COMO | December 2019

DEC EMBER 2019 | TH E A RT & CULTURE I S S U E | FO R M E R LY CO LU M B I A B U S I NE S S T I M E S & COM O LIVING

Felix Garcia Tattoo You

THE ART & CULTURE ISSUE BEYOND THE INK Page 43 LOGBOAT'S NEW EXPANSION Page 93

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SPON SOR ED CON T EN T

Own your past to own your future.

F

inding a job isn’t easy. And the process doesn’t get any easier if you have to explain a prior conviction in an interview.

For Teron, getting out of prison was his chance to own the direction of his life. But his job working the night shift at a factory didn’t offer a brighter future for him and his family.

So, he came to Job Point for help.

While most of us were just starting the day, Teron was finishing his night shift. After clocking out, he would ride his bicycle to his Job Point classes, miles away from the factory. Despite that rigorous schedule, he was always alert and focused in class, quickly becoming a leader amongst his peers.

Teron was able to learn vital job skills like how to drive a semitruck, but, most importantly, he started dreaming again.

Our instructors helped him learn not only practical skills like how to use a dump truck, but life skills like helping Teron see himself as someone who provides value to the community.

With newfound confidence in hand, Teron found gainful employment at a construction company and was able to provide a better life for his wife and sons.

You can help students like Teron own their future.

Donate now at jobpoint.org or call us at (573) 777-1583 to schedule a tour.

We would love to show you how Job Point helps unleash human potential.

COMOMAG.COM

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Letter from the Editor

STAFF PICKS

Behind the Scenes

While the cinema can be an engaging community experience, as Jeremy Brown reminds us on page 81, some stories are best experienced in their original written form. Our staff shares three literary works you can enjoy in front of your fireplace this winter.

“Never judge someone by the way he looks or a book by the way it’s covered, for inside those tattered pages, there’s a lot to be discovered.”

Fried Green Tomatoes “Fried Green Tomatoes” has long been one of my favorite films, but it took on a deeper meaning after I read the book and discovered that Ruth and Idgie aren’t friends; they are a closeted couple in Depression Era Alabama.

That fact adds authenticity to the themes of the story. – Cassidy Shearrer

The Mountain Between Us “The Mountain Between Us” is author Charles Martin’s debut on the big screen. While the scenery is majestic and the acting engaging, the writers changed a significant part of what makes Ben and Alex’s relationship even more vulnerable and compelling in the novel.

– Beth Bramstedt

— Stephen Cosgrove

T

he last few months I’ve had the opportunity to attend the Missouri Contemporary Ballet, explore an exhibit at Orr Street Studios, listen to tunes at Roots N Blues, and sample homemade delectables at the Columbia Farmers Market.

I’ve also had the chance to meet artist Zoe Hawk, singing duo The January Lanterns, and entrepreneurs Curtis Taylor Jr. and Marquise White, of The Greens Co. I’ve been inspired, challenged, delighted, and satisfied.

Everywhere I turn there’s a chance to dig deeper, to explore what the arts mean to our city and its people and to discover how it impacts me personally.

In this issue, we want to bring you the same opportunity — to get a glimpse inside the artist’s studio, the entrepreneur’s dreams, the musician’s recording studio, and the chef ’s home kitchen.

You'll also be some of the fi rst to hear about Logboat Brewing Co.'s new project, to know the story behind the tattoos of Jordan Day and Felix Garcia, and to get to know Jeremy Brown, Sarah Dresser, and Stacie Pottinger a little bit better.

Harry Potter While the Harry Potter movies ARE magical, the books are fuller and richer in their detail. You learn so much more about the characters. – Sadie Thibodeaux

ON THE COVER Felix Garcia, artist at Tattoo You, shows off the body art created by her husband, Gabe. Discover the stories behind her ink on page 43.

Photo by Keith Borgmeyer

DECE M BE R 201 9 | T H E ART & CU LTUR E ISSUE | FO R MER LY CO LUMBIA BUSINESS TIMES & CO MO LIVING

Felix Garcia

We hope these stories will entertain and inspire you to get out of your house this winter and enjoy the rich artistic heritage that is COMO.

Tattoo You

THE ART & CULTURE ISSUE BEYOND THE INK Page 43 LOGBOAT'S NEW EXPANSION Page 93

BETH BR AMSTEDT EDITORIAL DIRECTOR

COMOMAG.COM

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President Erica Pefferman

Erica@comomag.com

Senior Vice President Fran Patrick Fran@comomag.com

EDITORIAL Publisher Erica Pefferman Erica@comomag.com

Editorial Director Beth Bramstedt Beth@comomag.com

Editor Emma Bentley Emma@comomag.com

Editorial Assistant Tiffany Schmidt Tiffany@comomag.com

DESIGN Lead Graphic Designer Cassidy Shearrer Cassidy@comomag.com

Senior Graphic Designer Jordan Watts Jordan@comomag.com

Graphic Designer Sadie Thibodeaux Sadie@comomag.com

MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES Marketing Consultant Bonnie Hudson Bonnie@comomag.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Joel Anderson, Charlie Baerwald, Keith Borgmeyer, Anthony Jinson, Aaron Ottis, Justin Powers, Sadie Thibodeaux

Operations Manager Amy Ferrari Amy@comomag.com

OUR MISSION

To inspire, educate, and entertain the citizens of Columbia with quality, relevant content that reflects Columbia’s business environment, lifestyle, and community spirit.

CONTACT

The Business Times Co. 300 St. James St., Suite 103 Columbia, MO 65201 (573-499-1830) • comomag.com @wearecomomag /wearecomomag @wearecomomag

There are far too many stories of unnecessary probate problems, typically due to an unclear estate plan, or even worse, no estate plan at all.

This is a recipe for disaster.

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COMO is published every month by The Business Times Co., Copyright The Business Times Co., 2008. All rights reserved.

Reproduction or use of any editorial or graphic content without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Nicole Flood, Mary Kate Hafner, Katie Perry Harris, Jessica Vaughn Martin, Kermit Miller, Jordan Milne, David Morrison

INTERNS

Prince Chingarande, Jasmine-Kay Johnson, Hannah Kueck

ON T H EM E

What is your favorite art or culture activity in Columbia?

Andrew Grabau Advisory Board Member

Eric Morrison Advisory Board Member

Ann Merrifield Advisory Board Member

Jill Orr Advisory Board Member

My favorite cultural activity is the True/False Film Festival. Beyond the films, I love the atmosphere and buzz of downtown!

The City’s African American Heritage Trail has been the most meaningful cultural endeavor I have been involved with over the past two years.

Art in the Park!

The first weekend of June, Stephens Lake Park comes alive with art, sculptures, jewelry, ceramics, music, and food.

One of our favorite things is to see a movie at Ragtag and then head to Günter Hans for a drink. It's super cozy on a cold winter night.

We make the process as easy and stress free as possible.

Call today to begin the conversation.

2412 Forum Blvd, Suite 101 Columbia | 573-874-1122 NathanJonesLaw.com The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

FEATURES

53 AWKWARD INSPIRATION Painter Zoe Hawk explores the eerie world of adolescence in her work.

59 TO BUILD OR NOT TO BUILD In the last of a five-part series, local experts provide insight on adding the finishing touches to your custom home.

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DECEMBER 2019 | The Art & Culture Issue

A STRONG BUZZ IS BREWING

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EDITOR’S LETTER

LIVING

BUSINESS

COMMUNITY

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108

CLOSER LOOK

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The Logboat crew plans to open a new location in 2020.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT Voluntary Action Center

ART & CULTURE A Little Something Special

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DATEBOOK

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COUPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW Sarah Dresser and Kristofor Husted

BEHIND THE SCENES

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WELLNESS Healing Energy

25

HOMES My Sister’s Christmas

36

GOURMET What Chefs Eat

43

STYLE Beyond the Ink

49

FRIENDS & FAMILY Singing Through the Fog

BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS MOVERS & SHAKERS LOCAL GOVERNMENT The Politics of Vaping

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PERSON YOU SHOULD KNOW Jeremy Brown

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THIS OR THAT Stacie Pottinger

An intimate look at MidMissouri’s communitydriven music scene through the lens of Bussen Productions.

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CELEBRATIONS “We Always Swing” Jazz Series

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AS GREEN AS GRASS

BUSINESS UPDATE Palen Music Center

Curtis Taylor Jr. and Marquise White open a downtown curation boutique space.

COMOMAG.COM

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Living

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MY SISTER’S CHRISTMAS

SINGING THROUGH THE FOG

WHAT CHEFS EAT

A glimpse into the holiday home of Celeste Hardnock.

The January Lanterns find love again through music.

A look inside the home kitchens of three of Columbia’s prized chefs.

looking for your dream home this holiday season?

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Living

A Little Something Special Handbag designer Melanie Henry brings her craft to the Columbia art scene.

BY H ANNAH KUECK

I

f there’s one thing you should know about Melanie Henry, it’s that she loves to help people. She shows this through her career as a human resources manager at the Daniel Boone Regional Library and through her roles as a mom, handbag designer, and owner of Henry Handbags.

In August of 2016, Melanie’s daughter was about to begin her freshman year of high school. To start her journey, she wanted a new Vera Bradley backpack. After perusing the clearance page of the Vera Bradley website, she didn’t find a bag that she liked. Melanie had an idea that maybe she could make her daughter an equally beautiful bag.

Melanie went online and found a variety of backpack patterns, and of course, her daughter chose the pattern that Melanie thought was the most challenging, but that didn’t stop her.

Melanie finished the backpack in just two days. She was pleased with her work, so she posted some photos of the finished product online to share with her friends.

“The response was crazy,” Melanie explains. Several of her friends wanted her to make bags for them.

That November, Melanie decided to turn her hobby into a business: Henry Handbags. But she didn’t want to make backpacks. Instead, Melanie decided to focus on creating purses that would last. Melanie is proud to say that she now designs her own patterns.

ART & CULTURE

The first bag Melanie sold was at a church celebration event in Linn, Missouri. A woman and her daughterin-law saw Melanie’s handbags. The older woman liked the bags Melanie had on display and purchased one.

The woman then became emotional, not because of the beautiful bag, but because of the name of Melanie’s company: Henry Handbags. The woman’s late husband’s name was Henry. Melanie thought this connection she had with the customer was wonderful.

“I thought, ‘wow, I touched somebody,’” Melanie explains. “And that’s what I want to do – give somebody something they enjoy.”

Melanie’s top choices for fabric are upholstery and vinyl because they are affordable and more durable, but on occasion, she will make a bridal clutch out of a repurposed wedding dress.

Melanie was at an estate sale with her husband when she came across a $20 satin wedding gown just waiting to find a new home.

Melanie’s original inspiration for using the dress came from prom season and the need for a clutch to store a phone in. She thought that having something like this would be beneficial to a bride on her wedding day. Melanie bought the dress and designed a small, beaded clutch with blue lining on the interior. She designed it to be a bride’s something old, new, and blue. “It felt so special – I felt like I was there [at the wedding],” Melanie explains.

Currently, Melanie’s handbags are sold at Plume and she can be found at art shows around Missouri.

In the summer of 2019, Melanie applied to have a spot in Art in The Park, an art show in Columbia that’s challenging to get accepted into, and she got in. Melanie says that this acceptance was “reassurance that I’m providing something special.”

Melanie doesn’t dream of becoming the next Anne Klein. Instead, she would like to stay local and spread her brand throughout the various art shows in Missouri.

COMOMAG.COM

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DECEMBER 2019

Living

Healing Energy My experience with Moon Yoga’s sound meditation practice.

BY PRINCE CHINGARANDE

M

any trends invigorated Columbia’s cultural scene this year. From the exponential increase in Bird riders downtown to the unwavering popularity of kombucha, our city’s residents have continued to support trends that illustrate the beauty of living in Columbia. Of these many trends, self-care has distinguished itself as the most popular.

Local yoga studios have increased the number and variety of classes they offer to better contribute to their customers’ wellness journeys. Amber Treece’s Moon Yoga, located on downtown Columbia’s perimeter, now offers sound therapy classes.

My encounter with a group session there allowed me to gain physical and mental healing, pulled from the power of sound meditation.

My group was spread across the room, facing the red brick wall on which blue fluorescent lights that spelled “Moon Yoga” hung in the center. We all had our own yoga mat, two blankets, and two yoga bolsters that we could use to support our heads and torsos. As the overhead lights dimmed, I began to focus on the moment, and I centered my mental presence on the room.

Our instructor, Melissa Anderson, ushered us into basic breathing exercises. As we breathed in, we inhaled positive energy. As we breathed out, we exhaled negativity and the stresses that had plagued us throughout the day.

Personally, my exhalation process felt like an ejection of the daily pressures that accompany being a college senior preparing to transition into a professional career. I breathed out any thoughts of studying for the GRE or any homework that was due that night.

After the breathing exercises, the sound healing began. As my eyes explored the darkness that clung to the back of my eye lids, the sound of thunder tubes and quartz bowls resonated in my ears. The instant Melissa played any of the instruments she used for healing, my mind would travel with the sound as it vibrated around the room, bouncing against the walls and the floor.

As time passed, and different sounds were emitted, I became fully relaxed and slowly drifted into halcyon until the end of the session.

Sound meditation is a form of self-care that heals the body with instrumental sound. The instructor’s goal is to expose their class to various sounds that provide healing energy to their minds and body.

“Energy centers are attached to both physical and emotional parts of our bodies. Everyone has energy centers that can get out of alignment, and if your energy centers get unaligned,

WELLNESS

unpleasant things like illness can emerge in your body,” says Melissa.

Melissa uses various instruments including rattles, shakers, drums, crystal bowls, a thunder tube, and tuning forks.

“I use hand-beaten singing bowls from Bali beaten by Hindu men and crystal singing bowls that are tuned to a specific chakra and are set at 432hz. Th is is good for sound healing,” says Melissa.

The most intriguing of the instruments is the quartz bowl. It produces a kind of cloudy, calming resonant sound. The quartz bowl

As we breathed out, we exhaled negativity and the stresses that had plagued us throughout the day. is especially important because its sound waves release out of the body anything that’s stagnant. According to Melissa, human bodies are made up of mostly water and the quartz bowl helps to insert energy into the body.

For many, a day’s events can deplete the mind and body’s wellness. Sound healing is a practice that counters daily pressures and allows people to function seamlessly throughout the day. The process aligns the body’s energy and allows it to flow seamlessly. Illness becomes a rarity and healthy living is actualized.

COMOMAG.COM

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Living

HOMES

C hristmas MY SISTER'S

A glimpse into the holiday home of Celeste Hardnock.

BY MA RY KAT E HAFNER | PHOTOS BY A ARON OT T IS

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There’s a saying that the longer you’re with your partner, the more you look alike.

Celeste Hardnock is a walking representation of her house, layered and textural with a heavy dash of sparkle. “Can you tell Christmas is my favorite holiday?” asks Celeste.

I can. Moving through Celeste’s home during the holidays is like burying your face in the snowman cookie jar, wrapping presents, and sipping hot chocolate all while streaming Michael Buble’s “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” on repeat. It’s holiday overload in the best way. It’s the same level of extra as that last slice of pie — too much, but oh so good.

“I’m not a minimalist,” Celeste notes.

Celeste’s classical yet modern style reveals itself throughout her home. Pockets of nativities coexist among gleaming, neon ornaments on a backdrop of beige and white.

Though designed by a self-proclaimed non-minimalist, Celeste’s home has skillfully escaped the overcrowded feeling that follows a maximalist approach. Even Snuggies, her 9-yearold stylish companion, complements the space.

A LITTLE HELP FROM HER FRIENDS

As the owner of My Sister’s Circus, a local clothing boutique, Celeste’s life around the holidays is exactly that — a circus. Between the store, family, and friends, there’s little time to spare for anything else, she explains. Holiday

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Living

HOMES

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decorations go up after Halloween and hang around until the New Year bell rings.

“I love Christmas. It makes me feel peaceful,” says Celeste. “It’s all about the feeling of the season.”

Celeste’s longtime friend, Jeremy Estes, has been decorating her home for more than 15 years. Jeremy is an accredited floral designer at Kent’s Floral Gallery, a locally owned and operated flower shop and gift store that happens to be located down the street from Celeste’s boutique on East Broadway.

After 15 years on the job, Jeremy has free range to explore and play throughout Celeste’s home, whether that means borrowing items from Kent’s or getting experimental.

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He has plenty to work with. Celeste’s basement serves as a waiting room for an eternal cycle of holiday decor.

“I can’t help but to buy holiday decorations, no matter where I am,” says Celeste. “It’s a problem.”

Decorations commonly float between Celeste’s home and her boutique. She admits that the fi rst few weeks of holiday cheer are magical, but by the end of December, she’s ready for it all to come down.

