Connection August 2015

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Back to school time Get ready for the fall schedule

The bear in the woods

Tracking Missouri’s wildlife

Band makes tracks

Uncertain Henry and the Backseat Drivers

Folk ART FESTIVAL Enrich your local education

A magazine dedicated to Southwest Missourians

AUGUST 2015

2 | AUGUST 2015

7 Prepping for Success

16

Here’s the How-To for getting your children ready to go to school

The Bear Quest Conservationist tracks Ozark black bears to research population

AUGUST 2015

Walk through the past

49

A long-retired lime kiln is resurrected from memory

The image of this white squirrel in Cassville was captured by Della Mae Stouder.

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

Email connection@monett-times.com for consideration.

Cover photo by Murray Bishoff 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

No Time

Like the Present to Keep Your Future on Track Lots of times, changes in life also affect your investments. That’s why there’s never been a better time to schedule your complimentary portfolio review. We’ll talk about the changes in your life and help you decide whether it makes sense to revise your investments because of them.

A portfolio review will help ensure your investments are keeping pace with your goals. Call your local financial advisor today.

Shane A Boyd

Jeramie Grosenbacher, CFP®

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Jim Haston

Nathan Roetto AAMS®

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Donald E Weber

Scott Young

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Financial Advisor

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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 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.

28

Contents 13 Gear up

Find what’s fashionable at local hot shopping spots

25 Natural lore

Backyard wildlife entertains and amazes

28 Making a play for it

Local band Uncertain Henry and the Backseat Drivers produces their first album

33 Role call

Shell Knob theatrical troupe SKITS is performing well

40 Ozark Methodist Manor

Prided retirement center celebrates 90-year anniversary

55 Lovin’ the Lake

33

Readers share their favorite summertime photos

59 House Handles

Longtime local family business grows through three generations

62 Missouri folk art

Joining the celebration of our state heritage

In every issue 62

22 38 45 46 58 65 67 73 74

Contest: Cutest Pet Connection Calendar Healthy Connection Recipes: After school snacks Bottles and Brews Contest: Proud Parent Familiar Faces Ad index Parting Shot CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 5

August 22 - 23, 2015 Sat. 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. • Sun. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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For more information contact Ann Saunders at (417) 235-2007 or ann.saunders@me.com 6 | AUGUST 2015

Getting back into the swing of things 10 tips for transitioning your kids

from summer freedom to school schedules

M

any families choose to swap out their school

school’s out.

routines for a more laissez-faire type of liv-

Everyone knows summer is great, but getting back into

ing during the summer. Kids sleep in (you

a routine can be tricky. Setting the alarm clock can some-

hope), running around is not part of your vocabulary, and

times be harder for parents than kids, but a fail-proof plan

outdoor play with friends takes up most of the day when

can get the whole family on board.

Try these tips to get your schedule in place:

1.

A week or so before school actually begins, put the kids to sleep a half hour earlier than you usually would during the summer. This tiny change in their sleep schedule can make all the difference come the first day of school. An earlier bedtime will also help with less defiance from the child when the night before school comes.

2.

Transitioning from freedom to schedule can be hard for kids. Get them excited about going back to school by taking them school shopping at the end of July or early August. Most school supply lists can be found on the school’s website, the school’s Facebook page or in your local newspaper. Print these out, plan a day to go shopping, and let your kids pick out things from the list that will get them ready to learn.

3.

Eating dinner together might seem like a thing of the past, but it really does wonders for your child’s self-esteem. A well-balanced meal every night around the dinner table where you can talk, ask questions and prepare your children for the changes in their routines will help everybody know what’s coming up and feel like they are safe, loved and taken care of before their big day begins.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 7

fotolia.com1

School will be starting soon.

Get your students in gear ahead of schedule.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8 | AUGUST 2015

Try and keep your schedule clear the first week of school. If your child goes back to school on a Wednesday, make sure you keep things simple that Monday and Tuesday. When children feel more relaxed, they will act more relaxed. A lighter load prior to their first back-to-school day will give them the energy they need to succeed.

A bedtime routine is often suggested for newborns and infants, but it can also be just as important for school-aged children. Start a nighttime ritual of dinner, bath, pajamas, book and sleep. Make getting ready for bedtime a relaxing thing for your child.

Keep extracurricular activities to one or two per child. So many parents want to get their kids involved in after-school sports, clubs and so on, and that’s OK, but keep it to a minimum. They’re still just children and they’re still learning their limits. Try signing up for one activity per semester or season and let them flourish with room and time to spare.

Conduct a “mock” school day. This could be fun (and interesting) for everyone. Pretend school starts tomorrow and go through the morning’s events, just as you would if it were really the big day. See where things went wrong (and good) and figure out a game plan for the actual day.

For example, if your child was supposed to get up for school at 6 a.m., but their alarm never went off, check to see if it needs new batteries or if it was set up properly. Something as simple and easy as this one situation can set your child up for success or failure on their first day.

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 9

8.

Three meals a day with snacks in between help children sustain their energy and focus. Get in the habit of knowing what you’re going to make at the beginning of the week with a family menu. Get your children involved in the process and let them pick out a meal or two; this will get them on board with helping out around mealtime, and they will know what to expect come dinner time.

9.

Reward charts are a fun and easy way to help your children get in the mood for school. Every time they put away their clean clothes, pick up after themselves, or do what they’re told, give them a sticker to put on their reward chart. Once they’ve earned enough stickers to redeem a reward, take them to the Dollar Store and let them pick out an inexpensive toy. This will help with their willingness to obey, as well as their ability to understand cause and effect.

10.

Talk time in the car is something I do with my kids. Whether we’re heading to the grocery store or just walking to the mailbox, I always try and take the opportunity to ask them about their day. Sometimes a simple, “How are you today?” can get your kid in the right mind set to start a conversation with you. Simple talks like this can be really helpful when starting school again. Kids will inevitably be cranky and tired from being at school all day and like mine, they may not feel like talking.

That’s OK. A simple, “I love you,” or “I missed you today,” can mean a lot to them and get them ready for the next day.

There are plenty of ways to set your child up for success before school even begins. Make things easier for yourself and your children by thinking ahead. Ready, set, learn! 

Meagan Ruffing is a freelance parenting writer with 15 years in the field. She gets most of her inspiration for her articles from her kids — Dylan, Hannah and Elinor — and looks forward to earlier bedtimes this fall.

10 | AUGUST 2015

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Ladies can get back to class in style with a pair of Justin Boots paired with a Tony Lama belt, (left), or these Tony Lama boots paired with a Justin belt, (right), from Justin Boot Outlet in Monett.

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Guys can make the grade, in class and in style, with these men’s Tony Lama brand boots and belt (left), or Justin elephant boots and belt, (right). These items and more are available at Justin Boot Outlet in Monett.

What’s cool for school

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Race Brothers in Monett has rugged, durable clothing fit for French class or working down on the farm. These Wrangler Rock 47 jeans, paired with a Wrangler shirt and Horse Power boots can take the guys from classroom to cattle pen in a jiffy, while the ladies make a splash, attired in an Ariat tank topped with an Adiktd lace top, Cowgirl Tuff jeans and Macie Bean boots and 3D jewelry.

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Play time is a snap for kids with these rugged clothes from Race Brothers in Monett. Little cowboys can rough and tumble on the playground in these Wrangler shirts and jeans, combined with a sturdy pair of Anderson Bean boots. Girls can play just as hard in their Cruel Girl jeans, Cowgirl Hardware shirts and Roper boots.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 13

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 15

Watching [the bear] wake up was captivating. Still loopy from the sedative, she raised her head and looked around.

I couldn’t help but think of those alien abduction stories in which a person is taken by strange creatures, sedated, and studied — except, this time, we were the aliens.

16 | AUGUST 2015

A quest for the Missouri black bear “We’re going on a bear hunt, we’re going to catch a big one, it’s a beautiful day, we’re not scared!”

I must have read this book, which

traps. My professor said, ‘Beringer, go

The team was excited, this was a new

depicts a family embarking on a quest

take care of that. You’re expendable.’

bear and a sexually-mature female.

to find a bear, 40 times to my 2-year-

So I did.

My first observation was that this

old daughter. So when I dropped her

“I wouldn’t say it was an epiphany,

bear was tiny in relation to my idea

off at her grandma’s and told her I was

but it was an adrenaline rush, and I

of a bear. One of the magical things

going on a bear hunt, a secret lan-

knew there was something special

about bears is that they are legend-

guage passed between us and she nod-

about the black bear. The more time

ary, and legends tend to grow in our

ded her head solemnly and smiled.

I’ve spent with bears, the more I re-

imagination. However, many black

spect them for their intelligence.”

bears — females in particular — are

On a sweltering June day, I followed bear biologist Jeff Beringer and

After a quick needle prick, the bear

much smaller. This bear weighed 130

his team to a metal cage nestled on an

was sedated. We walked back to the

pounds. She reminded me of a large

Ozark ridge in Wright County within

truck and Beringer explained that giv-

black German Shepherd.

a copse of trees. Something dark and

ing the bear some space allowed the

Black bears are generally non-

lumbering moved inside. A turn to the

bear to calm down a bit, and metabo-

confrontational. Even the myth of

left and there it was: the silhouette of

lize the sedative more efficiently.

getting between a mama black bear

a bear.

Once the bear was sedated, the

and her cubs is generally unfounded,

I approached the cage and peeked

crew flew into action like a team of

as the mothers can send their cubs up

inside. A bear peered back, her soft

surgeons. Boxes opened, gear as-

into a tree if they fear for their safety.

brown eyes open wide with curiosity.

sembled, gloves donned, and it was

Males tend to be more aggressive, but

The biologist dropped bits of melted

finally time to remove the bear from

a black bear will rather to avoid you

ice into the cage so the bear could

the cage. A simple cloth gurney, sans

rather than confront you for.

have a drink before sedation.

wheels, was used to remove the bear.

Beringer’s advice to folks who fear

As Beringer readied the sedative, I

As the team gingerly laid the bear on

a bear encounter is to be Bear Aware.

couldn’t help but ponder his name. A

the ground, I was overcome by how

If a bear approaches your home, it

harbinger is defined as something or

gentle they were. The team made sure

needs to have a negative experience

someone that foreshadows the future,

that her body touched the ground

so it won’t return. Make loud noises,

so perhaps a “Beringer,” is someone

slowly, her head was protected and

don’t leave food around, and let them

who foreshadows the future of the

none of her limbs twisted. The crew

know they aren’t welcome. That psy-

bears.

laid bags of ice up against the bear’s

chological barrier not only keeps bears

When I asked what got him in-

body to cool her down, and Beringer

off your front porch, but it keeps them

volved in bear research, Beringer

squirted a serum into the bear’s eyes

wild. And keeping bears wild is the

harkened back to his college days,

for lubrication, explaining that the

single largest issue that most wildlife

trapping timberwolves in northern

sedative keeps the bear from blinking.

regulatory agencies face.

Wisconsin.

