Missouri Life December 2016/January 2017

Christmas Past

THE SPIRIT OF DISCOVERY

Make Memories in Saint Charles and Hermann

Our Native Nuts Plus Recipes Hazelle’s Marionettes & Puppet-Making Workshops Afternoons and Popeye Cartoons

S O

B E

G O O D

F O R

G O O D N E S S

S A K E !

M E R RY M O !

Bread-Making Brings Hope to the Homeless Made in MO Gifts • 112 Events

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DEC $4.99 US December 2016 | $4.99 (Display until January 31)

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Holiday Tr easur es from

F ULTON Callaway County, Missouri Calena’s offers special occasion dresses and ladies wea r. Smockingbird ’s has fun apparel and ac cessories, and expanded baby, home an d kitchen sectio ns. The rich smell of leathe r boots and tack fills the air at RCW Gifts. Cr ane’s Country store features Carhartt and ot her outdoor ge ar.

Affordable

Luxury

y rn Company lovingl Green Meadows Ba ic or st hi of m the wood crafts furniture fro aft cr e fin d atures art an barns. Art House fe n ca s ue tiq ecialty an from 100+ artists. Sp story Rock Garden ere be found in the th her great shops.

Antique Barn and ot

Fashionable Finds [2] MissouriLife

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souri Meat Foodies rejoice! Central Mis y-sourced, all loc es and Sausage provid rafted brats, d-c han and high quality meats ck sticks. The gift summer sausages and sna te, with custom of wine is always in good tas essories at labeled bottles and wine acc dining on the and gs tin Serenity Valley or tas bluff at Canterbury Hill.

rafty C g in t Get way a ll a C in Scrapbookers, crafters and qu ilters find inspiration at Fab Station, Soul Sentiments an d Rooster Cree k Quilting Company. Spin ners admire fin e yarns and fiber from Alapacas d’Auxv asse.

Savor the Flavor

ay Callaway Getaw

Plan your Callaway Getaway! Exp lore worththe-drive restaurants, hotels and great B&Bs. Gray Ghosts Trail Inn is a comfort able, rural farmhouse in Williamsburg. Log anberry Inn is a lovely Victorian home, just a few blocks from the National Churchill Mus eum and Fulton’s Brick District.

For more information and calendar of events, visit www.visitfulton.com [3] December 2016 or call 573-642-7692.

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A m r ie h m e rt o P r en p N n O a ic w er N o

A Volcano Awakens • A City Vanishes

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Travel Back in Time to 79 A.D. • Experience life in the bustling, ancient Roman city • Marvel at nearly 200 precious artifacts, including full body casts • Relive the fury of Mt. Vesuvius in an immersive 4D Eruption Theatre

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New Year’s Eve Celebration DEC. 31, 8PM-1AM FEATURING:

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Contents DECEMBER 2016

in every issue >

[28] CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM

[16] SHOW ME BOOKS

Explore an eighteenth-century Christmas at the new Hermann Farm.

Bite into chocolate, lose yourself in a mystery, time-travel with Mizzou sports, and follow the adventures of a bee who sneezed.

[20] MADE IN MO We feature great made-in-Missouri gift items from Brentwood, Independence, Kansas City, Phillipsburg, Springfield, and St. Louis. They range f om pet treats, craft beer, and specialty foods to handcrafted wood items from repurposed Missouri trees.

[25] MISSOURI MUSIC Kansas City’s The Grisly Hand refines its ootsrock sound on its new album, Hearts & Stars.

special features >

[38] AFTERNOONS & POPEYE CARTOONS Return with us now to those thrilling days of yesteryear, when afternoon television was best watched while laying on the floo , head cradled in hands, and an abundance of cartoon entertainment unfolding in front of you.

[46] YEASTY HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS Fred and Sharon Domke were looking for a way to change their lives. Now the artisan bread bakery they helped create is changing the lives of others.

[65] MUSINGS Ron Marr lays out a convincing case that Santa Claus and the National Security Administration are in cahoots. You’d better watch out …

[67] NO PLACE LIKE HOME Lorry Myers learns the hard way that there are times when you may not want to ask your children to come home for the holidays.

[50] A NEW OLD-FASHIONED CHRISTMAS Sugar Plum Fairy and Santas from all over the world.

special sections >

[58] HAZELLE’S MARIONETTES

Give Missouri made and Missouri pride this year!

Get caught up in the spirit of the holidays during Christmas Traditions at Historic Saint Charles. Get ready to meet Jack Frost, Ebenezer Scrooge, the

A Kansas City artist doing a favor for her neighbor was inspired to create the largest puppet-making company in the country. You can make a piece of Kansas City history at a workshop at the Puppetry Arts Institute.

[22] HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE [34] WELCOME TO HERMANN Plan your visit around these special locations.

[70] OUR NATIVE NUTS comer, the Chinese Chestnut, standing in for our now-rare Ozark chinquapin.

[56] ST. CHARLES CHRISTMAS

This is a story you can really sink your teeth into.

Santa said stop at these fine establishments

We’ve gone nuts about the black walnut, hickory, pecan, hazelnut, and a new-

[5] December 2016

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Contents

CONTENT BY LOCATION

DECEMBER 2016

departments >

21, 24 42, 58

[10] MISSOURI MEMO Spellings of some place names confuse

[26] MISSOURI ARTISTS Father and son artists, Douglass and

Publisher Greg Wood, and Editor in

Damon Freed share a Sedalia studio

Chief Danita Allen Wood has a holiday

and a passion for painting.

15, 21 40, 46 76 50 15 76 21 28 28 76

20, 60

20 20, 44

wish list.

[73] RECIPES [12] LETTERS

Try our Missouri native nuts in a

A book we reviewed inspires nostalgia,

homemade trail mix, a pie, a cranberry-

[79] ALL AROUND MISSOURI

the magazine goes to Bulgaria, Ron

orange relish, as a bacon-wrapped

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Marr has another fan, and a huge book

hors d'oeuvres, and in a fudge cake.

Our calendar of events absolutely

is going out on a tour of state parks.

twinkles, but there’s some New Year’s

[88] DINING WORTH THE DRIVE

Eve and other winter fun as well.

[14] MO MIX Discover where kids can read to dogs,

Sit down to a Sicilian dinner in

[98] MISSOURIANA

two Missouri distilleries that rank top of

Chesterfi ld, eat Aussie-style at

White Christmas? In Missouri? Wanna

the list, and how many countries around

Mexico, Missouri, and order up a

bet? Who called TV the best babysitter?

the world could fit in o Missouri.

classic breakfast in Jeffe son City.

Find the answer to these and more.

– THIS ISSUE –

On the Web

Sign up for Missouri Lifelines, our free e-newsletter, and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

CHRISTMAS IN HERMANN

THE GRISLY HAND

SHOP MISSOURI

Want to sit back and take a guided tour of the

You’ve read about them. Now listen to them

This year, give a gift from the Show-Me State.

holidays in this quaint German town? Check

playing live at Weights and Measures Sound-

From books to apparel to a variety of beautiful

out our website for a colorful slideshow.

lab in Kansas City’s Crossroads Arts District.

gifts, we make holiday shopping easy.

Bicycle Across Missouri

Get signed up now for the 2017 Big BAM cross-state bike tour and music festival, June 10- 16, or give tickets as gifts. Go to BigBAMRide.com for more information.

on the cover> A SAINT CHARLES CHRISTMAS The Lewis and Clark Fife and Drum Corps marches the Holiday Season down the streets of Saint Charles every Saturday and Sunday through December 18.

See the full story beginning on page 50.

[6] MissouriLife

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EXPECTATION

THE SPIR IT OF DISCOV ERY 501 High Street, Ste. A, Boonville, MO 65233 660-882-9898 | Info@MissouriLife.com

Publisher Greg Wood Editor in Chief Danita Allen Wood EDITORIAL & ART Managing Editor Martin W. Schwartz Creative Director Sarah Herrera Copy Editor Kathy Casteel Graphic Designer and Staff Photographer Harry Katz Calendar Editor Amy Stapleton Graphic Designer Kath Teoli Contributing Writers Kate Bacon, Danielle Breshears, Amy Burger, Eddie O'Neill, Debra Pamplin, Julie Brown Patton, Nicole Plegge Columnists Ron W. Marr & Lorry Myers Contributing Photographers Notley Hawkins, Eddie O'Neill, Julie Brown Patton MARKETING • 800-492-2593 Eastern District Sales & Marketing Director Scott Eivins, 660-882-9898, ext. 102 Western District Sales & Marketing Director Joe Schmitter 660-882-9898, ext. 104 Marketing and Advertising Coordinator Seabrook Omura 660-882-9898, ext. 116

Shake off those winter blues.

Circulation Manager Amy Stapleton Bookkeeping Jennifer Johnson DIGITAL MEDIA MissouriLife.com, Missouri eLife, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter Editors Sarah Herrera, Harry Katz & Evan Wood Missouri Lifelines Kath Teoli

VisitCape.com/ComePlay

Photo courtesy of Clay Guthrie

DESTINATION

TO SUBSCRIBE OR GIVE A GIFT AND MORE Use your credit card and visit MissouriLife.com or call 800-492-2593, ext. 101 or mail a check for $19.99 (for 8 issues) to: Missouri Life, 501 High Street, Ste. A, Boonville, MO 65233-1211 Change address Visit MissouriLife.com OTHER INFORMATION Custom Publishing For your special publications, call 800-492-2593, ext. 106 or email Greg.Wood@MissouriLife.com.

Back Issues Order from website, call, or send check for $10.50. Subject to availability.

’ve

Yoaurrived!

800·777·0068

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[8] MissouriLife

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It’s our time to shine.

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MISSOURI

emo

THE INNOCENT WHO TRAVELED ABROAD MISSOURI HAS ITS SHARE

of unusual and funny town names such as Braggadocio and Tightwad. And we have an interesting way of pronouncing some of them. For instance, Versailles is pronounced by Missourians just as it is spelled but most Missourians also know that the French pronunciation is “Ver-SIGH.” Missourians pronounce Auxvasse in the French form as “Aw-VOZ,” not the phonetic form that would probably sound like “Ox-Vasey.”

This led me to start thinking about how we pronounce the names of Missouri towns originating from foreign lands compared to the way they are pronounced in their country of origin. Take Paris—it’s pronounced “Par-ee” by the French, even though it is GREG WOOD, PUBLISHER spelled the same in both English and French.

So what about the Missouri town of Vienna?

Not only is it pronounced differently in German, it is also spelled “Wein” and pronounced “Veen.”

I have to admit this difference in spelling and pronunciation never made an impression on me until we traveled to Italy several years ago.

We had been in Rome a few days, and I’d seen the word “Roma” everywhere and figu ed that they just had a funny way of spelling it. We got to the train station and I kept looking for a sign that said, “Florence,” which was our next stop on the tour. All I could see were signs that said, “Firenza.” Then it dawned on me: they were one and the same. So when we left Firenza by train to Venice, I was not as befuddled when I saw the signs that said, “Venezia,” which is pronounced “Ven-EET-sia.”

I have traveled in a few other countries since, and I’m no longer surprised when I see a city such as Lisbon spelled “Lisboa” and pronounced that way in Portuguese. But I was intrigued to discover that Gaelic is still the official language in Ireland and every sign I saw there had the Gaelic name posted in big bold letters with the English version in smaller letters below. Please don’t ask me to pronounce anything in Gaelic.

Interestingly enough, there seems to be no Gaelic word for Missouri, but we may have the Irish to thank for our venerable pronunciation of Missour-uh with “uh” being what is called the ə or shwa sound. The late Donald Lance, a former linguistics professor at the University of Missouri, wrote a treatise on how the name of our state is pronounced.

“The Irish generally substitute ə for ĭ in unstressed syllables,” he wrote.

All this thinking about foreign lands makes me want to travel. Anyone else want to come to “Wein” with Danita and me next fall and ride bikes along the Donau (Doe-now) River? You can find out mo e on page 78.

At least when I get to Austria, I’ll know why I can’t find a sign to Vienna along the Danube.

MY HOLIDAY WISH LIST • Peace on Earth • Clean and safe water for everyone • The opportunity for all children to have a good, basic education

AFTER THIS YEAR’S especially rambunctious election cycle, we need to find some positive things to focus on, don’t you agree?

I’m a member of Rotary. In fact, I’m our small, local club’s president this year. The above are just three of Rotary’s core areas of focus. The other three are disease prevention and treatment, maternal and child health, and economic and community development. Our club focuses on mostly local projects but some DANITA ALLEN WOOD, EDITOR international efforts, as well.

As I get older (and older), I realize how little I really know, but one thing I do know is that it will take all of us contributing a little bit to make the world a better place for our children, and their children, and their children.

So my real wish list this year is that every single one of us would ask him- or herself, “How can I help?”

Don’t wait for someone else. Don’t wait for later when we have more time and money. And don’t expect the governments of the world to do everything. Ask right now: In what small way could I be helping my neighborhood and my community? How could I use whatever means I have and whatever effort I’m able to contribute to help?

Your local service clubs such as Rotary, Kiwanis, Optimists, and others are great places to start, and there are many other options. You’ll find your efforts will ripple out to help our region, our state, our country, and our world.

Have a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

PS: We just won Magazine of the Year for the second year in a row, along with eight other awards. Visit MissouriLife.com to read some of those stories and see those photos. Somewhere on my wish list is that you would help us spread the good word and give Missouri Life magazine as a gift to your friends, family, and colleagues!

Hey, I didn’t say my wish list was short! See page 22 for other Missouri gift ideas.

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DECEMBER

LETTERS from all over You write them. We print them.

A ST. LOUIS HISTORY LESSON In your August edition of Missouri Life, there is an article about the book, Downtown St. Louis (Show-Me Books, August 2016). I would like to find out how to purchase this book.

I’m 93 years old, don’t have a computer, and will have to do it the old way with the US Postal Service and a check.

From about age ten to fifteen, I lived near the corner of Broadway and East Grand Avenue and used to take the streetcar, which ran along Broadway to downtown St. Louis. At Christmastime, it was a fairyland. The big department stores had their outdoor glass windows filled with snow scenes of Santa Claus, Christmas trees, and all kinds of delightful things. The streets, too, had garlands of Christmas lights strung between the light poles. It was a wonderland.

If I could manage somehow to get thirty cents—remember those were the Great Depression days—I could spend ten cents each way on the streetcar, fi e cents for a hot dog, and fi e cents for a root beer.

Downtown St. Louis brings back so many lovely memories. It was also a kinder time we lived in back then.

Please excuse my handwritten scribbles. I’m not into typing anymore, although I still have my portable typewriter that I purchased used in 1951. It still works, but I don’t.

—Muriel Maxine Jenkins, Keaau, Hawaii Thank you for sharing your holiday memories of St. Louis. And put away your checkbook. We like your letter so much that we’re sending you a copy of Downtown St. Louis. We hope it stirs many more happy memories of the Gateway City.—Editors

THE BEST MEDICINE

are nearly as bad. I’ve been enjoying his Musings for

that most of the people who read it want to get out and see

Keep up the good work at the magazine. I enjoy the

quite a while. Thank you, Mr. Marr. — Candice Foster,

the parks with their own eyes. Like you, they take a copy

issues a lot, then send them to a homesick friend in

Niceville, Florida

along for reference. The book makes a great Christmas

Bulgaria.—Irene Karns, Columbia

TXT’d UR message 2 Ron. He’s AFK. J/k LOL—Editors

gift. Find ordering information on page 24.—Editors

According to a quick Internet search, that means each issue of Missouri Life is traveling approximately 5,612

STATE PARKS RULE!

miles. Can we apply for frequent flyer miles?—Editor

I’m a little late in getting my thanks to you for win-

SEND US A LETTER

ning the book, Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites.

TECHNICALLY SPEAKING

I am enjoying it so much! I took my seven-year-old

I loved Mr. Marr’s take on today’s technology. I

grandson to three of the sites before school started

think the only way to communicate with my great-

and my husband and I are going to at least three

nephews is by texting them at the dinner table, even

more next week. The book is huge, but it’s going with

though I am right in front of them. Wish I could in-

us on our trip! —Mary Leuchtmann, St. Louis

Email:

stitute a ban on cell phones while I am visiting. Then

Glad to hear you’re enjoying your book. Although we in-

Facebook:

again, my friends here in Florida, who are my age,

terspersed lots of beautiful pictures with the text, we find

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SOME CHRISTMAS

TRADITIONS GROW BRIGHTER EVERY YEAR

S I LV E R D O L L A R C I T Y O L D T I M E C H R I S T M A S

There’s no tradition brighter than spending time together in Branson. Where twinkling lights astound, Christmas spirit abounds and joy to the world can be found on every street corner.

Take in a festive show, do some holiday shopping or behold the magical glow of 5 million lights.

This holiday make an Ozark Mountain Christmas part of your family tradition.

877- BR ANS O N

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College

T

WHERE

of the

Ozarks

raditions

B E G I N

College of the Ozarks began in 1906 as a work school for deserving Ozarks youth. The tradition continues. Dubbed Hard Work U. in 1973 by The Wall Street Journal, work education is still an integral part of our institution. The College receives national attention for its high academic and moral standards, selectivity, work education, and emphasis on patriotism. ÂŽ

We invite you to visit College of the Ozarks, where you may experience fine dining and upscale lodging at The Keeter Center, or visit one of our many memorials, including the official Missouri Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Enjoy the Hard Work U. experience! ÂŽ

Visit our campus year-round.

College of the Ozarks A T R A D I T I O N T H AT W O R K S

The Keeter Center HISTOR IC LOD GING A ND FINE D INING

www.keetercenter.edu www.cofo.edu [14] MissouriLife 014 ML1216.indd 14

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Mo MIX

St. Louis & New Haven

ADOBE STOCK AND COURTESY HUMANE SOCIETY OF MISSOURI, SELFSTORAGE.COM

High Spirits TWO MISSOURI

craft vodka distilleries

have been named to the USA Today "10Best" Readers’

>St. Louis

Choice for 2016.

Bless the Beasts and the Children THE HUMANE SOCIETY of Missouri is offering a program that has both tongues and tails wagging The Shelter Buddies Reading Program teams a student with a kenneled dog, allowing a child to read aloud to an appreciative pup. The exercise inspires the child, who gains confidence in his or her reading abilities, while socializing the dog, who begins to feel more comfortable around humans.

St. Louis Distillery took top honors in the competition; Pinckney Bend Distillery in New Haven placed fourth. A panel of fi e experts nominated twenty of what they judged to be the best craft vodka distilleries in the country. Final results were determined by popular vote.

Pinckney Bend D istillery’s Three-Grain American Vodka starts with a base of 80 percent organic wheat,

The dogs are able to adjust to the human presence and many will move slowly to the front of the kennel, where the

15 percent barley and 5 percent rye, distilled separately

student will reward the dog with a treat or two. JoEllyn Klepacki, assistant director of the Humane Society of Missouri,

in small batches to maintain its unique fl vor profile. Get

says the goal of the program is to have the dog sitting directly in front of the child by the end of the reading session.

more information at PinckneyBend.com.

Dogs that come to the front of the kennel get adopted quicker and children benefit from reading to a nonjudgmental, unconditionally loving audience.

St. Louis D istillery’s Cardinal Sin Vodka and Cardinal Sin Starka are both handcrafted from a base of toasted

To learn more about this program, or to start a Shelter Buddies Reading Program at your local animal shelter, call 314-951-1579, or go to HSMO.org/education.—Debra Pamplin

two-row malted barley that is distilled only once. Find out more at StLDistillery.com.—Martin W. Schwartz

Statewide

All Wrapped Up in a Really Big Box DID YOU KNOW that if Missouri was a country, it would be the eighty-ninth largest by area?

That’s just one of the fun Show-Me State facts generated by SelfStorage.com in an infographic released online in which eighty-nine countries are shown fitting inside a Missouri-shaped storage containe .

Every map causes distortions of the area, shape, and directions used to measure distances. Using a new mapping tool, engineers at SelfStorage.com were able to compensate for those distortions and create a theoretical Missouri-sized storage unit that would be able to hold the state’s 69,706 square miles. Given that sizable storage unit, the theorists were able to tell not only which countries would fit inside Missouri, but how many times. For example, Ireland (pictured at left) would fit in the Missouri-size storage unit two-and-a-half times. Check it out at SelfStorage.com/self-storage/Missouri.

Or go to our website at MissouriLife.com and we’ll provide a link.—Martin W. Schwartz

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SHOW-ME

Books

VISIONS OF SUGARPLUMS A writer’s confectionary quest reveals Show-Me State sweet have

Delectable Destinations: A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Missouri Deborah M. Reinhardt, hardcover, 160 pages, nonfiction, Acclaim P ess, $24.95 travel companion as you explore the state. Got a chocolate lover on your Christmas gift list? Delectable Destinations makes a great, guilt-free, no-calorie substitute.

Jane Seabrook, creator and artist of the Furry Logic series of books, once observed, “If there’s no chocolate in heaven, I’m not going.”

We can’t vouch for chocolate in heaven, but Delectable Destinations proves there’s definitely chocolate to be found in Missouri And we’re going.

COURTESY THE CANDY FACTORY

CHOCOLATIERS LOVE this time of year. From Halloween to Easter, chocolate’s popularity reaches its peak with more than $18 billion in sales in the United States last year and a projected $22.4 billion for 2017.

