Entrance to Mediacom Ice Park

Thursday
East Rink
• 8:00 p.m. to Close Broomball Tournament

Friday
West Rink
• 5:15-6:15 FREE Public Skate Session
• 7:00-8:45 Public Skate Session with live band (RetroGnomes)*
East Rink
• 9:30-10:30 Skate with the Bears

Saturday
West Rink
• 4:30-5:30 FREE Public Skate Session
• 7:00-8:45 Public Skate Session with live band (Supercharge)*
East Rink
• 2:15-3:30 FREE LTS/LTPH
• 4:00-5:30 Springfield Firefighters Service Game

Sunday
West Rink
• 2:45-4:45 Public Session/PTA Challenge*
East Rink
• 10:00-11:30 Springfield Firefighters Service Game
• 11:45-12:45 FREE Public Skate Session

The Discovery Center’s 2011 edition of the Moonlight Bike Ride is set for August 20. The 7-mile ride begins at 9:30 p.m. (a 14-mile jaunt if you want to hit the route twice) following raffles, a BMX exhibition and a costume contest (categories: bike, rider and group). A fourth meal of pancakes after the ride. The team with the most participants will win the “New Moon” traveling trophy, a first-time award. Pre-register now to get stuff ($20 for adults, $15 for children 3-15) ! The first 100 receive a headlight, and the first 200 will get a tee-shirt. Walk-up registration OK, too, for an extra 5-bucks.

We’re all big dog fans on the TAGsgf staff, so it’s with great pleasure that we announce not only the return of the highly successful Martinis for Mutts, Drafts for Dogs fundraiser on Thursday, Feb. 24 at both of Parlor 88′s locations (1111 E. Republic Rd and 3653 E. Sunshine St.) from 5 to 8 p.m, but trumpet its enhancement.

Because, bigger is always better – at least for fundraisers.

If you’re not familiar with the Parlor 88/Midwest Family Radio/TAGsgf event, think of it as an enhanced happy hour: There will be a menu of special martinis for you to choose from, including our own event-specific Dog TAG martini.

Proceeds benefit the Killuminati Foundation, a nonprofit group that is dedicated to helping dogs live long, healthy and happy lives. They offer vet assistance for dogs who have life threatening conditions. For more information on the organization, click here.

What makes it bigger and better? Games at each location, and the always attractive free stuff,

The prize list (so far):

• A pair of 311 tickets for each location
• Killuminati raffles
• Parlor 88 gift certificates
• More are coming

Lots of SGF dogs will be able to stay sheltered and safe, and you will leave at the end of the evening with some new favorite martinis and possibly prize-laden. How better to represent your dog love than that?

The M.E.O. Podcast debuts today.

Link to M.E.O. Podcast feed.

First Night is an SGF staple to celebrate the coming of the New Year with the whole family. The music, dance, theatre and other entertainment options are bountiful downtown tonight. Here’s the schedule for the spots participating in First Night. So long 2010!

1984
5:30-11:30 p.m.: Play all of the arcade games you used to dominate (and the ones at which you were terrible)
Discovery Center
6-11 p.m.: Learning for everybody!!

Gillioz Theatre

6-7 p.m., 7-8 p.m.: Skinny Improv
8-9:30 p.m.: Chris Sligh
9:30-10:30 p.m.: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin
10:30-11:30 p.m.: Berch

Landers Theatre

7-8 p.m.: Youth artists and players
8-9 p.m., 9-10 p.m.: Y.E.S. Troupe

Mediacom Park

9-11:30 p.m.: Ice Skating
9:30-11:30 p.m.: RetroGnomes

Ozarks Regional YMCA

5:30-10 p.m.: Hands-On Activities
6-6:30 p.m., 7-7:30 p.m., 8-8:30 p.m.: Native American Dance
6:30-7 p.m., 7:30-8 p.m., 8:30-9 p.m.: GrupoLatinoamericano Dancers

