November 2013
Giving Thanks For Grandkids, Girlfriends And Other Blessings
See Our Photos From The Mature Living Festival! >>>
Prime Magazine
l
November 2013
Contents
l
Volume 5, Issue 8
6
Prime Numbers
8
Tasting Room
10 Shopping 12 Travel 14 On The Road With Ray 16 Cutest Grandkid Winner
42 16
14
18 Grateful Girlfriends 22 How-To Guides 29 Prime Time 36 How Can I Help? 40 Faces And Places 42 Mature Living Festival Review
52
46 Pet Corner 48 Life Lessons 50 Fun & Games 52 Unforgettable Feast 58 Prime Pages 60 Your Bucket List
12
62 Columbia Confidential Prime Magazine November 2013
l
3
Welcome
Take Pride, Give Thanks staff I’ll tell you a secret: One of my favorite perks of writing and editing is the occasional chance to sneak a photo of my kids into the magazine. When my son was 1 year old, he appeared in Inside Columbia’s December 2008 issue, in a story about apples, and a framed page from the magazine still hangs in his room. Both my daughter and my son were also in an issue of Inside Columbia to show off homemade Halloween costumes. So I know a little bit of the pride Columbia grandma Sharon Paulsell must be feeling this month with a photo of her grandson in Prime, but her bragging rights far exceed mine. Her grandson, 11-month-old Will Cooper, earned his moment of fame by winning the most votes in Prime’s Cutest Grandkid Contest. His prize was a photo shoot for him and his grandma with Inside Columbia photographer L.G. Patterson, as well as an appearance in Prime. Congrats, Will and Grandma Sharon! We had several more grandkids entered into our contest, and we’ve included all of the submitted photos in this issue for our readers to “aww” over. It’s easily our most adorable feature ever. Another story that was a lot of fun to put together this month is Grateful Girlfriends. This feature tells the story of four Columbia women who have been friends for more than 35 years and who get together once a month for lunch and conversation. I had the pleasure of sitting down with the girlfriends and hearing how their friendship has enriched their lives and brought them strength in hard times. It made me thankful for the girlfriends who have done the same in my life. November is, of course, the month set aside for giving thanks, and this is also the month American celebrate Veterans Day, another holiday focused on gratitude. In his travel column this month, Ray Speckman takes us to a place that doesn’t just tell our veterans thanks but shows them appreciation for their sacrifices. The Center for the Intrepid rehabilitation center in San Antonio, Texas, is a powerful reminder that true gratitude finds expression through action. After working on this issue, I’m feeling thankful for the blessings of family, friendship and freedom, and I hope after reading this month’s stories, you’ll be feeling thankful too. Happy Thanksgiving!
More Prime Winners!
Congratulations to Jessie Yankee for winning a Prime Facebook page contest for a $50 gift card to Hy-Vee and to Vickie Reno for winning a Prime magazine contest for dinner for four at Glenn’s Café and four tickets to The Arrow Rock Lyceum Theatre. Prime Magazine is published by OutFront Communications, 47 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203, 573-442-1430. Copyright OutFront Communications, 2013. The magazine is published 12 times a year on the first day of every month. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any editorial or graphic content without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.
➲ like us! Find us at facebook.com/primemagazineonline 4
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
Publisher Fred Parry
Associate Publisher Melody Garnett Parry Editor-in-Chief Sandy Selby Managing Editor Anita Neal Harrison Editorial Assistant Morgan McCarty Creative Director Carolyn Preul Director of Marketing Kevin Magee Graphic Designer Kate Moore Trever Griswold Photo Editor L.G. Patterson Audience Development Specialist Ren Bishop Sales Manager Deb Valvo Marketing Representatives Rosemarie Peck Jesse Francisco Joe Schmitter Sales Assistants Jessica Card Kalie Clennin Office Manager Kent Hudelson Assistant Finance Manager Brenda Brooks Distribution Manager John Lapsley Director of Customer Retention Gerri Shelton Contributing Writers Kathy Casteel, Sylvia Forbes, Kristen Herhold, Saralee Perel, Ray Speckman, John Williams
Serving the boomer & senior markets
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
5
Prime Numbers: Statistics You Don’t Have To Be A Math Geek To Love
53 41%
This is the number of colonists at the first Thanksgiving feast.
The average 2012 Black Friday shopper spent this percentage of their total weekend spending online.
247 million
90
This is the number of attending Wampanoag.
{392 }
6
l
That’s How many years it’s been since the Pilgrams’ Thanksgiving feast in 1621. November 2013 Prime Magazine
American shoppers set a record when this many of them visited stores and websites over Black Friday weekend in 2012, up from 226 million shoppers in 2011.
$423
That’s how much the average holiday shopper spent over the 2012 Black Friday weekend, up from $398 in 2011. Total spending reached an estimated $59.1 billion.
The Tasting Room
Fuel The Muse Raise A Toast To Novel Dreams With A Special Zinfandel By Kathy Casteel
A
Attention, wannabe scribes: It’s National Novel Writing Month, your chance to finally get that novel lurking within your soul out and onto the printed page. It’s the perfect time for Writer’s Block. Writer’s Block Zinfandel from Jed Steele is a medium-bodied red wine bursting with the juicy aroma and flavor of ripe blackberries. Sporting an image of William Shakespeare on the label, this wine comes from the early ripening grapes of the Robin Hill vineyard in Lake County, Calif., a North Coast appellation above Napa and Sonoma counties. The terroir is influenced by the presence of Clear Lake, California’s largest body of fresh water, and the rugged, volcanic topography surrounding the lake. Warm, sunny days and cool nights yield a fruitful wine from relatively young vines planted in 2001. This Zinfandel boasts a fresh, rich flavor with spicy undertones, a subtle earthiness and traces of oak. The addition of 6 percent Petite Sirah bolsters the wine’s structure
to balance the jamminess while keeping the tannins in check. Pair it with grilled beef, pork or chicken; it matches up well with southern Italian and Mediterranean dishes. For would-be novelists, Writer’s Block is an excellent way to celebrate the completion of a story line, a chapter or an entire novel. Take inspiration from The Bard on the bottle and set out on your story-telling adventure. National Novel Writing Month is 30 days (Nov. 1–30) dedicated to turning out your masterpiece. The 14-yearold creative writing program encourages participants to write a 50,000-word novel by 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 30. Find out more details and sign up at www.nanowrimo. org. Jed Steele wines are often available in Columbia, frequently appearing on the wine list at Bleu and The Wine Cellar & Bistro, as well as other CoMo fine dining establishments. Inquire at your favorite wine shop, or check availability at www.steelewines.com. v
Zinfandel is one of the oldest wine grape varietals in California. In Lake County, plantings date back to 1901. 8
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
9
The Shopping List
Host With Style
1
2
Hosting Well Should Not Compromise Style By Kristen Herhold PHOTO BY L.G. PATTERSON
H
Hosting a party means ensuring that the food is delicious, the decorations are impeccable and, most importantly, the guests are happy. Why not look good while hosting, too? A little black dress is a classic and slimming style that is ideal for making sure you feel your best. No part of your outfit should slow you down. Wearing comfortable pumps is necessary to your on-the-move hosting duties. To provide a glamorous contrast to a simple dress, complete your ensemble with sparkling, festive jewelry In addition to your delicious food and remarkable home, guests will certainly notice you — the hostess who makes it all possible.
3
4
Get The Look: 1. Black dress by Calvin Klein, available at Dillard’s ($118) 2. Twisted pearl necklace, available at Breeze ($25) 3. Black and silver cocktail ring, available at Elly’s Couture ($110) 4. “Crystal Burst” stud earrings by Betsy Johnson, available at Elly’s Couture ($35) 5. Black pumps by Dri-Lex, available at Dryer’s Shoe Store ($140)
Did you know that the First Lady of the United States is the official hostess of The White House? Her social agenda sets a particular tone for the presidential term and influences social trends and expectations.
10
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
5
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
11
Travel
Prosperous Singapore A Modern City With A Multicultural Mindset By Sylvia Forbes
C Gardens by the Bay
Clean, green, marine and great cuisine — that’s Singapore, an Asian country composed of 63 islands neighboring Malaysia and Indonesia. This city-state is one of only three in the world, and many consider it to be Asia at its finest. With the world’s fourth most important financial center, one of the five busiest ports in the world and the third-highest per capita income worldwide, Singapore is a prosperous place, and its clean streets, innovative architecture and vibrant culture make it an inviting and attractive travel destination. Modern Singapore got its start in 1819, when Britain’s Sir Stamford Raffles established a trading post for the East India Company on Singapore. Only five years later, Great Britain obtained sovereignty over the island,
12
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
which is only about a fourth the size of Rhode Island. Singapore declared independence from the United Kingdom in 1963 and formed an alliance with other territories to form Malaysia; however, this alliance lasted only two years before Singapore became totally independent. Since then, due mostly to trade and manufacturing, Singapore has become a wealthy country. Savory Singapore Singapore’s five million residents compose a rich and varied multicultural mix, with most of the population belonging to Chinese, Malay and Indian ethnicities. This cultural blend makes for one of Singapore’s most noted assets: its wonderful food. Many visitors come just for the flavorful and exotic food and often
take one of the many cultural cooking classes available. For inexpensive food, hawker centers, which are big complexes with many small food vendors inside, are a great place to try different dishes. Food courts are similar, except these also have air conditioning and are a little pricier. Cafés and restaurants are also found everywhere. There is no one signature dish for Singapore, but one popular item is laksa — white noodles in a creamy coconut curry, with shrimp. For breakfast, a common dish is nasi lemak — rice cooked in coconut milk, with anchovies, peanuts and cucumber, spiced with chili and topped with fried fish or chicken. A common dessert is tau huay — a bowl of tofu curds in syrup. Another dessert is ice kacang — shaved ice and sweet red beans, drizzled with sweetened milk. Singapore has designated a national fruit, the durian, which has a bold, distinctive odor and a sharp, thorny husk. The creamy yellow flesh is made into ice cream, puddings and other desserts. Perhaps because of its odor, it is not allowed to be carried on public transportation and is banned from many hotels. Shop ’Til You Drop Next to eating, shopping is Singapore’s most popular pastime. Low taxes and tariffs on imports, as well as the huge volume of goods coming in, mean bargains are everywhere. Some of the best bargains are on computers and electronics. For those interested in fashion, there are many boutiques and luxury labels and also tailors at most hotels. Perhaps the most enjoyable part of a shopping afternoon is wandering the streets of the many colorful ethnic districts.