He then covered her eyes with a tow-

“Folks need to understand that in

“We heard a bear back in the

el. Beringer then checked the bear’s

bear country, the things that you do

woods and knew we had one in our

gender — it was a female in estrus.

can affect if a bear comes around. I

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 17

live in central Missouri and clean my fish on the back picnic table, but if I lived in bear country, I’d operate differently so they wouldn’t have a reason to come around.”

Beringer asked for help maneuvering the bear onto her side to check for ticks, and I couldn’t help but volunteer. My hands sunk into the coarse fur to the warm skin. As I grasped a front leg, I felt her heartbeat. I smelled her bear-ness, similar to the musk of a dog, but more pungent. I was touching a Missouri black bear.

Missouri is home to Ursus americanus, the black bear. Interestingly enough, the color of a black bear can range from cinnamon to brown to red.

The black bear is a protected species in Missouri and makes its home in the heavily-wooded Ozarks. Generally elusive, the black bear will wander

A radio collar is placed around bears’ necks to determine and track locations.

This information is uploaded to a map that is available to the public at http://mdc7.mdc.mo.gov/applications/blackbears/ and is updated every week or so.

into a yard if it smells some food that strikes its fancy. Young males who are seeking out new territory have, espe-

in Missouri is attributed to better

populations and growth rates in Mis-

cially of late, been found confusedly

management of habitat and Arkansas’

souri.

bounding down the streets of towns.

restocking efforts. However, DNA

Much of the trapping is done on

They have even started ranging out-

evidence suggests that a few Missouri-

public land, but MDC also partners

side of their normally heavily-wooded

original bears may have survived and

with private landowners to set traps.

territory. In fact, this June, a young

are breeding.

Landowners can make their land more

male bear was spotted just outside of

The Missouri Bear Project, in its

hospitable to bears by favoring oak

Monett — the first documented sight-

fifth year, is a seven-year cooperative

species, berry species and leaving snags

ing in Lawrence County.

project between the University of

that fall for denning.

The history of black bears in Mis-

Missouri, Mississippi State University

The second bear we captured was

souri is similar to that of other game

and the Missouri Department of Con-

in Ozark County on private land. This

species’ who were hunted without re-

servation (MDC) with funding by the

bear was also confirmed to be a female

striction. Bear meat and oil was con-

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Department.

and was slightly smaller at 130 pounds.

sidered a precious food source and, as

The current research is used to mea-

I was amazed at the color variation of

a result, hunting pressure nearly ex-

sure survival and reproduction rates

this bear. Unlike black bear No. 1, this

tirpated the black bear from Missouri

for females in Missouri. Transient

bear was practically blonde.

during settlement.

male bears can travel hundreds of

The landowners, along with the

By the 1890s the black bear was

miles from their original location, so

conservationists, take pride and are

considered extinct in Missouri. In

the presence of female bears indicates

deeply respectful of the black bears

recent years, however, their num-

that breeding populations exist.

they trap. This landowner enjoyed

bers have started to climb. The re-

By collecting data on females, the

telling stories about the various bears

cent resurgence of bear populations

MDC will be able to forecast bear

they caught in the trap. He recalled a

18 | AUGUST 2015

By collecting data on females, the MDC will be able to forecast bear populations and growth rates in Missouri. story of baiting a trap in the dark and

ern Oregon County. She — yes, an-

feeling the hair stand up on his neck.

other female — was a beauty. She was

When he checked his game camera, he

203 pounds and a recapture, but was

found that the black bear had entered

missing both ear tags and collar and, as

the trap less than five minutes after he

a result, was unidentifiable. As with the

had set the bait. Apparently, the bear

previous bears, a whole series of data-

was just watching and waiting for him

collection techniques were carried out.

to get out of the way.

An array of measurements were taken,

The philosophy behind baiting is

including length, chest circumference,

evolving. At one point, donuts were

ear size, paw width/length, tail size. An

the go-to bait because their sticky

ear tag was placed in both ears, and

sweetness was irresistible.

she was chipped, similar to a dog. The

“We are moving away from baiting

team removed hair for DNA sampling.

the traps with human food and gener-

June is a particularly great time of the

ally like to bait with corn and nuts, and

year to take these samples, as the bears

other non-human food,” Beringer said,

are shedding their winter coats.

though some local conservationists shy-

Collecting DNA will allow scien-

ly acknowledged leaving a few donuts,

tists to analyze survival, genetic data

now and then, for bears to munch on

and tell a more accurate story about

after they awoke from sedation.

population dynamics. Body mass in-

We drove on in the late afternoon

dex is determined using a contraption

deep into the national forest in north-

that measures electric waves through-

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 19

out the bear’s body and can determine

and estimating total ticks. Scientists

with a ruddy hue to her coat. Another

muscle/fat ratio, which in turn deter-

hope to eventually identify the tick

recapture, her existing collar was re-

mines overall fitness of the individual

species and analyze the blood within

moved and replaced during the exami-

bear. The first premolar, located im-

the engorged ticks to look for different

nation. Beringer removed her collar

mediately behind the canine tooth

types of bacteria and protozoans.

and scratched her neck affectionately

and generally considered a vestigial

Finally, a radio collar is placed

before replacing it. The cage used to

tooth, is removed. The tooth can ac-

around the bear’s neck to determine

lure this bear seemed particularly state

curately tell scientists the age of the

and track locations. This information

of the art, and Beringer explained

bear through a series of rings, similar

is uploaded to a map that is available

that the Missouri Department of

to the growth rings on a tree, called

to the public at http://mdc7.mdc.

Conservation designed it. Modifi-

cementum annulations. This informa-

mo.gov/applications/blackbears/, and

cations had been done to the trailer

tion can even, in some cases, tell scien-

is updated every week or so.

based on bear activity. For example,

tists which year a female has had a lit-

Oregon County Bear woke up

the tires kept getting destroyed by

ter of cubs. A tick count is performed,

quicker than the other two, probably

the bears and scientists figured out

by sectioning off different areas of the

because Beringer erred on the conser-

it was because the formic acid that

bear’s body, removing engorged ticks

vative side when dosing the bear, giv-

tires exude is the same type of acid

ing her the equivalent of a 130-pound

given off by anthills (one of black

dose. Watching her wake up was cap-

bears’ favorite treats). Metal covers

tivating. Still loopy from the sedative,

now shielded the tires. The contrap-

she raised her head and looked around.

tion was like an indestructible bear

I couldn’t help but think of those alien

tank.

20 | AUGUST 2015

abduction stories in which a person

Bears are omnivores, similar to

is taken by strange creatures, sedated,

humans. Along with ants and other

and studied — except, this time, we

insects, bears consume berries, nuts,

were the aliens. It will make a great

insects, grains, and the occasional

story for the cubs.

fawn or other small mammal if they

We headed northeast to Shannon

can catch it. They are also known

County as the sun was traveling far-

to scavenge and eat carrion, There’s

ther west. Bear No. 4 was also trapped

even a particular mushroom that is

in the National Forest. And this one

found almost exclusively in their

was another large female, 203 pounds,

gut tract during certain times of

the year. Like humans, having a vast food niche makes them resourceful and enables them to find food during the lean times, as well as the prosperous.

As the truck bounced back to civilization along the old rutted logging road in the twilight, I asked Beringer about the value bears brought to Missouri. He replied knowingly, as if he had thought about this question for eons.

“Scientifically, bears are known for their regenerative capabilities during hibernation,” he said. “For instance, a bear could break its leg, go into hibernation and be completely healed upon awakening. The medical community is interested in

Jeff Beringer (right), MDC bear biologist, completes year five of the Missouri Bear Project, a seven-year research survey of black bear in the Missouri Ozarks. Black bear population seems to be growing through conservation efforts.

these capabilities and the applications that this unique ability might have for human beings. Bears may have some economical value in the future as their populations grow by allowing strategically regulated hunting. Also, the bear is an indicator species of the health of a landscape. Everything in the wilderness

has to be working and intact for

that this vestige of Missouri’s wilder-

bears to exist.”

ness still ambles up and down Ozark

I thought about this “Bear-inger’s”

mountains on a balmy July morn-

comments, and had a thought. Proper

ing, cubs tumbling behind her as she

management of black bears is an in-

munches on ripe blackberries and

vestment in both our heritage and

heads to the creek.

our future. Bears tell us a story of our

And what we value is a powerful

wild Missouri landscape — an integral

thing, because it becomes our legacy

piece of our collective ancestry, one

— a legacy that was already leaving

that we have the opportunity to keep

its mark as I found out the following

intact for future generations.

morning when, during breakfast, my

The value of the black bear is different for all of us. For me, it is the simple intrinsic value of knowing

daughter suddenly made an exclamation.

“Mama bear hunt... Me, too!” 

Jennifer Conner has a bachelor’s degree in conservation and wildlife management from Missouri State University. She worked as an environmental specialist for the state of Missouri for six years before moving to southwest Missouri with her husband Mark.

Jennifer enjoys writing about her many outdoor adventures and taking long walks in the woods with her 2-year-old daughter, Aarilyn, a budding naturalist who really likes bears.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 21

Cutest pet

Meet

Abbey, & Marley,

a 2-year-old cocker spaniel, a 3-year-old mini schnauzer, owned by Kelley and Meghan Morris.

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 your pet’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 pet’s name, city of residence and your contact information.

22 | AUGUST 2015

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 23

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Enjoying nature’s beauty

from the living room couch

I didn’t fully appreciate living in the country until getting away from it.

L

ooking back, I realize now how fortunate I was to have been raised in the rural Ozarks.

There were many perks to living in the country. Peace and quiet, miles away from the sound of highway traffic and police sirens, was one.

Growing up in rural McDonald County near Anderson, I had dogs and cats who roamed freely, without the constraints of fences.

Another perk was the wildlife. It was common to spot critters of many kinds around my parents’ property, including squirrels and a wide variety of birds.

Like many things in life, I didn’t fully appreciate living in the country until getting away from it. After moving off to college, the next decadeplus of my life was spent living near the center of larger cities, where wildlife sightings were rare.

In December 2013, after a fouryear stint as the editor of a newspaper in central Arkansas, I was given the opportunity to come back to southwest Missouri, just one county east of where I grew up.

Admittedly, I didn’t play a role in where, specifically, we would move.

My wife and mother-in-law did the advance work while I tied up loose ends in Arkansas, and I was happy to defer to their judgment. The fact that my wife’s pick featured a garage was enough to sell me.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 25

There was another perk I didn’t discover until spring. Due to the numerous trees behind our privacy fence, birds congregating in the back yard was a common sight.

Our living room window faces the back yard, so it was easy to watch the birds and listen to their songs from the couch.

It wasn’t long before we purchased a couple of feeders to accommodate our feathered guests.

Their friends soon got word of the free food and they, too, took up residence near our back yard.

Prior to the feeders being put up, a family of robins lived near our back yard. Since then, a cardinal couple has moved in, and we had the pleasure of seeing them and their babies over the past year. Other common backyard birds include blue jays and finches. Our yard also attracts many squirrels, including one we call Bandit, because he enjoys stealing the birds’ food, despite there being a squirrel feeder nearby.

