It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in downtown Union, thanks to the work of two local artists. Eileen Wade and Donna Huellinghoff are the duo behind the festive paintings that grace the windows of various businesses as well as Union City Hall during the holiday season.
What started a few years ago at one business, has quickly grown to a fun and jolly way for downtown businesses to get into the holiday spirit.
Each window’s design varies, but the scenes are always colorful, festive, and often feature a bit of whimsy.
On a chilly Tuesday morning, I sat down with Eileen and Donna at White Rose Cafe in Union, and over a delicious cup of hot chocolate, the artists shared the story of how they started painting windows in downtown.
Both artists have been creating art in one way or another for most of their adult lives, but started creating together in 2016 at a studio Eileen had at that time. Donna taught various art techniques at the studio, like creating barn quilt designs.
Eileen (left), and Donna (right), putting the finishing touches on the window designs at White Rose Cafe on a chilly November morning.
Although Eileen ended up closing her studio due to personal reasons, a few years later in 2022, the artists decorated their first set of windows on a business in Union, at the White Rose Cafe. After that first holiday season, it grew from there.
“It’s all word of mouth,” Donna says of the process. “We’d be out there painting and someone at another business would come up to us and ask us to paint their windows.”
The windows at Union City Hall are decorated with colorful holiday characters.
In addition to the Christmas season designs, Eileen and Donna also paint windows in the downtown area for other holidays, like Valentine’s Day, Easter, Halloween, and for the Union Homecoming celebration.
“It’s fun to share our art and challenge ourselves and think, ‘what could we fit in this window’s space?'” Eileen shares.
The process takes anywhere from two to six hours, depending on the number of windows and the design, among other factors.
“It depends on how many people stop and chat with us,” Eileen says with a laugh. “But that’s what’s fun and that’s why I laugh about it.”
The window decor at Sip on Main depict Santa and Rudolph after they’ve enjoyed a few too many “sips,” along with beautiful holiday cocktails.
Along with the painted windows, there’s also some permanent art installations that Eileen and Donna have created in Union. Together, they’ve painted eight murals that can be found throughout town, including the scene that runs along the wall inside Hansen Park, a mural along the wall at the MU Extension Center near the Pasta House, and several others.
The artists have also painted several murals around Union, including this one that is along the exterior wall of the Franklin County Historical Society in downtown Union.
See more photos of the holiday window paintings on Facebook. And be sure to take a stroll through downtown Union to look at the designs first-hand, they’re sure to make you smile and put you in the holiday spirit!
This week there’s Veterans Day Celebrations, opportunities to get crafty, and Ladies Nights galore! Check out these events and others below.
Monday, Nov. 10 The Sullivan Branch of Scenic Regional Library is having a Native American Story Telling event from 6-7 p.m. This presentation focuses on traditional stories told primarily by Choctaw, Cherokee, and Delaware Nations/tribes. Pre-registration is required to attend. Register here.
Veterans Day is Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025
Tuesday, Nov. 11 The Tipsy Keg in Washington is honoring those who served with its Veterans Day Celebration. The event will feature free meals and haircuts for vets, along with a “Cheers to Our Heroes” Coaster Campaign, where guests can grab a special coaster and write a heartfelt thank-you note for veterans. Find out more.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 The public is welcome to stop by the American Legion Post 218 in Washington for its Veterans Day Ceremony. Get more information.
Thursday, Nov. 13 R & R Ace in St. Clair is hosting its annual Ladies Night, an evening full of samples, drinks, and surprises. Enjoy 20% off storewide (10% off Power Tools), sip on boozy slush samples, taste small batch salsas, try out some unique dips, grab a specialty drink from the Poppy & Co drink truck, explore gift recommendations, and more. Learn more.
Thursday, Nov. 13 The final Music on Main of the season is happening at Hansen Park in Union. Enjoy live music by Tobey Fisher, with food available for purchase from Ramblin’ Rooster food truck and drinks by Sip on Main. Get more info.
Friday, Nov. 14 The Washington Public Library is having a Gilmore Girls Craft-a-Thon. Attendees will have an opportunity to watch episodes of the iconic TV show and craft. Attendees can bring their own crafts to work on, or choose from a number of crafts with supplies provided by the library as well as coffee and mugs to take home. Get the details.
Friday, Nov. 14 Head to Vero Fitness in Pacific for Ladies Night. Shop local vendors, enjoy snacks and beverages, and an evening of good vibes and fun. Find out more.
Friday, Nov. 14 Glittering Grapevine is offering line dancing at McKelvey Vineyards from 5 – 8 p.m. Join in on this beginner friendly evening of dancing. Learn more.
Friday, Nov. 14 Head to The Tipsy Keg in Washington from 9 p.m. – 1 a.m. to celebrate Friendsgiving. The event will include drink specials, music, and guests are encouraged to bring a canned good item. Each canned good donated will secure you one raffle entry. Get the details.
Friday, Nov. 14 Take a wreath & candle making workshop at Andy’s Produce Too in Union’s Back Home location (U.S. 50). Registration required. Register here.
