COMO Magazine | The Downtown Issue | May 2025

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PUBLISHING

David Nivens, Publisher david@comocompanies.com

Chris Harrison, Associate Publisher chris@comocompanies.com

EDITORIAL

Jodie Jackson Jr, Editor jodie@comocompanies.com

Kelsey Winkeljohn, Associate Editor kelsey@comocompanies.com

Karen Pasley, Contributing Copyeditor

DESIGN

Jordan Watts, Senior Designer jordan@comocompanies.com

MARKETING

Charles Bruce, Director of Client Relations charles@comocompanies.com

Kerrie Bloss, Account Executive kerrie@comocompanies.com

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Keith Borgmeyer, Columbia Parks and Recreation Department, Columbia Public Works Department, Rebecca Allen Photography, Trischa Splitter/Junebug Photography, State Historical Society of Missouri

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Casey Barwick, Beth Bramstedt, Barbara Bu aloe, Hoss Koetting, Jodie Jackson Jr, Fred Koenig, Natasha Myrick, Dianna Borsi O’Brien, Michelle Terhune, Emmi Weiner, Kelsey Winkeljohn.

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FEEDBACK

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Letter from the Associate Editor

The COMO Mojo: The Good, The Weird, The Unexpected

Back in March, I had the chance to visit one of my favorite U.S. cities: Austin, Texas. I’d been there a few times growing up, but since 2022, I’ve made it an annual tradition to visit my aunt, uncle, and cousins. Usually, these trips are all about the great outdoors — hiking, swimming, paddleboarding, and park strolls. is time, though, I was on dog-sitting duty while they jetted o to hit the slopes in Aspen. Luckily, my cousin, who’s my age, was available to join me.

And it ended up being a perfect mix of nature and nightlife.

As luck would have it, we were there during South by Southwest, which meant music events popped up all around, and the streets swarmed with people (and, randomly, a lone Texas Longhorn, but that’s a whole other story).

One of the best nights during my week there was at e Continental Club, a legendary venue known as “the granddaddy of live music spots” in Austin. Over the years, it’s hosted several iconic performers, including Robert Plant of Led Zeppelin, Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, and Kathy Valentine of the Go-Go’s, among other celebrity patrons. ough the venue felt a little small with the overwhelming audience turnout, the energy never dipped. People danced and sang along while an occasional person squeezed by, holding drinks in both hands.

Bitter’s bandmates were equally charming, and the guitar player practically had the audience eating out of his hand during his solos.

Later that week, on our way to Barton Springs, we had another unexpected experience: a driverless Uber. Yep, you heard that right. Technically, it was a Waymo, one of the self-driving cars that currently exist in only four U.S. cities. It felt like I had time-traveled to the year 2500 with an iPad-like console that let us start the ride, request stops, and play music. Sure enough, it yielded to cars, stopped at red lights (except for one …), and got us to our destination.

Of the several bands that played, we spent most of our time listening to Kimmi Bitter and the Westside Twang. e frontwoman, Kimmi Bitter, was the embodiment of country cowgirl meets ‘60s psychedelic rock. Now, full disclosure: I usually steer clear of country music (don’t come after me, y’all), but there was something about her rock-infused sound that I couldn’t resist.

Obviously, Austin is a massive city (“Everything is bigger in Texas,” right?), and it could swallow Columbia whole, outnumbering its population by nearly 800,000. But in many ways, the Texan city reminded me of home — especially downtown.

Take Rose Music Hall, for example. While maybe not as renowned as e Continental Club, it has a rich history of its own. Since 1999, it has hosted notable bands and artists like e Pixies, R.E.M., and Spoon (which, fun fact, is from Austin and has performed at e Continental Club, helping cement its reputation).

With both Austin and Columbia being college towns, there are a refreshing number of food trucks and other easy-to-grab snacks. For example, I couldn’t help but think of my beloved Pizza Tree while ordering a slice through Homeslice Pizza’s window. It made me realize that, in general, Austinites, like most Columbians, are more apt to embrace the local favorites than a national chain.

Of course, there are also the great trails, fun festivals like True/False and Austin City Limits, and a diverse food scene.

At any rate, it’s easy to romanticize a city when you’re just passing through for a week, but Austin’s energy, music, and love for all things local always remind me why I keep going back. e more I explored, the more I realized how much Columbia shares that same independent spirit — just on a smaller scale. Austin keeps things weird, and Columbia keeps things unexpected. at’s part of what makes both places feel like home in their own way.

ON THE COVER

KELSEY WINKELJOHN ASSOCIATE EDITOR kelsey@comocompanies.com

The Homeless Outreach Team (HOT): Officers Todd Rowland and Brad Anderson bring resources to Columbia’s streets. Photo by Keith Borgmeyer

COMO’S ADVISORY BOARD

Thank you to the Columbia Board of Realtors for hosting our quarterly advisory board meeting! We take pride in representing our community well, and we couldn’t do what we do without our COMO Magazine advisory board.

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

Kris Husted

Investigative Editor, NPR Midwest Newsroom

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.

Where History and Community Converge

The Armory is one of FDR’s ‘New Deal’ projects, and one of Columbia’s busiest spots.

BY EMMI WEINER

Nestled into the heart of downtown Columbia, the Armory’s meticulously maintained historical façade gives little hint to what it houses. Inside the Art Deco building is an essential part of the community: a third place.

A third place, a term coined by American sociologist Ray Oldenburg, is a place where people can go to socialize and connect with others outside of their home ( rst place) or workplace (second place). One of the key aspects of third places is there must be little or no nancial barrier.

“I would easily say that the Armory does this for people, like seniors and those other folks who come o the street who don’t have anything,” said Camren

Cross, community recreation manager at the Armory. Cross has managed programs at the Armory for more than twenty years.

With a name like the Armory, this building clearly has a past. It was built in 1938, during the New Deal construction boom, as a joint venture of the city of Columbia and the federal government for use as an armory for the National Guard. In 1993, the Armory was placed on the National Register of Historical Places. It underwent a thorough historical restoration in 2000. In that same year, the Armory was turned over in full to the city and became a community center.

Since then, the Armory’s sta has provided services for Columbians from all walks of life, focusing on creating space for at-risk youth and low-income residents. Cross tends to concentrate his programming on children.

“I’m always looking for programs for kids, hoping they can nd a passion. I’ve always said if a kid nds their passion earlier in life, that makes their parents’ job a whole lot easier,” Cross explained. “ ey’ll be involved with whatever that is. I don’t care if it’s piano, guitar, track and eld. … I wish kids would nd their passions earlier in life, because it’ll keep them busy doing good.”

Building photos courtesy of The State Historical Society of Missouri

While an ever-changing array of activities take place in the Armory, two more permanent programs call the building home. Both programs aim to help Columbians become active participants in the world around them by removing barriers to entry, although each focuses on a different population and mission. Both are a testament to the importance of centrally located community centers.

CoMo Bike Co-op

CoMo Bike Co-op has been operating out of the Armory since the program started in 2018. It offers low-cost bicycles and free repair services to city residents, particularly underserved adults who need a bike for daily transportation. Owning a bike can change a life and help someone get back on track.

No one knows that better than Janet Godon, a planner with the Columbia Parks and Recreation Department who spearheaded the program.

“Our bicycles are good gateway pieces of equipment to get you out into riding the trails and to think about riding to work,” said Godon.

To get involved:

CoMo Bike Co-op is open on the south side of the Armory every Monday between 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. for simple repairs, bike sales, and bike donations.

CARE

The Career Awareness Related Experience (CARE) program helps 14- to 20-year-olds in Columbia find summer jobs in local businesses. Program participants are paid directly by CARE, with no expense to business owners.

While CARE has been around since 1982, it moved into the Armory in 2012 to help save taxpayer funds on rent. What started as a move to save money has helped create a better service for the community, as Ron Schmidt, the program’s supervisor, can attest.

“We love the facilities here themselves, but the real main benefit is that there are teenagers in the community rec program that participate, and they see our program, and they apply and get jobs,” Schmidt said.

To get involved:

Teens looking for jobs and business owners looking to hire teens should contact Ron Schmidt at Ron. Schmidt@CoMo.gov or 573-874-6300.

e Armory’s location o ers a distinct advantage for kids who participate in its summer and after-school programs. anks to its proximity to city institutions and the walkability of downtown, there’s an opportunity to introduce kids to a variety of facets of local government and teach them to be engaged members of the community.

“We end up taking all these little walking eld trips,” Cross explained with pride. “ ey get to go over to the police station and the re station. ey get to check out the courthouse and City Hall. e newspaper is nearby, too. ere’s a lot of neat things that they get to see just because of where we are.”

Cross’s dedication to creating a better Columbia does not end with kids. e Armory also o ers a variety of classes and programs for adults that are either free or low cost. It is hard to imagine free programs these days, but they’re vital to creating such a special space.

“I want people to get around good people; you never know how that’ll a ect them,” Cross said. “ at happens a lot with our free tai chi group. We have people come in o the street to get a drink of water or out of the elements, and then they’ll see people doing slow martial arts–type stu and join in.”

While the Armory already o ers a variety of programs, any city resident can request or create a program.

“We do special events, we do sports, we do senior classes, youth classes, martial arts, and many other things like that,” Cross went on. “We’re always looking to try something new. If there’s a trend, it seems like it might work in the community.”

PUPPY

Chicken Pot Pie

• American Pit Bull Terrier

• Neutered male

• 3 years old

• Found as a stray, transferred in through Columbia Animal Control

Chicken Pot Pie is a sweet and silly guy! He really likes treats and will practically climb in your lap to get them. He needs a little TLC as he’s underweight, and his skin is a bit rough, but he will shine in the right home! His foster says, “Chicken is the sweetest guy ever! He is extremely loving, and all he wants to do is put his face in your lap and curl up. He much prefers treats and cuddles over playing with toys! Chicken is perfectly content to curl up on the couch and sleep all day long. He is very quiet, easygoing, and chill, and he loves to go on walks. He will be your shadow anywhere you go and is an amazing companion. He is a little bit shy with new people, but after a few pets, he warms up quickly! He will make someone so happy!”

