Inside Columbia Magazine October 2022

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CONTENTS

44

SCARY SIGHTS EXPLORE THE GHOSTS OF COLUMBIA’S PAST.

50

CREEPY CRAWLIES DISCOVER WHAT’S HIDING AT THE ENNS ENTOMOLOGY MUSEUM.

54

AUTUMNAL APPAREL FIND THE PERFECT PIECES FOR YOUR FALL WARDROBE.

CONTENTS

In Every Issue

14 FROM THE EDITOR 18 WHAT’S ONLINE

Insider 22 23 SPOTLIGHT Mareck Center for Dance Opens 17th Season

24

CALENDAR

26 ENCOUNTERS

Quarantine Hobby Turns into Thriving Business

28

BOOKSHELF

Local Author Publishes Debut Poetry Collection

Life 33 34 HEALTH & WELLNESS

Boost Your Health for Cold/Flu Season

36 ROBINSON’S RAMBLINGS

Cracking the Core of Columbia Legends

39 WEDDINGS

Let the Sparks Fly

40 ULTIMATE PLAYLIST

Songs for Your Inner Chef

Flavor 93 94 DINING OUT

Finding Success at Home

96 FOUGERE’S FAV ORITE Slide into the Perfect Tailgate Food

98 COOKING WITH BROOK

Delicious Dish Creates the Perfect Crunch

COCKTAIL A Twist on a Trend

Views 104

DUELING DJS

ON THE TOWN

A NEW VIEW

DARKOW DRAW S

THE FINAL WORD

Admiring Autumn

YOURSELF IN SWEATER WEATHER AND SPOOKY SEASON.

Autumn is one of my favorite seasons. From the crunch of the fallen leaves on a chilly day to the comfort of sitting in front of a fire with friends and family (or just a really good book), there’s so many parts to enjoy. (Aside from pumpkin spice. That is the bane of every fall season, as far as I’m concerned. Get that stuff away from my lattes!)

When it’s finally sweater weather, I celebrate! Breaking out those sweaters, cardigans and boots always makes me happy, as fall fashion is my absolute favorite. (And no, I don’t have too many boots, no matter what my boyfriend says.) If you’re also a fall fashion fanatic, check out pages 54-57, where we’ve collected a few select pieces from some of our favorite local shops to highlight some of the season's trending colors. With a mix of traditional fall colors and bright, vibrant shades, these pieces will fit in any fall wardrobe.

For many, the true highlight of autumn is Halloween. From costumes to candy to a certain air of mischief, it’s a fun holiday for all ages. But as we get older, some of us get more enjoyment from the darker side of Halloween — the fright, the dread, the horror! For you fans of fear, we’ve shared a few of our favorite local ghost stories and mid-Missouri haunts on pages 44-49. We hope you enjoy these ghastly tales as you get into the spooky spirit and encourage you to explore more of the area’s haunted history. There’s plenty to see and explore all over mid-Missouri!

There’s no shortage of ways to enjoy the advantages of autumn in Columbia and we encourage everyone to find time to get out into our community and take advantage of all it has to offer.

Madeleine Leroux

Especially before that winter cold begins.

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NEWS RELEASES & EVENT NOTICES

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ON THE TOWN

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Photo by L.G. Patterson

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MARCHING WITH MACY’S

Marching Mizzou will be one of nine marching bands featured in the 96th annual Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which begins at 8 a.m. Nov. 24. This will be the band’s debut in this nationally watched celebration where members will represent the entire state of Missouri.

Poems Explore MotherDaughter Relationship

Unleashing An Original Show

MARECK CENTER FOR DANCE KICKS OFF NEW SEASON.

BY MADELEINE LEROUX · PHOTO BY L.G. PATTERSON

The Mareck Center for Dance will kick off its 17th season in November with its annual fall performance, “Unleashed.”

Set for 7 p.m. Nov. 11-12 at the Missouri Theatre, as part of the University Concert Series, this performance will combine diverse dances to create an exciting evening of music and styles. While the company has been known for its artistry and energy on stage, the fall performance is expected to bring it to new heights.

The show features three world premiere dance pieces, including choreography from the company's new resident choreographer/composer Kristopher Estes-Brown, who studied dance and music in Kansas City before dancing professionally in many ballet companies across the country. Autumn Eckman, who studied in Atlanta and Houston before dancing professionally with a variety of organizations nationwide, choreographed another

piece to music composed by David K. Israel, who has composed a number of critically acclaimed dance pieces.

Formerly known as the Missouri Contemporary Ballet, the Mareck Center for Dance changed its name in July, with the board of directors saying in a news release at the time that the old name was limiting the extent of which the dance company could grow. The new name is supposed to better reflect the organization's mission and the different styles of dance used and taught, while also honoring Karen Mareck Grundy, company founder and artistic/executive director. Grundy also has choreographed for “Unleashed.”

The Mareck Center for Dance's 17th season will continue in December with a new choreographic installation at the center's studios. In spring, the company will return to the Missouri Theatre for multiple performances, including “Alice's Adventures in Wonderland,” which is slated for early June.

Tickets for “Unleashed” are available starting at $28. For more information, visit mareckcenterfordance.org or to purchase tickets, visit concertseries.org.

Details

WHAT Unleashed WHERE Missouri Theatre WHEN 7 p.m. Nov 11-12 COST From $28 WEBSITE mareckcenterfordance.org

What’s Going On

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.

October

OCT. 1–NOV. 6

FEAR FEST

FEAR FEST HAUNTED HOUSE

Horror fans will have a chance to experience the fear for real at the Fear Fest Haunted House. A Columbia tradition for 20 years, this event includes four attractions at one location.

Fear Fest is open every Friday and Saturday in October, with Thursdays open starting Oct. 13. Fear Fest also will be open Oct. 30-31, as well as the first weekend after Halloween.

7:30 p.m.; $30-$50; necroplanet.com

THROUGH NOV. 6

SHYROCK’S CORN MAZE

CALLAWAY FARMS

Fall activities are back with this seasonal favorite! Enjoy the signature corn maze, barnyard activities, pumpkins, a campfire and more. This year people will also get to experience the indoor gumball machine (a three-story gumball coaster).

Noon-9 p.m.; $11 for adults, $10 for kids ages 5-12 and free for those 4 and under; callawayfarms.com

OCT. 4

THE DESLONDES

ROSE MUSIC HALL

Folk, rock n’ roll, bluegrass, R&B and country fans should head over to Rose Music Hall to experience the beloved Americana music group, The Deslondes.

8 p.m.; $15; rosemusichall.com

OCT. 7

“NEWSBOYS”

JESSE AUDITORIUM

See one of the biggest bands in Christian music live for their only stop in Missouri during the Stand Together tour.

7 p.m.; from $29.99; concertseries.org

OCT. 7-9

ROOTS N BLUES FESTIVAL

STEPHENS LAKE PARK

One of Columbia’s biggest festivals is back! The three-day music festival at Stephens Lake Park includes performances from Wilco, Jon Batiste, Bleachers, Hippo Campus, Liz Cooper, The Kay Brothers and more.

Showtimes and prices vary; rootsnbluesfestival.com

OCT. 8-9

HARTSBURG PUMPKIN FESTIVAL

HARTSBURG

Snuggled in the small Boone County town of 120 residents is the 31st annual Hartsburg Pumpkin Festival. Enjoy the tradition of community, family, friends, food and, of course, many pumpkins.

9 a.m.-5 p.m.; free; hartsburgpumpkinfest.com

OCT. 12

MOVIES IN THE PARK: “HOCUS POCUS”

ROSE MUSIC HALL

Spooky season means breaking out the Halloween classics and there’s no better way

to start than with a viewing of the classic film that follows a comedic trio of witches who are brought back to life by a teenage boy in Salem, Massachusetts, on Halloween.

8 p.m.; free; rosemusichall.com

OCT. 14-16, 20-23

“MURDER BALLAD”

TALKING HORSE PRODUCTIONS

Live theater fans will enjoy this play about a woman who is struggling to settle into her life with her husband and daughter, while dealing with the return of an old passionate flame.

Written by Julia Jordan and Juliana Nash, and directed by Trent Rash.

Showtimes vary; $15-$17; talkinghorseproductions.com

OCT. 28

Jason Aldean: Rock N’ Roll Cowboy Tour 2022

MIZZOU ARENA

Country star Jason Aldean will perform at the Mizzou Arena with special guests Gabby Barrett and John Morgan.

7:30 p.m.; from $46; ticketmaster.com

OCT. 29

BEAR CREEK HALF MARATHON

ALBERT-OAKLAND PARK

One of mid-Missouri’s favorite races is back!

The 13.1-mile course starts and finishes at Albert-Oakland Park. In-person race awards will be given to the first place overall male and female finishers.

8 a.m.; $60; como.gov

November

NOV. 11

VETERANS DAY LUNCH

VETERANS URBAN FARM

The Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture is hosting a Veterans Day Lunch at the Veterans Urban Farm. The lunch, provided by the Biscuit Truck, is free for veterans. The public is welcome to enjoy the farm; however the lunch is specifically for veterans and their family members.

11 a.m.-1p.m.; free for veterans; columbiaurbanag.org/ events

NOV. 19

INDIGO GIRLS

THE BLUE NOTE

The Indigo Girls’ concert that was rescheduled on May 21 is finally coming to The Blue Note. On Saturday, Nov. 19, enjoy the American folk rock music duo, along with Chapel Hart, an American country music vocal group from Poplarville, Mississippi.

8 p.m.; $39; thebluenote.com

NOV. 20

COMO COMEDY CLUB: JEFF ALLEN

THE BLUE NOTE

Comedy fans will have a chance to experience national comedian Jeff Allen as The Blue Note is transformed into a comedy club for the night. All ages are welcome.

7 p.m.; $25-$35; thebluenote.com

NOV. 24

TURKEY TRAX

FLATBRANCH PARK

Get running before gobbling up that Thanksgiving dinner with this family 5K walk/run through urban areas of Columbia and MU’s campus at this annual fundraiser for a yearly designated local charity organization.

8:30 a.m.; $32.50; turkeytraxrun.com

Save the Date

DEC. 2-3

“THE THANKSGIVING PLAY”

TALKING HORSE PRODUCTIONS

As the holiday season begins, enjoy "The Thanksgiving Play," written by Larissa FastHorse and directed by DeeDee Farris and Mark Baumgartner. The play follows a man who receives a grant to devise a politically correct Thanksgiving play for children. Follow the journey as the characters attempt to balance the true history of the holiday.

Showtimes vary; $15-$17; talkinghorseproductions.org

Handcrafted Haven

SHANNON MULVANIA-BECK CREATES ONE-OF-A-KIND JEWELRY.

BY ZOLA CROWDER · PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

When the pandemic began shutting down businesses and communities around the world, people found different ways to cope and adapt. Shannon Mulvania-Beck was working from home with her child taking part in virtual kindergarten, when the stir-crazy feelings began to set in. “When I feel stir crazy, I do crazy projects,” Beck says. “I just

felt this urge to do something.”

That was the beginning of Juniper Manor Jewelry & Design, of which Beck is owner and creator. While Beck says she’s always been a creative person, from dancing as a child to making her living through writing and photography, she didn’t know it would turn into a passion for jewelry making.

What began as a small pandemic hobby creating polymer clay jewelry quickly expanded as Beck kept going.

Soon, she realized she’d have to try selling them. “There was absolutely no way on earth that I personally needed 67 pairs of earrings,” Beck says. “They just kind of multiplied.” So, she began selling the unique polymer clay accessories to friends and family and posting pictures of her creations on social media. “It just kind of took off from there,” she says.

