Connection December 2013

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GET IN THE SPIRIT!

CEL WI E T

Holiday events happening in Southwest Missouri

A holiday tour through the White home

LOVE BEARS ALL THINGS 15 EAS FOR Y OU R L HO

DECEMBER 2013

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SET THE MOOD 32

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ATING CHI R B CHEER A H

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES SHARED

BY CONNECTION READERS

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DECEMBER 2013

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DECEMBER 2013

CONNECTION MAGAZINE

CONTENTS DECEMBER 2013

9 Celebrating Christmas with cheer and style A holiday tour through the White home

15 Love “bears” all things 22 Giving time 28 8 ways to stay in touch Reach out to your family across the miles

9

30 See ya down the road A tribute to Sally Reinhardt

45

32 Set the mood 38 Collecting memories from Christmas past 45 The candy man

38 32

51 A time to remember 58 Dirtroads and Railroads Christmas memories shared by Connection readers

72 Get in the spririt!

Holiday events happening in Southwest Missouri

DECEMBER 2013

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

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DECEMBER 2013

EDITOR’S NOTE DECEMBER IS HERE FOR SO MANY OF US, A LOT OF CHERISHED CHRISTMAS memories center around obtaining and decorating the Christmas tree. I remember as a child going out to search for the perfect Christmas tree, just like some who shared memories in this month’s articles. We would walk through the cedars on Mrs. Troxel’s farm, which sat on the backside of our farm. Seems like no one ever listened to me, and my ideas of what was the best tree, since I was just little sister. Dad or my brothers would cut down the chosen tree, throw it in the pickup and take it home, where mom had been busy getting a spot in the living room prepared for it.

Mom would get out the Christmas ornaments, which she neatly packed away every year. I remember how special it was to unwrap the ornaments and carefully hang them on the tree. Beautiful glass globes and frosty, white plastic doves and a couple of neat little Santa Clause ornaments were my favorites that I looked forward to seeing every year. After all the ornaments were on, we loved putting silver tinsel all over it. Mom would always say, “Not too much!” Placing the star on top and then plugging in the lights was a perfect moment. The next best thing would be watching, “A Charlie Brown Christmas” and “Rudolf the Red-Nosed Reindeer.”

The aroma of the cedar tree and its connection with Christmas is settled in my mind. Even though we don’t use cedars for Christmas trees now, I always try to take time to gather some cedar branches, just so I can have that smell in the house. It just smells like Christmas.

It makes me wonder what my own kids will carry with them as cherished Christmas memories. Things are ever changing, and I know they will have different ones than mine. With Christmas’ intertwining of special times with family, community, and hopefully inside ourselves as well, it’s a good time to reflect on the meaning of it all, which is simply love. I anticipate getting goosebumps the first time I hear Bing Crosby sing “Oh Holy Night” and think about that first Christmas, when there was nothing else to celebrate but baby Jesus.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you all. I hope each of you feel peace, hope and love.

Sherry Tucker Take care now,

DECEMBER 2013

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DECEMBER 2013

CELEBRATING CHRISTMAS A holiday tour through theWhite home WITH CHEER AND STYLE Story by Amanda L. Reese • Photos by Chuck Nickle

B

ARB WHITE LOVES THE CHRISTMAS SEASON and goes all out preparing a Christmas to remember each year. Her décor is the perfect balance of elegance, cheer and strategic color schemes that make her home inviting and warm to friends and family.

Barb and her husband, Jerry, will celebrate this Christmas at their home just south of Purdy, Mo., with 20 family members including eight grandchildren and three great-grandchildren, according to Barb.

Additionally, there will be friends of the grandkids attending.

“It works for our family to get together on Christmas morning,” said Barb. “We eat brunch around 10:30. I make homemade quiche, homemade cinnamon rolls, a ham, biscuits and gravy, fruit and other breakfast favorites.”

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Each family member has their own favorite food item; Barb is sure to make everyone’s most wanted dish, according to stepdaughter Lana Ray. “She goes above and beyond,” says Lana. “It is always fun; if we do nothing else, we make sure we get to Mimi’s (what the grandkids call Barb) house on Christmas.”

After brunch the family heads to the sun room, Barb’s favorite room, to open gifts.

“I like the sun room; it is where the children’s tree, stockings, and all the gifts are,” said Barb. “The room is done in red and green and half full of gifts.”

Soon after the gifts are opened, another family Christmas tradition begins.

“In the early afternoon, I always make lots of homemade decorated sugar cookies,” says Barb. “Every one of the grandkids, except our littlest one, has helped to decorate cookies.”

DECEMBER 2013

When there is enough snow on the ground, the family enjoys snowball fights, building snowmen, and sledding, according to Barb. Jerry likes to get his old Jeep out and pull the sled around for the kids.

“I am hoping for a white Christmas this year,” Barb said.

Christmas decorations in the White home are color coordinated with the décor in each room. Barb’s color schemes are consistent throughout the house. For example the Christmas decorations in the living room match the colors already found there.

They place three Christmas trees throughout the house.

The children’s tree, which is 15 feet tall and very full is in the sunroom, a slimmer tree in the living room, and a smaller one in Jerry’s office.

Barb prefers to use artificial trees for fire safety and less mess. Although she loves real trees and has used them in the past.

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The Whites collect Christmas ornaments and decoration when they travel. “I’m always on the lookout for new Christmas decorations; I try to get an ornament whenever Jerry and I travel,” says Barb. “While in Dublin, Ireland, we looked at

Christmas decorations in a nice department store. They were simple and beautiful.”

From food, to décor, to the joy found in celebrating with family and friends, Barb brings style and cheer to their family’s Christmas every year.

Barb’s Christmas tips Make it special for the children “The children love the gifts,” said Barb. “Everyone loves the stockings, even the grown kids,” she laughs. “If something breaks, so be it. It is about the kids; they love to look at and touch the ornaments.”

Find your style “My décor is just me; I have always loved to decorate,” said Barb. “I don’t like foofy stuff. When decorating, you need to find what you like and decide how you want your Christmas to look.”

Food is important “Brunch is what works for us,” said Barb, “and the kids love the Christmas cookies.”

Build up and encourage one another “When family comes together, everyone needs love and encouragement,” says Barb. “It such a happy time of year and it goes too fast,” said Barb.

“Hopefully everyone is happy.”

Prepare for next year “Shop for decorations right after Christmas, you can find some really good deals,” said Barb.

12 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2013

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DECEMBER 2013

Love “bears”” all things

BY SUSAN FUNKHOUSER

F

RENCH WRITER, POET AND POLITICIAN ALPHONSE de Lamartine once penned, “Grief knits two hearts in closer bonds than happiness ever can.” The family and neighbors of Jimmie Lee Land certainly found these words to ring true in the days and months following Jim’s passing. According to his Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home obituary, Jim was born in Wheaton on April 8, 1946. He graduated from Purdy High School in 1964. Jim was a lifelong resident of the Barry County area, retiring from the Cassville Post Office and working for a time at FASCO Industries. Jim married Carla Brown on August 11, 1995. She and Jim owned and operated the Butterfield Stage Stop for many years. Jim was a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Cassville.

DECEMBER DECEMBER2013 2013

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Funny thing about obituaries – and words in general – they can’t quite capture the essence of a person. They can describe the details of a person’s life – his occupation, his family, his hobbies and interests and even his personality, but to experience someone, to mine the depths of his character, ethics, compassion and generosity, you must know him. You must call him Dad, Husband, Friend or Papa. Jim Land was all these things and more to the people he knew and loved. His step-daughter, Shelly Cahalan reflects, “He was one of the greatest people I’ve ever met in my life, and it was a complete honor to have had him as a step-dad. He always had kind words.

He never showed any negativity, no matter how bad a situation was. He was always there with whatever I needed, whether it was a hug or just someone to sit by me. He was just great.

I miss walking in IN LOVING MEMORY OF JIMMIE and hearing him say, LEE LAND, 1946-2013 ‘There’s my baby, my beautiful daughter.’”

Jim was the first person to hold Shelly’s newborn daughter, Brooke. “He didn’t want anyone else to hold her!” Shelly recalls.

Soon Brooke became “Brookie” and Jim became “Papa.” It was the grandest of grandfather/grandchild relationships. Brooke notes, “I was Papa’s girl.” Whether buying special treats for Brooke and her friends or grilling burgers in the backyard, Jim gave Brooke a treasure trove of special memories. “My favorite memory sounds a little silly. I’m kind of particular about my hamburger patties. I have a burger press to make them into perfect circles. One time when Papa was grilling I pressed three perfect patties for him to cook, and he knocked all of them in the coals! He felt so bad!”

When asked to describe Jim, Brooke’s eyes mist over and she whispers, “He was just . . . my Papa.”

Mickie Brown, Jim’s neighbor of 10 years and niece by marriage, also carries special memories of a special man. “Jim and my husband, Larry talked baseball over the fence every chance they got. Larry was Jim and Carla’s nephew, and Jim’s baseball

Mickie Brown gladly offers her sewing talents to anyone who desires a memory quilt, bear or similar item to mark the passing of a loved one. She can be reached at 417-442-3715.

1616| |CONNECTION CONNECTION MAGAZINE MAGAZINE

buddy.” Because of those old-fashioned neighborly chats, Larry and Mickie were able to tell Jim’s family something about him they had not known. “He was a Dodgers fan!” Mickie laughs. No doubt Jim would have been unhappy with the outcome of this year’s National League Championship!

The grief was palpable on the west side of Gabby Gibbons drive following Jim’s all-too-soon passing. After sorting through a collection of Jim’s old shirts, Shelly and Brooke contacted Mickie with a potential project. “They asked me to make a quilt from

scraps of Jim’s shirts. I immediately agreed. Even though we’d been neighbors for several years, the three of us didn’t really know one another prior to Jim’s death. It really brought us together as friends and family.”

Stitch by loving stitch, Mickie crafted a quilt filled with memories for Shelly and her family. Each square represented something special about Jim – a remnant from a work or dress shirt, a section of a Springfield Cardinals Snuggie blanket the family shared on a family outing, a piece of the pajamas he wore on his final night on earth, a block with silver stars representing the silver balloons carrying messages to Jim that his family released at the cemetery, a hand-stitched hourglass whose pattern was designed by Brooke and is etched on Jim’s gravestone. The fabric used in one particular set of squares remains a mystery. Shelly

DECEMBER 2013

quips, “I don’t know where he wore this one. That’s got to be the ugliest shirt ever!”

After tying off the final stitch Mickie called Shelly. “The first day I spread out the quilt on floor, I watched Shelly. I saw the memories cross her face. She sat down and caressed every block. You could just see it. That’s the most rewarding part for me. The quilt keeps Jim alive for his family.”