Why do we love our chocolate so much? According to researchers at Cambridge University, it’s simply because it tastes so good. Chocolate induces sensations of pleasure that exceed listening to your favorite music, winning the lottery, or falling in love.

Now, Missouri chocolate lovers can set a course to seek out the ShowMe State’s best chocolatiers in a book that Missouri Tourism Director Dan Lennon says, “leaves no stone or truffle unturned.” In Delectable Destinations: A Chocolate Lover’s Guide to Missouri, St. Louis author Deborah M. Reinhardt shares stories, photos, and creations of more than twenty chocolate artisans from Kansas City to St. Louis, and Springfield to Hannibal.

Readers might be surprised to discover the variety of Missouri’s chocolate shops and chocolatiers. Businesses range from large factories to small entrepreneurs. The Show-Me State even has three bean-to-bar chocolate makers, meaning they start with cacao (or cocoa) beans and use their own formulas and recipes to create the chocolate they use to make their bars and bonbons. The book also includes recipes from Missouri’s chocolate experts, plus wine and chocolate pairing tips.

Deborah, who has been a travel writer for more than thirty years, started life with an intense allergic reaction to her subject matter. In her preface, she recalls that as a child she always felt there was something missing from her Easter basket.

“Because chocolate was the forbidden fruit for me growing up, it took on this mysterious quality, a sultry siren song that called to me, ‘Just take a bite,’ ” she writes. “Sometimes I couldn’t keep from it and savored the chocolate as I scratched the itchy hives popping out on my neck and face.”

Fortunately for Deborah and her readers, she outgrew her adolescent food allergy, and her love for chocolate shows through in text and photos that will make your mouth water. Even the book itself looks like a rich bar of chocolate, and its compact size makes it the perfect

BY MARTIN W. SCHWARTZ

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SHOW-ME

Books

MORE GOOD READS Willie Mae Joseph D. Manzer, 802 pages, fiction, McMann Publishing, $22.95 If you’re one of those people who thinks the good old days represented a simpler time in which to live, you might think differently after reading Willie Mae

by Joseph D. Manzer. “Human relationships are eternally complex,” says the Lake of the Ozarks writer about his first novel, set in Mobile, Alabama, during the Great Depression. Otis Brown, former captain of a 1926 cruiser called Willie Mae narrates the story of the boat’s namesake: Willie Mae Dawson, a beautiful sharecropper who meets the charismatic Foster K. Siler when she is just fifteen. Their love affair spans depression and war and climaxes in a trial that slips beyond the boundaries of Mobile to rock the country.

Missouri’s Forgotten Heroes

Mizzou Sports Through the Ages: An Illustrated Timeline of University of Missouri Athletics Brandon Steenbergen, 144 pages, nonfiction, Reedy Press, $36 Mizzou Sports Through the Ages: An Illustrated Timeline of University of Missouri Athletics should be required reading for anyone donning the black and gold who knows that the only response to the cheer, “M-I-Z!” is an equally raucous, “Z-O-U!” From the first university “base ball” team in 1868 through twotime national wrestling champion J’den Cox, you’ll experience the thrilling—and frustrating—years of Mizzou sports in text and pictures. Whether on the coffee table or bookshelf, Tigar fans will appreciate this book.

The Bee Who Sneezed

Ross Malone, 236 pages, nonfiction, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, $17 Franklin County writer Ross Malone has turned his interest in Missouri history to the unsung, forgotten heroes—those who should be remembered, but have somehow fallen through the cracks. Ross brings to life the stories of such Missouri historymakers as Joyce C. Hall, the founder of Hallmark Cards. His style of short articles makes it easy to flip open to a page and quickly read a story when a moment presents itself, but—like eating potato chips—it’s hard to stop at one. Buy it from our website at ShopMissouriLife.com/books.

The Autobiography of a Reporter Edward A. Harris, 115 pages, nonfiction, Upper House Books, $16 The Autobiography of a Reporter traces reporter Edward A. Harris’s life from his early days at Clifton Place in St. Louis to his retirement in Virginia and includes his careers at the St. Louis Star-Times from 1933 to 1940 and as a reporter for the St. Louis PostDispatch from 1940 to 1953. In 1946, Harris won the Pulitzer Prize for articles he wrote on the Tidelands Oil Scandal. The book is available on our website at ShopMissouriLife.com/books.

Stephen Evans, 40 pages, children’s fiction, 2nd Tour Publishing, $15.99 This is a humdinger of a tale that teaches youngsters the importance of bee-ing themselves. Written by Stephen Evans, who is the head chef for the University of Missouri Athletic Dining, and illustrated by Mic Ru, the book is the first offering from 2nd Tour Publishing, a veteran-owned-andoperated publishing company and, at press time, was a finalist for the 2016 McGrath House Independent Book Awards for children’s fiction

On Fire: The 7 Choices to Ignite a Radically Inspired Life John O’Leary, 288 pages, nonfiction, North Star ay, $26 One of the things that defines human existence is how we deal with adversity. When St. Louis writer John O’Leary was nine years old, he was burned so severely in a house fi e that doctors didn’t expect him to live through the night. Five months in the hospital and years of painful rehabilitation provided John with valuable insight that ultimately changed his life. Sharing his seven, life-altering choices through his book, On Fire, John is helping others transform their lives from ordinary to extraordinary.

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[19] December 2016

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Made IN MISSOURI

Independence

Spread the Love >Springfie d

THIS IS THE LOVE STORY Andrea’s strawberry preserves and apple butter. So did Darrell’s friends. And their friends. And so on.

HAVE YOU EVER LOOKED at the ingredients in the treats you give to your pets? Nanette Willis

Eventually, D arrell and Andrea decided everyone

has. After discovering the level of fillers and other ingredients she didn’t want to feed her companions, Nanette started

should be able to have a taste, so they started The Berry

making her own pet treats.

Nutty Farm offering their signature line of fruit spreads

Sassy’s Goodies offers fresh pet treats made from scratch in a kitchen that is licensed by both the Missouri Depart-

and butters that include Road Trip fruit spread, a tantaliz-

ment of Agriculture and the US Food and Drug Administration. The products contain homegrown, organic ingredients

ing blend of fresh strawberry, peach, raspberry, blackber-

with no wheat, corn, salt, sugar, or additives; Sassy’s also takes special orders for allergies. Choose from Pupcakes, Banana

ry, and blueberry, and Dueling Berries, whose blackberry

Carob bars, Peanut Butter Cup treats, and more—all of which look so delicious you might find yourself envying your

and raspberry play off each other’s harmonies. Ingredi-

four-legged friend.

ents are locally sourced whenever possible.

Sassy’s Goodies are available at the new retail location at 812 South Glenstone Avenue and at Springfield-area Price Cutter and Homegrown Food stores. Order online at SassysGoodies.net.

Fall in love with The Berry Nutty Farm. Single jars and gift sets are available at BeNutty.com and local grocers.

Phillipsburg

Stage a Holiday Brewcation THE FIRST HURDLE on the road to happiness is to get over yourself. At Boat Town Brewing, you’ll want to check your seriousness at the door. Or just leave it in your car.

Owners and friends, Bart Guyer and Dale Korn set out to produce the kinds of craft beers they wanted to enjoy. Wyota Wheat, for example, takes its name from the Osage Indian village that became the town of Lebanon, just down the highway from Boat Town Brewing. According to local legend, it is infused with magnetic healing waters. Or try one of the twins: Barley’s Bite, an American-style Barley Wine Ale; or Barley’s Chill, Barley’s Bite that “set a spell” in a whiskey barrel.

You’ll find more options, all served up in Boat Town Brewing’s comfortable tasting room off Interstate 44. Take the Phillipsburg exit to 18146 Campground Road. Check it out before you go at BoatTownBrewing.com.

COURTESY SASSY'S GOODIES, HARRY KATZ, COURTESY BOAT TOWN BREWING, COURTESY KANSAS CITY STEAK COMPANY

Four-Legged Stocking Stuffe s

of D arrell Tindal and Andrea Schnetzler. D arrell loved

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Brentwood

No Grains, No Glory CHEF ANNE CROY has a simple mission: to create the best granola in the world.

If you talk to her customers, she’s already there.

Banner Road Baking Company produces sweet and nutritious products using fresh ingredients, sourced locally whenever possible. Banner Road’s flagship granola, for example, is bursting with Missouri organic oil-rich pecans.

Monkey Suit blends local honey with peanut butter and bananas for a nostalgic fl vor.

“My expectations of tastes and distinct fl vors came from growing up on a midwestern family farm where grains, fruits, and vegetables were crops that nourished us,” says Chef Ann, who left a successful career as an art director to create Banner Road Baking Company.

Check out the many varieties of fresh goodness available online at BannerRoad.com.

St. Louis

Kansas City

Made FROM Missouri

No Thanks, Omaha

DON’T JUST GIVE a gift that looks like Missouri; give something that is

SATISFY EVERY meat lover on your Christmas shopping list with signature

actually a piece of the Show-Me State.

Kansas City strip steaks, filet mignon, ribeye, sirloin, T-bone, and more from The Kansas

Newberry Furniture takes urban lumber from storm-felled and relocated trees all across the state and repurposes them into furniture, home décor, and kitchen items.

City Steak Company.

Established in 1932, The Kansas City Steak Company has been providing gourmet

This bread-shaped toast board, handcrafted by Bill and Julie Newberry, repurposes

steaks and other top-of-the-line beef cuts, wet-aged to fl vor perfection, and de-

native Missouri wood to beautiful effect and the wooden spreader is custom-designed

livered to your door. Variety packs and samplers make great corporate gifts or holi-

for applying the perfect coat of jam or honey.

day bonuses. You can check out the entire line of meats, sides, and desserts online at

Check out all the handcrafted wood items available online at NewberryFurniture.com.

KansasCitySteaks.com, or call 800-987-8325.

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Holiday Gift Guide Across the Board Game Across the Board is a St. Louis family owned and operated workshop specializing in high quality, handcrafted, unique wooden games. All products are made with premium materials and assembled with the utmost care and precision.

We believe when you purchase a product, it should last—and our products are built for generations to enjoy!

9300 Watson Industrial Park, Crestwood 314-961-9663 www.AcrossTheBoardGame.com

Rockwood Lump Charcoal is made from 100% Missouri hardwoods so it burns hotter, longer, and leaves less ash than other charcoals. Perfect for any BBQ grill, smoker, or Christmas stocking!

Available in more than 60 Missouri locations

RockwoodCharcoal.com

Roundhouse Exchange

Cavender’s A western tradition that’s proud to be in Missouri, Cavender’s carries a full selection of jeans, shirts, felt and straw hats, fashion clothes, accessories and of course, boots!

Cavender’s—family owned and operated since 1965. Photo: Cavender’s by Old Gringo Women’s Tatum Cognac Suede with fringe on side round toe boots. $179.99 18451 Convenience Way, Chesterfiel Cavenders.com

Roundhouse Exchange is an online shop featuring durable, well-made goods for the home and garden. Orders are shipped from our warehouse in Kansas City using 100% recycled packaging.

816-745-0085 • RoundhouseKC.com

The Berry Nutty Farm Few things are better than homemade fruit spreads and butters from Grandma’s house—unless it’s three homemade fruit spreads and butters. Using traditional, small-batch methods and fresh fruit, The Berry Nutty Farm creates delicious fl vor combinations for the modern taste.

Endlessly versatile, use as meat glazes, toppings or just with toast.

662-368-8892 BeNutty.com

Rockwood Charcoal

Missouri Nature Art

Celebrate Missouri with some unique and natural gifts for the home or cabin created from rescued Missouri woods. Shop our online inventory or we can custom create you the perfect gift!

816-662-4862 MissouriNatureArt.com

Ask about Gift Certificates!

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Aussie Outback & Down Under Aussie Outback & Down Under is a sports bar with traditional Australian fare right here in Missouri.

Bring your friends and family down for fine dining, authentic people and an atmosphere you don’t need a passport for. Experience the fine dining spirits, and sports.

117 West Monroe, Mexico 573-567-5514 AussieOutbackDownUnder.com

ILLUMIBOWL

As seen on ABC’s Shark Tank, the IllumiBowl is a motion-activated toilet night light designed to make late night trips to the bathroom safe and easy. It’s popular among potty-training kids and senior citizens.

IllumiBowl.com

Missouri Life Subscription Missouri Life Magazine is the holiday present that lasts all year long. Your friends, family, and colleagues will think of you every time they receive a new issue, eight times a year.

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Learn fun Missouri trivia while playing your favorite card game. Each card features a photo and fact about the Show-Me State, right down to the Joker. $7 (plus tax +s/h)

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If Missouri is your home, wear it!

Bright t-shirts with hand-lettered designs show off the state in style.

Available in men’s and women’s styles and colors. $18-28 (plus tax +s/h)

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Missouri Jewelery

Give a tote bag featuring our state animal, the mule, or the Missouri state map with the county names drawn in the county shapes. Better yet, get one for you and one for a friend. Just be careful who you label stubborn. $20 (plus tax +s/h) Show your Missouri love with lead-free, cadmium-free, and nickel-free jewelry.

More styles online. $14 each (plus tax +s/h)

Find more great gifts & books a www.shopmissourilife.com

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MISSOURI The Grisly Hand is (from left) Lauren Krum, Dan Loftus, Jimmy Fitzner, Matt Richey, Ben Summers, and Mike Stover.

HAND JIVE

COURTESY THE GRISLY HAND

Kansas City’s The Grisly Hand refines its roots-rock sound on Hearts & Star AFTER EIGHT YEARS and some lineup shuffles, vocalist Lauren Krum feels her Kansas City band The Grisly Hand is finally hitting its full stride on its fourth album, Hearts & Stars.

“It took a while to get to the place where we have the sound we envisioned,” she says. “We want to serve the songs that were written and make them as good as possible.”

The self-described rock band delightfully blends multiple genres— rock, classic country, honky-tonk, Americana, and even a touch of punk at times. Stunning harmonies laid over rock guitar, drums, and bass, and infused with piano, steel guitar, and mandolin create a uniquely American melting pot of sound.

Founding members Lauren and guitarist/vocalist Jimmy Fitzner met in Kansas City and became friends after high school.

“Jimmy was in a punk band called Tankray with our original drummer,” Lauren recalls. “We met when we were eighteen or nineteen, and I thought he was cool. I had played just one open mike night here in Kansas City before I moved to Chicago in 2006, where I started a soul band. When that didn’t work out and I decided to come home, we started this band. I was in a low place, and Jimmy and I started to play together.

We got a few others together and put out our first E , Safe House.”

The band went through some changes before evolving into its strong, current lineup, which includes Lauren and Jimmy, drummer Matt Richey, bass and steel guitarist Mike Stover, bass and piano player Dan Loftus, and guitarist/mandolin player Ben Summers.

Along with Hearts & Stars, The Grisly Hand has released a nineteensong double LP, combining all of the songs from Hearts & Stars and

BY AMY BURGER

the group’s 2015 album Flesh & Gold into one. The compilation makes sense, as the two were actually recorded together.

“We were enamored with the idea of making a double album, but recording and mixing that many songs takes a long time,” says Mike.

“So we decided to release them separately.”

“We went in with all this stuff, and we weren’t sure what would be finished when and what would go together,” Lauren says. “The ones that were furthest along became Flesh & Gold. With this new record, we’d put down some of the bones of the songs initially, and then we’d go back in and do a lot of re-recording and tweaking. It’s more soulful.

We’re taking more risks in that each song doesn’t sound like the next.”

The Grisly Hand recorded both albums, as well as the 2013 release, Country Singles, at Element Recordings in Kansas City with engineer and producer Joel Nanos, who is also one of the band’s biggest fans. “I think each record has been an evolution for this band, which has kept it exciting,” Joel says. “The songwriting is timeless yet relevant, and to me, it always feels like something I am already comfortable and familiar with but is still brand-new and exciting. It’s an excellent balance, and I personally just strive to do the songs justice and preserve that same feeling on the recordings.”

“We’re very lucky that we have an audience,” Lauren says. “We get approached for shows. It’s a modest version of success, but people are so enthusiastic and loyal in Kansas City. Bands are happy to play with one another and be supportive of one another.”

Listen to The Grisly Hand’s music, purchase CDs, and follow the band’s live performances at TheGrislyHand.com.

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MISSOURI

IT’S ALL RELATIVE Father and son artists prove the paint doesn’t fall far from the palett for a father and his son to create a family business that passes from one generation to the next. For Sedalia artists Douglass and Damon Freed, the family business is creating beauty.

The patriarch of this father and son team says he first felt his calling in elementary school. Doug Freed grew up in the small town of Ulysses, Kansas. When he started fourth grade in a brand-new school, he says he noticed the brand-new walls were covered by brand-new bulletin boards.

“Those bulletin boards terrified all the teachers,” says Doug. “They were about twelve feet by four feet, and none of the teachers wanted anything to do with them.”

Doug accepted the assignment of designing a Halloween-themed bulletin board using construction paper, glue, and thumbtacks. His artwork was such a hit that teachers immediately tapped him to design a Thanksgiving display. And Christmas. “I was able to select a group of other student artists and together we pretty much did all the bulletin

boards from fourth through eighth grade,” Doug says. “At that point in time, everybody knew I was an artist, so I have never really looked at doing anything other than that.”

Doug followed high school with a Bachelor and Master of Fine Arts, both from Fort Hayes State University in Hays, Kansas. After graduation, he found his way to Sedalia, where he was destined to head up the art department at yet another new school: State Fair Community College. The college was so new, in fact, that Doug says when he first went out to tour the building, it was nothing more than a concrete slab.

LIKE FATHER, LIKE SON Doug’s son Damon started his career in his father’s studio, where he says he and a cadre of friends used to spend their time creating. “That was my best education,” Damon says. After high school, Damon went to State Fair Community College before moving on to New York’s School of Visual Arts.

MARTIN W. SCHWARTZ

IT’S NOT UNCOMMON

BY MARTIN W. SCHWARTZ

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Left: Damon and Douglass Freed work together in their studio in downtown Sedalia.

Right: Damon's Untitled #21 is an oil on canvas painting in the Fauvist style.

Upon returning to Sedalia, Damon followed in his father’s footsteps, teaching at State Fair Community College and the University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg. His work has been exhibited throughout the state, most recently at Park University in Parkville and at Sager Braudis Gallery in Columbia.

Damon says that at the beginning of his career, he had to consciously work to separate his style from his father’s. Whereas Doug creates rich, chromatic landscape vistas, Damon says his use of color and mark making is out of the Fauvist tradition. “I use color and mark making in an expressive way,” he says. “The color is not decided upon from observation, but from an intuitive emotional standpoint.” The more introspective of the two, Damon is also a writer who recently completed an as yet unpublished book of poetry inspired by his paintings.

COURTESY DAMON FREED, DOUGLASS FREED

A NEW MUSEUM Around the time that Doug Freed’s career was just getting started, he met Harold F. Daum, who would become a lifelong friend and collaborator on one of the state’s premiere art museums.

As director of the art department at State Fair Community College, Doug was also curator of the college’s Goddard Gallery, which Doug helped establish in 1995. Utilizing Doug’s eye for art, Harold had begun amassing a large collection of valuable contemporary art.

“He came into my studio one day and said, ‘I think I’d like to give my collection to the college,’ ” Doug says.

Doug pointed out that Harold’s collection was far too valuable to be hung in the public spaces of the college. “I told him we were going to have to build a museum,” Doug says. “He gave me leeway to go out in the community and try to generate enough revenue to do something.”

After raising $800,000 in contributions, Doug says Harold was convinced there was enough support to proceed with the construction of a museum on the community college campus. In 2002, the Daum Museum of Contemporary Art opened, and Doug served as its director for the next eight years.

In all that time of educating, creating, and directing a museum and raising a family, Doug continued to paint, earning a following through shows in galleries in Kansas City, Tulsa, Miami, St. Louis, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York City.

“In 1980 to 1995, my career was over the top,” Doug says. “My work was being purchased by collectors from all over the world. I had paintings in the only three-story gallery in Soho. It was a nice life, living on New York dollars in Sedalia, Missouri.”

Recession and the Internet triggered a paradigm shift in the art world, forcing some galleries to close their doors and the remaining ones to shift their focus to blue-chip artists whose paintings sell for $50,000 or more. The changes have forced Doug to make some adjustments to his art. “I have started making less expensive smaller paintings so a larger number of people can afford my work,” he says.

Doug says his painting style has also shifted slightly from abstract to

Above: Midday Reflections by Doug Freed reveals the artist’s shift to more naturalistic work.

The large oil-on-canvas painting evokes the serene setting of a quiet Missouri river.

more naturalistic. “My work went in a different direction around 1995,” he says. “I started seeing references to landscapes in there. Basically, I became a landscape painter.”

From those early bulletin boards to his current paintings, Doug says his goal has always been to create a bridge between what he sees and what he feels. “I mean, all my paintings are intuitive from my imagination,” he says.

You can view or purchase Doug’s paintings at DougFreed.com. Both Damon and Doug are currently showing at Sherry Leedy Contemporary Art in Kansas City and at Bruno David Gallery in Saint Louis, two of the leading contemporary art galleries in the state of Missouri.

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hte

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c a ihn

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A Holiday at

HERMANN FARM PHOTOS BY NOTLEY HAWKINS

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Farm Manager Darryl Coates drives Missouri mules, Pat and Jane, in harness bells past the historic Husmann Home.

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TURN BACK TIME

A collection of springerle cookie molds will be on display at the Spirit House. The old springerle molds were used to emboss designs in anisefl vored cookie dough.

