Connection June 2016

FREE

Thankr

Dad Miracle maker

She beat cancer

Father’s mission

Boys Ranch success

Always a father

Happy beginnings

Make your list

Numerous ways to play A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians

JUNE 2016

2 | JUNE 2016

a tribute to fathers, daddies, papas, pops and Dads ď ™ sushytska | fotolia.com

Father’s Day Edition

8 Daddy to-dos Many options for spending quality time

15 Forever her father

Other features: 43 Home meals

Seniors benefit from delivery service

48 Great feast of beast

Max Akers makes room in his heart

Local farmer raises bison

29 Fathering many

Lenora Mills survives serious illness to help others

for a new daughter

Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch brings up young men

35 Filling the need

Cub Scouts provided male guidance

59 Miracles happen

64 Monett Area Workshop

Disabled work program garners full circle success

67 Managing practice

Roark Family Health develops innovative payment program

June 2016 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 3

www.edwardjones.com A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians

PUBLISHER Jacob Brower connection@monett-times.com EDITOR Kyle Troutman editor@cassville-democrat.com Marketing director Lisa Craft community@monett-times.com ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVES Sheila Harris James Craig Marion Chrysler

Living in the Now, Preparing for the Future Learn how you can redefine your savings approach toward education and retirement.

Call or visit a financial advisor today.

Shane A Boyd

Jeramie Grosenbacher, CFP速

802 West Street Cassville, MO 65625 417-847-5238

Financial Advisor 1418 South Elliott Aurora, MO 65605 417-678-0277 1-866-678-0277

Jim Haston

Nathan Roetto AAMS速

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

7 East Broadway Monett, MO 65708 417-235-8216

594 North Spring Park Blvd Mt. Vernon, MO 65712 417-466-4620

Donald E Weber

Nicole Weber

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

Financial Advisor

100 Chapel Drive, Suite B Monett, MO 65708 236-2819

603 Dairy St. Monett, MO 65708 417-235-7465

Scott Young Financial Advisor

1418 S. Elliott Aurora, MO 65605 417-678-2102

MKT-1926A-A

4 | JUNE 2016

Member SIPC

CONTRIBUTORS Murray Bishoff Meagan Ruffing Nancy Ridgley Shawn Hayden Darlene Wierman Melonie Roberts Sheila Harris Susan Funkhouser Pam Wormington Brad Stillwell Jared Lankford Julia Kilmer Jennifer Conner Anne Angle Dionne Zebert Jane Severson Verna Fry Angie Judd Cheryl Williams Sierra Gunter PHOTOGRAPHERS Chuck Nickle Brad Stillwell Jamie Brownlee Amy Sampson 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 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.

SUMMER SALE

ON OUR HOME EQUITY LINE!

HURRY, THIS DEAL WON’T LAST. arvest.com/summer

Member FDIC

Promotional offer applies to the 5-Year Variable Rate HELOC product only. The APR is variable and is based upon the value of an index known as the Wall Street Journal U.S. Prime Rate, plus a margin. The APR will vary daily with the Wall Street Journal Prime Rate. Rates and APRs are subject to change without notice, but will not exceed 21% APR. As of April 26, 2016, the sale rates for the 5-Year Variable Rate HELOC ranged from 3.50 % to 6.25%, resulting in APRs from 3.52% to 7.49%. Advertised sale rates reflect additional 0.25% auto-debit discount. Cannot be combined with other discounts.

Sale rates are available for new lines of credit only, for consumers with 640 minimum credit score, and minimum loan amounts of $5,000 up to a maximum of $300,000. Line must be secured by an owner-occupied, single-family primary or secondary residence (excluding mobile homes) with a combined loan-to-value less than 85%. Property insurance will be required. Fees include $150 application fee; additional appraisal/title fees and other third-party fees may apply. You may choose one of three monthly payment options – (1) accrued interest plus 0.50% of the principal balance; or (2) accrued interest plus 1% of the principal balance; or (3) accrued interest only. If the loan is advanced 90 percent or more at closing, you cannot choose the interest-only option. At maturity, you will be required to pay the balance in a single “balloon” payment.

Consult your tax advisor for deductibility. Offer valid for applications received from May 31, 2016 – August 1, 2016. All loans subject to credit approval. Rates available at all Arvest locations. Loans must be for consumer purpose only.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 5

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

Big store with a lot of stuff!

Whitley’s has your

Spring and Summer Home Accessories and Florals!

Come see us for all the latest styles!

Whitley Pharmacy 101 West 8th, Cassville, “on the Square” 417-847-2722 or 417-847-2717

6 | JUNE 2016

862-4378

2310 W Kearney, Springfield

358-3592

2309 Fairlawn Dr., Carthage

Photo by Ana Lesue, see more photo submissons on page 52.

Contents 21 Proud Parent contest 23 Healthy Connection 25 Bottles & Brews

JOIN US ONLINE: facebook.com/MyConnectionMo twitter.com/myconnection_mo

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

Email it to connection@monett-times.com

26 Recipes: Dad’s favorites 47 Cutest Pet contest

51 Community Calendar 52 Photo Submissions 70 Familiar Faces

73 My Connection 74 Parting Shot

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 7

Backyard adventures

from A-Z 8 | JUNE 2016

Father’s Day Edition

Parenting column

Who knew

there were so many fun things to do in your own back yard? I recently took my kids to play on their swing set outside and I think they had just as much fun doing that than when I took them to the local museum. So I asked myself, why do I run around all the time taking them to ‘fun’ places when I have fun things in my own back yard? Here are 26 activities you can do with your kids this summer.

Ants on a log.

Grab a few sticks of celery, put some peanut butter on them and sprinkle on some raisins for a yummy treat. These snacks are also known as “Ants on a Log” and they are the perfect pick-me-up for any time of the day.

Bubbles!

Who doesn’t love bubbles? Pick up a couple of packs the next time you’re at the store so you always have a go-to stash at home.

Chalk. Sidewalk chalk

is perfect for writing and drawing on the back deck.

If you have a cement slab, even better! Hose it down with water for a clean slate every time.

Draw. Grab some coloring

books, crayons, markers and stickers.

Set up a little art studio on your patio table and let your child’s imagination soar.

Enjoy!

Enjoy each other’s company doing things you love.

Ride bikes, plant flowers, stare at the clouds and make up funny shapes. Kids like to be outside. It doesn’t really matter what you’re doing. Just get out there have fun.

Fetch. Play fetch

with your dog. It’s great exercise for Fido and your kids.

Games. Let your

kids make up their own games with each other while you sit

on the back deck and read a book.

Think grocery store, school, restaurant, army guys, etc.

Hula hoop. When

is the last time you hula hooped? Grade school?

Pick up a couple of hula hoops at the store and teach your kids how it’s done. Giggles and exercise will be had by all.

Ice cream. Flag down the neighborhood ice cream truck for a sweet treat or make your own ice cream cones and enjoy them outside.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 9

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Jump rope. Teach your

kiddos how to jump rope this summer and help build their confidence for gym time when school starts up again in the fall.

Kite. Depending on how big your back yard is, you may be able to fly a kite with your kids in your own yard. If you have a smaller space, read a book about kites or even, make your own kite.

Listen to music.

Bring your iPod outside and play your music to get you and the kids dancing. Make up tunes on your own and choreograph dance routines together. This will be sure to produce lots of laughs and memorable moments.

Mow the lawn. No, not really. But get your kid’s fake mower out and let him ‘cut’ the grass while you pull weeds or lay down fresh mulch. It’s fun to keep things tidy around the house when everyone feels like they are contributing.

It’s the little things that matter the most.

Nests. Go on a ‘hike’ looking for birds’ nests.

Don’t touch them but point to the nests and teach your kids about how they are made.

Open a lemonade stand. This is a fun and easy

way for your kids to learn a little about entrepreneurship. They will have loads of fun making signs, mixing the lemonade and earning money.

Pictures. Kids love taking

pictures. Grab a cheap camera that you don’t mind them holding onto and let them snap away.

The best part is seeing what they captured on film.

Quarters.

Have a little pick-up party and ask your kids to clean up any trash, old toys and junk that might be loitering the yard. Tell them they can earn a quarter every time they find something to put away and organize.

Relax and Read.

Have a couple of books nearby to read to the kids on a breezy summer day.

There is nothing better than laying down together and reading your favorite children’s book on a beautiful day.

Swing. Whether you

have a baby in a baby swing or an elementary school child, get out there and swing. It is a great way to pass the day away and enjoy the swing set together.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 11

Tie dye T-shirts.

This is such a fun activity to do outside. Grab a plastic bin, fill it with water and grab some dye at the store. Get some white shirts and rubber band them up, soak the shirts in the water and lay them out in the sun on the grass. When they have dried completely, take off the rubber bands and model your new shirts.

Under the blankets. Grab old sheets and towels and build yourself a fort. Hang the sheets from the play set or deck area and let your kids hide underneath for a break from the sun. Let them bring some little trinkets with them to play in their new hideout.

Vacation. Pretend

you guys are going on a vacation and pack your bags. Kids love to pack their stuff when they go on trips.

Why not let them pack their bags for a vacation outside? It would be a fun way to change things up from the normal day-to-day play, and it would be neat to see what they decide to pack in their bags.

Water balloons!

You knew this one was coming. Let loose. Fill up those balloons and get to it. Your kids will think you are the coolest parent ever.

Yard games.

There are some really fun games out there for kids to play. Think horseshoes (plastic ones), bean bag toss, and water guns.

Zoo.

Pretend your back yard is a zoo and there are animals all around you. Act out animal sounds, and teach your kiddos which

animals make which noise. Take it a step further and bring your laptop outside. Pull up different animal sounds on the computer and play them for your children. This is a super fun way to play pretend while teaching something practical at the same time.

“X� marks the spot.

Go on a treasure hunt with your kids.

Pretend that there is a hidden treasure in your yard with a map, clues and gold coins.

12 | JUNE 2016

Meagan Ruffing is constantly in her back yard, whether she wants to be or not. She has three small children who keep her swinging, sliding and running all summer long. Visit her at MeaganRuffing.com for more fun reads and on Facebook where she posts about all things mothering.

