This post was contributed to by Steven Amrhein, Intern at Old Town Cape.

Visitors to downtown Cape Girardeau will be in for a treat when they tour the Glenn House this summer that is currently undergoing a renovation process. The Glenn House, established in 1883, sees over 2,000 guests annually, with 75% of those coming from out of town. This past week we were invited to look behind the scenes on what work is being done to the house in order to sustain it for public tours and events in the future. Tom Grantham, president of The Historical Associate of Greater Cape Girardeau, was kind enough to walk us through the process and give us a tour of the house to make it realistic.

The Historical Association of Greater Cape Girardeau kicked off a Capital Campaign in 2013 with a list of repairs that were needed in order to keep the 130 year old house in good condition for the next 130 years. The campaign was designed as a way to raise money over the next 3 to 4 years while fixing things along the way including the front porch that was redone in early 2013 and projects that still need to be completed in the future - wash house walls, second floor porch, exterior paint and tuck-pointing, etc.

So, back in November, Tom and his wife, Donna, began the next project as part of the campaign which involved renovating three of the upstairs bedrooms and the hallway. The work got off to somewhat of a rocky start, though, as they began the three month search (that they only thought would take a couple of weeks!) for wallpaper to match the authentic Victorian colors and patterns that were present in the bedrooms. They began by looking through hundreds of books at local vendors, but had no luck. Then, the search moved online and they brought in Mary Ann Kellerman of the Kellerman Foundation for Historic Preservation with hopes that she would have some expertise to share and insight on where they could find the wallpaper. By working together, the three of them finally came across an online retailer, Bradbury & Bradbury Wallpaper, that sells patterns from the 1800s.

Once the wallpaper hunt was over, they began the physical labor. On January 10, Teen Challenge assisted in moving the furniture out of the bedrooms to the first floor. It then took a week just to strip the wallpaper and they found some interesting messages on the walls behind the old wallpaper when doing so (pictures below)! A few days later, the plaster process began and lasted approximately two weeks before volunteers began priming and painting. Once the wallpaper arrived, they began applying it but it took a week to completely only one room - talk about intricate work! Tom is still awaiting the arrival of wallpaper for the third bedroom, but in the meantime Teen Challenge has begun moving furniture back upstairs into the two completed bedrooms and hallway.

When asked about the amount of help from the community in this process, Tom explained that "Some volunteers have a background in history, but most simply have a passion for sharing heritage and the integrity of the house. We are extremely thankful for their work and are always looking for more people to get involved."

While leaving the elegant house, we noticed names engraved in bricks that lined the arbor pathway back to the carriage house. We inquired about this with Tom and he explained that the bricks are just one of the unprecedented ways for people to support the Glenn House. However, they can also give through estate planning, an annual membership, hosting private events, and taking group tours. If you are interested in helping, visit their website or send an email to info@glennhouse.org. We strongly encourage you to take a tour of the renovated hours - you're sure to be in awe, we certainly were!

Did you know that there are over 100 pieces of public art in Cape Girardeau? And that 85 of those pieces are located downtown? Our community is full of art in many ways, shapes and forms and it thrives off of the many talents that the local artists bring. In fact, come April 4th, two local artists will each have sculptures in the city's first ever Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit: On Broadway.

Before we go further, however, let's rewind time a bit. Two years ago, a group of community members from the City of Cape Girardeau, Arts Council of Southeast Missouri, Old Town Cape, and the Cape Girardeau Area Chamber of Commerce came together to form the Public Art Committee. This group worked to develop a public art policy to give framework and guidelines on how public art would be managed. Following City Council approval of the policy, the effort to host an outdoor exhibition began. Pretty cool, huh?

In August of last year, the committee released a prospectus to invited artists with the hope that the project would increase the number of arts-related activities within the region and provide an additional revitalization strategy for Old Town Cape. Proposals for consideration from the artists were due in October and the jurying process culminated in mid-November. The exhibit was juried by Tom Stancliffe, Professor of Art at the University of Northern Iowa, who has exceptional experience in creating sculptures, jurying exhibitions, and assisting communities in arts development strategies.

