The Thankful Issue
With a Thankful Heart
As we turn the page into November, gratitude is at the heart of this month’s issue. Thanksgiving invites us to pause and reflect on the people, places, and stories that make Columbia such a remarkable community—and for us, as a mother and daughter, there’s nothing we’re more thankful for than being able to share those stories with you each month.
This issue highlights the spirit of generosity, creativity, and resilience that surrounds us. We begin in Rocheport, where Caitlin Foster has turned her love of Southern hospitality into a welcoming space at Southern Provisions. From her unique candle-making experience to her members-only speakeasy and whiskey & bourbon bar tucked beneath the store, Caitlin has created a space that feels both rooted and refreshing—a true reflection of the community she calls home.
We are also proud to shine a light on several of Columbia’s incredible nonprofit organizations, each making a difference in their own way. From empowering youth to supporting families, these groups remind us of the power of coming together and giving back.
This season, we’re also grateful to support City Lifestyle’s annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a nationwide effort to bring light, dignity, and hope to individuals and families who need it most. You can help make a difference by scanning the QR code on page 27 to nominate someone in need.
And finally, we share the story of Brad Young, a man whose passion for protecting others began in his military service and continues today through his work as a trusted Allstate Insurance agent. His story is one of service, dedication, and heart.
As you gather with family and friends this Thanksgiving, we hope this issue inspires you to look around and take in all the good that surrounds us. Gratitude has a way of connecting us, grounding us, and reminding us of what truly matters.
With heartfelt thanks,
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Leanne Sullivan | leanne.sullivan@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Shea Sullivan | shea.sullivan@citylifestyle.com
STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sarah Jane Shorthose mail@sjanephotography.com
SALES DIRECTOR
Jacky Dungan
jackydungan15@gmail.com
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Lillian Gibbs
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Anna Minnick
inside the issue
Southern Sense of Belonging
Rooted
Community Thanks
Provisions
Five nonprofits we’re thankful for—making a difference in the lives of Mid-Missourians every day.
Brad Young, once a police officer, now protects and empowers Columbia families through Allstate.
Caitlin Foster, owner of Southern Provisions, captured on
fall afternoon inside her Southern Gent Candles shop in Rocheport.
DESIGNING
YOUR DREAM HOME IN
COLUMBIA, MO
High-Quality Furniture & Expert Interior Design.
R. Home Co. offers chic, luxury furniture and expert interior design. Each piece is chosen for its unique craftsmanship, blending beauty and functionality. Visit our Columbia showroom or shop online to discover exceptional furniture and personalized design solutions.
From floor to ceiling, we have you covered!
e Only Facial goodie box the purchase of theonlyfacial com
city scene
1-4: The spirit of Mizzou Homecoming came alive as the Golden Girls, Cheerleaders, Marching Mizzou, Truman the Tiger, and countless others filled the streets with Tiger pride on Saturday, September 27th. 5: Marching Mizzou and the Golden Girls lit up halftime with a performance. 6: Wingate Pest & Lawn are proud sponsors of the Missouri Tigers and showed their support in the Mizzou Homecoming Parade.
DUSTIN BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY
DUSTIN BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY
WINGATE PEST AND LAWN
DUSTIN BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY
DUSTIN BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY
DUSTIN BENNETT PHOTOGRAPHY
7-8: The Missouri Theatre hosted three nights of skits, songs, and spirited performances during the annual Homecoming Talent Competition. 9: Joey Yancey and Hannah Banks were crowned this year’s Mizzou Homecoming King and Queen. 10: Decorate the District in Downtown Columbia. 11-14: The Reynolds Alumni Center hosted the Mizzou Hall of Fame Luncheon, where alumni and guests celebrated this year’s distinguished inductees, Raymond Kowalik and Robert J. Trulaske, Sr.
business monthly
United Airlines Returns to COU
United Airlines resumed service at Columbia Regional Airport on Sept. 25, offering one daily flight to Denver and two daily flights to Chicago O’Hare. All routes feature upgraded aircraft with first-class seating, Wi-Fi, and in-seat power. The expanded service, supported by a federal grant, responds to high passenger demand and strengthens Columbia’s ties to major economic hubs, benefiting business, leisure, and the University of Missouri community.
