Skip to main content

Prime November 2014

Page 1

NOVEMBER 2014

M AT U

RE L IVING F E ST I VA L P H OT OS I N SIDE !

World Changers Jimi & Cristi Cook Build Hope Page 12

Celebrate Veterans Day With Local Events Page 6

Is Doggie Day Care Right For Your Pet? Page 10


Prime Magazine

l

November 2014

Contents 46

l

Volume 6, Issue 8

6

Veterans Day Celebrations

8

The Tasting Room

10 Discover Doggie Day Care 12 Jimi & Cristi Cook: Delivering Hope 16 How-To Guide

12

18 Special Section: Create Your Legacy 23 Prime Time Calendar

36

30 Meet A Boone Hospital Nurse 32 Pet Corner 34 Life Lessons 36 Tinseltown Talks

6

38 Tell Me About It 40 Faces And Places 44 Fun & Games 46 Recipe Box 50 Reader’s Share 52 Your Bucket List 54 Columbia Confidential

10 Prime Magazine November 2014

l

3


Welcome

May We Be Truly Thankful staff For many of us, celebrating Thanksgiving will mean making time to gather with family and friends — and poring over Black Friday ads to find deals and strategize our holiday shopping. Some of us will even start that shopping on Thanksgiving, as several stores now begin their Black Friday sales on Thanksgiving evening, a trend termed “Black Friday Creep.” I’m not the first to note the irony in Thanksgiving becoming the day when Americans are most focused on what they want to get, rather than on what they have already received. It seems we’ve forgotten how to be grateful. But in this issue of Prime, you will meet a husband and wife who not only live with gratitude but who are leading others into lives of gratitude as well. Jimi and Cristi Cook are two full-time University of Missouri faculty members who, in addition to their jobs, run an international not-for-profit aimed at increasing educational opportunities around the world. The Cooks have sacrificed much and they have accomplished much — but their focus remains on how much they have been given. Several of the people who talked with me about the Cooks mentioned their humility, and it struck me as I talked with the Cooks that their graciousness arises from their gratefulness. I certainly have many reasons to be thankful. I hope you feel that you do, too.

Prime Magazine is published by OutFront Communications, 47 E. Broadway, Columbia, MO 65203, 573-442-1430. Copyright OutFront Communications, 2013. The magazine is published 12 times a year on the first day of every month. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of any editorial or graphic content without the express written permission of the publisher is prohibited.

4

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

Publisher Fred Parry Associate Publisher Melody Garnett Parry Associate Publisher & Executive Editor Sandy Selby Managing Editor Anita Neal Harrison Editorial Assistant Peg Gill Graphic Designers Alyssa Blevins Trever Griswold Joe Waner Photo Editor L.G. Patterson Marketing Representatives Rosemarie Peck Joe Schmitter Jessica Card Samantha Cook Operations Manager Kalie Clennin Finance Manager Brenda Brooks Distribution Manager John Lapsley Director of Customer Retention Gerri Shelton Contributing Writers Kathy Casteel, Saralee Perel, Angel Donnette Robertson, Nick Thomas, John Williams

SERVING THE BOOMER & SENIOR MARKETS


Prime Magazine November 2014

l

5


Community Events

Filled With Solemn Pride Say “Thank You” To Our Military Heroes At These Local Veterans Day Events BY ANITA NEAL HARRISON

O

On the first anniversary of the end of World War I fighting — Nov. 11, 1919 — President Woodrow Wilson declared Americans’ reflections should “be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory.” That proclamation was the start of Veterans Day, and now, 95 years later, Columbians can continue the tradition of honoring, remembering and celebrating veterans with these Mizzou Veterans Week events. To see more events, visit www.stufftodo.missouri.edu.

NOVEMBER 8 Join Joan Stack, curator of art collections at the State Historical Society of Missouri, for a tour of the exhibition “Art for a World at War: WWI Posters and Editorial Cartoons.” See original World War I posters and editorial cartoons and learn how they reflect the vigilance, anxiety and patriotic devotion of the era. To celebrate all U.S. veterans, State Historical Society military artifacts from a variety of conflicts will be on special display at the event. The exhibit will run from Oct. 14 to Feb. 14. Free; 1:30 p.m.; 1020 Lowry St.; 800-747-6366; www.shs.umsystem.edu

NOVEMBER 8 Volunteer cadets and midshipmen from the Army, Navy, Marine Corps and Air 6

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

Force ROTC units at the University of Missouri will form a two-person detail to perform a Veterans Day Vigil of Honor in front of the Boone County war memorials at the Boone County Courthouse. There will be a detail marching every hour from Nov. 8 to Nov. 9. Volunteers will read a list of veterans’ names during the vigil and at the closing ceremony. Free; 2 p.m.; 705 E. Walnut; 573-8820554; www.airforce.missouri.edu

NOVEMBER 9 The annual University of Missouri Veterans Day Parade hosted by the Air Force ROTC will begin at the Mizzou Columns and travel along Eighth Street to the Boone County Courthouse. Several Boone County veterans and commemorative organizations will participate. A short ceremony will be held at the Boone County Courthouse immediately following the parade. The ceremony will conclude with remarks by a distinguished guest speaker followed by a three-volley salute and the playing of taps. Free; parade at 1:30 p.m., ceremony at 2 p.m.; Eighth Street for parade, 705 E. Walnut for ceremony; 573-8820554; www.airforce.missouri.edu

NOVEMBER 10 Come to the Missouri Theatre to hear the incredible story of J.R. Martinez, a U.S. Army veteran, author, actor, motivational speaker and winner of

ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.” In 2001, Martinez sustained severe burns to more than 34 percent of his body while serving in Iraq. His New York Times bestselling book, Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength and Spirit, details how he took his personal tragedy and turned it into inspiration for others. Free; 7:30 p.m.; 203 S. Ninth St.; 573882-3780; www.stufftodo.missouri.edu

NOVEMBER 11 Recognize and honor MU veterans at the Wreath Laying Ceremony and Blue Star Memorial Dedication. The event begins with a ceremony on the east side of Memorial Union where the new Blue Star Memorial will be dedicated. After a procession to the Memorial Tower, the annual wreath ceremony will occur followed by the National Roll Call. Free; noon; 518 Hitt St.; www.facebook.com/ MUSUPB

NOVEMBER 13 Join the Mizzou RSVP Center in welcoming Stormie Dunn, author of Silenced No More: The Courage of a Soldier — Life After Military Sexual Trauma, as she speaks in Wrench Auditorium at Memorial Union about her experience with military sexual trauma and the lasting effects of post-traumatic stress disorder. A book signing will follow. Free; 7 p.m.; 518 Hitt St.; www.rsvp.missouri.edu v


Prime Magazine November 2014

l

7


The Tasting Room

Crème De La Crème La Crema Offers A Pinot Noir For Every Taste

A

BY KATHY CASTEEL Autumn boasts a bounty of flavors. In this season of abundance, serve a wine that’s as versatile as the range of foods on your table — Pinot Noir. The light-bodied, red wine with rich fruit character offers consistent acidity and subtle tannins that are well-suited for pairing with a wide variety of dishes. Pinot Noir is light enough for poultry or salmon yet complex enough to hold up to richer meats such as beef, pork or duck — a most amiable contributor to any fall gathering. Yet for all its versatility in the glass, Pinot Noir is finicky in the field, demanding the vintner’s attention. At La Crema Winery, Pinot Noir gets the lion’s share of attention in the vineyard, the winery and the tasting room. Pinot Noir is La Crema’s signature grape, comprising half of its production. The Healdsburg, Calif., winery produces 10 types of cool-climate Pinot Noir from a range of specific appellations and vineyards, plus a Pinot Noir Rosé, seven types of Chardonnay, a Pinot Gris and a Viognier. Choose a La Crema Pinot Noir from distinctive vineyards in the Anderson Valley, Arroyo Seco, Bennett Valley, Los Carneros, Shell Ridge, Monterey, Sonoma Coast or Russian River appellations. An additional Russian River Pinot Noir features an exclusive blend of the nine best barrels produced from that region’s vintage. La Crema’s newest Pinot Noir hails from Oregon’s Willamette Valley; this year’s inaugural release marks the winery’s first foray outside of California. Three La Crema Pinot Noirs are available in Columbia: Monterey, Sonoma Coast and Willamette Valley. Each

offers subtle differences based on its terroir. La Crema’s Monterey Pinot Noir takes advantage of the region’s long, cool, dry growing season to develop complex aromas and firm structure. This smooth wine offers ripe plum aromas, leading to flavors of strawberry and plum with blackberry and cocoa notes. La Crema’s Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir comes from a land of fog and coastal breezes. The moderate climate nurtures small berries with firm acidity and concentrated varietal aromas and flavors. The red

cherry bouquet gives way to a taste of wild berry and sweet spice. La Crema’s Willamette Valley Pinot Noir brings the traditional elegance of the Oregon appellation to the label. Aromas of violets and berries deliver raspberry/blackberry flavors with bright notes of pomegranate and a touch of orange zest. Because Pinot Noir is more acidic and less tannic than other red wines, the recommended serving temperature is 55 to 60 degrees. For best results, chill in the refrigerator for 15 to 20 minutes before serving. v

La Crema offers winemaker wannabes the “virtual vintner experience” on its website. Check it out at www.lacrema.com. 8

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine


Prime Magazine November 2014

l

9


Pet Care

A Dog’s Day

Is Doggie Day Care Right For Your Pet? BY ANITA NEAL HARRISON

N

Not all loving dog owners can spend their days with their pets. For those who can’t be home but also can’t bear the idea of leaving their dogs alone all day, doggie day care can be a good option. Although the care can take different forms, it’s common for doggie day care to provide interactive play, both between the dogs and between the dogs and staff. That makes it a great place for puppies to gain socialization, says Becky Henson, owner of Dog Daze Playcare, a boarding, day care and grooming facility in Columbia. “It’s really important for young dogs to get out and about,” Henson says.

