A long way from home, Richard Daley is forging musical roots and his own beat in Jefferson City.

Daley arrived in Jefferson City from Jamaica in January 2008 after transferring to Lincoln University from a college in Jamaica. Although he arrived in the US to focus on track and field, music always occupied space in his heart. Daley, who performs under the name Richy Rych, released his first CD — a promotional album with five tracks — earlier this year.

Daley’s interest in music was cultivated in Jamaica, where his brother is part of Rokus Records, a Jamaican record label. Spending time at the studio piqued his interest in a music career, but Daley wasn’t convinced it was a path he wanted to pursue.

“I used to be in the studio, hanging around, meeting different artists and entertainers, and sometimes we would have freestyle sessions where we would all show our talents,” Daley says. “I was the distinct one who stood out, and they always asked why I didn’t do music professionally.”

The motivation Daley needed to pursue a career in music came when his brother was arrested and charged with possession of a firearm. Although he was cleared of those charges and released a month later, Daley found writing music to be a release.

“During the timeframe when my brother was in jail, I began to write because there was no one in the studio,” Daley says. “I was inspired by what happened to my brother because I was frustrated, and I did it to feel better about myself.”

Daley says his music is a clash of reggae and hip-hop — a genre he calls reggae pop. Most of his songs reflect his
life experiences.

“My songs are about reality and stuff that I’ve been through, stuff that is going on now in our day-to-day activity, about partying and about having fun,” Daley says.

In addition to working and going to school full time, Daley has also been working hard to earn a place in the spotlight. He plays shows at area bars and is working to create a buzz in Jefferson City. So far, Daley says people tell him they like what they’re hearing.

“I’ve heard that people in this area like things that are new, stuff that is not what you hear every day,” Daley says. “I’ve just been trying to get Jefferson City to accept the flavor I’m trying to bring, to get people to accept the new style
of music.”

Right now, Daley is considering what he’ll do following his college graduation in December. He is working with an online marketing company that helps artists place their music in video games, movies and commercials. He sells his music online at www.promofm.com, and he promotes himself using social media sites such as MySpace. If he finds that he can get the support necessary to make it as an artist in Jefferson City, he says he’d like to stay.

“This is where I really started out as far as being on a professional level, so I’d rather stay here and see if my music can take off,” Daley says. “But it is hard to promote yourself and distribute your music when you don’t have any investors or sponsors. If I make it to a bigger city like Miami, hopefully I will meet people who want to invest in my music. I know there are people who do that here, but the problem in finding them.”

Daley says his ultimate goal is to become a signed artist; eventually he’d like to have his own label. Most importantly, he wants to be someone who is known — both for bringing a different style to the table and for giving back to his community.  N

For more information, visit Daley online at www.facebook.com/richyrychmusic or www.myspace.com/tripplel24.

Download “Hustle” by Richy Rych, a complimentary MP3 from his first album, Certified-G. 7mb

Jefferson City Medical Group’s Dr. Lory Feeler, D.O., changes lives by serving others. Through her church, First Baptist of Jefferson City, she’s made five trips to the Dominican Republic and completed the most recent in June.

Feeler says preparation is the key to missionary work. Planning for the June 2010 trip began in October 2009. In January, team members were recruited: two RNs, a pharmacist and student, a physical therapist, a pre-med student, a mother and son, a physician assistant, an attorney, two jack-of-all-trades (one, her husband) and an artist. Financing is a key consideration: The trip costs $1,500 per person for airfare, hotel, food, bottled water, transportation, interpreters and security.

According to Feeler, packing for each trip is “a big deal.” Finding the room to carry $3,000 worth of medicines, when airlines only allow two bags per person, is a daunting task, so each person dedicates one bag for medicines. Packing parties help the team members keep each suitcase’s weight in check at 49 lbs. to avoid the 50-lbs. surcharges.

The differences in sanitation and conveniences are immediately visible when the group leaves the US and journeys to Puerto Plata. The team stays in a hotel in Sosúa, a small town approximately four miles from the international airport, to take advantage of good water and food necessary to keep them healthy for their mission. In Sosúa, the group gets organized. The first task is to divide the large packages of medicines into smaller units and place them in over-the-door plastic shoe organizers, called “mobiles.” Because they might see anywhere from 125 to 250 patients, they carry a variety of medicines.

The next morning, the group begins its journey to the temporary clinic site. The trip takes between 30 minutes to three hours depending on the roads. “You can lose your car in the ruts,” Feeler says. Upon arrival, they set up their clinic, often in churches.

“Prayer is a big part of what you do,” Feeler says about mission work. One of the team’s first tasks in set-up is to meet with the village pastor to pray. Patients are then treated first come, first serve unless they need immediate attention. According to Feeler, respiratory-related illnesses are most common, along with parasites, urinary tract infections and back pain. However, hypertension and type 2 diabetes are on the rise, which is why diabetes education and prevention was a primary focus of their June 2010 trip, along with prenatal exercises and physical therapy for lower back pain.

