Whether you’re searching for the perfect gift for your bestie’s birthday or you’re in the mood to treat yourself to a little something special, you’ll likely find it at Ozarks Bittersweet, located at 105 N. Jefferson Street, in St. James.
The mother-daughter owned boutique features a diverse inventory of clothing for women, along with some items for kids, plus women’s accessories like jewelry and purses. Sourcing the clothes from markets in Las Vegas, owner Nancy Hughes, and her daughter Polly, make sure the apparel differs from what you may find in other area shops. Ozarks Bittersweet offers customers a truly curated shopping experience, while the clothing and other inventory reflects that cozy, small town charm you expect to find in a locally-owned lifestyle boutique.
The clothing selections at Ozarks Bittersweet range from casual wear to pieces that can be dressed up or down. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz
The clothing items range from casual wear that’s perfect for coffee with a friend or running errands, to dresses, tops, bottoms, and other pieces that could be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
Additionally, there’s a selection of items to make your home cozy and beautiful, with everything from scented candles, decorative throw pillows, artificial flower arrangements, lighting, and more. There are also paper goods such as greeting cards and specialty books on a variety of subjects – from making drinks to gardening and more.
From bracelets to rings and earrings, the jewelry at the boutique adds that perfect sparkle to your outfit. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz.
If you’re looking for something for the foodie in your life, or you need something to take to your next gathering, there’s also a selection of items like bottled sauces, vinegars, and olives, as well as dry baking mixes, nuts, and other snacks.
And, in addition to the unique finds, the boutique itself is a lovely retail space. Together with the artful displays throughout the store, there are numerous historical details inside the space that add to the beauty and overall aesthetic. The building is 125 years old and features lots of exposed brick and an arched entryway that’s indicative of the period when it was built.
The store also carries a variety of items for the home like dried flowers, scented candles, lighting and more. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz.
Prior to opening the store, Nancy owned another boutique for over 40 years, also called Ozarks Bittersweet, but that store was located in Anchorage, Alaska, where Nancy lived for over 50 years. When she decided to relocate back to her hometown, she found the vacant space and felt it was the ideal spot to open another boutique and continue the name.
The 2,500-square-foot store has two rooms indoors, along with an adjacent patio space that features vintage garden decor and plants, seasonally. The store opened in two phases, with part of the space opening by selling Christmas decor last season, while the store in its current version opened in May. Nancy shares that in the short time since it’s opened, the community has embraced the business to the point that she’s thinking about expanding into the adjacent building.
With a selection of sauces, vinegars, condiments, nuts, dried baking mixes, and more, Ozarks Bittersweet is the perfect place to pick up a hostess gift or items to take to your next dinner party. Photo credit: The Socialite_Amanda Bretz.
“We’ll carry more clothing, because that’s our biggest seller,” she says of the possible expansion.
Other items she’s considering for the next phase will include jewelry, Turkish rugs, and greeting cards.
Ozarks Bittersweet is located at 105 N. Jefferson Street, in St. James. Learn more about the business by following it on Facebook or Instagram.
*As we head into the holiday season, I want to highlight more small businesses and I hope to write a Shop Small Holiday Gift Guide that will feature some of the small local shops and businesses that carry gifts (and experiences) for everyone on your holiday gift list. If you’re a small business and want to be considered in the guide, or if you know a great boutique I should include in the guide, fill out the Submit an Event or Story form and I’ll get back to you.
The dog days of summer have arrived, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of things to do both indoors and outside over the next two weeks in Franklin County and nearby communities. There’s crafting events, car shows, touch-a-truck events, plus live music events, community markets, and much more.
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.
Various dates and times Great 8 Cinema in Union and Sullivan 6 Cinema are also featuring a special kids summer film series that kicks off mid-May and runs through late August. Additionally, the admission is $2, and there are $5 value combos available. Get details on Facebook.
Multiple days The USDA Summer Food Service is partnering with the Washington Public Library to help area families to provide food service beginning Monday, June 29 and continuing on every Mondays until public school starts. The food service includes 7 days of breakfast and lunch, with fresh fruit, vegetable, and dairy. This service is for families with children ages 1-18. Pickup is at the Washington Public Library on Mondays between 4-6 p.m. Get more info.
Multiple days Scenic Regional Library and Foundations for Strengthening Families are partnering to help area families with summer food service beginning Monday, June 29 through Monday, August 17. The service will provide one week’s worth of breakfast and lunch items for kids, available while supplies last. Food pickup will be in each library branch’s parking lot and pickup times and days vary by each branch. Find pickup days and times.
Multiple days in August Old Farm Winery in Catawissa has a number of events like a car show, karaoke, and live music throughout August. Get all the details.
