The Heartbeat Center

The Heartbeat Center

Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Putting the Pieces Together

Last night we started putting together the Key Ingredients kiosks. Good thing we had Randy and Amber Samens with us who had some sort of clue about what we were doing. Randy is incredible at reading pictures and determining which pieces go where. We'll wait for them to get back to the site tonight before we continue. I have to say, it was neat to see it coming together -- finally!

We are still looking for volunteers to help work at the site, and to help serve food at events. We're having a potluck in the high school's commons on Thursday evening (June 23) at 6:00. Feel free to join us to find out what's going on and to see how you can help.

Things are also coming together for the grand opening program on Friday evening. We're grateful to Al Ross, from Wisconsin Public Radio, who has agreed to emcee the event. We'll have musical numbers, entertainment, and we'll be honoring several local food "celebrities" who have helped put Osseo on the map. Of course we'll have FOOD too -- sponsored by the Osseo-Fairchild FFA (think ice cream). We hope to see you there!

Friday, June 17, 2011

KI Arrives from Brodhead TOMORROW!



Early tomorrow morning Scott will take a truck to pick up the KI exhibit in Brodhead, WI. We're nervous, excited and exhilarated all at the same time! We can't wait for it to arrive, but biding a bit more time before the grand opening next week wouldn't be too bad either!

The Key Ingredients exhibit will make its first "official" appearance in the Lake Martha Days parade on Sunday. We'll drive the truck and its precious cargo in the parade, while O-F grads will pass out basil-seed bookmarks to parade watchers. We hope the weather is nice and not too hot!

The official grand opening posters have been placed in businesses and windows all over in Whitehall, Pigeon Falls and Osseo; they're eye-catching and beautiful. We're pleased with the logo Chad (Triad Publications) created for us. We have two big banners that will hang on the truck in the parade and then at the school and in the park in Osseo. Scott will begin making the rounds on local television stations next week, and his radio interview with Spectrum West (WPR) airs tonight.

Next week we'll be extra-busy putting together the exhibition, conducting the docent training, and preparing for the grand opening along with our first international cuisine day on Sunday. Whew...we better be prepared for the six-week marathon, because it's getting ready to hit us full force!

Monday, June 13, 2011

Key Ingredients is Almost Here!

We are less than two weeks away from the grand opening of Key Ingredients in Osseo, and things are beginning to finally feel like they're coming together nicely. We have a full calendar of events from international taste-testings, important panel discussions, canning demonstrations to an awesome variety-show opening night. Of course FOOD will be involved as well! We're excited with the possibilities and hope it helps our community come together to celebrate what's GOOD in Osseo.

Local businesses have provided tremendous financial and supply support -- all of whom have helped to make this huge feat come together. We've been selling thermal/insulated bags that show-off our unique logo and people seem to like their novelty. Scott has been very busy passing out our basil-seed bookmarks everywhere he goes in order to promote Key Ingredients -- look for us at the Lake Martha Days parade to get yours!

I wish I could be as outgoing as Scott! Instead, I use my skills to work behind the scenes on updating the website with new information as it comes in, which is often two or three times a day. My tasks also include creating the paperwork that needs to be filed with The Humanities Council when all is said and done -- volunteer logs, mileage forms, a guest book, and a scrapbook. Thank goodness I'm out of school for the summer!

Look for more frequent updates as the grand opening approaches next Friday! Until then visit the website to determine which events you'll be adding to your calendar!