Issuu

Mother ’s Day activities

P olar bear cubs attheZoo

Presentedwithgeneroussupportfrom

April12–July 27, 2025

THEDEFINITIVE

BLUEPRINT

OFEXCELLENCEIN

ST . LOUISREALES TAT E

Withadecadeofexperienceandan unrelentingworkethic,Erikhasseenitall andhandleditall.Heapproachesevery situationwithconfidence,discipline,and theassurancethathe’llgetthejobdone. “Whetherit’sfivedollarsor$50million, I’mreadyforit.”

Successinrealestateisn’tjustaboutdrive; it’saboutadaptability.Withanintensefocus onhiscraft,hestayssharpinaconstantly evolvingmarket,alwayslearning,absorbing, andadjustingtostayaheadandensurethe bestoutcomeforhisclients.“Youhaveto alwaysbeadaptingtochange.”

He’snotjustfocusedonthesale he’s focusedontherelationship.Erik’sbusinessis builtonstayingconnectedlongafterclosing. He’sthereforeverylifechange,fromfirst homestogrowingfamiliesandbeyond.

Erikandhisteambecameoneofthemost successfulrealestategroupsinSt.Louis byfocusingonbringingtogetherlikeminded,drivenagents.Addinabrokeragewideatmosphereofsharinginsightsand ideasbetweentopperformers,andyou getexponentialgrowthforoneofthetopproducingteamsinthemarket. Withguidancefromsomeofthemost influentialleadersinSt.Louisrealestate, includinghisownbroker,Erikbenefits fromexpertinsightsthatelevatehis abilitytonavigatethemarket.“Wehave aleguponthecompetition.”

Left:MedicalDirectorDr.Lenise Cummings-Vaughn,Administrator KathyKelley,andMedicalAdvisor Dr.DavidCarrmeetwitharesident.

Avillageofexpertmemorycareclinicians.Avillageofhighly-skillednurses andstaffforeverystageofdementia—fromassisted-livingtoskilled-nursing care.What’smore,we’vedesignedParcProvencetofunctionasavillage— withfivelevelsofcareprovidedinahouseholdsetting.Plusagreenhouse, icecreamparlor,library,artgallery,chapelandmore,allnestledamongst privatepathwaysandgardensexclusivelyforresidentsandtheirvisitors. Putourvillagetoworkforyourfamily.

www.rothliving.com

LN

PUBLISHER

Ian Caso

EDITORIAL

MANAG I NG ED I TO R Ashley Klein >aklein@laduenews.com

DIGI TA L ED I TO R & STAFF WRITE R Amanda Dahl >adahl@laduenews.com

ASSOC I ATE ED I TO R Emily Standlee >estandlee@laduenews.com

ASS I STANT ED I TO R Daniel Puma >dpuma@laduenews.com

CONTRIBUT I NG WRITE RS

Bethany Christo, Drew Gieseke, Lauren Leady, Connie Mitchell, Brittany Nay, Pat Raven, Nancy Robinson, Mabel Suen

SALES

VI CE PR ES I DENT OF SA L ES Kevin Hart >khart@stlpostmedia.com

SENIOR MEDIA STRATEGIST

Katie Ray >kray@laduenews.com

MED I A ST R ATEG I ST Michelle Brown >mbrown@laduenews.com

SP EC IAL PROJECTS MANAGE R Maggie Peters >mpeters@laduenews.com

CL ASS IFI ED ACCOUNT MANAGE R Lisa Taylor >ltaylor@lee.net

ART

ART D IR ECTO R

Laura De Vlieger >ldevlieger@laduenews.com

ASS I STANT A RT D IR ECTO R Christopher Oth >coth@laduenews.com

CONTRIBUT I NG P HOTOG RAP HE RS

Diane Anderson, Bryan Schraier ALEEENTERPRISESPUBLICATION

AD D ITI ON ALARE A LISTINGS

42CountrysideLane(Frontenac) C $5,242,000

234NorthBrentwoodBlvd.(Clayton) C $3,495,000

2025WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,770,000

2033WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,745,000

2017WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,525,000

2002WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,455,000

2005WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,370,000

2010WoodlandKnoll(Kirkwood) C $2,285,000

8121StratfordDrive(Clayton) C $2,190,000

16PicardyLane(Ladue) C $1,929,000

1636ForestAire(Frontenac) C $1,779,000

10LogCabinDrive(Ladue) C $1,699,900

348PineBendDrive(Wildwood) C $1,149,000

275BlackmerPlace(WebsterGroves) C $950,000

7425ParkdaleAvenue(Clayton) C $914,900

1520AnnAvenue(Kirkwood) C $899,000

7744DavisDrive(Clayton) C $899,000

119PortlandTerrace(WebsterGroves) C $799,900

7921TeasdaleAvenue(UniversityCity) C $799,900

4202NorthForkRoad(Wildwood) C $639,000

6340Clayton,#406(RichmondHghts.) C $639,000

811WoodmoorDrive(Olivette) C $629,000

7001WatermanAve.(UniversityCity) C $610,000

188OakleighParkLane(St.Charles) C $599,900

131GayAvenue(Clayton) C $569,900

7255CrevelingDrive(UniversityCity) C $550,000

17NantucketIslandCourt(Wildwood) C $535,000

108StageCoachLanding(St.Peters) C $459,900

4444LindellBlvd.,#6(St.LouisCity) C $440,000

1020KingHenryCourt(CreveCoeur) C $429,900 2053PrestonWoods(LakeSt.Louis) C $400,000 14WoodhavenRd.(WebsterGroves) C $395,000 502MarickDrive(RockHill) C $379,000

8151StanfordAvenue(UniversityCity) C $360,000 15000S.Outer40Road(Chester eld) C $350,000

625SouthSkinkerBlvd.#902(StL) C $324,900 7740DaleAvenue(RichmondHghts.) C $264,900 1707YaleAvenue(RichmondHghts.) C $259,000 4517WolfgangDrive(Mehlville) C $219,900 1773HighSchoolDrive(Brentwood) C $210,000 907SouthHanleyRoad,#5(Clayton) C $161,000 2278RuleAve.,#B(MarylandHeights) C $160,000

1. 8121StratfordDrive • Clayton NEWLISTING! WelcometothisstunningClaytonGardenshome, thoughtfullydesignedwithhigh-endfeaturesthroughout.Themain oor boastsalarge,light- lledlivingroom,achef’sdelightexpansivekitchen includingadiningareathatopenstoaversatilegreatroom,aglassenclosedeatingarea,&awell-appointedpowderroom.Thelowerlevel offersevenmorelivingspace,a fthbedroom,andafullbathroom.Outside, adeckoverlooksabeautifullylandscapedyard&patio. $2,190,000

2. 17NantucketIslandCourt • Wildwood

NEWLISTING! Nestledonaserenecul-de-sacinWildwood,this exquisiteranchhomewithanopen oorplanoffersablendofcomfort andmodernamenities.Thelivingroomishighlightedbyagas replace andvaultedceiling,andtheseparatediningroomoffersamplespacefor gatherings.Theeat-inkitchenhasbeentastefullyupdatedwithcustom cabinetry&stainless-steelappliances. $535,000

3. 1707YaleAvenue • RichmondHeights

Alovelyfrontporchgreetsyouasyouapproachthischarmingbungalow. Thelargelivingroomoffersbuilt-inshelving,hardwood oors,andstainedglasswindows.Thekitchenoffersgreatcabinetspace,aneat-inbreakfast bar,&stainless-steelappliances.Thelowerleveliswherethelaundry residesandoffersarecreationspace. $259,000

4. 7001WatermanAvenue • UniversityCity

Architecturaldetailsandcharmingupdatesharmoniouslycometogetherin thisWestPortlandPlaceresidence.Theclassiccenterhalllayoutallows foraseamless owonthe rst oor.Enterthebrightlivingroom,featuring twoelegantoakcolumns,arefurbishedgas replace,andhardwood oors. Thekitchenisdesignedforthefamilychef,equippedwithstainless steel appliancesandgranitecountertops. $610,000

5. 2053PrestonWoodsParkway • LakeSt.Louis

Thisexquisiteranch-stylehomeboastshigh-end nishesanddesigner decor.Stepinsidetoadmirethecustomwhiteoakbuilt-inshelfinthefoyer andtheneutralpaintpalettethatenhancesthehome’scharm.Gleaming hardwood oors,soaringceilings,anda replacegracethemainlevel.The kitchenisachef’sdreamwithgreatfeatures. $400,000

6. 10LogCabinDrive • Ladue

Welcometothisstunning,sophisticatedhomelocatedononeofSTL’s premierandsought-afterstreets. Thiswashedbrickhomeboastsincredible curbappealandtimelesselegance.Theexpansivediningroomandthe invitinglivingroomareperfectforentertaining.Thebrightkitchenand breakfastroomopentothemain oorfamilyroom,creatinganidealspace foreverydayliving. $1,699,900

7. 7425ParkdaleAvenue • Clayton

This2-storyClaytonhomeisabsolutelycharming!ThecombinationofTudor architecturewithstoneaccentsgivesitatimelessandelegantlook.The sunkenlivingroomhaselevated,beamedceilings,manylargewindows, andalovelywood-burning replace.Thelandscapedyard,patio,and privacyfencecreateaninvitingoutdoorretreat. $914,900

8. 1020KingHenryCourt • CreveCoeur

ThisbeautifullyupdatedVillainLadueSchoolDistrictoffersamplespace, comfort,andconvenience.Theopen oorplanseamlesslyconnectsthe livingroom,diningroom,andkitchen,creatinganinvitingatmosphere.The livingroomis oodedwithnaturallightandfeaturesa replace. $429,900

8121StratfordDrive • Clayton

2. 17NantucketIslandCourt • Wildwood

8. 1020KingHenryCt. • Creve Coeur

7. 7425Parkdale Ave. • Clayton

3. 1707 Yale Ave. • RichmondHeights

6. 10LogCabinDrive • Ladue

5. 2053PrestonWoodsPkwy • LakeSt.Louis

7001Waterman Avenue • U.City

Among author Gary Chapman’s five popularly recognized (albeit disputed) love languages, recent surveys estimate that quality time, or sharing undivided attention with a loved one, is the most common. Personally speaking, I side with the majority: Making new memories with my favorite people can’t be beat.

If that sounds like you (or your mom), contributing writer Bethany Christo’s roundup of activities to share with the mother figures in your life on or around Mother’s Day will be right up your alley. Turn to p. 50 to check out upcoming events where you can get crafty, enjoy a glass of wine, window shop and more.

For quality time with family or friends, a casual game night at home is always a fun excuse to get the gang together. Branch out beyond your typical tabletop fare with niche game picks from three local, independent game shops on p. 52.

If getting out in the sunshine is in order, make sure to plan a trip to the zoo: On p. 47, digital editor and staff writer Amanda Dahl gets up close and personal with the adorable polar bear cubs who recently made their debut. Or, grab your fellow plant-lovers and make your way to West Alton, Missouri, for the Riverlands Native Plant Festival previewed by contributor Lauren Leady on p. 14 – where, in addition to learning about the importance of native flora, you can also enjoy live music and peruse local vendors offering plants, food and more.

