County Living Magazine Early Spring 2021

H O M E + H E A LT H + R E C R E AT I O N

COUNTY LIVING E A R LY S P R I N G 2 0 2 1

Bring nature home with your own Water Garden We provide expert custom design and installation of ponds, recreation ponds, streams and waterfalls. These sustainable ecosystems can be used to harvest rainwater and control storm water runoff.

We are Master Certified Aquascape Contractors, first place winners of the North American Pond/Waterfall Competition and St. Louis’s first Certified RainXchange Professionals. Named by Aquascape as the 2012 Artist of the Year, and ranked #4 among all Certified Aquascape Contractors worldwide.

For an on-site consultation or private water feature tour, please call Chris at 314-220-3841 Visit our portfolio at www.re-createnature.com Facebook.com/ NaturesReCreations

Live Better at Home

A new way to design and remodel

“We are about living, not just a

project or product.” Says Dana King,

“homes should work for people.”

Dana King Design Build Remodeling excels in cohesive and collaborative design, tackling all aspects of home beyond what most providers do. The team manages the details and eliminates the hassles typical of most home improvement projects.

Dana brings passionate professionals with skills and

certifications in WELL Standards for healthy living, Universal Design to make spaces function for a wide range of abilities, Smart-home technology to provide connectivity, and organization to make life seamless

for busy families.

Projects range from home furnishings to home additions. They answer the perplexing feasibility questions such as what improvements create the best value, how to phase the projects and options to fund the project.

Visit DANAKING.COM to view our projects and to schedule an inspiring in-home or virtual consultation, or call

314-914-2840

NARI Certified Remodeler – committed to excellence in design, quality, on-time delivery, cleanliness and communication. Over 200 online reviews.

This issue introduces Marla Esser Cloos’s column The Green Home Coach – Simple Choices for a Better Home

COUNTY LIVING

What’s Inside

H O W C A N W E H E L P YO U R B U S I N E S S ?

CHECK OUT OUR NEW WEBSITE

CO U N T Y L I V I N G M AG . CO M

H E A LTH & F ITN E S S

HOME

E X TE R I O R S

10 A Truly Life-Changing Experience

16 Home Interiors: Start with a Clean Slate

32 You Can Have a Garden Deer Won't Destroy

11 Dentistry for a More Attractive Smile

17 Consider Refacing Instead of Replacing

34 Distinctive Features Add Enjoyment

12 Improving Bone Density, Muscle

18 The Green Home Coach - Marla Esser Cloos

Strength and Balance

19 Custom Closet and Home Office Solutions

13 Losing Weight: The Power to Control Your Behavior

14 Breath Easier Using Salt Room Therapy 14 Are You Ready to Own Your Own Health?

15 An Effective Solution to an Uncomfortable Problem

20 If Your Home Is Settling, Don't Panic 21 Is the Air in Your Home Making You Sick?

24 Make and Keep Garage and Basement

to Your Yard

35 Does Your Home Have Uneven Concrete Surfaces?

36 A Love Letter to Nature's Re-Creations 38 The Basement Egress Window

Floors Attractive

25 Waterproof to Remodel Your Basement 26 Keep Your Marble Looking Spectacular 28 Insulation and Weatherization Reduce Costs

G E TAWAYS

P E T LOV E & C A R E

FO R YO U R I N FO R M ATI O N

40 Activities & Events Calendar

50 Ask The Trainer with Kaitlin Waite

53 A New "Dining Out at Home Experience"

42 On the Road with John Drake Robinson

50 Funny Bones

54 How to Lower Your Property Taxes

46 The Creative Couple of Chainsaw Art

52 The Benefits of a Hidden Fence

55 Don't Wait for Your Home Network to Fail

by Gerry Mandel

CO LU M N S

49 A Place in the Country by Bill Ziercher

8 Random Musings from Gerry Mandel

56 Successful Sale of a Small Business 57 Thinking of Remarrying? Consider a Pre-nuptial Agreement

58 The Book for Every Home in St. Louis

When You Want Your RENOVATION Done Right . . .

YOU WANT OLD SCHOOL Old School Renovation specializes in kitchen and bathroom remodeling, room additions, custom tile work, restoration after fires and water damage, cabinet painting and refinishing, flooring, painting, drywall and more. And we do it all the only way we know – with OLD SCHOOL CR AF T SMANSHIP. We are fully insured and happy to provide excellent references.

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COUNTY LIVING

VO LU M E 21 / E A R LY S P R I N G 2 02 1 PU B LISH E R /E DITOR

Todd Abrams DESIG N + CRE ATIVE DIREC TION + PRODUC TION

For information regarding advertising, call: COU NT Y LIVING PU B LICATIONS

314-432-1171 phone 314-569-3380 fax P.O. Box 411036 St. Louis, MO 63141

Michael Kilfoy, Studio X ACCOU NT E XECUTIVE

Carol Kindinger Walsworth Fulton

To see this issue and archived articles online with links to resources, visit

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COU NT YLIVING MAG .COM

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ON THE COVER

Insight Marketing

Located in an exclusive West County neighborhood, this backyard oasis is the perfect blend of sophistication and fun. A substantial shallow area gradually descends into a spacious deep end, complete with a jump board and multiple tanning ledges.

Clad in warm stone to complement the outdoor fireplace, a raised wall housing a three-foot sheer descent water feature serves as the main focal point. The sheer descent, visible from the entire back yard as well as the interior of the home, adds a whimsical touch and the calming sound of continuously flowing water.

Equipped with an advanced audio and visual system, the pool and accompanying seating areas offer the ideal setting for hosting a party with friends or a simple outdoor movie night with the family.

Flora Design & Landscape, a member of the Baker Pool family of companies, completed the space with a landscaping design that is both tasteful and sensible. Several strategically placed metal palm trees create a tropical ambiance without the demanding maintenance required of plants not native to the St. Louis region.

Baker Pool Construction has enjoyed delivering breathtaking projects in the St. Louis area for over 50 years. For more in-depth information, see their ad on the inside back cover or visit them online at www.bakerpoolconstruction.com.

Todd & Daisy

Michael & Callie

Carol & Mia

County Living Magazine is published quarterly by County Living Publications and distributed to select homeowners in the St. Louis area.

Articles are selected to provide useful information about home, health, travel and recreation.

Opinions expressed in articles and editorials are those of the authors, and do not necessarily reflect the views of County Living Publications.

While every effort is made to assure accuracy, we are not responsible for how information found in County Living Magazine is used.

We are very interested in reader comments or suggestions.

Correspondence should be sent to the address above or to editor@CountyLivingMag.com.

Reproduction of content of this magazine without permission is prohibited. All submitted materials, including images, logos and text for advertising, articles and editorials are assumed to be the property of the contributor, and County Living Publications does not take responsibility for unintentional copyright infringement. County Living Publications has the right to refuse advertising and content not deemed appropriate for this publication.

Circulation is verified by U.S. Postal receipts.

Your wardrobe fits.

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Call for free design consultation or visit us online at countyliving.info/closetfactory closetfactory.com

©2017 Closet Factory. All rights reserved.

the art of organization CL#2

Random Musings FROM GERRY MANDEL

GERRY MANDEL writes plays, short stories, essays, blogs and an occasional novel. He also plays blues and boogie, which you can enjoy on Facebook. Enter his name in the Facebook Search.

My Table Will Be Waiting Again

I

R A N D O M

M U S I N G S

’ve been streaming a lot the past few months. I know that sounds like a medical condition. “I’m going in for surgery next week. Been streaming a lot.” You know what I mean. I’ve been watching some of the new series and movies, many of them quite good. I almost bought a chess set after “The Queen’s Gambit,” but came to my senses.

Scrabble and gin rummy are enough of a challenge for me.

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This may be the most personal reminder of how much we’ve changed. Restaurants have been devastated by the pandemic, many of them never to return. Some of the best ones, I’m afraid.

And the sounds. Oh, those beautiful sounds. A symphony of conversation and laughs, and knives and forks on dishes, an energy carried by sound waves and delicious aromas that say you are in the right place, and heaven is here right now. Okay, I’m getting carried away. But I do miss the experience of going out to eat.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. No wine steward, no “live” music. Just the staff, the food, and the waiter who asks what you want, confides in you that the snapper is to die for, asks how would you like your steak cooked, “I suggest medium rare,” and then asks the inevitable question after the main course: “Did we save room for dessert?”

Who’s the “we” in this? Is the waiter going to join us?

Old movies, however, exert a relentless pull on me. Many I remember fondly, some I don’t remember much about, a few I’ve never seen. The combination of nostalgia, engrossing stories, and performances have stayed with me. There is, however, a side effect to these movies. They make me long for the good old days, “those days” being the last months of 2019.

Before the virus.

The scenes that grab me take place in a restaurant. Any restaurant. As I sit in front of my TV now and dine on my takeout/carry-out/curbside egg foo young, I am transported by the sight of people enjoying dinner in a restaurant. They can play an important role in movies and series. “My Dinner with Andre,” 1981, a full-length movie that takes place at one table in a restaurant. “Dinner Rush”, 2000, and “Big Night,” 1996, in New York and New Jersey respectively. Both Italian, of course. Along with “The Sopranos” and “The Godfather.”

Waiters, activity, lovable characters, and plates of pasta, veal, scampi, olive oil and crusty bread and red wine and tiramisu. Ah, the romance of eating out, even if someone gets whacked.

say, “Straight up.” I even have my choice of vodka. “Ketel One,” I say confidently. And so it begins. The Ceremony of the Meal. A cast of impeccable characters: the waiter, the busboy (or bus person?), the wine expert with the opener around his neck.

Maybe a friend stops by the table with a “How’ve you been?” And a handshake.

(Remember those?)

On a personal level, here’s what I miss: The ceremony of Going Out to Eat. A crowded restaurant, lots of chatter and laughter, clinks of forks and plates, maybe some cool jazz in the background. Talking with Z and friends. The maitre’d smiles warmly, genuinely happy to see us. He even remembers my name. Right on time, he shows us to our waiting table, slides my chair out for me. Maybe even unfolds the cloth napkin to lay in my lap. The white linen tablecloth, the place settings, the freshly poured glasses of water with ice - a fantasy realized.

How can you exist this long without the satisfaction of a waiter handing out menus, asking, “Would you care for a drink?” Of course I would. “A vodka Gibson, please,” I

Finally, the check, the credit cards, the chairs pushed away from the table, and a cheerful departure, stopping by a table on the way out to say hello to someone you haven’t seen in a while.

I heard that Giovanni’s Little Place, in Ladue, has shuttered. I am saddened, as though I have lost a dear friend. Fond memories, shared with Z. Many other places also gone. I wonder about those beautiful men and women who made going out to eat so special. Made me feel special. Where are they? How are they? They, too, are lost.

Someday this classic ritual will return. But the faces and places, the names and ambiance will be different. We’ll adjust to this new world. Our tables will be waiting. And it will be time to build new memories.

meeting, I could tell that he was genuinely excited about helping me. I got the clear impression that if I put in a full effort to achieve my goals, he would, too. I started working out with him about a year ago.

A Truly LifeChanging Experience ACCO M P L I S H YO U R G OA L S , I M P R OV E YO U R H E A LT H A N D E N J O Y D O I N G I T

BY ALE X H U M M E L

I

came to see Bret because I needed to change my life. After college, I was really struggling to find a job, and in frustration, my eating got out of control. I am a big guy, but I got up to 445 pounds, the most I ever weighed. That affected job interviews because recruiters were judging me by my weight. But more important is that my own self-image was bringing me down. Finally, I realized that I was really jeopardizing my health and my whole life.

I had worked out with trainers during high school and college, with mixed results. Each seemed to have their own training specialties, whether it was cardio, calisthenics or body building. Their routines just didn’t seem to be really focused on me or my own goals. I lost weight, but the workouts became routine, and were just not something I really enjoyed doing. Later, I tried to work out on my own, but I was always coming up with an excuse for not doing it.

I met Bret through a family friend who was working out with him. From the first

BRET KLIETHERMES is owner of STRONG HUMAN FITNESS LLC, a personal training company that offers Complete Fitness Programs to help his clients reach their personal health and fitness goals.

Bret has a Bachelor of Science in Health & Wellness Promotion from Missouri State University, is a Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist and Professional Member of the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

Bret works with clients at The Fitness Partner, Inc., a boutique

My goal was to first lose weight, then gradually put on muscle. I don’t want to be a body builder, just to be in good shape, to carry myself well. In addition to my workouts, Bret also guides my daily diet – what I eat, how much and when. But what is really great is that he is there also as support and motivation. I stay in touch with him on workouts I do on the days when I am not with him, and on what I am eating every day. It is the accountability I always wanted.

I could see results shortly after I began training with Bret, and started to feel the effects within a month. Other people notice, but I don’t want to feel complacent based on what others say. In less than a year I have lost 120 pounds, and I really have more energy and am having a lot more fun working out than I have ever had before. Bret knows how to change things up, adding variety and interest to the workouts, to make them stay enjoyable. Now I feel a lot better and my whole outlook is much more positive.

To anyone who is looking to change their lives, lose weight, get in better shape, I would say, invest yourself in making the change. Let that desire push you to get started now. Keep going until you see and feel the change for yourself. And I would certainly recommend Bret to help you accomplish your goals. He is by far the best trainer I have worked with and he has helped me feel the best I have ever felt.

gym located at 14528 South Outer 40 Road, Chesterfield 63017. For 25 years, owner/ operator Randy Stone has offered a more private alternative to the large box gyms that are often noisy and overcrowded.

Bret offers both private and semi-private training to fit all budgets and schedules. For a no-obligation, no-pressure consultation to discuss your goals and programs, you can call Bret at 314-691-9040, email bret@stronghumanfitness.com or visit www.stronghumanfitness.com.

THE FITNESS PARTNER GYM IS NOW OPEN, AND THEY ARE OBSERVING ST. LOUIS COUNTY HEALTH GUIDELINES TO PROTECT CLIENTS AND STAFF.

DR. ADAM BIRK is owner of Westport Dental, located in the 77 Building in Westport Plaza. Dr. Birk employs these and many other advanced technologies to enable more accurate, safe, long-lasting and aesthetically pleasing dental solutions, while assuring patient comfort.