10

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

“Socialization cannot occur on home turf. It only occurs when there are new situations. When dogs are exposed to different people and different dogs at a young age, it becomes old hat, and then you have a nice, comfortable, social dog that you can take to the vet or groomer or wherever your dog needs to go.” Another benefit of interactive care is it provides dogs a chance to get lots of stimulation and exercise. Henson says many of her clients have busy schedules and can’t give their dogs the exercise they need, which leaves the dog with energy to burn. “So the dog can be a bit too much to

handle,” Henson says. That’s not a problem for dogs that have had a fun, active day at day care, says Faye Nowell, owner of South Paw Acres, an interactive boarding and day care facility in Columbia. “He will be tired but happy and will greet his owner with enthusiasm,” Nowell says, describing a dog that’s had a good day at day care. “Many dog owners tell us their dog often falls asleep on the ride home or else is totally crashed out once they do get home. And then they are mellowed out the following day or for even two days.”


There are several considerations dog owners must make when looking into doggie day care. Henson and Nowell answer several questions owners might have.

should ask what a typical day is like for their dog: How long do they play outside/ inside, how many dogs will they play with, how are the dogs grouped, how long of a rest period do they get, what snacks are provided, etc. They should also inquire as to what protocols are in place for handling emergencies.” Nowell adds that at South Paw Acres, dog owners and their dogs take a tour of the entire facility, and Henson also suggests owners check a facility out. “Visit the facility and see, does it smell clean?” she says. “Is it bright and airy? Do you like the staff ? Do you feel comfortable there? Does your dog seem to feel comfortable there?”

What questions should pet owners expect to be asked?

Who should consider doggie day care? “Anyone with a social dog looking to play with other dogs is the best candidate for day care,” Nowell says. “Dogs with any aggression or separation anxiety issues are not usually suited for interactive play.”

How often should dogs go to day care? “We encourage people to schedule their dog to come on a regular basis, that is once or twice a week,” Nowell says. “A predictable routine is easier on the dog and is usually helpful to the owner as well.” Henson says even bringing a dog a couple of times a month can be enough to keep them socialized and accustomed to day care. “It doesn’t have to be super often so long as it’s fairly routine,” she says.

What questions should dog owners ask a pet day care provider? “They should find out how long the facility has been in operation, whether it is licensed by the Department of Agriculture and what experience/training the staff has had,” Nowell says. “Owners

“A quality dog care facility will want to know a lot about your dog and his routines,” Nowell says. “They will ask about the history of the dog, how long you have had the dog, what his feeding routine is, what his social behavior is like, whether or not his vaccinations are up-to-date (most require proof from a veterinarian), if he is spayed/neutered/microchipped, housebroken, etc. They’ll ask about any issues with aggression and separation anxiety — two behaviors often seen in group settings such as dog day care. Medical history and current illnesses will need to be noted, and emergency contact information will be taken. “We want to know as much about the dog as the owner does, so we can provide the utmost in excellent care for them.” v

Boarding Tip Both South Paw Acres and Dog Daze Playcare also offer boarding services, although Dog Daze limits its boarding to dogs that have already used day care. Henson recommends pet owners make boarding reservations early. “Because places fill up,” she says. “Calling on Friday is not the best time to book a weekend’s boarding.”

Prime Magazine November 2014

l

11


A World Of Difference Jimi And Cristi Cook Create A Legacy Of Hope

STORY BY ANITA NEAL HARRISON ILLUSTRATION BY TREVER GRISWOLD

12

l November 2014 Prime Magazine


J

imi and Cristi Cook were awestruck when they heard a group of Rwandan refugees planned to return to their country 13 years after its devastating genocide. “What was incredible about it was all they wanted to do was go back and rebuild their school because they thought that was a key to rebuilding their country,” Jimi says.

“Be The Change”

The name Be The Change Volunteers comes from a quote from Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” advice Jimi and Cristi have heeded, much to the admiration of those around them. Lawrence Benedicto, a village leader in Malawi, Africa, where Be The Change Volunteers has helped build a library and renovate classrooms, describes Jimi and Cristi as “a great visionary couple” with “a great heart for the unprivileged people in the world.” “I have come to understand that every penny they get, they want to use it to serve many and to give a chance to those who have no chance by bringing them whatever they want in terms of education,” Benedicto says. “They are aiming high to give the world a great change that every person wants to see.” “They have done something really extraordinary, but they carry themselves with such humility,” says Jennifer Anderson, a teacher at Columbia IndeJimi and Cristi were so moved, they pendent School, which has participated went to Rwanda to help in 2007, and in several builds. “I think those of us the experience convinced them that who have gotten to know them are just they could — and therefore should — more and more impressed with them.” change the world through building The extraordinary work of Be The and supporting schools in disChange Volunteers includes 27 advantaged communities. In projects completed in 15 coun2008, they, with another coutries in less than seven years. ple, founded Be The Change One example is the Omo ComVolunteers, a not-for-profit munity School in Papua New that takes teams of volunteers PROJECTS Guinea. In four visits between into some of the world’s poor2010 and this fall, Be The est communities to build and Change Volunteers has conrenovate schools. structed three two-classroom “We are just doing what we buildings, a science laboratory feel called to do, have been givCOUNTRIES and two teacher houses for the en the resources and platform school, which serves more than to accomplish and is ‘right’ for 300 children. Before the school us,” Jimi says, explaining why was built, the children had to he and Cristi have a hard time walk or hitchhike four to 10 talking about Be The Change miles each way to attend school YEARS as their legacy. “But it certainly in neighboring villages, where has made life more fulfilling. they were often turned away When people ask us if we have kids — after the long trek. we do not have any biological kids — Martin Petrus, the Omo Community we say, ‘Yes, we have 5,000 kids in 15 School’s chairman, describes what havdifferent countries around the world, ing their own school means to his viland we are so proud of them all because lage in a 2013 letter of thanks to supthey are fighting with all they have and porters of Be The Change Volunteers. sacrificing whatever is needed to get an education.’ ”

27 15 7

Prime Magazine November 2014

l

13


“Omo Community School has become the pride and identity for the 3,000-plus people of Omo and its neighboring traditional villages and settlements,” Petrus writes. “Our dream school has resurrected hope in the minds and hearts of our rural and disadvantaged children of having access to quality education. I thank BTCV and friends for partnering with us and making our dream come true.”

Rewarded Sacrifice Seeing how people in communities such as Omo dream of a better education keeps Jimi and Cristi inspired. And they do need inspiration because Be The Change Volunteers requires significant sacrifice. Jimi and Cristi spend hours each week raising funds, working out logistics for future projects, doing accounting work, sending donation receipts, giving talks to raise awareness and completing various other tasks — all of which they manage to do while continuing their full-time jobs as members of the University of Missouri faculty. Jimi and Cristi have also gone on 17 of the 27 builds, which means for the last seven years, all of their vacation time has been spent on difficult travel, followed by hard manual labor, with minimal accommodations, usually in demanding climates. No relaxing trips to the beach for these two. Then, there are the emotional sacrifices — it’s not easy to see AIDS orphans, mothers trying to decide which child to feed that day, untreated injuries

Ecole Primaire Catholic de Butare, Rwanda

and infections, or bullet holes in walls at a school that witnessed genocide. Add it all up, and running Be The Change Volunteers “is something that really requires your all,” Jimi says. But, he adds, the sacrifice has not been a struggle. “The rewards so far outweigh the costs that it really makes it easy to do,” he says. “The fundraising can be a struggle, but nothing else is a struggle at all.” “It was amazing the first time we returned home from a build and we opened up our email to find a picture of 20 kids in their uniforms at their new desks in their new classroom, with their new pencils, with huge smiles on their faces!” Cristi says. “Wow! That was worth every second, every penny and all the sweat and labor we put into it!” However, she adds, one thing that has been unexpectedly hard is the little piece of herself that stays with the kids. “The personal sacrifice of bringing someone into your life is a little more difficult,” she says. Jimi and Cristi also draw inspiration from their faith. Both Christians, they say their faith is the foundaJimi & Cristi Cook at Omo Community School tion of their efforts.

14

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

“We believe strongly in serving others, putting our faith into action and loving our neighbors,” Cristi says. They made Be The Change Volunteers a nonreligious organization, she adds, “so that as many people as possible could have improved opportunities for education.” There have been countless moments when Jimi and Cristi have seen and known that Be The Change Volunteers is doing good work. One came in the summer of 2013 in Malawi. Two years earlier, Be The Change Volunteers had built the school’s library, and the community asked if they could return to help fix up the classrooms and latrines, which were in bad shape. Jimi and Cristi said the community was welcome to submit an application and stressed the importance for community “buyin,” mentioning that things like teacher housing have been shown to have profound long-term effects on schools and communities. The Be The Change Volunteers board approved the Malawi community’s second application for help, and in 2013, Jimi and Cristi lead a team there to renovate two classrooms and refurbish all of the school’s desks. A big surprise awaited them. “When we arrived on site to plan the work, the village chief and school headmaster had huge ‘cat that swallowed the canary’ smiles on their faces and said they wanted to show us something,” Jimi recalls. “They lead us to the far side of the school to show us two beautiful new teacher houses and completely re-


furbished latrines that the community had built all by themselves!”

Inspiring Gratitude While improved education is the most obvious legacy Jimi and Cristi have built through Be The Change Volunteers, the impact does not stop with the people helped. Volunteers also see their lives profoundly changed. Grant Venable, the director of change for Be The Change Volunteers, describes how the Cooks have impacted his life. “I am blessed because the Cooks believe in me,” Venable says. “Working with the volunteers, communities and schools is a regular reminder that what we do with our own legacy, our own story, matters immensely to someone else. That will always drive me to be a ‘changer’ for the good of others.” At Columbia Independent Schools, Anderson says she has witnessed changes in her students who go on the builds. “Our students come back and say: ‘Oh my gosh, I have this amazing education, and I never realized it was amazing. I’m so lucky I go to school every day, and I don’t have to worry that my going to school is taking away from the livelihood of my family.’ It’s such a gift, that appreciation.” Jimi says what he hopes volunteers receive are perspective, gratitude and a global view. “I want them to see that the only real difference among all people is where you were born and the resources pro-

Jimi Cook playing soccer in Malawi vided to you,” he says. “I want them to be grateful, truly grateful, for what they have — resources, opportunities, freedom, acceptance, nutrition, health care, etc., etc. etc. — and understand those are the things that largely ‘separate’ people and that realizing that and working to provide the opportunities for these things for others — not give it to them but provide development aid in a sustainable way — can bridge this gap and make us all ‘better.’ I want them to think about ‘starving kids in Africa’ every day, but not in pity or inferiority or separation but with understanding, respect and hope, to believe that they are ‘our kids,’ too, part of the global community, a precious resource with beau-

tiful smiles, amazing hearts, powerful strength of character and purpose, and resilient souls who just want to learn and grow and communicate and contribute.” Whenever she begins to feel overwhelmed by the need, Cristi says she remembers the story of the little boy and the starfish and determines, once again, to create change “one life at a time.” “The legacy,” Jimi says, “is the lives that are affected in a positive way by whatever resources, time, finances and/ or hard work you can and will give to others. That is the legacy I want to leave, and that is the change I want to see in the world.” v

GET INVOLVED There are a multiple ways to get involved with the Be The Change Volunteers mission.

