After promoting local events for the last 18 months or so, I’m excited to start an event series of my own! Coffee with The Socialite, will be monthly-ish events aimed at building community while supporting local businesses. The first event is all set and it will be held at Sugar & Spice Book Cafe, which is a new coffee shop, cafe, and book store (!!!) that’s in the former home of Clark Street Cafe in downtown Sullivan.
The event will be on Saturday, Sept. 19 from 12 – 1:30 p.m. You’re invited to come and stay for the whole thing, or just drop in any time during the 90 minutes and say hello.
The ‘Why’ behind Coffee with The Socialite
I’ve seen so many people posting on local social networks that they want to make friends, but don’t know where to find their people. I hear you, and guess what? I want to make friends, too! Although the events are called Coffee with The Socialite, they’re not really about me, they’re about building community! I created Small Town Socialite to tell the stories of the people and businesses in the small towns in East Central MO, and as much as I love being able to share information with people online, it’s time to take a break from the screens and meet people.
The first goal of Coffee with The Socialite is to create community, especially for those who are a little more introverted. If that’s you and you’re worried about how you’ll talk to a group of new people, just show up and if you’re not good at making conversation, no worries, I can yap with the best of ’em and have no problem facilitating the convos.
The second goal is to support local businesses. I’m hosting these events at local coffee shops, cafes, and maybe down the road I’ll look at places to get a cocktail or mocktail for some meet-ups.
And, my third goal is that community means UNITY. I believe hard times shouldn’t keep someone from being able to attend my event. I know what it’s like to have a budget with no room for extras, even a cup of coffee, so I’m setting aside $50 for each event that will be on a first come, first serve basis. If you’re unable to make room in the budget but want to attend the event, you can have a coffee on me!
If you’re a home owner and you’ve ever looked at that unfinished basement filled with clutter and wished it could instead be your dream living space, now is the time to do something about it. Although we can use them as an area to keep holiday decor and those forgotten toys kids have outgrown, a basement can also be the perfect place for an entertainment area, your dream master suite, dwelling for aging relatives, a home office, or just about any other space that can add to the functionality of your home.
Architectural draftsman and designer Brandon Bretz, owner of Freelance Services, a residential architectural drafting and design business, advises that late summer to early fall is the ideal time to start a basement addition project. Doing the work during the early fall and into the winter puts home owners in a sweet spot, since the outdoor projects that many contractors are tied up with throughout the spring and summer are wrapping up, and may even place some contractors in a slight lull.
An example of a basement addition project drawn by Brandon Bretz. The drawings for this project depict the existing basement with the planned renovations of a great room, bathroom, and home gym area. Document credit: Brandon Bretz_Freelance Services
“I like to help my customers get the most out of their projects, not just from a design perspective, but also when it comes to timing,” Brandon shares.
Besides the possibility of finding contractors with a lighter workload during this season, there’s another reason to get started on that basement project now. That’s because the basement project would be fully completed before the weather breaks in the spring, a time when many contractors can be slammed with everything from roofing projects to spring storm repairs and other jobs that require good weather to complete.
“Having a finished design drawing before reaching out to a contractor makes good sense from a lot of different perspectives. It helps contractors get a better scope of the work, and can help them provide a more accurate bid as well as a more precise project timeline,” Brandon explains.
Another thing that can slow down projects before they’re even started is that people will often go straight to a contractor with their ideas about the project, but some contractors want to see drawings that outline design intent before they’ll bid a job and start working on the project.
Working with Brandon on a design means clients will have drawings that show design intent to a perspective contractor. These drawings can help contractors provide a more accurate bid and project timeline. Photo credit: Amanda Bretz_The Socialite.
“By reaching out to a design professional like myself first, I can work with the client to find out what they want to do, I can get that design down on paper, and then the client has the project drawings in hand to take to a contractor to get accurate project bids.”
Basement finishes or other indoor renovations can often take longer in the summer and a shorter amount of time to complete in the winter and early spring when contractors’ workloads can be slower. And if your project requires incorporating access from the existing house into the project design, such as the case if a client wishes to finish their walkout basement and also add a patio or overhang feature, it’s important to remember that can also add to the project’s completion timeline.
Brandon describes possible project scenarios and why timelines can be crucial to meeting a customer’s needs. Video credit: Produced by Alex Don Media Group
If you’re thinking about finishing your basement, designing an addition, or building your dream home, view Brandon’s portfolio of work on his website. Want to learn even more about Brandon, his professional background, and why he started Freelance Services? You can find out more about him in this advertorial that was published last month.