Treating the people in the Dominican Republic provides many lessons for Feeler and the other team members. The economic differences between the US and the site of their mission work are easy to see, but reminders of the magnitude still catch team members off guard. For example, a young girl named Maria arrived at the clinic one day; she was dirty, had a runny nose and an abscess below her eye that clearly needed antibiotics. The medical team gave her mother the medicine and instructed her to administer the pills twice a day with food. “We only eat once a day,” Maria’s mother answered.

Feeler was elated on a return trip to see Maria again. She’s now thriving, clean and attending school. “The miracle is there is no trace of infection,” she says.

In January 2010, Feeler’s team broke ground on a permanent clinic site in Villa Liberación that will open this summer. Servant’s Heart, a Canadian-registered charity that works with the mission groups in the Dominican Republic, surprised Feeler by announcing the clinic’s name would be Centro de Salud Doctora Loretta Feeler (Dr. Loretta Feeler Center for Health).

Melissa Hatfield, pastor of youth and missions at First Baptist of Jefferson City, was not surprised by the name choice at all. “Lory lives and breathes mission work,” she says. “It’s rare to find someone who is so passionate about something and is also willing to step up and lead.”

Feeler hopes to continue her mission trips indefinitely. “God sends people to be his hands and feet, to spread the gospel story to the people he loves,” she says. “Doing mission work changes your life, changes your perspectives. You can’t always see the immediate results, but you see enough.”

If you are interested in joining a mission team or providing donations, please contact Servant’s Heart Ministries (www.servantsheartdr.org) or First Baptist Church of Jefferson City (www.fbcjc.org).

“You don’t have to have a big, expensive home to have the ‘wow’ factor,” Grecian says. “It’s just a matter of paying attention to the details.”

SERENDIPITY

In 2002, Grecian, then living in Holts Summit, decided to take a drive through nearby Lake Mykee. Spotting a homemade “For Sale” sign on an empty lot, she called to find out more. The lot was for sale, but Grecian said she’d prefer to have the empty lot next to it. The seller’s business partner owned the property but hadn’t listed it for sale. The first seller made the inquiry on Grecian’s behalf.

When the business partner threw out a price, Grecian said, “I’ll take it,” without hesitation. “I always wanted to live on the water, and I knew it would be a good investment,” she says.

Grecian says she believes the lot she purchased is one of only two lakefront lots that have been available and sold on Lake Mykee in the past 10 years.

ALL ABOUT THE VIEW

Grecian finalized her house plans in November 2005 but didn’t start construction until 2007. She researched every option and accessory for the home, including who would build it. She watched the builders in the area for about a year before selecting Joe Ellsworth Construction.

“I liked the level of detail he gave — the ceilings, crown molding, finish grades,” Grecian says about her inspection of spec homes that Ellsworth built. “I was impressed with that.” Grecian’s was Ellsworth’s first custom home.

Working with Drew Grimm Drafting and Design, Grecian spent four to five months perfecting the plans.

“The home is all about the view,” Grecian says. “I needed a layout that would maximize the windows and wanted high, interesting ceilings.”

Grecian says the high ceilings not only lend themselves to a better view outside, but they also combine with an open kitchen to give a good sense of volume, a feeling of open space for a moderately sized room.

Also on her list of must-haves for the layout was a dining room at the front of the house, a covered deck with ceilings as high as on the inside and a guest room, master bedroom and living room all at the back of the house to better enjoy the view.

BEGINNING WITH THE FRONT DOOR, ARCH DETAIL

A grand glass transom above Grecian’s front door illustrates arches as the common architectural theme that she chose to use throughout the house. Grecian says the door served as inspiration; she saw it in a Scruggs Lumber resource catalog before she even began home plans. A full pane of glass with a decorative circular grille adds to the door’s beauty.

More arch transoms are found above the row of windows that span the entire wall of the living room. The windows and arches let in light and capitalize the lake view.

Grecian also chose to utilize an arch, accentuated by columns, to separate the dining room from the living room and kitchen. An arched window hangs above the jetted tub in the master bath, and she also selected metal art that reflects the theme to hang above the fireplace in the master bedroom. Arched details on the interior doors also uphold the home’s unifying principle.

TIPS FOR BUILDING WITH DETAIL

Grecian says that though many homeowners feel overwhelmed by building, she loved being involved in all the decision-making from the very beginning. She offers these lessons from her own home construction:

• Put work in ahead of time to get more of what you want and stick to budget. By researching before beginning work with the builder, Grecian knew exactly what she wanted and what her choices cost before starting the budgeting process with the builder. For example, she picked out tubs and showers at DKB, so the builder knew exactly what accommodations to make.
• Don’t accept the usual. Ask questions to find out what your options are. For example, Grecian subtly used two colors for the kitchen cabinetry: oak for the main structure, complemented by darker cherry wood for the trim, kick plates and wine rack.
• Lights and fixtures add character. Look for ways to give the home more personality by looking at options instead of choosing what is offered for spec homes.
• Crown molding makes an impression. It’s something you don’t see in a lot of spec homes, so it makes a difference in making a home more custom.
• Consider making the home ADA-accessible, especially for a home you plan to live in for many years. Wider doorways, framing for grab bars and lever door handles don’t cost that much more when you are building, Grecian says.

