About the Program
In the tradition of Antiques Roadshow, KSMQ is proud to continue its popular Connections franchise with its own celebration of treasures we hold near and dear.

Vintage Connections features unique and interesting items and collections from homes like yours in our region.
Host Gary Schindler and collectible specialist Jordan Kagermeier team up with visiting professionals to talk with you about your favorite items and collections and the histories that go with them!

About the Hosts

When KSMQ started a search for the host of Vintage Connections, our first thoughts were about Gary Schindler. He had previously approached us about doing a collections-based program, and his energy about ‘old’ things was contagious. During the day, Gary is the Dean of Student Affairs at Riverland Community College. Be it his quest to visit every presidential birthplace and library, his collection of classic jazz recordings, or tours of Civil War battlefields, Gary is passionate about things with vintage and continually seeks connections with the past. He is excited to do his research for each episode and he feels his major in History will equip him to host Vintage Connections.

Through the audition process, Jordan Kagermeier turned up with an unmatched enthusiasm for antiques and collectibles. Now co-owner of Earthly Remains Antiques in Mankato, Jordan grew up going to auctions, flea markets and antique stores with his parents, taking in the near carnival atmosphere of the ever changing antique stage. Something stuck! Now, some 30 years later he still find himself enchanted with the things from our collective past and how to put them into the hands of the right collectors. His personal interests include Native American trade blankets, camp blankets, books and patent medicines.

War Memorabilia
Gary welcomes Mike Walsh to talk about all kinds of War memorabilia. Pieces from his collection range from the current conflict back through the Civil War.

Jewelry
Pam Locashio comes to the program to talk about costume, cameo and vintage jewelry. From stick pins to figurative pieces, jewelry is fun to see.

Toys
Brian Semling of Brian’s Toys in Fountain City, Wisconsin and Karen Callahan of The Story Lady Doll and Toy Museum in Albert Lea make a visit to talk about their favorite toys.

Pottery/Kitchenware
Gary welcomes Judy Laskewitz from Olde Tyme Antiques in Austin to talk about kitchen gadgets and collectible crockery.  From milk bottles to milk glass, this program has something for everyone.

Unique Collections
Kim Harlicker from Uncle Tom’s Antique Mall in Owatonna and Dianne Woodward from Whispering Pines in Stewartville are ready to discuss your favorite, unique collections.

Restoration/Preservation
Gary welcomes area expert to talk about the Do's and Don'ts of antique and collectible restoration.  Gordon Cariveau of Antiques Oronoco talks about his experiences with furniture restoration and Mike Jensen of Southside Customs in Albert Lea shares knowledge of breathing new life into old cars.