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Therightapproachtoprovidingcomprehensivecare.Therightlocationforyour family.Therightamenitiesallaroundyou,fromdiningtoactivitiestoentertainment. Therightenvironmenttorediscoveryouroldselfandbecomeyournextself. Comelearnwhatmakeslocally-ownedMcKnightPlace TheRightPlace forboth ourresidentsandtheirfamilies. Askaboutourall-inclusivepricing.
By:Dr.BethTemplin
Onedayyouwokeupandfelt “old”forthefirsttime.You’re notquitesurehow,orwhen, thisshifthappened,whenyour bodydecidedtobetrayyo,but you’venoticedsomechanges withhowyoulookandfeel, andwithhowyou’reableto perfomyourdailyroutine.
You’vebeentoyourdoctor everyyearforyourannual check-upandtheytellyou thingsarelookinggreat,but you’reonmoremedication thanyouweretheyearbefore, andmanagingmoremedical issues.
You’vestartingmovingslower andstrugglingtodothe thingsthatwereeasyforyou just1-2yearsago.butyou’ve resignedyourselftothispath because,afterall,thiswas boundtohappen.Butwhatif therewasanotherway?What ifyousimplydidn’thaveallthe informationtomakethelife changingdecisions?
Ifyouwanttolearnmore aboutthatchangestoexpect withaging,we’veputtogether thisFreeGuide“10Things YourPhysicianNeverToldYou AboutYourAgingBody:And WhatYouCanDoAoutThem”. Thegoodnewsismanyofthe thingswehavecometoaccept asaninevitablepartofthe agingprocess,areinreality, withinourcontrol.Thismeans therearemodificationsyou cnamakeinyourlifetoavoid thesedeclines.
Inthisguideyou’llfind:
• Whathappenstoyourbody with“normal”aging.
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• ANDmuchmore!
Thisguidisavaiabletoyou absolutelyfreeofcharge!To claimyourcopy,simplycallout officeat(314)939-1377orgo onlinetoourwebsiteatwww. housefitstl.comtodownloadit directlytoyourcomputer.
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Phone:(314)939-1377
info@housefitstl.com www.housefitstl.com
PUBLISHER
Ian Caso
EDITORIAL
MANAGING E DI TOR
Ashley Klein >aklein@laduenews.com
DIGI TAL E DI TOR & S TAFF W RI TER
Amanda Dahl >adahl@laduenews.com
ASSO C IATE E DI TOR
Emily Standlee >estandlee@laduenews.com
MULT IM E DIA REPORTER
Daniel Puma >dpuma@laduenews.com
CONTR IBUT ING W RI TER S
Mark Bretz, Molly Dwyer-Simonsen, Drew Gieseke, Alecia Humphreys, Connie Mitchell, Brittany Nay, Sheila Oliveri, Charlotte Renner, Nancy Robinson, Mabel Suen, Katie Yeadon
SALES
VICE PRESID ENT OF SAL ES
Kevin Hart >khart@stlpostmedia.com
SENIOR MEDIA STRATEGIST
Katie Ray >kray@laduenews.com
ME DIA STR ATEGIS T
Michelle Brown >mbrown@laduenews.com
SP EC IAL P R OJ ECT S MANAGER
Maggie Peters >mpeters@laduenews.com
C LASSIFI E D A CCOUN T MANAGER
Lisa Taylor >ltaylor@lee.net
ART
A RT DIRECTOR
Laura De Vlieger >ldevlieger@laduenews.com
ASSIS TAN T A RT DIRECTOR
Christopher Oth >coth@laduenews.com
CONTR IBUT ING PHOTOG R APHER
Bryan Schraier
ALEEENTERPRISESPUBLICATION
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1. 12869GoodsonRd. • DesPeres
NEWLISTING! Thisimpressivehomeisnestledinanupscale neighborhood.Immediatelyyouwillnoticethewaterfeature,beautiful gardens,andbalconiescreatingremarkableoutdoorliving.Astunningfoyer welcomesyou,andanof cetoyourrightwithafullbathroom.Totheleftis aconvenientopen oorplan.Thedreamykitchenofferscustomcabinetry, stonecountertopsandhigh-endappliances. $1,299,000
2. 411W.KirkhamAve. • WebsterGroves Welcometothisfabulouslylocated,four-year-old,5-bedroomWebster home,walkabletoOldWebsterdowntown.Thishomegreetsyouwitha grandfrontporch.Theopen oorplanwith9ft.ceilingsonboththemain oorandsecond oorprovidesbothfunctionandelegance.Thekitchenisa chef’sdreamwithquartzcountertops&whiteShakercabinetry. $749,000
3. 115OrchardAve. • WebsterGroves NEWLISTING! ThisisthequintessentialWebsterGroveshomeyou havebeenwaitingfor!Locatedononeoftheprettiestlotsinthehighly covetedWebsterParkneighborhood,this4-bedroom,3.5-bathroomhome exudescharmandhasbeenexceptionallymaintainedandupdatedoverthe years. $1,200,000
4. 24WoodcrestDr. • Ladue STEPINTOSTYLEwiththisimpressivenewcustomLaduehome!This 1.5-storyhomewithexquisite nisheshas5bedroomsand5andahalf bathrooms.Thegorgeouskitchenfeaturesa10.5-footQuartzisland withSub-ZeroandWolfappliances.Themain oorvaultedprimarysuite featuresabeautifullinear replaceandprivatecoveredpatio. $3,399,000
5. 11925SantinoCt. • CreveCoeur Contemporaryelegancebestdescribesthisnewerhomesittinginaprivate newconstructionsubdivisionintheheartofCreveCoeur.Renaissance Livingrecentlypurchasedtheremaininglotsinthesubdivisionandplans toinstallfencingandlandscapingand nishthesubdivisionwithelegant homes.10’ceilings,dazzlinglight xtures,andwood oorscomplementthe home. $1,175,000
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Thislight- lled,invitingDavisPlacehomeoffersaperfectblendofclassic eleganceandcontemporaryliving.Stepintoalarge,welcominglivingroom thatleadstoasunnydiningroomthatseamlesslyconnectstoaneat-in kitchen.Upstairs,you’ll ndthreegenerouslysizedbedrooms,includinga primarysuitefeaturingaspaciouswalk-incloset. $1,050,000
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Wonderfulhome!Vintageloverswilladmirewell-maintainedoriginal featuresthroughout.Wood oorshavealwaysbeencarpetedexceptin entryandclosets.Theinvitinglivingroomwithagas replaceadjoinsthe spaciousdiningroom.Thekitchenisingoodworkingorder. $360,000
923CLAYMARKDR. • TOWNANDCOUNTRY • $2,600,000 Welcometothisstunningandspaciousenergy-ef cient,smarthome,situated onasought-afterstreetintheheartofTownandCountry.Thisremarkable propertyfeatures5en-suitebedrooms,includingamain- oorprimarysuite withalavishbathroomandtwoexpansivewalk-inclosets.Don’tmissout!
They say necessity is the mother of invention, and several St. Louisans in this edition of LN have taken the proverb to heart.
For example, hydroponic farming systems are seeing an uptick as area restaurants, organizations and home-growers alike have decided they will no longer be subject to the whims of Midwestern weather and will instead grow vegetables and herbs indoors. Columnist Charlotte Renner teaches us more about these systems – and how they offer a fast-track to nutritious, sustainable produce – on p. 12.
On p. 50, contributor Brittany Nay speaks with interior designer and entrepreneur Ashley Obradovits about her new custom rug business, Wonderwall Rugs. When Obradovits grew tired of selecting from the same rug options for her clients, she found a way to transform her original designs into bespoke pieces.
The STL Mug Market also demonstrates innovation giving way to new opportunities for creativity. On p. 44, contributor Drew Gieseke speaks with the market’s founders ahead of its sixth annual event, where area ceramists are given a platform to share their wares with a broader audience than ever before.
