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The Most Important News of your Week 12.22.11 FREE

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Dancing with PB Stars Interview 3

Local Expert on: Heating your home

Local children’s duo releases studio album

2011 Person of the YearRick Lansford

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Current Events

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Current Events

The Week in Review

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from our friends at: About US

Established in 2008, the SEMO Times reports the most important news of your week. In addition to our online archives, plus our popular iPhone and Droid apps, the free publication is available in print at over 60 distribution locations throughout Butler County.

With our primary coverage area center-ing in Poplar Bluff, our mission is to be the mouthpiece for our community. Our opinion section regularly features dozens of contributing columnists—voluntary writers that have included leaders of the business community and regional legisla-tors.

Made in Poplar Bluff, we are Butler County’s only 100 percent locally owned alternative newsweekly. We cover human interest stories, arts, entertainment, educa-tion and business, but our primary focus is bigger picture news. We report ‘The Why’ rather than ‘The What.’

Get with the Times!

1. Do you have any New Year’s plans?

2. What do you want for Christmas?

1. Banging pots and pans with silverware, a fam tradition.

‎2. Seven feet of snow and a happy family.

2. Nothing. God has blessed me with everything I need.

2. A pizza from Cam’s New York Pizzeria.

Tim Krakowiak

Misty Lumpkins

MarkCozart

1. Working and hoping to be home before next year so I kiss my shrek before midnight.

1. I will be ringing in the new year at the Sydney Opera House in my dreams...

Semotimes

12.22.11Volume 3 Issue 54

2725 N. Westwood BlvdSuite 17

Poplar Bluff, MO573-785-2200

Staff

PublisherScott R. Faughn

scottfaughn@semotimes.com

Managing EditorTim Krakowiak

tim@semotimes.com

ReporterLiz Ellis

lizellis@semotimes.com

It was a bad week for Missouri. During a mono-logue this week on Conan

O’Brien, the late night talk-show host claimed Missouri was the new meth capital of America. His punch line was: “Missouri unseated last year’s meth capital of America: the set of ‘Two and a Half Men.’” #Op-positeOfWinning

It was a bad week for the postal service. The Poplar Bluff Post Office had protesters with picket

signs Tuesday bringing attention to the possible closure of the Cape Girardeau Post Office. Presently, when someone from Poplar Bluff sends a letter to his or her next-door

neighbor, it has to go to Cape to be sorted, then it comes back. If the U.S. Postal Service cuts the Cape location, that means our mail will be processed through St. Louis.

It was a good year for the SEMO Times, thanks to our ever-growing reader-ship and advertising base.

Our office will be closed for the last week of the year – we have officially called for an office-wide vacation, as the big man hasn’t had a day off since he started this pub-lication, we don’t

think. So please stop creating news for one week, Poplar Bluff. Merry Christmas, and cheers to 2012! We have big plans to takeover down-town – hint hint.

~Happy Holidays

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SEMO Times 2011 Person of the Year Niceguyfinishesfirst Tim Krakowiak Managing Editor

The SEMO Times Person of the Year wears the same suit

every day (not literally speaking, of course – he does believe in his personal hygiene). He’s a staunch Cardinals fan and an avid golfer. Mostly, he likes to cut up socially, as they say.

More significantly, our 2011 re-cipient kicked his smoking habit this year. He got married in Las Vegas, where he had a good run in the casinos. He survived a kid-ney infection. He had some hard times, which he overcame, and was reminded again how important family is.

Sound like a regular Poplar Bluff guy? To those who know him best, it would be difficult to imagine a community without a Rick Lans-ford, whose optimism appears to be contagious.

“Having known him as a supporter of ours since day one, I’ve been fortunate to learn a lot from Rick on how to conduct myself as a busi-nessman,” said Scott R. Faughn, publisher of the SEMO Times. “But moreover, this past year, I’ve

learned from him what it means to be a great person, and the signifi-cance of keeping a smile on your face, no matter what life throws your way.”

The son of Jo Ann and the late Bruce Lansford, Rick is the father of four, a grandfather to six, and the owner of Century 21 American Realty, where he has worked for nearly a decade.

