The season is upon us. Christmas and holiday music is on the radio and in all the stores. A busy time of year that can mean wonderful family gatherings or stress-filled occasions. I love this time of year. It’s a little more difficult now that all the kids are grown and scattered around in different cities – even different states. Ste. Genevieve is not our home gathering place. Having transplanted here with my husband’s job 4 ½ years ago, it is only “home” to our youngest daughter, Allana, who is now in college. Springfield, Missouri, is our home gathering place and a central location for all of us.
As I talked with Allana yesterday I told her Dad and I were decorating the Christmas tree. “Oh, how sad,” was her comment. See, decorating the tree has always been our first family event of the season. As our three daughters grew up and made homes of their own, they still made it back to help Mom decorate the tree. My response to Allana? “Dad and I are at a stage where we need to make new holiday traditions or there won’t be Christmas in our house.” So how did I get myself into the Christmas spirit despite being away from family? A walk through a Christmas Tree Farm.
Because we will travel during the season, a real tree will probably not find its way into my living room; however, that did not stop me from enjoying the smell of warm apple cider and fresh cut trees at Meier Horse Shoe Pines. As I rode in the horse drawn wagon I saw smiles on children’s faces that helped me picture my own “Nana” babies. The sounds of families walking through the tress looking for just the right one embraced my heart. I recommend this journey to everyone – real tree or not.
Here in the Mississippi River Hills Association we are blessed with two Christmas Tree Farms, one on each side of the region. Meert Tree Farm is located at 14560 Dry Fork Road, Festus, in Jefferson County (www.meerttreefarm.com). And in Cape Girardeau County is Meier Horse Shoe Pines, located at 2146 County Road 330, Jackson (www.meierhorseshoepines.com).
Tells us about some of your holiday traditions. Click on the "comment" button and leave a word or two, or even better - a favorite recipe! What a wonderful way to be thankful for all our blessings!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator, 573-883-0767
Monday, December 7, 2009
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
Gobble! Gobble!
Whether you eat turkey, ham, fish, tofu, or a wonderful array of all harvest goodies available, Thanks Giving is that time of year we just have to celebrate. If we are close to family the gathering begins. If we are a long, long distance from family, the gathering may be with others. All in all, it is generally a time of laughter, afternoon naps, and feeling afterwards like the before-the-meal, stuffed turkey!
Speaking of turkeys . . . from now until Christmas, I will be getting requests for fresh, hormone free, range turkeys. The only MRHA member I have listed for turkey is Jones Heritage Farms in Cape Girardeau. www.jonesheritagefarms.com. If any of you have turkeys available, please let me know. If you know of someone in the region with turkeys but not an MRHA member – let me know that, too. There’s no better way to recruit a new member than helping them promote their products.
The MRHA office will be closed Wednesday, November 25. I’ll be back on the clock first thing Monday morning, November 30. Wow! How did that happen! Only one month left until Two Thousand Ten, or is that Twenty Ten? Another entire conversation!
Happy Thanks Giving everyone!
Speaking of turkeys . . . from now until Christmas, I will be getting requests for fresh, hormone free, range turkeys. The only MRHA member I have listed for turkey is Jones Heritage Farms in Cape Girardeau. www.jonesheritagefarms.com. If any of you have turkeys available, please let me know. If you know of someone in the region with turkeys but not an MRHA member – let me know that, too. There’s no better way to recruit a new member than helping them promote their products.
The MRHA office will be closed Wednesday, November 25. I’ll be back on the clock first thing Monday morning, November 30. Wow! How did that happen! Only one month left until Two Thousand Ten, or is that Twenty Ten? Another entire conversation!
Happy Thanks Giving everyone!
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
The last week’s board of director’s 2010 planning secession was small in attendance but mighty in synergy! Board member Lynda Lorenz, curator for the Saxon Lutheran Memorial in East Perry County, was a gracious host as we enjoyed chili and other goodies by a wood fireplace. Thank you, Lynda. If you have not made it to this wonderful bit of history you are truly missing out. Visit their website at www.saxonlutheranmemorial.com.
