April Connection 2020

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BRIDGE HOME 60 years in shell knob

EASTER TRADITION shared value

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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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Feeling like you paid too much in taxes this year?

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Contact your financial advisor today to learn about investing strategies that could benefit you.

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

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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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Features

17 | EASTER TRADITIONS

SPECIAL SECTIONS

22 | BRIDGE TO HOME

Lawn & Garden page 11

Remembering the reason for the season during Easter brings cultural inclusion to light The 60-year anniversary of completion of the Shell Knob bridge connects past choices to present day

29 | REXANNA SHINES

Shell Knob calendar page 45

Local interior decorator brings her best to staging renovated and new homes in southwest Missouri

34 | BIG EFFORT TO AID

THE SMALL

The Monett Regional Learning Center opened its doors and filled to capacity in fall 2019

A P R I L 2020 Connection Magazine | 7

CONTENTS 37 Healthy Connection: Reduce inflammation 38 Cutest Kid

41 Annie Smith: NO MO Plastics 52 Cutest Pet

53 Rescued, My Favorite Breed 55 Familiar Faces 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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8 | April 2020

Page 29 This staircase from a home on Frisco, once concealed, was moved and transformed into a focal point of the living area. The old bannister, updated with the addition of wrought iron spindles, offering an elegant transition to the upstairs.

Rexanna Hood of Monett, uses her background in interior design, and provides input on the colors used for each renovated home from the floor tiling, paint choices and fixtures, to create an open canvas for home decor.

EDITORITAL

TRADITIONS… Keep the old and introduce some new

I

have looked back at a lot of my editorials, and it seems like I sometimes have the need to reflect back on my childhood and the traditions that we follow on different holidays. I have done my best to keep those alive in my children’s lives, so I guess one way of doing that is talking about them. I am now passing those traditions to my grandchildren and great-grandchildren, in hopes that they will see fit to carry the traditions on in generations to come. It is always nice to introduce a new tradition to add to future generations.

I have added some new ideas to my holidays and this month we celebrate Easter. Of course I always make sure that the younger children know the real reason for the celebration of Easter with the story of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus Christ. I'm assuming that the adults already know the meaning of Easter, and that at this time of year the meaning is a very somber but joyous one. But then we go to the pretend part of Easter where we can make it happy and silly for the kiddos, with stories of Peter Cottontail, the Easter bunny, kind of like Santa, where the Easter bunny leaves some surprises the night before Easter.

And of course you have to take time to dye the hard boiled eggs different colors so the bunny can hide them and then leave goodies in the fake grass nests. Or at least that is the way it was at my house when I was a kid.

So my family kept the older traditions of getting together as a family for a lovely Easter meal of ham, mashed potatoes, and you know all of the wonderful big meal goodies and giving thanks for the resurrection of our savior. Usually

it is warm enough outside that after we are done eating we send the kids outside to play and the adults visit or in some cases, most cases, take naps.

After the adults are rested and the food has digested, and the children have run in and out the front door at least 15 to 20 times asking when we were going to have the egg hunt, the big event is held. Usually the big egg hunt consists of at least 120 plastic eggs or more full of candy.

The real prizes are so many plastic eggs filled with quarters, $10 worth, some with 50 cents, some with 75 cents. Then we jump to dollar bills. There are five plastic eggs with one dollar each in them. Two plastic eggs have a $5 bill in them and then there is the one and only egg that has the grand prize of a $10 bill. There is no golden egg because a golden egg would give it away. All of them look alike just different pastel colors. It makes it fair for all ages, and this year we will have ages 3 through “who knows.”

After we have the big hunt for the younger ones, we have the raw egg throw for the adults. Grab your partner and a raw egg and you very carefully toss this egg between the two of you while you keep getting further apart until someone drops it, and the last couple standing with an uncracked egg wins.

I am not sure why we do some of the things we do on Easter such as the eggs, the hunts, and coloring the eggs, etc. I mean, seriously what does the bunny have to do with Easter? Easter Sunday is a religious holiday to some and a family holiday for others, how did that bunny get involved? And come on, real rabbits certainly don’t lay eggs.

Connection Magazine | 9

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Just FYI, according to the University of Florida’s Center for Children’s Literature and Culture, the origin of the celebration, and the origin of the Easter bunny can be traced back to the 15th century, pre-Christian Germany, when people worshiped several gods and goddesses. Spring also symbolized new life and rebirth, eggs were an ancient symbol of fertility. According to History.com, Easter eggs represents Jesus’ resurrection. However, this association came much later when Roman Catholicism became the dominant religion in Germany in the 15th century and merged with already engrained pagan beliefs.

The first Easter bunny legend was documented in the 1500s. By 1680s, the first story about a rabbit laying eggs and hiding them in a garden was published. These legends were brought to the United States in the 1700s, when German immigrants settled in Pennsylvania Dutch country, according to the Center for Children’s Literature and Culture.

The tradition of making nests for the rabbit to lay its “eggs” in soon followed. Eventually, nests became decorated baskets and colorful eggs were swapped for candy, treats and other small gifts.

So….while you are eating chocolate bunnies and marshmallow chicks on this Easter Sunday, remember these holiday’s origins and impress your friends at your local Easter egg hunt with your knowledge. By the way, I hear that chocolate is really good for you. Seriously!

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

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Connection Magazine | 11

Story and photos by Melonie Roberts

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The answer, according to Jeff Cantrell, an education consultant with the Missouri Department of Conservation in Neosho, is simple.

“It's about naturescaping,” he said.

“The native plants used to attract birds, butterflies, dragonflies and bees that help pollinate the plants. Just remember, pollinators equals food equals economy.”

In addition to beautifying the yard, native species plants are hardy and drought resistant. With the many varieties of micro-environments located in southwest Missouri, green thumb enthusiasts have several choices in what kind of natural landscapes to encourage on their own properties.

“If you have full sun and average soil, along with a large acreage landscape, you might consider planting prairie and savanna grasses,” Jeff said. “Those with lots of sun and rocky, well drained soil would do well planting compact glade grasses.”

Native species tend to be more drought tolerant and attract bees, butterflies and birds through spring, summer and fall.

12 | April 2020

Jeff Cantrell, with the Missouri Department of Conservation, spoke on naturescaping at the Monett Museum, distributing native plants, like this phlox. Naturescaping is a method of landscape design and landscaping that allows people and nature to coexist with landscaping.

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“Good nesting cover can be provided by adding shrubs or small trees with compact, multi-stemmed branches, or some species that have thorns,” he said.

“Haws, dogwoods, hawthorns, elderberries and hazelnut trees are excellent choices. Hummingbirds love golden currant trees and birds love the fruit from elderberries, and wild plum attracts songbirds. Thorned species repel snakes and other bird predators. These are multipurpose plants that don't need water or fertilizer after they are established in the yard.”

