COMO Living Magazine - February/March 2016

COMO

Art issue

VO L .2 / A MAGAZINE A B O U T CO LU M B IA LIF ES T YLE A N D C ULT UR E

LI V ING

FEBRUARY/MARCH

CULTURE O C M HOMES O FASHION THE ART ISSUE

The Art issue We take you along as we look into Columbia’s ever-growing arts community.

Virgin Territory

A Guide to CoMo’s Festivals pg. 61

Dress Up

+ Dance

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MAGAZINE FEATURES ONLINE EXCLUSIVE BONUS CONTENT: BLOGS, RECIPES, FASHION, HOMES AND CULTURE UPCOMING COMO EVENTS CONTESTS AND GIVEAWAYS BEHIND-THE-SCENES DETAILS FROM COVERS, PHOTO SHOOTS AND MORE...

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COMO L I V I N G

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F E B RUA RY - 2016

Will the Presidential Election Affect Investment Outlook?

The presidential election season is in full swing so as an investor, should you be concerned? You might be encouraged over the prospects of the financial markets this year since in the last 12 presidential election years, the Dow Jones Industrial Average has been up nine times and down just three. So, election years must be good for the financial markets, right?

Not necessarily. The markets are influenced by a variety of factors: interest rates, inflation, corporate profits, geopolitical events, economic growth, even the weather. It’s safe to say that 2016 will be no different. At this early stage of the year, one could say that continued low interest rates and a reasonably strong economy might bode well for investors.

But it’s difficult for anybody, even so-called experts, to accurately predict the market’s performance over a relatively short time, such as a year.

Still, the market’s history of pretty good results in presidential election years may not be entirely random. For one thing, the White House is never the only office being contested; elections are also held for every congressional district and many seats in the Senate. Consequently, campaigning often takes precedence over legislating. This legislative inactivity tends to be welcomed by the financial markets.

However, you can’t really count on past trends to provide a certain roadmap for the year ahead. So, instead of worrying about things you can’t control, focus on those you can. For starters, review your investment mix. Does it still properly reflect your goals, risk tolerance and time horizon? Even if you haven’t made many changes to your portfolio, it can become “unbalanced.” For example, if you own stocks that have increased greatly in value over the years, these may now be taking up a larger percentage of your holdings than you intended, bringing with them a higher degree of risk. You might want to consider selling some of these stocks and fill in other gaps in your portfolio.

On the other hand, if you think your mix of investments is not providing you with the returns you need to help make progress toward your long-term objectives, you may need to add some vehicles that can provide you with more growth potential. After all, it’s 2016 so no matter your age, you’re another year closer to retirement.

Will this year look like past presidential election years, as far as good returns from the stock market? No one can say for sure. But if you “vote” for smart investment moves, you won’t be sorry.

Trusted Investing Advice from these local financial advisors

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Ann Echelmeier (573) 446-2770

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* This article was written by Edward Jones for use by your local Edward Jones Financial Advisor.

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COMO L I V I N G

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F E B RUA RY - 2016

COMO L I V I N G

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MA R C H - 2016

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COMO L I V I N G

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F E B RUA RY - 2016

COMO L I V I N G

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MA R C H - 2016

A BUSINESS TIMES COMPANY PUBLICATION

EDITORIAL Audrey Sharp, Editor Audrey@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Kristi McCann, Copy Editor DESIGN Keith Borgmeyer, Senior Editorial Designer Keith@BusinessTimesCompany.com

C R E AT I V E S E R V I C E S Kate Morrow, Graphic Designer

ON THE COVER On a cold, brisk day in January, we left our cozy offices off Vandiver and headed to Missouri Theatre in downtown Columbia. There, we met up with Missouri Contemporary Ballet director, Karen Grundy, and dancers Caitlin Sloan and Elise Eslick. This is a special issue to us. Not only is it our second edition of COMO Living, but it’s an edition that was inspired by the ever-changing, ever-developing arts community in Columbia. The Missouri Contemporary Ballet puts on a show each spring, so we thought what better time to feature their amazing talent and abilities than in the Arts and Culture Issue of COMO Living. To read more about the MCB, flip to Beth Bramstedt’s story on page 52.

Elise came out of the dressing room wearing this beautiful, flowy, bold red dress for the first portion of our photo shoot. With that gorgeous open back, we knew we had to get a strong photo as an option to use in the spread. But at that point, we didn’t know that we would end up choosing it for the cover! We decided to go with this image because of the strength that just bursts off the page. We love the way the dress flows across the cover, and it just makes you want to run your hand across it. This is a strong pose. It shows movement, balance and beauty, and it truly captures your attention much like the arts culture in our city.

Kate@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Jordan Watts, Editorial Designer Jordan@BusinessTimesCompany.com

MARKETING R E P R E S E N TAT I V E S Deb Valvo, Director of Sales Deb@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Jamie Patterson, Digital Services Director Jamie@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Stacy Zorn, Marketing Consultant Stacy@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Tami Turner, Marketing Consultant Tami@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Janelle Wilbers Haley, Marketing Consultant Janelle@BusinessTimesCompany.com

MANAGEMENT Erica Pefferman, President Erica@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Renea Sapp, VP of Finance ReneaS@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Amy Ferrari, Operations Manager Amy@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Crystal Richardson, Marketing Manager Crystal@BusinessTimesCompany.com

Turn to page 52 for our “Born to Dance” feature.

COMO LIVING Business Times Company 2001 Corporate Place, Suite 100 Columbia, MO, 65202 P: (573) 499 1830 W: www.comolivingmag.com —

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

WELCOME

WELCOME TO COMO LIVING MAGAZINE — To a fault, I really hate the word “resolution.” The word itself makes me squirm in my chair. Maybe it’s because in the past, I’ve set lofty resolutions (I literally closed my eyes when I wrote that) that I couldn’t obtain. So instead, if you know me, you know that I use the word “goals.” Goals can be a bit more detailed and complex, and if you do it right, obtainable. I’ve never been the best goal-setter, but here are a few that I’ve set for 2016: 1. Read more books. Quite frankly, there’s no reason not to. I feel as though, writer to writer, it’s rude if I don’t read what you spent years on. So here’s to you, authors. I’m coming for ya.

2. Spend more time with friends. It’s my own fault that I don’t spend more time with them. I have wonderful people in my life that I can learn from, grow alongside and do life with. It’s my responsibility to spend more time with them.

I need to stop saying, “I’m too busy,” or “Let’s do that next weekend,” and then never do it. Bad, Audrey, bad.

3. Learn more about coffee. That’s pretty self-explanatory. I drink it all the time yet I don’t know much about it, where it comes from or the many different ways to make it.

4. Go to all of CoMo’s festivals this year. Again, no excuse here. After reading Jill Orr’s outstanding feature article, “Virgin Territory” on page 61, it has me motivated to jump right in and embrace what these festivals have to offer.

5. Get more involved in the arts. Whether it be attending the Missouri Contemporary Ballet’s show on March 12th or 13th or stopping by one of the classes at Access Arts or Columbia Art League, it’s downright crucial that I get myself more involved.

As Zach Lloyd stated in the beginning of his “State of the Arts” story on page 46, Columbia’s arts community is truly “looking forward to a growing future.” There is an important aspect to that growing future, and that is you and me -- the Columbia residents who have an appreciation for the culture, diversity and exceptional talent in our city. We can watch it from afar, but really, what good does that do? As Joel Sager says in Zach’s story, “ …we want to continue doing what we’re doing, making art part of the daily conversation.” In my opinion, what better way to do that than to do a whole issue of COMO Living about it!

Whether you’re interested in basket weaving, music, theater, dance, paint, pottery, cake decorating or making sushi look pretty and not just taste good, this issue is going to be a good one for you. Flip through its pages. It’s full of beautiful photography, engaging content and hopefully some new information you can share with others.

As always, I welcome emails and comments from you, our reader. Don’t hesitate to reach out at Audrey@ BusinessTimesCompany.com. I hope you’ve set some goals for 2016 that are obtainable and exciting. Here’s to a year full of new experiences.

-A

— AU D RE Y S H A R P EDITOR Email - audrey@businesstimescompany.com | Website - comolivingmag.com Twitter - @COMOLivingMag | Facebook - facebook.com/COMOLivingMagazine

Keith Borgmeyer, Casey Buckman, Angelique Hunter, Anthony Jinson, Ben Meldrum, Catherine Rhoades

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Christy Asper, Kim Becking, Sarah Berger, Jenny Bondurant, Keith Borgmeyer, Beth Bramstedt, Hogan Davis, Alex George, Brandon Gerau, Brian Hazelrigg, Jessica Kaiser, Cale Kleithermes, Drew Lemberger, Zach Lloyd, Jill Orr, Alisiana Peters, Monica Pitts, Jonathan Steffans, Nellie SymmGruender, Amber Taylor, Michele Towns, Tim Zakrewsi

THE BUSINESS TIMES CO. INTERNS Caroline Harding, Jessica Kaiser, Sean Nelson, Alisiana Peters, Brooke Skiles, Amber Taylor

COMO LIVING BOARD Kristi McCann, Jill Orr, Erica Pefferman, Michele Towns —

SUBSCRIP TIONS S U B S C R IBE ON LIN E www.comolivingmag.com PH O NE OR D E R ING (573) 499 1830 S U B S C R IBE R S Subscription rate is $5.95 per issue, 6 month subscription is $29.95. Call Amy Ferrari at 573-499-1830 ext. 1003 to place an order or to inform us of a change of address.

AB OUT THE B OARD

E R ICA PEFFERM AN President, Business Times Company Every person on our editorial team approaches each issue of COMO Living from a different perspective. Yes, we have a theme that keeps us on the same path. But Keith imagines the photos he’s going to capture with his camera. Audrey savors the stories she gets to tell. Me? I want to showcase the city I love in the best way possible. This issue hits home. When I saw the first proof of this issue, I was actually quiet in reverence. (If you know me, you know this is a rarity.) I just wanted to hug Keith and Audrey for a job so well done. Our Art Issue shows my home in a way that is authentic and reminds me why I fell in love with this place more than 10 years ago and refuse to leave. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.

M I C H E L E T OW NS

KRISTI M CANN

JILL OR R

The day after she married her husband, Kevin, the two of them moved from Michigan to Columbia. They immediately fell in love with the city and after raising two daughters, now ages 26 and 18, it is without a doubt home for their family and has been for the past 36 years. Working with the magazine as their DIY guru, as well as serving on the Advisory Board for almost two years, has been very rewarding for Michele. She loves connecting people she knows with the readers of Como Living. Sharing stories and ideas and helping others gives her energy and a sense of accomplishment.

Working with the magazine has given her the opportunity to meet new people, do what she’s passionate about and have fun doing it!

Kristi is currently an event coordinator at the Columbia Country Club, but she has always had a passion for magazines and journalism. She graduated from the University of Missouri School of Journalism in 2012 with an emphasis in magazine editing. As a previous fulltime employee of The Business Times Company, Kristi has enjoyed being able to still be part of the team as part of the Advisory Board as well as the magazine's copy editor.

She loves having the opportunity to work with the magazine’s staff and the other ladies on the Advisory Board while staying updated on current happenings in Columbia. Like Michele, she is a Columbia transplant but after attending college here and returning to be with her now fiancé, Ryan, she feels Columbia is home.

Jill Orr has a Bachelor of Journalism and a master’s degree in social work, both from the University of MissouriColumbia. She is a stay-at-home mom, writer, reader and a gifted napper.

COMO L I V I N G

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F E B RUA RY - 2016

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COMO L I V I N G

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MA R C H - 2016

CO N TE N TS FEATURES / DEPARTMENTS

40 66 16 On the Cover 17 Editor’s Note 18 COMO Living Board 22 Agenda/Datebook 27 What Should I Read: On Rereading

28 Libations 30 Day in the Life: Jill

Womack, Founder and Executive Artistic Director, TRYPS

33

Confessions of a Working Mom

34

Gourmet: The Art of Cake Decorating

39 The Dish: Sushi 40 Fashion: Dress Up. 46 The State of the Arts 52 Born to Dance: The

77 What the Pros Know 85 Life Coaching: Music

106

86 Health and Wellness:

109

and the Power to Heal Pomegranates, Active Wear and the Power of Art in Healing

Missouri Contemporary Ballet

61 Virgin Territory: The

Uninitiated’s Guide to CoMo’s Festivals

93 Doc Talk: A Special Section

101

Love and Relationships: The Art of Love

113

Weddings: Cayla and Nick

114

66 Home Tour: Beauty in

102

75

105

the Woods

DIY- Levi Is the King of the Castle

COMO L I V I N G

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111

Mommy Chronicles: Rejection Reflection

F E B RUA RY - 2016

Being Seen: Harold’s Gingerbread Open and the COMO Living Launch Party Engagements: Tiffany Bohm and Ethan Turner; Elizabeth Werner and Andy Koske CYSK: Jeff Carr and Jenny Bouatay Strong Woman: Jackie O’Rourke The Crisis at Home: Primrose Hill

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MA R C H - 2016

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AGE N DA FEBRUARY / MARCH 2016

HUGH E. STEPHENSON, JR., MD HEART AND STROKE BALL WHAT

The Hugh E. Stephenson, Jr., MD Heart and Stroke Ball celebrates the mission of the American Heart Association and American Stroke Association in their goal to fund research and education of heart disease and stroke. This is the 13th annual ball.

WHEN

February 20, 5-9:30 p.m.

WHERE

Reynolds Alumni Center

INFO

For more information contact Ron Graves at 573-446-3000.

2/12

UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI JAZZ COMBO 5TH ANNIVERSARY WHAT

A performance by the Jazz Combo at the MU.

WHEN

February 24, 7 p.m.

WHERE

Missouri Theatre

INFO

For more information visit www.concertseries.org.

MISSOURI CONTEMPORARY BALLET: “LIVE” RETURNS! WHAT

Missouri’s Contemporary Ballet’s musical collaborates with Tom Andes and other Columbia musicians.

It promises to deliver high energy and artistic quality with a variety of stylistic music and dance accompanied with mainstream hits and original compositions.

WHEN

March 12 & 13, 7 p.m.

WHERE

Jesse Auditorium

INFO

For more information visit www.concertseries.org.

COMO L I V I N G

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F EBRUA RY - 2016

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COMO L I V I N G

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MA R C H - 2016

C A L E N DA R / FE B R UARY 2016 MONDAY, FEB. 1

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 17

Moved: Hinder, The Blue Note, 8 p.m., $20, visit thebluenote.com

Trivium, The Blue Note, 8 p.m., visit thebluenote.com

TUESDAY, FEB. 2

“A Chorus Line,” Columbia Entertainment Company Theatre, 7:30 p.m., call 573-474-3699

Alison Wonderland, The Blue Note, 9 p.m., $15$18, visit thebluenote.com

THURSDAY, FEB. 18

FRIDAY, FEB. 19

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 3

Million Dollar Quartet, Missouri Theatre, 7 p.m., visit concerseries.org

FRIDAY, FEB. 5

“A Chorus Line,” Columbia Entertainment Company Theatre, 7:30 p.m., call 573-474-3699 Naughty by Nature – 25th Anniversary Tour, 9 p.m., $18-$20, visit thebluenote.com

Dr. Zhivegas: 20-Year Anniversary Party, The Blue Note, 8:30 p.m., $10, visit thebluenote.com

SATURDAY, FEB. 20

SATURDAY, FEB. 6

Columbia Winter Farmers Market, Parkade Center, 9 a.m. – noon, call 573-823-6889

Rainbow House 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament, 8 a.m., call 309-371-5503 Columbia Winter Farmers Market, Parkade Center, 9 a.m. – noon, call 573-823-6889 Jason Aldean: We Were Here 2016 Tour, Mizzou Arena, 7:30 p.m., call 573-884-7297

MONDAY, FEB. 8

Potted Sherlock, Missouri Theatre, 7 p.m., visit concertseries.org

TUESDAY, FEB. 9

Ray Chen Violin, Missouri Theatre, 7 p.m., visit concertseries.org

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 10

Hugh E. Stephenson, Jr., MD Heart and Stroke Ball, Reynolds Alumni Center, 5-9:30 p.m., call 573-446-3000 “A Chorus Line,” Columbia Entertainment Company Theatre, 7:30 p.m., call 573-474-3699 Papadosio, The Blue Note, 9 p.m., $15-$18, visit thebluenote.com

SUNDAY, FEB. 21 “A Chorus Line,” Columbia Entertainment Company Theatre, 2 p.m., call 573-474-3699 Bone Thugs-N-Harmony, The Blue Note, 8 p.m., $25, visit thebluenote.com

MONDAY, FEB. 22

“Clifford the Big Red Dog,” Missouri Theatre, 7 p.m., visit concertseries.org

Hoodie Allen, The Blue Note, 8:30 p.m., $25$29, visit thebluenote.com

Liquid Stranger: Rise of Wakaan Tour, The Blue Note, 9 p.m., $12-$14, visit thebluenote.com

THURSDAY, FEB. 11

“A Chorus Line,” Columbia Entertainment Company Theatre, 7:30 p.m., call 573-474-3699 Turnpike Troubadours, The Blue Note, 8 p.m., $18-$20, visit thebluenote.com

TUESDAY, FEB. 23

Mike Stud, The Blue Note, 8:30 p.m., $18-$75, visit thebluenote.com

WEDNESDAY, FEB. 24

Arlo Guthrie, Missouri Theatre, $39-$104, 7 p.m., visit concertseries.org

THURSDAY, FEB. 25

FRIDAY, FEB. 12

“A Chorus Line,” Columbia Entertainment Company Theatre, 7:30 p.m., call 573-474-3699

“A Chorus Line,” Columbia Entertainment Company Theatre, 7:30 p.m., call 573-474-3699

SATURDAY, FEB. 13

Yellow Claw, The Blue Note, 9 p.m., $15-25, visit thebluenote.com

Columbia Winter Farmers Market, Parkade Center, 9 a.m. – noon, call 573-823-6889

FRIDAY, FEB. 26

“A Chorus Line,” Columbia Entertainment Company Theatre, 7:30 p.m., call 573-474-3699

“A Chorus Line,” Columbia Entertainment Company Theatre, 7:30 p.m., call 573-474-3699

SATURDAY, FEB. 27

Murder Mystery Dinner Theater, Victorian Country Inn, 6 p.m., call 573-819-2000

Columbia Winter Farmers Market, Parkade Center, 9 a.m. – noon, call 573-823-6889

SUNDAY, FEB. 14

“A Chorus Line,” Columbia Entertainment Company Theatre, 2 p.m., call 573-474-3699 COMO L I V I N G

2/1

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“A Chorus Line,” Columbia Entertainment Company Theatre, 7:30 p.m., call 573-474-3699 F E BRUA RY - 2016

2/13 M U S T S EE IN F E BR U ARY JA S ON A LDE A N 2/ 6

We Were Here 2016 Tour, Mizzou Arena, 7:30 p.m., call 573-884-7297 RAY CHE N VIOLIN 2/ 9

Missouri Theatre, 7 p.m., visit concertseries.org

C A L E N DA R / MARC H 2016 TUESDAY, MAR. 1

7 p.m., visit concertseries.org

Symphonic Band & University Band, University of Missouri, 7:30 p.m., missouri.edu

3/4

Turntable Tuesday, The Social Room, 8 p.m., visit holdmyticket.com

THURSDAY, MAR. 3

Annual Dance Company Spring Concert, Macklanburg Playhouse, 7:30 p.m., visit eventbrite.com

FRIDAY, MAR. 4

Annual Dance Company Spring Concert, Macklanburg Playhouse, 7:30 p.m., visit eventbrite.com

SATURDAY, MAR. 5 Columbia Winter Farmer’s Market, Parkade Center, 9 a.m. – Noon, call 573-823-6889

