May Connection 2020

FREE

What Matters Most

MAY 2020

PRODOTTI ITALIANI Gourmet Treat

MOTHER'S DAY TRIBUTE EVERy STORY

HEALING HEARTS Quilted Comfort

MEMORIAL DAY SALUTE TO HEROES A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS

Happy Mother’s Day!

Big store with a lot of stuff!

Authorized dealer

Family owned and operated since 1971

Race Brothers carries a complete line of farm and home supplies including clothing, lawn and garden, outdoor power equipment, pet supplies, tack and livestock supplies and much more! You will find our service outstanding whether your needs are for home or acreage in the country.

235-7739

210 Hwy 37, Monett

862-4378

2310 W Kearney, Springfield

358-3592

2309 Fairlawn Dr., Carthage

Kynar 500 Fade Resistant Metal ZAC 40 Year Warranty Screws

Olen Yutzy

417.393.5917 Monett, MO

FREE ESTIMATES LOCAL REFERENCES AVAILABLE 2 | May 2020

www.midwestmetalroofingllc.com

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

EDITORIAL

Time for a serious talk

S

pring is here, flowers are blooming and allergies are here. We are experiencing a time in our lives that most have never experienced before— a worldwide pandemic. So I am trying my best to stay away from people. If I have to go out, I try to stay six feet away from people, but all of a sudden I turn around at the local post office and run smack into someone. I excuse myself, walk away and then hear them sneeze repeatedly. Oh my gosh, what do I do now? I could run home, strip down, jump into a hot shower and scrub with antibacterial soap for 20 seconds on every inch of my body — I could continue to work, shut my door and see if I could do a virtual doctor's visit and let them know I was sneezed on (or close to it) — I could down 2,000 mg. of vitamin C with a 20-ounce glass of orange juice!

I am really not trying to make light of our situation, it is not a laughing matter, but my point is, this time of year, you don’t know if someone has a simple cold, allergies, just had a bug up their nose, or is showing symptoms of COVID-19. So you have to be careful, very careful, and if you don’t have the virus, act like you do. Stay away from people, do not share items with others, don’t touch, hug, handshake, etc. Wash your hands, and stay away from crowds.

This is not a very fun opinion piece, but then again these are not fun times. This particular period in our lives is very different from anything we have ever experienced.

The fact that we are living during a time where we are fearful of an unknown, invisible enemy is definitely not fun. But, the fact that this time has brought us back to depending more on each other might not be such a bad thing.

I personally never dreamed of living through a time as this. As fearful as it seems to be, it also can bring out the best in us. There have been many people that have volunteered to see to the elderly, to make sure that they are taken care of. Of course at a distance, but perhaps bringing groceries to their doorstep or just making a well-being check. People go to nursing homes and visit through the windows to put a smile on residents' faces. We have been blessed in our area to not have many cases of the virus, but we still have to be careful, this virus can strike at any time

and chances cannot be taken especially with those that have fragile conditions.

I have watched the news and heard of cases where there is more respect in our country now than there has been in quite some time; people are caring, people are stepping out beyond their expertise doing what they feel has to be done. A lot of the selfishness has taken a step to the side, and mankind has reached out his gloved-hand to those that need help from someone. There are so many that do not have a family member or anyone to help them.

We have learned to spend more family time, to communicate, to play games together, to worship in our homes together, do things together that have not been done for years like working puzzles, painting, coloring with our kids.

It began with a time of fear, and fear continues, but it has created a time of learning, a time of communication, a time of listening, a time of creating, a time of prayer and worshiping, a time of humbling ourselves, a time of learning what we are capable of doing, a time of family, but yet, also a time of separation.

Many in our country/world have lost loved ones due to this virus, and I express my utmost sympathy to those who have. To those that have suffered the virus and have won, we are so happy to have you with us. To those that are still able to be exposed to this enemy, I pray for all of us every day that we shall be the victor and it will quit taking lives and sickening people.

I wish I could explain why this is happening. But with all of the bad that it is causing, there is good that is happening also. Perhaps we just need to take the time to look around us, and really see what it took to get us to be quiet and listen. I don’t want to have to go through this again. God bless all of you, and be very careful through this time.

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

4 | May 2020

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® Financial Advisor 103 E Olive 417-678-0277

Financial Advisor 1418 S Elliott 417-678-2102

Mt. vernon____ Cassville _______ Nathan Roetto AAMS®

Shane A Boyd

304 W Mount Vernon Blvd 417-466-4620

802 West Street 417-847-5238

Financial Advisor

DISTRIBUTION Greg Gilliam Kevin Funcannon TO ADVERTISE 417-847-2610 - Cassville 417-235-3135 - Monett Send email inquiries to connection@monett-times.com Mailing address: P.O. Box 40, Monett, MO 65708

Scott Young

Financial Advisor

Monett____________________________ Nicole Weber

Donald E Weber

100 Chapel Dr Suite B 417-236-2819

603 Dairy St 417-235-7465

Financial Advisor

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.

Financial Advisor

Jim Haston Financial Advisor 7 E Broadway 417-235-8216

MKT-9811A-A

Member SIPC

Connection Magazine | 5

Page 37

Page 34

CONTENTS 9 Healthy Connection: Self care 11 Cutest Kid

13 COVID-19: 101 things to do 16 Annie Smith column: Parenting through pandemic 20 This Mother's Day

by Amy Young

Page 31

22 Recipes: Our favorites 42 Cutest Pet

43 Rescued, My Favorite Breed 45 Familiar Faces

49 Connection on the Go 50 Parting Shot

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

Email it to connection@monett-times.com

Facebook.com/MyConnectionMo Twitter.com/MyConnection_Mo

Page 39 6 | May 2020

F

E

A

T

U

R

E

S

Happy Mother's Day from Connection Magazine.

24 | MOTHERHOOD Each mother writes her own story and shapes her world

31 | AMERICAN HEROES

Remembering those who sacrifice all on Memorial Day

34 | PRODOTTI ITALIANI

Shell Knob family shares family passion for Italian gourmet

37 | HEALING HEARTS

Dorothy Osterloh gives comfort in quilts to honor late friends

39 | MISS BETTY'S STORY ROOM

Betty Henderson of Monett dedicates her efforts to a second story reading room for children's classics

M AY 2020 Connection Magazine | 7

Enjoy The Freedom

5 CASSVILLE (417)846-1719

Convenient Locations

SELIGMAN (417)662-7000

WILLARD (417)742-1776

SHELL KNOB (417)858-3136

GOLDEN (417)271-3814

www.freedombk.com "The Bank of Tomorrow Providing the Service of Yesterday"

8 | May 2020

HEALTHY CONNECTION

By Pam Stoelzel M.S, LPC, NCC

Focusing on Self-Care 1)

A

s our country and our community deal with the chaos brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, many of us feel increased stress and anxiety related to the uncertainty of these times. Our anxiety can be worsened by the sense of isolation we may feel as we socially distance ourselves from others. Taking care of yourself is always a good idea, but especially so when experiencing challenging times.

Try to go outdoors when possible and take a walk. Exercise is a great stress buster, and walking is something most of us can do. An added bonus is the benefit you will get from the time you spend outdoors. Try to use this time to really use your senses to notice your environment. The old adage that you should “stop and smell the roses” is a good one.

2)

Deep breathing is good for the body and mind. When we feel anxious, we tend to breathe more quickly and shallowly than normal. Deep breathing, also known as diaphragmatic breathing, helps us to slow down our breathing while taking deeper breaths. To learn how to do this exercise, imagine you have an empty balloon in your belly. Take a deep breath in through your nose and visualize pulling the air down to fill up that balloon. Once you have filled up the balloon, slowly exhale out of pursed lips. Your exhale should be slower than your inhale. Do this exercise two or three times in a row a couple of times a day or anytime that you are feeling more anxious.

3)

When we think about what makes us anxious, it usually relates to things in the past that we feel did not go as we would like, or more often, worrying about the future and what may or may not happen. It can help to try to give our brain a break from this type of thinking. One way to do this is to try a grounding technique such as the 5-4-3-2-1 coping exercise. Notice five things that you see around you, identify four things you can touch around you, name three things you can hear around you, identify two things you smell and then one thing you can taste. This exercise can be done anywhere at virtually anytime and is especially useful if you are feeling panicked and need to help center your thinking and bring it to the present.

Pam Stoelzel received her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Political Science from the University of Missouri, and a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pittsburg State University. She is a nationally certified and State of Missouri Licensed Professional Counselor, and has worked in the health care field for more than 30 years. Pam currently serves as the Respecting Choices Coordinator, TPOPP Educator, and faculty with Population Health Services at CoxHealth in Springfield.

Connection Magazine | 9

4)

ther's Day! o M y p p a MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED H MOST INSURANCES ACCEPTED Dr. Dr. Dr. Dr.

Outstanding eyecare, exceptional eyewear!

Greg Huntress, Optometrist, FAAO Justin Hart, Optometrist Scott McSpadden, Optometrist, FAAO Alexandria Holmes, Optometrist

612 E. Elm 215 4th Street Republic, MO 65738 Monett, MO 65708 417-732-5575 417-235-2020

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Monday - Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Saturday by appointment

401 W. College MO 65661 417-637-2010

www.visionhealtheyecenter.com

Self-sooth is a way that we can nurture our mind and body. Do activities that bring you pleasure such as reading a book, taking a bubble bath, doing a craft project, or watching a favorite movie. You can combine many of these activities with the breathing and/or grounding exercise mentioned above to make this an even more effective mental vacation.

Most importantly, remember that you are not alone with what you are feeling, and if you need additional support, there are local mental health services available, with virtual or phone options.

Happy

Mother’s Day! You Drive It We Maintain It! Earning Your Trust One Oil Change At A Time!

1304 Bond Street, Monett, MO. 65708

(417) 235-6311

www.DougsProLube.com WE’LL MAKE SURE YOU ARE

ROAD READY!

Leave the safety and reliability of your car to us.

10 | May 2020

5)

Reach out to your loved ones via phone calls, FaceTime, email and texting.

Staying connected can help reduce your feelings of isolation and provide you with the support you need to navigate these challenging times.

BURRELL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH: 417-761-5000 CLARK COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER: 417-476-1000 SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES ADMINISTRATION’S (SAMHSA’S) DISASTER DISTRESS HELPLINE: 1-800-985-5990 or text TalkWithUs to 66746.

CUTEST KID

Congratulations

Hannah Grace

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.

Hannah Grace Rickman is the 3-year-old daughter of Larry and the late Terry Rickman of Purdy Connection Magazine | 11

NOW OPEN!!!

FRESHLY RENOVATED

175 N. 3rd Street VeroNa, Mo.

Orders TO GO…498-6487 Open 7 days a Week MOn.-Fri. aT 11:00 a.M. Weekends Open aT 10:00 a.M.