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Foster dad fosters relationship with new daughter.

Sadie finds hope and a forever home

I

t has often been said that fathers and daughters share a special bond. In the case of Max Akers and his newly-adopted daughter Sadie, that bond is just as strong.

Nearly nine years ago, Max and Emily Akers started Royal Family Kids’ Camps as a ministry and fun outlet just for foster children to attend summer camp — a one-week period of time where they can truly feel and receive the rarest form of love — unconditional love.

“Our job is to give these children the love that God has shown us while we have them,” said Max Akers.

In addition to the task of directing a camp, the Akers have three biological children of their own — Max works as a full-time school teacher, and Emily as a homemaker — yet they feel they are right where they need to be.

“It’s what we feel the Lord has led us to do,” Max said. “To care for those we feel have not had the same love of Christ that we have had. A lot of kids come with baggage and we give them Christ’s unconditional love.”

The camp offers all the same activities that any other summer camp would, but in a non-threatening, noncompetitive, family atmosphere that recognizes the unique needs of abused and neglected children.

After three years of directing the camp, their own children asked them why they do the ministry, but weren’t a

Story by Julia Kilmer | Photos courtesy

Max Akers sharing father-daughter time with Sadie Akers (on his right), his three foster daughters, and biological daughter Katherine Akers, just before belt testing at Rosenbach Warrior Training Branch Martial Arts Center in Cassville. Max, Lyra-Ann and Katherine became black belts in December.

foster family themselves.

“We replied that we didn’t want them to feel we were looking for someone else to love over them,” Akers said, “and they were all in favor of us being able to share love with someone else that might need it. So Emily and I became trained as foster and adoptive parents, and we started fostering five years ago.”

While both serve in mother-father roles as foster parents, Max Akers found a special place in the heart of his newly-adopted daughter, Sadie.

“I first met Sadie when she was 9 years old when she came to RFKC,” he said. “We were given a laundry list of things to be leery of with Sadie due to her past, but had a wonderful week of camp. Unfortunately, Sadie never returned to camp even though she could have for a couple more years. Many people say they could not be a foster parent because they could never let their children go back to where they came from, but we know that the Lord has a plan and each of these children are a gift from Him.”

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 15

The Akers’ biological son, Joshua Akers, who volunteers as a camp counselor, helps campers with their lures at a camp activity at Roaring River State Park. (below) Counselors create a tunnel for campers to enter their “birthday party,” a special, corporate-style event where it is everyone’s birthday and campers are thrown a big party and receive birthday presents.

Campers from Royal Family Kids’ Camp at Promised Land Zoo.

After failed adoptions, the Akers invited Sadie to live with them.

“From the moment Sadie walked into our family, she belonged,” Max said. “She knew it, and we knew it. She was ready to be adopted by us because she felt as though we were her forever family.”

On Dec. 16, 2015, Sadie became a part of the Akers clan, along with 9-year-old Zachary on Oct. 28.

“I first went to the camp when I was 9,” Sadie recalled. “I remember going to their camp when I was a kid, and doing activity time and Emily helping me and talking to me, and Max helping me with the archery.”

From a young age, Sadie, now 16,

16 | JUNE 2016

experienced emotional and physical abuse and neglect, from which she is grateful to be free.

“I dreamt of a mom and dad for several years who would love me, treat me right, have fun with me and not be abusive, and Max and Emily are all of that,” she said. “I am grateful for parents who don’t resort to violence. It took me a long time to understand that being hit is not normal. The first day I was here, I felt at home, I felt safe. My other foster parents got mad because I wouldn’t call them ‘mom and dad,’ but it didn’t feel right to me. But the first day, I asked if I could call them mom and dad. It just feels like I made it home, and from there, everything went great.”

Campers from Royal Family Kids’ Camp hiking at Roaring River State Park.

Happy home Sadie, who wants to be a forensic scientist or homicide investigator, said she would not change anything from her past.

“I decided I couldn’t have survived all that [I’ve been through] without God, so I accepted him into my life when I was 12. I feel like, if I changed one little thing, everything I worked hard for wouldn’t mean the same thing.”

Now she enjoys the same activities that other families, and father-daughter duos, do.

“We do martial arts together, we go hunting, sometimes we have heart-to-heart talks,” she said.

Along with fun times, come lessons, too.

Bible story time at the camp, led by Emily Akers. The Akers strive to create a camp environment where foster children feel safe, and most importantly, loved. Staff are referred to as grandma, grandpa, aunts and uncles.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 17

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GOSPEL SINGING Friday, JUNE 10 • 6:30 p.m.

CHURCH SERVICES:

Sunday School: 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Sunday Service: 10:30 - 11:30 a.m.

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“When I do something that’s not a smart choice, he will say he’s disappointed, but will also help me not make that choice again,” Sadie said.

“When I got consequences before, I’d be mad, but now, I thank my parents because it helps me make better decisions. As strange as that is for a teenager to thank her parents for getting on to them, it’s true.”

He also has a pet name for her.

“He calls me his “redheaded stepchild,” laughs Sadie, who is, in fact, a redhead. “It’s almost as if I’m not adopted, I’m just theirs. It was meant to be. It just feels natural.”

Sadie now volunteers as support staff for the camp, helping foster children who are where she once was.

“My perspective now that I’m on the other side of the fence is mind blowing,” she said. “It’s hard seeing those kids and knowing I was there, but that gives me hope, because I am out of that situation. We are a family with children who need love and a home, and we make a home for them in our hearts. It unfortunately only lasts a week, and I want them to have a permanent home. These kids are be-

Max and Emily Akers with Judge Johnnie Cox and Sadie on adoption day.

ing exposed to God, and they are being taught that there’s something to look forward to, and if they’re not being loved, they know that there is someone here who loves them.”

With a permanent home, family, and outlet to help other children, Sadie is living proof circumstances can change, and feels grateful, not only for the blessings she can count now, but even those she can’t yet count, but is certain are coming. “…and for plenty more to come,” she said. 

Max Akers, Sadie Akers (background) and his foster daughters decorate the family Christmas tree.

The Akers family shares a tea party with Sadie Akers (left end), biological daughters Katherine Akers and Lyra-Ann Akers, Taner Catlett, Max Akers, adopted son Zachary Akers and their three foster daughters.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 19

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Proud parent

June 2016

Brayden Ginn is the son of Landon and Alisha Ginn of Shell Knob. Brayden is June’s cutest kid.

Congratulations, Brayden!

Are you a proud parent?

If so, take this opportunity to show off that cute kid of yours.

We invite you to share a photo of your child to be featured in Connection’s very own proud parent cutest kid contest.

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.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 21

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Healthy connection wollertz | fotolia.com

Preserve your produce

S

ummer is the perfect time to enjoy the taste of locally grown fresh fruits and vegetables. Whether you are participating in a community garden, growing your own produce, or shopping at the local farmers’ market, now is the time to enjoy the sweet taste of a strawberry or the juiciness of a ripe tomato.

But what do you do when your harvest is more than your family can eat? There are many ways to preserve your produce so you can enjoy it all year long.

The five most popular methods of preservation include canning, pickling, fermenting, freezing, and dehydrating. For most produce, it is best to preserve within 24 hours of harvesting. Produce that has been preserved properly typically can be stored safely for up to a year.

Canning

There are two popular methods of canning: a hot water bath and pressure canning. The hot water bath is used for acidic foods such as tomatoes, fruit, jams and jellies. The filled jars are placed in hot water for varying times, depending on the food. To eliminate the risk of C. botulinum — bacteria that can cause food borne illness — pressure canning must be used for low acidity foods, such as vegetables. Only by heating the vegetables to temperatures above 240oF in a pressure canner will the bacteria spores be killed.

For more information and instructions on how to preserve produce, check out the USDA’s free publication at nchfp.uga.edu/publications/publications_ usda.html or contact your local MU Extension Office.

To see what food preservation classes are available in your area, visit extension.missouri.edu/calendar/ DisplayEvents.aspx?R=Y. Also, check out the MU Extension’s Seasonal and Simple App that gives a guide to local farmer’s markers and tips on selecting, preparing and storing Missouri produce.

LISA BUCK, R.D., LD is a registered dietitian at the Center for Health Improvement at Cox Monett Hospital. She obtained her bachelor’s degree in dietetics and Spanish from Missouri State University and is working on a master’s degree in public health. Lisa is passionate about international development work and has volunteered throughout Central America working in the area of health education and promotion.

In her free time, Lisa enjoys biking, running and all things outdoors.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 23

Happy Father’s Day!

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From the employees

at Freezing

Freezing is a good option for fruits you might use for smoothies and vegetables such as broccoli, carrots, peas, and corn. Most vegetables require blanching (a short boil) before freezing to destroy any microorganisms and stop enzyme activity and vitamin loss. While some of the texture might be lost after thawing, these vegetables can be a great addition to a stir-fry, baked goods and soups.

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24 | JUNE 2016

Dehydrating Pickling and fermenting Pickling and fermenting, two of the oldest food preservation methods, use salt and/or vinegar to prevent bacteria growth. Popular produce to pickle and ferment includes cucumbers, cabbage and beets. It is important to use canning or pickling salt rather than table salt in the process. Certain recipes exist for low-sodium pickling options, but be sure to follow closely the salt, vinegar, and water proportions to prevent bacteria growth.

Dehydrating removes all water from the produce which prevents mold or bacteria from growing. Fruits can be dried in their natural form or pureed to make fruit leathers.

Herbs and seeds are also great for dehydrating. The easiest and most effective method of drying is to use a commercially-made dehydrator, although using a conventional oven at a low temperature with the door cracked is also an option. Dehydrated foods should be kept in a tightlysealed container in a dark place.

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A smooth-finishing vodka, Ketel One was voted the No. 1 best-selling vodka in Drink International’s 50 Best Bars Brand Report this year. Although experts say it should be stirred and not shaken like silver screen spy James Bond prefers, the historic import is perfect for mixing with vermouth and brine from green olives to create a classic and tasty martini.