TRADITIONAL FROM THE INSIDE OUT

Celeste’s extreme decorating habit comes from her mother. Now, Celeste continues to pass the full deck-the-halls aesthetic to her children.

“I would describe it as traditional,” says Celeste of her holiday home style.

At fi rst, Celeste’s defi nition of “traditional” holiday decor sounds loose; she is describing a home with a wall dedicated to, as Celeste calls them, “jolly” snowmen. But Celeste does have a traditional holiday home. Her home creates a place for family and friends to enjoy and celebrate within. Her decorations bring merriment, whether it’s to her grandson playing with her tabletop holiday carousel or to neighbors dropping off the inevitable fruit cake.

Celeste’s home gives those closest to her what we all want around the holidays: warmth and joy.

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DECEMBER 2019

W H AT T H E

Home

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Matt Costanza

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KNOW

Decoding Home Loan Lingo

By Matt Costanza Find more at tlclender.com

W

hen you’re getting ready to apply for a home loan, especially as a first-time home buyer, it’s important to understand the loan terminology, or the entire process can quickly become confusing. Keep reading to learn the most common terms.

1. Loan-to-Value, or LTV, ratio is a term you may already be familiar with, but if not, you soon will be. It’s the ratio of your loan amount compared to the value of the home.

2. Debt-to-Income, or DTI, ratio is another ratio lenders look at closely. It is your amount of debt (including your housing) compared to your income. Most loan programs require a ratio of 43% or lower. Here’s an example: Debts are $2,000 per month, including a $300 car payment, $200 for credit card payments, and a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) of $1,500.

Income is $6,000 per month before taxes. If you’re self-employed, you’ll be asked to show your latest tax returns. With debts of $2,000 and an income of $6,000, the DTI is 33%. Just like LTV, the lower the ratio, the better. Every loan product has its guidelines, but if you stay below 43%, you’re pretty safe.

3. Private Mortgage Insurance, or PMI, is another term you’ll hear. Private mortgage insurance isn’t the same as your homeowner’s insurance. It’s insurance to protect the lender in case of loan default.

PMI is required on loans with less than 20% down and all FHA loans regardless of down payment. If you obtain a conventional loan

and put less than 20% down, you can have it removed once you have 20% equity. But for FHA loans, you’ll have the PMI for the life of the loan.

4. Principal and Interest Principal, or P&I, refers to the amount of money you borrowed and have agreed to pay back.

Interest is what the lender is charging you for loaning you the money. When you look at a monthly mortgage payment, most borrowers have their taxes and insurance included. Their payment would look something like this: $316 principal; $770 interest; $476 taxes, insurance, & PMI, a total payment of $1,562.

5. Prequalification Letter. Once your loan officer goes over your income, credit, and assets, they will let you know how much you can qualify for and give you a prequalification letter. You’ll want this letter to start shopping — knowing if you are approved and what you are approved for will be helpful for interaction with realtors and potential sellers. We have five more important terms to share with you — stay tuned to next month’s edition of the magazine to round out your education on important mortgage terms. These might seem simple, but better to be safe than sorry. Once you put the foot on the gas, you won’t want to take it off. And we won’t want you to either.

Matt Costanza

TOTAL LENDING CONCEPTS Matt grew up in St. Charles, Missouri, but has called Columbia home for the past six years.

He attended the University of Missouri — graduating with a degree in personal financial planning. Matt is driven to help individuals and families find their first home or their dream home. Go Tigers!!

TLCLENDER.COM

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Home P R O S

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Get Out and Get Inspired

By Anne Tuckley Find more at AnneTuckleyhome.com

T

ravel. No matter what you need to do, get out there and discover new places and new people. Whether you drive 20 minutes or fly 10 hours, discover a place that is new to you.

I read industry blogs and magazines, attend major conventions, and follow the influencers, but nothing inspires me more than traveling. When you leave behind the status quo, you are forced to pay attention.

Who is around you? What are they wearing?

What conversations are they having? What is the landscape? What art and architecture surrounds you?

One of my favorite things to do no matter where I am is to sit down at an outdoor cafe with a cappuccino or a glass of wine and simply observe my surroundings. It is during these rare but beautiful moments that I am able to gather an abundance of new design ideas. I see the unique interplay of nature with man-made designs. I see exquisite patterns in clothing that would make beautiful home accents. Even in the drinks and the food, I see beautiful colors and layers of textures. The next time you are looking for fresh ideas, whether it is for fashion or your home, get out of your comfort zone. By doing so you will be introduced to art, cultures, nature, and cuisine completely new to you, and it will help you discover what and where home truly is for you.

Anne Tuckley

ANNE TUCKLEY HOME Anne has been in the interior design industry for over 20 years and has resided in many metropolitan cities from NYC to Houston while honing in on her skills. Her specialties are interior design and home staging, with a focus on unique perception. Anne graduated with a BFA in fine art with a concentration in design and illustration. She has extensive experience in designing new construction as well as remodeling and conceptualizing out-of-the-box ideas. She ensures cutting edge design and superb customer service.

108 CORPORATE LAKE PLACE, COLUMBIA, MO 65203 573-639-1989 | ANNETUCKLEYHOME.COM

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Tis the Season for Company

By Jake Baumgartner Find more at baumgartners.com

A

s we move into the holiday season, the dining area becomes an essential room in any home. Friends and family will gather around the table to eat, celebrate, and reminisce. Why not ensure that your space and furniture enhance reflecting on old memories while making new ones?

Here are a few tips to spruce up your dining area this holiday season.

ADD MIRRORS

Mirrors have been a design staple for years, but it may be time to take them to the next level. Adding a mirrored hutch or sideboard can make an ordinary dining room look elegant while also making it appear larger. A large mirror hung on a focal wall can serve as an impactful piece of art. Mirrors also bounce light around, creating a more vibrant space.

AVOID MATCHING

Tired of your dining set? They can often look staged. To get away from the uniform look, try purchasing items from different collections or manufacturers. Maybe keep your table and add a new bench or chairs with a different look. You can also incorporate pieces from different time periods. A heavier wooden table can be transformed by adding sleek contemporary chairs. Either way, re-purposing your existing furniture while adding something fresh is right on trend.

USE COLOR This year has been all about being bold with color choices and adding energy to living spaces with brightly colored accents.

Freshen up your dining room by adding colorful chairs or a fun patterned rug or curtains to the rest of your neutral-themed furniture. Then carry the color scheme through to your centerpiece, dinnerware, or linens. Even a new lamp or pendant lighting can make a space pop.

INCORPORATE COPPER Copper is right on trend this year. The

pinkish hued metal has taken over for its predecessor, rose gold. You can use it as an accent in lighting features, like a pendant lamp or chandelier. It also works to detail your upholstered chairs with a copper nail head trim, frame your mirror and family photos, or get bold with a quirky bar cart.

Need help sprucing up your dining room for the holidays? Whatever your project, we’re here to help. Our Columbia showroom is mainly living room focused so visit our Auxvasse showroom and let our staff help you create a dining room fit for the traditions celebrated there.

Jake Baumgartner

BAUMGARTNER’S FURNITURE Jake essentially grew up in the furniture industry as he is the fourth generation involved in Baumgartner’s Furniture. Working very closely with his father, Alan, Jake has been devoted to the stores full-time since 2004. His greatest enjoyment, however, still comes from working closely with the customers. He is married to Sarah and they have two active boys, Noah and Laine. Jake received his degree in finance from Saint Louis University.

573-256-6288 BAUMGARTNERS.COM

W H AT T H E

SPONSORED CONTENT

Home P R O S

KNOW

Highlighting with Hardscapes

By Nate Anderson Find more at rostlandscaping.com

W

ith the many changing trends in landscaping, the use of natural stone is a timeless choice. Natural stone is a favorite material of many landscape designers because stone is durable and beautiful. Natural stone is versatile and looks good in any style of landscape, from rustic to modern. An added hardscape element brings extra variety to the landscape and creates a more interesting outdoor space. You would be amazed at what adding a few well-placed boulders to your green space can do. Here are some great ways to utilize natural stone:

ACCENT BOULDERS AND OUTCROPPINGS Accent boulders are a simple way to incorporate stone into your garden. Believe it or not, there really is an art to placing boulders.

The boulder should appear natural in the setting, as if the garden was formed around it, not the other way around. Using boulders of different shapes and sizes adds variety. Make a statement by standing a long slender boulder upright. Boulders can also be functional.

You can create boulder outcroppings to help retain slopes on your property. This gives your landscape a more natural look compared to building a wall of man-made blocks.

STONE WALKWAYS Stone walkways help draw the eye to areas of interest and define where foot traffic belongs.

Stone walkways are generally more appealing

than concrete walkways, and they look great leading up to your front door. Natural stone weathers nicely and is extremely durable. If you have stone veneer on your house, you can match it to the color of the stone in your walkways for a unified look.

STONE PATIOS AND OUTDOOR LIVING There is a vast amount of stone choices for patios. Stone can come in both irregular as well as dimensional shapes, and there are numerous colors to choose from. Brown and beige irregular flagstone looks great in a rustic landscape. Grey and white dimensional stone works well in a modern or formal design. Outdoor kitchens and fireplaces can be built from natural stone. Using stone on these features gives you the ability for further customization. The options are endless!

Using natural stone ensures your patio project will be truly unique.

DRY CREEK BED Dry creek beds are a great solution to problem areas on your property where water erodes the landscape. The area of your property that you could never keep looking good is now one of its best features. Small or large gravel is used for the majority of the feature to help stop erosion. I recommend mixing in some large boulders to help make the dry creek bed look more natural.

Other great ways to incorporate stone are stone edging, waterfalls, firepits, stone walls, and stone columns.

When thinking about your next landscape project, I highly recommend considering natural stone. You can let your imagination run wild with the endless possibilities that stone offers. Hiring a qualified designer is a great way to refine your ideas and create a concept that you love.

Nate Anderson

ROST LANDSCAPING Nate Anderson has been a resident in Columbia for 7 years, and he has been working in the Landscape Industry for just as long. Nate is a designer/estimator for Rost Inc. While working on his degree in plant science and landscape design, he was working as a foreman at Rost Landscaping where he oversaw landscape construction projects. He credits much of his inspiration to his “early years� where he got to be a part of the construction of many beautiful landscapes. He is passionate about creating unique and functional outdoor spaces and still considered himself to be very hands on. While not at work, Nate and his wife are gardening, hiking, kayaking, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.

573-445-4465 | ROSTLANDSCAPING.COM

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what chefs eat

DECEMBER 2019

Living

A look inside the home kitchens of three of Columbia’s prized chefs.

BY JESSICA VAUGHN MARTIN

Chefs obsess over food. And that only makes sense; like any artist, they must immerse themselves in their craft. But after hours in the kitchen cooking for everyone but themselves, do they tire of their practice? How do chefs nourish their own appetites at home? We visited the home kitchens of three Columbia chefs to get an honest look — and taste — of what cooking at home means for them.

Amanda Elliott is a chef at Peachtree Catering and recently opened Beet Box restaurant with Peachtree’s owner, Ben Hamrah.

She is originally from Missouri, but spent much of her early career in New York City, where she launched her first catering and personal chef service, Rustic Supper. She moved back to the Midwest to raise her daughter close to family.

GOURMET

If it weren’t for her daughter, chef Amanda Elliott would survive mostly on cereal for supper. “Virna is the reason I cook the most now,” she says. “Before, I would just honestly eat deli sandwiches or cereal.”

It’s not that cooking feels like work, Amanda says, but as it does with most of us, the act of cooking dinner following a long workday seems daunting. “I can throw together a meal pretty quickly, but I don’t always have the appetite to do it at the end of the day,” she says.

“I’m so physically and mentally exhausted from being on my feet, I just need a breather.”

Amanda’s shifts often extend into the weekends, as is the business of restaurants and catering. And a fun family affair has bloomed out of this work schedule.

“On Saturdays, Virna stays with my parents and then I usually stay for dinner at their house. That’s kind of our tradition,” she says. It’s a custom reminiscent of her own childhood, when her mom would cook meals for her family nearly every night.

“That’s the way that I grew up, so it’s nice that she’s experiencing that too,” Amanda says. She hopes to instill the same sense of the importance of good nutrition, and a family meal, while raising her own child. Th is includes involving Virna in dinner prep, too.

“We cook a lot of simple things because she’s so little and still likes to separate her food,” Amanda says. The perks of being a chef come into the light at dinnertime. “I have so much food that I work with, I’ll utilize something that I’ve been cooking with already.”

Oftentimes, meals include chicken, a favorite of Virna’s. “We like to eat it!” Virna exclaims.

On this Tuesday night, Amanda carries in two brown Lucky’s bags fi lled with a rotisserie chicken, romaine lettuce, a sourdough loaf, and a couple of avocados. Chicken salad sandwiches are on the menu. While Virna spins around the kitchen, Amanda throws a couple slices of bread to toast in a cast iron pan, and I shred the chicken.

Amanda mixes up a quick meaty salad: avocado, mayo, and a few spices tumbled with chicken are piled atop a bed of romaine on sourdough and finished with a slice of fresh tomato. Less than 30 minutes from when we began, we sit down at Amanda’s kitchen table, moving aside Virna’s “Hungry Hungry Hippos” game, to enjoy our meal. Virna opts for a few bites of her favorite — plain chicken — before tearing off to play in the last light of day.

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Shelly La Fata’s cooking combines her plant-based culinary training with her family’s Italian heritage. This chef spends half her year on the road, slinging biscuits at music festivals with the Ozark Mountain Biscuit Co. truck, and the other half crafting Italian fare for Pasta La Fata, her booth at the Columbia Farmers Market and the name of her popup restaurant that features her family’s treasured style of Italian fodder.

PHOTOS BY KEITH BORGMEYER

38

DECEMBER 2019

When Shelly La Fata is crafting food for a crowd, it’s a workout.

“I’m constantly lifting 60-pound pots off the ground and carrying them really carefully,” she says.

“That is work.”

But does it feel like work, beyond the heavy lifting? “It does and it doesn’t,” she says. “It’s kind of complicated — it is work, but I love it, and I think I get high from it.”

Cooking for herself has a similar effect, but it’s often much simpler — and it definitely comes in smaller portions. When she’s on the road, Shelly packs up whatever fresh produce she has to take with her, or she freezes it to come back to. It’s not always this way, though; she admits that, just like any onthe-go gal, she eats granola bars and mac and cheese quite a bit, too. But when she’s at home, meals are often as fresh as they can get.

On Saturdays, after the closing bell at the Columbia Farmers Market, where she runs her Pasta La Fata booth, Shelly heads to the Barred Owl Butcher Shop to load up on fresh cuts of meat for the week.

On this day, we’re cooking up her latest find, rabbit sausage, to serve with a snack platter of sautéed zucchini, fresh tomatoes tossed in balsamic and spices, a few bunches of grapes, grandma’s cookies, Goatsbeard Farm cheese, and her own giardiniera. Th is is the kind of quick, fresh meal she often puts together to nourish herself and to share with friends.

“I just lay out everything I’ve got and invite friends over, maybe two of us or maybe five or six, and just snack,” she says.

Th is particular meal, as do many of Shelly’s, starts with a visit to see her neighbor, Tony, and his garden.

It’s a place she frequents to buy produce by the pound to make fi llings for Pasta La Fata and to forage for her own home kitchen.

The garden is lush at the end of summer, plump with warmcolored tomatoes and cool squash, leafy greens, and the beginning

signs of fall-sprung sweet potatoes. It’s a two-acre oasis tucked into a north Columbia neighborhood. From there, Tony has nurtured this land as well as local restaurants, at times including Broadway Brewery and The Root Cellar, for nearly 50 years.

We spend nearly an hour picking (and chatting about) produce from the garden before heading home to feast on what we’ve gathered.

From her fridge, Shelly unwraps the links of rabbit sausage and fries them in a skillet. Another burner cooks the squash while she slices the tomatoes. I notice a collection of glass mason jars that store a medley of non-perishables: lentils, beans, curry powder, coffee.

Shelly picks up a jar. “Th is is twig tea,” she says. “You have to boil it really hard. I went to a vegan culinary school and all my instructors were yogis and they used to have us drink this tea every day to ground us.” She’s since traded tea for another source of caffeine, which she also keeps on the shelf. “Espresso beans and popcorn are my most used jars,” she says.

Soon, the stove’s off, and it’s time to assemble. She tears off a hunk of Fiddle & Stone bread and adds it to a platter fi lled with the cooked fare, grapes from Mountain Dove Vineyard (that taste like candy), giardiniera, and cheese.

How does she assemble such a palatable spread? She relies on instinct and training. But when she has a question, she turns to the bible — “The Flavor Bible,” that is.

It’s a sort of manual that defines which ingredients and flavors work best together, and she’s not the only local chef who uses it.