We have found watching our backyard wildlife therapeutic. At the end of a stressful workday, there is nothing more relaxing than seeing and hearing nature’s beauty up close from the living room.

There are many reasons I am happy to be a southwest Missourian. This area’s natural beauty ranks near the top of the list.

Jacob Brower is the publisher of Connection Magazine, The Monett Times and Cassville Democrat. He is a graduate of McDonald County High School, Crowder College, and Missouri Southern State University.

He lives in Barry County with his wife, Kara.

He can be reached at connection@monett-times.com.

26 | AUGUST 2015

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 27

First album release: Local duo takes no backseat on new country-rock CD

M

ark

Uncertain Henry and the Backseat Drivers

Sebastian and James

great relationship, we’ve been best friends

probably spent some time there,” Sebas-

Meeks are no strangers to

for many years, so it’s easy to write songs

tian said. “The song is about the evolution

the music scene. Sebastian

with her in mind.

of a relationship through a place like that.”

has been performing in a variety of cover

As far as how the relationship has

Another song Sebastian counts among

bands for about 30 years, and Meeks has

evolved in these songs, that’s difficult to

his favorites on the album includes “I

been front-porch jamming and perform-

explain.

Don’t Need You.”

ing since childhood.

“I’ll try to use an example or two,” he

“It rocks, and James has a guitar hook

The duo had recently given up the mu-

said. “‘Can’t Get You Off My Mind’ was

in it that I really like,” he continued. “You

sic circuit and the bar scene to focus solely

written about when I traveled for business

can’t help but move and tap your foot

on original music, and released their first

for years. I always looked forward to get-

when you listen to it.”

CD — Uncertain Henry and the Backseat

ting home to her. On ‘I’ll Never Know,’ I

Meeks, whose wife, Connie, serves as

Drivers.

have to imagine what would life have been

his inspiration, also helped pen a tune,

“After playing in bands and doing cover

like without her? So, I don’t know that our

“Girl Like You,” recalling their early days

songs for the past 30 years or so, I decided

relationship has evolved, it’s always been

of running around Monett and Pierce City

I was too old for the club scene. When

good. We write about what we know, so

together.

I’m recording, I still get to play and share

my great relationship with Stacy is easy to

music with friends. Getting home at 2 and

write about.

Sometimes the lyrics and the melody flow out of the artists like a river.

3 a.m. gets later and later with the club

“‘I’ll Never Know’ is my favorite be-

“On ‘I Don’t Need You,’ another musi-

scene. I’m not too old for music, just too

cause it tells a nice, but somewhat sad

cian, Cory West and James and I started

old for the circuit.”

story,” he said. “James and I have said it’s

playing a bass line and I started writing,

“It was a job all those years,” Meeks

the happiest sad song we’ve written. It’s

and we were recording the basic tracks in

added. “Every time I pick up my guitar

about an old man telling a story of a girl he

an hour,” said Sebastian.

now, I enjoy playing. Trying to build a

knew as a young man, was separated from

band is like a revolving door. Rotating

her as he grew older, but always wondered

band members, and then you get four or

what it would have been like to share his

“There are times I can sit down and

five people in a band and it’s like a dysfunc-

life with her. Then the woman passes and

write two or three songs in an afternoon,”

tional family. Now, there’s no money to be

he realizes he’ll never know, even though

Sebastian said. “There are other times I

made. We’re doing this for fun.”

he’s loved her for all those years. It tells a

couldn’t come up with lyrics if the fate of

sad story, but a nice story.

mankind depended on it, and that is a very

The change has allowed Sebastian to

But sometimes, writing songs isn’t that easy.

focus more on spreading his wings and

In another song, “Jenkins Creek,” Se-

frustrating situation. The key is finding the

writing original material rather than sing

bastian takes the listener back to the early

core meaning of a song or tag line. Once I

a cover of someone else’s song.

days of his relationship and spends time

get that, the rest of the song comes a little

“We write about what we know,” he

skipping stones and learning about love on

easier.”

said. “If we know what a good relationship

the banks of Jenkins Creek, a well-known

with someone we love is, then that’s easy to

Barry County swimming hole and recre-

write about. Stacy has been a supporter of

ation spot.

Their style of music can be tentatively described as country-rock.

“My biggest music influence was my

my music for a long time, and it’s not easy

“My thought was that everyone around

mom,” Sebastian said. “She was a pianist

being married to a musician. We have a

here knows about Jenkins Creek and has

and played the organ in church, and she

28 | AUGUST 2015

Story and photos by Melonie Roberts

: Uncertain Henry

James Meeks, (left) and Mark Sebastian, (right) are the primary artists in the group Uncertain Henry and the Backseat Drivers. The duo has worked with Cory West on developing lyrics and local artists Shawn Killion, drums and percussions, Cindy Gunter, vocals, Lisa Murphy, vocals, Rick Scherer, guitar, vocals and harmonica, Tim Snyder, cello, and Katrina Hofmann-Coquillard, violin.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 29

would bring home albums from CCR, The

equipment and learned as they went along.

“Technology has made it possible

Beatles, Neil Diamond and Tina Turner,

“We had to learn mic placement and

to listen to some great artists. So many

amongst others, and she would listen to

everything,” Meeks said. “We were a cou-

we never hear about because they don’t

them with me and point out major and

ple of knuckleheads in a basement, but it

have the financial backing to hit the air-

minor chords, rhythms and chord pro-

sounds pretty good.

waves. But, because of technology, we

gressions. She taught me how to hear the

“Now I listen to it and know where we

can hear so many great artists and those

could have made it sound better. On one

artists can make a little money from the

“As far as song writing, my biggest in-

track, we had the microphones placed in-

downloads, which make it possible for

fluence would probably be a local artist I

correctly, but it sounded cool and we went

them to go back in to the studio and

played with for a few years, Mark Chap-

with it. We experimented on several of the

make more great music.”

man. I think Mark writes some great songs

tracks, learning as we went. It took about

and I admire his song writing a great deal.

14 months to finish the CD.”

music, not just listen to the song.

The two are collaborating on a second album and plan to start recording

If it wasn’t for Mark I would have never

“I would start with the lyrics and basic

known the joys of song writing and would

melody, and then take it to James,” Sebas-

“We have several new songs written

still be playing nothing but cover songs.

tian said. “He would take a bit of this and

and are fine-tuning them now,” Sebas-

“As far as bands that influence our song

a bit of that and it would change the tex-

tian said. “We plan to start tracking in

writing, many bands from the 70s, 80s and

ture of the song. Once we got started, we

a couple of months and should have the

90s,” he said. “Skynard, James Taylor, The

would figure out where the melody and

new CD ready for sale and uploading

Ozark Mountain Daredevils, Clapton, and

the chorus would go and then call in some

early next summer.”

Jim Croce. There is great music from all

old friends to add background vocals.”

generations. From old traditional country

“We had no preconceived notions of

like Hank Williams, to Mozart to Imagine

how this was going to turn out,” Meeks

Dragons. I really like it all and all of it be-

said.

comes an influence with what I write.”

next year.

Fans can expect a little more rock on the next album.

“James has a history of playing traditional country and honky tonk music,”

Songs from Uncertain Henry and the

Sebastian said. “I’ve played more rock

With the variety of musical styles

Backseat Drivers are available on CD-

and roll. That’s one of the things that

come a variety of musical influences on

Baby.com, Amazon.com, AllMusic.com,

makes our projects together interesting

the album.

iTunes.com and GooglePlay.com. The

and a little more middle of the road.

Rick Scherer, a former Tequila, Lime, No Salt band mate, plays harmonica on

technology has certainly helped get their music out for public consumption.

“One thing I can assure you of, is our music will stay true to who we are.

“Holdin’ Each Other Tight,” and adds vo-

“At the same time, there’s so much

We don’t try to write what we think

cals and guitar in other songs on the album.

music out there now,” Sebastian said. “So,

someone will like, we write what we’re

“He lives in Texas but was traveling

even if it’s a little easier to get people to

moved to write.

through while we were in the process of

listen to your music, the competition to

recording the album,” Sebastian said. “We

get the listeners ears is much greater.

got him into the studio and got as much done as possible while he was here. Mark McManus, another former TLNS members helped write ‘Brighter Days.’”

“Other performers — Cindy Gunter and Lisa Murphy — are professional musicians and added vocals to the mix,” Sebastian said. “We didn’t have any hard and fast rules about what we wanted them to do, we just got them into the studio and let them go where the music took them. The songs evolved themselves.”

Sebastian and Meeks purchased some recording equipment and set it up in a small basement studio nicknamed “The Pit.” There, they experimented with the

30 | AUGUST 2015

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SKITS W

ith 30 minutes to curtain, back-

SKITS got its start in 2013 by Jim

stage at the Central Commu-

Robinson, who had acted in California

nity Church in Shell Knob is a

and wanted to get back into perform-

flurry of activity with hair and makeup

ing after moving to the Cassville area

and costumes all being prepared.

in 2012. Although Robinson has left

Shell Knob in the Spotlight,

the troupe, many of its members look

SKITS for short, was preparing to

back at the group’s humble beginnings

put on the second to last performance

and reflected on how they were con-

of its fourth play as a troupe, and the

vinced to join in the first place.

show will go on this fall.

ting an acting group together here,

Barb Van Dusen, Sherri Lewis, Lori

so he set up booths at the Shell Knob

Reaves and Susan Ramonette, living in

Home Show and Shakin’ in the Shell,”

Shell Knob without the group would

Ramonette said. “I was at the Home

not be the same.

Show and just went to get a cup of cof-

Story and photos by Kyle Troutman, editor

Big stage

to a little town

“Jim decided he wanted to try get-

For four of the SKITS’ members,

With members mostly in their 60s,

Susan Ramonette, center, as Mavis Johns, melodramatically passes out during her performance in “Mind Over Manor.” Also pictured, from left, are: Barb Van Dusen, as Patty Von Schtuk; and Eileen Ploss as Lerlene Charleston.

fee, and here I am.”

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 33

“Mind Over Manor” characters do their best to get through Rob Holmberg, as attorney Chester Banks, to get to Merri Magula, as Jasmine Winters.

Sherri Lewis, right, as Tawnee Patterson, shows off her yoga moves to Eileen Ploss, middle, as Lerlene Charleston, and Opal Summers, as Karin Stanley.

The first to be wrangled in by Rob-

needed help with something involv-

taken turns with roles, both on stage

inson, Ramonette said the group start-

ing her poker group,” Reaves said. “It’s

and backstage. Director duties often

ed with about six members and has

a good thing she did, too, because I

change hands, as Reaves directed the

since tripled in size, including three

probably would have been intimidated

most recent play, “Mind Over Manor,”

children, and she had a hand in bring-

otherwise.”

and Lewis directed the previous play,

ing some on board.

“I came from Shakin’ in the Shell,

“You Can’t Get There From Here.”

“Susan was very enthusiastic and

which is where I met Jim,” Lewis said.

