Show Me the Ozarks Magazine
Transcription
Show Me the Ozarks Magazine
Joplin’s spirit is stronger than any tornado. Loretta’s office, June 3, 2011 Today, our community stands proud. It’s because of the courageous people who live here. One of those people is local Allstate Agent Loretta Bailey. In 2011, when her office was completely destroyed by the tornado, she put her own needs aside to help her customers first. Now Loretta proudly announces the reopening of her office. Please stop by and help celebrate. Loretta’s new office, 2015 REOPENING CELEBRATION: Thursday, March 5 11:00 – 11:30 AM Dedication of a special tornado memorial officiated by Joplin Mayor Michael Seibert Loretta Bailey (417) 624-7355 2318 E 20th Street LorettaBailey@allstate.com 11:30 AM – 1 PM Community Appreciation Event with refreshments, giveaways and free document shredding © 2015 Allstate Insurance Co. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 1 2 March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 3 4 March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 5 SMTO contents March 2015 5th Annual Show Me The Ozarks Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center nature photography contest The winning photo in our 5th Annual Nature Photography Contest by Russell Kinerson on the cover 64 Wild Wonders The two winners of the 5th Annual Show Me The Ozarks Wildcat Glades Conservation& Audubon Center photography contest show their keen eye for the details of nature through their winning photos. Take a closer look at nature through the lenses of all the remarkable contest entries. 6 features Featuring Joplin 40 The Big Picture: Powerful Treatment 42 Clifford Wert on Connect2Culture 44 Community Perspective on Regional Business 45 Leslie Simpson Knows Joplin 46 Joplin Business Spotlights 49 The Future of a Landmark Joplin Building 50 Mixing It Up in Joplin: Superheroes vs. Villains 52 Play Ball! Joplin Blasters Pro Baseball Team 53 Students Love Joplin 58 Joplin Crusaders - Semi-Pro Football Team Strives to Repeat As National Champions Featuring Webb City 68 Cruise Night In Webb City 69 It’s April, so It’s Springtime on Broadway 70 Fresh Air and Fun 72 Webb City Business Spotlights in every edition other great reads WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE OZARKS 12 Calendar of Events - Spring starts this month, and you’ll find 15 18 19 20 plenty to do to celebrate the start of a new season. Find what you need for your wedding at a bridal swap meet or during a bride ride. Get your kids’ pictures taken with a live Easter bunny while they learn about rabbits and nature. Learn about area businesses and industries at the numerous area business expos. Whether you choose an indoor or outdoor activity, the options are endless in the Four-State Area! 16 Cultural Arts and Entertainment Calendar 38 Faces & Places HOME/LIFESTYLE 27 Tastes of the Four States - Pacific Rim 60 Your House...Your Home - Urban Industrial Design 62 Green Thumb - In Praise Of The Weird And Wonderful 86 The Great Outdoors - Using this month’s tips from Larry Fashionably Late? No, I Just Don’t Care. March at the Coleman Theatre Visit Bartlesville See You At The Big Show - Neosho’s 23rd Annual Business & Industry Review 88 A Naturalist Voice - A Happy Ending with a Touch of Class 58 Whiteley, you will catch more fish, attract more hummingbirds, and cook up a delicious meal! HEALTH 74 Heart of the Matter Women’s Health Luncheon 77 Health Events 78 Dental X-Rays: Who Needs ‘Em? 80 Colorectal Cancer - What is it? 81 The Relationship Between Substance Abuse and Poverty 82 Sleep, Sweet Sleep 83 New Tools for Evaluating and Monitoring Concussions 84 Colorectal Cancer, What You Should Know Can you find it? Find the Green smiley face on one of our pages. Email sue@showmetheozarks.com with the page number and spot where you found it. Submit your entry by the 15th of the month. A winner will be drawn from all the correct entries and will receive a gift certificate from an area retailer. One entry per household please. Good luck! Congratulations to Connie Wilkinson from Joplin, MO, winner of our February edition “Find the Green Smiley Face” contest. Connie wins two gift certificates to McAlister’s Deli in Joplin, MO. The Green Smiley face was on page 79 over the shoulder of a runner in the Chilly 5K Big Picture. Don’t miss a single edition of the magazine that has all of the region talking! Subscribe today! The Ozarks Magazine Since 2001 Subscription Form $41.99 - three years $32.99 - two years $19.99 - one year Name: Address: Form of payment: Check Credit Card Card Number: Name on Card: Card Expiration: / Mail this form with your check, money order or credit card info to: Show Me The Ozarks, PO Box 3325, Joplin, MO 64803 Call 417.455.9898 to place your subscription over the phone by credit card. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 7 The Ozarks Magazine Since 2001 Staff Publisher/Editor Lee Radcliff Editorial Director/Account Executive Sue Dillmon Associate Editors Vicki Cash Wendy Brunner-Lewis Kathleen Swift Graphic Designers Kristi Tucker George Radcliff marketing/executive photographer Tina Smith MARKETING ASSISTANT Lauren Guthery Promotions Coordinator Jamie Emery MIDAMERICARV.COM Staff Writers Vicki Cash Holly Hukill John Hacker Jeff Cantrell Kathleen Swift Don Lowe Rose Hansen Larry Wood Larry Whiteley Bridget Bauer Rodney Blaukat Christine Smith Kristin Nama Photographers Angela Spieker Rose Hansen Mandy Edmonson John Hacker Distribution Manager Mandy Edmonson Show Me The Ozarks Magazine is published monthly by Show Me Communications, PO Box 3325, Joplin, MO 64803. Copyright 2015 all rights reserved. Reproduction of this magazine, in part or in whole, is prohibited without written permission from SMTO. Subscription rates: $19.99 for one year, $32.99 for two years, $41.99 for three years. Advertising rates sent on request. Unsolicited manuscripts, photographs, and art will not be returned unless accompanied by self-addressed envelope with sufficient postage. 8 NOTE: Information published herein is subject to change without notice. Reproduction in whole or in part is strictly prohibited by law. SMTO makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of published information, however the publisher cannot be held responsible for any consequences arising from errors or omissions. SMTO does not take responsibility for, or always endorse the opinions of contributors or advertisers. SMTO reserves the right to not run an ad or article that is reviewed to be in bad taste or goes against the focus or mission of that of Show Me The Ozarks Magazine. Editor photo by Artistic Expressions. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 9 “My reported demise has been greatly exaggerated” – Mark Twain IRAs ARE ALIVE AND WELL. In fact, just about everybody can still make a full contribution to their IRA. And, many individuals may be eligible to receive a full deduction for their contribution. For more information, contact: Making a Difference in Our Communities The crucial ingredient to making a difference is the passion shared by the people of our community. To the small businesses, our students, area non-profits and the volunteers, the passion to make our home the greatest place to live overflows in our region, and all of us on the Show Me team are proud to celebrate Joplin’s 142nd birthday. In celebration of this milestone, we have featured 11 students from four Joplin schools who share messages about the history, the resilience and their love for our city. In addition to the celebration of the birth of our great city, we have honored locally owned businesses that are celebrating 10 to 90 years of business in our Joplin Business Spotlights. Warmer weather is just in sight. Our March edition is perhaps a teaser for what is about to come. We are highlighting an astonishing cast of nature photographers who shared their amazing gift for taking pictures and capturing the beauty of our region. With 43 entries, we are happy to announce Russell Kinerson is the winner of 5th Annual Nature Photography Contest. Russell has entered our contest every year and has volunteered over 700 hours at the Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center. We could not think of a better recipient. Thank you to our judges, Patrick Tuttle, Brad Douglas, Kerstin Landwer and Kristi Tucker, and all the readers who entered. Since its inception, SMTO has raised over $7,000 for the center through this contest, and we want to keep that going! Watch for our contest again next year! Keep sending in your entries for the 13th Annual 4-State Baby Contest. We not only have passionate adults in our region, but the cutest babies too. The winner will be featured on the cover of the May edition of SMTO Magazine. Check out our Facebook page to see all the entries, and find more information on how to enter on page four of this edition! We want to hear from you! Come see the Show Me team at the Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce Business Expo March 7. By stopping by and telling us what you would like to see in our upcoming editions, you will receive two free spins on our “Wheel of Chance.” Lucky spinners have the chance to win a St. Patrick’s Day bouquet and gift cards to locally owned fine dining! Kenneth Williams Vice President/Investments (417) 781-6161 (800) 890-7007 We will also be at the Neosho Business & Industry Review March 20 and 21. Again, stop by and tell us what you would like to read and see, and spin the “Wheel of Chance.” Lucky spinners will have a chance to win an Easter lily and gift cards to locally owned fine dining! Sharing your favorite read or find within a past SMTO edition will earn you two free spins! Happy March! May your St. Patrick’s Day be filled with enchantment, good luck, happiness and lots of spring sunshine. We hope you find your pot of gold! Happy Birthday, Joplin! 401 S. Main Street Joplin, Missouri 64801 Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated Member SIPC & NYSE | www.stifel.com 10 Lee Radcliff Editor/Publisher editor@showmetheozarks.com P.O. Box 3325 • Joplin, MO 64803 (417) 455-9898 • (417) 850-5557 Like us at /ShowMe The Ozarks Magazine Follow us @ShowMeMag01 March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 11 SMTO Calendar of Events What’s Happening in the Ozarks If you have an event you would like to see listed in the Calendar of Events, please email your request to: sue@showmetheozarks.com, or mail your submission to Show Me The Ozarks, 18724 Hwy 59, Neosho, MO 64850. Events are printed on a space available basis, and must be received by the 5th of the month prior to the month of the scheduled event. Franklin, KS March 1-March 28: Miners Hall Museum Special Exhibit: A Stitch in Time, Mon-Sat 10 am-4 pm, Miners Hall Museum, 701 S. Broadway St. Special programming will be held, visit Facebook page for more information. Call 620.347.4220. March 8: Miners Hall Museum-Counted Cross Stitch, 10 am, Miners Hall Museum, 701 S. Broadway St. Bev Pommier will present basic cross stitch information along with an easy project for participants. Materials provided; free. Call 620.347.4220. Pittsburg, KS March 7: PSU International Students Food and Culture Fair, 5-7 pm, Pittsburg’s Memorial Auditorium, lower level, 503 N. Pine. International diversity on the Pittsburg State University campus will be on display; open to the community. Call 620.235.4680. March 14: Shamrock Shuffle 5K, 8 am, Lincoln Center. A guessyour-time format with prizes for the top three individual male and females, top three teams that cross the finish line. All runners and participants encouraged to wear green to show their spirit! Online registration at https://pprd.pittks.org/ or call 620.231.1000. March 15: SEK Humane Society Chili Fundraiser and Country Store, 11 am-2 pm, lower level of Pittsburg Memorial Auditorium. Tickets $7 and includes chili, crackers, dessert and drink. Proceeds go toward the care and maintenance of the homeless animals at the shelter. Contact 620.232.1840. March 27-28: Pittsburg Area Chamber of Commerce Biz Expo, Pittsburg’s Meadowbrook Mall. The public is invited to attend this free event that showcases a wide variety of products and services from area businesses. Booth space available, call 620.231.1000 or visit http://pittsburgareachamber.com. Aurora, MO March 28: Annual Business EXPO, 10 am-2 pm, Aurora High School, 305 W. Prospect. Giveaways, drawings and door prizes. Call 417.678.4150 or auroracoc@mo-net.com. Carl Junction, MO March 7: Carl Junction Business Expo, 9 am-2 pm. Carl Junction Community Center, 303 N. Main. Admission $2/adults, children under 12 free. March 14: Carl Junction Lion’s Club Community Breakfast, 7-10 am, Carl Junction Community Center, 303 N. Main. All-youcan-eat breakfast. Adults/$5, children/$3. Call 417.649.8846. Carthage, MO Every Friday: The Woodshed, inside Cherry’s Emporium on the Square, 7:30 pm. Live music. $5 admission. Call 417.358.2707. Diamond, MO George Washington Carver National Monument Visitor Center Free Programs, two miles west of Diamond on Highway V, then 1/4 mile south on Carver Road. Visitor center and park grounds open daily 9 am-5 pm. Call 417.325.4151 or visit www.nps.gov/gwca. March 1: Ida B. Wells, 1 pm. Thirty-minute film explores the life of a woman who fought against lynching in the South and worked as teacher, journalist and human rights activist. March 7 & 8: George Washington Carver, An Uncommon Way, 1 pm. Fifty-minute film documentary produced by Franklin Springs Family Media chronicles Carver’s life story, from his struggles to obtain an education through his rise to fame as a scientist, educator and humanitarian. March 14 & 15: Carver Laboratory Demonstrations, 11 am1 pm. Want to learn about some of the products George Washington Carver developed in his laboratory? Discover how Carver used some often-overlooked plants to change the way we think about agriculture. March 15-22: Peep into Spring, 9 am-4 pm. The Partnership for Environmental Education (PEEP) invites you to get your own PEEP Passport. Visit the park and five area sites that conserve natural resources to earn a special patch. March 21 & 22: Old-Fashioned Toys & Games, 10 am-4 pm. Playtime was a simple affair in the 19th century, as children invented their own games or played with homemade toys. Stop by the visitor center and experience the joy of playing with some old-fashioned toys and games. This is a self-guided activity. 12 March 28: George Washington Carver National Monument Art and Essay Award Program, 2 pm. The public is invited to attend this program recognizing the efforts of the many hardworking fourth grade students who submitted essays and artwork based on the life of George Washington Carver. Coffee With Carver Series March 19: Carver’s Bulletins: Tomatoes and More, 10-11 am. Have coffee and learn more about the work of George Washington Carver. Program intended for ages 18 and up. Joplin, MO Every Friday: Friday Nights Out at Victory, 6-9 pm, 3405 S. Hammons Blvd., $3/person; max of $15/family. Gym membership card gets half off admission. Open basketball court, archery tag, pool tables, foosball, bracelet making, Wii, Xbox 360, food available from West Coast Tacos and BBQ. Impact Life praise team performs from 7-9 pm. Call 417.206.6886. March 1: Wedding Stuff Bridal Swap Meet, 12-3 pm, Cosmopolitan Event Center, 501 S. Main. Find repurposed items, shabby chic, new items, homemade decor, used decor, catering, planning, photographers and honeymoon options, plus glassware, wedding-related, burlap and lace, floral, reception venues and even dresses and changing rooms to try them on. $2. For booth application and info call 417.629.2495 or email joplinfestivalgroup@gmail.com. March 3: First Tuesday Fundraiser Luncheon, 11:30 am-1 pm. First Presbyterian Church, 509 S. Pearl. Lunch includes choice of chili with or without beans, spaghetti red with or without beans, or lasagna. Includes salad, dessert and drink. $6. Carry-outs available. This month’s lunch benefits the Community Clinic. Call 417.624.2433. March 6: Joplin Woman’s Club, noon, Twin Hills. The program will be “Carolyn Trout Does Her Eggs.” $11. Hostesses are Gwen Delano, Pat Crespino and Mary Reynolds. Call 417.781.6138. March 8: Joplin Bride Ride 2, 11 am-3 pm. Visit great wedding and reception venues, and vendors around Joplin via limousine or charter party bus. Dining, drink options and prizes. $10 per guest for food, drinks, transportation. Call 417.629.2495. Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center Open Wednesday-Saturday 9 am-5 pm, Sunday 12-4 pm, closed Monday and Tuesday. Wildcat Park and nature trails open 7 days a week, dawn to dusk. All programs are held at Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center, 201 W. Riviera Dr., Suite A, Joplin. Programs require preregistration. Call 417.782.6287 or visit www.wildcatglades.audubon.org. March 7: Feeling Blue, 1-3 pm. Age: 10+. $5 per person members/$10 per person non-members. They’re our state bird and they need homes, too! Learn all about the magnificent bluebird and what you can do to help them. Make a bluebird house to take home, and help us spruce up last year’s bluebird houses in the park as we prepare for the nesting season. March 14: Bunny Hop-Preschool Nature Connections, 10-11 am. Age: 3-6 years. $5 per child members/ $10 per child non-members. Hop on over to the Center to learn more about rabbits. Songs, games, crafts and stories will help us learn more about this common Missouri mammal. We will spend some time outside looking for rabbits, their food and places where they may raise their young. Our time will include a visit from a special, live bunny friend! Stay after the program and get a professional photo of your child with him for a small fee. March 14: Pictures with the Bunny, 11:30 am-12:30 pm. All ages welcome. $5 per person members/$10 per person non-members. Join photographer Russ Kinerson for pictures with our very own live Easter bunny! Photos will be mailed the following week, just in time to send out in your springtime greetings to family and friends. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 13 SMTO Calendar of Events What’s Happening in the Ozarks March 20: First Day of Spring Hike and PEEP Passports, 10 am-12 pm. Age: 6+. $5 per person members/$10 per person nonmembers. Need a fun activity with the kids over spring break? Join us on a moderate hike to look for signs of spring, from birds singing to flowers blooming, and much more! You can also pick up your PEEP (Partnership for Environmental Education Partnership) Passport (free) at any time and visit other interpretive sites in the area. During your visit, answer the questions for that PEEP site and receive a stamp or sticker. Once you have visited at least six of the eight sites, you earn a cool PEEP patch! March 21: Yoga in Nature, 9-10 am. All ages; $3 per person members/$6 per person non-members. Enjoy exercising at your own level beside beautiful Shoal Creek. Instructor Connelaine Gustad teaches Hatha Yoga, exercise for balance, strength, flexibility and endurance, which can instill harmony and tranquility in one’s life. Program held indoors in inclement weather. March 27: Flying WILD Bird Workshop for Homeschooled Families, 10 am-3 pm. All ages welcome, $22 per family. Exploring bird biology, behavior, sounds, flight and habitat can be an adventure in learning for you and your family with the environmental education program Flying WILD. Participants will experience a fun, hands-on supplementary curriculum that engages children in real inquiry and meets National Science standards. The 43 activities in the program guide help middle school students excel academically and learn science process skills. The activities can also be easily adapted for younger children. Everyone should bring a sack lunch, but snacks and some supplies are provided. Lamar, MO Neosho, MO Newton County Extension Center events: March 10: Buying Bulls for Economic Success, 6 pm, Newton County Extension Center, 18728 Hwy 59. Eldon Cole, livestock specialist, is the keynote speaker. $10 per class or three for $25. Call 417.455.9500. March 17: Working with Volunteers, 6 pm, Newton County Extension Center, 18728 Hwy 59. Jeremy Elliot, 4-H youth development specialist,, is the speaker. $10 per class or three for $25. Call 417.455.9500. March 24: Identify & Strengthen Leadership Skills, 6 pm, Newton County Extension Center, 18728 Hwy 59. Kathy Macomber, community development specialist, is the speaker. $10 per class or three for $25. Call 417.455.9500. March 31: High Performing Teams, Raising the Bar, 6 pm, Newton County Extension Center, 18728 Hwy 59. Kathy Macomber, community development specialist, is the speaker. $10 per class or three for $25. Call 417.455.9500. Neosho, MO March 14: Veteran & Active Duty Military Fishing Day, 10 am-2 pm, Neosho National Fish Hatchery, 520 East Park St. Free fishing and lunch provided for active and retired military. No license or tag required; however, there is a four-trout limit. Volunteers will be available to clean and bag your catch on ice. Call 417.451.0554. March 20 & 21: 23rd annual Neosho Business & Industry Review, 5-8 pm Friday, 10 am-2 pm Saturday, Neosho High School. Businesses promote their products and services; drawings and door prizes. Call 417.451.1925. Pineville, MO Every Monday: Senior Center Activities, 9 am, Barton County Senior Center, 306 W. 11th St. We offer cards, dominoes, exercise equipment, a reading library, pool, computer/Internet access and Wii. Call 417.682.3881. March 28: Health Fair/Business Expo, 8 am-2 pm, McDonald County High School. The Freeman Screen Team and various medical vendors will be at the Health Fair. After visiting that, step across the hall to the non-profit booths and then into the gym for the business displays. Call 417.223.8888. Monett, MO Webb City, MO March 2: Monett Senior Dance, 7 pm, Senior Center, 415 Dairy Street. Monthly dance, $3. Call 417.235.3285. Every Saturday: Farmers Market, 9 am-noon, under the pavilions, King Jack Park. www.webbcityfarmersmarket.com. 14 Not It’s Rocket Science Fashionably Late? No, I Just Don’t Care. I By Rodney Blaukat hate to be late. I hate it more than I hate jalapenos, and I really hate jalapenos. I have always operated on the premise if you’re not early you are late. To me there is no excuse for being late. Now, I’ve noticed as time has gone by — and my hair grays — society has come to accept the fact that being late is OK. How many times have you heard someone say, “We are fashionably late”? I don’t think so. You are either on time, or late. Period. Now, I know several people who already have their excuses for being late ready to go as if they are pulling out arrows from their quiver. I was held up in traffic, the kids were running behind, I got a phone call, aliens captured my body, on and on and on. But I think we all know deep down it is because we did not plan ahead. We are late because we want to be late, whether we will admit that or not. So instead we say we are “fashionably late” as if it is some sort of award. What if we applied the same logic to every area of our lives, not just certain events? I’ll let my boss know that I’ll be “fashionably late” to work. The waiter at the restaurant will be “fashionably late” getting our food to us. The movie will be “fashionably late” in starting. I think you get the idea. I was thinking about this the other day while sitting in church. I couldn’t believe how many people are “fashionably late” to church. We make sure we are early to ballgames, movies, appointments and activities, but we stroll into church whenever we can. I heard a minister once tell the congregation, “How do you think the praise team feels when everyone comes in late each week?” They work hard all week to put together a meaningful worship service only to have the congregation come in when they want. Of all the places you wouldn’t want to be late, church should be the first on the list. Getting to church or wherever you are going on time is a matter of priorities. We all make choices as to when we leave and when we will get there. If you are going to make a fashion statement, don’t make it being late. It’s Not Rocket Science...It’s Rocket Science Made Easy. Rodney Blaukat is a speaker, trainer, all around good guy and the author of Rocket Science Made Easy. He can be reached at www.rocketsciencemadeeasy.com and rodney@theblaukatgroup.com. Positive Hit Music! Local Radio done Right! Share the “Love” Up with It’s a LifeStyle HowieWake & Bubba 6am-9am Lisa Davis “Work Day” Life Line 9am-3pm Karson with a ‘K’ 3pm-6pm Andrea 6pm-11pm Request Line: 417.623.0105 Listen Live @ MyNewLifeRadio.com March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 15 Carthage, MO March 7, 14, 21 & 28: Painting for All Ages, 12:30-2 pm, Cherry’s Art Emporium, 311 S. Main St. Cost $30, includes materials. Call 417.358.2707. March 12: Canvas & Cocktails, 6-8:30 pm, Cherry’s Art Emporium, 311 S. Main St. Cost $40, includes materials and cocktail. Call 417.358.2707. March 25-29: The Fantasticks, 7:30 pm, 2:30 pm Sunday matinee, Joplin Little Theatre. A funny and romantic musical about a boy, a girl, two fathers and a wall. Visit www.joplinlittletheatre.org or call 417.623.3638. March 20-22 & March 27-29: Little Old Ladies in Tennis Shoes. Doors open 6 pm, show starts 7:30 pm; Sunday matinee: doors open 12:30 pm, show 2 pm. Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre, 2466 W. Old Route 66 Blvd. Adults: $24.50; seniors (55 and up): $21; youth (13-18): $21; children: $12. Call 417.358.9665 or visit www.stonesthrowdinnertheatre.webs.com. March 27: Fourth Friday Film Night, 7 pm, Phoenix Fired Art, 1603 S. Main. Showcases artists’ biographies, art techniques and philosophical art-related films. Donations accepted. Bring your own camp chairs and snacks. Call 417.437.9281. Joplin, MO March: Student Artwork Exhibit, Joplin Public Library (Children’s Department), 300 S. Main. Display featuring the artwork of different Joplin Elementary School students. This month, artwork was created by 2nd grade students from Columbia Elementary. Call 417.623.7953. Through March 28: Trash-To-Art 2015 Contest. Contest to celebrate the Joplin Recycling Center’s 15th anniversary. Entries must be made of materials that would otherwise be discarded. Pick up entry form at the Post Art Library, 300 S. Main St., or Joplin City Hall, First Floor Reception Counter, 602 S. Main St., or at www.joplinmo.org. Call 417.782.7678 or 417.624.0820, Ext. 501. March 1-31: Laura Horn Mixed Media Exhibit, 300 S. Main St., Monday & Thursday 9:30 am-7:30 pm; Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday 9:30 am-5:30 pm; Sunday 1-5:00 pm. Laura Horn will display quilled (paper filigree) pieces and “stained glass” style watercolor paintings. Free. Call 417.782.7678. March 4: Connect2Culture Arts Roundtable: What Everyone Should Know About Copyrights, 5–7 pm, Post Memorial Art Reference Library, 300 S. Main St. Attendees will learn the basics of copyright law: who owns what, how much you can use of someone else’s work, what’s really “fair” about “fair use,” what happens when you sell a piece and how to avoid disputes. Call 417.625.6683. March 5: Pro Musica presents the Lysander Piano Trio, 7 pm, First Baptist Church, 633 S. Pearl. Free; however, donations appreciated. For more information: www.promusicajoplin.org or 417.625.1822. March 6 & 7: Heartland Opera Theatre presents Down In the Valley, 7 pm, TJ Concert Hall. Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School and Heartland Opera Theatre join forces to present a beautiful American story about jealousy and young love. Call 417.782.4953. March 6: A Local Female Art Group – Meeting & Critique, 6-9 pm, Phoenix Fired Art, 1603 S. Main. Second meeting and first critique. Bring your artwork: 2-D, 3-D, writing, acting, etc. Bring as many pieces as you want. All levels and ages welcome. Call 417.437.9281. March 7 & 8: Straw into Gold: The Classic Tale of Rumpelstiltskin, 2:30 pm, Taylor Performing Arts Center. The story of Rumpelstiltskin, the evil troll who can spin straw into gold. Blackmail, treachery and romance are all spun into this classic tale. Call 417.625.9393. March 12: Joplin Writers Guild, 6 pm, second Thursday of every month, Joplin Public Library meeting room, 300 S. Main St. Open to the public. Dues $7.50 for the year. If interested, attend first meeting free. Wide array of people attend from hobbyists to professional, published writers. Call 417.623.7953. March 19-29: Stained Glass Theatre Joplin presents Pygmalion, Thu–Sat: 7 pm, Sun: 2:30 pm, Location: TBA. Based on classical myth, Bernard Shaw’s «Pygmalion» plays on the complex business of human relationships in a social world. Call 417.626.1293. 16 March 21: Explore & Play! It’s Alphabet Day, 10:30 am, Joplin Public Library, 300 S. Main, ages 1-5. Fun, hands-on time just for families with busy toddlers and preschoolers. Free and open to the public. Call 417.623.7953. Exhibits: March 2–28: Dreadful 7, MSSU Spiva Art Gallery. Among the 3-D art showcase is original works by art faculty members. 417.625.6683. Classes: Every Wednesday & Saturday: Classes at Local Color, 10 am–6 pm, Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, 1027 S. Main St. Each session is come and go. 10 am-2 pm: Donna Roberts specializes in realism and experimental techniques for creative watercolors and acrylics. $25 per class. Call 417.623.3727. From 2-6 pm: Paula Giltner will teach realism watercolor and acrylic painting techniques and design principles. $25 per class. Call Paula at 417.291.1486. Every Saturday: Painting Class, 12:30-3 pm, ages 8+, Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, 1027 S. Main St. Enjoy creating your own work of art with help from experienced local artists. All materials furnished. $35. Call to reserve: 417.553.0835. March 14: Art Feeds Second Saturday Workshop, 9-11:30 am, St. Paul’s Preschool, Rainbow Color Explosion! K-5th grade workshops are open to the community and organized around a fun, imaginative theme. Includes four projects and a snack. $25 for online pre-registration; $30 at the door. Registration: www.classy.org/joplin/events/art-feeds-2nd-saturdayworkshops/e33113. March 16: Chat n Craft for Adults, 5:30-8 pm, Joplin Public Library, 300 S. Main St. Meets every third Monday. Share ideas, tips and tricks with other crafters. Bring your current craft project. Call 417.623.7953. March 28: The Hip Handmade Market, 10 am-4 pm, The Amelie & The Roxy, 104 S. Joplin Ave. Southwest Missouri’s hippest craft show is back with over 50 vendors. Email info@thehiphandmademarket.com. RSVPaint-Joplin 420 S. Main St. All events last two hours. Pricing includes acrylic paints, canvas, brushes, easel, apron and instruction. $35 each. Ages 13 and over unless otherwise noted; 21 and over to consume alcohol. RSVP in advance. 417.680.5434 or visit www.rsvpaint.com. March 1: 1-3 pm, “Juniper Pearl’ with Coleman March 4: 1-9 pm, Walk-In Wednesday Open Studio March 5: 7-9 pm, “Cat Noir” with Jordan March 6: 7-9 pm, Date Night “Canoe For Two” with Jordan March 7: 1-3 pm, “Red Umbrella” with Jordan If you have an event you would like to see listed in the Cultural Arts and Entertainment section, please email your request to: sue@showmetheozarks.com, or mail your submission to Show Me The Ozarks, 18724 Hwy 59, Neosho, MO 64850. Events are printed on a space available basis, and must be received by the 5th of the month prior to the month of the scheduled event. March 7: 7-9 pm, “Red Umbrella” with Jordan March 8: 1-3 pm, “Country Church” with Jordan March 9: 6:30-9 pm, Master Study, “Monet›s Sunrise” with Jordan March 28: Beginner Pysanky Egg Design, 10 am-1 pm. Ages: 13+. Cost: $35. Learn this ancient art form of using egg shells, beeswax and water soluble dyes to create masterpieces in miniature. March 12: 7-9 pm, “Hydrangea Garden” with Coleman March 28: Advanced Pysanky Egg Design, 2-5 pm. Ages: 13+. Cost $35. Build on the knowledge gained in the beginner’s class by trying more intricate designs and increasing the dye selections. March 13: 7-9 pm, “Irish Pride” with Coleman Exhibits: March 14: 1-3 pm, All Ages Family Paint, “Elephant” with Coleman Opening March 7: Main Gallery: PhotoSpiva 2015. This 39th edition of the longest-running photography competition in the nation features 85 photographs that were accepted from 809 submitted from across the U.S. March 11: 1-9 pm, Walk-In Wednesday Open Studio March 14: 7-9 pm, “Butterfly Spiral” with Jordan March 15: 1-3 pm, “Celtic Cross” with Jordan March 15: 5-8 pm, Paint Your Pet by Petsway March 18: 1-9 pm, Walk-In Wednesday Open Studio March 19: Third Thursday. RSVPaint Celebrates One Year in Joplin! March 20: 7-9 pm, Date Night, “Serene Eventide” with Coleman March 21: 1-3 pm, All Ages Family Paint, “Shake a Tail-feather” with Coleman March 21: 7-9 pm, Date Night, “Splash of Red” with Jordan March 22: 1-3 pm, All Ages Family Paint, “Shake a Tail-feather” with Coleman March 23: 6:30-9 pm, Master Study, “Klimt’s Field of Poppies” with Jordan March 25: 1-9 pm, Walk-In Wednesday Open Studio March 26: 7-9 pm, “Sapphire Poms” with Coleman March 27: 7-9 pm, “Bicycle” with Jordan March 28: 1-3 pm, All Ages Family Paint, “Over the Rainbow” with Coleman March 28: 7-9 pm, “I would Lasso the Moon” with Jordan March 29: 1-3 pm, “Chrysanthemums” with Coleman Spiva Center for the Arts Third and Wall streets. Galleries and gift shop hours: 10 am-5 pm Tuesday-Saturday; 1-5 pm Sunday; closed Mondays and major holidays. Suggested voluntary contribution for admission is $2 adults; $1 children. Call 417.623.0183. Complete listing of classes at www.spivaarts.org or follow us on Facebook. Classes: March 2 & 9: Art Lounge, 5-8 pm. Ages: 14-18. Cost: $99 for nine weeks. Explore professional art studios or learn how to create a blog to showcase art en route to building a portfolio. Class fee includes a light meal each week. March 3, 10, 17, 24 & 31: Creation Station, 3:45-5:15 pm. Ages: 6-12, $5 per class. Drop in to experiment with a variety of media: painting, drawing, clay, sculpture, collage, photography and printmaking. Please pre-register. March 5, 12, 19 & 26: Young Painter, 3:45-5:15 pm. Ages: 6-12, $10 per class. Learn the basics of painting. Weekend Classes March 7: Anime with Amber Baker, 11 am-1 pm. Ages: 12-18. Cost: $25 per class. Observe the work of professional anime artists, then practice on real anime boards to create your character, storyline and background. March 14: Stamped Leather Bracelets, 1-3 pm. Ages: 10+. Cost: $15. Learn how to stamp a creative design into a leather bracelet, then finish it off with a waterproof coating. Regional Gallery: Wildly Serene: Paintings by Jack Davis. Local artist Davis fills his canvases with texture, light and color to bring wildlife and nature’s drama to life. Upstairs Gallery: PhotoSpiva Kids. The children’s answer to PhotoSpiva, this exhibit features the work of 12 shutterbugs ages four through eight. Pittsburg, KS February 26-March 1: PSU Theatre Presents Eurydice, PSU Bicknell Family Center for the Arts. Sarah Ruhl reimagines the classic myth of Orpheus through the eyes of its heroine. Call 620.235.4796. March 6: 41st Annual PSU Jazz Festival, 1 pm, concert 7:30-9:45 pm, Bicknell Family Center for the Arts & Memorial Auditorium, 503 N. Pine. Free. Sixty-plus public school and community college performing groups. Jazz Festival Concert with DIVA. Tickets at the door or PSU ticket office. Call 620.235.4796. March 7: String Madness Concert: String Band Music from Bach to Bebop, 3 pm, Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, 503 N. Pine. Three hot instrumentalists pool their talents to form String Madness. Call 620.231.7000. March 7: PSU International Students Food and Culture Fair, 5-7 pm, Pittsburg’s Memorial Auditorium, 503 N. Pine. Rich international diversity on display. Call 620.235.4680. March 12: A Tribute to America and the Arts: Gene Bicknell in Concert, 7-9 pm, Bicknell Family Center. Grand opening celebration produced by entertainment veteran and philanthropist Gene Bicknell features performances by the Pittsburg State University choirs, the SEK Symphony and Pittsburg State Theatre. Tickets prices: $22 general public, $15 seniors (65 and over), children (18 and under) and PSU faculty/staff, and free for fee-paying PSU students. Visit www.bicknellcenter.com or call 620.235.4796. March 25: PSU Performing Arts & Lecture Series Presents World-Famous Illusionist Reza, 7:30-9:30 pm, Bicknell Family Center for the Arts, 503 N. Pine. Hailed by critics as the nation’s top touring illusionist. Call 620.231.7000. March 27-29: Pittsburg Community Theatre Presents, Yours, Anne, 7:30 pm, March 29 at 2 pm, Pittsburg’s Memorial Auditorium. Call 620.231.7827. March 27: Southeast Kansas Symphony Young People’s Concert, 10-11 am, Bicknell Family Center for the Arts. Free. Based on the children’s book Zin, Zin, Zin! A Violin! Perfect for young listeners. Call 620.235.4472. March 27: Lark Quartet, 7:30-9:30 pm, Sharon Kay Dean Recital Hall, Pittsburg State University. For ticket information visit www.pittstate.edu/office/tickets/. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 17 March at the Coleman Theatre D ennis James will bring the “Mighty Wurlitzer” pipe organ to life for a double-feature silent movie presentation March 7 and 8 at the Coleman Theatre Beautiful in downtown Miami. James will present a pair of one-hour silent movies from 1915: The Cheat and A Fool There Was, that were considered scandalous, sexthemed features in their day, but are quite tame by modern standards. Both films will be shown at each performance. Show times are 7:30 pm. March 7 and 2:30 pm. March 8. The Cheat is an American silent drama film directed by Cecil B. DeMille starring Fannie Ward, Sessue Hayakawa and Jack Dean, Ward’s real-life husband. The silent melodrama was a key film in the early career of Cecil B. DeMille and one that helped establish his reputation as a top-echelon director. According to DeMille biographer Anne Edwards, the film “set standards of acting, decor, frame composition and lighting which were not surpassed for years.” The Cheat also had a profound influence on the early development of filmmaking, especially in its innovative camera techniques and “sexually charged content.” The movie was named to the National Film Registry in 1993. A Fool There Was is an American silent film drama produced by William Fox and starring Theda Bara. The film was long considered controversial for such risqué intertitle cards as “Kiss me, my fool!” It is also one of the few movies with Bara that still exist today. This film represents the origin of the term “vamp (short for vampire),” referring to a femme fatale who causes the moral loss of those she seduces, and about how a vampire fascinates then exhausts its victims. The full-bosomed Bara became an overnight sensation after her appearance in this melodrama. She was a Hollywood creation who mixed ruthlessness and dark erotic sexiness into her numerous roles. She often appeared in risqué transparent costumes in her more than 40 films created from 1914 to 1919. In A Fool There Was, she was dubbed the “Vamp” and became the screen’s first femme fatale (the first dangerous female in the movies) and first movie sex goddess or sex symbol. Bara delivered her most famous film lines in this film, shown in two title cards, as she draped her arms over her victim and said, “You have ruined me, you devil, and now you discard me! Kiss me, my fool!” To purchase tickets or for more information, call the Coleman Theatre at 918.540.2425 or stop by the box office window at 103 North Main in Miami. Mastercard, Visa, Discover and American Express are accepted. 18 Visit Bartlesville S pring is in the air, and March is a perfect time to travel to Bartlesville, Oklahoma. Just two hours southwest of Joplin, this Oklahoma destination is full of history, arts and family fun! The Bartlesville Community Center will host several concerts starting with the Bartlesville Symphony Orchestra’s “Bach to Bluegrass” concert March 7. Featured artist Jana Jae will bring her style of country fiddling to the stage featuring Western swing, bluegrass, pop and the classics. Combined with the stirring sounds of the symphony, this concert is sure to be a hit. March 13 brings Cornet Chop Suey to the stage as part of the Bartlesville Community Concert Series. This seven-piece band applies its own exciting style to traditional jazz, swing, blues and “big production” numbers. Every performance by Cornet Chop Suey is a high-energy presentation and a memorable experience for the audience. Familiar tunes include Peter Gunn, Pink Panther Theme, Wonderful World and Sweet Georgia Brown. Saturday, March 14, the OK Mozart Festival will host the St. Paddy’s Day March Madness event at the BCC’s Community Hall. The event includes traditional Irish food, live music by Kilkenny Road and an easy lesson on how to do the Irish jig. OKM’s artistic director Constantine Kitsopoulos, whose musical experiences span the worlds of opera and symphony in such venues as Carnegie Hall, Alice Tully Hall and Royal Albert Hall, will sit down at the piano to provide accompaniment for two of the soloists featured in this year’s opera presentation of “Don Giovanni” at the OK Mozart festival in June. For family fun, Woolaroc Wildlife Preserve and History Museum will open their animal barn Wednesday, March 18. All the new baby rabbits, goats and chicks will be there to welcome spring. Also March 18, Woolaroc’s 1840s Mountain Man Camp opens to the public. Authentic 1840s trader camps are set up for the public to view the customs and lifestyle of earlyday traders. Above: Kilkenny Road band Right: Frank & Lola’s While in Bartlesville, guests can enjoy any number of uniquely Oklahoma restaurants and shops. Keepsake Candles is the home of “Antiques in Wax,” and they have been made in Bartlesville since 1969. Recognized by many as one of the nation’s leading candle manufacturers, Keepsake Candles produces over 500 styles of candles that are available across the nation and around the world. Nowhere else can you hear the story, see the art of hand-crafting these items and smell the scents in one unique tour! Visitors can also dine at Frank & Lola’s, a restaurant known for great American fare, impeccable presentation, urban atmosphere and excellent service. Located in the historic Buford building, this classy, yet casual, restaurant is considered to be one of Bartlesville’s precious diamonds. The eatery is currently ranked third best Oklahoma restaurant by Urbanspoon.com and lauded for distinctive soups such as the Black Eyed Pea with Bacon, Spinach and Sweet Potato. Whatever your reason, come to Bartlesville for an evening or a weekend and prepare to be delighted. From entertainment to shopping to dining to attractions, Bartlesville is a great getaway. For more information on these events and locations, call us at 918.336.8709 or visit www.visitbartlesville.com. Keepsake Candles Gift Shop Keepsake Candles has been Oklahoma’s premier candle maker since 1969. What began in our kitchen as a church fundraiser is now a nationally-known brand of beautiful candles and gifts. We invite you to visit our gift shop and the on-site factory. Located 2 miles west of Bartlesville on US Highway 60. Monday-Saturday 10 to 5:30 • KeepsakeCandles.com • 888. 636.0351 Broadway in Bartlesville - The Midtown Men Bartlesville Community Center • BartlesvilleCommunityCenter.com – 800.618.2787 Thursday, April 16 at 7:30pm Four stars from the original Broadway cast of Jersey Boys took Broadway by storm in one of the biggest hits of all-time and now they’re together again! THE MIDTOWN MEN are taking their sensational sound on the road for their third national tour. Bringing to life their favorite “Sixties Hits” from The Beatles, The Beach Boys, Motown, The Four Seasons and more. Bartlesville Convention & Visitors Bureau VisitBartlesville.com • 800.364.8708 March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 19 SEE YOU AT The Big Show Neosho’s 23rd Annual Business & Industry Review March 20-21, 2015 The Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce and Freeman Neosho Hospital invite you to the 23rd Annual Business & Industry Review at the Neosho High School Cafeteria. Vendors will hand out free promotional items and give away thousands of dollars’ worth of prizes for attendees. This year’s theme is “The Big Show”! Over 80 area businesses promote their products and services during the showcase. For information visit www.neoshocc.com Participating Businesses Crowder College Neosho Daily News Freeman Bariatric Center Freeman Auxiliary Freeman Advantage Hometown Bank Griffith Motor Company Spring Hill Assisted Living Freeman QuickMeds Freeman Women’s Center Charles Burt Homefinders Angela’s Salon & Day Spa Abundant Shine Stouffer Communications Granby House Representative Bill Reiboldt Dr. Fly’s Salon Scholastic Inc. Insurance Benefits Consultants Reliable Staffing Solutions Community Bank and Trust Four States Dental Care City of Neosho Willis & Associates Teen Challenge Neosho Newton County Library Legacy Original Customs & Design Newton County MU Extension Calotype Photography GalaxSea Cruises & Tours Marco Group Crowder Industries 20 B & B Theatres Neosho Cinema 6 Arbonne Egg Roll House Health-E Fix Salon & Day Spa Great Southern Bank Ozark Center First Community Bank Access Family Care Medical & Dental H & R Block Empire District Electric Company Newton Co Health Dept. Mower Pro GNA Tech Solutions, LLC Show Me the Ozarks Southwest Missouri Bank KOAM TV FOX-14 Manpower Family Dentistry of Neosho Medicalodge SWMOHomes.com Uncle Bobs New Mac Arvest Bank Free Market Physician Joplin Regional Business Journal Mitchell’s Drug Stores Neosho’s Future. Org Neosho Schools Freeman/Neosho School Clinic CJR Red Carpet Realtors AMI Radio Group Workman’s Taxi Tom & Kasie Workman • 417.451.3767 24/7 Service Available Insurance Benefits Consultants, LLC 735 W. Harmony St., Ste. D • 417.451.4244 Health • Life • Medicare Options • Identity Theft Business Voluntary Benefit Options GreatSouthernBank.com 713 S Neosho Blvd • 417.451.6970 111 E Main St. • 417.455.9322 Four Locations to Serve You March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 21 ADiscover Town round Neosho Ladies and gentlemen, kids of all ages – are you ready for The Big Show? The 23rd Annual Neosho Business and Industry Review will be held March 20-21, 2015 at the Neosho High School Cafeteria, 511 S. Neosho Blvd. The event will bring together more than 80 Neosho area businesses and industries under one roof. Stop by and see what they have to offer! This year’s carnival theme, “The Big Show,” will be fun, as business booths try to outdo each other in creativity, with games and giveaways. Times are 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 20, and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday, March 21. General admission is $2. For more information, please call the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce at 417.451.1925. Don’t forget Hickory Creek in Neosho is home to both Brown and Rainbow Trout. All anglers welcome. All Misouri fishing regulations apply. Green Forest Family Restaurant 1080 S. Neosho Blvd. 417.451.2281 • www.familyrestaurantneosho.com Medicalodges/Gran Villas 400 W. Lyon Dr. 417.451.2544 • www.medicalodges.com Voted the number one eatery in Neosho for five years! This familyowned restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner at affordable prices. Always the freshest ingredients, served piping hot. Green Forest Family restaurant proudly supports the community. Hours Monday-Thursday 6 am-9 pm, Friday-Sunday 6 am-10 pm. Skilled Nursing & Residential Healthcare Care Center Physical Therapy • Occupational Therapy Speech Therapy • Restorative Therapy Working Together To Meet All of Your Healthcare Needs! 22 City of Neosho 203 E. Main 417.451.8050 Founded in 1839, Neosho, Missouri, celebrates its 175th birthday this year. The city of 11,835 is experiencing a rebirth of growth throughout the community as it accommodates the influx of economic development brought on by newly-designated US Interstate 49, as well as the community’s prime location between the two booming metropolitan areas of Joplin and Northwest Arkansas. B & S Auto Center 18724 Hwy 59 • 417.451.2158 www.bandsauto.com Looking for a clean used vehicle? Come to B & S Auto Center, where each vehicle is hand selected. Take a look at this 2004 Dodge Ram Quad Cab SLT, V8, “HEMI”, auto, power windows, locks, cruise, CD, with 102,xxx miles. Drives like a dream! What a value at $10,995. Come see us today! Mexican Way 1721 La Questa Drive • 417.455.6985 • 417.455.0058 Home of the King Burrito! Serving the best tasting homemade Mexican specialties: chiles rellenos, chimichangas, fajitas, tacos and super burritos. Plus everyone’s favorite: pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran delicacy, and more! Make it your way at Mexican Way! Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am-9 pm, closed Sunday. Follow us on Facebook First Community Bank 230 W. Spring St • 417.451.3222 3005 Gardner-Edgewood Drive • 417.451.2025 With Southwest Missouri branches in Neosho, Goodman and Jane, First Community Bank can meet all of your banking needs. When it’s not convenient to visit one of our branches, mobile banking and mobile deposits let customers bank anywhere, anytime. One 14 Coffee Bar 114 N. Wood St. • 417.455.2739 www.facebook.com/ONE14CoffeeBar One 14 Coffee Bar is a hip new establishment bringing excitement to downtown Neosho. It’s a venue where you can relax, listen to local musicians, and view ever-changing art and art exhibits by local artists. Open Mic night once a month. Locally roasted coffee and teas from Anonymous Coffee, Springdale, Arkansas. Light sandwiches, salads, soups, pastries and desserts. Relax outdoors on one of our two patios. Drive-thru for your convenience. Hours: Mon-Thurs 7 am-8 pm, Fri-Sat 7 am-11:30 pm, Sun 9 am-6 pm SWMO Homes 1241 N. Business 71/49 417.850.4736 www.SWMOHOMES.com In March, SWMOHomes.com will celebrate our 2nd year in business, and we are truly humbled and so appreciate your business! Many of you have heard the ads of “Getting out of the box!” and “Doing things a little differently,” but we have only just begun! Our goal is to become the best at being “YOUR REAL ESTATE SOURCE.” Big things are about to happen at SWMOHomes.com! Give us a call TODAY!! March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 23 CJ Sh wMe Carl Junction 2015 Carl Junction Business Expo Creating Success Stories March is a special month every year in Carl Junction. That’s because March is when the Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce hosts its annual Business Expo. This year’s Carl Junction Business Expo is Saturday, March 7. The Business Expo is held from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at the Carl Junction Community Center, 303 N. Main. The Carl Junction Business Expo showcases the latest products and services from the area’s finest businesses. Business-to-business, home products, financial services, health, education, non-profit leisure and entertainment are just a few of the businesses on display at this year’s Carl Junction Business Expo. All adult attendees have the opportunity to register to win a free iPad 6, courtesy of NeoTech Solutions. All children can register to win a free Amazon Fire Kid’s Edition, courtesy of S & S Computers. All exhibitors will hand out samples and free gifts and hold drawings for merchandise and services worth thousands of dollars. This is the fourth year for the expo, which continues to be the fastest-growing business expo in the area. The popularity of the Carl Junction Business Expo is due to its focus on fun, family and kids. This year’s expo features appearances throughout the day by the Carl Junction Bulldog, Dora the Explorer, Scooby Doo and SpongeBob SquarePants. A special guest appearance by Queen Elsa is from 9-10:30 a.m., courtesy of Jennafer Johnson with Edward Jones. Admission is only $2 for adults. Children under 12 are free (with a paid accompanying adult). Free shuttle service from parking to the door is provided courtesy of Roper KIA. Member SIPC Edward Jones, Brad McIntyre, Financial Advisor 1200 Briarbrook Drive • 417.627.9250 www.brad.mcintyre@edwardjones.com As an Edward Jones advisor, I believe it is my mission to help the community, businesses and citizens meet their financial goals. I accomplish this with one-on-one appointments to develop a strategy and work with you every step of the way. In Carl Junction since 2005, it is a sincere privilege for Debbie Leggett, my Senior Branch Office Administrator, and I to serve our community. 24 Footprints & Friends • 26230 Fir Road • Joplin, MO 417.621.0050 • Check us out on Facebook! We provide a loving environment in which children can learn and interact with the world around them. Here you will find a nurturing, educational environment for children ages birth through 12 years. Our highly qualified teachers and staff are committed to working within each child’s comfort zone to ensure optimal social, emotional and educational results. Open Monday through Friday 6:30 am–6 pm. Like us on Facebook! Circle T Collectibles • Carl Junction Auction Service 118 S. Main Street • 417.649.6805 www.gailtriplett.net Circle T Collectibles & Carl Junction Auction Service are locally owned by W. Gail “Trip” Triplett. Carl Junction Auction Service conducts consignment auctions, and Circle T Collectibles buys, sells and trades military items, knives, swords, guns, Native American artifacts, primitives, sports memorabilia, coins, jewelry and more. Open Wednesday-Sunday 9 am-5 pm Bruner Drugs Jerry Botts RPH 417.649.7021 • 102 S. Main www.prorx.biz.bruner Carl Junction’s pharmacy for over 35 years. Quality prescription service, and medical equipment sales and rental. Are you looking for a special gift, whether it’s a special occasion or a “just thinking of you,” surprises and more? We have Yankee Candles too! The only thing old-fashioned about this pharmacy is the service! Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce 303 N. Main 417.649.8846 www.carljunctioncc.com The Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce is the area’s fastest-growing Chamber of Commerce for the fourth year in a row. Members enjoy great opportunities to exchange leads at our morning, midday, evening and weekend networking events. Want to learn more about how the Carl Junction Area Chamber of Commerce can help you grow your business? Call 417.649.8846. Randy’s Drive-In 1201 E. Pennell • 417.649.7732 Home of the Bulldog Shake! Celebrating over 21 years in business. Locally owned and operated. Over 15 sandwiches, entrees including Spaghetti Red, Frito Pie Deluxe, Chicken Plank or Shrimp Dinners and more! Salads, ice cream and kids’ menu. Call ahead. Hours: Monday-Sunday 10 am-9 pm Gambino’s Pizza 1203 Pennell • 417.649.7979 www.gambinospizza.com All pizzas are made to order with the freshest ingredients, then baked to perfection! You will love our delicious pizzas topped with the traditional homestyle sweet and spicy sauce and a special blend of 100% mozzarella and provolone cheeses. You’ll find many pizzas with all food groups to make it convenient to eat well. Sandwiches, hearty pastas, salads and buttery calzones. Family dining, carry out and delivery. Hours: Sunday-Thursday, 11 am8:30 pm, Friday-Saturday, 11 am-9:30 pm. Bailey’s Eats & Sweets 1200 Briarbrook Drive • 417.781.2944 Bailey’s invites you to come enjoy our mouth watering ribs every Friday night! We offer a family style dining experience with quality smoked meats, sandwiches, burgers, and so much more. Bailey’s offers daily lunch and dinner specials and breakfast on Saturdays and Sundays. For great food and great service....think Bailey’s. Now serving beer and wine. Open Monday-Friday 10:30 am-8 pm, Saturday 6:30 am-8 pm and Sunday 8 am-2 pm. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 25 A Portrait of Urban Joplin Blacklist Ink 628 S. Main Street 417.782.2500 Blacklist Ink Tattoo Studio is an upscale, high-end tattoo studio and art gallery. If it’s your first time, their knowledgeable and friendly artists will guide you through the entire process, ensuring your experience will be the best! The staff’s dedication to client satisfaction is unsurpassed. Browse their portfolios or let one of the artists help create the perfect art just for you. Countryside in the City Florist • Event Planner Event Venue 422 S. Joplin Ave. 417.781.3719 www.countrysideflowers.biz Countryside in the City is one of the leading florists in Joplin for fine, quality roses, flowers, plants and gifts for every occasion. Let our experienced designers and staff create a one-of-a-kind gift you will love. We also offer beautiful custom-designed wedding flower arrangements including wedding bouquets, centerpieces and boutonnieres. Open Mon-Fri. 8 am-5 pm and Sat. 9 am-1 pm. Convenient parking Blue Moon Market 613 S. Main Street 417.553.0826 www.shopatbluemoon.com Blue Moon Market is a unique shopping venue, “A modern boutique with a vintage soul.” Find the newest and latest in clothing, home décor, gourmet food, jewelry and so much more! Open Monday-Friday 10 am-6 pm and Saturday 10 am-5 pm. 26 By Christine Smith Photo by Rodney Hobart Spring is finally here, and with it comes several fairs, festivals and mystery in downtown Joplin. Are you in the process of planning your wedding? Be sure to attend the Bride Ride 2 on March 8. This traveling event begins at the Cosmopolitan Event Center, then a limo or party bus will take you to several venues where you can learn about options for your wedding reception and rehearsal dinner, plus where to find flowers, decorations and more (there will be over 50 vendors!). For an intriguing date night, make reservations for the Murder Mystery Dinner on Friday the 13th at the historic John Wise Mansion. Last month’s event sold out quickly, so get your tickets soon! Everyone’s welcome to celebrate the luck of the Irish at the St. Patrick’s Festival Street Fair March 14. This family-friendly event features food, beverages, music, shopping and a kids’ zone, and is located at Fifth Street and Joplin Avenue. Third Thursday returns March 19! Stroll along Main Street and enjoy local artwork, cultural performances, shopping, food and more. This event is located in the heart of downtown Joplin between First and Seventh streets. Check out more area arts and crafts at the Hip Handmade Market March 28 at the Amelie and Roxy event centers. This rapidly-growing event features over 50 vendors and is Southwest Missouri’s hippest craft show. Emerge from your winter dens, reconnect with the community and rediscover the sights and sounds of urban Joplin. By Rose Hansen Food Enthusiast PACIFIC RIM F or a satisfying meal, stop by Pacific Rim, owned and operated by the Yen family. They offer an all-you-can-eat buffet, sushi, full menu and a Mongolian grill. This month, I sat down to chat with Pacific Rim manager James Yen and Robert Yen, who manages and exclusively owns the sister restaurant, Tokyo Japanese Steak & Sushi. Pacific Rim, with its high ceilings, tall windows and gorgeous red lanterns, offers casual family dining in an elegant atmosphere for a price that won’t crush the pocketbook. The buffet boasts more than 65 items. Diners will find entrée staples like General Tso chicken, beef and broccoli, fried rice, and a crab rangoon that’s so enormous, sweet and delightfully crunchy I ended up substituting it for dessert, though they offer that, too. If Chinese just isn’t your thing, opt for down-home picks like fried okra and popcorn chicken. But don’t let the enormous buffet detract from the menu, which might be Pacific Rim’s most well-guarded secret. “Most people take the buffet because there’s such a big option. I mean, there’s so many different items! But people don’t usually look at the menu and say, ‘Hey, I’m going to also pick this as well,’ so the menu is often overlooked,” says James. Robert agrees. “They should come in and give it a try at least! We make to order, so every single thing is fresh—fried rice, soup, egg rolls—all fresh.” Speaking of fresh, save room for sushi rolls like the California-style or the more exotic Yam-Yam, which showcases chopped crab. Many rolls I find in Missouri are so uncharacteristically large that you can’t eat them in one bite, but Pacific Rim’s portions can be handled by even the clumsiest chopsticks. Ask for the exclusive sushi menu to browse the 90 items ranging from sashimi to specialty rolls. Want traditional? Robert recommends yellowtail, though I love unagi (freshwater eel). No one should die before trying it. During my visit, Robert fashioned the spectacular Amazing Roll, which includes salmon, crab, eel sauce and spicy seasonings. Service is fast, as it should be. Don’t be surprised if you end up parking there, since they offer seating for six. And order a bottle of sake from the full bar while you’re at it. But of all their options, the most overlooked might be the Mongolian grill. Though Tawainese in origin, its name hails from Mongolian soldiers who cooked their meats on shields over fire, which is why today’s adapted style comes via Japanese teppanyaki grills. Restaurant-goers build their own meals from a range of raw meats, vegetables and sauces to season their dish, then hand it over to the chef. “Most people do the buffet [and] overlook the Mongolian barbecue,” says James. “I think it may be a little intimidating not knowing if you’re going to like it or not, just picking out. People just don’t know what goes well together.” No worries. I am the master of Mongolian barbecue. Growing up, my dad and I stopped at every Mongolian grill in every city we ever visited on three continents. I know my way around. To build a great Mongolian grill, pick just one starch, one meat, lots of vegetables and sauce. For example, Pacific Rim offers rice (order on the side) or three types of noodles. I vary between rice and vermicelli, which is a thin rice noodle that won’t turn mushy under heat and sauce. For meat, pork stays moist and tender. As for vegetables? The more the better, in my opinion. In fact, if you avoid Chinese buffets because of the inevitable calorie dump, Mongolian grill is excellent because it can be so healthy. Pacific Rim has a terrific selection of crunchy sprouts, broccoli and cabbage, always staples for me. The sauce: I say go for it! Soy sauce? Check. Garlic? No brainer. Anything spicy? Yes and yes. Pacific Rim is cautious not to scare clients away with heat, so if you like some spice, generously pile on their Hunan and Hot/Spicy Mongolian Bar-B-Que. Once on the grill, the cook splashes it with even more house-made Korean barbecue sauce, which is layered and sweet. The result? A glistening bowl of heaven. Pacific Rim seats up to 250 people, is open seven days a week, and offers a full-bar and private party room. Their hours are Sunday through Friday, 11 am-9 pm, and Saturdays until 10 pm. Delivery is available within a threemile radius for a $12 minimum order and $1.50 service fee. >>> Pacific Rim Asian Bistro is located at 2850 S. Range Line • Joplin, MO • 417.659.8888 March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 27 ShowMe Dining Guide Mythos 1306 S. Range Line • Joplin, MO 417.624.myth • www.mythosjoplin.com 511 N. Range Line • Joplin, MO 417.781.9888 • www.tokyosteakandsushi.com World-class service that sets the stage for a special dining experience featuring French, American, Greek and Italian cuisine. Choices include pasta, chicken, fresh seafood, and hand-cut aged Black Angus beef. Over 150 wine selections. Complete menu available at www.mythosjoplin.com. Call for catering or reservations. $-$$$ Enjoy the show as our chefs prepare a delicious Hibachi meal right at your table! Full menu available with fresh sushi and rolls like our popular Crunchy Roll or Spider Roll. Great private dining rooms for large parties or families! Daily lunch and drink specials from 11 am-3 pm. Call for reservations or questions. $$-$$$ Hours: Lunch 11 am-4 pm • Dinner 4 pm-close Open Monday-Saturday Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm Friday and Saturday 11 am-11 pm • Sunday 11 am-9 pm Big R’s BBQ 1220 E. 15th Street • Joplin, MO 417.781.5959 28 Tokyo Japanese Steak & Sushi Stacked Gourmet Grilled Sandwiches 3030 S. Main • Joplin, Mo 417.782.2533 • www.stackedjoplin.com Big R’s BBQ has been serving quality, smoked meats for over 20 years. “R” menu ranges from Kickin’ Chicken and hand-cut steaks, flame broiled to perfection, to sandwiches, salads and more. Half price appetizers on Tuesday nights. Big R’s is more than just BBQ – “We have the meat you can’t beat!” $-$$ The best in gourmet grilled sandwiches! Tired of the mundane, meatless sandwiches dealt out by the big chain sandwich shops? Visit Stacked ... where the sandwiches are unique and the meat is stacked on! Locally owned with a hip, modern vibe, Stacked is Joplin’s hottest place for great food! Call ahead and drive-through. $ Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm Friday and Saturday 11 am-9:30 pm • Closed Sunday Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am-8 pm • Closed Sunday Hackett Hot Wings 520 S. Main • Joplin, MO 417.625.1333 • www. hacketthotwings.com Red Onion Cafe 4th and Virginia • Joplin, MO 417.623.1004 • www.redonioncafe.com “The Only Wings Better Are On An Angel.” Offering 13 flavors of wings. Wet flavors: Beer, Honey, BBQ, Hot & Honey, Mild, Hot, Suicide, & Smokin’ Hot. Dry flavors: Season, Cajun, Lemon Pepper, Jerk, & Greek. We also offer salads, catfish, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, boneless wings and more!!!! (Smoke-free) $-$$ One of Downtown Joplin’s premier restaurants since 1995. For starters try the Smoked Chicken Dip! Delicious entrees and crisp fresh salads including David’s Fried Chicken Salad. Sandwiches, pasta, specialties such as Arkansas Smokehouse Chicken, steaks and delicious desserts! Extensive beer and wine list. Catering and to-go orders. $-$$ Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am to close Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 am-11 pm Crabby’s Seafood Bar and Grill Caldone’s 815 W. 7th St. • Joplin, MO • 417.206.3474 Catering • Private Parties • Chef at Home 218 S. Main Street • Joplin, MO 417.626.8111 • www.caldones.com Dine at Crabby’s for a beautiful meal in an elegant, yet approachable finedining experience. Choose from a wide variety of fresh seafood, steak and chops. Enjoy libations from our full bar, including the best Scotch selection in town. Serving the four states for 10 years! Make your reservations today! $$-$$$ If you are looking for a wonderful experience, then look no further. Get ready for an explosion of flavors and beautifully decorated dishes sure to make you smile. An authentic Italian and Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Downtown Joplin on Historic Route 66. Offering full-service catering for weddings and events. $-$$$ Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm • Sunday 11 am-9 pm Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm • Closed Sunday March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 29 ShowMe Dining Guide Club 1201 Pacific Rim Asian Bistro Now serving Joplin’s best brunch! Homemade beignets, pastries, biscuits and gravy, peppered bacon, eggs and parmesan fried potatoes and more! For lunch, enjoy your favorite appetizers, “out-of-this-world” salads, seasoned bread and your choice of dressing. Soup du jour, sandwiches from burgers to apricot turkey and over 30 other choices! We offer a full service catering menu for private parties, business meetings and special events. $-$$ Experience the flavors of Asia through a wide variety of delicious Asian dishes, fresh sushi and rolls, and our signature Mongolian BBQ. Enjoy a Polynesian beverage at our full bar or have a celebration for up to 60 people in our private party rooms. Authentic Chinese buffet including dessert from 11 am to 3:30 pm every day for lunch. Dinner buffet from 3:30 pm until close. $-$$ Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am-3 pm • Friday 11 am-10 pm Saturday 3 pm-10 pm • Sunday Brunch 10 am-2 pm Hours: Sunday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm Friday-Saturday 11am-9:30 pm 1201 E. 32nd Street • Joplin, MO 417.626.0032 Golden Corral of Joplin 2415 S. Range Line • Joplin, MO 417.625.1684 Enjoy all-you-can-eat hot and cold buffets, soup and potato bar, bakery and dessert café and a breakfast buffet (open every weekend until 11 am, featuring made-to-order omelets and more)! The Triple Fountain Yum is here! Chocolate, caramel and white chocolate falls. The Great Steak Buffet offered after 4 pm, Monday-Saturday and after 11 am on Sunday. Party room, call ahead seating, kids menu and catering. $-$$ Hours: Monday-Thursday 10:45 am-8:30 pm • Friday 10:45 am-9:30 pm Saturday 7:30 am-9:30 pm • Sunday 7:30 am-8:30 pm 30 2850 S. Range Line • Joplin, MO 417.659.8888 Granny Shaffer’s Family Restaurant 2728 N. Range Line or 7th & Illinois • Joplin, MO 417.659.9393 • www.grannyshaffers.com Enjoy a great cup of freshly roasted coffee. Watch while we roast a blend! Homemade pies, cobblers, sweetbreads and rolls made from scratch daily. Serious breakfasts, salads, steaks, seafood, Mexican, pasta and Dixieland fried chicken or catfish. Ask about our banquet rooms and catering. “Good Old Fashioned Cooking.” $-$$ Hours: Monday-Saturday 6 am-8:30 pm • Sunday 7 am-3 pm Shawanoe Restaurant 70220 East Hwy 60 • Wyandotte, OK 888.992 SKY1 Casa Montez 2324 S. Range Line • Joplin, MO 417.781.3610 All You Can Eat King Crab Buffet - Every Tuesday from 4 pm-9 pm - $29.99 with crab, $13.99 without crab. Large platters of King Crab with lemons, butter or cocktail sauce will be served to the tables until you are full! We guarantee you will not walk away hungry. Shawanoe Restaurant is located inside Indigo Sky Casino. Hwy 60, West of Seneca, MO. $$-$$$$ Serving authentic Mexican specialties for over 45 years, including carnitas, fajitas, burrito enchilada style and much more! Lunch fajita buffet available Monday–Friday 11 am–2 pm. Check for nightly dinner specials. Full-service cantina offering your favorite drinks and margaritas. $-$$ Hours: Sunday-Thursday 7 am-9 pm Friday and Saturday 7 am-11 pm Hours: Monday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm Friday and Saturday 11 am-11 pm • Sunday 11 am-9 pm What’s for Dinner? Undercliff Grill & Bar 6385 Old Hwy 71 • Joplin, MO (Tipton Ford) 417.623.8382 Come see who’s Under the Cliff! Their specialty burgers are made with Black Angus ground chuck. Choose from entrees such as 12 oz. steak dinners, beer battered cob, BBQ country ribs, 22 choices of sandwiches including a steak sandwich, “Mike’s Dam Good Sandwich” and wraps, Frito chili pies, salads, and breakfast served every Saturday and Sunday from 9-11 am. Family owned and operated, groups and catering. Established in 1995. $-$$ Hours: Tuesday-Friday 11 am- 9 pm, Saturday 9 am-9 pm, Sunday 9 am to 3 pm. Our readers know! Find out more about advertising your restaurant in the 4-states’ favorite Dining Guide! Call 417.455.9898 or email magazine@showmetheozarks.com March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 31 ShowMe Dining Guide These $ categories are based upon the average cost of a dinner entree excluding drinks, desserts, and/or gratuities. NOTE: Some restaurant entree prices do not include a’la carte sides or salad. KEY $ - $9 and under $$ - $10 - $15 $$$ - $15 - $20 $$$$ - $20 & up BIG R’S BBQ, JOPLIN, MO 1220 E. 15th Street. Big R’s BBQ has been serving quality, smoked meats for over 20 years. “R” menu ranges from Kickin’ Chicken and hand-cut steaks, flame broiled to perfection, to sandwiches, salads and more. Big R’s is more than just BBQ – “We have the meat you can’t beat!” Open Monday-Thursday, 11 am-9 pm, Friday and Saturday, 11 am-9:30 pm. Closed Sunday. Dine-in or take-out. 417.781.5959. $-$$ CRABBY’S SEAFOOD BAR AND GRILL, JOPLIN, MO 815 W. 7th St. Catering--Private Parties--Chef at Home. Dine at Crabby’s for a beautiful meal in an elegant, yet approachable fine-dining experience. Choose from a wide variety of fresh seafood, steak and chops. Enjoy libations from our full bar, including the best Scotch selection in town. Serving the four states for 10 years! Make your reservations today! Open Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm, Sunday 11 am-9 pm. 417.206.3474. $$-$$$ GOLDEN CORRAL, JOPLIN, MO 2415 S. Range Line. Enjoy all-you-can-eat hot and cold buffets, soup and potato bar, bakery and dessert café and a breakfast buffet (open every weekend until 11 am, featuring made-to-order omelets and more)! The Triple Fountain Yum is here! Chocolate, caramel and white chocolate falls. The Great Steak Buffet offered after 4 pm, Monday-Saturday and after 11 am on Sunday. Party room, call ahead seating, kids menu and catering. 417.625.1684. $-$$ CAFÉ ANGELICA, NEOSHO, MO 107 E. Main, south side of the square. Creative salads such as Asian Chicken Salad and other specialties served every day. Sandwich selections include Curried Chicken Salad and Heavenly Vegetarian. Old-fashioned Cream of Potato soup is the best in the area! Dinner menu featuring our AngeliQ Grill and BBQ menu. Grilled steaks and chops, smoked brisket, pulled pork and smoked sausages as well as BBQ half-chicken...Great side choices. Private parties and catering available. Open for lunch 11 am-2 pm, Monday-Friday and dinner Tuesday-Thursday 5-7:30 pm. 417.451.5727. $-$$ Granny Shaffer’s Family Restaurant, Joplin, MO 2728 N. Range Line or 7th & Illinois. Enjoy a great cup of freshly roasted coffee. Watch while we roast a blend! Homemade pies, cobblers, sweetbreads and rolls made from scratch daily. Serious breakfasts, salads, steaks, seafood, Mexican, pasta and Dixieland fried chicken or catfish. Ask about our banquet rooms and catering. “Good Old Fashioned Cooking.” MondaySaturday 6 am-8:30 pm and Sunday 7 am-3 pm. www.grannyshaffers.com. 417.659.9393. $-$$ CALDONE’S, JOPLIN, MO 218 S. Main Street. If you are looking for a wonderful experience, then look no further. Get ready for an explosion of flavors and beautifully decorated dishes sure to make you smile. An authentic Italian and Mediterranean restaurant in the heart of Downtown Joplin on Historic Route 66. Offering full-service catering for weddings and events. Open Monday-Saturday 11 am-10 pm, closed on Sundays. 417.626.8111 www.caldones.com $-$$$ HACKETT HOT WINGS, JOPLIN, MO 520 S. Main. “The Only Wings Better Are On An Angel.” Offering 13 flavors of wings. Wet flavors: Beer, Honey, BBQ, Hot & Honey, Mild, Hot, Suicide, & Smokin’ Hot. Dry flavors: Season, Cajun, Lemon Pepper, Jerk, & Greek. We also offer salads, catfish, chicken tenders, chicken sandwiches, hamburgers, boneless wings and more!!!! (Smoke-free) Open Monday-Saturday 11 am to close. 417.625.1333. $-$$ CASA MONTEZ, JOPLIN, MO 2324 S. Range Line. Serving authentic Mexican specialties for over 45 years, including carnitas, fajitas, burrito enchilada style and much more! Lunch fajita buffet available Monday–Friday 11 am–2 pm. Check for nightly dinner specials. Full-service cantina offering your favorite drinks and margaritas. Monday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am11 pm, Sunday 11 am-9 pm. 417.781.3610. $-$$ MCALISTER’S DELI, JOPLIN, MO 2230 S. Range Line. You’ll be greeted by a massive menu filled with sandwiches, tasty wraps, Paninis, spuds, salads, soups and sweets. You’ll always have room for a brownie delight, lemon bar or fresh baked cookies. Everything is made exactly as you like it. Try a glass of McAlister’s famous Sweet Tea™! Gift cards, catering, to go orders. Sunday-Thursday 10:30 am-10 pm, Friday-Saturday 10:30 am-10:30 pm. WiFi enabled. 417.624.3354. $ CLUB 609, JOPLIN, MO 609 Main Street. “Treat your appetite to a GOURMET DELIGHT served ‘Joplin-style’.” Flavorful specialties for any occasion, featuring salads, burgers and sandwiches. Delicious entrees – beef, chicken, pork, seafood and seven “pastabilities!” Offering appetizers, homemade desserts, soup du jour, beer, wine and mixed drinks. Kids menu available. Kitchen open Monday-Friday, 11 am-10 pm, Saturday, 11 am-10:30 pm. Bar open later. 417.623.6090. $-$$$ ME’S PLACE, JOPLIN, MO 1203 Broadway. Serving “Love on a Plate” each day. Monday: Skillet Burgers, Tuesday: Baked Chicken or Chicken & Dumplings, Wednesday: Country Ribs or Ham & Beans, Thursday: Meatloaf or Salisbury Steak, Friday: Smothered Pork Chops, Saturday: Boneless Catfish. Lunch and dinner daily, includes two sides and cornbread. Fourteen sides to choose from. Fried wings available daily. Kids menu available. Open Monday 11 am-3pm, Tuesday-Saturday. Lunch 11 am-3 pm, Dinner 5-8 pm. 417.622.0603. $-$$ CLUB 1201, JOPLIN, MO 1201 E. 32nd Street. Now serving Joplin’s best brunch! Homemade beignets, pastries, biscuits and gravy, peppered bacon, eggs and parmesan fried potatoes and more! For lunch, enjoy your favorite appetizers, “out-ofthis-world” salads, seasoned bread and your choice of dressing. Soup du jour, sandwiches from burgers to apricot turkey and over 30 other choices! We offer a full service catering menu for private parties, business meetings and special events. Open Monday-Friday. Now serving breakfast 6:3010 am, lunch 11 am-3 pm. Open Saturdays for private parties. 417.626.0032. $-$$ MEXICAN WAY, NEOSHO, MO 1721 La Questa Drive. Home of the King Burrito! Established five years ago across from the high school football field, and now history continues at our La Questa Drive location, next to True Value. We continue to serve the best tasting homemade Mexican specialties: chiles rellenos, chimichangas, fajitas, tacos and super burritos. Plus everyone’s favorite: pupusas, a traditional Salvadoran delicacy, and more! Make it your way at Mexican Way! Hours: Monday-Saturday 11 am-9 pm, closed Sunday. Follow us on Facebook 417.455.6985 or 417.455.0058. $-$$ BIG R’S BBQ, JOPLIN, MO Big R’s BBQ has been serving quality smoked meats for almost 20 years. “R” menu ranges from hand-cut steaks, flame broiled to perfection, to sandwiches, salads, and more. Big R’s is more than just Bar-B-Que – “We have the meat, you can’t beat!” 1220 E. 15th St.. Joplin, 417-781-5959. $ -uncorked- -1201- 32 MYTHOS, JOPLIN, MO 1306 S. Range Line. World-class service that sets the stage for a special dining experience featuring French, American, Greek and Italian cuisine. Choices include pasta, chicken, fresh seafood, and hand-cut aged Black Angus beef. Over 150 wine selections. Complete menu available at www.mythosjoplin.com. Serving lunch 11 am-4 pm, dinner 4 pm-close, Monday-Saturday. For catering or reservations, call 417.624.MYTH. $-$$$ NORMA’S KITCHEN, NEOSHO, MO 219 E. Main St. Thank you 4-states for voting us best breakfast, best coffee shop, best menu and best hamburger (Juicy Lucy). Gift card special for you and your family. $120 gift card for only $80! Hours: 7 am-9 pm seven days a week. 417.455.0414 $-$$ NORMA’S KITCHEN, WEBB CITY, MO 21 S. Main Street. Happy hour every day 2-5 pm, buy one T-bone steak dinner and get the second one half price, or get any menu meal item $6.49 and up with purchase of two beverages. Open 6 am-9 pm seven days a week including holidays. Breakfast served any time. 417.673.2020 $-$$ PACIFIC RIM ASIAN BISTRO, JOPLIN, MO 2850 S. Range Line. Experience the flavors of Asia through a wide variety of delicious Asian dishes, fresh sushi and rolls, and our signature Mongolian BBQ. Enjoy a Polynesian beverage at our full bar or have a celebration for up to 60 people in our private party rooms. Authentic Chinese buffet including dessert from 11 am to 3:30 pm every day for lunch. Dinner buffet from 3:30 pm until close. Open Sunday-Thursday 11 am-9 pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-9:30 pm. 417.659.8888. $-$$ RANDY’S DRIVE IN, CARL JUNCTION 1201 E. Pennell. Home of the Bulldog Shake! Celebrating over 21 years in business. Locally owned and operated. Over 15 sandwiches, entrees including Spaghetti Red, Frito Pie Deluxe, Chicken Plank or Shrimp Dinners and more! Salads, ice cream and kids’ menu. Open Monday-Sunday 10 am-9 pm. Call ahead 417.649.7732. $-$$ RED ONION CAFE - CASUAL URBAN DINING, JOPLIN, MO 4th and Virginia. One of Downtown Joplin’s premier restaurants since 1995. For starters try the Smoked Chicken Dip! Delicious entrees and crisp fresh salads including David’s Fried Chicken Salad. Sandwiches, pasta, specialties such as Arkansas Smokehouse Chicken, steaks and delicious desserts! Extensive beer and wine list. Catering and to-go orders. Monday-Saturday, 11 am-9 pm. 417.623.1004. www.redonioncafe.com $-$$ RED ONION ESPRESSORIA AND COFFEE ESPRESSO BAR, JOPLIN, MO 32nd & Indiana. Serving lunch and dinner along with a full coffee espresso bar. For starters try the Cucumber Dill Spread or Ranch Chicken Nacho. Delicious gourmet entrees, salads, soups and sandwiches. A Red Onion favorite is the West Coast Chicken. Espressoria specialties include Toasted Beef Ravioli. Enjoy a White Chocolate Latte, Vanilla Bean Frappe’ or Dreamsicle from Joplin’s premiere coffee espresso bar! Fast, fresh, eat-in or carry-out.Party platters available. MondaySaturday, 11 am-8 pm. 417.781.4999. www.redonionespressoria.com $-$$ RIB CRIB BBQ & GRILL, JOPLIN, MO 2915 E 24th Street. A real family barbecue place featuring real pit championship smoked meats, burgers, and fish along with traditional sides, salads and homemade desserts. We feature weekday lunch options and All-You-Can Eat ribs and sides on Tuesday nights! No reservations required. Catering is our specialty whether it is 100 or 5000! Hours: Open daily 11 am–10 pm. 417.206.7427 www.ribcrib.com $-$$ SAM’S CELLAR BAR & OVEN, NEOSHO, MO 101 N. Wood St. Under the Historic Neosho Square. Featuring woodfired pizza, a great beer selection and full service bar. Choose from tasty appetizers including Italian Nachos, Wood-Fired Jumbo Pretzel or Wolfinbarger’s Wood-Fired Wings. Specialty entrees include Italian Chicken Breast Salad, Buffalo Chicken Wrap, BBQ Beef Wrap, and all your favorite wood-fired pizzas. Open 7 days a week, 11 am-close. 