January 2–4
Gospel Music USA. Friday at 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. Capitol Plaza Hotel, 415 West McCarty St.

January 4
Bridal Spectacular 2009, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Jefferson City Area YMCA Firley Center.

January 5
City Council, 6 p.m. City Council Chambers, 320 E. McCarty St.

January 7–February 28
“Picture Perfect: A Woman’s Decade in Post-Apartheid South Africa.” 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Elizabeth Rozier Gallery, Union Hotel, 101 Jefferson Street.

January 8–10
“To Kill a Mockingbird.” 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and 2 p.m. Sunday. The Miller Performing Arts Center.

January 9–11
Bluegrass Music Awards, Friday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Saturday at 1 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday at 10 a.m.

January 12
Jefferson City Board of Education Meeting, 6 p.m. 315 E. Dunklin St.

January 15
AHA’s “The List” Wine Tasting, 4:30 p.m., Central Bank Financial Center.

January 19
Jefferson City Public Schools closed for Martin Luther King Day. City Council, 6 p.m. City Council Chambers, 320 E. McCarty St.

January 22–25, 29, February 1
“Grease” by The Capital City Players. Shikles Auditorium, 1200 Linden Dr. 

Americanization of German-Immigrant Church, 7 p.m. Missouri Archives.

January 24
“Can You Dig It.” 2 p.m. Missouri State Museum, 201 W. Capitol Ave.

January 30
Jefferson City Area Chamber of Commerce Annual Gala & Awards Ceremony 2009, 6 to 9:30 p.m. Capitol Plaza Hotel, 415 West McCarty St.

January 31
“Bushwhacked.” 10 a.m. The Missouri State Museum, 201 W. Capitol Ave.

February 2
City Council, 6p.m. City Council Chambers, 320 E. McCarty St.

February 3
Don’t forget to vote! Lodging tax on ballot.

February 9
Jefferson City Board of Education Meeting, 6 p.m., 315 E. Dunklin St.

February 13
Jefferson City Public Schools closed for earned day off.

February 14
Valentine’s Day American Heart Association Heart Ball, 5 p.m. Capital Plaza Hotel.

February 16
Jefferson City Public Schools closed for President’s Day. City Council, 6 p.m. City Council Chambers, 320 E. McCarty St.

February 26
“Searching for Jim: Slavery in Sam Clemens’ World.” 7 p.m. Missouri Archives.

February 27–28, March 1, 5–8
“Tuna Christmas,” by The Capital City Players. Doors open at 6 p.m. Shikles Auditorium, 1200 Linden Dr.

Hermann may rise to the highest acclaim during Oktoberfest and Maifest, but the one-hour trip from Jefferson City along the river bluffs is also the perfect romantic escape for Valentine’s Day. As you cross the Missouri River and enter downtown Hermann, the aroma of fermenting grapes in the air welcomes you to the heart of Missouri’s wine country.

Hermann is known for its “old world charm” with its self-sustained 19th century surroundings. Among the wineries, there are countless features Hermann has to offer. The downtown riverfront caters to couples, showcasing antique and gift shops, art studios featuring local artists of all ages, bakeries, bed-and-breakfasts, bike rentals, cooking classes, massage therapists, community theater, restaurants and carriage rides. In February, local wineries exhibit the Chocolate Wine Trail, pairing selected chocolates and wine. 

The Stone Giraffe Bed and Breakfast is a cozy choice for a romantic Hermann retreat. Comfortably surrounded by large trees, green fields, flowing creeks and rolling farmland, the Stone Giraffe’s surroundings showcase mid-Missouri’s natural beauty at every angle. The entire atmosphere unites breathtaking architecture with the natural world around it. Owner Eddie LaBoube (pronounced ‘La Boo’) and manager Sharon Havis undertook nearly two years of renovations to make the Stone Giraffe a unique, unforgettable experience.

