All Roads Lead Home by Kim McCully-Mobley
The Ozarks is a region with a rich history, colorful people and a tenacity in spirit that remains unmatched. This platform will be used to help preserve, promote and protect our stories, our traditions, our passions and the personalities of the people we serve. We all know, at the end of the day, All Roads Lead Home.
Patriotism and Civility--Celebrate Your Independence!
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This week's podcast talks about a few Presidential things. We especially focus on a young George Washington--who painstakingly copied down his rules of civility to live by when he was a young man.
He would later become a Revolutionary War Hero and ultimately--our nation's First President.
Let's take a look at those rules and a few pieces of Presidential trivia this week--as we celebrate our country's independence.
Glad To Be Part Of The Pack
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I attended a MAACE (Missouri Association for Adult Continuing and Community Education) Conference earlier this month at Lake of the Ozarks.
Crowder College sent a team of us who with in the Adult Education Literacy program. The sessions were perfect. The speakers were rock solid. The handouts were full of great information and up to date resources. We were treated like celebrities.
But one things stood out above the rest. Our keynote speaker was Dan Meers, longtime mascot KC Wolf for the Kansas City Chiefs.
He was...
Conjuring Up Those Stan Estes Traits
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Yes. Since 2021--I have been working hard on the nicer, kinder, gentler version of Jennifer Kim Estes McCully-Mobley. (My son once told me my name was not going to fit on a tombstone!)
With Father's Day occurring just last weekend, I had my Dad---Thomas Stanford (Buck) Estes on my mind. Most people called him Stan. If they had known him a long time, they called him Buck.
He was a little rough around the edges at times, but people loved him because he was the real deal. He loved...
1961 Was A Banner Year
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It was a chaotic Sunday morning at Aurora Community Hospital on June 11th, 1961. My mom had a belly-ache and came home with me.
My brother, Randy, said things would never be the same.
My journey has been a fun one, full of skinned knees, chasing boys on the playground and looking for the prize in a Cracker Jack box.
Join me in a trip down memory lane as I celebrate yet another trip around the sun. Here's to 64 years and counting!
AHS Leaders Award Six Mini Grants
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Six local educators have received $150 mini-grants for the coming school year. Their applications were screened and scored by the members of the Aurora High School Leadership classes (also known as A-Tech I and A-Tech II).
The grants are awarded from Youth Empowerment Project, an arm of the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. YEP believes in promoting history, literacy, climate, culture, storytelling, fundraising, philanthropy, problem-solving and paying it forward.
Congratulations to this year's winners.
We Can't Wait To See What's Next!
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Aurora High School Graduate Hannah (Isaacson) Rader earned the All Roads Lead Home Award at this year's Chamber Banquet in behalf of her family and crew at The Garden Exchange.
They are always busy making the Summit City look and feel like a Hallmark movie!
They have brought color, fun, celebrations and spirit to an all new level in downtown Aurora in the wake of a pandemic and questionable economic times.
The Raders love Aurora and Aurora loves them right back.
They have proved the a...
A Leader Shows The Way
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A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way and shows the way. Those are words we should all learn to live by.
Several community members took the time to honor Chuck Burbridge last week as our most recent Loyd R. Ellis honoree.
The award is given each year by the Aurora Chamber of Commerce to someone who has given much to the community. The second highest award is presented in honor of an Auroran who believed in community service and leaving a legacy.
Join...
The Ed Cook Legacy Lives On
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Aurora Administrator Ed Cook has been gone for over 35 years.
His legacy lives on today with scholarships, projects and activities designed to encourage leadership, ethics and sense of place in the rural Ozarks--a place he loved.
Ed Cook was a teacher, mentor, coach and friend.
He was resilient.
He loved Aurora. He loved being a Houn' Dawg.
It was an honor to present a scholarship in his memory last week at Aurora High School.
There's No Place Like Home
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With last week's storms and tornado outbreaks, my husband made a bad joke about pulling over to the side of the road and seeing the old lady go by on a bicycle. It took me a minute--while he stifled a nervous chuckle. I told him I got the reference, but it might be too soon to be cracking any jokes.
Humor is a coping skill at our house, though; we laugh about most everything--because simply--crying takes too much out of us in our old age!