“I would like to see what other members up to?” is a statement I get all the time. So, in response, we are planning member showcases starting April 2010. The concept: Each county will have its month in the MRHA limelight. One day of that month, the members in that county will have an opportunity to have an open house. The open house will be attended by members from the other five counties. Sound like something in which you would like to participate? We are starting with Jefferson County and moving south so put out your doormat. Your coordinator will be contacting you soon!
Map update: Michael Bricknell, son of Steve and Julie Bricknell of Cape Girardeau County, is doing a wonderful job at designing the cartography and layout of our new MRHA map. The printer bids are in and it looks like we will have a product ready for Christmas! What? You never got around to submitting your ad? Well, there are just a few days left before it is too late. Give your coordinator a call and I’ll see what I can do!
Member site visits: These next few months will see your coordinator out in the field making one-on-one contact with you, the MRHA member. I’ll be loaded with logo items such as new member window clings and membership cards, small logo display table stands, and logo product labels. So many of you I know by name, others by face, but most I have never seen your passion – what you are doing to live your dream. Put your smile on – I’m coming loaded with camera, also.
As always, let me know if I can help you with anything. See you all soon!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator 573-883-0767
“I would like to see what other members up to?” is a statement I get all the time. So, in response, we are planning member showcases starting April 2010. The concept: Each county will have its month in the MRHA limelight. One day of that month, the members in that county will have an opportunity to have an open house. The open house will be attended by members from the other five counties. Sound like something in which you would like to participate? We are starting with Jefferson County and moving south so put out your doormat. Your coordinator will be contacting you soon!
Map update: Michael Bricknell, son of Steve and Julie Bricknell of Cape Girardeau County, is doing a wonderful job at designing the cartography and layout of our new MRHA map. The printer bids are in and it looks like we will have a product ready for Christmas! What? You never got around to submitting your ad? Well, there are just a few days left before it is too late. Give your coordinator a call and I’ll see what I can do!
Member site visits: These next few months will see your coordinator out in the field making one-on-one contact with you, the MRHA member. I’ll be loaded with logo items such as new member window clings and membership cards, small logo display table stands, and logo product labels. So many of you I know by name, others by face, but most I have never seen your passion – what you are doing to live your dream. Put your smile on – I’m coming loaded with camera, also.
As always, let me know if I can help you with anything. See you all soon!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator 573-883-0767
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
It's a hard job . . .
What a busy time with so many things to see! Last week found me receiving a tour from Christy Parrish, business developer, of the new market building and activities going on as MRHA member Jones Heritage Farms expands its operation north of Cape Girardeau. Besides a place to sell their meats and eggs, the market is looking for regional products. If you have products, give Christy a call and let her know what you have – 573-576-7579. And check out their website: www.JonesHeritageFarms.com.
My next stop was a visit with new MRHA member Vicki Lantz at Lazy L Exotics just a few miles south of Jones Heritage Farms. Vicki and her family have bred exotic animals since 1988. They will be opening a walk-thru zoo and picnic area, Lazy L Safari Park, in the Spring of 2010. While there I had the joy of standing next to a one-week old Zebra and one-week old donkey, and both made it clear I was not suppose to stand there unless I was scratching their ears. Add to that the 6-month old camel that liked licking my sweater, and my day was complete! See their list of animals and read adventures from their alternative livestock farm by visiting their website: www.lazylsafari.com.
This Saturday, November 7, I hope to have time to run out to Southbound Fuel on Hwy 32 at I-55 in Ste. Genevieve County, and enjoy Baetje Farms artisan cheeses as I attend their Cheese Tasting. Cheese sampling and sales will run from 10 am to 3 pm. Yumm!! To find out more about Baetje Farms check out: www.baetjefarms.com.
Believe it or not, Christmas is around the corner and Meier’s Horse Shoe Pines is busy getting ready for you to enjoy all the activities and trimmings as they open their Christmas Tree Farm on November 27, 2009, at 10 am. The last wagon leaves the barn at 4 pm each Saturday and Sunday, so don’t miss out!
Got news to share? Send it to me: coordinator@mississippiriverhills.org.
As I said, “It’s a hard job.” But, I guess someone has to do it - - - might as well be me!