TacO MOnday - 4:00 p.M. TO clOse FajiTa Tuesday - 2:00 p.M. TO clOse Thursday TOrTa niGhT - 4:00 p.M. TO clOse cusTOMer appreciaTiOn niGhT (every FirsT OF each MOnTh) - 5:00 p.M. TO clOse happy hOur every day FrOM 11:30 a.M. TO 2:00 p.M.

BREAKFAST MENU AVAILABLE!

We’re here for our

Communities and here for You

We are here for you and we want to be Your Bank for Life!

Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have financial concerns or are in need of assistance for you home or business.

Kasasa is a trademark of Kasasa, Ltd., registered in the U.S.A.

12 | May 2020

www.fsb-purdy.com

PARENTING COLUMN

COVID-19:

By Meagan Ruffing

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies ¾ cup butter, softened 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup chocolate chips 1 cup, brown sugar 1 teaspoon baking soda ½ cup white sugar 1 cup oatmeal 2 eggs 2 cups flour Cream butter and sugars. Beat in two eggs. Add vanilla and baking soda.

Stir. Add in dry ingredients. Stir. Stir in chocolate chips. Place by tablespoonfuls on a greased cookie sheet. Bake at 350 for 10-12 minutes. Enjoy!

Life is so weird right now, isn’t it?

Doing the things on this list will help bring some normalcy back into your life and the lives of your kiddos. We all need a little bit of normal right now until we figure things out. Feel free to use this list and cross off what you’ve done.

If you think of some new ones, pencil them in and get going!

Meagan Ruffing is a mom to 3 wild kiddos who are all approaching this stay-at-home school thing with different attitudes.

Let’s just say…she had plenty of material to write this article. Follow along with her and her family’s shenanigans on Facebook at writermeaganruffing.

D

101 Things to Do Inside and Around Your House

esperate times call for desperate measures. That is why I have chosen to wreck my brain (and hit up my friends) to come up with 101 things that you and your kids can do in and around the house during this time of quarantine. (I even threw in a few “chores” for ideas on what your kids can do when they need a little bit of positive reinforcement for any unwanted behaviors).

1. Play video games 2. Play with your pets 3. Nerf Wars 4. Jump on the trampoline

25. Writer letters to friends and mail them (pen pals)

49. Send a friend a surprise package in the mail from Amazon

26. Pull weeds

50. Write a letter to your favorite celebrity

27. Do a crossword

51. Start working out at home

5. Bathe

28. Cross stitch

6. Make a new recipe

29. Make bracelets

7. Make your bed

30. Color

52. Play kitchen with empty boxes

8. Put painter’s tape on floor and make a race track to race matchbox cars on

31. Do a puzzle

(from the groceries you just bought)

9. Read books 10. Watch read-a-loud books online 11. Watch a LIVE web came online 12. Blow bubbles 13. Paint your toenails and fingernails

32. Yoga 33. Grill outside 34. Scavenger hunt 36. Clean your fridge (see what you can make with what you have) 37. Vacuum 38. Clean out your vacuum 39. Steam clean the rugs 40. Watch a Netflix series

15. Go for a walk

41. Watch a movie with your kids (throw in some of the old

17. Ride your bike 18. Sidewalk chalk

but have your kids close their eyes and try to guess what it is)

35. Dye Easter eggs

14. Go for a run 16. Walk your dogs

53. GUESSING GAME

(put something in a bag

ones from when YOU were a kid!)

54. Clean out your email inbox 55. Memory

(put 10 things on the table, put a sheet over it, see how many your kids can remember, take the sheet off)

56. Hide and Seek 57. Clean your room 58. Digital learning (catch up on assignments)

19. Hop Scotch in your driveway

42. Take a nap

59. Build something

43. Build a model car

60. Organize the garage

20. Make a sensory bin

44. Wash your book bags and winter jackets

61. Clean the baseboards

(rice, beans, small objects to hide and find)

21. Do the dishes

45. Clean out the pantry

62. Sit down as a family and eat dinner

46. MAKE COOKIES

(see Oatmeal Chocolate Chip recipe)

63. Have a picnic outside

22. Go through old clothes 23. Organize pictures

47. Make banana bread

24. Work on baby books

48. Make freezer meals

64. Call friends and family on the telephone

(that you’ve always wanted to get to)

(or inside on the living room floor)

65. Learn a new language

Connection Magazine | 13

66. Journal 67. Paint 68. Drink more water 69. Ride-on toys outside 70. Skateboard 71. Learn to read 72. Potty train 73. Play dress-up 74. FaceTime with friends and family since you can’t see them in person right now 75. Have a dance party 76. Read a series together (Laura Ingalls Wilder, The Hardy Boys, The Boxcar Children, etc.)

77. Put on a puppet show

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

78. Water balloon fight 79. Camping in the backyard 80. S’mores 81. Learn to knit with your kids

Providing Rehab, Healthcare, Happiness and Hope

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

K

s Collision Ken’C enter THE AREA’S FINEST COLLISION REPAIR FACILITY

Got Hail Damage?

82. Jump in muddy puddles 83. Bird watch 84. Star gaze 85. Plant flowers 86. Look for worms 87. Look at old pictures of your kids when they were little 88. ‘SOCIAL DISTANCING’ TIC-TAC-TOE.

(Grab some sidewalk chalk and play with your neighbors. Each kid uses their own piece of chalk, and backs up 6 feet before making their next move)

HAIL DAMAGE? We Can HELP!!!

Bring your vehicle to Ken’s Collision Center.

We will assess the extent of the damage and provide The Area’s Finest Service while assisting YOU our customer thru the insurance process.

89. Start a new chore list (or start one for the first

To slow the spread of Covid-19, our front door is locked in the interest of community safety.

Please honk when you arrive for service.

We are ALL in this together!

93. Clay

Ken’s Collision Center – always, especially now, focusing on the details!

712 W. 10th St., Cassville, MO 65625

417-847-1200 www.kenscollisioncenter.com

time)

90. Science experiments 91. Water beads 92. Playdough 94. Draw self-portraits (you might be surprised at what you see!)

95. Fly a kite 96. Go fishing 97. Easter egg hunt inside and outside the house 98. Legos 99. Board games 100. Tea party 101. Bake

14 | May 2020

everyday

Décor

Whitley Pharmacy

101 West 8th, Cassville, “on the Square” 417-847-2722 or 417-847-2717 FOuR SEASONS REAL ESTATE

Larry Daniels • Realtor 417-846-7306

Kay McCullah • Realtor 417-342-3885

kdougmc@gmail.com

Keisha Drost • Realtor

Lance Mettlach Get a Quote

100 Chapel Dr. Suite F, Monett, MO. 65708 Cell 417-489-1134 lance.mettlach@mofb.com

417-236-3832

agentkdrost@gmail.com

Cindy Carr • Realtor 417-847-7514

ccarr7514@aol.com

Lea Hill • Realtor 417-847-0156

Patti Daniels • Broker 417-847-7995

RESIDENTIAL | COMMERCIAL FARMS | LAND 87 Main Street, Cassville, Mo.

417-847-0156 fax: 417-847-5009

www.fourseasonscassville.com

Connection Magazine | 15

COLUMN

By Annie Lisenby Smith

Parenting through Recess looks a little different while learning from home. Preschooler Simon Smith enjoys jumping in puddles during a family field trip to Roaring River State Park.

Pandemic

Celebrating Moms Differently This Year 16 | May 2020

O

n March 16, 2020, lives of parents shifted drastically as most local schools closed their doors to battle the spread of COVID-19. Parenting is a challenging job to begin with, but when thrust into having the added roles of teacher, PE coach, chef, and counselor, parenting has moved into a new realm.

The stress of this situation for parents and children was recognized by the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention). Their suggestions for parents included: taking time to talk with your child or teen, reassuring them, and being a positive role model.

Each May, Mother’s Day is celebrated close to the time that schools let out for the year. But with Governor Parson’s announcement on April 9th that schools will remain closed for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year, this seemed like a perfect time to recognize all those amazing moms who are parenting through a pandemic. After interviewing a small group of local moms, my heart

was warmed by their strong character and endurance at this unusual time.

Jessica Carsten, a single mom, now lives off of unemployment and child support after being laid off from her job at the Monett YMCA. She described something special about being home with her son. “My most memorable moment so far is tonight when I sat in my bed with my son doing his homework.

I've always been tired from work and never been able to do that.”

“I've been able to take hikes with the kids and spend more time talking to them,” said India Butler, mom of four. Like many other moms, she has recognized how wonderful our school systems are. “I've learned I'm probably not meant to homeschool.”

My daughter is in second grade at Monett Elementary. With the resources provided by the school, I personally feel more confident in her education.

Those first few days, I was floundering, trying to find activities for her and to make every moment teachable. Katie

Recognizing the importance of socializing while also social distancing, parents have been scheduling virtual playdates. Junia Smith and her friend, Aarilyn Conner, catch up on lots of giggles and stories of adventures at home using online video conferencing.

Katie Brittenham showing her daughters, Grace and Joy, how to identify flowers while their school, Berean Christian Academy, is closed during the 2020 pandemic.

Brittenham, a stay-at-home mom and volunteer with MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), described educating her four daughters. “I helped my girls learn how to identify wildflowers in our yard.

My mom was a science teacher, so it reminded me of going ‘exploring’ with her. She would always point out the flowers, trees, fungi, and wildlife.”

Not every day has been perfect for parents. While there are bright spots, there are also tantrums, resistance to virtual schooling, and times when kids are just aggravated and don’t know how to express their stress and frustrations.

Butler explained, “It's difficult for me to watch my kids struggle through this.

My youngest daughter has her birthday April 12th. She can't have the party she was looking forward to, and while she understands, she is still sad. My other daughter is a senior this year and it's hard seeing her come to terms with all the things she's missing out on. All the uncertainty about everything is also difficult.”

When asked what she feared most Jessi McSpadden, mom of two, said, “Mostly that those that I love will be victims of the virus.” This sentiment was echoed across all the moms as well as concerns about unemployment.

While these families have had to face instant homeschooling, toilet paper shortages, and the daily barrage of unknowns with the COVID-19 virus, they have maintained positive and encouraging attitudes. “We are spending more

time together as a family…my husband says, ‘It is like family night every night!’” stated Brittenham. Butler recognized the kind acts she’s observed around Monett. “I've seen a lot of people help their neighbors, and I've seen teachers show incredible amounts of kindness so that their students still feel loved and special.

I've seen churches think outside the box and continue to find ways to worship and reach out to help.”

“It has been good for me to slow

Connection Magazine | 17

Our Family Working For Your Family!

Buying? Selling? Your Home?

Come see us at our new location for your Real Estate needs!

218 East Broadway Suite A, Monett, MO 65708

Office: (417) 635-1190 • Fax: (417) 635-1192

Old West weddings happen here!