“I found this [book] at Barred Owl,” she says. “Josh was sitting down reading it one day.” And each day, for each meal, whether it be for herself or her customers, Shelly keeps both new and proven flavor combos going in all of her kitchens.

Tony, Jessica, and Shelly

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Gaby Weir Vera was born in Venezuela and grew up toddling alongside her parents in their restaurant. In 2002, she made her way to Cedar Rapids, Iowa, where she eventually enrolled in culinary arts school. After years spent working in the fast-paced restaurant industry, Gaby transitioned to life as a private chef, giving her more time to spend with her daughter.

Today, she’s still very much familycentered, carrying the title of “lunch lady” at Windsor Street Montessori School and working as a chef-for-hire in Columbia.

PHOTOS BY SADIE THIBODEAUX

40

DECEMBER 2019

Professionally, Gaby Weir Vera doesn’t want to be labeled as a Venezuelan chef — her food isn’t stuck in one genre, it’s always evolving. But when she entertains at home, she loves nothing more than sharing her cultural heritage by way of a dish.

“I love to host people. I love to have people at my table to be together,” Gaby says. Tonight, she’s having one such gathering, and we’re making arepas, a Venezuelan delight that Gaby compares to English muffins made with corn.

They’ll be fi lled with chocolate beef, a slow-cooked dish that she says every Venezuelan household has its own version of, along with avocados, sofrito, and a homemade spicy mayo.

The spread, abundant with fresh food made from local ingredients, is representative of her own food heritage.

“I didn’t grow up in a country that had a strong industrial food system like in the U.S.,” she says.

“Really, that’s unique to this country. In my parents’ restaurant, for instance, everything came from farmers. You didn’t think about it as local food, or that ‘this food is organic,’ that’s just what we did.”

Upon her arrival to the U.S., Gaby was at first entranced by this industrial-style food chain. “I was really excited about McDonald’s and fries, and bagels and cream cheese,” she says. “But this lasted about six months, because then I realized that everything tasted the same. It didn’t matter which restaurant you were in, there was always a chicken nugget, a fry, a burger. And then something hit me like, ‘Oh my god, I’m in a nightmare!’”

Her escape from this nightmare?

Putting her own culinary skills to use. “Th is was a part of my drive to take over my home kitchen — I was doing it because of a necessity to taste different things,” she says.

Gaby still feels this necessity today; changing up her menu at school and at home with each

“I can’t cook the same thing all the time.

I want to keep moving.”

Chef Gaby Weir Vera passing day, fostering new flavors from fresh fare. “I can’t cook the same thing all the time. I want to keep moving.”

It’s true. For Gaby, cooking, whether at home or elsewhere, is a movement, a chance to cultivate understanding, a sense of authenticity. You can feel this current in her kitchen, in her cadence as her hands move through the arepa dough.

When Gaby connects with her roots, the authenticity of her own food story radiates. “I remember my mom’s hands, my grandma’s hands, in this bowl making these arepas,” she says. “There’s such a rich history there.”

She’s eager to share this history with her guests — any guest that finds a seat at her table. We gather, passing platters around to fi ll arepas. Gaby gives gentle instructions; there’s no starched right way to eat this dish, she says.

The only crime is if there’s any left on the plate.

Wine bottles empty, stomachs full, and hearts open. It’s a feeling that is imparted here each night, whether the table is fi lled with 20 friends or her four family members.

Living

GOURMET

Jessica and Gaby

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41

Your House. Your Shelter. ®

Mike Messer

908 Rain Forest Pkwy., Ste. C Columbia, MO 65202

573-442-5291

MMesser@ShelterInsurance.com

We’re your Shield. We’re your Shelter.

42

DECEMBER 2019

Living

ST YLE

Beyond the Ink

Culture and color collide in the art of tattooing.

By Tif fany Schmidt | Photos by Keith Borgmeyer Tattoos by Gabe Garcia, Iron Tiger and Tattoo You

COMOMAG.COM

43

TATTOOS ARE NO LONGER black and white. The past decade has seen a liberation of self-expression. People of all ages, demographics, and lifestyles have increasingly begun capturing their style and culture in ink, proving tattoos are more than art for outlaws.

FELIX GARCIA Tattoo artist at Tattoo You

FIRST TATTOO: 14 YEARS OLD Felix’s favorite tattoo is the portrait of her grandparents, Frank and Ruth, adorning her right arm. Her mother’s birth year encircles the left side of her neck, and her newest work, the jaguar spanning the majority of her back, is a homage to her Mexican and West Coast roots.

Yet many of Felix’s tattoos are lighthearted. They include a sugary pink ice cream cone, a colorful hot air balloon, and characters like Goofy (an ode to her love for Disney).

Though most of Felix’s work was done by her husband, Gabe, one of her most striking pieces, the cross on her chest, was done by LA-based artist Freddy Negrete. Freddy pioneered the black and grey style of tattooing seen in Felix’s cross and was the fi rst Latino to become a licensed tattoo artist.

44

DECEMBER 2019

Living

ST YLE

JORDAN DAY

Tattoo client at Iron Tiger FIRST TATTOO: 18 YEARS OLD As a musician, Jordan has always been attracted to stories. One of his favorites stems from old Ozark folklore and now runs down his left arm. The piece tells a tale of a witch, lore meant to keep children out of the woods at night, and passed down over generations.

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Jordan brought the story to Gabe, and the pair collaborated on the design, with Gabe completing the outline all in one sitting. “He makes my ideas better,” Jordan says of Gabe.

Th rough the years, they have fi lled the witch with color. The majority of Jordan’s tattoos follow the traditional tattoo style: bright color, bold lines.

An eagle takes spirited fl ight across Jordan’s chest, while below, a ship crashes through waters. The imagery of both align with the inscription “conquer” just under Jordan’s collarbone.

His most recent project has been his back, a piece that tells the story of a lion eating time. It will remain black and white when complete.

46

DECEMBER 2019

As 2019 comes to an end, we feel such gratitude for all those who’ve become such dear friends and valued clients.

We are blessed to have gotten to know you … and help dress you!

Wishing you and yours a

very happy holiday season.

MY SISTER’S CIRCUS 573-443-5618 • 1110 E. Broadway, Columbia Independent Distributor of LipSense

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47

SPONSORED CONTENT

Our Concierge Team

When you walk into The Village of Bedford Walk, you will notice a bright and smiling face welcoming you from the front desk. It could be Lisa Coday, Rachel Grant or Trey Cook. Our fantastic Concierge Team is an essential part of our community’s personalized lifestyle.

Our Concierge Services Team strives to provide first-class service to each and every resident, whether that means simply opening the door and carrying groceries to their apartment when their hands are full or going above and beyond to plan and host a milestone birthday or anniversary party.

While there is no “typical” day for Concierge Services, some of the common duties of our Team include scheduling transportation and maintenance requests, assisting the Resident Life Coordinator with the 100+ monthly activities throughout our community and

delivering lunches to residents.

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Come by and meet our Concierge Team for yourself today! Schedule an appointment by calling 573.476.5103 or visit TheVillageofBedfordWalk.com. We cannot wait to meet you!

573.203.5656 415 Bailey Drive, Columbia v

SINGING THROUGH THE FOG The January Lanterns f ind love again through music.

BY KATIE PERRY HARRIS | PHOTOS BY KEITH BORGMEYER

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49

THIS IS A L OV E S ONG. Th is is a love song about two local high school sweethearts who went to prom together, married, and had children. But along the way, they drifted apart. Music eventually lifted them out of the pit, and they came together to tell their authentic love story through song.

Th is is the story of Kristen and Andrew Camp, the Mid-Missouri duo known as The January Lanterns.

“We call it a thick fog that came over our marriage, and it did not leave for a long time,” says Kristen.

Out of that fog came their emergence as a folk duo who played at Roots N Blues for the fi rst time this year, singing harmonies about fi nding the strength to heal and love.

BOU N D TOGE T HER BY M USIC

Kristen and Andrew met at Rock Bridge High School, where they performed together in choir and in talent shows.

Kristen recalls that time period with very sweet memories. “We didn’t know what we were doing, but we knew that music drew us together,” she says. “We are complete opposites, so one thing that binds us together is music. We both have a deep love for music and performing.”

After dating for five years, Andrew asked Kristen’s parents for her hand in marriage, and the couple married in January 2011, when she was 22 and he was 21. Nine months after they married, they found out they were expecting their fi rst child. “That was not in the plan at all,” says Andrew.

“We celebrated our fi rst anniversary planning a baby room,” Kristen says. “I cried a lot. My dream as a little girl was to be a stay-at-home mom, but I didn’t want it that soon.”

Kristen fi nished her master’s program in education at MU and walked across the stage very pregnant, as she describes herself. Andrew was still fi nishing his undergraduate degree, and their fi rst child, Rae, came to his graduation.

Kristen calls their decision for her to stay home “stupid slash brave.” Being a stayat-home mom became her life, Andrew

50

DECEMBER 2019

Living

admits, with the arrival of two more children in the next two years.

Their marriage began to strain under the weight of differing expectations and the responsibilities of being young parents.

“A lot of it was that this was not how we thought life was going to go, on both sides,” says Andrew.

At the same time, the couple worked together leading worship and writing songs at a local church. But the process wasn’t working. “Kristen and I did not mesh,” Andrew says. “We did not work well together in songwriting at all.”

Andrew had worked in ministry for the fi rst five years out of college, but at the stage of life when he was still trying to fi gure out his career, he learned that ministry was not where he was supposed to be. It was a difficult transition for him.

In some of their lowest moments, they wanted to quit everything and start a music studio. Kristen, then pregnant with their fourth child in four years, recalls it as a very low period. “That was one of the fi rst times when I was like, ‘I just need to take your hand and not let go,’” she says.

Andrew found a new career path at Veterans United Home Loans, starting back at square one. “I just went back to ground zero and tried to start over,” he says.

“To see him thriving was so amazing,” says Kristen. “That’s when I started to trust him again. But then we took another nosedive.”

you or who am I, when we thought of each other as two distant lanterns in deep fog.”

The idea for the band began in those early mornings drinking coffee and spending quality time together without interruptions.

“We were brutally honest,” says Kristen. “All of our defenses were brought down in those moments out on the deck.”

The couple began writing songs during those early morning hours. “We wanted to spend 15 hours a week with nothing else but eyes connected,” Andrew explains.

loved her when she didn’t love me/He loved me when I didn’t love him,” they sing on the track.

Andrew describes their lyrics as inspired by tiny moments. “Our relationship still inspires me,” he says. “We both didn’t get the things we thought we wanted, but what we got is better for us.”

Their latest single, “All I Th ink About,” begins with the phrase “I’d rather make pennies and love you well than grow a money tree just to watch it fi ll.”

In harmony, they sing, “When you’re suffering, I’ll be there with you.” Bound by music, they’ve realized that instead of trying to achieve the ideal, true happiness is in being together.

T H E J OY S O F I M P E R F E C T I O N

S T U B B O R N L OV E

Kristen thought their marriage could be over. But Andrew had an idea: he wanted them to get up at 5 a.m., before all the kids were awake, and have coffee on the deck.

“It was the fi rst time my mind switched to whoa, you’re a different person all of a sudden,” Kristen says. “He was trying. I always knew that was there in Andrew — that’s why I married him.”

The fog was lifting. “That was the fi rst moment I could see my hand in front of my face with the fog,” Kristen adds.

Andrew describes it as the origin of the band’s name. “In my mind, I picture it as the idea of a lantern,” he says. “You can’t quite see a lantern in the fog, but you know something is glowing over there. We got married in January. The time of our life that was the foggiest, when we were like who are

FRIENDS & FAMILY

- A N D R EW C A M P

“Songwriting fell into that category. We have a couple of songs that were written in that low place.”

Music became their therapy as they wrote together, continued to emphasize communicating, and began to heal. Slowly, song by song, moment by moment, they began the difficult work of healing their marriage.

Their fi rst song, “Stubborn Love,” was recorded in their children’s playroom. “I

The January Lanterns have performed at a mixture of weddings, private events, and local venues like Rose Music Hall, Café Berlin, and Katfi sh Katy’s. They dreamed about playing Roots N Blues someday — and then they discovered they would be playing the festival this year, on the same day as one of their inspirations and favorites, Mandolin Orange.

“It was a very special moment,” Kristen says of playing at the festival. “It was extremely healing: the blue skies, a gorgeous day. Our kids got to see their parents sing love songs to each other, knowing that they’re a team and they worked through hard times.”

“It’s amazing to think that we’re the artists we dreamed of meeting years ago,” Andrew says. “It’s not the path that we thought it was going to be, but it’s so much better. We have a marriage out of it versus just a music career.”

The playroom where they recorded their fi rst song now sits next to a recording studio that Andrew custom-built with his father. The couple’s next step is to record an album in the space that represents who they are as a duo, as a team, as husband and wife.

The ending to their love song is a happy one. But it’s not one of perfection, and they’re just fi ne with that. Kristen and Andrew are content with sharing their story, their authentic song. “Our fi rst song that we released as The January Lanterns was so imperfect,” she says. “We did not wait for perfection. I’m proud of that song.”

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52

DECEMBER 2019

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company State Farm Fire and Casualty Company Bloomington, IL

A I

BY M ARY KATE HAFN ER PH OTOS BY KEITH BO R G MEYER

AWKWARD INSPIRATION PA I N T E R ZO E H AWK EXPLO R E S T H E E E R I E WORLD OF ADOLESCENCE IN HER WORK.

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T

ucked inside the halls of Orr Street Studios, Zoe Hawk paints.

Zoe is one of those women that you question existing outside of a film. Her attitudinal mixture of eloquence, soft-spoken voice, and quirk evokes a sincere uniqueness seen through her style, her words, and her art.

A Missouri native, Zoe’s work has been written about and exhibited both domestically and internationally. Recently, however, Zoe has come into a dizzying amount of notoriety. She collaborated in a “Women in Art” collection with Zara, a Spanish clothing brand. Once her work hit the streets, it has been seen and Instagrammed from Coney Island to Hong Kong.

“I don’t know how they found me,” says Zoe. She credits Instagram and online art blogs for the discovery.

This past September, Zoe’s work made another unexpected international appearance at Milan fashion week. Fashion designer Marco de Vincenzo used Zoe’s designs for his spring ready-to-wear show invitation. He is currently, according to the Business of Fashion, one of the leading names in Milan fashion.

Zoe chose to be paid by way of the designer’s clothes.

NOT YET A WOMAN Zoe’s work has the intangible quality to travel with its viewer.

Her narrative paintings delve into the experience of girlhood adolescence. This time captures the universal anxiety and disorientation that arises during the transition from girlhood to womanhood.

“In the paintings, there’s a combination of the joy, curiosity, and wonder of that transition, but also fear and anxiety that’s all wrapped up in this complicated package of adolescence,” says Zoe. Broaching themes of social conformity and individual identity, each painting peeks into a scene in the lives of young female characters.

The characters are uniformly styled and strategically spaced, performing everyday actions within an intimate space.

“I do give them [the characters] a sense of an internal world. They have thoughts and emotions that pierce through that uniformity of either their group activity or uniformed clothing,” says Zoe. “The paintings are all about how we socialize, how you fit into the group, and maybe how you stand out from the group, and you find your identity within the group.”

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DECEMBER 2019

“IN THE PAINTINGS, THERE’S A COMBINATION OF THE JOY, CURIOSITY, AND WONDER OF THAT TRANSITION, BUT ALSO FEAR AND ANXIETY THAT’S ALL WRAPPED UP IN THIS COMPLICATED PACKAGE OF ADOLESCENCE.” There is something eerie or slightly offputting about the scenes of the uniformed girls. It’s a feeling that’s hard to identify, but will keep a viewer fixated on a gallery wall. It may be how the scenes encapsulate the hot spring that is adolescent metamorphosis.

“The anxiety that I felt with that transition permeates all the paintings,” says Zoe. “When

I was a little girl, I thought about what it meant to be a woman. It was exciting and romantic, based on things you would see in cartoons and movies. But at the same time, it was sort of terrifying because it was this obscure, unknown thing, and also inevitable.

The inevitability of it was terrifying to me. You can’t stop it.”

ZOE HAWK LIGHTNING ROUND Zoe was born in St. Louis in 1982.

Zoe attended Missouri State University.

Zoe’s studio is located inside Orr Street Studios.

Zoe Lived in Qatar for six and a half years.

Zoe has completed residencies in New Yo r k , I r e l a n d , N o r w a y, Belgium, and Qatar.

Zoe’s father, William Hawk, is an artist and college art professor.

Zoe is an adjunct painting teacher at MU.

AN AIR OF NOSTALGIA Entering undergraduate studies at Missouri State University, Zoe knew she wanted to be an art major. Initially, Zoe focused on drawing, eventually finding her way to painting.

