FLU SHOTS (INFLUENZA
VACCINE)
Call your Boone Health primary care provider to schedule an appointment. Go to Boone.Health and click on “primary care” to find a clinic near you. If your business is interested in on-site flu shots, email Jenny.Workman@Boone.Health or use the QR code below!
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The debit card and money
PUBLISHING
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EDITORIAL
Jodie Jackson Jr, Editor jodie@comocompanies.com
Kelsey Winkeljohn, Associate Editor kelsey@comocompanies.com
Karen Pasley, Contributing Copyeditor
DESIGN
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MARKETING
Charles Bruce, Director of Client Relations charles@comocompanies.com
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CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Keith Borgmeyer, Brandon Knight, Trish Koetting, Lexi Linsenman, Junebug Photography, Kelsey Winkeljohn
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Sunitha Bosecker, Beth Bramstedt, Barbara Bu aloe, Jodie Jackson Jr, Jenn Johnson, Brandon Knight, Hoss Koetting, Lexi Linsenman, Matt Moore, Kelsey Winkeljohn
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WThe COMO Mojo: Learning From Our Leaders
hen I started interning at COMO Magazine and COMO Business Times last year, the 20 Under 40 issue and its respective event planning were already well underway. Of course, this meant I didn’t have much of a hand in it, aside from a couple of contributed articles. is year, I feel like I’ve gotten the whole experience: nominations, judging, social media rollouts, ad placements, and writing class pro les. It has been nothing short of exhilarating and exhausting (in the best way possible).
As a young person trying to nd her footing in the professional world, it’s both heartwarming and inspiring to hear the stories of and write about the local leaders, creatives, and trailblazers in our community.
Among many, two predominant lessons have stood out to me in this process:
1. Every accomplished person has a unique story and path that led them to where they are now.
e rat race is relentless. For me, I’ve always felt like I could be doing more. Better. Faster. After graduating, I felt stuck for a while, trying to land in a career that was not only full of growth and experiences, but also aligned with my goals and desires. I think everyone was a little surprised when I decided to take on an unpaid internship, no longer needing the school credit, purely for the learning opportunity and chance to build my portfolio. Interning as a 23-year-old doesn’t really feel the most glamorous. But in the end, it worked out, and I feel so blessed to be where I am now.
I think we sometimes forget that the leaders we admire also face hardship, fail-
ure, and disappointment — both personally and professionally. One of the many 20 Under 40 application questions asked: “If you could improve one thing about yourself, what would it be?” and the answers ranged from having more patience to working on self-doubt to overthinking. is experience has been a reminder that success is never a straight line. It’s all about the determination to keep going amidst the setbacks and detours.
2. Kindness and empathy matter most.
I’ve always believed that success should be measured by the way you treat people and the impact you leave behind.
is year’s 20 Under 40 process only reinforced that belief.
Reading through applications, I saw how our honorees combine leadership with generosity. Adam Saunders works to bring healthy food to residents in need. Allie Teagarden devotes her time to learning about and educating others on social, educational, economic, and health disparities. Anna McDaniel seeks to make Columbia more inclusive for individuals with disabilities. ese stories (and many others) prove that while titles and accolades are impressive, it’s the tangible di erence you make in people’s lives that stands out. We should all strive for the betterment of our city and the small communities that make up the beautiful place we call home.
It’s been an honor to help recognize these standout individuals. In this issue
of COMO Magazine, you’ll meet some of our illustrious 20 Under 40 alumni, including Elias Abadi, Sunitha Bosecker, Austin Isley, and Kari Utterback, while COMO Business Times introduces our 2025 class.
Happy reading!
KELSEY WINKELJOHN ASSOCIATE EDITOR kelsey@comocompanies.com
ON THE COVER
20U40 alum Sunitha Bosecker and Craig Brumfield step behind the bar at Pierpont General Store to raise money for charity. Photo by Keith Borgmeyer
COMO’S ADVISORY BOARD
We take pride in representing our community well, and we couldn’t do what we do without our COMO Magazine advisory board. Thank You!
Beth Bramstedt
Church Life Pastor, Christian Fellowship Church
Heather Brown
Strategic Partnership Officer, Harry S Truman VA Hospital
Emily Dunlap Burnham
Principal Investigator and Owner, Missouri Investigative Group
Tootie Burns
Artist and Treasurer, North Village Art District
Chris Horn
Principal Treaty
Reinsurance Underwriter, American Family Insurance
Jeremiah Hunter
Assistant Police Chief, Columbia Police Department
Kris Husted
Investigative Editor, NPR Midwest Newsroom
Laura Johnson Writer
Laura Schemel
Director of Marketing and Communications, MU Health Care
Art Smith
Author & Musician, Almost Retired
Megan Steen
Chief Operating Officer, Central Region, Burrell Behavioral Health
Nathan Todd
Business Services Officer, First State Community Bank
Casey Twidwell
Community Engagement Manager, Heart of Missouri CASA
Wende Wagner Development Manager, DeafLEAD
Have a story idea, feedback, or a general inquiry? Email Jodie@comocompanies.com.
What Are the New College Football Rules?
BY MATT MOORE
Everybody ready for some football?
Hard to believe how quickly the season rolls around, but here we are. I have been asked to discuss the new NCAA football rules changes in place for the 2025 season. But rst a quick lesson on when, who, and why rule changes take place.
WHEN
e NCAA has a two-year rule-changing cycle. is year (2025) is a year for any major changes to occur. In the o year, the only changes made center around player safety. From time to time, in the middle of the season, a rule may be adjusted or changed if an unfair advantage is being gained through its use.
WHO
e College Football Rules Committee is made up of eleven college football coaches from a variety of levels and conferences. Included on the committee is the Secretary-Rules Editor (Steve Shaw) who is also the national coordinator of football o cials. As you see, the coaches make up the bulk of the committee.
WHY
• Ensuring player safety: Football is a tough sport to play, and the rules committee is always looking at ways to make it safer without altering it too much.
• Maintaining a balance between o ense and defense as the game evolves.
• Maintaining the integrity of this great sport from unsportsmanlike acts to other actions that are detrimental to this great game.
2025 CHANGES
Pre-snap actions for o ense and defense/disconcerting signals: A lot of action occurs just before the snap. At times the o ense tries to get the defense to jump o side, or the defense attempts to make the o ense false start. e rules committee tried to clarify who can do what, on each side of the ball.
For the o ense, “the clap” is one method they use to signal for the snap. “ e clap” is now speci cally reserved for the o ense. If they use “the clap,” they own it, and the defense cannot use it prior to the snap. For the defense, the use of the words “move” or “stem” are reserved for them. A stem is a lateral movement by the defense just prior to the snap. e defense is allowed to do this, but they cannot add any other quick or jerky movement that simulates action at the snap. If this happens, the play can be shut down and a penalty for dead ball delay of game called. Like “the clap” for the o ense, “stem” and “move” are reserved for the defense, and it is a foul for the o ense to use them. e defense can use other words but cannot use any words or actions that are disconcerting to the o ense.
Feigning an injury: As you can imagine, an o cial cannot and will not make the determination involving whether a player is injured. Yet there were times in some games where it was thought that players went down to slow down a fast-paced team or to gain some other type of advantage. is year a rule has been added that if a player goes down after the ball has been spotted by the o cials, the team with the injured player must either take a time-out
or, if they have exhausted their timeouts, a ve-yard delay of game penalty will be assessed.
Defenseless player: e de nition of a defenseless player was expanded. It now includes an o ensive player in a passing posture with a focus down eld, even if a pass is not thrown. Also, a player attempting to recover a loose ball is now considered defenseless. Both relate to the foul of targeting.
Replay verbiage: e words “stands” and “con rms” have been removed from the referee’s announcement when a play is not overturned. Instead, the new verbiage will be “the ruling on the eld has been upheld.”
For the football experts, there are some additional rules and editorial changes to the 2025 playing rules you could review. A couple of these changes were made in-season last year around “end of game issues.” I have tried to focus on the major changes that I believe you will observe while watching your favorite team.
Enjoy the games!
Matt Moore is now in his fifth year serving as a SEC collaborative replay official. Prior to that, he spent sixteen years on the field in the SEC as both a side-judge and referee. He has been honored to work three SEC championship games along with numerous bowl games. In 2024, he worked both the first round of the college football playoffs along with the national championship game between Notre Dame and Ohio State. Matt is also the retired president and CEO of Shelter Insurance Companies.
Goats, Puppies, and Poses
Don’t be a snob. Yes, this is ‘real’ yoga.