Art Appreciation Singapore’s art scene is located in the Dhoby Ghaut and City Hall area and includes the Singapore Art Museum and the National Museum of Singapore. Also in the district are The Substation, which is a contemporary art center, and Singapore’s largest art gallery, Art Plural. In recent years, Singapore has blossomed as an art center. In 2000, the Singapore government focused on increasing the arts of the city by starting the Renaissance City Project. In 2011, the ArtScience Museum opened, which highlights design and technology. In 2012, 14 new international galleries opened at Gillman Barracks. Plans are underway for the opening of the National Art Gallery in 2015, which will focus on modern art. Singapore hosts a number of festivals, as well. The Sun Festival (an art festival), Dragon Boat Festival, Hungry Ghost Festival and many others showcase the culture and traditions of the area. Get Outside Singapore’s tropical climate translates to abundant flora. The Singapore Botanic Gardens include an outstanding collection of orchids, and the Gardens by the Bay include a spectacular cloud forest and flower dome. A jewel in the city is the Bukit Timah Nature Reserve, a biodiverse tract of primary rainforest that includes more species of plants than in all of North America. On the west side of the city is the turtle and tortoise sanctuary at the Chinese Gardens. Singapore has an adventurous side, too. Visitors can dive with sharks, mountain bike in the rain forest, canoe and wakeboard on the rivers, cable-ski, go rock climbing or hike through the rain forest to spot monkeys. The Singapore Zoo offers night safaris. Golf is popular, as are spas and swimming in the city’s many public Olympic-sized pools. The beaches offer a variety of water sports. If You Go Singapore has four official languages, but almost everyone under 50 speaks English. Visitors from the U.S. can stay up to 90 days without a visa. An excellent transportation system makes it easy to get around. One important thing to note is that Singapore has strict laws, some of which include no jaywalking, spitting, feeding pigeons or chewing gum. Penalties are strict; drug laws carry a mandatory death penalty, so bring prescriptions for any medicines. For you next trip, consider heading east to Singapore, for an adventure with an Asian flair. v Prime Magazine November 2013
l
13
On The Road With Ray
The Center For the Intrepid Where Veterans Receive A Crucial Thanks By ray speckman
O
One of my life’s most rewarding experiences has been membership in the Defense Orientation Conference Association, or DOCA, a non-political, non-partisan, non-profit group of Americans who travel to military organizations worldwide for tours and briefings. We are encouraged to return home and tell of our experiences without attribution. In other words, we can tell what we saw and heard but cannot tell who said it. A few months ago I traveled with DOCA to San Antonio to visit Joint Base San Antonio, a military base servicing both the Air Force and the Army. A real eye-opener on this trip was the Center for the Intrepid, a 65,000-square-foot rehabilitation center adjacent to the
14
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
San Antonio Military Medical Center, formerly Brooke General Hospital. The center demonstrates the commitment of the American citizens to honor those who serve without regard to politics, personality or personal gain, the twin pillars of freedom and democracy. The Center for the Intrepid was built entirely by private funds — $50 million all told —and is the largest single private contribution to our nation’s wounded warriors in United States history. It is operated by the Army but continues to benefit from a private endowment. The center focuses on rehabilitating amputees and burn victims. It provides the full spectrum of amputee rehabilitation and advanced outpatient rehabilita-
tion for burn victims and patients whose limbs are saved but with functional loss. Its main departments include the military performance lab, occupational therapy, physical therapy, prosthetics, case management and behavioral medicine. The technology in the facility cannot be found elsewhere. One example of the phenomenal technology is the Computer Assisted Rehabilitation Environment, or CAREN, a 21-foot dome with a 300-degree screen that immerses patients in a 3-D simulation experience to help them regain skills in “real life” conditions. The simulator is complete with a moving platform that helps recreate environments such as being on a boat or hiking uphill. Throughout the center, back-to-normal life is emphasized. A model apartment allows patients to practice activities of daily living. The apartment includes a computer workstation with voice recognition, a fully equipped kitchen and bath, and a comfortable living room. Providing mobility is an essential goal. Athletics is emphasized, with patients starting on treadmills and then advancing to a 21-foot-tall climbing tower, a track and a natatorium with a six-lane pool. There is also a driving simulator. Everyone in my group was in awe as we toured the facilities, but not only for the technology. We were also in awe of the wounded warriors who overcome enormous challenges at the center. We didn’t, however, see these soldiers working on their rehabilitation: The tour was carefully organized so that we visited areas not in use. The privacy, as well as the pride, of those benefiting from the facility was paramount.
The one place I did see some of the heroes was in the lobby. I was moved with profound gratitude as I saw them getting along, quite well, with pieces of metal and straps in the place of flesh and bone lost protecting our freedoms. Occasionally on DOCA trips, we pick up — sometimes by innuendo, sometimes by a slipup — some interesting information. I asked our guide where the center’s patients were coming from as of late. “A lot are coming from Special Ops, of course, in Colombia but also Argentina,” was the response. “Argentina?” I thought. “Interesting.” I knew we weren’t exactly friendly with Argentina but had no idea we had Special Ops there. Something else I found impressive on our tour was the Center for the Intrepid staff. These people are committed to helping our wounded warriors reintegrate into society but maintain a humble attitude about their own service, saying what they do cannot compare to the sacrifices the wounded warriors have made for us. They are right, of course. It is impossible to give back to these veterans more than they have given us. The Center for the Intrepid is a monument built by the contributions of 600,000 grateful Americans who felt the need to show their thanks. v Ray Speckman can be found trying to find the proper words to say thank you to those who serve or at rayspeckman@emmesannex.com Prime Magazine November 2013
l
15
Mr. Bubbles Takes The Crown Meet The Winner Of Prime’s Cutest Grandkid Contest By Morgan McCarty
<
O
On Aug. 1, Prime magazine began inviting Columbia grandparents to nominate their grandchildren for Prime’s Cutest Grandkid Contest. To participate, grandparents needed to submit a photo of their adorable grandchildren, along with a short description. A month later, 16 entrants were available for Prime readers and contestants’ family and friends to vote on through Sept. 30. After 194 voters signed in and voted 11,321 times for the entrants, a winner was announced: Mr. Bubbles Will Cooper, with 3,799 votes. Will’s photo was submitted by his grandmother Sharon Paulsell and features Will smiling in a bathtub and covered in soap bubbles. You can almost hear the giggles through the photo. Upon winning, Will was 11 months old; he’ll hit the big “1” this month. His grandmother entered him in the contest for the obvious reasons: “Because he is the cutest,
Sharon Paulsell and Will Cooper
happiest baby ever, whom I love to death!” Paulsell says. Watching Will gain votes while the contest was live was a lot of fun for Paulsell, and she especially enjoyed reading all of the comments people left on Will’s picture. Outside of entering and winning our contest, Paulsell and Will have many ways of having fun together: reading books, dancing, spending time outside and going on shopping excursions are a few of them. Proud Grandma declares: “Will is the happiest baby you’ll ever meet. He’s very inquisitive and always smiling!” Will is the son of Ashley and Rob Cooper.
(The Contestants) Dominic Renteria
Aleigha Eubanks
Noah Calvert
Submitting Grandparent: Lois Duncan
Submitting Grandparent: Kim Calvin
Submitting Grandparent: BJ Calvert
Violet Gilbert
Will Cooper
Delanie Hays & Lily Burkemper
Submitting Grandparent: Elizabeth Kester
Submitting Grandparent: Sharon Paulsell
Kaleb Diekmann
Oliver Tappana
Submitting Grandparent: Debbie Cutler
Submitting Grandparent: David Oliver
Eli Deems
Submitting Grandparent: Judy Burkemper Submitting Grandparent: Dee Ann Nowlin Green
Mav Mendenhall
Ford and Mav Mendenhall
Submitting Grandparent: Richard Mendenhall Submitting Grandparent: Denice Mendenhall
Eliana Pescaglia
Henry Spradlin
Ellis & Jasper Barrington
Submitting Grandparents: Cyndi & Bucky Pescaglia
Submitting Grandparent: Kim Nielsen
Submitting Grandparent: Connie Barringhaus
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
17
Grateful
GirlFriends By Anita Neal Harrison
The month of Thanksgiving is a time to remember blessings, and one blessing that deserves remembering is friendship. Nina Turner, Debbie Ricker, Susie Sapp and Donna Barnhart Four Columbia women who have a deep appreciation for friendship are Susie Sapp, Debbie Ricker, Donna Barnhart and Nina Turner. Friends since the 1970s, these women get together once a month to share a meal and catch up on each other’s lives. The four of them gathered at Sapp’s house one evening earlier this fall to reminisce about the good times and the bad times they’ve seen each other through. The following story invites Prime readers to eavesdrop on their conversation and contemplate with them the difference good friends make in life.