Booking now for 2020 weddings.

Stage • Kitchen • Bar • Dressing Rooms An Old West venue, right down to the saloon!

Lil’ Boom Town Event Center, LLC 417-425-4233

809 N. Carnation Aurora, MO

LilBoomtownWedding@gmail.com • LilBoomtownWedding.com

THE JANE STORE

A unique Ozarks experience 2980 Rains Rd., Jane Mo. 417-226-1234

Breakfast & lunch served Tues. - Fri. 6a.m. - 3p.m.

Sat. 6a.m. - 1p.m.

18 | April 2020

Third-grader, Madison Butler, gets help from her older brother, eighth-grader Jordan. A Cub Scout, Madison learned to put up a tent in her backyard to gain her Bear Necessities belt loop. down and remove some commitments that cause me stress. We have been spending more time as a family, and that is always a good thing,” added McSpadden.

Families know that one day life will settle into a new normal. McSpadden said something that all moms agreed on: “I most look forward to seeing family and friends and socializing…also getting the kids out of the house and back to doing social activities.” Additionally, returning to church services and seeing friends and clients at work were moments the moms looked forward to.

My two children regularly pout when I have to tell them for the umpteenth time that a place is closed because of COVID-19. As I write this, the playgrounds are closed. The campgrounds are closed. The schools are closed. I remind myself, as all the moms out there are doing now, that this too shall pass.

And I remember the tender moments, like the night I was tucking in my fiveyear-old son and explained to him, “The playgrounds are all closed, but one day, they’ll open again.” His face lit up with a huge smile.

Until that day, I hope that, as a community, we can celebrate Mother’s Day like never before and truly honor all the amazing parents who are treading uncharted waters. n

Voted People’s Choice Best Daycare Facility In The Area!

Accepting children 6 weeks and older.

Accepting evening shift children. Daycare hours 4:30AM - 12 Midnight

3 Years and Older Where learning is fun!

EAt, SlEEP, PlAy!

PRESChOOl and DAyCARE State Licensed Accepting State Pay! Part Time or Full Time Availability Meals and Snacks Served Full Curriculum Taught After School Program Available Playology Focused Call Today for More Information or to Set Up an Appointment!

PRESCHOOL/DAYCARE Call and schedule your birthday party today

BEST BIRTHDAYS PARTIES

NOW

ENROllING!!!

INFANT CARE

A place where children can be veterinarians, super heroes, knights, princesses, police officers, fire fighters and more.

EXPANDED IN SIZE AND PURPOSE! Kiddie City Preschool STATE LICENSED FACILITY

Mon.-Fri. 4:30AM - 12 Midnight

Check Out Our Facebook Page For Event Information!

509 Dairy Street, Monett, Mo. 65708

Happy Mother’s Day!

Family Owned Since 1954

White’s Insurance Agency

505 Plaza Drive, Monett 417-354-8408

All Lines Of Insurance • Located 2 miles south of Purdy AGENTS: Lea White, Chris Ray and Jessica Tyson

acambarorestaurant.com

417-442-3858

We cater! Nothing’s too large or small!

Connection Magazine | 19

THIS MOTHER'S DAY

By Amy Young

To those who gave birth this year to their first child— we celebrate with you To those who lost a child this year— we mourn with you To those who are in the trenches with little ones every day and wear the badge of food stains— we appreciate you To those who experienced loss through miscarriage, failed adoptions, or running away— we mourn with you To those who walk the hard path of infertility, fraught with pokes, prods, tears, and disappointment— we walk with you. Forgive us when we say foolish things. We don’t mean to make this harder than it is.

To those who are foster moms, mentor moms, and spiritual moms— we need you To those who have warm and close relationships with your children— we celebrate with you To those who have disappointment, heartache, and distance with your children— we sit with you

To those who lived through driving tests, medical tests, and the overall testing of motherhood— we are better for having you in our midst To those who have aborted children— we remember them and you on this day To those who are single and long to be married and mothering your own children— we mourn that life has not turned out the way you longed for it to be To those who step-parent— we walk with you on these complex paths To those who envisioned lavishing love on grandchildren, yet that dream is not to be— we grieve with you To those who will have emptier nests in the upcoming year— we grieve and rejoice with you And to those who are pregnant with new life, both expected and surprising— we anticipate with you

To those who lost their mothers this year— we grieve with you To those who experienced abuse at the hands of your own mother— we acknowledge your experience

20 | May 2020

This Mother’s Day, we walk with you Mothering is not for the faint of heart and we have real warriors in our midst We remember you

OUR COMMUNITY

with in The Heart f The Ozarks

Happy Mother’s Day!

with continuing care

32 Residential Care Apartments 78 Bed Skilled Nursing Facility

58 Independent Living Homes Fitness Center & RehabCare Group

!

We Miss You & Our Plans Are To Open Again May 4th (subject to change) Please Call 417-393-9303 And We Can Meet You At The Store!

A Tradition Of Caring Since 1925 Continuing Care Retirement Community

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

SB

ALWAYS DEFINING EXCITING & UNIQUE

SECURITY BANK OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI

Your Locally Owned Independent Bank Spring Colors Large Selection Of Sizes!

Largest Selection Of Jewelry In The Area!

Alfred Dunner Shirts Allure Petite & Missy Pants

416 Broadway, Downtown Monett

417-235-7622

Clothing • Jewelry • Handbags

We have Mom’s favorites at Bruner’s!

Let us be your HOMEtown bank!

• Great Service • Committed To Barry County • Decisions Made Locally Family Owned Since 1954 Wheaton Cassville Exeter

White’s Insurance Agency 302 Main Street Jct. 37, 76 & 86 417-652-3204 417-847-4794

Front Street 417-835-8111

All Lines Of Insurance • Located 2 miles south of Purdy AGENTS: Lea White, Chris Ray and Jessica Tyson

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.

Bill Pay & Internet Banking at

417-442-3858 www.sbswmo.com Connection Magazine | 21

Perfect Chicken INGREDIENTS

2 cups chicken broth ½ cup chopped onion 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 cup white wine ½ cup sliced fresh mushrooms, or more to taste 1 teaspoon dried rosemary 1 teaspoon dried sage

1 cup heavy cream 2 tablespoons butter ½ lemon, juiced 1 tablespoon capers, drained ½ cup cornstarch, or as needed 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs 2 tablespoons olive oil

DIRECTIONS Pour the chicken broth into a saucepan with the onion and garlic; bring to a boil and cook at a boil until the liquid reduces by half, about 10 minutes. Pour in the white wine, return to a boil, and reduce the liquid by half again, about 10 minutes. Stir in mushrooms, rosemary, and sage; simmer until the mushrooms are tender and have given up their juice, about 15 more minutes. Stir in cream, butter, lemon, and capers; reduce heat and

simmer the sauce until thickened, about 10 minutes (45 minutes in all).

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Place the cornstarch into a shallow bowl and press the chicken thighs into the cornstarch on all sides until thoroughly coated. Shake off excess cornstarch. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat; pan-fry the chicken thighs until they develop a

golden brown crust, about 8 minutes per side. Place the chicken thighs into a 9x9-inch baking dish and pour the sauce over the chicken.

Bake in the preheated oven until the sauce is bubbling and the chicken is no longer pink in the center, about 15 minutes. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the center of a chicken thigh should read at least 165 degrees F (74 degrees C).

Bacon, Cheddar and Spinach Strata INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon bacon grease 1 (1 pound) loaf day-old bread, cubed 12 large eggs 2 teaspoons kosher salt ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper 1 pinch cayenne pepper

1 pinch freshly grated nutmeg 2 ½ cups heavy cream 1 pound sliced bacon, cut crosswise into ½-inch strips 1 pound fresh spinach, wilted, squeezed dry 12 oz. shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese, divided

DIRECTIONS Oil bottom and sides of a 9x13-inch baking dish with about a tablespoon of bacon fat.

ingredients evenly. Allow bread mixture to sit about 15 minutes to absorb the liquid.

Place bread cubes in a large mixing bowl.

Transfer half of the bread mixture to the baking pan; spread evenly over the bottom and press mixture down a bit. Top with half of the grated Cheddar cheese. Add cooked bacon pieces in an even layer over the cheese.

Place the cooked spinach over the bacon; top with half of the remaining cheese. Finish with the rest of the

Crack eggs into a separate mixing bowl. Season with salt, pepper, cayenne, and nutmeg. Add cream and whisk mixture thoroughly.

Pour egg/cream mixture over the bread cubes and mix to distribute

22 | May 2020

soaked bread cubes, spread evenly and pressed down slightly. Sprinkle with the rest of the grated cheese.

Cover and let strata sit at room temperature for 1 hour before baking.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Bake strata in preheated oven until set, about 45 minutes. Optionally, you can broil the strata for a minute or two to brown the top.

RECIPES

Sensational Sirloin Kabobs

Southwest Missouri

favorites

INGREDIENTS

1/4 cup soy sauce 3 tablespoons light brown sugar 3 tablespoons distilled white vinegar 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder 1/2 teaspoon seasoned salt 1/2 teaspoon garlic pepper 4 fluid ounces lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage 2 pounds beef sirloin steak, cut into 1 ½ inch cubes 2 green bell peppers, cut into 2-inch pieces skewers 1/2 pound fresh mushrooms, stems removed 1 pint cherry tomatoes 1 fresh pineapple - peeled, cored and cubed

All-American Loaded Baked Potato Salad

DIRECTIONS In a medium bowl, mix soy sauce, light brown sugar, distilled white vinegar, garlic powder, seasoned salt, garlic pepper seasoning, and lemon-lime flavored carbonated beverage. Reserve about 1/2 cup of this marinade for basting.

Place steak in a large resealable plastic bag. Cover with the remaining marinade, and seal.

Refrigerate for 8 hours, or overnight.

Bring a saucepan of water to a boil. Add green peppers, and cook for 1 minute, just to blanch.

Drain, and set aside.

Preheat grill for high heat. Thread steak, green peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, and pineapple onto skewers in an alternating fashion. Discard marinade and the bag.

Lightly oil the grill grate. Cook kabobs on the prepared grill for 10 minutes, or to desired doneness.

Baste frequently with reserved marinade during the last 5 minutes of cooking.

Dessert Crepes INGREDIENTS

4 eggs, lightly beaten 1 ¼ cups milk 2 tablespoons butter, melted 1 cup all-purpose flour 2 tablespoons white sugar ½ teaspoon salt

INGREDIENTS

6 cups cubed russet potatoes 1 teaspoon salt 1 cup sour cream 1 cup creamy salad dressing ½ teaspoon coarse ground black pepper 1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese ½ cup chopped green onions ½ cup real bacon bits

DIRECTIONS

DIRECTIONS

In large bowl, whisk together eggs, milk, melted butter, flour sugar and salt until smooth.

Place potatoes in a pot; fill with water until potatoes are covered.

