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Reader’s Corner: Stay safe from scams in a changing world
These days, one can’t be too careful when navigating social media, email, or those dreaded spam/scam robo-calls. Although all people face safety risks that affect their well-being, older individuals may be particularly susceptible and at higher risks due to physical, mental, or learning changes related to aging. Learn to navigate those risks and “Be Aware to Prepare,” by joining Sergeant J.J. Goulbourne of the Kimberling City Police Department to participate in the May 13

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: Have you read it yet?
A few years ago, this column urged visitors to the Ozarks to become familiar with classic literature connected with historic sites in Missouri, such as Mark Twain/Hannibal; Laura Ingalls Wilder/Mansfield; and Harold Bell Wright/Branson. I still sometimes, as I did then, encounter people who consider Branson a favorite vacation destination or even plan to retire to the area for the lakes, beautiful scenery and patriotic family-friendly atmosphere—but who haven’t read the book

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: April children’s events at KAL
Kimberling Area Library and children’s coordinator Ms. Abbey invite families to enjoy some fun children’s programming on tap for April! Start the month with some imaginative play at Lego Club, Tuesday, April 7, at 4:15 p.m. Kids age five and up will enjoy making new friends as they create and build together. KAL supplies the Legos; the kids supply the creativity! On Monday, April 13, at 10:30 a.m., it’s SuperHero StoryTime! All ages are welcome to join in dressing up fo

Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read


Reader’s Corner: Good coffee, good books at Grace Upon Grace
The bookstore side of things features independent Christian authors vetted for clarity and values; Generations homeschooling curriculum; and historical fiction.

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: How Ozarks Clean Water Company helps homeowners
Most of us do not think much about our home or business water service until we turn on the tap or want to flush the toilet or do some cleaning—that is, as long as things are working and the water is clean! But what about those times when it’s not—when you get the message from your HOA that your neighborhood system is down for maintenance again, or your municipality is scheduled to vote on expensive needed improvements. For Ozarks Clean Water Company (OCWC), thinking about

Submitted to Branson Globe
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: Transform your life by singing
And no, this little book does not bash modern worship music. It does, however, challenge readers to make sure what we are singing is truly sing-able and accessible to all worshipers

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: A new read from Liz Lazarus
This column previously reviewed a riveting novel by Liz Lazarus, in which the main character navigates the continued fear and the twists and turns of the legal system following a vicious attack. Now, the Atlanta-based author delivers her fourth novel, a psychological thriller in which a ruthless and treacherous boyfriend-turned-stalker embroils a daughter in a battle for guardianship of her elderly mother. “Dawn Before Darkness” is the story of Dawn Smith, a veterinarian

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: Spring children’s events coming at Kimberling Area Library
Spring is just around the corner, and with it, more fun and educational events for children are coming up at the Kimberling Area Library at 45 Kimberling Boulevard, Kimberling City! On Tuesday, March 3, things get started with the Lego Club, held the first Tuesday of each month at 4:15 p.m. Kids ages five and up spend time creating, building and playing alongside friends. We supply the Legos; you supply the imagination! On Monday, March 9, kids of all ages are invited t

Submitted to Branson Globe
1 min read


Reader’s Corner: Valuable resources to keep seniors safe and independent
One of the difficult parts of aging, or of caring for a parent or other elderly relative, is the decision about whether the person can, or should, continue living in their home. About 75% of seniors express the desire to stay in their home, even when they cannot fully or safely care for themselves or maintain their homes. While some seniors, particularly those without family nearby, enjoy the fellowship of a senior neighborhood or assisted living center, most prefer the famil

Submitted to Branson Globe
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: The fireside poets
On winter evenings, one of my favorite things to do is curl up in a cozy chair near our fireplace to read. And recently, I’ve rediscovered that I like reading poetry, including a group of American poets who likely earned their nickname because people in the 1800s enjoyed reading their poems while spending time by the fire. Most commonly referred to under this heading are Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, John Greenleaf Whittier, Oliver Wendell Holmes, James Russell Lowell and Wi

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: The rhythm of poetry
Does anyone else ever need a break from the constant barrage of news, much of it divisive and bad? Let me suggest something that can provide that break and open the mind to creativity rhythm, and thankfulness: Poetry. As often happens, several circumstances combined to help me rediscover the value of poetry. One was our vacation last summer, when we visited the Concord, Massachusetts, area and the Old Manse, where several American writers gathered in the early and mid-1800

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: Fun kids’ activities for February at KAL
The storytime theme for Monday, February 23, is “Let It Snow!” featuring stories about fun in the snow.

Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read


Reader’s Corner: Increase your water knowledge at Learning on Wednesday
Are you concerned about water quality in the Ozarks? If you live near a lake or stream, are you familiar with watershed management? Or maybe you’ve heard horror stories from people who have been informed their septic system doesn’t meet environmental regulations, but the repairs or replacement will far exceed their budget? These are just a few of the questions that will be addressed at February’s Learning on Wednesday session, hosted by Kimberling Area Library on Wednesday

Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read


Reader’s Corner: Local author shares encouragement for hard times
While her family tried to be supportive during the crisis, they were understandably not equipped to handle something of that magnitude.

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: Joseph and ‘The Little Red Hen’
“Nana! This is TERRIBLE! Why aren’t they helping?”

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: The Littlest Angel
Possible theological concerns aside, the story’s theme of giving our best to Jesus resonated with children and parents.

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: Holding our schools accountable
You might wonder what is so bad about these books. So did this writer, so Sen. Moon referred me to a sample, from the book ‘Thrones 2: A Clash of Kings,’ by George R.R. Martin. Unfortunately, after reviewing the excerpt, it was not acceptable for this column in a family paper—and yet, it’s one of 119 books with language deemed unacceptable at a school board meeting, but within reach of students in one of our local public schools! –CT

Cynthia J. Thomas
3 min read


Reader’s Corner: The Greatest Story
Advent is a perfect time to begin, or renew, study of the Bible, seeing its thematic unity from Creation to the Fall to renewed hope, masterfully developed by divinely-inspired individual writers over centuries.

Cynthia J. Thomas
2 min read


Reader’s Corner: Fun children’s events coming at KAL
In addition to the morning events, Kimberling Area Library will also host a monthly Lego Club on the first Tuesday of each month at 4:15 p.m., starting on Tuesday, December 2.

Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read


Reader’s Corner: A class, and book, like no other
The book and the class are of inestimable value in giving students perspective on the history of the Vietnam conflict, helping many better understand their grandparents and other family members who served during that time.

Cynthia J. Thomas
1 min read
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