Linda and David Patton at the construction site of their new home.

Almost everyone remembers building with legos, the way the colorful plastic pieces joined together with our imagination to bring our vision to reality.

In Linda and David Patton’s new home being built on Hayselton Drive, insulated concrete forms, ICFs, reversible, pre-assembled fox blocks that click together will provide the wall system and foundation for the first Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Platinum Certified residential property in Jefferson City, and only the second one built in Missouri.

The 2,400 square feet home (1,800 square feet of living space) received the highest certification from the U.S. Green Building Council, USGBC, which offers third-party verification for both residential and commercial green buildings nationwide.

“We’ve always wanted to build a ‘green’ home, but when we moved to Jefferson City we abandoned that idea,” said Linda, a veterinarian for 25 years and the owner of the Westside Veterinary Clinic. 

She and David, her husband of 30 years and vice principal at Thomas Jefferson Middle School, had hoped to build an earth-contact home on their property in Centertown. Instead, they planned to remodel a home they purchased on Hayselton Drive, formerly owned by Eddie and Yvonne Gray of the old Eddie Gray’s Body Shop in Jefferson City.

Michael Klement, the principal of Architectural Resources in Ann Arbor, Michigan, and his team had almost completed the design plans for the remodel, but in December of 2015 the couple met with their contractor Mike Lueberring and had a decision to make.

“We found out that it would be much cheaper to tear down the home than remodel, so we decided to demolish it and that paved the way for us to start from scratch on an energy-efficient home,” she said.

The couple moved into their rental home next door and began preparing for the D-day on June 27.

They wanted to reuse parts of their original home and salvaged tongue and groove paneling as well as fireplace stone that will be used on the pillars of the new front porch, before the demolition.

“We had these large glass panels on the east side of the house and when I heard the glass break, that was really hard. It looked like a giant T.rex (dinosaur)  was eating our house. I remember thinking, ‘oh what have we done,’” she said.

Her feelings were short lived though and soon their focus was building their new home, which they named “The Gardens.”

“The design of their home engages the land, their health, durability of the home and soil conservation,” Klement said. “They have gone to great lengths to work with the landscape designer and their builder to design a high-efficiency, high-performance home and create an entire ecosystem.” 

“Most of us just live in our homes and have little understanding of the effects they have on the environment and the inhabitants. Their home is going to enhance their life, use half as much energy, be more durable and make a smaller impact on the land,” he said.    

The fox blocks along with other materials and design elements used in the construction of the house earned points in many sustainability areas used in the national LEED certification process – such as being more energy and water efficient, reducing green house gas emissions and providing an overall healthier environment for the residents.   

Klement points out that the U.S. Department of Energy reports that the residential sector is responsible for 25 percent of the energy consumption in the U.S. and that we consume nine times as much electricity as the rest of the homes in the world. The fox blocks offer the highest level of stability and are used in homes in Florida to stand up against hurricanes. This material also offers excellent thermal performance, resulting  in lower in lower energy consumption and costs of operation, while maintaining a very comfortable interior environment. The house will also utilize radiant floor heat, using a gas water boiler system under the stained concrete floors.

An energy recovery ventilator, ERV, which continuously overturns the air inside the house, keeps the environment mold free and warms the cold air brought into the house. The EPA estimates that we spend 90 percent of our time indoors where the air pollutants can be two to five times higher than normal, and The Journal of Allergies reports that one-third of our buildings are toxic and that’s believed to be linked to an increase in childhood asthma. The ERV will allow the Pattons to enjoy the freshest air possible inside their home.

Contractor Mike Luebbering measuring fox blocks.

There will be no gutters on the house as all of the rain will come off of the roof and into the ground and become part of a rain harvesting system constructed between the foundation of the house, backing up to the retaining walls.

Known as an aquifer, the system is an underground layer of water-bearing permeable rock, from which groundwater can be extracted using a water well.

According to Don Mueller of Mueller Landscaping, who designed and constructed the aquifer system for the Pattons, it isn’t a new concept but was used by the ancient Romans and Egyptians and is now being revisited for its efficiencies. 

In the Patton’s case, gravel fills a rubber liner, with a protective cushion underneath it to prevent any tears. Pavers will cover the gravel and will be set with a quarter-inch space in between them and filled with an aggregate substance so the water can seep through to the storage aquifer, which will stretch from the back corner of the garage to the front corner of the house holding about 1,500 gallons of rainwater. Any overflow from the aquifer will flow into a bioswale in the front yard where it will gradually seep out into the ground.

A watering spigot connected to the aquifer will be used to water the native plants, like buffalo grass and beauty berry, which make up their yard and will also attract wildlife.

Two-tiered versalok retaining walls were installed on the north and west side of the property due to the slope of the land and are part of the landscaping and décor of the home. The height of the first wall was designed so that Linda who stands at 5’ 4” can easily tend to the plants on that level.

Mike Luebbering with the fox blocks

“If we had put one gigantic wall there it would overwhelm the space,” Linda said. “The two-tiered wall allow us the plantings as well as softens the effect of the wall and gives a very natural look incorporated into the design of the gardens.”

In addition to the fox blocks, a green home uses FSC Certified lumber from managed forests and sources items from close distances to limit the gas needed to drive them to the site.

For the exterior, durable fiber cement siding, FCS, specifically Hardee Plank Lap siding that comes painted from the factory will be installed.

“Generally people consider the location of a house, do they like it and can they afford it,” Klement said. “But the reality is that most new homes are obsolete the minute they turn the key and walk into the house. The Pattons are building a future-ready home, one that is enabled with the capability to one day use solar energy.”

While the cost is 10 percent more than the average home, he said, the National Association of Realtors,  has gathered data that shows that green certified homes are commanding a 10 percent increase at resale.

“There’s still a stigma of what a green home is going to look like, but their home is going to be a window into what’s possible,” he said.  “Linda and David have a holistic vision and the courage to embrace a building revolution.”

While they have a long way to go, the couple will finally see their long time dream become a reality.

By Shelley Gabert | Photography Shelby Patterson & Gerry Tritz

The post The Gardens take Green to a New Level appeared first on HER Magazine.

Show Me Produce certainly lives up to its name as owners Jeanne and Gary Schwartz grow a diverse bounty of vegetables on their farm outside of Cole Camp.

Although vegetables grow slower during the winter, there’s still a lot going on in their 12 greenhouses and their yield includes  carrots, kale, spinach, radishes, baby kale, chard and a wide variety of tomatoes. There’s also Shashito peppers, bulb fennel, lemon sorrel and a variety of lettuces from Bibb, romaine, broccoli raab, Pac Choi, Red Mustard and Mizuna, beets and rhubarb.

Their produce is distributed to members of the Bounty Bag program through the Sedalia Farmer’s Market and the food subscription boxes at The Root Cellar in Columbia and Jefferson City. The owners also sell produce to various restaurants in Columbia and St. Louis.

“We raise more unusual types of plants, like horseradish, shallots, garlic, Jerusalem artichokes, turmeric, and Katuk,” said Schwartz.

Turmeric is a perennial spice. That’s a part of the ginger family. A vitamin and mineral-rich herb that’s used as a vegetable, sorrel imparts a sour, lemon taste and can be used fresh or cooked like spinach. Eat sorrel to meet your daily vitamin C requirements as well; one serving provides 113 percent of the quantity you need each day. Additionally, including a serving of this green in your meal plan introduces 32 percent of your daily riboflavin and lesser amounts of thiamin, niacin, phosphorus and iron. A classic culinary preparation of this herb/vegetable combines fresh sorrel with chicken stock, heavy cream, butter, eggs and onions for a creamy soup.

The first greenhouse on their property came in 2010 and they have utilized sustainable growing methods, too. Last year the Schwartz’s invested in a hydroponic house, where all the nutrients and hydration for the plants are programmed by computer. There’s 27 dutch buckets of tomatoes, including San Marzeno, a plum variety considered by many chefs to be the most flavorful, and black cherry, cherry tomatoes, both which were delicious picked right off the vine. 

Schwartz delivers produce two times a week to the Root Cellar in Columbia. 

Jake Davis who owns the Root Cellar with his wife, Chelsea, started working with Show me Produce in 2011 and this year all of their herbs and fall tomatoes and greens like kale and bibb lettuce comes from them. Currently more than 400 families participate in subscriptions between Columbia and Jefferson City, which go out 48 weeks out of the year.

“We work hard to create a farmer network that grow more common vegetables as well as other things and Jeanne and I have grown together and created a close working relationship,” Davis said.  “That trust has allowed us to think outside of the box about what we can produce locally. They were one of the first farms to grow ginger successfully here and they also helped us bring back Jerusalem artichokes, a Missouri native plant.” 

“ I really appreciate how dedicated Jeanne and her family are to building a better food system. I have often asked them to take a leap of faith that we can sell a new product or to increase their volume and every time they find a way to make it work,” he said. 

Show Me Produce harvested 220 pounds of turmeric in 2016, which means digging it, cleaning and boxing it for delivery. An anti-inflammatory agent, turmeric has been used since ancient times and in India as a spice and an herb and provides the color for curry. Studies have shown that the compounds found in turmeric, mostly curcumin, can help improve memory, lower the risk of heart disease and may help prevent cancers of the digestive system and aid the brain in warding off Alzheimer’s. 

Schwartz suggests grating turmeric and ginger and boiling with honey for a restorative drink.

The lemon verbena they grow smells clean and citrusy and its thinly sliced leaves add zest and aroma to fish, salads, and steamed vegetables. It adds flavor to water and sun tea, too.

By Shelley Gabert | Photography By Asher Dale

The post Show Me Produce & The Root Cellar: A Productive Partnership appeared first on HER Magazine.

The Color Green

is said to represent balance, harmony and rebirth. The zesty yellow-green 2017 Pantone color of the year, 15-0343, symbolizes the outdoors, eating and living healthier and preserving our environment.

It may be cold outside,

but plants and vegetables are still growing at this time of year. Farmers are producing a tasty variety of winter vegetables, herbs and micro greens.

The Go Green Movement

is all about making the most of our resources and understanding our impact on the planet

We all know that we need to “eat more vegetables” in our daily diet and that includes more greens and lettuces, but micro greens, the tiniest leaves from budding vegetable plants, pack the biggest punch in terms of flavor and nutrients.

Researchers at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and at the University of Maryland, College Park, found that micro greens had four to six times more nutrients than the mature leaves of the same plant. Cilantro micro greens specifically contained three times more beta-carotene than mature cilantro.  These nutrients are important for skin, eyes and fighting cancer and have many other benefits.

Sometimes known as vegetable confetti, micro greens are the shoots of salad vegetables such as arugula, Swiss chard, mustard and beetroot that are picked just after the first leaves have developed. Micro greens include a variety of edible immature greens, harvested with scissors less than a month after germination, when the plants are up to 2 inches tall. The stem, cotyledons (or seed leaves) and first set of true leaves are all edible.

Likened to throwing vitamins on food, micro greens are also tasty and fragrant to boot, making them popular with chefs, including some here in Mid-Missouri, who use them as garnish and part of a variety of dishes.

Restoration Farms in Stover, Missouri grows 15 to 20 chemical-free micro greens year-round, including radish, mustard, yellow neck squash, beet, pea shoot, arugula, kale, red and golden chard, red garnet and sunflower shoots and herbs like basil and cilantro. The farm is owned by Larry and Kat Clark, who relocated to the area and bought 11 acres to grow vegetables and fruit in their hoop houses, raise goats and make goats milk soap and bees wax lotion bars.

Larry’s brother, Charles, who has worked as a chef in numerous restaurants in Southern California, helps tend to the micro greens that are grown in a greenhouse attached to the kitchen in their barn.

He also delivers them to restaurants like the Blufftop Bistro at Les Bourgeois Vineyards in Rocheport, west of Columbia, in the containers they’re grown in so it’s truly a form of farm-to-table experience.

“My farm is in the back of the restaurant where I have an entire station of Restoration Farm’s micro greens that are still in the soil and I just cut them off and use them in a lot of my dishes,” said Executive Chef Aaron View.

An accoutrement as well as part of the greens featured on the cheese and charcuterie plates served, View enjoys the options the micro greens provide on the menu or presentation.

“Usually chefs like to throw parsley on food to add some green to the presentation, but the micro greens are an elegant garnish that add both color and flavor to the dish,” he said. “The sweet pea and yellow neck squash are heartier than finer greens and stand up well when other cooks are working with them in the kitchen.”

He particularly likes the Asian mix, which includes and arugula, tatsoi (also known as spinach mustard) and wasabi, just like that found in sushi restaurants. Charles also makes a rainbow mix, which is nine plants mixed together after harvest.

