Cat23specsec the bridge spring 2016

CONNECTING YOU TO COMMUNITIES IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

the BRiDGE SPRING 2016

COFFEE CULTURE

BARISTAS SPILL THE SECRETS OF A PERFECT COFFEE EXPERIENCE

HEARTLAND ROCKS!

Impressive rock formations to visit in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois

ROOM FOR RENT

When it comes to overnight accommodations, hotel rooms are just one of many options

NOTRE DAME SUMMER CAMPS Boys Basketball

For the younger campers, it’s an intro to the basics of basketball. For the older players, the fundamentals stressed in this camp will not only deal with basketball but will also deal with being successful in life. This camp will be broken into age groups and campers will be able to compete for many prizes!

GRADES K-1 2-4 5-8

DATES June 13-16 June 13-16 June 13-16

TIME 8:00-9:00am 9:00-11:00am 12:00-2:00pm

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes June 9, midnight.

COST $50 $70 $70

Girls Basketball

This camp teaches the fundamentals of the game at the appropriate age level. Shooting, passing, dribbling, rebounding, defensive positioning, etc. Bring shoes, shorts, t-shirt and a water bottle.

GRADES 3-5 6-8

DATES June 6-10 June 6-10

TIME 9:00-11:00am 1:00-3:00pm

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes June 2, midnight.

COST $70 $70

Post Play-Boys/Girls

This camp features technical and competitive drills designed to enhance your post play.

GRADES 4-8

DATES July 11-12

TIME COST 11:30am-1:00pm $35

Registration closes July 7, midnight.

Guard Play-Boys/Girls

Campers will be taught proper ball handling, shooting mechanics, and special drills.

GRADES 4-8

DATES July 13 -14

TIME COST 11:30am-1:00pm $35

Registration closes July 7, midnight.

Attend both Basketball Elite camps: $60

Archery Camp

Campers will learn the fundamental skills to properly shoot a bow and arrow. Both coaches are certified after attending classes by the National Archery in the Schools Program.

GRADES 4-5 6-8

DATES July 11-14 July 11-14

TIME COST 9:00-10:00am $40 10:00 -11:00am $40

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes July 7, midnight.

Robotics Camp

Campers will work in pairs to build and program a robot using Lego Mindstorms and Tetrix build kits. Camp limited to 16.

GRADES 6-8

DATES June 20-24

TIME 10am -12pm

Girls Softball

Focus will be on throwing, hitting, base running, fielding and bunting. Bring glove, shoes (cleats or tennis shoes).

Focus will be on throwing, hitting, base running, fielding and bunting. Bring glove, shoes (cleats or tennis shoes).

Bulldog Baseball Camp

GRADES K-3 4-8

DATES June 6-9 June 6-9

TIME COST 9:00 -10:30am $60 11:00am-1:00pm $70

COST $70

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes June 16, midnight.

Lady Bulldog Softball Camp

GRADES K-2 3-8

DATES June 13-16 June 13-16

TIME 9:00 -10:00am 9:00-11:00am

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes June 2, midnight.

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes June 9, midnight.

Baseball Hitting Camp

Softball Hitting Camp

Focuses on just the offensive side of the game. Bring bat (if you wish), glove, shoes (turf or tennis shoes).

GRADES 4-8

DATES June 20-21

TIME 2:00-3:30pm

COST $50

COST $50 $60

Focuses on just the offensive side of the game. Bring bat (if you wish), glove, shoes (turf or tennis shoes).

GRADES 3-8

DATES June 20-21

TIME COST 12:00 -1:30pm $50

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes June 16, midnight.

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes June 16, midnight.

Baseball Pitching/Catching Camp

Softball Pitching/Catching Camp

GRADES 4-8

GRADES 3-8

Focuses on just the pitching and catching side of baseball. Bring glove, shoes (cleats).

DATES June 22-23

TIME 2:00-3:00pm

COST $50

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes June 16, midnight.

Attend all three Baseball camps (Gr 4-8) and receive ND Baseball hat.

Basketball Elite Camp

Drama Dr ama Camp

Boys Baseball

Soccer - Boys/Girls

This camp teaches the fundamentals of soccer appropriate to the ability and age level of the camper. Bring soccer ball with name on it and water bottle. All campers required to wear shin guards.

GRADES K-2 3-5

DATES June 20-24 June 20-24

TIME COST 8:30 -9:30am $50 10:00 -11:30am $60

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes June 16, midnight.

Soccer - Youth Premier

This camp is for the player who desires to become a serious soccer player. We will concentrate on advanced skills and tactics in offense and defence. All campers required to wear shin guards.

GRADES 6-8

DATES June 20-23

TIME 1:00-3:30pm

COST $65

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes June 16, midnight.

Bulldog Olympics

Boys/Girls (Track & Field)

Come experience the world of Track & Field with several All-State athletes and Notre Dame record holders. Learn basic skills required to compete in events including: high jump, long jump, triple jump, shot put, and sprints. On the final day campers will compete in a meet, parents welcome to attend. Ribbons awarded to top finishers.

GRADES 3-8

DATES July 18 - 21

TIME 6:00 - 8:00pm

COST $50

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes July 14, midnight.

Focuses on just the pitching and catching side of baseball. Bring glove, shoes (cleats).

DATES June 22-23

TIME COST 12:00-1:00pm $50

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes June 16, midnight.

Volleyball-Boys

Emphasis will be on improvement of basic skills for players of all abilities. Focus will also be on advanced technique and the importance of team play. Bring tennis shoes; knee pads (optional).

GRADES 6-8

DATES June 27-29

TIME 12:30-3:00pm

COST $40

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes June 23, midnight.

Volleyball-Girls

Emphasis will be on improvement of basic skills for players of all abilities. Focus will also be on advanced technique and the importance of team play. Bring tennis shoes; knee pads (optional).

GRADES DATES TIME 6-8 June 27-July 1 9:00 -11:30am

COST $70

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes June 23, midnight.

Tennis - Boys/Girls

The Brother David Migliorino Tennis Complex will host a 4-day tennis camp for boys and girls. Camp will introduce children to tennis and/or increase the skills campers have right now. now. Equipment needed: tennis racquet, tennis shoes and socks, water and towel, hat or visor. Rain date Friday, if needed.

GRADES 5-6 7-8

DATES June 6-9 June 6-9

Lights, camera, action! It’s your time to shine each day at Drama Camp. You’ll learn through concentration to control your body and facial expressions. You’ll also work on character development and stage direction.

Camp finishes with a performance on Friday.

GRADES 3-5 6-8

DATES July 18-22 July 18-22

TIME COST 8:30-11:30am $50 12:30-3:30pm $50

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes July 14, midnight.

World of Wonders Science with a Twist

This camp explores the curious and amazing science of things all around us. Indoor and outdoor activities including at least one evening spent gazing at the stars through Notre Dame’s high powered telescopes. Bring one or more t-shirts to create your own wonder.

Camp limited to 30 participants.

GRADES 4-8 4-8

DATES July 11-15 July 11-15

TIME 9:00-11:30am 1:00-3:30pm

Registration closes July 7, midnight.

COST $70 $70

This year REGISTER & PAY for your camps online.

GO TO:

www.notredamehighschool.org

Click on Box Office Then click on Camps Order and Pay If a printable registration form is needed you can find one on our website.

Be sure to check your camp info for sign-up deadlines and payment/refund policy.

Notre Dame Regional High School

265 Notre Dame Drive Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

TIME COST 9:00 -10:00am $45 10:00 -11:30am $55

Includes camp t-shirt.

Registration closes June 2, midnight.

