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DECEMBER 2014 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 1

DECEMBER 2014

FREE

with

Howdy Holiday Cheer

THE EIGHT SECOND RIDE OF YOUR LIFEMason Lowe turns his childhood passion into a profession

THESE BOOTS WERE MADE FOR WORKINGJustin Boots maintains a strong footing in a small Missouri town

PEACE IN THE SADDLEVeterans �nd comfort when visiting Generations of Heroes Ranch

O CHRISTMAS TREES!Just enough Christmas trees to celebrate a family

HOLIDAY MEMORIESConnection contributors share their stories

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2 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2014


CONNECTION MAGAZINE

December 2014

contents 7 Home sweet home

14 The eight second ride of your life Mason Lowe turns his childhood passion into a profession20 Made with love New life into well-worn denim24 These boots were made for working Justin Boots maintains a strong footing in a small Missouri town30 Peace in the saddle Veterans fi nd comfort when visiting Generations of Heroes Ranch44 O Christmas trees! Just enough Christmas trees to celebrate a family52 Elegant and ladies only Christmas Tinsel tea58 Holiday memories Connection contributors share their stories

CONNECTION LIVING

11 Book review Home for Christmas18 Gifting the Christmas 8 gifts to make for your friends and family this year51 Strengthening families in the Ozarks For unto us a child is born63 Merry Christmas and happy holidays

CONNECTION FOOD

35 Healthy Connection Healthy treats for Santa37 Bottles and Brews Sweet seasonal spirits38 Bits and bites Savory appetizers perfect for any holiday gathering42 Restaurant Review Angus Branch reaches out to steak lovers

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

56 Dude looks like a Santa Local look-alikes bear their beards65 My connection

67 Familiar faces


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CONTRIBUTORSMurray BishoffMeaganRuffingNancy Ridgley

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Amanda ReeseAnne Angle

Layne SleethDori ThomasKerry Hays

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editor’s note

Do you have an interesting story you’d like to see featured in Connection? I’d love to hear your idea! Email [email protected] and share it with me!

Take care now,

Sherry Tucker

I hope you all enjoy our “Cowboy Christmas” themed edition of this years December

Connection. There are shadows of cowboy living all around us. Maybe you participate in, or just cheer for, your favorite bullrider or barrel racer at the rodeo. Or, perhaps you take a horseback ride once in awhile in a beautiful hollow trail nearby. Or, maybe you just own a pair or cowboy boots made at the Justin Boot Factory. The spirit of the old west is still alive and well in the culture around us. It’s an old-fashioned lifestyle that hearkens back to a simpler time.

We often talk about how we crave simpler living and old-timey ways. An old-fashioned Christmas is about appreciating special time with family, and remembering what binds us together. Taking time to enjoy doing simpler things with friends and family around us brings us that kind of joy and spirit that we crave and often miss during the hustle and bustle of everyday living. As I have gotten older, the whole holiday season has become more meaningful than a single day in itself. Special days or evenings spent with family or friends during the holidays are a treasure. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas season, enjoying good food and making memories and sharing laughter and good times.


HOMEHOMEHOMESweetSweetHOME

STORY BY SHERRY TUCKERPHOTOS BY ROB LOTUFO


Ihave loved gingerbread houses since I was a little girl. I remember looking through the pages of the December issue of Good Housekeeping year

after year as they featured prize winning gingerbread houses. They always used a photo of the winning house as the cover of their magazine. The variety and creativity of the houses always inspired me. Not only were those houses beautiful and intricately designed, but they were completely edible! I have been making gingerbread houses, from time to time, for 25 years now. As with many things, when you learn what not to do, you learn what to do. Making lots of mistakes has taught me a bunch about gingerbread houses. There are two very important elements when making gingerbread houses. One is the gingerbread cookie dough and the other is the royal icing to use for gingerbread house construction and decorating.

Directions: Preheatovento375degrees.Thoroughlymixflour,soda,saltandspices.Meltshorteninginlargesaucepan.Coolslightly.Addsugar,molassesandeggs;mixwell.Addfourcupsdrayingredientsandmixwell. Turnmixtureontolightlyflouredsurface.Kneadinremainingdryingredientsbyhand.Addalittlemoreflour,ifnecessary,tomakefirmdough.Rolloutonalightlyflouredsurfaceto1/4-inchthicknessforcutoutcookies. Bakeonungreasedcookiesheet.Smallandmedium-sizedcookiesfor6-10minutes,largecookiesfor10-15minutes. Onerecipeofthisgingerbreaddoughwillyield40average-sizecookies.Ifyou’renotgoingtouseyourgingerbreaddoughrightaway,wrapitinplasticandrefrigerate.Refrigerateddoughwillkeepforaweek,butbesuretoremoveit3hourspriortorollingsoitsoftensandisworkable.

GINGERBREAD COOKIE DOUGHGrandma’s Gingerbread, (from Wilton Cake Decorating)

Wilton cake decorating’s gingerbread cookie recipe works very well for houses. It is very important for the cookie not to spread, and to hold its shape. It is also very important for it to be strong. This dough is perfect, and still produces a very edible, tasty cookie. An extra bonus is that the house smells spicy and yummy while they are baking, too. Forhouseparts,useenoughflourtomake it a stiff dough that is still easily rolled out. It’s important to keep the dough at about ¼ inch thick, and uniform. I like to roll the dough, and cut it right on a cookie sheet liner so that the pieces do not have to be moved until after the cookie has baked. Using a paper pattern for the house, cut pieces with a pizza cutter and knife and gently pull away excess. If baking separate parts on the same sheet, keep them separated at least ½ inch apart from each other. When baking, it is good to bake according to directions, and then leave the cookies in a warm (150-200 degree) oven for a couple of hours. This will remove most of the extra moisture to make a crispy cookie that won’t sag. Once your cookies are baked and cooled, the house can be assembled.

Ingredients:5 to 5 1/2 cups all purpose flour 1 tsp. baking soda 1 tsp. salt 2 tsp. ginger 2 tsp. cinnamon

1 tsp. nutmeg 1 tsp. cloves 1 cup shortening 1 cup sugar 1 1/4 cups unsulphured molasses 2 eggs, beaten



Use an icing bag with a small round tip, or a sealable quart freezer bag with a small hole cut in one corner. Fill the bag with a cup of royal icing and use for glue to assemble your gingerbread house. Start by piping a bead of frosting on the inside of the house fronts, and the edges of the walls. Attach front and back, and both side walls at the same time, using jars or other items to hold walls up while drying. Do your best to adjust the house to sit as square as possible, and keep walls straight. After a couple of hours, pipe icing to top edge of house, and set on both roof sections. Dry overnight or at least 12 hours before moving or decorating. When decorating, use a paper covered double-thickness piece of cardboard, or a large platter or cake plate to display the

SIDE (cut 2)

5”

3”

ROOF (cut 2)

6.5”

7”

5.5”

7.5”

1.5”

2.5”

1.25”

FRONT/BACK (cut 2)

FRONT

3”1”

BACK

1.5”

1”

SIDE (cut 2)

2.25”

1”

1.5”

CHIMNEY

ROOF (cut 2)

6.5”

GINGERBREAD HOUSE PLANS

Directions: Using a paddle attachment on your kitchen mixer, gently combine the sugar and meringue powder. It’s not necessary to sift the sugar beforehand, but you can if you like. With the mixer on it’s lowest setting slowly add the water to the dry ingredients. As the water is added, the icing will become thick and lumpy. Continue to add more water, one tablespoon at a time, until the mixture reaches a thick, honey like consistency. At this point, turn the mixer to medium speed and whip 2-4minutesuntilthisicingisthickandfluffy.Mixingtimecanvarygreatlysowatchcarefully and stop mixing when the icing is this enough to form a soft peak.

ROYAL ICINGIngredients:2pounds(onebag)confectioner’ssugar5Tbls.meringuepowder(foundinthecakedecoratingdepartment)1/2cupwarmwater

Royal Icing to put it all together

house. This is when the fun really gets started. Use all sorts of Christmas candies to decorate and embellish your sugar palace. Use green gumdrops for bushes to

line a Necco wafer sidewalk, use red-hots to make a pretty wreath to put on the front door, or make a marshmallow snowman. The possibilities are endless.



When making your gingerbread house plans, simplicity is smart, especially for your firststructure.Afoursidedhouse,withwindows, and possibly a chimney, always makes a good, traditional house, and is perfect for the gingerbread house building novice. For extra add-ons to the basic house, graham crackers work well. A little lean-to on the side of the house made from part of a graham cracker square, supported by large pretzels works well, or a covered porch on the front of the house.

Once your house is decorated, it is fun to keep it for a centerpiece or holiday display. Just be aware that as the house sets out, it will become stale pretty quick, and that if it’s going to be eaten, it shouldn’t be exposed to animals or anything toxic. A large group of kids will make short work of eating your creation if they are given permission. Just remember to have fun, and if you decide not to make a house...remember there are always gingerbread men! Have fun! n

Chocolate modeling clay For other decorations that can’t be found in the candy aisle, you can create figuresusingthisclaymadefromanykindof chocolate. With the texture of play-do, it can be colored and rolled and pressed into about any shape.

Directions: Melt chocolate in microwave following package instructions and be careful not to overheat. Stir chocolate until it’s completely melted and once it has cooled to room temperature (cool to the touch) add the corn syrup. With a spatula gently stir, scraping the sides of the bowl until the corn syrup has fully incorporated and blended with all the chocolate. It takes about a minute, the mixture should look like a ball of cookie dough. Be careful not over mix or you will damage the mixture and the chocolate will break up into pieces. Pour the mixture into a plastic sheet and spread a little and wrap. Leave to set overnight at room temperature. When cool, knead till smooth. Store at room temperature.

CANDY CLAYIngredients:14ouncescandymelts,chocolatechipsoralmondbark ⅓cupofcornsyrup

House design

Keep it or eat it



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THE CHRISTMAS ROSE by Selma Lagerlof is a legend from Denmark about an “outlaw” family forced to live in poverty in the forest because the father was a thief. The wife tells the village abbot about a miraculous garden that blooms in the forest on Christmas Eve. The abbot agrees to seek a pardon for the family in exchange for an opportunity to see the garden. The events that follow make an interesting tale of forgiveness and self-righteousness.

THE OTHER WISE MAN by Henry van Dyke is a marvelous tale of a fourth astrologer who was friends with the three Magi who traveled a great distance to bring gifts to “The King.” The wise men were to wait ten days for Artaban, the fourth wise man, to join them before they began their journey. Artaban’s gifts were a ruby, a sapphire, and a pearl. Artaban stops to help a dying man along the way, which makes him late for the rendezvous and they leave withouthim.Hehastospendthefirstofhisjewels to purchase a camel to ride across the desert since he missed the caravan. By the time he gets to Bethlehem, Jesus’ family hasfledtoEgypt.Hesearchesforyears,using the second of his jewels to save the life of a child along the way and the pearl to ransom a young woman from a troop of Macedonian soldiers. After 33 years searching for “The Light” and doing true deeds of love all along the way, he arrives inJerusalemintimeforthecrucifixionofJesus. Jesus tells him, “In as much as you have done unto the least of these, you have done it unto me.” His life is validated.

THE CHRISTMAS LIE by Dorothy Thomas, takes place in Canada, over a hundred years ago. A little girl (no name ever given), riding home from school with other children in a horse-drawn wagon on the last day before Christmas break, listens as the other children talk about what they will be eating for Christmas dinner. Once home, for some unexplained reason, the little girl tells her parents that she, her parents and eight brothers and sisters are invited to eat Christmas dinner with another family in the area. What follows is one of the most delightful Christmas stories I have ever read.

In THE VEXATION OF BARNEY HATCH by B. J. Chute, Barney, a panhandler, wakes up Christmas Eve morning with visions of whiskey (not sugarplums) dancing in his head. Small problem: he only has 47 cents to his name and he needs $3.49 to purchase his booze of choice. It is going to have to be a lucrative day on the panhandling job. By noon, things are looking grim and by three o’clock Barney is starting to panic. A department store manager comes out of his store and offers Barney $3 if he will work for two hours. Out of desperation he takes up the offer without even asking what it entails. It turns out that he is to be the Santa Claus! He encounters scared, screaming, doubting and true-believing children. The last child he deals with before his shift ends is angry with Santa because he did not get the harmonica he wanted the year before and Santa had promised him he would. The little boy approaches

BOOKREVIEW

home for christmasBOOKREVIEWBYANNEANGLE

COMPILEDBYMIRIAMLeBLANC

Thisinterestingcollectionof20Christmasstories,compiledbyMiriamLeBlancandpublishedin2002,hasbeenwellreceivedbyavarietyofreaders,youngandold,whethertheyprefertoreadaloudtoagrouporsilently,fortheirown

pleasure.Manyoftheshortstoriesarebywell-knownauthorsincludingPearlBuckandMadeleineL’Engle.Somearelittle-knownEuropeantalesappearinginEnglishforthefirsttime.Accordingtothepublishers,“eachwasselectedforitsliteraryqualityandspiritualintegrity.”ThebookalsocontainsoriginalwoodcutillustrationsbyDavidGKlein,depictinganeventwithineachstory.

Barney again when he leaves the store, insisting he is the real Santa, haranguing him as they walk along. Barney is feeling a greater need than ever for the booze. As he passes by a pawn shop he spies a dusty, old harmonica in the window for $3. Barney has a choice. What will it be? Is this the perfect Christmas story or a ”bah humbug” ending? Read it and see.

Therearesixteenmorewonderfulshortstoriesinthiscollection.IfyouplanongivingbooksforChristmas,thisoneshould be high on your list. n

AnneAngleisaretiredCassvilleHighSchoollifesciencesteacher.Anavidreader,AnneisamemberofCrowe’sCroniesBookClubbased in Cassville.

