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)
Thursday, October 22, 2009
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)
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Tuesday, October 6, 2009
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
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)
Monday, September 28, 2009
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)
Wednesday, September 16, 2009
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)
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
COUPLE WORKS TO CLAIM VETERANS' REMAINS By Deborah Wolfe
Couple Works to Claim Veterans’ Remains
By Deborah Wolfe
The Lake Today
Published: Wednesday, September 9, 2009 11:19 AM CDT
On a frigid day in January 2008, the mournful cry of bagpipes carried the comforting melody of “Amazing Grace” across the crisp, winter air. Aside from the corps of bagpipers, an array of dignitaries, military veterans and compassionate citizens stood by as a color guard raised their firearms in a 21 gun salute to six of our nation's deceased warriors.
The ceremony and fanfare honoring our fallen heroes was not held on behalf of fresh-faced young soldiers, sacrificed to any current conflict. Instead, the remains of these soldiers had languished for decades among the dusty storage shelves of a Missouri funeral home.
Major Gen. King E. Sidwell could barely restrain his emotion as he addressed those gathered to pay tribute.
“We have an opportunity today to honor six souls who cried out,” Sidwell said, “and I want to express my personal gratitude.”
Much of this gratitude is due to a group of dedicated individuals who strived to rectify a wrong that has taken place over the course of more than a century. Redding, Calif., veteran Frank Salanti founded the Missing in America Project (MIAP) in 2005 in an effort to retrieve, identify and properly inter the unclaimed remains of military veterans.
Find the full article at: http://thelaketoday.com/articles/2009/09/11/profile/113profile01couple09.txt
Thursday, May 28, 2009
ONE MAN'S STRUGGLE WITH GOD by Deborah Wolfe
Rock the Lake
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Crossover Music Festival cuts ticket prices to welcome more fans
By Deborah Wolfe, The Lake Today
Ernie White endured the death of his wife from cancer and his mother's murder before finding solace in the warm embrace of music on a starlit Ozark night. Thinking all was lost, he attended the Cross-over Christian Music Festival in Camdenton last June.
"My wife passed away in 2007 after fighting breast cancer for almost five years. We have two daughters, at the time they were 7 and 5 years old," White said. "Watching my best friend slowly die was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I questioned how God could let a good woman and great mother suffer like this."
After filling out a simple card asking for a ministry call he returned home to cope with the disastrous cards life had dealt him. The call came the same day he was to attend the trial of his mother's murderer.
"A little over a month after my wife passed away, my mother was murdered at the hotel she worked at in Columbia. My mother was a great lady. She would help anyone that she could whenever and however she could," White continued. "Knowing the things that happened to my mother on that night has been very hard to live with. I had a lot of anger in my heart towards God and a lot of hate for the person who killed my mother."
The inspiration he found at Crossover, along with the counsel of a compassionate minister consoled his battered soul. With renewed strength, White confronted his mother's attacker and the demons that raged within.
"My wife passed away in 2007 after fighting breast cancer for almost five years. We have two daughters, at the time they were 7 and 5 years old," White said. "Watching my best friend slowly die was the hardest thing I ever had to do. I questioned how God could let a good woman and great mother suffer like this."
After filling out a simple card asking for a ministry call he returned home to cope with the disastrous cards life had dealt him. The call came the same day he was to attend the trial of his mother's murderer.
"A little over a month after my wife passed away, my mother was murdered at the hotel she worked at in Columbia. My mother was a great lady. She would help anyone that she could whenever and however she could," White continued. "Knowing the things that happened to my mother on that night has been very hard to live with. I had a lot of anger in my heart towards God and a lot of hate for the person who killed my mother."
The inspiration he found at Crossover, along with the counsel of a compassionate minister consoled his battered soul. With renewed strength, White confronted his mother's attacker and the demons that raged within.
“That day at the festival there was a guest speaker. He was loud, a telling it like it is kind of guy. He started telling his story and how he came to know God,” White recalled. “I felt a lot of emotions stirring in me. As I stood there with my head bowed I felt a lot of anger I had toward God flowing from my soul. I left Crossover feeling like I had hope. I still have a long journey ahead of me but I feel like I’m on the right path.”
White is among thousands of believers and seekers who have found comfort, strength and renewed joy in life through the music and ministry of Crossover. One of mid-America’s largest Christian music events, the festival takes place June 12th and 13th at Stoneridge Amphitheater in Camdenton. Each day, fans will enjoy seven hours of ministry, worship and soulful music performances.
