Springfield Lifestyle January 2014 by City Lifestyle

Springfield january 2014

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Going Home with the Real Wives of Springfield Gilardi’s Italian Dining at Its Best Hal Donaldson the founder of Convoy of Hope

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Editor's Letter

january 2014 publisher & sales director

he quote “home is where the heart is” has been ringing in my mind for the past month while working on this month’s home issue. For me home is a place to express myself, to unwind and just be me. My favorite activity at home besides baking is decorating my home with décor I find from local mom-and-pop shops from around town.

Photo Credit: Mackenzie Lucht

In this January home issue you will see how home designers and builders have put their personal touch, creativity and vision into their work through taking what is old and neglected and using it to add a fresh touch to their home. I love how Anne Kohan used old rustic barn door rails for her sliding back door in the open house article to add a unique touch to her home. Are you trying to stick to your New Year’s resolution to get in shape and kick bad habits? Be sure to check out our Healthy Lifestyle section where we share tips on how to do just that. If you have opened this month’s issue because you are looking for some great ideas to remodel your home, you’ll be pleased to find the latest in home design and remodeling from the best in the industry.

Drew Mulder | DMulder@LifestylePubs.com

editor Becca Mulder | Bmulder@Lifestylepubs.com

contributing writers Jennifer Adamson, Cassey Gibbons, Carrie Hudson, Matthew Kent, Sarah McMillion, Kelsie Nalley, Kassardra West

Contributing Photographer Mackenzie Lucht

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corporate team chief executive officer | Steven Schowengerdt president | Matthew Perry chief financial officer | DeLand Shore

Do you know of a great business opening around you? Or an event that you are involved in and you would like to share with our neighbors and community? Email me at Bmulder@lifestylepubs.com and it may end up in our next issue.

managing editor | Lisa Cooke Harrison director of marketing | Brad Broockerd national art director | Carrie Julian advertising director | Mike Baugher

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Becca Mulder , Editor Bmulder@lifestylepubs.com

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Springfield Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed via the US Postal Service to some of Springfield’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Springfield Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

January 2014

Departments

Good Times

Around Town

Open House

Terrific Teacher

Healthy Lifestyle

20 Hot Spot

12 Home Remodel Adventure

Local designer creates a unique new design concept

Locally Owned

Giving Back

Sold Properties

Parent’s Corner

Real Wives

30 Lifestyle Calendar

14 Keystone Home Building and Design

Turning a dream into a reality

Parting Thoughts

24 Convoy of Hope

Everyone Can Do Something

Good Times

The Turkey Trot More than 8,000 people decided to run the 19th Annual Turkey Trot in downtown Springfield to ensure that they could eat as much Thanksgiving turkey as they wanted! So many fun costumes and people this year!

8 Springfield Lifestyle | January 2014

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Around Town Local Author Spreads the Word About the Joplin Tornado Tragedies After two-and-a-half years and just before the beginning of opening the new schools in Joplin, Zac Rantz has released his first book, Hindsight: Lessons learned from the Joplin tornado and other crisis events. Contributing to the book is Dr. Stephen Kleinsmith, Nixa superintendent. The Joplin school district was hit hard by this event, but through the chaos, many lessons for schools can be learned. Looking back at the days, weeks and months after the tornado, as well as other crisis events, this book asks questions and gives answers to help schools better prepare for a crisis. Rantz along with other communication colleagues worked in Joplin in the weeks, months, and years after the tornado helping the district get back on its feet. The book takes the experiences in Joplin as well as lessons learned as Nixa set forth on its own crisis plan revision and addresses what schools can do to better prepare for a crisis. The book can be ordered at HindSightTheBook.com

January Metropolitan Bride Wedding Exposition Southwest Missouri’s biggest bridal event of the season starts January 12 at 11 a.m. and offers help to brides to balance all the stress of planning a wedding. Trying to choose the perfect vendors can be overwhelming. The Metropolitan Bride show is a valuable source of inspiration as well as a resource for brides who are just starting the planning process or those who are finalizing those finishing touches that make each wedding personal and unique. This year’s show offers an exclusive VIP access pass that can be purchased for $50 and this will get a bride and one guest into the VIP lounge area where the area’s most prestigious vendors will personally present their services. The event will have a mimosa bar, photo booth, complimentary breakfast, access to the lounge all day, a free tote filled with bridal gifts, and free entrance to the Expo. The VIP event will start before the Expo at 9 a.m. and will only available to the first 50 brides to sign up in advance.

Cheers! Vino Cellars New Year’s Eve Wine Dinner The ball dropped and the champagne popped at Vino Cellars where they ended 2013 in style with a relaxed, yet fun evening of great food, great wine and of course great friends! The evening began at 7 p.m. on New Year’s Eve with heavy hors d’oeuvres and social hour and moved onto dinner with three courses perfectly paired with wines from all over the world. The evening included dessert and sparkling wine in the lounge. 10 Springfield Lifestyle | January 2014

Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade The 2013 Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade presented by Systematic Savings Bank was held Saturday, Dec. 14th, at 2 p.m in Downtown Springfield. The theme of this year’s parade was “Joy to the World.” The Parade was led by Grand Marshal, Dr. Robert Spence, president of Evangel University, in recognition of his 40 years of service to the community. Featuring more than 60 floats, 10 marching bands, and Santa himself, the parade winded around Park Central Square and ended at Jordan Valley Park. Local and regional marching bands were featured as well. The Downtown Springfield Christmas Parade is part of the Festival of Lights, a six-week celebration containing a flurry of holiday activities in Springfield’s Center City from Nov. 23 through New Year’s Day. The Festival of Lights calendar can be found at ItsAllDownTown.com/fol