Built in the 1940s, the guest house’s exterior reflects the B&B’s name: the stone and mortar resembles the skin of a giraffe. The addition was designed to keep the residence one with nature and replicate the Shaker lifestyle. Spacious decks and floor-to-ceiling windows delight guests with views of the river and downtown Hermann in the valley below. 

Set on a 150-acre farm that has been in the LaBoube family for three generations, the Stone Giraffe makes full use of its surrounding heritage. Visitors enter the home through a long hallway that connects the original residence to the addition that LaBoube commissioned when he decided to develop the B&B project in 1999. Wooden timbers, salvaged from a barn that previously stood on the property, date back to the mid-1800s and frame the added architecture. A warm earth tone color palette combines with thoughtful use of wood and stone to further accentuate the property’s theme of natural elements. 

A two-story fieldstone fireplace warms the scene as a centerpiece in the B&B. Five bedrooms, each with their own relaxing atmosphere and private bath, enhance the 3,500 square feet of guest quarters. Adding a touch that is distinctively Hermann, locally made wine, cheese, sausage and chocolate await guests’ arrival. 

The entire home is designed for downtime, gathering and bringing back the passion of family and love. The simple beauty of natural elements and the Shaker inspiration makes this nearby destination the perfect getaway for a romantic weekend. 

Rates are $225.00 per room per night. For more information visit www.thestonegiraffe.com.

By Jim Muench • Photos By Ann Fleury

Casting a wary eye toward the national financial crisis, which might lead to a shrinking city budget, Jefferson City City Council members plan to forge ahead with local projects.

Rebuilding the city’s infrastructure appears to be the most pressing issue. “We need to make sure we invest in our infrastructure, such as streets, sidewalks and stormwater control,” says Anita Randolph, Third Ward councilwoman. “These investments do present a challenge for city council members and city staff because they require significant amounts of money to accomplish. Infrastructure development and improvement and preservation are all very important.”

The council members see a need for new investment in roads, bridges, sewers, sidewalks, curbs, gutters and city buildings. “We have pipes and stuff that has been in the ground for 50 years that we need to address, so we have to figure how to do that,” says Ken Ferguson, mayor pro tempore and First Ward councilman. 

The city has at least $500 million invested in infrastructure, says Jim Penfold, Second Ward councilman, but the city is putting less than $1 million a year into maintenance. “In order to maintain the amount of asphalt streets we have, we should be doing about 30 miles a year, but we are only doing about 12 or 13 miles now because that’s what we can afford,” he says. “We really need to find ways to begin increasing the amounts we are paying for street improvements. What we expect is decreased revenues, so I would at least like the city to maintain the level of what we’re doing this year. That could mean putting more money into it.”

Likewise, nearly 45 percent of the city’s sidewalks, about 40 miles, reside in Penfold’s ward. Much of it is deteriorating, and some of it needs to be replaced each year, he says. He hopes the city will manage an overall contract that could begin that process.

The need to revitalize infrastructure blends into other council priorities, such as initiatives to improve older parts of the city, like completing the redevelopment of the historic prison site and economic development efforts to attract businesses—especially technology companies—by the city, Chamber of Commerce and Lincoln University.

“Economic development isn’t done just for its own sake; it’s done for the rising water that lifts everybody’s boats—that’s what it’s about,” Fifth Ward Councilman Ron Medin says.

“The biggest goal always has to be to help ensure the prosperity of the community, helping ensure that Jefferson City continues to be an appealing location for the creation of new businesses and jobs,” Randolph says. 

Revitalization of older neighborhoods is a long-term effort that needs to move forward, says Ron Medin. Luckily, as with the Federal Courthouse and St. Mary’s Hospital building projects, revitalization improvements often can be advanced without a lot of additional revenue. Although completing the projects will take money, laying the groundwork is relatively inexpensive, he says. “We concentrate on laying the groundwork during the tighter financial times so that we can be ready to complete those projects when better times return,” he says.