Each piece Beck makes is completely unique, from detail to color, so each

customer gets a truly one-of-akind item, something Beck believes customers truly value. Plus, she says, she really puts herself into each and every item. “It really is whatever I'm feeling at the time,” Beck says, noting that the vibrant colors are almost part of her signature. “Occasionally, I will make something neutral, but I'm pretty colorful and flamboyant myself.”

Another part of Beck’s signature is her business name, Juniper Manor, which comes from a childhood memory of Beck’s. Her visceral memory of juniper bushes in the front yard of her grandparents’ house provided the perfect inspiration for that missing piece. It was her husband who suggested using the word manor as a part of the business name. Just like the flower, Juniper Manor Jewelry bloomed into life, turning Beck’s dream into a reality.

From her early designs to her current forays into dangle earrings, studs, hair clips and even pins, Beck has found customers all over Missouri and as far away as Chicago. Her pandemic side project now has her traveling to new cities and meeting new people at different art shows every month. “I've just met so many great people doing this, which has been a really unexpected, but very welcome bonus,” she says. She’s even partnered with Serendipity Salon and Gallery by Elizabeth Jordheim on Walnut Street to display and sell some of her creations. The business includes an art gallery and boutique space filled with handmade goods. “It’s doing well, sometimes better than I want it to,”

Beck says of her side business. “It has taken on a life of its own.”

But even with all the success she’s found, Beck is adamant about keeping her jewelry making an enjoyable hobby instead of a profession. “I'm kind of at a point now where I'm trying to prevent it from taking over my life,” she says. “For me, it's really always going to remain a small side project that’s a lot of fun.”

For more information, visit junipermanorclay.com.

Curious about (Polymer) Clay?

• Polymer clay is an oven-bake modeling material composed of polymers, resins, coloring agents and fillers.

• It is not a natural clay, but is man-made from a plastic, polyvinyl chloride base.

• It can be used to simulate many materials, including semi-precious stones, porcelain, wood and glass.

Source: polymerclaysuperstore.com

A Complicated Relationship

LOCAL AUTHOR’S DEBUT BOOK OF POETRY CONFRONTS DIFFICULT PAST.

BY MADELEINE LEROUX · PHOTO BY L.G. PATTERSON

Lynne Jensen Lampe’s debut poetry collection revolves around one topic: her relationship with her late mother.

Many of us can claim complicated relationships with one or both parents, but Lampe’s experience was shaped by the medical landscape of the late 1950s and ‘60s. And her first book, Talk Smack to a Hurricane, is a collection of poems through which Lampe has been able to process her childhood and the trauma her family experienced over the years.

In 1959, right after Lampe was born, her mother experienced what Lampe calls an “inexplicable mental shift” that put her in a psychiatric ward for the first year of Lampe’s life, away from her husband and newborn child. While Lampe says that a similar situation today would likely be considered a temporary postpartum mental health issue, at that time it instead led to an eventual diagnosis of schizophrenia and bipolar disorder that would lead to many different hospitals and treatments. “Psychology and medical care were very different then,” Lampe says. “I had a lot of anger about the things my mother went through.”

Lampe’s interest in the written word goes back to her childhood. While her parents always read to her, it was her grandfather, an engineer by trade, who helped spark a real interest in it. It was through his collection that Lampe discovered her love of limericks and began to dabble in creating her own.

As Lampe got older, her interest in writing

developed and she eventually decided to study journalism, which is what initially brought her to Columbia. And when she first began to think about writing a book, Lampe says she planned to write more of an investigation and history of medical care and psychiatric treatment in the 20th century to further explore what her mother experienced. But while researching, Lampe says she realized that there wasn’t really new ground for her to cover in that area, though it was helping her learn more about her mom. And she kept writing poetry. Through writing, Lampe says she was able to truly delve into her own emotions and trauma from her mother’s struggle with mental health and treatment. “Part of my shame was my feeling that my mother wasn’t like the other moms,”

Lampe says. The work also has allowed her to explore what her mother’s perspective may have been, using a combination of her own memories, old letters and simple conjecture. “In writing, you discover how you feel,” she says, noting that you have to be honest with yourself first in order for the final product to have emotional accuracy. “A poem has a life, it’s an entity. … I keep at it until it gathers its energy.”

Lampe hopes readers will understand that her work is not a rejection or repudiation of her mother, but a tribute to all that she endured. “I’m hoping that people understand how much I love my mama,” she says. “The love was always there but we didn’t always see it.”

She also hopes people will see the importance of continuing to investigate

the way women are treated in power relationships, where another person is able to exert control and influence over their decisions. “I see that theme coming out over and over again,” she says.

By completing the collection in Talk Smack to a Hurricane, Lampe says she also hopes she’ll be able to start writing about new and different topics, maybe even focusing on her father, who spent much of his adult life as a strong advocate for his wife, even taking the time to educate himself in the medical field.

Copies of Lampe’s debut poetry collection can be purchased at Skylark Bookshop and at Yellow Dog Bookshop, through Lampe’s website at lynnjensenlampe.com or icefloepress.net.

THE A-MAZE-ING

Shryocks Callaway Farms has unveiled its 2022 corn maze as the “Pak-Maze,” an homage to the classic video game “Pac-Man.” The intricate maze designs, which have included tributes to the Kansas City Chiefs, Mizzou athletics and the Wild West, are made using GPS technology.

Preparing for Winter

HOLISTIC COLD REMEDIES AND FOODS TO BOOST THE IMMUNE SYSTEM.

BY KIMBER DEAN · PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

With the colder season approaching, it is the perfect time to stock your medicine cabinet with all the supplies needed for holistic cold and flu remedies. It’s also just as important to incorporate immuneboosting foods into your diet to be as preventative as possible.

From bone broth to essential oils to elderberry syrup, I have you covered!

One of my staple remedies all year round is elderberry syrup. Health benefits of the elder plant include naturally improving issues due to sinuses, nerve pain, inflammation, chronic fatigue, allergies, constipation, even cancer. Research published in the Journal of International Medical Research suggests that when it’s used within the first 48 hours of symptom onset, the plant may even help relieve and shorten the duration of the cold and flu. At Nourish Café & Market, we use organic elderberries from local farmers, then add local honey and healing spices to make it extra nutrient dense.

One of the most remarkable things about bone broth is its gut-supportive benefits, which actually have a holistic effect on the body and support a healthy immune system. Bone broth is one of the most beneficial foods to consume to restore gut health and support immune system function

and healthy inflammation response. Bone broth has many other nutritional healing benefits and can even promote healthy sleep, boost energy during the day and support a healthy mood.

At Nourish, we make chicken bone broth with Altai Meadows Farm’s chicken feet and backs, and our beef bone broth is made from Covered L Farm cow knuckle and marrow bones. We cook it for 48 hours to get the most nutrient dense bone broth. (Check out my recipe for chicken broth at insidecolumbia.net!)

Carvacrol, found in oregano essential oil, is so potent that it has been the focus of over 800 studies referenced in PubMed, the world’s No. 1 database for scientific evidence-based literature. To give you a sense of how multifunctional and impressive carvacrol is, it has been shown in studies to help reverse or reduce bacterial infections, fungal infections, parasites, viruses, inflammation, allergies, tumors, indigestion and candida. When a member of my family isn’t feeling well, I put oregano essential oil on the bottom of their feet because our feet have the largest pores on our body for the best absorption (and it doesn’t smell the best). Oil of oregano capsules are easily found and inexpensive.

Camu camu, a shrub found in flooded areas of the Amazon rainforest, has been found to contain one of the highest levels of vitamin C on the planet, in addition to other antioxidants such as polyphenols and ellagic acid. It can have 60 times more vitamin C than an orange and 56 times more than a lemon. This means that camu may help feed the body the nutrients it needs to properly recover from issues like the common cold or flu.

I like to use camu camu powder in smoothies, baked goods and even desserts! The taste is slightly nutty, but not overpowering.

Colloidal silver’s ability to control

antibiotic-resistant superbugs is impressive. While employed at UCLA School of Medicine in the 1980s, Dr. Larry C. Ford documented over 650 different disease-causing pathogens that were destroyed in minutes when exposed to small amounts of silver. According to a study published in the International Journal of Nanomedicine, “silver nanoparticles are capable of reducing viral infectivity, probably by blocking interaction of the virus within the cell.” I use the colloidal silver spray from Achieve Balance Chiropractic in Columbia when my family needs it.

Speaking of chiropractic care, chiropractors work in the field of complementary or alternative medicine, treating patients by performing handson chiropractic adjustments in order to help with postural restoration, spinal alignment, nervous system function and maintenance of health. Getting regular adjustments can help maintain a healthy immune system.

As one of doTERRA's most popular oils, doTERRA On Guard is a powerful proprietary blend that supports healthy immune function and respiratory

function when used internally and contains cleansing properties. On Guard provides a natural and effective alternative for immune support when used internally, protecting against environmental and seasonal threats.

Another great pantry staple is Traditional Medicinal teas. They have teas for cold care, throat care, echinacea and so many more.

Eating a healthy diet plays a huge role in boosting the immune system. Consuming whole foods that are plant based and staying away from food-like products made with toxic ingredients, preservatives and artificial flavors or colors is just as important. We know from research that sugar feeds disease, so trying to stay away from drinking or eating sugary foods is best.

Incorporating foods high in probiotics and vitamins C and D are important. Lowering stress levels also help boost the immune system and improves overall health. Meditation is a great way to tap into the parasympathetic nervous system, getting us out of fight or flight mode, and into a calming state.

Now you have all the holistic tools to stay healthy this cold and flu season!

Kimber Dean uses everything from elderberry syrup to essential oils to help keep her immune system healthy throughout cold and flu season.

True or False?

EXAMINING THE ROOT BEHIND THREE COLUMBIA LEGENDS.

BY JOHN DRAKE ROBINSON · PHOTO BY L.G. PATTERSON

It’s a safe bet that somewhere on Mizzou’s campus this year students will hold a toga party to celebrate the university’s reputation as the inspiration for the classic movie “Animal House.” The claim to the origins of “Animal House” may be one of Mizzou’s most enduring legends.

One alumnus blogs a whole litany of local fraternity pranks, claiming that “Animal House” learned this behavior at Ol' Mizzou. But the pranks are universal, mostly involving livestock and motorcycles and food fights.

As much as some Mizzou lovers want the legend to be true, the real story may cause an agony of defeat, because this Mizzou legend almost happened.

Here’s the story: The “Animal House” antics are based on composites. One writer recalled his experiences at

Dartmouth. Another writer brought his experiences from a campus in Missouri. (But not Mizzou.)

According to IMDb, the University of Missouri actually rebuffed the ultimate “Animal House” connection: “The movie was set to be filmed at the University of Missouri until the president of the school read the script and refused permission. It was filmed at and around the University of Oregon in Eugene instead. The University of Oregon reluctantly allowed its campus to be used and gave the crew 30 days to complete filming. This meant that the cast and crew faced six-day work weeks and completed shooting with only two days to spare.”

Also from IMDb: “Harold Ramis who co-wrote the film, based some of the pranks on his college experiences

at Washington University in St. Louis, specifically when Otter and Boone are hitting golf balls at the ROTC.”

The “Animal House” mythology holds a firm grip on many budding collegiate minds. But on the toga party scale, Mizzou would finish some distance behind the Missouri School of Mines (now Missouri University of Science and Technology). Each spring during St. Patrick’s Day weekend, students would roll green paint on Rolla’s Pine Street and throw honored captives into a giant portable pool named Alice that was filled with garbage and slop.

Those days are gone, mostly, as the University of Missouri System does its best to despoil campus pranks. But old legends die hard in the minds of truly devoted believers.

As an impressionable young high

school senior, I heard a rumor that Playboy magazine didn’t list Mizzou as a top party school because, “You don’t rank professionals with amateurs.” It turns out that may be the most repeated fake news on nearly every college campus.