While Rick may not have brought tens of millions of dollars in retail to the community this year, he has shown dedication to his small piece of the puzzle—developing his new subdivision, Century Estates, located off of Township Line Road. Above all, he held his family to-gether during a time of misfortune, which may have caused a lesser man to lose hope.

In February, Rick’s 2-year-old grandson Braylen was diagnosed with leukemia. Observant day care workers noticed he was bruising easily, so his father Craig took him to a local pediatrician to have the boy’s iron level checked out.

When it was discovered Braylen’s blood count was low, he was trans-ferred to the St. Louis Children’s

Hospital. A rain-storm prevented Air Avac from taking flight, so the Lans-fords followed an ambulance north-ward for critical medical care.

“[My dad] pretty much stayed there with us for as long as we needed,” recalled Craig, who has followed in his father’s foot-prints, taking a job at Century 21 last year. “We were having to drive to St. Louis twice a week for treatment… One thing about che-motherapy is you can’t be around other kids, so Braylen can’t be in day care. [My dad] allows me to bring my son to the office.”

Rick reacted in typical fashion – he confided in the community via Facebook, posting: “Braylen is ac-tually running down the halls with his IV. I’m going to need a hospital bed before it’s over. It’s like he isn’t even sick.”

Going public with the realization that no matter the circumstances, 2 year olds will be… well, 2 year olds, seemed to touch Rick’s social network, as good karma tends to run its course.

Shortly thereafter, longtime family friends, Roger Burton and Frank and Lisa Anthony, spearheaded a fundraising golf tournament called “Pray for Bray” to help with as-sociated health care costs such as hotel expenses, fuel and time away from work. Dozens of community

members came out to show their support to the Lansfords.

“That was just family helping out family,” explained Burton, who works for Poplar Bluff Probation and Parole. “Rick’s just an all around good guy. He means well, has had some success with his own business, and likes to have fun.

“The holidays are here, we’re getting older, and you realize you can’t take life for granted,” Bur-ton continued. “When a 2 year old goes through the battle, it opens your eyes a little.”

On the upside, Braylen’s cancer is presently in remission. There is a chance of the disease coming back stronger, however, so he is on a strict three-year chemotherapy regimen.

“Having those kinds of tragedies take place, you get to know what kind of person you really are,” said Kurt Knodell, who considers Rick

Submitted PhotoRick and Twilla Lansford were married Sept. 3 in Las Vegas.

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Local press releases emailed to Managing Editor Tim Krakowiak at tim@semotimes.com also appear at www.semotimes.com, and are shared on the SEMO Times’ Facebook and Twitter pages.

ACLU files class-action lawsuit against city of Poplar Bluff

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The American Civil Liberties Union of East-ern Missouri filed a lawsuit Friday on be-half of registered voters of the city of Pop-lar Bluff who signed an initiative petition that City Clerk Pam Kearbey has refused to certify, according to the ACLU press release.

Barbara Rexroat and Katherine Carda, two individuals who signed the petition, filed the suit on their own behalf and on behalf of the class of at least 2,898 other registered voters who signed the petition.

The suit alleges that Missouri law gives citizens the right to an initiative petition that allows voters to decide whether the city reinstates open access to its broad-band communications system. Under state law, proponents were required to submit the signatures of approximately 830 regis-tered voters, according to the ACLU. The suit alleges Kearbey arbitrarily imposed the city’s signature requirement of 3,136

According to the lawsuit, voters who signed the petition have been deprived of the initiative process without due process and in violation of state law.

Three Rivers to roll out occupational therapy degree

Three Rivers College is working with the University of Missouri to implement an occupational therapy assistant training program in Poplar Bluff.

Those interested in studying under the program are encouraged to enroll at Three Rivers now to begin earning the general education courses required for entry.

The Associate of Applied Science de-gree in OTA prepares students to practice as a certified occupational therapy assis-tant after meeting certification and state licensure standards.

The first class of eligible students are

scheduled to begin the OTA-intensive coursework in January 2013, leaving two semesters for them to earn required gen-eds. Based on data from the American Association of Occupational Therapy As-sistants, Shackleford estimates that OTAs earn a starting salary between $40,000 and $45,000 a year.

