FEB-roo-air-ee: Love is the Answer!
Winter has a way of slowing us down, offering a chance to pause and reflect. I’ve been thinking about the balance between embracing the slower pace of the season and the urge to explore beyond the comfort of home. Lately, my thoughts have wandered just a couple of hours away—to Monkey Island. Nestled a state away, it’s the perfect destination for a refreshing reset without venturing too far.
“Love local” isn’t just about what’s in our own backyard—it’s about extending that love to nearby communities and supporting the businesses that keep them thriving. Whether it’s a charming café, a unique shop, or a scenic destination like Monkey Island, these places remind us how deeply connected we are. It’s also about meeting the basic needs of our neighbors through incredible organizations like Least of These and their food pantry.
This month, why not pack your favorite gear, order your Ponchairo, and head out for a day trip? Or grab a bottle of wine from Whiskey Tango Ozark to bring a taste of home as you explore a new corner of the region. Last year, we loved our visit to Monkey Island so much that we knew we had to feature this fun destination—just two hours away! Even a short getaway can spark inspiration and highlight the beauty in supporting what’s close to home.
Month after month, the stories in these pages remind us of the magic that happens when we come together as neighbors, even across state lines. The kindness we give to our communities—whether our own or one just a couple of hours away—always finds its way back to us.
This February, while we “winter,” let’s also embody what it means to refine, refresh and reset. Close the gap—what’s holding you back? Take one small step. Schedule that vacation. Hire the coach. Delegate the task. Give where it’s needed most.
Thank you for allowing us to be part of your lifestyle. May this issue inspire you to explore, connect, and love local in new and meaningful ways.
February 2025
PUBLISHER
Donna King | donna.king@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Brian Walker | brian.walker@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Tina Lesniak | tina.lesniak@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Tina Lesniak, Haley Williams
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Tiffany Enowski, Mountain Pine Studios, Cassandra Castaneda
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
CTO Ajay Krishnan
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF FRANCHISE DEVELOPMENT Erika Smiley
AD DESIGNER Andrew Sapad
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Megan Cagle
DONNA KING, PUBLISHER @SPRINGFIELDCITYLIFESTYLE
Transforming Lives
Innovating
Creative
1: Performing at the dinner show at Shepherd of the Hills in Branson 2: Carl Rauh’s Wood Fractal Burning and Andrea Hellman’s Digital Painting on Acrylic at Fresh Gallery 3: Community class sponsored by Lululemon at Achieving Your Best 4: New Year’s Eve at Springfield Aerial Fitness 5: Staying fit with Gymnetix Gym 6: Collection of records at Stick in Your Ear 7: Celebrating Christmas with Achieving Your Best
GYMNETIX GYM
SHEPHERD OF THE HILLS
business monthly
A Century of Creativity: The All School Exhibition Returns
From 2023 through 2024, the Springfield Art Museum welcomed thousands of visitors. Its commitment to providing engaging exhibitions, educational programs, and community events allowed it to foster a deeper appreciation for the arts in Springfield and beyond.
The All School Exhibition celebrates Youth Art Month and has been a staple of the Springfield Art Museum’s exhibition schedule since 1932 and returns in February 2025 to Brick City Gallery on Missouri State University’s campus.
SRC Graduates 23 Employee-Owners from Leadership Academy
On Dec. 11, the SRC family of businesses celebrated the graduation of 23 of its employee-owners from its leadership development academy.
The program involves more than 100 hours of training, giving aspiring leaders new leadership skills and more comprehensive knowledge of the engine that powers SRC’s transparent, owner-driven culture: The Great Game of Business. SRC partnered with the People Centric Consulting Group and Great Game of Business coaches to teach its classes.
Next Gen Storage Opens New Facility
In December, Next Gen Storage opened a brand new smart-tech, self-storage facility located at 2960 E Allen Pl, Springfield in the Galloway neighborhood near Sequiota Park. With 24/7 access, climate-controlled units, and the Nokē Smart Entry System, people can manage their storage seamlessly through their smartphones.
Photography by Springfield Art Museum
Volunteers collaborate to best support the pantry’s clients.
ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK PHOTOGRAPHY
BY MOUNTAIN PINE STUDIOS
How Least Of These Food Pantry is Empowering Families Amid Rising Need
Transforming
Lives
In 2024, Least Of These, Inc. continued its work as a cornerstone of hope and support in southwest Missouri, serving 14,460 families and 42,903 individuals. The holiday season highlighted the growing need, with 1,252 families receiving assistance in December. Executive Director Kristy Carter and her team of 300 dedicated volunteers and six staff members have built more than just a food pantry—they have fostered a community rooted in compassion, empowerment and dignity.