Schlafly Summer Lager Another Missouri musthave, especially with its namesake month on the horizon, Schlafly Summer Ale is made in St. Louis.

A light, Helles-style lager following the German tradition, the Summer Ale is a smooth, more hoppy alternative to typical American lagers. It has received an 81 out of 100 rating from 103 reviewers on BeerAdvocate.com.

Boulevard Tank 7 Bell’s Amber Ale Based in Galesburg, Mich., Bell’s Brewery boasts its Bell’s Amber Ale as a beer that balances a mixture of toasted grain and light caramel notes with a range of floral, citrus and herbal hop notes. Sold year-round, the brew earned a 97 out of 100 rating, considered world class, from The Bros at BeerAdvocate.com, and an 87 out of 100 among 929 reviewers.

A Missouri staple brewed

by Boulevard Brewing Company in Kansas City, Tank 7 is sold in fourpacks due to its high alcohol content, at 8.5 percent. A saison/farmhouse ale, Tank 7 starts with a fruity aroma, tapering off to a dry, delicious finish. Best enjoyed out of a goblet, Tank 7 pairs well with herb-roasted chicken or pork. The brew has earned a 93 out of 100 rating among 971 reviewers on BeerAdvocate.com.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 25

Recipes Whisky Grilled Baby Back Ribs Ingredients 2 (2 pound) slabs baby back pork ribs coarsely ground black pepper 1 tablespoon ground red chile pepper 2-1/4 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/2 cup minced onion 1-1/2 cups water 1/2 cup tomato paste 1/2 cup white vinegar 1/2 cup brown sugar 2-1/2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

2 teaspoons salt 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper 1-1/4 teaspoons liquid smoke flavoring 2 teaspoons whiskey 2 teaspoons garlic powder 1/4 teaspoon paprika 1/2 teaspoon onion powder 1 tablespoon dark molasses 1/2 tablespoon ground red chile pepper

Directions n Preheat oven to 300 degree F.

Tex-Mex Burger with Cajun Mayo Ingredients 1/2 cup mayonnaise 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning 1-1/3 pounds ground beef sirloin 1 jalapeño pepper, seeded and chopped 1/2-cup diced white onion 1 clove garlic, minced 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce 4 slices pepper jack cheese 4 hamburger buns, split 4 leaves lettuce 4 slices tomato

n Cut each full rack of ribs in half, so that you have 4 half racks. Sprinkle salt and pepper (more pepper than salt), and 1 tablespoon chile pepper over meat. Wrap each half rack in aluminum foil.

Bake for 2-1/2 hours. n Meanwhile, heat oil in a medium sauce pan over medium heat. Cook and stir the onions in oil for 5 minutes. Stir in water, tomato paste, vinegar, brown sugar, honey, and Worcestershire sauce.

Season with 2 teaspoons salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, liquid smoke, whiskey, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, dark molasses, and 1/2 tablespoon ground chile pepper. Bring mixture to a boil, then reduce heat. Simmer for 1-1/4 hours, uncovered, or until sauce thickens.

Remove from heat, and set sauce aside. n Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. n Remove the ribs from the oven, and let stand 10 minutes. Remove the racks from the foil, and place on the grill. Grill the ribs for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Brush sauce on the ribs while they’re grilling, just before you serve them (adding it too early will burn it).

Directions n Preheat grill for medium-high heat. In a small bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Set aside. n In a large bowl, mix together the ground sirloin, jalapeño pepper, onion, garlic, 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning, and Worcestershire sauce using your hands. Divide into 4 balls, and flatten into patties. n Lightly oil the grilling surface, and place the patties on the grill. Cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until well done. During the last 2 minutes, lay a slice of cheese on top of each patty. Spread the seasoned mayonnaise onto the insides of the buns. Put burgers in the buns, and top with lettuce and tomato to serve.

Blue Ribbon Chili Ingredients 2 pounds ground beef 1/2 onion, chopped 1 teaspoon ground black pepper 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt 2-1/2 cups tomato sauce 1 (8 ounce) jar salsa 4 tablespoons chili seasoning mix 1 (15 ounce) can light red kidney beans 1 (15 ounce) can dark red kidney beans

Directions n In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the ground beef and the onion and sauté for 10 minutes, or until meat is browned and onion is tender. Drain grease, if desired. n Add the ground black pepper, garlic salt, tomato sauce, salsa, chili seasoning mix and kidney beans.

Mix well, reduce heat to low and simmer for at least an hour.

26 | JUNE 2016

Please him this Father’s Day with these Dad-approved recipes!

Father’s Day Casserole Ingredients 1 (16 ounce) package bulk pork sausage 3 cups frozen hash brown potatoes, thawed 1/4 cup milk, or as needed 1 (16 ounce) can refrigerated buttermilk biscuit dough 1-1/2 cups shredded Mexican cheese blend 5 eggs

Directions n Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F. Grease a 9x13-inch baking dish.

Dad’s Breakfast Pizza Ingredients cooking spray 1 pound bacon, chopped 2 (12 ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits (10 biscuits per can) 1 teaspoon butter 12 eggs 1 small onion, chopped 1/2 green bell pepper, chopped 2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions

n Heat a large skillet over medium high heat and stir in the sausage.

Cook and stir until the sausage is crumbly, evenly browned, and no longer pink, about 5 minutes.

Drain and discard any excess grease. Stir in the hash brown potatoes, cooking and stirring until potatoes are browned, about 5 minutes more. n Line the bottom of the prepared baking dish with a layer of buttermilk biscuits, splitting the biscuits in half to completely cover the dish. Spread the sausage and hash brown mixture evenly over the biscuits, and sprinkle the Mexican cheese on top. Whisk together the eggs and milk in a bowl, and pour over the cheese. n Bake in the preheated oven until the eggs set, about 25 minutes.

n Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray a 9x12-inch baking sheet with cooking spray. n Cook the bacon in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring often, until the bacon is browned and crisp, about 10 minutes. Remove bacon pieces with a slotted spoon, and drain on paper towels. n Open up the cans of biscuits, separate the biscuits, and arrange onto the prepared baking sheet so they touch. Press the biscuit dough down to seal them together into a crust that covers the baking sheet. n Bake in the preheated oven until the crust is slightly cooked and very lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Do not overbake. Remove from oven. n Melt the butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat until the foam disappears. Beat the eggs in a bowl, and pour the eggs into the hot skillet. Use a spatula to lift and gently stir the eggs just until set, but still moist, 3 to 4 minutes. Arrange the lightly scrambled eggs on the semi-baked biscuit crust. Top with the cooked bacon, onion, and green pepper; spread the Cheddar cheese all over the pizza. Season to taste with salt and black pepper. n Return to oven, and bake on the top rack until the cheese is melted and bubbling and has begun to brown, about 10 more minutes.

Sirloin Steak with Garlic Butter Ingredients 1/2 cup butter 2 teaspoons garlic powder 4 cloves garlic, minced 4 pounds beef top sirloin steaks salt and pepper to taste

Directions n Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat. n In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium-low heat with garlic powder and minced garlic. Set aside. n Sprinkle both sides of each steak with salt and pepper. n Grill steaks 4 to 5 minutes per side, or to desired doneness.

When done, transfer to warmed plates. Brush tops liberally with garlic butter, and allow to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 27

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Out-of-the-box methods have 93 percent success rate

Southwest Missouri ranch offers another option for at-risk boys

W

here can a parent at wits end find help for a son struggling with behavior or delinquency issues after all else has failed? It’s at the Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch in Lampe.

With a success rate of more than 92 percent, the ranch and its staff, whose vision is changing the way America

Story by Julia Kilmer | Photos courtesy

saves at-risk youth, reconstructs lives with simple wisdom that is counter to anything society has to offer.

The idea was born after Ken and Sheila Ortman, who, while serving in a prison ministry many years ago, tried to help a young man on probation, but he was stealing from them. The man ended up back in prison, and the couple asked what could they have done

Boys get together for a picture at Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch in Lampe, which helps transform behavior in at-risk boys, and reconstruct lives.

to help him find a different outcome.

The man, whose name was Bobby, answered, “You should’ve helped me when I was 14, not 34.”

The experience made the Ortmans think.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 29

“

They learn cooking, housekeeping, gardening, and occasionally, computer and appliance repair.”

30 | JUNE 2016

Later, they took in a 9-year-old boy who had never lasted more than two days in a foster home, but the unexpected happened.

“God changed his life,” Ortman remembers. “So our friends suggested if the boy could change that dramatically, we should do this full-time. We sold our dairy farm in South Dakota and moved here, where we already had 27 acres to retire to.”

The Ortmans used the land to develop a unique concept to help young boys have better lives, before it was too late.

Today, 33 years later, they operate a 164-acre ranch, with an additional 173 acres nearby with staff housing, a beef herd and hay fields.

The Ortmans don’t use clinical psychology, medication or any of society’s remedies to change behavior.

Boys at the Lives Under Construction Ranch take care of animals at the farm and here, take the horses out for some exercise.

They just use God’s Word and good old-fashioned elbow grease.

“Generally, our program works because it’s pretty intensive physically,” he said. “We go out all summer with crews helping people in the community mowing lawns, helping people move, and those kinds of jobs. We do not use behavior modification programs or medication. A lot of times when kids come with labels like Attention Deficit and Oppositional Defiance, people have lowered their expectations, but I think that’s generally counterproductive. They do have ability, they just haven’t decided to use it.”

The boys haul hay, do chores and take care of animals on the farm, which butchers its own beef and pork.

The boys also learn a trade at the small or large engine shops or welding and woodworking shops, and gain self-esteem and purpose. They also help the community, and learn basic life skills.

“We raise about 3,000 trees they help grow and sell in the community to raise money for the ranch,” Ortman said. “They learn cooking, housekeeping, gardening, and occasionally, computer and appliance repair.”

Boys go through a screening process, range from ages 7 to 21, and the average stay is 15-21 months. If under 16, they are referred by parents. If older, they are still placed by parents, but are typically on probation and a judge or juvenile officer has referred them.