The Tasting Room: After Dark Returns
The Tasting Room: After Dark returns this November, kicking off a season of Friday evening performances running through March. From 6–9 p.m., enjoy intimate sets from talented local and regional artists in a cozy, welcoming setting. November’s lineup includes Mint Jelly Trio (11/7), Luna Hawk (11/14), Audra & Friends (11/21), and Randy Heubert (11/28). Best of all—it’s free!
Location: The Tasting Room on the Blufftop at Rocheport
Nonprofit of the Year Finalists
The Columbia Chamber of Commerce has announced the five finalists for the 2025 Nonprofit of the Year Award: Welcome Home, Woodhaven, True North of Columbia, Job Point, and Day Dreams Foundation. The winner will be revealed Nov. 12 at The Crossing during the Chamber’s Quarterly Membership Breakfast, presented with the Community Foundation of Central Missouri. Guests will hear from each finalist on stage and connect with their teams in booth discussions.
Photography by Columbia Regional Airport
ARTICLE BY SHEA SULLIVAN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SARAH JANE PHOTOGRAPHY
Rooted in Rocheport, Southern Provisions welcomes guests with style and hospitality that feels like home.
Southern Sense
of Belonging
Southern Provisions is more than a shop—it’s a reflection of Southern hospitality, curated with care by owner Caitlin Foster. Inspired by years of travel through the South, she brought that warmth to Rocheport, a place she’s cherished since childhood. Inside, you’ll find candles, cigars, home décor, and unique gifts—but what keeps people coming back is how it feels. This November, Southern Provisions reminds us that thankfulness isn’t just seasonal—it’s about creating spaces where people feel seen, welcome, and connected every day.
Caitlin Foster’s outfit is from Stockton Hill Boutique in Rocheport
For Caitlin, opening Southern Provisions was about blending the two places she loves most: the South and Rocheport. She grew up traveling to Mississippi and Louisiana, later exploring Georgia and South Carolina, falling in love with the region’s charm, hospitality, and design. “Rocheport was a no-brainer,” she says. “I’ve been coming here since I was seven. It’s always been my oasis—an eclectic, welcoming place that draws people from all over the world because of the Katy Trail.”
That sense of welcome is the heartbeat of her shop. “I don’t care how you’re dressed, what you look like, or how much money you have—I want you to feel like you belong here, because you do,” Caitlin says. Over the years, she’s built friendships with customers, celebrating their milestones and walking with them through difficult times. “I’ve celebrated marriages and births and mourned losses. I’m lucky to do what I do.”
The store itself is a reflection of that spirit. Every detail is intentional, from the mix of artisan candles and accessories to the selection of cigars and men’s gifts. Caitlin carefully curates every item—sourcing pieces from Mid-Missouri to Scotland and beyond. The shelves are a blend of cozy, classic, and unexpected finds. “I want couples who come in to each
find something they love,” she explains. It’s a thoughtful approach that makes the shop feel personal, not transactional.
Recently, Caitlin has added new ventures like a mobile cigar bar—already booked for events ranging from baby showers to corporate parties. It’s an extension of the same hospitality, designed to create connection and community in unexpected places. She hopes to expand it into weddings, bachelor parties, and corporate retreats, sharing the same welcoming energy of the shop in new settings.
Across the street, Southern Gent Candles adds another layer of creativity. The shop is open Saturdays for DIY pours and also hosts private parties by appointment. Guests choose from more than 30 rotating “clean” scents—everything from bakery notes to masculine blends— and walk away with candles made by their own
CONTINUED
Southern Gent Candles
“I DON’T CARE HOW YOU’RE DRESSED, WHAT YOU LOOK LIKE, OR HOW MUCH MONEY YOU HAVE— I WANT YOU TO FEEL LIKE YOU BELONG HERE, BECAUSE YOU DO.”
— CAITLIN FOSTER
hands. Retirement celebrations, birthdays, and girls’ weekends have all found their way into the candle studio, filling the space with laughter, stories, and signature scents to take home.
Beneath it all is one of Rocheport’s best-kept secrets: Scandlebar, a membership-only whiskey and bourbon speakeasy. Members pay a small monthly fee and contribute a bottle each month, creating a communal collection to enjoy in the cozy basement space. Leather chairs, dim lighting, and a friendly, come-as-you-are vibe make it the perfect hideaway. “It’s been a blast,” Caitlin says with a smile. “It’s grown completely by word-of-mouth.”