Esterhazy Quartet, University of Missouri, 7:30 p.m., visit missouri.edu

MONDAY, MAR. 7

Polish Baltic Orchestra, Jesse Auditorium, 7 p.m., visit concertseries.org

THURSDAY, MAR. 10

Jazz Combos, University of Missouri, 7:30 p.m., visit missouri.edu

“Live” Returns!, Jesse Auditorium on University of Missouri campus, 7 p.m., visit concertseries.org

TUESDAY, MAR. 15

The Cat’s Pajamas, Miller Performing Arts Center, 7:30 p.m., visit eventbrite.com

Missouri Symphony Conservatory Concert, Lenoir Woods Community Activity Center, 6:30-8:30 p.m., call 573-875-0600

FRIDAY, MAR. 18

“Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” Stephens College Warehouse Theatre, 7:30 p.m., visit eventbrite.com

SATURDAY, MAR. 19 “Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike,” Stephens College Warehouse Theatre, 2 p.m., visit eventbrite.com Taylor Gustad, trumpet, and Natalia Bolshakova, piano, University of Missouri, 3:30 p.m., visit missouri.edu

FRIDAY, MAR. 11 American Girl Night, Barnes & Noble Booksellers Wildwood Crossing, 7 p.m., visit barnesandnoble.com Show-Me Opera: Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, Missouri Theatre, 7 p.m., visit concertseries.org Jarrod Turner, Chick’s Tap Room, 9 p.m., visit reverbnation.com

University Singers, University of Missouri, 7:30 p.m., visit missouri.edu

SUNDAY, MAR. 20

Missouri Composers Orchestration Project, University of Missouri, 7:30 p.m., visit missouri.edu

MONDAY, MAR. 21

20 16 COMO CHRISTIAN MEN’S

MI SSOU R I C ONT EM PORARY BALLET 3/ 1 2

MONDAY, MAR. 14

WEDNESDAY, MAR. 16

Missouri Symphony Conservatory Concert, Rock Bridge High School, 7-9 p.m., free, call 573-875-0600

brownpapertickets.com

Missouri Contemporary Ballet: Live Returns!, Jesse Auditorium on University of Missouri campus, 7 p.m., visit concertseries.org

Emerging Artists Showcase, University of Missouri, 7:30 p.m., visit missouri.edu

Annual Dance Company Spring Concert, Macklanburg Playhouse, 2 p.m., visit eventbrite.com

CONFERENCE 3/ 1 2

Aaron Diehl Trio, Murry’s, 7 p.m., $26-43, visit ticketmaster.com

Missouri Tigers vs. Florida Gators, Mizzou Sports Arena, 6:30 p.m., visit stubhub.com

SUNDAY, MAR. 6

The Crossing, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., visit

Music at the Art Museum, University of Missouri, 3 p.m., visit missouri.edu

31st Annual Taste of Mid-Missouri, The University Club, 5:30-8 p.m., $25-$30, visit eventbrite.com

Paralandra – The Many Colored Death – Don’t Mind Dying, The Bridge, 8 p.m., visit reverbnation.com

MAR K Y O U R CALE N D E R S IN MARCH

SUNDAY, MAR. 13 Shamrox Columbia, Rocheport, MO, 8 a.m. – Noon, call 573-445-2664

Storytime, Barnes & Noble Booksellers Wildwood Crossing, 11 a.m., visit barnesandnoble.com

Annual Dance Company Spring Concert, Macklanburg Playhouse, 7:30 p.m., visit eventbrite.com

3/14

Show-Me Opera: Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, Missouri Theatre, 7 p.m., visit concertseries.org

SATURDAY, MAR. 12

Szekely-Schene Duo, University of Missouri, 7 p.m., visit missouri.edu

Columbia Winter Farmer’s Market, Parkade Center, 9 a.m. – Noon, call 573-823-6889

MU Jazz Combo 5th Anniversary, Missouri Theatre, 7 p.m., visit concertseries.org

Missouri Contemporary Ballet: Live Returns!, Jesse Auditorium on University of Missouri campus,

Here Come the Mummies, The Blue Note, 8:30 p.m., $20-$22, visit thebluenote.com

2016 CoMo Christian Men’s Conference, The Crossing, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., visit brownpapertickets.com

COMO L I V I N G

THURSDAY, MAR. 24

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MA R C H - 2016

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WHAT SHOULD I READ

ON REREADING

by A L E X G E O R G E

R

egular readers of this column know that I have a pretty desperate problem with inventory management when it comes to books. Right now I have enough unread novels on my shelves to last me at least a couple of years, and yet I still continue to buy more. Thousands of new books are published every week, many of them excellent. In other words, there is always something new to read. Despite this abundance of undiscovered riches, sometimes I find myself returning to familiar favorites instead.

I reread The “Great Gatsby” every year.

It’s my favorite novel ever. There’s a special satisfaction in returning to books we love; every time I crack open the spine of my weathered and much-loved paperback of Fitzgerald’s masterpiece, it’s like sitting down with an old friend and catching up.

The act of rereading is very different to reading for the first time. It is a more leisurely affair. I don’t need to race to the end because I already know what is to come. Now, the journey is the thing, not the destination.

The pull of plot recedes and character and writing take center stage. And because I know where I’m going, I can enjoy the view

a little more. Consequently, with each read I always discover things that I’d never noticed previously – a delicious turn of phrase I’d skipped over or a clever detail that eluded me before. This process of uncovering new treasures is a joy in and of itself.

However, revisiting beloved novels is not without its perils. It’s not uncommon for me to adore a particular book only to be disappointed when I go back to it again.

There are several books that with hindsight I wish I had left on the shelf because they were not quite as wonderful as I remembered. When that happens, I’m left with a bitter taste in my mouth. I would have preferred my fond memories untarnished.

From my entirely unscientific survey, I’ve concluded – perhaps unsurprisingly – that the older a book, the more likely it will withstand multiple rereadings. Jane Austen never loses her wit, Dickens still tells the best stories and Fitzgerald’s prose is still as delightfully crisp as a glass of Gatsby’s vintage champagne. Such familiar pleasures are a refreshing palate cleanser amidst my usual diet of new releases.

So what about you? Are there books you revisit regularly? Share your stories at www. facebook.com/comolivingbooks.

“AMERICAN COP P ER ”

BY SHANN RAY This is the first novel by American Book Award winner Shann Ray, and it’s stunning. Set in the forbidding wildlands of Montana and spanning over sixty years across the beginning of the 20th century, “American Copper” tells a story both breathtakingly intimate and vast in scope.

Addressing the infinite complexities of race, class, gender and cultural imperialism, it brings the American West vividly to life. Beautiful, lyrical, tough and heartbreaking, you’ll remember this book long after you’ve turned the last page.

(Shann Ray will be appearing in Columbia at the Unbound Book Festival in April.)

Book Club

Alex George

Alex was born in England but has lived in Columbia for the past 12 years. His most recent novel, “A Good American,” was a national and international bestseller, and his new book, "Setting Free the Kites,” will be published by Penguin in January 2017. In addition to writing, Alex also runs his own law firm and is the founder and creative director of the Unbound Book Festival.

COMO L I V I N G

Unbound is starting a book club. Join our reading list to get access to our picks and information about our highly interactive book club. We’ll be hosting Google Hangouts, Twitter chats and meetings to discuss each book on the list. Sign up for our newsletter today. Visit comoliving.com.

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MA R C H - 2016

L I BAT I ONS

ARTFULLY BLENDED

BY DREW LEMBERGER

Co - Ow ne r a nd VP of Re t a i l Op e ra t i o n s a t Le s Bou rgeois Vin eyards Mi s s o ur i w i ne .co m

W

hen does craftsmanship cross the perception threshold into the realm of art? For me, it is whether or not the object in question triggers a strong emotional response. In the world of wine, I think this rational has merit. There are many wines being made today that are well crafted and have broad commercial appeal. Many of these wines are made of a single varietal and can be tasty but pretty straight forward.

Boring! Bring on the blends.

Most of the wines I have truly considered interesting and artfully made have been blended wines. I tend to prefer wines with balance and elegance. Blended wines usually serve these two requirements more successfully than single varietal bottlings. The winemaker has a blank canvas, or bottle if you will, with blends. This is where the artistry

lives in the wine world. Everything else is just financing, farming and factory work. OK, I will throw the package designers a bone and give them an art-filled nod. But I am talking about what’s going in the bottle, not on it.

In order to stay under my family wine budget, I am always on the lookout for a quality wine that tastes like it meets or exceeds the price point. Again, blends tend to outshine their single varietal peers when it comes to the price-quality balance. This is a trend that many 20 or 30-somethings have figured out. For those of us that have been through more winters, we still tend to be hung up on single varietal wines, and we are missing out on some great wines at good prices. So, go to your favorite restaurant or winery this Valentine’s day, skip your usual, and try a blend. Here are some blends that are always in my cellar:

L E S BOURGEOI S V I N EYA R DS J EU N ET T E RO U GE

PERRIN FAMILLE 2012 COTE DE RHONE VILLAGE

(O UR LOCAL WI N E RY ’ S O LD ES T B RA N D) Chambourcin dominates this blend with a punch of Syrah. It’s fruit forward with just enough oak to spice it up, has a medium body and a buy-by-thecase price. This wine just won a prestigious Jefferson Cup Award this past November from the Jefferson Cup American Wine Competition.

This wine is always a good value, but this particular vintage stands out.

Its nice, concentrated dark fruit aroma with tannins is a bit assertive but will fall into place with a little more time in the bottle. Jammy Syrah goodness, Grenache and Mourvedre round it out.

D RY CRE E K V INE YA RDS ME RITAG E (A NY VINTAGE —

L E S BOURGEOI S V I N EYA R DS S O LAY This all-steel fermented blend is a classic dry white. Vidal Blanc leads with citrus, a good helping of acid with Chardonel, which gives some volume to the middle palate, and a dash of Vignoles to boost the fruit in the nose. It’s lean, crisp and goes down kind of fast, so don’t drink alone with this one. Have a buddy to help pace you.

DREW LEMBERGER Drew Lemberger lives the good life in Rocheport Missouri, with his wife, Sara, and children, Bacchus and Rowan. He is a partner In Les Bourgeois Vineyards and is their vice president of retail operations.

His other business interests include Missouri Boatworks, LLC and Sinking Creek Organics, LLC.

I H AV E N OT H A D A BA D ONE .)

This blend is a classic Bordeaux-style blend from California’s Dry Creek Valley. It seems to be getting bigger as the vintages go by, but I have always appreciated the level of balance and drinkability this wine has.

I would still call this wine a bargain, even if it is just a bit outside the everyday wine price point. Buy a case with a friend, split it and see who has enough willpower to keep it in their cellar the longest.

LIBAT I O N S

CRAFT BEER CELLAR

B Y J O N AT H A N S T E F FA N S CO- OWN E R, C RA F T B E E R C E LLA R Craft b e e rce l l a r.co m

I

t’s not hard to see why chocolate and craft beer make the perfect one, which is a two punch come February. With the extensive variety that craft beer has to offer, it’s easy to find the perfect beer to pair with just about any chocolate you can pick out of your chocolate box this Valentine’s Day. These two guilty pleasure favorites are seemingly made for each other, both sharing a rich history in fermentation and flavor profiles. They provide a myriad of combinations to delight your palate. It’s just a matter of research and delightful experimentation.

To learn what makes a great pairing, we first must look at what goes into each of these potential mates to provide the needed chemistry. Craft beers have long embraced strong flavors ranging from delicately spiced saisons to boldly hopped barley wines. Similarly, chocolate runs the spectrum from smooth to bitter, dark to bright and malty to acidic. The playful interaction between chocolate’s richness and beer’s carbonation coupled with limitless flavor profiles of each medium provide the one-two punch to finding that perfect pairing. The rich, fatty feel of the cocoa butter that coats the palate, followed by the lively bite of carbonation, creates a round and full flavor experience that can accentuate the chocolate’s fruit and bitter characteristics. These combinations lead to a moment that is quite simply a chocolate beer bliss on your tongue.

Thanks to the versatility both craft beer and chocolate share to accommodate and complement many flavors, there is room for a lot of creativity in imagining how the two can pair together.

Below is a list of some of the best pairings we found with a few of our Candy Factory favorites along with tips for hosting your own chocolate pairing party at home.

CANDY: WHITE CHOCOLATE PRETZEL

CANDY: CHEESECAKE BITES

Craft Beer: Bur Oak DeVine IPA or Oskar Blues Dream IPA These two seem like an unlikely match, but the hoppy bitterness calms the hyper-sweet white chocolate, which allows the salty pretzel and rich malt flavors to come to the forefront.

Craft Beer: Charleville Box of Chocolate Belgian Quad These sweet beers are bold with strong chocolate flavors overtaking the palate, however, the graham cracker crust and cheesecake filling help to restrain some of the over-thetop chocolate flavors. Neither the beer nor the chocolate overpower the palate.

CANDY: LEMON CREAM DARK CHOCOLATE Craft Beer: Lindeman’s Framboise or Founder’s Rubeaus These beers are extremely carbonated, but this sensation helps to cut through the bitterness of the dark chocolate. What is left is a nice blend of sweet and tart between the raspberry and lemon fusion.

CANDY: CHOCOLATE COVERED CHERRIES Craft Beer: Breckenridge 72 Chocolate Cream Stout or Ska Estival Cream The sweetness of the beer balances well with the tart, semi-dried cherries, but the chocolate in both create a luxurious baseline throughout the pairing.

CANDY: MAPLE CREAM CHOCOLATE Craft Beer: Free State Old Backus Barleywine or Avery Hog Heaven Barleywine This English-style barley wine is not lacking in its own sweet toffee, caramel, vanilla and molasses flavors. The maple cream adds an extra layer of sweetness, which makes this a must for those with a serious sweet tooth.

CANDY: DARK CHOCOLATE COVERED CANDIED GINGER

J O N AT H A N S T E F FA N S

Craft Beer: Rogue Double Chocolate Stout or Young’s Double Chocolate These beers have a heavy cocoa powder flavor with a dry-mouth feel, but the candied ginger allows the bitter chocolate flavors to emerge and leaves an indulgent experience that is a must for those who love dark chocolate.

CANDY: MINT MUDSLIDE BITES Craft Beer: Founders Imperial Stout or Schafly Bourbon Barrel Imperial Stout Although mint is a flavor that often overpowers everything else on the palate, this chocolate goes well with the strong dark chocolate and slight smoky flavors emerging in the beer, which creates a nice, but intense experience.

COMO L I V I N G

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Jonathan is a beer evangelist, entrepreneur, and devoted husband.

Jonathan spends his days as IT guru for State of Missouri, co-owner of Craft Beer Cellar and aspiring photographer.

MA R C H - 2016

(R-L) Allison Sword, Rachel Doisy, Mikayala Uhlemeyer, Casey Glaude, Evann Twitchell, Madelynn Harvey, Mary Cleek and Jill Womack COMO L I V I N G

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F E B RUA RY - 2016

DAY IN T H E L I FE

JILL WOMACK FOUNDER AND EXECUTIVE ARTISTIC DIRECTOR, TRYPS

by J E S S I C A K A I S E R | photos by C A S E Y B U C K A M N

TRYPS, a children’s theater company in Columbia, allows children of all ages to learn and experience the art of theater through hands-on experience with professionals. Like genies working their magic, Jill Womack and the TRYPS crew create a whole new world for their young performers.

Jill was an aspiring actress when she received her undergraduate degree in speech and drama from University of Missouri. She pursued her graduate degree at the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, and it was in Greensboro that she fell in love with children’s theater. “The kids talk to you on stage,” she says. “I was blown away!” It was the excitement and the energy from the performers and the audience that captivated Jill. Suddenly, it occurred to her how to keep this art form alive, and her vision for TRYPS was born.

Jill founded TRYPS more than 15 years ago and works now as the company’s executive artistic director. She can’t hide her passion when she speaks about her job. She describes how rewarding each day is with sparkles in her eyes and excitement in her voice. Her days are busy — in a good way — and she has the most fun during rehearsals at TRYPS or teaching her classes at Stephens College.

Right now, Jill and the TRYPS team are getting ready for two spring performances. “Skippy Jon Jones,” based on a series of popular children’s books, will appear on the TRYPS stage in April followed by Disney’s “Aladdin, Jr.” in May. Jill is excited for a new cast to flourish in these performances. “Even if the kids don’t go on with this as a career, I am certain they are benefitting from it,” she says. “Public speaking, leadership, organization…theater is a source for all of these skills.

Y E A R S AT TRYPS:

16

8 a.m. - The children arrive at the theater. Now, Jill and her crew must get their young performers into costume and prepared for the first show of the day. Crisis alert! One performer hasn’t showed up yet, but the team doesn’t panic. They simply launch into planning mode.

9:20 a.m. - Phew. The last child shows up just in time. Now, everyone to their places.

9:30 a.m. - The day’s first performance of “Aladdin, Jr.” Begins.

10:30 a.m. - The reception line following the show leaves the kids feeling like real stars as they meet their excited audience.

11 a.m. - The kids take their lunch break while Jill and her crew prepare for the day’s second show by getting the sets back together, checking on costumes and making sure the props are — uh oh. Aladdin’s lamp ended up in two pieces after the morning show. No worries, though; Jill has a fix for everything.

COMO L I V I N G

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MA R C H - 2016

Noon - Today’s second performance of “Aladdin, Jr.” begins.

1 p.m. - The cast has their second reception line of the day, and the TRYPS crew begins prepping for tomorrow’s performances.

2 p.m. - Jill is back at the office checking mail and email and making sure any planning for tomorrow’s performance is done.

Once that is done, she’ll do some prep work for the classes she teaches at Stephens College. Her two classes, Children’s Theater Practicum and Plays for Living, let her introduce children’s theater to the lives of her students through hands-on experience in the art form she loves most.

7 p.m. - She is finally home.

Maybe she’s pretending to take a break with some TV, but really she is researching other children’s theater companies, forever curious and excited about the opportunities theater can offer to people of all ages.

Live Theatre in the Heart of Downtown Columbia 210 St James St, Columbia, MO 65201

FLEX PASSES

Good for any 6 shows excluding special performances ADULT

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Valentines

SENIOR & STUDENT

FLEX PASS

STEAK and LOBSTER DINNER FOR TWO

3 Ways to Buy:

Pick up your complete Hoss Made Dinner and Romance your Sweet Heart at home

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CHOCOLATE COVERED STRAWBERRIES

Great Gift for Theatre Lovers!

2016 Production Schedule Black Pearl Sings!

Available: February 11th thru 14th RESERVE YOURS TODAY! Walk-ins welcome while supplies last

February 12-14, 19-121

A Man of No Importance April 15-17, 22-24, 29-May1

Truffles And Nougat

Open Sunday VALENTINE’S DAY

June 10-12, 17-19

The Last Five Years August 12-14, 19-21, 26-28

Mothers and Sons October 14-16-21-23

3:00pm to 7:30pm

Stud Ducks

December 2-4, 9-11

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COMO L I V I N G

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F E B RUA RY - 2016

CONFE S S I O NS

TO DANCE OR NOT TO DANCE? THAT IS THE QUESTION. WHO WANTS TO PLAY IF THERE’S NO ONE THERE TO CHEER YOU ON ANYWAY?

by M O N I C A P I T T S

A

s a mother of young kids, I don’t hold all the knowledge that parents of teenagers deliver with ease. I also don’t always understand their challenges with teenagers as I’m still trying to figure out if I brought enough diapers and if the passy is in the crib or out in the car.

I have been told countless times, “Just wait! You think your kids take time now. They’ll run you ragged when they get older with all their sports.” I hear parents of preteens and teens complaining about how much time they spend at the soccer field and how they have to travel every weekend to see Little Johnny compete in his sports. I am amazed they find the time to shuffle their kids to these activities, and I’m secretly keeping my fingers crossed that my daughters will not be athletically inclined.