For families seeking help, the process begins with a warm conversation. Each family fills out an application and then meets with Michele Pierce, director of client services, who carefully discusses their needs and guides them through a personalized food selection process. “This is our next phase of love,” Kristy explains. “Families likely have other issues and concerns that they need help with and building relationships and trust allows us to connect them with resources.”
The food pantry operates by appointment, ensuring that families are welcomed without the stress of waiting. During each visit, families complete a food sheet for the next month, empowering them to select items that suit their tastes and dietary needs. Volunteers also visit families to better understand their situations, providing another layer of connection and care.
“Providing food is our number one priority, but building those relationships is equally important,” says Kristy. “We’re going to treat them all like our own families.”
This self-select approach reduces waste while also enhancing the dignity of those served. “This is another way to empower them,” Carter explains. “It provides a sense of control when so much feels uncertain.”
The pantry also emphasizes fresh produce, working with partners to secure high-quality fruits and vegetables. Kristy is particularly proud of the fresh potatoes offered during the holidays and the recipe cards they distribute to inspire wholesome meals and items used well.
“We make sure families get all the ingredients they need,” she adds. “It’s another way for us to connect and spread joy.”
The face of food insecurity is changing, with Least Of These seeing an increase in senior citizens and working families seeking assistance.
Nearly 9,000 seniors were served in 2024, many struggling with rising costs on fixed
Volunteers load the food supplies into client’s vehicles.
Inside, volunteers gather the client’s food selections.
“LEAST
OF THESE IS MORE THAN A PLACE TO PICK UP GROCERIES. IT’S A COMMUNITY WHERE TRUST IS BUILT, DIGNITY IS RESTORED, AND HOPE IS SPREAD. THROUGH THEIR UNWAVERING COMMITMENT TO SERVING OTHERS, KRISTY AND HER TEAM ARE MAKING A PROFOUND DIFFERENCE IN THE LIVES OF THOUSANDS.”
Clients receive lots of time to speak with volunteers to address any and all needs they may have.
incomes. “So many are on a fixed income, but rents are up, gas is up, food is up,” Kristy notes. “Seniors have no way to increase their incomes and there is nowhere for them to turn.”
At the same time, dual-income families are finding it harder to make ends meet. While a minimum wage increase in Missouri is a step forward, Kristy points out that it’s not enough to cover essentials like daycare and food for a family of three. “These are the families we’re seeing the biggest increase with,” she says. “I don’t know the answer, but this isn’t sustainable.”
The economic challenges have even brought former donors to the food line. Kristy’s message to them is simple: “Let us help you. Come here, and let us get you started.”
Beyond food, Least Of These seeks to address the deeper needs of the families they serve. Using its many connections, the pantry connects families with additional resources. “We don’t necessarily meet these needs ourselves, but we have built collaborative relationships with partners in southwest Missouri that do,” Kristy explains.
The organization’s commitment to fostering relationships extends to celebrating milestones and offering spiritual support. “The communication we have with families allows us to celebrate with them and gives us a chance to pray with them,” says Carter. She recalls one family navigating the challenges of generational poverty and a father’s stage-four cancer diagnosis. “The daughter said she needed to know that we were praying for them. That’s the kind of connection we strive for.”
Operating solely on donations, Least Of These stretches every dollar to maximize its impact. It also partners with Ozarks Food Harvest, Convoy of
Hope and Associated Wholesale Grocers to stretch its dollars as far as possible. Monetary contributions are the most effective way to support their mission, but volunteers are equally essential. From parking cars and pushing carts to stocking shelves, every role contributes to the pantry’s success in feeding people and changing lives.
Kristy emphasizes the importance of teamwork. “We have a great team that works hard to get those items and make those dollars stretch,” she says.
Least Of These is more than a place to pick up groceries. It’s a community where trust is built, dignity is restored, and hope is spread. Through their unwavering commitment to serving others, Kristy and her team are making a profound difference in the lives of thousands. “Relationships allow us to dig deeper and help get families to sustainability,” she says.
In a time of growing need, Least Of These remains a shining example of how compassion and connection can transform lives.
