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Renowned rodent meteorologist Punxsutawney Phil delivered some devastating news this week as the remnants of January’s blizzard just melted away: Six more weeks of winter await us. If Phil is right, we’ll have to find some bright spots to carry us through to spring – and this issue of Ladue News is full of them.
If cabin fever is getting to you, refreshing your interior can make staying indoors a little cozier. On p. 24, contributing writer Andrea Smith speaks with KDR Designer Showrooms’ Lisa Davis, who offers an expert’s guide to finding your personal décor taste to create a space that feels like you. Contributor Megan Rubenstein’s story on p. 36 proves that you don’t have to start with a blank canvas to personalize your abode – interior designer Allison Williams shares her tips for integrating your favorite pieces and keepsakes into your redesign. And if you’re thinking pink for Valentine’s Day, columnist Alecia Humphreys shares a rental home reno by J&J Design Team on p. 22 that evokes Barbie’s Dreamhouse in all the best ways.
Speaking of pink – with Valentine’s Day just around the corner, it’s time to get festive. See columnist Katie Yeadon’s blush-toned fashion picks for the season on p. 28, and check out contributor Brittany Nay’s preview of metro-area events celebrating the month of love on p. 32.
Happy reading,
Ashley Klein, Managing Editor
LadueNews.com
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ADJ Interiors introduces free monthly Design Advice Happy Hours at its new Webster Groves location –where visitors are welcome to snack, sip and discuss all things interior design. Visit laduenews.com to learn more.
By MaggiePeters >PhotoscourtesyofTheSaintLouisArtMuseum
Sharing the Love
In early childhood spaces, Valentine’s Day is associated with friendship, kindness and feelings –and these emotions are beautifully captured in two books recommended this month by Ready Readers.
By Sheila Oliveri
imaginative child who enjoys creating hand-drawn and colored hearts to share their love with others.
“When I Feel Loved,” from the First Feelings Series by Child’s Play Publishing, is a collection of six board books covering basic emotions. All books in the series are co-authored by a child psychologist and employ bright colors and friendly characters enjoying everyday pleasures together. Illustrator Paula Bowles has chosen to use friendly monster characters to tell a simple story: “When I feel loved, my body feels lighter and the world seems brighter. … I can show [love] in many ways. ... I like spending time with the people I love.” Best suited for ages two and older, “When I Feel Loved” is an affirming choice for sharing with your children.
Ready Readers’ second recommendation, “Heartfelt” by author Elaine Vickers and illustrator Samantha Cotterill, was published in January 2025. Featuring an adorable and industrious unnamed protagonist, “Heartfelt” tells the story of an
Vickers begins the story with the statement: “There is a special place in the middle of my room where I come to make all kinds of hearts.” As we follow the action, we learn that the child intends from the beginning to give the hearts away. “I share these hearts by following my heart to find kind things to do, one after another after another,” the child says. “I use all my senses and all my self to show my love.”
Cotterill’s bright and vibrant collage illustrations possess an intriguing 3D quality. Her depiction of the main character, a short, brown-haired, overall-clad, baseball cap-wearing, non-gendered child invites all readers to imagine themselves as the star of the story, spreading love and kindness to all around them.
Ready Readers knows that kids who read succeed!
Our Storytime program shares the joy and power of literacy with more than 16,000 preschoolers living in economically suppressed areas across our community. Visit readyreaders.org to learn more.
Meet the MASTODON
By Drew Gieseke
Principia College, a private college about a 30-mile drive from downtown St. Louis in Elsah, Illinois, recently welcomed students, faculty and members of the public to witness a live archaeological excavation on its campus. The site, discovered in the summer of 2022, marks the burial of a mastodon approximately 27,500 years ago – an anomaly for the Midwest by about 10,000 years. The discovery could rewrite geological history in the region.
“Each step of the way, we’re finding stuff and tying into what we already know and putting together a fuller story,” says Dr. Andrew Martin, chair of Principia College’s Department of Sociology and Anthropology.
Developers stumbled upon the fossil in July 2022, but the college began digging in full in 2023. Martin uses the mastodon as a hands-on
educational tool for students during a three-hour, twice-weekly lab class. He teaches a lesson immediately and applies it in the field on the dig site. The result is a one-of-a-kind learning experience for students who aren’t pursuing a degree in archaeology, as Principia doesn’t offer an archaeology program.
“The students [gain] interdisciplinary skills. They loved digging the mastodon – there aren’t many opportunities to do that as a nonarchaeology major – so they were pretty excited about that,” Martin says.
The class uses a wide range of highly technical tools to catalog their findings during digs. For example, ordinary iPad Pros have scanning apps that can be used to enter data, take photographs, create drawings and more, making the entire process much easier than the archaeology digs of yesteryear.
“The other tool we have is a pulse laser that surveyors use,” Martin says. “You can shoot the laser at whatever you find, and it logs the location and size so you don’t have to measure it with tape. That’s the biggest time suck of digs.”