“I was a little scared to paint because it’s intimidating,” says Zoe. “But when I took the class, I fell in love with it.”

During graduate school at the University of Iowa, Zoe experimented with a single figure, portrait-style painting based on real people. Around this time, Zoe discovered a photograph that influenced almost a decade of her work.

The photograph was of nurses inside an early 20th century St. Louis hospital. The uniformed nurses were caring for infants while surrounded by incubators. The internalized mystery and gendered activity of childcare intrigued Zoe. Utilizing the hospital setting, Zoe cultivated an imaginative world.

Today, Zoe’s entry point to her creative process may be opened by an engaging landscape in the wild, or she’ll turn to her “flat files,” filing cabinets filled with pages of vintage textbooks, children’s books, and photographs.

“I never copy the image directly, but it’ll give me push in one direction or the other,” says Zoe. “Usually what I am looking for is a pose, action, or clothing that I can take a piece of. The figures are completely imagined.”

Zoe’s source materials are usually from vintage or antique stores. Artichoke Annie’s is her favorite place to rummage through monotonous stacks of papers and books.

For her materials, Zoe works strictly with oil paints. Intense, opaque colors are prevalent throughout her work.

“I love painting with oil paint because of how forgiving it is, and you can fix your mistakes,” says Zoe. “I like the texture of it.

I like the slow drying, so you can work and move the paint around.”

As an adjunct professor of beginning painting and beginning drawing at MU, Zoe has found a symbiotic relationship between her studio and her classroom.

“There’s this great relationship between what you’re teaching your students and what you’re making in the studio,” says Zoe. “I’ll be showing my students something and then I realize that I can bring it to the studio. When I am in the studio working, I will realize something while I’m painting that’s a tip I can bring to my students. It’s invigorating.”

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SWEET AND SPOOKY Zoe does not repeat characters, but she does continue to explore similar personas and poses.

Her paintings balance “good” girls with proper posture who follow the rules with at least one character going against decorum.

Zoe’s characters may dig in the dirt or be crouching on the ground.

“I always like to have one that’s doing something a ‘lady’ wouldn’t do,” says Zoe. Zoe keeps her paintings just mysterious enough in their narrative for viewers to formulate their own stories and interruptions.

She likes that people find her creations creepy.

“They’ll say, ‘These are, like, adorable, but kind of creepy,’” and that’s good,” says Zoe. “Sometimes they’ll say it to be sort of apologetic, but they’re supposed to be a little spooky and a little uncomfortable. My favorite thing is when I eavesdrop on people, or they don’t know I’m the artist, and I hear what they’re saying.”

These conversations are often the most revealing thing about her work. Zoe says: “Women will come up to me and say, ‘This painting reminds me of when I was in school!’ They’ll me tell me a story about their childhood, and that’s the most gratifying thing to me.’”

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DECEMBER 2019

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PART 5

D L I U B TO T O N R O D L I U B TO Local experts provide insight into putting the ямБnishing touches on your custom home.

BY NICOLE FLOOD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY SADIE THIBODEAUX

BUILDING A HOME IN COMO

IN

our homebuilding series, we’ve been following Bennett and Alexis Arey through the process of building their custom home. Th is fifth and final installment focuses on the finishing touches of the build process.

“Seeing my ideas and design style come to life has been super fun, but also harder than anticipated,” says Alexis. “You have to meet design deadlines, and it’s so hard not to second guess every decision you’re making. It’s also very easy to have something in your mind that’s a “must have” until you see the price tag and realize you need to reign yourself back in.”

Alexis adds that her design style has changed a lot from their fi rst home to their second, but what has remained constant is her love of neutral colors. “My favorite design style comes out of northwest Florida in the Seaside and Rosemary Beach area,” she says. “I try to avoid saying coastal, but I love the light colors, light kitchens, shiplap, and overall simplicity. Our house has been chosen very carefully with things I see as classic rather than trendy. There will be a touch of modern with some black light fi xtures, but overall we’ll use simple and classic furniture to make it feel cozy.”

When working on finishing, sometimes the design of a house lends itself better to customization. “We realized early on that, since our ceilings were 10 foot throughout, we would need custom cabinetry,” Alexis adds.

“Six Branch is a custom woodworker that Anderson Homes (their builder) works with regularly. After reviewing their work, it seemed they could give us what we wanted while providing a super high-quality product.”

To others getting ready to go through the process of building their home, Alexis offers this advice: “Th is can be a super fun process or it can be extremely stressful. My most important piece of advice is to know what’s most important to you from the beginning and stick to your guns on those things. Be willing to budge on other things.”

The Areys are looking forward to the completion of their new home. “I think my favorite part of the process is still yet to come,” says Alexis. “In the next month, we

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DECEMBER 2019

Bennett and Alexis Arey's custom home in The Gates is starting to take shape.

PART 5: To Build or Not to Build

should see flooring, cabinetry, and finishes of the house start to take place. That’s what I’m looking forward to most!”

Interior Design “Interior design is an art, and like all art, you need to find the artist that aligns with your taste,” says Anne Tuckley, owner of Anne Tuckley Home.

In terms of new construction, Anne says the biggest challenge is determining the true function of the space. How you use the space helps determine the appliance choice, colors, surface type, flooring, and more.

“Carefully analyze upfront cost versus resale cost — the inexpensive option may give out faster, requiring a full replacement before you would sell the house,” says Anne. She adds that you frequently come out ahead, as the upscale product can increase the value of your home, but there are other factors to consider. “If you have kids and pets, you’ll want more durable surfaces that are easy to clean and may not want to splurge on that white sofa, or even white walls.”

Don’t forget about the lighting. “Determine how the natural light hits a room and supplement with artificial lights. This is particularly important if building a house, since it can affect wiring for overhead lights and sconces. Standard locations for light installation may not be optimal for that particular room,” Anne says.

When looking at current trends, Anne says sustainability is huge. “People are wanting to be eco-conscious in all aspects of their life including their home design,” she says. “Along those same lines, people are wanting to meld their environments so that there is a fluidity between outdoor spaces and indoor spaces.”

Ann adds: “Decorating a home is a balance. It is your space. It should reflect your personality, but at the same time, consider how long you will likely have the home. If you might live in your home for less than five years, consider neutral palettes for resale value. You can always reflect your personality in your furnishings and accessories.”

Fixtures and Appliances “When looking for an appliance company, I’d encourage customers to look for an independent appliance dealer,” says Lauren Helmreich, sales manager with Downtown Appliance. “For customers that are building a home, we fi rst ask them to tell us a little about what they are hoping for.

We discuss colors of the kitchen and what colors they feel will best fit their style. We work directly with the homeowner, builder, cabinetmakers, etcetera to ensure that everything works seamlessly.”

In new construction, options are limitless, often making it difficult to choose.

“Appliances come in a variety of colors and styles now,” says Lauren. “I would

tell customers to have an open mind when coming to shop for appliances. Let us show you all there is to offer, because we may have something that you never would have thought would work for you.”

A current trend they’re seeing is a move away from traditional stainless-steel appliances and a move towards fingerprint-resistant material. “Another current trend is Wi-Fi enabled appliances, which help customers make their everyday lives a little less hectic.” There are now options for Wi-Fi enabled refrigerators that tell you if a door is open or if something is wrong with the unit. Wi-Fi enabled ranges allow you to preheat your oven from a cell phone.

Ryan Skipton, branch manager of Ferguson Bath, Kitchen & Lighting Gallery, suggests visiting a showroom where you can touch and feel the products in a welcoming, hands-on environment. Ferguson’s showroom features a lighting area with brands such as Hinkley, Fanimation, and Progress Lighting. The showroom also has fi xtures including chandeliers, pendants, wall sconces, under-cabinet lighting, and more. In addition to lighting and traditional plumbing products, Ferguson also offers appliances from top manufacturers.

Ryan offers a tip to people designing their homes: “Bring elements that represent your style to the showroom. Bring along magazine photographs, color

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BUILDING A HOME IN COMO

swatches, paint chips, rug patterns, or anything else that reflects your vision for your home. Our product experts can pair these with product samples in the showroom.”

Flooring and Furnishing “What helps set us apart for people with new construction is the fact that we do both furniture and flooring,” says Jake Baumgartner, of Baumgartner’s Furniture. “Covering both categories makes it easy to arrange delivery of your new furniture right after your flooring installation. It really helps customer’s timelines and cuts down on the number of companies or people involved. Also, we’ve been doing both for a long time — we’re celebrating 70 years in business this year.”

In addition, Baumgartner’s offers to store new construction customer’s purchases until they’re ready for delivery. “Stuff happens and construction projects get delayed all the time,” says Jake. “The last thing a person wants to worry about is where to store their new furniture until their house gets done.”

A good tip is to take your time to plan when looking for furniture to complete your house.

“Get the right dimensions of the pieces and lay them out in the rooms,” Jake says. “A good tip is to use painter’s tape on the floor to lay everything out. Th is will give you an idea of the size of the walkways in between pieces and just how much room you will truly have.”

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PART 5: To Build or Not to Build

Jake says there are a couple current trends he’s seeing. “One, you don’t have to stick with one style throughout your home,” he says.

“There’s so much blending of different looks happening from room to room. Two, functionality and comfort are becoming just as important as the look of an item. I think the days of the uncomfortable, formal living rooms are gone.”

Landscaping When choosing a reputable landscaping business, Jake Frink, design manager at Rost Inc., says word-of-mouth and referrals are still reliable sources.

After more than 35 years in business in Mid-Missouri, Rost has a knowledge bank of experience that allows them to think and design creatively, yet functionally. “It seems one of the biggest benefits of having Rost Inc. on a project is the ability to take a plan or idea and enhance it even further in the field. The on-site eye during the build phase is critical,” Jake says. They also have a trusted group of vendors and subcontractors that allow them to build in a wide range of styles, from traditional to trendy.

“We have plant inventory unmatched by any company in Mid-Missouri. We grow much of our own material on local growing farms,” he adds.

Jake says a big challenge with new construction landscaping is it often takes place

near the end of the build. “Too often we see beautiful, newly built homes with magnificent features on the inside and no appeal or thoughtfulness on the outside. Landscaping is often an afterthought to many builders, when actual landscaping and outdoor spaces have a huge influence on the finish of a home.”

One tip is to plan and budget the exterior of your home with a landscape designer early in the process.

“Landscaping is much more than just a handful of plants around the house,” says Jake.

“So many new homes have a cookie-cutter appeal of concrete finishes and simple plants. The most enjoyable landscapes have a custom look and feel and are an integrated part of the outdoor space and experience. Hardscapes, lighting, irrigation, plants, boulders, and fire pits, should all be integrated and thoughtfully and creatively incorporated to give a custom look.”

Turf, Tree Care, and Irrigation “Many contractors and homebuyers see the value in providing for the water needs of their lawn and landscapes and help ensure that their investment in their home is protected,” says Shaun Henry, turf and tree care manager with Atkins Inc. “There’s nothing worse than losing a newly sodded lawn to a drought!”

Shaun, who’s been with Atkins for nearly 20 years, says they’re a great resource in helping find solutions for their customer’s properties.

“With buried construction debris, clay soil, a lack of topsoil and organic matter, having the wrong plant in the wrong place, and a host of other issues that new homeowners often have, growing grass, trees, and shrubs can be a real challenge,” he says. “Once we establish the root cause of the issues on the property, we try to formulate a plan of action.”

Shaun says one of the biggest challenges with new construction is finding the balance between what looks good and what will survive the Mid-Missouri seasons.

“Look at it in the future. Will it be overgrown or appear over-planted in 10 years?

Don’t plant trees too close to the house either,” Shaun says. “Also look at it from a maintenance point of view. Are there maintenance challenges ahead that can be avoided with a change to the plan now?”

Wishing you and your family a happy holiday season!

Dr. Ashley Emel

DC, CACCP, Webster Certified 2516 Forum Blvd. #102 (573) 445-4444 compass-chiropractic.com

Adjusting Your Health In The Right Direction

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Everyone loves giving and getting unique gifts!

And we believe these should be locally purchased gifts, at that.

Here are some great ideas for your holiday shopping ‌ for nearly everyone on your list.

After all, ‘tis the season to be shopping!

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DECEMBER 2019

Making homes sparkle for the holidays.

Do it yourself or have our professionals do it for you!

-----------------

The mom and pop bookshop where you can bring a little piece of

magic

Fresh fl owers, Christm as centerpie greens, ces, and unique g if any occa ts for sion holiday se this ason!

home for everyone on your list.

NEW LOCATION WITH FRONT DOOR PARKING!

8 South 9th St., Columbia | YellowDogBookshop.com | (573) 442-3330

401 S. Providence Rd. Ste. 105 (573) 443-8719 | allensflowersinc.com

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Helmi’s Gardens FULL SERVICE GARDEN CENTER AND GIFT SHOP

Discover unique plants, inspiring ideas, a large selection of pottery and everything else you need for your outdoor spaces.

Far from your average garden center, we are Columbia’s destination greenhouse. Come once for the plants and you’ll return for the experience.

573.886.9419 | HelmisGardens.com | 7201 S. Nursery Road | Columbia, MO

The best gifts are the ones enjoyed by many!

We have great options for personal and business gifts.

(And no one says no to a Jennings gift card!)

Our award winning smoked hams are a holiday favorite!

Call us today to talk about how we can make your holidays a lot easier … and much more delicious!

125 E. Broadway, New Franklin, MO • Mon-Fri: 7am-5pm & Sat: 8am-5pm• 660-848-2229 • JenningsPremiumMeats.com

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DECEMBER 2019

What do you give the

reader in your life?

How about a steady supply of brand-new books chosen especially for them and delivered to their door each month?

How it works: • Choose a 3, 6, or 12 month subscription.

(Hardback, Paperback, or Kids)

• Recipients of our book subscriptions complete a short consultation so we get a feel for their reading tastes.

• One of the Skylark team is appointed as their dedicated bibliotherapist.

• New books are selected monthly,

especially to suit their tastes and interests.

• Every book arrives beautifully gift-wrapped.

Call us, or email, for the perfect holiday gift!

This holiday season, give your loved ones something special and personal.

(573) 777-6990 mail@skylarkbookshop.com

With SO many fabulous items to monogram, we have a perfect gift for everyone!

22 S. 9th St., Columbia Mon – Thu: 10-6 • Fri – Sat: 10-8 Sun: 11-5 (573) 777-6990 • SkylarkBookShop.com

Because books.

503 E. Nifong, Columbia • 573-815-7673 • SouthernRoseMonograms.com

Escape to the secluded luxury of Big Cedar Lodge with these spectacular winter specials.

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Not valid on current reservations or holidays. Prices do not include resort fee.

The Bombshell

Buy a $50 gift card for just $40!

GIVE THE GIFT OF DANCE! We offer dance instruction in: • Pre-school

• Modern

• Ballet

• Body Toning

• Musical Theater

• Tap

• Lyrical

• Yoga

• Jazz

• Hip Hop

• Irish

ADULT CLASSES AVAILABLE!

Winter Semester Starts January 18, 2020 CA L L TO R EG IST ER

Go Curl

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Beach Waves

BLO W DRY & BEAUT Y BAR Whether you’re a blowout fanatic or need pampering before an event, we have the ultimate blow dry experience.

(573 ) 8 75-1 569 | danceartsofcol u m b ia. co m 1 1 0 N 1 0th St. S uite 3 , Columbia, MO 6 52 0 1

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Hairstyling Make-Up & Waxing Extensions & Keratin Need a night out with the girls?

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TRULY UNIQUE, HANDMADE GIFTS

by local artists and makers.

Pottery to Paintings Jewelry to Blown Glass

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S I G N U P T O D AY !

Be A Bell Ringer Almost 3.3 million people of all ages volunteered their time, talents, and resources to assist The Salvation Army’s work.

Our volunteers are critical partners in helping us fulfill our promise to America of “Doing the Most Good.”

In 2018, The Salvation Army in Boone County • served 4,923 individuals • provided 41,207 meals at our shelter • provided 17,327 nights of safe shelter

registertoring.com 70

DECEMBER 2019

Business

84 25 YEARS OF THE BEST JAZZ TUNES “We Always Swing” Jazz Series reflects on its tenure during its silver anniversary.

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87

PERSON YOU SHOULD KNOW

IT’S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS

As executive director of the Ragtag Film Society, Jeremy Brown leads his team to fulfill their mission and achieve their priorities.

Palen Music Center strives to ensure band students receive quality instruments and access to their musical dreams.

Business

CLOSER LOOK

DECEMBER 2019

The couple hopes to stand out not only through personalized services, but also through the convenience of their location as the only veterinary clinic in southwest Columbia. Julie also says that their “paperless, paper light” approach sets them apart from others. They currently utilize text and email reminders and plan to incorporate an online pharmacy complete with home deliveries on their future website.