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Are you a proud parent? Ifso,takethisopportunitytoshowoffthatcutekidofyours.WeinviteyoutoshareaphotoofyourchildtobefeaturedinConnection’sveryownproudparentcutestkidcontest.Email your child’s photo to [email protected]. Photos should be sent in the original JPG format at thehighest resolution possible. Remember to include your child’s name, parent’s name, age, city and your contact information. The contest is open to children ages 10 and under. The photos submitted will be used for the sole purpose of this contest.

connection’s cutest kid PROUDPARENT

december’s cutest kids

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JenniferRiddle,ofSpringfield,

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Sometimescalledthemostdangerouseightsecondsinsports,bullridingislefttothosewho

maintaintheskillnecessarytoachievesuccessinit,andthosethatlovetodoit.MasonLowe,ofExeter,hasknownbullriding,morethananythingelse,sincehisdadploppedhimonthebackofacalfinCreed’sArenainVeronawhenhewasthreeyearsold.“IstartedoncalveswhenIwasthree,andworkedmywayup,”saidMason.“Mydadrodebulls.” Mason’smom,MelissaWhisenhunt,sawhisdriveearlyon.“Hisdadhungabarrelinatreeinthebackyard.Hewouldridethatthingallday,evenbeforehewasinschool–hewasonthatbarrelforhoursatatime.” Masonworkedhiswayup,andatage13,herodehisfirstbull.“IrodemyfirstbullatAurora.IwenttoalltherodeosIcouldontheJuniorRodeoCircuitthatyoungerkidsdo,”explainedMason.“IwenttoShawnee,Oklahoma,prettymuchthe

the eight second ride of your lifeMASONLOWETURNSHISCHILDHOODPASSIONINTOAPROFESSION

STORY BY SHERRY TUCKER

14 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE

DECEMBER 2014 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 15PHOTO BY RESUL KURTBEDIN


biggest fans, including his little niece, Blazi.Blazi’smom,Kayla,whichisMason’soldersister,competedinrodeoeventsrightalongwithMasonwhentheyweregrowingup.Kaylaisn’tbarrelracinglikesheusedto,butisteachingBlazihowtoridehorses,andcontinuingthefamilysrodeolegacyinto another generation. Though they still missMelissa’smom,whowashergrandkidsmostfaithfulfan,andlostherbattlewithemphysemain2012,theyhavefondmemoriesofhercheeringthemonandattendingeveryrodeoshecould. Asanathlete,Masonhasquiteafanbaseandkeepsthemupdatedbypostingphotosandvideosonlineonhisfacebookpage.Heenjoystraveling,makingnewfriendsandkeepingupwitholdfriends.WithhisPBRtour,hehashadthreeopportunitiestobeontelevisedeventsthatwereheldlastyearinLas

bullcapitaloftheworld,andcompetedintheJuniorBullRiding(JBR)andIgot9thmyfirstyear,”saidMason.In2009,atage14,hetookNationalChampionattheNationalJBRCompetition. Fastforwardto2014,atage21,MasonbelongstoboththePBR(ProfessionalBullRiding)andNFPB(NationalFederationofProfessionalBullriders),andridessomewhereinthecountrynearlyeveryweekoftheyear.Masoniscompetingwithtopbullridersfromalloverthecountryand has been on three televised bull riding competitions.Heisnotonlyearninggoodstandings,asaprofessionalheisearningagoodlivingaswell. it’s a rough ride ThoughMasonisonly21yearsold,hehasbeenridingbullsfornearlyadecade.Heconsidershimselffortunatethathehasn’tgottenseriouslyinjured.“I’vepulledsomemusclesandhurtmyshoulder,andgottenafewstitches,butI’vebeenprettyhealthysofar,”sharedMason.EventhoughMasondoesn’thavemanybattlescarsyet,hehasseenenoughinjurieshappentofriends,tokeeprespectfulofthepossibilityofdanger. Consideringthedangerofhissportofchoice,itwouldseemtobeamother’snightmare.ButMason’smom,Melissa,seesitadifferentway,“Heamazesme.Ilikewatchinghim.Whenheisridingthatbull,I’mridingittoo–upinthestands.”Whenaskedifshegetsworriedabouthimriding,Melissaresponds,“No–he’sjustthatgood.”But,shedoesrealizethathegetshurt,andwillbegettinghurt,“Hetoleratespainwell,anddoesn’tcomplainawholelot.”Mason’sfamilyisamonghis

JUSTAFEWWEEKSAGO,MASONWASAWARDEDTHISTROPHYASTHE

FINALSCHAMPIONANDTHEENDOFYEARCHAMPIONATTHENATIONAL

FINALSOFTHENFPBHELDINDUQUOIN,ILLINOIS.

BY MELISSA WHISENHUNT

21 years ago, when Mason was born, I knew, as a mom, it was going to be an adventure. I just didn’t realize that it would pack a lifetime of memories. From the day he put his first pair of boots on he hit the ground running and hasn’t stopped since. Mason wasn’t like other kids growing up, he was very focused and always gave 110 percent, from baseball to rodeo he always seemed gifted.

FROM A MOM’S PERSPECTIVE

I have had the pleasure of traveling a lot of miles with Mason, forming a special bond not many parents get to experience. For several years before Mason turned 18, it was just us going down the rodeo road. I have cheered him on, rode the bleachers as he was riding, and also cried the tears if he bucked off. But, I always knew God had a plan for him, his talent was always beyond his years, he always pushed himself to be the best. The feeling is indescribable when you see your child in the spotlight, people flocking to him for his autograph, or when you see him on television for the first time – it’s very overwhelming. I look through his scrapbook or at the many buckles, trophies, saddles and plaques he has won over the years and can’t help but get a little choked up. I know my traveling days with him are over – he has his traveling buddies now. But I can always count on that call about 11 o’clock every night. I’m always asked if I’m afraid of him getting hurt or worse, my only answer to them is he is not mine, I just got the pleasure of being picked to be his mom.

DECEMBER 2014

FUN TIME PHOTOS BY CINDY BUTLERFUN TIME PHOTOS BY CINDY BUTLER


Vegas,ColoradoSpringsandTulsa.Heenjoyswatchingotherbullridersandalwayscomesawayfromacompetitionwithsomething,evenifit’snotthenumberonerank,“youcan’tknoweverything,andyoulearnsomethingneweverytime.”Howlongwillheride?“Itdependsonhowhealthyyoukeepyourself,butmostridersquitintheir30s,”saidMason.That’salongwaysoffforthisyoungrider,whoismakingsuretokeephimselfbusyonandoffoftherodeoarena.“NextsummerI’dliketoputtogetherabullridingschoolforyoungriders,”hesaid.Melissashared,“Alotoftheyoungridersidolizehimandthey’lllistentohimandwhathesayswillhelpthem.”

equipped for the ride Masonsaysthatbullridingmakesforlighttravel,“Idon’ttakeatrailerandhorse,Ijusthaveaduffelbag.”Alongwithasetofnervestoclimbaboard,andanattitudetokeepaseatonthatbull,a bullrider brings to the arena these essentials:bootswithspurs,aropetotietothebull,vest,chapsandacowboyhat. Whenhegetstothearena,hefindsoutwhenhisrideis,andwhatbullheisriding,whichisalldonebyrandomdraw.“Isetupmybagandallmystuff.Irosinupmyrope,”explainsMason.Whenitcomestohisturn,timemovesprettyswift,“Igetinthechute,IrubmylegsonthebullsoheknowsI’mthere,attachmyropeandnod.”Withthenod,thechuteisopenedandtheridebegins.Eightsecondsiswhatheneeds.Fromthere,hangingontothatbullandsteadyinghisrideisMason’sjob.But,it’safifty-fiftyeffortwiththebull.EvenifMasongetsalleightseconds,onlyhalfofhisscoreisbasedontheskillofhisride,theotherhalfisjudgedbasedonthebull’sperformance.Thatbullhasgottoworkhishardesttounseatitspassengertogetgoodnumbersandretainahighrankinghimself.

“Nowadaystheyhavebreedingprogramsforbuckingbulls,andtheyallbuckhard,”saidMason.Ofthepossible100-pointride,50pointsareusedtojudgethebullsbucks,kicksandspins.“Alotofkickandspingetsyouahigherscore,”notedMason.Ofcourse,agoodbullscoregoeshand-in-handwithagoodriderscore,“Yougottahavecountermovestomakeup

forwhatthebullisdoing,”saidMason. Lastyear,Masonrode“Bushwhacker,”thehighestrankingbullinthePBR.Bushwhackerhasunseated96.49percentoftheridersthatattempttostayonforeightseconds.ThoughBushwhackerdumpedMasoninaboutthreeseconds,itwasanhonorjusttogetthechance.Melissasays,“Itwasabigdeal,hewasone

ofthefewthatgottheprivilegeofgettingonhim.Bushwhackerisretirednow.” Though he has already hit some milestones,youngMasonLowestillhasmorebullstospurandmorebucklesforhisbeltawaitinginhisfuture.Let’skeeprootingforourhometownboyashetamesthosewildbeastsandbecomesevenmoreskilledatrulingthateightseconds.Goodluck,Mason! n

what about the bull?


FUN TIME PHOTOS BY CINDY BUTLER


1Get your kids in on crafting time and round up some fun supplies for them to get their hands on. This is the

perfect opportunity to spend your next lazy afternoon rolling up your sleeves, getting your hands dirty and sprinkling glitter on a few handmade cards. Your son will love practicing his drawing skills while your daughter seals each gift with a snowman sticker.

2What could be better than getting a knockonyourdoor,onlytofindyourfriend on the other side, holding a

tray full of cookies? This type of gift serves so many purposes. Knowing that your friend was thinking of you will make you feel special. The obvious deliciousness of the said cookies is enough to make anyone happy. And, the unexpectedness of receiving such a thoughtful gift will spread into so many other areas of your life that you can’t help but smother your friend with hugs.

3 Babysitting cards are by far, one of the best handmade gifts you can give this year. Pick out a cute rhyme or

riddle and hand out a few of these precious presents to your friends. The next time they want to head out for a date with their husbands, they can cash in one of their babysitting cards. This is a free gift that you can give of your time. It’s also a great way to make it into a playdate for your own kids!

4 For close family members, assembling “a few of my favorite things” box is probably one of the

best gifts to give and receive. While this gift may not be free, it is a thoughtful one and shows the recipient that you want to share a little bit of you with them. Find a neatbox(thinkdollarstore)andfillitwitha few of your favorite things. This might be your favorite chapstick, lipstick, lotion or soap. Throw in a bag of your favorite candy and maybe a giftcard to your favorite coffee shop. This gift will reveal a lot about you and what you like but will allow the recipient to feel like they are just as special because you have chosen to share some of your favorite things.

5 If money is tight this year, give of your time. Volunteer to help a friend or family member with cleaning their

home. Offer to take your elderly neighbor grocery shopping or even holiday shopping if they can no longer drive. Spending time with people you care about says a lot about the type of relationship you want to have with that person. The more time you spend with someone, the more you get to know them. The more you get to know them, the moreyoumightfindyouhaveincommon.You never know what meeting a friend for coffee will do for your happiness and theirs.

8GIFTSTOMAKEFORYOURFRIENDSANDFAMILYTHISYEAR

Theholidaysareapproachingandfindingtheperfectgiftforthespecialpeopleinyourlifecanbeanexcitingthingforsome,andastressfultimeforothers.Taketheguessinggameoutoftheequationthisyearandpickone(orall!)oftheseeightideastogetgoingonyourgiftlist.

the best handmade gifts you can give

riddle and hand out a few of these precious

they want to head out for a date with their

babysitting cards. This is a free gift that you can give of your time. It’s also a great way to can give of your time. It’s also a great way to

gifting this christmasBYMEAGANRUFFING



6 Decorate your tree with picture ornaments. These make great gifts for families across the miles as they

are easy to mail. They also make great gift “tags” to put on top of a loaf of banana bread or a box of chocolates. Snap a picture of your kids, grab a cookie cutter and place it on top of the picture. Trace around the cookie cutter and cut out the desired shape.

Glue a continuous line around the outer edges of the picture and place cookie cutter right on top of the picture. Let it dry, add a ribbon to the top and it’s ready to hang!

7 A pack of clothespins costs less than a buck. Do you know how many neat things you can make

with clothespins? Wreaths, bookmarks, chip clips, magnets, chore charts and dinner menus just to name a few. These are great to have on hand when you’re in a pinch for gifts. They make the best teacher gifts since they are so versatile. Pick out coordinating ribbon colors with that of an apple (black, brown, red and green). Hot glue black ribbon on the front and back of a clothespin. Make a loop in the shape of a heart, with the red ribbon, and hot glue gun that to the top to make an apple. Glue a magnet on the backside and now you have a really cute apple magnet. These make the cutest school gifts.

8 Picking names within your family, or even within your circle of friends, is a great way to include everyone

without breaking the bank. Each family picks the number of names that they have in their own family. For example, if you have fivepeople,thenyouwouldpickfivenamesfrom the family “pool.” The names would be kept secret from each other until the big day when all the names were revealed.

Whateverholidayyouandyourfamilycelebratethisseason–letitbewithjoy,thankfulnessandlove.Buyinggiftsshouldbeanextensionofyoutosomeoneelseandnotastressfulthingtoaddtoyouralreadybusylife.Keepthislisthandyandaddyourownideaswitheachnewyear. n

MeaganRuffingisafreelanceparentingwriter.Shegetsexcitedaboutcreatingtheperfectgiftforeachspecialpersoninherlife.



Walking into the humble farmhouse whose own roots date back 150 years or more, this writer is met by one and then another of the Davidson offspring wearing aprons. Standing in the center of the kitchen is mom, Christine, the matriarch of the family at age 91. Obviously, age is just a number since Christine doesn’t look

even close to being nine years shy of 100. Christine doesn’t think that what she has done is anything special and

simply states that she has enjoyed making the aprons, which she began, making the firstofthisyear.However,daughters,granddaughters and great-granddaughters would tend to disagree. The simple reason is they are made of “Dad’s” old overalls, nothing new but colored fabric trim. Denise Lindeman, one of the granddaughters who spent most of her childhood in the Davidson home explains, “We can remember all the good times with Dad because we each have an apron made of his overalls, it’s like a comfort,” she stops for a moment. “Whenever I put the apron on I can suddenly smell the scent of detergent Mom used and it’s like I can smell Dad.”

