Show Me the Ozarks August 2022

POWER Girl OLIVIA EMERY “It’s a Journey”

Featuring Barton County Back to School Men in Business

TO

YEARS

of Show Me The Ozarks Magazine

August 2022 • Volume 21 • Issue 12

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August 2022 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 1

Accentuate your glow with our newest pieces.

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August 2022 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 3

The MFA Oil Foundation recently awarded a grant to Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri to assist with purchasing banners, posters and yard signs.

Andy Hays and David Freund with MFA Oil Company presented a check to Children’s Center of Southwest Missouri. The MFA Oil Foundation provides support to nonprofit o ganizations working to improve communities where MFA Oil has a significan concentration of members and employees. Since it was established in 1998, the MFA Oil Foundation has awarded more than $1 million in grants.

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MFA Oil Company, formed in 1929, is a farmer-owned cooperative with more than 40,000 members.

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August 2022 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 5

SMTO contents August 2022

About the Cover Photos by Mandy Edmonson Focused Memories Photography

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“My coach said I run like a girl. I said if he ran a little faster, he could, too.” – Mia Hamm

For this year’s back-to-school issue, we are shining a light on amazing female athletes from our area schools. These high school students are strong, fast, smart, competitive and have bright futures ahead of them. They’re winning the gold, breaking school records and leading their teams to victory – all while getting good grades and working part-time jobs. We visited with nine athletes who are making a name for themselves in softball, basketball, volleyball, cross country and track and field. Meet the athletes on page 62! features Featuring Barton County 46 Faces of Barton County 49 79th Annual Lamar Free Fair 50 Barton County Memorial Park Celebrates Sacrifices of Many 52 Cox Barton County’s ER Dream Team 54 More than 7 Decades Since Opening, Barco Drive-in Still Delights 56 Barton County Business Spotlights 58 Why I Run - Mark and Landin Myers: Father-son duo Mark Myers and Landin Myers are inspiring others to find joy in running. Featuring Northeast Oklahoma 18 Cowboys, Cowgirls Take Center Stage at Rodeo Miami 20 Northeast Oklahoma Events 21 Oklahoma Business Spotlights Back to School 60 Joplin Public Library 120-Year Celebration 61 Faces of Eduction 62 Girl Power: Chasing the Dream 72 Celebrating 30 Years of Success: Thomas Jefferson Independent Day School 75 Dorm-room Etiquette 76 Your House...Your Home - Back To School: Ideas for Organization & Homework 78 The Creative Edge - Connie Miller Cheers to the Years 40 Happy Birthday SMTO: Cheers to 21 Years! 42 Cheers to the Years - Business Milestones

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health

in every edition

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! WHAT’S HAPPENING IN THE OZARKS 14 Calendar of Events - Play Bunco or eat breakfast for a good cause. Have some fun by learning to line dance or creating a DIY craft. Celebrate the fun of water at an annual water festival. Learn about the local customs and history at a town festival. We’ve got your late-summer fun in the Four States! 16 Cultural Arts and Entertainment 20 Northeast Oklahoma Events Home/Lifestyle 27 Tastes of the Four States - Hackett Hot Wings 28 ShowMe Dining Guide 91 Your Realtor for Life - 7 Steps to a Healthy Home 92 A Naturalist Voice - A Watery Invitation for You and Your Family 94 The Great Outdoors - Mulligans: It’s what you do with second chances,do-overs, that counts.

84 Health Events 85 Reduce Back-to-School Stress for Your Family 86 “I Have Been Given a Gift!” 88 Fit for Life - Apples: A mixture of colors and nutrition 96 Insight Into Substance Use Disorder - Teens are Obtaining Drugs Via Social Media Sites with Secret Emoji Code and Trigger Words

other great reads 22 Be Still: The Amanda Felix Story 24 Spotlight on Carthage 25 Show Me Carl Junction 26 Joplin Arts District 34 Fashion Forward - The Vogue Boutique 35 Things We Love 38 Sisters 80 Men in Business

Congratulations to Rhonda Overstreet, winner of the July edition “Find the Green Smiley Face” contest. Rhonda wins two gift certificates to McAlister’s Deli in Joplin, MO. The Green Smiley was on page 34 in the Socks of our Time & Color Me Rad Things We Love photo.

Don’t miss a single edition of the magazine that has all of the region talking!

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August 2022 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 7

The Ozarks Magazine Since 2001

Staff

PUBLISHER/EDITOR Lee Radcliff

EDITORIAL DIRECTOR/ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Sue Dillmon

ASSOCIATE EDITORS Wendy Brunner Kathleen Swift GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Kristi Tucker Kelley Talent

SOCIAL EDITOR/MARKETING ASSISTANT Cheryl Franklin

PROMOTIONS COORDINATOR Jamie Emery

STAFF WRITERS

Holly Hukill Jeff Cantrell Kathleen Swift Don Lowe Larry Whiteley Bridget Bauer

Gary Stubblefield Amy Howe Savanah Bandy Ann Leach Rio Michelle Parker

PHOTOGRAPHERS Angela Spieker Amy Howe Mandy Edmonson Tera Miller Tina Smith-Whitman

DISTRIBUTION Shelby Cagle / Gary and Desma Sisco

Show Me The Ozarks Magazine is published monthly by Show Me Communications, PO Box 3325, Joplin, MO 64803. Copyright 2022 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. 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 Hannah Sanderson Photography.