Design has always been part of her story, too. Before opening Southern Provisions, Caitlin worked in interiors and still offers consulting for those who want to create spaces that feel authentic. She starts with a simple walk-through, noting what clients love, what they don’t, and any pieces that hold sentimental value. “People get too hung up on categories,” she explains. “If you love it, I’ll help you make it cohesive.”
Her passion for Rocheport runs just as deep as her eye for design. Each morning, she sets out her sign and waves to neighbors, grateful for the town that has embraced her vision. Renovating her historic building has been her way of preserving that charm for years to come, ensuring that future generations will continue to experience Rocheport’s unique character.
This season, her gratitude is rooted in family and community. “My family helps run things around here—from my stepdaughters walking the dog so I can wick candles, to my husband helping with candle
classes, to my parents running the shop,” Caitlin says. Friends and patrons have become an extended family as well. “We often chuckle at the cast of characters we’ve assembled,” she laughs.
Looking ahead, Caitlin is focused on keeping things fresh—bringing in new finds while holding onto staples customers can’t live without, like Whiskey Fire pecans and bacon jam. The mobile cigar bar is next on her list of ventures to grow. “I think it has wheels,” she jokes.
In the end, Southern Provisions is more than a boutique. It’s a living expression of gratitude, rooted in hospitality, community, and joy. In Rocheport’s historic heart, Caitlin has created a place where every guest feels at home—and that may be the most Southern thing of all.
SOUTHERN PROVISIONS
110 Central St, Rocheport, MO 65279
573-993-3101
COMMUNITY THANKS
Five nonprofits we’re thankful for— making a difference in the lives of Mid-Missourians every day.
ARTICLE BY SHEA SULLIVAN
At Girls on the Run Heart of Missouri , the mission: inspire girls in 3rd–8th grade to be joyful, healthy, and confident. Since 2011, this council is part of a movement blending physical activity with lessons on friendship, teamwork, and resilience.
Each spring and fall, volunteer coaches lead a 10-week program where girls meet twice weekly to run, connect,
“Crossing the finish line isn’t just about running a race—it’s about building confidence that carries into every part of life.”
and learn. Sessions build toward the season’s highlight—a celebratory 5K that marks miles covered and confidence gained. For many, it’s their first race, and the finish line becomes a moment they’ll carry into school, friendships, and life.
The impact reaches far beyond the track. In Columbia, Girls on the Run partners with schools and community sites to ensure access, offering scholarships so cost is never a barrier. Programs like Heart & Sole, designed for middle schoolers, dig deeper into leadership and decision-making—equipping girls with lifelong tools for success.
The organization’s greatest challenge is reaching every girl who could benefit. Transportation,
funding, and awareness remain hurdles, but the team works tirelessly with schools, donors, and volunteers to expand their reach.
This season, they’re especially thankful for the coaches, school partners, and sponsors who make each practice and 5K possible. Looking ahead, Girls on the Run hopes to expand into more schools across mid-Missouri—and they’re inviting the community to join in by volunteering, sponsoring, donating, or cheering at the next 5K.
CONTACT
Girls on the Run Heart of Missouri 511 East Walnut St · PO Box 30064 · Columbia, MO 573-222-0242
Love Columbia was founded on a simple but transformative idea: neighbors helping neighbors. The organization exists to connect people with relationships and resources so they can move forward— whether that means meeting basic needs, securing housing, or building a better financial future. Through coaching, classes, supportive services, and strategic assistance at the downtown Love Columbia Center, and practical resources through The Love Seat resale store, Love Columbia walks alongside people in crisis and those who are ready to take the next step toward their goals.
The impact is clear. In just the first half of 2025, the organization enrolled 1,740 adults and indirectly supported 2,261 children in their homes. More than 2,000 coaching sessions were provided, 352 households secured permanent housing, 301 evictions were prevented, 127 people landed jobs or better jobs, and 16 first-time buyers became homeowners. Even car repairs, tax preparation, and transitional housing are part of their wide-reaching support.
But the true heart of Love Columbia is seen in individual stories. One young woman, after receiving coaching and tutoring, raised her credit score, earned a certificate in accounting, and secured a better job. “Love Columbia means everything to me,” she shared. “They are not a stepping stone, but stairs to help people reach heights they never imagined.”