INNOVATING with HEART and BALANCE
ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIFFANY ENOWSKI
Necessity, as the saying goes, is the mother of invention. For Melissa DuVall, this adage sparked a creative journey that has intertwined her personal and professional life. Her invention, the Ponchairo—a blanket that fits like a poncho and can be stored on a chairback—epitomizes both practicality and ingenuity. What began as a cold day at her son’s baseball game has blossomed into a testament to her creative perseverance and dedication to maintaining a balanced life.
Melissa’s professional journey began in the Ozarks, where she grew up before attending Drury University. Her early television career was a whirlwind of experiences, ranging from running teleprompters to working as a reporter/anchor and marketing director. Later, she pivoted into sales, joining a pharmaceutical company enticed by the perk of a company car—a turquoise minivan that she humorously recalls as a highlight.
Now serving as a senior director for a national biotech company, Melissa’s career has provided her with the stability and resources to pursue her passion project. “The job has allowed me to pursue the patent
CREATIVE VISIONARY BEHIND PONCHAIRO BALANCES WORK, LIFE, AND DREAMS
Melissa DuVall
and manufacturing for the Ponchairo,” she says. While the dual responsibilities of biotech and entrepreneurship are substantial, Melissa’s faith and drive keep her focused. “I have heightened respect for entrepreneurs. What an up & down journey!” she muses. “The thought of someone else developing my idea really motivated me to begin the patent process.”
The idea for the Ponchairo came during one of the countless sporting events Melissa attended to support her three children. “My son went in to pitch during extra innings, and the weather was just miserable,” she recalls. “I told another mom, ‘I wish they would just build a blanket into the back of the chair.’” From that moment, the seed of innovation was planted. What initially seemed like a casual lament grew into a product with a myriad of applications: from outdoor sporting events to office settings campsites to porches, even on boats.
Melissa and her husband approached the idea with caution and practicality. “We wanted to be smart about it,” she explains. “We took baby steps so that if it didn’t work, we weren’t sunk.” That calculated approach allowed Melissa to develop her idea without compromising her family’s financial stability or her demanding career in biotech.
As a female inventor, Melissa occupies a space where representation remains limited. Only about eight percent of inventors are women-only patent holders. working alone. Many female inventors work in mixed-gender teams. “Part of it is because of the cost,” Melissa notes. “We mamas can be reluctant to take on such a risky financial endeavor.” Despite the challenges, she’s optimistic about the growing presence of women in innovation.
Melissa credits her success to the support of her husband and the lessons
WHAT INITIALLY SEEMED LIKE A CASUAL LAMENT GREW INTO A PRODUCT WITH a myriad of applications: FROM OUTDOOR SPORTING EVENTS TO OFFICE SETTINGS, CAMPSITES TO PORCHES, even on boats.
of her upbringing. She often draws inspiration from her dad, who believed hustle beats talent. These influences, combined with her determination to set an example for her children, fuel her journey. “I want to be an example to my children,” she emphasizes. “Being creative with people who support me makes all the difference.”
Melissa’s life is a masterclass in balancing professional ambitions with personal fulfillment. Beyond her biotech role and Ponchairo development, she has served nine years on the school board in Republic, where she contributed to community projects like the building of a new high school. Her volunteer work extends to her church and previous board roles in organizations such as People Helping People and regional chapters of the American Lung Association, the Salvation Army and the United Way. When not immersed in work or service, Melissa’s “hippy” side shines through. She loves gardening and dreams of having a backyard greenhouse. A self-proclaimed lake enthusiast, she finds peace skiing, in a good book and enjoying the
RESPONSIBILITIES AT WORK AND HOME CAN
BE SUBSTANTIAL BUT it’s a challenge to balance out your dreams. THE REAL SUCCESS IS FINDING the balance between all that and your dreams.
outdoors with her family. “Responsibilities at work and home can be substantial,” she admits, “but it’s a challenge to balance out your dreams. The real success is finding the balance between all that and your dreams.”
As Melissa considers the future, she’s focused on expanding Ponchairo’s reach and impact. “We’re widening the audience to a more diverse set of experiences,” she says. Partnering with someone who could handle marketing is something she looks forward to, allowing her to concentrate on innovation. Partnering with an established brand, as a possible product extension, is something she thinks
could be exciting. “What can we do next to help us grow?” she wonders aloud, always looking forward.
Melissa’s story is one of courage, creativity, and balance. From the Ozarks to boardrooms and baseball games, she has crafted a life that celebrates both ambition and connection. For Melissa, invention isn’t just about solving a problem—it’s about creating a legacy of resilience, love, and inspiration. As she enters the next chapter with two grandchildren in tow, her journey reminds us all to nurture our ideas, embrace challenges, and keep faith in the possibilities ahead.