You can also connect with Brandon on Facebook or call/text him at 314-799-9272.
It’s back to school time! As families in and around Franklin County get acclimated to routines and new schedules, just remember that there are plenty of local events happening each weekend in and around Franklin County.
Over the next two weeks there’s still a few recurring outdoor events like Sunset on the Riverfront in WashMo and Market off Main in Union, as well as an outdoor showing of the animated film “Cars 3.” There’s also a music festival at East Central College to kick off the college’s music season, the 6th Annual Celtic Festival is going down at the Washington VFW, plus there’s a few arts and crafts events, some fundraising events, and lots more.
Just a heads up to my readers: the next event round up post will be published ahead of Labor Day and will feature a slightly tweaked format. Going forward I’ll be posting events by geographic location and bundling counties/towns together rather than posting them as I do now with Franklin County events in one section, and everything else under the Road Trippin’ section. My hope is it makes it easier to scan each post and find events happening within Franklin County and those communities that border the area (like Eureka) while keeping events in nearby counties and communities in their own section.
As a reminder, always double check with event venues before heading out just in case an event gets canceled, rescheduled, or experiences weather delays.
Did I miss an event? Tag me on Facebook or Instagram and I can share the event in my stories.
Monday, Aug. 24 – Friday, Aug. 28 American Street Edge in St. Clair has recently expanded its training area with a wall removal, and is celebrating with free class offerings for kids and adults that are only available Aug. 24 – Aug. 28. Get the details in this Facebook post.
Tuesday, Aug. 25 On the last Tuesday of every month the Sullivan Branch of Scenic Regional Library is having a Ladies Night event from 6-7 p.m. This is a chance to hang with your friends or meet new ones, plus play games, and bring a snack to share. Find out more.
Wednesday, Aug. 26 Smokin’ Oak Woodfired Pizza in Washington is having a Dine to Donate event to benefit St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. The Dine to Donate hours are from 5-8 p.m. Learn more.
Thursday, Aug. 27 Sunset on the Riverfront is happening at Rennick Park at the Washington Riverfront from 5-8 p.m. Bring the whole family along with your lawn chairs or blankets and enjoy live music performed by The Texas Giants, with food available for purchase by Mosaic Cafe & Catering, Big Boys Grilled Subs and Wings, and BLAST Youth Board Dirty Soda Stand. This month’s kid zone activity will be a petting zoo. Get more info.
Thursday, Aug. 27 The fourth Thursday of every month is Art Club at the Washington Public Library from 6-8 p.m. No art experience is necessary to attend. The event is open to all skill levels and anyone age 16 and up. Find out more.
Friday, Aug. 28 Kick off the ECC music season with an evening of live music, food, and fun under the summer sky at ECC’s Music Festival. Hosted by ECC, the ECC Music Department, Patrons of the Arts, and Metallica Scholars. The free concert includes a live music lineup with Elayna Cusano at 4:30 p.m., Steve Leslie Band at 5 p.m., and Playadors at 6:30 p.m. Proceeds raised will support ECC’s Metallica Scholars Initiative by providing scholarships to students enrolled in workforce and skilled trades programs. Learn more.
Friday, Aug. 28 Grab your boots and your dance partner and head to The Office in WashMo for line dancing with Glittering Grapevine beginning at 7 p.m. Find out more.
Friday, Aug. 28 Market off Main is happening at Hansen Park in Union on the corner of Oak and Main Streets from 4-7 p.m. Shop from local vendors, makers, and producers, and find food and drinks available for purchase. There will be live music performed by Zero Gravity, Hot Tamales Love at First Bite Food Truck and Box Car Express will be the food vendors at the market. Check Facebook for more details.
Friday, Aug. 28 Liberty Field in Pacific is hosting a movie in the park night at 8 p.m. Pack your lawn chairs and blankets and settle in to watch the Pixar film “Cars 3.” Find out more.
Saturday, Aug. 29 The 6th Annual Celtic Festival is happening at the Washington VFW from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. Come out for a day filled with live bands, Irish dancers, food, beer, local vendors, Highland games and family fun. Get more details.
Saturday, Aug. 29 Head to Eureka for Charlie’s Believe Fly-In and RC Airshow from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find RC airshow demonstrations, open flying, bounce house, kids activities, music, food and refreshments, plus RC and Non-RC Raffles. Learn more.
Saturday, Aug. 29 The Gus Garrett 1st Annual Memorial Poker Run is happening from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. The funds raised will go towards the Gus Garrett Scholarship. Find out how to participate.
