For the past 70 years, Women of Achievement has recognized and honored women of diverse cultures, roles and accomplishments who have demonstrated commitment to the betterment of the St. Louis region through signi cant, uncompensated volunteer contributions. Please nominate an outstanding volunteer for the St Louis Women of Achievement Award
A commit tee of communit y leaders will choose 10 honorees to be recognized at the 68th Women of Achievement Luncheon on Tuesday, May 9, 2023 at The Rit z- Carlton, St. Louis.
A committee of community leaders will choose 10 honorees to be recognized at the 2025 Women of Achievement Award Luncheon on Tuesday, May 13, 2025 at the Ritz-Carlton, St. Louis.
Nomination forms and criteria are available now at woastl.org/nominate
Nomination forms and criteria are available now at woastl.org/nominate
Nomination deadline is Thursday, Januar y 5, 2023.
For questions call 314 - 896 - 4962.
Nomination deadline is Saturday, Januar y 11, 2025.
For questions call 314-896-4962.
illiams, 2025
Vicki Friedman and WOA Vice President Cassie Strom.
Photo by Christina Kling-Garr ett
The Regional Business Council (RBC) brings together 100 of the region’s large companies to tackle high-impact business, civic, and philanthropic initiatives for the betterment of the St. Louis region.
We believe everyone in our region deserves a good education, a path to a career, and a safe community.
PUBLISHER
Ian Caso
EDITORIAL
M ANAGING E DITO R
Ashley Klein > aklein@laduenews.com
DIGITAL E DITO R & STAFF W R IT ER
Amanda Dahl > adahl@laduenews.com
ASSO C IAT E E DITO R
Emily Standlee > estandlee@laduenews.com
ASSISTANT E DITO R
Daniel Puma > dpuma@laduenews.com
CONT R I B UTING W R IT ER S
Drew Gieseke, Julie Hess, Connie Mitchell, Brittany Nay, Pat Raven, Charlotte Renner, Nancy Robinson, Megan Rubenstein, Mabel Suen
The holidays offer an annual reminder to reflect before a new year begins, and this edition of LN honors the tradition with sweet stories celebrating pieces of the past.
For example, contributing writer Brittany Nay speaks with a metro-area couple who celebrated their platinum anniversary – 70 years of marriage – this year. Dora May and Leon Pearce tell us their story and share their keys to longevity in marriage on p. 10.
In her monthly “A Storied History” column, associate editor Emily Standlee looks at St. Louis history and explores how the city’s former streetcar systems shaped the metro we know today. Revel in the nostalgia of a St. Louis you could traverse via trolley and discover the sociological impact of this once-crucial transportation system on p. 34.
Of course, holiday traditions offer nostalgia in its purest form. The Missouri Botanical Garden’s annual Garden Glow festival, pictured on our cover, is an annual highlight for many St. Louisans. Get a peek behind the scenes with assistant editor Daniel Puma’s story on p. 40.
Happy holidays!
Ashley Klein, Managing Editor
LadueNews.com
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A recent study found certain workouts can help prevent and treat postpartum depression. Find out what an OBGYN, a psychiatrist and a fitness instructor in the St. Louis area had to say about the findings at laduenews.com.
Eat, Drink and Be MINDFUL
By Connie Mitchell
‘Tis the season to be jolly, and for many of us, that includes indulging in sweet treats, beverages and party buffets.
Amid such abundance, how can we navigate the gauntlet of temptation without sacrificing our health? Some local experts have a few tips to share.
Let’s begin with one of the mainstays of many holiday gatherings: the holiday cocktail. Bright and pretty and tasty, even very occasional drinkers may enjoy a special tipple at this time of year. But recent research gives us pause. Two years ago, the World Health Organization proclaimed in a statement published in The Lancet Public Health, “when it comes to alcohol consumption, there is no safe amount that does not affect health.” Cue the sad trumpets.
The good news is that we can titrate our own risk tolerance, and for many people, moderate consumption involves an acceptable level of risk. But what does “moderate” mean these days? “Different organizations have different schools of thought and recommendations on the amount of alcohol,” says Liz Collins, a Mercy registered dietitian. The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics maintains a recommendation of one drink per day for a woman and two a day for men, although that could change after 2025 when the government issues new dietary guidelines.
“I hear a lot of people struggling with this right now, wondering if we’re expected to respond to this [WHO] recommendation by cutting alcohol out of our diets entirely,” says Whitney Linsenmeyer, an assistant professor of nutrition at Saint Louis University and spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. “My professional stance on this is that there are plenty of foods that we include in our diets that don’t necessarily improve our health, but that we are comfortable with in a balanced diet overall.” Moderation is the key.
For some, moderation may include tasty “mocktails,” which include juices and seltzers or tonics. Just watch the sugar in these substitutions, says Katie Winzenburger, a Mercy registered dietitian. “Having a plan is important,” she says. “Maybe just plan for your top three favorite events
that have alcohol where you just really like that one specific drink. That way you’re going in with a plan, and you’re not necessarily depriving yourself.” All three experts stress that anyone with a history of alcohol abuse or substance use disorder should stick with non-alcoholic choices.
And, no, you cannot save up your one drink per day and have seven drinks at one party. “It’s really a per day recommendation, just recognizing that the liver can really only metabolize about 0.3 ounces of pure alcohol or ethanol per hour,” Linsenmeyer says. “So when we exceed that, we do start to see some negative health consequences.”
Part of a holiday party plan can include healthy choices leading up to the event, Collins adds. Eating a healthy diet full of vegetables, whole fruits, herbs and spices, and healthy teas can help prepare the body for the pressure of metabolizing alcohol and sugar. She also recommends taking a vitamin B complex to help offset systemic stresses and eating lean protein before indulging in alcohol or sweets to help stabilize blood sugar.
Holiday desserts and snacks are also subject to the rule of moderation. One cookie at a party should be savored and enjoyed without guilt, Linsenmeyer says. Although she’s not a fan of excluding foods or food groups altogether, Collins adds that her rule of thumb is to enjoy only sweets that are homemade or are made of dark chocolate. “The other stuff really isn’t as good from a flavor perspective, anyway,” she opines.