Skinny Improv

6-7 p.m., 8-9 p.m.: Arzo Tureaud
7-8 p.m., 9-10 p.m.: Voices of Deliverance

Park Central Library

6-7:30 p.m.: Lowdown Fancy
7:30-9 p.m.: New Monsters Collective

Canvas

6:30-7 p.m., 7-7:30 p.m.: Japanese America Friendship Group
7:30-9 p.m.: Kellswater
9-10:30 p.m.: SuperCharge

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Photos by Bethany Lawson for TAGsgf.com

The Festival of Lights celebration kicked off Saturday (November 20) at Jordan Valley Park. SGF Mayor Jim O’Neal started the celebration by lighting the 30-foot Mayor’s Tree and other lights throughout the park. Fireworks at Hammons Field and Jordan Valley Ice Park hosted a free ice skating session. – Bethany Lawson

I Voted Sticker

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There’s an awful lot of pride in that “I Voted” sticker, even if your polling center ran out of the little “look at me” flags. We at TAGsgf.com are glad you voted. Thanks. Didn’t that feel good? No matter what your opinion is of the results, if you didn’t cast a vote, you cannot complain about anything that appeared on Tuesday’s ballot. You had your chance.

Our Viral Vegan, Alex Stocksdale didn’t miss his chance and snapped some photos during his trip to the polls.

Ballerina Dog

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SGFers shrugged off the rain and poured onto Historic Commercial Street for the third annual Pets and Pumpkins event on Saturday where they celebrated their pets by *torturing them with costumes. No dog is a winner while dressed up as a different animal, of course, but let’s judge them anyway.

* (Ed: No animals were tortured at Pets and Pumpkins or in the taking of any photos.)

The winners

1. Jockey Dog

2. Goat Chicken Dog

3. Cowboy Dog

4. Lazy Pumpkin Dog

5. Any bulldog wearing wings

Honorable Mention

* Any large dog wearing a little hat
* Any dog not in costume

The losers

1. I Wore the Clock So You Could Tell the Time Dog

2. Cow Dog

3. Princess Riding a Unicorn Dog

4. Cat Dog – the ultimate disrespect to your canine is to dress it up as a feline

5. SGF sanitation workers

Dishonorable Mention

* Accessory Dog
* Toto – real original, Dorothy

back-patio

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The Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center officially opened Monday with a grandiose ceremony for a packed pavilion. The ribbon cutting featured several speakers, including SGF Parks Director Jodie Adams, to kick off a week of festivities to celebrate. The Botanical Center is at Nathanael Greene-Close Memorial Park surrounded by 45 gardens – 24 completed botanical gardens, according to Adams. “This is not a fad,” Adams said. Botanical education is overdue in the area and plans to extend the botanical facilities with an edible garden and an outdoor kitchen area are in progress.

SGF is one of the most gardening enthused communities and our new botanical center is ready. (photo from early September)

The long-awaited Springfield Greene-County Botanical Center opened today with a full-schedule to celebrate throughout the next week. The festivities include hands-on guided tours, booths, butterfly house, demonstrations, activities for people of all ages, and more.
The official ribbon cutting is this afternoon at 4 p.m. Grammy-award winner Judy Collins (“Send in the Clowns“) is playing a free show Sunday (3 p.m.). For more information visit the Springfield-Greene County Botanical Center Website.

Check out the entire, detailed Botanical Center Grand Opening schedule.

Poker to raise money for breast cancer awareness at the Gravel Bar tonight.

Help fight breast cancer by playing Texas Hold ‘Em tonight (10/2) at the Gravel Bar – 843 S Glenstone. The cards will be shuffled at 7 p.m., registration begins at 6 p.m. A $20 donation gets you a seat – your donation goes to the Susan G Komen for the Cure foundation. Cash prizes will be allotted. If you’re not into poker, you can still donate. And have a pint (or pints). And a slice of liquid pie (or slices).

Know of or have an event for charity coming up? Shoot us an email (Brett@TAGsgf.com).