Beverly

• Mastiff mix

• Spayed female

• 8 years old

• “Big sweetheart” found as a stray; no owner came forward

Beverly is a sweet, older gal. She’s ready to nd a great home where she’ll get plenty of TLC. She still has plenty of pep in her step despite her somewhat senior status! She has been diagnosed with heartworms and will undergo treatment as part of her adoption. e Central Missouri Humane Society not only provides all of its adoptable pets with basic veterinary care, but it also goes above and beyond to treat a diverse range of health issues, including heartworm treatment, fractures, dental work, amputations, chronic illness, and more.

adoption process

CMHS makes adopting a pet easy and stress-free. e process begins with a simple adoption interest survey, helping the team match you with the right pet. Once reviewed, you can schedule a meet-and-greet appointment or visit as a walk-in to interact with available animals. To minimize stress on the pets, a sta member will guide you through the adoption areas. When you’re ready to take your new pet home, CMHS o ers a convenient mobile checkout process, allowing you to complete the adoption via your phone. All necessary paperwork, including the adoption contract and medical history, will be emailed to you, making the transition smooth and hassle-free.

capital campaign

e Central Missouri Humane Society’s Give em Love capital campaign is a critical e ort to replace its aging shelter, which has deteriorated to the point where it is no longer safe for animals, sta , or the community. After decades of wear and tear, the current facility cannot meet the growing needs of the pets and people who rely on CMHS. Fortunately, the non-pro t has secured land for a new, state-of-the-art shelter that will provide a safer, healthier environment and allow it to expand its lifesaving programs. It is still in the silent phase of fundraising, working to secure major lead gifts to make this vision a reality. With the community’s support, CMHS can build a facility that truly re ects the compassionate care it provides every day.

foster program

CMHS relies on its robust foster care program to provide temporary homes for animals that are not yet ready for adoption, such as those recovering from illness, requiring socialization, or nurturing unweaned litters. Foster families o er these pets individualized care, which not only aids in their development, but also alleviates overcrowding at our shelter. Fostering plays a crucial role in our mission, ensuring that each pet receives the attention and care they deserve while awaiting their forever homes. It’s free to participate — CMHS provides the supplies, and fosters supply the love!

Meet Kennedy Dotson!

Medical Aesthetician, MU Plastic Surgery & Med Spa

Hello! My name is Kennedy Dotson, and I am the Medical Aesthetician at MU Plastic Surgery & Med Spa. A Central Missouri native, I began my aesthetics journey right here in Columbia before expanding my expertise in medical aesthetics in the Kansas City area. Now, I’m thrilled to be back home, bringing my passion for results-driven skincare to the MU team. I look forward to building relationships with my clients and combining advanced techniques with a personalized approach.

To learn more about Plastic Surgery and the Med Spa, visit muhealth.org/ locations/plasticsurgery-and-med-spa

Sing Your Heart Out, COMO

What to expect at Eastside’s Karaoke Nights.

BY KELSEY WINKELJOHN

If you’ve ever wandered downtown on a morning, you’ve probably witnessed the hustle — people juggling calls, scrambling to beat the tra c lights, checking their Apple Watches incessantly, and fueling up with a nice, hot cup of co ee before class or work. But when evening rolls around, downtown shifts gear. It’s as if everyone collectively exhales, ready to slow down, grab a drink, and soak in the community vibe.

at’s especially true at Eastside Tavern, or simply “Eastside,” a cozy, o beat bar that has been a downtown Columbia staple since 1997. For more than seven years, it’s hosted the city’s longest-running weekend karaoke, lling ursday through Saturday nights with music. With its classic horror memorabilia and eclectic crowd, Eastside is a place where di erent aesthetics and generations come together.

A MIC, A MELODY, AND A COMMUNITY

Gianni Vitale, singer of the local band Red Leader, is one of many Eastside regulars and a longtime xture in the karaoke scene.

“My rst time going to karaoke was back in college when I was out with my bandmates,” Vitale says. “By then, I’d been singing on stage for a while, but I really got into the habit of karaoke right after my wife and I separated. Eastside just became a place I went to regularly.”

Vitale has tried several karaoke spots around town, but he always returns to Eastside for the music, the crowd, and the welcoming vibe. It’s a place where he can do what he loves while developing genuine connections with others who share that same passion.

“I’ve de nitely built a network of friends [there],” he says. “We don’t really meet up or talk much outside of Eastside, but I know they’ll be there every week, so I just keep showing up. ere’s a community aspect to it.”

Step inside the bar, and you’ll likely see singers like Vitale playing musical chairs, bouncing between tables, initiating a friendly game of pool, and striking up conversations before their turn at the mic. Sometimes, even unexpected friendships form between people of di erent ages, backgrounds, and styles. Yet at Eastside, music bridges the gaps, uniting everyone in the room.

SINGING THROUGH THE STAGE FRIGHT

When it comes to his song of choice, Vitale keeps things engaging. One night, he might channel Sinatra; another, he could be belting out System of a Down, Damien Rice, or Deftones. His song always depends on his mood. If he could share the stage with anyone, dead or alive, it would be the legendary Freddie Mercury — his ultimate dream duet partner.

But no matter what Vitale sings or how much stage experience he has, one thing never changes: the nerves.

“Every single time, I have to hype myself back up for it,” he admits.

As a child, Vitale struggled with speaking and took speech classes to learn how to pronounce words and communicate in front of others. Even now, performing is something during which he often dissociates, but he nds the act of singing deeply freeing — an outlet for the raw emotion that shines through during his performances.

“Once they call my name, I just take a deep breath. I grab the microphone, and I’m like, ‘Okay, what’s my angle? How am I going to sing this song?’”

Occasional singer and audience member Stephanie Mayse says Eastside’s welcoming environment helps ease stage fright.

“ ey [Eastside attendees] don’t care what kind of person you are or where you came from. Everyone there is like family. You don’t have to be self-conscious,” she says.

While Mayse is less frequent with her attendance and performing than Vitale — usually once every few weeks — she still

takes note of the unspoken etiquette that exists among the audience and the singers. Regardless of whether the singer has the prowess of Adele or Beyoncé or seems more suited for singing alone in the shower, the audience generally claps and cheers for everyone. ere’s an understanding that the singer is likely performing a song that holds personal signi cance for them, and they have taken the brave step of getting on stage in front of everyone.

“If you’re con dent, people will love what you’re doing. Even if you’re not a very good singer,” Mayse notes.

She also says that attending karaoke with a group of friends can alleviate any anxiousness, as it’s common for the singers’ friends (and other audience members) to surround the stage and cheer for them or dance and sing along.

“You get to feel like a rockstar when you’re on the stage.”

Vitale adds to this sentiment, saying that if you’re afraid to sing but really want to get up there, duets are a great way to overcome your fear. However, you should be careful about going up after a duet, he jokes.

“ ere was a couple that did a duet together [one night], and at the end of it, the man proposes, and she says yes,” he recalls. “Everyone’s like, ‘Woo-hoo!’ and cheering. And next up, it’s me, and I’m singing “B.Y.O.B.” by System of a Down. I’m like, ‘What a terrible way to follow this magical moment.’”

A NIGHT TO REMEMBER

Moments like that are part of what makes Eastside’s karaoke nights so memorable, from heartfelt lyrics to more raucous rock anthems to surprise proposals.

If you’re eager to get on stage, it’s best to arrive at Eastside Tavern around opening time — 8 p.m. — and sign up early, as the mic stays hot on weekends. But even if you’re just there to listen, you’ll nd yourself swept up in the music, a medley of drinks, the company, and the kind of atmosphere that makes a night out feel like a shared experience rather than just a stop along the way.

At Eastside, the music never stops, and neither do the good times. ere’s always a song waiting to be sung and a crowd ready to cheer you on.

God as Father and Mother

What attributes of God do you need right now?

BY BETH BRAMSTEDT

“ Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name …” is is a common line from scripture, one you have probably heard many times throughout your life. It is the beginning of the Lord’s Prayer. I remember memorizing this passage when I was a child. It brought me comfort and a sense of stability about God’s role in my life and the world.

It was so foundational, in fact, that without realizing it, I began most of my prayers with “Dear God” or “Dear Lord,” leaning on God as father.

rough the years I have drawn strength from the images of God as father. He is my protector, my provider. He stands as my shield when I feel vulnerable and attacked. He keeps a roof over my head and provides me with manna from heaven. He leads me beside the still water and restores my soul.

It is less often that I have thought about God as mother.

While I know logically that God transcends gender — that men and women were both created in his image — I have still tended to picture God as male.

In a conversation with a friend who recently lost her mother, she mentioned needing God to ll the void her mother left. She was nding comfort and peace meditating on the more feminine or motherly aspects of God.

She has been drawn to the illustrations of being comforted by God as God comforts his children. Pictures of God lifting infants to his cheek or bending down to feed them. Being gathered by God under his wings like a mama hen gathers her chicks.

With two granddaughters and a new great-nephew in my life, all age 2 or younger, I have had lots of opportunities to watch young mothers model these attributes of God with their babies. It is precious.

e book of Isaiah even uses childbirth metaphors to describe attributes of God.

Isaiah 42:14 says, “For a long time I [God] have kept silent, I have been quiet and held myself back. But now, like a woman in childbirth, I cry out, I gasp and pant.”

And Isaiah 49:15 says, “Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has born? ough she may forget, I [God] will not forget you!”

Canadian minister Shiao Chung likes these verses for their compassionate and faithful portrayal of God. “ ey remind us that God is beyond gender; the gender pronouns are simply metaphors to help us understand God who is always beyond our full understanding.”