For some, traveling for the holidays is not so much a matter of where to go as when. There’s something about Christmas that shares a symbiotic relationship with the past. Memory creates a personal nostalgia.

Time slows down.

And technology takes a backseat to traditions.

This year, for the first time, Herman Farm is inviting visitors to get lost in Christmas as it was celebrated in the nineteenth-century German town on the south bank of the Missouri River.

The 160-acre working farm is an open-air museum that captures the spirit of 1850s Hermann when German immigrants had only just begun to settle the area of the Missouri River valley that reminded them so much of their home along the Rhine.

The farm was originally the home of George Husmann, who came to the area in 1838 to live on land his father had purchased while still in Germany.

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Joan Treis and Ashlee Hughes add to the holiday cheer by decorating a small antique feather tree with glass German ornaments.

Pete Treis sits at the old desk in the west parlor, where George Husmann might have looked out on the Missouri River as he wrote his journals.

An open hearth stands ready to prepare a holiday meal, complete with trammel to hold cast iron pots to simmer soups and stews over the fire. The wall and trim colors are authentic and original to the home.

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Old buggies, farm implements, barn loom and shuttles, seed cleaning equipment, and a harness maker’s tools are among the items on display in the old barn at Hermann Farm.

Above: This restored old timber barn has hosted everything from Civil War commemorative events to receptions and musical performances. There are amazing views out the windows where you can see raptors in flight along the Missouri River waterway. Right: An old loom sits in the corner of the barn.

The antique equipment visible in the foreground is a “Keystone” Common Sense Feed Cutter with a copyright date of July 1872.

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DECK THE HALLS Visitors to Hermann Farm can visit the two-story Husmann House, a Greek Revival style home, restored with period furniture and decorated for the holidays with candles, garland, and wreaths.

The holiday spirit extends beyond the farmhouse to spill across the entire acreage. Herman Farm’s resident shire horses are wearing brightly polished harness bells. A roaring bonfi e warms guests behind the restored 1838 mercantile and visitors center.

Schuetzenhalle is decorated with scherenschnitte and springerle, and every building takes on a Christmas theme, from the trading post with antlers and turkey feather décor to Master Distiller’s log homestead with corn husk dolls and many natural decorations. Father Christmas will be at the farm, too.

For more information and updates, go to Facebook: Hermann Farm or call 573-486-3276.

The first stop on your journey to the past is the old mercantile, stocked as an old-time store should be, with handmade gifts, books, fudge, and holiday décor.

This 1790s trading post is just one of many historic stops at Hermann Farm where visitors can experience an authentic German Christmas celebration.

PLAN YOUR TRIP Hermann Farm is open Saturday and Sunday, December 3 and 4, and December 10 and 11, from 10 AM to 5 PM. Admission is $18 for adults, $9 for children ages 3 to 15, free for children younger than 3.

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PROMOTION

The German holiday celebration encompasses an entire month. It should come as no surprise that Hermann—Missouri’s Little Germany—starts its celebration of Christmas before the Thanksgiving turkey has even had time to cool. Yet even with all the holiday fanfare, Hermann is a hidden gem for a getaway weekend— any weekend!

So whether you come for the Christmas season, Maifest or even Octoberfest, you’re sure to find more delights than you can fit in one trip.

Wine, dine, stay, and play while you are in Hermann and you’ll discover something special.

Hummingbird Kitchen produces artisan breads, stuffed breads, scones (savory & sweet), jams and jellies.

We produce for wholesale and retail customers. Follow us on Facebook to see where we can be found.

Hummingbird Kitchen

Winding through some of the prettiest scenery in Missouri, the Hermann Wine Trail hugs the Missouri River for 20 scenic miles between Hermann and New Haven.

Along the way, seven familyowned wineries are open for tasting and tours. Wine Trail vintners sponsor five annual wine and food events.

Hermann Wine Trail

312 Market Street 800-392-8687 HermannWineTrail.com

Built in 1878, the Concert Hall and Barrel is the oldest continually operating tavern west of the Mississippi. Today the restaurant and sports bar proudly continue a tradition of good food and good times.

Located in historic downtown Hermann, just a short walk from the Amtrak station.

Concert Hall and Barrel

Hermann_ML_1216.indd 34

2175 Highway ZZ Owensville, MO 65066 573-437-7575 Facebook: HummingbirdMO

206 East First Street 573-486-5065 www.ConcertHallandBarrel. com

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PROMOTION

Stop in and try our unique line of wines. Browse our gift shop full of wine related items and Missouri Products.

485 Booneslick Road New Florence, MO CurlingVineWinery.com

Stone Hill Winery Tour the cellars, sample award-winning wines and dine at our Vintage Restaurant.

1110 Stone Hill Highway 573-486-2221 StoneHillWinery.com

Curling Vine Winery Enjoy a sweet treat while you shop at Sugar Momma’s. Indulge in a slice of pie, a la mode if you choose, or Ted Drewes Frozen Custard. You’ll find gifts with attitude and flair for family and friends of all ages.

407 Market Street 573-486-5263

Sugar Momma’s

Martin Brothers Winery You haven’t had honey like this before.

International award winning Mead.

1623 Old Iron Road 573-486-0236 MissouriMead.com

Hermann Wurst Haus is Missouri Wine Country’s premier meat and sausage shop featuring more than 47 varieties ranging from classic to chipotle and as wild as pineapple bacon. Stock up on mustards, sauces, and pretzel buns, too.

234 East First Street 573-486-2266 HermannWurstHaus.com

Hermann Wurst Haus Our new chamber of commerce location is coming soon!

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PROMOTION

Sometimes travel is not as much about where and when. Memory creates a personal nostalgia.

Time slows down. And technology takes a backseat to traditions.

Coming to Hermann is like taking a trip through time, back to the mid1850s, when German immigrant George Hussman began studying the grapes and soil of his new home and cultivated hybrids that could stand up to Missouri’s climate extremes.

New Ideas by Old-World Craftsmen. American-Made custom dining & bedroom furniture and domestic hardwoods. We ship anywhere. Amish on Fourth is your place for finding “Today’s Amish Furniture”

Amish on Fourth

132 East 4th Street 573-486-2682 StrassnerFurniture.com

Wharf Street Inn is in the Historic District of Hermann.

It is located on the Missouri Riverfront between the Amtrak Station and the Hermann Trolley. There are eight guest rooms, four that have jetted tubs and gas fireplaces. All rooms have king beds, kitchenettes, and private baths.

Wharf Street Inn

By the turn of the twentieth century, Hermann was one of the largest wine-producing regions in the world.

208-210 Wharf Street (314) 808-0796 WharfStreetInn.com

Learn about 19th century German immigration to Missouri through a guided tour of historic Hermann houses. Deutschheim State Historic Site (circa 1840) is open 10 am to 4 pm.

107 West Second Street MoStateParks.com/park/ deutschheim-state -historic-site

Deutschheim State Historic Site

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PROMOTION

Quality, handcrafted leather-work and shoe repair. We also carry Filson products and Thorogood work boots.

124 E. 4th Street 573-486-2992 SaleighMountain.com

Romantic Retreats or Girlfriend Getaways

Saleigh Mountain

We have 17 themed hotel suites in downtown Hermann. Perfect for bachelorette parties, wedding groups, business conferences, wine lovers, Katy Trailers, or just for 2.

Spa Packages Available

403 South Market Street 618-791-7336 HermannCrownHotel.com

Hermann Crown Suites Relax in Our Float Room

Whether you come for the wine or the history, Hermann offers visitors a wonderful place to get lost for a little while.

Sample sausage and brats from an award-winning Wurstmeister. Stop for a slice of bacon and apple pie.

Or spend an afternoon sorting through the memories at the downtown antique shops.

Come for the festivals or come to relax. One thing is certain: Once you come to Hermann, you’ll come back.

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Serenity Place Gasthaus is a wholehouse rental that accommodates 2-6 guests. Both bedrooms have queen beds. The living room doubles as a bedroom with a day bed and pull-out trundle. There is a full service kitchen if you would like to prepare meals. The three season porch is a great relaxing place for reading or morning coffee.

1005 Market Street, Hermann 573-486-0199 SerenityPlaceGuestRoomsandSpa.com

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2

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Afternoons

and

Popeye C 1

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4

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Cartoons

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LOCAL TV HOSTS INSPIRED A GENERATION

BY MARTIN W. SCHWARTZ

The display was set up between the snack aisle and the produce section at the Safeway store in our neighborhood. Kitty Clover Potato Chips had put up a black-and-white monitor connected to a closed-circuit TV camera, and if you stood in just the right spot, you could see yourself on television. In those early days of rabbit ears and three broadcast channels, it was cutting-edge stuff.

Of course, seeing yourself on a TV set in a Safeway supermarket was nothing compared to seeing your cousin or your schoolmate broadcast into your living room from the studio of the local TV station. And that was just part of the appeal of local children’s programming in those early days of television.

8

1) Cookie and the Captain was originally called S. S. Popeye on KMOV, St. Louis. 2) Bumbles the Clown visits with children in the KFEQ studios in St. Joseph. 3) Captain 11 entertained kids after school on KPLR in St. Louis. 4) Being befuddled is a Bumbles the Clown trademark. 5) Whizzo the Clown appeared on KMBC in Kansas City to entertain the lunchtime crowd. 6) Wally Johnson hosted Wally’s Birthday Party, one of the earliest programs on St. Joseph’s KFEQ. 7) Bobby Day and D. B. Doorbell came along late in the game, hosting D.B.’s Delight on KMOX from 1977 to 1988. 8) St. Louis-based KMOX’s Kartoon Karnival with Koko and Kasper was sponsored by KAS potato chips, which might explain all the Ks.

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St. Louis

Mix kids, clowns, live TV, and a healthy dose of mischief and anything could happen—and usually did.

On the Bumbles the Clown set, the star, stagehands, guests, and director engage in an old-fashioned pie fight. The sh w was broadcast from St. Joseph’s KFEQ (now KQTV) and was one of that station’s many kids’ programs that began in the 1950s and ran through 1972.

The hosts of these local programs ran the gamut from cowboys to clowns to ship’s captains. If there was a movie archetype that appealed to kids, chances are there was a kids’ show host to match. Most had afterschool programs that offered a few minutes of the local host interspersed with lots of cartoon material, Three Stooges shorts, and “these messages from our sponsors.”

Many times, the inspirations for the shows were the sponsors themselves. “There were so many sponsors in the 1950s and ’60s who were clamoring to advertise to the children’s market that, in some cases, whole programs were created just because the stations had too many sponsors to fit in the programs they already had,” says Tim Hollis, author of Hi There, Boys and Girls: America’s Local Children’s TV Programs.

“I guess that’s something that stations today would kill for— to have more sponsors than they have time for.”

Since the shows were created for the sponsors, Tim says that the men and women who were hired to host the kiddie shows had to find their own way in the new medium. But the results were memorable to the youthful viewers.

In his book, Tim writes that the Kansas City market has one of the most distinguished legacies of any TV market in the country.

“It seems to me that those Kansas City shows had everything everyone else had—you know, the clowns and the captains and the Popeye shows,” he says. “Everything you would find anywhere else, they had it all at one time or another.”

But Kansas City wasn’t the only market in the ShowMe State to have its local childhood idols. Here, in no particular order, are some of our favorite kid-show hosts from the classic days of television, before syndicated reruns replaced local programming and when afternoons were filled with fun, friends, and fantasy.

One of the challenges for early television performers was finding a television station whe e they could work.

Clif St. James says he came to the Gateway City in a roundabout way. He left television work in Rochester, New York, when he moved to Charleston, South Carolina, only to discover it would be another five years before the Southern city would get a TV station. Clif’s wife, Nance, had family in St. Louis, so Clif says he headed for Missouri in 1952 even though he didn’t have a job waiting for him when he arrived.

“Everybody comes to St. Louis as a replacement,” Clif says.

“We came at a time when it was a tough fight to get into radio.”

There was only one TV station in St. Louis at the time: KSD, which signed on in 1947. Clif and Nance both started doing commercial work. Clif heard about an agency in Chicago that was looking for a clown to represent Tip Top Bread. “I had to audition for the job and I really needed that job,” Clif says. “It was one of those things where you’re darned if you do and darned if you don’t.”

On the plane ride to Chicago to audition at the agency, Clif developed the character and makeup for Zippy the Clown.

“I never really thought about doing a clown,” Clif says.

“I thought about doing a Red Ryder kind of show or something with cowboys in it.” Unfortunately, Harry Gibbs as Texas Bruce already had a cowboy show on KSD (see “Remembering Texas Bruce,” page 43), so Clif continued performing as Zippy, among other acting and broadcasting assignments. It was around this time that he also started performing as Corky the Clown. When Texas Bruce left the air in 1963, Corky would step into his old time slot.

Corky’s Colorama was the first kids’ show in the area to be broadcast in color, and Clif says he quickly discovered the need to have someone to talk to on the air. He had a stagehand put the face of a little girl with pigtails on a boom microphone, and his on-screen sidekick Lorelei was born.

Clif and Nance have been married for sixty-eight years and still live in the St. Louis area. Nance says she is frequently surprised when grown baby boomers come up to them and reminisce about the program.

“It amazes me how many people remember when they were on the Corky show, what they said, if they got to pull down the cartoon window,” Nance says. “Unfortunately there’s nothing like it anymore. What a shame that kids today are missing such a wonderful experience.”

Corky’s Colorama went off the air in 1980. In 2014, Clif was inducted into the St. Louis Media Hall of Fame.

“It was a lot of fun for a lot of years,” Clif says, and he has a special message for all of Corky’s fans: “We’ll come to the party, and we’ll enjoy the party, and—hopefully—keep on cookin’.”

COURTESY KQTV, PREVIOUS PAGE: ST. LOUIS MEDIA HISTORY FOUNDATION, COURTESY KQTV, COURTESY WHIZZO THE CLOWN FACEBOOK GROUP

‘I never thought about doing a clown.’

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ST. LOUIS MEDIA HISTORY FOUNDATION

Corky’s Colorama ran on KSD (now KSDK) in St. Louis from 1964 until 1980, when new restrictions on children’s advertising from the Federal Trade Commission put a lot of TV kids’ show hosts out of work. In 2008, Clif St. James and his wife, Nance, were honored with Lifetime Achievement in the Arts Awards from the Webster Groves Arts Commission.

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Kansas City

‘Hey Torey, the kids are here!’

If you could only see it today, it would be obvious that all parties involved in the making of the KMBC-TV promo were having way too much fun.

The soundtrack is Roger Miller’s 1965 country hit, Kansas City Star, a song about the pistol-toting, cowboy-hat-wearing host of a kiddie program in the western Missouri city who is offered a big promotion for taking his show to Omaha.

“KMBC made a big deal of it,” says Torey Southwick, the Kansas City kid-show star at the center of the promo. “I lipsynced the record on TV in a cowboy outfit and they put out a promotional thing with the general manager and the sales manager of the TV station holding revolvers aimed at me.”

Although Torey never dressed as a cowboy on either of the two programs he shared with his neighbor and puppet sidekick, Ole Gus, there is an entire generation of Kansas Citians who will tell you that the Roger Miller song was written especially for and about Torey Southwick.

It seems unlikely; Torey never went the costumed route of most kid-show hosts. Where Kansas City’s other stars, Whizzo the Clown and Sargent Sam, were larger than life, Torey was life actual size.

Better Job, Higher Wages Like the star in the Roger Miller hit, the offer to move Torey’s talents to a larger market seemed to come from out of nowhere. Torey had been working as a morning disc jockey in Akron, Ohio, where he had developed a distinctive character voice to be his on-air sidekick. Torey named the character Ole Gus.

COURTESY TOREY SOUTHWICK

It probably never occurred to the kids watching Torey and Ole Gus on television that they never saw the two on camera together. This was because Torey not only was the puppeteer performing Ole Gus, he also provided the voice. “We just worked out schemes where I would manage to get back and forth,” Torey says.

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Torey says it was a common practice in the early days of television to put the afternoon radio announcer on television in the morning to co-host a program for homemakers. The morning DJ got the assignment of doing a kids’ show in the afternoon.

“The owners of the television station wanted me to try to incorporate Ole Gus into an afternoon kid show,” Torey says. Torey hired George Latshaw—renowned puppeteer who created the puppet Carrot Top for Mel Ferrer in the 1953 movie, Lili—to develop Ole Gus. “I think it cost me a hundred and fifty bucks or something to match the voice I had established on the radio show over a couple of years,” Torey says. “One of the fortunate things I did was to copyright the puppet.”

Looking to move to a larger market, Torey sent an audition tape to a radio station in New York City. Though the New York station wasn’t looking for new talent at the time, the station’s program director passed it on to a friend he thought might be interested. “I received an unexpected invitation to come to Kansas City for an interview,” Torey says. “I got the job as morning disc jockey and started on KMBC the first week of 1956.

COURTESY ST. LOUIS MEDIA HISTORY FOUNDATION

Hero of the Younger Set After four years in Kansas City, Torey found himself back on TV. He had continued to use the Ole Gus voice on his radio show, and station managers wanted Gus to be a part of the television show as well, with one slight difference. They wanted Gus’s mouth to move. Once again, Torey called upon the talents of George Latshaw to create the animated puppet.

For nearly a decade, Torey was the most popular kids’ show host in the Kansas City market, appearing in a morning taped program called Torey Time, and live in the afternoon on Torey and Friends. Both programs featured a mixture of Popeye and Warner Brothers’ cartoon favorites, Three Stooges shorts, and a number of short cartoons that were specifically made and syndicated to locally hosted children’s programs across the country.

“I was a disc jockey on the radio and a cartoon jockey on television,” Torey says.

Another basic component of local programming was to bring Cub Scout and Bluebird groups into the studio for live interaction with the host.

A classic—if not completely accidental—guest was 1968 Democratic presidential candidate Hubert Humphrey, who had come to the KMBC studios to tape an appearance on one of the station’s locally produced news programs that ran on Sunday mornings in the 1960s. “We were all out in the hall with the kids and we were waiting for him to get done with the interview,” Torey says. “He noticed the kids and asked if there was any chance of getting on the program with them. It’s a typical political question when you’re running for president. So the program director came up to me and said, ‘Guess what? You’re going to have a guest.’ I said, ‘You’re kidding. What the hell am I going to talk to him about?’ ”

St. Louis

REMEMBERING TEXAS BRUCE

BY KATE BACON The memory is so clear. I was four, with my dad and brother, standing in line at the local ice cream hangout, chocolate-dipped cone in hand when I bumped into a tall, thin man who was standing next to me. It wasn’t until he spoke that it hit me: I WAS STANDING NEXT TO TEXAS BRUCE FROM TV! After a lifetime of using words, I still can’t find the proper ones to describe the jolt of excitement and awe that gripped me at that moment. I can only say it must be akin to being struck by lightning. I couldn’t move. Or talk. Or make any sound whatsoever. The chocolate dip began to run down my hand, and all I did was stare. Transfi ed.

TEXAS BRUCE WAS REAL AND HE WAS STAND ING NEXT TO ME! To St. Louis children in the 1950s, Texas Bruce was the most important man in the world. He came to your house every day after school, bringing milk (Adams Milk was his sponsor), cartoons, and friendship. For an hour, you became part of his magical Wrangler’s Club. Decked out in blue jeans, a western-style shirt, and a big cowboy hat, Texas Bruce was a TV star, a black-and-white celebrity unlike anything ever experienced.

Harry Gibbs was the man who made Texas Bruce come alive. He brought joy to my generation. There’s nobody like Harry for today’s children, despite their full-color options on screens of all sizes.

Texas Bruce hosted his last television roundup in 1963. Harry Cochran Gibbs passed away in Chesterfiel in 2008 at the age of ninety-one.

He—and everything he represented—will be forever missed.

“Hasta la vista, vaquero.”

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Springfie d

‘Blow Out the Candles!’

Torey says he ended up having a long conversation with Humphrey about his farm and his grandchildren. “Then at the end, I did kind of a classic thing,” Torey says. “I said, ‘Well, Mr. Vice President, it was nice meeting you and I’m glad you came, but I have a confession to make. We’ve been working to elect a different candidate.’ ” Humphrey’s demeanor visibly changed, Torey says. “His face just kind of fell. He must have thought, ‘What is this idiot kids’ show host going to say?’ I said, ‘Yeah, we’ve been kind of working to elect Winnie the Pooh.’ ” Humphrey exploded in laughter. “He said, ‘I love Winnie the Pooh,’ ” Torey says. “ ‘If I were their age, I would vote for Winnie the Pooh, too!’ ” Reporters following the vice president filed the story in the newspapers all over the country. “It was a high point in my career,” Torey says.

Another high point was exchanging e-mail correspondence with a former governor of Virginia, the state that Torey now calls home. That governor was Tim Kaine, who at the time of this writing, is Hillary Clinton’s running mate for the 2016 presidential election. “One of the biggest kicks of my life is knowing that one of the kids who used to watch me is now running for vice president of the United States,” he says.

Torey finished his on-air career in 1971 at KCIT in Kansas City. He would later go on to work behind the scenes in television as vice president and later president of television stations in Wichita and back in his native Ohio. In 1990, Torey retired to spend more time with his family. The Kansas City Museum asked for Ole Gus, but Torey said he held on to his TV neighbor and sidekick. “My kids want him,” he says.