RESOURCE LIST

Builder: Joe Ellsworth Construction LLC
Home plans: Drew Grimm Drafting and Design
Cabinets: Holzer Cabinetry
Audio/Visual: Eclipse Technologies
Concrete: Nathan Voss Construction LLC
Tubs and shower: DKB
Brick and stone: Midwest Block & Brick
Appliances: Coleman Appliance
Hardwood: Foley’s
HVAC: Climate Control Heating & Cooling
Landscaping: Veltrop Landscaping
Paint: Salisch Paint

Gabe Hulsey
Director of Agency Development/Eastern Regional Sales Manager, Missouri Farm Bureau

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

• Capital Area Red Cross, chairman of the board
• March of Dimes, Missouri state board of directors
• Governor’s Leadership Forum on Faith and Values

A HELPING HAND

“It is important for me to be active in Jefferson City because there is so much talent here, but we don’t always tap into it,” Hulsey says. “I love helping people meet their fullest potential. Our city is like a person; it needs to be loved, complimented, argued with, fought with, challenged and so on in order for it to reach its fullest potential. My hope is that when my time here is done, I can look back and see a community that is not just reaching for but truly maximizing its fullest potential.”

TEAM BUILDING

The March of Dimes and the Red Cross are organizations close to Hulsey’s heart. Hulsey works closely with Stephanie Johnson, executive director for the central division of the Missouri March of Dimes. “Led by Stephanie, we have lowered the prematurity rate in Missouri, ending a long decline in the number of premature births,” says Hulsey, who lost a daughter, Hope, shortly after she was born in 2006.

LASTING IMPRESSIONS

Gabe is young and active in the community of Jefferson City,” says friend Jason Jett. “He is a natural leader by example. You can’t help but get motivated when you’re around him.”

SIDE BY SIDE

Hulsey says his greatest achievement is his strong relationship with his wife, Becky, who has been by his side for the past 16 years, and his daughter, 2-year-old Emma Caroline. “I’m easily excitable, passionate, dream big, have moments of moodiness, and somehow Becky has supported me through it all,” Hulsey says. “I get fired up, and she just listens to me and supports me. I am also very proud we have overcome some very large obstacles with optimism and a sense of purpose. I hope these events in our life can act as an example to all our kids.”

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

The Helias High School graduate credits his family for laying the foundation for who he is today. “They keep me grounded and remind me of all those who came before me and the man I should strive to be,” he says.

In addition to his wife, parents and family members, Hulsey holds two men in high regard. When Joe Loethen hired him at Central Bank, Hulsey not only gained a boss but also a mentor. “He gave me a shot when I really needed one,” Hulsey says. “He taught me about banking, being a good father and that education never stops.” Clyde Lear, who leads a men’s group that meets twice a month to mentor one another, has also inspired Hulsey to be a better father, husband and man.

Laura Morris
President, Second Chance Foundation
Part-time Director of Sales, Best Western Capital Inn

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

• The Little Theatre board member
• Board member of Capital Arts
• Halo Foundation assistant director
• Lewis and Clark PTO
• Jefferson City High School PTO
• Society of Government Meeting Planners
• Missouri Society of Association Executives
• Partners In Education
• Deacon at First Presbyterian Church
• Directed numerous fundraisers for Habitat For Humanity, Samaritan Center, Agape House, Capital Arts and others

ALL THE WORLD’S A STAGE

Growing up outside of Boston, Laura Morris’ family exposed her to shows on Broadway at an early age, which sparked her lifelong commitment to the arts. From elementary school through high school, she took on roles on and off the stage. After graduating from college, Morris went on to do professional theater at The Dallas Theater Center in Texas, the Indianapolis Repertory and Portland Players. Since moving to Jefferson City in 2004, she has worked with The Little Theatre, Capital City Players and Scene One.

ACTING OUT

“While my first son, Ben, was attending elementary school, I was amazed at how rude and disrespectful classroom behavior had become, coupled with the increased bullying incidences incensing such tragic events as the Columbine school shootings,” Morris says. “It became my soapbox, and I wondered what could be done to educate today’s youth and prevent that behavior in a way that they would embrace and implement.”

In 1999, Morris partnered with B.B. Heil to create the Second Chance foundation. Morris and Heil secured grants, created and performed at school assemblies on such topics as respectful behavior, bullying and addictions. The duo performed up to 200 interactive plays a year around the state.

Since 2005, Morris began writing scripts and performing for the Missouri History for the Missouri State Archives with Jayne Dunkmann. Morris has partnered with Lucia Kincheloe and the Department of Mental Health to produce a suicide prevention program for Jefferson City middle schools. What’s next for Morris? She is working on a project to teach children empathy for others. She has started work within the schools with the Council for a Drug-Free Youth and created MASK (Master Acting Studio for Kids) with Melle Richardson; the program offers workshops and summer camps within the public schools.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“We don’t perpetrate change by sitting idly by,” Morris says. “We have to act on the things we want to make better, not just feel bad about them.”

“My mother, she is my hero, my role model, my main inspiration,” Morris says. “Both of my parents taught me by their own actions that whatever your passion is, through education and effort you can make anything happen.” 