To schedule an appointment with Dr. Birk, you can call his office at 314-434-7300, or visit their website at www.westportdentalstl.com.

All County Health guidelines are observed to protect patients and staff.

THE SMILE ANALYSIS AND SMILE PLAN We start with a Smile Analysis. My team and I sit down with the patient to listen to your wants and desires for what your smile should look like. The discussion will be focused on your desired color, shape and size of your teeth, as well as spaces, straightness, and how your bite comes together.

Then, with your help we will come up with a Smile Plan to give you a better smile.

Based on the Smile Analysis, we determine what tools we could use to make your smile as perfect as possible. We have many tools to work with, including Zoom® whitening, white fillings, Invisalign, veneers, crowns, implants and dentures to make your smile as attractive as possible. After this planning step we will determine specific cosmetic and restorative steps to take and work at a timeline that suits you.

Here is a brief description of three of the more popular options we offer:

DENTAL VENEERS Veneers are a great cosmetic procedure that allows the front surface of the tooth to be covered by porcelain.

It will create the whole new smile Above: before and and look you below: after desire. They are usually suggested when teeth are discolored, there is crowding, or misshaped teeth.

Above: before and below: after

INVISALIGN® Invisalign is a clear aligner option for straightening teeth.

Not many want to experience metal braces if there are other options. If you are established as a candidate for Invisalign, x-rays, pictures and impressions will be utilized to create your treatment course which will show exact teeth movements throughout the process. Clear, custom-made aligners will then be created to follow your treatment plan.

Implant construction

A DENTIST WHO REALLY LISTENS TO YOU We take the approach of individualized care. This includes listening to your needs and desires to customize your care accordingly. We strive to create long lasting relationships that are mutually fulfilling.

F I T N E S S

A

dentist’s first commitment is keeping your teeth and gums healthy and pain-free. But also very important to our patients is that their dental health is help make their appearance the best it can be.

Dental implants are the best replacement for a missing tooth or multiple missing teeth. They have the benefit of not shaving down teeth right next to the missing tooth. A dental implant is an artificial root of a tooth that is replaced, and bone heals around the placement (osteointegration). Then a natural looking tooth is mounted on the root. Dental implants feel and look as if you were never missing a tooth!

&

BY D R . A DA M B I R K , D M D

DENTAL IMPLANTS

H E A LT H

WE HAVE MANY WAYS TO MAKE YOUR SMILE AS AT TR ACTIVE AS POSSIBLE

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Let’s Plan Your Best Smile

HERE ARE WHAT MEMBERS OF OSTEOSTRONG RIGHT HERE IN ST. LOUIS HAVE TO SAY: PAT T Y, 62 M E M B E R SINCE SE P TE M B E R 2016

“Ten years ago I discovered that I had osteoporosis in my spine. I chose to monitor it and took no injections. Every year my scans showed no significant changes. I decided to try OsteoStrong in 2016. After five months I had another scan and again had no significant change. But after 22 months of OsteoStrong, I had another scan and my spine density had increased 8.8%! I now have osteopenia instead of osteoporosis. I was shocked and pleased, as was my doctor. My doctor asked what I was doing differently, and I told her that I had been going to OsteoStrong. I couldn’t be happier with my results or with OsteoStrong.”

Scientific Breakthrough for Improving Bone Density, Muscle Strength and Balance

H E A LT H

&

F I T N E S S

RESEARCH SHOWS: SEVEN - MINUTE WEEKLY SESSIONS PROVIDE MEASUR ABLE RESULTS

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R

ecent research shows that standard exercise isn’t nearly as effective as had been thought for building bone density and strength. A peer-reviewed study determined that for adults to increase bone density in hips faster than they are losing it requires osteogenic loading, resistance of at least 4.2 times one’s body weight. When done properly, osteogenic loading also triggers muscle development that is qualitatively different than from conventional exercise. Only high-resistance loading stimulates increased density of myofibrils, the proteins in cells responsible for contracting muscles.

In 2012, wellness company OsteoStrong began offering their patented osteogenic loading system in centers across the US. People all over the world who are using this technology are experiencing not only improved bone density, but also muscle strength, improved posture and balance, and increased athletic performance.

It is a seven-minute sweat-free session in four different positions - chest, leg/hips, core and spine, that triggers an adaptive flexing response in bones and connective muscles. This is done in positions that are self-imposed for maximum results and safety. The system improves overall strength, balance and posture, without fatigue or soreness. And it works for people of all ages.

The first OsteoStrong center in the St. Louis area opened in Creve Coeur in 2016. Now there are seven additional locations – Clayton, Ballwin, O’Fallon, Chesterfield, South County, Sunset Hills and Ladue.

ALL OSTEOSTRONG CENTERS ARE NOW OPEN, BY APPOINTMENT ONLY. The health and well-being of our

members and staff are our highest priority, so we are following St. Louis County and St. Charles County health guidelines.

To schedule an appointment or for more information, you can call 314-270-2005.

You can learn more about OsteoStrong at: www.OsteoStrong.me.

DENNIS MEMBER SINCE JULY 2018

“I had a total knee replacement four years ago, brought on by a lifetime of competitive golf and tennis.

I noticed that my “good” knee was tiring out after 16 holes, and I was contemplating another knee replacement. After six months at OsteoStrong, I no longer feel that way. 18 holes is not a challenge anymore, and my “good knee” is holding up better than ever. I would recommend OsteoStrong to anyone.”

JANA , 54 AN D M EGAN , 23 M E M B E RS SINCE FE B RUARY 2018

“My doctor recommended OsteoStrong to me after I started experiencing side effects from osteoporosis medication. After learning there was also a benefit for muscles (myofibrils), tendons and ligaments, I decided to have my daughter join with me. Megan was diagnosed with hypotonic muscles as a baby that caused a lack of muscle tone and a significant muscle nerve delay, which impact her reflexes and have limited her driving capabilities. But after 10 months of OsteoStrong, at age 23 Megan is able to drive by herself and has her own car! I know I’m strengthening MY bones, but Megan’s results are a dream that we never thought would become reality. Thank you OsteoStrong!

Photos by JBeauvais Photography

JOAN KRUEGER has a private practice with an office in Kirkwood. Many individuals have achieved their behavior change goals, both personal and professional, through guidance they have received in her hypnosis sessions. You can contact Joan Krueger to discuss how hypnosis could help you achieve positive change in your own life by calling her at (314) 962-7558, or visiting her web site www.jfkhypnosis.com.

H Y P N OTH E R APY C A S E STU DY # 2 :

Losing Weight by Changing Your Eating Habits: You Have the Power to Control Your Behavior

CREVE COEUR R AC Q U E T C L U B ST. LOUIS’S #1 TENNIS CLUB – AND MORE!

The Only Tennis Club in St. Louis with: 10 Indoor Courts 8 Outdoor Hard Courts 3 Outdoor Clay Courts 2 Outdoor Platform Tennis Courts CORE Academy

BY J OAN K R U EG E R , CE R TI FI E D HYPNOTHERAPIST

I

n 25 years of practicing hypnosis, I’ve worked with a lot of people who wanted to lose weight. I recall a woman who came in and wanted to lose between 50 and 60 pounds. She had classic poor eating habits.

She snacked on a lot of sweets and salty snacks and ate a lot of fast food. Her portions were too large when she ate her meals. She drank a lot of soda. Plus, she was a stress eater.

During her first session, after I explained how hypnosis works, we talked about all of those areas that needed change. Once we started the hypnosis portion of the session, I showed her that her subconscious mind could help her to create changes. I had her create heaviness in her arm so that she wasn’t able to lift it from the chair.

We did a couple of other suggestions so that her mind began to realize, to a very large degree, it was controlling her physical body.

Then I gave her suggestions about the junk food no longer holding the same appeal. I suggested that she would feel full and completely satisfied with smaller amounts of food at her mealtimes. I suggested that she was more drawn to water than to soda. I also gave her a suggestion that the same powerful part of her mind could find better ways for her to experience and deal with stress, without using food for that purpose.

When she came back for her follow-up session, two weeks after that she had lost 8 pounds. She did so well that she was able to reduce her weight by almost 50 pounds in about three months.

The power is inside of you. I can show you where. You can call me if you have questions or if you would like to schedule a session.

Pickleball is the Fastest Growing Sport!

4 Indoor Pickleball Courts v 2 Outdoor Pickleball Courts Clinics v Private Lessons v Open Play Let Us Keep You in Shape!

Training Center Cardio Center Trapeze Yoga Plus These Member Benefits: Olympic Outdoor Pool BAR & Full-Service Clubhouse Dining Private Lessons and Group Tennis Classes Fully Equipped Pro Shop

Join Now!

Individual or Family Membership

314-434-0344 www.ccrctennis.com

Breathe Easier Using Salt Room Therapy

W

hen Clay Juracsik started The St. Louis Salt Room over 10 years ago, it was partially as a therapy for his daughter.

She had severe asthma and he saw that it was taking a toll on her health. He was looking for something that could help her and make her less dependent on the drugs she needed to take.

Clay had studied halotheraphy and learned of its many benefits, and even traveled to Europe and Russia to visit other salt spas to learn everything he could about them.

Her breathing improved quickly and after several months found that she was able to cut the need for her meds by 90%. “Halotherapy has made her lungs much healthier. It made a huge difference. It made me more of a believer than I already was,” Clay said. “She hasn't needed medication in a long time.”

thousands of years to treat a long list of common ailments.

It was discovered in the mid-1800s that people who worked in the salt mines of Poland and surrounding countries had a remarkably low rate of respiratory illnesses. Soon a clinic was placed within one of these salt mines, which is still in operation today. In order to simulate the therapeutic effects within salt mines, spas emulating salt caves were built on the surface, where people would visit routinely to breathe the air which was saturated with beneficial salt particles and negatively-charged ions.

Recently, engineers created a device called a Halo-generator, which not only simulates the conditions in salt mines, but accelerates the effect. A salt aerosol fills the air with tiny particles, which have been clinically proven to deliver the most optimal results.

A HISTORY OF BENEFIT

FOR ADULTS & CHILDREN

Halotherapy chambers have been popular in Europe and are now seeing popularity in the United States. Salt has been used for

Halotherapy is beneficial to people of all ages, and actually children often experience the greatest results. Salt Therapy is recommended

H E A LT H

&

F I T N E S S

Are You Ready to Own Your Own Health?

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THE MOST ACCURATE WAYS TO KNOW YOUR BODY IN 2020 ou see a lot of promises STYKU offers the fastest non-invasive for reducing weight and measures of body fat composition, a major body fat, increasing lean indicator of potential health risks. In just muscle and bone density.

35 seconds, a full body scan extracts hunYou’re probably taking dreds of measurements with unparalleled control of your health with exercise and accuracy. No humiliating fat calipers, meabetter diet. But how can you really know suring tapes or risk of human error. Styku how you’re doing? provides simple graphics to track how your There is now a solution that provides diet and hard work are benefiting you. you scientific data and images to assure DXA is a 15-minute comprehensive you’re getting results and improving your snapshot of your exact bone density. This health. At one location there is a full range of advanced body assessment technologies that affordably provide you the tools, knowledge and power to Know Your Body and Own Your Health.

Y

BODY ANALYTICS is a non-med-

ical clinic offering the most accurate body composition results possible.

Body Analytics enables you to set and monitor progress toward your health, fitness and disease prevention goals. Their technologies include:

for those who suffer from respiratory ailments like Asthma, Bronchitis, Sinusitis, and even allergies. Many people use it to lower their stress and relieve fatigue and depression. Athletes use it to optimize their breathing and improve circulation.

ST. LOUIS’ FIRST SALT SPA

The St. Louis Salt Room was the first Salt Spa in the Midwest (fifth the in the U.S.) and has many regular clients, including some doctors, nurses and other medical personnel.

They are located at 2739 Sutton Blvd. in Maplewood 2739 Sutton Blvd, just 3 blocks south of Manchester. To learn more about how the St. Louis Salt Room can help you, visit www.mysaltspa.com. You can call (314) 647-2410 to schedule an appointment. is the Golden Standard used to determine Osteoporosis and Osteopenia. DXA can also provide a full-body composition image.

Very weak x-ray beams detect composition percentages, including visceral fat, providing an advanced image of your entire body and insight into potential health risks.

KORR assessment is a simple 10-min-

ute test that measures how much food, or energy, is required to maintain basic body functions in a state of rest. This enables you to take control over your metabolic health and stop the guesswork of modifying caloric intake for weight gain or loss. KORR will give you a clear picture of how your weight loss program is impacting your metabolism, ensuring that your diet is maintaining your metabolic rate.

Body Analytics is now offering their Introductory 8 Week Challenge. For one low price, you will receive 3 DXA scans, 3 Styku scans and 3 measures of resting metabolic heart rate. To take advantage of this special offer and book a session at Body Analytics, you can call them at 314-471-5373. You can learn more at www.bodyanalytics.fit about what they offer. They are located at 4290 Telegraph Road 63129, just 12 minutes from Manchester and 270.

An Effective Solution for an Uncomfortable Problem

BETSY CLEMENS MD is owner and medical principal at Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center, located at 450 North New Ballas Road in Creve Coeur.

Dr. Clemens has specialized in evaluating and treating anal/rectal disorders for over 10 years and has performed over 28,000 IRC procedures. Prior to opening MWHTC, Dr. Clemens had a very busy family medicine practice and she remains board certified in family medicine. She has a comprehensive understanding of the body and uses a systematic approach to the diagnostic and treatment process. She received her medical degree from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and completed her residency at St. Johns Mercy Medical Center. For an appointment at the Midwest Hemorrhoid Treatment Center, you can call 314-384-5710. To learn more about them and about IRC, you can visit mwhtc-stl.com.

INFR ARED COAGUL ATION IS A PAINLESS , L ASTING TREATMENT FOR HEMORRHOIDS .

BY B ETSY CLE M E NS , M D

A

lmost everyone suffers from hemorrhoids at some time in their lives. Hemorrhoids are normal “cushions” of tissue filled with blood vessels at the end of the rectum. If enlarged, they can cause unpleasant symptoms. If left untreated, surgery may be required, which can be painful and require days to weeks of recovery.

