touched by velma’s love

Much like the old cars and tractors that dot her farm property, Velma Lang sputters to life in the morning after her first cup of coffee. She journeys over 20 miles from her farm in Syracuse, Missouri, to her role as Riverdell Care Center’s activity director in Boonville. A former educator who taught creative writing and music, Lang brings entertainment and programs to the center’s residents. When the workday ends, she heads back home to tend to her many domestic responsibilities and pet projects with help from her husband Rob Monk. From tending to the cows and chickens to fixing up the latest vehicle, Lang finds beauty in all the things she’s passionate about. “I see potential in everything,” Lang said. “I know it drives people crazy. I make something out of nothing.”

Created for the Missouri Photo Workshop in 2019.

Velma Lang, left, dances and jams with residents at Riverdell Care Center in Boonville, Missouri. Lang organizes several genres of events for the nursing home’s occupants as the activity director.

Velma Lang takes a moment to comfort one of Riverdell Care Center’s residents during breakfast.

Velma Lang, far left, takes stock of the day’s events and plans for the next day with Jeanette Krump, center, Riverdell Care Center’s director of social services, and Kaitlyn Clark, a transportation driver. Lang meets with her fellow administrative members throughout the day to tend to residents’ needs or issues at the center.

Velma Lang hugs Velma Flippin goodbye at the center. Volunteers occasionally stop in at Riverdell Care Center to assist with Lang’s activities.

Velma Lang tests one of her tractors on the gravel road that leads to her farm in Syracuse as one of her dogs, Mickey, runs alongside. Lang has worked with repairing and fixing up vehicles since she was a teenager.

Velma Lang collects flower seeds from her garden at her farm. Lang produces other goods on her farm, including milk from her cow and eggs from her chickens.

Velma Lang crafts a plywood seat for a golf cart in one of her sheds while her dog, Mickey, relaxes next to her at her farm. One of Lang’s many side projects includes repairing the motor on a golf cart and outfitting it to look like a locomotive. “I see potential in everything,” she said. “I know it drives people crazy. I make something out of nothing.”

Velma Lang feeds Gala apples to one of her herd of 14 cattle at her farm.

Velma Lang, left, leans in teasingly to give a kiss to her granddaughter, Layla Lang, during a visit to Velma’s son’s home in Boonville.

Velma Lang, right, kisses her husband, Rob Monk, goodbye in their kitchen in Syracuse before heading to work in Boonville. Lang typically wakes up at 4:30 a.m. and drives over 20 miles north to town to start work at 6:30 a.m.

Opening up their world

Elementary school librarian wants to put her students on a path to lifelong possibilities.

Created for the Mountain Workshops in 2018.

Wendy Rogers prepares books at her home to send to her grandchildren, while her dog, Sam, tries to peer over her tabletop. She sends new books to the children every month. “It’s really neat to share books with someone who loves reading,” she says.

Wendy is the librarian at Mt. Sterling Elementary School. Occasionally during her planning period in the morning she refills the inventory at the little free library outside the school’s entrance.

Wendy talks with students (from left) Ledger Maines, King Moss and Cambri Walker as they wait in line to check out books.

Wendy shares a high-five with student Rayleigh Lilly inside the library. Wendy grew up in Mt. Sterling. Her mother was also an educator.

Wendy leads students through a chapter of “The Old Willis Place” in the school’s library. Mary Downing Hahn, the book’s author, is one of Wendy’s favorites. “The old librarian recommended I read a couple of her books,” she says. “The kids loved them. Over the years she’s become the ghost author here in this library.”

Wendy shares a laugh with physical education teacher Trina Goordich during a lunch break at the school. The teachers take the time to not only catch up, but also blow off steam about any of their frustrations.

Wendy makes a “pinky promise” with Ramsey Walling to behave better after he acted out during storytime. Wendy takes opportunities during class to instill discipline and manners into her students.

Wendy and Melanie Everman, a music teacher at the elementary school, pause for a drink and snack break under Gray’s Arch in the Daniel Boone National Forest in Powell County. Wendy and Melanie routinely drive out to hiking trails in the national forest. “Sometimes we take a whole day in the summer and pack a lunch,” Wendy says. “And if we go find a water hole, we pack a swimsuit.”

Wendy calls to her dog, Sam, with a toy as she and her son, Gabe, let Sam enjoy some time off the leash at the Mt. Sterling dog park.

Wendy helps lead children in a song in which they must raise their hands every time they hear “Dewey” mentioned in the lyrics.

Wendy shares a moment with Brayden Myers as they talk about a book he’s reading on dolphins.