June Connection 2020

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The library’s collection of materials will increase.

•

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

•

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

•

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

•

Expediting new construction in Shell Knob and Monett.

•

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

What will the 7 cent Property tax levy truly cost?

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

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

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

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

learn more at blrlibrary.com/7cents

EDITORIAL

I’m so glad we’ve had this time together…

A

s I have stated in another column, I began working at The Monett Times in August 1989. The job was brought to my attention by Wilma Henbest, and I was hired by then publisher, Dick Brady. I had no experience and really did not know what to expect when I walked into the office, but I quickly found out that you had to have a different kind of personality to work in the field of media. I began my career in the office with Wilma Henbest and Murray Bishoff. Wilma I had known all of my life as she and her husband had been friends with my parents ever since I could remember. Murray had been hired the year prior to me.

Now, I really did not know how to respond to this Bishoff guy. He was a bit different. A little loud at times and could be a bit hyper. He sometimes could get very excitable about subjects that I found sometimes a bit boring. He had a connection with the students that when he would walk into the school to take a picture you would normally hear some of the kids holler his name, and then I quickly found out about this famous kind of scary character that he created that the students loved, the lizard. Oh my gosh, the lizard was quite the sight, and I did not know really quite how to react when I first saw his face when he showed me just what happened to his face features when the lizard would appear. At first I think I was a bit embarrassed, but then I saw how the kids reacted and knew this was extremely unique and something he would always be known for.

The extreme personality that Murray has always possessed is what has made him the good reporter that he has always been. This has not always been just a job to Murray. He has loved what he does. He has always found it intriguing to dig for the information, the history, the root of the story, the people involved and the outcome.

Not everyone agreed with Murray, nor does everyone like Murray, but I cannot believe that anyone could argue with me that Murray has always got the job done no matter the outcome.

Murray and I have grown up together in our jobs and have experienced many different situations and people together. He has been my boss, and I have been his. His

contributions to the paper have been endless, and the memories that I have working with him will also be delightful, colorful, amusing and sometimes sad.

Murray Bishoff will be retiring as of the first of July. He has sat in this building for 32 years and has outlasted numerous publishers. What he has contributed to the community of Monett and the surrounding area is endless. Not only the stories, the opinion columns but his vast knowledge of history. What Murray places in his memory, more than likely you can guarantee it will stay in there. Usually if someone comes into the office and has a question about the area, a person, a bit of history or an incident we direct them to Murray. If he does not know the answer, he will usually find out the answer.

That is just the sort of person he is. There have been more times than not that when he was on one of these seeking ventures he would find some fascinating information that would tie into something that he was working on or he would come into my office and sit down and say, “You remember when” and he would have found something that related to something that he or we worked on a long time ago.

Murray’s love of life includes so much including his wife, Julie, and their combined love of opera. He is a vast collector of numerous items, which includes comic books and records. Melonie Roberts did a great job of interviewing him in this edition of Connection to share a bit of Murray with you.

I have many memories that I could share and probably some more that I will share in our newspaper. He will be doing a bit of freelancing with us, but sadly his long-term career with us is done. I will say, I have enjoyed growing with you, and learning with you, and as Carol Burnett would say, "I am so glad we’ve had this time together."

Much love to you and your future endeavors!!

Lisa Craft

General Manager, Connection Magazine

Lisa Craft is General Manager of Connection Magazine, The Monett Times and Cassville Democrat.

She can be reached at monettcommunity@gmail.com or connection@monett-times.com

4 | May 2020

A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS

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

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Connection is published monthly and distributed free in Cassville, Monett, Exeter, Washburn, Pierce City, Mt. Vernon, Aurora, Verona, Roaring River, Eagle Rock, Shell Knob, Purdy, Wheaton, Freistatt, Marionville, Seligman, Golden and other surrounding areas.

Connection is a publication of the Cassville Democrat, The Monett Times and Rust Communications.

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A Good Ending A MAGAZINE DEDICATED TO SOUTHWEST MISSOURIANS

ON THE COVER: Prior to working at The Monett Times, Murray Bishoff worked for The Buyers Guide for Comics Fandom, and is one of the cast of characters and superheroes drawn by cartoonist C.C. Beck, a Marvel comics artist in the 1940s, for the seventh anniversary cover.

Murray's face is located just left of the word "Ending."

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

CONTENTS 9 Cutest Kid

19 Healthy Connection: Fresh, canned or frozen?

21 Music Column: The Ukeladies

47 Parenting Column: Split summer 49 Recipes: Cookout 52 Cutest Pet

53 Rescued, My Favorite Breed 55 Familiar Faces 58 Parting Shot

21

Email it to connection@monett-times.com Facebook.com/MyConnectionMo Twitter.com/MyConnection_Mo

6 | June 2020

J U N E 2020

Happy Mother's Day from Connection Magazine.

38 30 | SPECIAL SECTION:

NATIONAL DAIRY MONTH Your local milk parlors are here to fortify sustainability and family traditions

10 | RETIRING AT THE TIMES

Tribute to Murray Bishoff as an icon of responsible journalism in southwest Missouri

26 | FIRE SWEEP SIMMENTALS

Rachel Callison of Verona graduates high school with years of cattle ranch experience

38 | RIDE FOR THE BRAND

Casey Hollingsworth knows her way around circle pen and then some

43 | GENERATIONS OF LEARNING Four generations of fathers reflect on the dy namics of wisdom passed on

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CUTEST KID

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Email your child’s photo to:

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Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. Remember to include your child’s name, parent’s name, age, city and your contact information. The contest is open to children ages 10 and younger. The photos submitted will be used for the sole purpose of this contest.

Nala Rayne Pierce, 6-month-old daughter of Darrion Pierce and Kirstin Hammon of Sarcoxie Connection Magazine | 9

Murray Bishoff

When grinding out all of the hard news for a daily paper, sometimes a few “fun” things occur, like covering a solar eclipse.

Here, Lisa (Pryor) Craft and Murray Bishoff look at the patterns created from the eclipse in a safe manner.

Retired staple Monett reporter opts to pursue other interests

A

fter 42 years of writing stories about others, the people, places and things that make the world go ‘round, Murray Bishoff is hanging up his hat and moving on to live his own story.

As a journalist, in the early days of his career, Murray wrote for The Buyer’s Guide to Comic Fandom, founded by high school buddy Alan Light. He wore a variety of hats during that time, while Light endeavored to increase a growing niche audience.

Story by Melonie Roberts 10 | June 2020

Murray began his career at age 17 and began covering national comic book conventions in 1972.

That 10-year stint, from 1971 to 1982, provided the opportunity for Murray to delve more deeply into one of his main hobby interests, collecting Marvel comics and the Sunday funnies.

“I started my career at the age of 17,

Murray Bishoff, who is retiring from The Monett Times this month, is pictured with a caricature of himself done by St. Louis artist Jim Batts.

writing for Alan,” Murray said. “We would go to national conventions, and I largely pioneered how to report on those. I would go visit the vendors at the end of the show to see how they were selling. That was my real introduction into writing professionally.

After 42 years, he's hanging up his hat and press pass.

THE 1990 MONETT TIMES NEWSROOM TEAM From left, Murray Bishoff, Wilma Henbest and Lisa (Pryor) Craft.

"At one of those conventions, I met Jim Steranko, who founded Prevue Magazine. He was a world famous artist, who painted the production drawings for George Lucas’ ‘Raiders of the Lost Ark.’ I ended up working for him from 1982 to 1986.

“The thing about Steranko is he liked me to be in the office by 9:30 in the morning and stay there until about 1:30 a.m. the following morning. I left there with chronic sleep deprivation.”

Murray married his first wife, Leslie Stringer, on Feb. 14, 1986, and moved to Pierce City in April 1987. He did a variety of odd jobs and ended up working at IDF in Monett.

“It was the most miserable job I have ever had,” he said.

But he didn’t have to work there long.

Connection Magazine | 11

The Monett Times managing editor, Wilma Henbest, was on the lookout for another writer. The newsroom was short-staffed, and she needed someone who could write — immediately. By chance and good fortune, Bishoff was that man. He was hired and started on Jan. 25, 1988, and has never waivered in his commitment to serve the paper, and the public, with his work.

“Dick Brady was publisher back then, and I think they were willing to take anyone who could write,” Murray said. “He told me when he interviewed me that this was the kind of job I could retire from. I was more than eager to give it a whack. I worked, produced copy, and I was prepared to hang on by my fingernails so I didn’t have to go back to IDF.” Murray said it took awhile to figure out what Henbest’s priorities were.

“She could do hard news, but she didn’t go looking for it,” he said. “She relied heavily on the City of Monett and Monett schools. I did what she didn’t want to do. I wrote about Purdy and Pierce City, learned to take photos, develop film and make prints. I had to learn how to run the darkroom. Everyone seemed to like my photos.”

