aquatics and sports director. “Two times a year we have allnight events for kids. Their parents know they are in a safe environment and they have the opportunity to participate in skating, dodge ball, climbing the rock wall, taking on the challenge course, and the velcro wall. They really seem to enjoy all the activities we have available to them.”

Story by Melonie Roberts

There are also youth sports activities, such as flag football and soccer. Signups for those programs start March 28.

The fall soccer program gets underway over Labor Day weekend, as well as flag football.

Spring basketball clinics for kids in grades kindergarten through sixth begin May 28, and even better, the June Pickle Ball all-youth clinic.

“Pickle ball is a combination of tennis, badminton and ping pong,” Browning said. “People have a lot of fun playing that.”

The YMCA swim team iOS open to those ages 4 through 21, and no previous competitive experience is required.

Cheer camps, dance camps, basketball and soccer camps and tournaments have all been revamped and additional competitive elements added to encourage kids to sign up for all the fun. (top left) Swimming lessons and pool parties and so much more are available at the Monett Area YMCA, with both indoor and outdoor aquatic areas from which to choose.

Connection Magazine | 37

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“The only prerequisite is they have to be able to swim the length of the pool,” she said. “That’s 25 yards.”

Training and competitions are held Jan. 26 through March 26.

“We also offer 30-minute swim lessons for kids three years of age and older, from 5:30 to 6 p.m. on Tuesday and Thursday, and from 11 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday,” she said. “And, of course, we also have private adult and youth lessons.”

On summer days when the folks are at work, kids can meander on over to the Y, adjacent to South Park, and take part in open gym, outdoors basketball, the outdoor pool and other skills clinics.

“The pool is the biggest hit of the summer,” Browning said. “This is a very safe environment. I’ve watched some of these kids grow up. It’s really neat.”

Browning, who was only recently named director of youth programs, sports programs and aquatics, has hit the ground running with the goal of re-vamping some of the previously offered programs to include competitive tournaments with other groups and entities.

“I’d like to see our numbers [of participants] go up,” she said. “In the spring, we will have the end of season soccer tournaments for kids 12 years of age and under, and another for those 10 years of age and under. We are combining groups from Monett, Cassville and Aurora.

“We are looking at working with local school districts, hoping to invest in our kids and our communities.”

For parents who want to take part in the various programs offered at the Y, but who also have youngsters at home needing supervision, the Y offers the Kid Zone, for kids ranging in age from infants to 9 years old.

“We will be working on preschool skills, coloring, matching, colors, and playtime, all while their parents work out,” Browning said. “In the nursery, for children two years of age and younger, we will have building blocks, and adding more educational and age-appropriate activities. Parents can work out, knowing their children are supervised in a safe learning environment.” n

PARENTING COLUMN

BY MEAGAN RUFFING

g n B i reak Ju r p S st for Me A This is my first spring break without my kids in 11 years.

The reality of this left me feeling a little sorry for myself so I promptly got to work at making plans. I called a friend to see if we could take a road trip to get my mind off of things. So, Magnolia Farms, here I come.

Maybe you find yourself in an unfamiliar situation as well. Perhaps, your “spring break” will be spent working to make ends meet. Or, maybe you are the parent who has the kids this year because you too are divorced. No matter the situation, embrace your spring break with an attitude of gratitude.

There are a couple of things everyone can do to ensure a great time, wherever they may find themselves in life.

1.

FIRST, MAKE A SHORT LIST OF A FEW THINGS you

have been wanting to get done. This might be some cleaning around the house, or getting together with friends whom you haven’t seen in a long time. Be intentional about which day you’ll do what, because the week will fly by!

2. RESOLUTION NEW YEAR’S CONTINUE with or begin, that

you committed to. Mine was to go on at least two runs between January and June.

I used to run almost every day but haven’t since the divorce. Life has a funny way of passing you by even when you think time is standing still. I will be taking one of my runs this spring break, and I can’t wait to get back in the swing of things.

3.

REST AND RELAX

any way you see fit. Some people I know, like to relax by getting a pedicure, and others crawl into bed to sleep the day away. What relaxes you? Think of something that brings you joy and peace and do it. If it’s something that requires an appointment, think ahead and schedule it now.

4.

TRY SOMETHING NEW in your town.

Wherever you live, there’s bound to be a restaurant, a store, or an ice cream place that you’ve yet to try. Give it a go and get yourself out there. It’s fun to explore your town and visit your surroundings.

Parenting journalist Meagan Ruffing is looking forward to a few days off this spring break.

She plans on taking a few ideas from this list; especially number 3, “rest and relaxation,” and may even write a few letters. Head on over to Facebook and let Meagan know what you’ll be doing this spring break at facebook.com/ writermeaganruffing.

Connection Magazine | 39

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WRITE A LETTER to a family member or friend. I love getting letters. It’s one of my favorite things to receive. I have a few friends who continue to send me snail mail because they know it makes me happy.

Something fun this spring break, would be to send a few encouraging notes out. You never know when the other person might need it. Have fun with these and get some stickers, washi tape and cute notecards. (Hint: Target dollar bins are a great place to find stuff like this!)

7.