Russ Bell
Financial Advisor, Jefferson Bank, Investor Services Department

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

• Board member of the Boys and Girls Club
• Cole County Sheriff’s Posse
• Charter member and past board member of the Jefferson City Rotaract Club
• JC Young Professionals Club
• Westside Business Association
• Elks and Eagles
• Graduate of the 2010 Leadership Jefferson City program
• JC Sportsman Club

SOWING SEEDS

The self-proclaimed “lifer” of Jefferson City credits the city for giving him a great start in life and says he can’t imagine living anywhere else. “All of my roots lie here with my family and friends,” Bell says. “Most of my memories don’t happen any farther south than the Lake of the Ozarks, where I spent my summer weekends, and no farther north than Columbia, where I spent my college years.”

TEAM PLAYER

The former MU football player counts the 2003 win against Nebraska, the first one in 25 years, as one of the greatest moments in his athletic career. Bell fondly remembers the undefeated home record that win secured for the team that year. Following the 2004 draft, Bell received a personal phone call from Dick Vermeil inviting him to the Kansas City Chiefs training camp. The dual-sport college athlete can also add qualifying for the 2004 Olympic tryouts in track and field as well as earning All-American honors in all four of the throwing events he competed in during his career.

STEPPING UP TO THE PLATE

Bell’s experience working in a team on the field has helped him to do the same off the field. When the longtime financial advisor at Jefferson Bank decided to retire at the end of 2008, Bell was looked to as a replacement. Bell, who graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a degree in personal financial management services, had 90 days to prove he could handle the workload. Today, he is Jefferson Bank’s only financial advisor and is responsible for serving all of its brokerage clients.

TAKING SHAPE

“I think that I’m a hybrid of my father and mother, John and Madalynn Bell,” says Bell, who credits his coaches from little league soccer through college for keeping him on the straight and narrow. “My dad retired from the Department of Corrections, where he spent a few of his early years as a warden, giving me structure and discipline. On the other hand, my mother is such an angel that as a child she spent two years at an all-girls boarding school living among nuns in hopes to become one. I thank the Lord, for my sake, that she changed her mind.”

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“Keep it simple, stupid; I like to keep things stress free and efficient,” Bell says. “I’m a laidback type of guy that isn’t afraid to put my boots on and go until the job is finished. So whatever the task may have been, it’s done and behind me, not hanging over my head going forward.”

Laura Naught
Quality Systems Officer
Missouri State Public Health Laboratory, Department of Health and Senior Services

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

• Relay for Life team captain
• Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce
• 2008 Cole County Relay chair
• Relay for Life and Relay University committee member
• Certified figure skating judge for the Ice Skating Institute
• Synchronized figure skating coach for the Capital Classics, 2000 – 2010
• Secretary for the Girl Scouts Heart of Missouri Council, 2005 – 2008

LOCAL LEGACY

“Laura is an extremely giving individual and very dedicated to the cause at the American Cancer Society,” says Kami Delameter, community manager development with the American Cancer Society. “She was a dream chair during my first year on staff at the ACS. She always knew exactly what we needed to have done and worked tirelessly to make sure it was perfect.”

MAKING THE COMMITMENT

Naught has been involved in the community through charitable organizations and as a figure skating coach. The experiences on and off the ice have taught her the importance of volunteering her time.

“A donation of time or money can make a huge impact on lives around us,” Naught says. “Knowing that I have contributed to cancer research or participated in an event to raise money for the new animal shelter is extremely satisfying to me.”

RUNNING THE RACE

Professionally, Naught’s greatest achievements have been receiving her master’s degree in biochemistry and being accepted into the veterinary pathobiology program at the University of Missouri this past fall. In 2008, Naught chaired the Relay for Life in Jefferson City, an honor she considers her proudest moment. As chairperson, Naught helped raise more than $350,000 for Relay for Life.

BEHIND EVERY GREAT WOMAN

Naught has always depended on her parents for unconditional support and great advice, whether she liked it or not. They were always willing to give her the extra push she needed to pursue her dreams.

Naught’s husband, Bill, is the hardest working and most generous person she knows. He has inspired her with his work ethic at home, work and in the community. She admires how he’ll help anyone who asks, whether it’s fundraising or a friend in need.

“I am so lucky to have him in my life and can only hope some of what makes him amazing rubs off on me,” Naught says.

WORDS TO LIVE BY

“There is no room for negativity,” Naught says. “I tend to be a pretty positive and cheery person. I do not like to hear the word no. I do all I can to find a solution to any problem. You definitely have to work at being positive, but I feel that having a good outlook on any scenario only improves the situation.”

Ben DeFeo
Operations Manager, Samaritan Center

CIVIC INVOLVEMENT

• Knights of Columbus
• Missouri Association for Social Welfare board of directors

FROM THE BEGINNING

Ben DeFeo was 11 when the Samaritan Center opened in 1987, but he didn’t hesitate to roll up his sleeves and get involved. He has been a dedicated volunteer, spending his summers filling orders and stocking shelves. When he came home from college, he could often be found at the Samaritan Center. DeFeo was hired on as the Samaritan Center’s communications specialist and was promoted to operations manager in 2008, a position that has allowed him to be involved in many aspects of the Samaritan Center.