Treatment options depend on the size of the hemorrhoids and severity of symptoms.

Topical medications can relieve itching and shrink mild hemorrhoids. But for enlarged or bleeding hemorrhoids, options for longer-term relief have been limited to sclerotherapy, involving injections similar to those for varicose veins, rubber band ligation, stapling and surgery. Each of these can have varying

results, cause days of discomfort and possibly cause complications, some of which are severe.

But another option is available, an outpatient procedure called infrared coagulation (IRC).

It provides long-term relief and is a minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure that many studies have shown to be the optimal non-operative treatment of choice. It is fast, effective, well tolerated and has fewer complications than other options.

The IRC treatment focuses infrared light on hemorrhoidal tissues. This coagulates blood vessels, causing the hemorrhoid to shrink and retract. The IRC procedure does not require anesthesia or special preparation. Patients may feel a slight warm sensation, but it usually is painless, and most patients return to work the same day. IRC received FDA clearance in 1984 and is covered by most insurance plans.

NEED A CONCRETE ‘MAKEOVER’?

We have been transforming plain and boring concrete to beautiful, durable surfaces for over 37 years. Let us design and install a masterpiece at your home.

Here’s what our customers say about working with Decorative Concrete Resurfacing: “Wow! We came back from vacation yesterday and were so pleased with the work you all did while we were gone. Makes us wish we had done it years ago!”

– Cathy Milton “Thanks for a job well done. We think it’s beautiful.”

– Joe Stangl

Garage Floors

Patios

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Interior Floors

See over 50 live video testimonials of our customers and their projects youtube.com/user/DecorConcreteStLouis

“Your company was easy to work with, did a great application and cleanup. Everything handled professionally, and the patio looks great!”

– Steve and Ann Proscino

Our 37th Anniversary Special: Save up to $500 off your job.

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seating arrangements and other complementary items.

5. DON’T FORGET THE BELLS AND WHISTLES

… Or in this case, the decor and accessories that tie everything together. This is a step to consider as you declutter and reorganize — if you removed accent decor from space, does it need to be replaced? New accessories can make your home feel complete again after cleaning things up.

Redesigning, styling and organizing your home all in one go can be more time-efficient, but it can also be an intimidating feat. If you’re ready to start the new year off with a clean slate but need some assistance, it’s time to reach out to a personal decorator from Decorating Den Interiors.

Home Interiors: It’s Time to Start with a Clean Slate

I

H O M E

t was an unpredictable year, to say the least. No one could’ve forecasted the whirlwind that was 2020. And while there’s no telling how different things will be come January 2021, many can agree that the opportunity for a fresh, clean slate can encourage a more positive outcome for the new year.

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Traditional goals and resolutions often entail losing weight, saving money or making time for a new hobby. But who says you can’t step outside the box and set a home-inspired resolution instead?

Restyling your home and removing clutter can work wonders for your living space and encourage a clear mindset as well.

Here are a few tips for styling your home with a clean slate: 1. DECLUTTER

Letting go of the clutter you’ve collected in the last year during quarantine can be a cleanse and home revamp in itself. When clearing out the chaos remind yourself of each room’s purpose. For instance, you shouldn’t have stacks of mail taking vacancy on the kitchen table. Likewise, your bedroom isn’t for the kids’ toys. Dispose of the items you don’t need, use or want, and rearrange everything in between.

They can come to your home, or call you, for a free in-home or virtual design consultation. During the discussion, the design consultant will get to know you and better understand your home goals, personal style,

2. CREATE A NEW ORGANIZATION SYSTEM

Getting organized is the first step.

Maintaining the hard work and keeping everything in its rightful place is the second half of the battle. Placing various shelving systems in different rooms of your home can help keep things in order and add style to the functionality of the living space.

3. REPAINT THE WALLS

If you’re looking for the ultimate refresh, painting the walls can satisfy your craving to change things up for the new year.

According to Better Homes & Gardens, some of the trendy paint colors emerging in 2021 include those with earthy rust tones, as well as aqua, teal, apricot and a rich and bold gray-brown. This gives you plenty of options to work from that flow with your personal style and the look you want to achieve. Of course, you can always choose your own paint color that goes against the trends; express yourself!

4. UPGRADE YOUR FURNITURE

wants and needs. From there, your personal decorator will be your go-to specialist throughout the redesign process, answering all questions and assisting you whenever you need.

Similar to painting the walls, new furniture can add a fresh new face to any room. This is a great move to consider if you haven’t updated your furniture in a decade, or you’re interested in downsizing to achieve a more minimalist look. Use your new wall color to inspire a new style, pattern and texture for

The new year is the perfect time to break new ground on a revamping living space.

You can contact the Decorating Den Interiors St. Louis area team by email at SWATDesignTeam@DecoratingDen.com or at 314-275-0667 or, and you can learn more at www.DecoratingDen.com.

THE SMART CHOICE FOR UPDATING YOUR KITCHEN

cabinet dimmable LED lighting. Ask about the build-up option that allows us to add to the top of your cabinet to make a standard 30” cabinet into a 42” tall wall cabinet.

Consider Refacing Instead of Replacing

I

f you’re looking for a fresh new look for your kitchen, you may not need to go to the expense and mess of tearing out and replacing your old cabinets. If they are structurally sound, you can get a completely new look in a much less time and at a fraction of the cost by refacing all visible surfaces of the cabinets instead of building new ones.

Custom counter tops and tile backsplash combine to offer a complete package. A totally new and updated kitchen.

PLENTY OF OPTIONS TO CHOOSE FROM

ADVANTAGES OF REFACING

You will have literally hundreds of door styles and colors to choose from, and many options to explore. A few of the most popular options include crown molding, pull out storage in the base cabinets, glass door fronts, and under-

HOW IT WORKS In refacing, doors are replaced and all exposed surface are covered with matching ¼ inch hardwood or panels. Additional cabinets can be added. With all new doors, new soft close hinges and all new handles or knobs, your kitchen will be completely updated.

Surround Your Home with the Landscaping It Deserves We can enhance your home with creative landscape design and installation: patios, walls, walkways, water features, rock gardens, firepits & fireplaces, stone and mortar.

Also, erosion and drainage control and bio-swale solutions. All lawn care, plant bed maintenance, mulching and leaf clean-up. Snow plowing and ice management.

Let us create a custom design and maintenance plan for your unique needs.

Cabinet refacing provides a neat, clean installation, and is usually less than half the cost of a total tear out remodel. In most cases the cabinets can be refaced, counter top replaced, and a new backsplash installed in one week.

Many of us have friends that have had total tear out remodels. Ask them how long it took for the remodel. Then ask the cost.

Classic Kitchen Refacing LLC has been the St. Louis area’s leader in cabinet refacing for years.

They can help you make all the decisions in design and selection of coordinating countertops and hardware to give your kitchen a completely new look. You can call them for a free in-home estimate at 314-470-5010.

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE

(314) 220-0400 See our gallery at suburbiastl.com

The Green Home Coach

BY MARL A ESSE R CLOOS

MARLA ESSER CLOOS, NAHB Master Certified Green Professional, and LEED AP, is the principal of Green Home Coach where she uses her “superpowers” to help home professionals and inhabitants to discover and create better homes for healthier, more comfortable lives. Making simple swaps to green and sustainable choices helps create better homes – a bit at a time in existing homes or all at once for new and remodeled homes. Find more at GreenHomeCoach.com and @greenhomecoach on FB and IG.

Simple Choices for a Better Home

Y

our home is your refuge. It’s the place where the little moments in life happen every day.

Where you wake up and smell the coffee, read your kiddo a bedtime story, scratch your dog’s tummy and all the actions that make our houses home.

H O M E

But our homes have a secret life. With all the complexity of our modern life, we unknowingly may be living in, building, or remodeling a home that is not in our best interest. It may be something big like old lead paint or mold or new paint and cabinets that off-gas (not good). But chances are, it’s the small stuff. The leaky toilet, the drafty window, or the products you use to clean and sanitize.

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or reclaim materials is one way of making a more sustainable choice.

Learning about these different choices is exactly why I wrote my book, Living Green Effortlessly – Simple Choices for a Better Home. This column will offer resources, tools, and insights to help you learn about and change the small stuff, and the big stuff.

Here are examples of some St. Louis area companies helping homeowners to live more green: DANA KING, PRINCIPAL AT DANA KING DESIGN BUILD says, “Our mantra

is ‘Live Better at Home,’ even more relevant now that we are all spending more time in our homes. Our team members are knowledgeable about making homes function better and be healthier today and for the future, working and/or schooling at home, entertaining, exercising, sleeping and more.

Having a healthier, more comfortable home does not have to be hard or require sacrifice. “Michelle Banks, our lead LEED AP, and WELL Accredited Design Professional, It can be a green or greener home. It starts shares her perspective, “I have always been with making smart choices about materials cognizant of how furnishings and finishes I and products you live in, use to build or specify affect our health. Indoor air quality remodel your home. Just making a different in our homes is five times more polluted choice – in an appliance or plumbing or than outdoor air. Lack of daylight affects lighting fixtures or even paint, can set you on the course to a home which works better our circadian rhythm and therefore our sleep. for you and yours. And choosing to reuse

Right: Bringing natural elements into built spaces provides calm and connects with nature.

Far right: Table, bench, chairs, and décor items are all made from reclaimed barn wood.

The WELL Building Standard was developed by doctors, scientists, and design and construction industry professionals to support human health and well-being in the built environment, physical as well as mental. We work with our industry partners to provide healthy solutions within the design itself, and with future monitoring and maintenance.”

BARRY KRAFT, OWNER OF RECLAIM RENEW, creates special, ex-

ceptional furniture and accessories from reclaimed barnwood. Reclaim Renew is a sustainable, custom reclaimed wood furniture creator for homeowners who want to complete their space with something different, something with a story. Since most of their furniture is created from wood of 100-year-old barns and is custom-designed to suit individual home or office needs, it will reflect the unique style and personality of the new owner. “The imperfections are what makes it perfect” he says.

Reclaim Renew works in partnership with Rise Together Ministries to train immigrants and refuges to build and renew furniture. “Amazed by God’s blessings as we’ve grown. As a business, we strive to Reclaim and Renew lives as we Reclaim and Renew materials. We will always put people first.

Our employees, partners, and customers are more important than the products we produce. We can’t wait to see what the years ahead look like.”

Custom Closet and Home Office Solutions FO R B E T TE R - O RGAN IZ E D S TO R AG E AN D WO R K S PACE S

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t seems that when most homes were built, little thought was given to wardrobe, storage or at-home work needs of families that were going to live there. Maybe that’s why most of us have closets where there never seems to be room to put everything or ways to find anything. And according to the National Association of Home Builders, a wal k-in closet rated number one in the amenities builders planned to include in homes they were building in 2015.

Fortunately for homes built before 2015, today there is the opportunity for closet systems and other space solutions that are custom-designed to meet specific and

changing needs of each member of the family. For closets and workspaces that are more functional and enjoyable to use, it pays to consider a custom system. A professional designer can provide a solution that will work best for your specific needs, and flexibility to adapt as needs change over time.

The process starts from scratch with the designer creating an organizational portrait of family members who will use the space, asking about their needs, accurately measuring and inventorying items that need to go in it. And to make it your own, offering choices of hardware, materials, specialized accessories and finishes.

The leader in custom-designed storage and workspaces for the home is Closet Factory.

They emphasize customization in every step of their process, which begins with a free in-home consultation by an experienced designer. You’ll be presented with a selection of drawers, shelving, handles and knobs in an extensive array of the finest materials and finishes, from basic laminates to dramatic solid woods. Once you’ve approved every feature and finishing touch, each piece is manufactured to specification in their own factory. For your own custom consultation, you may call Closet Factory at (314) 227-1936.

HUGE SPRING DISCOUNT!

SAVE $200 to $500

Savings based on project size.

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OLD, GROSS GARAGE OR BASEMENT FLOORS?

We Make Concrete Floors More Attractive than New! Our Decorative Polyaspartic Flake is a permanent and durable resurfacing product available in many colors that can be applied directly over existing concrete – NO NEED TO REPLACE! What makes Archway different: Our Dream Team foremen have 10-15+ years experience installing garage floors.

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE TRUSTED SINCE 1987

636-946-6464

WWW.ARCHWAYCOATINGS.COM

Restore Your Floors, Counters and Showers

Back to CLEAN Again!

Natural Stone

Tile and Grout

Before

Before Granite Limestone Marble Terrazzo Travertine

After

After

Forgotten What Your Natural Stone Used to Look Like?

Don’t Just Clean, RESTORE! Beyond Clean with ColorSeal

Repolish: Remove years of unsightly scratches and dullness

n Returns grout to its original appearance n Stain resistance from future spills and stains n Seals grout for easier maintenance and cleaning

Repair: Fix chips and cracks

Restore: Scratch and stain removal Rejuvenate: Sanded grout restoration

STLOUIS-OFFICE@MARBLELIFE.COM

888-820-0802

MARBLELIFE-STLOUIS.COM

If Your Home is Settling, Don’t Panic.

UNDERSTAND THE CAUSES, AND WHAT YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT.

F H O M E

oundation problems can affect your home’s safety, appearance, and value. If you have wall or floor cracks, bowing walls or doors and windows that don’t close as they should, these are signs that your home may be settling.

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WHAT CAUSES SETTLEMENT?

Settlement is the movement your home experiences when changes in the soil below cause it to no longer be able to support the weight of your home, or parts of it. This can be soil that is drying and shrinking, usually after long droughts; soil that remains wet and softens, usually from heavy rain or flooding where there is poor drainage; or compression of poorly compacted fill soil,

often where new building lots are developed.

Even if you haven’t seen changes in your home recently, more settlement may occur.

Continuing wet and dry cycles can cause soil changes, and settlement is not over unless steps are taken to fix the problem.

SOLUTIONS THAT WORK

The most effective way to fix a settling home is to pier it. Steel push piers are driven deep to bedrock or a stable soil layer. They can

be installed inside or outside your home to lift it back to its original position, closing cracks and improving the operation of doors and windows. The solution is quick, and the problem is solved. On lighter structures such as stoops or decks, a helical pier or screw pile may be more effective because the structure may not be heavy enough to drive push piers to a sufficient depth.