“I usually let the chefs cut the micro greens so they’re working with a live product all of the time,” Charles said. “If they take care of the plants, they will get another grow back within a 2-week period.”

Charles delivers three flats – 24 5×5 containers – every two weeks to View, who after the second cut plants the micro greens in the ground or in a pot in order to utilize the full plant.

“I can order micro greens from specialty food suppliers but by the time we receive them they don’t have much life left in them, so I prefer to buy them from Charles,” he said. “For what you get in a small package I have been able to get quite a bit of mileage out of them and I have spread the word to other chefs, too.”

For more information on Restoration Farms, check out their Facebook page or web site. The Clarks will be selling the micro greens at the Osage Farmer’s Market in the spring and summer. They also offer a package of three different micro green seeds, with instructions on how to grow them.

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By Shelley Gabert | Photography By Asher Dale

The post Micro Greens appeared first on HER Magazine.

If you don’t know what a crepe is – it’s the French version of our pancake — Carla Kessell and Tiffany Walker, the Jefferson City women behind Eat. Crepe. Love., hope to introduce you to this lighter, more sophisticated and versatile delight that can be eaten as dessert or dinner.

Tiffany Walker holding Bennie and Carla Kessell with their crepe cart.

In a few short months, the duo have created quite a stir with their savory and sweet crepes made on the spot from their mobile crepe cart.

We caught up with them one evening at Dogmaster Distillery in Columbia where a long line of customers waited for their customized crepes, like the Popular Thai Shrimp, with a cilantro, jalapeño slaw and peanut sauce topped with black sesame seeds, and the Bacon Jalapeño Popper with cream cheese and white cheddar cheese, roasted and candied jalapeños and bacon.

While Walker took orders, Kessell made the tasty crepes, two at a time, as fast as she could, and their parents, family and friends pitched in to help out. Their cart also drew an interested group at The Schaefer House during a few Saturdays in November. Crepes it seems are somewhat novel, fun and festive.

“What’s special about a crepe is it’s a vehicle for whatever you want to add to it,” said Kessell, who has a culinary degree from Johnson and Wales in Charleston, South Carolina. “We make everything from scratch and we’re always testing and adding new flavors to the menu.”

Recent additions include the Berry Love, a mixed berry compote with cheese cake filling topped with whipped cream and the Turtle Cheesecake with salted caramel sauce and butter-roasted pecans. Both put a smile on your face and maybe even warm your heart.

Their logo, which Walker designed, features a drawing of their French Bulldog, Bennie, inside a red heart. The  company name was inspired by the bestselling book and movie “Eat Pray Love” and is more than mere words. 

The company is a labor of love for Walker and Kessell, who have been together for the past nine years. They met when both worked at O’Donoghue’s Steaks and Seafood, owned by Walker’s Aunt. At that time, Walker was going to nursing school and Kessell was recently divorced.

Carla Kessell and Tiffany Walker, the Jefferson City women behind Eat. Crepe. Love.

Today, Walker is a neonatal nurse practitioner at Women and Children’s Hospital at the University of Missouri Health Care in Columbia, and Kessell is a sales rep for Sysco Foods, an international food supplier.

Both foodies, they had talked about opening a restaurant but with their busy careers and raising Kessell’s three children that wasn’t realistic. Kessell also didn’t want to pursue anything that posed a conflict of interest with her clients, which include chefs and restaurants in Jefferson City, Columbia, Linn and Fulton.

“I didn’t want to compete with any of my clients and there were already taco, burger and other food trucks, so we decided to go with crepes,” she said. “My uncle is from Belgium and when he came to visit he would make these classic lemon crepes and they were very good.”

She and Walker travel frequently and always sought out creperies in the major cities and one they love in Key West, Florida. So as they did their research and  searched for a cart, they decided that crepes would be their new venture.

“We never wanted to purchase a typical  food truck because we wanted people to be able to see Carla making the crepes, but we couldn’t find anything anywhere in the Midwest,” Walker said. “Then Carla heard from a driver for Sysco who saw a hot dog cart sitting in front of a junk shop in Osage Beach. The owner had never heard of a crepe but we struck gold.”   

As they renovated the cart, they ordered gas crepe plates from France and set everything up in the garage of their home on Fairmount. They had only a few weeks for everything to come together as they had already booked an event.

Signs were made and a plumber friend installed the gas while Kessell tested different recipes, serving them to their friends and neighbors. A Philly Cheesesteak flavor and The Full Monty, shaved ham, white four cheese blend with blackberry jam, made initial menus. A crepe with Nutella is a mainstay too.

Their first event was the Fork & Cork Artisan Festival in downtown Macon in August.

“I was so nervous and on edge when we pulled up to Macon,” Kessell said. “Even though we felt we were on to something, I told Tiffany, ‘what if no one comes or orders a crepe?’ It seemed like a huge risk in a smaller town, where crepes aren’t that common,” she said.

“But we did great. People would order a savory crepe and then come back later for a sweet one. They gave us hugs and couldn’t have been more welcoming,” she said.

Their second event was a private birthday party at Avenue HQ and then they parked their cart near the Governor’s Mansion during the Jefferson City Multicultural/ Harvest Festival in October. They usually serve a beverage from the cart, too, such as hot spiced cranberry apple cider, Italian blood orange soda and cold-brew coffee.

“We had people coming from blocks away who said they could smell the crepes,” she said. “Sometimes we have customers who don’t know what a crepe is and I’ll talk them through it, and it’s exciting that they’re trying them for the first time,” Walker said.

Since then they’ve worked out their systems and continue to make adjustments. As the cart manager, Walker handles stocking supplies, the propane tanks, cleaning and moving it and sometimes cracking hundreds of eggs for the crepe batter.

Kessell adds her own twist to the fairly basic crepe batter, but some of her recipes for the fillings are more involved. The marinade and sauces involved in the popular Thai Shrimp alone contain more than 40 ingredients. Kessell ladles on the batter and then uses a trowel spreader to shape the crepe, before adding the ingredients, all in front of an audience.

“I love to watch crepes being made in front of you there’s such an art to it,” she said. “There’s a big difference than making a crepe on your stove at home than making a 12 to 14-inch crepe in front of people. There’s a bit of pressure but I’m definitely getting used to it.”

Like any chef, Kessell likes to mix it up use seasonal ingredients. For the Old Munichberg in October, they debuted The Great Pumpkin, pumpkin cheesecake filling with caramel, cinnamon, graham cracker and whipped cream. The Farmer – slow roasted balsamic tomatoes with white four cheese blend, asparagus and spinach – went over well and will return in the spring and summer.

“We only use the tomatoes from Tiffany’s parent’s garden in Taos,” Kessell said.

“We’re always adding to the menu because I don’t like to get stagnant with my cooking.” 

They post their menus for upcoming events on the Eat. Crepe. Love. Facebook page, and happy customers post about their experiences. So far word of mouth and social media are generating more calls and buzz. They found a woman in graduate school at the University of Missouri to help them with marketing and social media, and their following keeps growing. They’re booked for a spring wedding and are receiving other calls to make their crepes at various special events. 

“Our first time at Dogmaster went very well so they asked us back again for all of their First Friday art events,” said Walker.

Both are excited that their “baby” is going so well but right now they can control their schedule and handle the prep for the crepes at night.

“We seem to have found a niche in both the experience and the product. Foodies dig it and any time we can cater to that, to making people happy that’s awesome,” she said.

By Shelley Gabert | Photography By Lloyd Grotjan

The post Eat. Crepe. Love. A Creperie on Wheels appeared first on HER Magazine.

Think green when you’re shopping in the New Year.

Lokai Natural Balance Bracelet $18 saffees

Lokai Natural Balance Braclets $18.00 Saffees Fashion

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The post HER Picks Jan/Feb appeared first on HER Magazine.

Sara Parker Pauley started her career at the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) right out of college and 20 years later she returns as the first woman to serve as director in the agency’s 80-year history. In a way, this landmark appointment seems predestined – everything she’s done has led to this milestone moment.   

An outdoor enthusiast and lifelong conservationist, Pauley, 51, is comfortable behind a desk or in the field hunting wild turkey. She has been described as a natural leader dedicated to preserving and protecting the state’s natural treasures throughout her entire career.

Most recently she spent six years as the director of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, (DNR) where she oversaw four divisions responsible for protecting our air, land and water, preserving historic places and providing recreational and learning opportunities. So, she’s been in the top spot before and is comfortable managing a large staff. MDC employs 1,450 people throughout the state, and the organization is a progressive one with a national reputation.

“We are a leader in the national conservation story and known for our top research in the field. I see my job as making sure this amazing team has the resources it needs to continue in those efforts,” Pauley said.

“I’m proud of the fact that I’m the first female director at the agency and that our staff reflects diversity even at the top,” she said. “I’m also a Missourian who has been raised in the Missouri outdoors,” she said. “I started my career here and it’s very meaningful that the commission has their confidence in me.”

A natural leader dedicated to preserving and protecting the state’s natural treasures throughout her entire career.

Dave Murphy, chairman of the commission appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon to oversee the agency, and the other three commissioners took her hiring very seriously.

“Sara is only the ninth director to serve in the organization’s history,” Murphy said. “We had applicants from all over the world but after the interview process we were unanimous that Sara was the most qualified for the position.”

“I’ve known Sara for some time so I was probably harder on her than other candidates and I tried to ask tough questions to bring out the excellence I know is in her,” he said. “She’s compassionate, engaging and her instincts are incredible and she has an infectious enthusiasm for life. When most people are taking a nap, she’s out climbing a tree, hiking or biking on the Katy Trail.”

Being outdoors is second nature, part of Pauley’s DNA passed down through the generations of her family. She grew up in Columbia and went to Hickman High School, where her mother, Marilyn, was a home economics teacher and her father, John, was a Fulbright Fellow and founder of the lifelong learning program at the University of Missouri Extension. He was instrumental in developng an ongoing publication for retirees entitled, Life After Extension.

“My father was a quail hunter and avid fisherman,” she said. “When other kids would go to Disney World, I spent summers camping and floating on the Ozark streams in south-central and southwest Missouri, such as the Gasconade and Big Piney.”

“I saw the outdoors as a grand adventure, every day was something new and exciting,” Pauley said. “I also had the quintessential Ozarkian granny who was a master gardener, a hunter and even trapped some. I adored her and we used to hunt squirrel and deer together. I still have her old 30-30 (Winchester rifle).”

While at the University of Missouri, where she graduated with degrees in journalism and law, her interest in the landscape became more focused and she enrolled in every class that dealt with natural resources and the environment.

“I considered going to work for an outdoor magazine or to handling  environmental law and felt blessed that I could see myself in a career out of doors,” she said.

Pauley clerked for Ruth Musgrave, a lawyer who founded the Center for Wildlife Law at the University of New Mexico. She then took a semester off during law school to live in Manitoba in northern Canada with the aboriginal people who made their living trapping. Pauley also served as editor of the Missouri Environmental Law Journal and was also a rotary fellow with post-graduate studies in Australia.

“Sara is fearless,” said Beth Pike, who graduated from the University of Missouri with a degree in journalism and today serves as a television news producer and co-owner of Orr Street Production in Columbia, who since the early ‘90s has served as a consultant and video producer for the MDC.

A lifelong fisherman, Sara Parker Pauley grew up fishing on Missouri streams such as the Gasconade and Big Piney, and continues today.

The two didn’t meet in journalism school but became friends later when they were both in their early 20s.

“We were trying to figure out our path and we were both interested in environmental issues,” Pike said.

They teamed up to make videos of fur trappers in the Ozarks for several wildlife conservation agencies. They also spent time hiking in upstate New York and attended a rodeo in Cheyenne, Wyoming where Pauley met her idol country music singer George Strait.

“That’s one of the only times I had ever seen Sara shy or quiet,” said Pike, who also got to know Pauley’s family.

“I love her parents, I would describe her dad as an adventurer like Huckleberry Finn and her mom as one of the most hospitable people I know. Those traits rubbed off on Sara,” Pike said. “Sara and I just clicked, we were kindred spirits and we had a good working relationship, too.” “Sara also had a lot of drive and was passionate about what she was doing and you knew she was going places.” 

Ken Babcock, who joined MDC in 1970 and went on to serve as the assistant wildlife division chief, saw great things in Pauley, too.

“The first time I saw Sara she was giving a presentation at a Fish and Wildlife Conference about her time in Canada and her report and presentation were excellent,” he said.

“I sought her out and introduced myself. I found out she was finishing law school and asked her if she would be interested in a career as a conservationist? I gave her my card and we met and eventually she took the job in the planning and policy section of the agency,” he said.

