GIVE US YOUR TWO CENTS!

Rack Cards: The rack card holder is still not installed in the lobby of the Courthouse Annex. Kathy Dothage and Mark Stewart (Extension Specialists) will visit with Russell Scheulen (county government) to resolve.

Kay Schwinke (tours chairperson) asked for 2000 rack cards for state Welcome Centers in time for the Governor’s Conference. New rack cards will be printed in color, reflecting web colors for consistent identity. Total order on new color cards will be 5000.

Taste of Osage County: Connie Cunningham (Sassafras Valley Farm, Morrison) reported that Joan Strong (Lucas Farms, Meta) and she have spoken with Kenny Wolz, Rus Kramer and Allen Nolte (natural/organic farmers in Chamois areas) for possible memberships. Kenny may contribute honey, goat milk, and strawberry ice cream for meal-in-a-field project.

Connie and Joan are targeting the "taste of" event for Labor Day weekend at Wenwood Winery.

Regional Cuisines meeting: Seven council members attended September meeting. Organizers gave Osage County an accolade for the tour work already accomplished. Meeting output emphasized continued collaboration but maintain council's identity for Osage County. The larger group may plan a multi-location and multi-weekend event to initiate the regional effort.

Potential Tour: Jim Grebing, Director of Tourism from Hermann, is considering a driving tour from Herman, through Osage County to Meta. His object is to get people out of Hermann. The council may consider joining the Hermann Chamber of Commerce for other potential collaboration.

Larry Dickerson (Extension Specialist) reported: On Community Heritage initiative, spoke with Dave Baker, ag program director, food ag, river culture, making most of local heritage, grant available for $5-10,000; Monday September 28, 1 pm, meeting at Cole County Extension Office, Lorenzo Green Drive; Larry asked that Welcome to Osage County council would sponsor Community Heritage. Everyone present agreed.

Radio spot, KOPN: Monday Nov. 2nd, 4:30 p.m. - KOPN studio. Show 5-6 p.m. 89.5 FM

Vera Massey (University of Missouri) presentation on local foods: Pilot studies have taken place in Boone County, an effort to increase access to locally grown foods. The local Slow Food movement gained momentum in Boon when McDonalds moved in. The Slow Food movement is worldwide, however, a general objection to highly processed, packaged and dispensed food.