If NESTING is your thing (AKA homebody), make plans to spruce up your house with a little decorating. It doesn’t have to break the bank. Think of a few new frames or a fresh coat of paint in one of the main rooms.

You will be amazed at what a little interior decorating can do for one’s mood.

And FINALLY, HAVE FUN. My definition of fun is doing something, anything that makes me laugh and get lost in the moment. I’ll need laughter this spring break as I continue to adjust to my new normal as a single mom. I’ll need laughter to fill my cheeks when there may be moments I’m longing for my kids. Spring Break 2020 will be a time just for me.

The Schelins

ON TOP OF THE WORLD Ava Schelin tie-dyed these shirts for the Schelin family, an identifier that helped the group find each other during their Scandinavian trip. The group wears "whisperers" as mini-headphones to hear travel pointers by Asa, the main tour guide.

SCHELINS VISIT SCANDINAVIA FOR BEAUTY, ADVENTURE, AND FOOD

D

ream vacation. Exotic landscapes. Touching family roots.

This is what Harold and Linda Schelin undertook for their summer dream trip. The Monett couple, fresh off celebrating the 145th year family reunion of Harold's family coming to America, set off to Scandinavia with family members as part of a 13-day walking tour that took them across mountains, oceans and international borders. They were warned the trip was not for the faint-hearted, and for a couple in their 70s, it was more than an adventure.

The dream for the trip grew out of 12-year-old granddaughter's conversation with her great aunt, Jennie Lee Schelin, at the historic family home, named the Skane Farm, in Verona.

“My husband's mother was born in Norway and his grandparents emigrated from Sweden in 1870 to New York and on to Missouri in 1874,” Linda recounted. “So, the trip to Scandinavia was topnotch for all five of us.”

Story by Murray Bishoff

In June, Harold and Linda joined son, James, daughter-in-law Telisa, and their daughter Ava in Austin for a flight that ended in Stockholm, Sweden. There they met the other 24 members of their tour group, and their guides, Ase (pronounced O sah), Daniellson and her partner, the expert bus driver Leif. Ase was from the Province of Skane in southern Sweden, the namesake of the farm.

Ava, who is college age, the youngest, and one of the few that wasn't a grandparent on the tour. On the first day she spotted a scooter to rent. The others all walked.

The first night they passed a storefront with the name “Sjolin” on it, the original family spelling before an apprentice tailor convinced Harold's grandfather while living in New York to change the spelling to “Schelin,” and so it has stayed.

On the second day, the group undertook a walking tour of Stockholm’s Old City (Gamla), the square, cathedral and royal palace. At the city hall they saw the Connection Magazine | 41

hall where the Pulitzer Prize banquet is held. They witnessed the changing of the guard at the palace, and observed a flag flying at the Queen's palace on Lake Malaren, denoting the queen was home.

A boat trip across the harbor led to the Vasa Museum, which included the 200foot, six-level Vasa warship that sunk on its maiden voyage in 1628, waiting until the 1960s before it was rescued and reconstructed, 98 percent original, “with hundreds of carved sculptures, symbolic of the King's power.”

Changing of the guard at the Stockholm Palace takes place at 1:00 PM daily. It was a 15 minute ceremony but we were there at least an hour early in order to get a good standing spot.

They visited the museum for the pop music group ABBA, a favorite for Ava, who had just been in a production of “Mama Mia!” and finished the day at the Hairy Pig restaurant, dining on boar meat, reindeer, pork sausage, breads, crackers and a wide choice of beer and wine. They closed the day with a concert at the Hedvig Eleonora Church, where 42 | March 2020

This a jewelry store across the street from the Schelins’ first hotel. This is the original spelling of the family name, which is very common in Sweden today. they heard a touring choir from Minnesota.

“Sweden has very few cars as they are extremely expensive and a tax is levied on all drivers,” Linda recalled. “Transportation is usually by bicycle, motorized scooter or on foot. People are very safety conscience and polite to walkers.”

Linda noted that in Copenhagen, cyclists and walkers ignore lights and litter freely. Oslo and Bergen in Norway, however, were clean and many more cars than in Sweden.

People made the most of being outdoors, occurring when the Summer Solstice while in Stockholm, a break from several months of cold and snow. The group visited the Jotunheimen Mountains in Norway on July 4, where one of the passes was closed at 8,100 feet, forcing a detour. While in Denmark, nightlife continued outside their hotel window.

“Night doesn't really happen until midnight and light begins to dawn around 3 a.m.,” she said. “Even in Norway, I took outdoor night photos every two hours with never a time that the sky was dark like we know it. It is the Land of the Midnight Sun, for sure.”

The group picked up souvenirs in each country, though Linda said it was not easy

Research is done here at the Nobel Peace Prize Museum in Stockholm, Sweden, but the festive, elite banquet takes place at the city hall.

finding “flat things” that would fit in their stuffed suitcases.

“We have coins from all three countries,” she said. “Some Norwegian coins have holes in them, which, with a red ribbon, make fun Christmas tree ornaments.”

Swedish paper money had pictures of artists: author Astrid Lindgren, songwriter Everet Taube and movie star Greta Garbo. Paper money was purple, orange and blue in different denominations. All coins were gold.