From the city: The City of Springfield will begin seeking citizen feedback on the first draft of goals from the Strategic Planning Process during Cider Days on Historic Walnut Street this weekend. Cider Days runs from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Sept. 18 and 19. Representatives from the Strategic Plan Coordinating Committee will be on hand at a booth to discuss the goals outlined so far by the 13 citizen-led planning committees. A sheet with all of the goals will be provided so that citizens can tell the committee members which goals they strongly support or have strong concerns about. The complete draft chapters on each topic also will be available, and Coordinating Committee members will be able to answer questions about the goals and the process.

The topics addressed in the Strategic Planning Process include: Arts, Culture and Tourism; Early Childhood Development; Economic Development; Education and Workforce Development; Global Perspectives and Diversity; Growth Management and Land Use; Housing; Progressive Management Planning (internal City operations); Natural Environment; Public Health; Public Safety; Recreation and Leisure; and Transportation.

This is the first step in a feedback process that is expected to last throughout the fall. The City will begin presenting the draft goals to the public in various ways this fall in order to gather as much input as possible before the plan goes to City Council for approval. There is not an exact deadline for Council approval, but the plan is expected to go to Council by the end of the year.

Citizen support and feedback of this plan is essential. The Strategic Plan has been a citizen-led process from the beginning, starting with the City’s Listening Tour in late 2009, and continuing with the work done by each of the planning groups throughout 2010.

For updates and information visit the Strategic Plan

More at Cider Days

• Arts
• Food
• Music

Recycled Fish is the perfect charity for former SGFer Aaron Scott.

Aaron Scott, former SGFer and MORawk founder, is getting ready for a long weekend on the North Fork of the White River. As a member of Team Longboat, Scott will spend 24 consecutive hours – from Friday (Sept. 10) at 6 p.m. until Saturday at 5:59 p.m. – casting and reeling. It’s the fisherman’s version of a marathon.

The Recycled Fish event provides fly fishermen a unique opportunity to raise money and awareness for the streams. “It’s an organization I really believe in because I try to be as environmentally minded as possible, and I also love fly fishing,” Scott said. “Recycled Fish is the perfect marriage of those two passions, so I’m very glad to dedicate some volunteer effort to the organization.”

Last year, the first 24 Hour Fish-A-Thon raised more than $6,000, making it their largest fundraiser. They’ve set a goal of $20,000 for this year’s event. Team Longboat has already almost reached its goal ($1,200), with $1,000 so far, and is leading the 27 team field in money raised. “I’d love to totally smash that (goal of $1,200) and hit $2,000. That’s my personal goal, anyway.” Scott has a personal pledge of $1/fish he catches and has some other creative ways to grab sponsorships, such as the $15 to earn him a 15-minute power nap. The Coffee Ethic is the team’s official “coffee fix.”

The money is good, but awareness is the main issue. Scott said if water quality on the North Fork and other Ozarks streams is not maintained and improved, we run the risk of not only losing the great rainbow trout, brown trout and smallmouth bass fishing, but also the endangered Ozark Hellbender, a giant salamander unique to only a few streams in the Ozarks.

Team Longboat will be fishing in a traditional wooden White River johnboat, handbuilt by Kyle Kosovich, Scott’s teammate. Brian Wise is the third member of Team Longboat.

Donation opportunities available via Team Longboat.

Other media:

Only deadbeats don't get out and vote. Don't be a deadbeat.

Proposition C has been the recent political hot topic, and you get to cast your vote today. No statements here supporting either side on today’s measure, only support to get you out to vote (it’s your duty, after all), and to present the language you will see on the ballot (as published to the web by the Secretary of State).

How the ballot reads

Shall the Missouri Statutes be amended to:

* Deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services?

* Modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies?

It is estimated this proposal will have no immediate costs or savings to state or local governmental entities.  However, because of the uncertain interaction of the proposal with implementation of the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, future costs to state governmental entities are unknown.

Fair Ballot Language

A “yes” vote will amend Missouri law to deny the government authority to penalize citizens for refusing to purchase private health insurance or infringe upon the right to offer or accept direct payment for lawful healthcare services. The amendment will also modify laws regarding the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

A “no” vote will not change the current Missouri law regarding private health insurance, lawful healthcare services, and the liquidation of certain domestic insurance companies.