The two sculptures I mentioned earlier along with five others will be unveiled at a special reception kick-off event at 6 p.m. on April 4 at the Vasterling Suites Courtyard (Broadway & Fountain) and you're invited! Remarks will be given by Stancliffe and committee members and appetizers will be provided by Port Cape Girardeau. Following the reception, I encourage you to walk Broadway to view the pieces that will be in place for one year - you won't be disappointed!

The pieces are as follows:

'Splintering' by Beth Nybeck (Kansas City, MO)

'Quill' by Dan Perry (Waterloo, IA)

'Natures Quintet' by Stephanie Sailer (Swisher, IA)

'Lineage' by Ben Pierce (Cape Girardeau, MO)

'Victoria' by Chris Wubbena (Cape Girardeau, MO)

'Home Spun' by Andy Arvantes (Chicago, IL)

'Immigrants' by Mike Baue (West Chicago, IL)

For more information on the exhibit, visit the Cape Girardeau Outdoor Sculpture Exhibit website or Facebook page. I'll see you on the 4th!

Three months ago, I gained a new family member. No it's not a baby - this family member is furry and has four legs. Her name is Gertie and she is a nine month old Border Collie/Australian Cattle Dog mix that my mom rescued from the Humane Society of Southeast Missouri.

Like most puppies, Gertie is full of energy and always trying to play with something. After having her for about a month, my mom decided that it was time to do something. We had been working with her on learning to not jump on us, to sit and stay when told, to leave treats, etc. It seemed that she would listen sometimes, but acted like she had no idea what we were saying at other times.

I knew the perfect solution! Mississippi Mutts, a downtown bakery, bath, and boutique for dogs, had just started offering dog obedience classes a few months prior. Needless to say, my mom called and signed Gertie up right away.

The classes are taught by Becky Dunn, owner of Furry Kid Klubhouse in Desoto, MO. She offers two levels of classes, beginner and advanced, that cost $75 each and include six weeks of one hour training sessions. Over the course of six weeks, the dogs are taught general manners and obedience including how to sit and stay, leave it, come when called, and the proper way to greet a guest.

Gertie successfully completed three of the six classes, but unfortunately had to miss the rest of them because she decided to get into some mouse poisoning (that's a whole other story - but don't worry, she's ok). My mom and I noticed a big difference in her behavior after attending the classes and have plans to take her back to attend the other three soon, so that she can learn more from Becky.

Although I didn't have the chance to observe any classes that Gertie attended, I did have the opportunity last night to hang out with five other furry friends: Casey, Fergie, Rugar, Murphy and Roxy during a beginner class. The pictures below are proof themselves that the dogs had fun during the class and learned so much! It's evident how passionate Becky is about the trainings because she really focuses on individual attention with the dogs. She even limits each class to 8 dogs so that she can have more one-on-one time with them.

The classes began back in August of last year and are normally held back to back every six weeks, except for the advanced classes which are held less often. For more information or to sign up your furry family member, contact Mississippi Mutts at (573)335-MUTT or Furry Kid Klubhouse at (314)808-6935. You can also visit Mississippi Mutts on Facebook and Twitter.

The blog committee wants to share with you the stories of the volunteers that work behind the scenes of Old Town Cape. This series will allow you to get to know our volunteers, find out how they became involved, learn what their interests are, and discover their goals for both downtown and themselves.

Don Greenwood, a local artist, currently serves on the Board of Directors and Design Committee for Old Town Cape. He is a native of New Orleans, LA but currently resides in downtown Cape with his wife, Roseanna. Greenwood became involved with the organization many years ago and was even the President of the Downtown Merchants Association at one point before Old Town Cape was formed. He has always had a passion for downtown and, therefore, has been involved with organizations that relate to promoting and enhancing the area ever since.

As a committee member, he provides information on the history of downtown, an artist's perspective, and knowledge about the murals - all of which are important to Old Town Cape. One of his goals for downtown Cape is to further promote the arts that are present. Thanks to his first cousin, he is very passionate about art and wants the community to know that there is a variety of talent locally.