Ellis started showing interest in dance when she was 3. She begged to go, so at 3 ½, I gave in. I had to leave work almost an hour early just to pick her up, change her and take her to class.

And after all that sacrifice, you know what? She hated it.

Each week was a complete trainwreck. She cried all the way there and then refused to change. What’s even better is she refused to go in the dance room without her blanket or doll. After the first month, I began to question the whole situation. What exactly am I teaching my child right now as I’m dragging her to class and bribing her with candy? If you cry but still go to dance, you get candy. Smile and act like you’re having fun. The message is mixed at best.

As my friends pile their kiddos into the car to shuffle them from dance to soccer, I admire their tenacity and time management. I must admit I’m still trying to figure out how to get out of work in time to pick mine up from preschool.

MONICA PITTS Monica is the founder and Chief Creative Officer of MayeCreate Design. She spends her days brokering a marriage of form and function and creating art with her team to grow businesses through websites and online marketing. By night she's a story reading, singing, dancing, microwaving mom of two. She and her husband Mike have two daughters, Ellis and Aveleen, and two dogs, Maybe and Roxie. Monica considers herself an artist, yogi and web dork with the ability to speak geek and English.

COMO L I V I N G

What’s even better is she refused to go in the dance room without her blanket or doll.

Am I a bad mother because I don’t enroll my daughter in sports at age 4?

We go to sporting events to see if it will pique her interest. We even buy her the equipment and show her how to use it. We play. She says it hurts the soccer balls feelings when it gets kicked. After five minutes she says she’s done with that game and would rather run in circles, color or conduct class with her imaginary friends.

I can’t say I don’t feel a little judged as I explain that my kid is not a sportif.

And that feeling makes me question the root of all the action. Are all of our children really athletic virtuosos, or could it be that we’re “over sporting” our kids? Or, are we possibly overwhelming our families with activities because we feel like that’s what it takes to be a good parent? Heck, maybe we just want something to complain - 33 -

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about instead of feeling blessed our schedules are flexible enough to take our children to their sporting events to watch their talented little selves thrive and grow.

So to the sporty parents of athletically talented children, I’d like to say maybe my kid is not sporty right now and that’s not because I haven’t signed her up. Maybe I don’t want to fight the good fight to try to convert her into an athlete because maybe, just maybe, converting her isn’t the right idea anyway. Maybe she’s going to be the team manager or the president of the debate team instead. What she’s really good at is cheering, so let’s just say it’s OK that she has a spot on the bleachers instead of on the field. Who wants to play if there’s no one there to cheer you on anyway?

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G OURM ET

Art of Cake Decorating by

AU D R E Y S H A R P

photography by

KEITH BORGMEYER

I

n honor of this issue’s art theme, we thought it would be appropriate to introduce two of Columbia’s most talented cake decorators.

Edith Hall and Michelle Gortmaker have been decorating cakes for different periods of time, but their artistic abilities show impeccable detail and are truly show stopping. Whether you’re looking for a stunning wedding cake to be the center of your reception or a personalized birthday cake for a loved one or friend, these ladies have got you covered. Flip through this special feature to find out what it takes to create the tiers that produce the tears of joy for each and every client.

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G OURM ET

What brings you joy?

Being part of the cake world and having overly pleased customers. Outside of work, being with my grandson and spending time with my family and friends brings me joy.

Q&A With Edith Hall Company Name: Edith Hall Cakes Family: Husband, Larry; Daughter, Jenny; Son-In-Law, John; three step grandchildren, Izzy, Eli, Jonah and a new grandbaby on the way; daughter, Wendy; Son-In Law Nathan, and their son, Jesse.

How long have you been decorating cakes? 34 years What initially sparked your interest in cake decorating? My aunt got me interested in decorating cakes.

What’s your specialty? I especially like to do wedding cakes.

What’s your favorite part of the job?

Completing the cake and being pleased with how it all came together; the bride, dream and my designs make it come true. I like getting the feedback that the cake that I made was not only aesthetically beautiful, but it tasted good too.

What is something that people probably don’t know about cake decorating? The unbelievable amount of time that it takes — from little tiny flowers, fine details, sculptured cakes and handmade items such as the cars, train and pebbles on the cake pictured.

How many hours did you spend decorating the cake we photographed at the COMO Living studio? I spent about 12 hours on this cake.

What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened when working on one of your cakes? Several years ago I was asked to make a life-size, old-fashioned coffin cake. My husband, Larry, told me we have a problem.

We needed to had help loading up the cake, so he called some of the neighbors to help with this task. Including us, we had six “cake bearers.” I finished the cake at the same time people started showing up. We all met in the front lawn and while we were waiting for the last two guys, one of them said, “How many people is it going to take to load this

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cake? What do you have in there, a coffin or something?” I told him yes, but he did not believe me. The other two people showed up, I opened the doors and to his surprise he saw the wood grain coffin to serve 1,000 people complete with a mountain of 75 red roses on the top. “You weren’t kidding!” he said. We all had a good laugh. Off I went with my cake because after all, there was only one seat left in the car. I felt very odd delivering this cake. As I approached the party, an officer was directing traffic. I rolled down my window, and the wonderful smell of chocolate icing floated out. He saw the cake and couldn’t believe it.

He yelled to another officer directing traffic, “You have got to come see this cake! You won’t believe it!” I parked, the horse-drawn glass hearse pulled up, and it took six more guys to transfer the coffin cake to the hearse. I heard back from some that people thought the cake was a real coffin. Some people thought someone was going to jump out of it and were very surprised when they started cutting the cake. I like to have drama, suspense and feel good in the story. I always enjoy when I get great reactions and comments back from the client or those who got to experience it.

When is your busiest season? May through October What brings you joy? Being a part of cake world and having overly pleased customers.

Outside of work, being with my grandson brings me joy and spending time with my family and friends.

Do you listen to music when you’re working? If so, what kind? I listen to audio books, anything from Christian literature to fantasy. Some of the authors I like are Karen Kingsbury, Beth Wise, Debbie Macomber, Nicholas Sparks, John Grisham and James Patterson. I check out my books online at the Boone County Library.

Greatest accomplishment? To this point, getting First Runner-Up at the Grand National Sugar Art Show in Tulsa, Oklahoma (oklahomasugarartists.com). I am pushing myself to win Grand someday.

Another honor and accomplishment was being Kerry Vincent’s food stylist on Food Network’s “Save My Bakery” for nine out of the 10 episodes.

G OU R ME T

Q&A With Michelle Gortmaker Company Name: Since this is my hobby, I haven't come up with a catchy name yet. I would probably go with something related to Cake Girl.

Family: I have been married for 16 years and have four children, ages 14, 12, 10 and 9.

How long have you been decorating cakes? I got started making my own kids’ cakes when my oldest turned 1. I really got to be interested in the "fancier" decorating five to six years ago.

What initially sparked your interest in cake decorating? I always liked to have my kids pick a theme for their birthdays and thought it was fun to make them a cake of their choice. I love to bake and make pretty things, so I took on the challenge. Growing up, one of my aunts made me cakes for special occasions, and I really appreciated and remembered them the most.

What’s your specialty? I love to do birthday cakes the most. I can do both fondant and buttercream.

What’s your favorite part of the job? The kids' reactions to the seeing the cake for the first time. I wish I had a camera ready to get their first expression when they see their cakes.

What is something that people probably don’t know about cake decorating? I have found that baking the cakes to a "just done" level makes for a moister cake. Then I freeze it until I'm ready to use it. I also like to frost the cake partially frozen to get less crumbs in my first layer of icing.

How many hours did you spend decorating the cake we photographed at the COMO

Living studio? Now that's funny.

I started with a design I had never done, an after and hour and 45 minutes, I tore it all off and started over. Sometimes that happens, and I have to start over if I don't like it.

Not counting that time, it probably took two hours of decorating plus an hour of baking.

What’s the funniest thing that’s ever happened when working on one of your cakes? Recently, I made a fondant NASCAR cake. I was just finishing up by writing “Happy Birthday,” and I spelled birthday wrong. I couldn't believe I did it, and it was not with icing. It was with the edible marker. There was no starting over, so I quickly decided I could pipe icing over the marker. It all worked out, but now it is the running joke with my kids whether or not I spell things right. I always double-check names and ages before I put them on the cakes!

When is your busiest season? All year. I have built a lot of friendships through the years, so I am busy all year.

What brings you joy? The smiles on the faces of those getting the cakes and knowing I helped make their special day a little bit sweeter.

Sometimes, it comes when I surprise my friends with a cake they had no idea they were getting.

Do you listen to music when you’re working? If so, what kind? Music not so much, but I turn on the “Today Show” and “Rachel Ray”. I don't watch a lot of TV, but I like to watch it when I'm decorating cakes.

If I start a project after lunch, I might turn on K-LOVE. As crazy as it seems, I like silence since I have lots of noise with four kiddos.

Frosted

The smiles on the faces of those getting the cakes and knowing I helped make their special day a little bit sweeter. Sometimes, it comes when I surprise my friends with a cake they had no idea they were getting.

Greatest accomplishment? Every cake is an accomplishment. I try to do something special and different each time.

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573.445.5300 | 1601 Chapel Hill Rd. | Columbia, MO | WillettandPattonDDS.com COMO L I V I N G

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THE DISH

SUS HI A H O L I DAY T R A D I T I O N

by K E I T H B O R G M E Y E R

INGREDIENTS Yield: 4 sushi rolls 2 cups sushi rice rice vinegar 4 nori sheets 1 can barbecued eel (Unagi) 1 cucumber 1 carrot Unagi sauce Kikoman Soy Sauce COOKING SUSHI RICE 1. Rinse the rice until your water is not cloudy, then drain.

2. Combine the rice with 2 1/2 cups of water in a large pot and bring to a boil. Once water is boiling, reduce the heat to simmer for 17 minutes. After 17 minutes remove the pot from the burner, and let it sit for 5 minutes before removing the lid.

3. Drizzle 1/2 a cup of rice vinegar on your rice and combine your mixture.

C R E AT I N G YO U R S U S H I R O L L 1. Wash cucumber and carrot and cut in long 1/2-inch slices 2. Layout your bamboo mat. Place a piece of nori flat. Have a small bowl of water ready for removing the sticky rice from your fingers. Spread out your rice evenly over the nori and evenly place your strips of cucumber, carrots and unagi. (Place these ingredients at one end of the roll, this will make rolling much easier.)

3. Roll the bamboo into a long roll by first folding the bottom third in then rolling it up. It should look like a tube shape when rolled correctly. Remove the roll from the mat.

4. Use the sharpest knife you have and cut into symetrical pieces.

5. Place on a dish and serve with a side of Kikoman Soy Sauce or unagi sauce. Enjoy!

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FASHION

Ali Eisleben COMO L I V I N G

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FASHION

Dress Up. C APEN PARK Nature Trails

There’s something about well-dressed children that just makes them that much cuter. That is, until they decide to spill applesauce or grape juice down the front of their perfectly ironed outfit. Now, Columbia has a place where you can find adorable clothes for your little ones. Christina Maurizi opened La Da Di Children’s Boutique in Cherry Hill in 2015. Whether your child needs an outfit for church, the first day of school, or a birthday party, La Di Da has got to be your first stop. She carries beautiful clothes that are both practical and have a sense of personality. Her brands include 7 For All Mankind, Persnickety and Peppercorn, just to name a few. But don’t worry, your child won’t be bored while you shop the store. Christina stocked her store full of activities to keep your little ones busy for a while. Flip through the next few pages to see what La Di Da has to offer. We think these kids pulled off these outfits flawlessly, and looked adorable doing it.

by AUDREY SHARP photos by ANGELIQUE HUNTER styled by LA DI DA CHILDREN’S BOU TIQUE COMO L I V I N G

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Scarlett Ewigman

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FASHION

Ellie Vaughn COMO L I V I N G

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Madison Shryock

Sadie Richardson

Left to right: Sadie Richardson, Ali Eisleben, Ellie Vaughn, Scarlett Ewigman, Tyson Minnix, Cohen and Madison Shryock COMO L I V I N G

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FA S H I O N

Ali Eisleben Page 40 Persnickety “Lou Lou” Peplum Top Persnickety “Belle” Pants Joyfolie Kaitlin Boots Pink Brittany’s Buttons Hat La Di Da Children’s Boutique

Scarlett Ewigman Page 42 Weeones Satin Headband Weeones Burlap Bow Trumpette Cowboy Socks Mustard Pie “Colette” Romper Set Persnickety Headband La Di Da Children’s Boutique

Ellie Vaughn Page 43 Persnickety” Eleanor” Dress American Widgeon Coat and Hat Set See Kai Run “Naomi Grace” Shoe La Di Da Children’s Boutique

Sadie Richardson Page 44 Peppercorn Kids Crochet Necklace Persnickety “Starshine” Top Persnickety “Dylan” Pants La Di Da Children’s Boutique

Tyson Minnix Page 45 7 For All Mankind Jeans Peppercorn Kids Hat Mayoral Buttonup 7 For All Mankind Vest See Kai Run “Andy” Sneakers La Di Da Children’s Boutique

Find more about this fashion shoot at www.comolivingmag.com

Tyson Minnix COMO L I V I N G

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Art s c FEATURE

State of the

COLUMBIA’S ARTS

COMMUNITY LOOKS FORWARD TO A

GROWING FUTURE

by ZACH LLOYD

como art

STATE OF THE ARTS

S TAT E O F TH E A RTS

O P E N I N G PAG E F R E T B OAR D C O F F E E, SA G E R B R A U D I S G AL L E RY, TAL K I N G H O R S E T H E AT R E, SA G E R B R A U D I S G AL L E RY — LEFT

T

he technicolor magic tree lured the crowds of Columbians down 9th Street toward Broadway, and as they passed the Yellow Dog Bookshop, they saw the owner’s two young children dressed as Charlie Brown and Lucy as they waved at them from beside Snoopy’s doghouse. It was December 4, the night of the Living Windows and the North Village Arts District’s one-year anniversary of the First Friday gallery crawl. One Broadway storefront was decorated with a model in a sequined dress sipping champagne, and over on Walnut Street, Marc Chagall, Salvador Dalí and Pablo Picasso stood in the front windows and flourished their paintbrushes while creating unseen masterpieces on the glass. And while the artists themselves might not have been the real deal, the art adorning the walls behind them was.

A drawing, a linocut and an earthenware plaque made by Pablo Picasso lined the left wall of the gallery while the pastels and inks of the controversial master Rudolf Bauer lined the right. A $58,000 lithograph of Marc Chagall’s “Carmen” hung for sale in the front, which provided a backdrop for his own flamboyantly painting shade as he continued to swipe away at the window with his brush. This was the 2015 Master’s Exhibit at Sager Braudis Gallery, and the work of the modern greats had traveled the world to be sold in Columbia.

TAL K I N G H O R S E T H E AT R E

But the scene in the North Village wasn’t always this way. The CoMo arts industry has undergone a lot of change over the past three decades. Before there was an established area for the creative community, the town was a bit of a Wild, Wild Midwest of art. Today, Columbia boasts a vibrant arts scene, multiple guilds, boards and leagues for the arts, a defined section of town (the North Village Arts District) that is devoted to the industry’s many forms of expression, multiple galleries, theater companies, ballet organizations, music venues and a more engaged and enthusiastic audience than ever before. But in the past, the arts lacked a formal organization and locations to centralize around. Lisa Bartlett, owner of ARTlandish gallery on Walnut Street and member of the North Village Arts District Board, remembers what the scene was like for artistic expression in town in the late 1980s.

“There wasn’t any sort of systematic arts scene from what I remember; no real functioning governing entities for art,” Lisa says. “There might have been some city stuff going on, but I don’t really remember anything in particular. Pretty much it was students and a lot of squatters doing artwork who were in the North Village then, and they still are, but they were on a different level.”

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more formalized art communities have. She fondly recalls the good old days when she had a small art studio/antiques store where she would practice assemblage art and create pieces from old “junk.” But she’s also very thankful for the present arts entities in town, such as the Columbia Art League, the NVADB and the Orr Street Studios Board, that have brought order out of chaos and improved artists’ and the community’s opportunities to interact with each other.

Where squatters once were, there is now a booming arts district. Multiple organizations in the NVAD allow the public to become familiar with the arts on a personal level. Orr Street Studios is a nonprofit art space and public gallery where local artists can rent studio space and work with their peers. When the renovated warehouses were opened in 2007, many artists in town felt they now had a central location for their community, and the NVAD kind of grew up around it.

“The development of Orr Street Studios was huge,” says Tootie Burns, local artist and treasurer of the Orr Street Artists Guild. “That attracted lots of known and new artists down there. It’s neat to be able to ask Frank Stack a question or ask Joel Sager if he has an opinion about something you’re working on. It’s very helpful.”

Sager Braudis Gallery has also played an integral role in growing Columbia’s appreciation for the finer things in life. Where chaos once was,

F E AT U R E

LEFT TO RIGHT F R E T B OAR D C O F F E E, FAR M E R AN D AR T I SAN S M AR K E T, YO G A S O L AN D F R E T B OAR D C O F F E E

Indoor Outdoor Sports

there are now the works of great artists, such as Rudolf Bauer and Joan Miró, and local artists, such as Mike Sleadd and Mark Grundy, being bought and sold on Walnut Street.

The owner of Sager Braudis Gallery, Joel Sager, bought the place three years ago when its longtime former owners had decided to sell and move to Denver. A painter and Jefferson City native, Joel had previously worked at the gallery — then called the Perlow-Stevens Gallery—as an associate curator before becoming its new owner. It was a big change for him, and he says the experience has been great so far.

“It’s been a lot of hard work, a real uphill battle,” Joel says. “But that’s always the way it is selling art... We want to continue doing what we’re doing, making art part of the daily conversation.”

Joel says he would welcome other galleries to open up in town and sees competition as one more way to acquaint the city with arts. He says the First Friday monthly events in the NVAD have had a very successful first year and are playing a huge role in engaging the greater community, but there is always room for improvement.

It’s impossible to have a successful arts industry without an engaged COMO L I V I N G

audience who is willing to grow it. Columbia is a city of 115,000, and with three colleges in town, it is one of the more educated cities in the state. A large part of the successes the North Village and the downtown arts organizations have enjoyed came about because the city has always wanted, maybe even needed, a creative outlet. Also, the University of Missouri, Stephens College and Columbia College all help supply the city with young, liberal, educated minds year after year that create an open and evergreen audience for the town’s artists.

But, many members of the arts community would like to see an even greater involvement from the people of Columbia when it comes to supporting and engaging in the arts.

“It’s definitely a great place for young people to make art, but it’s not such a great place to sell art,” says Mike Sleadd, the chair of the Columbia College Visual Arts and Music Department and longtime local artist. “I could take my work to, say, New York or Chicago and make a lot more selling it there than I do here. But also, there’s something about Columbia that keeps artists coming back, and I’ve had friends who’ve moved away but still come back here and do shows.”

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Diana Moxon, the executive director of the Columbia Art League, sees the potential for community growth in the city, and she thinks the interactive events, such as CAL’s Art in the Park annual festival, are one of the best ways of furthering the industry.

“There is so much going on, so many great organizations and artists, ballet dancers, musicians and writers in the community… I guess the trajectory is definitely upward for the arts in Columbia,” Diana says. “Art in the Park is wonderful. We have 15,000 people engaged there, and they all really enjoy that. But why don’t we have 20,000 or 30,000 people there?…Why aren’t we selling more art?”

When it comes to sales, there is an inherent fear many people harbor about art. Although some enthusiasts love all of the forms of painting, sculpture, theatre and dance, many other people feel intimidated by them. This fear could stem from a lack of familiarity or a worry that ignorance about art can make a person seem unintelligent.