If passed, this measure will have no impact on taxes.

The polls are open from 6 a.m. – 7 p.m. Look here, if you don’t remember where to vote.

Candidate List from the Greene County Library (PDF): candidates & issues

From the city: On July 1, Mayor James O’Neal declared July as “Smart Irrigation Month” in Springfield. The proclamation will be presented at a related training event to be held at 11 a.m., July 20, at Ewing Irrigation, 1841 W. Sunset St. in Springfield.

Smart Irrigation Month was created by the Irrigation Association (www.irrigation.org) as a public awareness campaign to promote efficient use of water in irrigation. Using water wisely saves money on utility bills, nurtures green spaces that deliver real environmental benefits, protects our community’s water supply for generations to come, and minimizes added investments in infrastructure to store and carry water. Automatic watering, sprinkler, and irrigation systems can deliver exactly the right amount of water at the right time. Efficient irrigation systems minimize overwatering while keeping lawns and gardens beautiful and healthy by adjusting water levels automatically to account for rain and other contributing conditions. This puts every drop of water to work by minimizing evaporation and waste, and makes maintaining landscapes more convenient and cost effective.

In Springfield, summer water usage can increase by as much as 50 percent due to irrigation. In an effort to even the load this increased consumption creates, City Utilities has implemented the “Odd or Even?” program where property owners are asked to water on specific days depending on whether they reside at an address with an odd or even house number.

Many property owners unintentionally over-water lawns and landscapes, sometimes by as much as 40 percent. Since irrigation can be one of the largest uses of water, tremendous potential exists for water savings through proven water-saving technologies and effective irrigation management practices. The July 20 training event will focus on realizing these potential savings through implementing best management practices and cutting-edge irrigation products, as well as other means of conserving water. While the intended audience for this training is area irrigation contractors, it is also open to the public as the information provided will be very beneficial to homeowners and property managers.

For more information about the July 20 training event, contact Scott Shadwick at Ewing Irrigation, (417) 891-9876.

For more information on City Utilities’ “Odd or Even?” landscape watering guidelines, contact Mark Viguet at (417) 831-8686, or go to www.cityutilities.net/resident/pgms/waterevenodd.htm

For information about Smart Irrigation Month, contact Joe Payne, (417) 864-1954, or go to www.smartirrigationmonth.org.

Organizations supporting the “Smart Irrigation Month” observance include: City of Springfield Public Works, City Utilities of Springfield, Watershed Committee of the Ozarks, Springfield/Greene County Choose Environmental Excellence, Show-Me Yards & Neighborhoods, Professional Grounds Management Society Greater Ozarks Branch and Ewing Irrigation of Springfield.

For more information from the Show-Me Yards & Neighborhoods program on smart water management of lawns and landscapes, contact Barbara Lucks, (417) 864-2005. More information on Smart Irrigation Month cooperating organizations can be found in the “Resources” section at www.OzarksEnvironment.com.

The West Central Neighborhood is receiving a hand from The Front Porch and The Caring Communities Initiative (part of the Community Partnership of the Ozarks) this weekend. On Saturday a group of volunteers is meeting at Campbell Elementary (506 S Grant) at 10 a.m. for minor property maintenance projects in the area, including: landscaping, property clean-up and exterior painting. The event will wrap up around 4 p.m. If you’re interested in helping, contact them on Facebook.

(Do you know of any community/volunteer events or opportunities coming up? Contact me at Brett@TAGsgf.com so we can spread the word.)

Michael Feldman and his popular comedy and quiz radio show Whad’Ya Know? is heading for a live airing from SGF. Feldman will be picking the brains of SGFers on national radio (and subsequently throughout the week, depending on the syndicate) from Juanita K Hammons Hall on Saturday, May 8 at 10 a.m. He will be joined onstage with his announcer and the Whad’Ya Know Trio.

