Springfield Lifestyle December 2013

Springfield december 2013

SpringfieldLifestylePubs.com

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dreaming of a

White Christmas

A Healthy Exchange for this Year’s Tasty Treats Casey Gibbons Shares Parenting Advice James River Assembly Gives Back in a BIG way

Editor's Letter

december 2013 publisher & sales director

C

hristmas, Christmas, and Christmas. It’s all finally right around the corner. For me Christmas means getting a chance to spend time with family and hopefully snow, lots and lots of snow. Every year my family flies north to Iowa for a week, to visit my husband’s family and then back to Missouri to finish up 2013 with my extended family. All of the gifts, laughs, dinners, board games, movies, church and of course kids not sleeping because they’re not in their own beds is what Christmas is all about.

Drew Mulder | DMulder@LifestylePubs.com

editor Becca Mulder | Bmulder@Lifestylepubs.com

contributing writers Jennifer Adamson, Cassey Gibbons, Carrie Hudson, Matthew Kent, Sarah McMillion, Kelsie Nalley, Kassardra West

account manager

My favorite Christmas tradition is getting all the extended family together and going to a Christmas Eve service in Iowa at the church my husband grew up in. There’s just something about church at Christmas time, with the glamorous decorations and Christmas lights strung from floor to ceiling, its a beautiful time of year!

In this months issue you will discover the unique ways that James River Assembly gives back locally, nationally and even internationally. Check out how James River helped Santa come early this year for every student at Campbell and Delaware Elementary.

Also you’re not going to want to miss the opportunity to go inside the kitchen with Carrie Hudson as she explains how we can stay fit and healthy even in he midst of the holidays. She’ll give us healthy tips and tricks for our favorite holiday meals and desserts.

Amanda Simmons | asimmons@lifestylepubs.com Published monthly, subscriptions are available: 1 year for $22 or 2 years for $39.

Details at SpringfieldLifestylePubs.com

corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt president | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore national editor | Lisa Cooke Harrison director of marketing | Brad Broockerd

Warmest blessings on you and your family for this holiday season. Let the fun begin!

national art director | Carrie Julian advertising director | Mike Baugher

Sincerely,

production coordinator | Christina Sandberg graphic designers | Sara Minor, Cyndi Vreeland executive assistant | Lori Cunningham senior web developer | Lynn Owens it director | Randy Aufderheide

Becca Mulder , Editor Bmulder@lifestylepubs.com

by Community ™

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Springfield Lifestyle Magazine is published monthly by Kingdom Holdings LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Springfield’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Kingdom Holdings’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Kingdom Holdings does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Springfield Lifestyle is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

December 2013

20

10

Good Times

12

Around Town

15

Parents Corner

16

Home Matters

18

What’s Cooking?

24

Your Neighbor

27

Style Wise

29

Sold Properties

30 Lifestyle Calendar

20 James River Assembly Giving Tree

Departments

Hundreds of gifts spread holiday spirit.

34

Parting Thoughts

22 One Family At a Time

Ronald McDonald house is a haven of hope.

27 BagLady Boutique

Find fabulous Christmas decor and so much more.

15

22

27

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Good Times

Missouri State Homecoming Missouri State students celebrated “Bears Forever” during homecoming week, where events included a big win against South Dakota State, talent competitions, campus wide chalking, charity events and the coronation of King Nii Abrahams and Queen Allyson Liefer.

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December 2013 | Springfield Lifestyle 11

Around Town Boutique Week Kick Starts the Fall Fashion Season

Congratulations Nixa Public Schools

Local boutiques in the Springfield area came together for the Sip and Shop gourmet brunch and fashion show at Highland Springs Country Club. The event included a silent auction, delicious brunch, and all the new fall fashion. The event benefitted the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools to raise money for scholarships for students who attend Springfield Public Schools. For more information about The Foundation for Springfield Public Schools visit their website at SupportSPS.org.

Nixa Public Schools is pleased to announce that the Missouri School Boards’ Association (MSBA) has named its Early Childhood Program “Exemplary Program of the Year” for the entire state of Missouri. The district has been honored to be a finalist twice before which has recognized the program as one of the best in the state, but being recognized, as the top program is a really great honor for all those who work to make the program what it is for the children of Nixa. As Nixa plans an expansion of the program next year with a new facility, they are excited to be able to offer even more children in Nixa early childhood services.

MSBA uses a strict set of criteria to establish the finalists for the award through their FutureBuilders program. For more information on FutureBuilders, check out MSBanet.org.

list of boutiques that attended: • Ashby’s Boutique • Baglady Boutique • Harem & Company • The Market • Modern Society • Nomad World Products • Red Poppy • Staxx • Torn Boutique • Town & County • Weezie’s

Football Coach Joel Wells Celebrates his 150th Win Kickapoo High School Head Football Coach Joel Wells celebrated his 150th win during the middle of his undefeated season with Kickapoo this year. Coach Wells has been coaching young football athletes for 27 years and this is his 23rd year being a head coach. He has coached at surrounding schools including Liberty, Nixa, Washington and Cassville. However, this is only his third year at Kickapoo. Coach Wells gives all of the credit to his wife, Amy. She has been to all but two of his games in his coaching career.

“She deserves all the credit,” he says.

“She understands the time it takes to be successful. She is the best thing that has ever happened to me.” Coach Wells’ favorite part of his coaching career is the relationships he builds with the players, coaches and communities he is involved with.