And, it was easy to see each director

pretty much begged me to do it,” Van

“My girlfriends would say, ‘You should

has his or her own style.

Dusen said. “I had never done it be-

join. This is so your style.’ So, I just

“Lori will say ‘babble babble’ all

fore, but I figured at age 67, I should

came up here and started hanging out

the time when we are not saying words

do something new.”

with the clan.”

clearly,” Ramonette said. “That has

“Sue got me here by saying she

Since all joining, the members have

Rob Holmberg, right, as attorney Chester Banks, speaks with Karin Stanley, as Opal Summers, about how to deal with Summers’ niece who is trying to take her home in the play “Mind Over Manor.”

34 | AUGUST 2015

become a big joke.”

“Mind Over Manor” characters lean forward to take a look at the shoes worn by Sherri Lewis, as Tawneee Patterson, who has a multiple personality disorder that caused her to lock another character in a closet.

SKITS is accepting tax-deductible sponsorships and donations at multiple levels.

Members Cast/Crew ($35):

including a 5 percent discount on six or more tickets

Showtime ($100):

including playbill acknowledgement, a 10 percent discount on six or more tickets and an invitation for two to a cast party

SKITS ($250): Lori Reaves, right, director of the last SKITS play, welcomes the audience and explains the three acts and voting process, as there was a mystery involved in the “Mind Over Manor” play that required audience participation.

On stage, each of the four said per-

volunteer, so we work for treats.”

forming is exciting, especially getting

Getting the laugh was still most im-

to play a character instead of just being

portant to the women, each of which

themselves.

agreed.

“When you go into character, you just feel like you don’t have to have a filter,” Reaves said. “It makes you forget who you are, and as long as you can forget that and get into character, it’s a very liberating thing.”

Van Dusen said being on stage and playing a character takes her away.

“The applause and laugh is the best part,” Reaves said.

“I live for the laugh,” Van Dusen added.

“When someone laughs so hard that they start applauding, that’s the best,” Lewis said.

To get those laughs, the ladies said

“You basically lose your life for two

there is a lot of hard work on the front

months because it takes so much focus

end, such as remembering lines and

and energy you can’t deal with any-

getting makeup correct.

thing else,” she said.

The group typically sticks to melodramas and comedic plays, as they all like to laugh and like to share that laughter.

“Now, at 67, I don’t know how I can remember 80 lines but can’t remember a simple recipe,” Van Dusen said.

“I was a 20-year-old in one play, and

including playbill acknowledgement, a 25 percent discount on six or more tickets, special seating for six people and an invitation for four to a cast party

Sponsors Angel ($500):

including name in the playbill and all marketing materials, verbal recognition during the play, up to six complementary tickets for staff members, a special invitation to the cast party and the business’ literature available at the play

Production Angel ($1,000):

including name in the playbill and all marketing materials, a “cameo” appearance in the play if desired, a backstage tour, verbal recognition during the play, up to 11 complementary tickets for staff members, a special invitation to the cast party and the business’ literature available at the play

that took lots of makeup,” Ramonette

“We find people want to be light-

said. “We’ve even had men playing

hearted, so that’s why we want to do an-

women’s roles. A lot of us wanted to do

other melodrama, because people want

this in high school but weren’t the cut-

to either come laugh with us or laugh

est or the best singer. Now, we get to

at us,” Van Dusen said. “We are also all

play out our childhood dreams.”

Play

a part

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 35

Cast members of SKITS ready to bow for the audience after a recent performance of “Mind Over Manor.”

Putting on two plays per year,

“The event committee chooses

ous donations throughout the years

SKITS is already gearing up for its

the plays, and we have to read a lot

to help in its success, including things

fall play, and even during the inter-

and make sure the royalties are not

like the staging, donated by Stamina

view for Connection Magazine, the

outrageous, because we are a small,

Products and worth thousands of dol-

four women sitting in a semicircle

non-profit group,” Ramonette said.

lars. Van Dusen’s husband, Bob Van

were shooting out ideas about the

“Even with tickets at $7-$8 per show,

Dusen, also helps with creating props

fall play and what it should be. One

we are lucky to break even.”

and staging, and the local boys’ ranch

thought was to combine a few genres

Ramonette said each play costs

helps assemble and disassemble the

to give the play an extra edge, like a

about $1,800-$2,000 to produce, and

stage. Creative Arts of Shell Knob is

melodrama with an investigative mys-

none would have been possible with-

also involved, as it does any painting

tery twist that involves the audience.

out help. SKITS has received numer-

needed by SKITS, and the Central Community Church offers its space in which the plays are held.

Ramonette said the group is hoping to continue growing, which will help them put out better plays and to do some side projects as well, like a children’s acting camp in the summer or 10-minute skits for events like Rotary Club meetings.

“New people join all the time, and if we get a couple new people each play we do, that will help us grow,”

The curtain call for SKITS’ fall performance is to be continued...

Reaves said. “It’s also good for us to be small because anyone can come and anyone can join. No experience required.” 

For more information about SKITS, people may call 417-499-4551, email shellknobspotlight@yahoo.com or visit ShellKnobSpotlight.com.

36 | AUGUST 2015

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Friday, August 21st and Saturday, August 22nd, 2015 Crane City Park • Hwy. 413, Downtown Crane, Missouri CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 37

Calendar 1 The Monett Farmers Market will be open

18 Central Crossing Senior Center will host the Grace Health Service and Mercy/ CCSC Health Fair 7 a.m. to 1 p.m.

every Saturday in August from 8 a.m. to noon.

3 The Monett Senior Center will host a

dance at 7 p.m. There is a $3 cover charge and the band will be Evelyn Locke and the Outriders from Shell Knob. Snacks are welcome.

4 The city of Monett has scheduled a Transportation Sales Tax Election.

Central Crossing Senior Center, Shell Knob, will have Mike Newton, medication side effects/allergies at 11:30 a.m.

6 Ernte Fest will be held Aug. 6, 7, and 8 in Freistatt, sponsored by the Freistatt Lions Club. Family night is Aug. 6.

Central Crossing Senior Center, Shell Knob, will have hearing aid checks from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

20 The Cassville Senior Center, 1111 Fair St., will be having painting classes from 9 to 11 a.m.

flea market will be held from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Chamber Event Park. For more information, call 417-858-3300.

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a dance beginning at 7 p.m.

Final night of Ernte Fest at Freistatt.

14 The Old Town Pharmacy in Monett will buy lunch for any seniors who would like a meal at the Monett Senior Center.

Located in Shell Knob, the Central Crossing Senior Center has a number of regular events each week.

Domino Poker is held every day from 12:30-3 p.m.

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a dance beginning at 7 p.m.

22 The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will

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

24 Central Crossing Senior Center, Shell Knob,

Line Dancing is held every Tuesday and Thursday from 9-10:30 a.m.

sponsor a dance beginning at 7 p.m.

will have Nell’s Nails, 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Quilting for Charity is held each Wednesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

26 Central Crossing Senior Center, Shell Knob, will have WIC.

Pinochle is held each Thursday from 12:30-3 p.m.

27 The Pierce City Senior Center, 104 Locust

St., will host a dance from 7-10 p.m.

Admission is $3. Finger foods are welcome.

For more information, call 417-476-5800 or 737-4900.

7 Second night of Ernte Fest at Freistatt.

8 The Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce

Central Crossing Senior Center

28 The City of Cassville will be having the

annual Fall Sidewalk Sale on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 28 and 29.

Cards Galore is held each Friday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Dances

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will host a dance at the Seligman Chamber Event Center at 7 p.m. on the following dates: Aug. 8, 15, 20 and 22. Admission is $4 each and attendees are asked to bring snacks to share. Teens are welcome, and there is no admission fee for teens. No alcohol or smoking is allowed. For more information, call 417-662-3612.

The Monett Senior Center will host a dance at 7 p.m. on Aug. 3. There is a $3 cover charge and the band will be Evelyn Locke and the Outriders from Shell Knob. Snacks are welcome.

The Pierce City Senior Center, 104 Locust St., will host a dance from 7-10 p.m. on Aug. 27. Admission is $3. Finger foods are welcome. For more information, call 417-476-5800 or 737-4900.

The Cassville Senior Center’s regular monthly Birthday Lunch at noon.

29 The Wheaton Fire Protection District will

have its annual Barbecue in the Wheaton City Park. Serving will be at 11 a.m.

Second day for the Fall Sidewalk Sale in Cassville.

15 A Truck and Tractor Pull will be held at Ruby’s Event Park in Seligman sponsored by the Seligman Chamber of Commerce.

The Pierce City Senior Center, 104 Locust St., will be serving Breakfast from 7 to 10 a.m.

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will sponsor a dance beginning at 7 p.m.

17 Central Crossing Senior Center, Shell Knob, will have Beyond Balance with Tina Reynolds at 11:30 a.m.

38 | AUGUST 2015

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 39

Ozark Methodist Manor

O

zark

honors history, looks to future Manor,

“My grandma lived and died here. I grew

Employees seem to appreciate the

one of Marionville’s larg-

Methodist

up playing tag in the trees and hunting

home-style environment as many have

est employers and longest-

Easter Eggs here. We’re still doing it. It’s

logged more than 10 years.

running entities, recently celebrated 90 years of service in the community.

The facility is home to a continuing

wonderful.”

Glenn also started a life-long career at Ozark Methodist Manor.

care retirement community, with 58 inde-

“I started in the kitchen in 1983,” she

pendent living cottages, 32 residential care

said. “I got my certified nurses aide cer-

apartments and 78 skilled nursing beds,

tificate here. I went to St. John’s School

nestled on 30 acres in the middle of Mari-

of Nursing in 1989 and got my LPN and

onville.

came back in 2013. This is my hometown,

The June 13 event offered free hot dogs, hamburgers, children’s activities, popcorn, Sno Cones, crafting demonstra-

we’re all a family.”

That sentiment carries over to the employees at the manor.

“We have staff that’s been here 45 years,” Glenn said. “The director over the apartments has been here 27 years and our human resources director has been here 12 years. We have very little turnover.”

The residents enjoy living at the manor as well.

Frankie Neimeyer, who was doing a woodcarving demonstration during the celebration is one of the facility’s longterm residents.

tions and music throughout the afternoon,

“I tell everyone we hire to treat these

“I’m 92 years old and I’ve been here 22

as residents of the facility and community

people like they are my family,” Glenn

years,” Neimeyer said. “This is a nice re-

members came together to share memo-

said. “I don’t always know how they might

tirement home.”

ries and celebrate.

treat their own families, but they know to

“This is my home,” said Tracy Glenn,

treat our residents like they are the most

who has served as the director of nursing

important people in the world, because

at Ozark Methodist Manor for two years.

they are.”

40 | AUGUST 2015

His woodworking companion, Johnny Brisendine, 82, agreed.

“I like it here,” he said. “I’ve been here 12 years. It’s a good place.”