Murray also wrote about girls sports, volleyball and track, for several years.

“Charles [Brady, sports editor], didn’t like track,” he said. “Then I started doing Pierce City sports. Benji Fenski started sending me stuff, and that was great.”

He was also on hand when George H. Bush visited Monett.

“That was my first really big story,” he said. “The E.E. Camp gymnasium was packed. Kids from every grade were in the bleachers. I was able to get a section of little kids to wave their flags and took the photo. [Henbest and Brady] decided I had possibilities.”

His first byline came with an inter-

12 | June 2020

Journalism is not all nose-to-the-grindstone work. In this undated photo, Murray Bishoff, a new-hire at The Monett Times, attended the Monett Chamber of Commerce luau. view with Kay Johnson, on a new gifted program for Monett Schools. But the one that made national news came later that summer, when the Purdy dance trial went to federal court in Springfield.

“The first thing I had to do was write the precede story on the upcoming trial,” he said. “It was already two years old in the court system by then, and I

had to pull together a lot of information that was alien to me. The pivotal point in that case was Brown vs. the Board of Education on separation of church and state. Judge Russell Clark ruled that the district was in violation of the separation of church and state.

The district appealed it, and the Missouri Court of Appeals made a ruling in favor of the school district on a two-

MURRAY'S MAJOR CONTRIBUTIONS TO THE MONETT TIMES

1.

Expanding monthly sales tax stories into the only window into local economy

agriculture 2. Reviving reporting, adding an-

nual Ozark Empire Fair photos

more compre3. Offering hensive interviews documented 4. Provided historical perspective

to local news stories

5.

First writer to write a weekly commentary column for 24 years

6.

7.

Taken the majority of calendar girl photos published over 59 years of the feature

Generated most detailed accounts of county government budgeting in paper's history

8.

9.

Unearthed major breaking stories, ie.

New developments in Verona industrial pollution Expanded regional coverage, especially government, school activities in nearby towns

through 10. Soldiered technology changes

in helping transition paper to digital age

to-one vote. The plaintiffs appealed to the full nine-judge panel on the Court of Appeals, which ruled in favor of of the school district on a five-to-four vote. The judge’s vote could actually be traced back to which president had appointed them. The United States Supreme Court refused to hear the case, so the decision stood.”

It would be another 20 years before the Purdy School District would quietly allow dances to be held on the property. Murray was the only media on hand to take the picture of the first dance.

The Butterfield tornado, just before Thanksgiving 1988, wreaked havoc on the small community.

“Local businessman Jack Frost took me up in a plane, and I got aerial photos of the devastation, as well as a few of the construction on the Centennial Overpass, which was underway at that time,” he said. “I drove to Butterfield and wandered around for a couple of hours. I had never seen anything like that in my life. Trailers and small buildings were absolutely obliterated. Then State Senator Emory Melton was at the community building trying to get things lined up and sorted out. You couldn’t even tell where the road was.”

While Bishoff had been gathering photos of the devastation, Henbest had been working the phones, getting information.

“When I got back, she handed me all of her notes and told me to write it, because I had been there,” he said. “At that time we had a 1 p.m. deadline, and that day we didn’t get the press running until 4:30 p.m. That is the latest we have ever run, with the exception of the May 4, 2003, tornado in Pierce City, when we had to have the paper printed at Aurora because power was out here in Monett. It was a fabulous account of the [Butterfield] tornado, with all the

photos. [Henbest and Brady] knew I could do good work at that point.”

Along the way, Murray has met his fair share of notable characters.

“There was Ruby Wilks,” he said.

“She was on the ambulance board at that time and kept them tied up in knots. I would have to tape the meetings; They sometimes went hours. Ruby would even question the minutes, not because there was anything wrong with them, but because she disagreed with the decisions in them.

“In 1989, I took over covering the City of Purdy. Ruby had it in for David Redshaw, then mayor, because they condemned her property in order to build the [wastewater] lagoon. She took them to court and got squat. She appealed to Greene County, and they awarded more than double the amount she was going to get. She was good at spreading rumors of malfeasance, even against the city clerk, Debbie, who is now Redshaw’s wife, and still the city clerk. All that led to a petitioned audit.”

Pierce City also underwent a petitioned audit that year, led by the efforts of former Mayor Jerry Peters and Teresa Heeter.

“There are always malcontents in town,” he said. “But that audit actually found something. State Auditor Margaret Kelly found the city had not been making an annual budget. They would just take the expenses from the previous year and call that their budget for the following year. Then-Mayor Allen Denny assigned Sally Walker the task of developing a city budget, and they have had one ever since.”

It was in 1991 that Murray raised some old ghosts, by writing about the 1901 lynching of African-American Will Godley in Pierce City. Two of Godley’s family members were subsequently killed by a mob of angry citizens.

Connection Magazine | 13

“After hearing I was researching the story on my own, Wilma asked me to write it,” he said. “It was the 90th anniversary of the event, and there were no local accounts of what had happened.

It ran in three installments, and those papers sold out. No one had never seen anything like it. The next week, it was announced Wilma was retiring, and that I would succeed her. All of a sudden, I felt responsible for everything.

It’s one thing to write secondary stories, it’s quite another to write the lead every day.”

Then came the technological improvements that would change newsrooms around the country forevermore.

“We got our first Mac computers in 1989,” Bishoff said. “It was the first opportunity where we controlled every aspect of our own stories. Up to that point, Charlotte [Brady] and Herb [Henderson] still set all of the copy in house, advertising and news stories.

“Then-publisher Steve Crass told me he wanted me to be responsible for the layout of the front page. He wanted everything in modular blocks, thereby eliminating the famous Monett Times run-overs that went every which way.

We went from an eight-column format to a six-column format. He was also breathing down my neck to set a noon deadline. That was ‘shot’ the day we had a 12:15 p.m. shooting at the city street department right behind our building.

It was chaos. We had to drop everything and piece something together. Our people were there before the police were. A disgruntled worker came in with a shotgun and started firing away. I think two people were injured, but, fortunately, no one was killed.”

In addition, Crass charged Murray with writing a weekly editorial beginning in June 1996, bringing The Monett Times to the same elevation as other “real papers.”

14 | June 2020

Celebrating the launch of Connection Magazine, corporate officials with Rust Communications joined staff from The Monett Times at a Christmas dinner in Monett. Murray Bishoff, pictured, is a regular contributor to the magazine.

“When writing, I always spoke collectively of ‘we,’ as to what the people here at The Times thought,” he said.

“Except for some rare occasions, I’ve written one ever since.

“That is possibly the most rewarding experience of working here. I could use the ‘bully pulpit’ to try to get to the heart of what Monett ‘is.’ For the longest time, my guide was community betterment, and I would try to come up with things that would make Monett better, and I would praise what did make things better.

“Over time, that led to an emphasis on what makes a ‘community’. Those are ideas I pushed. When I wrote about individuals, some who had passed away, I would write on their contributions to the community. That might be my biggest contribution. When people re-read what I wrote 50 or 100 years from now, I’d like to be seen as one of those shaping the face of what Monett is and what it aspires to be.”

Murray’s personal community better-

ment project has been his 30-year association with the Ozark Festival Orchestra.

“That has taken up more of my non-working time than anything else,” he said.

Murray said Monett is unique in that it stands as a golden beacon to many surrounding communities, and it was a privilege to help that become recognized.

Some of those who influenced Bishoff the most during his career include Linn Thornton, Jon Suit, Dayton Mackey, Ralph Scott, Mike Garrett and Henbest.

“Linn [who ran the community Christmas dinner and toy drive] was a simple man,” he said. “He was someone who knew the bingo halls and poor people. He understood simple things and how those could make life better for others. And that’s what he did. He was a wonderful man.”

Of Suit, Mackey, Garrett and Scott, Bishoff said people had to love them for their efforts.

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“They sure had the muscle to get things done. They [were] people of deep thought and hard work. They are role models, the kind of people who make little towns work.

“Wilma, I miss her. She was very supportive. I respected her greatly.

She used to say that you could come into a place and put on a face, not one that you particularly felt, but the one everyone else needed for you to have.

She tried very hard to be that progressive person, and was a role model of what that should look like.”

Murray said he appreciates the support of his wife, Julie, to whom he has been married 21 years in September.

“She puts up with my long hours, the weekend assignments, the sometimes constant interruptions to our home life whenever something happens that needs to be covered. Not many spouses can be that supportive.”

Murray said he never really desired to be anything but the storyteller and photographer that he has been for so many years.

“I’m a reporter,” he said. “I’ve been able to focus on that."

In honor of his work, the Monett City Council named Jan. 25, 2018 "Murray Bishoff Day" for his 30th anniversary, and presented him with a key to the city for his retirement.

