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nova vIta
KeepIng KIDs actIve
InterIor DesIgn
Style. Society. Success. | April 3, 2020
Senior Living
Serving the FamilieS oF St. louiS Since 1960
St. Louis Health Leaders Working Together to Respond to COVID-19
As the COVID-19 pandemic brings unprecedented challenges to the St. Louis region, front-line staff and administrative leaders from BJC HealthCare, Mercy, SSM Health and St. Luke’s Hospital remain united in their mission to support the St. Louis community through this challenging time. We are working in close partnership with local and state health departments and our academic medical institutions, Saint Louis University and Washington University Schools of Medicine. We remain confident that knowledge, vigilance and cooperation will enable the St. Louis community to weather the COVID-19 pandemic together. BJC, Mercy, SSM and St. Luke’s are collaborating, with guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and Missouri and Illinois health departments, to give community members access to factual, current information and quality care connected to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
WHAT YOU CAN DO
STEPS WE ARE TAKING
The number of COVID-19 cases in the St. Louis region is beginning to rise. The peak number of cases in our area is predicted to be weeks away yet. So, BJC, Mercy, SSM and St. Luke’s are working together now, implementing plans and making decisions geared to minimizing the risk to area residents throughout the entire course of this outbreak.
Your part matters
At BJC, Mercy, SSM and St. Luke’s, the safety of our patients and staff is our top priority. We have developed comprehensive COVID-19 safety plans for patients and staff using CDC guidelines and guidance from our own infection prevention and safety experts.
No visitors policy To help better protect our patients and staff against COVID-19 transmission, BJC, Mercy, SSM and St. Luke’s have all put in place a “No Visitors” policy. We realize there must be exceptions in limited cases, such as obstetrics, pediatrics and end-of-life care. Those visitors who are allowed will be screened and may need to wear personal protective equipment such as masks and gowns. For more information on visitor exceptions and procedures, visit the system website of the hospital you may be visiting (see box at lower right). We recognize that family and friends are important to the healing process and will evaluate this policy regularly. COVID-19 testing sites BJC, Mercy, SSM and St. Luke’s have set up more drive-through testing sites in St. Louis City, St. Louis County and St. Charles County in Missouri and St. Clair County in Illinois for patients who have been screened and meet the criteria for testing. While more sites are available, patients still must be screened before being tested. Due to a limited number of COVID-19 testing supplies across the U.S., only patients who are very ill and meet COVID-19 criteria are currently being tested. For those with milder symptoms, we recommend staying home and away from others and taking care of yourself as you would with other viruses. Call your physician if you feel that your condition is worsening. Patients who feel they meet the requirements still must be screened before being tested. If you have symptoms of COVID-19 or think you may have been exposed to someone who has the disease, call your health care provider, the local health department or local hospital to be screened for testing, or take the virtual screening on BJC’s site, BJC.org/coronavirus, or SSM Health’s site, SSMHealth.com/covid19.
To control the spread of COVID-19, each and every one of you needs to continue washing your hands effectively and often, continue social distancing by maintaining a 6-foot distance between yourself and others and comply with the stay-home order. Coping with stress and anxiety The COVID-19 outbreak not only causes physical symptoms, it can threaten emotional and mental health. With disruptions to normal life, lost income, social isolation and fear for your safety and that of your loved ones, feelings of anger, worry, frustration or loss are natural. But it’s essential to manage the stress you’re feeling to stay physically and mentally healthy. What you can do to stay resilient in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak: • Get credible information from a trusted source about COVID-19 and your actual risk. The CDC or the BJC, Mercy, SSM and St. Luke’s websites (see box at lower right) and news reports featuring health or government experts are good places to get solid information. Be aware that misinformation and rumors can spread quickly — especially on social media. • Avoid too much news exposure. Balance staying informed with news overload. A constant stream of pandemic updates can increase anxiety. • Keep your body healthy. It boosts your mental health. Maintain a healthy diet. Get enough sleep. Exercise regularly. Don’t use alcohol, nicotine or other drugs to blunt anxiety. • Reach out to others. Call, text, write or video chat regularly with family and friends. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, there are many free resources available to help you through this difficult time. • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services maintains the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Disaster Distress Hotline with counselors available 24/7, 365 days a year. Call or text 1-800-985-5990 or go to samhsa.gov. • Times of crisis often lead to an increase in domestic violence. If you or someone you know is in a violent situation, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline, thehotline.org or 1-800-799-7233. • The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24/7. Call 1-800-273-8255.
With these plans, we are doing our best to keep all patients and team members safe, while conserving the supply of specialized, regulation personal protective equipment (PPE), such as N-95 respirator masks, for those in the highest risk, direct patient care situations. At this time, most of the patients seen at our hospitals are NOT infected with COVID-19, and providers will exercise normal precautions like handwashing before and after patient care. Those caring for patients who are infected with the virus or suspected of being exposed will take special precautions. Supply chain personnel at BJC, Mercy, SSM and St. Luke’s have been working diligently to locate additional sources of PPE, especially the specialized equipment needed to care for COVID-19 patients. The outpouring of offers from across the community to provide masks and other supplies for our employees is very much appreciated. Check our websites for more donation information (see box below). We don’t discourage use of non-regulation approved PPE in non-patient care areas. But to ensure patient and staff safety, we undertake very stringent steps to evaluate and examine all donations and make sure they are distributed appropriately. We thank all of those who are reaching out to us to help. With your cooperation, we will weather this pandemic, together.
FOR MORE INFORMATION ON COVID-19 AND RELATED ISSUES, CALL OR VISIT: Missouri Department of Health 877-435-8411 Illinois Department of Health dph.illinois.gov/covid19 FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov who.int/emergencies/diseases/ novel-coronavirus-2019 bjc.org/coronavirus mercy.net/covid19 ssmhealth.com stlukes-stl.com
GATHERINGS & GOODWILL 10 12
30 Style:
ON TREND Even in times as trying as these, Katie Yeadon – forever LN’s fave fashionista! – remains on trend, and this week, she helps readers maintain a sunny disposition with products like this chic Chloé Marcie mini satchel from Neiman Marcus.
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The Daily:
BUSINESS NOTES
20
Abode:
DESIGN SPEAK
LN stalwart Connie Mitchell chats (from a discreet distance, of course) with local experts Ryan Dau, Rochelle McAvin, and Stephanie Pohlman about the challenges and surprising rewards of providing interior design and related services remotely.
Right about now, probably a lot of LN readers could use the gustatory comfort of professionally made baked goods – so Mary Mack discusses just that topic with Ericka Frank, whose The Cakery Bakery this year celebrates its 15th anniversary.
On the cover 8 Mari de Villa Senior Living has served the St. Louis community for 60 years, all while staying true to its mission of providing personalized care for each resident’s health and social needs. Learn more about Mari de Villa’s campus and amenities, as well as its commitment to 24/7 care on Page 8. Photo by Sarah Conroy.
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APRIL 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com
American Heart Association Winter Opera Saint Louis
ABODE 16 18 20
The Trio Feature: M. Interiors Design Speak
STYLE 30 31 34
On Trend Feature: Nova Vita Style Speak
THE DAILY 36 38 39 40
Business Notes Kids MD Crossword Puzzle Feature: Women of Achievement
ARTS & CULTURE 44
Feature: The Winter Family Collection
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Art and Soul
The Building Blocks of Our Common Resolve In today’s reality of social distancing and responsible safety protocol, we’re committed to staying connected with clients and associates. Below, we present the basic building blocks of the business model we use to navigate today’s environment, minimize risk and serve clients.
Janet Horlacher Principal
Be safe and stay connected. 26 Upper Ladue Ladue | $3,6395,000
5795 Lindell Boulevard CWE | $1,275,000
Unit 707, The Crescent Clayton | $1,395,000
42 Huntleigh Woods Drive Huntleigh | $6,850,000
S O L V E
Safety First
Open Online
Our agents and staff follow strict health guidelines and safe showing protocols.
Our website is available 24/7. Search the MLS, agents, communities and sold homes.
Lean Technology
Virtual Marketing
Smart digital technology allows us to efficiently manage our business with less waste.
All of our collateral is expertly produced to use across all digital channels.
Empathy
We will get through this challenging period together. Help is just a telephone call away.
16611 Sterling Point Court Chesterfield | $759,000
17 Upper Ladue Ladue | $1,975,000
janet mcafee inc. l 9889 clayton road l saint louis, missouri 63124 l 314.997.4800 I www.janetmcafee.com
GENERAL MANAGER
Susan Eckert : seckert@laduenews.com
EDITORIAL MANAGING EDITOR
Emily Adams : eadams@laduenews.com COPY EDITOR & STAFF WRITER
Bryan A. Hollerbach : bhollerbach@laduenews.com DIGITAL EDITOR & STAFF WRITER
Andrea Smith : asmith@laduenews.com STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER
Sarah Conroy : sconroy@laduenews.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Bethany Christo, Drew Gieseke, Alecia Humphreys, Dr. Joseph Kahn, Mary Mack, Connie Mitchell, Nancy Robinson, Katie Yeadon CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Christina Kling-Garrett
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES
Kayla Nelms : knelms@laduenews.com Ann Sutter : asutter@laduenews.com Erin Wood : ewood@laduenews.com SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER
Maggie Peters : mpeters@laduenews.com CUSTOM CONTENT WRITER
Amanda Dahl : adahl@laduenews.com CLASSIFIED ACCOUNT MANAGER
Lisa Taylor : ltaylor@lee.net SALES ASSISTANT
Sherry Davis : sdavis@laduenews.com
CREATIVE ART DIRECTOR
Dawn Deane : ddeane@laduenews.com GRAPHIC DESIGNERS
Laura De Vlieger Chris Oth Lauren Rodewald
ADMINISTRATION OFFICE MANAGER
Megan Langford : mlangford@laduenews.com ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Courtney Eaves : ceaves@laduenews.com
CONTACT 8811 Ladue Road, Suite D, Ladue, Missouri 63124 314-863-3737 : LadueNews.com
SUBSCRIPTIONS Ladue News publishes 52 issues per year. Subscriptions cost $45 in the continental U.S. A SUBURBAN JOURNALS OF GREATER ST. LOUIS LLC PUBLICATION, A DIVISION OF LEE ENTERPRISES
4 April 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com
UNDER CONTRACT
7149 WESTMORELAND
1015 ANDUIN COURT
lisa coulter linda benoist
kathleen lovett laura donovan
IN UNIVERSITY CITY 6 Bedrooms | 4 Full 2 Half Baths $980,000
IN DES PERES 3 Bedrooms | 3 Baths $389,000
314.941.2883 314.504.5495
314.610.7408 314.229.8978
11 RIDGEMOOR DRIVE
UNIT 1503 I THE PLAZA
lawrence levy
tricia kolbrener 314.504.5564 megan holekamp 314.703.1415
IN CLAYTON 5 Bedrooms | 5.5 Baths $1,449,900
janet mcafee inc.
l
IN CLAYTON 2 +Bedrooms | 3.5 Baths $2,195,000
314.520.5668
9889 clayton road
l
saint louis, missouri 63124
l
314.997.4800
I
www.janetmcafee.com
letter
from the
EDITOR THE BACKBONE OF LADUE NEWS IS COMMUNITY. Each week – and every day online – we strive to shine a spotlight on the people and businesses that make the metro area such a wonderful place. This is a task we take seriously – now more than ever. Take, for instance, the women being honored as Women of Achievement this year, profiled in the feature starting on Page 40 by LN regular Alecia Humphreys. Each of these 10 brilliant, inspiring women has made significant impacts on the world both locally and globally, and we couldn’t be prouder to highlight their work in this week’s issue. Keep reading for amazing examples of area businesses that are pivoting their strategies right now to best help their customers, like the local interior designers providing virtual services to clients, highlighted by LN contributor Connie Mitchell starting on Page 20. Or art exhibitions now being made available to view online, like the one by Leon Bronstein that was originally hosted by the Saint Louis University Museum of Art, covered starting on Page 44 by LN copy editor and staff writer Bryan A. Hollerbach. And be sure to take a moment to celebrate the story of Nova Vita – a jewelry line, available to shop online, that’s taken the metro area by storm, created by a local high school student. That feature, written by LN contributor Bethany Christo, starts on Page 31. There are incredible things happening in our community right now, whether through groups adapting to changing circumstances for the good of all or individuals who have been working for the betterment of humankind all along. The metro area is rising to the occasion – and I can’t say I’m surprised.