“I think it’s necessary to balance the importance of new development with attention to investment in our existing neighborhoods,” Randolph says. “Existing neighborhoods such as the Old Town area and some of our more established neighborhoods are of an age that require some improvements.”

Penfold says he is concerned about the 20 to 30 percent vacancy rate downtown and a growing rate of decay. “We could see a bright donut in Jefferson City with a ring of new and relatively active development with a very, very dark center without a lot of retail activity,” Penfold says. “It’s happening right here in Jefferson City; it’s just that right now it’s not so prominent that it hits you in the face.”

One major infrastructure investment decision on the council’s plate next year will be whether and how to build and fund a new conference center. Committing to the at least $100 million cost of such a center would be a major long-term financial undertaking that will impact the city’s economic development efforts for years to come, the council members say.

“We feel that it’s long overdue to have a convention center here in Jefferson City, and certainly, we want to continue to put all the pieces together,” Ferguson says. “The data would tell us that we lost out on some conferences and conventions in the capital city for the mere fact that we don’t have a convention center. I think a convention center would be advantageous at this juncture.” 

“If we could somehow make it work, it would be a real significant draw for downtown Jefferson City and Cole County as a whole, a major magnet of economic activity,” says Penfold, who chairs the committee leading the effort. “I am hopeful, but I can’t tell you that it’s going to be a slam dunk.”

Another important underlying goal should be to improve cooperation between the city and Cole County, Penfold says. Strengthened relations might help economic development efforts for the region and smooth disputes over such issues as ambulance service, which also might be addressed in 2009. 

“We need to make sure there’s [ambulance] service that is adequate and that the service is good for both the city and county,” Ferguson says.

Steps should be taken in 2009 to convince the county to invest more toward revitalizing the city’s infrastructure, Penfold says. It’s a problem that the city pays about 65 percent of the road and bridge tax, but the county puts only 16 percent of its revenues into city infrastructure projects, he says. 

“The city pays the majority of county taxes, but the county spends most of that money in areas of Cole County outside of Jefferson City,” Penfold says. While that model may have worked in a time when the main need was to bring farmers to the city, he added, it doesn’t fit the modern situation. 

“We don’t get services back on an equal basis,” he says. “I think there are steps that could be done to improve that in 2009. I’d like to see whether we might be able to achieve a little better parity.”

Two recreation-related projects that may come to fruition in the coming year is a $6 million bicycle and pedestrian bridge over the Missouri River, linking Jefferson City to the Katy Trail, and a new 45-acre riverfront park on Adrian Island to be accessed by a $3.5 million tunnel under the Union Pacific railroad tracks.

Medin, who served on the steering committee for the bridge bicycle pathway, says the plans would probably be finalized in 2009. “I think you’ll probably see more traffic coming from the Jefferson City side than even are coming from the Katy trail,” he says. “It’s going to be a local attraction, as well as a gateway for Jefferson City. We have people riding on the Katy Trail from all over the world, and yet they can’t get to Jefferson City. This is going to be a big boon for us.”

Meanwhile, constituents have requested a curbside recycling program, and Randolph says she would like the city to move forward on that issue in 2009. Medin says proposals should be issued this month, and a contract should be awarded next spring.

Ferguson cited public safety and code enforcement as other issues that may need to be addressed in 2009. An inspection fee for restaurants also might be an important issue in 2009, he says, but no other new tax initiatives are on the table at this time. The council decided in November not to raise the lodging tax to 5 percent, but to continue the existing 3 percent tax until April 2019 if voters approve the idea during the February 2009 election.

“The challenge is to move the city forward during tight fiscal times, but I think that’s just a challenge and not something that is going to stop us,” Medin says. “It’s kind of like playing a football game in cold weather and rain. You have to play the game regardless and can’t use that as an excuse for not being able to advance the ball.”

By Jordan Milne

You know what you have to do to be healthy, so why do so many of us fail to stick with the good intentions we start the year with?