My next stop was a visit with new MRHA member Vicki Lantz at Lazy L Exotics just a few miles south of Jones Heritage Farms. Vicki and her family have bred exotic animals since 1988. They will be opening a walk-thru zoo and picnic area, Lazy L Safari Park, in the Spring of 2010. While there I had the joy of standing next to a one-week old Zebra and one-week old donkey, and both made it clear I was not suppose to stand there unless I was scratching their ears. Add to that the 6-month old camel that liked licking my sweater, and my day was complete! See their list of animals and read adventures from their alternative livestock farm by visiting their website: www.lazylsafari.com.
This Saturday, November 7, I hope to have time to run out to Southbound Fuel on Hwy 32 at I-55 in Ste. Genevieve County, and enjoy Baetje Farms artisan cheeses as I attend their Cheese Tasting. Cheese sampling and sales will run from 10 am to 3 pm. Yumm!! To find out more about Baetje Farms check out: www.baetjefarms.com.
Believe it or not, Christmas is around the corner and Meier’s Horse Shoe Pines is busy getting ready for you to enjoy all the activities and trimmings as they open their Christmas Tree Farm on November 27, 2009, at 10 am. The last wagon leaves the barn at 4 pm each Saturday and Sunday, so don’t miss out!
Got news to share? Send it to me: coordinator@mississippiriverhills.org.
As I said, “It’s a hard job.” But, I guess someone has to do it - - - might as well be me!
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
Feeling rather smart today . . .
Many of you may know this, but being new to the world of blog, I discovered that adding a follower option on a blog requires the follower to act in order to follow. I don't know about you, but I'm pretty busy these days, and don't often remember to act on following! I like reminders that I'm suppose to act on following something. Sooo..... I've added an e-mail subscribe gadget (or is that widget?) to the MRHA blog page. Check it out - just below the logo and web link.
Some of us feel we get way too many e-mails now. But signing up for this blog will not mean you'll get several notices everyday. The "daily" notice happens ONLY if the blog has a new posting. New postings might (notice I stated "might") happen a couple times per week. We will not treat the posting like a Twitter post where you know every time one of us sneezes! LOL
This is a professional site. One that will be used to let you know of opportunities important to the growth of your business and MRHA. We'll post grant opportunities, meeting reminders, member accomplishments, things such as these.
Are you on the web often and great at following? Awesome! Do you only remember to check e-mail on occasion (dad gum that dial up connection!) and don't think about following anything while there - sign up! You don't want to let a great chance pass you by!
Have an opportunity filled day!
Some of us feel we get way too many e-mails now. But signing up for this blog will not mean you'll get several notices everyday. The "daily" notice happens ONLY if the blog has a new posting. New postings might (notice I stated "might") happen a couple times per week. We will not treat the posting like a Twitter post where you know every time one of us sneezes! LOL
This is a professional site. One that will be used to let you know of opportunities important to the growth of your business and MRHA. We'll post grant opportunities, meeting reminders, member accomplishments, things such as these.
Are you on the web often and great at following? Awesome! Do you only remember to check e-mail on occasion (dad gum that dial up connection!) and don't think about following anything while there - sign up! You don't want to let a great chance pass you by!
Have an opportunity filled day!
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Fall Membership Meeting Recap
Greetings everyone,
Last Thursday's meetings were low in attendance. But even the smallest can be mighty!
Many thanks for the wonderful refreshments donated by Stonie's Sausage Shop and Show Me Fresh Farms.
Quick review -
Executive committee:
Debbie Baker will be joining the executive committee as vice president. Your executive committee members and their contact numbers are:
President: Octavia Scharenborg, phone 573-334-0287
Vice President: Debbie Baker, phone 636-937-3694
Secretary/Treasurer: Teresa Meier, phone 573-243-5501
ExCEED Monies:
It was discovered that we still have several thousand dollars we have not accessed in the MRHA ExCEED account from a previous grant. What a great boost for MRHA! I'm working with Extension and the Executive Committee to complete a budget with expected outcomes. These will be submitted to ExCEED as soon as possible.
