Silence and Solitude: Learn to Love Down Time
A few weeks ago, I texted my husband around lunchtime. The text read, “This morning was exactly what I needed. Time alone in an empty house. No TV or music, just quiet. I feel so much better!” The text came after a full week. My head had been feeling heavy and lethargy swept over my body. […]
The Power of Teamwork in Columbia
As I sit down to reflect on the essence of our community, one word comes to mind: Teamwork. The sight of my son’s fifth-grade basketball team giving it their all during the district semi-finals brought this concept to life for me. Although they didn’t emerge victorious, their spirit and support for each other was contagious. […]
‘Buffalo Turds’ and Faurot Field Memories
My, how things have changed. I can remember my first trip to Faurot Field. It was 1976, and a good friend’s dad was a high school coach. In the summer, he ran a sports camp, and had an old school bus that he used to shuttle the attendees around. The bus was christened “Coach’s Coach,” […]
Athletics Leads the Cheer for COMO’s Economic Development
Sports tourism is an integral part of the city of Columbia’s economy. Our Parks and Recreation Department continues to emphasize sports and the development of athletic facilities as a key economic driver for our community. Sporting events contribute to our economy in many ways, with residents and visitors spending money on hotel stays, local restaurants, […]
Ready? Set! Where?
I have grown up around sports my whole life. Although, not in the way one might think. Growing up in Joplin (otherwise known as the Four States), we never had a team that was the hands down favorite. Collegiate football teams from Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri were equally cheered for. Basketball wasn’t really a […]
Created to Love. Called to Serve.
It was a normal Monday and a co-worker and I headed out to lunch. When we arrived, we were surprised to find an empty lobby. A cheerful, middle-aged woman greeted us from behind the cash register and took our order. As I went to pay, my card was declined. I mentioned it was my business […]
The Mayor’s Core Values: Service, Trust, and Joy
In the two years I have worked as Columbia’s mayor, there are two questions that have come up repeatedly: “Is the job everything you thought it would be?” and “Who would subject themselves to this for $9K a year?” My answer to the first question is “Yes” (with a few caveats). My answer to the […]
The More You Know
In the fall of 2021, upon hearing that Ian Thomas was not to run for re-election in Ward 4, I immediately thought that this was my time. I love my city. I had grown quite interested over the last several years in issues important to our city like affordable housing, policing, social issues including the […]
Advocating for COMO Beyond Our City Limits
As mayor, I have the privilege of representing our city in ways that extend well beyond our local boundaries. One of the most impactful ways has been through my active participation in associations and networks. This June, I and hundreds of mayors from around the country, will be gathering in Kansas City, Missouri for the […]
United in Literacy
I offer my sincere congratulations to the new 20 Under 40 class for their accomplishments in their field and for our community. As the CEO of Heart of Missouri United Way, I know how important it is for our emerging leaders to focus on the value of giving back. I recently had the honor and […]
Grilled Salmon Easier than Swimming Upstream
The great migration has started! No, not the exodus of college students from our lovely town, although that is great cause to celebrate. Nor is it the return of the hummingbirds and other wonderful summer inhabitants of mid-Missouri, which make our gardens and backyards more interesting throughout the warm weather months. The reason we Epicureans […]
Publisher’s Letter: A Lesson in Love
This is such a fun issue. Who doesn’t like animals? I mean, there are some of you that don’t like animals … but you’re also the same people who don’t like French fries and America. (I tease, I tease!) Pets have always been a big part of my life and my children’s lives as […]