“We’re just looking forward to getting into a routine and practicing very good vet med and making clients happy and taking care of pets,” Julie says.

4103 W. VAW TER SCHOOL RD., STE. 109 573-554-1935 FACEBOOK.COM/ TRAILSIDEANIMALHOSPITAL

Grandma’s Southern Eats

NextHome Paradigm

Betsy Woodruff has owned an advertising agency, served as the director of marketing and communications for the Missouri Association of Realtors, and worked as a real estate agent for House of Brokers Realty. Now, she’s decided to use her experience in service marketing and real estate to get back into the entrepreneurial spirit.

“The idea of selling real estate and being my own boss and having my own business again was really attractive,” she says.

Betsy opened her own brokerage through NextHome Paradigm in September. NextHome Paradigm is a top national realty franchise. “I really like the way that NextHome prioritizes clients and not the property,” she says.

She finds happiness in helping people make decisions about property. As the purchases

she helps with are significant ones, she tries to be as proactive as possible to prepare clients for what’s ahead.

3201 S. PROVIDENCE RD., #204 573-823-5680 NEX THOMEPARADIGM.COM

Trailside Animal Hospital

Trailside Animal Hospital is the newest place for the needs of Columbia’s furry friends. Husband and wife duo, Julie and Travis Neil, have worked alongside each other since the clinic’s opening in September to turn a dream into reality. “We were ready for a change,” Julie says. Her nearly 20-year veterinary background combined with Travis’ experience in business provided the two with a seemingly natural next step.

Sophia Smith never met her father, but she says that he passed something on to her – a passion for making barbecue sauce. “It was like a spiritual transfer thing,” she says.

With the help of volunteers from her nonprofit organization, Sophia’s Helping Hand, Sophia runs Grandma’s Southern Eats, a catering business that launched in July. She has created 12 unique barbecue sauce flavors, but only four are currently available: hopping spicy, sweet and sassy, sipping scotch, and original.

Sophia’s late sister had dreams to open a restaurant. Grandma’s Southern Eats is a sort of tribute to her, along with Sophia’s mother and grandmother. “It was good old soul food that brought the family together in love,” she says. The business isn’t only a personal triumph for Sophia; it’s also a cultural one as she’s added another blackowned business to Columbia.

She hopes to one day open a small or midsized restaurant and put her sauces on the shelves of local stores, Hy-vee, and Walmart.

5313 CURRITUCK LN. 573-355-8309 SOPHIASUPPORTIVESERVICES@GMAIL.COM

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Briefly in the News D EC EMB ER 201 9

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DECEMBER 2019

NEW OWNER SHIP

Smokin’ Chicks Sold to Fresh Ideas Fresh Ideas recently purchased Smokin’ Chicks, a BBQ staple in Columbia since 2006. Smokin’ Chicks has provided award-winning BBQ for many customers and events in Mid-Missouri.

They expanded their business to include catering, private events, and concessions featuring fullservice and pick-up BBQ buffets/lunches with smoked wings, ribs, brisket, pulled pork, and turkey along with homestyle sides. The Smokin’ Chicks concept will now be housed under the Fresh Food Design catering company of Fresh Ideas Food Service Management.

Business COM M UNITY

FU ND ING

New African American Heritage Trail Markers

$1.3M Investment to Grow Healium

In October, 13 new markers for the African American Heritage Trail were unveiled to the public. The markers include histories of black churches founded during and soon after the conclusion of the Civil War, the fi rst school for blacks in Columbia, several black business people, including legendary horticulturalist Henry Kirklin, and more. The Sharp End Heritage Committee has worked for more than five years to create the twomile walking trail.

StoryUP, the makers of a virtual anxiety management product called Healium, recently closed a $1.3M oversubscribed Series A investment round. The Missouri startup, incubated at the Missouri Innovation Center, will use the funds to grow Healium, the world’s fi rst interactive immersive media channel powered by wearables. Healium’s virtual and augmented reality apps are used worldwide as drugless solutions for the self-management of anxiety, addiction, sleep, and pain.

BRIEFLY

late 1970s and ‘90s, and construction of a larger community room. The portion of the building travelers see from the street, the co-op’s fi rst home in 1952, will be torn down in the final phase.

HOUSING

AWAR D S

“These markers share important stories of people and institutions in the black community from Columbia’s earliest years to the late 1960s.”

JAMES WHITT, CHAIRMAN OF THE SHARP END HERITAGE COMMITTEE

Truman VA Ranks No. 1 for Third Consecutive Year Harry S. Truman Memorial Veterans’ Hospital was recently ranked No. 1 nationally, for the third year in a row, by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ All Employee Survey. Truman VA’s survey response rate of 73% in fiscal year 2019 represented a 6% increase from FY18. The hospital’s overall satisfaction score of 78 is eight points higher than the national Veterans Health Administration and other medical centers in Truman VA’s regional area.

Bryant Walkway Apartments Open The Columbia Housing Authority has completed major renovations to 54 public housing units known as the Bryant Walkway Apartments. Th is project represents the fifth phase of the CHA’s plans to renovate all 717 public housing units in Columbia. The renovation of the apartments marks a milestone of 597 renovated public housing units, leaving only 120 units to be renovated to complete the project.

FUND ING

NEW CONSTR UCTION

Boone Electric Cooperative’s New Building In October, Boone Electric Cooperative announced its plans for a new building and rehabilitation project for its headquarters. Coil Construction will oversee the $25 million project that is expected to be completed by summer 2022. The three-phase plan includes relocating the co-op’s community solar array, construction of a new building, the rehabilitation of buildings built in the

The Loop and Etsy Partner Up Jabberwocky Studios and the Loop Community Improvement District are proud to announce their selection as one of five Etsy Maker Cities in the nation.

Each Maker City grantee will receive $40,000 in direct program support, customized training, a year-long learning community provided by Recast City, along with access to tools and resources from Etsy and the Mastercard Center for Inclusive Growth to help them bring their project plans to life.

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Every auto accident has a story behind it …

We’re here to make sure yours has the best possible ending.

After all … we didn’t meet by accident.

CENTRAL AUTOBODY BODY CENTRALMISSOURI MISSOURI AUTO Quality Collision Repair (573) 875-5877 | 5353 N Highway 763, Columbia CentralMoAutoBody.com Some Repairs You See… Ours You Don’t!

Your financial goals, aspirations and investment needs are just that — yours.

Your financial plan should reflect this and we believe it all starts with developing a deep understanding of your needs.

We strive to offer the personalized attention and the highest level of service based on your goals, your time frame and your tolerance for risk.

Because building portfolios isn’t the most important thing we do. Building relationships is.

Call today for your confidential consultation.

573-442-6146

Business Planning Education Planning Investment Solutions Portfolio Management Retirement Planning Cash Management and Borrowing Estate, Trust, and Charitable Giving

2801 Woodard Drive Columbia, MO

(573) 442-6146

Greg Brockmeier Financial Advisor

Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Raymond James Financial Services. Advisors, Inc. Brockmeier Financial Services, LLC is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services.

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DECEMBER 2019

KELLI McALLISTER

U.S. Cellular has named Kelli McAllister store manager for the Broadway and Stadium locations in Columbia. In this role, Kelli is responsible for leading her team of wireless technology experts to help customers select the devices, plans, and consumer electronics to best meet their needs. Kelli has been with U.S. Cellular for nearly 10 years.

Foundation, has appointed Matt McCormick, IOM, CCE, president of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, to the National Board of Trustees. As a member of the trustees, Matt will help set the strategic direction of the Institute and will take an active role in advancing the Institute’s standard operating and curriculum policies.

to retire effective August 1, 2020.

Duncan has served since 1999 as the first CEO of MPUA and its organizations’ joint operations.

His role includes chief executive responsibilities for the Missouri Joint Municipal Electric Utility Commission, the Municipal Gas Commission of Missouri, the Missouri Association of Municipal Utilities, and Board Chair of the MPUA Resource Services Corporation.

MCALLISTER

TREVOR HENRY MEDIACOM

Four local Mediacom employees recently earned top customer service awards. William McDonald, a Sturgeon resident, earned the People’s Choice award for his excellent customer service work as a broadband specialist in the tech operations field. Amy Jennings, an Ashland resident, earned the Payment Center Representative of the Year award for her outstanding job performance as a customer service representative. Stephen Spies, a Columbia resident, earned the System Technician of the Year award for his excellent work as a broadband specialist in the tech operations field. Jennifer Eaker, a Columbia resident, earned the National Silver-Level Payment Center Representative of the Year award for her outstanding job performance as a customer service representative.

Watlow, an industry leader in the design and manufacturing of complete thermal systems, has named Trevor Henry as director of operations for its Columbia Manufacturing Center of Excellence. He will be responsible for leading the facility’s management team and will guide the recently announced transformation of the Columbia facility into a Manufacturing Center of Excellence for highertechnology thermal solutions.

ADAM VOIGHT

Socket announces the addition of Adam Voight to their team. He joins Socket as their marketing manager, with areas of expertise in brand management, digital marketing, and multimedia.

Adam and his wife, Bethany, also own and operate M.Boss Barber and Salon in Columbia.

M AT T M CCO R M I C K

DUNCAN KINCHELOE

Institute for Organization Management, the professional development program of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce

Duncan Kincheloe, president and general manager of the Missouri Public Utility Alliance, or MPUA, announced his plans

LES BORGMEYER

Visionworks Marketing Group is pleased to announce and welcome Les Borgmeyer to their sales and marketing team as “Market Man.” Les will be responsible for new business opportunities and creating customized solutions to fulfi ll their customers’ needs. Les is a well-known figure in the MidMissouri sales and marketing industry with more than 30 years of experience.

JOB POINT

Job Point proudly announces its 2019-2020 Board of Directors slate of officers. Serving as Chair is Gary Lee, Veterans United Home Loans; Vice Chair, Nick Allen, Manor Roofing & Restoration Services; Treasurer, Brian Burks, Emery Sapp & Sons, Inc.; Secretary, Bruce Sones, U.S. Department of Veterans’ Affairs; Member At-Large, Rockne Corbin, Shelter Insurance Company; Past Chair, Eric Morrison, Providence Bank; and Past Chair, Erica Pefferman, The Business Times Company.

HENRY

VOIGHT

KINCHELOE

MORRISON

PEFFERMAN

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Gifts

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Business

The Politics of Vaping Missouri’s response to the vaping epidemic facing our youth.

BY KRCG 13’S KERMIT MILLER

A

s I sit down to write, Juul Labs has just announced it will stop selling fruit-flavored and dessert-flavored nicotine vapor liquids for its electronic cigarettes. It's just the latest concession from Juul in the face of the political assault on vaping across the country, particularly where that industry is perceived to target children. Analysts say the move will not satisfy critics, as Juul will continue to sell mint and menthol nicotine liquids, which account for nearly two-thirds of the company's retail sales. The Trump administration reportedly wants to ban all flavored vaping liquids, but that could take months.

The debate has intensified the spotlight on vaping in Missouri, where Governor Mike Parson has identified the practice — especially youth vaping — as an epidemic. As he launches his campaign for re-election next year, Parson might be expected to talk a lot about his October 15 executive order directing three separate state agencies to develop an anti-vaping education strategy for school kids.

Missouri law currently bars anyone under age 18 from purchasing nicotine vapor devices and liquids.

Nevertheless, Missouri State Health Director Randall Williams says the latest surveys indicate an 80% increase in vaping activity among high school students between 2017 and 2018. And Williams says the percentage of middle school students who admit to vaping rose from 19% in 2017 to 27% the following year.

By mid-October, the CDC reported the number of respiratory and circulatory illness cases linked to vaping was up to almost 1,300. That number includes 26 fatalities.

At that time, Williams told state capitol reporters Missouri had confirmed 23 cases, including one fatality. And despite the ban on vaping product sales to underage consumers, most of the illness in Missouri has occurred in people between the ages of 15 and 24. "We are facing an epidemic of youth vaping partly driven by the fact that many young people do not believe there are immediate or long-term risks associated with vaping," Williams said.

As a result, Parson has directed the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services, the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, and the Department of Public Safety to develop what his administration will call the "Clear the Air" campaign. It will target not only the underage consumers who are at the greatest risk, but also the people who supply vaping

products with information on the real risks identified with youth vaping.

Parson gave his team just 30 days to deliver the campaign to "educate, warn, and deter the use of vaping devices among Missouri’s youth."

Some elements already seem clear.

For example, the campaign likely will emphasize emerging evidence that the use of e-cigarettes has become a gateway to traditional cigarette smoking for adolescents. That seems particularly ironic, given that vaping was developed and marketed as a safer alternative to tobacco, a way of delivering the nicotine smokers crave without the carcinogens in tobacco smoke.

Beyond that, the medical ramifications of vaping remain unclear, which leaves them ripe for an intense political debate. Some skeptics insist the emerging health problems stem from users lacing the vaping liquid with controlled substances such as THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana.

Others, including the Parson team, will argue the vaping liquid itself represents a threat to developing brains and bodies. "I think the biggest fear we have is the unknown in the products," Parson told reporters. "I don't think anybody knows."

The Missouri Department of Public Safety's Division of Alcohol and Tobacco Control already conducts inspections of retailers and uses special enforcement operations to help ensure stores are not selling restricted products to minors.

The ATC director says the agency conducts 6,000 inspections and operations annually. She says ATC will step up efforts to enforce the rules for vaping product sales, and to conduct in-store, merchant education.

Again, this occurs as Missouri enters another political campaign season, with Parson's political opponents wasting no time with their criticism.

House Minority Leader Crystal Quade of Springfield responded to Parson's executive order by suggesting his recognition of vaping

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

as a public health threat was belated.

"As a state senator five years ago, Mike Parson voted to override a gubernatorial veto to prohibit vaping products from being taxed or regulated as tobacco products under Missouri law," Quade said in written statement. "That vote to protect vaping industry profits has not aged well." She went on to urge a repeal of "pro-industry protections."

The state Democratic Party stepped farther through the political door, with director Lauren Gepford chastising Parson for accepting "over $80,000 from tobacco companies during his time as governor and a longtime legislator," while Missouri remains one of the lowest-taxed states for tobacco products.

That sort of pivot puts a spotlight on Washington and asks where the responsibilities really lie for sickness and death. In 1998, the tobacco industry avoided endless lawsuits with the Master Settlement Agreement, which has paid tens of billions of dollars to state governments to resolve claims of liability for health care costs. With over 400,000 people dead and as many as 2 million addicted, many now suspect the pending civil litigation against the drug companies over the opioid crisis could result in a similar, though smaller settlement.

Now comes vaping, with critics pointing the same fingers of blame. I asked Missouri Senator Josh Hawley if companies such as Juul have that kind of blood on their hands. "I think we don't know yet," Hawley responded. "But I think anytime you see a death toll like this mount in the way it has, you've gotta ask, 'What's going on here?’"

Kermit Miller anchors the 6 and 10 p.m. news for KRCG 13. You can reach Kermit at kmiller@krcg.com

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PERSON YOU SHOULD KNOW

Jeremy Brown Executive Director, Ragtag Film Society HOMETOWN

Webb City, Missouri YEARS LIVED IN COLUMBIA

19 years ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU ARE MOST PROUD OF

Integrating our two projects — Ragtag Cinema and True/False Film Fest — more fully under one management team and board of directors over the past year.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Lead our team of amazing and dedicated staff to ensure we fulfill our mission and achieve our strategic priorities. And see a lot of great movies! »

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PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

After getting my undergraduate English degree, I worked at a couple of nonprofits and then in coffeehouse management. One day, I met these two guys — Paul Sturtz and David Wilson — who were starting a documentary film festival and wanted to use part of the coffeehouse I was managing as its box office. We stayed in touch over the years, and I eventually started working for them as the True/False volunteer coordinator. The ensuing 11 years is a blur.

WHO YOU CONSIDER A MENTOR

Shon Aguero of Landmark Bank. In addition to serving as our board president, he’s a smart and savvy organizational thinker who leads with humility. I’ve also learned a lot from Joan Garry’s book on nonprofit management.

Something special happens when you gather inside a dark cinema to watch a movie with your friends, neighbors, and people you don’t yet know.

THE NEXT CHALLENGE FACING THE

WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT

INDEPENDENT FILM INDUSTRY

BEING AN EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The growing influence and dominance of major streaming services increasingly tempts us to consume movies in isolation, at home, alone. Navigating that trend, plus the consolidation of cinema distributors, presents some tricky challenges for the coming years. Getting out of your house and seeing movies at independent cinemas like Ragtag or at festivals like True/False exposes you to voices and stories you might not have heard otherwise, and it gives you the opportunity to enjoy cinema alongside your community.