That said, it did...
April Reflections: Everything Is Going To Be Okay
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As April rolls out with a few disruptions, I have been contemplating events from April's past. Join me in some reflections on old friends like Frank Peterson, motherhood and moving forward.
April Showers, Anniversaries and Legacies Of Love
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My mom and dad would have celebrated their 79th anniversary on April 15th, tax day, if they were still here. I'm sure they are celebrating in Heaven.
The day had me contemplating their legacies, their love story and the lives of those they impacted in both Arkansas and Missouri (and beyond) during the course of their lives.
Please join me in a trip down memory lane to pay tribute to those blue eyes, relentless spirits and hearts full of passion for doing the right things.
Planting Trees To Honor Two Local Heroes
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As we continue to celebrate our Easter season, we are reminded of the concepts of sacrifice, redemption and unconditional love.
We chose to honor two local heroes with the planting of some trees at the Aurora Houn' Dawg Alumni & Outreach Center earlier this month.
Along with some special guests, we planted a dogwood tree and a redbud tree on the facility's southeast lawn.
Rotary Helps Us Find Our Voices
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The 2025 Rotary Speech Contest is over, but we are still talking about those speeches at Aurora High School.
Senior Kylee Cole placed first this year, while Jaelyn Ernest was second. Malaya Todd was third and Seth Shoemaker placed fourth. These kids knocked it out of the park by being brave enough to tell Aurora's leaders about the things that matter most to them as they get ready to embark on adulthood themselves.
To say I am proud is an understatement.
What would you talk about if you...
Let's Talk About It
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Ben Tracy, a national spokesman about online safety, will be here in Aurora on Wednesday, April 9th.
Here's hoping we give him a good, old-fashioned Houn' Dawg welcome as he comes to town to teach us about online predators and things we can do to protect our children.
I hope to see you at Aurora High School Wednesday evening, April 9th. Doors open at 5:15 p.m. The program starts at 6 p.m.
Stop--In The Name Of Love---Here's To 60 Years For The Campbells
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Officially, it all started in March of 1965.
The Supremes were telling us to "Stop--In The Name of Love."
My sister and her husband are celebrating 60 years of marriage this week.
Join me in wishing them more years of romance and adventure.
They are loved beyond measure.
Tambourines & Tombstones
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Cemeteries.
I like them.
In fact, some of my favorite people are there.
I like finding new ones, wandering around looking at tombstones and going down the rabbit of hole of finding out the stories that are hidden there---just waiting to be shared with others.
It's been a fun opportunity to get to work on a script for walking tour of a cemetery in Northwest Arkansas. I'll keep you posted about how it turns out.
If We Could Turn Back Time...Or Spring Forward
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I focus a little bit on the pending time change this weekend as we return to Daylight Savings Time...a time when I struggle to get my internal clock back in gear.
Time is the stuff of great music, solid poetry and fun adages.
But--we only have so much of it before it runs out.
Here's to more daylight, later sunsets and getting the most out of life.
Enjoy your time!
Connections...Memories...Loyalty
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Aurora was one of several communities honored in February at the Capitol Rotunda in Jefferson City. Missouri Humanities was recognizing the Small Town Showcase Communities, like Aurora.
Due to a number of things involving time/travel/multitasking and obligations, none of us who had worked with them were going to be able to go.
Marla Dunning Woolstenhulme came to the rescue. Not only does she work right there in the building, but she is a die-hard Houn' Dawg with a passion for all things Aurora.
This week's...
Snow!---By Now We Know The Answers
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This weeks snowstorm derailed a few of us from our regular routines.
I don't really want to talk about it.
But I was stuck three times on Wednesday and two of those were in my own driveway!
Thank goodness, I have folks willing to rescue me when I'm in trouble.
Whatever the case, I hope you are warm, safe, healthy and well-rested.
One Good PF Flyer Whistle Is Enough
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It's funny how stories from the distant past become clearer as we grow older, wiser and more experienced. This week, the Aurora High School Class of 1979 lost another classmate--Jeff Thach. Fortunately, we were able to see him in the fall when he showed up for some of our 45th reunion activities. I never thought about that being the last time we would hug his neck.