Remembering the days when conservation was a profession made of almost entirely white males, Babcock is  excited that she is the person to set the first mark.

“Sara is steady, willing to listen to people and respects their input,” he said.

“She also has great decision making skills and the ability to make decisions that aren’t always popular, and that’s sorely needed in any agency.”

“She’s the right person for the job at this time, and I have been delighted to watch her advance throughout her career,” he said.

After three years at MDC, Pauley moved on to become chief of staff and general counsel for the Missouri House of Representatives speaker’s office.

“That was a great experience to learn how laws are made and how the Legislature works,” she said.

Later, Pauley served as the deputy director for the DNR for four years. That’s when Leanne Tippett Mosby met Pauley, who was first her boss but became a friend.

“One of my colleagues knew Sara from law school and she told me, ‘if you didn’t love her so much you would hate her,’ and that’s true. People instantly take to her, like a moth to a flame. She’s a warm and caring person and everyone in the department grew to love her,” said Mosby, currently DNR’s division director of environmental quality.

“Sara’s a woman of many talents, she’s a great listener and picks up on things very quickly. She’s also fun to work with and a great cook,” she said.

Mosby remembers a party after the legislative session had closed one year and Sara decided to hold a cartwheel contest in her front yard.

“Sara and I had trouble walking the next six months but we had so much fun,” she said. “The other night I was at her house and she was showing me how to use her turkey call.”

As busy as Pauley is she enjoys down time with Scott walking their dogs in the countryside near their home in Claysville, near Hartsburg.

“You can see that she gets her graciousness and all that southern charm from her mother. Sara’s like magic pixie dust, being around her she exudes this warmth and just makes people feel immediately comfortable.”

Both Pike and Mosby have been recipients of Pauley’s inviting hospitality. She’s thrown wedding and baby showers, and rehearsal dinners for them and is known as quite the hostess. Now they host their parties in Scott’s man cave, a large building beside their home in Claysville, near Hartsburg, where he  houses his boats and toys but also makes a perfect party space. On one wall is a photo of her grandmother and another  one when she shot her first wild turkey at Murphy’s farm in Northeast Missouri.

“We do love to entertain and I like to cook,” Pauley said. “We often serve venison, wild turkey and other game.”   

She met Scott 10 years ago. A Boone County native, he spent 33 years at the Missouri Highway Patrol and is now a professional bass fisherman. Both had been married before but their relationship turned serious quickly.

“A friend of mine tried to set us up at one point, but neither of us were interested, but a year later we did meet and within six months we were married. We share a passion for the out of doors. I taught him how to hunt and he taught me how to do a better job of bass fishing,” Pauley said. 

When fishing tournament season begins and he’s on the road, Pauley said she becomes a fishing widow. But the couple clearly have great affection and support each other in their individual pursuits.

“Sara is an amazing human being, always in a good mood and we have a marriage made in heaven. She’s an independent person and I’m her caretaker, the strong man behind the strong leader and I’m very comfortable with that,” Scott said.

Scott also serves as a marketing representative for the Missouri Division of Tourism, so both of them are proud to promote the state’s bounty and support tourism and agriculture.

Scott likens his wife’s pace to a boat motor running at full throttle, which can be challenging at times.

“He says ‘I tend to run wide open,’ and I do sometimes but I have a lot that I want to accomplish,” Pauley said.

Since starting the job as director in early November, Pauley has kept an exhaustive schedule. An early riser, she’s up by 4 a.m. or so and uses that quiet time at her home to read, organize and reply to emails before she’s busy meeting with the 10 division leaders, external partners and the four commissioners. 

“I use a collaborative leadership style,” Pauley said. “My job is to provide vision, motivation, inspiration and the resources

for our team and I try to create an atmosphere and culture where we can be innovative and prepared for the future.”

One of her goals as director is to educate and spread awareness of what the MDC does and why that’s important to everyone in the state.

“I have a grand opportunity to connect and reconnect with a large portion of the population that may not understand the importance of why what we do matters, why healthy fisheries and forests matter to a suburban mom in St. Louis and to every Missourian,” she said.

Earlier in her career, Pauley spent several years as the regional field supervisor for the National Wild Turkey Federation’s Women in the Outdoors (WITO) Program, where she was responsible for creating outdoor educational opportunities for women. Pauley enjoyed that role and she’s arguably the perfect choice for role model and poster “girl” to promote hunting and conversation to the next generation of women, who comprise one of the fastest growing segments in shooting sports.

When Pike’s daughter, Grace, wanted to hunt, Pauley was happy to be the first to accommodate and lent the 11-year-old a shotgun and took her to a good spot, increasing her chances of taking a turkey in the wild.

“Many of the boys at school didn’t believe Grace could get a turkey, but she did and that gave her a lot of confidence,” Pike said. “That evening Pauley brought the turkey ready to cook and that was very special to Grace. She thinks Sara is fantastic and she is, she’s a force of nature, with a dear heart.” 

Whether bagging a 12-point buck, or spending time at a testing station for chronic wasting disease that’s threatening the state’s white tail deer population, Pauley is grateful to have spent a majority of her career in the field. She embraces being a public servant and going above and beyond the demands of the position.

A licensed attorney and member of the Missouri Bar, Pauley is a past board member of the Conservation Federation of Missouri where she received its President’s Award. She’s also a member of other professional boards that deal with the environment and conservation.

That laser-beam focus and inner drive to excel can be exhausting, but Pauley recharges by spending time with friends and in nature, walking her two dogs Scout and Zoey and reveling in the beauty of the rural landscape where she lives.

“Sara renews herself in spirit by being outdoors and she’s a cause of celebration for all of us, for all generations,” said Murphy, who has three young grandchildren. “I see enormous possibilities going forward. Her leadership makes me optimistic for the future.”

While the agency is dealing with a variety of new issues that weren’t as prevalent years ago, Pauley’s ready to take anything on and make sure the MDC is part of the discussion and solution.

“We’re dealing with the impacts of global warming, loss of habitat, invasive species and disease and air pollution. Those are real areas of concern right now, and we have to be on top of our game in how we respond to these challenges,” she said.

“I’m grateful for all the opportunities I’ve had in the for-profit and nonprofit worlds, and both are going to serve me well in this job,” she said.

“You can never totally plan everything but it’s fun to think that all these years later that I’ve come full circle and am back at the agency that I love. It’s a dream come true to have been able to make a career out of my love for the outdoors. I pinch myself often.”

Story By Shelley Gabert | Photography By Lloyd Grotjan

The post Sara Parker Pauley: A Trailblazer for Conservation appeared first on HER Magazine.

Julie Smith Day Parade

photos by Shelby Kardell

Julie Smith attempts to catch candy during the parade.

Julie Smith attempts to catch candy during the parade.

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Strut Your Style Fashion Show

photos by Julie Smith

Taste of Home Cooking Show

photos by Annie Rice

Audience members at the Taste of Home Cooking School.

Audience members at the Taste of Home Cooking School.

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The post HER Community Jan/Feb appeared first on HER Magazine.

The Tuesday Club

Photos by Julie Smith

Jo Donnelly, left, introduces Irene Tergin as her guest at the Valentine’s Day meeting of The Tuesday Club. Members of the club heard guest speaker Jim Dyke talk about the numerous art projects he has taken on.

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Night to Shine

Photos by Julie Smith

Mary Elaine Campbell, left, and Karen Schambach, right, dance to an “Elvis” concert during Night to Shine.

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Governor Greitens Salute To Service Inaugural Ball

Photos by Shelby Kardell

Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala

Photos by Shelby Kardell

Carl Sweezer and Mindy Sweezer.

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The post HER Community MAR/APR appeared first on HER Magazine.

Say HELLO to Spring

Fine Mess Boutique - 222 E High St Jefferson City, Missouri

Simply Southern Short Sleeve T-Shirt $20.00

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The post HER Picks Mar/Apr appeared first on HER Magazine.

BEFORE

Jenna Collins enjoys doing her makeup and hair, but she rarely gets the opportunity to go out somewhere and be truly pampered.

At 19 years old, Collins is studying graphic design at East Central Community College in Union, having secured an A+ scholarship before graduating from Maries R-1 High School in Vienna, Missouri, in 2016. Her parents, Melissa and Doug, and two younger brothers, Tyler and Nicholas, still live in her hometown, and Collins works at Checo’s Mexican Restaurant in Vienna. However, while she is pursuing her degree, she is living with her grandmother in Taos.

Collins also has a passion for animals, having had cats and rabbits of her own.

“She brought home a stray kitten, whom is named Scooter, and has brought home a couple of rabbits,” Melissa said. “Her favorite pastime is eating, but you wouldn’t know that by looking at her.”

With busy professional and personal schedules, Collins was thrilled to receive a makeover through the help of Catherine Crum The Salon & Spa and Saffees. The experience showed her a more “grown-up” style, but how to also be in with current trends, she said.

AFTER

“My favorite part about the experience was getting my hair colored and makeup done. I was able to get a color that I normally would have not done on myself. I also enjoyed working with Judy at Saffees in selecting a different style of clothes then my usual jeans and T-shirts,” Collins said. “It was great; I had a lot of fun, and it’s definitely something I won’t forget!”

Style Guru: Heidi Neely – Master Artist

Heidi Neeley is a graduate of Merrell University and has been working as a Master Stylist at Catherine Crum the Salon for over 10 years. She has participated in many continuing educations classes throughout her career. Neeley’s favorite education classes have included Nick Arrojo’s razor cutting in New York City, Aveda’s men’s cutting course in St. Louis and the Aveda color placement and fall trends course in Minneapolis. She loves her career and the opportunities it brings to give so much back to each of her clients. Neeley stated, “I love spending time with each client and making them look and feel amazing!”

The Style: Hair & Makeup

Stylist applied an organic plant based Aveda chocolate gloss all over for a rich shine. Caramel highlights placed around the face add dimension. Hair was point cut to create movement in the hair. Hair was styled and blown dry with organic Aveda products. To create a softer flow around her face, her hair was flipped opposite of natural part to create a nice swoop across the forehead.

If you feel your hair is flat and lifeless, try blow drying it the opposite way it naturally falls or opposite of the way you normally style it.

BareMinerals make up was applied. For her complexion, bareSkin liquid foundation was applied with a brush. For her eyes, the stylist applied chocolate brown with a hint of coral shadow. Apricot blush was applied to her cheeks, and her lips were finished with bareMinerals Matte lipstick.

Clothing provided by Saffees.

Photography by Julie Smith

The post HER Makeover: Jenna Collins appeared first on HER Magazine.

A landmark painting has been lost, found and now has a new home

Mary Ann Hall’s mural, “Second Story High,” is downtown Jefferson City’s ever changing reflection of community and progress.

Over the course of more than 30 years, it has been lost, found and returned from Columbia.

Now, it will find a new home on the old street it represents in the Lohman Opera Building.

“I hope that (the mural) remains in that block — because that’s what it represents — and be somewhere where the public can appreciate it,” Hall said.

Since she created the mural in 1985, Hall has altered the acrylic painting twice to reflect the changing appearance as businesses moved in and out of East High Street’s 100 block. The picture extends east from the Lohman Opera House to Hawthorn Bank.

In 2005, Hall sanded away some trees and added the decorative top of the opera house, along with vintage streetlights, textured sidewalks and crosswalks. The most recent update added windows and replaced decorative tile with dark bricks to reflect a renovation to the building at 108 E. High St., currently housing Divinity Religious Gift Shop.

“I felt that (the new details) needed to be there or else people would look at it and wonder, ‘What’s wrong there? What’s missing?’” she said. “I want people to be able to appreciate the beautiful architecture in the top parts of those buildings, and this is how I decided to preserve them.”

The passage of time is even reflected in the sky. Using deep blue changed midday to dusk. “I decided it needed more color,” Hall said. “(Dusk is) my favorite time of the evening. The glow on those bricks are a beautiful warm color.”

Hall is a mainstay of the Jefferson City art scene, a prior Historic City of Jefferson president and founder of local gallery  The Art Bazaar. The Jefferson City native and former Hallmark artist was first known in Jefferson City as a pen-and-ink specialist. She has drawn thousands of architectural pieces over the years, including the Capitol and Governor’s Mansion.

These credentials drew Darrel Dunafon to commission Hall for a mural of specific buildings to hang in the second floor of his Taco Bell that was moving into 100 E. High St. “Darrel Dunafon was very into historic buildings … and I was pretty well known around town for doing buildings,” she said. “I always said I preserve the buildings by drawing them.”

Hall liked the idea. A mural would give her more freedom than pen-and-ink pieces and let her use some of the skills gained from making backgrounds for community theater productions at Lincoln University’s Richardson Auditorium. But she wanted to make a 4-by-8 mobile mural on masonite in case Dunafon wanted it moved. However, Hall never thought it would become such a well-traveled piece of art.