Story and photos by Melonie Roberts

Residents at Ozark Methodist Manor got in on the celebration of the facility’s 90th anniversary, with friends, family and community members dropping by to visit and participate in the day’s events. Pictured is resident Lora Teague, who received a visit from her Schnauzer, Buddy, during the afternoon.

Tracy Glenn, executive director, Rachel Lacy, activity assistant, and Tinsley Marshall. Children also had the opportunity to participate in sack races and gobble down all of the hot dogs, hamburgers, Sno Cones, cookies and popcorn they could hold.

These residents of Ozark Methodist Manor were outside enjoying the 90th anniversary celebration and indulging in their favorite pastime, carving. From left, Frankie Neimeyer, 92, has been a resident of the facility for 22 years, while Johnny Brisendine, 82, has been living there for 12 years.

“Carving is a hobby,” Brisendine said. “We do about whatever we want to here.”

Celebrating

90 years

of care

Food, fun and friendship were hallmarks of the day at the 90th anniversary celebration at Ozarks Methodist Manor in Marionville. Pictured, from left, are: Tinsley Marshall, Jaxon Marshall and Caidyn Johnson, who shared secrets and Sno Cones in the shade of an oak tree during the afternoon’s festivities.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 41

The DeLozier family has been an integral part of the history at Ozarks Methodist Manor. The facility operated under the direction of late Forest DeLozier for 22 years and one wing of the skilled nursing building is named in his honor. Pictured, from left, are members of the DeLozier family attending the facility’s 90th anniversary celebration: Ben, Krissy, Gene, Esther, Don and Chase.

Ozark Methodist Manor wasn’t always a skilled nursing facility. It was once home to Marionville Collegiate Institute, established

Kaitlin Gross and Autumn Kidwell enjoyed cherry Sno Cones at the 90th anniversary celebration at Ozark Methodist Manor in Marionville. The celebration featured free food, drinks, children’s activities, craft demonstrations and music.

after the Civil War. The Lawrence County Teachers Association started the school in 1865, Glenn said. It was then taken over by the Methodist Episcopal Church and named Marionville Collegiate Institute. Later, the college was moved to Carthage and converted to the Manor. The original bell and some of the stones bearing the dorm names are still on the property.

It was in 1950 that construction on the independent living cottages began. Some of the collegiate buildings are still being used today.”

The facility is undergoing some upgrades and improvements, including converting to an electronic-based medical records system.

“We’re looking forward to our centennial celebration,” Glenn said. “We’re proud to be here. It’s a good place.” 

42 | AUGUST 2015

Mike Schaefer, a crafter making old-fashioned corn husk brooms, was on hand to demonstrate his craft at the 90th anniversary celebration at Ozark Methodist Manor in Marionville. Schaefer and his wife, Sandy, who met at as crafters at Silver Dollar City, in Branson, have been making the brooms since 2001. Schaefer said the first broom corn was brought to the nation by Benjamin Franklin.

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Health

Tips for “A+” Nutrition this School Year

Check out these websites for more ideas and tips to create healthy meals for you and your family during the upcoming school year: SuperHealthyKids.com CookingLight.com/food/lunch-box-recipes-kids EatRight.org/resources/for-kids

As Labor Day approaches and the temperature begins to drop, it’s time to get geared up for the start of another school year.

One important but sometimes overlooked factor to a child’s academic success is what they are putting on their plates at meal times. Studies show that healthy nutrition is essential to a child’s brain development and can improve their cognitive function, and even mood. The USDA’s National School Lunch program ensures that students are offered meals that provide one-third or more of the daily recommended intake for calories and key nutrients. Regardless of whether your child eats lunch at school, here are a few tips to help improve nutrition for your child during the school year:

 Make time for breakfast

 Plan ahead

 Be a good role model

Children need to eat regularly to help fuel their growing bodies and minds. When kids (and adults) skip breakfast, they may not be able to perform at their best and may have a difficult time maintaining a healthy weight. Here are a few easy and healthy breakfast ideas: whole grain cereal with low-fat milk, diced fruit and yogurt, peanut butter on toast, or a breakfast “wrap” (a whole-grain tortilla filled with scrambled eggs, diced veggies and cheese).

The best way to ensure that your child has energy in the classroom and for after-school activities is to pack snacks and meals that will help keep them fueled up throughout the day. To save time and stress, spend an hour prepping meals and snacks for the week. Having healthy foods pre-packaged and ready to “grab and go” in containers or plastic baggies can make it easier to eat healthy on the run. You can even get your child involved with this.

For example, they can help wash fruits and veggies, mix together a pasta salad, or make their own trail mix.

Have you ever heard the saying, “monkey see, monkey do?” Many parents know that kids will often copy what they hear or observe others doing. This goes for healthy eating, too. If your child sees you eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, they are more likely to follow in your foot steps and do the same.

Also, keep in mind that it can take up to seven or more exposures to a new food until a child may accept it.

Lindsay Sparks is a registered dietitian

fotolia.com2

at the Center for Health Improvement at Cox Monett Hospital. She obtained her bachelor of science degree in nutrition and dietetics and completed her dietetic internship with a concentration in rural health from Missouri State University. Lindsay loves to run and recently completed her first full marathon. When she’s not busy running or helping others with their nutritional needs, she enjoys spending time with her husband in the great outdoors of the beautiful Ozarks.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 45

Favorite after-school snacks

Playgroup Granola Bars

Banana Muffins

Power Bars

INGREDIENTS:

INGREDIENTS:

INGREDIENTS:

2 cups rolled oats 3/4 cup packed brown sugar 1/2 cup wheat germ 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 cup all-purpose flour 3/4 cup raisins (optional) 3/4 teaspoon salt 1/2 cup honey 1 egg, beaten 1/2 cup vegetable oil 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 cup all-purpose flour 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 cup mashed ripe banana 1/4 cup white sugar 1/4 cup sour cream 1 egg 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup quick-cooking rolled oats 1/2 cup whole wheat flour 1/2 cup wheat and barley nugget cereal (e.g. Grape-Nuts™) 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1 beaten egg 1/4 cup applesauce 1/4 cup honey 3 tablespoons brown sugar 2 tablespoons vegetable oil 1/4 cup unsalted sunflower seeds 1/4 cup chopped walnuts 1 (7 ounce) bag chopped dried mixed fruit

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

Generously grease a 9x13 inch baking pan.

2. In a large bowl, mix together the oats, brown sugar, wheat germ, cinnamon, flour, raisins and salt. Make a well in the center, and pour in the honey, egg, oil and vanilla. Mix well using your hands. Pat the mixture evenly into the prepared pan.

3. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes in the preheated oven, until the bars begin to turn golden at the edges. Cool for 5 minutes, then cut into bars while still warm.

Do not allow the bars to cool completely before cutting, or they will be too hard to cut.

46 | AUGUST 2015

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease muffin cups or line with paper muffin liners.

2. Mix together flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, beat together banana, sugar, egg and vanilla.

Stir in the sour cream. Stir banana mixture into flour until just combined. Scoop batter into prepared muffin cups.

3. Bake in preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into center of a muffin comes out clean.

Let cool before serving. For best flavor, place in an airtight container or bag overnight.

DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C). Line a 9 inch square baking pan with aluminum foil. Spray the foil with cooking spray.

2. In a large bowl, stir together the oats, flour, cereal, and cinnamon. Add the egg, applesauce, honey, brown sugar, and oil.

Mix well. Stir in the sunflower seeds, walnuts, and dried fruit.

Spread mixture evenly in the prepared pan.

3. Bake 30 minutes, or until firm and lightly browned around the edges. Let cool. Use the foil to lift from the pan. Cut into bars or squares, and store in the refrigerator.

Source: AllRecipes.com

Food

Zucchini Bread

Easy Snack Wraps

Toaster Oven Pizza

INGREDIENTS:

INGREDIENTS:

INGREDIENTS:

3 cups all-purpose flour 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon 3 eggs 1 cup vegetable oil 2 1/4 cups white sugar 3 teaspoons vanilla extract 2 cups grated zucchini 1 cup chopped walnuts

12 (10 inch) flour tortillas 1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese 1 head lettuce 1 (6 ounce) package sliced deli-style turkey 2 cups shredded carrots 2 cups minced tomato

1 bagel, sliced in half 1/2 cup tomato sauce 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 1 small onion, sliced into rings 1 green bell pepper, chopped 1 (8 ounce) package sliced pepperoni sausage

DIRECTIONS: 1. Grease and flour two 8 x 4 inch pans. Preheat oven to 325 degrees F (165 degrees C).

2. Sift flour, salt, baking powder, soda, and cinnamon together in a bowl.

DIRECTIONS: Spread cream cheese evenly over the tortillas. Top the cream cheese with lettuce leaves. Arrange the turkey slices in even layers on top of the lettuce. Sprinkle the carrots and tomato over the turkey slices.

Roll the tortillas into wraps. Cut the wraps diagonally into bite-sized pieces. Secure with toothpicks.

DIRECTIONS: 1. Spread bottom bagel half with tomato sauce; add cheese, onion, bell pepper and pepperoni. Place other half of bagel on top.

2. Preheat toaster oven to 425 degrees F (220 degrees C).

3. Place bagel in preheated toaster oven and toast about 10 minutes, or until bagel is golden brown.

3. Beat eggs, oil, vanilla, and sugar together in a large bowl.

Add sifted ingredients to the creamed mixture, and beat well.

Stir in zucchini and nuts until well combined. Pour batter into prepared pans.

4. Bake for 40 to 60 minutes, or until tester inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan on rack for 20 minutes.

Remove bread from pan, and completely cool.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 47

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48 | AUGUST 2015

Monuments to a forgotten age Pierce City’s lime kiln still towers across the decades

L

et me take you for a walk. We’re going out sight of civilization and back in time.

We start on the south side of the Highway 97

bridge over Clear Creek in Pierce City, just a little short distance from downtown. On the south side of the creek, we walk west, downstream, through the yard next to the highway and into the woods. The initial ground is very flat, evidence of an old road, unpaved and long forgotten.

Once past the yard, the dense woods surround us. The woods are thick with chest-high foliage and many gnarled tree limbs fallen to the ground. Civilization slips away under the canopy of trees as the surrounding calls of unseen exotic birds replace the sound of cars in the distance. Even through the densest grass, a foot path surfaces. Follow it.

Perhaps a half mile from the starting point — it’s hard to tell when all the landscape looks alike — you see something. Rising out of the ground stands a black shape, a sentinel between the sea of emerald leaves. Out of the jungle sticks part of a wall made of stacked hand cut blocks of stone, nearly a foot high and two or three feet long, heavier than a single man could lift. They stand stacked higher than your head at a corner, tilting, as if it could fall, yet so heavy that it may never fall. The wall recedes to a lower height, spilled here and there. A closer look reveals blocks running for a great distance. Behind it sit more massive blocks twice that size, with huge screws sunk into the stone,

Story and photos by Murray Bishoff

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 49

on end, bolted to the wall and anchored by nuts nearly three inches wide. One of the outer walls seems to have an extra layer of stone, perhaps a cap, like the ancient Egyptians put a limestone cover over the pyramids that stayed in place until around 800 years ago, when locals stripped them, not remembering or caring why they were there. Somehow it continues to stand, a monument to a time and place forgotten.