Another fact that makes the ranch

unique is it does not rely on county, state or federal funds, and is not affiliated with any church denomination.

Parents pay on a sliding scale, farm projects and a thrift store contribute some funds, and the remainder, about 65 percent, comes from donations.

“Around ages 12 to 15 is when a lot of choices are made that end up success or failure in society,” said Ortman, who believes a sense of entitlement and selfishness is the root of most behavior problems. “Every poor decision originates from selfishness, whether from drugs, stealing, destroying property or sexual issues. We believe only God can change a heart. Our counseling is based on Biblical principles. We have a Bible study every day, devotions after supper

At Lives Under Construction, at-risk boys attend school to stay up on their studies. The ranch helps change negative behavior patterns into positive ones, and helps at-risk boys develop work ethic and gain self-esteem and purpose.

and go to church every Sunday. The boys also attend school.”

Ken Perdue, who was sent to the ranch by his father at age 14, can attest the program works.

“I’m a believer in the program because it is so successful,” he said. “Usually, with the state and federal programs, it’s quite the opposite. I was living in Shell Knob and going to school in Cassville. A group of us boys would fight and started to break some laws.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 31

“I viewed it as juvenile detention when my dad took me there, so I was pretty opposed to it. But it was a tremendous experience. It taught me a lot of values that I would never have learned, like sticking to something whether you’re getting paid or not. My enjoyment now is working on the farm or doing volunteer activities, which is counterproductive to today’s culture, but that’s where I find my peace.”

Perdue said during his four-month stay, he dug fence posts, removed nails, shoveled manure, weeded gardens and mowed lawns. At the time, he didn’t like it.

“It was not fun while going through the program because I had to learn a lot of discipline, but I learned work skills, and that it was about pleasing God and having self-satisfaction, and just how rewarding that was,” he said. “Also, there are rewards and consequences for everything you do.”

Today, Perdue is National Manager of Sustainability for Staples, where he has worked for 28 years, and he and his wife donate time and resources to the ranch.

Bobby Corbin, community work coordinator, schedules work in the community, and oversees the vocational-technical programs and safety.

“I do mowing contracts to help the boys earn money and build work ethic,” he said. “It is really amazing to see them begin to enjoy working, and it’s interesting to see them get away from video games and find their niche.

“It’s just the generation we’re dealing with. They don’t get enough exercise. We help develop a good, hard work ethic that will take them far in life, and help them see the [fruit of their] efforts.

“Our motto is teaching them to become capable, committed Christians. Part of that is to not feel like the world owes you something. You need to go out and work for and earn it, and be glad to have the opportunity to do that.” 

32 | JUNE 2016

Boys help spread concrete to reconstruct a gym floor, which is just one of many work projects they do to build work ethic and self-esteem at the Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch in Lampe.

Boys learn how to repair engines in the large engine repair shop at the Lives Under Construction Boys Ranch in Lampe. In the process of learning work habits and repairing items around the ranch, they reconstruct their lives.

For more information or to donate, call the ranch at 417-779-5374 or visit LUCBoys.org.

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Community groups provide substitute, but not a fix

Absentee fathers epidemic and its effect on boys

T

he traditional, nuclear family consisting of a mother and father has become more rare than in years past. But some things are timeless, no matter what era, and that is fathers.

The family may have changed drastically over the decades, but boys will always need fathers. So why are so many missing from the household?

“I feel that, as our society has become increasingly secularized, the family has become almost unrecognizable compared to what it was a generation ago,” said Mike Driskill, Cub Scout den

Story and photos by Julia Kilmer

leader for Pack No. 76 in Cassville and father of two. “The number of fathers involved in the lives of their children has declined as the nuclear family unit has broken down. Sometimes, this is due to our high divorce rate. Increasingly more common, it is due to children conceived outside of marriage.

Unfortunately, the current prevailing winds of political correctness (and our own selfish natures), seem to place more emphasis on the desires of the parents than the good of our children.

When this is reversed, fewer fathers will be absent from the household.”

Griff Roark, right, son Maddock, and a friend Shannon Haney play a game of Archery Tag together at the Cassville YMCA. Due to the epidemic of absentee fathers, young boys are left to manage life without full-time father figures, but fathers who are present and involved can serve as good role models for boys. One way to do this is for fathers to invite boys who don’t have fathers present in the home to family events, or serve in community-based and youth organizations.

Young boys are left to manage life with no father, or substitutes who may come and go.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 35

“I don’t know if a boy ever fully copes emotionally and practically with a father’s absence,” Driskill said. “Most men I’ve known that grew up without a father have said they always feel a part of them was missing. That situation was not their fault. The best thing they can do is to prepare themselves to be the best father they can be for their children and to change their family tree for future generations.”

One way Driskill helps is through the Scouts, which is known for teaching boys character, life skills and good values like respect and responsibility, and providing positive male role models for boys.

“I think it’s important for a boy to have male influences in their life where they may not otherwise have one,” Driskill said. “If I can help provide more structure and stability in a

36 | JUNE 2016

child’s life, that’s beneficial to them.

As a father, it’s [also] helpful for me to have reinforcement from other men who come in contact with my son.”

Dawn Annecharico is Cubmaster of Pack No. 76.

“The reason I am a leader in the Scouts is because I believe in this program with all my heart,” she said. “I want to help our community by teaching our young boys to be well-rounded, successful citizens. Boys with absentee fathers tend to be the boys that need this type of program the most, but it’s beneficial to all boys.

“We teach boys to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent, and we give kids a place to belong to.”

As beneficial as community programs like the Scouts and YMCA are,

Cub Scout Den Leader Mike Driskill of Pack No. 76 in Cassville shows scouts Johnny Baker, left, Reese Lakey and Timmy Kraft pictures of when he was in the Scouts as a boy during an awards ceremony. Driskill says that families are almost “unrecognizable” compared to what it was even a generation ago, and that the number of fathers involved in the lives of their children has declined as the nuclear family unit has broken down.

they can’t be present 24-7 to fill the void created from an absent father, and all the fallout, including behavior issues, that result.

“There are groups like Big Brothers, which are like surrogate parents,” said Max Meek, father of two who has served in ministries for local churches. “They spend time with a kid one day a week, they get a piece of pizza, go bowling, but that’s not a parent.

A child needs someone there all the time.”

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 37

Max Meek poses for a picture with his daughters, Taylor, left, and Victoria, and family friends and missionaries, Rudy and Lorraine Johnson.

“

The father is supposed to set

the example for how boys are supposed to treat a woman.

And teach daughters what they should look for in a man. He should be the spiritual leader.

38 | JUNE 2016

Meek said the key is that a child needs to feel secure.

“When a child feels secure, they don’t act up, because they are secure,” he said. “I would do [fun] things like wrestle with my children before bed, and if they got up in the night, I was there. The ones that act up are seeking attention. They want you to give them boundaries. We dealt with kids that came from broken homes, and sometimes, the only love or hugs they got was when we took them to church on Sunday.”

Unforgiveness can be a culprit in single-parent households, Meek and Driskill said, which can lead to separation, divorce, and absentee fathers.

“Sometimes, unforgiveness is a reason two parents have unresolved problems,” he said. “Scripture says were are to forgive each other 70 times 7,” he said. “That means we are to constantly forgive one another.”

Besides just playing catch and setting examples, fathers teach many things, Meek said, which, if not learned by boys at a young age, can have negative effects on their future relationships, and society.

“The father is supposed to set the example for how boys are supposed to treat a woman,” said Meek. “And teach daughters what they should look for in a man. He should be the spiritual leader.”

Even fathers (or mothers) who wish they could change the past, may be able to, Driskill said.

“Like any relationship where trust has been broken, it most likely will take years of a change of behavior to rebuild that trust,” he said. “However, it can be done if forgiveness is sought and a permanent change in the behavior occurs. It is important to remember that any parent that has not been fully involved in his children’s lives cannot fully control the extent to which relationships are healed, or how quickly reconciliation occurs.”

“There is no quick fix other than whenever possible, the reconciliation of the family unit. The only solution is for

Father, Davey Baker, spends time with his son, Johnny Baker, during a scouting event, in which boys made musical instruments.

Cub Scout Hunter Annecharico beams at an awards ceremony which recognized the accomplishments of boys as he proudly displays an award he received. He also participated in a special ceremony during the event to “crossover� from being a Cub Scout to a Boy Scout. His mother, Dawn Annecharico, is Cubmaster of Pack No. 76 in Cassville and says she wholeheartedly believes in the positive effects the Scouts has on boys with absentee fathers, and all boys in general.

Cub Scout Den Leader Mike Driskill of Pack No. 76 in Cassville proudly poses for a picture with his scouts after an awards ceremony. The Scouts are, from left, Jerry Bouyear, Reese Lakey, Timmy Kraft, Noah Driskill, Johnny Baker and Charlie Stoller.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 39

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society to get back to realizing the importance of the nuclear family with a mother and father, and for parents to make the good of their children the most important thing in their lives.”

“You don’t want a Band-Aid,” Meek said. “The real thing is to get the father to commit to being with their child. A lot of fathers see their children every other weekend. I think they need to see them more.”

Fathers who are present in their child’s life, and families, have the power to make a difference in practical ways.

“A father who is present and involved no doubt has a child with friends that do not have a father in the home,” Driskill said. “He can choose to be involved in his child’s friends’ lives. He can include other little boys if you’re going camping or biking.”

“When I was growing up, my neighbors would say, ‘Hey, let’s go camping,’ Meek said. “Or, we’d go crawdad fishing and have a great time. We were always going places with our neighbors, and they with us. Any time you can get families involved with other families, that can help. Fathers can [also] serve as leaders in organizations that benefit youth.”

Extended family members can also help stand in the gap, such as uncles, grandparents, older brothers, or close family friends, Driskill said.

Kirk Wynns, an Exeter-based municipal arborist and father of two who previously served as a leader in the Boy Scouts, said selfishness is a cause of absentee fathers.

“It’s just a shame the way people are led by TV and society to be selfish,” he said. “It’s about instant gratification and living in debt.”