Houlihan’s Brightens the Lives of Children Staying at Isabel’s House For its sixth year, Houlihan’s hosted Isabel’s Tree charity event, one of the largest annual fundraisers for Isabel’s House, a crisis nursery committed to preventing child abuse and neglect in our community. Since Isabel’s Tree began, more than $90,000 has been raised. A special tree lighting ceremony at Houlihan’s DoubleTree location launched the eventand Houlihan’s at DoubleTree donated 10 percent of that evening’s dining profits to Isabel’s House. Isabel’s Tree is a simple and affordable way to brighten the life of a child whose family is in crisis. Donating just $10 for the purchase of one bulb helps feed a child for one day at Isabel’s House. A $100 donation lights 10 bulbs and helps feed a child for average length of stay (8 days). A gift of $300, which lights 30 bulbs, provides for the complete care of a child, including meals, for 2 days and a gift of $600 provides for the complete are of a

child for 4 days. Individuals who purchase a bulb enjoyed a cup of holiday hot chocolate, compliments of Houlihan’s.

Musicals for the Holidays Back by popular demand, the smash hit Broadway musical, Beauty and the Beast, returns to Springfield. Based on the Academy Award-winning animated feature film, this eye-popping spectacle has won the hearts of over 35 million people worldwide. The classic musical love story is filled with unforgettable characters, lavish sets and costumes, and dazzling production numbers including “Be Our Guest” and the beloved title song. Experience the romance and enchantment of Disney’s Beauty and the Beast at Juanita K. Hammons Hall. Beauty and the Beast will be the ticketed performance at this year’s WinterFest visual and performing arts festival. You can shop for one-of-a-kind gifts, enjoy beautiful holiday music, and see this fantastic national touring Broadway show – all during WinterFest Weekend at the Hall.

and Machine Gun Symphony. There were many awards given and here are the winners so you can go test them out yourselves to see what all the hype is about. • People’s Choice Award: Coyote’s Adobe Café • Judge’s Choice Award: Speedy’s Cowabunga • Judge’s Choice Best Traditional Buffalo Wings Award: Houlihan’s • Judge’s Choice Best BBQ Wings Award: Highland Springs Country Club • Judge’s Choice Best Exotic Wings Award: Dugout • Judge’s Choice Boneless Wings Award: Speedy’s Cowabunga • Judge’s Choice Best Hot Wings Award: Speedy’s Cowabunga • Cluck for a Buck Sales Award Restaurant: Big Whiskey’s • Best Decorated Booth Award: Big Whiskey’s • Rookie of the Year Award: Porky Pike’s

13th Annual Wingapalooza This year’s Wingapalooza was a total success featuring more than 30 top restaurants to get your wing fix. Held at the Springfield Exposition center, this event offered wings, beer, and live music, and benefitted some awesome children’s charities here in the Springfield area including Springfield Sertoma.Live entertainment featured Full Circle, Brookline Station, Honkey Suckle

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Open House

A Remodeling Journey Two-year adventure results in unique new design concept Article and Photography Anne Kofron

n 2011 my husband and I began our home remodeling journey where Old World architecture meets Mid Century Modern,and the new concept of Eclectic Rustic Modern was born in our home. As a designer, I looked past the glazed, embossed walls and heavy window treatments and saw the endless possibilities. The home had great bones with vintage pine beams, antique doors, 100-year-old wrought iron railings and copper hardware. It had the architectural elements, now I just had to add my eclectic, whimsical style. For this home I knew I wanted to mix lifelong influences and memories with modern sensibilities as the inspiration. Fearless to blend different décor styles--Traditional, Mid Century Modern, Art Deco, Industrial distributed evenly with rustic elements—we began. I knew right away that a neutral palette of SW Kilim Beige on the walls would create a perfect contrast with the dark beams. There were lots of warm tones in the pine flooring and cabinetry so cool tones were brought in for the rugs, tile and accessories to create balance. Using textural materials that included wood, stone, metals, concrete and glass would add interest and depth. We jumped into the remodel mode straight away, as the kitchen was not functional for our family of six. It was small and had

12 Springfield Lifestyle | January 2014

very little working space. We removed the small island and added a large L-shaped peninsula bar that opened up into the expansive living room. I removed the cabinets and stone pillars that were on both sides of the cook top. It was amazing how tearing down the two pillars opened up the visual flow and became another functional work zone. I was now able to add decorative, floating shelves made of reclaimed wood and steel. A stone wall and decorative copper hood were also added as the focal point. There are two extraordinary antique pantry doors that obstructed the traffic flow so they were customized into sliding barn doors. I finished off my design with flea market oddities, modern glass orb light fixtures and industrial steel coil bar stools. These sculptural bar stools create a nod to modern whimsy, which always creates a smile when people enter our house. The open floor plan concept was desirable but making four rooms cohesive was challenging and required bringing the kitchen, dining, sitting and living areas together. It is said that “eclectic style builds upon itself in an organic fashion” and truly, the space just started to evolve with each added piece. Though not always sure what direction I was going, the perfect piece of furniture, artwork or rugs would just fall into place. A favorite quote