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KASEY COWGER! We are excited to welcome Kasey to First Community Bank! Joining Kelly Garst on our mortgage lending team for Missouri, he will be serving the Newton/Jasper county areas. Give Kasey a call for all your home loan needs! WELCOME ,

KASEY COWGER NMLS# 564095 NEOSHO 3005 Gardner Edgewood 417.451.2025

firstcommunity.net

Offer of credit is subject to credit approval. Bank NMLS #539634

August 2022 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 9

EMPOWER, SUPPORT and GROW

Life happens We’re here to help

The definition of empower is to make someone stronger, more confident and support their ability to impact the world. When you empower someone, their growth is endless. SMTO’s mission is to celebrate the culture and lifestyle of the Four States. We want to empower the community leaders, small business owners and residents. We hope to highlight our strength when faced with adversity and feature the individual impact people have on the current and future culture of the communities in which we reside. Our whole mission each month is to EMPOWER, SUPPORT and GROW. This month, as I was flipping through the pages, I became nostalgic. On the cover, we feature a female athlete. Our cover story includes other female athletes from their communities working hard, setting goals and growing to be leaders. We have a feature story celebrating sisters in business together. We have female photographers, writers, proofreaders and more. I am a woman who owns and operates a small business. Looking back, I think of my childhood and remember the role I was told a woman should play in society. I think about the growth we have made as a country. I reminisce on people who inspired me, empowered me and supported my personal growth and journey. I think about my mother, truly my biggest cheerleader. Seeing a female on the cover of a magazine is not necessarily new. Seeing women chase dreams, hold leadership positions and run and operate businesses is not novel. For that, I am so very thankful. SMTO will continue to EMPOWER, SUPPORT AND GROW. Even though this will not be the first time a young athlete will pick up a magazine and see they, too, can achieve success and be recognized, I am hopeful that one young girl does. I hope the sisters in business article inspires women to think about their strengths and dreams and what could be accomplished together. Looking back, we have come so far. However, we are not done, and SMTO will be there every step of the way EMPOWERING, SUPPORTING and GROWING our communities. I hope everyone has a great start to the new school year. See you in September!

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Lee Radcliff Timmsen, Editor/Publisher editor@showmetheozarks.com P.O. Box 3325 • Joplin, MO 64803 417.455.9898 • 417.850.5557

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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. in the Ozarks What’s Happening Calendar of Events SMTO Support Your Local Farmer’s Market! Grove, OK: Friday 4-8 pm and Saturday 9 am-2 pm, downtown. Pittsburg, KS: 8 am-12 pm Saturday, 11th and Broadway streets, downtown Pittsburg. 620.231.8310. Carthage, MO: Wednesday and Saturday from 7 am until the farmers sell out of product. North side of the historic Carthage square. www. visit-carthage.com/attraction/carthage-farmers-market. Lamar, MO: 1-6 pmWednesday, 8:30 am-1 pm Saturday, Moore Pavilion, 10th & Poplar. 417.682.3579. Joplin, MO: Every Saturday, 10 am-2 pm, Empire Market, 931 E. 4th Street. Monett, MO: 8 am-12 pm Saturday; Tuesday TBD. South Park by the YMCA parking lot. Neosho, MO: 9 am-12 pm Saturday, directly across from the library downtown. Webb City, MO: Tuesday and Thursday 4-7 pm and Saturday 9 am-12 pm. Pavilion at the Main Street entrance to King Jack Park. Pittsburg, KS August 29-September 4: Little Balkans Days Festival. Full schedule at LittleBalkansFestival.com. Wednesdays: Trivia Night, 7 pm, Drop the H Brewing Company, 107 E. Rose St. Thursdays: Thursday Night Line Dance Lessons, 7-9 pm, Dirty Mule Restaurant Bar & Event Center, 134 S. US 69. First Friday of the Month: Heavy metal bands, live music, 9 pm, Dirty Mule Restaurant Bar & Event Center, 134 S. US 69. Second Friday of the Month: Drag Shows, 10 pm, Dirty Mule Restaurant Bar & Event Center, 134 S. US 69. Last Friday of the Month: College Night w/ DJ A Baby, 8 pm-2 am. Free admission with college ID. Dirty Mule Restaurant Bar & Event Center, 134 S. US 69. ArtForms Gallery Workshops, 620 N. Broadway, Pittsburg, KS. 620.240.0165 Check our Facebook page during the month as artists may offer “popup.” Every Tuesday: Art Exploration, 3-5:30 pm. Free. Explore different art techniques. Feel free to bring something you are working on. August 14: Ceramic Butter Dishes, 1-4 pm. Create your one-of-a kind butter dish. All supplies included. $45, payable at time of registration. Class limit: 8; 14 years and older. August 20: Blown Flowers Acrylic Pour Painting, 2-4 pm. Make beautiful blooms on canvas using acrylic paints and pour painting. All supplies and instruction provided. For those with no experience or lots of experience. $35, payable at time of registration. Class limit 10; 14 years and older. Carl Junction Community Center: 303 N. Main St., 417.649.7237 Tuesdays & Thursdays: Yoga, 6 pm. Saturdays: Zumba, 9 am & Wednesdays, 6:30 pm. Monday, Wednesday, Friday & Saturday: Pickleball, 6-10 pm. Tuesday & Thursday: 1-3 pm. Sunday: 3-6 pm.

