"What's for dinner?"

My job requires a lot of creative energy. When I need that ‘ump’ to get my creative juices flowing - I jump in my SUV and head for a farm visit! What better way to clear my head than to pick a tomato, admire Norton grapes, scratch a goat’s ear, or think about all those T-bone steaks in that cow grazing in the field? There is just something exceptional about treading through mud (err..I hope it’s only mud!) and enjoying the rural life. Here in Southeast Missouri, the Mississippi River Hills Region is my playground. And there isn’t much I enjoy more than sharing that playground with you! So consider this your official invitation to come play in the fields with us for the 5th year of our Taste of Place Agri-culinary Events!


“Agri-culinary?” you ask. Yes. You’ve heard of farm-to-table and eating local? Well around here we like to take the table to the farm and enjoy foods grown within our six counties. We blend the world of farming and rural culture with a local food experience that is hard to beat!

Picture this: As we prepare for your arrival, we line up rows of tables in a field. Then we cover them in quilts and vintage table clothes and add quart jars of field flowers to the centers. Let’s not forget plates, silverware, and pint jars. (What?! Pint jars?! Yep, Granny won’t let us bring her crystal to the field! Then again, the jars add a nice touch with the quilts!)

Upon your arrival, your experience starts with a site tour and visiting with the location host. Next we get acquainted with other dinner guests over regional cheeses, wines, and sausages.

As the evening progresses, you sit down at the wonderful tables as platters of braised pork or burgundy beef are passed around. And let’s not forget bowls filled with culinary delights of ‘real’ vine ripened tomatoes and salads, potatoes and steaming vegetable dishes. (Take a little. Take a lot. But you won’t want to miss anything!) Let’s top off the evening with scrumptious dessert made from season fruits of the region. It could be strawberry pie or apple dumplings! Yumm….Yumm..!

Are you ready?! Well we’re very excited for the 2013 season. We’ve lined up a tree farm, a private vineyard area, and a horse ranch! To find out more and to buy your tickets visit our website today! www.aTasteofPlace.com

Come enjoy an adventure with us where . . . It’s not just “What’s for dinner?” It’s an experience!

And yet . . .

I’ve connected with a number of travel bloggers lately. Oh what wonderful places they have taken me! Thanks to Visit Flyover Country’s suggestion, I recently read a blog - Travel With No Regrets - by All Colores. She reminds us that travel is a privilege. Although her blog has been all over the globe, in the blog she states “Some people can’t even travel locally due to illness, war or a financial fight for survival.” This is so true, and although I have not left the country, I feel privileged that I have been blessed with the opportunities to see several of these United States. And yet . . .



River bluff at Trail of Tears State Park,
Cape Girardeau, Missouri


 My travel regret? From Fairbanks, Alaska, to Clearwater Beach, Florida, my biggest travel regret is not taking the time getting to know my own backyard. But thanks to knowing lots of people, I don’t feel alone in my regret. (Is this an unfortunate statement or just life?) Just the other day, while in Cape Girardeau County, I mentioned Trail of Tears State Park to a woman. I told her how I enjoy seeing the river and its bluffs from the Park’s amazing view. Instead of an affirmation I received a “Really?! I’ve never been there” reply. (Might I add she was not a teen but a ‘seasoned’ woman of about my mid-century age?) And yet . . .



View of the river and bottoms at
Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area,
Ste. Genvieve County, Missouri

This did not catch me by surprise. As the coordinator for the Mississippi River Hills Association (MRHA), I’ve been privileged so see many 'wonders' in these six counties (Yes, there are more than 7 'wonders' in the world!). From the simple beauty of a winding county road to the Mississippi River view at Trail of Tears State Park or Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area in Ste. Genevieve County.

My first visit to Trail of Tears in particular left me in awe. I had been working on the MRHA project for just a few weeks. Letitia ‘Tish’ Johnson, CD of University of Missouri Extension - Ste. Genevieve County, and I were giving a regional tour to a group out of St. Louis, John Grizzell, of Grizzell & Company, who had secured the bid to design the MRHA logo. As us stood overlooking the Mississippi River and its amazing bluffs an eagle majestically floated across the view directly in front of us! The look on John and his guests’ faces was pure delight! Tish and I could not have orchestrated it any better ourselves. And yet. . .

How many of us have stopped for just a few hours in our busy lives to see the view at Trail of Tears State Park? I’ve also had a similar eagle experience at Magnolia Hollow. Both locations are handicap accessible by the way. Magnolia Hollow’s view is about a quarter of a mile from the parking lot; however, the path is nicely paved for wheelchairs, and has a bench at the half-way point for those with difficulty walking. And yet . . . 