BY KELSEY WINKELJOHN
Breathe in through the nose, out through the mouth. Flow from Warrior’s Pose to Child’s Pose, then into Downward Dog — only this time, you might be sharing your mat with an actual dog (or maybe a few goats, bunnies, or kittens).
Sarah Judd of Sarah’s Yoga Studio has been practicing yoga for more than two decades, eventually turning her teenage passion into a professional endeavor.
“For about ten years, I was just doing it for myself,” Judd said. “It made me feel good emotionally and physically, and it was great for my overall well-being. Later, I saw an opportunity to start teaching at a local gym, and I was excited to share what I loved about it with others.”
Sarah’s Yoga Studio is a pop-up practice that hosts a number of classes around the Columbia area. It began with a focus on traditional yoga. But a few years in, things took a playful detour when goats entered the meditational mix.
“It was a couple of years into teaching when someone asked if I wanted to lead a goat yoga class,” she recalled. “I thought it sounded fun. I’d seen it online, and I’m so glad I said ‘yes.’ Participants always tell me they feel better after class.”
Judd now regularly partners with Four Oaks Farm to o er goat yoga both at the farm and other pop-up locations. She’s also teamed up with Bertha’s Beans Cat Café, Little Rays of Sunshine Animal Rescue, and Dolly’s Dream Home Rabbit Rescue to host puppy, bunny, and kitten yoga sessions — many of which double as opportunities for fostering or adoption.
SO ... IS IT REAL YOGA?
Some instructors and yogis may debate whether animal yoga counts as “real yoga.” For naysayers, animals can be a distraction. One yogi blogger writes, “How can you turn inward when there are so many distractions happening around you? Reducing yoga into an add-on experience for any random recreational activity you enjoy — not just one that involves playing with barnyard friends — isn’t truly yoga.”
Judd disagrees, believing animals can add real value to a session.
One of the unique perks of animal yoga — beyond simply enjoying the animals — is the sense of connection it invites and strengthens. Judd often notices more groups of friends or families attending these sessions together.
“I see more people come with friends to puppy yoga,” she noted. “In regular yoga, it’s often individuals who come alone.”
A Columbia Missourian article from April took a closer look at this topic with a focus on equine therapy.
“I think a regular yoga class brings more of a quiet calmness afterward, while animal yoga is a boost of happiness and a general reset,” she said. ere are a few key distinctions between traditional and animal-assisted sessions. In Judd’s experience, regular class attendees tend to focus more on deep mindfulness and structured poses. Animal yoga participants, on the other hand, often pause to pet, cuddle, or laugh at the animals around them. Differences aside, both formats o er similar emotional bene ts.
e presence of the animals tends to melt social barriers quickly. People who don’t know each other are more likely to chat, bond, and help one another — whether that’s snapping a photo of someone with a goat on their back or laughing together as a kitten climbs onto their mat.
Animal yoga can also serve as a gateway to yoga for newcomers who might otherwise be too intimidated to pick up a mat.
“With puppies there to focus on, I get a lot of beginners,” Judd explained. “ ey tell me that knowing the focus wasn’t all on them made it easier to show up. ey don’t feel like they have to look like a magazine [cover] or an Instagram post. ey’re just there to enjoy and explore yoga, often for the rst time, without fear of being judged.”
A MATTER OF INTENTION
e question of whether animal yoga is “real” yoga ultimately boils down to perspective.
“While adding animals to yoga practice might seem like a gimmick, studies have shown that these interactions can reduce anxiety, promote well-being, and relieve symptoms of depression,” wrote author Hannah Race. “A 2023 study at the University of Texas in Arlington found that including goats in yoga practice promoted joy, induced calm, and could be useful in mental health treatments.”
Judd agrees. Whether in a formal class or just practicing at home with your pet nearby, she believes animals don’t take away from the practice — it’s about the intention you bring to the mat. If your goal is to nail every pose in the sequence or enter the ultimate state of meditation, it might be a little more complicated with animals around.
But if your goal is to improve your emotional well-being, reset, and feel good afterward, animal yoga absolutely ts the bill. Judd personally believes animal yoga counts as real yoga, stating that she doesn’t think having an animal present, whether it’s your pet or in a formal class session, takes away from one’s ability to tune into the “yoga vibe.”
“If people are smiling because the puppies are being funny, that’s improving their well-being,” Judd said, emphasizing that joy on the mat is what matters.
Champion for Public Health
Kari
Utterback reflects on her first year filling big shoes.
BY JEN JOHNSON
PHOTO BY CHARLES BRUCE III
When Kari Utterback stepped into her leadership role as the human services manager for the Columbia-Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services in June 2024, she knew she was inheriting more than just a position — she was continuing the legacy of Steve Hollis, a deeply respected predecessor.
“I don’t think I can ever ll Steve’s shoes — he’s left a lasting legacy in the state,” Utterback re ected. “His work was pivotal in getting people housed, and he put a lot of energy into building strong social impact partnerships. His vision for the unit of service has helped make some incredible things happen.”
Hollis retired after twenty-eight years of service with the city-county health department. Utterback, meanwhile, brings her own kind of impact to the department: thoughtful, collaborative, and quietly revolutionary. A long-time public servant and social services specialist, her experience includes everything from prenatal care coordination to leading nancial operations during the COVID-19 incident command response, for which she acquired the endearing nickname “Fairy Godmother.”
A WIDE REACH, A DEEPER IMPACT
Public health, as Utterback sees it, isn’t just about clinics and crises. It’s an interconnected web of services that touches nearly every part of daily life.
“Public health includes everything from animal control, WIC [women, infants, and children], home visiting, intervention programs, vaccinations, birth certi cates, and so much more,” she explained. “We touch so many lives every single day — and we don’t advertise that.”
Utterback currently supervises or collaborates with numerous teams and initiatives, including:
• WIC
• Social Services
• Home visiting
• DIVERT Compassionate Approach to Justice
• Homelessness Coordinated Entry and Housing Solutions
• Social services funding process
She works closely with community partners like the Heart of Missouri United Way and the Boone County Children’s Services Board, helping point services and resources to where they are most needed.
“I wear a lot of hats, and my hands are in many pies,” she said, laughing. But behind that lighthearted tone is a serious commitment to creating systems that work — for everyone.
NAVIGATING CUTS WITH CREATIVITY
Recent state and federal funding cuts have posed challenges. In February, the department lost $800,000 in contracts, leading to cuts in key programs such as the Community Health Worker program.
e Maternal Child Health contract has been signi cantly reduced as well; however, the state’s Department of Health and
“Every challenge is a chance to rethink how we serve.”
Human Services will provide about twothirds of the amount of funding it previously received.
“ ese cuts impact everyone here who has a heart for the community,” she added. “But they also a ect the people we serve, love, and care about. at’s the hardest part.”
Rather than retreat, Utterback sees these moments as opportunities for innovation.
“We’re nding creative ways to explore new paths that align with our priorities,” she said. “Every challenge is a chance to rethink how we serve.”
SOLUTIONS IN MOTION
Utterback is especially energized about strides being made in housing. She points to the work around the upcoming shared application process through Upward Mobility and coordinated entry systems that
streamline access for those in need. She’s hopeful about new housing options through partners like the Columbia Housing Authority and Central Missouri Community Action (CMCA) and projects like Spartan Pointe, which — while not a city initiative — receives support that keeps units a ordable, with speci c carve-outs for veterans.
She’s also championed unique support programs, like the Ride Home Program, which helps outof-county medical visitors return home safely, preventing them from falling into emergency shelter or homelessness.
And under Utterback’s leadership, the DIVERT Compassionate Approach to Justice program has grown. Two new sta members have recently been added, and a report is forthcoming on its success. She credits the department’s “solid leadership” and culture of prioritizing sta well-being as the reason the department has retained such dedicated team members.
“Our sta is willing to come together and support one another,” she noted. “ at’s what keeps us strong.”
THE PERSONAL SIDE OF PUBLIC SERVICE
Outside of work, Utterback is a creative spirit who thrives on building, tinkering, and trying out new ideas — often with her two beloved (and thoroughly pampered) dogs, a boxer and a pitbull, snoozing nearby.
She’s a fan of swimming in lakes, writing snail mail, traveling, and listening to romantic audiobooks. She doesn’t have children but nds joy in spending time with friends’ kids and occasionally “annoying” her husband with wild schemes and harebrained ideas.
rough it all, she remains grounded in purpose.