Tuesday, Aug. 11 Each month, the Washington Public Library hosts a crafting event, providing all the supplies attendees need to make a themed craft. This month, attendees can opt to create disco-themed fall crafts and can choose from a ghostie or a disco ball inspired mini pumpkin. Find out more.
Tuesday, Aug. 11 Washington Historical Society is hosting The American Zither Verband for its monthly Evening at the Museum event. The fun begins at 7 p.m. Get more info.
Tuesday, Aug. 11 The St. Clair Branch of Scenic Regional Library is hosting an author event with Sue Blesi. Attendees will explore the legacies of some of St. Clair’s most notable residents through lively storytelling by local historian and author, Sue Blesi. Register here.
Friday, Aug. 14 The next City of Union Market off Main is happening from 4-7 p.m. Find food from Savy’s Food Truck and Hot Tamales Love at First Bite, as well as numerous items for sale from local vendors. Find out more.
Friday, Aug. 14 Glittering Grapevine Line Dancing will guide guests in line dancing at Ace’s & Eagles The Office Bar in Washington. Learn more.
Friday, Aug. 14 The American Legion in New Haven continues its America 250 live music series with a live performance by Brooke Bockting from 5-8 p.m.
Friday, Aug. 14 American Street Edge Self-Defense Systems in St. Clair is hosting a Women’s Safety & Self-Defense Seminar from 6-8:30 p.m. Spots are limited, so reserve yours today. Reserve your place.
Saturday, Aug. 15 Red Cedar Inn Museum & Visitor Center in Pacific is hosting the Gateway HET Car Cruise from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. Learn more.
Saturday, Aug. 15 First Christian Church in Washington is hosting a Touch-a-Truck event from 9-10:30 a.m. Get up close and personal with a variety of big trucks and vehicles in the church parking lot. Honk the horns, check out the equipment, and enjoy a morning of hands-on fun for all ages! Find out more details.
Saturday, Aug. 15 It’s been one year since Andy’s Produce Too in Union moved from its original location on U.S. 50 to its current location on Main St. in Union. To celebrate, Andy’s is hosting a customer appreciation event from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. that will include local vendors to shop from, a seafood boil, and beginning at 10 a.m., free burgers and chips for the first 50 customers. Learn more.
Saturday, Aug. 15 Goddess Gowns in Union is hosting a bridal and beyond pop-up event from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. This event is perfect for anyone getting ready to say “I do” as well as women looking to refresh their accessories. Shop permanent jewelry and upgrade your hat collection with Burned Wildflower Creations, a custom hat business that creates beautiful burned designs on hats. Get more details.
Sunday, Aug. 16 Aset Center in Washington will welcome Michelle Nolan Sanchez of Akashic Soulwork to lead an akashic dance, and later a sound bath led by Allison Chrisman will bring attendees into deep relaxation as she creates restorative sound with her gong and other instruments. Register and learn more.
Sunday, Aug. 16 St. Patrick’s Old Rock Church in Catawissa is having its church picnic. Find chicken, cold beer, hot dogs and snow cones, as well as kids games, plus custard cups from Hoffmans. Find out more.
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Tuesday, Aug. 18 Head to Scenic Regional Library’s St. Clair Branch to learn more about all things gardening at the branch’s monthly club called Growers and Sowers. The meetings are from 6-7 p.m. and this month’s topic is backyard birds. Register to save your spot.
Tuesday, Aug. 18 Join Project Linus of East Central Missouri at the Union American Legion and help make an impact for area children in need of comfort. Bring your own sewing supplies and make blankets any time during the hours of 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Get more info.
Thursday, Aug. 20 After a brief hiatus, Music on Main returns to downtown Union. The fall concert series kicks off with music from Bag Lunch Blues Band, and food and drinks available for purchase from Sip on Main, White Rose, Boxcar Express, and Sip Chicks. The fun happens at Hansen Park, beginning at 6 p.m. Find out more.
Thursday, Aug. 20 – Sunday, Aug. 23 New Earth Fest is a music, wellness, and arts festival happening at Lost Hill Lake in St. Clair. Find workshops on things like yoga and breathwork, as well as creative and hands on activities like art, shop from vendors, and sway to a live music show complete with lights and lasers at night. Tickets range in prices and access, with day passes to full weekend access available. Learn more.
Friday, Aug. 21 & Saturday, Aug. 22 *Rescheduled from Aug. 14 & 15 due to heat* The St. Clair Saddle Club is hosting rodeo fun on Friday and Saturday. Find 5D barrel racing and more. Get more details on Facebook.
Friday, Aug. 21 The Book Booth in Washington is hosting a Meet and Greet Book Signing event for the book Porch Time with Lynnie: A Place for Healing. The event starts at 5 p.m. Get more details.
