The crowd has gathered and there are some young at heart, those who love music and a couple of teenagers thrown in for good measure.
The potluck table is full of all kinds of pans and crock pots of the best: chicken and dumplings, meatballs, pasta, and a big pans full of dressing, among other highlights.
There's a table just for dips and chips and a bevy of desserts and delectables, all lined up for the taking.
The band is taking a break so folks can talk, mingle and fill their plates.
Those who have come to the free potluck and music at the McDonald County Senior Center in Noel this Saturday evening are ready to enjoy the cozy, neighborly gathering. They're drawn together to savor their meal, coffee and cake, but mainly to relish the personal connection they are making.
IT'S ALL PERSPECTIVE
Retired schoolteacher Jo Pearcy loves the potlucks and music. With her perfectly coiffed hair, complimentary makeup and a jazzy outfit, Pearcy is ready for the evening. The former schoolteacher, who is 88, quickly realized after retiring 24 years ago that socializing with others is critical.
Pearcy taught school for 50 years and she was used to keeping busy. Her husband died shortly after her retirement. With lots of time on her hands, Pearcy knew that she still wanted to be purposeful: "I had to find something to do."
She has many family members who live close by, but they're sometimes busy with their careers and family. She turned to writing and illustrating children's books as an outlet. "That keeps me out of trouble," she said, laughing. "Sort of."
She also enjoys coming to the center. "I enjoy the music and I enjoy the people."
Senior Center Board of Directors President Bob Bryan believes interacting with others is a true need.
Bryan found his way back to the area after a long career and several transfers with Montgomery Ward. Now a retiree who doesn't get out much during the week, he identifies with the importance of needing company.
He calls his friend, who was ill for some time, almost every other day.
"My friend said, 'People don't realize how lonely you get.'"
That's why he thinks it's important to come together for a meal, socialize and get out of the house.
Bill Mattler, a member of the band, says the potlucks and music are reminiscent of better times people seek.
"I think it's awesome," he says. "It takes you back to the old days when it was a social time. People brought their best dish. It reminds you of community."
The disabled, retired veteran signed up for the military in 1969 and served eight years, including in Vietnam and Germany.
He finds music as an outlet for himself -- and for others.
"The love of my life is music," he says.
Debra Weirich and her husband, Michael John, come to the potlucks frequently.
The couple returned to the area almost a year ago to take care of her mother, 74, who wanted to live in her cabin in Noel. Her mother is doing quite well.
The couple, married six years ago, met on a beach in Galveston, Texas. Michael John came home from Brazil to visit his sister, and Debra was managing a five-star timeshare resort on the beach.
They spent several years overseas, serving in ministry in 14 different countries, including Central America and South America.
A life-changing event shaped their future in a drastic way. Michael John was beaten, robbed and left for dead in Mexico, Debra says. He contracted a disease from rats and became very ill. Debra, who was in the United States at that time, was able to transport him back home. He experienced septic shock with multiple organ failure and went through four surgeries. Somehow, he managed to survive.
"He's blessed by God," Debra says.
"There was a time when I would say to him, 'If you want to live, squeeze my hand once. If you want to die, squeeze my hand twice.'"
Michael John is recuperating and finally turned the corner in January 2015. The two are still transitioning to life in Noel, after living abroad for several years.
They find the potlucks a safe haven. They know others clamor to find good friends and good food.
"A lot of people love this," Debra says.
THE MUSICAL TOUCH
Bringing people together all under the guise of good music is band leader Jim Leemasters' mission. The band, the Tartop Travelers, plays at the center every third Saturday for the potlucks. On this night, the band starts a little early, playing all types of favorites. During a break, folks fill their plates and visit.
The evening is filled with all kinds of gospel and country tunes. Leemasters estimates he has about 1,000 songs that he knows and can play. It's hard to focus on a favorite, but it might be "A Little Spot in Heaven," he adds.
The band's unique name came from the fact that almost all the band members are truck drivers.
When do they practice if they're on the road all the time? "We don't practice," Leemasters says as a laugh spills from him.
Leemasters has been involved in bands for at least 10 years. This band's members have rotated -- and some have left the group -- but the current members have been together for about four or five years.
"We're just good ole boys getting together and playing together."
Leemasters says he feels it's important to provide music as a way to help others connect. The band plays many songs, from gospel to country, and some golden oldies. He sees the impact when folks sing along to the music, clap and keep time.
"I live here. I want to give back to the community," he says. "That's why the band plays here."
Turnouts for the potluck and music continue to gain momentum, says McDonald County Senior Center Manager Louine Gardner. The center has hosted various get-togethers for several years, but has hosted the potlucks with The Tartop Travelers for about four months.
The simple concept of bringing people together serves the community well.
"We have a nice turnout, we have great musicians and great cooks," she says. "It's free, open to the public and any age is welcome. People enjoy the singing and the meal."
Gardner, who found her way here after she retired from Walmart, feels "very blessed to be able to work here."
She credits the board's support to host these types of events. She sees the impact, firsthand, and has witnessed music's incredible power.
"Music will get through to people," she says. "Gospel music will sometimes get through to people quicker than preaching. I shouldn't say that."
Gardner's father, who suffered from Alzheimer's, could sing along with numerous gospel songs, though he didn't recognize his family members, she says.
Reaching out to help others and keep them in a social loop is so important, Gardner says. She knows of several people who would love to come to the events, but lack transportation. Unfortunately, public transportation is not available.
She encourages others to call a neighbor, shut-in or house-bound friend, to extend an offer to bring them to the potluck.
During the week, the center's staff stays busy, providing 60 home-bound meals, daily meals on Monday through Friday and meals for city residents.
Monetary donations -- as well as door prizes -- may be made by calling the center at 417-475-3511, or dropping by the center at 624 Johnson Drive in Noel.
"We have a good center here and we are very proud of it."
General News on 03/02/2017