The University of Missouri has never been ranked as one of the nation's top 10 party schools, according to Mizzou's Wellness Resource Center.

A 2022 study by Niche.com scores 1,612 schools on a myriad of subjects, including extracurricular pursuits. Mizzou ranks No. 42 among top party schools, No. 7 in the Southeastern Conference. KU ranks No. 34 among top party schools.

Party on!

Other CoMo myths and legends have more basis in fact:

• Columbians helped designate the mudbug as the Missouri state crustacean. Well, this is true, sort of. Back in the '80s, a local band called the Mudbugs toured the state, touting the tasty little critter, which lives in every Missouri county. But it wasn't until 2007 that Jenna Elfrink's elementary class in Reeds Spring, Missouri, nominated the crayfish as our state invertebrate. Only three other states have a state crustacean. Louisiana also picked the crayfish.

• The “Organizer of the Heavens” went to Mizzou. True. But it's not your wedding planner. Harlow Shapley, also called the Modern Day Copernicus, graduated from Mizzou, and went on to prove that Columbia is nowhere near the center of the universe. Bummer. Harlow made a discovery that shook the foundations of belief unlike anything since Copernicus. Harlow’s study of the speed of light illuminated the theory that Earth and its solar system are nowhere near the center of the universe, and the universe is much bigger than anybody thought.

John Drake Robinson is a former director of the Missouri Division of Tourism and has driven every mile of highway in the state. Read more of his rants at johndrakerobinson.com/blog/.

A Sparkling Celebration

COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL SWEETHEARTS TIE THE KNOT.

BY MADELEINE LEROUX

After nine years together, Ally Hill and Curtis Holliday were married in a timeless and romantic ceremony at Emerson Fields. In celebrating their special day, the high school sweethearts never lost focus on the two most important pieces: family and each other. They incorporated family into as much as possible, from having Curtis’ sister officiate the ceremony to the first looks shared between the bride and her father.

Ally and Curtis also did a first look before the ceremony itself, allowing the

two to share an intimate moment alone.

“We had a lot we wanted to say,” Ally says, noting that the pair opted to read each other personalized vows during that time, creating what was “hands down our favorite part of the day.”

To ensure the night truly sparkled, the couple did a special first dance to kick off the reception that included dry ice and cold spark fountains, and ended the celebration with a sparkler tunnel and fireworks. “It couldn’t have been a more perfect day,” Ally says.

And that’s despite a few things going

wrong, like Curtis’ ring not fitting during the ceremony, the string quartet forgetting the sheet music for Ally’s walk down the aisle and Ally’s father losing his notes for his speech.

But ultimately, it didn’t matter what went wrong. “The wedding is great and all, but at the end of the day, it's the two of us that matter,” Ally says.

To submit your wedding for consideration, send information and photos to mleroux@insidecolumbia.net. Include your and your spouse's names, occupations, wedding date, location and your photographer's name.

Abigail Derrick Photography

Ally Hill and Curtis Holliday were married May 7 at Emerson Fields in Excello.

Cookin’ Up Jams

5 SONGS TO LISTEN TO WHILE COOKING.

BY ZOLA CROWDER · PHOTO BY L.G. PATTERSON

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, Associate Editor Zola Crowder shared her ultimate playlist for cooking up something delicious. Scan the QR code on this page to hear the full list. Enjoy!

One thing to know about me is that I’m usually making noise, whether that be singing (badly), playing an instrument or just humming along to life. I especially love belting my favorite songs when doing everyday tasks, such as cooking or cleaning, to add a bit of spice to life. So, I’ve put together some of my favorite songs to listen to when cooking a scrumptious meal. I hope it can help bring a bit of joy into some of life’s simplest moments.

“Midnight Train to Georgia” — Gladys Knight & the Pips

If you were ever looking for the perfect song to sing into a ladle, this one’s for you. It’s got a wonderful mix of horns, stellar vocals and a groove to keep you going in the kitchen.

“Vienna” — Billy Joel

This is one of my favorite songs of all time. It will slow things down a bit but works perfectly when you need to be concentrating on a recipe. The beautiful melody will bring your mind, body and soul to a peaceful place.

“Nights on Broadway” — Bee Gees

Oh boy, what a jam. This song will definitely stir things up in the kitchen. It reminds me of wonderful memories with my family, plus the melody will bring out your unbeatable disco moves. Listen to this one to keep things interesting while making the final touches on a meal.

“Simple Man” — Lynyrd Skynyrd

This one keeps it simple. The beautiful sounds of guitar, a steady drum beat and smooth vocals are the best match when winding down and cooking a nice meal for the evening.

“I Don't Want to Miss a Thing” — Aerosmith

This is my go-to karaoke song. If you want to really belt it out while cooking, you cannot go wrong with this one (I speak from experience). I can guarantee you won’t miss out on fun times while singing along.

SCAN TO DOWNLOAD THE PLAYLIST

McClure Partnership Makes Sustainable Solutions

McClure is dedicated to making lives better through its many projects across the country. Its partnership with Roeslein Alternative Energy takes that dedication to the next level by using McClure’s expertise to help construct bioenergy projects. As the nation moves away from fossil fuels, alternate sources of energy are becoming a necessity, and Roeslein is on the front line of making those developments.

Chris Sander, a Development Team Leader at McClure, says the partnership gives him an opportunity to take on exciting new challenges. “We often need to find solutions to challenges that were not expected,” he says. “It is exciting to participate in projects that are creating something new — in a different way than it has been done before.”

Roeslein was founded in 2012 as an operator and developer of renewable energy production facilities that convert agricultural wastes, along with renewable biomass feedstocks, into renewable natural gas and sustainable co-products.

While Sander has been in the engineering and surveying field in Columbia for more than 25 years, it wasn’t his first passion. His father grew up on a farm, and Sander had a real fascination with agriculture as a child. Now, through McClure’s partnership with Roeslein, his engineering career and his interest in agriculture

have come together to create a more sustainable future.

“The projects help our country move toward energy independence, provides preservation of habitat for wildlife and creates value from waste, all in an agricultural package,” Sander says.

But, Sander isn’t alone in accomplishing these sustainable goals. Spencer Haskamp has been an integral part of McClure’s success with Roeslein. “His organization and attention to detail assures that we can keep up with demanding schedules and project changes,” Sander says.

With the dedication of team members like Sander and Haskamp, the goal of finding alternate sources of energy is beginning to become a reality. Right now, the team is working on a pilot project to condense nutrients from manure that do not create biogas into a concentrated liquid fertilizer. Basically, “this will provide an alternate source of fertilizer,” Sander says, preventing potential environmental damage from disposal of the nutrients.

In addition to the Roeslein projects, Sander’s team in Columbia is currently working on residential subdivisions in central Missouri, the redevelopment of the Boone Electric campus in Columbia, several projects at Missouri S&T and numerous site development projects.

Sometimes it’s solving a challenge before it becomes an obstacle.

opportunities, even funding and selling the job throughout the process. Always it’s

what’s possible. We’re engineers, yes – but also visioneers, driven to make lives better.

History Haunted

A Peek into Columbia's Ghostly Past.

Fans of fall know one of the perks of the season is the heightened interest in haunted history. There’s a chill in the air, it’s getting darker earlier, the dried leaves rustle as they hit the ground and it all combines to give you a feeling of something … other worldly.

Columbia has a few famous legends and ghost stories, many tied to the area’s Civil War history. Here’s just a few of our favorites:

One of the most famous Civil War era ghosts belongs to Columbia College, but this one is not exactly the frightening type. Known as the Gray Lady, her story can be traced back to the college's origin as Christian Female College. In 1861, one young couple in Columbia was separated by the war, as many couples were. But this young student vowed to don only

gray clothing for as long as her fiancee did and until she could replace it with a white wedding gown.

Her beloved visited her when ever he could risk sneaking into the Union occupied area, but was discovered one night and killed by Union forces not far from the college. Grief stricken, the young woman jumped to her death from the top floor of Old Main, now known at

Columbia College as Williams Hall. Since her death, it's believed her spirit remains on campus, though she's far from vengeful. The legend goes that she roams the campus finding small ways to help current students, such as opening windows on hot days or ironing clothing.

Some say she can still be seen, fleetingly, passing through the campus buildings.

The Gray Lady

BU MADELINE LEROUX | PHOTOS BY LG PATTERSON

The Ghostly Ladies of Stephens

Columbia College isn't the only spot said to be haunted by a woman who took her own life after losing love. Stephens College has a ghost of its own in the spirit of Sarah June Wheeler.

This story also takes place during the Civil War, when Stephens was known as the Columbia Female Baptist Academy. Sarah lived in one of the oldest buildings on campus in 1862 and was resting in her room one evening when a wounded Confederate soldier arrived, on the run and searching for a place to hide while in the Union occupied territory. The soldier, Isaac Johnson, was hidden by Sarah and her friends and, as she nursed him back to health, the two fell in love, making plans to elope.

What happened next depends on the version you're familiar with. One

says they successfully slipped off campus and out of town, only to meet a tragic fate that rainy night once they reached the Hinkson Creek. Trying to get across in the rising waters, the couple supposedly drowned and was never seen again. (Another version states the drowning happened in the Missouri River.)

According to another version, the couple never even made it that far. Isaac was discovered and executed by Union forces. One story says he was hanged on the street outside the school, with Sarah hanging herself at the same moment. Another says he was executed by firing squad just below Sarah's window as a lesson to the other girls, and she took her own life soon after.

Whatever happened on that autumn night, many believe Sarah

haunts Senior Hall to this day. Some say she is waiting for Isaac to return.

But Sarah's spirit may not be the only one to haunt Stephens College. Stories exist of another spirit on campus – that of former head of the drama department and early American actress Maude Adams.

After a distinguished career on Broadway, Maude joined the faculty at Stephens in 1937 and quickly became known as a daunting instructor whose distinct footsteps would clear any hall as she neared. Adams left the college in 1949 and died in 1953, but students claimed to hear those distinct footsteps, and her recitations of Shakespeare, on campus for the next 50 years.

Other Local Haunts

Missouri State Penitentiary in Jefferson City

Just south of Boone County in Jefferson City stands what was once the oldest continually operating prison west of the Mississippi. The Missouri State Penitentiary opened in 1836 and was decommissioned in 2004, but history and paranormal enthusiasts alike can still explore the property, thanks to the tours operated by the Jefferson City Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Once called the bloodiest 47 acres in America by Time magazine, this prison housed a variety of famous and dangerous convicts over the years, with many being executed on the grounds.

Thespian Hall in Boonville

Just west of Columbia, in Boonville is the famed Thespian Hall, one of the oldest operating theaters still standing. Built in 1857, the building has operated as a theater, dance hall, library, church and even a hospital during the Civil War. Stories say that ghostly audiences have appeared during rehearsals and the sounds of ragtime organ music have been heard when no one is playing the instrument.

The Spirit of Jewell Cemetery

Near Providence Road in south Columbia is Jewell Cemetery, said to be haunted by the late wife of

owner and namesake, George Jewell, who once had an estate on the land. Many of his descendants are buried on the property, as well as Missouri's 22nd governor, Charles Hardin.

wife Cynthia E. Jewell haunts the now historic site, with some even spotting her ghost passing through the nearby

The Old Van Horn Tavern

Up until 2013, the old Van Horn Tavern stood in Boone County, between Columbia and Rocheport. It was the last known log tavern building in the area, built in the late 1820s, and once hosted author Washing ton Irving while he passed through. In the early 20th century, the building was moved about 100 yards and was shel tered with what was essentially a barn constructed around the tavern, shielding it from the elements. In the 2000s, after local preservation efforts were unsuc cessful, the tavern was dismantled and reassembled in Boone Monument Village

in Marthasville, Missouri.