Combined with the monies we have, there is a nice protion remaining after staff and office expenses. Those at the meeting gave me several ideas for use of the money. Public interest ideas - printing a larger quantity of the map, farmer's market table-top logo displays, and professionally printed logo window clings. Marketing MRHA - to potential members with official MRHA polo shirts and t-shirts, and other logo items. Also, membership awareness ads in local papers, and sponsoring events and classes, and MRHA presence as various events. These are just a few of the ideas, please send me your ideas, too.
Bringing traffic your way:
Frank Wideman, MU - Extension Perry County, presented an opportunity to get involved as a geocaching location. Geocaching is a world-wide treasure hunt that can bring people your way that would never be there otherwise. As an avid geocacher, Frank has found treasure from other states AND other countries at the locations.
Increase traffic can mean increase sales for your business. In working with regional 4-H and Scout groups, all you need to do is provide a space, a box, and location description. Contact Frank at 573-547-4504 for more information.
Let's create an MRHA member based geo-tour!
As always, it is a pleasure working for such as fine group of people. Please let me know if you have questions, suggestions, ideas, or just want to talk.
Your Coordinator,
Lisa Palmer
573-883-0767
Last Thursday's meetings were low in attendance. But even the smallest can be mighty!
Many thanks for the wonderful refreshments donated by Stonie's Sausage Shop and Show Me Fresh Farms.
Quick review -
Executive committee:
Debbie Baker will be joining the executive committee as vice president. Your executive committee members and their contact numbers are:
President: Octavia Scharenborg, phone 573-334-0287
Vice President: Debbie Baker, phone 636-937-3694
Secretary/Treasurer: Teresa Meier, phone 573-243-5501
ExCEED Monies:
It was discovered that we still have several thousand dollars we have not accessed in the MRHA ExCEED account from a previous grant. What a great boost for MRHA! I'm working with Extension and the Executive Committee to complete a budget with expected outcomes. These will be submitted to ExCEED as soon as possible.
Combined with the monies we have, there is a nice protion remaining after staff and office expenses. Those at the meeting gave me several ideas for use of the money. Public interest ideas - printing a larger quantity of the map, farmer's market table-top logo displays, and professionally printed logo window clings. Marketing MRHA - to potential members with official MRHA polo shirts and t-shirts, and other logo items. Also, membership awareness ads in local papers, and sponsoring events and classes, and MRHA presence as various events. These are just a few of the ideas, please send me your ideas, too.
Bringing traffic your way:
Frank Wideman, MU - Extension Perry County, presented an opportunity to get involved as a geocaching location. Geocaching is a world-wide treasure hunt that can bring people your way that would never be there otherwise. As an avid geocacher, Frank has found treasure from other states AND other countries at the locations.
Increase traffic can mean increase sales for your business. In working with regional 4-H and Scout groups, all you need to do is provide a space, a box, and location description. Contact Frank at 573-547-4504 for more information.
Let's create an MRHA member based geo-tour!
As always, it is a pleasure working for such as fine group of people. Please let me know if you have questions, suggestions, ideas, or just want to talk.
Your Coordinator,
Lisa Palmer
573-883-0767
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
Farm Fantastic!
Yes, we took a little nap there for a while, attempting to get the new web site online. But that doesn't mean that things have nothing has been happening in the Mississippi River Hills, far from it! The MRHA will hold a 'Farm Fantastic' fundraiser dinner on September 12 at the Eckenfels farm in Ste. Genevieve County. The event will be from 5:00 pm until "the cows come home." The dinner will be prepared by professional chefs using locally grown and raised food products, and served in a picturesque outdoor setting.
The Eckenfels Farm is a Missouri Century Farm and was recently awarded the 2009 Regional Environmental Stewardship Award for their to protect and improve the environment in their cattle operation.
Tickets are $50 per person, and seating is limited. Contact Lisa Palmer at: (573) 883-3548, email: Coordinator@MississippiRiverHills.org
The Eckenfels Farm is a Missouri Century Farm and was recently awarded the 2009 Regional Environmental Stewardship Award for their to protect and improve the environment in their cattle operation.
Tickets are $50 per person, and seating is limited. Contact Lisa Palmer at: (573) 883-3548, email: Coordinator@MississippiRiverHills.org
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