Sunday, Aug. 30 Essence Salon & Spa in Union is hosting a fundraising event to benefit Turning Point Advocacy Services, a nonprofit organization that provides services for domestic violence survivors. Book an appointment online for a haircut, 30 minute massage, chair massage, or 30 minute facial between the hours of 1-4 p.m. and 100% of the proceeds from the services will go to Turning Point Advocacy Services. Learn more.
Advertisement – Thinking about adding on to your home? Contact Brandon with Freelance Services, to help you with the design and permit drawings.
Sept. 1 – 30 Missouri Main Street is a month-long exhibit at Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch celebrating 100 years of Route 66 in the Show Me State. Learn more.
Tuesday, Sept. 1 Head to the Washington Public Library for Back to School with the Gilmore Girls from 5-7 p.m. The event is for ages 12 and up and attendees will watch some episodes of the show while crafting a book journal. Find out more.
Tuesday, Sept. 1 The Club House Play Cafe in Sullivan is hosting a Harry Potter themed cookie decorating class for adults and kids. Cost to attend is $30 per person and attendees will decorate magical-themed cookies and play a few fun games along the way. And because no magical night is complete without snacks and drinks, there will be plenty of themed goodies available for purchase. Save your spot.
Wednesday, Sept. 2 The first Wednesday of the month the Washington Public Library hosts Discovering Great Artists Workshop from 4-5 p.m. Artists age 9-18 are invited to attend and create art inspired by great artists throughout history. Get more details.
Thursday, Sept. 3 Music on Main is happening in downtown Union, beginning at 6 p.m. Enjoy live music performed by Richie Callison, and find food and drinks available for purchase from Sip on Main, Savy’s Food Truck, Sip Chicks, and Box Car Express. Find out more on Facebook.
Friday, Sept. 4 The first Friday of every month at Point Labbadie Brewery is the First Friday Jam, an open acoustic jam for all skill levels. Bring your instruments and jump in on the fun or simply sit back (or boogie down!) and enjoy some fantastic picking. Learn more.
Friday, Sept. 4 Union’s Concert in the Park is from 6:30 – 9:30 p.m., at the large pavilion at City Park. The concert will feature live music by Crossfire. Get more info.
Saturday, Sept. 5 The Bridge Pacific is hosting Rockin’ the Railroad 2026. Admission to the outdoor concert is $2 plus a non-perishable food item for the Agape House. The event begins at 5 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, Sept. 5 Cinema 1 Plus in Washington is kicking off a series of free drive-in movies with a showing of the 1980s time travel flick “Back to the Future.” The film will start 15 minutes after sunset and parking spaces are on a first come, first serve basis and available spaces are marked by the presence of orange cones. Get more info.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Saturday, Aug. 29 Get ready for a one of a kind picking experience at Nelson Hart Park in St. James. Find rusty treasures, vintage advertising, primitives, petroliana, barn finds and boutique goodies, all in one place for some good ole fashion junkin’! Get more info.
Saturday, Aug. 29 The Rest and Restore Retreat at Second Chance Landing on the Katy Trail in Hermann is offering attendees a Day of Rejuvenation. Enjoy diverse experiences including a sound bowl session, meditation, yoga with self-acupressure techniques, fascia release, yin yoga using auricular beads, time for unwinding and bonding with others, herbal teas, and light refreshments. The retreat is from 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. Cost is $130 per person. Find out more.
Saturday, Aug. 29 Maramec Springs Park in St. James is hosting Music on the Maramec with Sam Lewis at 6 p.m. Bring your own chair and enjoy food trucks and local beverages. Cost to attend is $25 per car or free attendance with Season Pass. More info.
Saturday, Aug. 29 Head to Linn for some rodeo fun at the NFPB Bull Riding event at the Linn Lions Club Fairgrounds beginning at 8 pm. Get more details.
Friday, Sept. 5 & Saturday, Sept. 6 The 2026 Salem Chamber Rodeo is happening for two days. The gates open at 5:30 p.m. and the show kicks off at 7:30 p.m. both nights. Find out more.
Saturday, Sept. 5 Head to Hermann for the Harvest Festival at Stone Hill Winery, happening from 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sample grapes from the vineyards, hear live music, shop from area vendors, and enjoy wine, beer, and food available for purchase. Free admission, get more info.
Sunday, Sept. 6 The first Sunday of each month, the Rolla Writers Club meets from 2-4 p.m. at the Rolla Public Library. Learn more.