Happy reading, Ashley Klein,

Managing Editor

LadueNews.com

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LN has your ultimate guide to spring gardening in the St. Louis area. Visit laduenews.com to get growing with resources from around the metro.

Editor

Ar t and INNOVATION

ByMaggiePeters >PhotoscourtesyofTheSaintLouisArtMuseum

Above:designedbyEttoreBugatti, French(bornItaly),1881–1947;madebyAutomobiles EttoreBugatti,Molsheim,France,active1909–1963;Type32, 1923;381/2inchesx13feet8inches;Courtesyofthe MathewsFamily2025.64;Photo:SinhTruong

Above:designedbyEttoreBugatti,French(bornItaly),1881–1947;madebyAutomobilesEttoreBugatti,Molsheim,France, active1909–1963;Type41RoyaleConvertible,1931;metal,chromium,glass,leather,rubber,wood; 621/2inchesx821/2inchesx19feet5inches;FromtheCollectionsofTheHenryFord,DearbornMichigan2025.15

Experience automotivesbothas aformofartand an expressionofsocial change intheSaint Louis ArtMuseum’snewexhibition Roaring:Art,Fashion, and the Automobilein France,1918–1939. The exhibit highlightsinnovationsacrossartandindustry inpre-World WarII France, andwill feature paintings, photographs,sculpture,furniture, ﬁlms, fashion,textiles, and12historicautomobiles.

In arecentinterview aheadofthe exhibit’sApril12 opening,Genevieve Cortinovis,SLAM’sAndrewW. Mellon FoundationAssociateCuratorofDecorative ArtsandDesign, describestheautomobileas arepresentationofthestruggle betweentraditionandmodernity

“In concreteterms,it generatedpersonalmobility for the wealthy and,intime, themiddle class,” she explains. “Fordesignersandcraftspeople, thecarshowcasedthe adaptabilityofbothhistoriccrafttraditionsandnew materialsandtechnologies.Even forthosewhonever owned ordrove them,cars’presencewasinescapable. Cars clogged Paris’smedievalstreetswhile France’s expandingnetwork ofhighways broughtincreasingnumbersoftouriststoits villagesandseaside resorts.”

Cortinovisaddsthatthiscreated afontofinspiration for artistsanddesignersoftheage,fromdepictingtheblurred landscapesviewedwhiledrivingtotakingaspectsofthe caritselfand workingtheminto everything from fashion to furniture. Roaring includes rareexamplesofartistand designerSoniaDelaunay’stextilesamplesand fashion illustrationsalongside a CitroënB14,custompaintedinher geometric colorpatterns,andherhusband Robert’svivid paintingofthe Eiffel Tower,representing Parisas afocal pointoftechnologicalprogress,tasteand fashion.

The exhibitwillputattendeesinmindofthetermArt Deco,a widely recognizedandbeloveddesignstyle, which came fromthe1925decorative arts exhibitionin Paris: ExpositionInternationaledesArtsDécoratifsetIndustriels Modernes.“Roaring featuresstandout worksby thefair’s contributors:ebony andivory furniturefromÉmile-Jacques Ruhlmann,eggshell-inlaidlacquer fromJeanDunand, couturefrom Paul PoiretandCallotSoeurs,textiles from Maurice Dufrêne, glassby RenéLalique;thelist goesonand on,” Cortinovissays.

Cortinovis concludesthattheinnovatorsbehindsomany ofthesedesignsarea truehighlightofthe exhibit.“Themost thrillingpart formeofanyexhibitionisdivingintothelives of complex,creative people,” shesays.

Dividedintosixsections,the exhibition features160 works, fromprominentinstitutionsandprivate collections aroundEuropeand NorthAmerica. Roaring isaccompanied by a 210-pageexhibitioncataloguewith contributions from sevenauthors. Youcanlearnmore about Roaring onSLAM’s websiteorthroughvisitingthe exhibitnow throughJuly27.

The SaintLouisArtMuseum, One FineArts Drive, St. Louis, 314-721-0072,slam.org

Below:designedbyRenéLalique, French,1860–1945;designed bySuzanneLalique-Haviland, French,1892–1989;madebyRené LaliqueetCie,Wingen-sur-Moder, France;“TourbillonsVase,”c.1925; press-moldedglassandenamel; 77/8x6inches;SaintLouisArt Museum,MuseumPurchase63:1930

designedbyJeanPatou,French, 1887–1936;Woman’sCloak, c.1926;silkcrepe;Courtesyofthe MissouriHistoricalSociety2025.12

Below:RobertDelaunay,French,1885–1941;“Eiffel Tower,”1924;oiloncanvas;635/8x381/8inches; SaintLouisArtMuseum,GiftofMr.andMrs.MortonD. May536:1956

Above:CoatsdesignedbySoniaDelaunayand JacquesHeimwithArièsTorpédo,infrontofthe PavillonduTourismedesignedbyMallet-Stevens, Paris,1925;BibliothèquenationaledeFrance/ CopyrightPracusa

Left:designedbyRené-AndréCoulon,French, 1908–1997;madebySt.Gobain,Courbevoie, France,founded1665;“DressingStool,”c.1930; glass,iron,andoilclothupholstery; 241/2x243/4x151/4inches;SaintLouisArt Museum,Fundsgivenbydonorstothe1985 ArtEnrichmentFund86:1989

Grants Fuel New Research

By Connie Mitchell

Asuniversitiesacrossthenationresponded toannouncementsofreductionsin researchgrantfunding,Washington University’sSitemanCancerCenter recentlyannouncedalmost$1.89millionin new grantsthroughtheSitemanInvestmentProgram. Anumberofnonprofitandphilanthropicsources steppeduptocontribute,helpingtoensureresearch continuesthatcould move cancerpreventionand treatmentforward.

PedaltheCause,oneofthe10largestcauserelatedcyclingeventsinthecountry,donatedmore than$5milliontothecancercenterandSiteman KidsatSt.LouisChildren’sHospitalin2024andis amongtheorganizationscontributingtothe new grants.“ThegenerosityofPedaltheCause,including donors,sponsors,riders,volunteersandothers,is aninvestmentinscience,health,ourcommunity andourselves,” Dr. TimothyJ.Eberlein,directorof SitemanCancerCenter,saidin a statementabout thedonation.“Thetensofmillionsofdollarsraised since2010 have launchedmultiple new approaches that have reducedtheburdenofcanceronour patients.Together,thisrelationship – Pedaland Siteman – ismakingcancer a chronicdisease. We couldnotdothisalone.”

Sponsoring a varietyofcyclingeventsandother fundraisingopportunities,PedaltheCause’seffortsin

themetroareaculminatewith a rideSept.20and21 attheFamilyArenainSt.Charles.The event isopen toridersofallagesandlevels,spinnersandthose whosupporttheprogramthroughvirtualfundraising. Registrationisopenatpedalthecause.org.

AdditionalfundingsourcesincludetheCancer FrontierFundatTheFoundation for Barnes-Jewish Hospital;theCancerCenterSupportGrant from the NationalCancerInstitute;theAlvinJ.SitemanCancer ResearchFund;theSitemanDiscoveryFund;Swim AcrossAmerica–St.Louis;andvariousphilanthropic giftsviaSitemanCancerCenter.

The new grantswillfundnineresearch projectsincludinga new clinicaltrialinvestigating immunotherapyusedtotreatmetastaticprostate cancer.Trialparticipantswillreceive two existing immunotherapiestodetermineoptimaldosingand outcomes.Otherresearchprojectsaddresstreating pediatricbraintumors,improvingoutcomes for patientswithcertaintypesoflymphomawho receiveCAR-Timmunotherapy,andstudiestobetter understandthecausesandtherapeutic pathways in othertypesofmalignancies.

Pedal the Cause, pedalthecause.org

Siteman Cancer Center, multiple locations, siteman.wustl.edu

The generosity of Pedal the Cause, including donors, sponsors, riders, volunteers and others, is an investment in science, health, our community and ourselves.

– DR. TIMOTHY J. EBERLEIN

Plant Native

By Lauren Leady

On Saturday,April26,theAudubon CenteratRiverlandsinWestAlton, Missouri,willcometolifewith buzzingenergyandbrightcolorsin celebrationofthesecondannualRiverlands NativePlantFestival.Honorthebeautyofnative habitatswith a day filledwithlushgreenery, experttalksandhands-onactivitieswhilealso supportingthepreservationofourregion’s naturallandscapes.

Thisfree-to-attendevent,hostedbythe AudubonCenteratRiverlandsinpartnership withtheUSACERiversProject,willhighlightthe vitalroleofnativeplantsinourecosystemwhile alsooffering a fun andengagingexperience for natureloversofallages.

“TheRiverlandsNativePlantFestival was inspiredbytheamazingcommunityof organizationsintheSt.Louisandconfluence regionworkingtosupportnativehabitats inbothnaturalandurbanlandscapes,” says EmilyConnor,educationmanageratthe AudubonCenteratRiverlands.“This event is a way tobringthepublictogetherwith

regionalpartnerstoshowcasetheimportance ofnativeplants, fromhow criticalthey are in ourecosystemsto how theysupporthumans. Riverlandsis a uniqueplaceto have thistypeof event becauseof how itconnectspeopletoour nativelandscapesthroughthewildlifeviewing opportunities,publiceventsandoutreachand ongoinghabitatmanagement.”

Thefestivalwilltakeplaceoutdoorsat theRiverlandsMigratoryBirdSanctuary from 9 a.m.to 1 p.m.,offering a day ofexploration anddiscovery.Attendeescanenjoyexclusive toursoftheUSACERiverlandsGreenhouseand presentations from partners,includingJames Faupel,directorofhorticultureandcurator oflivingcollectionsatBellefontaineCemetery andArboretum,andDanPearson from the St.LouisAudubonSocietyandBring ConservationHome.Theseexpertswillpresent tipsandlocalresources for incorporatingnative plantsintoyards.

Inaddition,the event willfeaturelive musicaswellaslocalfood,artisanandplant vendors,includingFortitudeCoffee,Lucianna’s Patisserie,AJKDesign, Fox & Thistle,MidwestConservation Creations,CopeGrassFarms, Sam’sNativeNurseryandGreen ThumbNursery.

Attendeescanreceive a free nativeplant,whilesupplieslast, byvisitingallstationsduring theevent.

Ultimately,thisfamilyfriendly event aimstoshine a

spotlightontheimportanceofnativeplants, especiallyasspringbringslandscapestolife.

“When you bring[nativeplants]toyour landscape,yourhomebecomeshabitat,”Connor says. “Manypeopledon’tconsidernatives becausetheyaren’t aware ofwhatthey are, wheretofindthemand how totakecareof nativeplants.Oneofthegoalsofthis event istoshowfolks why nativelandscapingis a greatalternative,whatresources are available topickandpurchasenativeplantsand how maintenance for nativelandscapingisnot sodifferent,andsometimeseasier,thanthe non-nativealternatives.”

Beyondthefestival,Connoralsoshares advice for thoseinterestedincontinuingto supportnativeplantinitiatives.