By providing a good variety of native plant species, homeowners will see an increase in pollinators and wildlife visiting their lawns and gardens.

“While we encourage you to grow natives, that doesn't mean you can't have cultivars in your yards and gardens,” Jeff said. “We push the natives because our pollinators are endangered.”

Native plants are anything but bland, offering pops of color and vegetation from early spring into late fall.

“Butterfly milkweed, aromatic aster, sand phlox, yellow coneflower, purple poppy mallow and Indian Pink are all powerful performers,” he said. “Hummingbirds love Indian Pink. Gardens with these plants are always full of life.

Nothing is stale.”

Jeff suggests planting gardens in multi-storied tiers for visual appeal, with small plants in front and taller ones in the back. He also advises checking information on the packaging to plan a blooming sequence to provide color throughout the growing season.

Connection Magazine | 13

See what’s blooming at Rainbow Gardens!

• Annuals • Perennials • Roses & Trees • Shrubs & Planters • Hanging Baskets We have vegetable plants, heirloom tomatoes, seed potatoes, onion sets and fertilizer.

A buckeye butterfly takes nourishment from a whorled milkweed at a natural species garden space in front of the Monett Museum, located at 422 E. Broadway.

“Gardeners should use seedlings, because sometimes it will take seeds two to three years to germinate in the wild,” he said. “Limit the use of Diazanon and other chemical treatments because they affect all forms of life. Highly treated yards will even make our pets ill.

“Build three-dimensional gardens,” he said. “Consider creating frames and views, or adding resting places. You can actually build rooms into the landscape, with 'windows' looking out or 'corridors' when walking through the yard.”

Cultivars available from big box stores are known for their cutability, their showy blooms, and are disease resistant. However, natives of these species provide more nutritional benefits than their hybrid counterparts.

Jeff also cautions against planting imported species, such as the Kousa Dogwood, from China, which does not support insects or herbivores, or China's Golden Rain Tree, which will not host more than 500 species of caterpillars, like the native oak does.

14 | April 2020

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If this sounds a bit overwhelming, Jeff suggests starting small.

“Lay out a rope or garden hose in the shape of your garden,” he said. “Make a raised bed with paving stones and insulate it with cardboard or bales of sphagnum peat. Mix with the soil and fill the bed with your plants. As perennials fade and die, replace them with plants having similar attributes. The blazing star is one plant that hummingbirds, birds and butterflies love, and there are eight different species from which to choose.”

Jeff also suggests planting purple prairie closer, lead plant, greyheaded coneflower and golden Alexander to attract native bees; purple poppy mallow, Missouri primrose, little bluestem, yellow coneflower, glade coneflower, widow's cross sedum, bird's foot violet and yellow coreopsis for easy-to-manage rock gardens; and wild bergamot, mints, and rose verbena for a butterfly blitz garden.

“Monarchs depend on milkweed,” he said. “They are becoming endangered due to loss of habitat. You'll also attract swallowtails and other species of butterflies.”

Other beneficial host plants include pawpaws, spice bush, prickly ash, hickory and pean trees, and false indigo.

“Don't forget to put a shallow dish containing damp sand and rocks for a butterfly 'watering hole,'” he said. “You can also add a tablespoon of sea salt for a butterfly salt lick.”

To attract hummingbirds, look for plants that have tube-shaped flowers, as well as red, orange or pink columbine, cardinal flowers, Ohio buckeye, red buckeye, golden currant, phlox, fire pinks, royal catchfly, foxglove beardtongue, blue sage, yellow honeysuckle, wild bergamot and purple beardtongue.

“Add a water source, and the sound will bring the birds in,” Cantrell said. “I have a mister on a timer that comes on at 6 p.m. every evening and the birds fly through it. They get used to that habit and they show up every night.”

Other wanted wildlife includes frogs, luna moths, dragonflies and squirrels.

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Connection Magazine | 15

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Easter

TRADITIONS A mix of cultures brings new meaning to Christian holiday

Torrejas, a popular Easter treat

I

t’s spring. Maybe there’s still a little nip in the air. The birds are singing and the grass is growing, children are standing around, many dressed in fancy colorful outfits, holding baskets, eagerly jittering about.

Suddenly a horn sounds and they dash off across a long field of grass, grabbing plastic eggs, tossing them into their baskets, as fast as they can, giggling, wide eyed, some sober and all business, eager to gather as many eggs as they can as quickly as possible.

So goes a typical Easter egg hunt, one of those odd little rituals that mark spring. The origins of Easter egg hunts have little to do with Easter and more with renewal of the season. The custom dates back to 16th century Germany and Martin Luther and dealt with hiding real eggs, banking off even earlier traditions promoting fertility. Eating eggs was also a medieval sacrifice for Lent, thus the link to Easter.

Story by Murray Bishoff

Monett Easter egg hunt in spring 2019

Traditions evolve. From generation to generation, Easter activities have changed. Plastic eggs have taken the place of real eggs on the fantasy field.

But those earlier times left indelible memories.

Three Monettans had vivid memories of Easter they experienced as children. Betty Pinkley, Mary McMeley and Georgeanna Wormington each remembered the ritual of dyeing hard boiled eggs in bowls, usually tea cups, using dyes that generally came in tablet form in primary colors, mixed in a vinegar solution. One could add stickers for designs, or peel the sticker and redip for a second color, or add stickers and redip to preserve the first color, fishing out the eggs with a little wire holder resembling a spoon but only the frame, with a hole in the middle to cradle the egg.

“When my kids were little, my mother would fix a huge platter — Connection Magazine | 17

A snapshot of Easter from the early 1940s, with the future Georgeanna Wormington, left, her brother, Larry Wueneller, and sister Margaret at front, with an Easter basket.

bigger than a turkey platter — that she filled with candy, from jelly beans and candy eggs to chocolate to balls with malt inside,” Georgeanna said. “She bought all the candy. By the time she got them all on the platter, it was beautiful.”

In past decades Easter egg hunts were more of a church activity than a community event, which they have become. Betty and Mary recalled standing with their Easter baskets, filled with treasures. That usually included a big chocolate bunny, Georgeanna recalled.

A very big part of the Easter tradition is the clothes for children. All three women remembered getting new fancy dresses, only for wearing at church, patent leather shoes, maybe gloves and definitely an Easter hat. Georgeanna remembered her brother also received a jacket, nice pants and boy's hat.

Activities at church involved different games for children. The big event,

though, was Easter dinner. Mary recalled it as a feast usually with ham, along with candied yams. The whole family would be there.