Each year, around 400 volunteers contribute time and skills—from helping a neighbor learn to budget to delivering a child’s bed. Donors extend that impact, funding urgent needs like rent, utilities, or car repairs.
This year, Love Columbia is especially thankful for the volunteers and donors who helped make possible a new transitional housing project—Love Forward Homes—which will begin housing families in 2026. Looking ahead, they hope to expand services, shorten waitlists, and continue strengthening the community, one neighbor at a time.
CONTACT
1209 E Walnut St · Columbia, MO 65201
573-256-7662
Love Columbia
Top: Love Columbia coaching staff member
Ronnie Kitchen with volunteer Kitty Spencer
Bottom: The Love Seat team helping with a move
“Our mission is only possible because of the survivors who trust us, the volunteers who show up, and the community that believes every individual deserves safety, dignity, and a future free from abuse.”
At True North of Columbia, the mission is to provide safety, shelter, and support for survivors of violence—because every call to the hotline and every knock on the door represents someone finding the courage to seek safety.
Founded on the belief that no one should face abuse alone, True North provides shelter, advocacy, and hope for survivors of intimate partner violence, sexual violence, sex trafficking, and stalking. Survivors come from every walk of life—friends, coworkers, neighbors—because anyone can be impacted by violence, and everyone deserves safety and dignity.
The need has never been greater. True North’s 24-hour hotline averages 400–500 calls a month, and the shelter has remained at full capacity for months. In 2025, the organization is projected to provide 20,000 support services, up from just 5,000 in 2022. Services include emergency shelter, case management, children’s programming, legal advocacy, and prevention education for
local schools and University of Missouri athletes. With help from the Veterans United Foundation, a new shelter building will soon expand capacity, giving survivors more time and resources to rebuild their lives.
Behind these numbers are stories of resilience— survivors securing housing, gaining education, finding employment, and rediscovering confidence. None of this is possible without dedicated staff, volunteers, donors, and community partners.
This year, True North is most thankful for the courage of survivors and the community that stands beside them, proving that together, Columbia can be a place of safety, dignity, and hope.
CONTACT
True North of Columbia 1316 Parkade Blvd · Columbia, MO 65203
Crisis Line: 573-875-1370
Administrative Office: 573-875-0503
For more than five decades, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri has been igniting the power and potential of local youth through oneon-one mentorship. The mission is simple yet life-changing: connect children with caring adult mentors who can help guide, encourage, and inspire them.
Since 1968, the organization has served youth across Boone, Audrain, and Randolph counties. In 2024 alone, more than 200 children were matched with mentors—known as “Bigs”—who walk alongside their “Littles” as friends, role models, and supporters. Research shows that youth with consistent mentors are more likely to graduate, pursue higher education, and contribute back to their communities. Locally, none of the youth currently enrolled are involved in the juvenile justice system, and 87% aspire to complete high school and attend college.
The impact of mentorship ripples far beyond one child. A former Little, “John,” remembers his Big helping him buy a bike to start a paper route. That moment sparked the entrepreneurial drive that ultimately led him to become President and CEO of a local company. His story illustrates how mentorship strengthens not just lives, but the entire community and workforce.
Big Brothers Big Sisters offers three programs: Community-Based Mentoring, where Bigs and Littles spend time together in everyday activities; School-Based Mentoring, pairing volunteers with children during the school day; and Site-Based Mentoring, offered in partnership with the Boys and Girls Club.
This year, the organization is especially thankful for its 100+ current Bigs, whose dedication transforms lives one match at a time.
When a child is matched with a mentor, the entire community benefits—stronger students become stronger employees, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Every investment in mentorship is an investment in Columbia’s future.
CONTACT
Ann Merrifield · Executive Director
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Missouri
4250 E. Broadway, Suite 1067 · Columbia, MO 65201
Office: 573-874-3677 · Cell: 573-864-1839
“At Missouri Girls Town, girls who have endured unimaginable trauma find safety, healing, and the strength to thrive again.”
