Moving Forward Together
A new year always signifies new beginnings and after the May 22 tornado, a new beginning is welcomed. 2011 brought us great challenges, but also signified the enormous strength of Joplin and our region. I could not imagine a better place to call home or a greater community to move forward with in 2012. The SMTO team is ready to showcase the best of our region in this upcoming year, to continue to highlight the progress of Joplin’s journey to recovery and to share the heartfelt stories and friendships that have been made and are continuing. Happy New Year!
In 2012, we remain committed to providing up-to-date coverage on the Joplin community as we continue to rebuild. Again, we would like to acknowledge all the City leaders, community agencies, businesses, school district personnel, residents, volunteers and churches for their efforts in the rebuilding process.
I am so very honored that SMTO recently received recognition from the Missouri House of Representatives! See page 1 for details.
As the new year begins, we have featured four brides and grooms who are beginning their new lives together. Read about how they met, the great proposals, the details leading to their trips to the altar and more, starting on page 44. Also, inside this issue you can find the most sought-after wedding venues and a comprehensive wedding service directory for all of you who are planning your dream wedding. You will not want to miss these great reads.
Photographers (professional and amateur) and enthusiasts - continue to send in your photos for our 2nd Annual Wildcat Glades and Audubon Center Photo Contest. Turn to the inside front cover to read all about how your photo could be featured on the cover of our March issue and be displayed in the Wildcat Glades and Audubon Center Art Exhibit. One photo from each photographer’s entry will be featured in the March issue. We are eager to share the talents of our readers and highlight our natural resources, wildlife and culture. Hurry up, grab your camera and enter before it is too late!
We are also very excited to announce our 10th Annual Baby Contest. As I am out and about in our communities, I am continuously approached by parents, grandparents and children with stories of how their daughter, son or grandchildren were once featured in our contest. More than being amazed by the amount of families that approach me, I am surprised by how old the children have now gotten! We love this contest just as much as you do. So, start sending in your entries! Beginning March 1, all baby contest entries will be posted on our Facebook Fan page for our fans to vote. The top 10 babies will be presented to our panel of judges for the final decision of First, Second and Third place. Turn to page 53 to read more about the contest and prizes available.
At the newly “refreshed” Holiday Inn Convention Center, the Joplin Business Expo will be open to the business community on January 24 and to the public on January 25. Come in and see the Convention Center’s new look and visit the businesses that embrace our community and help ensure and celebrate our future. Come to our booth to have your picture taken by one of our staff photographers and share with us your most desired wishes or thoughts for our 2012 editions. We love hearing from our readers! All photos will be featured in our March issue. While you are smiling for the camera, register for our Remember, Rebuild & Rejoice basket that includes our Joplin Tornado Book; 5:41 Stories from the Joplin Tornado; a “Snickle Survivor” by Linda Lindquist Baldwin; a box of chocolates from Candy House Gourmet Chocolates; ShowMe cups; and gifts from our local retailers, restaurants and more!
January 5 is Bunny Newton’s 89th birthday. Happy Birthday, Bunny, from all your friends at the “ShowMe” Team!
With each new year, comes those new resolutions. Turn to page 60 to see our resolutions for 2012!
I hope this year brings you great opportunities, good health, and much happiness and prosperity!
Happy New Year!
Lee Radcliff
Editor/ Publisher
417-455-9898