Outside of his volunteer work for Old Town Cape, Greenwood is a man of man talents, including illustration, engraving, and performing as a musician. He has illustrated books such as, The Saving of Dogtown by James W. Riley Jr., The Loch Ness Adventure by Walter and Mary Hearnes, and Gordonville Grove by Jerry Ford. He has also created designs for national and international greeting card companies including, Hallmark Cards, American Greetings, Buzza Cardosa, and Charmcraft. Throughout his career he has created art for Walt Disney, Hughes Tool, President Reagan, Versace Fashion Design, Wedgewood China, Crane Paper, Crown Foil, and Murata Kimpaku. When he's not working in the art field, you can find him kayaking on one of the many nearby rivers or lakes with a group of his closest friends.

Don credits his success and knowledge to his wife and family. Coming from a large family, he quickly learned how to communicate well and get along with most everyone. He has no words of advice to share, but instead believes that everyone learns something important from those that they surround themselves with.

You can check out some of his work by visiting the Arts Council of Southeast Missouri galleries, or by taking a stroll past one of the directional kiosks downtown. Like many, I bet you didn't know that the little people and animals on these maps are courtesy of Mr. Greenwood!

Looking for a unique gift for that special woman in your life but have a set price range? Have no fear, shop downtown this year! I've gathered ten gift ideas each under $50 that are available at various downtown businesses. So whether you're in search of a scarf for her to wear with that new winter coat or a one-of-a-kind candle for her to burn while she's all cozy on the couch, I've got you covered. Here's what I found and pictures are included below:

1. Rewined candle (available at Sweet Designs Boutique) - repurposed wine bottle candles with scents that mimic the tasting notes of wine; $25 each

2. Vintage bracelet (available at Sloan + Themis) - eco friendly bracelet made of vintage brass chain circa 1930 with sterling silver toggle clasp; $39 each

3. Scarves (available at Stash) - variety of scarves made from wool, silk, cotton, etc.; $16-24 each

4. Stonewall Kitchen Gingerbread Cupcake Mix (available at Annie Em's at Home); $12.50 each

5. Cute and cozy wine bottle huggies (available at Pastimes Antiques) - the perfect accessory for wine bottles; $6 each

6. Country Living Sweet Pepper Glaze (available at Merci) - this makes a great topping for cream cheese and bread; $8 each

7. Holiday decor tables (available at Shoppe La La) - comes in snowman, wreath, or Santa Clause; $10 each

8. Hypo-allergenic earrings (available at Jayson Jewelers) - available in ruby, emerald, pearl, and sapphire; $35 each

9. Fuzzy heart slippers (available at Renaissance) - sizes small, medium, and large; $30 each

10. Ugg purse (available at Reruns) - small crossbody purse with one pocket; $45 each

If you're a shopping fanatic like myself, you know this weekend marks the start of the holiday shopping season. And while you're probably familiar with the shopping frenzy induced by Black Friday, Small Business Saturday gives customers a different take on the retail experience.

On November 30, people across the country will pledge to shop local for the holidays and make their purchases at small businesses instead of heading to the mall or big box stores. American Express believes that when we shop small, the impacts are huge - the money stays within our local economy by way of retail sales tax, which in turn funds city services like public safety, parks and recreation, etc. It's a win-win for everyone. And that's the sole reason American Express started the Small Business Saturday initiative back in 2010. It wasn't until 2011 that the U.S. Senate officially recognized the holiday, but since then the estimated consumer spending amount on that day has grown to $5.5 billion!

Old Town Cape is home to more than 50 locally owned retail shops that all have their own unique identity. So whether you are looking for a vintage gift, a new pair of shoes, dazzling jewelry or even a toy for your four-legged furry friend, it can be found in downtown Cape. Many of the stores are having in-store specials (a list can be found here), so I challenge you to visit these small businesses to get some of your holiday shopping done - I know I will be!

As an extra, Old Town Cape is giving shoppers a special treat this holiday season. The first ten people to comment on this post and mention what downtown small business they will be shopping at on November 30 will receive a free Small Business Saturday reusable shopping bag.