Aside from the quiz portion of the show, there is also the random discussions and interviews around the room with audience members (whom I believe are picked at random) and local figures/celebrities. I’ll be a little curious to see what the representation of SGF will turn out to be. Either way a fun morning should be in store for live participants and drivers tuned into NPR that morning. Whad’Ya Know? airs in SGF on KSMU 91.1 FM.

Buy Tickets

(The following is a press release from Clean Energy Missouri. Along with the League of Women’s Voters, Ozarks New Energy and Missouri Votes Conservation, C.E.M. hosted a panel discussion on March 30, 2010.)

—

Clean energy legislation could create 36K jobs in Missouri

The Forum began with each of the speakers presenting their personal perspective on clean energy and why they believe our leaders in Congress must act now to pass a comprehensive clean energy plan that will strengthen our economy, strengthen our national security, and, ultimately, strengthen our community. The panelists emphasized the local and global economic benefits of transitioning to a clean energy economy.

Matt O’Reilly, owner of Dynamic Earth and the creator of the LEED-certified Green Circle Shopping Center, spoke about his vision for widespread implementation of green, efficient building practices. “Through the development of Green Circle, we were able to take that our environmental values and turn them into a viable and successful business model. Sustainable business practices are profitable business practices.”

Similarly, Terrell Gallaway, associate professor of Economics at Missouri State University, highlighted the opportunities for job creation in the clean energy sector. “Investment in a clean energy economy will create thousands of jobs here in Missouri and nearly two million more nationally. However correct carbon pricing is imperative: we must remove current subsidizes for the exploration, extraction, refining and transportation of fossil fuels that make these options so cheap in comparison to renewables.”

Zeke Fairbank, owner of the Alternative Energy Company, emphasized the potential costs of inaction. “As a former Naval Officer, and a business leader who has lived and traveled globally for many years, I am sad to see politicians and industries continue to advocate short-sighted positions for the sake of votes, on issues which will have lasting consequences. If we do not transition our country to clean energy, our world will become more septic, our health and standards of living will decline, and we will run out of the non-renewable fossil fuel resources on which our standard of living currently depends.”

Lois Detrick, President of the Missouri League of Women Voters, added that her experience as a “Sister on the Planet” with OxFam America has allowed her to meet women from around the U.S. and the world who are already feeling the effects of a degraded standard of living due to our fossil fuel dependence and its relationship to global climate change. “Women, and particularly women in the developing world, are disproportionately affected by climate change. They see the changes on a daily basis: less reliable water and food sources, changing patterns of disease, and more extreme weather incidences.”

Additionally, Jack Hembree, a retired Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army and local representative for Operation Free, emphasized the importance of passing clean energy legislation to increase our national security. “As long as America depends heavily on foreign oil to fuel our economy, particularly from the Middle East, we won’t have the freedom to make our security decisions unilaterally. The 1.2 billion dollars that we send overseas everyday is funding both sides of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.”

As the event concluded, Clean Energy Missouri Organizer Carina Barnett-Loro urged the audience to move from thought to action. “Senator McCaskill has supported clean energy projects in the past, but right now, she is feeling a lot of pressure from the opposition,” Ms. Barnett-Loro stated. “Today, more than ever, we need to make sure Senator McCaskill hears overwhelmingly from her constituents that we want her to be a champion for clean energy.” With this appeal, audience members moved to the lobby to write personal letters to Senator McCaskill in support of a comprehensive clean energy plan this spring.

It’s All Downtown has announced that C-Street will host an ECOmmunity Festival on May 8.

The festival is a day-long celebration honoring the season’s return of the C-Street Market. Local farmers have been bringing fresh goods to the C-Street Market for 13 years, but this year’s opening day will be joined by a showcase of sustainable products, services and lifestyles available to the community. The festival is free and open to the public and will begin at 9am Saturday May 8, 2010.

Scheduled are 10 hours of live music, community workshops, eco-friendly and community vendors, a recyclable art contest, and even a street dance.

Find out more!

Maria Neider of KY3 interviews Randle Chowning and Larry Lee of the Ozarks Mountain Daredevils (and now Beyond Reach) about their upcoming charity concert this Saturday.