For more information about the new OTA program and how to apply, call the Three Rivers Nursing and Allied Health Center at 573-840-9672. Additional infor-mation is available online at the Missouri Health Professions Consortium website, www.mhpc.missouri.edu.

Wells opts to run for state senatorial District 33

Rep. Don Wells has announced his in-tention to run for Missouri Senate District 33, which includes Butler, Reynolds, Rip-ley, Carter, Shannon, Dent, Oregon, How-ell and Texas counties.

He will vie against Poplar Bluff busi-nessmas Doug Libla and Rep. Ward Franz of West Plains Aug. 7 in the Republican primary.

“I am running because I can make a dif-ference for the betterment of the 33rd Sen-ate. I intend to represent all of the people in the district,” Wells said in his announce-ment.

In his statement, Wells said that many of Missouri’s problems needs to be handled by someone that the people can trust and who has their concerns and best interest at heart. Wells then went on to say: “There are many concerns of this district and state that needs to be addressed. There is a real problem and something needs to be done when Missouri jobs continue to exit the state. Let’s not forget the loss of many family farms [that are disappearing] every day, and the attacks on our farmers and animal breeders by outside liberal groups such as H.S.U.S., [which] spent $2 million to pass Prop B, which cost Missourians.

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Your Local Expert On: Heating your home Liz Ellis Reporter

As the temperature outside drops lower and lower, the importance

of a good heating system in the home becomes more and more apparent. But most people are not simply interested in a name-brand heater—it’s the lower utility bills that we all want.

Aire Solutions owner Tim Funke out-lined a few ways that a homeowner can get the most out of the heating unit that they currently have installed this win-ter season, and a few myths that buyers and homeowners should be aware of.

First, make sure that heating systems have regular maintenance. And, if pos-sible, give it a check up to make sure that everything is working properly.

For gas heaters, this means checking the filtration and gas pressure, making sure the burners are clean and burning properly and keeping rust and soot out of the internal parts of the machine. For electric heaters, it means making sure the coils are clean, the defrost cycle is working properly, and all of the hook-ups are sealed tightly.

“It will reduce the stress in your life, it will extend the equipment life and it’ll reduce your utility bills,” Funke said. “The home is just going to be more comfortable if you have proper air flow from maintaining your equip-

ment.” Another good idea to save a bit of

money during cold months is to turn the thermostat back a few degrees and just wear a sweater. And, if it gets too cold, turn it up a few degrees until it is bearable again.

“The longer and the further back you turn it, the more money you will save,” Funke said. “There is an old wives’ tale that it will have to work harder to catch up [if you turn it back]. Furnaces

and heaters don’t know harder. They just know off or on, and they are ac-tually made to run continuously.” It is the constant on and off that will break down a heater or air conditioner, Funke said, much like a car gets better gas mileage when ran for long periods of time.

It is also important to know how well insulated the home is to try and keep the expensive warm air from simply drifting off into the cool December

nights. Aire Solutions offers a full di-agnostic of the home, pinpointing the problem areas and often advising or fixing the areas lacking.

For problems with efficiency on old-er heating systems, sometimes the best solution is to simply purchase a newer model that is more effective.

“If you have an older unit that is 15-20 years old and is past its life expec-tancy, there are new systems that are incredibly efficient,” Funke said. “So even if it was a good unit when you bought it, chances are you’re going to save a lot of money replacing it today.”

However, before replacing a heater, be aware of these misconceptions be-fore purchasing. One of the more com-mon fallacies, Funke said, is that a big-ger heating system is better.

“That is just not true. [A bigger heat-er] just ends up running shorter cycles and is worn out faster. So you’re just wasting money. You want a properly sized unit—bigger will cost you more money.”

