Getting together for several reasons

And the winner is…..! Missouri Natural Gas held their annual picnic last Friday at Engler Park and also had picked the name of the lucky winner of the Caribbean Cruise they had offered. MOCAP had the winning entry. The company said they would pool the names of all their employees and some happy person and guest would be spending a part of this winter just cruising! Missouri Natural Gas raised more than $3,000 for the United Way of St. Francois County.

We gather together. A number of Farmington residents were in Crossville, Tenn. last week for the Dixon Family reunion. Alice Ray and six of her children, spouses and grandchildren made the trek to enjoy visiting with kith and kin. Those attending were Joy Hall, Nancy Hall and granddaughter, Corelle; Berta and Don Dry; David Ray; Willard Ray; Francis and Finis Hardy and family; Doug, Trish, Holly and Brendan Barton, Scott Barton, Tammy Barton and Debbie Smith. Kevin Ray and Donna Wilson of High Ridge were married while the family was all gathered for the reunion

With Homecoming looming in the near future, several class reunions are also planned. Getting a jump on the bunch, the FHS Class of 1943 will hold their 60 year reunion on Sept. 13. The Class of 1953 (with a few buddies from the class of 1952 sneaking in) will hold their 50th reunion on Oct. 3. If there are other reunions planned, we’d like to know about them so they can be mentioned in Around Town. We’re also happy to help if you’re searching for a lost class member.

While body piercing and body art may not be for everyone (Ehew!), still it is the big fad for the present generation. Cathy Redmond and Catherine Straughn of Jeans & Jazz at 14 S. Jackson have a large selection of teen, costume, and body jewelry (nothing too radical they say) and also illusion tattoos. And I thought it was a big deal when I got my ears pierced! The shop is open Tuesday through Saturday.

Pull up a chair and enjoy a cuppa! The Cup & Saucer is now open at 2 S. Jefferson St. and downtown workers and visitors are enjoy having an early morning cup of coffee along with a tasty breakfast. Doors open at 6 a.m. when breakfast is served, and lunch is served until 2 p.m. The hop will also be open for brunch on Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Stop in and have a cup with Stephanie Hom and say “welcome” to downtown!

Lots of businesses are celebrating their openings or new addresses and the Chamber of Commerce is going to have to get their ribbon cutting scissors sharpened to keep up with the demand. Spreading Ink was welcomed Wednesday, Sept. 3 at 122 N. Washington; today (Thursday) at 3 p.m., Taylor Engineering is welcomed to their new location on Columbia Street (the old Dugal building); and Village Square Shopping Center on Karsch Blvd. has a big celebration planned along with a ribbon cutting on Monday, Sept. 8 at noon. The new shopping center is on Karsch Blvd. next to the brand-spanking new Lowe’s, who will be opening their doors with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Sept. 24 at 10 a.m.

And the Red Hat Mama’s will be getting together at the home of Janet Laut on Wednesday, Sept. 17th for a salad luncheon. Kathy Stone (Red Hat #1) will step down as president, and a new Queen bee will be elected. A chorus of “Happy Birthday” will probably be sung to Red Hatters Joni Jones, Karen Hahn and Bev Byington who celebrate their natal days this month.

Contact Courtney at KTJJ for details on the Scarecrow contest coming up Sept. 19h just in time to welcome visitors to the Black Knight Band Competition on Saturday, Sept. 20th. Get in on the fun and enter a scarecrow for your business, club or just for a good time. Prizes are offered!

More upgrading going on downtown. Lance Krause continues returning his building to its original look when it housed Rozier’s Store. Pam Brooks said the AO Employment agency, next to First State Community Bank is also sprucing up the facade of their building, and over on Jackson Street, Sue Savage is having the finishing touches put on her Farmington School Dance. A major re-do has taken place at the dance studio over the summer, just in time for classes that started this week.

Another new business that will soon be opening is Parkland Gymnastics. The director will be Mandy Wilson, who is an expert gymnastic. Among other features will be the Junior Olympic Compulsory Routine Training and private instruction when requested. The gym is located off Highway W in the Farmington Industrial Park at 1828 Landrum Drive. Call 756-7702 for info.

Our neighbors to the west in Arcadia Valley were surprised to see a TV camera crew pull up to to the Arcadian Cafe this week. The cafe was filmed to appear on Channel 97’s Food Online program. Local duo, Jayne Wibbels and Cindy Minnis, known as the Simpletons, provided the musical entertainment.

Many Farmington residents were saddened by the recent death of Keith Marquart of St. Louis, who is survived by his wife, Melinda (Plummer) Marquart and their two sons Matthew and Kellyn. Keith and Melinda enjoyed their frequent trips to Farmington visiting her parents Jim and Delores Plummer, brother, Scott Plummer and other members of the family. Memorial services and interment were held in St. Louis on August 21.

Congratulations to John and Crystal Harding, proud parents of Megan Ann, who was born Aug. 23 at St. John’s Hospital weighing 7 lbs. and 12 oz. Megan is a granddaughter for Don and Mary Ann Dixon of Farmington.

The Shepherd Center of the Mineral Area will hold an Open house beginning at 11 a.m. Thursday, Sept. 18 at Memorial United Methodist Church to share information about the program. A luncheon will be served at noon by Plank Road Inn for $5. The schedule for the fall Adventure in Learning series that starts Sept. 25 will also be announced. The Shepherd Center is an opportunity for seniors of all faiths to join together for educational, entertaining and social activities. Call 756-4565 for information and reservations for lunch.

Plans for the “Art of Fall” Festival in downtown Farmington are well underway under the expert guidance of Mary McEntire and Vada Galvan. Any not-for-profit organization or club, church or school group that would like to have a space to give out information or hold a fund-raiser on Saturday, Sept. 27 are asked to contact Tracy Kocher at the Red Rooster 756-8060 or the Downtown Development Association office (756-0821). Church groups that would like to hold a mini-bazaar or country store are invited, as are Art & Craft displayers. Artists of all mediums are invited to take part with demonstrations of their artistic endeavors and to have art work for sale. A “Fall in Farmington” photo contest is also planned. For information on these two, contact Linda Williams at 756-9113.

Fun for a Sunday afternoon. An Ice Cream Social at Summer’s End will be held Sunday, Sept. 7 by the United Methodist Men at 4 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. Top off the home-made ice cream with an evening of spiritual music presented by Alan Berry, Sue Bauche, Roger Durbin and their friends.

And one, and two. The big band sounds of the Tommy Dorsey Orchestra, conducted by Buddy Morrow will be heard this Sunday afternoon starting at 4 p.m. at the Centene Center. Enjoy the mellow sounds of one of the nation’s best dance bands for only $12.50. Tickets available at the Civic Center.

The Farmington Elks Lodge 1765 will hold a Soccer Shoot this year at the Engler Park on September 13. Registration starts at 9 a.m. and the shoot off at 10. The event is for boys and girls at four age levels, 8 and under, under 10, under 12 and under 14. There will be awards and the first place winners of each category will advance to the district level Sept. 20 at Perryville. Contact Kenny Allen for information.

Schools open. Drive with care.