National Shrine of Mary

A bird's eye view of life at the lake.

A bird's eye view of life at the lake.
Deborah Wolfe
Life at the Lake

Ameren brings powerful transformation to Bagnell Dam

Ameren brings powerful transformation to Bagnell Dam: "Bagnell Dam gets new transformers to make the dam more efficient and safe."

By Deborah Wolfe

The Lake Today

http://thelaketoday.com/articles/2010/08/26/exclusive/124exclusive05shootoutdivers10.txt

Firefighters dive into rescue

Published: Wednesday, August 25, 2010 12:50 PM CDT

Dive teams train to ensure safe Shootout event

By Deborah Wolfe

The Lake Today

When rubber hits the pavement, the wheels of local fire vehicles normally speed through winding Ozark roads on their way to save the day. But emergencies in a Lake community often require maneuvers above and beyond everyday rescue attempts, especially during the largest non-sanctioned powerboat race in the world.

Hovering mere feet from the choppy waters of the Lake of the Ozarks, rescue helicopters act as "angelic" transportation for scuba-clad teams of emergency personnel ready to dive to the rescue of Lake of the Ozark Shootout racers.

"Divers are a key part of the rescue team," Mid-County Fire Protection District Capt. Jim Wilson said. "If a boat flips, the divers are the only ones who can get in and get the crew out."

A joint effort of the Mid-County Fire Protection District and Lake Ozark Fire Department dive teams, the 12-man crew recently immersed itself in the intricacies of airborne deployment.

Many local emergency departments combine their efforts on land and water to protect both racers and spectators at the two-day event. But this will be the first year Lake Area dive teams tackle the challenging task of propelling themselves from a helicopter to rescue submerged race crews.

It is not for the faint of heart.

"Timing is everything and the pilot has a lot of risk involved," Wilson said. "It is all calculated risk and preparing for that risk is essential."

Managing risk means supplementing ongoing dive training with an intensive course in airborne dive deployment. This was the mission of a dozen members of local rescue department dive teams on a recent day of training aboard the Vinson Mortgage Group helicopter.

Headquartered in St. Louis, the mortgage company founded by Ray Vinson frequently lends the corporate helicopter and pilot for use at charitable events. Vinson currently enjoys Lake living with a second home and business in the area.

Pilot Tom Demos conveyed Vinson's strong desire to contribute to the Lake community.

"Any time we have the opportunity to do charity events, we like to put the chopper on display for the kids to come out and see," Demos said. "Ray feels fortunate to have the funds to contribute to various charities and to be part of the Lake community. We appreciate the opportunity to support the rescue personnel in the Lake Area."

The contribution is deeply appreciated by the divers who relied on Vinson's generosity for the life-saving training.

"You're talking a significant financial contribution in the pilot, fuel and training time that doesn't even include the volunteer hours of the fire fighters," Wilson said. "We basically needed to spend time with the pilot. When you send two men out of a chopper, if it isn't timed correctly, it can throw the chopper off and cause some issues.

"We've taken extensive classes in diving over the years and they stress that the helicopter is the last resort of rescue because it is risky. But with the right training, it is all risk that can be minimized."

Things can happen quickly for an air-sea rescue crew. Once the two- to three-man unit is dispatched to a capsized boat, time becomes critical. As the helicopter approaches the capsized boat, the pilot focuses his senses on his instruments, maintaining control of the aircraft as it hovers precariously close to the water's surface. A member of the Osage Beach Police Department will act as a spotter, appraising Demos and the divers of the situation in the water.

"We can be on the boat in 15 seconds or less and begin life support immediately, if needed," Demos said. "There is so much going on in the helicopter even without divers on board, it is imperative to have a second pair of eyes and divers with the presence of mind to do their job."

Kenneth J. Solosky described air-sea rescue procedures in his article "Aviation Air-Sea Rescue Units: The challenge, the training, the teamwork" for Officer. com.

"Once the first diver deploys, the rescue crew chief waits for a signal from the first diver. If the diver indicates they are safe, the second diver will be deployed. Once again, the rescue crew chief performs a last minute visual inspection, and indicates to the diver it is safe to deploy.