Perhaps the most compelling finding to date is the carbon dating results that determined the mastodon fossil is more than 27,500 years old. Martin says the Illinois State Museum recently informed him that mastodons didn’t exist in the Midwest until about 16,000 B.C.E., making the specimen at Principia the first in the area by about 10,000 years.
“There’s a Mastodon State Park in St. Louis, so mastodons have been found around here, but not that early,” he says. “I’m sending another lab to get another carbon date just in case the first one wasn’t quite right.”
Another noteworthy discovery is that the mastodon might have been struck by lightning. Martin says they initially thought the specimen was located in a butchery site because it was missing numerous bones, but carbon dating determined that the mastodon was far older than human occupation of the area. Further excavations revealed evidence suggesting a shocking end for the mammal.
As for when people can expect the mastodon to be excavated entirely, this process can take time. A mammoth was discovered on Principia’s campus in 1999 and wasn’t fully excavated until 2014.
Dr. Martin laughs when asked when the specimen will be fully unearthed. “How long is a piece of string? It’s as long as it takes to dig it.”
Play, learn, and create on Community School’s 18-acre campus this summer! Camps are available for children age 3 through 8th grade and include full- and half-day options. Choose from dozens of activities led by experienced faculty and partners, including Mad Science of St. Louis, STaGeS, The recreation academy, and more!
S.O.A.R Summer Opportunities At Rossman School Rossman School
June 2-6, June 9-13, and June 16-20 keep kids age 4 through 6th grade active, engaged, and learning this summer at rossman School! Morning, afternoon, or full-day camps offer exciting options in art, nature, sports, math, cooking, and more. explore the camp catalog and register today!
This winter has been brutal when it comes to viruses and illnesses.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus, better known as RSV, is the most common virus that causes bronchiolitis, but not the only one. Bronchiolitis causes severe congestion, runny nose and cough, along with inflammation in the lungs, a lot like bronchitis in adults. When the mucus gets down into the lungs, it causes plugging and inflammation. Some children have a fever with their respiratory symptoms. Babies are most affected and can have labored breathing and wheezing. Premature infants, infants younger than 3 months, children with heart disease and children with a predisposition to asthma are more likely to prevent symptoms. Older children with known asthma can have a severe asthma attack with this virus.
Currently, the best treatments are symptomatic (meaning the medicine doesn’t cure the illness itself). For infants and toddlers, this means nasal saline with frequent suctioning, using a cool-mist humidifier and encouraging fluids (breast milk, formula, milk, Pedialyte or popsicles). Give acetaminophen or ibuprofen for fever and fussiness as directed. An RSV vaccine is available for pregnant mothers, and the RSV preventative injection Beyfortus is available for infants younger than 8 months. Since these vaccines have been available to the public, RSV illness in young infants has decreased.
Take your child to a physician if you see these symptoms.
Labored breathing (chest or tummy moving in and out with each breath), fast breathing (more than 40-60 breaths per minute, depending
on the age of your child), grunting or wheezing noises, or pauses in breathing for more than 10 seconds for young infants.
Decrease in fluid intake. Many children who are sick refuse to eat, but they need to drink enough to have two to four wet diapers per day.
Fever for longer than three days, fever that starts after the illness has improved, or fever in any infant younger than 3 months old.
Ask your pediatrician about these treatments.
Deep nasal suctioning (only at the doctor’s office or hospital), which can relieve difficulty breathing and drinking.
Albuterol breathing treatments. This is often attempted for wheezing in infants and children with a history or predisposition to asthma.
Antibiotics. Bronchiolitis is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not treat the symptoms. However, children might contract a bacterial ear infection or pneumonia along with their illness, and some physicians choose to treat these with antibiotics.
Children might need to be admitted to the hospital if they are not getting enough oxygen, having difficulty breathing not relieved by nasal suctioning or albuterol, or if they are dehydrated. Most children, however, will stay home with symptomatic care from their loving (and tired) parents.
Symptoms usually last three to five days, but coughing and wheezing might go on for two to three weeks after a severe bout with RSV.
Dr. Heather Joyce is a pediatrician and pediatric medical director of Mercy Clinic in the St. Louis area. For more information, visit mercy.net/laduenews
Back to
Roots
The oldest human-made structure in St. Louis city, Sugarloaf Mound, is being rematriated to the Osage Nation.
Located on the Missouri River bluffs, Sugarloaf was once a prominent marker of the Mississippian mound-builders and the Osage Nation’s ancestors. Now, it’s the last Mississippian mound standing, although St. Louis once held more than 100. St. Louis was known as “Mound City” before Europeans settled in the area.
“The work the Osage Nation and Counterpublic are doing to preserve this mound represents our last chance to ensure this important part of our community’s past isn’t lost forever,” alderwoman Cara Spencer said in a release.
Rematriation is the act of restoring Indigenous people’s relationship with their ancestral land.
Led by Indigenous women, the movement aims to restore balance to the world and return to a way of life that respects nature. Through the rematriation of Sugarloaf Mound, the Osage Nation plans to preserve and protect the mound so that future generations can learn from it.