We can describe God using feminine terms, not because God is a woman, but because feminine and maternal traits say something true about God. e same can be said of masculine and paternal images for God.

One of my favorite descriptions of God is as an Ezer. e Hebrew word Ezer means a helper, rescuer, or strong aid. Someone who comes to the rescue when people call for help. When Israel cried out to God in the Old Testament, he was their Ezer. eir protector and rescuer.

Ezer is also the word God uses to describe Eve in Genesis. She is created as Adam’s Ezer, his suitable helper and strong aid.

As we honor and celebrate mothers this month, whether you are a man or woman, I encourage you to re ect on how God ministers to you as a mother.

• How is God at work cultivating your life and tending to you?

• How do you see God nurturing your soul?

• How does God scoop you up, hold you close, and feed you?

• Where do you need God to come to your aid?

May you feel God’s presence this Mother’s Day!

Beth Bramstedt is the Church Life Pastor at Christian Fellowship.

Mayoral Reflections: Public Service Belongs to All of Us

BY BARBARA BUFFALOE

It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve as the mayor of Columbia for the past three years — and now, thanks to the trust of our community, I’m grateful for the opportunity to serve again. Running for o ce is never a simple endeavor. It’s full of early mornings, long nights, tough questions, and deep re ection. But it’s also full of conversations that give me hope, ideas that spark possibility, and a renewed appreciation for what makes Columbia such a special place.

roughout the campaign, I heard directly from many of you — at the doors, at events, and even in the grocery store aisle — about your priorities and concerns. Whether it was public safety, the pace of growth, the cost of housing, or the future of our climate and infrastructure, these issues are not just political talking points. ey’re real challenges that shape our everyday lives, and I carry those conversations with me as I prepare for this next chapter of service.

I want to recognize and thank both of my opponents, Tanya Heath and Blair Murphy, for the thoughtful, respectful campaigns they ran. is election gave voters clear choices, but it never turned negative.

at’s a testament to the kind of community we are — and the kind of leadership Columbia deserves.

I know that not everyone cast their vote for me, and I want to be clear: I am here to serve all of Columbia. Every neighborhood, every household, every voice matters. is is how democracy works best — not just through elections, but in how we show up for each other every day afterward.

Looking back, I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together. From foundational investments in infrastructure and affordable housing to launching our O ce of Violence Prevention and starting our own police academy, we’ve taken concrete steps to make Columbia a safer and more equitable city. We modernized our waste collection system (roll carts!!), resumed curbside recycling, and supported our hardworking city employees with much-needed raises.

We also stood rm in our values, a rming the importance of diversity, equity, and inclusion at a time when these ideals are being challenged across the country. Columbia showed up — again and again — to be a place where everyone belongs.

Looking forward, I see so much opportunity. I remain committed to advancing

renewable energy, energy e ciency, and climate resilience to ensure Columbia is prepared for the future. I want to see continued investment in a ordable housing and support for the arts, culture, and public spaces that help make our city vibrant and welcoming. And I will keep working to ensure our local government is strong, transparent, and supportive of the incredible public servants who make it all run.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that public service doesn’t only belong to elected o cials. It belongs to all of us. Whether you serve on a board or commission, volunteer at your child’s school, or help a neighbor shovel snow, you are contributing to the Columbia we all want to see.

I’m here, ready to keep working, listening, and collaborating. ank you for this opportunity. And thank you for being a community worth ghting for. Let’s keep building it together.

Barbara Bu aloe is currently serving her second term in o ce as the mayor of Columbia.

Photo by Rebecca Allen Photography

bluegrass events.

Presented by

Don’t fiddle around, head to America’s #1 Theme Park—Silver Dollar City, May 14 - 26, for Bluegrass & BBQ! Hear performances from award-winning artists like Rhonda Vincent & The Rage, Authentic Unlimited, The Po’ Ramblin’ Boys, Amanda Cook Band and many more. Plus, mouthwatering BBQ goodness with the nation’s boldest BBQ flavors for lunch, dinner and in between sets. Plan your visit today and get the most up-to-date listing of performers at silverdollarcity.com

Amanda Cook Band

Asian Chicken Salad

BY HOSS KOETTING

The o cial beginning of summer is just around the corner. Before you know it, Memorial Day will be here, the pools will all be open, school will be out, and the season will be in full swing. And, inevitably, we’ll be invited to the old summer favorite: a picnic.

Picnics conjure up all sorts of images, and everyone has their own perception of a “good” picnic. I personally have some pretty stringent parameters about what makes a good picnic. First and foremost, the temperature cannot exceed 85 degrees. Let’s face it, having sweat drip o your nose while trying to eat just isn’t pleasant! I know that we can’t control Mother Nature, but please refrain from late July and August dining al fresco.

Secondly, there is a good reason that tables and chairs were invented — they’re far more comfortable than sitting on the ground. So when planning an outdoor event, make sure that there is adequate seating for all.

irdly, and most importantly, the menu should be carefully planned. ere’s nothing more disappointing and frustrating than discovering that the entrée du jour is some overdone puck of a burger or a hot dog the diameter of your nger. I suppose that I’m a bit of a food snob, but there is a level of appropriate preparation for menus tting any budget. Just make sure that you start with good-quality products and prepare to achieve their maximum potential. A well-prepared burger beats a poorly prepared steak any day.

Finally, follow the credo of the food service business — keep hot things hot and cold things cold, especially potentially hazardous foods (mayo, dairy-based products, meats, and so on). Aunt Hilda may make fantastic deviled eggs, but if they sit out too long in the heat, they may make you feel like where the devil lives!

Here’s a recipe for a di erent style of chicken salad that holds up well.

DRESSING INGREDIENTS

• 1/2 c. vegetable oil

• 1/4 c. rice wine vinegar

• 3 tbsp. soy sauce

• 2 tsp. sesame oil

• 3 tbsp. honey

• 1 tbsp. minced fresh garlic

• 1 tbsp. peeled, grated fresh ginger

Jim “Hoss” Koetting is a retired restaurateur/chef who enjoys gardening, good food, good bourbon, and good friends.

• 1/2 tbsp. toasted sesame seeds

• 2 tsp. sea salt

• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

SALAD INGREDIENTS

• 1 lb. cooked chicken meat

• ½ c. bias-sliced green onions

• ¼ c. sliced water chestnuts, peanuts, almonds, or cashews

• ½ c. bias-sliced celery

• 1 c. snow peas cut into 1-inch lengths

• Other crisp veggies you like (optional)

DIRECTIONS

1. Mix the dressing ingredients.

2. Toss dressing with chicken and veggies.

3. Enjoy!

COOKIN’ WITH HOSS COMO

Downtown Dining DISHING ON

If ‘healthy’ makes you hesitant, consider these scrumptious selections.

BY NATASHA MYRICK

When it comes to downtown dining, there are plentiful options for a variety of palates. But are there enough choices for people with food allergies or speci c diets such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten free? Happily the answer is “yes,” and they’re served alongside a healthy helping of community spirit.

Say ‘Hello’ to Healthy Kalle LeMone, owner of Nourish Café and Market, says that people who are hesitant to try Nourish because it’s known as a “healthy food place” are pleasantly surprised. e café cooks with ingredients made from scratch, a lot of fresh herbs, and plenty of seasonings. For those looking for healthful, environmentally friendly dishes, Nourish sources all organic ingredients, including organic, single-origin olive oil. It buys local products from over 30 di erent farmers and vendors and even makes its almond milk in house.

LeMone’s favorite dishes are the avocado toast and the sunshine bowl with curry chicken salad. What makes Nourish’s avocado toast so special is that it uses organic, gluten-free sourdough bread with zero preservatives. e toast is topped with organic avocados, drizzled with lemon tahini sauce, then sprinkled with cilantro and pasture-raised local feta. Organic, nutrient-dense food is important to LeMone because she has experienced rsthand how much it bene ts her hormones, mood, skin, and energy.

Even beyond the food, Nourish pays close attention to every detail of its practices, using eco-friendly containers and paying for food scraps to be composted back into the soil. Nourish boasts natural light in its restaurant and a comfortable, petfriendly patio. Parking can be a concern for some interested in dining downtown. However, parking decks are free for the rst hour, and there is one located only fty feet behind the restaurant.

LeMone appreciates the people-centered vibe of having a business downtown, adding, “I love being downtown — there is something special about being in a city. People downtown are out walking more, and it feels more like a community.”

Want Delicious and Nutritious? Ask the Expert Dieticians consider Nourish a good option for people with dietary restrictions and food allergies. “You don’t have to compromise taste for nutrition,” says local dietitian Ashley Van Doren.

When it comes to a delicious, nutrient-dense choice downtown, Van Doren recommends the ai peanut chicken salad from Addison’s. e salad starts with a bed of mixed greens, tomatoes, and carrots, which packs a lot of vitamins and minerals. e greens are then topped with crispy chicken strips laced with a sweet-and-spicy peanut sauce that Van Doren nds to be a fun source of protein with a crunch.

Van Doren’s favorite place to eat downtown is ai Express. It is a smaller restaurant tucked back o the Ninth Street alley.

Avocado Toast from Nourish Café & Market

She’s a fan of the restaurant’s yellow curry and pineapple fried rice. “I want them to stay open for forever, so please go,” she urges. Van Doren also frequents Hokkaido because of the “amazing ramen and sushi.” Hokkaido has selections that work for people with food allergies.

If, on the other hand, you’re looking for a good slice of pizza, she recommends Pizza Tree. ey have the most unique avors,” Van Doren says, such as kimchi pizza and mac and cheese pizza. e restaurant o ers pizza by the slice and a rotating menu to keep things fresh and interesting.