Join us for some summer fun! 573-335-6772 Ext: 310

2 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

contents

10

the BRiDGE CONNECTING YOU TO COMMUNITIES IN SOUTHEAST MISSOURI

©2016 Southeast Missourian A Rust Communications publication 301 Broadway • PO Box 699 Cape Girardeau, MO 63702-0699 For advertising and editorial information, call 800-879-1210 or 573-335-6611 Publisher Jon K. Rust Advertising director Donna Denson Editor Robyn Gautschy Writers James Baughn, Tyler Graef, Laura Monahan, Lindsay Jones, Suzanne Thompson and Logan Young Design Nadir Hussein Account executives Ashley Aufdenberg, Emily Colbert, Ashley Duerst, Jody Fitzgerald, Elizabeth Gooch, Laura Hulcy, Glenda Mayberry, Samantha Mlot, David Phillips, Kristin Pind, Debbie Stoverink and Paul Walker Cover photography Glenn Landberg Photography Fred Lynch, Laura Simon and Glenn Landberg

Communities ........................4

Entertainment ....................22

Cape Girardeau County....................................5 Ste. Genevieve County......................................6 Scott County....................................................7 Stoddard County..............................................8 Bollinger County...............................................9 Perry County..................................................10

Coffee culture................................................23 Can’t-miss events .........................................26

Destinations .......................12

Room for rent................................................34

Pavement Ends .............................................14 Heartland rocks!............................................19

Education ...........................28 ‘Everything is a learning experience’.............. 30

Business.............................33

Printing Ovid Bell Press

The Bridge magazine is printed twice a year. All contents © 2016 by the Southeast Missourian.

All rights reserved. Reproduction or use in whole or in part of the contents, without prior written permission of the publisher, is strictly prohibited.

Medical............................. 36 Get fit in your garden .....................................37

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

the bridge | spring - summer 2016 3

Communities 1981

year Loretta Schneider became the first woman to serve on the Cape Girardeau City Council

948,000

1,900

meals packed in December at the annual Feed My Starving Children event hosted by La Croix Church in Cape Girardeau

capacity of the gymnasium/FEMA safe room inside the Jackson Civic Center

50+

1873

homes built by Cape Area Habitat for Humanity in the past 30 years

500 to 550 pounds of catfish ordered each week by the Knights of Columbus in Scott City for its Lenten fish frys

year the first train passed through Dexter on its way to Poplar Bluff, Missouri

51 acres

the original plot of land designated for Perryville in 1821

Sources: Southeast Missourian file stories, cityofperryville.com, visitdexter.com

4 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

Cape Girardeau County

A great place to ... make friends with students

By Logan Young | Photos by Laura Simon

Dr. Carlos Vargas became the 18th president of Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau on July 1, 2015.

Since then, he and his wife, Pam, have settled in and begun making connections with students, faculty, staff and community members.

Vargas’ strongest connections, seemingly, have been with the diverse student body at Southeast. From attending university-sponsored events to participating in club meetings and extracurricular sports, Vargas spends as much time interacting with students as possible.

Although basketball was his sport of choice while growing up, he says coming to the United States made him realize he had to be taller to make it as a basketball player. Since then, he has taken up soccer more seriously, and plays with students as often as possible.

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

“Our students are great competitors, and they keep me on my toes,” Vargas says.

For those planning to visit Cape Girardeau, Vargas recommends visiting Southeast’s River Campus: “Visit the Crisp Museum; see an art exhibit. Visit the beautiful Shuck Hall for a concert or a recital. Purchase tickets to one of our theater or dance productions. If you do nothing else, just visit the River Campus for the awesome view of the Bill Emerson Bridge and the Mississippi River.”

Vargas adds that he and his wife feel proud and honored to be part of Cape Girardeau and the university community.

“Our university is blessed with outstanding students who are dedicated to their studies and to achieving their goals,” he says. “We are very proud of all they accomplish and participating in commencement ceremonies, and seeing their success is the icing on our cake.” the bridge | spring - summer 2016 5

communities

Ste. Genevieve County

A great place to ... taste the flavor Original craft beer also is available.

“Often times, we’re down there working in the winery and people Marty and Mary Jo Strussione never expected to open a winery can yell down questions or ask what we’re doing and things like that, when they purchased a piece of land on the rolling hills of Ste. so you actually get to see everything right where it’s done,” Oliver Genevieve County in 1995. says.

After a brief stint with retirement (and subsequent boredom), The winery also offers homemade biscotti, which they bake on Marty found the land was perfect for growing grapes, and the idea for Saturdays. It started with Oliver’s grandmother’s almond biscotti Cave Vineyard was born. Since its opening in 2004, the entire family recipe, and they’ve branched out to eight to 12 different kinds. has gotten involved with the winery, including the Strussiones’ eldest And rather than dunking their biscotti in coffee after dinner, the daughter, Laura Oliver.

Strussiones like to dunk theirs in wine.

The winery property includes a natural 100x35-foot cave where Ste. Genevieve County has rich roots in wineries, with nine total in guests can take their wine and relax. Guests also can check out the the county and six of those on the Route Du Vin Wine Trail. winery loft, which overlooks the production area and gives a front“It’s a good opportunity for people to skip around to each winery row view of all the tanks and barrels used for making the wine. and get a flavor of the county,” Oliver says.

By Logan Young | Photos by Glenn Landberg

6 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

Scott County

A great place to ... do your own thing

By Logan Young | Photos by Laura Simon

Dru Booth has been a barber for five years and has always wanted to open his own barbershop.

Initially, he had intended to work as a barber to help make his way through college, but he decided to give barber school a try and found it to be his true calling.

Since then, he has worked to own his own business, and to find a location big enough for future expansion.

“I’ve just kind of always wanted to do my own thing,” he says.

“I’ve just been working for the past little while saving up money and working on me and my skills, to get where I want to be to open my own business.”

He has owned Odd Fellows Barbershop at 124 N. Kingshighway in Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

Sikeston, Missouri, since August, but officially opened for business in January.

Booth says he always wanted a downtown location because of the atmosphere it creates for the employees and the customers.

“I just wanted the whole brick street, downtown, old-school building with a little bit new-schooler vibe,” he says.

Booth is the sole barber at Odd Fellows, but he has plans to expand and hire several more barbers in the future.

Working to establish a diverse business with a unique and fresh twist, he offers services from straight razor shaves to military flat top cuts, designs and beyond.

“I can cut anybody’s hair, all hair types. That’s what I’m trying to be — I’m trying to be the guy that cuts everybody’s hair that wants it a certain way that nobody else can do it,” Booth says. the bridge | spring - summer 2016 7

communities

Stoddard County

A great place to ... shop small displays to coordinate with the seasons, a task she says challenges her creativity but is the most rewarding job in the store.

In 2002, Kim Williams says she and her husband, Gary, met a Kim and Gary enjoy patronizing other small businesses in the area turning point in their lives and decided to open their own small and supporting locally-owned restaurants. business, The Corner Cottage, in their hometown of Dexter, Missouri.

“Dexter and Stoddard County are blessed to have many locallyAfter selling their items at craft shows and antique stores, Gary and owned small businesses and restaurants that provide a wonderful Kim opened their own space to share their creations and the products shopping experience for not only our residents, but visitors from they love with the community. Gary has been making furniture for surrounding communities,” Kim says. more than 20 years, and is his own “one-man operation,” Kim says.

Dexter has always been home to the Williamses, and Kim says she “We cherish the friendships we have made through our business and doesn’t see that changing any time soon. love interacting with the customers,” she adds. “Outreach is very dear to “I have lived in Dexter my entire life and have watched many me, and whenever possible, we host charitable fundraisers at the shop changes as it has grown over the years,” she says. “However, for involving our customers for local organizations in our community.” me it will always be ‘home,’ and I love living in a small and caring To keep things interesting, Kim says she creates new and unique community.”

By Logan Young | Photos by Glenn Landberg

8 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

Bollinger County

A great place to ... make music

By Logan Young | Photos by Laura Simon

Dustin Bannister found his passion for music recording while working as a lead guitarist in Nashville, Tennessee.

After falling in love with the recording process, he decided to go to school for it in Los Angeles and ended up working at Phat Buddha Productions in St. Louis.

Eventually, he found that he wanted to run his own production company, and considering he had about 2,000 acres of land in Bollinger County, he decided to open his own ranch-style production studio in Patton, Missouri. Bannister started Blue Creek Production three years ago in a business partnership with Thomas Walton.

Originally, he worked out of his home to see if people would be interested in the idea of a small, laid back atmosphere. Since then, he has Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

expanded to a new studio, which has been open a little more than a year.