Reflecting back, Murray said that the newspaper industry, like many other things, has changed over the years.

“We now have a lot of good copy being produced by good reporters, and I feel less responsible for having to produce everything,” he said. “I don’t feel I have anything to prove anymore.

I have the same job as when I started, the stories have just gotten bigger.

I’d like to start a new career, writing in different ways. But this — this I’ve done. I’d like to think I’ve done it well.” n

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18 | June 2020

HEALTHY CONNECTION

By Lakin Simmerman

Which is Better: Fresh, Canned, or Frozen Produce?

Fresh Vegetables Most of us think that fresh can deliver the most nutrition and value.

While fresh produce is a great option, fresh fruits and vegetables are shipped across the country to reach our fresh-produce aisles. These items are typically picked before they are ripe and as a result, they have less time to mature the key vitamins and minerals that occur naturally. Although signs of ripening may still occur, these foods do not have the same nutritive value as if they had been allowed to fully ripen.

We all know getting a lot of fresh vegetables in your diet is important.

They are filled with many beneficial vitamins and minerals that are essential to our health.

But do you ever wonder which is better - fresh, frozen, or canned?

Canned Vegetables The biggest advantages to using canned produce is that canned is highly shelf stable, can be easily stocked up on, and requires no refrigeration. Canned vegetables are processed at peak freshness and can be a healthy option. They also can be less expensive than fresh produce and can be a quick addition of vegetables to a meal.

However, canned vegetables can have high levels of added sodium or preservatives. Look for options that are low sodium/sodium free and preservative free. Rinsing canned vegetables before cooking can also decrease their sodium content.

Frozen Vegetables Frozen foods are picked and frozen at the peak of ripeness to enhance flavor and nutrient value. Better yet, they are often cheaper than the fresh variety - especially if the fresh variety is flown in from around the globe. In addition, when you pick up a bag of frozen veggies, you don’t have to worry about whether you’ll eat them before they go bad.

Frozen veggies can last up to one year in your freezer.

THE BOTTOM LINE

Whether you buy fresh, frozen or canned veggies, the nutritional benefits of produce will be received no matter how you buy them – as long as you eat them. If buying them fresh, canned, or frozen means you’re more likely eat them, then go for it! What’s key is being able to have produce readily available for any meal or snack.

Lakin Simmerman is currently in her dietetic internship for Nutrition Diagnostics at Cox College. When not busy studying, she can be found playing games with her family, camping, or snuggled up on the couch watching her favorite TV show – Survivor. She has a passion for sharing nutrition tips on how to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Connection Magazine | 19

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DIRECTIONS Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic powder, and peanut butter in a small bowl Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat; cook and stir frozen vegetables until just tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Remove from heat and fold in soy sauce mixture.

Try aiming for 5-6 servings of veggies a day by adding frozen and canned vegetables in recipes that include a variety of ingredients rather than just eating them on their own.

Soups, stir-fry, pasta sauces and stews are perfect candidates.

MUSIC COLUMN

By Kaitlyn Schumacher

A year in the spotlight Monett’s Ukeladies look back on their year as an entertainment team

O

ne year ago, my sister Stephanie and I began performing as the Ukeladies for Monett’s Fourth of July celebration. What a year it has been.

We love playing ukuleles together and performing, but there is so much that happens before we ever step on a stage. This past year has taught us a lot, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

We landed our first gig in early May 2019 when the Monett Chamber of Commerce began looking for bands to play for the Fourth of July celebration. I sent a message to Jeff Meredith telling him that Stephanie and I played the ukulele and sang and would be available.

At this time, Steph and I had never played as the Ukeladies, but had performed with our college ukulele club, the Dukes, at several venues and performed in community-theater productions. Jeff had confidence in us and gave us the opening 1 p.m. time slot.

Our work had just begun.

The Ukeladies first performance on Fourth of July 2019, Monett Learning music for our shows is always interesting. There are times where we have to work really hard on a song for a long time before we get it.

Other times we will learn a song the night before a performance and add it to a set. When we prepped for the Fourth of July, we ran through and realized that our set ran short. The night before our performance, we learned and added three songs to make up that time.

Our Dining For Diabetes performance on January 25 was a bit more challenging. Most songs can be played on the ukulele with just four basic chords, but occasionally you find one that requires more effort. We had to work on songs like “Johnny B. Good” and “Jailhouse Rock” several times and drill some parts to get it performance ready.

For a one-hour performance, there are several hours of practicing, social

Connection Magazine | 21

When choosing music, we want our audience to have fun.

When our audience has fun, we have fun.

22 | June 2020

media managing, and planning our performance that people don’t see.

Due to our work and school schedules last spring, we weren’t able to practice until the school year ended, but that didn’t mean we didn’t have work to do.

I had to create our logo. We wanted it to be simple but symbolic. We chose to have a ukulele in the center and a dogwood flower on each side. The two flowers represent us as two sisters but also represent the state of Missouri since the dogwood flower is the official state flower. Once we had our logo we started building our promotional material around it.

Next we began working on our costumes. I think costuming is just as much a part of the performance as the music, so we put a lot of thought into what we wear. We try to match or coordinate our outfits to fit the performance.

For our first gig, we wore red and blue sequin tanks with white shorts to be patriotic and keep cool.

For the 2020 Dining for Diabetes show, we made 1950s style skirts that had ukuleles and music notes appliqued on the side. Occasionally we will have a casual performance where we will wear jeans and matching tops.

Dining for Diabetes 2020 We are so lucky to have our mother as our official photographer. We began planning photo shoots that we could use for social media promotion. Once Mom takes the pictures, I edit them and then design the images we post on our stories and newsfeeds. Most of the time I can use the stock images. If the event has a theme, we try to match it, like the 1950s theme for this year’s Dining for Diabetes fundraiser.

Once we have our promotional campaign planned, we then work on the music set. For most performances we choose a variety of pop and country songs we think our audience will enjoy. We alternate melody and harmony, depending on the song.

Sometimes we pick music specifically for a particular performance.

For Dining for Diabetes we chose a 1950s set. When we performed at the Branson Talent Show, we chose Abba’s “Mamma Mia!” — an audience favorite, and the talent show organizer planned to produce the musical “Mamma Mia!” this summer. During the stay-at-home order, we chose to do a set of happy upbeat songs to try to uplift everyone watching our virtual Quarantine Concert at home.

Some of our favorite songs to perform are “Ring of Fire” by Johnny Cash, “Stuck Like Glue” by Sugarland, and our mom’s favorite, “Karma Chameleon” by Culture Club.

Second place in the Branson Talent Show Connection Magazine | 23

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At Lawrence County Manor concert Ultimately when choosing music, we want our audience to have fun. When our audience has fun, we have fun.

With a year of performances under our belt, there have been some pretty neat experiences. One of the most rewarding moments for me was when we performed at the Lawrence County Manor and I played Elvis Presley’s hit song, “Can’t Help Falling In Love With You.” The residents began singing with me. It was such a cool moment. As a performer, you live for audience feedback. Clapping, singing, cheering—it’s what fuels a performance. That day left a very positive impression I won’t forget.

This past year has been a blast and a hustle. Looking for opportunities to perform, promotion, and production is not an easy task, but I loved every minute of it. We’ve never had a string break—thank goodness. We just muscle our way through stage jitters, if we notice them.

Looking ahead, we hope to perform more and maybe even make a few music videos. Our family makes a great team. It’s been a great way to spend time together. To say I’m excited is an understatement, but having the support of this community is what has made us possible. n

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Connection Magazine | 25

At the Missouri State Fair in 2015

Life

as the cattleman's daughter

Rachel at right won fourth overall steer with her entry at the 2019 Lawrence County Youth Fair.

A summer with few shows changes rhythm down on the farm 26 | June 2020

F

or teens used to spending their summers showing cattle and competing with their farm earned skills, this may be a summer like no other.

At this point, decisions haven't been made on whether many of the county fairs or big regional shows will take place. But kids who excel at these events don't develop those skills overnight, nor do the animals they show become comfortable in front of crowds, being

Story by Murray Bishoff

handled with a halter or following directions at just one event.

Both take practice and time, and now is when kids get started.

Rachel Callison, with the Fire Sweep Simmentals Ranch northwest of Verona, is a graduating senior from Verona High School. She has had years of experience, showing locally, at the Ozark Empire Fair, and Missouri State Fair and national Simmental shows. She is well acquainted with the rhythm of

Rachel with her show steer, Oreo

Rachel showing a pig at the Lawrence County Youth Fair.

farm life. But this is a different year.

Fire Sweep Simmentals has 85 acres, used for rotational grazing, or what Rachel refers to as intensive grazing. Cattle spend three days in each section of acreage before Rachel and her brother Seth move the electrical fencing to the next section of pasture before the cattle overgraze or overuse their space. Rachel concentrates on the heifer pasture, away from the more aggressive bulls who do their share of head butting and

trying to work their way over the ladies. She said the family sells off their bulls younger to not have to deal with their excesses.