417.451.3330. $-$$$ SHAWANOE RESTAURANT, WYANDOTTE, OK 70220 East HWY. 60, All You Can Eat King Crab Buffet - Every Tuesday from 4 pm-9 pm - $29.99 with crab, $13.99 without crab. Large platters of King Crab with lemons, butter or cocktail sauce will be served to the tables until you are full! We guarantee you will not walk away hungry. Shawanoe Restaurant is located inside Indigo Sky Casino. Open SundayThursday 7 am-9 pm, Friday and Saturday 7 am-11 pm. 888.992.SKY1. $$-$$$$ STACKED GOURMET GRILLED SANDWICHES, JOPLIN, MO 3030 S. Main. The best in gourmet grilled sandwiches! Tired of the mundane, meatless sandwiches dealt out by the big chain sandwich shops? Visit Stacked ... where the sandwiches are unique and the meat is stacked on! Locally owned with a hip, modern vibe, Stacked is Joplin’s hottest place for great food! Call ahead and drive-through. Open Monday-Saturday 11 am-8 pm Closed Sunday. 417.782.2533. www.stackedjoplin.com. $ SUZANNE’S NATURAL FOODS, JOPLIN, MO 3106 Connecticut Ave. Eating healthy on-the-go is difficult in Southwest Missouri. Finally, there’s an option! Suzanne’s Natural Foods is not just a grocery store anymore. Come in and try our delicious sandwiches, wraps, soups, and salad bar. It’s okay! All our ingredients are organic and natural. Worried that healthy food just never tastes as good? Never fear, our chef has mastered that rare combo of healthy, homemade, and addictive. Still not convinced? Alright, just come in for our always popular smoothies and fresh juices, they need no introduction. Open Monday-Friday 11 am-2 pm. 417.781.0909. www.suzannes.com. $-$$ TOKYO JAPANESE STEAK & SUSHI, JOPLIN, MO 511 N. Range Line. Enjoy the show as our chefs prepare a delicious Hibachi meal right at your table! Full menu available with fresh sushi and rolls like our popular Crunchy Roll or Spider Roll. Great private dining rooms for large parties or families! Daily lunch and drink specials from 11 am-3 pm. Open Monday-Thursday 11 am10 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am-11 pm, Sunday 11 am-9 pm. www.tokyosteakandsushi.com. For reservations or questions, call 417.781.9888. $$-$$$ UNDERCLIFF GRILL & BAR, JOPLIN, MO (TIPTON FORD) 6385 Old Hwy 71. Come see who’s Under the Cliff! Their specialty burgers are made with Black Angus ground chuck. Choose from entrees such as 12 oz. steak dinners, beer battered cob, BBQ country ribs, 22 choices of sandwiches including a steak sandwich, “Mike’s Dam Good Sandwich” and wraps, Frito chili pies, salads, and breakfast served every Saturday and Sunday from 9-11 am. Family owned and operated, groups and catering. Established in 1995. Open TuesdayFriday 11 am- 9 pm, Saturday 9 am-9 pm, Sunday 9 am to 3 pm. 417.623.8382 $-$$ GOLDEN CORRAL, JOPLIN, MO 2415 S. Range Line, 417-625-1684. Enjoy all-you-can-eat Hot Buffet, Cold Buffet, Soups and Potato Bar, Bakery & Dessert Café, and Breakfast Buffet until 11am every weekend featuring made to order omelets and more! The Great Steak Buffet every night after 4pm Mon-Sat and after11am on Sunday. Savor a juicy Sirloin Steak hand cut fresh (never frozen) every day. $ March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 33 Love Things We Ambiance Boutique 513 Main Street Downtown Joplin 417.781.9990 Come by Ambiance Children’s Boutique to preview our spring lines coming in daily! Just in: popular amber teething necklaces and amber teething ankle bracelets. Your teething baby will love these! We carry personalized and custom-made Taggies and quilts, piggy banks and stuffed animals! Great shower gifts and all sorts of new spring apparel. This is the best place to shop for preemies to grandmas! Come see our new larger location at 513 Main Street! Don Davis’ Florist 831 S. Main St. • Downtown Joplin • 417.206.3247 You deserve a springtime reward! Don Davis’ Florist will design a gorgeous bouquet of spring flowers for your home and gifts. Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a special centerpiece for the table! Don Davis’ Florist is an approved local FTD Florist and a member of the Teleflora Complete Floral Services. Delivery available. Open Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:30 pm, and Saturday 9am-1pm. Dynamite Graphix 423 East 4th St. Downtown Joplin 417.438.9742 www.dynamitegraphix.com Dynamite Graphix, your one-stop shop for all your spring and summer spirit wear. Screen printing, embroidery, signs and banners. Uniforms, coaches’, moms’ and siblings’ wear for all schools and teams. Get your blingy T here! 34 RSVPaint-Joplin 420 S. Main St. • Downtown Joplin 417.680.5434 • www.rsvpaint.com We are celebrating one year of proudly serving Joplin with the opportunity to Relax, Sip, Visit and Paint. During Third Thursday we will have a ribbon cutting ceremony and our open house to view and purchase original artwork created by our studio artists. Pick up a Third Thursday buy-one-get-one coupon, too. Big Red Barn Vintage Vogue 10 minutes from Joplin • 144 S. Main Carl Junction, MO • 417.649.7911 www.shopvintagevogue.com Facebook.com/VintageVogueCarlJunction “Where Affordable Chic Meets One-of-a-Kind Unique” Stockist and instructor for Chalk Paint™ Brand Decorative Paint by Annie Sloan. See what everyone is raving about. No priming or sanding required. Annie says, “It’s a girl’s paint but BOYS can use it too!” Specializing in fine vintage furniture, home décor and unique gifts, jewelry, scarves and bags. Fabulous finds for you and your home. Just 10 minutes from Joplin. 5089 County Lane 138 • GPS 13625 Elm Road • Carthage, MO 417.358.2432 • www.brbrv.com Enjoy our sprawling 27-acre RV park nestled amidst a forest of mature shade trees and beautiful flower planters. Bring your camera to capture lasting images of colorful butterflies. Small but comfortable spaces are set aside for tent visitors, and our over-sized pull through spaces were created for today’s spacious motor homes with pull behinds. Hot coffee and fresh-baked muffins are always in supply. Free Wi-Fi and digital cable. Fair Acres Family YMCA 417.358.1070 2600 S. Grand Ave Carthage, MO www.fairacresymca.org DROP AND GIVE ME 20. Fair Acres Family YMCA Boot Camp is a fast-paced full-body workout. Missy and Kim will take you through your paces incorporating cross fit routines, interval and strength training, plyometrics and intense cardio. Join us Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 8:15 am or Monday and Wednesday at 6:15 pm. Smith Photography 417.529.0517 www.tsmithphotography.com Facebook: tsmithphotography Now is the time to book your spring family photos! Let Smith Photography share some of your life’s milestones and help capture those beautiful moments. Proudly serving the Joplin and surrounding communities for 10 years! Call for questions or to book your session. Like us on Facebook. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 35 Easter basketS LLC 36 &places faces Rufus Racing Turns Six Years Old Rufus Racing, LLC hosted the racing season’s kickoff party and Rufus’ sixth birthday January 23. The event was held at the Carl Junction Community Center. Dinner was catered by Woody’s Smoke House. This was the largest attendance they’ve ever had. 2 1 4 5 1. Leigh Kelley, Stacy Phillips, Josetta Bayless, Bob Brown and Cathy Brown 2. Jeffery and Joseph Wright 3. Natalie Ware and Christy Caddy 4. Allison, Michael, and Michaela Nelson and Blaine Jimerson 5. Back: Sara Cook, Shelby Allen and Josetta Bayless. Front: Willa Hoenshell and Kris Drake 6. Jill Overman , Gwen Braddish, Janean Floyd, Amy Wenger, Bobby Ballard, Jay White, Jodie White and Gary and Linda Wenger Right: Phillip, Wesley, Ruth, Charlotte and Drew Sawkins Photos by Tina Smith 3 6 &places faces Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce EXPO 2015 Experience the 1 Over 5,000 people attended the two-day Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Business EXPO Jan. 20-21. EXPO is hailed as the premier annual business-to-business event in the area, with over 200 companies exhibiting. Attendees were entertained by Midwest Regional Ballet’s aerial demonstrations and strolling magician Kevin Wade’s magic tricks, and Art Feeds provided an interactive art activity. A silent auction benefiting the Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce Foundation raised $10,000. GalaxSea Cruises & Tours gave away a trip to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios on the final day of EXPO, and the winner was Ron Lawson. 2 3 6 5 4 7 8 9 1. Nancy Blaukat and Trish Rakes, Candy House Gourmet Chocolates 2. Brian Fleming, Modern Home Resurfacing 3. Heather Yates and Abbey Kitchens, McAlister’s Deli 4. Brandi Rifenberg, Tana Rhoades and Dax Duncan, Golden Corral 5. Dennis Ware, New Aire Fireplace Systems 6. Shelly, Randy and Chase Kraft, Kraft Insurance 7. Mike Wiggins and Alice Woolsey, Granny Shaffer’s 8. Craig Hardy and Reggie Powers, Sign Designs 9. Teresa Stull and Sherry McConnell, ADC Dental Group 10. Steve Smith, Power Washing Plus 11. Tina Smith, Ray Foreman and Lauren Guthery 12. Steve Brown and Trevor Frerer, Joplin Floor Designs 13. Amy Earp and John Motazedi, SNC2 14. Donnetta and Carlos Rivera, Federal Protection, INC 15. Carter Hulsey and Mike Wakefield, Binky Guy 16. Danny Ross, Real Pro Real Estate Professionals 17. Show Me Team: Tina Smith, Lauren Guthery, Lee Radcliff, Kristi Tucker, and Sue Dillmon 18. Cheryl Livingston and Mercedes Myers, Legacy Events Right: John Hoffmann, John Emrick-KSNF TV Photos by Tina Smith 38 10 11 12 14 15 13 16 17 18 March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 39 ShowMe the big picture Powerful Treatment By Kathleen Swift Faster, more precise treatment is what the new top-of class TrueBeam™ linear accelerator at Freeman Hospital East has the potential to offer cancer patients. As a part of the Radiation Oncology Center opening in spring 2015, the leading-edge system offers a radically different approach to treating cancer with image-guided radiotherapy. The new system will reduce x-ray exposure by 25 percent while doing a better job of protecting healthy tissue and providing more powerful doses to cancerous tumors. By pinpointing exactly where cancerous cells end and healthy cells begin, there is the potential for substantially improved treatment outcomes. Photo by Tina Smith 40 March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 41 SMTO 42 Featuring Joplin SMTO: Connect2Culture (C2C) endeavors to enhance community through culture. What are the group’s current efforts to do this? Wert: C2C offers support services to 30-plus local arts organizations and schools, as well as resources to increase community involvement and audience development for the arts. C2C has created a website, www.connect2culture.com, highlighting weekly and weekend community arts calendars, and we have a presence on social media options such as Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. SMTO: What do you find most exciting right now in Joplin and surrounding communities as far as the arts are concerned? Clifford Wert on Connect2Culture Interview by Kathleen Swift Photo by Tina Smith W hen Clifford Wert was recognized as Joplin’s Citizen of the Year in 2013, it was due in part to his work and dedication toward the betterment of the community. When receiving the award, Wert said, “Use your passion and use your talent to make a difference in the community.” Now retired from US Bank, Wert continues to live by those words, and his service to the community continues through his work with Connect2Culture. Wert confesses he is not an artist or a performer, but in supporting the artistic endeavors of his wife Pam and daughters Rachael and Stefany, he experienced a growing appreciation of the arts. “The arts help to round oneself out, and there is nothing better than giving people exposure to new opportunities and exciting them to new possibilities.” Wert: We are an evolving organization, and we want to use common sense strategies and available assets to help create an all-inclusive arts and entertainment area in Joplin. In November 2014, C2C and Joplin Schools agreed to explore the enhancement of the Performing Arts Center under construction at Joplin High School. Preliminary plans call for an approximately 23,000-square-foot addition to the planned JHS Performing Arts Center and upgrades to the currently planned audio-visual system. Upgrades and the addition would be funded entirely by private dollars secured by C2C through donations, grants and other private funding sources. The addition and system upgrades would expand educational programming and provide a venue for a variety of performances such as classic rock, jazz, dance troupes, opera and national theatrical touring productions or small Broadway productions. C2C would fund and manage scheduling these productions. In December 2014, the Joplin City Council approved a joint request of C2C, George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, Pro Musica and Downtown Joplin Alliance in support of exploring the repurposing of Memorial Hall as a community cultural arts center. The Center would be a public-private partnership and include a new home for George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, a 500seat proscenium performance hall to accommodate Pro Musica’s annual concert season and other community performance needs. Plans to redevelop the property would preserve space honoring veterans as originally intended. It would also include space for public meetings. SMTO: What benefits come to the community through the arts? Wert: Support for the arts comes back tenfold to a community and its citizens. An investment in the arts supports the quality of life of our citizens, the development of creative thinking and the economic viability of our communities. Whether you are painting, dancing, hearing or singing music, performing in a play or reciting poetry, studies show the arts have a positive impact, regardless of a person’s age. The arts create a sense of place in a community, bringing people together like nothing else. The arts are a powerful, unifying force that ripples across the community. I am most thankful for the opportunity to be a part of C2C and cast a vision that helps Joplin be all it can be. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 43 SMTO Featuring Joplin Community Perspective on Regional Business By Kathleen Swift • Photo by Tina Smith “Our main mission for the Joplin Regional Business Journal is to promote business in the community.” --Mikell Warren, Joplin Regional Business Journal G reat changes have been taking place at the Joplin Regional Business Journal. Larry and Mikell Warren purchased the business 18 months ago and jumped into the process of publishing the semi-monthly journal with both feet. Learning Curve “Neither one of us had any prior experience in journalism,” said Larry. “We own another business, Atlas Risk Management, which works with businesses to provide employee and tenant background checks, drug screenings and fingerprint checks, but we knew nothing about publishing.” “It was a huge learning curve,” said Mikell. “We didn’t even know the terminology and had no point of reference for publishing Joplin Regional Business Journal, but things are going smoothly now.” New Growth At the time of the purchase in May 2013, the Joplin Regional Business Journal had two reporters, but no sales or subscription staff and was a 16-page magazine. Now, the journal boasts a staff of eight and is typically 32 pages long. “We are a team, and Mikell and I, along with our staff, have worked hard to increase the coverage of business news in the region and keep our stories and information fresh and relevant to the business community,” said Larry. 44 The Community “Our main mission for the Joplin Regional Business Journal is to promote business in the community,” said Mikell. “As small-business owners ourselves, we have great empathy with small businesses and try to help them get a leg up with short stories profiling their businesses. We help all businesses make connections to each other and to what is happening in the business community. Joplin is a medium-sized community with a small-town feel. ” Larry commented that one way they serve the business community is through the publication of transactions such as deeds, mortgages and bankruptcies. “For many of our subscribers, that is the section they go to first. It helps businesses in sales, particularly.” The couple is committed to being a part of the business communities they cover in the journal. Larry notes that to do that, they are active members in the chambers of commerce in Joplin, Carthage, Carl Junction, Neosho, Webb City and Pittsburg. The publication continues to expand its coverage area. Now serving regional business communities in Missouri, Oklahoma and Kansas, the Warrens have made a digital copy of the Joplin Regional Business Journal available to subscribers the Friday before the print edition comes out. “I don’t think print will ever go away,” said Larry. “I think people still like to sit with a cup of coffee and feel the printed page while they read. But we know that sometimes a digital edition can be helpful, too. “We’ve been pleasantly surprised by the positive reception we have received from the business community. We are locally owned, and we look forward to continuing to build relationships within the community. We are open to input from business owners as to how we can serve them better because that is the mission of the Joplin Regional Business Journal.” Leslie Simpson Knows Joplin By Christine Smith L eslie Simpson grew up surrounded by modern furniture in a 1960s home in Forrest City, Arkansas. So how did this transplant become one of the most knowledgeable and dedicated leaders in the efforts to preserve Joplin’s history and architecture? It all began after a visit to the Joplin Museum Complex shortly after she and her husband Dale moved to Joplin in 1979. There, she saw photos of what Joplin looked like, with its beautiful historic buildings downtown (like the Connor and the Keystone) and Electric Park (Schifferdecker’s amusement park). Something inside her stirred. “I just felt angry and cheated that we’d move to this wonderful town and all those things were gone and I never got to see them.” Her interest in Joplin’s history and architecture quickly grew. Around the time she began working as the director of the Post Memorial Art Reference Library, the city was pursuing the idea of a historic preservation commission, so she eagerly volunteered for it. The commission did a survey of all the historic buildings downtown, and that’s when Simpson began compiling many files now housed at the Post Library. When Simpson researched the history of her own home, she discovered it was owned by Jesse Osborne, who served as Joplin’s mayor five times before retiring. He was coaxed out of retirement in order to oppose a candidate who was running on the Ku Klux Klan ticket. His supporters knew Osborne would surely get elected, and they didn’t want to take the chance a Klan member would become their city’s new mayor. Osborne did win the election but died in office. Simpson has shared her research in the books she’s written. “From Lincoln Logs to Lego Blocks: How Joplin Was Built” traces Joplin’s history through architecture, from the early log cabins on Joplin Creek (Lincoln logs) to contemporary modular housing (Lego blocks). “Now and Then and Again: Joplin Historic Architecture” is based on a slideshow Simpson used to present to civic groups in town to show them photos of existing buildings, followed by photos of what was on the same spots beforehand. Photo of Leslie Simpson by Tina Smith. Historic photos from the Joplin Public Library Digitized Collection One photo in this book shows Barbee Park, a horseracing track that opened in 1872. After a fire in 1909, the land was then developed for residences, yet evidence of the track remains. The outline of the track can be traced by looping around from 17th to 19th streets, from Maiden Lane to the alley between Porter and Harlem. “I used to know somebody who lived over there,” said Simpson. “She had some of the foundation of the grandstand in her backyard - some of the footings.” “Joplin (Postcard History)” is Simpson’s most recent book, and it’s a compilation of the digitized collection of historic postcards housed at the Post Library. One postcard in this book shows a photo of the interior of Dutch’s Top Hat Cocktail Lounge (1818 West Seventh Street) around 1950, with its revolving bar in the whimsical Carnival Room. Simpson’s tireless efforts to preserve the history of her adopted city have not gone unnoticed; former Joplin Mayor Gary Shaw proclaimed May 19, 2008 as “Leslie Simpson Day.” Yet Simpson longs for just one thing more - for someone to give new life to the dilapidated Union Depot building. “I can’t die until I see it restored.” March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 45 Joplin Business Promotion Spotlights Bicycle Specialists • 1202 S. Range Line Road, #2 • 417.781.1664 • www.bicyclespecialists.com For 60 years, Bicycle Specialists has offered the best products and services to clients from around the Four States. In business since 1955, Bicycle Specialists is the oldest bike shop in the Four-State Area, and 2015 marks the 60th anniversary. Keep on the lookout for special events and deals during the year! Bicycle Specialists offers precision fit services, which allows all riders to achieve accurate riding form and performance. The benefits of precision fit services are rider comfort, power and body safety. Using measurements and recommendations for the rider, 60 Years each bike can be custom fit and adjusted. Come to Bicycle Specialists and check out the oldtime feel of single-speed cruisers, three-speed cruisers and the new pedal-assist bicycles from Electra. These bikes feature an easy-to-use pedal-assist system that provides amazing power when you need it. Kraft Insurance Services 2701 Bird Avenue • 417.624.6565 • www.kraft-ins.com 2015 marks the 90th year in business in Joplin. Licensed in 11 states, it’s truly amazing that Kraft Insurance Services has been providing quality personal and business insurance to clients since 1925. Randy said, “We’re rewarded by our career choice when we are able to take a client who has struggled with a problem and empower them with the strategies to solve it.” Randy and his team strive to live by the Platinum Rule: treat others better than you would like to be treated. Their commitment to service comes in finding the delicate balance that creates a win for their clients and the companies they represent. Randy said, “It’s the right mix of coverage, price and relationship.” Witness your baby’s image for the first time while your family members watch. If you are an expectant mother and anxious to get a glimpse of your new creation, 3D4D Imaging Center can make it happen. You will see your baby’s activities inside the womb, which is difficult or impossible to identify with traditional scanning. And the baby’s gender can be determined at only 16 weeks. 3D4D Imaging Center 1027 South Main St., Ste. 311 Gryphon Building 417.206.4535 3d4dimagingcenter.com Owner Karalee Laney, celebrating her 5th year in business, a registered medical sonographer, performs each ultrasound and has a reputation for providing excellent service. Although not intended to replace physician-ordered ultrasounds, 3D4D has found its place in providing a service that is sometimes more timely and enables the whole family to enjoy the experience. For all other diagnostic scans, 3D4D also has a board certified radiologist on staff. Prices and appointment information can be obtained by calling 417.206.4523, and appointments can also be booked online at 3d4dimaginingcenter.com. Celebrating five years in business! PowerWashing Plus, LLC • 417.291.0549 • Steve@cleanmakeover.com www.cleanmakeover.com • www.facebook.com/powerwashingplus Your home or business deserves a clean makeover! From power washing to wood and concrete restoration, PowerWashing Plus cleans, protects and beautifies any outdoor surface to look like new again. Over the past decade, PowerWashing Plus has become the number one preferred surface restoration company in the four states and is proud to have been selected exclusively to serve events such as ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover Joplin and The Color Run of Springfield, Mo. PowerWashing Plus specializes in applying certified solutions that meet or exceed all performance standards in the surface restoration industry. Services include pressure washing, concrete cleaning, wood restoration and roof cleaning, along with many industrial services. Contact us for your complimentary consultation today! 