Diana suggests that everybody should try to get back into the elementary school mindset with art and learn to love all forms of expression you encounter from day to day. A first grader doesn’t worry whether or not he/she “gets” the abstract painting in front of him/her – he/she just knows whether he/she likes it or not.

Diana also believes that the public has a duty to promote the arts because it betters the city, not only in a mental or aesthetic way, but in real, tangible economic ways as well. Arts districts are popping up across the country wherever gentrification is occurring, and whether the

growth of the arts is a result or a cause of that gentrification is hard to say. Ten years ago, the intersection of Walnut and Orr Streets was not the artsy, hipster-chic district it is today. But when Orr Street Studios moved in and galleries, dance companies and outdoor music venues started popping up, developers and Columbians alike began flocking to the area.

“It’s not just a few scattered galleries,” Lisa says.

“It’s dance studios and cafes that host art. We have a distillery, and we have a yoga studio. They all have art in their buildings, and they all host art events. We have working studios, cafes and jewelers. We have a grocery store that isn’t your typical grocer with goods from local farmers, and that’s an art. Two ballet companies, a smattering of clubs and breakfast joints — it’s really eclectic.”

And it seems like the NVAD has it all figured out. Sager Braudis Gallery and ARTlandish are packed with gallery hoppers every first Friday of the month, GreenHouse Theatre Project’s live, in-space performances pop up around town in various locations to engage an open-minded audience, and the line for Ernie’s Café on Sunday morning is always out the door. But as with any arts business, the fragile future is always in danger of being thrown into flux.

Orr Street Studios, regarded by many to be the epicenter of Columbia’s arts community, is up for sale. The 19,290-square-foot space of warehouses at 106-110 Orr St. are listed on Plaza Commercial Realty’s website for a price of $3.2 million.

The gallery warehouse and its 21 for-rent studios – many of which house more than one local artist – face an uncertain

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Sager Braudis Gallery

STAT E O F TH E A RTS

future. Though, even if the space is sold to new owners, there is no guarantee that the nonprofit art hub will cease to operate in the same fashion as it does today. But then again, there is the danger of Orr Street Studios becoming Orr Street Studio Apartments in the near future.

Even if the physical location does disappear, the spirit of Orr Street will resurface elsewhere in town, Diana says. She still believes the future of the arts in Columbia is a bright one. Ten years down the road, she hopes to see people buying more local art and would like to see a greater engagement from the business community as well when it comes to purchasing locally made products.

The artistic community and the North Village Arts District have an opportunity to make little Columbia, Missouri a destination for Midwest artists and art enthusiasts. Big events, such as Roots N Blues N BBQ, True/False Film Fest, Citizen Jane Film Fest and Art in the Park, draw people from all over the country, and even the world, to provide a great opportunity for collaboration with local creators. When compared with the state of the arts 30 years ago, Columbia is looking pretty solid today.

“I never thought you’d be able to walk down Walnut Street and see a Picasso hanging in the window,” Tootie says. “People are really committed to growing the arts culture and the city is very supportive of it.”

And with continued support, who knows what the next 30 years will bring?

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F E AT U R E

Born to Dance behind the scenes AFTER 10 SEASONS, THE MISSOURI CONTEMPORARY BALLET CONTINUES TO FLOURISH

B A C K S TA G E at Missouri Theater

story by BETH BRAMSTEDT | photos by KEITH BORGMEYER

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B ORN TO DANCE

R

unning along Orr Street in the heart of the North Village Arts District sits a series of contemporary white metal buildings accented with shiny red windows and oversized door frames.

The striking, geometric exterior begs the attention of walkers passing by. The modern facility is the Balsamo Warehouse, which is home to several Columbia businesses, including the Missouri Contemporary Ballet.

Nestled inside the expansive space, the dance studios are quiet. The theater lights lining the ceiling are powered down. The mirrored walls reflect only the white tile floor and empty room. Several lonely chairs line the wall waiting for observers. There is no music, only the muffled sound of a few people moving about the hallways.

Executive Director Karen Mareck Grundy works patiently at her desk surrounded by brightly colored posters of ballet productions. The company’s unofficial four-legged mascot, Snappelle (lovingly pronounced Snapple in Missouri), wanders around the space looking for a drink of water and feeling quite at home.

It’s between seasons, and the professional, non-profit dance company has a few weeks off before gearing up for their spring schedule.

Despite the recommended break, Karen and four of her dancers can’t pass up the opportunity to share their experiences working with this relatively new and growing ballet company.

Getting Started

and New York to audition with most looking for a place to dance.

Elise Eslick is the group’s veteran member. Currently in her seventh season with the company, she often reflects back on the early days. A Michigan native and Grand Valley State University graduate, Elise admits she didn’t even know where Columbia was. “I had never heard of it,” she says with a laugh. “All I knew was that Missouri was somewhere south.”

Through a relationship with a former MCB dancer, Elise auditioned and got connected with the company. She is thankful for the versatility the ballet provides. “After six years I’m not bored yet,” the striking, dark-headed dancer shares with bright eyes. “We are always being challenged. I like the environment and Karen’s sense of humor. It’s refreshing.”

Caitlin Sloan, who danced with Elise for three years in college, has returned for her fourth season as a company member. “My favorite aspect is that we get to dance a lot,” Caitlin shares, her eyes soft and her loose blonde ponytail bobbing as she talks. “In a classical company you are pretty much an accessory unless you are a principal or soloist. Here, you have chances to be featured and what you do gets noticed.”

Looking back, Caitlin is amazed at the company’s progression. “Every year here we grow and get stronger,” she says. “We are always improving.”

“Every year here we grow and get stronger.

We are always improving.”

The spunky, red-headed Karen grew up in Las Vegas and began dancing at the age of 3. She was trained in classical ballet, jazz and modern dance and performed in Las Vegas as a lead dancer for 11 years. She was a little apprehensive about making the change from dancer to choreographer but believes her eye for making things cohesive contributed to a smooth transition.

In 2000, Karen was brought to Columbia to teach at the Columbia Performing Arts Centre. “Now it’s 15 years later, and I’m still here,” she says.

“I fell in love with this town.”

Karen knew her career would eventually lead to owning her own company, so she decided to open the Missouri Contemporary Ballet in 2006. She jokingly attributes the expansion of the ballet to her own bossiness and her husband’s number sense. Now, the company is currently in its 10th season.

Missouri Contemporary Ballet, which is predominately funded by grants and donations, employs seven dancers and fills out the team with apprentices and trainees. Dancers come from as far as Oregon, Michigan, New Jersey

The girls pull up their chairs and start to get comfortable. Several stretch out their legs while others curl them up Indian style. Most sport casual athletic attire; their pointe shoes and characteristic ballerina attire put away for now. Even Snapplle joins the fun by jumping into a chair to personally observe the conversation about the uniqueness of the ballet.

“There are a few other towns with companies like ours but not a lot.”

Karen says. Making the decision to start the ballet, she knew Columbia was ready for it. “We’re progressive artistically, so I knew there was a niche.”

The dancers seem to love the Columbia community as well, including petite and reserved rookie, Meredith Green, who moved in August for her first year with the MCB. “The artistic value seems to be high and different than in Kansas City,” she notes, her long red locks pulled up in a bun, which accentuates the freckles on her face. “It’s refreshing.”

“Columbia is awesome in that it can support and sustain a ballet company,” Elise chimes in. “The Missouri Theater alone is a gem.”

“Everyone is very open to collaboration,” Caitlin adds. “They want to

- Caitlin Sloan

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Elise Eslick COMO L I V I N G

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B ORN TO DANCE

create something bigger than they can do by themselves.” Caitlin has also noticed that the dancers are treated like local celebrities wherever they go. “Especially with social media, people know we are accessible.”

Kay Whitney grew up dancing in Columbus, Ohio, and is performing for her second year with MCB. Having lived in both Pittsburgh and New York, she is glad to be back in a small community where people are open and welcoming. She believes those traits help the dancers connect better with their audience.

“In big towns, people go see the show,” Kay explains. “Here, they want to know us and then go see our show. It’s more relational.”

Karen believes her background in Vegas productions sets the Missouri Contemporary Ballet apart from other companies stylistically as well. “The dancers must be strong athletically,” she says. “They are challenged daily, and their bodies change. They have to be powerhouses, especially the females.”

Karen strives to create what she calls a “roller coaster effect” when putting the shows together, where the energy constantly moves up and down from one piece to another.

Kay loves that aspect of the performance. “Every piece is different,” she illustrates with her hands, her wavy light brown hair cascading down her shoulders. “The first piece may be fast, sharp and intense while the ending piece is light and flows together.”

Preparing to Dance The studio might be quiet right now, but during the fall and spring seasons, the dancers put in a grueling six hours of practice a day, five days a week. In addition, most volunteer with the company’s educational efforts, as well as work other jobs around town to supplement their income. It’s not a schedule for the faint of heart but for those who truly want to live the creative life.

“There is not much recovery time,” Caitlin shares. “You have to be diligent about getting enough sleep and eating healthy.” Caitlin also serves as the director for the School of Missouri Contemporary Ballet, which currently has 150 students and keeps her busy most evenings.

“There is not a lot of money in the arts, but we’re in it to do what we love,” Elise agrees.

She is grateful to have the school where she and others can earn extra money serving as class instructors.

Like Caitlin and Elisa, most of the dancers prefer piecing together work in their field and choose to teach ballet for other studios, coach competitive dance or teach Pilates. “Teaching is much better than working at a bar,” Kay interjects with a laugh while pushing her black frames further up her nose as she speaks.

Others choose to work at local restaurants or cafés. Meredith spends her down time serving at Range Free, an allergen-free bakery and café, which is also located inside the Balsamo Warehouse. It took her three tries to make the company, but she believes it was worth it. “I was persistent,” she says with a smile and grateful to have both jobs to be part of the troupe.

The transient nature of a professional company also makes some years harder than others for those in the lead. “There are a lot of new faces this season,” Karen says. “It’s a little more challenging and stressful to blend our new and veteran dancers together.”

She does admit it has been easier than she originally thought, however. “We’re starting to get a higher caliber of dancer auditioning for us, and that is exciting.” The company will hold two auditions in 2016, one in Kansas City on February 28 and the other in Columbia on April 3.

Karen is still working to get her company name recognition with future hopes to tour regionally and beyond. On January 17, the group had the opportunity to dance for a presenter’s conference in New York City. Their performance featured a powerful, seven-minute piece called “Unbreakable Code.”

“It’s one of our signature performances,” Karen says. “It really showcases the significance of

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who we are as a company.” The group went on the trip hoping to make connections with presenters who will invite them to perform in their theaters.

“For our size, we really have lots of opportunities to perform outside of Columbia,” Elise explains. The team will also dance for the third time in West Plains, Mo., on April 9.

Meredith feels blessed to be included in such an active company. “We always have a lot to do,” she shares. “It’s fun to come in as a first year and be put to work.”

Show Time Although the company does hope to travel more, the core elements of each season are the shows performed right here in Columbia. The company showcased “Poised in Flux,” in November, which featured choreography by Karen, as well as resident choreographer Joel Hathaway, and guest choreographer Laurie Sefton from Los Angeles. The Missouri Orthopedic Institute has served as the exclusive sponsor for the 2015-2016 season.

The spring season will feature “LIVE Returns!” on March 12-13 at Jesse Auditorium.

This performance is part of the University Concert Series, which highlights MCB as the resident dance company and brings back the ballet’s musical collaboration with Tom Andes, Travis McFarlane and other Columbia musicians.

In addition to working with Tom and Travis, Karen is excited to partner with a new composer from the University of Missouri School of Music, the MU Percussion Ensemble and even singer/songwriter Chad Elliott from Iowa, who will add a little taste of country to the show.

“The spring show is live,” Elise explains. “Live is a challenge, but it is fun to get that adrenaline going and really feed off the musicians.” To illustrate the point, Kay recalls that one performance last season took nine minutes and 15 seconds in rehearsal, but because of the energy in the room, it lasted only eight and a half minutes during the live show.

Caitlin is excited that Karen will once again be choreographing part of the spring performance. “Karen can push you without stressing you out,” Caitlin shares. “She is open to what works best and looks best on you. She asks herself how each dancer is going to respond and adapts her teaching style to them. Having a piece choreographed on you

by Karen is fun.”

“Karen brings our energy up,” Elise adds. “There is a connection with the audience.

It’s fun to play with.”

Elise and Caitlin are also looking forward to having Karen and Joel choreograph a piece together for “Live Returns!” “They are a fun team to work with,” Elise says.

As a first year company member, Meredith is not sure what to expect. “I’m just along for the ride right now,” she says with a smile and a shrug of her tiny shoulders.

The Final Bow In addition to the March show, those interested in catching MCB in action can find them at the annual Dancing with the Missouri Stars fundraiser on May 19 at the Holiday Inn Expo Center or in a collaborative performance with the Missouri Symphony Society in June.

After a well-deserved break, the studio will once again be full of life, and Karen and her company will continue doing what they do best – creating and presenting high-quality productions and dance opportunities through the art of contemporary ballet.

“Those attending our shows can expect innovative, athletic performances and unique collaborations with emerging artists,” Karen shares. “You never know what may happen, but we plan to give to the community as much as the community has given to us.”

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“You never know what may happen, but we plan to give to the community as much as the community has given to us.�

-Karen Grundy

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Caitlin Sloan

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n i g r i V y r o t i r r Te

estivals F s ’ o M o ide to C u G s ’ d initiate The Un

I

’ve lived in Columbia for a long time. Long enough to remember when “way out South” meant the corner of Providence and Nifong, The District was just called downtown, and Shiloh was a one-room dive bar with dollar pitchers. That is a long time, people. So it is with great shame that I admit that in all these twenty-some years, I have never attended any of Columbia’s legendary festivals. I know, I know. I have no excuse.

Columbia is home to some of the most prominent arts festivals in the country that draw in visitors and artists from around the globe, and yet still I remain uninitiated to some of the best that CoMo has to offer. I have

by BY JILL ORR photo by KEITH BORGMEYER

a laundry list of boring reasons why I haven’t jumped in before (kids, money, time, etc.), but they are all just excuses. The real reason I’ve never attended some of these great festivals is that I’ve been intimidated by the unknown.

How will I get tickets? Where will I park? Can I take the kids, or do I need a sitter? How long will I be gone? How much will it cost? Add to that my inner middle-schooler worries, such as am I even cool enough to attend True/ False, cultured enough for Art in the Park or informed enough for Citizen Jane? OMG—what do people even wear to these things? And in no time, I’m hiding in my house with a bucket of chicken and a Redbox DVD.

My personal neuroses aside, the more I talked to other people, the more I realized I am not the only festival virgin out there. Turns out, lots of people have been hesitant for one reason or another about diving head first into CoMo’s exciting, but daunting, world of festivals. So I decided to go straight to the sources of five of Columbia’s foremost arts festivals and pull together a first-timer’s guide to everything you need to know before you go. I also have the pleasure of introducing a new event in CoMo’s festival landscape, the Unbound Book Festival, which I love because A.) it celebrates books and writers, and B.) since it hasn’t happened yet, everyone is an Unbound virgin, not just me.

VI R G I N T E R R ITORY

d n u o Unb l a v i t s e F Book

UNBOUND BOOK FESTIVAL

INAUGURAL FESTIVAL IS APRIL 23, 2016 (SHAKESPEARE’S BIRTHDAY—LOVE THAT.)

WWW.UNBOUNDBOOKFESTIVAL.COM

What is it? Columbia’s newest festival, Unbound, will be a daylong event where nationally recognized and bestselling authors come to discuss their work and participate in a variety of interactive programs.

When is it? Inaugural festival is April 23, 2016 (Shakespeare’s birthday--love that.)

Where is it? Various venues on the Stephens College campus How much will it cost you? Nada. Zip. Zilch.

Zero. This festival is completely free and open to the public. But, you will want to bring your wallet because books from festival authors will be sold on site (you can even get them signed), and food will be available for purchase through Stephens College campus vendors.

Why you should go: This festival is for you if you love books, writers and/or interesting conversations. There will be authors from each

of four different book categories: Fiction, Non Fiction, Poetry and Children’s lit (author list on website). Festival director and local author, Alex George, says, “It’s an opportunity to get unique perspectives that you can’t get from just reading the books themselves.” But this isn’t going to be your professor’s hoity-toity literary festival, so there will be no boring lectures here. Panels will be interactive with authors interviewing other authors, audience participation and lots of Q & A. Alex emphasizes that as the only literary festival of its scope in Missouri, Unbound will appeal to a wide base of readers. “Columbia is a hyper-literate community full of avid readers and accomplished writers. Books are a part of who we are, and so it seems only right that we should have a festival that celebrates literature and encourages a love of reading in all ages.”

What you need to know before you go: Programming will be scheduled throughout the day on Saturday between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Tickets are not necessary. A schedule of panels COMO L I V I N G

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is posted on the website but will also be handed out on site the day of the festival. The children’s literature programming will have musicians and storytellers, in addition to picture book through YA authors. There will be four to five author talks going on simultaneously, so it is best to go to the website and decide in advance what you want to attend. Down time can be spent in Kimball Ballroom where authors will be selling and signing their books. Parking is limited around Stephens College.

Why this is good for CoMo: Unbound is expecting to draw visitors from every county in Missouri, and with authors coming in from all over the country, you can bet there will be plenty of dollars spent in our local hotels, restaurants and shops. On a feel-good note, Alex says, “Unbound will raise awareness of the literary arts, celebrate books and encourage a love of reading for all ages throughout the community. In addition to putting on the festival, Unbound will be working to promote literacy initiatives throughout the state.”

art in k r a p the

CITIZEN JANE FILM FESTIVAL WWW.CITIZENJANEFILMFESTIVAL.ORG

What is it? Citizen Jane is an internationally known film festival featuring independent films made by women filmmakers. CJ usually shows between 12 and 15 feature films and 65 short films. This year will be the festival’s ninth year in CoMo. When is it? November 3 – 6, 2016 Where is it? Stephens College campus and various venues downtown

ART IN THE PARK

How much will it cost you? About $8 per film (discounts for students and seniors available) if you buy individual tickets. Passes are available that allow for greater access, flexibility and entry to special parties, receptions and filmmaker events. Last year, the Plain Jane pass was $60. Insane Jane, the full access pass, was $100.

WWW.ARTINTHEPARKCOLUMBIA.ORG

What is it? A weekend long art fair featuring 110 juror-curated booths from local and national artists and artisans. Basically, the Columbia Art League builds an outdoor mall full of beautiful things in a beautiful setting and invites everyone to come…for free.

Why you should go: Because it is a seriously cool festival with films handpicked for our community. Director of Programming Kerri Yost says the small size and structure of the event is set up to encourage interaction amongst and between filmmakers and attendees. “Festivals are on the rise for a reason,” Kerri says. “Even though we can access nearly everything on our own from our computer, you can’t get community on your own.

Experiencing films with other people, sharing ideas that matter and walking away with something to talk about is worth something.” Another important fact I learned about Citizen Jane is that it is absolutely not just for women.

The films are directed by women but not exclusively about women’s issues.

And that’s kind of the whole point. Kerri says, “Until we get past the stereotype that a female-directed film isn’t for a wide audience, we haven’t done our job.” And it is core to the mission of Citizen Jane to counterbalance the gross lack of female representation in Hollywood filmmaking.

When is it? June 4-5, 2016 Where is it? Stephens Lake Park How much will it cost you? Entrance to the festival is completely free.

The art being sold at each booth is not. However, Festival Director Diana Moxon tells me that one-of-a-kind pieces can be found at every price point.

“You can come here with $20 and walk away with a piece of art or a gift that no one else will have. If you want to spend $5,000 on a painting, you can, but you certainly don’t need a huge amount of money to own a unique piece of art.” Most booths accept credit cards. Food is available for purchase from local and national vendors on site.