Shelly’s voice quivers as she speaks of the quilt. “I think it is the greatest gift that anyone could’ve ever made for me. I can look at it and remember him. I swear, sometimes when I smell the quilt I can still smell him. Each piece brings back so many memories.”

Upon completing the quilt Mickie, Shelly and Brooke discovered that they still had a large supply of shirts. Mickie began to ponder options. Was there another way she could mend the MICKIE BROWN, SHELLY CAHALAN AND BROOKE CAHALAN POSE WITH THEIR MEMORY QUILT AND BEARS.

broken hearts of her neighbors and friends through her gift of sewing? In her quiet reflection a bear was born. Mickie fashioned a teddy bear out of the remnants and presented it to Brooke. “I like having my bear close to me. It feels like he’s there.”

Mickie continued to craft bears, one for each grandchild, as well as one for Shelly and for Jim’s widow, Carla. They serve as tangible reminders of the man they adored, the memories they made and the impact Jim still has on their lives. Brooke shares, “Papa taught me to be strong and courageous by being strong and courageous. I can still hear him say, ‘Head down, buckle to it.’”

Shelly confides, “His death made me step back and really look at my life. He didn’t get enough time to do the things he wanted to do, really to enjoy life. I now find joy in simpler things. I enjoy life more. I don’t take time for granted anymore.”

The embroidered quote on one of Shelly’s memory quilt squares reads, “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.” Although Mickie’s quilt and bears can never replace the beloved man that Shelly and Brooke lost nor completely heal the hole left in their hearts, her act of love and kindness – so reflective of Jim Land himself – brought immeasurable hope and comfort. It also brought forth a new and beloved relationship between the trio. Mickie, Shelly and Brooke’s hearts are forever knit together by a shared grief, love and admiration. Jim Land is the thread that binds them.

DECEMBER 2013

CONNECTION CONNECTION MAGAZINE MAGAZINE| 17 | 17

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BOOK REVIEW IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER

|

THE BITTER WINDS MADE MOANING sounds as they whipped around the rectory of St. Alban’s Episcopal Church. Sounds so reminiscent of a baby crying that Reverend Clare Fergusson was drawn to the basement steps where, in fact, she found an abandoned newborn, barely alive. And so the story begins. Why was it abandoned?

Who are its parents? How can Reverend Fergusson keep her congregation from becoming even more upset with her as she spends excessive amounts of time involved with the local police chief, Russ Van Alstyne, in an attempt to solve this mystery, which eventually includes a brutal murder.

Not only is Clare the new leader of the very conservative and staid (mostly elderly) congregation of the local Episcopal Church in a fictional town in upstate New York, it is her first church assignment. Until she enrolled in seminary, she was a helicopter pilot in the Army.

Her “take control”, somewhat abrasive personality is not well received by the church membership. Nor are they crazy about the little red MG she zips around town in. These facts make her situation more difficult than other first-assignment clergy might encounter.

As the priest and the police chief attempt to unravel this strange situation, they also begin to uncover “dirty little secrets” about the members of her parish. This and the fact that they become physically attracted to each other, even though Van Alstyne is married, add tension and intrigue to the story. The themes of inner turmoil, conflict of interest, temptation, and faith are woven through each of the books in what is now a series. While Clare is trying to rein in her emotions, Russ is trying to rein in his language around the priest. As they say, opposites attract. Clare, filled with hope and faith, is the polar opposite of Russ, the cynical agnostic.

If you like the type of mystery that does not include a great deal of gore nor explicit sex but has an ending you probably will not see coming, this one is for you.

DECEMBER 2013

BY JULIA SPENCER-FLEMING

|

REVIEWED BY ANNE ANGLE

Anne Angle is a retired Cassville High School life sciences teacher. An avid reader, Anne is a member of Crowe’s Cronies Book Club based in Cassville.

IN THE BLEAK MIDWINTER is the first in the series of mysteries by Spencer-Fleming featuring Rev. Fergusson and Chief Van Alstyne. The first page of each of the novels contains the words to a hymn; in this case a Christmas carol written by Christina Georgina Rossetti in the mid 1800s.

The title of the hymn or a phrase within it then becomes the title to the novel.

This debut novel has earned Julia Spencer-Fleming several awards, respect, and acclaim among mystery writers and organizations that recognize writing talent. The 2002 Agatha Award (named for Agatha Christie) in the genre of Malice Domestic was given to her as well as the Macavity Award, an Anthony Award, and a Dilys Award.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 19

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By Nancy Ridgley

I RECENTLY ATTENDED A STUDER Group® conference to learn how to be a more effective leader and manager.

At Cox Monett Hospital, it is very important for us to be purposeful, worthwhile, and make a difference in the lives of others.

As important as this is in our professional life, it is also important in our personal life (how we treat others and how we take care of ourselves).

Whether at work or at home, we must ask ourselves these questions:

✓ WHAT AM I DOING WELL? ✓ WHAT CAN I BE DOING BETTER? ✓ ARE MY PRIORITIES IN PLACE? ✓ IS THERE ADDITIONAL TRAINING THAT WOULD BE HELPFUL TO ME IN MY DEPARTMENT?

Now relate these same questions to your health. At the close of 2013, I believe it is important to do a selfevaluation of the year. You can also ask those close to you to help you answer these questions.

Maybe you are eating more vegetables (question 1), but you could eat out less (question 2). I am spending 60 hours per week at the company (question 3). I could start taking spin or yoga classes to take better care of myself (question 4).

Now after you answer the questions, bring a solution to the problem. This is a more realistic ase fill out the attached approachsubscription to a New Year’s resolution. Recognize what m. Send the form with a doing checkwell and celebrate; change the youalong are already yable to Monettareas Times, money order that need improvement.

Here’s a great recipe $40 or your credit card information to for a spiced tea mix to enjoy this holiday season.

Wishing you a very Merry O. Box 40, Monett, MO 65708.

Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Sugar-Free Spiced Tea Mix From Cooks.com 1 (3.3 oz.) jar sugar-free, caffeine-free iced tea mix with lemon 2 (1.8 oz.) package sugar-free orange breakfast drink mix 1 Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. ground cinnamon 2 Tsp. ground cloves 1/4 cup instant tea Combine all ingredients. Store in an airtight container, or package into 3 (1 cup) gift packages. To serve hot, stir 1 teaspoon of mixture into 1 cup hot water.

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Nancy Ridgley, RD, LD, CDE, is a registered and licensed dietitian, certified diabetes educator, a Mad Dogg-certified spinning instructor and director of community wellness at Cox Monett Hospital. She also holds certifications in adult weight management and childhood and adolescent weight management. The mother of three enjoys spinning, reading, Mizzou football, travel, spending time with her children and extended family and having coffee with friends. For more information about wellness and living a healthy lifestyle, check out Cox Monett Hospital’s wellness blog at www.realwellnessforrealpeople.blogspot.com.

Connection

P.O. Box 40 • Monett, MO 65708

DECEMBER 2013 oll Free: 877.403.6397 • 877.752.9275

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 21

HEALTHY CONNECTION

Tis’ the season for a self-evaluation

Giving time

STORY BY SHEILA HARRIS PHOTOS BY SARAH LEE

ALTHOUGH FOR MANY PEOPLE joining The Peace Corps at ages 58 and 60 might not seem practical, for Bob and Marlene Mareth, of Monett, formerly of rural Purdy, it was the fulfillment of a longheld desire. The Peace Corps has, as its stated purpose, three objectives: to provide trained individuals to developing countries, to help promote a better understanding of Americans on the part of the people served,

22 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

and to promote a better understanding of the people of developing countries on the part of Americans. Bob and Marlene, with their contagious enthusiasm for life and genuine love and concern for the welfare of others, were ideal candidates for service, although many years passed before the realization of their dream.

Marlene, who expresses gratitude to God for the blessings they’ve received, and believes strongly that He has directed them in each step of their lives, viewed volunteering for the Peace Corps as an opportunity to give back, in return for what they had been given.

“The scripture ‘To whom much is given, much is required’ was very much a guiding force in the lives of Bob and me while we were growing up,” stated Marlene.

“So, in 1961, when President Kennedy founded The Peace Corps and quoted that very scripture as a rationale for the organization’s establishment, we were immediately intrigued. Although, as young parents at the time, we weren’t in a position to volunteer, we did follow the course of its progress throughout the ensuing years.”

In 1974, the Mareths sold their dairy farm in rural Rockford, Illinois, and purchased another farm outside of Purdy where Bob and the family built a new home.

Farming and Marlene’s RN profession allowed them to rear seven healthy, funloving children in a wonderful environment.

DECEMBER 2013

The Mareths’ only daughter, Mary Rummel, reminisced, “We grew up on that farm without a lot of the toys and niceties some kids had, but we had each other and all of the love we could ever need. Plus, we had plenty of imagination, and a Mom and Dad who made everything an adventure.”

Just as their parents before them, Bob and Marlene’s doors were always open to those in need, including seven foreign exchange students from various countries who resided with them throughout the years.

After years of a house full of happy noise, their last child married and left home. For Christmas of 1994, Marlene gave Bob a book with the lengthy title of “Unbelievably Good Deals & Great Adventures That You Absolutely Can’t Get Unless You’re Over 50.” It seemed to Marlene no less than providential that it contained the suggestion to join The Peace Corps, an endeavor which she and Bob were now in a position to pursue.

“I was immediately energized,” declared Marlene, “and after Bob and I discussed the idea, we knew the time might be right. Our second son, Tom, had recently taken over the dairy operation and our youngest son, David, was moving back to the area and wanted to live in the house with his young family. It seemed like God neatly took care of all of our domestic details and left us free to pursue our dream.”

[ ]

DECEMBER 2013

“When you go to an underdeveloped country, it gives the words of the Bible a whole new meaning. The people in Papua New Guinea had real physical needs and we were privileged to be able to help meet them.”

BOB MARETH

Soon thereafter, Marlene contacted the Peace Corps office and was directed toward an informational meeting in Manhattan, Kansas, which she and Bob eagerly attended. The meeting cemented their desire to serve, and they quickly put in their application, with no prior knowledge of their destination.

A morning in July of 1995 found them in San Francisco with the 12 other couples from around the United States who would be their fellow laborers in Papua New Guinea, for the next two years. The nation

of assignment for Peace Corps volunteers is based on a country’s application for help, which states their specific needs.

Papua New Guinea, the eastern half of the large island of New Guinea located along the equator directly north of Australia, had only recently gained its sovereignty from Australia in 1975 and needed volunteers with specific knowledge of road development, clean water supplies and health education. Bob, with his knowledge of construction and agriculture, and Marlene, with her skilled background as an RN, fit the profile perfectly.

Although eagerly looking forward to learning about the new culture to which they were heading, Marlene still found it difficult to leave her children and grandchildren behind, knowing that she would be unable to see them for a minimum of two years. In fact, four of their 22 grandchildren were born while they were away.