“One of the realities when you are changing your lifestyle is that it is hard—you can slip,” says Dr. Stanley Dorst, a family medicine physician with Jefferson City Medical Group. “Everyone has times when they slip up, but don’t lose hope.” 

Weight loss, more exercise and quitting cigarettes usually top the wish list for the new year. “Quitting smoking has a tremendous impact on your health in so many ways,” says Dorst. “And we all need to be working on diet and exercise more.”

According to Dr. Rita Esterly, local psychologist and strengths coach, her clients echo Dorst’s evaluation of top health concerns. “New Year’s resolutions are what I help clients do every day,” says Esterly, “and that is to change a behavior pattern or to add a new one to their lifestyle. Losing weight is usually number one, followed closely by quitting smoking.”

Making a Lifestyle Change

According to Dr. James Weiss of JCMG Family Care Associates, when people make lifestyle changes, they go through stages. There’s the pre-contemplation stage, when the individual recognizes a change needs to be made; the contemplation stage, when the individual decides whether or not to execute the change; the preparation stage, when resources are gathered and a plan is decided upon; and the action stage, during which the plan is carried out. 

“The goal has to be realistic, and there has to be a plan,” says Weiss. “Unless you’ve thought about it thoroughly and made plans, it will go by the wayside. People come in and say, ‘Hey! I’m going to lose 40 pounds by spring.’ Or we see a lot of people that go on the low-carb, high-protein diet for their high school reunion. Of course when the reunion is over, they go back to their old habits, and the weight comes back.”

Dorst agrees. “You have to make changes you can live with long-term,” he says. “It feels psychologically good to lose weight quickly, but you can’t keep that up.”

The Importance of Good Friends

Dr. Rich Lillard, of Spring Grove Counseling and Wellness, says society affects our motivation for change more than we realize.

“Keep motivations in check, and don’t be overly influenced by societal standards,” says Lillard. “You may be 20 pounds over the norm, but maybe you’re happy with your body.” 

On the flip side, Lillard says, our peers can have a positive impact the process of change. 

“Without social support, it’s difficult to do anything, much less change,” says Lillard. “You have to take stock and evaluate what’s important, including relationships. Distancing yourself from unhealthy relationships is easier said than done, and some people find they simply can’t end some relationships. Finding some sort of support is essential to success. When it comes to support groups it all depends on how much that particular person identifies with that population.”

Weiss notes that the Jefferson City News Tribune lists support groups every Thursday in the Health section.

Medicinal Support, Habitual Downfalls and Triggers

When it comes to medicinal support, Lillard says it is a great start if it helps you change your mindset. However, he says medication should be used in combination with something else while you investigate alternatives.

“We try to discourage people from relying solely on medications,” says  Weiss. “We try to get them to recognize the underlying problems that might lead to negative behavior, such as family or relationship problems. The undesired behaviors are a way of escaping those problems.”

For those quitting smoking, Weiss and Dorst both say nicotine patches, nasal spray, lozenges and gum are effective aids. Weiss recommends the free hotline 1-800-QUIT-NOW to “people who just need coaxing and nagging.” 

Medications, such as Chantix, Wellbutrin and Zyban, are prescribed for smoking cessation. At 30 percent, Chantix has the highest success rate after one year of smoking cessation, according to Weiss. Wellbutrin comes in closely behind at 20-25 percent, and also helps decrease some of the weight gain many smokers experience during withdrawal. 

“The problem with quitting smoking is that there’s the actual physical addition to the nicotine, and then there’s the habits―like having a cigarette with your coffee on the way to work in the morning,” says Weiss. “If these situations remain the same, it’s going to make it harder to quit. Try waiting for your cup of coffee until you get to the office. If you’re used to smoke breaks or having a cigarette after lunch, take a walk instead.”

Dorst recommends removing triggers, from getting rid of all ashtrays from your home and avoiding other smokers.