‘Round these parts, we love our Ozark Mountain Daredevils. Any chance these guys come out of hiding and their busy lives to get together in any way, we jump at the chance. KY3 interviewed two members about their new band performing for a great cause this weekend. Read on to learn more about their band, the event, and how you can help children in the Ozarks meet everyday needs by simply taking in some great music.

Interview on KY3

Click here to view the post on KY3.com.

Larry Lee and Randle Chowning recorded songs in Nashville five years ago and have formed the band Beyond Reach, along with their friends David Wilson and Ned Wilkinson.

The concert is this Saturday, March 27 and starts at 7:30pm at Clara Thompson Hall on the Drury University campus. Admission is $10 at the door, children 12 & under get in free. Proceeds benefit the Care to Learn Fund, which helps children in the Ozarks meet basic everyday needs and was founded by Doug Pitt.

Springfield is home to a great many things, but a rich Irish tradition doesn’t immediately spring to mind as one of them. That could begin to change this weekend as the city welcomes Michael Connor-Scarteen, a prominent businessman and former councilman, as Grand Marshall of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Saturday (March 13).

Connor-Scarteen practically is Ireland. Two of his uncles fought alongside Irish revolutionary Michael Collins to gain independence from England and in the nation’s subsequent Irish Civil War. In fact, both men died just a couple of weeks after Collins on September 9, 1922, defending their hometown of Kenmare. Michael, meanwhile, has exerted influence on his homeland in safer, slightly less dramatic ways, serving on the Kerry County Council from 1973 to 2009 before ceding the seat to his son Patrick and taking up the cause of reconnecting Ireland with its expatriate population. Indeed, according to a press release a significant part of Connor-Scarteen’s presence in Springfield for the parade is to meet the area’s Celtic population.

If that “let’s meet” feeling is mutual, whether Irish of heritage or not, Farmers Gastropub (431 S. Jefferson Ave., inside Wilhoit Plaza) will be the place to do it. Lunch begins at noon Friday with appearances by Missouri Representative Charlie Norr, Greene County Commissioner Dave Coonrod and Springfield Mayor Pro-Tem Dan Chiles to honor Connor-Scarteen’s career of public service. There is still time to get in on the limited-seat luncheon by emailing Donnie Rodgers of the Urban Districts Alliance at donnie@itsalldowntown.com. Tickets are $25.

Sisters on the Planet

WHAT: A screening of the film “Sisters on the Planet,” which shows the disproportionate impact climate change has on women in poverty, and highlights the efforts of five women around the world working to combat these effects in their communities. Following the film, there will be a panel discussion featuring prominent women leaders and activists from the Springfield community and opportunities for those in attendance to learn more about and take action on climate change issues. The screening and discussion are presented as part of International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month.

WHO: Dr. Erin Kenny, Director of Women & Gender Studies, Drury University
Dr. Lora Vess, Sociology Professor, Missouri State University
Dr. Wendy Anderson, Biology Professor & Campus Sustainability Director,
Drury University
Blair Bowie, Clean Energy Missouri organizer with the League of Conservation
Voters
Jim French, OxFam America Regional Lead

WHERE: Great Southern Operational Center
218 South Glenstone, Springfield

WHEN: Wednesday, March 3 7-9pm

AUDIO/VISUAL: Clips from the “Sisters on the Planet Documentary” and comments from speakers and event attendees. Citizens taking action to address climate change issues.

Stomach growling. Right hand stirring. Left hand flashing a peace sign. One eye twitching.
The only thing staving off madness is the sweet and fiery scent rolling out of the slow cooker. We’re doin’ the Hannah Wilkerson right now, because we need just two hands to countdown the days until the Chili Cookoff – and yes, I’m developing a corresponding dance move. TAGSGF.com sampled Booth 79′s recipe on Sunday and it crushed each crucial chili medium. Dressed? Oh yes. Frito Pie? Brilliance. Straight up? Damn straight. Chili dog? Heaven (messy heaven … almost naughty it was so messy.). Rewarmed? So good it was eaten too quickly to be described.