Legend has it that Ishmael Van Horn, who purchased the tavern in 1841, would refuse to rent out one of the rooms because it was haunted. Every time someone took the space, they never made it a full night, complaining of the sound of crying or of blankets being pulled to the floor. One guest even claimed to see a small, white figure float up the wall. Then, a minister came to the tavern and took the room when no others were available. After experiencing some of the same phenomena, the story goes that the minister called out in the name of God, demand-

ing to know the name of the spirit, and was answered by a child's voice saying he had been killed there. Once the minister promised to help the spirit, he was able to spend the rest of the night in peace. The next day, at the minister's urging, Van Horn had the wall opened where a child's skeleton was found. The legend says a workman confessed to killing a child who had approached begging for food and that once the child's remains were put to rest, all stories of spirits at the Van Horn Tavern also were put to rest.

Photo provided by State Historical Society of Missouri

Exploring the Unique Species Found at the Enns Entomology Museum.

BY ZOLA CROWDER | PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

While most people usually take whatever preventative measures possible to keep insects away, Kristin Simpson spends much of her time surrounded by them. As manager of the Enns Entomology Museum at the University of Missouri, bugs are simply a part of her life.

“I was not one of the nerdy kids that grew up making an insect collection, but I was always interested in biology,” Simpson says as she notes that her love of science drew her to the field.

The museum itself was an early addition to MU, having been founded in July 1874. It now houses 6 million specimens of insects, arachnids and fossils, as well as aquatic insects of Ozark streams, making it the largest collection of insects in Missouri and one of the largest university collections. While it serves multiple programs in Missouri, the museum holds national and international importance as a primary source of insect and arachnid specimens representative of the Ozark Plateau, which includes portions of Missouri, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Kansas.

The museum allows Simpson the opportunity to continue her quest for knowledge while putting her love of organization to good use. “I’m always learning something,” she says. “It’s like a big puzzle. It's a good thing. I like puzzles.”

Simpson started her journey at the museum in 1980 and has technically retired,

but still works part time due to her love for the work. And, lucky for Simpson and others interested in the field, discovery is always on the horizon. “If anybody ever tells you they can identify every insect, they're full of it,” she says. “We know of probably around a million different species of insects now that exist. We think there might be up to 30 or 40 million out there.”

In fact, according to the Smithsonian Institution, that roughly 1 million identified insects may represent about 80% of the world’s species. But most authorities agree that there are anywhere from 2 million to 30 million species that have yet to be identified. It’s work that continues at places like the Smithsonian and the Enns Entomology Museum, where faculty, researchers and students work on projects including identification and confirmation of species.

While the museum is typically open to the public from 8:30 a.m-5 p.m. Monday through Friday, it was closed to the public most of the summer due to staff schedules. Currently, the public display area is being moved to the Ag Labs hallway in the Agriculture Building at 700 Hitt St. Simpson says she has completed approximately a third of the move and expects to be finished by the end of the year.

(Xerces blue butterfly) Extinct

These beautiful Xerces blue butterflies are far from the creepy bug variety. Unfortunately, they also are extinct and have been for quite some time. They were last seen in the early 1940s in the San Francisco Bay area. It is one of the first American butterflies

to become extinct from habitat loss caused by urban development. Some good did come of the butterfly’s extinction, as it inspired the foundation of the Xerxes society, which is focused on invertebrate conservation.

The small but mighty American burying beetle is a unique black and orange beetle that is known to crawl across North America. It is a critically endangered species that can reach 1 inch to 1.8 inches in length. The American burying beetle can be found in portions of Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Nebraska, South Dakota, Texas, off the coast of Rhode Island, off the coast of Massachusetts and even in the southwest corner of the Show-Me State.

Megapomponia sitesi Sanborn & Lee holotype (Cicada)

This big and beautiful cicada, which has a body longer than 70 millimeters and a wingspan more than 200 millimeters, was captured by Dr. Robert Sites, a professor at the University of Missouri, in southern Thailand. It is the largest species of cicada in the world! Since this species had not been described

before, the name was up for grabs. Sites was honored to have the species named after himself following the capture of the magnificent insect. Now, the people of Missouri get to admire this beautiful being knowing its name came from a local academic.

Aphonopelma hentzi (Texas brown tarantula)

You might recognize this spider from any number of horrifying movie scenes. A terrifying creepy crawler that is meant to give you the heebiejeebies, but it’s really not as scary as it looks since the Texas brown tarantula is harmless. It is also known as Oklahoma brown tarantula or Missouri tarantula and is one of the most common species of tarantula living in the southern United States today. It is a non-aggressive species, but if it happens to sneak a bite, it generally does not cause serious harm to humans (except in the case of an allergic reaction).

For more information on the Enns Entomology Museum, visit museum.insecta.missouri.edu.

CONTRASTING EXPRESSIONS

SEASONAL COLORS MIX BOLD WITH TRADITIONAL.

STYLED BY MADELYN JONES | PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

The colors of fall evoke images of autumn oranges and browns, deep reds and purples, and all the tones you’d expect to see when the leaves change.

But when it comes to fashion, the colors of fall get much more expansive.

Each season, the Pantone Color Institute, a trend forecasting and color consultancy, reports the top standout colors and core classics that will be used in fashion designers’ autumn/winter collections. This season, the color palette features “contrasting colors that bring together our co-existing desires for rest and relaxation with exuberant expression,” mixing bold, vibrant colors with the more traditional autumn shades.

With the help of our model, Jennifer Cope, we highlighted just a few of those chosen seasonal colors with some wardrobe essentials perfect for the colder days and nights ahead.

Tyler Böe top in turquoise My Sister’s Circus $145

Lilianne Johnstone necklace Poppy $42

Joseph Ribkoff top in amber stone My Sister’s Circus $105.99

Aetrex finley-heel quarter strap suede clogs in rust Dryer’s Shoe Store $160

Diff Eyewear Dani sunglasses in Andes tortoise brown gradient Kelly Fields Boutique $88

Lilianne Johnstone leather bracelet Poppy $32

Joseph Ribkoff open stitch sweater in tiger’s eye My Sister’s Circus $190.99

Zenana Outfitters oversized cozy sweater in dark green

The Southern Rose $45.99

Large Versa Tote by Jen & Co. in emerald green

The Southern Rose $75

INSIDE COLUMBIA'S

Owning your own home has long been part of the American dream, but when you realize the amount of upkeep and improvements needed, it can seem like an overwhelming responsibility. Don’t panic — there are many local businesses here to help!

From landscaping needs and tips to increase curb appeal to preparing your interior and exterior for the cold seasons ahead, these local businesses are sharing their best advice to make your life easier. Use these tips to get organized, get to work and get back to making your residence into your dream home.

And if you’re still looking for help or need a more hands-on approach, don’t forget that each of these businesses offer home services right here in midMissouri and are eagerly waiting to help your house.

When it comes to purchas ing a home, the age-old debate is buying an exist ing home versus building new. There are a variety of reasons to build a new home, from customization options to energy efficiency. Here are five great reasons to build a new home:

CUSTOMIZATION. The most ap pealing part about building your own home is customization. From the site your home is built on, to the exterior colors and design, to interior layout and options, you have a plethora of choices to make your new home per fect for your lifestyle.

LOWER MAINTENANCE. While newly built homes still require everyday homeowner maintenance, new homes are built to meet current building codes and will have the most up-to-date technology and finishes, meaning they’ll last longer than a home full of repairs or heavy mainte nance issues. It also means less stress and less money spent on that mainte nance.

of those innovations to lower your energy use. Insulation, heating and cooling, and appliance options can all affect the energy consumption of your new home. A home that’s already built will likely need many upgrades before it can reduce your carbon footprint.

NEW HOME JUST FOR YOU. Not only will a newly constructed home fit into your current life without you having to adapt to it, but this will be a home that no one else has lived in yet. It will be a blank slate, just for you and your family, without any surprise that

that you will enjoy your home without worry for many years. Plus, everything in the home is new, including appli ances, systems and more, which come with manufacturer warranties as well.

Even if you start your new home search set on finding that perfect move-in ready home already built, building from start to finish guarantees you’ll get exactly what you want and need in the location that you want. Working with a Lombardo Sales Man ager can help you decide what the right move will be for you and your family.

By Scott Priesmeyer

People rely on homeowners insurance or personal articles insurance to cover a myriad of scenarios—fire, robbery, weather damage, etc. If your personal belong ings are damaged as a result of a covered loss, your insurance may help with the cost of replacing these items. However, there are different types of coverage—actual cash value, market value and restoration cost.

Many homeowners policies cover the actual cash value or market value of personal belongings damaged in a loss.  Actual cash value and mar ket value are similar, but there are some key differences in how they are determined. Actual Cash Value usu ally refers to the restoration cost of the damaged item less deprecia tion. Market Value means the price the damaged item was worth in the market immediately before the loss occurred. When personal belongings are damaged in a covered loss, your insurance company will consider the

age and condition of the damaged item when determining its actual cash value or market value.  For example, if your TV was stolen and it was two years old, they would calculate the payment to you for a 2-year-old TV of the same size, make and model, not what it would cost to buy the TV brand new. Because the actual cash value or market value is usually less than the amount it takes to replace it with a brand new version, you would have to make up the difference. That’s why it’s a good idea to choose Restoration Cost coverage. Although

the premium may be slightly higher, restoration cost coverage can get you much closer to a brand new TV like the one that was stolen or damaged. Ask your Shelter agent about the different coverage options and what works best for your needs when build ing your insurance plan.

Scott Priesmeyer loves being a part of the Shelter Insurance® family. He offers free personal protection reviews to build an insurance plan. “Once I have a better understanding of each individual situation, I offer recommendations and help people find the coverage options that fit just right,” he says. For the past six years, Priesmeyer

has worked with customers in Columbia to provide home, auto and life insurance. In his spare time, Priesmeyer serves as the head coach of the Tolton Catholic High School girls’ golf team.

LEFT TO RIGHT: Kris O'Neal BJ Young Kevin Martz

CHECK OUT THE LATEST EDITION

COLUMBIA'S BUSINESS COMMUNITY

CONTENTS

74 ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

Susan Schapira steps out as Rocheport General Store owner.

76 UP & COMING

Look who’s moving up in business.

78 A CUT ABOVE

Entrepreneur Johnny Johnson inspires others to look great and feel even better.

82 ADVANCING INTERNET ACCESS

Columbia-based Fibersmith witnesses explosive industry growth.

86 CEO ROUNDTABLE

Local leaders speak out on Columbia’s future

ON THE COVER:

Read how Rocheport resident Susan Schapira helps feed the community.

86

STAFF

Chief Executive Officer

Carla Leible cleible@zrgmail.com

Publisher Emeritus

Fred Parry fred@insidecolumbia.net

Publisher Melody Parry melody@insidecolumbia.net

Associate Editors

Madeleine Leroux mleroux@insidecolumbia.net

Zola Crowder zcrowder@mailzimmer.com

Contributing Writer

Jack Wax

Photo Editor L.G. Patterson lgpatterson@insidecolumbia.net

Art Director

Tim Flanner tflanner@mailzimmer.com

Graphic Designer

Madelyn Jones mjones@insidecolumbia.net

Advertising Coordinators

Kalie Kramel kkramel@mailzimmer.com

Bethany Smidt bsmidt@mailzimmer.com

Marketing Representatives

Josh Arnold jarnold@insidecolumbia.net

Hayden Haumann hhaumannp@insidecolumbia.net

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, 2022. 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.

Advice for what matters most, when you need it most

Congratulations to Michael Flanagan for being named to the Forbes “Best-in-State Wealth Advisors” 2022 list.

Working with a dedicated Merrill advisor means you get personalized investment strategies from Merrill plus access to comprehensive financial solutions only Bank of America can deliver.

