Connection: Tucker - Laying a Foundation; Dirt Roads and Rails by Sherry Leverich Tucker

editor’s note

Come Meet the Friendly Employees

“If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant: if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” – Anne BrAdstreet, poet And wrIter

NothiNg Makes a persoN appreciate a warM, suNNy day More thaN enduring this long, cold winter. i don’t know about all of you, but i am happy to put this winter behind us. i am in hopes that this year’s brutal “polar Vortex” will not be a recurring phenomenon. even though we cursed the cold air and high heating bills, do you notice that it is our human nature to press onward with hope, and to look toward the future with optimism? whether we are dealing with a cold winter, or some other worrisome problem, it is, thankfully, part of our survival mechanism to dream of spring, and better days. as editor of connection, it thrills me to be able to share stories of hope and inspiration. Not only because it is fun, but it is a hope of mine that it can be uplifting and enriching to you – even if you are going through a rough, cold winter. this month, Meagan Ruffing and Susan Funkhouser have written about two amazing music teachers who inspire, teach and share in different ways; and they both happen to be natives of arizona! Meagan and susan are both gifted with an ability to write stories about those among us that we should know about, and i thank them both for sharing that gift. Layne Sleeth, a cassville native, is pursuing higher education in fayetteville, ark., and is one of our newest contributors. in this issue, she gives us a glimpse into the life of artist doug hall, who is nationally known for his Native american art. through Layne’s words and photography, we capture a bit of the beauty this artist surrounds himself in, and interprets through his art. It is a blessing to live in a community filled with people willing to join together and help inspire and educate. Steve Chapman’s stories about the yMca growth in our community over the last 10 years, and scott tech’s transition and resource expo show that kind of consolidated dedication. speaking of dedication, those of you who know Jim Bower, would agree that Jim has been an important part of the distribution of connection throughout the southern area of our readership. i appreciate the devotion he has shown to getting connection to our distribution sites, so it can be shared with all our readers. Jim is now retiring from his route, and i know all of those within his route will miss his monthly visits. But, it’s great that Jim will have time to do a little fishing, now. Thank you, Jim. yes, spring is here. warm days are ahead, trees will soon bud and the brown terrain will soon turn to green again. Enjoy the sunshine!

Sherry Tucker Take care now,

March 2014

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

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

1-800-255-4194 connection Magazine | 5

a VioLiN iNstructor is

laying a foundation

for youNg MusiciaNs iN Mt. VerNoN story by MeagaN ruffiNg photos by sherry tucker

aMeLia MceNtire, 15 of MoNett, has takeN LessoNs froM katriNa for a LittLe More thaN a year.

14 | connection Magazine

ORIgInAlly FROM MeSA, ARIzOnA, Katrina Coquillard moved to Missouri in 2005 when she attended Ozark Christian College in Joplin and double majored in children’s ministry and psychology. She now lives in Mt. Vernon and spends the majority of her days being a mom and teaching violin lessons. Katrina’s music career originally began when she was in the fourth grade. “My parents thought that I should play an instrument,” she says. With Katrina’s school offering orchestra and band, she thought there was no better time to begin. “I knew I didn’t want to play an instrument that I had to put my mouth on. The violin is a really beautiful sounding instrument and it’s unique.” Katrina went down to her local music store and rented a violin. “There are different sizes,” she says. “I started on a ¾ size and went up to a full size. By the time I was in sixth grade, I had gotten to the highest level March 2014

a VioLiN iNstructor is

laying a foundation

for youNg MusiciaNs iN Mt. VerNoN story by MeagaN ruffiNg photos by sherry tucker

aMeLia MceNtire, 15 of MoNett, has takeN LessoNs froM katriNa for a LittLe More thaN a year.

14 | connection Magazine

katriNa with husbaNd, treVor, aNd soNs Jace aNd cooper

of elementary school violin. I got to play at a Diamondbacks game and started taking private lessons in the seventh grade.” Music is something that Katrina grew up with. Her dad was a drummer and still drums in a local jazz band. Her younger brother, Adam, plays the cello and Katrina rounds out the bunch by playing the violin, the viola and the piano. When Katrina was in the fifth grade, her father spent an entire summer teaching her how to play the piano because he thought she was out of tune. “He did what he would call ‘ear training,’” says Katrina. As the years went on, Katrina continued to get better. In fact, Katrina got so good that she started playing solo in front of a panel of judges at ensemble festivals. Opportunities like playing the violin at Disneyland, Carnegie Hall and a mission trip to Peru started to come her way. “When I went to Peru my senior year I got to play in different cities,” she says. March 2014

