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From the Editor
Happy Valentines Day...
It was Pope Gelasius who originaly declared February 14 as St. Valentine's Day. It was not until much later, however, that the day became definitively associated with love. During the Middle Ages, it was commonly believed in France and England that February 14 was the beginning of birds' mating season, which added to the idea that the middle of February should be a day for romance. Valentine greetings were popular as far back as the Middle Ages, though written Valentine's didn't begin to appear until after 1400. The oldest known valentine still in existence today was a poem written in 1415 by Charles, Duke of Orleans, to his wife while he was imprisoned in the Tower of London following his capture at the Battle of Agincourt. (The greeting is now part of the manuscript collection of the British Library in London, England.) Several years later, it is believed that King Henry V hired a writer named John Lydgate to compose a valentine note to Catherine of Valois. In addition to the U.S., Valentine's Day is celebrated in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France and Australia. In Great Britain, Valentine's Day began to be popularly celebrated around the 17th century. By the middle of the 18th, it was common for friends and lovers of all social classes to exchange small tokens of affection or handwritten notes, and by 1900 printed cards began to replace written letters due to improvements in printing technology. Ready-made cards were an easy way for people to express their emotions in a time when direct expression of one's feelings was discouraged. Cheaper postage rates also contributed to an increase in the popularity of sending Valentine's Day greetings. So what will you send your Valentine this year? We want to know. Share you memories with us at any of the emails to the right. You may win a Weekend Getaway.! Page 4
Kandy Derden, Editor
About the Cover : Don’t forget to send your loved ones a special valentine and let them know how much you care. Then take them out for a great weekend getaway. See any page.
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The Weekender Published monthly online by Barnett PRO, 71 Plymouth St., Plymouth, OH 44865. PHONE/FAX: 419-6870002 Email: info@barnettpro.com Publisher - Michael Barnett Sr. mike@barnettpro.com Managing Editor: Kandy Derden email: editor@theweekendermagazine.com Places to Go Editor: Rebecca Embry Things to Do Editor: Lee Offenburger People to See Editor: Christopher Offenburger Assistant Editors: Kaitlyn Offenburger and Stephanie Dawn editor@theweekendermagazine.com Photo Journalists Jared Embry • Angie Offenburger • Norman Reed Marketing Director: Kathy Barnett
Visit our Website for event coverage between regular issues www.theweekendermagazine.com Online Subscriptions are FREE! Submit your name and email address & we’ll also enter it in our monthly drawing for a FREE getaway! Copyright ©2012 by Barnett Productions. All rights reserved. Reproductions of any material from this issue expressly forbidden without permission of the publisher. Advertisements in this publication do not necessarily carry the endorsement of the publishing company.
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February, 2011
Things to Do...
Places to Go: Sesame Street Live
Jan. 19 - Peabody Opera House, St. Louis Jan. 28-29 - Sprint Center, Kansas City Jan. 31 - Jesse Hall, Columbia Elmo, Abby cadabby, Big Bird, and all their Sesame Street friends are taking to the stage to share their love of music in Sesame Street Live “Elmo Makes Music.” Elmo and friends teach teach children that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together. “ E l m o M a k e s Music” features nearly two dozen s o n g s , including classics that children will love to sing along with such as “C Is for Cookie” and “the Alphabet Song.” Mark your calendar for a musical event like no othermonsters making music! Elmo, Zoe, Big Bird and all their Sesame Street friends are taking to the stage to share their love of music in Sesame Street Live "Elmo Makes Music." Jenny, an enthusiastic new music
teacher, arrives on Sesame Street only to discover that her instruments are missing. Jenny's new Muppet friends quickly come to the rescue and discover 'instruments' they never knew existed...rubber duckies, trash can lids and even cookie jars. Elmo
January 2012
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and friends teach children that everyone can make and enjoy beautiful music together. Adults will hear music they'll recognize and enjoy sharing with children, such as "The Hustle," "You Should Be Dancing" and
"Rockin' Robin." "Elmo Makes Music" features nearly two dozen songs, including classics that children will love to sing along with such as "C Is for Cookie" and "The Alphabet Song." Get the ultimate fan experience with Sunny Seats! The Sunny Seats Package includes a VIP Seat and a preshow Meet & Greet photo opportunity with two Sesame Street Live Friends. Sunny Seat orders will include a special admittance ticket for entry into the Meet & Greet. You will receive the special admittance ticket with the rest of your show tickets. This offer is not available in Columbis. All Meet & Greets start one hour prior to the performance. Please meet at the main merchandise stand in the lobby. Latecomers may miss the opportunity. Bring your own camera. Page 07
Things to Do : Go on a First Date (ARA) - When your grandparents started dating, chances are they knew each other already or had mutual friends. In those days, a blind date - going out with someone you hadn't met or knew nothing about - was a rarity. Today, with the boom in online dating, going on first dates with strangers is commonplace. Plenty of people find love online every year, but when you're dating a stranger, it's important to take steps to ensure the only thing they steal is your heart. Online dating, and other forms of blind dating,
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require extra caution to protect your personal information from those who might use it without your permission. Joining one or more dating websites can be a great way to meet people you might enjoy spending time with. Yet, nearly half of online daters fail to verify the authenticity of a potential match before communicating. By following some basic safety guidelines, you can help ensure the experience is as positive as possible and minimize the risk of being targeted by cyber criminals who fre-