Rachel herself owns 33 head of cattle, all heifers and their babies. They provide her with plenty of daily chores.

One cow had a baby the night before and had to be brought into the barn after a difficult birth. The calf, having not grasped the concept of feeding from mom, needed bottle feeding every few

hours, which was Rachel's assignment.

She and her brother do much of the daily chores around the ranch. Seth has shown pigs at fairs in the past, and older sister Rebekah, having left the farm, showed chickens. Those animals provide additional livestock to tend. Dad Glenn works as a paramedic for Butterball in Carthage. Mom Kris has worked for three years as a special education teacher for the Springfield school district after teaching ag for 22 years.

Connection Magazine | 27

Farming, Kris noted, is usually not a single occupation for farming families these days. And everyone helps.

“With the small operation going, the cattle pay for themselves,” Rachel said. “I will need some type of livelihood to support myself and my future family. My summer will probably consist of chopping down trees on the 40 acres we bought last year, limbing up trees on fence lines and putting in new fencing to replace the unsafe portions.” The Callisons refer to themselves as Simmental seedstock producers. They have had considerable success following recommendations of the University of Missouri Extension in raising the quality of their herd to producing choice and choice-plus cattle, achieved mostly through artificial insemination (AI). Rachel does most of the AI herself as a representative for Select Sires, and sells that service to other ranchers in the area.

Kris noted how the family has very carefully kept records of the genetic history of their animals, their parentage and offspring. The estimated progeny differences (EPD) offer direction on how to breed cattle to improve the traits, such as achieving a higher weaning weight and better calving weight.

Simmentals, she noted, offer a clearer path for success than some other breeds of cattle. That has also contributed to Rachel's success in showing her heifers.

This year Rachel has two heifers she hopes to show, and has one in training for next year.

In a typical year, a young livestock exhibitor will start off on what Rachel refers to as “blow and go” shows, where you wash your cow, blow dry it — no glue or dye to prettify your entry, load it on a trailer and off to the one-day event. These take place every Saturday from May to September, starting in Fair Grove, Ash Grove, Morrisville,

28 | June 2020

Purdy, Exeter, Billings, Sarcoxie, and youth fairs in Lawrence, Christian and Stone counties.

“These are the first-time shows for cattle who aren't used to it,” Kris said.

“We had one heifer that got named, 'Stop, Drop and Roll.' That's all she would do. Everybody gets it.”

Then come the four-day regional and state fair shows. Last year's regional Simmental show took place in Louisville, Ky. — a 12-hour drive just to get there. To show in those, an exhibitor must participate in four of five contests. These include doing a mock sale in a sales talk; livestock judging, in the FFA style; public speaking, like extemporaneous speaking in FFA; the general knowledge cattleman's quiz, focusing on topics like farm tools and meat cuts; and the Calvin Drake genetics quiz, where participants apply EPD knowledge to have better outcomes.

These all build to the week-long national show.

“It's not a cheap thing to do,” Kris said. “It allows the kids to grow. We have friends in Michigan we met at the national Simmental show. We stay with them every year.

Rachel with her steer from the annual carcass contest, which was butchered and graded in 2019. She earned a Select+ rating, unusually low for her, learning this cow had Belgium Blue in its genetics and would not have marbled like her Simmentals earning a choice rating usually do.

"I ended up learning how important genetics are and how they play a role in the end product," she said.

The Callisons were named the Lawrence County Farm Family of the Year in 2019 at the Missouri State Fair. Family members, front row from left, are: Seth, Kris, Glenn, Rebekah, and Rachel in the second row behind her dad.

Rachel's heifer at the 2018 Lawrence County Youth fair won third overall honors.

"You build lifelong relationships.

The kids have learned to be humble.

They've learned the work ethic of farm life.”

“I know people from every state,” Rachel said. “I stay up with them on social media.”

Rachel has some regrets about seeing her senior year in high school cut short, missing out what her five-yearolder sister experienced, though she's not sure what all she's lost. Her mother knows.

“It bothers me as an ag mom,” Kris said. “Rachel has not been to a state FFA convention. This year she was going to receive her state ag degree. I'm missing seeing my baby girl crossing the stage and getting her degree. This is her last year of competition. You usually save your best till your senior year. Now she has no districts—nothing.”

Decisions on whether regional shows, state fairs and national shows will even take place have not yet been made.

Without good internet reception on the farm, Rachel was a bit philosophical about her summer.

“Out on the farm, there's nothing else to do,” she said. “I have 40 acres we bought last year to work on. If more of the cattle shows are canceled, I would transition from working this year's showstring of cattle to focusing more on next year's string, concentrating on halter breaking, proper showing etiquette and nutrition.”

Kris noted the family has not had its show stock for sale while her children competed. Now they will sell animals, and she'd like to see another exhibitor do as well with cattle from their herd.

“I'm planning on being a registered nurse or a nurse practitioner,” Rachel said. “Some of my friends are fifth generation farmers. That's not my passion. It's hard to be as small as we are and still have a full-time job. I may be one of those people who never leaves the nest. I have a CNA [certified nursing assistant degree] at Scott Tech when I was 17. I could go to work now. I've been around cattle, giving vaccines. I understand death.”

“I want her to not work,” Kris said.

“I need her at the farm. My mom was a nurse. My dad raised horses. I was a first responder. Originally I wanted to be a vet. I became a teacher instead. The kids are used to that. Seth wants to be a mechanic. If they don't want to farm, don't.”

“If we go into the careers we want, I can say ag had an impact on us,” Rachel said. “Mom sold cars. I've done the sales contest at nationals.

“This is still kind of an uncertain time,” Rachel added. “I don't think the state fair will be affected. At Missouri State University, we're going to have classes in the fall. Orientation is in June.

That's rescheduled for later in the year, during nationals. We're still in fingers crossed season.” n

Rachel bottle feeding a new calf at the Fire Sweep Simmentals Ranch.

Connection Magazine | 29

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At the Parrigon Family Farm, dairy farming is a family tradition.

' Dairy was local before local was cool.'

Celebrating Dairy Month

I

n 1939, June was designated as Dairy Month to bring awareness to the benefits of dairy products and the farmers who supply them. As a drink, the benefits of milk have been advertised for years. Dairy products are an important part of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) MyPlate suggestions for healthy eating.

The USDA recommends that two to three cups of dairy products daily are part of a healthy diet. An eightounce serving of milk has eight grams of protein and is full of nutrients including calcium, vitamin D, potassium, niacin and vitamin A. These work in the body to help

Story by Annie Lisenby Smith

build and maintain strong bones and teeth, maintain normal blood pressure, promote good vision and healthy skin and promote proper circulation. The Dairy Alliance emphasizes the benefits of chocolate milk for athletes because it has “the right carbohydrate-to-protein ratio scientifically proven to refuel and rebuild exhausted muscles.”

What many people don’t consider, when they are enjoying milk and the many other delicious dairy products, is where they come from. “Dairy was local before local was cool. It’s perishable and has to be local. When you’re buying it, you know you’re supporting your neighbor,” said Reagan

Connection Magazine | 31

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In Barry and Lawrence counties there are approximately 90 dairy farms. Bluel shared the website Where Is My Milk From (www.whereismymilkfrom.com) to give consumers the opportunity to search where their milk is produced. All milk jugs are stamped with a code that can be entered in the website to track the origin of the milk.

One of these local dairy providers is the Parrigon family of Stotts City. Leslie Parrigon bought his dairy farm in 1998.

Dairy farming runs in his family. He explained that his parents, and grandparents, were dairy farmers. He grew up on a dairy farm in Pierce City and continues the tradition with his three children.

Nineteen-year-old Jarod is studying Agricultural Business at Ozarks Community Technical College. With his younger sister, Emma, they show cattle at local county fairs and are active in the FFA and 4-H. Jarod, Emma and their older brother, Christopher, have all worked on the Parrigon Family Farm.

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These cattle will start milking after about the age of two.

This local farm consists of 300 acres and about 150 head of cattle in the herd. Leslie stated that the farm produces 1,200 gallons of milk each day that is sold to the Hiland Dairy out of Springfield. If you’ve enjoyed a cup of Hiland milk, there’s a chance it came from one of the cattle from the Parrigon Family Farm.

Dairy farming isn’t easy. The cattle have to be milked twice a day in groups of ten at a time. When not milking, there’s feeding to be done and barns to clean. The Parrigon family also breed their cattle to keep their herd strong as older cattle are cycled out of their service and sent on to the stockyards to be used for meat.

Jarod Parrigon feeds the cattle, the daily chore he learned from his father.