defines me as a designer: “a room should feel collected not decorated.” My home looks like I’ve been collecting all my life. The new design didn’t include using a lot of our old furniture so it was exciting but daunting to start from scratch; I love the idea of contrasting modern furniture with rustic, vintage treasures. We splurged on the larger staple pieces (sofa, chairs and tables), and contrasted those purchases with inexpensive, one-of-a-kind finds to add richness and depth. Since starting this journey two years ago, I have found great success finding collectables from my travels, flea markets, garage sales and art shows. Our quirky personalities are revealed when you sit at the vintage metal drum table that was once used to mine copper and ore. It is paired with six modern teal parsons chairs to create a contrast of old and new. I couldn’t resist the vintage parking meter from a Kansas City flea market and an old 1900’s working safe that I found in Old Colorado City, Colorado. They both added an unexpected twist to the décor. I love the little imperfections and stories that usually came with every find. Creating the space we desired required thinking outside the box, especially when it came to large-scale furniture. I’m sure I wasn’t the first person to say this, but my thinking is “if you can’t find it, design it.” I needed to fill the space on both sides of my fireplace so my twelve-foot reclaimed wood and steel shelving evolved. When they were installed it set the tone for the entire room. Combining wood and steel gave it a rustic mod feel and looked so strong in contrast with the neutral beige walls. It also allowed me to display artwork and sculpture on a big scale. I loved the look so much I decided to mirror it in the kitchen to make the two rooms cohesive. Although this journey is far from over, I feel like I have created a warm, inviting home where each item was collected with thought and care to best reflect our personality. For your interior remodeling and decorating needs call AK Designs at 417.848.6569

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visualize the possibilities Chad Holgerson doesn’t just remodel homes. He transforms visions into realities. Article Jennifer Adamson | Photography Keystone

s the owner of Keystone Building & Design, a design-build remodeling firm, Chad and his associates specialize in making premium property enhancements to kitchens and bathrooms. His team of designers, carpenters, and tradesmen boast innovation in conception and craftsmanship. Keystone showcases exceptional attention to detail, while maintaining a keen awareness of their clients’ expectations. 14 Springfield Lifestyle | January 2014

“Though we can complete the construction process, we are, more importantly, capable of visualizing and fulfilling a design that fits who the client is,” says Chad. “Everything we do isn’t just my idea. When it comes to design work, we try to identify our client’s needs and then exceed them.” Chad says his ability to think outside the box is instinctual, having grown up in the construction industry. Former jobs as an

aid worker, photographer and carpenter demonstrate he is driven by his creative nature. He credits his involvement in these fields, as well as some corporate work, with helping him to hone the skills needed to open Keystone in 2007. “I created Keystone with the idea of being uniquely different, whenever possible, with our approach to remodeling,” says Chad. “It’s an accumulation of my entire life’s experiences that made me want to do this.” Typical Keystone clients are homeowners who have lived comfortably in their homes but are now ready to invest in upgrading their spaces to suit their changing needs or tastes. “They have the mindset that they want to go on a journey of exploring new possibilities, of making things better than what everyone else is offering,” says Chad. In 2009, Keystone’s superior work in revitalizing a 1970s galley kitchen was recognized by the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) with a National Contractor of the Year Award in the category of Residential Kitchen $30,000 to $60,000. The kitchen was redesigned to be larger and handicapped-accessible. “At that point, I began to believe this is what I was supposed to be doing all along,” says Chad, who parlayed his confidence into additional accolades. In 2012, Qualified Remodeler magazine named Keystone a Master Design Awards Gold Winner in the category of Kitchens More Than $100,000. A cluttered kitchen was revamped to feel larger and included renovation aspects unique to Keystone, such as its prestigious line of cabinetry, custom-made to meet the homeowners’ needs for specialty storage. Keystone also has received several local recognitions. “The awards affirm, but they certainly don’t drive me,” says Chad. “My greatest fulfillment is being able to show people this vision of what their home will look like and not just come up with a fun idea but an idea that actually works and exceeds their expectations.” Keystone is a full service design firm and construction company. For those home owners wishing to enhance their existing home, the transformation begins with a free consultation to determine the scope of the project. Upon agreement, the in-depth design process incorporates the technical details to provide a functional, one of a kind space. During the design phase, designers work with clients to make selections based on budget and design. Keystone creates 3D drawings so the client can visualize the design in their home. A fixed-cost proposal is carefully drafted to detail project specifications and cost. Fixed-cost proposals ensure there are no financial surprises for clients when the project is complete.

To further incentivize homeowners, if the proposal includes design services, and the homeowner chooses Keystone for the actual construction, the firm will credit back a portion of the design fee to the homeowner. From the initial phases of brainstorming to the construction process to the final walk-through, Chad takes pride in understanding his clients’ needs, staying within their budgets, and completing renovations that stand out among the competition. “It’s great to build something from a brand new idea,” he says. “It’s very fulfilling to help clients see the possibilities and make it happen.” Keystone primarily serves clients in southwest Missouri. The average cost of a renovation ranges from $15,000 to $75,000. The firm is located at 1223 North Eaglecrest in Nixa. For more information, call 417.724.0057 or go to Remodel-Contractor.com.