August 6: Carl Junction Lions Breakfast, 8-11 am, CJ Community Center. Cost: Adults, $6; children under 6, $3. Call 417.439.7724. Carthage, MO August 6: All-You-Can-Eat Breakfast, 9-11 am, Carthage Shrine Club. Public welcome. $7 per person. Call 417.317.0609. 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. *Programs will be presented outside on the park grounds. August 6 & 7: Agricultural School onWheels, 1 pm. In the early 1900s, remote tenant farmers in Southern Alabama had a hard time keeping up with farming techniques until the Agricultural School on Wheels came to town. Learn more about this innovative solution to rural farm education that George Washington Carver designed. August 13: Carver Laboratory Demonstrations, 11 am-1 pm. Want to learn about some of the products GeorgeWashington Carver developed in his laboratory? Discover how Carver used some often-overlooked plants to change the way we think about agriculture. August 14:Manof Great Faith, 1 pm. Did you knowGeorgeWashington Carver had his first religious experience, including his first prayer, while growing up on the Moses Carver farm? Hear how he learned to listen to “the Great Creator” when studying nature and science, and how he communed with God in the stillness of his early-morning walks. August 20 & 21: Who was George Washington Carver? , 1 pm. World-renowned scientist, passionate educator and dedicated mentor -- George Washington Carver was all of these. Join a park ranger to discover more about this visionary. August 27: Storytelling Day, 11 am-2 pm. To celebrate the National Park Service’s birthday, we invite visitors to hear the stories these special places and spaces hold. August 28: Epitaphs and Engravings, 1 pm. Take some time to learn about the symbols and engravings found on headstones during this program at the Carver Family Cemetery. Discover the meaning behind these symbols and how they reflect the lives of early settlers. Joplin, MO Saturdays: Joplin Empire Market, 10 am-2 pm, Joplin Empire Market, 931 E. 4th St. The Joplin Empire Market is the place to find the best in locally grown produce, gourmet foodstuffs and handmade artisan goods. Curbside ordering also available, and orders may be placed Tuesday at 8 pm until Thursday at 8 pm at http://localline.ca/joplin empire-market. Curbside pickup hours are 10:30 am-12:30 pm Saturday. More information: ivy@joplinempiremarket.com. August 5: TheWoman’s Club of Joplin, noon, Twin Hills Golf & Country Club. Lunch will be served, followed by a program presented by Betsy Fleischaker from Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre. For more information or for reservations, call or text 417.483.6336. August 20: Joplin Area Welcome Club Presents Bunco Night, 6:30 pm, OGAR Realtor’s Building, 712 Florida Ave. Fundraiser for Nick Winslow’s and Adrienne Vaugn’s medical expenses. Concession, silent auction, prizes, $10 admission. Contact 417.623.0220 or email joplinareawelcomeclub@gmail.com. August 23: Joplin Area Welcome Club Luncheon, 11 am, Mythos Restaurant. Guests welcome. For info or reservations, email joplinareawelcomeclub@gmail.com. Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center, 201West Riviera Drive, Joplin, MO. The Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center is your local connection to Missouri’s fish, forests and wildlife. Check out the native plant landscaping, exhibits or hike the trails. Purchase a fishing or hunting permit, attend a nature program or watch for wildlife along the trails and banks of Shoal Creek. Enjoy a variety of free public programs throughout the year. Call or stop by our office to find out about naturalist-conducted programs and hikes. Education Center is open Tuesday-Friday 9 am-5 pm and Saturday 10 am-3 pm. Closed Sunday, Monday and most state holidays. Call 417.629.3434, email Shoal.Creek@

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mdc.mo.gov or visit mdc.mo.gov/events for upcoming events. Parking lot, grounds and trail are open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. August 5: Little Acorns: Fun with Fish, 10:30 am. Recommended for ages 3 to 7. Join us for Little Acorns to learn all about the different fish we may see and how they live their lives in the water. Also, make a fun fishy craft to take home! August 6: Nature Board Game Event, 10:30 am-2:30 pm. Why not combine two passions and join us to play nature-themed board games? Whether a beginner or avid player of tabletop games, we will have a variety to play for all skill levels and ages. August 13: Shoal Creek Water Festival, 9:30 am-5:30 pm, Wildcat Park. Take a dip in Shoal Creek in your cardboard boat, cheer your duck on to victory during the duck race and enjoy a nature program with the kids. Discover nature and learn about conservation, water quality and ecology at one of the water activity booths as you stroll along the creek. Visit wildcatglades.org or the Wildcat Glades Friends Group Facebook page for a complete lineup of the day’s events. August 13: Shoal Creek Water Festival Kids Fishing Derby, 9 am, Walter Woods Conservation Area, 15 and younger. Kids will have the opportunity to catch and release fish from our education pond. Awards and prizes given following the derby. All equipment, tackle and bait provided. Fishing slots are limited, so please register each kid separately. Kids must be accompanied by an adult mentor. August 18: Summer Night at Shoal Creek, 4-8 pm. Drop by during our summer night events as we highlight Shoal Creek after hours. Learn about nocturnal animals, play board games and explore the trails with a trailside discover table at a surprise location. Free event for all ages. Wildcat Glades Friends Group, 201 Riviera Dr., Joplin, Missouri. All programs are free of charge, but registration is requested. To register, please email robin@wildcatglades.org or visit our Facebook page for online registration options. Classes are limited to the first 20 students registered for preschool and yoga classes. August 12: Crawdads by the Creek Fundraiser, 6:30 pm, Creekside atWildcat Glades. A fundraising event to help with the annual Shoal CreekWater Festival. $25 per person or $250 per table of 10. This includes crawdads, shrimp, sausage, potatoes, corn on the cob and a dessert auction with desserts donated by the Wildcat Glades Friends Group volunteers. To register, visit Wildcatglades.org. August 13: Shoal Creek Water Festival, 9 am-2 pm, Creekside at Wildcat Glades. Fishing derby at Walter Woods, lazy river float, people’s choice for cardboard boats and shoebox boats, fishing derby awards, fishing magicians, shoebox boat race, cardboard boat race, shoebox boat awards, duck race and more. There will also be 20-plus information booths, food trucks and free kids‘ activities. August 13: Yoga in Nature for Adults, 8:30-9:30 am, $10, ages 16 and up. This class is designed to incorporate elements of nature, breathing and yoga poses. Bring your yoga mat or a towel and a reusable water bottle. Held at theWildcat Glades education cottage. Space is limited. To register, see the Facebook page or email lauren@wildcatglades.org. August 13: Yoga in Nature for Kids, 10:30 am, free class, ages 2 and up accompanied by an adult. This class is designed to incorporate elements of fun, breathing and yoga poses specifically for kids. Bring your yoga mat or a towel and a reusable water bottle. Please sign up on the Facebook page or email lauren@wildcatglades.org. August 20: Family Crafts Event, 10 am-12 pm. Bring your family to make a craft with our naturalist, Jordyn, and volunteer, Rachel. All supplies provided for a relaxing and creative time. August 24 & 27: Preschool Program – Caw, Caw said Crow! August 24, 10 am & August 27, 1 pm. Learn about one of the smartest birds. We will read a book, Papa and the Cornbread Crow, sing a song or two and make a craft. August 27: Nature Explorers – Tarantulas, 10-11 am. Tarantulas can be hidden all around us in nature. Join Naturalist Jordyn in the search for a tarantula home and learn about this often-misunderstood spider. August 31: National Eat Outside Day – Seasonal Foraging, 1 pm, free adult program. Naturalist Jordyn will lead us as we forage for seasonal edibles in nature that we will eat for a nice, light outdoor lunch.