Another thing to be aware of are scams, such as the Amish heater seen in the New York Times and other publica-tions recently. The heater looked to be a portable fireplace and claimed to be a miracle heater that could reduce cost of energy bills and produce an amazing

Photo by liz EllisTim and Connie Funke have owned and operated Aire Solutions, located on S. Broadway in Poplar Bluff, for 29 years. Aire Solutions specalizes in home air quality which includes air conditioners, heaters, and much more.

continued on pg 13

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Dancing with the Poplar Bluff StarsInterview Series: PINK Team

Liz Ellis Reporter

In 2005, the reality TV series, “Danc-

ing with the Stars” de-buted on ABC and was the No.1 show that year, watched by more than 15 million viewers in the United States. This year, for the second time, Sa-cred Heart Catholic School will be hosting its own live version of the popular television series, called “Dancing with Poplar Bluff Stars.” Last year, the charity event raised nearly $8,000 for the school.

“I would say hands down, [this is] the most surprisingly fun event that you will go to all year,” said Christy Fra-zier-Moore, event coor-dinator. “It’s a unique, fun, family-oriented event that will blow your socks off.”

The competition this year will be at 6 p.m. Jan. 7, and will feature five couples from Pop-lar Bluff. The SEMO Times will continue to feature one couple each week leading up to the event. This five-week se-ries will include a Q&A with a different team as well as details about the show.

Q: Who is your partner?A: Michelle Jackson

Q: Where do you work and what do you do for a living?A: Robert Whelan Wealth Management

Q: What is something about yourself most people don’t know?A: I have a great sense of humor. Oh wait, most people already know that.

Q: Do you have any background in dance?A: When Jim and Sher Galeotti were

teaching, I took many classes with them. They were great teachers and I really learned a lot from them and had a great time too.

Q: Why did you choose to participate?A: Because it’s fun!

Q: What songs are you dancing to?A: “Footloose” – everybody cut loose

Q: What style will your second dance be?A: We have not yet decided on a particular style for the second dance. It’s going to be fun, that’s for sure.

Q: How have you been preparing for the show?A: It’s been a challenge with scheduling, but I think we’re getting settled into a good routine now. Time will tell.

Q: Why do you think you’re going to win?A: Um, that’s kind of a tough call. Everyone really has their own unique set of groovy moves. Hopefully Michelle and I can do a nice performance.

Q: Why should people vote for you?A: Because we’re happy, bouncy, fun people who really need votes.

Q: If you had to estimate, how much money do you think (or hope) you and your partner will raise?A: Wow, that’s a tough question, but I hope it’s quite a lot. The school is always in need of good financial support, and I’m proud to be part of this event to help raise money for [Sacred Heart].

Q: Who is your partner?A: Joe Clark

Q: Where do you work?A: Adkins Chiropractic and Well-ness - I teach people how to exer-cise and eat to reach/maintain their goals without “diet” fads.

Q: What is something about you that most people don’t know? A: I’m actually kind of shy. My pas-sion for others to reach their goals drives me to do what I do!

Q: Do you have any background in dance?A: Not formal. I am a Zumba instructor.

Q: Why did you decide to participate?A: It’s for a great cause, and dancing is TONS of fun!

Q: What song(s) will you be dancing to?A: “Footloose”

Q: What style will your second dance be?A: I’m not sure that there is a style that could explain some of our possibilities.

Q: How have you been preparing for the show?A: PRACTICE and listening to others’ advice on what would “work better,” and utilizing that advice.

Q: Why do you think you’re going to win? A: Because we will ROCK the PINK, and entertain!!

Q: Why should people vote for you? A: The same reason that any team should be voted for... entertainment value, and the fact the money raised will go toward a great cause!

Q: If you had to estimate, how much money do you think (or hope) you and your partner will raise?A: Wow! I have no idea, but I hope that this event raises a lot!

Michelle Jackson Joe Clark

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Down

1. Assist, often in a criminal act2. Monetary unit of Lesotho3. Go (over) carefully4. Come out5. Soft-shell clams6. Sea eagles7. Revivalists8. Anklebone9. Cossack chief10. Turkish titles11. Actress Garr12. Med school subj.13. Name22. Nabokov nove24. Peruvian singer Sumac26. Father27. Clarence’s accuser28. Goddess of love29. Ark builder30. Lake in the Sierra Nevada32. Pledge33. “Die Fledermaus” maid34. Russian revolutionary leader37. Comic Rudner39. Editor’s mark41. Gallery display43. Straddle46. Asta’s mistress48. Meadow51. Withdraw53. Fingerless hand cover55. Covered with hair57. Quarter, e.g.58. Ethereal59. Entreaty60. Sea swallow61. Dedicated to the ___ Love63. Ethereal: Prefix64. Social standing65. “Hard ___!” (sailor’s yell)66. PBS benefacto