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quent dating sites. First, be careful what you share in your profile. Never provide your full name, phone numbers, personal addresses, or other information such as where you work. Use the website's built-in tools for contacting and communicating with other members. Be wary of requests for information like where you bank or what you are doing 24/7. And, be careful to not reveal valuable information - your mother's maiden name (a frequently used identifier
February, 2012
for online accounts). These warnings sound obvious, but be alert that the information doesn't reveal itself in obvious ways. Scammers might make a request for a banking recommendation, or an inquiry as to where your family is from. No matter how convincing the story, never respond. Instead, report the individual to the website's security team; there's never any reason for someone you've just met to make that request. While you're bringing new people into your life, keep an eye on your credit and financial accounts to ensure you detect fraud quickly. An identity theft protection service like ProtectyMyID can help you monitor your credit and know sooner if your identity has been compromised. ProtectMyID uses daily Internet scanning to determine if your information appears on suspect sites or chat rooms that specialize in trafficking stolen
credit card numbers. Once you've made initial contact, be smart and cautious in your communications. Don't exchange private emails or engage in texting or instant messaging until you've gotten to know the person better through the website's protected communication methods. When you're ready to talk to each other, consider doing so through an online service like Skype or Yahoo Messenger, rather than exchanging phone numbers. These free services allow you to have a voice conversation over the computer without revealing something as personal as your cell phone or land line number. When you take the next step and meet in person, always take precautions. Meet in a public place and make sure a trusted loved one knows where you will be, who you are with and how long you expect to be there. Keep your cell
phone handy and consider arranging a check in with a trusted friend. Drive your own car to the meeting or arrange for your own taxi; don't rely on your date for transportation. Adhere to the safety basics that you always have in place when you go out, including keeping personal items and your drink in your possession at all times and leaving unneeded ID like your Social Security card at home. If meeting your online date requires long-distance traveling, be even more careful and smart. Make sure someone at home knows your travel plans and schedule. Finally, if something doesn't feel right or you feel pressured, end the date immediately. Trusting your gut can help protect you from an unpleasant or unsafe experience.
Columbia, Missouri February, 2012
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Things to Do: Plan a Wedding (ARA) - Many couples are opting to cut the guest list instead of big ticket items like wedding gowns. In fact, the average wedding gown cost $1,289 in 2010, a 20 percent increase over 2009. This is no surprise to the millions who were glued to their television sets this past April during the most talked about wedding since the 1981 royal wedding of Lady Diana to Prince Charles. Many brides are now emulating the elegant lace gown worn by Catherine Middleton, now the Duchess of Cambridge. In addition to beautiful lace, the newest trends in wedding gowns
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include color, soft sleeves, short hemlines and eco-friendly materials. Whether it is Chantilly, Alencon, duchesse, guipure, or ribbon, lace has become one of the hottest trends this year. "Designers at all price points have debuted collections featuring full frothy skirts, wildflowers and lace used in both traditional and modern ways," says Kate Campbell, department chair of Fashion & Retail Management at The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design. "This particular trend parallels the more feminine, elegant trends we
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see in fashion everywhere including more fitted and ladylike styles reminiscent of Grace Kelly and Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy." While not for everyone, the use of color in wedding gowns has been growing in popularity. Rich and vibrant, or more subdued, color in bridal wear is everywhere. Some brides choose soft pastel colors, such as blush, rose or skin-tone. Others opt to wear
February, 2012
Like Princess Catherine or like the popular beach wedding vibrant hues of lavender, green and deep pink. Less bold brides are more likely to use hints of accent color on sashes, bows, embroidery, hems, necklines or beading. "The bride who chooses to add color to her dress is fashion forward and confident - it's not for the faint of heart," says Amber Chatelain, lead faculty for the Fashion & Retail Management program at The Art Institute of Tennessee - Nashville, a branch of The Art Institute of Atlanta. Another interesting new trend in bridal wear is short gowns, especially for brides choosing destination and beach weddings. While they may be short in length, these dresses are not short on style. Some offer sophisticated laces, chic feathers or multilayered organza mini-skirts. Soft sleeves are enjoying a comeback. Designers have debuted soft, romantic sleeves, including traditional cap sleeves in florals and tulle, modern silhouettes using vintage elements, sequin fringe and flutter sleeves, and romantic off-the-shoulder versions. "The softness and elegance of the sleeves in bridal wear mirrors today's general fashion trends, where designers are highlighting the elegance and beauty of the female form in very soft ways," says Charlene Parsons, who heads the fashion programs at Miami International University of Art & Design. Eco-friendly options have also increased in popularity. "There are now numerous eco-friendly February, 2012
designers whose sole business is to create wedding dresses made with earth-friendly fabrics and materials, using techniques that are in harmony with the earth," says Crystal Shamblee, department chair of Fashion Design for The Art Institute of Philadelphia. Secondhand and vintage wed-
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ding dresses are another ecofriendly choice. Whatever fashion trends a bride chooses, one that will never go out of style is a gown that fits well, is figure flattering and makes the bride feel like she's the most beautiful woman in the world on her big day.