For those who need to shed a few pounds, Weiss recommends exercise always accompany any weight loss medication and efforts. He prescribes weight loss aids, such as Phentermine, an appetite suppressant, and he sometimes recommends Alli, a fat blocker that is now over the counter, but warns of possible side effects. Dorst says Alli is the only such drug currently available safe for long-term use, but anyone taking it should also take extra vitamins. 

“I don’t recommend over-the-counter appetite suppressants,” Dorst says. “They can have serious side effects, particularly with your heart.”

Take a Walk, Hit the Gym

Work-out time can serve triple duty by boosting your body’s health, helping you lose weight and reducing your stress level. Esterly says that exercising is the best way to reduce stress and increase general well being, which will make breaking bad habits and creating change easier.

“Minimal time to accomplish stress reduction is 45 minutes 4 times a week,” says Esterly. “You do not have to belong to a gym or go to the YMCA. You can walk, or ride a bike, or use exercise equipment, or exercise videos, in your own home. Unless there are health reasons or medical conditions that prevent it, people do not have any excuse to procrastinate when it comes to exercising for general well being.”

Dorst says 30 minutes of vigorous, aerobic exercise three to four times each week is recommended for everyone.

Instead of watching the scale as part of your workout routine, consider your body fat index. If you replace fat with muscle, you may not see a difference in your weight, but Dorst says, “you’ll have done something really good for yourself.”

Never Say Never

To avoid disappointment and frustration, Lillard recommends limiting the use of absolutes. Saying you’ll never eat chocolate cake is hard to stick to.

“I have patients that have had gastric bypass surgery and are surprised they still have cravings when they see pizza commercials,” says Lillard. “When it comes to desire, you can change your ability to act on those cravings, but not fundamentally as a person.”

“Saying ‘never’ sets you up for failure,” says Lillard. “Recognize that most of the things we strive to achieve are ideals, and not necessarily things that must be viewed in absolute terms. To make goals more manageable, break them into time segments to measure progress, rather than success.”

According to Lillard, finding out where control lies is very difficult. “Particularly if you keep trying to affect things you can’t change, it gets frustrating and depressing,” he says. “We overlook things that are within our power and responsibility that we can have an impact on.”

Esterly says when you know the benefit of your resolution, you are more likely to make it happen. Setting up a reward system can also be encouraging. 

“Reward yourself for progress, not necessarily success,” says Lillard. “With weight loss, I hate to say use food as a reward, but give yourself a day. Same with substance abuse.―It can be a day at the spa or a meal out at your favorite restaurant.” 

If you’ve tried to stop smoking or stick to a healthy diet before and stumbled, don’t lose hope. “Studies show that the more times someone tries to stop smoking, the more likely they eventually are to be successful,” Dorst says. “If they stopped before, they can stop again.” 

Try this…

Starting out by adding a new behavior, rather than trying to kick an old habit, is often encouraging. Visit Esterly’s Web site www.yesyoucanchoose.com for more information.

When Bonnie Krieger started smoking as a young adult 35 years ago, she remembers seeing everyone smoking: in the movies, on TV and in real life. As society has changed in recent years, Krieger noticed finding public places and restaurants that would accommodate her habit increasingly difficult. Motivated by her grandchildren’s pleas of “we don’t want you to die,” Krieger kicked the habit, and in January 2009, she will celebrate her three-year anniversary of being smoke-free. 

Today’s children, such as Krieger’s grandkids, are a generation that’s been raised hearing the dangers of cigarette smoke. Cyanide, formaldehyde, acetylene, ammonia and carbon dioxide are all chemicals found in cigarette smoke. According to the American Cancer Society, cigarette smoke contains some 4,000 chemicals; 60 of them are known to cause cancer.  