Companion pieces of the Hope Mercantile Building, Merchants Bank, Monroe Building and L.C. Lohman Residence were also painted to complement the mural. The pieces of the collection were framed in matching light oak and hung together in the Taco Bell restaurant for 15 years.

Dunafon sold the building to the Missouri Optometric Association on July 25, 2000; two of the smaller paintings stayed in its offices. The mural and other pieces were moved to Dunafon’s property at 612 E. Capitol Ave., where they remained after Gaslight Reality bought the building.

About three years passed and Hall had moved on to other projects, but she remained curious about where the mural would end up. She asked about it when Gaslight Realty sold the building, but nobody on staff knew where the big painting had gone.

Another year went by before Hall decided to get serious about the mystery of the missing mural. After contacting several people, she learned it was in the real estate company’s Columbia office.

After a short discussion, Hall arranged for Gaslight to donate the mural for a tax benefit to the Historic City of Jefferson, of which she was then president. It was returned to Jefferson City in 2005 and placed in Hall’s studio for cleaning and the challenging update that gave an evening glow to the scene nearly 20 years later.

By this time, the Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) had taken over 100 E. High St. and accepted the mural on loan from the historic society to hang in its conference room, along with two other pieces of the original collection. The mural stayed in its original home for another 10 years.

The CVB moved to the Marmaduke House on Capitol Avenue in 2016 and didn’t have wall space for Hall’s mural. She was determined to keep it downtown and inquired of local businesses in the 100 block of High Street. Hawthorn Bank and The Missouri Association of Truckers, which owns the Lohman Opera Building, expressed interest.

Before it could be rehung, Hall wanted to add brick to replace the white and green tile of the recently renovated old Schleer Hardware building at 108 E. High St. Hawthorn Bank offered to let Hall make the updates on a folding table in the basement.

“It was kind of interesting. She just scraped (the paint) right off,” said Gregg Bexten, the bank’s regional president. “We are happy to house it until Mary Ann finds a home for it. We are here to help the community, so for us to house it until she finds a better home for it is our pleasure.”

Second Floor High is complete again. Revel Catering — located in the Lohman Opera Building — decided its guests would enjoy the mural at the buffet serving area catered by Johnny Graham. It will be hung after the wall space is prepared.

“It seems like an appropriate home for (the mural), and we are always happy to show off a local artist’s work,” Graham said. “I’m happy to be a part of this historic district’s (story).”

Hall hopes it will remain there for a few more years and doesn’t plan to touch it again. Instead, she is dedicated to passing on her artistic expertise to the young artists she mentors. Perhaps they will be the ones to do the next updates to a mural that develops with the town.

“If the mural is to continue to represent that part of downtown and needs an update, I’d be honored for an artist ‘friend’ to do that when I am no longer around,” Hall said. “I do have one in particular in mind.”

By Allen Fennewald
Photos by Julie Smith

The post Evolution of a Mural appeared first on HER Magazine.

Sue Roush, a local entrepreneur and sewing instructor by night, has taken her passion for sewing and turned it into an activity for all ages.

Since April 2015, Roush has operated her own DIY Creative Studio on 6002 Elston Road in Jefferson City with a mission of inspiring new and experienced sewers and crafters.

“I see the experience as a way for the girls to get their feet wet without a lot of investment,” Roush said. “My goal is really to get people out, to be creative and to come have fun.”

The DIY studio is a place where women of all ages can learn to master an array of crafts like sewing, embroidery, crochet, wreath making, woodworking and more all under one roof.

With more than 30 years of experience, Roush has a lot of artistic creativity and knowledge to share with her clients. Roush started when her kids were quite young, teaching herself to do everything she knows how to do today. As the years passed and she gained more experience, her skill level has evolved.

Over the years, Roush has made different articles of clothing for her children and at one time fell in love with making porcelain doll costumes. Today, Roush says her favorite thing to do is machine embroidery.

“I really enjoy making baby things, adding my own personalization and digitizing my own design,” Roush said.

Participants who have been enrolled in her classes have sewn everything from pillow cases, fabric baskets and weekend tote bags. For those who may want to venture into other crafts, the DIY studio hosts specialized projects that dip into canvas painting and woodworking while other classes dab into creating signage and house planters.

Since Roush opened her doors, her selection of classes have continued to grow. Participants interested in the sewing classes pay a flat rate of $100 for four classes a month. The prices of the other specialty classes vary.

To enroll in the sewing classes or any of her specialty classes, participants may reach Roush at 573-291-4664.

For the love of Sewing

 “When I first opened the studio, I had never taught before, but I knew that sewing was my passion,” Roush said. “As word got out that I offered classes, I wanted to maintain small class sizes until I could figure out if teaching other people is something I could do.”

This was back in 2015 when Roush relied on word of mouth to promote the studio, and she sat one-on-one in a beginning level sewing class with one of her first patrons. Now she offers beginning, intermediate and advanced level sewing classes that can hold anywhere from six to eight participants per class. The beginning level classes, allow participants to get to know their machinery and get acquainted with their classmates.

Julie Griffin, a year-long patron of the DIY Creative Studio, said she saw a flyer about the studio in a restaurant and has been totally in love with it ever since her first class.

“I’ve always wanted to learn how to sew,” Griffin said. “Sue’s classes make it easy for anyone to jump in and feel comfortable learning a new craft.”

Griffin said she was the only one in the class when she began attending classes in 2015. Now she has five other classmates, who all work at various skill levels.

“The part that appeals to me is that Sue can work with anyone at every level without leaving others feeling isolated,” Griffin said. “She is an excellent teacher and is very knowledgeable.”

Griffin said she has enjoyed the various projects that Roush has introduced and her favorite project was creating a quilted table runner.

“When I began these classes, I had no experience, so I couldn’t believe that I was quilting,” Griffin said.

She said Roush’s expansion has led to a variety of craftmaking classes, but she always felt like her prices were fair.

Roush said she doesn’t want people to feel like they can’t afford the classes, but she also wants them to know that a lot of the materials are included in the initial cost.

She said sewing machines, embroidery machines and the tools associated with woodworking and other specialty classes are on site.

“I tell people that I hope they enjoy sewing, but I know it’s not for everybody,” Roush said.

As her demand for more specialty classes increase, so does her need for instructors. Roush is happy to find instructors who have a passion for that craft.

Roush came from a big family and has one daughter of her own. No one in her family has taken up an interest in sewing like she has. Even as her outreach has expanded to young girls in the community, Roush said her daughters have little to no interest in sewing.

The youth can be anywhere from ages 8 to 12 years old.

Roush said her favorite remark from one of the girls in her youth group is “I feel sorry for your daughter, this is so fun.”

“Remarks like this make the classes worthwhile,” Roush said.

By Brittany Hilderbrand
Photography By Shelby Kardell

The post The Lost Art of Sewing appeared first on HER Magazine.

Pregnant herself, trainer Ashley Swoboda has
a special empathy for women who are expecting

When a woman is pregnant, getting in a workout at the gym may not be the first thing on her mind. The couch is comfortable for swollen feet. Naps are enticing after nights of tossing and turning, trying to get comfortable. Nausea makes the thought of leaving the house seem daunting.

But overcoming these obstacles is both possible and quite important, says Ashley Swoboda, a personal trainer who owns Anytime Fitness in Jefferson City with her husband, Nick.

“It’s very important because you want to provide the healthiest and safest place for your baby to grow,” Swoboda said.

Swoboda conducts one-on-one and small group training sessions with prenatal and postnatal clients. For the past several months, she’s had a special empathy for these women, since she herself is expecting a baby boy due April 1. She’s kept up a regular workout routine, but she has noticed her body’s new limitations and adjusted accordingly.

“I was surprised how winded I got — just doing basic things, I would get out of breath faster,” Swoboda said. “It was surprising how long it would take me to recover as well, how long it would take me to catch my breath after working out.”

Exercising at least two or three days per week during pregnancy not only keeps the body healthy while the baby grows; it also strengthens muscles used during delivery and helps women recover faster after birth, Swoboda said. Unfortunately, many women avoid working out because they believe it is unsafe or they simply don’t know what exercises to try.

“I had two different ladies, where their first pregnancy they avoided working out because they didn’t know what to do,” Swoboda said. “During their second pregnancy, they did the prenatal and postnatal training, and they said it was completely different. Their labor was so much better; they recovered so much faster; they lost their baby weight — they are in much better shape.”

For some women, watching their bodies change and gain weight during pregnancy can be a mental and emotional struggle, Swoboda said. She makes sure to remind them it’s OK and necessary to put on weight at a healthy rate. “I’ve never met a client that I didn’t think was absolutely stunning and beautiful during their pregnancy,” she said.

After giving birth, women often feel pressure to lose weight quickly to “get their body back.” Some of her clients expect to lose the weight right away, while others are afraid it will never come off, Swoboda said.

“It’s important to be realistic and to lose weight in a healthy manner,” Swoboda said. “You spent 10 months packing on that weight. It won’t take that long, in most cases, to get it off; but if they go about it in a healthy way, they will see a consistent drop instead of doing something crazy like crash-dieting or overdoing the cardio, which isn’t healthy.”

Women should always consult their doctor before beginning to exercise again after giving birth. During both prenatal and postnatal training, it’s important for women to remember their bodies are unique and what is appropriate for one person may not be the right workout for another, Swoboda said.

“Everybody is going to vary, so don’t look at another pregnant lady and think, ‘Well, she’s doing that, so I should be doing that — what’s wrong with me?’” Swoboda said. “We know our bodies really well, so if you feel like something is unsafe or doesn’t feel right, don’t do it. But if you feel like you can do it and it’s safe, then go ahead. I’ve had a lot of criticism for squatting and dead-lifting — but for me, this is a fraction of what I usually lift. So for me, this is safe, and I can see my form is good. But everyone is different — there’s not a cookie cutter, one-thing-fits-all.”

Ashley Swoboda’s most-heard myths about
working out while pregnant

MYTH 1: Don’t lift weights; and if you do, make sure it is no more than 15 pounds.

Swoboda: This is probably the most common one I hear. While I agree for some women 15 pounds is going to be plenty of weight, the majority of us that are used to strength training won’t even bat an eye at 15 pounds. Each person is going to be different, so you can’t apply an across-the-board limit and expect it to suit everyone. You have to assess each individual’s fitness level and keep in mind how long they have worked out and if they regularly implement strength training into their routine. The type of exercise they perform also contributes to how much weight they will lift. Fifteen pounds on a leg press is not equivalent to a 15-pound bicep curl. The leg press would be exceptionally easy, but the bicep curl would be pretty challenging. You want to make sure you challenge yourself while maintaining safety, proper form and breathing. If you are holding your breath, you are reducing the amount of oxygen available to your baby, so choosing an intensity level that allows you to maintain proper breathing is key!

MYTH 2: Don’t train your core.

Swoboda: Back pain is one of the most common complaints I hear from prenatal clients. Having a strong core is crucial to reducing back pain, and that means strengthening both your abdominal wall and back. There are some exercises that are not safe after your first trimester, such as crunches on your back or anything else leaving you in a supine position, but that shouldn’t stop you from training your core. Pelvic floor exercises are key and should be implemented into your training both during and after pregnancy.

MYTH 3: Don’t run.

Swoboda: If you are a runner and enjoy running, keep it up! I wouldn’t encourage someone that is new to working out to kick-start her training by picking up running for the first time, because there are plenty of other options out there that are more suitable for beginners. However, if you are an avid runner, there is no need to stop. You know your body best, so if you ever feel uncomfortable or unsafe then it’s time to find another form of cardio.

MYTH 4: I’m eating for two!

Swoboda: This is the reason most women struggle to get their baby weight off after pregnancy. If you spend your entire pregnancy eating for two, then you will gain a lot of extra weight. You only need approximately 100-300 extra calories per day depending on what trimester you are in — not double what you typically consume. I often hear of people gaining 50-plus pounds! Granted, while there are some individuals who will need to gain more weight, a healthy individual can expect to gain between 25-35 pounds.

On the flip side, this isn’t the time to diet. I’ve heard women say they will restrict their food out of fear of what they will gain. This isn’t the time to be selfish. It isn’t about you — it’s about providing the best home (your body) possible for your baby, and that requires you to take care of it.

MYTH 5: Don’t let your heart rate go above 140 bpm.

Swoboda: First off, this guideline was thrown out in the 1990s. I encourage my clients to use the talk test or Borg RPE (rate of perceived exertion) to gauge their intensity level. Everyone’s heart rate varies, so 140 bpm for one client will not be the same for another. Overall, you want to find a level that is challenging but still allows you to carry on a conversation. You want to push yourself but avoid intensities that leave you short of breath or overheated. As you progress through your pregnancy, you will notice you are more easily winded and it takes longer to recover, so you will need to make adjustments accordingly.