Born from the vision of the General Federation of Women’s Clubs of Missouri in 1952, Missouri Girls Town began with a simple but powerful idea: to provide a safe place for abused and neglected girls to heal and thrive. After opening its doors in Mountain Grove in 1959, the organization relocated in 1981 to a centrally located campus outside Kingdom City. Today, the 23-acre site includes residential homes, a counseling center, a dining hall, and a school— serving as both a refuge and a launchpad for young women across the state.
Missouri Girls Town’s mission is to support youth and families by providing therapeutic services and education to empower them to reach their full potential. Each year, girls come from across Missouri, including many from Boone County, to receive counseling, therapy, and life skills training that helps them overcome trauma and prepare for a brighter future.
The impact is deeply personal. One young resident, who entered after surviving childhood sexual assault, worked with therapists to process her trauma and gain the strength to testify against her abuser in court. Her courage reflects the resilience Missouri Girls Town helps foster every day.
Donors and volunteers play a critical role, bridging the funding gap not covered by the state. Events like Happy Hour for Hope and the Patrons’ Breakfast raise vital awareness and support. This year, Missouri Girls Town is especially thankful for committed partners, board members, and staff who ensure that when a girl needs them most, the doors are always open.
CONTACT
Missouri Girls Town 8548 County Road 142 · Kingdom City, MO 65262
573-642-5345
Sarah Jane Photography
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO SEE THE UNSEEN
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
BY SARAH JANE
From police officer to trusted Allstate agency owner, Brad Young has made it his mission to protect, educate, and empower Columbia families every day.
SAFETY, SERVICE, AND SOMETHING GREATER
For Brad Young, protecting others has always been second nature. After more than 20 years in the military and law enforcement, he felt called to make a change—one that would allow him to be more present for his family while still serving others. “When the opportunity came up to open an Allstate agency, I knew it was the best decision for us,” Brad shares.
That decision became the foundation for a business built on trust, relationships, and education. Brad’s background shaped the way he leads his team and serves clients. “I wanted to create a place where people enjoy coming to work—and where customers know they can reach me when they need me,” he says.
Today, Brad’s agency stands out for going the extra mile—offering coverage reviews even for non-customers to ensure everyone leaves knowing what protection they need. “At the end of the day, my job is to help people prepare for life’s unexpected moments.”
Brad’s commitment to protecting people goes beyond insurance. He continues to serve as a volunteer firefighter, a role that has shaped his perspective on empathy and preparedness. “When you’re responding to an emergency, you’re meeting people on one of their worst days,” he explains. “That’s when being calm, compassionate, and decisive matters most.”
He also supports local first responders through donations and advocacy, helping break the stigma around mental health support in the field. “The things first responders see take a toll. Having resources for them to process and heal is critical,” he says.
Giving back to the Columbia area is a central part of Brad’s mission. He serves as Vice President of the Police Foundation of
Hallsville board and supports numerous local charities. “I wouldn’t be where I am today without this community,” Brad shares.
Looking ahead, Brad is preparing for the next chapter of growth—expanding into a larger Columbia office and potentially opening a second Missouri location. He credits his team for their success: “We’re currently third in the state for growth and retention and ranked 48th in the country out of over 8,000 Allstate agencies. None of that would be possible without the hardworking people beside me every day. I’m forever grateful for them.”
BRAD YOUNG: ALLSTATE
INSURANCE
2500 W Ash St, Columbia, MO 65203
573-514-6407
Brad Young and his team
Tips on meal prepping for less stress
Let’s face it: hosting Thanksgiving dinner can be stressful. To make this year’s Thanksgiving meal easier and more enjoyable, consider the following timeline of tips.
2 WEEKS BEFORE
Create Your Thanksgiving Menu
• Print out the recipes you plan to use – this will easier than constantly tapping your phone to prevent the screen from going dark.
• Using your menu and printed out recipes as a guide, compose a complete shopping list.
• Double check your supply of herbs and spices to see what you have on hand.
• Shop for all non-perishable and frozen food items. Basically, if it doesn’t need to be stored in the fridge, or if it doesn’t have a short shelf life, it’s going in the cart.
• Plan three easy and tasty dinners for the days leading up to Thanksgiving and purchase those ingredients during your shopping trip. Or plan at least one night of takeout.
4-5 DAYS BEFORE
Clean & Organize, Buy Fresh
Groceries
• Clean your home completely. Then, as the big day approaches, you can touch up as needed.
• Finish your grocery shopping for fresh vegetables like potatoes, onions and carrots and other items not purchased earlier.
