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FEB 2019
40 YEARS AND COUNTING
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HIGH SCHOOL ROMANCE TURNS 50 I If it hadn’t been for the assistance of a meddling friend, the last 50 years of my life might have played out completely differently. Growing up in a small town, I knew pretty much everyone who attended my high school, including my future wife, Jan. However, we didn’t actually become acquainted until a mutual friend called me in 1968 and told me that Jan knew I was going to call her. (These were not plans I made until this phone call, by the way.) He said Jan would say yes if I asked her on a date, but I would have to call and ask first.
Celebrating Our 50th Year of Marriage
one year after we took the advice of our meddling friend. Because I was only 17 when we applied for a marriage license, I actually had to have my mom accompany me to the local courthouse. We married on Thanksgiving weekend a few days after my 18th birthday.
Jan and I, then and now.
There’s no way I could have known when I picked up the phone to make that fateful call that I’d be
I was shy in high school, so this gentle prodding was actually the best way for me to land a date. Little did I know this same friend called Jan, telling her that I was going to ask her out and she should say yes. Thankfully, this friend was right, and soon we were going steady. This was a big deal for shy, 16-year-old me, because Jan is a year older than I am. The fact that an older girl agreed to go on a date with me was astonishing, and I was terrified of what her expectations might be. I soon discovered that Jan is worth every anxiety-inducing moment leading up to our relationship. Nearly three months later, Valentine’s Day was looming. But this holiday is even more special to Jan because it’s also her birthday. That first Valentine’s Day and birthday we spent together had to be special, so I gave her an emerald bracelet. Jan still has it to this day, and we make it a point to celebrate both of these occasions separately each year.
married a year later to the woman I had been petrified to date. Marrying so young was a whirlwind for Jan and me. After all, I was still in high school, and she supported our
home on her own. In hindsight, it might not have been the smartest move finanacially, but we always knew we had a reliable relationship. The strength of our bond has been firmly built on faith. Throughout all our highs and lows, we’ve always had God to fall back on. This has been a constant in our relationship, and we could not have thrived the way we did without His hand.
“There’s no way I could have known
when I picked up the phone to make that fateful call that I’d be married a year later to the woman I had been petrified to date.”
Eleven years ago, I took the ultimate leap of mortal faith and bought Digital Print Ink. I’d been working in corporate America for years prior to this, and I was ready to take on a new challenge. In the early years of my career, Jan was a tremendous partner when it came to managing our family and raising our daughters, Cortney, born in 1975, and Piper, born in 1984. In addition to supporting my endeavors for the past 11 years, Jan has also been successfully running her own real estate staging business. I could not be prouder to call her my wife. I’m thankful that I’ve been able to celebrate the past 51 Valentine’s Days and birthdays with my high school sweetheart. I’ll forever be grateful for that friend and for Jan, who said yes to a shy 16-year-old on the other end of the phone.
As 1969 progressed, so did our infatuation with each other. We decided to get married in November — just
—Steve Counts
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Chi Chi the Rescue Dog A QUADRUPLE AMPUTEE WHO INSPIRES THE WORLD
In our darkest moments, it can be hard to believe joy can be found again. But one amazing dog proves that no matter what happens, through love and patience, we can make the world a better place. Chi Chi is a golden retriever who was found in a dumpster by an animal rescue group in South Korea. Badly injured and left in a garbage bag with her legs bound together, the only way to save Chi Chi’s life was to amputate all four of her legs. As she recovered, the call went out to find a family who could care for a dog with serious medical needs. As a quadruple amputee, just getting Chi Chi’s prosthetics on so she could go outside in the morning would be time- consuming. Fortunately, Elizabeth Howell from Arizona saw a video about Chi Chi’s plight online. “She stole my heart,” Howell said, taken by how Chi Chi was still wagging her tail despite her injuries. After seeing Chi Chi’s perseverance and her will to live, Elizabeth and her family took on the challenge. There were struggles as Chi Chi learned to trust people
again, but with time, Chi Chi found peace and joy with her new family.
