COMO | September 2020

SEPTEMBER 2020 | T HE CO MMUNITY ISSU E | A PU B L ICATION OF TH E B U SIN E SS TIM E S COM PAN Y

KNERR FAMILY COMMUTES ON THE NEW SHEPARD TO ROLLINS TRAIL

TIGHT-KNIT NEIGHBORHOODS GET CREATIVE DURING QUARANTINE Page 49 COLUMBIA APPROACHES ITS 200TH YEAR Page 90

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SEPTEMBER 2020

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SEPTEMBER 2020

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Letter from the Publisher

A

s has become a common joke for all of us, 2020 has become the year of change. Everything has changed — the way we interact with other people, our shopping habits, how we spend our free time, and even how we educate our children. That element of change has even affected the way we have planned our issues here at COMO Magazine.

The September issue was originally planned to be our annual Man Issue, which has historically been an issue we have used to explore what masculinity looks like in our community in many different ways. (Calm down . . . we also do the Women's Issue in the spring ). However, this year . . . it just didn’t feel right. We decided to pivot and focus on the ways in which our community supported each other during this crazy year so far. Thus, the Community Issue was born.

It was very important for us to look at all the ways we might have come together as a community — in our faith, in our neighborhoods, and even as we were isolated in our homes. We explore how COMO stayed committed to celebrating milestones during stay at home orders in “It Takes a Village.� (page 49) Mental health awareness and resources are provided in “Help is Here� (page 52) as we all struggle with months on months of difficult and unforeseen change in our lives. And, of course, everyone needs a little furball in their life to snuggle with. Why not a chinchilla? Learn more about these little snugglebuddies on page 21.

What remains most important to us at COMO Magazine is how we honor all of our community. We remain committed to telling

đ&#x;˜€

ON THE COVER

All in This Together

Biking is a lifestyle for the Knerrs (cover and page 45). They take walks with their young kids on strider bikes. Caleb Knerr competes in cycling races and enjoys spending his Saturdays biking 60-plus mile loops. Kelsie Knerr often bikes to work. With all their riding experience, they've explored quite a few trails in Columbia. Here are three bike trails they recommend:

Everything has changed — the way we interact with other people, our shopping habits, how we spend our free time, and even how we educate our children.

Grindstone Trail Experience: Slow and easy The paved trail has multiple creek crossings to keep the kids entertained by throwing rocks and searching for shells in the sand. The paved trail makes it easy for bikes and strollers. Plus there is scattered shade to keep things cool.

Shepard to Rollins Experience: The commute Kelsie says biking with her daughter Katy after preschool is more than just a ride home. “It helps me get time with her to hear about her day,� she says. “Since we go on the trails, it is quiet and gives her time to decompress some before we get home and little sis wants mom’s attention.�

MKT Experience: Wetlands and wildlife Caleb enjoys the variety of habitats along the beloved trail as he takes it out to the river. Spotting deer, ducks, owls, hawks, and other wildlife as he goes is a bonus.

S EPTEM B ER 2020 | THE CO M M UNITY ISSUE | A PUBLICAT ION OF T HE BUSINE SS T IME S COMPANY

the stories of all the ways in which your unique contributions and authentic selves come together to form this great little city in which we all live, work, and play. If you have any thoughts or suggestions on ideas for future issues, please contact me at Erica@ comomag.com. I genuinely want to hear from you. I hope you enjoy the read!

KNERR FAMILY COMMUTES ON THE NEW SHEPARD TO ROLLINS TRAIL

TIGHT-KNIT NEIGHBORHOODS GET CREATIVE DURING QUARANTINE Page 49 COLUMBIA APPROACHES ITS 200TH YEAR Page 90

Kelsie, Caleb, Katy, and Annie Knerr ride down the new Shepard to Rollins Trail in biking outfits from Walt’s Bike Shop.

ERICA PEFFERMAN PUBLISHER

Photo by Keith Borgmeyer

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SEPTEMBER 2020

President Erica Pefferman

Erica@comomag.com

Senior Vice President Fran Patrick Fran@comomag.com

EDITORIAL Publisher Erica Pefferman Erica@comomag.com

Editor Fran Patrick

Fran@comomag.com

Managing Editor Kim Ambra

Kim@comomag.com

Department Editor Hannah Kueck

Hannah@comomag.com

DESIGN Art Director Cassidy Shearrer

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Senior Graphic Designer Jordan Watts Jordan@comomag.com

Graphic Designer Sadie Thibodeaux Sadie@comomag.com

MARKETING REPRESENTATIVES Director of Sales Bonnie Hudson Bonnie@comomag.com

Account Executive Charles Bruce Charles@comomag.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Keith Borgmeyer, Kevin Dingman, Fatma El-Walid, Anthony Jinson, Sadie Thibodeaux , Chase Thompson

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Operations Manager Amy Ferrari Amy@comomag.com

INTERNS Christine Pham, McKenna Neville, Alyssa Shikles

OUR MISSION

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

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Nicole Flood, Katie Perry Harris, Kermit Miller, McKenna Neville, Christine Pham, Alyssa Shikles, Jennifer Truesdale, Amanda Long, Leigh Ann Barnett, David Morrison ON T H EM E

If you were the president of a fan club, what would the club be about?

Nickie Davis Advisory Board Member

Barbie Banks Advisory Board Member

Teresa Snow Advisory Board Member

Carrie Gartner Advisory Board Member

Small business!

A town is only as unique as the small businesses that reside in it.

How boring would life be if we only had big box stores and restaurants?

Support local businesses!

Shop small!

I would be the president of the Charo fan club. She is such a delight.

During the initial shut down during the pandemic, her instagram inspired me to enter each day with joy instead of worry! She is talented, funny as heck, and a trailblazer.

I would be president of a horse lover’s fan club! I rode a couple of times when I was growing up but had to wait many decades to own my own horse. Thanks to my husband, who cares for our horses, I enjoy riding on our farm and connecting with others who ride!

I'd love to recreate the old Victory Garden Clubs of the WWII era but instead call them COVID Garden Clubs. We'd share recipes for all the tomatoes we're now harvesting.

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FEATURES

94 WHAT’S NEW ON THE LOOP?

SEPTEMBER 2020 | The Community Issue

Explore what’s being built and discover new favorites on The Loop.

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45

75

Publisher’s Letter

FAVORITE FINDS

LOCAL GOVERNMENT

LIVING

On the Trail

In The Hot Seat

52

49

78

HELP IS HERE

19 ART & CULTURE

FRIENDS & FAMILY

Immersive Connections

It Takes a Village

21

65

PET FRIENDLY

COUPLE YOU

A Little Spunk-y

SHOULD KNOW

23 WELLNESS The Nutrition of

John and Jacqueline Kelly

WORKING

CELEBRATIONS Monarch Title Company

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT The BOLD Academy

83 BUSINESS UPDATE The District CID

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87

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CLOSER LOOK

PERSON YOU SHOULD KNOW

The Front Porch Project

38

70 BRIEFLY IN THE NEWS

GOURMET

73

A Family Affair

MOVERS & SHAKERS

dealing with mental health during the pandemic.

80

Comfort Food

HOMES

How to find resources for

Margaret Conroy

106

58 FAITH IN COMMUNITY A look into the world religions right here in Columbia.

90 200 YEARS IN THE MAKING A look into the planning of

THIS OR THAT

Columbia’s big bicentennial

Matt McCormick

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Living

45

38

ON THE TRAIL

A FAMILY AFFAIR

How Tryathletics, Cyclex, and Walt’s Bike Shop have continued to help the community throughout the pandemic.

Your new favorite restaurant is a familyrun soul food operation running out of the back room at Rose Music Hall.

65 COUPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW John and Jacqueline Hall Kelly share their first impressions of each other, relationship advice, and more.

18

SEPTEMBER 2020

Living

ART & CULTURE

Immersive Connections The Kay Brothers use live streams to connect with fans during the pandemic.

BY CHRISTINE PHAM PHOTO PROVIDED BY KEVIN DINGMAN

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has brought a whirlwind of change. Our everyday experiences during this pandemic have altered many industries in a lasting way, with one of those being local entertainment. This past year, summer was booked full of festivals, shows, and tours. However, a full-stop has been placed on these plans. The pandemic has left a trail of delays and cancellations. Now, local bands like the Kay Brothers have found new possibilities for the future.

The Kay Brothers are a local “Ozark stompgrass” band, a term that the band coined themselves. Pat Kay is the captain of the Kay Brothers and the talent buyer for the Blue Note, giving him a unique experience in the live entertainment world.

The pandemic has allowed them “to divert our attention to the things that will make us stronger for when we resume business,” Pat says, like their new online merch store. It has also made Pat look at the use of social media

in a different light in relation to the band.

With their only way of bringing music to the public taken away, local entertainers turned to social media as an outlet for themselves and their fans. The Kay Brothers have utilized Facebook for online concerts and live streams that generated positive feedback.

Pat sees live streaming as a new normal. “I see this industry moving in a direction where the real question is how and when the ability to view the show live will be synonymous with the physical show,” he says.

Due to the “commonality” of live streams, Pat explains, “venues and venue production will inevitably be helping to create the performance being watched at home. If that virtual concert experience becomes a replacement for some people to the live show, I believe revenue will need to be made to keep that high-quality production.” He notes this change in the industry is due to the many working parts of the people involved in making the experience.

The band has used live streaming just once for a full online concert. “Our show experience does not translate well on live stream,”

Pat says. “We are more of an immersive experience. It’s not just about us or what we’re playing, but also the crowd that assembles there.”

Instead, Pat plans on using streaming as a platform to talk to fans through sessions like Q&As. “It’s easier for fans to talk and connect with artists on a more individual level,” Pat says. “The band was built on creating a certain atmosphere for people, and if we can’t recreate that experience, then we don’t have a live product that we want to share. I have maintained my personal opinion that the magic and energy of live music comes from the fact that it is alive. A loop of energy created by us emitting energy and the crowd reciprocating it.”

Pat is excited for The Kay Brothers to use streaming in a way that stays true to themselves — creating an immersive experience through their music with impactful connections to their fans. He also advocates for people to think of their favorite bands during this “cultural loss.”

He says: “Live performances are how [artists] pay their bills. If we don’t continue to support the artists trying to work, we will miss out on a lot of talent.”

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SEPTEMBER 2020

Living

PET FRIENDLY

A Little Spunk-y Rae Willis shares her experience with her pet chinchilla, Spunky.

BY CHRISTINE PHAM

R

ae Willis and her husband wanted a pet for their family; however, they faced some problems when deciding what pet to buy. Rae says: “My husband loves dogs and I love cats. We could never agree on what to get because we each hate the other. So when his cousin was getting rid of her chinchilla, she offered him to us and we decided that was the best option for us. Spunky [the chinchilla] has been great.”

Rae says, “Chinchillas are a low-maintenance pet and are great with kids.” Family is important to Rae, so she wanted to make sure she got the perfect pet for hers. Spunky has been a great addition, and has checked all of the boxes for Rae’s family, especially for her daughter.

“Chinchillas are social creatures,” Rae says.

“Chinchillas, therefore, fi ll their need for socialization with people. He is great to get out to hold or pet. He is fun to watch and can eat off our daughter’s hand.”

Spunky has never tried to bite or scratch her daughter, showing Rae how friendly Chinchillas are, especially her Spunky. “They’re a good pet for kids,” she says. “They are cute and cuddly.”

Rae and her family enjoy putting Spunky in his ball to run around the house, and she makes little puzzles for him to solve to get to his food. Though chinchillas are a family-friendly addition to any family, they are fragile creatures. Rae says Spunky, in the past, has had two broken bones and now walks with a little limp.

“Chinchillas have fragile bones that can break easily, so as long as you teach young children to be gentle, they’re a good pet for kids,” Rae says.

A positive of having a chinchilla is that they’re hypoallergenic. Even people who are usually allergic to pets can have a chinchilla, and they don’t get fleas due to their dense fur.

"Chinchillas are a low maintenance pet and are great with kids."

The only downside of Spunky, in Rae’s view, is his pooping habit. Chinchillas can poop about 240 times a day, so you have to clean their cages at least once a week. Though, on the plus side, the poop is tiny and doesn’t smell. Rae says, “They are adorable little pooping machines that poop all of the time.”

Rae has also pleasantly learned that chinchillas don’t need baths. Or at least not traditional baths. Their fur is so dense they could not get dried properly if they got wet.

Instead, they get dust baths. Rae says you fi ll a bowl with a special dust, and then they roll around in it to get clean. Spunky loves his bath time.

If you’re thinking of getting a chinchilla, Spunky is an encouraging example. Rae explains that chinchillas are pretty inexpensive to keep.

Purchasing the chinchilla and getting all of the supplies to take care of it is the most expensive part — after these initial purchases, the upkeep of their chinchilla is about $5 or less a month.

COMOMAG.COM

21

Living

WELLNESS

The Nutrition of Comfort Food How to maintain a healthy mindset towards eating while living at home.

BY ALYSSA SHIKLES

C

ooking is not my hobby. I’m the kind of girl who flinches at boiling water, gets anxiety using most kitchen appliances, and has stuck a metal fork in the microwave one too many times.

At least, that’s how I was before COVID. Amid all of the stress, uncertainty, and waves of boredom that came hand-in-hand with the pandemic, I’ve found myself experimenting with recipes and foods. I started looking forward to prepping new meals, and I found a semblance of control in the kitchen that was desperately needed.

You maybe have experienced a similar change over the past few months, where your interactions with food simply don’t look the same as they did before. In a time of instability, food has become the source of comfort that many people, including me, have turned to.

As eating continues to play a larger role in our lives, it is now more important than ever to establish healthy habits, including learning how to moderate our intake as we stay at home.

Jennifer Tveitnes, a dietician and nutrition counselor, offers us some advice on how to be healthy while still enjoying the foods we love.

A NUTRITIOUS MINDSET Though our attitudes around food have been geared towards comfort lately, Jennifer says our primary eating goal should be to give our body the nutrition it needs to feel good.

“Before we put something in our mouths, we should stop and ask ourselves what that food is doing for us,” she says.

While some foods can directly increase energy, muscle growth, and digestive health, others can leave you feeling sluggish and overstuffed. Finding meals rich in nutrients can have an enormous impact on how both your mind and body feel.

Though eating healthy sometimes comes with a negative stigma of eating flavorless foods, Jennifer says that doesn’t have to be the case. “I think food should equal fuel plus fun,” she says. “Food is meant to fuel our bodies and give us good nutrition, but it is also

“Food is meant to fuel our bodies and give us good nutrition, but it is also meant to be enjoyed at the same time. Nutritious food doesn’t have to be bad or boring.”

—Jennifer Tveitnes,dietician and nutrition counselor meant to be enjoyed at the same time. Nutritious food doesn’t have to be bad or boring.”

SET REALISTIC GOALS THAT WORK FOR YOU Sometimes when we want to get on board with healthy eating and living, we tend to go over the top, crafting too-high expectations and stressing out over the numbers on the scale. Those goals aren’t always beneficial, Jennifer says, and health should be a priority over dropping pounds.

“If you try to change too much, then it’s going to be overwhelming,” Jennifer says. “Just pick one or maybe a few small things to work on, making small and achievable goals. That way, you can celebrate those goals when you accomplish them.”

Meal planning, partaking in physical activity, mindfully eating by taking small bites, and getting enough sleep are just a few small goals that can set you on the right path towards a healthier lifestyle as a whole.

ALL FOOD IS MEANT TO BE ENJOYED Yes, that even means those unhealthy foods you can’t let go of. Jennifer explains that as long as there is moderation and balance, no foods are bad, off-limits, or shameful.

“I really like the 80/20 rule,” Jennifer says.

“Eighty percent of your diet should be nutritious foods, and 20 percent can be fun or foods that don’t provide as much nutrition.”

So if coping with quarantine means you want to dig into some Ben & Jerry’s, do it! Just don’t forget to balance out your day with other nutrients that will fuel your body and mind to be at their peak performance along the way.

COMOMAG.COM

23

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SEPTEMBER 2020

the project

How front porches have played a role in business endeavors and family memories during the pandemic.

BY HA N N A H KUECK | PH OTO S BY L A NA E K LU ND

Living

HOMES

A

front porch is often the fi rst thing you see when you look at a house.

And just like any other space in a home, styling and curating a look for a front porch where friends and family can gather takes time and careful planning.

During the stay-at-home orders, front porches played a vital role for many Columbia families and even a local photographer. They were a space to escape the confining walls of the home and enjoy fresh Missouri air, to watch children and dogs play, or to simply drink a warm cup of freshly brewed coffee to start the day.

A Photographer During A Pandemic During this time, Lana Eklund, photographer and owner of Art and Soul, was looking for more business, as the weddings she had been booked to shoot had been canceled or postponed until 2021.

She joined in with several other photographers around the country to begin her own series of the Front Porch Project, where she would capture family portraits on their front porches — socially distanced, of course.

“As the shutdown started and quarantine was taking place, I started hearing rumblings of other photographers in bigger cities of this idea being shared, and I thought this was a beautiful way to capture this tricky time,” Lana says.

Lana emailed and shared with her followers an announcement of her new photography endeavor, not knowing how many responses to expect. “I thought maybe five families would do it, but it kind of exploded. I think people really connected with the idea,” she says. In the end, Lana photographed 30 different front porch sessions for families around Columbia.

Despite the multiple cancellations Lana experienced with studio and wedding sessions, the Front Porch Project eased some worry and helped people feel connected during a disjointed time. “I feel like the Front Porch Project springboarded things back into life. It helped keep things flowing during the really hard and tricky times,” Lana says. Now that stay-at-home orders are no more, Lana has been able to resume her normal business with masks and proper social distancing measures.