L
aughter is spilling out the open windows of Susie Sapp’s living room. Inside, Nina Turner and Donna Barnhart sit on Sapp’s couch, and Debbie Ricker and Sapp sit in chairs, arranged for easy conversation. Shakespeare’s pizza awaits them on the kitchen island, along with a salad Turner brought and a lemon cake from Ricker. Although two or three other friends often join these four at their monthly gabfests, this is the core group, the friends who have been friends for more than half their lives. Sapp is the common denominator: She and Ricker are sisters; Sapp and Turner met at Jeff Junior High in the ’70s and played softball together for 18 years; and Sapp met Barnhart
18
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
when Sapp was a high school senior and Barnhart, who married at 18, was in her early 20s. Sapp’s recounting of her and Barnhart’s meeting turns into a funny little exchange to start the night. “I started dating a guy who knew Donna — ” Sapp begins to explain, when her sister, Ricker, interrupts. “She stalked him first,” she says. “I did not stalk him!” Sapp exclaims, and the others laugh. “No,” Ricker says, “I’m just kidding.” She pauses and adds, “Kind of,” at the same moment that Barnhart pipes up, “But it’s true,” and the women all start laughing again. Sapp laughs, too. “I just liked him, and he went to McDonald’s all the time, and I liked McDonald’s, so I went there.” She shrugs. “Every day,” Ricker adds, eliciting more giggles from Turner and Barnhart. It’s pure silliness, but the exchange reveals how well the women know each other. From this talk of high school days, the conversation moves to memories of seeing each other married and celebrating the births of each other’s children. When Barnhart hears that the first baby, Turner’s Josh, is now 28, she is
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
19
flabbergasted — despite her having a son who is 26. “Good god,” she says, and everyone laughs at her surprise. But the talk of babies brings the conversation to its first serious moment. Sapp married her high school crush, and the two of them had a baby girl, Morgan. This beautiful, beloved daughter died at three months old from crib death while at the babysitter’s. “All my friends were there for me and helped me through that somehow,” Sapp recalls. “I’m not quite sure how I got through that. A lot of friends, a lot of family and a lot of counseling.” The death of Sapp’s daughter has been the most tragic experience the friends have seen each other through, but it’s been far from the only crisis. The friends recall Sapp’s two rounds with breast cancer, one in 1994 and one in 2007, and Barnhart’s battle with the same foe in 2004. It was a shock, Sapp says, when Barnhart became the second one in their group to face breast cancer. “I mean, we knew what the odds were,” Sapp says. “1 in 3,” says Barnhart, giving the lifetime risk of developing any kind of cancer. “But we never thought it would be another one of us,” Sapp finishes. The friends also talk about how their friendship has helped carry three of them through the heartache of divorce and all of them through the various difficulties parents face with their children. “We’ve had some talks around the table that haven’t been easy talks,” Sapp says. “We’ve all had some tears,” Barnhart adds. “And I feel like I can tell these girls anything,” Ricker says. “Me, too,” Barnhart says. Turner is nodding. But there was a time, in the late ’90s, when she didn’t know if her friends would accept her and she pulled back from the group. After hiding her sexual orientation for years, she had decided to come out. Tonight, the others remember wondering what was going on, why Turner was avoiding them. Finally, Turner wrote Barnhart a letter. “Do you remember writing that letter?” Barnhart asks, turning to look at Turner on the other end of the couch. When Turner nods, Barnhart says, “I still have that letter.” 20
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
“She wrote telling what?” Ricker asks, and Barnhart responds: “She wrote me telling me what was going on, and the changes she was making in her life. She said, ‘Email me if you want to talk,’ and it was like, I can’t get to the computer fast enough to let her know — ” “That it doesn’t matter,” Sapp interrupts. “It doesn’t matter,” Barnhart agrees. Thinking back on that test of their friendship, the women realize that almost losing Turner was the crisis that brought them all closer together after years of being in touch but too busy with their families to get together often. Knowing Turner needed them — and that all of them needed each other — the women decided to have lunch together once a month and have made it happen for over a decade now. Having recalled what brought them back together, the friends move to the kitchen for dinner. Everyone raves over Turner’s salad —spinach, bacon, pecans, strawberries and feta cheese served with a raspberry hazelnut dressing — and later over Ricker’s super moist lemon cake. As they eat, the friends switch from talking about the past to talking about what’s going on in their kids’ lives — none of their children are married or have kids, so those are still upcoming milestones — and to chatting about new vehicles, Ricker’s recent retirement and a little about Ricker’s and Barnhart’s husbands (Sapp is single, and Turner has a partner who often joins the group). After almost two and half hours of laughs and conversation, it’s time to start clearing the table. But before she gets up, Sapp takes a moment to think about what the night’s reminiscing has shown her. “If somebody had told me when I was 18 years old, that I would lose my daughter, have cancer twice, go through two divorces, struggle with hard times, I would’ve said, ‘I can’t do that,’ ” she says, “but somehow I did, and I’m still strong, and I have a positive outlook on life.” Friendship makes that possible, she adds. “We love each other, no matter what, and we’re there for each other, no matter what,” she says. “We’ve had lots of ups and downs, but that’s the one thing that’s always there: We love each other.” v Prime Magazine November 2013
l
21
PROMOTION
How To Choose A Physical Therapist
P
Physical therapists focus on treating a wide variety of dysfunctions, including, but not limited to, musculoskeletal, neurological, cardiopulmonary and pain disorders. The primary focus of physical therapy is to treat impairments that limit patients and ultimately restore maximum function. Patients visit physical therapists for a variety of reasons, and patients are treated individually according to their needs.
Any person, of any age, may benefit from physical therapy if he or she has noticed a decline in quality of life. The decline could be noticed in typical day-to-day activities, at work or at play. Each individual’s circumstances dictate which type of therapist best meets their needs. Therapists work in acute, inpatient and outpatient settings. In addition, there are physical therapists working in skilled nurs-
ing communities and sometimes in patients’ homes. As you begin looking for the right physical therapist for you, it is important to note the following considerations. First, it is important to understand your insurance company and various requirements it may have regarding physical therapy coverage. Next, it is essential to choose a therapist who works in the appropriate setting with experience similar to your needs. Do not be afraid to ask questions regarding experience level and expertise in various areas. You may also contact the State Board of Healing Arts to inquire about possible complaints filed against a therapist. Finally, it is key to find a therapist around whom you feel comfortable. A client spends a lot of time focusing on therapy, so it is vital to have a good working relationship. A typical therapy session will last between 30 and 60 minutes. During this time, your therapist will choose exercises and activities that will help you reach your therapy goals. An exercise program may be sent home with you to supplement the work completed during your session. Your physical therapist will tailor this program to your specific needs. A successful physical therapy outcome depends upon finding a knowledgeable and skillful therapist, establishing a positive client-therapist relationship between client and following up with exercise outside of the therapy setting. v
This new “How To” section will appear in each issue of Inside Columbia’s Prime. Readers will learn the best way to get services and products they need. 22
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
23
PROMOTION
How To Choose A Podiatrist podiatrists to specialize in sports-related injuries to the foot. If you have strained or sprained muscles from athletics, find a podiatrist who specializes in diagnosing and treating sports injuries. Whatever your problem, it can be helpful knowing whether your podiatrist specializes in general issues and surgery or very specific problems with the foot and ankle.
W
While some minor foot problems can be treated with over-the-counter remedies, more serious or persistent issues should be treated by podiatrists. Podiatrists are doctors who specialize in treating foot and ankle problems, including with surgery. They are trained to take care of a wide variety of footrelated injuries and diseases, including pain and swelling, sprains, fractures, bunions, hammertoes and any kind of foot discomfort. Here are some tips for choosing a good podiatrist. Get References Choosing a podiatrist is a lot like choosing any other kind of doctor, and one of the best ways to do so is by getting ref-
24
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
Personality While all licensed podiatrists will go through similar levels of schooling and ongoing training, not all of them relate the same way to their patients. Every patient is different, and so is every doctor. You want to find one who communicates well with you, solves the immediate health problem as quickly as possible and helps you take steps to avoid or better manage recurring problems. The best podiatrists will have a bedside manner that puts you at ease and answers all your questions thoroughly.
