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Old Hawthorne
1009 Caymus Court
1104 Caymus Court
5811 Harlan Court
5905 Harlan Court
5909 Harlan Court
Oak Hill subdivision is a prestigious, new development located off of Route N in Southwest Columbia. A perfect example of a luxury neighborhood with plenty of natural beauty at its fingertips, Oak Hill encompases over 160 acres of gorgeous Missouri landscape. The thoughtfully planned and designed subdivision offers 47 estate sized lots with privacy & views in mind by maximizing existing mature trees. Lot sizes range from two to ten acre tracts. Its location next to Rock Bridge State Park and Highway 63 provides year-round beauty, quick access to recreation, and enrollment in one of the most desired school districts in Columbia.
I love the rain.
Well, more specifically, I love the smell of rain.
There’s something truly special about the smell that comes with rain — it’s like it makes everything … fresher. And while I normally prefer holing up at home in comfy clothes in almost all types of weather, I honestly never mind going out in the rain. I find it refreshing.
When I do venture out in rainy weather, one thing is for sure: You are unlikely to see me with an umbrella. After years of trying, I’ve completely given up as I always seem to forget that I brought one anywhere and end up leaving it behind.
Whether you’re like me and prefer hooded attire in rain or have a collection of chic umbrellas, you’ll want to see what we have in store for rainy day fashions on pages 62-66. We’ve showcased colorful jackets, boots and umbrellas sure to add a bright spot to any gray day.
Once you’re all suited up for a day of adventuring in the rain, consider stopping by one of Columbia’s many locally owned and operated coffee shops. On pages 52-61, you’ll find everything you need to know about the best spots to grab a morning java or an afternoon pick-me-up. Personally, my favorite shops are the ones I can semi-hide in on a rainy day, either enjoying a good book or some people watching with a delicious latte, preferably one with an extra shot.
Madeleine Leroux Editor | mleroux@insidecolumbia.net Inside Columbia magazineAfter a day of venturing around Columbia in the rain, there’s nothing better than coming home to a friendly face. For me, that’s the eager eyes of my pup Bella and the demanding glares of my cats Millie and Simon. I absolutely love coming home to my animals and getting to spend some quality time snuggling up with each one. And if there’s one thing I know about Columbia, it’s that this is a town filled with animal lovers. That’s why we had more than 200 submissions to our Cutest Pets Contest, and you can find the four winners crowned the absolute cutest on pages 46-51. Each one had an incredible story and it was easy to see the sheer joy they have brought as they started new lives with their found families.
Spring is all about renewal, and we’ve decided to embrace that at Inside Columbia. If you visit us online, you’ll notice a new look to our site and some new features to boot, including a new, user-friendly community calendar that we’re particularly excited about. So take a minute and visit insidecolumbia.net to check out our new look, find out what’s going on around Columbia and, while you’re there, nominate and vote for your favorite people, places and things to do in our annual Best of Columbia contest.
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Did you know it takes hundreds of volunteers to put on the annual True/False Film Fest? Set for March 2-5 in downtown Columbia, the event features dozens of feature and short film screenings, plus live music, art installations and filmmaker/artist discussions. Volunteers, who can serve on any number of available teams, are rewarded with several perks, depending on the hours worked. For more information, visit truefalse.org/volunteer.
24
Creating with Clay
28
Writing an Origin Story
30
Making in Miniature
31 Calendar
BY ZOLA CROWDER · PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON
For Angela Johnson, work is an opportunity to exercise her passion.
Passion for pottery, that is.
Always interested in the arts, Johnson studied fine arts at the University of Missouri, earning her bachelor’s degree in 1995. By her late 20s, Johnson found herself living a life that was unhealthy and wound up seeking a relationship with God. It was then that she began a deep dive into pottery, discovering a new passion and a bond to her clay that was unexpected. “Every time I got at the (pottery) wheel, I just would think about my journey with God and how I was working with the clay and how much it paralleled,” Johnson says.
Behind the pottery wheel, Johnson was able to create a sense of comfort.
But life often gets in the way.
Johnson’s wheel was slowly pushed to the back as she got married and raised her two children. Pottery simply wasn’t a priority.
Then her life flipped upside down.
In 2013, Johnson’s mother had a stroke, losing the use of her entire right side. The following year, her
riding his bicycle and died. Johnson’s grief made her return to her old passion, an emotional outlet she needed to help process the loss. “It afforded me the ability to get my wheel back out, but I didn’t realize how much that was going to be needed,” Johnson says.
The loss also triggered a new theme to Johnson’s work. Throughout much of her pottery, you’ll notice imagery of an oak tree. The tree is a representation of Johnson’s father and his deep roots in her life. “When my dad passed away, he felt like this big oak tree in our life,” Johnson says. “You don’t realize how much you were leaning on someone until they are gone.”
After all, it was the support of her parents that had allowed Johnson to discover her love of pottery in the first place. “They really gifted me and supported this,” she says.
While the tree is a common image seen in Johnson’s work, there are other patterns you might notice when viewing her pottery. Johnson uses dark and light clay, blended, to give the illusion of a texture other than clay,
creates a knit sweater pattern.
It wasn’t long before Johnson began creating pottery for her friends and family, kickstarting her small business of Angela Marie Pottery. After starting to sell a few items, Johnson decided to see what else she could do to market her products. “I reached out to a couple shops in town to see what it was all about and what doing this as a career would look like,” Johnson says. “I kept asking God, ‘What do you have for me?’”
and found a place for her pottery in local shops, Johnson’s business began to bloom organically, though not without a few challenges known to any small business owner. “I started to feel the pinch this past year of the different selling times throughout the year and how the first and second quarter are a lot slower,” she says. But through those slower periods, Johnson has worked on new ideas to share her crafts with the community and demonstrate how to make clay
creations in one-on-one sessions. In each session, Johnson spends a couple of hours with someone to get an idea of what it feels like to throw at the wheel. “I’m right there with them, helping them know how much pressure to apply, where to apply the pressure, how much water, what speed, all those kinds of things,” she says.
For Johnson, the work will always be good because it’s what she’s passionate about — creating new works every day. “I work for Mondays, because Mondays are when I throw,” Johnson says.
No matter what happens with her business, Johnson says she will continue exercising her passion forever. “I will always do it,” she says. “It’ll always be a hobby, but will it always be a business? I don’t know.”
She does know that her faith will always play a part in her creations. “My faith journey is one of the areas of my life that have been hugely impacted by my work at the wheel,” she says.
You can find Johnson’s work at Poppy and The Tin Roof Monogram & Gift in Columbia. She also participates in numerous craft and fine art shows around Missouri. For more information on Angela Marie Pottery or to schedule a session, visit facebook.com/Angelamariepottery angelamariepottery.com
I work for Mondays, because Mondays are when I throw.
Nicole Schroeder is not shy about describing herself as a bookworm.
Surrounded by books since she could read, it’s no surprise the 24-year-old Columbia native has never had any doubt about the career she would one day pursue. “I don’t even remember when it was I first decided I wanted to be an author,” she says.
Now, Schroeder’s dream is coming to fruition as she prepares to self-publish her first novel, Twisted Fate. The novel tells the origin story of superhero Playback, a young woman who discovers she has the ability to change the last decision she made. “Twisted Fate is a pretty classic superhero origin story,” Schroeder says. The hero is a freshman in college who is “still figuring out her place in the world. Whenever she discovers these powers, she’s very excited at first,” Schroeder says. “She starts to slowly realize that there’s more to being a superhero.”
While Playback’s superpower is one many wouldn’t mind trying out, Schroeder says her superhero has to learn a tough lesson — that she can’t always help everyone the way she wants to. That particular lesson is a close one for Schroeder, who was writing much of the book in the midst of the pandemic. Her brother is immunocompromised, she says, and her family has done whatever possible to keep him safe and healthy.
The entire experience has changed how Schroeder approaches things in life, she says. “I think I unintentionally at first, but intentionally later on, worked that into a lot of the realizations and growth that Playback was going through in the story,” Schroeder says.
While the novel is classified as young adult, Schroeder says that refers more to the clean nature of the storytelling. She would consider the book appropriate for all, and hopes it can be something that mothers and daughters can enjoy together. “Your kids can read this, but I also want adults to read it too,” Schroeder says.
Twisted Fate isn’t Schroeder’s first foray into fiction writing. She says she’s tried to write several books in the past and has a few manuscripts in varying stages shoved in a drawer. “I think middle school was when I first started trying to write a book,” she says.
With Twisted Fate, Schroeder first started in November 2021 as part of National Novel Writing Month, an annual challenge meant to motivate and inspire creative writers. One of the differences between Twisted Fate and the unfinished manuscripts of Schroeder’s past was the extent of planning done on the story itself. “This was actually the first book that I did fully plan out,” she says as she shows the notebook where she keeps her meticulous notes, complete with Post-its filled with rewrites and changes. “I think I’ve got to
accept the fact that I finished the book because I fully planned it out.”
Her day job helped too. Schroeder is the editor-in-chief of Indie Author Magazine, where she is able to work with many talented independent authors who have successfully self-published. For her job, Schroeder writes and edits articles of interest to the new author, which conveniently tackles topics she herself needs to know about. “I am that new author,” she says with a laugh, noting that it’s been a wonderful resource for her creative writing and to learn about selfpublishing. “It’s an entire community of authors who have turned this into the way they publish their books and made a living doing it.”
When self-publishing, the author is responsible for so much more than the writing itself. You also have to edit, find a cover artist, take on marketing and more, Schroeder says. “I am the person in charge of everything,” she says.
Schroeder is already planning the next steps with her character Playback. In fact, Schroeder has an entire series in mind, with seven books already semi-mapped out, at least mentally. Other than being available through online sources once published, which Schroeder plans for sometime in March, she says she hopes to be able to get it stocked at a few local bookstores, such as Yellow Dog and Skylark, as well as in local libraries.
COLUMBIA ART LEAGUE HOSTS TINY THINGS ART SHOW THROUGH EARLY APRIL.
BY MADELEINE LEROUX · PHOTOS PROVIDED BY COLUMBIA ART LEAGUE
Fans of miniatures will want to check out the latest show at the Columbia Art League. Open through April 7 is the annual Tiny Things art show, where all pieces are limited to 8 inches by 8 inches, including the frame.
It’s been an annual show for the Columbia Art League since 2021, says Kelsey Hammond, the league’s executive director. “I wanted to create the feeling of care and comfort in the gallery,” Hammond says, noting that the first year was right when we were first coming out of the worst of the pandemic. “I think small things make you feel like you need to care for/protect them and, honestly, I felt like (at the time) we needed something to dote on and adore.”
Plus, there’s something more accessible about small works. The price point is usually lower for buyers, Hammond says, and artists get an opportunity to make something different from their usual pieces.
That first Tiny Things show in 2021 wound up being one of the league’s better selling shows, she says. “It included more artists than we'd had in a long time, including new artists who hadn't shown
their work with us or ever,” Hammond says. Past shows have seen a wide variety of work in different mediums, including painting, photography, woodworking, ceramics and drawing, she says. One of the pieces shown last year was a vase made of 217 tiny things, which were 7-inch by 3-inch pieces of wood, made by Tom Stauder. “It's a fun show that feels both spontaneous and planned,” Hammond says. “It's delightful.”
A reception for the show will be held from 6-8 p.m. March 10 and is free and open to the public. Hammond says it’s a fun opportunity to meet new people and artists in the community. And, if you’re looking for something new, you may just find it there. “You're sure to find something special to take home if you're in the market for a little artwork that can fit anywhere,” Hammond says. Even if you’ve never purchased original art before, she says finding a small piece is a great way to start. And supporting local artists is even better. “I always encourage people to buy art from local artists so that you're having a direct impact on the people in your community,” Hammond says. “Our Tiny Things show is perfect for that!
WHAT Tiny Things art show WHERE Columbia Art League’s Betty & Art Robins Gallery WHEN Through April 7 COST
THE EVENTS YOU NEED TO KNOW.
Dates and events are subject to change. Please visit the event website for the most up-to-date information.
MARCH 2-5
“THE ADDAMS FAMILY: A NEW MUSICAL COMEDY”
COLUMBIA ENTERTAINMENT CO.
Watch as Wednesday Addams navigates a new love and struggles with keeping secrets from family in “
The Addams Family: A New Musical Comedy.” This show took to the stage mid-February and will close out in the beginning of March.
2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. shows; $12-$20; cectheatre.org
MARCH 3-5
TRUE/FALSE FILM FEST
THE DISTRICT – DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA
The annual True/False Film Fest is back in downtown Columbia for a weekend celebration. Along with film screenings, enjoy concerts, immersive art installations and late-night parties. Times and prices vary; truefalse.org
MARCH 11
COMO MAN SHOW 2023
HOLIDAY INN EXPO CENTER
If you like hunting, fishing, power tools, beer or anything else manly, you won’t want to miss this event. It’s the perfect one-stop shop for all things man in mid-Missouri.
10 a.m.-3 p.m.; $15-$20; comomanshow.com
MARCH 11
COLUMBIA POLAR PLUNGE BASS PRO SHOP
Join Columbia risk-takers at the polar plunge and help raise money for Special Olympics Missouri. Watch as those brave enough withstand the bitter cold at Bass Pro Shops Lake, all for a good cause.
