Thomas R. Higgins Accounting, LLC recently won the 2015 Business Excellence Award at the Missouri Main Street Conference in Kansas City, Missouri. Old Town Cape nominated TRH Accounting because for more than 30 years, this accounting firm has called Downtown Cape Girardeau home, and has rooted itself as a community supporter and advocate for Cape Girardeau’s historic district. From the top down, this small business exemplifies the attitudes and behaviors of an outstanding, successful entity and is more than deserving of the Business Excellence Award.

Opening its doors in a rented space along a major downtown corridor in 1977, TRH Accounting was ready and eager to serve the accounting needs of the community. Their very first client was a downtown business – a theater. They were able to work through the financial highs and lows with this business, and started witnessing firsthand the rewards that come with being a part of a downtown community.

As business picked up and their clientele base continued to grow, TRH Accounting decided it was time to make a change, a permanent change. Official downtown roots were established when a building just a few blocks down the road was purchased and became the entity’s new home. Steps from the picturesque courthouse, across the street from an established jewelry business, just up from the community clock, TRH Accounting settled into the place it would call home for more than 25 years.

While an accounting office isn’t what you might think of first when analyzing a typical downtown ‘retail landscape’, this organization has a multitude of services and talents to offer the community. From tax preparation and payroll services, to bookkeeping, financial statement preparation and more, this staff is equipped to help properly manage some of the ‘behind-the-scenes’, not-so-glamorous elements of area businesses. During busy seasons or when a big project is coming due, the lights in this downtown building will be on into the late evening hours as this team diligently defends their motto, ‘Accurate and timely service to small business has ALWAYS been our promise.’

TRH Accounting is led by Cape Girardeau resident, Thomas R. Higgins. Although not a native of our area, Tom considers Cape to be home and can think of no better place to own and operate a business. Moving from a high traffic area to a more walkable, pedestrian-friendly location, Tom loves the fact that he can walk out of his business, talk with others and get to know his neighbors, and loves the sense of community that downtown offers. He has often remarked that his business neighbors and partners are more like family than associates. His hometown values of commitment to clients, superior customer service, dedication to the community and putting client needs first, resonates throughout his 4-person staff and, in turn, throughout the community as well.

Speaking of the community, Tom is actively vested in various organizations. He serves on the finance committee for the United Way of Southeast Missouri and also contributes to the development of the organization in several different capacities. He serves on the Board of Directors of EPIC, Early Prevention Impacts Community, a substance abuse prevention program for youth in Southeast Missouri. The Knights of Columbus and St. Vincent’s Church are also organizations he invests his time and resources into to further each of their missions, as well as to contribute to their collective community impact.

Tom was active in the Downtown merchants Association for years before its merger into Old Town Cape. When Old Town Cape was formed, he served as one of the organization’s founding board members. Throughout his 15-year tenure, he served as Vice-President, President and, for 3 years, Treasurer. To keep the revitalization movement going strong, he continues to actively be involved in various committees and events. His accumulated gamut of ideas and strategic input has built a legacy of influence to Downtown Cape Girardeau’s revitalization that will be realized for years to come.

Aside from his leadership capacity, Tom is committed to helping his business peers be successful. He realizes the skills and talents TRH Accounting offers are extremely valuable to the success of a small business, and often offers them for free or at a reduced rate. While some business owners would take time away from their establishments to make these community investments, this entire organization is involved in such development and every employee contributes what he or she can.

Building revitalization is near and dear to Tom’s heart. He has owned and lovingly maintained one of the ‘old’ downtown buildings, keeping it an active facet of the area. Embracing the upper story development that’s classic of the Main Street Approach, Tom created an upstairs apartment (perfect for a son in college) with his business operating out of the first floor. As his family matured, so did the building, and the upstairs was transformed into more office space.

When asking his staff, his family and friends why downtown is so important to Tom and why he continues to keep his small business in this area, they will undoubtedly tell you that downtown is what keeps his pulse going. The history that’s kept alive through revitalization efforts is what’s making his journey special and unique; you can’t just walk into this environment anywhere. It’s businesses like Thomas R. Higgins Accounting, LLC and business owners like Tom that create this special culture. Congratulations, Tom!

Pictured below: William Zickfield, fellow downtown business neighbor and Old Town Cape volunteer, accepted the 2015 Business Excellence Award on behalf of TRH Accounting, LLC, from Dr. Steven Hoffman, Missouri Main Street Connection Board of Directors President and Old Town Cape Board Member.