Always consult with your doctor prior to beginning any exercise program. If you hire a trainer, ensure they have proper training and certifications for pre/postnatal training. And don’t be afraid to ask questions!

THE EXERCISES

Each of these exercises can be performed by anyone, pregnant or not. The beginner-level versions are recommended for those new to exercise, while the intermediate levels are suitable for those who have some experience working out. Advanced workouts should be attempted only by avid exercisers, especially if pregnant. The number of repetitions can vary with fitness level, but eight to 12 repetitions of each exercise is a good starting point. Never attempt an exercise you are not comfortable with, and seek the advice of your doctor and trainer if needed.

SQUATS
Targets: Back & Biceps

SQUATS: Beginner

Begin with feet slightly wider than hip-width apart. Grasp TRX bands, then, hinging at the hips, drop into the squat position. Return slowly to a standing position, squeezing your glutes at the top of the movement. This is great for those with a limited range of motion due to poor hip or ankle flexibility or knee issues; using the TRX band allows you to keep your knees in proper alignment with the rest of your body, as well as maximize your range of motion.

SQUATS: Intermediate

Begin standing up straight, and hold a barbell so that it rests low across the back of your shoulders. (A) Then drop down into squat position, making sure to maintain a neutral spine. (B) Letting your back round out or knees cave in are common mistakes that can cause injury or unnecessary pain. As with the intermediate level, the weight of the barbell will vary by person. This should be attempted only by experienced squatters or under the direction of a certified trainer.

SQUATS: Advanced

Hold a dumbbell horizontally at chest level, (A) then drop down into squat position as in the beginner level. (B) This variation is more difficult because of the added resistance and the lack of stability provided by the TRX bands. The proper weight of the dumbbell will vary by person; it should be challenging but allow maintenance of proper form and the ability to breathe consistently.

INVERTED TRX ROWS
Targets: Back & Biceps

INVERTED TRX ROWS: Beginner

Begin with knees bent. Grasp the TRX bands and lean back until arms are fully extended. (A) Keeping your spine neutrally aligned, use your arms to pull yourself up to the TRX handles, squeezing your shoulder blades together. (B) Lower yourself back down until arms are fully extended once more.

INVERTED TRX ROWS: Intermediate

Grasp the TRX bands and walk your feet forward until your body is at a 45-degree angle to the floor.(A) As with the beginner move, begin with arms fully extended, then pull yourself up to the TRX handles before lowering yourself back down. (B)

INVERTED TRX ROWS: Advanced

The advanced technique uses the same form as the intermediate; to increase the difficulty, simply walk forward before beginning, putting yourself in a more parallel position to the floor.

PUSH-UPS
Targets: Chest & Triceps

PUSH-UPS: Beginner

Start in a prone position with hands slightly wider than shoulder-width apart and knees bent, resting on the ground. (A) Keeping your spine neutral, lower your body to the floor by bending your arms, (B) then push your body up until your arms are fully extended. The middle of your chest should align with your thumbs. For women far along in their pregnancy who find this difficult to do without their belly getting in the way, try the intermediate version. You can raise the height of the bar to decrease the level of intensity.

PUSH-UPS: Intermediate

This version uses a barbell in its rack instead of the floor. Begin with arms extended, a little wider than shoulder-width apart. (A) Lean forward onto your toes so that your body is angled over the bar, and adjust your position so the middle of your chest aligns with the bar. Lower your body to the bar by bending your arms, (B) then push your body back up by extending your arms and keeping your spine neutral. To make the exercise more challenging, start with the bar lower to the ground. If you’re able, choose this version over the beginner version; your center of gravity will be more similar to a regular push-up.

PUSH-UPS: Advanced

This is a regular push-up. Use same technique as in the beginner version, but keep your body straight throughout, standing on toes instead of allowing knees to rest on floor. This version is not recommended for anyone experiencing lower back pain.

By Laura Kosta
Photography By Julie Smith

The post Staying Strong: Pre- and Postnatal appeared first on HER Magazine.

The Jane Randolph Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) has a historic object that has stood the test of time.

Made of holly and cherry trees grown at Mount Vernon, near the grave of George Washington, this gavel has opened and closed meetings of the Jefferson City chapter of the DAR for 120 years.

“It was presented to us in 1897, and we still use it today,” said Vivian Kaysen, regent of the chapter, a position on a par with president.

The chapter’s first meeting was Jan. 6, 1987, the wedding anniversary of George and Martha Washington. On that date, 14 Jefferson City women organized this, the third chapter in Missouri, and named it Jane Randolph in honor of Thomas Jefferson’s mother.

Rapping the meetings to order with this gavel was a duty so moving Kaysen wrote this statement about it: “Striking the gavel, knowing its rich heritage, feels rewarding, energizing and meaningful. It is immediate. Precise. The sound of the single rap grabs our attention. It gathers everyone in the room and includes them. Something significant is about to happen — an exact repeat of an opening ceremony that has spanned over a century, is part of history and yet still signifies the activity of today, of relevance and longevity.”

The 14 ladies initiated the chapter in the home of Florence Ewing Towles, at 612 E. Capitol Ave. The house stands today. Towles was the chapter’s first regent and held that elected office for 10 years before becoming state regent (1906-08).

“These were the high society ladies here in town,” Kaysen said of the chapter’s founding members. “They were active in petitioning to keep the Capitol here in Jefferson City. Some of the ladies were governors’ wives.”

Sarah Caroline Pelot Eppes Davison was elected the chapter’s first recording secretary. She came to Jefferson City after the Civil War as the wife of Dr. Alexander Caldwell Davison. She had previously been married to John Wales Eppes, great-grandson of Thomas Jefferson. Margaret Julia Eppes the Eppes’ daughter and great-great-granddaughter of Thomas Jefferson, was a charter member of the chapter.

Louise Winston Stone, wife of Gov. William J. Stone (1893-97), was elected historian. Other charter members were Louise Miller Bragg, Christine Harding Broughton, Louise Pope Church, Ellen Pedigo Edwards, Georgia Chiles Ewing, Elizabeth Allen Ewing, Beauregard Harding Ferguson, Christine Cordell Harding, Kate Madison Henry and Margaret Harding Robertson.

The Jefferson City chapter was formed seven years after the national organization was founded in 1890. It was 114 years after the end of the American Revolutionary War and 32 years after the Civil War ended. That year, The New York Times began using its slogan, “All the News That’s Fit to Print.” The National Organization of Mothers (eventually the Parent-Teacher Association) formed. The first Boston Marathon was run, and the first ship carrying gold from the Yukon arrived in Seattle, beguiling writer Jack London to join the Klondike Gold Rush.

DAR was an organization just for women, and since its founding in 1890 more than 950,000 members — all proven descendants of Revolutionary War soldiers or patriots — have joined.

“The inspiration behind it was there was a men’s organization at the time that didn’t include the ladies,” Kaysen said.

It was a time of revived patriotism and intense interest in the United States’ beginnings. Not to be left behind, a group of women met in Washington, D.C., and formed their own nonprofit, non-political organization, which has grown into a national headquarters with  a variety of publications, genealogy records, and Constitution Hall (the capital’s largest concert hall and now a national historic landmark). The goal: promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America’s future through better education for children.

Any woman 18 years or older, regardless of race, religion or ethnic background, who can prove lineal descent from a patriot of the American Revolution is eligible for membership.

As American pioneers moved west, many in the early 1800s following the Louisiana Purchase, they carried their ancestors’ memories with them.

“Everybody who had a patriot and moved west were still connected to the (Revolutionary) war,” Kaysen said.

Currently, Missouri has 116 chapters, led by Susan Bowman, state regent. Fulton has a chapter as well, the Charity Stille Langstaff Chapter, formed in 1907. Nationally, the Sons of the American Revolution was formed in 1889 and is headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky. The SAR’s Christopher Casey Chapter, started in 1985, is also in Jefferson City.

“Lt. Col. Sandy Karsten of the Missouri State Highway Patrol is a member of the chapter,” Kaysen said. “She was awarded our DAR

Women in American History award last year.” Karsten was recently named the Patrol’s superintendent, pending Senate approval — “the first female to move through the ranks to become the head of the MSHP,” Kaysen added.

From the day DAR and its chapters came into being, volunteerism has been part of the creed. A counter at DAR.org shows members have volunteered 74,051 hours so far in 2017.

“They were very active women looking for things to do,” Kaysen said of the founders and those who have followed.

Projects currently underway include activities with and for veterans, educational activities and events, such as the statewide “Wheeling for Healing” bike ride along the Katy and Rock Island trails. This year’s event is scheduled to start Sept. 30 and has raised $50,000 for the Wounded Warrior Project. Quilts of Valor is another veterans’ project, and the organization also gives out scholarships and Good Citizens Awards — and much more.

“We have members working at the state archives, digitizing records all year long,” Kaysen added. “They just finished World War I records.”

Donna Medley has been a member for 23 years, but others have been around much longer, she said.

“We have 60-year members; we have 50-year members,” she said. “It’s a wonderful chapter with terrific ladies. Some of my very best friends are in DAR. I also love what DAR stands for.”

Medley listed education, historic preservation and patriotism.

“I like them all,” she said.

Medley is an honorary chapter regent and served as Missouri state recording secretary and chaplain. One of her favorite activities is giving out DAR scholarships, she said.

“It’s always good to see the young people come to the chapter and hear about the good work they are doing,” she said. “And I like doing things for the veterans.”

By Jenny Gray

The post The Test of Time appeared first on HER Magazine.

A silhouette of a woman’s face hung on the bulletin board in the East Elementary School’s art room.

Within five minutes, brightly colored Post-It notes surrounded her. They each expressed an array of adjectives — nice, dependable, fun, reliable, positive, honest, caring, trustworthy, amazing.

Then came the question that prompted the words to be shared.

“So what are those words you used to describe characteristics you would want in your BFF?” said Bonita Butner, a member of the recently chartered Central Missouri Chapter of The Links, Inc.

About a dozen 8- to 10-year-old girls shared their responses and reasons those qualities were so important to them.

This opened the door to an hour-long, candid discussion about what it means to have a good friend and be a great friend at the Feb. 7 SMART Girls program session. Laughing, singing and talking filled the room as The Links members and the young ladies compared qualities seen in both female and male friends, practiced saying “friend” in other languages and worked together to complete a friend-themed word search.

The meaningful conversations shared among the professional women and young girls emulated the words describing a BFF on the Post-It notes. Any one of their faces could have replaced the silhouette of the woman.

The girls attending these SMART Girls sessions know they have a friend in the Links volunteers or the Boys & Girls club staff helping them navigate their way through adolescence.

They gain self-confidence, leadership skills and healthier lifestyle choices along the way. By the end of the program, its administrators hope each young girl knows she also has a friend in herself.

Becoming ‘SMART Girls’

SMART (Skills Mastery And Resistance Training) Girls is held weekly through the academic year at the organization’s six sites in Jefferson City, including East Elementary School.

The program, which targets ages 8-17, helps girls develop a healthy attitude and lifestyle, acquire and maintain a positive self-concept and sound decision-making skills, and mentor relationships. It allows a young lady to reach her full potential, understand inner beauty and enhance her self-esteem.

The Boys & Girls Clubs of America has provided the nationally accredited SMART Girls program to its chapters for many years. However, an eye-opening exercise at an all-girls lock-in event prompted the Jefferson City chapter to introduce the program locally in 2012.

Stephanie Johnson, executive director of Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City, said about 30 girls stayed overnight at the club’s former facility, participating in beauty activities, talks and interactive experiences. One exercise asked the girls to pass around a hand-held mirror, look at themselves and describe the beauty within each of them.

“What two young ladies said was so devastating to me as a woman, I knew we had to do something,” she said.

Johnson said one girl saw “stupid,” explaining that is what certain family members had continuously told her. She had ambitions of being a veterinarian but thought she was too stupid to pursue it. Another girl said she saw nothing of beauty, not being able to see past her perception of physical flaws, Johnson said.

That is when Johnson and staff knew they needed to bring the SMART Girls program to their community.

“As a woman, you don’t want to see girls see themselves like that, so we have been diligent about this SMART Girls program for years now. We believe that our girls need it,” she said.

The Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City funds the SMART Girls program from the Unilever Foundation, which provides a grant for the program curriculum to each Boys & Girls Club that has a Unilever plant in their community, and the Missouri Department of Mental Health, which issues funding to help implement the curriculum to every club in the state.

The Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City follows the national organization’s outcome-driven SMART Girls curriculum. The program involves a pre-test and post-test, along with a graduation celebration and awards.

The girls participate in weekly sessions that delve into topics such as “You’re Super Awesome,” “Your Friends, the Media and You,” “Keep It Clean!” “Eating Well, Staying Fit” “What’s With Bullies?” and “We Are Family.”

“It really is about helping girls with self-esteem, finding inner beauty, understanding healthy relationships and setting goals for themselves. Unfortunately we live in a world right now where there is a lot of bullying, and girls can be mean to each other,” Johnson said. “This program helps girls not only feel good about themselves, but also how we as females need to treat each other.”

The SMART Girls sessions are broken down by age — 8-10, 11-13 and 14-18 — with topics discussed at age-appropriate levels. After each session, they earn a badge, such as “Media Maven” and “Queen of Clean.” For the girls, it is not only about earning rewards; it is about learning life lessons.

Take the “Nice Girl” session, for example.

“Girls can be bullies,” said Racquel Shipp, East Elementary School coordinator for Boys & Girls Club. “Some girls have attitude from the top. They keep the attitude, and they don’t care. But when we get to talking about these things, such as being mean to another girl and how that makes them feel, or being mean to anyone and how would you feel if that was being done to you, our girls look at that and think, ‘Oh.’ It teaches them empathy. …

“After that session, we might as well have a party. It really changes things for a lot of the girls.”

Shipp and other Boys & Girls Club personnel lead many of the SMART Girls sessions. However, the partnership with The Links chapter allows the girls to hear, absorb and discuss vital information from other professional women in their community, as well.

“A lot of the girls and boys we serve at Boys & Girls Club come from poverty. When they look at some of the adults in their life, they may not see a lot of people who are successful, whether it is in their career or life choices,” Johnson said. “When we bring in a group like The Links, they are able to see successful adults. They look professional, they talk professional, and they are. They are all educated, career-oriented women. It is great for our girls to see that and say, ‘This could be me.’

‘Linked in friendship, connected in service’

With lighthearted humor and fun, the girls at the Feb. 7 SMART Girls session saw The Links members helping them, find many of the words they earlier described as a BFF.

They also saw successful women — lawyers, educators, real estate agents, IT specialists, marketing consultants — provide an open ear to the girls’ opinions. Like the Boys & Girls Club staff, they see The Links members as friends and mentors.

The Central Missouri Chapter of The Links is also proud of the partnership, declaring SMART Girls as the group’s signature service program.

The chapter conducts SMART Girls sessions every week, alternating between a group of 8- to 10-year-olds in Jefferson City and a group of 11- to 15-year-olds in Columbia.

The collaboration with SMART Girls in Jefferson City started in September 2013, before the group became an official chapter of the international The Links organization. They were then known as Central Missouri Women’s Connection (CMWC).

CMWC started with approximately 20 ladies residing in Columbia and Jefferson City with a commitment to service and an interest in forming a chapter of The Links, one of the oldest and largest volunteer service organizations in the nation.

Founded in 1946 by two young Philadelphia matrons, Margaret Hawkins and Sarah Scott, The Links was established on the concept of friendship but also was committed to enriching, sustaining and ensuring the culture and economic survival of African Americans and other persons of African ancestry. Now, the nonprofit corporation continues its mission, boasting membership of nearly 14,000 professional women of color in 283 chapters located in 41 states, the District of Columbia and the Bahamas.

The local group gathered in September 2012 at Lincoln University, where Benecia Williams volunteered to function as the point person in assessing interest in the area. Meetings were held over the next several months, and CMWC was formed. After a process of more than two years, CMWC was chartered as the 283rd chapter of The Links on April 30, 2016.

With Williams serving as the chapter’s president, the 36 members of the Central Missouri chapter continue to provide strong service in Jefferson City and Columbia, engaging in regular programming activities that focus on five main facets of The Links: services to youth, the arts, national trends and services, international trends and services, and health and human services.

They have continued many efforts as CMWC and garnered new initiatives. Activities include food drives benefiting The Food Bank of Central and Northeast Missouri and Samaritan Center; supporting the Columbia Public Schools’ Buddy Pack program; service programs at the Bluffs Nursing Center in Columbia; sisterly outreach and arts programming at the McCambridge Center in Columbia; a partnership with Lincoln University to donate bottled water to Flint, Michigan, residents; and its ongoing partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Columbia and Jefferson City through workshops and SMART Girls.

One focus of the Central Missouri chapter of The Links is childhood obesity. Workshops on healthier lifestyle, eating and moving through the Boys & Girls Club continue to be included in the chapter’s programming.

“We want to see children change their world through transformation programming, and we are truly engaged in our community through various activities,” said Wanda Seeney, chairwoman for the chapter’s communications and public relations committee. “We want the people to know we are here, we are working, and we are a resource to serve their needs and answer those needs of the community.”

Their tag line, “linked in friendship, connected in service,” is active in their daily lives. As service to the community is of great importance, friendship is also a major component of the organization.

The chapter members participate in monthly social gatherings, such as attending movies, participating in Lincoln University Homecoming parades, watching Mizzou football games and eating out at local restaurants.

“The sisterhood and friendship stood out to me,” Williams said. “I don’t just feel that friendship locally and in our chapter, but also as president when I go to the other conferences and contact Links from other areas. The sisterhood, concern and interest in wanting to make sure we all do well and help each other for the purpose of making the world a better place really touches my heart.”

The impact SMART Girls can make

Many moments experienced among the girls, the Boys & Girls Club staff, The Links members and the parents have touched their hearts.

Starting the SMART Girls program in second grade, 10-year-old J’Kayla Lee didn’t realize the diversity of activities and mentors that would be involved. Even though the same curriculum is used each year, each SMART Girls session is presented in a fun, interesting and educational way. Lee has enjoyed many of them and absorbed them into her life.

One of her favorites was a healthy plate activity,  which taught the girls about the four main food groups. They also got to eat healthy foods, and she now often enjoys granola bars as a snack. She also took a self-esteem assessment test, developed 2017 goals for a healthier lifestyle, participated in holiday parties, and exercised through a special Zumba session with volunteers from The Links.

Pam Nunnelly, vice president of programming for the Central Missouri Chapter of The Links, works closely with Shipp and the Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City to adhere to the organization’s curriculum during the sessions they lead, while presenting programming that also meets facets of The Links. During sessions led by The Links, the girls have created a healthy plate using foods from the five food groups, developed health journals and an “All About Me” self-esteem collage, conducted a brain cap activity to show how to nurture both sides of their brains, discussed female images in the media, and learned how to take care of their bodies.

“You are ensuring these girls understand they are all uniquely beautiful and awesome,” she said. “We have enjoyed building relationships and friendships with these girls. They see these adult women as friends. They learn they can not only be positive with their peers but also with each other, and reach out to their community. That will translate into their adulthood and with their own children.”

Shipp has seen results from the SMART Girls program firsthand. Those results are not just among the girls she helps teach during the program’s sessions as part of her duties at East Elementary School. She also sees it in her eldest daughter, a fifth-grader who continues to participate in SMART Girls every year.

“Being at SMART Girls has taught her to become a person where she knows she has to love herself first. It made her so confident in who she is that she has blossomed into everything,” Shipp said. “I don’t need to tell her she is beautiful, she knows it. …. These girls have become leaders and want to do things with their future.”

By Samantha Pogue
Photography by Shelby Kardell, Samantha Pogue and Marty Beck

The post SMART Girls appeared first on HER Magazine.

When news broke that actress Carrie Fisher had died in late December, Shelley Gabert was heartbroken. When Fisher’s mother, singer-actress Debbie Reynolds, passed away the next day, Shelley Gabert was incensed.

These were people whose art she admired, whose personalities she appreciated. Shelley had made a living — and a life — of tracking the lives of artists and celebrities, telling stories about their passions. That work was her passion. Watching part of the spectacle she had spent her career chronicling end was — at best — an inexplicable disappointment.

Three weeks later, we began to understand how she felt. Shelley’s death was unexpected and — at best — inexplicable. The woman was her own spectacle.

Years in Los Angeles, New York and St. Louis reporting on the entertainment scene had made their impression on the girl from California, Missouri. No matter her current project, Shelley approached every day as the struggle of an actress pulling her way upward from D-list to Oscar-worthy, of an aspiring performer making a stage of every moment – as we knew her, of a community storyteller searching for the right subjects and the right words to reflect not just the daily life but the heart of Mid-Missouri.

She gave the same gravitas to every story, and made it her obsession until she had completed it. But she was especially proud of certain stories.

In Rebecca Welsh, founder and executive director of HALO, she found a kindred spirit whose passion for providing healing for people in desperate situations mirrored her own passion for telling the stories of people on both sides of those equations.

In Sara Evans, Shelley identified with an artist who rose to the Billboard charts from small-town Missouri. In Shelley’s words, the New Franklin-native country singer’s breakout single “Born to Fly” was “one of her best and most autobiographical songs about growing up in rural Mid-Missouri and longing to spread her wings.”

In the Martin family, Shelley highlighted the homegrown talent the four sisters of the Bluegrass Martins have taken on the road while continuing to share it right here at home.

After spreading her own rural Mid-Missouri wings, Shelley came home to be near her family, whom she loved dearly. She mentioned her mother, Judy, almost daily. Her nephew and niece, Zach and Taylor, were a continually unfolding story she couldn’t get enough of. And her cats, Spike and Little Cat, were her preferred companions.

She also acted as head and maestro of the HER Magazine family, and her Central Missouri Newspapers family misses her already.

Shelley Gabert was an original, and there’s no replacing her. But we in her professional family find comfort and inspiration moving forward in the words she used to describe herself: “At the end of the day I’m a storyteller, and no matter where I am physically I’m drawn to finding compelling subjects to share with others.”

The post To Her: In Loving Memory of Shelley Gabert appeared first on HER Magazine.

April 22 event allows singles to meet new people, raise money for HALO Foundation

By Samantha Pogue

Match.com, eHarmony, Tinder, Bumble, Hinge, OkCupid – there are so many dating apps, social media platforms and websites. Many have proven results with successful relationships developed.

Jefferson City resident Talesha Fowler has tried online dating before but felt so many people don’t show their true colors or the interactions fizzle before the pair can meet in person. She prefers to get to know people face to face.

“We are so stuck in our phones all the time. People can put on such a front and not really reveal who they are or be interactive when they are on their phone or computer. … We need to put the social back in social,” said Fowler. “We need to build relationships. … let’s get face to face and get to know people in our own town.”

Those thoughts have fueled her new passion to meet more people in the city and to give back to her community, organizing the first “Meet UR Match” singles night event, which also raises money for the HALO Foundation.

On April 22 at Bones Banquet Room in downtown Jefferson City, “Meet UR Match” is more than just an open socializing event. It allows singles to learn about each others’ personalities, face fun, but challenging, situations, test body language through dancing and meet new people in a safe, no pressure environment.

The event begins with a cocktail hour at 6:30 p.m., followed by an open activity where singles can then sit down, ask questions, and develop first impressions of other participants.

Fowler said personality compatibility is also important in developing a connection. Enter Candy Whirley.

A international speaker, author and former NFL Kansas City cheerleader, Whirley will lead “It Takes 4 To Tango,” an interactive game that takes participants through her four C’s of leadership and relationships: confidence, communication, creativity and change. The singles will explore personality styles that make them think, laugh, dance and so much more in this open and honest way for all personalities to hear from one another and communicate better with each other.

“We did this in a conference, and it was so fun to match up personalities,” said Fowler, who works in commercial insurance at Naught-Naught Agency in Jefferson City. “This lady has so much personality, and I’m so excited she is able to come and lead this activity.”

The Break Out Room from Columbia will then offer a 15-minute escape room experience at the event, allowing singles to delve even deeper into personal connections while being highly entertained.

“So you match your personalities, but you also are going to test your struggles in a developing a relationship with someone,” she said. “If you want to get to know someone, you are going to get to know how they handle situations – how they act, react and are they playful or serious. You can look all day long at a profile picture and think you may not even think twice about that person, but when you are around them and get to know them, you see how they become more attractive … in this activity, you are struggling and you have to work together to escape the room.”

The final activity allows singles to examine their body language. A dance instructor will guide men in a few dance moves. Then, the guys have to use what they learned on the dance floor with the women.

“Throughout the night, singles will exchange a given registration number, having an envelope with a stack of that same number given to them when they arrive. This allows them to mingle with different people and keep track of those they felt connections with,” Fowlers said, noting singles locally and from across the state have already signed up for this unique event. “We will also offer door prizes and have giveaways throughout the night.”