Michael Flanagan

Senior Vice President Resident Director 573.446.7163 michael_flanagan@ml.com

Merrill Lynch Wealth Management 2804 Forum Boulevard Suite 2 Columbia, MO 65203

Data provided by SHOOK® Research, LLC. Data as of 6/30/21. Source: Forbes.com (April, 2022). Forbes Best-in-State Wealth Advisors ranking was developed by SHOOK Research and is based on in-person, virtual, and telephone due diligence meetings to measure best practices; also considered are: client retention, industry experience, credentials, review of compliance records, firm nominations; and quantitative criteria, such as: assets under management and revenue generated for their firms. Investment performance is not a criterion because client objectives and risk tolerances vary, and advisors rarely have audited performance reports. SHOOK’s research and rankings provide opinions intended to help investors choose the right financial advisor and are not indicative of future performance or representative of any one client’s experience. Past performance is not an indication of future results. Neither Forbes nor SHOOK Research receive compensation in exchange for placement on the ranking. Rankings are based on the opinions of Forbes and not representative nor indicative of any one client’s experience, future performance, or investment outcome and should not be construed as an endorsement of the advisor. For more information, please see www.SHOOKresearch.com. SHOOK is a registered trademark of SHOOK Research, LLC. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated (also referred to as “MLPF&S” or “Merrill”) makes available certain investment products sponsored, managed, distributed or provided by companies that are affiliates of Bank of America Corporation (“BofA Corp.”). MLPF&S is a registered broker-dealer, registered investment adviser, Member SIPC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp. Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC and a wholly owned subsidiary of BofA Corp.

Investment products: Are Not FDIC InsuredAre Not Bank GuaranteedMay Lose Value

The Bull Symbol and Merrill are registered trademarks of Bank of America Corporation.

© 2022 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved. MAP4746398 | AD-08-22-0337 | 472538PM-0522 | 08/2022

FOOD, FOLKS AND FUN

Susan Schapira Takes Over Rocheport General Store

BY MELODY PARRY | PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

In June, Susan Schapira took over the Rocheport General Store as owner from Diane Dunn and John Zondca. She’s do ing something she loves: cooking for the residents and visitors of Rocheport.

Rocheport is where Schapira raised her kids and co-owned Abigails restaurant for many years. She started prepar ing food at the general store in January 2021, before transition ing to owner. The Rochepor t General Store ser ves dinner Thursday through Saturday, and lunch throughout the week.

On Locals Night, you can find Rocheport residents relaxing, listening to music and enjoying the food Schapira prepares. “We have a Thursday night dinner for locals, which is only one dish. Depending on what the entree is, we can have 50-80 people who order that item,” Schapira says. “It started years ago to say thank you to regulars and local people.”

On Friday and Saturday nights, guests will find a menu that is constantly rotating. (Reservations are suggested for weekend dinners.) Crowd favorites for dinner in clude barramundi fish panko crusted with sweet chili, and pork chops in a jalapeño mari nade. For dessert, you might find a Southern praline pecan cake or carrot cake on the menu.

For lunch on Wednesdays through Sunday, some items that have been included on the menu have been quiche with tomato, bacon, asparagus and feta; a panini with pastrami, Swiss and cara melized onions; or a quesadilla with chipotle glaze.

Schapira is glad to be cooking in the com munity she loves. “I was fortunate to be given the opportunity. The staff was super support ive and made the transition easy. I love this town and want to stay here,” she says.

THE LADDER REPORT

Look Who’s Moving Up In Business

COMMERCE BANK announced today that STEVE SOWERS, formerly president and CEO of the bank in the Central Region, has been promoted to senior regional director and CEO of Missouri Community Markets. Sowers will continue to have responsibility for the bank’s Central Region and with his promotion will assume responsibility for the bank’s Southwest Region which includes southern Missouri, Pittsburg and Columbus, Kansas. SARAH DUBBERT was named president of Commerce Bank in Columbia. In addition to leading the business banking team across Commerce’s Central Region, she assumes responsibility for the bank’s Columbia advisory board and community engagement efforts. She began her career at Commerce Bank in 2008 in Treasury Services.

MICHAEL FLANAGAN with MERRILL LYNCH WEALTH

MANAGEMENT has been named to the Forbes Bestin-State Wealth Advisors 2022 list. He has been with Merrill Lynch for 29 years and manages more than $400 million in investments/assets. The Forbes ranking, developed by Shook Research, is based on an algorithm of qualitative criteria, gained through telephone, virtual and in-person due diligence interviews and quantitative data. 34,925 people were nominated for the list. JOE REARDON with STIFEL FINANCIAL CORP. also was named to the Forbes Best-in State list. He has been with Stifel for 15 years.

admissions for the college’s traditional day and Columbia College Global programs. She is a two-time alumna of Columbia College, earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s degree in criminal justice. Crump served as the college’s assistant director of admissions from 2006 to 2017. JASON HOGUE is the college’s new associate vice president for strategic marketing. He comes to Columbia College from Peru State College in Nebraska, where he served as the director of marketing and communications. Previously, he was the director of public relations at Fort Scott Community College in Kansas. He has also taught public relations and speech courses for Crowder College, Drury University and the University of Missouri-Kansas City.

JACOB GARRETT accepted the position as mortgage loan officer at CENTRAL BANK. In the banking industry since 2008, he has experience in many areas of banking, along with knowledge of mortgage loan programs. He was recognized as the Emerging Professional of the Year award in 2019 by the Columbia Chamber of Commerce. He is a member of the Columbia Board of Realtors RPAC Committee, Mary Lee Johnston Community Learning Centers board and Cattlemen’s Day Rodeo board.

DR. SHADEL HAMILTON was announced as the vice president for COLUMBIA COLLEGE Global. He will oversee all global operations, which encompasses the college’s 40 locations nationwide and its online program. He has more than 20 years of higher education experience, including the last seven years of executive leadership roles at Saint Leo University in central Florida. Since 2019, he has served as the college’s senior associate vice president of Worldwide Operations, where he oversaw operations of the university’s 15 locations in five states and 10,000 online students.

JENNIFER CRUMP has been named associate vice president of Recruiting and Admissions. She oversees strategic partnerships, recruitment and

ERIC MORRISON, president of Sundvold Financial, has been elected to the SHELTER MUTUAL INSURANCE CO. Board of Directors. He boasts a 24year career, starting with a nine-year stint at the MU Athletic Department where he held numerous positions before moving into the financial and banking arenas. He then took over as director of business development at Sundvold Financial, calling on, implementing and servicing new retirement plans in the mid-Missouri area. Shortly thereafter, he moved on to First Mid Bank & Trust (formerly known as Providence Bank) where he spent 12 years in various roles, ultimately servings as regional community bank president. He recently announced his return to Sundvold Financial as president.

The COLUMBIA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE welcomed JAMIE MARTIN as director of membership engagement. She will oversee the Chamber’s largest events, including Quarterly Membership Breakfasts, Agricultural Recognition Banquet, Showcase CoMo, Annual Membership Dinner and the Chamber Classic Golf Tournament. She earned a bachelor’s of science degree in event and convention management and two minors from Stephens College. She’s a lifelong resident of southern Boone County. The Chamber announced MICHELE BATYE as the chairperson of the voluntary board for this year.

Batye is the owner and president of Dave Griggs’ Flooring America and has been active in the organization for many years.

W. DAVID ARNOLD was named the executive director of the NextGen Precision Health initiative at the UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI. Arnold comes from Ohio State University, where he is a professor of neurology and has a joint appointment in physical medicine and rehabilitation. He is co-medical director of the Ohio Musculoskeletal and Neurological Institute and director

of the Neurological Research Institute Center for Neurobiology of Aging and Resiliency. Arnold’s clinical expertise involves genetic, sporadic and traumatic neuromuscular diseases, and the functional and rehabilitation aspects of hereditary and acquired neuromuscular disorders and age-related loss of physical function.

OATS TRANSIT announced the appointment of RHONDA PROCTOR to its team as the marketing and training specialist. She will oversee marketing and training for the company’s headquarters

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A POSITIVE ATTITUDE

It’s Always In Style At This Local Grooming Salon

BY JACK WAX | PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

Tucked into an office building off Vandiver Drive, Johnny Johnson and his partner, Robert Bell, are quietly growing a business that offers good looks, good grooming and a positive attitude for their clients. About four months ago, they started IV (pronounced as the Roman numeral 4) Ever Faded Grooming Salon, a two-station salon that cuts, styles and grooms people of all sexes and ethnicity but serves a mostly male, mostly African-American clientele. Their focus is on making all their clients confident and pleased about the way they look. “Men like it when they feel sexy and well-groomed,” Johnson says.

But Johnson is concerned about more than what his clients look like. He cares about what’s going on inside them. “I want people to leave here feeling positive and inspired to reach their goals,” he says.

Johnson was raised in Columbia, where he developed a fascination with grooming. He graduated from Sam Brown’s Cosmetology Institute, and he credits his education there with his ability to provide more than just haircuts. Now, more than 10 years since graduating, he laughs about being in a school with mostly women, but his love of grooming was stronger than any discomfort he felt about being one of

a few males among female classmates. “Men realize that grooming doesn’t make them more feminine,” he says. “It makes them feel confident and positive about themselves.”

The salon’s name comes from the popular “fade” haircut. Depending on the variation of the cut, the fade can start high, near the top of the head, or lower, nearer the ears. The fade originated as a military cut but has gone on to become a cool men’s — and occasionally, women’s — style. It is just one of the many options that IV Ever

Faded offers. As he describes the King’s Treatment, the top-level grooming option the salon provides, Johnson is as enthusiastic as a chef, explaining the mouth-watering main course of a meal. “We can do any cut, including a beard trim. Then we use aloe vera for a straight line on the forehead, finishing with a warm towel after a shave. Finally, we use shea butter oil for a sharp look.”

Clients find their way to IV Ever Faded Grooming Salon by word of mouth and the internet. Open six days a week (and occasionally seven when

demand warrants it), Johnson and Roberts work by appointment only. Their salon doesn’t fit the stereotypical image of a barbershop where groups of men hang out and talk sports or pass on the latest male gossip. They rely on booksy.com to schedule those appointments.

Johnson tries to live his values — aesthetically and spiritually. He’s a stocky guy, and even wearing gym clothes and coming fresh off a basketball court, he has a style all his own. Everything he wears is color coordinated: gray leggings, black shorts and an MU shirt. A miniature striped barbershop pole hangs from his neck on a gold chain. “It’s a gift from my girlfriend,” he explains. His beard is

trimmed, his skin looks healthy, and his dreadlocks are four-years long. His voice colors his conversation with a personable, genuine tone.

As he points out the two barber chairs and the surrounding grooming stations, he is framed by signs with positive messages on them, such as “Stay Humble and Hustle” and “Never Give Up.” Directly above his head is an inspirational poster that former MU Basketball Coach Cuanzo Martin gave him. It’s no coincidence that Johnson has a long history of cutting the hair of MU student athletes. To be on a winning team, the athletes need to maintain a positive attitude and a strong motivation to do their best. Johnson says that is as important as

good grooming is to young people; a positive attitude is even more crucial to their success.

If Johnson is a model of good grooming, he’s also a role model for his younger clients. He is living proof that a positive attitude can lead to success. “I love what I do, and everything else has followed from that love,” he says.

Success in a grooming salon depends on attitude, skills and the ability to connect with people — honestly and with a genuine concern for their wellbeing. After spending 20 minutes talking to Johnson, people will understand they’ve spoken to someone who can take the message of success and respect for others and translate it into the mid-Missouri community.

Johnny Johnson and his partner started IV Ever Faded Grooming Salon four months ago.