10 a.m.-1 p.m.; donations encouraged; somo.org
MARCH 15
AUSTIN MEADE ROSE MUSIC HALL
Fans of rock music can enjoy Austin Meade at Rose Music Hall. Meade grew up with classic rock in his blood, and now uses the rock songs that inspired his past to create the songs of his future.
8 p.m.; $15-$18; rosemusichall.com
APRIL 7-8
MARECK DANCE: LIVE!
MISSOURI THEATRE
Join Mareck Dance and celebrate the power of dance to live music. This unique experience will feature three world premieres, acclaimed works from Mareck Dance and original compositions.
7 p.m.; from $28; concertseries.missouri.edu
APRIL 20
DRAKE WHITE
THE BLUE NOTE
Country fans get ready for a concert you won’t forget! Grab your boots and jam out with country star Drake White at The Blue Note.
8 p.m.; $20-$45; thebluenote.com
APRIL 20-23
UNBOUND BOOK FESTIVAL
DOWNTOWN COLUMBIA
This local literary festival brings nationally and internationally recognized authors to Columbia to showcase their books, as well as talk about their lives and their work. The mission is to bring readers and writers together, enlightening them with new ideas and inspiration. Schedule to be announced; unboundbookfestival.com
APRIL 22
COMO RETRO GAME CONVENTION
STONEY CREEK INN
This gamer convention is returning for a third year. Classic game fans can find vendors selling Atari, Nintendo, Sony, Intellivision and more, as well as tournaments, panels and other fun activities.
10 a.m.-5 p.m.; CoMoRetroCon.com
Entering the real estate market can be intimidating. There are so many things to consider, regardless of whether you’re buying or selling.
That’s why we called in the experts on local real estate to help you navigate the process that can seem over-complicated at times. Whether you’re wondering how to list and sell your home fast or looking for the best commercial property, these local experts can help. And when you’re ready to take the leap into the market, know that these real estate professionals are here to facilitate.
The process of selling your home can be daunting. How can you make sure it doesn’t simply sit on the market, languishing, while you try to move forward? While there are no guarantees in life, there are things you can do to help your home sell quickly.
The housing market has shifted in the last year due to rising interest rates, but there is still high demand thanks to an inventory shortage that is helping maintain sales. When it comes to selling your home quickly, here are a few key tips to keep in mind:
• Make sure your home is looking its best. This could mean some simple staging or decluttering, or it could entail some repairs needed to get the house ready for market.
• Price your home appropriately. Know what comparable homes are selling for and have a comparative market analysis created to support the price you set. Buyers are looking to make rational decisions and the data you provide to support the pricing also will support the appraisal.
• Hire a professional real estate agent. Having someone with the experience you need to navigate the slower market will make such a difference. When you have an experienced, professional real estate agent, they will help create an outlined marketing plan, plus assist in negotiating pricing, repairs, title snags and anything else that may come up.
The most important thing to remember is to keep calm. Many things can happen during the selling process, but a good real estate agent will help you find the right solutions to keep everything moving along.
At Select Realty Group, you can find the expert you need to guide you through the process. I’ve been a licensed real estate agent since 2008, obtaining my broker’s license in 2010. Having worked through both down and up markets, I have the skills and knowledge to help my clients navigate both buying and selling.
While coffee never really goes bad, it does lose flavor as it ages. The experts at Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting say coffee is best in the first three to four weeks after being roasted, so it’s best to only stock up on what you’ll use in the next month. And while you can freeze the extra (in a sealed bag or container), make sure to bring it back up to room temperature before opening. Find more home brewing tips at kaldiscoffee.com.
BY KIMBER DEAN · PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON
At 15, I started my first real culinary job working for Starbucks in Sonoma County, California. Over the next three years, I worked at several locations around my hometown until I went off to San Francisco for culinary school.
I loved working at Starbucks! All the delicious drinks, holiday specials, kind caffeinated customers and the fastpaced environment made it perfect for me. I love the coziness in coffee shops that allows for people to gather and discuss life, work on projects or just to sit and enjoy their cup of joe.
Columbia has one of the best local coffee shop communities I have ever had the pleasure to experience. From Lakota to Fretboard to the Grind or even Nourish, you can find the atmosphere, and favorite beverages, for you.
At Nourish, we have been using Z Best’s coffee grounds for our drip coffee, and Fretboard espresso beans for years. I even created espresso truffles using Fretboard espresso grounds. For our hot or iced teas, we use Big Heart Tea out of St. Louis. We even use paste from Raw Roots Turmeric, a local company, for our turmeric lattes. We love supporting local and you know they provide the highest quality ingredients.
So what is the difference between coffee, espresso and matcha tea? Caffeine obviously plays a large part.
Matcha does contain caffeine — around 30 milligrams in half a teaspoon, which is the serving size recommended on most matcha green tea packages. In comparison, according to the USDA, a shot of espresso contains 63.6 milligrams of caffeine, while eight fluid ounces of brewed coffee has 95 milligrams.
Coffee provides high levels of antioxidants, such as polyphenols, which can help defend against free radical damage that contributes to disease formation and signs of aging. Studies show that polyphenols and other compounds in coffee have antioxidant, antiinflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-diabetes and antihypertensive properties.
Green tea, black tea, matcha tea and mushroom coffee are great alternatives to coffee and espresso. Green and black tea both contain caffeine. Green tea contains
less caffeine than black tea — about 35 milligrams of caffeine per eight-ounce cup for green tea, compared to 39-109 milligrams for the same serving of black tea.
Matcha is not your typical green tea — it’s a concentrated Japanese tea that works as an effective detoxifier, fat burner and health promoter.
Green tea is the No. 1 anti-aging drink because it’s packed with flavonoid, polyphenol and catechin antioxidants. Drinking green tea regularly promotes better health and longevity because it works to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress that leads to so many health issues. Research shows that the benefits of green tea include its ability to boost heart health by lowering blood pressure and cholesterol levels, prevent memory loss and brain cell damage, prevent insulin resistance, promote bone health and protect your vision.
Mushroom coffee is just that — coffee mixed with pure mushroom extract. It
doesn't taste like fungi, though. Instead, this beverage exudes the rich coffee flavor that makes up most of the drink.
Early mushroom coffee was made by soaking the chaga mushroom in water overnight and pressing out the liquid. That could be boiled alone or mixed with bits of real coffee for flavor.
Modern mushroom coffee uses extract from fungi, including the already mentioned chaga, reishi, lion's mane and cordyceps mushrooms. Lion's mane is consumed to help with brain function and ulcers, while reishi mushrooms may lower blood pressure and reduce stress. The cordyceps fungus is supposed to help regulate blood sugar and give energy, but not nervous energy like the caffeine in coffee can induce. The original mushroom, chaga, has been known to support the immune system by stimulating white blood cells and aiding antibody growth.
Since my experience working for Starbucks, I have learned that not all lattes, teas or coffees are created equal. Most latte syrups are filled with sugars and preservatives that are harmful when you over-consume. This is why I have created my own recipes for things like chai latte syrup.
I also always make my own nut or seed milks for my lattes with my almond cow or a Vitamix blender. Milks in traditional coffee shops have preservatives, sugars or other toxic ingredients. If you do drink dairy milks in your beverages, I suggest using local high-quality milks like those from Ozark Mountain Creamery. I have made healthy lattes with matcha, homemade chai syrup, adaptogens and local turmeric paste, as well as mochas with raw cacao powder and maple syrup.
No matter what gets you out of bed in the morning, make sure you are using the best ingredients for your body!
Kimber Dean is the founder of Happiness Drinks, and the author of Happy Food and Happy Baking and Desserts. She is trained in both culinary arts and personal nutrition.
INGREDIENTS:
6 tea bags, caffeinated or decaffeinated
3⁄4 cup water, hot
DIRECTIONS:
1⁄2 cup MCT oil
1⁄2 cup maple syrup
1. Steep tea bags in hot water for 10-20 minutes, depending on your preferred strength. Discard bags when finished.
2. Mix hot brewed tea and maple syrup in a high-powered blender. Slowly drizzle in the MCT oil to emulsify.
3. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
INGREDIENTS:
14 ounces vanilla almond milk
1 ¹⁄₂ ounces chai syrup (3 tablespoons)
DIRECTIONS:
1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons chai spice
Sprinkle of cinnamon
*Recipe from Kimber’s Happy Baking & Desserts Cookbook
Makes 16 ounces
1. Steam almond milk to 165 degrees with a tight foam. When the milk is done steaming, place chai syrup and spices into a mug.
2. Pour steamed milk into the cup with syrup and spices, and blend until dissolved. Sprinkle with cinnamon. Serve hot and enjoy!
Elsewhere on these pages you will find the winners of Inside Columbia’s Cutest Pet Contest.
It’s a fun contest, filled with lots of dogs mugging for the camera and cats posing as, well, cats. But as we all know, even before the cutest pet takes the podium and wears the sash, the cutest pet is … yours.
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. How about a contest to determine the most exotic pet? Throughout this
diverse city, pet owners go way beyond the traditional cuteness of dogs and cats. Somewhere in this town, somebody’s goat is the greatest of all time. Or perhaps a pot-bellied pig could take the crown. Chickens are popular, and although their little bird eyes don’t seem as expressive as my daughter’s beloved Shih Tzu, chickens are beautiful to somebody.
So are talking birds. I recently interviewed a lady who has many pets, dogs mostly, but her most talked about
BY JOHN DRAKE ROBINSONpet is a vibrant macaw, resplendent in its multicolor plumage. He’s a great conversationalist. And likely to outlive me.
Much closer to terra firma is the tarantula, something I once held. It was a friend’s pet and he reassured me that the tarantula was docile, even loving in an arachnid kind of way. I must say she was calmer than me, but her eyes were no more expressive than a chicken. She just had more of them.
A few years ago, my neighbor enlisted
me to help her rescue a garter snake from a cherry tree. The poor snake only wanted to taste the sweet cherries but found herself tangled in plastic netting designed to keep the birds away from the fruits. While I held the terrified snake’s head, Erin used her nursing skills to deftly snip the snake free and the serpent slithered away. Perhaps she was thankful, but snakes are not known for their interspecies social skills. So be it. While the Great Impressionist paints their bodies in gorgeous vivid patterns, snake eyes are only slightly more expressive than chickens. Like bats, they eat their weight in bugs. So, while they’re not domesticated, they sure are useful.
Throughout this fair city, parents let their children keep bunny rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs, contenders in the category of cuteness, even if they lack the personality of a canine. And turtles are popular, though no family has ever quelled a terrapin’s wanderlust. Iguanas
exude a stark beauty that can excite other iguanas, if they’re hot.
Exotic fish lurk in living rooms and bedrooms, on an endless search for Nemo.
Some Columbians invite deer to their backyard feeders. And in one notable instance a wild turkey became the mascot of a whole neighborhood until one day when he stepped in front of a motorist.
My vote goes for Stubby, our backyard gray squirrel.
Stubby is instantly recognizable because she has a fuzzy stub where a flowing tail should twitch.
We’re not sure how she lost her tail — maybe a dog bit it off. Or she might’ve skittered too close under the wheels of an oncoming car.
But I have another theory.
One morning, from an upstairs window I watched in horror when another of our backyard pets over which we have no control — a red tailed hawk — swooped down upon Stubby’s nest to feast on her
babies. Stubby fiercely defended her castle of leaves and twigs, repelling the intruder and eventually falling to the ground, exhausted and traumatized. How often, I wondered, had Stubby fought off birds of prey?
Squirrels may get some style points for cuteness. But they’ve never been accused of nobility. Stubby changed my view. She may not win a cutest pet contest, but to her children she’s a hero. Even the cutest pet knows it’s a jungle out there.
John Drake Robinson is a former director of the Missouri Division of Tourism. Read more of John's rants at johndrakerobinson.com/blog.
Throughout this fair city, parents let their children keep bunny rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs, contenders in the category of cuteness, even if they lack the personality of a canine. And turtles are popular, though no family has ever quelled a terrapin’s wanderlust.
When you’re ready to buy or sell a property, finding the right real estate agent is key. Ensuring you have the best agent to fit your needs will make the process much easier for you. The first step is to get referrals — ask your friends and coworkers who they would recommend and why.
Once you’ve got an initial list of agents, start the interview process. Ask them a variety of questions: how long they’ve been in real estate, how familiar they are with the area and what their
marketing strategies are. You’ll also want to test their communication skills, which are of the utmost importance during the buying or selling process. Do they seem knowledgeable? Do you find them honest and trustworthy? Are they real and relatable? At the end of the day, you should go with your instinct on who will be the best person to help guide you through the process. As a seasoned real estate agent, I focus on three important aspects in every transaction: professionalism, honesty and customer service. Upholding these aspects and delivering them to my clients help me to be successful in all that I do. Before obtaining my real estate license, I worked for nearly a decade in the commercial lending department at a local bank, as well as a credit analyst. My friends know that I’ve never met a stranger and working in real estate has allowed me to use my natural people skills to help clients find their perfect dream homes. Outside of real estate, I treasure the simplicity of living in the country with my husband, our two boys and our farm, where I enjoy gardening
For Kristin Monica and Tim Taylor, getting married was a dream vacation … to Cancun.
The couple escaped the cold mid-Missouri winter in early December and headed to the Caribbean Sea for warm weather, beautiful beaches and a celebration filled with friends and family. “Having 33 of our family and friends who made the trip all the way to Cancun to see us get married meant the world to us,” Kristin says. “The day really
went by in the blink of an eye.”