FIRST EVER

FRIDAY | AUG 12 | 6:30 TH

PM

CREEK

BY THE

Creekside at Wildcat Glades $25/person OR $250/table of 10 (includes table signage) Sponsored by FLETCHERSUBARU Bramlage&WillcoxonFoundation

CRAWDAD BOIL INCLUDES: ● Crawdads ● Shrimp

PICK YOUR SPICE LEVEL: ● Mild ● Li’l Kick ● Some Heat ● All The Spice

● Sausage ● Potatoes ● Corn on the Cob

FEATURING THE RETURN OF THE WILDCAT GLADES DESSERT AUCTION!

Each table will raise money for dibs on their favorite dessert. The table that raises the most chooses first, and so on down the line. Desserts graciously donated by Wildcat Glades Volunteers.

Tickets are limited – get yours now! Wildcatglades.org Thank you to our additional sponsors: Chert Glades Master Naturalists Chapter | Stealth Creative | Willcoxon Family

August 2022 • www.showmetheozarks.com • 15

This content is also available at connect2culture.org/calendar. Carthage, MO August 5-September 17: Spiritual Spaces by Al Gritten and Sandra Parrill, artCentral Carthage. A mixed media exhibition featuring the original art of artCentral artists Al Gritten and Sandra Parrill. Gritten is an award-winning painter and retired pastor who spent extended periods of time studying Native American spirituality on several reservations, which deeply impacted his art. Parrill is a passionate and prolific artist who seeks to draw out the souls of her subjects, revealing hidden secrets and dreams through the pens and brushes she holds in her fingers. Together, their work creates a stunning exhibit you won’t want to miss! Free and open to the public; donations appreciated. More information: Alice Lynn Greenwood-Mathé, artcentral@artcentralcarthage.org, 417.358.4404. August 12-14 & 19-21: Nunsense , 6:30 pm; Sundays 1 pm, Stone’s Throw Dinner Theatre. A madcap musical follows the Little Sisters of Hoboken, who host a fundraiser to raise money to bury sisters accidentally poisoned by the convent cook. Reservations required; call or email stdinnertheatre@ gmail.com. Tickets: Adults $29, seniors (55+) $26, students $24, youth $23, children (6-12) $12, children (0-5) free. Contact Tom Brown, stdinnertheatre@gmail.com, 417.358.9665. August 20: Concerts in the Park feat. The Flyin’ Buzzards, 7 pm, Central Park. Enjoy a performance from The Flyin’ Buzzards. Grab your lawn chair to hear a variety of traditional folk and bluegrass tunes! Free and open to the public. Contact Wendi Douglas, carthagecouncilonthearts@gmail. com, 417.529.7742. JOPLIN, MO **Please see all SUMMER CAMPS & CLASSES IN THE JOPLIN AREA, connect2culture.org/calendar. Performances: August 4-6: Cannibal! The Musical, 7:30 pm, Dream Theatre Co. A true story of the only person convicted of cannibalism in America – Alfred Packer. The sole survivor of an ill-fated trip to the Colorado Territory, Packer tells his side of the harrowing tale. Please note: this show will include blood splatter; ponchos are included in the ticket price. Reservations required; visit showtix4u.com/event-details/65736 to reserve your ticket. Tickets: $20. Contact Becki Arnall, becki_arnall@yahoo.com, 417.622.6470. August 7: SGTJ Variety Show, 7 pm, Stained Glass Theatre Joplin. Enjoy games, songs, skits and entertainment for the whole family – fundraiser for a great cause. Purchase your tickets at sgtjoplin.square.site/events. Tickets: Adults $10, kids $5. More information: Amanda Klein, sgtjoplin@ gmail.com. August 26: Back to School Bash, 6:30 pm, The ROCC. Students, teachers and parents, kick back and relax with live music, food trucks, a raffle and local vendors! Join The Non-Permitted Project for their second annual Back to School Bash featuring performances from local bands, including Eye Creatures, The Odyssey, Blister Soul, Violets Are Blue, and Trent Gaddie. This event is put on in support of mental health awareness and unity amongst the Joplin area community. All ages welcome. Purchase tickets in advance at the-non-permitted-project.square.site/s/order. Tickets: $10. Contact Caleb Miller, thenonpermittedproject@gmail.com, 417.489.9068. August 28: Robert Jon &TheWreck House Concert (ages 10+), 6:30 pm, Coda Concert House, 2120 E. 24th St. A double shot of Southern rock with a blues chaser. Roots rock jams, whiskey-drenched lyrics and fervent stage shows only scratch the surface of what makes RJ&TW one of the best live bands to emerge from Southern California in years. There is a suggested minimum donation of $30. Contact Jeff Morrow, info@codaconcerthouse. com. In response to reservations, a confirmation email with the address, directions, parking, etc., will be sent in return. All proceeds benefit the artist performing.