“Our family is so close-knit that the thought of the lengthy separation was nearly overwhelming” shared Marlene, “and while on our connecting flight from

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 23

Springfield to Kansas City, I sobbed uncontrollably. Two years later though, I did the same thing when at our airport departure, our new found Papua New Guinea, friends serenaded us with We Are Companions On the Journey. Joining the Peace Corps turned out to be one of the most rewarding experiences I’ll ever have.”

Four days after leaving the familiar surroundings of their home in Purdy, the Mareths stepped into a culture where time seemed to have no meaning.

“A calendar was irrelevant, and people did not know their dates of birth, nor those of their children,” said Marlene. “But they knew what was important. They were happy for each new day, and they loved their clans. In fact, families with several children often gifted childless couples with one of their own. At first I was appalled to think of someone giving away their own child, but I came to realize that, to them, it was a sign of

concern for the childless couple’s welfare. In that culture, children were the social security of parents when they reached old age.”

The Mareths initially found themselves living in a grass hut in the bush country of Papua New Guinea, with none of the comforts available that they had grown accustomed to in the United States.

Although the U. S. Government provides lodging for Peace Corps volunteers, they do not have access to automobiles and must walk everywhere they go. The first six weeks were devoted to a training session, which included living with a native family for that period of time, as well as attending classes to learn the culture and language of the area. At the end of the training period, they were assigned to the post where they would work for the remainder of their twoyear service period.

Because of Bob’s agricultural and construction experience, the Mareths

[] “I’m thankful that Bob and I have always had a close marriage and were used to working together. It proved to be a valuable asset under those conditions.”

MARLENE MARETH

The Peace Corps, For more information about ibility requirements, including its benefits and elig ecorps.gov/learn/ please visit http://www.peac

24 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

expected to be stationed in a rural area, but were instead sent to the urban area of Goroka in Eastern Highlands Province.

There, they served a council of elected officials from several different tribes from surrounding bush villages responsible for organizing and implementing civil projects.

“We were rather surprised,” stated Marlene, “but we soon discovered that we were chosen to work with the council because of our ages. The Papua New Guineans have a great respect for elders, and for that reason, the Peace Corps felt we would have more influence than some of the younger couples in our group.”

“I’m thankful that Bob and I have always had a close marriage and were used to working together,” she continued. “It proved to be a valuable asset under those conditions.”

While the Mareths served with the council, they were actively involved in project implementation as well. Bob spent long days with road crews shoveling out roads by hand, as well as attempting to sanitize water supplies. Marlene focused on nutrition and health education, including AIDS awareness and prevention. They always worked together as a couple on each others projects, offering a subtle lesson on marital respect in a culture where violence toward women was considered acceptable.

“One thing that can be discouraging about serving in the Peace Corps,” declared Bob, “is that you never know if you’re accomplishing anything. It’s kind of like nailing Jell-O to the wall. For a minute you think it might stick, then the next thing you know, you’re back to square one.”

This is a sentiment echoed by more than one Peace Corps volunteer, yet according to Bob, the experience was well worth it.

“When you go to an underdeveloped country,” he said, “it gives the words of the Bible a whole new meaning. The people in Papua New Guinea had real physical needs and we were privileged to be able to help meet them.”

“In a way, we learned much more from them than they ever learned from us,” added Marlene, in complete agreement.

“We learned to slow down and live one day at a time, finding gratitude in the little things.”

DECEMBER 2013

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CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 27

8 ways to stay in touch with your family across the miles

BY MEAGAN RUFFING Meagan is a monthly contributor to Connection magazine in southwest Missouri. She is a stayat-home mom to her three children who remind her daily that ‘home’ is where the heart is.

A CROSS-COUNTRY MOVE CAN BE AN EXCITING TIME FOR ANY FAMILY BUT it can also be a sad time for those who you are leaving behind. When a job opportunity came up for my husband, we made the decision to move from Maine to Missouri; leaving my entire family and my home on the east Coast.

Finding ways to stay in touch with my family has become a fun way for me to keep the communication open across the miles. It has also become a great lesson for my two children on the importance of staying in touch.

Here are eight tried and true tips to help you and your family stay connected with loved ones.

Telephone: If your schedule is already hectic then try making a phone date with family members. This ensures that you are making them a top priority, and you are teaching your children that one simple phone call can brighten someone’s day.

Skype: There’s nothing better than faceto-face time with grandma and grandpa.

Skype is free and the sign-up process is easy. Visit www. skype.com to get started.

Pictures: Documenting your kids’ milestones is easier than ever with the use of camera phones. Click away and send your pictures via text or upload them to social networking sites like www.facebook.com or www.twitter.com.

Social Media: Facebook isn’t just for teenagers. Grandparents are catching on too, and it’s fun to see the responses you get from posting a child’s video from their first school play or the most recent picture from today’s park adventure.

You can also upload videos of your child singing their A, B, C’s for the first time or your 1-year-old taking her first steps.

Blog: Not only is this a fun way to document your child’s life, but it’s a neat way to include your family who lives far away in to the everyday workings of what your life is like. Sites like www.blogspot.com or www.wordpress.com are free. What are you waiting for? Get started!

28 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2013

Handwritten Letters: Invest in some nice children’s stationary from trusted websites like www.shutterfly.com or www.tinyprints. com and have your child’s name or initials printed on them. If they’re not old enough to write, compose the letter as if they were the ones writing it. Seal it up with a monogrammed sticker from www.iomoi.com.

Handprint Pottery: This one is a no-brainer. Can you say playdate? Take your kids to a pottery house and let them get messy with paint. Pick out a set of coasters or a mug for your tot to paint and stamp their handprint or footprint on them to remember the days when they were little. Your family will feel like they’re part of your child’s milestones and they’ll have something to keep forever.

Handmade Items: Show aunts and uncles that they’re being thought of year round by sending them something special that your child has made just for them. It can be something as simple as a coloring sheet from school or a craftier project that was made at home with your help. Applesauce ornaments are fun and easy to mail. Bonus – they smell great, too!

APPLESAUCE ORNAMENTS 3 cups applesauce 3 cups cinnamon Mix applesauce and cinnamon together to form a stiff dough. Roll the dough out flat and make cut-outs with Christmas shaped cookie cutters. Poke a hole in the top of ornament (for hanging) before drying. Transfer onto baking sheets and let dry three to four days. Once dry, string a ribbon through the ornament and hang it up!

DECEMBER 2013

Moving away can be hard, but staying in touch can ease the transition for everyone. Grab this list of tips the next time you’re missing your family and take the first step toward telling them you miss them.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 29

A tribute Lovin’ life

BY SALLY REINHARDT

AFTER 55

LIFE IS PRECIOUS, HANDLE WITH PRAYER. There are times in life’s journey when this caution has more significances than others, especially having the need for prayer, which brings us peace. I have settled into that part of my journey and have found that peace.

My cancer, which had been in remission for five years, has decided to return with a vengeance. Only the Time Keeper knows the schedule. I wanted to use some of that time to thank the many folks who have been so generous with their compliments and faithful in reading my articles. My energy level is very low, but did not want to miss the opportunity to express thanks to one and all. Writing in Connection for the past four years has been a great joy for me. Until we make that final Connection, a grateful THANK YOU to one and all.

See ya down the road.

Sally left us the morning of Oct. 24, 2013

When Connection magazine was launched in December of 2009, one of our first tasks involved recruiting a talented staff of contributing writers and photographers. An ad for freelancers was placed in the newspaper, and the first person to respond was Sally Reinhardt.

As a transplant to southwest Missouri, Sally had a deep appreciation for this area and had a way of looking at life in our small communities in a new, fresh way. I immediately found myself connecting to Sally’s words, and “Lovin’ Life after 55” was born.

I had the joy of working with Sally for almost four years. She was always the first to submit her column, usually two weeks before deadline, and she often hand-delivered it to me at The Monett Times office. I looked forward to Sally’s visits, because she always found a way to encourage me and make me feel as if the job I was doing mattered. I imagine she had those same kind of positive interactions with others all around town.

Connection readers also loved Sally’s columns. People would stop me in the grocery store to tell me so, and I know there were several Sunday school classes in the area where Sally’s writings routinely were cut out of the magazine and placed on church bulletin boards for inspiration. Sally was a gifted writer and her words were positive, insightful and always inspirational. And as someone who will be turning the big “50” this next year, I often would read Sally’s submissions and find myself hoping I would have the wherewithal to retain the same passion for life that Sally captured in her writing in my “after-55” years.

After moving to Colorado, I discovered Sally’s cancer had returned, and just a few months later, I received a phone call that Sally had passed away. It seemed too soon, but I was glad that Sally’s suffering was short lived, and I know without a doubt that Sally is in a better place celebrating with the Heavenly Father she referenced so often in her writings.

I feel blessed to have known Sally, and I am glad she was able to share her many gifts with so many others in the pages of Connection.

-- Lisa Schlichtman 30 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

“The final destination will come soon enough, and the Station Master knows the route,” words written by Sally Reinhardt in her article in the September “Connection” magazine.

Many of you have looked forward, as I have, to each month’s magazine and Sally’s reflections on life, her wisdom, faith, deep insight and humor of expression.

I first met Sally when she joined me as a volunteer at Cox Monett Hospital. We worked together at the gift shop and information desk for a number of years, caring and sharing both our joys and concerns, observations and life’s humor. She was unique in every way, one of the most authentic persons I have ever known: what you saw is what you got, and what you got was “the real Sally.” Never presumptuous with a quick sense of humor that might take a new acquaintance aback for a moment, she was a biker, a freelance writer, a hospital volunteer, and a transplanted city girl who loved her husband and her son and daughter dearly, her new home and country environment. But most of all, Sally had a deep faith and lived by that faith.

She relished challenges and met them head on. “Bumps in the road,” she called them, but she was accomplished at maneuvering those bumps, even when her cancer returned with a vengeance. Her keen observations and sense of humor coupled with her philosophy of life, support of family and friends, and of her “Station Master” carried her down the track to her final destination.

Like the seasons of each year, none of us knows what lies at each new destination; each new season of our lives. How we handle each season is ours to determine. Sally knew how to handle the seasons of her life. We shared so much in our years together; her decision to forego the medical treatment that would have robbed her of remaining quality time with family

DECEMBER 2013

ute to Sally Reinhardt I miss you, Sally Ann. See ya down the road, Love Bob. -- Husband, Bob Reinhardt

Sally also collected cookie jars. When we moved here she had over 100 but limited display area forced her to give a few away.

Before she passed she gave some to friends and family. She said she wanted them to have good homes that would appreciate them. That is how she got her first ones. She was at a yard sale and wanted to buy a couple, however they were out of her price range. The woman asked if she wanted to collect cookie jars. She said yes. The woman gave them to her so they would have an appreciative home. Bob

and friends would be no different.