Volunteer for the next project, planned for February 2015 in Bihar, India.

Join Columbia’s local chapter and learn how you can help achieve fundraising goals and create awareness.

Take part in next month’s CoMo Gives campaign and give to Be The Change Volunteers.

Learn more at www.bethechangevolunteers.org

Prime Magazine November 2014

l

15


PROMOTION

How To Conquer Medicare’s Annual Election Period

F

For many, fall is a favorite season, thanks to beautiful autumn foliage and Thanksgiving festivities with families and friends. Of course, fall is also the time for Halloween, when ghosts, goblins and witches make a terrifying appearance, as does one more truly horrific event — Medicare’s Annual Election Period, a detestable new ritual that causes seniors to shudder with fear. Before you cower under the covers with a flashlight, read on. The Annual Election Period, or open enrollment, started Oct. 15 and ends Dec. 7. During this time, Medicare beneficiaries who previously signed up for Part D can choose a different plan for the following year. But how do you match up your medication needs with the right company or, for that matter, the right plan? Each year plans make changes in formularies, tiers, drug co-pays and premiums. Plans can remove certain drugs or add more drugs to their formulary for the next calendar year. This is why it is important to examine your daily maintenance drugs, which might have changed since the last election period, to see if you can improve your coverage to save money. Even if there will be no medication changes, you might save several hundred dollars by choosing a new plan. It is important to keep in mind one major 16

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

flaw with Part D: You only get a few weeks of the year to take a snapshot of all of your drugs, choose a plan for the next year and are locked in (with very few exceptions) for the entire year. Is it possible some of your current medications are only temporary or that you’ll need to add a drug following a new diagnosis? This is what makes the annual election period a guessing game. Some minor changes in your medications can make a huge difference in your plan selection. Another fear comes from the dreaded “doughnut hole.” There is nothing tasty about this doughnut. It occurs when “true out of pocket,” abbreviated TrOOP, hits $2,960 for the year and ends when true out of pocket reaches $4,700. In this gap, beneficiaries must pay higher drug costs. At its end, out-ofpocket costs are very minimal. With all of the above to keep in mind, it’s important to get the proper advice before selecting your plan. Your doctor is a good start. He might be able to suggest some lower-cost meds (generics or tier one). If you must take higher-cost brand-name meds, try calling the manufacturers to see if they offer assistance via a discount card. It never hurts to ask. Also talk to your pharmacist, who can provide suggested alternatives on certain medications for you to discuss with your physician.

Lastly, a strong suggestion is to seek advice from your seasoned local insurance agent. In order to remain qualified to help enroll individuals, agents are required to spend countless hours training each year on the intricacies of Medicare, Medicaid and changes in the law. The reason to consult with a qualified agent is simple: When issues arise, and inevitably they will, trained professionals have the best resources to resolve them. For the layperson, every problem becomes a maze of phone prompts, wait times, convoluted explanations and other general aggravations that come when trying to deal with a government agency or an insurance company. Even if you are able to get through to an actual human, you will not be talking to the CEO. The call center is supposed to have your best interests in mind, but you might catch a service rep who is inexperienced or is having a bad day. Sure, you can call back if you aren’t satisfied or file an appeal, but it’s much more convenient to have a trained agent get solutions for you. With a little help, you can take back fall! v

This “How To” section appears regularly in Inside Columbia’s Prime. Readers learn how to find and choose various products and services.


Prime Magazine November 2014

l

17


SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Leaving A

Legacy

University of Missouri Office of Gift Planning and Endowments

Since 1839, when Boone County residents pledged property and money to establish the University of Missouri in Columbia, the University has benefited from the generosity of citizens and alumni. This financial support has provided the margin of excellence for 175 years.

Linda Keown

Endowment: A Legacy of Support

Linda Keown, a long-time member of the MU family and a lifelong lover of the humanities, established a planned gift that provides permanent funding for the MU Museum of Art and Archaeology to use for traveling exhibitions. Linda is a testament to the spirit of giving that flourishes within the MU community. With your planned gift, you may be able to create an endowment that will provide a permanent resource for the University. You can name and design an endowment agreement that meets your personal philanthropic goals while securing a legacy of support at MU for future generations.

The Mizzou Legacy Society

The Mizzou Legacy Society is a place to acknowledge planned gift donors and thank them for their generosity. Legacy Society members enjoy the satisfaction of knowing their gifts support the University and strengthen its mission. These members also benefit from planned gifts that reduce taxes on their estates, other gift arrangements that give them lifelong income, reduced or eliminated capital gains taxes, and charitable tax deductions. The staff of the Office of Gift Planning and Endowments is available to assist you in creating a gift plan that best expresses your desire to strengthen MU.

University of Missouri • 302 Reynolds Alumni Center • 800-970-9977 • www.bequest.missouri.edu


SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Leaving A

Legacy

Landmark Bank Megan Schawo, Mark Matejka, Kimberly Whorton, Katie Whitman, Jo Mooney, Jay Alexander Helping clients create lasting legacies is everyday work for Landmark Bank’s Wealth Management team. “Some of the most common concerns for our clients include the transfer of wealth and making sure that their estate plan is appropriate for their financial future,” says Jay Alexander, Senior Vice President of Wealth Management and Private Banking Manager. “We help our clients accumulate, enhance and preserve wealth.” Landmark Bank’s Wealth Management team helps clients meet these goals through professional investment and estate planning services. “There are lots of nuances to estate

planning, and making sure that you work with an expert is very important,” Alexander says. At Landmark Bank, clients work with local, accomplished financial professionals. These experts have diverse backgrounds and help clients identify the financial issues that are most important to them. Team members ask questions and carefully listen to the client’s responses and needs to develop a thoroughly customized plan and then execute that plan. “Each of our clients’ financial situations is unique,” Alexander says. “Our team of local experts will tailor a plan for each individual client. Getting to know our

801 E. Broadway • 573-499-7333 • www.landmarkbank.com

clients and their families and having the ability to positively impact multiple generations is very rewarding.” Once the plan is in place, the Landmark Bank Wealth Management team members continue to provide support. “We encourage our clients to come in and meet to discuss their investment- or estate-related concerns,” Alexander says. “Success should be measured not only by your financial well-being but also by how confident you feel about your future.” Some investment products and services are: Not

a deposit; Not FDIC insured; Not insured by any federal government agency; Not guaranteed by the bank; May go down in value


SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Leaving A

Legacy

La Petite Ecole

Joelle Quoirin, Founder Like any loving grandparent, Betty Connelly wants the best for her grandchild. That’s why she has given her granddaughter the gift of enrollment at La Petite Ecole. “My granddaughter’s experience at La Petite Ecole will, no doubt, lead to a broader view of other cultures,” Connelly says. La Petite Ecole is a not-for-profit French immersion school that provides early education to children ages 2 through 6. This is the age when the language center in the brain undergoes the greatest development, explains Joelle Quoirin, the school’s founder and a native French speaker with both a Master of Arts in French and an Educational Specialist degree from MU.

“Research clearly and consistently shows that bilinguals have enhanced cognitive performance, a more efficient brain and greater adaptability,” she says. “Parents, grandparents and others closely involved in the lives of little ones can provide this unique and amazing gift. ” The curriculum at La Petite Ecole develops and assesses oral and written language skills, self-awareness, independence, responsibility, mathematical and scientific thinking, and motor development, all in a French immersion setting. “It is a huge pleasure for both parents and teaching staff to witness the French language gradually become the students’

1111 S. Fairview Road • 573-447-3950 • www.petiteecole.org

preferred method of communication at school,” Quoirin says. La Petite Ecole also has weekly French classes for babies, alumni students and adults and will celebrate its 10th anniversary in the 2014–2015 academic year. The school prides itself on offering individualized instruction and one-on-one attention. “The visible growth in our children’s emotional, social and educational skills is the joy that fuels our hard work and effort,” Quoirin says. “The long-lasting benefits of early reading and writing skills, coupled with early social and logical thinking development, create an uncontestable legacy of success.”


SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Callaway Investment Services

Aaron Rigdon, Certified Financial Planner® Professional Aaron Rigdon, a Certified Financial Planner® Professional and financial advisor at Callaway Investment Services, has had a longtime infatuation with numbers, financial markets and investing. “I knew I wanted to be in this role before I could drive,” he says. An MU grad with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Rigdon continued his education to become a Certified Financial Planner® Professional. In working with clients, he prioritizes trust and communication. “Honest and transparent straight talk from both sides is crucial to a successful relationship,” he says. “Your advisor needs to understand your comfort level with risk

and have the expertise to maximize the return within your investment criteria.” Callaway Investment Services, housed within The Callaway Bank, is a brokerage firm with a full suite of financial planning and investment options provided through Cetera Investment Services. Rigdon’s licenses include Series 7 and 66, Certified Financial Planner® Professional, general securities licenses and licenses for life, long-term care and health insurance. Rigdon notes that keeping up-todate with investment trends and changing regulations is a daily discipline. “I spend a great deal of time reading, attending conferences and with continuing

3200 W. Broadway • 573.447.5605 • aaron.rigdon@ceterais.com

education,” he says, adding he’s also in regular contact with Cetera Investment Services analysts and researchers. “Helping my clients achieve financial independence brings a deep sense of satisfaction.” Securities and insurance products are offered through Cetera Investment Services LLC (doing insurance business in CA as CFGIS Insurance Agency), member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory services are offered through Cetera Investment Advisers LLC. Neither firm is affiliated with the financial institution where investment services are offered. Investments are · Not FDIC insured · May lose value · Not financial institution guaranteed · Not a deposit · Not insured by any federal government agency. Advisory Services may only be offered by Investment Adviser Representatives.