“Stayinvolved!There are numerous organizationsandpartnershipprogramsinthe GreatRiversregionthatprovideworkshops, volunteeropportunitiesand even grantsto supportindividualnativeplantinitiatives,”she says. “Anotherimportant way tosupportnative plantsistobringthemhomewithyou.There are somanynativeplantsthatcanthrivein a landscapingsetting!”

Inaddition,theAudubonCenterat Riverlandsis always welcomingvolunteers, withmanyconservationandeducational programsto get involvedin. To learn more, visitriverlands.audubon.org/about/ volunteering-riverlands.

Audubon Center at Riverlands, 301 Riverlands Way, West Alton, 636-899-0090, riversandroutes.com

Photos courtesy of Riverlands Native Plant Festival

FARMHOUSEModern

By Nancy Robinson > Photos supplied

These pieces represent everything we love about the simple farmhouse style –executed with a modern twist.

Featuring boldly turned cannonball posts and a curved Sheraton-style headboard, Quincy is one of Ethan Allen’s most beloved and recognizable pieces of furniture. (ethanallen.com)

Formations presents the Wave outdoor throw pillow, shown in the onyx colorway. It is 23-by-23 inches in size and is detailed with salvage fringe on the edges. Wave is available in six colors. (formationsusa.com)

Auberge is an oversized pendant light featuring a copper repousse cone with faux bois surface details. It accommodates four light bulbs. The pendant is 26 inches in diameter and 36 inches long. (ironies.com)

Join t he celebration to honor t he 2025 Women of Achievement

MendiBakerMilitaryFamilyAdvocacy

MelanieBarrierMusic erapy

eresaBradleyCommunityEnrichment

Bu yDillonHealth&Education

JodieCondieFinney,DPTCaring&Compassion

LettyPrestonGoeringMulticulturalOutreach

JenniferHopeYouthHealing&Welfare

AliceLudmerVolunteerLeadership

GailOlsonCommunityRevitalization

AnnaM.War eldSpiritofGiving

2025 Women of Ach ie vement Awa rd Lu ncheon Tuesd ay, May 13 , 2025

The R itz‐Carlton, St. Louis

11:15 a.m. Ba l lroom doors open • 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Luncheon

Tickets are $60 each Reser vations required and w i l l be held at t he door

Ticketsare$60each.Reservationsrequired.

Ma ke You r Reser vat ions Now

www.woastl.org/register

Forquestionsormoreinformation,pleasecall314–896–4962oremailwoastlouis@gmail.com.

w w w.woast l.org/register or send checks to: Women of Achievement • P O Box 179230 • St Louis, MO 63117 For more information, ca l l 314-896 -4962 or woast louis@gmai l.com

PLATINUM SPONSORS: Mildred,Herbert,andJulianSimonFoundation•BergesFamilyFoundation•StewardFamilyFoundation

PLATINUMSPONSORS:Mildred,Herbert,andJulianSimonFoundation•BergesFamilyFoundation•Clayco•StewardFamilyFoundation

GOLDSPONSORS:Drs.NanciandJamesBobrow•CharitiesAidFoundationAmerica•NancyandKenKranzberg•BankofWashington KathieandRichWinter•EnterpriseMobilityFoundation•FlooringSystemsInc.•NestléPurinaNorthAmerica•NeimanMarcus• eRitz-Carlton,St.Louis

LVER SPONSORS: AndersCPAs+Advisors•KathyandJohnAnderson•SheilaGreenbaumandGaryWasserman•JenniferandTomHillman GOLD SPONSORS: Drs.NanciandJamesBobrow•CharitiesAidFoundationAmerica•NancyandKenKranzberg•BankofWashington KathieandRichWinter•EnterpriseMobilityFoundation•NestléPurinaNorthAmerica•NeimanMarcus• eRitz-Carlton,St.Louis

SusanandDanaHockensmith•LindaandJesseHunter•MarshMcLennanAgency•ParksideFinancialBank&Trust•Stifel•PamandCraigToder

SILVERSPONSORS:AndersCPAs+Advisors•KathyandJohnAnderson•TerryBloomberg•Clark-FoxFamilyFoundation•SheilaGreenbaumandGaryWasserman JenniferandTomHillman•SusanandDanaHockensmith•LindaandJesseHunter•MarshMcLennanAgency•Stifel•PamandCraigToder

BRONZESPONSORS:TerryBloomberg•BethBoggs•CamillaandStephenBrauer•DebbieandDavidCaplin•CarleneDavis eDelmarGardensFamily•IdaandGeraldEarly•FourPillarsFinancialGroup•VickiFriedman•GreatSouthernBank MargaretandMartinIsrael•SandraMurdock•NoémiNeidor •NISAInvestmentAdvisors•OntheRunbyWallisCompanies PNCBank•LindaJaneRiekes•PeggyRitter•MarySchoolman•BarbaraLangsamShumanandMichaelShuman•Stinson LLP CassieStrom&DanGeorge•Julie omasSwardofMonetaGroup•TechnologyPartners,Inc.•TrotterPhoto•Caroland TomVoss

BRONZESPONSORS:BethBoggs•CamillaandStephenBrauer•DebbieandDavidCaplin•CarleneDavis•RickDeStefane• eDelmarGardensFamily •IdaandGeraldEarly•FourPillarsFinancialGroup•VickiFriedman•FourPillarsFinancial•GreatSouthernBank•MargaretandMartinIsrael•MonetaGroup/JulieSward •SandraMurdock•NoémiNeidor •NISAInvestmentAdvisors•OntheRunbyWallisCompanies•ParksideFinancialBankandTrust •ChristinePennell•LindaJaneRiekes•PeggyRitter•MarySchoolman•BarbaraLangsamShumanandMichaelShuman•StinsonLLP •CassieStromandDanGeorge•TechnologyPartners,Inc.•TrotterPhoto•CarolandTomVoss•JulieandKeithWilliams

Garden Addiction

By Pat Raven, Ph.D. and Julie Hess

Primeplantingtimeishere!Ican’t go pastanurserywithout stoppingintoseewhatis new andpromisingonoffer.

So far thisyear,I have discovereda new varietyofCarolina jasminecalled“Sunseeker”thatissupposedtobehardy here. I hadgoodluckinaformergardenwithonecalled“Margarita,”butcould notfinditinthetrade,so you canonlyimagine my delighttorandomly runacrossthislovely“new”vine.IhadagoodlaughwhenIdiscovered that“Sunseeker”actually is “Margarita”–justtrademarkedundera new name.Whoknew?Anotherchancefind was apairof large, whiteAfrican daisies(“4DWhite”) for my frontpots.There weretwo, exactly two andno more, onanendcap.Havingusedthemlastyear togreatsuccess,theyquickly moved into shoppingcart.

If you haven’ttriedthe new hardy Peruvianlilies(Alstroemeria) from Proven Winnersyet,look for new varietiesthisyearincluding “SummerBreak”inshadesofrose andwhite,“SummerBreeze”in yummytangerines,andred-hot “SummerHeat.”Itrialedtheshrimppink“Flamingo”lastyearand was delightedwiththelengthyseason ofbloom.It’sperfect for long-lasting arrangementsinthehouse;themoreIcut, themoreitbloomed.

Agreat new annualtolook for isthe“Angelface WedgwoodPink” summersnapdragon(Angelonia).Alovelypink-andwhitevertical for containers,itwillbloomallsummer.And for a new twistonyoursaladplate,try“FlavorettePear’d”edible rose. Selected for itsgentlepearflavor,petalscanbeusedin sweet orsavorydishes. For dessert,trya“TasteofHeaven”thornlessblackberry.Althoughtrellising isnotrequired,itwillmakethemeasiertoharvest.Justthink:pickinga deliciousblackberrywithoutbloodshed.

It pays tovisityourfavoritegardencentersweeklytocatch new inventorywhenit’sfreshandinpeakcondition,butif you can’tdothat, go online.Manyofourlocalretailers have pre-orderoptionswhere you may selectplantsbeforethey even arriveatthenursery.Don’tforgetthe ShawNatureReserveSpringPlantSale(Friday, May 2 from 3to7p.m.and Saturday, May 3 from 9a.m.to1p.m.)!Plantspurchasedonlinecanbe pickedupduringthemarket from theShawNatureReservebooth. For a listofplants for saleandmoredetails,visitsnrshop.org/about-3.

FACES ofREALESTATE

ByMaggiePeters

MaryBethBenes

Forsellersandbuyersseekingthemostknowledgeable,experiencedand professionalagentintheGreaterSt.LouisMetroregion,theirsearchoftenends atColdwellBankerRealty–Gundaker,whereMaryBethBenesservesSt.Louis County,St.CharlesCounty,the40/64Corridor,Ladue,Frontenac,Townand CountryandChesterﬁeld.

Withmorethan$1billionintotalsalesinhercareerandover$148million soldin2024,TheBenesGroupisrankedNo.1inthestateofMissouriwith ColdwellBankerRealty-Gundaker.Licensedsince2003,shecreatesastressfreeprocessforherclientswhileplacingtheminthebestposition,whetherthey arebuyingorselling.Sheispraisedforworkingonbehalfofherclients’interests, aswellasbeingactivelyinvolvedduringallpriceandcontractnegotiations.

Benesworksaroundtheclockforherclients,andhasbuiltanunparalleled knowledgeofthemarketandstrongworkingrelationshipswiththeotheragents inthearea.“Fromthehomesearchandsaleprocessstraightthroughtoclosing andbeyond,Benesworkstoexceedyourexpectations!”

KimCarneyisconsistentlyrankedastheNo.1ColdwellBankerPremier agentandlistedinthetop1percentofallREALTORSinSt.Louis.Shespecializes inthehigh-endrealestatemarket,utilizingauniqueandaggressivemarketing planthatsellshomes.

Differentfromothertopagents,Carneypridesherselfonherproactive approach.Shedoesnotstickasigninyouryard,“hoping”thatyourhomewill sell.Shecreatestop-notchprintadvertisingthatcan’tbebeat.Shealsouses socialmediaboostsandotheruniquetoolsthatmakeasigniﬁcantdifference. Sheoffersthenecessaryexperienceandsavvynegotiationskillstogether clientswhattheywant.

CarneyattendedLadueHortonWatkinsHighSchool,wenttotheUniversity ofMissouri-Columbiaandreceivedhermaster’sdegreeincounselingfromthe UniversityofMissouri-St.Louis.Sheisanemptynesternowthatherdaughters, EmmaandGracearejuniorsattheUniversityofKentucky.

Carneyenjoystraveling,pickleballandhangingoutwithherdaughters.After overcomingovariancanceralmost11yearsago,shestaysinvolvedinandgives tonumerouscharitiesdeartoherheart,includingtheSt.LouisOvarianCancer AwarenessorganizationandSitemanCancerCenter.

KimCarney

TheGellmanTeam

BrothersMarkGellmanandNeilGellmancombinedtheirwiderangeof experience,education,andpassionforrealestatetocreateTheGellmanTeam in2008.Theysoldtheirﬁrstmillion-dollarlistingin2011–and261moresince. Usingtheirprovenprocess,theteamhit$1billionincareersalesin2020and, justthreeyearslater,celebrated$2billionand5,000familiesservedinApril 2024.TheGellmanTeam’scommitmentanddedicationtotheirclientscanbe seenin1,500-plus5-starGoogleandZillowreviews.