January 2014 | Springfield Lifestyle 15

Terrific Teacher

Andrea Carter a teacher with a purpose

Article Becca Mulder

ost of Andrea Carter’s 17 years in education has been teaching family and consumer science at the Republic high school. She is fortunate to have several student success stories, including two former students who are now in lead roles at high-end restaurants in Springfield. One story involves a foreign exchange student from China. “Last year I was honored to have a student from China take one of my classes,” says Carter. “I was so impressed with her and her ability to comprehend the subject matter. I decided to invite her to join us in Family Career and Community Leaders of America. I wanted to give her as many experiences of American as possible. She was also very receptive to anything and everything we did in FCCLA. We took her to Silver Dollar City for an FCCLA Region 10 Meeting and we also included her in a STAR Event team, Students Taking Action for Recognition. Needless to say the team received two gold medals.” Carter is passionate about her career. “Teaching to me is not a job but more like a mission,” she says. “Students come to school with so much baggage and turmoil in their lives. There have been several times when I have wanted to take a student home and to show them what normal looks like.” She also loves teaching family and consumer science. “I feel like I am giving my students practical skills that they will be able to use indefinitely,” she explains. Carter didn’t plan on being a teacher when she entered college

16 Springfield Lifestyle | January 2014

the first time. She actually graduated from college with an interior design degree in 1988 and decided to go back to college and get her teaching certificate while she was pregnant with her first child. It took her about four more years of college but she never regretted her decision to go back. “I know I am where I am supposed to be,” she says. “When I look back to how easily everything fell into place I know that God had a major part in this plan..” Her day usually begins with a morning trip to the local grocer to pick up produce for her classes, and she jokes that she has a special relationship with the produce man by this point. With teaching two Pro-Start 1 classes, two pastry classes and two world foods classes, Carter’s days are pretty full, starting at 7 a.m. and not typically ending until after 4 p.m. Pro-Start 1 is a course of study supported by the National Restaurant Association. Carter has gone to three culinary institutes to receive professional training to be a certified Pro-Start instructor. She’s been to Chicago and the University of South Carolina twice for training. Pastry is a class that she personally designed and it parallels the introductory pastry class that OTC offers. Four years ago when Republic built the new high school, Carter says she was given the room/facility of her dreams. She has a beautiful space to teach in every day and students that impact her life more than she would care to admit; she considers her life to be very blessed.

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Healthy Lifestyle

Being Healthy is Better Than Losing Weight A plan to get you starting the year off realistically and successfully toward a healthy lifestyle Article Carrie Hudson

ell, it’s that time of year again. You know what I mean: the one after the holidays when we all make New Year’s resolutions to lose weight and get healthy. I want to challenge you to rethink how you look at “losing weight.” Instead of focusing on a magic number on a scale to gauge your success, I want you to look at the bigger picture, your health. Most of us take our health for granted, and what an amazing gift it is, until it’s compromised and we no longer have it. As you become more in tune with your body and more aware of what you’re consuming as fuel by choosing clean, real food, that number on the scale will fall into place. 18 Springfield Lifestyle | January 2014

My journey to finding true health started 10 years ago when I was diagnosed with stage 2 Hodgkin’s lymphoma at age 31. I had no history of cancer in my family, yet here I was, a mother of a two children, ages 5 and 2 1/2, with essentially one foot in the grave. While I pursued medical treatment for my disease, it also seemed logical to me that what I really needed to do was transform what I ate and put in my body, not only for myself but also for my children’s health as well. The journey I have walked over the past decade has left me with a passion to help others transform their health and the quality of their lives. We have become a nation that consumes food like any other product, and it’s no surprise that we are the sickest nation on the planet. Our bodies were never designed to process and break down all these foreign substances and chemicals that we call food today. As a result, we gain weight and from that weight, diseases develop in our body. Someone who is 40 percent overweight is twice as likely to die prematurely as is a normal-weight person. As individuals, we need to take responsibility and reclaim our own health, and it all starts with eating real, clean food! Here are my suggestions for a new way to make lifestyle changes that support better health and quality of life. Week 1: Start becoming aware of what you are putting in your

body and consuming as fuel. The next time you’re at the grocery store, flip over the package and read the ingredients of every item before you put it in your cart. Start to buy products that are natural, preservative free and contain no food dyes: look

for organic and GMO-free options on your trips to the grocery store. Then go through your cupboards, pantries, refrigerators and freezers, and get rid of foods that contain chemicals (represented on labels by words you can hardly pronounce or don’t know the meaning of). Week 2: Choose two fruits and/or vegetables with every meal. Eat a minimum of two different fruits or vegetables (preferably organic because conventional produce is full of pesticides and chemicals) with every breakfast, lunch and dinner. Week 3: Consume “real” beverages. Limit beverages to water, milk,

coffee and tea (only naturally sweetened with a little honey or 100 percent pure maple syrup). Week 4: Focus on the quality of the meat you eat. Choose meat that is locally raised within 100 miles of where you live. Try to choose all-natural, grass-fed, hormone-free, pesticide-free and antibiotic-free meat.