For both bride and groom, one of the best moments was the first look photo session, which took place in the spa of the Dreams Natura Resort and Spa and was designed to look like a Mexican cenote or natural swimming pool. It tied in perfectly with the couple’s efforts to keep more of a natural feel throughout the festivities, from invitations to décor.
And even though the weather wasn’t entirely cooperative, as it poured on
the reception for about five minutes, the guests returned, with about half in casual but dry clothes and the rest “ready to party in wet clothing,” Kristin says. “The party was epic and unforgettable, and truly the best day of our lives.”
To submit your wedding for consideration, send information and photos to mleroux@mailzimmer.com. Include your and your spouse's names, occupations, wedding date, location and your photographer's name.
WELCOME TO OUR ULTIMATE LISTS! In each issue, you will find a curated selection of things to listen to or watch, put together by either an on-air talent from Zimmer Communications or a member of the Inside Columbia staff. For this issue, Trevor Morgan shared his ultimate playlist for working in his garage. Scan the QR code on this page to hear the full list. Enjoy!
There is nothing quite like the feeling of accomplishment. Changing the oil on a vehicle, assembling the new coffee table or even simply reorganizing a space, the garage is where things get done! Here are just a few of the songs that I recommend for your next productive day in the garage.
The anthem for getting things done, whether it’s in the garage, house, yard, office, etc. Its driving beat and overall message will keep you motivated and focused.
If the job is working on your hot rod, your motorcycle or your daily driver, this is the song you’ll want to hear when things don’t go your way. It will remind you of why you chose to be a DIY’er in the first place. No one loves your ride more than you.
Sometimes the task at hand requires some creativity. That’s when it’s time to throw the instructions out the window and solve the problem at hand with your own ingenuity and grit. This song will remind you to trust your instincts.
It is important to remember that any work being done, whether it’s in the garage or elsewhere, is not completed without a refreshing beverage to reward your hard-earned victory.
When all else fails, blow it up! If creativity and ingenuity fail, there can be a cathartic release in destruction.
PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON
How do we know? You helped us pick! We sought out the most adorable animals to feature in our pages and received hundreds of entries of dogs, cats, rabbits, ferrets and even one zebu. (Unfamiliar? So were we. It’s a form of cattle.)
Suffice to say, these were some tough choices. Not only was each submission somehow cuter than the last, the stories of how each pet joined their families were amazing to read. We took into consideration each animal’s “gotcha” story and, after nearly 3,000 votes, we declared a winner in each of our four categories.
As part of claiming their title, each winner received a prize package from our contest sponsor CountryVets, as well as a photo shoot and appearance in the following pages. Ready for “paw”-fection?
Chloe had a rough start to life. She was found at 8 weeks old with worms and sarcoptic mange, a contagious skin disease that meant Chloe had to be isolated from others until she was about 4 months old. Owner Lynn Hurd was Chloe’s foster mom, and Hurd fell in love immediately. “The more I worked with her, the more I knew I couldn’t let her go,” she says.
Nearly five years later, Chloe has come very far, though the lack of socialization at a young age left her shy around new people and animals. Hurd says she’s smart as a whip and eager to learn. “We don't conquer everything because even though curious of them, some things are ‘scarier’ than others,” she says. “Chloe is a cute, dainty little girl with a big heart who really just wants to meet and love everyone if only she could get past her shyness.”
CATEGORY Compact Canine
Not many people go on a Target run and return with a new furry companion, but that’s exactly what happened with Kayla Lewis. Lewis was heading to Target with a friend who worked for Second Chance. Before arriving at the store, they had to head to PetSmart, where someone wanted to see a cat available for adoption. The person had left by the time they arrived, but Lewis was taken immediately with the small 4-month-old kitten who had “the prettiest markings and the cutest face. I asked to hold her and she curled up on my chest and started purring.”
That was it. Turtle was coming home with Lewis.
Nearly three years later, Lewis describes Turtle as warm and loving, eager to get affection from anyone. “If you have two hands, they should be used to pet her,” Lewis says. Though she was never really a cat person before, Lewis says Turtle has definitely changed that.
CATEGORY Furry Feline
Owner Trey Dawson connected with Prince Pawl Henry when the golden retriever was 8 weeks old. A professional dog trainer who found his calling while in recovery, Dawson says Henry assists him with training dogs all over Boone County. “I can honestly say when I needed a hand, I found a paw,” Dawson says. He sees Henry as a true testament to God, a loving companion Dawson found when he needed him. “He’s really therapeutic,” Dawson says of Henry, who often acts as a bit of a therapy dog at In2Action, a local organization that provides transitional and recovery support for those released from prison or at risk of incarceration. In fact, Dawson hopes to have Henry working in area nursing homes once the dog gets a bit older.
Henry is a huge Kansas City Chiefs fan who is best friends with Jobe, a house dog at In2Action.
CATEGORY Huge Hound
CATEGORY Pet-icularly Unique Pet
Amy Carver had never had ferrets before. She had seen Loki and his brother available at a local pet store but thought it would be better for someone else, someone more prepared for ferret care. Then the pair was returned a second time. She was starting to soften.
Then Loki’s brother was adopted without him. That’s when Carver caved and Loki went home with her. “I thought about renaming Loki, but the name fits because he is full of mischief,” Carver says. Since adding Loki to her family, Carver says she’s learned how smart and curious ferrets are, noting they can and will get into everything. But what surprised her more than anything was how loving, social and cuddly Loki is. “Loki is and always was a happy ferret,” Carver says. “Loki is very social and likes meeting people. He gives kisses and loves belly scratches and food.”
Some days, we all could use an extra boost. For those of us who crave caffeine, there are moments where nothing can beat that perfect cup, whether it’s coffee, espresso or tea. And there’s plenty of options when it comes to where to enjoy that satisfying sip, each with its own distinct atmosphere and clientele. We invite you to take a tour of our favorite locally owned and operated coffee shops. Maybe you’ll find your perfect spot for that next jolt!
By Zola Crowder | Photos By L.G. Patterson
Brown Sugar Cinnamon Latte
Depending on the day, the scene at Lakota Coffee Co. may look a little different.
Cara Penquite, social media manager for Lakota, says the welcoming atmosphere attracts all kinds of people.
“Our customers are majority (University of Missouri) students during the semester, but there is a healthy mix,” she says.
The dark colors, wood accents, dim lighting and sounds of conversation provide a homey atmosphere perfect for a study date or low-key afternoon with friends. “It depends on the day of the week, but Lakota can be a good place for conversation with friends and a good place to study.” While there is a spot placed perfectly downtown for
students, Lakota has several locations scattered across Columbia, so you can sip on your favorite sweet treat no matter the occasion. If you are new to the Lakota crew, Penquite suggests the brown sugar cinnamon latte for something a little different. For more information on Lakota, visit lakotacoffee.com.
Whether you’re looking to quickly grab and go or spend an entire afternoon, Shortwave has what you need.
The location on Ninth Street has a bakery where customers
can enjoy an open layout, natural lighting and a friendly community-style table, while the roastery on Alley A takes on a smaller space but provides the same relaxing yet productive
environment. Aaron Mcgough, barista at Shortwave on Ninth Street, says he sees all kinds of people. “I see a lot of study sessions and even graduate students come by,” he says. “On the
weekends, there are families, especially if there is a (Mizzou) game.” Barista Evie Mei says the community table at the bakery keeps people talking, whether it’s a group of friends chatting
or students trying to work.
“Students really like to use the community table for study sessions,” she says. No matter the reason for your visit, Mcgough and Mai both recommend the
Iced Reese’s or Iced Twix
lavender latte, which is hand steeped with real lavender leaves. “It’s really fun to make,” Mcgough says. For more information on Shortwave, visit shortwave. coffee.
What’s cooler that having a coffee shop on wheels? Cool Beanz, the unique coffee truck, travels around Columbia providing delicious coffee, lattes, cold brew, espressos, cappuccinos, teas and even snacks. This distinctive mobile coffee vendor offers the perfect morning boost or afternoon pick-me-up, especially if you’re lucky enough to have it parked right outside your office. While the wheels are one of Cool Beanz’ most unique qualities, its signature drink options also bring a special aspect to the table. Maurice Helmka, owner and operator, says you might notice the names of some recognizable candy bars on the drink menu, including the iced Reese’s and popular iced Twix drink. “We have over 40 base flavors to choose from. If you mix them, there are unlimited flavor options,” Helmka says. To stay up to date on where Cool Beanz is located around Columbia, visit facebook. com/coolbeanzcomo.
While the coffee is delicious, many people make the journey to Love Coffee for its mission of providing “job skills, training and employment in an atmosphere of love to individuals with disabilities or barriers
to employment,” says Dustin Davis, general manager. The goal is to train employees to believe in themselves and their abilities. Davis says working at Love Coffee gives people who have disabilities a chance to
build relationships in the community. “We give them skills and face-to-face time with the community that will hopefully help them continue to advance their careers,” Davis says. The mission doesn’t just stop there,
as the coffee itself is just as important. “We have ethically sourced coffee that is roasted just 1 mile from here.” If you’re not a coffee drinker, Davis recommends the cinnamon rolls made with homemade cream cheese frosting. Even if sweets aren’t your thing, Love Coffee has plenty of options as Davis says there is a full breakfast menu available throughout the day. For more information on Love Coffee, visit columbialovecoffee.org.
Have you ever wanted to drink a cup of coffee from your favorite shop while playing games with your family and friends? At Aroma Coffee House, there is a whole room dedicated to playing games, getting a group together or even hosting work events. And the best part?
It’s free! Jasmine Wi, barista at Aroma, says all you have to do is come in, reserve the back room for your preferred date and the spot is yours. While Wi says people do come in to work or study, the atmosphere is a bit more playful. “People like to play games with their family
and friends, it’s just a really cool spot,” she says. With Hickman High School nearby, Wi says she sees a good mix of people enjoy the shop. “There are high school students, college students, adults, kids and, when we do have events, we see a lot of different age groups come
by.” Wi recommends trying the popular iced caramel latte, or you can create your own flavor combination. “People like that they can customize their drinks. Even our blended drinks are customizable,” she says. For an added bonus, customers can pair their coffee with food from Como Arepas, a Venezuelan food purveyor that has partnered with Aroma Coffee. For more information on Aroma Coffee, visit thearomacoffeehouse.com.
Firepot Tea Bar
700 Tiger Ave. • 1400 Forum Blvd.
Coffee embraces the simple
drinks, quality cappuccinos and lattes,” Sanders says. “We keep it traditional.” The bright atmosphere makes it a
great spot to enjoy a book or even traditional cappuccino. For more information, visit acolacoffee.com.
If you’re looking for a memorable coffee experience, Kaldi’s Coffee Roasting Co. is the spot for you. It’s not just a coffee shop, it’s a place to build relationships and strengthen your mind while enjoying sustainable products. While you might not be able to find Kaldi’s Coffee in the heart of downtown Columbia anymore, its presence has not gone far. Kaldi’s Coffee can be found inside the University of Missouri School of Business, at 700 Tiger Ave. The location on campus provides a unique option for students, as it’s the first experiential learning café. According to Kaldi’s, a partnership with the Robert J. Trulaske Sr. College of Business gives students the chance to experience what it’s like to run a business in the real world. But it’s not the only spot to find a Kaldi’s locally. You also can enjoy Kaldi’s while shopping at Schnucks on Forum Boulevard. If you’re a coffee drinker, make sure to try Kaldi’s handmade vanilla latte. If you prefer tea, Kaldi’s has a firepot tea bar filled with unique options, including the masala chai latte, the chocolate chai latte, the rooibos chai latte and the sweet matcha latte. For more information, visit kaldiscoffee.com.
Find this favorite spot, filled with cozy vibes, twinkle lights, slower music and homey vibes, tucked away on Walnut Street. Ell Ellis, barista at Fretboard Coffee, says this cozy coffee shop has all kinds of nooks and crannies in which to work, relax or just read a good book. “While it is never loud,
you might hear the occasional roar of laughter,” she says. And though it can be the perfect place to get a little work done, Fretboard also hosts events on the first Friday of every month as part of the North Village Arts District’s First Fridays. The shop also hosts open mic nights on the third Friday of every month.
With the variety of events, Ellis says she sees all kinds of people stop by. “We see kind of a mix since the back rooms are a bit quieter, perfect for a study area,” she says. “We also see groups up to 10 come by or a single person working and, of course, our occasional events bring in more people.” While
Fretboard is a typical coffee shop, it has unique brewing methods that stand out from the crowd. Ellis says if you’re new to the area or looking to expand your options, you must try the siphon pot brew method. “We get to do a bit of chemistry behind the bar,” she says. This method uses two chambers, heat and vapor pressure to produce fresh, vibrant coffee that cannot be achieved by drip coffee. For more information on Fretboard Coffee, visit fretboardcoffee.com.
2601 Rangeline St., suite 101
1412 Forum Blvd., suite 135
Inside the Donald W. Reynolds Journalism Institute at 401 S. Ninth St. 904 Elm St.
Thanksto The Grind’s many Columbia locations, includ ing the most recent addition of Rise & Grind on Elm Street, there’s a location that is sure to match your needs. With drivethru options at two locations, late-night hours at another and the new bagel and coffee shop perfect for those who need to grab and go in the morning, each shop has a different feel, which is by design. “The goal is to have something for ev eryone,” says Aucky El-Tayash, The Grind owner. The first
ence room available for big meetings, book clubs, classes or even private parties, which
and specially steamed milk, and the adult chocolate milk, which includes The Grind’s
The siphon pot brew method is a unique process used at Fretboard Coffee.