Happy Holidays and Happy Shopping!

Take your cap off and salute our troops! When I was younger I always looked forward to Veterans Day because I knew that it meant I got to have a 3-day weekend. Okay, so maybe I still look forward to it for that perk but as I have gotten older I have learned to appreciate those who have served and honored our country more.

In downtown Cape, there is no lack of men and women who have fought to protect our freedom. What's more exciting is that the veterans that I interviewed served in different branches of the military. Allow me to introduce you to a few of them.

Dru Reeves, owner of Horizon Screen Printing, has served in the U.S. Army Reserves and Missouri National Guard since 1987 and is still active today. Reeves is a Sergeant First Class (E-7) and he has held three positions during those 26 years including a 54B Nuclear Biological Chemical Specialist, a 12B Combat Engineer, a 92F Petroleum Supply Specialist and his current job is a Petroleum Supply Instructor. He says that serving in the military has given him both the ability to train others and develop employee and customer relationships, both of which are important in running a small business.

Laurie Everett from Annie Laurie's Antiques took away different skills from her job as Military Police in the U.S. Army from 1999 to 2003 that have aided her in being a small business owner. She learned that you have to push yourself beyond any possible limit. Everett said that "being a business owner is often about endurance and perseverance and that is often what you are up against when you own your own business - you work long, hard hours and in spite of obstacles and setbacks, you never give up."

Tom Meyer learned a different lesson by serving as a Seabee, Engineer and Equipment Operator in the U.S. Navy from 1969 to 1972. The Seabee's motto was "Can Do" and he was trained to adapt to what he has on hand and not what is always available. At his business, Exit Realty, he is always adapting to the business environment.

Cathy Davis of Reruns served in the U.S. Army from 1974 to 1977. She attended 91B Basic Combat Medical Training and went on to be a 91D Operating Room Specialist. She said that the most important skills that she learned from serving are discipline and organization. Davis said "I now believe that you can do anything you set your mind to - mainly because if you couldn't do something in the Army, you had to find a way to do it or change jobs." She credits these skills to her success as a small business owner today.

How do you spend Veterans Day? With family and friends? Having a special dinner? Remembering those who have served? The veterans that I spoke with mainly just look at is as another day. Although a couple of them do catch up with old friends or participate in Veterans Day events. No matter how you spend it, be sure to thank a veteran for their service to our country - not only on this day but every day.

If you have attended Southeast Missouri State University between 1920 and now, you are familiar with the week of fun and spirit-filled events, also known as Homecoming, which is just around the corner!

Homecoming has been a proud tradition since the early 1920s because it allows students, alumni and members of the community to celebrate their Southeast pride. This year the celebration week kicks off on October 21 and involves several activities including a Yard Art competition, Southeast Spirit Day, Field Day, a Spirit Rally, Decades Day, a Talent Show and, most importantly, the parade and football game. Along the way, you'll also find class reunions, parties, dinners and so much more.

Chris Dzurick, Vice President of the Homecoming planning committee, says that "Homecoming is a unique opportunity for Southeast students to showcase their spirit through a week of competition and activities. For decades, we have made a lasting impression on this campus through the creation of events such as the Spirit Rally and parade down Broadway. This year, Southeast students will be 'Honoring Tradition, Inspiring Success' as the decades of Southeast history come to live again."

The highlight of Homecoming is the annual parade that will be held on October 26 which will start in Capaha Park and proceed down Broadway to Main Street. The theme for this year's parade is 'Decades' and floats are custom-designed and built around the theme by students themselves, primarily Greek fraternities and sororities and several community organizations.

"We normally put in over 1000 hours of work towards Homecoming every year. This year our float theme is the 1980s and we have decided to feature classic 80's video games ilke PacMan, Frogger and Super Mario on our float. Homecoming week is always stressful and busy, but in the end it is all worth .it," said Cami Frew, member of Gamma Sigma Sigma.