Sunset in my own "backyard."



Do you have any ‘And yet. . .’ moments that have left you with travel regrets? Remember you don’t have to travel far to see 'wonders'. I mean, let's face it. Folks from other countries travel here to visit us! What's even better, is the excitement of those locations can be renewed with every visit when we allow ourselves to appreciate even the simplicity around us. What is your favorite wonder to wander to in your backyard?

Missouri Beginning Farming: Online Learning Community

Here is a good resource. I know it is called Beginning Farmer, but it has lots of great information for producers of all levels.

Missouri Beginning Farming: Online Learning Community: "The Missouri Beginning Farmer Program’s Online Learning Community is a tool to help beginning farmers learn from each other, essentially it..."

Let me know what you think.

MRHA is all about networking. I use facebook, e-mail, website, and blogs to get the word out on what we are doing, who we are, our farm dinners, grant information, and sharing member information. To help our networks grow, share this with your network and help me get the word out.

Have a local food and fun filled week!
Lisa Palmer, Coordinator

Farmer's Market Find.

Most of you will recognize the wonderful cucumber, the gorgeous tomato, and the bright yellow squash; however, do you recognize the bean looking thing in the bowl? I found these at the Farmington Farmer’s Market last Saturday. Raised by a producer from Perry County, I was told they are “Roma” green beans. A quick look on Goodsearch.com and I decided I should be familiar with these beans.

For those in the dark (like I was) they are an Italian bean, also known as a variety of pole bean. But with as many beans as I have bought at the farmer’s markets over the past few years I must have skipped over these. My adventurous food spirit tickled my fancy and I quickly grabbed up the only bag she had on the table.

Now with bean in hand what do I do? I’m learning that the best expert to ask in how to cook a farmer’s market item is the farmer who produced the product. So I asked for, and received, the producer’s choice for preparing my flat, green, bumpy, bean-looking thingy. That evening, I followed her suggestion and was wonderfully surprised. They are so yummy! Different from the standard green beans I get at the market, these have a nutty flavor. I’m glad it was a generous size bag. With Doug and I being empty-nesters, we will have several chances to enjoy this “Roma” green bean.

If you come across these beans at your farmer’s market, here is the simple recipe the producer gave me.

Roma green beans
Onion
Olive oil (I added a little butter)
Salt & pepper

Clean and snap the beans. In a pan, just cover the beans with water and set to boil. Cook until tender crisp (don’t overcook), drain, and set aside. In the pan sauté the onion in olive oil until tender. Add the beans, a little butter, and salt and pepper to taste. Continue to sauté for a few minutes allowing the onion and olive oil to blend with the beans. Then serve. (Or if you are like me – start munching from the pan!)

Get on out to your farmer’s market and discover your “taste of place” this season!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator

PS: for a list of Farmer’s Markets in the MRHA region, visit our website by clicking on the MRHA logo.

Terroir in the Mississippi River Hills?

Terroir (pronounced “tare-wahr”) is a French term that can be translated as “the taste of place.” It has been used for centuries in Europe to enhance appreciation for products based on the ecological and cultural characteristics of an area.

So what does terroir have to do with Missouri? In his book, American Terroir, Rowan Jacobsen describes this taste of place as “a partnership between person, plant, and environment to bring something unique into the world. The soil and climate set the conditions; the plants, animals, and fungi respond to them; and then people determine how to bring out the goodness of these foods and drinks.” Our great State of Missouri has several areas, mainly around the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, that have distinct soil and climate aspects which make the products grown in those areas different from products grown in other areas. Combine the distinct ecological aspects with the heritages of the regions and you have Missouri terroir.

The distinct ecological region of the Mississippi River Hills starts in the Imperial/Kimmswick area, where it travels down river to just south of Cape Girardeau, and stretches west to Farmington. Many of the region’s producer families have been farming the same piece of land for over 150 years. The Mississippi River Hills Association (MRHA) is a group of people who recognize these differences in their products, be it wine, tomatoes, or beef. During the 2011 growing season, you can experience the terroir of the Mississippi River Hills through a series of culinary experiences from dining among the vines of Cave Vineyards to enjoying the company of Miracle and Fiona at Connie Blechle’s Breezy Ridge Alpaca Farm.