“It’s just a place that people come out and be creative — don’t worry about time restraints,” Bannister says.

He says Blue Creek has been host to a number of local musicians, including Evan Webb and the Rural Route Ramblers and Paragon.

They’ve also worked with the St. Louis-based band Seeing Seven, of which Walton is a member.

Walton manages the graphic design and visual aspects at Blue Creek, because the business not only helps recording artists develop tracks, but also helps them with their music videos, photography, digital distribution and more.

“We’re not really trying to change the music industry; we’re just trying to make it better for not only professionals, but for local people that want something commercial but normally couldn’t afford it,” Bannister says. the bridge | spring - summer 2016 9

communities

Perry County

A great place to ... enjoy life on the farm dairy and creamery in Bloomsdale, Missouri, for cheese production.

Within the next year, Kasten will add 50 goats to the dairy to Mark Kasten is the fifth generation to live and work on his family’s produce goat’s milk to sell as well. farm in Uniontown, Missouri.

Although he says it will add more to his workload, he is excited for The 160-acre farm has long held cattle and sheep, but Kasten decided his family’s farm to keep growing. Besides, he has always enjoyed life to add a sheep dairy to the property in 2012 for an extra form of on the farm. income.

“It’s always been a thing of mine; I just love to be outside and I love “It was a good move at the time and it still is a good move and I’m to work with the animals and it’s kind of neat to know that this is what glad we did it,” he says. my ancestors did. They worked the farm or worked the land and raised Kasten typically milks about 50 of his sheep on Wednesdays, and the animals, and it just feels good to be able to do the same thing they sells the milk in frozen blocks to Baetje Farms, an artisan goat cheese did,” Kasten says.

By Logan Young | Photos by Laura Simon

10 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

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the bridge | spring - summer 2016 11

Destinations 300,000

jonquils that bloom at the Pinecrest Azalea Gardens in Oak Ridge

1986

Year the old-fashioned clock was installed at Main and Themis streets in downtown Cape Girardeau

6months

1.5 billion

age, in years, of the boulders at Elephant Rocks State Park

1,000+

caves in Southeast Missouri

110 miles

approximate distance from Cape Girardeau to the population center of the U.S.

age swim lessons begin at the Ste. Genevieve County Community Center

4,000+

visitors each month at Keller Public Library in Dexter

Sources: Southeast Missourian file stories, Dexter Statesman file stories, sgccc.com, visitmo.org, mostateparks.com, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, visitcape.com

12 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

42nd ANNUAL SWEET CORN FESTIVAL EAST PRAIRIE, MISSOURI • JUNE 24th & 25th, 2016 Friday, June 24th

Saturday, June 25th

Main Street Party in Downtown East Prairie……………..5:30 p.m.-9:30 p.m.

Craft Vendors, Food Vendors, Live Music, and Street Dancing

15th Annual Tour de Corn……………..

7:30 a.m. Mass Start This annual even draws hundreds of cyclists from across the nation

Some activities that will also take place on Saturday are……

Craft Show, Corn Eating Contest, Corn Tossing, Live Music, Outhouse Race (cash price), Car and Antique Tractor Show, Pig Races, and more For More Information Call

573-649-5249 or

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Flower Shop

406 S Main St, Charleston, MO (573) 683-3307 www.semorx.com

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

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Here for all your legal needs

573-649-9546

www.clairepoleylaw.com

the bridge | spring - summer 2016 13

destinations

PAVEMENT ENDS Hikes within a half-hour drive of Cape Girardeau

Cape LaCroix Bluffs 14 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

Maintz Wildlife Preserve

Tywappity Lake Story & Photos by James Baughn

In Southeast Missouri, we are blessed with interesting scenery in every direction. To the west we have the ancient Ozark Mountains with shut-ins and tall peaks. To the east, the Shawnee National Forest in Illinois features bluffs and canyons. The north includes the rolling hills and historic towns in Perry and Ste. Genevieve counties.

And even the south — although flat as a pancake — offers a unique experience.

Despite this, sometimes you feel like going outdoors, but don’t feel like driving very far. That’s fine: Plenty of worthwhile destinations can be found only a short drive away.

Here is a selection of hiking trails within a 30-minute drive from Cape Girardeau. (Tip: Detailed maps for all of these places are available online from the Missouri Department of Conservation or the Shawnee National Forest.)

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

CAPE LACROIX BLUFFS CONSERVATION AREA The Scott City area is home to a large natural arch.

Yes, really.

Cape LaCroix Bluffs Conservation Area, located adjacent to the SEMO Port, features limestone bluffs that tower over the old channel of Cape LaCroix Creek. One spot along the bluff includes a natural arch tall enough to walk through.

Although the conservation area has a marked hiking trail, to find the bluffs and natural arch, you will need to carefully leave the trail to the right (north) and explore.

Directions: Take Interstate 55 to the Airport/Route AB exit (mile marker 91). Follow Route AB (Nash Road) east for 3.5 miles. Look for the big SEMO Port Authority sign and turn left on the first gravel road. This leads to the small parking area for the conservation area.

See Pavement Ends on next page

the bridge | spring - summer 2016 15

destinations

Sand Prairie Conservation Area

Pavement Ends from page 15 SAND PRAIRIE CONSERVATION AREA Arizona isn’t the only place to find sand dunes and cactuses. We have a pocket of desert — of sorts — right in Scott County.

Sand Prairie Conservation Area near Benton, Missouri, preserves a 200-acre tract of sandy terrain, a small relic of a landscape that once covered a significant portion of the Missouri Bootheel.

This area doesn’t have a marked trail, but scrambling across sand dunes is fun. Watch out for the prickly-pear cactus, though.

Directions: Take Interstate 55 south to the Benton exit (mile marker 80). Turn left on Highway 77 and drive just over 2 miles to the intersection with County Road 333. Make a sharp left on County Road 333 (paved) and go north for 2 miles. Look for the small parking area on the right.

JUDEN CREEK TRAIL Don’t be fooled: just because the Juden Creek Trail is within the city limits of Cape Girardeau doesn’t mean it is easy or boring.

Starting at a trailhead on Cape Rock Drive, this trail climbs to a ridge between Juden Creek to the north and the Cape Girardeau Country Club to the south. The trail eventually ends at private property, but not before providing a quality workout. This is a good place to find spring wildflowers and fall color.

Directions: Take Highway 177 north from Cape. Turn right on Old Route V and then make another right on Cape Rock Drive. Cross the 16 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

one-lane bridge and look for the parking area and trailhead on the right.

MAINTZ WILDLIFE PRESERVE Located southwest of Oak Ridge, this 804-acre conservation area features a summer bonus: large fields of planted sunflowers. Although the area doesn’t have any designated hiking trails, a series of parking lots provide easy access to wander around and explore. Parking lot No. 4 is perhaps the best starting point, as it is only a short walk from a picturesque barn and pond.

Directions: Take Highway 72 through Jackson toward Millersville.

Just before reaching Millersville, turn right on Route B. After 2 miles, turn left on Route BB near the water tower. Go 1 mile and look for County Road 471 on the right. Parking lot No. 4 is 1.3 miles down this county road on the left. Other parking lots can be found along County Road 472 and County Road 473.

TYWAPPITY LAKE TRAIL This man-made recreational lake sits in the hills above Chaffee, Missouri. A convenient 2.5-mile trail circles the lake, providing photogenic views from all angles. The trail also allows exploring the boulder-strewn tributaries that feed into the lake.

“Tywappity” (sometimes spelled “Zewapeta”) is the original name for the town of Commerce, Missouri, as well as a general name for the bottomlands along the Mississippi River below Commerce.

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

Apple Creek Conservation Area

Directions: Take Interstate 55 south to the Scott City exit. Turn right on Route M and drive to Chaffee. At the main intersection in Chaffee, turn left on Route A, cross the railroad tracks and make two zigzag turns to stay on Route A. Just outside of town, turn left on Route RA. This road ends at the Tywappity Lake parking area.

APPLE CREEK CONSERVATION AREA Located in the northeast corner of Cape Girardeau County, this sprawling conservation area offers a 5-mile multiuse trail open to hiking, biking and horseback riding. The trail, which can be broken into shorter sections, traverses a mix of open fields and deep woods.