What you need to know before you go: Film festivals require some planning, but don’t be overwhelmed. You can buy one of two passes, which will gain you access to all the films throughout the weekend, or you can purchase individual tickets. The higher-level pass includes entry to several parties, including a private brunch with filmmakers. The film lineup will be announced prior to the festival as will ticket packages and prices. For upto-date information visit citizenjanefilmfestival.org as the festival gets closer.

Longtime attendee and now Volunteer Coordinator Ann Briedenbach advises those who are thinking about attending Citizen Jane to dive in.

“Immerse yourself in the experience. Buy a pass, so you have the chance to see as many films as you want. Go to the pre-festival happenings on Stephens campus and become part of the larger conversation about women and film.”

Why you should go: This festival has been a favorite in Columbia for nearly 58 years. Artists will be showcasing ceramics, jewelry, paintings, photography, garden art, sculpture and more. It is a great place to find unique pieces from all over the country. Even if you are not an art aficionado, there will something for you to appreciate at Art in the Park. Besides, it’s free and a really great way to kick off the summer, enjoy time outdoors with your family and support the arts in a beautiful setting.

What you need to know before you go: Not a whole lot. You can just show up at Stephens Lake Park on either Saturday or Sunday (or both) and meander through the booths. Parking is available across the street at Boone Hospital and along the street if you can find it. Bring the kids; this is definitely a family-friendly event.

Why this is good for CoMo: “Citizen Jane brings people to our thriving, evolving downtown and injects us with energy,” Kerri says. In addition to adding a deeper layer to CoMo’s arts community, this festival creates business for our local restaurants, shops and hotels. Citizen Jane also has an educational outreach component called Camp Citizen Jane, which is a collaboration between Stephens College and Columbia Public Schools.

Camp CJ provides girls ages 12-18 access to the tools of filmmaking during two-week camp sessions.

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Why this is good for CoMo: On a financial level, it creates sales tax for the city as well as an increase in spending in restaurants and hotels. But, as Diana points out, it is beneficial on so many other levels. She says Art in the Park helps broaden art horizons and adds vibrancy and color to our town.

“What would Columbia look like without its festivals? They add a diversity of culture to our city. What a dull place Columbia would be if all we had to do was watch football six times a year.” (Good point, Diana!)

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ROOTS N BLUES N BBQ

TRUE/FALSE FILM FEST

What is it? What is it? A three-day festival celebrating music, food and culture.

Related events include a half marathon and Sunday gospel celebration.

When is it? September 30 – October 3, 2016

What is it? What is it? A four-day film festival of national and international renown, which features creative non-fiction films (documentaries, for the lay person). T/F will show between 35 and 40 feature length films and 20 to 30 short films.

Where is it? Stephens Lake Park

When is it? March 3-6, 2016

Why you should go? Now in its 10th year, Roots N Blues N BBQ is one of the finest music festivals in the country. Featuring more than 30 stellar acts in the genres of roots, blues, gospel, country, folk, bluegrass, rock and soul, RNBNBBQ is a unique opportunity to see a wide range of well-known and up-and-coming musical acts during one awesome weekend-long party.

Dwight Yoakam, Brandi Carlile and G. Love and Special Sauce are among those who performed last year, which drew fans from a wide and varied base.

Add to that the mouthwatering BBQ from local and regional vendors that can be sampled throughout the festival grounds, and you’ve got yourself more than enough reasons to head downtown for the weekend.

Where is it? Various venues throughout downtown Columbia

WWW.ROOTSNBLUESNBBQ.COM

WWW.TRUEFALSE.ORG

What you need to know before you go? You will need to give some thought to how you want to attend the festival as there are several ticketing options ranging in price from $45-$550. Kids under 12 are free, but be advised some events are more family friendly than others. Festival Director Julie King says, “We usually announce the lineup in late April and the stage schedule in July.”

So, after you check out the lineup and do a little research on the musical acts, you can visit their website to get the details on ticketing options. Early bird pricing is available February 1 – May 15, 2016. And if you have any questions, Julie encourages you to call the office. “We can definitely help anyone who calls by answering questions and helping them figure out the best option for them.” Kay Crouse of Columbia has attended the festival all but one year since it began. “I’d advise newbies to research the musical groups ahead of time so that they can get their scheduled figured out based on who they must see.” Do bring lawn chairs, empty refillable water bottles and blankets. Don’t bring outside food and beverages, pets or professional recording equipment. You can park at any of the downtown parking garages and a festival shuttle will transport you at no charge to the park. In addition, COMO Connect is running free service from stops all over the city. Bikes are encouraged (they even have valet bike parking)! Rylan Adams, co-owner of Synergy Sports, says he would suggest arriving well in advance because parking and taking the shuttle does take a little extra time.

Why it is good for CoMo? RNBNBBQ has been called “one of the most prominent music festivals in the country” by American Blues Scene Magazine. It brings a huge amount of revenue to CoMo, both in taxes and tourism-related earnings, plus it has solidified Columbia as a legit part of the music scene. “Roots N Blues is a really cool event for local people, but it also brings in people from across the country— and beyond— who might not otherwise come to Columbia.” ?? (who said this?)In addition, the festival has spawned the Roots N Blues N BBQ Foundation, which brings music education to thousands of children in central Missouri through their Blues in the School program. This inventive program gives students the opportunity to write and perform with award-winning guest musicians and internationally recognized music educators right in their own classrooms.

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Why you should go? It is an incredible opportunity to not only get an advance look at some of the best work being done in documentary film making today but to interact with the people behind the films. Someone from every film attends the festival to talk with audience members after their showing. Arin Liberman, programming and communication director, says, “Part of our mission is to reimagine reality by challenging the old interpretation of documentaries.

Our films expose artistic truth– this is not journalism. So naturally, the films spark interesting conversations.” Longtime Columbia resident Melinda Jenne has attended T/F every year since it began. “It really is the most fun event in Columbia,” Melinda says. “And it isn’t just the movies that are fun. It’s the entire experience.” Another longtime festival attendee Nicky Schedit says, “The process of getting tickets and passes can be a little intimidating at first but very rewarding in the end. We started with a Simple Pass and now we’re buying the Lux Pass because it is more convenient and there is just so much we don’t want to miss.”

What you need to know before you go? A lot. I’m not going to lie, ticketing can be confusing. I had big aspirations of being able to whittle down the whole process into a few well-thought-out bullet points. No such luck. But while figuring out how to attend T/F might not be simple, it is definitely well organized. Passes come in four different levels ranging from $40-$800. Passes, depending on the level you purchase, allow you access to multiple films. The higher level pass, the greater the access and convenience. Some passes get you into the myriad parties and musical events associated with the festival and some do not. If you don’t buy a pass, you can also purchase tickets to individual films by visiting the T/F box office at 1020 Broadway or at the venue before show time, if available. A very good explanation of the passes and ticketing procedures can be found on their website under the “Attend” tab. I can tell you that even after a lengthy discussion with Arin, I became convinced the best thing to do is visit the website, then email or call the box office with specific questions. She agreed. “We are there to help people navigate this process because we know it can be confusing,” Arin says. “Please just call if you have questions and someone can point you in the right direction. We want to help.”

Why it is good for CoMo? True/False is a big deal in the film festival world, often mentioned alongside other well-known festivals such as Sundance and SXSW. People travel from all over the world to attend, and all we have to do is drive downtown…pretty cool. Financially, T/F is a huge boom for CoMo as well. Last year, the festival sold more 43,000 tickets, and you can imagine how much drinking, eating, shopping and spending those ticket holders are doing in between shows. T/F also has a comprehensive education and outreach component for local and national students, which offers year round screenings, educational tickets, curated tracks through the festival, filmmaker and artist class visits and more. For a more detailed description of the ways T/F gives back to CoMo (and beyond), visit their website and click on the “Educate” tab.

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HOME TOUR

BEAUTY IN THE WOODS

by J E N N Y B O N D U R A N T | photos by K E I T H B O R G M E Y E R

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HO ME T OU R

C

urb appeal is a common desire for homeowners, but for Jana and Barry Roewe external appeal goes deeper than the curb. The setting of their new home, on a wooded 15 acres near Columbia, just outside of Ashland, creates the perfect, comfortable environment for their family. The setting also influenced the design and layout of the house — rustic and classic both inside and out.

The exterior living is as important as the interior for the Roewes, and the couple made choices to keep the 4800-square-foot house efficient, maintenance-free as much as possible and tailored for them and their two kids, Mason, 4, and Josey, 2.

Choice Woods

The outdoor living space was a primary focus in the design and construction of the home. With a covered screened-in porch, outdoor fireplace and television, the outdoor living area delivers quiet, comfort and convenience.

A heated workshop with surround sound and a basketball court are additional outdoor elements that add value to the home for Barry.

“It’s nice to have the space, plus the beauty of the creek running behind,” he says.

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For Jana, having a home that she can keep open to the nature outside their door is a plus. “One of the things I enjoy the most by being back in the woods is to be able to open the blinds and see the trees,” she says.

Instead of a formal dining room, the couple opted for an open-floor plan that includes a breakfast nook, kitchen and large living room that flow together. Tall windows in the octagon-shaped breakfast nook offer soothing views of the woods at the back of the home.

“We entertain a lot, so we wanted to keep that area open,” Jana says about the flow of the dining and living areas. “We are big cooks, and everyone hangs out at the heart of the home.”

Throughout that area and the rest of the house, natural elements aren’t limited to the view outside. Floor-to-ceiling cultured stone surrounds the fireplace and hugs a 50-inch television in the living room. Quartz tops the curved bar that connects the kitchen and living areas; natural wood gleams in F E B RUA RY - 2016

the built-in bookshelves. Underfoot, contrasting dark and light tones in the Asian walnut hardwood floor makes a standout statement of rustic beauty.

Above it all, however, is one of the home’s most unique features. A bold, barnwood beam anchors the vaulted ceiling with more barnwood posts and beams add strength throughout the living space.

“I love the beams and the wood wall we have in the master bedroom,” Jana says. “They bring out the character of the home.”

Knowing the barnwood is from her cousin’s barn, which creates a family heritage, makes the feature even more special for her. The couple hired COMO L I V I N G

an Amish team to take down the barn in Tipton and transport it to their construction site.

“The barn wood is the first thing that most people notice,” Jana says.

Beyond the Surface As president and founder of TrueSon Exteriors in Columbia, Barry makes a living by helping homeowners remodel and update their homes. Specializing in exterior remodels, TrueSon recently expanded to full, custom-home

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HOM E TOUR

Also looking beyond the surface, Jana cites two functional areas of the

construction and remodeling but has built a reputation for expertise with remodeling roofs, windows, doors and siding.

Barry put his knowledge and years of experience to use in his own home project and working with general contractor Bruce Finley.

“Everything is a maintenance-free product or close to it,” he says about the exterior.

Composite decking, aluminum handrails, heavy-gauge shingles to extend the life of the roof, and high-efficiency Pella windows are a few of the choices that the Roewes made for the exterior and reflect how they prioritized their budget.

“We spent extra money on the deck,” Barry says. “If not, we’d have to replace it in eight years.”

Without compromising the beauty and overall comfort of the home, they made sure that the infrastructure was also built to last and serve them well for a lifetime by paying special attention to the wiring and insulation and installing a geo-thermal, ground-source heat pump.

“We made sure to overwire the house for cable and Internet. It’s cheaper to do it now than to add it later,” Barry says.

That type of detail reveals the attention to detail that mark the Roewes’ home. Conscious of their remote location, the couple made safety a priority by installing a surveillance system and multi-point locks on the doors. A concrete safe room under the garage offers storage and peace of mind during severe storms.

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home as her favorite elements: the master closet and laundry chute that connects the upstairs with the down. The master closet features an island, which is custom built to hold jewelry, shoes and more.

Although the finished product makes it all look effortless, Jana admits that building a home is stressful. “I have expensive tastes, but Barry balances that out,” she says.

She credits Barry for bringing ideas he’s gleaned from his years in construction to their own home project. The 5 1/2-inch base trim, unique tray ceiling and paint colors were all custom choices the couple made to set their home apart from others.

“Shop around and look for ways to keep costs down,” recommends Jana, who frequented websites such as Pinterest and Houzz for ideas. “Some things aren’t always in your budget. You have to choose what will work best for your family. Splurge on the areas that will make the house.”

Barry adds emphasis on building a home with staying power. “A house might look pretty, but will it last?” he asks, pressing upon the value of the maintenance-free elements. Overall, their quiet, private home delivers value in both function and beauty for their family.

“When I pull into the driveway, this is what I think about the most,” he says. “We have a home with all the amenities laid out the way we want it to be.”

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AT NINTH & CHERRY COMO L I V I N G

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D O I T YO U R S E L F

LEVI IS THE KING OF THE CASTLE

AF TER

by MICHELE TOWNS | photos by ANGELIQUE HUNTER

W

hen Jayme Tips and I sat down to discuss what her sweet fouryear-old son, Levi, loved, she mentioned that he loves to play with his castles. With the theme in mind and the beautiful plaid bedding Jayme had purchased, I was off and running. My first stop was Johnston Paint and Decorating. I can always find what I need there, and the customer service is top notch. I mentioned the castle theme and was directed to some wonderful wall stickers that they special order. They can easily be added and removed from walls or furniture. This was the perfect addition to the room. The stickers were inexpensive and an easy thing to change as he outgrows his room.

The room was previously Levi’s older sister’s room and was a light pink.

When reviewing the plaid bedding with the interior designer at Johnston Paint and Decorating we decided on the color “Feathered Down” by Benjamin Moore Aura in a matte finish.

After we found the perfect color for the walls, I decided we needed a bookshelf. I was fortunate to find an inexpensive bookshelf on an online swap shop for just $10. I transformed the bookcase with Cottage Paint, also sold at Johnston Paint and Decorating, in red and lightly applied a dark wax to tone it down. I applied a few of the stickers to the bookcase and changed out the hardware for a fresh new look. The tiger print was from my neighbor’s garage sale and was just waiting to be placed in the perfect room. The knotty pine frame was coated with two coats of red Cottage Paint and waxed dark to match the bookcase.

The castle theme was brought to life with the Roommates Peel and Stick Décor Dragon Hunter Wall Decals by York carried by Johnston Paint and Decorating. The gorgeous handcrafted pallet letters are from Mayberry Acres located in Ashland, Missouri. The letters made a bold statement on the wall, and Levi loved seeing his name.

The furniture in the room was donated by a family friend. I added a navy rug, curtain rod, curtains and some additional lighting. The best compliment was when Levi told me it was perfect! My heart melted as I thought, “It’s not perfect, but you, my little King of the Castle, certainly are!”

MAY EB ER RY ACR ES MAY B E R RYACR ES@GMAI L .C OM 57 3 -6 8 0-82 7 7 MAY B E R RYACR ES.COM

BEFORE

COMO L I V I N G

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CHIROPRACTIC is

taking care

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Again!

of business

V AVA I L L A S ILAB IMM LE FOR ED M OV I AT E E-I N !

Do you sit at a computer desk for long periods of time? Do your shoulders ache? Do you get tingling down the arms? Wrist pain? Neck pain? Chiropractic care can help!

Patients under chiropractic care report feeling relief from tension, anxiety, carpal tunnel syndrome, and neck pain.

Enjoy a maintenance-free lifestyle at the Village of Bedford Walk, Columbia’s newest, most beautiful community for adults 55 and better. Sit back, relax, and let us take care of the details.

From snow removal to changing light bulbs, we take care of life’s unwieldy chores so you can live life your way. For more information or to schedule a private tour, call Sarah at 573355-1774.

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COMO L I V I N G

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WH AT T HE PROS K NOW BUILDING TRENDS

MORTAGE TIPS

CALE KLIETHERMES

BRANDON GERAU

KLIETHERMES HOMES AND REMODELING

LANDMARK BANK

CLEANING PROS

INSURANCE

TIM ZAKREWSKI

BRIAN HAZELRIGG

TIGER MAIDS

STATE FARM

WHETHER IT’S HOME MAINTENANCE, STYLE TIPS OR BUYING ADVICE, THIS TEAM HAS YOU COVERED.

COMO L I V I N G

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W H AT T H E P R O S K NOW

BUILDING TRENDS IN 2016

BY CALE KLIETHERMES

GOING GREEN

Find more at: www.kliethermes.com

With the new year comes new building trends. At Kliethermes Homes and Remodeling, we are committed to staying up-to-date with the latest and most creative building trends on the market. If you’ve been thinking about revamping a space in your home, 2016 might just be the year to do it! Check out the trends below, and be sure to contact us when you’re ready to make your dreams a reality.

KITCHEN TRENDS

FROM THE BOTTOM UP

FURNITURE-STYLE DESIGN: Out with the old and in with the new. People are beginning to understand that an open concept means your kitchen needs to have the same comforts of home as the living room. This means essential elements such as the kitchen island are becoming more furniture-like. This takes many different approaches: raising islands up on legs, including paneling or molding or choosing a durable yet stylish alternative countertop. By making these small changes, your kitchen will become an extension of your living space rather than just a functional area that is used for prepping and cooking.

TEXTURES THAT WOW: Have you ever walked through the bedding department in a store and not wanted to touch each and every comforter, throw, pillow or plush blanket? Didn’t think so. Now, you can make your kitchen stand out by adding different types of texture. Areas to think about are countertops, cabinets, paneling, faucets, hardware and backsplash, so basically, any surface.

Natural marble, engineered stone and wood are some of the trends we’ll be seeing in 2016.

CALE KLIETHERMES I was born and raised in Columbia. In 1996 I moved to Colorado, where I ultimately (after playing for several years) earned a double major in business administration and finance through Regis University.

After college, I enlisted in the Marine Corps and served four years, doing three consecutive tours to Iraq. In the Marine Corps I specialized in building and explosives. I got out of the Corps in 2009. Four years ago, I moved back to Columbia to work with my father, Dan, and our business, Kliethermes Homes & Remodeling.

COMO L I V I N G

Bigger is not always better: According to a survey by the National Association of Home Builders, the average size of a new home, or those being remodeled, is actually getting smaller.

Although this might not be because people are realizing they don’t want to clean a 5,000-square-foot house, it is because people want to be greener. In addition, people want their heating and cooling costs to go down. So when you’re thinking about building a new home or remodeling your space, this might be something to think about!

LIVING ROOM? WHAT’S THAT?: Great rooms that encourage a truly open floor plan by combining the kitchen with the main living space are now replacing traditional living rooms. This means while you’re cooking dinner, you can easily see what’s going on in the rest of the living space. Maybe your kids are doing their homework or playing games, or maybe they’re wrestling, and you want to make sure they don’t knock over the expensive vase or slam their head against the fireplace. Whatever your reasoning might be, open floor plans are where we’re headed. Another survey from the NAHB showed that other spaces, such as formal dining rooms, are also expected to disappear slowly.

When the time comes for you to think about remodeling the space you have, think about these building trends: opening up your floor plan and expanding the living space into your kitchen, adding textures that wow to add an extra pop into your kitchen or bathroom or if you’re building from the ground up, think about how much space you really need. These trends will truly set your home apart and at Kliethermes Homes and Remodeling, we can make it happen.

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W H AT T H E P R O S K NOW

A 2016 OUTLOOK FOR MORTGAGE RATES OVERALL IT HAS BEEN A LEARNING CURVE, BUT WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT 2016 AND EXPECT ANOTHER GREAT YEAR IN THE MORTGAGE INDUSTRY.

BY BRANDON GERAU Find more at: www.landmarkbank.com

LET THE PROS HELP 1. What does the Federal Reserve System rate increase mean?

2. Getting used to TILA/RESPA Integrated Disclosure (TRID) changes.

The increase raised the federal fund’s rate a quarter of a point.