All the best,
Emily Adams
Editor’s Corner The word around town
We would like to send out a heartfelt thank-you to all of the health care professionals, restaurant workers, delivery drivers, grocery store employees and other essential workers for their commitment and efforts during this time. We are so grateful for all you’re doing to keep our families safe and healthy. Visit laduenews.com and our social media pages daily for even more content you need right now, including ways to support our community and small businesses and tips on taking care of yourselves and those you love during this time.
6 April 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com
EDITOR’S PHOTO BY SARAH CONROY
Stay healthy out there, friends.
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Visit laduenews.com for extended event coverage beyond what’s on our printed pages.
For updates on local happenings and trends, visit The Cut, our online-exclusive blog.
online featured gatherings
SAINT LOUIS BALLET SPRING GALA KICKOFF
Check out some of our best feature photos in a mobile-only format on our Instagram profile: instagram.com/laduenews.
GIRL SCOUTS OF EASTERN MISSOURI’S ANNUAL DESSERT FIRST FUNDRAISER
Visit our Facebook page on Monday, April 6, to see more photos from our feature story on Nova Vita. (see the story on p. 31).
LadueNews.com | APRIL 3, 2020
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ON THE
Cover mari de villa
Personal Making It
By Maggie Peters | Photo by Sarah Conroy
N
o person ages the same way, and the personalization of every resident’s care has been the mission of Mari de Villa Senior Living since the retirement community opened its doors in 1960. The personal approach at Mari de Villa remains true to its core values of providing the very best 24-hour care for its residents. “Every day, we get up and [are] committed to providing the best care we can,” expresses president and CEO Fred Wiesehan. Located on a 22-acre campus in Town and Country, Mari de Villa has room for every level of care, from independent living in its Villa Estates to 24-hour care in its Villa West, Villa East and Waterford buildings. The Wiesehan family works alongside their dedicated staff –some who have been with Mari de Villa for more than 20 years – to serve each resident’s unique needs. “We don’t have multiple locations to focus on, so we know our guests and their families,” he says. “Caring has truly been the life of many of the staff and management.” At Mari de Villa, the emphasis isn’t only on caring for physical health, but also on emotional comfort and wellbeing. Residents are called guests and are given all the accommodation of a luxury resort. Classes, clubs and outings allow residents to stay active with their interests and lifestyles, and the suites in Villa Estates range in size from 1,000 to more than 3,000 square feet, with high-end appliances, granite countertops and hardwood floors – and décor chosen by the resident. For residents needing individual attention, Villa East and Waterford have a
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april 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com | a ladue news special promotion
From our family, to yours, This story and cover were arranged before the current situation intensified throughout the Country. Please know that we are always here for your loved ones. We live on site to insure that we are involved in the lives of all of our residents. We would like to impart that in trying times, we connect through caring for one another. Now, more than ever, we are committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of the Mari de Villa family. Sincerely, Fred and Mary Kay Wiesehan, Joseph Wiesehan and Fritz Wiesehan
variety of care levels, allowing for residents to age gracefully. “As our guests grow older, it is generally the case that his or her care needs will increase,” Wiesehan explains. “Being licensed as a skilled nursing [facility], we can adapt to these changes with little disruption to them.” Today, 60 years after its founding, Mari de Villa continues to grow. Plans are in motion for the new construction of East Lake, a luxury assisted living building off the lake on the Mari de Villa 2 campus. “We hope to break ground late summer [or] early fall,” Wiesehan says. “The senior living landscape can be very confusing for families trying to navigate through the senior living options,” Wiesehan concludes. ”We would welcome the opportunity to tour families through Mari de Villa and answer any questions you may have. We are confident you will be pleased with what you see.” Mari de Villa, 13900 Clayton Road, Town and Country, 636-227-5347, maridevilla.com
Gatherings & Goodwill 10
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AMERICAN HEART ASSOCIATION
WINTER OPERA SAINT LOUIS
With
PHOTO BY DIANE ANDERSON
Open Hearts LadueNews.com | APRIL 3, 2020
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American Heart Association
ST. LOUIS HEART BALL Photos and story by Diane Anderson
T
he American Heart Association’s St. Louis Heart Ball took place late in February at historic Union Station in downtown St. Louis. The evening’s festivities included a cocktail reception, dinner and a live auction. Guests also enjoyed dessert at the recently opened St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station. The gala – the association’s premier black-tie corporate event – raises money and support for its ongoing work and mission. It also celebrates efforts to build a foundation of health in the community and ensure people live longer, healthier lives.
ln
Visit LADUENEWS.COM
TO SEE MORE FABULOUS PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT!
Roger and Cindy Sinnott
Dr. Kaylea Lenarz, Kelly Bagwe
Melanie and Jim Bennett
Shuddie and Sunitha Ray
Bassam and Hattie Hadi
Virgil and Sandra VanTrease
Rebecca and John Sheehan
Tara and Anthony Reiner
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APRIL 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com
Heart disease affects every one of us in St. Louis. That is why it is important that we all come together and support this fight against heart disease! DONN SORENSEN, EVENT CHAIR
AND EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT AT MERCY HEALTH
Dr. Lyndon Gross, Heather Ewald
Laura and Mike Skiles, Nathan and Jennifer Jaeger
Priscilla Duncan, Elias Tannous
Jeanne O’Keefe, Doug Knowsling
Hayley and Blonie Dudney
Scott and Stephanie Davis
Kelly Malone, Scott Kramer
LadueNews.com | APRIL 3, 2020
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Winter Opera Saint Louis
ROYAL TEA
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Photos and story by Micah Usher
ast month, Winter Opera Saint Louis hosted Royal Tea at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis in Clayton. The event featured a variety of teas served with other refreshments, tea sandwiches and desserts, and showcased male opera vocalists Pedro Barbosa and Peter Kendall Clark, who performed 12 numbers throughout the evening with piano accompaniment by Sandra Geary. This year’s Royal Tea committee was recognized at the event: Natalia Bogdanova, Nancy Koplar, Nancy Pillsbury, Mary Pillsbury Wainwright and Mary Rose Schuster. A nonprofit organization, Winter Opera Saint Louis provides world-class operatic performances during the winter months.
ln
Visit LADUENEWS.COM
TO SEE MORE FABULOUS PHOTOS FROM THIS EVENT!
Jenny Turner, Nancy Koplar, Peggy Olson
Tracy Alter, Adrijana Roy, Mary Rose Schuster, Shelly Muskin
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APRIL 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com
Emily Koplar, Sue McCarthy, Diana Ford
Joyce King, Rebecca Reeve
Peter Kendall Clark, Sandra Geary, Pedro Barbosa
Winter Opera is a huge asset to the St. Louis arts community because this organization works so diligently to make opera accessible and inclusive for all people, while providing some of the highest-quality productions you will find in this region. NATALIA BOGDANOVA,
COMMITTEE MEMBER
Dr. Kimbery Bernie, Nancy Pillsbury Rebecca Gordon, Mary Pillsbury Wainwright, Allison Starling, Connie Vohsin
Barbara Ortuzal, Rodrigo Villaseca
Jean Kennedy, Barbara Enneking
(Back row) Marty Chapo, Maria Cavey, Sue Ann Greco, Cindy Copeland, (front row) Margie Padilla, Mary Ann Schwartz, Kim Berni LadueNews.com | APRIL 3, 2020
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25 Years and Still Cooking!
8796 Big Bend (at Gore) Webster Groves Check out 314-963-9899 our www.theaofe.com website
Monday-Friday 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. • Saturday 10:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. • DELIVERY AVAILABLE
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Gourmet Dinners To Go! TUESDAY
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Harvest Salad Chicken Crepes with Berry Relish Honey Almond Green Beans
14
Strawberry and Walnut Salad
Chicken Marsala with Broccoli Flowers and Boursin Potatoes
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Vineyard Salad
Pan Seared Chicken Breast with White Wine Caper Sauce over Asparagus Risotto
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Citrus Salad
WEDNESDAY
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Tossed Green Salad Grilled Shrimp with Cheesey Grits Corn Bread Muffins
15 Country Fried Steak with Buttermilk Pan Gravy and Mashed Potatoes
22
Greek Salad
Fried Pork Chops with Sauteed Apples Potato Pancakes with Sour Cream Drizzle
29
Italian Salad
Chicken Piccatta with Sicilian Beef Medallions White Wine Lemon Sauce with Fresh Tomato Basil and Button Mushrooms Sauce with Asiago Angel Hair Rice Pilaf
2 OFF $2 OFF
$
GOURMET DINNER One coupon per person. Not valid with other offers. Coupon good on $11.95 dinner only. Expires April 30, 2020.
APRIL 7-9 Lighter Side Dinner Tomato and Cucumber Caesar Salad Salad, Grilled Steak K-Bobs with Grilled Grilled Flank Steak with Vegetables Gorgonzola Cheese Sauce Low Sodium Dinner Apricot Glazed Pork Twice Baked Potato Loin with Sweet Potato Fries APRIL14-16 Lighter Side Dinner Greek Salad Fresh Fruit Salad, Chicken and Cheese Shrimp Scampi with Stuffed Poblano Fresh Tomato Basil White Peppers with Enchilada Wine Sauce with Asiago Sauce and Black Beans Angel Hair and Brown Rice Low Sodium Dinner Creamy Linguine with Shrimp, Spinach and Festive Salad Grape Tomatoes APRIL 21-23 Twin Steak Filets with Lighter Side Dinner Button Mushrooms and Italian Salad, Stuffed Red Wine Reduction Chicken Breast with Asparagus and Cheese Roasted Potatoes with Lemony Whole Wheat Angel Hair Low Sodium Dinner Beef Stew with Harvest Salad Potatoes, Carrots and Honey Basted BBQ Pork Green Beans APRIL 28-30 Steak Lighter Side Dinner Au Gratin Potatoes Greek Salad, Oatmeal Crusted Chicken Breast with Cranberry Sauteed Gourmet Dinners $11.95* Brussel Sprouts and includes roll and butter ________________________ Balsamic Glaze Lighter Side Dinner Low Sodium Dinner $10.95* Pan Seared Chicken ________________________ Low________________________ Sodium Dinner $9.95* Breast with Buttermilk *price per person Gravy and Roasted Available for pickup after 2 p.m. Potato Medley IT’S BEST TO CALL AHEAD
9
16
Tossed Green Salad
LIGHTER SIDE OR LOW SODIUM DINNER
One coupon per person. Not valid with other offers. Coupon good on $9.95 or $10.95 dinner only. Expires April 30, 2020.
April Menu...