Add salt; bring to boil. Simmer until potatoes are just tender enough to be pierced with a fork, about 15 minutes. Drain and run under cold water until potatoes are slightly cool.

Heat a medium-sized skillet or crepe pan over medium heat.

Grease pan with a small amount of butter or oil applied with a brush or paper towel. Using a serving spoon or small ladle, spoon about 3 tablespoons crepe batter into hot pan, tilting the pan so that bottom surface is evenly coated. Cook over medium heat, 1 to 2 minutes on a side, or until golden brown.

Serve immediately.

Mix sour cream, creamy salad dressing, and ground black pepper together in a large bowl. Stir in Cheddar cheese, green onion, and bacon bits; add potatoes.

Cover and chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Connection Magazine | 23

Motherhood M

Tatem Marbut found out she was pregnant while she was a senior in high school.

She faced an interesting set of obstacles on her journey into motherhood.

otherhood comes in many forms, but the one constant is that no matter what the situation, a mother’s love is unconditional.

In a short 10 months, a woman's body goes through the unimaginable.

Her organs shift, her emotions heighten, her cravings are never satisfied, and all of this happens because she is growing a human being.

Her body becomes a vessel and makes room for the growth of a child. She feels tickles at first, then the defined feeling of an actual kick. She wakes up in the middle of the night with a weird feeling, which turns out to be her baby having the hiccups. She has a dream that she will give birth to a cat or to a baby with a full set of teeth.

Through all of that, she buys clothes, toys, blankets, dolls and everything she needs to decorate a room and welcome her child into the world surrounded with every luxury possible.

24 | May 2020

Story by Jordan Privett

In reality though, when her baby comes into this world, it will not need stuffed animals or a fancy nightlight, the only luxury her baby needs to be surrounded by is the arms of its mother.

The day that her baby decides to make its journey into the world is, to the mother at least, one of the scariest moments in life.

She is excited, after all she has dreamed of holding her baby and seeing its face for months.

But, there is a not-so-pretty, not-so-comfortable process that she must go through before that glorious moment.

Childbirth is the single most exhausting, amazing, terrifying, anticipated, humbling and joyous experience in life.

Physically, her body will go through pain, and emotionally she will be circling around as if on a merry-go-round.

And then, the pain, worry and fear all disappear, the incredible journey her body just went through is no longer painful or scary, she has her baby, it is

a different experience for every mom

Jacklyn Roman, single mom of five children, said she couldn’t do it all on her own. She is a single mom, but she has help.

Rachael Freeman Selby and her son Jackson developed a bond that breaks through the responsibilities of being a working mom.

laying in her chest, the only feeling she is experiencing is love.

After a short stay in the hospital, she bundles up her bundle of joy and heads home to start their life together.

All of a sudden the worries of pregnancy and childbirth give way to the worries of motherhood.

Am I doing this right? Should I have done that? What if I get it wrong?

That worry is really love in disguise.

She loves her baby so much, she wants to make every decision perfectly.

She will feel constantly judged by other mothers, when in reality, she is the hardest judge on herself. Other mothers are dealing with the same fears and concerns.

There is no perfect way to be a mother. Single, working, teen, stay-at-home, married, a baby doesn’t care as long as it is taken care of and loved. Every mother will be able to give their child something unique based on the experiences of their lives.

"They taught me a form of love I never knew existed."

- Rachael Freeman Selby

Jacklyn Roman welcomed her daughter, Leila, on January 13, 2003.

Connection Magazine | 25

TEEN MOM One mother, Tatem Marbut, is nearing her graduation as an X-ray technician.

Tatem said she found out she was pregnant with now 2-year-old Oliver, while she was a senior in high school.

“I am a teen mom,” she said. “I went to high school in Aurora and graduated in 2017.”

She lived with her parents and had a plan for her future all laid out in front of her.

“I was scared to tell my parents, I knew that would be the hardest part,” Tatem said. “But, my mom was 19 when she had me and 16 when she had my brother. When I told her, she was so excited, she was also concerned, but she had the mindset of this is what God is giving us, and we will work it out.”

After that, Tatem felt telling her dad and step-mother, whom she lived with, would be easy.

“I told my dad and all he said was, ‘Yeah, I know, I have known for awhile,’” she said. “I couldn’t believe that, like how do you know and I didn’t, he said he could tell by my behavior.”

After that, things got scarier for Tatem; she was a soccer player, a cheerleader and on a dance team.

“I had noticed a pudge and thought it was all the junk food I was eating so I started working out more and eating better,” she said. “I was 21 weeks along when I finally took that test.”

Tatem said her nearly symptom-free pregnancy is why she didn’t suspect she was pregnant.

“Finding out at five months made it the shortest pregnancy ever,” she said.

“When I called Ollie’s father, we were dating so everything was cool between us. He had graduated the year before me and was away at college.”

Ollie was born on September 26, 2017, one day before Tatem turned 19.

“I had a c-section because he was breach,” Tatem said. “I had started college the month before, so I actually scheduled my c-section so I wouldn’t miss a class.”

Tatem decided to take that year of class online to allow her to stay home with Ollie.

26 | May 2020

"It is all about the child and what is best for them."

- Tatem Marbut “I did have one seated class, but Ollie’s dad would stay home with him while I went to it,” she said. “That all seemed to work for us until the summer.

“We decided to move in with my mom so he could work for his grandpa.

Over that summer his family dealt with a lot of really heartbreaking stuff, then, before school started we moved back to Sedalia for school. When we got settled back in, he just said he couldn’t do this anymore.”

Ollie’s parents had been together for eight and a half years in an on and off again relationship, and the two were best friends before they dated.

“He had met someone else,” she said.

“So, he moved out of my apartment and it was just Ollie and I.” The next day, Tatem was accepted into the radiology program and was now facing the situation of being a sin-

gle mom and a full-time student.

“This was a seated program, so I had to leave Ollie at daycare for a full day for the first time,” she said.

Over the next year the two developed a parenting plan that worked for them and Ollie’s dad is a consistent person in his life.

“We have very open communication and still maintain our friendship,” Tatem said. “We actually had Thanksgiving together with both of our significant others.”

Tatem said that is the way he was raised in a split home, but she was raised by a family unit.

“I was lucky,” she said.

Looking back on the experience of being pregnant in high school, Tatem said she prays for girls who have their babies in high school and she is happy she had Ollie after graduation.

“I lost so many connections and friends when the word got out,” she said. “I was in all these sports and clubs and was a straight A student.

“All of a sudden, no one was associating with me.”

College was a completely different experience for her.

“There is a much higher variety of people in college that are in all kinds of situations,’ she said. “I read an article once that said every experience, pregnancy, delivery and struggle with postpartum depression is different.”

Tatem said being 16 and pregnant isn’t always the best thing, but it will never be the worst thing for her.

“One of the worst experiences I had of being judged while pregnant was my first OB appointment,” she said. “The doctor just looked at me and said I looked so young; I said I was a senior in high school and 18 years old, and she just said, ‘Oh.’” Another incident happened at a friend's birthday party.

“Her mom just looked me up and down,” Tatem said. “She had never looked at me that way before.”

Today, Ollie attends a preschool like daycare and Tatem is nearing her graduation.

“He is so smart, his daycare is truly amazing,” she said. “I travel to different hospitals to do my clinicals. It is a busy time of our lives right now, and I actually appreciate the time we are able to spend together during the COVID-19 outbreak.”

Living about three hours away from family is difficult, but even still, Tatem knows she can count on her family.

“I can only miss 10 days in this twoyear program,” she said. “Between my family, Ollie’s father and my boyfriend's family, we always have help when we need it.”

Tatem’s boyfriend doesn’t have children, but he and his family have taken to the mother and son duo.

“The biggest thing that got me through those feelings of judgment was keeping my head high and telling myself that I can do this, I am worth this,” she said. “I judged myself more than anyone else judged me. I felt like the stereotypical cheerleader in high school. I hit my

"I try my best to find that balance that works for Jackson and me."

- Rachael Freeman Selby faith hard and that helped me find guidance and strength.”

In the end, Tatem says, it is all about the child and what is best for them.

“Everyone raises kids differently,” she said. “I never thought that I would be where I am now, happy and almost finished with my degree.

“I did this program by myself with a baby, and I am proud of that.”

WORKING MOM A mom who figured out how to navigate motherhood and a career life is Rachael Freeman Selby, Cassville Chamber of Commerce director.

Jackson was born on Halloween night, October 31, 2012.

“At that time I was the editor of the Barry County Advertiser,” Rachael said.

“I learned quickly how hard it was to do both, being a mother and having a career.”

After seeing she wasn’t getting to spend the time she wanted with her son, Rachael decided to go from editor to office manager.

“Now I am the director of the Cassville Chamber of Commerce, the Community Foundation, and I do freelance work,” she said. “One thing I have realized being a working mom, is that it really matters where you work.

“I have been fortunate to work in places that are family-first.”

Another struggle of being a working mom is dealing with mom guilt.

“You feel guilty about where the balance between work and family should be,” she said. “And because I compare myself to other moms, like my amazing sister, she is a stay-at-home homeschooler and she has a 1-year-old, I feel bad that I can’t Connection Magazine | 27

spend as much time with Jackson as she can with her children.”

When it comes down to it, Rachael said, all that matters is what works for each family in their individual situation.

“All moms struggle with that,” she said.

“For us, I try my best to find that balance that works for Jackson and me.”

One thing that made it easier to go back to work after her 10-week maternity leave, was knowing her son would be cared for.

“His daycare is amazing,” she said. “I knew he would be cared for and loved and safe while he was there.”

The phrase, ‘It takes a village,’ is all the more true for a working mom.

“I need all the help I can get — nana's, papa's and everyone who loves my child,” Rachael said. “I thrive on being busy and my work, but Jackson has a way of keeping me grounded.

“Being a mother is more challenging and rewarding than any other task.”

Having conversations with her son about what his mom is doing and why it is important helps them find their balance as well.

“Nothing hurts more than when he says, ‘You work all the time,’” Rachael said. “He gives me a lot of grace, so when he lets me know that, I know I need to respond to it.

“He is and always will be my number one priority.”

Being a single working mom is definitely different for Rachael, but she said they make it.

“My village has supported me in my career just as much as being a mother,” she said. “Most moms are always in each other's corners supporting each other. The judgment, a lot of the time, comes from inside yourself.”

Having a strong bond with Jackson has made being a working mom possible.

“We have a great relationship, I work long nights and events and then come home and read to him or play,” Rachael said. “Being a mother is a different feeling of accomplishment.”

Rachael said she always knew she wanted to focus on her career.

“I am an aunt to 13 nieces and nephews,” she said. “I saw it as being a mom would be hard, but being an aunt is fun.”

28 | May 2020

Growing up Rachael knew she wanted a career, but didn’t know she would be a mom.