As the anniversary of the dedication of the Mississippi River Tales Mural continues to approach, we want to give another peak into what this landmark means to panel sponsor Kent Zickfield of Zickfield's Jewelry & Gifts. Kent paid tribute to his father's legacy by sponsoring the section from 1880 titled 'The Coming of the Railroad'.

"My dad, William August Zickfield, started what would eventually become our family business, Zickfield’s Jewelry & Gifts, in 1939, right here along this river. He was an integral part of the downtown business scene for many years. Making it through the initial startup phase back in the early 1940’s, during the height of World War II and on the heels of the great depression, was quite a feat. He knew downtown Cape Girardeau was where he needed to be.

"Upon his passing while I was still in college, I took the business reins and, along with my mother, started the family tradition. Many of the main business principles my dad taught me are still in practice at Zickfield’s today. As my kids are becoming more involved and I see their vision and passion for what our family has built, it makes me incredibly proud.

"When this opportunity arose to sponsor a portion of the floodwall mural, it seemed the perfect tribute to my dad for the many contributions he gave to downtown.  I chose this section because the conductor that’s prominently featured along the right side of the mural is holding a pocket watch, an iconic symbol of this time period and an accessory we’ve helped supply since our store’s inception. It was also the prefect location. In the old days, downtown merchants could purchase a spot in the parking lot at the corner of Water and Themis Streets. My dad’s spot was in the very front corner; the corner that almost directly faces this section of the flood wall. This mural captures the history of our community, a history that runs deep within the Zickfield family. I couldn’t think of a better tribute."

This post was co-written by guest blogger Kent Zickfield and Christa Zickfield, Old Town Cape Project Manager.

April showers bring May flowers - and flooding. Our Mighty Mississippi River is full right now. Flood stage here in downtown is 32 feet. The projected crest, which is the highest level the river is projected to reach, is 43 feet. Unfortunately, for heartland residents this is nothing new.

1937
The flood of 1937 caused $20 million in damage, the equivalent of more than $300 million in today's dollars. Thousands of people were left homeless and displaced for months, some forever. Tent cities, areas of high ground where people congregated to seek shelter, popped up across the area. For the first time since its construction in the early 1930's, The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers decided it was necessary to open the Birds Point Levee and help alleviate flooding pressure along the river. Cleanup throughout the Southeast Missouri area lasted for years and historians refer to this event as one of the greatest natural disasters in the country's history.

 1943
Like the major flood six years prior, the flood of 1943 was huge. The Mississippi crested at 42.4 feet in May of that year; 10.4 feet above flood stage. Just like before, thousands were displaced from their homes, WWII efforts were disrupted and livelihoods were ruined. In response to the widespread devastation, Congress passed the Flood Control Act in 1944 authorizing numerous flood control and water development projects to aid in the management of these efforts down the road.

1993
Crazy events culminated in the Flood of '93 because our area really didn't receive that much rain. Snow melt combined with an excessive amount of rain to the north caused our waters to rise excessively. The river first crept above above flood stage on March 7 and remained above this level for 126 consecutive days. Sandbaggers and pumps worked tirelessly for weeks trying to keep water out of our area. The entire affected area included the states of: North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin and Illinois. Approximately fifty flood deaths occurred and damages approached the $15 billion mark.

Our immediate forecast is iffy on the chance of rain. We'll just have to wait and see what Mother Nature decides to pass our way.
Photos courtesy of Chris Shivelbine, Southeast Missourian and UMSL

Southeast Missouri State University will celebrate its second annual community River Campus Summer Arts Festival this Saturday, June 20. “Seussical” the musical will be capping the day with a performance at 7:30pm. Last year’s festival had a record attendance with more than 1,200. This year’s event will feature live music, dance, visual art displays, theatrical performances, an art walk, magic, hands-on family-friendly art expression activities, museum exhibitions, and Plein Art Painting. The festival is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and is free and open to all ages.

The music line-up has grown extensively since last year. The entertainment will run continually throughout the day featuring the Suzuki players, magician Rob Huff, Mr. Saxophone, Steve Schaffner, Jazz Trio 440’s, the Jerry Ford Combo and Barefoot on Sunday. Children’s activities will be available all day as well, including face painting and hands on activities in the kids’ art tent. The Avenue of Art competition will be back again with a new special category for creating Dr. Seuss art. Additionally, artists of all ages can participate in creating chalk art, with Craig Thomas composing a piece for the festival. Art booths will include demonstrations and art for sale. Ceramics students will demonstrate their craft, and printmaking students will offer a workshop. Students from the Southeast Department of Art and multiple professional artists will have art booths available. In the southwest parking lot, the Southeast Explorer mobile museum will showcase a United States history exhibit and the River City Rodders will display antique and hot rod cars. Bart Williams of the Southeast Department of Theatre and Dance, will present a stage combat exhibition of Quarterstaff fighting outdoors in the Seminary Quad. The River City Players will perform “Sleuth” by Anthony Shaffer.  There will be numerous dance and theater performances, demonstrations, and workshops throughout the day. See SEMO's website for more information.