“Each country is proud of its own money, but they are all called Krones or Kronors,” Linda said. “They are not interchangeable. ATM's were readily available as were machines to exchange coins and bills. The exchange rate [for American dollars] was not terribly favorable.”

Linda bought spoons as souvenirs, fitting into a growing collection. Other souvenirs included a troll magnet, a Viking ship magnet, a deck of Norwegian scenery cards, chocolate licorice and 12 square dish clothes with Dala horses.

Ase gave Linda a Viking dragon necklace and gave Harold a Viking shot glass.

On Day 4 the group visited the Kalmar Castle that the Swedes captured from the Danes in the 1500s. The building had many uses for centuries, and

James, Linda, Ava, and Telisa Schelin waited for a cruise boat to the king and queen’s residence on Lake Malaren

was finally restored in the 19th Century, now serving as a prime tourist site. At the palace in Denmark, the group had to surrender their backpacks and purses for security reasons to view the crown jewels.

On Days 6 and 7 they toured the Roskilde Cathedral, “the resting place of 38 kings and queens of Denmark,” the Viking ship museum with its view into life 1,000 years ago, and the old Merchant's court for a traditional Danish feast.

The next day the tourists, at the port of Aeroskobing in Denmark, on an island nine miles from Germany, split into two groups. Linda's group got to tour the 12th Century Gothic Bregninge Church, whose bells rang evening and morning, whether you were ready to rise from sleep or not.

“History has it that the bell would call those who were ill and too contagious to be allowed into the church, to come for Holy Communion distributed through the square hatches flanking the altar,” Linda recalled.

“This island proved to be my favorite spot of the entire trip,” Linda said.

Her walking tour wound through Peter Jacobsen's 750 ships in bottles shop, which also had a unique museum of medical history.

On Day 8 the group boarded a small ferry to Denmark and back to Copenhagen. They saw the Little Mermaid statue, gifted to the city by brewing magnate Carl Jacobsen, using his wife as the model for sculptor Edvard Ericksen. The group was told the “Little Mermaid” story of unrequited love mirrored Hans Christian Anderson's own story. Unable to win opera singer Jenny Lind, he became a life-long bachelor. The group had a tour led by American Richard Karpen, dressed as Anderson in a top hat, which took them through the Rosenborg Castle.

That evening the group boarded a big ferry for the 18-hour trip back to Norway. After a sumptuous nine-course meal over two hours, the rocking ferry proved a bit of a challenge.

“We were on the to-and-fro side, but the other Schelins were on the head-totoe rock, which was not so pleasant,”

Linda said.

During Day 9, the cruise up the Oslofjord to Norway's capital provided exquisite scenery. The Schelins had hoped to meet cousins, but found the elder, Per Otto Hammer, had just passed away, and his funeral was due about the time of the visit. Without his English skills, the visit would have been difficult. The family passed on that potentially awkward situation and settled back into sightseeing. A short distance from their hotel was the New Opera House, a short but strenuous walk away. Later they visited Frogner Park, holding Gustav Vieland's lifelike naked sculptures, “representing the feelings we all might experience from birth to death.”

On Day 10 the group returned to the boat for a cruise across the harbor to Bydgoy peninsula to a nautical museum. There they saw Thor Heyerdahl's ocean-crossing rafts, the Kon-Tiki and Ra 2, along with the histories of seafaring Vikings and explorers like Fridtjof Nansen and South Pole adventurer Roald Amundsen.

On Day 11 they reached the Maihaugen Open Air Folk Museum, with its sod-roofed houses and one of only 28 stave churches still used in Norway.

“This medieval type of Viking architecture was constructed entirely of wood, which was plentiful and cheap in the 1200s,” Linda recounted. “These houses of worship were tall, skinny, pagoda-like structures with dragon’s head gargoyles on the roof-tops. Staves were carefully prepared pine trees having Connection Magazine | 43

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branches cut off and remaining in the forest for a decade prior to felling the trees for building. Once built on a stone foundation, the church’s exterior was painted with black tar to protect it from the elements. Most of the original thousand churches have burned or become unused. The remaining stave churches have been carefully rebuilt or renovated with extreme attention to original details.”

They subsequently visited a school, where they answered questions about the four R's — reading, ‘riting,’ ‘rithmatic’ and religion, the latter a staple of education until young people join the state church at age 14. Nearby was the resort city of Lillehammer, site of the 1994 Winter Olympics.

“Harold went on to the Norwegian Olympic Museum while I spent money in the gift shop,” Linda said.

On Day 12 the group hit the road early because of the closed mountain pass. They had six hours absorbing the scenery, lunch on the ferry, a ride up the funicular — much like a ski lift — for a rooftop view of the islands and fjords from the top of Mount Floyen, and arrived in Bergen for supper. The old city was full of slanted buildings.

“Sitting near windows, the group next to us asked Harold to close the window, as the sun was shining too brightly on them,” Linda said. “As Harold turned around to close the window, one of the waiters demanded that he not touch the window.

The window would likely fall out of the wall because of the slanted and crooked buildings on either side of the restaurant making it slanted and crooked, also.”