Mindful awareness of one’s eating and drinking patterns, guilt-free enjoyment of a few favorites, and continued self-care in terms of diet, movement and stress management are the keys to holiday indulgence with minimized negative effects. Enjoy the season, focus on the people who make it special more than the food, and welcome the new year with a healthy attitude.
Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, www.eatright.org
Mercy Dietitian Services, 12680 Olive Blvd., St. Louis, 314-251-8885, www.mercy.net/practice/mercy-dietitian-services-olive-mason
SSM Health SLUCare Physician Group, www.ssmhealth.com/slucare
Pair A Platinum
ASt. Louis metro couple recently reached a rare milestone only 0.1% of the wed achieve: 70 years of marriage.
The platinum-anniversary pair
Dora May and Leon Pearce – are Long Island, New York natives who became residents at Cedarhurst of Arnold senior living community earlier this year after moving from the Empire State to the Gateway City to be closer to some of their family.
Now 90 and 94 years old, respectively, Dora May and Leon know a thing or two about what it takes to have a long-lasting relationship. And the secret, they agree, is trust. “We trusted each other,” Dora May notes.
It was the early 1950s in the Big Apple when the pair first connected somewhat serendipitously – on a blind date. Dora May was 19 years old, and Leon was 23. The two spent a special evening at a local club called Baloney Joes, dancing to the jukebox, talking and getting to know each other.
After a brief courtship, the couple married in a “very traditional” wedding ceremony, held on Oct. 3, 1954, at the Episcopal church Dora May attended.
Through the years, the husband and wife led fruitful careers, with Leon serving as a member of the U.S. Army and also working for the Long Island Lighting Company for 41 years, while Dora May held jobs with the New York Telephone Company as well as First National Bank before spending 35 years in the travel business.
Their seven-decades-long marriage had many highlights, but Dora May and Leon wholeheartedly agree on their two favorite memories: the births of son, Lee, and daughter, Diana. The couple now has six grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
The couple also shares fond recollections of their worldly travels, with destinations including Japan, China, Thailand and across Europe. They loved outdoor adventures, including skiing and
camping, and their roller-skating hobby even led them to learn to dance on roller skates.
After 70 years filled with busy careers, raising kids and trips around the globe, the pair’s platinum anniversary was recently celebrated with friends and family at Cedarhurst. “I thought it was marvelous!” Dora May says. “It was all amazing; the people here are all so kind. It was very touching.”
With so much life, love and marriage experience, Dora May and Leon often are asked to impart their advice for a long-lasting relationship. While they emphasize that trust is their No. 1 priority, they share that communication also is key. “Don’t ever go to bed mad, make sure you say ‘goodnight’ and ‘I love you’ and give them a kiss,” Dora May says. Leon adds, “It’s a two-way thing. You both have to support each other in whatever you do as a couple – that’s the main thing.”
Seventy years later, the pair feels fortunate to have attained such a rare marriage milestone. “We are very fortunate,” Dora May notes. “We have the family we wanted; we lived in a nice house in a nice neighborhood. We were very lucky. We were happy.” Leon echoes his wife of seven decades: “We are very lucky.”
Cedarhurst of Arnold, 2069 Missouri State Road, Arnold, 636-333-3004, cedarhurstliving.com
By Brittany Nay > Photos by Ryan Davis, courtesy of Cedarhurst of Arnold
Sound
HOLIDAYHomey
By Nancy Robinson > Photos supplied
Create your own holiday traditions with this charming collection of high-end dinnerware and decorative accessories that you’ll love using year in and year out.
MacKenzie-Childs’ small red faux boxwood topiary pairs perfectly with the company’s famous Courtly Check patterned ceramic pot and fabric bow. Place it on a dining table, mantel or anywhere that calls for a splash of festive joy. The topiary is 21 inches tall. (neimanmarcus.com)
Consider a pair of Eastern Accents’ Reindeer Wreath decorative pillows. The design is printed on a linen blend face and reverses to a plaid Harlan Brick colored cotton backing. The pillows feature a small welt edge and zipper closure for ease of use. A choice of three pillow inserts is included. (salliehome.com)
Royal Copenhagen’s Star Fluted china pattern is perfect for the holiday season with its cheerful red bows, evergreen swags and golden ornaments on a fresh white background. Shown is the Star Fluted teacup and saucer, part of a larger collection of dinnerware and serve ware. (sashanicholas.com)
Bliss Cranberry
By
The lowly native cranberry makes an outsized impact on our American holidays. At Thanksgiving, we enjoy these tart fruits in relish and jelly. For Christmas, we pile them together with candles into pretty glass cylinders or string them together with popcorn to festoon our trees and wreaths. Coming into season in very late fall, cranberries have been associated with our winter holidays for centuries, partly because they provide an acidic counterpoint to the richness of holiday feasting.
During the rest of the year, we use many processed cranberry products. Most familiar are cranberry juice and dried cranberries. All forms – fresh, frozen, juiced and dried – offer great health benefits. Very high in vitamin C with vitamin K and good dietary fiber, cranberries also offer many powerful natural anti-oxidants. Beneficial to bladder health, they might also offer some valuable anti-bacterial properties. Used by sailors to prevent scurvy and by Native Americans to dress wounds, cranberries have long been valued as a significant plant in botanical medicine.
The American cranberry is a very low-growing
vining sub-shrub, rarely reaching more than six inches in height. It sprawls across the ground in peaty, acidic marshes and is traditionally harvested by flooding the bog to float off the fruits. Hand harvesting, unlike most other small fruits, is a very tedious affair, even though the American species is twice the size of the European one. Fortunately, the fruits ship, store and freeze quite well, so they are readily available if you don’t harvest them yourself.
While cranberries may be fun to eat or
decorate with, they are challenging to grow in the home garden and behave differently than typical garden plants. They perform best in sunny, acidic bogs, so to recreate such a habitat here, it is easiest to grow them in pots or troughs. Having them in a raised container also makes harvesting much easier. Use sandy, peaty soil with a low pH and provide drip hose irrigation. Such growing conditions are also suitable for companion plants like red cardinal flower and blue lobelia, thalia or many of the water-loving iris cultivars. It might take a couple years before you have enough for the holidays, but what a fun conversation point for the dinner table!