Some activities spilled over into public schools. Donna Hammond recalled attending Lilian J. Rice Elementary School in Chula Vista, Calif., where the Easter related activity was making bunny ears in class. Donna said all the girls would bring a plastic headband.

The students decorated them with ears made from felt and cotton balls.

These “warm and fuzzy” memories belie the seriousness of the religious celebration. While Protestants especially focus on the joy of Christ’s resurrection, traditional Catholic traditions focus more on the severity of the Passion of Christ and deprivations during

the Lent season to emphasize Christ’s suffering.

Yesi Perez, who came to Monett from Mexico at age 11, said many of the Easter traditions within the Hispanic community stem from the Catholic Church. Many traditions emanate out of Mexico City, some taking on more extreme interpretations as they progress to the South, such as pageants that involve carrying crosses, some actual crucifixions and self-flagellations, all done as pious people take on often painful expressions of penance for themselves and their neighbors.

“We’ve tried to bring our traditions here,” Yesi said. “Most are related to food.”

During Lent, Catholics endeavor not to eat meat, though fish fries on Friday are allowed. Yesi said for many rural and especially low income Mexicans, meat is a luxury, and they can’t afford fish or shrimp. Consequently, people have developed an alternative cuisine.

Activities at church involved different games for children. The big event, though, was Easter dinner.

18 | April 2020

Among these dishes are torrejas, which is similar to French toast. Instead of using pancake syrup, people developed miel de maguey, which is honey made from agave plants. Another staple is chiles rellenos, which are pablono peppers filled with cheese, battered in egg and deep fried.

“The best thing is dessert, capirotada, the most delicious thing ever,” she said, a bread pudding on which were add sprinkles, bananas, peanuts, “anything and everything except for meat.

People fast till noon on Fridays in Lent, then they get all excited to eat all this yumminess.”

Yesi said these are foods only eaten during the Lenten season, though chiles rellenos has become so popular that it appears on the menu year round.

The farther south one travels in Mexico, she noted, the spicier the food becomes, even Easter food.

The biggest celebration for Hispanics comes during Holy Week, as the pious fast and mourn, starting on Holy Thursday and ending on Easter. Hispanics have reenactments of the Passion with living Stations of the Cross, with actors taking on the roles of Biblical characters, set up outdoors, outside the church.

There is also the Easter Vigil. The church service begins in complete darkness, after which the church leader or priest creates the Paschal fire, which is transferred to a Paschal candle, a special light to indicate the resurrection.

Yesi noted in contrast to other mainstream Christians, Hispanics do not dress up for Easter, give gifts and have traditions relating to animals. Easter egg hunts are nonetheless popular with children and have been adopted.

“We go to church and get together,” Yesi said. “We celebrate with cookouts.

The biggest celebration for Hispanics comes during Holy Week, as the pious fast and mourn, starting on Holy Thursday and ending on Easter.

Chiles Rellenos is a popular meat-free dish served during Lent.

Connection Magazine | 19

Capirotada, a Mexican bread pudding made for Easter

Picnics are big on Saturday and Easter Sunday. Then we can start eating meat again. Hispanics really don’t do activities specially for children, other than the Easter egg hunt. We take children everywhere. They are with adults the whole time. We say, ‘Here’s what we’re going to do as a family.’

“In general, Easter and Lent, where I’m from, is more of a time of mourning, penance and alms giving. Lent and Easter for us is a time of grieving and sacrifice. While Easter is sadness and repentance, Christmas is all about parties.”

Easter traditions continue to evolve, as more cultures introduce and share their ideas. Just as there is no Easter Bunny in the Bible, people find ways to add their cultures, making a broader and ever-growing experience for all. n

20 | April 2020

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Historic moments remembered 22 | April 2020

As the Central Crossing Bridge neared its completion in 1959, the majesty of the structure was documented by a number of community members throughout its build.

Shell Knob bridge completed, dedicated 60 years ago this September

O

n September 25, 1960, at 2 p.m., nearly 1,200 people gathered along side of Missouri Senator Stuart Symington for the dedication of the completed Shell Knob bridge.

Symington gave a speech based on water resources, while proudly standing on the south end of the bridge with the local community.

The dedication was followed by a boat parade and refreshments by the Shell Knob Parents as Teachers, as well as, music from the Cassville high school band.

The boat parade was recreated during the 2019 Shell Knob fireworks show on the Fourth of July in honor of the upcoming anniversary.

Looking back through the years and the Cassville Democrat's accounts of the events, people can see that on November 26, 1958, the paper printed an update on the construction of the bridge that said one pier of the bridge and the foundations for the others had all been poured.

Story by Jordan Privett

Also, the approaches to the bridge had been completed along with blacktop coverings on each end on Highway 86.

On May 6, 1959, the steel work on the 1,430-foot structure was one-third of the way complete.

C. Rallo Construction Co. of St. Louis had been hired and had been working on the bridge since March 1958.

The contract price on the bridge at that time was estimated at $1,400,000, according to the Cassville Democrat, and estimates on completion time ranged from September to October 1959, almost exactly one year before the actual completion date.

Looking back further, the Cassville Democrat accounts on December 4, 1957, that bids were expected to be taken in February the following year.

The January 1, 1958, edition of the Cassville Democrat noted that the bridge itself was a joint effort of the United States Corps of Engineers and the state.

Bridge

Through its 60 years of service to the community the, now named, State Senator Larry Gene Taylor Memorial Bridge, has proved to be a landmark to the area. The aging 1,430-foot steel structure reminds many in the community of where they call home.

Connection Magazine | 23

The Central Crossing Bridge was completed in 1960 and dedicated on-site by Senator Stuart Symington. The 1,430foot, 60-year-old structure has been helping the Shell Knob community to grow throughout the years.

24 | April 2020

The 1,430-foot I-beam structure would cost an estimated $1,730,000 with the government paying for 80 percent and the state paying for 20 percent as well as the cost of providing the approaches.

At that time, work on the construction would have been rushed to enable the bridge's completion before the lake filled up.

The location of the “new” bridge would be near old Poynor Ferry, above where the “present” bridge stood.

By January 22, 1958, six bids had been received for the project in Jefferson City, and the lowest bid, from C. Rallo Construction Co. out of St. Louis, came in at $1,338,610.73.

Bob Mitchell, former owner and editor of the Cassville Democrat, said the bridge was only built due to the dedication and work of state representatives.

“No one realized how important it was to have the bridge,” Mitchell said.

“That area was popular then, but without that bridge, it wouldn’t be what it is today.”

According to Mitchell, the United States Corps of Engineers didn’t want to build the bridge, although they ended up footing 80 percent of the bill.

“The push really came after Congressman Charlie Brown was elected,” he said. “After that, Symington and Brown really worked hard on both ends of Congress to get it done.