If you see cracks in walls or floors, inside or out, or doors or windows that don’t close as they should, don’t delay doing something about it. These signs of settlement may get worse if you ignore them. You can call Woods Basement Systems, the highest-rated, most reviewed contractor in their industry, for a free inspection. Their experts can restore your home to safe, functional condition. You can call Woods Basement Systems at 866-735-1890, or learn more at www.betterbasementvalue.com.

Is the Air in your Home making you sick?

T

hese days, people are spending more and more time at home, especially with more people working from home. According to the EPA, poor indoor air quality is one of the top five risks to public health. Air pollution inside the home can be two to five times higher than outside. The air we breathe inside our home contains many pollutants dust mites, germs, mold spores, bacteria, and even viruses.

These can pose serious health risks.

In the 2020 world of Covid-19, it’s important that we all stay as healthy as possible. We don’t want our immune systems compromised, or have any decrease in lung capacity or efficiency. In most homes, the heating and cooling systems recycle the air, which means that if one family member gets sick, there is a good likelihood that

others in the family may also get sick.

THE SOLUTION

A high quality true HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration system has three separate filter layers. The first two layers will scrub the air in your home of 99.7% of all bacteria, germs, dust, dander, and pollen. The second layer will also take out 95% of all particles down to .1 micron, the size of virus material. And the third stage carbon filter removes odors, smoke and chemicals that are present in every home. A HEPA system is the best way to improve your Indoor Air Quality and to improve your family’s health. Less dust also means you will have a cleaner home and a better night’s sleep.

INSTALLS EASILY IN AN EXISTING HOME.

You do not need a new ventilation system to achieve the benefits of HEPA pure air

quality in your home. BEAM, the leader in built-in vacuums, offers a three-filter, bypass system with all the features needed to provide HEPA pure air everywhere in your house. It is UL listed, and connects directly to your existing ventilation system. And since it runs 24/7, your system will do a better job circulating clean air and maintaining even temperatures throughout your house.

BEAM brand HEPA Air Filtration systems are available exclusively at BEAM of St. Louis. Systems start at an affordable price of $759 for homes up to 3,000 square feet.

BEAM has been installing HEPA systems, and BEAM Central Vacuum Systems for 39 years. They are A+ rated by the BBB of Greater St. Louis. You can contact them to schedule an appointment at 314-391-9303 or by email at sales@beamstl.com.

Don’t Replace – Reface Your Kitchen and Save!

Cabinet Refacing * Custom Countertops * Tile Backsplash

WE’RE FOLLOWING

CDC GUIDELINES

★

Try our KITCHEN VISUALIZER at www.ClassicKitchenRefacing.com

20% OFF

A Full Kitchen Remodeling Expires 4/30/21

Refacing costs less than half of tear out remodel. Hundreds of door styles and colors to choose from. Add a custom counter top and tile backsplash for a totally updated kitchen.

Call now for a FREE in-home Design Consultation and Quote

314-470-5010

Block the Sun . . . Not Your View

See–Through Max.: 26' x 16'

Enjoy Great Room Comfort See-Through Retractable Solar Screens Reduce Heat, Glare and Fading This new generation of exterior shading screens dramatically reduce heat and glare, especially in great rooms with large windows. By shading from the outside, they stop heat, glare and harmful rays much more effectively than tinting or blinds. This reduces the costs of air conditioning and fading of furnishings.

For More Comfort Indoors and Out

Solar Screens for Covered Patios

Shade Your World . . . and Brighten Your Day With Your Retractable Awning The custom-made Sunesta retractable awning is the strongest, most attractive awning available.

Withstands winds up to 45 mph.

Max.: 40' x 15'

CALL TODAY

Shade Your World 314-740-5100 SINCE 1993

Sunesta.com

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ShadeStL.com

The Newer, Better Way to Make and Keep Garage and Basement Floors Attractive

I

f you are tired of your old, gross concrete garage or basement floor, you should know about the new generation of attractive coatings that go right over your concrete to give you a fresh, attractive shiny surface that stays looking great because it is much easier to maintain than a dull concrete surface.

You have probably heard of and seen epoxy coatings, but may not be familiar with a newer product called polyaspartic. It is similar in appearance, but there are advantages of the newer material, which until now has been used primarily in commercial settings. Polyaspartic

coatings were first developed for steel bridges for their corrosion-resistant properties.

In addition to greater strength, two advantages of polyaspartic concrete coatings are their quick drying time and nearly odorless emissions after application. These innovations make them more versatile than traditional epoxy. The coating has a clear, glossy finish and decorative color chips are added for a bolder look and traction materials are added for a non-slip texture. Unlike epoxy, polyaspartic is always formulated to be colorfast, so the color won’t fade or yellow, even after extended exposure to UV rays.

That means your garage will keep looking great longer.

Polyaspartic coatings can be applied in a variety of weather and temperature conditions, so you won’t need to wait. They cure within 30 minutes to an hour vs. about 16 hours for epoxy, so you can more quickly get back to your life. Polyaspartic dries hard, but maintains some flexibility, which helps keep a stain, abrasion, chip and scratch-resistant finish. It is also chemical, mold, mildew and salt resistant.

Archway Industrial Coatings, Inc. is a St. Louis-based company with many years of experience in quality concrete coatings, both commercial and residential. They are leaders in polyaspartic flooring solutions that withstand the test of time, while meeting their customers’ installation schedules and budgets.

Archway is committed to doing the highest quality work at the lowest cost. Their installers are employed directly by Archway, the highly trained “Dream Team” craftsmen who know the difference between a job and a job well done. They are accredited by the Better Business Bureau. You can now take advantage of their Early Spring Discounts.

For a free estimate you can call them at 636-946-6464 and learn more about them at www.archwaycoatings.com.

Wildlife and Native Landscaping Bring the delight of perennial wildflowers and native grasses to your own yard.

Butterflies, hummingbirds and migratory birds will follow.

GARDEN GREEN provides

landscape design and installation of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs, soil, stone and mulch.

Offers maintenance and renovation of residential and commercial properties; spectacular gardens, identification and removal of invasive plants, rainscaping, deer-resistant gardens and more.

Spring is a great time to plant. Call or email today for a free consultation.

GARDEN GREEN HORTICULTURE SERVICE

314-288-5036

garden_green@live.com

Waterproof Surfaces Transform Your Basement into Finished Living Space You Can Enjoy

I

f you have been hesitant to remodel your basement to more livable space for your family because of dampness and discomfort, there is a set of solutions that you should know about. The EverLast System from Total Basement Finishing. Their wall panels, flooring, and ceiling tiles are all specially designed for comfort and beauty in the basement. All EverLast products are warrantied to resist water, moisture, and mold. They provide insulating qualities, dampen noise, and can be customized to fit your basement finishing decor.

EverLast wall panels provide solid, durable and long-lasting surfaces.

They come with 2 ½ inch high-density foam insulation, ½ inch of hard cement board, and a decorative vinyl covering that will never need to be painted. EverLast flooring isolates your floor surface from the cold, hard, damp concrete, making basement floors dryer and more comfortable. Total Basement Finishing has a ceiling system uniquely suited for basements.

Their drop ceiling tiles are non-sagging and mold resistant and come with a 30-year warranty.

You can transform your unfinished, or previously finished basement into a comfortable living space with the award-winning Total Basement Finishing basement remodeling system installed by Woods Basement Systems, Inc. They are the highest-rated, most reviewed contractor in their industry and your source for “All Things Basementy.” Their experts will give you a free estimate for improving your basement at your home. You can call Woods Basement Systems at 866-735-1890 to discuss your basement remodeling plan with their specialists or learn more about their services at betterbasementvalue.com.

Keep Your Marble Looking Spectacular

R E VITALIZ E YO U R NATU R AL STO N E F LOO R S WITH P RO F E S S I O NAL CLE AN I N G , P O LI S H I N G AN D R E S TO R ATIO N

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arble, granite, terrazzo, limestone, travertine and other natural stone are luxurious architectural elements. These quality materials provide refined surfaces for your home, whether in the foyer, living room, kitchen, bathroom or fireplace. But homeowners can diminish the natural beauty of these surfaces by failing to properly maintain them.

Natural stone is a strong and durable material; however, it’s not indestructible. It is still susceptible to stains, spills and damages from everyday occurrences like steady foot traffic and even the use of inappropriate cleaning products. A little pebble caught in a guest’s shoe sole can cause scratches all over the floor.

The good news is that when marble and other natural stone surfaces are scratched or stained, they can regain their natural lustrous appearance with professional cleaning, restoration and protection. Whether it’s a marble or granite floor cleaning or shower, vanity or countertop restoration, with

proper care and maintenance, the potential for future damage can be minimized.

Regardless of what problems you may encounter with your stone surfaces, there is a solution. Scratches, dull spots and etches caused by chemicals and sharp objects can be honed and polished to their original shine. Amazingly, even cracked or chipped areas can be color matched to blend perfectly into the existing floor.

Because most problems are repairable, properly maintaining natural stone costs substantially less than replacing it. A common part of the restoration process is repairing, cleaning and sealing grout,

BEFORE

restoring it to its original color while also providing superior spill resistance. It’s essential to use the proper application of stone cleaner and sealer to prevent or reduce future damage.

True stone craftsmen have the expertise and experience to restore the appearance of your natural stone surfaces, and can provide valuable advice for keeping them as beautiful as the day they were installed.

They will work with you to determine the cause of damage and devise a plan to avoid a recurrence.

A local stone professional can advise on the maintenance procedures that are suitable for your specific surfaces. They can help extend the life of your stone’s finish for years and regain the elegant appearance you love. Also, ask if they can also provide you with products that are safe for everyday use in cleaning stone surfaces.

To contact a company that specializes in natural stone restoration, maintenance and cleaning, you can call the professionals at MARBLELIFE at 888-254-9488 , or visit online at www.marblelife-stlouis.com.

AFTER

Exceptional Interior Painting and Refinishing Kathy Arnold Painting & Refinishng is a professional full-service painting company. We provide extraordinary interior painting, kitchen cabinet refinishing and carpentry.

We have over 35 years’ experience and are considered one of the best residential painters in St. Louis. We can add architectural features like crown molding, fluted columns and picture frame trim, to give ordinary surfaces new dimension and interest.

Let us give your home new personality, charm and a truly distinctive appearance. We are happy to provide excellent references.

Enjoy Movies, Music, Gaming and Sports on Every Screen and Every Speaker Whatever your pleasure, the Crestron® Home entertainment system ensures you enjoy it to the fullest throughout your house. Bring your entertainment to life with audio, video and also surveillance and lighting all controlled intuitively from any touch screen, remote, voice control or mobile device.

Call or email today for a consultation at your home

314-503-9666

sales@CustomsolutionsSTL.com

Custom Solutions is a Crestron Elite Dealer, the trusted source for all your audio/visual needs. Our systems are designed for ease of operation by all users, including those uncomfortable with today’s technology.

BEFORE

AFTER

Insulation and Weatherization Reduce Homeowner Costs AN D MAK E H O M EOWN E R S G O O D STE WAR DS O F TH E E NVI RO N M E NT

M

aking your home more energy efficient can be one of the most cost-effective steps you can take in order to lower your utility bills. There are so many homes that do not have the correct amount of insulation, and by adding just a few inches of blown-in attic insulation you can reduce your heating and cooling costs significantly. The added insulation can make your home more comfortable by solving the problem of rooms that are too cold in winter or too hot in summer. And, saving energy also helps homeowners do our part to improve the environment.

Crawl space insulation is often overlooked.

Most homeowners don’t even think about adding insulation in the crawl space unless a problem occurs. Drafts along the floor at band boards and window rim sills can be eliminated with spray foam inside walls, which can lower your energy costs. And, sealing these areas can also keep out spiders and other unwanted pests.

Did you know properly insulated and sealed homes can stay warm for days on their own, with just heat from the sun and appliances when heat is no longer escaping? Not having to run the furnace constantly can produce real reductions in your energy bills.

Holper’s Pest & Animal Solutions, the company that has been giving customers “Peace of

Mind” in pest control for over 34 years, also offers “Peace of Mind” with insulation and weatherization.

You can learn the A – Attic, B – Basement, C’s – Crawl Space of insulation and weatherization from Holper’s. They will send a Certified Efficiency Analyst to perform an inspection of your home and show you how to improve heating and cooling efficiency, while keeping pests and animals out with the same solutions.

Holper’s takes pride in helping to solve all homeowners’ pest and energy problems. That’s why “solutions” is part of their name. You can call them at 314 544-7378 (PEST) to learn more about how they can give you “Peace of Mind.”

Purify the Air in Your Home with HEPA Air Filtration

H O M E

Poor indoor air quality is a leading health risk. Pollutants, germs, mold spores, bacteria, and viruses recycle through air systems.

HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filtration scrubs 99.7% of all bacteria, germs, dust, dander and pollen and 95% of virus particles. It also removes odors, smoke and chemicals present in many homes.

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Call or email for a FREE phone estimate

314-391-9303

sales@beamstl.com

BEAM offers an exclusive HEPA system that connects to your ventilation system and runs 24/7, circulating clean air throughout your house.

ENJOY YOUR BACKYARD MORE WITH XTREME GREEN TURF YOUR OWN PUTTING GREEN

YARD/PET TURF

Our putting greens are designed for resultsoriented practice. Extremely durable, the high performance “true roll” also is perfect for chipping and pitching.

Safe, durable and clean surface for pet recreation, relief and comfort. Prevents digging and muddy paws. Non-allergenic. Easy on joints, coat and skin. Looks great year-round.

(314) 241-8873

Call or email today for a Or email us at free at-home estimate alan@xgreensynthetic.com Learn more online at www.xgreensynthetic.com

ORNAMENTAL IRON Call us for a free estimate

314-230-0484 Showroom conveniently located at 1315 S. VANDEVENTER, ST. LOUIS, MO

Visit our website to see Gates, Gates galore...and more!