This simple four-week plan will help you get started with realistic goals you can achieve and move you toward greater true health, not just losing weight. ExcelDental_SpfdLifeMag_1-2Pg.pdf

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Hot Spot

Gilardi’s Italian Dining at Its Best Article Carrie Hudson | Photography Gilardi’s

ilardi’s has been around for 15 years. Previously owned by Nicola and Monica Gilardi, the restaurant was purchased in February of 2013 by James Martin, a 20-year industry veteran. His experience shows when you enter the new Gilardi’s. His attention to detail is exquisite. Tucked behind the main house used for catering events, the restaurant is a warm, elegant and inviting haven. The updated atmosphere includes saddlewood colored table cloths, a candle-illuminated room, worldclass art by local artist Jackie Warren, 5-star dining and the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. And that’s just the beginning of this fairytale dining experience. Executive Chef Aaron Rosario creates mouth-watering appetizers such Spinach Fonduta, fresh crab cakes made with Maryland blue crab; signature salads complete with locally grown greens and produce; as well as succulent dishes like Cioppino, a seafood lover’s dream. I especially enjoyed the salad roasted with golden beets with blue cheese, candied walnuts on a bed of locally-grown

20 Springfield Lifestyle | January 2014

greens topped with a light drizzle of walnut oil. The butternut soup was amazing and had a bit of a kick to it, perfect for this time of year. Eggplant Milano, one of my favorites, is sure to be a vegan’s delight, so full of flavor and color. It consists of two fresh seasonal vegetables between two slices of eggplant on a bed of roasted garlic cream sauce andgarnished with basil chive oil. I also really appreciate the sea bass encrusted with candied walnuts and rosemary served on a bed of white truffle wild mushroom orzo pastaand broccolini. The atmosphere and food are outstanding, but it’s truly the service the staff and owner provide that completes this ultimate dining experience. They are grateful to be providing a dining experience that their clients are sure to enjoy and one that will keep them and their families coming back for years to come. In front of the restaurant sits an old Victorian home built in 1895. Restored to its original detail, it is now known as the Grey Gables Event Center. Grey Gables provides the most intimate and private dining

space in the Ozarks. The space has been transformed into the most desirable and coveted facility for weddings, private parties and community building functions. Martin has another passion besides exquisite food: a passion for gardening. Martin has tucked numerous gardens in around this beautiful Victorian home on 1 1/4 acres--he tends herbs, tomatoes, potatoes, carrots, onions, garlic strawberries, kale, swiss chard, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and peppers. Martin also works with many area businesses to supply items for the restaurant: Urban Roots for greens; Terrell Creek for goat cheese; and Bennisno for frozen goods. Supporting other local businesses and our economy is all part of Martin’s goals. He plans to build greenhouses on the property and eventually throughout the community to help support the vision for local and self-sustainability here in the Ozarks.

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~ Lisa Cox, National Marketing Director, Nerium International Call me at 417-830-6857 or email me at coxskincare@gmail.com

Join us every Tuesday night in Springfield for a brief, fun presentation and learn all about our products and the business opportunity. Call me at 417-830-6857 for meeting time and location.

Order at www.LisaCox.Nerium.com Independent Brand Partner with Nerium International January 2014 | Springfield Lifestyle 21

Locally Owned

Family Fun At Incredible Pizza Article Matthew Kent Photography America’s Incredible Pizza Co.

t’s easy to recognize why America’s Incredible Pizza Co. has proven to be successful among families as an entertainment center that offers pizza, games and other activities. Springfield serves as the corporate headquarters of the business owned and operated by Rick Barsness, who serves as CEO. Barsness and his wife, Cheryl, began their venture into the business world in 1974 when they started with a company known as Mr. Gatti’s Pizza as a franchisee. “We ended up growing 25 restaurants over the next 25 years,” Barsness says. “And then in 2009, we moved to Springfield to start building the Incredible Pizza Co.” He says they wanted to build their own brand in order to be more creative and not have as many restrictions. The company now has 10 locations. The family entertainment center that employs about 100 workers locally offers an all-you-can-eat pizza buffet in different dining atmospheres, while go-karts, bumper cars, laser tag and miniature golf are also available. In addition, over 100 video and redemption games offer additional fun in which tickets can be exchanged for various prizes. America’s Incredible Pizza Co. also offers an opportunity for people to come together for birthday parties and special events throughout the year. “We host on average 50 birthdays a week in every store,” he says. “It’s just a really fun event… and we make it very, very special and a fun time.” Barsness says, his goal is to offer “a good clean wholesome, no alcohol, no smoking place where families can gather together for dinner.” “In the ‘50s, my family always had dinner together,” he says.

22 Springfield Lifestyle | January 2014

“Sometimes today it’s difficult to round up all the kids and have a dinner together and a fun time together.” The business is also able to cater to different groups such as Little League and other organizations looking for something to do. Barsness also cites his family’s Christian faith as part of the reason why America’s Incredible Pizza Co. has been so successful and tries to instill that in every aspect with his employees, vendors and customers. “We have run our business in accordance with Christian principles and values,” he says. “Just treat people nicely and they’ll love you right back.” Barsness also says the residents of Springfield have been so good to them here in embracing his concept from the start. Originally, the company hoped to reach $1 million in revenue in its first year, but ultimately was able to bring in $3 million, according to Barsness. “The city really bought into the concept and loved it and because of the success that we had here, we were able to go over to Tulsa, Okla., and our second store was almost twice as big,” he says.

Details

America’s Incredible Pizza Co.