The fish market offered the best salmon Linda could recall, unlike American salmon. Guide Ase introduced them to Viking Blood, “a sweet liquor, which was the only 'drink' I liked,” Linda added.

“A traditional Norwegian feast was our farewell meal,” Linda said. “It was hard for me to say goodbye to our new friends, especially Ase and Leif, who had been with us for almost two weeks.

[Trip organizer] Rick Steve knows how to arrange an awesome tour, as long as you are prepared to walk at least 75 miles! Farvel!!” n

GUEST COLUMN

BY PAM WORMINGT0N

Greetings from Down Under

A

recent trip to New Zealand found the boss and I on an adventure of a lifetime.

If the 14-hour flight wasn’t enough to exhaust our senses, jumping in a car on the right side and driving on the wrong side of the road in the opposite direction on a round about would make you think about the saying “Don’t try this at home.”

It was a trip that was three years in the making, and in three weeks it was over, but those three weeks opened our eyes to unimaginable beauty along the coast of the Tasman Sea on the west, Pacific Ocean on the east and Southern Alps of the north and south islands and the most gracious people that live there.

They work hard and their homes are simple and welcoming to family and friends. Sometimes it’s hard to tell the difference. The cost of living is expensive, with Take a Way Fish n Chips equating to a dinner date at Red Lobster. I was told to eat my weight in Fish n Chips, and I think I gave it a pretty good shot. The boss made a point to try every kind of meat pie available —favorites usually got a second chance. Bakeries were

strategically placed in most little towns, and it became a challenge to spot and support them.

Aside from the strong winds across the straight roads of the Canterbury plains, the island roads were extremely curvy. God provided glorious distractions for the passenger in

the car with lush green fields dotted with white balls of fluff, large deer farms, Alpacas here and there, and an abundance of dairy farms and large milk tankers. Wait that last was a distraction to the driver. And that is when I noticed I was leaning in toward the middle of the car to keep

Connection Magazine | 45

us from driving off the cliffs, which does as much good as pushing down on the brake pedal from the passenger seat.

It was nice to do a few touristy treks like feed a lamb at the Agrodome, while a cute little goat chewed on my hair. Hint to my hairdresser, my hair must look like straw. Float through the Glowworm cave, boat around Milford Sound and the itty bitty penguins and seals sunning on the rocks, Mirror Lake and hike to Franz Joseph Glacier and watch my husband do the Huka, which was about as scary as the dance the Maori natives perform.

We put a lot of miles on our rental car touring both islands, but those are miles I could never put a price on. Reading a map until there are holes in it is always a good vacation. Laying on a beach looking at the mountains, crystal blue lakes, lighthouses, Antarctica air blowing through your bones (thankful for that Merino wool and possum sweater I splurged on), viewing a volcano or getting lost and seeing breathtaking waterfalls and rainbows. It’s true that not all who wander are lost. But sometimes lost isn’t a bad thing. Our five-hour drive from one coast to the other lasted about 12 hours. Thankful for our abilities and laughing at our inabilities (like being able to pronounce street signs, reading a map or following directions from a Kiwi). As the locals say “She’ll be right” meaning whatever is wrong will right itself in time. As my chauffeur said, “We can’t get lost, we’ll either run into the mountain or the ocean.”

Touring milk plants, Fonterra and Open Country, we learned new and innovative ways to make our

46 | March 2020

portion of this industry in America more efficient. I don’t know that any of our milk trucks will ever haul 29,000 liters a load, or have nine axles and I’m quite certain we won’t be slapping a computer on the side of the truck to test milk at our local dairy barn. We were quite impressed with the operations we visited.

Grassland dairy farms were not quite as frequent as a Walmart in America but a welcoming sight as we are acquainted with them on a daily basis at home. One man milking 1200 cows in a rotary-style dairy, made me appreciate my easy life and what is on the bottom of my boots.

We skipped the bungee jumping but did visit the original bridge where this crazy sport began. And who could skip the E. Hayes hardware store in Invercargill where the Burt Munroe motorcycle story is everywhere. Well I could have skipped it, but it’s not always about me…on this particular day. A curvy road uphill to a castle overlooking Dunedin was breathtaking. Literally! Not sure if it was the beauty or scary roads. Hokey Pokey ice cream always seemed to calm whatever frazzled nerve I had left with smooth deliciousness —not to forget the

Whittaker’s chocolate, that I thought I deserved, because it was after all, my maiden name. As they say “Good on ya.”

Our lodging was wonderful whether it was at the farmhouse of a friend, the Koru homestay or in a hotel.

There was always fresh milk and a cup of hot tea. The boss will never know how I managed to compensate a farm stay for a little luxury lodging throughout this journey.

Good thing this city girl pays the bills.

(This is where I should insert a winking emoji.) We rounded out the last day of our adventure by digging a hole in the sand at Hot Water beach and sitting in the hot thermal water, kayaking in the ocean to amazing rock formations at Cathedral Cove, and praying myself through a panic attack as our Tom Cruise look-a-like guided me through the waves to the calm waters of the Pacific.

Nothing compared to resting my exhausted body in a comfy bed and hearing my husband say “I’ve had the time of my life.” That will be the closest I ever get to living out a dance scene from Dirty Dancing, and I’m ok with that.