COMOMAG.COM

25

Living

HOMES

A Place of With three different seating areas in the front of the traditional Victorian-style home, Alissa Wood loves inviting people to gather and relax. It’s a space where Alissa can sit and enjoy the Missouri weather and time with her family.

Decorated with an abundance of flowers, each sitting space has a touch of greenery to help keep things cozy. “I like to keep things mathematical, so every two sections of decking has a flower hanging or a plant hanging,” Alissa says. “When people look at

26

SEPTEMBER 2020

love

[my front porch], I want them to know that there’s love here.”

The charm of Alissa’s front porch (and the home behind it) is something that she remains grateful for nearly four years after moving from Texas to Columbia. She makes a point to reflect on how God blessed her family through their home.

The family’s front porch holds so many special memories for Alissa. “I have a picture of the fi rst four kids on my porch swing, all lined up together, eating popsicles in the middle of

the summer,” Alissa remembers. “They were just beaming with laughter.”

The front porch has been a place of laughter, a place to play (especially during quarantine), and even a place of naps for the family, another one of Alissa’s favorite memories on the front porch.

“The key to making a front porch come together is to fi nd what you love. Make those spaces comfortable so you want to be in them — that’s what gives them life,” Alissa says.

house

Living

A Full

With a niece and four children, three of whom have returned to the family’s brickand-stone Tudor home during the pandemic, Jodie Brand had a full house during the stay-at-home orders. “We have six people in our house on a regular basis,” she says.

With so many bodies in the house, the front porch and seating area played a big role in the family’s relaxation time, especially

when her son and his fiancée came to visit the family.

“When my son and his fiancée came to see us from Kansas City, they were very cautious about social distance, so it was easy to sit out there or on the terrace,” Jodie says.

Jodie takes pride in having a welcoming atmosphere for her home. And the front porch helps to encourage this inviting atmosphere

HOMES

through interaction with others in the neighborhood. The cobblestone seating area is a perfect space to enjoy a glass of wine or warm cup of coffee in the morning as the family enjoys the yard and chats with the neighbors. Jodie says that it’s these small interactions with neighbors that created the welcoming atmosphere.

“When people are out there, people gather,” Jodie says.

COMOMAG.COM

27

Living

HOMES

place

A for Free-Range Children At Kyle Dyer’s farmhouse-style home, the front porch is where she can sit on her cushioned bench and watch her kids play with the other neighborhood children and race their bikes. “I like to sit on that bench and watch the kids. We call them ‘free-range children’ since they run all over the cul-de-sac area,” Kyle says with a laugh.

The front porch is a space that the whole family enjoys watching evolve. Kyle changes decorations with each holiday and sea-

28

SEPTEMBER 2020

son, and her kids love to see the changes she makes. “My boys will get off the bus and come home excited about the Halloween decorations,” Kyle says.

Kyle and her family spent a lot of time on the front porch during the stay-at-home orders. So many memories were made, including watching her 3-year-old girl learning how to ride her bike with training wheels, seeing caterpillars transform into beautiful butterfl ies, and watching her boys ex-

plore the art of origami. It forced her family to slow down and spend time together that wasn’t out-and-about. “[The pandemic] made us have those memories that I don’t know we would've had if we were racing around,” Kyle says.

The pandemic brought uncertainty upon everyone, but it also made us pause our hectic lives and enjoy the little moments — like spending time on the front porch in the fickle Missouri weather.

Living

Little Outside of city limits on the southwest side of Columbia, Brei Cornell and her family enjoy the seclusion and space of their home where she and her husband can watch their kids grow, play, and feel comfortable. Comfort and “hominess” are a priority for Brei, especially when it comes to her front porch. “I love to play and experiment with flower pots, and I’ve always dreamed of having rocking

by

chairs on my front porch, which I now have,” she says.

Th is area of their home has been a great place for Brei to have a place to sit, drink a cup of coffee, and watch the kids play with the puppy. It’s such a vital part of the family’s home that it’s where Brei starts her mornings every day at 7 a.m. as she sips her coffee and takes their puppy out for its

HOMES

Little morning bathroom break. The kids follow suit as they get their scooters and trikes out to ride around.

“The flowers-and-rocking-chairs is what I was going for, little by little,” Brei says. “I add something to it every year. I’m definitely adding a new flower pot every year, or even a new little garden stool. I’m always adding to it — nothing is ever finished at our house.”

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We are Monarch.

Monarch Title Company is dedicated to our clients at all times. We value the importance of helping the community we live and work in thrive. During this time we are proud to offer solutions, not only for the immediate situation but going forward to make our closing business more efficient for our customers.

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Visit us online at monarchtitle.com COLUMBIA

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111 E. Broadway, Ste. 100 Columbia, MO 65203 Phone: 573-441-0725

305 E. McCarty, Ste 300 Jefferson City, MO 65101 Phone: 573-556-6214

515 E. Morgan St. Boonville, MO 65233 Phone: 660-882-2888

614 W. Lockling Brookfield, MO 64628 Phone: 660-258-3939

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Bennett Arey

Jacob Porter

Anne Tuckley

Jake Baumgartner

Ross Kulik

TRACY AREY REAL ESTATE

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ANNE TUCKLEY HOME

BAUMGARTNER’S FURNITURE

TLC MORTGAGE

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Fall Vibes

By Bennett Arey Find more at tracyarey.com

W

ant to know how to really make your home stand out on the market this fall? It’s as easy as a welcoming front entry.

Our simplest suggestion is a fall wreath, of course, but if you’re looking for that extra inviting flair, we suggest getting creative with your autumnal decor!

With summer blooms fading, it’s time to think about how to revamp the color and dimension surrounding your front door. We suggest finding plants that transition into fall well, such as barberries, mums, or even ferns that hold their color well into the season.

Simply swapping out the colors of your plants can help you to transition your space’s vibe from a “summer-y” one into a fall one.

Using dried florals and plants can also help encourage a seasonal shift in atmosphere.

When planning out your porch or entryway, balance is key. Make sure the weight, or size, of your decor on one side matches the other.

Remember, your goal is to guide buyers’ eyes from the street to your front door so you’ll want to keep it simple, yet intentional.

A cute idea we love for this season are painted house numbers on pumpkins. It’s a simple — and cheap! — way to add a personalized touch to your decorating.

Whether you are going all out with pumpkins, bales of hay, and dried corn stalks, or looking for a sleeker, more simple approach, your efforts will make all the difference as buyers leave with a lasting first impression of your home.

Dr. and Dr. Jenkins and their children Ellie Kate and Luke

Bennett Arey

TRACY AREY REAL ESTATE Whether it’s buying or selling, new or existing, Bennett Arey is experienced in all aspects of residential real estate. Being an agent makes him feel so lucky — every day, he gets to work alongside amazing clients and help them to accomplish business and personal goals. Outside of real estate, he is blessed to come home to his high school sweetheart, Alexis, and their sassy two-year-old, Eleanor. One thing you might not know about Bennett is that he loves remodeling homes! Alexis and Bennett have completed three full home renovations in the last few years and Bennett can do most of the work from the floors up!

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Sod vs. Seed: How to Choose

By Jacob Porter Find more at rostlandscaping.com

W

hether you are completing a new construction project or finishing up a landscape renovation, one of the last items to take care of is installing or repairing the lawn. A poor lawn can leave a nicely done landscape or patio, looking unfinished.

Deciding how to finish out the yard is just as important as any other aspect of the project.

The two most common options to consider are sod and seed. Before you decide which option to go with, there are a few questions that need to be considered that will help make the decision — how will the lawn be watered, what time of the year it is, and your budget all play a role in choosing between sod and seed.

HOW WILL THE LAWN BE WATERED? The first — and most important — question to consider is how the new lawn will be watered. Brand new sod requires excessive amounts of water every day for two to three weeks, depending on weather conditions.

Sod requires a lot of attention to make sure it stays healthy and takes root. Having an irrigation system is almost a must if sod is the desired option. If you do have an irrigation system, sod is a great choice that

can give instant satisfaction. If there is no irrigation present, try seeding the lawn instead. While seeding does not require as much water or attention, it doesn’t provide immediate green space like sod would.

WHAT TIME OF YEAR IS IT? Knowing what time of the year the lawn is being installed is just as important as the watering. Seeding fescue cannot be done at any time throughout the year, and has a smaller window of opportunity compared to sodding. Early fall presents itself as the best time to seed a lawn when the temperatures are staying around the upper 60s and lower 70s. This time of year, along with adequate water, gives the best germination and sometimes gives results just as good as sod.

Early spring is also a great opportunity to seed. With the correct watering, sod can be

installed almost any time of the year except for winter. Since it is already growing, we do not have to worry about temperatures for germination.

WHAT DOES MY BUDGET ALLOW? One more factor that helps in making the decision is your budget. Installing sod tends to be more expensive than seeding the lawn, but offers instant gratification. Seeding is much less costly, but it can take longer to get the green yard that you want, and sometimes takes another application if it does not germinate properly.

When finishing off your landscape project, how you finish the lawn can make all the difference. Asking yourself these three questions can help make the decision between sod and seed much easier and get you that lawn that neighbors are jealous of.

Jacob Porter

ROST LANDSCAPING Jacob comes from the small town of California, Missouri. With his plant science degree from MU and six years with Rost, he enjoys creating exciting outdoor spaces for his clients. Watching these creations come to life is only one highlight of being a designer for Rost. When he is not designing, he enjoys spending time with his wife and son, tournament bass fishing, and a little bit of woodworking.

573-445-4465 | ROSTLANDSCAPING.COM

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A Fresh Change 1.

By Anne Tuckley Find more at AnneTuckleyhome.com

THIS IS THE YEAR no one expected.

The sudden shift in our lives has created an immense opportunity for both personal reflection and the chance to tackle those future projects. Whether the pandemic has led you to realize you need more space, you need less space, or you are simply bored — and that’s okay too — now is the perfect time to freshen up your environment and add value to your house.

The following are three incredibly simple design projects that can increase the value of your home by several thousand.

2.

Paint your front door. Aside from giving an updated look to your home, painting your door can impact the value of your home by several thousand. And what is typically the most valuable color for a front door? Black. Whether it’s a little dress or a door, the color black makes a powerful statement. Want to know a secret? The amount of paint plus supplies necessary to paint a door will set you back about $50. I’ll bet $50 for a potential $1,000 return, or even $100, any day.

Replace your knobs. They may be small, but they are powerful. Knobs show wear and tear, which can, in turn, age your

3.

entire cabinetry by association. Brand new knobs provide a revamped look to any kitchen, and done in conjunction with a beautiful, bold, paint job, can create a brand new look to both your cabinets and your kitchen.

Update your backsplash. Granite, marble, and quartz counters are loved for a reason.

They are naturally stunning, but this natural beauty comes with a hefty price tag. If you are looking to sell, hold off on installing a new piece of stone and instead opt for an updated backsplash. A new tile job can add personality and value.

Happy designing!

Anne Tuckley

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

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

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A Winning Space

By Jake Baumgartner Find more at baumgartners.com

S

ports are finally back, and even though you might not be able to go to the stadiums to cheer on your favorite teams, you can keep the spirit alive as you relax in your living room with your friends and family.

At Baumgartner’s, we have you covered.

Here are some tips for how you can turn your living room into the perfect space to host social distancing-appropriate gatherings to watch your favorite football team run the field this season.

You want to make sure your fellow fans are comfortable as they cheer on the best team; therefore, having an ample amount of seating for everyone is a must. At Baumgartner’s, we have a large selection of seating for you to choose from. Relax and sway with a rocking or gliding reclining chair, seat two people comfortably on a sleek La-Z-Boy reclining love seat, or seat all of your fellow watchers on a sectional sofa that can be customized to fit your space perfectly.

You can’t have a party without snacks.

Adding side tables and a statement coffee table not only accents the room, but they can also double as a place to hold your drinks and hors d’oeuvres during the game. From farmhouse to chic to sleek and modern, we carry several different styles for you to choose from to go along with the overall aesthetic of your home.

Add a statement piece to your space with our collection of cabinets and consoles. With our selection of hidden treasure consoles and cabinets, you’ll have the perfect display for your television, and you can hide your family’s collection of movies and games below.

Are you ready to turn your living room into the perfect space for a sports-watching party? Whatever your project, we’re here to help. Visit our showrooms in Columbia and Auxvasse and let our staff help you find everything you need for your living room.

Jake Baumgartner

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

573-256-6288 BAUMGARTNERS.COM

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Total Lending Concepts in COMO is Growing!

By Ross Kulik Find more at tlclender.com

T

otal Lending Concepts isn’t new to the mortgage world — or Columbia, MO, for that matter. TLC has been around Columbia since 2015, providing all types of mortgages to hundreds of mid-Missourians.

To say that we are excited about the next chapter for TLC in Columbia would be an understatement.

Later this year, we will move into our new office at the corner of Broadway and Providence. Used for various purposes throughout the years, this prime location will become the home of Total Lending Concepts in Columbia in November.

The rehab and refresh of the building is happening now. An older brick model is being replaced with walls of windows and a modern look to reflect TLC and its place in the mortgage landscape in mid-Missouri.

It will be a great addition to the downtown cityscape, and we couldn’t be more excited to call it home.

Our team of local TLC loan officers is growing as well. A team that started with me as the single loan officer several years ago has blossomed into one of the fastestgrowing, hardest-working teams in the community and around the state.

TLC also has a growing operation in Jefferson City as well as the “Four State” area in southwest Missouri. Additionally, TLC operates in a dozen or so other states with new branches opening all the time.

The mortgage industry can be a tough nut

to crack. Total Lending Concepts decided to do things differently. Basing their model on strong customer service and going the extra mile for their clients, TLC has made a name for itself around the country since its inception just 10 years ago.

With thousands of five-star Google reviews to back up their claims, TLC is the market leader in customer service. While some mortgage lenders churn through leads simply to meet quotas, TLC sees each lead as a chance to create a memorable homebuying experience for a member of their local community.

Mortgages have gotten increasingly more complicated over the years. New regulations and compliance needs have made it nearly impossible for the normal person to understand what they’re engaging in. Simply put, TLC does the work and lets you enjoy the fruits of our labor.

You can learn more about Total Lending Concepts at tlclender.com, or by calling our Columbia office at 573-303-3844.

And be on the lookout for a Grand Opening invite for our new office in the coming months. We can’t wait for you to see it!

Ross Kulik

TOTAL LENDING CONCEPTS Ross grew up in St. Louis, but calls Columbia, MO home. He is married with two wonderful daughters and two sweet dogs. Over the last 20 years, he has counseled numerous families on how to purchase and refinance their homes. As you may know, the mortgage industry has changed immensely. How do you know who will best help you through this process with honesty and integrity? Ross’s repeat customers say that he made their transactions effortless, and they appreciate his honest and straightforward approach. When Ross is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family, hiking, and biking on the many trails and parks in and around his hometown.

The

University of Missouri student-run florist specializing in cutting-edge design making your wedding or special event a spectacular affair.

Our special events division focuses on weddings, receptions, large-scale events, and more.

From the Mizzou campus to beyond the City of Columbia, we bring inspirations to life, one bloom at a time.

573.884.1191 • Tigergarden.missouri.edu • tigergardenspecialevents@missouri.edu

y l i m a F A

rant is a u a t s e r e it r o v nning u Your new fa r n io t a r e p o ul food family-run so usic Hall.

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SEPTEMBER 2020

Living

GOURMET

EY ER TH B O R G M TO S B Y K EI O H P | G N A LO O D EA U X

BY AMAND SA D IE TH IB ST YL ED B Y

r i a f f A COMOMAG.COM

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Living

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n occasion, when meeting someone for the first time, there is an immediate level of comfort and authenticity that makes it seem like you’ve always been acquainted. For me, the affable, enveloping handshake of Gerald Nathan Sr. certainly felt like that of an old friend rather than someone I only just met.

Sitting in the courtyard of Rose Music Hall, whose kitchen is the new home to South Florida Style Chicken and Ribs, proprietor and chef Gerald Nathan Sr. shared the secrets of his success. Well, at least some of them.

Where It Began

Originally from southern Florida’s Boynton Beach, Gerald and his wife, Kim, and their five children, Brandi, Bridgette, Gerald Jr., Bethany, and Jeremiah, moved to Concord, North Carolina in 2006. During their time there, Gerald Sr. founded the Cabarrus County Youth Sports Program where his oldest son, Gerald Jr., played football.

To raise money for the football team, Gerald, with the help of his family, began cooking and selling his flavorful, home-cooked fare.

The goal was to raise enough money so that children who couldn’t afford registration and equipment costs could play for free. Growing up in a close, supportive family, Gerald Sr. wanted to provide that same uplifting atmosphere to the kids whose family support was lacking or non-existent.

Gratefully, Gerald shares, “The Nathan family has had my back since day one. To raise money for these kids, sometimes we’d get to the football field before dawn and wouldn’t leave until after dark.” He remembers once when, years after playing in the program, one of the kids from his football team sent Gerald $400 in cash to try to repay what the Nathans had done for him so long ago. Gerald was pleasantly surprised and deeply touched by the impact he and his family had made.

In 2014, when Gerald Jr. was in high school, the Nathan family moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, to help boost his football career.

Gerald told his son, “In order to measure yourself, you got to play against the best.” The move paid off. Upon graduation, Gerald Jr. had 21 scholarship offers to choose from.

It was during his time in Charlotte that Gerald formulated his secret seasoning that gives the distinctively delicious flavor to almost everything he cooks. Ironically, Gerald divulges that he has never actually liked the

“Thank God he chose [Columbia] because it is a hidden jewel that a lot of folks don’t know anything about. There’s a lot of good going on here.” taste of pork, and his seasoning came from seeking a way to make the meat more palatable. After mixing a variety of spices together in varying amounts, he landed on a ratio that worked. This was the invention of his South Florida-style seasoning. “It cuts the pork in the pork,” Gerald describes.