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Connection Magazine | 33

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Leslie proudly showed off his newest calves, some only a few days old. One calf had been unwittingly volunteered to be a babysitter for a litter of kittens one of the barn cats birthed in the calf’s stall.

Through all the hard work, dairy farmers have to battle changing trends in the agricultural markets (especially this year in response to uncommon consumption instigated by the Corona virus), weather events (the Parrigon family had a barn damaged by a tornado a few years ago), and the daily challenges of caring for their herds.

When asked why Leslie is a dairy farmer, he said, “It’s what I grew up doing, ever since I was a kid. I like the cattle.” He continued to explain the benefits of being a dairy farmer; “You can spend time with family. It’s a lot of hard work, but I enjoy it.” After discussing recent challenges and the falling milk prices Leslie added, “We’re not in it for the money, for sure.” His passion for dairy farming was made evident when he gave me a tour of the farm along with Jarod.

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animalclinicofmonett.com Edwina, Leslie’s wife and a reading recovery teacher in the Sarcoxie school system, shared that pride of her family and their farm.

On the Discover Dairy website (www.discoverdairy.com) it’s stated that in the United States, there are more than 51,000 dairy farms. The majority of them are run by families like the Parrigons that carry the tradition of dairy farming on through the younger generations. These family farms produce nearly 24 billion gallons of milk each year — milk that is processed into various dairy products including fluid milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream to be sold in the United States and exported around the world.

It should also be noted that many people in the dairy industry have gone out of their way to provide fresh dairy products, especially milk, to local food pantries.

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Connection Magazine | 35

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The next time you drink a cup of milk or enjoy a bite of cheese, yogurt or ice cream, take a moment to recognize the dairy farmers, the families, that are working hard day after day to provide the milk needed to keep Americans healthy. And celebrate that you are taking a part in supporting your local dairy farmers. n

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36 | June 2020

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Connection Magazine | 37

Passion for

Horse Training

38 | June 2020

Local woman built business on love of horses Story by Jordan Privett

M

any children at some point in their childhood, may ask their parents for a pony.

Maybe they saw one in a movie or a book, but a passing passion began to burn in their tiny hearts.

One local woman developed a passion for horses and turned it into a thriving business.

Casey Hollingsworth, owner and operator of Ride for the Brand Horse Training, said she found her passion for horses when she was 3 years old.

“I was able to start my business and work full-time on March 30,” she said.

“Currently, I have seven horses per month that I will be training through July.”

Jason Cook, owner of the facility she will be working out of, has been a mentor for Casey throughout the years.

“He is also a trainer and will be riding out of that facility at the same time as I will be,” she said. “He is an exceptional horseman, he and his wife went a above and beyond to teach me and guide me.”

Casey can take in seven horses per a 30-day period.

“That is four or five clients that I can give basic horsemanship lessons to,” she said. “Each horse is different and has its own personality.

“Some horses can get further than others in a 30-day period, and some can’t.”

Ride for the Brand

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Connection Magazine | 39

"I expect a lot from my horses in the first 30 days."

–Casey Hollingsworth, owner of Ride for the Brand

The billing period for her business is on a 30, 60 and 90 day cycle.

“I expect a lot from my horses in the first 30 days,” Casey said. “For example, in 30 days of colt start basics, they are expected to guide, stop and back up.”

Another part of her job is determining problems with certain horses and fixing them.

“I will talk to its owner about the horse's problems and struggles,” she said. “Then, we start from the beginning and build on the things the horse is good at.

“From there, we can assess the issues and where they stem from and figure out a way to move on.”

The key is to constantly keep the clients up to date on the progress of the horses.

“This is important, because it allows the owners to evaluate on what they want to do at any time,” Casey said.

“It is about helping the clients, but also about helping the horse have a future at the same time.”

Through the years, Casey has found that colt starting is her most popular and most needed service.

40 | June 2020

“I love it, but I am hoping that mustang adoption will start to pick up,” she said. “People don’t see them as useable, but they really can be.”

Casey’s step after came into her life when she was three years old, and that is when she started riding.

“As a family, we enjoyed activities like camping, riding horses and going to rodeos,” she said. ‘At 13 my mom gave me my first yearling philly to start.

“That was the first young horse that I started.”

Casey and her family raised and registered quarter horses.

“Growing up, one of my favorite things to do was to imprint on the babies, and to halter break,” she said. “I wanted to start a young horse under the saddle, but mom wanted to wait until I was a bit more mature. It was one of her favorite things to do, and ended up being a pastime for us together.”

Born and raised in this area, Casey graduated from Cassville in 2005 and throughout high school worked a few jobs, one being the Horse Barn in Exeter.

“It is amazing to me to see each horse grow and learn,” she said. “To

individualize a plan for each horse and then to see it work, to be behind that is an amazing feeling.”

Although she has just recently opened her own business, she has been training horses on top of having a separate full-time job, since 2017.

“I can’t put into words how it feels to be able to pursue this dream of mine,” Casey said. “I have cried tears of joy because this is happening.

“It all started by chance in 2017. I took in a horse from a friend that was having some problems, I only charged them for board and feed.”

The first horse in 2017 was having issues with aggression.

“This may have all started by chance, but I have worked hard every day to make this happen,” Casey said.

“When Jason told me he had a spot for me at his facility, well, I didn’t cry in front of him, but I cried when I got to my truck.”

A dream building since childhood, has formed into a professional passion.

“My mom said she knew I would become a trainer one day, because when we would go to rodeos, I never cared about speed,” Casey said. “She told

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Connection Magazine | 41

me it was the most amazing thing to watch me maneuver the horses.”

Since starting horse training parttime in 2017, her business has grown only by word of mouth.

“I didn’t start advertising until I was able to expand it,” Casey said.

“The name Ride for the Brand, comes from the TIP Trainer for Mustang Heritage Foundation.

“All mustangs are branded with a series of numbers that tell you the year they were born and where they are from. So, I ride for the brand.”

As an active member in sustain training and adoption, Casey got her first mustang last year.

“I got it to train. I was nervous be-

42 | June 2020

cause of all the stories I had heard,” she said. “But, now I have had four and I have learned that they are very athletic and versatile.”

As happy as Casey is to spend more of her time doing what she does, she said it is just as demanding, but in a different way.

“Before, I was working a full-time job and spending hours before and after work dedicated to the horses, on top of that I have a family,” she said. “I will now get to do more in this field than I have ever been able to do before, and that means more service as well.”

In August, there is a TIP challenge through the Mustang Heritage Foundation that Casey will have 60 days to get a horse as far as she can and then show it.

“I would like to possibly start offering riding lessons as well, and start showing more too,” she said.

Being able to raise her children in a world that she was raised in is another perk to this life style.

“I have noticed that my children are very responsible and disciplined,” she said. “They are able to handle the responsibilities of a farm, and I appreciate the humans they are becoming.

“They are learning to work hard for the things that they want and they understand the value of working. My son is out there with me in the summer with the horses.”

Another benefit to being able to focus more time in her business is the fact that Casey never stops learning.

“I am a forever student,” she said.

“I am in the business of learning and growing and finding a method that works for each horse.”

Skip White, a friend of Casey’s for the past three years, said he has had

horses trained all over the country.

“When I heard about Casey, I started using her for my young horses,” he said. “She has an unbelievable patience with them.”

Skip said Casey is not only talented, but she devotes her time to her practice.

“She takes them into the woods and across a creek instead of just in a circle in a corral,” he said. “My 13-year-old granddaughter rides the horses Casey trains; they always come back gentle and nice.”

Skip said Casey has a steady hand with the horses, and that most of her training is done by feel.

“She doesn’t handle them too rough, and she gives them time to grow into their age,” Skip said. “The horses grow to know her like she does to know them.”

Casey isn’t in the business for a quick and easy fix Skip said.

“She aims to have a good horse long-term,” he said. “She wants the horses to be a member of someone's family.

“I trust her and her opinion, she has never let me down and I have never come across someone better with young horses than Casey.”

Skip believes Casey will be very successful in her business, because she genuinely loves horses.

Casey said in the community she serves, each need is different.

“It is about the need of the client and the horse,” she said. “Horsemanship is such a versitial culture in our area. That is one of the reasons I am so excited to see where this business goes over the next year.”

Riding for the Brand offers many services including colt starting, tuneups, dealing with problem horses, consignment and TIP training. n

Learning to be a man of your word Four generations of fathers and sons

Brock Thomas Sorensen and Dylan Grayson Lee Sorensen, 9, will continue to learn from their elders and pass on Sorensen traditions for generations to come.

E

very father passes down traditions and lessons from generation to generation, but not all get to see how their lessons pass the test of time.

A local Barry County family stands proudly with five generations, and the last four are of fathers and sons who tell a tale of memories passed and lessons learned through the years.