"After deployment of the divers, the helicopter will move back and to the left, allowing the pilot in command and the rescue crew chief the ability to maintain visual contact with the divers or at least, the target boat. They are also awaiting hand signals from the divers for the appropriate equipment they need, such as a rescue basket or penetrator, a SCUBA recovery device. If a victim is to be hoisted, the rescue crew chief must ready the cabin for the victim. Once hoisted on board, the rescue crew chief begins emergency medical treatment and still has to recover the divers. It's easy to see how complex and intense the rescues can become."

Demos explained that Shootout rescue divers are trained to administer medical care and stabilize accident victims in water until emergency boats can get to the scene, relieving the need for a helicopter hospital transport. A system points to the complexities of managing emergency rescue services for an event that incorporates land, air and sea.

The combined effort relies on the resources of at least six Lake Area emergency districts, including Sunrise Beach, Mid-County Fire Protection District, Lake Ozark, Osage Beach, Gravois Mills and the North West Fire Protection District located in Rocky Mount. In addition to airborne support, eight fireboats, medical staff, paramedic response teams, boat operators and command-center personnel ensure the entire Shootout area is wrapped in a net of safety.

"Once we are on site, we will work in the command post to ensure that divers are in place if an accident happens so that they can coordinate efforts whether it involves racers or boaters watching along the course," Wilson said, stressing the gratitude local emergency personnel feel for the event that was created 22 years ago on their behalf.

"Our team's entire livelihood depends on this event," Wilson said. "We just purchased $30,000 worth of equipment with Shootout proceeds that would not have happened without the fundraiser."

Wilson also gave high praise to fellow emergency responders and credited Mark Amsinger and the Lake Ozark Fire Department dive team for their significant contribution to the rescue effort. Local agencies often combine training exercises to better coordinate emergency measures in the field.

"If anything, it benefits us by the two agencies working together," Wilson said. "Mutual aid training is critical to our job, and the Lake Ozark crew is an exceptional team."

Every three years, Lake Ozark and Mid-County dive teams receive additional training from Life Guard Systems, a water-rescue company based in New York.

Wilson added a note of gratitude to the Angel rescue divers his team worked with during the Offshore Super Series National Championship races.

"I have tremendous respect for what they do," Wilson said. "They are also firefighters who take time out from their personal lives to travel to the races. We'd be happy to have them back anytime."

While he readily admits he will feel a twinge of jealousy as he watches his crew take to the skies from his post in the land-based command center, Wilson stressed the primary goal is to reassure all Shootout racers have an "angel" flying over their shoulder.

"I actually won't be an airborne guy during the Shootout but I participated in the exercise and it was a blast," Wilson said. "But most importantly, it's about saving lives."

Da' Gator's Got Heart - An unlikely family forms at waterside venue

by Deborah Wolfe

Once the centerpiece of a Norman Rockwell utopia, the American family was portrayed in the image of an apronclad grandmother, beaming with pride as a table full of wide-eyed children and eager adults anticipate the mouthwatering delight of a fresh baked turkey. But nearly a century after the iconic artist's first illustration appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Post, the meaning of family has wandered far from the nostalgic living rooms, county fairs and small town scenes of Rockwell's vision.

As an increasing number of Americans travel the path of a transient nation, people often find themselves seeking the solace of family among a sea of strangers. Whether we travel for employment, adventure or love, there is always a part of us that longs to see a friendly face on the other side of the dinner table.

Starting a new life, in a new town, we take a deep breath and pray we will one day be embraced as one of the gang. If we are fortunate, we are welcomed by a group of friendly locals and eventually learn to fit in. As the years go by, our anxiety slips away and we realize that we were able to find family in what once seemed like a strange and distant place.

And sometimes we find family in a most unlikely way.

"Gary unlocked the doors, gave us the keys and said here you go 'now do something with it,'" Jeremy "JG" Gorham recalled of the day he and partner Tim Jones made the leap into entrepreneurship as co-owners of Shady Gator's with Gary Prewitt.

