By Andrew Cato, ShowMe Times Sports Editor
Things have changed quite a bit in the last 50 years.
In 1962, a gallon of gas would set you back $0.31; a gallon of milk was $0.49. Also, in 1962, Donna West began working at Weber's Ben Franklin in downtown Dexter.
On Tuesday, July 10, West celebrated her 50th year of employment at Weber's Ben Franklin. She was quick to point out some of the many changes she's seen throughout the years.
"Downtown has changed a great deal in these 50 years," West said with a smile. "There aren't as many stores as we used to be, but we still have a fairly decent downtown. All the parking meters are gone now, and businesses have come and gone in 50 years."
"The overall format of the store has changed. When I started, we had much more variety of merchandise. Now, we've gone more towards craft supplies," she continued. "We do framing, floral, and fabric. The store has doubled in size, and we've had many changes to what we offer, along with how things are done nowadays."
Few people stay employed at the same business for this amount of time; West noted that the Weber family, as well as the great atmosphere of Ben Franklin, have kept her happily working in the store.
"I've always been happy here. I've worked for great people; the Webers been really great employers," she said. "I've always liked the atmosphere, and never really wanted to go anywhere else once I got here."
"I've never seriously considered leaving - it's just a great place to work," West added. "I can't imagine being anywhere else."
Photo above: Donna West stands behind the candy counter at Weber's Ben Franklin; West noted the counter was the first job she had in her 50 year tenure at the store.
Brett Dorton wrapped up the celebration of his 40th birthday and took off with his entire family to St. Louis for a weekend of the Cardinals, the Muny and Six Flags.
The memories were accentuated by the record setting 106 degree temperatures at Busch Stadium.
"It was hot," noted Dorton. "But we got a little cloud cover later in the game and made it a lot better.'
The thrill of a lifetime for Brett's son, Carter occurred when a foul ball came his way at Busch Stadium. According to Brett, it wasn't the big story of snagging a high fly foul ball while hanging over the banister.
Carter certainly would have made the play with his strong athletic skills. However this situation called for movie star eyes and a great smile.
"There just isn't a great story to it", added Dorton.
When the baseball jumped off the bat of St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Kyle Lohse, it traveled down the 1st Base Line to the wall where the attendent picked it up and searched for a cute young man who getting a Cardinal baseball would mean the world to.We think they choose well.
Not only did he come out with a prize baseball from the game, Carter was caught on the television for everyone to see. Perfect for grandparents watching the game.
A local Boy Scout has participated in several leadership programs this summer through Boy Scouting.
Tyler Stevenson of Dexter, a member of Boy Scout Troop 4200, traveled to St Joseph, where he attended Boy Scout Camp Geiger.
While at Camp Geiger, Stevenson successfully completed Project C.O.P.E. Project C.O.P.E. is a national program of the Boy Scouts of America. COPE is an acronym for “Challenging Outdoor Personal Experience” and is designed to provide all participants both group and individual challenges that encourage teamwork and leadership skills.
Stevenson is also a member of the Tribe of Mic-O-Say at Camp Geiger and was elevated to the rank of Warrior on the last night of camp.
In order to progress to the next rank, Stevenson had to complete parts of his costume by hand and pass the Warrior test, which consisted of grading his costume and dancing skills.
Stevenson left Camp Geiger and traveled to S-F Scout Ranch in Farmington where he was on the camp staff of National Youth Leadership Training. N.Y.L.T. is a program designed for councils to provide youth members with leadership skills and experience they can use in their home troops and in other situations demanding leadership of self and others.
Stevenson attended as a participant last year and was chosen to be a Troop Guide for a patrol this year. Stevenson has been recommended for an Assistant Senior Patrol Leader position for the 2013 Camp Season.
Stevenson will be a freshman at Dexter High School this fall and is active in marching band, jazz band, football, tennis and a member of the Missouri Bootheel Society Children of the American Revolution where he holds both local and state offices. He is the son of Keith and Kay Stevenson of Dexter.
Written by
Zach Hedrick, SMT Writer
Prior to Matlock and before The Andy Griffith Show, there was a comedy routine by the name of "What It Was, Was Football".