“Public health touches everything — birth certi cates, WIC, TB case management, HIV prevention, and so much more,” she said. “We touch so many lives. It’s incredible work, and I’m grateful to be part of it.”
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Set Your Mind on Things Above
Keeping stress from getting the best of you.
BY BETH BRAMSTEDT
This morning, I received a text from an out-of-town friend. She simply asked, “How are you?”
I stared at my phone for a few seconds trying to determine how to answer honestly without drafting a book. I nally typed, “I’m trying to keep my head on straight and my emotions in check.” at was the truth. ings had been abnormally stressful that week.
ere was a lot packed into the phrase “I’m trying.” How does someone keep their head on straight and their emotions in check under stress? How do we keep ourselves from believing lies, giving into temptation, and letting our unmanaged emotions a ect our relationships with others?
is verse in Colossians 3 has been helpful to me this summer.
If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
e good news of this verse is that for those who have given their life to Christ, our old life is gone, and we have victory over the stress and struggles of our world. We can keep our heads on straight and our emotions in check by focusing on the things of God.
God’s handiwork can be found in every living thing. Time spent in nature admiring the sky, the stars, or God’s creatures lifts our souls out of the temporal and into the eternal. e new goslings in my neighborhood or the foxes that run across the hillside remind me of God at work in this world.
Or when my two-year-old granddaughter learns a new word like pepperoni or alligator, or a friend calls to chat at just the right time. ese are things of God.
Likewise, all truth is God’s truth. Truth experienced in art, culture, music, dance, books, and lm can all speak God’s truth and allow us to see him at work in our world. Attending the ballet, hearing jazz music coming from the convertible next to me, or getting reconnected with a glass artist that I love are all ways of seeing this truth.
ese things make me perk up my ears, tap my toes, and smile. ey are ways I can seek the things above and put my stress and struggles in perspective.
A friend of mine said recently, “When you recognize that God is found in every living thing, you never have to question where God is in your life.” I agree. ere are still times, however, that I get sucked into believing that fear and shame are real. When I experience them, I often let them speak truth into my situation. ey are experts at adding fuel to the re related to my stress. One simple way I’ve learned to stand up against the lies of fear and shame is to recite these two truths from scripture:
For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but one of power, love, and sound judgment. 2 Timothy 1:7
ere is therefore now no condemnation (or shame) for those who are in Christ Jesus. For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. Romans 8:1-2
It doesn’t work for me to think I can eliminate stress, struggle, or temptation on my own. Without Jesus, I don’t have what I need inside of me to beat these things. And the world doesn’t have it either. I must change my focus. I must remember that God is not the author of fear or shame.
In his book e Hope of Glory, author Sam Storms says, “ e desire to walk in the way of Christ doesn’t come from self-restraint, but from a mind captivated and controlled by the beauty and majesty of the risen Lord. It takes both the energetic orientation of your will as well as the singular devotion of your mind.” When stress is getting the best of you, take a minute and look up!
Beth Bramstedt is the Church Life Pastor at Christian Fellowship.
Celebrating the Power of Arts and Culture in Columbia
BY BARBARA BUFFALOE
In June, I hosted a “Let’s Talk Local” conversation focused on arts, tourism, and the creative economy. We gathered in the Friends Room at the Daniel Boone Regional Library as part of a new initiative to bring your City Council out into the community to listen and learn — an e ort you can follow at BeHeard.CoMo. gov/Ask-City-Council.
e conversation that day was full of heart and hometown pride. Artists, nonpro t art administrators, art teachers, and residents all shared how the creative community shapes Columbia — not just economically, but socially and emotionally. We didn’t just talk about ticket sales or tourism — such as the fact that tourism-related spending in FY24 amounted to more than $567 million in our hotels, restaurants, shops, event venues, and cultural spaces, supporting over 11,500 jobs — we talked about what it feels like to live in a city where art is everywhere. In short, it feels good.
And it turns out, those feelings are backed by data. According to a 2023 Arts & Economic Prosperity study conducted by Americans for the Arts, in partnership with our O ce of Cultural A airs, more than 90 percent of Columbia residents say the arts improve their quality of life. Nearly the same number said arts experiences made them feel proud of their community — and that they’d miss these opportunities deeply if they were gone. at resonates with what I hear from residents every day. Whether it’s a free concert at Rose Park, First Fridays in
North Village Arts District, or the dedication of the mural on the side of the Health Department, the arts help us connect — with each other, with our neighborhoods, and with our sense of place. ey make our city more welcoming, more imaginative, and more inclusive.
Of course, there’s an economic piece, too. In Columbia, nonpro t arts organizations and their audiences generate more than $18 million in direct local spending every year. But the most powerful number I heard at the event wasn’t about dollars: It was that more than 80 percent of attendees surveyed said the arts make them feel connected to others, even people they’ve never met. In a time when so many are searching for belonging, that’s priceless.
at’s why the city continues to invest in the O ce of Cultural A airs, public art programs, and the Columbia Arts Fund. One source of that investment is the Tourism Development Fund, run through the Convention and Visitors
Tourism-related spending in FY24 amounted to more than $567 million in our hotels, restaurants, shops, event venues, and cultural spaces, supporting over 11,500 jobs.
Bureau, which reinvests tourism dollars into events like the True/False Film Fest, Art in the Park, We Always Swing Jazz Series, MU Concert Series, Central Bank Downtown Live, and so many others. ese events continue the cycle of vibrant activities that encourage locals and visitors to experience Columbia.
We know this isn’t just about entertainment — it’s about identity, opportunity, and legacy. at’s why we’re excited about new possibilities: activating underused spaces with creative placemaking, supporting cultural festivals that celebrate Columbia’s diverse voices, and deepening partnerships with our schools, universities, and neighborhoods to ensure all residents have access to arts education and expression. I’m so proud of the artists and cultural workers who make Columbia shine. I’m equally proud of the residents who show up to galleries, stages, and parks to support them.
e next time you attend a GreenHouse eatre Project performance, pause to listen to a downtown busker, or admire a mural along the MKT Trail, remember: You’re not just enjoying art. You’re helping create a stronger, more connected Columbia.
Barbara Bu aloe is currently serving her second term in o ce as the mayor of Columbia.
Elizabeth Braaten Palmieri performs in the GreenHouse Theatre Project production, “Grounded”, in 2021.
Hoss’s Gameday Cheesesteak Sliders
BY HOSS KOETTING
Another football season is here, and it’s a new era in intercollegiate athletics. No longer are these representatives of their respective universities the amateur student athletes that we cheered on over the last century plus. ey are now, if not professionals, then at least semipros. I’m not sure what this portends for the future of college athletics, but let’s hope it doesn’t adversely impact the atmosphere of the games themselves.
e starting point of the pageantry of college football is, and has been, the “tailgate,” a ritual of pregame celebration that has morphed from a bucket of Colonel Sanders served on an actual tailgate to an extravaganza that has a wide variety of delectables and beverages.
Planning for those Saturday rituals, the tailgates that so many of us partake of prior to the Tiger games, requires some forethought. How many fellow fans do I need to prepare for? What cooking equipment is available? What crowd am I feeding; are there any dietary restrictions?
And you can bet that there will be several tons of burgers and brats being grilled, in addition to the requisite side dishes. But for the discriminating tailgater, the decision becomes much more di cult.
Now, I’m not prejudiced, as there is a lot to be said for a well prepared bratwurst or cheeseburger, but sometimes it seems like
the “same old same old” and can be a little uninteresting. Sure, there are the grocery store deli trays, which are extremely convenient but consummately unimaginative, and Aunt Edna’s famous Rotel dip, but you really need a center-of-the-plate item that will make your guests sit up and take notice. So how does one become creative while staying within a budget and ease-of-preparation constraints? ere are a limited number of main ingredients that are economical, easily prepared, and universally popular. Unfortunately, they are also rather boring by themselves (think chicken breast, pork cutlet, cheap steak). But with a little imagination and creativity, they can be made into memorable fare for your pre-game soiree. Some suggestions to add some intrigue to your feast: Incorporate fresh local produce, season with marinades or spice blends, try condiments with bold avor pro les instead of plain old standbys, and last, but not least, make sure that you can prepare it properly and easily with your available equipment. Here’s a popular item that you can try at your next event.
Jim “Hoss” Koetting is a retired restaurateur/chef who enjoys gardening, good food, good bourbon, and good friends.
CHIPOTLE AOLI
• Mayo (homemade or store-bought)
• 2 tsp. minced fresh garlic
• 3 tsp. chipotle peppers in adobo
• 3 tsp. lime juice
Combine all ingredients and process until well blended.