Have you ever smelled something that just for an instant carried you back to a place in time that brought a sense of warmth and happiness? Maybe that smell reminded you of your grandma’s homemade pie or the aftershave your grandad wore. For most of

us, all we have are the memories brought about by those smells that transport us back into our childhood. Simple things that reminded us of loved ones may have been tossed out as unimportant, like a raggedy ole cowboy hat or bottle of Old Spice. But then you have the Davidson brood and “Mom” Christine, who began a simple enough project, that will forever touch the hearts of those she holds dearest. This is a story of love, values and commitment that bloomed all because of worn out overalls.

made with love

STORYANDPHOTOSBYKATRINAHINE

GRANDMABRINGSNEWLIFEINTOGRANDPA’SWELL-WORNDENIM


The overalls, and only Christine really knows how many there were, ranged from brand new to worn with stains and holes. If those overalls could talk, they wouldtellofdaysspentinthefields,doing custom combine work in various states, messing with horses and running a dairy. Days working alongside children and grandchildren, as life lessons were demonstrated by actions and wise words. However, in order to understand why the overalls are so important, you have to know a little history. Carl and Christine had known each other since their early school days. “I was such a little thing, I think he felt like he needed to take care of me,” Christine said. “We were the only people we ever lived with.” Sweethearts since grade school, a one-room schoolhouse known as Oklahoma School, they later married in November of 1941. After living for a short time in a coupleotherhouses,theyfinallysettledinthe current home about 1945. The home was an old log home built close to 200 years ago, however, modern amenities were added and the logs stand hidden beneath

thepaperedwalls.Thecoupleraisedfiveof their own children and three of their grandchildren on the 220-acre farm, milking, raising corn, enjoying horses and doing custom combining. Christine worked alongside her husband, children and hired handsinthefields,onlyleavinglongenoughto prepare a meal complete with dessert for the hungry crew. Thefivechildren;CarleneSpain,ClariceHaase, both deceased, a son, Loy Davidson, Jenna Lea Harding and Chris Ann Bailey, all spent their share of time working hard with Dad. The couple also shared their roof with three of their grandchildren from childhood through to their teen years. “I never knowed what that they wasn’t my kids.” Christine states. “Amy, the youngest, told Carl that she wouldhavetofindsomebodytocallmotherand he said, ‘Well you can call her Mom.’ Christine explains. The title stuck as you quicklyfindoutfromthefivegenerationsofdescendants in the room. When asked to share some words that best describe Carl and Christine, there is no hesitancy to respond. Words like honesty, faith, loyalty, happiness, perseverance and

determination were all mentioned, it is no surprise the phrase hard worker came up. “The reason the backs of the overalls are in such good shape is because Dad never sat down,” comments granddaughter Amanda Spears. “He wore out a lot of overalls farming,” Christine adds. Amanda continues, “My memory of Dadwashealwaysworeaflannelshirtandoveralls, even in the hot summer. He said that he would sweat and then the sweat would keep him cool all day.” The couple’s life, guided by a strong faith and deep-seated work ethic, are attributed to the close-knit relationships. Not only have the couple made an impression on their many offspring but also to those in the community of Wheaton. “They never missed a school sporting event,” Denise pointed out. “They even traveled to out-of-town events and at home games everybody knew where Mom and Dad would sit.” The couple even found time to work around farming to travel to all but sevenstatesandwentfishinginCanada.Something their family is grateful they were able to do before health issues prevented it.

FOURGENERATIONSOFDAVIDSON

WOMENMODELAPRONSMADEFROM

CARL’SAPRONS.FRONTROW,LEFTTO

RIGHT:CAILYNSPEARS,“MOM”CHRISTINE

DAVIDSON,BAILEYSPEARS.BACKROW:

KALLIEBATEMAN,DENISELINDEMAN,

CHRISANNBAILEYANDAMANDASPEARS.

AYOUTHFULCARLANDCHRISTINE

DAVIDSON.


Active in community, Carl was a longtime member of the Wheaton Saddle Club, a member of Wheaton First Baptist Church and served on the school board for many years. Everyone that knew the Davidsons could attest to how important those simple acts meant within their community.In2001,Carlsufferedastroke;he was still able to get around, he had to stop doing some of the farming. Even though the stroke was a major stroke, it was no match for his determination to get back up and keep busy. “Dad didn’t raise us to think that our next day was promised,” Amandareflects. “Dad wasn’t very good at piddling, he didn’t do much sitting even after his stroke.” said Amanda. Recalling he would drive around the property to check on things or drive into town. The family believes in taking care of their own, Denise now provides care for her Uncle Loy, who also suffered a stroke and took care of her mother who died of cancer. “The last time he got sick we promised Daddy that we wouldn’t put him in a nursing home and we pretty much took turns caring for him right here at home,” Denise said. “Before Dad died, the kids at school, the ball team…” Denise pauses in emotion as she glances over at a Wheaton Bulldog basketball jersey laying across the recliner. The jersey has all of the signatures from the 2011 basketball team, which won conference that year and they presented to Carl in honor of his commitment to the school. The team would later serve as pallbearers at his funeral wearing their letter jackets. . Amanda picks up the conversation, “Not only have they made an impact on our family but also on the community.” The values that they hold dear are evident in the community.” “I wouldn’t take anything for that jersey,” Christine adds, holding the jersey up. Carl was most recognized for his trademark overalls. In fact, according to Christine and other family members, he wore nothing else unless he was going to church or special community events. “I didn’t want to get rid of ‘em, and I knew I was going to do something with them,” Christine said. Denise quickly adds, “We all wanted a pair of overalls.” “Dad always carried a pair of pliers, notebook, screwdriver and sometimes a pencil in the overall pockets.” Amanda points

out. Denise reaches into the front pocket of her apron and pulls out a small notebook with scribbles of crop yields and parts needed for repairs. So far, 21 aprons are finishedwith10moretogowhiletheoverallsupply holds out. Even the overalls that Christine feels are too far-gone will get new life as a potholder or pieces of a patchwork apron. “I got two pair left but I just can’t bring myself to cut them up,” Mom says softly. “I am very impressed how my mom has taken up making aprons out of my dad’s overalls – it’s a smart idea,” states daughter ChrisAnnBailey.“However,atfirstIdidn’tknow what to think about her cutting them up.” But then again, Chris Ann knows her mom has always been creative. She made little ceramic gifts for the widows and widowers in Wheaton that may not get much for Christmas. She has done several oilpaintings;sheevenwenttoCrowderCollegetolearnhowtorefinishfurnitureand to make jewelry. Denise adds, “I still have my afghan she made me when I was 16, I keep it in my cedar chest.” “I call Mom a collector of collections,” says Amanda, chiming in. Christine has nearly 1,000dolls,startingwithherveryfirstdollat age 58. “I was going through an old trunk one day at my parents’ house and found this ceramic head doll wrapped in paper. Someone had given it to my mother years before, it had no body so my mother made a body out of a magazine,” Christine said as she rises to retrieve the antique doll that now has a body and new dresses made by a woman she knows. She also collects plates by artist Don Zolan, depicting the faces of sweet children. She has donated over ten different collections for display at the Barry County Museum in Cassville. Christine admits that Carl might have spoiled her but he supported her many hobbies. Family is very important and passing on things that matter. Everything is in the family;alltheproperties,Carl’sfolksandChristine’s folk’s home places, are in the caring hands of children, grandchildren or great-grandchildren, that is the way Carl wanted it. Adding everyone since Carl and Christine there are 18 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren and 19 great-great- grandchildren, totaling 71 descendants. Several of the family members are still active in farming whether ranching, chicken houses or hogs, the imprint still holds. Even

“Dad wore the overalls and now Mom made the aprons,” Chris Ann adds. “Something special from both of them.” As the crowd of offspring begins to thin out and head to various activities Amanda leans down to give Mom a kiss and tell herthatshelovesher.Shegivesthisfinalcomment, “The testimony of their lives is almost beyond words. They have been such great role models to so many people through their hard work and strong faith.” And, no matter how many days the good Lord has left for Christine, those old work-worn overalls will stand as a testament to the core values so many of us hold dear. n

the family members that are not in Barry County are within an hour drive of the home place. Holding one of the aprons in her hands, Christine says, “I won’t do any others until I do for my family and then if I do it for others, it won’t be for money.” One of the aprons made it to the auction block for a localman’sbenefitfundraiser,goingfor$95. However, these particular overalls will stay in the family. “We can remember all the good times,” shared Denise. “It gives us something that Dad wore.”


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In 1999, with no heir apparent, John Justin was preparing to hand over the reins of his family company. He found a greatfitwithWarrenBuffett,anotherentrepreneur who shared a similar business philosophy and an appreciation for established, traditional brands with a long history as market leaders. That year, Justin stepped down from his role as chairman of the board of Justin Industries, Inc., and in 2000, the board of directors for Justin Industries approved the sale of the company to Warren Buffett and the Berkshire-Hathaway Corp. Warren promoted Randy Watson to CEO and board chairman of Justin Brands in 2011. Justin has seen a 54.5 percent increase in U.S. production and a 48

percent increase in sales of American-made goodssince2009.Buffett’sconfidenceinWatson has been very clear. When Watson sent Buffett his game plan for strategic plans and budgets last year, Buffett sent back the top page with only the words “Looks good,” and inquired about next year’s annual meeting plans. Buffett has passed up on plant tours of the boot factories, effectively telling Watson to just keep doing what he’s good at. In our visit, I learned quickly that Randy Watson has no aspirations to be a cowboy. He is a father of three, and is much more concerned with college tuition than cattle trading. His grandfather taught him to, “never buy anything that eats or drinks while you are asleep.”

Justin Boots are a pretty big deal around here in southwest Missouri, and a major employer in Barry County. Connection Magazine recently asked me to

do a profi le piece on their Cassville, Missouri, operation. I had the good fortune to get a chance to visit with not only the local plant manager, Francis Smith, but with the CEO of Justin Brands, Randy Watson. Justin Brands is made up of Chippewa Boots, Justin Boots, Justin Original Workboots, Nocona Boots and Tony Lama Boots.

these boots were made for working

STORYANDPHOTOSBYROBLOTUFO

JUSTIN BOOTS MAINTAINS A STRONG FOOTING IN A SMALL MISSOURI TOWN

“It’s satisfying when our Justin Boots are wel l-received by our

customers and people enjoy wearing them.” PLANT MANAGER FRANCIS SMITH


justinboots


COWBOY COWGIRL RIDING ROPER

BOOT HEEL BASICS

#1 SNIP SQUARE

BROAD SQUARE

ROUND TRADITIONAL

BOOT TOE BASICS

western boot stylesBY ROB LOTUFO

ClassiccowboybootsarethemostcommonWesternboots.Theyhaveanangledheelandanoverallheightof12inchesthatreaches

mid-calf.Mostcowboybootsaregreatforsittinginthesaddle,kickingupyourheelsonthedancefloor,oreverydaywear.

COWBOY BOOTS

Western-styleridingbootsaredesignedspecificallyforhorsebackridingorworkinginthesaddle.Westernridingbootsaredesignedwithridersafetyandutilityinmind:High,angledheels(usuallyaroundtwoinches)topreventarider’sfeetfromslidingthroughthestirrups.Smoothleathersolesto

preventsnagginginthestirrupsincasetheridertakesafall.Anoticeablytaperedtoeforeasierinsertionintothestirrups.Ahighershaft(atleastmid-calfheight)toprotectthelegsfrompinchinginthesaddleandprotecttheriderfrombrushandthorns.Nolaces,topreventhang-ups.

WESTERN RIDING BOOTS

RopersrepresentanewerdesignofWesternbootsthatwerecreated(andsonamed)tohelprodeocowboysropecalvesincompetition.The“calfroping”eventrequirescowboystoridetheirhorsesafteracalftoropeit,thentodismountandrundownthetautropetorestrainthecalf.They

havethelowestheelheightofallWesternboots,usuallyjustoveroneinch(calleda“walkingheel”).Theheelistypicallysquaredoff,witha90-degreeangleformedbetweentheheelandbootsole.TheRoperhasthelowestoverallheight,withtheshaftheightbeingseveralinchesabovetheankle.Also,

mostroperbootshavearoundedtoeandflexiblesoleforamorecomfortablefit.Someropersarelace-up,whichprovidebetterfitandanklesupport,butcancauseproblemsifusedasridingboots(suchasbeingdraggedifthrownfromthesaddle).

ROPERS

Work-westernbootsusuallyhaveslightlylower,orroper-styleheelsthatareeasieronthefeetwhenwalkingthanridingheels.Thesolesofwork-westernbootsoftenhavearubbersurfacefortraction

andshockabsorption.ThisWesternbootstyleoftencostslessthanothercowboybootsbecausetheleatherusedisusuallycowhide,andlessartistrygoesintocraftingbootsdesignedmoreforfunction.

WORK-WESTERN BOOTS

Westernfashionbootscomeinawiderangeofstylesandfollowvirtuallynorules.Theymaybeofanyheight,heelheightanddesign.ThisistheoneWesternbootstylewhereyouwillsometimesfindsyntheticmaterialsusedfortheshaft,ratherthangenuineleathers.Often,exoticleathersareusedfortheseboots.ManyWesternfashion

bootshavethetaller,knee-highshaftthatiscommonlyseenonperformersonstage.Fashion boots may also have an extremely pointedtoeandahighlydecorated,colorfulshaft.WesternfashionbootsthathavethebrightcolorsandretroflairofearlyHollywoodandRoyRogersareusuallyreferredtoasvintageWesternboots.

WESTERN FASHION BOOTS


The hard work has paid off for Justin.Inthepastfiveyears,thebootmanufacturer has seen double-digit growth while its retailers are seeing sales increases in the triple digits. Watson’s game plan doesn’t stop with domestic sales. In 2012, Justin moved into new territory with facilities in Canada, Asia, Mexico, Central and South America, Europe and Australia. With plants in El Paso, Texas, Carthage and Cassville, Missouri, and now Bangor, Maine, the company has many resources at hand. “We are looking to make our facilities have interchangeability of operations, we want them to be like ‘utility players’ in baseball... like a shortstop that can play second or third base in a pinch,” said Watson. He continued, “Justin wants to have a commonality in our manufacturing system, so we can meet the demands of our market, regardless of location. If one plant is shut down for a week or two due to an ice storm, we want to be able to resume the operations at one of our other plants.” Materials have seen as much as a 70 percent increase in cost in the last several years. Much of the leather comes from tanneries in Mexico. Exotic hides often come from South America, and ostrich

skins come from South Africa, where there is a market for every part of the animal, from the blood to the plumes. Justin is constantly facing the challenges of a global economy. The Internet has been a great venue for Justin’s products. With online retainers like Amazon,ZapposandCountryOutfittersleading the pack, and brick and mortar/online hybrids like Boot Barn and Sheplers bridging the gap, sales have been booming. “We are dragging our conventional retail customers into the online business daily,” said Watson. New products are constantly being introduced,fromfl ipflopstodrivingmoccasins, casual shoes to exotic leather, high-end golf shoes. Hats, socks, ball caps and leather car accessories are just a few other offerings from the Justin Brand. In addition to the Cowboy/Rodeo and Country Western music cultures, Justin is appealing to various other segments such asfishing,golfandevensurfing.Exposurefrom celebrities wearing Justin Boots continues to be a very important factor in Justin’s popularity. In one example, Watson cited Taylor Swift’s “Sun dress and cowboy boots” look as being a huge boost to the women’s fashion segment. Rodeo heroes,

“An interesting fact : The boot is assembled wrong side out, and then it has

to be turned right side out after closing together.”


Country Music and Rock stars, as well as athletes and race-car drivers are a very visible factor in promoting “boot culture.” Backing from a parent company like Berkshire-Hathaway gives Justin the opportunity to invest and expand to meet the expectations of a growing global demand. Whether it is a multi-million dollar programmable stitching machine, a polyurethane overmolding system for the local plant, or a state of the art European distributioncenterinBelgium–ifitisbeneficialto the company’s business plan, they can provide the means to make it happen.