The likelihood is that your children haven't heard this comedy routine. It's even more likely your grandchildren haven't heard this. But this is truly a classic piece of "country art" by the late Andy Griffith that should be shared with all the ages.
This was in a much simpler time in life that was without Google, YouTube or Netflicks. The idea of a digital new journal like The ShowMe Times wasn't even a thought. This comedy routine came packed on piece of plastic called a record and was played individually in each home. This could practically be referred to as "The Land Without iPods, iPhones or iPads". The idea of an iTunes account was only found in the episode of The Jetsons.
It is reasonable to expect that you ask your child or grandchild to come and listen to this classic piece of art, you will receive one of those all so endearing looks that says "you are so stupid". But if you are watching this on Facebook or The ShowMe Times, we would argue that you are a little more advanced than the average.
This classic comedy selection was the actual breakout routine that moved the late Andy Griffith to a successful career. So actually, Andy Griffith got his start with his country boy way of describing a football game.
It is told that one evening in 1953, while traveling down pastoral N.C. Route 54 from Chapel Hill to an appearance in Raleigh, Griffith was struck by an inspiration that would ignite his career.
He dreamed up a comic monologue about a country bumpkin mystified by a game “where you try to run across a cow pasture without getting hit or stepping in something.” It got big laughs in that day and still brings a smile to many today.
"What It Was, Was Football" sold a million copies. It got Griffith on The Ed Sullivan Show and established Griffith as a Southern comedic voice.
Draw a crowd into the room and enjoy this YouTube video below.
What It Was, Was Football ~ANDY GRIFFITH
Written by Zach Hedrick, SMT Writer
Bell City, Missouri - In the wonderful world of music, talented individuals have a tendency to find each other. When the right combination of friends and talented musicians gathered together two years ago, a magical moment occurred and the bluegrass band of Ringer HIll Bluegrass was born.
It was a meeting of chance, as the group wanted to make certain that the individuals could "gel" musically. It became evident early in the meeting that the group shared a passion for bluegrass, good times and entertaining others.
"We love singing and playing music together." commented upright bass player, Cissy Willams.
As names for the group were discussed, someone suggested "Ringer Hill Bluegrass" and the group enthusiastically embraced the name.Recently, a few of the band members took a quick trip to Mountain Home, Arkansas, the "Mecca" of bluegrass music and festivals. The downtown courthouse area is crowded with talented musicians from all over the area.
"We had a great time," noted guitarist Dale Williams. "We would go down to the courthouse and join a groups and play for hours on end."
Dale shared that the trip was basically a fun trip for the band but filled with opportunities to share their music with tourist and other musicians. He noted that the Ringer Hill Bluegrass banjo player, Eric Pendergrass, was completely energized by the event and would play for hours on end.
Starting their 3rd year together, the group has grown in popularity and fan following. Ringer Hill Bluegrass has played at area fish fries, family reunions, charity benefits, and many local churches. On many occasions, the group will play and entertain the residents at local nursing homes.
The group is scheduled to play at upcoming events such as the Jackson Homecomers Gospel Night and the Bell City Community Days.
Band members of Ringer Hill Bluegrass are Dale Williams on guitar and Cissy Williams on the upright bass. Harriet Weger and Eric Pendergrass have a broad spectrum of musical talent and share duties on the guitar, mandolin and banjo. Harriet will also play the upright bass for the band. The band has another very talented member in Rhonda Cooper playing mandolin and John Simmons completes the group on the violin and harmonica.Dale and Cissy Williams are remember by everyone as long time residents and community contributors to the Dexter area. Actively involved in local church, Dale and Sissy moved to the Cape Girardeau area from their 30 year home in Dexter upon Dale's retirement from AmerenUE.
After a brief time in Cape, the Williams' path led back to Cissy's family farm near Bell City, MO. They reside there with her father, Anson Knoderer's.
This farm where Cissy was born and raised was named "Ringer Hill Farms" due to the large hill and timber that is part of the farm. It was only proper that the bluegrass band take on the name of Ringer Hill Bluegrass.
For more information about the band or booking them for your next event, contact Cissy Williams at cissywilliams@yahoo.com or Dale Williams at dalewilliams1335@yahoo.com.