“After many months of planning, organization, and negotiation, the Osage Nation put Sugarloaf Mound back in native hands,” said Dr. Andrea Hunter, director at Osage Nation Historic Preservation Office, in a release. “Now, through collaborative partnerships and the goodwill of the previous owner, the Osage Nation comes another step closer to restoring this sacred site as it should be preserved.”
The Osage Nation and Counterpublic, a
St. Louis art and civic impact organization, facilitated the land transfer. Returning Sugarloaf Mound to the Osage Nation has been one of Counterpublic’s goals since its triennial exhibition in 2023. It exemplifies Counterpublic’s efforts to use art and civic engagement to create tangible generational change. The process has been supported by the Mellon Foundation and could offer a model for future rematriation efforts throughout the country.
Another historic moment of this land transfer came from the City of St. Louis itself. It marks the City’s first public acknowledgment of the sovereignty of the Osage Nation with ancestral rights to this sacred site.
“I am proud to celebrate this historic next step in returning Sugarloaf Mound to the Osage
Nation for long-term preservation through a partnership with Counterpublic,” Mayor Tishaura O. Jones said in a statement.
Now that Sugarloaf Mound is back in native hands, the Osage Nation plans to remove the house (whose owner, Joan Heckenberg, signed a transfer agreement) on the mound and develop an educational and interpretive space. This center will honor Sugarloaf Mound’s significance and the full history of Mound City from the Osage Nation’s perspective. “Saving Sugarloaf Mound in St. Louis, Missouri,” a research report co-written by Hunter and Andrew Weil, says it best: “While the tribe cannot bring back what was so mindlessly destroyed, they can guide the future of Sugarloaf Mound and, with it, teach the citizens of St. Louis about where they live.”
Photo of Sugarloaf Mound courtesy of Visitor assembly
By Charlotte Renner
Photo of Joan Heckenberg by Jennifer Colten, courtesy of Counterpublic
Photo of Heckenberg home on Sugarloaf Mound courtesy of Joan Heckenberg
Valentine's Dinner for 2
Avoid the restaurant crowds & Enjoy a romantic night in this year
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Sundried Tomato Cheese Spread with Cayenne Toast
Sweetheart Salad
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Main Course
Marinated & Grilled Beef Tenderloin Medallions with Cabernet Reduction
Sauteed Jumbo Shrimp w/ Champagne Cream Sauce Over Bowtie Pasta w/ Peas, Mushrooms, and Shaved Parmesan Cheese
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TREATMENTRoyal
By Nancy Robinson > Photos supplied
Live in the lap of luxury with these elevated traditional furniture pieces.
baker Furniture’s Stately Homes collection features exquisitely handcrafted replicas of historic treasures that grace palaces and castles including Chatsworth and blenheim. Shown are the Hepplewhite carved armchairs and Chinese Chippendale display cabinet. (kdrshowrooms.com)
Functional and visually striking, the Sprite display cabinet features hardwood solids finished in formal black. behind the double glass doors with metal patterned accents are dyed Koto veneers. adjustable shelves make this piece perfect for displaying glassware or curated objects. The cabinet also features three fullwidth drawers plus two small ones for napkin rings and serving utensils. (jonathancharlesus.com)
Old biscayne Designs’ Geller ottoman provides stylish extra seating or, alternately, a surface for displaying coffee table books and trays. It is generously sized at 54 inches wide, 36 inches deep and 19 inches high. (shubertdesign.com)
Perfectly Pink
By Alecia Humphreys > Photo courtesy of J&J Design Team
What started as a dark and dull historic home in Soulard has been transformed into a piece of pink perfection thanks to Jenna Siebert of J&J Design Team.
“This historic home had great bones and was the exact canvas that I had been searching for to create my design in,” says Siebert, who not only was the designer on this project, but also the homeowner. “I was determined to create a beautiful pink home to share with others on Airbnb and Peerspace for a fun rental property and content creation space.”
The J&J Design Team started by adding custom trim work to the walls to create a posh vibe in addition to updating light fixtures. They then embarked on the biggest transformation of all – painting everything pink.
“Everything got painted!” Siebert says. “It is art that you get to experience with your entire being. I
am in love with this project as a whole. The entire home is a dream come true – a manifestation of my pinkest desires that I get to share with people.”
Her favorite part of the project, which she has delightfully dubbed “Pink Posh Place,” is not the fabulous pink floral wall in the dining room nor the marvelous master bedroom featuring a custom floral headboard. Rather, her favorite element is the pink fireplace.
“It is the center stage of the room,” she says. “I found the artwork that I hung above the fireplace and that was what inspired the disco balls inside and the playful shades of pink throughout. It is so much fun!
Siebert adds: “Pink Posh Place is a historic home unlike any other. It breathes new life that has an essence of pure joy! You have to experience it for yourself.”
J&J Design, jandjdesignteam.com
Discovering your DESIGN STYLE
By Andrea Smith > Photos courtesy
Does your home feel like a reflection of you? Is it a space that serves your everyday needs and also motivates you to invite others inside? If not, it might be time to reevaluate your interior design.
For tips on where to start, we asked KDR Designer Showrooms’ Lisa Davis how homeowners can develop or hone their personal style. Davis is the visual merchandising specialist who designs and constructs displays for the showrooms in St. Louis and Kansas City.