The Sorensen family name is well known in the area, whether known from their cattle business or real estate, the family has grown and built businesses for decades.

Consistently, through the mouths of a great-grandfather, a grandfather and a father, the value of honesty is spoken.

Story by Jordan Privett

THE FATHER:

“I learned how to be a man of my word,” Brock Thomas Sorensen said.

“For my grandfather and my dad, honesty was a big deal.”

Now a father himself, Brock aims to instill those same morals in his son, Dylan.

“Dylan is nine years old now, and I became a dad at 18,” Brock said. “I want to take the lessons I learned over the years and teach them to him. I also want him to learn from my mistakes, that is very important to me.”

Brock said when he thinks about how fast the world changes, he can see the difference in how generations were raised and the importance of adapting.

Connection Magazine | 43

Five generations of Sorensens together. Back row, Thomas Robert Sorensen, Brock Thomas Sorensen.

Front row, Robert Glen Sorensen, Dylan Grayson Lee Sorensen and Jackie Sorensen Voss.

“My dad was raised in a much slower time, everything is different now” he said. “One thing I would like to teach my son as he gets older, is to take things slower, especially when dating. I always looked up to my grandpa especially when it came to marriage. Being married for 50 years is almost unheard off anymore.”

Brock and Dylan were both raised in separated homes.

“My dad and grandpa weren’t raised that way,” he said. “I want Dylan to have a completely different custody situation than I had. I want him to know all his family and to learn and experience love from everyone.”

Dylan is Brock’s only son, Brock is his father's only son and his father is his grandpa's only living son.

“You can see how different each of us are, but in the same moment how similar we are,” he said. “My son is always happy, smiling and friendly, I guess he takes after me in that way.”

One thing consistent through the generations is the cattle industry.

“I really learned about work ethic from my dad and grandpa,” Brock said. “They just wanted you to work hard, be honest and try to be the best person you can be by staying kind and humble.”

Brock said his grandpa is a smart man and his hero.

“My dad was gone for work a lot so I got to spend a lot of time with him,” he said. “I learned so much from both of them in the end though.”

44 | June 2020

THE GRANDFATHER:

Thomas Robert Sorensen, better known as Rob, said he had Brock when he was 21 years old.

“That is when I became a father,” he said. “My dad and I are still very close.

He was 20 when I was born.”

When thinking about his dad, Rob said he remembers his dad being strict, honest and loyal.

“He always expected us to tell the truth,” he said. “He was big on using illustrations to get his point across.”

Rob and his father run a livestock business together, but have completely different styles when it comes to business.

“Dad is more into the bookkeeping and planning where as I am more of a hands on, get things done type of guy,” Rob said. “A lot of our relationship is business, but he has always been there for me in other ways.”

When Rob went through a divorce and custody battle for Brock, his dad was there by his side through it all.

“We consult each other on almost

everything we do,” Rob said. “He is hardly ever wrong. He can see things in my relationships before I can, and he is always ready with some advice.”

Rob said his father is analytical, logical and strategic.

“With Brock, well, me and him are pretty different,” Rob said. “I have had to call on dad a time or two to help pass on his lessons.”

Rob describes Brock as a living in the moment type of man.

“He doesn’t know a stranger, he is always happy and just kind of goes with the flow,” Rob said. “Things develop over generations and cultures change.

I raised my son in a split home, which was different than how I was raised.”

Honesty, integrity and loyalty are what Rob said his father passed down to him the most.

“Brock sees that in us,” Rob said. “I think he values that when it comes to family.”

When it comes to similarities between Brock and Rob, work ethic truly stands out.

“He is a great worker,” Rob said. “A real take charge kind of guy.”

In order, Rob said he would describe his father as a man who makes you think about things and reasons through communication, he would describe himself as a man who is blunt and to the point.

His son Brock lives in the moment and his grandson Dylan is smart and perceptive.

“We don’t get to see Dylan a whole lot lately,” Rob said. “But I will never forget going to a grandparents day at his school.

“We had been apart for awhile, and he wanted to spend time with me. He wrote a story about me, then the class did a slideshow type thing where the children guessed whose grandparent the slide was describing, and when it came to me, the whole class knew it was Dylan’s grandpa. That showed me that even though we were apart, he was still talking about me and he was proud of me.”

A Sorensen family tradition is to name their son with the middle

name of the father's first name. Example: Thomas Robert Sorenson named his son Brock Thomas Sorensen.

“That tradition did stop with my grandson,” Rob said.

According to Brock, he was young at the time and didn’t realize the importance of it. Dylan’s name is Dylan Grayson Lee Sorensen, but if Brock could do it again, or with another son, he said he would honor the tradition.

“I remember dad telling me once that maybe he and I have it wrong,” Rob said. “Brock can be so laid back, and dad said, ‘maybe living more carefree is the way to go. Look at us, trying to fit him into our mold, and we are always stressed out.’”

Rob said in the end maybe generations aren’t supposed to understand each other perfectly.

“My grandmother is over 90 years old,” Rob said. “She is our oldest living generation, and I doubt she can relate to me on every matter any more than I can with her. All we can do is love and respect each other anyway.”

"As parents, not everything we do is right, we make mistakes.

But your children are a mirror of you whether it be good or bad, so all you can do is do your best to make sure it is for the better."

THE GREATGRANDFATHER:

A great-grandfather looking through the years from the moment he became a father, then a grandfather and finally a great, will ask himself, how did things change? How does the world change around us? How have we adapted, and how have we stood firm?

“I was 20 when Rob was born,” Robert Glen Sorensen, better known as Bobby, said. “My wife and I have 4 children together, our first was a son who was stillborn, then Rob, and then two girls.

“I am proud of all of my children and grandchildren.”

Owning Rob’s description of him being a thinker and re-thinker, he went on to say that he and Rob are as opposite in some ways as people can be.

“He is comfortable doing things in the spur of the moment,” Bobby said.

“But, I mull things over a bit longer.

“Brock is even more different, he is always in a good mood, a real loving type of kid.”

Brock was Bobby’s first grandson.

“When I found out Brock was a boy, I was excited,” Bobby said. “Like I said, I love all my children and grandchildren, but any man wants to see his name and accomplishments go on.”

Those feelings resurfaced when Dylan was born.

“Brock is my only grandson, so I was happy that he was able to carry on the Sorensen name,” he said. “The lessons I want to see passed on are things like hard work and honesty.

“I hate a liar, you should be truthful—always. That doesn’t mean you have to say everything you know, but you don’t lie about what you know.”

Connection Magazine | 45

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As the generations continue to grow, Bobby hopes that each one will continue to see the value in that as they get older.

“Hard work isn’t always physical,” he said. “Now that is important, but so is mental work, and to be honest, mental exhaustion will affect you physically so maybe people should pay more attention to that.”

A significant life lesson Bobby remembers teaching Rob involved personal finance.

“Whether it was at home or with the business, you don’t make a profit until you count all the costs,” he said. “It doesn’t matter if you make $1,000 per day if you spend $1,001 per day.”

Money isn’t everything though.

“Money doesn’t make you happy,” Bobby said. “What is important is what makes you happy, what you want to do and the work you put into it as you get older.

“Find yourself a mate that has those same values, like I did with my Patricia.”

If Bobby had one piece of advice to pass down, it would be that life goes faster and faster as you get older.

“I am realizing that more now that I am in my 70s,” he said. “You are never younger than you are today, so focus on what you want to accomplish.”

As a parent, grandparent and great-grandparent, Bobby has learned lessons through the ups and downs.

“As parents, not everything we do is right, we make mistakes,” he said.

“But your children are a mirror of you whether it be good or bad, so all you can do is do your best to make sure it is for the better.” n

PARENTING COLUMN

By Meagan Ruffing

How to Enjoy Your Split Summer as a Single Parent I never thought there would come a day when I would have to split my summers with the father of my children. I’d imagined summers full of love and laughter, swimming and hiking, and endless nights of making memories as a family of five.

This will be my second summer where my new normal is splitting the hot, humid days of June, July and August. If it’s possible, I both loathe and love this time of year. It sneaks up on me, and if I’m not careful, has the power to drag me down into a spiral of negative emotions.

I’m better prepared this year. It’s my second time around, and I know what to expect. I’m getting stronger each time my kids leave their home with me for their home with their dad. I keep myself busy, and I tell myself not to go to their rooms when it’s the middle of the night and I’m missing them like only a mother can. I force myself to put the phone down and stop scrolling the internet about how to survive a divorce.

Instead, I dry my eyes and pray to the only one who hears my cries in their rawest form. I tell myself morning is close and when I rise, a run will do me good and clear my head.

Morning comes and the house is quiet. All of the things I say I’ll do when I’m not busy with the kids, no longer seem important and so I sit.