The all-day event will close with a performance of “Seussical” the musical at 7:30 p.m. in the Wendy Kurka Rust Flexible Theatre. “Seussical” is a musical comedy based on numerous Dr. Seuss books. The musical is written by Stephen Flaherty and Lynn Ahrens.  It is a comedy that will be enjoyed by the entire family. Tickets may be purchased by contacting the River Campus Box Office, located in the Cultural Arts Center, 518 S. Fountain St., weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.,  calling (573) 651-2265 or by visiting www.RiverCampusEvents.com. Additional performances will include June 18-19, 25- 27 at 7:30 p.m., 2 p.m. matinees on June 21, 27 and 28, and a special 10 a.m. performance on June 26.  Get tickets now, seats are filling up quickly!

We, at Old Town Cape, are happy to get the opportunity to work with Southeast Missouri State University campuses on events such as this one. It is partnerships like these that help further opportunities for the University and Downtown and offer a variety of activities for the community to take part in.

This post was written by guest blogger, Alyssa Basler, intern at Old Town Cape.

Nourishing your creative spirit is easy in an area like Downtown Cape Girardeau. Evidenced by the number of art studios, galleries and specialty shops within the 131 blocks of downtown, art is very much alive in the area's culture. One studio exemplifies this and is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Here is a little peak into the creative world at The Artist Studio with Owner/Artist, Judy Barks-Westrich.  Being an artist is more than simply creating pieces, cleaning paint brushes and sharpening pencils; it's about sharing your talents and showing the rest of the world how to be creative. 'Iwanted to share with others some fundamental basics that my profession of teaching had taught me about the visual arts,' commented Judy. This premise is the foundation of The Artist Studio that opened at 38A North Main on March 5, 2005.
A full-time Art instructor at Cape Central High School at the time, she participated in every First Friday with the Arts event, worked Saturdays at the studio and conducted evening workshops. After a 39-year teaching career, she retired from public education in 2011 “to” the studio and simply continued her passion with the arts.
Her space is multifaceted. It's a working studio - walk by the storefront and you can almost always catch Judy in the middle of a masterpiece with paint on her fingers. It's an instructional studio - more than 60 workshops have been held on everything from acrylics, watercolor and printmaking, to weaving and paper making.  It's also a display studio - stop in anytime to peruse and purchase her original creations.
'I remember when I sold my first piece of artwork - it was a handmade paper casting. I almost felt a loss... sounds odd doesn't it? But then, I also felt a compliment and realized that someone liked my work - great feeling for an artist!'
With the exception of large stretched canvases, most of Judy's paintings are created in the studio. Inspiration and stimulation motivate her when surrounded by these beautiful pieces. 'I actually seem to gain positive energy from my art.'
Spontaneity is also key to her creativity, allowing her compositions to evolve over time and through experimentation. Acrylics and latex are her typical 'go-to's' with the palette knife on close standby. 'Texture - I love texture,' she expressed. This signature element is always visible in her works whether it be a subtle addition or an intricate expression of the focal point.  
'I express my style through nonobjective, abstract design. I see ideas everywhere and derive inspiration from personal pleasure.' This concept is truly evident when stepping into her studio. Her abstract landscapes - or 'landshapes' - and abstract florals allow you to see a setting or a beautiful flower in a completely different way than you imagined. 'I create to please myself because I love the creative process! When I feel successful, my art reflects that moment.'
If you'd love to create your own masterpiece but don't know where to start, don't know what to do or think you aren't creative enough, give Judy a call. 'I still get excited and gain energy when I instruct workshops and help others appreciate their talents and the arts,' she added. 'The artwork that is created is always amazing . . .'
   'My requirement for a workshop or special instruction is the desire to take time for creative pleasure. Preconceived talent is not important.' By stressing the creative process, people are able to gain a greater appreciation for being an artist and can understand art as more than strokes on a canvas. All workshops are offered upon request - morning, afternoon or evening.
'No, I have not made a fortune; but, my mission of sharing my knowledge and ability with the arts with others has made for a fantastic 10 years!' Her passion with the arts is still in her heart – for that reason, she feels fortunate!
Another year brings new excitements and unlimited creative potential. 'I invite everyone to visit The Artist Studio – let’s talk art!'