LEAPING ACROSS THE DIGITAL DIVIDE

Fibersmith Makes Inc. 5000 List For Three Consecutive Years

BY JACK WAX PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

Fibersmith, a Columbia-based company with a national impact and reputation, has been too busy growing to develop the prominent profile it deserves in the mid-Missouri business community. That hasn’t stopped it from making the Inc. 5000 list of the nation’s fastest growing pri vate companies for the past three years. Or the Vet100 Award as one of the 100 fastestgrowing veteran-owned businesses.

From its offices in Columbia, Fibersmith has built a strong customer base in a time of explosive industry growth. Part of the reason that Fibersmith isn’t a household name is that it doesn’t have to be. It’s not in the retail business and doesn’t depend on consumers’ name recognition. Its mission is “to expand broadband internet access to rural and historically underserved areas.”

To do this, Fibersmith markets a wide range of engineering services, consultation and its proprietary software to the agen cies, companies and ISPs (Internet Service Providers) that are bringing super-fast broadband internet to millions and mil lions of homes.

Fiber-optic cable is a major — though not new — technological advance that has made the internet much faster while sup porting a broader bandwidth. The only problem with fiber-optic networks is that not everyone has one. The Pew Research Center estimates that about 25% of Americans still don’t have broadband at home. Closing this digital divide by expanding broadband services is a once-

in-a-generation infrastructure revolution, comparable only to the early 20th century effort to bring electricity to every commu nity, farm and street in the nation.

By every measure, Fibersmith is be coming a major player in its industry and the Columbia community. The company employs 36 people at two locations — 204 Austin and 2103 Burlington. Then, there’s the smaller field offices in Blooming Prairie, Minnesota, and Paoli, Indiana. The company’s proprietary software supports several thousand subscribers scattered across the country, and it has completed major projects in 40 states. In industry terms, the company is responsible for the deployment of at least 20,000 miles of fi beroptic cable and has evaluated more than 100,000 utility poles, checking whether they can carry additional cables.

Asked how large the company will grow, Nicholas Peña, the company’s vice presi dent, says, “The sky is the limit. We’re see ing incredible growth of the industry, and our role is to help people do something that is traditionally very hard — planning and building these networks, as well as manag ing them. Each day, there are more people out there trying to figure out how to make the jump from being traditional internet providers to actually building their own fiber-optic network,” he says.

Josh Johnson, Fibersmith’s chief infor mation officer, shares the same enthusiastic outlook for the future, but his focus is on Vision™ software, which he and his team

of developers created and market. “We have a unique spot in the market for our software product. Our software is geospa tial and process-based, and there’s not a lot of products that can do all that ours does. Other software might do billing, or basic management of some process, but I like to say we don’t have any competitors because I’m playing a different game than other companies.”

Vision ™ software is like the Swiss Army knife of broadband providers. It does just about everything necessary to plan a broadband network, check the plan with the actual landscape and manage workflow. It can even integrate other software, handle billing and assist in identifying the causes of outages in individual homes.

Johnson and Peña are both in their early 40s, but they each have 20 years’ experi ence dealing with different aspects of the telecommunications industry. Johnson has a BA in computer sciences from MU. Peña has a degree in computer information systems from Columbia College. They met while working at Socket before teaming up with Donny Smith, president and CEO of Fibersmith. Smith, the military veteran of the group, grew up in the telecommunica tions industry, working on the ARPANET, the precursor of today’s internet. He went on to a career designing and managing all facets of fiber optic systems.

Johnson describes Fibersmith’s growth as organic, starting out small with a few services, then adding services and products

with the company. Although broadband internet has been around for about 20 years, the push to make broadband an essential part of the country’s infrastructure has only just begun. Part of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act passed by

Congress this year includes $42.45 billion to finance broadband deployment projects. As the federal and state moneys become available, Fibersmith is there to help the ISPs and other organizations identify funding sources and file the paperwork required by the Federal Communications Commission.

The funding application side of Fibersmith’s business is overseen by Peña, who also is responsible for the en gineering group. It’s the engineers who determine whether proposed projects are viable and what steps are needed that will change plans that exist on paper into smoothly running projects that can transform a community. Once a project gets the green light, Fibersmith can de-

sign fiber networks specific to each locality — a complex engineering challenge that has to take into account geographic features of the landscape and the existing infrastructure, including the number and strength of the existing telephone poles that may be loaded with additional wires. Once the network has been designed, the company can provide project management as the ISP gets down to the physical work of deploying fiber-optic wires and installing the equipment that brings broadband into homes.

Tom Cecere, CEO of ValleyNet a non profit ISP, based in Royalton, Vermont, relies on Fibersmith to support his com pany’s planning, building and monitoring of their broadband internet service that reaches about 7,500 people in Vermont and 500 in a small New Hampshire town. He depends on Vision™ software to save ValleyNet streamline company operations while shielding his customers from the inconvenience of a lapse in service. “Vi sion allows our technicians to immediately know if there’s a problem in the network. We can solve difficult problems without having to send out a truck. In Vermont, even if you’re on the loneliest country road imaginable, when you look up you see fiber-optic lines running. Fibersmith has had a major impact on ValleyNet and the communities we service,” he says.

Peña is proud of the role that Fibersmith is playing in the telecommuni cations industry and in the lives of people who have never heard of the company’s name. “People who move into rural areas now have the tools needed to work re motely. You’ve got little towns that were basically ghost towns changing dramati cally once they get broadband,” he says.

Johnson adds, “When broadband is available at home, it means that kids don’t have to go to McDonald’s and use their Wi-Fi to do their homework.”

Whether a person lives on the loneliest road in Vermont or in a major city, broad band can make a profound change in their quality of life, while expanding business possibilities for entrepreneurs and existing businesses. Behind this transformation is a little-known company, based in Columbia, but helping to create the infrastructure of the 21st century.

Josh Johnson (left) and Nicholas Peña met while working at Socket. They have helped Fibersmith grow into a nationally known company.

(Left to right) Joe Miller, Sarah Dubbert, Brad Roling (seated), Josh Stephenson

ROUNDTABLE

Planning For Long-Term Growth

Columbia Banking Leaders Discuss Economic Future

By Madeleine Leroux Photos by L.G. Patterson

Though Columbia and Boone County have typically seen steady growth over the years, local financial experts discussed ways to improve the area’s economy and stimulate large, long-term growth. Supporting startup companies, developing a community vision and enticing a young workforce to stay in Columbia after graduation were all topics on which local bankers shared their insight, concerns and vision.

Inside Columbia Publisher Emeritus Fred Parry and Zimmer Communciations General Manager Carla Leible hosted the luncheon, which was catered by Sara Fougere Catering. The purpose of the roundtable was to facilitate discussion on Columbia’s economic future and the issues that affect that forecast with eight local banking experts.

IMPROVING QUALITY OF PLACE

Workforce needs have dominated industry discussions globally and local leaders know that Columbia

thousands of students arrive in Columbia to receive an education, but many choose to leave mid-Missouri after graduation.

We’re blessed every year when all these kids come in and we get this migration of talent, these good, upstanding citizens in the community, but when they graduate, they go back home.

Jay Alexander President of The Bank of America

has a unique opportunity to assist employers because of the different colleges that call this community home, including the University of Missouri, Stephens College and Columbia College. Each fall, several

“We’re blessed every year when all these kids come in and we get this migration of talent, these good, upstanding citizens in the community, but when they graduate, they go back home,” says Jay Alexander, president

of The Bank of Missouri. “We have to find a way to capture that.”

For Alexander, that means addressing a gap in entertainment and amenities for those young adults who are recent graduates, but not quite ready to start a family. “Columbia clearly is viewed as a great

relocate quickly.

If students knew there was a job opportunity waiting for them locally when they graduated, more may be willing to stay, says Joe Miller, central Missouri regional president at First State Community Bank. He says First State Community Bank has been

involvement and volunteer work.

“Some of these new companies are getting it right,” Williams says.

SUPPORTING STARTUPS

Making Columbia a better home for entrepreneurs and startup companies also can help bridge that gap.

EquipmentShare itself was once a winner of a local startup competition, and finding ways to ease hurdles for other entrepreneurs could help entice more young people to stay in the area after graduation.

Regional Pre sident of The Callaway Bank

But to do that, Alexander says there needs to be better access to capital and coaching. “We need financial institutions that recognize and understand startup businesses and can underwrite them appropriately,”

college town and it’s clearly viewed as a great place to raise a family or a great place for retirees, but there is that gap there,” Alexander says. “It becomes a quality of life issue.”

Alexander says college graduates can choose to live in Kansas City or St. Louis for roughly the same amount they’d be spending on housing in Columbia, while getting all the amenities, especially entertainment, offered in a large metropolis. “If you look at Columbia, you really just don’t have that place for those 25-30 year olds to go hang out,” Alexander says.

Brett Burri, community bank president at First Mid Bank & Trust, agrees, saying the amenities of those cities are often combined with heavy recruitment efforts by large companies headquartered outside of Columbia, leading graduates to

considering more paid internship positions that would allow the bank to hire students while still in school, in the hope that they would continue employment there after graduation. “That way, we can grow from within,” Miller says.

Matt Williams, regional community president at Simmons Bank, says some companies have already begun efforts to attract more younger employees, pointing to the emphasis on culture at local companies such as EquipmentShare and Veterans United. By bringing more fun into the workplace, companies are able to attract and retain top talent, he says. Plus, they understand that the younger generation wants to work somewhere with purpose and do something they’re passionate about, he says, which leads companies to encourage more community

Alexander says. “The community also needs more lenders that are willing to engage in microlending for the smaller companies that many times are the fabric of our community.”

Not all banks have embraced microfinancing, but The Callaway Bank began its microloan program about three years ago. Josh Stephenson, regional president of The Callaway Bank, says the idea behind the program is to help those entrepreneurs who may not have the credit or assets to take out a traditional loan. There’s a $20,000 limit and requirements that include using some of the available resources, like Regional Economic Development Inc., to learn more about building a business plan and the financials considerations that go into it.

“It’s hard for somebody who’s got an idea to build up enough capital to start it,” Stephenson says. “We've had pretty good success with it, but it

It’s hard for somebody who’s got an idea to build up enough capital to start it.

Josh Stephenson

(Left to right) Matt Williams, Jay Alexander, Brett Burri, Eric Barmann

hasn't been overwhelming. … We’ve got room to grow it.”

Having loan applicants connect to an established resource, such as REDI or the Missouri Small Business Development Center or the Missouri Women’s Business Center, is a key component to making a startup successful. Miller says many first-time

“Instead of being a decision maker, it really is about teaching,” Dubbert says.

'TELLING OUR STORY' Miller says the Columbia community is lacking a collaborative vision, a common theme that everyone can embrace and have a stake in. “We

heard saying in the area: Columbia’s recession proof.

“I don’t know if that’s exactly true, particularly with inflation hitting everyone, but it’s pretty darn good here,” Burri says, noting that there’s a spirit of collaboration among businesses in Columbia, both large and small.

But that steadiness can also be a hindrance, Stephenson says. Without having to hustle, the community can get complacent and that can quickly mean being left behind.

entrepreneurs are unaware of the resources available and bankers need to help bridge the gap. “I think part of our job as a banker is to help them get the tools and resources necessary to help them build a business plan,” Miller says.

Burri says it’s the responsibility of the banker to help put clients in a position where they can be successful and save them from a potentially poor decision. But at the same time, Stephenson says, it would help everyone to ensure that financial literacy is taught at the college and high school level, which is just not done now.

Sarah Dubbert, president at Commerce Bank in Columbia, says entrepreneurs are incredibly passionate and have made themselves experts in their areas, making it the job of the bankers to provide guidance on the financial side.

don’t have that one theme of this community that says, ‘This is what Columbia is all about,’” Miller says.

Several others agree, with Alexander noting that the stakeholders of Columbia have different priorities and have not had a real interest in collaborating. Dubbert adds that it’s difficult to achieve goals if everyone isn’t aware of what they are and why they’re important.