“During that time, Symington also worked on convincing Rex Whitton, former Chief Engineer of Missouri Highway Department, to put in the state's 20 percent, which was really what made the bridge happen.”

During the dedication speech for the new bridge, Symington said, ‘The bridge is the result of the teamwork represented in this area, and it stands as a monument to our Congressman, Charlie Brown.’

“In November 1956, Symington visited Shell Knob to see firsthand the need for the Central Crossing bridge,” Mitchell said.

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Connection Magazine | 25

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The Central Crossing Bridge build began in 1958 and due to a few delays took a year longer than anticipated to finish. However, the magnificent 1,430 foot structure is still used daily, and some believe the success of the area is due to the bridge.

"That was really the start of it. There were three bridges in the county, the Eagle Rock bridge, Golden bridge and the Shell Knob bridge.”

According to Mitchell, the moment that really showed people the inconvenience that would be created if the new bridge was not built came during a springtime flood.

“The lake filled up due to those floods and it covered the old bridge,” he said. “I have a picture of a couple of men standing on top of the old bridge that was flooded, and it looked like they were walking on water.

“That was the moment that showed what an impact there would be on mail routes, school routes and future development without the new bridge.”

The Central Crossing Bridge construction was approved on July 11, 1957, and after three years of work and $1,728,100 it began its, so far, 60 years of life as an icon in the Shell Knob communities.

The bridge was known as the Central Crossing Bridge until October 17, 2008, when the bridge was rededicated in honor of the late State Senator Larry Gene Taylor in a special memorial. n

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Budget

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t’s not often anyone can walk into a home and “see” what it needs to be transformed from blah into beautiful.

Rexanna Hood has not only taken her love of interior design to a new level, she has combined it with her marketing background to create an opportunity to assist her husband, Thad Hood, of Hood Home Repair (HHR), in renovating homes in need of a little TLC and then flipping them.

“I love staging the houses for the public to see,” Rexanna said. “I look at the year’s trending colors and plan coordinating colors for room transitions.

I keep the walls and flooring in neutral colors, so the new owner’s decor can serve as the color that pops.”

Rexanna grew up around remodeling, as her parents were in a perpetual state of remodeling when she was a youth.

Story by Melonie Roberts

Rexanna Hood of Monett works on a poppy flower arrangement to use in staging one of the renovated homes. Rexanna has found her niche in flipping homes, which allows her to use her backgrounds in interior design and marketing.

Connection Magazine | 29

When the home on Cleveland Avenue in Monett was first purchased for renovation, the Hoods pulled the rug up to reveal the home’s original wooden flooring.

“I never invited people over or anything like that,” she said. “I hated it. Absolutely hated it, as a kid.

Now, I’m doing the same thing. My mom laughs about it.”

Rexanna tends to shop locally for the majority of her decor needs, visiting the local Sherwin-Williams store to get paint samples for each home HHR renovates.

“They come out with new colors each year, and I try to stay on trend as we move from project to project,” she said.

“I usually have an idea of what I want when I walk into a new home. We try to knock out walls where we can to create an open concept. I try to envision what the end product will look like. Each home we remodel has its own personality. We don’t do cookie cutters here.

I look at decorating magazines and the Houzz.com app on my phone for inspiration and samples.”

Many times, her staging is so on target, buyers will ask if they can purchase the furnishings along with the home.

“The home need to feel welcoming,” she said. “People need to be able to walk in and think, ‘Yeah, my couch would go there,’ or ‘I have wall art that would be perfect in that spot.’ You can’t go wrong with grays and neutral wall colors.”

Once Rexanna sees what’s trending in magazines and on her phone apps, she starts shopping, and this is where the rubber meets the road.

30 | April 2020

“I go to estate sales, vintage marketplaces and look at overstock items,” she said. “I can sometimes pick up a $700 light fixture for $100, or a new sofa for $100. I can take older furniture and combine it with a palette of gray and sunshine yellow and create something unique. Or, I can build a room around a theme, like red and orange poppies, and match the decor to that. It may not be decorating on a dime, but our customers get quality merchandise at deeply discounted prices. It’s easy to make each home reflect its own personality that way.”

She said Google, Pinterest and other popular sites offer a wealth of inspiration for styles, colors and ideas to personalize a home.

Rexanna said she is always looking for deals.

“I sometimes get 70 percent off knick knacks at Kirkland’s,” she said. “I use them as accent pieces. I also have a few hidden gems in northwest Arkansas, where I can buy overstock items from Wayfair or other home decor distributers. I can’t even imagine being able to decorate for someone not on a budget.”

It’s the challenge of taking an open

canvas and making it come alive that keeps Rexanna enthused about the flip-house business.

“When we start with these older homes, they get new electric wiring, new plumbing, we knock out walls, and sometimes we even move staircases,” she said. “We create a new personality and breathe new life into these older homes. Basically, we have an older shell surrounding a new home.”

In many cases, they reclaim wooden floors, sanding, refinishing and sealing these precious gems that have been covered with carpeting or linoleum.

“In the Rosewood house, the fireplace was already here,” Rexanna said. “We just updated it. We surrounded it with a wooden frame, put up a stone façade, and installed an electric burning unit instead of a wood burning one.

In Texas or California, this would be a $500,000 home.

Here, it’s less than half that. An interesting fact about the Rosewood home is that it was built by Lloyd Dierker in 1957-58.

Lloyd is the dad of Jerry Dierker.”

Rexanna chose this beautiful warm floral print to help stage the area featuring the furniture that hosted the cushions that have the same delightful colors. Rexanna’s talents for decorating are what adds the perfect touch to the renovated house making it a home for potential buyers to gaze upon.

Rexanna Hood of Monett uses her background in interior design, and provides input on the colors used for each renovated home from the floor tiling, paint choices and fixtures, to create an open canvas for home decor. Once completed, Rexanna stages the renovated HHR homes to provide a warm and welcoming atmosphere to prospective buyers.

Connection Magazine | 31

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32 | April 2020

Rexanna Hood creates inspired staging with quality merchandise purchased at discounted prices. This budget-friendly option allows the couple to sell certain pieces if the buyer wants to include them as part of the home purchase.

Their dream would be to buy a block of homes and renovate them all, but that proves difficult in any community, even Monett.

“It’s all about location,” she said.

“Right now, we look for established, family-friendly neighborhoods. Every home is unique in every way, completely throughout.”

Once completed, open house events are announced on Facebook, as well as before-and-after shots to intrigue interested buyers.

“I never knew I’d be using my bachelor's degree in marketing combined with my original interest in interior design,” she said. “It’s worked out to be a unique opportunity for me as an outside interest from my work, and it satisfies both my business and creative interests.”