Many students along with their friends and families also participate in a tailgate party before the football game and, of course, attend the game itself. The Southeast Missouri State University Redhawks will take on the Eastern Kentucky Colonels at Houck Stadium at 1 p.m. on October 26. So, get our your red and black apparel and make plans to be there to show your support and help the Redhawks bring home a winner!

Have you noticed that downtown Cape has a new "look" to it? I'm not talking about the streetscape, but rather the pink elements and decorations that many business owners are adding to their store for the month of October in support of Pink Up Cape.

Pink Up Cape was launched in 2010 by Saint Francis Medical Center to raise breast cancer awareness in Southeast Missouri. The campaign runs concurrently with Breast Cancer Awareness every October and encourages the community to support the cause by doing just what our downtown businesses are doing - pinking up their spaces!

Laurie Everett of Annie Laurie's Antiques gave Zsa Zsa a pink makeover. She is currently sporting a hot pink wig along with a black and pink leotard, but Laurie mentioned that she will be sporting several different pink outfits throughout the month. Laurie believes that Pink Up Cape is important because we need to come together as a community to care about and support those who can't provide this exam for themselves.

Kyleigh Baliva and her mother Deb Maevers, owners of Pastimes Antiques, also chose to participate by pinking up one of their display windows at the store. According to the two, window displays are a big part of what their store is about and they want to show support for the community through Pink Up Cape. They have partnered with their dealers to display different types of pink merchandise that is for sale.

Other downtown businesses including The Bank of Missouri, Southeast Missourian and rustmedia are also participating with decorations such as flags and ribbons. I expect that more businesses will continue to add to the "look" throughout the month of October, so keep your eye out!

All of the funds raised during Pink Up Cape benefit Dig for Life, a series of fundraisers that educate women in the region about the importance of early breast cancer detection through regular mammography screenings. The fundraiser was started by Cindy Gannon, the Southeast Missouri State University women's volleyball coach, in 2002 after breast cancer claimed her mother's life. Each $100 that is raised provides a free mammogram for a Cape Girardeau woman who cannot afford the important screening. Dig for Life has provided more than 400 free mammograms each year to date.

The two-story building located at 609 Broadway recently received some renovations and now houses a unique addition thanks to a couple who have a heart for downtwon Cape, but the story behind the building goes way back.

The building was originally owned by Phil Haman who decided to raze the one-story building, that housed his drugstore, in June 1927 in order to erect a new building at the same location. While the new building was under construction, Haman moved his drugstore to another location on Broadway. In June 1956, C.W. Bauerle purchased the buildling and business from Haman, who had decided to retire after 48 years of being a druggist. Since then, the building has had a few different owners and has been home to many businesses includuing an enterprise operation, a camera shop and a gun store.

Charlie Bertrand, antiquer and owner of Spanish Street Mercantile, originally visited the building last year with the intent of purchasing some old cabinets. Once he realized that all of the cabinets were still intact and that the space housed a lot of historical provenance, he decided that he didn't want to disrupt that. He also soon found out that the upstairs housed a few apartments that were immaculate, but dated.

After some thought on how to move forward, Charlie and his wife, Lisa, purchased the building in early 2012 from Robert and Linda Bohnsack with a vision for the space. The Bertrands had recently stayed in a few vacation rental properties in St. Louis and decided that downtown Cape was missing this element, so they started forming plans to make it happen.

Having done work at Cape's Cream of the Crust, an ice cream shop that is part of Spanish Street Mercantile, they already had the right people on board to carry out the renovations. Tim Roth, a local artist and wood worker, and Raymond Petzoldt, a local carpenter, completed the majority of the work between mid 2012 and early 2013. As Charlie tries to do with all of his projects, they were able to incorporate many unique features into the space including the tin ceiling tile from The Mule Lip that closed in the early 1980s, a banister from a farmhouse in Old Appleton and a desk that belonged to Mr. Haman, the original owner of the building.

The Broadway Loft opened for business in March 2013 and some unique guests have stayed there since, including members of the Native Americans' Water Walk and some of the crew that has been in town for the filming of Gone Girl. More information about the loft along with reservations can be found on Vacation Rentals by Owner and the Cape Girardeau Convention & Visitors Bureau website.