“It’s like injecting a dirty syringe into your body,” says Dr. William Sweezer, a cardiothoracic surgeon at Capital Regional Medical Center. Eighty percent of Sweezer’s patients facing heart and lung surgery are smokers. Sweezer knows that even if his patients quit just before or after a major operation they will feel a health benefit. Every day they don’t smoke, Sweezer says, a patient’s recovery can get easier. 

“I tell my patients this is something they can do for themselves,” says Sweezer. “We do this big fancy bypass, and I say the best insurance policy is not to return to smoking.”

His list of health benefits for non-smokers also includes a better patient response to general anesthesia, more energy for recovery, less shortness of breath and less coughing. That’s one benefit Krieger noticed right away. “I don’t cough as much at night,” she says.

For all smokers, the benefits of stopping come almost immediately. The American Cancer Society says 20 minutes after putting down a cigarette your heart rate and blood pressure drop. “Within hours your lungs can process oxygen better,” adds Sweezer. 

A year after quitting, their risk of coronary heart disease is half that of smokers, and it equals that of a non-smoker in 15 years.  Stroke and lung cancer risk also decrease in the years following smoking cessation.  

The American Cancer Society says you may not see all the benefits right away, but over time someone who stops smoking will find their food tastes better; their sense of smell returns to normal; their breath, hair and clothes smell better; their nails stop yellowing, and they can stop the contribution smoking makes to premature wrinkling of the skin.

Sweezer says the critical time for people who do choose to stop is about three days after their last cigarette. That’s when the withdrawal from nicotine peaks. If they can get beyond that point and fill the craving with something else, “another activity or force,” says Sweezer, he believes the benefits will be both physical and psychological. “They’ll have more self confidence,” says Sweezer of the accomplishment.  

Krieger quit cold turkey after an undergoing an unusual procedure called Auricular Therapy, where a probe delivers a small and precise amount of stimulus to the nerve endings on the exterior of the ear.  Krieger and three friends all tried it. All but one found success.

While Krieger has stopped smoking before, she believes this time it will be for good because her attitudes have changed, too. 

“It’s much more apparent now what a bad example I set for my kids and grandkids,” Krieger says. Now she hopes quitting will give her much more time to see them all grow up. 

Teresa Snow is the medical reporter for KRCG TV.

Drug store shelves are lined with vitamins and nutritional supplements with a variety of uses. But what does your body really need to stay healthy? 

“In general, if people have a healthy or well-rounded diet, they don’t need supplements,” says Dr. Nina Kiekhaefer, who practices family medicine with the Jefferson City Medical Group. “It is healthiest to get the nutrients from food because we get the most nutrients, and it is the most natural way.” 

When diet falls short of nutritional needs, vitamins and supplements can balance out deficiencies. “A lot of people don’t get enough calcium and Vitamin D,” says Kiekhaefer. “You can do it with diet, but many people don’t get five servings a day of calcium.”

A daily multi-vitamin can “cover for a variety of dietary indiscretions,” she says. 

Penny Fallon, manager of J.C. Health Foods, said the top concerns that most customers have are digestive problems and lack of energy. Often, customers are in search of detoxifying cleanses.

Fallon says some customers are educated on the type of vitamin or supplement they are seeking, while others are looking for information and guidance. The store provides informational documents and also steers curious customers toward Web references.

While there are many types and brands of multi-vitamins, the brand name isn’t important, says Dr. Gary Baskett, a family medicine doctor at St. Mary’s. Store shelves are lined with a variety of brands and types of multi-vitamins aimed at different types of consumers. For example, vitamins for men 50 and over might have herbal additives meant to improve prostate health. 

“But the basics will be similar,” Baskett says. And, when he purchases them for himself, Baskett says he buys the generic brands. 

In addition to a daily multi-vitamin, Kiekhaefer says calcium is important for both pre- and postmenopausal women—with postmenopausal women needing more. Those buying calcium supplements should make sure their choice includes Vitamin D, which helps the bones use the calcium. Those taking straight calcium may need to take a separate Vitamin D supplement. 