Prime Magazine November 2014

l

22


Prime Time

11.14 November NOVEMBER 6–9, 13–16, 20–23 The Columbia Entertainment Company presents “Other Desert Cities.” After a six-year absence, Brooke Wyeth returns home to Palm Springs to celebrate Christmas with her parents, her brother and her aunt. Brooke announces that she is about to publish a memoir dredging up a pivotal and tragic event in the family’s history — a wound they don’t want reopened. In effect, she draws a line in the sand and dares them all to cross it. Adults $10, students $9, seniors and children $8; 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. Sunday matinee; 1800 Nelwood Ave.; 573-474-3699; www.cectheatre.org

related items and a live auction featuring fine jewelry courtesy of KT Diamond Jewelers and Buchroeders Jewelers. Single tickets $125, pair of tickets $200; 6 p.m.; 2200 I-70 Drive SW; 573-442-8331; www.greatcircle.org

NOVEMBER 7 Each month, Artlandish Gallery First Friday brings together live music, food and drink with more than 60 artists’ work, tours of the Catacombs and the North Village Art Studios, plus allaround frivolity! Free; 6 to 9 p.m.; 1019 E. Walnut; 573-442-2999; www.artlandishgallery.com

NOVEMBER 7

NOVEMBER 7–9

The Lydaco Concert Series presents Natalia Zukerman and Jeff Campbell at Unity of Columbia. The Lydaco Concert Series expands listening-room opportunities in this area and features outstanding singer-songwriters from around the country. The Boston Globe has described Zukerman as “a strutting brass band one minute, a sighing lover the next”; Campbell is a past winner of the annual Guitar Center SingerSongwriter contest, rising above more than 13,000 entrants. $15; doors open at 6:30 p.m., concert at 7; 1600 W. Broadway; www.lydacomusic.com

The Citizen Jane Film Festival, an intimate event celebrating and showcasing the work of female filmmakers from around the world, takes place in downtown Columbia. Insane Jane Pass $100, Plain Jane Pass $60, individual tickets $10 opening night & $8 other nights with student & senior discounts; downtown Columbia and Stephens College campus;573-819-JANE (5263); www.citizenjanefilmfestival.com

NOVEMBER 7 You are cordially invited to Diamond Night 2014 – Star Light Start Bright, A Storybook Black Tie Gala Benefiting Great Circle at the Holiday Day Inn Executive Center. The diamond is a traditional symbol of promise in relationships and signifies Great Circle’s commitment to the children in its care. This evening of elegance includes a cocktail reception, dinner and a program, a silent auction with fairy-tale-

NOVEMBER 8 Find extraordinary gifts at the opening reception of Give a Gift of Art, a vibrant and eclectic annual showcase of Columbia Art League members’ work. From uniquely handcrafted jewelry to hand-built ceramic wares, and original paintings to photographs, Columbia Art League is a great place to make your own holiday wish list! The show lasts from Nov. 4 to Jan. 9. Free; 6 to 8 p.m.; 207 S. Ninth St.; 573-443-8838; www.columbiaartleague.org

NOVEMBER 8 Retired Army Colonel, national speaker, author and physician Jim Coy will sign books and give three separate talks on Leadership, Courage and Hope at the Inside Columbia offices. Col. Coy served with numerous Special Operations and Special Forces units, including the 3rd Army Special Forces Group (Airborne) during the first Gulf War and the Liberation of Kuwait campaign (Operation Urban Freedom). His talks will draw from his three books, A Gathering of Eagles, Valor, and Prisoners of Hope. Free; “Leadership” talk 9 a.m., “Courage” talk noon; “Hope” talk 3 p.m.; 47 E. Broadway; 573-442-1430; www.agatheringofeagles.com

NOVEMBER 8–9 Join the Missouri River Wine Trail in sharing the Bounty of the Harvest, where each chef will create exquisite wine and food pairings featuring local products from the mid-Missouri area. You won’t want to miss this final event of the season. Start your adventure at any one of the seven wineries to get your souvenir glass. Tickets may be purchased at any of the member wineries, as well as online. $20; noon to 5 p.m.; Missouri River Wine Trail; 573-8969966 or 573-698-2133; www.missouririverwinetrail.com

NOVEMBER 9 The “We Always Swing” Jazz Series presents The New New York Standards Quartet featuring pianist David Berkman, drummer Gene Jackson, saxophonist Tim Armacost and bassist Michael Janisch. John Fordham of the U.K. Guardian describes the group as “devoted to the radical reinvention of

Prime Magazine November 2014

l

23


famous pop songs and Broadway show tunes.” The show takes place at Murry’s. From $20; doors open at 2:30 for 3:30 p.m. show & at 6 for 7 p.m. show; 3107 Green Meadows Way; 573-449-3009, ext. 1; www.wealwaysswing.org

NOVEMBER 9 The Odyssey Chamber Music Series, hosted at First Baptist Church, presents “Flute Sparks,” a concert featuring St. Louis Symphony Orchestra principal flutist Mark Sparks with pianist Peter Henderson as featured in their new CD, “French Album.” $20 general admission, $10 students, free for children 12 and younger; 3 p.m.; 1112 E. Broadway; 573-825-0079; www.odysseymissouri.org

NOVEMBER 12–16 “The Orphan Sea” is a story of us, here and now, and the story of who we once were. It is a tale of those who cross rivers and seas and those who wait for them, of a lover who searches for one lost years ago, and of someone called Penelope, who may be waiting for someone called Odysseus. Told in poetry, song, film and dance, this play is for anyone who dares to dream. The Missouri Arts Council provided financial assistance for this project, which takes the stage at MU’s Rhynsburger Theatre. $12, $10 for faculty, staff, students & seniors; 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. Sunday matinee; 129 Fine Arts Building; 573-882PLAY (7529); www.theatre.missouri.edu

NOVEMBER 14–16 The Stephens College Senior Dance Concert is a culmination of personal dance experiences reflected in the choreography of graduating dance majors. The concert will feature original compositions created specifically for Stephens’ senior choreographers by composers from the Mizzou New Music Initiative and live music by the Mizzou New Music Ensemble. $8 general admission, $6 students; 7:30 p.m. & 2 p.m. Sunday matinee; 100 Willis Ave.; 573-876-7199; www.stephens.edu/events

NOVEMBER 15 The Grainger Foundation Hunger Run, an annual fundraiser for The Food Bank for Central & Northeast Missouri, 24

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine


moves to a new, runner-friendly course in downtown Columbia. The race starts and finishes at Vida Coffee. In addition to the traditional 5K and 10K races for individuals, teams of two can compete in the Challenge Course, which will feature food bank-related challenges. The event goal is to raise more than $10,000 for the food bank, which would help provide more than 125,000 meals. $25 per adult by Nov. 10 or $30 on race day, $10 for 12 and younger; 8 a.m.; 812 Hitt St.; 573-474-1020; www.sharefoodbringhope.com

NOVEMBER 15 The Blue Note presents Keller Williams. Most of Williams’ career has been as a one-man band: He sings his compositions and choice covers while accompanying himself with an acoustic guitar connected to a Gibson Echoplex delay system that allows him to simulate a full band. $20; doors open at 8 p.m., show starts at 9; 17 N. Ninth St.; 573-874-1944; www.thebluenote.com

NOVEMBER 19 The “We Always Swing” Jazz in the District Series is pleased to reunite two of the planet’s finest working musicians — pianist Joanne Brackeen and bassist Cecil McBee — in “The Art of the Duo: Dedicated to Bradley’s.” Brackeen and McBee’s relationship is a rare professional one that has crisscrossed and shared much musical territory for many decades. The concert will take place in MU’s Rogers Whitmore Recital Hall. From $25; doors open at 6 p.m., show starts at 7; 135 Fine Arts Building; 573-449-3009, ext. 1; www.wealwaysswing.org

NOVEMBER 19 Ninety minutes of comedy, storytelling and singing at the Missouri Theatre, An Evening with Terry Bradshaw: America’s Favorite Dumb Blonde stars one of the country’s best-loved football announcers, sports legends and performers — the Pittsburgh Steeler’s legendary No. 12. Bradshaw, accompanied by his singers/ dancers, the I-Q-ties, will share stories about growing up in Louisiana, his four Super Bowl rings, three marriages, toupee Prime Magazine November 2014

l

25


model days, his cattle ranch fiasco, and his broadcasting and acting careers, divided up into “four quarters.” From $29; 7 p.m.; 203 S. Ninth St.; 573-882-3781; www.concertseries.org

NOVEMBER 20 During the Bach’s Lunch Recital Series, relax in the elegant surroundings of the Stephens College Historic Senior Hall and support students performing a variety of musical theatre, vocal jazz, classical and choral works. Free; 12:30 p.m.; 100 Waugh St.; 573-876-7199; www.stephens.edu/performingarts

NOVEMBER 20 Performed by Choral Union, University Singers, University Philharmonic and guest soloists, “Messa de Requiem” by Guiseppe Verdi stands as a monument of musical emotion and drama. A full chorus and four soloists join with a large orchestra — including offstage trumpets — to create an unforgettable impact. You will not want to miss this rare opportunity to hear this master work right here in midMissouri! The show will take place at Battle High School. $15; 7 p.m.; 7575 St. Charles Road; 573-882-3781; www.concertseries.org

NOVEMBER 21–23 Get a head start on your holiday shopping at the 25th Annual King’s Daughters Holiday Festival at the Columbia Expo Center. Find one-of-a-kind gifts from merchants selling everything from home décor and fresh-baked goods to high fashion and children’s gifts. A VIP Sneak Peek Shopping Event on Friday will include a book signing with New York Times bestselling author Gary Stewart. Ticket sales and auction proceeds benefit the King’s Daughters charities. $35 general admission Friday, $50 to attend reception with Gary Stewart, $3 in advance or $6 at the door Saturday and Sunday; 5:30 to 7 p.m. Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday; 2200 I-70 Drive S.W.; www.kdholidayfestival.com

NOVEMBER 27 The Advanced Radiology TurkeyTrax Run provides friends and family a chance to do something active and to benefit 26

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine


local charities before starting their traditional Thanksgiving celebration. The 5K road race begins at the Rock Bridge High School track and offers participants a commemorative TurkeyTrax T-shirt (sign up by Nov. 18), Ultramax chip timing and live results, post-race snacks and beverages, and overall and age group awards. Age division winners will take home a pie for Thanksgiving dessert! $30 through Nov. 19, $40 after Nov. 19, $45 race day, $25 children younger than 12; 8:30 a.m.; 4303 S. Providence Road; 573-445-2664; www. ultramaxsports.com/turketraxrun