MarkGellmanandNeilGellmanareveryproudoftheteamculturethey’ve createdfollowingtheircorevalues–integrity,honesty,professionalism, conﬁdentiality,responsiveness,reliability,attentiontodetail,clientrelationships forlife,givingback,persistingwithoutexception,andfamily-life-workharmony. Oneofthebrothers’greatest,sharedpassionsisgivingbacktothecommunities inwhichtheyliveandwork.Theteamsupportsover90charitiesandrecently heldits35thfreetrainingeventfortheagentcommunity.Getaninstanthome valuationattgtvalue.com.

MikeHugginshas carvedout aremarkable careerinthe St. Louis realestate market,with10 years asanagentandthelast 8of thoseas aTopProducer.Huggins’ unwaveringprofessionalismandintegrityserve asthe cornerstone of hisbusiness. With a deepunderstanding of thelocalmarketand agenuine commitment to his clients, Hugginshelpsthemnavigate the complexities of buyingandsellinghomes with ease.Hisapproachischaracterized by patience,meticulousattention to detail, andmasterfulnegotiatingskills.

Before beginninghis careerin realestate, Hugginsspentmanyyearsworkingwith youngpeopleas ayouthminister. This experience shapedhisability to buildstrong relationshipsandhasequippedhimwith exceptionallisteningskills,empathy, and anappreciation of theimportanceof trustandsupportduringpivotalmoments.

Hisgoalis forclients to know thatheisthereforthem everystep of the way, afﬁrmedin arecentclient testimonialthat reads:“Workingwith Mike met myevery expectation. I had a lotof questions,andhecheerfully answeredthemall. I didn’t feellikea ‘number,’ratherlike someonehe reallywanted to help. We don’t often get that feelinginlife,but I sure didwith Mike.”

Outside ofrealestate, Hugginsenjoys spendingtimewithhis family andfriends, workingonhomeimprovementprojects,stayinginshapeatthegym, eatingout,and volunteeringathis Parish,MaryQueen ofPeace.

MikeHuggins

Jill&JacqueRealEstate

TheexpertteamofJillAzarandJacqueMileusniciscommittedtohelping youbuyorsellyourhomewithconﬁdence.Withextensiveknowledgeofthe localmarketanditsconstantchanges,theirdedicationtopersonalizedservice isevidentintheirprovensuccess.AzarandMileusnicworktirelesslytoguide youthrougheverystep,ensuringthatwhetheryou’reaﬁrst-timebuyerora seasonedseller,youreceivethebestvalueandasmoothtransaction.Theytake prideinprovidingtheresultsyoudeserve.

Knownfortheirintegrityandcommunicationskills,AzarandMileusnic collaborateseamlesslywithotherprofessionalstoclosedealssuccessfully. Theirstrongrelationshipsandabilitytomeetclientneedsconsistentlydrive theirreputation.Whethernavigatingcomplexmarketconditionsorassisting withasimplepurchase,AzarandMileusnicmakesureyouhavethesupportand expertiseneededtosucceed.Callthemtodayforallyourrealestateneeds.

TeddyJ.Johnlikes

Hardworking,focusedandpossessingunwaveringattentiontodetail, St.LouisnativeTeddyJ.Johnlikesproudlyserveshomebuyersandsellersin St.CharlesandSt.Louiscounties’mostsought-aftercommunities.

AsapartneratTheBenesGroup,Johnlikesprovidesaresults-oriented experiencedrivenbyexcellentservice.Heconsiderscustomerservicehisﬁrst priority.Withover$1billionincareersalesandover$148millionsoldin2024, TheBenesGroupisrankedNo.1inthestateofMissouriwithColdwellBanker Realty-Gundaker.

“Withovertenyearsofexperienceasafull-servicerealestateprofessional withafocusonSt.CharlesandSt.Louiscounties,Iprovidebuyerandseller serviceswithahighlevelofknowledgeastowhatishappeninginthisever changingandfastpacedmarket,”Johnlikessays.“Fromthehomesearch, preparationandsaleprocessstraightthroughtoclosingandbeyond,weseek tofarexceedyourexpectations!”

JulieLane

Anindustrystandout,JulieLaneagainistheNo.1agentatJanetMcAfeeand No.3inthestateofMissouri.Herdiscreetapproachallowsherclientstomeet andexceedtheirrealestategoals.Laneprovidesexemplaryserviceandexpert knowledgetoallclientsregardlessofpricepoint.Shespecializesinoffmarket propertiestoensureherclientsareawareofalloptions.

HavingworkedincorporatepriortobecomingaREALTOR,Laneworksvery diligentlytoassistherclientsinsellingtheirhomesforthemostandintheleast amountoftime.Laneandherhusbandarecurrentlybuildingtheirnewhomein Ladueandareproudtocallitscommunityhome.

KeithR.Manzer

KeithR.Manzer was rankedasthe No. 1 agentatGladys Manionin2019and 2020, andthe No. 1teamin2021,2022,and2023withsales of $600-plusmillion, rangingfrom$250,000 to nearly $7,000,000 for a single residence. He possesses 42 yearsofexperience and expertiseinthehigh-endmarketanywhere in St. Louis, andhe continues to maintainan extremely highsuccess rate andstellar reputation by seekingoutnewwaysto promote not only locally, butinternationally.

Hishands-onapproachis akeyfactorinhissuccess. He answers his own phone,creates a custommarketingplan for eachpropertyhelists forsaleor anactionplan to assistbuyers sotheycanachieve theirgoal of successfully purchasing a homeinthis competitive market.Plus,healways shows up – not an assistantoraninexperienced,new agent.Hismotto issimple: workhard andtreat yourcustomers as you wouldliketo betreated.

Manzeralsogivesback to the community.In 2011hesetup a scholarship fundinthememory of hisdeceasedpartnerthathelpsunderservedchildrenand is a pastboard member ofCraftAllianceCenter of Art + Design. He hasalsoled fundraisingeffortsonbehalf of.Louis SymphonyOrchestra, Opera TheatreSt. Louis,The RepertoryTheatre,Siteman Cancer Center,HumanRights Campaign, ContemporaryArt Museum, Women’s Self-Help Center, Doctor’sEventand United Way.

MattMcClelland

MattMcClellandhasmorethan26-plusyearsoffull-timerealestate experienceinWashington,Missourianditssurroundingareas.Heistherecipient oftheRE/MAXLifetimeAchievementAward,RE/MAXHallofFameAward, RE/MAXTitanAward,andmostrecentlythe2023FCBR2023Realtorofthe yearaward.

McClellandisinvolvedwithmultiplelocalorganizationsandcharities includingCASA,Grace’sPlace,DeltaWaterfowl,Children’sMiracleNetworkand DowntownWashington.HisTeamhasbeentherecipientofTheBestRealEstate Teamforthelast7yearsoftheWashingtonMissourianReaders’ChoiceAward.

ErikPetersen

AlifelongSt.Louisresident,ErikPetersenbringsnearlyadecadeofmarket experience—andtheconﬁdence,discipline,andfocustogetthejobdonein anysituation.

“Whetherit’sﬁvedollarsor$50million,I’mreadyforit,”ishismotto.

AspartofBreihanMalecekPetersen&James,Petersenhashelpedbuild oneofthetop-producingteamsinSt.Louisbysurroundinghimselfwith like-minded,drivenprofessionals.Theteamprioritizesrelationshipsover transactions,whichiswhythemajorityoftheirbusinesscomesfromreferrals andrepeatclients.

Knownforhisadaptabilityandunmatchedworkethic,Petersenalways staysaheadofthecurveinanever-evolvingmarket.

RossiniRealEstateGroup

Withmorethan30yearsofcombinedexperience,AllieRossiniandLauren Gillentinegoaboveandbeyondyourrealestateexpectations!

Rossinihasrealestateinherblood-herfatherwasatoprealestate attorney;hermotherisaninteriordesigner,andherhusbandownshisown commercialrealestatecompany-andGillentinediscoveredherpassionwhen purchasingherﬁrsthome.Together,thisdynamiteteamworksthroughoutthe CentralCorridorandSt.LouisCountyandaretopproducersforLauraMcCarthy.

“Organically,weendupwithabouthalfofourbusinessbeinglistingsand halfofourbusinesshelpingbuyers,”RossiniandGillentinesay.“Wealsolove helpingclientsmoveinfromoutofstateandlearntheareaandallofthe fantasticthingsSt.Louishastooffer.”

RossiniproudlyservesontheboardsofboththeClaytonEducation FoundationandtheClaytonHighSchoolPTO.Gillentineandherhusbandare activelyinvolvedwithUCPHeartland.BothRossiniandGillentinecontribute theirexpertiseasadvisoryboardmembersforPinkRibbonGood.

Theyconclude:“Welovewhatwedo,andloveworkingtogether,andwe thinkthatmakesthissometimes-stressfulprocessofbuyingorsellingahome muchmoreenjoyable!”

ElizabethSt.Cin

Looking foran expertwhowill walk youthroughtheentire process,make stellar recommendations,ﬁndorganizers,andpullallthepieces together to perfection…you’vefoundherinLiz St.Cin! Atopﬁve agent yearafter year,St.Cinhas an exuberance thatis contagiousandher warmthoroughandalways thoughtful mannerenhances everyaspect.Sheis consistently achievingthebest resultsinthat illusive intersection of bestprice anddays onmarket. St.Cingives everyhouse a lift withher carefulattention to detail,dedication,andhands-onapproach.

Active withLauraMcCarthyformore than30 years,and togetherwithherproud Air ForceColonelhusband,they haverelocatedmany times overthe years. St.Cin knows house-huntinginsideandoutandwithinteriordesignas a hobby, she offers astute andstrategic recommendationsalongwith technical expertisethatinspires herdozens of happy customers includingherﬁve grownsonsandtheir families. Outside ofrealestate, Hugginsenjoys spendingtimewithhis family andfriends, workingonhomeimprovementprojects,stayinginshapeatthegym, eatingout, and volunteeringathis Parish,MaryQueen ofPeace.

AlyssaSuntrup

AlyssaSuntruphasbeenGladysManion’shighest-grossingagentsince 2022.ShewasUniversityCity’shighest-producingagentin2022,andsince thenhassetanewrecordforherbrokeragewithover34milliondollarsinsales. Shehasexceededover135millioninsalesin7yearsasaRealtor.

Suntrupisdedicatedtoherclients’experiencesandensurestheyreceive nothingbutthehighestresults.Whetherdevelopingamarketingstrategyfora sellerorsettingoutonapropertyhunt,shetakesprideinbeinghighlyeffective andefﬁcientwhileprovidingunparalleledservice.

SuntrupresidesinUniversityCitywithherhusband,Chris,andthreesons, Blaise,Baron,andBishop.SheisontheChildren’sHospitalboardandtrustee fortheMarylandTerraceneighborhood.Shealsovolunteerswithherchildren’s schoolsandisamemberofOurLadyofLourdesParishinUniversityCity.