The first of the 2011 Culinary Experiences – Summer Breeze – will be enjoyed under the grape vine arbor of Sainte Genevieve Winery, in downtown Sainte Genevieve, on the evening of June 18. Guest Chef Jason Evans and Winemaker Elaine Hoffmeister Mooney will be pairing the wines of Sainte Genevieve Winery with fresh lamb from Meier Horse Shoe Pines of Jackson; artisan goat cheese from Baetje Farms of Bloomsdale; fresh leaf lettuces from Show Me Fresh Farm of Cape Girardeau; and fresh vegetables from County Line Farms of St. Mary. A pre-dinner tasting of wines from The Barrens Winery, Chaumette Winery, Cave Vineyards, Hemman Winery, Tower Rock Winery, and Twin Oaks Winery will also be featured.

Fresh foods and artisan wines equal a great time. Seating is very limited for this event. Please visit the MRHA website at: www.MississippiRiverHills.org for additional information and for a schedule on the remaining 2011 Culinary Experiences.

Home! Home! On the Range . . .

. . . Where the deer and the elk(?) play! Join us for the grand finale of the 2010 season as we enjoy culinary delights on this private ranch nestled along the borders of Pickle Springs Natural Area in western Ste. Genevieve County.

Only 11 days and counting! Visit us on the web to purchase your dinner seats today. www.MississippiRiverHills.org

Can't wait to see you there!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator
Mississippi River Hills Association

Spring Lamb? Free-range chicken? Strawberries?

. . . What do these have in common? Why MRHA’s first 2010 open-air dinner!

When? Early evening of May 22, 2010,
Where? Bolduc House Museum, 124 Main Street, Ste. Genevieve, Missouri

The Mississippi River Hills Association is so excited. For our Spring Garden Gala, Chef Adam Lambay, Chaumette Winery's head chef, is creating our own signature dish using spring lamb in a scrumptious Shepherd’s pie. Then he is preparing our free-range chicken in a wine sauce he has perfected using a white wine from Charleville Winery. Yum! Yum! And let’s not forget – homemade strawberry rhubarb cobbler to top it off. Oh my!

Make an afternoon of your adventure. A self-guided tour of the Bolduc Historic Properties is included in your patronage. Plan at least an hour to enjoy the three colonial houses and Bolduc gift shop. The appetizers and wine start at 5 p.m. with dinner served at 5:30 pm.

Your journey back in time is a week from this Saturday (May22). So reserve your tickets now by sending an e-mail to: coordinator@mississippiriverhills.org; then download your order form by visiting www.MississippiRiverHills.org, and send in your payment.

We can’t wait to enjoy your company!

Lisa Palmer, Coordinator
Mississippi River Hills Association
573-883-0767

Celebrate the first official MRHA Map

In the fall of 2005, the Missouri Regional Cuisines Project and University of Missouri, along with several partners, launched an extensive map of the pilot project known as the Mississippi River Hills Region. The map of the six-county region contained many sites and business. With 50,000 of the maps printed, this paper media was used to introduce the concept of using the micro-climate of the River Hills to add value to the products grown in the soils of the region.

The line “I’ve been everywhere, man, I’ve been everywhere” from a song of many years ago comes to mind as I think of places the MRH regional map went. Besides blanketing the region and the State of Missouri, the map went to conferences across the USA, and it has been in both Washington D.C. offices of Congresswoman Joann Emerson and Congressman Russ Carnahan.

The success of the Mississippi River Hills regional map sparked a desire of the newly formed Mississippi River Hills Association to create its version. After nearly a year of planning, selling spaces, and design the new map was born!

Speaking of design, Michael Bricknell, son of MRHA members Steve & Julie Bricknell, did an amazing job designing the printed map and the website version. Michael works in Wisconsin where he is also working on his GIS certificate. Michael took several hot-off-the-press copies to the Wisconsin Land Information Association conference the end of February where he won first place in the brochure category and first place overall in the student category. Go, Michael!!

Distribution has started so keep your eye out for them. If your business needs a supply for customers, send me an e-mail and we'll get together. Also, Michael designed a website version that is just as impressive. Once they are loaded I’ll post the progress on this blog and the MRHA Facebook page.

Up Coming Events . . .

Don’t forget the MRHA 4th Annual Membership Meeting and Regional Conference this Friday, March 12, 2010.

Registration: 12:30 to 1 pm
Membership Meeting: 1 pm to 2 pm
Conference: 2 pm to 3 pm

Location: American Legion Hall, 98 Grand Avenue, Perryville
Member Meeting: MRHA Updates and Board of Directors Election
Speaker: Mary Hostetter, The Blue Owl Restaurant & Bakery

The new map will be available and are free for your location's display, be sure to pick up your supply. We will also have rolls of labels available for purchase. Lots of exciting things coming in the next year so don’t miss your chance to hear first hand.