SEEK OUT
AND SAVE INSPIRATION.
Find design inspiration in the pages of magazines, on social media, in TV shows and movies, in antique shops and in local showrooms. “Start by researching interior design inspiration photos that speak to you, and ask yourself [what you like about them.] ‘Do I prefer clean lines or ornate styles? What are my favorite colors?’” Davis suggests.
Whenever you see something compelling, save it. Pinterest boards are a great online option for saving and organizing photos, or you can get crafty and create a physical mood board.
OBSERVE TRENDS AND FUNCTIONAL ELEMENTS.
When looking at your inspiration board, take note of consistent features across the photos, like repeated colors, patterns and textures. List adjectives that describe how it feels to be in your dream space. When deciding what will fill your home, refer to these ideas.
“Remember to consider your lifestyle and how you want to interact with the space,” Davis adds. Think about the furniture and beloved pieces you already own and how they might fit with any new elements.
CONSIDER A NEUTRAL COLOR PALETTE.
For consistency and flexibility, consider a neutral color palette and lighter paint colors like cream, white and taupe. “This makes it easier to change your style with furniture and accessories without having to change the entire room. If you’re wanting to bring more color into the space, you can always do so with fabrics, drapery, accessories, wall art, area rugs, etc.,” Davis says. Scandinavian minimalism can be a great style to reference, as it combines neutral color schemes with rustic materials like wood, stone and leather.
whole household to weigh in with their own tastes. “It’s important to mix a little of [each homeowner’s] style together when designing a room or an entire house, but still make sure the rooms flow together,” Davis says.
CONSULT A PROFESSIONAL.
An understated starting point also offers more room for the
Designing a home – or even a single room – can be overwhelming. KDR has a team of professional designers eager to help lighten the mental load and offers a St. Louis-area showroom with a curated selection of furnishings, lighting fixtures, window coverings and other home goods. Walk in and browse or schedule an appointment at kdrshowrooms.com/contact.
“A professional designer can help by managing the project within a budget and addressing any unique challenges of the space,” Davis says. “It’s important to choose the right size furniture for the space, and a designer can help with that by providing expert advice on a room layout and the overall flow so it looks cohesive.”
KDR Designer Showrooms, 11660 Page Service Drive, St. Louis, 314-993-5020, kdrshowrooms.com
Design by baker Furniture
of KDr Designer Showrooms
Design by O mexco
People who train at 20 Minutest to Fitness are here for a reason. For Mark Bremer of Chesterfield, that reason became clear in 2017 following a heart-to-heart conversation with his son, Jonathan.
“My wife was pregnant with our first daughter, and I told my dad that I wanted him to be around for our children as long as possible,” Jonathan recalls.
That moment changed everything. “I had been a weekend warrior,” Mark says. “To be the active grandfather we both wanted, I needed a more rigorous way to build and maintain my strength.”
He heard it on the radio
Mark decided to try 20 Minutes to Fitness after hearing KMOX radio host Charlie Brennan rave about the 20-minute, once-a-week workout for years. He scheduled a free consultation to learn more. “I have been a believer ever since,” he says.
Now in his 50th year of practicing law, Mark says he has the strength and energy he had as a young attorney. “As you get older, you develop joint issues and other aches and pains,” he says. “I love that the staff at 20 Minutes to Fitness includes physical therapists and other professionals who can help you work around any concerns and build strength safely.”
“When I tell others about this workout, many don’t believe me. They say that 20 minutes a day isn’t nearly enough exercise for anyone,” says Mark. “Then I tell them I got this fit from JUST 20 MINUTES A WEEK.”
Like father, like son
An attorney and father of two young girls, Jonathan, age 38, had concerns about his own long-term health and fitness. “The law can be a stressful career that doesn’t leave much time for a consistent workout,” he says. “But 20 minutes of exercise a week? I can commit to that.”
Like his dad, Jonathan was soon hooked. “It doesn’t matter what is going on with my kids or my job, I take this time for myself each week,” he says. “It’s been a game-changer for my strength and energy.”
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Without strength-training, adults lose about five to eight pounds of muscle per decade after age 30. We can help you build it back with just one 20-minute session a week. Our protocols can be tailored for people of all ages and fitness levels.
“I didn’t just want to keep up with my grandkids. I wanted them to keep up with me.”
Your first session and consultation are FREE. Why not see what 20 minutes a week with us can do for you?
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Station No. 3
At Station No. 3, “Everything is vegan, except for what’s flex.” The second iteration of the primarily plant-based gastropub opened in October at an expansive space in Kirkwood. The flexitarian eatery features its established signatures alongside new offerings such as brunch and shakes, all available for dine-in or pickup via a drivethrough window.
Since 2012, chef Natasha Kwan and Rick Roloff have made their mark in St. Louis’ dining scene with Frida’s and subsequently Diego’s, Station No. 3 and Bonito Bar. The original Benton Park location of Station No. 3 debuted in 2022, giving a former south city filling station a new life as a casual neighborhood bar and restaurant that serves a variety of vegan specialties as well as options for omnivores.