Directions: Take Interstate 55 to the Fruitland exit (No. 105). Turn right on Highway 61 and continue north 3 miles to the turnoff for Route C. Turn right and take Route C north for 6 miles to New Wells.

Turn right to stay on Route C, then turn right on Route CC. After 1 mile, turn right on County Road 525. Go 1.2 miles and turn left at the turnoff marked “Horse Trailer Parking.� Drive past the equestrian parking area and continue on the access road (making a right turn) until the road ends at the parking lot and gate.

HORSE CREEK TRAIL The Shawnee National Forest encompasses vast acreage within the river hills along the opposite side of the Mississippi River. These hills and hollows are crisscrossed by many miles of trails. Of these, the most

See Pavement Ends on next page Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

Juden Creek the bridge | spring - summer 2016 17

destinations Pavement Ends from page 17 easily accessible trail from Cape Girardeau is the Horse Creek Trail southeast of McClure, Illinois. Forming a 5-mile loop, the trail’s eastern half follows Horse Creek within a deep hollow while the western half runs along a ridge top.

Directions: Cross the Bill Emerson Memorial Bridge into Illinois and turn left at Highway 3. After entering McClure, turn right on Grapevine Trail. Go 4.7 miles and turn right on Oxford Road. This turnoff is a bit hard to see in advance — it comes immediately after the left turn for County Line Road. Climb to the top of the hill on Oxford Road and bear right at the intersection to stay on the main road. Look for the trailhead on the left and park on the side of the road where safe.

ABOUT JAMES The webmaster of seMissourian.com and its sister newspapers, James Baughn has lost track of the number of websites he manages. On the side, he maintains even more sites, including Bridgehunter.com, LandmarkHunter.com, TheCapeRock.com and Humorix.

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Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

HEARTLAND ROCKS!

Impressive rock formations to visit in Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois, from towering boulders to underground caves

Inspiration Point (photo by Laura Monahan) Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

the bridge | spring - summer 2016 19

destinations

Inspiration Point (photo by James Baughn)

By Laura Monahan

With the arrival of spring, there’s no better way to enjoy the pleasant weather than by visiting one of the many fascinating rock formations that Southeast Missouri and Southern Illinois have to offer. Whether you seek adventure by hiking the trail to the towering cliff face of Inspiration Point or want to explore the history contained in the petroglyphs of Washington State Park, there is much to discover in the Heartland.

has a collection of some of the most iconic rock formations in the Midwest.

With an easy 0.5-mile loop trail, the Garden of the Gods Observation Trail is accessible for all skill levels. While on the hike, visitors have the chance to see the famous Camel Rock, Anvil Rock and Devil’s Smoke Stack rock formations. More trails of varying lengths twine throughout the area, making this either a quick hike or a full-day adventure.

LARUE-PINE HILLS: INSPIRATION POINT — GRAND TOWER, ILLINOIS A little off the beaten path is a view well worth the climb. Pine Hills PICKLE SPRINGS NATURAL AREA — FARMINGTON, offers impressive 150-foot limestone bluffs, the highest of which is named MISSOURI “Inspiration Point.” The view from the top of the trail, perched on the jagged Pickle Springs is an interesting area, known not only for its fascinating rock outcroppings, overlooks a breathtaking piece of Illinois landscape. The sandstone formations, but also for the wide variety of rare plant life that thrives hike from the parking lot is short, but steep. Hikers should be aware of the in the microclimate found here. sheer drop-offs and rough terrain.

“The sandstone outcroppings are definitely the most unique thing about this park; you don’t find anything like this in the area,” says Becky Fletcher, a ONONDAGA CAVE STATE PARK — LEASBURG, MISSOURI resource forester with the Missouri Department of Conservation.

Onondaga Cave State Park is an excellent option for anyone wanting to “Pickle Springs has got to be one of the most beloved attractions in explore the underground experience. Onondaga Cave offers a plethora of Southeast Missouri,” she adds. “We receive many, many visitors; sometimes attractions due to the variety of its deposit formations. Stalagmites, stalactites, even more than the parking lot can handle! In fact, some of our trails are nearly soda straws, flowstones, draperies, rimstone dams and cave coral can be found being loved to death, with erosion occurring simply from use.” throughout the cave, creating many points of interest for the visitors. The The “Trail Through Time” loop that winds through the Pickle Springs cave is open for tours every day beginning in mid-April and ending in midNatural Area is 1.9 miles long, described by Fletcher as a “moderate trail October. The tours cost $15 for adults, $9 for children and are free for ages 6 system, some ups and downs with rocky areas. It is a beautiful climb through and younger. the Ozarks.”

GARDEN OF THE GODS — HARRISBURG, ILLINOIS The most visited site in the Shawnee National Forest, Garden of the Gods 20 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

FERNE CLYFFE STATE PARK — GOREVILLE, ILLINOIS Named for the lush abundance of ferns that grow in the area, Ferne Clyffe Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

State Park covers 2,430 acres and draws at least 200,000 visitors each year.

It is well known for its beautiful rock formations, the most popular being Hawks’ Cave, a long shelter bluff, and the 100-foot-tall waterfall that can be seen from the Big Rocky Hollow trail. A variety of wildlife and plant life can be observed from any of the trails.

BONNE TERRE MINE — BONNE TERRE, MISSOURI Labeled by National Geographic as “One of America’s Top 10 Great Adventures,” Bonne Terre Mine is a spectacular location to have a near-tohome adventure. It boasts one of the largest man-made caverns in the world.

The activities found in this underground wonderland are diverse and vary by level. The upper two levels of this five-level mine are lighted, with guided, hourlong tours being conducted along the old mule trails that the miners themselves dug. The three levels below are part of the billion-gallon lake which is used as a diving resort. On these lower levels, visitors can either take a boat trip or suit up and take a dive in the world’s largest freshwater diving resort.

ELEPHANT ROCKS STATE PARK — IRONTON, MISSOURI No place in Missouri is more famous for its rocks than Elephant Rocks State Park. The lumbering pink boulders that dot this unique stretch of landscape are aptly named. With large rocks for the more experienced climber and plenty of picturesque trails for the more sedate explorer, this park has something to offer for everyone. Ironton, Missouri, offers a quaint setting to accommodate the thousands of visitors who make their way through Elephant Rocks State Park each year.

WASHINGTON STATE PARK — DE SOTO, MISSOURI A unique experience is offered at Washington State Park: It not only has its own impressive natural rock formations, but it also contains the largest group of petroglyphs (rock carvings) yet discovered in Missouri.

“You might say the park history is carved in stone — both the petroglyph rock carvings and the stone and wood structures constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1743,” says Sharon Hultberg, superintendent of the park. “The view from the scenic overlook containing a stone gazebo [built by the Civilian Conservation Corps Company] brings many people to the park.” Washington State Park offers three trails of varying lengths, all of which are rugged and moderately difficult.

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Pickle Springs Natural Area (photo by James Baughn) Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

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the bridge | spring - summer 2016 21

Entertainment 13

casinos in Missouri

10,000 seating capacity at Houck Stadium at Southeast Missouri State University

47

3.1miles

entries in the homebrew contest at this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in Sikeston

distance in a 5-kilometer race

64%

U.S. adults who drink at least one cup of coffee per day

$30 billion+

amount of Monopoly money printed each year by Hasbro

12

bowling lanes in Dexter

Sources: Southeast Missourian file stories, Missouri Gaming Commission, Historic Downtown Sikeston, gallup.com, visitcape.com, visitdexter.com

22 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

COFFEE CULTURE

Southeast Missouri baristas spill the secrets of a perfect coffee experience

Shannon McBride, owner of Cafe Rust in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, makes a pour-over coffee.

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

the bridge | spring - summer 2016 23

entertainment

Cafe Rust in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.

Parengo Coffee in Sikeston, Missouri.

24 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

By Robyn Gautschy | Photos by Glenn Landberg

Any true coffee aficionado knows there’s more to a good cup of joe than coffee grounds and water. Sure, that may suffice for the daily grind, so to speak, but the best coffee draws from the atmosphere of the shop, the quality of the products and the interaction with your friendly neighborhood barista.