Anyway, we’ve still got advance tickets available for $12 (it’s $15 at the door) and will be giving away VIP passes to Friday night’s chef’s party throughout the week and at Boomer’s for the Super Bowl.

Too long to wait for Chili Cookoff ... 18 days

Aside from that, we’ve also got advance tickets for $12. If you’re interested in saving a few dollars, and helping us raise money for the Boys and Girls Club, contact me (Brett@tagsgf.com).

PS – I was joking about the Pro Bowl. I think moving it to before the Super Bowl may have made it less interesting.

There bald eagles are back in town. Go say hello! Photo by Lone Photowolf

According to a video (below) I just watched, Missouri is a popular winter nesting place for bald eagles. They’re on their way back and the Springfield Nature Center is throwing the Welcome Home party. Outside there will be plenty of viewing as the birds get readjusted in their new homes at Lake Springfield – with the Boathouse and Marina serving as the host. Phoenix, a live bald eagle from Dickerson Park Zoo will greet guests indoors. There is also a program inside for which they suggest to spend about two hours. The event is free and is scheduled to wrap up around 4 p.m.

Because of the complex and rapid routes of migration, adult eagles only stick around for a couple of weeks tops. So, that means you have roughly until the Super Bowl.

Chris with the official Chili Cookoff poster - Booth 79 is prepared to rock your chili socks

Counting down to the Sertoma Chili Cookoff is sort of like standing over the water, waiting for it to boil. BOIL ALREADY!!! It’s less than a month away, but it might as well not happen until 2012. Anyway, instead of paying $15 at the door, go ahead and shoot me an email (brett@tagsgf.com), we’ve got your advance tickets – $12. Buy them from us, the odds-on favorites to win.

For more information, visit the Sertoma website.

(The event passed, so story was edited for to keep it interesting.)

The Discovery Center is compiling relaxed educational events geared to adults.

Todd Frye, owner of the Home Brewery in Ozark, spoke Thursday night at the Discovery Center’s Science of Wine. The event was part of DC’s continual move away from a load of children’s events to an increasing volume of informal adult learning. Along with appetizers and a wine tasting there was a series of speakers from Xena 100, Vesta, Missouri State and (as already mentioned) the Home Brewery, covering the entire process of wine-making – from growing grapes all the way to the retail side.

As far his wine tastes, Frye said he prefers the “knuckle sandwiches of wine – bordellos and fat cabs” but the hobbyist in him won’t let him make the same wine or beer twice. “When I got into this it was for the variety of what I could make.” He bought the Home Brewery 15 years ago from Sam Womack. “I had only brewed a couple batches of beer when Sam retired, but he took me in and me everything I know.” He helps people in their craft and his biggest reward is getting nothing in return. It might sound a bit twisted, but when somebody comes back to the store and says ‘I was going to bring you a bottle, but everybody drank it’ is when he gets the biggest kick.

Todd Frye of the Home Brewery likes the "knuckle sandwiches" of wine.

While the Home Brewery pays the bills, it’s not a venture Frye remotely considers a job. “If you love what you do, it’s not really working. The people I deal with are hobbyists, they’re coming to me to talk about something they love.” And something Frye loves? Beer. But, not your everyday, run-of-the mill beers. If he goes out for a brew, you aren’t likely to find an American Lager on his coaster. “I’m a real big fan of pales, IPAs, anything full flavored. I like it more intense – the more hops, the more everything you can cram into a beer, the more I’ll like it,” he chuckled. He admires brewing companies like Dogfish Head and Rogue, who “stick to their experimental roots. They’re not involved in the marketing or the money side, but for the love and to push the limits of what’s acceptable in a beer.” Even as his ability to brew and experiment grows, he says he wouldn’t consider commercial brewing. “I don’t have aspirations to brew on a large scale and turn a hobby into a real job. When you brew 1,000 gallons of a beer you love, but nobody will buy, you’re out of luck. You have 1,000 gallons of beer that will go bad.”

For more information, visit the Discovery Center online or call 862-9910. Learn more about the Home Brewery.

