Opinion: Springfield is full of treasures, let me introduce you to some hidden gems

OPINION|

I love finding treasures, like those on the back of the shelves of hidden places at local markets, items with history and special meaning. I’m not sure if he found me or I found him, but life brought us together, I know it wasn’t random.

My name is Judith Martínez-García and I was born in Monterrey, Mexico. However, I have lived in Springfield for the longest time. So this is now my home. Writing for you as a regular columnist is my privilege, so I would like to introduce myself and share my story with readers.

But this isn’t about me, it’s about a man who strove to find hidden gems around the world. His name was Robert L. Norton, Ph.D. Robert was a longtime resident of Springfield, Missouri.

Moving to Springfield opened eyes to nature

I grew up in a city, always in a hurry, and never really paid attention to nature. When I arrived in Springfield, Robert showed me around; he was so proud of what Springfield had to offer; it was a different kind of sightseeing, we started with the magnolia trees on National and Fremont. I learned about the different types of magnolia trees; their beauty caught my attention. He took the time to explain every detail and appreciate their beauty.

Then he showed me the native trees, I was amazed at how he could recognize them all, even though they all looked the same to me. Robert was a professor, and he gave me my first homework. He had me memorize all the different types of trees in Springfield, his reasoning being that trees were like people, and we needed to recognize them every day. He tested me as we walked around the Missouri State campus, the Nature Center, or one of the parks in Springfield.

He noticed that I was fascinated by bluebirds and all the birds he had in his house. He gave me the job of feeding them and gave me a book of all the birds of Missouri. He taught me to appreciate all four seasons and what they have to offer, “seasons are a symphony. They all work together to make a beautiful song,” he always said.

All this was new and precious. Springfield was full of a free beauty I had never seen before.

Of course we also visited sights, museums and places of interest. He seemed to know the history behind everything he showed me. One of the most memorable visits was to First & Calvary Presbyterian Church. He wanted me to appreciate the organ and the oriental rug they still have in their pulpit.

Every visit was a special treat; he made me love this city and admire its history. He was one of the most hospitable people you could meet and he made every visitor to Springfield feel at home.

He didn’t talk much about himself; it was clear that he was respected and loved in the community as a professor and altruist. In the 21 years I knew him, I learned that as a teenager he had worked as a projection technician at the Tower Movie Theater on the Plaza. He was a veteran and a polyglot, and had lived and taught in many countries, including Turkey and Mexico.

Robert founded and developed language and cultural exchange programs in Latin America and Spain. He was a constant volunteer in our community. He was a faculty member at Missouri State University for almost 50 years. He was a lover of nature and the arts.

Besides all his achievements, he was also loved by his two daughters, Andrea and Nicole, by all his students and by everyone around him.

Introducing Springfield’s ‘Hidden Gems’

Robert was a true gem of Springfield. He changed many lives, including mine. I would not consider myself a citizen of Springfield if it were not for Dr. Norton. Robert was my mentor, but he often referred to me as his adopted daughter, and I am very proud of that.

He was my family in Springfield, and home is where family is. He is a part of who I am.

In this first column I wanted to introduce myself, but it wouldn’t be complete without Dr. Robert Norton.

I am B. Judith Martínez-García, Ph.D., the daughter of B. Judith Díaz, politician, and Dr. Manuel Martínez, lawyer. I am the mother of two lovely teenagers and I am married to a wonderful and helpful husband, Chef Chuy García.

I am a member of this community. I enjoy finding treasures and hidden gems.

Robert always said, “Seek and surround yourself with beauty, it is your responsibility.” I have chosen to live by this philosophy, I strive to find beauty around me, symphonies and art landscapes.

My goal for these future monthly columns is to find the gems of Springfield: beautiful places, things, and people that embody the beauty of who we are in Springfield and that we should share with the world.

Springfield, Missouri is full of treasures. I want to tell the stories of those who in some way are impacting, transforming, or helping to strengthen the heart of this beautiful place. I love finding treasures and bringing them to you.