2850 S. Campbell Ave., Springfield Hours: Monday-Thursday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; and Sunday from 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Phone: 417.887.3030 Website: SpringfieldIncrediblePizza.com Location:

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January 2014 | Springfield Lifestyle 23

Giving Back

Convoy of Hope Everyone can do something Article Kim Blevins | Photography Convoy of Hope

ife can change in an instant. Hal Donaldson, founder of Convoy of Hope, learned this one fateful night many years ago. Hal’s father was a pastor, and one evening he and Hal’s mother had a meeting to go to and had hired a babysitter who was late. They piled the kids in the car but the babysitter showed up just as they were pulling out of the driveway so the kids hopped out and stayed home. On the way to the meeting, a drunk driver hit Hal’s parents. The wreck killed his father and disabled his mother. Hal and his siblings grew up depending on charity from the community including second-hand clothes and food. He never forgot what poverty felt like. Hal became a journalist and had the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit with Mother Teresa in India. She asked him what he was doing to help the poor and he had to answer nothing. Her response was, ““Everyone can do something.” His first experience with giving away food to the needy was when he got back from the trip and organized a group of his friends to buy some groceries and give them away out of the back of a pick-up truck in California. That was 1994, and for the next year they served 70,000 people. From those tiny beginnings, Convoy of Hope was birthed. Since 1994, over 62 million people have been served. Convoy of Hope’s most widely known projects are their community outreach events, feeding more than 126,000 children in

24 Springfield Lifestyle | January 2014

eleven countries and disaster response for events such as the Joplin and Oklahoma tornadoes, the Colorado flooding, and most recently the typhoon in the Philippines. “We don’t ever want to cut back on what we are doing in the world,” says Jeff Nene, national spokesperson for Convoy of Hope. “But we also want to do more at home in Springfield. Lots of things take place behind the scenes. We send food to The Kitchen, Victory Mission and local food banks depending on their needs. On Make-A-Difference Day we rounded up tractor-trailers to supply local food banks. During the ice storm we provided tons of food to the local shelters that were open.” “In the future we want to grow what we’re doing, not just quantity but in quality,” says Nene. “We want to be sustainable. ’FeedONE‘ is a big part of the future. It’s not enough just to give food. We want to put into place a way to grow food in the places we are serving.” Agriculturist Jason Streubel, fondly nicknamed Dr. Dirt by his colleagues, helps rice farmers in Haiti. “There were a whole block of rice farmers dormant,” Streubel says. “We helped the farmers to grow rice again. They now provide a good portion of the rice needed in Haiti. Over 2000 farmers were trained. Even better, 200 no longer need help because they are now fully sustainable.” Nene says their vision goes even further.

their market for needs and Convoy provides the seed capital to start a business. “It’s not a business transaction,” says Nene. “It’s a relationship. There’s a 96% success rate after graduation from Women’s Empowerment.” Convoy moved to Springfield for the access to trucking but there have been other benefits to being here. “The Springfield community is amazing as far as financial support. I’ve always admired that about Springfield. People come on board and work together,” says Nene. Want to help Convoy of Hope? Families are welcome! How You Can Help:

“We also have plans to help with community gardens in inner cities such as Detroit,” he says. “The poor not only aren’t getting enough food but also not enough good food. We equip them to grow vegetables.” Another way that Convoy is equipping people to help themselves is the Women’s Empowerment program in Ethiopia and El Salvador. Women apply and go through a selection process. “After they are chosen for the program, self-worth is the first thing taught,” says Nene. “They’ve been treated like objects, like things. It’s cultural and it’s not right. We teach them they can be successful.” The women then go on to learn business basics. They evaluate

Visit the brand-new website to stay updated on what you can do: ConvoyOfHope.org Hands of Hope

Tuesday evenings 6:30-8:30 p.m. Show up and be put to work! Volunteers pack boxes or scoop out rice. Everyone can take a part! Large groups need to fill out the form on the website on the Volunteer tab so Convoy will be ready for you. FeedONE

Give $10 a month to eradicate world hunger one person at a time.

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Sold Properties

Recently SOLD Springfield Properties neighborhood

original list

sold $$

%sold/orig

dom* bdrms

full/half bath

floorplan

Rivermist

$695,000

$680,000

97.84%

3/2

Two Story

Blue Springs Estates

$509,500

100%

3/1

Ranch

Turnberry Estates

$545,000

$505,000

92.66%

3/1

Ranch

Highland Springs

$469,900

$460,000

97.89%

388

3/1

Ranch

Millwood

$447,000

$439,000

98.21%

3/0

Ranch

Emerald Park

$399,900

$398,900

99.75%

4/1

Two Story

Hickory Hills CC

$399,900

$390,000

97.52%

2/1

Ranch

Rivercut

$385,000

$375,000

97.40%

3/0

Ranch

Kings Mill

$344,900

$327,655

95%

3/0

Ranch

Capp Hill Ranch

$350,000

$320,000

91.43%

2/0

Story & Half

Sunset Estates

$324,800

$315,800

97.23%

2/1

Story & Half

Mellow Ridge

$312,900

$315,000

100.67%

3 / 0

Multi-Level

Canterbury Lane

$314,900

$310,500

98.60%

2/1

Story & Half

IronBridge

$299,900

$292,400

97.50%

2/1

Ranch

Pearson Meadows

$309,900

$287,500

92.77%

3/1

Ranch

Columns Century Pk 1

$274,900

$282,890

102.91%

3/1

Story & Half

Velvet Estates

$269,000

100%

124

3/0

Ranch

Copper Mill Estates

$274,900

$264,815

96.33%

134

3/1

Ranch

Vintage Hills Manor

$242,700

$262,895

108.32%

3 / 0

Ranch

Cooper Estates

$269,000

$254,500

94.61%

191

2/0

Story & Half

Information compiled from MLS of Springfield from dates of November 1 through November 30, 2013. Information deemed reliable but not guaranteed and not a complete list of all activity. *DOM=Days on Market

Lina Robertson Jones

linarobertson@remax.net www.ozarks-realestate.com Fax: 417.581.4439 Cell: 417.844.7265 Office: 417.581.7888 â&#x20AC;&#x153;Call me for a more comprehensive analysis of Your neighborhood.â&#x20AC;?