“I never dreamt of having children,” she said. “When I was married I had two children come into my life; they taught me so much about myself.

“They also taught me patience and a new form of love that I never knew existed.”

wouldn’t change it for the world.

“He acts just like me,” she said. “But, if I had more children, it would have to be a plan from God. “With each new niece or nephew I cry and I love them so much. I can’t believe that with each one there is just more love in my heart for them, you never know what the future will bring.”

"I realize they go through a lot and they have feelings that need to be validated."

- Jacklyn Roman While discussing having a child with her husband, Rachael feared that her stepchildren would feel like she didn’t love them as much as the new baby.

“Jackson’s dad told me the fact that I was worried about it means it wouldn’t happen,” Racheal said.

Staring at her son, Rachael said she is mesmerized by him.

“He is perfect, precious and awesome,” she said. “I still joke that it would be weird for me to have another child even though I have one.”

Motherhood found Rachael and she

SINGLE MOM You never know what the future will hold, and that rings true for mothers that find themselves in a new situation, despite planning for a different life.

A single mother, usually doesn’t plan to be one, and a mother's ability to adapt, like local mother Jacklyn Roman.

Jacklyn, a mother of five, said becoming a single mother and reentering the dating world was not her plan, but her family has learned how to navigate obstacles they faced.

r e mb

Get ready for summer while staying SAFE AT HOME!

e m e R

m o

M

TOMBLIN

JEWELRY

&

GI F T S

! nvited i e ’r u Yo

Virtual Weigh-In & curbside product pickup 23544 Lawrence 1090 Monett, MO

SEEK GOD. LOVE PEOPLE. SHARE THE GOSPEL.

SUNDAY SERVICE

Sunday School Worship/The Word Children’s Church

10am 11am 11am

WEDNESDAY SERVICE Prayer Time Adult Bible Study Kids Bible Study

5:30pm 6pm 6pm

SERVICIOS DOMINICALES

Escuela Dominical Adoración Iglesia Infantil

10am 11am 11am

SERVICIO DE MIERCOLES

Hora De Rezar 5:30pm Estudio bíblico para adultos 6pm Estudio bíblico Para Niños 6pm

(417) 235-3474 Come join us on Facebook: Real Life Assembly

Connection Magazine | 29

Happy Mother’s Day! from the employees

at

901 E. Hwy. 60, Monett 417-235-BANK (2265)

444 S. Rinker, Aurora 417-678-BANK (2265) www.cnbbanking.com

1-800-255-4194

30 | May 2020

“It takes a village,” she said. “I couldn’t do it all on my own. I am a single mom, but I have help.”

Teachers, friends, her children's father and his girlfriend are all part of her village.

“You can’t shoulder it all alone,” Jacklyn said. “Different people can reach my children on different levels, emotionally and mentally, I learned that through the divorce.”

Leila, Jacklyn’s oldest child, was born January 13, 2003.

“There are lessons to be learned in being a mother whether single or married,” she said. “I realized my children go through a lot and they have feelings that need to be validated. I have seen this more in the last couple of years since going through a divorce.”

Every mother is human, which means she will make mistakes.

“I make mistakes, but all I care about is the best interest for my children,” Jacklyn said. “I encourage them to be open and curious and learn and grow from experiences.”

A part of teaching that to the children means that she acknowledges when she has made a mistake and takes responsibility.

“Getting back into the dating world was not my priority, but it did happen,” she said. “I put my current boyfriend through a lot when we first started dating.”

Jacklyn decided not to introduce her children to Cody until they had been waiting for four months.

“Dating anyone with children is a package deal,” she said. “I have to know that there is a future with that person before they met my children. I don’t want my children getting hurt if it doesn’t work out.”

Meeting someone's children is an honor and a privilege.

“That opportunity shouldn’t be given to everyone you date,” Jacklyn said. “But, Cody felt differently. He felt that he wanted me and to know all of me, and to know all of me is to know my children.”

Jacklyn said going through divorce made her cautious and guarded.

“I didn’t want to marry again,” she said. “But, I have found something dif-

ferent with him, and he has changed that mindset for me.”

She is still feeling cautious for her children because the significance of loss a child feels in a failed relationship is great.

“When we met each other's children, we took them to dinner and a movie,” Jacklyn said. “That gave us a few hours to get to know each other. We went on a lot of outings before we went to each other's houses with the children. I felt like their homes are their safe places and that should be open to everybody.”

Having children that are old enough to voice their opinions was a key moment in the relationship.

“That first night at dinner, Leila told me she really liked him,” Jacklyn said.

“She said she could tell he was a real person and not putting on a front.”

Jacklyn was divorced for a year before she met Cody.

“We constantly have the children in mind,” she said. “We are coming together as a family, but we don’t want to overwhelm the children. We are here to give love and support as we become a blended family.”

One thing that Jacklyn has noticed about their parenting styles is his soft spot for the girls.

“He has boys, so my daughters smile and bat their big brown eyes and he melts,” she said. “As a blended family, we are fading that medium of things we expect from each other as parents and our children.”

At the end of the day, being a mom is hard enough work, so moms try not to judge yourselves so hard, if you love your babies, you are not failing.

Single moms show their children how to adapt to a new normal and love no matter what the situation, working moms give their children a role model for motivation and determination and teen moms offer their children a lens of perseverance and acceptance to view the world by.

This Mothers Day think about what you offer to your children, the unique lessons they will be taught because you are their mother. Look at yourself through the eyes of your babies. You might discover you are better at motherhood than you thought you were. n

HONORING AMERICA'S The grave for Dick Brady, Monett American Legion past commander, Coast Guard veteran, longtime editor and publisher at The Monett Times, in the Monett IOOF Cemetery, decorated for Memorial Day.

HEROES Memorial Day salutes military service

M

emorial Day is one of the most special days on the American calendar, sacred for the honor it extends to war heroes, but secular in that it encompasses all who have served, regardless of religion or ethnicity. Different from Veterans Day, Memorial Day honors the dead and has evolved over time to a much more universal recognition.

Memorial Day began as Decoration Day. In one of the oldest surviving newspapers in Monett, The Monett Times printed General Order No. 1, dates May 23, 1901, from Eagle Post No. 492, Department of Missouri for the Grand Army of the Republic, which read "We are again reminded that the time is fast approaching when according to the well established custom of our order, it will be our sad duty by lovingly and earnestly duty [to] devote a day to our heroic dead, departed comrades whose record in this life is closed. Therefore it is earnestly requested that all comrades meet at the Post Hall at 1 p.m. Thursday, May 30, and march to the cemetery and there decorate the graves of Union soldiers with the flowers of spring and the flag they love so well."

The order went on to appeal to the city to suspend business from noon to 5 p.m. "so that all may have an opportunity to participate in this great and loving cause."

Memorial services were held at the Methodist Episcopal Church South (Sixth and Bond) during the regular Sunday service on May 26. "All comrades should attend," said the order, signed by G.B. Draper, Post commander, and O.P. Shaffer, adjutant.

Story by Murray Bishoff

Connection Magazine | 31

With the end of World War II in sight but with many local soldiers still on the front lines in both Europe and Asia, this was the notice for Memorial Day in 1945 in The Monett Times.

For the record, Decoration Day, honoring the war dead, started right after the Civil War in 1866 in both the North and South. The first edict starting a formal practice came from Maj. Gen. John "Black Eagle" Logan, then commander-in-chief of the GAR, on May 5, 1868.

Pierce City had both a GAR and a Confederate veterans organization. The two competed to see which group could mount the most impressive Decoration Day, according to newspaper accounts, and the Monett Federal veterans would travel to boost the GAR numbers. The Confederate veterans generally held their celebrations in April or earlier in May, a practice that varied by state. By 1900, the practice had mostly coalesced around May 30. By act of the U.S. Congress, Memorial Day was declared a national holiday in 1971, set for the last Monday in May. After World War I, the recognition expanded to honor veterans of all wars.

Monett seems to have begun having formal services on a much larger scale in 1946, not just in one cemetery, but in three. That year leading the occasion were members of the American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the National Guard, the War Dads made up of fathers of soldiers, women's auxiliaries for the veterans' groups, and the Monett High School Band. In 1947, Boy Scouts from Troops No. 140, 37 and 38 began helping to decorate the graves.

32 | May 2020

By 1948 the Monett effort encompassed four cemeteries: Oakdale, IOOF, Mt. Calvary and Waldensian. Glennon Bass headed the overall effort for the Legion. At the time, however, receiving a flag was restricted to persons who had died in the war, "according to flag etiquette," said Hope (Mrs. Phil) Bounous with the Legion Auxiliary.

The practice of placing a flag on the grave of all veterans seems to be an extension of the honor extended in national cemeteries. In Massachusetts state law it says: “In cities and towns where there are cemeteries containing the remains of deceased veterans, such cities and towns shall cause to be placed on such veterans’ graves a flag of the United States on every Memorial Day.�

According to Todd Burris, program manager for the law enforcement cadet program in the Americanism division for American Legion National Headquarters, some cemeteries get around the difficulty of identifying veterans' graves by putting flags on every grave, regardless of service.

"Typically local posts perform this function independently from national headquarters," Burris said. "The Flag Code is silent on specification for display of flags on individual cemetery plots, regardless of the occasion. We defer to the policies of cemetery management on their discretion, regardless if the flag is in an American Legion holder or not."

The Legion does advise that flags used for display be picked up as soon as possible and not allowed to weather.

Glennon Bass, in charge of the flag distribution for Monett's American Legion Post in 1948, passed the responsibility of honoring vets on Memorial Day to fellow Legionnaire Bill Mitchell. In the 1980s, Mitchell asked Dayton Mackey to take over, who got help from Jon Suit. Dayton recalled originally the list of veterans was written on a piece of cardboard that the Legionnaires would carry with them.

"It would get wet and you couldn't read it," he recalled. "We went all through the cemetery and made a better list."

The list had also grown. The names of 47 soldiers honored were listed in The Monett Times in 1948. Recognition of all veterans boosted the list by 51 Civil War veterans alone in the IOOF and Oakdale cemeteries. By 1988 the number was up to 540. Today, including five cemeteries, the number runs over 1,000.

As of October 2019, that compares to 908 persons buried in Oakdale, 5,905 buried in IOOF and 125 in the Cox cemeteries.

Dayton recalled how he began helping provide flags for the cemetery at Arnhart Baptist Church, east of Purdy, while working with Charles D'Arcy to put out flags at the Waldensian Presbyterian Church cemetery. Roger Smith began taking flags to the Bethel Cemetery.

The Legion continues to decorate the entrance to the IOOF Cemetery, placing extra flags by the entrance for unidentified veterans' graves or ones missed in the distribution.

In 2005, the Pierce City Cemetery Association began writing down where people had placed flags. The list has since grown to around 450 identified veterans' graves. The Pierce City Ozark Legion Post No. 65 conducts that flag distribution, with additional volunteers.

