Arts + Culture

Innovating with Heart and Balance

Creative Visionary Behind Ponchairo Balances Work, Life, and Dreams Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Tiffany Enowski Necessity, as the saying goes, is the mother of invention. For Melissa DuVall, this adage sparked a creative journey that has intertwined her personal and professional life. Her invention, the Ponchairo—a blanket that fits like a poncho and can be stored on a chairback—epitomizes both practicality and ingenuity. What began as a cold day at her son’s baseball game has...

Travel

Oklahoma's Premier Destination

Explore the Charm of Monkey Island Article by Tina Lesniak Nestled on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees, just about two hours from Springfield, Monkey Island is a jewel of the Midwest—a place where luxury meets recreation, and family memories are made against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. For Ryan Stoner, an avid golfer and local insurance professional with Premier Insurance, the area, and its premier resort destination Shangri-La Resort, is more than just a vacation spot; it’s a...

Local Services

Transforming Lives

How Least Of These Food Pantry is Empowering Families Amid Rising Need Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Mountain Pine Studios In 2024, Least Of These, Inc. continued its work as a cornerstone of hope and support in southwest Missouri, serving 14,460 families and 42,903 individuals. The holiday season highlighted the growing need, with 1,252 families receiving assistance in December. Executive Director Kristy Carter and her team of 300 dedicated volunteers and six staff members have...

Life + Culture

Unique Date Ideas

New Experiences on Valentine's Day Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Photos provided Creative Escape Glass, 1700 South Campbell Ave, Suite H, Springfield “Our most popular special event is our Valentine's Date Night when couples tend to make more of an effort to find something unique to share,” explains Rebekah Santiago, owner/artisan at Creative Glass Escape. “Not only do they enjoy the experience of creating something together, but they will have that beautiful glass piece forever...