I sit and think about my kids some more and when they’ll be home. This back and forth in my head drives me to come up with a plan to make each day count. I promise to be a better version of myself so that I can be one hundred percent present when my kids come back. I mentally prepare myself to split my summer and so I think of all the things I will do with my kids for the five weeks I have them and then all of the things I will do for myself during the five weeks they are gone.

I bought a large calendar last year where I write the kids’ schedule

out so it’s easy for them (and me) to see what we have to look forward to while we’re together.

I cram 10 weeks of summer fun into five weeks, and I get the kids excited about their second half of the summer so they know I’m supporting them wherever they may be.

If you find yourself in a similar situation where you have to split your summer with your kids, I have learned a few things over the last year that have helped me to enjoy the highs and lows this time of year can bring.

1)

Do the things you want to do before summer is over. I mean, the things that are must-have, hands-down, to-do, can’t-dowithout. Making these things a priority will ensure you and your kids get them done before your time is up. Bump them up the list and make it happen.

Connection Magazine | 47

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Let each one of your kids pick at least one thing they want to do as a family during your time together. Last year, my son Dylan picked Silver Dollar City. My daughter Hannah picked Chuck E. Cheese and my youngest daughter Elinor picked Build-a-Bear. Thankfully, I already had SDC passes. I had coupons for Chuck E. Cheese and I was able to set a budget for Build-A-Bear so it wasn’t too bad.

They had fun experiencing and enjoying the day they ‘picked’ and it was a new way for us to compromise on narrowing down a big list of wants to a list of three action items that were doable for us.

Pencil in downtime. Don’t underestimate what a good, lazy day in (or two) can do for you and your kids. There’s something to be said about staying in your pajamas all day and watching movies. These make for some of the best times together. You’d be surprised what your kids will talk to you about if given the time and room to do so. Some of our best moments have been at home with no plans at all.

During the time when my kids are not with me, I plan to do a lot of running, a lot of reading, and one of my favorite hobbies — cross-stitching. It may not be the way I wanted summer to be, but splitting the next few months will be just another hill I can tell my kids I climbed for them. Someday, we’ll look back and be amazed at all of the fun things we were able to cram in to 5 weeks. Cheers to all parents out there who are learning to enjoy their split summers.

Meagan Ruffing is a parenting journalist living in northwest Arkansas. She is a mental health counseling intern with the John Brown University Graduate Program and a single mom to three spectacular kiddos. Visit her on Facebook at writermeaganruffing.

48 | June 2020

RECIPES

Making Tasty Boston Baked Beans INGREDIENTS

2 cups navy beans ½ pound bacon 1 onion, finely diced 3 tablespoons molasses 2 teaspoons salt ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper ¼ teaspoon dry mustard ½ cup ketchup 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce ¼ cup brown sugar

DIRECTIONS Soak beans overnight in cold water. Simmer the beans in the same water until tender, approximately 1 to 2 hours. Drain and reserve the liquid.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

Arrange the beans in a 2 quart bean pot or casserole dish by placing a portion of the beans in the bottom of dish, and layering them with bacon and onion.

In a saucepan, combine molasses, salt, pepper, dry mustard, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil and pour over beans. Pour in just enough of the reserved bean water to cover the beans. Cover the dish with a lid or aluminum foil.

Bake for 3 to 4 hours in the preheated oven, until beans are tender. Remove the lid about halfway through cooking, and add more liquid if necessary to prevent the beans from getting too dry.

Chicken and Bacon Shish Kabobs

BACKYARD Memories

INGREDIENTS

¼ cup soy sauce ¼ cup cider vinegar 2 tablespoons honey 2 tablespoons canola oil 10 large mushrooms, cut in half 2 green onions, minced 3 skinless, boneless chicken breast halves - cut into chunks ½ pound sliced thick cut bacon, cut in half 1 (8 ounce) can pineapple chunks, drained skewers

DIRECTIONS In a large bowl, mix the soy sauce, cider vinegar, honey, canola oil, and green onions. Place the mushrooms and chicken into the mixture, and stir to coat. Cover, and marinate in the refrigerator at least 1 hour.

Preheat grill for high heat.

Remove the mushrooms and chicken from the marinade and shake off excess. Pour the marinade into a small saucepan and bring to a boil over high heat.

Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer for 10 minutes; set aside.

Wrap the chicken chunks with bacon, and thread onto skewers so that the bacon is secured.

Alternate with mushroom halves and pineapple chunks.

Lightly oil the grill grate. Arrange skewers on the prepared grill.

Cook 15 to 20 minutes, brushing occasionally with remaining soy sauce mixture, until bacon is crisp and chicken juices run clear.

BBQ Pork for Sandwiches INGREDIENTS

1 (14 ounce) can beef broth 3 pounds boneless pork ribs 1 (18 ounce) bottle barbeque sauce

DIRECTIONS Pour can of beef broth into slow cooker, and add boneless pork ribs. Cook on High heat for 4 hours, or until meat shreds easily.

Remove meat, and shred with two forks. It will seem that it's not working right away, but it will.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Transfer the shredded pork to a Dutch oven or iron skillet, and stir in barbeque sauce.

Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until heated through.

Connection Magazine | 49

Beer Butt Chicken INGREDIENTS

1 cup butter 2 tablespoons garlic salt 2 tablespoons paprika salt and pepper to taste 1 (12 fluid ounce) can beer 1 (4 pound) whole chicken

DIRECTIONS Preheat an outdoor grill for low heat.

In a small skillet, melt 1/2 cup butter. Mix in 1 tablespoon garlic salt, 1 tablespoon paprika, salt, and pepper.

Discard 1/2 the beer, leaving the remainder in the can. Add remaining butter, garlic salt, paprika, and desired amount of salt and pepper to beer can.

Place can on a disposable baking sheet. Set chicken on can, inserting can into the cavity of the chicken. Baste chicken with the melted, seasoned butter.

Place baking sheet with beer and chicken on the prepared grill.

Cook over low heat for about 3 hours, or until internal temperature of chicken reaches 180 degrees F (80 degrees C).

Awesome Pasta Salad INGREDIENTS

1 (16 ounce) package fusilli (spiral) pasta 3 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1/2 pound provolone cheese, cubed 1/2 pound salami, cubed 1/4 pound sliced pepperoni, cut in half 1 large green bell pepper, cut into 1 inch pieces 1 (10 ounce) can black olives, drained 1 (4 ounce) jar pimentos, drained 1 (8 ounce) bottle Italian salad dressing

DIRECTIONS Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add pasta, and cook for 8 to 10 minutes or until al dente. Drain, and rinse with cold water.

In a large bowl, combine pasta with tomatoes, cheese, salami, pepperoni, green pepper, olives, and pimentos. Pour in salad dressing, and toss to coat.

STAYing in and cooking out

50 | June 2020

Grilled Corn on the Cob INGREDIENTS

6 ears corn 6 tablespoons butter, softened salt and pepper to taste

DIRECTIONS Preheat an outdoor grill for high heat and lightly oil grate.

Peel back corn husks and remove silk. Place 1 tablespoon butter, salt and pepper on each piece of corn. Close husks.

Wrap each ear of corn tightly in aluminum foil. Place on the prepared grill. Cook approximately 30 minutes, turning occasionally, until corn is tender.

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CUTEST PET

Jasper 14-month-old German Shepard furbaby belonging to Lana Steele of Fairview.

52 | June 2020

If you think your furry or feathered friend is the cutest in the area, let us know! We invite you to share a photo of your pet to be featured in Connection’s Cutest Pet contest.

Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. Remember to include your pet’s name, city of residence and your contact information.

Email your pet’s photo to:

connection@monett-times.com

RESCUED, MY FAVORITE BREED

By Christa Stout

Stretching your pet dollars If you are reading this, you must be an animal lover, right?

Well, I believe that is true. But being a good pet parent can be costly and at times very hard on the budget. So, let’s talk about a couple of ways to try to slash some of the cost.

Food: There are many places that distribute dog food for free, many shelters and pounds receive free dog and cat food and cat litter from chain stores because the bag or container it came in broke or was dinged and therefore cannot be placed on the store’s shelves. The shelters and pounds, in turn, will share this food with people who have temporarily fallen on hard times.

You can also add some human foods to your pets’ diet. In many instances, this may actually improve your pets’ health by adding vitamins from fresh vegetables and fruits, such as green beans, apples and carrots. But be cautious, and if at all possible, work with your vet.

Like any new food, introduce them to your pet’s diet gradually. My dogs have a tendency to kill some wild critters and then promptly get

an upset tummy and diarrhea. This may be an old wives’ tale, but when that happens, I usually give my dogs scrambled eggs mixed with cooked rice, wild rice, preferably.

And many times this will take care of the issue, but if it doesn’t within a day or so, off to the vet we go for some stronger stuff.