Although the majority of restaurants these days offer a vegetarian or vegan option or two in addition to a primarily meat-based menu, Station No. 3 does the inverse, Kwan says: “So many people have incorporated plant-based foods into their diet. More people are apt to try it. We wanted to make sure there was a comfortable environment where you could get both.”
A pea protein-based Signature Station Burger, as well as a turkey burger, remain among the menu’s bestsellers. Kwan brought a new flexitarian offering into the mix, and it’s one of her favorites: a salmon burger with mixed greens, tomato, red onion and lemon-caper aioli. Pair the hearty fare with shareables and sides such as plant-based mozzarella sticks and hand-cut Skinny Fries.
“Coming into winter months, we have the convenience of picking up in our drive through,” Kwan says. “You can order online and cruise through
without even having to step outside. It’s not fast food – it’s quality scratch food with high integrity.”
A new brunch menu is served on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring vegan options such as croissant French toast and the STL Slinger. Flexitarian offerings include the Bodybuilder Burrito with scrambled egg whites, turkey bacon, white cheddar, avocado, tomato, jalapeño, red onion, spinach and Cajun aioli.
Shakes are another exciting new component of the expanded concept, made with a house coconut-based soft serve and oat milk. Choose from flavoring components such as Oreos, macerated strawberries and Kaldi’s Coffee cold brew.
One of the most unique elements of the menu lies in the ability for guests to customize their orders. Gluten-free options are also available. “Anything can be modified,” Kwan says. “For instance, a lot of people can eat meat but not cheese. They might do a breakfast sandwich with real turkey bacon and sausage and then opt for vegan cheese. We also have vegan eggs.”
“It’s been a real delight just being in the Kirkwood community,” she adds. “We’ve been thanked so many times by so many of our guests for opening up in the county. We’ll see if this grows, then we will too. It’s just been so phenomenal.”
Station No. 3’s Kirkwood location is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Station No. 3, 10463 Manchester Road, Kirkwood, 557-500-2426, station3stl.com
Story and photos by Mabel Suen
CaTHOLIC CHarITIeS OF THe arCHDIOCeSe OF ST. LOuIS
CaTHOLIC CHarITIeS OF THe arCHDIOCeSe OF ST. LOuIS
Spirit of Saint Nicholas Ball
Spirit of Saint Nicholas Ball
MMore than 600 guests gathered for the inaugural Spirit of Saint Nicholas Ball at The Factory in early December. The evening began with a lively cocktail reception, where attendees enjoyed drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a whiskey pull. Soon after, Anne Allred, the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies, warmly welcomed everyone and introduced Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski, who shared insights about Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis and led an opening prayer.
ore than 600 guests gathered for the inaugural Spirit of Saint Nicholas Ball at The Factory in early December. The evening began with a lively cocktail reception, where attendees enjoyed drinks, hors d’oeuvres, a silent auction and a whiskey pull. Soon after, Anne Allred, the event’s Mistress of Ceremonies, warmly welcomed everyone and introduced Archbishop Mitchell T. Rozanski, who shared insights about Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of St. Louis and led an opening prayer.
Following dinner, guests participated in a heartfelt FundA-Need program before taking to the dance floor. The night concluded with live music by Arvell and Co. Jen and Brian Davies served as co-chairs for the memorable event.
Following dinner, guests participated in a heartfelt FundA-Need program before taking to the dance floor. The night concluded with live music by Arvell and Co. Jen and Brian Davies served as co-chairs for the memorable event.
Visit laduenews.com to see more photos from this event >
Visit laduenews.com to see more photos from this event >
The first-ever Spirit of Saint Nicholas Ball was a powerful reminder and an incredible success, celebrating our mission and advancing the work of Catholic Charities. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our community, which will enable us to continue offering healing, help and hope to those most in need across the entire Archdiocese of St. Louis.
The first-ever Spirit of Saint Nicholas Ball was a powerful reminder and an incredible success, celebrating our mission and advancing the work of Catholic Charities. We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of support from our community, which will enable us to continue offering healing, help and hope to those most in need across the entire Archdiocese of St. Louis.
– Jared Bryson CATHOLIC CHARITIES PRESIDENT AND CEO
– Jared Bryson CATHOLIC CHARITIES PRESIDENT AND CEO
archbishop Mitchell T. rozanski
Jen and brian Davies
bob and Lisa Carlson
Jared and emily bryson, bridget and Charlie Cafazza
Story and photos by Christina Kling-Garrett
archbishop Mitchell T. rozanski
Jen and brian Davies
bob and Lisa Carlson
Jared and emily bryson, bridget and Charlie Cafazza
Story and photos by Christina Kling-Garrett
Jim and Cheri McLaughlin, Denise and Tim Maynard, archbishop Mitchell T. rozanski, Cathy and Tracy beckette, Karla and Mike Schlueter
Fletcher Lane, anne allred Lisa and Matt Sartori
Mike and Jeanne Zychinski
Donna and Steve Thielker
Nicole Merto, Dave and Lisa Schuering, Vander Corliss, Michael Marvaso, Jodi alfermann, Kim Corliss
Jen Davies, archbishop Mitchell T. rozanski, brian Davies
LOVE IN THE LOU
By Brittany Nay
Here are nine ways to celebrate Valentine’s Day around
St. Louis hearts Valentine’s Day! Celebrate all month long at these love-filled events.
