CONTENTS Volume 74 | FEBRUARY 2021 | Number 2 12 21 8 Powering their community White River Valley works to lift up the members 12 Sweet treats in St. Charles Candy shop saves Valentine's Day for decades 16 Holden's hero Heroism brought Medal of Honor to John Lewis Barkley 21 Melodies of prayer Solitude and peace found at abbey in Gower 36 Bridging the digital divide Andrew Kaiser connects rural residents to the world 44 The Happy Bookers Fun and friendships keep this book club going 26 IN EVERY ISSUE 4 5 8 26 34 39 42 46 Cooperation Perspectives Community Eats Outdoors Recipes Neighbors Just4Kids ON THE COVER From the tender age of 8, Brent Foster has been honing his woodcarving skills. Today he focuses on one-of-a-kind pieces like this American Indian woman and child. Story on page 42. FEBRUARY 2021 | RURALMISSOURI.COOP 3http://www.RURALMISSOURI.COOP