Crossword of the Week

Solution on pg 16

Across

1. Mont Blanc, par exemple5. Actress Berger10. Not much14. Derrick15. Pay for16. Knee17. French 101 verb18. ___ Gay19. Bedouin20. A wedding cake may have three of these21. Legal action over breach of contract23. Hoops venue

25. Japanese honorific26. Employment seekers may pound it31. Growing in snow35. “Wheel of Fortune” buy36. Bellowing38. Swellings40. ___ colada42. Indian form of address44. Departed45. Take ___ for the worse47. Monopoly buy49. Fail to tell the truth50. Mary of “The

Maltese Falcon”52. Convenience54. Agent56. Mai ___57. Electronic component62. Skater Lipinski66. Christmas67. Nicholas Gage book68. Blue hue69. Green land70. Challenged71. Fish-eating eagle72. Author Seton73. Bert’s buddy74. Greek goddess of victory

The Book ShopPresented by

320 N. Main Street, Poplar Bluff 573-714-5642

Crossword puzzles provided by BestCrosswords.com Used with permission www.bestcrosswords.com

from pg 4a friend, even though they are compet-ing realtors. “These things could get you down, so it’s nice to see somebody main-taining his positive disposition. He’s just a real pleasure to be around, work-wise and otherwise.”

Rick’s coworkers, Natali Ketcherside, Lisa Sheehy and Sandy Taylor col-lectively describe their boss as a fair businessman, who is never a bore in the office.

Perhaps a little more candid by design, Rick’s younger sister Sandy Rickman, who used to work for her brother before she crossed over to Mossy Oak Proper-ties, said: “Sometimes it’s just better that families don’t work together. You know, being brother and sister, you still fight, even as you get older.”

Rickman went on, light heartedly: “He was always the bossy kind, so we figured he would end up in a job one day where he was the boss… But you have to work for what you get, and he certainly worked his way up.”

The Lansford family has an inside joke, that whenever one of Rick’s offspring is born, the Cardinals go to the World Series. For instance, when his daughter Christy Len entered the world in 1982, the Cardinals won the series. So befit-tingly, when Christy Len gave birth to Rick’s first granddaughter in recent months, the Cardinals were victorious yet again.

That must be the positive energy Rick’s wife Twilla describes best:

“Rick is a busy person who always has a smile on his face,” exclaimed Twilla, who is a customer service representative at First Midwest Bank. “He always sets the mood for the day when he gets up singing! I know that it’s going to be a good day.’

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amount of heat. However, Funke said, buyers should watch out for scams and deals that are too good to be true.

“When God set up the universe, he put into action certain rules of physics. And you can’t break them. And one of those rules is when you use electric-ity for heat you get 3.41 BTUs of heat for one watt of electricity. It doesn’t matter if it’s in a light bulb, if it’s in a computer, if it’s in a heater… when you use electricity, you get 3.41 BTUs of heat,” Funke said. “Anything that claims otherwise is a scam.”

And the last old wives’ tale buyers should be mindful of when looking to purchase a heater is the claim that heat pumps cannot work below freezing. While a heat pump is more efficient in warmer weather and even warmer temperatures, it can still work when it is cold outside.

“It’s easier to raise the temperature

from 50 to 74 than from 20 to 74. They still produce heat,” Funke said. “People say that you need to turn them off at 32 degrees because there is no more heat in the air at 32… and my first question is if there is no heat at 32, how do we drop the temperature down to 31, 30 or even 20? By removing heat.”

Aire Solutions is a locally-owned heating and cooling business that fo-cuses on making sure that each home has the air conditioning and heating units proper for their setup. Their mot-to is, “We promise to always respect you, respect your home, respect your time and your hard earned money.” For more information on Aire Solu-tions, check out their website at www.airesolutions.net/

Liz Ellis can be reached by emailing lizellis@semotimes.com or by calling 573-785-2200.