2
Once Upon a Valentine | Feb. 8 to 9
Valentine’s Day lovers and loathers alike are welcome at St. Charles’ whimsical take on the holiday. Once Upon a Valentine: Stories for the Loved & Loveless features traditional and unconventional activities including vintage card-making with Casanova, Cupid-style archery practice at heart-shaped targets and a large-scale vow renewal ceremony at the Main Street gazebo.
Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau, 230 S. Main St., St. Charles, 636-946-7776, discoverstcharles.com
3 1
Cozy Cider Cabin | Now through March 2
Cuddle up with your love in the Cozy Cider Cabin at Eckert’s Belleville Farm. While relaxing in the romantic setting reminiscent of a snowy mountainside chalet, enjoy sweet and savory bites amid the warm glow of the crackling fireplace.
Eckert’s Belleville Farm, 951 S. Green Mount Road, Belleville, Illinois, eckerts.com
Red Revenge Room | Feb. 10 to 16
Calling all singles and Galentine’s gatherings: Angad Arts Hotel is offering an empowering experience in its fiery red-hued room. Book the “Red Revenge Room,” complete with a “Burn Book” and custom revenge playlist curated in collaboration with local DJ Lunar Riot.
Head to the hotel’s rooftop ART Bar to sip specialty cocktails, or visit the Commonwealth restaurant for Valentine’s Day dishes and a sweetheart dessert to share Feb. 14 to 15. If your heart desires, add-ons include an aura drawing session with professional medium and spiritual teacher Sarah Kay.
Angad Arts Hotel, 3550 Samuel Shepard Drive, St. Louis, 314-561- 0033, angadartshotel.com
Photo courtesy of Eckert's Belleville Farm
Photo courtesy of Angad Arts Hotel
Photo courtesy of Greater Saint Charles Convention & Visitors Bureau
Brookdale Farms is for lovers! Toast your union Feb. 14 at the Be My Valentine Dinner, an intimate evening of live instrumental music with a catered buffet dinner and desserts for $135 per couple.
Orchid Nights | Feb. 20
Brookdale Farms is for lovers! Toast your union Feb. 14 at the Be My Valentine Dinner, an intimate evening of live instrumental music with a catered buffet dinner and desserts for $135 per couple.
For Galentine’s groups, The Love Shack Pop-Up Bar invites you to bring your own bites, enjoy handcrafted love potions and hit the dance floor on Feb. 15 for $5 per person.
Under vivid, colorful lights, stroll with your sweetheart through a tropical paradise filled with pink and red orchids – symbols of passion and love – at the Missouri Botanical Garden.
For Galentine’s groups, The Love Shack Pop-Up Bar invites you to bring your own bites, enjoy handcrafted love potions and hit the dance floor on Feb. 15 for $5 per person.
Brookdale Farms, 8004 Twin River Road, Eureka, 636-938-1005, brookdalefarms.com
During this after-dark access to the cherished annual Orchid Show, also enjoy live music and samples from local breweries, wineries and distilleries. Tickets for the age 21-plus event are $22, or $17 for garden members.
Brookdale Farms, 8004 Twin River Road, Eureka, 636-938-1005, brookdalefarms.com
Under vivid, colorful lights, stroll with your sweetheart through a tropical paradise filled with pink and red orchids – symbols of passion and love – at the Missouri Botanical Garden. During this after-dark access to the cherished annual Orchid Show, also enjoy live music and samples from local breweries, wineries and distilleries. Tickets for the age 21-plus event are $22, or $17 for garden members.
Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, 314-577-5100, missouribotanicalgarden.org
To Love! | Feb. 14 to 16
Saint Louis Ballet is celebrating love with three breathtaking performances at Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. The heartfelt journey begins with “In Creases” by Tony Awardwinning choreographer Justin Peck. The following night, experience “Puttin’ on the Ritz” by former New York City Ballet principal Christopher D’Amboise set to the beloved music of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin. To Love! closes with “Balanchivadze” by the company’s renowned artistic director Gen Horiuchi and longtime collaborator TOYA.
Saint Louis Ballet is celebrating love with three breathtaking performances at Kirkwood Performing Arts Center. The heartfelt journey begins with “In Creases” by Tony Awardwinning choreographer Justin Peck. The following night, experience “Puttin’ on the Ritz” by former New York City Ballet principal Christopher D’Amboise set to the beloved music of Cole Porter and Irving Berlin. To Love! closes with “Balanchivadze” by the company’s renowned artistic director Gen Horiuchi and longtime collaborator TOYA.
Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 210 E. Monroe Ave., Kirkwood, stlouisballet.org
Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, 210 E. Monroe Ave., Kirkwood, stlouisballet.org
“Some Like It Hot”
Make it a memorable date night at the theater as “Some Like it Hot” hits The Fabulous Fox stage. A heartfelt song and dance spectacular, the fourtime Tony-winning show promises a life-changing journey filled with love and laughter.