This week--I talked about my favorite things this week on Facebook. My favorite things are my tribe, my circle, my people--if you will. I decided long a...
Boy Howdy: Let's Make Up For Lost Time
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Today is Super Bowl Sunday.
I've got my fingers crossed for those Chiefs!
I have also been in quiet reverie all day...thinking about how far I've come in the last four years.
Four years ago today I came off a ventilator. I still remember going back and reading my son's posts on Facebook that February 9 was a GOOD DAY!!! He talked about how grateful he was for the love, prayers and support our family received during those rough times.
There have been others in o...
It's A Dawg Gone Good World, Winston
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This week's podcast includes an update on last week's quarterly Aurora GRO meeting and a tip of the hat to an Aurora graduate, Michael Parbury, who is coming home to open a restaurant in downtown Aurora.
To say that I'm excited is a huge understatement.
He has made his mark in the culinary world in Springfield and had the urge and the opportunity to come home to purchase a house and open a business. The name of the business is: Winston's: The Ol' Dawg Gone Bar & Grill. The logo...
Gut Instincts & Home Remedies
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We are magnificent creatures--when you think about it.
We are hard-wired to rely on our gut instincts. We are created to survive.
Our bodies and brains are often resilient and fragile at the same time.
I seem to have a heightened sense of awareness these days about listening to my gut, heart, brain and body. I pay attention to what it is I think they are telling me that I need to do.
I'll share a little bit about that this week.
<...
This Ain't Mayberry...But It's Close
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I grew up watching Andy Griffith. I still watch the reruns when I can today. It never gets old. During the pandemic, I freelanced a bit as a consult for a doctoral candidate on the east coast.
My cohort, Max, was diving into the use of music on the popular 1960s era show and spoke about his own personal connections to the theme song.
One of the things we discussed at that time was the way everyone in a small town knows your business, good or bad, and how...
Sometimes It's Important To Just Take A Hike
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A couple of weeks ago, a friend took me to show me a local treasure--full of history, nature and a few surprises.
The Lakeside Forest Wilderness is nestled in the heart of Branson with over 140 acres of natural beauty and over five miles of walking trails.
If you haven't seen it yet; put it on your list. You'll be glad you did!
Holding Fast In 2025
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Every January gives us time to pause, reflect, change, grow and move forward with intention and purpose.
Some folks I know are moving into the new year with heavy hearts due to illness, death, grief or pondering the unknown.
I would like to pay tribute to the losses and honor those lives with renewed strength, passion and hope for a better tomorrow as we honor those lives well-lived.
I've Got A Secret...Sort Of
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If you know me at all, you know I often march to the beat of a different drummer. Sometimes it doesn't look like marching at all, but that's another story.
I like disco dancing, crazy socks, Zane Grey first editions, mud puddles, pretty rocks, hunting arrowheads, finding fossils and hanging out in cemeteries.
I like reading obituaries, doing research and digging through layers of dusty papers, old books and correspondence.
This week's column talks about an upcoming project that will combine a few of those favorite things...
Up On The Housetop, Reindeer Paws....
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I love everything about Christmas.
They have always been magical to me.
I love thinking about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and the wonder of how Santa Claus can possibly make it down all those chimneys in just one night!
The psychology and science behind my sense of place work supports holding onto nostalgia and recalling good memories of times past.
Join me and a couple of friends in a few reflections today as I wish all of you a Merry Christmas and a...
Anthony Finzo Is Good For Aurora
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Earlier this month, a young and energetic man strolled into my classroom at my invitation. He is the new recreation center director---Anthony Finzo.
He has been on the job about six months and is anxious for the new $12 million facility top open up after the first of the year.
He was fun, honest, authentic and thought-provoking. I can't wait for him to come back and visit us soon.
My Love Affair With The Ozarks
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This week's podcast is a little long.
Bear with me. I created an oral review of a recent article I wrote that was published in the Fall/Winter Edition of Ozarks Watch.
It answers some questions about the Ozarks, its history, why it's so important and how the intricacies of the region are always/always/always calling me home.
I reflect on a century of stories, landmarks and crossroads that have ultimately brought me to where I am today.
Fortunately for me, I bring a...