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Parent’s Corner

Keeping House or Making A Home? Article Casey Gibbons

aking a house a home takes work. There is always something to repair or clean. The organization of storage and maintenance of the property along with the lighting, decor and food prep duties seem to go on longer than a Little House On the Prairie T.V. marathon. But all of this work is worth it if it will make a house a home. Right, Pa? Ma? Most all parents would agree that they want a beneficial home environment for their children. (Is there anyone wants a dirty, unkept, uncomfortable, unorganized, place to live...don’t ask your teenage son). At the same time, is our effort, time and money spent with the wrong goal in mind? Are we focusing on an inferior investment of keeping house rather than making it a home? Could it be that our desires to do for the house is secondary to what a child ultimately desires in a home? Think back. What would you say was the most valuable assests you appreciated in your childhood home? Would it be the immaculate outdoor lighting? Having everything dusted and mopped? Magazine-perfect decor? Or, would there be another list that would speak to the heart of the home rather than the housekeeping of the home? I asked a few of my friends what “home” is to them and here were their thoughts: “Home is where a person should feel welcome. You should feel safe at home.” Kaitlin, 9

“Home is where your family is. Not where your house is.” Natalie, 21 “Home should be a safe haven. A place for family to run to and friends are always welcome.” Sheila, 48

“Home is where grace and forgiveness reside and where love surrounds you.” Lindsey, 36 “Home is family, wherever we are...” Terry, 61 “Home to me is important because you can always go back there. It’s where you can be with loved ones. Also, it’s where I feel safe to be.” Samantha, 20 “Home to me is where I can feel safe and loved. I can be myself and know that I am accepted.” Shannon 21 “It does not matter the size, or possessions inside, home is the familiar.” Lianne, 38 “Home is where peace and chaos perfectly coincide. Where there is shared strength, laughter and love.” Erica, 21 Most likely, what our children will appreciate from the home will be similar to the list above more than the materialism and perfection we so often strive to accomplish when keeping house. Changing our mindset to the priority of the relationship rather than the workload can take a burden off of the ongoing cleaning, buying and maintaining. Certainly, there isn’t anything wrong these things but they are just tools to aid us in the ultimate investment of the hearts in the home. May your children and mine look back and remember that our love for them was more important to us than the housework.

Real Wives

introducing

Kristi Thompson real wives of springfield

SHOP STORES SHOP TWO TWO STORES

Open on on the the Country CountryClub ClubPlaza Plaza&& Open on the Missouri/Kansas Missouri/Kansas Border Border in the Popular Art & & Antique Antique District District at 45th and State State Line Line Road. Road.

had…hahahaha!! They would say I was REAL funny!! Best vacation ever? Anniversary trip to Florida. All alone with hubby. Finish my own meal. Sleep in. Favorite date night restaurant/night out? We love dinner and movie..maybe a cof-

fee at a bookstore. Lots of laughter and talking. Best thing about living in the Ozarks? Who/what lives in your house? (family

Fall. I love the changing of the seasons!

& critters) Well..My hubby, our girls, our

guinea pigs and puppy.

What do your record on the DVR?

The Voice. And 150 episodes of the Wiggles. Work outside the home? If so, where? I

work at The Thompson House of Fun. Code for stay-at-home mommy.

Where do you wish your husband would buy your next gift?

A travel agency.:) Native to Springfield or transplanted to the area? Came to Springfield for col-

Favorite sports team? I guess the Chiefs.

lege…been here ever since. Favorite gadget or gizmo? What’s on the floor of your car right now? Ok..now we are getting personal. Umm well.. lots of Chick-fil-A wrappers (whoops!), coats (in case of emergencies), shoes (in case we forgot to put them on), toys (to keep screaming to a minimum), water (for mama), sunglasses and just a little bit of trash (just a bit)!

Anything Apple. Unique or interesting fact about yourself or your college years? During my

freshman and sophmore year, I changed my major a total of 10 times. (or more for that matter) I just couldn’t choose in that moment.. my career…that I would have…FOREVER.

Favorite ‘pamper yourself’ or splurge item? A really nice pedi.

Where do you enjoy shopping?

Guiltiest food pleasure?

I. Love. Cake. The. End.

Are you a saver or a spender? I like to shop at TJ Maxx and Target. I wouldn’t consider myself a spender.:)

Title of a book on your bedside table?

Tips on hosting a dinner party?

I happen to have a magazine beside my bed that I haven’t opened up yet. It’s called Domino and they just came back. So excited to look in it soon.

Tips and tricks on how you prepare or decorate? I love to cook and bake. I think making people feel comfortable and having fun is important. We love laughter in our home. A game may be included at the party…(a dance party has been known to break out sponteously before..which has caused absolute hysterics)

How would your best friend describe you? The greatest, best friend THEY ever

Candy do us part”

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January Lifestyle Calendar

January 2

Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking Springfield

This evening book discussion occurs in the Brentwood Branch Library at 6:30 p.m. in the meeting room for adults. Go to Library.org for more information.

January 2, 4, 9, 11, 16, 18, 23, 25, 30 Farmers Market of the Ozarks Springfield

Check out all of the delicious food the Farmer’s Market on Nature Center Way Rd. has to offer. These farm fresh delicacies, hand-crafted products, and local eateries are available every Thursday from 4-8 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. The market accepts SNAP, debit, and credit cards. Call 417.766.8711 for more information.