Experience the pinnacle of refined living in this timeless residence. This Clayton home epitomizes modern luxury, blending casual yet elegant spaces with incredible details throughout. You are welcomed into a gracious entry that opens to a handsome den with a fireplace and custom bookcases, a fabulous light-filled dining room, and a custom kitchen/family room that features a spectacular box-beamed ceiling, a wood-burning fireplace, and a butler’s pantry.

There is an inviting covered outdoor area with a wood-burning ﬁreplace and patio that overlooks a manicured landscaped yard, perfect for entertaining or enjoying a peaceful evening. Venture upstairs to a spacious laundry, the primary suite with a luxurious bathroom, and a tailored walk-in closet. There are three additional bedrooms, one ensuite. Situated above the garage is a versatile suite, perfect for a home ofﬁce or guests.

This ﬁve bedroom four full bathroom and one half bathroom home in Clayton is listed for $3.495 million.

Beauty Trifecta

The ultimate in pampering is now being served up in the prettiest package at Ladue-based BOCA Orthodontic + Whitening Studio’s new pop-up event series. According to founder Dr. Erin Fraundorf, BOCA Beauty is “a unique experience where we offer exclusive pricing on three top-tier beauty services – hair, makeup, and teeth whitening – provided by some of the best in the industry.”

specialty services at deeply discounted pricing.

A mutual friend connected the orthodontist with Marcos Diaz, hairstylist to celebrities such as Sienna Miller and featured in powerhouse publications like Vogue magazine, with an inspired idea. “Christina [Strauss], a marketing genius, envisioned a collaboration … to empower confidence and elevate the St. Louis beauty scene,” Fraundorf says.

Charlotte Rose, friend to Fraundorf, joined as a London-trained makeup artist, and the three professionals hosted a Valentine’s Day pop-up where guests could book any or all of their

“What started as a one-time event quickly turned into something more,” Fraundorf says. “The response was so overwhelmingly positive, we knew we had to bring it back.”

Though subject to change, as of BOCA Beauty’s April 2025 event, haircuts with Diaz (valued at $350) are $200, makeup by Rose (valued at $350) is a $200 service, and in-studio teeth whitening by Fraundorf (valued at $345) is $200.

“We’re taking it one event at a time,” Fraundorf notes. “We want each one to feel special and thoughtfully curated.” Fraundorf encourages those interested to keep an eye out for seasonal offerings, as the pop-ups will be based around each professional’s current demand and schedule.

The next BOCA Beauty pop-up event has not yet been scheduled (at the time of writing), so follow along on the professionals’ social media accounts (Diaz at @marcosdiazhair, Fraundorf

at @dr.erin.ortho, and Rose at @charlotterose. makeup) for news of the next event. Once it’s announced, direct message whomever you want to book to make your reservation. All that’s left to do is attend the exclusive celebration, where bubbly beverages (both alcoholic and nonalcoholic), sweet treats and ambient music inside a swanky setting invite you to indulge in a ritual of self-care.

“Whether you’re popping in for one service or staying for the full beauty trifecta, the vibe is fun, feel-good and empowering,” Fraundorf says. “It’s not just about the glam – it’s about creating a moment of self-care, connection and confidence.” She adds: “When you look better and feel better, you do better. And at the end of the day, that’s our goal: to create smiles that inspire. Smiles that empower others to go out and do beautiful things in the world, making it an even better place.”

BOCA Orthodontic + Whitening Studio, 9727 Clayton Road, Ladue, 314-907-BOCA (2622), boca-studio.com

By Amanda Dahl > Photos by Izaiah Johnson Photography, courtesy of Erin Fraundorf

Heart on

Your Sleeve

By Brittany

WhengraphicdesignerLeahLonguevillecouldn’tfind affordable,adorableonesies for hernewbornin2018,she starteddesigningandprintingherown.

Themetroeastmomhand-printedquality,neutral-colored babygarmentswithpositivemessagessuchas“BeTheGood”and “Love Thy Neighbor.”Soon,herfreshtakeonkids’clothesresonatedwithfellow millennialmoms,leadingLonguevilletolaunchanEtsyonlinestore.

By2022,PolishedPrintsopeneditsfirstbrick-and-mortarshopat downtownretail,foodandentertainmentdestinationCityFoundrySTL. Andinlate2024, a secondstore was launchedinEdwardsville,Illinois, nearLongueville’shomeinGlenCarbon.

AlthoughPolishedPrints’bestsellerremainsitsonesies,the companycreatesclothing for allages, from babyclothestokids’duds towomenswear.

Asithasgrown,thebusinessstillaimstoprovidetheapparelthat Longueville was looking for as a millennialmomwithherfirstborn daughter. “We createclothesthatreallyseemtoalignwiththelivesof millennialmoms,” says thefounderandCEO, now a momofthree.“We’re findingwhatrelatestothemandbringingthattogetherin a placewhere theyfeelseen. We have clothesthey[andtheirfamilies]canreallywearin theirday-to-daylives.”

Amidthebright, fun atmosphereofPolishedPrints’ two locations, familiescanfindthefitthatbestcelebratesthepersonalityofeachmom andlittleone.Kidsandwomen’steespromotepositivity,emblazoned withsayingssuchas“in my kindera”and“kindnessisgolden,”and onesies are customizedwithcutenicknames for yourkiddo,like “tatertot”and“littlebug,”so“itfeelslikeit was made for them,” Longueville says.

For spring, new itemsfeaturesoftpopsofcoloraswellassportsrelatedgraphics.Select from bamboosleepers for babiesandbamboo dresses for kids.Pullovers for adultsandkidsalso are available,aswellas new women’sknitwear,including a sweatervesttanktop.

A recentlyreleasedwomenswearfavoriteisthemomcrop – Polished Prints’answertotheperfectT-shirt.“It’sreallyhardtofind a good T-shirt – [often]thesleeves are tooshort,it’stooboxyortheneckistoo small,”Longueville says, notingtheirversionofthebasichasnographics andhitsjusttherightspot – atthetopofmomjeans,coveringthe bellybutton.

Thefounder says herteamemploys a thoughtfulapproachtoapparel, takingthetimeto go throughmanyiterationsof a garmentto get the rightlookandfit.“The[momcrop]fabrichas a hintofspandexinit,so

you canwearitduringpregnancy,anditfollows you throughoutdifferent seasonsof life,” Longueville says.

AtPolishedPrints’newestlocationinEdwardsville, a largerspace offerswomenswearbasicsandgiftsononeside,whiletheotherlocation featureskid’sclothingand a craftbar –a creativeareathathasquickly becomepopular for parties.“Itgiveskidstheexperienceofdesigningand creatingtheir own clothesthattheycanwalkoutofthestorein – there’s somuchprideinthat,”Longueville says.

So, swingbyPolishedPrintsand,asthestoresloganencourages: “Wearyourstory.”

Polished Prints, multiple locations, polished-prints.com

Nay > Photos courtesy of Polished Prints

La Casa DE LOS JUGOS

AtLaCasaDe Los Jugos,ErikaRodriguez isonamissiontomindfullybring healthyoptionstoCherokeeStreet. Behindthecounterofthesmallwholefoods-forwardstorefront,shesingle-handedly whipsuprefreshingfruitsmoothiesandcoldpressedjuicesaswellasnourishingsandwiches, saladsandbowlstoorder.Eachvibrantplate andglassofbalanced fare bringsheronestep closertoanoverallgoalofenhancingthewellbeingofothersthroughfood.

AftermovingtoSt.LouisinApril2024, Rodruguez saw thepotentialtobringanutritionfocusedmenutotheneighborhood.LaCasa

De Los Jugos,which means“thehouseof thejuices,”debutedin lateJanuary.“Ithink it’simportanttooffer theseproductsbecause people are looking for alternative ways toeat healthier,”she says.

Someofthe ingredientsonhand, suchascollagen, proteinandvitamin C,canbeaddedto any ofthedrinks, includingtheshop’s bestseller:the Peach &BerryDelight smoothiewithpeach, strawberry, agave andorangejuiceoralmond milk.Themostpopularcold-pressedjuicethus far combinesspinach, kale, apple,celery,chia andginger.“Thejuices are formulatedtobeneﬁt eachindividual,andthey’remadewithalotof love anddedication,”Rodriguez says.

For aquickpick-me-up,gingershots withhealthbenefitssuchashelpingwith inflammationanddigestion are availableinfour invigoratingflavors:turmericandgreenapple; pineapple;lemon,honeyandcayennepepper; andgreenapple.“It’slikeanenergyshotif you get itinthemorning,”she says.

Rodriguez’sonlyemployee,StephanieCarlin, whohelpsoutontheweekends,recommends two personalfavorites:theMangoMagic smoothie(withmango,avocadoandalmond milk)andthevegetablepanini.Thelattercomes loadedwithzucchini,bellpeppers,onion, spinachandpanelacheese,afreshcow’smilk cheesecommoninMexico.So far, she says, guests have gravitatedtowardsandwichessuch

asthechickenbreastpaniniwithchipotle mayo, tomato,onionandspinach.Breakfastitems,such astheeggavocadosandwich, are alsoavailable all day, andsmoothiebowlsinﬂavorssuchas strawberrymango have beenpopular.Eachbowl istoppedwiththetastytexturesandﬂavors ofgranola,coconut,almonds,strawberries, raspberries,blueberriesandhoney.

Inadditiontoservingupwholesome specialties,Rodriguezlooksforwardtocooking upseasonalspecialssuchasadragonfruit bowlandtortastohelpnurturethecommunity she now callshome.“I’mverygratefulthat people have beenverygentlewithmeand have acceptedtheshopandthemenu.They’revery enthusiastic,”Rodriguez says. “Inthefuture, I’d love toopenanothershopinSt.Louis.”

LaCasaDe Los JugosisopenSundaythrough Friday from 8a.m.to7p.m.

La Casa De Los Jugos, 2606 Cherokee St., St. Louis, lacasadelosjugos.com

Story and photos by Mabel Suen

KATIE

Folk f 50

By Drew Gieseke > Photos courtesy of The Focal Point

Thisyearmarksthe50thanniversaryofTheFocalPointin Maplewood.Thetheater-stylelisteningroomhostsintimate musicalperformancesshowcasingsomeofthebesttraditional, folkandrootsmusiciansinthearea.It’salsoentirelyvolunteerrun,makingthepast ﬁve decadesextraspecial for thosewho’vehelped keepthespiritalive.“FocalPoint’smusichas always beenrootedinthe traditionalstylesofmusicthat have beenthefoundationofthemore populargenresoftoday,”venuevolunteerGeoffHerman says. “We keep tothosetraditionsandcontinuetobringinauthenticactsyoungand old,but we alsolooktowardsperformerswhowilladdtheir own unique stylingstothoseoriginalforms.”