Events: August 4: First Thursday ArtWalk, 5:30-8:30 pm, Downtown Joplin. Dozens of artists will show or demonstrate their artistic process, and all art will be for sale. Participating artists will be located inside various venues along with live, acoustic music. Patrons are encouraged to “walk the art” through historic downtown Joplin! Free. lteeter00@gmail.com, 417.438.5931. August 5: August First Friday, 7-10 pm, Just A Taste Webb City. Kick off your weekend with the classic art of swing dance! Join Vintage Swing Movement Joplin for a dance lesson at 7 pm at Just A Taste Webb City. After the lesson, show off your new skills or kick back and enjoy live music from Jump Company during a social dance at 8 pm. Pre-registration encouraged; for information on how to register, visit fb.me/e/22X3PWFw1. This event is limited to the first 100 people who register. Tickets: Adults $8, students $5. More information: Ashley King, vsmjoplin@gmail.com, 316.243.8175. August 7, 14, 21 & 31: Open Mic Comedy Night, 9 pm, Blackthorn Pizza & Pub. Join Joplin Comedy and try out your latest stand-up routine or take in the acts of local comedians, all while enjoying tasty pizza from Blackthorn Pizza & Pub. Age restrictions: 18+ until 10 pm; 21+ from 10 pm until close. Free. potterdakoda1982@gmail. com, 417.540.9186. August 11: Joplin Writers’ Guild, 6 pm, Joplin Public Library, 1901 E. 20th St. The Joplin Writers’ Guild, a chapter of the Missouri Writers’ Guild, includes a wide variety of writers, from hobbyists to professional, published writers. Members have published novels, nonfiction books and articles. The group focuses on supporting each other and sharing information about the publishing and writing industries and is open to the public. Dues are $10 for the year, but anyone interested can attend their first meeting free. Information: s.v.farnsworth@gmail.com, 417.691.0480. August 13: The Twists and Turns of Rollercoasters (ages 12+), 11:30 am-12:30 pm at CLA Creativity Lab, 905 S. Main St). Explore the science behind the thrills and chills of rollercoasters through hands-on science exhibits and activities! Cost: $5 per child. More information: Neely Myers, neely@creativelearningalliance.org, 417.850.7137. August 13: 7th Annual Joplin Area Arts & Cultural Preview, 10 am-noon, Joplin Public Library Community Room West, 1901 E. 20th St. Connect2Culture’s Joplin Area Arts & Cultural Preview is an annual event that gives arts and cultural organizations the chance to tell their story and share what they have planned for the year ahead. Each organization has a total of two minutes to present. The media, the Joplin arts and cultural community, artists, arts advocates and the community-at-large are invited and welcome to attend. This event educates the public about upcoming events and encourages collaboration between participating organizations, as well as informs the media of potential news stories. Organization registration is required; additional details to come. Free and open to the public. Contact Lauren Brown, lauren@connect2culture.org, 417.501.5550. August 18: Third Thursday, 5:30-8:30 pm, Downtown Joplin. Third Thursday, Joplin’s premier cultural event, is back! Every third Thursday, March through October, thousands of people gather on Main Street in downtown Joplin to enjoy local artisans, music, entertainment and food. Free. More information: info@ downtownjoplin.com, 417.501.9649 Exhibits: July 30-October 29: Rhapsody: The Urban Fantasy Paintings of Rob Mango, Spiva Center for the Arts Main Gallery, 222 W. 3rd St. A New York painter-sculptor, Rob Mango has shown extensively

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Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, 1027 S. Main Street: Tuesdays & Wednesdays: Oil, Acrylic & Watercolor Come & Go, 2-5 pm. Stay up to three hours of painting time. Award-winning artist Paula Giltner teaches watercolor, oil and acrylic painting techniques and design principles. Bring any materials you have for the first lesson and learn about the materials you might need for additional lessons. $20. jnpgiltner@hotmail.com. First and Third Fridays: Art Lessons at Local Color Art Gallery with Roxenne Kendall, 11 am-4:30 pm. Learn the basics of watercolor, colored pencils and micron inks during one- to two-hour private or group lessons. Ages 5 to 95. Registration required; reserve your spot by emailing rkrdh79@gmail.com. $20 per session; group rates available. More information: rkrdh79@gmail.com, 573.397.1940. August 27: Precious Metal Clay class, 10 am; 12 pm; 2 pm; 4 pm. You will make a PMC pendant or earrings out of silver, bronze or copper PMC. A variety of handmade, one-of-a-kind molds will be provided for you to choose from to form impressions of wildflowers, botanicals or fossils in your metal art piece. Items will be fired by Deitra after class, and finished pieces can be picked up the following week in the gallery (or mailed). $50 (bronze or copper), $100 (sterling silver); Deitra Biely; call 417.553.0835 or email Deitra at deitrarocks@gmail.com to sign up (first come, first serve basis). Class size limited to 5 students per class. August 6: Glass Cactus Planters with Jane McCaulley (ages 9+), 2-4 pm. Create a cute, glass cactus perfect for your summer décor – no water required! Don’t miss this fun, hands-on class with glass artist Jane McCaulley. Registration required; register at spivaarts.org/ classes. $35. Contact Jade Henning-Cantrell, jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183. August 11 & 12: Palette Knife Painting Masterclass with John Fitzgibbon (ages 16+), 9 am-4 pm. A two-day workshop, students will explore palette knife painting with artist John Fitzgibbon, who will demonstrate each step in the process and guide students through creating their own landscape paintings. Each student will make more than one painting and will be able to keep some of the supplies. Lunch will be provided each day. Registration required; visit spivaarts.org/ classes to register. $250. Contact Jade Henning-Cantrell, jhenning@ spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183. Recurring Classes: Local Color Art Gallery & Studio, 1027 S. Main St. Tuesdays: Creation Station, (ages 6-11), 3:45-5 pm. A variety of media: painting, drawing, clay, collage, sculpture and printmaking. Explore the galleries with scavenger hunts and other activities. Pre registration recommended. Space is limited. $6 preregistration and $8 at the door. jhenning@spivaarts.org, 417.623.0183. First and Third Fridays: Art Lessons at Local Color Art Gallery with Roxenne Kendall, 10 am-5:30 pm. Learn the basics of watercolor, colored pencils and micron inks with artist Roxenne Kendall during one- to two-hour, private or group lessons! Ages 5 to 95 are welcome to participate. Registration required; reserve your spot by emailing rkrdh79@gmail.com. Cost: $20 per session; group rates available. More information: rkrdh79@gmail.com, 573.397.1940. Third Fridays: Wood Burning Class with Roxenne Kendall (ages 10+), 6-8:30 pm. Play with fire during this unforgettable class! Learn the art of pyrography (wood burning) and use it to create a design on a bamboo cutting board. Registration required; reserve your spot by calling Local Color at 417.553.0835 or texting 573.397.1940. Supplies included. $35. Contact rkrdh79@gmail.com, 573.397.1940. Please indicate which metal you prefer to work with. Spiva Center for the Arts Main Gallery, 222W. 3rd St.