Similar common names can be confusing. “Highbush cranberry” is actually a viburnum. Also edible, it makes a fine garden plant, but it is not a true cranberry. Serviceberry (Amelanchier) is another native shrub with red, edible fruits. Gooseberry, lingonberry, redcurrant and native elderberry are other fun small fruits for home gardens. In the quiet weeks at the end of December, cozy up with a cup of hot tea and the internet to learn more about growing small fruits in your own garden.
Pat Raven, Ph.D. and Julie Hess
223 Ella Rose Lane
S aint Charles • $1,699,000 • 4,768 sq ft • 4 B edrooms • 3 Full & 1 Half Baths
New construction in the newly developed Missouri Blu s Community anchored by award-winning Tom Fazio- designed golf course. With extensive builder upgrades & custom amenities, this spectacular brick
1.5 Sty from DH Custom Homes rede nes luxur y living. Open oor plan features well propor tioned rooms with hardwood ooring, soaring ceilings & expansive windows. Impressive covered porch entrance open to formal dining room, stunning great room and state - of-the -ar t kitchen with 42” Shaker cabinetr y, KitchenAid appliances & center island. Co ered primar y bedroom suite with spa-like bath provides an appealing retreat. The 2nd oor extends the living quar ters with 3 additional bedrooms. Situated on a premium lot with deck & 3- car garage. Conveniently located just minutes from Chester eld Valley with easy access to Hw ys 40 & 94.
Cell: 314-452-1885
NEW YEAR, NEW YOU: YOUR ESSENTIAL GUIDE TO BECOMING PAIN-FREE WITH REGENERATIVE THERAPY
By: Dr. Beth Templin
Pain is a very common issue among agin g adu lt s. It res ul ts in loss of in dependence, suffering, disabilit y, social isolation , and hi gher health care costs. Pain is also a risk f actor for premature dea th an d acc el erated memory loss in older adults.
Pain pill s and in jections are th e most common t reatments. Bot h of thes e have side ef fe ct s, and are not always good at eliminati ng th e pain. The reason is, they don’ t address the underlying cause of your pain , but rather j ust t ry to cover it u p. R egenerati ve Therapy is the the new gold standard for how to t reat those li vin g with pain. At HouseFit we are proud to offer all th ree options: EMTT, Radial and Focused Shockwave. These ground-breaki n g t reatments are so effective because they address the main reason peopl e are strugglin g to get ri d of thei r pain - chronic infl ammation.
They also work by triggering your own heali ng response. hel pin g your body to heal itself These options are great for: neck, back, hip, knee, foot , shoul der and hand pain , arth ritis, spin al stenosis, herni ated dis cs, mu sc le strains, li gament sprains and tendoni ti s.
I t ’ s easy to be sk eptic al about a new t reatment option when it comes to pain. After all , you’ve t ried everythin g else without much success so how is this better? To answer this question and others I' ve put together a FREE gui de to share with you how
Regenerati ve Therapy can decrease or el im in ate your chronic pain .
Inside this Gui de y ou'll learn:
The real cause of pain.
Why the most common approaches to pain don’ t always work.
What EMTT and Radi al
and Focused Shock wave are.
Who benefits most f rom these t reatments. AND much more!
This gui de is avail able to you absolutely FREE of charge! To claim your copy, call our office at (314) 9391377 or dow nload the guide by visitin g our website at www.housefitstl.com/chroni c-pain Don’ t let your pain rule your life, get the guide today
HouseFit
Phone: (314) 939-1377
info @ho usef itst l.co m www .hou sefi tstl .com
CROSSWORD PUZZLE
Happy Holidays from my home to yours! As we celebrate the season, I’m excited to share that I’ve joined Compass, where I can offer even more innovative tools and support for your real estate journey. If you’re considering a move in 2025, let’s connect to make your goals a reality!
C:
E: trevor.olwig@compass.com
Instagram: @trevorolwig 1608 S Lindbergh Blvd Ladue, Missouri 63131
TOP MEN IN REAL ESTATE
By Maggie Peters
Mark Gellman and Neil Gellman
The Gellman Team
eXp Realty 314-336-1991, thegellmanteam.com
Mark and Neil Gellman, alongside their dedicated team, have empowered over 5,300 families to reach their goals since 2008, and celebrated $2 Billion in career sales earlier this year. Their team culture is centered on 11 core values, including fostering lifelong client relationships and contributing to the community, as evidenced by their annual support of over 90 charities.
Mike Huggins has developed a successful career in the St. Louis real estate market with professionalism and integrity at the forefront of his business. He guides his clients through the process of buying and selling their dream homes with patience, attention to detail, and skilled negotiating. Huggins helps his clients succeed!
Hardworking, focused and possessing unwavering attention to detail, St. Louis native Teddy J. Johnlikes proudly serves homebuyers and sellers in St. Charles and St. Louis counties’ most sought-after communities. As a partner at The Benes Group, Johnlikes provides a results-oriented experience with over $1 billion in career sales.
Keith R. Manzer possesses 42 years of experience and expertise in the high-end market anywhere in St. Louis. His hands-on approach is a key factor in his high success rate and stellar reputation. His motto is simple: work hard and treat your customers as you would like to be treated.
Matt McClelland
RE/MAX
314-922-7767 (direct) or 636-390-8575 (office), matthewmcclelland@remax.net
Matt McClelland has more than 26-plus years of full-time real estate experience in Washington, Missouri and its surrounding areas. He is the recipient of the RE/MAX Lifetime Achievement Award, RE/MAX Hall of Fame Award, RE/MAX Titan Award, and most recently the 2023 FCBR 2023 Realtor of the year award.
Ted Wight
Dielmann Sotheby’s International Realty 314-607-5555, tedwightrealestate.com
Ted Wight has sold real estate for over 20 years and is a top-ranked agent in the region, selling properties from downtown St. Louis to Wildwood. Wight is on the boards of the St. Louis Public Library Foundation, St. Louis Art Museum Friend’s, St. Louis Fashion Fund, The Sheldon Friends, Missouri Baptist Healthcare Foundation and Board president of the Tennessee Williams Festival.
