By Amy Howe
We are delighted to share with you this year’s group of Singles in the City. These 10 individuals are independent go-getters living their best life and are looking for the right person to share their joy with. This dynamic group comprises people in the arts, business owners, entrepreneurs, those in the retail and service industries, and all-around ambitious, goal-oriented people. Meet the 2024 Singles in the City.
Francesca Moore
Occupation: Business Owner/ Media Specialist
City: Rogers, Arkansas
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time. I love to cook, especially for friends and family. Strength training and spending time in the gym, which I consider my ME time when possible. I enjoy spending as much time as possible in Northwest Arkansas with my daughter. Rogers and Bentonville are my top two spots. There are so many things to do there. A few would be biking, hiking, enjoying time on Beaver Lake, dining, visiting the wineries, breweries, yoga, going to concerts and so much more.
I am the owner of Pure Radiance Lash & Beauty Bar also offering mobile services. I am a certified lash artist, spray tan artist and teeth whitening specialist, enhancing a person’s natural beauty through lash artistry, vegan spray tans, teeth whitening and a few other services I offer. I am here to provide a personalized experience that will leave you feeling empowered and beautiful.
I’m also the promotions director and event coordinator at KSN and KODE TV since 2009 as well as a part-time sales associate at Victoria’s Secret since 2019.
What do you look for in a partner? Physical attraction and a common connection on all levels. I’ve learned it is very hard to move forward without having similar likes or interests.
What are your deal breakers? Tobacco user and someone who does not respect their health and body. Someone who is constantly on their cell phone while together. Communication is big to me, so if a guy is on his cell phone nonstop, that leaves little to zero room for conversation or getting to know each other.
What would a dream first date be like for you? There are just too many options for me to list one. I think just being open to anything that both can enjoy.
What is your love language? That would definitely have to be cooking.
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful? My son and daughter. I think we all have a why and they are definitely mine.
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time. I am an energetic person who values faith and fun, and who tries to see the best in everyday life. I enjoy multiple sports, including running and Ultimate Frisbee, and also spending time with friends and family.
Callie Aleshire
Occupation: Assistant Supervisor
City: Carthage, Missouri Age: 31
What do you look for in a partner? My ideal partner would be someone who is compassionate and who wants to make a positive difference in the world around them. Someone who enjoys having fun and wants to share many laughs and adventures together is a must!
What are your deal breakers? My faith is very important to me, so someone who shares the same faith is valuable to me. Someone who is rude and disrespectful to others is also a top deal breaker for me.
What would a dream first date be like for you? You can never go wrong with doing something fun together and seeing how that person interacts with you, so maybe miniature golf or axe throwing. Then afterwards, go out for a meal or coffee to enjoy good conversation and share stories of our past adventures.
What’s your favorite love story and why? My favorite love story would have to be Arthur and Molly Weasley from the Harry Potter series. No matter what they face throughout the book series, they have a solid foundation of love and compassion for each other, and it easily extends to loving those around them. It’s a love story that can easily be overlooked, but it’s a beautiful, quiet and enduring kind of love.
What’s your favorite love song and why? “Love Like This” by Ben Rector. It idealizes the beauty of how love changes us and our perspective of what’s important in life, and how love draws us close to that special person.
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful? My family and friends! I don’t know where I would be in life without their love and support throughout my life. They’ve always been there for me, whether for advice or a helping hand.
Jason Sellars
Occupation: Flooring Sales and Project Manager
City: Jane, Missouri Age: 45
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time. I love the outdoors and water. I spend my free time on a body of water or driving Jeep trails through the forest.
What do you look for in a partner? I want a carefree and easygoing woman who has a desire to succeed professionally.
What are your deal breakers? Deal breakers are cigarette smoking. Other than that, I’m very open minded.
What would a dream first date be like for you? A dream first date would be driving out to a creek, river or lake and having a campfire. Music playing with drinks and good snacks. Taking the dirt roads back into town with no hurry.
What’s your favorite love song and why? Picking a favorite love song is hard for me. There are so many good love songs and each of them means something different depending on my mood. Music is a huge part of my life!
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful? I’m very grateful for my parents’ love. They’ve shown me that a true love can exist. It’s not always 50/50, sometimes you’re the 70 and sometimes you’re the 30. Being selfless and compassionate for your partner is a must in a strong relationship.