46 Joplin Business Promotion Spotlights Gunlock Heating & Air, Inc. 9515 Foliage Road • Joplin: 417.624.5203 • Carthage: 417.358.2339 • Neosho: 417.451.9100 Gunlock Heating & Air, Inc., is a locally-owned and operated family business since 1985, now celebrating 30 years serving the Joplin area. Gunlock Heating & Air has seen the growth and expansion of technology in home and business comfort and efficiency beginning with basic furnaces and air conditioners to the innovations in geo-thermal heat pumps, radiant floor heat, WiFi thermostats, zoning and safety and efficiency checks. In 2011, Gunlock Heating & Air introduced duct cleaning with the restoration goal of cleaning the air in homes and businesses in the tornadoravaged area. Duct cleaning has since continued as a regular service with our customers. We invite you to celebrate with us March 26 at 3 p.m. for the area chambers’ ribbon cutting and reception. Call 417.624.5203 today to R.S.V.P and schedule your air and comfort analysis! Abundant Shine Inc. • 1027 S. Main St., Ste. 315 • Joplin MO • 417.317.3786 • mindy@abundantshine.com Real Cleaning You Can Count On With a Reputation That is Spotless From commercial janitorial, new construction, power washing, floor restoration and excellence in residential cleaning, Abundant Shine Inc. delivers a true white-glove service. With over 25 years of experience, Abundant Shine’s background-checked, bonded, insured and well-trained cleaning technicians meet all their customers’ cleaning needs. Each cleaning professional is certified in sanitation methods and the handling of blood-borne pathogens, making Abundant Shine Inc. the choice for your doctors’ or dentists’ offices. Communication is the key. Abundant Shine Inc. is so confident you will be completely satisfied with its services that it backs its work with a 100 percent guarantee. Using 85 percent green products, no job is too big or too small. “Cleaning You Can Count On” Our guiding principles: Place God first in all we do, be a blessing to people, trust God to meet our needs and strive for excellence. Shoal Creek Interiors • 4032 Gateway Drive • 417.782.3854 www.ShoalCreekInteriors.com • www.SmellAwaySolutuionsofSouthWestMO.com Shoal Creek Interiors is locally owned and operated and has been serving the 4-state area since 1989. Choose from a premium selection of carpet, hardwood, stone, tile, vinyl, and laminate flooring. Shoal Creek Interiors provides both commercial and residential flooring services with full service expert installation. We are now offering a smoke and pet odor treatment in a 100-square-mile radius of Joplin, MO. Smell Away is the best pet odor and stain eliminator on the market and comes with a 100% guarantee to work. Smell Away Solutions is tough on odors but gentle on the earth. Call today for a free estimate! Ronald McDonald House of the Four States Helping Provide Comfort & Care Because Healing Happens Together 3402 S. Jackson, Joplin 417-624-CARE(2273) www.rmhjoplin.org March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 47 48 Photo from the Joplin Public Library Digitized Collection. The Future of a Landmark Joplin Building J oplin’s Memorial Hall, located at the corner of Eighth and Wall, might be getting a facelift in the near future, or the old structure might not be here at all this time next year. Originally erected in 1923 as a memorial to area men and women who served in the armed forces, the building has also been used as a community center and a venue for musical concerts, circus performances and other attractions over the years. However, city officials have puzzled in recent years over what to do with the deteriorating structure, especially since citizens voted down a proposal in 2010 to move the Joplin Museum Complex there. Now a possible solution may be on the horizon. In early December of last year, the City Council approved a joint request of Connect2Culture, George A. Spiva Center for the Arts, Pro Musica and the Downtown Joplin Alliance to explore turning Memorial Hall into a community cultural arts center. The proposed center would be a public-private partnership that would include a new home for the Spiva Center for the Arts and a 500-seat performance hall to accommodate Pro Musica’s annual concert season and to serve as a venue for other community performances and touring acts. Any plan to redevelop the Memorial Hall property would also include spaces for public meetings and assemblies in the spirit of the original ordinance for the site, and the building would continue its mission of honoring veterans and preserving veterans’ memorials currently located there. One option under consideration is to retain Memorial Hall’s current shell and make the necessary additions and renovations to facilitate the proposed uses for the building, while the other option is to raze the building and construct a new one on the same site. The first step of the exploration effort approved in December by the City Council was to secure the necessary funding of $65,000 to hire the architectural firms of Corner Greer and Associates of Joplin and Westlake Reed Leskosky of New York to develop pre-schematic designs By Larry Wood and renderings for the two options. Connect2Culture announced in early January that the goal of obtaining the $65,000 in contributions and pledges had already been achieved. Donations came from businesses, individuals and foundations, with the lead contribution coming from the Community Foundation of Southwest Missouri (CFSWM) in the amount of $48,000. “We’re pleased to be able to support this study to evaluate an important historic structure in our city,” says CFSWM president Stephanie Howard. “To have raised the necessary funds in a month’s time, from multiple sources, and to formally engage the architects speaks to the positive momentum for the cultural efforts in our community,” says Clifford Wert, vice president and treasurer for Connect2Culture. “We are extremely grateful to the CFSWM for its full support of our grant application.” “The Board, staff and volunteers of Spiva Center for the Arts are excitedly looking forward to the results of the Memorial Hall studies,” says Kerstin Landwer, president of George A. Spiva Center for the Arts. “They represent an important step forward, not only for the arts in our community, but also for the future of a landmark Joplin building.” “The Downtown Joplin Alliance highly values this project and recognizes the integral role Memorial Hall plays in the quality of our downtown and what it means to our community,” adds Brent Baker, president of the Downtown Joplin Alliance. “We look forward to the next phase in the life of the Hall as we continue to rejuvenate the downtown.” March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 49 SMTO Featuring Joplin Photos by Francene Woods Johnson Mixing It Up in Joplin: Superheroes vs. Villains By Kathleen Swift Pow! Bam! Here they come! The Second Annual Superheroes vs. Villains 5k and 1 mile Fun Run is about to hit the street in Joplin. Contestants will gather in front of Joplin City Hall for this year’s costumed race on Saturday morning, March 28 at 8:00. Ashleigh Teeter, owner of Starlit Running Company, expects 250 racers to fill the streets that morning. “The city and Joplin Police Department are working with us to close Main Street to vehicle traffic between 2nd and 7th streets for the race. This is the same area that is used for the Third Thursday gathering,” said Teeter. There will be a DJ and music to add to the fun for the chip- timed event. “Instant Karma will be open that morning and will have a small, themed breakfast menu available. Contestants get a free drink, and the winners will get a free dinner from Instant Karma. Rock City Skirts is providing a 10 percent discount for Superheroes vs. Villains runners. They will also be providing the overall female winner with a running skirt of her choice. If you’ve never taken a look at their skirts, you should. They have a line of superhero skirts as well as villain skirts that would be perfect for the March 28 race!” added Teeter. Additionally, all runners will get a superheroes tote bag that can be used again and again. Recently, more and more races are themed. “People are really excited about the theme. In October we held a themed night run, Twilight Thriller, and had good feedback from the participants. We think the morning race theme of Superheroes vs. Villains will be just as much fun,” said Teeter. “The course is relatively flat, and, of course, we will be running on the city street. For the 5k run, the course will be L-shaped, starting in front of City Hall, turning left on 2nd Street, proceeding to Tyler and back again. There are seven age categories for the competition: kids under 12, 13-18, 50 “We think the morning race theme of Superheroes vs. Villains will be just as much fun.” --Ashleigh Teeter, owner Starlit Running Company 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60 and older. In each age division there will be a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place female winner and a 1st, 2nd and 3rd place male winner,” said Teeter. Recently, Teeter and her husband Toby have launched a new website, www.localraces.com, where runners and cyclists can find out about upcoming races and register for the ones in which they want to participate. “It’s a great place to discover local rides and runs all at a single website,” said Teeter. Those interested in participating in the Superheroes vs. Villains 5k and 1 mile Fun Run can find registration information on the website. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 51 SMTO Featuring Joplin the foundation of a strong defensive team that with a few more pieces we feel will thrive in this league. “Joe Becker Stadium has a few quirks that gives us an advantage as the home team in the field. The hill in left field immediately comes to mind. Hitting is another area we feel we have the pieces to be successful. We will be looking for a couple more big hitters to round out the middle of the lineup, but we feel comfortable with what we have.” Regardless of how many wins and losses or whether year one culminates being crowned league champs, Shawn Suarez really wants residents of Joplin and all of Southwest Missouri, Southeast Kansas, Northeast Oklahoma and Northwest Arkansas to get comfortable with cheering for the Blasters. Play Ball! Joplin Blasters Pro Baseball Team “Probably the biggest key for us to be successful this season is for the fan support in the Four States community to be strong,” Shawn Suarez suggested. “We need to establish a strong home field advantage, and that starts with our fans. By Don Lowe A s the Joplin Blasters get set for their inaugural season of professional baseball in a couple of months, there’s plenty to be excited about all across the entire organization. Shawn Suarez, general manager and co-owner, provided early perspective, along with Gabriel Suarez, on how this team is coming together as it looks to opening night May 21. “Right now we have a lot of experience on our roster,” Shawn Suarez said. “We have players who have played multiple years of professional baseball and know what needs to be done to succeed. “We have some arms (pitchers) who have been overlooked in the past, but that are very live and hungry. Our offense still needs a couple of big hitters, but we have a strong foundation with the bat and with the glove defensively.” While there’s certainly a lot of work to be done as far as finalizing a complete team, let alone figuring out an everyday lineup, Shawn Suarez did mention a few individuals likely to make a splash for manager Carlos Lezcano’s Blasters. “Some key players right now are outfielder Oscar Mesa, who is a strong lead-off candidate and hit .327 in our league last year,” Shawn Suarez noted. “Infielder Austin Gallagher is a former top prospect of the Los Angeles Dodgers who is looking to have a bounce-back year. “Left-handed pitcher Anthony Ferrara spent multiple seasons with the Springfield (St. Louis) Cardinals.” Lezcano seems to be a solid choice in leading Joplin’s debut season. Shawn Suarez says of Lezcano, “He is a former Major League Baseball outfielder with the Chicago Cubs, and he has spent 21 years as a professional manager. He has amassed over 1,000 wins in affiliated baseball, most recently with the San Diego Padres A+ affiliate.” Ultimately, the Blasters will turn their full attention toward trying to claim a South Division title and striving to bring home the American Association of Independent Professional Baseball league championship. “Success in our league comes down to pitching and defense,” Shawn Suarez assured. “The old saying that you can never have too much pitching definitely rings true. We are very confident that we will be able to identify the pitchers who can get the job done and keep us competitive. “Defense is the second key component of a successful team. You can have great pitching, but if there is no one behind him to catch the ball, you are in trouble. We have 52 “We will do everything to make sure we are an exciting experience both on the field and in the stands. But, we need those fans to come out to games and support us.” There’s no doubt Shawn Suarez is passionate about a brand of baseball that will provide a great deal of excitement across a broad regional locale. And considering the interest in pro baseball all around this area, it seems likely the Blasters will draw plenty of interest. So, let’s play ball! FAST FACTS: Joplin Blasters Professional Baseball Team Front Office Leadership: Matt LaBranche, executive vice president/business operations; Shawn Suarez, executive vice president/general manager; and Gabriel Suarez, chief executive officer Organization: American Association of Independent Professional Baseball League/Divisions: Total of 13 teams in the league, with three divisions South Division: Consists of the Joplin Blasters, Wichita Wingnuts, Amarillo Thunderheads, Grand Prairie Airhogs and Laredo Lemurs Schedule: Joplin plays 100 regular-season games with 50 home-playing dates Post-Season Format: Three division winners and one wild card entrant play series to determine overall champion Regular-Season Opener: Host Wichita Wingnuts Thursday, May 21, at Joe Becker Stadium Season Tickets: Anyone interested in purchasing season tickets may call 417.437.6105 or visit joplinblasters.com Students Love Joplin Students from four area schools say “Happy Birthday, Joplin!” James Nguyen - McAuley Catholic High School • 12th Grade Another year has passed for the great city of Joplin. Once again as citizens of Joplin, Missouri, we celebrate the birth of our historic city for the 142nd year. Many historical events have happened since the birth of our city back in 1873. The city of Joplin was named after the founder of the first Methodist congregation in the area, Reverend Harris Joplin. This historical city was known for mining lead and zinc in the good old days. Travelers came and went through Joplin in the time when Route 66 was mainly used to get from east coast to west coast. The most recent event that occurred in a city full of rich history was a day that will live in infamy, May 22, 2011. One of the deadliest tornadoes in the nation happened on that day, leaving behind the destruction of many homes, schools, churches, parks, and businesses. It was not a crisis felt only by the city of Joplin; it was also felt by the entire country. Volunteers from all over the United States came to Joplin and contributed to the rebuilding process. Despite everything that has happened to this city, the community united together and never lost hope. Many homes and businesses have been rebuilt over the past couple of years. Since Joplin’s last birthday celebration, the city has been blessed with many new things. Minor league baseball is coming to Joplin with the creation the Joplin Blasters, whose season is set to start this upcoming May. Students at Joplin High School began classes in their new facility for the 2014-2015 academic year. Mercy Hospital opened up their new facility a couple of weeks ago to serve the patients of Joplin. Happy birthday to this great city, Joplin, Missouri. May this year bring the citizens of Joplin many blessings. Megan Freitas - McAuley Catholic High School • 12th Grade March 23 is the birthday for Joplin, Missouri. In 2015, Joplin is officially 142 years old. 175 years ago, Reverend Harris G. Joplin settled upon the banks of a river, which he appropriately named Joplin Creek Valley. However, the city of Joplin was not founded until nearly 30 years after this. Reverend Joplin may have settled in 1840, but it took 30 more years before the well-known miners came to the area. The miners heard that there was lead in the river and set up their camps in 1871. On the east side of the valley, John C. Cox, a native resident, set up the plans for a city there. Meanwhile, on the other side of the valley, Carthage resident Patrick Murphy claimed the area there and called the city Murphysburg. The two joined together in 1873 under the name of the City of Joplin. The city began to grow in the 20th century. It was during this time that Carnegie Library and Electric Theatre, later named Fox Theatre, were built. During the Great Depression, the famous duo Bonnie and Clyde made their way through Joplin, robbing various businesses. This ended in a shoot-out and they had to flee town, leaving behind several possessions, including the camera that held the famous photos of the two. This time period was a time of great development for little Joplin. It was during this time that more memorable buildings, such as Fred and Red’s Diner, the Scottish Rite Cathedral, and the Frisco Depot, were built. Also in this time frame, after World War II, the main road in Joplin became part of the famous Route 66. Joplin has gone through many ups and downs in all of its years in existence in Southwest Missouri. One that most will remember will be the 2011 tornado in May. This blow was one of the biggest that Joplin had experienced. However, this tragedy did not keep Joplin down for long and now, in 2015, most of the buildings that were destroyed are now standing again, including Mercy Hospital and Joplin High School. So on this day, we remember all the past experiences of Joplin. The good times and the bad times have shaped this city to how it is now, both physically and emotionally. Joplin is wished a very happy 142 years and good tidings for 142 more. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 53 Students Love Joplin “Happy Birthday, Joplin!” Madison Imre Szell - St. Peter Middle School • 8th Grade “Happy birthday to you! Happy birthday to you! …” The birthday song has been sung at every birthday celebration across America. In Joplin this year the celebration is a bit different, but the purpose remains the same. This March, Joplin, Missouri’s residents will celebrate its 142nd birthday. The town of Joplin was named after Reverend Harris Joplin. Years before the establishment of the town of Joplin, Reverend Joplin settled in the area. He founded the area’s first Methodist congregation, and church services were held in his home. The town of Joplin was established in 1873. It was first known for lead mining, but zinc mining caused its expansion. Zinc prices fell dramatically after World War II, stopping this growth. However, after the construction of Route 66, the town attracted more travelers. In fact, Route 66, the legendary Bobby Troup song, includes the town name in its lyrics: “Joplin, Missouri.” Joplin and its residents provide a home for every person that comes its way seeking a place and purpose. There are all types of religions, ethnicities, and ages to be found here. Joplin is the perfect embodiment of the “melting pot” picture of the United States. After living in several places, my family and I have finally found a place to call home. Happy birthday, Joplin! Sources: History of Joplin; City of Joplin; http://joplinmo.org/history; 2/5/15. Missouri Legends: Joplin-A Lead Mining Haven; Legends of America; http://legends ofAmerica.com/mo-joplin.html; 2/5/15. Debborah Moss; Joplin Hideout; Debez Graphics; http://debez.com/joplinhideout/history.html; 2/5/15 Johanna Damaso - St. Peter Middle School • 8th Grade Joplin started as a small town by a creek. John C. Cox laid out plans for the town in 1871, naming it after his friend, Reverend Harris G. Joplin. Joplin started blossoming when miners migrated to the town, searching for profitable ores. There was such an abundance of lead and zinc that it supported Joplin’s economy for over seven years. The miners played a large influential role in the town’s growth. Joplin was once a rowdy town painted with saloons and lined with dance halls. Sadly, after World War I, the mining industry declined due to the unearthing of richer ore pockets in Oklahoma. In 1926, however, Joplin was decorated with a new road; Route 66 started snaking through the town. Joplin has sheltered many, including the infamous Bonnie and Clyde in 1933. Joplin’s colorful past has paved the road to its beautiful future. Although Cox did not get to see what became of his town, I believe that he would be proud of how much it has grown. Joplin’s suburban setting, friendly community, and beautiful scenery welcome people to the city year-round. Joplin, flaunting eight different lakes and numerous streams, is filled with attractions that keep people coming back for more, from the beautiful Grand Falls, to the historical Fox Theater, to the Spiva Center for the Arts. Although Joplin suffered a devastating tornado in 2011, we have recovered with gusto. Joplin, decorated with murals and friendly faces, is the home of over 20 schools, 130 churches, and multiple local businesses. “Joplin’s Past, Present, & Future.” Joplin Area Chamber of Commerce. <http://www.joplincc.com/joplinhistory.html>. February 5, 2015. “About.” Historic Joplin. <http://www.historicjoplin.org/?page id=2>. February 5, 2015. 54 Brooke Taylor - St. Mary Elementary School • 5th Grade When you go down Main Street, it is hard to imagine that once it was just a field. Today we are celebrating the 142nd birthday of Joplin. Imagine all the way back when it was just grass and a few buildings. Now it is a busy town with a population of over 50,789. Joplin has been through thick and thin, between tornadoes and floods. I am excited to run through the history of Joplin. In 1873 this town was established. Thanks to the mining use of lead and zinc, Joplin’s wealth expanded drastically. Joplin was named after Reverend Harris Joplin, a European settler. On May 22, 2011, Joplin was struck by an EF-5 tornado. This was the cause of 158 deaths and over 900 injuries. As you can see, many people were hurt in this tornado. We lost a lot of the population of Joplin. It was hard to lose these people, but everybody had a lot of courage to stand up and keep fighting. In the process of the tornado, the St. John’s Medical Center was hit. That is when my dad was called, and we were transferred over to the temporary hospital, Mercy. And the new hospital is going to open this March. Living in Joplin has been a fun experience. I have meet amazing friends and had amazing opportunities. I cannot believe that the new St. Mary’s school and church have already opened. Even if you were not in the way of the tornado or nobody you knew was hurt, you were still somehow affected by it. Joplin has very much improved from 2010, to now. Now, Joplin is still not sunny side perfect. We still have tornadoes and floods, but no place is ever perfect. Everybody still has fear and some still have broken hearts from our loved ones now gone. But together, we can make Joplin an even better town. Kayleigh Teeter - St. Mary Elementary School • 5th Grade Joplin is made of people who stick together and overcome obstacles that are put before it. In Joplin, mining was a great thing. It laid the foundation to what our city is today. It all started when several miners found large amounts of lead in the ground, creating a Midwest boomtown. As the area grew, John C. Cox decided to name the town Joplin, in honor of his friend Harris Joplin, a Methodist reverend. Over the years, more than 500 million tons of lead and zinc ore were pulled out of the ground. After World War II the ore sales went down due to falling demand and prices for lead. As mining stopped, we had to move on to different types of business to keep the town going. Over the years the town moved from mining to such business as trucking companies, hospitals, and manufacturing. From there our city continued to grow. A recent obstacle that added to our history was when a tornado hit us on May 22, 2011. It was heartbreaking to see our town get destroyed. We lost a lot of homes, schools, churches, businesses and a hospital. It was a sad time for our town. But we didn’t just give up, we put our faith in God and gave each other a helping hand to rebuild our city. Almost all of the things lost in the storm have come back. We are not only rebuilding but growing our community. I am so happy we live in a town like Joplin. Whenever we fall into bad times we pull together to make our city better. No matter what happens Joplin sticks together as a family does. Will Glover - St. Mary Elementary School • 5th Grade I was kind of surprised to be asked to contribute to this “Happy birthday, Joplin” article because I just moved with my family from Tulsa to Joplin last June. In those eight months, I have really liked living here. My mom showed me an article from Movoto.com that ranked Joplin as the seventh friendliest small city in America and I agree with that status. The article looked at crime rates, religious organizations per capita, farmers markets and high fives (just kidding). The May 22nd tornado proved what a strong community Joplin is and how resilient the people are to bounce back from devastation in such a short amount of time. It seems like everyone really cares about each other and the community. No matter what happens they are always there for one another ready to lend a helping hand. The article mentioned how this sense of community and friendliness spread throughout the country because so many donated time and resources to rebuild the city. The article also ranked Joplin as the fourth highest for number of religious organizations per capita, which was the highest ranking in the top 10 cities featured. My family and I moved to Joplin for this reason. We are Catholic, and my parents wanted us to have an affordable Catholic education. My older brother attends St. Peter’s middle school and my sister and I attend St. Mary’s elementary. We didn’t know anyone when we moved here but everyone welcomed us and made us feel like we had known them for years. We couldn’t be happier with our school and church communities. My family and I believe we are truly blest to have moved to such a wonderful and friendly city. Joplin is our home and we love it here. Happy birthday, Joplin! March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 55 Students Love Joplin “Happy Birthday, Joplin!” James Calandro - College Heights Christian School • 8th grade Joplin’s birthday reminds me of the thick, rich history of this fine town and my own personal history as well. To begin, Joplin was named after the Reverend Harris Joplin who was a Methodist preacher. Established in 1873, it grew in population due to the prosperity created by the mining business centered on lead and zinc. Also, a very famous event in Joplin’s history was the shootout of April 13, 1933. Bonnie Parker and Clyde Barrow rented an apartment as a hideout on April 1, and it ended in a shootout with the police on April 13. My own history started when I was born on July fourth two-thousand one in the Freeman Hospital system; and ever since then, I have grown up in a great community and a great environment as well. I enjoy partaking in outdoor adventures like the time my brother and I went into our church’s backland and discovered a lake where we often fish. One time on a kayak trip on Shoal Creek it was getting too dark to kayak, so we plucked a few ears of corn off of the bank and pulled up to a sandbar. A couple was camping there and let us cook our corn on their fire while we told stories to each other. Other times, my brothers and I ride bikes from Carthage to South Joplin on the Ruby Jack and Frisco trails. Drivers are usually very courteous to us on the section from Oronogo to the head of the Frisco Trail. My family has eleven members, and Joplin has something to entertain us all. From repelling to kayaking to hiking to shopping to dining, the list of things to do goes on and on. Joplin has grown in community spirit and industry and has a small town feel combined with a big-city life, and I am glad to celebrate this wonderful town’s one-hundred and forty-second birthday. Abbi Hardy - College Heights Christian School • 11th grade My favorite things about Joplin are that the community is involved in promoting art, that there are many churches worshipping God, and that the people are incredible. I love walking down Main Street and looking at all of the beautiful buildings. My favorite part of Main Street is every third Thursday’s Art Walk. I think it is amazing that our town celebrates art and fellowship within the community. Another favorite part about this community is that there are so many churches to spread God’s word. I am amazed by the ways God is moving the community to work together and help make Joplin great! I have loved growing up here. In my own life, my mom has told me stories of how the old Freeman Hospital used to be right up the street from my house and was the personal home of John W. Freeman. The hospital itself was created in honor of his late son Orley. In 1975, Freeman Hospital moved to the outskirts of Joplin. The land for the hospital was donated by Joplin businessman Myron McIntosh and today is known as Freeman Hospital West, which is the hospital where I was born. I am thankful to Mr. Freeman for opening his home to those in need of a doctor so many years ago. Joplin really has many incredible people who are products of this awesome community. Happy birthday Joplin! Thanks to all the wonderful things and people in this town which makes this a great community. 