• Go through your fridge and toss any old, expired condiments, leftovers and mysterious food items that no one is eating.
2-3 DAYS BEFORE
Prep Meals & Set the Table
• Wash and chop all veggies and place the prepped produce into plastic baggies or airtight food storage containers. If some recipes call for “minced onion” and others require “chopped onion,” label the bags accordingly.
• Set the table, and include the empty serving dishes. This will help you figure out ahead of time where the larger dishes can go. Add Post-It notes to the empty dishes to remind you what will go in what. Use a clean sheet to cover everything and keep it all dust-free.
• Gather all needed serving spoons and other serving pieces.
• Pre-measure herbs and spices for your recipes and store them in labeled small plastic bags with the name of the dish they are for and what’s in the baggies. You can also do the same for any flour, sugar or other non-perishable ingredients you’ll use in your dishes.
1 DAY BEFORE
Tidy, Prepare Dishes & Drinks
• Do a quick clean and tidy around the home; for instance, run the vacuum.
• If you haven’t already done so, bake your pies, or, at the very least, prepare your pie dough.
• Make the mashed potatoes. Bonus tip: on Thanksgiving, put the potatoes into a slow cooker and heat them up using the “warm” setting.
• Prepare the gravy. If you have a second slow cooker, it too can be warmed up this way on Thanksgiving. This will also help free up pots, pans and burners on the stove!
• Set up a separate drink station where guests can help themselves or someone can serve them away from the kitchen. Stock it with glasses of different sizes, napkins, bottle and can openers and straws.
ARTICLE BY ALISON STANTON
events
NOVEMBER 6TH
Kip Moore – The Blue Note
The Blue Note | 8:00 PM
Country favorite Kip Moore takes the stage at The Blue Note from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., bringing his well-loved songs to one of Columbia’s most iconic venues.
NOVEMBER 8TH
3rd Annual Jason Fingar Memorial 5K
Flat Branch Park, 101 S. 4th Street, Columbia, MO | 8:00 AM
Honor SPC Jason D. Fingar and all who served at the 3rd Annual Jason Fingar Memorial 5K. Registration opens 7:00 AM; race starts 8:00 AM. Proceeds benefit Columbia’s Salvation Army. Commemorative dog tags awarded to top male and female finishers. Run, walk, and remember sacrifices for our freedom.
NOVEMBER 8TH
Mizzou Football vs. Texas A&M
Faurot Field at Memorial Stadium
Cheer on the Tigers in this big SEC matchup at Faurot Field. Tailgating and game-day festivities make it one of the month’s most spirited community events.
NOVEMBER 8TH
Girls on the Run Annual 5K
Stephens Park - Gordon Shelter 2001 E Broadway, Columbia, MO
Girls on the Run empowers girls through confidence and accomplishment, with the season ending in a celebratory 5K. Activities begin at 9:00 a.m., the community race at 10:00 a.m., and GOTR runners start at 10:05 a.m. Registration available at girlsontheruncomo.org.
NOVEMBER 16TH
Winter Wonderland 2025
The Bistro- The Blufftop at Rocheport | 10:00 AM
Les Bourgeois Vineyards present the 5th Annual Winter Wonderland Holiday Market! Enjoy VIP entry at 10 a.m. or join the public at 11 a.m. Shop local vendors, sip seasonal wines, and support Unchained Melodies Dog Rescue. Event runs until 4 p.m.
NOVEMBER 16TH
American Ballet Theatre Studio Company Performance
Jesse Auditorium | 7:00 PM
Experience a stunning evening of dance with the ABT Studio Company, featuring rising stars ages 17–21. Enjoy classical, neoclassical, and contemporary works performed by the next generation of American Ballet Theatre talent. Pricing: $53 – $72.
Aquamarine & Diamond Flex Bangle Bracelet
$3,149
4.5 Carat Total Weight Drop-Style Earrings
$4,570
Beautiful Moments Begin at Betz
At Betz Jewelers, the holidays have always been about more than just gifts - they’re about memories. For generations, Columbia families have trusted Betz to help them celebrate life’s most joyous occasions. This year’s holiday gift guide is filled with handpicked, thoughtful pieces to celebrate love and add sparkle to the season.
Gold Diamond Ring
$3,435