This post was co-written by guest blogger and owner of The Artist Studio, Judy Barks-Westrich, and Old Town Cape Project Manager, Christa Zickfield.

        
        

Do you love downtown?
Are you looking to be involved in a worthwhile organization?
Do you want to know more about some of the changes and updates that happened in 2014?
Are you curious about what’s in store for the 131 blocks of our downtown district for 2015?
Have you asked yourself - what does Old Town Cape really do?
This pretty much includes everyone, right? Make plans to attend our Annual Dinner on Thursday, February 19, at Isle Casino Cape Girardeau.

Social hour kicks off the evening at 6pm in Isle Casino Cape Girardeau’s Event Center, located at 777 N Main, with dinner and the program to follow at 7pm. If you haven’t had the opportunity to dine at the Isle, you’re really missing out. We guarantee Chef Ray and his team will have a delicious dinner ready to tantalize your taste buds while learning more about downtown.

Learning more about downtown - what more is there to know? Main Street, Broadway, Spanish Street, we have a court house, fantastic businesses and there are some good restaurants… Our downtown is so much more! Did you know that in 2014 alone there were 85 net new jobs added just in our 131 downtown blocks? Our organization was instrumental in helping pull together 54 events. Over $6,000,000 was invested by our downtown businesses and investors in building and area improvements. That’s just a portion of the puzzle - RSVP for the dinner today to learn more.

This event also gives our organization the opportunity to honor significant downtown achievements and improvements, as well as those businesses and volunteers that have made a major impact on our area and the organization. This year’s recognitions include: Adaptive Use - highlights the creative utilization of a downtown building, Business in Excellence - spotlights an organization that has gone above and beyond to further the collective efforts of downtown revitalization, Volunteer of the Year - pretty much speaks for itself, and the Charles L. Hutson Visionary Award - shines a light on one volunteer, one of the many, who has made a substantial impact on downtown.

Tickets are $30 each or tables of 8 are available for $240. If you have special dietary needs, please let us know when reserving your spot. Reservations can be made by calling Old Town Cape at (573) 334-8085.

Special 'Thank you's' go out to our Annual Dinner sponsors - First State Community Bank and Isle Casino Cape Girardeau. Without their support, and the support of all of our sponsors, events like these and downtown revitalization wouldn't be possible. 

Old town is your town - come find out about the excitement!

This post is written by guest blogger, Stacy Dohogne-Lane, Director of Public Relations at the Cape Girardeau Convention & Visitors Bureau.

After several failed attempts at teaching myself to crochet using books checked out from the library and Youtube videos, I decided that in-person instruction would be my best bet at learning to crochet - my failed resolution from 2013 that I was determined to make happen in 2014. Better late than never, right?

A new yarn shop opened downtown on Independence and I heard from someone that they had crochet classes. A Facebook message and an e-mail later, and I was acquainted with Dawn, the owner of Yearning 4 Yarn at 208 Independence, next door to Dynamite Coffee. Dawn said that she would be happy to teach my sister and I how to crochet, and that we could come in on two Tuesday evenings of our choice for Crochet 101.

My sister Alli and I arrived for a first class and immediately loved Dawn's cozy shop; you can't help by sink your fingers into all of the beautiful yarn in such pretty colors. Dawn had project boxes with a crochet stitch booklet and practice yarn ready for us, and we got right down to business learning how to hold the hook and the yarn. An hour later and we were both single crocheting along and chatting with Dawn, who has schnauzers named after Harry Potter characters (Alli and I are huge Harry Potter fans...and we both have schnauzers. Match made in heaven?) When we'd do something that was obviously wrong (I think I invented a stitch?) Dawn would nicely say "you got really creative here" and was very encouraging. By the end of the first lesson, Alli and I could each get a foundation chain going and knew how to single and double crochet. Not too shabby for an hour and a half!

In the weeks between our first and second lesson, Allison and I practiced until we were comfortable with single and double crochet. When we arrived for our second crochet class, Dawn helped guide us in the right direction for our first projects and showed us how to read a crochet pattern. Dawn told us to stop in anytime if we got stuck with a project and I eyed that pretty yarn with new designs swirling in my head.

A few weeks later, Allison and I dropped by wearing our brand new, crocheted-by-us scarves. Learning how to crochet with Dawn and my sister was so much fun, and I can't wait to pick out the yarn for my next project at Yearning 4 Yarn. Dawn also teaches knitting and spinning classes!