NOVEMBER 29 It’s a match the college sports world has been waiting for, the Mizzou vs. Arkansas football game at Faurot Field. The contest will be the first between the schools since Mizzou joined the SEC. Will it be a historic launch of a new rivalry? Time will tell, but to be safe, plan to witness it. Price and time TBA; 600 E. Stadium Blvd.; 573-884-7297; www.mutigers.com

SAVE THE DATE DECEMBER 1 The Holiday Ice Spectacular features world-class figure skaters and exciting choreography teamed with favorite Christmas songs as Santa and the cast take you on a nostalgic Christmas journey. It’s a holiday celebration, with ice on the Missouri Theatre stage! From $19, children $15; 7 p.m.; 203 S. Ninth St.; 573-882-3781; www.concertseries.org

DECEMBER 3 A holiday tradition returns to the University Concert Series, when for the first time ever, The Moscow Ballet’s “The Great Russian Nutcracker” comes to the Missouri Theatre stage. It’s the must-see event of the season! Celebrate with the whole family as 40 world-class Russian artists bring Tchaikovsky’s score, the magic of larger-than-life puppets and a growing Christmas tree to life. From $19 or $15 children; 7 p.m.; 203 S. Ninth St.; 573-882-3781; www.concertseries.org v Prime Magazine November 2014

l

27


28

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine


Support Our Locally Owned Restaurants When you dine at local restaurants, you help support small-business owners who spend their dollars in the community. These dollars help keep our neighbors gainfully employed; the cycle continues as employees spend their wages on local arts, culture and other areas of the economy. Eating local pays BIG dividends for Columbia!

Prime Magazine November 2014

l

29


getting to know a BHC nurse

› MUNG CHIN

[ NURSE NAVIGATOR, STEWART CANCER CENTER ]

I grew up in Singapore and came to the United States 10 years ago. I’m the middle child, so I was the “peacekeeper” in the family. Perhaps that laid a good foundation for my nursing career. When I came to the states, I was a customer service representative at an eye clinic, which was my first contact with the health care system. I was awed by the care provided by the doctors and nurses, and I contemplated what I wanted to do in life. Nursing was the answer. I studied at Columbia College and entered its nursing program in 2007. I graduated in 2009 with my associate degree in nursing and completed my BSN in 2013 at the University of Missouri-Columbia. What do you like best about working in the health care field?

What has changed in your field since you started practicing?

I love taking care of people. At the eye clinic, I took a call from a woman who was having an acute vision problem. It was late and the doctors had gone. Instead of sending her to the emergency room, I decided to help her. Her symptoms suggested retinal detachment, so I paged the retina specialist. I told him that the patient sounded really scared and asked if we could do something to help her. The doctor returned, saw the patient, and surgery was performed that evening. Later, she thanked me for helping her and told me, “You saved my eyesight.” Those were powerful words — so powerful that they motivated me to pursue nursing.

The increased emphasis on evidenced-based nursing practice. Nursing has evolved into a complicated art of providing evidence-based quality care that is patient-centered, effective, efficient, safe and, most importantly, compassionate.

What interested you in your particular specialty?

The strengths displayed by oncology patients and their families — their ability to see hope in the most difficult times — touched me dearly. It is a privilege to be part of their challenging journey and to witness both their courageous and vulnerable sides. What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

To see patients progress from being bedridden to being able to enjoy the Healing Garden with their family; when a patient receives assistance from the organization to which you helped her apply — these are some of the many reasons why I love my job. As an oncology nurse navigator, it’s gratifying to provide extra support to our patients and their families. It’s especially rewarding to earn their trust. What is the most challenging part of your job?

To see your patient go from active treatment to palliative care. It’s hard to lose patients, especially when you’ve developed a close relationship with them and their families and have been part of their cancer journey from the beginning.

30

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

What do you see changing in the next five to 10 years?

Increased focus on coordination of care beyond an inpatient setting. As an oncology nurse navigator at Stewart Cancer Center, I provide support to hospital patients when they are newly diagnosed with cancer and after they are discharged. With increased emphasis on navigation programs, the risk of cancer patients falling through the cracks after they leave the hospital will be reduced. What do you enjoy doing outside of work?

I love spending time with my family. My kids and I love to go to the theater and enjoy a movie together. Afterward, we end our day with a treat from Orange Leaf. Yum! What advice would you give to someone looking to become a nurse?

Never forget your compassion, even when caring for a “difficult” patient. Compassion motivates your desire to provide excellent care. Without compassion, patients become tasks, not human beings. What advice would you give to someone who is going to be a patient in a hospital for a period of time?

Don’t be afraid to voice your concerns and never hesitate to ask questions! It’s really important to stay informed and understand the course of your treatment.


Prime Magazine November 2014

l

31


Pet Corner

Pranks For The Memories A Few Good Reasons To Stay On Your Veterinarian’s Good Side

O

BY DR. JOHN WILLIAMS

Of all the medical professionals, I am sure none enjoys practical jokes more than veterinarians. Why? I can’t really say. It’s certainly not that all vets are by nature fun-loving court jesters. Far from it. Just ask any veterinary receptionist who has just announced that she forgot to tell Old Doc that she is leaving work early to ride her boyfriend’s new Harley to the river. Or better yet, just ask any veterinarian’s spouse how jovial Old Doc is when the phone rings for the third time after midnight. You’re not likely to hear anything resembling Fallon or Seinfeld. Regardless, no matter how much the practice of veterinary medicine throws at them, vets from time to time will pull out the whoopee cushions, put on the big glasses with the rubber noses and act like complete morons. We like to call it blowing off steam. Some would call it borderline mental instability. Whatever people think, as a general rule vets love to use the unique nature of what they do for a living to subject some innocent soul to momentary torment, all for a knee-slapping, good laugh. Consider for a moment the uptight veterinary student. While being trained how to conduct a simple urinalysis — using, as is the custom, his own personal sample — this student may be stunned to discover that his sample shows a significant possibility that he suffers from diabetes. Usually it works out that after a hurried trip to the student health center, the poor unwary future vet finds out that everything is perfectly normal and that his concern was baseless. How could such a thing like this happen, you may ask? It just takes a couple of drops of glucose solution — something that is in abundance in most hospitals — surreptitiously added to the sample to result in such a finding. At least that’s what I’ve been told. I heard of another prank from a colleague who had been co-opted into spaying his brother’s cat free of charge. Whether it 32

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

was just for laughs or a subliminal frustration from working for squat, the veterinarian sedated the patient, made a routine skin incision and immediately sutured it shut. Nothing more. Of course, as nature took its course over the next few months, the brother returned describing a sudden weight gain in his pet. Specific details are murky beyond this point, but I was told the brothers were back on speaking terms, albeit on a pay-as-you-go basis, and the litter of kittens was enjoyed by the whole, albeit slightly fractured, family. The stories are endless, and when the subject comes up in a group of veterinarians, it quickly becomes a “can you top this” conversation. Probably the best one I ever heard was the veterinarian who arranged to have a young lady who, shall we say, dressed minimally for a living bring her kitten into see his recently divorced partner. Apparently, the examination of the kitten was going well when the young lady indicated that she was getting hot and proceeded

to remove her coat, revealing — well, let’s just say revealing. To his credit the veterinarian did an admirable job maintaining a professional attitude and made every effort to continue the examination. However, when his new fiancée walked in the back door of the exam room and his divorce lawyer walked in the front, he seemed to lose his concentration. Oh, and by the way, for those of you who are curious, if you think lawyer’s fees are high, check out freelance strippers. I did. v

— John Williams, DVM, is a retired Columbia veterinarian who spend 39 years as a small-animal practitioner.


Honoring Our

Veterans Free Lectures ON: 9am - Leadership 12pm - Courage 3pm - Hope Saturday, Nov. 8th

at Inside Columbia Magazine 47 E. Broadway Columbia, MO

ON HOPE: At 3 p.m., Dr. Coy will talk about HOPE and share stories from American ExPOWs from the book, Prisoners of Hope. The book includes advice for life – wisdom, and Jim Coy stories from 119 individuals who endured captivity, deprivation, inhumanity, starvation, and torture for the cause of freedom. The wisdom and stories were forged in the fire of tremendous adversity. The stories help us better understand the importance and power of HOPE and its connection to family, friends and faith.

www.aGatheringOfEagles.com Prime Magazine November 2014

l

33


Life Lessons

Buying Caskets With Coupons Perhaps Death Is A Laughing Matter BY SARALEE PEREL

W

When my husband, Bob, typed “caskets” into the Walmart.com search box, he found 93 results. “Why on earth are you looking at these?” I asked. “We need a coffee table,” he said sarcastically. “Why do you think? We’re not going to be here forever.” He clicked on the description of one casket and then excitedly read out loud, “Our pleated ‘soft to the touch’ velvet interior bedding in light blue and a tufted velvet head panel —” “Bob, I’ve never been given as much column material as you just gave me.” “You’re making fun of buying a coffin?” he said. “Of course not. I wonder if Walmart has any BOGOs.” “What?” “Buy one, get one free.” Before he got off the computer, I tenderly took his hands in mine. “Sweets,” I said. “I promise I’ll be serious.” Hearing that, he hugged me. “If I go 34

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

first,” he said, “I want you to go on with your life. Nothing would make me happier than to know that you’ll live fully. I’d want you to laugh again, even love again.” “Oh, Bob. You’re so wonderful.” I placed my lips on his forehead and gently gave him a whisper of a kiss. “If you go first,” I said softly, “and you take a good woman out to dinner, my ghost will dump a gigantic plate of spaghetti in your lap.” “I’m glad you’re taking this so seriously,” Bob said. “Is there some reason I should? Frankly, I don’t think it’s such a hot idea to focus on morbidity. Also, if you go first, who’s going to clean the house? I can’t vacuum with my disability.” “What was your excuse before you were disabled?” He started to leave the room but quickly stopped himself. “All right,” he said. “But before I stop thinking about caskets, I need us to be serious. I just want some closure.” That’s when my heart started to break because I could tell this was gut-wrenching

for him — as well as for me. “Saralee, I want to decide on our coffins.” We sat on the couch, holding each other tightly. “OK, sweets,” I said. “There are two beautiful ones.” I took a deep breath, preparing myself for this sad decision about finality. He said, “If we buy them within the next 18 minutes, we get a free tomato slicer.” We both started laughing so hard we were doubled over in hysterics. Bob said, “I think I saw a coupon: If we both drop dead today, we’ll each get free Apple iPhone 6!” And so, we finally approached this delicate subject with the dignity it deserved. I solemnly decided that when I’m buried, I’ll be wearing my pink silk dress. And Bob? He’ll rent a tuxedo. v

Award-winning nationally syndicated columnist Saralee Perel may be reached at sperel@saraleeperel.com or via her website: www.saraleeperel.com.