Conceived by former Convention and Visitors Bureau director, Joel Pottinger, the event was originally intended to be a southern gospel festival. But contemporary Christian music was gaining in popularity and cementing a foothold in the nation’s music scene. Organizers decided on a compromise that resulted in a four-day music festival with artists from both genres performing to more than 3,000 fans each night.
Crossover continued to grow and is now a much anticipated and respected highlight of the Lake Area’s summer activities. Fans and musicians alike, applaud the festival for its uplifting atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
It is an opportunity to celebrate their faith among beautiful landscape and a wealth of family-friendly activities.
“Although Crossover is a spiritual event that brings together people of all denominations,” said lead volunteer, Alan Sullivan. “It has also been a valuable opportunity for people to come to the Lake of the Ozarks and enjoy everything the Lake has to offer.”
Organizers drastically slashed ticket prices this year in an effort to relieve the stress of families dealing with the burden of unemployment and a tough economy. The cost is only $10 each night at the gate with a $5 parking fee.
“We recognize people are struggling in this economy so we wanted to make the Crossover Festival affordable for all,” Sullivan said. “We felt cutting the price by 70 percent from last years prices would allow more people to attend and still enable us to meet our budget.”
There is no advance or group discounts and even volunteers are paying the full ticket price in order to afford more people the opportunity to attend.
“In these tough economic times we feel its important to reach out and welcome as many people as we can to Crossover,” said Celebration Ministries founder, Al Denson. ”The music is incredible and that alone lifts the spirit, but we’re looking at it even more this year as a ministry event.”
The musical line-up promises to hold true to the Crossover tradition of bringing amazing talent to the Stoneridge stage. The excitement begins Friday, June 13th at 4:30pm when findingBethel opens the show, followed by the Local group Highland Fall, Columbia native Caleb Rowden, then Press Play, comedian Mike Williams, KJ-52, speaker Tim DeTellis, Justin Unger and Matthew West.
FindingBethel gets things started once again on Saturday, June 14th at 3pm. Mission 5:16, This Beautiful Republic, Shonlock, comedian Cleto Rodriguez, Decembradio, speaker Tim DeTellis, Danny Liston, and Big Daddy Weave round out the non-stop performances.
“”All of the performers have songs on the radio now and they’re becoming very well known,” Sullivan said. “It is so exiting to have so many artists perform here who are right on the cusp of a major breakthrough.”
Fans are welcome to join their favorite artists for autographs and photos at their booth in the vendor pavilion. Vendors offering Christian-themed apparel, CDs, jewelry, gift items, Bibles, books and handcrafted keepsakes will be open during the festival. A wide variety of food and beverages will also be available at the venue.
The entire festival is brought to fruition through the sweat equity of dedicated volunteers. Since its inception in 1999, Crossover has relied on legions of volunteers to bring the first-class event to the Lake Area. Nearly 30 team leaders handling all aspects of the event come together to organize everything from marketing and stage production to concessions, hospitality, vendors, volunteers and artists’ needs.
“Crossover amazes me. Each year we put a call out for volunteers and people just show up,” Sullivan said. “God puts together the right team of people and each person functions in their gift that God enables them to use.”
The effort begins with a massive clean up at Stoneridge Amphitheater on June 6 at 9am. Volunteers are needed to help mow, clean, pick up trash; fix plumbing, set-up vendor tents and more. The use of lawn mowers, weed eaters, trash bags and pick-ups are also needed for the day.
With the help of sponsors, volunteers, the Lake Community and divine intervention, Crossover organizers believe thousands more will find faith, friendship and family-fun during this year’s musical ministry.
“This is not about a two-day rock concert,” Denson said. “But an outreach to bring kids and adults to Christ. In this time of uncertainty, what better time to give people real hope and real change in their lives.”
If you would like to volunteer for Crossover contact Caprice Gardenia at t_n_c83@sbcglobal.net. For information about sponsorship opportunities email marketing@crossovermusicfestival.com or call 800-393-2393. A complete schedule and full list of artists, along with vendor and exhibit information can be found at www.crossovermusicfestival.com.
White is among thousands of believers and seekers who have found comfort, strength and renewed joy in life through the music and ministry of Crossover. One of mid-America’s largest Christian music events, the festival takes place June 12th and 13th at Stoneridge Amphitheater in Camdenton. Each day, fans will enjoy seven hours of ministry, worship and soulful music performances.