Making the Move

Gerald Jr. had already committed to Colorado State when, family in tow, he made a visit to Columbia and subsequently fell in love with the Mizzou coaches and team and the hospitable town. Promising to move wherever Gerald Jr. decided to play football, Gerald Sr. was pleased when he ultimately opted for the Mizzou Tigers. “Thank God he chose this place because it is a hidden jewel that a lot

GOURMET

of folks don’t know anything about,” Gerald says. “There’s a lot of good going on here.”

After moving to Columbia and becoming food safety certified and licensed with the help of the local health inspector, the Nathans began setting up their food tent in various Columbia locations including Macadoodles, Cooper’s Landing, and Veterans United Home Loans. The soul food menu including southern staples such as ribs, lamb, fried fish and chicken, creamy mac ’n’ cheese, and tangy collard greens quickly gained a following.

As with many tight-knit families, the Nathans have stayed close through all the changes. Gerald attributes his kitchen prowess to his mother, Marie Talbert. “Mom is the one who got our taste buds going. She made food really blessed for people,” he says. He remembers countless holidays when folks piled in their house to eat her cooking. He chuckles as he discloses, “She’s the big boss — the big chief.

Even today, her food is better than mine.”

Due to a high standard regarding the madefrom-scratch food he serves, Gerald says that he is the sole preparer of all the menu items.

Taking little credit, though, he says, “My family is the reason for my success.” With Kim at the register, son Jeremiah on the fryers, and his daughters, Brandi, Bridgette, and Bethany, helping as needed, Gerald stands by his motto “try it before you buy it,” offering free tastes to those who stop by, resulting in scores of satisfied customers.

In June 2020, Gerald was approached by Matt Gerding and Scott Leslie, owners of Rose Music Hall, who invited South Florida Style Chicken and Ribs to move into their vacant kitchen space. Today, the Nathans are currently serving their comfort food menu to concert-goers in addition to those stopping by the tent at their usual Columbia locations.

Gerald's secret recipe seasoning is also available to purchase at Rose Music Hall, or by contacting Gerald directly.

Not surprisingly, Gerald has big ideas for the future of South Florida Style Chicken and Ribs. He is currently expanding his food empire to It’s A Wrap Sandwich Shop. The addition will offer Cuban, chicken salad, and seafood salad sandwiches, as well as a variety of wraps.

He also plans to acclimate Columbia’s palate to souse — a spicy, vinegary stew made with pig ears, tail feet, and hog maw (pig stomach). “It’s a Florida thing. But they’re going to love it,” he says.

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Columbia welcomed Gerald Nathan Sr.’s distinctively flavorful, home-style cooking with open arms, and South Florida Style Chicken and Ribs has not only found a home, but flourished despite the pandemic that has negatively affected so many local eateries. Gerald attributes his success to his family and God. As he recounts his story, he pauses to reflect. “That’s crazy,” he says, then corrects himself and smiles. “No, that’s blessed.”

Secret Family Recipe

Mac & Cheese Approximately 20 servings

Ingredients: • 2 5-pound boxes of noodles • 16 ounces shredded sharp cheese • 16 ounces Velveeta • 2 pounds cream cheese • 1 tablespoon salt • 4 sticks of butter • 4 cans of Carnation milk • 10 eggs Directions: Boil noodles and drain. Blend milk and eggs together. Add shredded cheese and cream cheese to milk/egg mixture and then add to noodles.

Put in a large pan and bake 15 minutes on 300-degrees until bubbly.

More recipes at comomag.com

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SEPTEMBER 2020

REGISTER TODAY FOR FALL CLASSES We offer dance instruction in: • Pre-school

• Modern

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ADULT CLASSES AVAILABLE!

Fall Semester Starts August 31, 2020 NEW FOR 2020

Sign up for our monthly Children's Workshops!

Visit our website for more information.

( 5 73) 875-15 69 | d an ceart sofco lu mb i a . com 110 N 10t h St . Suit e 3, Co l umb ia , MO 6 52 0 1

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Healthy and Affordable BANG BANG S HR I M P TAC O S

Delivery Available 212 East Green Meadows 573-777-3636 LeanKitchenCo.com/columbia 44

SEPTEMBER 2020

Living

FAVORITE FINDS

How Tryathletics, Cyclex, and Walt’s Bike Shop have continued to help the community throughout the pandemic.

BY HA NNAH KUEC K

A

lthough the stay-at-home orders seem to have been issued years ago, it’s actually only been five months since we were first confined to our homes with seemingly all the time in the world on our hands. Many filled this time by binge-watching the latest Netflix originals, trying new recipes (I’ve never seen so much banana bread on my social media in my whole life), or picking up or reigniting their passion for a new hobby — specifically, cycling.

As essential businesses who help support transportation, Tryathletics, Cyclex, and Walt’s Bike Shop remained open and operating throughout the pandemic. “Our most popular items since COVID-19 [hit Columbia] would be bikes, bike accessories, bike repairs — if it has ‘bike’ in the name, it was the most popular,” Nate Smith, manager and buyer for Tryathletics, explains.

These local businesses saw several new faces throughout the pandemic who were seeking all kinds of bikes — used, new,

P h oto by Ke i t h B org m eye r

Kelsie, Katy, Annie, and Caleb Knerr ride their bikes on the Shepard to Rollins trail. Bike jerseys, bike shorts, bicycling bib shorts, cycling gloves, cycling socks, and helmets from Walt's Bike Shop.

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Living

FAVORITE FINDS

hybrid, commuter, etc. — to explore local trails or to simply pedal through town. The increased interest in cycling and the decrease in production has led to a scarcity in inventory for the industry as a whole.

So many bikes were being purchased that the businesses have had a

46

SEPTEMBER 2020

harder time trying to find more bikes to keep in stock for customers.

“This became an issue in a big way recently,” Brian Kukla, one of the owners of Cyclex, says. “We had to get creative with where we were finding bikes — we started looking at different companies that we wouldn’t

normally order from. We pivoted and started marketing our [bike repair] service more heavily than we normally would, which helped encourage people to dust off their old bikes that have been in their garage for years.”

Regardless of your cycling needs, these local businesses continue help-

ing the community and welcoming new and returning faces into the store (or at least curbside). “Unfortunately, many of the relationships [with new customers] started in the parking lot when we were closed,” Mark Bendel, service manager at Walt’s Bike Shop, says. “Hopefully that’ll change.”

Ph oto by A n t h ony J i n s on Bicycle provided by Tryathletics.

Bike helmet, cycling gloves, and cycling socks provided by Walt's Bike Shop.

Cycling jersey, bike bell, bike seat, Yo Wraps handlebar tape, key chain bottle opener, watter bottle, and bike lock provided by Cyclex.

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Quality in every aspect.

With roots conveniently close to home, Superior Garden Center is mid-Missouri’s most complete garden center with seven greenhouses and over six acres of trees, shrubs, and perennials.

2450 Trails W Ave, Columbia, MO 65202 • (573) 442-9499 • rostlandscaping.com

Wearing something new while you FaceTime a friend can be the best part of the day!

MY SISTER’S CIRCUS Now carrying embellished masks!

573-443-5618 • 1110 E. Broadway, Columbia Independent Distributor of LipSense

48

SEPTEMBER 2020

The many ways neighborhoods have come together during quarantine.

BY H A N N A H KU EC K

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The COVID-19 pandemic took a lot away from everyone — jobs, access to fundamental needs, and experiences. The opportunity to watch hard-working seniors walk across the stage to accept their diplomas; taking hundreds of photos of your kids before they leave for prom; even birthday celebrations were hindered by the pandemic. Even with social distancing orders in place, however, neighborhoods in Columbia came together and created new ways to make sure these special moments were still celebrated.

A Night to Remember On Onofrio Court in the Rothwell Heights development, neighbors gathered at the beginning of May to dance the night away and honor the two high school seniors on the block with a prom night.

Residents on Onofrio Court were sent an official invitation inviting the household to the prom. Krista Kippenberger, resident of Onofrio Court, attended the prom with her two daughters and husband. The prom was to be held during their Friday night happy hours in the cul-de-sac, a tradition the block started to pursue more frequently since the pandemic hit Columbia, and attendees were to dress up.

“We have one female senior, and she actually went and got the dress she wanted and wore it, so she had a brand new dress to wear,” Krista explains.

The neighbors of Onofrio dug out their best attire for all of the family. Men sported their best suits, women dazzled in their dresses, and even smaller children dressed up for the occasion. Krista’s daughters wore some of their favorite dresses printed with florals, lace, stripes, and even some unicorns.

Krista and her neighbors felt for the seniors who were forced to miss this pivotal event in their high school experience.

“It was actually a junior on the block that had the idea to have [the prom] for the seniors,” Krista says. Together, she and one of the seniors teamed up to plan the night, making sure everyone was involved along the way.

On the night of the Onofrio Court Prom, the cul-de-sac was decorated with a gold and purple balloon arch and

“The phrase ‘It takes a village’ has taken on a whole new meaning to me, especially when it comes to being a parent. My neighbors have helped me raise my kids — I can’t imagine my kids growing up without our neighborhood.”

— Elizabeth McKinney

twinkling lights. The residents ate dinner and celebrated their seniors — together. “It was really in that moment of the prom that it felt like the pandemic wasn’t happening. We were all together in the neighborhood, and you just forgot about the world around you for a night,” Krista says.

The night continued with father-daughter dances, family photos, and, of course, the crowning of prom royalty, which was awarded to the two seniors on the block.

The Little Things When Elizabeth McKinney thinks about her neighbors in Wyndham Ridge, she’s reminded of how grateful she is to have such a strong support system right next door. “The phrase ‘It takes a village’ has taken on a whole new meaning to me, especially when it comes to being a parent,” Elizabeth says. “My neighbors have helped me raise my kids — I can’t imagine my kids growing up without our neighborhood.”

Th is popular phrase embodies the supportive atmosphere the Wyndham Ridge neighborhood created amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Many of the larger neighborhood events were canceled to follow social distancing practices. “We need to be loving our neighbors by protecting each other,” Elizabeth explains.

Despite these cancellations, the neighborly support continued. At the beginning of quarantine, the neighborhood organized a “Helping Neighbors in Wyndham Ridge” Google Doc and Facebook page. Th is page gave people the opportunity to both sign up to help or raise their hand for support when a need arose.

“Th irty-five neighbors signed up to help either pick up and deliver groceries, share basic pantry items or cleaning supplies, share flu or cold medicine, or even walk a dog,” Elizabeth explains.

“The fact that there were 35 people to sign up to say: ‘Hey, I’m here. I’m available. And I want to help.’ It’s a comfort to know that you have support next door.”

The Wyndham Ridge residents also participated in birthday parades to celebrate residents’ special days. “During COVID-19, when a child would have

their birthday, since they couldn’t have a birthday party, they would have neighbors and friends drive by,” Elizabeth explains. “People would decorate their cars with balloons, they’d throw candy at the kids, and it was just a way that the kids could still feel celebrated while social distancing.”

If a neighbor needed a mask, one would be sewn and given to the family.

If a family needed a new puzzle to solve with their family, a neighbor would happily lend some to them. Regardless of what a family needed, the support never quit flowing through the neighborhood.

“I love our neighbors,” Elizabeth says.

“They are our people.”

Fun for Everyone Over in the Shepard neighborhood, residents got a different taste of socially distant activities with Food Truck Fridays and a bear hunt for the kids.

Since March, food trucks have been stopping into Shepard neighborhood.

On every Friday that she was available, Cara Owings, a Shepard neighborhood resident, would climb into her golf cart with her husband and drive to the park to attend the tasty event.

“We’ve had some brand new trucks come, and it has been a pleasure to help them out while they’re still learning as new business owners,” Cara explains.

“It’s a great way to still feel connected to our neighbors and to safely social distance and visit.”

The residents of Shepard Neighborhood also hosted a “bear hunt” for the children. Like a scavenger hunt, children would go around the neighborhood and try to spot all of the bears hidden in the neighbors’ windows. Cara says, “I created a Google Map on our page and allowed everyone to pin their house if they were putting a bear in their window.”

Th is helped families strategically plan their search route so they could find all of the bears.

The COVID-19 pandemic has been hard on us all. These neighbors remind us that with a little love and support, we can make it through these troubling times. After all, it takes a village.

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Help Here Is

How to f ind resources for dealing with mental health during the pandemic.

BY ALYSSA SHIKLES

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Let’s be honest:

dealing with mental health was hard enough without throwing an international pandemic into the mix.

Whether you are quarantining or social distancing, staying safe these days has come with an unprecedented amount of stress, loneliness, and disappointment. Everyone has felt it to some degree, but for those struggling with mental health, the past few months have been nothing short of world-shattering.

Maybe the isolation of staying at home has brought on depression, or maybe this is the fi rst time you’ve felt anxiety and you’re not sure how to handle it. It may seem like the traditional coping resources to help you are no longer available, and that amid the crazy COVID-19 season, you’ve been left behind.

You’re not the only one feeling like this. Megan Steen, the director for outpatient services at Burrell Behavioral Health, says that there has been an increase in stress, depression, and anxiety due to juggling work and personal lives at home amid a traumatic time.

However, there are still plenty of ways to find help or relieve stress if you know where to look. Megan and Heidi Blackstun, a therapist and licensed clinical social worker, give us some advice on different resources available right now so that you can start finding what works for you.

Lean on a Support System First and foremost, it’s important to know that you’re not alone. Not only are there people going through something similar to you, but there are people in your life who can help support you on your journey to get help.

“Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation,” Megan says. “It’s so important to stay connected with others because our brains are hardwired for connection with other humans, even though that connection may look different right now.”

Especially for those who are more extroverted and social, finding creative ways to meet with friends and family is vital to feeling supported. Heidi says that, rather than meeting at coffee shops or going shopping, people can still have quality time together by going on walks or meeting at a distance.

“Th ings do look different, and sometimes we just need other individuals to help support us in coming

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up with those plans for what may help us moving forward,” Megan says.

Practice Mindfulness Though meditating may not sound like your thing, Heidi and Megan both agree that practicing mindfulness techniques can be stress relieving and helpful to process how you’re doing.

“Once you allow yourself to be present with how you feel, then you can figure out how you’re going to get through it,” Heidi says. “And once you get through it, you build more confidence that you can get through more difficult times.”

If you don’t know where to begin, Heidi recommends finding guided meditation techniques and practicing mindfulness about 10 minutes a day, which is usually enough time to gain some relief. What’s important is making a routine out of it so that you become more practiced at being aware as time goes on.

“Look at it as the time that you can give to yourself to relax and learn to be more aware of what’s going on,” she says. “Maybe your body’s reacting to something that you have absolutely no idea that your mind is dealing with.”

Seek a Different Reality Obviously you can’t ditch our reality for a better one (though wouldn’t that be nice if we could). However, one way you can try to be more mindful is through Healium, a Columbia-based company that created a virtual and augmented reality app that’s designed to calm people down.

The Healium app uses augmented reality, taking something virtual and putting it in the real world using beautiful imagery. People can watch butterfl ies and fi refl ies fly around the room and can even “travel” to the beach. If you add on a wearable like an Apple watch or a brain-sensing headband, then your brain waves and heart rate control the images. “The calmer your mind, the more things happen with the experience,” Wendy Moore, the chief operating officer and data protection officer of Healium, explains.

In three peer-reviewed journals, Healium has been shown to reduce moderate anxiety by a third in as little as four minutes by reducing activity in the area of

Social distancing doesn’t mean social isolation.

It’s so important to stay connected with others because our brains are hardwired for connection with other humans, even though that connection may look different right now.

- Megan Steen, director for outpatient services at Burrell Behavioral Health

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the brain that produces stress and increasing activity in the area of the brain that sends out positivity.

It can also help with feelings of being cooped up in your home. “The typical coping mechanisms that we all do — interacting with friends, family — when that was taken away, we saw a big surge in neediness for virtual travel,” Wendy says. “You can sit on the beach with Healium as a nice getaway when you can’t actually get away.”

Try Stress-Relieving Activities Hiking, walking, and taking advantage of the nice weather are simple things, but the simple things can often be a stabilizing, healthy force for your mind. Staying active and finding hobbies that help you cope are great ways to relieve stress and take your focus off of negative things.

If you get the winter blues when the weather gets cold and cloudy, plan for activities you can do inside. “Knitting, painting, redoing the wallpaper, or some sort of project you can accomplish during those months that you feel kind of trapped inside are good things to think about,” Heidi says.

Find Resources Online There are also good resources to discover on the web. Whether you like podcasts, reading, or watching videos, there are different places online that can inspire you to think more positively.

“I think there can be some really good podcasts that people can listen to and maybe start to adopt their own philosophies about things,” Heidi says. “Maybe search for different topics that interest them.”

One podcast Heidi recommends is called the Happiness Lab, which discusses scientific research and inspiring stories to help redefine how we view happiness.

Megan also offered people to try out Burrell’s “Be Well Community” on Facebook Live, which covers a different topic daily.

“There’s something for everyone on it,” Megan says.

Talk It Out Despite all the resources already given, there is probably nothing that can help more than talking to a trained therapist or

counselor. And yes, they are still meeting with people and taking new clients. It just might be over Zoom.

“People need to know that we’re doing the same thing, it’s just a different location and different platform,” Heidi says.

“We’re still providing good care with alternative ways.”

Participating in therapy remotely allows you to discuss what you’re going through with someone who knows best how to help, and it can help you feel supported and heard when it feels like people are far away.

Though looking for a therapist can feel intimidating, it’s more accessible than you might think. Heidi says word of mouth and asking around is a great way to find therapists that have worked well for others you know. If that doesn’t work, then you can ask your physician, talk to a student health representative, or even fi re off a simple Google search.

If you need immediate help, Burrell Behavioral Health has a 24-hour crisis v number you can utilize at any time.