At the hospital information desk I learned of her decision to meet the challenge head on with determination and resolve. She shared how grateful she was to her Hospice nurse, to her minister and her church family, and to her husband and family. He is a “good man,” Sally said of her husband, a short, succinct statement, but one so deep in meaning. And through all these days, Sally’s quick wit did not abandon her, even during her health’s decline.

“Relish the moment”. . .“This is the day the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” Sally relished each moment, delighted and was thankful for what the Lord gave

DECEMBER 2013

her in each season of her life. She often said, “I am so blessed.” When the seasons’ culmination was on her horizon, she looked to the hills where the Station Master drew her and trusted Him to fulfill her destination, a new life of joy, peace and freedom.

Sally’s destination has led to her heavenly home. We will miss her. We are richer for having known her and shared in her philosophy of life, her insights, her humor and her faith. She made a difference in my life, the lives of her readers, her fellow Auxiliary members and those she served at Cox Monett Hospital. “Well, done, my good and faithful servant.” “See ya down the road.”

-- JoAnne Coufal

I knew right off the bat that I was going to have a special connection with this lady when I noticed on her volunteer application that her email address was listed as “Sidecar Sally” (I thought that was hilarious).

Sally’s dry sense of humor made her who she was. It took me awhile to pick up on this, and once I finally did, I thought her wit was undeniable and her charm infectious.

When other hospital volunteers spent their $7 allowed for lunch in the cafeteria on food, Sally preferred to spend hers on Starbucks Iced Coffee. That was her simple pleasure.

I am a better person for knowing Sally Reinhardt, and I will miss her dearly.

-- Janell Patton

Public Relations Director, CoxHealth Monett

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 31

set the mood

BY SHERRY TUCKER AND VERONICA ZUCCA

As we go through the holiday season, it is fun to use your dining table or other table top as a platform for

creative mood-setting. Whether you are entertaining families, organizing an after party get-together, or hosting an elegant dinner, here are some fun ideas using décor you may already have or can be easily acquired.

JUST DESSERTS Make any cake an instant centerpiece by placing it on a glass pedestal. Surround with simple garland embellished with lights and candy themed ribbon. Bonus: Add hot cocoa fixin’s to create an even more festive environment.

GOLD AND ROSES You can’t go wrong with the classic rose. Both simple and elegant, couple gold embellishments with a simple vase of a dozen white roses. To keep the scene clean, focus on only two or three elements, like gold, white and crystal. For a more dramatic look, use red roses and silver decoration.

32 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

DECEMBER DECEMBER2013 2013

d

SOLID SIMPLICITY Utilizing any favorite monochromatic color scheme, you can create a simple pallet for an intimate table setting. To create this whimsical look, select a sturdy vase to support a variety of small and shapely Sycamore twigs. Simply adding a variety of small single-color glass balls, and keeping the look natural with varying textured materials coupled with other eclectic natural elements will finish your look.

TRADITIONAL FLAVOR A twist on tradition, using your own service platters in neutral colors, combine cranberries and other fruit in muted holiday tones. Styrofoam balls can be the base for creating cranberry orbs by using straight pins to keep the cranberries in place. Nuts, either shelled or unshelled, add texture and more natural tones.

Finish the setting with wide candles that will unify the mood and colors.

DECEMBER DECEMBER2013 2013

CONNECTION CONNECTIONMAGAZINE MAGAZINE| |3333

A SWEET BOUQUET Turn any size can into an instant holiday floral vessel by enwrapping it with ever classic candy canes. Use a hot glue gun to attach candy canes to the can base, and matching ribbon for an accessory. Cut flower stems to create a tight bouquet, arrange in can, and be sure to keep fresh flowers watered. Display centered on your tabletop with matching charger with other candy embellishments and streams of ribbons along the length of the table. To be daring, use nontraditional color schemes with the now available multicolored fruit candy canes.

FROSTY FRUIT BASKET Create a still life centerpiece using real fruit displayed in pedestals of staggered heights. It is easy to use real fruit for this modern looking display. Simply use spray glue on real fruit, and cover it entirely with Epsom salts. The large crystals of the salts will make the fruit shimmer and catch light, whether using overhead lighting or ambient candle-light.

34 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2013

MODERN METALLIC To create an edgy, mature table setting, stick to these design elements: mirrored surfaces, geometric shapes, simple glass elements, and anything with a silver or chrome finish that will catch light. Adding candles will help reflect light, and create the mood for a low-light dramatic ambiance. Turn any wineglass into a candlestick simply by inverting it. Also, dress up a bare votive by wrapping it with ribbon.

RUSTIC CHARM Beautiful, simple and natural.

Create timeless country appeal by using a variety of Mason jars as lanterns.

Nestle votive candles inside jars simply decorated with twine, cinnamon sticks or Christmas cutout ornaments tied to the jar rims. A bed of Epsom salts, in which the candle sits, emulates a frosty winter wonderland.

DECEMBER 2013

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 35

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Connection’s

proud parent cutest kid contest

December

’s cutest!

Meet 2-month-old Kohen Jackson Bateman, son of Jeff and Korrie Bateman, of Wheaton.

Congratulations, Kohen!

You’re Connection’s cutest kid in December!

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.

DECEMBER 2013

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 37

Collecting of Chri Christmas has always been a special time at the Cusick household – a love of the holiday that has evolved into a passion for collecting vintage Christmas pieces throughout the year.

SPUN COTTON GIRL WITH A BABY BOTTLE, CIRCA 1920s WITH SCRAPE FACE MADE FROM PRINTED CARDBOARD USING THE CHROMOLITHOGRAPHS FOUR-COLOR PROCESS.

38 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

“I decided that I like the older decorations, figural ornaments and figural light bulbs. Those were the things that I remember growing up with on our family tree,” said Roger Cusick who lives with his wife, Joyce, in Cassville.

Joyce is also an antique collector who specializes in antique bells and baby bottles.

Roger credits his wife with being the inspiration for his journey into vintage collecting.

“We’re always going to antique stores, flea markets and antique malls,” said Roger.

“I already had some older pieces so I decided to add to my collection.”

DECEMBER 2013

g memories hristmas past

BY KERRY HAYS A RARE WHISKEY FLASK FROM THE 1920S. RARE PRIMARILY BECAUSE OF THE PAPER LABEL ON THE BOTTLE.

A COLLECTION OF FIGURAL VINTAGE LIGHT BULBS MADE FROM MILK GLASS.

Roger knew his knowledge was limited, so early on he began reading books and magazines to gain a better understanding of the field. In the back of one of these publications, he noticed an advertisement for a collectors’ club called “The Golden Glow of Christmas Past.”

Since that time, both Roger and Joyce have been members of a club that numbers over 1,200 worldwide members.

Roger even had an article published in their magazine last year. They attend annual conventions together and have only missed two in the past 13 years. The club’s

DECEMBER 2013

convention is held in July to give collectors an opportunity to extend the holiday feeling and prepare for the upcoming season.

“They decorate the hotel for Christmas, and we gather in the bar or lounge at 5:30 p.m. every day to sing Christmas carols during happy hour,” said Joyce. “One Saturday night banquet the theme was ‘’Twas the Night Before Christmas’, and everybody was required to wear pajamas to attend the dinner.”

Roger remembered that convention well – and the attire he wore to the banquet.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 39

THE SANTA IS FROM THE 1930s AND COULD BE REFERRED TO AS A “BELSNICKLE” – A TERM USED FOR EARLY SANTA’S CHARACTERIZED BY THE POINTED HAT. THE BOXED LIGHTS ARE FROM THE EARLY 1950s.

“She bought me a red union suit,” said Roger, “and I went to a banquet dressed in my red union suit and fuzzy slippers.”

Both Roger and Joyce appreciate the networking that takes place among collectors at the convention and the free exchange of knowledge that frequently occurs. Over the years, they have also attended educational programs and workshops offered to convention delegates.

Topics range from vintage Christmas lighting to Christmas during wartime.

Roger also appreciates the opportunity to view and consider purchasing vintage pieces that are available for sale during the convention. Current standards define vintage Christmas items as anything made before 1966. Sometimes just having the opportunity to view and learn about a particular piece is enough to satisfy his curiosity.

“Every night after dinner we have what’s called ‘room hopping.’ Anybody that’s bought items for sale covers their beds and their dressers, and they fill the room with Christmas items,” said Roger.

40 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

“These people are pretty knowledgeable about all the items that they have, and they’re willing to share that information – whether or not you buy something.”

The convention also features a “museum room” where members who live near the convention city get an opportunity to bring their specialized private collections for display to share with others. It is in this space that Roger recalls seeing displays he’s never seen before.

“There’s one woman who brought her collection of Christmas handkerchiefs to the convention - it had 4,000 pieces,” said Roger. “If there’s anything Christmas out there, one of our members collects it.”

Roger started his collection with the figural ornaments and lights he remembers from childhood Christmas celebrations.

Over the years he has expanded his collection to include die cut cardboard stamped pieces, whiskey flasks, Christmas cards, an assortment of Santa pieces, post cards, and his newest passion – Victorian Christmas lights.

ROGER AND JOYCE HOLDING FRAMED VINTAGE DIE-CUTS MADE IN GERMANY FROM ABOUT THE 1930-1950s.

DECEMBER 2013

“Originally candles were used on Christmas trees and then they moved into Victorian lighting, which were oil lamps,” said Roger. “They usually put some water in the bottom and then oil on top of that with a floating wick. They would light the wick and that would be your light in these little glass jars, which had wire so they could hang on the tree.”

REPRODUCTION OF A FEATHER TREE WITH VINTAGE BEADED CZECH ORNAMENTS AND CARDBOARD DRESDEN ORNAMENTS.

of his collection. He hopes to one day acquire a bubble light set and an original German feather tree. Feather trees have branches sticking out with actual goose feathers that are dyed and wrapped around the branches. He currently owns two reproductions.

The Cusicks don’t have enough room to display all of the items in Roger’s collection, so each year since 2008 he has created a display at the Barry County Museum where they both serve as volunteers throughout the year. Last year he also provided a display for the Cassville branch of the Barry-Lawrence Regional Library. His past displays have included Christmas tree candle holders, whiskey flasks, nativity sets, vintage lighting boxed sets and even Joyce’s Christmas bell collection. This year Roger intends on sharing his newly acquired Victorian Christmas lights.

Decorating begins in late October and the Cusicks have been known to offer an occasional open house to share their collections with others. Those invited usually work with Roger or they belong to one of the community groups that Roger and Joyce participate in. The couple cooks holiday candies and bake cookies to share with those lucky enough to be invited.