Boy Scouts placing flags on graves of military veterans at the Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, Wis., on Memorial Day. Photo by Gary Dikers, Wisconsin Department of Veterans Affairs.

MEMORIAL DAY Monday, May 25, 2020 for the Home of the Brave

Decorations placed on the symbolic gravesite for Thomas Wolfe, the namesake of the Tom Wolfe Memorial Post No. 4207, Veterans of Foreign Wars, in Monett, marked in a ceremony held on Memorial Day in the Monett IOOF Cemetery.

On Memorial Day itself, Tom Wolfe VFW Post No. 4207 in Monett conducts a service at noon at a ceremonial gravesite for their namesake in the IOOF Cemetery. To date Wolfe's remains have not been recovered from Vietnam, though the location of his shot-down plane is believed to be known. This ceremony involves laying red, white and blue flowers and a wreath, symbolizing courage, devotion and sacrifice, and a 21-gun salute.

Around 2000, the City of Monett began converting its records to a computer database. Angie Irwin, who was then working in the Public Works department, gathered the books and cards collected at the IOOF Cemetery office and began entering the names, dates and locations, including details on when plots were purchased, into the city computer system. She walked the cemetery "two or three times" to craft a map of all three sections of the IOOF Cemetery, as well the former Cox family cemetery and the Oakdale Cemetery. Oakdale, originally the Westbay Cemetery, where the city's earliest Decoration Day services were held, had a monument erected by the GAR at the east entrance in 1912. The city acquired that cemetery in 1953 after it had fallen into neglect, and a committee wrestled it out of private hands.

Angie created maps for each cemetery, including separate books for each block.

The books show row by row where the veterans are buried, highlighted in color.

She would loan copies of the books each year to the Legion as guides for the family distribution.

Kristen Thompson has now taken over recording new burials in the city's records, and added names to the spreadsheet in the database. Each year, Angie said, funeral homes have updated the city on their burials, and staff have gone to websites of funeral homes to gather obituary information, including the names of immediate survivors, to add to the city's records. All the cemetery records are available online, making genealogical research much easier.

With few World War II veterans left, those who pushed for making Memorial Day a not-to-be-forgotten date have left the task to the next generation. Angie said with changing times, it has become more difficult to document family history information. Cremations, she noted, may not involve a funeral home. A death may be announced, stating "services at a later date," which never happen. In those cases, she said, there is no obituary to record. If a veteran is buried without a military marker, no one will know, she said.

But now, without having to rely on a previous flag distribution or a faded and stained piece of cardboard for names, the honorees of Memorial Day in the Monett area have been identified and located.

Those who carry the flags on that Friday before Memorial Day conduct their task perhaps not with the heavy hearts of those who knew many of the buried veterans before joining them. These flag bearers go with pride, acknowledging the sacrifices of these ancestors, the ones who made this the "Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave." n Connection Magazine | 33

Prodotti

Italiani gourmet

Vince Bulone, another part to the Bulone Enterprises company, is a professional chef and inspiration to the business.

W

The original product and recipe for Bulone Enterprises, Vince’s Caponata Italian Relish, is a play off of the Bulone family recipe.

34 | May 2020

hether trying to impress on a first date or impress a mother-in-law with a flavorful meal, anyone can be a gourmet chef while using Vince’s Italian products.

One local family has developed a line of prodotti Italiani gourmet, or gourmet Italian products that aims to reach the heart of anyone who tries it, through their taste buds.

Bulone Enterprises, currently out of Shell Knob, is a line of Bulone born Italian recipes and products that will have any guest convinced that you are a gourmet chef.

Dan and Sharon Bulone are the developers and owners of Bulone Enterprises LLC, and started the business in 2013.

“We offer gourmet food products with an Italian flair,” Sharon Bulone said.

“We have five products with the brand name Vince’s.”

Story by Jordan Privett

Bulone Enterprises, out of Shell Knob, aims to help anyone cook at a gourmet level with Vince’s Italian products. With five products to choose from, customers who buy Bulone Enterprises gourmet Italian flavor sauces can guarantee a delicious meal.

Local family builds business on Italian flavors Sharon said the name Vince’s is also a Bulone family name, and Dan’s brother Vince Bulone, has been an incredible inspiration for the business, and was a major part in the development of the first product, Vince’s Caponata Italian Relish.

“It all started at a Bulone family gathering,” Sharon said. “He made a giant pot of his caponata and everyone just loved it, in fact, I joked and told him it should be sold in stores.

“That recipe was based on Dan and Vince’s grandmother's recipe.”

Since then, the recipe has been tweaked and tried until the perfect combination of ingredients could be packaged and sold so other families could enjoy the gourmet food.

“Dan and I spent two years doing research and getting our FDA registration so we could open our business,” she said.

“Once we got everything approved, we were ready to get to work in 2013.”

Vince lives in Detroit and has come to

the area a few times to help in the kitchen when possible.

“He is a professional chef and is a mentor for us,” Sharon said. “He is the namesake of our products and helps inspire us with new ideas and products.”

At this time, customers can find Bulone products, with the brand name Vince’s, on shelves in more than 150 stores in five states.

“We also have our online sales as well as Amazon,” Sharon said. “We do retail and wholesale as well.”

The Bulone business started with very little investment, and has continued to grow in sales every year.

“We market, deliver, package and make our products with our own hands,” Sharon said. “Last year we started expanding our market in the farmers markets.

“We did four last year on top of all of our other avenues for sales.”

Since the business started first in

wholesale, the farmers markets opened new doors for the Bulone’s in brand recognition.

“I am not Italian, but Dan and Vince’s dad is, so we stayed with that theme to make it great,” Sharon said. “Another way we have succeeded is by listening to our customers.

“Everyone of our products, except for our lemon basil pesto, is dairy, nut and gluten free, which makes them vegan.”

Sharon said they heard what their customers said about allergies and what they needed and developed it.

“We have lived in this area since 2011,” Sharon said. “We were actually looking to come to the area to retire, but events occurred that led us to starting a business.”

The couple moved to the area as newlyweds.

“We were married in 2010,” Sharon said. “We were both widowed. Dan found himself as a single father with a

Connection Magazine | 35

TreaTing your whole family

like family!

JOHNSON CHIROPRACTIC SPORTS & WELLNESS CLINIC 907 Main Street Cassville, MO 65625

417.847.0388

We have moved! Now accepting appointments at 104 W. 7th Street on the Square in Cassville!

Wrongful Death • Personal Injury • Auto Accidents Tractor Trailer Accidents • Domestic Relations • Criminal Law Family Law • Adoptions • Guardianships

Free consultation

In practice for over 30 years

104 W. 7th Street, Cassville, MO 65625

417-847-1339 • www.michaelriehnlaw.com

The choice of a Lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements

36 | May 2020

young child, and I was an empty nester.

We found each other.”

At this time, all of the products are being prepared in the Shell Knob Community Center kitchen.

“It has been a great help, and we are so thankful for the use of it, or we wouldn’t be where we are now,” Sharon said. “But, we are going to have our own building soon with a commercial kitchen.”

The new kitchen space will be located in Lampe, only minutes from the Bulone home.

“That will be great help to us, and it is something that is all ours,” Sharon said.

“Today, we are able to do four times more in one day than what we could do when we started. With a new commercial kitchen, we could quadruple that again.”

Sharon said although there isn’t just one “most popular item,” each one of the products have their time in the spotlight.

“One thing we try to focus on is using as much local produce as we can to help promote the local businesses too,” she said.

“The best selling product changes from week to week, so they all sell well.”

Sharon said Vince’s experience in the restaurant field and knowing what the customers want has been true inspiration to the business.

“He has a point of view on things that we don’t,” she said. “He has new thoughts on possible new products and ideas.

“We have new products that we are working on in the horizon and we are constantly communicating with our customers.”

Bulone Enterprises also sells pasta, however, they do not make the pasta.

“It is another family business trying to get their name out there,” Sharon said.

“We can help facilitate that by carrying their product.”

Bulone Enterprises is focused on maintaining manageable growth in the company and the community.

“The beauty of our products is that it can make a gourmet cook out of anyone,” Sharon said.

For more information or to order one of the Bulone products people may visit the website, www.buloneentllc.com, follow the Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ buloneentllc/.

If a business would like to add Bulone products to their shelves, they may contact Dan or Sharon at 417-779-0075. n

Dorothy Osterloh, 93, of Freistatt, is pictured hand quilting a keepsake piece for Samuel, the 2-year-old grandson of Tamra Sunby.

Busy hands make for healing hearts

R

This lovely butterfly quilt hangs above the bed in the home of Dorothy Osterloh. It has been made with delicate handkerchiefs, folded by Osterloh, to resemble floating butterflies.

ecovering from a loss sometimes takes on many forms.

Some might go into a self-imposed hibernation, while others throw themselves into work, spending little time at home, surrounded by memories.

For Dorothy Osterloh, 93, of Freistatt, her love of quilting has given her solace following the loss of Cody Sunby, the son of long-time friend of hers, Tamra Sunby, and of her daughter, Edith Harmon.

“Tamra and I have been friends for a long time,” said Edith. “When her son, Cody, passed away unexpectedly in October 2019, we were devastated. His son, Samuel, was just 18 months old at the time, and we were at a loss as to what to do.”

Cody died from a condition known as hypertrophic cardiac myopathy, a condition in which a portion of the heart

Story by Melonie Roberts

becomes thickened without an obvious cause. This results in the heart being less able to pump blood effectively. Symptoms vary from none to feeling tired, leg swelling, and shortness of breath.

Tamra’s sister, Pam Dorton, happened to be sorting through a closet, where she found two antique quilt tops, hand pieced by her mother, Rethal Williams.

“I didn’t know what to do with them,” she said. “They were made of flannel. I took it to Edith and asked her to quilt it, so it could be passed along to Samuel. It was supposed to be a secret.”

Pam had passed along the other quilt top to her sister Tamra, who, in turn, asked Dorothy to quilt it so it could also be sent to Samuel.

“That’s how the secret got out,” Pam said. “We had the same idea. Actually, Tamra was supposed to bring a different quilt top. She didn’t know that I was going to bring one first.”

Connection Magazine | 37

Boat SaleS and Service • Mercury Authorized Dealer • Mercury Certified Technician with Over 20 Years Experience • Consignment Sales • Service on ALL Major Brands of Outboards and Stern drives

417-847-3284 296 Hwy. 76 Jct. 76/86/112 (Hilltop) Cassville MO 65625

Continuing the Legacy We understand being in the same business for generations. We also understand you’ve worked hard to secure a future for your family.

Years of commitment and dedication have helped get you to where you are today. Let me help navigate the next step to assure your family is able to continue the legacy for future generations.