Find What Works for You Ultimately, everyone is different, and not everything is going to work for everyone.

“My self-care may be completely different than your self-care,” Megan says. “But make sure that in our 24/7 culture right now, that you're carving out time to just really breathe and do what's needed to refi ll your cup.”

It might be a process to figure out what you like and what you don’t, but it’s something that will be worth it over time. Being creative and trying out things you normally wouldn’t do might surprise you. And if you are in the beginning stages of that process, don’t beat yourself up. It’s normal and natural to be struggling right now, and figuring it out won’t happen in a blink of an eye.

“You know, I think that part of being a human is having to adapt all the time,” Megan says. “But especially the rate at which we're having to adapt right now feels overwhelming, and we have to be open to supporting one another through that and just having grace with ourselves and other people.”

Resources Heidi A. Blackstun Specialties: anxiety, depression, relationship/couples support, cognitive behavioral therapy, work-life balance, family systems theory, mindfulness, assertiveness, bereavement/grief, stress management, communication skills (573) 768-8628 2012 Cherry Hill Dr., Ste 101

Burrell Behavioral Health Specialty: comprehensive care for behavioral health clients Walk-in appointments: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

27/4 Emergency Hotline: (800) 395-2132 (573) 777-8300 1805 E. Walnut St.

Maureen Hayes Anxiety and Depression Clinic of Columbia Specialties: depression, anxiety, self-esteem (573) 245-8035 2012 Cherry Hill Dr., Ste 101

Dr. Laura Brenner Specialty: clinical psychology (573) 239-5563 28 N Eighth St., Ste 300

Ashley Birkead Anxiety & Depression Clinic of Columbia Specialties: anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, women’s issues, postpartum, infertility, relationship issues, divorce counseling (573) 261-6096 2600 Forum Blvd., Ste. G

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Faith in Community One of the many perks of living in a college town like Columbia is the great diversity — diversity in food, culture, music, and religion. The yearly influx of professors, doctors, and students from every part of the world makes it possible for many faith traditions to thrive in Columbia, from Ba’hai to Hinduism to Christianity, Judaism, Islam, and beyond. This rich tapestry of faith makes Columbia a global community that offers open doors to anyone who is looking for them.

BY JENNIFER T RUE S DA L E

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THE LAY OF THE LAND According to the Pew Research Center, 70.6% of Americans identify as Christian (about 36% Protestant and about 20% Catholic). About 23% of Americans are religiously “unaffi liated,” 7% of which are agnostic or atheist, 16% of which say religion is not important to them.

Six percent of the U.S. population believes in non-Christian faiths like Judaism (2%), Islam (<1%), Buddhism (<1%), and Hinduism (<1%).

The Pew Research Center details that numbers in Missouri are similar: 77% of Missourians identify as Christian (56% Protestant, 16% Catholic); 3% non-Christian faiths; and 20% unaffi liated (5% agnostic or atheist, and 15% for whom religion is not important). Many of the statistics detail that the average Missouri Christian is a married white woman, without children, between the ages of 30 and 64, with a high school education, who is politically conservative, and makes less than $50,000 a year.

A LOOK AT CHRISTIANITY Christian Fellowship Church, located off of Scott Boulevard, is a bible-centric, non-denominational Christian church with a congregation of about 1,300 that formed in 1978 by a small group of mostly college students.

One of those founding members is Senior Pastor Phil Schaefer, who came to Columbia from St. Louis to attend MU. “Family — we’re a spiritual family,” Pastor Phil says about what makes Christian Fellowship the church that it is. “Relationships are at the core of our Christian life. We believe that in order to live out our faith, it has to be done in community. It’s not a solo endeavor.

Every church has its own DNA that makes it distinctive. [For Christian Fellowship], it really has been about fellowship. That has been the hallmark of our existence for the last 40 plus years. [That fellowship has been about] the benefits of walking life out together over a long period of time.”

Christian Fellowship offers traditional and contemporary Sunday morning services, as well as a multilingual African service on Sunday afternoons. Many African refugees call Christian Fellowship their spiritual home, which adds to the diversity of the overall congregation. The church offers ministries for children, youth, college students, men, women, and those refugees.

Pastor Phil says that acts of service are a core component to the philosophy at Chris-

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“Columbia has good, diverse churches serving their community, serving their people in and out of a pandemic.

It’s a good sign for our community as a whole.”

- PHIL SCHAEFER, SENIOR PASTOR AT CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP CHURCH

Directories of Columbia’s places of worship can be found on the City of Columbia website and the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau website.

tian Fellowship. Several Columbia nonprofits were born out of the church, including Love INC and Granny’s House. According to the church’s website, “Just as Jesus looked with compassion on others and was moved to action, our desire is to follow Him in sharing our hearts and time in practical ways to bless our city.”

Just as the church’s congregants find community in the church, the church itself is part of the broader community of Columbia churches.

“We are for other churches prospering to affirm other churches and affirm others in their faith,” Pastor Phil says. “We have built relationships with Columbia’s predominantly Black churches, participated in prayer breakfasts, and have held regular race discussions. We also participated in Columbia’s Juneteenth celebration by providing resources and volunteers.” For the three weeks leading up to Juneteenth, nearly 300 people gathered to pray during Christian Fellowship’s daily prayer time.

Like most other churches in Columbia, Christian Fellowship has moved to streaming services and virtual classes during the COVID-19 pandemic. But Pastor Phil reminds us that “there is life beyond pandemic.” He says we are tested in our patience and kindness, but there is hope in making love our aim. Phil points to 1 Corinthians 13, including the line “And now these three remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love.”

“Columbia has good, diverse churches serving their community, serving their people in and out of a pandemic. It’s a good sign for our community as a whole.”

A LOOK AT JUDAISM While Pastor Phil has lived in Columbia and has been able to observe its growing religious diversity since the 1970s, Rabbi Phil Cohen of Congregation Beth Shalom arrived in Columbia from Greensboro, North Carolina in May, mid-pandemic, to serve as an interim rabbi after longtime rabbi Yossi Feintuch resigned. With a limited view of Columbia as a whole and an understanding of the 145 Jewish families that make up the congregation gained at arm’s length through virtual activities, he has found that many Beth Shalom congregants have an above-average knowledge of the Jewish tradition.

He also says that the congregation is very diverse, with most of the members coming from many parts of the country, and that this creates a pluralistic environment that seems to work.

Congregation Beth Shalom was formed in 1974; before that, the practice of Judaism in Columbia was confined to the Hillel Foundation at the University of Missouri, which was formed in 1947. There are a few different movements within Judaism, but Congregation Beth Shalom is a member of the Union of Reform Judaism, which is committed to inclusion instead of exclusion; Reform Jews are committed to the equality of women, who can be ordained as rabbis, and to the full participation of gays and lesbians in all parts of synagogue life, for example.

• Judaism is monotheistic; it is the oldest of the three “big” monotheistic faiths (Christianity, Islam, and Judaism).

• Its religious and sacred texts include the Torah (the Old Testament of the Bible), the Prophets, and the Writings.

• Israel is central to the faith, as Jews believe that God gave Israel to the Jews; Jews turn to Jerusalem when they pray.

• Dietary laws are a part of Jewish life; they do not eat pork, blood, or shellfi sh and practice kosher or humane animal slaughter practices.

• The Jewish church is called a synagogue or temple.

• Jewish tradition dictates that coming of age happens for girls at age 12 and for boys at 12 and 13, which is celebrated by bat mitzvah for girls and bar mitzvah for boys.

• High Holy Days are observed in September and October and are solemn and introspective.

• Hanukkah is celebrated in December during an eight-day celebration that commemorates the revolt of Jews against their GreekSyrian oppressors in the second century B.C. • Jews live in anticipation of the Messiah. The Messiah can come at any time, without warning.

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• Pew Research says Islam is the second-largest religion in the world behind Christianity, estimating that approximately a quarter of the world’s population was Muslim in 2015, and Islam is currently on pace to surpass Christianity as the world’s largest religion later this century.

• There were an estimated 3.5 million Muslims in America in 2017.

• Like Judaism and Christianity, Islam is strictly monotheistic.

• There are fi ve pillars of Islam: declaration of faith, prayer, charitable giving, fasting as a form of self-purification, and pilgrimage to Mecca.

• Ramadan is a key Islamic holiday whose timing varies year to year depending on the lunar calendar; it is a holy month marked by fasting, and ends with Eid al-Fitr, a three-day feast.

• The Quran is Islam’s holy text; Muslims believe the Quran was a revelation from God (called Allah in Muslim theology) that was revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through Gabriel the angel.

Muslims believe it is the literal word of God. • The Islamic Center of Central Missouri website states that “Muslims believe in a chain of prophets beginning with Adam and including Noah, Abraham, Ishmael, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Job, Moses, David, Solomon, and Jesus.

God’s eternal message was reaffirmed and finalized by the Prophet Muhammad (peace be on them all).

One becomes a Muslim by saying, ‘There is no deity but God, and Muhammad is the messenger of God.’ By this declaration, the person announces faith in all of God’s messengers.”

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“The congregation is very much concerned about working toward equality in the state and the nation,” Rabbi Phil says. “I would say that mercy, compassion, and equality are key Jewish values.”

In understanding what the person’s responsibility to God is in the Jewish tradition, Rabbi Phil says, “It’s twopart: There is the act of serving God through prayer and ritual observance to develop a communal and personal connection with God. And it’s the act of serving other people, both Jewish and non-Jewish.”

The act of serving others is known as tikkun olam.

At Congregation Beth Shalom, this service takes many forms, such as supporting Loaves and Fishes with meals, an annual coat and blanket drive, donating a “substantial” amount of produce from the CBS’s farm, a partnership with the Newman Center at MU to the Food Bank for Central and Northeast Missouri, making bean soup mixes to benefit the Russell Chapel Food Bank, collections and donations for Room at the Inn, and even adopting a family at Christmas.

A LOOK AT ISLAM Islam is one of the world’s largest religions that has a growing community in Columbia. The Islamic Center of Central Missouri, on Fifth Street, is the only mosque in Columbia. The ICCM website says that “The Islamic Center of Central Missouri is home to a very diverse and dynamic community composed of, among others, indigenous Muslims, international students, and immigrants.” It was formed in 1983 and has been mostly closed during the pandemic.

Islam is always fighting a battle of misinformation about what it stands for and believes in. Presumably to this end, the ICCM website makes these three statements: “Muslims follow a religion of peace, mercy, and forgiveness that should not be associated with acts of violence against the innocent. “‘Jihad’ does not mean ‘holy war.’ Jihad means to strive, struggle, and exert effort. It is a central and broad Islamic concept that includes struggle against evil inclinations within oneself, struggle to improve the quality of life in society, struggle in the battlefield for self-defense (e.g., having a standing army for national defense), or fighting against tyranny or oppression. ”Under Islamic law, women have always had the right to own property, receive an education, and otherwise take part in community life. Men and women are to be respected equally. The Islamic rules for modest dress apply to both women and men equally. (Men cannot expose certain parts of their bodies, wear gold or silk, etc.) If a particular society oppresses women, it does so in spite of Islam, not because of it.”

The publication reached out to leaders in Columbia‘s Islamic community, but no response came in time to make the publication date. Nevertheless, we would be remiss to exclude one of the world’s largest religions.

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WELL ORGANIZED

Chiropractors that treat you like family.

Chiropractic care is an amazing option for addressing many conditions including the desire to have improved vitality and optimal health. Our

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team is made up of individuals that want your life to be better. We want to be your complete health and wellness provider in Columbia and vicinity.

These amenities are complementary to our members: • Massage tables available before or after adjustment • Email, text, or phone appointment reminders. You can also reply to our text messages and our office will receive your reply.

• Posture training instruction at key points in your care plan • Family friendly – with a dedicated toy room for your children to enjoy • Free WiFi

• Ample parking • Beverage Station with Nutrientinfused fruit water, hot chocolate, Keurig coffee station, Orange Tiger Family cups (take some home for the family!)

• Make an appointment through the website, by texting, or by calling • Convenient hours, including early mornings, lunch breaks, and evenings

Feel like yourself again. tigerfamilychiropractic.com | 573.443.1414 3700 Interstate 70 Dr SE #110, Columbia, MO

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Living

COUPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW

John and Jacqueline Hall Kelly John and Jacqueline Hall Kelly share their f irst impressions of each other, advice for a long-lasting relationship, and their favorite ways to get involved in the community. students in the MBA program and invited them as guests to our home for formal Thanksgiving dinners.

PH OTO BY SADIE TH I BO DEAUX WHAT WAS YOUR FIRST IMPRESSION OF YOUR PARTNER?

John: I am the caregiver for my 96-year-old mother.

Jacqueline: He was quiet.

John: She was beautiful and always impeccably

dressed in colorful Afro-centric attire.

WHAT IS THE KEY TO A LONG-LASTING RELATIONSHIP?

HOW DID YOU MEET?

Jacqueline: The key to a long-lasting

Jacqueline: I asked my friend if she knew

relationship is giving your partner sufficient space to engage in activities they enjoy as well as doing activities you both enjoy together. I love traveling internationally and have visited most countries in the world.

My husband, on the other hand, is equally passionate about sports, especially baseball.

I am happy when he is happy doing what he enjoys. Life is too short to do otherwise.

of a guy who was single, college-educated, had “good” basic values, and who was good looking. Immediately, she responded: “As a matter of fact, I do.” She invited us to her apartment for dinner so we could meet. And the rest is history.

John: Our friends introduced us. We had dinner at their apartment.

WHAT WILL THE FUTURE HOLD

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN TOGETHER?

FOR THE TWO OF YOU?

John & Jacqueline: We have been married for

48 years.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ACTIVITY TO DO TOGETHER?

Jacqueline: Continue to stay physically John: She loves learning. We both read a

lot. We share our findings and have great discussions on current events, history, sports, and pop culture.

John & Jacqueline: We love the “We Always

Swing” jazz concerts. We attend several performances every year.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE WAY TO GET INVOLVED WITH THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER? Jacqueline: Our favorite way to get involved

with the community is volunteering during the Heritage Festival for the Boone County Historical Society.

WHAT IS THE BEST QUALITY OF YOUR PARTNER? Jacqueline: The best quality about my

husband is that he reads extensively. Equally impressive is that he always remembers special occasions such as my birthday, Valentine’s Day, and our wedding anniversary.

WHAT’S YOUR GO-TO DATE NIGHT SPOT? WHAT DO YOU ORDER?

fit, stay relevant, and give back to the community.

John: We want to continue to make meaningful contributions to the Columbia community by sharing our resources, time, and knowledge where they are needed.

John & Jacqueline: Murry’s. We both order

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT

catfish sandwiches and dinner salads.

YOUR RELATIONSHIP?

WHAT KEEPS YOU BUSY DURING THE WEEK? Jacqueline: During a typical week, I am busy

reading, power walking, gardening, and cooking for my 96-year-old mother-in-law.

Other activities in which I am involved, particularly pre-pandemic, include book clubs, the ExecMBA program in the MU College of Business, the Daniel Boone Regional Library Foundation, and the personnel advisory board for the City of Columbia. During the normal academic school year, I mentored international

Jacqueline: We both worked hard to get an

education and come from families with meager resources. For the most part, we’ve achieved the goals we established for ourselves.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR FAVORITE PROJECT TO WORK ON TOGETHER? Jacqueline: Our favorite project to work

on together has been planning a program in Columbia to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Negro leagues baseball.

John: We love to do home improvement projects.

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Working

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SERVING WITH DISTINCTION

SHOULD KNOW

REIMAGINING COLUMBIA

Monarch Title Company Inc. celebrates a new owner and looks forward to the future.

Meet Margaret Conroy, executive director at Daniel Boone Regional Library.

Amid new challenges and change, The District prepares for a new way of doing things.

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PERSON YOU

MORE THAN THE BEST VIEW IN TOWN...

Open Daily at 4pm • Live, Local Music Thursdays • Live DJ Fridays & Saturdays

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Working

CLOSER LOOK

SEPTEMBER 2020

side customers to fi nd lights that are right for each personal household. Additionally, Bright City Lights is set apart from other lighting businesses because of its deep ties to the community, as many of the products sold are sourced or made in Columbia.

“We are locally owned and appreciate the support of the community,” Zach says. “We love being a part of it.”

With a new location downtown, the business looks forward to lighting up as many lives as possible in the coming years.

100 N. PROVIDENCE 573-474-8890 BRIGHTCITYLIGHTS.COM

Evolved Personal Training

MK Lush

After being in the business of styling hair for 18 years, Micki Kliethermes is opening her own salon, MK Lush. For Micki, it’s not just about owning her own place, but also having a chance to share her passion, encourage others to feel their best, and show her four kids that people can accomplish anything they put their mind to.

The salon will offer traditional hair styling and coloring along with a variety of other services such as waxing and hair treatments.

However, what makes MK Lush so unique is its desire to connect with the Columbia community. Micki plans to launch a series of classes for women of all ages to teach them the hacks of styling hair, from learning how to blow out hair in her “BYOB” (bring your own brush) class to understanding the basics in the “Girl’s Guide to Hair” class.

“It's so important to me to be able to talk to people and make them feel good,” she says, “to hear their stories and encourage each other while also creating fabulous hair.”

110 N. TENTH ST., STE. 7 573-510-2080 MKLUSH.COM

Bright City Lights

Bright City Lights was created around 20 years ago when original owner Kay Wax saw that there was a shortage of unique lighting in Columbia. Now, after five years of owning the shop, Zach Wagner continues to sell residential lighting, ceiling fans, home furnishings, and accessories that will provide a one-of-a-kind look for any home.