OKLAHOMA’S PREMIER DESTINATION
One of
EXPLORE THE CHARM OF MONKEY ISLAND
ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK
Nestled on Oklahoma’s Grand Lake O’ The Cherokees, just about two hours from Springfield, Monkey Island is a jewel of the Midwest—a place where luxury meets recreation, and family memories are made against a backdrop of stunning natural beauty. For Ryan Stoner, an avid golfer and local insurance professional with Premier Insurance, the area, and its premier resort destination
Ryan Stoner’s stunning house on the lake is a place for families to gather.
Shangri-La Resort, is more than just a vacation spot; it’s a second home and a gateway to his roots.
“I grew up in the area, just 10 miles down the road, spending a lot of time on the lake,” Ryan shares, reflecting on his deep connection to the area. Three years ago, he seized the opportunity to purchase land on Monkey Island, a decision that has enriched his life and that of his family. Today, Ryan owns and rents out a five-bedroom, five-bathroom unit between the championship and par three golf courses, where every bedroom
offers breathtaking views of the lake or the golf course.
“Last season was more successful than I expected,” he says, noting that renting out the property has proven rewarding.
For golfers like Ryan, Shangri-La’s reputation as a golf destination is well-earned. The resort boasts a 27-hole championship course, featuring three nine-hole layouts: Legends, Heritage, and Champions. Each course offers its own unique appeal, catering to players of all skill levels. That appeal extends to the 18-hole Par 3 course, aptly named Battlefield.
The views from the home are breathtaking.
“SHANGRI-LA’S TRANSFORMATION INTO A YEAR-ROUND DESTINATION HAS BEEN A GAME-CHANGER FOR THE REGION.”
“It’s one of the top Par 3 courses in the country,” Ryan says. The course pays homage to military history, with vintage World War II planes displayed in the resort’s military park and a clubhouse adorned with tributes to veterans. “The owner is a big military guy, and it shows in the way he’s incorporated history into the resort,” Ryan adds.
While golf is a major draw, Shangri-La offers far more than just fairways and greens. For Ryan’s family, the abundance of family-oriented amenities is what sets
the resort apart. “For me, it’s the combination of family fun,” he says, pointing to features like the pickleball courts and a wiffle ball field that’s a replica of Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox. For Ryan, who grew up cheering for the Boston Red Sox and the Atlanta Braves, the field offers an opportunity to build memories with his family.
On weekends, the wiffle ball field comes alive, with lights staying on late into the night. “You’ll see kids from five to 15 years old and even grandpas with
their grandkids out there playing wiffle ball,” Ryan says. It’s a slice of Americana that adds to the resort’s charm, creating an environment where multiple generations can bond over shared activities.
Another standout feature is The Anchor, an indoor/outdoor recreation hub that offers several indoor sports facilities, an arcade, and simulators for both race cars and golf. “It’s becoming a place that’s not just seasonal,” Ryan explains, noting how The Anchor’s yearround appeal is attracting visitors even during the off-peak months.
Shangri-La’s transformation into a year-round destination has been a gamechanger for the region. “It’s getting to the point where people are coming from all around,” Ryan observes. Whether it’s for a weekend getaway, a golf tournament, or a family reunion, the resort offers something for everyone. Its picturesque views of Grand Lake serve as a constant reminder of why it’s one of Oklahoma’s most beloved destinations.
For Ryan, Shangri-La is more than just a place to unwind; it’s a tribute to the enduring allure of Grand Lake and the spirit of community that thrives there.
The resort offers a championship golf course.
CHARMING
DATE IDEAS
New Experiences on Valentine’s Day
ARTICLE BY TINA LESNIAK | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
“Our most popular special event is our Valentine’s Date Night when couples tend to make more of an effort to find something unique to share,” explains Rebekah Santiago, owner/artisan at Creative Glass Escape. “Not only do they enjoy the experience of creating something together, but they will have that beautiful glass piece forever as a reminder.”
On Valentine’s Day, the business will hold a special event for couples to create a fused glass project.
“Vantage is more than just a rooftop lounge; it’s an experience unlike any other in Springfield,” notes Annie Boyd Sowell, marketing manager for Vantage Rooftop Lounge. “Perched above the historic downtown district and thoughtfully designed, it offers breathtaking views that transform with every season, creating the perfect backdrop for any occasion.”