CLASSICMETALCRAFT.COM

C U S T O M

I R O N

F A B R I C A T I O N

Let Us Design & Build Your Custom Deck . . . With Louvered Cover So You Can Enjoy it in Rain or Shine

LOUVERED ROOF

S

ince 1991 Aesthetic Design & Build has been building beautiful decks throughout St. Louis and St. Charles Counties. We work with each client to create a unique design that fits their home and lifestyle. Wrap-around custom decks and staircases can be built with a variety of low-maintenance decking and railings.

The Louvered Roof and Louvered Pergola are innovative solutions for residential and commercial outdoor living spaces. These sturdy, fully motorized opening roof systems offer protection from the rain, while allowing the flexibility of adjustable amounts of shade and light.

See our photo gallery of other projects at AestheticDesignandBuild.com

LOUVERED PERGOLA

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE AT YOUR HOME

636-532-5008

And Add Outdoor Living Space with The DryPro Under Deck Ceiling

T

he Under Deck Ceiling is the most cost-effective solution for providing increased flexibility in your outdoor living options.

It creates dry, comfortable spaces below decks. The DryPro Under Deck ceiling provides shade and rain protection below decks for outdoor seating areas or bars. Built-in gutters channel away rain from the deck above.

These under deck living areas can incorporate televisions, bars and lighting without concern for rain, sun or other St. Louis weather inconsistencies year-round, further protecting your outdoor living investment. The DryPro Under Deck Ceiling is the only ventilated system on the market.

Circular ventilation through the sides and ceiling for optimal air flow to help prevent moist wood from mildew and possible wood rot.

CALL TODAY FOR A FREE ESTIMATE AT YOUR HOME

636-778-9077

UNDER DECK CEILINGS

H AV E A B E AU T I F U L , N AT U R A L G A R D E N T H AT YO U D O N ’ T H AV E TO WO R RY A B O U T.

You Can Have a Garden that Deer Won’t Destroy

L A N D S C A P E S

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E X T E R I O R S

B Y S T E V E C A L L O WAY

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ore homeowners these days complain about the proliferation of deer in their communities, and how every year they turn their lavish colorful perennial gardens into half-eaten, run-down patches. They are discouraged seeing their beautiful hostas, day lilies, roses, black-eyed susans and even evergreens eaten or stomped into the ground.

Based on research and years of experience, I would like to share with you ways that my company Garden Green is planning and planting attractive colorful gardens that can minimize the devastation from deer in your yard.

There are two ways we approach the problem. First, for established perennial gardens of vulnerable plants including those mentioned above, we place deer deterrent plants along borders, or at entry points to discourage deer from entering.

For instance, Native American flowering plants in the genus monada give off a bee balm, a powder that deer don’t like to brush up against. Monarda bradburiana has a pink flower that blooms in late spring. Monarda dittima is a hybrid species that blooms in early summer, and monarda fistulosa is a taller plant that can tolerate more sunlight, and blooms in mid-summer. Strategically planting these around your garden can keep deer away.

Then there are deer resistant plants; those that have a fragrance or taste that deer are known to avoid, or berries that don’t agree with them. These include native American plants like quinine, with serrated leaves and white flowers that bloom in late spring, skullcap, whose elegant bluish white flowers bloom in late summer, and rattlesnake master, showing unique spiky white flowers that attract orbiting skipper butterflies.

False dragonhead is a hardy plant with good, whimsical growth and pink flowers that bloom in late summer and early fall.

Lilacs and American beautyberry are also deer-resistant colorful flowering shrubs.

Beautyberry have their greatest effect in the fall, glossy metallic purple berries retain

their color until winter, and deer just don’t like the way they taste.

There are also deer-resistant grasses and evergreens that keep their color all year long, like sedges, beak grain, prairie dropseed, bottle brush and Indian grass, all hardy native plants in different heights with beautiful seedpods.

Another way to deter the damage from deer is in selecting the size of trees and shrubs.

It is better to buy those that are beyond saplings, with good bulk. Deer like to feed on the juvenile growth of smaller saplings, and they are more easily trampled.

This is just a small sampling of our solutions for lavish, colorful gardens even where the deer seem to be feeding on everything in sight.

STEVE CALLOWAY is owner of Garden Green Horticulture Service.

They help homeowners select the plants, trees and shrubbery that best meet their aesthetic desires and that will thrive in their sunlight, soil and moisture conditions. They also work to revitalize and restore gardens, to help homeowners with the changes that will make their yards better year after year.

You can call or email Steve for a complimentary consultation in your yard, to identify your plants and advise on how to keep them healthy and looking their best. You can reach Steve at 314-288-5036 or visit garden_green@live.com.

Time for a New Roof?

Time for New Siding?

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& Roofing Repair

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636-255-8530 437 Olds State Rd. Ellisville, MO 63021

wildwoodroof.com

Fountains, Pottery and Plantings DISTINC TIVE FE ATU RES ADD B E AUT Y AND E NJOYME NT

A

OUTDOOR FIRE PL ACES , FIRE PITS AN D HARDSCAPES are architectural features

FOU NTAINS AN D STATUARY, either classic

TRE ES , SH RU BS , AN N UAL S AN D PE RE N NIAL S should be added to freshen your

s you think about your yard and plantings greening and blooming in this spring season, consider adding distinctive features that can enhance the beauty and enjoyment in your yard for family, neighbors and visitors.

more. A variety of styles, colors and sizes are available to complement any decor. that create outdoor gathering areas you can enjoy beyond the warm weather months.

or contemporary, provide focal points for planted beds or patios in your yard. The glimmering sights and pleasing sounds of trickling water on a fountain offer continuous, natural welcome to all who visit.

Garden sculpture and statuary make a long-lasting and elegant addition to any landscaping or garden.

Birdbaths bring the beauty and sounds of a great variety of feathered friends throughout the year.

NATU R AL STON E B U B B LING BOU LDE RS are a great addition to any landscape. Pick a

boulder and have them drill holes for a custom look or choose from a vast selection of predrilled natural stone.

CE R AMIC POT TE RY AN D PL ANTE RS

add interest to your indoor and outdoor plantings.

Glazed decorative planters add bold color and height for annual or perennial flowering plants, greenery and ferns that bring them closer to enjoy

yard and provide variety in the landscape. They can be selectively placed for shade and privacy.

WORLD OUTDOOR E M PORIU M is your one-stop destination for everything outdoors. With over 20 acres they have the largest selection of fountains and ornamental yard décor in the Midwest.

They also carry everything from natural stone and concrete edging, retaining wall blocks, decorative gravel, mulch, topsoil, compost, erosion control products, pond supplies and more.

Their St. Charles location is at 4230 St. Peters Pkwy South 63304, and their Wentzville Garden Center at 1307 Granville Drive 63385 offers a large selection of annuals, perennials and lawn care products. You can learn more about World Outdoor Emporium at www.woe.rocks, and by phone at 636-441-9779 in St. Charles and 636-327-6000 in Wentzville.

R E STO R E YO U R STO N E BAC K TO

CLEAN and POLISHED Again!

BEFORE

Recapture your Eliminate Stains Original Color No Dust Ease of Cleaning Beautiful Again!

Call to Schedule Your Free On-Site Estimate STLOUIS-OFFICE@MARBLELIFE.COM

MARBLELIFE-STLOUIS.COM

BEFORE

Re-Polishing Scratch Removal Chip Repair Crack Repair

Granite Limestone Marble Terrazzo Travertine

888-388-7730

BEFORE

AFTER

BEFORE

AFTER

Does Your Home Have Uneven Concrete Surfaces?

–WALKS , STEPS , PATIO, POOL DECK OR DRIVEWAY?

T

hese are unsightly and also tripping hazards that could cause injuries.

You may have tilting concrete steps or sidewalks, driveways or patios where a seam has turned into a step, or repeated cracking in sections of concrete slabs. These problems are often the result of a shifting or a weak soil base or erosion.

In the past, contractors relied upon mud jacking or slab jacking to level concrete that had settled over time. This involves pumping concrete slurry under the settled slab to raise it, hoping that the settlement

won’t continue. But that requires large holes in the concrete - about the diameter of a soda can. It can take an entire day to cure and the mixture itself is heavy – about 100 pounds per cubic foot, which can lead to further sinking.

There is now a great alternative called PolyLEVEL™, which uses a lightweight polyurethane mix that expands to fill the void beneath sunken concrete. This not only results in a solution that lasts longer, but also it looks better because it is less destructive to the applied surface.

PolyLEVEL requires a much smaller hole – about the diameter of a penny, cures in 15 minutes and weighs much less – about two

Swim in the Spectacular Beauty of PebbleBrilliance

pounds per cubic foot. It lifts concrete slabs to a level position with less weight and disruption than the legacy mud jacking or slab jacking process. The result is a safe, secure and level concrete slab.

In the St. Louis area, Woods Basement Systems is the authorized contractor for PolyLEVEL concrete lifting. They will inspect your concrete walk, steps, pool deck, patio or driveway and provide an estimate to have your sunken concrete slab lifted with PolyLEVEL. To meet with one of their concrete repair experts, you can call them at 866-735-1890 or learn more at www.betterbasementvalue.com.

Why settle for an ordinary pool finish?

PebbleBrilliance® is the newest quality pool finish from PebbleTec® that will provide your pool new beauty, tranquility and value.

Every PebbleTec finish is a unique hand-crafted work of art. Comes with a 5-year warranty on labor and materials, with an expected life of 15-20 years.

We are the leader in pool plastering in St. Louis, the only licensed PebbleTec applicator in the Midwest. Over 5,000 Pebble Technology finishes applied in the past 30 years.

CALL ABOUT OUR OFF-SEASON OFFER! EXPIRES 4-30-21

For a free at-home estimate or more information, call

314-909-8877

Visit our showroom at 13284 Corporate Exchange Drive Bridgeton 63044 See a gallery of our plastered pools at SchilliPlastering.com

A Love Letter to Nature’s Re-Creations

BY RODN E Y B RIDG ES

CHRIS SIEWING is owner and president of Nature’s Re-Creations, nationally recognized as a Master Certified Aquascape Contractor, Missouri’s first Water Garden Excellence Member, first-place winner of the North American Pond and Waterfall Building Competition and in the elite group of Aquascape Artists of the Year recipients.

Nature’s Re-Creations is the area’s leading designer and installer of custom water features. For over 15 years, they have been committed to high quality design, workmanship and customer satisfaction.

Nature’s Re-Creations stays on the cutting edge of technology and installation techniques to continually improve their projects and the environment. To discuss a water feature project, you can contact Chris Siewing at 314-220-3841 or check out their gallery at www.Re-createNature.com or their portfolio at Facebook.com/NaturesReCreations.

W

ow, I wish you could see our beautiful koi pond that the folks at Nature’s Re-Creations installed in our back yard. I have had “fish in the ground” since I was a teenager, so this has been a lifelong dream of ours - to have a real natural looking fish pond. I had been “following” Chris Siewing at Nature’s Re-Creations for about eight years. We live in Cape Girardeau MO (110 miles south of St. Louis) but every June we attend the Pond-O-Rama for two days and have always admired the work of Chris and his crew.

When Chris got to our home, I showed him the location that I had in mind for the project. I just stood back and let him look around and begin talking, to explain what he thought would work for our area. Oh my, I just started smiling as I felt like he was reading my mind. I had even drawn a very crude picture of what I had in mind and I had to show him as he finished his consult. It was exactly what I had drawn and envisioned. This guy is incredibly talented and has a great eye for re-creating nature in your yard. Hence, his company “Nature’s Re-Creations”!!!

We were able to go with approximately an eleven foot by eighteen-foot pond area with 30 inches deepest, and 12 inch up to 6 inch shallow end. We placed it next to our existing kidney shaped swimming pool and used all of the area within view of our home facing our master-suite bay window. Two waterfalls were built feeding into the pond, one falling toward our screened porch where we

“live” eight months of the year, and the other falls directly toward the bay window.

I tell you, Chris and his incredible team were the most professional crew I have had the pleasure of working with. So kind, hard-working, efficient, neat, funny, talented and courteous.

My wife Dimple and I both love landscaping, ponding, weeding, beautifying, and working in our yard, but we allowed Chris to pick out and install ALL of the plant material both inside the pond and in the surrounding landscape. We could not possibly be more pleased with the outcome. These guys far surpassed everything that we had planned or dreamed of.

Chris told us before they ever started that when his crew left, we would never know they were here.

They put back the fence they took down to get their equipment to the back, and restored the lawn with beautiful sod from the front driveway back to the pond. You would think that this project had been installed when we built 30 years ago. By the way, I should mention, they did all of this in only 5 working days. FINISHED. COMPLETE. I still find it hard to wipe this grin off my face, as I enjoy hours by the pond and look forward to many wonderful years ahead sharing it with our friends and family.

We would highly recommend bringing Nature’s Re-Creations to your home to just see what they could do for you. Ask Chris for our address or phone number if you would like to come see. You will NOT be disappointed.

Thank you again Chris and Crew for your exceptional talent and service.

World Outdoor Emporium

We have the area’s largest nursery & selection of garden statuary, planters and fountains of all sizes

$50 OFF $250 Purchase

Fountains and Statuary only. May not be combined with other offers. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Expires 5/31/21 Coupons may not be applied to delivery charge.

$200 OFF $1,000 Purchase We carry everything from natural stone edging, retaining wall blocks, decorative gravel, mulch, topsoil, compost, erosion control products, concrete statuary, fountains, birdbaths, pond supplies and more.

We provide delivery, setup, fountain service and winterization.

Shop over 20 acres at our 2 locations

Greenhouses, trees, shrubs and flowers exclusively at our Wentzville location 1307 Granville Dr. Wentzville, MO 63385

4230 St. Peters Parkway South St. Charles, MO 63304

636-327-6000

636-441-9779

Fountains and Statuary only. May not be combined with other offers. Limit one coupon per customer per visit. Expires 5/31/21 Coupons may not be applied to delivery charge.

Hours Mon-Sat 7am-4pm Beginning March 14 open Sundays 10am-4 pm

www.woe.rocks Follow us on Facebook

F I T N E S S

Finest Custom Table Pads at Factory-Direct Prices

H E A LT H

&

The way to insure perfect table pads is for the provider to visit your home to accurately measure and show you sample colors and textures to match your table and décor.

Custom Table Pads, an independent St. Louis dealer, provides the finest custom American-made table pads at factory-direct prices. They measure at your home or business, and show you a choice of 23 vinyl tops and 5 velvet bottoms. Perfect fit is guaranteed.