The local Cassville operation is headed up by plant manager, Francis Smith. Francis can draw from a lifetime of experience in the shoe-making industry. While he has traveled extensively, and worked at many plants all over the country, but he cites southwest Missouri as his home. An interesting bit of trivia;Franciswasaleadsingerinarock‘n’ roll band during the late 60s and early 70s, The Aladdins. He then traveled with a country and western band for a few years. He started as a regular employee of Justin in April of 1981,“Working in factories and over the years I worked my way up to

plant manager of Justin Boots. I had a man who took me under his wing and really brought me to where I am today. He was myfirstsupervisorandheguidedmeandpushed me literally all around the United States. I went to factories all around the country to help train their departments. I’ve lived in more than seven states.” The Cassville plant is seeing major equipment upgrades, and bringing product lines back from “outsource” suppliers as far away as China. Cassville has full production capabilities, but makes eight-pair special runs all day long. On a rare occasion, they will even make a single-pair. Francis loves the outdoors. At his home in Cassville, he owns a 140-acre farm where he hunts, enjoys nature and “tinkering” around. When he’s not hobnobbing with the Warren Buffetts and (Governor) Rick Perrys of the world, it’s refreshing that a man like Randy Watson can take a few hours to visit with local employees, managers, and even do an interview with a local magazine. The next stop for him today was to take a couple of minutes off to a enjoy blue plate special at Cr-ose cafe in Cassville, followed by a drive to the Carthage Plant, then the trek back home to Fort Worth. This CEO is a busy man indeed. We hope he keeps up the good work. n


When you’re young, or maybe just young at heart, Christmas is certainly the best time of

the year. For me the Christmas of 1961 was special. I was 11 years old and lived in Arizona with my parents, my older brother Bill and my younger sister Beverly. The climate in Yuma, Arizona, as you might imagine, didn’t allow my mind to conjure up Norman Rockwell inspired images of a traditional Christmas. But that was to be the year of the Christmas my family celebrated with my grandparents in Noel, Missouri. My mother’s reputation for over-spending was legendary, and even now is still talked about. She was notorious for fillingaroommorethanafootdeepwithskillfully wrapped presents. However, that year the presents remained at our home in Yuma as space was at a premium in my father’s red, 1960 Ford Station Wagon, and the drive to Noel would be long. My grandfather was the Noel City Marshal and my grandmother, Phoebe and her sister, my great aunt Rosalyn, owned and operated a greenhouse that was located on a piece of ground next to their house. The house could not be considered large by any means. It had three bedrooms, including Rosalyn’s room, a living room, a kitchen and onebathroom.Awood-burningfireplaceoccupied space in one wall of the living room. An addition was located on one end of the house that was wrapped in thin plastic, and only used during warm summer months. As we neared Noel the Ford Station Wagon passed under the overhanging bluffswheresaggingfrozenfingersofwater threatened to fall on passing cars. My brother tormented my sister, telling her that an icicle once fell on a car killing the driver. We crossed the old bridge on the edge of Main Street entering Noel at around 7:00 p.m. on a Saturday. Christmas day fell on Monday that year. The downtown streets and rooftops were snow covered. In the summer the sounds

BYSTANFINE

my special christmas in noel

of music originating from Shadow Lake, the local hot spot, followed the concrete sidewalks and storefronts up Main Street to the railroad tracks and drifted over the warmElkRiverwatereventuallyfindingtheears of the campers relaxing and swimming at Wayside Beach. But a sign near the entrance to Shadow Lake read “Closed for the season.” Don Davis’ Phillips 66 Service Station, a local gathering place in the summertime, was empty. Cars were usually parked at the gas station, and men could be seen standing on the lot talking about the goings-on in and around Noel. Youngsters and adults alike gathered in front of the theatre on warm Friday and Saturday nights waiting for the doors to open, but the sidewalk was empty that night and a sign on the marquis read “Closed for the season.” My br other and I sat in front of thefireplaceonChristmasEve,andthe burning wood warmed our backs. I remember my grandfather, who was usually a serious man, commented that he believed Santa was going to be in Noel later that very night. My brother and I lookedateachotherandsmirked;wecouldn’t be taken in by such talk. However,

my 6-year-old sister’s eyes widened as she jumped up and asked to go to bed. The real-world logic minded and normally outspoken Rosalyn quietly laughed but didn’t say a word. Throughout the evening, Phoebe’s Siamese cat, Mamie, relaxedonthefireplacemantlewheresheunobtrusively oversaw all the proceedings. Christmas morning came, and after a bacon and egg breakfast, the presents were haphazardly opened throwing paper in all directions. Hot chocolate was the drink of choice and I recall it being the best hot chocolate I ever tasted. I don’t recall a single present I received, but I remember clearlythewarmthofthefireplace,thelaughter and the gladness I felt because we were all together. The cloud covered days and nights helped create an aura of peacefulness, and I remember the cold windless days that wouldn’t let the snow on the streets and rooftops melt. It was how I always envisioned Christmas in my dreams. That Christmas was the best one ever whengrowingup;notforthegiftsreceivedbut because the entire family gathered to celebrate a special time of the year at a special place. n


CombatveteransliveandwitnessrealitiesmostAmericancitizenscannotidentifywith.AfterChristopherKendall,ofMarionville,Mo.,returnedhomefromacombatdeploymenttoAfghanistan,hefounditdifficulttoblendintothecultureinwhichheoncewassoaccustomed. “Youdon’tforgetit;thingsareburnedintoyourmind,”saysKendall.“Theexperiencesbecomeapartofwhoyouare;it’shardforotherstorelate.” GenerationsofHeroesRanch,inMarionville,isspecificallydesignedforsoldierslikeKendall.S.F.C.,PlatoonSergeantFirstClassVictorSekscinskiandhiswifeGenaSekscinskienvisionedcreatingaranchtoaccommodatetheneedsofcombatveterans.Ayearagotheirdreamcametrue.

“I stare out into the darkness from my post, and I watch the city burn to the ground. I smell the familiar smells, I walk through the familiar rubble, and I look at the frightened faces that watch me pass down the streets of their neighborhoods. My nerves hardly rest; my hands steady a device that has been given to me from my government for the purpose of taking the lives of others…and to think I volunteered for this. In a year I will be thrust back into society from a life and mentality that doesn’t � t your average man – and then I will be alone.”

SGT. Eddie Je� ers from Hope Rides Alone

Peace in the saddleVeterans � nd comfort when visiting Generations of Heroes Ranch



“OneofthegreatestneedsIseeisaplaceforveteranstogowherethereissomeonetheycanrelateto,”saidSergeantSekscinski.“It’shardtotalktosomeoneonapersonallevel,unlessyoucanrelatetowhattheyhavebeenthrough.SomeoftheguyscomeherebecausetheyknowIhavebeenincombat.It’sonevethelpinganother.” Theranchprovidesarelaxedenvironmentwhereveteranscanworkwithhorses,cattleandsitaroundthecampfire.Thesoldierscandowhattheywant.Iftheywanttofish,someonewilltakethemfishing,accordingtoSergeantSekscinski.Theonlyrulesarenodrinking,noweaponsandnodrugs.

TheideaforGenerationsofHeroesRanchwasbornwhenSergeantSekscinskiwaspreparingforadeployment.Genasharedherideaofstartingaranchforcombatveteranswithherhusband.SergeantSekscinski’sresponsewas,“thatwouldbemydream.”SergeantSekscinski’sdeploymentwassuddenlycanceled,andthemissiontostartaranchforveteransbegan. ThankstoAdamVoltz,theSekscinskishadtheopportunitytorentthefarmwhereGenerationofHeroesRanchisnowlocated.AdamofferedtheSekscinskisaveryreasonabledealafterhearingtheSekscinskis’hopesofusingtheplaceforveterans,accordingtoSergeantSekscinski.

“It’s hard to talk to someone on a personal level, unless you can relate to what they have been through. Some of the guys come here because they know I have been in combat. It’s one vet helping another.”

PLATOON SERGEANT VICTOR SEKSCINSKI

STORY BY AMANDA L. REESE | PHOTOS BY CHUCK NICKLE

Peace in the saddle



alotandGodansweredmyprayers.NowwekeepGodattheforefrontofallwedo.” Genaistheretosupportherhusbandinanywayshecan.Sheisthehousekeeperandranchcook.GenabelievestheranchisjustashealingtoSergeantSekscinskiasitistotheveteranswhocome.

“Icanalwaystellwhenanewsoldieriscoming;IcanseetheexcitementinVictor’sface,”saysGena. Thename,GenerationsofHeroesRanchstemsfromthegenerationsofSekscinskiswhohavefaithfullyservedorarecurrentlyservingintheUnitedStatesmilitary.ThelistincludesSergeantSekscinski’sfather,grandfather,brother,sister,anephewandtwosons. “Formyfamily,militaryisatradition,”sharesSergeantSekscinski.“Wewerebroughtupbelievingyouoweyourcountrysomething.Ithinkitwouldbegoodforeverymantoserveatleasttwoyears.”

“Wehavehadalotofsupport;theladiesauxiliaryinMonetthasbeenaGod-send,”saysSergeantSekscinski.“Theysupplyfoodinthebunkhouseandhavecontributedmonetarily.” DuetoSergeantSekscinski’spersonalstruggleswithpoststressfromcombatandalcoholaddiction,herelatestofellowveteranswhostrugglewithTraumaticBrainInjury(T.B.I.),PostTraumaticStressDisorder(P.T.S.D.),addiction,andotherissues.Aftereightdeploymentstofivedifferentcountries,SergeantSekscinskiunderstandsandappreciatesthesacrificessoldiersmakeandknowsfirsthandtheeffectscombatcanhaveonasoldier. “Ifaveteranisstrugglinganddoesn’tgethelp,thepossibilityofaddictionisveryreal,”saidSergeantSekscinski.“IhadastrugglewithalcoholwhenIcamebackfromAfghanistan.AllIwantedtodowasdrinkandfight.” Genawasunderstandingandstoodbyherhusband.Sheencouragedhimtogetbackintohorses,somethingSergeantSekscinskiloved,andrefocushismind. “HorsesandmywifehavebeenablessingfromGod;withoutthem,Iprobablywouldhaveendedupdeadorinthepen,”saidSergeantSekscinski.“MywifeisthereasonIamdoingthis.” “Inthepast,Victorturnedtoalcohol,andIturnedtoGod,”saysGena.“Iprayed

Healing through horses



Victorandhiswife,bothavidhorsepeople,believeveteransdealingwithT.B.I.,P.T.S.D.,addictionandotherissuescanexperiencehealingthroughworkingwithandridinghorses.Theybelieveahorsecanimprovecoordinationandreflexes,increasebalance,relaxconstrictedmuscles,strengthenandstretchmuscles,improveself-esteem,improveself-awareness,increaseconcentration,giveasenseofachievement,buildaspecialrelationshipbetweenahorseandrider,improveself-sufficiency,self-relianceandself-confidence. “Ifaveteranwantstolearnabouthorses,Istartoutwithbasics,teachingtheveterantocatchahorsesafelyandhandlethehorse,”saidSergeantSekscinski.“Theylearntogroomandsaddle.Then,theystartoutridinginasmallpenandeventuallygointothearena.Whentheyarereadywecangooutintoapastureandridearoundtheplace.ThereisalsosomeconservationlandwhereItakesomeoftheveteranstoride.Ithaslotsofcreeksandsomeprettyneatobstacles.” ThehorsesusedintheprogramareacombinationofhorsesSergeantSekscinskihaspersonallyacquiredandhorses that have been donated to the ranch. “Ialsostartalotofhorses,”addsSergeantSekscinski.“Ifoneoftheguyswantstolearntobreakacolt,Iwillshowthemhowtodoit.Wehavealocalveteranwhoisgettingreadytostartahorsebyhimself.” Community members have been generoustowardtheranchandtheSekscinskisworktobegenerousandgivebacktothecommunitythroughvolunteeringandparticipatingincommunityevents. AlthoughtheSekscinskisareworkingtocreatemoreawareness,thusfar,mostveteranshavefoundtheranchbywordofmouth.Advertisinghasbeenverylimited. WhenaUnitedStatesCombatVeteranisstrugglingduetohisserviceforourcountry,theveteranneedstoknowsomeonecaresandisthereforthem,accordingtoGena.Thisistheheartbeat

ofGenerationofHeroesRanch.TogethertheSekscinskisarereachingoneveteranatatimeandshowingthemtheyareloved,appreciatedandthatsomeoneunderstands. TolearnmoreaboutGenerationofHeroesRanchortomakeadonationcontactSergeantVictorSekscinskiat417-838-0608,likethemonFacebookandcheckouttheirwebsiteatgheroesranch.com. n

Healing through horses“Horses and my wife have been a blessing from God; without them, I probably would have ended up dead or in the pen. My wife is the reason I am doing this.”



SundayMorning Bible Study - 9:30 a.m.Worship - 10:30 a.m.

Sunday EveningWorship - 6 p.m.Wednesday Evening Bible Study - 7 p.m.

Renew your faith!

1613 N. 17th StreetMonett, Missouri 65708

855 D Hwy. 60 Monett, MO417-678-3644 • 417-342-4839

MERRY CHRISTMAS

SHOPNEW LOCATION

www.cnbbanking.com

1-800-255-4194

at

901 E. Hwy. 60, Monett417-235-BANK (2265)

444 S. Rinker, Aurora417-678-BANK (2265)

Come Meetthe FriendlyEmployees


HEALTHYCONNECTION

healthy treatsBYNANCYRIDGLEY

FORSANTAA

s Santa Claus makes his yearly trek around the world, children everywhere will leave treats for

the big guy to fuel him on his ride. But don’t forget Santa needs nutrition, too. If Mr. Claus drinks a glass of whole milk and eats two butter cookies at every American household he visits, he will consume more than 7 billion calories and more than 3 million grams of fat in one night! So, take time to leave Santa a healthy treat,likelow-fatmilkandgrahamcrackers;yogurtmixedwithfruitandcereal;orapeanut butter sandwich. And don’t forget hisreindeer;they’lllikechoppedvegetableslike carrots, celery and broccoli. Getting your children involved in prepping Santa’s snack plate can be a great way to teach them the importance of a healthy diet, especially when they need energy for a task as demanding as Santa’s. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Visit www.eatright.org for healthy holiday tips and treats. Let’s keep Santa healthy. Prepare this cookie recipe that he’s sure to love. Merry Christmas to everyone! n

4 oz. light cream cheese3/4 cup firmly packed brown sugar1/4 cup light corn syrup or molasses3 Tbls. canola oil2 egg whites1 tsp. vanilla2 cups dry oats1 cup whole- wheat flour1 cup all-purpose flour1 tsp. cinnamon1/2 tsp. nutmeg1/4 tsp. baking soda1/4 tsp. salt1 cup raisins

NancyRidgley,RD,LD,CDE,isaregistereddietitianandacertifieddiabeteseducatorfortheCoxHealthCenterforHealth

Improvement. Formoreinformationaboutwellnessandlivingahealthylifestyle,checkoutCoxMonettHospital’swebpageatwww.coxhealth.com.