Xanderwasdiagnosedwithsicklecelldiseaseasanewbornandgrewupwiththesupport ofdonor-fundedprogramsliketheCenterforFamiliesandChildLifeServices.Today,he’s abright15-year-oldwithapassionformath,scienceandrobotics. isapictureofworld-classcare. X an d er
GivetodayandjoinusinhelpingmorekidslikeOllie,XanderandKaitlin. StLouisChildrens.org/Give isapictureofstrength. Ka itl in
Great Holiday Gifts
Chesterfield Valley Nursery 16825 N. Outer 40 Road, 636-532-9307, chesterfieldvalleynursery.com
Transform someone’s space with Chesterfield Valley Nursery’s vibrant Garden Center offerings— thoughtful houseplants, beautiful pottery, and unique plant-inspired gifts perfect for nurturing the green thumb in your life. For those who adore holiday magic, you’ll find stunning pre-made evergreen arrangements, centerpieces, and wreaths that bring warmth and joy to any home.
By Maggie Peters
Ditto Family Resale 10027 Manchester Road, 314-394-2026, dittostl.com
Discover unique gifts that are easy on the wallet, support sustainability, and deliver the personal touch of a one-ofkind treasure! An STL Headliner 2024 best-of-award winner, Ditto Family Resale offers items for home and family, including clothing, shoes, accessories, home decor, furniture, books, toys, and more.
The Diamond Bar 13360 Clayton Road, 314-548-5100, thediamondbarstl.com
The Diamond Bar is thrilled to be named one of the Coolest Jewelry Store in America for 2024! Join in the celebration at their Holiday Sale, with discounts on in-stock finished jewelry. Don’t miss the stunning collection of diamond hoops – sparkling, timeless, and the perfect addition to any collection. Can’t wait to see you there!
The Method Aesthetics + Wellness 20 Allen Ave., No. 130, 314-866-5801, themethodstl.com
Give the gift of self-care from Saint Louis’ newest medical spa! The Method Aesthetics + Wellness, located in the charming town of Webster Groves, is now open and receiving rave reviews. Stop by or call/text to purchase a gift card for someone special.
PARTY Polish
By Amanda
Whether you’re ringing in the New Year, celebrating an achievement with your team at work, or going all out for a loved one’s birthday, there are so many celebrations that call for the occasion to dazzle. Here, in the Gateway to the West, a luxury glitter and gem service maximizes your opportunity to shine with customizable face and body art.
GLITTERBAR operates in two locations: St. Louis and Houston. It’s a family-run affair, with Maria Prachyl at the helm locally and Prachyl’s mother, Syvia Klimicek, and sister, Lia Pack, heading up the Texas location.
“We do everything from first birthdays all the way to corporate events,” Prachyl says.
GLITTERBAR has appeared at memorable galas including the St. Louis Mayor’s Mardi Gra Ball, Nelly’s Black & White Ball and numerous events at the St. Louis City SC soccer stadium.
At each celebration,
GLITTERBAR sets up a station with directors’ chairs and a tabletop to house the colorful gems and glitter. One of the company’s makeup artists (three of whom are students in WashU’s art program) uses professional tools to create glitzy designs on guests of all ages and genders. The glitter art offers lasting quality depending on the elements but is easily removable by peeling off gems and washing glitter away with warm water and mild soap.
“My sister is a makeup artist, and she was really key in our sanitation process and the vision for how we’d present ourselves,” Prachyl says. The event service ensures guest safety from allergens and communicable diseases by using only hypoallergenic materials.
Each glitter palette is cleaned thoroughly with alcohol wipes before the next guest can use it, and guests are provided with individual sticks to swipe in the glitter colors. Then, after transferring the glitter to the palette, each guest is given a makeup brush to use on their own palette.
The base price for the service is $250 per artist, with additional costs depending on distance to the event, indoor versus outdoor or premium products such as glitter tattoos and UV glitter or gems (ideal for black-light parties).
GLITTERBAR also caters to smaller gatherings with its Palette Parties for 30 or fewer guests. The base cost is $300 for two hours, and the service includes six colors with one chair for a simpler setup that can fit inside a home.
Prachyl celebrated GLITTERBAR’s 2-year anniversary in November this year. “A huge thank you to St. Louis for embracing GLITTERBAR,” she says. “All my clients have just been the sweetest people on earth.”
GLITTERBAR STL, glitterbarstl.com
Dahl > Photos courtesy of GLITTERBAR STL
Unapologetically
YOU
By Brittany Nay > Photos
Be yourself – unapologetically. That’s what Golden Gems is all about.
The St. Louis-born lifestyle brand’s bright pink flagship boutique stands out, loud and proud, along Locust Street in the eclectic Midtown neighborhood. A far cry from your average retail shop, you’ll be greeted with a bold product line of apparel, accessories, stationery and home goods screaming strong and sassy statements, including “Believe women,” “You are a gem,” and “Take a deep breath and remember who the hell you are.”
All that brash and sass is by design, courtesy of co-founders and sisters Amanda Helman and Susan Logsdon.
“It’s all loud and bold like we hope to be,” Logsdon says. “We’re for the girls, gays and theys. Growing up, women are taught to be small or quiet. [Golden Gems] is a voice and brand for our younger selves – an important message we needed to hear as little girls: Be unapologetically yourself and take up space.”
Brainstorming together on confident to quirky phrases and creative, inspirational ideas, the sibling duo designs their own self-empowerment-themed line of products that are made in-house.
It all started in 2016 with an Etsy shop offering a handful of selfdesigned products – Helman made illustrated prints and Logsdon created banners. Just a couple years later, the siblings quit their full-time jobs and opened the first Golden Gems brick-and-mortar location on Cherokee Street.
Named for the Florida street the sisters grew up on, Golden Gems’ audacious apparel, accessories and atmosphere resonated with St. Louisans. Within a few years, the siblings moved their flagship store to a nearly fivetimes larger location on Midtown’s Locust Street and expanded with two additional shops, one at downtown’s City Foundry STL public market and the other at West County Center shopping mall in Des Peres. Each location offers a different experience, Logsdon shares.