TILLING THE SOIL

“I came back to Samaritan Center at first as a favor to my mother,” DeFeo says. Ben’s mother, Marylyn DeFeo, has been the driving force behind the organization since its inception. “I have seen the services and needs grow greatly, and with that so have my responsibilities. I view Samaritan Center as a lush garden behind a house I bought. It was already there, vibrant and strong, but now it is my job to keep it that way and allow it to grow.

“The community of mid-Missouri is the lifeblood of Samaritan Center. They supply the plants and the nutrients. It is my job to be the gardener: keep the weeds out, direct supplies where they are needed and keep an eye out for blight. Marylyn is still the director, and she puts so much into the layout of the garden to make it what it is. She is still the designer, and I move the mulch. Occasionally, she takes my suggestions on where to plant a tree, too.”

PAVING THE WAY

DeFeo thanks his parents for instilling in him a strong sense of right and wrong. Whether it was through their involvement with Meals on Wheels or daily treatment of everyone they met with dignity and respect, they have been his role models and inspiration to continue working for social justice.

LEADING THE PACK

“My children, Joey (8), Gwyn (6) and Elie (4), are far and away my greatest achievement,” DeFeo says. “Each day they amaze me at least once.”

JEFFERSON CITY ROTARACT CLUB

www.jeffcityrotary.org/rotaract/rotaracthome.htm

Number of members: 45

Mission: To provide an opportunity for young men and women to enhance the knowledge and skills that will assist them in personal development, to address the physical and social needs of their community and to promote better relationships among people worldwide through a framework of friendship and service.

Meeting schedule: Second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m.

Main activities: Meetings serve as a time for members to socialize and listen to speakers from organizations such as Relay for Life, American Heart Association and other local business representatives. The club partners each year with a charitable organization (the 2010 partner is the Special Learning Center). There are two official social activities each year, a holiday party and a barbecue.

Requirements to join: Open to young men and women between the ages of 18 and 30 who display good character and leadership potential.

SCORE (Senior Core of Retired Executives)

www.jeffersoncitychamber.org

Number of members: 10 active counselors in Jefferson City

Mission: To assist small businesses in achieving the maximum level of success through coaching, counseling and sharing the considerable experience and wisdom of its members.

Meeting schedule: Counselors meet third Wednesday of every month.

Main activities: SCORE is a volunteer group of senior business leaders/managers and/or retirees who provide free and confidential counseling to small businesses. SCORE counselors are assigned to clients based on the client’s issues. SCORE provides an array of resources for developing a business plan and for resolving problems and personnel issues such as turnover, retention and recruiting, business expansion and growth.

Requirements to join: Small businesses are invited to apply for free counseling sessions. To become a volunteer counselor, experience is the only requirement, along with a willingness to voluntarily share knowledge with others. SCORE is looking for volunteers to assist and offer expertise in finance, marketing, human resources, manufacturing and other areas.

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

www.jcchamber.org

Number of members: 937 businesses, 1,882 total members

Mission: To promote economic vitality and strength in the Jefferson City area and be a leading public policy advocate for business people, to provide valuable services to our members and to fully participate and partner in activities that improve the economy and quality of life.

Meeting schedule: Monthly; schedule depends on committee or event.

Main activities: The focus of the Chamber is economic development. Providing small-business resources and education are key priorities, and the Chamber offers many opportunities for members to network and promote their business. In addition to programs designed for professional and business development, the Chamber hosts special events, such as the Business Showcase and Annual Gala, which bring members together, put businesses in touch with potential customers and provide the opportunity to gain publicity and exposure through sponsorships of these special events.

Requirements to join: Businesses are allowed one member at a base rate; additional members for added charge per member.

YOUNG PROFESSIONALS

www.jcchamber.org/index.php?src=gendocs&ref=YoungProfessionals&category=chamber

Number of members: 102

Mission: To improve the quality of life in Jefferson City by promoting an environment that attracts, develops and retains young professionals. The YP offers professional development, community involvement and networking and social activities that allow members to develop personally and professionally to achieve overall success.

Meeting schedule: Lunch meeting held first Thursday of month; social/mixer held second Thursday of month. Meetings include guest speakers from the community.

Main activities: Professional development seminars and other events are scheduled on a quarterly basis. The JCYP also sponsors recreational sports teams such as volleyball and kickball and other social networking events.

Requirements to join: Minimum age of 21. Free for Chamber members. Other individuals may join the group for an annual fee.

JEFF CITY JAYCEES

www.jeffcityjaycees.org

Number of members: 175

Mission: To join together and improve the lives of the members and their community and provide leadership training through community service.

Meeting schedule: By project

Main activities: Cole County Fair; Christmas parade, a 60-year tradition; Relay for Life sponsor; Halloween Trunk-r-Treat; “Pullin’ 4 Camp,” a fundraiser for Camp Wonderland; and various projects for the community.

Requirements to join: Must be between the ages of 18 and 41.

CAPITAL AREA ROTARY CLUBS

www.jeffcityrotary.org

Number of members: 200+

Mission: To combat hunger, improve health and sanitation, provide education and job training, promote peace and eradicate polio under the motto “Service Above Self.”