Happy reading,
Ashley Klein, Managing Editor
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Hot pot is on fire in St. Louis, and owner Poyi Liu’s aesthetics-driven approach to the new Delmar Loop concept, Umami Seasons, extends from the menu to the modern dining room. Visit laduenews.com to discover more restaurant reviews.
Whenyouhave anexactvision foryourspace, youneedto workwiththe rightpeopletomakeitareality;a teamthathasthecreativemindset toseewhatyou’relookingforand theexpertisetoexecuteit.Karr BickKitchen+Bathisthatperfect team,readytoworkwithyouto bringyourdreamhometolife.
Recentclients,ownersofanew buildhome,hadreturnedfroma triptoCaliforniawheretheyfell inlovewiththecleanandopen linesofthatarea’sinteriordesign. TheyreachedouttoKarrBick,with whomtheyhadworkedbefore,to collaborateagain.
“Thisprojectrequireda hugecollaborationbetweenthe homeowners,Builders(Compass),
theArchitect(LaurenStrutman) andourteamatKarrBick,”says headdesignerJanelleHelms.“What makesusstandoutisourability toworkseamlesslywithallthe playerstotakethestressoutofthe buildforthehomeowners.”
TheCalifornianfeelthatwasthe inspirationforthehome’sdesignis especiallyapparentinthekitchen. Thearchitectdrewupthespace withtheslopeceilingandbeams, makingitfeelbothopenandwarm. Thekitchenincludesa7-footgas range,aswellasdoublewallovens, and6-feetofrefrigeratorspace.
“Thisprojectisunusualbecause heis a master chef;hisappliance andstorage needs faroutweigh the average home cook,” Helms explains.“Whendesigning we hadtofindplaces forenough refrigeration,tonsofeasy access
openshelvesand evenanindustrial meatslicer Theseare only afew oftheunique featuresthat we incorporatedintothekitchenand scullery There are somany special featuresinthiskitchenand family room.Thebarareahas a window forviewingintothewine room.The topandcabinetdoorsinthebarare brassandthequatrefoilabove the range isarchitecturalsalvage.”
Theopen,modern feelingcarries onintothehome’sbathroom.
“Thebathroom wasourabsolute favoritepart!”Helmssays.“There are floorto ceilingwindows inthe showerthatlookoutonto a private garden. Wewere abletotalkthem intooakpanelingfloorto ceiling inthe roomthatisdonein avery modern way. The vanitieshavea reededdooranddrawerin a light alder. The concretetubnestlesup
tothe gardenin away thatmakes you wanttotakea bath everyday. Itswindows and wood everywhere mixedwithtravertinefloorsand thick limestone counters.Theday we shotthis, we hadabout every KarrBick employee comethrough tooohandahh;it wasoneofthose projects everyone wantedtosee!”
KarrBick’smottois #NothingOridnaryanditsthat outlook,alongwithitsteam’s tirelessworkethicthatmakesit theperfectchoicefortakingthe homeyou’vealwaysdreamtofand makingitreal.Gototheirwebsite formoreinformationonthis projectandothersandlearnwhat theycandoforyou.
KarrBickKitchen+Bath, 2715MercantileDrive,Brentwood, 314-645-6545,karrbick.com
By Molly Dwyer-Simonsen
When a babyiswelcomedinto a family,mostexpectthe new mothertobeexcitedandjoyful for this new addition. However, it’simportanttorealizethatwomenexperience significantchangesintheirmoodsduringthe perinatalperiod(pregnancyandpostpartum), oftenwithincreasesinanxietylevelsdueto naturalhormonalchangesandthestressthat accompaniespreparingto have a baby.
Whilemanymomscanbesupportedduring thistimebyfamilyandfriendsalone,insome casesitcanbemore severe. Inresponseto thiscommonlifecircumstance, Mercy seeks tosupportthesewomeninourMother-Baby IntensiveOutpatientBehavioralHealth programsetting. We hear from womenin thisprogramthattheyfeelalone,ashamed andisolatedwiththeirexperiences.Sooften inthemedia,pregnancyandpostpartumis portrayedas a timeof joy, happinessand bondingwiththeir new baby.Momswho don’tfeelthis waymay blamethemselves for experiencingsuchdistressingfeelingsof
shame,inadequacy,guiltandembarrassment. Commonthoughtsandfeelingsthatarise duringpregnancyandpostpartuminclude:
Feelingsoflossofselfbeforebaby
Lossoftime for key friendshipsor personalinterests
Lossoffinancialsecurity
Fearsthatsomethingbadwillhappento babyorthemselves
Feeling a senseofincompetency
Suchexperiencescanleadwomento withdrawandisolatefurther from friends, familyormedicalprovidersandbecome reluctanttoshareabouttheirstruggles.This onlyservestointensifytheirsenseofisolation.
Programssuchasthe Mercy Mother-Baby IOPprovide a comfortableplace for mothers toconnectwithothermothersexperiencing similarstrugglesin a safe,honestand supportive way. Mothers have theopportunity toreducefeelingsofisolationwithgenuine connectionandvalidationtohelpcopewith thechallengesofpregnancyandpostpartum. Womencanreceivesupport from othergroup
members, a licensedmentalhealthclinician specializinginthisareaof care, a psychiatric nurseand a psychiatricnursepractitionerto prescribemedication,ifneeded.
Inthistreatmentsetting,womencanlearn copingskillstomanagedistressingfeelings, challengetheirunhelpfulthoughtpatternsand practiceinfantsoothingandbondingskills. Theprogramassistswomenwithcultivating a supportsystembothinandoutofthe treatmentenvironmenttoallowthemthetime andenergynecessarytoheal, recover and grow intheirconfidenceandsenseofcompetenceas a mother.Momscanbringtheirnewbornswith them(upto12monthsofage),buttheprogram doesnotofferformalchildcare. To accessthese services,contact Mercy BehavioralHealth Intakeat314-251-0555andscheduleaninitial evaluation for theMother-BabyIOP.
Molly Dwyer-Simonsen, MA, LPC, is Mercy regional director of outpatient behavioral health. For more information, please visit mercy.net/laduenews.
By Charlotte Renner
Withtheuseofhydroponics,growingyour own foodcanbe a year-roundhobby from thecomfortoftheindoors.InSt. Louis,localrestaurantsandorganizationsutilizeitto grow high-qualityproducetonourishcommunitiesandmakedishes sing. Here, learnwhere you canvisitSt.Louisspotsthatusehydroponics and howyou canstartgrowingathome.
Simplyput,hydroponicsisthetechniqueofgrowingplantswithout soil.Withitsnamemeaning“workingwater,”hydroponicsutilizeswater andnutrientsolutionstohelpplantsflourish.Althoughthere are many differenttypesofhydroponicsystems,theyusuallyincludethefollowing components:water,oxygen,lightsourcesandnutrientmediums.Systems range insophistication:Some are toweringwallsofverticallyorganized plants,andothers are DIYstoragetoteswithholesanda grow light. Almost any cropcanbegrownusinghydroponics,butplantswithshallow rootsystems are bestsuitedtoit.Commoncropsincludeleaflettuce, tomatoes,peppers,watermelons,celeryandherbslikebasil.It’sapractice that’sbeenused for over acentury(USDA),and we cansee why with thesebenefits.
Hydroponicscan save upto10timestheamountofwaterusedin traditionalfarming,takingup far lessspace.Itprovidesfaster grow times andhigheryieldsoffruitsandvegetables,soit’smorebang for yourbuck. Indoorhydroponicscanbegrownlocally(andvirtuallyanywhere),which saves onalltheenergyspentontransportingproduce from acrossthe globe.Italsoeliminatestheneed for weedingorpesticides,astheplants are growninasterilizedgrowingmedium.