Prime Magazine November 2014

l

35


Tinseltown Talks

Still In The Saddle “The Virginian” James Drury Brings The Old West To A New Generation BY NICK THOMAS

W

While today’s television landscape is littered with so-called reality programming, Westerns dominated the airways in the 1960s. One of the most popular was “The Virginian,” which ran for nine seasons on NBC from 1962 to 1971 and starred James Drury as the unnamed, mystery foreman of the Shiloh ranch, set in Medicine Bow, Wyo. Drury celebrated his 80th birthday in April and, far from retiring, continues to travel the country greeting fans at Western festivals. He is also resurrecting his tough but honorable cowboy character in a new show for kids that combines live-action and animation. “It’s called ‘Billy and the Bandit’ aimed at 8 to10-year-olds, but adults can enjoy it, too,” says Drury from his home in Houston. “Billy is the great-great-grandson of the Virginian and confined to a wheelchair. He is told tales of the Old West by his grandfather, played by me, and fantasizes about western adventures as he falls asleep. All kinds of stories come out of that.” With the pilot script now completed and cast and crew filming, Drury reunites in the new series with his old “Virginian” costars Roberta Shore and Gary Clarke. “It’s an exciting project,” Drury says. 36

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

“We’re looking forward to telling some great stories for families every week.” Currently broadcast on cable’s INSP TV, “The Virginian” remains popular with audiences more than 50 years after its start, a feat that doesn’t surprise Drury. “It was the first 90-minute Western on TV, and that gave our writers an opportunity to explore detailed stories,” he explains. “It was like doing a movie every week. We also had a wonderful cast of continuing characters, and with the great writing, the finest actors in Hollywood wanted guest starring roles — George C. Scott, Bette Davis, Joan

Crawford and Robert Redford come to mind. Every day I’d go off to the set excited about the wonderful actors I’d be working with.” But starring in a weekly 90-minute series was demanding. “Some days we would be filming parts of five different episodes, so it required a lot of mental concentration,” Drury says. “I had a strong work ethic, so didn’t mind. I did the show for nine years, but would have been delighted to continue for another 10!” With his rugged good looks and wrangling experience, Drury was a natural TV cowboy.


“I’ve been riding horses since I was in diapers!” says Drury. “My grandfather put me on his Belgian plow horse when I was just a toddler. The animal was so broad, my legs stuck straight out on both sides like I was doing the splits. It’s one of my earliest memories.” Born in New York City, Drury spent time growing up on his parents’ Oregon ranch and developed an interest in acting after performing in a Christmas play as a child. He later returned to New York for stage work before moving to Hollywood. Along with his wife, Carl Ann, Drury has lived in Houston for 35 years and off-screen has competed in cutting horse competitions, polo and dressage. “Texas has been good to me,” says Drury. “I’ve worked with many great horse trainers here and up through Oklahoma. I love it all — the dust, the sweat, the sunshine and the smell of the horses.” As he did in “The Virginian,” Drury plans to bring his love of the Old West to “Billy and the Bandit” and is confident audiences will embrace the show. “There are so many cable channels now looking for new content,” he says. “Westerns were morality plays where good always triumphed over evil and people respond to that. Our show retains those values of the Old West. Parents and grandparents can watch it with the kids, and that’s a valuable family experience these days.” v

— Nick Thomas teaches at Auburn University at Montgomery, Ala. His features, columns and interviews have appeared in more than 400 magazines and newspapers. Prime Magazine November 2014

l

37


Prime Advice

Tell Me About It

With Angel Donnette Robertson

Q:

My sweet sister-in-law is never on time. When we have a family dinner, she is always, always late. Bringing sweet potatoes to a Thanksgiving dinner isn’t helpful when you arrive 10 minutes after everyone has filled their plates. Should we talk to her? Except for her chronic tardiness, she is reliable. We love her and don’t want to hurt her feelings. But we do want sweet potatoes at Thanksgiving.

A:

Individuals are chronically tardy for a variety of reasons. Some are just invariably busy, rushing from one activity to the next. Others live chaotic lives. Some just really seem to struggle with the concept of time — estimating 15 minutes for a chore that takes at least 30. Others may be easily distracted from their preparation tasks. You could certainly speak with her. If you approach her with respect, and she is someone who can accept a little gentle criticism, then you can navigate a conversation without hurting her feelings. However, I assume she probably already realizes she’s less than punctual. And if she is always late, expecting her to address and change a lifetime pattern after one discussion may be a bit overreaching. You may find more overall satisfaction in accepting that your sister-in-law will always be late and not handing her any responsibilities that depend on punctuality. So, I suggest you ask those who tend to run on time to bring the main dishes and ask your sister-in-law to bring dessert or the party games.

Q:

My daughter-in-law has no sense of privacy on Facebook. I could maybe just roll my eyes if she were only posting too much about herself, but she’s constantly posting about my grandchildren and nothing seems to be off-limits. From posts about their misbehavior to multiple photos chronicling each and every day — I’m worried both about perpetrators and about how my grandchildren will feel later seeing their lives in this public space. What can I do?

A:

I am constantly amazed by the information posted on Facebook (and other social media sites). We can now watch relationships disintegrate one post at a time or read regular updates on a previous schoolmate’s urinary tract infection, which is information I didn’t even know I was missing. While Facebook does have redeeming qualities, the individuals posting on Facebook sometimes need a crash course in privacy, safety and etiquette.

Have a relationship question for Angel? Email it to prime@insidecolumbia.net. She will select reader questions to answer, along with questions she finds, in upcoming issues of Inside Columbia’s Prime. 38

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine


So, I feel your pain is what I’m saying. Unfortunately, you actually have little control over your daughter-in-law’s behavior. If you have a close, comfortable relationship with her and your son, you can gather information on social media safety and the impact of information remaining on the internet forever and respectfully, carefully address the situation in a nonjudgmental fashion with them. You may want to watch for a good time to start the dialogue, such as after a report on the news or an article in a magazine catches your particular notice. By leading into the conversation with a more general topic, your daughter-in-law may feel less like the comments are personal towards her and be less likely to react defensively. Most importantly, you should lead by example and watch what you post, share and “like” on Facebook In the end, your daughter-in-law may take your advice. Or she may not. But you will have done what you can to protect your grandchildren, and if you have done so courteously, you may have another chance at a later time. v

— Angel Donnette Robertson is not a professional counselor, but she has a lifelong appreciation for the beauty and complications of relationships.

MEMOIR PROMPT “If I could go back and do it again” is a common phrase. Think of one of those moments that you might have wished for a “redo.” What happened? What was the outcome you would have preferred to avoid? What would you have changed? If you could, would you actually “do things differently”? Would you unlearn the lessons learned? Would you detour history’s path towards an unknown direction? Why or why not?

Prime Magazine November 2014

l

39


Faces And Places

Assistance League® Of Mid-Missouri Celebrates $1 Million Awarded To Columbia Public Schools Duing the week of Oct. 6, Assistance League® of Mid-Missouri surprised 195 Columbia Public School educators in their classrooms with Links to Learning checks. The checks totaled $99,624.30 and brought the total funding given to Columbia Public Schools through the Assistance League’s Links to Learning program to $1,067,516.30. Links to Learning launched in 1992 and funds materials, equipment, field trips and special learning activities for students. Altogether, 2,462 educators have received awards.

Misha Franks, recipient at Jefferson Middle School, and Jan Mees, ALMM presenter

Barbara Mayer, ALMM presenter, and Tony Kindwall, Career Center recipient

Fran Washington, ALMM presenter, and Benton Elementary recipient Melissa Zars

Leslie Gaither, ALMM presenter, and Hickman High School Principal Eric Johnson, and Shawn Huggans, recipient 40

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

John Nies, Grant Elementary recipient, and Dr. Jennifer Wingert, Grant Elementary principal, and Matthew Kuensting, Grant Elementary recipient, and Leslie Gaither, ALMM presenter


Prime Magazine November 2014

l

41


Faces And Places

Mature Living Festival On Friday, Oct. 10, more than 600 people attended the Boone County Council on Aging’s Mature Living Festival at the Parkade Center. Participants chatted with 75 vendors about the many services available to Columbia’s seniors and their caregivers. Prizes, treats and information were handed out to all, and entertainment included a fashion show, live music and dancers, including the St. Louis Strutters. Inside Columbia’s Prime put on a cake walk and registered festival-goers for our free Prime card, which offers great discounts at local businesses. Did you miss us? No worries. You can still register for the card online at www.PrimeMagazineOnline.com.

42

l

Betsy Rall, Carla McFarland, Mary Humlicek and Jo Turner

Fran Day

Susan Tharp

St. Louis Strutters

Jeff Dobbins, festival emcee, & Jolene Schulz

St. Louis Strutters

Jerry and Kathy Oglesbay

Robert and Linda Steward and Lois Farris

Jean and Ron Barthels

November 2014 Prime Magazine


Prime Magazine November 2014

l

43


Fun & Games StatePoint Crossword

Theme: Movie Quotes ACROSS 1. NEWTON OR STERN 6. *”HERE’S LOOKING AT ___”

52. *”ARE YOU THE ___MASTER? ...I AM THE GATEKEEPER”

9. FACE-TO-FACE EXAM

53. “ABOUT ____ NIGHT”

13. BAKE, AS IN EGGS

55. *”SHEEP BE TRUE! ___-RAMEWE!”

14. EVEN, TO A POET 15. “MADAMA BUTTERFLY,” E.G. 16. *”SHOW ME THE _____!” 17. SCULPTOR HANS/JEAN ___ 18. “NOBODY _____!”