“Like most other people, I started drinking coffee in college when I needed to stay up late,” says Colby Williams, who owns Parengo Coffee in Sikeston, Missouri, along with his parents, Larry and Theda Williams.

“I used as much Hershey’s syrup and cups of creamer as I could.”

But one can only guzzle so many 30-ounce drive-thru white mochas before the body, and budget, begin to object.

“As I got more into the world of coffee, I gradually developed a love for espresso, single-origin drip coffee, cold brew and everything else,” Williams says. “It just takes you down a rabbit hole.”

Noticing the revitalization efforts in historic downtown Sikeston, the Williams family decided it was a good time and place to open a mom-and-pop coffee shop, and before they knew it, they’d stumbled into roasting their own beans and found a location on West Malone Avenue, Williams says. That was two and a half years ago, and they’ve since opened a second location on East Malone and begun a wholesale operation, selling coffee to area restaurants and grocery stores. And it’s that kind of teamwork among local businesses that gets Williams pumped about Parengo — almost as much as the coffee itself.

“It was a conscious decision by us to put our company in a small town and work within the culture of a small town,” he explains. “Local companies serve our products, which are made locally. ... I really believe small businesses in small towns are better off working together to push local products, but also to progress the local economy.”

Each of Parengo’s locations has a different atmosphere to appeal to different types of coffee drinkers. In downtown Sikeston, for example, where guests are likely to spend the day shopping, attending events and lingering over coffee, Parengo features local artwork, natural materials, comfy seating, and lighting in different brightnesses and heights.

“It’s homey and comfortable and the music is kind of chill. A lot of people like to come and sit here and spend more time,” Williams says.

The midtown shop is in a busy spot with more commuter traffic, so it has a parking lot with a drive-thru option, faster-paced music, lots of natural light and a laptop bar for workers on the go.

“The vibe of the store reflects its function,” Williams says — and that’s also his advice to other would-be entrepreneurs on starting a coffee shop.

All parts of a coffee shop should complement one another, from the menu to the décor to the location, he says.

At Villainous Grounds in Perryville, Missouri, the vibe is warm and soothing or fun and whimsical, depending on where you are in the building. Owners Mary Jo and David Brammel opened the business about three months ago on the square in Perryville, where they offer a coffee shop on the first floor and a comic book store upstairs.

“We were wanting to start our own business, and we wanted to be able to work together more than anything,” David Brammel says. “We were both very much into coffee ourselves in our home, but we learned that something as simple as grinding and water ratios goes into making the perfect cup each time.”

Villainous Grounds buys fresh-roasted beans from Maplewood, Missouri, and Brammel says the most popular items on the menu so far are the caramel crème drinks.

As for the upstairs of the 150-year-old building, he says, “My other addiction is comic books, and I’ve been into it for quite some time.”

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

Colby Williams, roaster at Parengo Coffee in Sikeston, Missouri.

Cafe Rust in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri.

Before Villianous Grounds, the closest comic book stores to Perryville were in the St. Louis area and Cape Girardeau. While the Brammels weren’t sure a comic book store could sustain itself in Perryville, they felt that a shop and cafe combination would “bridge the gap” to a successful business venture, Brammel says.

Brammel has noticed many grandparents coming in with their grandchildren to visit the kids corner of the shop and, surprisingly, he says, “We have found more adults my age and my wife’s age really getting excited about the comic book portion of it.”

A little farther north in Ste. Genevieve, Missouri, Cafe Rust has created a buzz over its coffee and homemade treats. Owner Shannon McBride came to Ste. Genevieve about two and a half years ago to help her mom open a bed-and-breakfast, and she stayed because she fell in love with the town. She gained a business partner in Sam Conlon, who was renovating the building on Main Street where Cafe Rust now resides.

McBride describes the cafe’s vibe as “totally awesome,” in part because it features the work of six local artists, including Conlon, who makes luminaries out of tin.

But the food and coffee are a big part of the atmosphere at Cafe Rust.

“Every day I make two kinds of quiche. It’s all made from scratch on site every morning,” McBride says. The same goes for the Belgian waffles, mini loaves of bread, pastries, biscuits and gravy, salads and more.

“A lot of people come in for our coffee. It’s a unique quality and they appreciate the time we invest in it,” McBride adds.

With an education and career background in chemistry and kinesiology, part of her interest in coffee is the science of how it’s made.

The other part is just in drinking it.

“I am a bit of a coffee snob,” she admits. “I enjoy a really good cup of coffee and I’m particular about how it’s made.”

The cafe’s beans come from Blueprint Coffee near University City, Missouri.

“We do pour-over coffee. It’s a movement of coffee occurring across the United States where individual small roasters go to countries themselves and pick out the highest quality bean, then roast it to bring out the flavor of the bean and the area in which it’s grown,” McBride explains. “We have three origins every day and we brew the coffee right in front of you. ... A lot of people are very excited to learn, ‘Hey, I like Ethiopian coffee — I never knew that about myself.’”

A coffee tour of Southeast Missouri would not be complete without a stop in downtown Cape Girardeau, which is home to four popular coffee hangouts: Cup ‘n’ Cork on Spanish Street, Dynamite Coffee on Independence, Socials Cafe on Main Street and Catapult Creative House on Broadway.

While the menus at Cup ‘n’ Cork and Socials boast fresh salads, Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

Parengo Coffee in Sikeston, Missouri.

sandwiches, desserts and coffees in a laid-back setting, Dynamite owners Robbie and Katie Britt have zeroed in on roasting their own coffee and serving high-quality espresso beverages and seasonal drinks. What started as a mobile trailer business at West Park Mall and the Cape Riverfront Market evolved into the bricks-and-mortar spot downtown, which opened in 2013.

And Catapult, a Southeast Missouri State University facility, contains an art gallery, retail store, classroom, printing stations and studios, along with a coffee bar run by hospitality management students and sourced from St. Louis-based Kaldi’s Coffee.

Patrick and Tina Abbott previously owned a restaurant in Sikeston and purchased Cup ‘n’ Cork in 2012.

“If you talk to my wife, she bought a coffee and wine shop that sells food. I bought a restaurant that has coffee and wine,” Abbott laughs.

Either way, the Abbotts share the sentiment of other coffee shop owners in Southeast Missouri: “Local, local, local,” Patrick Abbott says.

For starters, the shop’s house blend coffee and its espresso blend are exclusive to Cup ‘n’ Cork, roasted and blended by none other than Parengo Coffee of Sikeston.

“We try to source as much of what we can locally,” Abbott says.

“The farmers market is right next door, so we get all our tomatoes and vegetables from there — that’s my favorite part of the year.”

The shop also features the work of local artists, sells homemade, locally-made desserts, hosts book clubs, movie nights, musicians and speakers, and is a popular meeting spot for small groups.

“My mother was a big theater and arts supporter, so I try to carry that on,” Abbott says.

The Abbotts also work to make their guests feel at home.

“People come here to feel comfortable and welcomed and to fill up.

We make everything we can from scratch in terms of food, and we try be as genuine and open as we can,” Abbott says.

For many owners of small coffee shops, the feeling goes both ways as they get to know the regulars who, in time, become friends.

“We both love coffee and customer service,” Brammel says, speaking for himself and his wife, Mary Jo, at Villainous Grounds.

“We share a little bit in people’s lives. We Ashland Realty Each office independently owned and operated like to learn more 1435 N. Mount Auburn Rd. Suite 200. about them and see Cape Girardeau, MO 63701 the smile on their Howard Alexander face whenever they Cell: 573-270-1746 Office: 573-334-2121 come in and get c21hlalexander@aol.com their fix.” the bridge | spring - summer 2016 25

entertainment

Can’t-miss events

Big or small, near or far, there’s always something happening in Southeast Missouri APRIL Dogwood Azalea Festival: The small town of Charleston blooms the third weekend of April. The town’s annual festival brings tour buses from near and far. Visitors stroll or drive the 6-mile DogwoodAzalea Trail, which features historic homes and immaculate yards. An arts and crafts bazaar, carnival, parade, art shows, a 5K race, 1880s encampment, concerts and plant sale are other highlights of the three-day festival, which runs April 14 through 17.