The Turkish coffee is one of the specialties offered at Coffee Zone.
When it comes to food, most coffee shops stick to a simple menu of baked goods and maybe some small breakfast items. But it’s a bit different at Coffee Zone, where customers can order full, hearty
of Coffee Zone. “We offer an experience that most places do not have, which is a full menu all day long.” Coffee Zone offers Mediterranean dishes including a gyro sandwich, falafel wrap, Mediterranean hummus and
For a good spot to bring your kids while enjoying a cup, look no further than Toasty Goat Coffee Co. in west Columbia. This family-friendly environment has a small play kitchen in the corner, perfect for entertaining your little ones. “People can
come here for a playdate while they get their work done during the day,” says Hannah Talecki, team lead at Toasty Goat. “The owners wanted a place that people could bring their kids and have a conversation.” While the family-friendly atmosphere
a coffee date, whether it’s with friends or a romantic partner. “It doesn’t get too crazy, the music is pretty quiet,” Gunderson says. “There are no special events as of now, so you never have to worry about coming in and
29 years, and Gunderson has been managing the spot for the last six months. “I love it so far,” he says. For those who are new to the establishment or just looking to try something different, Gunderson recommends the rocket fuel signature roast. “It is a very dark roast with bold, smoky and complex notes, dark chocolate notes and dried fruit along with notes of cedar,” he says. “The finish is very long, bold and smoky with
attracts many, Toasty Goat’s ethically sourced, simple and organic ingredients are also an inviting factor. “We make as much as we can here in house.” she says. “We roast all our beans and make all our syrups.” For a taste of something new, Talecki
recommends the Toasty Goat staple known as the creamy cashew “natte.” “There is no milk and no espresso, so it's cashews and drip coffee with a little bit of natural sweeteners,” she says. “It comes out with the consistency of a latte but without milk and espresso.” And if you have a sweet tooth, don’t skip the cookies! Toasty Goat’s regulars know the chocolate chip cookies are the ultimate crowd pleaser. For more information, visit toastygoatcoffee.com.
Patagonia women’s Torrentshell 3L jacket in friend green
Alpine Shop $179
XtraTuf women’s Ankle Deck boot sport in coral American Shoe $145
Lululemon cinch-waist half-zip running jacket in pink blossom
Obsessed $128
Cougar Firenze women’s boot in cucumber
American Shoe $70
STYLED BY MADELYN JONES | PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON
You know what they say: “April showers bring May flowers!”
But if the promise of a colorful May isn’t enough to get you through those gray, rainy spring days, then don’t wait. Make those April showers bright with these must-have rainy day items from area shops. Thanks to our models, Hallie McCoy and Sarah Kerns, you can see this gear is sure to brighten even the grayest of days!
Lululemon Evergreen
Anorak in pink punch/ pink lychee/raw linen
Obsessed $148
Teva women’s Geotrecca
Mid in caribou/carmine
American Shoe $150
Lululemon Glyde Along Softshell in Chambray Obsessed $228
Vinrella Emmeline bottle umbrella Hockman Interiors $26
Bill Kasmann Sr., Norris Sampson and Bill Kasmann Jr.
Bill Kasmann Jr. and Shannon Kasmann
For 100 years, the Kasmann Insurance Agency has helped guide clients in mid-Missouri with honesty and integrity. It’s why the business has endured, despite a constantly changing world.
In fact, there have been very few changes in ownership since the agency was first founded in 1923 as the Sampson Insurance Agency. It wasn’t until 1962 that it became the SampsonKasmann Agency, more than 10 years after Bill Kasmann Sr. married into the Sampson family and joined the firm. In 1968, it became Kasmann Insurance as founder Norris Sampson retired. That’s the same year the office moved to 116 N. Garth Avenue, where it still stands today.
Kasmann Insurance Agency continued its tradition of being a family-run business with the addition of Bill Kasmann Jr. in 1978 and Shannon Kasmann in 1997. When Bill Kasmann Sr. was ready to retire in 2012,
Insurance Regional Office. Here, she graduated from Columbia College to advance in the insurance field, and went to work for Auto-Owners Insurance.
It was while working there that Page encountered Kasmann Insurance, which continues to work with AutoOwners to this day. When she decided to return to the agency side, Page says she knew Kasmann would be a good fit. “I contacted them for a position, and one was offered and accepted the same day,” she says. “I appreciated the flexibility offered in a small business versus a corporate environment.”
Kasmann Insurance’s standing as a locally owned and operated business was a big draw for Page, as few of those types of agencies exist today. So when the Kasmanns were ready to retire and didn’t have another family member ready to take on the agency, she became
large firms located far away,” Page says. “I wanted to keep the Kasmann family legacy of doing business locally.”
It also was important to her that Kasmann’s existing clients saw the smoothest possible transition. It’s part of her focus on keeping Kasmann Insurance as deeply rooted in mid-Missouri today as it was in 1923. Community involvement is something Page is firmly committed to and what she sees as the key to the future of Kasmann Insurance.
After all, that commitment is exactly what clients expect to see after a century of protecting people’s assets and lifestyles from the unexpected. Kasmann clients know that experience matters when it comes to protecting what’s important in life.
Kasmann Insurance Agency: Where integrity has been our guiding principle for 100 years.
You’ve saved and researched, and now you finally have your very own home. It’s a dream come true! At least until the first problem arises. Often, becoming a homeowner can feel like taking on a never-ending to-do list of up keep and improvements.
But you’re far from alone. There are many local businesses ready and eager to help make your house the home you want it to be.
From painting and custom upgrades to landscaping and internet options, these local businesses are sharing their tips and tricks to make your next project a success. Use the information on the following pages to ensure your house is the dream home you’ve always wanted.
Of course, if you still need help, you can rely on each of the businesses highlighted in this advertising section for a wide variety of home services.
So the next time you’re looking at that never-ending to-do list, don’t panic. Just remember Inside Columbia’s Help My House.
The heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit in your home is responsible for controlling the temperature, humidity and purity of the air. So, if it goes out, it seems pretty natural to panic first. But there are steps you can take to help.
The first thing to do is to check common symptoms, such as checking the batteries in the thermostat, seeing if there is an obstruction in the filter or checking for tripped electrical breakers, or areas of condensation or water pooling. If there is an issue, make sure to call a professional for top-notch service at an affordable cost. The most important thing is to get professional help, especially during extreme weather situations.
AtAir Innovations HVAC, the focus is always on helping the community. Owner Will Naylor worked for other companies until he gained enough knowledge to start his own service with a community mindset. “We decided to put our focus in new construction HVAC design, as well as existing system replacement, to fit your every need,” he says. Michael Manning has been with the company for three years but brings much more in terms of experience and knowledge. In fact, the staff at Air Innovations HVAC has more than 30
years of experience combined. And the learning is never ending. “With ever changing equipment features year to year, we place a strong emphasis on continuing education,” Naylor says. That emphasis helps enable the staff at Air Innovations HVAC to keep the community safe through all weather conditions. “We enjoy helping people out during extreme temperatures, both hot and cold,” Naylor says.
573-864-8061
Looking for landscape equipment can be a daunting task, especially for beginners. How do you know what to choose? What if it’s the wrong equipment for your needs? Depending on what task you are trying to complete, you will need a different piece of equipment.
For lawn care, investing in a good lawn mower is essential. Regular lawn mowing can help your grass remain healthy and strong, and guarantees your grass grows evenly throughout your yard.
If you are looking for equipment to take on a large piece of land, consider
investing in rotary cutters that can help with terrain covered in brush, weeds or tall grass by controlling overgrowth and keeping the edges of your property clean and managed.
These are just a few of the count-
less types of equipment available to help your property look its best. But the best tool of all is finding the right person to help guide your choices and simplify your process.
The home-buying process can be intimidating with all of the moving parts involved. To help ease the stress, it’s important to find experts with experience and a wealth of knowledge to help you get started on your journey. Whether you need a construction loan or a second chance due to credit challenges, or if you are looking to purchase a million-dollar home, it’s a complicated process that can be difficult to navigate. The goal is to find experts who are empathetic toward everyone’s personal loan needs and goals. At First Midwest Bank, the mortgage team has the ability to be compassionate towards each individual, while priding ourselves on humanizing our relationships with our borrowers. The loan process can be overwhelming, but our borrowers will always feel confident and fully informed when walking out the door.
Choosing to upgrade items in your home should be an enjoyable process. Whether you’re designing your dream kitchen or elevating your existing bathroom, the first step is the same across the board: making an appointment for a one-on-one personal consultation with an expert. Having a dedicated sales consultant to guide you through the remodel process allows the focus to remain on you and your project, ensuring a better experience throughout. Once an expert knows the end goal, it’s easier to prepare ideas and samples for the customer, as well as to create preliminary sketches. When going to your first appointment, make sure to bring floor plans, measurements, any selections you’ve already
you must do is make sure you have the right expert in your corner. DKB,
DKB, DESIGNER KITCHENS & BATHS has been helping customers elevate their homes since 1990. Jeff Brooks, store manager who has been with DKB for more than 18 years, says seeing customers’ joy after a project is complete is the best part of the job. “I love helping customers transform their spaces to meet their expectations, needs and dreams and then seeing them enjoy their finished product,” Brooks says.
Braden Bence, who has been in outside sales at DKB for more than five years, loves working side-by-side with customers to live out their dream. “Being able to be hands on throughout the start-to-finish process of a
573-445-4481
dkbshowroom.com
or contractors to make sure a house becomes a dream home.
Being connected to the internet is essential in today’s world, and there are a variety of selections to choose from for any household. While some people are starting to make the switch to a fiber internet connection, there are other options, including DSL, cable and 5G fixed wireless internet.
DSL is the oldest and slowest internet option, as it connects through a phone line. This is used for basic tasks including browsing the web and checking emails.
The next option is cable. While this option can be much faster, you don’t get symmetrical upload speeds similar to what is offered through Socket fiber.
For the fastest and most reliable option, consider fiber internet. It has a longer shelf life than the competition, which means fewer repairs and replacements to old cable, which
also reduces carbon emissions. Fiber is not only the most reliable, but it has no data caps, no contract and is not impacted by weather. You’ll easily be able to stream high-definition videos and connect multiple devices.
As it becomes more widely available, fiber internet is becoming more affordable. If it is not available in your neighborhood, you can visit Socket’s website and express your interest in having fiber in your neighborhood.
Zach Brittain SOCKET TELECOM, LLCSince1994, Socket Telecom LLC has been providing internet services to local Missouri communities. As the demand for high-speed internet has grown, so has Socket.
Today, Socket continues to innovate and grow, while keeping its commitment to provide local, dedicated customer care. Zach Brittain, aerial lineman, says Socket
stands out for its customer satisfaction and quality of service. “We respond to our customers promptly and build great rapport within the community to better serve our customer base,” he says.
Socket is always striving to lead the industry in fiber services and works diligently to provide its customers with the best services.
800-762-5383 socket.net
Living in Missouri, we get hit hard by each season, from severe cold to sweltering heat and everything in between. This year, be prepared year-round to help avoid some of the home disasters that can come your way, regardless of weather.
As we approach summer, remem ber not to gather spent fireworks or put them in the trash next to the house, as some might still be live. It’s best not to burn candles in your home, but it’s especially important not to leave any unattended.
And while we hopefully won’t have to worry about this for a few more months, remember that when the weather starts to turn cold, you should disconnect any water hoses before they freeze. If you plan to be away from your home for a long period in cold weather, you also should consider turning your water off, since
Missouri Restoration & Construction is always working to provide the amazing results that each customer deserves. What starts with an in-depth consultation, turns into your dream project, all within your budget. Owner Mark Canine loves assisting people, whether it’s a remodel or restoration. “We do our best to take care of our customers’ construction needs,” he says, adding that they have a lot of happy customers. At Missouri Restoration
573-474-1788 mo-restoration.com
a power outage could leave your house cold enough to freeze pipes. Even with all the prevention possible, disasters still happen. If one
happens to your home, don’t panic as there are professionals ready to help you.
& Construction, there is a hardworking, trained and skilled team of experts to guide you through the process. “We under stand how to dry out a water damaged home, repair a burned home and remodel kitchens, bathes, and more,” Canine says. Missouri Restoration & Construction will make an unimaginable situation stressfree and straightforward, so you can focus on getting your life back to normal.
The colors used in your home help define the space, making it the place that’s perfect for you. When it comes to consumer purchasing, more than 90% of all decisions are based on color. It’s held in memory more than design or wording and is more tied to emotion than any other design element. That means your color choice is crucial in making your home feel comfortable and joyful for you and your family. To ensure you make the right choice for the long run, consider the one-time service of paint color consulting, which provides homeowners with expert recommendations. After all, it just takes a few gallons of paint to add value to a home. Real estate professionals know that the right on-trend colors can bring multiple offers in the first week, while the wrong dated colors can result in a property that languishes on the market for many months. The latest trends show off-whites, light
beiges and light grays as good colors for selling homes, while in 2022, green and earthy tones dominated the color scene.
Picking the perfect flooring is a daunting task, since options are always changing, and manufacturers continue to produce new and improved products.