Many congratulations to Coach Wells.

12 Springfield Lifestyle | December 2013

Ozark is Getting Crafty The annual Ozark Craft Fair was held on October 4, 5,and 6 at the Christian Family Fairgrounds where hundreds of vendors gathered to show off their craftsmanship skills. This craft fair is one of the largest in the area and has been happening annually for over a quarter of a century. Thousands of people travel to this craft show from many surrounding states.

The Ozark Utopia Club organizes this popular event every year to benefit the Ozark community. The money raised in donations help children and families in times of need or crisis. To learn more about this non-profit organization go to OzarkCraftFair.com.

Springfield Ranked Nationally Among Top Cities for Cost of Doing Business Springfield ranked the 8th best city for cost of doing business by Forbes in a listing released in August, demonstrating the strength and vitality of Missouri’s third largest metro. This ranking contributed to Springfield landing in the top 100 of Forbes list of Best Places for Business and Careers.

To analyze which cities are the best, Forbes looked at the 200 largest metropolitan statistical areas in the U.S. and considered 12 metrics relating to job growth, costs of doing business and living, income growth over the

past five years, education attainment, and projected economic growth through 2014.

The Springfield metro workforce has grown more than 8.5% over the last 4 years, while the unemployment rate is holding steady at 6.2%, well below the national average.

Manufacturers are expanding posting job growth of 13% since the low point of the recession and Springfield’s three healthcare systems are expanding with construction projects totaling over $375M.

Rock the Spectrum The 2nd annual Rock the Spectrum event presented by Branson’s Nantucket will raise money for Generation Rescue and directly help families affected by autism in Taney County, Mo. Friends from across the county will be coming out to dance, sing-a-long, eat and enjoy a fun night with The Haygood’s all new light show Electric Dream’s, The Kraken, Harvey Stone, DJ Priebe and the Breakdancers & DJ Kolemega, in support of helping children with autism, a disorder that currently affects 1 in 88 children. Rock the Spectrum will raise money for Jenny McCarthy’s foundation Generation Rescue. Generation Rescue mentors families, provides medical assistance to under-privileged children and generates national awareness and resources for autism. The Hedricks and O’Days are also working with a local foundation to put together a summer program for the local children.

16th Annual Cider Days Great Southern Bank presented the 16th annual Cider Days on Historic Walnut Street on September 21 and 22. This event highlighted artists from around the region, crafters, and performances from different groups and of course all the apple cider you could possibly want. Cider Days had more than 65 artists and crafters who featured hand made jewelry, paintings, wood, glass and photography. There were more than 25 performances each day and the event attracted 15,000 people over the weekend.

There were plenty of activities for children and treats like caramel apples, kettle corn and roasted pecans. This event was the perfect fall festival for the Springfield area.

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December 2013 | Springfield Lifestyle 13

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Parents Corner

More Stuff!?!

Article & Photography Casey Gibbons

“W

hat do you want for Christmas?” the Santa routinely asked my little girl. I abruptly piped in like only a parent would, “Nothing!!!! She doesn’t want anything! She has all she needs and wants! The last thing she needs is MORE STUFF! “ Well, I didn’t say it out loud, but I certainly thought about it.

For many families like ours, Christmas has meant two things: More and Stuff!

Stuff for the closet! Stuff for the toy bin!

Stuff for the TV hutch! Stuff for the areas... with stuff! As a mother of five children between 3 and 10 years old, the last thing I need is more stuff on top of the stuff we already have. Then there is the More Factor.

The bigger you get, the bigger the presents get. “And it better be better, Mom,” so the kids think. Seriously, my oldest daughter made the comment a couple years ago of her Christmas gifts being more and more each year, “Just think, Mom! By the time I am 13 years old, I will have a car.” No ho, ho, ho here...because truth is, she was right.

Certainly, Christmas is a spectacular time to purchase and receive presents as we rejoice over the ultimate Gift given to the world. But the reality is that it can easily get out of control and our children can become consumed with consuming. For us, we decided to pull the reins back a bit on the sleigh ride for our family. We took two easy steps that changed the direction of our whole season:

2. Explain that each child is loved but the gifts are not always going to be more impressive than the year before. Some years may be a step up from the year before but some years may not, and that is okay. Share with them that the goal is to share the love not increase the greed.

So, gather your small and big elves around the fire, pass out marshmallows and share the family’s merry way to celebrate! Everyone can still decorate the house, eat treats, go see the lights, turn up the Christmas tunes, make crafts and do some shopping. But most of all, you will be able to enjoy the most wonderful time of the year without everyone wanting more and the home overflowing with stuff.

Casey Gibbons loves her husband, Scotty, and their

five

daughters,

ages 10, 9, 8, 6 and 3.

1. Give away as much as you can this month before more comes in the door. Since it’s a hectic time, don’t even separate it yet into those resale/giveaway/trash piles. Just get a box and throw everything you can get rid of in there. Think in terms of clothes, toys, decor, books, DVDs etc. Typically, we have all our children gather up five things each to share.

The secrets to her joyful life are to work hard, pray hard, and ask for help! She and her husband have worked in ministry leadership for twenty years and are fulltime authors and speakers. You can find more info about them at ReaLifeCasey.blogspot.com December 2013 | Springfield Lifestyle 15

Home Matters

Is Your Home in Need of a Cleaning Spruce Up for the Holidays?