Kia ora.

Taking gardening to another level Dorie and Matthew Morrow standing under the trellis in their garden supporting their crop of bitter melon, a medicinally potent fruit that requires soaking in salt to make it edible.

RURAL MONETT COUPLE FIND HAVEN IN THEIR OWN RAINFOREST

F

or most people, the garden next to the house may be a small enterprise to provide summer vegetables and a diversion from the labors of the week. For Matthew and Dorie Morrow, their 10,000 square foot garden is much more.

The Morrows, who live south of Monett, initially “wanted to do something different.” Dorie, of Philippine heritage, had her father, Roberto Manuel, a master gardener, living with them. Roberto grew rice and mangoes on around 10 acres in the Philippines, bringing no small amount of experience to this undertaking. Using his strategies, the Morrows’ garden became much more than a typical Midwestern pastime.

Matthew described the garden, with arching trellises creating tunnels, as a ”man-made rainforest.” A substantial layer of mulch is the key, combined with

Story by Murray Bishoff

wood chips. The mulch serves to deflect the sun, and in this unforced setting, plants grew easily. Very little tilling has been needed as the mulch decomposes into a rich bed of earth.

The garden had cold hardy figs, notably the Chicago variety, growing with Paw Paws, the native Missouri fruit that grows well in indirect light. Among them Matthew planted different kinds of flowers that insects don’t like. Last summer he also started plums and apples, though they produced no fruit last year. The Morrows also grow Asian pears, persimmons, peaches and chestnuts.

The garden has become quite diversified. It has sweet potatoes, whose tops have proven quite tasty to deer which hardly bother the sea of plants. There’s bitter melon, a Philippine delicacy known as a cancer preventer, made edible by soaking it in salt. There’s purple Connection Magazine | 47

basel, grown from heirloom seeds with the tomatoes, creating a “magical” effect when grown together, leaving a minty taste.

The ginger, Matthew noted, is quite strong, unlike varieties bought in stores.

Okra initially would not grow due to too much moisture, but once it took hold, it thrived, and made a tasty snack straight from the picking, without the greasy quality of many Okra varieties.

Dorie said they tried to grow Roma tomatoes from starter plans from Lowe's, but they do not grow as well as from seeds.

Another unusual addition in the garden is Moringa, “a miracle tree,” whose leaves are dried and can be put in capsules or made into tea, having medicinal value with the gout. Considered a “super food,” Moringa leaves are often used in mung bean soup, which is similar to lentils, the same neam used to grow bean sprouts.

The garden produced an abundance of Asian yard-long beans, capable of growing inches in a single day. The Morrows recommended picking them when they reached the size of pencils.

Matthew observed that the green beans in their garden used to be plagued with aphids.

"Now that we put the mulch on them, we have seen a reduction in the pests," Matthew said.

48 | March 2020

Dorie Morrow picks Okra from her tropical garden near Monett. (below) Family friend Naty Apostol and Dorie Morrow are shown in the middle of the Morrows' garden. The purple basil is in front left along the fence.

At front are growing Goji berries.

Dorie Morrow works with the Moringa bushes, whose tiny leaves are believed to provide potent medicine and nourishment.

Matthew Morrow said the Moringa bushes from a distance look like some other suspicious plant and has required explanations. (below) Black cherry tomatoes grow nestled in the purple basil, creating a magical minty taste in the vegetables. (bottom left) Matthew Morrow shows off the figs growing in his rural Monett garden, nestled under the leaves.

They also grow water spinach, but cautioned not to let it go to seed. Their asparagus, usually a crop that takes five years, grew in this setting and produced a crop in two years.

They also grow elephant ear plants in the mulch, which, because of the covering, can live through the winter. The mulch also keeps roots for the figs alive through winter, though they need to be cut down during winter, Matthew said.

Connection Magazine | 49

Monett Historical Society Annual Membership Drive We would love to have you as a New Member!!

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Individual Annual Membership $20.00 Individual Lifetime Membership $200.00 Name: Address: City/State/Zip:

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All are welcome!

Email:

Membership costs: $20.00 per member per year or $200.00 for a lifetimes membership Membership form available at MonettHistory.com.

Telephone: Cell: Date:

Mail to: Monett Historical Society, 422 Broadway, Monett, MO 65708

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I am interested in being a volunteer at the museum.

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A normal garden, the Morrows observed, would have “eight feet of weeds” by the end of the summer. Not theirs.

Weeds simply don’t flourish, and easily come out, roots and all, when plucked.

The mulch also retains moisture, making watering less crucial.

The Morrows also have chickens in a nearby pen. Their droppings provide nitrogen for the garden. Matthew called them “feathered hogs — they eat anything.” The Morrows set the coop around an oak tree, with ropes tied from the fence to the tree, creating a complicated navigation space which keeps hawks from dive bombing the chickens. The tree also gives the chickens a source where they can dig for grubs, so the chickens in turn keep the tree healthy.

The tree had an eight-inch gash in it from someone cutting a large limb off 13 years ago and had made little progress healing itself.

"In two years of chickens and mulch around it, we have seen the tree almost completely recover," Matthew said.