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February, 2012
Things to Do: Dine on the Train
Recapture the romance of a by-gone era while watching the Missouri landscape roll by your window. The Columbia Star Dinner Train offers year round evening dinner train trips departing Friday and Saturday nights at 7 p.m. with a Sunday Brunch train departing at 11:30 AM. The Columbia Star offers guests gourmet dining onboard the beautifully appointed vintage 1930's and 40's passenger cars pulled by 1950's streamlined passenger locomotives on a relaxing 2 1/2 to 3 hour journey. Guests will be treated to delicious appetizers, drinks and a Chef-prepared, elegant four-course gourmet meal all prepared right on the train. Prestigious railroad dining is recreated on white linen and fine china by candlelight with exemplary service from our wait staff. Friendly, courteous bartenders will do their part to get your journey off to a cheerful start with only the best brands of beverages from our fully stocked bars. Join us Feb. 14, Valentine's Day, aboard the Columbia Star Dinner Train for a romantic evening on the rails. Candle-lit tables and a chef-prepared fivecourse meal is sure to create the perfect ambiance to share with your loved one this Valentine's Day. Each couple will receive their own private table, complimentary glass of Champagne and a souvenir champagne flute. Each lady will also receive a omplimentary rose. Boarding begins at 6:30 p.m.; the Dinner Train ride is from 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Tickets are $89 per person (that total does not include tax or gratuity). Visit www.dinnertrain.com for more information. February, 2012
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People To See: POPLAR BLUFF - Let’s go to the 2012 Salute to Veterans Valentine’s Day Concert On Friday, February 17, 2012 at 7:00 p.m., the John J. Pershing VA Medical Center will host the “Valentines for Veterans Concert” at the Black River Coliseum in Poplar Bluff, MO. The event will feature entertainment by country music artist, Lee Greenwood. Lee Greenwood with his distinctive voice, insightful songwriting and unparalleled showmanship will entertain Veterans and the community to help celebrate “Salute to Veterans” week. Greenwood has been captivating audiences for decades. Known for his hit “God Bless the USA” which has been voted the most recognizable patriotic song in America, taking the top honor over “God Bless America” and the “National Anthem.” Active since the early 1980s, Lee has released more than twenty major-label albums and has charted more than 35 singles on the Billboard country music charts. Other hits include "Somebody's Gonna Love You", "Going, Going, Gone", "Dixie Road" and “Mornin’ Ride”. No admission will be charged to attend this concert for Veterans, their families and the public because “the price has already been paid” by the sacrifices of Veterans. The event is fully-sponsored by Help Hospitalized Veterans and contributors in the community. Tickets are now available for distribution Page 16
Lee Greenwood through the Poplar Bluff VA Medical Center and Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce. Tickets will be distributed on a first-come-first-served basis with four priorities of ticket distribution: Gold Star (lost a family service member in combat) Family Members (limit two), Veterans, families of Veterans, and the general public. A limited number of tickets is available to the public at the Greater Poplar Bluff Area Chamber of Commerce beginning January 4, 2012. VA officials hope to fill all available seats on the night of the concert. Individuals interested in more information about tickets may call 573-778-4414. For Information on volunteering or making a donation call 573-778-4151 extension 54275 or 1-888-557-8262 extension 54275 or 54276.