Article Kim Lucht

Christmas To Do’s:

House Cleaning Food Prep Laundry Decor Pet Grooming Gifts

H

ere are some ideas to help make your holiday season more about guest and less about the mess.

The Kitchen: Where the majority of party time is spent. Clean the

face of the cabinets of any dirt or fingerprints. Countertops should be cleared of all clutter and food. You will be surprised what you find when you move toasters, mixers and coffee pots and lastly give your appliances a good wipe down. There are some great cleaners that you can pick up at your local store Don’t forget the inside of the microware!

The Bathroom: Everyone loves a clean bathroom. Shine mirrors,

wipe sink clean, disinfect toilets.

16 Springfield Lifestyle | December 2013

The Floors: Nothing is more noticeable than a dirty floor. Carpets

need to be free of stains and vacuumed well. With wood floors and tiles consider a non-toxic disinfectant like Melaleuca.

“Entertaining isn’t a sport or a competition. It’s an act of love, if you let it be that. You can twist it and turn it into anything you want – a way to show off your house, a way to compete with your friends, a way to earn love and approval. Or you can decide that every time you open your door, it’s an act of love, not performance or competition or striving. You can decide that every time people gather around your table, your goal is nourishment, not neurotic proving. You can decide.” – Shauna Niequist, Bread & Wine

Don’t let cleaning stress detract from your enjoyment of the holidays. These cleaning tips were provided by Maids of Honor LLC .

Your Time is Important ~ Ours Is Affordable. Maids of Honor is located at 3433 S. Campbell Ave. Suite T Springfield, MO 65807. Phone: 417-881-4555

What’s Cooking?

The Holidays Can Be Healthy, Too Article Carrie Hudson

O

h, how I look forward to this time of year. Celebrating the holidays with family and friends and making memories that will last a life time, and it’s all centered around GREAT food!

I know some of us feel guilty this time of year as we splurge and eat things that aren’t on our diets and gain some extra pounds. What I have found to be true is that extra weight comes from eating processed food because our bodies can’t break down all those foreign ingredients found in most foods we consume today.

Here are three family favorites to help you celebrate the holidays this year with amazing food that not only tastes great but also promotes health and wellness. Below each recipe is a link to the original source. *NOTE: For optimal health, choose organic and GMO FREE ingredients as much as possible.

18 Springfield Lifestyle | December 2013

Balsamic Roasted Turkey with Apple Stuffing 1 turkey (10-15 pounds, pick an organic, GMO FREE bird) ½ cup grapeseed oil or extra virgin cold press olive oil ½ cup balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon Celtic sea salt (I prefer to cook with Himalayan salt because of its health benefits) 10 apples, peeled, cored and sliced in half 4 sprigs rosemary 1. Remove the gizzards (save in refrigerator for gravy) 2. Rinse bird well and pat dry with paper towels; then truss (tie legs together with string) 3. Place turkey breast side up in a roasting pan, then put rosemary inside bird 4. Drizzle bird with oil and balsamic vinegar, then sprinkle with salt 5. Wedge apples around roasting pan to prop turkey up evenly place 2 apple halves in cavity of bird 6. Place roasting pan with turkey, apples, etc., in oven on lowest rack

7. Roast at 325°, 15 minutes per pound; a 15-pound turkey requires 3 hours and 45 minutes 8. If skin begins to brown too soon, cover with foil 9. To check temperature stick a meat thermometer deep into thigh; at 175° it is safely done 10. Remove turkey from oven and allow to sit for 20 to 30 minutes before carving Serves 12 Take note, because of the balsamic vinegar in this recipe, the turkey skin will be much darker than a bird cooked in the traditional method.

Read more at ElanasPantry.com

One of my all-time favorites since I was a kid has been green bean casserole; you know, the one with Campbell’s soup and those French’s fried onions that come in a can. Talk about processed food, this is true example of how far from we have come from REAL food.

Here’s a clean food version of the recipe that is bound to please your guests, and I don’t think they will EVER want the processed version again.

Nontraditional Green Bean Casserole by Season with Spice What you’ll need: I personally like to use organic ingredients as often as possible.

1 pound of fresh green beans, steamed or boiled until softened Cream of Mushroom:

2 cups of Swiss brown or button mushroom – chopped finely 4 cloves garlic Dab of butter 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil 1/2 tsp soy sauce 1/2 tbsp water 1/2 cup cream 1/2 cup milk 1 tbsp corn flour (starch) –dissolved in 1/2 tbsp of water Pinch of thyme Pinch of dried parsley Dash of Season with Spice’s ground nutmeg Salt and black pepper to taste French Fried Onions:

2 large white onions – sliced into rings 1/2 cup milk 1/2 cup flour 1 cup of cooking oil Salt and black pepper to taste

the mushrooms. Sprinkle on the spices. Add dissolved corn starch. Cook on low, constantly stirring until soup thickens. Set aside.

4. Add milk to one bowl, and flour to the other (add a dash of salt and black pepper with the flour).

5. In a wok or deep frying pan, add cooking oil and heat on high. The oil is ready when you stick the handle of a wooden spoon into the oil, and bubbles form around it. When the oil is ready, turn the fire down. (Safety note: Never heat oil unattended.)

6. One at a time, dip onion rings into milk, and then into flour, coating well. Add to oil and fry until browned. Remove and place on a tray lined with paper towel.