erences from other medical professionals or from people you know. If you have friends, relatives or coworkers who have had problems with their feet in the past, ask who they visited and what kind of impression their podiatrist left. Caring, highly capable doctors create a large following of patients who are happy to recommend them. You can also ask your family doctor or other medical professional for advice on which podiatrists have the best reputation. Know Their Specialty Within the specialty of podiatry, there are many sub-specialties. For example, it’s becoming more common for some
Convenience Finally, consider how convenient the podiatrist visits will be. Ideally, you’ll want to find a podiatrist with an office close to where you live or work. Some foot and ankle problems require ongoing visits for weeks or months, so this is especially important if you’ll be dealing with a long-term problem. Find out the podiatrist’s office hours. Some have practices in multiple cities, each of which may only be open a few days of the week. Others may offer extended hours on certain days to make visits more convenient for working people. Ask about the office hours before you visit so you can make sure it matches your schedule as closely as possible, especially if you might need ongoing care. v
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
25
PROMOTION
How To Choose A Remodeling Company
W
When you’re shopping for a home remodeling company, be patient and take your time. The right company will complete the project on time, on budget and on target. There are some guidelines that will help you choose the best company to work on your house. First, determine what your project is going to fix, build or replace, then hire the right remodeling team. While you wouldn’t hire a plumber to build a brick wall around your patio or a mason to unclog your drain, there are some times when you need the services of both work-
26
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
ing on the same project. A remodeling company with broad expertise is helpful. Hire a contractor you feel comfortable with, someone you can talk to honestly about different aspects of the project. The best ones follow your guidelines and provide feedback throughout the job. Just remember, the remodeler is the one with the skills you lack. Mutual respect is the foundation of a good working relationship. Finding a good remodeler often requires asking your friends and family whom they have hired in the past. Word of mouth is often the most reliable meth-
od for finding a remodeling company. If you see an advertisement that grabs your interest, ask around to get a feel for the company’s reputation. Another good idea is to ask your potential remodeler to show you pictures of some past projects. The remodeler may even provide contact information for past customers eager to give glowing testimonials; make sure those testimonials don’t come from the remodelers’ parents. You may also make inquiries through the state builders’ association, your town’s building code enforcement office or the Better Business Bureau. Be specific about what you want. The more details you can give your remodeler, the more accurate your cost estimate will be. Reputable remodelers offer you a written estimate. Double-check the figures on the written estimate just to make sure nothing has been overlooked or misunderstood. A good remodeler will have free advice about materials and construction techniques. Solicit his input about finishes, maintenance, ease of repairs, durability and similar factors. The remodeler’s familiarity with all renovation aspects can save you money. Read the terms of any warranties the company provides. Dealing with a company that stands behind its guarantees won’t leave you worrying about having that brand-new ceiling cave in during the first rainstorm. A good reliable home remodeler is a treasure. Make your remodeler part of your decision-making team before the first plank is laid and the first nail is sunk. Rely on a reputable remodeler to perform quality craftsmanship that will help make your home a showcase in the years to come v
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
27
28
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
Prime Time
11.13November NOVEMBER 1 Watch the 2013-14 basketball season tipoff with Stephens College vs. Lindenwood University-Belleville at home in Silverthorne Arena. Head coach Chris Duncan, in his first year, improved the Stars’ win total by five last season and led the team to national rankings in defensive rebounds per game. Duncan hopes for continued improvement in his second season as coach. $5; 7F p.m.; Dorsey Street (Stephens College campus); 573-876-7212; www.stephens.edu/campuslife/athletics
NOVEMBER 1 Every year since 2003, the Winter Trout Fishing program turns Cosmo-Bethel Lake into an urban winter fishery in which 2,400 trout are stocked during the last week of October. The program requires catch-and-release between Nov. 1 and Jan. 31; on Feb. 1, state regulations allow the trout to be harvested. Free; 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily; 4500 Bethel St.; 573-884-6861; www.gocolumbiamo.com/ParksandRec
NOVEMBER 1 Columbia College Men’s Basketball kicks off its season against St. Louis Christian College in Southwell Complex. After finishing strong last year with a record of 35-1 and an appearance in the NAIA national tournament as the No. 1 overall seed, the team looks to continue its success from last year. Last year, the Cougars spent eight consecutive weeks ranked No. 1 in the nation, and head coach Bob Burchard received the 2012-13 NABC National Coach of the Year award. $8 adults, $5 students; 7 p.m.; 700 Range Line St. (Columbia College campus); 573-875-7433; www.columbiacougars.com
November 8-10 Jump-start your holiday shopping at the 24th King’s Daughters Holiday Festival in the Holiday Inn Expo Center. Find gifts for everyone on your list — visit vendors selling everything from home décor and fresh-baked goods to high fashion and children’s gifts. A Friday night preview, called Give A Child A Smile, kicks off the weekend. Shopping continues on Saturday and Sunday. The event benefits Columbia Dental Aid and the King’s Daughters Home in Mexico, Mo. $30 Friday, from $3 Saturday & Sunday; 6 to 9 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 2200 I-70 Drive S.W.; www.kdholidayfestival.com
ists will be on hand with free food and drink, and fun with fellow art aficionados The local fire-juggling group Burn Circus will perform downstairs, along with Americana musician Dave Dearnley. Free; 6 to 9 p.m. 1019 E. Walnut St., 573-4422999; www.artlandishgallery.com
NOVEMBER 1 NOVEMBER 1 The first Friday of every month is a little messy in the North Village Arts District. Artlandish Gallery’s First Friday is a night of creativity for the whole family. More than 60 works of art from local art-
American rock band Needtobreathe brings its Christian rock music to The Blue Note stage. With them, brothers Bear and Nathaniel Rinehart will tote the sounds from their 2011 album, “The Reckoning.” The Wild Feathers, whose single “The
Ceiling” has been all over BXR’s radio waves, will accompany them. $26 in advance; $30 day of show; doors open 7:30 p.m., show at 8:30 p.m.; 17 N. Ninth St.; 573-874-1944; www.thebluenote.com
NOVEMBER 1 Country singer and songwriter Rickie Lee Tanner brings his country music chops to Whiskey Wild with songs from his new album, “This Here.” The Missouri native’s album has been available since Sept. 30. Grab a drink, hit the expansive dance floor and enjoy some country tunes. Free for women 21 and older; $5 men 21 and older; Prime Magazine November 2013
l
29
$10 minors; 9 p.m.; 2508 Paris Road; 573474-9453; www.whiskeywildcomo.com
NOVEMBER 2 After an exciting 51-48 four-overtime win in Knoxville last year, the Tigers are looking for victory again this year at the Mizzou vs. Tennessee football game, this time at Faurot Field. The win at Tennessee last year was Mizzou’s only SEC road victory. From $50; time TBA; 600 E. Stadium Blvd.; 573884-7297; www.mutigers.com
▲ NOVEMBER 3 During An Acoustic Evening with Mary Chapin Carpenter and Shawn Colvin, longtime friends marry their musical talents for an evening at the Missouri Theatre, performing past hits such as “Sunny Came Home” and “Days Go By.” The duo has been touring since February and will make Columbia part of their Midwest tour after an October visit to St. Louis. From $19; 7 p.m.; 573-8823781; 203 S. Ninth St.; www.concertseries.org
November 3 As part of National Adoption Month, the Columbia Adoption Project is hosting ibelong at The Crossing church on National Orphan Sunday. The event will include a donation drive to benefit children in foster care. Items sought include backpacks, duffel bags, roller suitcases, journals, night-lights, stuffed animals, soft blankets, small makeup bags, hygiene items, pajamas, underwear and socks. The Columbia Adoption Project will also have an information table so people can learn more about fostering and adoption. Free; 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.; 3615 Southland Drive; 573-256-4410; www.comoadoption.com
NOVEMBER 4 Adam Arenson, a historian and professor of history at University of Texas-El Paso, will 30
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
discuss his book The Great Heart of the Republic: St. Louis and the Cultural Civil War. Arenson focuses not only on the conflict between the North and South during this time, but the West as well. Free; 5 p.m.; 1020 Lowry St.; 573-882-7083; shs.umsystem.edu
▲ NOVEMBER 6 New Orleans R&B, funk, psychedelic, standards and Mardi Gras revue musician Dr. John (AKA Mac Rebennack) brings some soul from the Bayou when he makes a stop in Columbia on his fall globetrotting tour. Dr. John’s recent collaborations include a recording with guitarist and vocalist Dan Auerbacuh of The Black Keys. Also known for his alter ego, “Dr. John The Nite Tripper,” the seasoned artist will perform his recently Grammy-nominated album “Locked Down.” Dr. John is the winner of six Grammy Awards and is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. From $19; 7 p.m.; 203 S. Ninth St.; 573-882-3781; www.concertseries.org
NOVEMBER 7 Just in time for the holiday season, Executive Chef Dennis Clay walks you through his Appetizers Class at Inside Columbia’s Culinary Adventures Center — fun and easy appetizers and wine pairings that will leave your guests talking long after the party is over. From $34.95; doors open at 6 p.m., class begins at 6:30 p.m.; 47 E. Broadway; 573-442-1430; www.comoculinaryadventures.com
NOVEMBER 9 Catch the end of volleyball season with Stephens College vs. Lyon College at Prime Magazine November 2013