Mississippi River Valley Scenic Drive: Take the back roads and explore the rural communities and countryside of Southeast Missouri. Good food, music, crafts, wineries, camping, living history, museum tours and the beauty of the Missouri countryside all are part of this self-conducted driving tour held the last weekend of the month, April 23 and 24.

MAY Cape Girardeau Air Festival: A twilight air show at Cape

26 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

Girardeau Regional Airport on May 11 will feature the Canadian armed forces’ famed Snowbirds Jet Team and the Canadian forces’ F-18 Demonstration Team. The air festival also will include some ground displays. Admission is free.

Perryville Mayfest: Perryville’s Mayfest celebration and craft fair is held each year in May. It includes live music, an antique tractor show, plant sale and art show, among many other activities.

The May 6 parade is followed by

live entertainment; May 7 activities include a craft fair and 5K run in Perryville City Park; and a carnival runs May 4 through 7 at the American Legion.

100-Mile Yard Sale: Every year, during Memorial Day weekend — May 26 through 30 — Highway 25 from Jackson to Kennett, Missouri, becomes one long yard sale. Vendors hawk everything imaginable. Grab some friends and start digging for deals.

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

JUNE Scott City Summerfest: The traditional midsummer carnival at Scott City Park has been bringing locals together for food, entertainment and fun annually since 1977. A talent show and fireworks display cap off the threeday event. This year Summerfest is set for June 2 through 4.

Ste. Genevieve French Heritage Festival: Held the second weekend of June each year, the festival celebrates the town’s French Colonial heritage. Enjoy food and music while touring the town, with architecture that dates back 250 years.

River Campus Summer Arts Festival: Southeast Missouri State University will host its second annual River Campus Summer Arts Festival June 18. The festival also includes live music, dance, theatrical performances, magic, visual arts displays, hands-on art expression activities, museum exhibitions, plein-air painting and an art walk. The festival is free and lasts from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tour de Corn: When the corn is high, you can hear it rustling in the wind and smell it on the breeze.

East Prairie’s Tour de Corn winds through Mississippi County’s lush farmland. Choose from 15-, 30-, 65- and 100-mile routes and enjoy a bike ride on flat land. All proceeds benefit national and local charities. Plus, you get to enjoy fresh sweet corn! The night before the excursion, East Prairie hosts a street dance with live music and delicious food. This year’s ride is June 25.

how to throw a party! At least that’s what the county fair, held July 7 through 10 this year, feels like. There are livestock shows, a demolition derby, truck and tractor pulls, queen contest, 4H and FFA exhibits, live music Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights and a horse show on Sunday. There’s a lot to see and do for adults and children.

Admission is free.

Grille It Up: On July 9, Dexter East Park in Dexter, Missouri, will be the site of a car show, helicopter rides, art contest, chicken cook-off, craft vendors, a soccer tournament, dog show, beauty pageant, talent show and more.

New Hamburg Picnic: Head down to New Hamburg, Missouri, for some outdoor fun and delicious food. The annual picnic is held the third weekend in July — this year July 15 and 16 — at St. Lawrence Catholic Church and has games, a home-cooked dinner and other activities. The picnic has been a tradition for more than 100 years.

A Taste of Wine and Country: On July 16 and 17, each of the wineries of the Mississippi River Hills Trail will offer a tasty barbecue dish paired with one of their handcrafted wines.

Homecomers: Uptown Jackson is the place to be at the end of July — this year July 19 through July 23. The annual festival features live entertainment, a beauty pageant, carnival rides and all the fair food you can eat.

JULY Freedom Rally: Lawless Harley Davidson will host a Freedom Rally July 1, 2 and 3 that will include live music and other entertainment in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Leopold Picnic: Thousands of people pack into the small Bollinger County community the last Saturday in July for the famous homestyle food. The fundraising picnic, an annual event since 1890, is a true family affair for Leopold natives — most families have worked the same booth for generations.

Ste. Genevieve County Fair: Ste. Genevieve County knows

AUGUST Sikeston Jaycee Bootheel

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

Rodeo: Sikeston turns into a cow town the second week of August, with world-class cowboys and cowgirls competing in events like calf roping, barrel racing and bull riding. And there’s always a lineup of popular country music stars. This year’s rodeo will be held Aug. 10 through 13, featuring Chase Rice on Wednesday night, Granger Smith on Thursday, Dwight Yoakam on Friday and Frankie Ballard on Saturday.

Jour de Fete: Ste. Genevieve celebrates its rich history with an annual two-day festival the second weekend of August. A huge arts and craft fair (one of the biggest in the Midwest) in the city’s historic downtown is the highlight. There’s also a smorgasbord of food and drink stands.

German Days in Chaffee: The Chaffee Elks sponsor this festival the second weekend in August to celebrate the town’s heritage.

Chaffee’s famous-in-SoutheastMissouri chicken, carnival rides and games are just some of the attractions.

Jaycees BBQ Fest: The Cape Girardeau Jaycees host the Kansas City Barbeque Society-sanctioned competition Aug. 19 and 20 at Arena Park. The event raises money for the local Toybox program and features a variety of barbecue goodness and live music.

SEPTEMBER Highway 61 Yard Sale: The weather and the sales are usually hot for the Highway 61 Yard Sale, held the weekend before Labor Day — Sept. 1, 2 and 3. Hundreds of sales are scattered along the highway between Jackson and Bloomsdale, Missouri, but the hot spots are often Fruitland and Perryville, Missouri.

Benton Neighbor Days: For decades, Labor Day weekend has marked a time for Benton friends and connections to meet new friends and reunite with old ones.

The Scott County town celebrates with carnival rides, a parade and lots of other activities Sept. 2 and 3.

SEMO District Fair: This weeklong fair held the second week of September at Cape’s Arena Park features agricultural exhibitions, a carnival, nightly entertainment and a variety of food.

East Perry Community Fair: Held the third Friday and Saturday after Labor Day, the East Perry Community Fair, at the fairgrounds in Altenburg, is a two-day celebration with plenty of homestyle food, tractor and truck pulls, carnival rides and the fair’s famous mule-jumping competition.

Known as “the best little fair in the land,” the fair kicks off with a parade midday Friday.

River Tales Classic Car Show: This show is sure to rev your engine. The River City Rodders Car Club and Old Town Cape team up for the annual car show — this year Sept. 18, with a cruisein Sept. 17 — with music and hundreds of classic cars. The event raises money for various charities.

Cotton Carnival: Sikeston celebrates its cotton-picking heritage the last week in September with carnival rides, food and games at the Sikeston Jaycee Rodeo grounds. The Cotton Carnival parade is one of the biggest around and is always a highlight. It will be held Oct. 1.

Stoddard County Fair: From tractor pulls to four-wheeler races to livestock judging and a beauty pageant, the Stoddard County Fair is chock-full of contests. The fiveday event, held Sept. 20 through 24 this year, features nightly entertainment, a parade, livestock shows and a midway.

FIND MORE FUN ...

Be sure to check semoEvents.com for full details on these and other events. the bridge | spring - summer 2016 27

Education 60 minutes

565

area students who participated in the 60th annual Southeast Missouri Regional Science Fair this year

1,000

prep time during the day for elementaryschool level teachers in the Cape Girardeau School District

17

different languages, beyond English, represented among students in the Cape Girardeau School District

1953

hours of instruction required per year for home-school students in Missouri

year the FFA chapter was founded at Oran High School

21

3

average number of students per high school class teachers in Sikeston

computer labs at the Three Rivers College Center in Dexter

Sources: Southeast Missourian file stories, Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, trcc.edu

28 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY Buying or Selling? CALL HomeServices THE 573-335-0121 Bridgeport REALTORS JANE CLARK TEAM TM

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DINING GUIDE Cup ‘N Cork

11 S. Spanish St, Cape Girardeau 573-651-5282 Specializing in gourmet coffees, espressobased drinks and a made-from-scratch menu of breakfast delights, soups, salads, sandwiches, wraps, and homemade desserts.