56 Katie Barnett - College Heights Christian School • 11th grade One hundred and forty two years of the great city of Joplin, Missouri. There’s no place like it. With a big town feel and a small town community, it holds all the greatness that people past and present have invested in to it. From starting out as just a simple mining town, it turned into a place anyone would be proud to call home. Joplin bears the community and people that everyone strives to be. One hundred and forty two years of hardships and unthinkable circumstances have made this town what it is. Joplin has triumphed over incredible hurdles, such as the 2011 tornado. The horrors that it endured only made it and its community stronger in the end, and brought its greatest success. In the aftermath of that devastating tornado, one can see just how magnificent and close-knit the Joplin community has become. Everyone pulled through, encouraged each another, and lent a helping hand to those who needed it most. This city bounced back, better than ever before. This, I believe, is Joplin’s most significant triumph in its 142 years, and I am ever more proud to call it my home. Proud of our past – shaping our future. Kayley Ball - College Heights Christian School • 6th grade Joplin’s 142nd birthday is a big deal for me. When I moved here from Columbia, Missouri, in 2011, Joplin provided my family and me a safe community to live in, a wonderful Christian school to attend, and an excellent hospital for my dad to work at. After moving here, I was so grateful for Joplin’s safe community. Many communities and cities are plagued with violence and unrest, but Joplin really is a peaceful place to grow up. In addition, Joplin also provided my brother and me College Heights Christian School to attend. I went to a Christian school in Columbia, but it was not the caliber of College Heights. College Heights has really given me the tools I need to grow in my Christian faith. Joplin also offered my dad a job at Freeman Health System. The main reason we moved to Joplin, in fact, was because of my dad’s job. My dad loves working at Joplin’s only locally-owned hospital, and he takes pride in taking care of Joplin’s residents. I am extremely happy that it worked out. Residents of Joplin are always helping each other in times of need. For example, when the tornado hit Joplin nearly four years ago, it destroyed a lot of businesses, buildings, and homes. We actually moved to the Joplin area five days after the tornado happened, and I was able to see how much Joplin’s residents take care of and support each other in their time of need. Another example of the people of Joplin’s kindness happens every week at my school. At our Chapel service every Thursday, a sixth grade through senior student receives an award called “Cougar of the Week” for an act of service he or she did. That shows that College Heights strives to foster servant leaders in our world. Therefore, Joplin’s 142nd birthday means a lot to me, and I can’t wait to spend another year in this amazing town! 2015 Events Schedule March 9-13 March 12 March 16-20 March 23 & 26 March 24 Missions Week Elementary Spring Music Concert Spring Break Southwest Missouri Mind Games Competition Middle School Scholar’s Bowl Competition April 8 April 11 April 17 April 18 Spring Blood Drive Junior/Senior Banquet Grandparent’s Day High School Scholar’s Bowl District Competition May 11 May 12 May 17 Spring Vocal Concert Instrumental Spring Concert Graduation March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 57 SMTO Featuring Joplin Joplin Crusaders By Don Lowe Photos Courtesy Joplin Crusaders Semi-Pro Football Team Strives to Repeat As National Champions S o, just what will the Joplin Crusaders semi-professional football team do for an encore after going 14-0 a year ago and winning a national championship, while also claiming their seventh Central States Football League title? Whether the Crusaders will be able to duplicate their sensational 2014 season or not, they’ve set a standard of excellence for winning that is expected here year after year. “We all get a little nervous (at the start of a new season),” said Sam Sturgis, who handles marketing duties for the organization and also plays wide receiver. “You never know what to expect. As far as if we are going to be able to repeat, we have a level of expectation. “But, everyone else is getting better. The level of competition is getting better and better.” Really, though, there simply isn’t a program that’s been consistently better than the Crusaders throughout their entire 14-year history. “We’re one of the oldest semi-professional football teams in the country,” Sturgis noted. “And, to have the winning record we have is unheard of, really. We’re playing (teams) in bigger cities, and Joplin is just a blip on the map (in comparison). “Our record is 141-16 in 14 years, which is a little more than one loss (per season). The last three seasons (40-1) we’ve only lost one ball game. And, we’ve won 27 straight games.” As Joplin looks to continue its successful ways in 2015, many of the same cast of characters will be suiting up again this spring and summer. 58 Offensively, key personnel include quarterback Steven Hamilton (6-0, 225), along with running backs Joey Ballard (5-9, 210) and Heath Baker (5-9, 175). Wide receivers Daniel Thompson (5-11, 185) and Shannon Crawford (5-10, 185) should also figure prominently. As for the defense, players who are likely to be major factors in ’15 are Antwan Dyer (6-2, 225), Tevin Gibson (6-0, 205), Jordan Highley (6-2, 235), Jonathon Nash (6-4, 210) and Justin Williams (6-0, 245). Likewise, on the defensive side, Walter Coleman (5-10, 185), Ramon Bonner (6-0, 185) and Clevon Williams (6-0, 195) will be counted on heavily. “As far as keeping players year in and year out, we do retain a lot of them,” Sturgis said. “After winning back-to-back (Central States) championships and then winning the national title, we had about 10 guys that decided to retire after going out on top.” Joplin began its quest to stay on top again this year against the visiting Kansas Pokes Feb. 28. The Crusaders’ 11-game regular-season slate will continue through May 30, and they’ll play a total of six home games. Just before the season was set to get underway, Sturgis emphasized that these defending national champions remain as hungry as ever to keep on winning. “We’re definitely looking forward to it,” Sturgis assured. “A lot of the guys have been hitting the gym, and they are in better shape than they’ve ever been. We’re not complacent.” It’s obvious there’s no complacency with this bunch. Instead, the Crusaders simply remain focused on playing at a championship level virtually every year. Quite honestly, it will probably be surprising if Joplin isn’t among the best once again and ultimately celebrating with yet another title. FAST FACTS Joplin Crusaders Semi-Professional Football Team Head Coach: David Pitts Home Stadium: Missouri Southern State University’s Fred G. Hughes Stadium Upcoming Games: Host River Valley Reckoning March 7; at Arkansas Raptors (Clarksville, Ark.) March 14; host Arkansas Raging Ducks March 21 History: Seven-time Central States Football League champions, three-time league runners-up and 10-time division champs March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 59 SMTO Good Living Décor Your House... RBAN Industrial Design A trend in design that is really catching on—the urban-industrial look or vintage industrial look—is inspired by the 19th and 20th century manufacturing era. This design incorporates function and style inspired by the working people who used everyday objects to build their own furniture and incorporated exposed brick walls, machinery parts, worn wood floors and practical items into their everyday living. 60 Urban industrial design uses found or worn objects such as old reclaimed wood flooring to make shelving or an old chest of drawers turned into a vanity for a bathroom. Furniture that will be used in this design might contain metal doors rather than wood doors, metal wheels instead of feet or casters and even pulleys or exposed machinery parts instead of the traditional pulls. Reclaimed wood, such as pallets, could be cut down and sanded and stained or white washed for an urban, industrial feel for a coffee or side table or used on the wall as a wall treatment. Exposed shelving with metal or wooden shelves and metal supports would fit perfectly in this style, as would stainless steel countertops and vintage appliances. Ceilings with exposed wood beams would create the look of an old manufacturing building that was often turned into apartments. Butcher block counters and painted cabinets along with worn wood flooring could also finish the look of an urban kitchen. Common elements of this design are salvaged factory parts, worn wood furniture pieces and metal items worn over time and with a rich patina to their finish. Metal chairs and metal framed tables would be perfect in this design, as would metal pieces of artwork, such as old clock pieces or metal fence pieces. Lamps with exposed bulbs and pendants made from metal, many with exposed wires and sharp lines, are perfect for this design as well. To soften this look, add pillows and upholstered pieces in solid colors to provide a contrast to the heavy metal pieces of furniture. Old worn books and china pieces would look perfect on the shelves and an accent piece or two is really all you need so you don’t detract from the statement of the furniture in the room. The urban industrial style is perfect for your patio or deck. Reclaim old wheels and use them as sides for an outdoor bench. Old stone grinding wheels can be stacked on top of one another for an interesting side table or just as a design element. Vintage signs such as those used at old gas stations or diners can be hung on the wall for nostalgic urban industrial art outside or inside. The urban industrial style gives us a feeling of nostalgia and reminds us of the hard work our ancestors put in to bring about the industrial age or manufacturing age that has allowed us to have what we have today. Think about incorporating a vintage industrial piece of furniture or artwork into your design! Photo provided by John Howsmon, Scott Rice Steelcase Dealer. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 61 Green Thumb Article and photos by Rose Hansen In Praise Of The Weird And Wonderful March can be a long and hateful month for outdoor gardens. Weather bounces between extremes. Our poor plants know not what to do. Was last week’s frost the final frost, or is another one coming? Regardless of what the almanac proclaims, my shivering marigolds beg to differ. 62 But in one cultivated corner of my house, a tiny Eden persists: the kitchen window. Until I get a greenhouse, this will have to do. Between the kitchen sink and the glass that separates us from the tail end of winter stands one pretty pot of utilitarian herbs, but that’s where purpose and functionality ends. Alongside are three succulent pots whose tenacity rivals something out of The Lost World, a lovely planter of microgreens, various terrariums with air plants and a bonsai tree that fits in the palm of my hand. Both sets of plants require minimal but finicky care. They must be soaked for approximately 30 minutes once a week, and then placed in neighborhoods that keep them out of prolonged direct sunlight. homes, those that are miniature or exotic, make us seem like better, more interesting people. They have the power to transform. There’s something cunning and unplantlike, dare I say human, in a plant’s determination to survive. Consider just their evolved genius for seducing us, fumbling and flawed human beings, into caring for them to the point of infatuation! The habit of collecting living things is ultimately the pursuit of a kind of unattainable love affair, and there is no guarantee that if we get them they won’t die or change. You might even love them too much; you might love them to death, literally—too much water, too much tending. But such is love. Such is life. In the terrariums, air plants (tillandsia) survive without roots or soil as if by magic. My bonsai is a small, charming miracle. Its roots have carved courses into the heart of a chunk of lava rock and found a home there. Unlike the standard houseplant, these particular plants seem intelligent because they are intelligent. Much to the delight of every flight attendant and neighboring passenger, I carried that bonsai back from Honolulu on a travel trek that took us through Los Angeles, Las Vegas and DallasFort Worth. In the way a polite service dog attracts attention, the bonsai earned friendly inquiries and curious gazes. Even TSA agents were actually pleasant. This was all new to me. I don’t consider myself to be particularly approachable; I have what friends call “an angry neutral face.” So be it. That face has protected me from catcalls and unwelcome attention in bars. It keeps activists on street corners from asking me to sign petitions. But the plant-driven attention? This was new. And pleasant. Plants, it turns out, particularly those that live within the walls of our own JOIN THE FRENZY Browse a beautiful, local selection of air plants at the Joplin Greenhouse and The Marketplace, 2820 E. 32nd St. 9 am to 6:30 pm. To have a Hawaiian dwarf schefflera lava bonsai delivered to your front door, visit: www.fukubonsai.com March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 63 5th Annual Nature Photography Contest Winners By Kathleen Swift Natural Winner 1st Place Sometimes opportunities unexpectedly present themselves. That is what happened to Russell Kinerson one day last June. “I had driven to the Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center after dinner that evening, as I so often do. It is a great place to walk and photograph birds and flowers. I had just pulled in, and there was the mockingbird with an insect in its mouth. I rolled down the window, grabbed my camera and took several shots,” recalls Kinerson, this year’s first-place winner of the 5th Annual Show Me The Ozarks Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center photography contest. Kinerson admits with a laugh that he did have the photography contest in mind as he snapped the photo he calls ”To Feed a Mockingbird.” Photography is often on his mind. In 2014, his photo of a butterfly on a zinnia won honorable mention in the contest, and in 2013, one of his photos was awarded second place. To photograph the mockingbird in such detail, Kinerson used a Nikon D800E with an 80-400 mm lens. Kinerson calls it an incredible camera with a great lens perfect for photographing wildlife and for portraiture. But his wife, Michele, had the eye for a winner. “I was sorting through my selections to choose which photos to enter. I asked Michele to help me narrow my choices from six to three. She pointed to the mockingbird and said, ‘That’s a winner.’ I’ve learned through the years to listen to my wife!” Kinerson says. Russell Kinerson 2nd Place The outdoors has been a part of Kinerson’s life since he grew up on a farm in northern Vermont. “Nature and the outdoors is just part of my heart and soul,” he says. They are also part of a career that includes a Ph.D. in forest ecology, a professorship at the University of New Hampshire, and a 30-year career as an environmental scientist for the US Environmental Protection Agency in Washington, DC. Now Kinerson spends part of his time volunteering at the Wildcat Glades Conservation & Audubon Center. He also intends to continue to extend and improve his photography skills. “Since I retired, I have been able to explore the art of photography more. I like learning new things. Learning something new is happiness to me, so I plan to continue to learn all I can about photography and enjoy the open countryside while I do.” Madelaine Giebler Kevin Bowman 64 3rd Place Kids Contest Winner Here’s Looking at You The bullfrog in Ashlyn Henderson’s photo seems to be eyeing us and speaking to us. Ashlyn, this year’s Kids Contest winner of the 5th Annual Show Me the Ozarks Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center photography contest, says that is why she likes photographing wildlife. “Animals are interesting to photograph because they have lots of character.” A sophomore at Galena High School, Ashlyn has a great deal of experience photographing wildlife. She first picked up a camera for serious photography when she was in sixth grade. Influenced by her aunt Kathy, a professional photographer, she has used her Canon Rebel camera to photograph all kinds of animals including eagles, foxes, deer, zoo animals and once, a bear she met on a trail in Colorado. Most people’s first thought when meeting a bear on the trail might be to high-tail it out of there, but Ashlyn grabbed her camera and took a photograph. “I like to take my camera and go out in our woods, to the park or Grandpa’s farm and take photos,” said Ashlyn. Ashlyn Henderson Kids Contest Honorable Mention Paige Mason Ashlyn has experienced previous success with her photography. “Two summers ago,” said Suzette Henderson, Ashlyn’s mother, “she was invited to display her photos at Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center for a month. She has also displayed her photos at Schermerhorn Park.” Ashlyn is currently expanding her photography skills to include portrait photography, but will continue to photograph wildlife. She said, “I plan to frame the bullfrog photo and hang it in my bedroom.” Honorable Mentions Ann Butts Rion Huffman Fan Favorite Kevin Bowman Angela Langer-Heltzel March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 65 5th Annual Nature Photography Contest Hayley Sirmon entries Russell Kinerson Ann Butts Brandon VanDalsem Brandon VanDalsem Ann Butts Mike Ritzman Travis Smith Travis Smith Katherine Spigarelli Ashlyn Henderson Jill Campbell Rion Huffman Ashlyn Henderson 66 Katherine Spigarelli Ashlyn Henderson Kevin Bowman Kevin Bowman Mike Ritzman Dennis Conrow Karen Garver Katherine Spigarelli Mike Ritzman Karen Garver Dennis Conrow Karen Garver Russell Kinerson Madelaine Giebler Paige Mason Julie Krueger Mary Margaret Flanigan Rion Huffman Steve Snyder Dennis Conrow Camden Huffman March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 67 SMTO Featuring Webb City Cruise Night By Larry Wood In Webb City W ebb City’s Route 66 Cruise Night, a car show featuring classics, antiques and more, kicks off this year on April 11, from 5-8 p.m. on Broadway in downtown Webb City. Held the second Saturday of each month from April to September, Cruise Night draws entrants from all over the Four-State area of Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma and Arkansas, and approximately 60 to 80 cars are on display each month. “All kinds of cars are welcome to Cruise Night,” says Gwen Allen, director of membership for the Webb City Chamber of Commerce, primary sponsor of the event. Some of the favorite entries from last year, Gwen says, were restored pick-up trucks, like the 1950 Chevy pickup owned by Ron Darby, which is shown in one of the photos accompanying this article. Registration for Cruise Night is free, and goodies are offered to the first 50 people to register. Trophies are presented to the winners in the various categories, and drawings for door prizes, given out to participants, are also held during the event. You don’t have to enter a car, though, to get in on the fun. The event attracts several hundred spectators each month who come just to appreciate the classic vehicles and enjoy the feel-good atmosphere. A DJ plays music, and games are staged throughout the festivities for kids or anyone else who wants to participate. Prizes are offered to the winners. Although Route 66 Cruise Night has been around for many years, the Webb City Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with local businesses, has been sponsoring it for the past five years. The main business sponsor that has kept the Webb City Cruise Night going and made the event so successful for the past several years, according to Gwen, is X-Treme Powersports in Webb City, owned by Shane Burns. “They have been in business selling cars in Webb City since 1997,” she says, “and they were named Webb City Business Leader of the Year in 2011. They also provide the cars for our dignitaries during our “Paint the Town Red” Homecoming Parade. Shane, his family and employees love what they do and love the community that supports them. “Route 66 Cruise Night is a feel-good, nostalgic event that people seem to enjoy,” Gwen adds, “and we like to bring people downtown. It’s good for the restaurants and other businesses and good for the whole Webb City community.” 68 It’s April, so It’s Springtime on Broadway By Kathleen Swift “Springtime on Broadway gets bigger and better each year,” said Erin Turner, economic and community development coordinator for Webb City. “This is our seventh annual celebration, and it is a stellar event for the community.” The event kicks off Friday, April 10, and continues through Saturday, April 11, in downtown Webb City. Although the event is billed as Springtime on Broadway, the festivities spill over onto Main Street. Vendors and crafts can be found on Main Street while Broadway hosts the entertainment, food and the carnival. The two days are packed with something for everyone. On Friday, Route 66 Swing Band will open the music event followed by headliner band Con-Fuzion. Enjoy the music of The Rebecca Hawkins Project, Stowaway Gypsy and Redeemed on Saturday. These local bands will provide all kinds of music from classic country to covers of current hits. “...many sponsors help the event continue to blossom.” --Erin Turner, Economic and Community Development Coordinator for Webb City. Additional entertainment will be presented by Pinocchio School of Dance and the various musical groups from the Webb City schools. “All of these groups are very popular with the crowd,” said Turner. “We are also considering adding an open-mic where people who have submitted the songs they would like to sing can take the stage and show off their talent. “Seven years ago the celebration was first sponsored by the Webb City Lions Club,” said Turner. “The idea was to celebrate spring and bring the community together in our downtown. After the Lions Club dissolved, a core group wanted to continue the festival. Now known as the Old Urban Downtown Committee, the group, along with the Webb City Chamber of Commerce and many sponsors, help the event continue to blossom. Blevins Asphalt Construction Company has stepped up for the second year as entertainment sponsors. X-treme PowerSports is another major sponsor along with Crowder College of Webb City, US Bank and others.” Each year Springtime on Broadway has added new events, and this year is no exception. The Elks club and Missouri Eagle are sponsoring A Taste of Summer at Springtime on Broadway. Event goers 21 or older can purchase a pre-paid ticket for $5 that grants them entrance into a 45-minute tasting event of the new tastes of summer. Ticket holders also receive a souvenir cup and one free drink in the beer garden. Tickets for this event are limited and can be purchased by calling the Webb City Chamber of Commerce at 417.673.1154. The Treasure Hunt is also new this year. “One of our citizens is opening up his historic building on Main Street next to the other vendor tent for the Treasure Hunt. Here we will have antiques, shabby chic décor and flea market items,” said Turner. Profits from the event go to improve the downtown area. Past improvements include trees, trash cans and the historic lamp posts. Turner says businesses can purchase seasonal lamp post banners during the festival at three for the price of two. For information on tickets, events and vendors, email Erin Turner at eturner@webbcity.org. Save the date!! April 10-11 March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 69 “We hope people will choose to spend their leisure time here rather than anyplace else.” —Tom Reeder, Webb City Parks and Recreation Director Photo by Tina Smith 70 Fresh Air and Fun T By Kathleen Swift om Reeder has found his calling and his passion in his work as Webb City Parks and Recreation director. For Reeder, director is more than a title. “I don’t work a day in my life because I love what I do!” That passion has driven his leadership for the last six years and, along with Mayor John Biggs and the Parks and Recreation Board, has brought new vision to the Webb City parks. “Several years ago, I owned 4 Seasons Landscaping. Mayor Biggs wanted to be proactive in cleaning up and landscaping our city parks and approached me about leading that effort. Five years ago I went back to school and earned my BS in Parks and Recreation Management. That has been beneficial for me and for the city,” said Reeder. His learning had real purpose as he applied his new knowledge to the parks system. “Our goal is to build a parks and recreation system that fills the wants and needs of our citizens. We hope people will choose to spend their leisure time here rather than anyplace else.” The largest project Reeder is currently overseeing is taking place at King Jack Park. “We are working with the EPA to reclaim 23 acres of an old mining area at the front of the park. When the clean-up is complete, we plan to create a common area with picnic tables, pavilions and benches for everyone to use,” Reeder explained. “But we are planning that area so that a festival area overlays the common area. Our design is intentional so that, for instance, electrical pedestals are placed where vendors or musical events might be set up. We will be able to host an unlimited number of events such as carnivals or concerts. Because the area is designed for both events and a common area, the transformation between the two can happen quickly.” The lakes at King Jack Park are being joined, and that process is close to completion. Fed by a well, the water level in the new lake will remain constant. The dual-purpose lake will be stocked by the Parks and Recreation Department, so it will be considered a private lake. That means no fishing license will be required. “We want everyone to be able to fish and enjoy the lake, and stocking it ourselves makes that possible,” said Reeder. Although fishing will be allowed, for the first few years the policy will be catch and release until the population of fish reaches a healthy proportion. Small humanpowered watercraft may also be used on the lake, making it the perfect place to kayak or canoe. Reeder’s vision reaches into the Webb City neighborhoods, too. “While the EPA has been working in King Jack Park, we have been renovating our neighborhood parks. Each park has its own personality. We try to fit the park to the neighborhood,” said Reeder. Some parks host skate ramps, others tennis courts, but each park is designed to enhance the lives of the people who live in Webb City. “Seeing children playing in our parks and enjoying themselves is what I call success.” March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 71 Webb City B u s i n ess S p o t l i g h t s Burpo Family Chiropractic Liz’s Tax Service 1632 S. Madison Ave., Suite B 417.388.7554 26 S. Main Street 417.673.5555 Burpo Family Chiropractic – Dr. Hailey Burpo, Chiropractic Physician Elizabeth Crane has helped people resolve their tax problems offers treatment services for the entire family. Treating patients of all and get rid of their tax headaches for the last 12 years. Let Liz ages: during pregnancy, through childhood and adulthood. Sports tackle your basic tax filing or more complex tax resolutions and physicals for area athletes of all ages…Go Cardinals! Walk-ins or hard-to-solve cases. She will make sure you get every possible appointments. penny back from your taxes as quickly and efficiently as possible. The choice of a chiropractor is an important decision and should not be Liz has helped people who haven’t filed in years. Find her on solely based upon advertisement. Facebook for important updates from the IRS and quick access to tax knowledge all year long. Please call 417.388.7554 with tax questions or to make an appointment. Webb City Medicine Shoppe BEI Bill’s Electrical Contractors 1107 S. Madison Suite A 417.673.4909 1716 Falcon Rd • 417.624.6660 www.beijoplin.com The Medicine Shoppe Pharmacy is more than another pharmacy. Bill’s Electric has provided excellent service to the four state area Not only will your prescription be available in a prompt manner but since 1959. When Dale Wilson took over in 1985, he continued the it will be filled by a pharmacist who cares. The Medicine Shoppe same tradition. Now with three locations, BEI continues to provide prides themselves on knowing their customers’ unique needs. additional value for clients, the community and opportunities for Come by today to receive care for your unique healthcare needs. employees. 