l
31
Silverthorne Arena. Head coach Rose Obunaga is a two-time Olympian who played for the Kenyan volleyball team in Sydney in 2000 and Athens in 2004. Obunaga hopes to bring her success as a player to her coaching career and further improve Stephens College volleyball in the coming seasons. $5; 1 p.m.; Dorsey Street (Stephens College campus); 573-876-7212; www.stephens.edu/campuslife/athletics
NOVEMBER 9 Start your Thanksgiving celebration early with the Hunger Run 5K/10K. Participants of all ages are encouraged to participate; run or walk in the 5K, 10K or Kid’s Mile. There is also a 5K challenge course for teams of two. Proceeds from the race will benefit The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri. $20; 8 a.m.; 812 Hitt St. (Vida Coffee Co.); 573-474-1020; www.sharefoodbringhope.org
NOVEMBER 9 There is one thing required for the 5K Lights On Afterschool Glow Run: neon, and lots of it! Both the 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run are through the University of Missouri campus and highlight the importance of quality afterschool programs. All participants receive a swag bag full of goodies. $25, $10 under 18, $10 for fun mile; 5:30 p.m.; Peace Park, intersection of Elm and Sixth streets; 573882-9298; www.mosac2.org
NOVEMBER 9 The Central Missouri Scale Modelers will host the annual TigerCon Modeling Contest and Vendor Show at Hickman High School. The show will have 41 categories with 1st, 2nd and 3rd place awarded for each category, plus Best of Show and People’s Choice awards. There will also be a free Make-N-Take event for young modelers, ages 8 to 11. The many vendors will help modelers stock up for their winter projects. Free; 7 p.m.; 1104 N. Providence Rd.; 573673-1110; www.cmsm-ipms.org/tigercon
NOVEMBER 10 The four-time Tony Award-winning musical “Memphis” comes to Columbia’s Jesse Hall on its first countrywide tour. The musical takes place in 1950s Memphis and focuses on pioneering disc jockey Dewey Phillips, who played both black and white music. From $25; 7 p.m.; Jesse Hall (MU campus); 573882-3781; www.concertseries.org 32
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
▲ NOVEMBER 14–15 The artistic work of accomplished dancers and choreographers Karen Mareck Grundy, Shannon Lee West and Bryn Cohn come together for a showcase of talent in Missouri Contemporary Ballet’s Eighth Annual Fall Production, CRAVE, at the Missouri Theatre. The choreographers have been working with Missouri Contemporary Ballet dancers since August to prepare for the event. From $19 for adults, from $10 for students and youth; 7:30 p.m.; 203 S. Ninth St.; 573-882-3781; www.concertseries.org
NOVEMBER 15–17 The senior Stephens dancers have sashayed their way to their final year and will be performing their skill sets in several different choreographed dances during the Stephens College Senior Dance Concert. The evening will feature original compositions from Mizzou New Music Initiative, composed specifically for the dancers’ creations. $8 general admission, $6 students and seniors; 7:30 p.m.; 100 Willis Ave.; 573-876-7199; www.stephens.edu/performingarts
NOVEMBER 16–17 For the fourth year, The Parkade Center’s Fall Into Art festival welcomes the public to enjoy art, music and education at Columbia’s historic mall. This juried art show features several mediums, including glass, fiber, jewelry, painting, ceramics, wood and photography. There will be a reception following the festival on Saturday from 5 to 7:30 p.m. and everyone is welcome. Free; 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday; 601 Business Loop 70 W.; www.fallintoart.org Prime Magazine November 2013
l
33
NOVEMBER 19 Folk and rock singer Matt Nathanson brings his popular vocals to The Blue Note with hits such as the chart-topper, “Come On Get Higher” from his 2011 album, “Mission Bells.” Nathanson, who last visited The Blue Note in the spring of 2012, is making a point to stop in Columbia on his Last of the Great Pretenders fall tour. $20 in advance, $25 day of show; doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7:30 p.m.; 17 N. Ninth St.; 573-874-1944; www.thebluenote.com
NOVEMBER 21 During The Beauty & Brawn of Beethoven, piano soloist Peter Miamoto, MU Choral Union, University Singers and University Philharmonic will perform “The Choral Fantasy” in Jesse Auditorium, featuring Beethoven’s Ninth Symphony. Beethoven’s “Mass in C” will complete the program. $15 for general admission, $10 for MU students; doors at 6:30 p.m., show at 7 p.m.; Jesse Hall (MU campus); 573882-3781; www.concertseries.org
NOVEMBER 21 Folk and country singer songwriter Iris Dement will share songs from her 1992 album, “Almost Angel,” and 2012 album, “Sing the Delta,” at Mojo’s. Folk singer and acoustic guitarist Jason Wilber will join the Grammy-award winning singer — who also inspired the Goo Goo Dolls’ 1998 single “Iris.” From $27; doors open 8 p.m., show at 9 p.m.; 1013 Park Ave.; 573-875-0588; www.mojoscolumbia.com
NOVEMBER 21 During Bach’s Lunch Recital Series at Stephens College, Stephens College students will perform vocal jazz, musical theater, classical and choral music to make a melodic interlude during the lunch hours. The musical event is open to the public and usually held once a month at Senior Hall. Free; 12:30 p.m.; 100 Waugh St.; 573-8767199; www.stephens.edu/performingarts
NOVEMBER 26 The Missouri Contemporary Ballet presents its Semi-Annual Choreographic Installation. The professional ballet company has the goal of making dance enjoyable for all ages. The show features work by MCB dancers and is presented in con34
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
junction with the School of MCB’s Holiday Showcase. $10; 5:30 and 6:30 p.m.; 110 Orr St., Suite 102; 573-219-7134; www.missouricontemporaryballet.com
NOVEMBER 28 With all of the delicious things on the table, it’s easy to overeat on Thanksgiving. TurkeyTrax Run on Thanksgiving encourages families to stay active during this indulgent holiday. Participants can pick from a variety of local charities to support. Charities in previous years have included Ronald McDonald House, Children’s Miracle Network and Rainbow House. $25 before Nov. 25, $35 after Nov. 25, $40 race day; 8:30 a.m.; place TBA; 573-874-1803; www.ultramaxsports.com/turkeytraxrun/
NOVEMBER 29 Columbia College men’s basketball plays nearby rival Central Methodist University for the second time this season. The Cougars beat CMU handily during the teams’ two meet-ups last season and hope to continue the winning streak at Southwell Complex. $8 adults, $5 students; 8 p.m.; 700 Range Line St. (Columbia College campus); 573-875-7433; www. columbiacougars.com
NOVEMBER 29–DECEMBER 1, DECEMBER 5–8 In the theater production “Almost, Maine,” nine short plays by playwright John Cariani delve into the major themes of love and loss in the fictional town of Almost, Maine. Don’t worry; it’s not the same mythical Maine town featured in “Murder, She Wrote.” There will be no blood, just laughs at the Talking Horse Theatre. From $10; 7:30 p.m., 6 p.m. Sunday matinee; 210 St. James St. 573-268-1381; www.talkinghorseproductions.org
NOVEMBER 30 The University of Missouri has played football against Texas A&M for the past three years — all in College Station. This year, the Tigers will host the Aggies at Faurot Field in the annual Mizzou Blackout Game. See if Mizzou can beat the team helmed by Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel in both teams’ final regular season matchup. From $50; time TBA; 600 E. Stadium Blvd.; 573-884-7297; www.mutigers.com v Prime Magazine November 2013
l
35
How Can I Help?
Meals On Wheels Compassion In Action To Nourish Lives By Morgan McCarty
F
For some, the challenge of preparing a hot meal is met without much difficulty. For others, putting food on the table is a daily challenge. Meals on Wheels delivers hot nutritious meals to homebound people of any age, people with limited ability or low incentive to shop or cook, and people recovering from recent hospitalizations or illness, always regardless of recipients’ ability to pay. The Meals on Wheels Association of America has programs in all 50 U.S. states, as well as the U.S. territories. All told, the 5,000 chapters of the Meals on Wheels Association of America deliver more than one million meals to seniors each day. Meals on Wheels of Columbia delivers meals to more than 100 clients on 17 routes, Monday through Friday.
36
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
“Meals on Wheels of Columbia is a marvelous organization that takes care of the people who have contributed to Columbia’s history,” says executive director JoNetta Weaver. “We provide hot, nutritious meals to people with cancer, people recovering from a recent hospital stay, people with a disability that makes food preparation difficult, or people with a long-term illness.” The “we” Weaver is referring to are the volunteers of Meals on Wheels of Columbia. “With only one full-time and a parttime employee, we couldn’t do it without our volunteers,” Weaver says. “We are a perfect example of the power of one: one volunteer, giving one hour a week, using one gallon of gas, delivering one route.”
Volunteers also comprise the Meals on Wheels board. Meals on Wheels of Columbia receives no federal funding and no United Way funding. Instead, funding comes from the City of Columbia (20 percent) and client fees (30 percent), and the remaining 50 percent from donations (private and business) and fundraising events. Members of the community can support Meals on Wheels of Columbia by volunteering their time to deliver meals on a regular basis during the week. Individuals can also sponsor clients on a yearly basis or donate to Meals on Wheels of Columbia: $5 covers one meal; $25 dollars, one week of meals; $100 dollars, one month of meals; and $1,200, one year of meals. For every donation, just one percent of the amount is put toward administrative fees. Another giving opportunity is to sponsor one of Meals on Wheels of Columbia’s two big annual events, Big Wheels in April and Fall Fund Fest in October. Any additional help with web design, social media, marketing, driving on snowy days and various other tasks is greatly appreciated. Weaver encourages anyone interested in helping out to call the Meals on Wheels of Columbia office at 573-886-7554. Find out how one hour of your time each week can make a deep impact on a fellow Columbian’s life. v
Upcoming Meals On Wheels Events: ● CoMoGives campaign through the Community Foundation of Central Missouri, cfcmfoundation.org, Dec. 1–31
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
37
SP EC I A L P R O MOTI O N
Give Smiles, Share Hope King’s Daughters Dental Aid program provides more than just a checkup.