In addition to Valentine’s Day dinner reservations, Vantage will host Golden Galentine’s on Feb. 13, featuring a pop-up shop by Lala Links Permanent Jewelry, specialty cocktails, champagne and wine specials, and unique photo ops.
1. CREATIVE ESCAPE GLASS, 1700 SOUTH CAMPBELL AVE, SUITE H, SPRINGFIELD
2. VANTAGE ROOFTOP LOUNGE, 260 E MCDANIEL ST, SPRINGFIELD
A glass creation featuring a couple.
A glass fusion project at Creative Glass Escape.
3. STEP BY STEP DANCE STUDIO, 1722 S. GLENSTONE SUITE G, SPRINGFIELD
“Couples from all walks of life and ages come to learn to dance,” says Owner Kelly Frey, “and in the process discover valuable relationship skills, a new-found activity together, and a fabulous new method of communicating and interacting with one another that is both fun and engaging.”
The studio offers private and group lessons in styles from swing to ballroom to country.
4. PICKWICK & CHERRY, CORNER OF PICKWICK AVENUE AND CHERRY STREET, SPRINGFIELD
“Our location is very much hidden, and people feel like they’ve achieved something just by finding us,” says Katie Kring, owner and head instructor at Pickwick & Cherry. “Our experiences are fun, funny, hands-on, and we have such a wealth of diverse menus that people can, and do, keep coming back.”
Pickwick & Cherry offers a range of cooking and baking experiences, such as Italian Date Night, Parisian Date Night, bread baking, and cheesemaking.
Cooking class at Pickwick & Cherry
Learning the country style of dancing.
Couples can get ready to show off their skills.
CHOCOLATE and WINE
The Key to a Successful Wine and Chocolate Pairing Lies in Finding the Right Combination of Flavors and Characteristics.
Pairing wine and chocolate together can be a delightful sensory experience that can elevate the flavors of both. While the concept of pairing wine with food is well-known, pairing it with chocolate may seem unconventional at first. However, when done correctly, it can create a harmonious balance where the flavors of the wine and chocolate complement and enhance one another.
Wine and chocolate have a lot of similarities to each other. Both contain flavanols (antioxidants) and polyphenols (compounds found in plant-based food) that are good for you and have anti-inflammatory properties. These characteristics affect flavor so it’s somewhat challenging to pair wine and chocolate together. The more polyphenols, the more pronounced the bitter taste.
For example, if you sip a delicious dry red wine alongside a hunk of dark chocolate, the wine will start to taste bitter and sour. The taste imbalance is coming from the heightened levels of flavanols (different types of tannin) found in both chocolate and wine that end up clashing against each other on your tongue.
While it might sound counterintuitive, a good rule of thumb is to pair a wine that is “sweeter” than the chocolate itself. “Sweet” doesn’t refer to dessert wines alone. In the wine world, the term “sweet” is often used to denote ripe, fruit-forward flavors in a wine. These characteristics provide a nice balance to the bitter flavors of cocoa.
Both wine and chocolate can have intense, dry flavors. In order to find the right balance, it’s best to choose wines that are a little bit softer and juicier than the chocolate you’re pairing it with.
We’ve done the footwork to find several wines that partner well with chocolate. Here are our guidelines for matching chocolate with wine and a few of our favorite wine and chocolate pairings. We hope you’ll try them and then get inspired to experiment and create your own.
ARTICLE BY HALEY WILLIAMS PHOTOGRAPHY BY CASSANDRA CASTANEDA
TIP 1: MATCH SUGAR WITH SUGAR
When it comes to pairing chocolate and wine, you don’t want to strike a balance, you want to match sugar to sugar. Sweeter chocolate like white chocolate does better when consumed with sweeter wines and bitter chocolate like dark chocolate enjoys being paired with dryer wines. Think of it as matching sugar with sugar. A good rule of thumb is to always pair wines that are equally or slightly more sweet than the chocolate being eaten with it.
TIP 2: MATCH INTENSITY WITH INTENSITY
If you pair an incredibly delicately flavored dark chocolate with a full-bodied, heavy red, the intensity of the wine will destroy any of the subtlety that might have been present in the chocolate. The opposite is also true: strong-tasting chocolate will blow a delicate wine out of the water. Keep this rule of thumb in mind: light-flavored chocolates enjoy being paired with light-bodied wines and intensely flavored chocolates prefer being paired with full-bodied wines.