"One more inch and would would say if will be healed."

The Morrows put mulch in the chicken coop as well. The chickens seem to like it, and the Morrows said the chickens taste better when they end up on the dinner table.

“The garden is a hobby,” Matthew said, who works as a programmer for Jack Henry and Associates. “It’s a healthy way to get out and do something. The bacteria growing in the soil in better than Valium. It makes a happy place, There’s a chemical change when you enter the garden.”

As the garden flourished last summer, the Morrows contemplated expanding, adding new crops. They had not expected the results they have had, but encourage others to try making a mulch-heavy, shaded garden heaven too.

"It is all about the covering," Matthew said. "Everything in nature has a covering, but we humans are smart and we like to rip the covering off and expose the raw dirt to the sunlight and kill all the microbes and worms and let it dry out. Learning from Nature and what God does is the best way to garden." n

GUEST COLUMN

BY MARK KUMMING

March Anniversary for the Battle of Pea Ridge

O

ver two days, the seventh and eighth of March 1862, Union and Confederate forces met in bloody conflict in northwest Arkansas on farms and fields around the small community of Pea Ridge in Benton County; at stake was Missouri. If the Confederate forces were victorious at Pea Ridge, they likely would have marched up through Cassville, over to Springfield, and then on up to St. Louis, where they would have captured the federal arsenal and then would control the western theater.

As fate would have it, Union forces won the battle and saved Missouri from Confederate occupation in the process. This was an unusual battle. The southern forces attacked from the north, using French speaking soldiers from Louisiana. Over a thousand Cherokee fought at Pea Ridge for the Confederates. It was the only major Civil War battle in which Native Americans were utilized to such an extent. Many Union soldiers spoke German as a first language. Another odd fact—U.S. Brigadier General Alexander Asboth’s dog, York, accompanied him into battle. The dog ran close at the heels of Asboth’s horse, even during the fiercest fighting. The sight amazed both Union and Confederate troops and was so unusual, an illustration of Asboth and his dog appeared in Leslie’s Weekly, a major newspaper of the day.

Today, at Pea Ridge National Military Park, the booming cannon and cries of men no longer echo on the battlefield. It is now carefully preserved as a memorial in honor of those who served when the country was torn. The battlefield is managed by the National Park Service. The park offers a self-guided, seven-mile driving tour and the visitors’ center features exhibits and artifacts pertaining to the battle. A short film presentation about the battle is viewable several times a day as well.

Connection Magazine | 51

COMMUNITY CALENDAR MARCH 3

Computer Classes at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob at 12:45 p.m.

MARCH 4

Blood pressure check by Ozark Methodist Manor will be at the Cassville Senior Center beginning at 10:30 a.m.

MARCH 5

Benefit Counseling by appointment only at the Cassville Senior Center. Call 8474510 to schedule. Tax Counseling will also be available by appointment.

Paint Class at the Cassville Senior Center beginning at 9 a.m.

Cassville Senior Center will have Bingo with River River Rehab at noon.

MARCH 6

The 10th annual Trivia Night begins at 7 p.m. at the Cassville High School commons. Up to eight players per team, $15 per person. All proceeds benefit the Cassville Education Fund.

MARCH 7

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will host a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 each, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. No alcohol or smoking is allowed. For more information, call 417662-3612.

MARCH 10

Stamping Up, a card-making class, at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob at 10 a.m.

Bingo at the Central Crossing Senior Center at 12:45 p.m.

MARCH 11

Grace Foot Care by appointment at Cassville Senior Center. Call 847-4510 for appointment.

Alzheimer Support Group meets at the Central Crossing Senior Center from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

MARCH 12

Health and Education with Susan will begin at 11:30 a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center. Also bingo at noon.

MARCH 14

The Monett Historical Society will host "An Irish Evening" event, which will include an Irish-themed dinner, live music and a drawing. The event will take place from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Monett Museum Event Center, 418 E. Broadway in Monett. Proceeds from this event will benefit the Monett Museum. Tickets are $25 per person, and available at the Monett

52 | March 2020

Museum, or Historical Society board members Beth Gann and Georgeanna Wormington.

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will host a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 each, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. No alcohol or smoking is allowed. For more information, call 417662-3612.

ville Senior Center at 11 a.m.

MARCH 28

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will host a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 each, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. No alcohol or smoking is allowed. For more information, call 417662-3612.

MARCH 17

St. Patrick’s Day lunch at Cassville Senior Senior beginning at 11 a.m.

CASSVILLE SENIOR CENTER

Grace Health Services at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

Call for an appointment 417-858-6952.

Coffee Bar on Mondays 8-10 a.m.

MARCH 18

The Aurora Quilt Guild meets at 10 a.m. in the Aurora Community Center, 40 W. Church St. For more information call 417-498-6789.

MARCH 19

Paint Class at the Cassville Senior Center beginning at 9 a.m.

Cassville Senior Center will have Bingo with River River Rehab at noon.

Birthday Lunch served at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

MARCH 21

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will host a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center at 7 p.m. Admission is $5 each, and attendees are asked to bring a snack to share. No alcohol or smoking is allowed. For more information, call 417662-3612.