For more information, people may visit Hood Home Repair, HHR, LLC on Facebook. n

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Connection Magazine | 33

fresh start

New autism services offered in Monett

F

or children with autism, a new day began in Monett with the start of the 2019-2020 school year.

The new Monett Regional Learning Center, started in August at Monett Elementary School, a central place where high-autistic students can receive assistance. Previously, local school districts had to bus these students to Joplin or Carthage for therapy.

Superintendent Russ Moreland, a longtime advocate of providing a local alternative to relying on more distant professionals, last year began assembling a consortium of districts that could provide service locally. Eight school districts signed on to become part of this collaborative effort.

34 | April 2020

Story by Murray Bishoff

Monett Regional Learning Center takes off in first year

The Monett Regional Learning Center began the Fall 2019 semester and met capacity before the semester was completed. Modeled from the Beacon school in Joplin, the center is designed to be a resource for high-autistic students throughout the region.

A building, not being used at Monett Elementary School, underwent renovations over the summer, making it possible to open the Monett Regional Learning Center in August.

Teena Fare, Monett's special services director, has overseen the program since its inception. Initially expecting eight to 10 students, the center very soon gained 18 students, putting it at capacity within a few months.

Monett serves as the fiscal agent for the MRLC, hiring 11 people plus three from Crowder College. Districts are charged per day per student enrolled in the program.

“The partnership with Crowder has been going well," said Fare. "They have a great deal of expertise. They work with 21 other school districts. This is the first program Crowder has worked in with both a behavior and an autism component started at the same time."

Fare said she used the model from the Beacon school in Joplin for the MRLC. "We're addressing a wide range of needs," she said. "Each student has an individualized plan. We review data daily to make changes as needed."

The Monett school district hired many professionals for the MRLC.

"We're addressing a wide range of needs. Each student has an individualized plan."

- Teena Fare

Monett's special services director

Connection Magazine | 35

"Our long-term endeavor is to provide service to each student in his or her home district."

- Superintendent Russ Moreland Monett School District

Moreland said the district dipped deeply into the available job pool, and has made adjustments as the year progressed keeping up with both the need and available resources. Having a bigger building would also help and has been added to the wish list.

“The next step will be for Crowder — hopefully next year — to provide intervention and support for students within their home district to support kids by the means they have," said Fare. "Ultimately that's the goal — to provide support to districts themselves.

Our long-term endeavor is to get to that point, giving students the support they need. It's doable. It just takes time.” n

36 | April 2020

BY MALLORY LAWSON

HEALTHY CONNECTION

Foods that can reduce inflammation

M

any people battle with inflammation, achy joints, arthritis, fatigue, and chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, hypertension, and many others. In the United States, we have more preventable chronic diseases than ever before. Many celebrations are designed around food. We don’t have to forego all our favorites, but one thing we can do is incorporate more foods that can help reduce inflammation, increase energy, and possibly even reduce “flare ups.”

These foods are Omega-3 fatty acids: eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). What in the world is that?

Is it a supplement? Is it a pill? We can find these important fatty acids in oily fish as well as certain oils. Omega-3 fatty acids are anti-inflammatory. Our “Western” diet or Standard American Diet provides high omega-6 fatty acids, which are pro-inflammatory.

Omega-6 fatty acids can be found in vegetable oils, fried foods, soybean, corn oils, peanut oils, safflower oil, and many others.

These are not terrible things, but making some swaps to incorporate more Omega-3 fatty acids can have some important health benefits.

Omega-3 Fatty acids are in oily fish: salmon, tuna, mackerel, and sardines, as well certain oils: olive oil, avocado oils and sesame oil.

Although these oils and fish products can be more costly than vegetable oils and spray, the potential of increased energy and decreased aches and pains from inflammation may be worth the cost.

Mallory Lawson is completing the dietetic internship through Cox College to become a registered dietitian.

She currently holds a master’s degree in Organizational Leadership. Mallory loves nutrition and the affect it can have on individuals and families.

Connection Magazine | 37

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38 | April 2020

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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.

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Office: (417) 635-1190 • Fax: (417) 635-1192 40 | April 2020

BY ANNIE LISENBY SMITH

COLUMN

Reduce, Reuse, and then Recycle

D

id you know that in 2017, the average American generated 4.5 pounds of solid waste every day?

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 35 percent of the waste was recycled or composted, 13 percent was combusted with energy recovery and the remaining 52 percent went to landfills. With Earth Day celebrated on April 22, it’s a good time for all of us to assess how we handle our garbage.

The practice of recycling has been encouraged for decades. My family regularly recycles at the Monett Recycling Center. I’m proud that my children have learned to ask me if an item is recyclable before putting it in the garbage can.

With new trends in the recycling world, recycling is not enough. A local news station reported in October 2019 that recycling centers are closing across the Ozarks.

Profitability is cited as the main cause, primarily because China has severely limited how many recyclable items they purchase from the U.S. and industries that have used recycled products in the past are finding the process too expensive.

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Connection Magazine | 41

There are many innovators and scientists who are seeking new and cheaper methods for processing recycled materials. In February 2020, a grant was awarded to a team from Pittsburg State University in Kansas to study recycling plastics.

Plastic waste has become a serious problem around the world.

In 2018, USA Today told about the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, a floating island of plastic garbage that is estimated to be more than 600,000 square miles, or twice the size of Texas. It is located between Hawaii and the Pacific Coast of the United States and weighs 88,000 tons. While the Great Pacific Garbage Patch is the largest, there are four other oceanic garbage patches across the world. Because the patches are in international waters, private companies are taking the lead in gathering scientists to develop methods for dealing with these oceanic garbage islands.

The question most people ask is, “What can I do to eliminate garbage?” The simple answer is; reduce, reuse then recycle. By preventing waste from entering a landfill, we can all help battle this global problem. Recycling is an important part of the process. But it must also be done correctly.

All bottles, jars and cans should be rinsed to remove lingering food debris. Not only does this keep from tainting the batches of recyclables, it also keeps away pests, such as bees and provides a safer workplace for the recycling center workers. Items should be sorted appropriately with no garbage added to bins.

42 | April 2020

When recycling is contaminated, the whole lot has to be trashed.

Be sure to check your local recycling center’s guidelines on which items they accept and directions on how to sort them.

BEYOND RECYCLING, THE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY IDENTIFIES THE FOLLOWING BENEFITS OF REDUCING AND REUSING:

1) reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change,

2) saves money, and 3) reduces the amount of waste

that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills or incinerators.

The easiest way to reduce and reuse is to look at how you manage food. Consider planning your meals so that you eliminate wasting any foods. When you throw away foods like fruits and vegetables, they end up in a landfill.

There they can’t decompose naturally and release methane, a gas the Environmental Protection Agency says is a “potent greenhouse gas.”