HOMEMADE MAYO
• 1 cup vegetable oil
• 1 large egg
• 1 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp. white balsamic or white wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper
Place the egg and Dijon in a food processor, pulse for about 20 seconds, add the vinegar, pulse until incorporated. en, with the processor on, very slowly add the oil in a thin stream until emulsi ed, season with salt and pepper.
SLIDER INGREDIENTS
• Slider mini buns
• inly sliced tender roast beef, smoked brisket, or prime rib, approx. 1-1/2 oz per bun
• Shredded pepper jack cheese, approx. ¾ oz per bun
• Sauteed diced yellow onions, green and red peppers
• Sliced pepperoncini
• Prepared chipotle aoli
• Nonstick cooking spray
TO ASSEMBLE
1. Spray a foil pan with non-stick spray and place the bottom of buns in pan.
2. Build the sliders with beef rst, then veggies, then cheese.
3. Coat bun tops with aoli, place atop sliders, spray tops, cover with foil and bake, covered, for about 20 minutes.
4. Enjoy!
WHERE TO FIND COMO’S F dTrucks
It pays to follow and explore on-the-go social media.
BY BRANDON KNIGHT
Food trucks. ey began as a coastal trend about 15 years ago but have now made their way to mid-sized and even small cities across the country. How is it, then, that things that are supposedly so ubiquitous are often so hard to nd?
If you’ve had trouble nding food trucks in Columbia, you’re probably not alone. If you’re like me, it seems that you only see them when you’re busy running an errand or heading to an appointment. at’s what sparked the idea for this article. I decided to catch up with some of these food trucks and see whether I could track their whereabouts.
I’d like to say that my research answered the burning questions of where they are located and when. But the truth is that after talking to a handful of Columbia’s food truck owners, I learned that the best way to discover their whereabouts is by going to their social media pages and following them. Columbia’s food truck scene is ever-changing, and I couldn’t hope to cover more than a short list of the many food trucks within the city that are worth a try. Still, I think you’ll nd something to love in the following list of food trucks, which o er a mix of pizza, Cajun treats, vegan comfort fare, burgers, and novel spins on Philly cheese steaks.
ZYDECO’S
For seven years, Zydeco’s has been serving bayou favorites to food lovers in Columbia and the surrounding areas. Primarily, it is known for Cajun po’boys.
In a previous life, owners Randy and Lynn Perkins worked in the marketing industry. One of their clients happened to be Chef Paul Prudhomme, famously known for his Creole and Cajun cuisines, who hired the Perkinses to work on his training videos.
“We have meetings, and we go to his o ce, and he said, ‘Randy, come here, I got some Cajun pancakes. I wanna show you. And this is how I make them, and that's how I make them,’ and of course in the videos, he would teach you how to do it,” Perkins said.
Pancakes aside, the Perkins' best-selling items are the Cajun cat sh, po’boys, swamp platter ( sh and shrimp), and voodoo rolls, a seasoned mix of craw sh, shrimp, corn, black beans, and pepper jack delivered in eggroll form.
“I can't keep voodoo rolls [in stock], and I'll probably go through two to three hundred voodoo rolls a week," Perkins said. “Everything that we do is fresh and made to order and gluten-free.”
For more information about the truck’s o erings and locations, go to Zydeco’s website or its Facebook and Instagram pages:
www.zydecos.co
FB: Zydeco's Cajun Kitchen Food Truck instagram: @zydecosco
MARTIN HOUSE PIZZA
If you’re a pizza lover, Martin House Pizza is a food truck you should add to your list. Although it is new to the Columbia food truck scene, it’s already making a big splash. Currently, it is one of the few pizza food trucks to serve the community.
Owner Dale Heimann is no stranger to commercial cooking, having spent many years in restaurant kitchens like Bambino’s. After doing his mobile food vendor business part-time, he had the opportunity to go full-time a year and a half later.
Heimann’s special touches are his wood- red oven and the hot honey he drizzles on each crust. ese two things make his pizzas stand out from the competition.
Weekly, you can nd Martin House Pizza at Logboat Brewing Company; biweekly, at Cooper's Landing; and once a week in Moberly and Salisbury. Currently, Heimann is looking to expand to Fayette and Macon. Soon, Martin House Pizza will have a brick-and-mortar outlet in Moberly as well.
“Basically, we’re trying to get all of the little surrounding area fed and get all of those people addicted to woodred pizza,” Heimann said.
To learn where you can next nd some wood- red goodness, check out Martin House Pizza’s Facebook and Instagram pages:
FB: Martin House Pizza Instagram : @martin.house.pizza
GINA’S VEGAN A GO GO
In July 2021, Gina Overshiner started her vegan food truck. After being vegan for nearly ve years, she wanted to nd and serve her tribe. To do so, she decided to start with vegan comfort food, a good segue from traditional American comfort cuisine. Gina’s Vegan A Go Go serves meals such as biscuits and gravy, vegan burgers, and mac and cheese, to name a few.
rough serving American comfort cuisine, Overshiner has made vegan cuisine accessible to those who would like to dabble or to some who might have food allergies.
Most Saturdays, you can nd Overshiner at the Columbia Farmers Market, which is where she will continue to be. Additionally, she plans to switch her business model to a meal prep service. She’d also like to see her products sold in bakeries, co ee shops, and grocery stores one day.
Overshiner describes her planned approach as “ nding your tribe and working to serve your tribe a little bit more than just kinda going out hoping someone might pass by who might be interested.”
You can nd more information about Gina’s Vegan A Go Go here:
www.ginasveganagogo.com
FB: Gina’s Vegan A Go Go Instagram: @ginasveganagogo
DW’S KITCHEN AND CATERING
Although he’s only been in business for three months, Davon Weatherspoon has already found support within the community. While he’s never had a formal culinary background, Weatherspoon has always been the go-to cook for family functions.
His signature creation is a unique take on a Philly cheese steak, a bun-free mixture of steak, cheese, peppers, black beans, and other goodies he calls the Super Bowl. e Super Bowl has quickly become a huge hit for Weatherspoon’s food truck, and it’s a testament to the uniqueness of his menu.
“One day I'm just sitting there like, ‘I have to share this, I literally have to share this with the world,’” he said. “It’s been working out because people are like, ‘Oh, that’s good.’”
Within the next couple of years, Weatherspoon would like to expand into a brick-and-mortar restaurant while maintaining his food truck as well.
“I feel like it's just gonna keep progressing because I get good feedback from my supporters, of course, and people that don’t even know me that love my food,” he said. “Which is a big plus, so it’s kinda humbling, really.”
e best way to stay up to date with DW’s Kitchen is through Facebook and Instagram:
FB: DWS Kitchen and Catering
Instagram: @dwskitchen573
THE SPOT
e last thirteen months have been a whirlwind for food cart owners Anthony Woods and Daniel Edwards. Woods is the pastor of Friendship Missionary Baptist Church, and Edwards is the deacon in training at the church. is a liation has allowed the pair to use the health department–approved commissary kitchen inside the church. However, much of their food is cooked to order, such as their famous Show-Me burger, double burger, and bacon cheeseburger.
As a food cart rather than a food truck, the partners had some struggles early on, such as the weather. ey found from the start that business was slow in the winter. However, since then, business has been booming for the food cart entrepreneurs.
“We've been able to tap into some phenomenal resources, and REDI (Regional Economic Development Inc.) here in Columbia has helped us thrive and arrive to the place of success,” Woods said.
Currently, you can typically nd e Spot at Veterans United in Columbia or many events in both Columbia and Jefferson City.
“I give credit to having the absolute best business partner and friend,” Woods said. “Daniel is an amazing individual. I thank the Lord for bringing him into my life.”
You can learn about e Spot’s whereabouts on Facebook and Instagram:
FB: The Spot
Instagram: @the_spot_como
Embracing the Beauty on the Outside
BY JODIE JACKSON JR
A PAIR OF COMO BUSINESS TIMES 20 UNDER 40 ALUMS are responsible for a variety of visually stunning home exteriors throughout the Columbia area. And visually stunning often translates into signi cant improvement in property and home values.
Elias Abadi is the founder and owner of CoMo Premium Exteriors, a Columbia-based renovation company. He earned recognition as a CBT 20 Under 40 honoree in 2017 for his community impact and business growth.
Austin Isley (20 Under 40 Class of 2022) started Ai Painting Plus in 2013. From the age of 16, he started working with other painting companies, which eventually sparked his passion for creating his own company dedicated to professional-quality work and highly trained crew members.