Too long to wait for Chili Cookoff ... 38 days

Why can’t the Chili Cookoff happen daily? This waiting is way too much to take. As we continue to countdown to February 13, I am spending large amounts of time perfecting the TAG recipe for Booth 79. New Year’s Eve is for sushi, New Year’s Day is for chili (some people will tell you black eyed peas and cabbage, but that’s too cliche for me).

TAG Chili Update

As mentioned, New Year’s Day is the year’s first opportunity for chili, which means it must slow cook overnight starting New Year’s Eve. Because of the holiday, there was much celebration at Umi/ the Tipsy Turtle, so needless to say, the preparation of the greatest stew known to mankind had to wait until we returned from the bars. We stayed out a touch too late and probably guzzled one or two too many pints of Guinness. Needless to say, I woke up butt naked with a fully-clothed fiance – there must have been a bit of miscommunication along the way – and illegible scribblings of chili adjustments in the kitchen. I don’t recall what they were exactly, but they worked. Prepare to vote for Booth 79 – after I figure out the tweaks.

Too long to wait for Chili Cookoff ... 45 days

For more information visit the Sertoma website.

Lander's Theatre, photo courtesy of Springfield Little Theatre

Tickets prices
Adults: $22
Students/Seniors/Military (with ID): $19
Children (12 and under): $16
Groups (20 or more): $14

Showtimes
Friday, Dec. 18 – 7 p.m.
Saturday, Dec. 19 – 2 p.m., 7 p.m.
Sunday, Dec. 20 – 2 p.m., 6 p.m.

ICON Night... Comedy Club?!

In an attempt to fill a major void in Springfield entertainment, ICON Nightclub has ventured into the risky world of standup comedy. There’s always been a hidden handful of talented comedians in the area, but spots geared directly toward laughter have faltered (reference Harpo’s venture away from quarter draws and into touring comedy acts). The schedule is a little cloudy, one comedian who performed December 4 believes it to be monthly (attempts to reach promoter Brandon Rogers were unsuccessful at time of post).

The nightclub was transformed into what appeared to be a legitimate big-city comedy venue, as the dance floor hosted around 20 three-top candlelit tables, circled by tall tables. December 4′s show had a packed house for comedian Merr, Wes and Big Ron (emcee). As we receive more information on future scheduling, we’ll keep you in the know, but for now we’re just impressed with the new look ICON. Of course, within minutes of the comedians closing, the ICON staff sends the place into a tizzy to turn it back over to the graphic tee crowd, but for a little more than three hours, it was nice to have a place to laugh.

Released by the city Dec. 3

Horton Smith Golf Course is among eight in the area offering discounted holiday greens fees

Eight area golf courses will host a PGA Golf Clearance Merchandise Sale on Friday, Dec. 11 through Sunday, Dec. 13, in Chesterfield Village, 2118 W. Chesterfield.

Hours include:

· 9 a.m. – 7 p.m., Friday, Dec. 11 & Saturday, Dec. 12

· 9 a.m. – 2 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 13

The sale will include 2,500 square-feet of golf merchandise from Springfield-Greene County Park Board’s Rivercut, Horton Smith, and Stewart Courses; Highland Springs; Silo Ridge; Branson’s Murder Rock and Top of the Rock Courses; and Carthage Municipal Course.

Reduced golf round special sale offers each day and the lowest clearance prices of the year will be offered by the courses. For more information, call 417-891-1645.

The three Park Board courses also are currently offering a 25-percent Web coupon discount available directly. The promotion is good for a group of four or more and includes discount on regular cart and green fees. This offer expires Dec. 31, 2009. Visit the Park Board’s website for more information on any of the Park Board courses.

The Park Board also continues its gift certificate sales during the holiday season. The certificates can be purchased in any denomination, are good for one year, and can be used at any Park Board facility or for any program. Certificates are available at the Main Park Board Office, 1923 N. Weller; Chesterfield and Doling Family Centers; Cooper Tennis Complex; Mediacom Ice Park; and Rivercut, Horton Smith, and Stewart Golf Courses. Call the Park Board Office at 417-864-1049.