Van Doren says that a good lunch spot for those with dietary restrictions is Main Squeeze, which recently restarted its food service. e restaurant’s menu, packed with organic and locally sourced ingredients, caters to those with vegan and vegetarian diets. For good date night spots, she recommends Endwell Taverna or Sycamore. For a good spot to hang out with friends, she recommends Delia’s Mexican Grill because they have really good margaritas. Günter Hans is another place she suggested for having a night out with friends because of their delicious apps such as their pretzels, and they o er bingo and trivia nights.

“We have a really unique downtown given the size of Columbia; a really thriving downtown and a lot of small businesses,” Van Doren notes. “We are really fortunate in Columbia to have so many places that cater to so many di erent cultures, food allergies, etc. Instead of getting Domino’s or another chain, go try a downtown small business instead.”

Come for the Chow, Stay for the Community Feels at's a suggestion Mark Sulltrop, owner and executive chef of 44 Canteen, would no doubt endorse. Like LeMone of Nourish, he says he enjoys having a location downtown. Sulltrop is grateful to be right next to e Blue Note and has good neighbors, which gives downtown such a great community feel.

“We try to have a good variety and have something for everybody when they come — our focus is craft beer/

cocktails and casual food,” he says. e eatery is also expanding its mocktail menu to o er more interesting drinks for people who don’t consume alcohol. While it does not have a separate frier or kitchen for those with food sensitivities, 44 Canteen does make adjustments if requested.

e top sellers are typically the sh tacos and the walking steak taco; instead of being in a bag, it is in taco form. e walking steak taco is generally o ered seasonally, as the restaurant uses only fresh, local tomatoes — along with Boulevard Brewery IPA-marinated steak, seasoned tortilla strips, and house-made crema sauce — to craft the dish.

44 Canteen’s tacos are not your typical Tex-Mex fare. While the restaurant serves street tacos with some classically authentic ingredients, its chefs put their own spin on tacos as well. For example, they do a Philly steak taco made with their IPA -marinated steak and house-made queso. Sulltrop says they try to add a twist to everything they do while utilizing as many local products as possible.

Amanda Elliott, co-owner, chef, and “vibe check operator” of Beet Box, is another restaurateur who loves the energy of being downtown.

“When you group businesses and dining options into a walkable distance from one another, it creates a whole experience and vibe that is more interactive and lively,” she says. While Beet Box doesn’t claim to specialize in dietary restrictions, many of its staples can be made gluten free by just swapping out a wrap for a bowl. e hummus bowl and the falafel are good choices for a vegetarian or vegan diet. e specials are usually their most popular dishes, followed by the hummus bowl and the chicken shawarma. Downtown Columbia boasts a wide variety of locally owned and operated dining options. e hospitality pros at these establishments know that part of creating an inviting atmosphere for everyone is making sure patrons with dietary restrictions don’t miss out. Because as much as local restaurant owners appreciate having regular customers, they’re always looking to welcome new ones into the family.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF A...

Homeless Outreach Offi cer

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.

Officers Brad Anderson and Todd Rowland make up the Columbia Police Department’s Homeless Outreach Team (HOT).

Please give us a brief description of your position and responsibilities.

Brad: Assist the community in dealing with homeless issues both private and public. Conduct both outreach and law enforcement activities. Assist homeless individuals — those who want help — by referring them to di erent types of service through the DIVERT program.

Todd: My primary responsibilities include assisting the homeless population with obtaining services through our social services partners or by using DIVERT. Also conduct law enforcement duties on private and city or state-owned land when issues of homelessness occur.

What’s your background: where you grew up, went to school, how

connected were you with Columbia before joining the CPD?

Brad: Fort Madison, Iowa; U.S. Army. Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, Missouri.

Todd: I was born in Kansas City, Missouri and grew up in Je erson City. I went to Helias High School and Columbia College. Prior to my job in law enforcement, I would visit occasionally but had no ties to the city.

In what ways do your homeless outreach duties differ from other areas of police work in Columbia?

Brad: Our focus is mainly on homeless issues in Columbia, but when needed we assist other o cers with patrol calls.

Todd: A regular patrol o cer deals with a variety of calls for service, whereas we mainly deal with the homeless population and their needs. It’s our understanding that you help homeless individuals connect with services through the DIVERT program. Can you explain what that is?

Brad: DIVERT is a web-based application. Once a subject is identi ed and is wanting assistance, their information is entered into the DIVERT program. We identify what a subject’s needs are, like housing, mental health resources, drug or alcohol abuse support, medical care, and so on, and we enter this information into DIVERT. e information is then forwarded to the city of Columbia Department of Public Health & Human Services. A representative from that department then reaches out to the subject and refers them to various organizations for assistance depending on the need.

What does a “typical” day look like for the homeless outreach team? (We’re guessing not much is “typical,” but maybe it is?)

Brad: We make daily checks of areas throughout Columbia where homeless subjects are known to congregate or camp. We take complaints of homeless subjects trespassing on both public and private property. We take law enforcement action when necessary.

Todd: Checking areas where prior complaints of homeless issues have been made. is includes taking complaints from private property owners, as well as from city and state community partners.

How do you make the distinction between panhandling and being homeless?

Brad: From our experience, most of our panhandlers are homeless. ere are a few who will panhandle for a short period of time and then move on to where they are trying to get to.

Todd: From my experience, most if not all of the people I have spoken to

that panhandle are homeless. ere is only maybe one instance of a couple that I have had contact with that panhandle but weren’t homeless.

Give us an example or two of challenges or situations that required innovative or outsidethe-box thinking to come up with solutions.

Brad: I cannot help someone who is not willing to help themselves. It is a vicious cycle. We are running into the same subjects over and over again. ese individuals have tried to utilize the many services provided, but prefer to stay homeless because of the independence.

Todd: It is challenging every time you are dealing with someone who is homeless, and they don’t want help but continue to violate the law. at is the biggest challenge I have seen. ere are some who will use every excuse to not use the resources or services we have to o er them, but continue to do the things we ask them not to do.

Tell us about something that happened that made your day; something that inspired or encouraged you.

Brad: Recently one homeless subject who has been living on the streets for over twenty years nally got housing.

Todd: We have had a few people that we have dealt with for many years get housing and guardians that are going to help them stay o the streets.

What were your career aspirations? What did you want to be when you were growing up, and when did you find your career path?

Brad: I initially joined the U.S. Army to be in satellite communications, but there were no openings, so I went with my second option and eventually became a military police o cer. It has been my career path ever since then. I have been a police o cer for more than thirty years — twenty-four of them with CPD.

Todd: I grew up wanting to be an athlete. I grew up loving sports,

especially hockey. But I soon realized a career in the NHL was not going to happen. As I got older, I had the thought that working in law enforcement would be fun, so I explored that option.

What’s the first distraction that came your way today?

Brad: I wouldn’t call it a distraction. I was checking some private property for a reported homeless camp and found a couple of subjects hidden at the end of a road living in their vehicle. ey recently lost their home, and I DIVERT’d them.

THIS is non-negotiable. You won’t be distracted from doing THIS. What is THIS?

Brad: I won’t get distracted while backing up another o cer on a call. is is all about o cer safety in this profession.

Todd: Doing my job and helping my fellow o cers.

What attracted you to working for the city of Columbia?

Brad: Larger organization, di erent opportunities, pay, and retirement.

Todd: I felt it was my best opportunity of the choices I had for law enforcement at the time I went through the academy.

What do your friends not understand about what you do?

Brad: e patience it takes to deal with di cult people.

Todd: How di cult police work is and that they probably don’t understand what the job is like unless they were to have actually done it.

What do you do to unwind in the evening, and what time is bedtime?

Brad: I spend time walking my dogs, watch a little TV, or play video games every once in a while. 9:30 p.m. is bedtime.

Todd: I spend time with my wife and the dogs. Watch sports or movies, etc. I usually go to bed around 10:30 p.m.

(Re)Discover COMO

Art in the Park

Art in the Park, which began in 1959, is one of the oldest and largest ne arts festivals in mid-Missouri. e festival features artists from across the United States displaying a variety of media, including painting, drawing, photography, pottery, jewelry, bers, sculpture, wood, and glass. e 2025 edition of Art in the Park is set for June 7 and 8 at Stephens Lake Park. Families can enjoy a unique experience in arts, hands-on activities, live music, and entertainment, while nding special gifts and keepsakes. ere’s also a Kid's Art Spot for designing a tie-dye t-shirt, having their face painted, or starting their own art collections.

Art in the Park is organized by Columbia Art League, and entrance is free thanks to the generosity of the event’s sponsors.

Hindman Junction (MKT and Katy Trails)

Columbia’s MKT Trail converges with the iconic, 225-mile statewide Katy Trail at Hindman Junction, 8.9 miles from the MKT’s downtown trailhead. e inter-

section and resting spot was named in honor of Darwin Hindman, a cycling enthusiast who served as Columbia mayor from 1995 to 2010 — the longest tenure of any mayor in the city’s history. Hindman Junction was dedicated in 1995 and was refurbished as recently as four years ago, when new informational panels were installed. Former State Rep. Chris Kelly called Hindman “a true champion for that great American idea of public places for public purpose” and cited the signi cant impact of the MKT and Katy trails at the panel installation event. He also noted that without Hindman’s relentless advocacy for the Katy Trail, the rails to trails movement — and the MKT Trail — might not have happened. e main trailhead at 101 S. Fourth St. was part of the Flat Branch area’s revitalization under former City Manager Ray Beck. ere are also trailheads at 501 S. Providence, 800 W. Stadium, 2701 Forum Boulevard, and 3662 Scott Boulevard. is 10-foot-wide trail, built on the old railbed of the MKT railroad, is an allweather, crushed limestone surface providing opportunities for walking, jogging, running, and bicycling. e city’s 4.7-mile MKT links to Boone County’s 4.2

miles of trails at the southwest edge of the city at Scott Boulevard.

Some other trail amenities include tness stations at the Stadium and Forum trailheads, drinking fountains, the Forum Nature Area and trail, the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at Battle Garden, and play elds at the Scott Boulevard access.