Terri Lynn DeGraffenreid Brattin, LUTCF Agent

500 Mill Street • Cassville 417-847-2100 Toll Free 1-888-847-2276

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

ShelterInsurance.com • 1-800-SHELTER Shelter Life Insurance Company • Columbia, Missouri

38 | May 2020

Working on those projects seemed to be a much needed balm to Dorothy’s soul.

The girls wondered over the pieces they recognized as being from Cody’s childhood flannel pajamas and other scraps of fabric recognized from earlier times.

“I think this has been a healing project for mom,” Edith said. “Mom’s blood pressure was getting really high, and we got her on Hospice before Thanksgiving in 2019. But she has continued quilting.”

“I’ve been quilting since before I was married,” Dorothy said. “I worked at the Mt. Vernon Senior Center, quilting up to five hours a day. Then I got carpal tunnel and had to quit for a year.”

Edith, who was formerly employed at the Ben Franklin store in Mt. Vernon, had a customer bring in a quilt top to be machine quilted and told her, “You should have it hand quilted,” and home to Dorothy it went.

The customer was so pleased with the outcome, word spread quickly and Dorothy was inundated with requests to hand quilt tops for those who had learned of her skills.

“I think these two projects helped keep Mom focused,” said Edith. “She also made Cody’s baby quilt.”

In all, Dorothy has quilted hundreds of works throughout her career.

“She has 14 grandchildren and 24 great-grandchildren, and they all got quilts,” said Edith. “She has made untold baby quilts throughout the years.”

“I’ve quilted at the church, with a ladies group, and at the senior center,” Dorothy said. “I’m blessed with good eyesight. I can still thread these tiny needles.”

“This has helped heal mom’s spirit, but I think it will help heal Tamra’s spirit, too,” said Edith.

Although her quilting time is now limited, Dorothy still enjoys creating new projects through the church quilting ministry, including baby quilts and replacements for those who have lost their belongings in a fire.

“I enjoy watching television and reading books when I’m not sewing,” Dorothy said. “I still love quilting, but now only do it two hours at a time because I have no deadlines. It’s relaxing to me.” n

Reading room takes shape at Monett Museum

Betty Henderson flips through a scrapbook showing scenes from Monett's historic library and some of the ladies who served there, part of the memorabilia on display in Miss Betty's Story Room at the Monett Museum.

Miss Betty's Story Room

This sign hung for years outside Monett City Hall when the library was located there, before moving to Sixth and Bond. Betty Henderson took it home when the library moved, and now brought it back to help identify Miss Betty's Story Room at the Monett Museum.

Story by Murray Bishoff

S

haring stories with a child can be most rewarding.

For the reader, instilling a love for stories and introducing a new generation to favorites warms the heart. For a child, hearing a story for the first time opens doors, windows and worlds. Children, with their irrepressible enthusiasm, want to take the trip again, and can, with every reading.

Betty Henderson remembers those days.

A longtime story hour reader at the library, Betty cherishes those moments of sharing.

"Can you remember the first story you were told as a child?" she said.

"Was it Grandpa telling about falling in the pigpen when he was supposed to be feeding the hogs? Could it have been sitting on a big brother's lap as he read of 'The Satiable Elephant's Child Who Had Never Seen a Crocodile,' one of the 'Just So Stories' by Rudyard Kipling?"

One day Betty was thinking, "Wouldn't it be nice to have a place where you can bring kids, talk to them about stories and songs you grew up hearing when you were young?"

She got an idea about a special place to share those stories, kind of a private place to sit with a parent or grandparent. The Monett Museum is setting up a room to begin recording memories of Monettans, much the way the Barry County Museum has collected oral histories.

Connection Magazine | 39

Buying or selling we’ve got the TEAM to get it done!

Betty Henderson stands in the doorway of Miss Betty's Story Room, the only public room on the second floor of the Monett Museum.

1300 Old Exeter Rd Cassville, MO 65625 24886 State Hwy. 39, Suite D Shell Knob, MO 65625 cappyharrisrealtors.com Licensed in Missouri and Arkansas

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

18947 MO-37 Cassville, MO

417-671-0313

SALES & SERVICE

500 S. Kyler, Monett 417-235-7161

40 | May 2020

"I liked the idea of remembering what you heard when you were kids," Betty continued. "My niece, Brenda Burghher, who teaches at Monett Elementary School, liked it too, and thought she might be able to get people to come to the Story Room.�

So Betty set about creating Miss Betty's Story Room on the second floor of the Monett Museum, one of several projects taking place that will put the second floor back into public use. She has set up a second floor room with a library of story classics, books such as "Stone Soup," "Peter Rabbit" and "Mike Mulligan and the Steam Shovel." For older children, there are books such as "Tom Sawyer," "Secret Garden" and Maurice Sendak's "Where the Wild Things Are." "I always tried to promote really good authors," Betty said. "It's important for kids to get things that are well written."

Betty stocked the room with books from her own library and others she bought. She arranged the room for a cozy atmosphere where two or more can relax and revel in that unique experience of enjoying a good book together. She also hopes grandparents will share songs they grew up learning.

Miss Betty's Story Room will be available anytime the museum is open. At the present time, because other features under development on the second floor are not finished, visitors need to ask permission to get access. Betty hopes the Story Room will be a hit, using timeless classics, bringing storytelling and a love of good books to a new generation. n

F

ohn

www.fohnfuneralhome.com

Come On In And See Us! Jeff & Christy Holenda Owners

484 MO Hwy. 76 Cassville, MO 417-342-9315

Rusty Gate Flea Market

Antiques – Collectibles – Vintage Tools – Cast Iron Household Goods – Hunting/Fishing – Wildlife Mounts – Hides

Op en 7

Days

y unda S 4 a Week 95 Mon-Sat 11

Happy Mother’s Day

Funeral HoMe

The area’s most often chosen funeral home.

EXPERIENCE MAKES THE

DIFFERENCE.

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

ABrandt@ShelterInsurance.com

SThrasher@ShelterInsurance.com

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

Cassville, Missouri 417-847-2141 or 417-847-2157 Shell Knob, Missouri 417-858-3151 McQueen Funeral Home Wheaton, Missouri 417-652-7268 Connection Magazine | 41

CUTEST PET

Luke 5-month-old Double Doodle, half goldendoodle, half labradoodle, fur baby of Kaylyn Bryant and Jake Whitham of Cassville.

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 42 | May 2020

RESCUED, MY FAVORITE BREED Here are a couple of special pets at Faithful Friends. They need a little extra attention, but are so loveable. Both are volunteer favorites and both could also be available under a foster agreement:

By Christa Stout

Choose your pet wisely

W

Photo courtesy of Jenn Thompson Photography

I’M LEO the cat! I’m a super affectionate guy about 15 years old. I came to Faithful Friends as a stray. I love all people/ kids and cats but I’m not a big fan of dogs.

I'm working on being litter box trained but it's a little hard with my old man bladder.

My requirements for a home are as follows…1. Snacks/Treats 2. A comfy couch to snuggle on and 3. Someone who can binge watch tv shows/movies so we don’t have a lot interruptions during our cuddle session. I have hyperthyroidism which requires a medicine once daily for the rest of my life but it isn’t so bad! I hope there is a family out there for me!

ell, I wrote April’s column about spring storms, and I am writing this one as we are in the middle of another storm, Coronavirus Pandemic!

Hopefully, by the time this column is published, this storm is on the wane, and we can all breathe a little easier.

Covid-19 is a deadly epidemic for humans, but unfortunately the effects on pets and shelters are just as critical. Because of restrictions imposed, and rightly so, shelters are functioning at minimum capacity.

For example, Faithful Friends and I are sure many other shelters, have asked their volunteers to stay home and stay safe. The pets are safe, the employees have taken over all tasks normally performed by volunteers, but the shelter has also implemented some rules relating to intake and adoptions. And donations are down, the thrift store operated by Faithful Friends has been closed due to the virus. We are all hoping and praying these restrictions may be reduced or eliminated soon.

So, let’s talk a little about adopting and breeds. I am sure many of you have a favorite dog breed in mind when adopting, but I think keeping an open mind and honestly eval-

I’M TJ! I’m a very laidback dog, about 7 years old, and I came to Faithful Friends as a stray. I’m house trained and I do well with other dogs but really prefer to be the only dog because I don’t like to be bothered when I nap. I’m not so good with cats. I’m great with kids and I love people.

I love to get back scratches and get all the attention. I know my basic commands and I’m really good on a leash. I have hip displasia so I will need a hip/joint supplement everyday to make sure my hips stay strong. I love to lay on the couch or a comfy bed most of the day. I really want a home where I can just lay on the couch all day and cuddle with my humans.

uating your lifestyle is much more important. For example, someone living in an apartment might not want to adopt a Great Dane or a Great Pyrenees. I know many of them live happily with their owners, but it is because the owners take extra care to give them the exercise and the training they need. On the other hand, many older people prefer smaller dogs, but the downside is that they may get underfoot without the owner seeing them. What would be your ideal companion?

Take a look at your environment, do you have a fenced yard, lots of room to run, or do you love to take a dog for walks or runs? Do you work 60 hours a week or can you spend time

training your dog to be a good doggy citizen? Do you want an energetic dog or a snuggling companion?

On the cat side, this is a little easier, although there seems to be a little prejudice against black cats. Really, do we still believe that black cats bring bad luck? I have had several black cats, and they were the kindest, smoochingest cats around.

And none of them brought bad luck, if anything, they sooo enhanced my life. So, it does sort of come down to which color you prefer (personally, I love calicos but would adopt any cat that snuggles), and what size, Main Coon or Domestic Shorthair.

Connection Magazine | 43

HUGE OVERSTOCK INVENTORY SALE!!!

YEAR END OVERSTOCK CLEARANCE SALE! Remodeling your house? Updating that rental?

LUZURY VINYLA PLANK...... LAMINATE...... CARPET...

PO Box 37 • 816 Broadway Monett, MO 65708 jjfloor@suddenlinkmail.com

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

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

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

And here is a good way to figure out what you like and dislike in pets, FOSTER! This allows you to spend time with a cat or dog that needs some special attention, maybe because it needs some rest after a surgical procedure, is going through a heartworm regimen, or just needs a little extra loving and attention because it had a sad past.

Fostering allows you to get to know a pet.

And please, don’t overlook seniors, many dogs are considered seniors from the age of 7 on, but they truly have many more years of great life! My 14-year-old lab acts like a youngster at times and still enjoys chasing squirrels up a tree. Except for her gray muzzle, she doesn’t look like a senior. Actually, all three of my dogs would be considered seniors, the 13-year-old terrier and the 8-year-old German Shepherd, but all of them are happy and spry pups. I have had several cats that lived happily to the ripe old age of 18 and 19.

When the shelters open up again, go visit the pets, volunteer, if you can; donate, if you can; and adopt if you can; or just enjoy being with them. They could all use some love!