This is the first time it had changed in almost a decade. The Fed doesn’t have a huge effect on long-term fixed rates. With interest rates on the rise, the adjustable rate mortgages could also be getting higher. Right now would be a great time to refinance if you are in an ARM. With rates still at an all-time low, you can lock in a low fixed rate. Don’t be alarmed even if rates increase slightly.

After months of anticipation, TRID is now in effect, and the mortgage industry is busy getting used to the new changes.

Things are going smoothly, and we are getting the hang of it. Thirty-day closings are still a reality, which makes things easier. In addition, we have had great feedback on the new loan estimates. We have found that it’s easier for the borrower to read and follow. Not only that, but the borrowers can see all costs and exactly what they are paying for.

BRANDON GERAU

NMLS# 977618

I have been with Landmark Bank for three years now. I am a mortgage lender at our new office on the corner of Forum and Chapel Hill. I have my undergraduate degree from the University of Missouri and am currently pursing my master’s in financial planning at MU. You can reach me at 573-499-7327 or email me at brandon. gerau@landmarkbank.com.

COMO L I V I N G

RIGHT NOW WOULD BE A GREAT TIME TO REFINANCE IF YOU ARE IN AN ARM. WITH RATES STILL BEING AT AN ALL-TIME LOW, YOU CAN LOCK IN A LOW FIXED RATE. - 79 -

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W H AT T H E P R O S K NOW

HIRING A CLEANING SERVICE

BY TIM ZAKREWSKI Find more at: www.tigermaids.net

YOU HAVE MANY CHOICES WHEN HIRING A CLEANING SERVICE. DO I HIRE AN INDIVIDUAL, A LOCAL COMPANY OR FRANCHISE? ARE YOU READY TO BE AN EMPLOYER? DOES THE CLEANING COMPANY YOU’VE HIRED HAVE EMPLOYEES OR CONTRACTORS? IS YOUR PROPERTY INSURED AGAINST THEFT OR DAMAGE? IF SOMEONE IS OUT SICK OR ON VACATION, WILL YOUR HOUSE STILL GET CLEANED? HERE ARE SOME VERY IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK IN ORDER TO MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMPARING APPLES TO APPLES.

DOES THE COMPANY HAVE LIABILITY AND WORKERS COMPENSATION INSURANCE? • Independent maids and companies with less than five employees are not required to carry worker’s compensation insurance in Missouri.

This insurance not only protects you but gives the employee a safety net. Slips and falls happen, and if a cleaner is hurt in your home, you can be held liable. The risk is even greater with an independent maid since technically you are their employer. Your homeowner's insurance will cover you for certain situations but not all, which leaves you open for personal lawsuits. Ask if the company has a safety program.

• Liability insurance is essential to protect your home and belongings. Yes, accidental breakages happen. Verify insurance and ask if the company has a written policy regarding procedures on handling breakages and damages.

Sure, uninsured or underinsured individuals and companies will be cheaper, but is it worth the risk?

HOW LONG HAS THE COMPANY BEEN IN BUSINESS? Every year there are 10 new cleaning businesses started in Columbia to replace the ones that went out of business. Failure rates for the industry are staggering. Fifty percent will go out

MAKE LIFE EASIER

of business within the first year. By the end of the fifth year, nearly 90 percent will have closed their doors. Hopefully, the company you hire will be there for you and your family for years to come.

ARE THE EMPLOYEES W-2 OR SUBCONTRACTORS? Some companies incorrectly categorize employees as independent contractors to avoid paying withholding taxes. Some independent maids do not pay taxes on their income or their helpers. Unfortunately, this means the employee is not covered

by Unemployment Insurance if he or she becomes unemployed, nor is he or she building Social Security for retirement. Be careful when hiring a household worker because in some instances, you might be considered an employer by the IRS.

DOES THE COMPANY PRESCREEN ITS EMPLOYEES? Since most clients are not home during cleaning visits, anyone that has access to your home should be thoroughly vetted. Does the company check past employment references and do a criminal background check? If you are hiring an individual, do you have time to verify credentials?

With a stringent selection process, as few as one

TIM ZAKREWSKI Tiger Maids was founded in 1996 by Robin Zakrewski, who has more than 25 year experience in the residential cleaning industry and currently functions as the office/customer service manager. Her husband, Tim, joined the company full time in 2007. He brings more than 20 years in operations and sales management to the table and currently functions as the general/ sales Manager.

Tiger Maids currently services more than 260 residential homes, and performs hundreds of move-out services each year for their property management and realtor partners. Additionally, they provide post-construction clean-up services for six luxury home builders.

Tim can be reached at tim@tigermaids.net or 573-999-5850.

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out of 50 applicants make it onto the staff of the best home cleaning companies.

Does the company have a training program?

The best companies will have formal, documented and ongoing training programs.

This helps ensure consistency in quality and reduce the turnover of the staff that clean your home. It can take three to six months to mold an employee into a top-notch cleaner.

Furthermore, one out of 10 do not make the cut in the training process.

ASK ABOUT EMPLOYEE LONGEVITY. In an industry rife with high turnover, what retention programs does the company have in place? Are its employees compensated fairly? Do the employees receive holiday and vacation pay or performance bonuses? A company with high turnover might also have problems in other areas of management.

HIRING A CLEANING SERVICE SHOULD MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER. BY KNOWING WHAT TO LOOK FOR, IT SHOULD MAKE THE EXPERIENCE ENJOYABLE AND REWARDING.

W H AT T H E P R O S K NOW

ACCORDING TO BRIAN

BY BRIAN HAZELRIGG Find more at: www.brianhazelrigg.com

State Farm once asked 3,000 random Americans what things they drove around with in the trunk of their vehicle. The answers were entertaining and revealing: 60 watermelons, an astronaut suit, 100 VCRs, bagpipes and a gorilla suit were all included on the list.

Most people that were spoken to readily admit they don’t have what we recommend every driver has, including an updated emergency or winter driving kit. It’s not yet spring, so there’s plenty of opportunity for Mother Nature to dole out a heavy hand. And it could come when you least expect it. Some of you might remember the January 2014 snow and ice event that crippled the city of Atlanta and trapped thousands of motorists overnight…in Georgia of all places! I have a friend who was caught in that mess, and it wasn’t fun listening to the ordeal he went through. Regardless of where you live, now’s a good time for a trunk transformation.

I’ve outlined a few things you should consider having in your vehicle in advance to help with the unexpected. The first thing to remember is to have a good case or bag to store everything in one central location. That way, you won’t have items flying around your vehicle or getting lost. You should also check your kit a couple of times a year as batteries can discharge and medications can expire. Take the time to get the junk out of your vehicle trunk and load in these important items:

• HAZARD TRIANGLE (WITH REFLECTORS) OR ROAD FLARES • FIRST AID KIT • JUMPER CABLES OR SMALL BATTERY CHARGER • WINDSHIELD SCRAPER AND BRUSH • SPARE TIRE (MAKE SURE JACK AND LUG WRENCH ARE IN VEHICLE) • TOW STRAP • BLANKETS AND EXTRA WARM CLOTHING • CELL PHONE AND CHARGER • ROAD SALT OR CAT LITTER TO HELP WITH TIRE TRACTION • BRIGHTLY COLORED FLAG OR "HELP" SIGN • FLASHLIGHT (WITH WORKING BATTERIES), MATCHES OR LIGHTER • TARP FOR SITTING OR KNEELING IN THE SNOW FOR EXTERIOR WORK SUCH AS A TIRE CHANGE • SMALL TOOL KIT • DUCT TAPE FOR TEMPORARY FIXES • HIGH-CALORIE, NON-PERISHABLE FOOD • WATER • CRUCIAL MEDICATIONS

RealPREP Estate

You also want to make sure your vehicle itself is ready to take on the roads. Check the condition of your windshield wiper blades, use winter windshield washer fluid (rated not to freeze at 0 degrees) and check tire inflation. As temperatures fall, tire air pressure can drop by as much as one pound per square inch for every 10-degree dip.

These are just a few things that can give you peace of mind as you head out the door and onto our roads and highways.

For more information on how you can manage the risks of everyday life, contact State Farm Agent Brian Hazelrigg at 573-445-1687, email him at brian@brianhazelrigg.com or visit his website at www.brianhazelrigg.com BRIAN HAZELRIGG Brian Hazelrigg is a husband and father of two daughters and lives in Columbia. For the past 10 years he has been a State Farm Agent. His biggest passion is to help his clients achieve their dreams and recover from the unexpected.

He also enjoys playing a supporting role in the Columbia community and its schools.

573-445-1687, brian@brianhazelrigg.com or www.brianhazelrigg.com.

COMO L I V I N G

MOST PEOPLE THAT WERE SPOKEN TO READILY ADMIT THEY DON’T HAVE WHAT WE RECOMMEND EVERY DRIVER HAS, INCLUDING AN UPDATED EMERGENCY OR WINTER DRIVING KIT. - 81 -

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Dental Excellence, Compassionate Care From the appointment desk to the exam chair, our caring and competent staff ensures the most positive experience possible. We’re your local choice for: • advanced dental diagnostic and treatment options • the all natural, drug free, anti-anxiety technique (NuCalm) • a comprehensive selection of cosmetic options • comprehensive dentistry for the entire family

Shelley A. Lyle DDS, PC Molly Tegerdine DDS General Dentistry

COMO L I V I N G

Welcoming New Patients | We Have EXPANDED Hours Payment options through Care Credit 3111 Keene Ct., Columbia • 573-442-1869 DDSColumbia.com

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This Valentine’s Day, send a gift that’s good for the heart!

PLACE YOUR ORDER TODAY! Same day delivery available.

www.EdibleArrangements.com • 573-445-5858 2200 Forum Blvd., Ste. 107 • Columbia, MO 65203

COMO L I V I N G

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L I F E C OAC H I N G

MUSIC AND THE POWER TO HEAL LOOKING FORWARD TO HIS EVERYTHING: O N H I S 1 3 T H B I R T H DAY

MY SPECIAL GIFT FOR MY SON

Lyrics to “Looking Forward To His Everything (B’s Song)”

by Ki m Be c k in g

Shanon Tucker/Kim Becking

A

few years ago when my son, Brandon, turned 13, I shared with him a special birthday gift. I had written a song for him several years prior and had been waiting for the right time to share it with him. I was waiting for a time when he would be old enough to appreciate the song and at least partially comprehend its meaning that I will always look forward to his everything.

I wrote the song when I was going through my divorce and my world was falling apart. At the time, Brandon had just turned 10. I wanted to capture in a song, just as I have on paper in the past, how I felt at that very moment. I wanted to write a song about how he is the one thing, that light, that has kept me going through it all.

So, I reached out to a songwriter friend and together, through many long conversations, tears, skype sessions and edits, “Looking Forward to His Everything” was born. (See complete lyrics below, and visit my website to listen to the song in its entirety.)

Research shows that creative expression contributes to better health and well-being. People are expressing themselves through the arts, whether it is musical, performance, visual or writing, and discovering how it can reduce the physical and emotional burdens associated with hardships in life. There is magical healing power in art. Powers that can help us heal when we are faced with struggles and pain in our life.

For me, music has always been healing and therapeutic.

Music and dancing make me feel alive.

To me, the very act of writing “Looking Forward to His Everything” was therapy. It was a place where I could put my feelings out into the world. My feelings that then came to life through lyrics – through the verses, the chorus and the bridge.

The lyrics I wrote represent my journey with my son and how through it all, he was the one thing that kept me going.

I think back to the day I was diagnosed with cancer and one of my wishes was to see Brandon off to kindergarten. When he walked out the door as a big kindergartner, I followed the bus to school, walked him to class and said goodbye. When I Kim Becking is Chief Motivator at Looking Forward Living Life and life coach who helps women thrive after unexpected change. Her own story of thriving is one that can be told through many chapters: her battle with breast cancer, the balance of being a working mother, the unexpected challenges of marriage, family and divorce, remarrying a widower with two small children, and adjusting to a new fabulous life in a blended household as Kim Becking- mom of three, party of five.

Visit her blog at www.lookingforwardlivinglife.com for more inspiration. And stay connected on Facebook at Looking Forward Living Life and Twitter @maketodaycount1.

SHE STANDS UP ON STAGE, LOOKS OVER THE CROWD BRIGHT LIGHTS HIDE FACES, HER TEARS, LOOKING DOWN SHE REMEMBERS A DAY WHEN SHE FELT SO ALONE IT’S A BEAUTIFUL THING, TURNING TEARS INTO SMILES TOUCHING THOSE SHE WOULD NEVER HAVE KNOWN IF SHE DIED SHE THANKS GOD FOR EACH DAY AND HELPING HER TO SHOW OTHERS THE WAY NOW LOOKING BACK THROUGH THE YEARS SHE KNOWS THAT SHE’S STRONG, SHE’S FACED ALL HER FEARS CHORUS WAKING UP EVERYDAY TO HER BABY’S BROWN EYES THE SMILE ON HIS FACE, SO FULL OF LIFE HE WAS JUST BARELY TWO FILLING SOME PRETTY BIG SHOES SHE DOES ALL THAT SHE CAN, JUST KEEPS MAKING PLANS TO MAKE SURE THAT SHE’S HOLDING HER LITTLE MAN’S HAND ON HIS FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL ONE MORE DAY BECAME HER GOLDEN RULE SHE DOESN’T WONDER HOW SHE MADE IT THROUGH LOOKING FORWARD TO HIS EVERYTHING WAS ALL SHE HAD TO DO EVERY LIFE IS HAS ITS CHANGES, HER SHARE IN HER TIME WHEN HIS DAD RAN AWAY SOME DAYS IT TOOK ALL HER STRENGTH JUST TO SURVIVE IT’S HARD TO LOOK IN HIS EYES WHEN HE CRIES

got home, I began to sob. Not because I was sad but because I had great joy knowing that I was here to see him off to school. Every year I think back to that moment, reflect on the years past and am thankful for another year, and yes, another tear. I look forward to that dance at his wedding someday.

At times it’s been a rough road. I would wonder how I would make it. All I had to do was see his smile and look in those little brown eyes. He will always be my baby, and I will always look forward to his everything.

And what I wrote eleven years ago during my cancer treatments still remains true today: “During my treatments, Brandon was the

COMO L I V I N G

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EVEN WHEN SHE GETS TIRED, SOMETIMES TOO TIRED TO BREATHE SHE’LL MAKE SURE THAT LITTLE MAN GROWS UP TO BE THE BEST MAN HE CAN BE AFTER ALL, HE’S HER EVERYTHING SHE GETS BETTER WITH EVERY YEAR SHE KNOWS THAT SHE’S STRONG, SHE’S FACED ALL HER FEARS CHORUS WAKING UP EVERYDAY TO HER BABY’S BROWN EYES THE SMILE ON HIS FACE, SO FULL OF LIFE WAY TOO MUCH LEFT TO LOSE FILLING SOME PRETTY BIG SHOES SHE DOES ALL THAT SHE CAN, JUST KEEPS MAKING PLANS TO BE SURE THAT SHE’S THERE WHEN HE ASKS FOR HER HAND AND WHEN THEY SAY I DO ONE MORE DAY STILL HER GOLDEN RULE SHE DOESN’T WONDER HOW SHE MADE IT THROUGH LOOKING FORWARD TO HIS EVERYTHING WAS ALL SHE HAD TO DO BRIDGE SEEING HER LITTLE BOY SMILE HIS BRIDE WALKING DOWN THE AISLE CHORUS WAKING UP EVERYDAY TO HER BABY’S BROWN EYES THE SMILE ON HIS FACE, SO FULL OF LIFE SHE DOES ALL THAT SHE CAN, KEEPS MAKING PLANS HE’S ALL GROWN UP BUT STILL HER LITTLE MAN SHE DOESN’T WONDER HOW HE’LL MAKE IT THROUGH LOOKING FORWARD TO HIS EVERYTHING IS ALL HE’LL HAVE TO DO

thing that kept me going. Somehow, regardless of how sick I may have felt from the chemotherapy or how much pain I was in from my surgery, if I looked down into Brandon’s smiling face, all of my pain and fear would go away for that instant. He was what kept me Book Club going day after day. On the days that I was too tired to climb the stairs or too tired to eat, I saw Brandon’s smile. On the days I really didn’t want to go to my chemotherapy treatments, I saw Brandon’s smile. On those days that I just didn’t think I could make it, I saw Brandon’s smile. He was there and continues to be there with his smiling face, keeping me going day after day.”

FROM THE LOCAL MARKET

Pomegranates COMO L I V I N G

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H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S

A

pomegranate is one of the healthiest things you’ll eat all year. They are delicious and packed full of healing abilities and antioxidants. Here are some truths about this powerful fruit:

1. Great for the heart Regular intake of pomegranates or pomegranate juice can maintain a good blood flow in the body. Consequently, it decreases the risk of heart attacks and strokes. The antioxidant component in this powerful fruit keeps the bad cholesterol from gaining a significant presence that could cause clots.

2. Rich in antioxidants Being rich in antioxidants means this fruit packs a punch. Not only can it help your immune system, blood flow and gums, it can also benefit your skin. Pomegranates can help control aging by slowing down the appearance of wrinkles, which provides people with youthful and glowing skin.

3. Diabetes For patients who have diabetes, eating pomegranates or drinking pomegranate juice can reduce the risk of various coronary diseases.

There is also a reduction of hardening in the arteries, which can inhibit the development of heart diseases.

4. Dental Care One of the best benefits of pomegranates is that the juice, along with its antibacterial and antiviral properties, helps reduce plaque and can protect again some oral diseases.

5. Stomach Disorders The peel, bark and leaves of pomegranates are used to calm disorders of the stomach or the diarrhea caused by digestive problems. Tea made from the leaves of this fruit also helps calm the stomach. Pomegranate juice is also used for handling problems such as dysentery and cholera.

Pomegranate Brined Roast Turkey From Food Republic www.foodrepublic.com/recipes/pomegranate-brined-roast-turkey-recipe

I N G R E D IE N TS 1 12-14 pound turkey, giblets removed 1 batch pomegranate brine 1 each lemon, orange and yellow onion, quartered 3 sprigs each rosemary, thyme and sage 4 tablespoons unsalted butter 1 cup chicken stock kosher salt

No need to be fancy, just make sure it’s evenly coated and then sprinkle liberally with kosher salt.

• Tie the turkey's legs together with kitchen twine, fold the wing tips under the wings and the wings up and under the shoulders.

• Pour the chicken stock into the roasting dish, and place the turkey in the oven. Roast at 425 F for one hour, then lower the temperature to 325 F and continue to roast for 17 minutes per pound, basting with the pan juices every 25 minutes.

• Remove from the oven and allow to rest for at least 20 minutes, preferably 30 or more, before carving and serving. In the meantime, add the pan juices to your gravy.

D IR EC TIO N S • Brine the turkey overnight.

• Drain the turkey and pat it completely dry with paper towels, both inside and out. Place it in the roasting dish and preheat the oven to 425 F. • While the oven is heating, stuff the turkey cavity with the quartered orange, lemon and onion, as well as the fresh herbs.

• Using your hands, rub the butter over the entire turkey, sliding your fingers between the skin and meat under the breast on both sides to get as much butter under the skin as possible.

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FUNCTION. WORKO GYM. STYLE.ACTIVE WEAR. FORM. FUNCTION. WORKO GYM. ACTIVE WEAR FORM.FUNCTION. WORKOUT. GYM. ACTIVE WEAR. FOR FUNCTION. WORKO GYM. ACTIVE WEAR FORM.FUNCTION. WORKOUT. GYM. AC WEAR. FORM.FUNC H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S

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OUT. E OUT. R.