As for the lingering question: Did Roger Miller write Kansas City Star about the host of the city’s most enduring kids’ show? “I don’t know,” Torey says. “I never met Roger Miller. But I enjoyed the reflected glo y.”

A Whole New World There were drawbacks and advantages to doing the show in the early days of TV. “The drawback was that nobody really helped you with it,” Norma says. “I think I inherited some safety scissors and some Wonder Books, and that was about it.”

The best part was the freedom. “Because it was a children’s show, nobody paid much attention to it,” Norma says. “The Children’s Hour was whatever I wanted to do with it because nobody really cared. That was the big advantage when I look back on it. I could try all sorts of things, so I learned about television.”

Norma says she worked closely with Fred Raines, a promotional director at KYTV who was also the voice behind and the hands inside Aunt Norma’s puppet sidekicks, Skinny McGinnis and Rusty Rooster. Fred’s screechy falsetto was so distinctive that whenever Happy Birthday To You is sung in Springfield, someone will invariably interject their best impression of Rusty Rooster saying, “Blow out the candles!”

COURTESY TOREY SOUTHWICK

KMBC Vice President and General Manager Mark Wodlinger, Torey Southwick, and Sales Manager Hal Sundberg act up in a scene from a promotional spot created in 1963, after the release of Roger Miller’s country hit song Kansas City Star.

There were actually four “aunts” who hosted the The Children’s Hour in its thirty-three years on the air at KYTV in Springfield. Aunt Alice Lowe was on the first broadcast of the show in 1953. She was followed by Aunt Rene Handley and—briefly—Aunt Claudie Cox But if you ask most Ozarkers who was their favorite, a clear majority of the first TV generation would vote for Aunt Norma Champion. And in the years that followed, many actually did.

Aunt Norma came to her new position as host of The Children’s Hour the same way many television pioneers did: with very little experience and a willingness to try new things. “Television was very new and I was thinking I would just love to get out and volunteer to help,” she says. “I thought maybe I could do it just for fun and learn something from it.”

With a one-year-old son at home, Norma says she was looking for something to do part-time that would allow her enough time to be home to care for her family. She made an appointment with KYTV general manager Carl Fox to discuss a future in television.

“That was in 1957 and I was so naïve that it never even occurred to me that they didn’t take volunteers in commercial television,” she says. “When I got there, Mr. Fox said, ‘Did you come here to audition for The Children’s Hour?’ I said, ‘I don’t think so.’ ” But Norma went through with the audition and landed the position she would keep for the next twenty-nine years. Carl Fox would later come to joke that there wasn’t anyone else in the building with less experience in television than Norma.

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COURTESY MISSOURI BROADCASTERS ASSOCIATION

Norma said she never really thought about a concept for the show, but she never felt The Children’s Hour was an entertainment program. “It wasn’t clowns and balloons and stuff like that,” she says. “I didn’t think of it as trying to be educational. I just wanted to be an adult friend who kids could sit down with when they got home from school and talk about something that was interesting to them.”

But Norma was having as much fun learning as the children who were guests in the studio. “We had a karate expert on who broke boards with his fist,” she recalls. “He said he could teach me how to do it.” During a commercial, Norma says she received a quick, impromptu karate lesson. “The camera operator asked me if I wanted to practice before we went back on the air. I said, ‘Oh, heavens no, that means I might fail.’ ” The cameras came back on. Aunt Norma got into position and, with no previous training, broke two boards with her fist. No one on the set gave Aunt Norma any trouble for the rest of the broadcast.

From Aunt to Senator When The Children’s Hour eventually left its weekday time slot to be broadcast only on Saturday, Norma took advantage of the new freedom in her schedule to complete her college education, earning bachelor’s, master’s and PhD degrees. In the final years of the program, she was teaching during the week and hosting on Saturday.

In 1986, The Children’s Hour finally went off the air for good. Norma ran unopposed for a seat on the Springfiel City Council, where she served until 1992, and then ran for a Republican seat in the Missouri House of Representatives, where she served for ten years. From 2003 to 2010, Norma was a state senator, and in 2014, she was the first woman named to the Missouri Broadcasters Association Hall of Fame.

Norma was so well known by the time she started running for elected office that her campaign bumper stickers bore only two words: Aunt Norma. “I guess I really did raise my own voters,” she says. “It wasn’t by design. It just happened that way.”

Aunt Norma Champion, Skinny McGinnis, and Rusty Rooster entertained a generation of children from 1957 to 1986, broadcasting from Springfield’s KYTV (n w KY3). “I hear adults say, ‘ I wish we had shows like we used to have,’ but I don’t think kids today would watch them,” Norma says.

“It’s a different societ .”

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BAKE TO THE FUTURE A ST. LOUIS BAKERY HELPS TURN THE STAFF OF LIFE INTO A LIVELIHOOD.

“There are people in the world so hungry that God cannot appear to them except in the form of bread.”

—Mahatma Gandhi

EDDIE O'NEILL

BY EDDIE O’NEILL

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Left: Bridge Bread’s retail shop is located at 2604 Cherokee Street. Below: Fred and Sharon D omke offer samples of Bridge Bread products at Lucky’s Market in Rock Hill.

COURTESY BRIDGE BREAD, EDDIE O'NEILL

FRED DOMKE LIKES

to cook.

According to his wife, Sharon, he’s pretty darn good at it, too. In August 2011, Fred was alone for the weekend while Sharon traveled to Chicago with some of her college sorority sisters.

“I was bored and realized I had never made bread from scratch,” the sixty-six-year-old St. Louis native recalls. “I had done bread from mixes and used a bread machine, but with that, you put the ingredients in and press a button.”

That night, alone in his kitchen, Fred baked his first loaves of b ead.

“They turned out mediocre, but they were warm,” he remembers. “I put some butter on them and ate them. They were good. I liked the fact that with bread you start with something that has almost no value, and you end up with something special.”

He went to bed that night and dreamed that he was making bread with a group of homeless people.

Prayers Answered Fred and Sharon have been married for eighteen years and are members of Lafayette Park

United Methodist Church in St. Louis. The couple embraced their congregation’s call to social justice ministry by volunteering once a month at Bridge Outreach, where they served dinner to the homeless.

A few days after the dream, Fred, Sharon, some other volunteers, and a few homeless guests had their hands covered in flou , water, and salt.

The group made sixteen loaves of bread and sold them after church services the next day, selling out in minutes. They did it again the next weekend, and the weekend after that, expanding their sales to other churches with equal success. For months thereafter, baking bread with the homeless remained a weekend event.

Yet, the Domkes felt they could still be doing more service.

“Our pastor, Kathleen Wilder, was preaching from Matthew 25 and the call of Jesus to serve the least of these,” says Fred. “She told us about how we are the face of Jesus to the poor as we show God’s love, and how the poor are the face of God to us, allowing us to care for Jesus.”

This is one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I have learned how to bake and now I can take these work skills with me wherever I go. I hadn’t been in a job consistently before this, and the jobs I had were awful. There is a good family spirit here.

Ronald Rose, 28, Baker

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When I came here, I had nothing —no education, no studies, just the streets.

I was leery at first. I thought here was another one of these feel-good programs. But now, I’m being invited to speak at Washington University and St. Louis University on this place. This isn’t a job; this is family. In the matter of two-and-half years here, I’ve gotten my GED, have my own home-improvement business, and I’m going to school for business administration. I’ve learned dignity and how to focus. Fred and his team have supported me and believed in me. I had none of that growing up.

Dewayne Wilson, 28, Production Manager

The next week, the Domkes were back on the serving line at Bridge Outreach when Fred noticed a young black man approaching him.

“He had blue-green eyes, and he’s looking right at me,” recalls Fred. “He gets his tray and I see his T-shirt and it says, ‘Here I AM.’ I grabbed Sharon and I said, ‘There you go; we just served Jesus.’ ” Fred believes it was an answer to prayer.

“That’s when the idea of serving the homeless really grabbed our hearts,” Sharon says.

On that day, Bridge Bread was born.

The Workforce

What Bridge Bread has done for me is support me where I’m at. Bridge Bread works with the total person.

I love what I am doing here.

This is something I can take pride in.

Daryl Pitchford, 62, Bakery Supervisor

As more and more churches supported the idea of selling fresh bread crafted by homeless bakers, Fred and Sharon realized that they needed to make their ministry official. They asked the Bridge Outreach board of directors to allow the bakers to be a part of the outreach with the caveat that Bridge Bread would never cost the board a cent. The board agreed.

Fred and Sharon started hiring bakers through various social agencies using the following criteria: • The employees had to meet the federal definition of homelessness • If there was an addiction issue, it had to be under treatment.

• Prospective employees with criminal convictions could not have a violent crime on their record.

• Every prospective employee had to be unable to find other employment

“We weren’t asking for the best people we could get,” Fred explains. “We would take what we could get and we would make them the best bakers we could.”

Veteran baker Dewayne Wilson admits that he had his guard up for weeks when he first started working with Fred.

“I thought, ‘Here we go again, another bunch of white do-gooders wanting to save us, and then they’re on to their next project,’ ” Dewayne says. “That’s been the story of my life. I trust and then get burned.”

This time, things were different, he says.

“Everybody was proud of me and made a big deal about me for the first time on these little things I was doing,” Dewayne says.

As Dewayne came out of his shell, the Domkes began to understand the struggles and hardships of his life.

“Homelessness scars a person,” Fred says.

“They are so fragile. For their whole lives they have been told they are worthless. Everybody has given up on them. They’re failures. It traumatizes them. Some researchers have compared homelessness to the stress that a soldier goes through in combat.”

Fred came to understand that for his new employees to stick with the bakery, they had to be given the chance to become successful.

“What we learned is to offer them unconditional acceptance,” he says. “I try to listen more and see things from their perspective.

When I need change, I don’t tell them what’s wrong with them but rather what is desired

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Being able to deliver a good product to somebody is what keeps me going here.

The churches are really into us, and we make good bread.

I have friends at work and people who care about me, and a life I can be proud of.

Terrance Ray, 33, Supply Chief

and what is right. I don’t threaten to fi e them.

Ever so slowly, this builds trust.”

The Bakery A new chapter began in the fall of 2013 when Fred and Sharon entered Bridge Bread in Washington University’s Social Enterprise and Innovation Competition, a five-step competition that awards money to St. Louis start-up companies looking to solve area social, cultural, or environmental problems. After winning the competition, they invested some of their prize money in kitchen equipment and used some to reimburse Bridge Outreach for all of its help.

Today, Bridge Bread Bakery is located in a converted pizza parlor not far from Fred and Sharon’s home in south St. Louis.

“We start with a lot of prep work,” says Dewayne, who is one of six bakers working each day. “There is a science to all of this— whether it’s getting a good sourdough sponge or turning on the ovens at the right time.”

Sixty-two-year-old Daryl Pitchford is the bakery’s supervisor. He oversees the daily baking of more than 370 cinnamon and apple rolls, and 250 loaves of bread in a variety of styles. The majority of these baked goods go to several dozen churches and other organizations around the St. Louis metropolitan area.

According to Sharon, orders vary from six to three hundred items; customers pick up their orders on Saturdays at a local loading dock.

All of the bakers confess that they knew

nothing about making a loaf of bread before coming to Bridge Bread. They also all acknowledge that Bridge Bread has given them a purpose in life. They’ve gained work skills and a strong sense of dignity.

“This is an art,” says Dewayne. “Each loaf of bread has its own definition. It was formed and shaped by my hands, and somebody’s going to enjoy it.”

Starting pay at the bakery is $10.15 an hour.

Employees use part of their earnings for rent on their apartments, some of which are provided by HomeFirst STL (see story at right).

Fred couldn’t be happier with his bakers.

“They are extremely loyal, very proud, and I trust them completely,” he says.

He and the bakers are equally proud that Bridge Bread is the only bakery in St. Louis making artisan bread by hand. “The only machine we have here is a mixer,” Fred says. “The bakers are in here day in and day out making some of the freshest bread in the city.”

Earlier this year, Fred and Sharon gave up their corporate careers and downsized their lifestyle, living on investments and savings while they concentrate full time on Bridge Bread. Neither they, nor any of the organization’s workers, draw a salary. Only the bakers take home a paycheck.

According to Fred and Sharon, they are just following marching orders from above.

And that, they say, is payment enough.

“When you find meaning and purpose in your life, you don’t let it go,” Fred says. “Watching the bakers grow as people is very, very satisfying.”

HOMEFIRST STL GIVING WORKERS A PLACE TO COME HOME

HomeFirst STL operates side-by-side with Bridge Bread as an affordable housing program. According to Fred Domke, one of the founding members of the nonprofit, the affordable housing program fills a gap for people such as Bridge Bread bakers.

So far, the organization has purchased one four-unit building in St. Louis, which was rehabbed and renovated primarily by volunteer labor. Fred says the group hopes to purchase a second property by the end of this year.

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[50] MissouriLife

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10/28/16 8:59 PM

NAMED LES PETITES CÔTES (THE LITTLE HILLS) BY FRENCHCANADIAN SETTLERS, SAINT CHARLES OFFERS A SEASON OF FESTIVE EVENTS FOR EVERY MEMBER OF THE FAMILY. STORY BY NICOLE PLEGGE • PHOTOS BY NOTLEY HAWKINS

THE HOLIDAYS CAN BE CRAZY. Sometimes you just need to step back from the madness

The Lewis & Clark Fife and Drum Corps leads a parade of Santas from around the world during the Christmas Traditions opening events on November 25.

and the malls. You long to feel cobblestone beneath your feet instead of an escalator. You want to shop to the melodic voices of live carolers instead of canned elevator music. And you want to taste a chestnut roasted over an open fi e instead of just singing about it.

In Saint Charles, Christmas isn’t just a holiday; it’s an experience that tempts all of the senses.

In this historic town on the banks of the Missouri River, residents take their holiday very seriously, spreading joy to everyone who sets foot on their brick-paved streets. By packing the season with spectacular events, they invite guests to eat, drink and be merry—very, very merry.

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Top: Santa and Mrs. Claus receive a spirited welcome when they arrive on the opening day of Christmas Legends. Above: Take a ride in a one-horse open carriage on brick-lined streets, along the ten-block district on the National Register of Historic Places. Right: Find Missouri wines, Amish jams and jellies, sauces, spices, handmade soaps, and more at Missouri Mercantile at 904 South Main Street in Historic Saint Charles.

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Traditions Create Lifelong Memories Founded in 1769, Saint Charles has long been a destination for shoppers, serving as a stop where settlers could stock up before heading west. Over the centuries, the supplies may have evolved, but the town’s dedication to serving its guests has only grown.

Today, more than one million people visit Saint Charles annually to scour the antique shops, gift stores, and chic boutiques that fill its eighteenth-century French Colonial buildings and to sip a libation on the patios of its breweries and wineries.

While anytime is a wonderful time to visit, sampling this hometown hospitality during the holidays is an experience to remember.

Each November, the city unlocks the door to the past while opening visitors’ eyes to a magical wonderland during its annual Christmas Traditions, a free, family-friendly event produced by the Greater Saint Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau that has made Historic Main Street a must-do destination for four decades.

From the moment guests grab a cup of wassail to watch the mayor of Saint Charles light up the Christmas tree in the opening ceremony on November 25 until night falls on Christmas Eve, they step back into a combination of Mayberry and Tiny Tim’s London with just a little fantasy thrown in for good measure.

The best way to start your Christmas

Traditions experience is from the back of a horse-drawn carriage where, from your perch, you can plan your expedition for the day.

Wrap your mittens around a hot chocolate and nestle under a blanket as you soak in the sights—the chestnut roasters on the corner, the sea of lights casting a glow over the snow, the garlands and handmade red bows streaming from the doorways, all set to the soundtrack of carolers serenading you from the street below.

But of course, no good holiday festival is complete without the traditions kids—and kids at heart—have come to love. Visit the historic Katy Depot in Frontier Park to view Santa’s Train Land, an interactive train display that wows even the littlest of revelers before they climb up on Santa’s lap for a little chat.

Join in the Land of Sweets Dance Party led by the Saint Charles CVB staff and volunteers, or savor the sights and smells of the Gingerbread Village at Main Street Church.

Entertained from the Start Visitors to Historic Main Street don’t just attend a holiday event, they become part of a theatrical performance a year in the making.

Main Street is truly an outdoor stage where you can direct your own Christmas story with a cast of classic characters.

Every Wednesday night, and Friday through Sunday, more than fifty “Legends of Christmas” wander the streets to bring the holiday spirit

Left: Children love seeing their favorite holiday legends come to life. Above: Christmas shopping seems less stressful at the 125 shops and businesses that call Saint Charles home.

directly to guests. In this enchanted land, the Sugar Plum Fairy mingles with Kris Kringle, and Ebenezer Scrooge serves up a little “bah, humbug” to counteract the yuletide.

Characters even hand out trading cards with their likenesses to kids so they can have their own souvenirs of the fun.

For Ryan Cooper, who has played Jack Frost for the past ten years, the connection with the guests is what makes Christmas Traditions stand out from other festivities.

“The reaction to Jack is so much fun,” Ryan says. “Of course at Christmastime, you can’t have the nice without the naughty, and Jack is one of our more mischievous characters.

The festival is so full of cheer and goodness that adults and kids alike enjoy interacting with characters like Ebenezer Scrooge and the Master of Revels and Jack Frost, who all dish out a bit of good-humored snarkiness!”

Ryan notes that the spirit and camaraderie are what lure him back to the festival year after year. “At Christmas Traditions, you can forget everything in life that is troubling you, and for a few hours smile and laugh and get caught up in the spirit of the holidays,” he says. “And that goes equally for those involved. The festival can get very busy, but on some nights, I may find myself with a moment of quiet where I get to take a breath. I look around and

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Carolers add to the traditional sights and sounds of the holiday season on the streets of Saint Charles.

see the bright lights along the street and hear the harmonies of the carolers passing by, and I think to myself, ‘This is what it’s all about.’

Pure magic.”

The Legends first make their festival appearance at the Santa Parade on opening day.

With the Lewis & Clark Fife and Drum Corps leading the way and choruses crooning along the route, the parade also features Santas from around the world, hoisting their country’s flag and greeting guests in their native languages, before Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive in a horsedrawn carriage. If you can’t get to opening day, the parade replays every Saturday and Sunday afternoon at 1:30 PM through December 18.

One lucky child will be chosen to ride in Santa’s carriage during each parade. To get more information, or to enter your child, go to HistoricStCharles.com/things-to-do/ christmas-traditions/ride-with-santa.

At Christmas Traditions, the entertainment continues nonstop. Enjoy traditional carols from the Cobblestone Wassailers or bop to holiday standards from the Sleigh Bell Singers and the USO Evergreens. On Friday nights, join the Master of Revels for holiday tales and

a marshmallow roast, and on Wednesdays sit alongside Clement Clarke Moore as he reads A Visit From Saint Nicholas by candlelight at Missouri’s First State Capitol. Little ones can even get the inside scoop on sleigh driving from a reindeer flight instructo .

In addition, Christmas Traditions hosts a Yuletide Dinner in the Old Stone Chapel where you can mingle one-on-one with your favorite Legends while enjoying a delicious buffet.

Start and Finish Your Holiday Shopping According to Nicole Vandesteeg of Wildwood, who has attended Christmas Traditions for the past five years, the magic that the Legends serve up for her three children is contagious.

“We love the character interaction and learning about all of the different characters associated with Christmas,” she says. “The kids love collecting the trading cards from the Santas and characters. We have family members who plan their visit around when the festival takes place because they love it as well!”

While it’s the Christmas Traditions event that draws in guests, it’s the shopping that makes Main Street a true destination around

the holidays. Walk along the bustling sidewalks and slip into any of historic Saint Charles’s 125 shops for that perfect one-of-akind find. Shop for holiday décor from April’s On Main or Thistle & Clover, and explore trendy fashions at MOss and Ginsey Rose.

Jean Dryden of The Glass Workbench and her fellow shop owners go all out for the holidays and welcome shoppers with open houses, unique events, and special offerings all season long.

For Jean, whose father played the original Civil War Santa when Christmas Traditions started four decades ago, that love for the holidays is in her genes and fuels her excitement year after year.

“One of my employees said, ‘I feel like I’m coming to work in a Christmas card,’ and I think that describes it so perfectly,” Jean says.

“Everyone’s so happy and everything is so beautiful. With the music and candles and lights, Saint Charles at Christmas is really a great place to work.”

For more information on Christmas at Saint Charles and a full schedule of events, visit StCharlesChristmas.com or call 800-366-2427.

[54] MissouriLife

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12/14/16 10:01 AM

SILLY

TO

SUBLIME

MAKE A RUN FOR THE HOLIDAYS There’s no better way to burn off the kettle corn, gingerbread, and hot cocoa than going out for a run. And there’s no better time to take to the roads for a tour of Main Street than the annual Santa’s North Pole Dash and Children’s Snowman Shuffle a fundraiser that takes place every December for the

DISCOVERING THE TRUE MEANING OF CHRISTMAS WITH LAS POSADAS

singalong around the yule log, pulled along the Las

throughout the region, but the North Pole D ash

As historic Saint Charles brims with holiday festivities,

tradition began four decades ago.

was the first of its kind in the Saint Louis area and

the community is equally focused on preserving the

continues to be the most unique. Every 5K participant

reason behind the season.

Greater Saint Charles County Chamber of Commerce.