Pads are heat resistant to 550o, moisture and warp resistant.

Patented hidden magnets minimize separation and slippage on your table.

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CUSTOM TABLE PADS OF ST. LOUIS Phone: 314-752-5577 Email: thetablepadman@gmail.com

314-470-6858

The Basement Egress Window

F

inishing your basement knowledge, tools, or extra force beyond that is the most efficient way required for a normal window. to add useable space to But don’t just think of the basement egress your home. If you have window as a requirement. It can also add or are planning sleeping natural light and ventilation and with an rooms downstairs, you expanded window well it can be an attractive need to make sure that there are two exits for feature, with flowers and emergencies. If your home plants on the terraced does not have a walk-out steps. The overall basement, this usually ADD SAFET Y, enhancements of safety, requires an escape, or egress APPEAL AND light, ventilation and window. more attractive appearVALUE TO YOUR It is important to know your ance add to the value of local residential building HOME . your home. codes for egress. St. Louis One company that is County building permit expert in structural requirements state that basement improvements all basement bedrooms is Woods Basement must have one window for Systems.

They will be emergency escape with a sill no more than happy to give you a free estimate to install a 44 inches above the floor and a minimum basement egress window in your home. You clear opening area of 5.0 square feet. The can call them at 866-735-1890 or learn more emergency escape window must be operable at betterbasementvalue.com. from the inside without need for special

­ ­

EMBEDDED GRAVEL FINISH

fontanapaving@sbcglobal.net

TH 30 ANNIVERSARY

SALE

Minimums apply. Excludes jobs in progress.

Not valid with any other offer. Expires 4/30/21

EVENTS

CO U NT Y

LIVI N G

Early Spring Activities & Events Take advantage of these wonderful events. Make this the year you get back out and enjoy the special festivals and entertainment events across the St. Louis metro area.

PLEASE NOTE: These events were still scheduled as of press time. Check websites for updates.

TASTE OF MAPLEWOOD STRE ET FESTIVAL

TH E FUTU RE IS PRESE NT: ART & G LOBAL CHANG E E XHIBIT

Feb 6-May 9 Laumeier Sculpture Park laumeiersculpturepark.org KE ITH HARING R ADIANT GAM BIT

Art Exhibit Feb 6-April 6 World Chess Hall of Fame worldchesshof.org

G E TAWAYS

200 YE ARS OF CITIZE N SOLDIE RS

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Exhibit March 6-December 30 Jefferson Barracks Park stlouiscountymo.gov

CARDINAL S HOM E OPE N E R

April 8 Busch Stadium cardinals.com

May 15 Downtown Maplewood cityofmaplewood.com

ST. CHARLES HOM E SHOW

April 9-11 St. Charles Convention Center stlhomeshow.com/stcharles

ART ON TH E SQ UARE

Belleville, IL May 14-16 artonthesquare.com OZARK FOOTHILL S 100 MAR ATHON

SCH L AFLY ART OUTSIDE

April 10-11 Wildwood ozarkfoothills.weebly.com

May 28-30 Schlafly Bottleworks Maplewood schlafly.com/events

G RE ATE R ST. LOU IS BOOK FAIR

Date and location TBD stlouisbookfair.org

We realize with the pandemic that many of our cherished local annual events have canceled. We recommend considering visiting one of our vast arrays of trails, parks and greenways we have in our area. Especially in a time when we are all more likely to be homebound, we have found getting out in nature to be a beneficial treat.

Here are a few sites that have plenty of information about these: stlouiscountymo.gov/st-louis-county-departments/parks/places sccmo.org/232/Parks-Recreation greatriversgreenway.org mostateparks.com magnificentmissouri.org At left: Dr. Ayse Kilfoy on a hike recently at West Tyson Park

Quality Readers for Quality Businesses For over 16 years COUNTY LIVING has presented innovative and quality products and services for home, health and recreation to owners of the top 19% of homes in St. Louis County, nearby St. Charles County and select homes in the City of St. Louis and eastern Franklin County. We are delighted with the response from both readers and our long-time advertisers.

If this audience is important to your business, we would like to show how we can help you drive new high-value customer relationships and high-value sales. For an advertising appointment, call 314-432-1171 or email publisher@countylivingmag.com.

See our new site at: countylivingmag.com

On The Road

WITH JOHN DRAKE ROBINSON

Read more road tales in John’s first two books – A Road Trip Into America’s Hidden Heart and Coastal Missouri – available at Left Bank Books. This excerpt is from John’s latest book, Souls Along the Road, available now. More of his stories are at johndrakerobinson.com

‘Til We Meet Again

“I

met an old buddy of yours,” I told my uncle Dan.

He received the news as I expected he would, since he lies six feet beneath the granite marker that bears the name Daniel W. Drake. There was a smile in the air over this corner of Looney Creek Cemetery, where Dan came to rest a few years ago.

a classic, in a league with Steinbeck and Kerouac.

As we were leaving our first meeting, exiting Kaldi's Coffee Shop, I confessed to Professor Hiles that I'd never met William Least Heat Moon. “There he is now,” Sara said, pointing to a couple crossing Ninth Street toward us. I hesitated for an instant, uncomfortable in the role of a groupie or an autograph chaser, not wanting to invade

G E TAWAYS

“Ran into Bill Trogdon,” I told him. The skies brightened. Bill and Dan were damn near inseparable back in the '50s at Mizzou. Dan worked the graveyard shift at KFRU, back when Columbia had only two radio stations.

But Bill and Dan found time to have fun.

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After graduation Bill and Dan—two enormously gifted writers— took two very different roads to success. One became the anonymous author of a thousand Hallmark cards. The other took the nom de plume William Least Heat Moon.

It was only a strange twist of fate that I met the latter. A few years ago Mizzou journalism professor Sara Shipley Hiles launched a road-trip reporting course for a dozen magazine students. The project was inspired by William Least Heat Moon's Blue Highways. The students fanned out to travel Missouri and write about the people and places they saw. Hiles enlisted me to help coach these young journalists about road trip writing. I was honored to return a favor to my alma mater. And it was a chance to work on a project inspired by a Columbia icon whose Blue Highways has become

“Don't I know you?”

“We've never met. I wrote about driving every mile of every Missouri highway.”

“Oh, yes. I have your books.”

His admission floored me. Never mind that he said nothing about whether he liked the books, or read them. Never mind that he collects road trip books. It was enough for me that my stories are in his collection.

We chatted about Professor Hiles' Blue Highways course, and agreed that for this assignment we should encourage young reporters to shuck their electronic devices and employ their five senses.

“That's not why I introduced myself,” I confessed. He probably was relieved that our conversation detoured from road trips and J-school students. “You and my uncle Dan Drake were friends in college.”

the Trogdons' privacy. Yet I knew my shyness would guarantee I'd never arrange a meeting with William Least Heat Moon.

This was my chance. Now or never.

This man crossing toward me sits at the pinnacle of his profession. I toil in the tall weeds. Well-meaning friends assume that because I live in the same community as William Least Heat Moon, and we both tell road trip stories, we must know each other. “Never met him,” I 'd shrug.

Until this day. I stepped forward and thrust out my hand. “Hello,” I summoned my most forward voice, “I'm John Robinson and I'm a big fan of your writing.”

A smile filled the October air along this stretch of Ninth Street. Yes, he said, he and Dan and their buddy Dean spent a lot of time together as undergrads. He told an anecdote, then said, “I heard Dan passed.”

“Yes,” I said. “A couple years ago.”

We shared a recollection or two, each from our own perspective. My sense of decency informed me that I had detained the Trogdons and Professor Hiles for long enough on this sidewalk. We exchanged the customary parting phrases, including my suggestion that we sit down over coffee or beers and share stories about the road and friends and life.

I wish we could do that with my Uncle Dan.

Capture the best you.

Let us create a beautiful portrait of you, perfect for corporate or personal use.

Portraits shot on location, in home or in studio. Sessions starting at $350.

Michael Kilfoy Studio X 314-773-8900 michael@studiox.us

Make Your Home Look Great, Feel Great, Perform Great It’s possible to do all three—without breaking the bank! Marla Esser Cloos, the Green Home Coach in her book Living Green Effortlessly: Simple Choices for a Better Home provides simple steps that can save you money now, increase your home’s value, and make your home healthier for you, your family—and the environment.

TO SHUT COVID DOWN

“Marla does a wonderful job simplifying what can often be an overwhelming subject. I found her action steps easy to understand (and more importantly...implement). In addition, she provided a TON of tips, tools and checklists that any homeowner would find invaluable. Overall, I found the content to be well organized and can see myself using this as a resource time and time again!”

-M. Fies, Homeowner

Available at BuilderBooks.com

The Creative Couple of Chainsaw Art G E TAWAYS

BY G E RRY MAN DE L

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I

thought I knew what wood carving is all about: An old guy sits at a table with a knife, a chisel, some sandpaper, and carves little dogs, cats and birds from small blocks of wood.

That was before I met Gered and Sonya Vinyard, a dynamic, young couple with an interesting story and impressive works of art. We met at their home in Union, Missouri, where their workshop for Black

full-time jobs and raising a family. They’ve been married 15 years and have four boys, including twins, and a 16-year-old Newfie named Izzie. During this time of sequestering, Sonya and Gered have little time to relax.

“I’ve always been interested in wood carving,” says Gered. “It started when I was about ten. I liked the idea of being able to make something out of a piece of wood.” That interest became a passion many years later, while they were living in El Paso, Texas.

Gered was in the Army, stationed at Ft. Bliss at the time, following three 15-month Hearts Chainsaw Art is located. More deployments in Iraq. Sonya missed the about that name shortly. green fields and trees she had grown up Their preferred carving tool is a chainsaw. among in Shamrock, North Carolina.

I saw ten well-used chainsaws on hooks in West Texas left a lot to be desired. To get their workshop, where they carve many of her “green fix,” as she calls it, they drove to their sculptures. Some of their larger pieces, Ruidoso, New Mexico for a few days. however, are created on-site, almost all at That’s where Gered came across a sculptor private residences in the St. Louis area. who had carved three bears. Gered was The Vinyards jumped into their business hooked; this is what he wanted to do. But full-time a few years ago. Before then, carvthere were a lot of miles in between those ing had been a hobby, squeezed in between

TOP LEFT: IZZY Izzy, our Newfoundland, was commissioned by a family in Texas whose Newfie had recently died.

Originally meant to stand at the entrance to their ranch, they displayed him in their home.

With pet memorials, we not only recreate the physical appearance of the animal, but try to capture those special qualities and personality traits to create something meaningful and unique.

PELE’, HAWAIIAN FIRE GODDESS One of our most challenging sculptures is Pele’, the Hawaiian Goddess of Fire and Volcanoes. At 17-feet tall, the sculpture features Pele’, three dolphins, six sea turtles,

and several pieces of coral. We collaborated with our client for this design, based on research of Pele and local tradition. The dolphins radiate healing energy in mind, body, and spirit.

ELEPHANT This elephant was carved from a pin oak that had to be taken down. It is nestled deep in the woods near a private residence outside of Eureka, MO. The elephant was chosen as a symbol of loyalty, peace, reliability, and sensitivity, qualities we incorporated in the piece.

BOTTOM LEFT: BLACKHAWK CHAINSAW ARTS' Gered and Sonya Vinyard

two events. “I’ve lived in New Mexico, inspired. That’s when we got our first South Dakota, Oregon, in Germany order. A hippo.” Sonya and Gered saw for two years in the Army. When I got a real possibility here for a business. out of the military, I considered doing People were impressed by their art. contracting, but it meant I’d be gone a But their future potential didn’t lie in lot. I wanted to be close to my family.” “pieces”…small carvings you could put He had been stationed at Ft. Campbell, in a bag and take home. No, it lay in Kentucky, followed by Fort Bliss. larger carvings, the kind that require a chainsaw.

Then their lives changed, brought about by family considerations and an unfulfilled creative impulse. “We wanted our boys to be able to experience a less active lifestyle without planning for our next move. So, we made the difficult decision to begin a new chapter in our lives,” says Sonya.

After ten years in the service, Gered decided to get out of the Army. They moved back to Missouri to be closer to family. “It was a terrifying decision at the time, but looking back now, we are both so grateful we made that choice,” she adds.

Gered always had a gift for creating interesting items out of the simplest things, but the lack of trees in the desert was a challenge. “As soon as I got to Missouri, I went to work. We were both totally immersed in chainsaw sculpting.”

One of the first pieces of art he came up with was a bear. “It was pretty cheesy,” he says. A friend from Louisville bought it, then entered it in an art fair. It won a prize. “I was

Black Heart Wood Carvings was born, with an emphasis on chainsaw sculptures created mainly on-site.

Gered says, “That’s usually a rougher art. Some can whip out a bear in twenty minutes. But I can’t do that. We have high detail sculptures. We lean towards realism, with real textures and proportions.” This requires more time, an assortment of tools, and an innate ability to create what you see in your mind. That’s what they are able to accomplish as a husband-wife team.

Gered handles the larger saws, Sonya the smaller ones. Either way, it’s physically taxing work. Some of the other tools they use are die grinder angle grinder, Dremel tool, and chisels. I saw them and have no idea how to describe them or their usage.

“We’re our own toughest critics, and are extremely honest with each other,” she says. Gered agrees. They push each other and continue to improve. “Sometimes you get frustrated,” he says, “and want to quit.” But their partner says

ABOVE BATTLE CROSS The Battle Cross is one of our most humbling and emotional designs. They are life-size tributes to service members lost on the battlefield.

Each one is carved out of cedar, with roughly 100 hours of hand carving to ensure the most accurate portrayal possible. From the knots in the laces, rivets in the boots, to the texture on the grips of the rifle and the stitching on the helmet cover, we consider every detail.

We’ve lost a number of friends on the battlefield, and then lost even more after they came home to their own battles. This is our way to provide a lasting tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

ABOVE NATIVE AMERICAN WARRIOR Standing 7-foot tall, the Native American Warrior is at a private residence in downtown St. Louis. It was sculpted from a single sweet gum tree taken from the client’s property due to disease. Rather than discarding the wood, the client chose to extend its life by turning it into a work of art. The entire process, from start to finish, took roughly fourteen weeks.