Abadi has steered his company to become a highly sought-after exterior renovation rm throughout mid-Missouri. He has been a Columbia resident since age 10. Like Ai Painting Plus, Abadi and CoMo Premium Exteriors emphasize quality and customer-centric values.
When it comes to curb appeal, the paint color, quality of workmanship, the style and color of vinyl siding, deck composition, so ts, gutters, and roof systems can transform not only a home, but all properties in a neighborhood.
How does that happen? It’s the “a rising tide lifts all boats” principle. Isley says when one homeowner invests in improving their property’s appearance, it often inspires others to follow suit, creating a ripple e ect that elevates the look and feel of the entire area. As a result, that can lead to increased property values and a stronger sense of community pride.
Curb appeal is also essential when it comes to a home’s value, whether for the aesthetic appeal or making sure it is in prime condition for the real estate market.
Besides being pretty and appealing, a home’s exterior serves other vital functions, Abadi says. For one, investing in modern, energy-e cient siding improves insulation and reduces utility costs, further enhancing home value.
(Re)Discover COMO
(Re)Discover COMO is a monthly feature sponsored by the Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau highlighting places, events, and historical connections that new residents and visitors can discover, and not-sonewcomers and long-time residents can ... rediscover.
Cafe Berlin
Here’s a cool cafe that serves up carefully sourced, hearty breakfast and lunch options with a hipster vibe at 220 N. Tenth St. Make it a meal or just a cocktail that you can enjoy, and consider the outdoor seating area for a brief respite from the hustle and bustle.
“One day I found myself feeling a creative drive emerge in me to invent dishes. I would often see a dish or be eating something and nd myself with ideas like ... man, that’d be good with an egg on it,” says owner and executive chef Eli Gay.
At Cafe Berlin, cooking is a collaboration between heart and desire, not a rote list of ingredients and a checklist of directions to follow.
Cafe Berlin started with the basic idea that by committing to making honest, real, and simple food, the eatery would be successful. It uses real whole ingredients, from organic Vermont maple syrup to organic grains, beans, and ours — and absolutely no high-fructose corn syrup. ere are also organic and local meats, local produce as much as possible, and local, organic milk.
Cafe Berlin also strives to support other local businesses, including its partnerships with Fretboard Co ee and many mid-Missouri farmers and producers.
Hitt Records
Hitt Records opened in 2012 on 10 Hitt Street (above the Video Store and next to Ragtag Cinema) with a mission to bring a record shop to Columbia that focused 100 percent on music. In those early days, the record store was only open on the weekends. Now, the shop has expanded both products and hours, with two stories of tunes seven days a week. Hitt Records is also a pop-up venue and record label.
e locally owned music store has new and used records, CDs, and cassettes, plus audio equipment. It is Columbia’s oldest operating, independent, locally owned record store, making it the go-to source in mid-Missouri for non-mainstream music.
Want to buy, sell, or trade? Hitt Records pays cash for vinyl and LPs. (Call to schedule an appraisal.) Check out the new, vintage, rare, and used selections for sale. Looking for something di erent? Call or visit for a fair and honest trade.
Check out the online shop to see what music has been pressed to wax, and follow on social media for details about events and collaborations with Ragtag, Uprise Bakery, Cafe Berlin, and other artsy businesses.
Hexagon Alley
Ready to go from “bored” games to “board” games? en Hexagon Alley at 111 S. Ninth St. is where it’s at. e casual cafe combines brews, bites, and board games like Monopoly and Clue as well as more eclectic and classic games.
Hexagon Alley loves tabletop gaming and wants to spread that love through the community. It’s a perfect spot for a family event, date night, morning study session, or opportunity to make new friends.
e cafe-and-game shop has a mission that is grounded in a sense of community. Hexagon Alley is an inclusive environment that is a welcoming place for all people of all ages, where board games create an opportunity in a digital age to help forget about our troubles and di erences and connect with those around you at the table. Competitive and cooperative play are featured.
WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW
JACOB
WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW SOD, SEED, OR HYDROSEED — WHICH METHOD IS THE BEST?
By Jacob Porter
Find more at rostlandscaping.com
Establishing a new lawn or renovating an existing lawn comes down a choice between sod, seed and straw, or hydroseed. These are the most common methods of establishing or renovating a lawn. Each method has its own strengths, weaknesses and best-use cases to consider when deciding which approach you want to use to make your lawn the envy of the neighborhood.
Sod is an instant gratification method that comes with a cost. Sod is a pre-grown grass that is harvested in rolls and laid directly on the freshly graded area. It provides immediate coverage and is used in both residential and commercial applications.
Pros
• Instant green lawn
• More efficient erosion control
• A quicker turnaround on establishment.
Cons
• Come at a higher cost of both the materials and the labor
• More labor intensive to install
• Limited to the variety of turf based on what the sod farm is growing.
This method is good for homeowners who want quicker results, have a higher budget, and need immediate coverage.
JACOB PORTER ROST LANDSCAPING
Jacob comes from the small town of California, Missouri. With his plant science degree from MU and six years with Rost, he enjoys creating exciting outdoor spaces for his clients. Watching these creations come to life is only one highlight of being a designer for Rost. When he is not designing, he loves spending time with his wife and kids, tournament bass fishing, and doing a little bit of woodworking.
Seed and straw is a traditional method of lawn establishment that involves manually
spreading grass seed over the soil and then covering with straw. The straw will help retain moisture, along with protecting the seed from wind.
Pros
• Most cost-effective approach
• Choice of varieties of seed blends
• Minimal tools required
Cons
• Takes anywhere from 1-3 weeks to germinate
• Full establishment can take months
• May require additional seed applications
Hydroseeding can be a middle ground between the two previous options. Hydroseeding uses a mix of seed, mulch, fertilizer, a tackifier and water that is sprayed over the soil. This method is done using a machine specifically designed for this purpose.
Pros
• Faster germination than seed and straw
• Better coverage
(573) 445-4465
Cons
• Specialized equipment
• Longer timeline to a full lawn than sod
The best time to use this method is for large areas, slopes or projects that need better coverage than seed and straw, but costs less than installing sod.
To sum things up, if you want instant results and have the budget, choose sod. If you are working on a small budget and don’t mind waiting, go for seed and straw. Choose hydroseeding when you need faster growth than seed, but at a lower cost than sod — especially for large or sloped areas.
No matter what method you choose, the success depends on the soil preparation, watering and proper maintenance and care. With the right choice and proper preparation and care, your lawn can be green, healthy and keep the neighbors jealous.
WHY METAL ROOFING SYSTEMS ARE A SMART INVESTMENT FOR MID-MISSOURI HOMEOWNERS
By Jay Sowash
When it comes to protecting your home from the elements, metal roofing systems offer a level of durability, beauty, and efficiency that is hard to beat— especially in a place like Mid-Missouri, where weather conditions can change on a dime. At Manor Roofing & Restoration Services, we specialize in installing metal roofing systems that not only enhance the appearance of your home but also deliver superior performance year after year.
Built to Withstand Mid-Missouri Weather
Missouri homeowners are no strangers to extreme weather—ice, hail, wind, and heatwaves are all part of life here. That’s why a roof that can handle these elements isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Metal & steel roofing is engineered to resist rust, corrosion, and UV damage, meaning it maintains its structural integrity and appearance far longer than traditional roofing materials. These interlocking panels also provide added protection against leaks and wind uplift, offering peace of mind no matter the forecast.
A Stylish Upgrade for Any Home
Gone are the days when metal roofs were only seen on barns and industrial buildings. Today’s metal roofing systems offer a wide range of styles and finishes that complement any architectural design—from sleek modern lines to classic shake or slateinspired profiles. Manor’s metal roofing options can be customized to match your home’s aesthetic, dramatically improving curb appeal and potentially increasing your home’s value.
JAY SOWASH SENIOR ACCOUNT MANAGER
WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW
Jay joined Manor in 2014 after a career in medical sales. Born in St. Clair, Mo., Jay moved to Columbia at the age of 4. He is a 1987 graduate of Rock Bridge High School and a '92 graduate of Northeast Missouri State (now Truman State). He spent 20 years in St. Louis before returning to the town he loves in 2010. When he's not climbing roofs, you can most likely find Jay tailgating at Faurot Field on Saturday mornings or spending time in the woods with his two sons.