“She exemplifies resilience and forgiveness and willingly shares her love and compassion in abundance,” Howell has said. “Her sweet- tempered and gentle spirit opens people’s hearts and her perceptive spirit senses where her love is needed.” Chi Chi’s vet has called her a “miracle dog,” referring both to the fact that she survived losing all her legs and to the joy she brings to the world. Today, Chi Chi is a registered therapy dog, offering strength, love, and support to those who need it most. She visits VA hospitals, assisted living facilities, and children with disabilities. To celebrate her journey of survival, courage, and love, Chi Chi was honored with the American Humane Hero Dog Award in 2018. You can follow the adventures of this brave, loving canine at Facebook. com/ChiChiRescueDog.
SPRINGFIELD SCENES Celebrate the Outdoors During the Dog Days of Winter
If you’re battling a bout of cabin fever this winter, Springfield has a slew of events just for you. Prepare for outdoor recreation and travel the globe with the following February events!
11TH ANNUAL HUNT & FISH OUTDOOR SHOW WHEN: Feb. 9–10 WHERE: Springfield Expo Center ADMISSION: $8–$25
yet! With more than 50 exhibitors, Lake Life Expo attendees will get a first glimpse at some of the latest boating technology, top gear, water recreational devices, outdoor accessories, and home decor. Spend the weekend preparing for your favorite season, and learn why the Lake Life Expo is “more than just a boat show!” Find out more at LakeLifeExpo.com. DISNEY’S ‘THE LION KING’ WHEN: Feb. 27 to March 3, and March 5–10 WHERE: Missouri State University ADMISSION: Prices vary
What began as a small hunting and fishing swap meet between local partners in The Arc of the Ozarks’ office has blossomed into the “premier outdoor show in southwest Missouri.” The best part? All the proceeds from each growing event continue to benefit The Arc’s mission of serving individuals with disabilities. This year, the Hunt & Fish Outdoor Show will feature regional firearms, tackle, rods, reels, and other outdoor-equipment retailers for anyone interested in exploring our beautiful Missouri wildlife. Attendees can also participate in specialty seminars and a concert on Saturday evening with Heath Sanders. For more information, visit OutdoorShow.org. LAKE LIFE EXPO WHEN: Feb. 15–17 WHERE: Springfield Expo Center ADMISSION: $10; free for children under 17 with adult admission
Escape to the Serengeti without ever leaving Springfield by following the story of Simba and his
journey to the lion’s throne. Join the 95 million people who have experienced Disney’s classic tale “The Lion King” come alive on stage. Featuring music from Elton John and Tim Rice, audiences will be swept up in the visual imagery and choreography by some of the most renowned artists in theatre. It’s no wonder this production has won six Tonys, including best musical. To learn more, visit SpringfieldMO.org.
There’s nothing quite like a warm day spent on the boat, and the Lake Life Expo is just the place to prepare for your best season on the water
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Have a Laugh!
MISSING THE MARK
Why Your Signs Aren’t Working for You
In today’s ever-expanding digital world, signs, posters, and banners can be some of the most eye-catching and effective ways to attract and retain customers. New technology can not only help a business create premier print campaigns, but it can also give them the edge other businesses have opted out of in exchange for overused digital platforms. Yet so many sign, poster, and banner campaigns fail. Learn more about how you can kick up your print marketing a notch by avoiding the following mistakes.
Tiramisu
This Italian favorite makes for the perfect Valentine’s Day dessert. It’s easy to whip up and will make the holiday feel extra special.