This site, these industrial ruins, are what’s left of Pierce City’s lime kiln, that massive industrial operation dating back to the city’s beginnings. According to H.A. Buehler’s 1916 book “The Lime and Cement Resources of Missouri,” published by the Missouri Bureau of Geology and Mines, the Pierce City lime operation began in 1882 by George Purdy, a Pierce City resident for whom the town of Purdy

Conveyor

was named, and his colleagues in Purdy, Nearby, buried in the ground,

McDowell and Company. Charles

stands the remnants of an underground

Raupp and Company bought them out

conveyer, the links descending out

the following year. Raupp built Pierce

of sight between twisted metal walls

City’s fabled opera house downtown.

sunk out of sight. A little farther rises

The company became C.A. Raupp and

an even greater wall of stones, out of

Sons from 1889 to 1899, after which

which sprouts plants and even small

Raupp’s son, William, became the ex-

trees topping the barricade that seems

clusive owner.

built into the hillside. Now overhead, you catch a glimpse of something else.

Rising out of the higher hill, colored in a tannish tint, rises a tower, a four-sided

Bricks on the ground reflect many

monolith of stone, composed of small

points of origin. The lighter colored

even bricks, their edges sticking out like

tan bricks, the fire bricks that line the

exposed teeth, stretching up in narrow-

ovens, bear the words “St. Louis” and

ing width another 40 feet.

“Laclede.” One larger block bears the

The tower resembles a pyramid

clear imprint “A.P. Green Fire Brick

from some ancient civilization, swal-

Company, Mexico Mo.” and on the

lowed by the jungle, the logic of it erased

bottom is a distinctive oval imprint,

by time. The very top has broken off,

“W.L. Paden, Moulder” near the num-

and large holes have been punched in

ber 12. Pierce City, as part of the rail-

all four sides. A section of bricks, braced

road artery, brought its raw materials

together by steel, lies on the ground be-

from everywhere on the line, and in

side it. On the back, a railroad tie stands

turn shipped out its products.

Tower through the trees

50 | AUGUST 2015

Second lime oven, (below) third lime oven

Chimney for third oven

a considerable distance, toppled from an unknown spot. Moss covered, the chimney lies broken but not shattered, another silent sentinel, like a toppled toy soldier, almost waiting for another to re-stack its parts so it can once again reach for the sky.

Years of flooding has left a layer of mud over the valley. The concrete floor of the kiln is barely visible. Now it seems the blocks rise simply out of the dirt, and where the ovens stop, so did the entire operation. But no. The The mouth of the furnace under

wall appears a third oven. Added be-

only photo that survives of the kiln

the giant chimney that still stands has

tween 1900 and 1910, according to

from the turn of the century, preserved

been covered by debris. Not far be-

the city’s Sanborn Fire Protection

in ragtime composer Theron Bennett’s

yond the tower lays the remains of a

maps, the third oven is fully exposed,

scrapbook, shows a complex with sev-

second furnace, one caved in or com-

an archway of bricks opening around

eral buildings, extending twice the dis-

pletely disassembled. Its furnace lays

it. Yet this oven may be the most mys-

tance of the ovens. Scaffolding held a

more exposed, the line of fire bricks

terious of all, for it was built into the

track that ran over all three and back

visible as the front of the furnace

ground and remains intact behind

to a very large structure to the west,

drops just out of sight into the earth

the wall and under the earth. No exit

now swallowed in the undergrowth as

and stones encasing the business end

point is visible. Yet above it, lying on

if it never existed.

of the stove, buried in the wall of heavy

the ground is a different kind of chim-

All that is left of the nearby office

stones.

ney, perhaps 40 feet in length, built

building, located 60 feet from the out-

of concrete sections, spread out over

er wall of the kiln complex, is a corner

Continuing down the line of the

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 51

Office bricks

entire water supply. Now the spring there has silted over or nearly disappeared. The quarry lake, where children once swam, is now this, a strange pool that rises and falls, enclosed by a berm of mining rubble, too remote to be hospitable, too unreliable to be safe, of stacked bricks. Fifteen years ago,

surface block much of the view, but be-

several walls stood. Owners then gave

yond them the clear water shimmers,

The kiln had its limits as a prof-

permission for the harvesting of bricks

rippling the reflection of the green

itable operation. Powered only by

for another use. So did the Romans in

landscape. According to legend, they

wood, the furnaces consumed all the

building St. Peter’s Basilica and other

mined until their digging cut too deep

nearby trees. Only a handful of ancient

surrounding buildings, pulling down

and hit water. The quarry filled and

trees remain. Next to the pile of bricks

ancient structures to reuse the marble

lost its usefulness as a mine.

that once represented the office stands

in newer, meaningful monuments.

a shimmering emerald in the sun.

The hydrology of Pierce City has

an elm tree that may have provided

Leading farther into the woods is a

changed over the decades. The city

shade for General W.A. Raupp, when

path so old and so worn that even to-

park lake used to provide the city’s

he came back to run the business after

day nothing grows on it, like the one in Harold Bell Wright’s “The Shepherd of the Hills,” the trail that nobody knows how old. Follow me.

The trail leads deeper into the woods, around the edge of the bluff that extends overhead, where houses sit and residents oblivious to what lies below. Down a short distance, the canopy of trees breaks. Bare tree trucks scrape the open air where sunlight streams in. Come closer. Soon the ground drops away, leading downward and the view opens on a wide lake. A chorus of frogs confirms the body of water, and without the cover of trees overhead, the sound of trunks from the highways intrude on the setting.

This was the original quarry, where the lime was mined. According to Buehler’s book, the lake sits a quarter mile long and 25 feet deep. Now, the trunks of dead trees sticking through the wet

52 | AUGUST 2015

Tower at Pierce City lime kiln

service as the adjutant general of the Missouri National Guard. The elm is now perhaps 15 feet around.

Railroad tracks never reached into the site, leaving wagons as the only transport for bringing in the wood, and taking out the barrels of fine lime, cooked down from the stone cut from the ground.

According to Buehler, analysis of the processed lime showed it had “superior” quality. There was a fourth oven as well, next to the bluff on the west end of town also mined.

Together the four ovens produced 120,000 barrels a year. Cooking lasted for four hours, then the ovens were al-

lowed to cool before starting again.

erty, as it always has, alone, holding

Lifelong Pierce City resident Jack

its memories and the echoes of hard

George remembers seeing kiln work-

working men. In a little more than 60

ers trudging home after work ended

years, the ovens have been swallowed

at 5 p.m., covered with white dust.

by the woods, buried in the under-

Asked once if he ever worked at the

brush, disappeared from memory. Yet

kiln, Jack answered, “I never wanted

if you follow the trail that will not

to work that hard.”

disappear, the mighty structures still

The kiln shut down for good in 1954. It still sits on private prop-

beckon, casting a long shadow over time. 

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 53

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Do you have photos you would like to see published in Connection Magazine?

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

Alisha Ginn submitted these photos from Fourth of July weekend at Table Rock Lake, Shell Knob.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 55

These photos of fun times at Table Rock Lake were submitted

by Michelle Heimerman.

56 | AUGUST 2015

Larry and Charlotte Schoen of Monett recently enjoyed time with their children and grandchildren at Eagle Rock.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 57

Bottles & Brews Sam Adams Cream Stout

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58 | AUGUST 2015

Living up to its name of Cream Stout, this Sam Adams brew was inspired by the traditional English sweet stouts, is full of deep-roasted flavor and finishes with a smooth and lingering aftertaste that sits well on the palate.

Earning a world-class rating from “The Bros” on BeerAdvocate. com, the beer pours dark with a mocha-ish head, and it smells mostly of roasted malt and coffee with a bit of chocolate sprinkled in.

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George Killian’s Irish Red

An amber lager brewed by Coors, George Killian’s Irish Red hails from a recipe created at Lett’s Brewery in Enniscorthy, Ireland, in 1864, and is named after the grandson of the brewery’s founder. In 1997 and 1998, the beer took silver medals at the Great American Beer Festival, and it took a gold medal in the 1998 Brewer’s Association Beer Cup.

New Belgium 1554

A true favorite of dark lager lovers, New Belgium’s 1554 uses a lager yeast strain and dark chocolaty malts to achieve its dark, smooth taste. The Fort Collins, Colo., company’s researcher lost the original recipe for the brew in a flood in 1997, but he and his brewmaster decided to take to Belgium to retrieve the recipe. After deciphering an antiquated script and working through outdated units of measurement, the pair finally brought back the Belgian beauty.

House Handles

70-year old handle business one of Cassville’s oldest

T

he House family owns and operates one of the oldest industries in the area, the

handle business.

As the story goes, founder William House bought handles from three handle manufacturers, loaded them up in his truck and peddled the handles wherever he went. He continued sell-

ing handles until 1976, when he retired.

William’s son, Kenny House, 76, said he enjoyed working with his father and recalls the times they spent together.

“We peddled in things,” Kenny said. “We’d buy handles then take them out and peddle them. We’d be gone a minimum of two weeks. We’d split up when we were out on the road.

I’d have one truck he’d have another.

Then we’d meet up somewhere and usually find a place to do something together.”

In 1964, Kenny joined his father

Chris House, who owns and operates House Handle Company in Cassville with father Kenny House, shows customer Bill Cologna some old tools. Cologna had driven all the way from Springfield to find a handle for his strawberry hoe. The company makes 300 types of handles for farm, industry and individuals and has been selling handles for more than 70 years.

in the business and began making his own handles.

“That’s why I started making them,”

According to Kenny, the farmer

plants, the same ones I’d been buying

he said. “I didn’t like being away from

would not sell him the old, rusted

from, and just progressed from there,”

home, so that’s when I started getting

lathes until he dug them out of the

he said. “It kind of got bigger than I

machinery together to make a factory.

field they had been sitting in, took

ever thought it would be.”

We really didn’t start turning handles

them apart, and made the parts move

Over the next 40 years, the com-

until we came to downtown Cassville

and work again, which took House

pany grew exponentially. Today, it has

in 1963. My wife and daughter went

three entire days.

about 16 employees, and has turned

with me on a few trips, but I don’t think

“I went to his house in Arkan-

she enjoyed it (the travel) a whole lot.

sas and they were out in the briars,”

“A lot of my competition is no lon-

My daughter was a baby. Things were

he said. “I took it all apart and about

ger around,” Kenny said. “We send

a lot different then.”

three days later put a motor on it and

handles all over the U.S. and other

got it going.”

countries. That’s how we got where

To get started, Kenny bought two

out millions of handles.

old lathes from a farmer south of Ea-

Kenny learned how to use the ma-

gle Rock, and House Handle Compa-

chines to make handles, and the com-

That and hard work, he added.

ny was born. But it wasn’t easy getting

pany grew.

Kenny said they’ve done a few spe-

the machines.