Getatasteof how hydroponics are beingusedinSt.Louis:
The Urban League in St. Louis
InApril2024,TheUrbanLeagueinSt.LouisbecamethefirstUrban Leagueinthecountryto have agreenhouseandhydroponicfarmatits headquarters.TheprojectiscalledGeorgeWashingtonCarverUrban Farminganditaimstoeducate,employandempowerthecommunityit serves.Producegrownatthe6,800-square-footspacewillbedistributedto localmarketsandprovidefood for families.There are currently100garden towers,andTheUrbanLeagueplanstoadd200morenextyear.
Salads have longbeentoutedasastaple“healthy”food,butNeon Greenstakesita few stepsfurther.Accordingtoitswebsite,“98%ofthe nation’slettuceisgrowninCaliforniaandArizona;baggedlettuceis weeksoldandlessnutritiousbythetimeitreachesusinSt.Louis.”Butat thissaladjointinThe Grove, allofthegreens have beengrownjuststeps away atNeonGreens’in-househydroponicsplottoensurehighquality andoptimalnutrition.Therestaurantrotatesitsflavorstomatchfarmers’ seasons,anditsourcesanythingitcan’t grow in-house from localfarmers.
HydroponicgardeningstorespeppertheSt.Louismetroarea, from GrowmorHydroponicsinSt.Petersallthe way toGrowActiveSolutionsin TowerGrove South.If you wantto get involvedinhydroponicsyourself,do aGooglesearchandyou’realmostguaranteedtofindastorewithin15to 20minutesofyourhomethatcanhelp.
Because where yougetyourmammogram makesadifference.
Truststartswithadedicated teamofWashingtonUniversity radiologistsaffiliated withtheinternationallyrecognized MallinckrodtInstituteofRadiology.AtSitemanCancerCenter,everymammogramisreadbyanimagingexpert withtheskill,knowledgeandexperienceonlyanationalleadercandeliver.AtSiteman,our radiologistsarepart ofateamofWashingtonUniversityphysicians thatincludessub-specialized breasthealthexperts.
Scheduleyourannualmammogramstartingatage40. Makeyourbreasthealthapriority. Call 314-988-3025 foraSitemanMammogramnearyouorvisit SitemanMammogram.wustl.edu
STAYINGACTIVE >FRONTENACRACQUETCLUB
ByMaggiePeters >PhotosbyTylerRoussin
Inthelast50 years, we'vegrownintothe
intheSt.Louismetroarea with 10 indoorcourtsand fourrevam ped pickle ba ll courts.
– CHRIS W ARD
AstapleofSt.Louis’tennis communityfor50years, theFrontenacRacquetClub continuestoprovidethevery bestformemberswithboth atop-of-the-linefacilityand programsforallages.
“Westartedin1974whentenniswasatits absolutepeakintermsofpopularity,”says TennisDirectorChrisWard.“Inthelast50 years,we’vegrownintothelargestindoor tennisfacilityintheSt.Louismetroareawith 10indoorcourtsandfourrevampedpickleball courts.Wejustredidthatfacilityhavingseen itsriseinpopularity.”
Additionally,theclub’sfacilitiesarewell litandaretheonlyonesinthestatewith carpetedcourts,whicharesofteronplayers’ jointsandhelpkeepthemplayinglonger.Ward alsopraisestheclub’slargeteachingstaffthat allowsanyonetofindacoachthatsuitsthem.
“Iwouldsaythecommunitymakesusstand out,”headds.“It’safamily-orientedclub.”
FrontenacRacquetClubhasadultprograms everydayoftheweekaswellasjuniorclasses forallagesandatinytotsprogramforfour tosix-year-oldsthatrequiresnomembership toparticipate.Theclubalsohasakickstart programthatistheperfectwayforadults interestedintennistogetintothehobby.
“Weofferaneight-weekprogramfor$240, thatincludeseight90-minuteclasses,withno membershipnecessary,”Wardexplains.“We alsoofferitforpickleballforfourweeksfor $120.That’sreallythebestwayfornewadults togetintotennisandpickleball.”
WiththeFrontenacFamilyofClubs, youhaveaccesstomorethan30teaching professionalsandsomeofthebestcourtsin thestateandbeyond,readytogiveyouthe bestexperienceplayingtennisorpickleball –whetherit’syourfirsttimeplayingoryour
hundredth.Wardencouragesanyoneinterested inlearningmoretogoonlineandseetheir offerings.There’sneverbeenabettertimeto jointhefamily.
FrontenacRacquetClubs,10455GermanBlvd., St. Louis,314-991-5599,frontenacfamilyofclubs.com
Ready Readers recommends two stories to engage your dinosaur-loving children in counting backwards and forwards this fall.
By Sheila Oliveri
Mike Brownlow and illustrator Simon Rickerty, is called Ten Little Dinosaurs. Instead of counting from one to 10, this book leads readers to count backwards beginning with 10.
The first book, One-osaurus, Two-osaurus, by author Kim Norman and illustrator Pierre ColletDerby, features a boldly colored prehistoric tableau expanding on simple and succinct text. A cumulative rhyming story, One-osaurus, Two-osaurus leads readers to count from one to 10.
The story opens with readers gazing in the window of a young dinosaur lover. There on the floor, strewn about with blocks and assorted articles of clothing, sit ten colorful dinosaurs just waiting to come to life. Readers are transported back in time as the counting begins. All are smiling and playing together happily when, suddenly, an enormous Roar! thunders across the land. All the dinosaurs, large and small, skedaddle away from the frightening sound and attempt to hide from the approaching menace. What could instill such terror? Children may be a bit surprised when the noisy culprit is revealed.
Ready Readers’ second recommendation, by author
We first meet ten dinosaur babies as they are hatching from their eggs, busily planning their explorations while their mama sleeps. Rickerty’s dinosaurs are cute and cuddly, tiny teeth notwithstanding. But, as in all subtractive stories, the dinos must disappear one by one, until only the last remains. Brownlow’s dispatching of the adorable dinos is part of the rhyming fun, but wondering what happened to them could be unsettling for sympathetic young readers. Luckily, Brownlow and Rickerty provide a satisfying conclusion, “Safe at home with Mommy – who could ask for more? Ten little dinosaurs all say ‘Roar!’”
Ready Readers shares the joy and power of literacy with more than 16,000 preschoolers living in under-resourced communities across our region. Visit readyreaders.org to learn how you can build a brighter future for area children.
2bedroom/21/2bath1,680squarefeet meticulouslymaintainedmarbled PENTHOUSEinClayton
Conciergeservice n Entryaccesscontrol
Packageconcierge n Co ee&Winebar
Fitnesscenterwithweight,cardio&therapyrooms
Pet-friendlycommunitywithpetspa
24th oorroo oploungewithskydeck&grillingstation 360ºviewsofClayton,DowntownSt.Louis&ShawPark KingsideDineron-site
Communityloungewithpooltable, wetbarandprivatetheatre
By Drew Gieseke
ForchildrenhospitalizedatRankenJordan PediatricBridgeHospital,“back-to-school” looks a littledifferentthan for mostkids. Youngsterswhoreceivecareatthe hospitalmightneedlife-alteringinterventions, whetherit’s a feedingtubeorlifesupport equipment.Thiscanbe a challenge for childrenat thestartof a new schoolyear,soRankenJordan employsspecializedstaffwhocanindividualize educationinstructiontoeachchild’sneeds andchallenges.
“At RankenJordan, we dothisin a safe, playful way thatcelebrateseachchild’sunique personalitywhilealsotakingcareofand supportingourfamilies,” says hospitalchief nursingofficerKristinLaRose,MSN,CRRN, NE-BC,FACHE.
RankenJordanhelpschildrentransition from hospitalcaretolifeaftertheirstay.The state-of-the-artfacilityholds60bedsanduses a “carebeyondthebedside”modeldesignedto healchildrenthroughplay.Thecareteamtreats childrenwithseriousinjuriesandothercomplex medicalconditionsanddiagnoses.