With all of this playing, came a lot of practicing. Katrina says she practiced about 30-45 minutes every day for five days a week. As a classically trained violinist, Katrina was given the opportunity to play at The living Christmas Tree in Ozark, for the Missouri Southern Symphony Orchestra and in college at Ozark Christian College. The teaching side of things didn’t take off until the fall of 2011. “I was talking to Tim Snyder [of Tim Snyder Music lessons], and he was teaching violin lessons,” explains Katrina. “He had heard me play on the worship team a few times and was looking to expand his business. I felt like I could take on more advanced students so he transitioned a lot of his violin students to me.” Katrina is currently training 12 students

on violin, and she holds 30 minute practice sessions on Mondays and Tuesdays at King’s Way Christian Church in Mt. Vernon. “I either teach in the Java House or the Tiny Tots room,” she says. “We usually teach lessons by semester and get a lot of our business from word of mouth.” Katrina says a lot of her students start out playing band in high school, so most of the people she works with have some sort of musical background. But, she is open to teaching anyone who has an interest in learning. “There’s a lot of technique that goes into playing the violin,” she says. “I think it does teach you a lot of discipline, and I think it teaches you how to accept constructive criticism. In order to learn something like that, you have to get up in front of people and not be so nervous. It teaches you good work ethic. In order to excel at something, you really have to put the time into it and be dedicated to it.” The idea that Katrina gets to share her knowledge with others who also have a passion for music, is something she says has been really enjoyable. “I feel like most of my students are committed to it,” (playing) says Katrina, “and I would encourage them to practice every day that they can, for at least 30 minutes.” While being a stay at home mom to her two sons, two-year-old Jace and sevenmonth-old Cooper is her first priority, Katrina manages to juggle it all while holding an important role in her community as the pastor’s wife. Katrina’s husband, Trevor, is the teaching pastor at King’s Way Christian Church. “I met Trevor when I was 14,” says Katrina. The two have been married for nearly seven years and continue to invest in each other’s personal interests. Reading, writing and dancing are just a few of the pastimes that Katrina really enjoys. Katrina also teaches viola, which is similar to the violin, but plays lower octaves and has one different string, as well as piano lessons for beginner students. “I love teaching,” says Katrina. “It’s been great being a stay-at-home mom and teaching.” n

If you are interested in taking violin, viola or beginner piano lessons from Katrina, please call her at 480-229-2287 or via email at katrinaballerina@gmail. com. Katrina is also available to play at weddings, banquets and parties. connection Magazine | 15

Dirt roaDs anD railroaDs Story by Sherry tucker

used with perMissioN froM the LawreNce couNty historicaL society: a Large coNgregatioN that atteNded the earLy suNday schooL.

verona’s historic sunday school

March 2014

HeSe BeAuTIFul OzARK WOODS and hills were once spacious and wild. Pioneers came in and set claim, built homesteads, and started farms. One of the earliest and most important tasks of our ancient settlers was establishing churches and places of taught education. Buildings were erected and “Sunday schools” were started. Sunday schools were cross-denominational, and

organized by community members to provide a place where children, and adults, could work on reading, spelling and cyphering, along with a biblical education. For these hard working settlers, meeting one day a week was better, and they would typically make the meeting last for several hours and have set teachers and times. education and schools were not standardized until the education Act of 1870. connection Magazine | 29

used with perMissioN froM the LawreNce couNty historicaL society: the fouNder aNd coordiNator of the suNday schooL estabLished Near the head of the spriNg riVer Near VeroNa, JaMes M. white.

In the town of Verona, there was a Sunday School built that carries a special distinction. Not only was it the first Sunday School in southwest Missouri, but, established in 1840, it was the first Sunday School started west of the Mississippi and south of the Missouri River. The lawrence County Chieftain published this historical account on november 10, 1910: An Extract From an Article Prepared by Rev. J.F. Williams for St. Louis Star Seventy-seven years ago, in the southwest part of Missouri, there was a gathering of men and women and children. The place of gathering was at the mouth of one of the clearest rivers in the state – the big springs whose waters formed Spring River. The people had come from miles around. They were crude pioneers of the sturdy type who first ventured over the wilds from Tennessee to settle the new country. The leader of the meeting was “Uncle Jimmy” White. The purpose of the meeting was to organize the first Sunday school west of the Mississippi and south of the Missouri rivers. The place of that meeting was in Verona, which is in Lawrence County. The article continued further with more information about the Sunday school:

It was in 1843 that the Sunday school was organized and met there-after for all day sessions at the big spring. It was in 1843, also, that the Legislature of the State separated from Newton, Dade and Barton counties a certain strip which they designated as Lawrence. So Missouri paid her tribute to the brave naval officer who died on the blood stained decks of the Chesapeake, uttering those historic words, “Don’t give up the ship.” Two years later, in 1845, Lawrence County was formally organized and the seat of government established at Mt. Vernon. In 1933, a monument was raised and a ceremony held in honor of this organization: The Monett Times, Thursday, May 18, 1933 Tucked into a picturesque spot in the wooded and bouldered hills along Spring River is the sit of the first Sunday school organized in Missouri, south of the Missouri river. The old log church has long since been torn down, but a permanent memorial is being erected – a monument which will be unveiled Sunday, May 21. The article also reads: Although the Sunday school was originated in such sweetly serene surroundings, the sternness of that period

the lawrence county historical society’s Devotion to preserving local history rich history surrounds us here in the ozarks. the members of the Lawrence county historical society work hard to preserve their local history through wellkept archives and artifacts. they also work hard at making those archives search-friendly and accessible. kathy fairchild, museum chairwoman, explained that, with the opening of the fred g. Mieswinkel Reading Room in the second floor of the Lawrence county courthouse located in Mt. Vernon, there is further availability of archives. “the county commission has been really wonderful. having this room here in the courthouse allows us to be open in the winter, and it is handicap accessible, which the museum is not,” said kathy. she also explained that there are micro-phished newspapers and readers, probate records, obituary files and other numerous books and records at the research room of the barry/Lawrence Library, but that the reading room, which is staffed, allows the historical society to share more fragile records, such

30 | connection Magazine

as scrapbooks, photos, and personal letters and correspondence that couldn’t otherwise be publicly accessed. the reading room is named after fred g. Mieswinkel, an original member of the Lawrence county historical society, who devoted much of his time to preserving and learning the history of the area. “fred was involved with the historical society from its birth in the 60s. he has walked all the cemeteries and carefully documented all the tombstone information. he was the go-to person for any information about our local history,” said kathy. The reading room is open five days a week, unless the courthouse is closed, from 10 a.m to 3:30 p.m. the archives kept at the barry/Lawrence county library research room are open to the public during regular library hours. the Lawrence county Museum, held within the Jones Memorial chapel, is open every sunday afternoon from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. from Memorial day weekend through october.

March 2014

was not relaxed. Sunday school lasted from 9 o’clock in the morning until 2 o’clock in the afternoon. The rules for condct were stern and offenders were severly punished. None were allowed to withdraw from the Sunday school without making application to the committee and teachers. Although the Bible was the principal study, the early records show that they also used Ray’s Elementary Spelling book and the old Blue Back Speller. Another article, published by The Monett Times after the ceremony told of the event: Monday, May 22, 1933. An estimated crowd of 500 people witnessed the unveiling of the monument dedicated Sunday at Verona on the site of the first Sunday school established west of St. Louis and south of the Missouri River. Cars were so numerous fences had to be taken down to provide adequate parking space.

To several witnesses of the ceremony, the carved replica of that first Sunday school, brought back cherished memories of the times they themselves had attended Sunday school within that little log cabin. W. R. Wilks, Mrs. Silas McQueen and George Hillhouse of Verona were members of that Sunday school and were present Sunday. Though threatening weather caused an abbreviation of the ceremony, the program of events was most effective and impressive. In its naturally lovely setting, the monument was unveiled and dedicated by Rev. B. S. M. Edwards, pastor of the Aurora Christian Church. Boy Scouts assisted in this part of the ceremony, drawing side the flag which draped the stone monument. On the part of the Lawrence County the monument was received by R. M. Hornidy, and on the part of Barry County by Will M. Davis of Monett, president of the Barry County Sunday School council. The dedicatory services followed

a song service led by Judge Theodore Harris of Peirce City; invocation by Rev. C. A. Stevenson, pastor of the Marionville Methodist Church; readings from pages of the original Sunday school record, Mrs. Barris of Verona; a talk, “Tributes and Recognition of Members of This Sunday School,” Rev. R. W. Crain, Presbyterian church, and a selection by pastor of the Mt. Vernon Presbyterian church, and a selection by the Stark quartet of Monett. The dedicatorial prayer was delivered by Rev. N. M. Whittington of Verona, pastor of the Baptist Church. Benediction was by Rev. Leigh Barrett, pastor of the Hoberg Church. The program was arranged by Mrs. J. T. Lemert. A basket dinner was served at noon on the site of the monument. An offering was taken to secure money of the erection of a permanent fence. Sufficient funds have been paid into the treasury to pay for the monument. n

the MoNuMeNt beariNg the recogNitioN of the suNday schooL stiLL staNds Near VeroNa. to fiNd it, turN south oN fr 2225 off of hwy 60, east of VeroNa. driVe three-teNths of a MiLe to eNd of paVeMeNt, aNd theN three-teNths of a MiLe west, oN path, to fiNd the MoNuMeNt staNdiNg oN the hiLLside to the right.