Be My Valentine Dinner & The Love Shack Pop-Up Bar | Feb. 14 to 15 4 6 8 5 7 9
Make it a memorable date night at the theater as “Some Like it Hot” hits The Fabulous Fox stage. A heartfelt song and dance spectacular, the fourtime Tony-winning show promises a life-changing journey filled with love and laughter.
The Fabulous Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314-534-1678, fabulousfox.com
The Fabulous Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis, 314-534-1678, fabulousfox.com
Missouri Botanical Garden, 4344 Shaw Blvd., St. Louis, 314-577-5100, missouribotanicalgarden.org
Hearts on Fire | Feb. 21
Heat up your romance at Third Degree Glass Factory. The Hearts on Fire $200 exclusive package begins with a custom, handmade wood invitation and glass heart pendant to gift on Valentine’s Day. Then, visit the factory on Feb. 21 for an unforgettable 30-minute private session for two with a skilled artist to craft a 4-by-4-inch solid-glass heart keepsake.
Heat up your romance at Third Degree Glass Factory. The Hearts on Fire $200 exclusive package begins with a custom, handmade wood invitation and glass heart pendant to gift on Valentine’s Day. Then, visit the factory on Feb. 21 for an unforgettable 30-minute private session for two with a skilled artist to craft a 4-by-4-inch solid-glass heart keepsake.
Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314-367-4527, thirddegreeglass.com
Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar Blvd., St. Louis, 314-367-4527, thirddegreeglass.com
Captivate your sweetheart with an enchanting evening of dance at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Dance St. Louis presents the premier folkloric dance ensemble in Mexico, Ballet Folklórico de México. Founded in 1952 by dancer, choreographer and Mexican traditional dance visionary Amalia Hernández, the company brings to life a true portrait of Mexico’s beauty, diversity and rich history through music and dance.
Captivate your sweetheart with an enchanting evening of dance at the Touhill Performing Arts Center. Dance St. Louis presents the premier folkloric dance ensemble in Mexico, Ballet Folklórico de México. Founded in 1952 by dancer, choreographer and Mexican traditional dance visionary Amalia Hernández, the company brings to life a true portrait of Mexico’s beauty, diversity and rich history through music and dance.
Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 Touhill Circle, St. Louis, 314-516-4949, umsl.edu/touhill
Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 Touhill Circle, St. Louis, 314-516-4949, umsl.edu/touhill
Photo courtesy of Brookdale Farms
Photo by Nathan Kwarta, courtesy of the Missouri Botanical Garden
Photo by Matthew Murphy, courtesy of The Fabulous Fox Theatre
Photo by Pratt Kreidich, courtesy of Saint Louis Ballet
Photo courtesy of Third Degree Glass Factory
Photo courtesy of Dance St. Louis Ballet Folklórico de México | Feb. 28
Photo courtesy of Brookdale Farms
Photo by Nathan Kwarta, courtesy of the Missouri Botanical Garden
Photo by Matthew Murphy, courtesy of The Fabulous Fox Theatre
Photo by Pratt Kreidich, courtesy of Saint Louis Ballet
Photo courtesy of Third Degree Glass Factory
Photo courtesy of Dance St. Louis Ballet Folklórico de México | Feb. 28
“Some Like It Hot” | Feb. 26 to March 9
Inside
The Griot
THIS ST. LOUIS MUSEUM SERVES AS A COMMUNITY SPACE AND ARCHIVE FOR BLACK MEMORY AND CULTURE.
On a cold afternoon, families and school groups gather at The Griot Museum of Black History in the historic St. Louis Place neighborhood. At the museum’s front desk, Ousmane Gaye – a Growing Griot Fellow with a background in architecture and film – welcomes visitors with a warm smile. “We’ve been around since 1997 and originally opened as The Black World History Wax Museum,” he explains. “Many of our exhibits feature life-size wax figures, many of them done in-house by our founder and current director, Lois D. Conley.”
Pronounced “GREE-oh,” a griot is a preserver of cultural memory in certain West African cultures. “[A griot is] a community storyteller, and they collect their community’s history,” Gaye says. “In that same vein, our focus here is really on how regional Black history connects to national history.” The Griot’s diverse galleries and exhibits – some permanent and some temporary – are designed to spark curiosity, inviting visitors to explore and understand Black history through interactive presentations.
In the museum's opening room, visitors can watch a short film about the Middle Passage –the harrowing journey during which millions of Africans were forcibly transported across the Atlantic, chained together in overcrowded ship holds and sold into slavery in the Americas. This gallery’s atmosphere is earnest and educational, with a walk-through ship replica on one side that invites visitors to experience the journey. Moving on, guests can enter a slave cabin – one of three that existed on a plantation in Jonesburg, Missouri, 90 miles west of St. Louis. The cabin was dismantled and reconstructed under the guidance of Jesse
Story and photos by Emily Standlee
Francis, an architectural preservationist, as part of a collaborative effort involving the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students at Washington University and the St. Louis Community Design Center.