Heating your home, from pg 6

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Arts & Entertainment Page 14

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Liz Ellis Reporter

Poplar Bluff is home to more than a few rising stars, among

them the brother-sister performing duo known as PinkleTank. Pinkle, aka Brit-ney Bascom, is 8 years old and plays keyboard, sings and is currently learn-ing bass guitar. Tank, aka Ricky Bas-com, is 9 and plays guitar, bass guitar, drums, sings and does some songwrit-ing.

While they may seem quite young to be performing music—not to mention signing album deals—parents Rick and Michele Bascom said that music runs deep in the family.

“I’ve always had a hobby of writ-ing songs and the kids kind of grew up around it,” said Rick Bascom, father of PinkleTank. “So we wrote some songs for the kids to sing and it just sort of went from there.”

The children began playing music at about age 4, Rick said, and both Brit-ney and Ricky competed in local sing-ing competitions, often placing in the top three.

Before PinkleTank started in 2007, Britney and Ricky simply sang covers of popular songs at family parties and in their spare time. However, their par-ents quickly realized their potential and began helping the children write their own songs about their experiences in school and day-to-day life.

“I taught [Ricky] everything I knew

about guitar. And then he turned 5,” Rick joked. “Ricky has loved music since he was young, and he has studied guitars and their history. He’s always just been consumed with music.”

Four years ago, Rick and Michele decided to re-cord a demo CD of their children performing to see what would happen. The important part, though, was the name. PinkleTank is as original as it is personal to the Bascoms.

“My favorite colors are pink and purple, and so we combined them to make Pinkle,” Britney explained. “And Ricky, he was so big whenever he was a baby, my Uncle called him Tank. And we just sort of put them to-gether to make PinkleTank.”

And so PinkleTank was born. The Bascoms took their demo CD and sent it off to numerous labels, hoping to get a reaction or maybe even a small deal.

“We got a call back from one of the companies and they said they wanted to sign the kids for a one-CD contract,” Rick exclaimed. “It was exciting.”

The children were quickly signed with TGM Studios based in Oklahoma City and released their first CD “Get Tankled” nationwide on Dec. 6. Their music is available on iTunes and in

many other stores.“I’d say their style is rap and rock

with a bit of pop. There is some heavi-er and sort of rock stuff, and there are some [songs] that are definitely rap. And we actually have a texting song, which is pretty cool,” Rick said. The pair also have a blues song, with a few other genres thrown in the mix.

“When I saw [our CD in the stores], it made me happy because I knew that our parents would be proud of us,” Britney said.

But these small stars are not stop-ping there. In January, TMG Studios arranged for PinkleTank to have their own commercial aired on several chil-dren’s cable channels, such as the Dis-

ney Channel, Nickelodeon, Nick Jr., and Boomerang. The pair also plans on trying out for the popular show, “America’s Got Talent” in North Caro-lina.

“It’s really amazing because they just turned 8 and 9 and they’re playing their music live,” Rick said. “I mean, Ricky is playing guitar and singing at the same time, and he’s hopping around stage doing the duck walk… it’s un-heard of for kids this age.”

Even with the recent release of their debut, PinkleTank is currently work-ing on a second CD, which they hope to release next year. On their next CD, tentatively titled “Gateway to Your Mind,” Rick said he expects that the kids will write most of their own mu-sic, with less help from mom and dad. In fact, Ricky has already written the tunes for two of the songs they are pre-paring to record.

“I like recording the music and working out the guitar parts,” Ricky said. “And I like doing the duck walk on stage. That’s my favorite part.”

And he will have lots of chances to do it—Rick said that the duo is already booking shows for a U.S. tour this sum-mer, while the kids have off of school.

“We hope that next year it’ll be inter-national,” Rick said.

Who knows how far it will go, but for now, PinkleTank is here to rock.

Liz Ellis can be reached by emailing lizellis@semotimes.com.

Local children’s duo releases studio album

submitted photoThe PinkleTank duo, Britney Bascom, 8, and Ricky Bascom, 9, of Poplar Bluff pose for a shot to promote their recently released CD, “Get Tankled.”