67. MATCH PLAY?

27. KIND OF SPACE 29. PATTY ____ 31. TALL ONE IS A LIE 32. TO BE WIPED OFF A FACE? 33. CORPULENT 34. FOUL

71. PLURAL OF LEPTON

42. LOUISIANA DISH

25. IN THE PAST

72. COBBLER’S CONCERN

45. AS OPPOSED TO HOURLY PAY

28. EMERALDS AND RUBIES

73. WINE QUALITY

30. *”ELEMENTARY, MY DEAR ______”

74. PIGLIKE

49. GRANDMOTHER IN GREAT BRITAIN

35. RINGO STARR’S INSTRUMENT

1. ANY DOCTRINE

37. ___ VERDE NATIONAL PARK 39. “DANCING WITH THE STARS” NUMBER

DOWN 2. “____ TILL YOU DROP” 3. HOKKAIDO NATIVE 4. GLADIATORS’ BATTLEFIELD

51. *”I LOVE THE SMELL OF ______ IN THE MORNING” 54. KNIGHT’S MOUNT 56. ACQUIESCE 57. EVERGREENS 58. THREE-PLY SNACK

40. SUPPOSED GIANT HIMALAYAN

5. *”THERE’S NO ______ IN BASEBALL”

41. SUBCULTURE LANGUAGE

6. UH-HUH

59. EURASIAN MOUNTAIN RANGE

7. “___ THE LAND OF THE FREE ...”

60. APPLE LEFTOVER

8. REMOVE PEGS

61. *”____ IT, SAM”

43. *”YOU SIT ON A THRONE OF ____” 44. PEERCONSCIOUS GROUP 46. APARTHEID OPPONENT DESMOND ____

9. MOONFISH 10. FIRST FEMALE ATTORNEY GENERAL 11. SEED COAT

62. MAIL AGENCY 63. HAVES AND HAVE-____

47. FORMERLY

12. ADD BOOZE

66. MAKE #64 ACROSS

48. *”YO, ______!”

15. #15 ACROSS, PL.

68. AYE’S OPPOSITE

50. TO REPRESENT IN

November 2014 Prime Magazine

65. REEF DWELLER

26. *”_____, FOR LACK OF A BETTER WORD, IS GOOD”

38. OPPOSED TO

24. LAB CULTURE

l

64. UNWELCOME COMPUTER MESSAG

25. TEMPLES’ INNERMOST SANCTUARIES

70. E IN BCE

23. IT CAN BE RED OR BLACK

44

61. TOY WEAPON

24. BATTERY’S PARTNER?

36. SMALL BRITISH CAR

21. FOR PEEPING

Decipher this quote by unraveling the secret code. Each letter stands for another letter. We’ve given you a few hints to get you started.

57. *”___ ____ HANDLE THE TRUTH!”

22. SWERVE

69. SPENT

19. PENALIZE

Cryptogram

DRAWING OR PAINTING

20. FLOWER HOLDERS

PUZZLE SOLUTIONS ON PAGE 50


Do You Have Tiger Vision? We’ve hidden this tiger face somewhere in the magazine. Find it, and send an email to prime@insidecolumbia.net telling us the page number where the tiger is hiding. (Hint: It’s not this page.) Readers with a correct answer by Nov. 30 will be entered into a drawing for a $50 gift card to Sophia’s Restaurant.

WINNER CONGRATULATIONS, CAROLINE!

Caroline Andriano was the winner of our September Tiger Vision contest and a gift card to Shiloh! Prime Magazine November 2014

l

45


Recipe Box

Modern Menus Meet Culinary Traditions

S

Sharing family recipes is a treasured holiday tradition for many, but every holiday table needs a mix of cherished family dishes and new culinary creations. This year, honor those special memories and reminisce over platters of family favorites while introducing new and delicious items to your holiday spread. From juicy pork tenderloin to nutty and tart pound cake, these delightful dishes are sure to bring joy to your dinner table this season. To celebrate the season and honor these special family dishes, Pompeian is helping consumers immortalize their favorite family recipes. Visit www.Facebook.com/Pompeian to design a custom bottle of extra virgin olive oil special enough to gift to a loved one or to keep for your own holiday table. For product and nutritional information or to view more holiday recipes, visit www.Pompeian.com.

Pork Tenderloin With Balsamic Roasted Vegetables Servings: 4 1/2 cup Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1/2 cup Pompeian Balsamic Vinegar 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped 2 teaspoons mixed dried herbs, such as thyme, rosmary, oregano or marjoram Salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 pork tenderloins (10–12 ounces each) 2 red, yellow or green bell peppers, cored and cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces 2 medium yellow onions, cut into 3/4-inch wedges 1 small eggplant, cut into 1-inch pieces Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for drizzling To prepare marinade, combine olive oil, balsamic vinegar, garlic and herbs in bowl. Whisk until blended; add salt and pepper to taste. Place 2 pork tenderloins in large sealable plastic bag. Pour in half marinade and refrigerate for 1 hour or overnight, turning bag occasionally. 46

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

Preheat oven to 400°F. Pour remaining marinade over peppers, onions and eggplant and toss. Arrange vegetables in large oiled roasting pan. Roast in preheated oven 15 minutes. In meantime, heat large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Remove pork from marinade. Add to skillet and brown on all sides. Transfer pork to pan of roasted vegetables. Return to oven for 20–25 minutes or until pork registers 155°F on meat thermometer. Slice pork and serve with roasted vegetables. Drizzle olive oil over finished dish.


Honoring Our

Veterans Free Lectures ON: 9am - Leadership 12pm - Courage 3pm - Hope Saturday, Nov. 8th

at Inside Columbia Magazine 47 E. Broadway Columbia, MO

ON COURAGE: Why are some people able to respond with courage, while others cower with fear? Why do some people rise to the challenge when others are unable to face and overcome fear? Jim Coy At 12 p.m., COL Coy will discuss COURAGE, using advice for life and stories from men who received the Medal of Honor. The book, VALOR, includes wisdom for life, citations, and stories from 117 men who received the Medal of Honor, our nation’s highest award for valor.

www.aGatheringOfEagles.com

Prime Magazine November 2014

l

47


Recipe Box

Broccoli Gratin With Crunchy Herb Topp

Cranberry Walnut Pound Cake

Servings: 4 1 bunch broccoli, cut into florets Sea or kosher salt, to taste 1/4 cup Pompeian Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil 1 small onion, chopped 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour 1 1/2 cups low-fat milk 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, chopped Freshly ground black pepper, to taste 3 tablespoons Pompeian Extra Virgin Olive Oil 1 clove garlic, finely chopped 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped 6 tablespoons breadcrumbs

Servings: 12–16 1 cup all-purpose flour 1 cup whole wheat pastry flour or 2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking powder 1/4 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon 4 large eggs 1 1/3 cups granulated sugar 1/2 cup Pompeian Extra Light Tasting Olive Oil 1 teaspoon vanilla extract 1/2 cup low-fat sour cream 1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts 3/4 cup fresh cranberries, finely chopped

Bring large pot of water to rapid boil. Add broccoli and salt to taste. Blanch for 3 minutes. Drain and refresh under cold water and drain again. Pat dry with paper towels and transfer to bowl.

Preheat oven to 350°F. Generously coat Bundt pan with olive oil.

Preheat oven to 400°F. Oil small gratin pan. For sauce, heat extra light tasting olive oil in medium saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and cook until tender. Add flour and stir until foamy. Pour in milk and cook, stirring continuously until mixture comes to boil and thickens. Stir in Parmesan cheese and parsley and cook until cheese is melted. Season with salt and pepper, to taste. Coat broccoli evenly with sauce. Transfer broccoli to gratin pan. For topping, heat extra virgin olive oil in nonstick skillet. Add garlic and thyme and cook until garlic is golden. Add breadcrumbs and toss until lightly browned. Sprinkle topping over baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until hot and bubbly. Serve immediately.

48

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

In small bowl, combine flours, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon. In large bowl, beat eggs with handheld mixer until light and slightly increased in volume. Add sugar slowly while continuing to beat. Mixture will become light and fluffy. Add olive oil and vanilla extract and beat another 2 minutes. Alternately add dry ingredients and sour cream to batter, beating between additions. Gently fold in chopped nuts and cranberries. Transfer batter to prepared pan. Bake at 350°F for 60–65 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool in pan on wire rack for 10 minutes. Then invert pan onto rack to remove and cool completely.


Honoring Our

Veterans Free Lectures ON: 9am - Leadership 12pm - Courage 3pm - Hope Saturday, Nov. 8th

at Inside Columbia Magazine 47 E. Broadway Columbia, MO

ON LEADERSHIP: COL Jim Coy has served in numerous positions of leadership in the military, medicine, and national organizations. He served two years as the National Jim Coy President of the Special Operations Medical Association and two years as the National Surgeon of the Reserve Officers Association. At 9 a.m., Jim will discuss the topic of LEADERSHIP from the book, A Gathering of Eagles. The book includes advice for life and wisdom from 345 individuals in five categories to include American heroes and leaders.

www.aGatheringOfEagles.com Prime Magazine November 2014

l

49


Readers Share

Your Favorite 1960s TV Shows! Last month, our Blast from the Past question asked you to share your favorite 1960s TV shows. Mary Kuhlmann chose “Petticoat Junction” because “Uncle Joe was a hoot!” Margrace Bukler liked “Rowan & Martin’s Laugh-In” because of “Goldie Hawn, Edith Ann, sock it to me, Artie Johnson, it made my dad laugh! Loved to hear my dad laugh.” Cindy Garcia picked “New American Bandstand” for the dancing. Sarah Bowers chose “The Smothers Brothers Comedy Tour” because of the “great singing groups, George Carlin and my view toward Vietnam.” Mark Stover liked “Gilligan’s Island” because “it was funny and made me wish I was in their place.” Matthew Smith also liked “Gilligan’s Island” but for Mary Ann. MJ Martin chose “Wild Wild West,” praising its “perfect combination of campiness, sci-fi, suspense, fabulous musical scoring, beautiful women and classy homage,” as well as its “unforgettable villians, the genius of producer Michael Garrison … and super agents Jim West and Artemus Gordon.” Gerry Rogers nominated “The Andy Griffith Show” because “Andy and Opie’s relationship was fun to watch. Barney Fife was hilarious.” Steve Brooks like “Star Trek” for the “space exploration, scifi, bad graphics, hokey plots.” John Pile picked “The Monkees” for “the music and the crazy situations these guys always got themselves in, but they never gave up until they fixed it.” Carol Iles also liked “The Monkees” but for Peter Tork. Jan Palmer chose “Bewitched” because “it was so funny to see all the witches come and go. Poor Darrin!” Mark Langworthy liked “Beverly Hillbillies” because “it made light of American life without being mean. And it was hilarious.” Jackie O’Rourke chose “Dark Shadows,” remembering, “I wasn’t supposed to let my younger brother watch it as it gave him nightmares, but I did!” Alicia Kelley was the lucky respondent who won the gift card to 1839 Taphouse. Her favorite show was “Mr. Ed” because you “gotta love the talking horse!”

