The Lake Today

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.”

Ralph Waldo Emerson’s words resonate with many of those who have headlined The Lake Today’s “Profile” section over the last three years.

Some have pushed the boundaries of their craft to new heights. Some have given both their hands in charity to assist those in need locally and beyond.

Others have faced major struggles and came out to showcase how strong they can be for generations to come. While still others have left important footprints not only in their family’s lineage but also for those at Lake of the Ozarks.

All have left some sort of “legacy” behind to the Lake Area and/or are continuing to build on it in this community. As The Lake Today shifts its human interest feature section, “Profile,” to a renewed height after the first of the year, we have decided to reflect on those who have inspired us and our readers along the way.

Like the significant words of Emerson, Lake Area “Profile” subjects have also shared their own words of wisdom. The Lake Today has re-printed a selection of their empowering, inspiring and meaningful quotes. However, our staff thanks every person, organization or group who has been profiled in our newspaper. We celebrate your story and for those who would like to share in it once again, visit www.thelaketoday.com over the next month to see additional Profiles added to our website.

“There is so much talent at the Lake. It doesn’t matter who you share the stage with it raises you to a higher level.” — Starla Queen, award-winning musician, songwriter and vocalist (published May 6, 2009)

“It was amazing, our first four guards had been POWs in America. They were all noncombat and in their sixties. We were very fortunate. You could get bad treatment from the SS, but our guards protected us… We hadn’t had anything to eat and very little sleep after marching in the rain. The next day, the sun came out and the German colonel in charge of our group, Heir Hoffman, said we weren’t going to move if we didn’t get to eat. Fifteen minutes later, the SS rolled up, pulled him aside and put him in a brace. They told him if we didn’t start moving they would start shooting. — Robert Carter, a former staff sergeantand POW during World War II (published May 20, 2009)

“My favorite quality about my dad is his ability to stand up for what he believes in and face the consequences. I hope someday if I’m faced with a similar situation I will be able to handle it the way he did and not give up on something important to me.” — Jeffrey Dorhauer said of his father Osage Beach Fire Chief Jeff Dorhauer (published June 17, 2009)

“I could see that asking for help was one of the hardest things she had ever done, and it made me realize how easily it could be me sitting in her seat. I try to remember her whenever I deal with patients.” — Susan Handley, executive director of Medical Missions for Christ (published Aug. 5, 2009)

“Quality of life is much better when you are volunteering. When I first came to the Lake Area, volunteering helped me cultivate friendships and become part of the community.” — Kitty McCarthy, former director of Lake Regional Healthy System Auxiliary (published Sept. 2, 2009)

“Virginia greets thousands of visitors to their Civil War sites each year. We played a significant role in the war and it is time more people heard our part of the story.” — John Wilson, local historian, Civil War Re-enactor and important supporter of Battle of Monday Hollow Civil War Memorial (published Oct. 21, 2009)

“The only problem is they don’t let you serve long enough. I was only 47 years old when I retired and I loved my job. I could have contributed a lot longer.” — Les Farmer, retired U.S. Air Force and Osage Beach resident (published Nov. 11, 2009)

“I want to be remembered as a kind and helpful person. If anything I’ve ever said or done or maybe even a simple touch on the arm made someone feel better, then I feel like I’ve accomplished something.” — Helen Phillips, 101-year-old Lake Area resident (published Feb. 3, 2010)

“I showed him my membership card (spiritual movement of Paramahansa Yogananda) and he said, ‘Maybe now you will become my divine sister.’ Of course, he knew I had made a few mistakes in my life so he was teasing me a bit. I responded that I’d like to try, but it won’t come easy, to which he replied, ‘nothing worthwhile ever does.” — Louise Harrison, The Beatles’ George Harrison’s sister (published March 10, 2010)

“I don’t feel I did anything special but people tell me how much they appreciate the way I cared for her (he said holding back a tear). You do what you have to do, when you have to do it and the love carries you through.” — Bob Kielholz, caregiver for his wife Susan who has Alzheimer’s disease (published April 21, 2010)

“What people often underestimate is the complexity of drug addiction – that it is a disease that impacts the brain and because of that, stopping drug abuse is not simply amateur of will power.” — Tiffany Eis, dual amputee and national speaker on drug addiction (published, July 7, 2010)

“I appreciate a simple ‘thank you.’ In my line of work and what we do is what people don’t want to do, most thinking it’s better him than me. But by showing their appreciation, it makes me feel good that I am doing the best I can for my customers.” — Charles Jones, Handy Jon employee (published Sept. 1, 2010)

“The Eldon chapter is one of the largest and strongest chapters in the state; just being a part of this group looks great to schools like Mizzou. We have learned so much from our teachers and the chapter; it’s been a great benefit to all of us.” — Jill Blakenship, former Eldon FFA Chapter president (published Nov. 3, 2010)

“It is a great privilege to do this for Col. Godbey and extend our sincere appreciation for all he has done for us. This building is a part of the membership now and will be a foundation that will enable us to grow and prosper as a detachment, keeping in mind that assisting our fellow Marines will always be a goal. His love and of Marine Corps and dedication to those principles on which the Corps was founded has been an inspiration to us all.” — John Winter, Lake of the Ozarks Marine Corps League Detachment No. 1137 of Col. Godbey whose name now honors the detachment headquarters (published Nov. 17, 2010)