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30
THURSDAY
16 THE TRIO
Abode 18
20
FEATURE: M. INTERIORS
DESIGN SPEAK
Setting PHOTO BY NEIL ENDICOTT PHOTOGRAPHY
the Stage
LadueNews.com | APRIL 3, 2020
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ShowingS Begin april 3rd at noon 7102 Maryland
Standing proud on gorgeous lot in University City! This spacious 1920’s French Tudor has 4-bedroom, 2-full bath, & 2-half bath and also offers many period details and loads of opportunity all in a superb family location! The outdoors features a detached 2-car garage, well-manicured grounds, extensive brick patio, and a fully fenced yard. The interior is elegant yet warm and inviting. Magnificent arched, solid wood doors, arched windows, and arched doorways are the hallmark of this home. An awe-provoking solarium with stunning custom low energy arched windows is the real gem! Top-of-the-line Heritage cabinets and Corian countertops highlight the well-equipped kitchen with a seemingly never-ending amount of space for testing your culinary skills. The kitchen opens wide to the breakfast room and sunroom creating a dreamy light-filled space. Formal living spaces, a grand entrance, and a finished lower level with a kitchenette are all must have features. The master bedroom comes complete with a versatile separate space equipped with 16' of built-in closets and shelves-perfect as a dressing room, sunroom, home office and more! $549,000
Advantage, Realtors
Dorcas Dunlop
314.304.3117 Dorcas@DorcasDunlop.com
THE TRIO
Spring Blossoms
By Nancy Robinson
Bring the outdoors in this spring with gorgeous furnishings adorned with delicate floral blooms. Branches of cherry blossoms stretch across the curved back of Ambella’s Cee Zee sofa, a unique silhouette inspired by a vintage 1950s Palm Beach sofa. Two 20-inch throw pillows are included. (kdrshowrooms.com)
The Cherry Blossom cabinet is made of your choice of mahogany or oak solids and veneers, and raised on an iron base with an antique gold finish. The decorative tree branches are made of aluminum with a bronze finish and brass accents. Bifold doors open to reveal a large compartment with a removable shelf. (kdrshowrooms.com)
Ignite creativity and explore the possibilities. Start your future kitchen over the phone with one of our expert consultants. Roth Living will be happy to assist you curate your custom Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove appliance package. Our team is ready to help while you are safe at home. 7800 Clayton Road | Richmond Heights, MO 63117 stlinfo@rothliving.com | 314.991.0900
Bernhardt Furniture Co.’s Sasha swivel chair is crafted from wood that’s wrapped with sheets of German silver, an alloy of nickel, copper and zinc, which are embossed with a delicate floral pattern. (shubertdesign.com)
16 April 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com
In uncertain times, be certain with us Things are changing everyday, but our commitment to our community and clients has remained the same.
We were here for you then, we are here for you now, we will be here for you tomorrow.
Family owned and operated since 1936 Thank you for your support
LadueNews.com | April 3, 2020 17
r e v o e k a M Home
By Andrea Smith | Photos by Eric Ridge Photography and Neil Endicott Photography
When selling your home, it pays to showcase each space’s full potential.
H
iring a professional to stage your home before listing it on the market is a lot like hiring a makeup artist. Like makeup artists, professional designers know how to highlight the best of what your home has to offer. They don’t erase imperfections, which are an inevitable part of living life, but they do draw eyes toward more attractive features. The process creates a picture-perfect veneer. “The nature of a lived-in home … not every inch of the house is pristine, to say the least,” says Meagan Givens, designer and owner of M. Interiors. “When you are getting ready to sell your home, you want it to be ready for sellers to walk in and basically just be wowed. [Home staging] is about making the home feel exciting and comfortable and welcoming.” Givens says she never wants to deceive or intentionally cover flaws like a nick in the floor, especially considering that home buyers will eventually view the home without its “makeup” before signing off on anything. Her goal is simply to showcase the potential of each space. Givens realized just how great a difference home staging made while she and her husband were shopping for their own home. “I was walking into all of these homes that were not staged, but were almost identical to other homes that were staged, and immediately understood what staging did for the home and how it made me feel,” she says.
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april 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com
Armed with a background in visual display and an eye for design, she started staging homes for her Realtor husband and his colleagues. About two months later, in June 2016, M. Interiors officially came to fruition. The home staging process typically begins with a real estate agent reaching out to a home staging professional and discussing the staging needs of their client. For those who schedule a styling consultation with M. Interiors, Givens will lend her expertise during a walk-through of the home, offer detailed suggestions for improvements to be made before listing and will often provide a “light staging bid.” Light staging means Givens styles a home using mostly what’s already on-site but brings in a few plants, rugs, pieces of art or other small items from M. Interiors’ inventory. “It doesn’t take a lot to change the way a home feels,” Givens says. Updating light fixtures, a fresh coat of neutral paint or even doorknobs can alter a residence’s entire look. “If you stage and utilize professional photography, it does a world of difference, especially in a market so competitive.” M. Interiors’ full-service home staging takes it up a notch. Clients gain access to M. Interiors’ available inventory, including furniture, décor and more. “For the most part, once you’re established [as a home staging business], you have, you know, 20 couches, you have 20 dining tables,” Givens explains. “You’re rotating that around the city, essentially, so it takes a whole lot of planning, a little bit of luck, honestly, and strategy.” M. Interiors’ staging inventory has been chosen to mix and match in diverse homes across the metro area, but it all fits a clean, modern aesthetic. “We choose the style of staging for the home, so it will differ,” Givens says, “but we still have the consistency. “Not every staging company changes the style of their inventory to fit the house, but when we started, that was kind of what we wanted to do to set us apart. We see a lot in the city – a small bungalow in the city is going to look very different than a loft in the city, and a loft in the city is going to look very different than a ranch in West County. So we first start with the location of the home and their target buyer.” M. Interiors’ minimalist aesthetic does well in the current market, she says, and allows flexibility in a variety of homes. Givens also offers separate interior design services, which involve purchasing new pieces specific to a client’s personal style. Home staging, however, differs in that each piece in the home primarily serves a visual purpose rather than a functional purpose. For instance, she often eliminates entertainment features when staging a home, if they’re an eyesore, like a bulky TV. Her two worlds collide with a new service M. Interiors is offering: Airbnb furnishing and styling. Instead of booking a hotel, many travelers nowadays head over to Airbnb’s website and find a homier place to stay within their destination. “People are choosing where they’re staying based on the photos,” Givens says, so attractive interior design sells the space. Knowing what looks attractive online but is also comfortable for guests is key to Airbnb styling. Often, investing in home staging or professional interior design brings in more money and saves time in the selling process, Givens says. It’s all about creating a presentation for the potential buyers looking to make the space their home. M. Interiors, 1302 S. 18th St., St. Louis, 314-540-3466, minteriors.design
Design Speak
Design Online T
By Connie Mitchell | Photos supplied
heir doors might be closed and they might not be able to meet face-to-face during this period of social distancing, but that’s not stopping top area designers and home décor purveyors across the metro area from working with clients to create fresh new interiors. So under the circumstances, with professional advice, you yourself might have just the extra time needed right now to design the home you’ve always wanted. Rochelle McAvin, a designer for LU Design Build, is using videoconferencing programs, such as GoToMeeting and FaceTime, to consult with clients and sees the new approach as a possible long-term addition to traditional in-person consultations. “This is completely different than what we normally do, but I think it has great potential for out-of-town clients or even people who are busy day to day,” she says. Prior to the coronavirus pandemic, McAvin visited clients at home to assess and discuss their design plans. “Of course, meeting with our clients in person is the best, but we’ve found that online design and problemsolving will ultimately provide us more flexibility in the future,” she says. Before an online meeting, McAvin asks clients to send her photos of the space they want to work on. “Once we set up a time to ‘meet,’ we can walk through the space virtually,” she says. “We include a discussion of ideas, a demonstration of a 3D-rendering virtual walk-through
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APRIL 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com
and an open conversation regarding budget and how we outline our design-and-development process.” Through April, these online consultations are free, and start dates for project installations are being planned as time and circumstances allow. Similarly, Ryan Dau of Dau Furniture notes that “things are changing around here minute by minute. We’re working with our clients virtually to the best of our ability.” Dau Furniture clients can reach out to a Dau interior designer via the store’s website to schedule a video consultation, which costs $100 and is credited to any subsequent Dau purchase. During the online consultation, designers show customers how to measure their space to allow for accurate floor plans. “Our designers help with furniture arrangements and color schemes to get the ball rolling on our clients’ next design project,” Dau says. “In most cases, there will be follow-up appointments for our designers to present their designs.” Independent designers also are using technology to continue working with clients. Stephanie Pohlman of Stephanie Pohlman Designs uses social media to offer followers examples of her design aesthetic and is scheduling online consultations via her website. Her virtual one-time consult costs $100 and involves the client providing a video and photos of the space along with a list of questions. “They’ll receive a
response back with suggestions and ideas based on their questions,” she explains. Pohlman’s $350 E-Design session requires clients to send a video, photos, detailed measurements and a list of existing furniture they want to use. “They’ll receive a tailored style board for the room with links for items that they can purchase online,” she says. Many local designers argue that now is the time to dream big! “It’s fun,” McAvin says. “This is a great time to think about how we can design your space to work better for you and your family.”
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Dau Furniture, 15424 Manchester Road, Ellisville, 636-394-3005, daufurniture.com LU Design Build, 5634 Morgan Ford Road, St. Louis, 314-403-5018, ludesignbuild.com Stephanie Pohlman Designs, stephaniepohlmandesigns.com
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By Amanda Dahl | Photos courtesy of featured agents
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Mary Beth Benes
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native of St. Louis, Mary Beth Benes has comprehensive real estate knowledge to rival anyone’s. This became evident when she was drawn into real estate by new Cardinals players and their families, whom she met through her husband’s career with Major League Baseball. Seeking her expertise on the area, Benes recognized great neighborhood fits and paired families with homes.
After becoming a licensed real estate agent, her expert advice on the area’s best schools and locations soon proved invaluable. She has the know-how to assist in homebuilding, buying, selling and relocating, making her an asset to clients every step of the way. She specializes in the Highway 40/64 corridor with a focus on Ladue, Frontenac, Town and Country, and Chesterfield, but her breadth of knowledge reaches all across the St. Louis area, including to St. Charles County. Rated No. 1 on St. Louis Business Journal’s list of “St. Louis’ Highest-Selling Real Estate Agents,” Benes consistently is ranked in the top 0.25 percent of all agents, having earned a designation as No. 1 in the Town and Country office at Coldwell Banker Gundaker and earning the highest level of achievement within the agency, President’s Premier. Benes not only understands the community; she gives back to her hometown as well. Married with three sons, she serves as a member of the Town and Country architectural review board, and volunteers at Westminster Christian Academy, the Andy Benes Charity Golf Tournament, and is a
314.707.7761 m a ry b e t h b e n e s. c o m
member of the Villa Duchesne School Alumni.
Kim Carney
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im Carney is consistently ranked as the No. 1 Coldwell Banker Premier agent and listed in the top 1 percent of all REALTORS in St. Louis. She specializes in the high-end real estate market, utilizing a unique and aggressive marketing plan that sells homes. Different from other top agents, Carney prides herself
on her proactive approach. She does not stick a sign in your yard, hoping that your home will sell. She creates top-notch print advertising that can’t be beat. She also uses social media boosts and other unique tools that make a significant difference. She offers the necessary experience and savvy negotiation skills to get her clients what they want. Carney attended Ladue Horton Watkins High School, went to the University of Missouri-Columbia and received her master’s degree in counseling from the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She resides in Ladue with her twin daughters, Emma and Grace, who are sophomores in high school. Carney enjoys traveling and hanging out with her children, usually beside the pool. She stays involved in numerous charities, including the St. Louis Ovarian Cancer Awareness organization, which champions a cause that is dear to her heart. After overcoming ovarian cancer six years ago, Carney donates 10 percent of her income to Siteman Cancer Center.