When it comes to vinyl flooring, the next decade will focus on bold, creative styles, as well as natural beauty to enhance the warmth of your home and, of course, durability. For wood floors, different textures are taking the lead, whether it includes using a wire brushing technique to give your floors a more dynamic look or band sawn textures to give the floor a more imperfect, hand-crafted appearance.
Once you pick the perfect look for you, installation is the next step. First, talk with a professional to
flooring. Then, it’s time to paint the room, if need be, before letting the professionals get to work.
No matter what the trend or look you’re going for, Carpet Values has
ThoughDebbie and Mike Clubb have been the owners of Carpet Values for just one year, they’ve been rooted in the business for much longer.
Debbie Clubb’s grandfather, Melvin Hux, started Carpet Values before passing the business to her uncle, David Hux. Now, Mike and Debbie Clubb carry the torch into the next generation. “We are a family operation, so we are all very
CARPET VALUES
close, which makes for a great work environment,” Mike Clubb says.
Being a small, family business, Carpet Values can be there for each and every customer. “We are just a small business trying to make it in a corporate world,” he says. “We will always do our best to provide our customers with the best price and service.”
573-642-1410 carpetvalues.com
wood, engineered wood, waterproof vinyl plank, waterproof tile and laminate, sheet vinyl, commercial carpet and carpet tiles.
The emerald ash borer is devastating ash trees in Columbia and across the nation. These small green beetles, native to Asia and first discovered in the United States in 2002, are rarely seen and will kill over 99% of all ash trees. They emerge in late spring and feed just under the bark, cutting off the nutrient supply to the tree and killing it in just a few years. By the time they are spotted, they have usually killed the top half of the tree. Branch die back, D shaped exit holes and woodpecker damage on the bark are evidence of their presence. All ash trees should be treated preventatively before beetle damage occurs, but the trees can often be saved if 50% or more of the leaves remain. The ash trees should be inspected by a professional after they leaf out. With previously marketed chemicals, there was no certainty that the tree would be saved, but at Korte Tree Care, we use the latest high-quality pesticide injected directly into the tree. This process must be repeated every two years and has been successful at saving more than 95% of the leaf canopy on ash trees. The severe drought has stressed trees in central Missouri. Watering during a drought is the best way to help them, but micronutrient fertilizer also will help.
care of their property. He started while
tell what has worked in practice rather than just theory,” Korte says. While Korte enjoys working with his employees, another perk of the job is seeing and working with the variety of trees at different sites.
When building a home from the ground up, there are a lot of things to consider. The first step is to select a contractor, which requires a lot of trust when dealing with your dream home. It is important to choose someone who has demonstrated ability in building a quality home. This might start with getting recommendations from people you trust — including friends and family — and setting up a time to meet in person. In that initial meeting, consider asking the contractor a few ques tions, such as whether they take on projects your size, if they have a list of previous clients, how many projects they work on at one time, how long they have worked with their subcontractor and how they finance a project. After meeting, reflect on the level of com munication from the contractor being considered, as that is one of the most important factors when making your choice. That’s why Rave Homes Missouri focuses on building strong relationships with customers to ensure their dream home becomes a reality.
After working with Rave Homes Missouri for 12 years, Blake Rave says his job continues to keep him on his toes. “Every day is a new challenge and opportunity to learn, and that’s why I love it so much,” Rave says. The company was started by Rave’s father and expanded into the Columbia area a little more than five years ago. “Columbia has been the perfect place for our company to expand to new heights,” Rave says, noting that the company is as deeply rooted in family ideals and strong values as it was when it began 35 years ago. “With a society filled
with large corporations, there is something truly special about a business you can trust.” Since starting more than three decades ago, Rave Homes has built homes, apartment buildings, commercial spaces, dormitories and assisted living facilities, as well as developed land. Now, Rave Homes wants to be a part of your next building adventure.
573-355-4368
Finding a cleaning company you trust can be intimidating. How do you know if it will be the right fit? There are a couple of questions to ask yourself before beginning your search: How often will you need a cleaning service? Does your family or business have a specific budget in mind? When you are ready to find a professional cleaner to fit your needs, you want to ensure you get consistent, detail-oriented care from
a company that offers eco-friendly products safe for everyone involved, even the furry members. Above all, you want to find a team that can expertly communicate with you to get the absolute best results for your home or business. Designating one primary professional per client when possible helps to ensure an excellent connection among all affiliated parties, as well as establishing a blanket of peace of mind for the clientele. The
can tackle just about any task in your home, put the final touches on your newly constructed or remodeled property, and help the moving process run smoothly. Whether it’s your personal home, a rental property/Airbnb or a commercial facility, you deserve a company that can alleviate all your cleaning worries. At The Cleanest, LLC, you can rest easy knowing you and your home or business are important to us.
TheCleanest, LLC began as a commercial cleaning company in June 2018 and started accepting residential clients just a few months later. Since then, they have provided service to nearly 100 homes and over 30 businesses in the Columbia area, giving their team the expertise needed to handle not only regular cleanings, but move-out and eviction cleanings, as well as new construction or remodel cleanup. Owner Emily Haynes says entrepreneurship has been worthwhile. “I believe that becoming a small business owner is one of the most rewarding positions one could fulfill.”
Robbye Lefevers, a residential cleaner and trainer, says talking with customers is the most gratifying part of her position. “Most of all, I love hearing all the positive feedback from my clients,” she says. For residential cleaner Suzanne Stackle, it’s the open conversation and emphasis on communication that stand out. “Emily Haynes has been nothing but open, communicative, and honest,” Stackle says. Madisynn Dobbins, another residential cleaner and trainer, agrees, saying she’s “grateful to work for such a kind boss and appreciative clients.”
Whether you’ve been in your home for a month, a year or a decade, there are plenty of projects waiting for your attention. From drywall repair to room renovations, no matter what you’re taking on, there’s an expert within reach to make the task at hand that much easier. For instance, if you’re looking to take on drywall repair, remember the importance of matching the look of the current wall.
Perhaps you want to improve the airflow or enhance your home’s energy efficiency. In that case, you’ll want to consider installing a new ceiling fan.
Or maybe you’re ready for a total remodel to create the bathroom and/or kitchen of your dreams. Just don’t forget to look at your existing plumbing and electrical systems, and see if there are any other services you need.
No matter what project you’re taking on, Senior Hand, LLC, is a local company with a full range of interior handyman services that can be tailored to your needs. 573-489-6058
For nearly 20 years, Rod Perry has been helping people remodel their homes. As owner of Senior Hand, LLC, Perry’s philosophy has always been the “Leave It to Beaver” theory of honesty, respect and family values, creating the perfect one-stop shop for all home renovation needs. “We do nothing short of 138% quality to please every customer’s needs,” Perry says, noting that the business will take on any size project quickly. “We can give you a 24-
hour turnaround service on the important areas, including changing out a leaking faucet, garbage disposal replacement, ceiling fan installation, hot water heater unit replacement and more.”
Senior Hand, LLC, first began in 2007 with services specifically tailored to meet the needs of senior citizens. While the business serves all Columbia residents, it is still the mission of Senior Hand, LLC, to work with customers and their budgets to ensure satisfaction at the end of a project.
Remodeling your home is an important investment. So, having a clear goal and a defined action plan can help you get the most from your renovation.
HERE ARE A FEW TIPS THAT CAN HELP:
• Do some research. Select images from magazines, websites or social media to give your contractor a clear idea of what you have in mind.
• Get three quotes and carefully evaluate each proposal to determine which one is best for you.
• Choose a reputable contractor who is a member of the local Home Builders Association and the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.
• Give yourself enough time to get the project done. Contractors may have an existing waitlist, or there could be a delay for needed supplies.
Remember that you’re looking for a partner and contractor you can trust, which is exactly what you’ll find at Swift.
SWIFT CO.S, LLC
Swift Co.s, LLC, has been providing trusted home construction solutions to help mid-Missouri homeowners for almost a quarter of a century. Ryan Payne, Swift owner, and his team have more than 100 years of combined experience. They create custom solutions that stand the test of time for every client. "I love working directly with each of my clients and take pride in helping them
make their dreams a reality," Payne says. While Swift focuses primarily on residential homes, they have become a commercial remodeling leader in Columbia. Swift continues to grow and will be expanding to other cities and states. You can count on Swift to honor their proposal, committed time, and the agreed-upon budget while providing the best quality service and materials.
573-864-4463
573-446-0677
brianwearplumbing.com
BuildWithSwift.com
McClure is about more than engineering — it’s about people. That’s why it’s been a priority for us create a culture that puts people first, which has led to growth for our firm and our team members.
Through that growth, we’re able to help create a world where our children and grandchildren can thrive; where we know they’ll be traveling on safe roads, drinking clean water, and living and working in beautiful places. All of those things are possible through engineering, which plays a role in almost every aspect of the community, from roads, bridges and buildings to water and wastewater.
But it’s not just engineers that make such work possible. It takes a team that includes technicians, land surveyors, landscape architects, and interns. If you want to be in the office or in the field, be a designer, or client facing, there are opportunities for you.
At McClure, you’ll find you won’t be put in a box by a simple job description. We believe in creating an environment that allows for personal growth and encourages people to challenge themselves every day.
McClure empowers its team members to make lives better, rewarding creativity, and personal growth. Most recently, we implemented a new policy called Responsible Time Off – empowering team members to decide when and how much time is needed to rest, recharge, and celebrate the moments and milestones in their lives.
There are plenty of opportunities at McClure where you can start advancing your career and grow alongside other members of our team. Enjoy a family atmosphere where everyone brings their own creativity and collaborative nature to thrive. That family focus doesn’t stop with the team either. We consider our clients family, too, and remain invested in projects from start to finish. As Chief Executive Officer Dustin Leo says, “being a good engineer is one small part of this business. We think like owners, community leaders, contractors, developers, and entrepreneurs.”
At McClure, our clients and team members share a community and a vision to create a sustainable future for everyone. We hope you’ll join us in creating that future.
Chief Executive Officer
Carla Leible carla@zrgmail.com
Publisher Emeritus Fred Parry fred@mailzimmer.com
Publisher Melody Parry melody@mailzimmer.com
Associate Editors Madeleine Leroux mleroux@mailzimmer.com
Zola Crowder zcrowder@mailzimmer.com
Contributing Writer Jack Wax
Photo Editor L.G. Patterson lg@mailzimmer.com
Art Director Tim Flanner tflanner@mailzimmer.com
Graphic Designer Madelyn Jones mjones@mailzimmer.com
Advertising Coordinators
Kalie Kramel kkramel@mailzimmer.com
Bethany Smidt bsmidt@mailzimmer.com
Marketing Representatives
Josh Arnold jarnold@mailzimmer.com
Karolina Arbova karbova@mailzimmer.com
Tyler Morrison tmorrison@mailzimmer.com
Inside Columbia’s CEO magazine Zimmer Strategic Communications 3215 Lemone Industrial Blvd., Suite 200 Columbia, MO 65201 573-875-1099 • www.insidecolumbia.net
Inside Columbia’s CEO is published biannually by Zimmer Strategic Communicatios LLC, 3215 Lemone Industrial Blvd., Suite 200, MO 65201, 573-875-1099. Copyright Zimmer Communications, 2023. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any editorial or graphic content without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited. Not responsible for omissions or information which has been misrepresented to the magazine. Postage paid at Columbia, Mo.
FIRST STATE COMMUNITY BANK announced the promotion of DREW SMITH to market president in Columbia. He has more than 20 years of banking experience, beginning at First State Community Bank in 2017 as the executive vice president of commercial lending in central Missouri. Smith is a graduate of the University of Missouri–Columbia. He serves as president of the board for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Columbia and is past president of the Rainbow House.
The COLUMBIA BOARD OF REALTORS recently installed its 2023 officers. JAMIE THORNSBERRY from RE/MAX BOONE REALTY is serving as president. Installed as presidentelect is ALISSA GERKE of SELECT REALTY GROUP. JENNIFER DICK was named treasurer and ALEX RADMAN was installed as MLS chair; both are with RE/MAX BOONE
REALTY. MONICA HANSMAN of WEICHERT REALTORS-FIRST TIER is the immediate past president.
TRISH SIECKMANN has been named the new manager of the COMO COOKS SHARED KITCHEN She has extensive experience in large and small-scale baking production and is the owner of TS Sweets. She is trained in cake decorating, fondant work and advanced sugar sculpting.
RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE CHARITIES OF MIDMISSOURI announced four new members were selected to serve on the organization’s board of directors. The new members are ELLIOTT FARMER, vice president of Farmer Holding Co., RYAN RUPRECHT, owner/operator of McDonald’s restaurants, DR. MATTHEW SMITH, University of Missouri, and DR. TRISHA TAYLOR, Central Missouri Dermatology. Ronald McDonald House Charities is a nonprofit organization that serves families with children receiving medical care.
LOVE COLUMBIA has NATHAN HANSEN as its chief development officer. He brings nearly a decade of fundraising experience to the role, most recently serving as a senior director at CCS Fundraising, a nonprofit consulting firm based in New York. Prior to consulting, he worked at the University of Missouri System, MU, Santa Clara University and Lake Forest. He is completing his Chartered Advisor in Philanthropy through the American College of Financial Services.
volunteers with the children’s ministry at The Crossing Church and with Meals on Wheels. JASON MORGAN joined Coil as the director of facilities management. He oversees the small projects division, as well as acting as director of facilities management. Previously, he served as the assistant vice president for facilities management at Central Bank and in facilities management at MU.