MARCH 23

Nell’s Nails begins at 9 a.m. Call 417858-6952 for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

MARCH 24

Bingo at the Central Crossing Senior Center at 12:45 p.m.

MARCH 25

Nell’s Nails begins at 9 a.m. Call 8474510 for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome at the Cassville Senior Center.

WIC at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob. Call 417-2114 for an appointment.

MARCH 26

The Pierce City Senior Center will hold its regular monthly dance.

MARCH 27

Special Birthday Lunch served at Cass-

Regular events:

Dominos every Tuesday and Friday at 11:45 a.m..

Exercise class every Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 10-11 a.m. Call 417-847-4510.

Bingo every Thursday at noon.

CENTRAL CROSSING SENIOR CENTER Regular events: Wii Bowling every Wednesday, 12:45 to 3 p.m. New bowlers welcome.

Friends’ Bridge every Friday. Call Quita at 417-271-9803 for details.

Cards Galore every Friday with Pitch beginning at 9 a.m.

Domino Poker, every day from 12:45 p.m.

Qigong Exercise every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 10 a.m.

Arthritis Exercise class is held every Wednesday at 12:30 p.m.

Mah Jongg every Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Line Dancing every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m.

Quilting for Charity every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Balance and Flexibility class is held every Monday from 9:30 to 10 a.m.

Wii Bowling is Wednesday at 12:45 p.m.

FAMILIAR FACES The annual Cassville Chamber of Commerce banquet was held on Jan.18 at the Cassville High School.

2

1

4

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1. Mattie Stephenson, Dana Kammerlohr 2. Linda and Joe Luney

3. Robin Mattingly, Sarah Dalton 4. Jackie and Wayne Hendrix

5. Hope Robbins, Willow Ellis, Lenna Knight and Macy Colf

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The 18th annual Dining for Diabetes fundraiser was held Saturday, Jan. 25, at Monett High School.

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Kellie and Russ Moreland Greg Huntress and the Honorable Jack Goodman Dr. Jay and Laura Apostol

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Bryan and Shelly Stellwagen Dave and Donna Beckett Rich Buck and granddaughter Chiara Ramirez

6 Connection Magazine | 53

CUTEST PET

Ginger, miniature Schnauzer, fur baby belonging to Diane Rice of Galena.

Ginger

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

54 | March 2020

RESCUED, MY FAVORITE BREED

BY CHRISTA STOUT

And if you are interested in a couple of local animals, here are two at Faithful Friends:

Pups on wheels

I

had an interesting month, with two transports of dogs in opposite directions. The first one was fairly standard, but very personal, because a friend of mine had two puppies dumped on her doorstep and unfortunately her cats wouldn’t come back because of the puppies, so we had to do something fairly quick.

With her tremendous help, we caught the puppies in traps and I took them home with me, wondering what in the world my three dogs would do when I came home with two little ones. As it turned out my dogs totally ignored them; so one hurdle overcome.

The puppies were so terribly afraid of humans, understandably, after having been dumped, so I really worked hard in getting them acclimated in my house. I kept them separated with a baby gate between them and the rest of the world, so they could see and hear everything that was going on, but couldn’t get out, nor could my three cause any havoc.

And as it turned out, there was no problem, my dogs became curious about the two scared little ones, I could almost see them shake their heads because they couldn’t understand how the puppies could be so afraid. And the puppies actually became a little curious about their surroundings, so that I was very tempted to keep them just a little longer.

However, in the meantime, this giant machine of efficient humans got started arranging transport for the puppies to St. Louis to a shelter. So, on a Sunday morning we loaded the puppies into the back of my car in a carrier, and off we went.

My name is DARLA and I am a lab mix. I am looking for a family who wants to spoil me and give me all the attention I deserve. I love belly rubs and treats. Man, do I love treats! I even know my basic commands! I'm not so good with other animals, but I love my people very, very much.

I drove them as far as Lebanon, where the next person in line took over, and so by evening and several more stops and transfers, the puppies were safely in St. Louis. I shed a few tears for the babies that I had gotten used to, but couldn’t keep. Whoever was on the transport for these babies, thank you very much, at least now they have a chance at a great life with a good adopter.

The second one was a rather lengthy transport, which I volunteered for because I knew the route, had driven it many times and had a place to stay.

I was taking a shepherd mix to Denver to meet up with its adopters the following day, who were coming in from the Salt Lake City area.

In preparation, I took Sam for a ride a few days before our scheduled trip, just to make sure he liked my driving, I do have a heavy foot sometimes.

So, on the day of our trip we did our groundwork; weather – check, food and treats – check, water – plenty, doggy bags – check, doggy Dramamine – check. And we were on the road.

Hi there! I'm ZORA the Cat. I love to play, play, play. I like to climb, explore and am a very inquisitive cat. But after a long playtime I love to snuggle, preferably in my very own furever home.

Come by and meet me!

I knew Sam had not been in a car very much, so I was prepared for the trip.

However, I did not know how much a dog could drool. My first indication that something was not quite right, was the fact that my phone (which was only a few days old) no longer connected to the car. Wow, I need that GPS! So we stopped and checked it out.

