Lifestyle

Table Rock Lake Community Foundation continues SKITS support
Shell Knob in the Spotlight (SKITS) is proud to continue to provide Shell Knob and the surrounding area with high quality stage performances and fun entertainment since its first show, “A Hillbilly Christmas,” in 2013. While the audience gets to see the excitement on stage, and the actors open their hearts to dazzle them with their performance, there are other efforts and pouring out of hearts that make it possible to open those curtains, a press release said. SKITS is a non-profit organization and as such, relies partially on the benevolence of local donors and business sponsors, and the rest falls squarely to the support of several area grants. The Table Rock Lake Community Foundation (TRLCF) has been a huge supporter of SKITS and has partnered with the troupe for many years now, assisting with funding across several areas of the organization. The TRLCF has been integral in continuing to improve the level of production for SKITS shows, and this season in the storage of its stage and set pieces by providing the funds to purchase a shipping container. The TRLCF’s mission is “to enhance the quality of life in our region through resource development, community grantmaking, collaboration and public leadership.” “We strongly believe in what they are doing in our area and feel the impact of their contributions with every show we put on,” the SKITS press release said.

Angel Tree, toy drive completed at Herrin Animal Hospital
Herrin Animal Hospital in Cassville collected toys in recent weeks for its 25th Annual Holiday Toy Drive. “It is always heartwarming to see the community come together to support our toy drive,” Dr. Brent Herrin said.

Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Dec. 25
Meet Emmett, this week’s Pet of the Week! He was born June 20, 2017, and he’s a brown and black Belgian Shepherd Malinois/American Bulldog mix.

Arvest makes series of school donations
Arvest Foundation recently awarded the Exeter school district with a grant of $5,000 for its student fund.

Through the Years, Dec. 25
30 YEARS AGO: JUDGED BEST OF DECORATIONS — Providing a more than adequate identification for Santa Claus as he next arrives in Cassville, this home decoration scheme was chosen best of the town by Chamber of Commerce judges. The home is that of Jim and Helen O’Dell on Fair Street.

Williams completes specialist certification
Stacey Williams, Cassville school district bookkeeper and board secretary, has completed the School Business Specialist (SBS) certification program through the Missouri Association of School Business Officials (MoASBO). This certification is designed to equip school business support staff with the skills and knowledge necessary for their roles. The MoASBO SBS program provides specialized training focused on Missouri law and regulations, a foundational understanding of all school business operations and supports the advancement of professionalism among Missouri school business staff. The coursework covers essential topics, fosters discussions and provides resources to support future professional development. “I am incredibly proud of Stacey for her recent achievement in earning the School Business Specialist Certification,” said Merlyn Johnson, Cassville superintendent. “Stacey’s dedication and hard work are clear in everything she does, and this certification further reflects her commitment to excellence at Cassville R-IV School District. We are fortunate to have such a devoted and skilled bookkeeper on our central office team.”. Contributed photo

Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week
Add a little spice to your life with Oregano! He is a mixed-breed pup born April 1. Oregano and his friends, Thyme, Parsley and Fennel were found as strays. All of his friends have found a home, and Oregano would make a great pet for any home. He is good with other dogs and is good with cats.

Through the Years, Dec. 18
40 YEARS AGO: CHRISTMAS, AN IMPORTANT PHASE — Started in early October, the Little Joe Transplant Fund in Cassville is nearing the halfway point as funds bump the $175,000 figure. Goal of the effort for a heart-lung transplant for six-year-old Joe Starchman is $350,000.

Through the Years, Dec. 11
40 YEARS AGO: SANTA IN SPECIAL VISIT HERE — Saturday was a special day in Cassville, Santa Claus took time out of his busy schedule to pay a visit here. The results were obviously good, the expressions on faces of youngsters who got a visit were ample reward.

Haven of the Ozarks Pet of the Week, Dec. 11
Chardonnay is a beautiful Retriever mix with gorgeous blue eyes. Her mom is a flat-coated Retriever. Chardonnay and 8 siblings were born on Sep. 29. Three pups from this litter are still looking for homes.