7. Mix everything together in a baking pan (keep a few onion rings to place on top), and bake for 20 minutes at 375F (190C). Enjoy this nontraditional green bean casserole for your next Thanksgiving.

4. Dehydrate for 3 hours at 116°. You can start at 140° for 45 minutes and then lower the temp.

Notes: You can bake the onions for a healthier

Maple Cinnamon Glaze

version, but you won’t get that traditional crisp-

1 tablespoon coconut butter, softened 3 tablespoons maple syrup* 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

iness in the casserole like you will if you deep fry or pan fry the onions.

Read more and photo credit visit Blog.Season WithSpice.com

1. Cook green beans and set aside.

2. On medium fire, heat olive oil in pan, then add butter. Lower heat and sauté garlic for one minute. Add mushrooms in and turn heat back up to medium. Add soy sauce and water, and sauté for 5-7 minutes until liquid is cooked out. Add a dash of salt and black pepper.

3. Turn fire to low. Stir in milk and cream with

4 apples, peeled, cored and thinly sliced Juice from 1/2 lemon 1/4 cup pure maple syrup 1/4 cup agave nectar 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1/3 cup raw oat flour 1. Place apple slices in bowl.

2. Sprinkle with lemon juice and toss.

3.Mix together maple syrup, agave and cinnamon.

4. Stir into apple mixture 5. Add oat flour and toss to coat.

6. Place filling in two separate glass pie plates.

7. Place in dehydrator and dehydrate at 115° for 6 hours, stirring occasionally. Add water if mixture starts to dry out.

1. Whisk all ingredients together to combine.

ASSEMBLE:

The finale I’d like to share with you is a healthy version of an all American tradition, apple pie. This version is full of flavor, but has NO regular flour or regular sugar. NO guilt in serving this dessert, great for family and friends that have gluten intolerance or need to watch their sugar intake.

1. Place filling in four, 4” tart shells or one 9” pie plate that you have already prepared with the crust.

2. Place back into dehydrator for 2 hours.

3. Remove and top with Maple Cinnamon Glaze. *Maple syrup is not raw but used in raw food recipes.

Read more at: Rawmazing.com

Raw Apple Pie with Maple Cinnamon Glaze Crust:

Process:

Filling:

Wishing you an amazing holiday season with family and friends filled with great memories and much love, happiness and peace.

2 cups walnuts, soaked until soft 2 tablespoons coconut butter 1 tablespoon agave nectar 1. Drain walnuts. Place in food processor and process until a coarse meal is achieved.

2. Add coconut butter and agave nectar. Mix until well combined.

3. Press 1/4 in thick into tart shells or 9” pie plate.

December 2013 | Springfield Lifestyle 19

The

Gift

That Keeps On

Giving James River Assembly Giving Tree Article Becca Mulder Photography James River Assembly

Christmas Is Here!

That’s exactly what the Children of Delaware and Campbell elementary were screaming as volunteers from James River Assembly brought in bags full of toys and placed them in the hands of each and every child. Girls received gifts such as make-up sets, jewelry, baby dolls and crafts. Boys were all pleasantly surprised as they ripped opened boxes full of remote control cars, sports appeal like basket balls, soccer balls, and even the latest action figures.

Schools that are chosen each year are Title 1 schools with many displaced students. Many of the schools may vary from year to year but the heart and love behind each gift remains the same.

20 Springfield Lifestyle | December 2013

Campbell Elementary is home of the Cougar. Its one of the oldest school still in service, is located at 506 S. Grant, less than a mile from the public square. Campbell was built in 1884 on farmland donated by its namesake, John Polk Campbell, the first settler in Springfield. Delaware Elementary is one of 39 elementary schools in Springfield School District. It is a public school that serves 223 students in grades PK-5.

The Giving Tree Outreach is just one of the many outreaches that James River Assembly holds through out the year, along with “Stuff the Bus” where volunteers bring in school supplies that help provide children with over 1700 backpacks to begin the upcoming school year well prepared.

“Our heart for the Giving Tree outreach is to share the love of Christ to the children and families represented at the schools.

Few things can compare to the smiles on the faces of each child as they enjoy opening their gifts!” says Todd Yacke, director of communications Recent community care outreaches include tornado relief, construction projects and car care for widows, single moms, and wives of deployed military. Also renovating local public schools, deliver-

ing Thanksgiving food baskets, as well as offering the onsite “One Heart” food pantries at both the West and South campuses.

James River Assembly is a church that is passionate about loving people and championing the local church. Lead Pastors John & Debbie Lindell share in the same vision to reach the lost. With over 15 ministries for women, men, kids, international missions, community care, addiction recovery, fine arts and many more there’s something for everyone.

International Missions is a strong focus for James River. In 2014 volunteers are scheduled to go overseas to places like Jamaica, El Salvador, Haiti, Guatemala and Ecuador to engage in evangelism, construction and medical needs.

You can join James River at either the South campus (65 & CC) or the West campus (60 & FF) Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights. Come and hear great teaching from the preaching team.

There are also great programs for kids and students. For more info call 417.581.5433 or visit JamesRiver.org.

Sunday Mornings

South Campus 9 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

West Campus 9 a.m. & 10:45 a.m.

Wednesday Nights

South & West Campus 7 p.m.

