Dexter, Missouri - Thumpety thump, thump, thumpety thump, thump, look at Frosty go!!  Everyone knows Frosty The Snowman!! 

The Keller Public Library in Dexter knows how to entertain children of all ages.  Each Tuesday at 10:15 a.m. they have a guest who reads a special book and this week's book was Frosty The Snowman.  Since Dexter received such a generous blanket of snow recently, what a perfect choice it was.

Reita Lebeau who works at the library played her guitar and amused the children as they began to sing songs.  At first the children were a little apprehensive, but as the music played and the parents, grandparents and library staff began to dance and sing, the children commenced.  Singing to the tune of "Frere Jacques" the children sang "Dance Like Snowflakes"!  They even did the "Snowy Pokey" to the tune of "Hokey Pokey" using mittens, boots, scarves and hats.

What fun they had singing, laughing and dancing.  Then a special song was sung very quietly so everyone could get on the mat and listen for the book to be read.  Linda Dowdy, from the Regional Healthcare Foundation, was introduced and began asking the children questions like, "Have you seen any snow?"  "Yes!" the children screamed.  "Did you build a snowman?"  "Yes!" they yelled a little louder.  She said, "We are going to build a snowman!  I need volunteers to help me."  The children volunteered as they were handed mittens, coal, a scarf and a carrot. 

There were adult volunteers as well.  Yvonne Hall, Beth Bischof, and Linda Ulm also from the Regional Healthcare Foundation from just down the street.  This was their first time at story hour and Linda Ulm stated, "I enjoyed watching the little youngsters.  They are so precious."

Gloria Moore brought her grandson, Hudson Moore.  He is two and a half and this was his first time attending story hour.  He listened intently as Linda Dowdy read "Frosty The Snowman".  

It was almost time to go, but there was one more surprise!  Each child was given a "magical" snowman that they could take home and put on the refrigerator.   They ended by walking around the room carrying a large stuffed snowman and singing, "Frosty The Snowman".

Next Tuesday, January 15th at 10:15 a.m., the Keller Library will be hosting a reading of "Snow Friends".  Mary Ann Taylor will be the guest and everyone is welcome to attend.

If you would like to see more photos of The Keller Library Story Hour, please check out the ShowMe Times Facebook page.

JEFFERSON CITY -  Many area residents will be making their travel plans to attend the 2013 Inauguration at the Missouri State Capitol on Monday, January 14th.  Legislators are busy preparing and the event promises to be a great affair for those that participate in this important day.

Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon will begin the day's activities with a worship service at 8:30 a.m. Because of construction at First United Methodist, the Nixons' home church in Jefferson City, the service will take place at the neighboring First Baptist Church. Seating at the service is limited, and additional details will be provided when they are available.

After the prayer service, Gov. and Mrs. Nixon will participate in the traditional inaugural parade, which will begin at 10 a.m. near the Missouri River Regional Library and proceed to the State Capitol. The official swearing-in ceremony will begin at 11:15 a.m. on the south lawn of the Capitol.

In the afternoon, the Nixons will welcome Missourians on the first floor of the Governor's Mansion, before taking part in the first-ever Missouri Barbecue Showcase and Reception at the Capitol Plaza Hotel. The festivities will conclude with the Grand March and Inaugural Ball, which begin at 7 p.m. in the Capitol rotunda.

All events are open to the public and you are encouraged to attend.  A schedule of events is provided below for your convenience.

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Great times and great people are all set up for you this New Years Eve Night.  Make your reservations now to join THE BUZZ and all their friends at Hidden Trails Country Club on Monday, December 31st.  A big plan has been designed strictly targeting your own personal enjoyment and ringing in the New Year!

Hidden Trails will be providing a "by reservation" dinner beginning at 5:00 PM that is the perfect evening for couples in the community.  You can fully expect that the dinner will be wonderful as John Barge has planned a dinner of Prime Rib complimented by a twice baked potato and a vegatable for only $18.00 per person.  You will also be able to order from the restaurant menu. 

Dinner tickets may be purchased in advance through Sunday and John would ask that you contact the club for reservations.

The band will scheduled to play at 9:00 PM and will help you bring in 2013 in a big style.  THE BUZZ is a well known group of area musicians that have gained a strong following and a high popularity throughout the past years.  Anyone you ask will guarantee you that the night will be filled with great music and fun people.

Tickets for the event are only $15 per person and includes the music, snacks throughout the evening and a champagne toast at midnight.  For reservation and advanced tickets, you are encouraged to contact Hidden Trails Country Club at 573.624.3638 or simply stop by the club to make your reservations.  One does not need to be a Hidden Trails member to make reservations

A great time with great people spells out a great start to the New Year's Celebration.  Be sure to round up your friends and join in the fun.

For your safety and convenience, there will be a designated driver program available for those that need assistance traveling after the event.  The DD Program will start right after all the kisses are exchanged at midnight.

There are many reasons that people of all ages love the first snow of the year.  For kids, the number one reason is simply the announcement that "School Is Closed"!  The night before and the early hours of the day find parents and young people glued to whatever news source is the quickest to deliver the good news.

An unexpected break from the normal routine of the day when our fast paced lifestyles grind to a slow crawl.  Many times, the anticipation of the weather reports are held in the questions of how bad will it be?  Which is a statement that can often times be translated into how "great" will it be?

Communities are often paralyzed as grocery stores are often bombarded by shoppers to make sure that they have enough of the traditional "Milk and Bread" to survive the unknown time that a family will be captured at home.

So what are your TOP TEN reasons you love a snow?  Is it the chance to get your kids out in the snow to experience their "first time" play day, or is it you as an adult get a chance to be a kid all over again?  Could it be that you get a chance to catch up on work around your house?  Or maybe it's a chance to spend time locked in with your family?  Maybe it's a great chance to go on a great hunting excursion with friends?  Or maybe it's simply a chance to have "Snow Cream"? (some people don't even know what that is I bet)

Whatever your reason you find enjoyment in your snow day, there are always those that make that fun possible.  Even though you may be stranded, others are working hard to get things back to normal as quickly as possible.  These groups of people work hard behind the scenes, many times into the late hours of the night and morning to make sure routes are cleared.

Whatever is your favorite, go to the ShowMe Times Facebook Page and share you Top Reasons that you love a Snow Day!!!  Share your favorite pictures from today!!!

Since mid-October, Women’s League Volleyball has been in full swing. Women’s League Volleyball has been around for a long time for women around the area who wish to play on a team and compete against other teams. To play, one must be at least eighteen years of age, but no age is too old to step out on the court and show everyone what you’ve got!

There are now a few different leagues for women’s volleyball. Ranging from the most competitive, to the least competitive. Many teams that have been around for a while choose to be in the most competitive league. Others are just there for fun or maybe a little exercise, so they are content in the not so competitive leagues.

No matter what league, women’s league volleyball can provide some awesome entertainment. Lots of teams like to get really into their games by bringing their own fan section.

Even though some are more competitive than others, each game ends with a “good game” and a handshake from each player on one team to all the players on the opposing team.

If you’ve never witnessed a women’s league volleyball game in action, you should try to make it to the Old Gym by the library or the New DPR gym down by the pool one night throughout the week and see just how exciting it can be!

If you’re not much for watching and would rather be playing, you should consider getting a group of friends together next year and signing up to play in one of the leagues! It’s a guaranteed good time!