The business also emphasizes customer service, with designers who can walk along-

Scott Schutte and Nate Kesterson decided 10 years ago that it was time to open their own personal training gym — a place where clients could have a personalized fitness experience and trainers could work in a better facility. Ever since, this dream has become a reality, evolving over the years with a name change and new location to become Evolved Personal Training, a gym that commits to helping clients build healthier lives.

The personalized approach to fitness is what defi nes the gym, with a large focus on one-on-one training. Even the classes offered are smaller so that clients can still get individual attention in a session.

The attention to personal details extends beyond the walls of the gym as well. “One of the main things that we do is lifestyle accountability coaching,” Scott says. “We're working on people's fitness while looking at what they do both inside and outside the gym so that they can be leaner, healthier, and happier.”

200 E. SOUTHAMPTON DR. 573-289-2806 EVOLVEDPT.COM

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Briefly in the News S E PT EMB ER 2020

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HEALTH CAR E

Boone Hospital Recognized as No. 1 in Mid-Missouri For the sixth year in a row, Boone Hospital Center has been named the top-ranked hospital in MidMissouri by U.S. News and World Report. It also ranked fourth in the state, up one position from last year. Boone Hospital Center was rated High Performing in orthopedics and seven procedures or conditions â&#x20AC;&#x201D; aortic valve surgery, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, colon cancer surgery, heart bypass surgery, heart failure treatment, hip replacement surgery, and knee replacement surgery.

Working

BRIEFLY

H EALTH CA R E

Columbia Chamber of Commerce Endorses Medicaid Expansion Columbia Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors unanimously voted to endorse Medicaid expansion in Missouri. The expansion would make all adults in Missouri ages 19 to 65 whose income is 133% of the federal poverty level or below eligible for Medicaid benefits, in addition to those who already qualify. Voters approved Medicaid expansion in the August 4 election. Once put in place, the expansion will help deliver health care to more than 200,000 Missourians.

ACQU I S IT IO NS

Williams-Keepers Acquires Mid-Missouri Accounting Services Mid-Missouri Accounting Services has been acquired by Williams-Keepers LLC. The company relocated and transitioned to the Williams-Keepers office in August. With the addition of MMA, Williams-Keepers’ Controller Services Department will include eight dedicated professionals and several other full and part-time associates who provide a full suite of outsourced accounting services to clients in a variety of industries.

ARTS & CULTUR E

Rough Cut Retreat Scheduled Remotely Catapult Film Fund and True/False Film Fest held the fifth year of Rough Cut Retreat, a workshop in July that unites filmmakers and mentors in a creative and engaging atmosphere. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this year’s retreat was re-imagined as a complete virtual experience dubbed “Assistance from a Distance.” This weeklong event approached the online model with a “radically innovative spirit,” creating a virtual retreat that organizers wanted to reflect the same sense of creative community and constructive criticism as the in-person event.

AWA R D S

Healium Wins P&G Ventures Innovation Challenge Healium, the makers of a virtual stressrelief product that’s powered by consumer wearables, recently won the P&G Ventures Innovation Challenge, which includes a $10,000 cash prize, the opportunity to partner with P&G Ventures, and an invitation to join a nationally ranked accelerator with up to $200,000 in other benefits. Healium pitched the idea of a “digiceuticals aisle” to sell its mental health hygiene products alongside physical hygiene products in drug stores or other retailers.

PHI L ANTHR OPY

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Shellye Deeken has joined Miller, Bales & Company as payroll processor to support clients for the Columbia-based wealth management, accounting, and tax solutions firm. In this role, Shellye handles payroll administration and reporting for Miller, Bales & Company’s small business clients.

The Columbia College Board of Trustees has elected Dr. David Russell to a four-year term as chair of the college’s governing board. David joined the board of trustees in 2016, and his term as chair officially began in July.

He has been dedicated to public service for more than 50 years and is a decorated Army veteran.

areas of business law, land use, planning and real estate law, contracts, business development, estates and trusts, civil litigation, construction law, employment law, municipal law, open government compliance, veterans law, and other matters. He has successfully represented clients in federal and state courts as well as the Missouri Supreme Court.

H E AT H E R ST EWA RT TROY GREER

The Boone Hospital Board of Trustees announced the appointment of Troy Greer to serve as the chief executive officer for the Boone Health System. Troy will be responsible for leading Boone in meeting the health care needs in the system’s 26-county service area. Troy currently serves as chief executive officer of Lovelace Medical Center and Heart Hospital of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

COLUMBIA COLLEGE

Dr. Piyusha Singh has been promoted to be Columbia College’s provost and senior vice president.

Piyusha joined Columbia College in June 2015 as the vice president of online learning before being promoted to chief of staff and then to provost and vice president for academic affairs. In this role, Piyusha will lead the college’s academic initiatives including the in-seat, online, and virtual experiences. She also oversees several departments and programs throughout the college, including the department of athletics and the international programs.

Heather Stewart became the first Director of Development for VAC in February. She joins the team with a history in the nonprofit world and a background in marketing. Heather has served as a Past Chair for Women’s Network, a division of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce, and is currently a Chamber Ambassador.

She is also a board member for Junior Achievement in Central Missouri and sits on various planning committees for a variety of nonprofit organizations.

PENNY KUHNS-KNARR

In July, the Columbia Chamber of Commerce’s director of operations, Penny Kuhns-Knarr, earned her SHRM Senior Certified Professional certification. Earning such credentials makes Penny a recognized expert and leader in the HR field.

JOSÉ CALDERA

Harper, Evans, Wade, and Netemeyer announced the addition of a new partner, José Caldera.

José’s practice includes litigation and transactional matters in the

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N. H. Scheppers Distributing is pleased to announce that Niki Pratt has been recognized in the National Beer Wholesalers Association Employee Spotlight Program. Niki started with the company 11 years ago as an office administrator and has worked her way up to her current position as sales coordinator.

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Amanda Rainey and Sarah Medcalf opened Goldie’s Bagels in August. The pair first dreamed of a café designed for moms and their kids almost four years ago when they were new moms meeting up for coffee. Amanda grew up eating bagels at every occasion with her big Jewish family, and she long dreamed of bringing her vision of a great bagel to Columbia. Sarah has worked in and managed cafés for most of her professional life and was finally ready to start her own. The café is their longterm dream, so like true scrappy moms, they are starting one piece at a time with Goldie’s Bagels, a pop-up bagel shop that is run out of Pizza Tree.

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LOCAL GOVERNMENT

In the Hot Seat A look at the primaries and what it means for November’s election.

BY KRCG 13’S KERMIT MILLER

T

he race to be Missouri's next governor has come into focus. Incumbent Republican Mike Parson won a four-candidate primary August 4 with 75% of the vote. State Auditor Nicole Galloway won a five-way Democratic primary with 85%. Libertarian Rik Combs and Green Party candidate Jerome Howard Bauer will round out the November gubernatorial ballot.

Advocates wasted no time setting the stage. Galloway immediately proclaimed herself as the candidate of families and working people. In a virtual address on primary night, she labeled Parson a failure on health care for having opposed the expansion of Medicaid eligibility, which Missouri voters approved.

Galloway challenged the incumbent to a series of four debates.

Parson lauded his own resilience and determination in the face of "historic drought, floods, tornadoes, COVID-19, and civil unrest." The man who became governor by default will likely count on voters identifying with that struggle.

Parson has spent the summer in a weird paradox of political campaign life. On the one hand, the coronavirus and the subsequent unrest over American law enforcement practices gave him daily media exposure of a kind few candidates could expect in any normal campaign year without spending a lot of money for it. At the same time, those issues have narrowed the debate and quite possibly will reduce the public's decision in November to an assessment of how well Parson has handled those issues.

He might want us to believe he is OK with that. But to the extent voters have forgotten about — or no longer care about — the redesigned efficiencies of his government, the tax cuts he signed, or the economic expansion he presided over in his first 21 months in office, Parson finds himself chasing a campaign not really of his making. As Missouri's "corona governor," Parson initially conducted daily briefings on the progress of the virus in Missouri and the efforts of his administration to stop it. In the beginning, there were executive orders almost every week. Some dealt with obvious actions, such as official direction for social distancing and activation of the Missouri National Guard to assist with everything from delivering food to homebound school children to finding alternative care sites. Other orders focused on more obscure concerns, such as a suspension of late fees for concealed carry license renewals.

Parson's political opposition has scrutinized such moves as capitalizing on a crisis to score political points. For example, Democrats pointed to that concealed carry permit order as evidence that Parson did not really have his eye on the ball. They seized on his decision to put the Medicaid expansion question on the August ballot (instead of November, when more voters will likely show up at

the polls), suggesting that was evidence he is not really committed to public health, even during a health crisis.

At the time, Parson told reporters it was policy, not politics, noting Missouri is among the top five states for general revenue spending on Medicaid. He said any spending increases would need to be accounted for in the budget sooner rather than later. Galloway countered that the decision was pure politics, predicting Medicaid expansion would be more popular than Parson. As it turns out, Parson got 510,471 primary votes. Medicaid expansion got just under 673,000 “yes” votes.

The impact of that on the race going forward is anyone's guess. The public's assessment of the candidates' positions on public health could come down to who wore a mask and who didn't.

The deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor and the months of turmoil that have followed have presented another opportunity for those who want Parson out of office. Initially, there was little separation, with both Parson and Galloway denouncing the death of the Black Minneapolis resident under the knee of a white police officer now facing prosecution for murder. Both decried the street violence in Missouri, which was triggered by George Floyd's death. But early on, Galloway

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planted the seed for debate in a written statement. "Faith teaches us that it is impossible to heal what is ignored," she observed.

As the public discourse evolved into a discussion of police practices, particularly those within communities of color, Parson, a former sheriff, appeared more compelled to rally support for law enforcement. That involves drawing a fine line between constitutionally protected political protest activity and hooliganism. The decision in July by St. Louis residents Mark and Patricia McCloskey to point firearms at protestors marching through their gated, private street became a catalyst for the national debate over public safety, and the event gave Parson a national audience.

Parson has also called lawmakers back into a special legislative session to deal with violent crime. Crafted by Senate Republicans, the legislation focused on child endangerment, on the certification of juvenile offenders as adults, on the movement of weapons, and on witness protection and witness statement admissibility. House Democrats criticized Parson for not making the issue a priority last year when they begged for it. Nicole Galloway went farther, chiding Parson for claiming last year he "had to stay in his lane" and for calling a 2019 special session "about tax breaks for used cars and yachts."

Going forward, Parson might want to shift the spotlight to Galloway's record as state auditor, but that won't be easy. Rarely does anyone claim her audits are politically motivated. In January, however, Missouri Senator Josh Hawley managed to put Galloway on a hot seat.

The Republican had intercepted a misdirected email from a staff auditor that suggested the audit team should beef up parts of an audit of Hawley's tenure as Missouri Attorney General, changes that would lead to conclusions more critical of his performance. Galloway also had employed the former campaign manager for Claire McCaskill, Hawley's opponent in the 2018 election for the U.S. Senate. Hawley complained of political bias to anyone who would listen, including the state’s board of accountancy, which gives professional licenses to people like Galloway. It forced Galloway into an uncomfortable and defensive posture. But little has been heard about it since February.

In early August, only one poll had been conducted in the race for governor. It's an early July poll from St. Louis University that shows a statistical dead heat, with Parson at 41% and Galloway at just under 40%. That's within the poll's four-percent margin of error. It reads as particularly problematic for Parson — especially given that the same poll has President Donald Trump ahead of Joe Biden in Missouri by seven points. By the time you read this, things may have changed, but right now, it suggests Mike Parson has a lot of work to do.

at tor ne ys at l aw

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

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Serving with Distinction

W

Monarch Title Company Inc. celebrates a new owner and looks forward to the future.

ith a mission of bringing title insurance and settlement closings all around the state of Missouri, founders Mike and Maureen Dalton opened Monarch Title Company Inc. to serve the community in November of 2001. Now, almost 20 years later, Monarch operates in four Missouri cities: Brookfield, Boonville, Jefferson City, and Columbia, where they still keep their corporate office.

In January of 2020, Monarch Title was bought by husband and wife Chuck and Pam Bowman.

The Bowmans have been a part of Monarch Title nearly from the beginning.

As a close friend of the Daltons, Chuck came on as a Monarch Title shareholder in 2002 and helped with onboarding and managing. In 2012, Chuck started working as Monarch Titleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s president and held the position until his and Pamâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 2020 purchase, as he transitioned into a new role as CEO.

BY LEIGH ANN BARNETT

An Ever-Changing Market

PHOTO BY ANTHONY JINSON

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One of the appeals Chuck saw in Monarch Title from the very beginning was the market it was built upon. He knew the ever-changing real estate market would be a challenge worth taking on.

CELEBRATIONS

Working

2001 Monarch Title Company Inc. is founded

by Mike and Maureen Dalton.

2002 Chuck Bowman becomes a shareholder for Monarch Title.

2012 Chuck becomes president of Monarch Title.

2018 Monarch became the title sponsor for First Chance for Children’s “Bingo for Babies.”

2020 Chuck and Pam Bowman buy Monarch Title Company Inc.

“Every day, every file is different. We deal with people of different personalities, income levels, and backgrounds,” Chuck says. “Every file is unique, and the customers are great people to work with.”

Because of its nature, the real estate market demands workers that think and act on their feet.

“Sometimes there are last-minute issues, so you’ve got to be a problem solver. You have to be flexible and fluid when dealing with the amount of money that [Monarch] deals with,” Chuck says.

It’s that ready-for-anything ability that allowed Monarch Title’s staff to talk about the “what-if” COVID-19 options early. The team was able to keep up their work and use video calls to keep each other and their clients connected during the closing processes.

“It completely changed the way we do business faceto-face,” Chuck says regarding the pandemic.

While continuing to work with clients, Monarch Title enlisted a “curbside pick-up” policy that would allow customers to stay in their car and work through any documents that need attention while agents stand by. Chuck believes that Monarch Title will continue this procedure throughout the rest of the year.

Though it was a difficult time, Chuck feels incredibly blessed that Monarch Title could continue employing all 18 members of its full-time staff.

“My staff is my greatest asset. Products and services do not sell themselves — the people I have working for me are some of the best staff I have ever had on a team,” Chuck says. “I’ve managed personnel and projects my entire career, and they are the best I’ve had the privilege to work with.”

Monarch Title’s motto is “Service with distinction,” which is used as an incentive to provide the best customer service in the industry by offering their customers open communication throughout the closing process.

A Community Worth Serving Monarch Title is family-owned and family-oriented.

Chuck strives to create a work environment where his employees are supported and know where the company stands financially.

With family being such a big part of Monarch Title, it’s no wonder that one of Chuck’s favorite parts of working in the business is “[getting] to see people buy their first home ever.”

The satisfaction from witnessing special moments — like buying a home for the first time — is one of the reasons Monarch Title is an advocate for the community. Chuck himself serves on five boards, including First Chance for Children, Rural Missouri Incorporated, Crime Stoppers, the Missouri Chamber Advisory Board for Multiple Employers Welfare Arrangement, and the Missouri Land Title Association.

“Every day, every file is different. We deal with people of different personalities, income levels, and backgrounds. Every file is unique, and the customers are great people to work with.”

As a company, Monarch Title raises funds for nonprofits such as First Chance for Children, who they hold an annual fundraiser for. What started as a garage sale in the fall of 2017 where the company raised $2,000 is now the First Chance for Children’s “Bingo for Babies” event, in which Monarch Title is one of the title sponsors. In 2018, during the first for Bingo for Babies, Monarch Title helped raise just a little over $5,000, and in 2019, they were able to raise $12,000 for the nonprofit.

Looking to the Future As Monarch Title grows, Chuck is hoping to extend its reach both in Missouri and possibly into a new state.

In Missouri, Chuck is looking to open new branches and grow the branches already open. “Our office in Jefferson City has grown rapidly in the last two years,” Chuck says. “One of the major goals for [Monarch] is to double the size of that office and see it hopefully become one of our staple branch offices.”

While he also looks to neighboring states and considers the possibility of opening a branch outside of Missouri, he’s only looking to partner with someone who he trusts and who has knowledge of the different sets of regulations, guidelines, protocols, and procedures that Monarch would have to abide by. He’s in talks with a potential partner, so that a new branch could be a possibility in 2021.

Chuck also happens to be working on a succession plan for Monarch Title and its employees. He wants to create a plan so that the employees of Monarch Title “know what the company will look like in five years” and know how Monarch Title will continue serving its communities with distinction.

MONARCH TITLE COMPANY 111 E. BROADWAY, STE. 100 573-441-0725 MONARCHTITLE.COM

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A Bold Education How The BOLD Academy has empowered Black and Brown girls in Columbia since 2017.

The BOLD Academy

BY ALYSSA SHIKLES

IT ALL STARTED IN A SALON FOUR YEARS AGO. As Dr. Melita Walker was getting her hair styled by salon owner Chrystal Graves, they started talking about the lack of support and activities for young Black and Brown girls in the Columbia community.

As the weeks went on, the conversation started to become more serious, and the two women decided they wanted to take action.

“The conversation evolved into what we can do as members to support our community and to really put our money where our mouths are,” Melita says.

“We don't want to talk about it — we want to be about it. We really wanted to make a change.”

Thus, The BOLD Academy was born. A nonprofit youth-empowerment and mentoring organization, the academy was founded in 2017 to support, nurture, and enhance the leadership skills of Black and Brown girls in Columbia from the ages of 12 to 17 through enrichment opportunities, leadership training, education, and positive identity development.

A SOCIAL NETWORK The girls gather at least once a month in meetings called Bold Connections where the organization’s values are put in practice. At each meeting, speakers are brought in from various career paths to provide demonstrations, presentations, workshops, and mentoring. The academy connects girls with college students, professors, and professionals to give them opportunities for learning, building a network for girls to explore, and discover what careers they’re interested in pursuing after high school.