“People don’t know what the endgame is supposed to be,” Dubbert says. “People don’t know what we’re trying to accomplish.”

It speaks to an old problem in the area, Williams says. “We do such a terrible job of telling our story.”

But, Williams says, despite the need for improvement in some areas, Columbia has maintained steady growth over the years thanks to its anchor industries. And, Burri adds, it’s that steadiness that’s led to an oft-

Brad Roling, market president at Mid America Bank, says one major driving force behind the local economy is not just the University of Missouri, but its athletics, especially football. The sport creates a draw to the area for many people who may not come to Columbia otherwise, he says, and it’s an opportunity to make a good impression. “Over the next four months, we will have a lot of people traveling to Columbia and this is our time to shine as a community,” Roling says.

Eric Barmann, market president at Connections Bank, says things like Mizzou athletics are what lead to the “outsized amount of money” flowing into the area that keep Columbia steady. But what needs to be thought about is how to continue that growth in the future. Barmann says the community should be looking at opportunities to pull investments out of the coasts and into the Midwest over the next 15 years. “Are there things Columbia can get out in front of and continue to pull that money in from the coast and other areas and beat out some of the other locales?” Barmann asks.

Are there things Columbia can get out in front of and continue to pull that money in from the coast and other areas and beat out some of the other locales?

TURKEY TIP

A hallmark of a great Thanksgiving is a truly delicious turkey. This year, to ensure your turkey is juicy, tender and golden brown, try soaking a cheesecloth in unsalted butter and draping it over the turkey before placing it in the oven to cook. This method naturally bastes the turkey throughout the cooking process, slowly releasing butter from the cloth and coating the bird while protecting the skin.

Coming Home

AFTER SEVERAL YEARS AWAY, LA TOLTECA RETURNS TO COLUMBIA.

BY ZOLA CROWDER · PHOTO BY L.G. PATTERSON

When La Tolteca opened its doors to customers in May, it was less of a grand opening and more of a homecoming. After years of working in different cities across Missouri, owner Carlos Hernandez decided it was time to get back to Columbia. “I am so happy to be back,” he says

The Mexican restaurant’s original location was in Columbia, near Stadium Boulevard and Rock Quarry Road, where Stadium Grill stands today. But in 2007, the doors closed and, two years later, La Tolteca reappeared in Jefferson City. It was the start of La Tolteca’s roaming as Hernandez brought the businesses to different areas of the state. While continuing to run the Jefferson City location, Hernandez opened another spot in Lebanon. In 2014, he briefly returned to Columbia, opening a La Tolteca on Nifong Boulevard. It only lasted a couple of years before closing once again. Hernandez then tried a location in Boonville, which has since closed. But throughout the wandering, La Tolteca’s Jefferson City location remained, right up until the pandemic. “We closed for COVID-19 in Jefferson City and decided to wait a year and a half to open this one right here,” Hernandez says, standing in his latest space on Broadway. Returning to Columbia has had many advantages but being close to family is the most important for Hernandez. He says it feels like he’s finally home again and, this time, he hopes it lasts forever. “This is my town,” he says.

The latest incarnation of La Tolteca officially opened May 11 in The Broadway Shops at 2709 E. Broadway. Hernandez says that since opening back up in Columbia, business is booming. “We will survive now,” he says. “We are doing better and better all the time.”

But the process to reopen in Columbia took time and required a total redesign of the space. “Everything here is brand new,” Hernandez says. “The floor, the booths, the walls; a redesign, completely.” But it’s not the only thing that’s seen changes. Since his first Columbia location closed in 2007, the landscape of south Columbia has changed completely, Hernandez says. “We have seen everything grow up in Columbia,” he says, specifically noting the growth of retail businesses and restaurants along Grindstone.

The Broadway Shops themselves, where La Tolteca is currently housed, were developed in 2005 by the Forum Development Group. Jay Lindner with Lindner Properties says the shopping center is an example of the historical challenges of developing Columbia. “We sought to build something different and of a higher quality than you would typically see,” Lindner says. “Because of that, the design and city approval process took several years to complete before we were given the green light to proceed.”

But it’s all been worth it, as many businesses have popped up as growth has spurred in south Columbia.

While Columbia grew, so did Hernandez’s family. He has six daughters and of the three who are in college, one attends the University of Missouri. Moving the business back to the area has

made everything easier for the whole family, he says. “We live here, and I was tired of driving every day. I am happy to be back,” he says. “I hope people come and see me.”

Hernandez says he loves everything on the menu, so there’s no wrong choice among the expansive options. It includes many familiar items and combos, as well as lots of vegetarian and seafood options. For burrito fans, the burrito fajita is recommended, with grilled chicken or steak, green peppers, onions and tomatoes topped with cheese dip, sour cream, guacamole and lettuce. The restaurant also has a wide variety of beverages including mixed drinks, margaritas, wine, beer and soft drinks.

La Tolteca opens at 11 a.m. daily, closing at 10 p.m. every day except Sunday, when it closes at 9:30 p.m.

Football Fare

TRY THESE SATISFYING SLIDERS FOR YOUR NEXT TAILGATE.

BY SARA FOUGERE · PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

I'm not what you would call a rabid sports fan.

But my husband, being a sportscaster when we got married, is one and we’ve raised three sons who are committed. I also have brothers and friends who are pretty hard core, so I’ve seen my share of football, baseball and basketball games.

And while I don’t love the games themselves, I do love a good tailgate.

Because I’m a caterer, you won’t be surprised to learn that people kind of expect me to bring a pretty good offering to any tailgate when I’m invited. Over the years, I’ve made meatballs, deliciously gooey dips, the current trendy favorite charcuterie boards and chocolate raspberry brownies that people seem to love more than just about anything else.

But truthfully, none of these are the things I go for at a tailgate. I want a slider.

We offer many sandwich combinations, but my favorite is beef with caramelized onions, enough cheese to hold everything together and a perfectly zingy horseradish sauce. They’re delicious hot, and even pretty wonderful cold, and if you decide to make them, double the amount you think you need. They’ll all be gone in the end. Just remember to put a few sliders aside for you!

Roast Beef Sliders with Caramelized Onions

INGREDIENTS

•12 small rolls (I prefer the Hawaiian sweet rolls)

•¼ cup mayonnaise

•¼ cup Dijon mustard

•2-3 tablespoons grated horseradish (depending on how hot you like it)

•1 pound sliced deli roast beef, sliced thin (I like to get the one that looks most rare or use leftover beef from a roast or tenderloin)

•6 slices cheese of your choice (I love cheddar or provolone; I’ve also used shredded gruyere)

•½ stick melted butter

•1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

•1 tablespoon sugar

•1 tablespoon Worcestershire

•2 teaspoons Everything Bagel seasoning (found in a bottle in the spice aisle)

For caramelized onions:

•2 large onions, thinly sliced (I love to use a sweet onion on these)

•2 tablespoons butter

•2 tablespoons olive oil

•Pinch of salt

DIRECTIONS

Caramelized onions

Put fats in a large skillet and melt together. Add onion slices and sprinkle with salt. Cook slowly over medium heat, stirring regularly. This will allow them to cook and get soft and brown. It will take about 20 mins. You can go longer depending on how brown and soft you want them to go.

Roast beef sliders

Slice rolls in half and place bottoms on a baking sheet.

Mix together mayonnaise, ¼ cup Dijon and horseradish. Spread evenly over the cut side of the buns.

Top with the beef, cheese and caramelized onions. Put top back on buns.

Melt butter, the tablespoon of remaining Dijon, sugar and Worcestershire in a small saucepan or microwave. Spoon over the sandwiches, then sprinkle Everything Bagel seasoning on top.

Cover loosely with foil and put in oven at 350 for about 15 minutes. Remove foil and bake for another 10 minutes until brown and cheese has melted.

An Addictive Treat

TRY THE CRUNCHY, CREAMY SHRIMP TOAST.

BY BROOK HARLAN · PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

In the early 2000s, I had a friend who worked at a restaurant in New York City. The first time I went to this Chinese/French fusion restaurant, they said, “Make sure you get the shrimp toast.”

Being a Midwest boy in New York, I was expecting some type of cooked shrimp on top of toast. But that’s not what I got.

Instead, it appeared to be an overly large crouton with a smear of paste on top that was fried and served with some type of sauce. Honestly, the appearance was somewhat underwhelming.

I’m pretty sure I ate about six.

They were delicious; crunchy on the outside, creamy on the inside, salty and addictive. Later, when I was asked about the shrimp toast, I explained how much I liked them and asked how it was made.

“Shrimp pureed with pork fat, spread on toast, and fried,” was the response.

That’s it?

“Yup, that’s it!”

As you will read, it is slightly more complicated than that, but not much. It’s

easy to make the puree or mousse one day and save to spread on toast another.

The dish is actually a Cantonese dim sum dish that was popularized in Hong Kong and spread throughout cultures in Southeast Asia.

MOUSSE

There are different variations of the mousse or mousseline. Some are made with a food processor and can be very smooth, and others are just chopped by hand. You also can make some with a combination of both.

I use a ratio of about four shrimp to three bacon (one of the best types of pork fat), but you can adjust that based on your taste. Garlic, onions, soy sauce and other aromatics help round out the flavor.

You should not just make the mousse and go with it. Cook a small batch to taste and check the salt level and the heat. Does it need more soy sauce and a few more cloves of garlic? It sometimes takes several attempts to get the flavor just right. It is better to fix it now, rather than have all the shrimp toast made and

think to yourself, "This could use a little more salt."

TOAST

Any bread will work to make shrimp toast. You want slices that are about a quarter to half-inch thick. This is thick enough to have structure for the mousse, but not enough to be too big to eat or soak up too much oil. A brioche roll or bun works well, as does white or wheat bread. Pieces of bread that are large enough for two or three bites are great; triangles, squares, rounds or whatever works best with the type of bread that you have.

SAUCE

This is where you can get creative. A simple soy sauce with ginger and sugar or hot sauce and mayo or sweet pepper sauce all would be delicious. Whatever direction you want to head is great: sweet, salty, sour, whatever your desired taste.

Included in the following recipe is a simple soy and sesame oil sauce with a little chili and ginger that can be drizzled over the toast just before serving.

SHRIMP TOAST

INGREDIENTS:

• 4 to 6 garlic cloves

• Bottom 2 inches of one bunch of green onions (mostly whites)

• Stems from one bunch of cilantro

• 16 ounces of medium shrimp, partially thawed and somewhat icy

• 12 ounces of bacon or pork fat, cut into 1-inch slices

DIPPING SAUCE:

• ¾ cup soy sauce

• 2 tablespoons sugar

• 2 green onions, thinly sliced

• 2 to 4 tablespoons of cilantro, minced

DIRECTIONS FOR SAUCE:

• 1 egg white

• 2 to 3 tablespoons soy sauce (more if needed to taste)

• 1 to 2 teaspoons hot sauce (more if needed to taste)

• ½ inch slices or triangles of bread as needed (about 16 to 20 ounces)

• ½ tablespoon fresh ginger, minced

• 1 to 2 tablespoons sesame oil

• ¼ to ½ teaspoon chili pepper, minced

Mix all sauce ingredients and adjust with more sugar or soy sauce as needed. Chili pepper can be replaced with hot sauce and adjusted as needed.

The sauce can be made two or three days beforehand, adding fresh herbs just before serving.

DIRECTIONS FOR SHRIMP TOAST:

Blend the garlic, green onion bottoms and cilantro stems in a food processor until smooth. Add the partially frozen shrimp with the bacon cut into 1-inch pieces and egg white. You can blend until smooth or pulse for more of a textured mousse. Season with soy sauce and hot sauce.