December 2013 | Springfield Lifestyle 21

Article Jennifer Adamson Photography Gayle Babcock and Ronald McDonald House

O

n an entry table inside Ronald McDonald House, wooden letters spell the word home. The letters stand upright and strong, like the people who come to stay here. These visitors don’t arrive with strength, but they leave with the power they need to conquer the days ahead.

Since the first Ronald McDonald House in the Ozarks opened its doors on the CoxHealth campus 25 years ago, families have been residing together in this home away from home while their seriously ill or injured children receive treatment in Springfield.

Last November, a second Ronald McDonald House opened in Mercy Children’s Hospital.

“What really matters to families is meeting other families going through similar situations, and research show that kids get better sooner when their families are close by,” says Bonnie Keller, president and chief executive officer of Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks.

Both houses have fully-furnished living rooms, gathering rooms, dining rooms, and kitchens, as well as playrooms and laundry centers. Guest rooms have double beds and private bathrooms en suite.

22 Springfield Lifestyle | December 2013

Families arrange accommodations through their child’s caregiver and are invited to stay for up to six weeks at a rate of $7 per day, but families are never turned away because of an inability to pay.

“Everything we do here is set up to cultivate interaction between families, and you can’t put a price on that element of the house,” says Keller. “We’re here to be a home and to try to find a way to naturally bring people together, to help them do things like they did before their lives fell apart, to make them feel normal again.”

Burden Lifted

Newborn twins Addilyn and Josie Whitaker spent the first four weeks of their lives post-delivery in the neonatal intensive care unit at Mercy. Born eight weeks early, they couldn’t breathe easily or eat on their own, and their underdeveloped livers weren’t breaking down red blood cells.

Their mother, Melissa, tried to prepare herself for an early labor but had never thought about having to leave her babies at the hospital after giving birth. A nurse told her about Ronald McDonald House.

“It was so nice to be able to stay there,” she says. “I didn’t have to drive back and forth to Bolivar every day. I had all my stuff in the room there, so I could run back and take a shower, nap, get something to eat. It really, really helped, because everything was right there.”

Feeding Families

One of Melissa’s fondest memories of staying at the Ronald McDonald House is all the dinners she shared with other parents of hospitalized children. Each night, community members came to prepare and serve a hot meal, which gave Melissa a chance to untie her apron strings and connect a little more with her girls.

Charles Iglio has been cooking with the Ozark Knights of Columbus at the Cox house for nine years. He was asked to prepare the first meal in the new house at Mercy. He made chicken Marsala.

“People come in and ask what you’re fixing and just want to talk to you,” says Charles. “It’s like having a gigantic family.”

Charles especially enjoys cooking during the holiday season and has even been known to serenade guests with Christmas carols.

“It just makes you feel so good to help people that are really down at this time,” he says. “They need some encouragement and someone to just tell them it’s going to get better.”

every December but finds even more joy in the message of hope she delivers with her gifts.

“We may never get back, but for what the Lord’s done, for saving my son’s life, I want to make sure other people know what prayer can do and that there’s a Lord who will help them and met their needs,” she says.

Strength in Numbers

Through Shannon’s contributions and the contributions of so many others, Ronald McDonald House Charities of the Ozarks continues to realize its mission of creating, finding, and supporting programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children.

Since 1988, volunteers have served nearly 200,000 hours, sacrificing their time to make sure dinners get cooked, rooms get cleaned, and phones get answered.

Individuals, families, businesses, and organizations collectively have raised millions of dollars to fund two Ronald McDonald houses and the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, commonly called the Tooth Truck, as well as operating costs for each.

As a result, thousands of families have been embraced and encouraged during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

“Whether donating time and talents or collecting pop tabs, our volunteers and donors show how much they care about children and families in our community with all the wonderful ways they give, each and every day,” says Keller.

Take a Turn

Gift of Love

Life improved for Shannon Gronniger after her stay at the Ronald McDonald House in Saint Louis following the birth of her now 13-year-old son. She remembers the burden of caring for a child with a heart condition and decided once he was older, she’d start giving back.

She knew one way she could lift the spirits of other Ronald McDonald House families, like those in Springfield, closer to her home, was to purchase gifts for under the trees at each house.

When she got a wish list in the mail, she hurried to the store for CDs, robes, and slippers.

“I’m always giving back because that’s what the Lord tells us to do,” she says. “Do unto others as you’d have them do unto you.”

Though Shannon never celebrated Christmas at Ronald McDonald House, her faith is what compels her to donate at such a special time of year. She looks forward to receiving a new wish list

Now that her twins are healthy, Melissa is planning to become a Ronald McDonald House volunteer. Like hundreds who have gone before her, she wants to do her part to support the organization that supported her.

She challenges even those who haven’t used Ronald McDonald House to commit to serve in some way and is hopeful she won’t be the only new person stepping up.

“You know, the Ronald McDonald House, I had heard about it, but I didn’t really know what it was and exactly everything they do,” Melissa says. “But, it’s a huge thing for the families who are worried about their sick babies. Even if someone is able to volunteer their time just once, what a huge difference it would make.”

To find out all the ways you can support Ronald McDonald House or to become a volunteer, call 417.886.0225 or visit RMHCozarks.org.

December 2013 | Springfield Lifestyle 23

Your Neighbor

Dance, Teach, Inspire Kate Riegler brings the world of dance to our community Article Kelsie Nalley | Photography Kate Riegler

F

rom New York to Russia to the United Kingdom, Kate Riegler has danced her way around the world learning the art of ballet.