Next weekend, March 19, 20, & 21, the MRHA booth will be displayed at the SEMO Home & Garden Show at the Show Me Center in Cape Girardeau. Thank you to all the members willing to participate in our “Special Savings” coupon that will be handed out at the Show along with the new regional map.

The “Special Savings” coupon is a 10% discount on one single item at participating MRHA member locations. There is still time to get your business listed on the coupon. There is no cost for the listing itself, only for honoring the discount when customers bring the coupon while visiting your location!

If you have questions or ideas please don't hesitate to contact me.

It’s a great day in the Mississippi River Hills!
Lisa J. Palmer, Coordinator
573-883-0767

Which comes first . . .

You’ve heard this question many times, “Which came first? The chicken or the egg?” Well, in the world of MRHA a continuing question has been, “Do we grow and then look for markets? Or do we find markets and then grow?” I am here to tell you there are several who have decided to no longer stand around and ask the question. Markets. Markets. Markets everywhere!

Today my questions for you are: Does all this snow have you yearning for your garden? Then come July you will be growing way too many veggies in your back yard? After awhile, do your friends quit answering their doors for free veggies? One of the first words of advice I received after moving to Ste. Genevieve was when to lock my car doors – during zucchini season! If you are tired of canning for yourself or, worse, watching things die on the vine, boy, have I got news for you. Let your garden pay off, and check out your local farmers’ market. The patrons are there and the markets need your goods! I keep the list of regional farmers’ market on hand. Just send me an e-mail telling me where you are and I’ll provide the contacts: coordinator@mississippiriverhills.org

Now let’s go a step farther. One of these days, MRHA will have an amazing complex with offices, meeting space, and the most wonderful shared-use, commercial kitchen. It will be above and beyond anything of which we could ever dream. But right now – well . . . we don’t. BUT what we do have is – markets. Markets. Markets everywhere! They are springing up like crocus!

One fine example is MRHA member Jones Heritage Farms in Cape Girardeau. They have built it and the customers have come. The customers are buying Jones' fresh meats and eggs, Baetje cheeses, and Show Me Fresh Farm lettuce just as fast as the store manager, Connie Meyer, can stock the coolers. Standing in the middle of this wonderful little store are shelves ready for “home-canned” goods. The problem: Their only possible supplier within 50 miles has now retired. What to do? What to do?

Oh wait! It’s garden planning time! With a little extra of this and a little extra of that, add a willingness to create value-added products, a pinch of salt, and viola! you could be selling stores like Jones Heritage Farms Market everything you can can while you dance out the door with your cash - and have friends in July!

Until we can build our amazing complex, let’s network this into reality. Write your connections and suggestions below in the “Comments” and let’s see what we can do – together.

Romancing the Grape . . .

The 2010 Valentine's Weekend Route de Vin festivities are set for February 13 and 14, and I cannot word the announcement better than they did:

“Roses are red, violets are blue, the Route Du Vin has something special for you! This Valentine's Weekend, romance the one you love on the Route du Vin! An afternoon, or an entire weekend, in Ste. Genevieve enjoying fine wines and decadent foods is sure to help you find your Valentine passion!”

Tickets are $20 per person until January 29; and $25 per person after January 29. Besides the wonderful wine and food paring menu, the purchase price includes a complimentary wine glass and 10% off wine purchases made that day. There are three ways to purchase your tickets: You can call Sainte Genevieve Winery at 800-396-1298; or you can pick up your tickets at any of the participating wineries; or you can purchase on-line at http://www.twinoaksvineyard.com/ (at the top of the website select Wine Store, then Events).

The Route de Vin (http://www.rdvwinetrail.com/) hosts other festivities throughout the year. The webmaster is working on updating the website with the 2010 festivities. But you can sign-up for e-mail updates, and you can find the Route de Vin Wine Trail map with a listing of the wineries involved in the wine trail, five of whom are MRHA members. While you are at it, check out the winery member websites: http://www.saintegenevievewinery.com/; http://www.twinoaksvineyard.com/; http://www.chaumette.com/; http://www.cavevineyard.com/; and http://www.charlevillevineyard.com/. Better yet, print the PDF wine trail map and experience the beauty first hand!

Fine wines. Decadent foods. What a great job I have!

Great Last Minute Gifts . . .

A fun part of my job is sharing comparisons with people. An example: while discussing our event table display with a couple, I asked the husband what he thought his wife would appreciate more . . . an overseas, factory-make fragrance basket from a box store or one of these (as I picked up a hand-made vase from MRHA member Julie Bricknell, owner of J Brick Pottery). The distant glaze over his eyes began to fade as his wife let out a sigh of delight and replied for him, “One of these! One of these!”