Calories: 100 | Fat: 3 g | Fiber: 1 g | Carbohydrate: 16 gLickety –Split Meals Cookbook

oatmeal cookiesPreheatovento350.Inalargemixingbowl,useanelectricmixertobeatliquidingredientstogether.Setaside.Inamediumsizebowl,mixtogetherdryingredientswithaforkuntilsodaandsaltarewelldistributed.Addtoliquidmixtureandmixwell.Mixinraisins.Dropbyslightlyheapingtablespoons.Flatteneachcookiewiththebackofyourspoon.Bakefor10minutes.

C O N N E C T I O N F O O D l

36 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE DECEMBER 2014www.acambarorestaurant.com417-354-8408

505 Plaza Dr., Monett, Mo.Let us cater your special events!

Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas!Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas!Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas!Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas!From the Staff at

ACAMBAROACAMBAROMexicanRestaurantMexicanRestaurant

DECEMBER 2014 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 37www.acambarorestaurant.com417-354-8408

505 Plaza Dr., Monett, Mo.Let us cater your special events!

Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas!Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas!Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas!Feliz Navidad! Merry Christmas!From the Staff at

ACAMBAROACAMBAROMexicanRestaurantMexicanRestaurant

BEER,WINE& SPIRITS

Visit ourlocations in

MONETTPURDYAND

CASSVILLE

HappyThanksgiving

2ouncesvanillavodka1.5ouncesKahlua

1.5ouncesBailey’sIrishCream3tbs.gingerbreadsyrup2.5ounceshalfandhalf

For the gingerbread syrup:1/2cupwater

1/2cupbrownsugar4 tbs. molasses

1tsp.groundginger1/2tsp.groundcinnamon

1Grannysmithapple1Braeburnapple

1heapingcupfreshcranberries1largesprigrosemary1bottlePinotGrigio

1/2cupWhiteGrapeJuice1/4cupSugar(more,forgarnish)

1 Can Club Soda

2oz.Tuacahotappleciderwhippedcream

cinnamonstickforgarnish

4oz.strongcoffee11/2oz.amarettoliqueur11/2oz.coffeeliqueur

1oz.butterscotchschnapps1oz.cremedecocoafreshwhippedcream

gratedchocolate,forgarnish

gingerbread martini

hot apple pie cocktail

christmas coffee

white christmas sangria

Garnish with

a gingerbread

cookie and

whipped cream

&bottles brewsS W E E T S E A S O N A L S P I R I T S



&bits

bites

S AV O R Y A P P E T I Z E R S

P E R F E C T F O R A N Y H O L I D AY

G AT H E R I N G

Ingredients:1/2cupItalian-styledriedbreadcrumbs1/2cupgratedPecorinoRomano2garliccloves,peeledandminced2Tbls.choppedfreshItalianparsleyleavesSaltandfreshlygroundblackpepper1/3cupextra-virginoliveoil28large(21/2-inch-diameter)whitemushrooms,stemmed

Directions: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Stir the bread crumbs, Pecorino Romano, garlic, parsley, mint, salt and pepper, to taste, and 2 Tbls. of the olive oil in a medium bowl to blend. Drizzle a heavy large baking sheet with about 1 Tbls.oliveoil,tocoat.Spoonthefillingintothemushroomcavitiesandarrangeonthebakingsheet,cavitysideup.Drizzleremainingoiloverthefillingineachmushroom.Bakeuntilthemushroomsaretenderandthefillingisheatedthrough and golden on top, about 25 minutes. Serve hot.

stuffed mushroomsIngredients:1pkg.(8oz.)creamcheese,softened1cupshreddedpepper-jackcheese1cupshreddedsharpcheddarcheese2Tbsp.finelychoppedredpeppers2Tbsp.choppedfreshcilantro2greenonions,finelychopped1tsp.hotpeppersauce1tsp.limezest1/4tsp.chilipowder12Ritzcrackers(ortortillachips),finelycrushed(about1/2cup)

Directions: Beat cream cheese and shredded cheeses in medium bowl with mixer until well blended. Add all remaining ingredients except cracker crumbs;mixwell.Shapeintoball.Refrigerate1hour. Roll in crumbs. Serve with additional Ritz crackers, tortilla chips or corn chips.

fiesta cheese ball



Ingredients:NonstickcookingsprayOne14-oz.canquarteredartichokehearts,drainedOne8-oz.packagecreamcheese,softened1cupmayonnaise1cupsourcream3/4cupgratedParmesan1/2tsp.freshlygroundblackpepperHotsauce,optional1to11/2Tbls.vegetableoilBaguetteslicesorassortedcrackers,forserving

Directions: Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly spray an 11 by 7-inch baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine the artichokes, cream cheese, mayonnaise, sour cream, 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, 1/2 tsp. salt, pepper and hot sauce if desired. Stir well. Spoon into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup Parmesan on top. Bake until bubbly, 25 to 30 minutes. Serve warm with baguette slices or assorted crackers.

artichoke dip

Ingredients: 11/2cupsCornChex11/2cupsWheatChex11/2cupsRiceChex2cupsoystercrackers2cupspretzeltwists1cuppistachionuts4 Tbls. grated Parmesan cheese1/4cupmeltedbutter1(1oz.)packagedryranchdressingmix1/2tsp.garlicpowder

Directions: Preheat oven to 250°F. In a large bowl combine the cereal, oyster crackers, pretzels, pistachios and cheese. In a small bowl combine the butter, salad dressing mix, and garlic powder. Drizzle over the cereal mix, tossing to lightly coat mixture. Place on a cookie or baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes. Remove and let cool completely before packing in jars.

parmesan garlic ranch snack mix




Ingredients:8oz.creamcheese,softened 8oz.sourcream 1Tbls.Worcestershiresauce 5wholegreenonions(chopped,greenandwhiteparts) 4oz.canchoppedgreenchilies(drain) 1/2cupshreddedsharpcheddarcheese 2Tblsblackolives(chopped) 12flourtortillas(large) 8oz.ofyourfavoritepicantesauce(orsalsa)

Directions: In a mixing bowl combine cream cheese, sour cream, Worcestershire sauce, green onions, chilies, cheddar cheese and olives;mixuntilblended.Spreadmixture on tortillas. Roll up each tortilla tightly. Wrap tortillas individually in plastic wrap. Place anairtightplasticbag;refrigerateuntil ready to serve. When ready to serve, remove tortillas from plastic wrap and plastic bags. Slice each rolled tortillas crosswise into 1-inch (pinwheels). Place a toothpick in each pinwheel and serve with a bowl of your favorite picante sauce or salsa on side for dipping.

tortilla roll-ups

Ingredients:8russetpotatoes(about5lb.),scrubbedOliveoilforrubbingandbrushingFlakyseasalt,orpretzelsaltFreshlygroundblackpepper8oz.shreddedCheddarcheese1poundbacon,cookedandcrumbledSourcreamandchoppedchives,forserving

Directions: Preheatovento400°.Prickpotatoesalloverwithaforkandrubwithoil;seasongenerously with salt and pepper. Place potatoes on a rack set in a rimmed baking sheet. Roast until very soft when squeezed and skin is crisp, 60-75 minutes. Let cool. Heat broiler tohigh.Halvepotatoesandscoopoutflesh(saveforanotheruse),leavinga¼inchborderattached to skins. Brush both sides of potatoes with oil and season insides with salt and pepper;returntorack.Broil,turningonce,untilskinsarecrispandfleshisgolden,about5-7 minutes per side. Divide cheese and bacon among potatoes and broil until cheese is melted, about 2 minutes. Serve topped with sour cream, chives, and black pepper.

potato skins



Ingredients:1/2tsp.groundcumin1/2tsp.cayennepepper1/2tsp.groundcinnamon4cupsunsaltedmixednuts,suchaswalnuts,pecans,hazelnuts,andalmonds4 Tbls. unsalted butter 6Tbls.brownsugar1tsp.salt

Directions Mix spices and reserve. Heat the nuts in a dry skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until they begin to toast, about 4 minutes. Add the butter and cook, stirring, until the nuts begin to darken, about 1 minute. Add the spices, the sugar, 1 tablespoon water, and the salt and cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens and the nuts are glazed, about 5 minutes. Remove the nuts from the heat and transfer to a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil, separating them with a fork. Let the nuts stand until cooled and the sugar has hardened, about 10 minutes. Store in an airtight container.

spiced nuts

Ingredients:MEATBALLS2lbsleangroundbeef2cupsplainbreadcrumbs1cupmilk1 egg saltandpeppertotaste

SAUCE1cupchoppedgreenpepper120oz.canpineapplechunksinjuice(includingthejuice)1cupchoppedonion2/3cupbrownsugar1cupketchup1cupwater4 Tbls. vinegar 4Tbls.Worcestershiresauce

sweet-n-sour meatballs

Directions: Preheatovento350degrees.Makemeatballs;mixingredients together and form into balls. Arrange in a single layer in a lightly greased 9x13 baking dish. Make the sauce by combining all ingredients and pour over meatballs. Bake for one hour uncovered. Serve over rice.

Ingredients:2packagescreamcheese,softened1containercranberryrelish1largeGrannySmithapple,chopped1/2redonion,chopped1/4cupcilantro,chopped

1/2freshorange,squeezed1tablespoonsugar1/2teaspoonkoshersalt1/2freshjalapeño,seededandmincedassortedcrackersandpitachips

cranberry cream cheese dip

Directions:On a piece of plastic wrap, place cream cheese in the center and make into the shape of a Christmas tree. Chill for 2-3 hours. After chilled, place on center of platter. In a large bowl, combine cranberry relish, apple, red onion, cilantro, orange juice, sugar, salt and jalapeño. Toss until well combined. Pour over the top of the cream cheese tree. Serve with pita chips and crackers.



It’safamilythingatAngusBranchSteakhouse.GeneralManagerMeganGolubskiandherdad,JimGrantwhoisthe

owneroftherestaurant,continuetocreateacohesivediningatmosphereinMonett. Therestaurant,whichusedtobecalledGrant’s,isstillownedbythesameperson.“Wewantedtodoadifferentconceptthanacafé,”saidMegan.“Wewantedtobeknownasasteakhouse.”Megan,whohasadegreeinhospitalityrestaurantadministration,wasjustwhatthisestablishmentneededtoplantrootswithinthecommunity. “It’sateamthing,”explainsMegan.“Wefeedoffeachother.He[Jim]doestheordering,andIdothescheduling.Werunittogether.Itworksoutreallywell.” AngusBranchisdoingsowellthatthereishardlyamomentofdowntime.Therestaurantwhichisopensevendaysaweekforbreakfast,lunchanddinneralso

offersabuffetwithameatcarvingstation.AlloftheirmeatcomesfromaSpringfieldvendor.Theirsignaturesirloinisoneoftheirbestsellers.Theyoffera6ouncecutfor$9.95anda10ouncecutfor$13.95whichbothcomewithtwosides.Someoftheirsidesincludebakedpotatoes,mashedpotatoes,sweetpotatoes(withcinnamonbutter),Frenchfries,coleslaw,macaroniandcheese,okra,corn,greenbeansandbrownbeans.Theyalsooffera10ounceand14ounceK.C.Strip,RibEye,T-boneandFilet.Thereisnoshortageofmeat here. Forthesandwichconnoisseurs,youcantrytheirAtomicBurgertoppedwithcheese,smokedbaconandbarbequesaucefor$8.95,ortheirWesternBurgerwhichcomeswithpepperjackcheese,smokedbacon,onionstringsandgrilledjalapeños.Alloftheirsandwichescomewithasideoffries.

angus branch reaches out to steak lovers

RESTAURANT REVIEW

STORY BY MEAGAN RUFFING | PHOTOS BY ROB LOTUFO

Ifyouarefeelingadventurous,whynottrytheirDeepFriedFrogLegs?ThereissomethingforeveryoneatAngusBranchthankstoJim’sknowledgeoftherestaurant industry. He has everything coveredfromFriedPicklesandBoot-Kickin’OnionPetalstoBlackberryCobblerandSouthernPecanPie. Jimisnostrangertoowningrestaurants.Megansaysherparentshaveownedrestaurantssinceshewasjustoneyearold.“Mydadreallyenjoysit,”shesaid.“Hecouldseehelpingraiseafamilyifheownedhisownplace.Heandmymomalwaysranverysuccessfulbusinesses.Itwassomethinggoodforthemtodo.Theyneverownedmorethantworestaurantsatatime.” AtypicaldayforMeganstartsaround9a.m.Shewalksthroughtherestaurantmakingsurethateverythingisreadyfortheirlunchrush.Shemakessurethereareplentyofrolls,overallproductandhelpsgetthebuffetready.“SometimesIhelpcook,too”shesaid.“It’sanup-in-the-airthing.”Afterlunchshepreparesthebuffet



TENDERLOIN FILETAlso known as Filet Mignon. It is the most tender of steaks, yet has very little fat marbling. It is not as juicy as other steaks and can become dry if cooked beyond medium.

RIBEYE STEAKThe ribeye has the most abundant fat marbling. That’s why it is considered the most juicy and flavorful steak – beefy, robust, and fatty. It is from the same cut as a standing rib roast. When roasted it’s called Prime Rib. When sliced into steaks, and grilled or broiled, it becomes a ribeye chop.

K.C. STRIPThe Kansas City, sometimes called the New York, has less fat than the ribeye and almost as tender. It is succulent and buttery. Some steakhouses feature a bone-in version.

T-BONE STEAK The T-Bone is really two steaks in one. That’s because it features both a filet and a K.C. Strip portion separated by a T-shaped bone from hence it gets its name. If you like your steak medium-well or well done, keep this in mind. The meat that sets next to the bone is difficult to reach those temperatures without overcooking the entire steak.

PORTERHOUSE STEAK The Porterhouse and T-Bone are essentially the same cut of steak. It is a larger version of the T-Bone because it is cut from further up the loin section. This steak is usually not less than 20 ounces, and can be as big as 48 ounces. It’s the perfect steak to share.

menuforthenextday,takesphonecallsandgetsreadyforthedinnershift.Sheevengetsalittlehelpfromherone-and-a-half-yearoldson,Easton,whocomesbytherestaurantforanhourortwoeachday. Jim’sotherdaughter,RachelEden,worksparttimeatAngusBranch.Shedoesthebooksandcomesupwiththemonthlynewsletter,whichyoucanfindontheirwebsiteatwww.angusbranch.com.Init,youwillfindmonthlyspecials,upcomingeventsandgeneralinformationaboutreservingtheirbanquethall. Somethingthatsetsthisvenueapartfromothersisthattheydonotchargeafeetorenttheirbanquethall.“Aslongasyouplanoneating,”saidMegan,“youcanhavetheroomforfree.”Thehallholdsabout180peopleandcomeswithitsowndancefloor,soundsystem,D.J.andmicrophones.Youcancustomizeyourmenu,whichisidealforweddingrehearsals. Justthisyear,AngusBranchwasawarded“Bestall-you-can-eatbuffet”byreadersoftheMonettTimesintheir“BestoftheBest”edition.

