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.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
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.
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.
Thursday, January 14, 2010
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!
“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!
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
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
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
Monday, December 14, 2009
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 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
Monday, December 7, 2009
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
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
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