573.445.4770
exploremanor.com
Long-Term Value with Low Maintenance
While the initial cost of a metal roof may be higher than asphalt shingles, the long-term savings are undeniable. Metal roofs can last 40 to 70 years with minimal upkeep, far outpacing the lifespan of most traditional roofs. You’ll spend less time worrying about repairs and replacements—and more time enjoying the comfort of a secure, worry-free home. At Manor, we offer professional metal roof inspections and repairs to keep your roof in peak condition for decades.
Energy-Efficient and Environmentally Friendly
One of the standout benefits of metal roofing is its energy efficiency. These roofs use Energy Star-approved pigments that reflect the sun’s rays rather than absorb them. This helps regulate your home’s indoor temperature and lowers your cooling costs during Missouri’s hot summer months. It’s a win for your wallet—and for the planet.
Comprehensive Service from Start to Finish
Whether you’re exploring metal roofing for the first time or looking to replace an existing roof, Manor Roofing provides expert guidance at every step. From custom consultations and detailed inspections to fast, professional installations, our team is here to deliver a seamless, stress-free experience. And because we’re a local company, we understand the unique needs of MidMissouri homeowners better than anyone.
If you’re ready for a roof that offers beauty, protection, and performance all in one, metal might just be your best move yet.
Ready to learn more? Contact Manor Roofing today for a free estimate and let us help you protect your home— beautifully.
THREE KEY TYPES OF INSURANCE YOU NEED IN YOUR 20S AND 30S
By Mike Messer MMesser@ShelterInsurance.com
The older you get, the more complicated life gets. Some refer to this as “adulting” and includes things like going to work every day, paying rent, utilities, a car payment, car insurance and even student loan debt for some—and that’s just when you’re starting out in life. At this stage of the game, you probably think the only insurance you need is car insurance. This is true if you own a car—in fact, it’s legally required—but there are a couple of other types of insurance you may need too.
At this age, you’re probably in your “renting era,” so it’s a smart idea to get renters insurance. Consider this: your roommate leaves a candle burning and it causes a fire. The landlord's insurance policy won't protect your personal belongings. All the new fun stuff you bought for the apartment—gone—but renters insurance can help you replace what you lost, and it’s typically affordable. You may even buy a house, and if you do, you’ll need homeowners insurance instead of renters insurance.
Another type of insurance you probably haven’t even thought about is life insurance. Here are five common reasons you may want to consider having a life insurance plan, even if you are just starting out in life:
Reason #1: Your Funeral Funerals are expensive. When you die, do you want to pass that cost on to your family? The amount of premium you would pay for a life insurance policy that’s
enough to cover your funeral is typically a fraction of what your family may spend paying for it out of their savings.
Reason #2: Your Current Debts
If something happens to you, do you want your parents to be responsible for any outstanding debt you may be responsible for?
Reason #3: Cost
Even if you don't have a mortgage or a family now, you might in the future. As you age, life insurance premiums generally go up, so the same policy you take out in your 20s will likely cost you more when you’re older.
Reason #4: Your Future Insurability
Your health might be great now, but if you develop a serious health condition, it can raise the cost of your life insurance—or make it difficult to get coverage at all. If you lock in your coverage while you are young and healthy, you can have it for the specified term (if you chose term life insurance) or until you die or stop paying premiums (if you chose permanent or whole life insurance).
MIKE MESSER AIC, LUTCF
WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW
With over two decades in the insurance industry, Mike Messer has served as a claims adjuster, supervisor, and underwriter, giving him a well-rounded understanding of how policies work when it matters most — before and after a loss. He prioritizes building relationships based on trust and personalized service, recognizing that every client’s needs are unique. Through annual policy reviews, he helps ensure clients stay informed, confident, and properly covered, providing them with peace of mind and financial security.
Reason #5: Your Family
If something happens to you, will your spouse be able to pay the mortgage and have enough to replace your income? A life insurance policy can help to ease the burden that your surviving spouse may endure.
Money can be tight when you’re just starting out, but there are many affordable life insurance options, and adding a companion policy like life insurance may get you a discount on your car insurance. To discuss what insurance options are best for you, contact Shelter Insurance® agent Mike Messer. He can answer your questions and help decide which plans may be right for you.
Shelter Life Insurance Company, 1817 West Broadway, Columbia, MO 65218
We Know What It Takes to Compete, Because We’re Competitors Too.
Whether competing to be one of only eleven orthopaedic Centers of Excellence in the country, or cheering alongside the Mizzou Tigers as their team physicians, our sports medicine experts know what it takes to level up, day in and day out. From our walk-in injury clinics to the latest treatments and training programs, we’ve got everything Missouri athletes need to be, and stay, at their best.
SUPPORT Sti ing Up
My night behind the bar at Pierpont General Store.
BY SUNITHA BOSECKER
PHOTOS BY KEITH BORGMEYER
OHighway 163 sits Pierpont General Store. It’s a place where country charm meets community spirit. On any given weekend, you’ll nd live music, the smell of grilled burgers, kids playing between picnic tables, and couples having drinks at sunset. But once a month, this cozy spot transforms into a gathering place with a mission.
e event is called Celebrity Bartender, and if you haven’t experienced one yet, let me pour you a story.
I rst heard about the monthly happening through my friend Savannah Chambers, who occasionally bartends at Pierpont. She approached me with the idea of being a “celebrity bartender” — a term that made me laugh at rst. I may be known around town for therapy and community engagement, but not for crafting cocktails. at was new territory.
Still, I’ll accept most opportunities to give back in a fun way. So I volunteered to bartend at the event, which entails stepping behind the bar for one night to raise money for a nonpro t of the guest bartender’s choice.
My cause was clear: COMO Mobile Aid Collective, which o ers mobile support and supplies to unhoused residents of Columbia. I’d been following their work for a while and considered their model of care, mobility, and dignity an honorable and e ective mission. is felt like the perfect way to support that mission in a fun, interactive way.
HAPPY HOUR WITH PURPOSE
Preparing for the event was similar to planning any special fundraiser: It involved tasty drinks, ra e baskets, table signs, coordinating with sta , and promoting the event on social media. I had the pleasure of co-planning the event with Catherine Armbrust, the director of Mobile Aid Collective and, of course, Chambers and the Pierpont team, who made the logistics feel easy. We even designed a signature drink, the Blood Orange Moscow Mule, which I can now make at home. (Well, almost.)
ere’s something humbling about being behind the bar, especially as an amateur. I found myself multitasking in ways I hadn’t expected: making change, answering questions about the drink menu, shaking cocktails, and — most importantly — engaging in casual conversations and sharing awareness about COMO Mobile Aid Collective. Pierpont regulars are loyal, with many swinging by the store and grabbing a drink for a cause. It wasn’t just about tips (which all went to the nonpro t); it was about connection.
And the atmosphere? Laid-back fun.
With children and leashed dogs between tables, friends shared picnic benches with strangers, and personal stories spilled across the patio. e warm golden light of an early summer evening framed the whole experience. is is what makes Pierpont such a special gathering place.
Photo by Catherine Armbrust
Photo by Catherine Armbrust
Photo by Sunitha Boscker
THE ORIGIN STORY
e Celebrity Bartender series o cially launched at the start of 2023, part of General Manager Shawn Bennett’s broader vision to make Pierpont a destination: not just a gas station or store, but a hub for community-building.
“We wanted to nd a way to introduce people to Pierpont while giving back to local charities,” Bennett told me. “It’s been amazing to see how it’s grown. Our regulars love it, and new folks are discovering us all the time.”
Each month, a new pair (or trio) of volunteer bartenders steps up to raise money for a nonpro t that matters to them, such as CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) and City of Refuge, just to name a couple. e events have drawn everyone from Rotary Club members and business professionals to artists, teachers, and rst-time visitors.
At one recent event, a family raising funds to honor their daughter brought a claw machine to the bar, which turned out to be a huge hit with guests and helped the family raise more money than any other Celebrity Bartender night to date.
Another celebrity bartender and Pierpont regular is Craig Brum eld, who
supports P.E.A.C.E. (People Embracing Another Choice E ectively), a group that supports incarcerated individuals and their communities through educational opportunities and advocacy.
“It’s a low-cost way to get the word out about a small, local organization that needs nancial support,” Brum eld said. “ e turnout every year has been fantastic. And since we live so close to the store, it has a Cheers feel when we walk in.”
POURS THAT EMPOWER
What makes the event special isn’t just the fundraising — though that’s signi cant. It’s the awareness raised, the conversations sparked, and the relationships built.