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February, 2012
People to See: Brad Paisley / Scotty McCreery Band Perry
"The Camobunga! 2012 World Tour" presented by Chevy comes to Springfield February 25 at the JQH Arena with special guests The Band Perry and Scotty McCreery. Paisley's explanation on how he arrived at the tour name is this: "Camobunga : //kam,bunga/ - The name of a live musical tour experience. A mind blowing blend of country, fiery 60's surf guitar acrobatics, futuristic special effects, retro heart and soul, and mind altering liquid beverages. The spirit of the deep woods meets the breakneck excitement of the California coast. Etymology of the word Camobunga : camouflage - N: /kamfläZH/ -fabric w/ splotches of green, brown, black & tan, meant to make the wearer of this pattern hard to distinguish from the background;(or possibly stand out as a redneck). And Brad Paisley's latest single. Cowabunga! originated as a greeting by Chief Thunderthud on the 50's cowboy puppet tv program "The Howdy Doody Show", was later adopted by surfers in the 60's." 2010 CMA Entertainer of the Year and Grand Ole February, 2012
Opry member Brad Paisley is a consummate singer, songwriter, guitarist and entertainer, which has earned him three GRAMMYs, 14 Country Music Association Awards and 14 Academy of Country Music Awards. He has placed 20 singles at the top of the charts, the latest a duet with Carrie Underwood, "Remind Me." Paisley's current album, This Is Country Music, debuted at #1 on Billboard's Top Country Albums chart and is Paisley's sixth consecutive studio album to debut as the nation's country best-seller. Diary of a Player, Paisley's first book, will be released Nov. 1, delving into how his musical heroes made a guitar man out of him. The Band Perry's "modern throwback" style combines classic Country with an eclectic infusion of Rock, Gospel and Soul. Their self-titled debut album, THE BAND PERRY was certified Gold just four months after it arrived in stores. They are known for “If I Die Young” and “You Lie.” Scotty McCreery's debut album, Clear As Day, premiered at No. 1 on the Billboard Top 200 and Top Country Albums charts, earning the highest firstweek album sales of any solo country artist this year.
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February Calendar “THE GLASS MENAGERIE” Feb. 15-19/SEDALIA - A gripping family drama by Tennessee Williams. 7:30 p.m. Wed. through Friday with a dinner theatre at 6:30 p.m. Saturday and a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday. State Fair Community College. This fourcharacter, autobiographical memory play is the tale of the Wingfield family: Amanda is a faded, tragic remnant of Southern gentility who lives in a dingy St. Louis apartment with her son, Tom, and daughter, Laura, who is crippled. Tom is driven to distraction by his mother’s nagging and
seeks escape in alcohol, finally leaving home. As narrator, Tom desperately tries to describe his lost relationships with his family and to escape the painful grip of his troubled past. Parental guidance suggested.
BACH TO THE FUTURE Feb. 18/WEST PLAINS - 7 p.m. at West Plains Civic Center. Imagine the classics - Bach, Beethoven, Mozart - performed in exciting new ways, such as modern jazz, African, and Latin rhythms. Bach to the Future brings an exciting, whimsical approach to the most beloved music of all time, and some of the most interesting cuttingedge instruments you'll ever see. How about a Drumitar? An electric violin that glows when you play it? All four group members are world-renowned performers, best-selling authors and highly acclaimed composers. For more information, call 417255-7966.
EAGLE WATCHING Feb. 18/CASSVILLE Roaring River State Park is proud of its wintering bald eagle population. For this event, we show a video about bald eagles in Missouri; after the video, participants go outside the nature center to watch for bald eagles coming in to roost for the night. Binoculars and warm clothing are recommended. Page 18
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Located at 12716 Farm Road 2239, this event is 3-4:30 p.m. For more information, call 417-847-3742.
CHILI COOK-OFF Feb. 18/COLUMBIA - The Seventh Annual MFA Oil Rootin’Tootin’ Chili Cook-Off is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. at the Holiday Inn Expo Center. .So come on out, enjoy some live music and all the chili you can eat from more than 50 teams. All proceeds benefit the Boys and Girls Club of Columbia, which serves nearly 200 at-risk kids every day after school. Tickets are $10 each. For more information visit online at www.rtchilicookoff.com
WEDDING EXPO Feb. 19/ST. CLAIR -Noon to 5 p.m. at the St. Clair High School Gymnasium. Wedding fashion show is at 3 p.m. and prom fashion shows is at 3 p.m. Over 30 vendors will be there and up to $1,000 in attendance prizes will be awarded. Admission is free. For more information, call 573-4684349.
SWORD SWALLOWING Feb.25/BRANSON - Ripley’s Believe It or Not! St. Branson Odditorium celebrates the 6th annual World Sword Swallower’s Day at 2 p.m. with free sword swallowing demonstrations. Watch Charles “Crispy” Knight, one of the top sword swallowers in the world, perform a FREE show at Ripley’s Branson. He helped set a world record – now witness this sword swallowing legend in person! February, 2012
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