He said finding a “surrogate” fatherfigure can help.

“Boys [without fathers] need to get a surrogate,” he said. “In Boy Scouts, we have more kids now from single mothers. That’s basically what the Boys Scouts are, a substitute to get male direction and guidance.” 

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Front Street 417-835-8111 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 41

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Home-delivered meals bring nourishment, comfort

E

veryone appreciates a hearty, homemade meal.

Not only do they taste better, but the fact they are hand-made and handdelivered by a friendly face makes them that much tastier, and extends a simple act to something beyond a meal.

The home-delivered meal program, based out of Shell Knob’s Central Crossing Senior Center and an outreach of the Southwest Missouri Office on Aging, has been dishing up homemade meals, comfort and company to residents of Barry County since 2000.

The program is for residents who are unable to fix their own meals at home, or who are recuperating from surgery.

According to the center, about 900 meals are delivered each month to homes, and a total of 2,000 between home-delivered and meals prepared on site.

“Our numbers are increasing all the time,” said Sarah Patterson, center administrator. “People are finally realizing that the home-delivered meals are a good thing for them in most cases. If they can’t get around, or can get out to go to the doctors office, but can’t get around to go shopping, we consider that a qualifier.”

About 33 Barry County residents receive meals in the Golden, Eagle Rock and Shell Knob communities, which are personally-prepared by the center’s Head Cook Rebekah McGowen, Assistant Cook Rita Warner, and volunteers.

Story by Julia Kilmer | Photos courtesy

Volunteer driver George Meissner, who has been delivering meals through the Shell Knob Central Crossing Senior Center, hands a homemade meal to Bethal Smith, who is not only happy to receive the meal, but the company just as much.

“In Golden and Eagle Rock, all we deliver is frozen meals, because we can’t keep the temperature what it should be due to the distance,” Patterson said. “Most of the time, people will take one hot meal a day, then on weekends, they get two frozen meals if they want them.

More than 900 meals hand-delivered each month CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 43

“If a person is interested, I will schedule an in-home assessment. Most of the time, people won’t call for meals because they are too proud. We ask for a donation of $3.50 per meal, however if you can’t afford it, we tell people, don’t worry about it. We don’t want any person to go hungry. That’s just a practice we’ve made.”

Patterson said children of homebound parents will often call to set up the service.

“A lot of kids would rather the bill go to them,” she said.

Office Volunteer Janet Horine contributes by keeping operations running smoothly.

“I do all the paperwork for the routes, keep lists updated, give directions, tell how many meals to deliver and submit mileage,” she said. “There are nine drivers, kitchen help to pack meals, myself, the cook and assistant cook. It takes about two-and-one-half hours to deliver the meals per each route.

“Sometimes it takes longer when clients want to talk. A lot of times, this is the only way these people have a connection with the outside world. The drivers take a couple minutes to visit with them and make sure they’re safe and everything.

They go above and beyond.”

Horine said the program is based more on need than finances.

“Maybe they can’t stand and prepare meals, or just got out of surgery.”

Volunteer George Meissner delivers 10-12 meals on the Shell Knob route from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays, which he has done for the last two years.

“It’s an excellent meal,” he said. “And a good way to help out in the community.”

One client makes hot pads, and is originally from the same state he is, so he enjoys chatting, if he has time.

“Unfortunately, I don’t have a lot of time to talk,” he said. “For instance, I had

Volunteer driver George Meissner delivers a meal to resident Glenda Brake, who is happy to receive it. Meissner has been delivering meals to home-bound residents in Barry County for more than two years through the home-delivered meals program based out of the Shell Knob Central Crossing Senior Center.

a new home recently I couldn’t find, so all the meals were delivered half an hour late, so I just give them a nice greeting.”

Meissner said clients can sometimes come to the door to greet him, but can’t on other days due to health conditions.

“Some are not as fortunate as other people,” he said. “Those are the ones who are really appreciative.”

Everyone knows McGowan, who has been at the center for two years and makes all her meals from scratch.

“We get compliments all the time on the foods — whether it’s her baked chicken or her spaghetti and meatballs,” Horine said. “She’s a great cook.”

“Our cook is tremendous,” said Jeff Harp, chief publicity officer for the center. “She tries to make sure they get a good variety all the time. She doesn’t waste one move in that kitchen.”

“I come in early,” McGowan said. “I grew up in a restaurant. I enjoy knowing everyone. It’s helping the community. We

For more information on the program, people may call Sarah Patterson. Shell Knob’s Senior Crossing Center administrator, at 417-858-6952.

44 | JUNE 2016

can’t do without our volunteers. Some days I start at 6 a.m. or 7 a.m., it depends on what I need prepped.”

Warner, who has been at the center for a month, just loves to cook.

“We just did a banana cream pie, and today the meal choice is chicken-fried steak or polish sausage,” she said. “It helps our community and ensures they get good, quality meals.”

“The people who receive these meals appreciate this,” Harp said. “It’s a personal connection just as much as getting a nutritious meal.

“A lady on a route called us her lunchtime angels. And she made some fridge magnets. It was something that she could give back. To me, it’s little things like that that makes the program such a meaningful outreach.

“The only downside is there’s not enough time. When I help out, if I didn’t have such a big route, it would be better, because you want to sit down and have a little one-on-one time. We’re always looking for drivers or substitute drivers, and they do pay mileage. It’s our honor and privilege to meet and serve these individuals. If we can brighten their day, that’s great, but the smiles on their faces certainly brightens ours.” 

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 45

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46 | JUNE 2016

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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.

Email to connection@monett-times.com.

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.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 47

forcdan | fotolia.com

The bison joins the bald eagle in 2016 as the second honored animal of national importance, declared as the national mammal in April. Once hunted close to extinction, the resilient bison has come back in a big way.

48 | JUNE 2016

Local family raises bison Rancher enjoys healthy meat, novelty of ownership

W

hile driving through southwest Missouri, one expects to see cattle dotting the landscape, but several head of bison galloping across a pasture isn’t the norm.

But it is for Scott Odenbrett of Exeter and his family, who started raising bison about 10 years ago for the lean, healthy meat they provide.

“My wife had high cholesterol and blood pressure, so we wanted to start eating healthier,” said Odenbrett, who owns and operates Scott’s Taxidermy.

“Someone had a bunch and were selling them, and we decided to try one.

We loved it, and we called back to buy another one. They were getting out of it and made us a deal, so I bought a bull and three heifers and started raising them. We butcher one for ourselves every year, and I sell one or two.”

Scott said the meat tastes like beef, but has low cholesterol, so people who have heart conditions can eat bison, and there’s also no wild taste.

“If it’s made right, it’s like a good, prime beef,” he said. “You can grill it, bake it or fry it. Mine are all grass-fed.

It’s all organic. There are no steroids or antibiotics. We still eat beef. I love beef, but we don’t buy hamburger. And we eat deer meat.”

Story and photos by Julia Kilmer

Scott Odenbrett carefully approaches the small herd of bison he raises for healthy meat, but has come to admire, on his property in Exeter. Odenbrett is also known in the area for his taxidermy work.

“In my opinion it [bison meat] is better tasting then beef,” said Anne Odenbrett. “As far as the price goes, it is pretty expensive. Bison burger usually goes for $7-$10 per pound and steaks run around $15-$20 per pound.

“We also cook it just like you would beef. Almost every year I will

make Ro*Tel dip with bison burger for my kids at school, so they can say they have eaten bison. They think it’s neat and usually like the taste.”

Even though the sight of bison frolicking in a pasture may seem out of place in Exeter, but they called this area home at one time.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 49

“There were plains bison and woodland bison,” Scott said. “They were native to this area. Elk, too.

“There are still wild bison herds in Montana and Canada. When I got into it, the bison population was only about 400,000. It was pretty neat getting them.

“They’re more like a goat or deer.

They’re big browsers. They eat a lot of underbrush, leaves, grass and acorns. In winter, I sometimes give them a little grain or hay to supplement. They’re not aggressive, but they’re not like cattle. They’re more timid.”

Scott said there is little profit in raising bison, compared to cattle.

“You have to raise a [bison] calf about two-and-a-half years for a good butchering, and they still don’t weigh as much. They’re bigger-boned and have less meat, and the hump on their back is mostly cartilage. Then, when they get older, they only calf every other year. Cattle owners sell calves, on average, about every seven or eight months. So that’s a lot of time without a paycheck.”

But there’s another reason Scott is hooked on the animals.

“They’re just majestic,” he said.

“It’s the heritage, the story of them.

They are healthy food, and there are lots of times I think I’d make more money raising cattle, but when there’s snow on the ground, and they’re running and bucking, it’s like looking into the past.

“They’re just neat. It’s more of a hobby. Everybody has cows, but having them is just interesting. They’re beautiful, they’re majestic, they’re really fun to watch.”

Anne agrees.

“I enjoy watching our little herd,” she said. “It is also kind of funny watching people drive by, see the bison, and nearly run off the road.”

The animals need plenty of space

50 | JUNE 2016

Bison, not cattle, roam the property of Scott Odenbrett of Exeter. He raises the wooly, massive creatures for their lean, healthy meat, but has also come to admire them for their sense of majesty and symbols of Native American culture and history they represent.

to roam, but like to stay together, Scott said.

“The bison is a herd animal,” he said. “They hate enclosure, and when you try to encounter them, they go nuts. They’re considered livestock, but still a wild animal. It’s in their instinct. I’ve heard stories of them jumping six foot fences.

“Once, I had a heifer on the other side of a barbed-wire fence who wanted to be with the rest of the herd, and she just went right through the fence.”

“They are protective of one another, and the calves are usually surrounded by the herd,” Anne said. “The alpha male is of course the strongest bull, but it seems that the alpha female may be the oldest or wisest. It’s hard to tell.”

Odenbrett’s daughter Rylie, who is studying radiology, also likes having the bison around.

“It’s definitely different, but I like them,” she said. “Everyone kind of knows us for them. It’s probably my favorite meat. I like how tender it is.”

Although he doesn’t need to harvest every part of the bison like the Indians did, in addition to the meat, he sometimes tans and keeps their hides.