314-422-7449 k i m ca r n e y. c b p h o m e s. c o m
22 April 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com |
A LADUE NEWS SPECIAL PROMOTION
Coulter Benoist team
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isa Coulter chose a career in real estate when her children were young, allowing her a flexible work schedule so that she could spend time with her family. The move, as it turned out, was a perfect match that has led to much success in the field. Since then, Coulter has teamed up with Linda Benoist and, together, they have consistently ranked as Top Producers at
Janet McAfee Real Estate for more than 25 years. “We have both been in the business for more than 30 years and still love what we do!” Coulter says. The dynamic duo tackles a wide range of prices and areas, with a knack for relocation as they enjoy introducing the wonders of the city to out-of-town clients. “We have many unique [neighborhoods] in St. Louis and it is always exciting to see what areas our buyers choose,” Coulter explains. Coulter and Benoist are most familiar with homes that fall anywhere between the Central West End out to Wildwood. “We are firm believers in providing our clients with excellent service, from start to finish,” Coulter affirms. Both women stay active within their communities. They enjoy traveling, reading and playing bridge. Coulter has four children and a daughter-in-law; Benoist has two married children and three grandchildren.
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Douglas ProPerties
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ow the owner of Douglas Properties, a well-established real estate group, Doug Cohen started in a very different industry from real estate – sports. He played racquetball at the professional level for seven years before taking a new direction in his vocation. That led him to working with several small development companies that focused on renovating smaller homes and apartment building in St. Louis’ central corridor. Since entering the housing industry in the mid-1980s, Cohen has found his niche with luxury homes. Douglas Properties was born in 1998, with the purpose of executing elegant finishes to expansive residences. “Esther, [my wife,] and I build luxury homes that range from 3,000 to 10,000 square feet,” Cohen details. “We work from Skinker [Boulevard] all the way to 270, and from Clayton to Creve Coeur.” With exciting new projects lined up, the team at Douglas Properties looks forward to revealing future developments to the community. Cohen’s wife keep her eyes on novel home trends via social media while he scours the county for opportunities. “Meanwhile, we’re finding time to stay healthy, happy and wise!” he shares, adding, “When you are ready to live well, call Douglas Properties.” Cohen resides with his wife and two children in the Ladue School District.
314.725.9911 d o u g l a s p r o p e r t i e s. c o m
A LADUE NEWS SPECIAL PROMOTION | LadueNews.com | April 3, 2020 23
Maria Elias
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aria Elias has aided families in the moving process for 20-plus years, earning her a designation as a relocation and a listingand-marketing specialist, with a focus on Clayton and Ladue. Her expertise and community knowledge are evident through rave reviews from clients. “Maria was a godsend!” one client says. “She was thoroughly organized [and] understood just what
we wanted, preselecting 10 houses [that] met our criteria.” Another shares similar sentiments: “After living [in this wonderful home for] a month, we are still in awe. Maria’s knowledge of the market, ability to bring people together to do the deal and professionalism was a testament to me [of her skill].” As a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Club, Elias ranks in the top 1 percent of St. Louis REALTORS and is an Outstanding Services award recipient, as well as a member of the St. Louis Association of REALTORS. Prior to her real estate career, she established Town & Country Stables, one of St. Louis’ finest boarding-and-riding academies. Elias and her family then moved to a suburb of Chicago, where she managed the Ragdale Foundation, an arts institution. Born and raised in St. Louis, the Clayton resident attained her vast knowledge of the area’s communities, local school districts and the housing market from personal experience.
Maria Elias
314.971.4346 (direct) 314.997.7600 (office) homeswithmaria.com
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Peter Lu
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eter Lu felt drawn to the real estate industry, having learned about property management through his father, who partnered in a few real estate investment groups. Today, Lu represents the residential side of the market, with a decade of experience behind his name. He and his team specialize in St. Louis and St. Charles
counties. Lu’s strength lies in his ability to help clients understand market values, where their property values stand and what potential rewards await certain investments. “Our business motto is to do everything we can to fully represent our clients’ best interests,” states Lu. “We guide them through the confusing and sometimes nerve-wracking process. We do not worry about the payout on each deal. We know that if we do the right thing, the rewards will be waiting for us on the back end.” For the past two consecutive years, Lu has been listed as the No. 1 individual agent for RE/MAX within the St. Louis region. In 2017, The Wall Street Journal also designated him as No. 171 out of 1,000 top individual agents in the nation. “I enjoy what I do,” says Lu. “As long as clients appreciate and see value in the service we provide, I hope to do this until I retire!”
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A LADUE NEWS SPECIAL PROMOTION
AndreA MAddock
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hose around Andrea Maddock already knew the industry in which she would thrive. “My husband encouraged me for years to sell real estate,” Maddock says. “He is always amazed by the fact that we can’t go anywhere without me stopping to talk with someone I know!” With the added benefit of having a spouse who owns a
general contracting and home-building business, joining the housing industry just made sense for Maddock. “I thought it would be a great fit for me to sell the homes that [my husband] builds!” she adds. This collaboration gave Maddock a wealth of knowledge in new construction and renovations, plus design, floor plans and finishes. She offers clients unique insight into looking beyond brick and mortar to discover a home’s true potential. “As a native St. Louisan, I love the different charm and character various neighborhoods have to offer,” Maddock notes. “It is fun to discover and explore alongside my clients. Buying and selling a house can be stressful, but also very exciting. I focus on the positive and am happy when I can successfully help my clients sell their home or buy a new one.”
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Allie Rossini & Alison schneideR
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llie Rossini was already familiar with the real estate industry before she decided to enter it professionally. Her father is a real estate attorney; her mother, an interior designer; and her husband is in commercial real estate. “It was a natural career for me,” the real estate agent says. Alison Schneider gained valuable experience, having moved multiple times. “I’m on my seventh state and ninth house!” she says. After raising her sons, Schneider was ready to return to the workforce and real estate “felt like the right fit.” Seven years later, she and Rossini, who now boasts 11 years of experience, operate as a successful team, focusing on single-family homes and condominiums. The partners mainly operate in the central corridor and represent clients all over the St. Louis area. They stand by the motto of “going beyond the usual expectations,” earning recognition as Top Producers at Laura McCarthy Real Estate. Both are relocation certified and have a history of volunteering with the School District of Clayton, where Rossini currently serves as co-president of the Wydown parent-teacher organization. Rossini resides in the Davis Place neighborhood with her husband of 17 years and three sons. Schneider lives in Claverach Park with her husband of 25 years and son. Her two older sons are in college.
314.303.2137 (Rossini) 314.725.5100 (office) l au R a m c ca R t h y. c o m A LADUE NEWS SPECIAL PROMOTION | LadueNews.com | April 3, 2020 25
TED WIGHT
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ed Wight holds the title of No. 1 individual agent for the region at Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty. With more than 16 years of experience in the housing industry, he has turned his passion for architecture into a hugely successful career. Today, Wight resides in a midcentury gem, built in 1950 and designed by Bernoudy. He also shares his family’s
1850s Pike County farmhouse, which is listed on the National Registry of Historic Places. Wight’s history of selling boasts many of the big names in St. Louis architecture, including: Isadore Shank, William Bernoudy, Harris Armstrong, Ralph Fournier, Frederick Dunn, Phillip Durham and Daniel Gale. As evidenced by his website, stlouis.style, which racks up more than 1,000 hits a day, Wight stays at the forefront of marketing in the digital age. Join his more than 20,000 followers on Instagram and Facebook. Wight shows value in public relations as part of his marketing strategy, with properties featured in The New York Times, Architectural Digest magazine, The Wall Street Journal, Sophisticated Living magazine, St. Louis magazine, Curbed, HGTV, FOX, KMOV and more. In addition, Wight serves on various boards and event committees, including at the Sheldon Art Galleries, Saint Louis Art Museum Friends, Saint Louis Fashion Fund Friends, Missouri Baptist Healthcare Foundation and the
314.607.5555 t e dw i g h t r e a l e s tat e . c o m
Tennessee Williams Festival St. Louis.
NOMINATE YOUR FAVORITE TEACHER (a teacher appreciation contest)
P R E S E N T E D
B Y
S U P P O R T E D
B Y
Teachers make lasting impressions on their students daily. These dedicated professionals go above and beyond what is required to make sure their students receive the best education possible. Show your appreciation for the tireless leadership and guidance teachers provide in and out of their classrooms every day!
Winning submissions will receive $250 and be featured monthly in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and on STLtoday.com.
NOMINATE A TEACHER AT: STLtoday.com/contests 26 April 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com |
A LADUE NEWS SPECIAL PROMOTION
on the MARKET
By Amanda Dahl
39 Briarcliff | LADUE
89 Grand Meridien Forest | WILDWOOD
8033 Rosiline Drive | CLAYTON
Kim Carney The Carney Team Coldwell Banker Premier Group 2203 S. Big Bend Blvd., 314-422-7449, thecarneyteam.com
Mary Beth Benes The Benes Group Coldwell Banker Gundaker 314-707-7761, marybethbenes.com
Allie Rossini & Alison Schneider Laura McCarthy Real Estate 314-303-2137 (Rossini), 314-941-0421 (Schneider), 314-725-5100 (office), lauramccarthy.com
Situated on more than an acre in the coveted Briarcliff
This gorgeous stone-and-stucco estate showcases an
You have to see this spectacular Davis Place home
neighborhood, this amazing newer construction home is
open floorplan that features distinctive design elements,
renovation for yourself! From the spacious dining room to
ideal for entertaining and everyday family living. Discover
plus first-rate fixtures and amenities. Built-in bookcases
the main-floor family room and screened-in porch, you’ll
multi-tiered patios, an outdoor kitchen with fireplaces,
flank the stone fireplace of the jaw-dropping great room.
find much to love. The renovated kitchen boasts quartz
fire pits and ample privacy in a luxurious surrounding.
From the impressive kitchen to the coffered master suite,
counters, glass tile and stainless appliances. $599,000
$2.088 million
luxury abounds.
39 Briarcliff | Ladue The Carney Team, Taking Real Estate to the Highest Level
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39 BRIARCLIFF PHOTO BY PEAKS VIEW, LLC; 8033 ROSILINE DRIVE PHOTO BY TARA McCLAIN
KimCarney@cbphomes.com 314.422.7449
Spectacular 1.5 story “newer construction” in sought after Briarcliff neighborhood! Sitting on 1.1 acres in a park like setting w/multi-tiered patios, outdoor kitchen/fireplaces, fire pits, and an abundance of privacy, this home will appeal to the most discriminating buyer. $2,088,000
Coldwell Banker Premier Group
2203 South Big Bend Blvd 63117 | 314.336.1924
A LADUE NEWS SPECIAL PROMOTION | LadueNews.com | April 3, 2020 27
30 ON TREND
Style 31
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FEATURE: NOVA VITA
STYLE SPEAK
New Life
PHOTO COURTESY OF NOVA VITA
Indeed! LadueNews.com | APRIL 3, 2020
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ON TREND
Earrings, $22, Ivy Hill Boutique (ivyhillboutique.com)
Sunshine
Alice and Olivia top, $265, Neiman Marcus (neimanmarcus.com)
STAPLES By Katie Yeadon | Photos by Sarah Conroy
Golden yellow numbers among the brightest pleasures of spring – so why not combat April showers and other woes with this sunny hue?