Saturday, Nov. 15 The annual Downtown Washington’s Does Day Out is a day of patronizing local businesses. This year nearly two dozen businesses will have something special or on sale for this one-day event. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 15 McKelvey Vineyards is hosting a Does Day Out. This ticketed event includes mimosas and brunch, live music, wine tastings, local vendors, games, raffles, and more. Advance tickets $25 or $30 at door.
Saturday, Nov. 15 Head to Pacific for the 4th Annual Pizza, Puzzle, and Beer Competition. Gather your crew of 4 and be the first to finish a custom made 500+ puzzle, devour an extra large pizza and drink 18 beers. Find out more.
Saturday, Nov. 15 There will be a downtown Christmas Market in Sullivan. Get a jumpstart on your holiday shopping and find curated crafts and gifts. More info.
Sunday, Nov. 16 Johnny’s Restaurant in Union is hosting a Christmas Ladies Night from 4-8 p.m. There will be opportunities to sip, shop, and get prizes. Be sure to wear your Ugly Sweater! Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Tuesday, Nov. 11 Veterans are encouraged to drop by Main St. Real Estate in Washington for free coffee and donuts provided by Travelin’ Tom’s from 7:30-9:30 a.m. Learn more.
Thursday, Nov. 13 The Outfield Bar & Grill in Marthasville is hosting a Thanksgiving Paint & Sip event. Preregistration required to attend, and attendees receive $5 off their food/drink orders. Register and find out more.
Friday, Nov. 14 St. James Winery is hosting a Holiday Cheers Cocktail Workshop. Attendees will mix, sip, and savor three holiday-inspired cocktails, enjoy a charcuterie grazing board, and take home recipe cards to recreate the cocktails at home this holiday season. Limited spots available, learn more and register.
Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16 Lange General Store in Steelville is hosting a weekend shopping event for ladies. While the men hunt, head to the store in downtown Steelville for deals, with everything in the store marked down 20-50%. Find out more.
Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16 Mary’s Country Store and Antique’s in Cuba will have a weekend shopping event with discounts found throughout the store. Get more info.
Friday, Nov. 14 – Sunday, Nov. 16 Experience the best parts of fall one more time at Fall Farewell Fest at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. Shop end-of-season pumpkin deals, sip hot cider, and enjoy all your favorite fall activities before saying goodbye to fall and hello to winter fun. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 15 Stop by St. James Winery for a relaxed afternoon of holiday cheer, shopping, and sipping. Enjoy complimentary mulled wine samples, fresh-baked holiday cookies, beautifully curated holiday gift boxes, special in-store discounts, and more. Get more info.
Sunday, Nov. 16 The Outfield Bar & Grill in Marthasville is hosting an indoor Craft Fair from 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Find unique and hand-made gifts for that special person on your shopping list! Find out more.
Today’s post is a bit of a departure from my usual content, but I believe there’s power in sharing our personal experiences – both our triumphs and setbacks. So, if you’ll allow me some vulnerability, I’d love to share how I recently overcame a few struggles.
For roughly five years I worked out at least five days a week without fail. Most of those workouts consisted of HIIT running, light resistance training, dancing, and hiking. However, numerous life changes began to compound about two years ago and I let my work outs slip, and my nutrition followed suit.
Before I knew it, I’d gained weight. Although I would still workout during this period, I wasn’t consistent and when it comes to being in fit, I’ve found consistency is the key. I thought if I just “started” my old routine again, I’d bounce right back, but the saying “what got you here won’t get you there” is popular for a reason.
Trying to force my way into prior rhythms and plans just wasn’t working, which made me feel like a failure, which made me give up, which made my progress stall. It was a vicious cycle and I spent about 18 months spinning my wheels. I felt as though I’d lost an essential part of myself and I wasn’t sure how to find me again.
After those starts and stops with trying to get back into shape, I realized I needed a different approach. And part of that approach meant that I couldn’t do this all on my own. In late summer I made the decision to work with an accountability coach to help me get back on track with my fitness and nutrition. From late July through late October, I worked with Sam Hyndrich owner of Your Accountability Bestie.
I feel like I have my “sparkle” back again!
Although it wasn’t clear exactly how, when, or where I’d lost me, during my first client meeting with Sam, I knew I’d made the right decision because through her words and demeanor in that initial meeting, it was clear that she saw the real me. The version of me that had gotten buried somewhere along the line and believed my dreams and goals should come second, third, or even dead last, to every day life stuff (laundry, house, taking care of others).
I chose to work with Sam because of how she made me feel seen from the very beginning, and because I just had a gut feeling that she’d be able to help me find the hole in my plans that were keeping me stuck.
I also knew going into the three month block of working with her that I’d be challenged to give up my excuses, to put in work, and to stay committed to myself. She created workout and meal plans that worked with my lifestyle and interests, since much of my movement centered around things I love to do like dance classes and going on HIIT runs. Sam also challenged me to increase my protein intake, which helped me to maintain a higher level of energy daily and not get cranky in the afternoons (if I’m hangry you better watch out!)