Foundedin1975byBillandJanet Boyer, TheFocalPointbeganas a coffeehouseintheOld Orchard areaofWebsterGroves.TheBoyershad rootsinthetraditionalAmericanfolksceneandownedMusicFolk,an instrumentshopthatservedpeopleinthecommunity.Atﬁrst,theBoyers hostedFocalPointconcertsthroughoutWebster Groves andSt.Louis, attracting a dedicatedfanbaseoflisteners.InJanuary2000,theyrelocated totheircurrenthomeinhistoricdowntownMaplewood.

ThoughTheFocalPoint’smissionremainsthesame,muchhas changedinthepast50years.They’veexpandedtheirperformancearchive (availableonYouTube)and now hostmorethan100concerts a year.On non-concertevenings,groupsincludingswing,contraandArgentine tangodancersaswellasimprovperformersﬁllthetheaterwithmusic andlaughter.

“Inthebeginning,it was muchmoreintimate,and I thinkless structured,butjustasinteresting a placeasitistoday,”Herman says. “It

isrun now asit always hasbeen,by a staffofvolunteerswhodotheir parttokeepitgoingbecauseoftheir love ofthemusicandthevibeof thespace.”

TheFocalPointisrunbyanall-volunteerstaffofmorethan30people, andeachwearsmultiplehats. For instance,Hermanstartedattending shows in2010andhasvolunteeredsince2018.Hecontributestobuilding maintenance,artistbookingsand even soundandvideotechnology.His dedicationandpassion for theinstitution are whattrulymakeTheFocal Pointstandout.

Insomany ways, the50thyearis a homecoming for localfavorites andpopulartouringmusicians,allmakingtheir way backtoTheFocal Pointto pay tribute.Herman says TheFocalPointhasbeenbusyallyear workingwithartistswho’veplayedthereinthepast,including a normal lineupoftouringperformerslikeMeanMary,Buffalo Rose, TheTillers, TheBlueCanyon Boys andJohnBatdorf.Listenerscanalsoexpectthe returnofpopularmainstayslikeBethBombara,T.J.Muller,JoeParkand EthanLeinwand.

Thevenuewillalsohostspecialperformancestocelebrateits50th, includingananniversaryconcertseriesbeginning May 3 andrunning throughtheendofthemonth. A few notablenamesincludeBritishballad singerandguitaristMartinCarthy(joinedbydaughterElizaCarthy),blues musiciansSparky & Rhonda Rucker andsinger-songwriterDarrellScott.

“We likewhat we’ve built,and we willcontinuetoprovideexcellent musicin a comfortableroom for thosewhotrulyenjoygreatmusic.”

The Focal Point, 2720 Sutton Blvd., St. Louis, 314-560-2778, thefocalpoint.org

EL ADU E NE WS. facebook.com/laduenews

@laduenews

PINWITH US. pinterest.com/laduenews

SHAR E WITH US. @laduenews on Instagram

Discoveracommunitythatgoesaboveandbeyondtoen sureyourretirementhitsone highnoteafteranother.Everymeal—moredeliciousthanthelast.Everyactivity—more excitingthanyouhopedfor.Everyfriend ship—moreenr ichingthanyouimagined.Withan expansiverangeofservicesandamenities,maintenance-freeliving,andat hr ivingsocial scene,it’seasytoreachnewh ei ghtsinretirementatAberdeenH ei ghts.

By Emily Standlee

A TANGLED Tale

In St.Louis, we allknowand love ForestPark. We skateattherinkthereinwinterandsled downArtHill.Whenspringrollsaround,we’re outonthetrailslisteningtobirdsandadmiring all71differentspeciesoftrees,climbing over suspensionbridgesandtakingineverythingthe park’smuseums have tooffer.We’realsofamiliar withRiverdesPeres,theoft-forgotten9.3-mile waterwaythatoriginally ﬂowedfrom a lakein Creve CoeurtotheMississippiRiver,nearLemay. Butwhatdothe twohave incommon?

Ourstorybeginsinthe1890s,whenRiverdes Peres enteredForestPark from thenorthwestern edge, turningsoutheastamongthetrees.Theriver occasionallyfloodeditsbanks;withthatflooding camerefusefloatingin from St.Louis,making for a whollyunhygienicsituationthatneededto beaddressed. “As developerssentsewageinto RiverdesPeres,cityplannersrealizedthat a more permanent way ofusingtheriveras a sewer was needed,”writesMichaelR.Alleninthereport “TheHarnessedChannel.”Cityplannersdevised a way todivertwastewaterintotheMillCreek sanitaryline,whichledtotheMississippiRiver;in theory,doingsowouldpreventthewasteinRiver des Peres from causingirreversiblepollutionas onemassiveopen sewer line.Thisdidnot go as expected.Developersinthecity’swesternedges continuedtousetheriver for waste,notwaiting for thecityplannerstoimplementtheiridea.“If theriverhadbeenpreservedas a naturalriver, subdivisionofthewesterncitywould have been

stalled … andthecitywould have lost … itsstatus as a growingmetropolis,”Allencontinues. In1900,St.LouisbeganworkingonForest Park for the1904World’sFair.It was an event that wouldchangethetrajectoryofthecity – andthat ofthepark,which was mostlystillforestatthat time – forever. Itwouldalsochangetheshapeof RiverdesPeres.Asroadwaysandgrandstructures wentupinpreparation for thefair,theriver’s ForestParkportionanditsappallingscent were hiddenwithinanenormouswoodenbox.Inthe 1910sand’20s,sectionsoftheriver,includingin ForestPark, were realignedandburied,forced to ﬂow intotwintunnelsunderground:one for stormwaterandtheother for sewage. Allenargues thatthecity was focusedonmakingRiverdes Peres “subservienttohumanneedsonceand for all,”ratherthan“seeingitasanecosystem thatcouldberespectedtosomeextent.”One causeofthis was St.Louis’desireto grow – to marketareasthat were “soattractivetopotential industriesandresidentsthattheywouldnot considergoingelsewhere” – asstatedintheCity PlanCommission’s1916“Riverdes Peres Plan.”Of theriveritself,thedocumentreads:“Itisgenerally considered a nuisanceofwhichthecommunity wouldbepleasedtoriditself.”Inotherwords, RiverdesPeres,despiteitsstartas a meandering, non-toxicwaterway, was justanothersmelly eyesoretobe covered upandforgottenabout. For themostpart,theriverdid get covered upinForestPark.Anditstunnels are, without

question,award-winningfeatsofengineering.Just above Riverdes Peres isanother,albeitartiﬁcial, waterwaythatservesSt.Louisanditsanimal population,lendsitselftoboatingandﬁshingand makestheparkwhatitistoday.Butbelowaningroundgrateeastofthevisitors’center, a staircase descends40feetintothetunnelsrevealing a hiddenentranceandundergroundshrinetowhat oncewas.PassersbyonForestPark’sHeelsand Wheelspathcan,attimes,heartherushofwater beneaththeground,throughthegrate.Perhaps soon,thisonce-wildriverwillseethelightof day once more.

Photo of River Des Peres by Paul Sableman

Photo of 1940 tour of sewer under University City courtesy of the Missouri Historical Society

Photo of construction in Forest Park for 1904 World’s Fair courtesy of the Missouri Historical Society.

WeproudlyserveolderadultsinthegreaterSt.Louis areaatthreeluxuriousGrandelocationsandaround thecountryatothercelebratedBridgeSeniorLiving communities.Findouthowassistedlivingandmemory careprovidedbyatrustednameinseniorlivingcan providetheutmostincomfortandpeaceofmind.

CalloneofourGrandecommunitiestoschedule atourorregisterforanupcomingevent.

COMMUNITY

>REGIONALARTSCOMMISSIONOFST.LOUIS

EditedbyMaggiePeters >PhotoscourtesyofRegionalArtsCommissionofSt.Louis

Formanypeople,a40thbirthdayrepresentsasigniﬁcantlife milestone.It'samomenttoreﬂectonthepast,celebrate achievements,andanticipatethe future. The RegionalArts CommissionofSt.Louisiscelebratingits40thanniversarythis yearandisdoingjustthat!

“We’velearnedthatinvestingintheartsgetsresults,andwe’vebeen doingitsince1985.Wearetheregion’slargestpublicartsfunder,having investedover$115millioningrantssinceourinception,”explainsVanessa Cooksey,RACPresidentandCEO.“Duetoourcommitment,St.Louishas anonproﬁtartsandculturesectorthatcontributesnearly$1billiontothe localeconomy,attractsmorethan8millionvisitorstoSt.Louiseachyear, andprovidesthousandsofjobstoresidents.”

RACisfundedbyasmallportionofthehoteloccupancytaxcollected inSt.LouisCityandCounty,closelylinkedtothetourismindustry.Thanks toRAC’ssupportofthearts,St.Louishasbecomeamoreappealing

Celebrating40Years ofFundingthe ThingsYouLove

destinationformajorsportingevents,nationalconcerttours,and conventions.Eventorganizersandattendeeslooktoavibrantartsand culturescenetoenhancetheirexperience.

“Historically,St.Louisanshaveprioritizedsportsasanessentialpartof ourregion’snarrative…andIagree,”Cookseysays.“Butwhatdopeople dobeforethegameorafterthematchisover?Theyvisitlocalmuseums, musicvenues,theatersandotherculturalattractions.Theydineatlocal restaurants,shoplocalretail,andspendmoneyinthecommunity.Whenwe bringartsandsportstogetherandtalkaboutthevaluethatbothcontribute toourqualityoflife,everybodywins.”

Inthelast40years,RAChashelpedmakeSt.Louismoreenjoyable, beautifulandsafethroughfundingthecreativeexperiencesyouknow andlove –TheMuny,St.LouisSymphonyOrchestra,theContemporary ArtMuseum,TheMagicHouse,TheBlackRep,FestivalofNations,and hundredsmore.Thesearetheplaceswhereyoutakeyourchildrento learnandgrow,andtheplacesyouareproudtobragaboutwhenvisiting othercities.

RACworkseverydaytocreatemeaningfulpartnershipsacrossvarious sectorsandindustries.ThisincludessupportingCircusHarmony,the circusartsgroupatCityMuseumthatbringsjoyandteacheslifeskillsto thousandsofyoungpeople,workingwithleadersfromtheSt.LouisArt MuseumtodevelopprogramsliketheCommunityArtsTrainingInstitute andpartneringwithGreatRiversGreenway.

“AsSt.Louisworkstobolsteritsreputationlocallyandnationally,the artsmustplayacrucialrole,”Cookseyconcludes.“Whenyousupport thearts,yousupportSt.Louis.”

RegionalArtsCommissionofSt.Louis,314-863-5811,racstl.org

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Unplug& Unwind

DGCKIDS

Shining Light gala

TheinauguralShiningLightgala–heldon March 1 bytheDeltaGammaCenter for Childrenwith VisualImpairments– was arousingsuccess,raising morethan$290,000duringthecourseofthe evening.HostedatAmeristarCasinoResortSpaSt.Charles, guestsenjoyedspeciallyselectedhorsd’oeuvresanddrinks whilebrowsingliveauctionitems.Theyalsolearnedabout thenonprofit’smissionofassistingchildrenwithvisual impairmentsandtheirfamiliesthroughfamily-focused servicesandthesupportoftheircommunities.Aspecial dinnerfollowedwithcoursesdesignedtoengagethesenses ofallparticipants.