At the end of the event, Fowler will announce two singles who organizers felt matched up the most throughout the evening’s activities. That couple will win a special date night complete with a helicopter or airplane ride over Jefferson City, a classic car donated for transportation and dinner.

With the main activities ending at 10 p.m., singles are then invited to stay at the venue to enjoy DJ Curtis and dancing, drinks and socializing until closing time.

“We really want people to be silly, be themselves and have fun. I love to laugh and take things lighthearted, and we are trying to incorporate that into this event,” she said. “I encourage singles to get out of that comfort zone,  take risks and do something different. Bring fun back into your life. There is no pressure to meet someone but really find out what you are looking for; it is a fun, social event for singles that raises money for a great cause.”

The event will benefit HALO Foundation, a nonprofit organization that provides a safe place for youth who are homeless or in high-risk situations. Its mission is to support youth in the greatest need and fill gaps in the community, starting a home in Jefferson City and having other branches and programs in Kansas City, New York and Portland.

Fowler’s mother adopted children when she was young, and her three children would like her to adopt a child and give him or her a good home. She decided giving back to her community’s youth in need, the HALO Foundation and its home in Jefferson City would still support giving area children a safe, nurturing place to live.

“Our youth are our future. If you have guidance and that nudge in the right direction, who knows what is possible in your life. If you don’t have anyone teaching you about that self-belief or your own worth, you are not going to believe in yourself. To me, it is an important cause,” she said.

Her motivation from talking with HALO Foundation representatives and young people receiving help from their services inspired her to do even more with her philanthropy. She is developing the Lemonade Life Foundation, in which she plans to offer life coaching, assist youth in need in the area and create more fundraising events that can help local charitable organizations in communities throughout the state and beyond.

“It is in your mindset, life is all about how you handle it. We are all going to have issues and chaos, when you are squeezed, your true self comes out. … I want to help people through their struggles reflecting on my own personal self growth to get through circumstances like that,” she said. “People don’t know how to communicate with each other anymore. … Hurting people hurt people. They keep it inside and project it out. … The world needs to be healed. I hope with this foundation I can reach out to people, guide people, help people and do different events where I can raise money for charity, especially in helping youth.”

To create the best experiences for singles attending the “Meet UR Match,” Fowler is asking participants to register prior to April 22. A registration fee of $25 is available through April 8 or $35 from April 9-14. She is also accepting sponsorships and donations, which will support the event and the HALO Foundation. Cocktail attire is recommended.

For more information, to donate, be a sponsor or to register, contact Fowler at 573-619-8627 or email taleshainspired@yahoo.com. For more information about the HALO Foundation, visit HALOworldwide.org.

The post A new, interactive way to ‘Meet Ur Match’ appeared first on HER Magazine.

Everyone is welcome from 1-4 p.m. on the south Capitol lawn

(Courtesy of Combat Boots & High Heels) Combat Boots & High Heels invite veterans, military supporters and everyone in the community to enjoy yoga for free during Yoga 4 Vets from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, April 29 at the south Capitol lawn. The event will also raise awareness for PTSD and support local veterans in need.

About 20 percent of soldiers who served in Afghanistan and Iraq suffer from post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and veterans made up about 18 percent of all suicide deaths among U.S. adults in 2014.

These alarming statistics from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs have prompted calls to action for fellow veterans, soldiers and organizations who want to assist them, including Jefferson City resident Ashly Cox.

A U.S. Army veteran and current Missouri National Guard member, Cox was deployed in 2013 and 2014 to Afghanistan while with the Guard. She set her sights high and completed her masters degree after returning home. With marketing and graphic design among her many job duties with the military, she also teaches health and fitness. However, she has seen how alternative methods can help veterans and soldiers with PTSD and depression.

“I have friends with PTSD, and some don’t make it past that. Veteran suicide is a huge issue,” she said. “In seeing people struggle when they come home from deployment, they may turn to alcohol or prescription medications. They don’t prescribe you a vacation, natural medicines or yoga, which all can really help veterans.”

Personally using yoga as a stress relief, Cox decided to implement a Yoga 4 Vets event with the backing of Combat Boots & High Heels, a mid-Missouri based nonprofit organization comprised of veterans supporting veterans in which she is a member and advocate. From 1-4 p.m. Saturday, April 29 on the south Capitol lawn, Yoga 4 Vets is open for veterans, military supporters and everyone of all skill levels who love yoga.

“It doesn’t matter if three or 300 people show; I hope this opens up the door to a holistic approach to health and ties in the community to support PTSD and veterans,” Cox said.

Combat Boots & High Heels is pairing up with one of Cox’s close friends, Mandy McAmis of Elation Odyssey Yoga in Wentzville, Missouri, will lead 30-minute sessions with live music at the free event, with participant registration required. Cox said McAmis understands how yoga can provide stress relief, and has some speciality training for prenatal and youth in trauma health care.

“She really wants to do this and is offering it free of charge,” Cox said. “I hope this opens up not only a new veteran population for her, but encourages more veterans to look at doing yoga.”

Some holistic vendors will also be on site at Yoga 4 Vets, offering snacks and services to guests. Even though the event is free with registration, donations are also encouraged to help veterans through Combat Boots & High Heels. The first 60 participants who make a donation will receive free yoga mats and T-shirts, depending on donation selection.

Those monetary contributions and proceeds raised at the event will benefit area veterans in need, which is is a main focus for Combat Boots & High Heels.

The primarily female veteran nonprofit organization strongly advocates in battling the negative effects present in today’s veteran community, such as depression, suicide, homelessness, unemployment and poverty. They look for opportunities to assist local veterans regardless of the size of their need.

“A veteran may not be able to pay their mortgage or has experienced a fire. Maybe the husband is deployed and the family van has flat tires, or a veteran needs to get to work on time and needs a ride. If there is a way we can make a veteran’s life easier, even when they are dealing with cancer, trauma, paralyzation … we help,” Cox said. “If a soldier or veteran needs something and may think it is too small, it is not too small for us. That is where our fundraising comes in.”

The organization contributes to community activities and hosts five to six events annually. The annual Combat Boots & High Heels 5.56K, held April 23 this year in Columbia, raised $1,500 for a veteran in need and a van for another veteran. Ripcords and Rifles is an annual event bringing service members and veterans together while raising money and awareness for veterans.

The organization organizes events across the state, gaining support from communities in which the veterans reside. For example, the organization is hosting Swing Into Action for Veterans from noon to 7 p.m. May 20 at Shamrock Hills Golf Club in Lees Summit, Missouri.

“The whole collaboration helps camaraderie,” Cox said. “We are like a second family. You come home from deployment. … your (personal and professional) life may be affected; you miss that camaraderie. This organization gives you that sense of belonging and community, letting everyone know that veterans are people, too.”

(Photo by Emil Lippe) A Baby Box sits on display during the Women’s Veterans Commemoration on March 24 at the Harry S. Truman VA Hospital in Columbia. Baby Box distribution, in conjunction with community health and education support, helps to lower infant mortality rates. New Parent essentials are also included, such as diapers, breast pads, brain-boosting activity cards for infants and more. Combat Boots & High Heels has paired up with Baby Box University to provide these kits and educational resources in their area and be a supportive network.

Combat Boots & High Heels also doubles their efforts for female mentorship, and has recently  joined forces with Baby Box University to promote the Baby Box Initiative. Inspired by the maternity packages that the Finnish government sends to all expectant mothers, the Baby Box is a new baby starter kit provided to all expectant mothers, the Baby Box is a new baby starter kit provided to expecting mothers in the United States. Combat Boots & High Heels encourages both female service members and spouses of soldiers to register, watch a video and complete a quiz in order to receive a Baby Box, which includes a custom mattress with fitted sheet that serves as a bassinet and health care, parent and baby essentials.

“As women, we may have been through experiences that other soldiers haven’t to help mentor young soldiers. … If a soldier’s wife is pregnant or a female soldier is pregnant, providing extra resources for them is very important,” Cox said. “(The organization) is not just about financial assistance; it is about education. … Hopefully this helps promote and reduce infant mortality.”

Cox is encourages everyone to get involved in the upcoming Yoga 4 Vets event and support veterans through involvement in Combat Boots & High Heels.

“We share information, we tell stories. … We encourage anyone to get involved that wants to help veterans and service members,” she said.

For more information or to register for Yoga 4 Vets, visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/yoga4vets-tickets-32521412420 or email cbhhadvocate6@gmail.com. For more information about Combat Boots & High Heels, visit www.combatbootsandhighheels.org or their Facebook page.

By Samantha Pogue

samantha@newstribune.com

The post Yoga 4 Vets brings vets, community together for free activity April 29 appeared first on HER Magazine.

May 14

“SSM Health Dancing with the Stars”

Capital Ritz Ballroom, 2-4 p.m.

Attend the Mother’s Day matinee of St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation’s Dancing with the Stars. Local “celebrities” are paired with accomplished dancers, performing a swing and salsa dance. The event raises funds for the Cancer Patient Assistance Fund. The May 13 premiere event is sold out. Matinee tickets are $20 each, and seating is limited. Visit www.stmarysfoundationjcmo.com.

May 16

17th Annual Zonta Women of Achievement Yellow Rose Luncheon

Capital Plaza Hotel, 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

The Zonta Club of Jefferson City Foundation will honor local women for their accomplishments and contributions to the community through the presentation of two “Women of Achievement” awards, as well as the Mrs. William H. Weldon Lifetime Achievement Award and Second Chance Scholarship recipients. A women’s expo begins at 9:30 a.m. with a luncheon at 11 a.m. Tickets are $35. Visit http://zontajcmo.org/contact.

May 25

Chamber bbq

Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds, 4:30-8 p.m.

Revel Catering & Events, Johnny Graham will provide some delicious BBQ during the 2017 Chamber BBQ, and high-energy rock band The Vincents will perform. Tickets are $17, which includes BBQ and unlimited refreshments; office pack of 10 tickets is available for $160. Contact 573-690-2720 or susanneilldawdy@jcchamber.org, or visit www.jcchamber.org.

May 26

Evening at the amphitheatre “artist showcase” edition

Riverside Park Amphitheatre,  6-10 p.m.

Adults, children and family pets are welcome at the monthly local artist showcase during the first in the 2017 three-part entertainment series. Bands perform and a variety of art, activities and hospitality are available for guests. Visit the Evening at the Amphitheatre Facebook event page.

May 28

Dwight Yoakum Live at Ozarks Amphitheater

Ozark Amphitheater in Camdenton, 7:30 p.m.

Country music legend Dwight Yoakum will open the 2017 season of entertainment at Ozarks Amphitheater. The versatile Yoakum is a country music fan-favorite, songwriter and film actor. His most recent album, “Swimmin’ Pools, Movie Stars,” adds bluegrass to his repertoire. Opening the show is Frankie Ballard, who is best known for his “Sunshine and Whiskey” album. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Tickets range from $30 general admission to $165 for the Dwight Yoakum VIP Experience. For more information or tickets, visit www.ozarksamp.com.

June 1

Thursday Night Live

Corner of Madison & High streets, 6-9 p.m.

Every Thursday in June, this outdoor summer concert series brings an street party with a new theme each week, showcasing three great bands in historic downtown Jefferson City. Admission is $2 for over-21 wristbands; guests under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Free parking is available. Visit www.facebook.com/thursdaynightlivejc.

June 2

23rd Annual Relay For Life of Cole County

Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds, starting at 6 p.m.

Celebrates cancer survivorship and raises money for the American Cancer Society. Teams walk laps around the track, enjoy food and partake in activities, including special laps to honor survivors, caregivers and others, and a luminary ceremony. The event is free and open to the public. Visit www.relayforlife.org/colecomo or its Facebook page.

June 3

KIDSFEST

Downtown Jefferson City, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

KidsFest brings thousands of families together for a day dedicated to children and their families. Activities include games, demonstrations, giveaways, entertainment and vendors, and are all free. Visit the KidsFest Facebook event page.

June 9

Battle of the brews

Jefferson City Jaycees Fairgrounds starting at 6:30 p.m.

Sample beverages from local breweries and home brewers, and vote on your favorite at the event, presented by Leadership Jefferson City Class of 2017. VIP tickets are $30, which includes unlimited samples and early admission at 5:30 p.m. General admission tickets are $20, which includes 10 samples and admission at 6:30 p.m. Food trucks will be there, and Disengaged will perform. Proceeds benefit the Samaritan Center, the Special Learning Center and Safety Net. Visit “Battle of the Brews” Facebook page.

June 16

Clint black live at Shawnee Bluff Vineyard

Shawnee Bluff Vineyard (Eldon), starting at 8 p.m.

