Most Influential People of 2023
By Amy Howe, Photos by Mandy Edmonson* The leaders featured on the following pages are some of the most influential people in our communities. They have a passion for what they do and are proven leaders across a variety of industries. Join us as we shine a spotlight...
Downtown Joplin Alliance to host Third Thursday events for 5,000 of its closest friends
By Ann Leach The 17th year of Third Thursdays celebrating Joplin and all it has to offer kicks off Thursday, March 21, thanks to the efforts of the Downtown Joplin Alliance (DJA) and its many volunteers and sponsors. “The event draws upward of 5,000 people per month...
Volunteering is a way of life for Charlie Brown
By Ann Leach It is written that “necessity is the mother of invention” and community volunteer Charlie Brown is proof that’s true. Brown’s father lost his vision to diabetes in 2007 and needed assistance, so Brown became a caregiver, helping his dad navigate his new...
C2C Presents Out-Of-This-World Productions for Kids
by Ann Leach TheaterWorksUSA’s production of “The Magic School Bus: Lost In The Solar System Based on the original Scholastic book series, the cast of this 60-minute production finds Ms. Frizzle saving the day when her class gets lost on the way to the planetarium....
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From the Publisher
Trading Repeat for Real Change
It looks like Punxsutawney Phil was right on the money this year. He predicted an early spring and I, for one, am grateful. The comedy classic, “Groundhog Day,” is one of my favorite movies. For those who haven’t seen it, a man wakes up with Groundhog Day on repeat. It takes him a few starts to realize that he can actually live the day differently – be a little more kind, do better.
This April issue is not only a celebration of the warmer days of spring beckoning us to enjoy the many events and activities offered throughout the Four States, but it will also encourage you to go beyond shaking off the winter blues and inspire you toward genuine life change.
In our Oklahoma section starting on page 32, you’ll meet the small team at the Grove Area Chamber of Commerce, making big strides with area businesses and residents reaping the rewards. You’ll learn about the success of the Grove Rotary Club’s efforts to help families acquire books and establish a love of reading early in life (page 37). You’ll also meet some folks who prove it’s never too late to make changes and build a life you enjoy. Tom and Kathleen Callan never dreamed they’d own and operate an alpaca farm that welcomes visitors from all around the country (page 42).
Other life-changers on our pages include a fashion icon who upset the industry from her kitchen in Parsons, Kansas, and an artist who discovered a new passion for painting with watercolors during Covid. Daniel Wade shares his story of transformation beginning on page 60. His desire to improve his physical condition, impacted his body, soul, and launched a business.
Whether you need to get out of a rut or just do a little spring cleaning, we hope you’ll be inspired to take action! For me, it’s about finding the right balance between the strain and hustle, while ultimately trusting the One who rules and reigns over the results. The Great Outdoors article about Annie on page 68 captures it well and may have caused me to tear up a little.
Carpe diem, friends! (Seize the day)
Chonda Ralston, Publisher/Editor