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Crossword Solution

from pg 9

The Book Shop320 N Main Poplar Bluff

573-714-5642 Presents

Opinion & Editorial Page 17

www.semotimes.com Opinion & Editorial

This week I had an epiphany.For those of you unfamiliar with epiphanies,

the Merriam-Webster dictionary defines ephi-phany as an illuminating discovery, or an intui-tive grasp of reality.

Some people claim to have epiphanies as part of a religious experience. Others claim to have epiphanies due to recreational use of drugs.

My epiphany was born of neither. My epipha-ny came to me at the intersection of two events. One tragic, one uplifting.

The tragic event was the death of another dear aunt. My dad's siblings have one by one, made that step from this life to the next. And deaths in the family always make one aware of our own mortality. But... enough of the tragic part of the epiphany, and onto the uplifting part.

Because I write about style, I am always read-ing about it. I keep an eye constantly on my Twitter feeds that tell me about what's new on the fashion runways.

It was in one of these hundreds of articles that I read every week where I found this tidbit. Cro-cheted items are going to be big this spring. It goes with the whole bohemian look. You proba-bly remember it from the 70s... crocheted vests, panchos. Good news! It's all coming back.

And the even better news? I just happen to crochet!

Not only do I crochet, but I love to crochet, and I am a prolific crocheter!

I loved it when the girls were babies. I could crochet them blankies, booties, little hats. And they looked so cute in them. As they got older, I put away my crochet hook for several years. But last winter I got it out again and began crochet-ing anew... mostly scarves and hats.

I made both of the girls hats and scarves last Christmas, and they even modeled them in Christmas photos!

But... I've noticed that I haven't seen them wear those items since. I mentioned more scarves and hats to Amy for this year. I even suggested that she could take some for her friends.

This was her reply. “Ummmmm... Mom... I really don't wear scarves and hats. And neither do my friends.”

OK. I could get discouraged by that remark.But then, I thought about something I read

long ago, about how hand-made gifts become treasures over time. It surely must be true. Un-less it was said by someone like me who has a hobby which results in products for which there seems to be no real market... other than family.

And then I got to thinking about mortal-ity. And an image popped into my head… my epiphany.

The girls were each in their future homes with their future families. In each home was a little area... a shrine of sorts... with candles... and a few of my hand-made crocheted hats and scarves hanging with spotlights on them. The girls and their future children were touching them reverently.

And they were both saying to their children, “Yes... your grandmother, Grammy Tammy, made these for us.” (Because that's what I've al-ways wanted to be called … Grammy Tammy… it rhymes). “She put tremendous love in each stitch with her own loving fingers. We didn’t truly appreciate them at the time. But now we understand. No… you cannot wear these, but luckily, she left plenty behind for each of you.”

And all the children will look at their mothers with joyful tears in their eyes, sad, but yet grate-ful of the legacy I left behind.

So... Amy... never fear. I have put your care-less words aside and crocheted you scarves and hats in all your favorite colors! And lest your boyfriend feel left out, I made a set for him, too!

Rejoice! Rejoice! I'm sure I have many years of crocheting ahead of me!

Tammy Hilderbrand is the owner of Hilderbrand Diamond Company in Poplar Bluff, which can be found online at www.hilderbranddiamond-company.com. You can reach her by emailing tammy@hilderbranddiamondcompany.com.

How we sell real estate is changing. We now have websites, Facebook, MLS search engines, and all kinds of high tech ways to sell homes. With all of this technology, do you know which sales tool helps get about as many homes sold as any other? The yard sign. It really hasn't changed much over the years, but it is still one of the most powerful weapons in our arsenal. It seems like the majority of calls into our office begin with, "Yeah, I saw you have a house for sale over on such-and-such street."

But there is one thing that we (as real estate agents) tend to forget when it comes to yard signs. We forget that when people see that sign, they often think that they have to call the agent whose name is on it. So here's a little info to make your home buying smoother.

When you get ready to buy a home, shop around first for an agent. Maybe you already know someone that you think would be good to work with. If so, you're ahead of the game. If not, we're easy to find. Call the agent on the sign and look at the house. Or visit an open house or two. Find the agent you click with. Find one that has time for you. Find one that is willing to work hard for you. Then lock them in. If you don't click with an agent, move on.