Holiday

5Ks

may

have

become

standard

Posadas route on the same sled kids used when the Las Posadas is a nondenominational event sponsored by a number of Saint Charles churches that

gets a free Santa beard, hat, and costume shirt to

More than forty years ago, a group of shopkeepers

work in sync throughout the year to preserve this

channel their inner Saint Nicholas; children get their

united to bring Las Posadas to Main Street. A Spanish

tradition and provide a celebration where director

own snowman shirt for their quarter-mile Shuffl

custom since the 1500s, the Las Posadas procession

Kathryn Byrd says all guests, regardless of their re-

“With this race, it’s everyone’s chance to let off

reenacts the journey of Mary and Joseph as they seek

ligion, can celebrate the birth of Christ in an open,

some steam—to get dressed up and act silly,” says

shelter in Bethlehem and is one of the few of its kind

welcoming environment. StCharlesLasPosadas.com •

event coordinator Wendy Rackovan, vice president

continuing in the United States. Lighting the actors’

Boone’s Lick and South Main Streets

of marketing and communications for the chamber.

way through Saint Charles are thousands of candles,

“Many runners go all out and create a new outfit

held by participants as they join the couple on their

every year, from tulle skirts to pajama pants.”

quest, with the Fife and Drum Corps and a Mormon

The Saturday morning 5K starts and ends at

youth choir providing the musical accompaniment.

Frontier Park on December 3, with an eye-catching

The procession, held on the first Saturday in

route down Main Street and through Frenchtown.

December, slowly winds through ten blocks of South

Stick around after the awards ceremony to mingle

Main Street as Mary and Joseph stop at different

with your fellow runners over breakfast before

establishments, beginning at the historic Wick Inn.

heading to the shopping district for one-day deals

Turned down by hotel owners and shopkeepers, the

offered only to race participants, plus food and

couple finally discovers shelter at the Jaycee Stage in

drink specials from local restaurants. It’s a one-of-

Frontier Park, where the gospel of the Nativity comes

a-kind opportunity to experience the heart of Saint

to life along the Missouri River.

Charles while doing some good for your own heart.

SantasNorthPoleDash.com • 636-946-0633

When the procession concludes, thousands of guests gather together for an old-fashioned

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PROMOTION

s e l r a h C t n ai

AS

! s a m t s i r Ch

streets of brick-lined e enjoy th , g in iv nksg as revelers a h m r T a r h e c ft d a ract with Old Worl on the day ors can inte e alive with it Every year m is o v c s re e e rl H a world. n. int Ch round the f the seaso a o s m ll o Historic Sa e fr s sm ta d life as and San sounds, an Christmas, iry come to the sights, a f F o s m d n lu e P g r e ďŹ fty L the Suga more than k Frost and c Ja s festival. s a h c of su s Tradition a m st ri architecture h Characters s C u l o a e u n rg n o tly a g e city’s at rests gen th set amid th 9 is 6 l part of the 7 a 1 iv st in fe -long ity founded This month gem of a c a s, e rl a h itizens int C ri River. irit of the c u sp so l Historic Sa is u rf M e d e n nd o anks of th as season a from the w m n st r ri o h b s C a along the b e w elebrate th Traditions ars. gether to c Christmas to e m a an forty ye c th o h ins. re w o s, m e r rl ha red fo har m rema u c d e n e th s t a of Saint C u h b t a ential r the years, a festival th d of the ess a grown ove re gave life to ly th in a a rt e e c m nds l has ns has beco created bo s io a it h d The festiva n ra o T ti s a l celebra es Christm The annua s. e Saint Charl rl a h C t tions. e time fe in Sain e for genera Make som k . li e a is s o r fabric of li n o it d is n n. e hustle a izens and v as Traditio from all th m k between cit st a ri re h b C a n e n, tak your ow This seaso and create s, e rl a h C t Sain to discover

StCharles-AdvertorialML1216.indd 56

10/28/16 5:14 PM

PROMOTION

Canine Cookies N Cream Dog Bakery

Lococo House

Come on down and sni around! We have fresh-made treats, great stocking stuers, custom made gift baskets, and holiday bandanas for your four-legged friend.

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Lococo House is your Saint Charles home away from home. Enjoy cozy guestrooms and homemade breakfasts in this charming historic bed-and-breakfast.

1307 North Fifth Street 636-946-0619 | LococoHouse.com

Missouri Artists On Main

Bathhouse Soapery

Missouri Artists on Main showcases the work of more than forty award-winning Missouri artists. Come to ornament-making classes on the weekends during Traditions.

Sample the aromas and textures of handcrafted bath and body products and enjoy personalized service as you shop soaps, scrubs, body butter, mineral salts, and more.

315-321 South Main Street 636-724-1260 | www.MAOMGallery.com

401 South Main Street www.BathhouseSoap.com

StCharles-AdvertorialML1216.indd 57

10/31/16 10:20 AM

BY MARTIN W. SCHWARTZ

MARTIN W. SCHWARTZ

Kansas City businesswoman brings puppet making to America.

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STARTING A COMMERCIAL venture during the Great Depression is not something a business professional would advise. But twenty-five-yea -old Hazelle Hedges wasn’t a student of business. She was an artist.

In 1929, while still a student at the University of Kansas, Hazelle was approached by her eleven-year-old neighbor, who asked if she would lend her artistic talents to construct a companion to the Italian marionette he had received as a gift. The boy wanted to do puppet shows and found that impossible with the single marionette.

Not only did Hazelle create a marionette for the boy, she remembered why he wanted it in the first place. The application of that function to the marionette’s form would help Hazelle create the world’s largest company specializing in the manufacture of puppets.

MARTIN W. SCHWARTZ

CHILD’S PLAY After earning a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from the University of Kansas, Hazelle taught arts and crafts to unemployed women while attending classes at the Kansas City Art Institute. In 1934, she began to teach puppet-making at the Nelson-Atkins Museum and once again found herself working with children. She was constantly experimenting with marionette design, looking for ways to make the

movement more lifelike and believable.

That same year, Hazelle spent the summer studying with New York marionette artist Tony Sarg. With no formal business plan, Hazelle returned to Kansas City and began Hazelle’s Marionettes in a basement rec room at her parents’ home. She eventually named the company Hazelle’s Inc. From 1935 to 1946, Hazelle’s would move four times, each time into a larger factory. The first American manufacturer of marionettes—until 1935, the only factories manufacturing marionettes were in Czechoslovakia, France, Italy, and Germany—Hazelle also secured four patents for her puppetmaking innovations. In 1941, she married John Woddson Rollins, an industrial engineer who helped Hazelle apply assembly-line techniques to puppet construction.

One device invented by Hazelle prevented all of her creations from being perpetual “mouth-breathers,” says Anitra Steele, puppeteer and founding member of the Puppetry Arts Institute in Independence. “Hazelle created a spring device that would hold the marionette’s mouth closed until it was opened by the puppeteer.” Before that simple addition, all marionettes with moving mouths had jaws that hung open until closed by the puppeteer.

That device, along with intersecting bars Hazelle called “airplane controls” that kept strings from getting tangled

Hazelle’s creations ran the spectrum from lifelike to storybook to full-blown fantasy. If you look closely inside the puppet theater, you’ll see comic strip icons Blondie and Dagwood sitting next to Miss Muffet and Little Boy Blue.

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THE PUPPETRY ARTS INSTITUTE The Puppetry Arts Institute is a not-for-profit organization designed to preserve and promote puppetry through education and entertainment for all ages. In the early 1990s, PAI received the remaining inventory of Hazelle’s Incorporated, including some 22,000 vinyl puppet heads.

Located in the Englewood neighborhood of Independence, PAI regularly holds puppet-making workshops for elementary school children who get to paint, assemble, and keep their own piece of Kansas City history.

The Puppetry Arts Institute also has an extensive collection of Hazelle’s marionettes and puppets, as well as marionettes and puppets from all over the world.

The institute is open 10 AM to 4 PM Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday, and Monday by appointment only.

11025 East Winner Road • 816-833-9777 • Hazelle.org

and made the marionettes easier to control in performances, made Hazelle’s marionettes a favorite among children.

One of the Puppetry Arts Institue’s prized possessions is a marionette of Hazelle Rollins, which actually operates a smaller marionette of Hazelle’s most popular creation, Teto.

TV PLAYS A HAND

among people of different cultures. As Eisenhower neared the end of his term in office, he reached out to his friend Joyce C. Hall, founder of Hallmark Cards, and the national offices of the nonprofit organization moved to Kansas City.

Hazelle took the mission of PTPI very seriously. “Her puppets represented different cultures and ethnicities at a time when children’s toys often didn’t,” Anitra says. “She was sensitive to that.”

SECRET TO SUCCESS By the time Hazelle sold her business in 1975, Hazelle’s Inc. was producing 250,000 puppets every year and had a catalog of more than 500 different items. But the biggest secret to Hazelle’s success goes back to the very first puppet she created for her eleven-year-old neighbor.

“One of the unique things about Hazelle as an entrepreneur is that every puppet came with a printed play,” says Anitra. “If you have a play, you want to perform it.

And in order to perform it, you need at least two puppets.

So by including the play, Hazelle would encourage the sale of more puppets.”

Success, it seemed, was just one puppet more.

MARTIN W. SCHWARTZ

On December 27, 1947, Bob Smith appeared on NBC’s Puppet Playhouse with a new sidekick named Howdy Doody. Demand for puppets by children who had seen the NBC debut and the subsequent Howdy Doody Show sent puppet sales through the roof. Hazelle’s Inc. grew to more than fifty full-time employees and eleven independent sales reps. In the 1950s, Hazelle added hand puppets to her catalog of marionettes, and in the early 1960s, the company began selling finger puppets Most of the puppets Hazelle designed were storybook favorites. Her Tin Woodman from the Wizard of Oz started as a can of pork and beans. Anitra says she was delighted to acquire one of the marionettes for the Puppetry Arts Institute’s collection.

“When John Rollins, Hazelle’s son, saw we had it, he laughed and said, ‘I’m sure my mother fed us the beans that came in that can,’ ” she says. “She was that kind of business person.”

In addition to storybook creations, Hazelle was ahead of her time in the creation of ethnically authentic marionettes. “Hazelle was very active with People to People International,” says Anitra. PTPI was a project of President Dwight D. Eisenhower designed to promote understanding

[60] MissouriLife

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THE MAGIC OF HAZELLE

HARRY KATZ, COURTESY PUPPETRY ARTS INSTITUTE

I was only about six years old, so the memory is more pastels than vivid temperas. My sister’s Bluebird group was taking a tour of Hazelle’s Marionettes in downtown Kansas City. Since my mother was the group leader, I got to tag along on all of Big Sis’s extracurricular outings.

I’m sure it was a subject of annoyance for her, but it meant I got to do some really cool things in those in-between years before I’d be old enough to join the Cub Scouts.

I remember the factory. It may have been all technology and mechanics, but at the time I was convinced it had something to do with magic.

The puppets were in various stages of construction throughout the factory. The only completed puppet I remember seeing was one carried by a woman who appeared from one of the many doors along the walls. She introduced the clown marionette she carried as Teto and then proceeded to bring him to life, having him climb imaginary stairs and pause at the top to catch his breath. His performance was mute, but to a six-year-old, it was riveting.

I’m a little sorry I didn’t pay as much attention to the performer as I did to the performance. This was Hazelle Rollins in her element—bringing her creations to life for all the children who would tour her Kansas City factory for more than forty years.

I got my own Teto as a Christmas gift later that year. Though I practiced for hours, I could never make him come alive the same way Hazelle had.

I still think it has something to do with magic.

—Martin W. Schwartz

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JUNE 10-16 2017 Missouri's cross state bike Tour CHARITON PLATTE

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10/31/16 9:40 AM

PROMOTION

we are

MAYBERRY

By James Zimmerman Owner CoolByke, LLC and Dialed Sports

T

here are a lot of reasons to buy a great bike from a bicycle shop. People think that if you go to one of the big stores with their flashy signs and huge inventory that you are getting the best bang for your buck and the most knowledge. You come in knowing that you want to start riding and that a Bike Shop is the place to start but you aren’t sure just what bike you need. Now that you are standing in that huge store looking at all the different types of bikes and the gear associated with that you are even more confused about what you want. After about ten to twenty minutes a sales person finally wanders over to you and starts to tell you exactly what you need! He may push a couple of bikes on you that he needs to move or he may try to get you to buy the most amazing expensive bike on the floor, saying that’s what you need to compete!

A real car salesman. You leave spending more than you ever wanted or even could spend and with a bike that was built to race the Tour de France. You just want to make a few trips’ down the Katy trail and drink a few glasses of wine.

CoolByke in Hannibal is much different. If you ever get the chance to come in or talk with us, you will know right away you made a good decision. I grew up in a small town on a small farm. Everyone knew everybody. People were polite and took care of each other. Stores had open accounts and shopkeeps who treated you like a friend and knew your name. I know it sounds like Mayberry, but there are still places and people out there like that. Things have changed and everyone has that, “Get in get out with the best deal on things we don’t need”, Attitude. Well, we don’t!

How does CoolByke have that Mayberry attitude? When you come through our door or call, we are going to greet you right away! A simple, “How are you doing today Craig?” and “How is your family?”. We may share a couple stories about a recent ride and then ask what we can help you with. If it is someone who is not really sure, we start asking questions to help him or her figure it out. First, where are you wanting to ride? Then we will show you some bikes that are made for that kind of riding.

Our next question is “What is your budget?” Let’s face it, money doesn’t go as far as it used to. Though I would love to sell you the most expensive bike to help keep the doors open, I would prefer to sell you the right bike, at the right price, even if it means not making as much money. Heck, a lot of the time I will

sell the expensive bike at a crazy price just to help you out. My goal is for you to keep coming back for other items. CoolByke also carries the three top brands: Cannondale, Specialized and Giant. We want you to have options and not be pushed to one brand just because that’s the brand we carry.

The buck doesn’t stop there. Just like Andy, we believe it is our responsibility to take care of you after the sale. This is why CoolByke offers Lifetime Free Service with every bicycle that we sell. Service is where we shine because it’s our reputation that is on the line. We take care of small things on the spot while you have a cup of coffee or go get lunch. You can even sit and watch us if you would like to learn some things. Larger items and full services, we ask that you leave the bike with us for a couple days. Like I said we want you riding, and the longer we have your bike, the less riding you do. If you are out of town and still want to buy from our shop because you like us, we will come to you within 100 miles. We can come to your house and drop off your bike, or even adjust it to fit you. If it is a repair you need and can’t get your bike to us, we can repair on site. CoolByke is also known for sponsoring local and regional events like Big BAM, Hootenanny and other organized rides and benefits.

There are so many beautiful places to ride in Missouri and great people to ride with. Cycling really is a lifestyle and it can start at a very young age. With the new balance bikes for the little ones, training wheels are becoming a thing of the past. There are competitions and rides popping up everywhere to get kids out on bikes. Plus, cycling makes a great vacation! Take the family and go enjoy our beautiful parks and trails, and know that we are here to help.

426 Huck Finn Shopping Center, Hannibal MO 63401 [63] December 2016• 573-248-1560 • www.coolbyke.com 063 ML1216.indd 63

10/28/16 8:27 PM

Pl an Your Geta wa y! anon!

So much to see and do in Leb

Lebanon is known by its motto, “Friendly people.

Friendly place.�

These events are only part of the fun we have to offer.

399th Army Band Free Holiday Concert December 8 Cowan Civic Center

Mad Dog Demolition Derby January 13 & 14 Cowan Civic Center

Gift shopping for a hunter? Our unique, handcrafted knives are the perfect gift for any outdoorsman. Each knife is handmade by the Richardson family, who have been creating these functional works of art for almost 40 years.

Visit our store:

68 Eaton Cemetery Rd., Cherryville, MO

(573) 743-6135 KenRichardsonKnives.com

[64] MissouriLife

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10/28/16 4:56 PM

Musings ON MISSOURI

SANTA’S SURVEILLANCE

BY RON MARR

IN 2010,

Julian Assange and WikiLeaks disseminated mountains of classified documents revealing misdeeds and corruption in the Afghan and Iraq wars. In 2013, Edward Snowden informed Americans they were under constant, highly invasive scrutiny by the National Security Agency. The former has spent years hidden away in the Ecuadorean embassy in London.

The latter is destined to live out his days in Moscow exile.

I tend to appreciate whistleblowers like Ed and Julian and find it sad that neither will be home for Christmas. It’s truly a shame that they lacked the subtlety and nuance of earlier truth-tellers such as John Frederick Coots and Haven Gillespie.

It’s a 99.9 percent certainty you’ve never heard of these guys. Cunning and ingenious beyond measure, Coots and Gillespie exposed the insidious “Santa Cabal” that, to this day, collects and catalogs every single detail of your life. The duo unveiled their earth-shattering revelations in 1934, utilizing a musical cipher so brilliant that they were never hunted, arrested, or prosecuted.

The plot divulged by Coots and Gillespie, terrifying in scale and magnitude, is something of which you are probably well aware. You just don’t realize it. They successfully sought to ingrain the reality of an abominable conspiracy within the minds of all Americans, but they may have succeeded too well. Who among you has not heard—and promptly ignored—the dire warnings they implanted in their best-selling song?

HARRY KATZ

He’s making a list, Checking it twice, Gonna find out whos naughty and nice.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

There seems to be little doubt that “Santa Claus” in this case refers to former FBI director J. Edgar Hoover. Coots and Gillespie obviously foresaw what was just over the horizon (the FBI as we know it today officially formed in 1935). Hoover ran the Federal Bureau of Investigation until his death in 1972, and terrified generations of naughty congressmen, presidents, celebrities, and political dissenters with his secret files and lists. All told, “Santa Hoover” compiled files on mo e than 432,000 unsuspecting Americans.

Still in disbelief? Then, consider this: He sees you when you’re sleeping, He knows when you’re awake.

He knows if you’ve been bad or good, So be good for goodness sake.

Thanks to smartphone and GPS technology (let’s not even talk about your Fitbit), the National Security Agency has these very capabilities.

It seems clear that Coots and Gillespie were prescient, able to foretell future events in a manner similar to Nostradamus, The Amazing Kreskin, and the astrology page of the National Enquirer. The “Santa” in this stanza most definitely refers to the NSA. Note the veiled warning of unimaginable consequences if “you’ve been bad.” Chilling!

Coots and Gillespie further put us on notice with the song’s opening lines, urging the utmost care when dealing with out-of-control governmental entities possessed of a paranoid need for surveillance and domination.

You better watch out, You better not cry, You better not pout, I’m telling you why, Santa Claus is coming to town.

Let’s be clear about something. In no way do I believe that the actual Santa Claus has any involvement or culpability in our government’s perfidious obsession with the thoughts and movements of its citizens. He wouldn’t do that. I mean, Santa is maybe the only guy on the planet we can still trust. He knows all your secrets—he’s Santa for cryin’ out loud— but he keeps them to himself. St. Nick simply seeks to determine whether you deserve a new boat, a trip to the Bahamas, or a lump of coal.

Nobody ever gets a lump of coal; that’s a clandestine slander.

But lots of people get audited.

SANTA CLAUS IS COMIN’ TO TOWN, Words by HAVEN GILLESPIE, Music by J. FRED COOTS Copyright © 1934 (Renewed) EMI FEIST CATALOG INC. and HAVEN GILLESPIE MUSIC (c/o LARRY SPIER MUSIC, LLC) Exclusive Print Rights for EMI FEIST CATALOG INC. Administered

by ALFRED MUSIC. All Rights Reserved. Used By Permission of ALFRED MUSIC.

RON MARR

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NO PLACE LIKE

Home

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAY

BY LORRY MYERS

HARRY KATZ

LAUREN AND HILARY grew up together. Their mothers are sisters in a loud, proud family centered around doting grandparents. They were family first but became oommates when they both landed jobs in St. Louis.

To the girls—to all of us—family meant everything.

One tradition our family observed was that everyone must come home for the holiday.

Everyone.

Snow was forecast the night that my family was driving to central Missouri on its annual pilgrimage. Most were coming from the west; Hilary and Lauren and the snow were coming from the other direction. The two girls were riding together and no one was surprised when they got a late start.

The snow, however, was right on time.

Neither girl had extensive winter driving experience, so my sister and I were hoping that once on the interstate, our daughters would have a clean road home.

Then, we would have our holiday.

Back home at Grandma’s, the house was filling up. The women worked in the kitchen while the men huddled around the TV, trying to find a ballgame.

As each family member arrived, the noise level increased and so did the colorful circle of gifts under the tree, waiting for the last two to get home.

An hour later, my sister called Lauren to check on the girls’ progress.

Hilary quickly answered her cousin’s phone, panic in her voice.

“The interstate is terrible and there are accidents up and down the exit ramps. We are afraid to turn around so we’re just going to keep going.”

Then … nothing but static.

Our repeated calls went unanswered, so my sister and I stood at the window holding hands, watching the blowing snow. Neither of us wanted to acknowledge that our selfish family tradition had put our daughters in danger.

What kind of tradition is that?

By now, the men were pacing; the looks on their faces said it all. Our daughters had been on the road for hours and the snow had only intensified What if something had happened?

I called three times before Hilary answered. The line crackled with static but I could still hear the tears in her voice. “Mom,” Hilary wailed. “I don’t know where we are … we’re trying to get home!”

Then I heard my daughter cry out a warning; I couldn’t make out her words but felt her fear down deep in my soul.

“Hilary! Hilary!”

The phone went silent.