Thisstructureisalsosetuptohelpchildren duringtheback-to-schoolseason.Thehospital partnerswiththeirhomeschooldistricts for olderpatients(ages 6 andup)tohostteachers atRankenJordanandprovidetheappropriate curriculum for eachchild.Thisbecomes a regularpartoftheircareapproachand schedules,inadditiontotheirtherapiesand recreationalactivities.
For youngerpatients(ages 0 to 5 years), LaRose says thestaffintroducesthemtothe hospital’s OZ program,whichhas a similar lookandfeeltotraditionalpreschool.This approachempowerskidstoparticipatein developmentallyenrichingactivities,ensures they are movingtowards a “school-ready” dispositionandpreparesthem for the discharge-to-hometransition.
“Ourfamilies are incrediblysupportiveand wanttheirkidstofeelasnormalaspossible asthey are workingwithmultiplemedical complexities,”LaRose says. “We incorporateplay intoeverything we do, whichhelpsourfamilies andkidsfeellike a partof a community. We
We incorporate play into everything we do, which helps our families and kids feel like a part of a community.
– KRISTIN LAROSE
are helpingthemfind‘normal’life,routines, playtime,schoolandfamilytime.”
PatientsworkwithRankenJordan’sthree educationliaisons,aswellaswithmultiple disciplinesoftherapists(includingoccupational andspeechtherapy)andpsychologiststoensure thattheiremotionalcareisinplace.Theyalso workwitheducators from theirhomedistricts –teachers,paraprofessionalsandassistants–to remainconnectedwiththeirclassmates.
“EachpatientworkswithourEducation Liaisonteamandourpsychologyteamas we strivetoindividualizeallaspectsoftheirrecovery plan,”LaRose says. “We have amazingtherapists aswell,whocanteachandprovidethemost innovative,adaptiveequipmenttohelpkidsfeel andperformin ways that are justlikeotherkids.”
Theeducationteampartnerswithcommunity educatorsandfamiliestoensurethattransitions are asseamlessaspossible.RankenJordanalso advocates for eachchildto have theresources theyneedtosupportthemoncethey are backintheschoolenvironment.Insodoing, LaRose says staff are settingkidsup for success sotheycanachievetheireducationaland developmentalmilestones.
“Ourmainfocusishelpingkidsandfamilies findtheirnormalagain,whetherthey are recovering from a traumaticinjury, a complicated surgery,orifthey mayhave medicalcomplexities from birth.”
Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital, 11365 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, 314-872-6400, rankenjordan.org
Discoveracommunitythatgoesaboveandbeyondtoen sureyourretirementhitsone highnoteafteranother.Everymeal—moredeliciousthanthelast.Everyactivity—more excitingthanyouhopedfor.Everyfriend ship—moreenr ichingthanyouimagined.Withan expansiverangeofservicesandamenities,maintenance-freeliving,andat hr ivingsocial scene,it’seasytoreachnewh ei
ByMaggiePeters >PhotosbyGeoffStory,GeoffStoryCreative
MThe“GeometryofSuperheroComics”isaproject thathasbeenimplementedbymathteacherMaria Ahern.Intheplaceofausualtest,Ahernhasher studentspresentexamplesofmathematicalchanges incomicbookformbyexplainingtheircharacters’ movementwiththelanguagethey’velearned throughouttheclass.
athcanbe a difficultsubject forkidstograsp, with a multitudeof conceptsto remember. However, TheWhitfield Schoolhascreated a projectthatmakesiteasier for those ideastostick,andit’snotthroughlecturesandquizzes, butbyallowingstudentstoengagecreativelywiththesubjectmatter.
Jonesaddsthatotherstudentsusedtheprojecttoturnthemselves intosuperheroesorotherpopculturefigures.
“AnotherstudentinmyclassisTaylorSwiftifshewereasuperhero usingtransformationstogothroughherdifferenteras,”shesays. “Itgivesstudentsachancetoshowtheircreativesidewhilestill learningmath.”
Thiskindofexperientiallearningisthegoalfor TheWhitfieldSchool.Ahernexplainsthatstatistically onlyaroundfivepercentofinformationisretained byalecture,whilehands-onactivitieshelpthat learningstick.
“Ithelpsbygivingthemagoal;theyneedto thinkthroughwhatpieceofmathisapplicableto achievingthatgoal,”Ahernexplains.“Themathis thevehiclebecausethat’showitworksinreallife. Peopleusemathtoachievesomething.Youask whatgoalyouhaveandhowtoachieveitwhichis morememorable.It’sreallyfunbecausetheygetto dowhattheywantwithit,anditgivesmeenough toknowtheygetthesubjectbutotherwiseIcan justenjoytheircreativity.”
“Idomybesttolectureaslittleaspossibleand havethemworkwiththesubjectmattermorebecause thatismoreusefulfortheirfutureandmorehelpful,” shesays.“It’sveryproductive–ratherthanjustgoing throughthemotions.”
“Theprojecthelpedmerepresentmyknowledge ofgraphingtransformationsandtheirlinearequations,”saysstudent KamiyahJones‘27.“ImadeastoryaboutSpidermanfightingakingpin itstartedwithhiminhighschoolandendedwithhimbeating Kingpinbuttogeteverywhereanddoeverythinghedidmathematical transformationsforexampletobeatkingpinhedilatedandgrewbigger betweenisthemath.”
“WeoftendoprojectssimilartothisatWhitfield togroworrepresentourlearning,”Jonesadds.“In languageclasseswemakecreativepresentationsto showaphysicalandcreativerepresentationofwhat wearelearning.AnexampleisinFrench,whenwe learnedabouttheroomsofthehouseandthingsin thehouse;wemadeourdreamhouseinverycreative waysandsaideverythinginthehouseinFrench.”
“Thesestudentscancreateinawaythatbestsuitsthemanditmakes themsomuchmoreengaged,”Ahernconcludes.“It’ssogreattoworkat aninstitutionthatvaluesthat.”
TheWhitfield School,175S. Mason Road, St. Louis,314-434-5141,whitfieldschool.org
BookingNovember1-March31st
90minutes ofarcade(excludesmerchandisers,cranes,and coinpushers),bumpercars,andindoorplayground.Hour of reservedseating,2slicesofcheesepizzaperperson, fountaindrinkorbottledwaterperperson,paperproducts, aspinontheprizewheel,andahostesstoguideandserve you.Pricingdoesnotincludetaxesorgratuity.
8 KIDS: WEEKEND $250 WEEKDAY$199
15 KIDS: WEEKEND $350 WEEKDAY$299
AvailableforpurchaseNovember1-March31st
$25forONEhourUNLIMITEDarcade (excludesmerchandisers, cranes,andcoinpushers),bumpercarsandindoorplayground. AvailableMonday-Thursdayonly.
$35for90minutesofUNLIMITEDarcade (excludes merchandisers,cranes,andcoinpushers),bumpercarsand indoorplayground.Availableanydayoftheweek. Cardfeeapplies.
Community School
900 Lay Road,314-991-0005, communityschool.com
At Community School, students thrive through experiential learning and personalized support. Community’s dedicated teachers engage students with a curriculum that integrates academics, the arts, physical education, and leadership development, all within the vibrant, 18-acre campus. Discover more about Community and register online for its fall Open House!
MICDS (Mary Institute and Saint Louis Country Day School) 101N.WarsonRoad,314-995-7367, micds.org
MICDS – a college-prep, independent school – offers a dynamic learning environment for intellectually curious and ambitious students from Junior Kindergarten (age 4) through 12th grade. At MICDS, your child will be their best self in a diverse and collaborative community, engaged in a hands-on, challenging curriculum. Join in for a life of discovery!