From that point on, let them do some work. Tell them what you're looking for and let them send you some info on homes that match your needs. If you see a sign in front of a house you like, call "YOUR" agent. Let them make sure it's still available and schedule a time for you to tour it. Don't bounce around all over the place. The process will go so much smoother when you find the agent you like and work with them exclu-sively. You won't waste lots of time, and communica-tion is so much stronger.

Agents in Poplar Bluff work together to get homes sold. If a home is listed, basically every realtor in town can sell the home. We are all working together to find a buyer for that home. The seller still pays the same commission. So find YOUR agent and put them to work for you!

Here’s your sign!

Epiphany of a mother and stylist

AdvicePage 18

www.semotimes.com Advice

Dear Joy,My boyfriend and I have been living together for about a year now, and

no matter what I say, I can’t seem to get him to do any chores around the house. I love having a clean house, and it’s important to me that it is done. But, of course, I don’t always want to do everything. I have tried asking him nicely and making deals with him about who does what chore today, but no go—he simply won’t do dishes, laundry, take out the trash, or even really clean up. He picks up his things if I complain enough, but that’s it.

I love him, but it’s driving me crazy that I have to do everything around the house. Help!!! How do I get him to compromise with me on this???

Sincerely,Cleaning Lady,

Poplar Bluff

Cleaning Lady,My first impression is that he has no respect for you.

Now be honest, do you always nag and complain about every little thing in your house? Neat freaks are hard to live with; I used to be one!! If you do, that will only make things worse. If you’re not always on him about cleaning then he possibly could be a lazy slob with no respect for you.In any type of relationship, all of our goals should be to

let the other person know we love them, and love is more than a feeling. It’s actions too.Have a serious talk when he is in a great mood, and

tell him how much it means to you to have a little help around the house. If he refuses to do so then I think we’re back to the lazy slob with no respect for you. I have found in so many situations when you “shack up” with someone, oftentimes, that lack of real commitment shows in a lot of areas in the relationship. Just a thought!

Good luck to you.-Joy

A weekly advice column from a local romance expert, Ask Joy is our own ver-sion of Ask Abby. To ask Joy a relationship question, email her at askjoyinthe-times@hotmail.com, or friend her on Facebook at Ask Joy.

Event Calendar Page 19

www.semotimes.com Event Calendar

Community Calendar

To submit an event, go to www.semotimes.com and click on the +bluffee tab

SemoTimes

Upcoming community events from Dec. 22- Jan. 21

Alex Riffle and the Stiff Riffs

Dec. 227 - 11 p.m.Wine RackPoplar Bluff

“Rain Stick Design” Art Class

Dec. 3110 a.m. - noon

Margaret Harwell Art Museum Annex

Poplar Bluff

“Self Portrait Paintings” Art ClassDec. 31

1 - 3 p.m.Margaret Harwell Art

Museum Annex Poplar Bluff

Puss in BootsJan. 21

3 p.m. and 7 p.m.Tinnin Fine Arts CenterThree Rivers College

Poplar Bluff

Harlem GlobetrottersJan. 4

7 - 10 p.m.Black River Coliseum

Poplar Bluff

See it LiveJohn D.

Hale BandThis red dirt country band from Jackson, Mo. plays

a solid mix of country, Southern rock, Americana

and bluegrass. They will be performing

both original music as well as covers.

Where: Whiskey Down

When: Friday, Dec. 23

Doors open at 7 p.m.

Band members:John D. Hale vocals, guitar

Cody Phillips bass guitar, vocals

Chris Brothertondrums, vocals

Ryne Jackson lead guitar, fiddle, harmonica, vocals

New Year’s Eve with DJ Kanden

Dec. 319 p.m. - 1 a.m.

Tios Mexican Bar and GrillPoplar Bluff

Submitted photoDawn Sperry Allen of Patterson recently pulled a publicity stunt on the corner of Westwood and Pine, handing out copies of her cartoon news-paper the Eclipse, which promotes itself as “real fake news,” alongside a Daily American Republic hawker.

Eclipse in Poplar Bluff