The only way you’ll succeed and not burn out is to surround yourself with smart, passionate experts, and then empower them to take risks and make great decisions. I’m very lucky to be surrounded by exactly that kind of team.

YOUR NEXT PROFESSIONAL GOAL

Earn my MBA with a focus in nonprofit leadership.

IF YOU WEREN’T DOING THIS FOR A LIVING, YOU WOULD

Be a stay-at-home dad and write a children’s book.

WHY YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT RAGTAG FILM SOCIETY

Something special happens when you gather inside a dark cinema to watch a movie with your friends, neighbors, and people you don’t yet know. Everyone enters the same world that’s being portrayed on the screen and lives another reality for a couple of hours. That increases our empathy for people different than ourselves, opens us up to exploring our assumptions, and leads to meaningful introspection and conversation. Hopefully, all of that blurs the lines that divide us and leads, ultimately, to a more civil society.

That’s not the only purpose of cinema, of course, but it’s one that’s important to me, and I’m passionate about ensuring our community has access to that.

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FAVORITE RECENT PROJECT

Our new fundraiser, COMO Famous, which featured six famous Columbians screening their favorite film at Ragtag. It culminated in a screening of the thriller "You’re Next" inside the house where it was filmed. The contestants really got into the competitive spirit of the fundraiser and wildly exceeded all of our expectations. The generosity of our community was astounding.

FAVORITE VOLUNTEER ACTIVITY

With three young kids at home, it’s hard to find much spare time to volunteer right now, but I do enjoy serving on the board of my neighborhood association.

FAVORITE DOCUMENTARY AND WHY

It’s very difficult to choose just one, but a recent favorite is "América," which tells the story of three brothers struggling to care for their ailing grandmother. I was once in a similar situation with my own grandmother, and this film helped me reinterpret my own story by experiencing a similar story through someone else’s lens. It also reminded me of the power of seeing a movie in a cinema with a crowd. I initially watched the movie alone and on my laptop, and I thought it was fine.

But when I watched it inside the Missouri Theatre during True/False, with a crowd of 1,200 people, it was a much richer and more memorable experience.

WHAT YOU DO TO RELAX

Work out at the Rho Engine Room and meditate.

FAMILY

I’ve been married to Erin Brown, the director of the COMO Wellness Conference, for nine years. We have three rambunctious kiddos ages 7 and below.

FAVORITE PLACE IN COLUMBIA

Running through Bonnie View Nature Sanctuary early in the morning (another stress reliever).

YOUR GO-TO RESTAURANT IN COLUMBIA AND THE DISH/DRINK YOU’D RECOMMEND

Nourish — get the Broadway Bowl with chicken salad.

WHAT YOU WANTED TO BE WHEN YOU GREW UP

An architect.

HOW YOU WANT TO IMPACT THE

MOST PEOPLE DON’T KNOW THAT YOU

COLUMBIA COMMUNITY

I was accepted to attend the Shakespeare Institute in England after undergrad, and I almost went, but Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” and the advice of a sage professor lured me out west to Boulder, Colorado, instead. I love cinematic interpretations of “Hamlet,” and watching Kenneth Branaugh’s 4-hour epic version in a cinema remains one of my most memorable experiences.

I strongly believe that Columbia is a better place to live because of the wealth of cultural and artistic opportunities it has to offer.

I want to contribute to that landscape by making sure everyone in our community has access to immersive and transformative cinema through Ragtag and True/False for many years to come.

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Alfredo Rodriguez plays at The Dr. Carlos Perez-Mesa Memorial Concert in February at the Kimball Ballroom.

25 Years of the Best Jazz Tunes “We Always Swing” Jazz Series reflects on its tenure during its silver anniversary.

BY PRINCE CHINGARANDE PHOTOS BY JOEL ANDERSON

F

ounded in July 1995, “We Always Swing” Jazz Series is a nonprofit organization dedicated to bringing jazz music to Columbia’s local music scene. They strive to “present, promote, preserve, and celebrate the great art form known as jazz.” The organization curates a series of concerts that feature national and international touring acts, including Grammy-nominated and Grammy-winning acts, whose work aligns with a contemporary aesthetic of the art form.

While working as a freelance magazine writer covering music, Jon Poses — the nonprofit’s executive director — ventured into music management, booking shows for Murry’s when it opened. He then transitioned to being a music manager, which inspired him to start a nonprofit that brings jazz music to the local scene.

“We Always Swing” is passionate about propelling jazz music and keeping the genre alive, and it does this in a variety of ways. Aside from the concerts slated for each season, the nonprofit provides formal educational forums where people can learn about and appreciate jazz. There is a partnership with MU’s School of Music, where some of the season’s artists provide master classes to jazz studies students. The latter then visit local public schools to demonstrate various jazz instruments to young kids.

New Vibrancy After Downtown Move The nonprofit’s first office space was on Eighth Street. Although it was located downtown, they did not get much traffic into their space or exposure to people interested in their concerts. However, they later moved closer to Broadway and more foot traffic when they moved into a space on Tenth Street. That move solidified their presence and visibility.

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1995 Jon Poses starts and registers “We Always Swing” Jazz Series as an official nonprofit organization.

2005 “We Always Swing” creates the James Williams Series Jazz Education Program.

2010 Josh Chittum joins the organization as the official

“Our new space is close to daily occurrence downtown, where people can come and inquire more about what we do,” says Josh Chittum, who has managed the nonprofit’s public relations since 2010.

Th is new location has allowed for the public to easily access their services, including the Von Freeman Memorial Lending Library, which has grown to over 8,000 recording and book titles. The library, according to Josh, adds significantly to the efforts of “We Always Swing” to provide cultural and artistic opportunities to the community.

The library is a combination of Jon Poses’ personal collection and samples sent to them by artists. Various titles sit on their shelves, including music from jazz giants like Ella Fitzgerald and Branford Marsalis. All the music is catalogued and organized by two diligent volunteers.

While the Von Freeman Memorial Lending Library has an extensive physical collection of music, they do not have an online streaming service. Their online catalogue only lists the titles in the physical library.

“CDs provide better music quality than online streaming services,” says Josh. “CDs also have liner notes, which listeners can read while listening to music. We also have a lot of rare recordings that cannot be found on streaming services, like “The Complete Charlie Parker on Verve.” Th is one especially has the

public information officer.

2012 They open their in-house collection of recordings and books to the public.

2013

Bruce Barth and Anat Cohen (Photo by Charlie Baerwald)

The collection is formalized as the Von Freeman Memorial Lending Library.

2019

CELEBRATIONS

full recording history of all of Charlie Parker’s songs, and it’s great that we have historical stuff that is hard to find elsewhere.”

Over the years, “We Always Swing” has experienced tremendous growth. Their concerts are mostly packed with season ticket buyers, who have increased by 50%. In a past interview with COMO magazine, Josh mentioned: “Murry’s has 125 seats and few of those are good, level one tables. When I started, there’d be leftover seats. Now, I face the challenge of selling more level one tickets than space available.”

Th is is a product of the high, unparalleled quality of programming the nonprofit provides. Some of the best jazz artists in the industry grace their stage and provide thrilling performances that leave audiences impressed beyond doubt. The organization’s name has become a specific branding tactic that ensures audiences that, regardless of the artist, they are guaranteed an electric show.

“We bring some of the best jazz names on earth to town. Our concerts are so high quality that even though our season ticket holders may not know all the names on our program, they know that the ‘We Always Swing’ stamp of approval will guarantee a great show,” says Josh.

The nonprofit has also developed a student membership, which includes perks such as free merchandise and library access opportunities. Students also have access to half-price tickets. To further increase the educational opportunities provided, they have hosted a free annual children’s concert at Hickman High School for K-5 Columbia Public School students. Th is has increased the organization’s presence on campuses, raised awareness about the genre, and garnered them prestige in the community.

The “We Always Swing” Jazz Series undoubtedly commands the jazz scene in Columbia.

For the past 25 years, they have successfully livened Columbia’s music scene with top tier performances from exceptional musicians.

“The quality and consistency of our product has contributed to our success. If people want to enjoy jazz music, we will always be around,” says Josh.

The organization kicks of its 25th

"WE ALWAYS SWING" JAZZ SERIES

season with

21 N. TENTH ST. #4946

Columbia Jazz Orchestra.

Joe Locke Trio featuring Pat Bianchi and Marvin "Smitty" Smith

573-449-3009 WEALWAYSSWING.ORG

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It’s All About the Kids Palen Music Center strives to ensure band students receive quality instruments and access to their musical dreams.

BY EMMA BENTLEY PHOTOS BY ANTHONY JINSON

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M

ost known for their band instrument rental program, Palen Music Center, or PMC, is much more than just a retail space in a shopping center off of Highway 63 and Broadway.

PMC has a long history of serving schools and band programs across Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma. It all began with a desire that two brothers, Dan and Bill Palen, shared: to make quality band instruments accessible to every band student.

“Our business was started by band directors who really wanted to find a way to get band instruments — good quality band instruments — in the hands of kids at an affordable rate,” says Ray Maltbie, Columbia’s store manager.

And that’s exactly what PMC has been doing since 1963, when the Palen brothers opened their first music store in Springfield, Missouri.

Expanding Their Reach Eventually, the Palens wanted to expand PMC further into Missouri. Ray says Columbia made sense logistically, and in 1999, the Columbia store opened, becoming PMC’s second location. Now, 20 years later, there are 10 stores total, with five of those being in Missouri. The other five are spread across Arkansas and Oklahoma.

But Columbia’s store has a far greater reach than the city limits.

Every week, PMC employees from the Columbia store travel across the state to visit schools and partner with the band programs across Mid-Missouri.

“We service a lot of the band directors up to two hours in every direction,” says Ray. “We go by their schools once a week and help them with anything they may need and to service any of our customers from those communities that rent band instruments from us.”

Currently, the Columbia store services about 50 different schools weekly, but sometimes that number can be as high as 70, says Ray. “We want the band programs of Missouri to be successful,” he says. “Band programs are successful when kids get good quality instruments, not instruments that won’t play well or play in tune. We focus on the good quality instruments they need that will help them be successful. All of the instruments we carry can be repaired. They’ll play well and have been through our repair shop. I think that’s very important for the success of the student.”

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Ray Maltbie, Columbia store manager

PMC’s Impact Ray enjoys being a part of PMC and the band rental program because of what he sees on the kids’ faces when they pick up and play an instrument for the first time; there are stars in their eyes, he says. He also knows that band can be a gateway to something long-term for these kids, such as access to additional musical opportunities.

“Getting that first musical experience is typically through band, which there’s not enough funding for anywhere,” he says. “But we get to see firsthand how those students start off in band and a lot of times end up play-

Business

BUSINESS UPDATE

And for those looking to pick up a new instrument or improve their skill level, PMC also has a top-notch music lesson program, which is led by lesson coordinator and instructor Jack Falby.

Learning to Play

ing in college and getting scholarship money for their musical ability. We just want to be a part of that. We just want to be a part of kids learning how to play. Starting off on an instrument, we know how good it is for an individual to have that artistic outlet, and studies have proven that anyone that’s in band tends to get higher grades as far as the rest of school, so it’s a very good thing for kids.”

But PMC isn’t only an exceptional band rental program that’s been recognized multiple times by the National Association of Music Merchants; they’re also an instrument repair shop.

“We try to service all types of different musical instruments. We have a guitar luthier.

We have instrument repair, so we do our best to encompass anything you might need as far as a musical instrument,” Ray says.

People can also come into their retail space to purchase instruments, including keyboards and guitars. They recently opened a new Taylor Guitar room for customers.

Jack and Ray both agree that there is a goodsized group of students coming through PMC’s music lesson program each week. Jack alone has 65 students, and altogether the number of students is over 300.

A graduate of the prestigious Berklee College of Music, in Boston, Jack is passionate about PMC’s music lesson program and what makes it different from other programs.

“Unlike many programs that demonstrate a stricter adherence to a fixed curriculum, instructors at Palen Music try to provide a customized experience,” explains Jack. “Inasmuch as the underlying language of sound is a river that runs through all different categories and tribes of music, from classical to contemporary styles and across all different instrument types, the student being a co-pilot in steering their own musical journey is of critical interest to all instructors on staff. Encouraging all students to develop their own unique musical taste and direction while at the same time equipping them with a strong technical foundation related to their instrument of choice is a balance that is continually striven for.”

He also emphasizes that, along with their unique approach to teaching, they also welcome anyone into their program.

“We encourage people of all ages and walks of life to begin or continue their musical journeys! Year after year, we’re proud to witness a constant and steady uptick in the amount of adults enrolled within our program. Music is for everyone in the family,” Jack says.

Ray agrees. “We’re here not just for beginners, but for everyone as they grow through the different levels of their musical careers,” he says.

It’s all about the kids, but it’s also all about their families and making music accessible to everyone.

PALEN MUSIC CENTER 2609 E. BROADWAY #206 573-256-5555 PALENMUSIC.COM

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DECEMBER 2019

a strong buzz is brewing The Logboat crew expands into cider and more in 2020.

BY JO R DA N M I L NE | PHOTO BY A NT HO NY J I NS O N

Tyson Hunt, Josh Rein, Andrew Sharp, and Judson Ball

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ogboat Brewing Co. is certainly creating a buzz in more ways than one.

It’s official — the three co-founders and their head brewer will be opening a new brewery and taproom location in Columbia.

“We wouldn’t be where we are without the support of Columbians,” says Tyson Hunt, Logboat co-founder and CEO. “This city and the citizens around Columbia, central Missouri, and the state of Missouri have been incredibly supportive of us and have given us the confidence to move forward with this expansion.”

the space “When searching for a new location, one of the first things we looked for was an open floor plan in an industrial setting with room to grow around it,” says Tyson. “There isn’t a ton of empty warehouse space available in Columbia, so we couldn’t be too picky, and we certainly wanted to keep the new location as close to Logboat as possible.”

The new facility will be located at 604 Nebraska Ave., east of the AMF bowling alley and north of The Business Loop. Thus far, the new space is envisioned to be a home for Logboat’s brand-new cider company, Waves Cider Co., as well as an expansion for Logboat’s wood-aged and sour beer production.

“Logboat will utilize the southern section of the building for wood-aged and sour beer production,” says Tyson.

“Waves Cider production will be taking place in the north production area, which is isolated from the south production area.”

Waves Cider Co. is the brainchild of Tyson, fellow Logboat co-founders Judson Ball and Andrew Sharp, and Logboat head brewer Josh Rein.

“The name derived from a culmination of music, space, river adventures, and trips to the Pacific Northwest over the past decade,” says Andrew. “Waves will be a new space full of artistic expression in the realms of traditional cider using apples from all over the Midwest, eventually honing in on as many Missouri apple varieties as the lands allow.”

Tyson credits the re-vitalization of The Loop as a major determining factor in Logboat’s desire to join the 170-plus businesses on this bustling corridor.

“The work that Carrie Gartner and The Loop CID Board are putting in is very exciting for our city,” says Tyson. “We are thrilled to help bring further attention to not only the existing businesses on The Loop, but to the future possibilities that exist here for our community.”

The Logboat crew hopes to have a majority of the renovations completed before the end of 2019 and open the space up to the public sometime in early 2020.

“The production area will be very similar to what our Fay Street facility looks like, but with fewer tanks and better viewing,” says Andrew. “There will be a tasting room for hosting events with an extended patio. And the sour [beer] room will be tucked away, accessible only for tours and private events.”

Grove Construction is the general contractor for the building project. Simon Oswald Architecture is acting as the architecture firm and has subbed out work to numerous local businesses to help get the space ready.

“The space certainly has a unique feel to it, and when we all walked into it, we immediately knew that it was the right building and location for our next adventure,” says Tyson. “Not only does it provide us with the operational demands of a manufacturing facility for craft beverages, but it provides us with a lot of room to grow into new and exciting possibilities.”

In addition to turning to local resources for the design and construction of the space, Tyson says that they “hope to utilize the expertise and creative minds of some of our friends who are artists, sculptors, etcetera to provide a unique and funky vibe to the space.”

the inspiration According to the co-founders, sour beer and wood-aged beers have been a frequent request from Logboat customers since the brewery opened in 2014. A major factor in the crew’s inspiration for the new location is to create beverages, such as these specialty beers, that they cannot currently make on Fay Street.

“We’re long overdue to create something that’s gluten-free, and over the past few years, we’ve discovered a passion for cider,” says Judson. “I think we’ve all wanted to do something like this since day one. It has taken a little longer than expected to get here, but we wanted to make sure that we do it right.”

Catering to all potential customers — and, in fact, all co-founders — has indeed been a major inspiration for the expansion. Judson hasn’t been able to consume beer since he found out he had severe allergies to wheat and barley.

“It was pretty devastating to discover how bad my food allergies were, but it also opened our eyes to so many different avenues of food and beverage,” says Judson. “To say I’m excited about producing ciders is an understatement.”