Take out a tablespoon or so of the mixture and fry until cooked all the way through for a taste test. You want a nice balance of salty and spiciness, not overpowering. (Remember, your sauce will add some saltiness and spiciness when it is served.) Once you have achieved the desired taste, you can remove the mousse and store it until you are ready to make your shrimp toast.

When you are ready to fry your shrimp toast, use the back of a spoon or a spatula to spread a thin layer (about ¼ of an inch) onto the toast. If you would like, you can make all of them and keep them in the refrigerator for four to five hours until you are ready to fry.

You can pan-fry (oil coming at least halfway up the side of the toast) or deep fry the shrimp toast when you are ready to serve. You want your oil to be about 365 degrees. You can use a deep-fry thermometer or heat the oil until the end of a wooden chopstick or skewer bubbles slightly when put into the oil.

The shrimp toast should fry with a medium pace of bubbles around as it cooks, not a vigorous amount. Too high and the shrimp toast will be overcooked on the outside and raw on the inside; too low and it will be a soggy mess of oil.

When the shrimp toast has a nice even golden brown color on the outside, flip and cook until the other side matches. Remove from the oil and rest on paper towels or a rack.

Plate and drizzle with sauce or serve it on the side.

A Masterful Combination

THE MEZCAL MARGARITA PERFECTLY BALANCES SWEET AND SMOKY.

BY ELLIE FERRELL · PHOTOS BY L.G. PATTERSON

Mezcal is one of the hottest trends in the cocktail world right now, but it's complexity can be intimidating. Its smoky essence provides an element to cocktails that can level up any drink

typically made with tequila.

The mezcal margarita we make at Room 38 Restaurant & Lounge has the perfect combination of smoky and sweet. The pineapple balances the smokiness of the mezcal, while the base of the cocktail mixes in the flavors of a

Mezcal Margarita

TO MAKE THE DRINK:

typical margarita. Finally, the smoked rosemary brings fragrance and flair as a finishing touch.

We hope you enjoy one with us soon!

Ellie Ferrell is the catering coordinator at Room 38 Restaurant & Lounge.

SALTED RIM

First, take the ingredients for the salted rim and mix evenly. Use a lime to wet the rim of a tall glass and dip into spice mixture.

Next, take remaining ingredients and combine in a shaker. Strain mixture into glass with ice and garnish with a sprig of roasted rosemary. (To roast the rosemary, light the herb on fire and quickly blow out the flame.)

RUB FOR LUCK

If you’re near Jesse Hall on Mizzou’s campus, you may notice the bronze bust of former Gov. David Rowland Francis has a worn area on his nose. That’s due to a longstanding tradition among students to rub the nose before an exam to ensure a good grade. We’re not sure if it really works, but can’t blame anyone for giving it a try … er, rub!

A True Test of Taste

WHOSE TASTE BUDS CAN RISE TO THE CHALLENGE?

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, Brian Hauswirth from 93.9 The Eagle and Aric Bremer from Clear 99 battled to see who could identify the most fast food french fries and soda. Make sure you visit insidecolumbia.net to see video of the full challenge!

THE CHALLENGE

You have five different brands of soda (Pepsi, Coke, Diet Coke, Dr. Pepper and A&W Root Beer) and french fries from four different fast food chains (Wendy’s, Popeyes, McDonald’s and Sonic). The person who matches the most items with the corresponding brand will be declared the winner.

THE CONTENDERS

Brian Hauswirth from 93.9 The Eagle, prepared with a smile and the curiosity of a true newsperson, and Aric Bremer from Clear 99, focused and confident.

THE OUTCOME

While Brian finished first, accuracy wasn’t completely on his side when he misidentified the fries from Wendy’s and Popeyes. And even though Aric voiced some hesitation when it came to identifying the sodas, his deliberate pace paid off when he correctly identified every single item.

The french fries were tricky; I had the Wendy’s and Popeyes flip flopped, but it was a good event. We enjoyed it.

"” "”

For me, the sodas were a lot harder, but you know where I went right with the Popeyes? You could taste a little bit of chicken.

-Brian -Aric

Countdown to Kickoff

The Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri held their annual Countdown to Kickoff at Faurot Field on Aug. 23 featuring Dr. Mun Choi and Mizzou Athletic Director Desiree ReedFrancois. More than $100,000 was raised to help provide children facing adversity with strong, professionally supported oneto-one relationships that change their lives for the better.

Date Aug. 23 Location Faurot Field Photos by Nancy Toalson and Wally Pfeffer, mizzouwally@compuserve.com

Cheryl Hornsby and Kevin Gibbens

John Fabsits and Izzy Leatherman

Mun Choi and Nancy Toalson

Ali Hamrah and Amy Greenwood

A'Kaysion Soper and Georgalu Swoboda

Columbia Celebration of the Arts

The city of Columbia Office of Cultural Affairs hosted the annual Celebration of Arts at Jesse Hall on Aug. 31, unveiling the 2022 city of Columbia commemorative poster by artist Sarah Nguyen. The poster, “Devorah-Bee,” features floral, fauna and a moon to elicit memories of myths, fables and folklore. The event also recognized Diana Moxon, a former executive director of the Columbia Art League who continues to curate shows, for her contributions to the arts community.

Date Aug. 31 Location

Jesse Hall Photos by Nate FainDe’Carlon Seewood

Luke Buffaloe and Barbara Buffaloe

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A New View

BEING A PHOTOGRAPHER, I HAVE ACCESS TO SOME UNIQUE POINTS OF VIEW IN THE COMMUNITY

The house that I grew up in had a heavily wooded and unexplored jungle just beyond my backyard where my neighborhood friends and I would spend most of the summer. Wandering through that forest, we would create forts, fish in the lake or forage for anything edible we could find. We would find morels in the spring, wild raspberries and blackberries in the summer and, in the fall, we would try to gather persimmons and pawpaws.

The pawpaws were highly coveted. Not only were they hard to find, but you only have a few weeks out of the year when they are at peak flavor.

Recently, I stumbled upon a pawpaw patch I had not known about and, waiting until they were ripe, violently shook those trees to make as many fall as I could carry.

It’s surprising that a lot of people don’t know about this edible gem. The inside is yellow with large seeds and a kind of mushy consistency. The flavor is similar to a banana and you can make delicious pawpaw bread with the fruit. I recently found out that the pawpaw is actually North America’s largest native fruit.

When it comes to my new find, I will never share the patch’s location and hope no one else finds it next year.

L.G. Patterson

Assignment: Hiking The Location: Undisclosed Boone County

ADVERTISING INDEX

Accounting Plus 12

Ai Painting Plus ...................................................... 22

Allstate Consultants LLC 37

Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre ............................... 106

Automated Systems 60, 91

Bank of MO ............................................................. 10

BMW of Columbia 101

Boone Health .......................................................... 17

Broadway, A Doubletree by Hilton 81, 95

Burrell Behavioral Health ..................................... 4

Coil Construction 77

City and Regional Magazine Association 72

Commerce Bank 3

Convergence Financial 38

Eclipse Catering & Events 8

Fleet Feet Sports Columbia 29

Garrett Painting ..................................................... 67

Hatton Vermeer Sales LLC 64

Hawthorn Bank ...................................................... 116

Inside Columbia magazine 20

Las Margaritas 30

Lombardo Homes of Columbia ........................... 62

Magelings LLC 97

McClure Engineering Company ......................... 42 Mediacom 7, 70

Mercedes-Benz of Columbia .............................. 5

Merrill Lynch 73

Mid America Bank ................................................ 15

MO Department of Health & Senior Services 2, 115

Mutual of Omaha .................................................. 110

NH Scheppers Distributing 92

Prolific Exteriors LLC 41

River Hills Landscaping 32

Rost Landscaping & superior Gardens 6

Shelter Insurance Scott Priesmeyer 63

State Farm Insurance - Phyllis Nichols 19

Suites at Concorde ................................................ 15

SumnerOne ............................................................. 85, 108

Terrace Retirement Community ......................... 104

TrueSon Exteriors & Interiors 58

Good Intentions, Poor Planning

PROPOSED HOMELESS SHELTER IS A PANDORA’S BOX.

BY FRED PARRY

If you’re not a steady follower of the inner workings of the Columbia City Council or the Boone County Commission, you might be surprised to know that there are plans underway to build a 100-bed homeless shelter on the front lawn of one of Columbia’s most historic homes. Though local media coverage has been scarce, a handful of well-intentioned folks are getting ready to take $18 million from the coffers of local and state governments to build what might be the modern-day equivalent of a major league baseball stadium built in the middle of an Iowa cornfield.

There are so many things wrong with this proposed plan that I won’t have adequate room here to tell the whole story. Don’t misunderstand me, it’s a noble gesture to want to help the homeless population in our community. If you’ve encountered panhandlers at any of Columbia’s major intersections or if you’ve accidentally stumbled upon one of the dozens of homeless encampments in our community, you might get the impression that we do a pretty lousy job of taking care of those less fortunate. Some observers are quick to point out, albeit incorrectly, that Columbia’s predicament with homeless people is a derivative of our housing problem. Those who deal directly with this population will tell you that homelessness in Columbia is actually the result of a very serious issue with substance abuse, primarily phencyclidine (PCP), methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine and heroin.

Most of the housing-challenged individuals living in and around our city have no connection whatsoever to Columbia. They were drawn here by word of the rich offering of social services, as well as the generous nature of college students. As a

Christian, I’m a firm believer in doing all that I can for the least of my brothers; however, Columbia is setting itself up for failure. There are not enough resources in our small town to handle the eventual onslaught of homeless people that will come here if this $18 million shelter is built.

If you want to get a glimpse of what Columbia might look like at some point in the next five or 10 years, I’d like to direct you to a short documentary, “Seattle is Dying,” produced by the local ABC television affiliate in Seattle. This documentary will likely never be shown at the True/False Film Fest, but you’ll find it on YouTube and other streaming services. “Seattle is Dying” presents an objective, heartfelt glimpse into that city’s demise after its city council and prosecuting attorney began to ignore the lawlessness of individuals living on the streets.

Seattle budgets more than $1 billion each year to deal with its homeless problem, but still its sidewalks are covered in feces and the remnants of illicit drug use. City parks and public right of ways are filled with tents because the word has gotten out that Seattle is a city with no rules and an unusual tolerance for drug use and lewd behavior.

Watching this documentary, you can see the eerie similarities between Seattle and Columbia. Those who work in law enforcement here will tell you that the Boone County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office often refuses to file misdemeanor charges against those cited for public disturbance, assault or aggressive panhandling. Our local police officers know that they’re wasting time trying to maintain some sense of public civility when it comes to the homeless population. The bad actors are repeat offenders who will be right back on the streets within 24 hours of their arrest. Why bother, right?

Like in Seattle, almost 100% of Columbia’s housing-challenged individuals have some sort of substance abuse issue. Almost 50% of this same population is dealing with mental health issues. Before we spend millions of dollars to temporarily house the homeless population, we should first spend a fraction of that money to address the substance abuse issues within that population. It seems like a lot of these folks might have a fighting chance of returning to their families or becoming productive citizens if we could first help them overcome their drug addictions. The aforementioned documentary highlights a drug treatment program in Providence, Rhode Island, where offenders enter a Medication Assisted Treatment program and are given opiate blockers like methadone, Suboxone or Vivitrol to help them through recovery. When participants beat their drug habits at a success rate often greater than 80%, they return to society as productive members.

On a local level, there’s no “My Fair Lady” story that can be told. The success stories of intervening and rehabilitating a homeless person are so few and far between, that it’s hard to imagine throwing good money after bad when our city and county governments have so many other looming problems. My hope is that those most invested in the homeless issue will first find ways to address the root causes of homelessness. Doing so will go a long way toward saving more lives and saving more cities, like Columbia.

Fred Parry Founder & Publisher Emeritus fred@insidecolumbia.net