One of the most popular waterside venues at the Lake, the Gator draws boatloads of devoted patrons to the 7-mile marker to enjoy a unique mix of Louisiana-style cuisine, live music and poolside relaxation.

But Gorham stressed the venue was far from being a showcase when he and Jones got their first glance at the ramshackle structure five years ago.

"I kid you not," Gorham said. "It was disgusting. We barely had a clue as to where we should start."

But start they did and it was this daunting renovation project that brought them face to face with the person they agree has become the Gator's greatest asset.

"People ask me what Bennett was like that first year," Gorham said. "I tell them that it's hard to say because he barely spoke a word the entire season."

Known to legions of Gator patrons, vendors and staff as "Sergeant Benny," Bennett Wallace was a painfully, shy 14-year-old when his father, Denny, took a ride on his go-kart to welcome the new business owners to the neighborhood. Through frequent visits, Gorham watched as the timid youth stayed close by his father's side. Hoping to ease him out of his shell, Gorham asked if Bennett would like to lend a hand with the renovation and the rest, as they say, "is history."

"He started it," Bennett said, pointing an accusing finger at Gorham. "These guys needed me to come help them out and I was on board."

Watching Bennett speak with selfconfidence seldom seen in recent high school grads, it is hard to picture him as a bashful teen. It is even harder to believe he was once considered to have development delays.

Bennett's mother, Karla, held back tears as she discussed the years of academic struggles and worry as to what the future might hold for her only child. Stifling the memory of his initial diagnosis, she explained what made an average school day a nearly insurmountable task for Bennett.

"They say he is a kinesthetic learner," Karla said. "It just doesn't work for him to sit in a classroom and listen to a teacher verbally try to explain things. He has to learn through a hands-on approach."

As it turns out, remodeling a dilapidated, old water bar was just the kind of hands-on approach that would transform the timid teen into a burgeoning businessman. As the Shady Gator's "go to guy," Bennett's forthright manner and no nonsense work ethic have endeared him to customers, co-workers and especially his employers.

"I've played college basketball and coached kids," Gorham said. "Bennett's story is one of the biggest success stories out there."

"And his success directly correlates to the success of the Gator," Gorham continued. "Myself, Jonesy and Prewitt all agree. The Gator wouldn't be what it is today if it weren't for Benny."

While Gorham proudly rolls through a list of Bennett's accomplishments like a big brother sorting through his sibling's merit badges, Karla is quick to credit much of her son's growth to his unconventional role models.

"JG and Jonesy both really took him under their wings," Karla said. "I don't think Bennett would of made this kind of progress if it weren't for their patience and guidance."

Though she admits to a few early misgivings about her young son working in an entertainment venue, Karla now believes that it has taught Bennett valuable lessons in both good and bad behavior.

And Bennett wholeheartedly agrees.

"These kids," Bennett said with maturity far beyond his years, "I try to teach them that they shouldn't drink so much and they can't drink and drive."

Much of that maturity was cultivated through years as Gorham's trusted sidekick.

"Bennett has followed me around for five years," Gorham said. "He knows this place inside and out."

Having worked in nearly every aspect of the Gator's operations, the sweat equity Bennett has contributed in checking in product, counting inventory, busing tables, cleaning the parking lot, cooking in the kitchen with Jones along with numerous other responsibilities has made him the star player in the restaurant's line-up.

"I trust Ben more than anyone," Gorham said. "I very rarely trust anyone with the keys, but I'll give Ben the keys to open up in the morning."

His tremendous work ethic aside, Gorham stressed that Bennett's best attribute is his ability to motivate others.

"I can come in and be in the worst mood," Gorham continued. "Then I see Benny standing there with that big smile on his face and I think if Ben can be happy so can I."

Gratitude for those positive contributions can be seen in this season's addition of a new menu item.

"We even named a sandwich after him," Gorham said. "You've got to try the 'Benny.'"