Judson’s allergy has sparked a great deal of support and excitement in his co-conspirators — and in their palates.

“What I’m most looking forward to is still a secret!” exclaims Andrew. “But with Judson’s allergy, I’ve been introduced to this entire new world of flavor through apples and pears that I never dreamed I’d love so much. And I’m so excited to see us produce something that he can actually consume without feeling terrible.”

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the goods “The philosophy and process for our beer is focused on balanced flavors with underlying complexity to create a beverage that can be both savored and casually drank at the same time,” says Josh. “That same philosophy will be applied to our cider as well. I feel there’s plenty of space in the market for a quality cider, especially a locally produced option.”

As for the production plans, Josh explains that the expansion is two-fold.

Cider will be produced in its own facility with a focus on year-round offerings of a dry and semi-dry cider in a can and on draft, along with some seasonal releases “sprinkled in.”

“We plan to use locally sourced ingredients to create flavors that reflect the terroir of the region, both in cider and beer, as well as expanding outside the traditional styles and letting our creative selves shine,” says Josh.

“I’m excited to attempt traditional-method cider [think champagne] using apples grown in central Missouri. In the coming years, we will be working more closely with local farmers to grow the raw material — fruit, vegetables, grain — for an array of beverages that reflect the flavors and the seasons of the Missouri River valley and its bounty.”

On the beer side of things, oak barrels and tanks will be filled with batches destined for fermentation and long-term aging with wild yeast and bacteria. These beers will age for anywhere from six months to two years before being blended for bottling.

“We hope to offer up these sour beer releases at multiple times throughout the year,” says Josh. “The expansion is more about variety than it is about larger volume. It’s an exploration of flavors that we haven’t shared yet with our fans. The new space is going to provide opportunity for near endless possibilities for new flavors and styles, and I’m thrilled to have a playground to learn new techniques and processes.”

Of course, new technique will take time, but as Judson says, “Slow and steady has been our mantra since day one.”

“There will be a learning curve for all of us when it comes to sour beer, gluten-free offerings, and cider in particular,” adds Andrew.

“Developing a wood-aged beer program and diversifying products in our new facility is a vision that will soon be realized, and it will take some time to get that program at a level we’re all entirely satisfied with.”

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"IT’S AN EXPLORATION OF FLAVORS THAT WE HAVEN’T SHARED YET WITH OUR FANS." Tyson is already envisioning and anticipating walking through stacks of barrels and pulling nails on various barrels filled with wild beers.

“The wood-aged and sour beer projects for Logboat are something we’ve wanted to expand upon since we opened the brewery, and to get to watch Josh and our creative brewers put together some wonderful new beer projects will be awesome,” says Tyson. “Overall, having a creative space to allow our artists an opportunity to experiment with new beverages is something I’m very excited about.”

the distribution With so much more production space, hopeful beerheads and ciderheads “abroad” may think that the brewery would potentially expand beyond state lines. However, the crew emphasizes that the current long-term goal is for Logboat to create enough beer to cover the entire state of Missouri.

“Our focus will continue to be creating the best possible beverages we can while offering fun, creative, and social experiences,” says Tyson.

Andrew reiterates that the efforts will be focused inward rather than outward.

“This new space is not as much about widening distribution as it is about creating new pathways for us to explore outside of our comfort zone,” says Andrew. “Working toward statewide distribution and doing it in a way that is true to our values is important to all of us. We are in no rush.”

Andrew adds that the goal is to eventually distribute the cider locally, but it’s hard to gauge how much will actually go out in the beginning.

“We’ll begin with a limited amount of product for ciders,” says Andrew. “Hopefully we’ll be able to have a few limited bottle releases our first year with both sours and ciders.

We’ll definitely have some specialty bottles in a larger format. It all depends on the timing of when things come around to tasting great. We’re crossing our fingers for having some product we’re all happy with next year.”

the future Tyson’s vision for Logboat is to continue working hard at making the best beer possible while strategically growing their distribution footprint to include all 114 counties in “the great state of Missouri.”

“I foresee a lot of innovation and fun, exciting new projects in the future, and I’m excited to see what our crew comes up with next in the beverage world,” says Tyson. “I want to continue to provide high-quality jobs and a working environment that is both challenging and rewarding and continues to provide a platform for us to give back to our community. Forming deeper connections within the communities where we distribute our products is something that I look forward to as well.”

Tyson believes that there is a trust that exists between Logboat and the Missourians that allows Logboat to diversify their offerings and “explore the ever-changing landscape of craft beverages.”

“We owe it to Missourians and to ourselves to keep exploring the craft beverage space,” says Tyson, “and we couldn’t be more excited to do so right here in the heart of Columbia.”

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Abbi Grimwood State Fair Community College student, Joe Machens Drives Education Scholarship Recipient

We’re giving back to our community by investing in continued education. Every month, we award a nominated high school student with a $1,000 scholarship. Abbi Grimwood is the scholarship’s latest recipient. She plans to attend State Fair Community College and study general education with the hopes of later transferring to another school to study dermatology.

Do you know who nominated you? Yes, my former high school counselor, Mrs. Becky King.

How did you feel when you find out you’d won? I was actually at work when I found out. My counselor, Mrs. King, contacted me and told me to call a specific number, and I was a little suspicious at first. I was like, “Did I do something wrong?” Of course, when I finally called and they informed me I had won this scholarship, I was shocked! It was an amazing feeling that I was not anticipating and a great start to my day!

What does continuing your education mean to you and your family? Continuing my education means almost everything to my family and I. As a student, I am and was (in high school) passionate about my education, and furthering it was always a priority. My family is very supportive of my educational journey and are just as excited as I am about continuing it!

What did it feel like to hold that check? I think I have only seen one “big check” in my entire life, but it wasn’t mine. When I first saw it and held it, the feeling was surreal. I couldn’t believe that I had been experiencing firsthand this amazing opportunity and it was for me! It was an incredible feeling.

Abbi receiving her award at Joe Machens Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram from General Manager, Brian Jacobson.

“This is a huge step in my educational career and this scholarship ensures a steady start to this chapter in my life. Thank you, Joe Machens, for supporting me in my education.”

What drew you to want to study dermatology? For years, I have been a skin care fanatic. Just ask my parents.

I am constantly working on my own skin care routine and encouraging others to take certain routes in which will meet their desired results. This field has been a dream of mine that I can’t wait to fulfill. Also, Dr. Pimplepopper was a pretty big influence. I love her!

Everyone here at Joe Machens Dealerships wishes Abbi a successful first year at State Fair Community College.

You can nominate a deserving student just like Abbi!

Visit MachensDrivesEducation.com to apply.

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BEHIND THE SCENES A N I N T I M AT E L O O K AT

MID-MISSOURI’S COMMUNITY-DRIVEN MUSIC SCENE THROUGH THE LENS OF BUSSEN PRODUCTIONS.

BY DAV I D M O R R I S O N

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KARL BUSSEN is a former skateboarder and current media producer with his own company, Bussen Productions, who wanted to make a passion project about the Columbia music scene that he loves. Jeff Blumer is a longtime traveler in that scene, serving as lead vocalist of various bands over the years, and wanted an opportunity to learn the tools of the fi lmmaking trade.

It only made sense, then, that the two would team up on a documentary showcasing the past, present, and future of the Mid-Missouri music scene.

“I’ve learned that there’s a very special thing here in Columbia. It’s very vibrant and there’s music everywhere,” Karl says. “How can we do something that can be very impactful for our community and capture our history, our story? We had the skill set and the tools to do it. It’s a fun thing for us to do, and I think it’s going to be pretty impactful.”

Other college towns have their stories. Athens, Georgia, was the launchpad for acts such as R.E.M. and the B-52s. Austin, Texas, helped unleash indie mainstays such as Spoon and Explosions in the Sky. Columbia doesn’t have the name recognition of some of its more heralded counterparts, but it has carved its own niche over the years through venues like The Blue Note and festivals like Roots N Blues N BBQ. And, as Jeff and Karl will both tell you, it’s not hard to find people who have a deep and lasting devotion to the cultural center of Boone County.

“Columbia is this pedestal for a lot of these surrounding communities to come to, look up to, and be inspired by,” Karl says. “If you’re in Fulton, Moberly, Mexico, or Boonville, then Columbia has the platform for music. Columbia has helped grow a lot of people in the music scene and the music stays because they’ve created this space. It has inspired a lot of people.”

CULTIVATING A SCENE

Posters provided

by Justin Powers 102

DECEMBER 2019

Those familiar with The Blue Note and Roots N Blues also know that the two have something in common: Richard King.

Richard opened The Blue Note in Columbia in 1980 and was one of the founders of Roots N Blues in 2007.

Naturally, any piece about music in the city needed to involve Richard, and Jeff and Karl made him one of their priority interviews.

“I could listen to him talk for hours [with] the stories he has to tell,” Jeff said.

Sandwiched as it is between St. Louis and Kansas City, it was easy for big acts to pass up Columbia as they toured around the region. Once The Blue Note’s profi le grew, though, it started attracting such iconic acts as Pixies, R.E.M., and Red Hot Chili Peppers.

Success begot success.

“His biggest thing was building up a reputation for hospitality. He made sure that every band that came through got paid, had a place to stay, and a warm meal to eat,” Jeff says. “His message was to make sure that word got out that when you stopped in Columbia, you were going to get taken care of. It really helped build what we have now.”

Karl grew up in Moberly and looked at Columbia as the place to go if you wanted to see cool acts. Pavement played there, after all. As he made more trips into the city, he made more friends around the music scene and eventually relocated.

Jeff is from Columbia. He went to shows of the bands he idolized, such as 311, at The Blue Note, and his dream was to play on that stage.

“One of the bands I was in, all the musicians were from California, Missouri.

They all shared the same dream: Can we get a show at The Blue Note?” says Jeff, who is currently in a Weezer cover band, a ’90s hip-hop cover band, and a heavy metal band.

“It turns out we did, and we did really well. It just has that effect on folks.”

Bussen Productions has thrived in the Columbia scene from Karl’s space at Orr Street Studios. The company has shot music videos for local acts such as the Kay Brothers and the Burney Sisters, and his team was at Roots N Blues this fall to shoot footage and interviews with festivalgoers.

There will be Columbia music history in the fi lm, yes, but Karl doesn’t want it to be a history lesson. It’s more about the pride and the heart the community has for its music.

“There are a lot of unique relationships, just a lot of incredible talent,” Karl says.

“Some folks get very emotional about the music scene. It means a lot to them. There’s a bigger message to this documentary. It’s about the music scene, obviously. That’s the hero of it. But it’s not just music. It’s the audience that goes to the venues to watch.”

In Jeff ’s trips to those venues — watching and performing — he says he’s seen an impressive array of skill across multiple genres: metal, hip-hop, bluegrass, folk, Americana, punk.

Jeff says Kevin Walsh, a Columbia institution as a writer and radio host, put it a little more eloquently than he could.

“He was talking about how he couldn’t explain why we have our own thing going on, but it has something to do with the Missouri River, its ebb and flow,” Jeff says. “He said

Columbia musicians are always on their own flow. There’s a connection between that and the water source in this town, the river. I don’t know if there’s merit to that or not, but it sounded freakin’ cool.”

A COMMUNITY FEEL Karl already has the opening shot of his documentary planned out. He flew a drone over Stephens Lake Park during the set up for Roots n Blues this year, before the festival started. Then he took the drone up again during the height of the event, and he plans to stitch the two shots together.

Opening scene? Check. Title? Not so much.

“We’re actually waiting for it to name itself,” Karl says. “Someone’s going to say something and we’ll be like, ‘There it is. We now have a name for this documentary.’”

Karl also has a grand idea for how he’s going to release the fi lm once its ready: on one night, at four or five different venues — The Blue Note, Rose Music Hall, maybe Café Berlin, for instance — all at the same time.

“It would be a fun thing to have more of an intimate setting, to have groups, pods of people to be able to watch it in different places versus one mass showing at one stage,” Karl says.

That screening method is more in line with the feel Karl and Jeff want to cultivate with this film. It reflects the close-knit community vibe they’ve experienced in the Columbia music scene.

Interspersed with interviews and historical interludes, Karl is also adamant about including substories in the fi lm, ones that epitomize this community.

He gives the example of a high-schooler named Brady, who makes trap beats in his basement as a therapeutic escape to deal with Tourette syndrome. Jeff helped connect Brady with a local rapper named Polo who could put words to his beats.

Karl says he fi lmed Brady and Polo working together for

the documentary while recording their collaboration to release as an album.

“We’re going to really tell the story of Columbia music in a fun way and get a lot of people involved,” Karl says. “It’s going to be a very community-driven project.”

To Jeff, the coolest part about the project is shining a light on the locals that make the music scene go. Those locals include Brady and Polo, and also Byron Amplification, which has built a devoted following of musicians around town for its handcrafted amps, pedals, and cabinets.

And Jeff says, the documentary will promote people like Karl, too, the photographers and videographers who promote local bands for little or no pay.

“He shot a music video for us, and I don’t think we gave him a dime. Bands are broke.

That’s the reality of it,” Jeff says, with a laugh.

“There are a lot of characters like that in town.

We grow because people contribute, volunteer for roles that they’re good at, and that help everybody else out. That’s pretty cool.”

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Community

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BY THE COMMUNITY, FOR THE COMMUNITY

AS GREEN AS GRASS

COUPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Boone County’s Voluntary Action Center celebrates 50 years of service with a party and plenty of reflection.

Curtis Taylor Jr. and Marquise White open a downtown curation boutique space.

Sarah Dresser and Kristofor Husted share about their jobs, favorite local activities, and what brought them to Columbia.

By the Community, for the Community Boone County’s Voluntary Action Center celebrates 50 years of service with a party and plenty of reflection.

Voluntary Action Center

BY JASMINE-KAY JOHNSON | PHOTO COURTESY OF NICK FOSTER

Founded: 1969

W

Mission Statement

hat’s the best way to celebrate a 50-year anniversary? For the staff of the Voluntary Action Center, or VAC, the answer was neither a fancy evening dinner nor a casual midday luncheon. The answer was a birthday party complete with balloons, barbecue, and beverages fit for adults and children.

VAC’s humble beginnings in 1969 are no match for the reputation it holds in Columbia today, a reputation that VAC’s executive director Nick Foster holds closely. “I feel a deep sense of responsibility,” he says.

Eight years have gone by since Nick began leading VAC, which is a testament to his personal values. “I’ve had a long interest in the concerns of people who struggle,” Nick says. Before VAC, he worked with Habitat for Humanity, aided in the Alabama Poverty Project, coordinated community service projects, and served as a pastor.

Nick’s inclination to volunteer is shared with others in the community, as well. As communicated through VAC’s mission statement, there's a gap between crisis and stability, and sometimes it’s a large one. “We’re a bridge to people who are struggling to help them get across that period of struggle, and we’re a bridge to people in the community who want to help,” Nick says.

Reflecting on his role since he fi rst became VAC’s executive director, Nick understands the weight of leading an organization with a significant history.

Its importance is heightened by the fact that VAC is not connected to a national affi liate. “I think that people in the community have a sense of ownership about the agency,” he says. It’s by Boone County and for Boone County.

Philosophy or Practicality?

VAC’s ability to serve the community is rooted in being both hopeful and realistic. “My feeling is that when we improve the lives of those who are struggling most, then we’re going to improve the lives of everyone in the community and we make the community better as a whole,” Nick says. For him, this statement doesn’t serve the purpose of being philo-

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sophical or making someone feel good; instead, it’s a practical belief, an ethos for action.

“We don’t pretend that we help people with everything they need,” Nick says.

VAC’s goal to improve the quality of life for Boone County residents is made possible through the staff ’s ability to wear many hats. That goal is further aided with the help of the VAC Board of Directors.

The board’s role isn’t as on-the-ground as Nick’s, but they are responsible for making sure that Nick and his staff have access to whatever they need.

“As an adult, it’s sometimes hard to figure out how to plug in in those ways that you could when you were on campus,” says Diamond Scott, the current president of VAC’s Board of Directors. As Diamond searched for opportunities to continue the volunteer work in her professional life that had always been dear to her, VAC’s former board president, Kelsey Raymond, introduced her to VAC. Diamond has now served as a board member for five years, including as vice president for two years prior to her presidency.

“I feel pretty fortunate that I get to serve in a lot of different areas in the community, but this is one that I feel so passionate about because I’m from Columbia and VAC directly impacts this community, and it impacts our neighbors,” she says. Diamond’s own family has utilized VAC’s services, so there was never any question about her support of the agency.

Looking Forward Although 50 years is an important milestone for an organization such as VAC, Nick hopes that a 100th birthday party isn’t in the cards.