One key component of the mentorship program is empowerment through representation. “We need our kids to see people who look like them so they can aspire to be like them,” Melita explains. “If we have a kid who wants to be a doctor, we need to get them in front of Black and Brown doctors.” The academy is always looking for more representative mentors from different fields to show the girls what they’re capable of.

Networking doesn’t stop with mentors. One of the most important aspects of The BOLD Academy is how the girls build relationships among themselves.

Despite going to different schools around Columbia, the girls bond through shared experiences.

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“I think that the opportunity to get together once a month with girls like them — that look like them, think like them, and have similar challenges — is really awesome,” Melita says. “When they come together, they can talk about what they have in common and they can support each other.”

A FOCUS ON EDUCATION Apart from girls forming connections with each other and mentors, the primary goal of The BOLD Academy is education — aiming to prepare the girls for success in whatever field they decide to go into.

Girls are kept on-track through grade checks and tutoring if needed, and they also get new educational opportunities through the academy. One activity offered to the girls is a summer academy hosted through a partnership with Columbia College and Stephens College. The week-long course emphasizes the academy’s core values and provides additional networking. The academy also sets up college visit trips so girls can explore their options for after high school, and it provides school supplies to girls and their family members.

The academy is also trying to build connections in the community to find internships. “Our goal for the fall and next summer is creating bridges,” Melita says. “How can we connect them to a business, or an organization, or one of the schools, so that they can get into the field and learn as much as they can?

And how do we connect our kids to different networks to impact our community more?”

However, the greatest way The BOLD Academy supports the girls is by establishing a 529 college savings plan for their future studies. With 20 to 25 girls in the program, each girl is provided funding for post-secondary education over the years they’re involved.

“We give them money for participating and attending all of our monthly connections,” Melita says. “And then we also give them money for any volunteer hours that they complete throughout the course of the year-long program.”

The academy also provides scholarships for girls to take online classes or to go to different college summer camps. “Although the money that they earned does go into their 529 account, we support them in other ways as well if they need it,” Melita says.

Founded: 2017 Mission Statement: The vision of The BOLD Academy Leadership and Excellence Academy is to support, nurture, and enhance the leadership skills of Black and Brown girls in Columbia.

The BOLD Academy empowers and uplifts Black and Brown girls through enrichment opportunities, leadership training, education, and positive identity development.

Board Members: • Chrystal Graves-Yazici, co-founder and vice president • Dr. Melita Walker, co-founder and president • Kristen Brown, marketing chair • Dr. Teresa M. VanDover, programming • Dr. Joi Moore, STEM committee chair • Adonica Coleman, board member

The BOLD Academy provides a variety of opportunities to empower young Black and Brown girls to pursue their dreams.

The support of the academy yields significant results. Of the nine girls that have graduated thus far, all nine have gone to colleges around Columbia. Furthermore, a few of the girls have stayed involved with the academy, becoming mentors and teaching classes.

“Not all the girls stay connected, but there are a few who want to stay connected,” Melita says. “And we encourage that because they become a part of our network.

Also, they’ve been with our girls for so many years that they’re also their friends. Sisterhood is one of our values, and so they really come to depend on each other and support each other.”

JOINING THE MOVEMENT In the past few months, the Black Lives Matter movement has caught fi re around the nation to call for action, and The BOLD Academy has joined the fight. The academy worked alongside the Women’s Business League to sell BLM signs.

The immediate demand was shocking.

“What was tremendous about it was that we had 400 signs the fi rst day, and we sold out within 45 minutes,” Melita says. “And so we ordered another 800 signs. We pre-ordered those because the demand was so high, and

then we ran out of those. So we decided to do an online store, and now anyone interested in buying the sign can go to our website where they can get T-shirts and signs that will be shipped for free directly to them.”

All of the funds go directly to The BOLD Academy, and the money will be used to support the girls and fund more college visits.

The movement has also provided a necessary space for conversations about race, Melita says. “Part of the issue of race and racism, and the way we see it in the United States and all over the world, is that there is a whitewashed history, and there's so much of Black history that is not told,” she explains. “And so we have white friends who are engaging in this conversation in a way that they haven't engaged before. And knowledge is power. That, to me, is what's going to matter. It's educating ourselves and engaging in a conversation in a vulnerable way.”

THE BOLD ACADEMY P.O. BOX 48 INFO@THEBOLDACADEMY.ORG THEBOLDACADEMY.ORG

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BUSINESS UPDATE

Reimagining Columbia Amid new challenges and change, The District prepares for a new way of doing things.

BY MCKENNA NEVILLE

L

ike many of us, the massive disruption of the past few months has inspired change in Columbia’s downtown community improvement district, more commonly known as The District.

This summer, The District has worked through different obstacles and tasks each day. “Every day is different,” Nickie Davis, executive director of The District, says. “As always, we are just trying to continue to lobby for our businesses, keep downtown Columbia safe and clean, and also market for the businesses downtown.”

Representing over 600 downtown businesses, The District works to keep downtown Columbia running smoothly. By existing as a main point of connection between the City of Columbia and downtown, The District has been incredibly busy amid COVID-19 and Black Lives Matter protests. “These past few months, we’ve constantly been going to the city on anything we see our businesses need,” says Nickie.

LIVING ALONGSIDE UNCERTAINT Y For the duration of the COVID-19 pandemic, The District has been constantly working to get the correct information out to the downtown businesses. “We want to continually squash rumors and misinformation and get the appropriate information to our businesses as quickly as we can,” Nickie shares.

With false information available from unreliable sources, getting the correct information during a constant wave of uncertainty has been harder than usual. So during the pandemic, The District team has worked to find the correct information and go to bat for downtown businesses as much as they could.

Over the past few months, The District has also hosted virtual events, completely stopped handing out information physically, and has been consistently doing live Q&As with downtown businesses each week — all while working to update lists for businesses and retailers highlighting grants, loans, and

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“We haven’t had to push anything back at this point. We have constantly been reimagining how we can help our businesses continue and our events continue.”

— Nickie Davis, executive director of The District

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SEPTEMBER 2020

Working

any information on COVID-19 as quickly as possible. “We are trying to keep people up to date so they know when they can go shop, when they can’t go shop, and so on,” Nickie says. The District is fighting for both Columbia locals and the local businesses we all know and love.

Downtown cleanliness has, obviously, been among The District’s top priorities.

Block by Block, the downtown cleaning service, has been utilized more in recent months. “Block by Block has been a huge asset throughout this entire pandemic,” Nickie says. “They have always cleaned for us, but they switched the amount, where they’re cleaning, how often they’re cleaning — and they have been behind the scenes making sure downtown is as clean as it possibly can be.” People don’t normally think about the cleanliness of the lids on the trashcans, the crosswalk buttons, and the meters, but now, Block by Block cleans these aspects of downtown constantly.”

Nickie continues: “People see Block by Block doing their work, but they don’t understand how much good they’re doing for us. We are very thankful to have them.”

In conjunction with the disruption of COVID-19, downtowns across the country have hosted Black Lives Matter protests, including here in Columbia. The District team was constantly engaging the protests by getting information out to local businesses, protesters, and police officers. It has been a connection point between downtown businesses and protesters — with many businesses wanting to coordinate and help protesters in any way they can.

“We have businesses wanting to support the protests,” Nickie says. “For example, The Tiger Hotel has offered to put porta-potties downtown, so we’re trying to facilitate with the city to make sure that can happen.” Among uncertainty and disruption, The District is functioning to connect, inform, and bring stability to businesses and community members.

ENVISIONING A NEW NORMAL During a heavy season for events — Restaurant Week, Drinks in The District, Dog Days, and protests — The District has creatively discovered new ways of putting on community events throughout the pandemic. “We are constantly trying to make our events successful while also following safety guidelines,” Nickie says.

BUSINESS UPDATE

During this crisis, different ways of doing business have been implemented. “Curbside pick-up was about the only way our businesses could do business for a month or so,” recalls Nickie. With much disarray, everyone had to get creative — including the downtown businesses. “This has all really helped us find new ways of doing things we’ve been doing for years,” she says.

With 600 businesses and a large population, there will always be communication challenges. But, maybe surprisingly, the internet has expanded the possibilities for Columbia businesses and made communication easier than before the pandemic hit.

“Communication has always been an issue for our businesses, and it will always be,” Nickie says. “But, having Zoom meetings with the local businesses has helped us continue to speak with our business owners — though we can’t see them. It’s easy, it’s accessible, and that’s what we want in this day and age. I don’t see any of that going away anytime soon.”

Not only did the businesses have to change the way they communicate and function, but The District also had to adjust. “Everything we had planned, luckily, we have been reimagining,” Nickie says. “We haven’t had to push anything back at this point. We have constantly been reimagining how we can help our businesses continue and our events continue.” Seeing as many events can be done virtually, The District has put on most of its events online, reaching a whole different and new audience. “It’s exciting to see that we now have an extra way of being a community and coming together,” Nickie explains.

No matter what’s happening, The District will continue to keep everyone up-to-date on what’s going on in downtown Columbia — whether that be the parking situation, how to know what’s open, curbside pickup, or Black Lives Matter protests. In the meantime, along with many of us, The District is trying to calculate how to do events safely while continuing to support local businesses.

“Otherwise,” Nickie says, “We’re just trying to get through it.”

THE DOWNTOWN COMMUNIT Y IMPROVEMENT DISTRICT DISCOVERTHEDISTRICT.COM 11 S. TENTH ST. 573-442-6816

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Nathan Jones Law offers services in Business Law, Estate Planning, Probate & Trust, Family Law, Personal Injury & Wrongful Death, and Workers' Compensation.

C E L E BR ATI NG 4 Y EA R S O F BEI NG YO UR TRUS TED LAW F I RM .

2412 Forum Blvd, Suite 101, Columbia | 573-874-1122 | Fax: 573-340-1465 | NathanJonesLaw.com The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements.

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Working

PERSON YOU SHOULD KNOW

Margaret Conroy Executive Director, Daniel Boone Regional Library PHOTO BY ANTHONY JINSON JOB DESCRIPTION

I am responsible for public library services for Boone and Callaway counties, except for Centralia, which has its own library.

This includes developing the budget, managing, hiring staff, writing and implementing policy, and working with the public.

PROFESSIONAL BACKGROUND

I’m a career librarian and started my professional life in Quincy, Illinois, where I’m from. Since moving to Missouri in the early 1990s, I have worked at the University on the Missouri Newspaper Project (a fun job), served as library director for two neighboring libraries (based in Moberly and Jefferson City), was the assistant director for St. Charles City-County Library, and was the state librarian for Missouri. I have a master's in library science from Dominican University in River Forest, Illinois, and a master’s in public administration from MU. WHY YOU ARE PASSIONATE ABOUT YOUR JOB

I believe that public libraries are foundational to our democracy and that everyone has a right to access information for themselves. I love being able to provide resources that connect people with information as well as recreational reading. As an avid reader myself, I can’t imagine a world where reading choices are limited.

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A PIECE OF LITERATURE THAT HAS IMPACTED YOUR LIFE AND WHY

I love to read, and it is too hard to pinpoint one piece of literature that has affected my life. I was very lucky to have parents who encouraged reading and let my siblings and I chart our own course with books. I read primarily fiction and love British mysteries. I learn something from everything I read, even the backs of cereal boxes!

HOW YOU GOT INTO YOUR PROFESSION

I earned my Girl Scout library badge by volunteering at the Quincy Public Library children’s department when I was 16, and I must have impressed the children’s librarian because she offered me my first job. I loved to put the books in order and help families find stories for their children, not to mention have access to all those books. In college, I had a work-study job in the library. When I graduated with a liberal arts degree, I realized I didn’t want to teach, and library service felt like a calling.

WHAT PEOPLE SHOULD KNOW ABOUT YOUR JOB AS LIBRARY DIRECTOR

I don’t have time to read! Seriously, most of my time is spent behind the scenes working with staff, library trustees, and community members just like any other organization leader. My actual librarian skills are a little rusty!

“I believe that public libraries are foundational to our democracy and that everyone has a right to access information for themselves.”

A LOCAL LIBRARIAN YOU ADMIRE AND WHY

volunteer commitment, as I feel strongly that people have a right to stable, secure housing.

I’ve also been a Rotarian for many years, and I love my current Rotary club, Columbia Metro Rotary.

YOUR FAVORITE RESTAURANT IN COLUMBIA AND YOUR GO-TO FOOD AND DRINK ORDER

It’s hard to pick a favorite restaurant, but Flyover comes close. My favorite comfort food is a good grilled cheeseburger, regardless of who cooks it.

YOUR FAVORITE

Delivering quality service in the face of constantly changing technology is always a challenge, but right now, that is even more pressing, as access to physical facilities is somewhat limited due to COVID-19. Libraries

I recently joined the family selection committee for Show-Me Central Habitat for Humanity. This is my third Habitat chapter

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I think it would be pretty cool to work for a nursery taking care of plants. If I didn’t need a paycheck, I’d be puttering in my own garden.

A SURPRISING FACT ABOUT YOURSELF

I can usually tell what time it is without looking at a clock.

GREATEST STRENGTH

I hope it is empathy.

GREATEST WEAKNESS

I have to work hard to be patient!

FAMILY

I share my home with my wife, two dachshunds, and two cats (and whatever the cats drag in).

A BOOK YOU RECOMMEND TO COMO READERS AND WHY

The annual One Read title! It’s so fun to be reading and discussing the same book at the same time with your friends and neighbors.

I love to garden, camp, kayak, and watch birds.

The library profession is full of wonderful people, which is one reason I like it. I greatly admire my predecessor at DBRL, Melissa Carr. She made so many improvements at DBRL during her time here, and my job has been easy in comparison.

VOLUNTEER/COMMUNITY ACTIVITY

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

WHAT YOU DO FOR FUN

BIGGEST LESSON LEARNED AS THE LIBRARY DIRECTOR

Everyone loves their local library and feels that it belongs to them. Some like to offer advice on how I should run things, so I’ve learned to be a good listener. My biggest lesson learned when working with staff is to warn them when I am merely thinking out loud.

are constantly adapting to meet public demand, so assessing needs and developing a strategic plan for the next three years is my next big project.

THE NEXT CHALLENGE FACING THE LIBRARIES

ACCOMPLISHMENT YOU’RE MOST PROUD OF

As Missouri state librarian, I started a statewide shared library automation system, Missouri Evergreen. Public libraries in the state can now seamlessly share their collections with other libraries, so even those with small budgets can offer more materials to their patrons.

YOUR HOPES AND GOALS FOR THE FUTURE OF DANIEL BOONE REGIONAL LIBRARY

I hope to be able to maintain the system’s stable financial base and to grow the communities’ investment in the DBRL Foundation, which allows us to provide services beyond what taxes support. I also want to be able to satisfy the public’s need for free and open access to information in whatever form that takes.

GROW YOUR BUSINESS, NOT YOUR BUDGET

WITH A HOSTED PHONE SYSTEM FROM CHARITON VALLEY

660.395.9400

cvalley.net/business

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200 YE A R S

in the Making A look into the planning of Columbiaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s big bicentennial celebration.

BY DAVID MORRISON

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DAVID LINEBERRY, the chair of the Mayor’s Task Force on Columbia’s Bicentennial Celebration Planning, sees a big advantage in planning for an event 200 years in the making: It can’t really sneak up on you.

“The beautiful thing about a bicentennial is you can see it coming,” David says. “We have been planning for it, we continue to plan for it, and we’ll be ready for it once it gets here.”

The big target on the task force calendar is June 12, 2021 — the proposed date of the big Columbia bicentennial event, set to involve a parade, town hall meetings, speeches, band performances, food, and other fun and festivities emanating from Flat Branch Park and spreading throughout downtown Columbia.

Until then, members of the bicentennial task force will be making up for time lost due to COVID-19 restrictions in meeting with community members, along with planning months of satellite programming all around the city to whet community appetite for the big bicentennial event in the months leading up to it.

That’s not to mention planning and executing a $3.2 million expansion of Flat Branch Park that will impact the city for years to come.

“Because of COVID-19 and all the uncertainty surrounding that, people’s thinking has been consumed in that area. On the other hand, when this comes up, there is a big hope value,” says Chris Kelly, CoMo 200 fundraising chair and former corporate relations advancement officer for the University of Missouri. “We love parks in Columbia.

Adding to a park is something we’re accustomed to doing.”

All members of the task force efforts focus on three main themes: inclusion, celebration, and legacy.

They want to make 2021 a hallmark year for Columbia.

“It’s the entire city’s bicentennial,” David says. “If you’re in Columbia or care about Columbia, this is for you.”

COMO 200 Mayor’s Task Force on Bicentennial Planning Members

Kathy Becker Downtown Community Improvement District Joy Bess Columbia Public Schools Nate Brown Reynolds Journalism Institute Chris Campbell Boone County History and Culture Center Brent Gardner Past Task Force Chair Amanda Staley Harrison Historic Preservation Representative Barbra Horrell Sharp End Heritage Committee Richard King Thumper Entertainment Laurie Kingsley University of Missouri David Lineberry Task Force Chair Tom Mendenhall Downtown Community Improvement District Dr. Eryca Neville Columbia Public Schools Dr. Josephine Stealey University of Missouri (retired)

INCLUSION One of the earliest pieces of CoMo 200 programming was already set in motion this spring.

The You Don’t Say radio series on KBIA explores the Black experience in Columbia — past and present — by featuring conversations between members of the community.

“We want to be inclusive of not just the stories and histories we all know, but the stories and histories we maybe don’t know because they haven’t been invited to the table,” David says. “We’re identifying oral narratives from the African American community here and giving them a forum and a microphone.”

You Don’t Say is just a starting point. The task force plans to use the conversations fostered through the radio series to conceive a suite of programming based on its content — including public panels, discussion groups, and response groups — that will be held around the city in the lead-up to the bicentennial celebration.