But just as there are human foods that are good for your pets, there are many that are not just dangerous, but actually deadly. Avoid giving them onions, garlic, strawberries, grapes and raisins, cherries, persimmon and chocolate. And please read the labels on processed foods to make sure they do not contain Xylitol, a sweetener which can be deadly for animals. If you give your dog peanut butter, please make sure Xyletol has not been added to peanut butter or other food items.

Do some research on healthy and dangerous foods for your pets.

Pet Care: As I am writing this, kitten and puppy season is in full swing. That means there are still many, many dogs that have not been spayed or neutered. There are so many benefits to having a spayed/neutered animal, including the fact that animals tend to stay closer to home, are more affectionate and calmer, and it can also reduce the incidence of some of the more common cancers.

Vaccinations can save your pet’s life.

Heartworm, parvo, coccidia and many other deceases still happen way too frequently and could be so easily prevented. Here are some local organizations that provide low cost spay and neuter services and/or low cost vaccinations: Joplin Humane Society, Joplin, MO Stray Animals Matter, Marionville, MO

One website that might be helpful is PetDangers.com

Humane Society of Southwest Missouri, Springfield, MO

And for what’s good for them, go to

SAAF (Springfield Animal Advocacy Foundation) Spay Neuter Clinic, Springfield, MO

www.wedgewoodpharmacy.com/blog/posts/everythingyou-should-know-about-feeding-human-food-to-dogsand-cats.html

And if you can, please donate to these organizations, they do so much good.

Connection Magazine | 53

We are giving one special person $1,000 in Making Memories Tour credit!

Call or come by to pick up the NEW catalog available in June, and find out more.

Complete tour information at our Website www.makingmemoriestours.com

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

Check out our daily specials!

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

I'm Theodore.

I'm an affectionate guy who is a little leery of the world. Everything is a new experience for me. Did you know about cars?! Man, those things are kinda scary. I'm okay in a kennel in the car but jumping in makes me nervous.

They call me Mr. Teddy here because I'm a big teddy bear who loves everyone. Once you show me some love, I melt into you with lots of cuddles.

I'm curious to learn more about the world, and I'm just looking for a family who will be patient and show me all there is!

Hi, I’m Ollie.

Local Family Owned

Lackey Body Works Collision Repair Specialist

1701 S. Elliott • Aurora, Mo.

417-678-4205

www.lackeybodyworks.com 54 | June 2020

Here are a couple of special pets at Faithful Friends:

I haven’t been at the shelter very long, and I am still pretty scared. The volunteers have been very nice, but I am so sad because my owner passed away, and I would like to have my own quiet home again, where I can get lots of loving and can snuggle to my heart’s content.

I don’t have any claws on my front feet, so I would love to be able to stay inside forever. Please come see me soon!

Residents of the Purdy school district gathered on May 9 to honor the 30 graduating seniors from Purdy High School in a parade on May 9.

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Mickie Brown, Jennifer Brown, Zoe Brown, Glenna Brown Justin Gates, Simon Gates, Ava Gates Susan Thomas, Ann Hall, Meghan Thomas, Ashley Thomas Amy Harkey, Kaylynn Harris holding Elliot Harris, Julie Keeler

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Antonio and Enudilia Rodriguez, Mailen Rodriguez, Brianna Garcia Briggs Dilbeck and aunt Elizabeth Arnold Brad Hutson, Clint Dillow, Misty Hall, Steve Colter with dog Beau Bryan Ruiz, Daniel Ruiz, Henry Florez

Connection Magazine | 55

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A drive-through homecoming reception was held for nurse Cheryl Webb returning from a stint of duty in New York City fighting the COVID-19 virus, at the parking lot of the First United Methodist Church in Monett on May 5.

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1. Alyssa Williams, Pam Mayo, Rejeanna Williams 2. Karen and Frank Washburn 3. Front: Eli Hunt, Emma Hunt, Erin Hunt Back: Deanna Kennedy 4. Jim and Carry Stotz 5. Elaine and Roger Epp 6. Bob and Mary Holmes 7. Don Bates, Deann Crockett 8. Amelia,, Franklin and Elizabeth Lucore

Diet Center is here for one primary reason - to help guide you through a healthy and safe weight loss experience.

As we continue navigating through the coronavirus pandemic together, we want you to know the steps we are taking to provide you with healthy weight loss services while keeping you and our support staffs safe. I can assure you that Diet Centers are among the safest places in weight management today.

Across the country, people are concerned regarding their weight loss issues because they are afraid of being exposed to COVID-19. I do understand your concern. The novel coronavirus is still in our communities and is still contagious. And many of our centers around the country have had to cease or severely restrict hours to comply with stay at home orders until better safety measure could be established. Those standards have now been set and we are beginning the process of re-opening.

As we begin welcoming all clients back for regular center visits, we will continue making your safety a top concern. You can also expect some of our client waiting areas to look a bit different for a while.

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You have the option to take advantage of our expanding Virtual Visit program, when appropriate, to minimize the need for in-person visits if you choose.

If you do decide to come back to the center for your daily visits, you should feel confident that you are walking into a safe environment - because you are.

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FEBRUARY 2020

1. We have made some adjustments to minimize the number of people in one area and allow for proper distancing.

2. You’ll have your temperature taken when you enter one of our centers and be required to wear a protective face covering.

3. You will also be given some hand sanitizer to use as you enter the center.

4. Our staff will all be wearing protective face coverings.

5. We will be disinfecting surfaces frequently.

6. We will be taking the temperature of all of our staff each and every day.

Subscribe. Call today!

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Connection Magazine | 57

PARTING SHOT Photo by Murray Bishoff

“For last year's words belong to last year's language And next year's words await another voice.

And to make an end is to make a beginning."

-­­­T.S. Elliot, Little Gidding

58 | June 2020

Advertiser Index Acambaro Mexican Restaurant......... 41 Affordable Propane............................. 35 Ag Service Center of Pierce City...... 35 Aire Serv................................................. 16 A-List Properties.................................. 41 Animal Clinic of Monett...................... 35 Barry County Coop.............................. 32 Barry Lawrence Regional.......................3 Bill Vance Marine................................. 46 Bruner Pharmacy.................................. 16 Cappy Harris Realtors......................... 16 Cassville MFA Agri Service................ 32 Coast to Coast...................................... 36 Community National Bank................. 18 Cox Medical Centers........................... 60 Critical Links.......................................... 57 Cubs Café.............................................. 54 Diet Center . ......................................... 57 Doug's Pro Lube................................... 46 Edward Jones...........................................5 First State Bank of Purdy................... 25 Fohn Funeral Home............................. 15 Four Seasons Real Estate................... 51 Four State Stockyards......................... 34 Freedom Bank of Southern Missouri.... . ............................................................8 Guanajuato Mexican Restaurant.........2 Holmes Farm Supply............................ 34 Johnson Chiropractic.......................... 20 Ken's Collision Center......................... 20 Kiddie City............................................. 51 Joplin Regional Stockyards................ 30 Lackey Body Works............................. 54 Les Jacobs.............................................. 48 Lil Boom Town Event Center............. 48 Main Street Feeds................................ 36 Making Memories................................ 54 MFA Coop Association....................... 34 Midwest Metal Roof............................ 41 Missouri Farm Bureau......................... 51 Monett Times ...................................... 56 Ozark Methodist Manor..................... 59 Peppers and Co.................................... 25 Plymounth Junction............................ 24 Purdy Farm Center............................... 37 Race Brothers....................................... 37 Real Life Church................................... 15 Riehn, J. Michael; attorney................. 48 Roaring River Health & Rehab........... 15 Rusty Gate Flea Market...................... 24 Security Bank of Southwest Missouri.. . ......................................................... 59 Shelter Insurance................................. 18 Shelter Insurance....................................8 Swartz Tractor....................................... 33 The Coffee Café......................................8 The Farmer's Daughter....................... 18 Tomblin Jewelry.................................... 17 Trogdon Marshall................................. 24 VisionHealth Eye Center.................... 17 Welter's Farm Supply.......................... 46 White' s Insurance............................... 25 Whitley Pharmacy...................................2

OUR COMMUNITY

with in The Heart f The Ozarks with continuing care

32 Residential Care Apartments 78 Bed Skilled Nursing Facility

58 Independent Living Homes Fitness Center & RehabCare Group

A Tradition Of Caring Since 1925 Continuing Care Retirement Community

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

SB

SECURITY BANK OF SOUTHWEST MISSOURI

Your Locally Owned Independent Bank

Let us be your HOMEtown bank!

• Great Service • Committed To Barry County • Decisions Made Locally Wheaton

Cassville

302 Main Street Jct. 37, 76 & 86 417-652-3204 417-847-4794

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Bill Pay & Internet Banking at

www.sbswmo.com

Connection Magazine | 59