“But the stuff that makes me smile and feel that great satisfaction is when somebody is building their first house or somebody is been putting in a pool that they have been saving for. To see it when it’s all finished and watch them gleam at the end, they have a sense of pride, and it makes me feel good about what I do.” — Ron White, Osage Beach Building Official (published Feb. 23, 2011)

“The captain took me for a ride, and it was the first time I had been in a patrol car, and he said, ‘Why in the h* are you doing this?’ I said, ‘Well, I like the chase, I like the snoopy stuff, I eventually want to be a detective and I can support my family doing this, because I was divorced.’ He said, ‘What are you going to do in a fight?’ I said, ‘I don’t know until I get there, but I’ll be there.’ That first night, we got back to the police department. The captain gave me the keys to the car and he said, ‘Go get ’em.’” — Marcia Lange, longtime law enforcement official in Illinois and Lake Area (published March 2, 2011)

“You can’t just encourage someone to volunteer for the Red Cross. You have to feel it in your heart that it’s a great thing to do. This what my Lord wants me to do. We are always looking for volunteers who also have that same calling.” — Jim Deason, American Red Cross volunteer (published March 16, 2011)

“The difference the (Missouri 5) expressway has made in the Camdenton area and the new shared four-lane highway has made between Camdenton and Laclede County has simply been amazing. The Lake Area has a lot to thank Roger Schwartze for when it comes to the safety of the traveling public.” — Bruce Mitchell (former Camdenton Chamber director) said of Roger Schwartze, retired MoDOT district engineer (published April 13, 2011)

“Stay positive. I think God answers prayers. Without prayers, I don’t know I would have come out of it like I did. We prayed for it and caught it early enough. Stay focused and know that He will take care of it. Don’t give up hope. I definitely recommend to anyone who has not done Relay to come and check it out, especially survivors and those who know someone who has had cancer. Cancer touches everybody; if you just sit and think, you could name a handful of people you know that cancer has affected.” — Lori Barnes, cancer survivor and Relay for Life Camden County supporter (published June 1, 2011)

“The parents are so grateful of what we are able to do for their child. They may find out a diagnoses and feel there is no hope, feeling their child may not talk or walk. But, when they use their first sign to communicate or say, ‘Mama,’ for the first time, it is amazing.” — Lynn Weber, director of Children’s Learning Center (published June 15, 2011)

“We are talented young women and there is a lot of work that goes into the Miss America organization and pageants. However, we are compassionate women and it shows through our service and dedication to our community.” — Sydney Friar, former Miss Lake of the Ozarks and current Miss Missouri (published June 22, 2011)

“People are really trying to bring back the tradition of the rodeo as a fun family event and keeping that tradition alive. (For the club and arena as a whole) it is a venue for them to get their horses out. It is the camaraderie of other equine people, the trail rides and the chance for members to visit with all their friends they see once in awhile that keeps this club and these events going and staying strong.” — JuAnn Tankersley, president of Versailles Saddle and Sirloin Club (published July 6, 2011)

“Working as a young man at Lake of the Ozarks, setting up rooms at Tan-Tar-A, working in sales at the Lodge and living at the Lake in the ’80s and ‘‘70s, I fully understand of how we got where we are here at the Lake. Then, being able to go out and educate myself and get experience in the hospitality industry outside of the Lake Area has helped me be what I am today. Hopefully that is an asset to the area and to the organization.” — Tim Jacobsen, executive director of Lake of the Ozarks Convention and Visitor Bureau (published Aug. 10, 2011)

“Many Elks join because of the community programs we provide and are involved in or because of the scholarship program we provide each year. Others join because of the camaraderie of the people and friendly, social aspect of the organization. Either way, they all enjoy being an Elk and particularly enjoy being an active member of the Lake Area community.” — Sam Sunley, exalted ruler of Elks Lodge No. 2517 in Osage Beach (published Sept. 28, 2011)

“I’ve had a long healthy career in theater here at the Lake. I have had a lot of really really wonderful roles. There is a lot of wonderful plays out there and I have had a chance to do quite of few of them. People come up to me and say, ‘You look like you are having so much fun up there.’ And I am. I love performing.” — Sylvia Thompson, longtime Lake Area thespian and philanthropist (published Oct. 19, 2011)

“I like seeing the hope in kids’ eyes after going through the things they have. Seeing them go through these horrendous events, go through counseling and then go from not talking at all to working through those issues and seeing them hold their heads high is rewarding and satisfying. They learn to be kids, learn to play, laugh and hopefully not have to go through those things they have gone through before.” — Cara Gerdiman, executive director of Kids’ Harbor (published Nov. 2, 2011)

“He loved to tell stories about those times. And he liked to end his stories by saying he had to help build the dam so ‘the boy,’ meaning me, would have a place to work.” — Alan Sullivan, consulting engineer for Ameren Missouri (published Dec. 7, 2011)

“When I was new to law enforcement I saw two incidents of drunk driving accidents that brought home to me just how important it is to stop people from drinking then getting behind the wheel of a car.” — Lake Ozark Cpl. Jeff Skinner (published Dec. 14, 2011)