Decked out for the holidays in loads of sparkly disco balls, glitzy garland and bright pink Christmas trees, all three Golden Gems boutiques are ringing in the gift-giving season with a fun selection of cheeky ornaments plus sweatshirts and slippers, journals and key tags. House-made, holidayscented apothecary items are perfect for stuffing a stocking.
Whether you visit the downtown, Midtown or Des Peres location, Logsdon notes one thing is certain: “When you come into Golden Gems, you’ll be encouraged to: ‘Live unapologetically and take up space.’”
courtesy of Golden Gems
Satur day, Januar y 25th , 2025 at 6pm | Th e Ritz Carlton Time is running out! Don ’ t miss a magical event featuring some of th e St. Louis r egion ’ s finest as th ey dance th e night away!
Nexus Cultural Cuisine & Craft Cocktails
Nexus Cultural Cuisine & Craft Cocktails
debuted with a soft launch in early September, offering internationally inspired modern American cuisine. With the tagline, “the nexus of culinary culture,” the latest addition to Midtown’s burgeoning dining scene strives to celebrate the intersection of a variety of global flavors in a sleek, contemporary setting.
The concept comes from chef-owner Ceaira “Chef Jack” Jackson, who previously helmed the kitchen at Bait, a seafood-centric, fine-casual eatery in the Central West End. Prior to that, she served as the executive chef at restaurants including Fleur de Lilies and Soho Restaurant and Lounge, where she specialized in Creole-Asian fusion and contemporary Southern cuisine, respectively.
With Nexus, Jackson takes a worldly skill set to the next level with her first foray into business ownership. Nexus, as the connecting point of Midtown, brings all walks of life together to experience different cultures of cuisine,” she says. “It’s a small-plate and small-bite concept so we strongly encourage shared-style dining.”
Jackson cooks up a menu of robust signatures she hopes guests will keep coming back for, including staples such as short-rib Bolognese, tandoori chicken and a lobster po’boy. The former – a favorite amongst visitors so far – features short ribs that are seared and then oven-
braised for six hours until fork tender, served with fresh pappardelle, tomato sauce, mascarpone and basil oil.
Guests will find many of Jackson’s uniquely creative touches throughout the set of offerings, such as a blackeyed pea hummus with crispy okra – a unique mash-up of Southern and Mediterranean fare. “Something that’s traveled with me from other restaurants is duck rangoon,” Jackson adds.
“We’re excited to present that dish as one of our small bites with a roasted duck, cream-filled crispy fried wonton with mango-chili sauce.”
Additional highlights include Southern fried chicken wings, London fish and chips, and corn ribs – each plated with artfully layered components. To pair with the colorful fare, a limited cocktail menu features five elevated classic cocktails, including takes on a boulevardier and paloma.
“I’m really excited to see how the menu and concept will unify the people, and that’s something I’m really looking forward to – to look out amongst the people and see us just sharing with each other our own personal cultures,” Jackson says.
Nexus is open Wednesday through Saturday from 4 to 11 p.m., with the kitchen closing at 10 p.m. Reservations are strongly encouraged.
Nexus Cultural Cuisine & Craft Cocktails, 2704 Locust St., St. Louis, instagram.com/nexusmidtown
Story and photos by Mabel Suen
By Emily Standlee
STREETCARS OF St. Louis
St. Louis’ former public transit systems might not be as visually iconic its historic architecture, but it certainly played a role in defining the city’s infrastructure.
As Robert A. Cohn wrote for the St. Louis Jewish Light: “St. Louis’ history, geography and demographics have been shaped in large part by the streetcar lines.” Emerging in the 1830s and ’40s in places such as New York, New Orleans and Toronto, streetcars ferried workers to jobs and enabled urban residents to live beyond city centers – so much so that in many cities, exterior streetcar suburbs, like St. Louis’ University City, began to take shape. Developers built homes and businesses close to streetcar lines, creating a ring of practical, transit-friendly communities around the heart of St. Louis.
St. Louis’ desertion of streetcars reflected nationwide trends as the turn of the century unfolded. By 1934, streetcar ridership across the country had reached 15.7 billion, but as cities expanded and the demand for transportation grew, the upper-middle class moved away from public transit to their own cars. This shift reshaped both urban and rural areas, ultimately leading to the widespread construction of interstate highways. “After the end of World War II, the enormous increase in automobile ownership … and the decentralization of industry away from railroad freight centers to outside the city center ended the role of the streetcar
as an influence on the American urban form,” David L. Ames and Linda Flint McClelland note in a National Register of Historic Places report, “Historic Residential Suburbs: Guidelines for Evaluation and Documentation.”
That’s not to say St. Louis has completely forgotten its streetcar history – many of the city’s MetroBuses still follow the routes once traveled by their humble predecessors. The legacy is also preserved at our very own National Museum of Transportation, home to what is considered the world’s largest collection of transportation vehicles. Among them is the Bellefontaine Railway Mule Car, which operated between Downtown St. Louis and Bellefontaine in North St. Louis County until 1895. Additionally, the museum houses several mule-less streetcars, including the Chicago Transit Authority #44. Used on Chicago’s Purple Line until 1993 and built by the St. Louis Car Co., the still-operational car came to the museum in 1998. “The St. Louis Car Co. manufactured not only St. Louis streetcars and trolleys, but also cars for such far-flung transit systems as the Metro in Paris, France,” Cohn wrote.
Even with St. Louis-made machinery in Paris, the city’s final streetcar clanged to a stop in the mid-1960s. “Today was the last day to ride streetcars in St. Louis,” the Chicago Tribune reported in 1966. “City officials announced several weeks ago that the Hodiamont streetcar line
would be replaced by buses effective tomorrow.”
The Hodiamont line ran from northwest St. Louis to Downtown, carrying passengers to Gaslight Square, a glitzy entertainment district in the 1950s and ’60s. Often compared to New Orleans for its gaslit lamps, the square was centered around Olive Street and Boyle Avenue. The closure of the Hodiamont line likely contributed to the square’s decline; luckily, it’s now a thriving residential community.