Gorham said summer is a strenuous endurance test for Lake Area hospitality crews as they strive to meet the nearly non-stop pace of the 100-day vacation season. As a Kansas City transplant, he knows firsthand the grind of seemingly endless workdays and the longing for the comforts of home.

"I'm a big family guy and it is really hard to be down here without anyone," Gorham said. "That's why we go to great lengths to look out for our staff and make them feel like we are there for them. They are our family."

Gorham takes comfort in knowing that once the majority of his Gator "family" returns to college at the end of the season, one very important member will remain.

"Shady Gator's is like my kid and Benny is like my little brother," Gorham said. "And he loves the Gator as much as I do."

Every family needs a matriarch and Bennett's mother, Karla, readily took to the role as a weekend hostess and on-call heart mender.

"These kids work so hard and they are away from home for so long," Karla said. "The girls especially need a female shoulder they can lean on."

Often called on for a little kitchen table first aid, Karla, teased Gorham for "screaming like a girl" when she recently applied peroxide to a few scrapes. It is the kind of goodnatured ribbing found among family members.

And the family presence at the Gator continues to grow.

Bennett's father, Denny, often jumps behind the wheel of the venue's shuttle bus on weekends and the recent addition of Gorham's own mother to the staff has brought the family full circle.

"To see how far the business has come in five years and to see how far our relationship has come," Gorham said. "It's just really a neat thing."

It truly is amazing that in a time when many blood relatives go years with out speaking, a casual welcome from a friendly neighbor led to a bond that will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

After celebrating his graduation from School of the Osage last May, Bennett looks forward to an even greater involvement at both the Gator and Bootlegger's in Osage Beach. Culinary classes at Lake Career and Technical furthered prepared him to assist Jones in the kitchen and he continues to immerse himself body, mind and spirit in day-to-day operations.

"I'm going to have to be here to help these guys out," Bennett said, discussing the inevitable staff shortage that comes with the end of summer season. "We've already lost a few and we've got a lot of work to do this winter."

As he rattles off a detailed list of exactly what that work entails, one can't help but notice the determination on Bennett's face. The child who was considered developmentally delayed has grown into a self-assured and driven young man. Work is on the agenda and one get's the impression that he will let nothing get in his way.

"He is the heart and the soul of the Gator," Gorham said. "I've said it before and I'll say it again, we wouldn't be where we are today if Ben hadn't come along."

Listening to Bennett speak leaves little wonder as to how a boy labeled as having "special needs" is considered truly special by those who know him. It struck this The Lake Today reporter that Bennett rarely talks about what "can't" be done. Nor does he waste time debating whether or not something will work out or fall into ruin. Instead, he assuredly states exactly what he is going to do and how he is going to do it.

In a world where most of us spend endless nights worrying about what course our future path might take, it is comforting to know that when dawn breaks on a new day, Bennett Wallace knows exactly where he will be and because of that, Shady Gator's is a much better place.

FIGHTING FOR MONDAY HOLLOW by Deborah Wolfe

Local historian strives to honor Lake Area's Civil War sacrifice. John Wilson stands in the foreground of the 148 year old battle ground near Richland, Missouri. (Photo by Deborah Wolfe)

Check out Lake of the Ozarks Spookiest Haunts by Deborah Wolfe

'Splain It - The View From A Broad by Deborah Wolfe

On Sale Now @ www.lulu.com

Musician's Diverse Past Brings Eclectic Mix to Lake Scene by Deborah Wolfe

Listening to Lenny Mink's music is akin to packing one's bags and hitting the open road for destinations unknown. Much like the diverse landscapes of his youth, Mink's music takes the listeners through an eclectic mix of genres that defy definition.

With a freedom of style seldom seen in commercial music artists, Mink travels seamlessly between classic rock and roll, blues, jazz, gypsy folk and honky tonk. One wonders how a single musician came to express himself in such a wide range of genres. But a glimpse into Mink's childhood solves the puzzle and leaves the listener longing for more.

The only child of Russian immigrants, his parents packed their belongings and set out to live as refugees in Germany when Mink was only 3 years old. They later followed family members to Israel where they lived for another year and a half before traveling to the United States.