In other exhibits, visitors explore westward expansion interpreted through the stories of the Haitian Revolution; the involvement of Black people in the fur trade; and the stories of John Berry Meachum, Elizabeth Keckley, and other late 19th-century figures. This includes York, an enslaved Black man who was obligated to join Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their Corps of Discovery serving as an interpreter, scout and trapper.
Gaye notes a wax figure of Clara Brown, born a slave in 1803 and one of the first Black residents of Colorado, standing next to a wagon. When Brown was 51 years old, she bought her own freedom, moving to St. Louis and eventually to Denver. Other exhibits interpret Dr. George Washington Carver’s contributions to agricultural research as well as the history of Black hair care traditions, tools and Madame C. J. Walker.
In The Griot’s central hall, visitors can
explore a series of stained-glass-style displays featuring the histories of notable Black religious figures including Frederick Douglass, Richard Allen and Jarena Lee, the first woman to preach in the African Methodist Episcopal Church.
The next wing houses two additional galleries covering modern-day activists, musicians and politicians – many with ties to the St. Louis area. The first includes trumpeter and composer Clark Terry Jr.; jazz legend Miles Davis; dancer, singer, and actress Josephine Baker; and Senator J.B. “Jet” Banks.
The museum’s next room interprets the stories of local activists Percy Green, Sherman George and Macler Shepard. A wax figure of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is surrounded by historic artifacts that help chronicle his life, leadership and profound contributions to the Civil Rights Movement of the 1950s and ’60s – and beyond. Visitors also learn about Dred and Harriet Scott, whose fight for freedom in the Missouri Circuit Court and the U.S. Supreme Court altered the course of history. A final exhibit features the life of the late Reverend Earl E. Nance, Sr., the “Dean of Preachers,” and former roommate of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
As Gaye points out, The Griot is more than just a museum. “We try to serve as a community anchor,” he explains, “whether it’s hosting the St. Louis Place Community Association [or] different town halls.” In addition, the museum is always looking to add to its current collection. Money earned from donations, memberships and admissions go directly back to The Griot to be used for routine operations. Public and private grants support community programming.
“We’ve been accessioning a collection over the last couple of years from Alice Windom,” Gaye says. “She was an activist in St. Louis who lived in Ghana with Maya Angelou, W.E.B. DuBois and other expatriates. Windom was responsible for organizing Malcolm X’s trip to Ghana. We’re in the process of collecting, sorting and cataloguing [her] books, photos, artwork, writings and detailed – often humorous – anecdotes.” This way, The Griot continues its careful collecting, preserving and sharing of Black history and culture – down to even the smallest detail.
The Griot Museum, 2505 St. Louis Ave., St. Louis, 314-241-7057, thegriotmuseum.com
FreshFamiliar
&
By Megan Rubenstein > Photos by Amy Nichols Photography
INTERIOR DESIGNER ALLISON WILLIAMS TALKS BLENDING
CLASSIC AND MODERN PIECES FOR A LIVED-IN LOOK.
In with the new” doesn’t have to mean “out with the old.”
Such is a guiding principle for Allison Williams, owner and head designer at The Cheerier Interior, who refreshes clients’ homes with a mix of antique and modern pieces for an “updated traditional” look. In a recent design for a new build in Frontenac, Williams employed this technique to give the brand-new space a homey feeling from the jump.
“We mixed a lot of [the homeowner’s] current pieces, such as the Hollywood Regency-style mirror on the wall and her marble coffee table, with some traditional Victorian-style side tables we found on Facebook Marketplace,” she says. “Then we brought a few modern elements into the family room, like a more modern chandelier and new pillows.”
More than any one furnishing, a fresh color palette is what brings the space to life.
“We didn’t use maroons or yellows and golds, which you might find in your more truly traditional spaces. We used more vibrant, what I like to call preppy colors, like blues, greens and corals. The color unites the design and helps mix the old with the new,” Williams says. “We have a modern chandelier in the family room [and a] beaded traditional chandelier with shades in the dining room, but the overall color scheme of the house is the same, so it works.”
This technique allows Williams to blend clients’ family heirlooms with new décor items – so the homeowner can embrace their personal taste while keeping sentimental keepsakes on display. In fact, using preexisting furnishings rather than starting from scratch can help Williams draw out and enhance a client’s style rather than limiting it. “I’ll find an inspiration piece in their home currently, like a piece of art or a rug that we’re going to keep, or something that I
think will work well in the new design,” she says. Williams’ love for “grandmillennial,” maximalism-inspired spaces lends itself to an eclectic – but not cluttered – look.
“I like it to be layered, cozy and comfortable looking,” she says. “You don't have to spend a ton of money to get it right. It's the way you put it all together that makes it look good and function well.”
Williams offers full-service design for any number of rooms in the home, online consulting and a unique “designer for a day” service, where in a 90-minute session she will help select paint colors, source items and select finishes. To get started, fill out a questionnaire at thecheerierinterior.com/contact.
The Cheerier Interior, 314-210-4300, thecheerierinterior.com
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