“We want the bicentennial of Columbia to really be about all of Columbia. That means all age groups, all types of folks, and the past, present, and future included,” David says. “We’re putting all of our effort into making sure all players are at the table.”

In working with the Boone County and Missouri state historical societies, the hope is that the dialogues and events conceived around the Columbia bicentennial will be valuable contributions to the history of the region.

“All of this written, oral, and our historical programming we’re still in the design phase of — all that will be captured and archived,” David says. “We’ll be creating a legacy with all of these conversations and projects.”

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CELEBRATION

LEGACY

The members of the CoMo 200 task force saw the effect the COVID-19 pandemic had on the Boone County bicentennial this year. The hope is that by the time the 2021 rolls around, conditions will be as close to normal as possible.

And, by June 12, people will be eager for a reason to celebrate.

“Th is city is going to be ready to come together for a party,” David says. “I’m just thrilled that it’s going to be the CoMo 200 party.”

To build up anticipation for the June party, the CoMo 200 task force is planning a series of smaller lead-up events around the city, including performances, neighborhood celebrations, and collaborations with Columbia Parks and Recreation and Boone County.

CoMo 200 task force members who are also curriculum directors at Columbia Public Schools and MU are conceiving curricula surrounding the bicentennial celebration to encourage learning and engagement with CPS students. Part of that effort will involve a poster contest this fall, with 13 winners making up the art for the cover and the 12 months of a special 2021 bicentennial calendar.

“It will not only include that art, but the schedule of all our events and historical items of interest on various days of each month,” David says. “A lot of pieces are starting to move now so that, when 2021 hits, we can be hitting on all cylinders.”

Even with group meetings curtailed through the spring and summer, David says he is hearing a great deal of enthusiasm from Columbia residents about the bicentennial celebration.

In mid-July, following a task force presentation to the city council, David says he even got some unsolicited positive feedback walking down the street.

“I was literally stopped on the street by total strangers who had been in the chamber and heard me speak about what we were doing, who offered to join and participate,” David says. “I have yet to encounter a negative response. The moment I do, what I want to know is what we aren’t doing to pull those folks in. If we don’t have something that is for you already, tell me what you want, and let’s make it happen.”

The bicentennial is poised to leave a sizable, physical impact on the city: namely, a major, multi-phase reimagining and extension of Flat Branch Park.

Phase One will be demolition and revitalization of the creek bed. The task force expects this phase to be largely completed by the time of the bicentennial celebration in June.

“It’s not attractive, but it’s very important,” David says. “It’s a pretty high bill to take away concrete, gravel, plants, and trees that don’t belong, the remnants of old infrastructure that no longer supports anything, and return and restore that creek to a place where citizens can go and touch the water.”

Phase Two will be fundraising, design, and construction of a beautiful pedestrian bridge that connects the lower level of Flat Branch Park to Providence Road. Phase Three would be the construction of other flashy elements in the park, such as art installations, a scenic overlook, and a performance space.

The co-crown jewel of the project, though, is the proposed new Gateway Plaza on the southeast corner of Providence and Broadway. The plaza will feature a giant sign containing the letters “Columbia,” with a globe as the “O.” Attributes about the city, submitted by residents, will adorn the globe.

“It’s the entire city’s bicentennial. If you’re in Columbia or care about Columbia, this is for you.”

- DAVID L IN E BE R RY

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SEPTEMBER 2020

You Don’t Say The radio series that started this spring on KBIA explores the Black experience in Columbia, past and present. The dialogues generated f rom this series will be used as a jumping-off point for bicentennial events such as public panels, discussion groups, and response groups.

Columbia Public Schools Poster Contest This fall, Columbia Public Schools will feature a curriculum surrounding the city’s bicentennial. Part of that effort includes a poster contest for students, with artwork from 13 winners adorning a 2021 bicentennial calendar that will list important dates and historical items of interest.

Neighborhood Celebrations In the first six months of 2021, the task force is planning a series of smaller events around the city. These include performances, neighborhood celebrations, and collaborations with Columbia Parks and Recreation and Boone County.

The Big Party June 12, 2021, marks the date of the citywide bicentennial celebration. The event, emanating out f rom Flat Branch Park, will include such draws as a parade, town hall meetings, speeches, band performances, food, and other fun and festivities.

Flat Branch Revitalization The task force is planning a $3.2 million expansion of Flat Branch Park to be completed in three phases. The finished project is set to include a revitalization of the creek bed, a pedestrian bridge that connects the lower level of Flat Branch Park to Providence Road, art installations, a scenic overlook, a performance space, and the new Gateway Plaza at the southeast corner of Providence and Broadway.

For more information, community members can reach David Lineberry at 573-825-4656 and Chris Kelly at 573-9999636 or kellycs.missouri@gmail.com.

EVENTS TO WATCH OUT FOR “The arts, education, and so forth,” Chris says. “My word was ‘entrepreneurism.’ We have a great entrepreneurial community. It’s a gorgeous sign, a very striking project. By the bicentennial celebration, we’ll have some parts of that park underway. People will be able to see that we have something we’re leaving.”

The City of Columbia has already pitched about $1 million into the project by buying the necessary property and leveling it out. The Downtown Community Improvement District has pledged up to $1 million to the project as well, most of it going to the Gateway Plaza.

The task force is looking for help from the community to help raise the fi nal $1 million to $1.2 million. Chris says the two co-chairs of the fundraising committee — former mayors Mary Anne McCollum and Bob Pugh — have shown tremendous enthusiasm for the project.

“We have a big job cut out for us in terms of raising the funds in a challenging time to help us fulfi ll the legacy part of that vision,” David says. “We have a phased plan for that, which will bring the people a cool, new, safe greenspace soon. Two years ago, we had dreams of pulling three or four sheets off of things at once in the park and then have the brass band kick it up. Since then, what we want to do is give the people everything we can.

“We’re going to keep visiting with those community groups we would have already been visiting with. If you’re interested in joining our efforts, reach out to us. If you have a group we can visit with virtually or in person, we do both. Reach out to us. We want to share the word and be as inclusive as possible.”

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A BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERIES

Whatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New on

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SEPTEMBER 2020

The Loop?

BY N I CO L E FLO O D

This month, we finish our development series with a look at The Loop. From new community banners to new restaurants, there are lots of new and exciting developments Photo by Keith Borgmeyer

on The Loop.

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A BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERIES

DRIVING DOWN BUSINESS LOOP 70, you might have seen the pop of color of the new community banners. “That was our big project this year, and our goal was to add some color, brand the street, and show everyone that we are a community — all along the length of the street,” says Carrie Gartner, executive director of The Loop CID. “For so long, I think folks looked at us as individual businesses, but we are truly a community of businesses that build off of each other, providing goods and services you can’t fi nd anywhere else.”

The Loop is the home to several lunch joints, many of which are locally owned and serve a variety of foods. “We get so many folks coming by for lunch, taking advantage of the drive-thrus or sitting outside,” says Carrie.

CRAZY GOOD BURRITOS Down Business Loop 70 East, you may notice the former payday loan building has undergone a big change. Maribel Torres, owner and operator, has been hard at work remodeling the location to open Crazy Good Burritos in early September.

Crazy Good Burritos, with its California-style burritos, is opening at a perfect

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time — its to-go options and drive-thru make it easy to pick up food without having to venture inside. The location is also right next to the community pop-up park, so there’s plenty of parking and customers can choose to eat at the park and maintain social distancing.

“I had been looking at the location for about two years. It looked like it could have been a restaurant, and I always thought it could be a great burrito place,” says Maribel. As luck would have it, she noticed a paper on the door stating the business had moved and inquired if the building was available. “The people looking at it ahead of me passed, and I was next in line. I was very grateful, and patience paid off ,” she says.

Maribel grew up cooking with her mother, and the restaurant business is prevalent on both sides of her family. “It’s just a family tradition, and I love cooking and serving people,” she says. “I feel like it’s a way for me to give back to the community. Food is a way for me to earn the income I want to earn and be able to give back.”

Many of the menu items are family recipes from her grandma and mother. Some of the main dishes are California-style burritos, shrimp cocktail, fi sh tacos, and corn on the cob. “The Mexican rotisserie

chicken is unique, and no other place has it here [in Columbia],” she says. “It’s with charro beans, rice, pico de gallo, and red or green sauce on tortilla. They could feed the whole family. Usually, people get it and go to the park with their family. It’s a fun meal to eat together.”

In the morning, they serve breakfast burritos starting at 5 a.m. “There are a lot of [people] who go to work early, and this will give them an option,” Maribel says. One of the breakfast options is fuegra, which is a tortilla with egg and cheese topped with avocado and queso fresco, with sauce on the side. They also will serve champurrado, which is a hot drink, along with café de olla and regular coffee.

“It’s been almost a year working really hard getting ready and, fi nally, it seems like it’s there,” she adds. Maribel received her business license in early August. To get the restaurant ready, Maribel has put in new plumbing, a new electrical system, a new stove hood, and a completely remodeled ceiling and interior. Her brothers also gifted her some equipment to help her get started. A mother of four, Maribel has done as much of the work as she can on her own, but has also had great family and community support.

One particular point of pride is the plants and landscaping on the outside of the building, which Maribel arranged herself. She also was able to paint some of the inside, so it has her personal touch while also looking professional. She adds that the engineer and architect did a beautiful job, and the plans they drew up made it very easy for the whole project to be completed more accurately.

“Some of the people I traded labor with, like the gentleman who did my flooring,” she says. “My HVAC and plumbing worked with me for payment options, thanks to my contractor. Everyone really worked together and has been great working with me to help me get the restaurant opened.”

Maribel hopes her new restaurant will serve the community and The Loop. “I think that it will encourage other people to be determined to have their dreams realized, just keep at it and not let go. If I could do it pretty much coming from nothing, I think others can do it, too. If you come and

T HE LO O P

try the burritos, we invite you to come back and try something different the next time.”

MUNCHI’S FISH & CHICC’N AND WOODS AUTO SPA At the corner of Business Loop 70 and Rangeline, you’ll fi nd Woods Auto Spa and Munchi’s Fish & Chicc’n. Owner Dimetrious Woods says he has invested in that corner because

he believes in it. He opened Woods Auto Spa in early 2019 and followed with Munchi’s Fish & Chicc’n food trailer in November 2019.

“It was crazy for me to open the auto spa at the time,” says Dimetrious. “But you only get one life to live. I had changed my life for the better, and here I was facing going back to prison. I overcame that fear and went for it.

That corner was ugly, and I knew it was a good advertising pitch to clean up that corner. It’s a busy intersection, and it’s worked well.”

Woods Auto Spa is unique in that they do hand car washes, detailing, and window tints. “The lobby is killer, and has a candy store and smoke shop up front, and all the St. Louis air fresheners. It’s decked out with black glass luxury decor. That’s what separates us — urban hipness and the cleanliness of the store,” Dimetrious says.

Adding the Munchi’s Fish & Chicc’n food trailer to the location was a no-brainer for Dimetrious with how busy the intersection is and the need for restaurants in the area.

The choice of opening his restaurant as a food trailer all came down to economics: He already had a great location, and the food trailer had low overhead. “When I was in prison, I was paying attention, and food trucks have become so popular. I thought the food trailer thing might be the best option,” he says.

In terms of inspiration, he says the food at Munchi’s came from knowing the type of food he likes. “Growing up in St. Louis, you have your fried catfish, fried chicken that’s lightly seasoned, and it wasn’t food that was available in Columbia on a consistent basis,” Dimetrious says.

All of the cooking and recipes are Dimetrious’ own creations. As his businesses grow, he’s not always the one cooking, though he loves it when he’s able to do so.

He focuses on consistency in the process and seasonings so you get the same great taste every time.

The thing that keeps customers coming back for more is the original Munchi’s sauce. “It’s like a honey hot sauce —it’s for chicken, but people love it on their fries and shrimp and everything,” he says.

“The exciting thing is I have three trailers now. We leave one here [at Woods Auto Spa] and take one mobile,” he says. They even served food at Cooper’s Landing in early August. The third is a large, two-room trailer, and Dimetrious is working on plans to utilize it.

Dimetrious says there are so many facets in how these businesses add to the community and The Loop. “I provide a service to the community in jobs. And if you dig down, I have a very strong presence and respect in the community because of where I came from,” he says. “There’s hope — not only did I get out, but I opened a business

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A BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT SERIES

T HE LO O P

WE LOVE

LOCAL Check out these interesting shopping combos Carrie Gartner provided for The Loop.

TRANSFORM YOUR BACKYARD With our help, you can repaint patio furniture in a hot new color, f ind gardening tools and outdoor lighting, and even get gardening supplies and advice.

Sherwin Williams Harbor Freight CoMo Grow Supply

UPDATE YOUR HOME OFFICE Isn’t it about time to make your workspace a place that works for you? We have flooring, furniture, lighting, and accessories to make sure you score a perfect 10 on Room Rater.

Dave Griggs Flooring America Hockman Interiors Carpet One Floor + Home Ennis Appliance Center

DINE OUT AT HOME We’ve got everything f rom groceries to centerpieces for your table — even all the ingredients to mix your own cocktail.

Aldi Mosers Loop Liquor

For a full list of businesses in The Loop, visit theloopcomo.com

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SEPTEMBER 2020

and take care of my kids. I didn’t realize this until my landlord wrote a letter to the governor about me changing my life.

“I used to be a notorious cocaine dealer and got popped and went away. I own that and was held accountable. I recently did 11 years inside. I’ve been out for two years,” Dimetrious says. He was released on parole in 2018. After being out for a year, his parole was appealed, and he was facing going back to prison to serve the rest of his sentence due to a change in legislation. During this time, he followed parole, owned the business, and was mentoring troubled youth in Columbia. “All of that coming together is what led up to be being able to appeal to the governor — look at this non-violent drug offender who has come away from this and changed his life. All of that accountability and evidence changed my life.” Governor Mike Parson commuted his prison sentence, and Dimetrious only served two months of house arrest.

“I’m a workhorse now, but you can’t see me complaining much. Man, life is beautiful now!” he says. He adds that he’s glad to be able to share his story and help mentor others. “You’re worth something all of the time,” he says. “You have to deal with the past. Me being able to go in and be vulnerable, go back and be honest with my past, helps me make a good connection with others.”

BLACK

N COM

A DIRECTORY OF

BLACK-OWNED BUSINESSES IN COMO

OWNED USINE Food & Drink

BUSINES Fashion

Personal & Business Growth Entertainment

Children & Family Care

Health, Wellness, & Beauty

OWNED Home, Lawn, & Auto Care Transportation Miscellaneous

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A DIRECTORY OF

FOOD & DRINK

Mrs. G's A Touch of Soul

Vibez Lounge

1301 Vandiver Dr., Ste. E mrs-gs-a-touch-of-soul.business.site/

19th N. Fifth St. vibezloungecomo.com

Al's and Lena's Catering

Mrs. G's A Touch of Soul is a casual restaurant in Columbia that serves delicious soul food.

Vibez Lounge serves customers soulful, homecooked meals in a friendly space centered on community connection.

Munchi's Fish and Chicc'n

Xolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Vegan On-The-Go

922 Business Loop 70 E. Munchi's Fish & Chicc'n

Catering Service Xola's Vegan On-The-Go

Al Buford and Lena Cheatman 1205 Rangeline St. Al Lena- Catering

Al's and Lena's is a casual catering and plate service that offers soul food and a family atmosphere.

Big Daddy's BBQ

Lloyd and Fontella Henry 1205 N. Garth Ave. Big Daddy's BBQ

Big Daddy's is a barbecue smokehouse known for a delicious array of meat and its own signature sauce.

Gabriella Allen

Dimetrious Woods

Erica Dickson

Munchi's offers a wide variety of cityinspired flavors through a menu of fish and chicken dishes.

Xola's is a catering service focused on providing vegan and vegetarian food to the Columbia community.

Papadoo's Soulfood & BBQ Joshua Williams Sr.

904 Business Loop 70 E. Papadoo's soul food & bbq

Bush's Catering LLC

Papadoo's is a restaurant serving a mix of soul food and cajun food.

1200 E. Walnut St. bushscateringmealprep.com

Plush Ultra Lounge

Bush's Catering is a small business that offers catering for any event with a variety of meals and appetizers to choose from.

904 Business Loop 70 E. plushlounge.net

Chris Bush

EvenďŹ&#x201A;ow Coffee Jarrell Johnson

evenflowcoffee.com

Evenflow Coffee is an online retail store for coffee and coffee-related merchandise.

Jamaican Jerk Hut

Rexroy Scott and Colin Russell 711 Vandiver Dr. Jerk Hut

Adrian Preyer

Plush is a relaxing lounge providing soul food, live music, and karaoke for a fun night out.

Quintilla's Kitchen Shannon Wilson

2700 Comstock Dr. Quintilla's Kitchen

Quintilla's Kitchen offers personal chef, event planning, and catering services for small to medium-sized events.

Jamaican Jerk Hut is a Jamaican restaurant, food truck, and catering outfit serving both Columbia and Jefferson City.

Scooter's Food Joint and Catering

Joy's Carry Out and Catering Service

Scooter's is a food truck in Columbia serving a mix of foods, including chicken wings, Philly cheesesteak, and fries.

Joycelynn Linzie

2202 Paris Rd. Joy's Carry Out and Catering Service

Joy's Carry Out and Catering aims to please with delicious soul food for everyone, including vegetarian diets.

Mr. Murphy's Stuffed Potatoes Jheron Nunnelly

Food Truck Mr Murphy Stuffed Potatoes

Mr. Murphy's offers a variety of stuffed spuds, nachos, and salads made from scratch.