By then, everyone had crowded around, the Christmas lights illuminating the worry filling the room. Someone turned off the TV and the food sat forgotten in the oven as we desperately tried calling back. The whole family—minus two— convened, huddling at the window, sitting close on the couch, or pacing a path around the room. An eerie quiet settled on the house, and we could almost feel the weight of the snow overhead.

“Okay,” I shouted, preparing everyone in the room for something they might not like.

“We’re going after them!”

Those four words were like a call to arms. The men gathered around, choosing the heaviest vehicles with the fullest gas tanks. The cousins collected boots and blankets, and the women called for road reports. My family was together all right, and we would do anything to bring our girls home.

We forgot about the holiday.

Suddenly, the door flew open and there they were. Our prodigal daughters were finally home. A cheer went up and the whole family stood crying and kissing and clinging to one another as if all our dreams had come true.

Everyone was home for the holiday.

Much later, the gifts were still unopened and the food in the oven stayed right where it was. We just closed the door to the world and sheltered together, celebrating a bond stronger than any tradition.

That blustery December night, my grateful family realized that the day would come when we couldn’t all be together for the holiday but we would never be far apart.

Our holiday tradition changed after that snowstorm. Now, all we want for our family is what I wish for yours: May everyone be safe for the holiday.

Lorry Myers writes from her home in central Missouri.

LORRY MYERS Contact her at LorrysStorys@gmail.com.

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According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, black walnuts grow best on the deep, well-drained soils of north Missouri and on the alluvial soils in the south.

EAT MO NUTS! SOMETIMES STALKING

Missouri’s wild nuts can make you feel like you’re in a Disney cartoon. You have to get out in the fiel early to beat Chip and Dale to the best of the year’s harvest.

Whether you hunt your own or purchase from one of the state’s many producers, Missouri’s native nuts offer an amazing variety of textures, flavors, and opportunities, from flavo ful, healthy salads to sweet, decadent desserts.

Here in a nutshell (we couldn’t resist) are some of Missouri’s most popular nuts to crack.

BLACK WALNUT The wild American Black Walnut, hand-harvested in the fall, is a highly distinctive and adaptable nut with an instantly recognizable flavor and packed with nutritional benefits. Although most at home in the Ozarks, the black walnut grows abundantly throughout the state, making Missouri the number one producer of black walnuts in the world.

Susan Zartman, director of marketing for Hammons Black Walnuts in Stockton, says distinguishing between black walnuts and English walnuts is important. The biggest difference, she says, is how the nuts are sourced.

COURTESY HAMMONS BLACK WALNUTS

Crunch into these native Missouri favorites. BY DANIELLE BRESHEARS

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ASIF A. ALI, JOHN AND ANNI WININGS

“Black walnuts are harvested in eleven states, grown in the wild, foraged by hand from midwestern individuals and families, and the average crop size is twenty-five to thirty-five million pounds each year,” Susan says. Both Black walnuts and English walnuts belong to the same genus, Juglans, but Black walnuts (Juglans nigra) are native to the United States and are primarily valued and sold domestically, while English walnuts (Juglans regia) are a global commodity and have their origins in the Middle East.

Hammons Black Walnuts processes the product by first cleaning and drying the nuts in the shell, then running them through large steel wheels to crack the shell. Rollers separate the meat from the shells and the kernels are graded into sizes with an electric sorting machine. Excess shells or discolored kernels are removed before the meats are inspected, boxed, sealed, and sterilized.

“Black walnuts have a bold, rich taste and enhance almost any recipe, from entrées to side dishes to desserts,” Susan says. “You can add this high-protein nut to ice cream to bring out the natural sweetness, or put it in a spicy salad for crunch and flavo .”

Black walnuts can be refrigerated for up to a year, or frozen for up to two years to ensure freshness.

have five to seven leaflets with an egg-shaped bu In Missouri, the prevalent hickory nuts are pecan, water, and bitternut hickory (from pecan hickories) and shagbark, shellbark, mockernut, pignut, and black hickory (from true hickories).

Hickory nuts ripen in early fall when the green husks begin to turn dark brown and split open.

Hickory nuts have the advantage of thin shells—heavy processing isn’t required to separate the meat from the shell. Nuts can be opened with nutcrackers, rocks, hammers, or particularly forceful hands. The unused shells are good for grills, smokers, and fi eplaces, holding heat well and infusing the air—or food—with a distinctive aroma.

The nut meat in a hickory nut has a mild taste and is full of nutrients.

Because of the high oil content in the nut, hickory nuts should be refrigerated or frozen to prevent a rancid taste.

“Nut oils become rancid under warehouse conditions, so it’s likely few who buy from big box stores have ever enjoyed the great flavo of fresh nuts,” says Sara Jean Peters of the Missouri Nut Growers Association. “Those who make the effort to buy from a local grower can keep their nuts tasting at their prime by storing them in the freezer until they are needed.”

The hickory nut is used for cooking a wide variety of dishes, the fl vor enhancing so many different contrasting bases. The nut is also important as a food source for local wildlife, such as turkey and squirrels.

The shagbark hickory (Carya ovata) has a large fat content, producing a rich, buttery fl vor. The shellbark hickory (Carya laciniosa) produces a much larger nut. Both are tasty alone or in recipes.

The popularity of the pecan dates back to Missouri’s Indian tribes, who were thought to have brought the nut from the southeastern portion of the state and helped spread it to the north.

HICKORY NUT

PECAN

There are seventeen species of hickory in the world. Fifteen of them are found in the hardwood forests of the southern and eastern United States. Hickories are divided into two different groups: pecan hickories and true hickories. The difference is easy enough to spot: pecan hickories have more than seven leaflets and an elongated bud; true hickories

Whether you call them pe-CONS or pe-CANS (or even PEA-cons), you know how important this Missouri nut is to the holiday season. The pecan is the largest member of the hickory clan and has an unmistakable flavor p ofile Growing especially well along the bottomland soils of the Missouri

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River in central Missouri, this stone fruit tree also thrives in stream and river soils of other temperate areas such as Georgia, Texas, and Oklahoma.

Pecans are called stone fruit trees because they have a single stone, or pit, surrounded by a husk. In the language of the Algonquians, the word “pecan” translates to “nut so hard you need a stone to crack it.”

Once the outer husk splits, the nut is ready to be processed. This typically happens in mid-October in Missouri. King Hills Farm in Brunswick is a major pecan processing center that grows trees on the banks of the Grand River and grafts a good portion of them with different native trees around the state. At any given time, King Hills Farm will have around three thousand fruit-producing trees, which are quite a beautiful sight when traveling through Brunswick.

Besides the traditional Thanksgiving sweet treat, pecans are also key in praline making. The nut’s rich, buttery flavor also works well in most sweet desserts that need a crunch! Pecan wood can also be used when smoking meats.

ly, the Ozark chinquapin or Ozark chestnut was nearly wiped out in the early twentieth century by chestnut blight.

Chestnuts are high in carbohydrates and water, making them prone to mold and decay if not properly refrigerated. You’ll also want to eat them quickly, as the quality of the flavor declines after a few months The flavor profile of these nuts is diverse, making them popular in varied uses from flour to stew add-ins. Chestnuts are found in lamb dishes, casseroles, and even rice flours and dumplings

The sweet taste of the hazelnut, also known as the filbert, makes it perfect for use in such confectionaries as pralines and truffles. It’s also used to m e Frangelico liqueur.

Chinese chestnuts are relatively new to Missouri and are a healthy, low-fat food ingredient that can be incorporated into a wide range of dishes, from soups to stuffings to dessert

CHINESE CHESTNUT Chinese chestnuts are tasty, orchard-grown nuts that are highly profi able. These nuts are new to Missouri, but they are spreading and making a home for themselves fairly quickly. Though the trees aren’t native to the Show-Me State, producers are growing them here in increasing numbers, especially in places like Forrest Keeling Nursery in Elsberry. From seedling to mature plant, this nursery grows the trees and sells them to local orchard owners and various other places throughout the United States, from Michigan to Oklahoma.

Missouri used to have a native chestnut tree, says Kim Young, vice president and general manager of Forrest Keeling Nursery. Unfortunate-

The American hazelnut, also called the American filbe t, grows in dense thickets all around Missouri. Commonly associated with white oak, black oak, or hickory, this shrub-like tree is seen more as an ornamental plant, making a good natural barrier in yards and producing nice fall colors.

The nut itself is highly regarded in the cooking world for its distinctive taste and in the natural word for key wildlife protein and erosion control. If you can beat the squirrels and quail to this nut, you’re in for a treat.

The plant, found most commonly in moist woods or prairies, typically grows three to ten feet high.

The hazelnut harvest occurs in August when the reddish brown acorn-size nut is exposed from its surrounding bracts. You will usually see the nut growing in clusters of two to six, the doubly serrated leaves around them egg- or oval-shaped.

Hazelnut lovers regard the nut as a sweet fruit used most commonly in desserts, spreads such as Nutella, and coffees. Purists like to roast them and eat as is; the rich flavor is g eat by itself.

To roast, bake the nuts for about twenty minutes on a low setting. Let them cool, and then lightly rub them with a cloth to loosen the skin.

The hard shells of hazelnuts burn slowly and don't decompose easily, making them useful as mulch or garden fertilizer or in woodstoves and fi eplaces.

SUNCHILD57 PHOTOGRAPHY, BRAM CYMET

AMERICAN HAZELNUT

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HOMEMADE ENERGY MIX

Courtesy Missouri Department of Conservation Ingredients >

1 ½ cups black walnuts 1 cup pecans 1 cup hazelnuts

½ cup hickory nuts 1 cup raisins or dried blueberries 1 cup dried banana chips

Directions >

HARRY KATZ

Combine all ingredients together and enjoy your very own trail mix using Missouri nuts. Makes 6 cups.

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OLD-FASHIONED PECAN PIE

Courtesy Missouri Northern Pecan Growers Ingredients >

3 eggs beaten ³/₄ cup sugar ¹/₂ cup white corn syrup ¹/₂ cup dark corn syrup 1 teaspoon vanilla

¹/₄ teaspoon salt ¹/₂ cup margarine, melted 1 cup Missouri pecans 1 unbaked pie shell

Directions >

1. Mix eggs, sugar, syrups, vanilla, salt, and margarine together. Spread pecans on bottom of pie shell.

Pour in filling. Ba e at 350 degrees for 30-40 minutes or until filling sets. When done, a knif inserted in the middle should come out clean.

CRANBERRY-ORANGE RELISH WITH BLACK WALNUTS Courtesy Hammons Black Walnuts

Ingredients >

1 (12-ounce) package fresh cranberries, washed and sorted 1 whole unpeeled orange, seeded and ³/₄-inch diced 1 unpeeled apple, cored and ³/₄-inch diced

1 cup Hammons Black Walnuts, Fancy Large ¹/₈ teaspoon salt 1 ¹/₂ cups sugar 2 celery stalks, coarsely chopped 1 can jellied cranberry sauce

Directions >

HARRY KATZ

1. In a food processor bowl, combine all ingredients and pulse until well blended and finely diced. (Do not verprocess.)

2. Cover relish and refrigerate. Relish can be made a day or two before serving and should be stored in a closed jar.

Makes approximately 14 servings.

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CHESTNUTS ROASTED ON AN OPEN FIRE Courtesy University of Missouri Center for Agroforestr Chestnuts provided by the Horticulture and Agroforestry Research Cent

Courtesy Missouri Northern Pecan Growers

Ingredients > Raw chestnuts

Directions >

1. Prepare a charcoal fire on our grill. With a knife or a hand-pruner garden tool, cut a ¹/₄-inch-deep slit on the rounded side of each nut. This will allow the heated moisture to escape from inside the chestnut and will prevent them from exploding when heated on the fire. (This is similar to piercing the skin of a potato before cooking.)

2. Place the cut nuts in a metal pan such as a stainless steel wok or a cast iron skillet and place the pan on the grilling rack. While roasting, turn the nuts frequently with a metal spatula for about 20 minutes. When cooled, the shells will become brittle and will be easy to peel with your fingers 3. The nuts can also be roasted on a bonfire y using a long-handled metal pan. The nuts will only take about 5-10 minutes to cook over a hot fire or coals and they must be turned frequently to pre ent scorching.

Microwave alternative: 1. Place chestnuts flat side d wn on cutting board. You must score or slit the shells of chestnuts before cooking or they can explode (see above).

2. Slice right through the shell and nut, leaving only a hinge at the bottom.

3. Place on microwave-safe tray and cover.

4. Cook chestnuts on full power for 45 seconds (for larger amounts, microwave a bit longer) and watch the chestnuts pop open like clamshells.

5. Move chestnuts to cutting board. Chestnut meats easily pop out and are ready to eat or use for a recipe.

Salt lightly, if desired.

BACON-WRAPPED CHESTNUT MEATS Courtesy Missouri Center for Agroforestr

Ingredients >

Shelled raw chestnuts

Pork or turkey bacon

Directions > HARRY KATZ

MISSOURI FUDGE CAKE

1. Prepare desired amount of fresh chestnuts according to the instructions listed above.

2. Boil shelled chestnut meats in chicken broth or water about 5 minutes. Do not over boil; nuts need to remain crunchy. Drain. Wrap chestnuts in small strips of pork or turkey bacon and secure edges with a toothpick. Place single layer in a shallow metal pan or cookie sheet. Bake at 250 degrees for approximately 20 minutes or until bacon is cooked. Let cool slightly before serving.

Ingredients >

Cake: 4 rounded tablespoons cocoa 1 cup margarine softened at room temperature 1 cup water 2 cups flou

2 cups sugar ¹/₂ teaspoon salt 2 eggs 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon vanilla ¹/₂ cup buttermilk

Frosting: ¹/₂ cup margarine 4 rounded tablespoons cocoa 1 pound powdered sugar

6 tablespoons milk 1 teaspoon vanilla 1 cup Missouri pecans

Directions >

Cake: 1. Bring the first three ingredients to a boil in a saucepan. Mix next 3 ingredients in a bowl and add to the saucepan until blended. Mix the final 4 ingredients together and stir into mixture.

2. Pour into a large, greased cookie sheet (11x17x1 inch) and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.

Frosting: 1. Mix frosting ingredients until well blended and pour over warm cake.

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Dining worth the drive.

Chesterfie d

Show-Me Sicilian LOOKING FOR made-from-scratch Sicilian meals without traveling to Italy?

Head to Vito’s in the Valley restaurant and pizzeria in Chesterfield. This family-ownedand-operated dining spot is the second location from the LaFata family, who opened Vito’s Original Pizzeria & Ristorante in 1996 in midtown St. Louis.

“It’s our authentic family recipes that delight customers,” says general manager Giovanni LaFata. From classic appetizers, memorable salads, and fresh panini to homemade pasta, calzones, and signature pizzas, Vito’s also offers new dishes based on discoveries made during the LaFata family’s visits to Sicily. Desserts, of course, include cannoli, tiramisu, and salame di cioccolato. Can’t decide? The dolce amore enables diners to sample the chef’s fi e favorite desserts.

Each morning, Giovanni makes dough for the restaurant’s bread, sandwiches, and pizzas. He also grows fresh herbs to use in all of the restaurant’s offerings. “With our kitchen being completely from scratch, we buy ingredients locally and seasonally as often as we can,” he says.

Open seven days a week, Vito’s is available for catering and private events, too. Kids eat free Sundays through Wednesdays.—Julie Brown Patton 138 Chesterfield Towne Centre • 636- 536-3788 • VitosInTheValley.com

Mexico

Like a Boomerang, You’ll Come Back TO PARAPHRASE Crocodile D undee: THAT’S not an Aussie restaurant.

THIS is an Aussie restaurant!

Aussie Outback & D own Under, located on the square in Mexico, offers unique Australian dishes along with traditional Americana fare. The lounge area is a great place to relax, watch a game, and sample Missouri craft beers. Offering a full bar, rotating craft taps and “local” Australian wines, the bar menu has a somewhat unique take on pub food.

In the mood for a Yank sandwich? Try the Burger with “The Lot,” a house-ground burger that is equal parts brisket and chuck, topped with roasted beetroot, bacon, caramelized onions, grilled pineapple, fried egg, fresh lettuce and tomato. Or, sample the Roo Salad a menu of meat pie floaters, fresh pasta, and Certified Angus Beef steak Aussie Outback & Down Under is open every day but Tuesday.

Sheilas, grab your bloke and ankle-biters and be happy you don’t have to cross an ocean to eat fair dinkum.—Scott Eivins 117 West Monroe Street • 573-567-5514 • AussieOutbackDownUnder.com

Jefferson City

The Small Package Good Things Come In ON THE CORNER of Dix Road and Main Street, in an unassuming brick building, awaits one of the best breakfast menus in central Missouri.

From eggs and bacon to corned beef hash to chicken-fried steak, Angelina’s Café cooks up a comfort breakfast like no other. Into fl vored pancakes? Choose from chocolate or blueberry, or seasonal favorites such as banana and strawberry. And if you’re a biscuitand-gravy connoisseur, get ready to dive into the best you’ve ever tasted, bar none. Angelina’s Café also serves lunch, with a menu that includes a Rueben sandwich, French dip, burgers, and a classic BLT. And don’t leave without a slice of pie.

Angelina’s is open from 6 AM to 2 PM every day but Tuesday and serves breakfast every hour it is open.—Martin W. Schwartz 101 Boonville Road • 573-893-3200 • Facebook: Angelina’s Café

JULIE BROWN PATTON, COURTESY AUSSIE OUTBACK & DOWN UNDER, MARTIN W. SCHWARTZ

featuring grilled kangaroo fillet. The restaurant side also has a relaxed ambience, boasting

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MO NUT W O S GR

www.missourinutgrowers.org Read what you missed!

Purchase back issues of Missouri Life!

Visit MissouriLife.com or call 1-800-492-2593

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Bike Adventure through the heart of Europe September 25 - October 6, 2017

Join Greg and Danita Wood, publisher and editor-in-chief of Missouri Life, on the adventure of a lifetime in 2017!

Bicycle from Vienna to Prague along the Danube River. We'll meander through medieval Europe and quaint villages on easy rides along dedicated paved bike paths between 12 and 29 miles per day on this 12-day tour, which includes elegant hotels and most meals.

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ALL AROUND

Missour DECEMBER 2016

NORTHEAST

LIVING WINDOWS

Enjoy the evening in downtown Hannibal on D ec. 10 as the store windows come to life with magical scenes of the season.

You can view the windows for free from 5 to 8 pm. Call 573221-2477 or check VisitHannibal.com for more information.

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK D ec. 1-23, Moberly > D rive through the park to see beautiful, lighted Christmas displays. Rothwell Park. 5-9 pm. Donations accepted. 660-263-6070, Moberly.com

JAYCEES CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 3, Hannibal > This lighted parade will get you in the holiday spirit with floats, Santa, bands, and Frosty the Snowman. D ownbtown. 7-9 pm. Free.

573-221-2477, VisitHammibal.com

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA D ec. 3, Kirksville > Enjoy a hearty breakfast with jolly St. Nick. Maxwell’s. 8:30 and 10:30 amseatings. $8. 660-627-1485, Parks.KirksvilleCity.com

CHRISTMAS PARADE D ec. 3, Kirksville > Start the holiday season with this lighted parade and a visit from Santa. Downtown. 5 pm. Free. 660-627-1485, VisitKirksville.com

SIX APPEAL Dec. 10, Moberly > This a cappella ensemble performs holiday songs. High School Auditorium. 7 pm. $10-$15. 660-263-6070, Moberly.com

ST. LOUIS CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS

COURTESY OF HANNIBAL CVB

Nov. 25-Dec. 24, St. Charles > Legendary Christmas figures, carolers, and shopping. Main Street 6:30-9 pm Wed. and Fri.; 11 am-9 pm Sat.; noon5 pmSun.; 11 am-2 pmDec. 24. Free. 800-366-2427, StCharlesChristmas.com

SANTA ARRIVES ON AMTRAK Dec. 2, Washington > Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive on the train for photos with the kids and you can enjoy many other holiday activities. Depot. 5-6 pm.

Free. 636-239-1743, DowntownWashMo.org These listings are chosen by our editors and are not paid for by sponsors.

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CANDLELIGHT WALK

CANDLELIGHT TOURS

Dec. 2-3 and 9-10, Defiance > Step back into the early 1800s to experience Christmas from the past with candlelit pathways, frontier life reenactments, stories, music, and hot cider. Historic Daniel Boone Home. Call for times, costs, and reservations.

636-949-7535, DanielBooneHome.com

Dec. 9-10, Chesterfield > The customs of the 1820s will surround you on the self-guided tour through festively adorned rooms at the home of Governor and Mrs. Frederick Bates with historically dressed docents on hand. Thornhill at Faust Park. 6-9 pm Fri.; 5-9 pmSat. $8. 314-615-8328, StLouisCo.com

CANDLELIGHT CHRISTMAS WALK

CHRISTMAS PARADE

LAS POSADAS D ec. 3, St. Charles > Bring a candle, lantern, or flashlight and join in the Spanish tradition of the reenactment of Joseph and Mary’s journey to Bethlehem. Main Street. 6:30-9 pm. Free.

636-946-7776, HistoricStCharles.com

WEIHNACHTSFEST Dec. 3-4 and 10-11, Hermann > Tour the PommerGenter House. D eutschheim State Historic Site.

10 am-4 pm. Free. 573-486-2200, MoStateParks .com/Park/Deutschheim-State-Historic-Site

D ec. 10, Cuba > This holiday parade goes down historic Route 66. Starts at the Wagon Wheel Motel and ends at Mizzell Funeral Home. 10 am. Free.