Meeting schedule: Weekly

Main activities: Club committees get involved with the community and volunteer in various ways as needed. Service projects and events are conducted to raise money for the club committees.

Requirements to join: Must be sponsored by a member.

ZONTA

www.zontajcmo.org

Number of members: 90+

Mission: To advance the status of women worldwide through service and advocacy.

Meeting schedule: Third Tuesday of the month

Main activities: Monthly service projects to raise money and supplies for schools, Rape and Abuse Crisis Service, various charities and a Second Chance Scholarship fund. Zonta’s Annual Yellow Rose Luncheon honors women in the Jefferson City area for outstanding accomplishments and contributions to the improvement of the community.

Requirements to join: Women may join if sponsored by another member.

LEADERSHIP JEFFERSON CITY

www.jcchamber.org/index.php?submenu=education_leadership&src=gendocs&ref=LeadershipJeffersonCity&category=education

Number of members: 30 business people selected each year to participate in a five-month program

Mission: To identify and motivate emerging leaders and to develop their potential for community leadership roles by exposing them to the opportunities, realities and challenges of the community.

Main activities: Sessions are conducted for participants with topics that include team building, diversity, history of Jefferson City, health care, social services, state government, education, local government, technology, volunteerism, economics, agriculture, media, arts and recreation.

Requirements to join: Applicant must be a member of the Chamber of Commerce.

St. Mary’s Health Center: Let Development Begin

Mayor John Landwehr says definite growth is on the horizon for Jefferson City. Currently, Jefferson City is home to three excellent health care facilities, Capital Region Medical Center, Jefferson City Medical Group and St. Mary’s. With the newest St. Mary’s facility on Highway 179 (another hot spot for development) slated for construction in 2012, Jefferson City will become a more robust regional health care center, Landwehr says.

Chamber of Commerce CEO Randy Allen concurs on the significance of the St. Mary’s development. In addition to opening up the new high-tech medical facility on 179, Allen says the move will also create other opportunities. “It opens up redevelopment possibility of the old hospital site. That carries huge potential for us in the central part of the city.”

According to St. Mary’s Communication Coordinator Heather Feeler, St. Mary’s development is currently in the schematic design phase. With the expected 2011 construction of a new interchange on 179, the hospital plans to get access to the site by 2012 and complete construction in 2014.

Commercial Growth

Another prime area for growth, the East McCarty corridor has seen city and county funding of the streetscape renovation extending to the new Walmart interchange. Here, McCarty Street and the interchange quadrants will see strong commercial growth, Landwehr says.

Commercial development is looking up, too. According to longtime developer Gary Oberkrom of Dick Otke Construction, Jefferson City has a number of new developments in the works, including the Jefferson City West Commercial Subdivision (on Old Lohman Road with access to U.S. Highway 50). This development will offer 24 commercial lots ranging from .80 to 2.25 acres and will provide lots for small warehouses and distribution companies at affordable prices. Currently, there are few lots zoned for this type of use in Jefferson City, Oberkrom says.

Historic State Pen Site

Geographically speaking, the redevelopment of the old Missouri State Penitentiary site is predicted to continue as a strong growth area. Signs of progress include the new federal courthouse, grants recently provided for demolition and remediation and city-county cooperation on infrastructure projects.

“This development is already having a positive influence on the Ash Street area, where we are seeing new dining and entertainment venues,” Landwehr says. “A new Lafayette Street interchange will become the portal for this sector.”

When original designs for the new courthouse were unveiled in December 2007 by the GSA Design Excellence Program, plans reflected a classic, curved façade with a prime location at the corner of Lafayette and East State Street.

Located on the state’s old prison site, the new courthouse will provide space for two district courtrooms, two magistrate courtrooms and associated chambers to support each of the courtrooms. Additionally, the courthouse provides space for a bankruptcy chamber; the United States Marshals Service; United States Attorney, Probation and Pretrial services; and offices for GSA, senators and congressmen and women.

Construction began in 2008 and is slated for completion in 2011. Currently, the U.S. courts and other offices are located in the U.S. Post Office and courthouse building on West High Street. The new courthouse is the result of an agreement with the Missouri State Penitentiary Redevelopment Commission to relinquish 8 acres of land for the project and the appropriation of approximately $66 million for design, development and construction.

Cole County

A comprehensive plan for Cole County will be released this summer, according to Shannon Kliethermes, senior planner for Cole County Public Works. The county has been working with James Pona & Associates from St. Louis to complete the plan, with a goal of identifying and prioritizing future needs.

“Here’s what we’ve got, and here is where we need to go,” Kliethermes says about what the finalized plan will offer.

Following an initial land-use assessment last year, the county and consultant presented the findings at a public engagement for input. Topics discussed at that hearing included how the county can work with the Missouri Department of Transportation, improving public facilities, the development of a county park system and land-use regulation issues. Kliethermes says the plan will help foster development. “We want to guide development in a way that will prevent urban sprawl and still protect the rural/agricultural aspect of our county.”

Ed. Note: The City of Jefferson last issued a comprehensive plan in 1996, and informal discussion has begun regarding the need to update that plan, according to Janice McMillan, deputy director for Planning and Transportation Services in the Department of Community Development.