When Riegler was just eight years old, she decided dance was her passion and would one day be her profession. At the time, she was living in northwest Arkansas training at a dance school primarily focused on jazz and tap. Riegler however, wanted to focus solely on ballet and become the best ballerina she could be. Through a series of what Riegler calls “ truly God-ordained events,” she met Miss Peggie and started training with her.

“Miss Peggie was a registered teacher with the Royal Academy of Dance, and so began my journey to becoming a dancer and now, a ballet teacher,” says Riegler.

At age fourteen, Riegler moved to Springfield with her family and begin to train at the Springfield Ballet while continuing to commute to Arkansas twice a week to continue her training with Miss Peggie.

24 Springfield Lifestyle | December 2013

”I enjoyed having the opportunities to perform with the Springfield Ballet and the new friends I made while still retaining my relationships and studies in Arkansas,” says Riegler.

In 2005 Riegler passed the necessary exams she needed to receive her Associate of the Royal Academy of Dance, a UK based examination that specializes in dance education and training.

Riegler went on to spend two summers with the American Academy of Ballet and then to New York City to train with the Ailey School.

“These experiences were pivotal in my training and career as a dancer,” she says.

There were so many opportunities to perform, grueling class and rehearsal hours and many friendships made along the way.”

After her final training period in New York, Riegler went to dance with Texas Ballet Theater in Fort Worth under the direction of Ben Stevenson and was later

promoted to an administrator and instructor in the academy there as well.

“That experience was the springboard for directing Credo Dance Academy here in Springfield,” she says. “It was there that I learned the valuable life lessons and skills needed to do what I am doing today.”

As the director for Credo Dance Academy, Riegler is in charge of administrative work and helping to prepare for daily classes. It isn’t all work and no play though, Riegler also gets time to work on chorography and rehearse herself for upcoming performances as well as getting to teach classes throughout the day.

After returning to Springfield, Riegler got the chance to dance in St. Petersburg, Russia, and on the Kremlin Palace stage in Moscow in 2010. Last summer Riegler got to spend three months in London studying at the Royal Academy of Dance in order to earn her Professional Dancers’ Teaching diploma. During her time there, Riegler spent many hours in both the studio and classroom learning the practical and theoretical aspects of dance education.

“The most valuable thing I learned while in London though, was even in a place where we all spoke the same language, the different ways we view life and situations is due to our ‘culture’s norms’,” says Riegler. “Being aware of this increases sensitivity toward others and fosters genuine care for those individuals and therefore, more effective communication.”

Although Riegler says London was an amazing learning experience filled with many opportunities, she is thankful to call Springfield her home.

“No matter where I’ve been, I love coming home to Springfield,” says Riegler.

“There is a priority on family and friendships here that I find so refreshing” So what’s next for Riegler? She plans to use her new qualifications to offer more opportunities for the many students at Credo and other young dancers in the region.

“It is love that keeps me going and the gratitude for my experiences,” she says.

“Those experiences compel me to keep sharing with others, be it in my own dancing, or teaching others to dance. I am excited to be able to offer this experience to dancers in the Springfield community.”

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Artist’s Palette and many of my friends have been impacted by the chaos that has erupted within the last three years. People respond differently to events in the world and my response to all this violence is not to act like it isn’t happening, but to contrast all the sorrow with beauty.

SL: What inspires you?

JW: I would have to say academically that the Orient list’s depictions of the Far East have inspired me. There is much I admire in that they did a great job of forming a mystery and romance surrounding that part of the world. I would like to revive that old intrigue and wonder in people, but this time (as best i can) keep it culturally relevant and not misleading, showing their own unique and valuable heritage that I have grown to respect and love.

SL: What brought you to Springfield?

JW: I initially came to Springfield to attend Evangel University. I met my wife here and like for many, Springfield has become my home. Having grown up in Jordan, Palestine, and Egypt, the Middle East still has a soft spot in my heart.

I spent the majority of my childhood in Jordan, which no doubt had an influence on my worldview and in turn my art work.

SL: Where did you study art?

JW: I was fortunate to study for a brief time at the Art and Design School of Heliopolis in Cairo, Egypt. It is really where I caught the “art bug.” Being the only westerner in the class had its challenges, but opened my eyes to a whole other side of the thriving, very personal artwork that was (and still is) coming out of Cairo at that time, about two years before the Arab Spring reached Egypt. It amazes me that even though I had lived in the Middle East for over 14 years and had overcome many cultural boundaries, art was the one thing that wasn’t lost in translation.

After my time in Cairo, I moved back to Springfield and continued my art studies under the mentorship of Michael Buesking at Evangel University. It is pretty strange how although there are thousands of miles of water and dirt separating Springfield from Cairo, art still has the power to communicate, educate and bridge cultural differences. It doesn’t matter where we are or where we came from, we can reflect and respond to the messages that the artist puts before us.

SL: Describe your art: JW: Often times these days when the Middle East is mentioned it is accompanied by reports of violence and negativity. My family

SL: Where can people view your art?

JW: You can view my art on my website at JonathanWommack.com as well as periodically in the Belwether Gallery.

introducing the art of

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Style Wise

Bag Lady Boutique Your one-stop shop Article Becca Mulder Photography Bag Lady Boutique

B

ag Lady Boutique first opened its doors in 2007 through the creativity and ambition of Ginny Redfern. She has single handedly has made it her mission to offer a shop full to the brim with unique gifts, apparel and accessories displayed in a nontraditional, unique way. That’s just what you will find when you walk into this incredible store that will fulfill all of your creative needs.