John William“Blind” Boone Home

e historic Blind Boone Home and Event Center at 10 N. Fourth St. will mark the 161st birthday of John William “Blind” Boone on May 17. e two-story Victorian home of John and Eugenia Boone is historically signi cant as the home of one of America’s greatest musicians and a symbol in Columbia of African American achievement at the turn of the 20th century.

In his lifetime, Boone overcame blindness, poverty, and discrimination to become a renowned composer and concert pianist. His musical compositions provided a direct link between traditional African American music, classical music, and the music that came to be known as ragtime. Historians of jazz and ragtime are increasingly recognizing Boone’s seminal role in the evolution of American music.

e Boone Home is an important destination on Columbia's African American Heritage Trail. e historic Second Missionary Baptist Church, built in 1893, is adjacent to the home. Whether hosting a wedding, a private party, or a corporate event or meeting, the Blind Boone home provides one of the most distinctive venues in central Missouri.

(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-so-newcomers and longtime residents can ... rediscover.

Photo by Beth Bramstedt

WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

MIKE MESSER SHELTER INSURANCE

LEEANN CRAVENS MANOR ROOFING & RESTORATION

JEREMY M c KENZIE TINT BY TOALSON

NATE ANDERSON

ROST LANDSCAPING

SPRING STORM SEASON PREP FOR YOUR HOME’S EXTERIOR

By Leeann Cravens lcravens@exploremanor.com

Spring brings warmer temperatures, blooming flowers, and, unfortunately, unpredictable storms that can wreak havoc on your home’s exterior. Preparing your house for storm season is crucial to prevent costly damage and ensure your home remains in top condition. Here’s what Manor recommends to keep your roof, gutters, windows, doors, and siding ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

ROOF

Your Home’s First Line of Defense

Your roof takes the brunt of heavy rain, hail, and strong winds, making it essential to inspect it before and after storm season. Look for missing, curling, or damaged shingles, as these weak points can lead to leaks and water infiltration. Flashing around chimneys, vents, and skylights should be secure and free of cracks. It’s also wise to inspect your attic for any signs of moisture or daylight peeking through, which could indicate hidden damage.

GUTTERS

Keeping Water Flowing Away from Your Home

Gutters play a crucial role in directing rainwater away from your home’s foundation, preventing erosion, basement flooding, and siding damage. Before storm season, clean out leaves, twigs, and other debris that may have accumulated over winter. Check for sagging, cracks, or loose fasteners, as faulty gutters can lead to water spilling over and pooling around your home. Downspouts should extend at least three to five feet away from your foundation to prevent water damage. If

you live in an area prone to heavy storms, consider installing gutter guards to minimize debris buildup and ensure proper drainage year-round.

WINDOWS AND DOORS

Sealing Out the Storm

Strong winds and heavy rain can exploit even the smallest gaps around windows and doors. Inspect seals and weatherstripping for wear and tear, replacing any that are brittle or cracked. Ensure windows close tightly and check for any drafts that may indicate a loose seal. If you have older windows, consider upgrading to impactresistant or storm windows for extra protection. Doors should have sturdy thresholds and secure locks to withstand wind pressure.

SIDING

LEEANN CRAVENS

WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

Leeann Cravens is the Chief Operating Officer of Manor Roofing & Restoration, where she leads operations with a focus on efficiency, team development, and exceptional customer experience. With a passion for growth and innovation, she’s helping shape the future of residential and commercial construction in her community.

573.445.4770 | exploremanor.com

for signs of rot or water damage that could weaken its integrity. Regularly cleaning your siding can also help you spot potential issues early.

Your home deserves the best protection, and that starts with a comprehensive, professional inspection from Manor. Our expert team will thoroughly assess your roof and exterior, identifying any potential issues before they become costly problems.

• Residential & Commercial Inspections

Shielding Your Home from the Elements

Your home’s siding protects against wind, rain, and debris, making it essential to keep it in top shape before storm season arrives. Walk around your home and inspect for any loose, cracked, or warped panels. If you have vinyl siding, ensure all pieces are securely attached, as high winds can cause loose sections to tear away. For wood and cement siding, check

• Detailed, Honest Assessments

• Completely Complimentary

– No Obligation

Don’t wait for leaks or damage to surprise you. Stay ahead with a trusted inspection that gives you peace of mind for a lifetime. Contact Manor today to schedule your free, no-hassle inspection!

HOW MUCH RENTERS INSURANCE COVERAGE

DO YOU NEED?

By Mike Messer MMesser@ShelterInsurance.com

Apartments in downtown areas are very popular. Here in Columbia, many new apartment properties have been built over the last decade. In downtown areas, renters are typically exposed to more risks—especially robbery. Fire danger in any apartment building is very real as well. Recently in Independence, Missouri, a cooking fire that started in one apartment resulted in the entire building being burned down. What would you do if you lost all your personal belongings in a fire like that? Or if you were robbed? Imagine your couch, TV, gaming system, laptop, clothes…everything gone as result of a fire or burglary. Could you afford to buy it all again brand new?

Many renters believe their landlord’s insurance will cover them in these situations. However, most of the time renters are not covered by the landlord's insurance policy. In general, it's the tenant's responsibility to obtain the correct coverage. Here's how you can get started:

1. Calculate the value of your belongings. Choosing the appropriate amount of coverage is important. Figure out how much money it would take to replace your personal items before you get a renters' insurance quote. This information will come in handy if your possessions are damaged in a fire or stolen. One of the best ways to do this is to take inventory of your personal property by making a video recording of the contents in your apartment to help itemize and estimate the total value of your belongings. Keep your receipts as well, and ask about the difference between replacement cost and actual cash value.

2. Get a renters insurance quote. Contact an insurance agent to get a quote. If you buy your renters insurance policy from the same company you bought your auto policy through, there’s a good chance you’ll qualify for a discount.

3. Find a reliable, secure place to save your inventory list/video outside of your home. Storing your inventory list, video or pictures electronically is a good option if you have a secure location. Consider online storage so you can access them at any time or think about renting a safety deposit box.

4. Keep your list and coverage amount up-to-date. As you purchase new things to fill your place, you'll want to increase your personal property value, so keep track of your purchases and save receipts. If you've accumulated more than $5,000 in additional items, consider increasing your insurance coverage. You can do this at any time— you don't have to wait until it's time to renew your policy.

WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

MIKE MESSER AIC, LUTCFSHELTER INSURANCE ® ®

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.

Liability

An unexpected benefit of renters insurance is that it may help with liability for certain covered situations. What if a guest is hurt while visiting you? Can you afford the cost of a liability lawsuit? That's when a renters insurance policy can come in handy. You might be surprised at how affordable it is, too. Whether you’re renting for the first time, renting because you just moved to a new city and aren’t ready to buy a house, or you’re downsizing—as a renter, you need renters insurance.

Note: All coverage is subject to your policy provisions. Some types of property are not covered at all, and some types of losses are not covered. The policy purchased and the facts of each claim will control coverage. This article may not show all coverages that are available, or it may show discontinued coverages. In the event of a conflict between the policy purchased and this article, the policy’s provisions will prevail.

THE CLEAR BENEFITS OF WINDOW TINTING — FROM PRIVACY TO PROTECTION

By Jeremy McKenzie tintbytoalsonllc@gmail.com

In downtown Columbia, glass is everywhere, showcasing the charm of our historic buildings, inviting natural light into loft apartments, and drawing customers into local businesses. But that beautiful transparency comes with a few trade-offs: heat, glare, fading furniture, and less privacy. The good news? Window tinting offers a smart, subtle solution that enhances comfort and protects your space without blocking your view.

At Tint by Toalson, we specialize in architectural window film for both commercial and residential properties. This is a cost-effective upgrade that offers long-term benefits.

Privacy Without Losing Personality

Downtown living often means you’re just a sidewalk away from passersby, neighboring buildings, and street traffic. Window tinting offers privacy without forcing you to close the blinds on natural light. Reflective or decorative films can block views from outside during the day, keeping your interior open, bright, and secure. For businesses, privacy is just as important — especially in offices, conference rooms, or waiting areas. Frosted or patterned decorative films are an elegant way to divide spaces or create stylish glass partitions, offering privacy while maintaining a modern, welcoming look.

Reduce Glare and Heat — Boost Comfort and Energy Savings

Large windows can mean hot spots and harsh glare, especially in buildings with southern or western exposure. Window film

evens out room temperatures, making sun-soaked offices or owner-occupied downtown homes more comfortable year-round. (And if you rent downtown? It’s worth asking your landlord. Some property owners are open to it for the energy savings alone.)

By reducing solar heat gain, window tinting can lower energy costs by up to 30% — a big deal for downtown buildings where HVAC systems are working overtime.

Protect Your Space and What’s Inside It

Sunlight does more than warm a room. It fades furniture, flooring, and merchandise. Our films block 99% of harmful UV rays, helping preserve the integrity of your interiors. That means your leather couch, custom rugs, or storefront displays stay vibrant longer.

JEREMY M c KENZIE OWNER

WHAT THE HOME PROS KNOW

Jeremy is a Columbia native who has lived many different places including abroad until finally making his way back home and purchasing Tint by Toalson in 2016. We continue with the small familyowned business mindset that made Toalson such a well-known name in the Columbia community and always provide completely free estimates.

(573) 443-8468

Tintbytoalsonllc@gmail.com

Enhance Your Look with Low-Maintenance Style

Security window films are another wise investment for downtown buildings. They strengthen the glass, holding shattered pieces together if broken — similar to a car windshield. In the event of break-ins, flying debris, or vandalism, this added layer can slow intruders and reduce injury risks.

From subtle, neutral tones to bold reflective finishes, you can choose a film that complements your building’s exterior and boosts its curb appeal. We offer tints and finishes to suit every style, whether you’re preserving the charm of a historic façade or adding sleek flair to a modern storefront.