When you need to toss those old fruits and vegetables, think about composting (and adding your yard waste to that compost pile too).

The easiest way to reduce and reuse is to look at how you manage food.

Consider planning your meals so that you eliminate wasting any foods.

When you go to the grocery store, bringing your own reusable grocery bags reduces the use of plastic bags that will likely end up in a landfill.

And when you get home, cook dinner and sit down to eat, you can save money and landfill space by using only reusable plates, bowls and utensils. While this might be difficult to do at large gatherings, like birthday parties and holiday meals, it’s also an important way to limit the garbage you create. Some environmental groups even recommend taking your own reusable storage containers to restaurants so that you only bring home your leftovers and not additional waste.

The next day when you’re packing lunch for work or

school, put that sandwich or last night’s lasagna in a reusable container. I do this with my daughter’s school lunch. Imagine if using a plastic zip bag for her sandwich, fruit and chips each school day. The average school year has 174 days, which adds up to 522 plastic bags!

When we reuse, we reduce waste and save money. Another great way to reduce and reuse is by making a habit of using reusable water bottles and coffee mugs.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS FOR REDUCING AND REUSING INCLUDE:

1) purchasing used items such as clothes and books,

2) cancelling unnecessary mail, 3) reusing paper in your home or office as scratch paper, and

4) learning to repair items such as

clothing, toys and small electronics.

Reduce waste by packing lunches using reusable containers.

Connection Magazine | 43

REDUCE & REUSE FIRST

TreaTing your whole family

like family!

Recycling is a very important part of protecting our environment and natural resources. But don’t forget to start with reducing and reusing before you pack up for the recycling center.

JOHNSON CHIROPRACTIC SPORTS & WELLNESS CLINIC

DID YOU KNOW? Cardboard is recycled as paper bags, paper board and new cardboard.

907 Main Street Cassville, MO 65625

417.847.0388

OUR COMMUNITY

with in The Heart f The Ozarks with continuing care

32 Residential Care Apartments 78 Bed Skilled Nursing Facility

58 Independent Living Homes Fitness Center & RehabCare Group

A Tradition Of Caring Since 1925 Continuing Care Retirement Community

205 S. College  P.O. Box 403  Marionville, MO 65705  (417) 258-2573

Check out our daily specials!

• Lunch buffet Mon.-Fri. which includes American and Mexican style dishes • Every Tues. 25% Senior discount • Tues. 99¢ tacos • Wed. FREE pie with any entree $5.99 or more • Weekend Breakfast buffet 8am-noon • KIDS EAT FREE ON MONDAYS 2pm-8pm 202 Hwy 37, Monett, MO. 65708 (417) 635-2066

44 | April 2020

Glass is recycled as fiberglass and new jars and bottles.

Computer and notebook paper is recycled as toilet paper, paper towels, facial tissue and new paper.

Steel and tin cans are recycled as bicycle parts, car parts, rebar, new cans and steel beams.

Plastic beverage bottles are recycled as carpet, backpacks, and sleeping bag and ski jacket insulation.

Plastic milk, juice and detergent bottles are recycled as new bottles, buckets, stadium seats, playground sets and frisbees.

Local Family Owned

Electronics can be recycled at specialized electronics recycling centers.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

What’s happening in 2020 at Shell Knob?

Look at events on the Chamber calendar:

Story by Jordan Privett

B

etween the lake, restaurants, shopping and community gatherings, the year 2020 is shaping up to be an eventful time in Shell Knob.

Starting with the Home and Business Show and wrapping up with the Christmas Tour of Homes, there will be something for every member of the family to enjoy.

Summer days and car shows went handin-hand, and during the 2019 Shakin’ in the Shell Fest, dozens of cars were on display for the public to admire.

Shankin for the Shell Golf Tournament

Shakin in the Shell Fest

May 11th

Sept. 18th & 19th

Poker Run

Classic & Custom Car Show

June 20th

Sept. 19th

Fire & Thunder Fireworks

Homer Sloan Buddy Bass Tournament

July 4th

Oct. 3rd

“Let Freedom Ring” Boat Parade

Christmas Tour of Homes

July 4th

Dec. 5th

Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce | www.shellknob.com | 417-858-3300 Photo Credit to Luis Cuestas

Connection Magazine | 45

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

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46 | April 2020

THE BEST KEPT SECRET IN SHELL KNOB

April 3-4: Home and Business Show According to Twilia Harrison, Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce director, this event has been in existence for more than 30 years upward of 60 to 70 businesses participate in the annual event at the school.

WELCOME TO YOUR HOME AWAY FROM HOME

31 Woodcliff Rd Shell Knob, Missouri 65747 • (417) 858-3971 http://www.amberacresresort.com/

First Baptist Church of Shell Knob See our website for service schedule: www.firstbaptistshellknob.com

25896 Hwy. YY Shell Knob, Mo 65747 • Phone: 417-858-3496 Bob Gaddis – Pastor

“It is a great opportunity for people to get ideas and supplies for their spring time renovations,” she said. “There are great sales for remodeling projects for the coming season and get ideas for whatever those may be.”

Twilia said the most fun with the event comes with the “Shower of Flowers,” where four plants in beautiful full bloom are given away each hour.

April 20:

Annual Chamber Banquet Generally seeing 150 guests, the annual Chamber Banquet is open to the public as well.

According to Twilia, this year's event will be hosted at The Barn at Bear Ridge.

Big Creek Leather 20020 Lost Ln. Shell Knob, MO 65747 | 417-858-2353 Custom Leather Items • Seats of All Kinds Leather and Vinyl Repairs bigcreekleather.com

“We will be the first-ever event hosted at that new location,” she said. “That is why we are scheduling it a little later than usual.

We will do a ribbon-cutting then, and they get the opportunity to really showcase their food.”

The dress code for the event is Buckles and Boots, and the tickets are $25 per person for entry, meal and entertainment.

Connection Magazine | 47

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

May 11:

Shankin' for the Shell Golf Tournament The second annual event created by the vice president of the Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce, the Shankin' for the Shell Golf Tournament.

“It will be at the Holiday Island course,” Twilia said. “It will be a four- person scramble.”

The event will include a silent auction, door prizes and a meal.

“Last year we had huge prizes for the hole-in-one’s off the harbor,” Twilia said. “This year's prizes could include boats.”

417-858-6405

This event is a fundraiser for the Chamber to help purchase fireworks for the Fourth of July.

Email: big-creek@mo-net.com

www.bigcreekresort.com

35 Arborscape Lane, Shell Knob, MO. 65747

This event is also open to the public and a team cost is $200, or $50 per person.

June 20:

Poker Run The third annual Poker Run fundraiser also aims to help fund the fireworks display.