Manolo Blahnik Railda mules, $775, Saks Fifth Avenue (saksfifthavenue.com)
Sundry T-shirt, $78, Ivy Hill Boutique
Zimmermann blouse, $550, Saks Fifth Avenue
Elliott Lauren jacket, $275, MG Women (misterguywomens.com)
Chloé Marcie mini satchel, $1,290, Neiman Marcus
Hat, $24, Ivy Hill Boutique
Farm Rio Cashew midi dress, $250, Neiman Marcus Belford sweater, $160, MG Women
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APRIL 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com
Joules vest, $75, Ivy Hill Boutique
By Bethany Christo | Photos courtesy of Nova Vita
The palette and beauty of nature inspire a youthful St. Louis jeweler’s designs.
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here are two surprising things about Nova Vita’s founder and one-woman show, Avery Callan. First, although she owns a predominantly earring-focused jewelry company, Callan doesn’t have her ears pierced. “A lot of people find that interesting!” she says. “I just prefer not to have anything on my skin, and I have the lightest stomach.” Second, the quality of her gorgeous handmade designs belies the fact that Callan is only a senior in high school – and, perhaps more impressively, that she’s already been practicing her craft for three-plus years, since she was a freshman. The St. Louis native creates handmade clay, brass and gold jewelry from her bedroom-turned-studio workspace. As with most things created by hand, the lightweight pieces are all one-of-a-kind, and they often feature chunky, block shapes and neutral-toned color combinations that range from bold statement pieces to dainty, minimalist forms. “I draw much inspiration from architecture, mainly Brutalism, as well as so many natural forms,” Callan says. “I love the challenge of balancing modern shapes with natural colors and textures, and vice versa.” Her business’ origin might sound familiar: Callan was a 15-year-old with no car, no license and no money. She wanted all of those things (and knew she had to earn them), so she worked with her dad to create a logo, set up a makeshift studio in her bedroom with Christmas lights and a white sheet, and began photographing and posting thrifted clothes on the website Depop. Over three years, she gradually transitioned from pre-loved clothes to handmade jewelry after gauging customers’ interest. Although she always loved precise crafts – she regularly paints portraits and works in graphic design – and has a natural knack for fashion, design and entrepreneurship, it took a lot of trial and error to nail down the process of creating the jewelry. “I have a big box of mess-ups, and I’ve had clearance baskets at a few events,” she cheerfully admits. There is a lot of attention to detail needed to get Nova Vita’s pieces to look clean and uniform, according to Callan. She makes all of her colors (which can be customized) from scratch with chalk that’s been shaved into a powder, mixes them into clay, and adds sand or granite for texture. She then creates a clay slab to cut the pieces from, bakes them and drills holes. After sanding, it’s a matter of adding additional brass or gold elements, or finishing touches to complete the design. “I have worked with many mediums, but I would say clay is my current favorite,” Callan says. “I’m in love with the versatility of it. I find it so fascinating that clay can be painted with, built with, thinned down or thickened up, infused with other textures and used on a large or small scale. I feel so liberated with the medium. The design options are endless.” Although earrings make up the majority of the current Nova
I love the challenge of balancing modern shapes with natural colors and textures, and vice versa. Vita inventory, Callan also sells barrettes and necklaces, as well as home décor items and men’s accessories in the future. Her top-selling earring designs at the moment include a bold, white squiggle earring and a simple double circle that features a larger circle with a smaller one cut out and placed on top. She also loves to create custom one-off designs for individuals who have sensitivities or a specific color scheme in mind (like for prom or a wedding day) or for larger groups (like matching jewelry for bridesmaids). At the moment, Nova Vita jewelry is available for purchase most widely at its new website. Additionally, Callan delivers small batches locally to May’s Place, the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis’ gift shop, Honeycomb and Mix & Match. She also hosts pop-ups at local events hosted by various women-driven and locally owned businesses – check her website and Instagram for updates on where she’ll be this spring. As for what’s in store for the future, Callan is vague but hints that she intends to firmly plant her roots in the metro area – and that we should expect to see a lot more of her. “I have some huge tentative plans that I can’t share at the moment, but I’m really looking to expand and solidify my place here in St. Louis so that I’m able to be more of a support to the other small-business owners and shoppers here,” she says. “I want to make the most out of my life, and I am so excited for what’s to come.”
– AVery CALLAN
Nova Vita, shopnovavita.com
LadueNews.com | April 3, 2020
33
Style Speak
Tie-ing the
Knot By Drew Gieseke
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Photos courtesy of Lonesome Traveler
lanning on throwing – or attending – a wedding this year or next? St. Louis-based company Lonesome Traveler has your back. Or rather, neck. Whether searching for traditional styles or modern looks, the company uses handmade craftsmanship to outfit customers with four-in-hands, bow ties and other statement accessories. “People who buy from me almost exclusively wear my ties or other artisan ties,” owner Jenny Hill says. “My ties have a bit more modern look in terms of sizing, somewhere between a skinny tie and a more standard tie.” The Lonesome Traveler brand, which consults with customers in the studio or through its digital marketplace, has been part of the St. Louis wedding community since 2015. Like many great local businesses of the 21st century, Lonesome Traveler began as a side project and developed into a full-time gig. Hill spent 2½ years purposefully traveling and attending shows to find new fabrics, prints and styles – essentially building and refining her repertoire. In contrast, Hill’s work in weddings specifically happened more organically. Now it’s her specialty. “Weddings started picking up – we started doing wholesale, and it got a lot bigger,” she says. Hill, who has a background in design, employs two part-time workers – both of whom are seamstresses – which has allowed her to shift into a more leadershipfocused role at the company. Part of leading the way is identifying industry trends. “I’m personally seeing less of the muted blushes and sages – that stuff is always around – and [noticing] more jewel tones and color in general,” she says. “Emeralds, mustards – that’s been a really hot one recently. The majority of the weddings I do are still champagne, blush and sage.” Lonesome Traveler uses linen and cotton fabrics, meaning most of its ties don’t have a shine to them. But that doesn’t mean they don’t stand out. “They make this really cool fabric that has some metallic sheens in it, and I’ve been doing a lot of that,” Hill says. “Gold or metallic accents, almost like an Art Deco look. Rich tones, rich colors.”
34 April 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com
Hill has also noticed that her customers are trending more toward themed or unique celebrations – such as intentional elopements and smaller parties with only 50 to 80 guests – and distinct designs. When Lonesome Traveler first took off, most of her ties used geometric and traditional patterns. Now she says 95 percent of her weddings feature floral designs. “The other really big trend I’m seeing is mixand-matching wedding parties,” she says. “[The] person getting married wears their own pattern, groomsmen wear another, and then dads and ushers are in another one.” One major tip Hill gives: If the wedding officiant will be wearing a suit, consider the color palette of his or her necktie or outfit, as that palette will appear in all of the vow photography. What’s next for Hill may surprise some. Following
a passion for fitness, she looks to open Yes Honey Studio, a new, welcoming workout facility in St. Louis’ Grove business district sometime this summer. In the meantime, Lonesome Traveler is still here to ensure its customers are dressed in their wedding best.
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Lonesome Traveler, ltoutpost.com Editor’s Note: While we are happy to spotlight our community’s unique, talented vendors, we also deeply sympathize with those who have been forced to postpone or change their wedding celebrations due to concerns over COVID-19. Look out for upcoming content on the most seamless, painless way to reschedule your festivities.
36 BUSINESS NOTES
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KIDS MD
FEATURE: WOMEN OF ACHIEVEMENT
Women
Who Wow LadueNews.com | APRIL 3, 2020
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BUSINESS NOTES
Sweet
SUCCESS By Mary Mack
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Photos courtesy of The Cakery Bakery
his March, owner Ericka Frank and her team at The Cakery Bakery marked 15 years of serving up made-to-order cakes, cookies and cupcakes with a little refresh of their location in St. Louis’ Dogtown neighborhood. Outside, area residents passing the corner of Tamm and Wade avenues will notice new signage and charming new blue-and-white awnings. Inside, new cabinetry, fresh paint and a redesigned consultation room brighten every visit to the shop. Most importantly, however, is what has stayed the same: the dedicated staff and sweet treats that have made The Cakery a beloved neighborhood mainstay since Frank opened shop. Newlyweds have been cutting into The Cakery’s custom creations for years, but it’s not just tiered beauties that keep devoted clients coming back. Sweet-toothed area residents consistently pop in to grab ready-made cakes, cookie-decorating kits around the holidays, one of the bakery’s Cakes-in-a-Cup or even its famous made-from-scratch Cakery Classic buttercream, now sold by the pint. “People have always said, ‘Oh, my gosh, I love your cake, but your frosting, I could spread it on cardboard and eat it,’ which I thought was hilarious,” Frank says. “They kept asking about it in the store, so we’d weigh it out, put it in a pint and sell it that way. We thought because our customers were asking for it, there was probably a market for it.” Frank also recently introduced Dip-A-Roos, dips made from the bakery’s buttercream that pair perfectly with pretzels or cookies for parties. For metro area brides and grooms, Frank and her team put together take-home tasting boxes so happy couples have time to figure out their perfect cake/buttercream flavor combo before coming into the newly redecorated consultation room to talk design. “We want it to be a fun experience,” Frank says. “So
36 April 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com
has been giving back, because even though I wasn’t born here, I absolutely feel like St. Louis is my home,” Frank says. The Cakery team celebrated the bakery’s birthday in the shop on March 13 by inviting the community in for free cupcakes all afternoon. “I cannot believe it’s been 15 years,” Frank says. “But The Cakery is better than it’s ever been. I feel like we really have expanded the options for people, we’ve added more flavors, we’re doing so much more online ordering than we’ve ever done. I’m just thrilled and hugely blessed to be here 15 years later.”
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many people tell us how easy we make it for them, and that’s just kind of been the way we do business. We want it to be fun – it’s cake! It shouldn’t be a chore.” Outside of the shop, it’s not unusual to see The Cakery represented at charity events, trivia nights and food festivals throughout the city. “We absolutely love being a part of the STL community, and an important part of our business
The Cakery Bakery, 1420 Tamm Ave., St. Louis, 314-647-6000, thecakerybakery.net Editor’s Note: Please refer to The Cakery Bakery’s website and social media for updates on business hours or temporary closures due to stay-at-home regulations related to COVID-19.
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LadueNews.com | April 3, 2020 37
KIDS MD
Staying
H
Active
ow does a parent raise a fit kid, even in a time when families are mandated to stay home? Diet is important, of course, but for today, we’ll discuss exercise. School-aged children and teens should get about an hour daily of physical activity. Toddlers and preschoolers should engage in active play daily, including structured activities and free play; toddlers need about an hour daily, and preschoolers should be active for up to two hours. Parents should encourage their children to achieve the three components of fitness: endurance, strength and flexibility. Endurance is promoted when aerobic exercises are performed and heart and breathing rates increase. Kids on playgrounds demonstrate aerobic activity, as do older children in organized sports such as cycling, swimming, soccer and the like. Regarding the second component, although older pubertal adolescents can engage in formal strength training
By Dr. Joseph Kahn
with weightlifting, younger kids can work on strength when they climb, do pushups or pullups, or run up steps. And in matters of flexibility, children are much more flexible than most parents and practically all grandparents, and they practice flexibility when they reach for toys or do a split. The temptation exists for today’s children to be sedentary, especially in a time when society as a whole is regulated to at-home activities only. Moving fingers playing a video game is not exercise! The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends monitoring and limiting screen time to one hour daily for children 2 to 5 years of age, and to no more than two hours (schoolwork included) for school-aged children; the academy discourages any screen time for children under 18 months of age. Luckily, while we experience “social distancing,” one exception to screen-time restrictions is video chatting with distant
grandparents, other relatives and friends. As with all aspects of parenting, modeling behavior is key. Exercise with and play with your kids, parents. Help them with structured activities. Be active together as a family. Keep it fun consistently, and you’ll all be healthier physically, mentally and emotionally.