Conceived by former Convention and Visitors Bureau director, Joel Pottinger, the event was originally intended to be a southern gospel festival. But contemporary Christian music was gaining in popularity and cementing a foothold in the nation’s music scene. Organizers decided on a compromise that resulted in a four-day music festival with artists from both genres performing to more than 3,000 fans each night.
Crossover continued to grow and is now a much anticipated and respected highlight of the Lake Area’s summer activities. Fans and musicians alike, applaud the festival for its uplifting atmosphere and beautiful surroundings.
It is an opportunity to celebrate their faith among beautiful landscape and a wealth of family-friendly activities.
“Although Crossover is a spiritual event that brings together people of all denominations,” said lead volunteer, Alan Sullivan. “It has also been a valuable opportunity for people to come to the Lake of the Ozarks and enjoy everything the Lake has to offer.”
Organizers drastically slashed ticket prices this year in an effort to relieve the stress of families dealing with the burden of unemployment and a tough economy. The cost is only $10 each night at the gate with a $5 parking fee.
“We recognize people are struggling in this economy so we wanted to make the Crossover Festival affordable for all,” Sullivan said. “We felt cutting the price by 70 percent from last years prices would allow more people to attend and still enable us to meet our budget.”
There is no advance or group discounts and even volunteers are paying the full ticket price in order to afford more people the opportunity to attend.
“In these tough economic times we feel its important to reach out and welcome as many people as we can to Crossover,” said Celebration Ministries founder, Al Denson. ”The music is incredible and that alone lifts the spirit, but we’re looking at it even more this year as a ministry event.”
The musical line-up promises to hold true to the Crossover tradition of bringing amazing talent to the Stoneridge stage. The excitement begins Friday, June 13th at 4:30pm when findingBethel opens the show, followed by the Local group Highland Fall, Columbia native Caleb Rowden, then Press Play, comedian Mike Williams, KJ-52, speaker Tim DeTellis, Justin Unger and Matthew West.
FindingBethel gets things started once again on Saturday, June 14th at 3pm. Mission 5:16, This Beautiful Republic, Shonlock, comedian Cleto Rodriguez, Decembradio, speaker Tim DeTellis, Danny Liston, and Big Daddy Weave round out the non-stop performances.
“”All of the performers have songs on the radio now and they’re becoming very well known,” Sullivan said. “It is so exiting to have so many artists perform here who are right on the cusp of a major breakthrough.”
Fans are welcome to join their favorite artists for autographs and photos at their booth in the vendor pavilion. Vendors offering Christian-themed apparel, CDs, jewelry, gift items, Bibles, books and handcrafted keepsakes will be open during the festival. A wide variety of food and beverages will also be available at the venue.
The entire festival is brought to fruition through the sweat equity of dedicated volunteers. Since its inception in 1999, Crossover has relied on legions of volunteers to bring the first-class event to the Lake Area. Nearly 30 team leaders handling all aspects of the event come together to organize everything from marketing and stage production to concessions, hospitality, vendors, volunteers and artists’ needs.
“Crossover amazes me. Each year we put a call out for volunteers and people just show up,” Sullivan said. “God puts together the right team of people and each person functions in their gift that God enables them to use.”
The effort begins with a massive clean up at Stoneridge Amphitheater on June 6 at 9am. Volunteers are needed to help mow, clean, pick up trash; fix plumbing, set-up vendor tents and more. The use of lawn mowers, weed eaters, trash bags and pick-ups are also needed for the day.
With the help of sponsors, volunteers, the Lake Community and divine intervention, Crossover organizers believe thousands more will find faith, friendship and family-fun during this year’s musical ministry.
“This is not about a two-day rock concert,” Denson said. “But an outreach to bring kids and adults to Christ. In this time of uncertainty, what better time to give people real hope and real change in their lives.”
If you would like to volunteer for Crossover contact Caprice Gardenia at t_n_c83@sbcglobal.net. For information about sponsorship opportunities email marketing@crossovermusicfestival.com or call 800-393-2393. A complete schedule and full list of artists, along with vendor and exhibit information can be found at www.crossovermusicfestival.com.
Monday, May 25, 2009
THE LUCKY ONES by DEBORAH WOLFE
Grueling months of torture and starvation in prison camps haunt former POWs today
By Deborah Wolfe, The Lake Today
Memorial Day is traditionally the day America honors its fallen heroes. Rows of flags wind through the twisting lanes of cemeteries while veterans across the nation stand at attention as the mournful cry of taps is carried across the wind.