“It is Father’s Day weekend,” Twilia said. “It is a perfect gift.

“The last couple of years it has been pirate-themed, and they anticipate staying with that theme this year.”

There will be huge prizes for best decorated boat, and best costumes.

“There are five stops before the finale at the King’s River Marina with food and drinks,” she said.

“It is a ton of fun and $25 per playing card.”

48 | April 2020

TOTALLY HOME EVERYTHING FOR YOUR HOME

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Carpet Ceramic Laminate Wood Counter tops

Harman Pellet & Wood Stoves Kitchen & Bath remodels

And Lots More.....

HWY 39 NORTH SHELL KNOB, MO 65747

417-858-3358

July 4:

Fire and Thunder Fireworks Display Continuing the “Let Freedom Ring” boat parade from last year the, Shell Knob fireworks event is one of the biggest around.

“Last year we had 16 boats enter the parade, and we are expecting more this year,” Twilia said. “I heard from some of the participants that didn’t win first place last year, and they were coming back to win in 2020!”

The fun starts at 10 a.m. with the fireworks display to blow up after the sun goes down.

“There is no admission cost and it is fun for the whole family,” she said. “We also have a new vendor this year, and people can anticipate a little bit of a different show.”

Sept. 18-19:

hickoryhollowtablerock.com (417) 858-6606

Shakin’ in the Shell Fest and Classic and Custom Car Show The park is undergoing renovations this year, so there will be a new look and layout to the event this year, according to Twilia.

“People can also anticipate fun new items,” she said. “As usual, at 7 p.m. on Friday night we have booked Earl and Them to perform.

1, 2, 3, & 4 Bedroom Cabins • Pet Friendly

“They bring in a huge crowd and everybody enjoys them.”

Connection Magazine | 49

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Oct. 3:

Homer Sloan Buddy Bass Tournament The 41st annual bass tournament is one of the biggest buddy bass tournaments on the lake.

Dec. 5:

Christmas Tour of Homes

Pick up and Delivery Availab le!

This festive event is a true holiday treat for the whole family.

“Last year we got some realtors to help us, and we had one or two owned homes, but a lot were on the market,” Twilia said. “As always, we are looking for a unique twist for this year, and we just love to showcase our builders!”

fish’n fun

Twilia encourages the community to reach out and volunteer in these events.

“You don’t have to pledge a 40hour work week to be a part of these events,” she said. “Even if you can help in one aspect or another for even a couple of hours we would love to have you.”

Volunteering for the community's events not only helps local businesses succeed, but also brings the people of the community together.

For more information on event or to learn how to volunteer, people may contact the Chamber office at 417-858-3300.

50 | April 2020

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Ph: Office (417) 858-3358 home 858-6855

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Connection Magazine | 51

CUTEST PET

Olivia Rat Terrier mix adopted from a rescue shelter

by Greg and Linda Berens of Monett

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

52 | March 2020

BY CHRISTA STOUT

RESCUED, MY FAVORITE BREED

Ready for tornado season

A

few years ago, well, actually 12 years ago, my two dogs (Sam and Spot) and I were sound asleep while my husband was out of town, and we woke up suddenly to the sound of a freight train coming through the house.

Our old farmhouse still had its original farmhouse stairway, steep and narrow, but all three of us ran down the stairs side by side. I swear, we skipped half the steps on the way down. By the time we got to the first floor, all was still, so I sort of checked things out a bit and went back to bed. The next day showed the damage from a small tornado, torn roof, holes in the siding and debris scattered all over my yard and that of my neighbor.

I’m SCARLET! I’m a super laidback Domestic Short Hair cat. I came to faithful friends as a stray with my 6 kittens. I love all people; kids, cats and I even do well around dogs! I love to explore and observe new things in the window, but I also love to just lay around and get lots of love. I can’t wait to have a new house to explore and lay around in!

It was scary enough that I never again took storm warnings lightly, and although we always hope and pray for a warm season without any dangerous storms, unfortunately, severe thunderstorms and tornadoes are a part of life in the Midwest and especially the State of Missouri.

Hi, I’m CHAMP! I’m a very sweet lab mix who came to faithful friends as a stray.

I’ve never been in a home and need some work on potty training, but I promise I’m very smart. I like other dogs but can be picky, but I absolutely love kids. I’m not a huge fan of cats, but they’re fun to chase around! I love to play play play and give lots of hugs and kisses. I really would love to have a fenced in yard to play in. The volunteers say I’m super smart, and I do well when learning tricks, for treats of course. I can’t wait to find a forever home that will teach me new things and cuddle with me!

April showers bring storm prep planning

Prepare for a storm, you know one is coming sooner or later, by:

1. Making sure your pet has proper

identification - tags issued by the veterinarian or better yet, make sure your pets are micro chipped.

Also make sure the chip is registered, because without that, the chip is useless. More and more pets are scanned when they are reported lost and this has increased the number of lost dogs getting back home.

2. Keeping a recent photo of your

pets – in my case that one is easy, I have more pictures of my pets than I do the grandchildren.

Well, in my defense, part of that is the grandchildren are grown and live a fair distance away.

3. Keep some dog/cat food in

your safe area or a storm pack, along with a sufficient amount of bottled water for yourself and the pets. Include any medication your pets may need.

4. Know when to take cover. If

your pets are outdoor pets, this is a good time to bring them into the house and into your safe area. Remember you only have an average of 13 minutes to get yourself, your family and your pets to safety.

5. If at all possible, put small animals into crates and larger animals on leashes.

6. Try to remain as calm as possible, your pets know when you are frightened and they react accordingly.

Connection Magazine | 53

These days, Rudi, the German Shepherd, is very much afraid of thunderstorms and therefore, he is my weather alarm and almost as good as the local weathermen. He wakes me up when the storm is still quite some distance away and insists via stares, nudges with his nose and eventually barks, until I finally give in, and we all head for the basement.

Once there, he lays down on a blanket (or he steals my place on the futon) and stretches out. I swear he is sound asleep before his head hits the blanket. But not everyone has a Rudi, so I did a little research to see what best practices are for keeping your pets safe during a storm.

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

Providing Rehab, Healthcare, Happiness and Hope

812 Old Exeter Rd., Cassville, MO. • 417-847-2184

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54 | April 2020

Since my cell phone is usually with me, it becomes my record storage. I take pictures of everything, their last veterinary checkup, rabies shot, etc. and of course any medicines they have to take to remain healthy.

And we all hope none of the above will be necessary this year!

On another note, you have probably heard that Monett Main Street is raising funds to build a dog park in the city of Monett. What a wonderful project! When dogs get sufficient mental and physical exercise by running off some energy, a lot of troublesome behavior can be eliminated or at least reduced.