573-885-2531, CubaMoChamber.com

CANDLELIGHT CONCERT Dec. 10, St. Charles > Dee Ban performs old-time songs indigenous to Missouri. First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site. 7:30-9 pm. Call for ticket prices. Reservations required. 636-940-3322, MoStateParks.com/Park/First-Missouri-StateCapitol-State-Historic-Site

SAY CHEESE WINE TRAIL D ec. 10-11, Hermann > Follow the Wine Trail to explore the timeless marriage of wine and cheese.

Each winery pairs a dish featuring cheese with its wine. Seven area wineries. 10 am-5 pm Sat.; 11 am5 pm Sun. $30 advanced tickets are required. 800932-8687, HermannWineTrail.com

SANTAS ON THE LOOSE

Come out to Gazebo Park in Webster Groves on D ec. 3 to see runners in their Santa attire run an officiall timed 5K and enjoy a post-party breakfast with Santa. The race starts at 8 am and costs $35-$40 to participate. It is free to cheer on the Santas. Call 314-962-4142 or visit SantasOnTheLoose.com.

COURTESY OF URSULA RUHL, WEBSTER-KIRKWOOD TIMES

D ec. 2 and 9, Augusta > Take the antique trolley down the corridor of more than 1,500 glowing luminaria, visit with artisans and crafters, shop for holiday gifts, listen to carolers, and say hello to Santa. Throughout town. 5-10 pm. Free. 636-946-7776, Augusta-Chamber.org

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A GNOME FOR CHRISTMAS

FIRST DAY HIKE

CHRISTMAS OPEN HOUSE

Dec. 10, 17-18, and 22-23, St. Louis > This warmhearted musical is full of mysterious things emphasizing the importance of helping others and the happiness of friendships. Nerinx Hall High School.

Showtimes vary. $8. 314-968-4825, RepSTL.org

Jan. 1, De Soto > Start the New Year with a 1.5-mile guided hike on the 1,000 Step Trail. Washington State Park. 1-3 pm. Free. 636-586-5768, MoState Parks.com/Park/Washington-State-Park

D ec. 2, Cape Girardeau > This family-friendly event includes carolers singing holiday favorites, carriage rides, decorated shops, a drawing for a shopping spree, and a special activity just for children. Downtown. 5-9 pm. Free. 573-334-8085, OldTownCape.org

’TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS 1823 D ec. 11, St. Charles > Clement Moore’s, A Visit From St. Nicholas is read by Mrs. Claus on the hour. First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site. Noon-5 pm. Free. Reservations required. 636940-3322, MoStateParks.com/Park/First-Missouri -State-Capitol-State-Historic-Site

HOLIDAY HOUSE TOURS Dec. 11, Washington > Take a tour of local homes and businesses beautifully decorated for the Christmas season. Throughout town. 4-7 pm. $10$15. 636-239-1743, DowntownWashMo.org

CONSTELLATIONS Jan. 18-Feb. 5, St. Louis > This play creates a vibrant collision of love and theoretical physics. The Repertory Theatre. Showtimes vary. $43.50.

314-968-4925, RepSTL.org

FETE DE GLACE Jan. 28, St. Charles > Bundle up and come out to watch the creation of ice sculptures at this icecarving competition. North Main Street. 9 am-3 pm.

Free. 636-946-7776, HistoricStCharles.com

SOUTHEAST

CHRISTMAS PARADE D ec. 2, Charleston > The Historical Society will host an open house and bake sale; the parade has a Spreading the Spirit of Christmas theme. Downtown and Main Street. 6 pm. Free. 573-683-6509, CharlestonMo.org

CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA Dec. 3, Sikeston > Shop for holiday gifts from the craft vendors, listen to live music, and bring the kids for face painting and a visit with Santa. Jaycee Bootheel Rodeo Grounds. 10 am-5 pm. $1. 573-4819967, SikestonDepotMuseum.com

MEET SANTA’S REINDEER

VIEUX NOEL IN LIGHTS

HOLIDAY CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL

Dec. 17-18, St. Charles > Come out to the backyard of the historic site to meet live reindeer and Santa and his helpers. First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site. 3-5 pm. Free. 636-940-3322, MoStateParks.com/Park/First-Missouri-StateCapitol-State-Historic-Site

Nov. 25-D ec. 24, Ste. Genevieve > Stroll along with members of the colonial community on a lighted garden path to see the holiday crèche hidden in the boxwood grove. The Bolduc House Museum. Fri.-Sun. evenings only. $3 donation. 573883-7097, VisitSteGen.com

D ec. 3-4, Ste. Genevieve > Celebrate the holidays in style with a parade, carriage rides, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus, more than thirty musical programs, carolers, and holiday refreshments. Historic D owntown. Times vary. Free.

800-373-7007, VisitSteGen.org

Eat.

Stay.

Discover.

Enjoy.

Events Breakfast with Santa

Dec. 3

Christkindl Markt

Dec. 3

The TEN Tenors - Home for the Holidays 5th Annual SNO-GLO 5K

Dec. 4 Dec. 9

STOMP - International Percussion Jan. 27 Sensation

For more information on events visit

www.VisitRolla.com

Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center

660-665-3766

Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce • 1311 Kingshighway Rolla, MO 65401 • 573-364-3577 or 888-809-3817

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VALLE CRAFT FAIR D ec. 3-4, Ste. Genevieve > Peruse the arts and crafts booths, enter a raffle and on Sunday enjoy a chicken dinner and photos with Santa.

Valle Catholic School. 9 am-4 pm Sat.; 11 am-4 pm Sun. (photos noon-2 pm). Free. 573-450-0705, GreatRiverRoad.com

HOLIDAY AND CANDLELIGHT TOURS D ec. 3-18, Cape Girardeau > Each Saturday in D ecember you can tour this beautifully restored Victorian home decorated with a tree in every room, and period docents tell the story of the house. Glenn House. 1-4 pm(5-8 pmDec. 9 and 17). $5. 573-335-1631, GlennHouse.org

COURTESY OF MISSOURI STATE PARKS

USARTS D ec. 3-Jan. 29, Poplar Bluff > This invitational art show features original and innovative artwork from fifty states. Margaret Harwell Art Museum. Noon-4 pm Tues.-Fri.; 1-4 pm Sat.-Sun. Free. 573-686-8002, MHAM.org

I’M COMING OVER TOUR Dec. 8, Cape Girardeau > Country music concert with Chris Young and special guests Dustin Lynch and Cassadee Pope. Show Me Center. 6:30-11 pm. $42.50-$55.50. 573-651-5000, ShowMeCenter.biz

CANDLELIGHT TOURS

Enjoy an 1860s Victorian Christmas with tours of the Hunter-Dawson home in New Madrid on Dec. 9 and 10 from 6-8:30 pm. The home is decorated with Christmas trees, 1860s-style ornaments, and candles. Then tour several other historic locations also decorated for the holidays. The tours are free.

Call 573-748-5300 or visit New-Madrid.Mo.us for more information.

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Our clothing is American made 111 N. Main, Liberty, MO • 816-781-9473 www.jamescountry.com • jamescntry@aol.com [83] December 2016

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GREAT RUSSIAN NUTCRACKER

WINE AND BACON TRAIL

Dec. 8, Cape Girardeau > The Moscow Ballet enchants the entire family with this holiday classic with larger-than-life props, including a sixty-foot growing Christmas tree. Bedell Performance Hall at River Campus. 7:30-10 pm. $30.50-$70.50. 573-6512265, RiverCampus.org

Jan. 21, Ste. Genevieve > Visit several wineries and taste Missouri wine perfectly paired with a bacon dish. The Route du Vin Wine Trail. 11 am-5 pm. $27. 800-373-7007, RDVWineTrail.com

HOLIDAY OPEN HOUSE D ec. 9, Sikeston > Check out the Christmas displays while enjoying light refreshments. Sikeston D epot Museum. 5-7:30 pm. Free. 573-481-9967, SikestonDepotMuseum.com

PARADE AND SANTA’S VILLAGE Dec. 10, New Madrid > The parade features decorated floats, bands, and walking groups; Santa’s Village has treats, Santa and Mrs. Claus, and activities for kids. D owntown. 3-6 pm. Free.

573-748-5300, New-Madrid.Mo.us

LE RÉVEILLON D ec. 11, Ste. Genevieve > This celebration highlights the music, food, customs, and decorations of an early French Christmas with yule log cake, period-dressed staff, and music. Felix Vallé House State Historic Site. 1-6 pm. Free. 573-883-7102, MoStateParks.com/Park/Felix-Valle-House-State -Historic-Site

RIDERS IN THE SKY Jan. 27, Cape Girardeau > This classic cowboy quartet brings its wacky comedy and musical talent out for an evening of sheer entertaiment. Bedall Performance Hall at River Campus. 7:30 pm. $29-$35. 573-651-2265, RiverCampus.org

KANSAS CITY VICTORIAN CRYSTAL FANTASY Nov. 25-Dec. 30, Independence > Tour the beautiful Vaile mansion filled with Yuletide scenes reflected in magnificent gilded mirrors. Vaile Mansion. 10 am-4 pm Mon.-Sat., 1-4 pm Sun. $3-$6.

816-325-7430, VaileMansion.org

MERRY AND BRIGHT CHRISTMAS Nov. 26-Dec. 17, Independence > Step back in time and experience horse-drawn sleigh rides, enjoy hot cocoa, apple cider and cookies, visit with Santa at the Visitors Experience Center, take in the animated

window displays and holiday light shows, and tour the decorated historic sites including the BinghamWaggoner Estate and the 1859 Marshall’s home.

Historic Independence Square and historic sites.

Every Sat. noon-4 pm. Free (except some tours).

816-325-7890, VisitIndependence.com

SANTA’S GINGERBREAD STATION Dec. 1-31, Kansas City > Kids and families can explore this interactive exhibit, meet and have a photo taken with Santa, tour the Gingerbread Village, and climb aboard the Express Train. Crown Center Shops. 10 am -9 pm Mon.-Sat.; noon-6 pm Sun. (10 pm-5 pmDec. 26 and 31). Free. 816-274-8444, CrownCenter.com

CHRISTKINDLMARKET Dec. 2, Cole Camp > There will be specials in the stores, carolers, horse and buggy rides, and you will experience the traditional German lighting of the festbaum at this holiday event. Downtown. 5-9 pm.

Free. 660-438-2090, VisitBentonCoMo.com

CRAFT PATCH CRAFT SHOW D ec. 2, Lee’s Summit > Enjoy this indoor show with more than one hundred vendors of the fi est handmade crafts in the area. The Pavilion at John Knox Village. 11 am-4 pm. Free. 816-524-4111, LSChamber.com

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Make memories in Hannibal this holiday season Victorian Festival of Christmas November 26 – December 24 Lighted Christmas Parade December 3 Historic Hannibal Living Windows December 10 For more information about holiday events, go to: VisitHannibal.com [85] December 2016

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KAYSINGER CHRISTMAS D ec. 2-3, Warsaw > Come out for the annual celebration of Christmas in the 1800s and enjoy hay wagon rides, caroling, luminaria, and buildings decked out in old-fashioned holiday decor. Truman Dam Visitors Center in the Pioneer Village. 3-9 pm.

Free. 660-438-2090, VisitBentonCoMo.com

TUBACHRISTMAS D ec. 2 and 12, Kansas City > All area tuba and euphonium players are invited to join in the festivities presented by the Kansas City Symphony. The general public is invited to listen to the sounds of the season, tuba-style. Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. Noon. Free. 816-471-0400, KCSymphony.org

Dec. 3, Kansas City > Bring your own needles and yarn to knit your own project or to knit for the veterans hospital knitting projects. National World War I Museum. 9:30-11:30 am. Free. Please RSVP. 816-888-8100, TheWorldWar.org

MAYOR’S CHRISTMAS TREE

Kansas City’s Crown Center comes alive from Dec. 1 to 31! The beautiful 100-foot-tall lighted tree is one of the nation’s tallest. You can visit a favorite piece of Christmas nostalgia at the Emery, Bird, Thayer laughing Santa display and listen to music performed by area school, church, and community choirs.

All these holiday events are free. Call 816-274-8444 or visit CrownCenter.com for more information.

PET EXPO D ec. 3-4, Kansas City > This expo is for anyone who loves animals; it features a huge trade show.

KCI Expo Center. 10 am-6 pmSat.; 10 am-4 pmSun. $4-$8. 515-777-8801, GreatKCPetExpo.com

COURTESY OF WILLIAM AND JILL DIMARTINO

KNIT-IN

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ANDERSON HOUSE CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS ON THE HARBOR

D ec. 3-4, Lexington > Start the holidays with a tour of the Anderson House decorated for the holidays, snack on some sweet desserts, and enjoy piano music by D ave Bohling and Pat Berry. Battle of Lexington State Historic Site. 6-8 pm Sat.; noon-4 pm Sun. Free. 660-259-4654, MoStateParks.com/Park/Battle-Lexington-State -Historic-Site

Dec. 10, Warsaw > You can walk the beautiful harbor’s lighted displays, take a hayride, shop the vendor’s booths, and visit Santa and his elves at this Christmas experience. Downtown. 4:30-9 pm.Free.

660-438-2090, VisitBentonCoMo.com

HOLIDAY HOME TOUR D ec. 3-4, Lexington > Tour historic and newer homes decorated for the holidays, visit the hospitality room, and shop at the arts and crafts fair. Throughout town and P&H Event Center. 58:30 pmSat.; noon-5 pmSun. $10-$14. 925-989-7439, VisitLexingtonMo.com

GERMAN CHRISTMAS PROGRAM D ec. 4, Cole Camp > This concert features the German Singers performing traditional holiday songs. St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. 7 pm. Free.

660-438-2090, VisitBentonCoMo.com

CRAFT FAIR AND PARADE D ec. 10, Lincoln > Enjoy a holiday parade, chili/ soup dinner, pictures with Santa, and craft booths.

Downtown and the R-2 School. 10 am-5 pm. Free.

660-438-2090, VisitBentonCoMo.com

GARDENS BY CANDLELIGHT D ec. 10-11, Kingville > Stroll along the paths lit by hundreds of luminaria, enjoy the Christmas Couture display, listen to live music, and snack on homemade cookies and cocoa.

Powell Gardens. 5-7:30 pm. $3-$7. 816-697-2600, PowellGardens.org

HOLIDAY FARMERS MARKET D ec. 17, Lee’s Summit > Join the regular Farmers Market and the holiday specialty vendors for this indoor mart featuring jellies, jams, produce, and baked goods. Elementary School gymnasium.

7 am-1 pm. Free. 816-246-6598, DowntownLS.org

THE LUMINEERS Jan 24, Kansas City > Grammy award-winning band performs a concert with internationally acclaimed, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter Andrew Bird along with Margaret Glaspy. Sprint Center. 7 pm. $37.50-$57.50. 816-9497140, SprintCenter.com

Luxury living

CHRISTMAS ON THE SQUARE D ec. 1, Waynesville > Stop by this old-fashioned celebration for free hot dogs, chili, and hot chocolate, get your picture taken with Santa, and listen to caroling. Downtown Square. 6-9 pm. Free. 573774-6910, PulaskiCountyUSA.com

CITY OF LIGHTS Dec. 1-31, Richland > This festival includes a nightly light show, displays, live music, fire-pit warming stations, and selfie stations. D owntown. 5-10 pm.

Free. 417-693-5601, GoRichlandMo.com

CHRISTMASFEST D ec. 2-3, Salem > Spring Creek Artisans will display and sell unique crafts at this show. Bonebrake Center of Nature and History. 5-8 pmFri.; 9 am-2 pm Sat. Free. 573-729-3400, BoneBrake.org

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA Dec. 3, Rolla > Bring the family out for breakfast and get your photo taken with Santa. Cedar Street Theatre. 8 am. $6 advance tickets; $8 at the door.

573-364-9523, OzarkActorsTheatre.org

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CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 3, Rolla > Experience Christmas on Route 66 with this holiday parade containing floats, marching bands, and vintage vehicles. Downtown. 10 am.

Free. 573-364-3577, VisitRolla.com

ARTS AND CRAFTS SHOW D ec. 3-4, West Plains > More than 100 vendors feature hand-crafted arts and crafts at this show.

Civic Center. 8:30 am-5 pm. $2. 417-256-1587, WPOptimist.org

THE TEN TENORS D ec. 4, Rolla > The Australia singing group performs Home for the Holidays, a selection of traditional and contemporary seasonal favorites.

Leach Theatre. 7:30 pm. $42. 573-341-4219, Leach Theatre.mst.edu

CHRISTMAS PARADE

Mountain View celebrates the holiday season on Dec. 10 with a fantastic parade. See Santa on an oldfashioned firetruck, listen to marching bands, and enjoy the decorated floats. The parade starts at 2 pm and is free to attend. Lineup will be at Wayside Park and travels downtown. Call 417-934-2794 or visit MountainViewMo.com for more information.

JOURNEY TO BETHLEHEM Dec. 9-10, Crocker > Old Bethlehem comes to life with more than one hundred different characters

COURTESY OF RENEE DEPRIEST

KIWANIS CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 4, Waynesville > Join in or watch the parade that includes floats, bands, old cars, and church groups. The parade has a What Christmas Means to Me theme. The route follows Historic Route 66.

2 pm. Free. 573-774-3001, PulaskiCountyUSA.Com

GET A TASTE OF

THE OUTBACK in Mexico, Missouri!

Christmas Festival & Cookie Walk December 2-4 Enjoy holiday splendor, carolers, luminaries, carriage rides, and holiday shopping. Bring the whole family and enjoy an old fashioned Christmas in Kimmswick.

Over 28 Unique Shops & Restaurants Boutiques • Jewelry • Collectibles • Unique Gifts • Artisans • Galleries • Coffees, Teas, and Spices...

Quaint Restaurants Including Wine & Beer • Ice Cream • Bakery • Cafe Evening Dining • Old-Fashioned Soda Fountain

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Come try our new and classic menu items: • • • • • • • •

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and live animals. Christian Church. 5-9 pm. Free.

573-736-5121, CrockerCC.com

ful evening of music provided by the Salem High Chamber Choir and enjoy appetizers. Bonebrake Center of Nature and History. 7:30 pm. Reservations. $10. 573-729-3400, BoneBrake.org

CHRISTMAS CRAFT SHOW D ec. 9-10, Mountain View > Finish your shopping at this show featuring handmade crafts and arts and homemade canned and baked goods.

Community Center. 9 am-6 pmFri.; 8 am-5 pm. Sat. Free. 417-934-2794, MountainViewMo.com

STOMP Jan. 27, Rolla > This international percussion sensation uses ordinary objects to create a visual and musical performance. Leach Theatre. 7:30 pm. $45. 573-341-4219, LeachTheatre.mst.edu

JINGLE BELL ROCK 5K/10K Dec. 17, Rolla > Test your speed on the timed 5K or 10K run. Veterans Memorial Park. 8 am. $25-$30.

573-429-2272, SplitSecond-Timing.com

CENTRAL

CHRISTMAS IN THE PARK

PADDLING CLINIC AND FLOAT

UGLY SWEATER PARTY

D ec. 9-17, Rolla > You will see Frosty, Santa, and the Grinch, and a lights display. Lions Club Park.

6-9 pm. Free. 573-364-3577, VisitRolla.com

D ec. 31-Jan. 1, Salem> Learn basic paddling on Saturday and take a float trip from the Current River State Park to Round Spring on Sunday. Current River State Park. 7-10 pmSat.; 10 am Sun. Free. 573323-8093, MoStateParks.com/Park/Current-River

D ec. 1, Columbia > Come dressed in your ugliest Christmas sweater and help raise money for First Chance for Children. Room 38 Restaurant. 4:30-7 pm. D onations accepted.

573-777-1815, FirstChanceForChildren.org

THE MIRACLE WORKER

LOOKING

Jan 19-21, 24, and 26-28, Rolla > This awardwinning play tells the story of Annie Sullivan and her student, Helen Keller. Fine Linen Theatre. 7 pm(and a 1 pmperformance on Jan. 8). $4-$15. 800-806-1915, FineLinenTheatre.com

D ec. 1-10, Jefferson City > A cop, a nurse, a D J, and a storage rental owner are all middle-aged, single, and looking. What follows is hilarious. Scene One Theatre. 7:30 pm(9:30 pmshow on Dec. 2). $15.

573-635-6713, VisitJeffersonCity.com

POLAR MELTDOWN

A CHARLIE BROWN CHRISTMAS

Jan. 21, St. Robert > Come out and enjoy an afternoon of fun, entertainment, and samples of great chili. Community Center. 11 am-3 pm. $5.

573-336-5121, WSRChamber.com

D ec. 1-17, Jefferson City > This holiday favorite reminds us all what the true meaning of Christmas really is. Stained Glass Theatre. 7:30 pmThurs.-Fri.; 2 pmSat. $7-$9. 573-634-5313, SGTMidMo.org

HOLIDAY LIGHTS Dec. 10, Dixon > A parade of holiday lights winds through town and includes a food and toy drive and ugly sweater contest. Downtown. 6 pm. Free.

573-308-5259, PulaskiCountyUsa.com

CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 10, Richland > Come out and see Santa and the floats at this annual parade. Downtown. 11 am.