Downtown Columbia has character, and your windows should reflect that — without letting in all the heat and glare. Contact Tint by Toalson for a free consultation and let us help you enhance your space with window film that’s as functional as it is beautiful.

CUSTOM LANDSCAPING FOR A CUSTOM HOME

By Nate Anderson Find more at rostlandscaping.com

Building a custom home can be exciting, but it also comes with months of making decision after decision. From the construction to the interior design, we can understand how it would be easy to put the landscape design phase in the back of your mind. We caution you not to underestimate the power that a finished landscape can have on the look of your gorgeous new home. We recommend doing 3 things when planning and building your custom home. One, consider a realistic budget. Two, start the conversation early. And three, let a landscape designer help you plan ahead.

Budget

Managing a construction budget can feel overwhelming, but it’s very important to keep money set aside for some of the projects that comes towards the end of the process — landscaping being one of the big ones. Keep in mind irrigation, lawn, landscaping, fencing and hardscapes for all your outdoor spaces. These services will both simplify your life once the home is complete and expand your livable space to the outdoors. It’s important to set a realistic budget that can encompass all the necessary landscape works such as grading and grass as well as any additional features you may want. This brings us to tip number two.

Start Early

Involving a landscape designer early can help you establish a budget that will suit your needs. But a landscaper can also help you navigate small details that may be overlooked but have a huge impact. Too often, we see a brand-new house that could have been even more functional and aesthetically pleasing with just a few small tweaks to something as simple as a driveway or sidewalk layout. If nothing else, starting the conversation early in the building

NATE ANDERSON ROST LANDSCAPING

Nate Anderson has been a resident of Columbia for seven years, and he has been working in the landscape industry for just as long. Nate is a designer and estimator for Rost Inc. While working on his degree in plant science and landscape design, he also worked as a foreman at Rost Landscaping, where he oversaw landscape construction projects. He credits much of his inspiration to his “early years” where he got to be a part of the construction of many beautiful landscapes.

process allows for a cohesive design between your home and outdoor space.

Plan Ahead

As we outlined above, there are benefits to bringing a landscape designer into the project early for finishing touches and design choices, but there are a lot of elements of the landscape that need to be addressed early in the construction process. Grade changes, walls, patios, and outdoor spaces should not be an after-thought. There is a lot a landscape crew can do that is purposeful and preventative which makes it much more cost effective, rather than trying to correct a problem later. It is important to know

how you intend to utilize your yard and what features you would like to include. Designers then take those elements into consideration while balancing what will work best with your particular piece of property such as lot size and location, foundation, and elevation.

A custom home should look and feel just that — custom. For what is comparatively, just a little more of an investment, your home can be made completely functional and beautiful, inside and out. Consider these guidelines and talk specifics with your designer, and we can promise you will feel the difference when your dream home is complete.

Downtown's Oldest Buildings

BY DIANA BORSI O’BRIEN

BY KELSEY WINKELJOHN

From Boots and Shoes to Bouquets

For 15 years, My Secret Garden has called the 1880s Late Victorian building at 823 E. Broadway home, but in the past, it housed the Knight Drug Store for more than 50 years.

More recent tenants included Tucker Fine Jewelry and the Jean Prange Boutique. e building started as C.B. Miller’s Shoe Store before he moved his business to 800 E. Broadway. e building reclaimed its Victorian look at the hands of John Ott and his partners in 1995, making it one of downtown's earliest and most accurate restorations. e building is on the 2006 Downtown Columbia Historic District National Register of Historic Places and the city’s 1998 Most Notable Properties list.

It’s also one of Columbia’s ve Landmark sites, which are city designations that protect interior or exterior features at the request of property owners. e building’s façade, including its doors and windows on both oors and the embossed ceiling on the ground oor, are protected by its landmark designation.

From Kegs of Nails to Kitchen Wares

Tallulah’s at 812 E. Broadway o ers lively modern kitchenware and décor inside a Late Victorian building from ca. 1870. Above the colorful display windows, the building features something very modern — a way to save electricity. e prismatic tiles were installed around 1910. ese glass tiles maximize natural light and reduce lighting costs. According to its listing on the 2006 Downtown Columbia Historic District National Register of Historic Places, the 155-year-old building is among two or three buildings with historic prism glass.

e building has housed everything from a bookstore to a piano store, but according to a 1978 Historic Survey, it may be best known as Hays Hardware. It operated there from 1921 until well into the 20th century and featured wooden oors, a pot-belly stove, and kegs of nails.

From Dry Goods to Drinks

You can grab drinks or dinner in Columbia’s oldest downtown commercial building. Tellers Gallery and Bar, at the corner of Ninth and Broadway, is open again in the ca. 1860s Beaux Arts building at 820 E. Broadway. It was closed for more than a year following a re in September 2023 in the second oor's True/False Film Fest o ces. Tellers has operated at that address since 1998.

Previous tenants included a grocery/dry goods store in 1883; in 1889, the building housed the U.S. Post O ce, according to a Sanborn map. In 1927, it took on its familiar look during a facelift and became Woolf Bros. Clothiers, a role it kept until 1954, according to its listing in the 2006 Downtown Columbia Historic District National Register of Historic Places. ose renovations included a new stone façade that carries around the corner.

In 1972, Neate’s Dry Goods expanded into the space from its 818 E. Broadway location, where it had been doing business since 1919.

For about a decade, the Late Victorian building at 906-914-E. Broadway housed Breeze Prom and Pageant. Now awaiting new tenants, the ca. 1886 building has housed everything from a bank to a photographer to a Singer Co. manufacturing plant.

Its longest tenant was Puckett’s, a downtown clothing store owned by Dale and Vicki Puckett. Opened at 906 E. Broadway in 1946, Puckett’s closed in 2008, two years after the demolition of the downtown concrete canopy.

e removal of the 1960s awning paved the way for the building’s inclusion in the 2006 Downtown Columbia Historic District National Register of Historic Places district and for John Ott of Alley A Realty’s renovation. e improvements included recreating the skylight at 910 E. Broadway.

A reminder of the building’s history as the former home of Columbia Savings Bank remains in the form of the vault in the Kampai Sushi Bar & Restaurant in the rear of 907 in Alley A.

From an Academy to Apartments

Columbia’s oldest downtown building, the core of the Niedermeyer Apartments, was built in 1837. at portion of the building, the northeast section on Cherry, faces Harpo’s. In 1851, a second oor was added to that section, and by 1902, this late Victorian building had its current con guration. It’s on the 2006 Downtown Columbia Historic District National Register of Historic Places and Columbia’s 2013 Most Notable Properties list, and it is the only downtown building with a lawn.

Built to house the Columbia Female Academy, which grew into Stephens College, it later housed MU’s Department of Domestic Sciences (Home Economics) for a decade. After the Academy departed, the building served as a private residence, the Cottage Hotel, and the Gordon Hotel, until 1921, when it became the Niedermeyer Apartments, a role it has continued for over 100 years.

is early connection to women’s education saved the building from demolition in 2013. Developers were eyeing the lot with a plan for a 15-story building when its current owner, Nakhle Asmar, Ph.D., an MU emeritus professor of mathematics, learned of its history. He bought the building to honor his deceased mother, who was a teacher.

Along with apartments, the building includes overnight lodging, Rooms on Cherry, managed by longtime tenant Linda Libert, who plans to open a bar and bistro, Magnolia’s Whisky + Wine, in the building.

UTILITY CONFRONTS FUTILITY

Why does it take Columbia so long to get major utility projects done?

BY MICHELLE TERHUNE

In the beginning, there were warnings by Columbia Water & Light sta that Columbia’s electric system’s capacity was being pushed toward its limits. at was in 2007, when Dan Dasho, then the utility’s director, advised the City Council that additional substations and transmission capacity were needed in the rapidly growing area of south Columbia.

“I was promoted from public works over to the electric division in September of 2006,” says David Sorrell , who retired as the city’s director of utilities in March 2025. “In the rst couple of weeks I was there, we were building the transmission line up to Grindstone substation, coming from the south. ey said the next phase of this is to go from Grindstone to Perche substation. So, it was more than eighteen years ago that I rst heard of it.”

Between Dasho and Sorrell was Tad Johnson, who served as director from 2010 to 2020. And as Sorrell left the post in March after ve years, he did so with a major system upgrade — supported overwhelmingly by voters’ approval of a bond issue in April 2015 — still un nished. Even worse, there’s no current end in sight, which prompts the question: “Why?”

Of course, things change, and the numbers bear that out. Since 2007, there have been three mayors and 21 di erent council members. Population rose by more than 57,000 between 2007 and 2024. Residents have become more concerned with renewable energy, installing solar panels and lling their homes with energy-ecient appliances. On the ip side, they’ve added more and more devices that need electricity to run. Meanwhile, there have been multiple options for project routes and con gurations, using a jumble of letters and numbers to distinguish them.

In 2015, Johnson delivered a report on the history of the project since 2007. In it, he listed all the communications, surveys, and meetings the public had access to during that period. He also noted: “Different aspects of this project have been covered at City Council work sessions and meetings 12 times.” Sorrell says that number is in the twenties now.

Millions of dollars have been spent on consultants, studies, and upgrades. But the reliability of Columbia’s grid remains in limbo. While no single factor is to blame, here are a few things you should know.

THE POSITIVES AND NEGATIVES

ere are always at least two sides to every conundrum. Public meetings in earlier years yielded little major opposition to the system upgrade. After holding public meetings and other due diligence, the council approved what was then referred to as “Option A,” with overhead lines, by a ve-to-two vote at its July 15, 2013, meeting. Water & Light got busy. But when residents started seeing workers taking soil samples, some began to voice concerns. Many were the “not in my back yard” types of objections, including worries about electric and magnetic elds (EMFs) and unsightly poles and lines. Nonetheless, the utility continued making progress with the design so it could develop a cost estimate for the project. Once that was done, Proposition 1 was placed on the April 7, 2015, ballot and approved by nearly 69% of the vote.