I’m not at my goal weight yet, but I enjoy getting dressed up again and like what I see in the mirror (and yes, I know I should’ve closed the closet door before taking this selfie *facepalm*)
After one month of working with her, I lost close to ten pounds and several inches, but there was something even greater that I lost: my desire to put other people’s needs above my own. That’s not to say I stopped caring for others, but rather, I made sure I filled my cup first.
As our relationship grew, during our regular client check-ins, Sam would ask me to look a bit deeper within, encouraging me to share not only my wins with her, but also what I was struggling with. During these moments I started to look at other aspects of my life, like personal and professional goals that I’d been toying with but for one reason or another, they kept making their way to the backburner.
One of those goals was related to my writing career and I’m happy to report that I’m working on some creative goals I abandoned years ago, as well as refining my focus on this website, which will go into effect in January!
I still have a ways to go toward reaching my fitness and personal/professional goals. Because she’s a coach that works with clients across a broad spectrum of goals – from personal, fitness, business, relationship, and more – I am continuing to work with Sam in a professional capacity to help me stay accountable, reach for bigger goals, and refine plans when needed.
On a recent trip to Idaho, my husband and I hiked up Mineral Ridge, a 3 mile loop with a pretty significant elevation gain. It was challenging since I hadn’t done a hike like this in over five years. When I got to the top I was so proud of myself, and the first person I wanted to share my achievement with was Sam, so of course I texted her this selfie 🙂
If you’re ready to make changes, consider working with Sam to help you get where you want to go faster. And, I know cost can be a barrier for many, however, without giving away the exact pricing structure, I will say that the three-month cost for working with her breaks down to being roughly the same as going out for a latte and sweet treat a few times a week and my friend, ain’t no coffee shop treat gonna make you feel as good as investing in YOU.
This week there’s Ladies Night Out events, ways to give back to the community, craft fairs, and much more.
Thursday, Nov. 6 Head to Dahlia Cafe in Union from 4-8 p.m. for Dine to Donate Night. Whether you dine in or take out, a portion of every purchase will benefit the United Way — helping support vital programs right here in our community. Find more info.
Thursday, Nov. 6 Ace Hardware in Sullivan is hosting a Ladies Night. Catch store-wide sales, giveaways, and more. Get more info.
Friday, Nov. 7 The Washington Public Library is hosting a Family Sushi Class. Learn to use a sushi mat, work with sticky rice, and choose your own ingredients (vegetarian options and no raw fish). A fun experience for the whole family. Pre-registration is required.
Friday, Nov. 7 Head to Sullivan to come together as a community and stock the shelves of the Meramec Community Mission. Monetary donations are welcomed as well as food donations. Get more info.
Friday, Nov. 7 Glittering Grapevine will be teaching beginner friendly line dancing lessons for free at The Office Bar & Grill in Washington. Find out more.
Friday, Nov. 7 Lang-A-Tang Cafe & Catering is hosting a Grand Opening event to celebrate moving into its new home. Learn more.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Crooked Creek Beef in Pacific is hosting a special Farm & Craft Market. Find local honey, farm fresh eggs, tallow skincare products, fresh sourdough and other baked goods. There will be a bounce house, face painting, games, and more. Get more details.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Head to New Haven for a Chili Supper to benefit the local schools. The event will include food, a kids carnival, raffle, silent auction, and pie auction. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 The 2nd Annual Holiday Craft Show is happening at Immaculate Conception School in Union. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Support local athletes by joining the Pacific Sports Club for their second annual Music Trivia Night and Karaoke. More info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 & Sunday, Nov. 9 Union Middle School is hosting a Craft Fair. Find out more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Tuesday, Nov. 4 Ladies Night at Red Door & Lillian Grace in Rolla will feature special sales, permanent jewelry, appetizers and drinks, and more. Find out more.
Friday, Nov. 7 – Sunday, Nov. 9 Experience the best parts of fall one more time at Fall Farewell Fest at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. Shop end-of-season pumpkin deals, sip hot cider, and enjoy all your favorite fall activities before saying goodbye to fall and hello to winter fun. Learn more.
Friday, Nov. 7 & Saturday, Nov. 8 Fall Campfire Nights continue at Brookdale Farms in Eureka. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 November is National Novel Writing Month, and aspiring and established authors will race to complete a 50,000 word novel from Nov. 1 – 30. The Rolla Public Library is hosting Novel November Writer’s Drop In events on Saturdays in November. Get more details.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Smith Valley Event Barn in Salem is hosting a Holiday Market. Get a jump start on your holiday shopping at this event that will run from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Find out more.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Meditate with the vision of the wild mustang archetype, a symbol of freedom and resilience, at Mindful Living Coaching’s day retreat in Marthasville. Get more info.
Saturday, Nov. 8 Downtown Rolla will have a Veterans Day Parade to honor the men and women who have served our country. Learn more.