Friday, Aug. 21 Head to Union City Park for an outdoor showing of Wicked for Good, the Lawn Chair Movie Night event of August. The movie begins at dark, and guests should arrive early with their lawn chairs to get their preferred seats. Learn more.
Friday, Aug. 21 Sip, snack, and create your own dragonfly sun catcher at The Eclectic Dragonfly in New Haven from 5-7 p.m. Get more info.
Friday, Aug. 21 Sugar & Whisk Cafe in New Haven is hosting a Back to School Bash from 2–5 p.m. The afternoon of fun will include face painting, bubbles, and outdoor games, plus food and drink selections including coffee, sweet treats for the whole family, and BBQ plates and hot dogs. Find out more.
Friday, Aug. 21 Glittering Grapevine Line Dancing will guide guests in line dancing at McKelvey Vineyards in Washington. Learn more.
Friday, Aug. 21 The Roundup Event Space in St. Clair is hosting another Tailgate Sale in the grassy area located near the event space (at the corner of Main and Hibbard in downtown St. Clair). The event happens from 5-8 p.m. and will feature food trucks, dirty sodas, and a number of vendors including plants, jewelry, boutiques, and more. Find out more.
Friday, Aug. 21 The American Legion in New Haven concludes its America 250 live music series with a live performance by Eric Englebrecht from 5-8 p.m.
Saturday, Aug. 22 With August being the Dog Days of Summer and everyone needing a little something to look forward to, from 2-6 p.m. hang out on the patio at Pinckney Bend in New Haven for its Wieners & Dieners event. Josh Lang & Pinckney Bend will cook up hot dogs, sausages, and brats on the big grill, with live music by Matt Diener. Get more details.
Saturday, Aug. 22 The annual Foodstock event in Washington is happening from 5-10 p.m. at the Washington Farmers Market. This event benefits local food pantries and features live music by area musicians and admission is either a monetary donation or non-perishable food. Find out more.
Saturday, Aug. 22 The Back to School Farmers Market is happening at Frisco Farms from 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. Find goods from local vendors and makers, as well as locally grown produce, local honey, and meat. Learn more.
Saturday, Aug. 22 Downtown Sullivan is the site of a cruise in car show that has various hot rods, trucks and Jeeps. Get more info.
Sunday, Aug. 23 The Alley cordially invites all princesses and princes to its Princess Brunch event. Kicking off at 9 a.m., attendees will have brunch, a meet and greet, and arcade games with four iconic princesses. All ages are welcome to attend, but tickets are limited, so don’t wait! Cost is $35 admission includes brunch, a meet and greet, and a $20 game card. Learn more.
Road Trippin’
Take a little road trip to some of these events happening within a short drive of Franklin County.
Thursday, Aug. 13 Tour The Historic Daniel Boone Home in Defiance free of charge. All ages are welcome and admission is first-come, first-served. Tours are open-house format, allowing guests to explore all levels of the house and speak with docents about the Boone family and the history of the Femme Osage Valley. Learn more.
Saturday, Aug. 15 RGM Farms in Bourbon is hosting a monthly event called Social Saturdays, which are an opportunity to come together with friends new and old, enjoy food, and entertainment from 3-7 p.m. Get tickets.
Saturday, Aug. 15 Onondaga Cave State Park is hosting a series of night sky viewing events with astronomy enthusiast Joe Parish in the visitor center parking lot. These events are free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Although a telescope will be provided, visitors are welcome to bring viewing devices of their own. Find out more.
Friday & Saturday, Aug. 21 & 22 Mid-Missouri Rodeo Association is coming to the Rolla Saddle Club. The rodeo fun kicks off at 7 p.m. each evening. Get more info.
Saturday, Aug. 22 Want to volunteer your time with an organization making an impact in the lives of veterans? Head to The Freedom 13 Healing Camp in Bourbon for a day of giving back and helping the nonprofit build cabins and a recreational space that veterans and their families can use. Learn more.
Saturday, Aug. 22 Head to Brookdale Farms in Eureka, for the Back-to-School Bash, a family celebration packed with fun, entertainment, and community spirit. Spend the afternoon exploring the farm with giant inflatables, hayrides, pony rides, our petting zoo, bubble zone, sunflower photo opportunities, yard games, and more. Dance in the foam party, enjoy live music, and grab dinner from local food vendors. Get tickets.
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!
Although Medicare is part of the business name, it doesn’t tell the whole story of what STL Medicare Benefits does, since the business offers health insurance for people of all ages, income levels, and employment status. Owner and founder Jason Muehlheausler and his team make the entire process of finding and attaining the right coverage as seamless as possible — from expert plan recommendations provided by licensed advisors to online enrollment and the ability to shop from a variety of carriers for the most cost-effective option.
Because there’s a variety of insurance offerings, the company operates under two names depending on the product: STL Medicare Benefits for Medicare, and the Muehl Group for Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans and group health assistance.