Proposition 1 authorized the issuing of $63.1 million in bonds “for the purpose of extending, expanding, improving, repairing, replacing and equipping the cityowned electric system.” Based on cost estimates, sta earmarked $36.2 million for the new transmission line and a new substation. It certainly appeared that all systems were a go for the project.

LEADERS AND LEADERSHIP ARE FLUID

en came the November 2015 Council meeting during which Fifth Ward Councilwoman Laura Nauser requested that the council invite the public to yet another meeting about the project. It’s rare that a project approved by voters and already in the works is suddenly halted, but that’s what happened. In February 2016, after still another public meeting, the council voted four to three to rethink the project. It’s been on pause ever since.

Naturally, some council members had changed from July 2013 to February 2016. e First Ward seat had changed hands three times and the Sixth Ward’s twice. However, the substitutions of players weren’t the only reason why the project was put on hold. Some who still held their seats during that time, such as the Fourth Ward’s Ian omas, had changed their minds.

Elected in April 2013, omas voted “yea” in July 2013 but “nay” in 2016. In a memo dated Jan. 31, 2016, omas wrote:

“While it is not good practice for Council to reverse previous decisions, this issue is of su cient complexity and signi cant citizen impact to warrant Council taking additional time, while remaining questions are answered.”

omas requested more information from Water & Light before he could decide how to vote. He cited “widespread emotion surrounding” the issue as well as “confusion and con icting information about the cost of the various options and their impacts on homes, businesses, and services.”

“I do not believe the issue should remain unresolved for any longer than necessary,” omas wrote. “ is discussion document is intended to move us toward a consensus as quickly as possible.”

Utility sta responded to omas’s questions 32 days later. However, the council still took no action. omas left his position in 2022.

THE DETAILS ARE COMPLEX

It makes sense that an issue like the transmission and distribution of sucient electricity is going to be complex. Few laypeople who read the minutes of council meetings and work sessions devoted to the system upgrade can comprehend the terminology.

ere’s the di erence between size and capacity of transmission lines versus distribution lines and how and where voltage is converted before it arrives in homes and businesses. ere are myriad concepts like “load shedding” and the N-1-1 scenario, which involves the failure of two components of the system at the same time.

Most legislative bodies, including city councils, rely on quali ed and knowledgeable sta , such as those who run a utility, to fully understand complex issues and to provide them with sound advice. And while it appears that this dynamic occurred during certain times throughout this lengthy process, the council repeatedly backed o when some residents pushed back.

Perhaps Water & Light and the multiple consultants hired over the years needed to do a better job translating complexities to the council and its constituents. Or maybe the council needed to address speci c concerns and make decisions as

MIDWAY SEWER

Getting the Timing Right

Sometimes, delaying a project can work to its advantage. In the case of the Henderson Branch Sewer Extension, first proposed as part of the 2013 sewer bond issue approved by voters, the potential timing advantage certainly wasn’t planned but, rather, fortuitous. That’s based on the Missouri Department of Transportation’s I-70 improvements in the Midway vicinity.

The Henderson extension involves adding roughly 1.6 miles of city sewer line into the Midway area. Although there are multiple parcels of land that would benefit from the line, MidwayUSA and the Midway Travel Plaza are two key beneficiaries. Several public hearings have been held on this issue, with residents and Columbia City Council members divided on whether to invest in the project or not.

This project has been talked about for 25 years, according to David Sorrell, recently retired director of utilities for the city of Columbia.

“Steve Hunt [assistant director, Water Utilities] retired in January, and he’s been here twenty-five years. He was told when he was hired that the sewer out to Midway was going to be one of his first projects. And we haven’t started yet,” says Sorrell.

The project was an earmark in the sewer bond issue voters passed in 2013. After all, it’s not like current waste treatment at MidwayUSA and Midway Travel Plaza doesn’t affect Columbia. There’s overflow into Perche Creek and Henderson Branch that would cease once properties in the area are connected to the sewer line. Yet in 2015, the project was tabled by the City Council.

Although the topic has continued to come up over the years, most recently there was a public meeting in January 2025 to discuss it again. But unlike the preceding years, now may be the right time to move on the project.

“I personally think that it will probably move forward. It makes sense,” Sorrell says. “They’re going to widen I-70 and modify that interchange. Now’s the time to do it so it can be coordinated with work they are going to do at that interchange.”

Part of the improvement of the I-70 corridor involves the Rocheport to Columbia leg, which includes the path of the potential sewer extension to the Midway area.

According to Eric Kopinski, MoDOT’s Improve I-70 program director, MoDOT will issue requests for qualifications and requests for proposals for the design-build project this summer. The project will be

awarded in winter 2025, and construction will begin in spring 2026. The project should be completed in late 2029.

“So, if we get to move forward with it, it will all work out pretty well,” Sorrell says. “The designs can go together, and everything will just work. We won’t be doing a bunch of relocations or tearing up pavement that just got put in or anything like that.

“If we had built it back in 2016 when we held the public hearings, and now MoDOT comes in, we’d likely be rebuilding a whole bunch of it. Now, at least we’ll be able to coordinate,” notes Sorrell.

SHOW ME THE MONEY

But extending the sewer involves more than just constructing the line. There’s the requirement of annexing property if it is connected to the sewer, as well as the cost of the project.

The waste systems MidwayUSA and Midway Travel Plaza currently use aren’t compliant with state laws. Upgrading them costs them money, and money is an issue. Some Columbia residents and council members question why the city should pay for the cost of the line.

“What I was proposing with that project is to build it, then have an additional connection fee based on a percentage of the area served that’s connected to the sewer and actually recover the cost of the construction by that additional connection fee,” Sorrell says.

“For example, MidwayUSA would pay the normal connection fee then pay an additional fee. Say you have 100 acres of ground, and you’re going to hook up one acre to the sewer, then you would pay 1% of the cost of the sewer. It makes it fair. If their area is 1% of the total, they pay 1% of the cost. If it’s 10% of the total, they pay 10% of the cost.”

Recouping the capital cost of a sewer project isn’t a new idea.

“We did that with the sewer going out to Route Z,” Sorrell says. “There’s a section in City Code that allows a developer to actually pay all the costs up front to build the sewer. And then as people hook up to that sewer, the city charges an additional connection fee and returns that to the developer based on actual cost. So, the developer is able to recover a portion of their cost over time.”

In this case, time is of the essence because some properties are out of compliance. But perhaps for this project, the timing is right on the money.

leaders, one way or the other, rather than let the project drag on endlessly.

Residents certainly aren’t all upgrade project naysayers. Many are dismayed by the lack of progress, like Columbian Sarah Read, who since 2016 has written blog posts and op-eds about the need for leadership regarding the transmission project. Like Sorrell, Read believes time is of the essence to upgrade the system to avoid potential failures and ensure the reliability of the system, because at the end of the day, reliability is critical.

THE RISKS ARE REAL

Of course, city leadership and sta want an electrical system that performs for residents and businesses. Some believe that what exists now is ne, including the North American Electric Reliability Corporation, which rates the current system as su cient.

“Our system is in compliance with all the regulations currently. Your system has to be able to function with any component out of service. You have to do maintenance, so you have to be able to take things out of service,” Sorrell says. “But when you get into a scenario where you have two pieces out of service, then you’re allowed to shed load and still meet regulations.”

“ e question is,” Sorrell asks, “is that an acceptable situation to be in?”

If load shedding becomes necessary, customers su er. Air conditioners shut down during the hottest times and furnaces during the coldest. Appliances stop running. Plug-in home oxygen tanks quit. Cash registers and plant lines go silent. Sorrell says these are all reasons for having a sense of urgency rather than taking a wait-and-see approach.

“It’s very unlikely that will happen, but it can happen. And one of these days, it probably will happen,” he says.

Consider the increasing number of devices in households, all requiring electricity to keep them charged. Add in Mizzou’s Hellbender supercomputer and quantum computing capabilities, which are necessary for a major research university but also require massive amounts of electrical energy. e need for electricity is great and growing, and the substation upgrades and new transmission line would make the city’s entire system more reliable.

en there are those voices asking that the city focus on achieving the goal of 100% renewable energy by 2030 instead. As Sorrell observes, however, renewable energy and the proposed transmission line aren’t in con ict. Rather, they are two sides of a single coin.

“Just to ensure reliability and to be able to move more renewable energy across the entire system, not just Columbia, you need transmission lines like this in place,” Sorrell says. “Eventually, as people buy more electric vehicles and they put in more heat pumps and get rid of gas furnaces, and such things as that, the load on the system is going to get larger. And as it gets larger, we’ll eventually get to the point where we are required to build it to meet regulatory requirements.”

IT'S ALL A MATTER OF TIME

Not every aspect of the upgrade project is still paused. Following an April 2023 work session, the council gave Water & Light permission to move ahead with plans to expand the Perche Creek and Bolstad substations. Sorrell says materials have been ordered for both and, once they’re delivered, work will begin. In addition, during routine maintenance over the next few years, equipment at the Hinkson substation will be raised nearly a foot to protect it from major oods.

“Eventually, as people buy more electric vehicles and they put in more heat pumps and get rid of gas furnaces, and such things as that, the load on the system is going to get larger. And as it gets larger, we’ll eventually get to the point where we are required to build it to meet regulatory requirements.”

Sorrell tried to get the transmission project moving again in a May 2024 memo to the council, requesting permission to proceed with Option 2, which was among the 2021 recommendations made by the 2018 council-appointed Integrated Electric Resource and Master Plan Task Force. at option, for those still following along, is to “Construct a new transmission line connecting Perche Creek Substation and Grindstone Substation along a path that follows Scott Boulevard, Vawter School Road, Nifong and Grindstone Parkway.”