CENTRAL BANK OF BOONE
COUNTY announced ART BLACKMAN joined the bank as vice president and portfolio manager. He has worked in the financial services industry for more than 27 years. Previously, he worked as vice president for investment fund companies based in New York and Washington, D.C. He began his career as CEO and president of a Kansas Citybased athletic equipment manufacturing company where he oversaw financial reporting, worked with equity investors and continuously negotiated lines of credit, financing and term loans.
MIKE CORNELIUS has joined COIL CONSTRUCTION as its new chief financial officer. He worked 18 years at Learfield in Jefferson City as the finance director. He earned a bachelor of science degree in business/ finance from MU. Outside of Coil, he
BURRELL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH has named MEGAN STEEN as the chief operating officer of the Central Region. She was previously the company’s vice president of the Central Region. In her new role, she will oversee day-to-day operations for the Central Region, which encompasses 17 counties.
Columbians can be swinging their clubs at the area’s newest TopTracer complex as soon as July, Taylor Burks, president of Rost Inc., says. Topgolf, which is powered by TopTracer technology, along with the location’s existing attractions will give residents several entertainment options.
“Little Dixie Construction’s been keeping us close to our target. We should be ready for a grand opening in early July,” Burks says. Rost Inc includes Rost Landscaping, Superior Garden Center, Superior Irrigation and Midway Golf & Games.
Midway Golf & Games, located on 140 acres just east of Columbia off of I-70, is quickly adding to its entertainment offerings. The new 8,000-square-foot complex is currently under construction and will house 18 to 20 elevated driving range golf bays. In addition to TopTracer, the complex is adding a bar and grill restaurant and a 25,000-square-foot indoor event space. The name of the restaurant likely will be announced in the next few months.
Burks says there will be entertainment for all ages at the new golf attraction. “Given the number of suites we’re building, there will be room for a variety of golfers,” he says. “This includes families wanting to host birthday events, young professionals hoping to socialize or even more established Columbians looking to have a nice meal outside of downtown.”
Midway Golf & Games is owned by Tim and Toby Rost, local entrepreneurs who started Rost Landscaping. In 2017, they ventured into the family recreation business by acquiring a portion of Perche Creek Golf Center.
Jim Russell, Septagon; Tim Roth, Southern Boone School District; Bill Lloyd, community volunteer; Barrett Glascock, Eagle Foundation
The construction of Ranken Technical College’s new 21,000-square-foot Workforce Development Center at the southeast edge of the U.S. 63 Ashland overpass is progressing on target. When Ranken opens its doors this fall, the college hopes to attract students from six mid-Missouri counties who will begin learning skills needed to qualify for high-demand jobs. Ranken will offer a wide range of courses leading to associate degrees and certificates in technical skills for youths and adults, while supplying the mid-Missouri business community with a skilled and disciplined workforce.
Bill Lloyd, retired Ashland banker and former Boone County Planning and Zoning commissioner, has been shepherding the project from its beginning, when it was just an idea, through its major fundraising stage, until today, when the building is taking shape. He’s committed to seeing the project through its last bit of fundraising and in-kind donations, which will be needed for the purchase and installation of classroom equipment. Lloyd has been leading a group of school administrators, business leaders and representatives from area manufacturers and health care settings for about four years. Through donations and grants, the group has
raised more than $8 million to cover construction costs. They have also worked to develop a thorough understanding of the particular skills and knowledge that mid-Missouri employers require from the workforce if they are to continue to grow and prosper locally.
Not only will small businesses and large-scale manufacturing become more sustainable in mid-Missouri,
“For decades, high school counselors have been telling kids to go to a fouryear college. Now if you look around us, we have a real shortage of plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians and carpenters. And these skilled men and women make a good living. I decided that we need to see what we can do about this,” Lloyd says.
Ranken seemed like a promising
but more young people will be able to stay in the area and find good-paying jobs. “For me, community projects are about meeting a community need. After talking with the CEO of Ranken and having seen what they’ve done in St. Louis, Troy, Wentzville and Perryville, I was convinced there’s a great need for this type of education in mid-Missouri,” Lloyd says.
Nationwide, there are more job openings for skilled employees than there are qualified people to fill them.
option and a good fit for area schools. It’s a well-known, established technical college, which was started in 1907 in St. Louis. It boasts a 98% placement rate for its graduates. “The Southern Boone School District was looking to provide technical education,” says Shannon Brueggemann, Ranken vice president for education. “For students not interested in going to a university for four or more years, our courses lead to opportunities for a great entry to a career; one they might not know exists.”
"We have a real shortage of plumbers, electricians, HVAC technicians and carpenters. And these skilled men and women make a good living. I decided that we need to see what we can do about this."
- Bill Lloyd
is expected to stimulate more growth in mid-Missouri. “When you bring technical education to an area, usually industry follows — they have confidence their skilled workforce will be there,” Brueggemann says.
Ranken’s Ashland location will provide training in four main areas: manufacturing, which includes industrial technology and welding; information technology; building and construction, with an emphasis on commercial construction; and entrylevel nursing. Regardless of which courses students take, they are required to show a strong work ethic. “Employers know when they hire a Ranken graduate that they are getting someone who has met Ranken’s work ethic requirements,” Brueggemann says.
School District are currently finalizing the details of an agreement that will allow high school students to dual enroll, taking Ranken classes in their senior year. Because students who successfully graduate high school will be eligible for Missouri’s A+ Scholarship Program, it’s possible that their degree or certificates will cost very little or nothing, depending on the agreement. “We’re looking forward to providing opportunities to students from Southern Boone High School and area high schools, as well as adults,” Southern Boone School’s Superintendent Tim Roth says.
Ranken’s approach to growth is to wait until communities reach out to them and convince them that there’s a need and support for technical
many companies and businesses that provided funds and assistance that made this move to Ashland possible are: Emery Sapp and Sons, the Builder’s Association, MU Health Care, Hubbell Power Systems, Hitachi Energy, Veterans United and the Southern Boone School District. Additionally, T and M Properties donated the site where the building is being built. After three years of programming, the building will transfer to Ranken, Lloyd says.
But even before classes begin, there’s another important task that Lloyd has assumed — getting the word out to potential students. “The key to the success of this project is to convince enough kids that going into technical training provides just as good a life as getting a fouryear degree,” Lloyd says.
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BY JACK WAX
PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON
On a recent afternoon, Nick Garner, CEO of Every True Tiger Foundation (ETTF), sits in his office, a couple miles from the University of Missouri—Columbia campus, talking with potential donors, introducing them to the organization and asking them to support the foundation. Already in the first month, several major groups have gotten on board — Boys and Girls Clubs, the Black Law Students Association, Daydreams Foundation and United Community Builders.
A lot is riding on Garner’s calls. ETTF will soon have a direct impact on the student athlete experience at MU, on Mizzou athletic teams and on nonprofit organizations that would like to engage student athletes to promote their causes in their community. And all because of some thing known as NIL.
For college athletes, the three most important letters in the alphabet may be NIL, which stands for Name, Image and Likeness. This acronym is putting money — some big sums, but mostly small amounts — in the pockets of thousands of student athletes across the country. But for most student athletes, NIL isn’t all about
"The unique thing about NILs is that they open up opportunities that never existed before.”
- Nick Garner
Luther Burdern
Shortly after World War II, the NCAA adopted rules to ensure that college athletes competed as amateurs and could not receive compensation for the use of their NILs. Those rules were set aside on July 1, 2021, when the NCAA ushered in a new era, in which student athletes could receive compensation beyond tuition. Because several states had already changed laws allowing student athletes to benefit from the use of the NILs, the NCAA was pressured into this change, fearing that those states would have a competitive recruiting advantage over those states that maintained the status quo. In addition to state law changes, the Supreme Court had just ruled in NCAA v Alston that the NCAA could not enforce its rules that limited education-related benefits for athletes. In explaining the court’s decision, Justice Neil Gorsuch wrote that the NCAA could not be exempt from antitrust laws. Universities, alumni groups, broadcaster networks and others in the sports industry would no longer be the only ones profiting from college athletes. Now student athletes themselves could begin earning money for the use of their name, image and likeness. After the decision, more states, including Missouri, began creating laws that clarified what colleges and students could and could not do.
Regardless of state laws and college rules, the NCAA still prohibits pay-for-play arrangements, in which schools would entice athletes by paying them to attend a particular college. Schools also are prohibited from paying students based on their performance.
profit corporations and businesses seeking to use Mizzou athletes’ NILs.
Greg Steinhoff led the effort to establish ETTF. “I thought Mizzou was in a really good spot to show how NILs should be presented and utilized by student athletes. There has been a lot of work to make sure it helps them in more ways that just giving them a check. It’s been under the radar so far, and it’s already had quite a bit of success,” he says.
Steinhoff is enthusiastic about ETTF and how it can affect Mizzou’s student athletes, but he acknowledges that it took a while for him to get used to the idea of students earning money with their NILs.
“Originally, I was more old school about sports. But I understand the frustration students felt when they’d see a jersey with their name on it in a video game and they received nothing in return. And you
athletes come from backgrounds where they have to work hard to get somewhere in the world. Now they can profit off their NILs,” he says.
The students get more than extra money from the NIL rule change. “It opens the world to them and it gives the community the benefit of both helping the athlete and helping their clients,” Steinhoff says. “If you’re in a sport, you’re pretty much in a bubble — it’s go to class and then practice. Every True Tiger Foundation will give them the opportunity to get involved with people and social structures they would not normally engage with. It can be beneficial long after they have graduated.”
ETTF is Mizzou Athletics’ preferred collective for linking students with NIL opportunities. Here’s how the ETTF works: ETTF builds a portfolio of chari-
"This is an industry that is very much in its infancy stage, but it’s here to stay."
- Nick Garner
having Mizzou student athletes promote the mission of that particular organization, maybe by making an appearance or speaking at one of their events. ETTF then aligns student athletes with charities each month to promote initiatives via social media or live appearances. After the student athlete completes his or her obligations to the nonprofit, the athlete is then paid by ETTF. Not all students are paid at the same rate. A softball player may charge a different rate than a star football player. “We raise and help distribute the funds,” Garner says, “and we have charitable partnerships throughout the community and state.”
The impetus for the match of student to nonprofit may come from the student instead of the nonprofit. “A student may have worked with a group, such as Boys and Girls Club at home in St. Louis and might
Columbia,” Garner says.
Donors to ETTF can choose what sport programs will benefit from their donation. “For years, donors could not have a direct impact on a program or an athlete. ETTF offers the first opportunity where people can impact the athletic program of their choice and impact those students directly,” Garner says.
Garner stresses that it’s not just the major donors who can help out. “For anyone who cares about Mizzou, this is an opportunity to have a stake in the competitiveness of Mizzou for years to come,” he says. “This collective brings together the resources of Mizzou fans alike, in an effort to create as many NIL opportunities as possible for Mizzou student athletes.”
Collectives, such as ETTF, are becoming more popular by the day. “There are
Michelle Myer, NIL administrator and founder of NIL Network website. “Right now, there’s all this excitement because it’s new. But you have to remember that it all goes back to recruiting and how colleges can demonstrate to these up-and-coming athletes that this particular school will be offering this option.”
Garner recognizes that the NIL changes are so new that it’s taking a while for colleges, students and athletic boosters to grasp the new possibilities. “This is an industry that is very much in its infancy stage, but it’s here to stay. My hope is that the business community and Mizzou stakeholders in general embrace our mission of providing student athletes the opportunity to impact their community, which will in turn make Mizzou competitive among their peers,” he says.
As the Columbia area continues to grow, business leaders are looking to better define the community and find a common vision for what’s needed to move forward.
Inside Columbia Publisher Emeritus Fred Parry and Zimmer Communications General Manager Carla Leible hosted a CEO Roundtable luncheon with 12 local young entrepreneurs and business leaders from a variety of industries. The event was sponsored by The Broadway Hotel with the hotel’s award-winning Chef Jeff Guinn catering the meal that accompanied the conversation.
The dozen young leaders present took the opportunity to discuss Columbia as it is now and what they would like to see happen in order to create the desired Columbia of the future.
Over the past 50 years, Columbia has seen incredible growth, says Logan Gray, wealth management advisor with Merrill Lynch. But while people have been consistently moving to the area, Gray says it can feel like that
already in place, but how do we gather additional support from local officials to work with our businesses and encourage investment for the next 50 years?” Gray says. “I certainly think more can be done, especially in much needed infrastructure.”
Are we a large town or are we a small city? What do we aspire to as a community and as a university city or town that brings so much to the entire state of Missouri?
Mark Miles E xecutive Vice President at Orscheln Managementgrowth is almost in spite of policy decisions made by local leaders.
“We have these really nice amenities
Brian Burks, vice president at Emery Sapp and Sons, says his clients have been facing tough challenges
in getting development proposals through the approval process in a timely manner, noting that it often takes a year or longer to get the proposal through local government agencies. In the past, he says, developers could get plans approved and built in the same time frame. The longer process makes it more expensive, and that added cost is
to do what we’ve done in the past 50 years?” Burks asks.
David Coil, executive vice president of Coil Construction, says Columbia lacks the infrastructure needed to grow spatially and is constrained by city leaders and codes. And because there’s no real strategic plan in place to guide people on where to develop entertainment districts and
But what that identity is may still be in question. It’s something Columbia seems to struggle with these days, says Mark Miles, executive vice president at Orscheln Management Co. “Are we a large town or are we a small city?” Miles asks. “What do we aspire to be as a community and as a university city or town that brings so much to the entire state of Missouri?”