St. Louis might no longer be a streetcar hub, but public transportation remains an essential part of the city. This June, the MetroLink Green Line expansion project moved into its development phase. The next step involves applying for federal funding, which could cover up to 60% of the total project costs. The proposed 5.6-mile expansion would run light rail vehicles along Jefferson Avenue, stretching from Chippewa Street in the south to Natural Bridge Avenue in the north. In a city defined by movement – whether by train, boat, light rail or streetcar – investing in transit that benefits St. Louis residents honors both our past and future.
Photo courtesy of the Missouri Historical Society
Photo courtesy of Roger Puta
Photo courtesy of the Smithsonian Libraries
EXAMINING EXPRESSION in the AI Age
By Drew Gieseke
In 1919, Supreme Court Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes named the conceptual space where people share information the “marketplace of ideas.” This marketplace is being changed by AI, which can, among other things, allow anyone to easily disseminate very convincing, yet false, information and media involving real people, their voices, likeness and more.
How we interact with AI tools will change the way we view ourselves and conduct communication in years to come. University of Missouri journalism professor Jared Schroeder grapples with these ideas in his newest book, “The Structure of Ideas: Mapping a New Theory of Expression in the AI Era.” We sat down with Schroeder to learn more about the future of public discourse.
How did “The Structure of Ideas” come about?
It’s the result of years of asking questions. I’ve been really concerned about the flow of ideas and changes in how we understand our rights and protections for free expression. The book is a little historical and a little technological.
Americans pride themselves on having freedom of expression. Yet, this has changed throughout the years. How has it shifted amid today’s “information landscape”?
One of the key things is this idea of a marketplace of ideas, which means we have a space for discourse. We’re asking more of every individual citizen to [process] a lot of really difficult information every day. People with extreme wealth can access news and information that others might not.
In previous generations, editors, news directors and others would vet this information and organize it, but part of this freedom now is that it comes with a massive amount of responsibility [for the general population] to make sense of it. As a society, one thing we haven’t done is adjust the media literacy expectations we need, one of which is literacy about information.
One of the core ideas in your book is that the marketplace of ideas is “failing to provide a space where truths succeed, and falsity fails.” How does artificial intelligence impact this notion?
The First Amendment doesn’t say anything about truth. It’s interesting that all of us go into thinking about truth and falsity when it comes to freedom of expression. It’s attributed to how the Supreme Court has talked about it.
People have ethics and values that play into their decision to share things. AI has none of those tools. They don’t have it programmed into them to care. And you can see that we’re heading toward a future where more and more content we engage with is not human-generated. Still, I’ve been really pleasantly surprised by what AI comes up with when I’ve asked it to do things.
Is there a way to avoid overwhelming the marketplace of ideas with AI and market technologies?
We have to ask if we want to continue with the old model. “Do I actually trust our government to pass laws to protect the flow of information?” But conceptually, shouldn’t somebody be watching out for us?
We should also encourage those who own these technologies (Meta, Google, etc.) to think about how we incentivize them to be good actors and not bad actors. It gets really hard when you take out the power of the government. I’m not advocating for that either, necessarily.
It’s healthy for all of us to realize that we have more work to do with our information than ever before. The game has changed a lot; it might be time to think, “Where am I getting this information, who’s producing it, and what role does AI have in producing it?”
St. Louis Estate Buyers West County Mall near JC Penney’s
Thursday, December 26, 11AM-4PM
Friday, December 27, 11AM-4PM
Saturday, December 28, 11AM-4PM
We also buy antiques, artwork, paintings, swords, china, crystal, and other collectibles & rarities.
If you would prefer a private or in home appointment, call 314-691-2888.
3320 Quinette Rd. Kirkwood MO
Secluded 18+ Acre Hilltop Retreat in St . Louis County
Uncover a hidden hilltop paradise at the end of a quiet road, featuring stunning southern views, open pasture and mature woods Ideal for a gated estate, equestrian proper ty, or family compound, this land is brimming with potential. With no subdivision restrictions, you have the freedom to design your dream lifestyle. Zoned NU (Non-Urban), the proper ty is perfect for horses and Public Utilities are conveniently located just 650 feet away on Tree Cour t Lane Enjoy the flexibility of the existing Quinette Rd. access or create your own private, gated entrance from Tree Cour t Lane. Schedule your private tour today and experience this unique oppor tunity to create your own “in-town” countr y estate
DRAVET SYNDROME FOUNDATION
Sixth annual Dance for Dravet
Story and photos by Christina Kling-Garrett
Guests of the 6th annual Dance for Dravet gathered at Third Degree Glass Factory in late October to raise funds for the Dravet Syndrome Foundation. Hosted by members of the Odlaug and Brennan families to honor 7-year-old Anna Odlaug, the event included music by J-Rob, silent and live auctions, cocktails and appetizers, plus a dinner buffet and program. Tom Ackerman served as emcee for the event and welcomed guests before Jim Brennan, Piper Odlaug and Kim Odlaug spoke. Ted Odlaug, Anna’s grandfather and president of the Dravet Syndrome Foundation, recognized Kayci Capps for her dedication with the Dravet Foundation.
Visit laduenews.com to see more photos from this event >
I cannot say enough about the overwhelming support of the St. Louis community to help find a cure for this terrible disease.
– Jim Brennan
Jeff “The King” Drew, Kris Johnson, Ted Odlaug Kayci Capps, Ted Odlaug
Piper, Lily, Ted, Pat and Thomas Odlaug
Lily, Kim, Connor, Andrew and Anna Odlaug
Ruth and Ryan Redlingshafer
Jennifer and Sam Page, Rose and Jim Brennan
Brian and Sue Childs, Joe and Annette Keipp
Tom and Angie Ackerman
Kathy and Dan Bruns
Doug and Derek Auer, Thomas Odlaug
Patrick, Jim, Rose and Charlie Brennan
B E HI ND T HE
SEE BEHIND THE SCENE S OF THE MISSOURI BOTANICAL GARDEN’S ANNU AL GARDEN GLOW.
By Daniel Puma > Photos courtesy of the Missour i Botanical Garden
Even in the dead of winter, the Missouri Botanical Garden brings a glimmer of life to St. Louisans seeking holiday cheer Now in its 12th year, the annual Garden Glow decks the garden grounds with dazzling lights for visitors to peruse with loved ones and a hot cup of cocoa in tow.