Donnetta Rivera
Occupation: Writer
City: Webb City, Missouri Age: 55
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time. I’m pretty much a free spirit. I live out loud and I’m a country girl at heart. I love travel, art, the beach, the ballet and dancing. In my free time, I love to sculpt, hang out with friends and family and play cards or board games.
What do you look for in a partner? Loyalty, a good sense of humor is a must and an adventurous spirit.
What are your deal breakers? A homebody and jealousy.
What would a dream first date be like for you? Take me dancing, bring me wildflowers, dark chocolate and red wine and you can win my heart.
What is your love language? Touch and quality time.
What’s your favorite love song and why? “Like I’m Going to Lose You” by Meghan Trainor because it has a deep-rooted meaning to me.
If you could learn one skill or ability perfectly, what would it be, and why? To sing. I’m totally tone-deaf.
Reesie Kiser
Occupation: Realtor, Business Owner, Fitness Instructor
City: Carl Junction, Missouri Age: 47
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time. I was born and raised in West Texas. I have lived in Maryland, San Diego and have resided in Joplin for over 16 years now. I love to travel. I am a voracious reader; I love country concerts but I won’t say no to any type of music. I love to dance and sing karaoke even though I sound like a cat dying when I sing. Self-proclaimed nerd.
What do you look for in a partner? The last time I dated, my phone attached to the wall. My best answer to this is to bring the best you’ve got and we will go from there.
What are your deal breakers? Aaahh, this is a hard question. I’ve been on a journey of growth and I have a LOT more deal breakers than I used to have. Let’s start with knowing if my dog doesn’t like you, it’s gonna be a problem.
What would a dream first date be like for you? My dream first date would be something that doesn’t feel like a date. Meeting to walk through a fun art exhibit, maybe meeting up at a farmers’ market or local festival.
What is your love language? Acts of service. Good luck getting me to accept any help, though, so that’s going to be a fun hurdle to navigate.
What’s your favorite romantic comedy and why? I don’t actually believe in favorites as that limits you, but I really think “When Harry Met Sally” is a spot-on, funny romantic comedy. I think if someone sang “The Surrey With The Fringe On Top” to me in the middle of a mall, I’d die laughing.
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful? I am the most grateful for my children but I don’t plan to introduce anyone I date to my kids. That might sound harsh, but I’m content with my kids thinking I don’t know men exist on the planet. Ha!
When did you last sing to yourself or to someone else? I just sang to everyone within a six-foot range while I walked around at Disney. I’m pretty sure they are thrilled about the sounds of a dying cat being sung to the Disney music piped all around us.
Julie Hines
Occupation: Automotive Sales Consultant
City: Joplin, Missouri Age: 53
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time. I love baking and cooking for my family and friends. Spending time playing pickleball as much as time will allow. During the summer months, I love spending time at any body of water.
What do you look for in a partner? A man that is kind, patient and loves Jesus. At our age, we all have life experiences that have shaped us to who we are now. I would like a man that is able to laugh, love and grow together as a couple.
What are your deal breakers? Someone who is rude to others and not compassionate to all walks of life.
What would a dream first date be like for you? Meet for a coffee or a Coke and quick snack. Then find an activity where we can get some exercise and conversation to get to know each other. If we are getting along and want to grab lunch or dinner, that’s a great date.
What’s your favorite romantic comedy and why? “The Proposal” with Sandra Bullock and Ryan Reynolds had such chemistry and banter. Every time I watch it, I laugh and cry. Yes, every time I watch it …
What’s your favorite love song and why? “I Love the Way You Love Me” by John Michael Montgomery. It fits my personality perfectly. I love to slow dance to it while that special man is singing it to me in my ear.
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful? To have been loved unconditionally by a great man that showed me how to be loved and give great love in return.
Olive Sullivan
Occupation: Writer and Bookbinder
City: Pittsburg, Kansas Age: 63
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time. I’m in the process of reinventing myself after being widowed from a happy six-year marriage, but here are the things I do know: I’m a poet, playwright and bookbinder, a retired college professor and former journalist. I have two grown sons. I enjoy traveling anywhere that requires a passport. I like hanging out by water and I detour for waterfalls, castles and beaches. I love flea markets and architectural salvage, junk with potential. I also enjoy music, especially blues, and eating out—Italian, seafood or a good steak. I am a big reader, favoring mystery and steampunk fantasy, but with a literature degree that makes me seek out classics from time to time as well. I enjoy taking long walks on the prairie with my dog, Balthazar (all my dogs are named after Shakespearean characters).