“I’ve had one made for my wife and each of the kids,” he said. “There was a week we were without electricity, and you could get under one of those, and it would make you sweat. Man can’t replicate nature. So you can see how the Indians lived with them and survived in freezing temperatures.

Along with admiration has come some attachment to the woolly, massive beasts that roam his property.

“I had a bull we had to put down,” Scott said. “He was my buddy. We called him Beast. He was huge. I’d take apples and hand-feed him.”

“We don’t really look at them as pets, because you can’t really get close enough to them to do so,” Anne said.

“Although I am a little attached to the ones we had first. We just had to put down our big bull due to his age, and that was difficult. He was the leader and so majestic in many ways.” 

June 2016 community calendar Community support groups June 1

n Methodist Manor blood pressure check will be at 10:30 a.m. at the Cassville Senior Center.

June 2

n The Monett Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring a seminar for the public: “Why Can’t I Get a Job?” This event will be held at the Scott Regional Technical Center, 2 David Sippy Drive, Monett, beginning at 11 a.m. A free lunch will be provided.

June 3

n The Cassville Chamber of Commerce will have the First Friday Coffee at Commerce Bank from 8 to 8:45 a.m.

June 4

n The Antique Boat Show, featuring Heartland Antique and Classic Boat Club, will be at the Kings River Marina, Shell Knob, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. n The American Cancer Society Hike will be held at Roaring River State Park. n St. Mary’s Church in Pierce City is having its 29th annual festival June 4-5. There are games, dancing, music and food, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. and from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday. Proceeds will be used to repair building damage. n The Monthly Dance will be held at the Cassville Senior Center from 7 to 10 p.m.

June 6

n The Monett Senior Center will hold its regular Monthly Dance at the Monett Park Casino from 7-10 p.m.

June 18

n The Eighth Annual Mustang Mania and All Ford Car Show at Jimmy Michel Motors, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Registration $15 day of show. Contact the Aurora Chamber of Commerce at 417-678-4150 for more information.

 The Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) Group of Cassville meets at 8 p.m. at 1308 Harold Street in Cassville on Sundays, Tuesdays and Thursdays every month.

n Motorcycle Show, 3 to 8 p.m. in Baldwin Park in conjunction with Light the Night.

Registration is $15 the day of show. Profits will benefit the Back to School Bash.

For more information, call the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, 417-678-4150.

 DivorceCare divorce recovery seminar and support group meets at the First Baptist Church, 602 West Street in Cassville at 6:30 p.m. on the first Tuesday of each month. Call for more information, 417-8472965.

n Fundraising Breakfast at the Central Crossing Senior Center, 7:30-10 a.m. at Shell Knob.

June 22

n WIC (Women, Infants & Children) at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob. Call 417-847-2114 for an appointment.

June 24

n OJ’s Cookout at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob. n The Cassville Senior Center will have the Monthly Birthday Lunch beginning at 11 a.m.

June 25

June 9

June 10

n Great American Backyard Campout and the Heritage Music Festival will be observed at Roaring River State Park. For more information, call 417-847-3742.

n Old Town Pharmacy free lunch for the Monett Senior Center. n Free Fishing Weekend at Roaring River State Park. For more information, call the Nature Center at 417-847-3742.

June 16

n Alzheimer’s Support Group meets at 2 p.m. at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob.

Summer Day Camps The Cassville YMCA will be offering week-long Summer Day Camps all during the months of June and July and until Aug. 12, for children age 6 (out of kindergarten) through sixthgrade completion. For more information, call Rick Ragsdale at 417-846-1535.

n Father’s Day lunch at the Cassville Senior Center, 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

 The Turning Point AA Group meets at 7 p.m. at the west corner of Mitchell Plaza on Hwy. 86 in Eagle Rock on Mondays and Tuesday every month.

 Cassville Al-Anon Family Group meets at 8 p.m. at the United Methodist Church in Cassville every Thursday of each month.  Narcotics Anonymous meets at 8 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month in the basement of St. Lawrence Catholic Church, located at the corner of Seven and Cale streets in Monett, 417-442-3706.  Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous group meets at 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of every month at the First Baptist Church Activity Center, 618 Second Street in Washburn. 417-489-7662.

Central Crossing Senior Center Shell Knob, 417-858-6952 Regular events:  Domino Poker, every day from 12:45.  Mah Jongg, every Monday and Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Paint Classes, every second and fourth Monday of each month.  Line Dancing, every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 to 10:30 a.m.  Quilting for Charity, every Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Knitting and Crocheting classes every Thursday from 9 to 11 a.m.  Pinochle, every Thursday from 12:30 to 3 p.m.  Cards Galore, every Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Wood Carvers, every Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Wii Bowling, every Wednesday. 12:45 to 3 p.m.

June 17

n The Monett Senior Center will have its regular Monthly Birthday Dinner.

 Celebrate Recovery meets at 7 p.m. at the Golden Baptist Church on Hwy. J in Golden every Monday of each month. Dinner is served at 6:15 p.m. This is for anyone with hurts, habit or hangups.

n The Seventh Annual Light the Night Fireworks Festival, 3 to 10 p.m. in Baldwin Park. There will be carnival rides, food, music by the NRG Band and Fireworks at 9:30 p.m. For more information, call the Aurora Chamber of Commerce, 417-6784150

n Open Air Market at the Shell Knob Chamber Park.

n Hearing aid check by Fred Williams at the Central Crossing Senior Center in Shell Knob, 10:30 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 The Parkinson’s Support Group meets at 2 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church, 1600 N. Central in Monett on the second Thursday of every month.

No charge to attend. Call 417-269-3616 or 888354-3618 to register.

Farmers’ Market The Cassville Farmers’ Market is held on the Cassville Square every Saturday through the month of October, 8 a.m. until noon, and every Tuesday at the Sale Barn Road location from 2-6 p.m.

Cassville Senior Center  Dominos, every Friday at noon.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 51

These photos were recently captured by Linda Sue Sparkman.

P HOTO SUBMISSIONS Do you have a photo you would like to see published in Connection Magazine?

Email it to connection@monett-times.com for consideration.

52 | JUNE 2016

These photos were recently captured by Esther Hightower.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 53

Cathy Lewis of Pierce City captured these photos during a recent trip to Greece with Maura Sparks.

54 | JUNE 2016

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 55

These photos of a rainbow over Monett were captured by Valerie Miller on April 15.

This photo was recently captured by 14-year-old Riley Brown.

56 | JUNE 2016

These photos were recently captured by Della Mae Stouder of Cassville.

This photo was recently captured by Ana Lesue. See another Lesue photo featured on page 7.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 57

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Lenora Mills, survivor of esophageal cancer, is pictured with her four-footed companion, Bingo.

Determined to live Local woman shares her story of survival

S

he may just be God’s example of a medical miracle.

Lenora Mills, of Verona, has been on a roller coaster since 2014, battling esophageal cancer, a stomach rupture due to a staph infection, pneumonia, two heart attacks, and adrenaline cancer. At one point, for 10 minutes, she was even declared dead. Having survived multiple medical issues over the course of 20 months, Mills now feels compelled to share her story of survival with others.

“Through it all, I never gave up,” Mills said. “The Bible verse, ‘By His stripes I am healed. I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me,’ kept running through my mind.”

Mills first knew something was amiss when she started choking on her food and coughing more than usual.

She was also suffering from acid reflux, although she had never sought treatment for the issue.

“My doctor sent me to get an endoscopy, which would tell if there was something wrong with my throat,” she said. “I knew it was cancer before I came out of the test.”

Story and photos by Melonie Roberts

Diagnosed with stage four adenocarcinoma, Mills started double rounds of chemotherapy and radiation in November 2014, traveling to Springfield five times a week for the lengthy treatments.

“They found it in three different places on my esophagus, but it hadn’t breached the walls of the esophagus

and gone into my system,” Mills said.

“I told my mom, Lila Wilks, I wasn’t going to worry,” she said. “I put it in God’s hands and let Him take charge.”

As with most people undergoing chemotherapy, Mills lost her hair and experienced what seemed to be chronic fatigue.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 59

“I was living with my 88-year-old mother in Verona,” she said. “My son, Tyler, lives in Mountain Grove, and he would come stay with me a week at a time. Al Woodruff, my guardian angel, lives in Strafford. He hated hospitals, but he would come and check on me every day at the Hulston Cancer Center in Springfield while I was having chemo. Each session would last nearly all day.”

On Jan. 29, 2015, Mills was admitted to Cox Hospital South in Springfield, to have her esophagus removed and replaced with a portion of her stomach.

“I thought I was doing well,” Mills said. “I was supposed to go home, but when the doctor came in to examine me before the release, my stomach ruptured because of a staph infection.”

She was rushed to emergency surgery where doctors removed a massive amount of infection and meticulously cleaned her entire abdominal cavity.

“Then I developed pneumonia,” Mills said. “At that point, no one knew when I would be allowed to go home.”

The wait to be released became even longer after Mills suffered a subsequent heart attack.

“They put in a trach tube and put me on a ventilator,” she explained.

“Everything I needed to say had to be written down. I couldn’t talk.”

Complications from multiple organ issues, along with scar tissue forming around the trach tube took their toll.

“At 12:56 a.m., March 16, 2015, they called my mother and told her I had coded out and died,” Mills said. “I coughed the trach out and was dead for 10 minutes. At 1:06 a.m., they called her back and told her I was alive, but not doing well.”

60 | JUNE 2016

Lenora Mills pictured with her guardian angel, Al (Woody) Woodruff.

Her near-death experience is unlike some other reports she has heard.

“A lot of people say they see a bright light,” she said. “I didn’t. I was fighting for every breath I took.”

Mills remained in the hospital until May 1, 2015, with staffers actually asking her mother to bring in her dog, Bingo, for a visit because she was so critically ill and depressed.

“I prayed to God if He was ready to take me, that was fine,” she said, “and if He meant for me to stay here, that was fine. People don’t know how awesome my God is, or how bullheaded I am.”

Discharged just three days shy of a full six-month hospitalization, time and the world had changed a bit for Mills.