“I’d like to believe, and the more optimistic part of me does believe, that one day there won’t be a need for agencies like this one because everyone is going to have access to the opportunities they need to provide for themselves,” Nick says.

In the meantime, though, VAC will continue to serve the community in any way that it can. What that looks like is constantly shifting as Nick considers funding, community issues, and VAC’s mission

To help low-income individuals and families bridge the gaps between crisis and stability and improve quality of life in Boone County.

Board of Directors: Diamond Scott President

Chris Lunn

Vice President

Lynn Cole Secretary

Chris Rosskopf Treasurer

Kelsey Raymond

Immediate Past President

Board Members: • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

Monica Barbee Sabrina Basinger Kristen Brown Jim Bryan Melissa Carr Jennifer Erickson Alex George Celeste Hardnock Ken Hutchinson Lloyd Montgomery Charles Sampson Gary Tegerdine Mark Thomas Denise Whitworth

Community

A glimpse into VAC's 50th birthday celebration and ribbon cutting.

statement. “I think the time has come for us to do what we did about seven years ago: to think again about our mission statement . . . and to also review all of our services,” he says. Nick wants to make sure that VAC continues to align with what the community wants and needs.

One approach to this is through VAC’s collaboration with similar agencies. When one agency can’t provide a particular service to a client, VAC steps in. For example, when Boone Electric Cooperative and Columbia Water and Light asked if they could provide air conditioners to clients who needed them and were turned down, VAC offered their help. Now, just this year, VAC provided 67 replacement air conditioners.

“I think our role in the community is somewhat unique, and we want to maintain that role,” Nick says.

VAC also hopes to continue collaborating with the Functional Zero Task Force, a collection of community organizations dedicated to addressing homelessness in the area.

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

In the end, Nick and his staff want to make one thing clear: They are non-judgmental. The situations that VAC’s clients deal with vary greatly; some are temporary and others are long-term. “We accept them for who they are and for where they are, and we do the very best we can to help them in the immediate situation in which they find themselves,” Nick says.

VOLUNTARY ACTION CENTER 403A VANDIVER DR. 573-874-2273 VACMO.ORG VAC@VACMO.ORG

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AS G R EE N Curtis Taylor Jr. and Marquise White open a downtown art curation and boutique space.

BY PRINCE CHINGARANDE PHOTOS BY KEITH BORGMEYER

AS G RASS COMOMAG.COM

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I

n late August, Columbia reverberated with the sound of college students celebrating the fi rst weekend of the semester. As they excitedly linked up with friends at local restaurants, The Greens Co., a streetwear boutique on Ninth Street, opened a new art exhibition titled “We Matter” by Adrian Walker.

Framed pictures of black men in velvet durags hung on the walls. In the front corner, there was an interactive art installation resembling a bathroom counter. As attendees explored the installation’s contents, they expressed immense delight upon seeing popular natural hair care products, which have been staples in the black community for years, displayed on the vanity.

Moments later, Adrian Walker and Curtis Taylor, a co-owner of The Greens, emerged at the front to begin a thoughtful conversation about the exhibition, focusing on the intersection between art and identity and the socialization of black men in America.

Sowing Seeds The Greens Co. is a curation boutique space. The shop is used to pair art with fashion to provide customers a gate pass into a community where one can unabashedly exist with their full authentic self on display, sans judgement. It is a culturally relevant space that champions black creativity in art, music, fashion, and culture, and celebrates those who support this creativity through their consumption.

Curtis Taylor Jr. and Marquise White are the parents of this brainchild. Curtis, curator, and Marquise, lead designer, wanted to create a space where they could express their artistic psyche and display their growth not only as creatives, but as black men moving through the world to positively impact people they encounter.

The name “The Greens” is a metaphoric encapsulation of their vision. It is a constant reminder that people, like grass, are constantly evolving and morphing into different forms.

“When we began, we drew inspiration from the saying ‘The grass is greener on the other side,’” says Curtis. “We would ask ourselves, ‘Is the grass only greener because it isn’t real?’ This forced us to do an honest inventory of ourselves and made us realize that the best versions of ourselves come from self-belief and realizing your inner power. This experience is what we want to bring to our community.”

With this ethos guiding them, Curtis and Marquise constantly manicure and trim themselves to present their most pristine, intentional selves. To them, this is fashion. In Curtis’ words, “When you look better, you feel better and, in turn, do better.” So they use art to plant seeds wherever they are, stay on the cutting edge of culture, and make fashion serve people on complex levels that exceed physical appearance.

Blades Grown Consciously The company is Curtis and Marquise’s fi rst ever business venture, so they approached their jumpstarting processes with what Marquise recalls to be a “guerrilla-style approach.”

“The process of creating our company was trial and error. However, we were passion- and research-driven, and we used our resources to make the best of the process,” says Marquise.

“We honed in on what it’s like to start, own, and keep a business flourishing, and this has served us well. We’re now going into our second year.”

The co-owners’ shared ethos helped them create a model that allows for them and the space to evolve. Because their business centers on art and culture, their acumen develops along with the space. It hinges on the many innovative minds, like Adrian Walker, who they invite to collaborate.

Curtis and Marquise intentionally picked the community of people who helped establish their company. These people, whom they liken to blades, helped to shear the original The Greens grass into the neat lawn it is now.

The conception team included Curtis and Marquise as co-owners, Danielle Washington as the general manager, Malachi Goodman as head of marketing, and Kristofer Maddox in accounting and finance. Curtis and Marquise also had interns who, in exchange for entrepreneurship and art tutelage, helped bring the company to its feet.

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DECEMBER 2019

“We picked people we knew would be suitable for the specific needs we had. The rest were family and community because we value this. A lot of people, by nature of the business, were able to find an avenue that they could work in. We drew on our needs and the people we were in constant contact with,” says Marquise.

With this backing behind them, Curtis and Marquise managed to build a system that coaches creatives and is intentional about the narratives The Greens pushes and the conversations it sparks.

Germination The Greens’ growth process hasn’t been faultless. Being a black-owned business, they face unique challenges that make their day-to-day operating complex.

“One of the biggest challenges of us being black-owned in a predominantly white space is people understanding our inception, business model, how we run things, the people we bring here, and the conversations we have,” Marquise says. “We believe there’s still a gap and barrier [there].”

However, their asset is community, and they can overcome any challenging circumstances. They wisely use the power that comes from the collective pursuit of a cause. The company’s purpose persists because it’s committed to personal development and educating people on appreciating black creativity. As a result, a diverse audience continues to go to The Greens to learn and feel the radiation of the space.

“In a space of whiteness, we have to be sure of our mission and stay authentic, whether it relates to race, age, or financial capability. We provide cool, tranquil experiences. Vibes. We’re trying to be the pulse of Co-

lumbia,” says Curtis. “The Greens is for everybody. However, we don’t stray away from our story, image, or who raised us. But when we do everything, it’s for everybody. We fill the gap that people point fingers at.”

The Perfect Patch of Lawn In addition to running the store and curating inventory, Curtis and Marquise create streetwear fashion. Their pieces are unique and high quality, the kind that you buy and admire intensely, the kind that you’d rather archive than exhaust each time you dress yourself. Their garments are a visual, sometimes playful, exploration of color and texture.

One piece, called the original varsity chenille polo, is a green and white striped long-sleeved cotton shirt embellished with an orange nylon collar and elbow patches. On the back of the shirt, “The Greens” label, made from chenille fabric, is sewn in the middle.

Th is shirt reflects a trend in The Greens’ designs: They’re all different, thoughtfully experimental, and striking, evoking a fashionable simplicity with a sometimes camp aesthetic that is highly sought-after in the fashion world.

As they couple art with fashion, The Greens clutches onto community, and it’s blossoming. They host free art exhibitions that feature in-depth analyses of the artist’s work, allowing for those who do not buy their clothing to gain something from being in their space.

To the creatives, they are a non-traditional classroom for workshops.

To the broader community, they are a kind of church that gives love, acceptance, and vibes.

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If you’re making time for these activities...

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The Trans-Siberian Experience: The Prophecy

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An Antique Carol

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A Gospel Christmas Celebration

Jingle Bell Run Stephens College Silverthorne Arena 8 a.m.

10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Missouri United Methodist Church 7 p.m.

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City Kwanzaa Celebration Progressive Missionary Baptist Church 2 to 5 p.m.

The Mighty Pines Rose Music Hall 9 p.m. show, $10

Symphony of Toys Holiday Concert Missouri Theatre 3 p.m., $20 adults

Comedian Greg Morton The Blue Note 7 p.m. show, $25

D EC EM B E R 8

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Holiday Maker Fair

Holiday Blood Drive

Community Pop Up Lot on the Loop 2 p.m.

Catherine Russell Group Murray’s 3:30 and 7 p.m.

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Passion for Pigs Seminar and Trade Show Holiday Inn Executive Center All day

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TIG Advisors 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

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CONVERGENCE FINANCIAL...........................................................................................................2 CUSTOM COMPLETE AUTOMOTIVE....................................................................................... 52 D & M SOUND........................................................................................................................................ 22 DANCE ARTS..........................................................................................................................................69 DAVE GRIGGS FLOORING AMERICA.....................................................................................30 DDS DENTURES + IMPLANT SOLUTIONS OF COLUMBIA..................................... 118 DOWNTOWN APPLIANCE............................................................................................................29 EDWARD JONES.................................................................................................................................29 EVEXIAS...................................................................................................................................................... 12 FERGUSON...............................................................................................................................................16 GFI DIGITAL................................................................................................................................................3 GRAVITY...................................................................................................................................................105 GREAT CIRCLE.....................................................................................................................................104 HAAS ACCOUNTING..........................................................................................................................83 HAWTHORN BANK.......................................................................................................................... 124 HELMI'S GARDENS............................................................................................................................66 INSIDE THE LINES.............................................................................................................................100 JENNING'S PREMIUM MEATS.....................................................................................................66 JOB POINT..................................................................................................................................................9 JOE MACHENS DEALERSHIPS..................................................................................................98 JOE MACHENS LINCOLN.......................................................................................................10 & 11 JOHNSTON PAINT & DECORATING........................................................................................42 LINKSIDE AT OLD HAWTHORNE.............................................................................................99 MACADOODLES................................................................................................................................. 64 MERCEDES OF COLUMBIA.........................................................................................................110 MISSOURI EMPLOYERS MUTUAL.............................................................................................18 MY SISTER'S CIRCUS.........................................................................................................................47 NATHAN JONES LAW........................................................................................................................ 15 NAUGHT NAUGHT INSURANCE AGENCY..........................................................................63 NEXTHOME PARADIGM.................................................................................................................76 NIKKI ALETO COACHING...............................................................................................................20 ODYSSEY CHAMBER MUSIC SERIES..................................................................................... 57 ORANGETHEORY FITNESS...........................................................................................................78 PARKS AMUSEMENTS (LEVEL UP).........................................................................................97 PROVIDENCE BANK........................................................................................................................... 8 SECURE DATA TECHNOLOGIES.......................................................................................... 6 & 7 SELECT REALTY GROUP - ALISSA GERKE..........................................................................20 SHELTER INSURANCE AGENTS.................................................................................................42 SKYLARK BOOKSHOP......................................................................................................................67 SOCKET......................................................................................................................................................72 SPA SHIKI..................................................................................................................................................67 STANGE LAW FIRM........................................................................................................................... 118 STATE FARM - PHYLLIS NICHOLS............................................................................................ 52 SUPERIOR GARDEN CENTER/ROST LANDSCAPE....................................................... 35 SYDENSTRICKERS............................................................................................................................106 THE BANK OF MISSOURI...............................................................................................................92 THE BROADWAY HOTEL..............................................................................................................120 THE KLEMPKES- IRON GATE REAL ESTATE.....................................................................63 THE SALVATION ARMY COLUMBIA CORPS......................................................................70 THE SOUTHERN ROSE....................................................................................................................67 THE TIN ROOF.......................................................................................................................................78 THE TRUST COMPANY........................................................................................................ 116 & 117 THE VILLAGE OF BEDFORD WALK....................................................................................... 48 TLC MORTGAGE................................................................................................................................... 32 TRUE FALSE FILM FEST..................................................................................................................86 UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI HEALTH CARE.........................................................................14 WE ALWAYS SWING JAZZ SERIES........................................................................................120 WILLIAMS & ASSOCIATES EYECARE......................................................................................58 WILSON'S FITNESS...........................................................................................................................114 WONDERS OF WILDLIFE............................................................................................................. 80 YELLOW DOG BOOKSHOP..........................................................................................................65

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COLUMBIA'S TOP DESTINATION FOR LARGE AND SMALL GATHERINGS Open all year long, with indoor and outdoor event space, The Roof caters to events during any season. With spectacular views of Columbia, eclectic decor, and an experienced banquet staff, our amazing venue guarantees a memorable event.

(573) 875-7000 • 1111 E. Broadway, Columbia • TheBroadwayColumbia.com 120

DECEMBER 2019

Community

COUPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

Sarah Dresser & Kristofor Husted to every First Friday in the North Village Arts District and the True/ False Film Fest has become an event I look forward to every year.

K: I love to grab a drink at Uprise Bakery, peruse some vinyl at Hitt

Records, and then take in a new fi lm at Ragtag Cinema. I also like to check out readings at One Mic and The Next Weather Series.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO A LASTING AND HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP? S: Having your own interests – it gives you something to talk about

when you spend time together.

K: Communication.

WHAT IS THE BEST QUALITY OF YOUR PARTNER? S: His compassion for others.

K: Her individuality.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP?

Sarah Dresser and Kristofor Husted share about their jobs, favorite local activities, and what brought them to Columbia.

S: Our sing-a-long/dance parties.

HOW DID YOU MEET?

off each other’s energy.

Sarah: We should have met at a holiday party we both attended, but

our paths didn’t cross. We were introduced by a mutual friend a couple of months later.

K: We are both fairly extroverted and thrive in group settings. We feed

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD FOR THE TWO OF YOU? S: More traveling – I hope we can plan for a trip to Europe in the next

few years.

WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST DATE?

K: More inside jokes. More bird watching. And more BBQs.

S: We grabbed drinks at the newly opened 9th Street Public House.

Our evening was taken over by a St. Patrick’s Day themed pub crawl.

WHAT KEEPS YOU BUSY DURING THE WEEK? S: I am the manager for the City of Columbia’s Office of Cultural

Affairs – a job I love! Overseeing the City’s public art projects, annual funding to nonprofit arts organizations, and a number of special events means there is never a dull moment during the week.

K: I’m a reporter, producer, and podcaster for KBIA, Columbia’s NPR member station. I also teach at the journalism school, working with students in the newsroom and the classroom.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE TO DO IN YOUR FREE TIME? S: I try to stay active through yoga, biking, and walking our dog, Lou.

I’m also a member of the MU Choral Union, singing in the alto section.

K: I like to watch sports with my friends, especially if any of my

home Bay area teams are playing. I like to cook and try new recipes.

Whenever I get the chance, I love to go fishing on the river.

WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES? S: Riding my bike, hiking, and skiing.

K: Grilling, fishing, and gardening.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN COLUMBIA? S: Chris McD’s is our new neighborhood favorite.

K: I’m going to abstain because I’m friends with several chefs in town.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PROJECT TO WORK ON TOGETHER? S: Planning our wedding.

K: Buying a house last year.

WHAT BROUGHT YOU BOTH TO COLUMBIA? S: After graduating with my master’s, a job with the City’s Office of

Cultural Affairs became available and it was a perfect fit.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ART/CULTURE ACTIVITY IN COLUMBIA? S: There are so many that I enjoy – it’s hard to choose! I try to make it

K: I was working at NPR in Washington, DC, and I wanted back in the

field. I moved to Columbia to report on agriculture.

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121

Community

THIS OR THAT

Film In Studio Cannon Color Ragtag Cinema Cat Beer

Wine

Sour Sit Down Big-Picture Evening

Bach

Drake

Safari

Chrome

Learn

Teach

Ben & Jerry’s Improviser Modern Pessimist

Tea Chocolate Kisses Central Dairy Planner Traditional Optimist

City

Country

Save

Spend

Summer Fly Canada East Coast

DECEMBER 2019

Dog

Sweet

Gummy Worms

122

Netflix

Drive

Coffee

Fujifilm Diet Coke Is it cold or hot out?

Indigo Girls Fall!

Black & White

Walk

Morning

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Nikon

Inside

Details

Owner/Photographer, Rogue Studios

On Location

Outside

Take Out

Stacie Pottinger

Digital

Book

Winter Road Trip Mexico West Coast Movie

Introvert

Extrovert

Podcast

Playlist

Cluttered Card Game Concept Fiction Text Glasses

Minimalist Board Game Execute Non-Fiction Call Contacts

300 St. James St., Suite 103 Columbia, MO 65201