Bag Lady Boutique located right off of Republic Rd. and across the street from Mama Jeans, now offers a vast array in their gift line with brands like Papaya, Natural Life, Knock Knock to Annie Solan Chalk Paint. If you haven’t heard of this newest rave, chalk paint is a decorative paint used to repurpose old furniture, cabinets, floors, lamps, and basically anything. There is no prep work (no sanding or priming) and it adheres to any surface. Bag Lady even offers classes to teach techniques and complete projects.

With Christmas right around the corner and you find yourself trying to think of a unique gifts that can’t be found in a big box store, well think no further: Bag Lady is your answer! With 4000 square feet of unique, trendy, fun and diversified inventory, Bag Lady won’t let you down.

I asked Owner Ginny Redfern for some fall fashion advice.

“Layer a lacy slip under a flowing tunic and pair with boots or flats and leggings,” she advises. “Accessorize with a trendy statement necklace and you are good to go.”

I love it and couldn’t agree more. Bag Lady carries the complete line of the Ivy Jane family, Joy Joy, AZI and KUT denim ware, and lots of collegiate game day wear to make you uniquely you.

When it comes to fall decorations, we all want our home to be cozy and decorative yet functional for the holiday seasons. Ginny believes burlap is this year’s trendy fall accessory. Burlap can be found in all sorts of colors at Bag Lady, and is great used as accents in wreaths or to tie into any home décor.

Bag Lady Boutique is located at 1111 E Republic Rd, Springfield, MO 65807.

For hours call 417.882.4438

If you own or know of a deserving boutique that should be featured in our Style Wise column, email Bmulder@lifestylepubs.com

December 2013 | Springfield Lifestyle 27

Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Springfield Properties neighborhood

original list

sold $$

%sold/orig

dom* bdrms

full/half bath

floorplan

Rivermist

$695,000

$680,000

97.84%

36

4

3/2

Two Story

Blue Springs Estates

$509,500

$509,500

100%

2

5

3/1

Ranch

Turnberry Estates

$545,000

$505,000

92.66%

48

4

3/1

Ranch

Highland Springs

$469,900

$460,000

97.89%

388

3

3/1

Ranch

Millwood

$447,000

$439,000

98.21%

33

4

3/0

Ranch

Emerald Park

$399,900

$398,900

99.75%

4

4

4/1

Two Story

Hickory Hills CC

$399,900

$390,000

97.52%

3

2

2/1

Ranch

Rivercut

$385,000

$375,000

97.4%

44

5

3/0

Ranch

Kings Mill

$344,900

$327,655

95%

49

4

3/0

Ranch

Capp Hill Ranch

$350,000

$320,000

91.43%

23

3

2/0

Story & Half

Sunset Estates

$324,800

$315,800

97.23%

81

4

2/1

Story & Half

Mellow Ridge

$312,900

$315,000

99.33%

6

5

3 / 0

Multi-Level

Canterbury Lane

$314,900

$310,500

98.6%

17

3

2/1

Story & Half

IronBridge

$299,900

$292,400

97.5%

84

4

2/1

Ranch

Pearson Meadows

$309,900

$287,500

92.77%

14

4

3/1

Ranch

Columns Century Pk 1

$274,900

$282,890

102.91%

57

4

3/1

Story & Half

Velvet Estates

$269,000

$269,000

100%

124

5

3/0

Ranch

Copper Mill Estates

$274,900

$264,815

96.33%

134

4

3/1

Ranch

Vintage Hills Manor

$242,700

$262,895

108.32%

1

5

3 / 0

Ranch

Cooper Est

$269,000

$254,500

94.61%

191

3

2/0

Story & Half

Information compiled from MLS of Springfield from dates of October 1 through October 31, 2013.

Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of all activity. *DOM=Days on Market

Lina Robertson Jones

linarobertson@remax.net www.ozarks-realestate.com Fax: 417.581.4439 Cell: 417.844.7265 Office: 417.581.7888 “Call me for a more comprehensive analysis of Your neighborhood.�

Lina Robert son Jones December 2013 | Springfield Lifestyle 29

December Lifestyle Calendar

December 5

December 7

Wrap It Up

Festival of Lights Holiday

Ramada Oasis Convention Center

Skating Exhibition

CoxHealth Foundation and Children’s Miracle Network will be throwing an unforgettable night that includes a holiday theme, live and silent auction, and a Gingerbread tower competition in the Grand Ballroom. There will also be electronic bidding. This event. will run from 6:30 p.m. until 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $50. Call 417.269.7037 for more information.

Mediacom Ice Park

December 6, 7

Local and guest skaters will be showcasing their talent on the ice in this jovial and exciting performance. Entrance is $5 and the event will run from 5 to 8 p.m. Contact ATorcasso@springfieldmo.gov for more information or call 417.866.7444 x231.

December 5, 7, 8

December 31 First Night Springfield Downtown Springfield

Join this family friendly, alcohol-free New Year’s Eve celebration! There will be more than twenty performances including music, theatre, dance, comedy and magic at about a dozen venues! To finish the night off, there will be fireworks at Jordan Valley Park. The event runs from 5:30 p.m. - 12 a.m. Call 417.882.2787 for prices or go to SpringfieldArts.org for more information.