Travis Cook, CEO of Convergence Cos., says that is the crux of the issue when it comes to growth, as many business owners would like Columbia to be a city, while many residents likely are more comfortable as a town. “I don’t have the answer for how to fix that problem,” Cook says. “I think that lots of towns or cities our size struggle with that. Do we want to maintain and stay what we are or do we want to continue to build infrastructure, grow and be a place that entrepreneurs can be proud to be able to build and grow?”
But it doesn’t necessarily have to be a choice, says Drew Wilkinson, director of laboratory services, ambulance and emergency services at Boone Health. “You can be both,” Wilkinson says. “I think there are some pieces of this that we want to keep small and community-focused, but we’ve got to capitalize on the business side of things.”
getting passed down to the end user, Burks says. It also can leave young developers jaded and unwilling to make further investments in the Columbia area. “How do we continue
industrial spaces, that type of growth will be difficult, Coil says. “But we can definitely improve quality of life still and create an identity, too,” Coil says.
Laura Cave, chief marketing officer for Paytient, spent most of her adult life working in New York City and sees Columbia’s strength as being its particular mix of small town attitude with big city amenities. “What I love about Columbia is the preservation of and fostering of original thought,
What I love about Columbia is the preservation of and fostering of original thought, of creativity, of truth-telling and journalism and entrepreneurial activity.
Laura Cave
C hief Marketing Officer for PaytientMark Miles urges Columbians to clearly establish what we want the city to become.
of creativity, of truth-telling and journalism and entrepreneurial activity,” Cave says, noting that that’s where “our secret magic starts to come from.” She compares the area to an estuary, a place where saltwater and freshwater come together, creating a unique environment where many kinds of organisms can live. “It’s an extremely fruitful place because it’s a crossroads and because there’s mixing between people and different ideas,” Cave says. “I think that Columbia is actually a really compelling place to live.”
In order to build the future for Columbia that many business leaders hope to see, action needs to be taken. Matt Boyd, general manager of the Columbia branch of QuesTec Mechanical, suggests looking at Northwest Arkansas as an example of an area where business owners took the lead both to help define and develop the community. “They’re finding a way
to make things work and they’re finding a way to grow things,” Boyd says, noting that they don’t wait for city officials and leaders to make the first move. They also don’t let the bureaucratic obstacles derail development, instead working together to find solutions. “The ownership is on the businesses,” he says. “We just have to support each
worlds and neglect to reach out to the surrounding community. And that means the business community as a whole loses out. “We need to make an effort, make time for bringing people together, to connect the dots and connect talent,” Hall says. “It’s just unfortunate we get caught up in our own worlds and we can’t connect the dots.”
other as businesses.”
The idea of that level of collaboration among business owners and entrepreneurs is exactly what John Hall wants to see more of in Columbia. Hall, chief strategist at Relevance, says too often, business leaders get stuck in their own
If business owners can more effectively communicate with each other, they’ll be able to do a better job of communicating overall needs to the city, and actually being heard. “If one person is complaining to the city and the council on these things, it means one thing,” Hall says. But if
We need to make an effort, make time for bringing people together, to connect the dots and connect talent.
John Hall C hief Strategist at RelevanceMegan Walters, David Coil and Travis Cook discuss Columbia’s strengths and weaknesses at the recent CEO Roundtable.
multiple business owners are saying the same thing, it sends a clear message that city officials can hear and respond to.
Megan Walters, Licensed Broker-Salesperson and Team Lead/Owner of the Walters Team, eXp Realty, says building connections with other business leaders and networking can help many young people be successful. She notes that networking with other business leaders like Hall and Nic Parks of Parks Amusements has helped her career, and both Hall and Parks have worked to foster those connections with the younger generation.
Brett Calhoun, Managing Director and Partner at Scale, says he’d like to see better connections between area students and local
businesses, whether it’s through a business center or planned events. “There needs to be a better communication channel between startups and the university,” Calhoun says.
Scale is an accelerator fund and venture studio that Calhoun describes as a group of successful operators who support entrepreneurs in creating generational wealth. “In Columbia, we’re very siloed from other places like New York City. At Scale, we offer access to national network effects and knowledge sharing,” Calhoun says. “We have a network of investors and founders across the nation.”
Parks says young entrepreneurs need affordable space to work in, which is why he recently started a venture to provide rentable space
downtown. “I’ll lose money, but it’s my gift to students and young single moms and people who need an office to go to work in,” Parks says. By providing the space needed at an affordable price, even if it means taking an overall loss, Parks says he also is hoping to make connections for future investments. “Maybe I will latch onto some of those entrepreneurs and have an opportunity to invest in their businesses,” he says.
Cave, Paytient’s chief marketing officer, says connecting the dots between educational institutions, businesses and civic leaders, as well as startup funding, could make Columbia the laboratory for entrepreneurial innovation. “There are so many sprouts of that already happening,” Cave says.
When it comes to finding the right commercial property, you first need to consider what purpose the property would serve. Are you looking for an investment property or an opportunity for relocation or expansion?
If you’re looking for more of an investment property, you’ll need to evaluate it by diving into the financials to
determine if the property matches the earnings you’re seeking. Consider these questions:
• Does the investment’s price adequately reflect its location, condition, zoning and quality of tenants?
• Does the cash flow cover projected expenses?
At Maher Commercial Real Estate, we use our industry experience with information on comparable properties to
provide an opinion of value on a property that best reflects the market. We also have existing partnerships with local certified professional accountants to ensure you get all the tax benefits enjoyed by purchasing an investment property. If you’re instead looking to relocate or expand, you’ll want to consider needs such as:
• General square footage requirements;
• Number of employees;
• Desired location for employees or client base;
• Business use and zoning compatibility; and
• Parking.
Our team at Maher uses an in-house property database to match each client to their respective need, introducing them to properties both on and off the market. Our team also has existing relationships with commercial contractors, architects and engineers to better assist you in evaluating new construction.
With a combined experience of 60 years in mid-Missouri, our team has worked exclusively with commercial real
estate investors who are seeking investment and owner/user properties. Our wealth of experience and market database enables us to make truly knowledgeable recommendations for your commercial property needs.
To better serve our clients, we recently added Cory McKernan to the team at Maher. A Columbia native, McKernan’s focus is to grow our client base here in mid-Missouri where he developed his strong sense of community. A graduate of the University of Missouri with more than 25 years of experience in restaurant management, McKernan began working in residential real estate in 2018 while living in Hawaii. After returning to Columbia, he joined our team in 2022, bringing loyalty, integrity and a new energy to the local commercial real estate market.
McKernan’s addition to our team at Maher simply re-emphasizes our focus on clients as long-term partners. We want to build relationships that last entire careers because nothing is more rewarding than watching our clients grow their businesses.
120 A New Take on Barbecue
122 Make a Feast for the Family
124
Enjoy a Symphony of Flavors
129 A Dazzling Drink
When it comes to barbecue, there’s no shortage of options. Do you prefer a saucy supper or more of a charred chow? For fans of the flavor and texture achieved through dry rubs, there are a couple of local places to get a good mix. Hoss’s Seasonings, of the former Hoss’s Market and Rotisserie, offers a dry rub, as does the Sticky Pig in Centralia. What’s your favorite?
Mid-Missourians are no strangers to barbecue — it practically runs in our veins. And soon, there will be a new place filled with smoky smells, hearty flavors and smiling faces.
What was once an occasional pop-up has found a permanent spot just north of Logboat Brewing Co. Irene’s, which once ran pop-ups under the name Barbacoas del Notre, is putting down roots at 711 N. College Ave., suite B. Joshua Smith, one of the owners of Irene’s as well as Barred Owl Butcher & Table, says while barbecue is part of the focus, it’s not what Irene’s is all about. “The reason that we didn't really put barbecue in the name is because it really is more about the live fire cooking,” Smith says. “The smoke is very important.”
Plus, Smith says, everyone has certain expectations when you mention barbecue, and Irene’s isn’t exactly traditional. “You say barbecue in Australia, and it means something completely different,” Smith says. “We really enjoyed having it on tortillas instead of white bread, for example, and leaning more into sauces than just standard Kansas City style barbecue sauce.” Irene’s puts an emphasis on Mexican, southwestern and Caribbean flavors that don’t stop at the traditional meat offerings, as Smith says Irene’s has plenty of vegetarian options.
The crew at Irene’s knows the barbecue fare they offer may be different than many local Columbians have experienced before, but the deliciousness and the dedication behind it are the same.
While the restaurant itself will be new,
the concept is far from it. Smith says he and Tim Eisenhauer, co-owner of Irene’s, have enjoyed cooking over live fire and smoking meats for about 10 years. After they started doing pop-ups that became more and more popular, it seemed only natural to take on a new challenge with a brick-and-mortar shop.
Once they found a location on North College Avenue, demolition started in late April 2022. “Turning an auto shop into a restaurant requires a whole lot of base level work to even start,” Smith says. “It was a shell. We built it from the ground up.” At the start of 2023, they were able to start finishing touches on the space before shifting gears. Smith says the last few things are to recipe test in the new space, start filling up the shelves and begin hiring and training employees.
Now, it is taking their dream to the real world.
“The exciting part now is just getting in there and doing what we've been talking about and dreaming about,” Smith says. “Taking it from a once-a-week, once-amonth pop-ups, to now where we're just a business that plans to be open.”
Smith says the new space will reinforce Irene’s community-focused style and is
the perfect place to meet new people. “It is very communal style, which is what we're really known for,” Smith says.
Since Irene’s built a following with its pop-ups, first as Barbacoas del Notre then as Irene’s, they’ve already seen an overwhelming reaction from the community for the new permanent spot in the Arcade District. “The town seems super excited, and we definitely are too,”
says Berick Wahby, general manager. “That whole area is now developing really quickly, so being a part of that, too, has been really awesome.”
As of mid-February, Irene’s was on track to open by March 1. Once open, Irene’s plans to have business hours from 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday and 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday.
For more information, visit irenesbbq.com.
Afew years ago, by necessity, we pivoted from a traditional catering business to a new venture, preparing family meals on a weekly basis. Our emphasis was to make easy meals that were a hit with the whole family, trying a lot of new recipes in the process and meeting a lot of great people.
It was a rewarding experience, one that probably saved my business. And I can’t help but wonder how beneficial a service like this, providing family-popular recipes, would have been to my own busy family when my sons were younger and our schedules were booked with sports and other activities.
But children grow up, time moves on and so have we. We have been fortunate to pretty much return to our first love, catering memorable events with beautiful and delicious food, and are (mostly) saying goodbye to our weekly family meals.
This recipe is one we made many times during the past two and a half years. It’s a sheet pan prep meal, which is code for fewer dishes. Greek-inspired seasoning, chicken, potatoes and salty feta and olives round out this pleasing entree. Sprinkle the tomatoes on at the end or roast them for a few minutes to sweeten and soften them.
It’s so quick and healthy, yet flavorful enough you could serve it to guests. It’s one of the silver linings of what were some tumultuous years for us all, and one that I’m happy to share with you!
2 teaspoons onion powder
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon pepper
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
¼ teaspoon nutmeg
½ cup chopped fresh parsley
¼ cup olive oil
1 lemon, sliced
8 small gold or red potatoes
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
½ cup Kalamata olives, chopped
¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into chunks
Preheat oven to 400 degrees and line a baking sheet with foil for easy clean up.
Combine all herbs and spices with olive oil. Place chicken and potatoes on baking sheet. Toss the herb/oil blend with chicken and potatoes to thoroughly coat and distribute flavor. Roast in preheated oven for about 30 minutes or until chicken and potatoes are done.
Toss tomatoes, olives and feta over the chicken and potatoes. Bake for an additional 5 minutes.
There is nothing quite like a tiramisu for a nice kick, or “pick me up,” which is the actual translation of tiramisu, at the end of a meal. You get a nice jolt from the coffee while enjoying the creaminess of the mascarpone, all held together by ladyfingers.
Without the ladyfingers, there would be no way to hold the coffee/espresso, and rum if you desire. Each component on its own has a unique flavor and texture, but it is not until they have used their strengths to bring the whole dish together that you create a symphony of flavors.
On their own, ladyfingers can be the most underwhelming biscuit (especially the store-bought ones). They are crumbly, don’t have much flavor and will dry out your mouth. But this is where the hidden strength of ladyfingers lies. They are a blank slate of a dry meringue biscuit that can soak up and hold just about any flavor. Without the ladyfingers, the espresso would just be flavoring the cream or sitting at the bottom of the dish. You can easily get a pack of the dry biscuits in the mail or at a specialty shop, but
if you can whisk an egg white to a stiff peak, you can make a ladyfinger. They are traditionally long, skinny, airy biscuits with a resemblance to fingers (hence the name), but making them on your own allows you to change the shape depending on what vessel you want to make the dish. If you want to make individual portions, you can make the shape to fit your desired container. You can find my ladyfingers recipe at insidecolumbia.net
Slightly sweetened espresso or strong coffee contrasted with whipped cream and the slight tang from mascarpone is what gives tiramisu its signature flavor. You can heighten the kick by adding some coffee liqueur, rum, Marsala wine or amaretto. The ratio of sugar, liqueur and espresso is merely a suggestion. The taste will be the best way to figure out exactly where you want your ratio to be. The soaking step is very important. Soak the ladyfingers, flipping every 30 to 90 seconds until they have a slight bend as you pick them up from the ends or until the biscuits start to crumble with a slight drag of your finger across the biscuit. This will allow enough moisture so the biscuits
don’t dry out the rest of the dish, but also prevent the ladyfingers from soaking up so much moisture that they make the dish soggy.