Josh Fields, studentatMaryvilleUniversityandmember oftheSt.LouisBluesBlindHockeyClubandU.S.Blind HockeyTeamhadthistosay:“From a young age, theDGCKids communityhasbeenby my side,helpingmebuildthe confidencetopursue my dreams – onthe ice, onthe track and beyond. I livebythewords,‘Thereisnoexcuse for hardwork,’ andI’mgrateful for my familyandtheincrediblepeoplewho havealways encouragedmetopush my limitsandgive my all.”

Visit laduenews.com to see more photos from this event >

When a family ﬁrst learns their child has a visual impairment, it can feel overwhelming – but they don’t have to navigate it alone. At DGCKids, we walk alongside families from the very beginning, providing critical services, guidance and a community that truly understands. The resilience of these children and the love of their families inspire me every day. I’m honored to be part of an organization that provides the support and opportunities they deserve to thrive.

– Courtney Vomund DGCKIDS BOARD CHAIR

Kelly and Steve Henroid Shvetha Zarek, Amy Slone, Adel Salem, Tensai Newete

Lexi and Scott Kroeger

Story and photos by Bryan Schraier

Dong Zhao, Alison Levens, Don Soffer, Callie VanOstran, Simon Crocker, Dena Soffer, Lauren Kemph, Louis Bonacorsi

Raphaella Prange, Beth Doores, Brittany Fennell, Melissa Brueggeman, Shelly Cattoor

David, Josh and Heidi Fields

BOYS

HOPE GIRLS HOPE

Celebration of Hope

Boys HopeGirlsHopehosteditsannualCelebration ofHope event onApril3atTheReverieSTLin Chesterfield.Guestsenjoyedconversationandlight bites,allincelebrationoftheorganization’sScholars programandthepeoplewhohelpmakeitthrive.

Pattie Murray Voss,socialworkeratSt.FrancisCabrini Academy,receivedtheHeartofHopeAward,while Carmen Castellano ofKoetting Eye Center was honoredwiththe FatherSheridanReflectionofHopeAward.The event alsomarkedtheintroductionof new executivedirector Michelle Abel,whoinspiredthe crowd withhervision for theorganization’sfutureunderits new name,HopeIgnites St.Louis.

Visit laduenews.com to see more photos from this event >

I’m so excited to experience my ﬁrst Celebration of Hope since joining the organization in December. This annual event is a time to reﬂect on our growth, recognize some of the many accomplishments of our scholars and honor those who play a key role in our mission. We have a special reason to celebrate this year, with the announcement of our new name and renewed commitment to reaching more young people with the support, resources and opportunities that help empower them to overcome adversity and achieve their dreams. around the world.

– Michelle Abel EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Rene Knott, Fletcher Lane

Adam and Alex Castellano

Megan Browdy, Karen Geders, Melissa Dawson

Story and photos by Diane Anderson

Rick and Trish Noonan, Pat and Jane Tracy, Jake and Angie Schlater

Lilia, Ethan, Pattie and Dylan Voss

Brett and Lindsay Vollath, Matt and Kathy Gagnepain

SUBSCRIBE T OD AYTO GETALLOFTHE ST ORI ESY OU LO VEDELIVERE D DIR EC TLYTOY OU R INBO X. With daily,weeklyormonthly sendsthatcover all the topicsthat mattertoyou – from waysto supportsmall businesses inthe area, to thehealthnewsyouneed right now,to humanintereststories that uplift andinspire–you’ll alwaysstay informed and entertained. You’ll score first looksat ourfavoritefeaturestories,freshonline exclusives andsomuchmore. There’s nobetter– or easier– waytostayinvolved inyourcommunity. LN’s suite ofne w sle tters isthebe stwaytokeepup with your c ommunitywhileonthe g o.

COOLEST Kids in Town

ByAmandaDahl >PhotosbyChristinaKling-Garrett

Twins Kallu and Kallik dazzleSaint LouisZoo visitors, evenas fan-favorite Kalimoveson for hisﬁrstmatingseasonin Toledo.

Ahushfallsoverthecrowd beginningtogatherjustoutside SaintLouisZoo’sPolarBear Point.Eyesdartfromone entrancetothenext.“Ooh,” murmursthechorusofonlookers,asthe zoo’snewestresidentsstepintothedaylight, saunteringoutintotheirhabitatwiththe aloofnessofcelebrities.KallikandKallu, 2-year-oldtwins,arefullofyoungmaleenergy andarethereforedifﬁculttophotograph together,orsowe’vebeentold.OnthedayLN visits,however,thispolarbearduoissoaking upthespotlight.

“Kalluisabiggerboy,sohe’scloserto 750pounds,andKallikisalittlesmaller, around650orso,”describesJulieHartellDeNardo,thezoo’sKevinBeckmanncurator ofcarnivores.Thezoo’sformerresident

polarbear,Kali,isconsideredarelativelylarge maleforhisspecies,andHartell-DeNardo anticipatesthetwinswillgrowtoclosetohis fullsize,somewhereintherangeof1,100to 1,200pounds.

Kali,afavoriteofzoovisitors,isconsidered incrediblyvaluableforhisgenetics,having beenborninthewild.Hismotherwaskilled byahuntsman,buthewasabletosurvive afterhewasrescuedbyresidentsofthe AlaskaNativeVillageofPointLay.Kali’s transfertotheToledoZoo&Aquarium shockedhisSt.Louisfans,butitisvitalto matchhimwithapotentialpartnerduring thelimitedmatingseasonforpolarbears–anopportunitythatlastsonlyfromJanuary throughtheendofMarch.

“Thisisoneofthereasonswhyitwasso criticalforustomoveKaliquickly,oncewe

gotapprovaltodoso,” Hartell-DeNardosays. “Thisishisﬁrstopportunitytomate–we wantedtomakesurehe…didn’thaveto waitawhole[breeding]season.”

Kali’snewmatehasaconnectiontoSt. Louis–sheisthemothertotwinsKallikand Kallu.Inthewild,polarbearcubstypically leavetheirmothersaroundtheageof2, whichmadethetimingforthistransfer opportuneforall.

“Crystalisagreatﬁtfor[Kali],”HartellDeNardocontinues.“She’sanolderfemale whohasreproducedsuccessfullywith multiplemales…whichimprovestheodds thatKaliwillhavehisgeneticsrepresented andpassedontothenextgeneration.”

Meanwhile,Crystal’scubsaredaily discoveringtheirnewhabitatattheSaint LouisZoo,wheredifferentbiomes,orareas, mimicapolarbear’snaturalsetting,from agrassyknolltosaltwaterpoolstoarocky coastlineaswellasasandyareainwhichthey digbasinstosettleforthenight.

“Kallikismoreinquisitive.He’smorelikely tocheckonnew[enrichmentitemsadded tothehabitat],”Hartell-DeNardosays.“He’s muchmoreactivethanhisbrother.Kalluis abitslowertocheckthingsout.Hetends tofollowhisbrotheraroundtoseewhat thingsaregoingon,buthe’salsomorefood motivated,whichiswhyheisbigger.”

Aswespeakwiththecurator,justover hershoulder,weseethecubsdigging throughapileoffreshiceintheirhabitat.

Afterdiscoveringaﬁshinthe iceand consumingit,oneﬂipsonhisbackto rollaroundintheicewhilehisbrother gingerlywalksovertonosethroughthe remainingpile.Inallseasonsbutwinter, thezoodropsiceintothepolarbear habitatevery15minutes.

“Thebiggestthreatfacingpolarbears inthewildisrelatedtoseaice–polarbears areincrediblydependentonseaice.They useitasahuntingplatformandfordiving,” Hartell-DeNardosays.“Theotheraspectthat’s importantis,aswe’relosingseaice,itputs polarbearsmoreinconﬂictwithhumans, whichisanotherriskfortheminthewild.”

Hartell-DeNardodetailshowpartnerships throughtheSaintLouisZooWildCareInstitute CenterforPolarBearConservationenable zoologicaleffortstoaddressthedegradation oftheseamammals’naturalenvironmentas wellastowork“withcommunitiesonabating human-bearconﬂict[and]withresearchersto learnaboutpolarbearsinthewild,”especially wheredataislackingsuchasonmalesand younganimals.

Contributetothe zoo’s conservationefforts andcomeseeforyourselfwhathasvisitors goinggagaforthesefellas.Youneverknow whenyoumightgettheopportunitytohighﬁveoneofthetwinsthroughthickglassashe divesdeepdowninoneofthesaltwaterpools.

SaintLouisZoo,1GovernmentDrive,St.Louis, 314-781-0900,stlzoo.org

ScantheQRcodeor visitladuenews.com toseeavideoofthe twinbrothersin actionastheyexplore theirnewhome.

MakeIta

ByBethanyChristo

Momslovetosayyourpresencealoneisthetruegift,butsometimesit’snicetomakeyourtimetogetherextramemorable.ThisMother’sDay, springforoneoftheseactivitiesthatrangefromgettingyourhandsdirtyasyoupaintyourownpotterytostrollingtheartistboothssetupat oneofthecity’sfavoritesculptureparkstorentingapairofbikesforaguidedtourofwineriesandscenicstopsalongtheKatyTrail.

•Price: $27to$50perperson

•Whattoknow: Walk-inswelcomeforgroupsofﬁveorfewer. Reservationscanbemadeonlineat thecandlefusionstudio.com/pages/reservations.

CandlesareamainstayofMother’sDaygifts,butcraftingyourown candlestogetherisafarmorememorableexperience.Recreatethesmell ofafavoritefamilydessert,yourchildhoodbackyardoreventheessence ofmomherselfattheCandle FusionStudio, withlocationsattheCity FoundryandinhistoricSt.Charles.Choose frommore than100 fragrances toblendintomists,spasalts, waxmeltsorcandle vesselsof your choosing withhelp fromtheshop’sinstructors. Waxproductstake aroundthree hourstocure– offeringtheperfect excusetopopouttogetherand explore eitherlocation’sneighboringshopsand restaurantswhile you wait.

CandleFusionStudio,multiplelocations,thecandlefusionstudio.com

•When: Sunday,May11from11a.m.to6p.m.

•Price: $65perperson

•Whattoknow: Reservationsarerequired.Visit tearoomstlouis.com/eventstosaveyourspot.

Raiseaglass(orateacup)tothemotherﬁguresinyourlifeatFleur deThé,anewtearoominTowerGroveSouththat’shostingaspecial Mother’sDayhighteaservice.Alongwithapotofitsexceptionalteaand aﬂuteofnonalcoholicsparklingtea,theservicewillincludeathree-tiered toweroftraditionalteasandwiches,canapés,scones,tinycakesandtarts inspiredbyitsbotanicalteacollection,aswellasitsspecialtyhousemade darkchocolatemousseinfusedwithrose.

FleurdeThé,4168JuniataSt.,St.Louis,314-750-5395,tearoomstlouis.com

PhotobySarahConroy

PhotobyMabelSuen

•When: Friday,May9from6to10p.m.,Saturday,May10from10a.m. to8p.m.,andSunday,May11from10a.m.to5p.m.