This holiday season will be particularly memorable for the couple as relatives who have never seen their collections will come for a visit. Joyce’s son Jeff and his wife Janet live in the Czech Republic, and they will be making the journey to Cassville in

ROGER’S FIGURAL ORNAMENT TREE

the coming weeks. One of the oldest pieces in Roger’s collection is a beaded Czech ornament from the late 19th Century that was originally owned by Janet’s greatgrandmother.

When Christmas Eve comes, just Roger and Joyce will share simple holiday customs together. They’ll offer small gifts from stockings hung with care and settle in for a long night of “White Christmas” literally surrounded by the golden glow of Christmas past.

COLLECTION OF EARLY VINTAGE SANTA CHRISTMAS POST CARDS.

Roger also described how the ornaments were only lit for a short period of time on Christmas Eve, and that once the oil burned off and the wick hit the water then the flame would be extinguished – a necessary precaution at a time when most people used live trees.

Roger still considers himself a collector, and he isn’t thinking about selling any part

DECEMBER 2013

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 41

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42 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2013

online.com

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Connection’s Cutest Pet

PET CONTEST WINNER 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 very own Connection’s Cutest Pet contest.

We are well known for supplying the very best representation of breeds, for our superior health care program and for ensuring all of our pets are from reputable and licensed breeders.

Marlowe is Connection’s cutest pet winner for December.

This cute Main Coon kitten lives with Rita DeWitt, of Marionville.

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 you reside in and your contact information.

DECEMBER 2013

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 43

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44 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2013

Story and photos by Steve Chapman

a

CROSS THE UNITED STATES, different people collect various items as a hobby.

Some people collect items like baseball cards, coins, stamps, old records, or arrowheads.

Others collect more unusual items such as bottle caps, movie posters, butterflies, monikers and fossils. Robert Jones and his wife of 53 years, Marti, have their own unique collection: M&M candy dispensers.

DECEMBER 2013

Robert and Marti began their collection in 1991 when Marti bought her husband a dispenser for Christmas that year. “That has been the downfall ever since,” Robert said jokingly during an interview in their Miller home. “Because every year, when (the dispensers) come out at the end of the year… it’s completely different, and we try to find one every year.”

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 45

Robert and Marti currently own 19 dispensers, and Robert says he has yet to find a collection of M&M dispensers that equals theirs. There have been a few years when he said he and Marti missed purchasing the dispensers, so he contacted other M&M dispenser collectors in Las Vegas and Florida, hoping they would be able to help him find the dispensers he and Marti are missing. “They have less than half of what we have right here,” he said.

“Somebody told us that a man in Monett collected them, and so we thought maybe he had something different,” Marti added. “And when Bob went to see him and told him what he had, the man said “I don’t have anything near like that.”

While Bob and Marti find most of their dispensers at Walmart and occasionally K-Mart, they are willing to go to great lengths to acquire new items to add to their collection. They have searched flea markets, looking for any dispensers they don’t already have. So great is their dedication, they even drove to a Kansas City flea market to get one.

Friends occasionally help out, keeping watch for dispensers to add to Robert and Marti’s collection. Marti remembers the occasion when a friend who was visiting Kansas City found a roller-coaster shaped dispenser for them. “He called us and said, ‘You have a roller-coaster?’ And Bob said,

‘No.’ Then, his friend said, ‘Well, I just found one,’ and Bob said, ‘Good, bring it home!” laughed Marti.

While they are eager to add to their collection, Robert and Marti won’t just take any dispenser. They insist on quality; the dispenser has to be in good order. Marti said some of the dispensers they have

46 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

found were purchased for children who took them apart. For example, they found one dispenser shaped like a saxophone player but the saxophone was missing.

Dispensers are not the only M&M memorabilia that Robert and Marti have.

They also collect M&M themed T-shirts, figurines, coffee mugs and even radios.

DECEMBER 2013

to acquire dispensers for their collection without having to spend a lot of money. “So far, the ones that we have now, that these people have in flea markets and things, (the owners) are selling them (at) either the price when they were purchased new or some of them are even under just so they can get rid of them.”

Robert and Marti don’t just let their dispensers sit on a shelf and collect dust.

“The little radios… they came out at Radio Shack,” Robert said. “There’s four different ones, and they all came out the same year. I bought all four of them, ‘cause when they’re gone, they’re gone.” For her part, Marti has taken some of their T-shirts and made them into slip covers for seat cushions in their house. She simply slides the T-shirt over the cushion and then hooks it from behind.

While the collection has not acquired the high-dollar value of other items, such as Beanie Babies or rare coins, Robert is not bothered because they are still able

For special events, Robert fills some of his dispensers with M&Ms and puts them out so people can help themselves. “We’ve gone to the YMCA in Monett, and when we have the special dinners, Bob takes (the dispensers) and fills them full of candy and sets them around on the table for everybody to take their own candy out. It’s kind of neat.”

For now, Robert and Marti will continue to add to their collection every year. A friend at Walmart alerts him to when the new dispensers come in during the holiday season, and when they will be on sale. “When they hit the counter…we’re there to buy one,” Robert said. “‘Cause once they’re gone, they don’t get anymore.”

DECEMBER 2013

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 47

You’re invited to join us for...

Midweek Advent Services: Dec. 4, 11 & 18 • 7 p.m.

Starbucks CoffeeTM Homemade Cupcakes Soups and Sandwiches

Over 8,000 square feet of antiques, collectibles, vintage signs, jewelry, local crafts and cabin décor

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Christmas Eve Candlemass: Dec. 24 • 11 p.m.

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Daily Specials 48 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2013

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DECEMBER 2013

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 49

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SUNDAYS 10 a.m. Service 6 p.m. Group Study 7 p.m. Prayer

Spiritual Streams Fellowship Apostolic Ministry Center Hwy 112 S, Cassville, Mo. Pastor Jamie Smith • 417-342-9932 spiritualstreamsfellowship@yahoo.com

COME ENCOUNTER A PROPHETIC AWAKENING! 50 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

THURSDAYS LADIES NIGHT AND FREE POOL POOL LEAGUE EVERY TUESDAY NIGHT

Tuesday BOTTOMLESS DRAUGHT Thursday DRINK SPECIALS ALL NIGHT Chicken wings and appetizers available!

Bacon Cheeseburger

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Philly Cheeseburger DECEMBER 2013

A time to

remember

BY SHERRY TUCKER

The “Tree of Memories” is filled with ornaments that memorialize the life of someone who has passed on. Whether hand-made or store bought, registered by a family or friend, or a child or adult; all ornaments are accepted in the name of the lost loved one that it represents. Volunteers carefully store, catalog and display the special ornaments every Christmas season thereafter.

Twenty-five years ago, shortly after the death of her father, Judith Adams looked for and created a special tribute -- a way to remember him throughout the Christmas season. Judith, who is a counselor, had started a grief group soon after finishing a course from the Grief Recovery Institute in Los Angeles. “I started the group the first week of November. It was going to be hard to get through the holidays, especially for those dealing with recent loss.” Judith came up with the idea of a “Tree of Memories,” because of her own family traditions of making and finding ornaments together. She found that it not only brought her comfort, but brought comfort to many others who were dealing with the pain of loss.

Judith started the first “Tree of Memories” in Omaha, Nebraska, in 1988. The response was remarkable, and has grown and been embraced by those who volunteer to help, and those that participate.

She has since fostered the idea in many other locations. It is sponsored by an entity with a public area to display the tree and volunteers willing to catalog, store and perpetuate the memorial yearly. Since it has started, many hospitals, shopping centers, businesses, funeral homes and other organizations have picked up on the tradition. Judith has enjoyed seeing the spread, “I have looked it up on Google and seen trees from all around the country.”

DECEMBER 2013

Three years ago, shortly after Judith relocated to the Ozarks, she started a “Tree of Memories” at the Mercy hospital in Aurora. When Judith starts a tree, she always remembers her dad, “I add the first ornament, which is a train engine, for my dad.” She only asks that when a group starts a tree, that they perpetuate it yearly, they catalog and store the ornaments properly, and that it be a free service to anyone wanting to participate.

The tree at Aurora is sponsored as a community project by the Pregnancy Care Center in Aurora, Mercy Hospital in Aurora and Center for Life Coaching and Counseling (Judith’s counseling service). The tree dedication ceremony for this Christmas season will take place on December 8 at 2 p.m., for the tree that is displayed at the Mercy hospital, Aurora. If you would like to place an ornament on the tree for a departed loved one, an ornament may be brought and registered anytime at the Center for Life Coaching and Counseling, or the Mercy Hospital Gift Shop.

If you would like to start a “Tree of Memories” in your community, Judith would be happy to help. Visit with Judith or Jenni Schmidt at Center for Life Coaching and Counseling, 1401 South Elliot in Aurora, or call 417-671-9856.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 51

Brenda and Jim Phelps, of Cassville, Mary Ann Buchannan, of Wentworth, and K.C. Caldwell, of Monett, pose in front of Portland Head Lighthouse in Maine during Making Memories Tours New England trip in September.

Pictured with Connection magazine on a Making Memories Tours trip to Mackinac Island in Michigan is Jimmie and Margaret Hendrix.

A group from a Making Memories Tour in August to Crater Lake in Oregon pose with a copy on Connection.

Pictured are Glen and Roxan Leoppke, of Shell Knob; Vickie and Marvin Hensley, of Monett; Peggy and Mark Gentry, of Verona.

Good friends Winnie Strong, Dixie and James Latshaw, and Stu Strong pose with Connection during game-three of the 2013 World Series.

Ed and Leona Beezley, of Golden, brought Connection on a whale watching boat near Bar Harbor, Maine, during a Making Memories Tours trip to New England in September.

Connection made a trip to sunny Sanibel Island, Florida, with Nevaeh Gartin, Roxann Watkins, Linda Lines, Linda Dohmen and Dezaray Gartin.

52 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2013

my C O N N E C T I O N “My Connection� photos should be e-mailed to connection@monett-times.com. Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at the highest resolution possible. A short explanation of who is in the photo and where the photo was taken should also be included.

Barbara McDougle Paulus , Gene Paulus , Vickie and Bob McDougle , Sharon and Bill Barlow brought Connection on a Maui, Hawaii cruise.

g

Bob Mitchell, of Cassville, brought his copy of Connection on a pheasant hunting trip in South Dakota. Pictured with Bob are Bobby Mitchell, of Homestead, Florida, Steve Burch, of Columbia, Larry Dunnagan, of Homestead Florida, Kern Chambers, of Homestead Florida, and Bruce Mitchell, of Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Earlene Moulton, of Cassville and Susan Fields, of Exeter, brought Connection on an October trip to Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

DECEMBER 2013

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 53

GIFTS FOR ALL OCCASIONS

“I wish I had known about hospice earlier” (The most frequent comment by our hospice families)

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• With Hospice Compassus, YOU are in charge. You have a team of highly trained professionals ready to provide excellence in COMFORT CARE. • Hospice Compassus patients CAN retain their personal physician and pharmacy.