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Dr. Joseph Kahn is president of Mercy Kids (mercykids.org), an expansive network of pediatric care dedicated to meeting the needs of every child, every day.
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ACROSS
86. Gaped 38. Cryptanalyst 87. Defames 39. Evening bugle call 1. Mediterranean island 88. Roulette bet 40. Parka 5. Sock hop 89. Christeners 41. Excited 10. Well done! 90. Hack 42. Little bit 15. Take 93. Go astray 44. — case scenario 19. Minced oath 94. An Olympian 45. Philippines tribesman 20. Edible bulb 95. Any herb other than grass 46. Shock 21. Aristotle’s forte 96. Plant bristle 47. Abuse 22. Rustic 98. “— Lisa” 48. Italian dynasty 23. Start of a quip by 100. Kind of goose 50. Word in place names 62-Across: 5 wds. 104. Promote 54. Cogs 26. Epps or Sharif 105. End of the quip: 3 wds. 55. Corpus — 27. Favored candidate 109. A double reed 56. Like a wheyface 28. Tabula — 110. Atelier item 58. Crowe or Tovey 29. Merchant ship 111. Cosmic “payback” 59. Sounding loudly 31. Containers 112. Astronaut’s drink 63. Saws 32. Pressure 113. Zola title 64. Rouse 34. Sports org. 114. Stash 65. Tricks 35. Kinsman: Abbr. 115. Restless 67. Tobacco plug 36. Petty scholar 116. Gaelic 68. Toroidal shape 39. Sour 71. Merlot or Pinot Noir, e.g. 40. Burr and Copland 72. Fire iron 43. Mountain ridge 73. Pips 1. Warhol star 44. Part 2 of quip: 5 wds. 75. Electric-shock weapon — Sedgwick 49. Paddy 76. Organic compound 2. Grassplot 50. Quick-riches game 77. Pastimes 3. Nail 51. Thugs 80. Quivers 4. Provide with glosses 52. Savings vehicles: Abbr. 5. “Alice — Live Here Anymore” 81. — -finger discount 53. — -fi 82. Censure 6. Candy brand 54. Cake 84. Japan’s bicameral legis7. Nick at — 55. — Luis Borges lature 8. Speak softly 56. Separately 85. Sunhat 9. Letters 57. Caffe latte base 86. Decorated, said of food 10. Whimper 59. Emanation 89. Ibsen’s country 11. Lines of seats 60. Wave froth 90. Chicken 12. Ottoman title: Var. 61. Color 91. Caribbean island 62. Speaker of the quip: 2 wds.13. — media 92. Wisent 14. Eight-sided shapes 66. Alter a garment 94. Talocrural joint 15. Rum drink 67. Coffer 95. Granges 16. On-dit 69. Dismounted 97. — butter 17. Dishonor 70. Bugs 98. Soybean paste 18. Greenish gem 74. Overly critical 99. Humdinger 75. “Urban Cowboy” setting 24. Threefold 25. Goddess in Greek myth 100. A Muppet 77. Old Roman physician 101. Burn 30. Hindu princess 78. Hallux 102. Monocle 32. Post- — 79. Gen. Robert — — 103. Advantage 33. Reasoner’s word 80. Race of Norse gods 106. Prop for a magician 34. Disposed 81. Forged 107. Turkish weight 36. Analyze critically 82. Similar 83. Part 3 of quip: 3 wds. 37. Stoltz and Bana 108. Minibus
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LadueNews.com | April 3, 2020 39
2020 Achievement Women of
The organizaTion honors 10 area women for Their ouTsTanding efforTs in The communiTy. By Alecia Humphreys | Photos courtesy of Trotter Photo
for 65 years, women of achievement has been shining a spotlight on the wonderful women making a difference in the metro area and beyond – and this year, that mission holds true. “we are so proud to be the longest-running program that honors women and volunteerism in st. Louis,” says woa president marian nunn. “each class is special in their own way, but this year’s class is quite special and includes a wide diversity of backgrounds, age, economic status and a wide variety of the many wonderful organizations that they support.” This year’s 10 finalists were selected from approximately 100 nominations from the metropolitan area, including illinois. “as you can imagine, it is a very difficult task to select only 10 honorees from this incredible group of women,” nunn says.
Susan Balk
imPaCtfuL LeaDerShiP
After Susan Balk overheard comments made at her book and museum exhibition, “Vienna’s Conscience: Closeups and Conversations After Hitler,” at the Holocaust Museum in St. Louis, she realized something had to be done. “The book features interviews and photos of Viennese reactions to her late husband, Richard Winter’s query 50 years after the Holocaust,” reads Balk’s nomination. “A time when he was a 17-year Jewish boy [who] had to escape to save his life. Most of the comments were chilling, and the book was written and published to show how antiSemitism was still alive in the Austria of long ago, as well as today. She was alarmed to hear comments about how horrific the Viennese were and that they did not see the broader message about hate breeding hate everywhere.” In 2010, Balk founded HateBrakers, a nonprofit that aims to reduce hate in our community and around the country by holding events, engaging stakeholders and working with organizations in an effort to spotlight “hatebraking” in schools, homes and communities. Today, HateBrakers is even engaging local classrooms through its signature Meet a Hero, Be a Hero program, which spotlights heroes with short video clips and curriculum opportunities that engage students in the process, and has an interactive curriculum that has been adapted by Life After Hate, which works directly with members of white supremacy gangs in and out of prison to help them leave the lifestyle of hate and live meaningful lives.
Debbie Caplin
Pet theraPy aDvoCaCy
Approximately 11 years ago, Debbie Caplin and her husband adopted a Portuguese Water Dog named Sookie that Caplin says changed her life. “[Sookie’s] goal in life was to spend every waking moment lying in someone’s lap, regardless of whether she knew that person,” Caplin says. “She was a touch therapy dream dog … ” Caplin and Sookie completed the Therapy Dog certification and began visiting hospitalized children, often fighting life-threatening illnesses, through the organization Duo Dogs. “Had it not been for Sookie, who unfortunately only lived to be 8 years old, I likely would have never found my calling,” Caplin says. “For these children, our visits are often the only moments of happiness they experience each day.” Today, Caplin serves as the board vice chair of Duo Dogs – an organization that trains and certifies dogs and their owners as Touch Teams and breeds, trains and donates assistance dogs to individuals and facilities – a cause she has been serving for the last decade. Simultaneously, she has been serving on the Animal Protection Association, which places for adoption thousands of animals each year. “Seeing these oftentimes abandoned animals bring joy into the homes of their adoptive families is a heartwarming experience,” she says. “The years I have spent working with my touch dogs, bringing joy and comfort to others, has been an absolute labor of love.”
Carlene Davis Lifetime ServiCe
For 37½ years, Carlene Davis dedicated her days to teaching children from kindergarten to eighth grade at Saint Louis Public Schools. “I just loved teaching,” Davis says. A surgery, though, resulted in Davis’ retirement. “I missed the kids so very much,” Davis says, “so after I got to feeling better, I thought, ‘I can’t just sit and do nothing!’” As a result, in 1989, Davis began after-school tutoring at Matthews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club. “That really got me hooked on tutoring,” she says. Since then, Davis has tutored at Simmons, Lexington and Cote Brilliante elementary schools and currently helps fourth-graders at Washington Montessori Schools. Almost simultaneously, Davis also began volunteering for AARP. Davis eventually became the state training coordinator for AARP. Since then, she has served as the organization’s community advocate and as a member of the speakers’ bureau, as well as a six-year term on the Leadership Council and a six-year term on the Executive Council. In 2008, she also received AARP’s highest honor, the Ethel Percy Andrus Award, as volunteer of the year. “Like the founder of AARP, Ethel Percy Andrus, who was also a career teacher, said, ‘It’s better to serve than to be served,’” she says.
Susan Gobbo
muLtiCuLturaL enriChment
In Brazil, Susan Gobbo was head of the physical therapy department of the intensive care unit at a leading hospital and the coordinator of the cardiorespiratory training program for physical therapists. However, when Gobbo’s husband was sent to America by his company for a temporary international assignment, her world turned upside down. “When we moved to the U.S., I didn’t speak any English,” Gobbo says. “For many years, I could not work because my visa was tied to my husband’s visa. So, I started studying languages and volunteering in some nonprofit organizations. I had gotten my green c ard and found out I wasn’t able to work as a physical therapist in St. Louis. I had 15 years of experience, but the credits didn’t translate, so I would have to start from scratch.” In 2016, Gobbo co-founded the STL International Spouses Meetup Group, which now has more than 470 members who represent more than 70 countries. “Its mission is to welcome, to embrace, to ease the adaptation process and to promote the integration of the international spouses in the local community,” she says. “I want this dynamic and vibrant group to feel welcomed and accepted in their new home, St. Louis. I want them to … find their space in our community, or working in their profession, or serving our community with a volunteer job or whatever makes them to feel as happy and fulfilled.”
Jennifer hillman Creative PhiLanthroPy
Jennifer Hillman believes she was born with a philanthropic heart. “It’s in my family genes to give to others before myself,” she says. “The combination of my DNA and the way my parents raised my siblings and me are the foundation of who I am today.” Hillman moved to St. Louis in 1975 to attend Washington University in St. Louis’ School of Fine Arts and has been here ever since. “The past 20 years, I have been following my calling, being intentional with my philanthropic work and focused on the mission of our family – providing support in areas of education, health care, Jewish causes and entrepreneurism,” Hillman says. Most recently, in 2015, Hillman established the Hillman Scholars program for first-generation high school students coming out of College Bound St. Louis. “We have created a program that not only provides gap funding for our students – 10 selected each year – but also a program filled with special events, networking opportunities and workshops that I create,” Hillman says. Hillman has also been instrumental in bringing to Missouri WE Schools, which is a global service-learning program for students from kindergarten to 12th grade across the state. “With over 200 WE School groups predominantly in the St. Louis area, our youth are learning how to use their voice [by] creating effective community service projects [and] making changes in their own communities, as well as globally,” she says.
Susan hockensmith ComPaSSionate WeLfare
When Susan and Dana Hockensmith welcomed a baby boy into the world, they never knew how he would change their lives. “[Philip] was diagnosed when he was a year and a half with having CMV, which is cytomegalovirus,” Susan Hockensmith says. “We were students in college at the time. Philip was mentally and physically 2 months old his whole life. We placed him in a home in Sedalia at the doctor’s encouragement when he was 3 because we couldn’t find babysitters.” However, when the couple moved to De Soto, they were discouraged by the distance between them. “We wanted to be active parents in his life, and we needed to get Philip closer to us,” she says. “We were young and did not know what to do. I was teaching and my husband was starting his legal practice. We talked with a number of people and decided to build a home for 10 children like Philip.” In June 1977, the Hockensmiths opened Pony Bird, a nonprofit devoted to caring for severely disabled children. “Pony Bird is a wonderful place,” Susan Hockensmith says. “I always feel, when you go into Pony Bird, you forget your problems for a while. You’re able to appreciate and understand these very dear, beautiful angels that I think Pony Bird residents are, and you can really understand and try to help these individuals.” In its nearly 43 years, Pony Bird has grown to support up to 60 children and adults in six homes located in both De Soto and nearby Mapaville. “It has just changed my life, and I know it has changed our whole family’s life,” Susan Hockensmith says. “Having Philip has made me more attuned to individuals who have difficulties, not just disabilities. I became a much more patient teacher. I feel so blessed to have been his mother.”