I
By Morgan McCarty
n 1974, the Dorothy McArthur Circle of King’s Daughters began to discuss ways in which they could serve their community and fill an ongoing need. After researching many options, the group decided to start a dental aid program. The circle’s first fundraiser — a flea market — kicked off the King’s Daughters Dental Aid program; it began accepting kindergarten through sixth-grade students in need of dental care the following May. Columbia Public School nurses referred students based on immediate need level, access to dental coverage and transportation. Over the years, the Flea Market Fundraiser evolved into the Holiday Festival every November; the Give A Child A Smile Charity Benefit Gala has added to the weekend festivities. The Dental Aid program also expanded to include students in kindergarten through 12th grade. In 1991 and 1992, King’s Daughters volunteers began to drive students to appointments. On each visit, volunteers also gave dental kits to the students they transported. Today, more than 150 volunteers drive students to dental appointments, and the Holiday Festival raises more than $40,000 for the Dental Aid and Missouri King’s Daughters Home programs. Since its inception, the Dental Aid program has grown to help an average of more than 100 students per year. Volunteer Judy Nolke began driving her Dental Aid student when he was a first-grader. The child’s teacher was brushing his teeth twice a day for him, Nolke says, but he still had terrible breath. The teacher spoke with the school nurse, who then referred the student to Dental Aid. During his first year in the program, Nolke took him to the dentist once or twice a month, and he had a couple of fillings and several crowns placed on his baby teeth. The second year was spent cleaning his teeth and monitoring his progress in gaining his permanent teeth. “Over this past summer, prior to third grade, he moved out of state, but he took with him better dental health and, hopefully, a better teeth-brushing habit,” Nolke says. “He shared with me during our many car rides that he was the youngest of five children, his father worked part-time at a local fast-food restaurant, and they lived in various motels, thanks to the generosity of several Columbia churches.” 38 l November 2013 Prime Magazine
According to Dr. Lori Henderson — one of the 52 dentists who donate their time and services to participate in the program — King’s Daughters volunteers are just as dedicated to providing an environment where a child can maintain good oral health as they are to fixing any urgent dental problems. “It fills a need for people who are underserved,” Henderson says. Dentists who participate in the program provide timely treatments of urgent and emergency dental problems. They then work with the patient to complete the remainder of lessurgent dental needs while providing ongoing reinforcement of healthier oral hygiene and dietary habits. Dental Aid dentists also provide routine six-month preventative dental visits. These volunteer dentists see roughly half a dozen new patients each year. Most parents of the children helped by the Dental Aid program simply don’t have the means to provide dental care for their children, Henderson says. “Ultimately, this program fills a need for a group of people who are overworked, uninsured and underserved.” Families are grateful for the help. One parent whose child had received Dental Aid help wrote a thank-you letter to King’s Daughters: “We had been dealing with tooth pain on and off for about two weeks. I had been overwhelmed trying to make ends meet and devastated that I was unable to afford dental insurance to get this taken care of sooner. It got to the point where the pain would come at night, and she would be awake every other hour with pain. We would both sit up crying at all hours of the night. The worst part was that it was starting to affect her schoolwork, and I felt like a terrible mother. When the school nurse called me because she had tooth pain at school and I found out that Kings Daughters would be able to help us, my heart melted. I have never been in the position where I could not figure out a way to make ends meet or get my child something she needed. To have you all come into our lives when we needed help the most was a true blessing. I hung up the phone that day in tears, happy tears, finally tears of relief.”
SP EC I A L P R O MOTI O N
Give a Child a Smile at the 24th Annual Holiday Festival
Friday, November 8: 6:00 – 9:00 pm Tickets: $30 per person Shopping, Food, Cash Bar and More Hors d’oeuvres served 6:00–7:30 Chocolate Martini Bar from 7:30–9:00 Sweet Station from 8:00–9:00
Holiday Festival Shopping Saturday, November 9: 8:00 am – 5:00 pm Sunday, November 10: 11:00 am – 4:00 pm Tickets: $3 in advance or $6 at the door Tickets valid one day only. As a courtesy to all shoppers, no strollers allowed.
Tickets for Friday, Saturday and Sunday may be purchased at: Artichoke Annie’s Antique Mall • Bella Salon • The Clip Joint • D&H Drug Stores Frameworks • Girl Boutique • Holiday Inn Executive Center • Makes Scents The Market Place • McAdams’ Ltd. • Perche Creek Cafe • The Schaefer House (J.C.)
All proceeds benefit Columbia Dental Aid and the King’s Daughters Home in Mexico, Missouri
w w w. k d h o l i d a y f e s t i v a l . c o m Proudly Sponsored By:
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
39
Faces And Places
2013 Boone County Hall of Fame
1
The Boone County Historical Society and Boone County Bank sponsored the 2013 Boone County Hall of Fame on October 10th at the Boone County Museum and Galleries. This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall of Fame inductees include the late Luella St. Clair, president emerita of Columbia College and Stephens College, and Jane Duncan Flink. 1. Susan and Hank Stoltz 2. Sabra Tull-Meyer and Daisy Grossnickle 3. Charlie Lee, Darwin Hindman, Debbie Daniels and Ray Beck 4. Faye Burchard and Sallie Coley 5. Andy Waters, Mary Warner, Mary Ropp and Bruce Wallace 6. Karen Atwill and Ann Cleek 7. Amanda Buchana, Betsy Odle, Gloria Hinds and Amanda Rose 8. Jim and Alva Cunningham 9. Ruth and Russell Thompson
2
4
7
40
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
3
5
6
8
9
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
41
Mature Living
42
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
O
On Friday, Oct. 11, the Boone County Council on Aging’s Mature Living Festival welcomed more than 650 attendees to the
Parkade Center. More than 65 local vendors chatted with Boone County seniors about the wide range of services available to them. Prizes, treats and information were handed out to all participants. Entertainment included performances by the Singing Sages of Memorial Baptist Church and the Country Steppers, who performed their line dancing routines. Inside Columbia’s Prime magazine then played “The Price Is Right” before Inside Columbia’s Culinary Adventure’s Executive Chef Dennis Clay demonstrated how to make homemade pasta. Finally, the St. Louis Strutters took to the stage to perform their high-kicking jazz and show tunes routine to close out the day. –Morgan McCarty
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
43
Mature Living
2013 Mature Living Festival 1. Linda Breedlove and Eledia Stone 2. Beau Buchmann, Columbia Orthopaedic Group 3. Ann Kemp 4. Jeff Hempsted and Janet Bryan 5. Vick and Carol Dowdy 6. Constance Green 7. Kay Rademaker, Jamesetta Coats and Billie Jean Watson 8. Tom and Vicki Pauley 2
4
7
44
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
1
3
5
6
8
9
10
11
12
9. Elaine Allen and Laura Crane 10. Morgan Mitchell, Hudson Giles, Cindy Mustard, Scottie Rawlings, Rose Vomund, Riann Pena, Larna Mack 11. Dale and Shirley Griessel 12. Barbara Allen and Brian Page 13. Anne and Max Miller 14. Sue Bader and Roberta Jones 15. Len and Gerri Hieke 13
14
15
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
45
Pet Corner
Nonsense And Turpentine Quackery’s Bitter Taste
B
By Dr. John Williams
Back when I was a kid on the family farm, my father noted that for some reason, in every rural neighborhood, the least intelligent man (my father used a different descriptive phrase) is the self-appointed veterinarian and his spouse, who is usually similarly limited, is the midwife. That’s scary! But you know what? As I grew older in the north woods of Missouri, I found out my father was right. There was, at least in our neck of the woods, a rather sketchy couple who always showed up whenever there was a sick animal or a baby to be born. How reassuring. Just how this couple found out about the various medical anomalies taking place around the area remains a mystery to me, but invited or not, they would be on the scene and spewing out medical advice like broken Pez dispensers. In their defense, they probably meant well, and I doubt they ever took a cent for their assumed expertise, but truth be told, that’s what it was worth: nothing. After I entered veterinary school and was exposed to information from real experts, I realized that the knowledge that couple disseminated would have served a better purpose fertilizing the tomato plants in Mom’s garden. It wasn’t just a little flawed; some of it was downright bizarre. For instance, this couple would advise any parent of a child with whooping cough to allow the child to inhale the breath of a horse. I’m not making that up! That was supposed to cure the poor kid. I always thought that it probably took a couple of weeks for the kid’s eyes
46
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
to stop watering and a gallon of mouthwash to control the halitosis. Unfortunately, that wasn’t the only remedy involving a horse. This couple also prescribed feeding hair from a horse’s forelock to a child with worms. I don’t know if it was supposed to eradicate the worms or just give them a warm place to live. But if the latter was ineffective in controlling those pesky parasites, a teaspoon of turpentine with sugar mixed in, taken by mouth, was always the backup plan. That miracle treatment was practiced even within our own home. You see, we had a resident medical expert within our family unit, too. And no one messed with Grandma. Pets didn’t fare any better. The couple had a standing rule that if a dog bit anyone, it had to be destroyed because, get this, it probably had rabies. Fortunately, none of their “clients” that I knew ever took that advice to heart. And, of course, this couple always preached the old adage that if a dog was eating grass it was a surefire sign of intestinal worms. So, enter the turpentine and sugar. Of course, anyone attempting to administer
that concoction to a dog was likely to be bitten and be faced with the predicament that not only was their dog parasitized, it also had rabies. My favorite, though, was the couple’s assertion that all cats had to be kept away from newborn babies. Why? Because if allowed to, a cat will jump into the cradle, lie on the infant’s chest and “suck the breath from the baby.” I remember thinking as a child that there were thousands of cats running around the houses and farms in the neighborhood but there was never a single report of a child suffocating. Worms? Yes. Suffocating? No. Thinking back on all that nonsense, I can still taste the turpentine. v
— John Williams, DVM, is a retired Columbia veterinarian who spent 39 years as a small-animal practitioner.