Armbrust of COMO Mobile Aid Collective told me, “Public events like this are vital. ey help educate people about our mission. I’ve done a lot of public events over the years, but what stood out to me was how many folks wanted to genuinely understand what Mobile Aid Collective is all about.”
Another favorite story comes from Darren Day, a CASA volunteer and recurring celebrity bartender. What started as a one-time fundraiser has evolved into a yearly tradition known as Cocktails for CASA. In just two years, Darren and his
co-host, Tim Bach, more than doubled their donations, from $4,500 to $10,500.
“It’s one of our favorite ways to connect with new supporters,” Day said. “It’s a great reminder of how people will show up when given a fun way to make a di erence.”
WHY IT WORKS
e reason these events thrive is simple: authenticity. Pierpont General Store isn’t ashy or overproduced. It’s a place where you can sip a beer at a picnic table with a nonpro t leader on one side and a soft rock band playing on the other. You might show up with your co-workers and end up dancing with a group of retirees — it’s that rare blend of comfortable and meaningful.
And yes, it’s family friendly. I’ve seen toddlers wobble-dance to live music while their parents clink glasses and bid on rafe baskets. e whole place just feels like a warm hug from the community.
I’ve now done two of these events and can’t wait for the next. Whether it’s the sweet challenge of guring out a cocktail order or the even sweeter reward of watching someone learn about a local nonpro t for the rst time, it’s a good time.
Because sometimes, making a di erence starts with shaking a drink and sharing a story.
As autumn blankets the Ozark hills, Silver Dollar City comes to life with pure old-fashioned fun at America’s #1 Theme Park! By day see visiting craftsmen and cowboys during Harvest Festival presented by Humana, and by night be wowed by thousands of illuminated pumpkins and larger-than-life masterpieces for Pumpkins In The City® presented by Mercy. Plus, thrilling rides, concerts and late-night fun September 12 - October 26...make plans to visit today!
A DAY IN THE LIFE OF ...
Lexi Linsenman
COMO Magazine’s “Day in the Life” series features Columbia pros (and amateurs) who do their part to keep the globe spinning and make life better for the rest of us — often in ways we don’t realize. We especially appreciate opportunities to tell our readers more about individuals and organizations that most of us aren’t familiar with.
Lexi Linsenman is the development director at Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture, as well as a dietitian, chef, and regenerative farmer.
Tell us about yourself. How would other people describe your personality and your skills? I think about food all the time! I love people and am very much an extrovert. It’s probably the Italian side of me that doesn’t exactly like silence and wants to know how you are and if you’ve eaten. People would probably describe me as positive and into a lot of things. It’s my ADHD that really enables me to have so many interests and the energy to pursue them.
Development director is probably a lot of things. But you are also a dietitian, a chef, and a farmer. How do you manage wearing all those hats — and what takes up most of your time? I am all those things indeed! e best thing is that all of those hats revolve around food. I switch them often and multiple times a day. My development director hat I put on the most with CCUA, and then farming I would say would be my second most used hat.
Where does your passion for food and food education come from? Art is actually my passion that led to food creation and education. I love colors and noticing those colors were the most vibrant in my dad’s garden when I was little. After diving into di erent
mediums of art, I started cooking food and taking photos of food — making “edible art,” essentially. is was a plus because I could make a piece of art, then eat it, too! I went to school to be a dietitian and learn the science behind these nutrients each food possesses and how it is digested and converted to energy in the body. Creating more depth to my edible art.
What are your favorite dishes to prepare? Anything colorful, tasty, and local. Shakshuka with local eggs, smoked whole chickens we butchered on the farm, grass-fed, grass- nished cuts, and actually charcuterie boards because I like to see how people create di erent combinations. And add edible owers onto all those!
What time does your day start? What’s your morning, prework routine? I start my day at 5:30 a.m. and have co ee with my ancé, Tanner. After a sip, I’ll do an hour of a baseline workout to get my body warmed up and create a solid foundation. I will then eat breakfast (thanks to our chickens for the farm eggs) and go make sure everyone else has breakfast and is hydrated as well. is means checking and moving our egg layers, geese, meat chickens, and herd of twenty cattle to new grass and lling waterers. en I will take o for work with my lunch. After work, I’m lling farm orders, weeding, tending to the garden, and chipping away at big projects. It also includes dinner, of course! It always consists of carbs, protein from the farm, ber, and fat. Tanner and I will usually wind down with a YouTube clip and piece of chocolate.
What’s usually at the top of your to-do list when your workday starts? Top of my list would be sending thank-you notes, which is so fun! I have always loved sending mail, and I get to send mail to community members who have donated to help CCUA accomplish
its mission. en I will go through my email and get back to anyone who might need something. I am typically planning tours around CCUA’s farm and scheduling speaking events to get the word out about the work we do and asking for donations.
Some people are better at planning and strategizing. Some are better at executing the plans. Where do you fall on that scale? I execute. I want to try it out right away to a fault sometimes. If I fail, I always learn faster.
THIS is non-negotiable. You won’t be distracted from doing THIS. What is THIS? With my ADHD, I’m easily distracted, but I can hyperfocus on food photography! Tanner is a trooper, and we usually have to reheat these pretty pics.
What attracted you to working at CCUA? CCUA is building a hub for change in our food system, and I want to be a part of something positive that is bigger than myself. We are currently building the Welcome Center that will house a commercial kitchen, event center, resource library, and o ces. e commercial kitchen is where I see people learning lifelong skills that they pass down for generations. I see a class walking over to the farm and harvesting ingredients — learning, for example, what bok choy is, when it’s in season, how hard it is to grow — and then walking, and then walking back over to the kitchen and creating a delicious, nutrient-dense meal that they will cook again in their kitchen.
I see all community members using it, no matter their income level. I see these skills and also preventative health occurring through this type of learning that will decrease diet-related diseases, and the dietitian side of me loves that! By eating healthier, we can all feel better, and we deserve to feel our very best and enjoy life! We only have one of them.
If you could tell your younger self what you wish you had known or knew to look out for, what would that be? Lean into what you like and like you for you! You don’t have to be well rounded. Aces in their places.
So what time is lunch? What are you having? Lunch is between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. for me. It’s chopped chef style, never the same, usually leftover combo.
What do your friends not understand about what you do? Farming. A lot of my friends ask why I do this. It’s physically and mentally hard: Animals die a lot, bugs bite, I’m sweaty and dirty — but I love it. ere’s something about being on the land and working it with your hands. Or caring for an animal, and then it ultimately feeds you and gives you the fuel to connect with those friends and enjoy life.
What time is your workday finished? 5 p.m.
What’s for dinner? Who will you share that meal with? e grill and anything in my cast irons is for dinner. Maybe a nice steak with some garlic, brie potatoes and greens from the garden, or fresh chicken fajita tacos with chipotle mayo sauce. Meals don’t have to be fancy; they should be complete and fuel you. I always share my meals with Tanner. He is also an amazing cook!
What do you do to unwind in the evening, and what time does your head hit the pillow? My head has to hit the pillow around 9p.m., or I turn into a pumpkin.
What is your favorite animal on farm? Chickens. I’m that crazy chicken lady after all. ... ey are u y, and each one has its own personality. I swear they are better than TV! In the city limits, you can have six hens, so you should think about getting some, and I’m happy to help.
RIVER Glamping by the
A night at Cooper's Landing.
STORY AND PHOTOS BY SUNITHA BOSECKER
There's something restorative about falling asleep in a tent and waking up to the sound of birds singing near the Missouri River. Even in the thick of summer heat, a glamping stay at Cooper's Landing delivers a slice of serenity just twenty- ve minutes south of Columbia. It's not far in distance, but it’s far enough to feel like a simple getaway.
CAREFREE GLAMPING
For one night, a group of us rented the two glamping tents at Cooper's Landing, a full-service marina, campground, general store, and live music venue along the Katy Trail. It felt like discovering a hidden gem, one with cold drinks, riverside sunsets, and surprisingly comfortable beds.
After check-in, we found that each tent came with clean sheets, cozy pillows, lawn chairs, a fan, a bundle of rewood, and two complimentary drinks at the general store — the kind of thoughtful touches that make glamping feel like easy luxury. We packed light: just some snacks, a card game, and a few coolers. e on-site food truck covered dinner, and the live music set the vibe for the evening.
Between rounds of card games, we dined on hot dogs and nachos, sipped adult beverages, and watched the sky turn soft pink over the river. Personally, I think it's the best place to watch the sunset in central Missouri.