Sherrill Jackson HeALtH & educAtion
Despite defeating her breast cancer diagnosis, Sherrill Jackson never dreamed of starting a support group. However, when a young woman in her church received her diagnosis, everything changed. “She was in her 30s; she was married; she had two young children,” Jackson says. “I asked her one day, ‘Would you like it if I pulled together some other friends of mine who are breast cancer survivors, and we could go out and just have breakfast?’ She said, ‘I’d love it.’” Jackson says it started with four friends and then expanded. “In about six months, we were up to 10 women asking if they could come and talk to us,” she says. “I was like, ‘Us?’ I didn’t even know how they knew we were meeting, and we decided then that we would become a formalized group.” The Breakfast Club, Inc., an African American breast cancer support group now in its 22nd year, aids in breast health education and mammography screenings, offers family support and healthy eating programs, has a buddy program for support and more. “Our mission is to provide education, awareness, resources and support for our community regarding breast cancer, breast cancer prevention and breast cancer screening and really make an impact,” Jackson says. “We want to just make a difference, make an impact and really try to change some of those disparities.”
toni renee Jordan cHAnge Agent
Sixteen years ago, Toni Renee Jordan began her last prison sentence. She had spent years addicted to several substances – in and out of the judicial system – and shoplifting to support herself. However, when her mom died just 10 days into her sentence, Jordan knew she had to transform her trajectory. “That kind of hit me like a train,” Jordan says. “I know she instilled a lot in me that I should have done better, and I didn’t. … I vowed to God that I wanted to be the woman God put me on the earth to be, and I just began searching and educating myself on how to be better.” When Jordan was released from prison in 2006, she started attending Let’s Start, a support process for formerly incarcerated women, where she now serves as women support coordinator. “I didn’t want to pick up a drug,” she says. “I saw the chaos it had brought to my life. I wanted to start taking care of myself mentally better.” Jordan began volunteering at Queen Peace Center, a substance-use treatment center for women; volunteered to become an Alive and Well ambassador, working to increase community resilience and to decrease the impact of trauma and toxic stress; served on the State Advisory Council as a spokeswoman for those with comprehensive psychiatric services; and joined the board of directors for the St. Patrick’s Center, which provides opportunities for selfsufficiency and dignity to people who are homeless. “I’m celebrating 16 years of recovery,” Jordan says. “It has been a great process. I just really want to give back what was given to me.”
Susan Katzman
Women’S empoWerment
After a 36-year career with Saint Louis Public Schools, Susan Katzman has zeroed in on improving lives around her through an equity lens. “Leadership development for women has been a special interest,” Katzman says. For Katzman, this has manifested in many ways: She co-founded the CORO Women in Leadership Alumnae program, an effort for program graduates to continue the work in the community on behalf of women. She created leadership training programs for women through the National Council of Jewish Women St. Louis as its vice president for leadership. She helped create Prosperity Connection, which provides the underserved community, especially women, with financial services. Oh, and she shared oversight for the development of the Clyde C. Miller Career Academy and the Collegiate Medical and Bioscience High Schools. “My ultimate goal with women’s empowerment for me is to ensure that there are equitable opportunities for everyone, regardless of gender, race or ethnic identity,” Katzman says. “Positive self-esteem and leadership development are large components of this. I think of opportunities I was not afforded along my journey because of those two factors, and I have tried to devote my energies to nurturing and opening doors for other women. It is so important to not only have the confidence in yourself to move forward, but to also have the leadership skills that must accompany that confidence. “I watch my nieces and the other young women with whom I interact, and I love that doors are open to them now that never were for me. I want them to be able to walk through them confidently and successfully.”
Joan Lipkin
ArtS & SociAL JuStice
Joan Lipkin says she began creating at an early age. “[I] was always drawn to the theater as a writer and performer,” Lipkin says. “I wrote my first play about state capitals in the third grade!” Lipkin says, though, that a transformative experience at an audition for her play Small Domestic Acts in Chicago changed her trajectory. “We had many, many people show up for four roles, and it pained me to have to say no … ,” Lipkin says. “I began to wonder if there was an alternative. What if we could say yes more? What if life wasn’t an endless round of literal and metaphorical auditions? What if, as theater-makers, we cut the cloth to fit the people who wanted to create, rather than trying to find people to fit some preconceived idea?” Lipkin conceived a new philosophy of art-making that she calls Towards a Democracy of Art, in which she amplifies the voices of people often not represented or not to their fullest humanity. “It has been a great joy to help people find their voices and then create positive theatrical experiences to share those voices,” she says. “It is a powerful form of community building. I feel like I am helping to create the kind of world in which I want to live. And listening to and working with so many people who have seemingly different backgrounds than I do helps me to become a better person. I am enriched and grow from their experiences and generosity. There is little more generous than the gift of authenticity.”
Arts & Culture
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FEATURE: THE WINTER FAMILY COLLECTION
ART AND SOUL
Virtually
PHOTO COURTESY OF THE WINTER FAMILY COLLECTION
SLUMA LadueNews.com | APRIL 3, 2020
43
r e t n i W
Becomes Spring By Bryan A. Hollerbach | Photos courtesy of The Winter Family Collection
A metro area organization devoted to visual art extends its efforts with an exciting SLU display fully supported online.
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april 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com
T
he Winter Family Collection, a nonprofit based in St. Louis and founded roughly a decade ago, is continuing its efforts to expand the metro area’s aesthetic horizons with an exhibition devoted to the work of protean East European-born sculptor Leon Bronstein, now living in Israel. That exhibition, “Leon Bronstein: Between the Fantastic and the Real,” opened March 6 at the stately Saint Louis University Museum of Art on Lindell Boulevard. Barring schedule changes, the exhibition runs through May 31. It extends the nonprofit’s ongoing affiliation with the museum, which previously involved exhibitions entitled “The Dream – The Winter Family Collection” from 2014 and “The Infinite Painting” and “Kathleen Brodeur and Edson Campos Return to Forever,” both from 2017. For those seeking to learn more about “Leon Bronstein: Between the Fantastic and the Real,” the collection has posted an incredibly robust catalog online at thewinterfamilycollection.org/ catalog. That full-color, downloadable document, which bears the same title as the exhibition, totals 117 pages and provides considerable background on the artist’s life and work to date. “Through our foundation … , [we] are so very excited about working with Saint Louis University Museum of Art to present a retrospective of Leon’s 40 years of creating beautiful works,” states the collection’s Richard L. Winter in the Acknowledgment to the catalog. In his acknowledgment, in fact, Winter relates how his friendship with and interest in Bronstein qualify almost as a Hollywood-level friendship meet-cute. “In 1993, I attended the Chicago Art Expo to become better acquainted with the art industry,” Winter states. “I wanted to open an art gallery in St. Louis and needed to develop relationships with artists interested in representation at the gallery. While viewing art works at the Expo, I came across a booth that presented various, very interesting sculptures. It was the work of Leon Bronstein.” Winter and his wife subsequently opened The Caitlyn Gallery in Clayton in 1996. That display space, which no longer operates as a physical venue, early – and presciently – pioneered the contemporary online milieu as a tool.
Michael B. Zolman, the collection’s executive director, served as the gallery’s director in those days. In a 1997 account devoted to art online as a valuable service to clients and potential clients, he stated: “We get a lot of business from either tourists or businesspeople coming to St. Louis to do business … Our out-ofstate clients aren’t usually able to come into town when we have new artists or a new show. This is a way to contact the client and show them new works almost immediately.” This latest exhibition at the museum is the largest to date, moving beyond the confines of the walls of the museum and directly into public space with the installation of the monumental bronze Sharing the Same Conversation in front of the museum and a proposal for another new sculpture in the Grand Center Arts District at the entrance to the new Angad Arts Hotel. Zolman says: “As part of the exhibit, we wanted to present the process of selecting and creating a site-specific design for art in a public space. Leon created a new composition entitled All You Need Is Love that was specifically designed for this purpose.” Zolman adds that All You Need Is Love – a cast bronze with patina on a painted stainless steel base, measuring 61 inches tall by 40 inches wide by 28 inches deep and, not coincidentally, gracing the catalog’s cover – “took over a year in planning and work to execute.” The proposal for the site-specific location calls for the model to be enlarged three times the current size. “Our museum schedules exhibitions that can enrich the curriculum of Saint Louis University, educate the public and contribute to the cultural life of St. Louis,” notes Dr. Petruta Lipan, executive director of Saint Louis University Museum of Art. “This exhibition highlights how an artist who was born in the Soviet Union and immigrated to Israel successfully reconciled a life of oppression he was born into with the freedom to pursue his dream.” Both the catalog and the exhibition, Zolman says, “have been arranged to present various universal themes that are observed in Bronstein’s work.” For her part, Lipan describes that work as “anthropomorphic abstract, where the human figure and its action are reduced to their essence.” Lipan adds: “His work addresses universal themes of harmony, beauty, peace and love in a personal style that is uniquely his.” Significantly, on the topic of the concept drawings at the
collection’s latest exhibition, Zolman notes: “This is the first time Bronstein has exhibited his drawings to the public.” Otherwise, regarding the collection’s exhibition at the museum, Zolman closes with a statement applicable not just to Bronstein but to art in the greater scheme of things, today and every day: “There is no challenge for the artist that is true of heart, and this truth is revealed as beauty.” The Winter Family Collection, thewinterfamilycollection.org Editor’s Note: The Saint Louis University Museum of Art is temporarily closed because of COVID-19. Please refer to slu.edu/sluma for reopening news.
Soul
ART and
G
ANGELA L. CHOSTNER
iven events of the past few days, weeks and months, one perhaps can’t help feeling more than a little thankful for encountering Angela L. Chostner’s Loving Kindness, reproduced here. That 2019 acrylic on canvas incorporates lapis lazuli, garnets and vellum and measures 48 by 72 inches, according to the artist, a Creve Coeur resident. Visually, Loving Kindness comes as a tonic; spiritually, as a benison. In a variegated palette resident in the ocular wavelengths between rough 450 and 495 nanometers, it delights in presenting a profusion of blues: baby blue, ice blue, light blue, medium blue, morning blue, powder blue, Uranian blue, enough other blues (in one measure or another) to give one the blues in trying to enumerate them. All of those blues erupt upward and inward toward a central expanse of alabaster that neatly frames the sweet, simplified representational image at the painting’s heart: a young brunette, gowned (of course!) in blue, apparently dancing with an azure butterfly just above her outflung right hand. In a devilish era, in short, Loving Kindness spotlights
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APRIL 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com
True intentions of kindness are not boastful, but quiet in nature. – ANGELA L. CHOSTNER an image altogether seraphic. Through April 23, the original, the artist notes, is gracing an exhibition titled “The Art of Kindness” at Kansas City, Missouri’s Buttonwood Art Space – alas, predictably “closed to the general public until further notice,” according to a note on its website at press time. Chostner, whose curriculum vitae states that she served as an illustrator specializing in the children’s market from 1998 to 2005, identifies Loving Kindness as “part of series that also explored hope and acceptance. All
By Bryan A. Hollerbach Image courtesy of Angela L. Chostner
my paintings have virtue themes, which I explore deeply. My artistic process evolves as my understanding does. “‘Loving kindness’ was not an easy theme. I started with what I knew: the image of a blue morpho butterfly. It spoke to me of transformation, but also reminded me of how, when his wings are closed, you don’t see the brilliant blue, just the humility of brown. It made me think of how true intentions of kindness are not boastful, but quiet in nature. “Eventually, I came to understand that loving kindness is everywhere, from macrocosm to microcosm. Humanity isn’t the source of it. We’re simply vessels for loving kindness to flow through and transform our world.” Amen to that, Ms. Chostner. Now more than ever, amen to that.