New City School
5209WatermanBlvd.,314-361-6411, newcityschool.org, admissions@newcityschool.org
A five-acre campus nestled in a historic residential neighborhood, New City School represents more than 45 zip codes around the St. Louis metro area and 330 students age 3-6th grade. The school has ten newly renovated and reimagined classrooms for students in the Early Childhood program (Young 3s through Kindergarten). Go online to learn more today!
By Maggie Peters
Principia School 13201ClaytonRoad,314-434-2100, principiaschool.org
Principia is a place where possibilities unfold – a student-centered, futurefocused, coeducational college preparatory school grounded in the teachings of Christian Science. Principia School offers an integrated curriculum defined by rigor and opportunity with hands-on experiences for students in preschool through grade 12.
Saint Louis Priory School 500S.MasonRoad, 314-434-3690,ext.101,priory.org
Saint Louis Priory School provides a Catholic, Benedictine, college preparatory education to help young men develop their full potential as children of God. Ranked the no. 1 best Catholic school in Missouri, Priory students average 30 on the ACT and receive four years of dedicated college counseling programming beginning in ninth grade.
Westminster Christian Academy 800MaryvilleCentreDrive, 314-997-2900,wcastl.org
Westminster Christian Academy is an independent, coeducational school focused on community, college preparedness, and Christ for grades 7-12. Students pursue excellence through honors, AP, and college-credit courses, as well as our award-winning fine arts and athletics programs, including esports.
The Whitfield School 175 S.MasonRoad,314-434-5141, admissions@whitfieldschool.org
The Whitfield School, an experiential coeducational day school for grades 6–12, fosters agility, adaptability, and resilience. Whitfield believe academic excellence is about more than traditional methods – it’s about learning through doing, making, and experiencing. This approach prepares students for the ever-changing future. Go online to learn more.
The Wilson School 400DeMunAvenue,314-725-4999, wilsonschool.com
Since 1913, The Wilson School has excelled in reaching every student. The deliberately small class sizes, twoteacher model, accelerated curriculum, and nurturing, inclusive community allow Wilson students to build the academic and social-emotional skills they need to succeed in secondary school and beyond.
November10,2024
ComeseewhySaintLouis PriorySchoolisrankedthe#1 CatholicschoolinSaintLouis. Weofferyoungmenan outstandingpreparatory experiencethatintegrates CatholicBenedictinevalues withaclassicliberalarts curriculum.Visitusduringour openhouseorschedulea campusvisittolearnmore aboutPriory,includingournew 6th gradeprogramandour scholarshipopportunitiesfor new7th and9th gradestudents.
Weoffer exciting scholarship opportunitiesfornew7th and 9th grade students.Recipientscan receive up toa $14,350annual award.
The Father PaulKidner O.S.B Scholarship (Fornew7th graders) Annual$14,350 half-tuition award
The SaintBenedict Scholarship (Fornew7th graders) $10,000annual award
TheMonsignor RobertP. Slattery Scholarship (Fornew9th graders) $10,000annual award
TheHeadmaster Award (Fornew7th and 9th graders)$9,000 annual award
Use our QR code toregister for the Nov. 10 OpenHouse
By Nancy Robinson > Photos supplied
> THERESET on the vintage Sputnik chandelier.
Cream-colored furnishings create a serene feeling that’s anything but boring.
Made Goods’ Elba is a whimsical take on the vintage Sputnik chandelier. Large discs of luminous kabibe shell in varying dimensions create a dynamic, abstract look. Offering lighting that’s more atmospheric than functional, this chandelier sets a modern mood for dining rooms, foyers and more. (designanddetailstl.com)
Wesley Hall’s clean-lined Aphrodite bed features a tailored headboard, available with fabric or leather, plus two different types of decorative nail head patterns. (designanddetailstl.com)
The Basilia decorative pillow cover features a woven, bohemian style. Made of 100% cotton velvet, it reverses to a solid and has a zipper closure. The 22-inch cover accommodates a 22-inch square pillow insert. (potterybarn.com)
GetPaidCash!!
BuyingGold,Silver,Diamonds, CostumeJewelry,Watches&Coins
St.LouisEstateBuyers WestCountyMall nearJCPenney’s
Thursday,October24,11AM-4PM
Friday,October25,11AM-4PM
Saturday,October26,11AM-4PM
Wealsobuyantiques,artwork,paintings,swords, china,crystal,andothercollectibles&rarities.
Ifyouwouldpreferaprivateorinhome appointment,call314-691-2888.
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WeekdayandWeekendRecurring CourtTimeandOpenPlayoptions
ByMaggiePeters >PhotoscourtesyofSt.LouisChildren'sHospitalFoundation
Childrenareourfutureandwhen ourkidsgetbetter,weasa communitygetbetter,too.That’s whySt.LouisChildren’sHospitaland itsFoundationareworkingtogivechildrenthe verybestcare,nomattertheirfamily’smeans.
“Thehospital’smissionisincredibly straightforward,”saysFoundationboard memberDaleCammon.“’Wedowhat’sright forkids.’AndtheFoundation’sresponsibilityis toassistthehospitalandWashingtonUniversity SchoolofMedicinetodothatverything.”
Cammongoesontoexplainthatthe Foundationassiststhehospitalinawidevariety ofways,givingtwodistinctexamplesthatshow offthebreadthoftheorganization’swork.
“Ononeend,theFoundationhelpsrecruit thebestexpertsfromacrosstheworldtocome toSt.Louisandconductleadingedgeresearch onchildhooddisease,”hesays.“Forexample, wehavetheChildren’sDiscoveryInstitutethat wascreatedentirelyforpediatricresearch, whichisusuallythelastinlineforoverall medicalresearch.We’reconductinganoveltrial foracureforpediatricacutemyeloidleukemia (AML)–andwe’retheonlyplaceinthecountry wherethatisgoingonrightnow.Kidswith AMLwillcomehereforthattrial.”
Outsideofthehospitalwalls,St.Louis Children’sHospitalFoundationfundsoneof theonlymobilehealthclinics,offeringfree caretochildrenwhoneedthosetreatments anddon’tnormallyhavethemeanstogoand seedoctors.“Wedriveuptotheseschool doorsandbringthatcarestraighttothem,” Cammonsays.
It’sthroughthegenerosityoftheSt.Louis communitythattheFoundationisabletoassist
St.LouisChildren’sHospitalandcountless childreninthemetroareaandbeyond. EventsliketheFoundation’sDayatSixFlags helpraisethemoneyneededtosupportthe hospital’sgreatestneedssuchastheCenter forFamilies,ChildLifeServices,Community HealthAdvocacyandOutreachand pediatricresearch.
“We’vepartneredwithSixFlagsfor40 years,”Cammonsays.“It’sbeenwonderful–it’saspecialeveningforthekidsthatgoand it’sspecialtousbecause,withthatamazing partnership,wehaveraised14milliondollars overthose40years.”
Thankstothatkindofdonorsupport,some oftheworld’smostimportantbreakthroughs inchildhealthareonlyhappeningatSt.Louis Children’sHospital.Thosewhodonatetothe Foundationareempoweredtoinvesttheir moneywhereitmattersmost:advancing breakthroughresearchandscientificdiscovery, increasingaccesstohigh-qualityhealth programsthroughoutthecommunityand helpingclinicalteamsdeliverexceptional careforthewholefamily.
Cammonconcludesbyencouraging readerstolearnaboutsomeofthe inspiringpatientstheFoundationservesat StLouisChildrensChampions.organdgoonline todonateatStLouisChildrens.org/Give.
“Everypersonwhoreadsthishassome abilitytopartnerwiththeFoundationand St.LouisChildren’sHospitalandhelpus deliverourmission.”