“Not yet. You’re not finished.”

How do they work? “Lots of coffee,” said Sonya. “We have so many coffee cups. We buy our well-loved coffee cups from Loving Hearts Outreach’s thrift store here in Washington because we break so many.

This is where coffee cups come to die,” she adds with a smile.

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The money raised at the thrift store helps support Loving Hearts Outreach’s food pantry, the largest food pantry in Franklin county. “Our family, boys included, volunteer at their food pantry when they need an extra hand or need minor repairs done - it’s an amazing local non-profit.”

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Now about that name. Black Heart. The explanation is meaningful and touching, revealing a lot about them. It began with Gered in Iraq. He, like so many others, was deeply touched by many experiences. That’s as far as he would take it. But he wanted to pay tribute to fallen friends and comrades.

He couldn’t get them out of his mind. So, he came up with the concept of Battle

BELOW TURKEY Digging out a full-size turkey from a log made us put on our thinking caps. How to “find” a turkey in the log.

After much consideration, it took just a bit of time to dig him out. This turkey is near New Haven, MO, and was sculpted out of a single oak log. He stands roughly 3-feet tall and can be seen showing off his full fan of hand-carved tail feathers.

Crosses: helmet, boots, rifle and bayonet, carved from cedar. The symbol began in WWI as a tribute.

Black Heart was named for his unit, the 101st Air Assault Division, the 1/502nd Brigade. The design shows the unique bond between veterans and the community that proudly stands behind them. Obviously, this carries more meaning than a carving. It is a lasting tribute to those who have fallen and those left behind. The complete story is on their website, BlackHeartsChainsawArt. com. This project is very close to their hearts and requires much time and energy.

I asked them about the wood they used, assuming they sourced trees in the area as needed, regardless of condition. Sonya explained, “We rely on the local community and connections with local tree services.

When they stumble on a section of wood being taken down that they know we could use, they call us. Our goal is to give life back to discarded timber. We have turned down commissions that would require us to

carve into a healthy tree.” She emphasizes that their goal is to extend the life of timber that traditionally would go to waste. “What better way to do that than through art?”

A typical carving day can run anywhere from 3 or 4 hours, sometimes as long as sixteen hours. Occasionally, when things are going smoothly, they might work into the night. It’s a creative process. Their favorite wood is catalpa, which is hard to find in Missouri. Usually they work with oak, maple, elm, cedar or sweet gum. The final process, once the carving and coloring desired are complete, is to apply several coats of finishing oil, plus UV protection.

The Vinyards are more than sculptors. They are keepers of the creative flame who honor all they come in contact with - clients, veterans, nature.

If you’d like to see a full range of their completed wood sculptures, plus more information on how to contact them, visit their website: www.BlackHeartChainsawArt.com.

A Place in the Country

BY BILL ZIE RCH E R

Bill Ziercher is the founder of Select Properties Real Estate. He has been active in building, buying, selling, and managing rural real estate and income property for over 25 years. For a free consultation on marketing your rural property, you can contact Bill at 314.412.3966. and for copies of previous “A Place in the Country” Articles you can email him at ziercher59@gmail.com.

Back-to-the-Land

GARDENING Some of my most fond

childhood memories are with my grandmother Florence. I spent a lot of time with her growing up after my grandfather and namesake died when I was four. I remember helping her turn the garden and tend to the asparagus bed, rhubarb plants and the normal mainstays of a country woman who had lived through the

FIREWOOD There is just something captivating about a fire. I am sure it has to do with our amygdala, or the lizard part of our brain. Besides the ambiance of a fire, many rural homeowners have outside wood boilers. These highly efficient heat sources feed into a home’s HVAC system using a boiler. For many this is the main source of heat, saving hundreds of dollars a month on electric or propane bills.

These systems are backed up usually by an electric furnace. For myself, I always split my own wood. Not only does that appeal to my lizard brain, but it provides a great workout and gets me out of the house in below-freezing weather.

FOWL One does not have to look far to

see more chickens and ducks in both rural and metro area backyards. Yes ducks, which are an excellent source of eggs, producing 300 eggs annually and are especially prized for baking, with higher fatty acids and protein than chicken eggs.

A growing number of municipalities like Ladue, Maplewood and Olivette now allow chickens within certain guidelines.

BEES My 20-year-old son is an apiarist, more commonly known as a beekeeper. He keeps an apiary or beehive in our backyard and also at our farm. In addition to harvesting the honey, which is a good source of vitamins and minerals, he gives back to the environment through pollination. The USDA has been aggressively promoting the CP-42 initiative under the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) that provides technical and financial assistance to offset the decline of habitat for pollinators like bees, moths, insects, bats and birds which we depend upon to pollinate crops.

VENISON Last but not least is venison,

yes, I am talking about Bambi’s dad and mom. There is an entire industry built around the satisfaction of harvesting deer with a stick (more commonly known as a bow and arrow), muzzleloader or modern firearm. Here we are going to explore one of the absolute best sources of protein.

Besides all my grandkids knowing that not all protein comes on Styrofoam trays heat wrapped with film, they learn the healthy benefits of consuming free-range deer and elk. These benefits include a complete source of antibiotic-free protein, lower in saturated fat than other red meats and high in iron, zinc and vitamins. When prepared correctly it is absolutely excellent table fare.

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The seeds are what make an heirloom tomato, passed down from season to season, taken from plants that produced the best fruit, often open-pollinated, which means that they are pollinated naturally, by birds, insects, wind, or human hands.

depression. In the kitchen she had two bins: garbage and trash. The garbage was for any and all organic matter to dispose in the garden. Her garden soil was coal black from feeding it compost and garbage over many years. Fast forward to today with many of these practices coming back, along with things like heirloom tomatoes and other gardening rewards.

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n the past few years there has been an uptick in “Back-tothe Land”, where many rural and metropolitan people are using land for organic crops and food production, sustainability, self-sufficiency and an abiding sense of pride and self-satisfaction.

In this article we dive a little deeper in some of the more common trends. Like many things, this interest has been accelerated by stay-at-home lifestyle changes brought on by Covid.

Ask the Trainer, Kaitlin Waite

Q : “ M Y DO G I S 12 Y E AR S O LD. I S S H E TO O O LD TO TR AI N? ”

A:

I’m sure you’ve heard the saying “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks” but this phrase has nothing to do with dogs, dog tricks, or even teaching senior dogs new things! It reminds us that it is hard to get humans to change well-established habits.

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Although training a puppy is beneficial for reducing unwanted behaviors later in the dog’s life, it does not mean that missing the “puppy” window makes it too late to train your dog. It could be the opposite. Commonly, adult dogs have a longer attention span which makes training an older dog easier! You may also already have a great bond and relationship with your dog and know exactly what motivates them. No reason to worry if your dog is new to training; training is a great way to build a bond with

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any dog at any age.

It is true that young puppies between 8 weeks and 6 months are most prepared to learn. Just like children, you would never wait until your child was a teenager before sending them to school. Dogs’ brains are primed to learn and absorb information at a young age.

However, just like middle-aged and senior humans, adult and even senior dogs can learn new skills. In fact, teaching adult and senior dogs is extremely beneficial to their overall brain health and is a great activity to enrich the life of your dog.

Training skills like leash manners, drop it, leave it, down, sit, etc. are all great ways to keep your dog’s brain engaged (and help

Funny Bones

A L I T T L E H U M O U R TO B R I G H T E N YO U R DAY !

make daily interactions with your dog more enjoyable). We are all about using positive reinforcement in our training to help build the human-pet bond. Whether you want to teach your adult dog to come when called, to walk with you nicely on a stroll, or just shake paws with you it is never too late to start training. If you do not know where to start, our Petropolis trainers are always ready to help. Give us a call at 636-2759118 to schedule a free evaluation.

The Smarter Technology to Protect Today’s Dog Freedom, Safety & Peace of Mind.

DogWatch offers important benefits over other hidden fences: More reliable and safe signal Customized to your dog & yard Lower cost, longer life battery (up to 2 yrs) Locally owned, professional installation, service & training Lifetime warranty & guarantees Programmable by users Indoor & outdoor solutions Made in the USA Can convert other systems to DogWatch Call or email for a free estimate

(314) 965-9209 DogWatchSTL@gmail.com To learn more visit

(inset here of Smart phone & copy)

DogWatchStLouis.com

SmartFence TM connects to Internet for text alerts

INDOOR BOUNDARIES HIDDEN FENCES TRAINING PRODUCTS

CHESTERFIELD: POLISHED, DYED & SEALED RETAIL FLOOR

MARBLELIFE® EnduraCrete craftsmen can transform your dull and dusty concrete into an attractive, functional floor that adds beauty and value to your home or business.

WILDWOOD: REFLECTOR EPOXY COATING

EnduraCrete (TM) concrete services include honing, polishing, staining and sealing, to deliver a customized floor designed to meet your desired look and feel.

GARAGES • PORCHES • BASEMENTS • SUNROOMS • DRIVEWAYS • POOL DECKS Call today for a free in-home estimate

888-391-6980 www.MARBLELIFE-STLOUIS.com

& LOV E P E T

CLAYTON: CONCRETE STAINING

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Beautiful?

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Who Knew that CONCRETE Could be

A Hidden Fence Protects Your Dog and Adds Convenience for You

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f you would like the convenience of letting your dog out of the house any time, day or night, without worrying they will wander off your property, there is a great solution. A hidden fence is an underground pet fencing system that uses a radio signal to keep your dog in a designated containment area, or out of an area, such as a swimming pool, patio, or garden. They can also create indoor boundaries to keep your pet off a couch, out of a room or away from a kitchen counter.

HOW A HIDDEN FENCE WORKS A ‘boundary wire’ is buried a few inches underground around your property. The

he will receive a mild but safe stimulation (also called a “correction”) from the receiver collar. Through a training program, your pet learns to recognize his fence boundaries and to stop at the warning signal.

With an indoor system, the hidden wire runs around your couch, under the lip of the counter, around the trash or across a doorway or wherever you need to create a containment area tor an “off-limits” area.

There are also wireless indoor units that do not require placement of a boundary wire.

TRAINING IS KEY

buried wire carries a harmless, low level radio signal from a transmitter installed in your house or garage. Your pet wears a lightweight, waterproof receiver collar that recognizes the radio signal.

As your pet approaches the buried wire, the receiver collar emits a warning signal (audible or vibration). If your pet travels further,

Training is an important part of the process.

This includes teaching your pet to recognize the containment area boundaries. Your pet learns that if he continues beyond the warning alert, he will receive a mild correction (a stimulation from the collar) that is unpleasant, but it will not “burn” or injure your pet. It is similar to the static shock you receive after walking across a carpet in your socks. After training, dogs usually stop before the warning signal to avoid the correction.

To learn more about a hidden fence for your property, you can contact DogWatch Hidden Fences of St. Louis at 314-965-9209 or by email at DogWatchSTL@gmail.com.

Create a lasting image of a cherished member of your family Sometimes we love them more than we know. Schedule a photo session with us to create beautiful, lasting memory. Portraits shot on location, in home or in studio.

Michael Kilfoy / Studio X

314-773-8900 michael@studiox.us

Looking for a Night Off from the Kitchen and a New “Dining Out at Home” Experience?

Chef Corey will meet with you to plan a dinner, weekly meals or a special event, creating menus based on dietary needs or restrictions personal taste and, of course

Chef Corey will do all the grocery shopping, purchasing only the highest quality ingredients for your meals. He brings to your home his food truck with all the necessary cooking equipment, so your kitchen remains spotless. If you would like meals for several evenings, he can prepare and package three or four meals at a time for eating fresh during the week.

He can provide complete re-heating and finishing instructions. When it’s time for dinner, you find yourself enjoying a homecooked meal in minutes, with very little cleanup when you are finished.

Wok and Roll offers creative Asian-inspired cuisine, with gluten-free and vegetarian options available at prices ranging from $6-$15. A fun option for a weekend event!

CATERING BY COREY is a second op-

tion for a more personalized and unique dining experience. Chef Corey prepares restaurant quality meals to enjoy in the comfort of your

Clockwise from upper left: Wok and Roll Food Truck, Beef with broccoli burger and fried egg, Cashew chicken with stir-fry vegetables, Cherry tomato Caprese kebabs, Chocolate-covered strawberries with tropical fruit sushi, Roast tenderloin with gouda whipped potatoes

No matter what your dining desire, Chef Corey provides very tasty fare and takes the prep, cooking, and clean-up off of your hands. You can contact him by phone at 314-724-3424 or by email at Wokandrollstl@ gmail.com, Instagram @wokandrollstl, or Facebook Wok And Roll STL, to create an experience like none other for your next dinner or event!

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cially-distanced events for families, neighborhoods or entertaining right at your home – a fun, safe way to connect with friends and neighbors who are missing those enjoyable dining out experiences. Here’s how it works: Wok and Roll will roll up at the location and time of your choosing. Pre-orders can be taken ahead of time for ease and timeliness if need be. Also, this is a great option for businesses looking for a unique way to connect with customers, friends or employees.

. . . fan favorite dishes. Based on that information he creates a varied menu of entrees, side dishes and desserts personalized for your family or event. The service is completely customized, so you have the opportunity to approve menus and request changes.

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families.

CHEF COREY’S WOK AND ROLL FOOD TRUCK offers private so-

home or at your business, drawing on his years of experience as a personal chef for a Caribbean charter yacht and Head Chef of a five-star South Carolina boutique hotel restaurant. He brings to your dining table or special event the perfect blend of distinctive yet approachable cuisine.

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hef Corey Marion has been using his passion for creating delicious meals and translating it into two great dining options for busy

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LOCAL ST. LOUIS CHEF COREY MARION HAS BEEN TRANSLATING HIS PASSION FOR CREATING DELICIOUS MEALS INTO TWO NEW AT-HOME DINING OPTIONS FOR BUSY FAMILIES, WITHOUT THE EFFORT OF PREPARATION OR CLEANUP.

STEVEN A. WEBER is Partner Director of Valuation at Property Assessment Review and PAR Residential. His team of experts has the experience, market and legal knowledge to achieve the biggest tax reduction possible on residential and commercial properties. He has been reducing property taxes for 30 years, and before that was a Senior Appraiser for St. Louis County for five years.

