by Caleb Jones | cjones@amec.coop
Just like Rural Missouri does every April, I put together a list of my favorite things. Some are lifelong traditions, others are new experiences and a few are just good stories worth telling. In no particular order, here’s this year’s list.
Favorite race car driver: Up until a week ago, my favorite race car driver was NASCAR legend Carl Edwards (who also happens to be a Missouri electric co-op member). But Carl got beat this year by Beau Wankum, who proudly raced in the finals with his Willie Wiredhand Boy Scout Pinewood Derby car. I haven’t seen Carl Edwards race Pinewood Derby cars, but if he ever does, he might have his hands full.
Favorite eye-opening experience: When I was 15, I spent a month in Takamatsu, Japan, through a 4-H exchange program. I didn’t learn much Japanese or acquire a taste for anything wrapped in seaweed, but I did learn no matter where you live or what you do, people are more alike than different.
Favorite president: I’ve had the honor of working for the U.S. President and even served as president of my FFA chapter. But my favorite president? That is Missouri Electric Cooperatives Board President Loren Haines. He always stays true to the motto: What’s best for our members is best for the cooperatives.
Favorite park bench: The boys down at fish camp surprised my family by donating a park bench at Bennett Spring State Park in memory of my grandfather, Carson Teel. He was the one who started taking us to trout season opening day over 40 years ago. This year, the fourth generation of Jones boys carried on the tradition and even brought home some trout. That bench will be a reminder that some traditions are built to last.
Favorite romantic date: Long ago, I was smitten with a blonde-haired damsel, and I needed to impress her. My buddy Chuck Caisley got me front-row tickets to watch the lighting of the Kansas City Country Club Plaza Christmas lights. Seventeen years, four houses, three dogs and two kids later – those Plaza lights are still twinkling for us.
Favorite magazine: I grew up reading Boys’ Life, Highlights and the Missouri Conservationist, or at least looking at the pictures. It wasn’t until I started valuing words and pictures, however, that I realized Rural Missouri tells the story of real Missourians. Now, it’s my favorite magazine because every month it captures the people and places that make rural Missouri home.
Caleb Jones is the executive vice president and CEO of Missouri Electric Cooperatives. He is a member of Boone Electric Cooperative.