December 31 New Year’s Eve Party

The Best Christmas Pageant Ever

Pythian Castle

Midtown 23rd Annual Victorian

The Landers Theatre

Homes Tour

This charming holiday play features mischievous children who bully their way into the church’s annual Christmas pageant.

The town’s reaction leads to a surprising result and the true meaning of Christmas is learned. It begins at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, 2:30 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, and Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Admission varies from $12-$15. Call 417.869.1334 or go to SpringfieldLittle Theatre.org for more information.

This extraordinary party begins with dinner in the ballroom and transitions to dancing to live music with special performances.

Then the guests will move to the theater for desserts, DJ dancing, aerial performances, party favors and a midnight toast! All of this adds up to the perfect night to getaway. The admission is $60 a person, and the night goes from 8 p.m. to 1 a.m. Go to Pythian Castle.com for more information.

Drury University Center

This event begins at 5 p.m. on December 6 and at 12 p.m. on December 7. Admission is $10 in advance, and $12 at the door. Midtown residents will be decked out in Victorian attire and the Central High Choir will be performing. The houses open to the tour are all built between 1886 and 1910. Shuttles will be available for transportation. For more information contact Midtown.SGF@ gmail.com or find Midtown Neighborhood Association on Facebook.

December 6, 7 Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Juanita K. Hammons

This smash Broadway hit based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film will be showing at Juanita K. Hammons Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Tickets vary from $25 to $55. Call 417.836.7678 for more information.

December 7

December 12, 13, 14, 15

December Ozark Garden Railway Society Holiday Train Exhibit

Springfield Ballet’s The Nutcracker

Botanical Center

Landers Theatre

The train garden will come to life with a push of a button. The miniature landscape and village is a spectacular scene. It is hosted by the Springfield Botanical Gardens, 113 acres that includes 26 themed gardens. Entrance into the train garden is free and goes from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Call 417.891.1515 for more information or go to ParkBoard.org/ Botanical/Index.html.

Each night this wonderful holiday classic begins at 7:30 p.m. except on Sunday when the showing will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets range from $16$24. Call 417.862.1343 for more information or e-mail Info@SpringfieldBallet.org

December 14 Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade

December

Diva Dash 5K

Park Central Square

Christmas in Lights

Park Central Square

The Downtown Christmas Parade themed “Joy to the World” will be going from 2 p.m. until 4 p.m. There will be over sixty floats, ten marching bands, and Santa himself will be making an appearance. It is free to attend.

Call 417.831.6200 for more information.

Ozark

This run will go from 9 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and a portion of each entry fee will benefit the Child Advocacy Center. There is a limit of 2000 registrations. Contact 417.831.2327 or e-mail kathy@childadvocacy.org or go to DivaDash5K.com for more information.

30 Springfield Lifestyle | December 2013

Admission is $12 per carload, $25 for limousines, and $40 per bus. The fairgrounds are made radiant by one million lights in this wonderful drive-through show from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Call 417.833.2660 or go to Ozark EmpireFair.com for more information.

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417-865-6666 32 Springfield Lifestyle | December 2013

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December 2013 | Springfield Lifestyle 33

Parting Thoughts

The Brotherhood of the Traveling Santa Suit Article Denise Snodell

F

amily holiday traditions are typically cozy and sweet affairs.

Then, there’s my clan. A random thing happens and it gets much applause. Boom, an annual custom begins. Such is the true story of the Brotherhood of the Traveling Santa Suit.

The random spark for this particular tradition occurred several years ago. I found myself trudging through a store on a cold, January day when my weary eyes landed on an after-Christmas clearance display. The last thing I needed, though, was more hall-decking stuff. It was time to bough out of the holly hoarding business.

Then, it happened. A large box with the words “Deluxe Santa Suit” caught my eye. And deluxe it was, with good, thick red and white fabric, shiny boots, plus all the accessories down to the long white beard.

It was a suit even the pickiest mall Santa would re-gift to himself. As I held the box in my hands, a warm fire started up in my belly. My wallet began to burn.

But it didn’t make sense. There was no reason for my husband to Kris Kringle it up on future Christmas Eves. Who would dig the jolliness? We had newly minted teenagers. Even our nieces and nephews were beyond believing. This was a purchase I should have made

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a dozen years earlier, when the kids would have gone bonkers over personal Santa visits. That sled had sailed.

Fast forward eleven months. My parents were visiting for the holidays. They are throwback travelers, which is a euphemism for you can’t get my mom on a plane. They ride the Polar Express, commonly known as Amtrak. It’s always a big deal when they arrive, because it takes two days for them to “land.” Somewhere along the line I got in the habit of greeting my folks with blinking antlers on my head.

A cornball mini-tradition, yes, but always the least I could do for a festive greeting.

So the first holiday season after I bought “the suit,” I went digging for the old antlers, which happened to be in the same storage bin as Santa’s never-worn duds. Bingo! My first born, who had hit six feet that year, drew the short stick. He would surprise his grandparents by greeting them as the jolly one. Did I mention he was suddenly coming down with a bug? And the train was late? And he was miserable? No worries, Santa’s apprentice was still a big hit with the crowd at Union Station, and eventually grandma and grandpa, because the beard was so lush it hid his inner misery. A tradition was born.

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34 Springfield Lifestyle | December 2013

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