ingredients
IT DOESN’T STAND OUT With today’s technology, making a poster is as simple as logging onto a computer and using a standard at-home printer. But these campaigns never work. If you are creating content just for content’s sake, your sign will fail you. Often, the problem with signs, posters, and banners is that it’s far too easy for anyone to make the content. But with professional assistance and expert eyes, you can create a printed sign campaign that is unique to your business. IT DOESN’T LOOK GOOD Here’s a fun fact: Fast food restaurants use reds, oranges, and yellows on their signs because psychologists have determined that those colors elicit hunger pangs. By using some of this same science for your small business, you can create clear and powerful images and designs for your print campaign. Your signs, posters, and banners should be free of clutter and remain consistent with your overall brand and message. These leave the biggest lasting impressions on your potential and current customers. IT’S NOT BEING USED EFFECTIVELY You can employ expert technology and have images that pop, but if you’re not conveying the right message in the proper place, it’s not going to work. Posters and signs are designed for different motives, and those must be clear. If you have a poster in your office that advertises a special for new customers, you’re not going to generate as many leads as you would with the same sign along a roadway or at a popular coffee shop. Consider your campaign goals and create signs that work for you. Do any of these mistakes sound familiar? Learn more about ways to market your business with signs by requesting our “Say It With Signs” booklet. Twenty-four pages of sign facts, tips, and colorful illustrations. Call 417.881.5309 or email info@digitalprintink.net and put SIGNS in the subject line.
• • •
6 egg yolks
3 tablespoons sugar 1 pound mascarpone cheese
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1 1/2 cups strong espresso, cooled
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2 teaspoons dark rum 24 packaged ladyfingers
1/2 cup bittersweet chocolate shavings, for garnish
directions
1. In a large mixing bowl, use a whisk to beat together egg yolks and sugar until thick and pale, about 5 minutes. 2. Add mascarpone cheese and beat until smooth. 3. Fold in 1 tablespoon of espresso. 4. In a small, shallow dish, combine remaining espresso with rum. Dip each ladyfinger into mixture for 5 seconds. Place soaked ladyfingers at the bottom of a walled baking dish. 5. Spread half of the mascarpone mixture on top of the first layer of ladyfingers. Top with another layer of ladyfingers and another layer of mascarpone. 6. Cover and refrigerate 2–8 hours. 7. Remove from fridge, sprinkle with chocolate shavings, and serve.
Inspired by foodnetwork.com
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Celebrating 50 Years Together
3 Cheers for Chi Chi!
Explore Springfield at These Events
Why Signs Fail
Tiramisu
3 Myths About Our Favorite Furry Meteorologist
D espite the fact that most, if not all, meteorologists place little value on a furry marmot’s ability to predict an early spring, the annual tradition of Groundhog Day is still one that millions of people love to celebrate. Because it is based more on folkloric legend than scientific evidence, Groundhog Day is associated with shams and spoofs of varying degrees. There are many myths regarding the tradition as well as the famous Punxsutawney Phil himself. Myth 1: The predictions are accurate. Many event-goers put a lot of faith in Punxsutawney Phil’s predictions. Unfortunately, he is more likely to be wrong than right. According to studies based on Phil’s predictions and the weather patterns that follow, it seems Phil’s predictions receive an accuracy rate of only 39 percent. Myth 2: Groundhog Day is harmless. Much like humans, most groundhogs don’t like being suddenly jostled out of their sleep. Their frustration often leads to them biting their handlers. For this reason, the handlers usually
wear heavy gloves to protect themselves. However, that isn’t always enough of a precaution to ensure everyone’s safety. In 2009, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg was bitten through his glove, and subsequent Mayor Bill de Blasio dropped his groundhog in 2014. Myth 3: Phil is the only famous rodent. While Phil is probably the most well-known ground-dwelling meteorologist, he is not the only groundhog with weather predicting abilities. For example, General Beauregard Lee is the weather predictor for the city of Lilburn, Georgia. Staten Island Chuck takes care of the New York territory, and Lancaster, Pennsylvania, has three groundhogs of its own, which is probably due to its rich Pennsylvania Dutch history. Canada has even started a Groundhog Day tradition with Shubenacadie Sam in Nova Scotia and Balzac Billy in Alberta. Even though Groundhog Day is a holiday based on many myths, it still provides a great time for event-goers all across the world. You might not be able to fully trust Phil’s predictions, but the superstition and mystique associated with this unique and festive day make it one you shouldn’t skip out on.
What Do You Really Know About Groundhog Day? 3 Myths About Our Favorite Furry Meteorologist
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