Award-winning country artist Clint Black will perform. Music starts on the patio at 5 p.m., with the opener performing at 7 p.m. and Clint Black in concert at 8 p.m. Available tickets start at $54. Tables seating 10 are available for $600. Call 573-365-1100 or visit www.shawneebluffwinery.com.

June 19

cork, fork and brews/bgc railton center grand opening

LU/Parks & Rec Wellness Center,  starting at 5 p.m.

Enjoy food, wine and beer samples from your favorite Jefferson City area chefs, wine makers and brewmasters from 5:30-8:30 p.m. The tasting is coupled with live and silent auctions, benefitting Boys & Girls Club of Jefferson City. The grand opening of the new Boys & Girls Club facility will be held in conjunction with the event; a ribbon cutting is set for 5 p.m. Visit www.bgcjc.com.

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The post MAY/JUNE 2017 Calendar appeared first on HER Magazine.

Editor’s Note: This new section in HER Magazine will highlight significant women locally and in Missouri, who truly “made her mark” in history. In this “Making HER Mark” debut, brave women who fought in America’s largest battles are featured, as they were at the Museum of Missouri Military History in Jefferson City throughout the month of March in honor of “Women’s History Month.”

Some wanted to stand with their husbands in battle. Others took up gambling, drinking and cursing to adhere to common masculine characteristics of the time. Like their fellow enlisted men, all left their families behind to fight.

Civil War Trust, the largest nonprofit organization preservation of America’s hallowed battlegrounds, said conservative estimates of female soldiers in the Civil War range between 400 to 750. Each has a unique story tell, with some of these powerful women hailing from the Show-Me State or fighting for Missouri military units.

In recognition of Women’s History Month in March, the Museum of Missouri Military History shared researched displays of notable Show-Me State women who served our country throughout American history.

“During the diversity months, we find pieces of military history that match but are also very specific. … I had bits and pieces on display and in mind, but a big thanks goes to Haley K. Heil, our student intern from Mizzou (University of Missouri in Columbia),” said museum director Charles Machon. “She is here for the semester doing an internship, and she was interested in looking more into women in the military. I told her I have these few things, but maybe you could find more. She did. … I just scratched the surface, but she dove deep into these stories and created these posters.”

Among the many posters and exhibits relating the women’s military service on display through March were three female soldiers. All three were either from Missouri or enlisted out of Missouri, and all disguised themselves as men to fight in battles on American soil.   

Frances Clalin

Frances Clalin

A mother of three children, Frances Clalin did not want to stand by while her husband, Elmer, fought in the Civil War. She enlisted right along with him. The Minnesota-based couple signed up for the Union army in the Missouri Artillery Regiment in 1861, according to Heil’s research.

Clalin disguised herself as a man, using the name Jack Williams. However, she took her facade even further, trying to make it as believable as possible.

“To cover herself, she took up smoking, drinking, chewing tobacco, swearing, gambling and became quite fond of cigars. …. You have to think, the physicals to get into the army during the Civil War was basically walking up to the enlistment table, and they ask, ‘How many fingers do you have? You got your four fingers on each hand and two thumbs, you are in.’ That is how it was pretty much,” Machon said. “They were desperately needing people, so she was able to enter the war without her true identity being revealed.”

Clalin was allegedly engaged in 17 battles outside of fighting in Battle of Fort Donelson in Tennessee in 1862, where she was wounded but not discovered. At the Battle of Stones River on Dec. 31, 1862, Clalin fought alongside her husband, who died just a few feet away from her. Sources say she continued to fight despite this tragedy.

“Jack Williams” was wounded during this battle and Clalin’s true identity was revealed. After being discharged, she apparently went back to Minnesota initially to collect bounty owed to her and her husband. She moved around until landing in Quincy, Illinois, where a fund was created to aid in her quest for payment by former soldiers and friends. ^

Cathay Williams

Cathay Williams

The only known woman to serve in the U.S. Army as a Buffalo soldier was from Missouri.

Born in Independence, Cathay Williams was a slave and worked as a house servant on the Johnson plantation near Jefferson City. By 1861, Union forces occupied Jefferson City in the beginnings of the Civil War, and slaves were then considered “contraband,” according to Machon.

“They didn’t want to free them, but they didn’t want them assisting the Confederate cause,” Machon said, noting she later served the Army as a paid servant. “As a woman during the Civil War, she traveled as a washwoman, cook and seamstress through major campaigns for four years with the Army …. and witnessed several battles.”

According to Heil’s research on Williams, she witnessed the Shenandoah Valley raids in Virginia, served a Col. Benton in Little Rock, Arkansas, and a General Sheridan and his staff. After leaving Virginia, she traveled to Iowa and St. Louis, determined to fight in the war independently.

“She learned through a friend that the Army was recruiting all black units. She had been in the Army and had small pox, so she had some scarring on her face. … she thought, ‘I could get free food and do this,’” Machon said, noting she enlisted Nov. 15, 1866. “She enlisted at what is now Jefferson Barracks (in St. Louis). To keep it simple, she flipped her name to William Cathay. When you are in the Army, you go by your last name – Private Cathay. That way it helped her to know who is calling her.”

Private Cathay serviced in the 38th U.S. Infantry, Company A (Buffalo Soldiers), with no medical examination made at that time for enlistment. In 1868, she was given discharge and passed medical examination, according to Machon and Heil’s research. However, Williams never did get her pension for Army service. She stayed in area of New Mexico where Company A had previously been stationed and died in 1924.

Elizabeth Caroline Newcom

Heil labeled the museum’s display about Elizabeth Caroline Newcom, “Military Scandal of 1848: A Woman in Men’s Trousers.” A scandal it was indeed.

Heil’s research revealed that Bill Newcume, from Platte County, Missouri, proved to be a strong soldier in the 10 months he served in the Mexican-American War. However, Newcume harbored a secret that was later discovered and led to an “informal discharge.” Bill was, in fact, Elizabeth Caroline Newcom, a woman who hid her identity from the men of the D Company that was commanded by Col. William Gilpin from Sept. 16, 1847 to May 14, 1848.

Newcom marched more than 600 miles from Leavenworth, Kansas, to Pueblo, Colorado, while in D Company, according to Heil’s research. On path to get closer to the enemy, the company did break and set up winter quarters in Colorado, before heading to Dodge City and in the middle of the Comanche-Kiowa country as the weather warmed.

Little is known about encounters with the enemy, but Heil said Newcom must have been an exceptional soldier to serve so long in marching through rough and wild terrain without being discovered. However, when they finally found out Bill was actually Elizabeth, she was discharged in a manner that would hinder her ability to get the 160 acres as promised for those fighting in the war with Mexico five years later, Heil’s research said.

Then, Newcom’s story became more “scandalous” when information was released that she was discovered because she was pregnant. Newcom was recruited by First Lt. Amandus Schnabel into the D Company, and it is unknown how many men were in on the secret, Heil’s research said.

“It was then discovered she was pregnant, but she had served her nearly year of service,” Machon said. “One of the things they did during the Mexican-American War to encourage men to join the Army was instead of giving a cash bonus the Northwest Territory in Missouri said if you survive your service we’ll give you 160 acres.

“Years later, she sues because she just had a discharge. It wasn’t dishonorable, just a discharge. She had members of her own company testify that yes she did her job. … Then she went in front of Congress in Washington, D.C. … they decided to award her the 160 acres.”

According to Heil’s research, Newcom was not only awarded her land in Atchinson County, Missouri in the northwest corner of the state, she also was paid for her services and received three months extra pay as if she had been properly discharged by the Army. Now, Newcom is the only known female Army veteran of the Mexican American War.

Displays returning to the museum

“You have these women serving our country in some way. What is neat is Missouri has the only known female Buffalo soldier. Then there is Frances, who was from Minnesota but came to Missouri, enlisted in the Army and fought in many battles. With Newcom, she served our country and fought for what was due to her, receiving her 160 acres of land,” Machon said.

Additional researched exhibits from Heil and others were also on display during Women’s History Month in March at the museum, including one describing the short-lived all female drill company at Mizzou. Gen. Enoch Crowder, a professor who Crowder Hall was named for, formed this company.

“So (the women) could have more freedom of movement with their rifles, he said they don’t have to wear their corsets. In the Victorian era … that was a big no,” Machon said, noting the company only lasted two years. “To have an actual photo and the history at the university is amazing.”

With many exhibits already housed at the museum relating to women’s military service in Missouri, Machon said plans were underway to create snippets of the Women’s History Month exhibits and display the posters in the museum by the end of April. 

“We are finding these little pieces of really cool things about women serving in one way or another here in Missouri. And we want to make sure that history is recorded and shared,” Machon said.

(Photo by Samantha Pogue) A standing World War II display at the Museum of Missouri Military History showcases two different period woman soldiers’ uniforms: one, left, from Wanda Mary Knight-Krautman, a nurse who served in France, and the second from Tech Sgt. Hazel Bell who served in Japan with occupation forces after the war.

Women in military history at the museum

The Museum of Missouri Military History has been open to the public for 18 years, with Machon working there since its inception.

The museum just moved to its location at the Missouri National Guard’s Ike Skelton Training Center in Jefferson City about two years ago, and it houses more than 25 exhibits and hundreds of pieces of Missouri military history ranging from periods of early settlements to the most recent conflicts. Uniforms, weapons, ranks, aircraft, photos and other artifacts tell the story of Missouri military history at the museum, including women serving our country.

Enjoy some details of select exhibits featuring women in military history at the museum, and discover much more by visiting the facility, which is open year-round.

•   Two World War II female uniforms: One museum display houses two World War II uniforms worn by Missouri women. Jefferson City resident Wanda Mary Knight-Krautman’s nurse uniform is one, along with a picture of her in uniform. Knight-Krautman served through France in 1944 and later at the Battle of the Bulge, where she remembers many of the wounded soldiers being only 18 to 19 years old. In contrast to the heavier nurse uniform worn in Europe’s colder climates, the Women’s Army Corps uniform of Tech Sgt. Hazel Ball of Overland, Missouri, is made of a lighter material suitable for Bell’s service in Japan with occupation forces after the war. Items from Bell’s time overseas, including photographs from her footlocker, medicine to prevent malaria, letters and notebooks are also on display.

(Photo by Samantha Pogue) Private First Class Charla Shull’s Missouri National Guard uniform is on display at the museum, along with a photograph where Gov. John Ashcroft presented Shull with the Missouri National Guard Panama Service Ribbon, after she and other members of the 1138th Military Police Company returned home from Operation JUST CAUSE. She was the first Missouri woman and the first National Guard woman to be in a combat zone such as the one in Panama.

•  A first for Missouri and the nation: Private First Class Charla Shull’s Missouri National Guard uniform is on display at the museum, along with a very important picture. In the photograph, Gov. John Ashcroft presented Shull with the Missouri National Guard Panama Service Ribbon, after she and other members of the 1138th Military Police Company returned home from Operation JUST CAUSE. President George Bush Sr. ordered the invasion of more than 25,000 soldiers to Panama after Manuel Noriega became president in late 1989 and a U.S. Marine was shot. “They were in Panama in 1989 for two weeks training, and her unit speciality was dealing with POW’s. They just happened to be there when we invaded, and the unit she was at came under attack from enemy forces,” Machon said. “She was the first Missouri woman and the first National Guard woman to be in a combat zone like this.”

• World War 1 era wooden rifle of significance: As one of the first acquired pieces at the museum, a wooden rifle shares a display case with many other interesting World War 1 era artifacts from Missouri military history. However, it shows how young women helped in military efforts during the early part of the 20th Century, as well. The industrial arts class at Central Missouri State Normal School, now known as University of Central Missouri in Warrensburg, made the wooden drill rifle, which joined many others like it for use by the local Home Guard unit and S.A.T.C. (Student Army Training Corps in 1918. A photo of the girls drill company at the school during that time is also displayed with the dummy weapon. 

• Being a strong female soldier: Machon likes to showcase a photo of Marie Dautenhahn, originally from Louisiana, who currently serves in the Missouri National Guard. She stands  in Afghanistan next to her fellow Guardsman and son, wearing all the necessary gear required of a soldier. “I asked her how much weight did she gain after putting on all the gear, and she said she had gained about 80 pounds. I sue this to show, especially the young girls who visit the museum, military service is not like Hollywood. Here is a real female soldier and she is carrying all the gear, plus her helmet, rifle, water, etc., and she is only about 5 feet, 6 inches,” Machon said.

The Museum of Missouri Military History is located at 2405 Logistics Road in Jefferson City and is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, call 573-638-9603 or find “Museum of Missouri Military History” on Facebook.

By Samantha Pogue

The post Making HER Mark: Historic Missouri Woman Soldiers appeared first on HER Magazine.