March 2014

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a VioLiN iNstructor is

laying a foundation

for youNg MusiciaNs iN Mt. VerNoN story by MeagaN ruffiNg photos by sherry tucker

aMeLia MceNtire, 15 of MoNett, has takeN LessoNs froM katriNa for a LittLe More thaN a year.

14 | connection Magazine

communItY connectIon

on the spot: Pam Foland

paM foLaNd LiVes iN purdy, where she aNd husbaNd, patrick, owN aNd operate, “utopian bean” coffee house, in the newly renovated downtown purdy. though pam and patrick have made their home and raised their children in purdy, pam grew up in a large family with 10 siblings in Michigan. when she graduated from high school, she moved to san diego for a change of scenery, where she lived with two older sisters. that’s where pam met and fell in love with patrick, a native of san diego, on ocean Beach just south of Point Loma where Patrick had grown up. The two eventually moved to the ozarks after visiting patricks parents, who had decided to transplant themselves here, and fell in love with country living. connection: tell us why you and patrick decided to open utopian Bean. pam: it just sort of took on a life of its own. We used to take frequent walks, in the evenings with our kids, and as we passed this old empty building, in downtown Purdy, we would imagine how cool it would be if there was something going on in this place. We’d gaze into the dusty storefront windows and imagine various things; an ice cream parlor or old-time candy store, etc. When coffee houses began to spring up in Springfield, and then other towns, we realized how long it had been since we had seen anything like that (since leaving San Diego). i started imagining how great it would be to have that kind of a business right here in Purdy. it became a frequent thought, every time we’d drive by or walk by – “there’s the perfect location for a little coffee house.” the building was bought by a local businessman, and major renovations began to happen. the story in the paper was that new offices were being planned for that location, and not much more was said. We were glad someone was rescuing this old building! Unexpectedly, in the fall of 2010, Patrick’s employer downsized their staff in several departments, and his job was affected. While he was out and about in his new career search, Patrick stopped in to the new office he saw open in the building 54 | connection Magazine

and asked the office manager what type of business they were conducting here. She told him about Project genesis. (more about Project genesis: http://marethenterprises. com/press.php?tag=genesis and http://www. purdygenesis.com/about/) Patrick came home very excited about what he had just learned. For seemingly no “reasonable” reason, he plucked my coffee house imaginings out of the air and put them on paper that day, and told me he wanted to pitch the idea to Project genesis! i was astounded! he began referring to it as “Pamela’s coffee house,” but i didn’t want my name on it, i didn’t like that. So, i got abstract in my search for a business name. i looked up the origin of the name Pamela. i found out it was first used in a story called “Arcadia,” in the 16th century. So, i suggested to Patrick that we call it “arcadian Bean coffee house.” he said that sounded like a video game parlor. i looked further for words that coincide with the meaning of arcadia – Utopia came up on the list. It fit just right. Utopian Bean was born. We printed out a business plan and put together a large notebook with all the details we could conceive of. in our meeting with ed Mareth, he told us how people wonder why he started Project genesis and tell him he is just “too Utopian” in his vision for Purdy – he used that phrase a couple of more times. i held up the notebook we had

put together, the title being “Utopian Bean.” To me, that seemed like a very defining moment in our meeting. We kept in touch with ed over the next few weeks, and he agreed to let us lease the space. From that point, as we imagined each step of the process, it came to life. We love all the things you can get at a good coffee house. Love the smell in the air of fresh ground coffee beans and baked goods, and being amongst smiling faces. So, how exciting is that, to be able to do that right here in our home town! coffee is not just a drink, it’s an experience! We opened our doors May 20, 2011. connection: Besides owning a coffee house, you have professional experience in what field? pam: i worked in various food service industries throughout my 20s: family restaurants, a French restaurant, a private yacht club, and non-Commissioned Officers club, and then local diners when we moved to southwest Missouri. each place was an educational experience – learning different menus and new foods i had not experienced before. i loved watching the chefs and cooks, and learning about the ingredients and cooking techniques for the food i was serving. after having my second child, and living out in the country with very limited food industries in the area, i decided i wanted to try a different line of work. in January 1994, i began working at (then) aurora community hospital. i discovered i really enjoyed all the variants that come with working in the human resources field. I don’t like “routine” work, and although hr has a structure and lots of rules and regulations, it is definitely not “routine” from day-to-day. i was hired at cox Monett in 1998, and remained there until January of this year. connection: what is your favorite part about having a coffee house? pam: i have a few “favorite things” about Utopian Bean. When people walk in and stop for a moment to gaze around the room and smile, it surprises me every time i see that, even though i see it every day! i also love it when we are very busy, and i am in the kitchen and i can hear lots of March 2014