From pottery made of Mississippi River mud, to stained glass, Alpaca wool clothing, stained glass beauties, paintings, and jewelry, there is much to choose from that will make anyone’s gift super special. Just take a look below for contact information of MRHA artisan members that will make this Christmas memorable!

Julie Bricknell, of J Brick Pottery, is an amazing artist who comes up with beautiful vase designs AND great practical items. J Brick Pottery has a few unique pottery pieces for sale at the general store of MRHA member Eggers and Company B&B in Farrar (www.eggersandcompany.com), and other locations in Altenburg and Cape Girardeau, or by appointment at her studio near Pocahontas. Give Julie a call at 573-837-9941 for information. Want to see samples? www.jbrickpottery.com

Boy, does this cold system coming in remind me to get out my scarf and gloves. Artisan Connie Blechle, of Perryville, creates clothing products from her own Alpaca herd. I saw a wonderful scarf (so soft!) and the cutest of felted hats at MRHA member Odlie’s Linen & Lace, Etc., (www.odileslace.com) located on Third Street in Ste. Genevieve, the other day. Give Connie a call at 573-768-1790 to see where else you can pick up these great gifts!

Richard Otte of The Stained Glass Shop, located at 260 Merchant Street in Ste. Genevieve, not only has a beautiful display of items for sale, he and his partner, Michelle, also commission for one-of-a-kind creations. The bench outside his shop has got to be one of my favorites! Contact Rich and Michelle at: 573-883-5359.

And let’s not forget our jewelry artisan Linda Klossner, of Klossner Studio in Cedar Hill, Jefferson County. Contact Linda at: 636-274-4628 for information on her products.

Then last - but definitely not least - is our amazing painters, Iris Vincent and Juanita Rapp Wyman, both of Ste. Genevieve. These artisans have original paintings, prints, and great greeting cards in several shops around Ste. Genevieve. Check out samples of Iris’ work at http://imvartgallery.blogspot.com or give her a call at: 573-883-2622. You can reach Juanita at: 573-883-9533 for more information on location for finding her creations.

So scurry on out to pick up these great gifts – only three more days until Christmas! What a great time of year! I’m sooo excited!

Lisa
573-883-0767

More December Activities!

It’s official. I am not a fan of goat cheese. I was at an event recently and the stuff they had everywhere was left wanton as far as my taste buds are concerned. Yuck! So what do I base my culinary expertise on? Baetje Farms, of course! The first time Steve Baetje tried to get me to try Veronica’s artisan goat cheese, I said, “No thanks. It tastes like goat.” To which Steve jokingly replied, “Tastes like goat. Now, Lisa, have you ever licked a goat?” Well, I did have to admit, “No” but it was the only way I could explain that barnyard, funky aftertaste left in my mouth. Working hard to be the good Coordinator I want to be, I stepped up to the plate and carefully put a Baetje Farms goat cheese sample in my mouth.

Oh my heavens! Amazing! Wonderful! Can’t even get a supply home before I’m munching into it! I don’t know what it is – the fresh spring water, the organic herb tea and supplements, the green pastures, or lots of love and interaction with Veronica – that makes Baetje’s artisan goat cheese so amazing, but I’m telling you that you are missing out if you haven’t tried their product. Check out Baetje Farms product on Saturdays from 10 am to 3pm at Southbound Fuel, Ste. Genevieve County, at Exit 150 on I-55. Baetje Farms is there with sampling and buying opportunities you don’t want to miss! Can’t make it on Saturdays, check out their website for other vendor locations: www.baetjefarms.com

Need a little more reason and less buying for the season? Lynda Lorenz, curator, would like to invite you to the Saxon Lutheran Memorial in Frohna, Perry County. All decorated for Christmas, SLM will be open from 9 – 1 Wednesday through Saturday. Don’t miss up-coming special events: December 17 and 18 the SLM is hosting an open house; and don’t miss the Live Nativity Scene on December 19, from 5 pm to 9 pm. You will have the opportunity to hear the Christmas story as told by shepherds, angels, and other witnesses as you make your way to the manger. Special treats for children 5th grade and under. Check out their website for directions: www.saxonlutheranmemorial.com

Have up-coming events? Keep me posted with an e-mail: coordinator@mississippiriverhills.org. Can’t wait to hear from you!

Lisa J. Palmer
573-883-0767

Oh, Christmas Tree! Oh, Christmas Tree!

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

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!

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

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!

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!

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

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