“Businessisgrowing,”saysMegan.“Peoplesaythey’rehappywiththefood.”Andthat’sagoodthingbecauseAngusBranchhasbecomeafastfavorite. ThereareplentyofAngusBranch“favorites”onthemenuwhicharenotedwithredstars.BootKickin’OnionPetals,CowboyCheeseFriesandFriedPicklesarelistedasthespecialtyitemsontheirstarters’menu,whiletheArmJerkerBBQBurger,SmokehouseBurgerandPrimeRibFrenchDipremainfavoritesonthesandwichmenu.Thereissomethingforeveryone–eventhekids’menuoffersSirloinBites,Jr.ChapsChickTendersandCheeseburgerSlidersthatallcomewithapplesauce,adrinkandasideofvegetablesorfriesforjust$4.99. AngusBranchislocatedat114ChapelDriveinMonett.Pleasecall417-235-3350forreservations,to-goordersorquestionsaboutschedulinganevent.FindtherestaurantonFacebookandwww.angusbranch.comforafullmenulisting,specialtydrinksandhours. n

steak ordering




WeCater!

Reserveyour datesnow for holidaycatering!Home Of

The High PieHome Of

The High Pie

Home-style cooking!Home-style cooking!

101 N. Hickory, On the SquareMt. Vernon, Mo.Bakery & Carry Out

Monday - Friday5 a.m. - 2 p.m.

101 N. Hickory, On the SquareMt. Vernon, Mo.Bakery & Carry Out

Monday - Friday5 a.m. - 2 p.m.

107 W. Mt. Vernon Blvd.Mt. Vernon, Mo.

Lunch and dinner buffetsFRIDAY NIGHT SEAFOOD BUFFET

Mon. - Sat. 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.Sunday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

417-466-4650

107 W. Mt. Vernon Blvd.Mt. Vernon, Mo.

Lunch and dinner buffetsFRIDAY NIGHT SEAFOOD BUFFET

Mon. - Sat. 6 a.m. - 9 p.m.Sunday 7 a.m. - 3 p.m.

417-466-4650

Old Fashioned foods like grandma used to make!

NEW

107 3rd Street, MonettTues. - Sun. 6 a.m. - 2 p.m. • Monday’s Closed

$5.49 Daily Lunch Special!Call on us for birthdays, weddings or ANY occasion!

Pies • Cakes • Breads • Cookies • Cupcakes • BrowniesChicken • Tenderloin • Hamburgers

Full Breakfast menu available!

Full line of baked goods:

417.635.2050

‘Tis the season

Breakfast and lunch served Monday through Saturday.

THE JANE STOREA unique Ozarks experience2980 Rains Rd., Jane, Mo. • 417-226-1234

Monday - Friday • 6 a.m. - 3 p.m.Saturday 8 a.m. - 3 p.m.

to place your orders for holiday baking!

180W. Third Street • Verona417-498-6487

Mon. - Thurs. 11 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.Fri. 10:30 a.m. - 9 p.m.Sat. 10 a.m. - 9 p.m.Sun. 10 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

‘I’ chrHstmOs trees!


The Christmas season is a time that isoftenfilledwithfamilycustomsand traditions. For some, it’s the food that’s lovingly prepared

each year for visiting family and friends. For others, it’s the literal transformation ofthehomewithaseasonalflourish.ForJina Brown, of Cassville, and her daughter, Jacqueline, it’s the culmination of a year’s worth of anticipation.

Just enough Christmas trees to celebrate a familySTORYANDPHOTOSBYKERRYHAYS

‘I’ chrHstmOs trees!OOthy leaves are so unchanging

“I started out with one small tree, and then it became two, and then it just grew,” said Jina, whose small three-bedroom ranch house has become an annual showcase for 19 separately themed Christmas trees. “We’ve probably been doing this many for about six years,” Jina stated. “Jacqueline said, ‘Let’s go for an even 20,’ and I said, ‘we don’t have the room!’”


Each of the trees is decorated with a specificmotifthatservesasacollectivejourney through the lives and interests of the Brown family. There’s an M&M tree, a Coca-Cola tree, a Crayola tree and a Barbie tree. Peanuts characters are well represented along with seasonal foods and candies having their own tree. Jacqueline’s alma mater, Missouri Southern, is represented along with a tree that honors the University of Missouri – where her brother, Adam, went to school. There’s a sports tree and a tree decorated with a board game theme. Jina’s favorite NASCAR driver, Jeff Gordon, even has his very own place of honor. Other trees are decorated to express classic elements of the season. “There’sacornertreethatstrictlyfitsin the corner and I decorate it all in red and

white like a candy cane,” Jina shared. “We also have one that’s strictly blue and sliver with no other colors on it.” Jina and her husband, Joe, have a small farm where they raise beef cattle. A John Deere tree is decorated to commemorate this aspect of their lives. Jacqueline’s favorite tree is the “general” tree – a tree with no theme, while Jina’s is a tree dedicated to the family. “We started with a four-foot tree when my husband and I got married – I still have that tree and we still use it,” Jina recalled. “That started out as our family tree. Now for the family stuff I have a seven-footer with 32 dated Christmas balls plus all of the son and daughter ornaments.” Like most families, the Browns stored their Christmas decorations in the attic – until the attic was no longer large enough to stock all the items that had been

collected throughout the years. A shipping pod is located near their barn, and Jina now stores her carefully packed boxes in one end of the pod. Jacqueline has since moved away from the family farm and has established herself professionally in Jefferson City, where she works for the Department of Labor. In spite of the distance, Jacqueline still returns each year to participate in the tree decorating experience. “We encourage each other, enable each other – however you want to say it,” Jina said. “Jacqueline is equally as excited about this as I am. She makes a three-and-a-half hour trip home two weekends in a row to do this, and she does not want me to start without her.” The materials for each tree are faithfully packed in a single box and placed near the empty trees once they are set up.


Jina and Jacqueline will then methodically open each box and complete that tree before moving on to the next one. “The lights are in the box, the ornaments, the tree skirt, the tree topper – it’s all right there,” Jina shared. “It sets by that tree, that tree gets decorated, the boxes get put away and you move on to the next tree. We’ve got a pretty good system going.” During the year Jina and Jacqueline will collect ornaments commemorating places they’ve been, to add to their ever-growing collection. For Jina, unpacking each box comes with its own sense of wonder. “Every year we get them out, it’s like unwrapping Christmas presents again,” Jina shared. “They’ve been in storage for nine months and you forget about them.” Families often have their own customs or traditions that are followed each year when preparing their homes for the holiday. Jina

and Jacqueline have their traditions as well. “My mother got the kids a VHS of ‘Disney Sing-a-long Christmas Songs” when they were younger so we play that – that’s always a tradition that we play that,” Jina stated. She also noted that they only listen to it “a couple-or-three” times and that the experience also includes a showing of “Christmas Vacation” and listening to copious amounts of Christmas music since there’s no time to sit and watch television. Lastyearwasthefirsttimethatthe trees were trimmed prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. Jina appreciated the extra time the trees were displayed and the added time for setup so this year she decided to start early as well.Once the work has been done, there are not a lot of people who are given the unique experience of seeing the actual completed presentation.

“My co-workers have seen it, various friends and neighbors have come down,” Jina shared. “A lot of people have no idea that we do this.” Christmas presents are left under the “General Themed” tree, and the family will open presents together on Christmas morning. This year, Jina’s son, Adam, a psychiatrist, will be on call so the family celebration may be delayed for a day. Currently, the family’s seasonal decorations are limited to the interior of the house. The amount of time and effort to trim each tree was only one of the reasons given for no longer continuing this practice. “We don’t do outside lights, we stopped that when we had puppies,” Jina said. “We don’t need to, there’s usually a soft glow from inside the house.” n

“we don’t do outside lights... we don’t need to; there’s usually a

soft glow from inside the house.”


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MeetDecember’scutestpets,Siamesekittenbrothers,Gizmo and Jessie. TheylivewithGrace,Garrett,CourtneyandMichelleGoff,ofWentworth.

brotherly love!brotherly love!

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.

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Over2000yearsago,aChildwasborninthecityofBethlehem,ababywhowouldforeverchangehistory.Whileshepherdstendedtotheirsheep,anangeloftheLordappearedtothemanddeclared,“Donotbeafraid,forbehold,Ibringyougoodtidingsofgreatjoywhichwillbetoallpeople.ForthereisborntoyouthisdayinthecityofDavidaSavior,whoisChristtheLord.Andthiswillbethesigntoyou:YouwillfindaBabewrappedinswaddlingcloths,lyinginamanger,”Luke2:10-12. AftertheangelspokeamultitudeofheavenlyhostappearedandbeganpraisingGodandsaying,“GlorytoGodinthehighest,andonearthpeace,goodwilltowardmen,”Luke2:14. TheshepherdswenttoBethlehemandfoundthebabyJesuslyinginamanger,justastheangelhadsaid.TheshepherdssharedtheiraccountofallthathadhappenedandwasspokenwhentheangeloftheLordappeared,andpeoplewereamazed.JesushadcometobetheLightoftheworld. AsHegrewintoafullgrownman,Jesusbecamefamiliarwithlifeonthisearthlivedoutinafleshlybody.Heunderstandsstruggles,temptationsandbrokenness.NotonlydoesJesusunderstandbutHealsohascompassion. DuringJesus’finalmomentshangingonthecross,Hewhispered,“ForgivethemFather;theyknownotwhattheydo.”Jesusunderstandsoursinfulstateashumanbeingsandknewweneededforgiveness,notjudgment.Thelittlebabylyinginamanger

cametoearthtoserveGod’spurposeandreachtheheartsofmankind.HecamewillingtosacrificeHislifeforus. Theheartofmyoldestdaughter,Kate,neverceasestoamazeme.Atonly8yearsold,sheunderstandssacrifice.Withthesuddenarrivalofcoldweather,Iforgottobringjacketsforoneofourfamilyoutings.Katerememberedtobringherjacketanddecidedtogiveittoherlittlesister.Itoldhershedidn’thavetogiveherjacketup;afterallitwasreallycold.Kateresponsewas,“SacrificeisgreatloveMom.” BecauseofGod’sgreatlove,Jesuswaswillingtobeoursacrifice.Hemadethewayandistheway.TodayapotentialFriend,thebestFriendanyonecouldeverhave,standsknockingatthedoorofourhearts.Helongstocomeinandwalkwithusthroughthegood,thebadandeverythingin-between.TheopportunitytoopenyourhearttoGodandlivealifeinChristnowandforevermoreisbeforeyou. ThisChristmas,IprayfamiliesallovertheOzarksrejoiceinthebirthofthispreciousChildborn to save theworld.MayweknowHiswlove,HisforgivenessandHispeace.Haveagreat Christmas and be blessed! n

STRENGTHENINGFAMILIESINTHEOZARKS

for unto us a Child is bornBYAMANDAL.REESE

“For unto us a Child is born, unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder and His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Isaiah 9:6

Amandaisalocalwife,mother,authorandmotivationalspeaker.ThroughoutthecourseofStrengtheningFamiliesintheOzarks,’shehopestosharebiblicalinsight,relationaltipsandinformationforpersonalgrowthtoenrichandstrengthenthebondoffamilyinourcommunities.

CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 51



Sipping hot tea, with cuddled cup in hand. The voices and subdued laughter of joyfulladiesfillthelargebanquethall.Over20 tables elegantly designed and festively decorated. Hostesses happily visiting with their guests and serving hot tea. Each guestwithaplatebeforethemfilledwithadelicate, warm brunch, lovingly prepared. It’s an occasion worth attending, and an occasion worth soaking up and completely enjoying. Tinsel Tea happens once every December at the Cassville United Methodist Church. Each guest, including hostesses, pay for admittance, with proceeds going directly to the churches large, community supporting, food pantry. This December 6 will mark the 12th annual Tinsel Tea for the Methodist church. Though it is predominately attended and hosted by ladies of the church, the tea is open to the public, by RSVP, which is always completelyfilledinadvanceofthedate. The event takes place in the fellowship hall where more than 20 tables are decorated and maintained by a hostess or hostesses. In the three days before the tea is held, hostesses are invited to come to the hall and decorate their designated table, which begins as a clean palette for their creation, bearing nothing but a white tablecloth. What the hostess does to the table is completely up to her, as long as she provides table seating for eight guests, including water glasses and teacups with saucers, silverware and napkins, two teapots (one for tea, the other for coffee), and one pitcher for water.

ElegantAND LADIES ONLY

Christmas Tinsel TeaSurrounded by elegance

STORYBYSHERRYTUCKER|PHOTOSBYVERONICAZUCCA

Event coordinator for the last three years, Stacy Runnels enjoys seeing the creativeness of the hostesses each year. “It’s super Christmasy, and super girly,” shares Stacy. “Some of the hostesses even hang decorations from the ceiling. It’s totally up to the hostess and how they decide to decorate their table. Some decorate the chairs, too.” Some of the ladies of the church have been involved since its start 12 years ago, when the idea came with Heidi Henderson, and an event she saw take place in Colorado. Getting involved and preparing a theme for their table is half the fun that a tea-party hostess has. “Some of the hostesses know the year before what their theme next year will be,” said Stacy.

Decoration by inspiration

" It's super Christmasy, and super girly. Some of th e hostess es even hang decorations from th e ceiling. It’s totally up to th e hostess and how th ey decide to decorate th eir table. Some decorate th e chairs, too."STACYRUNNELSEVENTCOORDINATOR

STANDINGALONGSIDEHERTABLEFROM2013,STACYRUNNELSENJOYEDHANDCRAFTINGTHESNOWMANCENTERPIECEWITHHERMOM,BRENDA.SHEPLANSONUSINGTHISASACENTERPIECEFORHEROWNDININGTABLETHISCHRISTMAS.


Though table theme, design and colors can vary immensely, they are all kept in the spirit of the season, and everyone has a different favorite. A lot of times, the hostess will use a set of china as the inspiration for their table décor. Using beloved china as inspiration

is just what Stacy enjoys, “last year was probably my favorite. I used my snowman Christmas dishes, and my mom helped me craft a centerpiece to go with it. This year I am going to borrow my mother-in-law’s china.” Stacy says that the china is embellished with black and gold, and shares that, “the dishes form the table, and create the theme.” Stacy’s mom, Brenda Fletcher, enjoys the event every year, and sometimes hostesses as well, “Some of my favorite tables are the antique ones, using old china and antique decorations.” The possibilities are endless, with traditional themes of evergreen with candy-apple red decorations, and classy, contemporary decorations of simple silver and gold.