“I had two grandbabies born and my guardian angel had a heart attack,” she said. “I had family members and friends on different floors of the same hospital at different times.”

“

A lot of people say they see a bright light. I didn’t.

I was fighting for every breath I took.

Hope

is wising something would happen

Faith

is believing something will happen

Courage

is making something happen

From left: Lila (Molly) Wilks, Lenora Mills and Karen Riley in a three-generation photo taken on Mother’s Day.

Members of Mills’ care team started working with her in April in preparation of transferring her to Select, a part of the CoxHealth System in preparation of weaning her from the ventilator and continued recovery.

“I went in on May 1 and had my second heart attack on May 2,” Mills said. “The doctors think it was triggered by panic attacks. I didn’t know anything for six or seven hours.”

Despite the setback, care team members at Select had her weaned from the ventilator in a week. She was on oxygen and still had a feeding tube and trach.

“Al came in one morning to visit, not knowing I had a trach with a speaker valve,” she said. “He asked how I was, and I said. ‘I don’t know, pretty good,’ and he about fell out of his chair.”

Eventually, Mills was transferred to a Republic nursing home, where staff-

ers were skilled in caring for patients with feeding tubes and other specialized medical needs.

“On July 12, I celebrated my 71st birthday,” she said. “On July 15, the doctor came in to remove the trach. I walked out on July 26, three days short of a full six-month hospitalization.”

Things were looking up, to some degree. Although she was home, she had to deal with her mother’s hospitalization for a hip replacement and starting an eight-week course of chemo in September to kill any remaining cancer cells in her body.

“They found I had developed stage three adrenaline cancer. The tumor was sitting above the kidney. It was cancer from the esophagus, which wasn’t supposed to spread. But it did.”

Following that course of chemo, doctors discovered the tumor had shrunk by half. CAT scans of the esophagus, chest, abdomen and pelvic

areas returned clear, and Mills hopes to hear that the second bout of cancer is in remission when she returns for a follow-up May 18.

“They hope they have it under control,” she said. “They can remove the adrenal gland, if necessary. We just have to wait for the results of the CAT scan.”

The difficult journey, at times, tested her resolve.

“There were times I thought tomorrow wouldn’t come,” she said.

“But I know I’m still here for a reason.

I still have work to do.

“I have two kids, five grandkids, five great-grandkids and a mom who all need me. My guardian angel needs me. We’ve been together for eight years. He’s stuck by me this whole time. He calls every day, several times a day, just to see how I’m doing. I’m bullheaded and stubborn, and I never give up.”

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 61

In the coming days of recovery, Mills plans on making a garden and sharing her story of hope and survival with others.

“I’ve started making jewelry,” she said. “Guardian angel earrings, necklaces, brooches and more. They are an expression of hope, not just for me, but for everyone.

“Not many people survive stage four esophageal cancer. Those who have had esophageal cancer have not suffered heart attacks, staph infections, pneumonia and panic attacks.

My doctor told me if I was going to do it, it was best to do it all at one time.”

Sales from her guardian angel line of costume jewelry, “God’s Creation, My Blessings,” will be used, in part, to pay outstanding medical bills.

“I’ve had the feeling all along that there is something God wants me to do,” Mills said. “Sharing my story of hope and survival is just the beginning. I hope to encourage others to never give up on their hopes and dreams or their faith in God.” Mills is available to speak to churches, women’s groups, civic groups and other gatherings. For booking information, call Mills at 417-489-6407. 

Esophageal cancer is considered to be a silent killer in that early stages of the disease are rarely symptomatic.

Signs and symptoms of esophageal cancer include: • Difficulty swallowing • Weight loss without trying • Chest pain, pressure or burning • Worsening indigestion or heartburn • Coughing or hoarseness • Hoarseness • Chronic cough • Vomiting • Hiccups • Pneumonia • Bone pain • Bleeding into the esophagus. This blood then passes through the digestive tract, which may turn stools black. Over time, this blood loss can lead to anemia (low red blood cell levels), which can make a person feel tired.

Having one or more of the symptoms is not a positive indication of esophageal cancer. Many of these symptoms are more likely to be caused by other conditions. Those experiencing any of these symptoms, especially trouble swallowing, should have them checked by a doctor so the cause can be found and treated.

62 | JUNE 2016

Lenora Mills started creating a unique line of jewelry under the name of “God’s Creation, My Blessings.”

The hand- made items feature guardian angels, and can be found on earrings, necklaces, brooches and more.

Proceeds from jewelry sales help, in part, to pay medical bills. (left) Lenora Mills, of Verona, is pictured with a small sampling of her custom jewelry items, which feature guardian angels on most pieces.

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 63

Area Workshop brings independence to employees

Danny Ritchie, an employee with the Monett Area Workshop, breaks apart perforated cardboard to be used in manufacturing corner cup packaging for windows.

E

mployees at the Monett Area Workshop, located at 204 S. Central, are happy to be working and earning a paycheck, along with a sense of independence and self-worth.

The workshop employs about 40 clients with developmental or physical disabilities residing in the Barry and Lawrence County area, giving them the opportunity to work productive jobs and earn a paycheck at the end of each week.

“Our employees can do just about anything, with the right equipment, supervision, care and understanding,” said Mica Plummer, workshop director. “And they are some of the most loyal and dependable workers

Cameron Rakoski, left, and Veronica Gilliam, right, sort paper for recycling at the Monett Area Workshop, one of the many jobs the business is able to offer employees with developmental disabilities.

64 | JUNE 2016

anywhere. Their attention to detail is phenomenal.

“The Monett Area Workshop not only provides employment for those with developmental disabilities, but allows for other important aspects of daily living, including socialization, skill-building and the weekly paychecks that helps build the employees’ self-esteem. You can see the pride they take in their efforts by the smiles on their faces when they get their checks.”

Workshop employees are keeping busy with recycling efforts, processing all types of paper products, including newspapers, books, magazines, phone books, cardboard and business documents for secure shredding. They also accept aluminum cans, paying competitive prices to customers. Other items taken for recycling include junk mail, fluorescent light bulbs and plastic wrap. There is a small fee for disposal of fluorescent lighting.

Sam Griggs, a long-time employee of the Monett Area Workshop, does piecework for WinTech, a window manufacturing firm in Monett. Griggs successfully completed making over 2,100 units for the company during his six hour shift.

“Right now, a majority of the work is ripping pages out of magazines and phone books. We sort the paper by kind and color before shredding it and sending it to the baler,” Plummer said.

The 40 workers at the Monett facility provide a vital service to the community.

“We have a lot of tasks these employees are capable of performing,” Plummer said. “Unfortunately, some of our biggest providers have either started doing some of the work inhouse or have moved out of the country. We have very few employers now, and we are seeking other types of work.”

Many of the workers at the facility are capable of performing higher-functioning tasks using speciallymade aids to assist them in their efforts.

“We build jigs to assist employees in completing their tasks,” Plummer

said. “For example, when we packaged for Luck E Strike, we had PVC pipes cut, and workers knew to line the product up with the PVC and then transfer it to the card. So even if an employee can’t count, modifications can be made so they can do the job.

“We also built a jig for another company’s specialty pallets,” she continued. “Employees know exactly where to put the wood, right down to the number of staples to use.”

The workshop has equipment for cutting and drilling metal and wood, labeling, sorting and bagging small parts, packaging items, shrink-wrapping products, poly bagging and sealing, and button making.

Plummer said her employee loyalty is second to none.

“One gentleman has been here since the doors opened in 1968,” Plummer said. “Most others have

been here quite a while. They can and are willing to work, but some are just not suited for traditional industrial environments. The workshop fills the space that some people just need.”

The workshop does not have a high turnover rate, and in fact, has a short waiting list of clients ready to go to work.

“But until we get more orders in, I can’t find a place for them,” Plummer said.

Small accomplishments are celebrated daily, along with major milestones.

“We have a board here that keeps track of how much paper has been shredded by each person that day.

When our employees beat their own record, we send home a certificate of achievement, celebrating their success. Parents and caregivers are as excited about the certificates as our employees are to get them.”

Those with developmental, physical disabilities earn their way Story and photos by Melonie Roberts

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 65

In addition to learning new skills, workers also learn about responsibility, in that they are required to call in if they are going to be absent so staffers can find someone to fill in.

“They learn what it is like to be a working adult,” Plummer said. “Many business leaders in the community don’t understand just how similar our employees are to traditional workplace employees. They want to know they are doing a good job. It’s important to them. They feel a real sense of satisfaction when they get their paychecks at the end of each week. It’s something with their name on it, and that’s important as well. It signifies what they have accomplished.”

But the world has changed considerably since the organization opened its doors 48 years ago.

“Automation, companies keeping their work in-house and companies closing or moving out of the country,” Plummer said. “Those are the things that are eating our lunch right now. While recycling keeps us busy, it doesn’t make a lot of money.”

The workshop is seeking new providers in order to keep its employees working.

“It’s paramount that the workshop stays open and a part of this community,” Plummer said. “It’s important the community recognize and support the efforts of its disabled citizens.”

The workshop now has a recycling bin in front on the building so people can drop off their paper products after hours and on weekends. Aluminum can recycling drop off is on the west side of the building.

“We also pick up paper products, including cardboard, within a 25-mile radius of Monett,” Plummer said.

“There is a small fee for that service.”

Staff hours from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

Cathy Burnett, an employee with the Monett Area Workshop, makes corner cups for packaging windows for EFCO, another window manufacturing industry in Monett. In previous years, Workshop employees would make over 50 large boxes of corner packaging per week. Workers are lucky to get as many as 10 boxes per week now.

Scotty McCracken, an employee at the Monett Area Workshop, does some clean-up work at the facility with the assistance of his aid, Heather Evans.

For more information, people may call 417-235-3191.

66 | JUNE 2016

Dr. Lisa Roark, owner of Roark Family Health and Medical Spa in Cassville, examined a patient who came in for routine chronic health care management.