Inside Columbia’s PRIME magazine
HOW-TO
Guide Inside Columbia’s Prime magazine now features a How-To Guide in every issue. This new section contains expertly written articles with helpful tips on a wide variety of interesting topics.
TURN TO PAGE 24 THIS MONTH, LEARN How To: Choose A Physical Therapist Choose A Podiatrist Choose A Remodeling Company
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
47
Life Lessons
Do You Sleep? Me Neither. Looking For A Cure To Insomnia By Saralee Perel
S
“Spider!” I screamed, when I saw one climbing up the bright TV screen at 3 a.m. while my husband was snoring next to me. The startled dog jumped on Bob’s head. The cats howled their “It’s mine!” war cries. Bob stopped snoring. He won’t kill bugs. He puts them outside. He jumped out of bed to shoo the cats from the spider by saying, “No.” Have you ever said “no” to a cat? That works as well as dieting. Lots of my pals have trouble sleeping. I asked them what helps. My friend, Joe (notice the gender), said: “Have sex. When you are satisfied, immediately roll over and go to sleep. Easy!” Really, Joe? Lots of my girlfriends would love to have a talk with you. Trust me: Do not open your door. I’ll paraphrase advice I’ve read on helpguide.org, and then add my opinion.
48
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
1. Don’t watch TV before going to sleep. Then when would I watch it? At work? 2. Use your bed only for sleep and sex. Joe? Have you been writing for helpguide.org? 3. Wind down with a favorite hobby. My favorite hobby? Licking the insides from Oreos, then washing that down with Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups, which leads me to — 4. Avoid chocolate before bed. I hate sleep specialists. My friend, Marlene, said, “Our large dog sleeps with us and is forever kicking in her dreams.” Sure, I see the obvious solution here, but I can’t give advice I won’t take. One of our cats licks my hair all night while the other uses his claws to knead on my — uh, well, let’s just say the scratches caused me a moment of embarrassment last week at my mammogram.
5. Stress, worry and anger can make it difficult to sleep. When you can’t get back to sleep, take note of what seems to be the recurring theme. My recurring theme? I can’t sleep, for heaven’s sake! Spending my life with my best friend, Bob, is an immeasurable blessing. Weeks ago, he helped me learn the secret to sleep. “How did you know I was awake?” I said in the night, when I felt his hands gently massaging my back. “I just knew.” I lay there restless. My thoughts were in the land of dread. That’s when he told me parts of a prayer from St. Francis de Sales. “Do not look forward with fear on the changes and chances of this life,” he whispered. “Do not anticipate what will happen tomorrow.” He softly ran his hands through my hair as my breathing slowed and my eyes began to close. “Say this part slowly,” he said, “concentrating on each word so that you are thinking of nothing else: ‘Put aside all anxious thoughts and imaginations. Be at peace.’ ” And so, I’ve realized that for me, it’s not about living one day at a time. It’s about living one moment at a time. I say my own version of the prayer: “Put aside this anxious thought. Put it away – far, far away so it’s not in my present mind. For just this moment, be at peace. Be at peace. Amen.” And not just during the night. v Award-winning columnist, Saralee Perel, can be reached at sperel@saraleeperel.com or via her website: www.saraleeperel.com.
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
49
Fun & Games
Letter-Link Word Search Puzzle Directions: The words in the Word List are hidden in the puzzle grid. Some are not in straight lines, so look in all directions for each next letter (right, left, up, down, diagonal). Do not backtrack. Words may overlap each other or themselves by one letter.
Thanksgiving
word list BOSS
HOUSE
BRIGHT MIND
NEW FAMILY
BUSINESS
NIECE
CAR
PASTOR
CHILDREN
PERSONALITY
CHURCH
PLACE TO LIVE
CLEVER SON
PLAYFUL PUP
CLIENTS
RESEARCH
CLOSE FRIENDS
SCHOOL
CRAFT FAIR
SCIENTISTS
DOG
SENSE OF HUMOR
FREE COUNTRY
SISTER
GOOD HEALTH
SPOUSE
GOOD HUSBAND
STEADY WORK
HANDYMAN
STRONG ARMY
HEALTHY TEEN
STRONG FAITH
HEAT-A/C © 2013 Eliza Bettin: Eliza Bettin’s puzzles have been in newspaper syndication and IGA, United Airlines and Earthgrains magazines.
Cryptogram Decipher this quote by unraveling the secret code. Each letter stands for another letter. We’ve given you a few hints to get you started.
>>>
Test your knowledge! Turn to Page 58 to check your answers. 50
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
51
Recipe Box
Unforgettable Feast
W
Put An Elegant, Flavorful Twist On The Traditional Whether youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re a first-time host or a seasoned pro, there are certain secrets to help ensure a holiday meal that is both elegant and effortless. One such secret is using dressings and sauces to enhance savory flavors and add zest to your meals. Your guests will think you spent hours in the kitchen. Start with a salad of baby greens with roasted pears, feta and walnuts. The heart-healthy walnuts and olive oil are combined with feta cheese, baby greens and firm, ripe pears. Toss in your favorite dressing for a quick, easy salad that will have your guests lining up for more. Not only is the salad good for you, the healthy oils found in salad dressings help the body to better absorb key nutrients. Your guests will love having a healthy dish on the table. Your guests will also love grilled shrimp with remoulade sauce. Whisk together a spicy sauce with savory ingredients, such as Dijon mustard, hot sauce, capers, parsley and mayonnaise, which is made with healthy oils and contains Omega 3 fatty acids. Baste sauces on skewered shrimp as they grill for a zesty and spicy dish that can be used as an appetizer or tasty side item. Make a barbecue roast turkey the centerpiece of your table. Start with your favorite barbecue sauce, and add a few additional ingredients to give it an extra kick of flavor. The finished sauce is then basted on the turkey as it roasts to create a spicy glaze. v
52
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
Everyone wants to serve their guests a delicious, memorable meal, especially during the holidays. This year, bring dishes to the table that impress guests with unexpected savoriness.
{
This holiday season, experiment with your favorite dressings and sauces to create meals for your family. You can also visit www.dressings-sauces.org for more holiday meal recipe ideas.
Barbecue Roast Turkey Servings: 6 INGREDIENTS 1 1/4 3 1 1 3 2 3 2 1 1
10 to 12-pound turkey cup butter, softened cloves garlic, minced teaspoon salt teaspoon freshly ground black pepper lemons small onions, quartered cups prepared barbecue sauce teaspoons soy sauce teaspoon Worcestershire sauce bay leaf
DIRECTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 400째F. Rinse turkey inside and out. Pat dry. 2. In small bowl, combine butter, minced garlic, salt and pepper. Loosen skin of turkey and rub butter between skin and meat. Place lemons and onion inside cavity of turkey. Tie legs with kitchen string. 3. Combine barbecue sauce, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce and bay leaf in saucepan. Simmer 30 minutes to blend flavors. Discard bay leaf. Set aside until ready to use, 2 cups for basting and one cup for serving. 4. Place turkey on rack in heavy, large roasting pan. Roast one hour, then reduce heat to 325째F. Brush turkey with 2 cups of barbecue sauce mixture. Roast 20 minutes. Brush with barbecue sauce every 20 minutes, about 1 hour 10 minutes longer, for a total of 2 1/2 hours or until meat thermometer inserted into thickest part of thigh registers 175째F. If turkey begins to get too brown, cover with foil while roasting. 5. Transfer turkey to platter. Cover loosely with foil and let rest 30 minutes before slicing. Serve immediately with remaining cup of barbecue sauce mixture. Prime Magazine November 2013
l
53
Recipe Box
Grilled Shrimp With Remoulade Sauce Servings: 4 to 6 INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup mayonnaise 2 tablespoons ketchup 2 teaspoons Dijon mustard 2 teaspoons hot sauce 2 teaspoons capers, chopped 1 teaspoon parsley, chopped Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 4 cups water 2 tablespoons kosher salt 2 tablespoons sugar 1 tablespoon lemon juice 2 cloves garlic, minced 6 whole peppercorns 24 shrimp (8 to 10 count) peeled and deveined
DIRECTIONS 1. For remoulade sauce, whisk mayonnaise, ketchup, Dijon mustard, hot sauce, capers and parsley in small bowl. Season to taste with black pepper. Store in refrigerator until ready to use. Can be prepared 2 days ahead. 2. Combine water, salt, sugar, lemon juice, garlic and peppercorns in gallon size resealable bag. Add shrimp to brine and chill 15 to 20 minutes. Drain shrimp and rinse with cold water. Place shrimp on skewers. 3. Preheat grill to medium high heat. Spray grill grates with cooking spray and grill shrimp 2 to 3 minutes per side. Serve immediately with remoulade sauce.
Remoulade or rĂŠmoulade, invented in France, is a popular condiment in many countries. Very much like the tartar sauce of some Englishspeaking cultures, remoulade is often aioli- or mayonnaise-based.
Baby Greens With Roasted Pears, Feta And Walnuts Servings: 4 to 6 INGREDIENTS 4 firm, ripe pears (Bosc or Bartlett) peeled, cored and cut into 8 slices 1 teaspoon olive oil 8 cups baby greens 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled 1/2 cup walnuts, toasted Salt, to taste Freshly ground black pepper, to taste Choice of salad dressing DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 400°F. On a parchmentlined baking sheet, drizzle pears with olive oil. Roast in oven until edges of pears begin to brown, but still firm. Cool. Gently toss baby greens and cooled pears in salad bowl. Sprinkle feta and walnuts over salad. Season with salt and pepper. Serve immediately with choice of dressing. Suggested dressings: ranch, champagne vinaigrette or strawberry poppy seed.