50

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

Blast From The Past: Question Of The Month Which song best says “1960s” to you? “Sweet Caroline” Neil Diamond “You’ve Lost that Lovin’ Feeling” Righteous Brothers “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” Marvin Gaye & Tammi Terrell “Happy Together” The Turtles “Runaround Sue” Dion and the Belmonts “Like a Rolling Stone” Bob Dylan “I Got You Babe” Sonny and Cher “Light My Fire” Doors “Hey Jude” Beatles “Good Vibrations” Beach Boys “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” Elvis Presley “Folsom Prison Blues” Johnny Cash Send your answer and your reason to prime@insidecolumbia.net by Nov. 12 for the chance to win a $50 gift card to Sycamore Restaurant.

fun & games solved Challenge your brain with this month’s puzzles on Page 44.

Cryptogram Answer “The goal isn’t to live forever. The goal is to create something that will.” ~ Chuck Palahniuk


Prime Magazine November 2014

l

51


Your Bucket List

Meeting The World

Leslie Clay Visits Other Nations Without Leaving Columbia

L

BY ANITA NEAL HARRISON Leslie Clay was struggling a bit with her tutoring session. Her students, three married couples who were Bosnian refugees, didn’t seem to be grasping their lesson on prepositions. “All right, you live in an apartment,” Clay said. “You’re standing on the floor. In Bosnia, did you live in a house? Did you live in an apartment?” “We lived on a mountain,” one of the women responded. “OK, you lived on a mountain and in a what?” Clay persisted. “On a mountain,” the student said again. Finally, Clay understood. “Apparently,” she explains, “as refugees, they had to flee their home and live on a mountain, under the stars.” Interactions such as that one, Clay says, allow her to see the world and her own life differently. “I’m not a big traveler,” she says. “A lot of people, on their bucket lists, say they want to travel here and travel there, and neither my husband nor I are that interested in traveling. My idea of traveling is to meet all of these people and learn about their countries.” Clay, who retired two years ago as a lawyer in the Shelter Insurance claims department, has been meeting people from around the world through the Literacy Action Corps since 1998, and her interest in other cultures began back in high

52

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

school, when she struck up a friendship with a classmate from Norway. In college, she looked for more opportunities to interact with international students, and later, after she was married, she and her husband participated in an MU program that pairs international students with Columbia residents to give the students an authentic experience of American culture. Clay heard about the Literacy Action Corp through a local newspaper ad seeking volunteers. She called, expecting to teach an American how to read, but discovered a greater need for volunteers willing to teach internationals how to speak English. “So I said: ‘All right, teach me how to teach people how to speak English,’ ” Clay says, noting the Literacy Action Corp spends several weeks teaching tutors and then assigns them students. “I’ve taught Koreans, a Bulgarian, people from Uzbekistan, China, Taiwan, Bosnia — I’ve had them from all over the world, and they’ve all been delightful people.” Not every tutoring relationship develops into a friendship, but many of Clay’s have. One friendship Clay still has is with one of the Bosnian women, a Muslim whose brother was killed in the Srebrenica massacre in 1995. “A couple of Christmases ago, she called me, around the 22nd or 23rd of December and asked me to come over,” Clay says. “I was done tutoring all of them

because they’d all gotten jobs or advanced as far as they wanted. When I got there, they just plied me with Christmas gifts, including a Christmas card that said, ‘Merry Christmas’ — not ‘Happy Holidays’ or ‘Season’s Greetings.’ These Muslims gave me Christmas gifts and said, ‘Merry Christmas!’ ” Wanting to return the gesture, Clay, who is a Christian, waited for Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan, and then gave her friends gifts. In the past, all of Clay’s tutoring has been through the Literacy Action Corps, but just this fall, she added a conversation group at the request of one of her students. She meets once a week with a couple of Korean women at the Columbia Public Library and talks with them for about an hour and a half. “That is one of the best ways for a person to learn a new language anyway, to simply converse,” Clay says. “I have topics, but often, they’ll bring the topic. I’ve learned about the opium wars, problems with tuna fishing and all sorts of stuff.” Despite tutoring for 16 years now, Clay has no plans to mark her pursuit of cultural understanding off her bucket list. “Making friends with people from all over the world is just a wonderful thing,” she says. “My bucket list is to meet as many people from as many different cultures as I can and to learn to love them all. I’ll never complete it, obviously, but I’m working on it.” v


Prime Magazine November 2014

l

53


Columbia Confidential: Publisher Fred Parry On The Issues Columbia Is Talking About

Tiger Fans Welcome Kim Anderson’s Return To Mizzou

T

There’s an almost palpable sense of anticipation in the air as Tiger fans await the beginning of the University of Missouri men’s basketball season. It’s hard to explain — nobody seems to have high expectations about the Tigers’ chances for postseason play, but nonetheless, Columbians are more than giddy about the return of Kim Anderson to the Mizzou hardwood. For some, Anderson’s return is about restoring a tradition that has significantly faded over the years. It’s a tradition that harkens back to the glory days in the Hearnes Center when kids named Sundvold, Stipanovich, Chievous and Prince played with an intensity that had fans standing on their feet, captivated by the energy in that arena. They remember a tradition that goes back to the days when a conference championship was more of an expectation than an unexpected fluke. The powerhouse that was Missouri basketball put Columbia in the national spotlight for weeks at a time in the 1980s and early ’90s. For many, Kim Anderson’s return symbolizes the return of honor and integrity that seemed to fade during the last 15 years. There’s a new sheriff in town, and Kim Anderson seems to be a straight shooter with very little tolerance for off-the-court antics. Anderson stresses to his young players that pride and social responsibility come with wearing a Mizzou basketball jersey. Many of these young men haven’t been exposed to the kind of positive influence that Anderson offers. Just as significant as changing the culture of Missouri basketball, Anderson will bring back those longtime Missouri basketball fans who became disenfranchised when Norm Stewart left the program in 1999. The painful years of the Quin Snyder experiment were followed by a disconnected era when fans and alumni couldn’t relate to the coaching styles of Mike Anderson or Frank Haith. It’s already obvious that these fans feel a different, almost inexplicable, type of connection with Kim Anderson. This unique bond may be tied to his Missouri roots as a Sedalia native or perhaps the time he spent on the court during Missouri’s glory days. Whatever it is, it seems magical for the moment. As a longtime Missouri basketball fan, it’s been difficult to watch the program falter in recent years. It’s been disappointing to see the large number of empty seats in Mizzou Arena during conference games, and the virtual ghost town it becomes during nonconference matchups. At some point in the last couple of years, Missouri fans lost interest in this once-great program, and they made their dissatisfaction known by leaving their seats empty. I believe Kim Anderson is going to change all that, and I have no doubt that Mizzou Arena will be near capacity, more often than not, during the coming season. Missouri Athletics Director Mike Alden deserves high praise for bringing Anderson back into the fold. He may have had reservations, but he also knew that Missouri fans had had their fill of the recent coaching mismatches.

54

l

November 2014 Prime Magazine

Because of his initial popularity and appeal with Mizzou Nation, Anderson will likely have a longer honeymoon than fans typically afford most coaches. There will still be an expectation that Anderson return Missouri to national prominence at some point in the next few years, in spite of what he’s inherited. Remember, Missouri fans are fickle. History has shown that they will sing a coach’s praises one day only to call for his “Anderson will job a few weeks later. bring back those Now that we have the right longtime Missouri coach in place, we must support basketball fans Kim Anderson and our Missouri Tigers. The first way is simply who became to show up to every game this disenfranchised season. Gone are the days of when Norm playing Marathon Oil and Austin Stewart left the Peay in the early season. Mizzou some daunting opponents on program in 1999.” has its fall schedule, and we need to fill every seat in that arena. If you can’t make it to a game, give your tickets to someone who would love to attend. We also can show our affinity for the program by helping support the Tiger Scholarship Fund. This amazing fund helps student athletes with tuition assistance and academic support. It’s one small way to show our appreciation for the sacrifices made by so many student athletes. Balancing the demands of coursework while trying to achieve world-class status as an athlete is no simple task. Kim Anderson and his wife, Melissa, say they’ve been blown away by the warm welcome they’ve received on their return to Columbia. Let’s kick off a new era of Missouri basketball by showing up and letting the Southeastern Conference know that Missouri basketball is back … and it’s here to stay!

Fred Parry, fred@insidecolumbia.net


Tickets On Sale Now

Make Plans Now To Attend A Christian Men’s Conference That Will Change Your Life! • Four speakers! • Great music! i day d off worship! hi ! • More than 1,000 men! • An amazing

y en h at M e ik M er ag an M s al in d ar St. Louis C ce n re fe on C ’s en M n ia st ri h C e To Headlin

pion Series in each National League Cham manager, and to as rs of his first three yea 3. His playing career the World Series in 201 stints at the spanned 13 years with onto Blue Jays, Tor rs, Milwaukee Brewe the San Francisco St. Louis Cardinals and about his faith and ld Giants. Matheny is bo how Jesus Christ t ou ab tly speaks frequen r ne win me r-ti fou ncing every a s center of his life, influe As a player, Matheny wa ve Award. is at the Glo ld Go e’s gu . Lea kes of the National decision that he ma Cardinals to the As manager, he took the

nager Mike Matheny St. Louis Cardinals ma ernoon keynote will be the featured aft CoMo Christian ing speaker at the upcom d for Saturday, ule ed sch ce ren Men’s Confe uri Misso Theatre in Feb. 7, at the historic . bia downtown Colum

Saturday, February 7 Historic Missouri Theatre, Columbia, MO This event will sell out. Buy your tickets today!

Tickets Now On Sale At www.CoMoChristian.com Prime Magazine November 2014

l

55


INSIDE COLUMBIA’S PRIME OutFront Communications, LLC 47 E. Broadway Columbia, MO 65203

PRSRT STD U.S. Postage

PAID

Columbia, MO Permit 286


Turn static files into dynamic content formats.

Create a flipbook