In addition to multi-vitamins and calcium with Vitamin D, hundreds of other vitamins and supplements address a range of issues and are available in the grocery store, drug store and specialty shops selling vitamins and supplements. According to Kiekhaefer, these aren’t necessarily recommended for everyone in the population. Baskett recommends people use their doctor as a resource to guide their vitamin and supplement use. 

“Take the straightforward approach and ask him what he recommends,” Baskett says. “He’d be familiar with your medical conditions and age and he’d have a good idea of what your needs would be.” 

When the doctor asks what medications you’re taking, Kiekhaefer says it is important to mention all drugs – prescription, over the counter, herbal supplements and vitamins, as each of these medications can interact with anything a doctor may prescribe. 

“We have a computer program that checks those interactions, but we don’t know to check for them if we don’t know you’re taking them,” she says. “Your pharmacist can probably do that too, since they usually have a program that looks for interactions.” 

One of the most important pieces of advice is to be an informed consumer. While there is a variety of information on the Internet, it is important to get that information from a reliable source. Kiekhaefer recommends www.consumerlab.com, a site that helps consumers compare different supplements. Because the supplement industry isn’t regulated like the pharmaceutical industry, it is important to use these resources to find out whether products include what they say they include. 

“The area of supplements is huge and there are so many of them,” Kiekhaefer says. “It is good to know what a true effect is and what is not. At the worst, you could do harm to yourself, but the least harmful effect is that it wouldn’t do anything and you’d just be wasting your money.”

From the Editor

Our feature article focuses on how you can make positive lifestyle changes and stick to them. We look at quitting smoking, losing weight and eating better, but the discussion isn’t just about how to kill your vices. It’s about overall wellness. Improving physical health improves mental health. A Duke University study found that 30 minutes of brisk exercise three times a week is as effective as drug therapy in relieving symptoms of major depression.

I’ve never had a runner’s high—a side ache is faster to achieve. I’ve never hit that point where exercise is an indispensable component to maintaining sanity and happiness, but I’m intrigued by, and a little wary of those that say it has happened for them. My regular workout routine consists of working out every once in awhile but thinking about it daily.

If only brain activity got my heart pumping the same as my elliptical machine does. JCMG’s Dr. Stanley Dorst says exercise may not feel good for the first four to six weeks, but in time it will. Like most things that are good for you, exercising to hit nirvana takes work. Fortunately, like most things that take a bit of work, it will be worth it. Time to get up and get moving.

Jennifer Bondurant

From the Associate Publisher

You won’t believe what I did. I had a morning of pampering by Laury Hatfield at the Day Spa—a hot stones massage and facial. Awesome! I am sharing this with you is because this issue of City is about health and wellness. In January we always re-evaluate our physical health and physical appearance, we plan out weight loss and exercise and plan to quit bad habits. All of this is very important and cleansing. However, don’t forget how important your mental health is. While planning for a fresh start in 2009, don’t forget about your true intentions. Beyond a resolution, what intentions do you want to achieve from your actions? For example, of course I want to like what I see in the mirror, but my intention from pursuing exercise, weight training and healthy diet is to feel strong and capable of continuing my lifestyle. I want to be able to attack every opportunity with strength and gusto. If there is a mountain to ski, a river to kayak or trail to hike, I want to be ready. What are your intentions? To find out more, pick up The Power of Intentions by Dr. Wayne Dyer. Remember, life is so much more fun if you are ready to live it.

Happy New Year!

Tami Turner

Goal-Setting for a Healthy New Year
Making a lifestyle change isn’t easy, but many of us will try to improve our health in the New Year. Jefferson City Magazine turned to local experts for advice on how to stick with your resolutions. Whether you want to eat healthier, stop smoking or exercise more, setting goals is your first stop on the journey to better health.