Your neighbors will love you for having a well behaved dog, especially when he is worn out from running in the park with other dogs, comes home and snoozes for the rest of the day or evening. Having said that, a dog has to be a good citizen in order for you to take him or her to the dog park, but more about that later.

In the meantime, the good people of the Monett Main Street organization need to raise some funds and if you are able, please donate to the project. It is a worthwhile project for your dog and yourself. To find out more, please go to the Monett City Building, there is lots of information available including how to make donations and of course preliminary plans of the dog park.

The Monett Chamber of Commerce held its annual membership banquet on March 5 at the Scott Regional Technology Center.

FAMILIAR FACES

1. Jack Williams, Mary Lemings 2. Brian and Angie Hunter, J.D. and Pam Mayo, Rejeanna Williams 3. Jami Lawrimore, Billie Walters, Alysha Stanley

1

2 4. Rylie Haller, Laura Murillo, Terri Kirk 5. Brittany Washam, Melissa Rackley, Courtney Thrasher, Joel Thomas 6. Mike Garrett, Mechele and Jeff James, Zach and Erin Carnes

Think Easter!

Think Spring!

Think Gifts!

• Hallmark cards and gifts for children and adults • New spring women’s clothing, jewelry and handbags

BRUNER PHARMACY 321 Broadway, Monett, MO

417-235-3139

Monday-Friday - 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Saturday - 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m.

3

4 Join us for

DAILY SPECIALS! 5

6

Sandwiches • Soups • Salads Homemade desserts Specialty coffee drinks Breakfast & Lunch Served

200 Washington, Purdy, Mo. (417) 442-3721

Monday - Saturday, 6 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Connection Magazine | 55

The Monett Artists Guild presented "Arsenic and Old Lace" at the Monett High School Performing Arts Center on Feb. 14.

1

2

3

5

6

7

8 56 | April 2020

4

1. MaLinda King, Kristy Berger 2. Andrew and Brittany Welters 3. Alex Smith, Emily Pfitzner, Sandy Pfitzner 4. Gayle and Jeffrey Brown 5. Theresa Borgmann, Melva Gressley 6. Steve and Robin Langholff, Sonya Kew 7. Trauta Helsel, Carolin Hopkins, Pete Hopkins 8. Mike Brownsberger, Richard "Whitey" Mettlach, John Bruner, Fred Slagle

FAMILIAR FACES

1

2 3

4

1. Regina, Mary and Liesa Klump 2. Karen Hudson, Charlee Felton, Cindy Puryear

5

6

7

8 3.

4.

5.

Jessica and Nelson Atwater, Judy Andelin Alene and Robert Betts Joe, Betsy and Marti Garrett

The Ozark Festival Orchestra held its Soloist showcase/Young Artists Concert on Feb. 23 at the Monett High School Performing Arts Center.

6. Barb Sperry, Debi George 7. Betsy Fenner, Alice Jones 8. Carolyn Schad, Mary Schad

Connection Magazine | 57

PARTING SHOT

“The beauty of the soul shines out when a man bears with composure one heavy mischance after another, not because he does not feel them, but because he is a man of high and heroic temper.”

-­­­Aristotle

Photo by Mica Plummer

58 | April 2020

Advertiser Index Acambaro Mexican........................................... 33 Advance Janitorial............................................. 54 Aire Serv.................................................................4 A-List Properties............................................... 40 Barry Lawrence Regional Library......................3 Bruner Pharmacy............................................... 55 Cappy Harris Realtors...................................... 10 Carey's Cassville Florist................................... 28 Coast to Coast................................................... 32 Community National Bank.............................. 28 Cox Medical Centers........................................ 60 Cubs Café........................................................... 44 Diet Center......................................................... 39 Doug's Pro Lube................................................ 32 Edward Jones........................................................5 First State Bank of Purdy................................ 25 Fohn Funeral Home.......................................... 27 Four Seasons Real Estate ............................... 16 Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri...............6 Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant......................4 Johnson Chiropractic....................................... 44 Ken's Collision Center...................................... 39 Kiddie City.............................................................2 Lackey Body Works.......................................... 27 Lil Boom Town Event Center.......................... 54 Making Memories............................................. 21 Mattax Neu Pratter Eye Center..................... 21 Midwest Metal Roof............................................6 Missouri Farm Bureau...................................... 39 My Best Friends Closet.................................... 33 Ozark Methodist Manor.................................. 44 Peppers and Co................................................. 25 Plymouth Junction............................................ 16 Race Brothers.................................................... 16 Real Life Assembly............................................ 27 Riehn, J. Michael; attorney.............................. 25 Roaring River Health & Rehab........................ 54 Rusty Gate Flea Market................................... 26 Security Bank of Southwest Missouri.......... 26 Shelter Insurance.............................................. 33 Shelter Insurance.............................................. 59 Sound Advice Hearing..................................... 40 The Coffee Café................................................ 55 The Farmers Daughter..................................... 59 The Jane Store................................................... 32 Tisha Trotter..........................................................8 Tomblin's Jewelry ............................................. 28 Trogdon Marshall.............................................. 27 VisionHealth Eye Center................................. 10 White's Insurance............................................. 21 Whitley Pharmacy................................................2 LAWN & GARDEN Barry County Coop........................................... 15 Bill Vance Marine.............................................. 15 Cassville MFA Agri Service............................. 11 Crown-Power & Equipment............................ 13 Hills Feed & More............................................. 12 MFA Co-Op Association.................................. 14 Rainbow Gardens.............................................. 14 Swartz Tractor.................................................... 11 SHELL KNOB Amber Acres Resort.......................................... 47 Big Creek Leather Co....................................... 47 Big Creek Resort............................................... 48 First Baptist Church.......................................... 47 Fish'N Fun Resort.............................................. 50 Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri............ 48 Hickory Hollow Resort..................................... 49 Mountain View Estates.................................... 46 Paul Enterprise, Inc........................................... 50 Remax Lakeside................................................. 46 Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce............... 45 Shell Knob Small Engine.................................. 50 Totally Home...................................................... 48

Monday and Tuesday Closed, Wednesday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 11am-3pm

18947 MO-37 Cassville, MO

417-671-0313

Happy Easter

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Easter.

Grant Baker 101 E. Olive Aurora, MO 417-678-5404

GBaker@ShelterInsurance.com

Chris Hammen 106a Cortney Ln Crane, MO 417-723-5394

CHammen@ShelterInsurance.com

Andy Brandt

Scott Thrasher

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122 E. Broadway Monett, MO 417-235-5603

1001 E. Broadway Monett, MO 417-235-6239

We’re your Shield. We’re your Shelter.

ShelterInsurance.com Connection Magazine | 59