His admiration for his parents' dauntless determination is evident as he recalls transient childhood memories. Taking the chance at a new life in foreign places where they could not speak the language was well worth the opportunity to flourish as artisans and individuals.

Mink vividly remembers sleeping on a mattress on the floor of their one-room apartment in Germany.

"My parents are brave people, they are very courageous," Mink said. "It is part of the culture of being immigrants to roll with the punches. I'm sure that has played a role in my music and the choices I've made in my life."

(Read the full version at http://www.thelaketoday.com/articles/2009/09/30/profile/092profile20mink09.txt)

LOCAL WOMAN TAKES LEAP OF FAITH TO FULFILL HER DREAMS By Deborah Wolfe

Lori Pace's petite frame and gentle demeanor belie a lifetime of struggle and disappointment and a childhood spent as a victim of abuse. Originally from Mississippi, Pace's southern dialect pours over her speech like syrup on pancakes, making her sweet disposition all the more irresistible.

“I grew up in a tiny little town in Mississippi,” Pace said with a shy smile. “You blink your eyes when you're driving through and you'll miss it.”

It is equally hard to believe that this wisp of a woman spent much of her adult life doing the work of big, brawny men. She has worked in the oil fields as a swabber and as a commercial truck driver.

(Read the full version at www.thelaketoday.com)

Lake musician grabs rave reviews for photography by Deborah Wolfe

Published: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 12:09 PM CDT

Each year, thousands of people visit the Lake for a colorful palette of beautiful landscape, entertaining activities and interesting characters.

Just as the Ozark landscape boasts layer upon layer of stunning hues and textures, when we pull back the layers of a person's life, we find a montage of attributes and accomplishments revealing a depth of character that may have previously gone unnoticed. One local entertainer, best known for his wide-ranging music career and on-stage antics, has a breadth of life experience some would never imagine.

With a decade of performing as the house band for the Horny Toad, Donny Larsen has become a favorite to Lake Area audiences. But his music career spans more than 40 years and includes numerous chart-topping hits and performances alongside industry icons such Jimmy Buffett, Willie Nelson and Glenn Frye.

Larsen has opened for close to 50 national music acts including Starship, Head East and Brett Michaels. As current entertainment director at the Horny Toad, Larsen takes responsibility for choosing and scheduling the dozens of bands that take the stage at Toad Cove each season.

“One of the reasons I do have a great following is because the Horny Toad is such a great venue,” Larsen stressed. “Merlyn told me I'm like family, and he has backed it up by treating me like family.”

Still, Larsen's favorite task is interacting with and performing for the dedicated fans who become part of his show every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday at the Toad.

“Merlyn has allowed me to be myself and to keep my individuality,” Larsen said. “That wouldn't happen anywhere else, especially on that grand a scale.”

Larsen's road to the Lake began when he first encountered his one true love while touring the Caribbean with his band. That is when he met a reluctant Lisa Costello and began a single-minded campaign to convince her to take a chance on a first date.

The final push came when Lisa got word Larsen had written a song for her and performed it in concert. At the urging of her friends, she finally caved.

“I chased her all over St. Croix,” Larsen lovingly recalled. “Every week, I would send flowers asking her out. It took nine months, but she finally gave in.”

A San Francisco native, Larsen followed his passion for his future wife to the Lake in 1998; the couple was married on Jan. 24 of that year.

The lifetime entertainer soon found a home among the local music scene.

“I arrived three days before the fall harbor hop and was asked to play a gig at Bayou Bill's,” Larsen said. “From the moment I got here, musicians like Dale Blue and Don and Susie Akers embraced me and supported my efforts as an entertainer.”

Thus began Larsen's career as a Lake Area crowd pleaser. But a hobby he had enjoyed since his youth lay simmering beneath the surface and a recent job change for his wife placed the focus on another side of his artistic talent.

(Read the full version at: http://thelaketoday.com/articles/2009/09/16/profile/106profile01ravereviews09.txt)