Sorrell says that route is easiest to build and maintain since most construction would occur in major road rights of way. Most important, it provides what’s necessary to avoid load shedding.

Sorrell concluded that memo with a request that the council provide the utility with “Direction on how to proceed with possible transmission system improvements.”

Has the department gotten any direction? Sorrell says that in a subsequent council work session, sta received permission to get updated cost estimates for the three options listed in the task force report and Sorrell’s memo. After all, the estimates delivered by Siemens, one of the handful of consulting rms that have touched this project since 2007, are now outdated.

So, when and if the council gives Water & Light permission to proceed, how long will it take to complete the project?

“I think it will be a ve- to ten-year project to get all the approvals, materials, and get it constructed,” Sorrell says. “It takes eighteen months to two years to get approval from regulatory authorities. And you need that approval before you spend money on project design. You need to get easements and materials.”

If you’re doing the math, even if the council says “go” at its next meeting, the transmission line project might not be completed until 2035. at’s twenty-eight years since Water & Light advised city leadership that the upgrade was needed.

Progress is always messy and inconvenient. Moreover, it never makes everyone happy. e question is, will Columbia upgrade its transmission system within the next decade after more than eighteen years of talking about it?

You’ll have to stay plugged in to nd out.

Soggy Opportunity

Water damage brings new life to MUMC.

STORY PROVIDED BY THE MISSOURI CONFERENCE OF THE UMC AND EDITOR FRED KOENIG

July 3, 2023, was the rst day on the job at Missouri United Methodist Church in Columbia for Rev. Daniel Hilty. He had been o while moving from Spring eld to Columbia and didn’t have his phone on overnight as he typically would. When he woke up at around 6 a.m., he saw a message from his associate pastor, Rev. Jewell McGhee, from a couple of hours earlier. ere was a re at the church.

McGhee had been called around 4 a.m. by a church member who was out of town on vacation. Because the church was in the middle of changing both the senior pastor and the o ce administrator, the phone numbers for the re department were not up to date. McGhee was at the church at about 5 a.m.

By the time Hilty arrived at the church at about 6:30 a.m., the re department was already getting things wrapped up. It was later determined that a candle that had been blown out during the contemporary service in the Christian Life Center (CLC) the day before continued to smolder undetected within its wick and reignited around 2 a.m., burned down, and set the altar table on re. A small but hot re triggered the sprinkler system, and the re was extinguished. e entire area burned was only about four feet across. e church was left with some smoke damage and a lot of water damage from the sprinklers running for an extended time.

McGhee recalls walking through the sanctuary of the historic structure with Don Gruenewald, chair of the trustees.

“We had tears in our eyes, because we were both so grateful that beautiful, sacred space had been spared any damage,” McGhee said.

All of the damage was in the CLC, which was built in 2007. e historic church building it connects to was una ected.

Rebes Bennet, director of e Neighborhood, the college ministry for the church, got there that morning. e year before, the ministry had just moved into an expanded wing of the CLC.

“We had just got it set up the way we wanted it when the re happened,” she said.

at morning, she was thinking things didn’t look so bad, and she was hoping they would be moved back in by the summer welcome. She didn’t realize the water damage would have displaced her for more than a year.

e company contracted for cleanup quickly determined the amount of water damage made it evident that they would be o ine for several months. at was initially shocking, but it didn’t last.

“It felt like the church was discouraged for all of, like half an hour,” Hilty said. “ en they started getting organized. e lay leadership in this church is wonderful.”

Dancers Developing the Next Generation

Mareck Center for Dance is a place for every body and skill level.

BY EMMI WEINER

When Sarah Barnett was looking for a dance school for her daughter, Mareck Center for Dance was exactly what she wanted.

“We really appreciate that the emphasis at Mareck is on personal growth and technique and creativity, rather than just prep for competition,” said Barnett. “It’s a healthy environment for a young dancer to build skills without the pressure of a competitive dance scene.” Her daughter has now been dancing at Mareck for three years.

Mareck Center for Dance, formerly Missouri Contemporary Ballet, was founded in 2006. Initially, the company performed and practiced in donated spaces. Today, Mareck is located in the Balsamo Warehouse at 110 Orr Street in downtown Columbia. Karen Mareck Grundy is the director.

“It kind of almost fell into my lap,” Mareck Grundy said. “All of the things happened within almost a week’s time span. And so I was like, ‘Wow, I guess this is what I’m supposed to do.’”

Expanding to contemporary dance allows for a more rounded approach to a variety of forms instead of being limited to ballet. e name change, which occurred in 2020, honors Mareck Grundy while better encompassing the center’s mission and style.

THE COMPANY

Mareck Contemporary Dance Center is the home of nine professional dancers who dance with the company and teach classes.

“It is giving dancers an opportunity to use their classical technique in a contemporary way that isn’t stuck on gender norms,” said Grand Rapids, Iowa, dancer Victoria VanderPlas, who has been a member of the dance company since 2019 and school director for the last three years. “A lot of the dancers at Mareck have to be able to do very explosive, powerful work, which is typically reserved only for men. And likewise, the male dancers have to be capable of doing uid, soft, traditionally feminine dance moves.”

Scan the QR code to learn how MUMC is rebuilding its space — and its role in the community — after the fire.

Scan the QR code to read how Mareck Center for Dance is building confidence and community through every step.

WE ASKED OUR FACEBOOK FOLLOWERS . . .

Tell us about your pick for “most underrated spot” in Downtown Columbia!

I would say Maude Vintage and Leo’s Vintage & Variety are underrated. ey’ve been around Columbia for a while, but I don’t see them getting nearly as much love as they deserve. Both have such unique nds!

– KELSEY WINKELJOHN

City of Refuge food truck, City Cuisine. Tuesday and Friday at City of Refuge, 10 N. Garth Ave.

– JACKIE O’ROURKE

e Market at Serendipity, Bertha’s Beans Cat Cafe

– BRENDA WS

Two community treasure chests that are hidden in plain sight: e State Historical Society of Missouri’s Center for Missouri Studies at 605 Elm Street and the Columbia Public Library at 100 West Broadway. Have you been to the SHSMO? When was the last time you went to the local library? What are you waiting for?

– JODIE JACKSON JR

Szechuan House for the win!!

– CHARLES BRUCE III

MKT Trail gets all the love but Hinkson creek trail with its curves, bridges and views is wonderful as well. Follow it to a sunrise on the blu s at Capen Park — easily an underrated experience.

– JEREMY BLOSS

Delysium Artisan Bakery is so good and so many don’t know it’s there!

– KERRIE BLOSS

Sub Shop. RIP.

– STEVE BAUMANN

Sparky’s. Skylark Bookshop. El Rancho.

– ASHLEY LASITER

Range Free!!

– NATASHA MYRICK

I love grabbing a quick and a ordable lunch at ai Express. Pro-tip: Take it over to iTap and enjoy it with a beer (to help with the spice of course)! Also, e Vault in the basement of e Tiger Hotel makes a killer cocktail.

– JORDAN WATTS

Giving to Family: Tax Efficient Gifting Strategies for Your Estate Plan

By Scott LaPresta, CTFA, Senior Vice President, Director of Private Client Advisors, Commerce Trust, and Amy Stiglic, CTFA, Senior Vice President, Market Executive, Kansas City, Commerce Trust

Gifting to family members provides for their needs while advancing your estate plan. In addition to the benefits your relatives receive, strategically gifting may decrease your transfer tax liability by lowering the value of your estate. Below are five methods to maximize the value of family gifts for donors and recipients.

1. Annual gift exclusion

For tax year 2025, the IRS allows you to gift up to $19,000 tax-free to as many people as you want, and married couples can give up to $38,000 to an individual without triggering a taxable gift. Both recipients and donors can benefit from annual gifts. In contrast to an inheritance, recipients can enjoy the gift immediately without losing any value to pay transfer taxes.

Donors can coordinate annual gifts to achieve estate planning objectives like potentially decreasing their estate tax liability by lowering the value of their estate.

2. 529 accelerated gifting

By making an accelerated gift to a qualified tuition program (QTP) like a 529 plan, you can contribute up to five times the annual exclusion ($95,000 for individuals and $190,000 for married couples in 2025) in a single year tax-free. This strategy can provide significant value for those aspiring to attend college while lowering the value of the donor’s estate.

GIFT STRATEGICALLY WITH COMMERCE TRUST

Gifting to family members may seem straightforward, but care is needed to ensure the value of the gift is not diminished by taxes. If gifting is a priority for you, contact Commerce Trust at www.commercetrustcompany.com/estateplanning to learn how our tax management,* estate planning, and education planning professionals collaborate to execute a customized estate plan that is unique to you.

The payment must be made directly to the care provider and be solely used for qualifying medical expenses as defined by the IRS. Donors can also pay for health insurance under the medical exclusion, but payments for medical care that are reimbursed by the recipient’s insurance company do not qualify.

5. Educational exclusion

Gifts that qualify for the educational exclusion are also not subject to the gift tax. The gift must be paid directly to a qualifying educational institution and exclusively used for tuition.

*Commerce Trust does not provide tax advice to customers unless engaged to do so. The opinions and other information in the commentary are provided as of January 16, 2025. This summary is intended to provide general information only, and may be of value to the reader and audience.

This material is not a recommendation of any particular investment or insurance strategy, is not based on any particular financial situation or need, and is not intended to replace the advice of a qualified tax advisor or investment professional. While Commerce may provide information or express opinions from time to time, such information or opinions are subject to change, are not offered as professional tax, insurance or legal advice, and may not be relied on as such.

Data contained herein from third-party providers is obtained from what are considered reliable sources. However, its accuracy, completeness or reliability cannot be guaranteed.

Commerce Trust is a division of Commerce Bank.

Investment Products: Not FDIC Insured | May Lose Value | No Bank Guarantee