Food + Beverage

From the Mountains of Jalisco to the Heart of Springfield

Jesús “Chuy” García was born in a small town in Jalisco, Mexico—a region known as thebirthplace of mariachi and tequila. He spent his childhood in a close-knit dairy town in LosAltos de Jalisco, surrounded by family. At nearly 16, he immigrated to Chicago, USA, eagerto work and support his home, following family tradition. His plan was to join his eldestbrother in the Windy City, but life had other ideas. Instead, he found himself helping hisbrother in the restaurant business in Springfield...

Local Services

5 Golden Gifts

Golden Hour Jewelers' gift guide showcases elegant gifts that sparkle Photography by Provided Crisscut Diamond Bangle With over 1ct of Crisscut diamonds, this bangle sparkles. Bobbies Paris ‘Aléria” Bag Hand stitched in Europe, this leather purse is luxury. Rubellite and Diamond Ring This Rubellite cabochon ring set in 18k gold embodies elegance. William Henry Pocket Knife This heirloom quality knife is handmade of Damascus steel. Men’s Silver Agate Bracelet Silver agate...

Food + Beverage

From Kitchen to Community

At Homemade. Delivered. Ashley Shreffler serves healthy meals — with a generous helping of kindness. Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Michael Salathe When Denise LeBolt launched her premade meal company Homemade. Delivered., word spread quickly. The overwhelming response from the community ushered in the need for her to expand into a commercial kitchen to keep up with the demand. That’s when her friend, Ashley Shreffler, a restaurant veteran, offered to pitch in and help. That...

Travel

Flight for the Brave

Decades after Vietnam, the Honor Flight of the Ozarks helps veteran Ed Kinworthy reflect on what it means to serve. Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Provided In 1966, Ed Kinworthy was a high school graduate working at McDonnell Douglas in St. Louis when the Vietnam War draft began. He was faced with a choice: He could enlist and serve in the Navy, Air Force or Marines for four years—reducing his odds of seeing combat—or he could await the call, serve in the Army, and be discharged...

Life + Culture

Giving the Gift of Generosity

Springfield-based charity Convoy of Hope invites the community to partner together with unique gift giving ideas during the holidays. Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Convoy of Hope December ushers in a season of giving each year, and Convoy of Hope—a Springfield-based nonprofit—reminds us of the power generosity has to change the world. Ranked among Forbes’ 2024 List of America’s Top Charities , where it has climbed in rank more than 50 spots since 2019, the humanitarian organization...

Local Services

Handmade, Heartwarming

Local holiday shopping at the Farmer's Market of the Ozarks Article by Ashley Grant | Photography by Independent Artisans Throughout the community, dedicated artists weave, pour, shape, and curate products that embody both skill and authenticity. From hand-crafted soaps and custom fragrances, each piece created by the hands of a local artisan embodies the spirit of Springfield – one of creativity, sustainability, and neighborly kindness. With such a variety of talent, shopping locally for...

Life + Culture

Beyond A Billion:

How the World is Engaging in God's Word Photography by Provided by Life.Church In our fast-paced, always-connected world, millions of people are discovering the Bible as a source of daily hope and peace. The YouVersion Bible App, a free Bible experience that began as a digital ministry of Oklahoma-based Life.Church in 2008, is about to reach a remarkable milestone: one billion installs worldwide. "When we started this journey, we had no idea what to expect," shares Bobby Gruenewald...

Life + Culture

Living in the Faith Frequency

Faith in motion, gratitude in practice, and peace found in the in-between. Photography by Provided When Amy Anfinson , a Positive Change Coach, Author of Blameless and host of Living in the Faith Frequency podcast, talks about transformation, her words come from experience—not theory. Through seasons of change, she’s learned that faith isn’t a feeling—it’s a frequency you live in. Q: What experiences led you into life coaching? A: I was first guided into coaching during a season of...

Life + Culture

Crafted for Community

Cellar 417 blends craft cuisine, curated wines, and heartfelt hospitality with community at its heart. Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Jess White It was a moment of serendipity that reunited a family and forged a new life in an Ozarks community that welcomed them with open arms. Michelle Hostert was running errands with her husband, Chris, at their home in Orange County, California, when a social media post stopped her: Vino Cellars at the Lake in Branson West was closing its...

Life + Culture

Celebrating the Golden Moments

Kevin and Natalie Ballard of Golden Hour Jewelers create jewelry that tells your story Article by Patti Zielinski | Photography by Leigh Love To Kevin and Natalie Ballard, owning jewelry is an experience: It celebrates love, commemorates milestones, is a living history of a family’s legacy. When you look at a beloved piece of jewelry, it recalls the person who gave it to you or the feeling you had when you purchased it. When the Ballards were conceptualizing Golden Hour Jewelers, which...