Tourism

In addition to the potential of the historic state penitentiary site, several other projects in the works would impact tourism to Jefferson City. Plans for a conference center on McCarty adjacent to the Truman Building would bring new visitors to the downtown area and enhance hospitality and tourism sectors. Planned redevelopment of the old Ameren UE power plant next to the Capitol Complex will attract and welcome visitors and serve as a new venue for entertainment and access to the river, Landwehr says.

The combination of the bike/pedestrian walkway across the Missouri River (to be completed in 2011) and access to the Missouri River at Adrian’s Island will put Jefferson City on the map for visitors and the next generation of residents.

By Joanna Schneider and Jennifer Bondurant | Photos by Chris Hollaway

Jefferson City has welcomed several new businesses in the past few months, and new chain stores and restaurants such as Menards, Buffalo Wild Wings and Culver’s are receiving attention in the commercial districts. Development in the central part of the city often takes place more quietly but carries a lot of importance.

“Redevelopment in the central area is key to keeping the community alive,” says Randy Allen, Jefferson City Chamber of Commerce CEO. “Downtown always will be key. It’s the heart of the city.”

The Old Town District, designated by the City Council in 2007, is a concentrated area of historic redevelopment. Including the south side, downtown and the central east and west ends of town, Old Town attracts investors and entrepreneurs through special programs and incentives that encourage redevelopment.

“It only takes one person to initiate big changes,” Allen says. He cites Juanita Donehue as an example. Her investment in O’Donoghue’s Steaks & Seafood on West High sparked the entire area’s revitalization and set a path for other businesses, such as Prison Brews and The Mission, to follow.

“Juanita realized it was a good building and a good location,” Allen says. “You just have to have confidence.”

According to Allen, High Street and Dunklin Street are two key areas in Old Town that are prime for redevelopment, and many projects are already underway.

High Street

From a new music venue to a revamped lounge space and the revival of several historic buildings, the High Street area is quickly becoming a trendy downtown destination and one of many areas on the fast track to major change.

At the corner of High and Jefferson (101 W. High), historic buildings are not only getting a facelift but are also becoming anchors for several historic preservation projects and updates in the area, says Jim Crabtree of Central Bank.

The bank owns several spaces in the area and, along with Jim Wisch of Waveco Construction Company, has been working on the revitalization project since summer 2009. As part of phase I, old windows are being replaced and restored to their original beauty, and a modern canopy will be removed. Phase II will begin this summer; it will focus on the street level and restore much of the original stone storefronts.

“This has been a slow process, and we’re being very careful and deliberate,” Crabtree says. “The building has a lot of historic fabric left to it, and we’re trying to restore it to how it once was.”

Currently, the bank serves as landlord to several longtime tenants including the Missouri State Park Foundation, AT&T and the Post Dispatch. The project has received very positive feedback, Crabtree says, and is greatly supported by the Old Town Revitalization Committee.

This committee supports the revitalization of older neighborhoods and commercial areas through partnership with the city and financial incentives including tax credits and grants to fix abandoned, old or vacant properties. The committee has developed a five-year plan identifying key projects in the area.

Dunklin Street

Similar to the major influx of renovation and revitalization on High Street, Dunklin Street has seen significant updates, new businesses and some good old-fashioned TLC from developers Larry Kolb and Steve Rollins of Dunklin Street Properties LLC.

Kolb and Rollins started the Dunklin Street project in September 2008, and after many months of planning and paperwork, they have managed to turn the 100 E. Dunklin block into a historic district with new retail and office spaces all housed in beautifully restored buildings.

120 and 124 E. Dunklin, the block’s main buildings, both offer ground-floor storefronts and second-floor loft units. Interiors and building facades were completely returned to their 1930s roots, and in October 2009, 120 E. Dunklin claimed its first tenant, The Perfect Fit Boutique. Today, the majority of retail and residential space is spoken for, with limited availability remaining.

“People love the idea of being in this area,” Kolb says.

By June 2010, the developers will complete the landscaping, sidewalks and period lighting surrounding the buildings. The streetscape, Kolb adds, is the key to bringing the whole project together.

Next on the roster is 116 E. Dunklin. With approximately 9,000 square feet, the building will be divided into three retail spaces including a barbershop.

A few of Jefferson City Magazine’s favorite new — and renewed — businesses

ECCO Lounge & Restaurant

This year, ECCO Lounge (703 Jefferson St.) turns 65. ECCO reopened Feb. 11 after an extensive four-month renovation following the purchase of the establishment by Sally and Don Powell and their partner, Mark Ewers.

The owners uncovered an antique tin roof during the renovation, which is now one of the decorative highlights of the space. The ECCO offers eight craft and import beers on tap, a slew of bottles and a wine list with more than a dozen varieties. The menu has remained mostly the same through the ownership change, with some new selections.

(573) 636-8751

The Mission

Located on High and Ash (915 E. High), The Mission is a hot, new live music venue with an eclectic taste for tunes and personality to spare. Rich and Jenny Robben and Eric Keeney own The Mission. The owners renovated the space themselves and officially opened Nov. 18, 2009. Prior to the opening, the space was vacant for nearly 10 years and was the rough and tumble River City Lounge before that.