throughout the U.S. and Europe, with his artwork held in private and corporate collections around the globe. Mango’s unique, three dimensional paintings feature a variety of subject matter, including allegorical paintings of cities, male and female figures, and portraits. Free; donations appreciated. More information: jhenning@spivaarts. org, 417.623.0183. Through August 31: Favorite Children’s Books Reimagined:What Do You See? by Lori Marble, Joplin Public Library, The Bramlage and Wilcoxon Foundation Gallery, 1901 E. 20th St. Artist Lori Marble, the now-adult child of a librarian, lovingly remembers the books that shaped her childhood. She asked the librarians at Joplin Public and Post Art Libraries about their favorite children’s books, read them and painted them in an abstract, mixed-media style. Her love of symbolism and pattern is evident in each work on paper. The display is purposely hung at a child’s eye-view and will prompt each viewer to ask, “What do you see?” Free. Contact jhsullivan@postartlibrary. org, 417.623.7953 x1041. July 30-October 29: Reflections of Joplin, Spiva Center for the Arts, Regional Gallery, 222 W. 3rd St. In celebration of Joplin’s 150 years of colorful history, Local Color Art Gallery artists and their students exhibit art in glass, oil, acrylic, watercolor, collage and mixed media. The exhibit will feature interpretations of historic architecture, famous Joplin natives and the lead and zinc mining that made Joplin a boomtown. Free and open to the public; donations. Columbus, KS Through August 31: Mixed Reflections by Ginger Copeland and Curt Penland, The Maple UnCommon Guest House & Gallery, 120 E. Maple St. Two artists, one fantastic exhibit! See a variety of artwork from artists Ginger Copeland and Curt Penland in Mixed Reflections at The Maple UnCommon Guest House and Gallery. Free and open to the public. Contact Laura Lowry-Greene, mapleuncommonhotel@ columbus-ks.com, 620.762.3782. Classes Joplin Empire Market, 931 E. 4th Street August 13 & 27: Master Gardeners: Helping Others Learn to Grow, 1:15-2 pm. Master Gardener Eric Osen will lead discussions surrounding the major topics of home gardening. Whether you’re a new or experienced gardener, Osen’s expert advice and knowledge can help begin or further your efforts in growing your own foods. For a full list of topics, visit facebook.com/JoplinEmpireMarket/ events. Classes will be held in the courtyard Community Gardens, located off 3rd Street and South Division Avenue. Free. Info: ivy@ Wednesdays: Wine’d DownWednesday, 5-9 pm. Canvas and home decor DIY event. Choose the project that works for you. Prices vary depending on chosen project. $28-$58. coleman@creatensip.com, 417.680.5434. Saturdays: Saturday Morning Choose Your Canvas, 10 am. Select the painting you want to recreate and let the experienced staff at Create N Sip help you make a masterpiece. Prices vary depending on chosen project. Cost: $28-$176. Information: coleman@creatensip. com, 417.680.5434. August 12: Paint Your Pet (ages 12+), 6:30–9:30 pm. Celebrate your favorite pet by painting their portrait, no experience needed! Register at least 72 hours in advance and send a picture of your pet to be sketched onto a canvas for you to paint. Allow up to three hours for this event. Registration required; register at creatensip. com/event/8-12-paint-your-pet-128878. $45-$55. Contact John Coleman, coleman@creatensip.com, 417.680.5434. joplinempiremarket.com, 417.986.3914. Create N’ Sip Studios, 223W. 3rd Street

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Events SMTO

By Don Lowe • Photos Provided by Rodeo Miami I n just a few weeks, cowboys and cowgirls from across our Four-State Region and several other locations around the United States will make their way to the area for Rodeo Miami. Cowboys, Cowgirls Take Center Stage at Rodeo Miami

“It is very important to have relationships with all these sponsors because without them, there would not be a rodeo. We are thankful for the relationship we do have with them. “Some key individuals that help make this rodeo happen each and every year are Event Chairman Bob Carder, Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau Executive Director Amanda Davis, as well as executive committee members Buddy Harris and Kolby Ungeheuer.” Addee also applauds Northeast Oklahoma A&M College and the City of Miami for their efforts in “helping make this event happen each year. “The rodeo brings the community together to get to know the Western way of life. “It also gives the local cowboys and cowgirls the opportunity to show off their talents in front of the hometown crowd.” Addee is ecstatic to be involved with this yearly extravaganza. “We are excited to be a part of this event because the atmosphere during this rodeo is amazing. “Seeing everyone come together to make this rodeo happen is wonderful. We are so fortunate to have many people who help make this great event a success.”