Stacy is excited about a new idea they are implementing this year, “This year we are doing something new – we always have people interested in viewing the tables, even if they aren’t attending the tea on Saturday morning. So, we are having a Friday night (December 5) public viewing from 6 to 8 p.m. Anyone can come, and we will be serving coffee and cookies, and will be taking donations for the food pantry as well.”

An invitation to see what it's all about

JANETMILLS,WHOSTANDSBESIDEHERELEGANTPEACOCKINSPIREDTABLE,ISTHEDIRECTOROFTHEFOODPANTRY,WHICHRECEIVESTHEPROCEEDSMADEFROMTHETINSELTEAEVENT.


The mission statement of the Cassville Community Food Pantry is based upon Psalm 9:18 in scripture

which states, “But the needy will not always beforgotten,northehopeoftheaffl ictedever perish.” Our staff and volunteers strive to provide hope and encouragement to not only our clients, but to the persons whom we develop friendships with, and those individuals and families who come in to connect with our operations and to receive food assistance from us.

There is a need The food pantry is a place where people can get relief from their struggle to put food on the table. Poverty levels run higher than the statewide level in Barry County, with 18 percent of the residents living below the federal poverty line. The problem with food insecurity is so pervasive here that it affects one in four children and one in six of our adult neighbors in this community. This means that every one of us will likely encounter someone today that we work with, communicate with, or have relationship with who does not have adequate

resources to provide enough food to eat, and beyond that, to provide a nutritious diet for themselves or their families. Persons who take advantage of the food assistance opportunity at the Pantry are not necessarily elderly, unemployed, oronfixedincomesduetodisability.

More about the food pantryBYJANETMILLS,FOODPANTRYDIRECTOR

On the morning of the event, the guests arrive and meet in the sanctuary. “The bell choir will play, and usually a soloist or group will sing,” said Stacy, explaining that there is more to the tea than just the elegance and food. “Janet Mills usually talks a little bit about the food pantry, and explains how the money is used. Then, Pastor Andy will offer the blessing, and the ladies are invited into the fellowship hall.”

the event unfolds

Beyond the enjoyment of taking tea amidst the beautiful surroundings, is that there is also an accompanying meal that is served with the tea. “We serve our famous chicken salad along with a croissant. George’s donates 40 pounds of boneless breast chicken every year,” said Stacy. “I couldn’t do this without the ladies that help in the kitchen.” The meal, which will also include quiche, a fruit salad, and usually individual cheesecakes to top it all off, is prepared by ladies of the church, including: Becky Henningson, Jo Ann Ellis, Lindy Gibson, Lee Assing, Rita Rogers, Janice Fohn “and many more,” adds Stacy. During the dessert, the ladies are serenaded with more holiday-themed musical performances. After the meal is enjoyed, and before the ladies say their goodbyes, everyone is asked to stand and sing a Christmas carol together. What a wonderful way to kick off the Christmas season with good cheer. If you would like information about the tea, or would like to learn how to start a similar event for your church or organization, contact Stacy Runnels at [email protected].


They are commonly younger adults who are working, but making very little wages. Households seeking help are often composed of families with 2 to 4 people including adults between the ages of 30 and 49 years old with one or two children who all jointly are living on $12,000 to $15,000 in income per year. They simply cannot make ends meet. Many persons dealing with food insecurity are forced to make the choice between eating or paying for medical care and prescriptions, or paying utility bills.

Receiving help To access the pantry, a person should meet an income criteria which falls at 125 percent of federal poverty level for those up to the age of 59, and up to 150 percent of federal poverty level for those who are 60 or older or are disabled. We serve residents of Barry County. Families are allowed to get one food box per month through the Feeding America walk-in food pantry as needed. Some individuals, such astheelderlylivingonlowfixedincomes,will visit the pantry every month. Others take advantage of the pantry over a few months, only on a limited basis to help them cope with short-term problems including such things as a temporary health obstacle, life transition including unemployment, home displacement, or recent move. They will receive food boxes that are structured around complete, balanced and healthy meals that can potentially stretch out to fulfill5to7daysofprovisions.Inadditionto food, the Pantry extends its offerings to include personal care items such as body and laundry soap, shampoo, feminine hygiene, and paper products like toilet paper. The Food Pantry is open every Monday through Thursday morning from 9 – 11:15 a.m. We receive referrals from Division of Family Services and OACAC. We also take drop-in clients who learn about us via word of mouth. On an average day, over this 2 ½ hour window, we serve 25 to 30 families. Monthly, we are helping an average of 365 families, which totals around 1,000 individuals. The need and demand of our resources continues to grow.

Volunteers that care Weutilizevolunteerstaffingeverydayof 4 to 5 persons. The more persons we have available to help, the better facilitated is our ability to communicate and interact with persons seeking help. Our perspective is to offer a helping hand up, and not a hand-

out. Volunteers are mixing with clients in constructive, educational, and encouraging ways. We want the public who seek the assistance to know beyond a doubt that we care about them and they, “are not forgotten.”

The need for new volunteers is significant and ongoing In order to maintain quality operations and interactions, new volunteers are always welcome. We encourage high school age and college age involvement as time allows over school breaks. The effect of volunteerism is life changing and very rewarding to the young people who participate. There are a variety of necessary tasks, including: paperwork or food storage (where the contribution does not have to include face-to-face client exchange), communications with a lot of face-to-face connectivity with clients, hands-on food distribution and food-box assembly, carry-out to vehicles, unloading trucks, organizing and shelving food, and a variety of other food distribution responsibilities. Our volunteer community is a group of wonderful and friendly folk who are knit together with our love for helping others.

Support comes from many The Food Pantry has been providing food boxes for Barry County since 2001. Its services have grown tremendously since the early days of operations. We are supported by a program Walmart provides which qualifiesustobepersonifiedasa,“FeedingAmerica Pantry.” Feeding America is nation-wide initiative established by corporate Walmart, serving to combat hunger across the U.S. Cassville Walmart partners with our pantry and allows us to pick up food that is still consumable and healthy from the store, but the food items may have some packaging damage or have passed their optimal marketability for Walmart’s retail setting. Walmart donates an average of 3,000 pounds of food to the pantry every week.

We are also an agency and member of the Ozarks Food Harvest Food Bank in Springfield,whichoffersassistancetouson many levels. We are able to purchase food from this regional food bank for pennies on the dollar. $1.00 donated to the Cassville Community Food Pantry can be stretched to purchase enough food to provide ten meals because we are able to obtain the food through the Ozarks Food Harvest where many of their resources are donated. Membership with the Ozarks Food Harvest has otherbenefits,astheyarededicatedtoboosting the outreach capabilities of its member agencies. Currently the Ozarks Food Harvest, thanks to the Walmart Foundation State Giving Program, has awarded our pantry with a pass-through grant to help with food purchases. For “Hunger Challenge Five” we are pursuing a fundraising goal of $2,500 from donors in the local community. When our Pantry has raised our goal of $2,500, the Walmart Foundation grant will match that exact amount and credit our Food Harvest account with $2,500 for purchasing food. The public can also donate goods in kind, both in the form of food and personal care items. Organizations or civic groups and clubs are encouraged organize their own in-house or community wide food drivestobenefitthefoodpantry. Above and beyond the daily walk-in pantry, we also offer two government commodities supplemental food distribution events each month. Government commodities are distributed on the fourth Tuesday of each month between 3:30 and 5 p.m. during an open house event at this time. 150 families receive commodities each month. An average of 6,000 pounds of government commodity resources are distributed each month. Senior Box Commodity program is our third form of food distribution which is distributed to low income seniors over the age of 60 who are preregistered. Senior boxes go out on the Friday, which follows the third Monday of the month, generally but not always, falling on the third Friday. Each month, 117 senior boxes are utilized by seniors in our community. n

CASSVILLE COMMUNITY FOOD PANTRY at Cassville United Methodist Church

Janet Mills, food pantry director7th and Gravel Street, Cassville | 417-847-2328 | [email protected]

Those interested in volunteering with the food pantry can call Janet Mills, food pantry director.


DUDE LOOKS LIKE A

SANTA

LIKE ALIKE ALIKE ALIKE ALIKE ALIKE ALIKE ALIKE ALIKE ALIKE ALIKE A

SANTASANTASANTASANTASANTASANTASANTASANTASANTASANTASANTAHave you ever passed a man

with a heavy white beard, and wonder – “Is that the jolly old guy himself?” Well, here are a few of our area men that could possibly be mistaken for Santa...or at least one of Santa’s helpers.

1

4

5

1SCOTTWAHL Pierce City

2JESSHUESTIES Rocky Comfort

3TAYLORFOSSE WashburnEDJOHNSON Washburn

4ROGERSHERMAN

5RODNEYDANIELS

6JACKFLY Washburn

7JERRYHIRSCH Pierce City

8JOERITTENHOUSE Wheaton

9DAVIDMcCULLY Aurora



2 3

7 8

6

9


C O M M U N I T Y C O N N E C T I O N l


holiday memories

CONNECTION CONTRIBUTORS TAKE A MOMENT TO SHARE THEIR

The contributors of Connection spend a lot of time sharing stories and photographs of other people.

So, for our December issue, I asked them to share with us their memories or traditions that they hold dear through the holidays. Here’s one of mine as well:

SHERRY TUCKER, editor: Down the dirtroad from our house in rural Exeter, was Barbara Warren’s ceramic shop. When I was very little, I remember going down to her shop, which was an old stucco house that she had turned into her ceramic shop. In the weeks before Christmas, we

would take one evening about every week to work on projects at her shop. It was such a treat to pick out a special ceramic ornament or figurinetopaint.Irememberthe smell of the shop, picking out special paints and Barbara guiding us on which brushes to use. Just watching my brothers paint their projects, and seeing my mom pick out special glazes for vases she would make for friends or family is a special memory. Those cold, dark country evenings at her shop is precious to me. I remember that every time I get out the Christmas ornaments and see those little old ceramics.

MEAGAN RUFFING, writer/columnist: One of my favorite holiday memories is when my brother, sister and I used to go sledding at my grandparent’s house.

MEAGANWITHSISTER,LAURA,ANDBROTHER,DONNY.

DORI THOMAS, writer: One of my fondest Christmas memories was in 2008 my mother-in-law, Julie, came over to help my daughter and I decorate the house for the holidays. We had so much fun trimming the tree, laughing and rejoicing when the lights worked. It was certainly a team effort. Her house always looks amazing during the holidays and she helped ours look equally festive. DORIWITHDAUGHTER,LEVEN.

holiday holiday memoriesholiday


SHEILA HARRIS, writer/columnist: I’ve always been fascinated by the way our minds associate certain smellsorsoundswithspecificmemories. For me, eggnog triggers just such a memory. The creamy holiday beverage, unavailable any other time of year, was something I don’t remember ever tasting until the Oxfords entered my life about 12 years ago. First Nick, who was a self-confessed eggnog-aholic, then my grandson Tyler, who obviously inherited the eggnog-appreciation gene. Tyler, with the sly ways of a big-eyed toddler, convinced this old grandma that I needed to keep a steady supply of eggnog in the house from Thanksgiving through the New Year for his drinking pleasure. And, darn it! If I didn’t acquire a taste for it myself! Eggnog, now, is a holiday staple in my home, indelibly linked in my mind with the arrival of my grandson.

PAM WORMINGTON, columnist: One of my favorite holiday memories was when I was a child, Santa brought our family a record player/entertainment center. Each member of our family got one piece of the unit and that meant that one person got the one album that accompanied the ‘entertainment’ center. I remember the album well, Crystal Gaylewithafloraldressandverylongbeautifulhair.Iprobablyremember all the words to every song too, as I mentioned we only had one album and we listened to it over and over.

PAM, WITH HUBBY, KIRK, AND DAUGHTERS, NICOLE AND KIMBERLY.

My favorite tradition is buying my girls Christmas Eve pajamas and them waking up Christmas morning and jumping in bed with their dad and I. I’m thinking that will all change this year! I’m pretty sure their husbands won’t go for that nonsense, nor will our bed hold up with six people.

AMANDA REESE, writer/columnist: One of our Christmas traditions is gathering together with family and friends to decorate Christmas cookies. Everyone decorates a cookie, men included. At the end we vote on the which cookie looks the best. So far, a guy has won every year.

AMANDA WITH HUSBAND, CLINT.

myself! Eggnog, now, is a holiday staple in my home, indelibly linked

friends to decorate Christmas cookies.

which cookie looks the best. So far, a guy

SUSAN FUNKHOUSER, writer: It may seem a bit odd, but one of my most treasured Christmas memories occurred at my Grandma Henderson’s funeral in December 2003. A gentle snow began to fall as we entered the funeral home for the service, but when we left for the cemetery both

the number and size of theflakesandthespeed

at which they fell increased dramatically. At the conclusion of the graveside service a beautiful, thick blanket of white covered the cemetery, in stark contrast to the bright red roses on my grandma’s casket. I’ll never forget the sense of peace and the presence of God in all His majesty that swept over me in that quiet moment. It was as if the snow fell as a benediction, a reminder from God that He makes all things new and that this life is not the end of the story. Roses will indeed bloom again.


VERONICA ZUCCA, art director: I love the smell of a real Christmas tree permeating throughout our little house during the holidays. Every year, my family and I head out afewdaysbeforeThanksgivingtofindtheperfectone.Itseemslikeourmissionistofindatreetotopthepreviousyear’s.Twoyearsago, we threw sensible thinking out the window and replaced it with a 9 1/2-foot-tall Fraser Fir that we clearly didn’t have room for. It was such a beautiful tree, after all, so we rearranged furnitureandsacrificedafewextra square feet in our living room. That Christmas Eve, we watched National Lampoons Christmas Vacation as we peered through the tree’s branches to catch a glimpse of the TV. The following year, we opted for a more traditional (and more appropriately-sized) tree.

ROB LOTUFO, writer/photographer: I always remember the Christmas Eve feast at my Auntie Anne’s house. It is a tradition in Italy to have the “Feast of the Seven Fishes” on this night. In a tiny three-story brownstone house in Queens, New York, within earshot of LaGuardia Airport, they would lay out a long banquet table and cram in 25 or 30 excited family members and guests. After feastingonshrimp,fish,squidand every other imaginable kind

of sea life, we were treated to delicious pastries, cake and cookies. It was a wonderful tradition, and a few of us are trying diligently to keep it alive, no matter where we hang our hats.