• Hospice patients CAN go to the hospital.

• ANYONE can refer a patient to Hospice.

• Nursing Home patients CAN have Hospice.

Whitley Pharmacy 101 West 8th • Cassville 417-847-2717 Mon. - Fri. 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 1 p.m.

• Hospice Compassus patients receive I-to-I care from a TEAM including a doctor, nurse, aide, social worker, chaplain, and volunteers.

www.hospicecompassus.com To schedule an informational meeting or a patient/home evaluation, please contact Hospice Compassus: 417-235-9097 845 Hwy 60, Suite A, Monett, MO 65708 (c) Hospice Compassus 2011

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2309 Fairlawn Dr., Carthage DECEMBER 2013

recipe box FROM THE RECIPES

COLLECTED FROM FAMILY AND FRIENDS

Peanut Brittle 2 cups sugar 1 cup light corn syrup 1 cup water 2 cups unroasted Spanish peanuts 1 tsp. soda 1/4 tsp. salt 1 tsp. butter

Combine sugar, corn syrup and water and cook slowly, stirring until sugar dissolves. Cook at soft-ball stage (236˚) and add peanuts and salt. Cook to hard crack stage (295˚), stirring continuously. Remove from heat; add butter and soda, stirring slightly. Pour evenly into well-greased shallow pans. Cool partially by lifting around edges with a knife.

When firm, turn over; when cold, break into pieces.

Do you have a recipe you’d like to share?

C h oco late C lu st e rs

Send it to Darlene Wierman at darlene@cassville-democrat.com

2/3 cup sugar ated milk 2/3 cup evapor syrup rn co 1 tbsp. light es chocolate piec t ee isw m 1 cup se al re ce l tura 1 cup plain na edium ingredients in m Combine first 3 edium m er ov il bo a g to saucepan. Brin 2 r nstantly. Boil fo heat, stirring co in ir St ly. g constant minutes, stirrin ld in Fo . ed elt m es until chocolate piec ls onto fu on po as te by cereal and drop ill until firm.

Ch r. pe pa d xe wa

White Fudge 3 cups sugar 1 cup Milnot 1/3 stick margarine 1 12-oz. pkg. flaked coconut 1 7-oz. jar marshmallow creme 1 cup chopped nuts

Krispie Peanut Butter Balls 1 stick margarine, softened 2 cups peanut butter 1 lb. confectioner’s sugar 3 cups Rice Krispies 1/2 block paraffin 1 12-oz. pkg. chocolate chips

Elegant Divinity 2 cups sugar 1/2 cup light corn syrup 1/4 tsp. salt 2 egg whites, stiffly beaten 1 tsp. vanilla extract 3/4 cup chopped candied cherries

Cream margarine, peanut butter and sugar in a large bowl. Add Rick Krispies and Mix well. Shape into balls. Melt paraffin and chocolate chips in a double boiler. Using a toothpick, dip each ball into chocolate mixture. Place on waxed paper to cool.

Mix first three ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil, stirring frequently. Boil 5 minutes, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Stir in coconut and marshmallow creme until creamy and smooth. Mix in nuts and pour into a buttered pan. When cool, cut into squares.

Apricot Candies 1 8-oz. pkg. dried apricots, finely chopped 1 1/2 cups flaked coconut 3/4 cup sweetened condensed milk 2/3 cup chopped pecans Pecan meal Combine first 4 ingredients in a mixing bowl and mix well. Shape into 1-inch balls and roll in pecan meal. Let stand until firm.

Mix first 3 ingredients and 1/2 cup water in saucepan. Cook over low heat until sugar dissolves, stirring constantly. Cook to a firm ball stage (248˚); do not stir. Wipe crystals from sides of pan with a damp cloth. Remove from heat. Pour over egg whites gradually, beating constantly. Add vanilla, beating until mixture holds shape when dropped from spoon. Fold in the cherries and drop by spoonfuls onto waxed paper.

DECEMBER 2013

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 55

www.cassville-democrat.com

Connection is now

online!

With just a click of your mouse, you can read the newest issue of the area’s most talked about publication.

Log on to www.cassvilledemocrat.com today!

You will also see local news updated daily, popular poll questions, local sports, and so much more!

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IT AGAIN

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56 | CONNECTION 26 CONNECTIONMAGAZINE MAGAZINE

Weeknights: Dusk - 9 p.m.

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Fashion &

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DECEMBER OCTOBER 2013 2012

b o t t l e s and

brews

P U T I X I M for the holidays!

ORCHATA CINNAMON CREAM RUM FIREBALL CINNAMON WHISKEY

Visit our locations in

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SMIRNOFF FLUFFED MARSHMALLOW VODKA

Toasted Cinnamon Crunch

Fluffed Cocoa

Shake over ice and strain it into a glass.

1 oz. Smirnoff Marshmallow Flavored Vodka 1 pkg. hot cocoa mix 10 oz. hot water Marshmallows Grated nutmeg

3 oz. of Orchata Cinnamon Cream Rum 1 oz. Firecracker whiskey

Mix ingredients together in a coffee mug.

Garnish with marshmallows and nutmeg.

Cheers!

JIM BEAM HONEY

SMIRNOFF WHIPPED CREAM VODKA

Sugar and Spice

1 oz. Smirnoff Whipped Cream Flavored Vodka 6 oz. hot coffee 1 sugar cube Grated cinnamon Muddle sugar cube with smirnoff whipped cream vodka and add coffee into a coffee mug. Garnish with whipped cream and grated cinnamon.

DECEMBER 2013

Honey Toddy

1 oz. Jim Beam Honey Whiskey Honey Lemon Ginseng Green Tea 1 wedge of lemon 1 tablespoon of honey Pour bourbon and honey into a pre-heated coffee mug, add tea bag, and ďŹ ll with steaming hot water. Steep to desired level, remove tea bag, then squeeze lemon wedge, and garnish with the lemon (stir with a cinnamon stick) CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 57

DIRT ROADS AND RAILROADS STORY BY SHERRY TUCKER

CHRISTMAS MEMORIES shared by Connection readers

M CHRISTMAS EVE DINNER IN 1962 JENNIE SCHELIN, VERONA

MEMORIES OF CHRISTMAS spent with family is very special. Jennie Schelin recalls a Christmas in 1962, when she and her husband, Albert’s, children were small, that Aunt Ester came from Chicago for a visit. “We got a Christmas card in the mail with her flight number and what time she was to arrive at the Springfield Airport.” It was a big deal to welcome Aunt Ester for a visit.

“The first time I ever met her was at our wedding in 1948, and she was 58 years old then. She was born in 1890.” Aunt Ester had been born and raised in the home that Jennie and Albert were now raising their family in, so it was not only a visit to see family, it was a visit to recapture memories of childhood. The Schelins are of Swedish decent and had kept Swedish customs alive through the generations

58 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

of their family. Before her visit home, Aunt Ester had told Jennie that she had recently gone to a Scandinavian festival, which had made her nostalgic for her family customs.

“When we knew that she was coming to visit, I knew it was going to be special for the children. I had a storybook called, ‘Grandma is coming for Christmas,’ but when I read it to the younger ones, I would read, ‘Aunt Ester is coming for Christmas.’” Jennie and Albert’s children were 12, 10, four and two years old in 1962. Aunt Ester was coming from Chicago where she had lived for years.

She had worked in Mandel Bros. Department Store from which she had retired, and was working part time at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. “When this aunt got off the plane, at 72 years old,

DECEMBER 2013

W THE PERFECT TREE

GENE GRIFFIN, WHEATON

she was the height of fashion.

Her boots made an impression on me. She had a cloth coat with a fur collar, and she had strawberry blonde hair that was natural.”

Christmas Eve was a special time for their family, and it started with a formal dinner. “Christmas Eve dinner was always here at our home,” Jennie said, because they lived in the family home that had been in Albert’s family on the family farm since 1874. The Schelin farm celebrated their century mark in 1974, and is registered as a Century Farm in the state of Missouri.

“It’s tradition to start dinner with Jul-Grot, which is rice pudding cooked in milk, and served with raisins and cinnamon sugar.” They would eat a meal of roasted turkey and Swedish side dishes. Then, they would sing Christmas carols. “We would sing the family favorites from the Globe church anthem books, and sing the parts. The Globe church, which stood one-quarter of a mile north of our home, was a member of the Mo-Kansas Conference of the Swedish Methodist Episcopal Church.

This conference was dissolved in the mid 1930’s,” said Jennie, as she shared some of the history of the Globe community DECEMBER 2013

which was located between Monett and Verona. “After the anthems, we would sing all the traditional Christmas carols, too. My favorites are, ‘Once in David’s Royal City,’ and ‘Oh Little Town of Bethlehem.’” Jennie loves a line from another of her favorites, “...we are so glad on Christmas Eve, the night of Jesus’ birth, for then the star shown like the sun, and angels sang on earth...I can hear that melody in my head even now.”

“Then, we would let the children open gifts.” After that, when the kids are content, the adults would be invited back to the dining room for Jennie’s favorite part; midnight coffee.

“For the Swedes, that is when the fruitcake comes out and all kinds of cookies.” As Jennie recalled the late-night visit around the dinner table with family, she described a picture of family talking of Christmases past, and small children nestled in adults laps.

Aunt Ester made that Christmas special. She brought candy from Chicago, and helped Jennie with all the cooking to make the dinner special. “It wasn’t so much Aunt Ester coming from Chicago, as just her coming back home. The fact that I could welcome her, as Albert’s wife, to her birth home, was very important to me.”

“WE ALWAYS CUT A RED CEDAR CHRISTMAS TREE,” said Gene Griffin. “We’d go up to Erwin Booth’s place. Mr. Booth had a TV repair shop in Wheaton. Their farm was right behind ours, and we would get our Christmas tree there.” Gene fondly remembers Christmases past and searching for that perfect tree, “Usually, we would cut the perfect tree, then get it home, and it would be way too big, and we’d have to chop it in half. We kids would insist that the tree got decorated early.”

Gene Griffin grew up going to Wheaton School, and lived between Muncie and Corsicana, just a quarter mile down the road from the Muncie Chapel. “I remember that there was some old tinsel, and I don’t know if it was lead or what kind of foil, but it was heavy. We would keep them and use them every year to decorate the tree.”

Memories of the Christmas parade in Wheaton stand out in Gene’s memories of Christmas, “Kenneth Corn, the sign maker, who was a local to Wheaton, was Santa for the parade every year.

More older people participated in the parade. The WWI vets were always in the parade. There were a lot of different businesses on Main Street, Bixlers Feed Store, Bob and Naomi Young had the grocery store. I remember those WWI vets would sit in the MFA feed room about every afternoon. My grandpa, Asa Griffin, Henry Utter, Gray McMillin...”