Doctor changes way she provides services

D

espite the implementation of the Affordable Care Act in 2013, many area residents have not enrolled in a health coverage plan due to the high costs of coverage, services and medications.

But one local doctor has changed the way she provides services, opting to work for her patients rather than the insurance companies.

Dr. Lisa Roark, owner of Roark Family Health in Cassville, has tossed insurance companies, billing, coding and all of the associated paperwork out the window and is focused on

providing quality care to her patients for a flat monthly rate, plus the cost of medications and any supplies used during treatment.

“I just kept hearing about how insurance was actually limiting healthcare because it wouldn’t cover some treatments or medications and start-

ed looking for other options,” Roark said. “This was it.”

Roark said a former co-worker, Dr. Shepherd, opened a direct primary care office in Neosho and was very happy with the change. Hearing about the success of that clinic inspired Roark to open her own.

“You don’t have to work for the insurance companies or the hospitals,” Roark said. “I work for my patients.”

Roark, a University of MissouriKansas City Medical School graduate, said she worked for a large healthcare system for five years and became disillusioned with company practices.

“The average doctor spends about seven minutes with a patient,” she said. “I don’t plan to ever to back to a situation where I have five minutes between patients.”

Cindy Roark, RN, preps a patient for microdermabrasion, a spa treatment offered at Roark Family Health and Medical Spa in Cassville. Spa services are available to both members and non-members alike.

Story and photos by Melonie Roberts

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 67

Another disillusionment was the inflated prices on tests and services large healthcare systems charge their patients.

“A hospital will charge 20 times what the actual cost of a test costs just to be able to get it back on insurance, which is minimum,” she said. “A $90 strep test costs me $2. A $50 urinalysis costs me $1.

It is the patients who are being duped.”

Instead, Roark offers a one-hour initial consultation to establish a medical history and then schedules 30-minute appointments thereafter for follow-ups.

“I can’t take care of a patient without taking care of their entire being,” she said.

“I get to know my patients again. I don’t have to take care of 3,000 patients and run them through like cattle.”

The institution of direct primary care practitioners is turning traditional healthcare systems on their ears.

“People are blown away,” Roark said.

“It’s amazing how many people haven’t had healthcare for years and years. For us to have change, people have to change. If we roll over and keep doing what we are told to do, we will continue to go down in healthcare.”

People who have tried to manage their own chronic conditions for years now have the option of getting affordable care without the hassle of dealing with insurance companies and the myriad of confusing plans that change drastically from year to year and the inevitable rise in annual premiums.

“On many medications, I can get a 100-day supply for $3,” Roark said. “I can generally cut prescription costs by half, if not more.”

Another rare service offered by Roark Family Health is offering same-day appointments, and access to the doctor through phone calls, texts and emails.

“Our services are based on membership,” Roark said. “When a patient first signs up, I may see him or her several times a month. Once we get their condition under control, I might see them ev-

ery three or six months, but those monthly memberships continue to compound.”

Monthly membership fees are $100 per adult; $150 per married couple; a family with children 18 years of age and under would be $150, plus $20 per child up to a $200 monthly maximum.

Employers would receive a 20 percent discount for three or more participating employees when covering the group as a whole. There are no co-payments or deductibles.

Membership benefits include: unlimited office visits during business hours; unlimited nurse visits during business hours; medical management of chronic diseases, such as diabetes, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, high cholesterol, depression, and birth control; physical exams, including well child, well woman/pap smears, and school/sports physicals; weight management, with medications and nutrition counseling; weight and blood pressure checks; allergy shots; vaccination administration and B-12 injections; blood draws, pregnancy tests, urine testing; medical education such as diabetes, asthma and COPD selfcare; stitches; IV fluids; mole or skin tag removal; skin biopsies; cortisone injections; joint injections; same-day appointments, pending availability; and longer

appointment times, averaging 30 minutes to one hour.

“Any medications prescribed and dispensed at the clinic will be charged at the clinic’s cost,” Roark said. “If we don’t have the medications you need in stock, we can order them from the wholesaler or write a prescription to take to a pharmacy. Any labs ordered and drawn at the clinic will also be processed at cost.”

In addition to healthcare, Roark Family Health offers spa services including microdermabrasion, chemical peels, IPL photo facials, IPL laser hair removal, Botox injections, massage therapy, and Latisse, a prescription for growing longer, fuller and darker eyelashes.

“This is a different approach to healthcare,” Roark said. “It’s all about relationships. My patients know I’ll do whatever I can to help them, even researching the Internet to find a specialist that will take patients with no insurance.”

Looking back on her experiences in the corporate healthcare systems, Roark has no regrets.

“I learned every step of the way,” she said. “But this is a better way, and people need options.”

The clinic is located at 1101 N. Main in Cassville. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

For more information, visit RoarkFamilyHealth.com or call 417-846-6814.

68 | JUNE 2016

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Card No. Exp. Date CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 69

FAMILIAR FACES

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30th Annual Dogwood Car, Truck, Motorcycle Show

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PO Box 37 • 816 Broadway Monett, MO 65708 jjfloor@suddenlinkmail.com 70 | JUNE 2016

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Eddie and Jodie Thomas Retha Lloyd and Charlotte Houston Megan Barber, Brylee Hendrix, Raylee Barber, Amy Hendrix and Bently Barber Kendall Wilson, John Moore, Robert McElroy, Arlynda Williams, Kaye Moore and Shawna Moore 5. Grant and Kevin Taylor 6. Sally Meyer and Brenda Wallis 7. Brent Beeson and Trisha Cavness

“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

CCC Lodge Ribbon Cutting

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5 1. Lois Lowe and Janice Varner 2. Julie and Harold Bailey 3. Charlene Fulton, who used to work at the lodge as a waitress in the 1950s and is holding up an old postcard 4. Elise Buchman and Heather Hays 5. Roaring River State Park Manager Kerry Hays, Dolores Vaughn, and Linda Cavaneau, standing in front of one of the lodge’s original fireplaces

6. Construction Services Group Project Manager Carter Marion, Construction Services Group Superintendent Nicholas Eramo, and Barry County Southern Commissioner Wayne Hendrix standing in front of original, renovated staircase of the lodge 8. State Rep. Scott Fitzpatrick, R-Shell Knob, and Barry County Presiding Commissioner Cherry Warren

Ozark Showcase

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5 1. Chasity Taylor and Sean Manning 2. Zola Adams, Carol Haston and Denise Haston

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6 3. Jackson and Jayne Hoover 4. Carly and Lane Jenkins 5. Janice Anderson and Eva Mae Mudge

7 6. Bryant and Jacob Lawrimore and Lisa and Heath Hayes 7. Mark and Cindy Nelson

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 71

Senior Citizen prom

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5 4 Members of the Pierce City National Honor Society sponsored their 18th annual Senior Citizens Prom Sunday, May 1, at the high school cafeteria. Fred Lacey and the Matadors performed at the event, as they have the previous 17.

Linda Buff and Pete Eveland Ambreia Brattin and J.B. Callie Fenske and Bill Bowman This year’s reigning Pierce City High School Prom King and Queen, Ian Burt and Jamie Parrigon 5. Carol Hirsch and special guest, Jay Grunwald, from Gonzalez, Texas 6. Reva Seufert and Oddie Gideon 7. Linda Garber and Sabin Wright

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Ad list Acambaro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Arvest Bank . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Ava Belle’s Flea Market. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Barry Electric . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Bennett Wormington Funeral Home. . . 13 Bentonview Park Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Carl Pyper. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Carolyn Hunter, DMD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Cassville Health Care & Rehab. . . . . . . . 14 CJR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 46 Coast to Coast . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Community National Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . 24 Cornerstone Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 Country Dodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Cox Medical Centers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 Crane Family Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Diet Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Doug’s Pro Lube. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Eastside Church of Christ. . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Edward Jones. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Farm Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 First State Bank of Purdy. . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Fohn Funeral Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

72 | JUNE 2016

Four Seasons Real Estate. . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Four States Dental Care. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri. . . 18 Friendly Tire . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Grande Tire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Guanajuato Mexican. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Gunnels Pest Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Houlihans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 J&J Floor Covering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 70 J. Michael Riehn, attorney. . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Ken’s Collision Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Lackey Body Works. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 Lacoba Homes. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Les Jacobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Macadoodles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Meeks Building Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Mocha Jo’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Monett Main Street. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Morton Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42 Old Town Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33 Ozark Methodist Manor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Pampered Chef . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Peppers and Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Pitful to Posh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58 Race Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Roaring River Health & Rehab. . . . . . . . . 75 Scott Regional Technology Center. . . . . 34 Second Chances. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Security Bank of Southwest Missouri. . 41 Shelter Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28 Smile Designers Dentistry. . . . . . . . . . . . 37 State Farm. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63 Superior Spray Foam. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Swartz Tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 Taura Farms Greenhouse. . . . . . . . . . . . . 22 The Jane Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40 Tomblin’s Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75 Tried & True Candles & Tan. . . . . . . . . . . 40 Trogdon Marshall. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45 VisionHealth Eye Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34 Whitley Pharmacy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Willis Insurance. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Youngberg Chapel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Ziggies Café . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

My

Grady and Andrea Ehrhardt recently took Connection Magazine with them to meet Johnny Appleseed at Great Americans Day at Carthage.

Susan Thomas of Monett, Ann Hall of Purdy and Meghan Shaner of Monett took Connection Magazine with them to The Lady & Sons Restaurant in Savannah, Ga. The stop was made on a recent trip to Savannah and Charleston, S.C.

Macy and Linda Fenske recently took Connection Magazine with them to meet Johnny Appleseed at Great Americans Day at Carthage.

Mike and Phyllis Garrett took Connection Magazine with them to the Madewood Plantation in Napoleanville, La., the ancestral home of Phyllis’ mother, Dorothy Pugh Deloteus.

Gary and Barb Barnhill took Connection Magazine with them on a trip to Kauai, Hawaii.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 73

This photo was recently captured by Mica Plummer of Wentworth.

Parting shot

“Fatherhood is the best thing that could happen to me, and I’m just glad I can share my voice.”

— Dwayne Wade

74 | JUNE 2016

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Hablamos Espanol CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 75