MURRAY BISHOFF, contributor: When I was four years old, my older brother, Leonard, told me to come with him one afternoon when our parents were out. We climbed the steps up into theunfinishedatticofourbigranch-stylehome in Pittsburgh, Penn., and walked through the darkness. At one end of the

attic were boxes, piles of toys and a bicycle. I saw the sight again onChristmasmorningonthelivingroomfloor.Ineverrevealedwe had explored the attic, but the upper level of the house seemed like magic to me ever after.

LITTLEMURRAY,CHRISTMASOF1955.

NANCY RIDGLEY, columnist: My favorite memory is the Christmas mornings when my children were still living at home. As sleep deprived as I was from wrapping gifts after the children fell asleep, until midnight and beyond, I always was just as excited as they were when they woke me from my slumber to open gifts even before the sun came up. None of us are morning people, except for one day of the year. What excitement on Christmas morning at 5 a.m.!!!!

JACOB BROWER, publisher: My wife and I have a Christmas tradition. On the eve of our firstfamilygathering, we enjoy a private

dinner before watching “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It’s a good reminder of how blessed we are, and how one life can touch so many others.

theunfinishedatticofourbigranch-style

through the darkness. At one end of the attic were boxes, piles of toys and a bicycle. I saw the sight again onChristmasmorningonthelivingroomfloor.Ineverrevealed

NANCY RIDGLEY, columnist:

dinner before watching “It’s a Wonderful Life.” It’s a good reminder of how blessed we are, and how one life can touch so many others.


MELONIE ROBERTS, contributor: When I was a kid, we had one of those silver aluminum Christmas trees. Each year, my dad would supervise the placement of the branches and then my mother would let my sister and I help

decoratewiththeornaments.Thefinalstep in this annual ritual was the

“turning on of the color wheel,” which would cast colored

lights onto the silver tree, causing us to “oooohhhh

and ahhhhh” through each rotation on that firstnight.Everyevening, right before the nightly news, one of us kids would be allowedto“fl ipthe

switch” for our nightly light show. Those snowy

evenings were some of the warmest of my childhood.

KATRINA HINE, writer: My favorite holiday tradition? Family games! It used to be, when I was young, that all the family would get together at one home. Usually the adult men watched football, but the rest would play games. Sometimes it would be Monopoly, or card games like Pitch. Then, when our kids were young, we would all get together and play games or watch Christmas movies – the oldies but goodies. You know where Santa rode a Norelco Razor in the commercial. Now that our children are grown and have children of their own, we still try to do the same things. Funny how things do not change that much even when your kids are pushing 30. They grab the really fuzzy warm blankets, snuggle up on the couches and beg Mom (me) to make caramel popcorn. Later over hot chocolate, we play board games, usually not Monopoly because it is no fun if Uncle Steven is not here to challenge, and short attention spans. Now with fivegrandkidswewanttocontinuetofocusonfamilyandtheimportance of just being together with no particular goal in mind.

KERRY HAYS, writer/photographer: My mother, Nancy Ruth Arlene Hays (nee Stollberg), was born during the New Deal of President Roosevelt and named after the National Recovery Act. She was one of the middle children in a German farm family that numbered a total of 12 brothers and sisters. Needless to say, I grew up surrounded by a large number of aunts, uncles and cousins. Each year during the Christmas season, the family would rent a hall somewhere in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area and gather together to celebrate the holidays. As a young crooner, I would often serenade my older relatives with my personal impression of Bing Crosby singing “White Christmas.” The highpoint of the event was watching the Green Bay Packers play and the highly anticipated arrival of the big guy in the red suit. When she was alive, Grandma Frieda would sit alongside Santa and carefully make sure each of the 40-plus cousins rece ived a shiny new one-dollar coin. It wasn’t until I was much older that I discovered one of the uncles would often be assigned Santa duty for the day.

The family has since grown and now numbers close to two hundred. The tradition still continues each year faithfully planned by those cousins with pleasant memories and big hearts. I just happened to be in the area that weekend last year and was assigned the dubious honor or wearing the red suit. Unfortunately, it also came complete with a Green Bay Packers Christmas hat. This was my family’s way of rubbing it in since I’ve been a fan of the beloved Chicago Bears for over 30 years.

KERRY NOW GETS HIS TURN TO PLAY THE FAMILY SANTA.

THE STOLLBERG FAMILY CHRISTMAS.

CHUCK NICKLE, photographer: Mostly I remember Christmases on the farm. The entire family would meet on Christmas morning after chores for breakfast and gift opening. Then, we’d play games until mid-afternoon.

were young, we would all get together and play games or watch Christmas movies – the oldies but goodies. You know where Santa rode a Norelco

Now that our children are

of their own, we still try to do the same things. Funny how things do not change that much even when your kids are pushing 30. They grab the really fuzzy warm blankets, snuggle up on the couches and beg Mom (me)

My mother, Nancy Ruth Arlene Hays (nee Stollberg), was born during the New Deal of President Roosevelt and named after the National Recovery Act. She was one of the middle children in a German farm family that numbered a total of 12 brothers and sisters. Needless to say, I grew up surrounded by a large number of aunts, uncles and cousins. Each year during the Christmas season, the family would rent a hall somewhere in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin, area and gather together to celebrate the holidays. As a young


LAYNE SLEETH, writer/photographer: Aside from setting up the tree, overplaying the Folk Holidays station on Pandora, and giving gifts (sometimes handmade) to my loves, one of my favorite Christmas traditions is going to Silver Dollar City in December. Seeing the lights and partaking of the Old Time Christmas stuff is something my family has done nearly every year. I love it. I can’t get enough funnel cakes, hot chocolate, and Fire In The Hole. n

ANNE ANGLE, columnist: A few years back, my family all decided that, instead of exchanging Christmas gifts, we would each make a donation to our favorite organization or charity. On Christmas day, during the time we would ordinarily be opening gifts, we shared with each other whom we had donated to and why that group was special to us. Among the recipients were Lives Under Construction, Ronald McDonald House, The Navigators, Wounded Warriors and the food pantry at the Methodist Church in Cassville. My grandsons, who were teenagers at the time, still talk about the year they didn’t get presents.

LISA CRAFT, advertising manager: I guess my fondest memory was spending the holidays at my paternal grandparents’ home. Their house was so big and yet it was always packed with people during this time of year. There was a large dining room table where we all sat for the holiday meal to give thanks. Her pies were awesome because coming from the generation that she did, everything was from scratch, even all of the crust! Grandpa would always create noise on the roof somehow to let us think Santa and his reindeer had arrived. There are many memories in that old house but they are all precious ones.

DARLENE WIERMAN, offi ce manager: A lot of my Christmas memories are about when I was attending school during my elementary school years at Mineral Springs. Christmas was a very special time of the year for our school. There were decorations to make and put up, a play to be performed, a stage to be built and decorated with curtains to be hung all around it, and our parts had to be memorized. The boys would go out in the woods and cut down the biggest cedartreethattheycouldfindthattheycould get through the schoolhouse door, and everyone participated in decorating the tree. We would practice our parts for the play several days before thenightfinallycametoperform it for our parents and the community. It was such a happy time with Santa there to hand out bags of candy and a gift to each student.

Wishing you a bless ed and happy holiday season�

From all of us at Connect ion Magazine

A s p e c i a l t h a n k y o u t o o u r l o y a l r e a d e r s a n d a d v e r t i s e r s .

DECEMBER 2014 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 63DECEMBER 2014 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 63

That jolly season is upon us again, when souls, either by freewill, or by the mandate of tradition, attempt to become joyously light-

hearted, solemnly worshipful and imbued with supernatural generosity. To be anything less is to be labeled a “Grinch,” a title I’ve certainly been guilty of wearing. Falling in with tradition doesn’t come easily for me, the Christmas tradition included. My world was once black and white, with the propriety of all actions based on religious decree. In that world which allowed for no gray area, I grew up not celebrating Christmas, and, as a much younger person, would have been happy to lay out all the whys and wherefores for not doing so. As I grew older, I went along with the celebration of Christmas as a means of keeping the peace, never because of any sense of religious conviction or moral obligation. In fact, if pressed, which, with the responsibilities of home and young children, I frequently was, I would take the rebellious stance of non-participation in certain holiday traditions.

&happy holidaysBYSHEILAHARRIS

merry christmas

With the arrival of my grandson, Tyler Oxford, though, came greater understanding. Suddenly, the celebration of Christmas was no longer an obligation, but all about the opportunity to spend

quality time with the newest love of my life, a cherub-cheeked baby boy with enormous blue eyes and a smile to die for. My one desire, and surely that of his other grandparents, was to shower gifts and attention upon him. Today, 12-year-old Tyler knows that he is loved. Is this not what the season is really all about, to express our gratitude for family and friends by using the holiday as an opportunity to gather with them to break the bread of life, and to honor traditions (if that is your tradition)? By doing so,

we strengthen familial and societal bonds and celebrate the spirit of love, which, in its essence, is God. That spirit, I now realize, transcends all of the artificial philosophical barriers we attempt to erect to separate ourselves from others. Yes, now I can fully enter into the spirit of the season, though perhaps not in the way others do.

I still do not believe that December 25th is the actual birthday of Jesus, nor do I feel any sense of obligation to celebrate His birth as a holiday. But I do rejoice in the message of love and liberation He brought to the world. And because I am now free, it is totally irrelevant to me whether you bid me “Merry Christmas,” or “Happy Holidays!”I’mjusthappyyouseefittoofferme salutations. Theletterofthelawkills;it’sthespirit that gives life. I choose life. I can love you whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, Yuletide, or none of the above. And whether I agree with you or not, I will respect your views and not attempt to force my own upon you. Unless, of course, you ask. Then, I’ll be more than happy share my opinions, for what they are worth. This holiday season, my prayer is that we set aside our differences in favor of promoting those things which make for peace, so that, in truth, He whom we call “ThePrinceofPeace”maybeglorified,not only during the Christmas season, but throughout the year. n

Sheila is an avid reader,compulsivegardener and a regularcontributortoConnectionMagazine.She lives in Purdy withherfatcat,Mr.Perkins.




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MonettHighSchoolfriendsLeighHobson,ofOlathe,Kansas,JackiePollard,ofMooresville,NorthCarolina,andBeverlyChildress,ofMonett,enjoyedatouratCharlotteMotorSpeedwayinCharlotte,NorthCarolina,andtookamomentinthewinnerscirclebyDaleEarnhardtJr’s#88carwiththeirissueoftheConnection.

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PhotosshouldbesentintheoriginalJPGformatatthehighestresolutionpossible.Ashortexplanationofwhoisinthephotoandwherethephotowastakenshouldalsobeincluded.



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Rita Rogers

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��

familiar faces22nd Annual Show! Held at the Cassville FEMA and Event Center on October 23, 25 and 26.1.BillyMcGuffey.2.BrendaBeckandBobAllen.3.JenniferWhithamandEmilyJackson.4.JeremiahHilburnandDrakeThomas.5.JeremyHilburn,

PhillipRoller,JoshDavison.6.MaryandGregBeck.7.SherryJohnson,MishaBlakelyandSimbraBoone.8.TreslynandKenPollreisz.

6 7 8

4

51

2 3



of Southern Missouri

www.freedombk.com

ENJOY THE FREEDOM

CASSVILLE97 S. Main Street417-846-1719

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SHELL KNOB24828 Hwy 39417-858-3136

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Free Dental Examand X-rays

Dale A. Kunkel, DDSand Associates2 Convenient Locations

825 Hwy 60, Ste. H • Monett, MO 65708P. 417-635-1173 • F. 417-635-1174

2040 LaQuesta Dr • Neosho, MO 64858P. 417-451-1566 • F. 417-451-5262

You don't haveto pay to find outwhat's wrong…Only to fix it!

4statesdentalcare.com

Hablamos Espanol

New PatientSpecial

We repair hail damage!


familiar facesChili and Salsa Cook-off was held on the Cassville Square on October 25. 1.TristanandTroyThompson.2.AnnaandElizabethHoffman,andLisaandJoeHoffman.3.NancyMayandAliceMcNabb.4.KellyandMyaMitchell.

5.LindaCowherdandJanFinney.6.BrianAtkinson,TinaRasmussenandAubrieAtkinson.7.EvelynBoothandKennethAllen.8.LoriPruittand

KathrynDailey.9.PhyllisandMikePetty.10.JudahandAydenAllen.11.DianeandCassvilleMayorBillShiveley.12.SavannahWarden,JoEllen

FieldingandMalinWarden.

10 11 12

7 8 9

4 5 6

1 2 3



TROGDON AGENCY, INC.SERVING SOUTHWEST MISSOURI SINCE 1907

www.trogdoninsurance.comP.O. Box 405 • 111 S. Market St. •Mt. Vernon

417.466.2800 • fax: 417.466.3066

Toll Free: 1.800.748.7756

AUTO • HOME • FARMBUSINESS • BONDS

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With our Soft Touch andTouch FreeAutomatic car wash, you will be sparklingclean and ready for fun in no time.

Good,clean fun.

Merry ChristmasMerry Christmasfrom SOUTH FORTY STABLES

Brian & Lea Smith • 620-290-2607 • Verona, Missouri

Did you know?You can view Connection online.cassville-democrat.commonett-times.com


familiar facesThe annual Miller Fall Festival was held Aug. 27-30 in downtown Miller. 1.MeganSchillereff,MadisonEstes,AndrewBarnett,DakotaWilliamsandNickBarbaro.2.LandonBragg,KathyKlaasmeyerandDelaneyBragg.

3.TomHausbackwithgranddaughterAveryHausback.4.TomBradleyandMiaVillars.5.CourtneyCole,KalebBishopandJennaBishop.6.Andrea,Dory,

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DougReynolds.10RachelColley,ScarlettColley-MeansandSusieColley-Means.11.PearlandHarryEutsler.12.RichardandDorisBelcher.

10 11 12

7 8 9

4 5 6

1 2 3



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36 | CONNECTION MAGAZINE FEBRUARY 2014AUGUST 2013 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 53

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We appreciate your support of Connection, and we hopeyou look forward to receiving and reading the magazineeach month. If you have any suggestions or feedback youwould like to share, please don’t hesitate to contact me [email protected].

Sincerely,

Lisa SchlichtmanConnection editor

Renew your subscription to Connection, southwest Missouri’s most popular magazine

Please fill out the attached subscriptionform. Send the form along with a checkpayable to Monett Times, money orderfor $40 or your credit card information toP.O. Box 40, Monett, MO 65708.

Please fill out the attached

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along with a check payable to

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$40 or your credit card information to

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DECEMBER 2014 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 75DECEMBER 2014 CONNECTION MAGAZINE | 75

“And Peace on Earth, G� dwi� toward Men.”MERRYCHRISTMASANDHAPPYNEWYEARFROMCONNECTION

parting shot BYJEFFTERRY


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