Happy 100th Birthday, Mama (Wish You Were Still Here)
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Here's a little tribute to my Mama--Ina Faye McMorris Estes. She would have turned 100 years old today--November 27th, 2024.
She has been gone a while, but her legacy of love, hope, faith and kindness remains behind today.
I am kicking off my 100 Acts of Kindness Tour today in her memory. Please join me in doing the same over the course of the next few weeks.
Happy Thanksgiving! (Give your people big hugs from me.)
The Sheer Magic of Pie
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Pie became a staple of American prosperity in the 1950s after Word War II.
It has a unique and colorful history and has shown up in literature quite often.
One of my favorite songs is "American Pie" by Don McLean. It is long and it is truly a classic.
So, it seemed nothing short of prophetic that I attended a pie class last week in Arkansas. The fun part was eating the pies--or so I thought. The real treat became apparently when I found a new friend...
Paying Tribute To Honor, Sacrifice & Service
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We celebrated our heritage, patriotism and people quite nicely on Saturday, November 9th, at the Aurora Houn' Dawg Alumni & Outreach Center.
We dedicated our two most recent mural panels--that are perched on the north side of the Alumni Center resting proudly as folks drive by on Highway 39.
The panels commemorate our community's roles in past wars and conflicts, as well as the honor, sacrifice and service displayed on a regular basis by our first responders.
We tied our celebration and dedication to the week of Veterans Day...
Hometown Partners Giving Circle Launches Its 2nd Campaign
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https://cfozarks.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=10504
Click on that link.
It will take you to the Hometown Partners Giving Circle Fund with the Community Foundation of the Ozarks. We are starting our second campaign at $100 a pop to give the power of grantmaking to the communities and citizens we serve.
Together, we are powerful.
Together, we can make the magic happen.
Together, we can serve our communities in big and small ways to make a difference for future generations.
...
Freedom, Sacrifice & Service
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We will be dedicating our two newest murals at the Aurora Houn' Dawg Alumni & Outreach Center on Saturday, November 9th.
We have tricycle races, food trucks, live entertainment, booths and a silent auction on tap for the day. You won't want to miss it!
Please plan to join us and be in the dedication photo at 2:45 p.m.
This was a community project with our rich history in mind.
Autumn Splendor Paves The Way For That Magic Hour
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I love the changing of the seasons in the Ozarks. I love the hot sun in the summer and the snowflakes being caught on my tongue in the winter. I love snuggling under the covers and sticking my head out to drink some hot chocolate.
I love the smell of grass in the springtime and the yellow daffodils that greet me on the way to work each morning as days begin to get a little bit longer.
But nothing prepares me for autumn in the Ozarks. I am always...
Casting Your Cares Upon The Lord
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I took a few minutes to share my devotion with you today on my podcast. I think most everyone I know is dealing with something. A couple of verses popped up about turning things over to God today as I was praying and working on some journaling.
It's easy to say and harder to do. We serve a loving God who wants to help us move mountains. Sometimes we have to climb them first.
Deep breaths. Baby steps. Let's get moving.
The King is coming.
...
Welcoming Those 1999 Hall of Famers Back Home
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Coach Pat Woods and his 1999 brigade of Class 3 District 10 Champions will be inducted into the 2024 Aurora Houn' Dawg Hall of Fame Class next Friday, October 25th, at Kelley Field.
Also included in the ceremonies will be Jane Baker and her cheerleaders, as well as local media legenda---Paul Donley, Mark McCully and Mike Edwards.
Once A Houn' Dawg, Always A Houn' Dawg rings true as these gritty, spunky, relentless heroes from our past put us on the map once again.
Happy Birthday To An Aurora Legend
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Here's a little extra PODCAST POPUP for the week as my longtime pal, Ralph Lauffer, is celebrating a milestone of a birthday.
He is a die-hard Houn' Dawg with a big heart.
I am proud to call him my friend.
Join me in wishing him continued success in everything he does.
It's Beginning To Feel Like Homecoming
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We have been celebrating Homecoming Week this week at Aurora High School. If you know me at all---you know that I love/love/love everything there is about being a Houn' Dawg. I hope I never outgrow it. Being a Houn' Dawg is a pretty cool thing to be.