Currently, The Mission features mostly local bands but has piqued the interest of national and international acts.

www.themissionjc.com, (573) 893-2800

La Maison

La Maison is Jefferson City’s newest special events and wedding venue. Owned and operated by the husband-wife team of Deborah Whitfield-Koger and Dale Koger, La Maison is located near Centertown and opened in August 2009.

La Maison features a 2,500-square-foot, solarium-style reception area that can accommodate up to 300 guests. The property encompasses approximately 19 acres. A 6,100-square-foot house, renovated by Ken Otke Construction, can welcome up to 20 overnight guests.

www.lamaisonthehouse.com, (573) 584-3231

Aflac State Office

The largest provider of supplemental insurance in the U.S., Aflac brought its state office operations to Missouri’s capital in January 2010. The 4,200-square-foot facility, which previously housed Sylvan Learning Center, was converted to accommodate Aflac’s operation and training needs. There, seven employees oversee the office’s training facility and the local Prometric Testing Center.

The Jefferson City facility (with a 950-square-foot training room) hosts a variety of classes attended by the company’s field force and can accommodate approximately 40 people, which allows for more personal training experience, says Jay Higgins, state sales coordinator. The Aflac team in Jefferson City serves approximately 200 field force agents throughout Missouri.

www.aflac.com, (573) 638-2002

Cody Sharp has so many tattoos they are difficult to count.

“Placing a number on it would be somewhat difficult,” he says. He has two full sleeves on his arms, his back is covered, and both of his sides and chest are tattooed as well. Sharp contributes the large number to all of the positive experiences he’s had getting the artwork done.

Stereotypes might lead you to label Cody as a hardcore biker or a rebel, but you’d be wrong. Sharp is a local professional.

“I keep my tattoos mostly covered while at work,” Sharp says. “There really aren’t any guidelines about having tattoos visible at work, but I feel it is best to keep them to myself. Even though everyone at my workplace knows of my tattoos, I still stick to this practice. People need to realize that every profession has different rules and expectations when it comes to having visible tattoos.”

Sharp’s tattoos are influenced by his religious beliefs, evidenced by the tattooed portrait of Jesus on his arm.

“I wanted to use my Christian faith as a witness to others,” Sharp says. “So I have many Christian designs and bible verses on my lower arms to serve this purpose.”

According to Mark Pulliam, owner of Cadillac Ink Tattoo Co. at 301 Ash St., it’s a misconception that people often decide to get tattoos on a whim. Since his tattoo shop opened in February, he says he’s only had one customer come in, look through a book and spontaneously say, “I want that one.”

Sharp’s fascination with tattoos came at an early age. As a kid, he was mesmerized by his great-grandfather’s Navy tattoo on his forearm. From that moment, he knew he was going to get a tattoo, and when he was 22 years old, he had his first one done. “I like being able to express my life with this art form,” Sharp says.

Sharp used to frequent Living Canvas in Columbia for his tattoo work (he credits Living Canvas artist Adya for much of his body art), but he’s now able to continue his love of tattoos locally at Cadillac Ink, thanks to the City Council’s 2010 amendment of a ban on tattoo parlors within city limits. To lobby for the amendment, Pulliam spent time discussing with the City Council how he could make a tattoo parlor acceptable for Jefferson City.

“Our clientele isn’t what you would normally think of,” Pulliam says. “I told the city that. … My clientele are doctors, attorneys, school teachers, school principals.”

At first glance into Pulliam’s Cadillac Ink, the place looks like an art studio or a day spa. Artwork on the walls, beautiful hardwood floors and a muted color palette deliver a calming ambience and laid-back attitude. The sleek black tattoo chairs look as if they belong in a dentist’s office — until the tattoo artist swings around a two-coil tattoo machine, armed with ink and multiple oscillating needles.

Pulliam drew a lot of his influence for his own store from Hart and Huntington, established by Carey Hart, with tattoo shops in Orlando, Las Vegas and Honolulu.

“My concept is based on what Carey made so popular, which is open tattooing, an art gallery type atmosphere that welcomes all walks of life,” Pulliam says.

Along with the laid-back atmosphere, Pulliam went out of his way to find a tattoo artist who would fit in with his business plan and the community. With that in mind, Pulliam found what he was looking for in Shawn Pope, who he describes as “a new breed of artist.”

According to Pulliam, the tattoo industry used to be underground, and tattoo artists had to earn their reputations and rights through years of work. Pulliam says today’s new breed might have only a few years of experience, but their talent and artistry supercede those who have been in the industry for 30 years.

A dual major in fine arts and graphic arts at Lincoln University, Pope is a good example. He is fairly new to the tattoo business by typical standards, but Pulliam points out his tattoo work and art ability far exceed his years of experience.

So what does it feel like to get a tattoo?

“Getting a tattoo hurts, plain and simple,” Sharp says. “Of course size, location, intricacy and other factors will determine the amount of pain. The best way to describe the feeling would be to compare it to a bee stinging you over and over.”

Writer’s note: Tattooing might be addicting. Once you get one, odds are you’ll consider getting another. In fact, while interviewing Pulliam, he pulled out a book of illustrations, flipped to the back of it and showed me Sharp’s next tattoo.