St.LouisChildren’sHospitalFoundation, 1001HighlandsPlazaDriveWest,Suite160, 314.286.0988,StLouisChildrens.org/Giving
By Alecia Humphreys > Photo by Photography by Li
Whatonce was alacklusterlivingroomis now aspacethat evokes stunningsophisticationandcomfortthankstoLauren ThorpofBonboniInteriorDesign.
“Thisspace was indesperateneedofsomemorecharacter andpersonalityandfurnituretofitthescaleoftheroom,” says Thorp, ownerofBonboniInteriorDesign.“Myclientswantedtoshowcasean originalpaintingbylocalartistAnneMolaskythatthey love andthat previouslyhungintheroom,soIdesignedsomeofthebuilt-inswitha dramatic arch tocreateafocalpointonthepainting.”
Thebeautifulbuilt-ins were constructedbyRossNoeckerofRJNCustom Furnishingstoflankthepaintingandcamouflageapre-existingbump-out inthespace.
“The power ofcustom-designedbuilt-inscan’tbeoverstated,”Thorp says. “I love incorporatingtheminto my designsastheynotonlyaddso muchfunctionalitytoaspace,butalsoaddatonofinterestanddepth.”
Arichspectrumofcolors,includingburgundy,tansandbrass,addedto thedynamiclook.
“Iwantedtobringinelementsoftheacademiadesignstylewithout beingtoodarkandmoodyso we couldcontrastthepainting,”Thorp says.
“Iwantedtocreateaspacethatbalancesmodernandtraditionalelements, blendingcleanlineswithclassicdetailslikethearchedbuilt-insandrich velvetupholstery.”
Modernlighting,contemporarytexturesandbold-patternedpillows createdafresh-yet-timelessendresult.
“I’mabitjealous,frankly,”Thorp says. “Iwould love to have thisroom in my home. Not onlydoesthisdesignreflect my clients’style,butitalso reflects my personalstyle;sometimesthose two forcesdon’t always lineup inthedesignworld.”
LindaPevnick,MSW,LCSW
LindaPevnickMSW.com
LindaPevnickMSW@gmail.com HealthInsuranceNotAccepted
PINWITHUS. pinterest.com/laduenews
We’ve beenproudlyservingolderadultsinthegreater St. LouisareaatthreeluxuriousGrandelocationsand aroundthecountryatothercelebrated BridgeSenior Livingcommunities. Findouthowassistedlivingand memorycare providedby a trustednameinseniorliving canprovidetheutmostincomfortandpeace of mind.
Callone of our Grande communitiestoschedule a touror registerforanupcoming event.
7800ClaytonRoad,RichmondHeights,MO63117
314.991.0900|STLinfo@rothliving.com www.rothliving.com
By Katie Yeadon > Photos supplied
Step out in oxblood and grey this October as a chic and subtly spooky color combo.
The former Pit Stop restaurant on The Hill has a new identity as Collina Eatery. The rebranded neighborhood concept, which gets its new name from the Italian word for “hill,” debuted in April and offers appetizers, pasta, fried chicken, burgers and more. Visitors will find established favorites on the refined menu alongside new signature dishes.
“It’s an eclectic menu where you get a mix of Italian, French and American cuisine. We have something for everybody,” says chef Carlos Hernandez, who co-owns the concept with Joe Smugala. Together, the duo also owns and operates GastroPit and El Milagro Azteca as well as upcoming Italian market and bar-restaurant, Marconi Mercato.
Smugala originally took over the former service station that houses Collina Eatery in 2017. His initial concept there, J. Smug’s GastroPit, featured St. Louis-style barbecue. After opening Carnivore in the neighborhood the following year, he brought on Hernandez as a partner at J. Smugs, which they rebranded into Pit Stop in 2020 featuring diverse, casual fare. With the next phase of the concept’s evolution, Collina Eatery, the duo hopes to provide a stronger distinction between their joint hospitality ventures.
From the menu, choose appetizers, salads, handhelds, entrées, fried chicken, fresh pastas and dessert. Staples from the previous menu that carried over to Collina include Pit Stop’s pressure-fried chicken, which features spices including local Andy’s Seasoning, as well as its signature carrot cake stuffed with caramel cheesecake.
“There was some confusion about being called Pit Stop after opening GastroPit since this was the original barbecue location,” Smugala says. “I think there was also a misconception of what Pit Stop was, and we didn’t feel the name itself justified the food we were putting out. We feel that we’ve hit exactly what this fun and lively corner needs with this concept.”
Newer offerings that demonstrate Hernandez’s internationally inspired creativity in the kitchen include lobster risotto arancini as well as veal dumplings with oyster mushrooms, sun-dried tomato and teriyaki sauce. “I love fusing things here and there,” he says. Additional highlights from the menu include fresh bucatini pasta – Smugala’s personal favorite – with al pomodoro, pancetta, basil, roasted tomato and Parmigiano-Reggiano, and new entrées include chicken cordon bleu. The crispy chicken breast comes stuffed with ham and provel, served with yukon cheddar gnocchi, sautéed spinach and peppercorn sauce.
To pair with the fare, additions to the bar program include signature cocktails such as an Italian margarita and Sicilian old-fashioned. “We have a great menu and an evolving drink menu,” Smugala says. “When it’s a nice day and the weather’s great, there isn’t a better patio on The Hill. This little gas station has found its restaurant.”
Collina Eatery is open Wednesday and Thursday from 5 to 9 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 5 to 10 p.m. and Sunday from 4 to 9 p.m.
Collina Eatery, 2130 Macklind Ave., St. Louis, 314-696-2999, collinaeatery.com
By Mark Bretz
EdgarAllan Poe istheunofficialpatronsaintofHalloween,so whatbetter way for atheatertocelebratetheseasonthanwitha sophisticated,challengingmusicalabout Poe titled“Nevermore: TheImaginaryLifeandMysteriousDeathofEdgarAllanPoe”?
That’swhatStrayDogTheatreispresentingatits TowerGrove Abbey venue from Oct.10through Nov. 2.Directedbyassociateartisticdirector JustinBeen,“Nevermore” was written,composedandoriginallydirected in2009byJonathanChristenson,artisticdirectoroftheCatalystTheatre inEdmonton,Alberta.It’senjoyednumerousproductionsinCanadasince thenbuthasbeenrarelyperformedbyprofessionalcompaniesinthe UnitedStates.
Beenthinksthatinfrequencyshould change. “Icameacrossthe soundtrackonastreamingservicebeforeIknewanythingaboutthe show,”he says. “Ifoundthemusicveryinterestingandthemodeof storytellingunique.OnceIlearnedmoreabouttheshowitjustmademe wanttodoit more.”
InadditiontobeingaperfectHalloween-seasonpick,themusicalalso suitsBeen’spersonaltastes.“Itendtogravitatetowarddarkermusicalsor shows thattellstoriesininteresting ways,” he says. “I love classics,don’t get mewrong,butIreallylikewhen shows pushmeasanartistandgive metheabilitytotry new things.Thisshowhasthatinspades.”
Theshow,whichfictionalizestrueevents from Poe’slifeand interpolateshiscreativeworksthroughoutitsruntime,givesacloserlook atthewriter’slifethanmanyaudiences have seenbefore.“Poeisoneof those rare figuresthatalmosteveryone knows byname,”Been says. “ButI don’tthinksomepeoplerealize how much Poe actuallydidduringhislife. He’stypicallyknown for hisdarkworks–andthisshowfollowsasimilar path–buthereallydidcontributetomanyaspectsofliterature.
“Hisgeneralrepresentationtoday,”Beenadds,“hassortofcemented himasafigureofgothichorror.Ihopethisshow draws peopleinonthe ideaofthedark Poe everyone knows butencouragethemtolookatother workhehasdoneoncetheyseetheshow.Bynomeansisthisshowa biography,butitisanexplorationofhislifeandwork.”