Oops, too much drool on the connection! So we traveled with music from the radio and no GPS, while the connection and the cable dried out. Thank goodness, drying out is all it took, and we were able to have the phone back the remainder of the trip, just out of reach of the Sam’s mouth.

Honestly, he did great, came forward at times and snuggled for a while, then back to the back for a little more comfortable, stretched out couple of hours. We stopped every two hours, took some water, did our respective bathroom trips, and on we went. It wasn’t until we arrived in Denver during rush hour traffic that things got a little dicey.

Connection Magazine | 55

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If you have never driven on I-25 when everyone is trying to make it home on a Friday evening, my advice is – don’t. There are so many lanes going in each direction, the headlights and taillights of the cars were like a huge stream and most of the time changing lanes became a challenge. Sam got a little nervous, of course, there was no way to get out of traffic, and I felt very lucky to be able to leave the interstate when I needed to. Pup was so glad to get out of the car when we arrived at my daughter’s house, he almost tumbled out of the car. You could see the relief in his eyes when he was able to walk around, sniff the snow and pee!

Then he got to meet Oden, the huge husky, and Remi, the little pup my granddaughter had just adopted. Surprisingly, they all got along very well, except my traveler decided to take Oden’s seat on the couch, well, as a visitor, he wasn’t allowed to do that!

But he gave in and moved over. From then on, all was well again.

The next day he got to meet his new parents, and as it turned out, their son, and another dog. I was amazed how well they all interacted and pretty soon, he was forgetting about the person who brought him to this place. I shed another tear. Yes, I know, I’m sentimental, but I was so happy and so relieved that everything was turning out so well for this wonderful pup who needed a good home. The adopters and I are staying in contact, and everything is working out perfect.

The family’s son had always wanted a dog that slept with him and their current dog would rather stay outside or by himself, so our traveler has a young man to sleep with, and the young man is happy he has a dog by his side.

A wonderful ending!

Anyway, the point of all of this is that transporting animals is another great way to volunteer and help get the dogs and cats an opportunity for a new home, so if this appeals to you, contact your shelter, animal control officer or other animal lovers; they are sure to be able to help you get on a transport list.

56 | March 2020

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The picture above was taken by Frank Washburn at CoCoCay, Royal Caribbean’s private island, in January 2020. Enjoying the trip was from left, in the front, Don Bates, Janie Bates and Karen Washburn, holding the Connection Magazine and all of Monett. In the back row were Debbie and Jim Moore of Purdy.

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Mone Office A group enjoyed a cruise out of Galveston, Texas to the Bahamas. Holding the Connection Magazine is Paige Van Steeburgh of Ellinwood, Kansas. Next to Paige is Rose Meeks, of Monett. In the back, from left, is Renita Chasteen, of Cassville, Karyn Shepard, of Monett, Robyn Stroud, Of Lee’s Summit, Adrian Buzzel, of Waldo, Kansas, Pauline Swinney, of Cassville, Jennifer Buzzel, of Waldo, Kansas, Fred Stroud, of Lee’s Summit and Tom Buzzel, os Waldo, Kansas.

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Connection Magazine | 57

PARTING SHOT

Winter scene

Photo by by Lonna Kay Norman

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome."

- Anne Bradstreet, "Meditations Divine and Moral" of The Works of Anne Bradstreet

58 | March 2020

Advertiser Index Acambaro Mexican Restaurant....32 Advanced Janitorial........................38 Aire Serv.............................................. 6 A-List Properties.............................11 B&B Gray Fencing............................. 6 Barry Lawrence Regional Library ....................................................... 3 Bill Vance Marine............................56 Bruner Pharmacy.............................24 Cappy Harris Realtors....................28 Coast to Coast ................................34 Community National Bank............14 Cox Medical Center........................60 Cubs Café.........................................44 Diet Center.......................................11 Doug's Pro Lube..............................30 Edward Jones..................................... 5 First State Bank of Purdy..............19 Fohn Funeral Home........................30 Four Seasons Real Estate..............23 Freedom Bank .................................59 Friendly Tire......................................50 Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant .....................................................29 Hutchens Construction................... 4 J&J Floor Covering.........................28 Johnson Chiropractic.....................23 Ken's Collision Center....................32 Kiddie City........................................32 Lackey Body Works........................14 Les Jacobs.........................................56 Lil Boom Town Event......................44 Making Memories...........................11 Missouri Farm Bureau....................29 Monett Historical Society.............50 My Best Friend's Closet.................23 Ozark Methodist Manor................40 Peppers and Co...............................29 Plymouth Junction..........................24 Race Brothers..................................24 Real Life Church..............................19 Riehn, J. Michaell; attorney...........16 Roaring River Health & Rehab......16 Rusty Gate Flea Market.................38 Security Bank...................................34 Shelter Insurance.....................14, 38 Sunrise Family Restaurant............... 2 The Coffee Café..............................19 The Farmer's Daughter..................40 The Jane Store.................................56 Tisha Trotter.....................................10 Tomblin's Jewelry............................40 Trogdon Marshall............................59 VisionHealth Eye Center...............44 White's Insurance...........................30 Whitley Pharmacy............................. 4

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Connection Magazine | 59

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