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To learn more about our featured artist, visit angelalchostnerart.com. Metro area artists who wish to be considered for future installments of this monthly department of Ladue News should email inquiries to bhollerbach@laduenews.com with “Art and Soul” in the subject line.
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314-495-4095 momodernestl.com • Certified Appraisers • Large Customer Base • No Stress For You • Complete Cleanouts We Take Care of Everything 8631 Watson Rd, 63119
Custom Fabrication and Installation. Gutters • Downspouts Fascia • Counter Flashing Copper Roofs Free Est. Licensed/ Insured. BBB A+ Accredited Bus. 314-781-2702 berkelsheetmetalyahoo.com
THE GUTTER GUY
Flooring and Tile
HARDWOODZ Specializing in Installation, Sanding & Refinishing of Hardwood Floors. Call for FREE Estimate
New Installation, Cleaning & Repair, Drainage Solutions, Screen Installation. Professional, Reliable, Insured. No Mess Left Behind. Free Est. Contact Tony, 314-413-2888 thegutterguy-stlhotmail.com
Handyman Services
Dave 314-267-1348
Gutters Roofing
Wheelchair Accessible 2016 Dodge Caravan All Electric/Power ONLY 18,500 Miles BEST DEAL $33,500! Call 314-363-7626
CLAYTON HEIGHT'S Gutter & Home Exteriors. Cleaning & Gutter Repair. Copper & Aluminum Guttering, Soffit & Fascia Covering. Insured. Small Jobs OK. Paul 314-971-2074
Electrical Licensed Bonded Insured
Cleaning Services
JON'S AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIR Electrical, Carpentry, Floors, Windows, Plumbing, Painting, Tile & Lots More! Quality Guaranteed! Reasonable, Insured, References. NO JOB TOO SMALL! 314-205-1555 jonshomerepair.com
Fielder
Electrical Services, Inc.
Commercial Residential Industrial
314-773-4955 or 314-966-3388 • www.fielderelectricalservices.com
Residential
Fielder is highly skilled in knob & tube wiring and aluminum wiring upgrades. We are specialists in older and existing structures.
SCRUBBY DUTCH CLEANING Family Owned and Operated Since 1983 Bonded • Insured • Supervised $10 OFF 1st Time Customers Free Estimates by Phone 314-849-4666 or 636-926-0555 www.scrubbydutch.com
CONTACT US TODAY FOR AN APPOINTMENT If it can be wired, Commercial Tenant finishes, we can wire it. churches, sporting
complexes,restaurants, senior care facility, and parking lot lighting, etc.
Need An Electrician? $20.00
Industrial
Fielder has the skills, knowledge and equipment to handle industrial work including new industrial construction, warehouse lighting, large machinery, and data wiring.
off Any electrical job of $75.00 or more
Healthcare Services
Lawn and Garden
TROSSIE CARES Private Home Health 24hr Affordable Home Health Service. Call 314-620-3550 or email trossieharrisgmail.com. References Available.
FLYNN LANDSCAPING, INC Weekly Mowing & Gardening. 314-243-6784
VISITING ANGELS 24-7 Companion Care for Seniors. Personal Care, Meal Prep, Light Housekeeping, and Peace of Mind.
314-569-9890
Help Wanted PART TIME COOK MULTI-FACETED POSITION In Private Home. This position requires cooking, serving & general house work. Weekends only, rotating shifts. For more info call (314) 349-1457 and ask for Sherlyn Whiteside
Home Improvement Plaster Patching & Repair Interior & Exterior Walls, ceilings & crown molding. (DRYVIT, EIFS SYSTEM repairs & new application) Also drywall, taping & repairs. 220th ENGINEER'S, LLC 314-220-3638 PRECISION REMODELING Room Additions - Decks Bathrooms - Kitchens & so much more. Interior - Exterior. Free Estimates/ Fully Insured Call Bob (314)799-4633 or Jim (314)799-4630 REPAIR IT BEFORE YOU REPLACE IT Carpet Repaired, Restretched, Installed, New Carpet Sales, Large Selection in 2 Showrooms. Over 30yrs exp. Call Nick 314-845-8049
Outdoor Living Experts Landscape Maintenance Estate Grounds Routine Scheduled Maintenance Programs Fertilizer & Weed Control Mowing, Mulching, Weeding Leaf Removal Outdoor Living and Construction Patios, Retaining Walls Outdoor Kitchens Fire & Water Features Irrigation Install & Maint. Driveways, Fencing Landscape Lighting Call Today for Estimate 314-827-5664 www.TRCoutdoor.com Polo's Lawn & Landscape Inc Leafs and Snow Removal, Retaining Walls, Paver Patios, Backyard Cleanup, Trees & Sod. Staining Decks by brush. Free Estimates 314-280-2779
SHAW LAWNCARE Grass Cutting • Leaf Cleanup Ladue Residents Serving Ladue Area Since 1989 Call Today for Free Estimate
314-799-1776
Painting 28+ YEARS EXP
A+ RATED
Power Washing•Painting•Staining INTERIORS • EXTERIORS • CONCRETE CEDAR HOMES • DECKS & FENCES
Tim Trog 636.394.0013 www.countyhousewashing.com
LadueNews.com | April 3, 2020 47
Painting ASTON-PARKER PAINTING Interior - Exterior Painting Wallpaper Removal. Insured. 35yrs Exp. Free Est. A+BBB Call 314-766-2952 or 314-766-2962 alstonparkerhotmail.com INTERIOR PAINTING & REMODELING Finish carpentry, drywall, tile and floor work. 25yrs exp. Call Kent for free estimates; 314-398-2898 kenthallowell@yahoo.com
Lawn and Garden
WE WORK HARD SO YOU DON’T HAVE TO Landscape Design & Planting; Spring Clean Up,Weeding, Mulch,Tree/Shrub Trimming & Removal; Stone Walls & Walkways, Patios, Borders; Drainage Solutions; Lawn Mowing,Aeration, Overseeding, Fertilization; Gutter Cleaning For Free Estimates call Keith at 314-422-0241 or e-mail at
hwyardwork@aol.com Since 2001
JC PAINTS Interior/Exterior Painting, Reliable, Clean, Reasonable & Insured. Call John for a Free Estimate! 314-703-2794 jcpaintssbcglobal.net
Trees
Yucko's Your Poop Scoop 'n Service Free Estimates - No Contracts 314-770-1500 www.yuckos.com
For Rent July 1st - 3BR, 1BA Ranch on an acre. Walk to Ladue High School. $1,750 Month. 10160 Conway Road. Call Tim 314-504-7136
Tree Service Professionals. Trimming, Deadwooding, Reduction, Removals, Stump Grinding, Year Round Service, Insured. Call Michael Baumann 636-375-2812 for a free estimate & property inspection. You'll be glad you called!
Real Estate For Sale
Tuckpointing
BABLER STATE PARK ESTATE Rare opportunity to acquire the only privately owned property in Babler. A 1400 foot deeded access road leads to 22 acres surrounded by the park. Older single story home and several out buildings are in use. Create the park of your dreams. Private seller. By appointment only. $1,450,000. Call John O’Neil (314) 378-3109 for more info
MASSEY TUCKPOINTING Tuckpointing, Chimney and Brick Repair, Caulking, Chimney Sweeping and Flue Re-lining. BBB A+ & 2013 Torch Award.
Services
LLC
BRIAN'S HAULING U Name It & We Haul It! 7 Days - Same Day. Brush, Appliances, Clean Outs, Demo, Bsmts & Garage, Etc. Call Brian 314-740-1659 CONCRETE WORK Any Type, Reasonable Rates, Free Estimates, Over 40yrs Experience. Call 314-225-6940 or 314-688-9792 McGreevy Piano Tuning Bill McGreevy Piano Technician & Guild Associate Member 314-335-9177 wrmcgreevygmail.com US Army Engineers Take on any roof! Slate, Clay Tile & Shingles. Also Soffit, Fascia, Gutter Repairs and Gutter Cleaning. Over 30yrs Exp. Fully Insured. No house too tall & No job too small 220th ENGINEER'S, LLC 314-220-3638
Wanted Arrowheads & Indian Artifacts! Clayton executive loves the hobby! Buying collections, answering questions, & looking for properties to buy/lease to look on within 45min of Clayton that have a good concentration of arrowheads 314-608-2692
Pet Services
Real Estate For Rent
Tuckpointing
BUYING STAR WARS & other vintage Toys Top $$$ Paid 314-495-4095
SERIOUS COLLECTOR & HISTORIAN Will Pay Top $ for WWII Military Relic's. Swords, Daggers, Metals, Badges, Hats, Helmets, Flags & Guns. Call 314-249-5369
BUY IT HERE SELL IT HERE
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LADUE NEWS CLASSIFIEDS
314/269-8810
314/269-8810
laduenews.com
laduenews.com
Wanted
+ Se We Are Buying ... lling watches • jewelry • diamonds • sterling • coins • scrap gold We pay TOP PRICES and offer SAME DAY PAYMENTS! If you’re in the neighborhood, stop by or call for appointment for a no obligation quote. Extra premium prices paid for signed
jewelry.We’ve been serving our customers for over 40 years.
Free Verbal Appraisals
MIRELLI
314-991-1999
TUCKPOINTING Family Owned and Operated In Service Since 1991 Complete houses, spotpointing with color match, chimney repair/rebuilds, brick/stone repair, foundation repair.
Trees Trees Trimmed & Removed
GILLS
TREE SERVICE • Stone Retaining Walls • Stump Grinding • Fully Insured
(636) 274-1378 GillsTrees.com
48 April 3, 2020 | LadueNews.com
ERSAR
th Y
10411 Clayton Road, Ste. 101 Le Chateau Village Frotenac, MO 63131
Tuckpointing
MIRELLITUCKPOINTING.COM
40
A N N IV
St. Louis, New York, Palm Beach
Call 314-200-9488 or masseytpmgmail.com for bid
FREE ESTIMATES 314-645-1387
our
BARTEL’S ESTATE GALLERY
$50 off $500+
BBB TORCH AWARD RECIPIENT. SUPER SERVICE AWARD '05-'17.
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LADUE NEWS CLASSIFIEDS
LADUE NEWS CLASSIFIEDS are easy to find. Our readers know that they can always flip to the back to find what they are looking for. To place an ad, call: 314-269-8810 or email: classified@laduenews.com
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MARI de VILLA SENIOR LIVING From our family, to yours, please know that we are always here for your loved ones. We live on site to insure that we are involved in the lives of all of our residents. We would like to impart that in trying times, we connect through caring for one another. Now, more than ever, we are committed to protecting the health and wellbeing of the Mari de Villa family. Sincerely, Fred and Mary Kay Wiesehan, Joseph Wiesehan and Fritz Wiesehan
Celebrating our 60th anniversary
Visit marideVilla.com or call 636.227.5347 for more information on our surprisingly
Like us on
affordable rates and serVices.
Senior Living
1960-2020
anniVersary Serving the FamilieS oF St. louiS Since 1960
1 3 9 0 0 c l ay t o n R o a d , t o w n a n d c o u n t R y, M o We are pledged to the letter and spirit of the U.S. Policy for the achievement of equal housing opportunity throughout the nation. We encourage and support an affirmative advertising and marketing program in which there are no barriers to housing because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial or national origin.