AlthoughPoe’shorrorhaslittleincommonwiththegratuitously violentslasherfilmshittingbigscreensasoflate,Beencontendsthe writerisasrelevantas ever: “Incontrasttomoremodernhorror,Poe’s workissoemotionallybaseditfeelsdifferent from what we knowtoday. Horror always walksafinelineofwhat you seeversuswhat you imagine.”
“It’sbeenexcitingtodecidewhatimagerytorecreateandwhatto leave totheaudience’simagination,”headds.“Poe’sworkallows for an
Poe’s work allows for an atmosphere that anything could be lurking in the shadows. – JUSTIN BEEN
atmospherethatanythingcouldbelurkingintheshadows. I think modernaudiencesfillthoseshadowswiththeir own fears,makingitseem new andexciting.”
StrayDogTheatre’sproductionof“Nevermore”openedThursday, Oct.10andrunsthroughSaturday, Nov. 2 at TowerGrove Abbey,2336 Tennessee Ave. Ticketscost$25to$35and are availableatonthe theater’swebsite.
Stray Dog Theatre at Tower Grove Abbey, 2336 Tennessee Ave., 314-865-1995, straydogtheatre.org
Forits20thannual“AgelessRemarkableSt.Louisans” gala,St.Andrew’sCharitableFoundationhonored 12exceptionalindividualsattheHiltonSt.Louis FrontenaconSept.28.Thisspecial event recognizes folksages 70 andolderwho are makingaprofoundimpact inSt.Louisthroughtheirphilanthropy,volunteerworkand professionalcontributions.
Theeveningbeganwithcocktailsandhorsd’oeuvres followedbydinner,fundraisingopportunitiesandthe awardsceremony.St.Andrew’sisdedicatedtooffering compassionatecaretoeconomicallydisadvantagedadults over 60intheGreaterSt.Louisarea.Thenonprofitsupports low-incomeseniors,manyofwhomliveon$15,000orlessper yearandstruggletoaffordessentialssuchasfood,clothing, transportation,housingandmedical care.
As the needs of St. Louis seniors continue to grow, the funds raised tonight play a critical role in our ability to serve local seniors most in need of assistance. We are so appreciative of our generous sponsors, donors and Class of 2024 Ageless Remarkable Honorees who support this impactful event.
– JanetLeigh CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
ByDrewGieseke
TheSTLMugMarketisastrongcontenderforthemostniche eventinSt.Louis.Duringthisone-daymini-fest’sfour-hour runtime,shopperscanperusecoffeemugsandteacupsmade bymetro-areaartistsandenjoycoffeedrinksfromBlueprint Coffeewhiletheyshop.
Theevent’sfoundingprincipleremainstruetoday:Itspurposeisto celebratetheregion’s“claycommunity”andplatformthetalentbehind themugswesipfromeveryday.
“WestartedSTLMugMarketasawaytoshowcasethediversityof ceramicsworkbeingmadeinSt.Louis,”co-founderMalakaTolfordsays. “Insteadofrunningamarketwhereartistsselltheirworkatindividual booths,wewantedtohavemugsdisplayedalltogether,providinga uniqueshoppingexperience.”
Launchedin2019byceramicartistsTolfordandMollySvoboda,STL MugMarketinvitescustomerstobrowsewareshandcraftedbythree dozenlocalartistsduringthefunandfunkyevent.Thisyearmarksthe sixthanniversaryoftheSTLMugMarket,whichwillbeheldonSunday, Oct.13,from10a.m.to2p.m.atBlueprintCoffee’sHighLowlocationin theGrandCenterArtsDistrict.
Theeventlimitsthenumberofpeoplewhocanshopatatimeto encouragepeopleto“absorbtheiroptions,”meetthemugmakersand elevatetheshoppingexperience.Still,attendeesshouldexpectaline. Svobodasaysthat,despitethequeue,spiritsarealwayshigh.Topassthe timeenjoyably,sherecommendsgrabbingsomecoffeefromBlueprint andexploringthevibrantWallsOffWashingtonmuralswhileyouwait.
“BlueprintCoffeehasbeenaninvaluablepartnertous,sharing
theirspaceandresourcessince thebeginning,”Svobodasays. “KranzbergArtsFoundationhas generouslydonatedtheirevent spacetoustouseatHighLow.”
TolfordandSvoboda conceptualizedtheMugMarket whilelamentingthedifficulties theyhadencounteredwhen participatinginpop-upsand artfairs.Thisbecameawayto streamlinetheprocessforfellow ceramicartiststoconnectwith customers.Acommitmentto theSt.Louisartistcommunity isfundamental:Tolfordsaysthe professioncanbeisolating,andthe eventoffersartistsanopportunity tomeet,buildsolidarityand connectforfutureopportunities. Additionally,artistsdonothave tomakeenoughworktofillout anentirebooth,whichcantake months,andtheeventdoesnot requirethatartistsbephysically presentattheevent(thoughmany choosetobeforcamaraderie).
“We alsobelieve that we have createdan eventwithaneasier entrypoint forartists asmany ofourtalentedparticipants work day jobsandhavefamilies,” Tolford says.“Many ofthem workwithinthearts world,but [otherobligationsstilllimit]their capacitytomake andpromote their own work.”
The2024MugMarket features 36 well-knownandlesser-known ceramicsartistsincludinguniversity professors,smallbusiness owners, hobbyistsandemergingartists. Many ofthe ceramistsselltheir workatlocalshops,art fairsand marketsthroughoutthe year, so customerswilloftenattendthe markettoshop work frommakers they alreadyknow andlove as well astodiscovernewfavoritecreators andstyles.
Theoutcomeis a stronger local ceramicsscene – and a really fun event.
“Enjoyingyourmorningcoffee inahandmademugisawonderful thing,”Svobodasays.“Webelieve thatusingauniqueobject,imbued withtheartist’stime,creativity anddedicationjusthitsdifferently. Thefactthatthey’reallmadeinSt. Louisandyouhaveamemoryof discoveringitattheMugMarketis justicingonthecake.”
STLMugMarket,stlmugmarket.com
ByConnieMitchell
n 1968, ayounggraduatestudent studyinganthropologyandarchaeologyat SouthernIllinois University-Carbondale spenthissummeras a “shovelhand” atCahokiaMounds.SobeganBill Iseminger’scareerspanningmore than 50 yearsat NorthAmerica’slargest archaeologicalsite, whichresidesless than10miles fromdowntownSt. Louisin Collinsville, Illinois.Iseminger, whoofficially retiredattheendof2019butiscurrently on a temporarysix-monthhire atCahokia Mounds WorldHeritage andStateHistoricSite threedaysaweek, continuestofindthesite’s mysteries compelling.
“I’ve never reallythoughtabout going anyplace else,” Isemingersays.Inhis roleas assistantsitemanager, Isemingerdeveloped manyexhibits forthesite’s formermuseum and workedwith exhibitdesigners forthe currentInterpretive Center,oversaw an archaeologicalfieldschool,ledtoursand
gave presentationstogroupsthroughoutthe regionaboutCahokiaandits120earthen moundsthatservedas ceremonialplatforms, burialsites forimportantindividualsor raised foundations forsignificantstructures.The communitypeakedbetween1050to1200AD with10,000to20,000 residents.
“Afteralmost50 years, I figuredit wastime to retire andturnthejob overtosomeone else,” Isemingersays.Last year, AngelaCooper wastappedtosucceedIseminger, whois helpingwiththetransitionbeforefully retiring. Isemingerplansto continue volunteeringatthe site, which hasmany secrets yetto reveal.
Themore than100different completed excavationprojectsliterallyjustscratch the surface ofthe6-square-milesite’sstory How didthesitedevelop?What wasitlike atits peak?Andwhy didtheindigenouspeople
wholivedthere desertit? Researchershave manycluesandcandraw some conclusions, butthere are nodefinitive answersabout thearc ofthesite’s existence asthelargest urban centerofitstimenorthofMexico. “We couldneverfind everythingthat washere,” Isemingersays.“Evenwithalltheprojects overthe years, excavationshavecoveredonly about1%ofthetotalsite.”