•Price: $10fornonmembersages11andup,freeforages10andunder, andfreeformembers

•When: Sunday,May11;tourstartsat9:30a.m.

•Price: $115forastandardbiketour(rented),$150forane-biketour (rented),and$50foratourwithyourownbike(singleandgroup pricingvariesonsize)

•Whattoknow: Reservationsarerequired.Visit bikestopcafes.com/wheels-winetosaveyourspot.

Takea rideonthewinesidewith a picturesque, leisurelybikingtourﬁt for allabilitylevels.Standard ande-bikescanbe rented fromBike StopCafé inSt.Charles forthe25-mileself-guidedtouralongthe Katy Trail featuring tastingsatthreewineriesandtwo additionalphotoopp-readydestinations alongthe way. After yourday traversingthescenicsurroundingsand sippingsamples(freeat yourﬁrststopand10%offatthesecondstop), a Bike Stopshuttlewilltransport youandmomback tothecafé.

BikeStopCafé,701S.RiversideDrive,St.Charles,314-973-4422,bikestopcafes.com

Whethermomisanartloveroracasualenjoyer,theartfestivalat LaumeierSculpturePark,nowinits38thyear,isafunMother’sDay outingthatsupportsaworthylocalcause.Handmadeartsandcrafts frommorethan150artistsacrossthecountrywillbeavailabletoperuse. Choosefromavarietyoflocalfoodandbeveragevendorsandcheckout activitiesforallageslikefamily-friendlylivemusic,collaborativemurals andnature-inspiredartprojects.

LaumeierSculpturePark,12580RottRoad,St.Louis,314-615-5278, laumeiersculpturepark.org/art-fair-event

•Whattoknow: Ticketscanbepurchasedinadvanceat laumeier.ticketspice.com/38th-annual-laumeier-art-fair. Walk-upadmissionwillalsobeavailable. SpendthedayshoppinginKimmswick

•When: Saturday,May10andSunday,May11;shopsopen10a.m.to5p.m.

•Whattoknow: PickupshoppingpassportsattheKimmswickVisitor Center(314Market)oratparticipatingrestaurantsandshops.

Takeagals’getawaytoKimmswick,Missouri,onlyahalf-hourdrivefrom downtown.Makememorieswithmomwhilesnaggingexclusivedealsat artisanboutiques,jewelrystores,gourmetshops,charmingrestaurants andotherbusinessesincludedinthecuratedMother’sDayShopping Passportallweekend.Makeafulldayofitwithastrollalongthescenic streetsanddiningatadeliciousestablishment–orevenstaythenightat oneofthecozyinnsandB&Bsintown.

CityofKimmswick,636-464-6464, gokimmswick.com/events/mothers-day-weekend

•When: Saturday,May10andSunday,May11fromnoonto2p.m.

•Price: $40forages13andolder,$30forages5to12

•Whattoknow: Reservationsarerequired.Visit southbroadwayartproject.org/paint-your-own-pottery tosaveyourspot.

SouthBroadwayArtProjectisafullyfunctioningpotterystudioandshop fullofmugs,bowls,plates,cupsanddecorativepiecesmadebylocal potteryteachingartiststhatarereadyforyouandmomtoimbuewith yourcreativeﬂair–andshe’llthinkofyoueverytimesheuseshernew ceramicitem.Theclassincludesaready-to-paintwareofyourchoosing andguidedinstructionforpaintingandglazing.Finishedpieceswillbe readyforpickupinonetotwoweeks.

SouthBroadwayArtProject,3816S.Broadway,St.Louis,314-773-3633, southbroadwayartproject.org

PhotocourtesyofLaumeierSculpturePark

PhotocourtesyofSouthBroadwayArtProject

CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE

ByAshleyKlein >Imagessupplied

St.LouishasalreadyseenitsshareofshowersthisApril.Forrainydaysspentindoors, gamenightswithfriendsorscreen-freeeveningswiththekids,checkoutthese nichetabletopgamesrecommendedbystaffatmetro-areagameshops.

THENERDMERCHANT’SPICKS

RecommendedbyCurtisMiller,“ChiefNerd”

DisneyVillainous

“Notonlydoesthisgamehavegreat-lookingartworkandqualitycomponents, thegameplayis a tonoffuntoplayoverandoveragain.Ifyou’re a Disneyfan, thenyouwilllovethechancetoplayasyourfavoritevillainsastheytryto accomplishtheirgoalstodefeattheheroes Thegame featuresasynchronous playthathaseachvillain(andthusplayer)playingtheirownlittleminigame withdiﬀerentmovesanddiﬀerentgoalsinordertowinthegame. Keepaneyeon youropponentssoyoucantrytotripthemupbyusing aFateactiontoslowthem down.Thisgameisgreat forages10andup.”

Munchkin

“ ThegameofMunchkinis a classicdungeonbattlegame.Eachplayerisexploring thedungeonandﬁghtingmonsterstolevelupandbethestrongest Usenotonly yourskillbutyourcunningtonegotiate[andconvince]youropponentstoassist withyourbattlesbysplittingthelootwiththem.Theteamworkgamewithinthe gameisjustasfunasthegameitself Asanaddedbonus, ifyouare a fanofbad puns, thenyouwillloveexploringthedeckofcardsfullofequipment, abilities andmonsters.A greatgame forages14andup.”

Tapple

“TappleexplodedontothescenerecentlythanksinnosmallparttoTikTok. Thisfantasticpartygameputsyourmemorytothetesttocomeupwithitems matching a sharedcategory Thetrickis, thereis a 10-secondtimerand a limited alphabet. Eachtime a playernamesanitem,thatletterisremovedfromthe availablelistandthetimerstarts forthenextplayer Hecticfun forages 8 andup

TheNerdMerchant,124W.Je ersonAve.,Suite107,Kirkwood, 314-582-1977,thenerdmerchant.com

FANTASYSHOP’SPICKS

AdventureParty

RecommendedbyTyler

“ Thisgamehasallthefunof a role-playinggamewithouthavingtoworry aboutthosepeskystats!Thewayyouearnpointswiththisgameispurelybased onyourstorytellingabilities It’sa greatgame forthosewhoarecuriousabout RPGs[role-playinggames], butdon’t wanttomake theplungeinto a Dungeons andDragonsorPathfindersession,andthosewhodoloveclassicRPGsbutdon’t havethetime for a fullsession!Oneof my favorites!”

Flamecraft

RecommendedbyKae

“Doyoulike cutedragons? As a‘ ﬂamekeeper,’ youhire a varietyofartisandragons tohelpyoudominatethemagicalmarket Best for a groupoffriendsorfamily witholderkidswholovelight-heartedcompetition.”

GatewayIsland

RecommendedbySam

“Perfect forintroducinganyoneto a widerangeofboardgames Anyonewho wantstoknowmoreaboutboardgameswillenjoyit.”

Horriﬁed

RecommendedbyEvan

“Savethetownfromclassicmoviemonsters!Collectresources, usespecial abilities, completeminigamesanddefeatthemonsters.A greatcooperativegame forallofyourfriendsandfamily!”

FantasyShop,multiplelocations, fantasyshoponline.com

StayCool

RecommendedbyAshley,HannahandWill

“StayCoolis a partygameaboutmultitasking Thepeopleonyourleftandright willbeaskingyouquestionsatthesametime, andyou’llhavetoansweroneof themoutloudwhileyouanswertheotheronebyspellingouttheanswerwith diceonthetable.Asthegamegoeson,you’llgetmoretasksthrownatyou – if youcan’tkeeptrackofthetimewhileyou’reanswering,yourroundmightbecut short! We’d recommenditas a greatgametobringtheenergyupatthestartof a party, anditlendsitselfwelltopeoplepoppinginandout.”

Verdant

“We loveitbecauseit’sa cozy, low-stressgameabouthouseplants! You’llworkto decorateyour ‘ house’withallsortsofplantsandgainpoints forhavingtheright typesofsunlightconditions, potsanddécor It’s easytolearnandreplayoverand over. Thisis a lightstrategygame, andwe’d recommendit foradultsandfamilies looking for a chillgamenightwherewinningorlosingisn’t asimportantasthe qualitytimeyou’respendingatthetable.”

FortunaGames,2632S.KingshighwayBlvd.,St.Louis,413-367-8862,fortunagames.net

Brick&stone,customcolorpoolcaulking, drive-waypowerwashing&caulking. Allcreditcardsaccepted.Nodeposit required,A+BBBrating.Angie’sList2011, 2017and2020ServiceAwardRecipient.

elderelectricalservices.com

Fielderishighlyskilledinknob&tubewiring andaluminumwiringupgrades.Weare specialistsinolderandexistingstructures. Ifitcanbewired, wecanwireit. Commercial Tenantfinishes, churches,sporting complexes,restaurants, seniorcarefacility,and parkinglotlighting,etc. Industrial Fielderhastheskills,knowledge andequipmenttohandleindustrial workincludingnewindustrial construction,warehouselighting, largemachinery,anddatawiring.

I can help you DOWNSIZE, pack your house for MOVING, and ORGANIZE any area! Call Cynthia @ 314-972-4674 to simplify your

THE GUTTER GUY

Stl 2022 Headliner Award Winner for Best Gutter Company

New Installs, Clean, Repair, Gutter Guards from $8ft. Fabricate & Install Custom Size Window Well Covers. Professional, Reliable, Insured. Cleanup. Free Estimates. Tony 314-413-2888 thegutterguy-stlhotmail.com

Handyman Services

JON'S AFFORDABLE HOME REPAIR

Electrical, Carpentry, Flooring, Windows, Plumbing, Painting, Tile & Lots More! Quality Guaranteed! Reasonable, Insured, References. No Job Too Small! 314-205-1555 jonsaffordablehomerepair.com

DENTIST

Provide general dental care and procedures to pediatric patients at our facilities in Franklin, Boone & St. Charles counties in MO. Req. DDS or DMD or prof. equiv. degree, 24 months Commission on Dental Accreditation (CODA) Accredited Advance Educational program in Pediatric Dentistry & MO dental specialist lic. Eligible. F/T position w/ Compass Health, Inc. (d/b/a Compass Health Network). EOE. CV to Denise Mills, 2540 N Airport Plaza Dr., Ste. A, Springfield MO 65803.

Telcobuy.com, LLC d/b/a TBX, in St. Louis, MO seeks Integrations Developer with M.S. or equiv. level degree in Comp. Engrg., Electronics Engrg., Mechanical Engrg., or closely related and 2/yrs exp. May work remotely from anywhere in the U.S. Apply online at tbxservices.com/careers or send C.V. to Ms. Giang Mullins, Sr. Immigration Specialist at giang.mullins@wwt.com

Providingpracticalsolutionsfor waterproblemsforover50years

Specializingin: •DownspoutExtensions

•FrenchDrains

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FreeEstimates–FullyLicensed andInsured

Phone:314-291-4700

meyerlandscaping@meyerlandscaping.net

InteriorPainting&WallpaperRemoval. Insured.40+yrsExp. FreeEstimates.A+BBB Call314-766-2952 alstoncparker@gmail.com

BRING LIFE TO YOUR HOME!

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