Vitamins, Nutritional and Herbal Supplements
Walk into the grocery, drug or health food store and you’ll find a multitude of vitamins and supplements ready to address your every need. It’s best to get the nutrients you need from your food, but if you don’t, consider how to supplement wisely.

Quitting for Good: No Smoking
Think it’s too hard to quit smoking? You can quit for good, even if you have unsuccessfully tried before. Your body will immediately thank you for it.

The Way It Was
Medical Arts Building, circa mid-1950s.

At Home

Home Tour: Signature touches at the Abrams’ home.

Before & After: Transforming a gathering space.

Remodel: Staircase design.

At Work

Council: Charting Jefferson City’s course for 2009.

Financial Advice: How to handle turmoil.

Philanthropy: AHA’s Alliance for a Healthier Generation.

Whiteman AFB ’s Jefferson City Day: Up close with the stealth bomber.

Person You Should Know: Karla Johansen.

Did You Know: James Samson.

At Ease

Food: Fun in the kitchen with kids.

Travel: Hermann’s Stone Giraffe B&B.

Artist Profile: Charlotte Hubbard.

Fun: The Vallandinghams’ Jamaica getaway.

In Every Issue

Welcome
Calendar
Teacher Feature
The Hit List
Snapshots
The Last Word

By Jennifer Bondurant • Photos by Chris Hollaway

A complete remodel of a home isn’t easy, but for an interior designer such as Brenda Kolb, living in a house that someone else has decorated isn’t easy either. Instead of building a new home in a new location, Kolb, her husband Thomas and their kids, Paige, 17, T. K., 13, and Ben, 11, wanted to stay in their current neighborhood and decided to take on the task of remodeling.  

“I’m glad we chose to do it,” Kolb says. “Our house turned out exactly the way we wanted it.”

The five-bedroom, six-bath home was built in 1993 by Dick Otke Construction. When it came time, the Kolbs chose Otke for the remodeling project, as well. The Kolbs are the second owners, and the home originally featured a country style, characterized by oak trim. 

Active in her own interior design business for the past five years, Kolb led the way with designs for the project she says started out small but ended up gutting the entire house and including an addition. The Kolbs added approximately 2,500 feet to their previously 4,000-square-foot residence. The new home more adequately reflects their tastes and closely fits the flow the family needs. 

Making the kitchen more functional and conducive to entertaining and family time was one of the main desires that pushed the family to remodel. The original kitchen was tight quarters for the family of five, so the family added a large, adjacent recreation room. A rock fireplace warms the comfortable, casual gathering space. 

“We love it,” Kolb says of the new rec room. “It’s much easier to entertain. My husband has a big family, so it was great for the holidays, and the kids have friends over all the time; it’s a great hang-out area.”

Kolb also opted to change the kitchen by taking out the pre-fab island and replacing it with a custom island that is now “more like a piece of furntiture,” says Kolb. The newly remodeled kitchen features creamy colors, such as warm brown and gold. The cabinets display an antique look, thanks to the chocolate antique finish that was applied to the almond base color. The kitchen reflects an Old World, eclectic European style.

Space was also added to the master bedroom. The master bath and closet were ripped out. A spacious, glassed-in shower with slate upgraded the new bath and the addition of an office created a more convenient home workspace for Kolb. A walk-in closet was also among the upgrades.

When asked for words of wisdom about how to handle remodeling a house you’re living in, Kolb’s advice is succinct: Move out. 

“We stayed for the first four months, but then we couldn’t sleep because of too much dust,” she says. The Kolbs moved in with Thomas’ parents for the final three months of the remodeling project.

“Remodeling always takes a little longer than you think it will, and it is an inconvenience when your life is disrupted,” Kolb says. “But I wouldn’t change anything.” 

Resource List

Contractor: Dick Otke Construction
Interior Design: Brenda Kolb
Flooring: Stroebel Hardwood Floors
Furniture: Major Interiors
Paint: Major Interiors
Cabinets: Ron Irvin Custom Cabinet Shop