Programs - 2001

Below is a summary of the programs presented at each meeting.

01-22   Madina Oumkhanova, our guest speaker, comes from the town of Grozny in the Republic of Chechnya in Russia. Madina described the political and geographical conditions of her homeland which have contributed to decades of turmoil. 

02-12 -Columbia College's Sesquicentennial Jane Froman Singers.    This talented group of twenty-four young people gave a performance in story, song and slides, reflecting an historical review of Columbia College.
05-07-Larry “Bo” Bossaller introduced today’s program, Presiding Boone County Commissioner, Don Stamper.
05-14-Dr. Terry Weidner, Director, Asian Affairs Center at the University of Missouri, gave an overview of changes in the Chinese government/culture since 1976.  Socialism was redefined by Deng Xiaoping, who gave people incentives, based on control over land.
05-21-Chris Gervino, NBC8 Sports Director and NBC8 Sports Show Host, gave a brief overview of Columbia’s local sports scene from the University, Columbia College, and Hickman and Rock Bridge High schools.
06-04-Christa and John Stone own Show Me Pet Guard. They provide a variety of products to enable responsible pet ownership.
06-18-Paul Stickney, senior Vice President of Putnam Investments, gave an overview of  factors affecting a slowing down of the economy.
07-23-Tim Reedy of State Farm Insurance, gave an interesting history of State Farm as well as recent changes in the insurance industry, due in large part to technological advances. 
07-30-Don Copenhaver, President & COO of MFA Inc., gave a brief history of the origins of MFA, Inc. MFA Inc. is the oldest regional farm supply and grain company in the USA.
08-06-Garry Spotts gave a brief history of the Mid Missouri Soap Box Derby and the DOC involvement with this unique event. David Holmes added “color” to the video presentation of this year’s event AND and introduced each Columbia participant who gave a report of his/her experience in Akron. 
08-13-Steve Paulsell, Chief of the Boone County Fire District, presented a history of the development of the fire department in Boone County.
08-20- Suzanne Sharp, described the work of Synergy at Work. a local company, developed from Missouri Employers Mutual, that provides corporate training.
08-27-David White, new director of the Missouri Symphony Society and the Missouri Theatre, showed a video outlining a plan to put a Cultural Arts Center in place where the Missouri Theatre is located.
09-10-Dr. Mary Laffey, former principal of Oakland Jr. High, and current director of human resources of the Columbia Public School system. 
11-12-Youth Appreciation Week.  Ed Musterman, chairman of Youth Appreciation Week, spoke to us about the selection of an outstanding youth from our community.  An important aspect of the criteria is to honor a young person who has achieved success in life, having had to overcome adversity and difficulty.  He introduced Bill Bishop who has been a mentor to our honoree, Nicki Boone.  
11-19-John Yonker, Senior Minister of the First Christian Church, brought a personal message for the Thanksgiving season.
12-10-Vicki Russell presented photos from the book "Columbia Missouri, Images of our Lives Since 1901".  This coffee table edition is a compilation of photos that depict the history of each decade, and is available through the Tribune.
12-17-An ensemble boys choir from Rock Bridge High School, under the direction of Bob Bohan, sang a selection of holiday favorites.  They performed an encore from their show repertoire.