Property Assessment Review is the leading property tax consulting firm in St. Louis, saving over $100 million for some of the region’s largest commercial taxpayers – the St. Louis Galleria, Solon Gershman, Duke Realty, Mills Properties and US Bank.

In 2008, PAR created PAR Residential to represent home owners in St. Louis County. PAR’s residential clients have saved over $10,000,000 in real estate taxes since 2009 with over 80% of appeals resulting in tax savings.

How to Lower Your Property Taxes

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AR E TH E Y STI LL TA X D E D U C TI B LE ?

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S

t. Louis County properties are to be reassessed in 2021 by the Assessor’s office. This new value estimate will be used to determine your property taxes for 2021 and 2022. In general, we expect assessments to increase substantially as a result of recent real estate market activity, but even if your value doesn’t change substantially, these new values should be reviewed carefully. This appraised value is supposed to represent the market value of your home as of January 1, 2021.

In addition, new federal income tax rules include a $10,000 cap on the amount taxpayers can deduct in combined property tax and local and state income tax while nearly doubling standard deductions. This means many people who have historically itemized to deduct things like property taxes or mortgage interest may get more by claiming the standard deduction. These changes make taking steps to minimize your property tax bill even more important than in the past.

APPEALS MUST BE FILED IN JULY, DON’T WAIT UNTIL YOU GET YOUR TAX BILL IN NOVEMBER. The simple fact is – assessors make mistakes. They utilize computer based mass

appraisal techniques, market averages and neighborhood models to determine property values, which may not accurately reflect your property value. These errors and miscalculations end up costing you money year after year.

More often than not, we find that the assessor’s value does not reflect the actual value based on recent sale prices of homes that are comparable with yours. In fact, since 2009 we have filed over 19,000 appeals in St. Louis County alone resulting in over $10,000,000 in tax savings to homeowners.

A NO -RISK RESOURCE FOR HOMEOWNERS. You now have the opportunity to have your appraised value professionally reviewed to determine if you are being fairly assessed and taxed. We base our opinion of market value not on mass computer modeling like the Assessor does but on real comparable sales in your neighborhood. PAR Residential does all the work and only earns a fee if we are successful in lowering your taxes. All costs of the appeal are paid by PAR Residential including legal fees and appraisal costs.

HERE’S HOW IT WORKS: 1. SET UP A FILE. PAR will gather

information from you and County records, including the Assessor’s “appraisal”, and set up a case file on your home.

2. DETERMINATION OF FAIR VALUE. PAR Residential will determine a fair

appraised value for your property based on real comparable sales in your neighborhood.

3. NOTIFICATION. We will notify you of

the results of our review of your appraised value. If we determine the Assessor’s appraised value is fair, no appeal will be filed.

There will be no cost to you for our time and efforts.

4. FILE YOUR APPEAL BEFORE THE JULY 12TH DEADLINE. If we determine

that your property is over-valued by the assessor we will file an appeal on your behalf and provide the required information to the Board of Equalization.

5. BOARD OF EQUALIZATION (BOE) HEARINGS. The PAR Residen-

tial Team will attend the hearing and argue your case. We will send the official BOE results to you in September and let you know if we need to continue your appeal to the State Tax Commission of Missouri.

6. FEE. Only if we are successful in achiev-

ing a reduction in your property tax bill, we share equally in the tax savings (50/50).

All of our work is performance based: NO SAVINGS, NO FEE. There are no additional costs to you for any of our work.

Our invoice will be sent to you in the fall, arriving about the same time you receive your reduced tax bill.

Interested in signing up? The enrollment process is quick and easy. Visit our website and sign up online today! Specific questions can be answered by emailing them to info@parresidential.com or by calling PAR Residential at 314-454-0505 from 9am to 5pm Monday through Friday. You can learn more about saving money on your real estate taxes, the assessment and the appeal process by visiting www.parresidential.com.

Don’t Wait for Your Home Network to Fail GET ALL YOUR DEVICES CONNECTING BET TER THAN EVER

B Y D E D E C AT S AV I S

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client called last week in frustration.

She couldn’t get online and therefore couldn’t get email on any device except her phone. One of the techs went to her house and discovered multiple issues.

Her router was old to begin with, but it also appeared to have gotten zapped in a recent power surge, as only one of her wi-fi points was working. Additionally, she had forgotten all of her email passwords and she had several email accounts. (More and more, I think passwords just keep users out of

their own devices – as the hackers seem to easily get in!)

The state of the art for home wi-fi connectivity is mesh routers. They are made to blanket your home in wi-fi, extending way beyond what a single router can do by sharing that network across multiple devices. The Computer Tutors tech had several mesh routers with him, and he installed the one best suited for the size and layout of her home and one that took into account the number of devices she was using.

The new router had the additional benefit of increasing her network security and speed. He reconnected all her computers, iPad,

printers, TVs, security cameras and several other devices that were on her network. He then reset her email passwords and made sure she could send and receive email from all three of her accounts on all of her devices. Then, he installed a new Blu-Ray player she had ordered and helped her order a new iPad, as hers was outdated. Many other little issues were fixed along the way as well, and all of her questions were patiently answered.

Although it took a few hours to complete the job, she was extremely happy, no longer frustrated and greatly relieved that everything worked! Success! Sometimes we don’t get this lucky to have everything work at first – but we always find a work-around or other ways to accomplish the goal.

You don’t have to wait until your wi-fi fails to get your network and components brought up to date.

You can call Computer Tutors to prevent that from happening to you.

COMPUTER TUTORS is a local, woman-owned small business founded in 1997.

DEDE CATSAVIS is the founder and owner. For 23 years they have provided computer services to thousands of satisfied, happy customers.

Computer Tutors works on Windows and MAC computers, sets up home networks, eliminates viruses and also will help with any of your other electronics devices. You can reach them at 314-608-7920, and at www.computertutors.net.

16 WAYS TO A D D

E N J OY M E N T

Swimming Pool Owners:

TO YO U R P O O L T H IS Y E A R

21 HANDBOOK 20 POOL OWNER ’S

The 2021 Pool Owner’s Handbook will be arriving in your mailbox this month.

From County Living Magazine

This handy guide provides useful information, quality services, products and resources to enhance the enjoyment, safety and convenience of your pool this year and beyond.

If you do not receive your copy, or would like another one, contact us at editor@countylivingmag.com

Completing a Successful Sale of a Small Business AN ACTUAL CASE THAT DEMONSTR ATES HOW THE PROCESS SHOULD WORK

BY J E F F BACH

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JEFF BACH is part of the team of top business brokers in this area at Fusion Business Brokers. Fusion Business Brokers combines the highest levels of technology, marketing and professional experience for the needs of business owners. With access to their large network of qualified buyers, Jeff offers the best opportunity to help you successfully sell your business.

He only gets paid when you sell. Valuations are free and are the starting point to knowing when the right time is to sell your business. Jeff can also help qualified buyers find and buy a business that meets their goals. You can contact Jeff for a 56 free, confidential, no-obligation discussion about selling your business or buying a business at 314-941-8530, or by email at jbach@fusionadvantage.com.

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rian worked in his fatherin-law’s heating and cooling business. When his fatherin-law was ready to retire, Brian and his wife purchased the company using an SBA loan and some seller financing. Through hard work and modernizing business practices, Brian grew the business quite a bit, and it was very successful.

Brian handled his finances well, and in his late 50’s he realized that he was in the financial position that he didn’t need as much income anymore. Also, he knew that it would be nice not to have all the responsibilities of owning a business.

Brian contacted me to discuss the possibility of selling the company. He knew that I had a lot of experience helping owners sell their businesses, and he wanted to learn about the process. Brian, his wife and I all met, and I began learning. First, about Brian’s situation and needs. Once it was concluded that it was a real possibility to sell the business, the next step was to help Brian with a valuation of his company. This gave him a good idea of how much to put the business on the market for. There was no charge for this service.

Once the valuation was complete, we had additional no-pressure meetings to determine if a sale at that price would make sense for Brian and his family. After some thought the answer was yes, and that is when as his business broker, we went to work!

A detailed listing agreement was drawn up and signed. The business was then strategically marketed in multiple ways, beginning with our list of qualified buyers who we knew were looking for this

type of business. All potential buyers were screened to make sure that the opportunity fit their finances, their skill sets and their financial situations. Everything about the opportunity was kept confidential to the public.

A few months after listing, Mike, who owned a business with some similarities to Brian’s, contacted me with interest. So, I met with Mike to learn if the purchase would be a good fit for both sides.

There was a lot of due diligence completed. The buyer and seller met multiple times under my guidance as the intermediary for both parties.

After this process was completed Mike told me that he would like to purchase Brian’s company. I helped Mike prepare an offer and presented it to Brian and his wife. My team was able to help through the entire negotiation process. This was not just about price and terms. It was about two families’ futures.

Many details had to be worked out. Important needs and emotions had to be considered. A deal that was good for both parties was agreed to.

Next came the process of helping the buyer secure financing. My team’s experience not only guaranteed that Mike would be referred to the best lenders, but also that as his broker, we would be there to help him through the financing process. At the same time, I assisted the seller in preparing everything that they needed to take care of for the sale.

As there often are, a few hiccups were encountered along the way. Again, having an experienced broker paid off, and the closing was completed. Both seller and buyer are happy, and they still communicate with me on a somewhat regular basis.

HOOMA SHAH ESQ. is the Founding and Principal Attorney at THE SHAH LAW FIRM, LLC in Clayton. She is an experienced Family Law Attorney and serves clients in both Missouri and Illinois. Before opening her own practice, she clerked for two Family Law Judges in Pennsylvania, which exposed her to a broad range of family law issues and taught her how to analyze a case from a judge’s perspective, which is highly beneficial in procuring a successful outcome on behalf of her clients.

WHAT IS A PRE-NUPTIAL AGREEMENT? A pre-nuptial agreement is simply a pre-marital contract entered into prior to a marriage that contains provisions as to what will happen to each party’s assets and/or debts in event of death, separation or divorce.

You have been divorced before. Enough said.

You have separate property: In the event of a divorce, property that was acquired prior to the marriage would normally be subject to community property or equitable distribution laws. A pre-nuptial agreement would prevent this. Assets that can be designated as separate property pursuant to a pre-nuptial agreement can include real estate, trust funds, business interests, investments and/or retirement/pension accounts.

Debt Protection: A pre-nuptial agreement can prevent a person from getting saddled with the other party’s debts, especially if the debt that was accrued solely by one party prior to the marriage.

IF YOU ARE CONSIDERING A PRE-NUPTIAL AGREEMENT: Do not give it to the other party to sign the day before or the day of the wedding.

Give the other party the opportunity to review the pre-nuptial agreement with an attorney of their choosing.

Hooma also has a long-standing commitment to domestic violence advocacy.

Currently, she is assisting domestic violence victims as a volunteer attorney at The Crime Victims Center in St. Louis. She also recently obtained certification as a Guardian Ad Litem and is qualified to represent a child’s interests in family law disputes. Hooma has Bar Admissions in Missouri and Illinois.

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People who have been previously married, have children from a previous marriage/relationship or have accumulated substantial assets should seriously consider entering into a pre-nuptial agreement if they are considering marriage. Additionally, in the event of a divorce, a pre-nuptial agreement can significantly reduce the time and expense associated with a divorce proceeding.

WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER A PRE-NUPTIAL AGREEMENT?

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any people mistakenly assume that pre-nuptial agreements are only necessary for the rich and famous. In truth, having a pre-nuptial agreement in place prior to a marriage is immensely beneficial to a much greater demographic.

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BY HOOMA SHAH , ESQ .

You Want to Make Provisions Regarding Maintenance (Alimony): This is especially important if one party earns significantly more than another party. For instance, prior to her marriage to Kevin Federline, Britney Spears had him sign a pre-nuptial agreement. When they divorced a few years later, Kevin received only a small percentage of her reported $100 million dollar fortune. Smart move. On the other hand, people like Jeff Bezos, Paul McCartney and Madonna did not have a pre-nuptial agreement in place when they married and literally speaking, they paid a price for this oversight.

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Thinking of Remarrying?

Consider a Pre-nuptial Agreement.

You Have Children: A pre-nuptial agreement can help you protect or preserve property for your children from a previous marriage/relationship. Without one, a surviving spouse might have the right to claim a large portion of the other spouse’s property, leaving much less for the kids.

Take a fresh road trip.

County Living columnist

JOHN DRAKE ROBINSON won an

EMMY

for his unique travelogs based on his books.

The stories along these roads reflect life’s uneven rhythms.

Fun. Fear. Breakdowns and revelations. The beauty of violent storms. The scents of September sycamores and campfires, forest fires and kitchen fires. His stories serve up tastes and touches and sounds you can’t coax from a tweet. You probably shouldn’t read this during church.

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John’s Newest Book, Souls Along The Road, Is Hot Off The Press

Available at fine bookstores everywhere. Or email John at cjrobin@socket.net Read more stories at johndrakerobinson.com/blog

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Photos by Cheryl Robinson

This Book Should Be in Every Home in St. Louis

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any of us who have lived in the St. Louis area our whole lives don’t know much about our own history.

We learn in school about world history, US history and facts about Missouri government, but very little is taught about the history of our own county. And newcomers to St. Louis generally know even less about the area.

To help all of us feel more connected to our own community, County Living Publications has re-published The History of St. Louis County, Missouri by William Lyman Thomas, a 100-year old book that documents our history from the earliest settlers through the Civil War and into the first decade of the 20th century. It documents what life was like 100 years ago here the towns, neighborhoods, schools, churches, social societies, government, businesses, transportation and amusements of the period, and thousands of the people who were active in these endeavors.

This is a quality softbound book of over 500 pages, with more than 100 historic photographs. Now available at: Amazon.com Campbell House in Downtown St. Louis The Louisiana Purchase Gift Shop at Missouri History Museum Left Bank Books Main Street Books in St. Charles Museum of Transportation Gift Shops in Kirkwood St. Louis Genealogical Society in Maplewood World News in Clayton For more information, you can visit StLCountyHistory.com

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