communItY connectIon

laughter from the dining room. it makes me feel happy that our guests are enjoying their time here, enjoying the food and having a good time. i have met so many wonderful people here, who i would not otherwise have met, i am so grateful for all of them! and, at the end of the night, when i turn off the lights and gather my keys to leave, i stop to take in a moment of quiet. i look around the room in the dim light and take in a deep breath, i don’t know why, but i just love that. connection: do you have any future plans for your shop, or expansion of business in purdy? pam: Yes, i do want to enhance the menu and change it up a bit. it will make my staff crazy at first, but after all, I can’t stand “routine” (smile). i am going to learn how to set up a Utopian Bean web page and by this summer i plan to offer mail order gift baskets, and other special order items. Long range plans are still in the “dreaming” phase, as far as expansion goes. We want to be here for a long time so it’s a constant work in progress. connection: some of your favorite things? pam: Book: recently read “Bread givers” by anzia Yezierska. a very touching story about a russian/Jewish immigrant in the early 20th century in america. Movies: out of africa, titanic, in america, and Lord of the rings trilogy. Favorite Vacations: Lake Superior and Lake Michigan beaches and shoreline, Mackinac island, and Pensacola Beach, Fla. 4 things on your bucket list: pam: hot air balloon ride! Vacation in ireland. Vacation in hawaii. climb the water tower. 3 favorite foods to eat: pam: carne asada tacos, real italian lasagna, cookies and cream ice cream cake. 2 fond memories: pam: Staying with my grandparents for the summer, which was great being the “only child” for a change, for almost the whole summer. They took me fishing, out for long drives along scenic routes of keweena Peninsula in upper Michigan. i also enjoyed March 2014

going with them to local parks for picnic lunches, and walks along the lake shore. 1 surprising talent: Drawing. i have always loved to draw, and attempt to paint. i am always surprised with myself when i produce anything that i actually like. connection: what did you want to be when you were a child? pam: a nurse. Until i reached my early teen years and discovered that involved handling certain bodily functions that i could not imagine handling. then i wanted to be an artist. connection: what is your favorite season? pam: Late Spring/ early Summer. is that a season? :)

connection: tell us about your kids. pam: Joshua is 24. he graduated from Purdy high school in 2007, in the top 10 in his class. he has always been fascinated with gadgets, shapes and designs. he was not interested in sports, even though we signed him up for youth baseball league every year until he told us “no more.” he preferred video gaming and puzzles, and he would make things out of Lego kits that were not “on the box.” he went to Drury University for two years, hammonds School of architecture, then transferred to MSU to change his major to construction technology. he is a wiz at a program called inventor, as well as auto-cad. he graduated with his bachelor of science degree in May of 2013, and began working full time for an engineering firm in Springfield. Joshua recently married ariel Smith, whom he met on campus at MSU in 2010. ariel graduated with her master’s degree in english and is currently working on another master’s degree (in technical Writing), while working as a grad assistant at MSU. Both Josh and ariel are die-hard video gamers, even their wedding theme was video game based. So they are certainly made for each other! they chose the new Veterans Memorial Park in Purdy as their wedding site, and held the reception at Utopian Bean. Kaitlan, 20, also lives in Springfield, works part time at a fitness center, and is an MSU student. She graduated from Purdy high School in May 2011 where she attended Purdy high School from k through 12th grade. She is majoring in Journalism, leaning toward broadcast journalism. kaity, as she prefers to be called, was a dance student at Mary Beck School of Dance from age five to 14. She joined the cheerleading squad in high school, art club, choir, FccLa, FBLa, and speech and debate team. Where her brother Josh was more solitary, and happy with only two or three good friends, kaity developed a strong circle of friends that included more than a dozen “BFFs,” from all backgrounds and personality types. She was on the go all of the time. When her friends were at our house, it was sometimes an adventure. girls are messy – yes, it’s true! But, i loved it when they would be getting ready for a dance or special occasion, girls in every room putting on makeup and dresses and doing their hair. connection Magazine | 55