This is another component that you can find in most stores, but you also can make yourself. Don’t look in the regular cheese section of the store as it more than likely will be at the cheese counter closer to the deli instead of by the individually wrapped slices. Mascarpone is cream curdled with acid (lemon juice or tartaric acid), cooled and then strained to allow the whey to drain. This results in a thick spreadable cream that makes cream cheese look runny. The mixture is the final step of the dish before allowing it to sit for four to 24 hours to “set.” Egg yolks and sugar are whisked until fluffy, then the mascarpone cheese is added and whisked just until smooth. The cream is whisked separately, and the two are folded together, keeping as much volume as possible. You can find my recipe for making mascarpone at insidecolumbia.net
Once you have the three components, you are ready to assemble the dish.
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 egg yolks
• ¾ cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
DIRECTIONS:
• 1 to 1 ½ cups mascarpone
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
Whisk egg yolks, sugar and vanilla extract until stiff peaks form. Whisk in mascarpone until smooth. Separately, whisk the cream until soft peaks form (the tip curls slightly when you remove the whisk and hold it vertically). Fold the cream into the yolk/ mascarpone mixture and set to the side.
INGREDIENTS:
• 4 shots of espresso or 1 cup of really strong coffee
• 1/2 cup sugar
DIRECTIONS:
• 3 to 4 ounces of dark rum, cof fee/rum liqueur or other liqueur as desired
Dissolve the sugar in the espresso/coffee and pour into a shallow long pan to cool slightly. Mix in the rum or coffee liqueur. Make a game plan for assembling your ladyfingers. Typically, the bottom layer will go one way in the pan, and the top layer will go the opposite. You can break or cut them as needed to fit into your pan(s). Once your game plan is ready, start soaking your ladyfingers in the coffee mixture and assembling your tiramisu. A thin layer of the cream mixture on the bottom, then a layer of soaked ladyfingers, another thin layer of cream, then another cross-stacked layer of soaked ladyfingers. Top with a final layer of cream and refrigerate for four to 24 hours.
Remove from the refrigerator and dust lightly with cocoa powder. You can cut and plate portions (similar to cutting brownies, but much more fragile), then grate some chocolate onto the top. Serve and enjoy!
When you’re ready to purchase your first home, it can be pretty exciting. But without someone to help guide you through the process, it also can be fairly stressful. After all, it’s a substantial investment in your future — essentially, a savings account you sleep in.
If you’re ready to dip your toes into homeownership, the first step is to talk to a lender. This is where you can get approved for a certain amount of money to spend, the type of loan that will best suit your needs and discuss any upfront costs, such as earnest money, down payments and closing costs.
Then it’s time to find the right home to fit your budget and get it under contract. Once you’ve reached that step, you’ll need to deposit the earnest money with the title company to secure the contract. At this stage, an inspector will be hired to give a detailed report on the home’s condition, which will trigger a new round of negotiations centered around whether certain repairs should be done before closing or considering a price reduction.
Once the negotiations are complete, the lender will do an appraisal to ensure the house is worth the price for which it is under contract. If not, more negotiations happen.
Purchasing a home is the first step in your wealth journey, but it doesn’t have to be an anxiety-ridden process with the right person by your side. As a teacher and a nurse, we excel at educating people through the entire
We have helped hundreds of people buy homes, streamlining the process as much as possible while still providing a high level of communication so buyers always know where they are in the process. It’s a truly joyful feeling to see people feel secure in their new homes and getting the privilege of seeing them flourish.
INGREDIENTS
1.5 ounces Malibu
3/4 ounces peach schnapps
Get ready to be transported to a tropical euphoria, without ever having to leave Columbia.
One of the best parts of visiting The Roof is obviously the view, especially at sunset. And while there may still be a little chill in the air as we head into spring, I’m already preparing for summer since nothing beats the summer sunsets at The Roof.
That’s why we hand crafted a special “Sunset on Broadway” cocktail that seeks to evoke the colors of that summer sunset that’s become a staple of the amenities enjoyed at The Roof. The Malibu coconut rum mixed with pineapple and orange juice with slight hints of peach and cherry will take your palate right to the tropics, even if there’s still snow on the ground in Columbia.
Here’s to summer evenings at The Roof!
Malik Cadenhead is a bartender at The Roof.
1/2 ounce orange juice
1/2 ounce Grenadine sinker
Orange slice and cherry for garnish TO
3/4 ounces pineapple juice
The housing market is always changing and trying to anticipate what will happen next is impossible. That’s why it’s important for buyers to first talk to a local lender and get prequalified for a loan before even entering the shopping phase. You have to know and be comfortable with what that monthly payment will look like before you can hit the
streets to find the home that fits your needs.
When you are ready to start shopping, I recommend having a wish list ready for your real estate agent. This will help your agent get to know you and what you’re looking for in a home.
Since the market is constantly in flux, there is no perfect time to buy a home. The best time to buy is when you find your perfect house and you can afford it.
Before becoming a real estate agent, I worked in the mortgage industry. In order to provide the best guidance possible, I closely follow the markets, talk to lenders and other real estate professionals, and read as much as I can. Getting into the real estate industry has allowed me to use my customer service skills while working directly with people to create long-lasting relationships. It’s my favorite part about working in our community. After all, I don’t just want to find my clients a house. I want to help them find a home, while building a relationship that lasts beyond the transaction itself. My clients are my highest priority and you can be sure to find integrity
The perennial Columbia debate is back in center stage as the city considers switching to an automated trash collection system that would bring roll carts to customers. After dropping the mandated use of logoed bags, the city held two public input sessions in January to help decide the way forward. Based off the comments so far, Columbians still seem to be intensely divided on a topic that many other communities have long since figured out. Where do you stand?
Each issue, two on-air talents from two different Zimmer Communications’ stations will take on a seemingly simple challenge to see who comes out on top. This issue, Scotty Cox from Clear99 and Carson from Y107 went head-to-head to see who would be the better makeup artist. Make sure you visit insidecolumbia.net to see video of the full challenge!
Each contestant must attempt to do a full face of makeup without any help or instruction, from technique to identifying the items supplied. The choice of colors, products and accuracy will play a role in determining the winner.
Scotty from Clear99 came in calm and collected with the spirit of a true gentleman who has prepared for any outcome. Meanwhile, Carson from Y107 was visibly nervous and stressed as he began pacing back and forth, anticipating the start of the challenge.
When the timer started, without panic, Scotty began his delicate application to model Caroline Roush, taking time to match colors to Caroline’s skin tone. He chose a natural palette with some soft shimmers to highlight Roush’s features. Carson, confused and panicked, took a bolder approach on model Hannah Savic. Carson focused on black eyeshadow and black eyeliner that had been, well, let’s say creatively placed underneath the eye. (Though he was adamant he would stay away from mascara, Carson briefly attempted to face his fear when he saw Scotty successfully apply the product. Ultimately, that particular challenge proved too daunting for Carson.) While Carson’s creativity stunned the crowd, Scotty came out on top as the clear winner.
" ” " ”
It is a very delicate process, which I am not sure I was prepared for … but what a beautiful canvas I had to work with.
It terrifies me.
-Scotty -Carson
The Columbia Cosmopolitan Luncheon Club held its 71st annual Pancake and Sausage Day on Jan. 28 at the Jerry Sigmund Community Center on Burlington Street. Nearly 1,000 people enjoyed the breakfast, raising $10,000 in donations to benefit Camp Hickory Hill, the Diabetes Research Institute and the Cosmopolitan International Diabetes Center.
Date Jan. 28
Location
Jerry Sigmund Community Center
Photos by Nancy Toalson and Wally Pfeffer, mizzouwally@compuserve.com
The Boone County Chapter of the Mizzou Alumni Association held a mixology class on Jan. 29 at DogMaster Distillery. The event was organized by board member Krystin Cooper and hosted by DogMaster owner Lisa Driskel Hawxby. It attracted 40 alumni who learned the fine art of crafting cocktails.
Date Jan. 29
Location DogMaster Distillery
Photos by Nancy Toalson and Wally Pfeffer, mizzouwally@compuserve.com
Assignment: Cutest Pets Contest winners
The Location: Zimmer Communications
Photographing animals can be easy, fun and challenging. For this issue of Inside Columbia magazine, I got the opportunity to take photos of a cat (easy), two dogs (fun) and a ferret (challenging).
Surprisingly, the cat was mellow and regal. She sat on her perch watching me and giving me her best runway model look — a really pleasant creature.
The dogs were timid and pretty well trained. They ran all over my studio sniffing the ground, looking for the treats we had used to entice them to pose. While the flashing of my lights freaked them out a bit, they settled down as they got some love by the magazine staff in the room.
The ferret was a different story. While he wore his bow tie nicely, he didn’t want to strike a pose for me at all. The only thing he was interested in showing me was his tail. While trying to get him to look my direction by offering a treat, his tongue shot out between his surprisingly large teeth and startled us all. It was unusual and unexpected.
The cats and dogs were fun, but I am a bit confused about ferrets. I can’t tell if they are more like cats or rats.
L.G. Patterson
According to its website, the core values of Columbia Public Schools are trust, integrity, collaboration, transparency, empathy and grace. Oddly enough, in recent months, school district administrators along with a handful of school board members have failed miserably to exemplify any of the six values to which they claim to ascribe. In fact, CPS Superintendent Brian Yearwood and the lion’s share of his school board members deserve an “F” for their efforts to abide by these core values.
There’s been a lot of hullabaloo, both locally and in national media, over the decision to take CPS students to the annual Columbia Values Diversity breakfast where drag queens performed while members of the Columbia City Council stuffed dollar bills into the fists of these men dressed as women.
By my way of thinking, it’s an odd way to salute the slain civil rights leader. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a pastor, who lived by biblical principles, who likely would not have appreciated this patriarchal characterization of women with big hair and huge breasts by men flaunting around on a stage dressed as females.
But I really don’t care about the drag show. I am, however, troubled by Yearwood’s and the district’s response to the parental concerns that were raised in the aftermath of this event.
If you study the timeline of events, Yearwood’s first response was to deflect blame on the city of Columbia, the official host of the breakfast, claiming the district had no knowledge of the drag show. It’s an odd claim given the fact that CPS spokesperson Michelle Baumstark and school board member Jeanne Snodgrass were both members of the breakfast planning committee. Under pressure from state Sen. Caleb Rowden, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey and even Gov. Mike Parson, Yearwood finally found the decency to
publicly apologize for the “misunderstanding” surrounding the drag show.
It’s disappointing that it took more than two weeks for Yearwood to issue his halfhearted and empty public statement that rang so hollow with so many. It was evident that Yearwood’s apology was forced. It lacked sincerity and authenticity. Adding insult to injury, Yearwood failed to specifically mention what policy changes would take place to avoid a similar recurrence.
I doubt that the CPS schoolchildren who were present at the drag show will suffer any long-term dysfunction. The real victims in this fiasco are parents who have children in CPS. Once again, their parental rights and their desire to play an active role in their children’s education have been stripped away by district officials. Most reasonable people agree that parents should have been given the opportunity to decide whether or not their children should be exposed to a drag performance.
The district’s flagrant violation of its own core values of trust, transparency and integrity in this matter is troubling enough. The district’s failure to show empathy and grace (two more of its core values) to a group of outraged parents is the icing on the cake.
I am most troubled, perhaps, by a verified exchange during a meeting with two community leaders in Yearwood’s office with school board member Katherine Sasser present. The two leaders had hoped a meeting with Yearwood would give them a better understanding of the role the district actually played in planning the breakfast. During that meeting, these two highly respected community leaders were accused of being segregationists. Sasser also told them that “the blood of every transsexual student in CPS who committed suicide would be on their hands.”
At the same time, Yearwood found it important to bring up comments about “the way his ancestors had been historically
treated by whites.” The implication, of course, is that anyone who questions the superintendent or school board is either racist and/or homophobic.
Yearwood’s relationship with his bosses on the Columbia Board of Education is, at best, complicated. During a recent vote to extend Yearwood’s contract, three board members voted to “abstain” on the question on whether his contract should be extended. Most would argue that voting to “abstain” is the same as voting “no” on the question. If Yearwood has any hope of reaching eligibility for his full pension retirement, he must placate those who were clearly against extending his tenure at CPS. Doing so will likely require him to compromise his personal values, paving the way for a woke agenda that focuses disproportionately on transgender and LGBTQ distractions.
The school board’s latest assault on its own core value of transparency falls on the heels of the district’s hesitation to divulge testing and proficiency scores that have fallen dramatically in recent years. This is the same school board that recently limited the opportunity for public comment at its meetings and tried to prevent parents of special needs students from recording conferences with their children’s teachers.
District patrons will have a chance to replace three of the eight existing board members on April 4. Voters would be wise to do their homework before going to the polls, in hopes of creating a school board that will either hold Yearwood to a higher standard or send him on his way to finish his career at another school district that doesn’t have as much to lose as CPS.
Fred Parry Founder & Publisher Emeritus fred@mailzimmer.com