One Christmas in particular, Gene recalls getting something special for his mom, “We went to Monett and dad gave me a 20 dollar bill. I think that might have been the first time I had ever held a 20 dollar bill. There was some kind of catalog store there, and that 20 dollar bill bought the brand new electric steam iron that we got mom for Christmas.”

Among Gene’s Christmas memories, he recalls his Grandma Curley who lived in Fayetteville, Ark. “She would always tell us about how Christmas was in 1910. They each got a penny in a box and an orange. I think she told us that so that we would be thankful for no matter what we got.” Gene also shared, “She would take onepound, tall coffee cans and make pumpkin bread in the coffee cans.

That’s what she gave as gifts every year. Grandma Curley was very frugal. She didn’t waste, but she would always share.”

“I remember that Grandma Curley would have a real, little Christmas tree to set on her table in a vase. She would neatly set her Christmas cards all around the tree. Christmas cards were a big deal, it was the most mail that would ever come out of our house,” said Gene.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 59

Rita Stringer is a true Ozark native. She grew up on the beautiful, hilly terrain of Eagle Rock. Rita shared with me some memories of her family, some memories of lessons from her mama, and a very special Christmas that is etched in her memory. She told me that her family is used to her telling these stories, so it was easy for her to sit down and write them out.

A COATNEY CHRISTMAS RITA (COATNEY) STRINGER

A BIG FAMILY FULL OF LOVE I was born ninth of 10 children and there were no quiet moments in our house.

My mama was one of the sweetest Christian women that anyone could have ever met.

She taught us the meaning of right and wrong at a very early age. She used the Bible a our daily life lessons. She always praised us when we did well, but chastised us when we were bad. She taught us that love was the key to any family problem. She also taught us to not only love our family and friends, but our enemies as well.

A LESSON ABOUT APPEARANCES I remember when I was three years old, there was this older man, named Mr. Carter.

He was a walking preacher.

He would walk everywhere he went and he always walked with a long stick. He had a long white beard and for some reason, I was scared of this sweet man. I would hear his stick hitting the rocks on the road, and I would start running and would just fall down and slide to get under the bed. I thought that if I was under the bed, he could never find me. I had done this several times when Daddy said, “Honey, don’t be scared of Mr. Carter,

60 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

if he would bother you, I would shoot his hind pockets off.” I can remember saying very well, “Oh, Daddy, don’t ‘hootie’ his hind pockets off, ‘hootie’ HIM!” One day, around Christmas, I was with my brothers, Ken and Ted. We were walking down the road and, “Oh, my,” here comes Mr. Carter; no bed to slide under. I can remember thinking, “What am I going to do?” Mr. Carter then gave me a stick of candy and started talking to me. I came home and told Dad and Mom that Mr. Carter was a nice man. I was never scared of Mr. Carter again. This was one of my first life lessons that Mama began teaching me. She told me, then, that you don’t judge people from the outside. God doesn’t focus on our outward appearance, and that it’s what is on the inside that matters most to Him, and we are to live our lives as close as we can to the way God lives his.

A CHRISTMAS REMEMBERED Christmas for our family was a little different than it might have been for other families. There was very little money at our house, but we were rich with love.

Daddy’s main job was working on the Curry farm.

He also had a few odd jobs.

He worked awhile at the WPA as a time keeper, and also did some part time work at Camp Crowder, and the forestry service. His passion was hunting, fishing and trapping.

Daddy would make Christmas money by trapping mink and selling the fur, and digging ginseng roots, which he would dry and ship off to some company through the mail. We knew that if Daddy had a good season trapping mink and could dig plenty of ginseng, then we would have a Christmas.

I remember one year when trapping season was not good. I remember thinking that there was not going to be a Christmas.

But, me and my brother, Ted, were going to make the best of it. Ted and I took a hatchet and the two of us went out looking for a Christmas tree. Ted was

about nine, and I was seven.

Little sister, Wilda, was a little young to be going with us, so she had to stay home. The two of us headed to the woods a with the hatchet in Ted’s hands.

All the way to the woods, I can remember as we walked, Ted kept saying he sure hoped that a BB gun would be under the tree for Christmas. I would tell him how much I wanted a baby doll. We both knew in our hearts that there was a chance that there wouldn’t be anything under the tree because of the bad fur season and ginseng digging had been bad as well.

But, both our hearts were filled with joy that morning as the two of us skipped through the woods in search of the perfect Christmas tree. After awhile, Ted spotted it. We chopped it down, brought it home, put it in a can with rocks around it to make

DECEMBER 2013

it stand up and set it on a table in our living room in front of a window. The tree was up, but it looked very bare because we hadn’t thought far enough ahead as to how we would decorate it.

We had no Christmas trimmings in the house. But, nothing was going to take away the joy we both felt that day. We then remembered seeing a bunch of cigarette packages (which were foil lined) thrown along the road. We ran along the road and picked up several packages, and brought them home. We then had to figure out a way to get this foil off of the white paper lining. We finally realized that if we barely wet the back side of the package lining, then very carefully, we could pull off the foil. We eventually got enough foil to make icicles to trim the tree. We then took our Big Chief tablets with our

little sister, Wilda, helping, began coloring the spaces on the tablet with different colors.

After we got enough colored, we cut them into strips and glued them together into a paper chain. We then put the chain on the tree. Our sweet mama then suggested we pop some popcorn and string it together

DECEMBER 2013

with some string and put it on the tree as well. We also took the back of a Big Chief tablet, which was cardboard, and cut out a star. We colored it yellow and put it on top of the tree.

What a beautiful tree it turned out to be! I’m sure all three of us kids thought this was going to be the best Christmas ever, with or without presents. That is because, you see, we kids had been taught from a very early age that Christmas was not about presents, Christmas is all about Jesus’ birth. Our mama would tell us the true meaning of Christmas and tell how Jesus was born on that cold night in Bethlehem in a manger because there was no room in the inn.

This story wasn’t just told to us at Christmas, it would be told to us all through the year along with many other Bible stories. Mama made sure that love was taught above all else in our house. We went to bed that Christmas Eve night still not knowing if there would be anything under the tree, but our hearts weren’t on presents that night. Our hearts were on the true meaning of Christmas and filled with love and joy as we lay our heads down for the night.

The next morning my brother, Ted, got up first. He woke me up and then we woke our little sister, Wilda. To our surprise, there lay three Christmas presents under the tree, unwrapped, but we knew exactly who each present belonged to. A BB gun for Ted, a little girl doll for Wilda, and a little boy doll for me. I still have my little boy doll, because, you see, this was a Christmas I will never forget. Filled with love, and seeing my mama and daddy’s eyes as we took those gifts and held them close to our hearts. I knew then, even though we didn’t have much money, we had the greatest gift; God’s love and saving grace, along with the love of our family.

L

A SIMPLE WAY TO CELEBRATE LYLE AND CHARLOTTE YOUNGBERG

LYLE AND CHARLOTTE YOUNGBERG REMEMBER, as children, celebrating Christmases during the 40s and 50s in Iowa, where they both grew up. During World War II, money was tight, but Christmas was always special. “I don’t remember having much Christmas until I was 5 or 6 years old,” Said Lyle, “but after that, I do remember hanging up stockings on Christmas Eve. In the morning we got an apple, banana or orange.”

Charlotte recalled, “We lived in an old farmhouse. We would chop down a cedar or evergreen. Then, we’d make paper chains, string cranberries and popcorn. I made an angel to go on top of the tree. I made her out of construction paper, then I put glue on it and sprinkled Ivory soap flakes all over it.” The soap flakes were a bit shiny, and made the angel sparkle as it sat on the treetop.

Though there wasn’t a lot of money to spend on Christmas celebrations, both Lyle and Charlotte remember their mothers taking extra effort to make it special. Charlotte said, “The school always had a Christmas program. That was a big thing. It was a special night, and each class would have their own presentation.

I remember one year, though I don’t know exactly why, I had to have a giant popcorn ball. I told my mom that it had to be this big,” and Charlotte stretched her arms around, like beach ball size, “And, she made it! I remember her making batches of the caramel and making my giant popcorn ball.” Charlotte laughed about trying to fit it in a bag and taking it to the school program.

Lyle, who was the oldest child of four boys and two girls, recalls, “I remember my mother standing at the kitchen sink crying because she didn’t have any money to get anything for Christmas.” Lyle said. “I was in third grade when I remember mom and dad started having a little more money, and all of us kids got a Christmas present. Dad got a job at Schoitz Engineering in Iowa. He was a tool and die maker.” Lyle also remembers always having a special dinner, “Mom would roast a turkey, or we would have pheasant, rabbit or squirrel.”

Sometimes they would travel to visit grandparents, “Grandma lived 120 miles away. It would be something that we would plan for months in advance. We would get up early, and dad would milk the cows by 4:30 a.m. We would go and stay too late, and then drive back and be milking the cows and doing chores at 10 o’clock that night.”

Charlotte shared another memory that shows just how special everything was, “We would have gotten into big trouble if we ripped the wrapping paper. Mom would carefully fold and keep all the paper to use for the next year, and when we unwrapped our gifts, we were very careful.”

Making Christmas special wasn’t hard, even during lean times, because of the close communities that made these times important, from school programs to church programs and caroling. Special time with family during Christmas makes memories that are never forgotten.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 61

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THE SIXTH ANNUAL NOT SO SQUARE ARTS FESTIVAL WAS HELD ON SEPT. 7 AT THE MT. VERNON ARTS AND RECREATION CENTER IN MT. VERNON. 1. Blenda Moore, Andres Moore, Amy Barker 2. Jake Millsap, Jennifer Hurd, Isaiah Luna 3. Jean and Gunnar Berg 4. Netashe Johnson, Payden Randolph, Brian Johnson 5. Sara, Mia and Jeremy Gripka 6. Ben and Ethan Davis 7. Don, Owen and Marla Underwood 8. Madelyn Acra, Rachael Acra, Faith Hunt 9. Sheila Rider, Jerry Wade Johnson 10. Theresa and Todd Borgmann 11. Kenneth and Carolyn McIntyre

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THE MONETT CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HELD ITS 10TH ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF FLAVORS ON NOV. 5 AT THE FIRST UNITED METHODIST CHURCH IN MONETT. 1. Adrianna Salas and Oscar Serrano.