Story and photos by Julia Kilmer

“After that, I bought three other

we’re at.”

cialty things, too.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 59

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C

P.O

Toll

“We make an enormous amount of things for a company in Florida that makes beach umbrellas,” he said. “We furnish lots of the wood for them.”

Kenny said the thing he has enjoyed most is just going out working and working with his son.

“Really,” he said. “I’m out there at 5 every morning. I’ve just enjoyed the work, and having my son right there with me.

That’s what I like best.”

But as far as special jobs or requests, he said his son Chris is the one to ask.

“He will do anything for anybody,” Kenny said.

There are no retirement plans in the near future, as Kenny said he is going to keep going until he can’t anymore.

Chris House, who owns and operates House Handle Company in Cassville with his father, Kenny House, uses a tool to change out the blades on one of the lathe machines they use to make handles.

“I’ve always done what I wanted to do when I wanted to do it,” he said. “Isn’t that

mers, or general work tools, for instance,

late 1800s and early 1900s and, surpris-

what you do when you retire? So I’m just

are made of iron and rarely wear out, but

ingly, still work. The machines were made

going to keep on going that way.”

the wooden handles eventually do. House

by a manufacturer called Defiance.

Today, three generations have had a hand in running the successful handle business. Kenny’s son, Chris House, joined his father in 1992.

After he graduated from high school in

Handle Company can give customers a new handle on things.

Whatever the tool — an axe, hammer, rake, pitchfork, or hoe — they’ve probably got one, or can make it.

“If any part breaks, I have to make a new part for it because they’re not made anymore,” he said.

But he enjoys working with the machines.

1990, Chris went to college for a couple of

“We make 300 different types of han-

“All of the old machines were made

years, but realized he wanted to be work-

dles,” Chris said. “They can stop in and we

back in the early 1900s,” said Kenny, who

ing with his dad and has been running the

sell them the handle, then they install it or

still has the old lathe he dug out of a field

business with him ever since.

put it on.”

so long ago. “We still have the ones I

“I always knew he’d go to college but

The company specializes in hickory,

come back,” Kenny said. “It doesn’t take a

white oak and ash tool handles for farm

Chris gathered up an old pitchfork,

college education to run a handle factory.”

and industry, and gets their wood from

strawberry hoe, standard garden hoe and

The company has been at its current

several states, such as Tennessee and Ken-

shop hammer out of his truck, none of

tucky.

which have handles.

location off Highway 86 between Exeter and Cassville since 1989. For those who

“We get it from all over,” Chris said.

may remember, it was previously was be-

One customer who stopped in drove in

hind Surplus City in Cassville.

Today, the company sells primarily to

from Springfield looking for a handle for a strawberry hoe.

bought but don’t use it anymore.”

“I’ve been saving these in my garage from the winter that I’ve been hauling around with me,” he said.

With all their experience making and

wholesalers for farm and industry, but will

“I’ve been all over Springfield look-

providing handles to various industries

also help anyone who needs a handle of

ing for a handle and couldn’t find one, so

and individuals, Kenny and Chris have a

some sort for a tool.

someone sent me here,” said Bill Cologna.

pretty good handle on things.

Like an old, favorite rake or garden tool

“We work with a lot of unique stuff,”

For more information or questions,

that is still in good condition but the han-

Chris said. “If you have a unique tool, you

people may call House Handle Company

dle broke? Instead of throwing it away and

can come here to get a specific fit for it.”

at 417-847-2726 or 1-800-260-6455.

buying a new one, a customer can contin-

Chris said he likes working on the lathe

People may also visit their website to

ue to use it for years by just replacing the

machines, of which they have about seven

peruse all the different types of handles at

handle. Many old farm, gardening, ham-

or eight, some of which date back to the

HouseHandle.com. 

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 61

Barry County steeped in

folk arts Missouri Folk Arts program supports artists with grants For more information on the Missouri Folk Arts program or apprenticeship program, people may visit http://mofolkarts.missouri.edu/

Several local and area musicians collectively gathered for an afternoon jam session to entertain visitors with bluegrass sounds at the first-ever Heritage festival.

62 | AUGUST 2015

Story and photos by Julia Kilmer

Director of the Missouri Folk Arts program Lisa Higgins points to one of many Missouri artists displayed on a kiosk to show visitors the rich history of artisans spanning several decades from Missouri who influenced culture. Higgins helped coordinate the first-ever Heritage Festival. Higgins said that their program has helped sponsor and fund five programs this year at state parks, and they hoped to return next year.

Blacksmith Bob Patrick works to transform a red-hot piece of metal into a unique creation.

Patrick was one of several crafters demonstrating their craft at the first-ever Heritage Festival.

F

Bootmaker Joe Patrikus of JP’s Boots enjoys a good laugh with customer Deb Lewis while cutting out a new pair of boots. Lewis and her daughter-in-law, Patrikus has been making hand-made, custom-fit boots since 1978.

olk art and folklore is not just

cil through the National Endowment for the

“What I know now is everyone has folk-

alive and well, but thriving in

Arts and has a staff of two, full-time profes-

lore,” she said. “You don’t have to be rural.

Missouri.

sionals and two graduate students.

Urban people have folklore. Academic people

At the first-ever Heritage

“Over the years, we’ve had 185 artists and

do. They are basically shared traditions that

Festival, held at Roaring River State Park in

400 apprentices in the program,” Higgins

are passed down orally. They are stories we

June, several folk artists were featured and the

said. “So, there’s no way we can showcase ev-

tell around campfires. I became really inter-

history of the genre celebrated. The event

eryone. But, of those five events we were able

ested in how these stories and traditions func-

was made possible by the Missouri Folk Arts

to cover artists from every decade. I think

tion in people’s everyday lives, how they keep

program and the Missouri Arts Council.

we’ve been able to showcase a good variety.”

communities together or separate, and how

“The reason we were at Roaring River

The Folk Arts program was previously

was in celebration of the apprenticeship pro-

known as the Missouri Cultural Heritage

Higgins became an intern with the Folk

gram, something we’ve had in place for 30

Center. It is a program of the Arts Council

Arts program and fell in love with the idea of

years,” said Lisa Higgins, director for the Folk

and is administered by the Museum of Art

working with people rather than books. She

Arts program. “We spent last year working

and Archaeology at the University of Mis-

has been working to promote folklore ever

with Missouri State Parks and historic sites

souri-Columbia. It builds cross-cultural un-

since.

showcasing a few of the artists that have been

derstanding by documenting, conserving and

There are many examples of what falls

involved in the program. We did five events in

presenting the state’s living folk arts and folk

under the broad category of folk arts. A folk

Kansas City, St. Louis, Jefferson City, Roar-

life in collaboration with Missouri’s residents.

artist could be someone who plays the fiddle;

ing River and the Current River. I think we

Higgins has been overseeing the program

makes quilts, boots, lace, metal works or wood

for half of its existence, working with local

carvings; performs Irish, Mexican, Slavic tam-

“We would really love to be able to return

artists and apprenticeship programs to pro-

buritza or Native American dance; crochets,

to Roaring River. If we could send one of the

mote the broad variety of culture and heritage

weaves rugs, tells stories, writes poetry, per-

apprenticeship teams to perform, that would

known as folk arts.

forms sacred acts such as drumming used in

booked about 50 artists.

be really cool. The scenery was beautiful.

Once we look at our budget we will decide.”

The program is funded by the Arts Coun-

As a student, Higgins was fascinated with folklore and literature, including oral traditions and legend.

they keep each other in line.”

Native American pow-wow ceremonies; or other arts.

Dr. Jane Chu, chairwoman for the National

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 63

Endowment for the Arts, said the arts are one

tive Americans and Irish artists.

and sent to the Missouri State Historical Society for their archive to use as a resource and

of the best avenues for synthesizing different

“Of course, there have been Irish artists

ideas, and for allowing every viewpoint, tradi-

with us for some time, like those that started

tion and innovation to have a place at the table.

the St. Louis Irish Arts program immigrated

“That’s so folks can go and do research,”

“The arts aren’t a matter of either/or, where

here in the 70s,” she said. “There are also Na-

Higgins said. “They have that information

one person wins and the other loses, where if

tive American traditions. Some of those have

stored to preserve the materials for students,

the conditions are one way, then they cannot be

been revitalized.”

professors or everyday people who are inter-

the other way,” she said. “Instead, they’re both/ and.”

The apprenticeship program is a vital part

for posterity.

ested in those traditions.”

of folk arts, wherein a younger apprentice

Higgins said there are nine grantees in folk

Many create forms of folk art every day

takes lessons from a master artist. Higgins said

arts, many related to fiddling or fiddle camps. A

as part of their livelihood, such boot-makers,

the first lessons were given in 1984. Of the 10

future goal includes promoting performances

blacksmiths, or boat-makers, or take their art

teams, two of the master artists survive.

of local folk artists.

form outdoors to local streams and rivers.

“Every year, we make an application avail-

“We’d like to find a venue in Columbia,”

“Folk artists today are modern,” Higgins

able on our website,” Higgins said. “We ask

Higgins said. “Every year, we try to find one

said. “They use power tools and sewing ma-

them to submit an application as a team, [the

location for a team to do a public presenta-

chines. They are innovative. We have a guy in

apprentice and the master artist], which con-

tion, such as a local festival, local library, just

Doniphan who makes wooden boats that look

sists of four parts: one part for each to com-

depends. Hopefully, we’ll be able to book them.

like green metal john boats, that have been used

plete, a lesson plan and a budget. Volunteer

We like to find a way to showcase them [artists]

on the Current River for years.

panelists who have some kind of expertise in

that’s close to home.

“That is their living. [The boats] are long, and low, and specifically built for that area that

the art form will meet, score their applications, and make recommendations.

“There was a youth fiddle troupe that performed, also Sugar Creek Slavic Festival in

has shallow, rocky rivers. Their art is their liv-

“After figuring out what our annual budget

Kansas City, and KDHX Double Helix Com-

ing. Or sometimes they just do it for the love

is going to be, we decide what amounts will be

ma radio station in Kansas City. They have a

of it.”

given. Those selected we get contracts with,

non-profit folk school. They apply for a grant

and they begin their lessons in November and

annually.”

Higgins said the boat-making is a tradition that’s been handed down in their family from generation to generation “There’s a lot of discussion about it being a dying art, but I think things just grow and

meet until June on a weekly basis.”

Grants range anywhere from $2,000-3,000, and some larger groups could receive up to $10,000.

For more information on the Missouri Folk Arts program or apprenticeship program, people may visit http://mofolkarts.missouri.edu/.

Higgins said to find folk art and folk lore in the community, just look around and ask

change, and I think that fiddling is an example

“It’s based on their scores, how well their

often given, because a lot of people think of it

proposals are written, what they ask for and

as historic art, as things that are fixed in time,”

funding,” Higgins said. “Most of the fund-

“You can start by identifying who does

she said. “I can find any number of fiddle con-

ing goes to the master artist for teaching, and

these things,” she said. “Who makes the best

tests and local jams and festivals where people

there’s some money for supplies. All the grants

turkey call, were would I get a good fiddle, or

are playing traditional music, and even people

are matched 1:1. They come up with the other

who is the best quilter in the area? Start asking

who just play at home every week. I think those

amount. But getting a Folk Arts program grant

questions and finding those people. Often, this

things are thriving.

can be a great tool when they go out to do

is being passed on.