Don’t forget, we also have wine by the glass or bottle. www.cupncork.com

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

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the bridge | spring - summer 2016 29

education

Home-schooled students play soccer Nov. 1, 2013, during their physical education class at Shawnee Park Center in Cape Girardeau.

(Southeast Missourian file photo)

‘Everything is a learning experience’ Many opportunities, resources available for families who home-school

By Lindsay Jones

Ome Hayward began thinking about home-schooling her son before he was even born.

It’s not that she disapproved of traditional education, being a product of public schools herself, she says. It’s just something she felt would be good for Mateo, who is now 7.

But when Hayward started looking into what would be required for such an undertaking, she quickly experienced information overload.

“When you start researching, it’s overwhelming,” she says.

Hayward was lucky in that she was able to enlist the help of others 30 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

who knew a thing or two about home-schooling.

“The more I researched, the more I found more families in the area,” she says.

Once she got a handle on Mateo’s learning style and her own preferences, she began using the Christian-centric A Beka Book Homeschool Curriculum.

Although it might seem odd that a parent who is not a certified teacher is able to choose what her son learns each day, neither Missouri’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education nor the State Board of Education has any authority to issue guidelines, according to dese.mo.gov.

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

“The nice thing about home-schooling is it’s not a narrow path,” Ome Hayward says.

“There’s flexibility with learning.”

What’s more, Missouri does not require home-schoolers to register with either entity, and no curricula or learning materials are provided to home-schoolers. The state doesn’t even offer advice about the online programs homeschooling parents choose.

“The nice thing about home-schooling is it’s not a narrow path,” Hayward says. “There’s flexibility with learning.”

Parents’ freedom in educating their children is almost absolute in a home-schooling scenario, but they are required to keep a log of what they teach each day, along with: * Samples of the student’s work; * Evaluations of the student’s progress; * And 1,000 hours of instruction during the school year, which begins July 1 and ends June 30. Reading, language arts, mathematics, social studies and science must take up at least 600 of those annual learning hours so students get a good grasp of the basics.

Hayward says she usually spends four to five hours a day teaching her son, although instruction might be broken up to accommodate errands or mini-field trips to parks or museums.

If that sounds suspiciously like fun, it is.

However, Hayward says she works hard to stay on top of the latest instruction techniques to make sure her child is getting the best education he can. And although she has a bachelor’s degree, she didn’t start out as a teacher and does not have to be certified.

“I don’t take it lightly. I don’t take it for granted,” she says.

Alison Staggs, a board member for the Semo Homeschool Co-Op, helps moms just like Hayward build their teaching skills and assist other home-schooling families at the same time.

At one point, the co-op only had a Cape Girardeau location, with 100 member families and 265 students whose moms and dads were bringing them in from as far away as Poplar Bluff, New Madrid and Kennett, Missouri.

To accommodate the swelling membership, the group broke into two sister co-ops — North, which meets one day a week at Cape Bible Chapel, and South, which meets at Miner Baptist Church. Throughout the day, parents teach different topics approved by the board.

Staggs moved from the North co-op to the South one to help it along. That group now has 40 member families and 100 students with Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

parent-led classes for younger children (pre-K through grade 2), middle students (third through seventh grades) and older students (eighth grade through high school seniors). Average class size is eight to 12 students, or 15 at most.

“We try to make sure that each hour, there’s three to five choices for each age group (to learn),” she says.

Often, specialty classes are taught, such as beginning crochet.

In addition to co-op days, area home-schoolers are given many other opportunities to socialize and get out of the house, Staggs says. The City of Cape Girardeau offers a weekly physical education class and the Conservation Nature Center has its own menu of home-school activities, in addition to other community resources.

One of the misperceptions about homeschooling is children are less outgoing or socialized than peers in traditional school settings. Staggs strongly disagrees.

“Home-schooling gives them a lot of realworld experience because they’re not in the same building all day every day,” she says.

Because her husband often travels, Staggs and her children are able to tag along, which translates to wider horizons.

“We just get to do learning wherever we do life,” she says.

While 400 annual instruction hours are required to take place at home, 200 of them can be spent at the park if it’s a nice day or touring a water treatment plant, as co-op’ers plan to do soon. Even routine visits to the doctor can be instructive.

“Everything for us is a learning experience,” Staggs says.

While advocates of traditional education might point to fun occasions such as pep rallies or proms as necessary social activities in students’ development, Staggs says socialization depends on how you define it.

Not only do her children attend church functions and 4-H meetings tailored for homeschoolers, but they’re involved in a variety of sports and other interests outside the home.

“For us, the pros (of home-schooling) far outweigh the cons,” she says.

To learn more about the Semo Homeschool Co-op, North or South, find it on Facebook or email semohscoop@yahoo.com.

Take the 26th Annual Mississippi River Valley Scenic Drive April 23-24, 2016

Discover beautiful country, fun things to do & friendly people eager to tell you more about Southeast Missouri!

Uniontown Antique Shop

Eggers & Co General Store

National Shrine

Pinecrest Azalea Garden

Bollinger County Museum

Come to the Other Corner of Missouri… the rural corner, the river corner, the friendly corner!

For more info: Cape Girardeau Convention & Visitors Bureau at (800) 777-0068 or visit us on our Facebook page the bridge | spring - summer 2016 31

The PlaCe To Book

City of Miner Convention Center

2610 E. Malone Ave., Miner, MO 63801 • 573.471.8520 • www.cityofminer.com

32 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

Business 230+

miles of streets in Cape Girardeau

62.6% rate of restaurant employee turnover nationwide

48

seats in the conference room at the Dexter Chamber of Commerce

240,000 additional welders needed in the U.S. between 2009 and 2019. The number is projected to increase to 340,000 by 2024.

1,000

20,046

hours of educational training required to become a barber in Missouri

labor force in Scott County

59%

Southeast Missourian users who access content via a smartphone or tablet

Sources: Southeast Missourian file stories, American Welding Society, National Restaurant Association, dexterchamber.com, sikeston.org, Missouri Board of Cosmetology and Barber Examiners

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

the bridge | spring - summer 2016 33

business

This guest cottage is available to rent behind the Indie House at Broadway and Frederick Street in downtown Cape Girardeau.

Room for rent

When it comes to overnight accommodations, hotel rooms are just one of many options

By Tyler Graef | Photos by Laura Simon

Hotels are an important industry in Cape Girardeau, which serves as the central hub of the Drury Hotels network. But for some visitors, alternative arrangements have become a more viable option in recent years.

Apps and other technologies have affected the traditional bricks-andmortar bed-and-breakfast model of doing business. Sites like Airbnb. com and VRBO.com (vacation rental by owner) have been instrumental in driving the so-called “sharing economy” forward, and using online tools is typically the best way to shop hotel alternatives.

That’s how Nashville, Tennessee, couple Wes and Colleen Ables found the room they rented when they visited Cape Girardeau for New Year’s Eve. 34 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

For $195 per night, they were able to stay in a downtown loft right near the activities and restaurants they had come to visit in the first place.

These types of rooms also tend to offer more character than a standard hotel room. In Ables’ own words, “It was super swanky and nice.”

There are about a dozen places listed in the Cape Girardeau area on Airbnb, and most are comparable to the cost of a night in a hotel. The average rate is $122, but some listings are markedly cheaper.

“For sure, we’d definitely do it again, as with the cab industry,” Ables says. “I’d rather take a Lyft due to the fact that their cars are much cleaner and drivers are more friendly. ... It’s the same with hotels versus Airbnb. ... Less expensive, easier communication, more niche in design, closer to hot spots in a city, etc.”

And some places, like the guest house rented out by local antique store Annie Laurie’s, even offer historical charm. Patrons can stay in a Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

Inside the guest cottage at Broadway and Frederick Street in downtown Cape Girardeau.

more than 100-year-old house for just under $100 a night. Although it’s only been operational for a few months, patrons have expressed universally positive experiences.

One of the first renters was Erin Hamilton, who says she wouldn’t have changed a thing about the space.

“All in all I would highly recommend staying at the guesthouse,” she says. “The owner and property manager are very quick to respond and will answer any questions you have.”

