Arts + Culture

Harmony and Heart

Inside Springfield’s Barbershop Harmony Society Chapter Article by Tina Lesniak Barbershop music is more than a nod to the past — it’s a living, breathing art form thriving in communities like Springfield, Missouri. At the center of this harmonious movement is the Springfield chapter of the Barbershop Harmony Society (BHS), a vibrant collective that extends well beyond the traditional quartet format. According to Paul Olguin, Springfield Sound director and BHS member, “We are actually more...

Style + Beauty

Timeless Timepieces

Expert Guide by Golden Hour Jewelers’ Kevin Ballard Article by Kevin Ballard Kevin Ballard, co-owner of Golden Hour Jewelers, has worked in luxury watches for over twenty years, and was trained by some of the world’s most exclusive brands, notably Vacheron and Patek Philippe. Here are Kevin's top watch choices. Dress Watch : Maker - Jaeger Le Coultre  Model - The Reverso  Timeless sophistication and class. The quintessential dress watch on strap. Its elongated case is timeless in design and...

Wellness

Faith, Family, Fulfillment

Local men share their lessons on achieving balance between a successful career and home life Article by Patti Zielinski Juggling careers with personal fulfillment, professional men in the Ozarks are redefining what it means to have it all. They’re prioritizing their mental well-being, family time and passions outside the office—without sacrificing success. From flexible schedules to mindful living, the new work-life balance isn’t just a dream; it’s a movement. Chris Larsen, general manager of...

Sports + Recreation

Set Sail at Fellows Lake

Community, Camaraderie, and the Joy of Sailing with Springfield Sailing Club Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Provided by Springfield Sailing Club Tucked into the scenic landscape just north of Springfield, Missouri, Fellows Lake is home to more than just beautiful views and serene waters — it’s also the heart of a thriving community of sailors brought together by the Springfield Sailing Club. What began as a small effort to get more people out on the water has grown into a vibrant hub...

Auto + Marine

G.R.O.O.V.E.: Keeping it Groovy

Ozarks' Volkswagen Enthusiasts Celebrate 30 Years Article by Tina Lesniak What started as a simple idea among a few Volkswagen lovers has grown into a community staple. “I would like to say that we were a bunch of hippies sitting around looking for something to do,” laughs founding member Vicky Myers, “but the answer is more practical. Just a few enthusiasts wanted to put on a car show, so we formed a non-profit club.” That club became G.R.O.O.V.E.—short for General Registry Of Ozarks...

Travel

Beautiful Mornings Ahead

Angela Burgess Leaps into her Second Act Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Tiffany Enowski When Angela Burgess retired from a fulfilling 25-year career in law enforcement, she didn’t slow down. Instead, she embraced a new chapter, one where her love for travel could blossom into something more. "I’ve always wanted to be in the travel business," she says, reflecting on her journey. What followed was the creation of Beautiful Morning Travel, a company that reflects Angela’s passion for...

Arts + Culture

A Teacher’s Top Reads

Stories That Captivated Carey Schmitz This Year Article by Tina Lesniak Carey Schmitz, a teacher of 21 years currently teaching third grade, is an avid reader. With her husband and three boys, she enjoys traveling, sports and health and wellness. She enjoys books "that have an amazing hook and can grab my attention quickly. I want a book that I don’t want to put down. I often tell my students to find a book you can get lost in." She extends this love of reading to her students. "I build a...

Food + Beverage

The Date Lady’s Recipe for Success

Passion, Family & Simple Ingredients Article by Tina Lesniak | Photography by Tiffany Enowski Colleen Sundlie, the founder of The Date Lady, is a passionate entrepreneur whose journey has been shaped by her love for simple ingredients, creative branding, and a desire to build a meaningful business. Born and raised in Springfield, Colleen's story is one of innovation and an unwavering commitment to creating products that bring joy to people. Colleen’s professional path started in advertising...

Health + Wellness

Living Well in All Your Roles

Navigating Family, Career, and Self-Care Article by Patti Zielinski Women, let’s face it: A lot is expected of us. We juggle professional responsibilities then toggle to our home obligations when the day is done. If caretaking for children or elderly parents are added to your day, these responsibilities can lead to burnout. However, successful women in our community are rising to the challenge and achieving the elusive work-life balance (as much as one can). We spoke to two of these...

Professional Services

Capturing Confidence

Photographing women-owned businesses nationwide Article by Tina Lesniak Tiffany Enowski’s passion for photography and videography began long before she realized it would become her career. “I started having an interest in making videos and taking pictures when I was in 5th or 6th grade,” she shares. Her journey started with a VHS recorder from her grandparents and her mom’s digital camera, capturing simple moments with friends and nature. By high school, she was already dreaming bigger. “Right...