Free. 417-693-5601, GoRichlandMo.com

VICTORIAN MUSICAL CHRISTMAS D ec. 10, Salem > Bring your family for a delight-

Home of International award-winning smoked meats and sausage from the German Butchers Association and our own craft beers.

• • • • • • • • •

Located in historic downtown Hermann Three-time Hall of Fame Wurstmeister Mike Sloan Hundreds of Germanic/European flavored wurst, wine, bacon, beer and brats Indoor and outdoor deli seating In-house craft beer and wurst sodas German food and Amish-made food gifts Great Holiday Wurst gift boxes available Wurst 101 classes/ Wurst 201 classes Gift certificates and mail order available

234 East First Street, Hermann, MO • 573-486-2266 • www.hermannwursthaus.com [91] December 2016

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Dec. 2, Columbia > Living Windows features storefronts and windows that come alive with dancers, singers, and religious and holiday themes. You can visit open houses, listen to strolling carolers, visit with Santa, and taste holiday treats. The D istrict.

6 pm. 573-442-6816, DiscoverTheDistrict.com

GOVERNOR’S MANSION TOURS D ec. 2-3, Jefferson City > The governor and his wife personally greet all the visitors who come to tour the beautifully decorated mansion. The tour on Fri. is lit by hundreds of candles. Missouri Governor’s Mansion. 6:30-9 pm Fri.; 2-4 pm Sat. Free.

573-230-3118, VisitJeffersonCity.com

CHRISTMAS PARADE D ec. 3, California > This parade features lighted entries and visits with Santa and Mrs. Claus. Downtown. 5:30 pm. Free. 573-796-3040, CalMo.com

JINGLE DASH 5K Dec. 3, Jefferson City > Dress in holiday attire on this 5K with proceeds benefiting Big Brothers Big Sisters. Downtown. 9 am start. $14-$20 to participate. 573-634-3290, VisitJeffersonCity.com

BLUEGRASS MARTINS CONCERT Dec. 9-10, Versailles > This fi e-piece family band

presents a Christmas concert. The Royal Theatre.

7 pm. $15. 573-378-6226, TheRoyalTheatre.com

VICTORIAN CHRISTMAS D ec. 10, Fulton > Celebrate the holiday season with a tour of the museum, a Victorian tea, and programs for all ages. National Churchill Museum.

10 am-4:30 pm. Free. 573-592-5369, National ChurchillMuseum.org

CAPITOL CAROLING Dec. 13, Jefferson City > Don't miss the 79th annual holiday tradition featuring performances by local school bands, orchestras, and choirs. Missouri State Capitol Rotunda. 7-10 pm. Free. 573-659-3000, VisitJeffersonCity.com

NEW YEAR’S EVE DANCE Dec. 31, Mexco > Ring in the new year with a live band, appetizers, party favors, and a 50/50 drawing. Elk’s Lodge. 8:30 pm-12:30 am. $25-$35. 573581-0727, Mexico-Chamber.org

BRIDAL SPECTACULAR Jan. 8, Jefferson City > Visit with more than 80 vendors featuring everything you need to plan any style of wedding and enjoy the runway fashion show. YMCA. Noon-4 pm. $5. 573-636-4094, VisitJeffersonCity.com

LIGHTED TRACTOR PARADE

See the most unusual holiday parade in Missouri where tractors, farm machinery, and other vehicles are all decorated with lights. The parade will start at 7 pmin downtown Centralia on December 16 and is free to attend. Call 573-682-2272 or visit CentraliaMoChamber. .com for more information.

COURTESY OF JAMES SMITH, CENTRALIA FIRESIDE GUARD

LIVING WINDOWS

Starring

McKinley Belcher III Gary Cole Peter Gerety William Mark McCullough Patina Miller Nyambi Nyambi Brían F. O’Byrne Bryce Pinkham Josh Radnor Lyne Renee Mary Elizabeth Winstead Chris Wood and many others...

SEASON 2 Watch the series from the beginning when Nurse Phinney first approaches Mansion House Hospital, through to the Season 2 premiere when we see allegiances blur and loyalties shift.

January 22 on KMOS-TV 6.1 Season 1 - Begins at 1 p.m.

Season 2 - Premiere at 7 p.m.

KMOS

Consult your local provider for channel information

engage educate entertain

kmos.org

A service of the University of Central Missouri

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Are You a Small Business Owner Frustrated by Not enough profit • Ineffective teams or people • Stuck and not growing • Trying to do too much • Lack of control Get a grip on your business by calling Jeanet Wade and Business Alchemist.

Gain more control and increase the value of your business!

As a Certified EOS Implementer, Jeanet Wade helps entrepreneurial leaders get more of what they want from their business by facilitating, teaching and coaching the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS) to leadership teams at privately held companies.

EOS is a comprehensive business system, integrating a holistic business model with a complete set of simple tools and a proven process to align and synchronize all the pieces of a business. With this system, companies get traction on their vision with a healthy team. This leads to more results, control, and increased value of the business.

Schedule a free assessment and 90-minute meeting to find out what EOS can do for you!

314-488-0791 info@business-alchemist.com

www.Business-Alchemist.com

proven formula. simple actions. powerful results.

Business Alchemist-ML1216.indd 1

What Others Have to Say Jeanet has been instrumental in the implementation of EOS for our executive team. Her vast experience with a variety of companies and personalities has made her extremely effective in our sessions.

We are excited for utilizing all of the EOS tools throughout the entire organization. I emphatically recommend her.

—Robert Brown, CEO of Express Medical Transporters, Inc. With your help we mastered the process and enjoy the benefits of that everyday. We all talk about teams, but until we worked with you we had no idea how powerful a good team really is at reaching goals quickly!

—Tim Williams, CEO of Crown Linen Services We have been working with Jeanet for about a year-and-a-half. We’ve seen a major difference in the way our employees and we as owners think about our company. We now have a leadership team that meets weekly, and we get things done. The best thing is we see everyone take more responsibility. Everyone feels accountable. We have achieved some huge break throughs, and we always leave our quarterly meetings determined to achieve more, and with a clear path to do so.

—Greg Wood, Publisher at Missouri Life

10/31/16 10:35 AM

UNITY BENEFIT CONCERT Jan. 21, Columbia > This Community Gospel Choir concert benefits Granny’s House, a local Christian charity dedicated to helping children . First Baptist Church. 7 pm. Donations accepted. 573-442-5683, ChoralArtsAllianceOfMissouri.com

SIMPLY ELLA JAZZ CONCERT Jan. 23, Columbia > Jazz concert with multiple Grammy winner, Regina Carter, one of the world’s most talented violinists. Kimball Ballroom at Stephens College. 6-9:30 pm. $10-$37. 573-449-3009, WeAlwaysSwing.org

WENDY WARNER VARIETY SHOW

SOUTHWEST CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS A CHRISTMAS STORY D ec. 1-10, Springfield > This holiday classic is a memoir of growing up in the Midwest in the 1940s.

Landers Theatre. Call for showtimes. $12-$19. 417869-1334, SpringfieldLittleTheatre.org

Holiday fun abounds on Dec. 3 in Fair Grove. There will be open houses in the stores, a parade, a treelighting ceremony, breakfast with Santa, prize drawings, and a program by the Singing Eagles and the high school choir. The festivities go on all day with the parade at 4:30 pmand the tree lighting at 6 pm.

All the events are free. Call 417-833-3467 or visit FGHPS.org for more information.

COURTESY OF TERRY D. SMITH

Jan. 27-28 and Feb. 4, Versailles > This variety show features music, comedy, and great impersonations. The Royal Theatre. 7 pm. $5-$10. 573-3786226, TheRoyalTheatre.com

Jenna Coleman stars as the girl who became the world’s most powerful woman at the age of 18.

Raised to be a pawn of her elders, she quickly let the empire know just who was in charge.

And her story is just beginning…

Premieres January 15 Sundays at 8 p.m.

KMOS-TV 6.1

KMOS

Consult your local provider for channel information

engage educate entertain

kmos.org

A service of the University of Central Missouri

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DISCOVER WINTER BIRDS Dec. 3, Joplin > The program begins indoors with basic bird ID techniques and then you head outdoors to locate winter birds. Wildcat Glades Conservation and Audubon Center. 9:30-11:30 am. $5$10. 417-782-6287, WildCatGlades.Audubon.org

WINTER BISON HIKE D ec. 3 and Jan. 1, Mindenmines > D ress warmly for this guided two-mile hike. Prairie State Park.

10 am-noon (1-3 pm Jan. 1). Free. 417-843-6711, MoStateParks.com/Park/Prairie-State-Park

ANNUAL BAKE SALE Dec. 7, Lebanon > Pick up some holiday treats and support the Laclede Literacy Council. LebanonLaclede County Library. 9 am-2 pm. Prices vary. 417532-2148, Lebanon-Laclede.Lib.Mo.us

WINTERFEST

LUMINARY DRIVING TOUR D ec. 10, Republic > D rive through the battlefiel and see more than 2,539 luminaria representing those killed, wounded, or missing at the Battle of Wilson’s Creek on Aug. 10, 1861. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. Call for tour times. Free.

417-732-2662, NPS.gov/WICR

CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 10, Springfield > Celebrate the holiday at the 51st holiday parade featuring floats, bands, and Santa. The route starts on South Avenue and ends at Jordon Valley Park. 2 pm. Free. 417-831-6200, ItsAllDowntown.com

BIG SMITH FAMILY REUNION

CHRISTMAS ON THE FARM

On Dec. 3 in Lawson, you can celebrate the old-fashioned way. Visit with costumed interpreters as you stroll along lantern-lit paths, enjoy hot cider and wassail, taste traditional treats, and listen to holiday music. This event takes place at the Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site from 2 to 7 pmand is free. Call 816580-3387 or visit MoStateParks.com/Park/Watkins-Woolen-Mill-State-Historic-Site for more information.

9 TO 5 THE MUSICAL

HOLIDAY AT THE BALLET

Jan. 20-Feb. 5, Springfield > This musical is set in the late 1970s and is a hilarious story of friendship and revenge in the Rolodex era. Landers Theatre. Call for showtimes. $12-$30. 417-869-1334, SpringfieldLittleTheatre.org

D ec. 17, St. Joseph > The symphony performs holiday favorites as well as a collaboration featuring ballet soloists in music from The Nutcracker by Tchaikowsky. Missouri Theater. 7-9 pm. $5-$43. 816233-7701, SaintJosephSymphony.org

NORTHWEST CHRISTMAS PARADE Dec. 2, Maryville > Holiday parade that features all lighted entries. Downtown on Main Street. 6-7 pm.

Free, 660-582-8643, MaryvilleChamber.com

Dec. 31, Springfield > Ring in the new year at this all-ages event with the hometown favorite band, Big Smith. The Historic Gillioz Theatre. Doors open at 6 pm and the show is at 7 pm. $36.50-$41.50.

417-863-9491, GilliozTheatre.com

D ec. 3, St. Joseph > Bring the whole family for music, carriage rides, caroling, and holiday shopping. Coleman Hawkins Park and Felix Street Square. 5-8 pm. Free. 816-233-9192, StJoMo.com

NATURAL TUNNEL TRAIL HIKE

DOWNTOWN CHRISTMAS

Jan. 1, Lebanon > Come enjoy the first day of the year by joining park staff at the Natural Tunnel Trail trailhead for a 7.5-mile hike. The natural tunnel is a 296-foot-long tunnel forming an S through a hill. The trail has been used by people living in the area from the 1840s to the present. Bennett Spring State Park. 8 am1 pm. Free. 417-532-3925, MoStateParks.com/Park /Bennett-Spring-State-Park

CHRISTMAS AT THE SQUARE

D ec. 9, Trenton > Family-friendly holiday activities include carriage rides, a visit with Santa and his elves, and beautiful decorations. D owntown. 4-9 pm. Free. 660-359-4324, TrentonMoChamber.com

MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET D ec. 9-11, St. Joseph > Enjoy this classic holiday musical. Missouri Theater. 7:30 pm Fri.-Sat.; 2 pm Sun. $10-$30. 816-232-1778, RRStJoe.org

FIRST DAY HIKE Jan. 1, Trenton > Start the new year with your choice of four hikes of various difficult levels and enjoy hot cocoa when you are done. Crowder State Park. Call for hike times. Free. 660-359-6473, MoStateParks.com/Park/Crowder-State-Park

FREE LISTING & MORE EVENTS At MissouriLife.com PLEASE NOTE: TO SUBMIT AN EVENT:

COURTESY OF MISSOURI STATE PARKS

D ec. 9-10, Springfield > Enjoy live holiday music from local choirs and instrumental groups while you shop for works of art by the region’s best visual artists. This year’s ticketed performance includes romantic pianist, Jim Brickman. Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts. Call for event hours. Free (except special performances). 417836-7678, HammonsHall.com

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Symphony of Toys Shelter Insurance®

7C’s Winery 502 E 560th Rd

HOLIDAYS

Walnut Grove MO 65770

417-788-2263

in rocheport

with the Missouri Symphony Orchestra

10am - 6pm www.7cswinery.com facebook.com/7cswinery Escape and Unwind

Missouri Gifts!

ROCHEPORT HAS A PLETHORA OF UNIQUE SHOPPING OPTIONS TO FILL YOUR HOLIDAY SHOPPING LIST! Join us and enjoy the holiday season in our historic little town. Between our delectable restaurants and B&Bs, Rocheport has the holiday ch charm you are looking for...

December 18, 2016 at 3:00 pm Missouri Theatre Tickets available at the Missouri Theatre Box Office or by calling 573-882-3781 M I S S O U R I

S O C I E T Y Kirk Trevor, Music Director and Conductor Hugo Vianello, Founder and Conductor Laureate

®

• • • • • •

www.rocheport-mo.com

Fine more gifts at www.missourilife.com/store

Family-friendly campground on the Big Piney River Open year round! Deer and turkey hunters welcome Adjacent to Mark Twain National Forest hunting grounds Fully furnished cabins, full RV hookups, tent camping Easy two hour drive from Springfield or St. Louis Canoe, kayak, raft and tube rentals

www.alewels.com 800-353-8553

Order your turkeys, hams, and gift baskets today!

Directory of our Advertisers 7Cs Winery, p. 97 Alewel Country Meats, p. 97 ASL Pewter, p. 66 Aussie’s Outback and Down Under, p. 90 Beks Restaurant, p. 69 Bent Tree, p. 66 Boiling Springs Resort, p. 97 Boonville Tourism, p. 17 Branson Visitor TV, p. 95 Branson, p. 13 Burger's Smokehouse, p. 69 Business Alchemist, p. 93 Bicycle Across Missouri, p. 62 Callaway County Tourism, pgs. 2-3 Cape Girardeau CVB, p. 8 Cavender’s, p. 24 Chillicothe, p. 89 Clay County, p. 11 Columbia Appliance, p. 89 CoolBykes, p. 63 Country Travel, p. 99 Crow Steals Fire, p. 66 Hannibal, p. 85 Hardware of the Past, p. 83 Hermann Hill Vineyard & Inn, p. 100

Hermann Wurst Haus, p. 91 Isle of Capri, p. 19 James Country Mercantile, p. 83 KCPT, p. 88 The Keeter Center at College of the Ozarks, p. 14 Ken Richardson Knives, p. 64 Kimmswick Merchants Association, p. 90 Kirksville Chamber of Commerce, p. 82 KMOS, pgs. 92 & 94 Lebanon, MO CVB, p. 64 Lexington, MO Tourism Bureau, p. 84 Mark Twain Brewery, p. 85 Maryland Heights CVB, p. 81 Mexico, MO Tourism, p. 81 Missouri Choice Marketing Co-op, p. 19 Missouri Life back issues, p. 77 Missouri Life travel, p. 78 Missouri Nut Growers Association, p. 77 Missouri State Parks & Historic Sites, p. 24 Missouri Symphony Society, p. 97 Moberly Chamber of Commerce, p. 80 Old Trails Region, p. 84 The Railyard Steakhouse, p. 64

The Raphael Hotel, p. 69 Rocheport Merchant’s Association, p. 97 Rolla Area Chamber of Commerce, p. 82 Saleigh Mountain, p. 66 Sikeston CVB, p. 86 The Smart Team, p. 85 Socket, p. 87 St. Charles CVB, p. 66 St. Joseph CVB, p. 86 Stone Hill Winery, p. 77 Stone Hollow, p. 66 True False Film Fest, p. 68 Truman State University Press, p. 84 Tucker Allen Estate Planning, p. 7 Union Station Kansas City, p. 4 Visit KC, p. 9 Washington Area Chamber of Commerce, p. 77 Holiday Gift Guide Across the Board Game, p. 22 Aussie’s Outback and Down Under, p. 22 The Berry Nutty Farm, p. 22 Cavender’s, p. 22 Illumibowl, p. 22

Missouri Nature Art, p. 22 Rockwood Charcoal Co., p. 22 Roundhouse Exchange, p. 22 Welcome to Hermann Amish on 4th, pg. 36 Concert Hall and Barrel, pg. 34 Curling Vine Winery, pg. 35 Hermann Wine Trail, pg. 34 Hermann Wurst House, pg. 35 Hummingbird Kitchen, pg. 34 Martin Brothers Winery, pg. 35 Saleigh Mountain, pg. 37 Serenity House, pg. 37 Stone Hill Winery, pg. 35 Sugar Momma’s, pg. 35 Wharf Street Inn, pg. 36 Saint Charles Christmas Bathhouse Soapery, p. 57 Butterfly and Moon, p. 5 Canine Cookies and Cream, p. 57 Missouri Artist on Main, p. 57

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Missourian

Showcase your Show-Me State knowledge, and learn these facts and quotes.

BY MARTIN W. SCHWARTZ

The Greatest Thing Sinc PROBABILITY OF A WHITE CHRISTMAS IN MISSOURI THIS YEAR • • • • •

HANNIBAL: COLUMBIA: ST. LOUIS: KANSAS CITY: SPRINGFIELD:

30% 23% 19% 18% 13%

Source: University of Missouri College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources

Shell of a Deal

ON JULY 6, 1928, M.F. “FRANK” BENCH, OWNER OF THE CHILLICOTHE BAKING COMPANY, INTRODUCED SLICED BREAD TO THE WORLD.

The black walnut shell is used in PAINT PRODUCTS and provides the soft grit abrasive used in metal cleaning and polishing, oil well drilling, and as

FILLER IN DYNAMITE.

“ TV is the best babysitter

—St. Louis native and MSU graduate John Goodman

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Explore Missouri

Missouri Life Motor Coach Tour 7 Days • 13 Meals • May 14-20 or October 8-14, 2017 Double $1,547/Single $1,895 price per person Depart/Return: Kansas City, MO Free airport shuttle and parking available

Find the Spirit of Discovery in the Show-Me State

From the Missouri River in the west to the Mississippi River in

the east, you’ll find so much excitement in this new discovery tour across northern Missouri, crafted in partnership between the tour experts at Country Travel and Missouri Life Magazine.

Experience such scenic highlights as Thousand Hills State Park, historic river towns including Weston, St. Joseph, and of course Hannibal and the boyhood home of Mark Twain.

Visit Jamesport, the largest Amish settlement west of the Mississippi; see stops commemorating native sons Walter Cronkite and Walt Disney; tour a productive vineyard, orchard and Clydesdale ranch, and much more.

Reserve your spot now Call toll-free 855-744-8747 or visit www.CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/MOL

Thousand Hills State Park Jamesport La Plata

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Warm Springs Ranch

Boonville

Mexico Fulton

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Let us handle all the details!

Itinerary

Day 1: Welcome to the “Show-Me-State” Day 2: Harley Davidson factory tour, Weston, Stained Glass Studio, Historic St. Joseph Day 3: Quilting in Hamilton, Amish community in Jamesport, Walt Disney’s boyhood home town Day 4: La Plata train depot, start-up winery, Thousand Hills State Park, historic church in Adair Day 5: Mark Twain’s boyhood home, Mississippi River cruise, Stark Brothers nursery Day 6: Tour of Zenith Aircraft, Winston Churchill Museum, Budweiser Clydesdales, Missouri Life Magazine offi Day 7: Arrow Rock State Park or Independence

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Warm Springs Ranch, the Clydesdale breeding farm

Night 1: Courtyard K.C. Airport, Kansas City Night 2: Drury Inn & Suites, St. Joseph Night 3: Depot Inn & Suites, La Plata Night 4: Best Western on the River, Hannibal Night 5: Best Western Teal Lake Inn, Mexico Night 6: Hotel Frederick, Boonville Triple-room pricing and pre-/post-tour hotel nights are available. Please call.

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Relax, Rekindle, Reconnect See why AAA members voted Hermann Hill the Midwest’s best B&B.

souri Life is M n io t n Me ings until v a s l ia c e p for s 24th December

Vineyard Inn& Spa

Eight luxury suites, all with private balconies or patios, overlook our vineyard and Hermann, voted Missouri’s most beautiful town. Premium suites have private hot tub rooms with fireplaces. A fullservice spa provides the ultimate in pampering.

RiverbluffCottages

Perched high above the river, Cottages offer total privacy amid extraordinary amenities. All Cottages have full kitchens, spacious private decks, hot tubs, aromatherapy fireplaces and steam showers.

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A spectacular setting for an affordably elegant Wine Country wedding. Our wedding coordinators handle the details so you can relax and enjoy your special day. Riverbluff Cottages provide luxury lodging for honeymoon couples and wedding guests.

Where the Missouri and Memories Meet Overlooking Historic Hermann, Missouri | HermannHill.com | 573-486-4455

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