TIP 3: PAIR FLAVORS WITH FLAVORS
Wine and chocolate both carry their own intense flavors. If the chocolate contains other ingredients such as nuts, fruit, or caramel, consider how these flavors will play with the wine. This is especially helpful to remember when enjoying truffles with wine. To avoid creating a palate power play between the two, do your best to match fruity or floral chocolates with fruity wines like Moscato or White Zinfandel. Enjoy chocolate-covered nuts alongside a nutty wine like a Madeira or Marsala. Chocolate studded with dried cranberries might pair well with a fruit-forward red with berry undertones.
CREATING THE PERFECT PAIR
DARK CHOCOLATE
Bitter to semi-sweet dark chocolates, that are 50 to 100% cacao, have intense, bitter flavors, and earthy to fruity undertones. Match the intensity without adding more dryness by pairing these chocolates with full-bodied, yet fruit-forward wines.
Pairs well with:
Cabernet Sauvignon, Pinot Noir, Port, Merlot, Shiraz, Barolo
MILK CHOCOLATE
Milk chocolate is typically creamier and sweeter with flavors of brown sugar, vanilla, and cream. It requires a wine that is light to medium in body, with a ripe fruit character.
Pairs well with:
Pinot Noir, Merlot, Sweet Riesling, Ice-Style Wine
WHITE CHOCOLATE
White chocolate has a sweet, buttery flavor with notes of cream and honey. Sweet white and rosè wines help cleanse the palate of the rich flavors from white chocolate, as does sparkling spumante like Moscato d’Asti.
Pairs well with:
Sweet Riesling, Moscato, Semi-Dry Sparkling Whites, Gewurztraminer
Tiffany Enowski Photographer & Videographer
tiffany@tenowskibranding.com tenowskibranding.com
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
FEBRUARY 1ST
Waitress
The Landers Theatre, 311 E. Walnut St., Springfield | 7:30 PM
Waitress is a heartwarming musical about Jenna, a talented pie-maker seeking a fresh start from her unfulfilling marriage. With the support of quirky coworkers and a surprising romance, she gains the courage to reinvent her life. Featuring Sara Bareilles’ Grammy-nominated score, the show is a delightful mix of love, resilience, and hope, leaving audiences inspired and uplifted. Select Dates 1/31-2/16
FEBRUARY 8TH
Springfield
Symphony
– And the Angels Sing
Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Springfield | 7:30 PM
Mahler’s Resurrection Symphony is a powerful, five-movement celebration of resurrection and the afterlife, blending tempestuous and sublime moments. The Springfield Symphony Orchestra, joined by choirs from Drury, Missouri State, and Evangel universities, will deliver a breathtaking performance filled with beauty, emotion, and an uplifting message of redemption.
FEBRUARY 11TH
Tiramisu Class With The
Italian Kitchen
The Italian Kitchen, 540 W McDaniel St., Springfield | 6:00 PM
Join The Italian Kitchen for a fun and interactive evening where you’ll learn how to make the classic Italian dessert, Tiramisu. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and get hands-on with Chef Alessandro and Sous Chef Jennifer as they guide you through creating this delicious treat. Dinner is included, and you will take home the tiramisu you create. BYOB.
FEBRUARY 18TH
Glenn Miller Orchestra
Gillioz Center for Arts and Entertainment, 325 Park Central E., Springfield | 7:00 PM
The Glenn Miller Orchestra returns to Springfield on February 18 for a one-night performance at the Gillioz Theatre. The 17-member band will play timeless hits like “In The Mood,” “Chattanooga Choo Choo,” and “Moonlight Serenade.” Touring since 1956, the orchestra continues to perform over 200 concerts annually, offering a nostalgic and exciting experience of classic big band music.
FEBRUARY 22ND
Jerry Seinfeld
Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts, 525 S. John Q. Hammons Parkway, Springfield | 5:00 PM
Jerry Seinfeld is known for his observational humor and has earned acclaim for projects like Jerry Before Seinfeld, 23 Hours to Kill, and Comedians in Cars Getting Coffee. He’s also starred in films, written best-selling books, and directed the Emmy-nominated Unfrosted. Seinfeld continues performing nationwide and internationally, cementing his influence in comedy. There will be shows at 5 p.m. and 8 p.m.
FEBRUARY 22ND
Sertoma Chili Cook Off
Springfield Exposition Center, 635 E. St. Louis St., Springfield
The Sertoma Chili Cook-Off, founded in 1981 by Springfield Area Sertoma Clubs, is a popular annual fundraiser benefiting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Springfield. Attendees can sample chili from local businesses, enjoy live music, and participate in activities. Proceeds support local charities, making it a fun event for the community with a meaningful cause.
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