According to the Miami Area Convention and Visitors Bureau website, this two-day event is filled with exciting acts, vendors and concessions, not to mention giving all those in attendance a chance to cheer on their favorite championship rodeo performances in bronc riding, calf roping, steer wrestling, barrel racing, bull riding and more. Addee Carder, who is a Rodeo Miami committee member, conveys that under its current name, this annual event “has been going on for 12 years. But a Miami rodeo has been around for 95 years.” Interestingly, Addee Carder is one of the competitors, and it’s particularly thrilling to get to showcase her skills in breakaway roping in the community where she grew up. “I love competing at Miami because it’s one of the best rodeos in our area,” Addee says, who has performed in this specific competition for 13 years. “You also get to see so many friends and family at the hometown rodeo. It is my favorite rodeo to go to.” Another contestant from Miami is Terry Crow, who participates in header team roping. “It’s a real good rodeo. One of the best,” he says. It takes several businesses and organizations to help make it one of the best, and Addee says, “Some of the key sponsors are Vance Ford, Buffalo Run Casino, High Winds Casino, Osborn Drugs and Tractor Supply.

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Rodeo Miami Fast Facts When: Friday, August 26, and Saturday, August 27 Where: Miami (Oklahoma) Fairgrounds located at 1129 E. Street S.W.

Tickets: One-day tickets are $12 in advance for adults, $15 at the gate. Two-day tickets are $20 in advance for adults, $25 at the gate. Kids’ tickets (ages 4-10) are $5 nightly. Ages 3 and under are free. Note: Advance tickets can be purchased at area Westco stores, at the Miami CVB offic e (111 N. Main Street) or from a Queen, Teen or Sweetheart contestant. Times: Gates at the Miami Fairgrounds open at 5 pm both days. Kids’ activities start at 6:30 pm. Rodeo performances will kick off Friday and Saturday at 7:30 pm. Note: A limited amount of VIP seating is available on-site nightly for $5 per spectator. Mutton Bustin’: Contestants need to register nightly at the grandstands by 6 pm. Note: They must weigh 60 pounds or less, and it is a $20 to register.

The winner will receive a Rodeo Miami buckle each night. Rodeo Miami Queen, Teen & Sweetheart: Will be crowned Friday night following the firs event. Pink Night: This helps raise money for a local community member battling cancer. Fans will have the opportunity to donate to a general fund, and 100% of those donations go to the community member. Note: Rodeo contestants are encouraged to wear pink on Saturday. For More Information: Call the Miami CVB at 918.542.4435 or follow Rodeo Miami on Facebook for updates.

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Ottawa County Fair August 6-13, 8 am 8 pm

The 103rd Annual Ottawa County Free Fair is set for August 6-13! Please contact the Ottawa County Extension offic e at 918.542.1688. www.fairentry.com/Fair/SignIn/16664 Ottawa County UnitedWay Corporate Challenge August 6, 9 am-6 pm Ottawa County businesses will compete in four events for a chance to bring home the traveling trophy for the year. Sign up your team of at least 10 members for a chance be our inaugural Corporate Challenge Champion. Easton Corbin in Concert August 6, 8-11 pm, Buffal Casino & Resort, 1100 Buffal Run Blvd., Miami Buffal Run Casino & Resort proudly presents Easton Corbin. He has been gracing stages with his memorable baritone and unique blend of traditional and modern country music for more than a decade. The Florida native, who boasts two No. 1 singles with “A Little More Country Than That” and “Roll with It,” embarks on a new musical chapter with his recent signing to Stone Country Records. The doors open at 7 pm, show begins at 8 pm. For ticket prices or more information, call 918.542.7140. S tuff the Bus August 13, 9 am-5 pm, Miami Walmart, Miami Ottawa County United Way, Bright Futures of Miami and Bright Futures of Commerce invite you to visit our Miami Walmart to help us S tuff the Bus for Ottawa County teachers and students for the 2022-2023 school year. Rodeo Miami 2022 at Miami Fairgrounds, Presented by Vance Auto Group August 26-27, all day, Miami Fairgrounds, 1129 E St. SW, Miami Vance Auto Group is proud to be the presenting sponsor for Rodeo Miami 2022. Black Crowes at Buffal Run Casino August 27, 8-11 pm, 1000 Buffal Run Blvd., Miami This show is outside rain or shine. No umbrellas, coolers, outside food or drink. You may bring lawn chairs or blankets in the general admission section. Must be ages 18+ to attend the event. VIP packages available on a limited basis. For more information or ticket prices, call 918.542.7140.

Dates and times are subject to change. Please call the Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau at 918.542.4435 to confirm

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Goodfella’s Pizzeria Grove • Miami • V inita • Cleora

www.goodfellapizza.com • facebook.com/goodfellapizzeria Goodfella’s is a family-owned pizzeria with locations in Grove, Miami, Vinita and Cleora. Voted Best of the Best, Goodfellas not only cooks up the best pizza in town but also specializes in calzones, subs, salads, and their giant chocolate chip cookie cake is a big hit. Their most popular pizza is The Boss, but with pizza names like The Gangster, Hoff Buried in Cheese and Bada Bing, you’ll feel like a boss. They even off er a gluten-free crust. Dine-in, carry-out and delivery.

Lendonwood Gardens One mile west of Main St. on Har-Ber Road 918.786.2938 • www.lendonwood.com

Don’t miss the summer colors of Lendonwood Gardens, an 8-acre botanical garden in Grove. You’ll enjoy beautiful azaleas, rhododendrons, daylilies, dogwoods, peonies and more! Stop by the Oklahoma Garden for regional plant ideas, and check out the Japanese Pavilion overlooking the Koi pond. You’ll see why Lendonwood off ers the perfect backdrop for weddings, photography and special events. Open year-round from dawn to dusk.