2. Tammy and Brent Culpen.

3. David Hunt and Vickie Sweet.

4. Deborah Taunton and Jeanna Merritt.

5. Gary and Barb Rose.

6. Janie and Don Bates.

7. Joe Garrett, Phyllis Garrett, Jos Vankuyk, Judge Mike Garrett and Paul Garrett.

8. Susan Thomas, Ann Hall and Sharon Clifton.

10 DECEMBER 2013

9. Marty and Jack Frost.

10. Jay, Mary Elizabeth, Sandy and Jesse Jastal.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 65

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THE 123RD ANNUAL TRINITY LUTHERAN CHURCH PICNIC WAS HELD ON SATURDAY, SEPT. 21, ON THE GROUNDS OF THE TRINITY LUTHERAN SCHOOL IN FREISTATT. 1. Greg and Melissa Barnes 2. Margaret and Elmer Lindeman and June Fritz 3. Natasha Smith, Aaron Breazeale

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4. Missy Paszek, Sara Ticknor, Laura Goodman 5. Brenda Kleiboeker, Cheryl Reynolds and Jennifer Elbert 6. Kailee, Isaac and Matt Ticknor 7. Susan Hoagland, David and Tessie Holle 8. Micah, Kevin and Missi Miller 9. Kyle Bushman, Noah Hardesty and Ty Roethemeier 10. Brenda, Jayden and Kalli Hohensee 11. Philip Kleiboeker, Aaron Jelinek 12. Katie and Jenna Hohensee

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THE ANNUAL MARIONVILLE APPLEFEST TOOK PLACE ON SEPTEMBER 20 THROUGH 22 ON THE SQUARE IN MARIONVILLE. 1. Jim and Gail Johnson 2. Autumn Fletcher and Michael Wilbanks 3. Monica Henry and Levi 4. Erica and Ada Pinchon 5. Heather Reavis and Emery Steele 6. Russell and Michelle Robinson 7. Michael Williams and Ringo 8. Debby and Faron Keamon and Cocoa 9. Richard and Colette Witt 10. Jaylynn Ricketts

12 DECEMBER 2013

11. Vie, Ginger and Aubrey Link 12. Kendra Cockrum CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 69

DineOUT Maggie Mae’s Tea Room

206 W. Fourth Street Miller 417-452-3299 Monday - Saturday • 11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Las Palmas Cantina & Restaurante 503 E. Church Street Aurora 417-678-0740 Call for business hours

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For a delicious lunch served in a charming atmosphere, visit Maggie Mae’s Tea Room in scenic Miller, Missouri. Choose from a wide selection of hearty sandwiches, served with chips, one of our many fresh salads, or a cup of soup from our daily soup menu. A variety of dinner salads are also available, from our classic Grilled Chicken Salad to our specialty Shrimp Chef Salad. Every meal calls for dessert and we have it, with mouthwatering homemade bakery treats from a dessert menu which rotates daily. Maggie Mae’s Tea Room also offers catering services for all occasions. Maggie Mae’s Tea Room is located inside Nature’s Corner Gift Shop at 206 W. Fourth Street in Milller. Nature’s Corner offers a wide variety of gift ideas and is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, and until 3 p.m. on Saturday.

For classic Mexican dishes, and a Margarita recipe voted “The Best in Northwest Arkansas,” visit Las Palmas Cantina & Restaurante, where “dining is always a fiesta,” and catering is available. The large menu offers exciting choices, including savory appetizers from Nachos to Besitos del Diablo (Jalapeño poppers with shrimp filling), house specialties such as Chicken Laredo and Carne Asada, a large selection of seafood delicacies and many variations of traditional enchiladas, tacos and fajitas. Visit other locations: Rogers, Arkansas: 200 S. Poplar Street, 479-986-0622.

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Guanajuato Restaurante 180 W. Third Street Verona 417-498-6487 Monday - Thursday • 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

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Offering U.S. Farm-raised catfish, Daddy Joe’s Catfish Hole is located at 600 Dairy Street, Suite H in Monett. Come by and try one of our signature catfish sandwiches, a hand-breaded filet with mayo, dill pickles on a sourdough hoagie, served with our almost famous coleslaw. Other menu items include dinner baskets, sandwich baskets and family pack baskets of chicken, fish and or shrimp. Side items vary from pickled tomato relish, onion rings, french fries, fried okra, fried green tomatoes, fried green beans, coleslaw and hush puppies. Daily lunch specials prepared to suit your appetite from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. on Sundays. Eat in or carry-out orders are available.

If you’re searching for authentic Mexican cuisine, Guanajuato in Verona is the restaurant for you. The hidden gem of a restaurant offers a large menu with 37 different daily lunch specials offered from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Choices include combinations of enchiladas, tacos and burritos as well as fajitas, quesadillas and egg rancheros. For dinner, Guanajuato features a Tex-Mex plate, chimichanga de camaron and the Speedy Gonzalez, a large flour tortilla burrito filled with ground beef, rice, beans, yellow and white cheddar cheese and topped with delicious chorizo sauce.

And to finish off any meal, there are mouth-watering sopapillas served with strawberries, honey or ice cream.

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DECEMBER 2013

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 71

Get in the spirit!

HOLIDAY EVENTS HAPPENING IN SOUTHWEST MISSOURI

BE GOOD FOR GOODNESS

SAKE!

Visit Santa at Whitley Pharmacy in Cassville on Dec. 7, from 9 a.m. to noon. Chuck Nickle Photography will be there to take pictures with the big guy! See you there!

NDERLAND

TAKE A DRIVE THROUGH WINTER WO Be enchanted every night while driving through Monett’s South Park, “Festival of Lights.” Free admission, and open from dusk to 9 p.m. on weekdays, and until 10 p.m. on weekends and holidays all the way through till Dec. 31.

OLDE TYME CHRISTMAS The Dickens Christmas Faire in Neosho, now in it’s 12th year, will be held Saturday, Dec 7.

Come have breakfast with Santa and kids can make crafts from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. Call the Neosho Chamber at 417-451-8097 for more details.

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POLAR EXPRESS IN THE OZARKS! Take a ride on the “Holiday Express” train ride on the Arkansas Missouri Railroad, from Seligman to Rogers. They offer two train rides on Dec. 21, one leaving at 12 p.m. And the other at 2:30 p.m. Rumor has it there is someone special who wears a red coat and hat and has a big white beard, riding the train as well. Call the Seligman Chamber of Commerce for details, 417-662-3612.

THE TRUE MEANNG OF CHRISTMAS

The Journey to Bethlehem program is performed by the Racine Christian Church located in Seneca. It is free of charge and starts Dec. 5, at 6 p.m. through Dec. 7, at 9 p.m. This is an interactive, live nativity with real animals and live music and performances. Call 417501-5821 for details.

DECEMBER 2013

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S

stay connected

JANUARY 2014 EVENTS Month of January

Jan. 18

The Stella Senior Citizens Center and the Aurora Senior Citizens Center hold weekly dances. The Stella dance is held every Friday from 7 to 10 p.m. with music by the McDonald Playboys and Frosty Garland and the RoadHogs on alternate Fridays.

The Aurora dance is held every Saturday of the month from 7 to 10 p.m. featuring the Funtimers Band.

The annual volunteer breakfast will be held from 7:30 to 10 a.m. at the Central Crossing Senior Center.

Jan. 4

The Miller Lions Club will host its first Saturday Fish Fry from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Lions Club Building, located on Main Street in Miller.

A dance will be held at the Cassville Senior Citizens center at 1111 Fair St. from 7 to 10 p.m. The dance features the Roaring River Sounds Band. There is a $4 cover charge.

Jan. 6

The monthly dance at the Monett Senior Citizens Center will be held from 7 to 10 p.m. There is a $3 cover charge with all proceeds benefitting the center.

Jan. 11

The Cassville Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual banquet at Cassville High School commons area. For ticket information, call the Cassville Chamber of Commerce at 417-847-2814.

Jan. 16

Eagle Viewing Days will be held at Roaring River State Park. For more information, call 417-847-2539.

Jan. 20

The Aurora Chamber of Commerce will hold its annual appreciation banquet at 6 p.m. at Aurora High School. Tickets are $20. For more information, call the chamber office at 417-678-4150.

Jan. 21

The Southern Beekeepers of Missouri will meet at 7 p.m. at the First United Methodist Church of Monett. Anyone interested in bees is welcome to attend.

For more information, call Leon Riggs at 417-235-5053 or Kevin Young at 417847-5464.

Jan. 23

The Pierce City Senior Citizens will hold a dance from 7 to 10 p.m. at the Pierce City Senior Center.

Jan. 25

The Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce will hold a Business Expo from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the MARC, located at 822 W Mt. Vernon Blvd. For more information, call 417-466-7654.

The Seligman Chamber of Commerce will If you have an event you would like featured hold a dance at the Chamber Event Center in our monthly events listing, please email on North Highway 37 at 7 p.m. Snacks are the event information to Melonie Roberts optional and there is a cover charge of $4. at reporter@monett-times.com.

DECEMBER 2013

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ADVERTISING INDEX Acambaro Mexican Restaurant Amazing Painting Ava Belle’s Flea Market Barry Electric Cooperative Baywash Car Wash Bennett-Wormington Funeral Home Bookmarks Brownsberger’s Bruner Pharmacy Bumpers Bar & Grill Carolyn Hunter, DMD, PC Christine’s House of Style Community National Bank Country Dodge CoxHealth Crane Family Dentistry Diet Center Doug’s Pro Lube Eastside Church of Christ El Mariachi Ed’s Flea Market Edward Jones Feed & More Find It Again

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First State Bank of Purdy Fohn Funeral Home Four Seasons Realty Four States Dental Care Freedom Bank Glaze Craze Herb Depot Hospice Compassus Ila Bohm’s Home Décor Journagan True Value Ken’s Collision Lackey Body Works Les Jacobs Ford Lowe’s Auto Glass Making Memories Tours Mercy Mocha Jo’s Coffee Café Monett Chamber of Commerce Peppers and Company Pet Connect Pink Zebra Boutique Pitiful to Posh Pettit & Pettit Ramey

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Race Brothers Red Barn Antiques Red Barn Cafe Reflections Sater/Old Town Pharmacy Security Bank Shell Knob Chamber of Commerce Smile Designers Dentistry Spiritual Streams St. John’s Lutheran Church Starla K’s Fashions The Jane Store The Little Store The Trunk Tomblin’s Jewelry & Gifts Treasures Treasures Then & Now Trogdon Agency, Inc. True to You Photography U.S. Automotive Whitley Pharmacy Willis Insurance, Inc. Zumba Fitness

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417-393-8676 Let me bring out the real you in pictures • Family • Seniors • Weddings • Newborns

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• Maternity • Engagements • Studio sessions

Pictures make great gifts!

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www.facebook.com/ttuphotography 74 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2013

Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening Whose woods these are I think I know.

His house is in the village though; He will not see me stopping here To watch his woods fill up with snow.

My little horse must think it queer To stop without a farmhouse near Between the woods and frozen lake The darkest evening of the year.

He gives his harness bells a shake To ask if there is some mistake.

The only other sound’s the sweep Of easy wind and downy flake.

The woods are lovely, dark and deep.

But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

-By Robert Frost

DECEMBER 2013

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