72 Shelter Insurance® Stephen Thomas, agent 1630 S. Madison 417.673.1975 Shelterinsurance.com/StephenThomas sthomas@agent.shelterinsurance.com Centennial Park is made up of more than 300 city-owned acres and is located just north of the Interstate 249 and Highway 171 intersection, and is just seconds away from Webb City’s nationally recognized Downtown Historic District. Interested retail, hotel, restaurant and service In January 2008, Stephen Thomas took over the family business. Jimmy Thomas, Stephen’s dad, had been in the insurance business since 1956. Stephen is proud to serve the Webb City community. Give him a call or stop by and he will be glad to help you find the right coverage at the right price. “We’re your Shield. We’re your Shelter.” companies that want to be a part of the growing and thriving communities within Southwest Missouri can contact the City of Webb City at 417.673.4651. Bruner Pharmacy Roderique Insurance Agency, LLC Bruner Pharmacy Pam Drake 108 N. Main Street • 417.673.1242 Downtown Webb City 417.673.4663 Bruner Pharmacy, proudly serving Webb City since 1986. Full Roderique Insurance is an independent agency celebrating 70 years service pharmacy includes a drive-through Rx window and full time in business, and a family owned, third generation insurance agency pharmacist, David Hudson, RPH. Bruner Pharmacy has a large gift established in 1945. They offer auto, life, home, business, health and selection & collectibles including Fenton glassware, purses, candles, more! For experience, competitive rates and personal service, give jewelry and cards for every occasion. Open Monday–Friday 9 am– Pam Drake a call or email roderiqueins@cableone.net. 6 pm and Saturday 9 am-4 pm. Webb City Gringos 1401 South Madison Street • 417.673.3001 Locally owned and operated by Chris and Anissa Parrish, Webb City Gringos has served the area since 1993. Gringos is not your typical fast food restaurant. They are known for their large portions. They also have daily specials including two crispy tacos and taco salads. They now serve freshbrewed brown sugar tea by the glass or the gallon! Located across from Walmart in Webb City. “Like” them on Facebook! March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 73 74 &places faces Heart of the Matter Women’s Health Luncheon Freeman Health System hosted the Heart of the Matter Women’s Health luncheon at the Amelie Event Center February 5. Guests enjoyed a delicious meal catered by Crabby’s Seafood Bar & Grill, giveaways and door prizes. The presenters were cardiac specialists John Cox, DO, DACC, C. Ryan Longnecker, MD, FACC, FSCAI and Cathy Banes, DNP, ARPN-C, CHFN. This was a packed house! 1 2 4 7 3 5 6 8 1. Jeania French and Melinda Brown 2. Lorna Stover, Beverly Rahmeier, Jan Brown and Beverly Poplin 3. Jane Ann Turner, Carol Stone and Sharon Koons 4. Debbie Farmer, Glenda Wade and Kristi Seibert 5. Laura Dobbs and Cindy Atteberry 6. Lee Radcliff and Eden Elliott 7. Charlie Brown, Lee Radcliff and David Smith 8. Dollie Gates, Sharon Kay Bretches, Linda Massey and Louise Reed Left: Paula Baker, Freeman Health System President & CEO; Ryan Longnecker, MD; Vickie Cox; John Cox, DO, FACC; and Catherine Banes, FNP Right: Pat Center, Kathy Wilkerson and Bonnie Adams Photos by Tina Smith March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 75 When we’re treating cancer, we’re really treating people. Congratulations to the team of the Via Christi Cancer Center for achieving full accreditation from the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer. Accreditation is the seal of approval for cancer programs from the American College of Surgeons and formally acknowledges Via Christi’s commitment to providing high-quality cancer care to our community and patients. The Via Christi Cancer Center is the only cancer center in the entire Four State area to receive all 8 commendations from the ACOS. By making the advanced treatments you need available close to home, the Via Christi Cancer Center is here for every patient, every time. 76 Every Friday: Grief Counseling, 11 am-3 pm, St. Philip’s Episcopal Church, 706 S. Byers. Free. No appointment necessary. Galena, KS March 3: Weight Loss Surgery Seminar, meets the first Tuesday of each month, 6 pm, Premier Surgical Institute,1619 W. 7th St. Dr. Kido, a fellowship trained surgeon specializing in minimally invasive and bariatric surgery, and his nurse and success story Lori, are providing free weight-loss surgery seminars at Premier Surgical Institute. The seminars are designed to welcome and inform members of the FourState Area interested in learning about – or already considering – surgery as an option for weight loss treatment. Dr. Kido has an impressive record of patient weight loss results. He offers a caring approach to improve patients’ overall health and helps those suffering from the physical, emotional, medical and financial consequences of being overweight, as well as provides a solution for the many who are simply frustrated with unsuccessful efforts to lose weight or maintain weight loss. No reservations are necessary to attend the free seminars, which are open to the public. Premier Surgical Institute was built upon Ortho Four States’ mission to restore patients’ quality of life and unique vision to create a comprehensive, compassionate and affordable world-class place of healing and innovative wellness experience. The resort-like comforts of Premier Surgical Institute provide a relaxing and comfortable setting for those attending the seminars. March 11 & 25: Grief Support Group, meets every second and fourth Wednesday of each month, 11 am-12:30 pm, Hospice Compassus, 2650 E. 32nd St., Suite 100. Call 417.623.8272. March 17: Brain Injury Support Group, meets every third Tuesday, 121:30 pm, Independent Living Center, 2639 E. 34th. Call 417.659.8086 or visit www.ilcenter.org. March 26: Joplin Ostomy Support Group, meets the fourth Tuesday of each month, 7 pm, Freeman Business Center, 3200 McClelland, back entrance. Speaker, refreshments. Call Jackie Strobl at 417.849.7814. Freeman Health System March 2: Breast Cancer Support Group, 4-6 pm, All Aboard Ice Cream, 102 Castle. Call 417.347.2662. March 3: IHOP Pancake Day- CMN Hospitals, 7 am-10 pm, IHOP, 2117 S. Range Line Rd. Enjoy a free short stack of pancakes as IHOP “flips” for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals and, in turn, make a donation to your local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital. Call 417.347.6639. March 3: Autism Support Group, 6-8 pm, Bill & Virginia Leffen Center, 3230 Wisconsin Ave. Call 417.347.7850. March 5: Sibling Class, 6:30 pm. This class will help your other child or children adapt to changes that will occur when a new brother or sister arrives in your home. One-night class lasts for one hour and is open to children 3-12 years of age. Bring a doll or stuffed animal about the size of a baby to class. $5 per child. Call 417.347.6667. For more information about Dr. Kido’s seminars or the various insurance plans accepted for his weight loss procedures, please contact Lori at 620.232.9000. March 9: Prenatal Class, 8 am-3:30 pm, Freeman West Meeting Room 1W. Prepares mothers and their labor coaches for childbirth. $35 per couple. Registration is required. Call 417.347.6667. Parsons, KS March 10: Free Blood Pressure Checks, 7:30-8:30 am, Northpark Mall food court, 101 N. Range Line Road. Call Screen Team, 417.347.4448. Every Thursday: Menu Planning 101, 12 pm or 5:15 pm, Upscale Country Furnishings. Learn to eat better, feel better and save money. Call 620.423.0450. March 10: Alzheimer’s Support Group, 6-7 pm, Freeman East Conference Room 4E. Call 417.347.5876 March 12: Grief Companions Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month, 6 pm, Elm Haven West. Enter through north door. Call 620.704.1110. Via Christi Hospital - Pittsburg, KS March 10: Breast Cancer Support Group, 3:30 pm, Cancer Center conference room. Meets the second Tuesday of each month. Call 620.235.7516. March 25: Cancer Support Group, 3 pm, Cancer Center conference room. Meets the fourth Wednesday of each month. Call 620.235.7900. Mercy McCune-Brooks Hospital Carthage, MO March 3-24: Monday and Tuesday Grief Support Group. Every Monday 1:30-2:30 pm; every Tuesday 6:30-7:30 pm. Free; registration is appreciated. Materials provided. Call Chaplain Galen Snodgrass, 417.359.2636. March 16: Four States Stroke Support Group, 4-5 pm, meets every third Monday of each month. Byers Avenue United Methodist Church. For more information, contact Kevin.woods@mercy.net. March 11: Cancer Support Group, 2 pm, Freeman Cancer Institute Downstairs Conference Room. Call 417.347.4029. March 14: March O’ the Kidney, 8-10 am, Northpark Mall, 101 N. Range Line Rd. One-mile walk hosted by Freeman Dialysis Center. $10 per walker. Call 417.347.1111. March 16: Diabetes Type 2 Support Group, 4:30-5:30 pm, Freeman Women’s Center Conference Room, 1532 W. 32nd St. Call 417.347.5700. March 17: Bariatric Support Group, 5-6 pm, Freeman Women’s Center Conference Room, 1532 W. 32nd. Call 417.347.1111. March 17: Sleep Apnea Support Group, 6-7 pm, Freeman Health Essentials, 1130 E. 32nd St. Roundtable discussion with a sleep therapist. Call 417.347.7400. March 17: Breastfeeding Class, 6:30-8:30 pm, Freeman West Meeting Room 1W, 1102 W. 32nd St. Covers basic breastfeeding techniques such as positioning, latching and assessing adequate intake, as well as pumping and going back to work. $15. Call 417.347.6667. March 19: Stroke Support Group, 4-5 pm, Freeman Support Center, 2206 E. 32nd St. Call 417.347.1234. March 24: Diabetes Support Group, 4-5 pm, meets every fourth Tuesday of each month, Carthage Public Library, 612 S. Garrison. For more information, call 417.359.1359. March 28: Freeman Advantage Tea, 9-11:30 am, Business Center Conference Room, 3220 McClelland Blvd. Annual health screening; open to the public. Call 417.347.5837 or visit www.freemanhealth.com/advantage. Joplin, MO Mercy Hospital Every Monday: Tips for Living a Healthy Life, 10 am-12 pm, South YMCA, 3404 W. McIntosh Circle. Free; registration required. Call 417.625.2492. Every Monday: Parkinson’s Support Group, 2 pm, SWMO Community Alliance Conference Room, 2914 E. 32nd St. Call Nancy, 417.623.5560. Every day: 12-Step Recovery Meetings, Alano Club, 1800 E. 30th. Call 417.623.9645. Every Wednesday: Free Blood Pressure Screening, 9 am-12 pm, St. John’s Medical Equipment Store, 3120 S. Main, Suite 10. Call 417.627.8424. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 77 SMTO Health DENTAL X-RAYS: WHO NEEDS ‘EM? Dr. Johnny Maravich A Dentures & Dental Services Every Thursday: Free Blood Pressure Screenings, 10-11 am, Mercy Hospital Lobby. Call 417.627.8424. March 7: Community Open House, 10 am-4 pm, New Mercy Hospital, 100 Mercy Way. Ceremony and tours. Call 417.625.2260. better way to ask that question would be to say it with a positive attitude and a smile on your face. If you are reading this article, have a head and neck, then the answer to that question is: YOU. You need dental x-rays. Why, when and how often are the next questions that need to be answered. March 22: 1st Patient Move-in Day, 6 am. Old campus closes/new campus opens. Patients will be moved into the new hospital and services on St. John’s Blvd. will shut down. In every line of work there are certain tools or instruments necessary to properly complete the job. A construction worker needs a hammer, a physician needs a stethoscope and an accountant needs an adding machine. A dentist’s instruments include mirror, explorer, the dreaded “drill” we call a hand piece, and yes…x-rays. I have heard endless excuses from patients over my 15 years in dental practice regarding why they do not need any x-rays: “X-rays are too expensive,” “My teeth have been gone for 20 years,” “X-rays cause cancer,” and my personal favorite, “My doctor said I don’t need any more x-rays.” These are just excuses, not valid reasons to decline an x-ray. Mercy Auxiliary-Call 417.625.2262 You wouldn’t have your contractor build a house without a hammer, or your accountant do your taxes without an adding machine or computer. So why in the world would you ever want your dentist to try to treat your oral health without one of his most valuable diagnostic tools? Dental x-rays provide very important information to dentists about your oral health. X-rays are used to find tooth decay. Everybody knows that. But did you know dental x-rays are used to find and diagnose many other dental problems? Dental x-rays are used to find tiny areas of tooth decay that cannot be seen with the naked eye, to determine bone loss from periodontal disease, to see any unerupted or congenitally missing teeth, to detect growth problems, to visualize effects of trauma to your head and neck, and to recognize TMJ issues. Finding and diagnosing these issues early can often save you time, money and future pain and suffering. Each year in October, you’ll notice something different about many of the team uniforms, especially in the NFL. What is it you ask? The color pink. This is to bring awareness about breast cancer and to emphasize the benefit of finding it early, and to search for a cure. You won’t find any national teams wearing a special color to bring awareness to oral cancer. Oral cancer is another reason dental x-rays are necessary. Over 40,000 patients are diagnosed with oral cancer every year. The five-year survival rate of those is around 60-65 percent, and one person dies from oral cancer every hour of the day, 24/7/365. While oral cancer is not rare, its awareness is nothing close to that of breast, colon or even prostate cancer. Your physician recommends a Pap smear, mammogram, colonoscopy or prostate exam and no one bats an eye. “I’ll take it, give me two if you want, I don’t want cancer!” But when the dentist says, “Let’s take an x-ray,” we get defensive and the excuses begin to flow like the soft relaxing sounds from Kenny G‘s saxophone. Just like preventive medical procedures can save our life with early detection, so, too, can the dental x-ray we are so reluctant to get. Mechanically separated chicken, Butylated Hydroxytoluene, and yellow #5 are found in foods we eat. If you can’t pronounce it and/or don’t know what it is, then you probably don’t want it in your body. In the dental world we have things like ameloblastoma, odontogenic keratocyst, osteosarcoma and central giant cell granuloma. These are difficult to say and spell, and you do not want them, either. They are cysts, tumors and cancers found in the jaw. Many of these lack physical findings, and the development of lesions confined inside the jaw bone makes x-rays absolutely necessary for diagnosis. Many who survive from the above lesions can have severe facial disfigurement or difficulties eating and speaking. If these are found early, the patient can be treated with far fewer post-surgical issues. An oral cancer screening includes a visual exam of the soft and hard tissues of the head and neck to find surface lesions and changes, and dental x-rays. These x-rays are a vital, safe tool your dentist needs to view what is under the surface that cannot be seen with the naked eye. Your dentist will determine what type and how often x-rays are needed. So see your dentist on a regular basis. Get an oral cancer screening. And if the dentist says, “Let’s get an x-ray,” have your concerns, but smile for the camera because that x-ray could very well save your life. 78 March 3: Volunteer Recruitment Fair, 2 pm, Mercy Hospital Conference Center, 100 Mercy Way, Conference Center. Sponsored by Mercy Auxiliary. Mercy Gift Shop Through March 22: Gift Shop Sale, 9 am-5 pm. Inventory reduction sale to get ready to move into the new gift shop. New discounts every week! Call 417.625.2260. National Alliance on Mental Illness For information on NAMI, call 417.781.6264 or visit www.namijoplin.org. Meetings held at the NAMI building located at 219 W. 2nd St. in Joplin. Every Monday: NAMI Basics, 6-8:30 pm. A new signature education program for parents and caregivers of children and adolescents living with mental illnesses. Every Tuesday: NAMI Connection Support Group, 6:30-8 pm. Every Tuesday: Self Injury Support Group, 5-6 pm. Every Tuesday: 6:30-8 pm. Family Support Group, Every Wednesday: Dual Diagnosis Support Group, 2:30-3:30 pm. Every Wednesday: Post 5/22 Stress Counseling Sessions, 10 am. Every Thursday: Family to Family Class, 6:308:30 pm. For family or caregivers of individuals with severe mental illnesses. Includes current information about most major mental illnesses; information about medications, side effects and strategies for medication adherence; developing strategies for handling crises and relapse; focusing on care for the caregiver. March 2: Asperger’s Support for Parents/ Adolescents meets the first Monday of each month, 6:30 pm. Barton County Memorial Hospital - Lamar, MO March 3: Caregiver Support Group for Memory Loss, 6-7 pm, Barton County Memorial Hospital Board Room. Call 417.681.5100. March 7 & 28: Blood pressure checks, Senior Center, 306 W. 11th St. Call 417.682.3881. Neosho, MO INTEGRIS Baptist Regional Health Center, Miami, OK March 17: Remember Me Group meets the third Tuesday of each month, 4-5 pm, 400 Lyon Drive. Create a scrapbook with education about dementia. Must RSVP. Call 417.451.2544. Every Tuesday: Free blood pressure and glucose screenings provided by INTEGRIS Regency Home Care and Hospice. First Tuesday: Commerce Nutrition Center, 10:30-11:30 am. Second Tuesday: Nine Tribes Tower, 1011 am. Third Tuesday: Miami Senior Center, 10-11 am. Fourth Tuesday: INTEGRIS Baptist Village, 9-10 am. Nevada Regional Medical Center Nevada, MO March 5: Lunch and Learn, 12-1 pm, Healthy Nevada Innovation Center. Stress management presented by Carol Roberts and Susie Platt. Call 417.448.3801. March 10 & 12: Childbirth Class, 6-8 pm, Medical Arts building 3rd floor classroom. Call 417.448.3801. March 13 & 14: Take-home colon screening kits, 12-4 pm. Pick up at NRMC information desk. Call 417.448.3801. March 14: Take-home colon screening kits, 8 am-12 pm, Medical Arts Building 3rd floor classroom. Call 417.448.3801. March 3: Alzheimer’s Support Group meets the first Tuesday of each month, 11 am, Generations 4th floor visiting room. Call 918.542.3391. March 5: Autism Support Group meets the first Thursday of each month, 5:30 pm, Miami First Baptist Church Fellowship Center, 24 S. Street SW, with Dr. Alan Carnahan. Call 918.919.0148. Mercy Maude Norton Mobile Mammography Unit Schedule for March March 3: 9 am-4 pm, Mercy Clinic, Oswego, KS March 4: 10 am-2 pm, Walgreens, 20th and Range Line, Joplin, MO INTEGRIS Baptist Regional Health Center, Grove, OK March 5: 8 am-4 pm, Mercy Hospital, Columbus, KS March 12: Diabetes Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month, 12:30 pm, INTEGRIS Grand Lake Diabetes Center, 1310 S. Main. Call 918.786.1801. March 10: 10 am-2 pm, Wal-Mart, 15th St., Joplin, MO March 12: Low Vision Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month, 9:30 am, Honey Creek Retirement Village, 200 Har-Ber Road. Call 918.786.2223. March 11: 8 am-noon, Ortho 4 States, Galena, KS March 12: 8 am-4 pm, Mercy Hospital, Columbus, KS March 17: 9 am-noon, Dr. Hill Clinic, Southwest City, MO March 18: 10 am-2 pm, City Pointe, Webb City, MO Miami, OK March 19: 8 am-4 pm, Mercy Hospital, Columbus, KS March 10 & 24: Depression Support Group meets the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, 2 pm, Northeastern Tribal Health System Conference Room, 2301 Eight Tribes Trail. Call 918.675.2093. March 24: 10 am-2 pm, Dollar General Store, Diamond, MO March 12: Caregivers Support Group meets the second Thursday of each month, 11 am, Parish Hall, All Saints Episcopal Church. Call 918.542.3662. Open to the public. March 31: 10 am-2 pm, Walgreens, Neosho, MO March 25: 9 am-noon, Arma Clinic, Arma, KS March 26: 8 am-4 pm, Mercy Hospital, Columbus, KS Schedule an appointment by calling 620.429.2545 or walk on. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 79 SMTO Health Colorectal Cancer - ? What is it C By Atman Shah, MD Medical Oncologist, Freeman Cancer Institute olorectal cancer (CRC) is a cancer of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract that involves parts of the (large intestine) colon and/ or rectum. CRC is the third most common cancer diagnosed in both men and women in the United States. According to the American Cancer Society’s estimates, there will be about 93,000 new cases of colon cancer and 40,000 new cases of rectal cancer in 2015. Interestingly, CRC is the third-leading cause of death from any cancer. However, in the United States, death rates have declined progressively since the 1980s, likely due to early detection and more effective treatments. recommends screening for colorectal cancer beginning at age 50 years and continuing until age 75 years. Usually after a colonoscopy is done at age 50, if no abnormalities are found, a subsequent colonoscopy is recommended after 10 years. The reason for this is because when a precancerous colorectal polyp is found, it takes about 10 to 15 years for it to transform into a more malignant form. Hereditary cancers have drastically different screening ages and frequency. For example, a patient with Lynch syndrome needs colonoscopies every 1 to 2 years, and the screening age can be as young as age 25. In addition, they may require screening for other cancers as well. It is therefore important to seek genetic counselling in families with affected individuals. What lifestyle factors impact this type of cancer Colorectal cancer is influenced by environmental and hereditary factors. There are several factors that are known to increase the likelihood of developing colorectal polyps (pre-cancerous lesions) or colorectal cancer. • A diet high in processed foods or red meats can increase the cancer risk. A diet high in vegetables, fruits and whole grains seems to decrease the risk of cancer. • Other risks include physical inactivity, obesity and smoking. Heavy alcohol use (>2 drinks/day in men or >1 drink/day for women) has also been linked with colorectal cancer. • Age is an important risk factor. The incidence of colorectal cancer starts to increase between ages 40 and 50. There are also hereditary conditions that are associated with a very high risk of developing colorectal cancer. Conditions such as familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and Lynch syndrome are the most common genetic conditions. It is important to have genetic counselling for all close family members when an affected family member is diagnosed with such conditions. Fortunately, these type of conditions account for less than 5 percent of all colorectal cancers. Colonoscopies Colonoscopies are done to screen for colorectal polyps or to catch a colorectal cancer at an earlier stage. It is believed screening colonoscopies is one reason the incidence of CRC has declined. The U.S. Preventive Services task force 80 Treatment and recovery Treatment for colorectal cancer can consist of surgery, chemotherapy/immunotherapy and/or radiation. A medical oncologist/hematologist plays a critical role in formulating a treatment plan and its sequence based on the initial stage at diagnosis of a cancer. Usually, cancers localized to the colon are treated initially by surgery. Surgery, in most cases, is followed by chemotherapy to eradicate micrometastases or tumor cells left behind that are too small to detect. Radiation therapy is commonly used concurrently with chemotherapy in rectal cancers. Advanced colorectal cancers have multiple chemotherapy and immunotherapy options. Monoclonal antibodies are proteins and a form of immunotherapy. These targeted treatments are available depending on the genetics of the individual’s cancer. Personalized treatment regimens are recommended by an oncologist. Advances in treatments in the last 5 to 10 years have resulted in improving overall survival in cancer patients. The Relationship Between Substance Abuse and Poverty Insight Into Substance Use Disorder relationships, illegitimacy, dropping out of school, high arrest rates, high incidence of mental disorders, poor physical health and high mortality rates. By Bridget Bauer When that happens, drug addicts enter the cycle of poverty. From alcoholrehab.com/drug-addiction/poverty-and-substanceabuse: “The cycle of poverty is a phenomenon where people become entrenched into poverty due to a number of different factors. Family experience, lack of education, limited access to employment and health care all contribute to this destructive cycle. Poverty may commence in generations before the existing one, and the role models set up people to continue to live in this way. Without outside intervention to give people access to education and employment, the cycle may continue for generations. W hile poverty may not cause drug abuse and drug abuse may not cause poverty, a correlation exists between the two circumstances. Research suggests a strong association between those who live in poverty and social isolation and the abuse of drugs. From an article posted on June 27, 2013 in Drug Addiction, Drug Rehab Programs by Darryl Fujihara: “According to the U.S. Census Bureau, approximately one out of every six (48 million) Americans is living in poverty, and 3.7 million of those in poverty are in need of treatment for drug or alcohol addiction, but less than a quarter of those actually get the treatment they need. This is first of all because many of these people don’t know about