ThesiteismanagedbytheIllinois Departmentof Natural Resources.Iseminger says current research projectsare culturally sensitive and relylargelyontechnologies thatallow archaeologiststo gather informationwithoutdisturbing theearth.The Native American
Evenwithalltheprojects over theyears, excavations have coveredonlyabout1%of the total site.
–BILLISEMINGER
GravesProtectionand Repatriation Act“has provided fortheprotectionand returnof Native Americanhuman remains, funerary objects,sacredobjectsandobjectsofcultural patrimony,” accordingtothe National Park Service. SeveralmodernAmericanIndian nations,includingtheOsage, Cherokee, Choctaw, Creek,Chickasaw, Caddo, Quapaw, Ponca,Omahaand Kansa,descended fromthe ancientMississippianculture thatonce thrived throughouttheMississippi Valley andthe Southeastern U.S.,includingCahokia.
To preserve theintegrityofanyremains
andartifacts, researchersuse remotesensing technologies. For example, magnetometers detectmagneticelementsintheearth,and Electrical ResistivityImagingsendselectrical currentsintothegroundandmeasures resulting voltagestocreateimagesof subsurface materialslike buriedstructures orobjects.“Thishelpsus recognize where houses,pitsandsettlements were,” Iseminger says.“We cansee a lotabouttheorganization
ofthe community, andthathelps focuson wherefutureresearch mighttake place.” New technologiesalsohelp researchersglean more information frommaterialsthat were previously extracted.
Henotesthat“when we do excavations, we’renotjustdiggingtobedigging.There’s
somespecificresearchquestionorgoalwe’re tryingtoanswer,andwethinkresearchina particularlocationwillhelpanswerquestions aboutthesite.There’salotofactiveresearch,and there’sstillalotmorewecanlearn.”
Iseminger’sworkinthelasthalf-century helpedmapCahokia’spalisadewall,awooden defensivewallbuiltaroundthecommunity’s core.Evidenceindicatesthat,asthepalisade degraded,itwasrebuilttobeincreasinglysturdy. Atalmosttwomilesinlength,thepalisadeyields informationandposesquestionsaboutthelabor, timeandmaterialsrequiredtobuilditaswellas indicatingthattherewasaneedfordefending Cahokia.
“Itshowsthat,afterabout1150AD,conflict seemstohavebeenmorecommonthanithad beenbefore,whichgivesusinsightintothe cultureandconnectionswithotherpeoples,” Isemingersays.“Wedon’tknowiftheywere attacked,buttherewasenoughthreatthat therewasaneedtocontinuetoprotectthe
centralceremonialprecinct.Therewereother Mississippiancommunitiesintheregion, andtherewereprobablyevolvingpolitical relationshipswiththesegroups.”
TheCahokiaMoundsInterpretiveCenteris currentlyclosedformajorrenovations,butthe siteisopentotourwithinterpretivesignsand trails.Anewaugmentedrealitytourprogram,
“BacktotheCityoftheSun,”isavailableviaa $4.99appthatprovidesdigitalimagesofancient structuresoverlaidonthelandscapeasseen throughanAppleorAndroiddevicescreen.
CahokiaMoundsStateHistoricSite,30RameySt., Collinsville,Illinois,618-346-5160, cahokiamounds.org
DuringabuyingtriptoIstanbulwithhermotherwhilein college,AshleyObradovitsrecallssteppinginsideshop aftershoppiledhighwithvintageTurkishrugs–and marvelingatthebeautifulhandmadecraftsmanshipas sheexaminedeverylastone.
Obradovits,aninteriordesigneratKarrBickKitchen andBath,saysherprofessionisinspiredbyherlatemother–famedSt. LouisinteriordesignerSonjaWillman.Afterseveralyearsintheindustry, Obradovitsgrewtiredofsourcingthesamerugsforeveryproject.“You losealotofthepersonalandcuratedfeelofahomewhenyou’rejust usingthesamerugoverandoveragain,”shesays.“Iloveusingbold, bright,colorfulTurkishknotrugs,butIdon’twanttousethesamerug twicewithclients.”Suchwastheinspirationforlaunchinghercompany, WonderwallRugs,inSeptember.
So,Obradovitsdecidedtogostraighttothesource.“Ireachedout torugsuppliersdirectlytoseeifIcouldstartfromscratchandsketch myowndesign,”sheshares.“OnceIfiguredoutIcouldcreatefully customrugsanddesignthemmyself,mybrainexplodedwithall thepossibilities.”
Wonderwall’s“beautifulrugsdesignedforreallife,”asObradovits describesthem,aremadefrom100%NewZealandwool,abaca,jute oracombinationofjuteandwoolandarecompletelyhandcraftedin India.An8-by-10-footrugtakesabout200to240hourstomake,with eightto10artisansinvolvedthroughouttheprocess.Thankstotheir handcraftednature,therugsarefullycustomizable:“Youcanswap colorsandchooseanysize,”Obradovitssays.
Muchlikehersignaturedesignaesthetic,Obradovits’rugdesigns offerawhimsicaltakeonatraditionalaesthetic.Herdesignsinclude theWeston,featuringrusticcolorsforclientsseekingavintage AmericanaaestheticasinspiredbyRalphLauren,andtheScarlett,a nostalgic-stylerugshowcasing“atrellispatternwithfloral[motifs].”
Additionally,theSonja,modeledafterquiltpatterns,honors Obradovits’mother, andthe Lottie,a scalloped-borderrugwith block print,isnamed foroneofherdaughters.Therugsare not just family-orientedinname, butin functiontoo. Obradovitssays, “If youspillwineonit, yourkids spillfoodoryourpethasan accident,itcleanseasily.Younolongerhavetowaituntilyourkids areincollegetohavenicethings.”
Wesitintheroom therugisbeing designedfor, Ibringmylaptop withdifferentrug patterns,andwe pickanaesthetic, colorsandthe perfectsize.
– ASHLEYOBRADOVITS
Asamomoftwoworkingfull-timeoutsideherbuddingbusiness, Obradovitsspendslateeveningsandearlymornings–herIndia supplier’sdaytimebusinesshours–workingonWonderwall. “Sometimes,Ilayinbedatnight,andanideapopsintomyheadand Irolloverandgrabmyphoneandsendamessagetomyrugsupplier inIndia,”shesays.“Itexthimandsay,‘Canwedothis?’It’ssomuch quickerworkingdirectlywiththemanufacturer.”
WonderwallRugscanbefoundlocallyatPaisleyBoutiqueinWebster Groves,atAbodeinClaytonandatWarsonWoodsAntiquesGallery. Ordersalsocanbeplacedonwonderwallrugs.com.
Obradovitsalsooffersin-homeconsultationsandonce-monthly in-personappointmentsatPaisleyBoutique.“Icomeoverandbringmy 1,400woolswatchsampleboards,”sheexplains.“Wesitintheroomthe
rugisbeingdesignedfor,Ibringmylaptopwithdifferentrugpatterns, andwepickanaesthetic,colorsandtheperfectsize.”
Withinaweek,thedesignerprovidestheclientwitharenderingof thecustomrugtobetweakedandapproved.“Ourcustomerhasthe optiontoorderasampleoftherugbeforeweorderthefullsizetomake sureit’sperfect.Asampletakes30daystoreceive,andthecustomrug orderwillarrivein45to50days,dependingonthesize.”
Creatingabespokerugtofiteachhomeowner’spersonaltasteand uniquespaceisahands-on,one-on-oneexperience.Obradovitsadds: “Thepossibilitiesareendless.”
WonderwallRugs,wonderwallrugs.com
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