What do you look for in a partner? I prefer intelligence over appearance, value a sense of humor and kindness, and wouldn’t mind a man who likes to cook. Open minded and interested in the world around. I am comfortable with my quirks, and I’m looking for someone with compatible quirks of his own.
What are your deal breakers? Deal breakers include cruelty, bigotry and ignorance. And there will be a dog in my life, so if you don’t like dogs, that’s probably a deal breaker, too.
What would a dream first date be like for you? Remembering this is a dream date: We meet on a Smithsonian Institute cruise to Lisbon, which features guest lectures and performances of Shakespeare’s plays. A more realistic date would be dinner at a nice restaurant followed by live local music somewhere.
What is your love language? My love language is to give gifts. The language I like to receive is touch, not necessarily sexual, but a nice back or foot rub, or just holding hands or a good hug.
If you could learn one skill or ability perfectly, what would it be, and why? The skill I’d love to master is playing the piano, but since I’ve attempted to learn several times, I think I just don’t have what it takes, so I enjoy listening to others play instead. I am always trying to perfect my bookbinding skills. It will be a lifelong endeavor.
Nathan Wagner
Occupation: Realtor
City: Riverton, Kansas Age: 33
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time. I was born and raised in the Joplin area and I LOVE helping people buy and sell real estate. I am a licensed Kansas and Missouri realtor with Keller Williams Realty Elevate. In my free time, I enjoy kayaking, fishing, hiking and pretty much anything that involves the outdoors.
What do you look for in a partner? I look for honesty, good communication and compassion in a partner.
What are your deal breakers? My deal breakers are lying and pettiness.
What would a dream first date be like for you? A dream first date for me would probably have to be going out to eat and then going for a walk to get the chance to have better conversation in a more relaxed setting.
What’s your favorite love song and why? My current favorite love song would probably be “Spotless” by Zach Bryan. The reason for that is because none of us are without our faults, but the right person will love you regardless.
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful? I am most grateful for my close friends and family. They make life much more enjoyable.
When did you last sing to yourself or to someone else? I am by no means a great singer, but I sing to myself daily.
Mandy Edmonson
Occupation: Photographer
City: Webb City, Missouri Age: 40
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time. I’m a people person, ambitious and driven. I am a photographer and party decorator and am very passionate about my work! I always strive to believe in the good within everyone. In my free time, I like to spend time with my daughter, going to the gym, shopping and spending time outdoors. While I would consider myself an extrovert, I also love a quiet night in!
What do you look for in a partner? A partner who can communicate, who is helpful and likes to serve others, who is hardworking, a man I can trust, respect and follow in the path of Godliness.
What are your deal breakers? Values that don’t align with mine, a partner who isn’t faithful.
What would a dream first date be like for you? A picnic date, star gazing, talking, laughing and just enjoying the moment. I also think a couples cooking class would be fun!
What is your love language? Quality time spent together, cuddling and just being present with one another.
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful? I’m grateful for my parents, who taught me right values and always supported me in every endeavor. I’m grateful to the Lord above for blessing me with my daughter through adoption, a beautiful life-changing miracle! A love I never knew existed! I am so incredibly blessed.
When did you last sing to yourself or to someone else? I love to sing! I sing daily in my car and in the evening at bedtime with my daughter. There’s something about it that just makes me happy.
Jackie Hendrix
Occupation: Server/Retail Construction
City: Joplin, Missouri Age: 47
Please tell us a little bit about yourself and what you like to do in your free time. I am a bit of a free spirit; I am a hard-working woman who lives and loves with her entire heart. I have a newfound love of fitness. I love live music, art and the great outdoors and am always looking for adventure.
What do you look for in a partner? Chemistry and good energy, possessing a great sense of humor, a sharp mind, great communication, self-awareness, confidence and a down-to-earth great human.
What are your deal breakers? I look at a person’s soul. If there isn’t good energy and chemistry, I am not interested.
What would a dream first date be like for you? One that leaves me with a smile, connection, good chemistry and leaves me looking forward to the next one.
What is your love language? Music. Sing to me or send it in a song. Words of affirmation and physical touch. I am also a giver, so acts of service is also my love language.
For what in your life do you feel the most grateful? I am grateful for God for never giving up on me, my amazing friends and family, my freedom and the men and women who fought for it, and for good music; it never leaves.