treatment options, and many others don’t have access to a support system to help get them into rehab.” Teddy Steen, executive director of Ascent Recovery Residences, has seen first-hand the connection between poverty and drug abuse. A recovering addict, she said a time existed when she lived in substandard housing and dire circumstances. At some point, some addicts lose all their resources and may become homeless and live in places that are below the socio-economic status they were raised in. “There is a high correlation,” Steen said. “We get a lot of people who are living in poverty but wouldn’t be in poverty in they weren’t drug addicts.” While poverty doesn’t single-handedly cause drug abuse, many of the factors that define poverty and are associated with the poor also are risk factors for drug abuse. Some of those identifiers include low-status and low-skilled jobs, unstable family and interpersonal “I think a lot of it goes hand-in-hand,” Steen said. “I don’t think drug abuse causes poverty or vice versa. They are very closely connected in that a drug addict can enter poverty by using their resources unwisely and getting into that pattern of thought.” “With regard to addiction, there is some evidence to suggest that those in the cycle of poverty who also suffer from substance abuse problems have a significantly more difficult time breaking the cycle and removing themselves from this harmful life than those who are not poor. Additionally, if parents suffer from addiction to drugs or alcohol, their children may have a higher risk of also suffering from this disease.” Difficulty gaining access to rehabilitation programs is another reason why drug addicts remain in poverty. Again from alcoholrehab.com/drug-addiction/poverty-and-substance-abuse: “For people with adequate money or health insurance, and time available, there are a multitude of private drug and alcohol treatment centers that can be afforded. For those who do not have the resources available to them, treatments and detoxification can be difficult to find and to utilize. Public health services are often at capacity with long waiting times for treatment. Additionally, family responsibilities may mean that they are unable to attend a treatment facility because they are unable to afford care for children, parents or other relatives.” March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 81 SMTO Narcolepsy needs a sleep study to be done to differentiate it from sleep apnea. It is marked by daytime somnolence and by falling asleep easily all the time - really the opposite of insomnia - with the feeling of sleepiness as if there was insomnia. Health There are other sleep problems that lead to sleepiness in the daytime that a sleep study can diagnose, behavioral issues with sleep behaviors, a sleep partner will notice and complain of, and a sleep specialist can evaluate properly in the sleep lab, which may give daytime sleepiness. Sleep, Sweet Sleep By Kimberly Wood, MD W e hear about sleep problems of all kinds. What kinds do you need to get a sleep study for and when might you need medication, and when may your medication be the problem? Disordered sleep happens to us all from time to time but insomnia or the inability to sleep is for some of us a chronic and miserable problem. There are sleep disorders of timing of sleep called circadian disorders where the general amount of sleep may be close to normal, but the timing of the sleep onset and waking are off. The delayed sleep cycle, like that of the adolescent who is wakeful all night and then sleeps late into the morning or midday, is one circadian disorder. The advanced sleep cycle of the very elderly (or depressed) is another example, but occurs when sleep onset is very early in the evening and when waking is very early in the morning (6 pm to 3 am). This is contrasted to the disrupted circadian rhythm of the Alzheimer’s patient who may sleep or be wakeful at random times day or night and may not get full and adequate sleep time. This type of disruption is due to the degeneration of the brain and the subsequent difficulty in ordering the behavior. Jet lag is a more temporary form of disrupted circadian rhythm. Shift work and swing shifts are like jet lag, induced circadian disorders imposed by nocturnal employment. Unfortunately life seldom allows full daytime sleep for these delayed sleepers so they are in reality sleep deprived, and suffer somnolence, cognitive impairment and emotional stress. These types of sleep issues do not need a sleep study and don’t usually require medication. Those who are on shift benefit from blacked-out rooms to sleep in with soft noise to block out daytime noise. Their doctors may help them with their sleep from time to time or medicate them for alertness at work if needed. Obstructive sleep apnea causes daytime somnolence and feeling tired and nonrestored after sleep but doesn’t usually have delayed onset to sleep or waking without return to sleep. There may be multiple waking episodes without recall of waking or brief waking. The sleepiness and cognitive difficulties of sleep deprivation are present, but the high risks of coronary heart disease and arrhythmia are also present. It is the increased risks associated with the strain on the system from the drop in oxygen that occurs with this sleep disorder that puts such a high priority on diagnosing and treating it. This is the type of sleep disorder that requires a sleep study, and you know you need it by the snoring that is a part of the obstruction but more importantly by the breathing pauses that a sleep partner will hear. 82 The garden variety, most common sleep disorders do not need a sleep lab evaluation. These are the insomnias. They include difficulty with sleep onset and sleep maintenance. Sleep onset issues are thought to relate to anxiety, but they are also related to the circadian center in the brain that shuts the brain down to sleep. Sleep onset is complicated by pain, and as we age, restless leg syndrome. Restless leg syndrome is a dysfunction of the nervous system that sends a nerve signal, akin to static, that is felt as discomfort, relieved by movement and makes it very difficult to relax and sleep. Many of the medications intended for sleep or anxiety actually increase the restless leg sensation and interfere with sleep further. These include tricyclic and SNRI type antidepressants and antihistamines like the Benadryl in the pm medicines for sleep. Other medications can give muscle aches, cough or distracting side effects that keep you from relaxing. Caffeine, alcohol and nicotine stimulate you to prevent or make sleep difficult. There are many sleep aids to induce sleep - ranging from melatonin and herbal teas, to prescription tranquilizers, hypnotics, and antidepressants. Many of the sleep agents once commonly used freely are on the “Beers list” of drugs to avoid, so your doctor is going to encourage you to try the herbal alternatives. The sleep maintenance problem can also be difficult. You might go easily to sleep but the brain wakes after one sleep cycle or so (usually after three to four hours sleeping) and then you wake to find it impossible to return to sleep. This is thought to be related to depression, and is a common occurrence after “a nightcap” bedtime alcohol drink, as the secondary alcohol effect is wakeful. There are no sleep aids that really work for sleep maintenance on an as-needed basis, but there are good things to try. The best go-back-to-sleep remedy is a simple Tylenol. There are muscle relaxers with shortterm effects that can be used, such as tizanidine. The best initial approach is to be sure the depression has been ideally medicated as depression must be considered for this problem. Naps when kept to half an hour can keep the brain sharper when low on sleep and restore the body and refresh without feeling like you needed more. The key is getting to the relaxed state without the deep sleep cycle that may take too much time to cycle out of to full awareness. Planning ahead for a nap or catching up from behind on sleep either way works to limit the damage from lack of sleep. Sleep, sweet sleep; it eases your pain and rests us from our cares, give us plenty and we live longer, think more clearly and feel much happier. Sweet dreams! New Tools for Evaluating and Monitoring Concussions related concussions are “associated with elevated levels of blood biochemical markers of injury to the central nervous system.” The researchers wanted to see if plasma levels of these biomarkers could help predict when it was safe for concussed players to return to play. They found that concussions sustained by the hockey players were associated with acute axonal and astroglial injury, which can be monitored with blood biomarkers. The concussed players underwent repeated blood sampling, and the researchers discovered that the players had increased levels of the axonal injury biomarker total tau By Billie Holladay Skelley, RN, MS I n soccer, it may be heading the ball that causes the problem. In ice hockey, it can be a powerful body check, or in football, a particularly forceful tackle. No matter how it happens and in whatever sport, concussions are serious injuries and a growing international concern. Lately, this concern has received a great deal of media attention, especially in regard to injured professional athletes, because traumatic brain injuries can cause serious short-term and long-term problems. Concussions, however, can happen to anyone in any age group during any activity that precipitates a physical blow or impact to the head. Sometimes individuals lose consciousness after a concussion, but many people do not. Concussion-related symptoms vary, but they can be physical, cognitive, emotional or sleep-related. Symptoms can include headache, nausea, dizziness and confusion. Some individuals also experience blurred vision, difficulty concentrating, trouble remembering, irritability and poor sleep. For some, the symptoms occur immediately and quickly disappear, but for others, the symptoms can begin weeks later and last for months. Doctors usually recommend rest from physical and mental activities following a concussion, but there is no specific drug or curative medicine to treat these injuries. Healthcare providers often advise athletes in general not to return to their sport following a concussion until they are symptom-free, but specific counseling of individual athletes regarding when they are ready to play again can be confusing. As subjective clinically-defined entities, concussions can at times be difficult to diagnosis. Because symptoms are so variable in their occurrence and duration, it can also be difficult to assess healing and to determine when an injured patient can safely return to athletic or other activities. Objective measures that could indicate when brain damage has occurred, its severity and when former activities could safely be resumed would greatly aid healthcare providers. Fortunately, researchers are trying to identify and develop such tools. In a recent article in JAMA Neurology, “Blood Biomarkers for Brain Injury in Concussed Professional Ice Hockey Players,” researchers describe how they studied professional ice hockey players in the Swedish Hockey League to determine whether sports- and the astroglial injury biomarker S-100 calcium-binding protein B compared to their preseason values. The highest concentrations of these biomarkers were measured immediately after a concussion, and the levels decreased during the players’ rehabilitation period. “We hope that this method will be developed into a clinical tool for club physicians and others in sports medicine, and is used as a basis for the decision on how long the player should rest after a blow to the head,” states Dr. Henrik Zetterberg, a co-author of the study, in a related Science Daily article, “Blood Test Identifies Brain Damage from Concussion in Ice Hockey.” Dr. Zetterberg also noted, “It could even be used in general in emergency medical care to diagnose brain damage from concussions regardless of how they happened.” Having such blood tests as clinical tools in their medical arsenal would help clinicians in diagnosing concussions and in assessing their severity. Objective biomarker blood levels could help them monitor how well a concussed patient is healing. They could also provide an improved basis for making decisions regarding when it is safe for a concussed athlete to return to his or her sport. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 83 SMTO Health or biopsy precancerous or cancerous lesions. Any person between the ages of 50-75 years should have a screening colonoscopy since the risk of colon cancer is highest in this age group. Anyone with a history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease or who has a direct family member who has had colorectal cancer should speak with their doctor about screening at an earlier age. Anyone with blood in the stool, a change in bowel habits, a feeling like your bowel does not empty, weight loss or persistent abdominal discomfort who has not had a colonoscopy should speak with their doctor about screening if appropriate. What do I do if I am diagnosed with colorectal cancer? Colorectal Cancer, What You Should Know A By Samir Dalia, MD Mercy Clinic Oncology and Hematology s we enter spring, the month of March has been designated as colorectal cancer (cancers of the colon and rectum) awareness month. Colorectal cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer deaths in both males and females in the United States and accounts for more than 50,000 deaths a year. There are around 150,000 new diagnoses of colorectal cancer in the United States each year, making it one of the most common cancers. There are things you can do to lessen your chance of developing colorectal cancer and many advances in treatment that can improve quality of life for those who develop it. What can I change to reduce my risk of developing colorectal cancer? Although the risk of colon cancer increases as one gets older, especially after age 50, there are things you can do in order to try to lessen the risk of developing colorectal cancer. Studies suggest a diet high in red meat and low in fruits and vegetables may increase the risk of developing colorectal cancer, and eating a well-balanced diet, which includes fruits and vegetables, may be beneficial. Increasing physical activity is beneficial for multiple healthrelated problems and may also reduce the risk of developing colorectal cancer. As with other cancers, smoking may increase your risk, so we recommend patients try to quit smoking. People who have a history of ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease are at increased risk of the disease and should speak to their doctor about colorectal cancer screening at an early age. People who have an immediate family member (parent, sibling, child) who have had colorectal cancer are also at increased risk and should speak to their doctor about screening. How and when should I get screened? Screening is an essential way to prevent colorectal cancer by finding and removing precancerous polyps. Although there are other screening methods for colon cancer, including stool testing and CT scans of the colon, the most common and recommended screening tool for colorectal cancer is a colonoscopy. A colonoscopy is a test where a camera can directly visualize the majority of the rectum and colon in order to screen for polyps and remove 84 If you are diagnosed with colorectal cancer, your doctor will send you to an oncologist (cancer treatment doctor) and to a surgeon who has experience with colorectal cancer surgery. If the colon cancer can be removed, that is the ideal treatment and can be curative alone in early-stage colorectal cancer. In colorectal cancer that has spread into the surrounding lymph nodes, surgery followed by chemotherapy and/or radiation is used to limit the disease for recurring. In patients who already have disease outside the colon to other organs (metastatic disease), chemotherapy is mainly used to control symptoms, improve quality of life and improve longevity. What are some new treatments in advanced colorectal cancer? With recent advances in research in colorectal cancer, there are many new agents that can be used in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Every day we are learning more about how to better make treatment decisions based on disease biology and are creating treatments with fewer side effects and complications. While most therapies in colorectal cancer continue to be chemotherapy, most patients today have fewer side effects and a better quality of life while on therapy than those who were treated 20 years ago. When you see a medical oncologist, he or she will use the stage of your disease, the disease biology and your current health status to tailor a treatment plan to provide you with the most benefit while trying to limit side effects. As our new cancer center opens later this month at the new Mercy Joplin, located at 100 Mercy Way, we will be able to provide you with comprehensive care for colorectal cancer, from screening to surgery to medical and radiation treatments. We know being diagnosed with cancer is difficult, and we are available and ready to guide you through the process if you need us. To find a Mercy physician, call our Doctor Finder line at 417.625.2000. March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 85 The Great OUTDOORS MAKING THE RIGHT CHOICE Crappie anglers are faced with two choices: live bait or lures, and that choice is important if you want to catch fish because crappie can be some of the most finicky fish with regards to not only bait selection but also the color of that bait selection. It can make a big difference in going home with a cooler full of good eating crappie or going home empty handed. You can usually base your choice off of the water temperature where you are fishing. If the water is warm, jigs and lures should be tried first. When the water is still cold, a live minnow is your best bet. As for color, the color of the water should help make your choice. Usually, if the water is muddy looking, go with bright colors like yellow, red, pink and even white. In clear waters, go with colors like black, green and brown. DOING YOUR HOMEWORK Scout for turkeys intensively before the season opens, but don’t start too early. If you scout long before the season, the birds might still be flocked up in winter areas. Concentrate your efforts on the last few weeks before the season opens after birds have scattered and gobblers have begun staking out their spring territory. If you locate a gobbler at this point, he should still be in that general area when the season opens. Locate gobblers before the season by listening for birds calling at dawn. Drive old logging roads or walk ridges, using locator calls such as owl, predator, crow and even gobbler calls. If you use a hen call, do so sparingly, and don’t lure a bird so close that it might see you. Pinpoint as many toms as possible so if someone is hunting where you plan to go on the opener, you can change locations and hunt another gobbler. Photo by Asia Sansalone 2013 Nature Photography contest Turkeys won’t always be where you have seen them before. You have to get out there and find the general area where they are and do your homework. GET READY FOR THE HUMMINGBIRDS Hummingbirds feed 5-8 times per hour. Their diet is made up of a variety of food sources like nectar-producing flowers, tree sap and insects, including spiders. Feeders filled with 3 parts water to 1 part sugar can help attract hummingbirds. This simple sugar water solution is just as attractive to hummingbirds as natural nectar sources. There are many types of hummingbird feeders to choose from, and birds that dislike one specific shape or size of feeder may be attracted to another. Use a variety of feeders spread throughout your yard to attract the most hummingbirds. Placing feeders in an area free from breezes and out of direct sunlight minimizes spilled nectar and helps keep it from spoiling. To help the birds find your feeders, place them near nectar-producing flowers. Bees, wasps and ants find nectar solutions just as irresistible as hummingbirds do, but you can minimize annoying insects by choosing feeders with built in insect guards or traps. Avoid feeders with yellow ports because yellow is attractive to bees and wasps and it makes no difference to the hummingbird. BASS BITES Here are a few bass fishing tips, or bass bites as I like to call them, to maybe help you when bass fishing this year. If you see a large bass swipe and miss your lure, immediately toss a different lure back in the same place. Plastic worms, hard or soft jerk baits, suspended minnow plugs and other slow-moving lures are the best. Try a large triple-wing buzz bait around cover on cloudy days when the water is warm and the surface is calm and unrippled. Troll with deep-diving plugs in deep water. Use big-lipped divers that will dig along the bottom. Slowly troll with 60 to 100 feet of line out. Pay special attention to channels, humps and shoals. Remember that small lakes that are not heavily pressured tend to be very good bets for catching large bass because the fish are more accessible throughout the season. NECKING AND SPAWNING Anywhere a lake or river necks down or narrows and has moving water is always worth trying. These areas usually contain plankton 86 that small fish feed on, and where you find small fish you find big fish that like to feed on them. Light penetration is also a lot less in these areas, and that can cause more fish movement. Another thing to remember is that sometimes prespawn fish like bass, walleye and crappie frequently move shallow under certain weather conditions prior to spawning. Structures like weed beds adjacent to spawning grounds can be staging areas for pre-spawn fish. Also, shallow humps or ridges near spawning grounds are good places to try. MUSHROOM TROUT 5 (3/4 lb) trout 1/2 cup olive oil 5 cloves garlic, chopped Fresh ground black pepper Salt 1/2-3/4 lb fresh mushrooms 1/4-1/2 cup butter 4 tablespoons fine, dry breadcrumbs 4 green onions, sliced 2 fresh lemons (or lemon concentrate) 2 tablespoons minced parsley To cook trout, wash and dry the fish inside and out and coat sides with a little olive oil. Slice mushrooms and place half in the bottom of a shallow baking dish. Salt and pepper fish, inside and out, to taste and place in dish on top of mushrooms. Sprinkle bread crumbs over fish along with the minced parsley, chopped garlic and the green onion. Melt butter; add to olive oil and the juice of 2 lemons. Pour slowly over fish, saving about half of the mixture. Photo by Michelle Blackford 2013 Nature Photography contest DID YOU KNOW? • Did you know some lipsticks contain fish scales? • Did you know lightning strikes the earth 6,000 times every minute? • Did you know dragonflies have six legs but can’t walk? • Did you know a woodpecker’s tongue can wrap around its head twice? • Did you know armadillos have four babies at a time and are all the same sex? • Did you also know armadillos can walk underwater? Bake for 20-25 minutes at 375 degrees or until they are tender and bread crumbs are light brown. Fish are done when the meat flakes easily. Just before the fish are done, sauté 1-2 minutes the remaining mushrooms in the sauce that is left and pour over top after placing trout on a plate. NATURE QUOTE “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” --John Muir March 2015 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 87 A Naturalist Voice A Happy Ending with a Touch of Class Field notes and photos by Jeff Cantrell I was 10 when I participated in my first guided hike, and it just so happened to be in amazing Yellowstone. My folks are national park enthusiasts and my mom’s mission this trip was to grant her young conservationist the gift of a rare wildlife experience. When we think of wildlife, endangered species stories frequently emerge, and they have a gloom and doom undertone to them. Biologists strategize on how to reverse the decline of the population while the nature-loving communities offer support any way they can contribute. So, unfortunately, when the subject regarding threatened species comes up, we are prepared for a grim outcome. However, there are stories of celebration and good news all around us. Missouri is full of “comeback kids.” The Missouri Department of Conservation has accomplished incredible undertakings in restoring populations of rare animals. Today’s plentiful white-tailed deer, giant Canada geese, otters and paddlefish are just a few of the department’s victories. We are thankful for the Missouri Prairie Foundation and The Nature Conservancy that saved rare parcels of Missouri, which harbor some of most species-rich habitats in North America. Joint ventures of state wildlife agencies, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, volunteer groups and non-profit organizations are responsible for cleaner rivers, healthier air and numerous wildlife species that know no borders. One of these species of wildlife naïve of state lines is one of the most elegant looking, yet toughest, critters I know. I first saw them in the misty waters of the Yellowstone River and now, several years later and a few state borders in-between, swans are in the Show Me The Ozarks region. The trumpeter swan is the largest of North American waterfowl and surely one of the most stunning. The trumpeters, to me, simply symbolize all that is graceful and stylish in nature. A swimming swan resembles an ice skater’s refined glide, and their reflection appears to 88 pursue the bird on a blue or silver mirror. The adults are a crisp bright white, while the juvenile’s plumage matches the winter sky. They are a true conservation success story recovering from brutal market hunting for their skin, feathers and meat. Quill feathered pens were a favorite instrument of John James Audubon to tailor the groundwork sketches for his celebrated bird paintings. The swan feathers inflated pillows and mattresses for the aristocrats and colonists to rest well and dream of the promises of a fresh America. The trumpeter swan contributed a great deal to our pioneer heritage, and we find their presence carved on furniture, printed on currency notes, in Native American culture and much more. They emerge from a population of fewer than 70 trumpeters in all of Canada and the lower 48 states. They rode the conservation/ preservation wave of early conservation laws and the collapse of plume hunters and feather fashions. Heroes like Teddy Roosevelt, George Melendez Wright and William Hornaday were in their corner. Today, our area benefits from captive conservation breeding flocks of Iowa, Minnesota and Wisconsin. It is fortunate the birds don’t recognize state borders, and so we benefit from trumpeter swans vacationing here during the winter. After being completely absent, I have now witnessed them steadily increase in our area every single winter these past 20 years. Their occurrence restores their place in our culture and history; they certainly glide across our view with a wonderful sense of style. The story of the trumpeter swan is a real conservation story. I love happy endings, especially when they have a touch of class. I look forward to seeing you on the trail. - Jeff