H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S

ACTIVE WEAR

1

MESHED UP TANK, $58, LULULEMON, SUMITS YOGA

2

FLOW Y BRA IV, $42, LULULEMON, SUMITS YOGA

3

FREE TO BE BRA*WILD, $48, LULULEMON, SUMITS YOGA

4

SUMIT YOGA TANK, $39, SUMITS YOGA

5

WUNDER UNDER PANT SE RESTORED, $98,

RM. OUT. R. CTIVE

LULULEMON, SUMITS YOGA

6

THE MAT 3MM, $58, LULULEMON, SUMITS YOGA

7

PURE VIDA BRACELETS, LIGHT BLUE BRAIDED, $15; SOLID ORIGINAL, $5; PLATINUM, $12; SILVER FEATHER, $15 SUMITS YOGA;

8

SALUTE THE SUN TANK, $54, LULULEMON, SUMITS YOGA

9

WUNDER UNDER CROP HI-RISE, $88, LULULEMON, SUMITS YOGA

10 NAMASTÉ STAINLESS STEEL BOTTLE, $18,

CTION. SUMITS YOGA

H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S

ART THERAPY CLOSE TO HOME T H E B E N E F I T S O F A R T A R E M O R E T H A N J U S T V I S U A L LY A P P E A L I N G .

by H O G A N DAV I S

T

he women of the Monday afternoon class at Access Arts (an organization you might recognize from last issue’s Nonprofit Spotlight by Chris Danforth) are seasoned weaving veterans. All of them have been weaving for years, some decades, and more than one admitted to becoming so addicted to the craft at Access Arts that they now have a loom at home. They know their way around a warp and weft with their eyes shut (cool weaving terms for the longitudinal and lateral threads of anything woven). You might think that they wouldn’t need to attend classes anymore with all of that experience, but they keep coming back year after year. Monday afternoons at 800 Moss St. are about much more than learning new techniques or even the finished baby blankets, scarves and a myriad other items that the group has produced. The meetings are a social circle, problem solving think tank and therapy session all rolled into two hours of working with thread.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that expressing yourself creatively can be such a positive experience, but art is often seen as a painting on a wall in a museum rather than a pasttime from which anyone can benefit. Karen Shortt-Stout, education director for the Columbia Art League, says that when she asks people if they’re artists, the most common answer is no. They usually add that they can’t draw or don’t feel that they have any talent. With just a hint of good-natured exasperation at that attitude she adds, “You don’t enroll in a Spanish class if you already speak Spanish.” The point is just about anyone can learn to draw or paint better, and there’s a good chance they’ll have a lot of fun doing it.

Making art might not only improve your mood or occupy an evening where you would’ve sat at home and watched Netflix, but there is significant research to back up its benefits in many health-related aspects. Art therapy was featured on the cover of National Geographic with a story detailing how creating masks is being used to help veterans returning from combat. Men and women suffering from PTSD and other physical and psychological ailments were tasked with making masks that physically represented the trauma they had suffered. Through that process, many were better able to express themselves and what they had experienced.

Much of art therapy appears to center on the theme of self-expression and its importance. When a person better understands him or herself or can identify with others through COMO L I V I N G

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The meetings are a social circle, problem solving think tank and therapy session all rolled into two hours of working with thread. their art, their health can benefit. That is evident in the research by Dr. Michelle Teti, an assistant professor in the School of Health Professions at the University of Missouri. Dr. Teti’s background in public health led her to study ways in which disenfranchised groups of people, specifically those with HIV/AIDS, could better connect with society and cope with their illness. She began working with groups to help them create photo narratives and exhibits by giving them cameras with which to document their lives and shooting their story from their own perspective. It quickly became apparent that the process of developing the photographic exhibits and then talking about them had a profound impact on the women involved.

“I was taken back by how powerful it was,” Dr. Teti says about the results of those first studies. The photos became a way for people suffering not only from their disease, but who also felt a sense of stigmatism, to make sense of their lives.

The project didn’t stop there. A large part of the photo-voice technique is centered around the idea that these images can be used to promote social action or deal with injustice. While Dr. Teti’s study didn’t initially have such lofty goals, once some of the participants engaged in the process, they felt empowered to help others through their work. One woman in the group used the photos she had taken to shed light on the poor quality of public housing. Her personal story became a way to bring attention to an issue, and from there she was able to advocate for better housing for those with disabilities or illnesses. A group of HIV-positive individuals were tasked with documenting themselves taking their medicines. Then they made posters of the pictures in order to encourage others at the health clinic to be diligent about following their treatment plans. The clinic soon saw an upswing in adherence to medicine regimens.

Not all of Dr. Teti’s work involves HIV/AIDS-related therapy, and naturally there are many other applications for art therapy. Any group that feels disenfranchised or has trouble communicating could see a benefit. For instance, children with autism often have difficulty expressing themselves.

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H E A LT H A N D W E L L N E S S can frustrate them and their caregivers. Numerous studies, including some of Dr. Teti’s, show that art therapies can help bridge that gap, which finds new ways for those with autism to connect with the people around them. As in the National Geographic story, there are many examples of people using art to deal with brain diseases or traumatic brain injuries. The broad applications of these therapies are a booming branch of medical research as scientists and doctors work on defining exactly how art affects the brain.

Dr. Teti admitted that she’s surprised art hasn’t been better integrated into healthcare than it has. There are many reasons for this. For starters, art therapy is still a relatively new field with university-level programs only available at select schools around the country (Shands Hospital at the University of Florida being one of the leaders), but the qualitative nature of dealing with art is probably the main reason it hasn’t been better utilized alongside medical science. What that means is the effects of art are difficult to break down into hard data due to its subjectiveness. There isn’t even a real definition of what art is, much less a reliable way to extrapolate how it will affect a given person, so you can see why it’s a hard sell for many scientists. That doesn’t mean its power can’t be felt. Dr. Teti remarks that taking part in the photo narratives was a transformative experience for many participants.

Of course not all of the research on art’s effects is related to the treatment of injuries or illness. New studies are trying to verify what many people have long believed about creating art—that it helps you think more clearly. One German study followed two groups of senior citizens. While one set of participants took a class that involved hands-on participation in creating art, the other took a class on art evaluation. The group in the hands-on class actually showed greater connectivity between certain brain cortices and scored better on stress tests.

Basically, your brain works better on art. Oh, and you’ll be happier too.

It’s hard to talk to anyone involved in the many art classes around Columbia without hearing anecdotes that line up with the research findings. When asked about the benefits of anyone taking a creative art class, Karen says that the answers were fairly obvious, “It’s fun, and it’s a fulfilling, enjoyable experience.

Adults don’t get a lot of opportunity to engage their creative side, so it’s important to have options to engage in a different type of thinking.” She compared it to meditation with people coming out of classes feeling refreshed. For many, it becomes a social and personal cornerstone. The large amount of repeat business at places such as Access Arts or classes with the Columbia Art League serves as a great recommendation for those thinking about trying them out.

So if you’re going to get started making art, you’ve got to have some options.

COMO L I V I N G

Access Arts is a great place to learn about 3-D art. Shawna Johnson, the executive director, detailed how long-time director Naoma Powell’s love of weaving and pottery led to those disciplines becoming the centerpiece of Access Arts’ offerings.

Walking into the upper floor of the two-story building that houses the weaving and pottery programs, it’s hard to mistake the setting for anything other than a haven for serious weaving. Dozens of looms fill the two main rooms. Small table-top looms and full-size looms so big they make you look like you’re sitting at an upright piano take up most of the space. Presiding over this labyrinth of complicated machines is Jenny Sennot, the studio’s manager and an instructor at Access Arts for nearly 30 years. She oversees a program that has classes for just about every age and skill level. Even with one of the largest collections of looms, Shawna says they still have to occasionally turn people away from the extremely popular courses. The lower floor, repository for all things clay related, holds the pottery wheels and kilns, which instructor Joel Watson says are the secret to the addictiveness of the subject.

Across town at the Missouri Theater, the Columbia Art League offers a fairly complementary slate of classes. Alongside their art gallery, the non-profit group, which won the Missouri Arts Council 2015 Arts Organization Award, features many composition and painting classes. Both Access Arts and the Columbia Art League might be better known in the community for their classes for kids, but their adult classes have a lot offer. Whether you’re a total novice or not, classes such as cold wax painting, oil painting or life drawing could be a fun way to learn a little more about the arts. If you need an extra incentive to embrace the creative arts, the Art League has a couple of more laid back events designed so that you won’t even realize how much you’re learning. Enjoy food, wine and all kinds of mediums ranging from basket weaving to calligraphy during one of their Art Uncorked nights. If vino isn’t your style, then sample beer flights during classes at Crafts and Drafts. A few hours without any responsibilities or emails to answer can’t hurt. Susan Burpo, one of the weaving pros at Access Arts, says she felt art served as “an antidote to all the digital screens” that have become so central to our lives. Maybe putting our phones down for a few hours to practice a little creativity is all the health benefit from art we really need.

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Columbia is so fortunate to have access to some of the nation’s best healthcare professionals and cutting edge technology.

This special section showcases some of the area’s top providers.

Meet your professionals in the fields of: Cardiovascular Medicine Ear, Nose & Throat Neurology Physical Therapy Ophthalmology Radiology Chiropractic Oncology Pediatrics Obstetrics & Gynecology Orthopedics

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SPONSORED CONTENT

COMO Living understands that health remains the No. 1 concern to our readers. We are meeting that concern by introducing you, our reader, to these local experts in their field. Columbia is lucky to have so many health professionals that truly care about our city’s overall health and wellness. Take a few moments to get to know these eleven experts in COMO Living’s Doc Talk.

FREEZE!

Become very aware of where your body is in space. If you are sitting, are your legs crossed? Do you have more weight on one butt bone than the other? If you’re standing, do you have more weight on one leg than the other? Where are your shoulders, your arms, and your head?

Posture matters. The positions in which you recurrently sit, stand and sleep are teaching your brain where you prefer your body to be. Your comfort zone.

If your comfort zone does not include a neutral position of your pelvis and spine, you could be setting yourself up for injury or pain. If you consistently lean to one side at your desk, you’re putting your spine in a side bent, rotated position. The muscles that attach to the spine are being elongated on one side and “crunched” on the other. Eventually, your joints will lose the ability to move with symmetry because the muscles pulling on the joints have become out of balance. This leads to inefficient mechanics throughout your kinetic chain. The body is very resilient and will compensate to get the movement that it needs, but at some point, it will protest. You will start hurting, and you won’t be able to figure out why because you didn’t do anything to injure yourself. Let us help you evaluate your mechanics and muscle balance and get you on a well-balanced strengthening program to promote good, healthy movement and help to improve your postural awareness.

Rachael Wittenberger

Physical Therapist, The Fitness Company COMO L I V I N G

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The Fitness Company “Make Fit Happen” 124 E. Nifong Ste G. info@fitcomo.com 573-228-6508

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“I want Advanced Radiology.”

I recommend those four words when your doctor orders an MRI, CT, or X-ray. Because, these days, a large portion of the costs are not covered by insurance. You still want quality medical care, but at a better price.

Advanced Radiology is an independent company. We provide the highest quality diagnostic services for about 30% less than other medical providers. When you visit our clinic, you’ll receive quality patient care and fast results at the best price.

So, the next time your doctor says you need an X-ray, MRI or any other radiological test, take a minute to make sure your money is being well spent. It really is your money, so remember you get to choose how it’s spent.

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Do you wonder if “text neck” is a legitimate issue? Is it along the lines as suggesting that if you cross your eyes for too long, they will stay that way? Well, it IS real and getting worse as we depend more and more on technology.

Text neck is just poor posture. People stare mindlessly at their cell phones for extended periods without realizing how hunched over they really are. And this is not limited to cell phones. Computers, tablets, and even driving a car all have a common component - flexed postures. This forward head positioning, rounded upper back and slouched shoulders not only looks unappealing, but has ramifications on the musculoskeletal system. Continued slouching ultimately causes restrictions in our spine and adaptive changes within pertinent musculature. Keeping muscles in a “shortened state” will actually cause them to stay that way (unlike your eyes!). To make matters worse, we become a very imbalanced mess resulting in neck pain, back pain, tension headaches, and an increased risk of future injuries.

So what can you do? Visit a health practitioner that specializes in body mechanics. Common examples are chiropractors and physical therapists. They will strive to set you up on an exercise program to strengthen and activate weak muscles in addition to utilizing stretches and myofascial release to address the tight and overactive ones. Joint mobilization and spinal adjustments help free up spinal restrictions. The end result is to get you moving in a healthy and free manner. So correct your kids and yourself. In the long run, your body will thank you.

Dr. Chris Collier, D.C.

Member of the American Chiropractic Association and Missouri State Chiropractic Association.

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Focus On Health 4200 Merchant Street, Suite 105 Columbia, Missouri 65203 573.777.5900

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L OV E A N D R E L AT I O N S H I P S

“EVEN THE LEAST CREATIVE PERSON AND UNIMAGINATIVE PERSON CAN LOVE.” - NELLIE SYMM-GRUENDER

い

The Art of Love ART - the expression or application of human creative skill and imagination •

by N E L L I E S Y M M- G R U E N D E R

•

E

ven the least creative and unimaginative person can love. There is an art to it and being creative makes it so much more interesting.

Creating love with another person takes commitment and let’s face it, work. So the question is, how can you be an artful lover?

It's been suggested that sustaining a long-term relationship means having a short memory and a huge sense of humor. These two attributes can help get you through the tough times that every relationship has to weather.

There is no perfect road map for every relationship. Every couple has to create their own path based on connection, respect and yes, fun. Couples COMO L I V I N G

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who share, respect and laugh together are far less likely to find their relationship coming to a fork in the road.

When we're on a long-road trip, seldom does one person do all the driving. Love is a team effort. It takes ongoing contributions from each partner. If you're an artful lover, you wake up every day hoping that you can make your partner's life a happy and fulfilling place.

Write a note of love, send a text message or hold your partner's hand going into the grocery store. Make the human, loving, connection of touch.

Two trees planted at the same time will grow at different rates.

We're different people at 60 than we were at 25. The addition of children, job changes and financial challenges can alter the dynamic of a relationship. Working through the challenges can create stronger bonds through being cohesive and resilient. Our physical, sexual needs and capabilities change and our life experiences can encourage growth or impede it. The key to an artful relationship is to be flexible and adapt at every stage.

An artful lover learns to not sweat the small stuff and to forgive the big stuff. Hanging onto small slights and dwelling on painful missteps in a relationship is like allowing ice and snow to accumulate on a branch. Without brushing it off or allowing the warmth of forgiveness to melt the ice, the branch will eventually break. Forgiveness takes practice, introspection and sometimes, outside help.

The creative lover will work to remain fascinating and interesting to their partner. Each partner has his or her own interests and own set of friends. Combining those with shared interests and friends will allow both to feel fulfilled. Individual fulfillment opens our hearts and minds and allows us to be better partners.

Finally, the artful lover is above all, a friend. Partners, who are friends, encourage, mentor and are always honest in the kindest way.

Allow your love life to be an imaginative and artful creation.

Nellie Symm-Gruender is a perpetual learner and seeker.

She was named Nurse of the Year in Austin, Texas, sailed thousands of miles, and is a glass artist. She has written for nursing and sailing magazines, in addition to writing for COMO Living. She lecturers on domestic violence and played a key role in the “Missouri Status of Women Report.” Nellie and her husband, Gene, own Passions and live on their sailboat, Sun Chaser, in Rockport, Texas, and their home near Columbia, Missouri. Nellie gives generously of her time and talents to improve and support the lives of others.

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WEDDINGS

The Midwest Wedding Crashers

A special thanks to this edition’s wedding v endors: ARIC BREMER Columbia DJ

by C H R I S T Y A S P E R | photos by C AT H E R I N E R H O D E S

T

he Midwest Wedding Crashers have arrived, and we can’t wait to share our very first wedding crash for COMO Living! The act of attending a wedding celebration without an invitation is a little ironic for us since we own our own invitation company. Wedding crashing and writing about the experience is our way of showing the world how the Midwest has some of the trendiest couples exchanging their vows. This couple definitely delivered the wedding of the season, and we wish you could have crashed it with us!

Meet our happy couple, Cayla and Nick.

The two grew up together and attended the same schools in Columbia. Cayla was attending the University of Missouri and Nick was attending the University of Arkansas when he reached out to his crush via social media, and the rest is cyber history.

Typically, I am a sucker for the first look. I love the look on a man’s face and the joy in his eyes. This bride had an endearing new take on the tradition. She truly is a daddy’s little girl and since her father had never seen the dress, she asked the photographer to capture his first look. Catherine Rhodes’ gorgeous pictures speak for themselves.

Makes you want to cry, doesn’t it? Cayla was a classic beauty wearing a sweetheart corset and A-line dress from Boulevard Bride.

To top it off, her bridesmaids were dressed with the perfect Christmas gown in apple red from David’s Bridal. And let us not forget the groom, whose vest and tie combo gave him a sophisticated charm.

We don’t normally attend the ceremony for fear of getting caught, but we couldn’t help it. Call me sappy, but I love every part of a Christmas wedding. The stunning greenery, poinsettias and trimming was provided by Kent’s Floral. The shop truly outdid itself, and I almost cried from the beauty of it all. Then came the first kiss. Okay, I did cry. But who cares? It really was beautiful.

A little birdie told us the reception was a

full sit-down dinner with place cards and all.

(OK, the birdie might have been the bride’s mother, and we might have created the place cards.) It was clearly in our best interest to arrive a little late. I mean, nothing is worse than being caught red-handed before those hands have a chance to grab a piece of cake, especially when it’s been made by Edith Hall.

We arrived two hours late fully expecting to jump straight onto the dance floor. In reality, the tables were still full of guests, and my introverted husband was a little nervous.

I told him to play it cool as we walked around hoping to find a table. We were feeling a little self-conscious and realized we are awful about blending in when we arrive late. Let’s just say we spent a lot of the first hour at the bar. I fell head-over-heals with the reception that was held at the Columbia Country Club. The setting was perfect. The reception had been transformed to a winter wonderland thanks to Kent’s Florist and the country club’s incredible wedding planner, Kristi McCann. Gold is in, ladies! This wedding had gold in full effect.

The photographer was able to capture some of the special décor that I know you will love.

We also couldn’t help but notice the little girls who sprinkled the reception hall that evening in their poofy dresses and bellyfilled laughter. We heard the bride’s story from other guests, and it was then that we completely fell in love with her. She was wellknown in Columbia as both a Golden Girl and Feature Baton Twirler for Mizzou. Cayla spent years teaching dance at The Academy of Fine Arts, and she made her former students feel like a priority on her big day. During the entire evening, this couple lavished their guests with hugs, kisses and well wishes.

The bride even greeted us and whether she realized we crashed her wedding or not, we felt completely welcomed.

So, to one of the kindest couples, whose wedding we have had the pleasure of crashing, the Midwest Wedding Crashers and COMO Living wishes you all the best.

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F E B RUA RY - 2016

COLUMBIA COUNTRY CLUB Event Planner, Kristi McCann 2210 N. Country Club Dr. Columbia, MO (573) 449-4115 EDITH HALL CAKES 4830 E. Flamingo Dr. Hallsville, Mo Featured on the Food Network (573) 696-2505 KENT’S FLORAL GALLERY Full Day Service 919 E. Boradway Columbia, MO (573) 443- 0232 MAKE-UP ARTIST Dermistique Face and Body The Stadium Shoppes 211 N Stadium Blvd., Suite 105 (573) 447-1000 PEACE FRAME PRODUCTIONS 1702 Monroe St. Columbia, MO (573) 821-5182 WHITE KNIGHT COACHES 1500 Jade Rd Columbia, MO (573) 814-5466

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Discover Scotland

An exotic journey of gardening and mystical fantasy. Travel to the Cornwall / Devon area, in the southwestern tip of England an area rich in history, fishing, and artistic heritage.