STL Medicare Benefits can help clients with private-carrier plans that work alongside or in place of Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap), and Part D prescription drug plans for people 65 and over. Under the Muehl Group, the company can help clients find ACA plans that are available to people under age 65, and individual life insurance policies. In addition to the individual plans, Jason and his team also offer small and large group healthcare plans as well as ancillary products such as life, dental, and vision for employers looking to provide a comprehensive benefit package for their employees.
The ‘why’ behind the company
Jason has been in the health insurance industry for eight years and helping clients find the right coverage is just one of the things that drives him. He points to one story in particular that has stayed with him for years and says this one experience sums up why he does this work.
“Early in my career, I sold an Institutional Special Needs Plan (I-SNP) with UnitedHealthcare, designed for residents of long-term care communities,” Jason recalls.
On the last day of the month, Jason visited an assisted living community and enrolled a gentleman resident in the UHC I-SNP Plan. A key advantage of the plan was that medical costs were covered at 100% for residents who had both Medicare and Medicaid. The plan also placed a full-time nurse practitioner in the community to make rounds every single day, whereas residents without an I-SNP plan might typically see a staff physician once a month.
“He decided to enroll, and his coverage went active on the first of the following month. That same day, he fell, hit his head, and was rushed to the hospital with a brain bleed. Once it stabilized, he was sent back to the community,” Jason shares.
This incident happened during COVID, when many facilities were understaffed and relied on travel nurses. The day after his accident, the staff making rounds assumed he was sleeping and left him be. Thankfully the nurse practitioner from his plan went in and did a sternum rub to check whether he was actually asleep or unresponsive. The gentleman was unresponsive and still bleeding. Enrolling in the I-SNP plan and having access to that nurse practitioner saved his life.
“That’s why I do this. Health insurance decisions can be life-or-death, and the wrong coverage can wipe out everything a family has built,” he says.
STL Medicare Benefits can help provide answers about Medicare coverage for people age 65 or anyone who will soon turn 65. Photo credit: Stock image via Unsplash.
Providing expertise and clarity
“I love demystifying something that scares people, making sure they understand exactly what they’re getting, and helping them make the right call for themselves and the people they love,” Jason shares.
A common misconception with health insurance is that once you’re covered, you’re always covered, but that isn’t always the case. Because the industry changes annually, particularly Medicare since carriers can change offerings and policies without disclosing the exact changes to the policy holders, unfortunately an insured person won’t realize that their plan has changed or that something previously covered by their plan is no longer covered until they’re at a doctor visit.
“Many times Medicare providers will send out information about changes that could be coming to the policy, but the specific policy changes aren’t noted in those mailings,” Jason explains.
With the possibility of changes and information coming from providers that isn’t always explained, it’s more important than ever for consumers to be proactive, rather than reactive. One of the best ways to be proactive is to ensure you’re working with a knowledgeable insurance agent that will go over any potential policy issues or changes before they go into effect.
“The changes can also occur if you’re under 65 and on an ACA plan, even if you haven’t made changes yourself and haven’t changed your carrier,” he says.
It’s important for people to make time to speak with an agent during their policy’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) which typically happens each fall, or when they’ve experienced a qualifying life change. But even if you’re already insured, you can always reach out to the helpful staff at STL Medicare Benefits to make sure you’re getting the most cost-effective coverage for your needs.
A leading advantage
Being a part of a shifting industry can be a challenge for insurance agents as well, but one way Jason stays at the forefront in a changing industry is by maintaining good relationships with carriers. Forming these partnerships means he’s able to receive insights about shifts coming to the industry early on.
Additionally, Jason maintains his leading position through continuing education by attending the required trainings and license renewals needed for the industry, as well as by meeting with other agents in the industry to stay up to date on industry trends and more.
Jason has around 20 independent insurance agents who work under the umbrella of the Muehl Group, which is a way for the agents to have their own business. The Muehl Group is always on the lookout for self-starters who are ready to be their own boss and make an impact in the insurance industry.
Let an expert advisor with STL Medicare Benefits find the best coverage for your family. Photo credit: Stock image via Unsplash.
Although plenty of people have the desire to work for themselves, not everyone has the drive to succeed, or the disposition to not only work with clients, but to exceed expectations in a service-based industry. With nearly a decade in the industry, Jason has the experience to help people based on their unique circumstances and needs, in a variety of geographic locations. He is licensed in multiple states, including Missouri, Illinois, and Kentucky, as well as in other parts of the country.
If you or someone you know wants to explore healthcare insurance options, or has questions about Medicare or ACA plans, reach out to STL Medicare Benefits for a free consultation at 314-673-1469, follow the company on Facebook, or visit the website to learn more.