“We really look at living traditions. That’s something that’s still important and vital to

fundraising, because they can say they’ve got our endorsement.

around.

“But, with people being more mobile and not staying in one place, or because we have

many people’s everyday lives. You can look at

“The goal is for the apprentice to improve

more responsibility in terms of work or family,

other communities and see the same. It could

by learning more, doing something more com-

we may not have as much time to learn these

be gospel music. It could be quilting.”

plex, explore repertoire, familiarize themselves

traditions.

Higgins said the program’s populations

with techniques or the aesthetics of the proj-

Higgins said master artists work with young

morph and change, as immigrants move into

ect, but also to understand the cultural impact.

people, but there’s also the heritage that’s asso-

communities and bring traditions with them.

They’re learning technique but also by ear and

ciated with the art form.

“We may not all be expert fiddlers or cro-

observation.”

“What we really want to do is try to encour-

cheters or weavers, but probably know some-

Higgins said it’s not a typical music or arts

age and keep the master artists alive and help

one in our families who do those things,” she

and crafts lesson. The lessons are intensive and

the apprentices to get better, to keep these tra-

said.

can last several hours or an entire weekend.

ditions going and pass them on to the future,”

Sessions are recorded with pictures or videos

she said. 

Some examples Higgins gave were Na-

64 | AUGUST 2015

PROUD PARENT

Marlee Dedmon

is the 17-month-old daughter of Matt and Chrissy Dedmon of Springfield. Marlee is August’s cutest kid. Congratulations, Marlee!

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 under. The photos submitted will be used for the sole purpose of this contest.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 65

Because Everything Deserves a Second Chance!

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Bill Pay & Internet Banking at www.sbswmo.com 66 | AUGUST 2015

Front Street 417-835-8111

Familiar faces Monett held its 69th annual Fourth on the main field of South Park on July 4.

of July celebration and fireworks show

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

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1. John Stout with Boomer Stout on his shoulders; 2. Cindy Perez, Alondra Perez, Olivia Gomez, Esmeralda Perez, Stephanie Gaucin; 3. Stephanie Anderson and niece Kloe Smith; 4. Jessy Painter, Desiree Castro, Andrew Justus; 5. Sharon & Henry Thomas; 6. Front: Jim & Lorrie Johnson. Back: Elin & Luke Blanchard; 7. Karter Preston, Michele Cox, Branden McDonald in stroller; 8. Luetta Burton, Melissa Brown, Sarah Burton, Andrew Brown; 9. Front: Emerson & Parade Wilkinson. Back: Haylee Heidlage with Londyn Cady, Ashley Steele

TiTle loans Pay Day loans Phone: 417-235-4200 • 775 Chapel Dr., Suite F, Monett, MO 65708 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 67

11

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10. Front: Lacy, Megan & Alexis Norris. Back: Wyatt & Danny Norris; 11. Front: Tiffany & Alisha Franklin. Back: Twila Snodgrass, Patti Nash, Kaiyah McGlumphy, Larry Franklin, Kilyn Franklin; 12. Front: Kevin & Ashley Moncada. Back: Harold, Anally & German Moncada

The Monett Lions Club held its annual chicken

barbecue at South Park in Monett on July 4.

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1. Amanda, Vince & Melissa Gasser; 2. Rosa Schad, Meghan Ceselski; 3. Traven, Angie, Ariana Madison; 4. Lowell & Elizabeth Kelley; 5. Ike, Linh & Judy Hemphill; 6. Scott, Peggy, Kelly & Justin West

PO Box 37 • 816 Broadway Monett, MO 65708 jjfloor@suddenlinkmail.com 68 | AUGUST 2015

“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

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7. Nelma Fly, Sherryl & Rick Osborn; 8. Eldred & Margaret Holle; 9. Paige Lewis, Charles & Hayley LaGarce, Alex Marsh, Libby LaGarce, Jean & Harold Boyd; 10. Front: Garrett & Grace Goff. Back: Michelle & Courtney Goff; 11. Ralph Scott, John Cheary; 12. Elivia & Nene Jackson

The 19th annual New Liberty United Methodist June 13 on the church grounds on Kings Prairie.

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Church ice cream social was held on

1. Frances Tucker, Sonny Drake, Leah Doty, David Tucker; 2. Robert & Louise Moore; 3. Kelsey Remington, Mary Woodruff; 4. Tammy Pinnell, Sue Luney, Chris Burbridge, Destiny Pinnell

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5. MaLinda King and Neva Welters; 6. Debbie Moore, Frank & Karen Washburn; 7. Austin, Justin, Allie Moore; 8. Betty Thomas, Vera McCord, Judy Watson; 9. Kathy & Charles Wallace; 10. Shirley & Jim Bass

Mt. Vernon held its Red, White

and Boom celebration on July 3 at the Spirit of 76 Park.

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1. Josie Johnston, Paige Bradshaw, Lauren Vaughn, Peyton Szydloski; 2. Miles & Melissa Huggins; 3. Collin Chulf, Dyllin Row, Lucas Orr, Justin Maples, Aaron Bishop; 4. Front: Addi Hohenfeldt, Hayden Logan. Back: Kandace Eck, KC Logan, Alexandria Gibson, Savannah Gibson; 5. Front: Tiffany McGlothlin, Tasha Gwin, Jaxson Shepard, Lane Roberts. Back: Danielle Bovee, Brittan Lee; 6. Ken & Emoree Shepard

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7. Joseph Detaeje, Nathaniel Turnbough, Christopher Hedrick, Dwan Earsley, Marissa Crader, Aliaha Hedrick; 8. Lacey Teel, Paige McIntire, Stormy Teal, Riley Barr, Brian Teel; 9. Colton Richards, Robert Richards, Brandi Campbell, Candice Campbell, Aiden Long, Alexander Richards; 10. Taneal & Carson Antonopoulos; 11. Front: McKinzie Weston, Alex Campbell. Back: Angel Weston, Cyndy Griffin; 12. Tim, Eanna, Maddox & Amanda Beall

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 71

My

Jacob Selleck, son of Stan and Tina Selleck of Exeter and a member of Victory Baptist Church, Cassville, recently participated in the National Bible Drills, held at First Baptist Church, Kingsland, Ga. Jacob represented the state of Missouri, one of 12 states participating in the event. Jacob is pictured holding a Connection magazine in Kingsland, Ga., and on a beach at Fernandina, Fla. Contributed photos

Jose and Judy Rodriguez took Connection Magazine with them on their trip back to Jose’s hometown of Ciales, Puerto Rico.

They spent two weeks enjoying good food, great scenery and reconnecting with family.

Raymond and Mary McMeley traveled to Washington D.C. with Connection Magazine to visit their son and family.

Pictured: Christian, Mary, Raymond, Brian, Winston and Benjamin.

Danny and Tammy Sparkman of Monett recently visited Dauphin Island, Ala., with their Connection Magazine. Pictured are Alex Sparkman and Ashton Prine, daughter of Jason and Jennifer Prine. They first went to West Monroe, La., then Dauphin Island, then Panama City, Fla., then back to Dauphin Island in seven days, before heading back to Monett. The trip was from May 30 to June 6.

Rose, Sydney and Lisa Newman of Exeter spent the last week of May on the island of Maui. While there, they toured Pearl Harbor and the north and south shores. They enjoyed a tour to Hana, a luau and a dinner cruise on the Princess of Maui, where they brought along their Connection Magazine.

72 | AUGUST 2015

Murray Bishoff, news editor for The Monett Times, and his wife, Julie, took Connection Magazine with them during a recent trip to Times Square in New York.

AD INDEX Acambaro Mexican. . . . . . . . . . . 11

Four Seasons Realty . . . . . . . . . . 44

Old Town Pharmacy . . . . . . . . . . 71

Ava Belle’s Flea Market. . . . . . . . . 9

Four States Dental Care. . . . . . . 12

Peppers and Co.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Barry Electric Coop. . . . . . . . . . . 31

Freedom Bank of Southern

Pitiful to Posh. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Beer Cave. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Missouri. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Race Brothers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

Bennett Wormington

Ginabinabiz. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Ramey . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Funeral Home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Grande Tire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Repurposed Faire. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

Cassville Health & Rehab. . . . . . 32

Guanajuato. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Scott Regional Technology . . . . . 9

Children’s Smile Center. . . . . . . . . 9

Houlihans . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Second Chance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Community National Bank. . . . . 27

Hudson Collision. . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Security Bank of SWMO. . . . . . 66

Cornerstone Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . 48

ILA Bohms. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Shelter Ins. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Country Dodge. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

J&J Floor Covering . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Shiners. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Cox Medical Centers. . . . . . . . . . 76

The Jane Store. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Smile Designers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Crane Broiler Festival. . . . . . . . . 37

Ken’s Collision Center. . . . . . . . . 31

Sunrise Family Restaurant. . . . . 75

Crane Family Dentistry. . . . . . . . 43

Lackey Body Works. . . . . . . . . . . 24

Superior Spray Foam. . . . . . . . . . 39

Dairy Queen. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Les Jacobs. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Swartz Tractor. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Diet Center. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Macadoodles . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2

Tomblin’s Jewelry. . . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Doug’s Pro Lube . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48

Michael Riehn, Atty. . . . . . . . . . . 27

Trogdon Agency. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Eastside Church of Christ. . . . . . 15

Missouri Loan Center. . . . . . . . . 67

Vision Health Eye Center. . . . . . 11

Edgewood Creamery. . . . . . . . . . 48

Mocha Jo’s. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Whitley Pharmacy. . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Edward Jones . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Monett Main Street. . . . . . . . . . . 23

Wickman Gardens. . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Farm Pro . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Monett Rental & Sales . . . . . . . . 23

Willis Insurance Agency. . . . . . . 44

First State Bank. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Morton Buildings. . . . . . . . . . . . . 44

Youngberg Chapel. . . . . . . . . . . . 54

Fohn Funeral Home. . . . . . . . . . . 24

Bob Whitescarver, Gary Youngblood, Gary Emerson and Jim Barb stopped by Niagara Falls with their Connection Magazine on a motorcycle trip to Maine.

Dolores Vaughn, Anthony Robertson, Andrew Romine, Donald and Pam Robertson, Lori Romine, Daylie Allen, Lenard and Marilyn Sanders, Tom and Margie Fenske and Linda Caveneau recently traveled to Yellowstone Park and took an issue of Connection Magazine.

Dr. Ken and Ann Hall celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary with Connection Magazine during a trip to Durango, Colo. The couple rode the narrow-gauge train from Durango to Silverton.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 73

Parting shot

“Education is the most powerful weapon, which you can use to change the world.”

— Nelson Mandela 74 | AUGUST 2015

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76 | AUGUST 2015