Three episodes are filmed on the first Friday of every month at 7 p.m. $5 admission will allow you to be a part of the live filming along with a free concert and after party once the filming has ended. Call 417.863.9491 for more information or go to Gillioz.org.

Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the

Come watch the local improv team perform every Friday and Saturday night. It’s a surefire way to leave you gasping for air, and crying from laughter. It goes from 8-10 p.m. and is $10-12 to get in. Contact Amber@ TheSkinnyImprov.com or call 417.831.5233 for more information.

Performing Arts

January 4 WRITING FOR THE SOUL WORKSHOP

Springfield

January 3 The Mystery Hour Gillioz Theatre

Attend Springfield’s Late Night Talk Show! 30 Springfield Lifestyle | January 2014

This is a free, monthly event which gives the opportunity to meet guest artists and conductors, and hear about upcoming concerts. This event begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information call 417.864.6683.

Classical and Neo-Classical

Brewery Tours

Enjoy the beautiful art, local music, art demonstrations, and creative atmosphere with more than 27 participating venues. This event is free and goes from 6-10 p.m. Go to FFAW.org for more information.

Springfield

Downtown, Springfield

January 4, 11, 18, 25

Downtown Springfield

Behind the Baton at Newk’s

Skinny Improv Mainstage

This monthly workshop gives youth a chance to become entrepreneurs, thanks to a Joint Venture Agreement between TGIM Digital Publishing, and Springfield businesses Tru 417 Customs and Tru H.O.G. Records. This workshop is free and will go from 3-6 p.m. Go to TGIMonline.us for more information.

First Friday Art Walk

January 9

January 3, 4, 10, 11, 17, January 11 18, 24, 25, 31

SPRINGFIELD

January 3

$5 and the night will extend from 9 p.m.-12 a.m. Go to Gigsalad.com for more information.

Every Saturday at 2 p.m., 3 p.m., and 4 p.m. Mother’s Brewing Company hosts a tour of their establishment. Admission is free and is first come, first-serve. Plan to arrive 15 minutes early. Call 417.862.0423 or go to MothersBrewing.com for more information.

January 7 Whiskey Jam Springfield

This monthly event at Lindberg’s features a local folk/country/bluegrass band, and will have whiskey specials and vendors. This atmosphere is lively and relaxed. This is perfect for a night away, and out on the town. Admission is

Their first concert of 2014 will be a performance of lyrical and lighter works for the orchestra. The music featured is lively, beautiful, and virtuosic. Pre-Concert Lecture begins at 6:30 p.m. and Pre-Concert Music begins at 7 p.m. The concert itself begins at 7:30 p.m. Call 417.864.6683 or go to SpringfieldMoSymphony.org for more information.

January 17 The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Team in Training Springfield

Team in Training is the world’s largest sports training program, which provides people with the skills to run or bike marathons in order to raise funds for leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma research and patient services. This is in exchange for training, support, lodging, and airfare to the event of their choice. Admission to this seminar is free. It will take place from 9:30-10:30 a.m. at 2535 N. Kansas Expy.

January 17 El Monstero: The Definitive Pink Floyd Tribute Gillioz Theatre

This edgy, theatrical tribute focuses on Gilmore/Walters era Floyd music, and is an immersive show that serves to thrill. It’s a necessity for any Pink Floyd fan. It begins at 8 p.m. and tickets start at $20. Call 417.863.9491 or go to Gillioz.org for more information.

January 17, 18 Hello, Dolly! Starring Sally Struthers Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts

First produced on Broadway in 1964, this award winning show will be taking place Friday at 8 p.m. and Saturday at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. Admission ranges from $20-55. Two-time Emmy Award and Golden Globe winner Sally Struthers will be performing! It’s a must-see event. Call 417.836.7678 for more information or go to HammonsHall.com.

January 21 Queen City Ukulele Club Springfield

Amateur and experienced players are both welcome to attend. All people of all ages are encouraged to share their talents and songs in this monthly club. The Queen City Ukulele Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:30 p.m. at Springfield Music. Call 417.881.1373 or go to Springfield-Music.com

January 24 Flavor and Flair Springfield

Devour freshly-made tapas prepared by some of Springfield’s finest chefs while listening to the beautiful music performed by Springfield Symphony musicians. Proceeds from the event benefit Springfield/Branson Chefs’ Association and the Springfield Symphony. For tickets and more information call 417.864.6683.

January 25 Jazz Aria Springfield

Come to the Savoy Ballroom and enjoy dinner, drinks, and dancing with Les Brown Jr. and his Jazz Quintet featuring Soprano Stephanie Washington. Admission includes dinner and valet parking and is $50. It begins at 7 p.m. Call 417.863.1960 or go to SroLyricTheatre.org for more information.

January 28 Thodos Dance Chicago: The White City and Fosse Trilogy Juanita K. Hammons Hall for the Performing Arts

Tony Award-winning choreographer, Ann Reinking, and the company’s artistic director, Melissa Thodos collaborated to create this culture embracing dance that touches on Chicago’s history and headlines. It begins at 7:30 p.m. and admission is $23. Call 417.836.7678 or go to HammonHall.com for more information.

January 31 Mother’s and Moxie Cinema Friday Flix: Big Lebowski Park Central, Springfield

Check out the effortlessly awesome Lebowski for only $5. The movie begins at 8 p.m. Contact Timmryan88@gmail.com or call 636.634.7724 for more information. January 2014 | Springfield Lifestyle 31