Sherman Burdette, feature reporter for Fox 59 television in Indianapolis, received a tip from the Indiana Office of Tourism Development regarding the unique and delicious product.  This tip reminded him of a past feature on the sisters’ cookies.  So, Burdette decided to include the story of Simply Divine Bakery in a special holiday feature called Hoosier Holiday. 

The feature will air sometime in November.  Burdette will notify the sisters when the date is set. 

Burdette and B.J. Ardaiolo, the cameraman, filmed monastery areas and interviewed Sister Barbara Lynn Schmitz and Sister Jean Marie Ballard. 

Entering the church, Burdette commented, “It’s so peaceful here.” 

The duo visited the bakery where Sister Laura Marie Schmitt was busy making Buttermint cookies.  Sister Jean Marie talked with Burdette about the story of the cookies.  Of course Burdette and Ardaiolo had to sample the product they were endorsing.  Burdette’s favorite was the Springerle, while Ardaiolo favored the Buttermint with chocolate.  After savoring one bite of the Springerle, Burdette’s eyes lit up as he said, “I really like these.”

The Fox 59 pair also filmed inside For Heaven’s Sake gift shop and the monastery exterior.  Sister Charlene Ann Wheeless gave them a basket of Simply Divine cookies to have in the studio during the airing and for a prize give-away. 

After the story airs in November, it will also be available to view on the station website, www.fox 59.com.

Burdette travels around Indiana reporting on unique items that make it the Hoosier State. 

In addition to the Simply Divine cookies, the Hoosier Holiday feature will also include Albenese Confectionary in Merrillville, Kokomo Opalescent Glass in Kokomo, and Sechler’s Pickles in Fort Wayne.

- Laura Reckelhoff