Visit Wisley RHS Garden and the Hampton Court Flower Show as an optional day extension.

The Orkney Islands & Skara Brae Off the coast of Northern Scotland lies a stunning archipelago comprised of 70 islands which are famously called the Orkney Islands. Skara Brae you will find the remains of a Neolithic village built at the same time as the Great Pyramid in Egypt.

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573-634-4881 | Toll free: 1-800-736-6553 | classictravel.org | 1025 A Southwest Blvd. | Jefferson City, MO COMO L I V I N G

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MOMMY CHRONICLES

REJECTION REFLECTION R E J EC T I O N D O E S N ' T H AV E TO B E S O BA D

by J I L L O R R

A

s this is the Arts Issue of COMO Living, I thought I’d explore an issue that all artists have to deal with at some point: rejection. All artists, even successful ones, are rejected. As a writer, I am rejected on a daily basis. Please do not mistake that for hyperbole. I literally receive rejection letters almost every single day for work that I have spent hours and days and months creating. I’m not going to lie…it kind of sucks. But, art is a subjective business, and if you’re going to work in a creative field, you have to realize that rejection is just part of the gig.

I did not, however, anticipate how much rejection was involved in the parenting gig. Maybe because when you have a baby, rejection seems impossible. After all, your helpless little creature couldn’t possibly reject you because for one, they can’t even talk. But more importantly, they need you for fundamental things such as food and shelter.

As newborns grow into babies and then into toddlers, need is still a prime component of your relationship. They need you to change their diapers. They need you to get them dressed. They need you to give them your iPad. They need, need, need to the point that a little rejection would be a welcome change.

And then somewhere toward the end of elementary school, subtle changes set in. “No, Mommy, you don’t have to volunteer for my field trip,” “You don’t need to walk me into school,” “You don’t have to hug and kiss me goodbye when you drop me off at Timmy’s house.” You think, “OK, my child is becoming independent.” That’s a good thing, right? And during this phase they still need you, of course, because they can’t reach the top shelf in the pantry, and that’s where you keep all the candy.

But then somewhere during the middle school years, their needs change and begin to center around two things: Jill is a stay-at-home mom of two (an odd title because she is rarely ever at home). In her pre-Mommy days, she graduated from the University of Missouri with an undergraduate degree in journalism and a master's in social work, with an emphasis on children and family studies. But she wishes she would have gotten a Ph.D. in What's For Dinner and How to Get Bubblegum Out of the Carpet. That would have served her better.

Read her blog at jillsorr.com • Follow Jill on twitter @ jillsorr

“Rejection doesn’t equal failure. The only way you fail for sure is if you stop trying.” transportation and money. These are not their only needs, but they are certainly the only needs they want to talk to you about. So that means that the other things you offer your children— your values, hopes, dreams, wisdom— are often rejected. And let me tell you, rejection from an 11 to 14 year-old, who has not yet perfected the subtlety of constructive criticism, can be severe.

No joke, my daughter asked me last week why my face was “like that.”

She literally rejected my face. I wasn’t sure how to respond to this as this is the only face I have, so I just gave her my most sympathetic look and said in a loving tone, “I don’t know, honey.

We’re just going to have to get through this together.”

And I think that is the key to rejection— treating it with one measure of acceptance and two or three measures of perseverance. Because rejections will happen in every aspect of our social and professional lives whether we choose to

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become artists, parents, lawyers, athletes or anything other than a giant pile of cold hard cash. It kind of sucks, but there it is.

So, I try not to let my kid’s subtle (and sometimes not so subtle) rejection bother me too much. I don’t let it stop me from parenting. I don’t let it dictate how and why I make decisions about their well-being, nor do I take it too personally. I also use my own stories of rejection to help them become comfortable with the idea that they too will one day face rejection, despite what all their “participation” ribbons have taught them. I tell them about all my writing rejections. I tell them how sometimes it makes me feel bad. I make jokes about Book Club this or that editor’s lack of vision. And in the end, I show them how I go back to work and try to improve. Because to quote every successful artist—and parent— ever: “Rejection doesn’t equal failure. The only way you fail for sure is if you stop trying.”

BEING SEEN

COMO LIVING LAUNCH VIEW MORE PHOTOS AT COMOLIVINGMAG.COM

COMO Living, formerly Columbia Home, made its debut on Tuesday, December 1.

Advertisers, family and friends were invited to the surprise release of the magazine.

It was held at the Reynolds Alumni Center on the University of Missouri campus.

Columbia is changing. So are we.

AMY FERRARI, TAMI TURNER, MARVIN OVERBY, DEB VALVO AND MATT GARRETT

THE BUSINESS TIMES CO. STAFF

KRISTA KIPPENBERGER, DON VANMETER, HEATHER STEWART AND JD RICH

JIMMY AND JILL ORR, JACKIE VERDUN AND PATRICIA BROEKLING

AUDREY SHARP AND ERICA PEFFERMAN

ANN MERRIFIELD, LEZLEE LEONARD AND ASHLEY STEINER

JONATHAN SESSIONS, CARRIE GARTNER, CHRISTINA KELLEY AND MICHAEL MARCUM

photos by Ben Meldrum

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COURTNEY DARKOW, BRANDON STOTTS AND ROB ROACH

BEING SEEN

HAROLD’S GINGERBREAD OPEN The first Harold’s Gingerbread Open was held on Monday, December 7 at Harold’s Doughnuts in downtown Columbia. Business owners and their employees, friends and family were invited to participate in the gingerbread house competition. Once complete, the houses were on display at Harold’s throughout the month of December and raised money through a coin drive. By raising the most money, the winner was The Bank of Missouri. All of the proceeds were donated to Granny’s House.

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E N G AG E M E N T S

ENGAGEMENTS

by ALISIANA PETERS

ETHAN TURNER AND TIFFANY BOHM

ANDY KOSKE AND ELIZABETH WERNER

Tiffany Bohm and Ethan Turner began dating in March 2011 after meeting through Ethan’s roommate at a party. The two exchanged numbers and went on their first date shortly after. After nearly five years of being together, Tiffany did not think that marriage would be in the forefront.

“He liked to joke and tease me and tell me he was buying random things from Craigslist instead of buying me a ring,” Tiffany says.

However, on the afternoon of October 17, 2015, all of Ethan’s joking came to an end. “We had plans to go to my mom’s house to take fall pictures, and we had a time set for 3:00 p.m.,” Tiffany says. “In the car, Ethan was telling me that he was going to buy a three-wheeler from Craigslist, which made me really mad because he’s always talking about buying stuff.”

Once the couple arrived, Tiffany’s mom suggested that they go on the dock to take pictures. “My mom has a home in Columbia and in her backyard, there’s a big gazebo that overlooks the lake,” Tiffany said. “That is where we were standing.”

After her mom snapped a few pictures, Ethan distracted Tiffany by saying, “Hey, look over there!” Tiffany looked to see what Ethan was pointing toward and turned back around after not seeing anything, but then she noticed the ring and Ethan on one knee. “It took me a second to realize that he had a ring,” Tiffany says laughing at the memory.

Ethan asked Tiffany’s parents for permission to marry her parents a few weeks prior, and the picture day was completely planned. The will wed at Tiffany’s parents’ home on October 15, 2016. The reception will be held at Knights of Columbus in Columbia.

COMO L I V I N G

There are typically only two possible outcomes from a blind date: it goes horrible and you call the person who set you up to tell them how bad it was, or the date goes perfect, and you end up engaged in four and a half months. For Liza and Andy, it was outcome number two.

They went on their first date to a wine and tapas restaurant and immediately knew there was something special between them. They quickly fell in love with one another.

“Besides loving Jesus and Cardinal’s baseball, she loves people and has an amazing way of making others feel special and loved, especially in the little things she does for others,” Andy says.

Liza said similar things about Andy adding, “It’s so hard to choose just one thing I love about Andy, but the fact that he is caring and thoughtful are probably the biggest. He loves me, Jesus and Cardinals baseball...how did I get so lucky?”

Andy’s proposal didn’t go quite as planned. They went on a carriage ride at Tilles Park during the Winter Wonderland Christmas light event. Liza reflected on the night saying, “There were all kinds of things that tried to get in our way, like protesters, and a lost carriage ticket, and the carriage driver not realizing he was going to propose, but it was the sweetest thing ever.”

Andy had a button in his pocket and sign made of Christmas lights that read “Will you marry me?” The two had agreed not to exchange gifts, so Liza was shocked.

Andy picked out the ring at Betz Jewelers with the generous help of Robert Flynn and Liza’s best friend, who confirmed the ring selection. The two plan to marry at their church.

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MA R C H - 2016

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COUPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW J E F F C A R R A N D J E N N Y B O U ATAY

by SIERRA STEWART HOW DID YOU MEET? Jeff : We met through a mutual friend at their senior pub crawl when I used to work at a local gym here in town. I asked about her the next day and she’s been lucky ever since.

Jenny: What’s funny is the night I turned in my senior capstone project, which is my company, Mavin, I ended up meeting Jeff that very night.

HOW DO YOUR BUSINESSES PLAY INTO YOUR RELATIONSHIP DYNAMIC? JC: I feel like she’ll help me with things and I’ll help her. It’s tough to separate coming home and not working all night. We’re in the process of finding a balance of when we talk about work and when we have just us time.

JB: It’s nice to have that support system.

So many things… I would say her heart is always in the right place. Even if she’s stressed she’ll think about me and do small things all the time.

- Jeff Carr

WHAT ARE YOUR PLANS FOR THE FUTURE? JC: We’re currently engaged. We’ll get married soon.

I haven’t really started making many plans yet. I think we’re at the pivotal point in our businesses and we can stay comfortable or put more effort into building our brands to meet their full potentials. Once we get the Fitness Company settled in our new location in St. Louis, we’ll start planning the wedding. The new location came around sooner than we expected. I don’t think we’ll even think about kids under after 30.

JB: Yeah I haven’t even thought about it, honestly. I want us to focus on our careers and let the wedding and babies come when the time is right.

WHAT DO YOU DO OUTSIDE OF WORK? JC: We don’t get much free time right now. I think we have the mindset to just work like crazy while we’re young in order to have more freedom when we are older. We can travel and start a bucket list before we have kids.

JB: Most of the time [Mavin] doesn’t feel like work since I’m living my passion. Outside of work, we watch TV and like to go to the movies.

JC: We used to do a lot of Ragtag Cinema stuff in the beginning [of our relationship].

JB: We’ve been bowling since we met. It was kind of a competition thing.

COMO L I V I N G

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MA R C H - 2016

JC: I used to let her win but now she just beats me.

JB: Actually, the first week we were dating we made a bet that if I won, he was going to clean out my entire dorm room at Stephens College. And he ended up losing, so he had to clean out my room.

JC: We’re super family-oriented. A few times a month we’ll go back home to see our parents or they will come down to Columbia. [Jenny] forces me to do photo shoots, so she’ll set those up every month.

HOW DOES YOUR COMPETITIVENESS PLAY INTO YOUR RELATIONSHIP? JC: I think in the beginning we were both new to serious relationships and starting a business. I don’t think we competed to have the better business, but we focused so much on them that at times we had to stop and think, “Oh wait, we’re dating too,” and we had to take a step back.

JB: We just help each other more so than anything.

He always thinks he is right, so I just let him think so.

WHAT ARE THE BEST ASPECTS OF YOUR PARTNER? JB: He’s a very great listener and he’s super caring.

JC: So many things… I would say her heart is always in the right place. Even if she’s stressed she’ll think about me and do small things all the time.

WHAT IS UNIQUE ABOUT YOUR RELATIONSHIP? JC: We decided to do a long distance relationship after knowing each other just a month, which lasted a year and a half.

JB: I was supposed to go home to North Carolina the day after my graduation but canceled my flight, so I could get to know him better. I only knew him for two weeks at the time.

JC: Five years later we are still together. She gave me two weeks to sweep her off her feet, and I guess it worked!

JB: He would always complain about never being able to see me and that he was always a third or fifth wheel with his friends. So one day him and his friends went out to eat and requested a table for six and brought a laptop to Skype me in for dinner!

JC: No comment.

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COMO L I V I N G

COMO Living magazine is published by The Business Times Co., 2001 Corporate Place, Suite 100, Columbia, Mo., 65202. (573) 499-1830. Copyright The Business Times Co., 2008. All rights reserved.

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

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S T R O N G WO M A N

JACKIE O’ROURKE

by AU D R E Y S H A R P | photo by A N T H O N Y J I N S O N

IN A SINGLE WORD I AM:

WHAT ARE YOUR BIGGEST PASSIONS? My biggest passions are my family, travel, interior design and saving money. I don't get to travel much, but when I do, I immerse myself into it and often tour historic homes.

I've subjected my boys to this too.

GENUINE

DO YOU CURRENTLY WORK/ VOLUNTEER ANYWHERE? It seems my work at home is never complete. I help with sports at Rock Bridge High School, PTSA and COR. My pet project is "cups of kindness," something I created 12 years ago as a way to give something back after my breast cancer journey. I also assist with breast cancer and lymph edema research at Ellis Fischel Cancer Center.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR FAMILY: I've been married for 23 years to my husband, Steve, and we have two boys, Daniel, 19, and David, 17. I'm also a mom to seven four-legged kids — four dogs and three cats.

ON A TYPICAL WEEKNIGHT I AM: My weeknights are in transition.

If my husband is not out of town with work, I cook dinner. I really like to cook, but my kids are working, so I tend use the trusted Crockpot. Also if the guys are gone, I don't have to watch Fox News or sports; I prefer PBS or HGTV. FAVORITE RESTAURANT TO FREQUENT IN COMO: My favorite restaurants would have to be the Wine Cellar Bistro or Murray's.

WHAT I DO FOR FUN: I love to watch movies and make art. I hand dye silk scarves.

WHERE DOES YOUR STRENGTH COME FROM? My strength comes from my core belief in Christ. We're

spiritual beings on a mortal journey. I believe this life is not all there is.

WHAT’S IN YOUR PURSE RIGHT NOW? In my purse is my wallet, lipstick, phone, brush, face powder, readers, digestive enzymes, hand lotion and car keys.

FAVORITE HOLIDAY: My favorite holiday is, of course, Christmas!

MOST REWARDING PART ABOUT BEING A MOM: The best part of being a mom is when you find out your kid did the right thing and when they get along with each other.

IN A SINGLE WORD, I AM: Genuine.

GUILTY PLEASURE: My guilty pleasure is a hot bath scented by Bomb Cosmetics made in the United Kingdom and a candle or two.

WHAT MAKES YOU SMILE? Having Steve bring me flowers from our garden that he grew.

WHAT BRINGS YOU PEACE? I have been walking on our wonderful MKT trail since spring, and it's so healing. We are so blessed to have this and others here to use for free. It's so peaceful and sometimes, I listen to podcasts and learn new things. It's great medicine.

COFFEE OR TEA? Coffee, hands down…with organic real cream!

BEER OR WINE? Wine by far. I like a good dry white.

FAVORITE CANDLE SCENT? Anything made by Lucia.

S U B M I T A S T R O N G W O M A N AT C O M O L I V I N G M A G .C O M COMO L I V I N G

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MA R C H - 2016

NONPROFIT SPOTLIGHT

THE CRISIS AT HOME A RESIDENTI AL R ECOVERY C E N T E R , P R I M R O SE H I LL H E LP S WO M E N OVERCOME ADDICTI O N WH I L E BECO M IN G N U RT U R I N G M OT H E R S TO T H E I R CH IL DREN.

by S A R A H B E R G E R

T

he beautiful primrose flower is native to Missouri. It’s the first rose of summer, and in many ways it represents rebirth, fresh beginnings and brighter days. It was only fitting that a new local nonprofit organization

focused on new beginnings and brighter days be named after the flower.

Primrose Hill of Clark is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, faith-based organization

affiliated with the international organization Teen Challenge. Primrose Hill’s goal is “to help women, mothers and their children whose lives have been affected by the life-controlling issue of drugs and alcohol.” The 5,700-foot home that sits on

restoration and become loving and nurturing mothers to their children. Their successes add value to any community.”

Primrose Hill offers its services to anyone over the age of 18, and it has capacity to house between 10 and 12 women, depending on how many have children with them. The center is currently serving seven women and three children.

“Our referrals come from all over the nation because of our network of over 250 Teen Challenges,” Rowden says. “We actually have referrals from all over the country right now, and the calls just keep coming in every day.”

43.5 acres in Clark, Missouri, serves as a 12-month residential recovery center for Goodness provides Residents at Primrose Hill are referred to as students and experience a very Teen Challenge has 1,200 centers globally, with 250 centers in the United disciplined and structured daily routine. Students begin their day at 6.30 a.m.

States and centers in 108 countries, but only eight of those facilities in the U.S. with Bible study and devotion time and then spend allow young children to stay with their mothers their morning studying a curriculum created by in the center for the duration of their recovery.

Teen Challenge USA that’s unique to their recovery Primrose Hill is one of those rare centers.

“In Boone, Cole and Callaway County, phase. After lunch, the students help manufacture “A lot of times the issue of who’s going to the mental health statistics show there products called Prim Goods, which include soaps, take care of children becomes a real obstacle for body lotion, lip balm and sugar scrubs. Prim Goods are more than 5,000 homes where women to reach out and find help, and so this are then sold, and the money is used to help finance removes that obstacle and allows the children children are living with addicted the center. After supper, the center encourages to come into the home with them,” says Rick students to spend quality time with their children. mothers. So it’s a pretty big crisis, yet Rowden, project development director for Primrose Hill requires their students to go Primrose Hill Teen Challenge. “In Boone, Cole it’s not something that’s distant; it’s through a lengthy application process and a $1,200 and Callaway County, the mental health statistics induction fee that is used for some of the hard right here at home.” show there are more than 5,000 homes where costs involved in running the center. The center children are living with addicted mothers. So it’s — Rick Rowden, project development mainly finances its $17,000 monthly budget a pretty big crisis, yet it’s not something that’s from individual and business donations, church director, Primrose Hill Teen Challenge distant; it’s right here at home.” donations and grants.

“The community has really stepped up in a Value to the community big way,” Rowden says. “Because we work with mothers and children, those Rev. David Wilkerson, a pastor in Pennsylvania, established Teen Challenge are two groups of folks that everyone can have some compassion for. We in 1958. Since then, the organization has rapidly expanded, and many centers can always use more, but the greatness of God and the goodness of people in the U.S. have their own 501(c)(3) nonprofit structures. The Primrose Hill continue to provide for us.”

501(c)(3) nonprofit is part of Teen Challenge International-Neosho that Independent studies report Teen Challenge has a 70 to 85 percent success rate, includes Teen Challenge of the Four States in Neosho, Missouri, a substancesomething Rowden attributes to the yearlong commitment and faith component abuse rehabilitation center for men established in 1997, and United Rescue, of the program. In fact, many students at Primrose Hill have come from 30- to which includes Teen Challenge Centers in the Asia Pacific region. Primrose 60-day recovery programs but needed the extra support and guidance that the Hill is the newest addition to the network, opening its doors for the first time Teen Challenge program provides. in November 2014.

“It is noble to save the life of a women, but when you touch the life of a child, “Primrose Hill Teen Challenge provides women with life-controlling addictions you’re impacting generations,” Rowden says. “ Along with my family, Primrose the opportunity through Jesus Christ for life transformation,” says Randy Asbury, Hill has become my spiritual legacy, so I really want to get the home up and president of the board of directors for Teen Challenge International/Four States/ running, successful and sustainable. Hopefully this is something I can leave a Primrose Hill. “As a result, they can overcome their addictions, find healing and mark on and make a difference.” women and women with young children who have drug and alcohol addictions.

COMO L I V I N G

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F E B RUA RY - 2016

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