Pulling off this grand spectacle is no small feat. Like elves in their North Pole workshop, garden staff and volunteers work behind the scenes year-round to plan and coordinate each year’s event to a tee.
“We have monthly meetings with representatives from teams around the garden,” says Jessika Eidson, public information officer at MoBot. “That includes horticulture, who is in charge of our living collections here, just to make sure that nothing we're putting in is disrupting the plants that live here. It's such a detailed setup that we have to be communicating with everyone in the garden.”
The ongoing endeavor is to retain the charm guests recall from years past while bringing something new to the table each year. “It’s this really fun balance. It’s a tradition for a lot of people, but we also like to keep it fresh,” Eidson says.
Even the garden’s most regular visitors might be surprised to learn that the MoBot team begins installing lights for the Garden Glow as early as July Most often, the public doesn’t see these efforts as the facilities team works behind the scenes to avoid interfering with summer and fall festivals. As the event draws closer, volunteers and other outside help join in to complete the installation on time
“Everyone contributes so much,” Eidson says. “Our volunteers really help make it happen. We also have a lot of staff members that, whenever there's a really busy night and we don't have enough volunteers to help with the fire pits and things like that, they step up and help ” In true holiday form, setup for the festival involves the whole MoBot family From communications and horticulture to the events and visitor services teams, representatives from across garden operations all lend a hand. “I think a lot of people that work here realize the importance of Garden Glow to St. Louis, even if you work in science or communications,” Eidson says. “You might have a degree in botany, but we need your help. So they step up.”
The Garden Glow runs daily until Jan. 4, 2025, except for on Dec. 24 and 25. Purchasing tickets in advance is recommended. Visit mobot.org/glow for more information.
There are more than 2 mill ion l ights throughout the displ ays.
Last season, more than 250,000 visitors attended Garden Glow in its seven-week run.
As part of the garden’s sustainabil ity mission, all the displays utilize LED lights set on a timer to minimize electrical energy usage.
The gardens bring in cut trees for some displ ays so as not to hurt the l iving displ ays throughout the garden. These cut trees come from a sustainable tree farm and will be turned into mulch to use in the garden after the Glow season.
The log fences near the Stephen and Peter Sachs Museum were crafted with invasive red cedars removed from Shaw Nature Reserve.
This year, several new miniature repl icas of garden l andmarks were added to the Hol iday Flower and Train Show These repl icas, which were crafted by botanical architecture special ists at Kentuckybased Appl ied Imagination, are made from botanical materials and took more than 1,000 hours to create.
New Year, New Read
“84, Charing Cross Road”
Recommended by Maryann, St. Louis Public Library
Told in the form of letters, this is a cl assic true story of an unl ikely 20-year rel ationship between a freel ance writer in New York and a used-book dealer in London. “For anyone who is in low spirits, this book can be a balm,” Maryann says. “I read it to remind myself of how much we all crave connection and that goodness and joy do exist. Above all else, books (and letters!) can help us connect with one another and connect with our humanity ” If you’re in the mood for a heart-l ifting, comforting love story, pick this one up.
“Witnessing Whiteness: The Need to Talk About Race and How to Do It”
by Shelly Tochluk
Recommended by Hannah, St. Louis Public Library
This book serves as a guide for developing a healthy sense of racial identity and addressing racial conflict, making it a practical resource for those seeking to challenge racism but who are unsure of where to start. Drawing on the experiences and wisdom of activists, writers and scholars, Tochluk emphasizes the importance of accountability and actionable steps to create equitable and inclusive communities. “Since I first read this book in 2017, Tochluk’s work has been essential in understanding myself and the potential I have to heal long-standing injustices in our society – often by working on my own inner issues,” Hannah says.
READ THESE LIFE-CHANGING PICKS BY LOCAL LIBRARIANS AND BOOKSELLERS FOR YOUR NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION.
“Personal Effects: What Recovering the Dead Teaches Me About Caring for the Living”
by Robert A. Jensen
Recommended by Bee, St. Louis Public Library
“Personal Effects” gives readers a look over the shoulder of the owner of the world’s leading disaster recovery company Kenyon International Emergency Services owner Robert Jensen explores events such as the 1995 Oklahoma City bombing, 9/11 and Hurricane Katrina while analyzing how caring should be at the heart of disaster response.
“This was a completely random find at my neighborhood library, but it’s easily one of the best books I’ve ever read,” Bee says. “Jensen comments on the confusion, miscommunication and grief that come with disaster response, but his overarching message is that it is our job to care for others. Take your time, be thorough, and remember kindness.”
by Helene Hanff
By Charlotte Renner > Images supplied
It’s hard to believe the new year (and a new season of resolutions) is almost upon us. Instead of hitting the gym this year, consider heading to your local library or bookstore to work toward the best version of yourself. Reading books that open your mind to other perspectives can be a great place to start changing your life for the better. Here, we asked local book lovers to recommend the books that changed their lives, and we hope one of these reads will spark a healthy 2025 New Year’s resolution for you. Happy New Year!
“You Can’t Be Neutral on a Moving Train”
by Howard Zinn
Recommended by Joshua, St. Louis Public Library
Author and activist Howard Zinn uses his personal stories to explain 50 years of fighting for societal change, including during the Civil Rights and antiVietnam-War movements. Zinn’s autobiography not only describes his lifetime achievements but also seeks to respond to timeless questions of whether true change is possible in the world. “All of it boils down to a simple quote: ‘Events are already moving in certain deadly directions, and to be neutral means to accept that,’” Joshua says.
“It made me a more thoughtful, informed and conscious person.”