Though the pomp and circumstance characteristic of the day is intended to be a time of remembrance for the heroes we have lost, we sometimes forget many of the fallen got back on their feet and rose again to fight another day.
An estimated 19,000 ex-POWs currently live in America. Considered to be the “lucky ones,†these stalwart warriors braved arduous marches, torture and starvation to return home in celebration and occasionally scorn.
Though the pomp and circumstance characteristic of the day is intended to be a time of remembrance for the heroes we have lost, we sometimes forget many of the fallen got back on their feet and rose again to fight another day.
An estimated 19,000 ex-POWs currently live in America. Considered to be the “lucky ones,†these stalwart warriors braved arduous marches, torture and starvation to return home in celebration and occasionally scorn.
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Thursday, May 7, 2009
QUEEN OF SWING by Deborah Wolfe
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Wednesday, April 29, 2009
CSI:MISSOURI
Published: Wednesday, April 29, 2009 1:24 PM CDT
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Since the lifeless body of Jesse Valencia was found on the grounds of his campus apartment in the summer of 2005, Central Missourians have been gripped by the trial and re-trials of his accused killer.
Ex-police officer, Steven Rios, was twice convicted for Valencia's murder and now a third trial may be on the horizon.
The salacious crime involving an extra-marital affair between the police officer and a homosexual college student includes allegations of hearsay and jury tampering. Through nearly four turbulent years, the case has garnered the attention of national media outlets, court watchers, gossipmongers and a well-known Missouri author.
Applauded for her contributions to numerous statewide magazines and beloved by young adult readers for her works of fiction, Barri Bumgarner seems an unlikely candidate to bring this true-life crime drama to the printed page.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Positive Changes in the System
By Deborah Wolfe
With prisons filled to capacity and televisions blasting a seemingly endless parade of marauding teens across the living rooms of America, people may think healing the tragedy of youth violence is a nearly insurmountable task.
While most critics place blame on a juvenile-justice system that does a better job of molding childhood offenders into hardened criminals than turning young lives around, the state of Missouri has been applauded as “the guiding light for reform in juvenile justice.”
The accolades, from the American Youth Policy Forum, demonstrate the high regard educators, community leaders and youth advocates have for the Missouri Division of Youth Services (DYS) Juvenile Justice Program.
This respect was evident when the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School awarded the state with the 2008 Annie E. Casey Innovations Award in Children and Family System Reform.
Larry Strecker, Missouri DYS regional administrator, attributes the state’s success to a change in focus from a correctional perspective to one that views young people as products of their environment and capable of turning in a positive direction.
(Full version available at www.thelaketoday.com)
While most critics place blame on a juvenile-justice system that does a better job of molding childhood offenders into hardened criminals than turning young lives around, the state of Missouri has been applauded as “the guiding light for reform in juvenile justice.”
The accolades, from the American Youth Policy Forum, demonstrate the high regard educators, community leaders and youth advocates have for the Missouri Division of Youth Services (DYS) Juvenile Justice Program.
This respect was evident when the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard Kennedy School awarded the state with the 2008 Annie E. Casey Innovations Award in Children and Family System Reform.
Larry Strecker, Missouri DYS regional administrator, attributes the state’s success to a change in focus from a correctional perspective to one that views young people as products of their environment and capable of turning in a positive direction.
(Full version available at www.thelaketoday.com)
Life, Love and the Lake
Read about the Lake of the Ozarks' favorite radio man Kevin "KB" Burns
By Deborah Wolfe
www.thelaketoday.com
Thursday, April 9, 2009
LIFE HIT A WALL by DEBORAH WOLFE
Read Deborah's article about professional wrestler turned author, Matt Murphy at:
www.thelaketoday.com
Click on the headline for the full version and rate the article at the bottom of the page.
http://thelaketoday.com/articles/2009/04/17/profile/doc49dcbc0ee4fae305473240.txt
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Thom Shepherd's Celebrates Life on the Water
Read about Thom Shepherd's latest release called Turning Point in an article written by Deborah Wolfe for The Lake Today @ http://thelaketoday.com/articles/2009/03/25/profile/doc49ca5188dfbd4176698743.txt
Feel free to rate the article at the bottom of the page.
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
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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 grandm...
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by Deborah Wolfe Once the centerpiece of a Norman Rockwell utopia, the American family was portrayed in the image of an apronclad grandm... -
Published: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 12:09 PM CDT Each year, thousands of people visit the Lake for a colorful palette of be...