As it was getting dark, we built a re in our designated re pit and made our version of gourmet s'mores. Pro tip: Replace the traditional graham cracker with an Oreo or a cookie and pair it with a small piece of dark chocolate or any fancy chocolate. Life's too short for boring s'mores.
My friend Christine summed it up perfectly: "Lovely, relaxed setting for hanging with friends. e tent was spacious, and the bed was comfortable. Glad they give you a fan! Loved the free drinks and rewood included."
Amanda agreed, adding, "Glamping at Cooper's Landing was such a fun experience that gives you the opportunity to camp close to home without having to lug a lot of equipment and supplies. Waking up to the view of the river and the birds chirping was so relaxing."
BEHIND THE RIVERSIDE OASIS
e man behind this riverside oasis is Richard King, who has owned Cooper's Landing since 2019. A longtime music venue operator and local advocate, King saw potential in the property while it was recovering from historic ooding that same year.
"When the water went down, I knew we could turn this into a place families would want to visit," King said. "We cleaned it up, removed abandoned vehicles, and worked to make it safe, friendly, and welcoming."
e result is a space that feels laid-back and local. From RV camping and tent spots to the two glamping tents (available year-round with fans in the summer and heaters in the winter), Cooper’s Landing makes good on King's vision to o er something for everyone.
While glamping is a newer addition, it's already become a popular choice for visitors looking to unplug without sacri cing comfort. "We had people asking for it," King said.
"And now, they come back again and again."
Cooper's Landing has also become a must-stop destination for bikers and hikers along the Katy Trail, o ering much-needed rest, food, and local avor. at local avor is literally on the menu with food trucks serving up everything from street tacos to BBQ, all run by entrepreneurs.
" e food trucks are all local vendors, and each one brings something unique," King said. "It's about celebrating the local community, musicians, chefs, artisans, and giving them a platform."
Music is a big part of that. ursday through Sunday, live performances bring blues, rock, folk, and jazz to the riverbank. Patrons lounge in camp chairs or dance in front of the stage as the sun sets.
BIG CHANGES
ere are some signi cant future changes in store for Cooper's Landing, which is only getting better. A new bathroom facility with restrooms and showers is expected to be completed by spring 2026. Even the gravel road leading to this destination is expected to get paved, improving access for RVs and campers.
King says he's most proud of how the space brings people together. "Whether it's families, campers, bikers, or music lovers, we want people to feel like this is their place, too."
Whether you're looking for a peaceful solo escape, a romantic riverside weekend, or a carefree evening with friends, Cooper's Landing delivers. Just bring your curiosity, your sense of adventure, and maybe a package of Oreos.
For more on Cooper's Landing, including upcoming music events and food truck schedules, visit cooperslandingmo.com.
A Family Vibe & Savory Steaks
Welcome to Jimmy’s Family Steakhouse.
BY BRANDON KNIGHT
When you walk into the Columbia restaurant, you’re instantly met with familiarity. Walking past the photos on the wall, it’s clear that this is a family establishment with a long legacy.
Jimmy Aslanidis was born in Greece to a family of tobacco farmers. When his family moved to the United States in 1966, they opened G&D Steakhouse, where Jimmy got his start in the family restaurant business at age 16. In 1991, Jimmy and his wife, Tina, opened Jimmy’s Family Steakhouse at 3101 S. Providence Trail on Columbia’s south side.
Now, at 74, Jimmy spends more than a hundred hours a week at the restaurant. He and Tina primarily work in the restaurant, and they are often the only two running the entire operation. e low overhead allows them to serve top ingredients, such as Angus beef.
“It is what I like to do and love to do. But really, I mention work, but I don’t like to use that word,” Jimmy said. “I love what I do, 110 hours a week,” he said.
Following Tina’s recommendations, I ordered an appetizer, side salad, steak, and a baked potato.
e salad had generous portions of freshly cut greens, tomatoes, onions, green peppers, and cheese — all of that topped with ranch dressing. (My discerning taste is quick to spot not-so-fresh vegetables, especially tomatoes. ese delights were quite fresh.)
e appetizers arrived before the heaping salad was nished. Many of the appetizers were on the platter, which were available to order separately. e dish included a variety of fried mushrooms, dumplings, mozzarella sticks, jalapeno poppers, mini fried tacos, and toasted ravioli. And of course, a side of homemade marinara sauce.
Typically, seeing this many one-o items fried together may raise a red ag. Flavors can sometimes intermingle with one another. However, to my surprise, nothing even shared a tinge of taste between the two. And everything was hot and crispy.
Junebug Photography: Where Pets Become Portraits
BY SUNITHA BOSECKER
IFrom Greece to Columbia, Jimmy has been serving more than just meals for 34 years. Scan the QR code to step inside.
n the heart of central Missouri, Junebug Photography has carved out a joyful niche — transforming beloved pets into timeless works of art. Specializing in studio and on-site pet portraiture, the studio is the creative venture of co-owners Trischa Splitter and Austin Johnson. eir mission is simple: to capture the personalities, quirks, and soul-deep connections that make animals an irreplaceable part of our lives.
e idea behind Junebug Photography began with a conversation. A friend encouraged Splitter, then a longtime photographer, to consider merging her love for animals with her passion for being behind the lens. What started as casual photo sessions in her home studio soon evolved into a full- edged business. e concept gained momentum quickly after she met Johnson, a photojournalist and fellow animal lover, during the True/False Film Fest. e two discovered a shared vision and decided to team up, creating a photography studio focused entirely on pets. e business draws its name and spirit from Junebug, a spirited rescue dog chosen by Splitter’s late father. Junebug, now the studio’s namesake and o cial mascot, represents the heart behind the venture: a deep reverence for animals and the joy they bring daily.
At Junebug Photography, sessions are tailored to accommodate pets of all kinds and temperaments. O erings range from 30-minute mini-sessions — ideal for solo pets — to full sessions featuring multiple backdrops and group shots. e studio also provides in-home and mobile sessions for animals who may feel more at ease in familiar surroundings. Since last August, their lenses have captured everything from dogs and cats to rabbits, rats, and reptiles.
Haydan Farnen came to Junebug to capture memories of her dog Queenie, hoping to document her life through every stage. What she received was far greater.
Pets aren’t just pets — they’re family. Scan the QR code to see how Junebug Photography captures that bond.
What did the recognition of being a 20 Under 40 winner mean to you,
and how would you describe the
experience?
Being named to the 2017 20 Under 40 list was one of the greatest honors of my life. What made it truly unforgettable wasn’t just seeing my business celebrated or even landing on the cover of the magazine (which was pretty great!) but getting to share the news with my grandfather. At that point, he was in the nal chapter of his life and living with dementia, but he was so proud of me.
He kept that magazine on his nightstand and showed it to every home health aide and visitor. He passed away the following year, but knowing he got to see that recognition meant more to me than words can express. He was the best grandpa in the world.
Equally meaningful was the community that formed among my 20 Under 40 peers. I am still dear friends with many of them today, and it’s been great to follow their career journeys since then!
— JESSIE YANKEE (Class of 2017)
It was a core memory. For many reasons, one being I felt very honored and seen for all of my hard work, but also because I got to go on stage and ask for a random audience member to give me $439 to be able to announce we met our fundraising goal lol! ( anks, Dr. Arminta, for making that crazy idea work.) It was my rst big photoshoot, I got to buy a killer vintage dress, and I got to send magazines to every relative who ever blessed my heart as a child
when I wouldn’t shut up. Look at me now! I met so many wonderful and inspiring people who do some crazy cool work. I hang out with a lot of them regularly. It’s insane to see these incredible people grow even more in the last year. Since then, several have gotten promotions or gone back to school to be even better and cooler! Just watching achievers achieve, man!
— ASHLEY
BURK SWITZER (Class of 2024)
To elaborate on Ashley Burk Switzer ‘s story (for the record, since you’re using this testimonial), the $439 was in contribution towards the 20 Under 40 Class of 2024’s fundraising goal to give back to the community. Ashley boldly and proudly appealed to the crowd to close the gap. Arminta Phelps and Achieve
Balance Chiropractic stepped up and BAM!! # reworks
As is the tradition of 20 Under 40, the classes give back to the community. at’s what I wish the public knew more about. It’s worth recognizing the good that comes out of this event, for sure!
— MICHELE CURRY (Class of 2022)
I was honored to be in the Class of 2021’s 20 under 40. I think the best part about being in this program is that you are building community with other people who are trying to make Columbia a better place. I have really treasured getting to know people, and building those relationships and those networking opportunities.
— TRENT RASH
(Class of 2021)