New Life Spa 2086 S. Main • Grove, OK • 918.948.2758 www.mynewlifespa.com

Bella Donna’s at Grand Lake 2530 South Main • Grove, OK

New Life Spa has added a new body contouring program called Contour Light Therapy. The program enables you to improve your health by taking inches off those hard-to-hit places like your waistline, hips, thighs, arms and chin. The Body Contouring light treats all the areas of the body that are resistant to diet and exercise. In fact, many clients lose between 5 to 20 inches in less than a month! Call us for more details or to make an appointment.

918.786.7723 • www.belladonnasatgrandlake.com Authentic Italian food with a lakeside view of Grand Lake located at Honey Creek Marina in Grove. Providing a fun and family-friendly atmosphere year-round. Live entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. Hours Tuesday-Thursday 11 am-10 pm, Friday and Saturday 11 am-midnight, Sunday 10 am-2 pm and 3-10 pm.

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A manda Felix is a woman who knows how to turn tragedy into triumph. Born and raised in Joplin, Amanda has gone on to become a model, actress, published author and rising Christian singer and songwriter. She is also the founder of Be Still Ministry, in which she works as a teacher, coach and mentor to support women and children in need. Amanda has achieved all of her remarkable accomplishments through a scrappy resourcefulness instilled in her by her mother. Her story begins in Joplin, mowing lawns in exchange for voice lessons. “We grew up in poverty but never wanted for anything,” Amanda said. “My mom used to have me mow the neighbor’s lawn across the street and stay after to go over things on their keyboard with them as I sang. What I didn’t realize was my mom was exchanging me mowing the lawn for singing lessons.” Amanda said she’ll never forget the first time she sang in church. It was a huge turning point in her life. “I was little … maybe five or six years old,” she said. “I was frozen. I couldn’t do it. The next Sunday came around, and I froze again. The third Sunday, the pastor had said, ‘Okay, is she going to do it this time?’ They were always patient with me. My mom knew what I carried, and she saw a lot in me that I, of course, didn’t see in myself. But, I remember it was the third Sunday, and I got up and sang. I got a standing ovation!” Amanda continued to sing throughout her school years. Her family couldn’t afford dance lessons, so she learned from her friends. Despite the lack of formal training, Amanda attended NEO A&M College in Miami, Oklahoma, and then Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, on dance scholarships. After graduation, she danced professionally for the Tulsa Talons Arena football team. “Things weren’t always easy,” she said. “I had to work extra hard for everything. There was no money backing me up, and no one in the stands cheering me on. My family was supportive but could never make it to come see me.” As Amanda worked hard to put herself through college and lay the foundation for her future, a series of tragic events struck her life that almost derailed her completely. “I started dating a man and moved to Arizona with him,” she said. “It turned out to be a very bad, abusive relationship. I was completely isolated. I couldn’t go anywhere. I couldn’t drive my car.” With the help of a friend, Amanda escaped that relationship with nothing but a suitcase and returned to Oklahoma. The next dark days struck when she lost her father in 2012. His passing was another huge turning point. She remembered a piece of advice he gave her: “Leave the boys alone and follow your dreams.” “So, I did that,” she recalled.

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Meet Amanda Felix and get an autographed copy of her book Be Still.

Blue Moon Boutique 613 S. Main St., Joplin Dates TBD - Follow Blue Moon on Facebook @blue moon boutique joplin for more updates! Find Be Still online on Amazon and at www.AmandaFelix.com. Find music by Amanda Felix on iTunes, Spotify and Apple Music.

Amanda moved to Miami, Florida. She found an agent and started her acting and modeling career. She modeled for Coca-Cola, beauty product lines and has appeared in commercials and television shows. She even acted in a faith-based movie called A Message for Breanna. She also met some local musicians and started dabbling in songwriting. Things started to really take off forAmanda in 2018. She recorded her first Christian music single “You’ll Find Your Way,” which hit Christian radio and streamed well on iTunes, Spotify and Apple Music. The music video is on YouTube and available for use in Instagram reels. She also sang at a tribute following the February 2018 shooting at Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. For Amanda, the floodgates of creativity were open, and she was finally starting to find meaning in everything she had been through when tragedy struck again. Her mother passed away unexpectedly October 12, 2019. “For the first 6 months, I wouldn’t let myself grieve. Instead, I wrote a book and a full album in honor of my mom. Then, after everything got silent and I was called to grieve, I picked up everything, put it in storage and ran away. I grieved so badly, I didn’t want to be here anymore, but then God picked me back up and carried me home many, many times. I lost people along the healing journey, including myself, but you would have never known it. Because I wouldn’t stop and kept going. I was crying over her loss while y’all saw a girl on a billboard!” The book is about the obstacles she has overcome. “By the end of it, you’ll be like, ‘How is she still alive after everything she’s overcome?’ But I hope that it shows people that if I can still keep going, they can, too.” Amanda is currently recording with a Christian music group calledAOD Collective and doing some motivational speaking. Locally, Amanda coaches modeling and acting classes online under the leadership of The Maple Leaf Music Academy located in Carthage, Missouri. “I love giving back to my home state and hometown any way I can,” she said. “If I can teach any techniques and skills that have worked for me, then I am game.” Amanda is a woman who has found ways to turn tragedy into triumph all her life. Despite setbacks, she stayed in the driver’s seat and kept on moving forward. “I don’t regret anything I’ve been through,” Amanda said. “All the hardship has made me the woman I am today. I’m not a victim, I’m a victor. When people come to me and learn from my experience, it’s giving them light in their darkness.”

Photo by David Hilliard

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