Sunday, Sept. 6 The Steelville Country Club is hosting an International Food Tasting event open to all. The event begins at 12 p.m. and cost is $10 a plate. Some of the cuisine will include Hungarian, Filipino, German, Japanese, and more. Get more details.
Have a public event coming up? Submit your event details like time, location, and cost to attend. Be sure to include your website and social media details so I can help spread the word about your event!
I’ve wanted to attend a women’s self-defense class for years, but was hesitant to actually register and go through with it for a few reasons. My resistance stemmed from the instructors I saw offering the classes. No shade to any particular instructor or school, but I had a real worry of being stuck in a class with an instructor who’d bark orders similar to a drill sergeant, or someone who would make me feel less than if I wasn’t able to physically do the moves or pick them up right away. And as a woman, I don’t think I’m alone in those feelings.
When I was approached by Timothy Fancher, owner of American Street Edge, a self-defense school in St. Clair, about attending a women’s self-defense seminar in exchange for writing an article about my experience, I immediately said yes.
The group of ladies in attendance at the women’s self-defense seminar at American Street Edge in St. Clair. Photo credit: American Street Edge
This past spring I connected with Tim to write an article about the school, which opened in March of this year. During our initial conversation it was evident he had a calm demeanor and loads of expertise (he’s got 40 years in martial arts, and is a fourth-degree black belt in American Kenpo Karate). Immediately following our initial interview in March, I was able to stick around and watch him teach a group of kids.
Part of being a writer is being an observer and after 20 years as a journalist, I’d like to think I’m pretty darn good at observing people. When I watched Tim teach a class full of elementary school aged kids I noticed that he’s not just a patient instructor, but that he also had a way of explaining the techniques and strikes to kids that were relatable and easy to understand.
Now that I’ve been a part of the women’s self-defense seminar I can see that Tim instructs adults in the same way. The difference in his instruction comes down to multiple factors: his diverse professional background and martial arts experience, years of real street defense, and his distinctive, academic approach to guiding students on ways to manage fear, and together, these elements help make up the American Street Edge system that Tim has developed.
The seminar is a mix of physical self-defense techniques and verbal instruction – and the two modalities work hand in hand, explained using real-life scenarios, that will help you gain not only practical skills, but the “why” behind the techniques. Since you’re using those movements, either with a partner or on the school’s self-defense dummies Bob and Ivan, you start to build muscle memory right in the seminar through repetition.
And, because not all forms of self-defense are physical, there were several instances where Tim helped us all understand steps to not only stay calm, but how to stop certain scenarios quickly. One such instance is how to stop a verbal bully in their tracks. As far too many of us have experienced, bullying isn’t something that stops at the playground. Today people are bullied online and in their workplace, among other places, and during the verbal portion of the seminar, we learned a simple yet effective method to stop a workplace bully before the situation takes a toll on your mental or physical well-being.
Tim asked me to act like a workplace bully for a toxic workplace scenario, and let’s just say, I understood the assignment. He’s lucky he has thick skin! Also, Tim, I’m sorry for what I said during improv 🙂 Photo credit: American Street Edge
I learned a ton that evening and even though I was in a group of seven other women, six I’d never met before (my sister attended with me), I instantly felt comfortable. Here’s a run down of the things I learned in the 2.5 hour class:
Multiple techniques to defend myself in a variety of scenarios
How to carry myself so I don’t look like a victim
Ways to increase my environmental awareness
How to shut down a conversation with “twitchy strangers” that may approach me in a public place
Practical ways to be “better at violence” than those who might want to do me harm
An easy breakdown of the techniques I learned and an explanation of how to practice them at home, like using a wall for a certain move to make sure I’m keeping proper form
A verbal method to shut down a bully, while remaining composed and respectful
Bonus – channeling my inner improv skills (and mean girl) by being selected to be the “workplace bully” in a toxic workplace scenario
I can’t stress enough the amount of skills and knowledge that’s presented to attendees in the seminar and the incredible value offered. There are plans for additional women’s self-defense classes this fall, so be sure to follow American Street Edge on Facebook to learn more about any upcoming seminars. In addition, there are weekly, no contract adult classes, and you can even take a trial class first to be sure it’s a good fit, so you have nothing to lose. Find the schedules for all the classes offered along with other helpful information on the American Street Edge Facebook page. The school is also offering a variety of freebies the week of Aug. 24-28, 2026, details on the free offerings are outlined in this post.
Small Town Socialite 