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SEPTEMBER 2020

R'Velle Fair

D'Auntre Prince

Food Truck Scooter's Food Joint & Catering

South Florida Style Chicken & Ribs

Gerald and Kim Nathan

1013 Park Ave. South Florida Style Chicken & Ribs

South Florida Style Chicken & Ribs is a flavorful barbecue restaurant and catering service.

FASHION Cauhz Clothing (Cultures All United Harmonizing Zoos) Ito Aviles

Online Store cauhzclothing.com

Cauhz is a clothing brand that sells T-shirts, bags, and beanies all while promoting peace, love, equality, and diversity.

Como Beach Matt Warren

Online Store comobeachclothing.com

Como Beach is an online vendor that sells bathing suits, sweatshirts, and more.

Freedom T's

Vernon T. Diggs

508 N. Williams St., Apt 101 freedomtsllc.com

Freedom T's is a print shop that screenprints custom and standard apparel designs for business, schools, and for personal use.

HAM Sports Gear Devin Griffin

3412 Grindstone Pkwy. hamsportsgear.com

HAM Sports Gear is a clothing brand that provides innovative gear for the athletes' sport and life.

Black-Owned Businesses in COMO

Monarch Jewelry

KT Moss Key Solutions

Paramount Marketing Group

1019 E. Walnut St. C Monarch Jewelry

kaytmoss.com

pmg-worldwide.com 573-777-2555

Kenneth Greene

Monarch Jewelry is known for its craftsmanship with its collection of customdesigned fine jewelry.

Vintage Collectible Retro (VCR) Antonio Rainey and Lamarr Holt 312A Nebraska Ave. Vintage Collectible Retro VCR

Vintage Collectible Retro offers customdesigned products and the ability to trade, sell, or buy vintage clothing.

PERSONAL & BUSINESS GROWTH

Kay T Moss

Kay is a solution strategist that continually supports individual and organizational leadership development.

MeniďŹ eld & Associates LLC Angela Hooper-Menifield supervisoracademy.com

Menifield and Associates LLC works to build and equip supervisors and teams through professional coaching.

Noble Necessities LLC Tammy R. Nobles

tammyrnobles.com 573-821-5759

Noble Necessities LLC supports individuals and inspires entrepreneurs to ignite, pursue, and progress on their journey by providing empowerment and educational development.

W. Edward Shelton

Paramount Marketing Group Worldwide (PMG) is one of the largest event planning and entertainment providers in the Midwest. Their customizable services can cover specialty parties, corporate events, weddings, limousine services, and more.

CHILDREN & FAMILY CARE Nanny's Early Learning Center Diane Coleman

404 McBaine Ave. nannysearlylearningcenter.com

ENTERTAINMENT

Nanny's Early Learning Center works to give back to the community and support families by providing children with a nurturing environment and the highest level of care.

2685 Winding Trail Dr. arwtrainingfirm.com

Beatzworld Entertainment

Nora Stewart Early Learning Center

ARW Equity Advisors LLC works to help private, educational, and governmental institutions train and retain their employees.

djbeatz.net

ARW Equity Advisors LLC Dr. Della Streaty-Wilhoit

Castello Branco Fields Mikel A. Fields

DJ Beatz

DJ Beatz is an artist, producer, entrepreneur, and the official DJ for sporting events at Faurot Field.

816 E. Broadway, #201 castellobrancofields.com

The Chump Change Blues Band

Castello Branco Fields is a consulting company that collaborates with brands of all sizes to achieve success for clients that invest in strategy.

1702 University Ave. 573-442-4157 The Chump Change Blues Band

The Association of Missouri Mediators

James "Smitty" Smith

Cheryl Howard

505 E. Ash St. norastewart.com

Being the only Black-owned business in the county for 80 years, the Nora Stewart Early Learning Center prides itself on a proud past and a dynamic future as it provides kids with a strong academic foundation as well as a nurturing environment.

The Chump Change Blues Band is a blues band in Columbia that travels all around the United States to perform.

John Richardson momediators.org 573-313-8555

The Association of Missouri Mediators has training and tips for mediators who are working with people to resolve confl ict.

Henry Marketing Co. Mike Henry

henrymarketing.co

Mike Henry works to help professionals improve their practice with great marketing that converts.

Need to update your business's or organization's listing?

Contact our department editor at hannah@comomag.com and we'll add the updated information to your listing in our online directory.

COMOMAG.COM

101

A DIRECTORY OF

HEALTH, WELLNESS & BEAUTY A Cut Above the Rest Barber and Salon Al and Deb Harris

203 N. Providence Rd. acutabovecolumbia.com

A Cut Above The Rest Barber and Salon is a total wellness care facility to suit your whole family's needs.

All Star Cuts

Lloyd Hayes II

3200 Penn Terrace, Ste. 111 jewell.771073@gmail.com

All Star Cuts is a barbershop that works with any texture and style of hair.

Artistry Salon

Bridget Williams

705A Big Bear Blvd. artistrythesalon.com

Artistry Salon specializes in kinky and curly hair.

B. Fab Hair Studio & Cosmetics Brandi Harris

416 E. Broadway St. schedulicity.com/scheduling/MMERXQ

B. Fab Hair Studio and Cosmetics is a salon that offers all things beauty: hair, nails, makeup, blowouts, and more.

Chrystal L. Hair & Makeup Chrystal L. Graves

1201 E. Broadway, Ste. D chrystalhairandmakeup.com

Chrystal L. Hair and Makeup is a salon for all hair types using 100% vegan, gluten-free, and carcinogen-free products.

CoMo Hair Bundles and Body Oils LLC

Vivian Ganaway Spears 812 Hunt Ave., Ste. 1 comohairbundles.com

CoMo Hair Bundles offers hair extensions made from natural, unprocessed, 100% human hair. They also offer braiding hair, beauty products, and a selection of body oils.

102

SEPTEMBER 2020

Cut N Up

Simple Solutions Fitness

1512 Business Loop W., #B Cut N Up W/ Deidra Hair Salon

3930 S. Providence Rd., Ste. B simplesolutionsfitness.com

Deidrea Freelon

Steven Mack

Cut N Up hair salon provides hair cuts for the whole family, and prides itself with expertise in chemical processing, dreads, sewn weaves, and more.

Simple Solutions Fitness is a personal trainer and a certified strength and conditioning specialist.

Diamond Cutz Barber Studio

Racheal Harris

Le'Quan Hord-Bush

1621 Towne Dr. Diamond Cutz Barber Studio

Diamond Cutz Barber Studio offers haircuts for adults and kids, lining, and enhancements.

YouNique Beauty Supply LLC Online Store youniqueluxuryextension.com

YouNique Beauty Supply is a hair supplier that offers customers hair extensions and customized wigs.

Sarah Brown

HOME, LAWN, & AUTO CARE

D'MMI Stylez Beauty Bar is a salon that offers a variety of beauty services, including cut, color, and weaves.

Auto Embassy

D'MMI Stylez Beauty Bar 3200 Penn Terrace, #111 sarahb@dmmistylezbeautybar.com

Maurice Doughty

Exclusive Cuts LLC

2424 Paris Rd. comoautoembassy.com

2300 Bernadette Dr., Ste. 624 Exclusive Cuts, LLC

Auto Embassy offers professional carwashing, interior detailing, and paint correction and protection.

Ernest Daniels II

Exclusive Cuts LLC is a family salon that specializes in hair cuts.

K'Bella Dior Beauty and Aesthetics Spa Kandis Hardin

206 Austin Ave., Ste. 202 kbelladiorspa.carrd.co

Kandis Hardin is a licensed esthetician who uses natural-based skin care methods in a fun and relaxing environment.

Me, My Hair, and I

Class It Up Cleaning

Ingrid and Charles Smith classitupcleaning.com

Class It Up Cleaning is a locally based W/ MBE company owned by a husband and wife power couple leading the industry in providing quality commercial cleaning and janitorial services.

The Earth Matters Cleaning LLC Sharif Abdul-Hakim

2503 W. Ash St., Ste. B Me, My Hair, & I

1909 Dartmouth thumbtack.com/mo/columbia/housecleaning/earth-matters-cleaning-llc/ service/224113517541917848?project_pk=

Me, My Hair, and I is the salon for all of your hair care needs for weddings, haircuts, extensions, and more.

The Earth Matters Cleaning is a cleaning service for construction sites, commercial buildings, and residential buildings.

Pro Kutz Elite

Gaines Car Detailing and Moving and Delivery

Fran Tibbs

Lorenzo Shepard

1809 Vandiver Ste. 110 pro-kutz-elite-barbershop.business.site 573-424-7522

Pro Kutz Elite is an upscale, modern, and upto-date hometown barbershop.

Rodney Gaines

1401C Illinois Ave. Gaines Car Detailing and Moving and Delivery

Gaines Car Detailing and Moving and Delivery offers car detailing, delivery services, and will move you wherever you need to go.

Black-Owned Businesses in COMO

J's Cleaning Solution Jessica Cason

511 E. Walnut, #10093 jscleaningsolution.services

J's Cleaning Solution offers commercial cleaning. All staff is Healthcare Cleaning Certified, and the company has a mission to limit damage to the environment.

Jazz It Up Cleaning Jasmine Buckner

3915 Olympic Ct. jazzitupcleaningllc.business.site

Jazz It Up Cleaning is here to help you with any size cleaning project, including floor cleaning, office cleaning, and even a postparty pick-up.

Maid EZ Cleaning Service LLC Teresa Crews

4182 W. Bethany Dr.

Maid EZ Cleaning Service offers a variety of cleaning services, including residential, commercial, carpet steam cleaning, and more.

TRANSPORTATION Concierge Services

Concierge Services is a corporate transportation service dedicated to getting you anywhere you need to go, anytime.

Smith and Parnell LLC

Taxi Terry LLC

Smith and Parnell LLC is a law fi rm that specializes in personal injury, criminal defense, and family law and divorce cases.

Terry Nickerson Sr. 312 Nebraska Ave., B Taxi Terry's

MISCELLANEOUS

The Nehemiah Group is a local construction company that offers restoring and remodeling.

Akilah Stanton Realtor

Robin D. Winn, Esq.

Akilah Stanton

BHHS Vision Real Estate Cecilia Young, Esq., Realtor

James Shelby

22 N. Eighth St. ceciliayoung.myhomehq.biz ccyoungrealtor@gmail.com

Shelby's Security provides security for both residential and commercial spaces.

Cecilia Young is a real estate agent with a passion to make your home buying or selling dreams come true.

Woods Auto Spa

Dimetrious Woods

922 Business Loop 70 E. woodsautospa@gmail.com Woods Auto Spa

Woods Auto Spa is an auto detailing service that offers window tinting and other beautification services for your vehicle.

The Whitley Co. Marissa Whitley

816 E. Broadway, Ste. 202 thewhitleycompany.com

The Whitley Co. is here to create spaces that are both functional and beautiful.

700 Cherry St. smithandparnell.com

The Nehemiah Group

muchmow.com

1400 Forum Blvd., Ste. 1C shelbyswatch.com

David Tyson Smith and Malia Parnell

Taxi Terry is Columbia's premier taxi service that also offers wheelchair-accessible vans.

Akilah Stanton is a real estate agent that specializes in residential and commercial selling.

Shelby's Security

3700 Monterey Dr., Ste. A weichertft.com/agents/203236/ Martha+Tomlin-McCrary

Martha Tomlin McCray is a fi rst-tier real estate agent at Weichert Realtors.

2070 Old US 40 conciergesuv.com

3200 Penn Terrace, Ste. 113 akilah.findcolumbiamohouses.com

MuchMo â&#x20AC;&#x153;Wâ&#x20AC;? is a lawn care service that offers mowing, leaf and snow removal, mulching, and more all at competitive rates.

Martha Tomlin-McCrary

Stan Warren

MuchMo "W" LLC DJ Henderson

Weichert Realtors

Christine Woods LLC

Christine Woods, LCSW P.O. Box 85 christinemwoods.com

Christine Woods is an experienced therapist and health professional that offers a wide variety of services, including working with individuals, children and adolescents, and couples and families. Christine is also available to provide training and consultation.

Cracked Up Mobile

Mikel and Luana Fields 904 Elm St. #212 crackedupmobile.com

A mobile device repair shop offering cell phone, tablet, laptop, and game console repairs. Same day service on most repairs.

Drevon Ballenger

5260 E. St Charles Rd., Ste. B The Nehemiah Group

Winn Law Firm LLC

303 N. Stadium Blvd., Ste 200 thewinnlawfirm.com

Winn Law Firm LLC is a defense attorney fi rm that stands for human rights, civil rights, and equal protection under the law.

The Annalise Group Mikisha Ruffin

maisonannalise.com

The Annalise Group is a boutique distributor, branding, and e-commerce agency that helps up-and-coming European brands launch in the U.S.

Cornelliaspeaks LLC Cornellia Williams

cornelliaspeaks.com

Cornellia Williams is a professional motivational speaker and coach for life, career, and personal finance.

Despite our best efforts and research, we likely missed someone.

If we didn't include your business or organization and you'd like to be listed, contact our department editor at hannah@comomag.com, and we'll update our online directory.

COMOMAG.COM

103

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Celebrate the lives of the ones you love SUBMISSION FORM AT COMOMAG.COM

BIRTHS

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A DVE RT I S E R I NDE X A-1 RENTAL.................................................................................................................................. 10 ACCOUNTING PLUS........................................................................................................... 107 ACHIEVE BALANCE.............................................................................................................. 74 ANGELIQUE PHOTOGRAPHY........................................................................................ 43 ANNE TUCKLEY HOME...................................................................................................... 34 ANTHONY JINSON PHOTOGRAPHY......................................................................... 66 ATKINS INC.................................................................................................................................. 16 BAUMGARTNER'S FURNITURE & CARPET.............................................................35 BERKSHIRE HATHAWAY HOME SERVICES............................................................. 5 BLOOM BOOKKEEPING.................................................................................................... 20 BOONE HOSPITAL........................................................................................................... 8 & 9 BROCKMEIER FINANCIAL SERVICES........................................................................72 BURRELL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH................................................................................44 CENTRAL MISSOURI AUTO BODY...............................................................................72 CHARITON VALLEY............................................................................................................... 89

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

COLUMBIA MARKETING GROUP................................................................................ 82 COMPASS CHIROPRACTIC................................................................................................13 CONVERGENCE FINANCIAL.............................................................................................. 2

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DANCEARTS............................................................................................................................... 43

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EVANS & DIXON LLC............................................................................................................ 76 HAAS ACCOUNTING............................................................................................................. 74 HAWTHORN BANK............................................................................................................. 108 HEMP HEMP HOORAY........................................................................................................57 INSIDE THE LINES.................................................................................................................. 24 JOE MACHENS LINCOLN..................................................................................................... 3 JOE MACHENS MAZDA................................................................................................6 & 7 LEAN KITCHEN CO................................................................................................................44 MACADOODLES..................................................................................................................... 20 MEDIACOM...................................................................................................................................4

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MONARCH TITLE COMPANY.......................................................................................... 30 MY SISTER'S CIRCUS............................................................................................................48 NATHAN JONES LAW.......................................................................................................... 86

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NAUGHT NAUGHT INSURANCE AGENCY............................................................. 20

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NEXTHOME PARADIGM.....................................................................................................72 ORGANIZE THAT SPACE....................................................................................................64 PARKS AMUSEMENTS (LEVEL UP)............................................................................. 14 PROVIDENCE BANK............................................................................................................ 68 SC EVENTS.................................................................................................................................. 77 SHELTER INSURANCE - MIKE MESSER.................................................................. 24 SKYLARK BOOKSHOP....................................................................................................... 105 STANGE LAW FIRM............................................................................................................... 89 STATE FARM - PHYLLIS NICHOLS................................................................................57 SUPERIOR GARDEN CENTER/ROST LANDSCAPE...............................33 & 48 THE BANK OF MISSOURI.................................................................................................. 86 THE BROADWAY HOTEL................................................................................................... 68 TIGER FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC & WELLNESS CENTER................................64 TIGER GARDEN.........................................................................................................................37

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

TLC MORTGAGE...................................................................................................................... 36 TRACY AREY REAL ESTATE...............................................................................................32 TRUE FALSE FILM FEST...................................................................................................... 18 UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI HEALTH CARE........................................................... 63 WILLIAMS & ASSOCIATES EYECARE......................................................................... 43

Because books.

WILSON'S FITNESS................................................................................................................22

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105

Working

THIS OR THAT

Books At Home

Out and About

Early Riser

Night Owl

Game Night

Wine

Cats

Dogs

Race Car Driver Learn At Your Desk Concept Cluttered Playlist

106

SEPTEMBER 2020

In a Meeting Execute Minimalist Podcast

Sweet

Text

5. Both are great venues with great shows.

6. Grew up playing and learning poker from my grandmother.

7. After growing up as a little kid running around in my plastic Cowboys helmet at the end of the Roger Staubach era, and then later on during the Troy Aikman era, I will always be a Cowboys fan. However, the longer I am in Missouri, the more and more I become a Chiefs fan.

Teach

Salty

Beach

1. I love both. There are times that being at home by myself or with my family is exactly what I need to charge the batteries, and then there are times that being out-and-about with friends is what I need.

2. As long as I can be productive in both.

3. This depends on who you talk to. I like to believe I am somewhere in the middle.

4. Put them together and it is the best.

Pit Crew

Asleep

Rose Music Hall

President and CEO, Columbia Chamber of Commerce

Golf

Awake

The Beatles

Matt McCormick

Movie Night

Beer

Baseball

Photo by Anthony Jinson

Movies

Business Netflix Introvert

Rolling Stones The Blue Note Mountains Call Casual Hulu Extrovert

Sandwich

Soup

Car

Plane

Mac

PC

Outside

Indoors

Solo

Team

Take a Walk

Drive

Poker

Blackjack

Spontaneous

Planned

9-5

Flexibility

Family Time

Alone Time

Dallas Cowboys

Chiefs

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