Local Family Owned

Lackey Body Works Collision Repair Specialist

1701 S. Elliott • Aurora, Mo.

417-678-4205

www.lackeybodyworks.com 44 | May 2020

Yes, cats come in all sizes and they too come with preferences, would they prefer to spend at least part of their day outside or would they prefer snuggling up next to you on the couch.

REMINDER OF THE MONTH:

Don’t forget to give heartworm and flea and tick treatments.

FAMILIAR FACES

1

2

Invited guests, dignitaries and construction crew members attended the topping out ceremony for the new Cox Monett Hospital at the construction site on Friday, Feb. 14. The topping out celebration marks a milestone by the construction crew, where the last piece of steel going into the structure is signed community members, construction team members and others involved in the project before being hoisted and secured into place.

3

4

5

6 1.

2.

3.

Naty Apostol, Melanie Chapman and Dr. Andres Apostol Louellen Honeycutt and Maura Sparks Dr. Ralph and Mary Kay Scott

7 4. Larry Shellhorn, Cathy Lewis and Kelley Carr 5. Judge Mike and Phyllis Garrett 6. Kari and Darren Bass

7. First row, from left: Matt Evans, Dustin Steiro, Jordan Bond, Scott Bishop and Dennis Cochran. Back row: Patrick oaks, Lee Thompson, Mike Frehey and Jason Wright.

Connection Magazine | 45

The Cassville Education Fund held its annual Trivia Night on March 6.

1

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

2

3

4

5

The Monett Historical Society held a St. Patrick's-themed dinner at the Monett Museum's Events Center on March 14.

1. Connie Kelley, Betty Henderson, Sandy Patterson, Greg Patterson, Dorothy Paterson 2. Ann Caraway, Alice Heim, Marney and Bessie Nowland, Donna and Tom Patterson 3. Front: Maryann Pendergraft, Mary Mael Back: Norma Clinton, Cathy Lewis, Lynn Kellhofer

1

2 46 | May 2020

Carolyn Bowen and Becky Henningson Janelle Carter and Emali Fortner Bentley Barber, Kayden Fuchs, Emma Berndt, Jackson Ray and Andrew Gray Sheryl and Errick Fuchs and Stephanie Mebruer Connie Nations, Skyler Bowman, Becka Johnson and Rachael Selby Freeman

2

1

3

5

4

6 St. Lawrence Catholic School in Monett held its annual fundraising dinner on Feb. 22 in the school's fellowship hall.

7 1. Javier Morales, Israel Patino 2. Mike Roberts, Ashley Moore, Luke Dickens, Jake Vaughn 3. Sandy Rice, Aubrey Roberts 4. Lauren Clarfelt, Laura Saunders, Susan Childress 5. Raun Batson, Jessica Kutz

6. Brooke and Patrick Dargan, Geri Schmitz, Beth Luebbering 7. Mandy Whannell, Lauryn Dickens, Alyssa Vaughn, Melanie Short

Join us for

4

3

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

5 4. Betty Pinkley, Barbara Sperry 5. David Honeycutt, Tom Wormington

6 6. Ed Hamm, Christa Stout

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

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

Connection Magazine | 47

Trout fishing season officially opened on March 1 at Roaring River State Park near Cassville.

2

1

5

4 1.

2.

3.

3

Emily Jackson, Rachael Freeman Selby, Dusty Reid Mike and Eunice Tichenor Joe and Lisa Casper

4. Gavin Upchurch, Mike Moreno 5. Johnny Neal, Aleesha and Ryan Jennings 6. Richard Witt, Rolan White, Kendra White, Ryder White, Colette Witt

6

7 7. Derek Taylor, Billy Spain, Melvin Ward, Todd Forgey, Dale Jasumback, Chris Sprenkle, Larry Zebert, Chris Jasumback (front kneeling), Levi Pfitzner, Brian Jasumback 8. Conner Russell, Earnie Thornton 9. Daniel and Sarah Beckwith, Raylynn Weeks, Gavin Mace, Emberlynn Beckwith

8 48 | May 2020

9

CONNECTION ON THE GO

Get YYour our

AffordAble Afford Able Customized Cust omized

tt-shirts -smA hir ts mAde de here! here! mAde here!

e booth spAC AvAilAble

sioN No Commis

Plymouth Junction Antiques & Flea Market

311 Broadway • Monett, MO 417-393-0511

Tues. - Sat. 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Sun. 1 - 5 p.m.

Mackinac Island and Agawa Canyon

Madison Genzer was offered an internship at Disney World in Florida as a part of the Disney College Program. The Walt Disney World College Program is a paid-internship that is offered by the Walt Disney Company. It is a 5 to 7 month program that allows participants to network with leaders, take part in personal and career development classes, and build transferable skills such as problem-solving, teamwork, guest service and effective communication.

September 25October 3 This 9-day fun-packed journey includes 12 meals as we experience: Mackinac Island, a horse-drawn carriage tour of the island & lunch at The Grand Hotel, the beautiful fall colors of the Agawa Canyon by train, Tahquamenon Falls State Park and mystery days. Come, join us!

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

Complete tour information at our Website www.makingmemoriestours.com

Call or email us for a free 2020 catalog at 888-845-9582 or office@makingmemoriestours.com

Molly McKay and Karen Roller took the Connection Magazine with them on their recent trip to Israel.

Connection Magazine | 49

PARTING SHOT Photo by Pete Rauch

Death Valley and Mount Whitney from Dante's View

"Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies — or else? The chain reaction of evil — hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars — must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation."

-­­­Martin Luther King, Jr. 50 | May 2020

Advertiser Index A List Properties................................18 Acambaro Mexican...........................19 Aire Serv................................................ 8 Barry Lawrence Regional Library..... 3 Bill Vance Marine..............................38 Bruner Pharmacy...............................21 Cappy Harris Realtors......................40 Coast to Coast ..................................40 Community National Bank..............30 Cox Monett........................................52 Cubs Café...........................................44 Diet Center.........................................29 Doug's Pro Lube................................10 Edward Jones....................................... 5 First State Bank of Purdy................12 Fohn Funeral Home..........................41 Four Seasons Real Estate................15 Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri. .......................................................... 8 Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant....... ........................................................12 J&J Floor Covering...........................44 Johnson Chiropractic.......................36 Ken's Collision Center......................14 Kiddie City..........................................19 Lackey Body Works..........................44 Lil Boom Town Event........................18 Making Memories.............................49 Midwest Metal Roof........................... 2 Missouri Farm Bureau......................15 Ozark Methodist Manor..................21 Peppers and Co.................................21 Plymouth Junction............................49 Race Brothers...................................... 2 Real Life Church Monett.................29 Riehn, J. Michael; attorney..............36 Roaring River Health & Rehab........14 Rusty Gate Flea Market...................41 Security Bank of Southwest Missouri ........................................................21 Shelter Insurance..............................41 Shelter Insurance..............................38 The Coffee Cafe................................47 The Farmer's Daughter....................40 The Jane Store...................................18 Tomblin's Jewelry..............................29 Trogdon Marshall..............................51 VisionHealth Eye Center.................10 White's Insurance.............................19 Whitley Pharmacy.............................15

AUTO • HOME • FARM BUSINESS • BONDS

www.trogdoninsurance.com

P.O. Box 405 • 111 S. Market St. • Mt. Vernon

TROGDON AGENCY, INC.

417.466.2800 • fax: 417.466.3066

SERVING SOUTHWEST MISSOURI SINCE 1907

Toll Free: 1.800.748.7756

Don’t miss out on another month!

FREE

MBER

SEPTE

FREE

2019

FREE

OCTO

FREE

ER 2019

NOVEMB

DECEM

BER 201

BER 201

Fall Festi CORN vals MA

9

9

MAKE ZES CHAN GES

Healing

Heart

High iny the Sk

WHEN TOUC CANCER HES HO ME

ng Coachi nd Lege

rdson Richa out ht broug best the

d Dressere withtyCa group

FOR ATED

Chari sses es dre provid et need to me

FREE

| 1

azine A MAGA ion Mag Connect ZINE DE DIC

ATED

TO

Pumpki SEAS

TO SO

Y 2020 NUAR

GA A MA

giving Thanksmories Me DERS

GRA THIRD IN WEIGH

On sons past les

aking es in m ls shar orial S m tt Meta URIAN Mone nal 9/11 Me MISSO HWEST tio UT Na SO of

ERQUE ALBUQU N FIESTA BALLOO

Bang

SC TEACH IENTIST ES BIB LE

hool of Star Sc e-room

ed Honor GE DEDIC ZINE

The Big

UTHW

EST MIS

harvest

Harmony

n

ON

SOUR

IANS

JA

Always Be Kind

Keep Going

ICER ARMY OFF HER TELLS LO RY CA STOL

SH OP

HOLID AY SAL

P CHAM e na

Jason

De

ME OWTI IT ’S SH tists’ Guild

Ar Monett

Y HAPP RY ERSA

Happily

IV as Barnab Camp GET FIT 20 IN 20 YMCA

ANN

THE

y ountr Big C

TAKE

A GA

NDE

R AT

M ING M A KR S TOU D CATE

DI E DE

GAZIN A MA

TO

RI EMO

RIA SSOU

EST MI

HW SOUT

ES NS

ES

FREE

AL FESTIV OZARK TRA, DEC. 15 ORCHES

Connection

FREE

S

FA M IL

VISIT TH

Y TR IP

E TREE

| 1

MAGA ZIN

E DED

ICATED TO

GI FT

FARM

GIFTS

SOUTHW

EST MIS

SOURIA

S

FA IR

THAT

GIVE

NS

20

FREE

BRIDGE HOME

FEBRUA

RY 2020

60 years in shell knob

APRIL 202

0

EASTER TRADITION

SPECIA SECTIO L

shared valu

Lawn & NS Gard p. 11 en Shell Kno b Cale p. 45 ndar

e

EVER AF Love Son gs

zine Maga A

H 20

MARC

BMX

CHCRomISmTunMitay

S LEADER SCHOOL DNESS TALK KIN

INTERIOR DESIGN

REXANNA HOOD

TER

AUTISM AID new options

An Ame rican Trad ition

Forever

Frie

nds The Mar eths’ Stor y New Ven

The Barn

to Rest

ue

at Bear Ridg

& Recoun t HOM E

e

Love is.. .

Kids expl

ain

A MAGAZIN

E DEDICAT

ED TO SOU

THWEST

OURIA

MISSOU

RIANS Connection

417-847-2610 Cassville Office

Magazine

TED DICA

SS EST MI

NS

UTHW

TO SO

A MAGAZIN

E DEDICAT

E DE

| 1

GAZIN A MA

ED TO SOU

THWEST

MISSOU

RIANS

417-235-3135

Mone Office

Have Connection delivered right to your doorstep for $40 a year.

Subscribe. Call today!

Connection Magazine | 51