This post was contributed to by Claire Bruce, owner of Sloan + Themis.

When looking at a map of downtown Cape Girardeau, one would notice listings for restaurants, antique and vintage shops, gift retailers, churches, clothing stores, and a dojo. Wait, what? Yes, a dojo. Also known as Black Dragon Karate studio, currently located at 10 N. Sprigg.

For Claire and I, former 80s and 90s kids obsessed with classics like The Karate Kid, a chance to blog about downtown and learn how to land a devastating kick like Ralp Macchio couldn't be missed. In the spirit of bringing you more information about downtown business diversity, we were happy to oblige in a few kicks and punches taught by Nathan Henderson, owner and sensei.

Black Dragon originally opened in 2006 next to the Corner Grocery Store on Broadway. As enrollment grew, Henderson began looking for a larger studio. Luckily, Black Dragon's new home is still enriching Cape Girardeau's downtown.

Henderson has earned a third degree black belt in Chinese Kenpo and has additional experience with jiu jitsu, hapkido, freestyle fighting, and even a little stick fighting from the Philippines. Cross-training in various styles means Henderson brings a lot to the table when teaching group classes.

"You don't study martial arts; you become a martial artist. It changes you. What I tell my students is that martial arts affects every part of your life, no matter how minute the changes might seem," said Henderson.

Classes are available for all ages at Black Dragon Karate. Henderson's students range from ages five to 74. He believes a strong foundation in martial arts can improve students' confidence and discipline. The training also teaches situational awareness and protecting those who are unable to protect themselves, which can be empowering for children and female students.

Unlike other studios, Henderson wants his students to focus on learning practical martial arts skills instead of constant tournament style training. "I believe how you practice is how you perform...we're more street applicable," he said. "When you constantly fight tournament style you revert to that. And, there's rules in competition. It becomes embedded in you. We train in a continuous fighting style so students can learn how to take advantage of opportunities." Some students do attend local tournaments. Henderson is happy to assist students preparing for competition at which, he says, Black Dragon has done well.

Henderson was kind enough to show Claire and I several self defense techniques. First, he showed me a front kick. Then, I learned a self defense technique designed to take down a mugger in close proximity. He then showed Claire how she could cause maximum damage in limited space to a potential jewelry thief.

"No one gets hit as much as the instructor. Students think the floor mats are for them, but they're actually for me," joked Henderson.

By the end, Claire and I felt amazing and incredibly stress free. Henderson laughed and said, "People often ask me, 'Nathan, why are you always in such a good mood?' I say that it's because I teach karate!"

Thank you, Sensei Henderson, for sharing your studio and your passion with us! Learn more about Black Dragon Karate by calling 573-388-3293 and by visiting them on Facebook.

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.

One of the coolest places downtown is a small studio located on Main Street, The Artist Studio. Owner and artist, Judy Barks-Westrich, has designed a simple and elegant gallery that is very down to earth. I had the opportunity to sit down and chat with my friend and neighbor to get the inside scoop on how to bring art into our every day lives.

Claire: Thank you Judy for sitting down with me. So first question: Why did you open The Artist Studio?

Judy: When I was teaching, parents would comment "wish I had art class like this when I was in high school"...thus, in March 2005 I opened The Artist Studio. One of my goals - workshops geared towards adults with little or not training in the arts to experience creative pleasure.

Claire: It is a good point that you can learn to paint or draw at any age. Why do you feel that it is important for people to have art in their lives?

Judy: Art is important for people because it fulfills simple pleasure. Art entertains, enlightens and educated! It also affects your health, mood and emotion. There is no language barrier in art - it is universal. People don't have to necessarily like art; that is the aesthetic taste and the beauty of art because there are so many different styles. But awareness of art gives people visibility into the imagination and it is inspiring.

Claire: One of my favorite things here are your mini abstract paintings. For folks who don't know about them, why do they make such a great gift?

Judy: The minis make a perfect give because of their convenient size, lower price-point and appealing design to young and old. The minis are miniature fine acrylic paintings and they are totally abstract but give the illusion of landscapes - they're colorful, textural and dramatic. Each is beautifully honored with a custom frame just waiting for a new home. They are great accents for anyone's décor! As a gift, the mini may add to one's original fine art collection or actually help them start one.

Claire: So now that folks are inspired how can they get involved in creating art? Can people schedule a workshop or take a class?

Judy: Yes, workshops are available and the best way to get involved is for people to simply talk to me...whether that's by visiting the studio's Facebook page or calling me at 573-450-2816. Appreciations starts with awareness!