St Louis Public Library, multiple locations, St Louis, slpl.org
The “March” trilogy by John Lewis, Andrew Aydin and Nate Powell
Recommended by Alain McAlister, bookseller and illustrator at Betty’s Books
This groundbreaking graphic novel series follows civil rights leader and U.S. Congressman John Lewis’ lifelong struggle for civil and human rights. Co-created by Lewis himself, the memoir trilogy also contextualizes the Civil Rights Movement. It’s widely acclaimed and regarded as a modern classic, according to Penguin Random House. “This comic easily earns its place in graphic novel literature and canon,” McAlister says. “It’s one thing to know about a historical narrative, but to live it, feel it and realize just how recent it was for our country is another thing entirely ”
“The
Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”
by Marie Kondo
Recommended by freelance writer and Bookstagrammer Charlotte Renner
Clutter has been a longtime second nature to me, and I’ve always wanted to find a way to keep my house clean consistently Enter Japanese cleaning consultant Marie Kondo and her signature “KonMari” method. The KonMari method doesn’t involve complex sorting methods or storing solutions, but is based on something much simpler: Does the object spark joy when you hold it in your hand? If the answer’s yes, it stays; if not, say goodbye. While it seems l ike a big task, following Kondo’s expert instructions will show you what items are truly important in your l ife and how to let go of the ones that aren’t. After going through the process, I can say that my l ife genuinely did change for the better and my house is still pretty dang de-cluttered.
@char.is.reading on Instagram
Faced with high school graduation and the desire to escape it all, Oli can’t stop thinking about a pamphlet she found for a remote island commune. After a falling out with her best friend, she sets out on a road trip to find it and start a new life. “‘The Gulf’ follows themes of self-discovery and the struggles that come along with growing up,” Tippen says. “I am in the stage of life where growing up has become real. I need to start making big decisions and become an adult. [One of my favorite quotes from it is] ‘Life is awful and beautiful, and you just have to keep feeling and pushing through, toward what is unassailably good and right.’”
Recommended by Emma Tippen, bookseller at Betty’s Books
By Megan Rubenstein >
IT’S BALD EAGLE SEASON IN OUR NECK OF THE WOODS – HERE’S WHERE TO FIND THEM.
Have you noticed more bald eagles in the sky recently? That’s because it’s officially bald eagle season here in Missouri, which takes place from December through February
“During the winter months, migratory eagles travel south along the Mississippi River in search of resources and food,” says Emily Connor, education manager at the Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton, Missouri. “Typically, the colder our winters are, the more migratory bald eagles we will see.”
Stick near the rivers
St. Louis is an ideal place for bald-eagle watching due to the presence of the Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois rivers. The rivers make the area a
major migration route for eagles because as waterways freeze up north, bald eagles migrate south.
“A bald eagle’s favorite food is fish. These predators hunt from highup perches and hover over water, scooping up fish with their talons,” says Dan Zarlenga, St. Louis regional media specialist at the Missouri Department of Conservation. “As temperatures drop in December and rivers and waterways freeze up north, bald eagles migrate southward from Canada and the Great Lakes to Missouri where our waters are more open. This makes it easier for the eagles to hunt their primary prey.”
For those looking to spot some bald eagles this season, Zarlenga recommends staying close to a source of water.
“Because of their preference for fish, they tend to stay close to water.
Photos courtesy of the Missour i Department of Conservation
A good strategy is to go somewhere with a river or large lake,” Zarlenga says. “Look for bald eagles roosting in the trees along the banks or soaring through the air You might even be lucky enough to see one dive for a fish.”
Pro tips
For those looking to go bald-eagle watching solo or with the family, Connor shares some valuable suggestions for the best times to watch, what to wear and bring, and how to act near the birds.
“Eagles can be seen throughout the day; however, bird watching is typically better in the mornings and later afternoons,” Connor says. “If you plan to go on a bird-watching adventure this winter, be sure to wear warm layers, have a pair of binoculars, and remember to always follow wildlife viewing ethics. Keep your distance and be quiet when you are viewing eagles in nature, so as not to flush or spook the birds.”
Zarlenga adds: “It’s likely to feel even colder than the forecasted temperature would suggest, as there are often winds near open water Wear adequate gloves and a head cover too ”
For nature photographers, Zarlenga recommends bringing patience and a highquality camera. He says: “Bald eagles will not be easy to get photos of, and to have any chance of capturing a good image, you’ll probably need a quality camera with fast autofocus, a long telephoto lens, and a lot of time and patience and/or luck. But who doesn’t like a challenge?”
Field notes
Wondering if something up in the sky or on a branch is really a bald eagle? Zarleng a notes that a bald eagle less than 3 to 5 years old won’t have its signature white head yet, which can make them harder to spot. “If you see a brownish raptor flying around, it might be a ju venile eagle, ” he says.
For those looking for that perfect spot to go bald eagle watching, Connor rec ommends the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary at the Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton. “This site is located between the Mississippi and Missouri River and is next to the Melvin Pric e L ock and Dam, a favorite fishing spot for wintering bald eagles,” she says. “You can enjoy viewing wildlife from the c omfort of their heated building and utiliz e binoculars and spotting sc opes.”
Zarleng a invites all readers to join the Audubon Center at Riverlands for “Eagle Days” on Saturday, Feb. 8 from 9 a.m. to 3
p.m. at the Migratory Bird Sanctuary for a taste of eagle-watching fun.
“The Missouri Department of Conservation partners with the Illinois Department of Natural Resourc es, St. L ouis Audubon Center, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to host the event,” Zarleng a says. “Eagle Days is free and includes chanc es to see eagles in the wild through spotting sc opes staffed by trained volunteers. World Bird Sanctuary will also be putting on multiple live eagle programs throughout the day, so visitors can see and take pictures of these incredible birds up close. ”
Connor also invites readers to attend the Audubon Center at Riverlands’ “Eagle Saturdays,” where attendees can enjoy guided eagle-viewing experienc es and even see a bald eagle up close “These events take plac e every Saturday from Jan. 4 through Feb. 8, and you can sign up for Eagle Meet and Greet Classes, join in on a guided hike, and roast marshmallows by the fire, ” she says. “Visitors can also enjoy crafts, local vendors and educational activities.”
Audubon Center at Riverlands, 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, 636-899-0090, riversandroutes.com
Missouri Department of Conservation St. Louis Regional O ce, 2360 Highway D, St. Charles, 636-441-4554, mdc.mo.gov
Scan this code to preview more upcoming bird-watching events with the Audubon Center at Riverlands.
More sites for sightings
The old Chain of Rocks Bridge in North St. Louis
Cliff Cave Park in south St. Louis County
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area near Spanish Lake