54
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
55
Support Our Locally Owned Restaurants When you dine at local restaurants, you help support small-business owners who spend their dollars in the community. These dollars help keep our neighbors gainfully employed; the cycle continues as employees spend their wages on local arts, culture and other areas of the economy. Eating local pays BIG dividends for Columbia! 44 Stone Public House 3910 Peachtree Drive, 573-443-2726 Bleu Restaurant & Wine Bar 811 E. Walnut St., 573-442-8220 Chez Trappeur 406 Main St., Arrow Rock, Mo., 660-837-3133 Coley’s American Bistro 15 S. Sixth St., 573-442-8887 Glenn’s Cafe 23 S. Eighth St., 573-875-8888 Houlihan’s 2541 Broadway Bluffs Drive, 573-815-7210 Room 38 38 N. Eighth St., 573-449-3838 Pizza Tree 1013 Park Ave. (inside Mojos), 573-8PIZZA5 (874-9925) Shakespeare’s Pizza Downtown location: 225 S. Ninth St., 573-449-2454 South location: 3911 Peachtree Drive, 573-447-7435 West location: 3304 W. Broadway Business Park Court, 573-447-1202 Southside Pizza & Pub 3908 Peachtree Drive 573-256-4221 56
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
57
Prime Pages
fun & games solved Challenge your brain with this month’s puzzles found on Page 50.
Letter-Link Word Search
Cryptogram Answer “It is a curious fact that people are never so trivial as when they take themselves seriously.” ~ Oscar Wilde
The Light Between Oceans
T
M.L. Stedman (Scribner, 2012)
REVIEWED By Gretchen Pressley Tom Sherbourne, a veteran of World War I, is the lighthouse keeper on a lonely island off the coast of Australia. A simple man, Tom thrives on the routine and black-and-white life he finds there on his desolate island — until he meets a woman who brings color and light back into his life. He brings his young bride, Isabel, back to the island to start a family. But their bliss is cut short by Isabel suffering several miscarriages. Depressed and lonely, one day Isabel hears the haunting cries of a baby on the wind, and they find a boat with a dead man and a baby, still alive. Isabel convinces her rule-abiding husband that the best thing for this baby, a girl, is for them to keep her and raise her as their own. And for two years, their little family flourishes in the newfound love they have found in baby Lucy. But soon enough, Tom and his family must journey back to the mainland, and the isolated bubble of their existence is brutally popped when they learn the truth about what happened to their “gift from God” two years earlier. A unique read, this novel is beautifully told by a master storyteller who lets you see the stories behind each of the main characters. M.L. Stedman’s debut novel, it is rich in detail and thoroughly explores the consequences of good people who make unwise choices. But above all, this is a tale about love in all its forms. A thought-provoking story that makes you ponder how you feel about each character’s choices, The Light between Oceans is a good reminder to be grateful for every moment spent with the ones we love. v
58
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
Did You Know?
The greatest campaigner for a national Thanksgiving holiday was Sara Josepha Hale, author of “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” After 36 years, Hale finally saw her efforts rewarded in 1863 with a proclamation from President Abraham Lincoln.
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
59
Your Bucket List
Proud To Be A Tiger Jen Rachow By Anita Neal harrison
J
Jen Rachow in Italy Jen Rachow was 48 years old when she decided to go back to school. She’d spent seven years working as an assistant to an associate dean in the MU School of Medicine when a position opened up that offered greater opportunities for collaborating with colleagues and students. Rachow wanted the job, an advising and career counseling position, but she wasn’t considered because she didn’t have a degree. “That’s when I realized, ‘I can either feel sorry for myself or I can do something about it,’ ” she says. Rachow had begun college in 1981 when she was 21 years old. She was married then and had two daughters, and in the middle of her first semester, her husband walked out. Rachow finished that semester, but then had to put her education on hold — for 27 years. When she finally picked her education up again, Rachow was a remarried grandmother with a 14-year-old son at home. She continued to work full time
60
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
and restarted her education with two classes a semester at Moberly Community College. She earned her associate’s degree, graduating with honors, and transferred to Mizzou in 2010. She chose to major in health sciences, on a nonclinical track, and continued to go slow, taking two classes a semester and one in the summers. Finally, at the start of 2013, it was time to start looking at capstone projects. One option was to do an internship, and another option was to take a study abroad course in Italy. “Study abroad was something I always thought was cool,” Rachow says. “When I’d hear about kids studying abroad, I’d think, ‘Oh, I wish I’d had that opportunity,’ and then this opportunity presented itself.” Rachow took her study abroad course, The Mediterranean Diet and Lifestyle, over three weeks this past summer. Along with daily lectures, the course included visits to producers of wine, balsamic vinegar, olive oil and cheese, food prepara-
tion demonstrations, and lots of walking and hiking. “The first few days, I couldn’t believe I was across the ocean and was going to study for a month in Italy,” says Rachow, who hadn’t been overseas since she was 5. “The whole experience was exciting and overwhelming and surreal.” Rachow is still working on her degree and plans to graduate this coming May. While the study abroad program was a highlight in her college experience, there have been challenges, too. It’s not been fun spending every weekend studying or watching housework pile up — despite her husband and son doing more to help. But it has been worth it. One big reward came right after she earned her associate’s degree. The advising position she’d wanted in the School of Medicine reopened, and this time, she got the job. She might have stopped there, but for Rachow, going back to school was about more than a particular job. It was a life goal. “And, I mean, what else am I going to do with my time?” she asks. Sure, she could keep her house in better order, take an art class now and then, “but,” she says, “this has been more meaningful to me.” v Tell us your story Have you crossed something off your bucket list? Please share your experience with us for a chance to be featured in an upcoming issue of Prime! Just send a brief note describing the feat to anita@insidecolumbia.net, and if we choose to feature your triumph, we will be in contact for an interview.
Prime Magazine November 2013
l
61
Columbia Confidential: Publisher Fred Parry On The Issues Columbia Is Talking About
Progressive Movement May Leave Our City In Ruins
S
Several years ago, it was little more than a rhetorical question: What would Columbia be like if local progressives actually took control of our City Council and could change Columbia as they wished? What once seemed inconceivable became reality in April when progressives officially took control by voting out council representatives Gary Kespohl and Darryl Dudley. If there was ever a doubt in your mind about what might happen when the balance tilted, recent actions by the council ought to give you a pretty clear idea. Council action during the last six months has been defined by a consistent string of 5-2 votes. The reasonably conservative, business-friendly duo of Columbia Mayor Bob McDavid and Fifth Ward council member Laura Nauser have found themselves in the minority on most occasions, outnumbered by the progressive majority that makes up the rest of the panel. Any doubts about the existence of a progressive agenda quickly dissipated following the Sept. 16 City Council meeting when members voted 5-2 to adopt new building codes for the city. Going against the recommendations of two separate citizen commissions that had worked on the codes for months, the council voted to align Columbia’s building codes with that of the stringent guidelines of the International Code Commission. After hours of testimony from individual citizens and members of these two commissions, our somewhat predictable council saw an opportunity to put forth its own agenda. While changing building codes may seem fairly innocuous, the implications of this move have sent reverberations through an already weakened housing market in our community. The modifications required by this new code automatically add thousands of dollars to the average cost of a starter home in Columbia. Those who closely monitor our local real estate market fear this increase will likely force the entry-level homebuyer out of the market. Only a handful of cities in the United States have adopted the full ICC code as it is written; most are either using previously set standards or some hybrid form of a compromise. Proponents of the stricter code assert that the predicted energy savings associated with the new code could create as much as $294 in energy savings annually. Based on their own math, it will take 13 years for the average homeowner to get a return on this investment. Unfortunately, these upfront costs are likely to have the unintended effect of pushing many prospective, low-income buyers away from the dream of home ownership. Regardless of the negative impact these new building codes may have on the local housing market and Columbia’s low-
62
l
November 2013 Prime Magazine
income citizens, these progressive City Council members can hold their heads high knowing that Columbia, Mo., is once again setting the national standard for dogooders, tree huggers and wacky liberal thinking. A similar progressive movement is underway with the city’s underutilized public transit system. Convinced that Columbians should be less reliant on their motor vehicles, City Council members are devising a scheme that would prop up the financial failings of our public transit system — a system that has been unresponsive, nonviable and impractical for decades. While council members have avoided publicly announcing their intentions, there is a considerable amount of posturing that would leave City Hall watchers with the impression that council members are getting ready to pursue either a new sales tax or an increased property tax to further subsidize Columbia’s public transit system. I am concerned about the empty buses I see all over town, but I am bothered more by the notion of throwing more money at the problem. I am also weary of any efforts to secretly divert funding to public transit coffers. It is being widely reported that now you cannot purchase a parking permit in certain downtown parking garages without also having to get a bus pass. Such a move by the city would imply that our parking utility is already subsidizing public transit. The nonsense from our City Council seems almost endless — rest assured there is more to come. Unfortunately little will change unless the citizens of Columbia are willing to pay attention and hold council members accountable for their actions. While most cities are worried about financial solvency, creating jobs and public safety, five members of our council are busy pushing forward their own personal agendas. Let us hope that an engaged citizenry stops them in their tracks before they bankrupt our city.
Fred Parry, fred@insidecolumbia.net
Inside Columbiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s PRIME OutFront Communications, LLC 47 E. Broadway Columbia, MO 65203
PRSRT STD U.S. Postage
PAID
Columbia, MO Permit 286