Joey Keys, regional director of the Better Business Bureau, also recommends asking questions about any place you plan to stay.

“Definitely don’t be afraid to ask questions up front,” he says.

“It’s better to ask beforehand than to get there and be surprised by something.”

He says research is key, and even though it can be difficult for someone traveling to unfamiliar cities, it’s wise to ask for references.

“We definitely have some of the rental properties around here that are accredited, and there are some reviews available for people who are interested,” he says. “You can see what people have said, if there’s been any complaints and how they might have handled any complaints.”

He also advises paying with a credit card.

“Sometimes, you might have to make an advance payment,” he says. “That way, if there turn out to be any fraudulent charges, you can challenge it with your credit card company.

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

There are about a dozen places listed in the Cape Girardeau area on Airbnb, and most are comparable to the cost of a night in a hotel.

The average rate is $122, but some listings are markedly cheaper.

A.C. Brase Arena/Offices 410 Kiwanis Drive 573-339-6340 | 573-339-6342

parks@cityofcape.org cityofcape.org/parks blog.cityofcapegirardeau.org Visit the

Parks & Recreation

online registration website by going to www.cityofcape.org/parks and clicking on the orange “Register Now!” button.

the bridge | spring - summer 2016 35

Medical 10

teaspoons of refined sugar in a regular can of soda

3

$636M

lives that can be saved by a person’s donation of 1 pint of blood

amount spent each year by the Missouri state government on psychiatric services for the mentally ill

18 to 34

88

fastest-growing age group of food gardeners

certified midwives and certified nurse midwives in Missouri

$27.90 hourly mean wage for registered nurses in Missouri

28%

daily value of vitamin C in a tomato

Sources: Missouri Department of Mental Health, American Midwifery Certification Board, Bureau of Labor Statistics, American Red Cross, National Gardening Association, U.S. Department of Agriculture

36 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

Stock photo

Get fit in your garden Gardening can boost fitness, nutrition and mental health biking or swimming.”

The workout gardening provides can be a precursor to getting started with a Whether you have a green thumb, or you just like the sun, now is the perfect more rigorous workout. time to get a garden going, and planting and tending to it could yield more Dr. Sharon Braun, a licensed professional counselor and director of public than a plateful of tasty veggies. relations at the Community Counseling Center, says working in the garden Emily Scifers, who co-owns Laughing Stalk Farmstead with husband Ross makes her more likely to do a more structured exercise program.

Peterson, says there’s nothing quite like working in the garden to get your body “The bending and stooping makes me overall more agile and keeps me moving. limber,” she says.

“It’s the best exercise,” she says. “It’s not like going to the gym.”

Scifers, Mulholland and Braun all agree that one of the most beneficial Carlen Mulholland, a fitness expert and personal trainer at Fitness Plus elements of gardening is its ability to improve a person’s mood. in Cape Girardeau, says gardening does provide a workout that she likens to “It’s very distracting, so you pretty much forget your troubles and stay in the weight lifting, more than cardio. present,” Braun says. “It also reduces anxiety and depression.”

“You’re picking things up; you’re moving things around,” she says. “It’s more resistance training. You can definitely burn some calories. It’s not like running, See Get fit on next page

By Suzanne Thompson

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

the bridge | spring - summer 2016 37

medical Get fit from page 37

“Accumulating activity throughout the day is really valuable for our health. Look at how many minutes you’re avoiding being sedentary.”

Gardening, and the results it produces, can even make people feel better about themselves.

“It gives you a sense of accomplishment, which can raise self-esteem,” Braun says.

These benefits are natural byproducts of gardening.

“You’re working on your mental health without realizing it,” Mulholland says.

Sometimes the motivator to get a garden going is as simple as wanting to know the source of the food one’s family is eating.

Scifers is the community garden coordinator for the public health system in Cape Girardeau and works through a grant called Health Eating Active Lifestyle (HEAL).

With a six-month growing season, there’s plenty of time to use this fun and productive method to get a workout, while enjoying the freshest produce.

Getting the vegetables from the field to the table provides the body with top-notch fuel loaded with nutrients.

“The less amount of time from harvest to plate is really important,” Scifers says. “You’re really getting the maximum amount of nutrients — the fresher the better.”

According to Calorielab.com, the act of general gardening burns about 50 calories in 15 minutes.

While that may not seem like a significant amount, Dr. Mark Langenfeld, exercise science expert at Southeast Missouri State University’s Department of Health, Human Performance and Recreation, says it’s important to look at the bigger picture.

“The calorie cost might not be so big, but you’re getting exercise,” he says. “It doesn’t have to be high intensity.”

Langenfeld shows a video to some of his classes, “23 and 1/2 Hours.” The point it makes is that one of the best things people can do to improve their overall health is to spend less than that much time being sedentary.

Members of the health and fitness community at large agree it’s a good idea to get at least a half-hour of physical activity a day.

“The good news is that when we strive to get at least 30 minutes of activity a day, it doesn’t AbernAthy reAlty mean it has to be all at 2737 E. Jackson Blvd. • Jackson, Mo one time,” Langenfeld Ladonna Dalton says.

Cell: 573-450-1620 Evidence suggests Office: 573-243-8811 breaking down that Idalton@wildblue.net www.goldenpathwayhomes.com 30 minutes into little 38 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

Stock photo

Stock photo

segments of time, like 10 or 15 minutes at a time, when done regularly, may even be more beneficial.

“Gardening certainly lends itself to that,” Langenfeld says. “Accumulating activity throughout the day is really valuable for our health. Look at how many minutes you’re avoiding being sedentary. One of the things I emphasize is that what you do today, tomorrow, next week and next month, doesn’t have that much to do with how healthy you are 20 years from now.”

Consistency is important, and the point is to find an activity you enjoy and stick with it.

“If gardening is that for you, then that’s fantastic,” he says.

Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

eye Consultants,inc. the Facts About Q. What is a cataract?

A. A cataract is a clouding of the lens of the eye, which is normally clear and transparent. When a cataract develops, the lens becomes foggy like a frosted window. They usually develop gradually over a period of years, and are considered a normal part of the aging process. Most of us, if we live long enough, will develop cataracts.

Todd J. Lumsden, D.O., F.A.O.C.O.

March is colon cancer awareness month!

Q. How can I tell if I am developing cataracts?

A. Some of the more common symptoms include blurred or fuzzy vision, double vision, problems driving at night, sensitivity to light and glare, and the feeling of a ‘film’ over your eye. However, cataracts can be diagnosed only by an ophthalmologist or an optometrist. Special instruments are needed to look into the eye. The examination is painless.

Q. When should my cataracts be removed?

A. This is something you and your doctor should decide together. Usually, cataracts are surgically removed when they have progressed to the point where they interfere with your normal, daily activities. During the procedure your natural lens is replaced with an artificial lens, known as an intraocular lens implant (IOL).

John R. Kinder, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Richard L. Kies, M.D., F.A.C.S.

• • • • •

Q. Do I have a choice of intraocular lens implants?

A. Yes, Medicare approved lens implant options are now available and the good news is you can not make a bad choice.

1) Multi-focal lenses are designed to give patients a fuller range of clear vision, distance, intermediate, and near, without dependence on glasses for most of their daily activities.

2) Corneal astigmatism occurs when the cornea is shaped more like a football than the normal eye’s basketball shape. This causes blurred or distorted vision.

Astigmatism-correcting advanced technology lenses make it possible to reduce or eliminate corneal astigmatism and significantly improve uncorrected distance vision.

3) Standard Mono-focal lenses have proven to provide clear vision and improved contrast sensitivity for either distance or near vision but not for both.

Note: There is an added charge for Premium Lenses

Retina Care Diseases & Surgery of the Eye Custom Cataract Care, Including Premium Lenses.

Oculoplastics Care Glaucoma and Laser Surgery

Visit our website at: eyeconsultantsinc.com

64 Doctors’ Park • Cape Girardeau, MO

573-334-5265 • 800-333-1568 Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities

Remember when Disco was king and the Bee Gees ruled the air waves?

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the bridge | spring - summer 2016 39

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40 the bridge | spring - summer 2016

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Connecting you to Southeast Missouri communities